A Mustang owner recently led Colorado State Patrol troopers on a 150+ MPH chase through hazardous canyon roads
We all know the saying, “with great power comes great responsibility”. Tell that to this Mustang driver, who Colorado State Patrol recently caught speeding in excess of 140 MPH on Interstate 70 near Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Now, we’re based in Colorado, so we can say with absolute certainty that Glenwood Canyon, where the driver was hooning his Mustang, is not a place you want to be driving that quickly. Why? Because the roads look like this:
[Photo: Don Graham, under Creative Commons license]Yeah, try taking that corner at 150, with a wall to your left and a river to your right. Fortunately, there weren’t any other drivers on the road. This spot of automotive recklessness took place at about 12:30 A.M. Friday morning, according to an article by The Denver Post. Still, in an area where wildlife incidents are all too common, it’s not exactly a smart move. State Patrol troopers had issues reading the car’s license plate, or even making out more details about the Mustang. It was too dark to make out the details, and rather than slow down, the driver sped up when the sirens came on.
Faced with that sort of speeding, the troopers made the decision to call off the chase. Colorado State Patrol spokesman Gary Cooper stated, “They tried to catch up, they weren’t doing it. They just weren’t getting close enough.” They’re crediting the decision with saving the Mustang driver’s life, and possibly those of other motorists.
Speeding on public roads?
Earlier this week, in our TFLnow Live show, we covered the news story of a Dodge Challenger Hellcat driver arrested doing 160 on an Indiana toll road. The winding road and wildlife are hazards all their own, but tires and brakes can suddenly fail at those speeds as well. Colorado State Patrol called the move “extremely reckless” and alluded that those who manage to get away are incredibly lucky. There’s one place where it’s all right to go those speeds, and a winding interstate in the dead of night isn’t it.
What do you think of driving like this on the public roads? Let us know in the comments! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more news, views, and real-world (within the speed limit) reviews. If you enjoy our content, please consider pledging our Patreon page!
An abandoned Volkswagen Rabbit I happened upon outside Boulder, Colorado.
Here’s some Easter-themed nostalgia, in the form of a very special (yet abandoned) VW Rabbit
Happy belated Easter, everyone! I have something of a Rabbit-themed story for you all. You know, I am a huge fan of hatchbacks. They offer a combination of fun, efficiency and practicality that, on the whole, you just can’t beat. That all started with the Volkswagen Golf. I, like a lot of other car enthusiasts out there, hold the Mk1 Golf GTi in especially high esteem, as it really kicked off the “hot hatchback” phenomenon that’s seen a resurgence in recent years. With the likes of the Mk7.5 Golf GTi and Golf R, Ford Focus ST and RS, the Hyundai Veloster N, and the Honda Civic Type R, there are plenty of options out there. Then, while I was running an errand on this cloudy Easter morning, I found this one: “The Randy Hare”.
This Rabbit has an, ahem, “distinctive” identity.
While it may not be a hot hatchback, as such, it definitely catches your attention. Even in its humbler, mild salsa form, however, I find myself endeared to hatchbacks. However, for some reason, I always seem to forget about “our” Mk1 Golf until I see one. During its first generation, we didn’t know the Golf as the Golf. From the time it came into our market in 1975, we and Canada knew it as the Volkswagen “Rabbit”. And that’s what we have here – between 1975 and 1984, the U.S. and Canada got the Rabbit instead of the Golf.
The Randy Hare certainly stands out
This particular, um – let’s go with amorous – Rabbit currently sits abandoned on private property, and I certainly wasn’t expecting to find it. However, I was up here taking care of an errand and just happened to come across it. Now, it hasn’t been sitting long enough to completely rot away into nothing, but the property owner confirmed it has been sitting there for the past several months. It hasn’t been towed away (yet) since it’s in a remote location, but the cornucopia of cobwebs and vegetation in the engine bay shows the car’s been there for awhile.
The original Rabbit saw a huge array of engines during its lifespan, before it was supplanted by the redesigned Mk2 Golf in the early 1980s. By 1982, we got a 1.7-liter four-cylinder unit that made a whopping 74 horsepower. Mind you, this car (particularly with some bits missing, including most of the interior) was pretty light. Even with power in the double digits, it can be somewhat zippy, cobwebs and vegetation notwithstanding.
Every once in awhile, you stumble across an old car you’d forgotten about, as I had with the Rabbit. I spotted my last one a few years ago, but it wasn’t anything like this. It appears the car’s owner took some effort to make this car stand out, including the wheels, paint scheme, and comedy badging. It’s always fun to find an old car while just out and about, and finding “The Randy Hare” was a hoot. I’m glad I happened across it, as it’s a fun reminder of one of my favorite hatchback nameplates, the iconic Volkswagen Golf.
Why did we pitch the new Jeep Wrangler JL 2.0-liter Turbo against Jeep Wrangler JK V6? What is “Hummer Hill” and why did we pit a 2-door vs a 4-door Wrangler up an extremely steep hill? Simply put: putting the Wrangler JK and JL against such a challenging obstacle was fun, and a bit scary.
Jeep Wrangler JK Sport and Rubicon. [Photo: TFLcar]You see, Hummer Hill is extremely steep and a challenge for any off-road vehicle, JK and JL Wranglers included. Many journalists who joined us on our trail drive had a hard time with the hill, some even opted to not climb it at all. Others, like our bossman Roman Mica opted to take on the hill in our studio Wrangler (our project Wrangler that belongs to his son). Our studio Wrangler is a short wheelbase, manual Wrangler with no locking diffs!
By comparison, I drove the brand new Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon with two locking diffs, a 2-liter turbo and a long wheelbase. Hint-hint… all of those items make for a brilliant climbing vehicle. Still, this hill was a big challenge and the results of this video speak for themselves.
Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon. [Photo: FCA]So, you have a choice of JK and JL Wrangler – which one would you rather take up this hill?
This video was shot during the 2018 Easter Jeep Safari, the same event in which we get to drive many prototypes and experience new Jeep vehicles. It’s one of our favorite events, not only because it’s a hell of a good time, it also happens in one of the most beautiful backdrops you can find in the United States. It’s Moab, Utah and it’s glorious.
We have many videos from the 2018 Easter Jeep Safari, MPG challenges, prototype reviews and more – but we both agree, the Jeep Wrangler JL 2-liter Turbo vs Jeep Wrangler JK V6 challenge was one of our favorites.
Why Wrangler? A Moab Guide to Buying & Owning an Iconic Jeep
In this week’s Ask Nathan:
Will there be a Volkswagen Pickup Truck for the USA?
New information about the upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer?
Cheapest New Car in the USA?
Is this Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak concept proof that a Volkswagen pickup truck is coming to the United States?
The first question comes from a viewer who wants to know if the rumors are true that there will be a Volkswagen Pickup truck for the United States.
Hi Nathan! Hi Roman and Andre! Is that Volkswagen Pickup truck concept going to come here?
I know that some people hate Volkswagen, but I’ve had nothing but good luck with their vehicles. I always wanted a pickup truck, but the only one I was interested in was the Honda Ridgeline and it was kind of mediocre in my book.
The idea of a VW pickup like the Amarok being sold here makes me happy. Boy I hope it happens! Please let me know what you think!
Long time viewer!
Jefferson D
A: Hi Jefferson!
After the 2018 New York Auto Show, some indications point to the USA getting a Volkswagen Pickup truck in the near future. Others laugh at the possibility. While there is no official word, the reaction to the truck’s unveiling is so strong, and Volkswagen has had a ton of Amarok requests, it looks like it could be a possibility.
As long as VW sees potential heavy profit from this vehicle, there’s a chance it can happen. While many feel it will compete directly with the Honda Ridgeline, others think it will have greater towing, loading and off-road ability.
We hope to find out more soon.
Check out this concept debut video from the 2018 New York Auto Show!
N
This next question comes from a fan wanting more information on the upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
(Via: Twitter@Nathanadlen)
Nathan! After EJS ’18 – any word on the future Jeep Grand Wagoneer? You drove the old one. What about a new one!?
A316
A: Howdy!
We have a few things that are indicating Jeep is close to bringing out the full-size, three-row Jeep Grand Wagoneer. We suspect it will debut in the next two to three years.
Why?
The Jeep Wrangler pickup truck (JT) is slated to come out next and we expect to see it debut within the next cycle of major auto shows. Hopefully, we’ll get our hands on one within the next 12 months. That means the next vehicle on FCA/Jeep’s debut list should be their new Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
If the excitement of this rest-o-mod Jeep Wagoneer is an indication of where Jeep Design’s mind is at, I’d say we’re being teased regarding the upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer – don’t you?
Check out this video!
N
JEEP MOAB WAGONEER VIDEO
The last question comes from a fan who wants the least expensive new car available.
Hi!
What are the three cheapest new cars and which one would you buy?
The top three least expensive cars include the Mitsubishi Mirage (base $13,395) Chevrolet Spark (base $13,050) and the Nissan Versa SEDAN (BASE $12,110). While these prices are great, they are all hard to achieve. Realistic prices run at least $500 more. Still, these vehicles make up some of the least expensive new vehicles you can own.
I’ve driven all three and I have a verdict: the Chevrolet Spark is the one I would own.
Why? It’s the most fun to drive and has an outstanding list of standard features – for the price. I also like the way it looks. That’s not to say it’s perfect, but it’s a solid little guy with a lot of personality and, the one I sampled, was less than $14,500 – well equipped.
Benefits of the other vehicles?
The Nissan Versa Sedan is huge for the price and the backseat space is impressive.
The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the most fuel efficient, non-hybrid vehicles you can get.
Still, I feel the Chevrolet Spark is the most rewarding amongst the three choices.
N
Check out our fun Moab video: the AWESOME Jeep Wagoneer Roadtrip concept!
Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.
[Photo: FCA]Over the past decade or so, we’ve tested various siblings to the Jeep 4Speed concept including the Jeep Stitch concept and the Jeep Porkchop concept. All three of these vehicles are dear to the head of Jeep Design, Mark Allen. He maintains that, if you remove a serious amount of weight from a Jeep Wrangler, you will improve it in just about every way.
Take a close look at this plate inside the Jeep 4Speed concept. It is a gas!
This interview took place during the 2018 Easter Jeep Safari where Jeep/FCA brings out their concepts, one-offs and bizarre ideas allowing journalists to get a peek inside of their minds. In some cases, these vehicles either display new components and ideas, or they could foreshadow some of the ideas Jeep Design is cultivating. Either way, it’s a blast to cover.
In building the Jeep 4Speed concept, Allen states that they removed around 950-lbs from the vehicle. This was done by replacing components with carbon fiber, removing the rear seats, radio, doors, roof and HAVAC systems, using lightweight wheels and finding creative ways to eliminate other “unnecessary” components. All this while maintaining the regular suspension, which raises quite a bit thanks to the lightweight.
Jeep 4SPEED Concept. [Photo: TFLcar]
They even eliminated the passenger’s outside side-view mirror and added a small round mirror to the passenger’s side of the dashboard to remove some additional ounces. While it looks cool, it’s hard to see how this mirror placement would be usable. Once again, the Jeep 4Speed concept was never meant for production.
They were looking at building something akin to modern side-by-side UTVs while maintaining its Jeep off-road prowess. They used the skins of ski jackets to cover the two seats and maintained the blue on silver and black paint scheme.
In this video, you will see Mark Allen, head of Jeep Design, go over the details of the Jeep 4Speed concept.
You know those cars that peer into the future? The Classic Mini Electric has a futuristic powertrain, but looks to the past for design
When some cars emerge on the scene, they’re just too far ahead of their time. Others, on the other hand, are just too old-fashioned to cut it in the modern automotive world. So which would you reckon this one is? It’s a Classic Mini Electric, and Mini bills it as a “look back into the future”. That’s a fairly apt way to describe it, as it demonstrates elements of the future wrapped in the skin of the past. So, what is it like to drive? Does it still feel like a classic Mini after you replace the 63 horsepower internal combustion engine with an electric powertrain? Andre takes the Classic Mini Electric around Manhattan to find out!
Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates! Check out our coverage of the New York Auto Show on our TFLcar and TFLnow YouTube channels. If you enjoy our content, please consider pledging to our Patreon page! We’re working hard to create more great content, but that’s only possible with your support.
Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid [Photo: Honda]Model options for the 2018 Honda Clarity lineup include a pure electric, a plug-in hybrid and a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid is available in two different trim levels: the Base Clarity or the Touring. The base model Plug-in Hybrid has an MSRP of $33,400, while the Touring model is priced at $36,600, excluding an $890 destination charge. Unlike the Clarity EV and Fuel Cell, the plug-in hybrid is sold nationwide.
WHAT’S NEW
The Clarity Plug-in, is at the forefront of Honda’s initiative to supersede gasoline-powered vehicles with electrified vehicle technology by 2030. This all-new model is manufactured in Honda’s Saitama factory in the Sayama prefecture, Japan. It follows the original “FCX Clarity”, which was exclusively a fuel-cell vehicle produced between 2008 and 2014.
The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in hybrid is an attractive, comprehensively-equipped five-passenger sedan that delivers a refined driving experience without compromising driving range, performance or comfort. That sort of flexibility helps cater to a wide range of consumers and driving needs.
It features a 47-mile all-electric EPA range rating that’s the highest of any plug-in hybrid sedan currently on the market. Not only that, but fitting a 1.5-liter gasoline engine on board enables the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid to receive an EPA-rated 340 miles combined range on seven gallons of fuel. The body sides manipulate airflow, which allows the car to slip through the wind with minimal aerodynamic disturbance. Front air curtains, rear tire covers and rear air curtains are functional and expressive elements of the Honda Clarity series.
[Photo: Honda]
[Photo: Honda]
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Moving into the cabin, the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in hybrid provides a spacious and premium 5-passenger sedan environment. It features a bright, modern feel and exceptional comfort. The interior is also outfitted with high quality materials and features, with advanced technologies including a host of driver assist, connectivity and infotainment systems. The 8.0-inch Display Audio infotainment system does support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upgrading to the Touring trim adds navigation, leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel a Leather-wrapped steering wheel, as well as powered driver and passenger seats.
My test 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid arrived in Touring trim with the exclusive Moonlit Forest Pearl exterior and a black leather interior. Honda set the base price of this particular car at $36,600, which rose to $37,490 after the destination charge.
[Photo: Honda]
PERFORMANCE
Power is provided utilizing Honda’s two-motor hybrid technology. The first piece of that equation is a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four engine coupled to a starter/generator motor. Then, on the electric side, there’s a 181-horsepower AC synchronous traction motor coupled to a 17-kWh, 168-cell lithium-ion battery pack.
The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid runs primarily on its electric motor. It uses the gasoline engine when it needs to generate electricity. The energy it generates is either supplied directly to the electric motor or used to recharge the 17 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Regenerative braking is also on board, as is the way with hybrid cars. That adds efficiency by using the braking energy to help top up the batteries. The result is an EPA-rating of 110 MPGe.
The system operates in three different driving modes – EV, Hybrid and Engine – and is able to shift automatically from one mode to another to optimize overall efficiency. In Hybrid Drive mode, the Clarity functions as a series hybrid. Normally it will run on electricity alone, with the engine only used to generate electricity for the motor and battery pack. In Engine Drive mode, a lock-up clutch connects the engine and electric motor to help send power directly from the engine to the front wheels. Unlike most competing hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, the Clarity does not use a conventional transmission, but rather an electric car-style single-speed gearbox.
[Photo: Honda]
[Photo: Honda]
Honda placed the battery under the floor to lower the center of gravity. That helps keep the car stable when cornering, with minimal body roll. Acceleration, as with most electric or hybrid vehicles is punchy, particularly off the line. The fixed single gear delivers smooth acceleration, as the car isn’t spending any time fishing through gears.
The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid’s dual-pinion electric power steering delivers quick, agile and smooth cornering response. The car’s specially designed Michelin Energy Saver tires and the aerodynamic wheels offers low rolling resistance with minimized road noise. All that adds up to a comfortable, economical ride.
[Photo: Honda]
TFLCAR’S TAKE
The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid represents a refined, affordable option with virtually every feature imaginable. That’s especially true in the Touring model, which has all the infotainment and safety features you expect. And if that’s not enough, there’s a host of available accessories to spruce it up. Apart from its 110 MPGe combined rating, its “gasoline-only” rating 44/40/42 City/Highway/Combined MPG is also competitive in its class.
[Photo: Volvo]The Volvo XC60 has been redesigned for the 2018 model year. With this new model, there are two powertrain configurations and three trim levels. Power for T5 model XC60s is provided by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. T8 versions are more powerful, delivering 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. T8 Volvo XC60s have a 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged engine, as well as an electric motor. The 2019 Volvo XC60 is available in three trim levels: Momentum, R-Design and Inscription.
This is the flagship: the 2018 Volvo XC60 T8 Inscription model, which starts at $52,900. After options and destination charges, that price rose to $71,590. What all do you get for your money?
[Photo: Volvo]
WHAT’S NEW
The 2018 XC60 is an all-new model built on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), like the XC90 and the S90 sedan. It bears the brand’s signature “Thor’s Hammer” headlights, and sports the latest available safety technology.
Visually, Volvo has brought the XC60 T8’s design into line with its bigger sibling, the XC90. Leading off, the trapezoidal grille wears an enlarged Iron Mark logo. The XC60’s tailgate opening is wide and accommodating. Total maximum cargo area measures out to 63.3 cubic feet. The rear seat is a three-piece 40/20/40 split/fold design as found in the V70 and XC70, each section folds down easily. Helpfully, that also creates a totally flat cargo platform for maximum flexibility and versatility.
[Photo: Volvo]
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
The Volvo XC60 T8 eAWD includes as standard fare: rain sensor windshield wipers, headlight washers and Keyless Drive with Personal Car Communicator. Volvo Sensus gains increased steering wheel scroll control and functionality. The gearshift knob for the six-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission features illuminated drive modes and paddle shifters A Sport mode comes with the Geartronic transmission and the headlights provide Tunnel Detection. Road Sign Information and Active High Beam are also included.
Pilot Assist, Volvo’s advanced semi-autonomous driver assistance system, which takes care of steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked roads up to 80 MPH, is available in the new XC60.
There are a plethora of options for the 2018 Volvo XC60 T8 Inscription. My test vehicle sported a Crystal White metallic exterior finish with a Cognac (Brown) and Charcoal-toned interior. The Inscription features kick off the price hike at $3,800. Then there’s the $2,000 Convenience Package and the $1,100 Vision Package. If you want the “Luxury Seat Package”, that’ll be $3,000. The Advanced Package adds another $1,900 to the final tally. Other extra costs included a black headliner and sport steering wheel, metallic paint, a Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System, air suspension; and destination charges. All those extra options add another $6,790, bringing the final tally to $71,590.
2018 Volvo XC60 T8 powertrain [Photo: Volvo]
PERFORMANCE
The 2018 Volvo XC60 T8 Inscription makes its power from a 2.0-liter engine and an electric motor. But that’s not all – the four-cylinder engine is supercharged and turbocharged. The hybrid system’s combined total output is 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. Since it does have an electric motor, it also delivers 26 City/28 Highway MPG, and it can drive up to 21 miles on all-electric energy. Power is fed through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The horsepower and torque are impressive with an instantaneous response and output. That power and torque pays dividends, as the XC60 accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds – not bad for a car weighing over two tons.
The 2018 Volvo XC60’s selectable driving modes allow for matching one’s driving mood and situation. They include an AWD mode, a Pure mode for efficient operation, along with Hybrid mode (the default), and a Power mode for sportier driving.
The 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged engine is both smooth and instantly responsive to spirited prodding. The ride quality is quite comfortable, even with sporty front sport seats hugging you more than in the ordinary ones.
Handling is sporty and nimble with positive handling characteristics.
[Photo: Arv Voss]
[Photo: Arv Voss]
TFLCAR’S TAKE
The 2018 Volvo XC60 T8 Inscription provides a good amount of power, practicality, comfort, and luxury for a family. It’s a worthy alternative to other competitors in the segment, including the BMW X5 and Audi Q7. To see more about what the XC60 is like, watch our video review below. Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car for more news, views, and real-world reviews!
SPECIFICATIONS: 2018 Volvo XC60 T8 E Inscription
On Sale:
Now
Base MSRP:
$52,800.
Price as Tested:
$71,590.
Engine:
Engine:2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged I-4
Electric Motor: 87 HP
Drivetrain (Layout):
Transversely mounted front engine, all-wheel drive
Horsepower:
400 hp @ 6,000 RPM
Torque:
472 lb-ft @ 2,200 – 5,400 rpm
Transmission:
Eight-speed automatic with driver adaptive shift logic.
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson strut w/ coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, stabilizer bar.
Rear: Multilink independent suspension w/ coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
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?
There aren't any huge changes for the new model year, but the 2026 Kia Carnival does continue to offer both gas and hybrid options for budget-minded family buyers.
