Tesla to Produce Affordable Hot Hatch in 2023

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Tesla has become one of the biggest automakers in the electric vehicle space. The company took a bet on electric vehicles and clean energy in 2003, and it has paid off in a major way. Now the automaker is leading the charge as the industry shifts to clean energy in the coming decades. One of the biggest issues with the company is its high entry point price, but the electric vehicle brand is looking to change that in 2023.

Tesla’s expensive past

Tesla booth at Electric Vehicle Symposium in China | VCG via Getty Images

Tesla’s first vehicle was the Tesla Roadster. The company sought to make a fully electric sports car. The Roadster started at $109,000 when it debuted in 2008. It was unique, but it was far from affordable for the average consumer.

The Tesla Roadster was able to go 245 miles on a single charge. Its performance rivaled gas-powered sports cars in acceleration and top speed. The Roadster was a success, but its high price offered no entry point to the brand for working-class Americans.

The company continued to its next project, the Model S, after its founders Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning moved on, leaving Elon Musk as the CEO. The Model S was significantly cheaper than the Roadster but still cost thousands of dollars more than the average vehicle in its class. Like the Roadster, its specs were amazing, but Tesla’s vehicles were still considered luxury vehicles due to their high price point.

Conquering American roads

A red Tesla Model 3.
The Tesla Model 3 | Tesla

The automaker’s lineup has expanded to four vehicles in 2021, including the Tesla Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y. The most affordable models are the Model 3 and Model Y, starting at $39,990. The most expensive model is the company’s Model S Plaid, starting at $129,990.

Tesla has made amazing strides in bringing other vehicle classes and more affordable models to market. Some models now actually cost less than the average price of other new vehicles in their class. The American automaker still has other tricks up its sleeve to dominate the market.

Thus far, Tesla has had no issue with producing flashy, high-performing electric vehicles. The inclusion of the Model 3 and Model Y has also made Tesla more accessible to the average consumer. What Tesla has yet to produce is a model that the majority of Americans can afford. Fortunately, consumers will not have to wait much longer.

Tesla’s Affordable Hot Hatch

According to InsideEVs, a Tesla hatchback can be purchased as soon as 2023. What’s even more shocking is the vehicle’s price. It is expected to start at only $25,000. This would be the cheapest model the company ever produced by close to $15,000. Furthermore, The hatchback would be priced to compete with major automakers that have historically dominated the affordable vehicle market like Honda, Toyota, and Nissan.

This is the most exciting Tesla development for the average consumer because the hatchback won’t cost much more than popular, affordable vehicles like the Nissan Altima and Honda Accord. Average folks that had to avoid the company’s high price tags will soon be able to afford one of America’s hottest EV brand’s models. The hatchback probably won’t share other Tesla models’ range and amazing performance, but it will provide an entry point for millions of consumers in America and worldwide. If you thought Teslas were beginning to dominate the roads now, wait until 2023.

RELATED: 5 of the Weirdest Tesla Easter Eggs

The post Tesla to Produce Affordable Hot Hatch in 2023 appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

The Mud-Slinging 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Is Almost Here

by Gabrielle DeSantis

An updated Chevrolet Silverado is coming for 2022 with plenty of upgrades inside and out. Accompanying those upgrades are a few new trims for the Chevrolet pickup truck. And more than a few fans have been waiting on one of those trims, the Silverado ZR2, for some time. But the good news is, the wait is almost over.

Chevrolet teases the 2022 Silverado ZR2 sliding through the mud

2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 badge close-up | Chevrolet

As of this writing, the most off-road-focused Chevrolet Silverado has been the Trail Boss. But when the automaker took its truck desert-racing in 2019, rumors started swirling that it was working on something more extreme. Something like the Colorado ZR2, which replaced the Z71 as the midsize truck’s most extreme off-road trim. In essence, a Silverado ZR2.

At the time, Chevrolet didn’t officially say that it was working on a Silverado ZR2. But several off-road-modified camouflaged Silverados spotted since then seemed to confirm that it was. Now, though, at least some of these rumors can be laid to rest, thanks to the teaser video shown below.

To be sure, the teaser is relatively short and light on technical details. But the truck sliding through the mud and dirt is the upcoming 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2.

What kind of specs and features will the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 offer?

A red 2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison rock-crawling through the desert
2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison | Chevrolet

So, the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 is for sure happening. But as of this writing, that’s the only confirmed detail about it. However, in its official press release, Chevrolet calls the upcoming truck an “expansion of [Chevrolet’s] popular ZR2 trim.” Therefore, it’s likely that the Silverado ZR2’s features will mirror what the Colorado ZR2 offers, MotorTrend muses.

In terms of off-road features, the Colorado ZR2 has a 2” lift, Multimatic spool-valve dampers, front and rear locking differentials, and a wider rear track. Since the Silverado Trail Boss already has a 2” lift, the ZR2 will likely be lifted even higher, Car and Driver says. And like the Colorado, the off-road Silverado will likely feature multiple skid plates and restyled bumpers. Plus, dedicated 35” off-road tires.

As far as powertrains go, the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 won’t be competing with the Ram TRX and Ford Raptor, MT says. Instead, it seems that Chevy is targeting the F-150 Tremor and the Ram 1500 Rebel. As such, the Silverado ZR2 will likely offer one or both of the current truck’s V8s. The 5.3-liter V8 comes with an eight-speed automatic and makes 355 hp. Meanwhile, the 6.2-liter V8 makes 420 hp and comes with a 10-speed automatic. However, like the Colorado ZR2, the Silverado ZR2 could also offer a turbodiesel option, Car and Driver notes.

Also, as of this writing, Chevrolet hasn’t confirmed how much the 2022 ZR2 will cost. But for comparison, with the 6.2-liter V8, the cheapest 2021 Trail Boss starts at $45,990. Based on the price differences between the Colorado ZR2 and equivalent Z71, the Silverado ZR2 could start at roughly $50,000.

When will the off-road truck become available?

A light-blue 2020 Chevrolet Silverado Custom Trail Boss in a muddy field
2020 Chevrolet Silverado Custom Trail Boss | Chevrolet

Fans will have to wait a little bit longer for more details on the 2022 Silverado ZR2. Chevrolet plans to release more information sometime in fall 2021. The lack of an official release date could be tied to the 2022 Silverado’s production delays, though.

Regardless, the ZR2 is officially happening. Its arrival is just a matter of time.

Follow more updates from MotorBiscuit on our Facebook page.

RELATED: The 2022 Chevy Kodiak Is Returning to Get Work Done

The post The Mud-Slinging 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Is Almost Here appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

What Is a Graduated Driver’s License?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Obtaining a license to drive is typically seen as a rite of passage for most teenagers. However, that plastic ticket to freedom requires a little more than a dreaded driving and written test in most states to get it. It’s called the “Graduated Driver Licensing” (GDL) program and it’s put in place to save lives and make teen drivers much safer.

The Graduated Driver Licensing program is not new

Student drivers at a BMW driving school for teenagers. | (Photo by mark peterson/Corbis via Getty Images)

If you have never heard of the Graduated Driver Licensing program, don’t worry, we hadn’t either. But apparently, it’s nothing new. According to the Graduated Driver Licensing site, the GDL program has been in place in many states since the late 90s and is the standard licensing procedure in most of them.

While many teenagers are eager to get behind the wheel of a car and start driving, studies have shown that inexperience can lead to fatalities. In fact, the CDC reported that about 2,400 teens between the ages of 16-19 died in fatal car crashed in 2019 alone. That being said, teens need time to gain driving experience and develop critical skills during low-risk situations, says the Teen Driver Source. To that measure, the GDL program aims to give teens the much-needed experience in order to safely navigate the roads by the time they get their actual driver’s license.

The three stages of the Graduated Driver’s License program

The GDL program is pretty extensive, however, it looks pretty necessary for getting new teen drivers up to speed. The reason that it’s referred to as the “graduated” program is that there are three different stages that each teen must pass, or graduate to in order to finally obtain their driver’s license. According to the AAMVA, here are the stages:

Stage 1: Learner’s permit

The learner’s permit allows the teen driver to practice basic and safe driving maneuvers under supervision prior to obtaining their Intermediate license. The requirements for the learner’s permit are:

  • Meet the minimum age required by the state
  • Pass the vision and knowledge tests, including rules of the road, signs, and signals
  • All drivers must be accompanied by a licensed adult 21 or older
  • Parent participation in the driving process
  • Must remain crash-free and conviction-free for six months to advance to the next stage

Stage 2: Intermediate License

After a teen passes the learner’s permit test, they are then issued an Intermediate or restricted, license so they can get some seat time behind the wheel. This stage is meant to gradually get the teen ready for riskier driving situations down the line as there is a required amount of time they have to complete and driving is restricted to certain times of the day.

To be eligible for an intermediate license, the teen should complete the following:

  • Successfully complete the learner’s permit stage
  • Meet the minimum age requirement by state
  • Complete a driver’s education course
  • Pass a second-level knowledge test
  • Pass an on-road driving test
  • Teens are restricted from driving between the hours of 10 pm to 5 am
  • Must hold this license for a minimum of six months
  • Many states require a minimum of 50 hours of driving

Stage 3: Full, or unrestricted, license

After the teen has completed the intermediate license stage and driven for the required amount of hours, they can then apply for their full license. Most states require the teen to be at least 16 years old, while others require them to be 17. A driver’s education course must be completed in addition to passing a second-level knowledge test and an on-road driving test to get the license.

The GDL program is long but necessary

Teenager using a phone at the wheel.
Teenager using a phone at the wheel. | Getty Images

As we can see, the Graduated Driver’s License program is a lengthy process, but it’s necessary. A recent study by Johns Hopkins University found that a comprehensive graduated licensing system could decrease teen deaths by up to 38%. Since the multi-phase program eases teen drivers into the wild world of driving, it’s a great and safer way for anyone to earn their ticket to motoring freedom.

RELATED: Is a Boating License or Certification Needed To Pilot a Boat?

The post What Is a Graduated Driver’s License? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Surprising Fast Facts from the ‘Fast and Furious’ Franchise

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Fast and Furious is one of the longest-running modern film franchises. The franchise has entertained audiences for two decades. It involves some of Hollywood’s brightest stars and the world’s coolest cars. The storyline can get convoluted fast and make some viewers furious, but the real reason folks come out is to see what Dom and the gang are driving. Here are some surprising facts about the Fast and Furious franchise and the awesome vehicles that make it so great.

The ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise

A 1970 Dodge Charger R/T (left), and a 1994 Toyota Supra MK IV (right) | Ollie Millington via Getty Images

The original Fast and Furious film was centered around Dominic Torretto (Vin Diesel), a street racer with a crew that commits heists using modified high-speed vehicles. LAPD officer Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) goes undercover to find the crew. He quickly gets entangled with Dom’s sister Mia Torretto (Jordana Brewster) and the fast life.

Brian ultimately lets Dom escape making a future ally for life. The first film launched a franchise that has just premiered its ninth installment. The first movie included cars like the 1995 Mistubishi Eclipse, 1993 Mazda RX-7, 1994 Toyota Supra, Honda S2000, and Dom’s iconic 1970 Dodge Charger R/T and 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS.

Fast and Furious films usually include a heist, a muscular main antagonist, and some of the coolest cars in existence. As the film budgets have increased the list of featured vehicles has only gotten better. Some supercars have even appeared in the films as well as expensive special models.

Facts about the furious

A car is seen displayed during the Fast and Furious 9 Sydney Premiere on June 16, 2021 in Sydney, Australia.
A car is seen displayed during the Fast & Furious 9 Sydney Premiere | Don Arnold/WireImage

The original film only had a reported budget of $38 million. 2 Fast 2 Furious had double the original film’s budget at $76 million. Fast 9‘s budget is projected at between $200 million and $225 million.

The franchise has destroyed over 2,500 vehicles for filming purposes. The films have no shortage of major accidents and explosions. To make a great car movie, some cars have to bite the dust.

According to MotorTrend, Furious 7 was the highest-grossing installment of the Fast and Furious franchise. The film grossed over 1.5 billion dollars. The newest film, Fast 9, can potentially dethrone it as folks head back to movie theaters.

The cars behind the franchise

A Mitsubishi Eclipse used onscren in The Fast and The Furious.
The Misubishi Eclipse | Ollie Millington/Getty Images

The Lykan Hypersport used in Furious 7 was actually a custom replica. There are seven total Lykan Hypersport vehicles in the world, and they all cost around $3.4 million. The folks behind the film decided to use W Motors to make several custom lookalike vehicles as a more cost-effective alternative.

The Toyota Supra featured as Brian O’ Connor’s car in Furious 7 was actually part of actor Paul Walker’s car collection. Paul was an automotive enthusiast long before landing the role of Brian, and his time playing the character only made his love for Japanese domestic market vehicles grow. Paul Walker was the perfect fit for the role and will forever be remembered as an amazing actor and car enthusiast. Brian’s JDM vehicles and Dom’s American muscle cars have occupied the minds and hearts of every car enthusiast for years. The cars play just as big of a role as the actors themselves.

The Fast and Furious franchise has made billions of dollars and impacted people internationally. Vin and Paul have inspired generations of auto enthusiasts. The franchise has survived because it somehow keeps producing bigger stunts in every film. Fans have developed emotional ties to the cast, the characters, and, most importantly, the cars. The Fast franchise has taught us that life is all about surrounding yourself with friends, family, and fast cars.

RELATED: How the Fast and Furious Changed Car Shows Forever

The post Surprising Fast Facts from the ‘Fast and Furious’ Franchise appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by