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Buick Trademarks The Electra Name, Does It Hint At Upcoming Electric Crossover?

Buick’s range in North America comprises exclusively of SUVs including the Envision, Encore and Enclave, but none of them is fully electric. This could change in the near future as the automaker filed a trademark for the Electra name in Canada, a move that could hint at a production version of last years’ fully electric crossover concept bearing the iconic name.

General Motor’s trademark filing from December 20 for the Buick Electra name was posted at the Rivian Owners Forum. Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean that Buick will use the Electra name on a production vehicle, nor that this will be a fully electric crossover, however both of those assumptions sound plausible given the timing.

See Also: 2023 Cadillac Lyriq Electric SUV Unveiled In Production Form

The pictured Buick Electra concept was unveiled last year in Shangai. The prototype brought back an iconic name used in full-size luxury sedans from 1959 to 1990. Unlike its predecessors, the new Electra adopted a sleek crossover-style silhouette previewing Buick’s future design language.

Like the Cadillac Lyric that was unveiled in production form earlier this year, the Buick Electra concept was based on GM’s Ultium architecture with a fully electric powertrain. In the concept, the dual electric motors produced 583 hp (435 kW / 589 PS), while the Ultium battery allowed a range of more than 410 miles (660 km). The production version could use the Lyriq’s 100 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which is good for a more down-to-earth 300 mile (483 km) electric range.

See Also: Buick Smart Pod Is A Futuristic Luxury Minivan Concept

A Buick Electra SUV could be a competitor for the rumored Chrysler Airflow and the Ford Mustang Mach-E, or move upmarket to rival more premium electric SUV proposals from BMW (iX), Audi (e-tron), and Mercedes-Benz (EQE). In any case, the design of the concept would have to be toned down for production, including a more conventional design for the greenhouse and the doors while retaining elements like the overall crossover shape, the Matrix LED lighting units, and the large-diameter wheels.

Buick hasn’t made any announcements for the future product strategy so we don’t know if and when they are planning to introduce their first fully electric SUV. Outside North America, the automaker is steadily increasing its sales in China, where it is also offering a wide range of sedans, SUVs, and luxury MPVs.

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Custom GMC Yukon XL Convertible Could Double As A Safari Vehicle

From time to time we see plenty of cars being chopped off but there is always something new that triggers our curiosity. The pictured GMC Yukon XL is such an example, thanks to the custom tubular frame and the removable soft top. This uniquely used vehicle is located in Spencer, Indiana, and it’s for sale with a $11,900 asking price.

This started life as a 2003 GMC Yukon XL 1500 fitted with a 5.3-liter V8 sending power to the rear wheels (2WD) through a four-speed automatic gearbox. With 140,909 miles (226,771 km) in the odometer, it has enjoyed a long life. According to the listing, it has a clean title, it still runs and drives great, and it even comes with a new battery and a new set of all-terrain tires.

See Also: Chopped-Up Ram 1500 Convertible Pickup Will Leave You Scratching Your Head

At a certain point, the owner decided to cut off the roof and the pillars, leaving only the A-pillars and the windshield. In order to maintain an acceptable level of rigidity in this extremely long truck-based body-on-frame SUV, they added a tubular frame above the cabin, which also works as a base for the soft top.

The manually operated roof is clipped on the waistline of the SUV, which means it should require quite some time to place/remove. Also, the fact that the windows have been replaced with removable transparent vinyl makes us worry about sound insulation and weatherproofing.

That being said, there are not many seven-seater vehicles that can provide such an open-air experience for all passengers, plus having enough room for their luggage. When fully opened, the Yukon Convertible with the custom frame kind of looks like a safari vehicle, as the only thing that is missing is a tent.

First discovered on Reddit, the custom vehicle is listed for sale by ttrepairables.com. Driving your kids to school in a drop-top seven-seater SUV sounds a bit tacky and the price is quite steep for an old 2WD Yukon with such mileage, but it will definitely be a head-turner.

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Hyundai’s Adorable New Casper Goes On Sale In Korea With A Sub-$12k Price And Plenty Of Kit

Hyundai revealed the first official pictures and information of the Casper two weeks ago and now the company is showing us the interior of the tiny SUV while announcing pricing for the Korean market through the car’s dedicated website.

Despite measuring only 3,595 mm (141.5 inches) long, 1,595 mm (62.8 inches) wide, and 1,575 mm (62 inches) tall, the new Casper appears to have a quite roomy four-seater cabin with plenty of practical features and modern technology.

See Also: Hyundai Casper Breaks Cover With Funky Design And Compact Dimensions

Both of the front seats can fold flat (a word’s first for the driver’s seat, according to Hyundai) which in combination with the split-folding rear seats can transform the cabin into a sleeping area. Additionally, the rear seats can slide by 160 mm (6.3 inches) and recline by up to 39 degrees, prioritizing either rear legroom or boot space. The latter has a capacity of 301 liters (10.6 cubic feet) with the rear seats in the most forward position.

Hyundai designers added some colorful touches on Casper’s cabin and make it a more pleasant place to sit, while the plastic materials appear to be more in line with the budget character of the model, at least in the photos.

However, the tech features are impressive for the segment, at least in the flagship trim level, which gets an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, blue link, voice recognition, and Hyundai CarPlay, while there is also a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 6-speaker audio system (2-speakers on the base spec model).

Next to the transmission shifter, you’ll also find a driving mode switch that includes a 2WD rough road setting (snow/sand/mud) for better traction.

In terms of safety, the Casper is fitted with 7 airbags as standard, including an airbag between the driver and the front passenger. Despite being just a small crossover, it also gets plenty of active safety systems including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Lane Keeping Assist as standard. The top trim level adds a navigation-based Smart Cruise Control and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist.

The most affordable “SUV” from Hyundai

Since the 14th of September, Hyundai started accepting early bid reservations for the Casper, until its official debut which is scheduled for the 29th of September. The model range consists of three grades – Smart, Modern, and Inspiration – with pricing positioning the Casper as Hyundai’s most affordable crossover model (significantly cheaper than the BayonCretaVenue, and Kona B-SUVs).

The entry-level Smart starts from 13,850,000 won ($11,860), the mid-spec Modern starts from 15,900,000 won ($13,612) while the flagship Inspiration starts from 18,700,000 won ($16,010). The latter has plenty of kit for the price, including the 8-inch infotainment, the complete range of Hyundai SmartSense ADAS systems, and 17-inch wheels. Optional features include the sunroof which costs 400,000 won ($342), and the pictured Active bodystyle adding an extra 900,000 – 950,000 won ($771 – $814) to the price for a more purposeful look.

See Also: Hyundai Casper N Render Is Pure Fiction But We Like It

The engine range in the Korean market includes a pair of three-cylinder petrol motors – a naturally aspirated 1.0 MPI producing 75 hp (56 kW / 76 PS) and a turbocharged 1.0 T-GDI producing 99 hp (74 kW / 100 PS). Both of them are mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox sending power to the front axle.

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Maserati Levante Gets Wedged Under Bridge In California Following Police Chase

The driver of a Maserati Levante has been lucky to survive a scary crash following a brief police pursuit.

The California Highway Patrol’s Oakland office recently shared images online of a white Levante that crashed into the underside of a freeway in Los Angeles.

SF Gate reports that the 32-year-old male driver of the Maserati refused to stop for an officer attempting to pull him over on 580 westbound and accelerated to over 100 mph (160 km/h). Police began chasing him before he exited the freeway at West Street and drove up an embankment, hitting the underside of the freeway and getting wedged there.

Watch Also: 2021 Maserati Levante Trofeo Is Quicker Than The Spec Sheet Suggests

“It was a short-lived pursuit,” Officer David Arias said. “He didn’t make it far before he exited and as soon as he exited, instead of going straight, he veered left, went off the ramp and then went up the embankment and collided with the underside of the freeway.”

California Highway Patrol say the driver was taken to a local hospital after complaining about being in pain. He will face charges for reckless evading, authorities confirmed.

“It’s unbelievable that he didn’t die,” Arias added. “It’s crazy that he lived.”

The damage sustained to the Maserati is comprehensive and it will clearly be heading straight to a scrapyard. The edge of the freeway underpass wedged into the roof of the SUV and had the SUV been just a few inches to either the left or the right, the driver could have very easily suffered lethal head injuries.

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For Around $20,000, This Hot Pink Ford Explorer Interceptor Wants To Protect And Serve You

A hot pink Ford Explorer fit for a Paris Hilton wannabee will be offered up for sale from Mecum Auctions later this week.

To say this Explorer is ‘unique’ would be an understatement. Most notable is the hot pink finish that has been painted on, meaning that this isn’t an aftermarket wrap that the new owner could easily remove. We have no idea what could motivate someone to take a perfectly fine Explorer and paint it in this way but if the owner wanted to attract attention, they’ve certainly achieved that.

Watch Also: Ford Explorer Driver Totals Toyota Prius While Making A U-Turn

The paint isn’t the only unique thing about this Explorer. As you’ll notice, the front end is rocking a large push bar just like an official Explorer police vehicle. The SUV also rocks a spotlight on the A-pillar and even has a Police Interceptor badge on the tailgate. If this is indeed a former police vehicle, we can only imagine what the officers that once drove the Explorer would think of it in its current state. The aftermarket 20-inch wheels only add insult to injury.

Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse, they do, as the interior has also been overhauled. In fact, hot pink leather has been applied across the seats and door panels while pink carpets make the cabin all the more eye-catching. The seats also include areas of white leather and hot pink piping.

Mecum Auctions expects this ‘special’ Ford Explorer to sell for between $15,000 and $20,000.

H/T to Motor1

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This Rolls-Royce Cullinan Had Its Brakes Checked At A Chevy Dealer

One would expect the owner of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan to take their luxurious SUV to their nearest Rolls-Royce dealership were they ever in need of a service or a quick check-up. Evidently, the owner of this Cullinan decided a Chevrolet dealership would be up for the job.

This image was shared in the Justrolledintotheshop Subreddit that is filled with interesting posts by mechanics from all around the world.

Read Also: Upgrade Your Rolls-Royce Cullinan To 663 HP For $3,995

The individual who uploaded this photo says the owner of the Cullinan came to the Chevrolet dealership to have the brakes of the SUV checked. The mechanic adds that they wanted him to check out the inside of the rotors, perhaps because of a noise in that area, meaning the mechanic had to put the Rolls-Royce on the shop’s lift.

In news that won’t surprise anyone, the mechanic adds that the Rolls-Royce in question is owned by a footballer.

While the Cullinan is one of the most refined SUVs on the planet, the owner of this example has seemingly decided to make it look subdued and had the exterior wrapped in a combination of matte and gloss black. The massive wheels of the Rolls have also been finished in matte black and even the headlights have been tinted black.

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Mercedes-AMG G63 VIP Limo By Inkas Armored Is Extra Long, Extra Strong

Canada’s Inkas Armored has unveiled the ultimate bulletproof variant of the latest-generation Mercedes-AMG G63: the VIP Limo.

Equipped with the latest luxury features, security and protection, the G63 VIP Limo is said to set a new standard in VIP vehicles. As the video reveals, the luxury off-roader has been stretched, measuring 6,186 mm (243.4 in) bumper to bumper and 4,374 mm (172.2 in) between the axles.

This means interior space is cavernous, but since this vehicle isn’t about transporting lots of people, Inkas only fits it with seating for four – two at the front (including the driver) and two in the huge separate rear compartment.

See Also: Inkas Gives 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 A 360-Degree Armor Upgrade

As you can imagine, the stretched G63 is designed for the VIP rear occupants who benefit from all the luxury features imaginable. The split partition is designed to allow a 4K TV to be tucked away in the lower console, in case the front and rear passengers need to communicate.

The rear area also features a premium audio system available in multiple speaker configurations, Apple TV integration, a motorized bar with a built-in cool box, and premium fully-reclining captain’s chairs upholstered in top grain leather or premium Alcantara suede. The chairs feature built-in massaging, heating and cooling functions, as well as a built-in control center allowing rear passengers to have full control over all media, lighting, comfort, and security functions.

Also part of the package is a customizable daylight headliner specifically calibrated to mimic real sunlight as closely as possible. The G63 VIP Limo is also fitted with a chemical filtration system to ensure the vehicle cabin remains free from pollutants and bacteria.

As with its predecessor, protective measures obviously go beyond that and start with armoring materials covering the entire perimeter of the vehicle’s body. Meeting CEN 1063 BR7 level of protection, they provide shelter against attacks from 7.62x51mm or .308 Winchester FMJ ammunition. Moreover, they enable the G63 VIP Limo to withstand an explosion from two hand grenades detonated simultaneously below its floor.

To cope with the added weight and maintain high performance and a smooth ride, Inkas has also upgraded the suspension components and fitted heavy-duty run-flat tires which enable the vehicle to drive at full speed even with punctures. Rounding out the standard armoring package is high-quality ballistic glass, protection for both battery and electronic control modules, and an overlap system for door seams.

The 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine remains stock, delivering 577 HP (585 PS) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque to all four wheels via an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G nine-speed automatic transmission.

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Here’s More Intense Off-Roading With The 2021 Ford Bronco

 

A pair of new videos showing the 2021 Ford Bronco being tested in Moab, Utah along the extremely difficult Hell’s Revenge Trail have hit our desks.

In these videos, a handful of camouflaged and non-camouflaged Bronco prototypes are driven up and down large rock faces along the 6.5-mile long trail. At one stage in the second video, a Bronco is filmed at ‘Mickey’s Hot Tub,’ a difficult obstacle along the trail where vehicles drive into a large hole and then have to drive out the other side via a near-vertical face of rock. With the exception of some wheel slip, the Bronco deals with the obstacle very well indeed.

Both 2- and 4-door Bronco prototypes are featured in the video with various different wheel and tire packages. All of them seem superbly capable in tough off-road conditions, something that will be welcomed by enthusiasts and prospective owners alike.

Also Watch: See The 2021 Ford Bronco Get Tested To Its Limits In Utah

Aiding the Bronco’s off-road abilities is the fact that it offers best-in-class ground clearance of 11.6 inches (294 mm) and best-in-class water fording at 33.5 inches (851 mm). It also has a maximum breakover angle of 29 degrees with a departure angle of 32 degrees. The short front and rear overhangs prove to be particularly useful in these videos.

When order books for the 2021 Ford Bronco open, it will be available with two EcoBoost engines; a base 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 270 hp and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque and a 2.7-liter V6 with 310 hp and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm). A hybrid model is also thought to be in the works.

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New 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross Blurs The Lines Between Hatches And SUVs

If you needed any more proof that demand for SUVs and crossovers shows no signs of abating, this is it. Say hello to the Toyota Corolla Cross, a crossover variant of the Japanese marque’s most famous hatchback and arriving just a few months after the Toyota Yaris Cross.

The Toyota Corolla Cross has so far only been unveiled in Thailand and uses the Toyota New Global Architecture C (TGNA-C). It will be sold in both hybrid and petrol forms and is 4,460 mm (175.5 inches) long, 1,825 mm (71.9 inches) wide, and 1,620 mm (63.8) inches tall, complete with a 2,640 mm (103.9 inches) wheelbase.

Read Also: Hot Toyota GR Corolla Could Arrive In 2023 With GR Yaris’ Turbo Engine

Entry-level models sold in Thailand come outfitted with a 1.8-liter petrol engine producing 140 hp and 129 lb-ft (175 Nm) of torque. This engine drives the front wheels through a CVT. Toyota being Toyota, a hybrid is also on offer, and combines a 1.8-liter that produces 98 hp and 105 lb-ft (142 Nm) with an electric motor delivering an extra 72 hp and 120 lb-ft (163 Nm) of torque. Paired with this hybrid setup is an electric CVT.

Elsewhere, the Corolla Cross comes with MacPherson strut front suspension, torsion-beam rear suspension, disc brakes at all four corners, and is available with 17- and 18-inch wheels wrapped in 215/60 and 225/50 rubber respectively.

From a visual standpoint, the crossover looks nothing like the Corolla hatchback and instead looks more like a baby RAV4. Found up front is a pronounced black grille as well as sharp headlights and LED daytime running lights. The crossover also includes black bumpers, side skirts, and wheel arches while sporting a pair of black roof rails.

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Whereas the exterior look is unique, the interior is very familiar with the Corolla hatchback. There is a large touchscreen jutting out of the dashboard, a digital gauge cluster, and the same air vents as the hatch.

Sales of the new Corolla Cross will kick off this month in Thailand. It will land in other markets in the not too distant future as well, though Toyota hasn’t provided any specific details yet.

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2021 Cupra Ateca Performance SUV Gets Styling And Tech Upgrades, Retains 296 HP Powertrain

Exactly one week ago, SEAT officially presented the facelifted 2021 Ateca lineup, though one important member was missing.

We’re talking about the Cupra-badged performance variant, which the Spanish automaker has now unveiled as well. Unsurprisingly, the 2021 Cupra Ateca adopts all the new styling elements from the regular model, throwing some of its own into the mix as well.

Updates include the reshaped headlights that bring the Ateca in line with newer products like the Leon and Tarraco, new Cupra grille inspired by the Formentor crossover coupe, a more aggressive front bumper with bigger air intakes, LED taillights with dynamic indicators, and new 19-inch alloys with copper accents.

See Also: 2020 Formentor Unveiled As Cupra Brand Exclusive Coupe-SUV

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Inside, the facelifted Cupra Ateca gains the new 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit, an upgraded infotainment system featuring a new HMI interface with re-positioned 9.2-inch touchscreen, and new leather-wrapped steering wheel. Copper accents, new materials and upholstery choices are also part of the mid-cycle update.

The 2021 Cupra Ateca continues to feature a 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood, mated to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard 4Drive AWD. The power and torque ratings remain unchanged at 300 PS (296 HP) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft), respectively.

Despite that, Cupra managed to improve the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration by fine-tuning the AWD system to maximize traction and performance. As a result, the benchmark sprint now takes 4.9 seconds – 0.3 seconds less than before. The top speed stays the same at 247 km/h (153 mph).

As before, Launch Control and Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) are standard, while the steering calibration and throttle response have been updated “to give the vehicle maximum agility and enhance feedback for drivers.” An Akrapovič exhaust system continues to form part of the package, while ventilated 18-inch Brembo brakes are available as an option.

As far as safety is concerned, the 2021 Cupra Ateca gains new advanced driver assistance systems, including Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, Side and Exit Assist, Front Assist with Pre-Crash braking, and Travel Assist.

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