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Welcome Back, Car Enthusiasts to Turbo Times - your gateway to the world of cars!
News from The Paddock
Unveilings
Mini eMastered: The £150,000 Electric Classic
David Brown Automotive has introduced the Mini eMastered, a revamped classic Mini hatchback now running on electric power. With an 18.8kWh battery pack, the car accelerates from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds and offers a 110-mile range, although it lacks rapid charging capabilities. Priced at a staggering £150,000, this electric classic retains its original weight of 640kg and features modern interior amenities like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, all while preserving its iconic analog instrumentation.
Ford Ranger PHEV: The First Mainstream Plug-in Hybrid Pick-up
Ford is breaking new ground with its Ranger Plug-in Hybrid, the first mainstream pick-up to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Ranger PHEV pairs a 2.3-liter petrol engine with an electric motor, offering 28 miles of electric-only range. Notably, it maintains the towing and payload capabilities of its diesel counterparts, even meeting the 1.0-tonne payload requirement for commercial vehicle classification in the UK. The vehicle also doubles as a mobile generator, thanks to three 10A external power sockets. Production is set to start in late 2024, with the first units expected to hit the market in early 2025.
Sale of the Week
SThis 1992 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Coupe, customized by Singer Vehicle Design, recently received a bid of $964,911. With just under 10k miles on the odometer, this German masterpiece is a collector's gem. Known as the "San Diego Commission," the car is powered by a Cosworth-developed 3.8-liter flat-six engine that produces 360 horsepower. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transaxle and a limited-slip differential. The car is finished in blue paint with red accents and features red leather-weave upholstery, Recaro sport seats, and staggered-width 17" Fuchs-style wheels. Additional features include Brembo cross-drilled disc brakes, Öhlins adjustable shock absorbers, and a roll bar trimmed in red leather. The car was listed by TarbertMotors and is now offered on dealer consignment with a Singer build sheet, service records, and a clean Indiana title as of September 2023.
Buying Guide
What to look for when test driving a car
Test driving a used car involves more than just assessing if it meets your needs; you also need to scrutinize its overall condition. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Pre-Drive Checks
Body and Paintwork: Look for scratches, dents, and uneven gaps between panels. These could indicate poor repairs or previous accidents.
Convertible Roof: If applicable, ensure the roof is in good condition and operates smoothly.
Tires and Suspension: Check the tire tread depth and look for uneven wear, which could indicate suspension issues.
Cabin Checks
Lights and Indicators: Ensure they work and are free from damage.
Mileage: Verify it matches the paperwork and is consistent with the car's wear and tear.
Comfort: Make sure the cabin is comfortable, and all controls are easily accessible.
Functional Checks
Test seat belts, seat and steering wheel adjustments, electric windows, and mirrors.
Confirm the navigation system, ventilation, and all other equipment like central locking and the stereo are functional.
Car Seats and Trunk
If you have children, it's a good idea to bring them along to check for adequate space in the back.
Assess the trunk space and check for a spare tire.
During the Test Drive
Engine: Should start easily from cold and run quietly.
Steering and Gears: Should be responsive. Gear changes shouldn't be noisy or difficult.
Brakes: Should be responsive and bring the car to a stop in a straight line.
Insurance and Paperwork
Make sure you're covered by insurance for the test drive.
Check for essential documents like the vehicle registration and maintenance history.
Negotiating Price
Minor damages can be a point for price negotiation.
Remember, the key to a successful test drive is thoroughness. Take your time to check everything carefully.
F1 Roundup
Max Verstappen
Lando Norris
Oscar Piastri
Max Verstappen returned to his winning ways at the Japanese Grand Prix, cruising to his 13th victory of the season and moving closer to his third consecutive F1 championship. The win also clinched Red Bull's sixth constructors' title. Lando Norris finished in second place, while McLaren rookie Oscar Piastri celebrated his first F1 podium in third. Verstappen's victory extends his lead over teammate Sergio Perez to 177 points, setting the stage for a potential championship win in Qatar. Last week's winner, Carlos Sainz, finished sixth, and Lewis Hamilton took fifth.
Upcoming Automotive Events
Tenessee Tow Show: Tenessee, USA, Wednesday, September 27th - Saturday, 30th September
This Week in Automotive History
The Dodge Challenger hits the market
In September 1969, Dodge unveiled a new contender in the muscle car arena: the Challenger. Designed to go head-to-head with the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, the Challenger was built on the Mopar E-Body platform. It offered a variety of trims to cater to different tastes, but it was the high-performance R/T (Road/Track) version that truly embodied the muscle car spirit. Equipped with iconic V8 engines like the 426 Hemi and the 440 Six Pack, the Challenger R/T became a revered name in the early 1970s muscle car wars.
Original Dodge Challenger
However, the glory days were short-lived. By 1974, tightening emissions regulations and soaring fuel prices led to the discontinuation of the original Challenger. The nameplate would later resurface between 1978 and 1983 but as a rebadged Mitsubishi Galant. This iteration failed to capture the essence and performance of the original, leading to its eventual disappearance.
1981 rebranded Dodge Challenger
In 2008, decades after being discontinued, Dodge reintroduced the Challenger at the Chicago Auto Show. The new model combined retro-inspired design elements with modern engineering, capturing the hearts of muscle car enthusiasts. It featured powerful engines, including the 6.1-liter Hemi V8 and, later, the groundbreaking 6.2-liter Hellcat engine boasting over 700 horsepower.
2008 Dodge Challenger
As we approach 2023, Dodge has announced that it will discontinue the current Challenger and its sedan counterpart, the Charger. However, the legacy is far from over. Electric versions of these iconic models are expected to hit the streets soon, promising a new chapter in the storied history of the Dodge Challenger.
Final editions of the Charger and Challenger
Industry Insights
Leaked text messages from Jonah Furman, the United Auto Workers (UAW) union's communications director, reveal a strategy to inflict "recurring reputation damage and operational chaos" on Detroit automakers like GM, Ford, and Stellantis. The messages suggest that the union is breaking from its traditional pattern of bargaining to pit automakers against each other, aiming to secure the best deal for its members. The revelations have led to outrage and accusations of bad-faith bargaining from the automakers, potentially undermining trust and complicating ongoing negotiations.
Toyota plans to accelerate its electric vehicle (EV) production, aiming to produce over 600,000 EVs by 2025, according to a report by Nikkei. The Japanese automaker intends to increase its EV production from about 150,000 vehicles in 2023 to the 190,000 vehicle range in 2024. While Toyota declined to comment on the report, the company has previously stated its goal to sell 1.5 million EVs annually by 2026 and 3.5 million by 2030, which would constitute about one-third of its current global volume.
Thanks for tuning into this week’s TurboTimes. We’ll be back again next week to bring you all the updates on the world of cars.
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