This isn’t your typical Chrysler Pacifica, that’s for sure.
‘Zeekr’ may not be a household name, but parent company Geely has a mission to shake things up with this luxury electric minivan. It formed the brand as a separate premium marque to Volvo, and the Chinese auto giant has ambitions to expand the name beyond its homeland. That said, it’s highly unlikely you’ll see this Zeekr 009 rolling through the school dropoff line anytime soon.
Just on its looks alone, though, we have to talk about it — even if it’s not bound for the States. This electric-only van not only brings, well, let’s say “distinctive” styling, but it’s also packing a 140-kWh battery pack. That’s really not insanely far off that of a GMC Hummer EV truck, and it gives the Zeekr a (claimed) range of 511 miles. There’s a smaller battery pack available, but with a relatively small 0.27 drag coefficient, either option should be pretty efficient on paper.
The Zeekr 009 packs a dual-motor setup, and that 536-horsepower drivetrain allows it to sprint from 0-60 in around 4.5 seconds. That pretty much blows any “conventional” minivan into the weeds, unless we see any of the existing pack go all-electric in the near future. Not only can it accelerate, but this van is packing a double wishbone suspension setup in front, and a multilink setup in the rear. Naturally, being a luxury model, Chinese customers can get it with a “high performance” air suspension package.
The interior of the Zeekr 009 is what really matters, though
Unlike your conventional minivan, Zeekr isn’t particularly bothered about packing as many passengers in as possible here. You still get three rows by default, but in a 2+2+2 configuration for six occupants. Or, if someone wants their Zeekr 009 to be a road-going business jet, you can get it in a 2+2 executive layout.
Of course, this being a modern EV and practical vehicle, you get plenty of technological goodies in the Zeekr 009 as well. You get “spa-level” massaging facilities with those second-row seats, as well as a 15.6-inch flip-down rear screen and a 20-speaker Yamaha audio system.
For the time being, Zeekr only plans to sell the 009 in China. Pricing for the larger battery pack rings in at ¥588,000, or around $80,660 at present. The smaller pack drops the price by about $12,000.
This Nissan Z GT4 is built for purpose, and it looks awesome.
Provided you can actually get your hands on one, the brand-new Nissan Z is a sweet machine. That’s not the end of the story, though, as the automaker revealed at this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas. Meet the 2024 Nissan Z GT4 race car, in all its lightweight glory. This car takes things up a notch, and Nissan is all too happy to share some of the technical details for customer teams competing in the US and Japan for the SRO Pirelli GT4 America series and the Super Taikyu series from 2024.
At its heart, the Nissan Z GT4 starts with the same twin-turbocharged VR30DDTT V6 as the standard car. However, Nismo boosted its output from 400 to 450 horsepower. It also gets a heap of extra torque (443 lb-ft, up from 350 lb-ft). The company says those numbers are “subject to the balance of performance defined by the SRO [Motorsports Group]”. At any rate, though, those racing this car will see a bit more grunt than your everyday driver will out the gate. As you’d expect, the Nissan Z GT4 is also lighter than the road car, weighing in at 3,108 pounds.
As for the theme, Nissan built this red-and-black Z strictly for the SEMA show. The Z logos in the livery tie back to its racing heritage, as does the number on the hood. The number 23 is “Nissan’s exclusive number”, while the circle it’s in represents the rising sun.
Look inside the Nissan Z GT4 racer, and you’ll see a fittingly stripped out and roll caged interior. That said, a large portion of the trim remains intact, short of the obvious comfort features like the infotainment screen and heated seats, of course. You still get a cupholder, though, and you even get HVAC controls.
Order books for the Nissan Z GT4 open up mid-2023. From there, the automaker will supply cars to teams starting in 2024. For the $229,000 asking price, teams will get Nismo tech support. However, that fee does not include taxes or shipping fees.
Prices top out around $93,000 for the fully equipped Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4Matic.
We’ve been testing the full-size EQS sedan’s baby brother, the EQE 350 4Matic, this week. There’s been one specific number we’ve been missing throughout that process though, and that’s the price. Now, though, Mercedes-Benz announced official pricing for its midsize electric sedan, and it’s right about where we expected it to land. In fact, the rear-wheel drive 2023 EQE 350+ sedan will start off at $75,050, including Mercedes’ $1,150 destination fee.
Two other all-wheel drive variants are available: the EQE 350 4Matic and the EQE 500 4Matic. Pricing will vary depending on which of three trims you choose: the base Premium, Exclusive or Pinnacle. All three powertrains are available across the three trims, so you can hone-in on the specific combination you want depending on your feature preferences and budget.
As standard, the Premium models get Mercedes’ next-gen MBUX infotainment system with navigation, wireless phone charging, a power tilt/sliding panoramic sunroof, a Burmester stereo system, 64-color ambient lighting, wireless phone charging and rear-wheel steering. On the driving tech front, you also get blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist and active brake assist as standard fare.
Stepping up to the Exclusive trim levels adds more semi-autonomous driver aids by way of the driver assistance package. At the top end, the Pinnacle brings in features like a 100-watt USB charging package, “active” ambient lighting, four-zone climate control and a head-up display.
EQE trim walk and pricing
Again, stepping up through the trim walk mainly adds some quality-of-life features. If you’re looking for the most bang for the buck, you may want to consider the Premium EQE 500 model, rather than the lesser Pinnacle version.
Premium trim:
EQE 350+: $75,050
EQE 350 4Matic: $79,050
EQE 500 4Matic: $87,050
Exclusive trim:
EQE 350+: $78,150
EQE 350 4Matic: $81,150
EQE 500 4Matic: $89,150
Pinnacle trim:
EQE 350+: $81,650
EQE 350 4Matic: $84,650
EQE 500 4Matic: $92,650
Check out more on the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan below:
Lexus gets just a bit livelier for SEMA 2022, with something for the tuning and overlanding crowds.
The SEMA show is gearing up in Las Vegas, and some OEMs are showing off the fruits of their collaborations with aftermarket firms, with Lexus being no exception. Toyota’s luxury division has a whack of SUVs to show us, as well as an IS sports sedan souped up to the point that horsepower bursts from every pore. But, there’s a twist to that story that you may not be expecting.
First, though, let’s start with the larger end of the spectrum with one of Lexus’ newest models, the LX 600 SUV:
Lexus LX 600 Alpine Lifestyle Concept
There are actually two LX concepts at SEMA, but this Alpine Lifestyle Concept appeals to all the off-roaders out there. Sure, we can’t get the 300 Series Toyota Land Cruiser over here, but this one’s meant to show that its luxury-focused sibling still has the chops to be an adventure rig. To that end, Hiraku Co. gave this LX some practical overlanding enhancements.
Some Bridgestone KO2 all-terrains wrapped around 20-inch Vossen HF6-4 Hybrid anthracite wheels and a host of Dissent Offroad body armor kicks things off. To that, you also get a host of off-road lights from Rigid Industries, an aluminum rack system with Yeti GoBoxes, JAOS carbon fiber over fenders and a TrekBoxx Expedition System inside to store gear and offer some galley space.
LX 600 Urban Concept
As its name suggests, the second LX concept is decidedly more pavement-focused. The Urban Concept, instead, leans into the LX’s whole luxury motif with a few mods to change up the style. For example, this has an Artisan Spirits multi-piece body kit, as well as 24-inch(!) HRE 540 Series satin bronze wheels wrapped with Proxes ST III tires. Artisan Spirits also fitted their Black Label Titanium exhaust system, while the eight-piston Brembo brakes with 16.2-inch front discs is a more subtle tweak, given this SUV’s size.
Mind you, while it still packs the stock 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 under the hood, beefier brakes definitely doesn’t hurt when you’re carting around this much mass.
GX 460 Overland Concept
Among all the concepts here, this Lexus GX 460 Overland Concept is the only rig still packing a V8 engine. To that, Cruiser Outfitters installs a host of off-road upgrades. From Old Man Emu BP-51 suspension to a CBI Offroad Covert bumper and underbody armor, a Warn 9.5XP winch, Rigid lighting and Toyo Open Country MT tires wrapped around 18-inch Lexus OEM wheels, this concept brings a ton of upgrades that make this a hugely capable rig in the bush. That’s to say nothing of the pearlescent paint scheme.
RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD
Despite the name, Lexus’ new RX 500h uses a 2.4-liter turbo engine mated to a high-torque electric motor. The automaker makes no mention of performance upgrades, leading me to believe we’re still talking about a total output in the 366-horsepower range. What they did bring to the table, though, is a matte violet wrap and 22-inch Homura wheels from Rays Engineering. Fitted on those wheels are Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, which are a bit more fitting for the most potent RX. That said, this relatively humble crossover has nothing on the jumped-up IS Lexus brought to this year’s SEMA show.
DSport IS 600+ Project Build
Last but most certainly not least, we have the “most aggressive performance-focused project car” Lexus has ever debuted at SEMA. Those are the automaker’s words, but this car’s 600 horsepower output does lend a heap of perspective to that statement. Under the hood is not, as you’d expect, the 5.0-liter V8 from the IS 500 F Performance. Instead, this build starts with a boosted version of the brand’s V35A “Dynamic Force” 3.5-liter V6 borrowed from the LS 500, using a pair of billet compressor wheel turbochargers.
This is a track-focused beast, and you can tell that from all the aero elements to the 19-inch Volk Racing wheels, staggered Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and carbon ceramic brakes straight from the RC F. Once again, Artisan Spirits supplies the over fender body kit, while the carbon fiber hood and trunk come from Seibon. This car also has a KW Suspension height-adjustable coilover system.
Inside, the stripped-out IS 600+ concept gets a 6-speed sequential transmission with paddle shifters, a custom four-point roll bar and Sparco seats and harnesses.
Lexus isn’t the only one bringing out crazy builds either: Check out Toyota’s displays at this year’s show like the new Tundra Trailhunter (that will be headed to production)!
Volkswagen reveals the Jetta GLI Performance Concept at the 2022 SEMA Show, and it’s seriously powerful.
Since 1984’s first Jetta, builds like the Jettal GLI Performance Concept tend to cause a buzz in the tuner community.
Based on the 2022 Jetta GLI Autobahn with a 6-speed manual transmission, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI Performance Concept features a 350 horsepower EA88 Gen 3 engine. Performance tuner Racing Line added their IS38 turbo, helping to boost the car’s output to 372 lb-ft of torque. Volkswagen, for their part, added an R600 carbon fiber cold air intake and performance intercooler, and an oil management thermal management of the motor’s oil. To handle the extra power, this build also features a beefed-up clutch.
The features list hardly stops with the powertrain, either. VW also added a six-piston forged caliper big brake kit with 15.0-in diameter carbon-ceramic discs. Racing Line brought in its TrackSport coil-over suspension kit. As the name suggests, this concept is built for the track, but can also handle street duty with 2.4 inches of adjustability.
Each of the front and rear fenders is 0.8 inches wider and features backside vents. Front air intakes are complimented by a custom front bumper. A modified rear bumper accentuates the large, dual exhaust outlet pipes you’d expect from a performance concept. Huge side skirts hang down low, accentuating the lower ride height. Custom Aerodisc wheels finish the look, along with a custom hexagon-themed matte black vinyl wrap on top of the Jetta’s Kings Red Metallic paint.
“The Jetta GLI concept was an opportunity for our team to draw from our passion for motorsports and create a vision that is even more expressive and exciting than the production vehicle already is. The wide body design gives this GLI concept the stance that every enthusiast dreams of and the graphic treatment underlines its more aggressive nature, while incorporating classic GLI elements.”
Reto Brun, Senior Director Volkswagen Design Center California.
The interior has been updated with sport seats from Recaro, unique shifter knob, and a sports steering wheel. While there is little chance this Jetta will see production, look at the bright side: some bits and pieces could make it to future production. Like other OEMs, the folks at Volkswagen measure consumer reaction on their concepts. For example, a Jetta R with this level of horsepower would be pretty sweet for enthusiasts, wouldn’t it?
The Jetta GLI Performance concept is on display with other custom builds now through November 4th, 2022. In the VW booth, eight other concept vehicles are on display at this year’s SEMA event.
If you’re looking for that perfect crate engine, Dodge and Mopar launched more options for you.
The Hellcrate and Hellephant crate engines already offered a few different paths for a horsepower nut’s project build. Now, though, the “pressure-charged” crate engine family is growing with more Hellephant Hemi variants as well as the new 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged Hurricane I6 introduced in the Jeep Wagoneer series. It’s name is the “HurriCrate”, because of course it is.
If you’re not looking for a V8, these two engines offer more choice in different categories (see what they did there?). The base engine is called the “Cat 1”, and puts out 420 horsepower with 468 lb-ft of torque, just like you get in the Wagoneer. It features an aluminum block and head, plasma sprayed cylinder bores, cast aluminum pistons and dual integrated exhaust manifolds. The base engine puts out 22 psi of boost and runs at a 10.4:1 compression ratio.
The big differences with the higher-output “Cat 3” engine are toughened internal components (like forged aluminum pistons), greater fuel and air induction by way of higher-pressure fuel injectors and a wider throttle body, higher boost pressure (26 psi) and a lower compression ratio (9.5:1). With those and a host of smaller changes, the Cat 3 puts out 550 horsepower and 532 lb-ft of torque, as you’d get in the Grand Wagoneer.
The Cat 3 will launch first, in the second quarter of 2023. Then, the Cat 1 will arrive a bit later, in early 2024. Pricing for either engine in standalone form is not available just yet, but Dodge will also launch updated 8-speed transmissions (more on that in a moment) to suit the Hurricane engines, as well as the Hemi V8s.
If your “standard” Hurricane engine isn’t good enough, don’t despair — of course a more powerful variant is coming. Dodge is developing the so-called “Cat X” for racing applications. Specs are thin on the ground for this one, though rumors suggest it will put out more than 1,000 horsepower. Again, it probably won’t be street legal, however it comes.
The bigger development for Hemi fans, though, is the range of available Hellphant engines debuted at SEMA. Yes, engines (plural), as four will be available through Direct Connection. While the 1,000-horsepower, 7.0-liter beast (dubbed the “A30”) is still around, you’ll now be able to get either a less powerful version or two more powerful variants. In its most powerful form, Dodge estimates the Hellephant will put out more than 1,100 horsepower.
There’s one key distinction among the four engines, and that’s whether you want an aluminum block (like we already know) or a cast-iron one. The “C” in C30 and C170 denotes an iron block, while the “A” in A30 and A170 get an aluminum block. All four engines get forged steel crankshafts and forged aluminum pistons, though the type of connecting rods you get will change between iron and aluminum block variants.
For all Hellephant application, Dodge offers an updated “DC2” Torqueflite8 automatic transmission for applications with more than 560 lb-ft of torque. The $5,995 unit mates up to engines putting out less than 560 lb-ft of torque, such as the HurriCrate motors. The DC1 will be available in the second quarter of 2023, while the beefier DC2 isn’t launching until the third quarter.
Direct Connection transmission lineup.
Those two number affixes refer to the alcohol proof number for the type of gas they run on.
The 30 engines can handle 30 proof, which equates to E15 premium pump gas. The 170 engines, by contrast, are tuned to run on E85 (or 170 proof).
Cast-iron Hellephant engine models also have a lower displacement, at 6.2 liters (or 376 cubic inches, rather than a 426 like the big Hellephants). All the engines get a 3.0-liter supercharger bolted on top, but the smaller engines make up the size difference with a smaller 3.02-inch supercharger pulley (vs. 3.17 inches on the aluminum engines). You also get a wider 105-mm throttle body (instead of 92-mm).
Depending on which crate motor you want for a bit of a wait. In this updated range, the A170 will launch first in Q2 2023. Yes, that likely means you won’t be able to get the motor and transmission at the same time, at least going off Dodge’s schedule for DC2 availability. Beyond that, the C170 will launch in the third quarter, and the C30 will follow in the fourth quarter. Those wanting to stick right down the middle on power with the A30 model will have to wait the longest, until early 2024.
Like the HurriCrate, pricing is not available just yet. Based on the old Hellephant, we’d guess the new quartet will land somewhere around the $30,000 range, give or take a few thousand depending on which block you go with and how much power you want. As before, the 717 horsepower Hellcrate and its 807 horsepower Redeye derivative are also available through the Direct Connection catalog.
Souping up a late-model Mercedes Benz is easier than you think. (Images: Ambitious Creative/unsplash)
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Car tuning is often considered a complicated matter. Movies and TV shows lead us to think that all projects demand huge amounts of time and money and that they are the only way to obtain results of any kind. Fortunately, when you take a closer look at this topic, and do so using information from trustworthy sources, you can realize that it is not so difficult to make your Mercedes Benz somewhat better.
This possibility even exists for Mercedes’ vaunted AMG models, which are already tuned and engineered to the manufacturer’s highest performance standards. Still, it’s possible to make the car better and do it in several ways that are not necessarily complex. They will not bring otherworldly results, of course, but they will, indeed, dramatically improve the everyday experience your car can offer you. This article is going to properly explain all those ways to you in some detail.
Body kits – Aerodynamics
Sporty bumpers and spoilers can do more for your car than just making it prettier. High-quality ones are designed to integrate with the car’s shape and work as extensions that promote a smoother air flow. In the AMG GT body kit, for example, bumpers help with that with their shape and by using air diffusers. In other models, spoilers can slightly change their position according to the car’s speed.
All that work implies making the car more aerodynamic. That is the best goal one can pursue in car tuning because it is the best expression of “making the car better”: by promoting a smoother flow, the car can reach a higher top speed, produce less wind noise, and consume less fuel all at once. It is one of the best solutions especially for beginner enthusiasts who want to invest in this activity.
Cargo storage – Efficiency
The first part of this item is related to the previous one. Anything added to the car’s external profile affects its aerodynamics. Instead of simply tying large suitcases or boxes to the roof rack, you could consider investing in a proper cargo box. They are specifically made to offer maximum space while causing minimal aerodynamic impact. Besides that, they are usually made of lightweight materials.
Another important topic is simply trying to store cargo inside in the best possible way. That means avoiding unnecessary objects (the extra weight only helps increase fuel consumption) and making use of space dividers to better organize what you need to take with you. Respecting the available room and properly organizing objects within it is enough to make the trip safer and more efficient.
Exhaust system – Efficiency
In thermal engines, burning fuel produces a residual gas which must be removed from the engine. Modern cars pump that gas through the exhaust system to force them to interact with the catalytic converter, so as to become less pollutant, then lead them out the car. Since that system is directly related to the engine’s performance, it can be yet another interesting way to make your car better.
Performance exhaust systems have an optimized piping design that reduces resistant pressure from the gas flow. That is important for the engine to waste less power overcoming such pressure. Some systems also use electronically activated flaps inside the pipes to change their effective geometry: they can change how the engine will sound according to the driving mode selected by the driver.
Mercedes Benz technology is impressive and with the right parts and expertise, tunable.
Engine tune-up – Performance
This is the most common solution people consider when it comes to car tuning. The most complex solutions may include adding turbochargers and even replacing parts of the engine to increase its displacement. However, it is also possible to obtain great results by simply working on the engine’s control unit (ECU): it can be redefined to operate with fewer restrictions than the stock condition.
As you can imagine, changes like those are extremely risky, so you must not cut corners: getting the best parts available, like the Brabus PowerXtra module, and having them professionally installed may be expensive, but it is the best way to ensure that your tuned car will deliver the enhanced performance with adequate safety standards and in a way that keeps powertrain wear appropriate.
Braking system – Safety
This one should not be considered an alternative to the others, but a necessity if you invest in any of them. After all, it is impossible to execute good tuning only talking about acceleration. Adequate braking consists of stopping the car within reasonable distances and without any deviations from a straight line, always keeping a precise connection with the pedal, and having fast heat dissipation.
Here, performance brakes employ the best materials available in the market, like the AMG carbon ceramic system, in order to resist the typically high temperatures reached when braking from high speeds. These systems are designed to last longer, despite the severe use conditions, and to keep the driver in complete control over how much braking power the car can still offer at all times.
Genuine rims – Performance
Manufacturers put a lot of effort into making this product efficient. Mercedes Benz rims for high-performance cars, for example, are manufactured with a unique forging process that offers the light weight of alloy rims with the elevated mechanical resistance of traditional forged rims. In the end, they can perfectly withstand the demands of a sporty car and stay in top shape for many years.
While this automaker is known for being consistent when it comes to design, Mercedes Benz wheels are actually quite diverse. There is a wide variety of styles, colors, and trims, each one designed to be a precise style extension to the car they are intended to equip. Genuine wheels may not be the cheapest available, but they are certainly the best performing and the most durable in the market.
Wheels, brakes, tires, exhaust–you can make a ton of upgrades to a Mercedes Benz without messing with the engine.
Where can I get all that?
From the latest AMG performance upgrades to the best brake pads for Mercedes Benz vehicles, check out Mercteil. They offer a wide selection of items available on an online catalog which is easy and simple to browse. All of them are genuine, and they can ship each and every part to anywhere in the world.
Dodge wants to send their V8 out with a bang, but this is definitely not what they mean.
If you’ve been following the brand’s rollout of ‘Last Call’ special editions, then you know what to expect: the seventh and final special edition tomorrow at SEMA. Thing is, it won’t be there — and with good reason, as explained by Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis. During a backgrounder for the SEMA show this week, he announced a delay on that seventh and final model. Why? At the moment, they keep blowing up engines.
They obviously wanted to charge full steam ahead at this year’s event, “But we ran into some problems”. Per The Detroit Bureau, “the modified V8 has been blowing up when pushed to the limits in the Dodge test lab. We’re not talking about a minor breakdown. Apparently, the engines really have been blowing up.”
That’s obviously a problem Dodge is going to want to fix, and evidently engineers are still hammering out a solution. “I think we’ve got it figured out,” said Kuniskis, “if we don’t blow up any more engines. We think we got it fixed but I’m still holding my breath.” Understandable.
The final upswing — you know, because your engine exploding would probably damper your day a little bit — is that we should see this mystery, modified V8 destroyer of worlds before the year’s out. Rumor has it, as noted by Mopar Insiders, that we’ll see a 900+ horsepower version of the SRT Hellcat Redeye, albeit with a more violent sounding name.
Hey, with as much of a headache as that sounds like, at least we know from a first-hand source. If anything, that has me even more curious to see the volcanic levels of power Dodge is planning here. And owners will literally have an explosive history to tell when they show off their ‘Last Call’ beast to their friends.
The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid hatchback stakes a claim as one of the most efficient and practical cars for the money — but just how good is it on a 1,200-mile road trip?
In this week’s Ask Nathan:
Comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-70 vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
What happened to my 1997 Ford Expedition?
This week's first...
