Category: Highlight

  • Edd China battles with his Volkswagen T5 van in “Workshop Diaries” episode 1

    Mechanic and television personality Edd China is back with a new YouTube show called “Edd China’s Workshop Diaries,” and the first episode is now live.

    As the title suggests, the show focuses on the various projects China has going on at his workshop, with some guests and field trips in the mix as well. In addition to old-school mechanical work and restorations, the show will feature electrification and prototyping projects, using modern technologies like 3D printing, CNC machining, and water-jet fabrication, as China explains in the episode’s intro.

    Besides setting up the premise of the show, and catching up viewer’s on China’s activities since he left “Wheeler Dealers,” the first episode focuses on China’s Volkswagen Transporter T5 van. That’s the fifth-generation VW, which wasn’t sold in the U.S. (VW quit with the Transporter T4, sold as the Eurovan in this market).

    Edd China

    Edd China

    The van was leaking coolant, and China hypothesizes that an oil cooler was the problem. Coolant in the engine oil confirms that hypothesis, so China tries to save the old oil cooler before deciding to install a new oil cooler and filter (they’re attached to the same housing on this engine) on the van. He also installs a new air-conditioning pump while the engine is accessible.

    Next, it’s time to reattach the radiator and front clip, reconnect hoses and sensors, and top off fluids. Once the engine is fired up and up to temperature, China finds no sign of a coolant leak. Watch the full video, and you’ll get a detailed yet concise explanation of the repair.

    It’s worth noting that China announced two previous shows—”Edd China’s Garage Revival” and “Built By Many“—after leaving “Wheeler Dealers” in 2017, and neither went anywhere. Perhaps “Workshop Diaries” will have more success. China says he plans to create an episode every week until people don’t want to watch. He also notes that he’s working with a production team and sponsors, indicating at least some level of long-term commitment.

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  • Preview: 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV arrives to embarrass Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler

    The 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV that GMC unveiled during the Final Four on Saturday will look to become the ultimate off-roader, but it will face stiff competition from the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. Both of those vehicles are smaller, far more attainable, and most importantly, available for order now.

    The SUV version of the GMC Hummer EV has a spec sheet similar to the 2022 GMC Hummer EV pickup truck, but it will be smaller and potentially more capable off-road.

    The Hummer SUV will offer up to 830 hp, sent to all four wheels via a choice of two or three electric motors. It will be capable of a 0-60 mph sprint of less than 3.5 seconds and offer more than 300 miles of range. GMC will sell it in five models, two of which are six-figure Edition 1 offerings.

    The real difference between the Hummer EV SUV and pickup truck is size, which will affect the SUV’s off- and on-road capabilities and driving dynamics.

    2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV

    2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV

    The SUV rides on a 126.7-inch wheelbase, which is 8.9 inches shorter than the truck. That will give it even better departure and breakover angles, as well as a turning circle of 35.4 feet—1.7 feet shorter than the truck.

    The Hummer EV SUV looks like the pickup truck from the front, but the side view reveals a stubbier appearance. A full-size spare tire is mounted on the liftgate, and the rear three-quarter view gives some strong Hummer H3 vibes. The pickup’s large front trunk, sliding tailgate glass, Targa front roof panel, and second-row T-tops will be standard. The Targa panel and T-tops can fit in the frunk.

    The Hummer EV SUV will share its interior with the pickup with seating for five passengers. A 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster dominate the simple upright dashboard. Like the pickup, the touchscreen will utilize the UnReal engine, which is a popular video-game program, to display 3D graphics and motion to indicate what the SUV is doing.

    2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV

    2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV

    The Hummer EV SUV Edition 1 model will arrive first in the spring of 2023 and cost $105,595 including destination. A 20-module Ultium lithium-ion battery pack will power the three electric motors. It will have an 800-volt electric architecture with the ability to fast-charge at a rate of up to 300 kw. Edition 1 models will have the full 830 hp and 11,500 lb-ft of torque. Side assist steps and floor liners will be standard, as will 22-inch wheels.

    The Hummer EV SUV Edition 1 with Extreme Off-Road Package will arrive at the same time with the same power output and drivetrain, but range will fall to 280-plus-miles and the price will increase to $110,595. Off-road equipment will include 18-inch wheels and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, underbody armor, and rock sliders. A front e-locker and virtual rear locker should help keep things moving in messy situations. Heavy-duty ball-spline half shafts will increase durability, and GM’s UltraVision underbody camera system with up to 18 camera views will show what’s going on around the vehicle while off-road.

    The Hummer EV3X SUV model will cost $99,995 and follow first editions with deliveries set for spring 2023. It will have the same powertrain and specs as the Edition 1 models, and the Extreme Off-Road Package will be available, but it hasn’t been priced.

    The Hummer EV2X SUV will also arrive in spring 2023 and cost $89,995. This model will feature the 800-volt architecture and 20-module Ultium lithium-ion battery pack delivering more than 300 miles of range, but it willl only have two electric motors. Power drops to 625 hp. Performance figures haven’t been detailed, but we do know the Extreme Off-Road Package will be available.

    The base model will be known as the Hummer EV2 SUV, but it won’t arrive until the spring of 2024 with a base price of $79,995. A 16-module Ultium battery pack will power two electric motors to deliver more than 250 miles of range, up to 625 hp. An 800-volt architecture with the 20-module Ultium battery pack and more than 300 miles of range will be optional.

    Like the Hummer EV pickup truck, the SUVs will be available with the CrabWalk feature that utilizes the available four-wheel steering system to step sideways to avoid tricky obstacles and maneuver in tight situations. Extract Mode, which can raise the ride height to 15.9 inches from the standard 9.9 inches, will also be available, and GMC will offer the hands-free Super Cruise highway driver-assist system.

    GM will release more information on the 2024 GMC Hummer EV as we approach the on-sale date.

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  • Preview: 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS arriving with benchmark interior, more than 400 miles of range, up to 516 hp

    The S-Class has been the flagship model of the Mercedes-Benz lineup for decades, but in the shift to electric cars it’s about to at least share that top pedestal with the EQS.

    Last week, the German automaker revealed the interior of the Mercedes-Benz EQS electric sedan and provided new details regarding the car’s design, while confirming some new specifications. On Friday, Mercedes released more information about the EQS’s electric powertrain, range, aerodynamics, charging capabilities, and navigation functions.

    The EQS is set to be a rolling technological tour de force, with an interior set to shame the Tesla Model S into mainstream status while possibly setting a new benchmark by which vehicle interiors will be judged. In short, it just might become this generation’s W126, the template of luxury cars for a generation.

    2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS

    2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS

    2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS

    2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS

    Teaser for 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS debuting on April 15, 2021

    Teaser for 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS debuting on April 15, 2021

    Riding on the new modular EVA platform, the EQS will be powered by a choice of two modular, liquid-cooled, lithium-ion battery packs running on a 400-volt architecture; the larger 108-kwh battery pack is already in production in Germany. Mercedes-Benz hasn’t said how large the smaller pack is, but with the large pack the automaker said the EQS will have a range of up to 770 kilometers (just under 478 miles) on the European WLTP testing cycle. That should translate to an EPA range rating of more than 400 miles.

    The EQS will offer rear-wheel drive or a dual-motor (front and rear) option for all-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz said output will range from 329 to 516 hp and at least 406 lb-ft of torque, though a more powerful performance version is in the cards. The top speed will be limited to 130 mph. It will also come with three levels of regenerative braking chosen via shift paddles on the steering wheel.

    EQS hatchbacks will be capable of DC fast-charging rates of up to 200 kw that will allow it to gain about 150 miles of charge in 15 minutes. The optional on-board charger will have up to 9.6 kw of charging capacity, though Mercedes-Benz hasn’t stated the standard charger’s rate yet.

    Compared to the Tesla Model S and other ground-up electric cars, the EQS will feature a smaller front trunk as some of that area is taken up by the air conditioning components.

    2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS

    2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS

    EQS owners will be able to choose how their electric luxury sedan sounds. Two standard soundscapes dubbed Silver Waves and Vivid Flux will come standard on the EQS; the former is said to be sensuous and clean, while the latter is aimed at EV enthusiasts with a crystalline, synthetic sound. A third sound, called Roaring Pulse, will be an over-the-air update that can be downloaded and is said to be reminiscent of powerful machines.

    We’ve seen spy shots of the EQS sedan, and there won’t be a lot of surprises when the covers come off on April 15.  It will have a coupe-like roofline and a smooth, seamless body design devoid of sharp lines and creases. A clamshell-like hood will overlap the fenders, and the front will feature a panel instead of a traditional grille to give the EQS a “face,” according to head of exterior design Robert Lesnik.

    Mercedes-Benz confirmed the electric car’s cab-forward design is extremely aerodynamic with a coefficient of drag of 0.20. Details also help the car cut through the wind, including the arrow-shaped front and rear wheel spoilers and a rear spoiler optimized for lift and drag. Three aero wheel sizes, ranging from 19 to 21 inches, will be offered and they will likely be wrapped in low rolling-resistance tires. Mercedes will also offer 22s without such an aero-focused design. The 0.20 coefficient of drag makes the EQS slipperier than the Tesla Model S and Lucid Air, giving it the title of slipperiest regular production car in the world.

    In January, Mercedes-Benz revealed the EQS’s Hyperscreen infotainment system, which consists of a 56-inch-wide screen with three control zones, including one just for the front passenger with seven profiles. The interior of the EQS will feel familiar, yet new, for those having spent time in a recent Mercedes-Benz.

    Mercedes-Benz EQS interior

    Mercedes-Benz EQS interior

    The dashboard of the EQS flows into the door panels as if it’s one seamless piece, with a thin ribbon of LED lighting. Intricately detailed metal turbine-like air vents sit on either side of the dashboard, while the central air vents above the touchscreen display blend into the trim. The dashboard has a minimalist feel, but unlike a Tesla or other recent Mercedes-Benz models, it all appears integrated rather than tacked-on.

    With no central drive tunnel or transmission housing to package around, the EQS employs some creative packaging solutions including a large open bin under the center console for a bag.

    Quilted leather sport seats, shiny piano black plastic, real wood, metal speaker grilles, and enough LED lighting to throw a rave for five all add up to what one expects of a flagship luxury vehicle in 2021.

    Certain bits, including the rear-seat entertainment screens, door handles, and door-mounted seat controls, appear to be shared with the new 2021 S-Class. That also means carrying over the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.8-inch center touchscreen on EQS sedans without Hyperscreen, but that’s not a bad thing. Flagships can share.

    Mercedes-Benz EQS interior

    Mercedes-Benz EQS interior

    The Hyperscreen infotainment system runs off 8 CPU cores, 24 GB of RAM, and 12 actuators under the touchscreen itself to trigger tangible vibrations when a finger touches the screen. Up to 350 sensors inside the EQS monitor its functions, vehicle surroundings, and passengers, including both body movement and spoken language. Artificial intelligence is also integrated. Mercedes-Benz said the EQS is capable of over-the-air software updates for the life of the vehicle.

    The navigation system is intelligent enough to plan the fastest and most convenient route, including charging stops, while accounting for energy demand based on topography, route, ambient temperature, speed, and vehicle system demands. The system will utilize on-board data along with cloud computing to make calculations and respond to situations including but not limited to traffic, changes in energy demand, and the number of charging stations available, their charging capacity, and payment functions.

    The available Burmester surround sound system in the EQS will feature 15 speakers and 710 watts of power. The 2021 S-Class can be ordered with a Burmester audio system with twice the number of speakers (30), and over double the power output (1,750 watts), but it runs on gas.

    The Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan will be unveiled on April 15 and is due to arrive in the U.S. later in 2021.

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