The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Looks Way Different Than Its Original Concept

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Volkswagen is well on its way to electrifying its lineup, and one of the more exciting options on the horizon is the ID. Buzz. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz probably won’t be its production name, but it will indeed be an electric version of VW’s famous microbus from the 60s. Volkswagen fans were excited after seeing images of the original concept car. However, the production version of the VW ID. Buzz actually looks quite different.

Volkswagen’s new EVs

Volkswagen ID. Buzz Concept | Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Like many other automakers, Volkswagen is in the process of expanding its EV lineup. VW is doing that with a dedicated lineup based on a modular platform. This lineup will also have its own name, the ID. series. However, Volkswagen has decided to name each production model in the ID. series with just a number. The concept versions of these cars have a real name, but they lose it once they’re moved into production.

The ID. series will be available worldwide. However, VW will sell some cars in one market but not others. In any case, currently, the only ID. model that’s currently available in the U.S. is the ID.4. It’s based on the I.D. Crozz, and it’s a crossover SUV. Somewhat confusingly, the only other ID series cars currently available are the ID.3 and the ID.6. Volkswagen is currently working on the ID.1, ID.2, and ID.5. 

Volkswagen is testing the ID. Buzz, but it looks different from the concept

Another ID. series vehicle that VW is, working on is the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, though it doesn’t have an official production name, or rather number, yet. VW still expects to produce it by 2022, but fans have been skeptical about VW actually making it happen in that timeframe. Despite that skepticism, internet sleuths have spotted Volkswagen seemingly testing the ID. Buzz in Europe, according to The Drive.

Obviously, since Volkswagen was testing the car, the ID. Buzz didn’t have a real paint job, and as such, it didn’t look great. That said, VW has made more changes to the Volkswagen ID. Buzz than that, according to The Drive. One of the more noticeable changes includes giving the Volkswagen ID. Buzz regular-looking headlights instead of the more futuristic ones from the concept.

On top of that, the ID. Buzz also appearing to have a fake grille, as well as a more pronounced bumper. According to The Drive, these changes ultimately “compromised the ID Buzz’s characteristic slab-sided fascia.” Since the ID. Buzz hasn’t entered production, VW still has time to make changes to it. However, it’s easy to see why fans would start to feel less enthusiastic about the Volkswagen ID. Buzz if the company doesn’t.

What to expect from the ID. Buzz

As The Drive said, this sighting of the ID. Buzz in the wild shows that Volkswagen is improving on the concept that it showed off a few years ago. That said, not much is really known about the VW ID. Buzz so far. 

In any case, while Volkswagen is still planning to launch the ID. Buzz in 2022, it’ll only launch in Europe at first. Americans will have to wait until 2023 for the ID. Buzz. As far as specs, the VW ID. Buzz could have between 201 and 368 hp, though it’s unknown at the moment. Furthermore, the ID. Buzz may have either an 82 kWh battery or a 111 kWh battery. However, it’s unclear how much range those batteries can provide the ID. Buzz with.

RELATED: VW Presents New Business Strategy Since The Last Few Were Duds

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Is it Worth it to Carbon Clean Your Car’s Engine?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Maintaining your car regularly is important if you want to keep it running for the next 100,000 miles or more. As time goes on, your car will age and the miles on the odometer will rack up. Eventually, there’s a possibility that the engine will experience some power loss due to carbon buildup, which is why many mechanics and dealership shops will typically recommend a “carbon cleaning.” But is that procedure even worth the money they charge you?

Why would your car’s engine need to be carbon cleaned?

A mechanic works on a car | Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Gasoline engines produce power by burning fuel, which leads to carbon buildup in the combustion chambers over time. And while some emissions control devices can filter out a lot of the exhaust gasses and carbon that comes from the engine, some deposits will remain. According to Auto Express, vintage cars that didn’t have the modern technology that we have today would need to be “decoked” every once in a while.

This process involved a mechanic taking apart the engine and scraping off the carbon deposits on the components. Fortunately, there are easier ways to clean up carbon buildup nowadays, but it is still a necessary process for higher mileage cars.

How do you keep your engine clear of deposits?

A mechanic works at a car shop.
A mechanic works at a car shop. | (Photo by JOAQUIN SARMIENTO/AFP via Getty Images)

Carbon deposits are going to build up in your car’s engine regardless, but there are measures you can take to keep them to a minimum. Regular oil changes with high-quality oil and filter are important for keeping your car’s combustion chambers clean. There is also a process that you can occasionally do called the “Italian tune-up,” which basically involves driving the car hard for an extensive amount of time to clear up the carbon deposits.

There are different types of carbon cleaning

If you decide that you want to carbon clean your engine, then there are a few different ways to get it done. First, you can purchase a fuel additive like “Sea Foam,” which you can then spray into the engine and add to the gas tank to clean things up.

Another method involves a mechanic spraying a super-refined fuel into your car’s engine making it very hot and thus cleaning the internal components. Lastly, the most involved method includes tearing down the engine and cleaning the components with a solvent or by “blasting.” The blasting method is when a mechanic blasts the engine components with crushed walnut shells, which are abrasive enough to clean the deposits.

Does carbon cleaning work?

Technically speaking, cleaning an engine of its carbon deposits should make it run more efficiently. According to Drive Tribe, the jury is still out on whether or not these services are a waste of money. If you want to save money, then you can always skip whatever carbon cleaning service your mechanic recommends and buy a can of Sea Foam to clean your car’s engine at home.

The video above shows that this particular fuel additive method does have some effect on cleaning up carbon deposits, but just remember that your results may vary. And if you rather not spend any money at all, then at least keep your engine running smoothly with routine maintenance, that way it will last well over 100,000 miles.

RELATED: Your Fuel Injectors Really Do Need to Be Cleaned

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Is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 a Tesla Model Y Killer?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Is the Hyundai Ioniq gunning for the Tesla Model Y’s most-sold electric vehicle spot? The Tesla Model Y is the current undisputed best-selling electric vehicle. It has sold thousands of more units than the runner-up, which also happens to be a Tesla. Hyundai has been making huge strides with its hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Now its electric SUV, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, is giving the Tesla Model Y a run for its money.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is coming for the best electric SUV title

The Tesla Model Y is unique in many ways. It enjoys all the novelties of being part of the most innovative lineup in the automotive industry. Aside from a plethora of fun and often unnecessary features and modes, the Tesla Model Y also boasts impressive performance specs for an electric SUV.

Hyundai has stepped up to the plate and is releasing the Hyundai Ioniq 5 as a direct competitor. The Ioniq 5 is expected to start at $45,000. It will use an electric powertrain that makes 225 horsepower. There are very few electric SUVs currently out, but the competition is stiff because of standout models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

One of the key selling points of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is its fast charging capabilities. Hyundai doesn’t have anything on Tesla’s Supercharger network, but the Ioniq does charge quickly. Hyundai claims that the Ioniq 5 can last for 62 miles on just a five-minute charge. Just 20 minutes of charging should supply a comfortable amount of energy to drive with. It may charge quickly, but does the Ioniq 5 have what it takes to go the distance with the Tesla Model y? According to InsideEVs, the Ioniq 5 is a real contender.

Which electric SUV has the best range?

The Tesla Model Y | Costfoto/Barcroft Media via Getty Images

Good battery range is essential to the success of an electric vehicle. The Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are becoming popular because they offer great range on a full charge. Practicality was once a huge hurdle for electric vehicles, but battery technology is improving, and EVs can go further than ever with their batteries.

Automakers like Toyota are creating batteries that can provide more power despite being smaller. EV battery technology is developing at an amazing pace, and the results of this progress are the most capable EVs consumers have ever seen. Whether this new technology is actually eco-friendly or not is another story.

Battery range is one of the most important factors when comparing EVs, so which electric SUV has the best battery range, the Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Ioniq 5? The Tesla Model Y Standard Range is estimated to last for 244 miles on a single charge. Tesla’s Long Range Model Y is estimated to go 326 miles on a full battery. Hyundai estimates that the base model’s battery will last between 258 and 290 miles on a single charge. Ultimately, the Model Y has the best range, but who knows what the future holds for the Ioniq 5.

What’s the best EV SUV?

A black Hyundai IONIQ 5 car is on display during the 19th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 | VCG via Getty Images

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an exciting new electric SUV, but it’s just too early to say it is better than the Tesla Model Y. It looks great and charges quickly. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 also has a surprising amount of power. The bottom line is that the Tesla Model Y has gained consumers’ trust, which is extremely hard for any electric vehicle.

For the Hyundai Ioniq 5 to truly compete with the Tesla Model Y, it must prove it is reliable and can go as far as it claims on a single charge. The Ioniq 5 has great potential as a practical electric SUV, but there is still a lot to prove to earn a fan base akin to the Model Y’s fan base. The best current EV SUV is probably the Ford Mustang Mach-E, but the Tesla Model Y is a strong second choice.

RELATED: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is Using DC Fast Charging

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Ford Bronco Owners Complain Of Hardtop Quality Issues

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Ford Bronco is arguably one of, if not the hottest automotive commodity right now. Unfortunately, the new off-roader just can’t catch a break it seems. Despite its overwhelmingly positive reception, the Blue Oval’s new off-roader has been down on its luck since long before the first models even rolled off the production line. Now, new owners have lodged complaints regarding the quality of the hardtops on certain Bronco models.

The Ford Bronco seems cursed

Ford’s Bronco on the assembly line | Jeff Kowalsky via Getty Images

Ever since the production of the new Bronco was delayed earlier this year, the new SUV has been on the back foot. Now, there’s another issue. Forum users on the Bronco 6G forums have reported that their hardtops are already experiencing issues. Thankfully, no news is good news with the soft top. For now, those appear to be unaffected. However, time will tell, as the Ford Bronco is still so new.

Now about the hardtop. Owners on the forums have reported something called “delaminating” on panels of the hardtop. If you’ve ever seen an old car with a vinyl roof you’ll know what I’m talking about. Basically, owners are reporting that a protective coating on the exterior is beginning to wear. More concerningly, there are also owners reporting that the headliner is beginning to detach from the hardtop.

These issues dilute what is otherwise a great SUV

A four-door grey soft-top Ford Bronco on the production line in Michigan
Ford’s Bronco on the assembly line | Jeff Kowalsky via Getty Images

So, with that said, if you’ve got your sights set on a Ford Bronco, maybe wait for the issue to be fixed, or order a hardtop. However, these issues are relatively minor and are sure to be subject to warranty as soon as it reaches Ford’s ears. That’s good news, obviously, because the Ford Bronco is an astoundingly good SUV and off-roader. Reviews about the new off-roader keep rolling in and they all have good things to say.

Folks in the media have praised the SUV for its great looks and thoughtful design. The Blue Oval’s new baby excels in that last category (you can read about that below). Additionally, it has the off-road chops that owners of the new model will inevitably expect. A quick look through the rest of the forum shows that the boots on the ground are very pleased with the model, hardtop issues aside.

Ford has time to fix things up

A four-door blue hardtop Ford Bronco on the production line in Michigan
Ford’s Bronco on the assembly line | Jeff Kowalsky via Getty Images

Thankfully, Ford has time to patch things up. Frankly, issues like these are somewhat common during the first year of a vehicle’s production. New tooling at the factory has to be calibrated, etcetera. Add to that the cornucopia of misfortunes endured by the Bronco, and it’s no surprise owners have some foibles that Ford needs to address.

If you’re a new owner, don’t worry, there’s sure to be a fix on the way. For now, it’s best prospective buyers wait until demand calms down. New models are fetching an absurd premium on the used market right now, and we don’t want you caught up in all that.

RELATED: People Are Already Flipping Ford Broncos

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