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Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender

Posted on December 22, 2021 6:30 pm by admin

Overview

In his latest video, YouTuber Sam CarLegion subjected these two potent off-roaders in a series of tug-of-war battles

The contenders? Well, they’re amongst the best off-road rigs that are currently on sale, i.e popular Ford Bronco Badlands against the mighty Land Rover Defender P400. Let’s look at specs to see how these two top-tier off-roaders stack up against each other before they battle it over four rounds with their various off-road modes.

2022 Ford Bronco Badlands

In the grey corner, we’ve got the Ford Bronco Badlands, which features a 2.7 liter EcoBoost V-6, that produces 325 hp & 399 lb-ft of torque paired to a 10 speed auto box with 4WD

In the grey corner, we have the popular Ford Bronco in Badlands spec. Under the hood lies a 2.7-liter turbo V-6 EcoBoost engine that produces 325 horsepower and 399 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco features a 10-speed automatic transmission with a four-wheel drive. The Badlands sits pretty much at the top of the Bronco range with only the Edition One doing one better.

The Badlands pretty much sits at the top of the Bronco range and the one seen here is sitting on proper off-road tires. It can two about. It has a dedicated tow mode and cal haul 3500 lbs

Ford designed it to be the ultimate off-roader with its GOAT mode system also including the rock crawl mode. You’ve got differential lockers on the Ford as well. The Bronco Badlands can tow 3500 pounds and tips the scales at 5320 pounds. The Badlands sits on 17-inch rims wrapped in proper 35 inch off-road tires.

2022 Land Rover Defender P400

In the blue corner, we have Land Rover’s latest generation P400 Defender that features a 3.0-liter inline-six, which produces 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 8 speed auto with AWD

Next, in the blue corner, we have the latest generation of the Land Rover Defender P400 from across the pond. Under the hood lies a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, that produces 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed auto box sending power to all four wheels.

Unlike the previous old-school Defender, this latest model is loaded to the gills with a lot of high-tech off-road hardware like an electronic differential and Land Rovers legendary Terrain Response System. This particular example of the Defender can tow 8201 pounds and has a curb weight of 5035 pounds. The Defender comes wrapped in standard off-road tires with much larger rims.

So having looked at the specs, the Defender has the higher horsepower and can tow more, but the Bronco is on proper off-road knobbly tires and even though it can tow lesser, it has a dedicated tow mode. Let’s see how things pan out in this tug-of-war.

So on paper, the Defender has more power but can that compensate for the Broncos off-road tires on snow?

Tug-Of-War: Land Rover Defender P400 vs Ford Bronco Badlands

Well, lets find out as these two thoroughbreds go head to head over four rounds

Both Sam, who is sat in the Bronco, and Richard in the Defender buckle up to battle out in a series of tug-of-wars lasting four rounds. For round one, they decide to do just have the SUVs in their 4×4 automatic mode.

For round one, both SUVs are in their automatic 4WD modes. Both drivers take their foot off the brakes and gradually begin to apply pressure on the gas pedal

With that, they take their foot off the brakes and begin to gradually hit the gas pedal. Well, despite the extra power on the Defender, it, unfortunately, began to spin its wheels and struggled to put those 395 ponies to the ground. The Bronco was had better traction and as a result, managed to pull the Defender to the other side. So that’s round one to the Badlands.

For the second round, Richard in the Defender decides to engage his differential with low range and switches it up to the dedicated off-road mode. Will that make a difference? The short answer was no. It was more wheel spin for the Defender this time round as well.

For the final two rounds, Sam has the Badlands set to its most extreme settings with traction off, both differential lockers activated with four-wheel low. It was no contest this time around and the Ford pulled the Defender well beyond the midway point. So the Bronco takes the final two rounds as well.

Final Thoughts

At the onset, we wanted to know if more power could compensate for better traction? Well, you have your answer. To sum it up, Sam says that they could do this all day long and it was the better tires that were helping the Bronco in this face-off.

Now, although he feels that the Defender offers a far more refined on-road experience of the two, the Land Rover is more suited for a more mature audience. The Bronco meanwhile is most likely to be cheaper to both buy and run and he wouldn’t hesitate to give it some stick when he’s out with it in the elements.

You can watch both off-roaders battle it out in Sam’s video below

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Mercedes-Benz GLC – The C-Class-based Crossover That Could Prove To Be A Worthy All-Rounder

Posted on August 14, 2021 9:00 pm by admin

The current X253 generation of the GLC is based on the C-Class. Since we already know a new C-Class is on the way, we can expect the upcoming GLC to share a platform with it. Moreover, the next GLC might even get the same version of the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system as the 2023 Mercedes C-Class All-Terrain.

One of the two GLC prototypes is definitely a hybrid or an EV, as its number plate finishes with the letter “E” – a designation used for hybrid and fully electric prototype vehicles, in Germany.

On the outside, the next GLC seems to have grown up in size, compared to the current model. The shape, however, remains very similar to what we already know from the X253 GLC. We also spot mirrors that are located on the doors instead of the window edges, which is in tune with the latest design trends. As with other Mercedes models, it seems the 2023 GLC will score a thinner headlight and taillight design.

On one of the prototypes there are side steps, but the sign “do not step on” gives away that they are most likely part of the camouflage and will not make it on the production model.

The increase in size could mean that third-row seats could be an option available on the GLC. The current GLB, which is smaller, can already be had as a seven-seater, even though the vehicle is clearly more utilitarian in its design, compared to the bigger GLC. In any case, the ability to spec a seven-seater GLC will definitely make the model more versatile.

The interior is expected to be a complete carry-over from the C-Class, with some minor changes. Of course, the GLC is expected to also feature the full and latest arsenal of passive and active safety, with most of it coming as standard.

In terms of powertrain, the upcoming Mercedes GLC will mirror the C-Class engine options. This includes a variety of gasoline and diesel engines, all of which will be aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, as well as one diesel and one petrol PHEV option. All engines will be turbocharged inline-four units and will work with the nine-speed automatic transmission. Later on, at least two AMG versions are expected to come out, which will most likely be powered by turbocharged inline-four engines. One of the AMG versions could also be an FHEV or PHEV.

The next-generation Mercedes GLC is expected to debut late in 2022, as a 2023 model, with a GLC Coupe following a year later. The GLC has already proven a worthy alternative to the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 and this one looks like it will offer more of everything.

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New-for -2022 Jeep Compass Blows into the Windy City

Posted on July 14, 2021 4:01 am by admin

It’s been an unusually busy year for the Jeep brand which is rolling out a procession of new and updated models, including the next-generation Grand Cherokee, the revived Wagoneer, the Wrangler 4xe – and its most significant global product line the 2022 Jeep Compass.

The Jeep Compass is one of the brand’s most important global product lines.

The update of the compact crossover makes its formal debut at the Chicago Auto Show this week and features new styling, both inside and out, as well as an assortment of technological upgrades. That includes a new, 10.1-inch touchscreen featuring the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, as well as an assortment of new driver assistance systems like Active Lane Management and Rear Cross Path detection.

“The new 2022 Jeep Compass ushers in new levels of comfort and functionality, with premium styling and craftsmanship inside and out,” said Jim Morrison Vice President, Jeep Brand North America. “Sophisticated and well equipped, the Compass stays true to its benchmark 4×4 capability and on-road dynamics, but with even more refinement and precision. It also boasts a host of new attributes and innovative technologies designed to keep consumers connected and make their lives easier.”

A key product in the Jeep line-up

The Compass has played a critical role in the growth of the Jeep brand, especially in global markets. It slots into a niche between the entry-level Renegade and the bigger and more well-equipped Cherokee model.

For now, Jeep is sticking with its 2.4-liter Tigershark engine, but a plug-in hybrid option is reportedly in the works.

While it rides on a car-like crossover platform, Jeep offers an assortment of different trim levels, including the Compass Trailhawk targeting buyers looking for the ability to head off-road.

Though the basic underpinnings may be carried over, the 2022 Compass gets some welcome updates to both its interior and exterior design. The goal was to get the SUV a more “refined, confident attitude,” suggests designer Tim Anness. All versions get new, slimmer LED headlamps framing the familiar Jeep seven-spoke grille. There are new fog lamps and the lower grille grows slightly larger to improve engine cooling.

(Check out our review of the new, three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L.)

Giving the Compass some real teeth

Individual trim levels now adopt more distinctive details. With the Trailhawk, for example, there are “Jeep Teeth” on the matte black grille. Limited models get a distinctive exterior appearance package with black-pained lower trim, as well as projector LED headlamps, LED foglights and 19-inch wheels.

Jeep designers worked hard to give the 2022 Compass a more refined interior.

The Compass cabin has often been faulted for its relatively lackluster design and extensive use of lower grade plastic. As with the new Grand Cherokee, Jeep is moving the Compass up a big step for 2022, with more upscale materials and a higher-tech focus. That includes the 10.1-inch center stack display and an optional, 10.25-inch digital cluster. More luxurious features, including first-ever heated rear seats, will now be available.

(Jeep designer Mark Allen talks about Jeep’s heritage and how that impacts its new design direction.)

A new Latitude LUX trim package adds a variety of amenities. These include leather, heated front seats, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, eight-way power driver seat with two-way power lumbar adjustment, auto-dim rearview mirror, 7-inch full-color cluster, 10.1-inch digital touchscreen radio, remote start and security alarm.

More tech, more capabilities

The 2022 Compass retains its Tigershark 2.4-liter inline-four engine making 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. And it can tow up to 2,000 pounds.

The Compass Trailhawk boasts a more distinctive look – and improved off-road capabilities.

Two gearboxes are available, including a 9-speed automatic on 4×4 models that, with Trail Rated packages, adds a rock-crawl setting for serious off-roaders. The package is capable of delivering as much as 31 mpg on the highway thanks to an upgraded engine start-stop system. Sport and Latitude 4×2 models feature a 6-speed automatic.

Jeep claims to have upgraded the Compass crossover’s suspension tuning and steering for improved handling and ride-comfort on-road.

The automaker also has expanded the list of advanced driver assistance systems. These include Full-speed Collision Warning with active brake and pedestrian/cyclist detection, Active Lane Management with LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist and Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection. The new, semi-autonomous Highway Assist system will become available shortly after the launch of the 2022 model.

Plug-in hybrid may be coming

The automaker also is hinting that a 4xe plug-in hybrid package could be added in the next couple years. Similar to the Wrangler 4xe, it would offer the ability to drive more than 20 miles in all-electric mode. It also could run off-road in near silence, relying on battery power.

Pricing will be released closer to autumn, when the first versions of the 2022 Jeep Compass reach U.S. showrooms, but expect a starting price of around $26,000.

📂This entry was posted in Uncategorized 📎and tagged #Jeep 2022 jeep compass Auto Shows Automakers Automobiles Design jeep compass jeep trailhawk off-road Safety suv Technology Uncategorized
Toyota Expanding Indiana Assembly Line, Adding Two New SUVs

Posted on April 29, 2021 9:32 pm by admin

Toyota is moving production of the Sequoia to Texas and bringing two new three-row SUVs to its Indiana plant.

Toyota Motor will add two new, three-row SUVs to its already large line-up of sport-utility vehicles, the automaker announced.

Though Toyota revealed only a few details, it indicated one of the new models will be sold through the Toyota division, the other through Lexus. To bring them online, meanwhile, the Japanese giant plans to invest $803 million to upgrade its plant in Princeton, Indiana.

Since it was opened in 1998, Toyota has spent $6.6 billion on the Princeton factory, known as TMMI. It currently produces three Toyota-branded light trucks, the full-size Sequoia, the latest-generation Sienna minivan that is produced solely as a hybrid, and the Highlander SUV which is produced both in hybrid and conventional gas versions.

The plant soon will have a bit more space available, even without the upgrade. Production of the Sequoia model will be transferred to Toyota’s San Antonio plant in 2022. That’s part of a broader shift in its manufacturing footprint coinciding with the launch of a new Alabama factory that will operate as a joint venture with Mazda.

New SUVs will target growing families

Toyota is investing $803 million into its Princeton, Indiana plant to build two new large SUVs.

The new models going into TMMI will be “designed with the active Gen Y American family in mind,” Toyota officials said, meaning they will be offered with three rows and seating for up to eight. Today, the flagship brand offers four different three-row SUVs, the Highlander, 4Runner, Land Cruiser and Sequoia. Lexus offers three rows in its LX, GX and RX utility vehicles.

Both new models will be “electrified,” though Toyota did not say whether that means conventional hybrids, like the Highlander, or more advanced plug-in hybrids like the RAV4 Prime. Neither of the new models is expected to offer an all-electric drivetrain, though the automaker announced in February plans to introduce three battery-electric vehicles for the U.S. market by mid-decade. At that point, Toyota previously said, it expects to offer electrified options for virtually every product in its line-up.

“This investment and new vehicle lineup will allow us to continue our work with electrification, expand our portfolio to about 70 models globally by 2025, and meet the needs of our customers while we accelerate toward carbon neutrality,” Ted Ogawa, CEO of Toyota Motor America, said in a statement.

Toyota’s Indiana plant produces the Highlander and Sienna before adding the two new vehicles.

Plenty of tech for Gen Y buyers

The new SUVs will use some of Toyota’s newest technologies, starting with a smartphone-as-key system allowing a motorist to operate it through an app, rather than a conventional keyfob.

The app also will allow the new models to park remotely, letting a driver exit before trying to squeeze the SUV into a tight space. And while it is unclear where the technology will first be used, the SUVs also will “allow for hands-free driving in certain conditions.” That sounds similar to semi-autonomous technologies now coming to market such as Tesla’s Autopilot, General Motors’ Super Cruise and the upcoming Ford Blue Cruise. Toyota has not offered details, such as whether it will charge a subscription fee as its competitors do.

Toyota has invested heavily in autonomous vehicle research and this week revealed it will buy the self-driving vehicle arm of ride-sharing service Lyft for $550 million.

The plans for the TMMI plant are expected to create another 1,400 jobs. This also will mark the first time a Lexus model will be built at the factory.

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📂This entry was posted in Uncategorized 📎and tagged *Daily News* Automakers Automobiles Autonomous Driving Business Crossovers/CUVs Electrified Vehicles Ford GM Hybrids Lexus Markets plug-in hybrids Safety Sales Semi-autonomous Driving suv SUVs Technology Tesla three-row hybrid TMMI Toyota toyota prime Trends U.S./North America
Hennessey Wants To Give The Ram TRX and Durango SRT A Hellephant Swap

Posted on April 23, 2021 10:00 pm by admin

We Could Be Looking At Two 1,200+ Horsepower Vehicles Here

In the video, John Hennessey talks about pairing the Hellephant engine with the Ram 1500 TRX and the Durango SRT. The Hellephant engine is a homage to the 426 HEMI V-8 from the past. Mopar sells the Hellephant as a crate engine, which it unveiled at the 2018 SEMA Show. It displaces at seven liters and comes with a 3.0-liter supercharged that made 15 pounds of boost. The result of this was 1,000 horses and 950 pound-feet of torque.

The aftermarket company has already tried this in the TRX when it built a 6×6 version of the truck called the Mammoth. But, coming from Hennessey, no stick figures are even enough. So, they tuned it up to produce 1,200 horses, thus making it one of the most powerful trucks ever. The company has even tuned-up the standard 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 Hellcat engine and offers the TRX with it. It makes 310 horses and 319 pound-feet of twist more than the stock truck, which brings the power output to 1,012 ponies and 969 pound-feet of torque.

John even mentioned Hennessey’s got about 60 TRXs in total, so it seems like a popular choice for the Hellephant build in the four-wheel-drive avatar. For now, the company has got two Hellephant crate motors with it, which could mean both, the TRX and the Durango, getting one engine each. We could see these builds make more than 1,200 horses and perhaps, over 1,000 pound-feet of torque too.

Conclusion

This video was the first episode of a new ‘Hellephant Madness’ series, so we could see the crate engines being plonked into the vehicles in the upcoming videos. If you were to make a decision, which vehicle would you choose to be powered by the 7.0-liter, 1,000-horsepower Hellephant engines? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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