Alexander Smith

Revving up my passion for cars and mastering the art of automotive excellence 🚗 . Join me on the road to automotive mastery! 🏁 #CarEnthusiast #AutoExpert

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

Cadillac Walks Back Only EVs by 2030 Plan

Cadillac announced that it will no longer pursue an exclusively electric vehicle lineup by the brand’s previously established 2030 deadline. The company is still in the process of offering electric vehicles across all of its market segments, but remains ready to meet customer demand for internal combustion and hybrid vehicles.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the announcement came by way of Global Cadillac Vice President John Roth during a media event on Wednesday. Roth noted that while Cadillac will offer all electric vehicles by 2030, the brand will likely continue the sale of traditional combustion vehicles for some time after that.

This is a major departure for the brand, which has advertised its intentions to become the first fully-electric brand within the General Motors umbrella. In fact, former Cadillac and GM of North America President Steve Carlisle had previously stated that 2030 would be “the end of the ICE age for Cadillac.” Current GM President Of North America Rory Harvey issued a similar sentiment back in 2021, stating outright that Cadillac wouldn’t sell gasoline powered cars after 2030.

Cadillac’s initial plans have been tempered by the reality of the electric vehicle market here in the United States. While EV sales continue to grow in the States, the rate of adoption has not kept pace with automaker’s plans for the end of the decade.

Cox Automotive reports that while EV sales were up 2.6 percent during the first quarter of the year compared to 2023, they were down 15.2 percent compared to Q4 of 2023. That’s a fairly dramatic shift, especially when you consider that the Q4 figures were already down when compared to years prior.

Peaks and valleys are to be expected during this transitional period, but as we pointed out in February 2023 the numbers aren’t adding up to support a total shift to EVs for traditional OEMs. These companies aren't prepared to walk away from what will still be the majority of their sales, even in the most optimistic EV projections.

Cadillac isn’t alone in its decision to walk back its lofty EV goals. Bentley has also announced that it will no longer commit to selling exclusively EVs by 2030. It won’t be a shock to see more automakers follow suit, particularly as other GM properties are concerned.

So while you can still expect a wave of new electric products from Cadillac, there is a reason it has updated nearly its entire internal combustion lineup.

Chris Perkins
Born and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry. He may daily drive an aging Mustang, but his Porsche 944 and NB Miata both take up most of his free time.

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

@NIOSwitzerland The NIO ET7 offers luxury and comfort with its signature version, including premium features like Nappa interior and sliding reclining seats.

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

Vintage Porsche Speedster Is Hoisted 58 Stories into Luxury High-Rise

One of the most iconic Porsche models ever made has recently completed a dramatic journey as it moved into its new home.
That home appears to be on the 58th floor of The Butterfly luxury high-rise tower in Vancouver, British Columbia.
A video, posted by TikTok user billy.langan, shows what appears to be a 1957 Porsche Speedster being hoisted by a crane 58 stories in the air.
It is an incredible, and nerve-racking sight to see the irreplaceable sports car soar high above the city of Vancouver.
The man taking the video seems to be dumbfounded by what he is seeing.
All he can manage to say as the Porsche soars by is, “And so that just happened.”
Porsche built about 1,170 Speedster models in 1957.
Far fewer than that remain intact today.
The best examples can be worth over half a million dollars.
Seeing one dangle over 600 feet above the Earth will have Porsche fans all over the world covering their eyes.
That is assuming this is an original 1957 Speedster.

Like the Shelby Cobra, the iconic Porsche Speedster has spawned an active replica industry.
It is possible that the car we see in the air is not an original car, but that doesn’t make the sighting any less dramatic.
And replica or not, what is the owner going to do with the car once it is on the 58th floor?
It will not be very practical to get this car out every time you want to take it out to the local cars and coffee.
Of course, most owners of these rare cars don’t drive them anymore anyway, so parking it in a luxury high-rise is not much different than storing it in a ground-level garage.
It is also possible that the car was hoisted into the tower for a marketing photoshoot, and quickly returned to the ground where it belongs.
No matter the reason, seeing a Porsche Speedster soaring through the air is not something you see every day.

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

Subaru Kills Legacy Sedan

Subaru announced that the Legacy mid-size sedan will be discontinued after the 2025 model year. The current generation, the seventh iteration, was introduced in 2020 and received a design update for the 2023 model year. Sales of the Legacy saw a 13 percent increase in 2023 compared to the previous year, reaching 25,510 units, but the numbers went down by 13 percent through March of the current year. This is a significant drop from the 65,000 units sold in 2016.

The Legacy was initially introduced in 1989, tailored specifically for the American market. It was also the first Subaru vehicle to be manufactured in the United States when the company opened its plant in Lafayette, Indiana. Initially available as both a sedan and a wagon in the U.S., the Legacy transitioned to just a sedan from the fifth generation onwards, starting from 2010. In the mid-1990s, a lifted Outback variant was derived from the Legacy, eventually becoming its standalone model in 2010, replacing the Legacy wagon.

According to Subaru, more than 1.3 million Legacy cars have been sold in the United States. It was the longest-running model line for the brand. The discontinuation of the Legacy is attributed to the market shift towards SUVs and crossovers, as well as Subaru's move towards electrified and fully electric vehicles. While there is a possibility of an electric replacement for the Legacy, Subaru seems more focused on expanding its crossover lineup in the future. The 2025 Legacy will be available in dealerships this spring, with prices starting at $26,040.

Caleb Miller, who began car blogging at a young age, achieved his goal of writing for a car magazine after completing his education at Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He has a passion for unique and unconventional vehicles and aspires to own an unusual car like a Nissan S-Cargo. Additionally, Caleb is an enthusiastic motorsports enthusiast.

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

@Gentlemansstyl Looking fabulous for Tuesday! Love the outfit choice, it really suits you. Where did you get those amazing pieces?

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

@CARandDRIVER The 2024 Porsche Macan EV sounds like it's all about innovation and efficiency! Can't wait to see how it redefines the driving experience.

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

@MalbonGolf @newbalance Exciting news! Don't miss out on the new Malbon @NewBalance Collection dropping today at 10am PT. Get ready to elevate your golf game in style!

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

The New Range Rover Electric Slides on Ice

JLR is finally introducing a fully electric version of its iconic Range Rover, a move that has been eagerly anticipated since it was confirmed last year. The new all-electric SUV is currently in the prototyping phase and is based on the same chassis as the traditional gasoline model.

According to JLR Chief Engineer Nick Collins, the Range Rover Electric will stay true to the brand's values of luxury and performance. The design of the electric SUV closely resembles its gas-powered counterpart, with modernist features and quality assurance processes.

In addition to its visual appeal, the Range Rover Electric is undergoing rigorous testing to ensure its performance in various weather conditions worldwide. From freezing temperatures in Sweden to scorching heat in the Middle East, the SUV's battery and electric motors are being put through their paces.

The Range Rover Electric will feature Electric Drive Units (EDU) instead of traditional differentials, leading to an updated traction management system. This system allows for quicker, more precise control of wheel slip, enhancing the vehicle's overall handling capabilities.

JLR is focused on pushing the Range Rover Electric to its limits during testing to ensure that it meets the high standards set for the brand. While specific details such as pricing, battery specifications, and power figures have yet to be revealed, the electric SUV is expected to be available at dealerships later this year.

Overall, the Range Rover Electric represents a significant step forward for JLR as it moves towards electrification while maintaining the luxury and performance that the brand is known for. Keep an eye out for this groundbreaking new model hitting the roads soon.

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

You Can Buy the First Ever Lotus F1 Car

Before the early 2010s split between two privately-owned Formula 1 teams claiming to be the real Lotus, there was just one racing team that bore the name. This was the real Team Lotus, the one that collected seven constructor's championships and 74 wins from the Fifties to the Nineties.

The Lotus of Graham Hill and of Jim Clark had to start somewhere, and its foray into Formula 1 began with this: a Climax-powered Type 12 now listed for sale at auction. This is not the first Lotus race car. It is Colin Chapman's first attempt at the big show in Formula 1.

It was also the first-ever F1 entry for Graham Hill, a man legendary for both his moustache and his two F1 titles. Hill drove the car in qualifying for the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix, a race he missed. Lotus ran it seven other times for Hill, sometimes as an F1 car and sometimes in the lower F2 configuration. Bonhams Cars

That makes this singular car the jumping-off point for the entire open wheel racing legacy of Lotus. Hill left the team's F1 program in 1960, but he returned in 1968 to both win a title with the team and compete in a few Indianapolis 500s.

Now, the car is set to be auctioned off in the principality where it once debuted. The Bonhams auction is set for May 10th, and if you have the estimated $310,000 to $410,000 it is expected to cost, it would make for one hell of a conversation piece.

Via MotorAuthority. This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

@GRANGEMOTORS Exploring new horizons with the Discovery Sport from Grange Land Rover. Ready for every family adventure. Contact your nearest showroom today!

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

@taymrobinson I totally get what you mean! But trust me, once you break them in, they're the most comfortable shoes ever. Give them another chance!

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

@jasebyjason New Balance is my go-to for simple, comfy kicks that won't break the bank. Been a fan since my teen years!

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

@MalbonGolf I can't wait to get my hands on the New Balance 550 Golf collection! It's the perfect blend of style and performance, I know it's going to take my game to the next level. Thanks, Malbon Golf!

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

@BongoVans Sunday vibes with the new balance 550! Can't wait to rock them like @BongoVans, always on point with the style.

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

2025 Mercedes AMG GT 63 S E Performance Is an 805-HP, 199-MPH Hybrid

Originally scheduled for a 2023 debut, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance model is now here, and it’s glorious. Equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 hybrid setup, the combined system is good for a blistering 805 horsepower and up to 1,047 pound-feet of torque. The German brand says the new Performance model’s top speed is 199 mph and it can zip from 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds.

“No AMG series model has ever sprinted that fast before,” Mercedes-AMG boss Michael Schiebe said in a release, calling it the “top model” in the GT set.
Mercedes-AMG
With a high-performance battery and permanently excited synchronous electric motor in the rear and the V-8 up front, the powertrain is positioned for quicker acceleration off the line. The latest technology was cribbed from Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team’s hybrid race cars, and the 400-volt, 560-cell battery is cooled by electrically non-conductive liquid that flows around each cell. Mercedes-AMG says the coolant’s heat capacity is two to three times higher and stores more thermal energy than water, and new cooling shafts were developed to ensure uniform coverage.

Standard features on the AMG-GT 63 S E Performance include active roll stabilization, variable all-wheel drive, active rear-axle steering, and carbon ceramic high-performance brakes. Eight driver-selectable modes (Electric, Battery Hold, Comfort, Slippery, Sport, Sport+, Race, and Individual) customize the steering, sound, and response.
Mercedes-AMG
The coupe’s aerodynamic functions are impressive, starting with the fact that the vehicle hunkers down by about 1.6 inches when exceeding 50 miles per hour. This vacuums the chassis to the road, creating a Venturi effect. A retractable rear spoiler adds to the AMG-GT 63 S E Performance’s ability to cut through the air like a razor blade in five different positions. On the acoustic side, those wishing for a quiet vehicle will be happy to know that the Comfort mode includes a “silent mode” that ensures a stealthy start. Inside the cabin, the speakers pump out artificial V-8 sounds to bridge the gap for traditionalists. Starting the day with an AMG roar may be better than coffee, after all. Add the optional massaging power performance seats, and it's all bliss.
Mercedes-AMG
Kristin Shaw fell in love with cars while visiting dozens of auto shows as a kid, which explains her fascination with fins and hood ornaments. She has competed twice in the Rebelle Rally, an all-female eight-day off-roading competition in a lifted Hyundai Santa Cruz. Her work has appeared in numerous publications like Popular Science, Road & Track, Edmunds, The Drive, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, Today, The Washington Post, and more. Yes, she knows she has the best job in the world.

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

Auto News, Reviews, and Car Culture

The article discusses how Americans cannot buy the ultra-basic, manual Ford Ranger that is available in Britain.

This version of the Ranger does not even come with air conditioning as a standard feature.

The article highlights the differences in available vehicle options between different countries.

It brings attention to how certain features that may be considered basic in one market are seen as optional in another.

The disparity in vehicle specifications and standard features across regions is showcased in this comparison.

It also sheds light on the various considerations that automakers take into account when designing and marketing their vehicles.

Overall, the article serves as a reminder of the diverse offerings in the automotive industry based on geographical locations.

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

Ford's New Mustang Experience Center Can Host Weddings

Today marks the 60th anniversary of the Mustang, and Ford is commemorating the occasion by introducing a new space for Mustang owners near a race track in North Carolina.

Ford plans for the venue to cater to a range of activities, such as track events and weddings. The Mustang Experience Center will not only serve as a specialized wedding venue but will also include a heritage gallery, parts shop, and merchandise store.

The company envisions the center as a hub for the Mustang community, similar to the National Corvette Museum in Kentucky for GM's iconic sports car. Despite being a ten-hour drive from the Flat Rock Assembly Plant where seventh-generation Mustangs are produced, the center establishes Charlotte as a significant location for the longstanding Mustang brand.

Positioned at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, known for hosting NASCAR events, the Mustang Experience Center will join the track's existing Dark Horse Track Attack program on its unique 'Roval' layout. The addition of the experience center will introduce Mustang Unleashed, a new track program tailored to owners, providing them with hands-on training and track time on the Roval circuit for both GT and EcoBoost Mustang models, in addition to the performance-focused Dark Horse program.

These owner-centered track programs align with similar initiatives for the Bronco and Raptor vehicle lines. The Bronco Off-Roadeo and Ranger Raptor Assault School are already established programs, with the Bronco events also welcoming non-owners to participate.

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

The Mercedes 500E Is the Greatest Benz Porsche Ever Built

The Mercedes 500E is a testament to the collaboration between Mercedes and Porsche, two iconic automotive home teams based in Stuttgart. The creation of the 500E marked a critical time for Porsche, as the struggling company was able to stay afloat with this project. Despite initial consideration for a twin-turbo six-cylinder engine, the 500E was powered by the contemporary 500SL's 5.0-liter V-8 that allowed the sedan to reach impressive performance figures. The joint parentage of the 500E showcased the harmonious relationship between two prominent automakers during the late Eighties. The widened front fenders of the 500E were a key visual feature that contributed to its enhanced handling and stability.

The collaborative effort between the two companies involved Porsche building the wider body shells of the 500E at its Zuffenhausen plant, while final assembly took place at Sindelfingen. Despite the high price tag of the 500E, demand remained high, with more than 1500 units making their way to the U.S. The combination of luxury, performance, and understated style made the 500E an iconic supersedan that rival manufacturers sought to emulate. The 500E's influence extended to future Mercedes-AMG models and set the stage for the development of high-performance sedans with V-8 engines and automatic transmissions.

The project was remembered fondly by key engineers involved, with Michael Hölscher recalling a memorable test drive to Lake Constance that showcased the exceptional capabilities of the 500E. The slogan of the project, "Cultural sportivity," encapsulated the vision shared by the engineers from both Mercedes and Porsche. The remarkable success of the 500E project underscores the collaborative spirit and technical expertise that defined this iconic sport sedan.
Summarized by https://t.co/mpP8SoJ2bz

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

Museum Wants to Keep Famous Ford Bronco from O.J. Simpson Chase

O.J. Simpson died last week at age 76 after losing his battle with cancer. Since that time, there have been reports circulating about the potential sale of the Ford Bronco that carried Simpson on the most famous police chase of all time.

However, the museum that currently has the Bronco on display is determined to keep it. Simpson was famous for many things. His Hall of Fame NFL career, his appearances in Hertz rental car commercials, and The Naked Gun films, as well as being the suspect in the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend, Ron Goldman.

It was the murder charges that led to one of the most watched and surreal moments in television history. On June 17, 1994, Simpson was in the back of an Oxford white 1993 Ford Bronco XLT driven by his friend Al Cowlings. Simpson failed to turn himself in to the police to face the murder charges, and that led to a two-hour-long, low-speed police pursuit that 95 million people watched on television.

That Bronco suddenly became one of the most famous vehicles in history. The Bronco from the chase was not actually owned by Simpson. He and his friend Cowlings owned identical Broncos, but Simpson’s Bronco was confiscated by police as part of the murder investigation.

So, it was Cowlings' Bronco that was chased by police. After the trial, where Simpson was acquitted of the crimes, the truck changed hands a few times.

It was even featured on an episode of Pawn Stars, but the seller wanted $1.3 million, and a deal could not be reached. The Bronco eventually found its way to the Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

It shares space in the museum with the 1968 VW Beetle that belonged to serial killer Ted Bundy and the 1933 Essex Terraplane that bank robber John Dillinger used to evade the FBI. But since the news of the death of Simpson broke, reports began to swirl about the owners of the Bronco wanting to sell.

Sports collectible website Cllct reported that the SUV’s three owners—Simpson’s former agent Michael Gilbert and two friends of Cowlings—are looking to sell the famous Bronco for $1.5 million.

Cher Murphy, a media spokesperson for the Alcatraz East Crime Museum told Road & Track that the museum wants to keep the truck, and its owners seem to be in agreement. “The only thing we can comment on is the owners have stated that they want it to remain in the crime museum and we are hoping it is always with us,” Murphy said.

If you are interested in seeing this Bronco, you may want to book a trip to the museum sooner than later. If this Bronco does get sold, there is no telling where it may end up.

[Alexander Smith @Alexander_S82]

With Boats and Supercars, Maserati is Going All-Electric by 2028

Sonic memories of Maserati's past exist as throaty, wailing V-8s, recently stifled by forced induction, and resonate straight-sixes if you look back far enough. But all that noise may be reduced to a whisper soon, as Maserati solidifies its plans to go all-electric by 2028.

That doesn't mean that Maserati will sell hybrids and battery-electric vehicles by 2028, either. Rather, Maserati is committing to be an EV-only manufacturer by 2028. No internal combustion engines and no hybrids, either, a Maserati spokesperson confirmed to The Drive.

This confirmation comes after some waffling around an exact timeline for Maserati's electrification process. Maserati's global CEO Davide Grasso admitted that not all markets will be hard-and-fast all-electric by 2028. Even so, Maserati says it will have an electric version of its entire lineup by 2025.

Starting with the 2024 Maserati GranTurismo Folgore and following it up with the Maserati Grecale Folgore crossover, the Turin-based brand is set to release an electric version of its MC20 supercar in 2025. Fellow Stellantis-owned Italian manufacturer, Alfa Romeo, says it will also go all-electric a full year earlier in 2027.

Beyond production vehicles, Maserati is committed to electrification in its motorsports department, too. Known as Maserati MSG Racing, the team is in its second competitive year of Formula E, with driver Maximilian Günther snagging the top spot at the 2024 Tokyo E-Prix in March. Giovanni Tommaso Sgro, head of Maserati Corse, explained Maserati's return to motorsports and the development of its future electric architecture go hand in hand.

"Technology transfer for us is a very important factor and important key for us," Tommasso Sgro said in an interview with Autoweek last year. "Although the technology transfer is not 100 percent now, there's going to be much more information that we can capture, share, and then decide if you want to implement in the cars that we developed for driving on the street."

And Maserati isn't stopping at road-going vehicles, either. It also announced an all-electric, carbon fiber boat known as the Tridente, produced in a joint venture with Italian boat maker Vita. With a cruise speed of 25 knots and a top speed of 40 knots, it seems Maserati's performance will make its way to the water as well.

A New York transplant hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Emmet White has a passion for anything that goes: cars, bicycles, planes, and motorcycles. After learning to ride at 17, Emmet worked in the motorcycle industry before joining Autoweek in 2022. The woes of alternate side parking have kept his fleet moderate, with a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and a 2003 Honda Nighthawk 750 street parked in his South Brooklyn community.