Honda to Go All-Electric by 2040 With e:Architecture

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Honda’s short-term EV plan was to team up with GM, sharing the Ultium battery platform for their upcoming EVs. With 30 EVs said to use the tech by 2025, the battery platform ensures longer ranges and faster charge times. But Honda has plans to step out of GMs shadows, creating their own e:Architecture technology.

Electric Honda SUV Concept | Honda

Honda’s electrification strategy

In order to get to the fully electric car lineup by 2040, Honda is phasing EVs into their lineup bit by bit. They pledge that 40% of their cars sold globally will be EVs but 2030, then 80% by 2035. Despite being one of the first economy car automakers in the states, Honda’s EV initiative is lackluster when compared to others.

That said, Honda’s joint effort with GM will produce two crossover SUVs by 2024, one of which has been dubbed the Prologue. An appropriate name for the Honda’s EV origin story. The second crossover will wear the Acura badge, but there’s no information yet. That said, it’ll still be riding on GM technology rather than in-house Honda components, which begs the question:

What is e:Architecture and when will it arrive?

GM's Ultium Battery Platform on display
GM’s Ultium Battery Platform | Steve Fecht/General Motors

To understand e:Architecture, or GM’s Ultium platform, you’ll need to understand what a battery platform is. The name is somewhat self-explanatory: a battery platform is like the chassis of an EV. The ability to put different models on a single platform allows for faster production and simpler maintenance.

As for when Honda’s e:Architecture will arrive, the automaker plans to release it in the latter half of the 2020s. Over 5 trillion yen (or 46 billion US dollars) will be invested in Honda’s EV effort, adhering to Japan’s goal of cut their country’s emissions by 46%. By 2050, the government plans for the entire country to become entirely carbon neutral. The automaker promised to make every effort to keep that plan intact, but electric vehicles aren’t the only route Honda is taking to cut their carbon impact.

Honda is also focusing on fuel-cell technology

Honda Clarity fuel cell car stopping for hydrogen
Honda Clarity Fuel Cell | Honda

With the Clarity on sale in California, fuel-cell technology is something Honda still believes in. The infrastructure might not be everywhere yet, but fuel cells allow for cars that can be filled up “at the pump.” Granted, it’s a different kind of fuel, but it one-ups electric cars in terms of refueling.

Despite Honda developing their own EV platform, their ties to GM don’t end once they stop using the Ultium battery platform. As part of the deal, Honda and GM will continue to develop hydrogen fuel-cell technologies, particularly for commercial vehicles.

So Honda won’t be entirely EV independent for a few years. But they’re taking the right steps in order to eliminate emissions and electrify their lineup.

RELATED: The EV Plus Played a Big Part in Honda’s Hybrid and Electric Future

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Is This the Next Dodge Viper GTS-R?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

With Peugeot and Dodge both under the Stellantis umbrella, a unique synergy could land Dodge with an incredible hypercar developed by Peugeot. Already competing in F1 and other forms of racing, it also plays in the World Endurance Championship arena with its Hybrid4 500KW four-wheel-drive LeMans runner. Now rumors are turning into reality as Stellantis eyes Dodge to brand the Peugeot electric race car in America. Does this mean we’re looking at the next Viper GTS-R?

Because Peugeot isn’t coming to the US everything it develops could be something else here

Conceptual Peugeot Dodge Viper GTS-R | MB/Stellantis

Peugeot is not entering the US. So every vehicle and development has potential for hitting our shores as a branded Chrysler, Dodge, Alfa Romeo, and more. Stellantis Motosports VP Jean-Marc Finot let slip to Racer they’re looking at doing a Dodge version of the Peugeot 9X8s. 

“While we only heard this confirmed a week ago it certainly has led to some very open discussion. Not only about whether Peugeot might add races in the United States, but also about whether the ‘spine’ of this car might have opportunities with other brands in the Stellantis Group. There are no conclusions, but there are now open discussions,” Finot told Racer.

Dodge has not campaigned a top-tier endurance racer since the Viper GTS-R

Peugeot Dodge Viper GTS-R conceptual
Peugeot 9X8s endurance racer | Stellantis

This would be Dodge’s first foray into top-tier endurance racing since the Viper GTS-R. Developed for the LMH-class, the power comes from a 680 hp twin-turbo 2.6-liter V6 in concert with a 200 kWh electric motor. They’re tied by a sequential seven-speed four-wheel-drive transmission system. 

“The architecture of the Peugeot Hybrid4 500KW powertrain is the result of a highly detailed brief shaped by the new FIA WEC regulations,” Peugeot Sports director Francois Courdrain told Drive. “We initially considered a single turbo, but that would have prevented us from achieving our engine’s center of gravity target. A twin-turbo V6 block offers the best trade-off between technology, weight, packaging of the engine’s ancillaries, reliability, and performance.”

That combined 940 hp lays power to the pavement without wings. Instead, the underbody air is utilized for more downforce. The driver also can adjust the engine braking and hydraulic brakes for optimum brake splitting. 

What is LMH-class endurance racing?

Peugeot 9X8s endurance racer
Peugeot 9X8s endurance racer | Stellantis

For the LMH-class racing, electricity can’t be used below 75 mph. At full power, only 408 hp is allowed. When the combined motor-generator kicks in so does the four-wheel-drive. When the batteries run out of juice the car reverts to a rear-wheel-drive. Kinetic energy recovery is the only permissible means of charging. 

There are more rules and exceptions but those are the main guardrails surrounding the series. Cars will utilize sensors sprinkled around the car for the FIA to monitor and power levels. So Big Brother has its eye on whether your entry breaks out of the rules or not. 

Development of the 9X8s is ongoing

Peugeot 9X8s endurance racer interior
Peugeot 9X8s endurance racer interior | Stellantis

Peugeot’s track testing of the 9X8s will begin later this year. In the meantime, bench testing and simulator training are working toward track testing. Anything from a bare-bones chassis to a complete car could be given to Dodge. 

Obviously, if the latter, then slapping Dodge and/or Viper stickers on it would be the extent of the development. Using Dodge-developed engines or drivetrains would be a possibility should it want to have more ownership. Nobody is saying at the moment.

RELATED: What’s Going On With Dodge Viper Prices?

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3 Best Spray Car Waxes to Make Your Ride Shine Like New

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Routine oil changes and service are an integral part of car maintenance. You should also do your best to keep your vehicle’s interior and exterior fresh. One of the easiest ways you can do that at home is by using spray car wax.

Spray wax is great for touching up your car after it’s been washed. There are many types of spray car wax, so how do you know which one is best? Here’s what you need to know about these products and which ones are the best.

Tips for applying spray car wax

Spray car waxes have been around for decades | Frank Albert Charles Burke/Fairfax Media via Getty Images

According to Turtle Wax, you should always wash your car with water and specialty shampoo before using spray wax. Try to wax your car indoors if possible, away from bugs and potential bird droppings. If you can only do it outdoors, apply wax in a shaded area on a cool day.

Before you begin, dampen one end of a microfiber towel and leave the other end dry. Once you have your spray car wax of choice, shake the bottle well before using it. After you apply the wax, rub it in with the wet portion of the microfiber towel.

Use circular motions to ensure that you get an even coating of wax. Using the dry end of the towel, buff out any waxy residue. You can repeat this process as necessary on different sections of your vehicle.

Certain car waxes might leave residue on your car, even if the job looks clean at first. To avoid this, it’s important to buff out the wax completely after application. Many car wax suppliers also carry trim restoration products to remove the residue.

Shine Armor liquid spray car wax is an overall top choice

Roadshow says Shine Armor is the best spray wax overall, available on Amazon for $19.95. Shine Armor claims its product is safe for all car surfaces and won’t leave streaks or residue. It seals with Brazilian carnauba wax, ensuring a brilliant shine in 15 minutes.

Roadshow’s testers liked the smooth finish and gloss after using this spray. You also don’t have to use much of it to see results, making it a good value. And thousands of five-star Amazon customer reviews can’t be wrong.

Meguiar’s Gold Class Carnauba Plus Premium Quik Wax is a thrifty pick

If you’re on a budget, Roadshow recommends Meguiar’s Gold Class Carnauba Plus Wax. It usually retails for about $8, but it’s currently on sale at Walmart for only $5.97. It promises an easy, residue-free application and even claims it can be applied in direct sunlight.

The label also says it’s made with a premium carnauba wax blend that’s safe to use on all clear coats. But this product is not safe to use on satin, flat, or matte finishes. Roadshow says it’s a great product to get your car clean, even if it doesn’t offer superior shine.

Chemical Guys Blazin’ Banana spray wax contains an all-natural carnauba formula

This spray car wax is a mid-priced option for $14.97 a bottle, and it uses an all-natural carnauba formula. The label promises a deep shine in seconds and can hold that shine through harsh weather and exposure to airborne pollutants. One Amazon customer said that, despite not washing their truck for months, Chemical Guys Blazin’ Banana kept the car’s paint shiny.

The company doesn’t pull any punches with the name: Roadshow confirms the spray indeed smells like bananas. The label also claims it can make your car’s paint as slippery-smooth as the peel. 

RELATED: 5 Best Car Detailing Kits in 2021

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Robb Report Names the McLaren 765LT ‘Best Supercar of 2021″

by Gabrielle DeSantis

In the past several years, supercars have become a more and more popular topic for the general consumer basis. While once reserved as ideas for the wealthier car enthusiasts, YouTube sensations have shown that some supercars can be purchased for a more affordable price with some elbow grease, spiking the interest in supercars by quite some bit. Along with that, smaller manufacturers and companies have stepped up to throw their hats in the ring with their own supercars, such as the SSC Tuatara and Rimac Nevera. But, according to Robb Report, the tried and true option of the year comes from McLaren, which received the honor of having the ‘Best Supercar of 2021’.

The McLaren 765LT | Martyn Lucy/Getty Images

The McLaren 765LT wins ‘Best Supercar of 2021’

The McLaren 765LT
The McLaren 765LT | Martyn Lucy, Getty Images

You may not have seen the exquisitely priced McLaren 765LT on the road as often as many more common and affordable cars, it’s aggressive and unique styling is sure to make it stand out. The precisely engineered design isn’t just in place to give the car a striking appearance, either, as the aerodynamic features of the 765LT are selected to make the car as performance-oriented and exhilarating as possible while still allowing drivers and owners to enjoy the vehicle on the road, rather than just being reserved for the racetrack. But, there is more to the McLaren 765LT that meets the eyes, making it worthy of the title of Best Supercar of 2021, according to the prestigious Robb Report.

This Robb Report ‘Best of the Best‘ accolade is very prestigious for McLaren Automotive and is a great testament to the team behind the 765LT who worked tirelessly to reduce weight and sharpen the responses of what was already a class-leading supercar in the McLaren 720S.“

Mike Flewitt, CEO, McLaren Automotive

A well-refined piece of machinery for the street

Like the models before it, the McLaren 765LT is a refined machine designed to dominate on surface roads as well as the track. Under the rear hatch sits a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine designed by McLaren, which provides the well-balanced car with 755 bhp. While the horsepower is impressive enough on its own, it pairs well with a stellar power-to-weight ratio, as the vehicle itself only weighs an impressively light 2,709 lbs at its minimum dry weight. With a quarter-mile of just 9.9 seconds, this supercar stands to be an impressive competitor in the market.

“McLaren’s seven-speed Sequential Shift Gearbox delivers smooth, immediate response to match the car’s laser sharp handling and telepathic steering feedback. The active suspension helps drivers tackle corners fast, flat and with a reassuring sense of control, bolstered by the presence of the same massive brake calipers found on the McLaren Senna,”

Robb Report’s panel of automotive experts

A well-rounded luxury supercar

What makes the McLaren 765LT such an exquisite example of a supercar is that it matches incredible performances and handling with luxury, making it a comfortable daily driver for anyone bold enough to daily drive it and an otherwise impressive piece of machinery that won’t leave you running to the chiropractor after each driver. Even with its focus on weight reduction, McLaren didn’t skimp on the luxury features many drivers are looking for, especially from a vehicle of this price, and even better, you can drive it on the surface roads with just as much ease as you can on the track.

RELATED: A Young Female Engineer at McLaren Won This Inspiring Award

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