by Gabrielle DeSantis

Is there anything better than the fresh scent of fossil fuels first thing in the morning? Besides coffee? Or maybe the mountains, or the beach, or like, last night’s pizza? Apparently not, because Ford has discovered that if there’s one thing people love, it’s the smell of gasoline. And they’re not going to let the terrifying prospect of never smelling gasoline again get in the way of people and electric vehicles. That’s right: Ford is making a gasoline perfume.

2021 Ford Mach-E | Ford

Why is Ford making a gas perfume?

A blue Ford Mach-E against a white background. Ford's new gasoline perfume is inspired by the Mach-E.
2021 Ford Mach-E | Ford

It’s a good question, because it sounds crazy. A gasoline perfume? Yet Ford doesn’t do anything without reason, and their rationale behind this is surprisingly solid. It seems that people love the overwhelming smell of gas stations, or more specifically, gasoline. In fact, in Ford’s press release, they state that they’ve created a fuel scent for people who want an electric car “yet still hold a fondness for the evocative smells of traditional petrol cars.”

The new scent is called Mach-Eau, which as you can imagine is inspired by the new electric Ford Mach-E. Personally, I think ‘Perfuel” would have worked as well, and not have limited Ford to just the Mach-E, but unfortunately, nobody asked me.

So what do you do with a gasoline-inspired scent? Do you anoint your electric car with it? Perhaps install a solar-powered diffuser onto the dashboard of your Mach-E?

No, you wear it. That’s right, the bottled smell of fossil fuels is designed to wear. Now, instead of having to lightly splash yourself with gasoline after you’ve filled your tank, you can conveniently just spritz some from your handy little perfuel spritzer. (Also, please don’t splash gasoline on yourself, you may catch on fire and/or die.)

Does Mach-Eau really smell like gasoline? 

An orange 2021 Mach-E against a black background. Ford's new gasoline perfume is inspired by the Mach-E.
2021 Ford Mach-E | Ford

Unfortunately no, and I only say unfortunately because it would be such an iconic scent, like AXE body spray. There would be no mistaking a person wearing Mach-Eau if they smelled like gasoline. 

So you’re thinking: what good is a gasoline-inspired perfume if it isn’t going to smell like gasoline? It’s reminiscent of gas, the way Yankee Candle’s Ocean Air is reminiscent of being on Cape Cod, without actually having to sit in three hours of traffic. Rather, Ford says that Mach-Eau “fuses smoky accords, aspects of rubber and even an ‘animal’ element to give a nod to the Mustang heritage.” Yes, it sort of sounds like it will smell like an abandoned stable that’s been used to store old tires, but they also note that it is “designed to please the nose of any wearer,” and surely one in five people wouldn’t love that.

Do people really miss the scent of gas?

A yellow 2021 Ford Mach-E against a white background. Ford's new gasoline perfume is inspired by the Mach-E.
2021 Ford Mach-E | Ford

Unbelievably, yes. Ford’s survey found that one in five people would miss the smell of gas more than anything else if they went electric. So naturally Ford, who is seriously committed to the electric vehicle movement, wants to help fill that void. And what better way than to make sure you can always smell like your old F-150?

Perhaps even more unbelievably (if anything could be more unbelievable than gas perfume), Ford’s survey discovered that more people prefer the smell of gasoline to wine or cheese. Perhaps Napa has been doing things wrong all these years. 

You’ve probably already tried to order Mach-Eau on Amazon, but you can’t. Ford won’t be selling Mach-Eau (not yet, anyway). Instead, it showcased it at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It’s the kind of event that attracts people who do love the smell of gas, and hopefully it helped them to realize that the voids left by the move to electric cars are only temporary. 

RELATED: Ford’s Best-Selling SUV Is Going Electric

The post Ford’s New Scent Is Perfect for Anyone Who Loves the Way They Smell When They Spill Gasoline on Themselves appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Tesla is constantly adding new features and easter eggs to its lineup. The electric vehicle and clean energy company is known for its futuristic products. Tesla’s lineup has only gotten better with time, and different modes and tech are only improving. But which Tesla features are the best of them all?

Tesla’s Dog Mode changed the game for pet owners

One of the coolest Tesla features is also one of the quirkiest. Dog Mode may not sound life-changing, but it has completely changed the game for pet owners. Like many Tesla features, Dog Mode actually originated from a suggestion a Tesla owner made via Twitter.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk replied to the tweet, and the American automaker got to work on the single most pet-friendly car feature currently in existence. Dog Mode maintains an optimal temperature in the cabin of Teslas for pets when their owners are outside of the vehicle. The screen also prompts bystanders that the owner of the Tesla will be returning shortly.

This will save plenty of Tesla drivers from going viral over leaving a pet in what appears to be a hot car. It also prevents windows from being smashed if a passerby thinks your furry friend is in desperate need of cool air. Who doesn’t want their pet to be as comfortable as possible when they need to leave them in their vehicle?

Arcade Mode turns your Tesla into your living room

Great vehicles are supposed to feel comfortable and almost homely. Tesla takes comfort to a new level by introducing an element that is often excluded from vehicles: gaming. Gaming may not be suited to the average vehicle, but Teslas are anything but average. Arcade Mode transforms the Tesla infotainment system into a television and game console.

Arcade Mode isn’t just for pinball, either. It features several immersive games, including Beach Buggy Racing 2 and Cuphead. Kids and drivers can use the controller, touchscreen, or even the steering wheel to play games in Arcade Mode. Whether you’re a gamer or not, Arcade Mode is almost too tempting not to try if you own a Tesla.

Bioweapon Defense Mode is prepared for anything

The Tesla Model Y | Zhe Ji/Getty Images

If we learned anything from the year 2020, it’s that life can take some unexpected turns. Luckily automakers like Tesla understand the importance of being prepared for the worst. Bioweapon Defense Mode is completely unnecessary…until it isn’t.

Bioweapon Defense Mode protects Tesla occupants in the event of an attack. It activates a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter capable of filtering certain toxins. Bioweapon Defense Mode could save many lives and prevent serious injury if such a catastrophe were to occur. Tesla isn’t just concerned with fun and games.

Tesla’s autopilot feature is the future

A Tesla electric vehicle supercharging station near the Tejon Ranch Outlet Stores in the Tehachapi Mountains, adjacent to Interstate 5, is viewed on July 7, 2021, near Lebec, California.
A Tesla at a supercharging station | George Rose/Getty Images

The future is here in the form of autonomous vehicles. Though there are many skeptics and even more reasons to be skeptical, self-driving vehicles are slowly emerging in the automotive industry. Tesla is an industry leader when it comes to autonomous vehicle technology. The company has a long way to go, but it is moving in the right direction.

The full self-driving mode is Tesla’s coolest feature because it will change how driving is experienced once perfected. Finishing up some work, playing a game, or doing some reading has never been possible for drivers while operating a motor vehicle. Tesla seeks to change that and open up a world of possibilities for its drivers.

The full-self driving feature uses Tesla’s cameras to make sense of its surroundings and help the vehicle drive and brake accordingly. Tesla has recently released a Tesla Vision update that has drastically improved the self-driving feature, according to Electrek. The self-driving feature may not be for everyone, but when it’s perfected, it will be a thing of beauty.

RELATED: Tesla Vision Update Will Make Self-driving Less Horrifying

The post These are the 4 Coolest Tesla Features to Date appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

We keep posting about Ford’s problems over the years when it launches new vehicles. But this idea to “move the metal” is so bad it raises many questions about how Ford approves its new products for production. Due to the microchip shortage, it is looking at shipping completed 2021 F-150 trucks without chips to dealers.

These “dead” Ford trucks won’t be able to be sold until chips arrive-whenever that is

Ford F-150 Lightning | Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

Called “dead” vehicles, the idea itself should be dead on arrival. Dealers are clamoring for new Ford trucks to sell. Some say they will run out of all pickups by August. In some ways, this is a good position to be in.

Rather than having to incentivize excess inventory in September for new models, dealers are selling every pickup they can get. But will they take on dead trucks? According to a Lightning Owners forum poster, Ford is negotiating with dealers to ship dead F-150s. 

These would be to all observers, complete, brand-new 2021 F-150 trucks. Dealers would be provided instructions so dealer technicians could install the chips, fire up the truck, and send it off to a happy customer. The problem is they’re getting trucks they can’t sell-so what’s the point?

Why does Ford want to try this chip scheme?

The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor in a new shade of Code Orange
2021 Ford F-150 Raptor in Code Orange | Ford

Carbuzz suggests the illogical-seeming reason has more logic than imagined. With so many trucks piling up in and around Detroit Ford is running out of places to put them. So if dealers will take some of them off of their hands they, logistically, get a reprieve. 

Don’t forget, this is affecting more than just F-150s. In fact, it is affecting more companies than just Ford. So finding empty space around clusters of assembly lines, whether Ford’s or not, is becoming a real problem. 

Dealers will be free to sell the dead F-150 trucks, but must make clear who-knows-when the customer will finally receive it? And one other detail that is said to be hanging is that Ford has not determined how much dealers that accept dead products will be compensated for making them run. This all just seems so sketch.

Remedial assembly is starting to become how Ford makes vehicles

2021 Ford F-150s have begun shipping again after the chip shortage
Ford F-150 pickup trucks | Joe Raedle/Getty Images

This isn’t the first time Ford has had to go for remedial assembly. Back in 2019 brand-new explorers were flying out of the Chicago assembly plant needing lots of fixes. So, Ford loaded finished Explorers on carriers and sent them to its Flat Rock facility in Michigan. There, the Explorers were dialed-in and shipped to dealers. 

While this is a different scenario, it amounts to the same thing. That is that Ford has trouble launching new products. In spite of the chip shortage being partially due to the COVID-19 shutdowns. For example, Toyota seems to be having no problem cranking out everything it makes. Why aren’t we seeing shutdowns by them?

The last point is that this just adds another channel for foul-ups. We’re sure that Ford would serialize chips to specific trucks so no mix-ups occur. But mixups will occur. And with trucks possibly sitting for months on end in the summer heat, what’s it doing to their finishes, interiors, and more? We’re sure that the brain trust at Ford can come up with a better idea than this bad one.

RELATED: Thousands of 2021 Ford Super Duty Trucks Waiting for Chips Can Be Seen From Space

The post Ford’s Bad Idea: Ship F-150s Without Chips To Dealers Anyway appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It’s getting a little hot in here as Chevrolet turns up to heat! The 2022 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss is returning with significant off-roading upgrades. Rivals such as the Ford Ranger Tremor and Toyota Tacoma Tail Edition might be sweating. But the enhancements may be a little mild too. 

What’s new with the 2022 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss? 

2022 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss | Chevrolet

It doesn’t feel like the Chevy Colorado has been out that long, but the second generation emerged in 2015. Then the Z71 Trail Boss Special Edition had a brief lifespan in 2016 before the high-preference ZR2 model took to the streets in 2017. 

Now the 2022 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss is returning in a major way. The new Trail Boss package can be added to the LT and Z71 trims with four-wheel drive. If you opt for this package, then it will be installed by the dealership. 

The package costs about $2,995 to add on LT models and about $2,895. Pricing for the 2022 Colorado hasn’t been revealed, but it’s expected to begin at around $26,000. The 2021 Colorado has an MSRP of $25,200. 

What comes with the Trail Boss package? 

The 2022 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss package features a 1-inch front leveling kit, 17-inch aluminum wheels from the ZR2 accessory catalog, front and mid-vehicle skid plates, and red tow hooks. However, you lose the front air dam. 

Removing the front air dam helps improve off-road clearance. Edmunds actually recommends removing the air dam on the 2021 Z71 model. It can be removed in about 30 minutes, but you don’t have to worry about it with the 2022 model. 

More off-roading goodies include Goodyear Duratrac tires and an automatic locking (G80) rear differential. To look the part, the Chevrolet Trail Boss provides black Bow Tie and Colorado badging. 

The Trail Boss Package can’t be combined with the Chrome Appearance Package, Midnight Edition, or Redline Special Edition. It can be added to any cab and bed configuration with any of its three engine options. 

Will the 2022 Colorado have more power? 

A red 2022 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss driving down the road
2022 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss | Chevrolet

The 2022 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss isn’t expected to gain any muscle. Instead, it will carry over its three engine options. With the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, you get 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque. Upgrading to the 3.6-liter V6 engine provides 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. You can opt for the 2.4-liter four-cylinder diesel engine for 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. 

Despite its age, the Chevrolet Colorado isn’t expected to change until 2023. But rumors suggest that the 2023 model will gain the 2.7-liter inline-four engine that’s currently found in the Silverado. It delivers 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. 

The Trail Boss package will not enhance the interior. The backseat will continue to be a little tight compared to rivals, but the compartment under the rear seat features tons of storage. Plus, Colorado has the largest long-bed. With the base model, you get a 7.0-inch touchscreen, but you can upgrade to the 8.0-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and you can opt for a Wi-Fi hotspot. 

While the Trail Boss package isn’t revolutionary, it adds enhanced off-roading capabilities at an affordable price. It won’t go as far as the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, but it will get work done. It’s the perfect daily driver and an efficient work truck.

RELATED: Does the Chevy Colorado Have a Diesel Engine?

The post The 2022 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss Is Disappointingly Mild appeared first on MotorBiscuit.