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Showing posts from December, 2019

2021 Kia Optima GT Confirmed With 286 HP, 8-Speed Dual-Clutch

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The new Optima also gets available all-wheel drive and a digital instrument cluster.  After fully debuting the exterior of the Kia K5 (still known as the Optima outside of South Korea, for now) in early November, the company now releases interior and powertrain details for the latest generation of the midsize sedan. It's worth noting that this info pertains to the South Korean market, so the details could change for other regions. Folks in snowy climates should be happy to know that that new K5/Optima is available with all-wheel drive for some powerplants.  Front-wheel drive is still standard, and the automaker isn't yet specifying which engines are available with AWD. Kia's announcement specifically notes two of the powertrains coming to the North American version of the K5/Optima. The 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder carries over from the existing model and still makes 178 horsepower (132 kilowatts) and 195 pound-feet of t...

Is top-up charging the answer to range anxiety?

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Electric cars have seen a massive growth in popularity in recent years, especially 2019. However, they still only make up a small percentage of the nation’s cars. For many motorists, one of the biggest factors stopping them from switching from a traditional combustion engine to an EV is charging accessibility. If you drive a petrol or diesel car, you can drive around safe in the knowledge that a fuel station is usually within a few miles radius and your tank can be filled in just a matter of minutes. With EVs this is not always guaranteed. In many areas access to charging points is often limited, and if you do have access it’s going to take a lot longer to ‘fill up’ and get back on the road again. But instead of getting stuck on how much time it takes to charge from 0-100%, we should consider charging an EV in a similar way to charging our phones. Instead of waiting for the battery to run flat and then waiting 24 hours for it to fully recharge, why not make use of ...

Porsche Taycan Turbo Range Much Higher Than EPA In Independent Test

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Porsche commissioned the test before knowing what the EPA rating would be. You may have heard that the EPA’s official range rating for the Porsche Taycan Turbo is a bit on the low side. In fact, it came back at just 201 miles, which is far cry from the Euro-spec WLTP rating of 279 miles. It even dips below conservative estimates for the U.S. that placed the EV super sedan in the 212 to 250-mile range. The plot thickens even further, as Porsche actually commissioned an independent test to gauge the Taycan Turbo’s real-world range. As you might expect, those figures are considerably higher than the EPA rating. If that sounds retaliatory and a bit suspicious on Porsche’s part, you’re not alone. Jalopnik first reported on this subject, pointing to statistics from California-based AMCI Testing that show ranges more in line with Europe’s WLTP 279-mile figure. We had more questions than answers, so we dialed up Porsche and learned ...

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Sheds Camo In Spy Shots, Or Does It?

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We see trim on the side windows, but it could be a clever ruse. No, this is not a Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo. The squared-off headlamps should be an obvious clue that this is the all-electric Taycan with a bit more junk in the trunk, better known as the Cross Turismo. There are some very interesting photos in this latest spy shot collection, and we aren’t just talking about the cool head-on lens-flare shot that would be right at home in a J.J. Abrams film. Catching the EV wagon in profile, we see the heavy camouflage coverings at the rear are gone. Electrifying Long Roof: As such, we have a better idea of Porsche’s take on converting the Taycan sedan into this slick EV estate. The gentle slope in the roofline is pretty much identical to what we see on the Panamera Sport Turismo, right down to the roof spoiler cupping the top of the hatch. The side glass, however, will adopt an up-kink at the back which is essentially the exact opposite of what we see on the ...

Components of an Aftermarket Exhaust for the New Gladiator

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Discover the additional power and performance of a leading aftermarket option for your Jeep Gladiator. Compare Jeep Gladiator exhaust systems based on these essential components to determine the best option for your rugged ride. Whether you’re blazing new trails or staying safely in your lane, find out how you can take your Gladiator to the next level. Headers Your aftermarket exhaust starts with headers. Also known as exhaust manifolds, these durable components are bolted directly to the cylinder heads. As your engine roars and your Gladiator cruises down the road, exhaust gases enter the headers from the combustion chambers. Aftermarket options offer improved flow velocity and prevent backpressure. A common option is a mandrel-bent style, which reduces the overall exhaust restrictions. Catalytic Converter One of the most important components on your aftermarket exhaust is a catalytic converter. Every vehicle since 1975 is required by federal law to have...

Six things to implement when scaling a business in the transportation industry

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SCALING a business in the transportation industry requires excellent organisation and planning. You want to make sure you maintain quality service and keep your current customers happy as you grow. You need to make informed decisions about your equipment investments. Targeted marketing campaigns are essential. The balancing act can seem daunting, but the right tools can lighten your load and shave time off your tasks.  One of the most powerful tools you can use, is an ePOS system or register . Electronic point of sale systems now offer comprehensive and intuitive analytic tools that will make it a breeze to manage all the behind-the-scenes work.  When you integrate your ePOS system with your favourite software and service providers, you have a powerful way to optimise your customer experience, keep them coming back, and expand your base.  1. Get Control of Your Scheduling Whether you are a major trucking company, or are a small, private limo-ser...

How Mercedes could be shaping the future of van driving

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GERMAN vehicle giant Mercedes has recently used an event at its Van Innovation Campus in Stuttgart, Germany, as an opportunity to showcase its plans to change the way we look at the future of van driving. Join van hire and leasing specialists Northgate as they analyse just how the manufacturer could be shaping the future of this popular sector of the motoring industry: Introducing the Mercedes Vision Van The Mercedes Vision Van is a concept commercial vehicle from the German manufacturer that stands out for being electrically powered, fully-automated and interconnected. All of this power is achieved via a 75kW electric drive system, though up to 150kW of power can be attained in 60-second stints. This system is also capable of producing 270Nm of torque, a range of up to 270km and a top speed of 120km/h – though the latter has been limited to 80km/h. Getting to grips with all of this power will be a unique experience, considering the fact that the Mer...