Is it a good idea to electrify old cars?

Now, it is a well-known fact that fossil fuels can't sustain the automotive industry. They'll either run out or become so expensive that only a small percentage of population will have access to them. Just ask the Indian government why they are taxing 64% of the total gas cost in the country. However, all is not lost. Cars with alternative power sources are becoming more popular by the day. Not just Tesla, but a lot of mainstream manufacturers like Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Toyota are offering hybrid trims of their best-selling specimens. Honda, on the edge of the spectrum, is developing hydrogen-run fuel cell technology for more than 10 years now. So, yes, you can still drive around in cars way after the gas stations shut down.

Fossil Fuels can only stave off an energy crisis for so long

 

Electric cars are seen as a great alternative. No matter what energy source is used, it can be converted to electricity anyway. Therefore, electric cars provide a long and sustained lifespan for any user without massive changes to a nation's infrastructure. Recharging stations across major roadways in US, Canada, UK, and Norway are a common sight. More countries should soon follow the trend. But, the two main difficulties with manufacturing electric cars are range and cost of manufacture. More charging stations would certainly help with the former, but what about the latter? Here is where an ingenious solution comes to light.

As fossil fuel reserves decline, cars that drink gas like a weightlifter gobbling up protein shake are becoming less useful. I certainly wouldn't drive an '85 Cadillac Eldorado when a 2012 Cadillac CTS-V would get me better technology, driving experience, and, most important of all, fuel economy. So what happens if someone has a sentimental value to that '85 Eldorado. Simple: Convert it to electric.

I think it is a common opinion that older cars looked more beautiful. Back then, designers weren't worried about stuff like aerodynamics and functional shapes. They were more obsessed with keeping the car as beautiful to the human eye as possible. That is why we don't see cars like the Lamborghini Countach and Bugatti Royale anymore. And when the gas runs out, these cars are pretty much useless. Yet, one of these could easily be converted to electric and live on. Yes, there would be a few differences when driving them. But hey, it's like giving your Grandpa an exoskeleton. Yes, he will be excited to go to the grocery store any chance he gets and people would turn heads, but at least it'll be happy to see him up and about.

Old MGBs can easily be equipped with an electric powertrain

 

It is not such an unheard of idea, anyway. A company called Eagle in the UK has been offering restored classic Jaguar E-Types as electric for years. It would be a good initiative if it was a more mainstream practice. Think about driving a restored Ford Mustang running fully electric(None of that Mach E crap) or a Chevy Bell Air whistling through the wind, noiseless and patient. While some may argue that electrifying classic cars takes away from the driving experience, I would say that it would eliminate what few problems the driving experience presents.

What does it take to electrify a classic car?

Contrary to popular belief it is actually much simpler to electrify an old car. The battery and the electric motor take up most of the weight. Still, the entire system has one moving part, so components such as oil systems and exhaust manifold are redundant. Once the prelim fabrication is done, new suspension and chassis restoration also take away a lot more girth from the car. Then, when you yank the engine right out, you already have a lightweight chassis to work with.

 

Even a Shelby Cobra can be converted to an EV with a bit of work

The transmission needs to be removed as well. Most electric cars have only two gears - forward and reverse. The revs and torque are more adequately handled by a variable transformer as the car goes faster. Thus, you never need to change gears out on the road. Once the motor and transmission gets fixed under the car, the battery can be placed in the engine bay. Depending on your requirements, you can have better range or performance. Remember, even on the lower voltage band, all of the power is delivered to the wheels at 0 rpm. So, you don't lose a whole lot if you prioritize driving range.

Finally, the electrical system needs a good dashboard interface. Aside from the remaining charge and speed, the dash should also include battery health. It should remind you promptly when the cells are draining out and the battery needs to be replaced. This typically should happen every 4-5 years but keeps to be informed nonetheless.

How does the car feel?

If you've never driven an electric car before, it would take some getting used to. Once you start the car, the immediate notice is that of no engine roar. Those who have restored a Barracuda or a Charger will certainly complain a lot, initially. However, putting the pedal down will give you a much more suave relief. As you drive along a busy intersection, you would feel that the car has now become much more tame and responsive. Additionally, you might get irritated when a gas guzzler buzzes past you, thinking why others can't enjoy the quiet and peace. Or maybe that's just me.

 

The dashboard of a classic car restored as an EV would certainly look different

Out on the open road, the car really shines out. Only the sound of the wind and tires bless your ear. If you are an audiophile and love to listen to music while driving, you would realize how much louder you used to set the stereo to drown out the engine noise, especially for those pesky V8s. The pace at higher revs is also surprising. The car would really reach 60 mph in a flash. Still, getting past 130 would get sluggish, even with the enhanced performance package.

Range anxiety was a common problem up until recent years. What's the point of a 3-hour drive when the car takes 9 hours to fully charge? Slowly, but surely, that question is becoming rarer to pop up. Depending on your batteries, you can get a decent range from just an hour of charging. Batteries from Tesla or Nissan can get 80% of their range restored in 60 minutes. However, less known manufacturers like BYD and LG Chem also offer fast charging options. And now that the supercharger grid is present across most major roadways, you can easily locate one through your smartphone anywhere in the country.

How much does it cost?

Okay, this is what would turn a lot of people down. Restoring a classic car through a dedicated garage such as Eagle would cost you anywhere between $60,000 to $100,000. That is the price range of the new Shelby GT500. That is a major hurdle for any car trying to make it to a middle-class garage. You can give any number of advantages, but they are meaningless if people can't afford to buy the car. To counter this problem, you can always lease an electric car to get used to it first. Many states also offer subsidies and tax returns to electric vehicle owners, so that you may get some of that money back.

 

This graphs shows the battery life of a Tesla over miles driven

 

Although, you should know that there is a better alternative. You can get an old car, or even a chassis, for much cheaper from any dealer across the country. The parts necessary for the conversion, even when imported cost around $30,000. Once you take the entire package to a mechanic who has experience with electric cars, the entire conversion process can be done at a much lower cost. This is a more difficult and time-taking step but you save a lot of money with the advantage of being a proud owner of a restored classic electric car.

The New Z Proto: What to expect of Nissan's latest version of the Fairlady

With the current 370Z slowly aging towards a well-deserved retirement, many wonder what it means for the iconic car whose history dates back more than 50 years ago. It wasn't just another tuner that was only good for a lot of noise and smoke. This is the end of an era for the traditional sports car that was light on luxuries but still delivered a fun driving experience. Well, now that we have a peek into the next iteration in the series called the 400Z, it is important to take a look back what makes this car series so special.

 

The 400Z is the latest addition to Nissan's Fairlady Z series.

Back in the late 1960s, the Datsun 240Z made history as a halo 3-door sports coupe from Japan that could challenge the British MG GT and the American Ford Mustang Fastback on the track any day of the week. In addition to its robust performance, the Fairlady Z was surprisingly economical and didn't suffer from the occasional breakdown when used as a daily driver. This was a cultural icon that Nissan didn't let go even after its merger with Datsun.

 

The Datsun 240Z was the dawn of Japanese sport cars.

As the dawn of the new century came close, the Nissan 350Z set the groundwork for what the series' future would be. This new Z33 coupe was sleeker, meaner, and much more customizable. With a new 3.5L V6 engine, it was more powerful as well. For the next two decades, the 350Z was a benchmark for Japanese tuner cars. Even the new generation of teens who knew nothing about automobiles had at least played a racing video game with the Nissan 350Z in it. However, the name of the game was modification. There are Z33 builds out there that have more than 700 hp on the factory engine. Especially with the Toyota Supra and Honda S2000 out of stock in the United States, the 350Z was the canvas where the best of tuners painted their magnum opus.

 

The 350Z set the benchmark for all future tuners.

While the next in line, the 370Z, didn't have a lot of upgrades over its predecessor, it was still a fun-to-drive car with the bare basic in terms of comfort. And Nissan was adamant about tradition. So much so that this was the only sports car in 2020 that still had a CD player as standard. Now, I am going to be frank here, there is "traditional" and then there is the "How do you do, fellow kids?" meme. Thankfully, it seems Nissan is pulling away from this trend for the 400Z.

For 2021, there are a fair few upgrades(pun intended) to make the Fairlady Z truly deserve the title of a sports car of the 21st Century. This time, you don't need to buy an extra turbocharging kit right after driving it out of the showroom. Nissan is generous enough to grant two of them right off the assembly line. The powertrain is clearly inspired from the similarly aged GT-R. Although some might see this as an attempt to extend the lifespan for an old powertrain, to me it seems like they are taking the best out of the previous generation Godzilla of a track car and making it tamer for a more street-friendly use. And yes, a manual 6-speed transmission comes as standard.

The insides of the Nissan 400Z are more modern than ever in the series.

On the inside, the difference between the 400Z and the 370Z is night and day. Gone are the cramped cabin seats and dull dashboard. Instead, you get a full digital display and a console touchscreen that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity(Finally!). You get a drive mode selector switch by default and an option for premium leather upholstery means the new Fairlady Z can have a gentleman's ambience on the inside.

On the outside, you can clearly spot the beautiful lines and front grille that pay homage to the classic Fairlady Z. As you move backwards, the sleek slopes remind you of the Z33 and the 370Z, finishing with the multi-section tail lights that Datsun first introduced in 1966. If that wasn't enough, a lot of Z badges and the redesigned headlights clearly lets anyone know exactly what they're looking at. Nissan will allow the classic bright yellow color schemes for all trims but it should be noted that more skins and a better performance NISMO version shall also be available down the line. So, fingers crossed.

 

Sticking to tradition, even the tail lights remind of the classic Fairlady Z.

It is clear that this new Fairlady Z is a direct rival to the new Toyota Supra, moving away from its more traditional competition such as the Subaru BRZ and the GT 86. The Supra is quicker to hit the road with the first pre-orders fulfilled as early as February 2020. Yet, it is clear that the 400Z is more about the traditional sports car fun, rather than the Supra which has gone full BMW with no manual transmission even as an option. It is still unclear when we'll get to drive one but one thing is certain: this would be a showdown to watch out for.

Top 5 Best SUVs of 2020

2020 is a year most of us will associate with not being too good or particularly generous. It seemed that it took more away from us than giving back. The automotive industry was one of the hardest hit sectors. Very few meaningful strides can be accomplished that most manufacturers could muster without going bankrupt in the process. It seems that it is hard to develop cars when most people aren't moving about in them at all.

SUVs and Crossovers saw a constant rise in recent years, right up until the beginning of the first quarter of 2020. According to a New York Times article, SUVs and crossovers outsold sedans two-to-one in 2019. Even after the lockdown took effect, the majority of the sales were still dominated by this segment.

Part of the reason for this sudden upsurge seems to be a change in lifestyle. If you want more practicality and technology in a family vehicle, and don't bother taking it a bit slower on the road, there is only so much a regular-sized sedan can deliver. Alongside all those advantages, SUVs have had several improvements in mitigating their drawbacks. A typical SUV of the 1990s had a large, thirsty engine that would drain the tank before you reach the next filling station, in addition to terrible handling and visibility of a Fallout bunker. Thankfully, you might not get such an idea from most modern variants.

 

While there were a lot of bold innovations this year, there were a few that stood out in their respective fields. As such, here are a few of the best SUVs and Crossovers, in no particular order, to come out in 2020.

1. Kia Telluride

The new Kia Telluride has a meaner look than its predecessor.

 

Now this one is a good example of the phrase "the customer is always right". The Telly gets what the average crossover customer wants - a lot of girth with enough comfort and convenience where it most matters. It has been a darling for review outlets around the world, and while I am quite skeptical of their professional opinion, in this case, I can't disagree. The Telluride is the largest SUV that Kia has manufactured till date, even stretching longer than the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. Once you get a peek inside the cabin, you realize it makes good use of that size. With 3-row seating, the 2020 Kia Telluride can seat a family of 8 with benching and 7 with captain's chairs. Even then, it boasts a trunk large enough to take all the passengers camping for a few days. While the base trim does just enough to get by, the top-level SX trim has Nappa leather, a Harman-Kardon audio system, and a HUD that is unbelievable for a mid-size SUV that costs just over $46,000. These are the kind of luxuries that belong more in a Merc or an Beemer.

 

On the inside, the Telluride is as spacious as it is high-tech.

That being said, there are some corners that are cut to make the Telly so cost effective. All trims come with the same naturally-aspirated V6 connected to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. While the handling is decent, it could use a bit more torque to get off the line quicker. With only 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, it feels a bit drained for a V6 in 2020. Not only that, the best that it can manage out on open tarmac is 26 mpg, which is way lower than other V6-powered SUVs in its class. Even then, considering what kind of package the Telluride delivers, a bit of stretch on your gas bill is acceptable. Not to mention the looks. All you need is some hidden gun cases in the back, and the Kia Telluride is able to give a proper Bond villain vibe. I wonder if that can be an option in the future.....

2. Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63

The new G-Wagon has a lot of performance improvements despite no cosmetic upgrades.

 

No best SUV list would be complete without the G-Wagon. Those Germans really pushed the limits to get the best performance for their latest version of the AMG G-Class, while still maintaining the car's off-road capabilities. On the outside, you will struggle to tell the difference between this and the one from 4 years ago. It is the insides, both the cabin and the hood, where the real distinction show up. Not only is the new AMG G 63 more powerful than ever, it also takes the same approach for comfort.

 

The AMG-tuned 4.0L twin-turbo V8 is the most powerful G-class engine ever.

Let's begin with the powertrain first. Pop the hood and you'll find yourself face-to-face with a pinnacle of automobile engineering. The 2020 Mercedes G-Wagon is powered by an AMG-tuned 4.0L twin-turbo V8, the same one used in the AMG GT R. It puts out 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque which is enough to make this beast rocket from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Not bad for a car that can also wade through 700 mm of water and climb an incline of 35 degrees. All the while, the people inside can enjoy luxuries like Nappa leather upholstery and massaging seats. For more info on specific interior features, check out the official Mercedes-Benz website.

3. Land Rover Defender

The new Land Rover Defender strikes the perfect balance between retro and modern design.

This bad boy has a long legacy from the previous Land Rover Defender that stopped selling the US in the 1990s. This name was bestowed upon vehicles that could cross the toughest of terrain, from the Amazon rainforest to the Australian Outback. So, when it came to light that a new version of the Defender was in the works, people were quite skeptical to say the least. However, this 2020 version not only retained its forefather's ruggedness, but also improved upon areas that were mostly ignored.

The new Defender uses brains instead of brawn to conquer any terrain.

 

The Defender keeps the spirit of its predecessor alive in the fact that it was built to conquer almost any terrain. Unlike the old Defender, this one uses advanced technology and gizmos to an extent that you would no longer question why was there a special edition trim for the latest Bond movie. From terrain-sensing LIDAR to detachable driveshafts, the 2020 Land Rover Defender proves that it doesn't matter how much power you have as long as it is smartly utilized. For a more comprehensive list of features, you can check them out at Motortrend here. That's not all, as the insides of the Defender can be decked out with tech like a digital gauge cluster, wireless charging, and premium leather upholstery.

4. Ford Expedition 

The new Ford Expedition is a more traditional full-sized SUV.

For those more familiar with Ford's muscle car projects, it was not a shock that taking the Mustang, a classic big-block all-American monster, in a direction that smelled of fresh crossover-induced lilac was a big mistake. I thinks Matt calls it out best. Still, that can't be said for the new Expedition. This full-size SUV is just what you would expect from a full-size SUV, and then some. With independent suspension and adjustable traction control, the 2020 Ford Expedition handles much better, both on-road and off, than its most obvious competitor the Chevrolet Tahoe.

The Ford Expedition can suit anyone thanks to its variety of trims and options.

The new Expedition is powered by an Ecoboost twin-turbo V6 engine paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. It doesn't add much to the demeanor when pressing down on the pedal but it is enough to make this car tow 9300 lbs, which is more than some pickups. Speaking of pickups, just like the F-150, the Ford Expedition offers a lot of trims to choose from. The 2020 version now comes with the King Ranch trim that has creature comforts like Del Rio leather upholstery and 22-inch wheels. Safe to say, you can build your Expedition that perfectly suits your needs. What's standard across the board is the Co-Pilot 360 safety system that has features like lane-keep assist and surround-view cameras to make sure you don't accidentally bump into a Civic ricer out of your line-of-sight.

5. Acura MDX

 

The Acura MDX possesses better handling than most other SUVs.

 

It is a few years until all-electric cars are a common sight and gas pumps are replaced with recharge stations, even in the desolates of Nevada. In spite of that, Acura is not giving up on developing its electric drivetrains. We've already seen that persistence with the new NSX and RLX. It was rational that their crossover section had a similar member. While the lower trims have a gas-only option, it is the Sport Hybrid that is sure to catch your eye. Powered by a 3.0L V6 in conjunction with a set of Li-ion batteries, the Acura MDX puts out a total of 321 hp and still delivers 27 combined mpg, which are good numbers for any crossover.

 

There is ample space up front but captain's seats instead of a third row is a better option.

 

Thanks to its drivetrain, the MDX has more manners on the road than most other SUVs. It is quite responsive on the throttle and gives you the confidence to tackle tight turns at speed. While the space in the back, both for the trunk and third row passengers, may be less than ideal, there is no shortage of comfort for the rest. A bit of money can easily get you an intuitive 8-inch touchscreen, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an ELS 12-speaker surround sound audio system. For a more comprehensive list of features, you can check out the official site here.