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Cruisin’ the USA in Your Chevrolet virtual fan experience Aug. 16-21

by | Aug 14, 2021 | 0 comments

Cruisin’ the USA in Your Chevrolet virtual fan experience Aug. 16-21

Celebrate automotive history with host @EmeliaHartford on Chevrolet’s social channels: @Chevrolet on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

The poster for the second annual Cruisin’ the USA in Your Chevrolet

 

BY MARK MAYNARD

A year ago, the inaugural Cruisin’ the USA in Your Chevrolet debuted as a virtual fan experience. It was an alternative space for car enthusiasts to celebrate our automotive history when pandemic restrictions prevented in-person events.

“This year, we’re celebrating by sharing stories through the eyes of our customers, fans and employees from around the world,” Chevrolet Marketing VP Steve Majoros said in a statement.

For the second annual Cruisin’ the USA, Chevrolet works with automotive influencer Emelia Hartford to host the virtual event. The virtual fan experience will post from Aug. 16-21 on Chevy’s social channels: @Chevrolet on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

There will be daily themes, inside looks at some of Chevy’s most iconic vehicles and fan memorabilia. There also will be special guests including former Camaro Chief Engineer Al Oppenheiser and superfan Pinky “Mr. Chevy” Randall.

Schedule of Events

Aug. 16 – History of Heroes Trivia: Emelia Hartford challenges fans on Chevy’s history of heroes. The challenge will test your knowledge of the engineers and designers behind the significant innovations that helped shape the brand.

Aug. 17 – An EVolution: Ride along with Emelia Hartford in the all-electric 2022 Bolt EUV and catch a glimpse of Chevy’s E-10 concept vehicle. (The E-10 Concept is a hot-rodded 1962 C-10 pickup powered by an electric Connect & Cruise concept crate propulsion package. The package uses components from the Chevrolet Bolt EV, but the power targets 450 horsepower.)

Aug. 18 – For the Love of Trucks: Emelia Hartford will lead another trivia challenge covering all things Chevy trucks.

Aug. 19 – A Salute to our Fans: Discover how lifelong fan Pinky Randall earned the right to be called “Mr. Chevy.” (Randall, 94, is a retired grocery store owner from Houghton Lake, Mich., according to a report in Automotive News. He collects pretty much anything bearing the Chevy bow tie and he also bought the last Impala SS in 1996. He even visited General Motors’ plant in Arlington, Texas, to drive it off the line. Randall later sold the car to GM’s Heritage Center.)

Aug. 20 – The Thrills of Performance: Tour former Camaro Chief Engineer Al Oppenheiser’s jaw-dropping Chevy Cave with Emelia Hartford.

Aug. 21 – Spread the #ChevyLove: Fans can share their love of the brand and their most prized vehicles by posting photos and videos using #ChevyLove.

Redesigned 2022 Nissan Frontier Starts at $29,015; on sale in September

by | Aug 11, 2021 | 0 comments

Redesigned 2022 Nissan Frontier Starts at $29,015; on sale in September

The redesigned midsize Nissan Frontier pickup is sold in King Cab and Crew Cab body styles, 5- or 6-foot-long beds and a V-6 powertrain

The redesigined 2022 Nissan Frontier pickup

Nissan calls the 2022 Frontier a “Right-sized” pickup for a workweek in the city or a weekend off-road. (Nissan)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Nissan announced yesterday, Aug.10, that its redesigned and re-engineered 2022 Frontier pickup will arrive at dealerships in September. Pricing will start at $29,015.

The midsize Nissan Frontier is available in King Cab and Crew Cab body styles in short- or long-wheelbase configurations. King Cabs have a 6-foot bed. Standard Crew Cab models have a 5-foot bed except for a 6-foot bed for the top-line SV LWB.

King Cab starting prices range from $29,015 for the base S with rear-drive to $34,915 for the top-line SV 4WD. Crew Cab pricing ranges from $30,515 to $38,415 for the PRO-4X Crew Cab 4×4. All MSRP pricing includes the $1,175 freight charge from Canton, Miss.

Find Nissan USA pricing here.

Nissan Frontier powertrain

All models of Frontier have a standard 310-horsepower 3.8-liter direct-injection V-6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission.

The EPA-rated fuel economy for rear-drive Frontier models is 18 mpg city, 24 highway, and 20 mpg combined. 4WD models have mileage ratings of 17/22/19 mpg city/highway/combined. 87 octane fuel is recommended.

Towing capacity for the new Nissan Frontier is rated at up to 6,720 pounds with the tow package. Trailer Sway Control is a new standard feature. The control enhancement can detect sway and automatically apply the brakes to bring control.

Four-wheel-disc brakes have 11.7-inch rotors with two-piston calipers. The rear discs are 11.3 inches with a single-piston caliper.

Standard Nissan Frontier features

  •  9-inch color touch-screen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto;
  • 7-inch configurable gauge array;
  • Zero Gravity Front seats;
  • Two front USB ports (Type-A and Type-C), two front 12-volt outlets, and Siri Eyes Free;
  • Safety features include eight air bags and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning.

Option packages

Three option packages are offered:

  • Premium (SV, PRO) at $2,790;
  • Convenience (SV, PRO) at $1,990 ;
  • Technology (S, SV, PRO) at $990.

“The all-new 2022 Frontier builds on Nissan’s six-plus decades of midsize truck leadership with a bold new exterior, adventure-oriented interior and the latest driver assistance and connectivity technologies,” Mike Colleran, senior vice president, Nissan U.S. Marketing and Sales, said in a statement.

Read my overview of the new Frontier here.

Bentley Selling 5 New-Old Mulsanne Grand Limousines

by | Aug 3, 2021 | 0 comments

Bentley Selling 5 New-Old Mulsanne Grand Limousines

The megaliner Bentley Grand Mulsanne limousines were built in 2015, delivered to the customer but never used nor registered

The Mulsanne Grand Limousine i

The Mulsanne Grand Limousine is the longest manufacturer-built limousine in the world, Bentley claims. (Photos courtesy of Bentley)

Table of Contents

Paint Colors
Interior Design
By the Numbers

BY MARK MAYNARD

Five Bentley Grand Mulsanne megaliner limousines were commissioned in 2015 for a customer in the United Arab Emirates. The lavishly equipped cars, all unique in their bespoke upgrades, were built and shipped but never used nor registered. Now they are for sale.

The Grand Mulsanne Limousine was originally created for exclusive sales, or private commissions, in Bentley terms. The cars offered for sale were customized by Bentley Mulliner, the bespoke tailoring shop for the brand, headquartered in Crewe, England.

The five Grand Limousines recently became available through Bentley’s retail partner in the United Arab Emirates, Bentley Emirates. A car can be delivered anywhere in the world, Bentley says.

Production of the Mulsanne ceased last year, so these models represent a unique chance to acquire an iconic piece of modern Bentley history. Pricing was not disclosed, but it is not difficult to spend $500,000 for the long-wheelbase sedan with Bentley options.

The cars available for sale have their own unique identities and specifications, Bentley says. Designed and built entirely by hand, the Mulsanne Grand Limousine by Mulliner includes a nearly 40-inch stretch (1,000mm) to the body. The roof was raised a little more than 3 inches for headroom in the rear.

Veneer burl walnut and leather blanket the cabin.

Veneer burl walnut and leather blanket the cabin.

5 Paint Colors

  1. Silver Frost over Moroccan Blue exterior paint. The leather-clad interior is in Imperial Blue and Linen with Burr Walnut veneer.
  2. Damson [violet] over Black Crystal paintwork, complemented by Damson and Twine leathers and Dark Stained Burr Walnut veneer.
  3. Onyx over Candy Red exterior with an interior in Hotspur and Camel finished with Olive Ash veneer.
  4. Rubino Red over Light Gazelle bodywork with an interior in Fireglow and Twine leather paired with Burr Walnut veneer.
  5. A single tone Black Sapphire exterior with an Imperial Blue and Camel interior contrasted by Dark Stained Burr Walnut veneer.
Mulsanne Grand Limousine forward-facing back Seats

A bottle cooler with crystal flutes sits between the front-facing seats.

The Cabin of a Luxury Jet

The Mulsanne Grand Limousine’s four-passenger cabin has the cache of a luxury jet. Two rear-facing seats allow pleasant face-to-face conversations.

A bottle cooler with crystal flutes sits between the front-facing seats. And a beverage cabinet between the rear-facing seats is stocked with bespoke crystal tumblers. Veneered, folding “picnic tables” provide comfortable on the move work or dining. iPad docking and charging stations are included. Three handmade dials display UK and local time and the exterior temperature.

The more-expansive limousine also required a custom heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Bentley Mulliner designed and built the HVAC system with two rear-seat zones with controls for micro-climate comfort.

Privacy is assured between the driver and passengers by an electrochromic “smart glass” panel that can be switched from transparent to opaque. In addition, an intercom system connects passengers with the driver.

Back seat picnic tables in the Grand Mulsanne limo.

A bottle cooler with crystal flutes sits between the front-facing seats.

By the Numbers

The Mulsanne Grand Limousine is the longest manufacturer-built limousine in the world, Bentley claims. The stretched model is about 25 feet long and sits on a reinforced chassis and suspension.

Power is provided by Bentley’s 505-horsepower 6¾-liter twin-turbo V-8, with 752 foot-pounds of peak torque at 1,750 rpm.

The unique 21-inch wheels are paint-matched to the car’s exterior color. And the stainless-steel Flying ‘B’ bonnet mascot is engraved with the words “Coachbuilt by Mulliner.”

Enquire to buy at the nearest dealer or find one through the website.

A rear view of the Bentley Grand Mulsanne

The higher roof and extra length provide the Mulsanne Grand Limousine a true sense of space in which to relax, Bentley says.

Historic Indy Cars on the grid for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

by | Aug 2, 2021 | 0 comments

Historic Indy Cars on the grid for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Legendary Indy Cars will take part in daily exhibitions Aug. 12-15

The 1973 Eagle driven by Gordon Johncock at the Indy 500.

Motorsports fans will see this 1973 Eagle driven by Gordon Johncock at the Indy 500. (WeatherTech Raceway)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is staging a new historic motorsport group for the legendary event, held during the annual Monterey Car Week, Aug. 12-15.

For the first time at the Reunion, a historic Indy Car group will run in exhibition all four days at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The motorsport champions originally competed between 1963 and 1978.

The introduction of rear-engine Indy Cars at the 1963 Indianapolis 500 changed the game, Barry Toepke, director of heritage events at WeatherTech Raceway, said in a statement.

“From 1965 on, there would not be another front-engine winner of the Indianapolis 500,” he said.

Motorsports Champions

Indy Car Champion Bobby Rahal will debut his recently restored 1966 Eagle with a 255-cubic-inch four-cam Ford V8. Beginning in 1985, Rahal won three consecutive Indy Car races at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.  His notoriety is honored at the track with the Rahal Straight.

Indianapolis 500 winners

Three winning Indy 500 cars will be at the track:

  • 1964 Watson, driven to victory by A.J. Foyt;
  • 1970 Colt, piloted by Al Unser;
  • 1973 Eagle driven by Gordon Johncock.

Other Winners

Look for the 1964 Lotus Type 34 driven by Parnelli Jones at the Trenton 200 in 1964. In 1965, A.J. Foyt drove the car to a remarkable seven poles and three victories during the 1965 USAC Championship season.

Johnny Rutherford drove the 1975 McLaren M16E-001, which was raced at three 500-mile superspeedway events. His #2 Gatorade entry had its best finish of second at the 1975 Indianapolis 500.

Joining the McLaren will be a 1968 Eagle Mk IV, which started Team Penske’s Indy Car program 53 years ago.

Also highlighted will be the 1978 Penske PC-6 driven by Tom Sneva in the 1978 USAC Championship season. Sneva posted six second-place finishes and 12 top-five finishes to win the National Championship in 1978 — without winning a single race.

“Fans will be treated to a quality collection of Indy Cars all under one tent,” said Ellen Bireley, who curated the historic Indy Car heritage display.

Single-day tickets range in price from $25 to $120, depending on the day. A three-day general admission pass with paddock admittance is $180.

Learn more at WeatherTechRaceway.com or call (831) 242-8200.

The mini McLaren GT supercar for budding enthusiasts

by | Jul 22, 2021 | 0 comments

The mini McLaren GT supercar for budding enthusiasts

Right-sized for youngsters aged 3 to 6 years, the battery-powered McLaren GT Ride-On is based on the full-size supercar

BY MARK MAYNARD

Train up a child in the way he [or she] should go — and get her or him on a McLaren GT Ride-On battery-powered minicar.

Budding enthusiasts from 3 to 6 years old can experience their very own McLaren GT in miniature. The just-announced McLaren GT Ride-On is based on the lightest and quickest accelerating vehicle in its class, the company says. See the GT here.

McLaren GT Ride-On front

The GT Ride-On is sold in six McLaren colors, including Amaranth Red. (Photos courtesy of McLaren)

The McLaren GT Ride-On is the fourth car in McLaren’s range of children’s toys. It follows the P1, 720S, and McLaren Senna.

The minicar has a functioning dashboard.

The minicar has a functioning dashboard.

‘’At McLaren Automotive, we aim to inspire the future generation of supercar enthusiasts,” Hayley Robinson, Merchandise, Licensing & Partnerships Manager, McLaren Automotive, said in a release.

“We’re proud to develop and encourage younger minds and seek to create the next generation of drivers, engineers, and automotive designers,’’ she said.

A side view of the McLaren GT minicar

The battery-powered mini McLaren is suitable for supercar enthusiasts aged 3 to 6.

Functional features

The new Ride-On has an impressive list of standard features and detailed design. The little car’s working dihedral (scissor) doors make for the ultimate entrance and getaway. In addition, the trunk with a functional lid has room for junior driving essentials.

The trunk on the GT Ride-On

The trunk has a functioning lid.

Like the real thing, the GT Ride-On has working dashboard controls including a key start. Twist the key and the car fires up with McLaren engine sounds. There also are functioning brake lights.

Youngsters can hook up their playlist through an infotainment system. It can access files from a USB device or SD card with the optional MP4 display screen.

The McLaren GT Ride-On is 42.5 inches long,  23.6 inches wide, and 16.9 inches tall. It is available in six McLaren colors of Burnished Copper, Silica White, Onyx Black, McLaren Orange, Amaranth Red, and Burton Blue.

Ride-On pricing

The McLaren GT Ride-On is sold in two rechargeable battery choices of $230 and $330. Options include an MP4 display screen and a black leather seat trimmed in red and yellow.

The GT Ride-On is available to order from select global toy retailers.

Go here for other McLaren merch.

Volkswagen to end U.S. Passat production in 2022

by | Jul 20, 2021 | 0 comments

Volkswagen to end U.S. Passat production in 2022

Legacy of the VW Passat in the U.S. will be celebrated with a special run of 1,973 cars

Limited Edition Passat sedan

The 2022 Passat Limited Edition will be available in four colors, with the number of each paying homage to an aspect of the vehicle’s past. (Photos courtesy of VW)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today, July 19, that it will stop building the Passat sedan in Chattanooga with model-year 2022. The move is part of the plant’s transformation to build electric vehicles, VW said in a statement. The German carmaker now offers five SUV crossovers, including the just-released subcompact Taos and electric ID.4.

VW has sold some version of the Passat for nearly 50 years, Scott Keogh, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc,., said in a statement.

“With the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport in high demand, and the North American production launch of the all-electric ID.4 SUV next year, our future in Chattanooga looks brighter than ever,” Keogh said.

The legacy of the VW Passat in the U.S. will be celebrated with a limited-edition run of 1,973 cars with Chattanooga-inspired details.

VW Passat History

The 1974 VW Dasher

The 1974 VW Dasher, also known as Passat B1 for the first generation.

The Passat went on sale in 1973, a year before the Golf in Europe and was based on the Audi 80. The Passat was initially sold in body styles of two- and four-door fastback sedan and three- and five-door hatchback. A wagon would be added one year later.

The Passat was marketed as the Dasher in the U.S. and sold in all three body styles from 1974. More than 222,000 were sold. The next-generation model was marketed as the Quantum. The Passat name was first used for the U.S. in 1990 and has remained ever since.

It was 2011 when Volkswagen started building the Passat for the North American market at its plant in Chattanooga, Tenn. The U.S.-market car was larger inside and out than the eighth-generation European car that debuted in 2014. The current U.S. Passat has been given two updates since first going on sale.

It has been exported to Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and Middle Eastern markets. A version of the car has also been assembled in China, alongside the Passat Lingyu and Magotan.

2022 VW Passat Limited Edition

The 2022 Passat Limited Edition is a tribute to the model’s history and recognizes the contributions of the employees who built Passat.
A run of 1,973 Limited Edition models recognizes the year the first Passat was launched in Germany.

Special cup holder mats for the 2022 Passat Limited Edition

Special cup holder mats will feature aerial maps of the city and an aerial line drawing of the Chattanooga factory.

The 2022 Passat Limited Edition will be available in four color combinations, with the number of each paying homage to an aspect of the vehicle’s past.

Aurora Red Metallic models with Titan Black interior will number 411 units that represent the original vehicle production code.

Racing Green Metallic models with Mauro Brown interior will be number 423 for the telephone area code of Chattanooga, Tenn.

Pure White models with Mauro Brown interior will number 524 units in tribute to the opening of the Chattanooga Plant on May 24, 2011.

And there will be 615 Platinum Grey Metallic models with Titan Black interior that represent six generations of imported Passats, one generation assembled in Chattanooga, and five decades of U.S. sales.

The interior of the VW Passat Limited Edition

Limited Edition models will have leather-trimmed sport seats with perforated surfaces.

Special Exterior Features

VW Passat alloy wheels and tires.

Fifteen-spoke 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Fifteen-spoke 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are standard, along with black mirror caps for the power-folding mirrors with memory.

Limited Edition models also feature LED headlights with the Advanced Front-lighting System and an easy-open trunk.

Special Interior Features

Limited Edition models will have unique seat tags featuring “1 of 1973” on one side and “Chattanooga 2011” on the other. In addition, special cup holder mats are imprinted with aerial maps of the city and a line drawing of the Chattanooga factory.

Special seat tags identify the 2022 Passat Limited Edition

Limited Edition models will have unique seat tags featuring “1 of 1973” on one side and “Chattanooga 2011” on the other.

Also standard will be leather-trimmed sport seats with perforated Vienna surfaces and driver seat memory. Other extras include a power passenger seat and heated front and rear seats. Infotainment features include Discover Media with navigation and a Fender premium audio system. Driver-assist features include Park Assist with front and rear Park Distance Control, and high-beam assist.

The 2022 Passat Limited Edition has a starting price of $31,290, including the freight charge of $995. Add $395 for Aurora Red Metallic paint.

Special VW Pricing Offers

There are a couple of competitive incentives for a 2021 Passat 2.0T S. A zero percent APR financing offer is available for 60 months or $299 a month for 39 months.

Highly qualified customers can opt for VW financing of zero percent APR for 36 months.

Find pricing incentives here.

The U.S.-assembled Passat has been exported to Canada, South Korea, and the Middle East.

Read more about the history of the Passat here.