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Innovative features about the 2021 VW ID4 EV

by | Feb 16, 2021 | 0 comments

Innovative features about the 2021 VW ID4 EV

The five-seat battery-electric VW ID4 has an abundance of technology features that can simplify the driver’s life

The ID4 will be sold in two trim levels in rear- or optional dual-motor all-wheel drive, with three years of free fast-charging.

The ID4 will be sold in two trim levels in rear- or optional dual-motor all-wheel drive, with three years of free fast-charging. (Photos courtesy of Volkswagen)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The small, five-seat battery-electric VW ID4 is slightly smaller than VW’s compact Tiguan SUV. The  ID. has an 82-kWh lithium-ion battery and a driving range of 250 miles. The powertrain has 150 kW total power or 201 horsepower.

A front seat view out the windshield of the ID4

The ID4 interior appears roomy, with 41.4 inches of headroom with the optional glass roof.

VW ID4 pricing

It will be sold in two trim levels in rear- or optional dual-motor all-wheel drive at launch, with three years of free fast-charging at an Electrify America station.

The 1st Edition (2,000 units), starting at $43,999, is already sold out.

The ID4 Pro — available midyear — starts at $39,995 or $44,495 for the Pro S (Statement). The Gradient package, $1,500, adds 20-inch wheels, a black painted roof, silver roof rails and trim, and more. The AWD dual-motor option adds $3,680.

The estimated lease price for an ID4 Pro is $379 per month for 36 months and $3,579 due at signing.

Reserve and build a vehicle here with a $100 deposit.

Two-level cargo utility.

Two-level cargo utility.

Interior

The inside of the ID4 has roomy dimensions, with 41.4 inches of headroom with the glass panoramic roof (optional). The back seat has long legroom of 37.6 inches and a flat floor for comfortable three-across footroom. Its turning circle is tiny at 33.5 feet.

Standard Features Include

Fabric upholstery, ID.Cockpit (digital gauge display), leather-wrapped (heated) multi-function touch steering wheel, rearview camera system, wireless smartphone charger, four-way manually adjustable and heated front seats with two-way power recline, keyless locking and push-button start, two front USB data ports and two rear USB charging ports, touchscreen navigation system with 10-inch color center display, 60/40 split folding rear seat, power-adjustable, heated side mirrors, eight-color customizable interior ambient lighting, illuminated door handles, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, 110-volt charging cable, LED taillights, automatic LED reflector headlights with signature LED daytime running lights and DC fast charging capability.

The digital gauge display moves up and down with the steering wheel.

The digital gauge display moves up and down with the steering wheel.

Connectivity

App-Connect with wireless capabilities, Bluetooth phone-audio streaming, dynamic road sign display, 5 years of Volkswagen Car-Net remote access, Volkswagen Car-Net Hotspot +Media with 1-month/1GB trial subscription, Volkswagen Car-Net Safe & Secure, with a paid subscription.

Safety features include

Six air bags, ID.Light bar, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking (front assist), pedestrian monitoring (included in front assist), blind-spot monitor (side assist), traffic alert, park distance control (front and rear),

VW ID4 warranties

8-years/100,000-miles high voltage battery; 4-years/50,000-miles bumper to bumper; 3-years/36,000-miles roadside assistance, including free towing to the nearest Electrify America station, with no limit to the number of uses.

A charging cable is plugged into the ID4 charge door on the right rear flank of the car

3 years of free fast-charging are included with each sale or lease.

Charging

Charging at home with a Level 2 charger would take 10 hours for a fully depleted battery. Using a fast-charger can add 179 miles in 30 minutes.

Light bar

Standard on all ID4 models, the ID. Light is a thin line of 54 multi-colored LEDs at the bottom of the windshield behind the cockpit. Visible in a driver’s peripheral vision or at certain angles from outside the vehicle, the ID. Light communicates several types of messages through color and patterns. All of those have been carefully designed and engineered to help keep the driver focused on the road while giving key feedback.

Interior ambient lighting designs

How the  ID4 communicates with light.

The lighting communication begins when the driver sits in the ID4 with a “welcome” animation in white and blue, letting the driver know the ID4 is ready to go (because most EVs have no engine noise to indicate they’re powered up and a reverse of these colors displays when the driver leaves the car.

• When using the in-vehicle navigation system, the ID. Light shows upcoming directional prompts with an animated blue line, flowing to the left for left turns.

• If the driver or passenger want to engage the car’s voice commands, ID. Light responds in white in front of the speaking occupant.

• To help manage demands on the driver’s attention, incoming phone calls trigger a green flash in the center;

• And in an emergency braking event, ID. Light vividly flashes red.

VW ID4 specifications

Length/width: 180.5/108.9 in.

Drag coefficient: 0.28

Front head/leg room: 41.1 in. (with glass roof) / 41.2 in.

Rear head/leg room: 38.4 (with glass roof) / 37.6 in.

A rear view of a medium blue VW ID4

The VW ID4 EV is sold in two trim levels in rear- or dual-motor all-wheel drive.

Daytona Road Course Weekend, Feb.19-21

by | Feb 15, 2021 | 0 comments

Daytona Road Course Weekend, Feb.19-21

Toyota Racing stokes the fire of young racers to pursue their dream in advance of Daytona 500

Toyota Racing helps African American girl get started

‘The Dream’ tells a story of a young, African-American girl looking to achieve her dream of becoming a race car driver. (Toyota)

BY MARK MAYNARD

In the wake of Sunday’s 63rd Daytona 500 (Feb. 14) and in advance of this weekend’s Daytona Road Course Weekend, Toyota Racing released a short film today titled “The Dream.” It is an inspirational message for young enthusiasts to “Keep Calm and Keep Pushing.”

The story highlights a young, African-American girl looking to achieve her dream of becoming a race car driver. She battles back from adversity and overcomes challenges along the way. With inspiration from the historic victory by 19-year-old Gracie Trotter, who became the first female driver to win an ARCA-sanctioned race in September, and the return of Bubba Wallace to the Toyota family, our star realizes that her dream is within reach.

Toyota has a history of diversity in motorsports and continues to support several drivers of various ethnicities across all of its motorsports platforms. J.R. Todd, Antron Brown, and Alexis DeJoria have established many firsts in motorsports as they all compete for Toyota in the NHRA Drag Racing Series. Jhonnattan Castro and Ken Gushi compete in Formula DRIFT  Trotter and Kaylee Bryson are working their way through the TRD (Toyota Racing Development) driver development ranks in ARCA , late models, and USAC racing events.

The storied Daytona Road Course will host the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Feb. 19-21, just one week after the 63rd running of the DAYTONA 500.

The complete short film was produced in collaboration with whatnot Films of Charlotte, N.C. — ground-zero for NASCAR — and will reside on the Toyota Racing social channels of Twitter and Facebook along with YouTube. A 60-second condensed version was featured on Fox during the Daytona 500 broadcast.

A link to the full film can be found here

#DAYTONAROADCOURSE

 

Toyota heralds 30-millionth U.S.-built vehicle

by | Feb 10, 2021 | 0 comments

Toyota heralds 30-millionth U.S.-built vehicle

The “milestone” vehicle was the hybrid 2021 Toyota Sienna minivan

The Indiana-built  Sienna entered Toyota’s history books today.  (Toyota)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The 30-millionth U.S.-assembled Toyota vehicle rolled off the line this week at the Princeton, Ind., manufacturing plant.  The “milestone” vehicle was the most recent major model redesign by Toyota, the hybrid 2021 Toyota Sienna minivan.

With a flash of its lights and a honk of the horn, the fourth generation of the family-mover, in Predawn Mica paint, moved off the production line and into Toyota’s history book.

The 2021 Sienna is the first minivan in the segment to be offered with all-hybrid technology, Toyota says.

With seating for eight, the minivan is sold in five trim levels in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations. Starting prices range from $35,635 to $51,075, including the $1,175 freight charge from Princeton, Ind. Find the Sienna configurator here.

The gasoline-electric powertrain is comprised of a 189-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 134 kW (180 hp) electric motor, and a 40-cell, 288-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Total combined system power adds up to a net 245 hp. Its electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission has a sequential shift mode.

Certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, the new Sienna has EPA fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg city, 36 highway and 36 mpg for front-drive models and 35/36/35 mpg for AWD; on the recommended 87 octane fuel.

Toyota to debut 3 new electrified vehicles for U.S. market

This group photo illustrates Toyota's new electrified vehicles.

This group photo illustrates Toyota’s new electrified vehicles.

Toyota Motor North America also announced today its plans to debut in the U.S. market this year, three new electrified models – two battery-electrics and a plug-in model. The new models were not identified.

The carmaker says that by 2025, its goal is to have 25 percent of new vehicle sales be electrified models, and by 2030 expects that to increase to nearly 70 percent. And between now and 2025, Toyota and Lexus models, globally, will have an electrified option.

According to Toyota research, a purely electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid can provide similar environmental benefits for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Company research also claims the PHEV is much less expensive to buy and own, compared to the BEV. Without any incentives, the five-year Total Cost of Ownership of a long-range BEV is significantly higher than the PHEV. And even with pricing incentives, the TCO of a long-range BEV is much higher.

WD-40 renews partnership with Habitat for Humanity

by | Feb 8, 2021 | 0 comments

WD-40 renews partnership with Habitat for Humanity

An ad image of the WD-40 and Habitat for Humanity fundraiser

BY MARK MAYNARD

Lift a hammer, lift a life with WD-40 as it partners with Habitat for Humanity International. For every 12-ounce can of WD-40 Smart Straw sold at participating Lowe’s Home Improvement stores, the San Diego-based maker of multi-purpose lubricants will donate 50 cents to the grassroots Christian housing organization.

The effort marks the second year in which WD-40 Brand is supporting Habitat for Humanity.

Through April 30, 2021, WD-40 will donate up to $50,000 to assist the global nonprofit housing group in creating safe and affordable housing.

A Place To Call Home

Having a place to call home means more now than ever — and WD-40 Brand is helping to make that happen for families across the globe, Erin Bala, director of brand management and innovation at WD-40 Co., said in a statement.

“WD-40 Company values making things better than they are today with its products and through partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity,” said Bala. “Throughout the pandemic, Habitat for Humanity has continued to advocate for housing solutions that will allow more people to gain access to affordable housing and we’re proud to help the organization achieve its goals.”

The need for affordable housing has never been greater and the continued support of WD-40 Co. will help communities become stronger and more resilient, said Julie Laird Davis, VP of corporate and cause marketing partnerships at Habitat for Humanity International.

“In 2021, we will continue to support communities around the world by helping families build and improve their homes,” she said.

Lowe’s also has been a long-time supporter of Habitat for Humanity, including the Women Build initiative and other programs and advocacy work. As a continuation of the partnership, 100 percent of all donations made through Lowe’s “Be the Change” campaign from January 2021 to March 31, 2021, will be donated to Habitat for Humanity International.

About WD-40 Brand

For nearly 70 years, WD-40 Multi-Use Product, America’s No. 1 multi-purpose lubricant, has helped users stop squeaks, remove grease and grime, penetrate stuck parts and displace moisture. And a line of specialist products consists of lubricants, penetrants, greases, cleaners and degreasers and rust-management solutions.

The WD-40 brand is also well-known for such products as 3-IN-ONE, X-14, 2000 Flushes, Carpet Fresh, Spot Shot and Lava soap.

Learn more about WD-40 Brand at wd40.com  and Habitat for Humanity at Habitat.org.

Airstream Flying Cloud a Freewheeling Home Office

by | Feb 3, 2021 | 0 comments

Airstream Flying Cloud a Freewheeling Home Office

2021 Flying Cloud Office charts new course for travel lifestyle and work on the road

The Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB Office

Pricing for the Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB Office starts at $107,500. (Photos courtesy of Airstream)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Airstream, the iconic maker of the so-called “silver bullet” travel trailers, had circled its wagons during the coronavirus pandemic, which shifted the entire travel landscape.

Spurred by feedback from owners already working remotely from the comfort of their RV, Airstream rethought the traditional floor plan for one of its most popular travel trailers, the Flying Cloud, introduced in 1949.

Flying Cloud 30FB Office space

Three windows in the office provide maximum light and views. 

The re-imagined format was just announced for the Flying Cloud 30FB Office. The rear corner sleeping area was redesigned as a dedicated office space for a “work from anywhere” option.

The 30FB Office is made for charting a course into the new reality of how we play, work, learn and live while traveling, Bob Wheeler, Airstream President and CEO, said in a statement.

Sliding drawers and storage cubbies provide organization. A pop-up USB/AC power outlet is supported by the 1000-watt inverter.

“We know that the work landscape will forever be changed by the pandemic,” said Wheeler. “We learned a lot — not only about the necessity of connectivity and options for increased power, but about the joy of closing your laptop and stepping out onto the trail.”

The dedicated workspace includes a supportive office chair that slides into a recessed groove on the edge of the desk. The space can easily convert into a sleeping or relaxing area for one, as needed. Sliding drawers and storage cubbies provide organization, while a privacy divider and black-out curtains provide a measure of privacy while doing video calls on the road.

Flying Cloud 30FB Office with black-out curtains

Black out-curtains and a privacy divider provide a muted video environment.

And the Flying Cloud 30FB Office preserves all the amenities and refinement expected of an Airstream. It retains a queen bed, plus a bench and convertible dinette, providing sleeping space for up to six.

Three windows give the office space a nearly panoramic view, while blackout curtains allow users to control light for video calls, or even block the window views for better concentration.

Flying Cloud 30FB Office bathroom

The bathroom includes a shower, sink and toilet.

Standard features, such as Airstream Connected are pre-wired for easy bundling of dealer-installed upgrades, like Airstream Power Plus and the Solar Package, for owners to stay connected — and stay off the grid and working for longer.

Flying Cloud 30FB Office main living area

The 30-foot-long Flying Cloud has an interior height of 6 feet, 7.5 inches.

Floor plan innovations include:

  • Desk with sliding drawer storage and additional storage cubbies;
  • An office chair that i secured with a strap during travel;
  • Several USB ports are located throughout the desk area;
  • Pop-up USB/AC outlet supported by the 1000-watt power inverter;
  • Pull-out table for more workspace and it slides out of sight when not in use;
  • Access to the satellite TV/HDMI outlets from onboard Blu-Ray DVD player;
  • Privacy divider;
  • Two desk grommets for organizing cables or mounting monitors;
  • Overhead storage cabinets with dry-erase surfaces and under-mount LED lights.

The queen-size bed has a memory foam mattress.

The Flying Cloud has evolved since its introduction in 1949, but it’s always been a popular option for families and couples, Justin Humphreys, Airstream VP of Sales said in the statement.

“This new unit makes a small change to an already excellent floor plan, and it transforms the way you can use your Airstream,” Humphreys said. “It gives you even more flexibility to get outdoors, spend time with family and stay connected to your work.”

The dinette can be converted to a sleep space, allowing up to six for overnights.

The Flying Cloud 30FB Office has a base weight of 6,757 pounds and a maximum trailer capacity (GVWR) of 8,800 pounds. The trailer is intended to be pulled by a range of SUVs and pickups, Airstream says.

Pricing starts at $107,500.

Airstream Flying Cloud Specifications

Exterior length: 30 feet, 10 inches

Exterior width: 8 feet, 5.5 inches

Interior width: 8 feet, 1 inch

Exterior Height with A/C: 9 feet, 9 inches Interior Height with A/C: 6 feet, 7.5 inches

Fresh-water tank: 52 gallons

Gray-water tank: 42 gallons

Black-water tank: 35 gallons

Refrigerator: 2-way, 8 cubic feet

Oven: LP gas

Information: Airstream.com.

The quickest Bimmer yet: 2022 M5 CS sedan

by | Jan 27, 2021 | 0 comments

The quickest Bimmer yet: 2022 M5 CS sedan

Available only for the 2022 model year, the new limited production all-wheel-drive supersedan builds on the M5. (BMW)

 

All-wheel-drive supersedan to start at $142,995

 

BY MARK MAYNARD

BMW has just announced that its 2022 M5 CS sedan is its quickest and most powerful BMW production vehicle ever. Available only for the 2022 model year, the new limited production all-wheel-drive supersedan builds on the M5, recently updated for 2021.

Interior features include power, heated M carbon front bucket seats, two-passenger rear bucket seats, Live Cockpit professional array with two 12.3-inch digital displays. (BMW)

The S63 4.4-liter M TwinPower turbo V-8 has been tuned for 627 horsepower, a boost of 10 hp over the Competition model, with 553 foot-pounds of torque from 1,800-5,950 rpm, which is 90 rpm wider than the M5 Competition.

M carbon bucket seats have integrated head rests and illuminated M5 logos. (BMW)

The power is sent through an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. Roll on the power for a launch to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, BMW says, with a top speed of 190 mph, with the Driver’s package.

The S63 4.4-liter M TwinPower turbo V-8 has been tuned for 627 horsepower. (BMW)

Pricing starts at $142,995, including the $995 freight charge from Dingolfing, Germany.

Stand-alone options include:
• Frozen Brands Hatch grey metallic paint and Frozen Deep Green metallic paint;
• Gold painted brake calipers (no-cost option);
• Pirelli P Zero Corsa non-runflat high-performance tires (no-cost option).

Expect its U.S. arrival in the second half of 2021.

With the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, BMW cites 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds. (BMW)