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Is the Future Electric on a Vectrix VX-3 Li+ scooter?

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With prices at $14,995, the Vectrix VX-3 Li+ scooter is a rather expensive scooter. It could be argued that the Vectrix VX-3 Li+ scooter is a cheap high-tech, fully-electric, three-wheeled transport too. If that’s the case, and given the high praise the Vectrix VX-3 Li+ scooter has garnered, it could be considered a premium electric vehicle for a reasonable price as well.

Let me explain.

The Vectrix VX-3 Li+ scooter is a premium vehicle before you even get to the electric motor. There are quite a few three wheeled scooters out there, I’ve even ridden one, a MC D50TKA, Sunny 50cc Three-Wheel Trike Scooter (which ran about $1,500) but the Vectrix VX-3 Li+ scooter is much larger and has high end components. Its hub-mounted motor puts out 21 kW at the motor shaft, makes 5.1 horsepower and an impressive 45 lbs-feet of torque.

Overall range runs between 50 to 80 miles and it can be fully recharged in under six hours.

There’s more to the Vectrix VX-3 Li+ scooter package, as it has: Three Brembo disc brakes, planetary gear drive, throttle reverse, regenerative breaking & accelerating, articulating front suspension, twin shocks, Pirelli tires and a host of electronic readouts that look more akin to high end motorcycles.

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“Once you’ve ridden the revolutionary three wheeled VECTRIX VX-3 Li+, you’ll understand. It’s the right mix of performance and stability, delivered at speeds up to 110 km/h (68 mph). The VX-3 Li+ offers an impressive range; it’s a both daily commuter and weekend fun machine. Using the VECTRIX™ “ELOC” electronic lock system, the VX-3 Li+ can be locked upright for speeds up to 8 km/h (5 mph) for low-speed balance and unlocked for true “motorcycle-like” riding. Just imagine—Good for the planet, easy-to-ride, and stable.” – – Vectrix Media

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I have to drive one for an honest opinion, but I am intrigued by the performance numbers. Obviously, any scooter costing nearly $15,000 has to be special (or, at least it better be), so the science has to be as good as advertised. If nothing else, the future for vehicles like the Vectrix VX-3 Li+ scooter seem bright.

Check out Roman’s video review of the Tesla Model S!

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum.  His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.

Here are the specifications and performance numbers of the Vectrix VX-3 Li+ scooter:

0 to 50 mph: 8.25 seconds
Range: 50 to 80 miles
Batteries rated approximately 1,600 cycle charges (at 80%) for an estimated lifespan of 10 yrs or 50,000 miles
Peak power: 21 kW at the motor shaft
Power cord: On-board 3 meter/10 foot
Transmission: Planetary Gear Drive
Throttle: VECTRIX™
Regenerative Throttle Reverse
Locking storage and glove-box
12V Powerport
BrakesFront (2) + Rear (1) Disc
TiresPirelli GT 523 120/70-12 (F) Pirelli GT 524 140/60-13 (R)
Forks Articulating Front Suspension Shocks Sachs Twin Shocks
Battery: 42 Amp Hour 5.4 kWh LiFePO4 – 125V
Rear hub motor
Maximum Continuous Power: 5.1 HP (3.8 kW)
Maximum Torque: 65 Nm Maximum Continuous 45 lbs-feet
Warranty: 2-year unlimited mileage

2014 Chevy C7 Corvette Stingray: Everything you ever wanted to know

2014 Chevy C7 Corvette Stingray
2014 Chevy C7 Corvette Stingray

The 2014 Chevy C7 Corvette Stingray is all new.

According to GM everything on the 7th generation of the Corvette is all new except for two parts.

What are those parts?

In another fun and informative TFLcar Everything you Ever wanted to know video you’ll find out.

In fact you’ll find out much more about the Corvette including the design inspiration, the new technology, the options, the cars that CHevy considers as the main competitors.

If you are interested in the new 2014 Chevy C7 Corvette Stingray, or you are thinking about buying the car this is the video to get to know the Stingray very up close and personal.

BTW: You can also watch a full First Drive review if the 2014 Stingray Corvette HERE.

Toyota Gives Dealers Permission To Drop Scion

2013 Scion FR-S

Toyota has given permission to its dealers to drop the Scion brand from their line-ups in the wake of lagging sales. This would come without penalties of any kind and would allow dealers who aren’t seeing the sales they need from the brand an easy way out. Peak sales for Scion came seven years ago back in 2006 with 173,034 units sold. Sales have been on a downward slide ever since.

The idea is that the youth-oriented brand is being carried in too many dealerships, so if some choose to stop carrying it altogether, that may actually help the dealers that choose to keep it on their lots. This news comes as Toyota announces pricing and features for the 2014 Scion line that include standard touch-screens on every vehicle.

There are currently 1,225 Toyota dealers with a majority 1,000 of them carrying the Scion brand. It was only expected that about half of all dealers would carry the brand when it was launched back in 2003 so if some dealers choose to drop it that could put things more in line with initial expectations.

The wide early adoption was due in large part to the success of two specific vehicles in the line. Both the Scion xB hatchback and the Scion tC coupe were very successful and had dealers chomping at the bit to get Scions on their lots. They grabbed exactly the youth market that was their target, but the brand has failed to maintain that momentum and build upon that early success.

Dealers that do choose to stick with the brand could be seeing new and updated vehicles to spice up their offerings, although it doesn’t look like there have been a lot of changes for the 2014 model year. The Scion Display Audio System which has a 6.1 inch LCD touch-screen is the big news and is aimed squarely at that youth market who expects cars with tech and who Toyota needs to lure back to the brand.

Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.

Prices announced for 2014 Scion and touch-screen is now standard

scion_xd_my14_two_tone_6
Prices announced for 2014 Scion and touch-screen is now standard

The 2014 Scion product line now has pricing available for all models. For 2014, the most notable addition to all models is the Scion Display Audio System. This features a 6.1-inch LCD touchscreen, AM/FM/CD/HD Radio, hands-free phone capability, Bluetooth wireless and AUX/USB port with iPod connectivity.

“A standard touchscreen audio system across the entire Scion lineup stays true to the brand’s innovative nature and responsiveness to the desires of its youthful drivers,” Scion Vice President Doug Murtha said.

I like where Scion is going with their lineup. Adding more for the money is a great way to stay relevant in this young demographic. They still need quicker updates to their design and a larger fleet, but Scion has shown us some long forgotten initiative in the past few years.

Let’s hope it continues.

I added the automaker’s description for each model featured:

scion_my14_audio_1

“2014 xD Offers New Two-Tone Colors
In addition to including the new Standard Display Audio System, 2014 xD models will be available in two new two-tone color options, Black Sand Pearl/ Magnetic Gray Metallic and Classic Silver Metallic/ Sparkling Sea Metallic. Vehicles will be available in dealerships in September. The MSRP for the Scion xD will be $16,720 for the automatic transmission model and $15,920 for the manual transmission. The two-tone paint options on the 2014 Scion xD are available for $500 above MSRP.

2014 Scion FR-S Features Added Comfort
The Scion FR-S rear-wheel drive sports car has attracted a following for its sporty handling and aggressive design. New for 2014, the FR-S will offer added comfort for both the driver and front passenger from new sport knee cushions that are located on the door panels and the sides of the center console. The MSRP for the Scion FR-S will be $25,800 for the six-speed automatic transmission model and $24,700 for the six-speed manual transmission.

2014 iQ MonogramTMSeries Packed with Value
The iQ is one of the world’s smallest four-seaters, perfect for urban efficiency and parking. The iQ Monogram Series focuses on taking the iQ to the next level by adding premium features at a great value. The limited-production iQ will feature the stylish two-tone paint combination of Black Currant Metallic/Classic Silver Metallic, color-keyed exterior mirrors and spoiler, along with a premium alloy wheel package and floor mats emblazoned with the iQ logo. Only 150 iQ Monogram Series models will be made. They will have a MSRP of $16,520 and arrive in dealerships in October.

2013 xB Now Features Standard Display Audio System
2013 xB models that begin production in August or after will come standard with the new Scion Display Audio System. In addition to its iconic shape, the xB offers lots of utility with its generous passenger and cargo space. Available now, the MSRP for the Scion xB is $17,920 for the automatic transmission model and $16,970 for the manual transmission.” – – Scion Media

scion_iQ_my14_monogram_2lcarrThe Fast Lane Car is supposed to get a few Scions soon. I look forward to it and I look forward to Scion counter-punching KIA and VW who are making noticeable gains in the youth market.

Speaking of Scion, check out this fun tC video shot in Las Vegas a few years back!

Hope we get the update to the MY 2011 Scion tC we tested soon!

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum.  His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.

Scion Pricing Chart

Model MSRP
SCION iQ Monogram Series (CVT-i) $16,520
SCION xD (MT) $15,920
SCION xD (AT) $16,720
SCION xB (MT) $16,970
SCION xB (AT) $17,920
SCION FR-S (MT) $24,700
SCION FR-S (AT) $25,800

2013 Nissan Xterra On-Road Review: Old School Tech in a new school world

2013 Nissan Xterra On-Road Drive & Review
2013 Nissan Xterra On-Road Drive & Review

The 2013 Nissan Xterra PRO-4X is a very off-road worthy traditional SUV. In other words it is not one of those new-age crossovers.

Instead it has a traditional body on frame design with a normally aspirated powerful V6 engine.

And since we are testing the top of the line PRO-4X Xterra, we also get all of the good off-road bits like stiffer shocks and underbody protection.

In this second (Part 1)  fun and informative TFLcar on-road review Nathan gets his take on the 2013 Nissan Xterra as a family road-going family hauling machine.

Does the 2013 Nissan Xterra work as a family truckster when the road is smooth and paved?

Just watch this video to find out.

BTW: You can als0 watch the first part of this review as Roman and Nathan test the Xterra off-road HERE.

Spied! 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD – High Altitude Testing

2015 chevrolet silverado 3500 hd chevy towing

Lookie what our big brother website site www.TFLtruck.com  caught testing this week!  The Fast Lane Truck team was busy running the light duty edition of our signature Ike Gauntlet extreme towing test, when we spied several camouflaged heavy duty GM pickup doing some high altitude testing of their own.  These guys were difficult for us to catch, as they noticed our cameras.  However, we managed to snap this very clear photo of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD prototype.  You can clearly see the grill in this image, and it looks a lot like the front of the light duty 2014 Silverado that was a part of our test.

Silverado-reviewYT

The headlights on this 3500 HD Dually prototype look identical to those of the light duty, and the grill has the same design.  The HD test mule has a unique large opening in the lower bumper to feed more air to the turbo diesel intercooler and other radiators.  The heavy duty also shares the aerodynamic front lower valance with the 1500.   Will the final HD product look nearly identical to the light duty from the front?

This flat bed dually has peculiar cargo.  It carried a current Chevy 3500 HD dually on a large goose-neck trailer.  This is a healthy load, considering a fully outfitted dually can weigh close to 9,000 lbs and that they were running the same stretch of I-70 and climbing to over 11,000 feet of elevation.

Check out the TFLtruck signature Ike Gauntlet test of the Ram 3500 HD dually.   And stay tuned for the huge light duty Ike Gauntlet series coming up later next week.  (Pssst.  You already know that 2014 Chevy Silverado will be in it.  It will also have two other 1500 pickups that we will reveal soon.)

Andre Smirnov
Andre Smirnov

Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been a contributor at TFLcar since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or simply ‘going for a drive’.

Pebble Beach: The Death of the BMW M3 is Official With the M4 Concept

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Bimmerphiles crushed by the loss of the M3 earlier this year have something new to pine over: BMW introduced the brand-new M4 concept on the lawn of Pebble Beach just yesterday. Immediately preceding the company’s release of the 4-series coupe later this year, the unveiling of this M4 concept shows BMW’s commitment to the switch to 4-series badging–they are fully invested in the name change with the newest M car. And judging by its looks, this M car may be one of the sleekest and most beautiful ever set for production.

Little is known about the specifications of the M4 concept. BMW has disclosed no engine details, interior details, or even dimensions of the car, though we do know that the concept wears 20-inch wheels that cover giant carbon ceramic brakes. The carbon roof has model-specific M stripes along its length, and “Aero” mirrors grace the low-slung side dimensions. A carbon fiber front splitter and carbon exhaust tips also appear on the concept, though it’s highly unlikely that these features will make it to production.P90131219_highRes__mid

Most striking about BMW’s design for the M4 concept is its similarity to other M cars, past and present. The five-spoke alloy wheels hiding massive, colored calipers simply screams M5/M6, while the small hump in the middle of the hood line harkens back to the E92 M3’s design. Even the rear dimensions of the M4 are unmistakably similar to those of the M6 Gran Coupe, with squarish, wraparound LED taillights and a decklid spoiler built right in. It’s a perfect mix of old and new in a super-sporty package.

More details are sure to surface about the M4 Coupe in the next few months, but expect BMW to tell all during this year’s LA Auto Show, when the official unveiling is supposed to take place. Until then, we mourn the fabulous E92 M3 but see a bright future for the M division with the newest M4.P90131220_highRes__mid

Please enjoy this TFLcar.com video of the M4’s older brother, the M6 Coupe.

Forza Friday: The Classic & Sexy 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta spider Revealed

The Classic & Sexy 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Revealed
The Classic & Sexy 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Revealed

The Classic & Sexy 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta spider is an affordable Italian sports car.

Welcome to Forza Friday: a new TFLcar series of classic Italian rides that will be featured every Friday on TFLcar’s Youtube Channel.

This week we continue with a car that has it all.

If you want a sexy and fun Italian sports car without all of the baggage of the F word…that would be Ferrari, the  1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta is the car for you.

Not only does it have a racing pedigree, an Italian zest for speed, but as we explain in this fun and informative TFLcar Forza Friday video it is affordable and reliable.

These are two words that rarely go together when discussing old Italian classic cars.

BTW: You can check out more Classic Cars Revealed HERE.

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