New Model News

Ford thinks you want to eat shrimp out of your frunk

Shrimp cocktail anyone? Ford is showing off the capabilities of its front trunk with an ... interesting display.

Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company

There's tailgating and then there's tailgating. Ford has taken the burgers, beer, chips, and dips game a step further by proposing 2021 Mustang Mach-E owners use their new electric vehicle's front trunk (frunk) to store enough shrimp cocktail to feed a small army (with lemons, natch).

To be completely clear, it is possible. Instead of having an internal combustion engine and all the parts that are needed to make that run up in front of the driver under the hood, the Mustang Mach-E, like Teslas before it, has a storage area that can be used for a variety of things.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-EFord says that 1,000 chicken wings fit in the Mustang Mach-E's front trunk.Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company

The space is a 4.8-cubic-foot plastic bin, which is equivalent to a 36-gallon cooler. That's about the same size as the Yeti Tundra 35.

In addition to the frunk, the model has performance-focused features, which were sussed out during and engineering process when Ford president and CEO Jim Hackett tasked the R&D team with making the Mustang Mach-E more exciting than it was originally intended to be.

If shrimp isn't up your ally, Ford would like to suggest perhaps you fill the space with buffalo wings (they say 1,000 fit) or soda.

The point is, that you can do it when you own a Mustang Mach-E. However, as mothers all around the country say, "Just because you can doesn't mean you should."

The Mustang Mach-E enters the market when many car companies are changing over to selling EVs yet the automaker's own survey showed that over one-third of the population has no interest in electric vehicles.

AutomotiveMap's Chad Kirchner has ridden in the new crossover but was not able to secure the time with the model needed to fill the frunk with any culinary delights.

Deliveries of the electric SUV begin late 2020. Reserve the Mustang Mach-E to secure yours for next season.

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Updated EV

2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

The Leaf got a mild facelift for 2023.

Nissan

Nissan is nearing the release of the Ariya, its first new EV in several years. Even so, the brand hasn't forgotten about its first mass-market EV, the Leaf. It was an early entrant in the space, and has been an efficient, affordable, commuter car for over a decade. The car got a mild facelift for 2023, with updated wheels and exterior styling accents. Today, Nissan announced pricing for the Leaf, which starts at just under $29,000.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf feels lively, despite middling power numbers.Nissan

The base Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery capable of delivering a 149-mile range. Its 110-kW electric motor produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Leaf SV Plus features a 60-kWh battery for a range of 212 miles. It comes with a 160-kW motor that makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Nissan backs all Leaf models with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

ProPilot Assist comes standard for the Leaf SV Plus, and brings a full suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control, driver alertness features, and a surround-view monitor. All Leaf models get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf SV Plus offers up to 212 miles of range.Nissan

The new Leaf starts at $28,895, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. The Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,895. The 2023 Nissan Leaf is on sale now, and may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to receive a state tax credit or other incentives.

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The EQB lands this summer with a not-so-bad starting price.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is pressing ahead with its electrification goals. Following the release of the EQS flagship electric sedan last year, the automaker is readying the EQB, an electric SUV with up to seven seats. Today, Mercedes announced pricing for the vehicle, and it's surprisingly reasonable. Two trim levels will be offered for the EQB in the United States: Exclusive and Pinnacle, and wecould see an AMG variant at some point down the road.

The EQB comes in two variants, including the EQB 300 and EQB 350, both of which come with all-wheel drive. The EQB 300 offers 225 horsepower and the 350 delivers 288 ponies. Those aren't super-serious numbers and they don't have to be. The EQB competes with vehicles like the Volkswagen ID.4, so mind-blowing performance isn't exactly the goal. Mercedes hasn't given range estimates yet, but they should fall in line with the competition.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQBThe EQB will come in two powertrain variants, each with two trims.Mercedes-Benz

The SUV comes standard with a 10.25-inch configurable digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Mercedes includes a good list of standard safety features, including lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and active brake assist. Additionally, the EQB's navigation system routes the vehicle for the best efficiency and can help locate charging stations.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 starts at $56,800, including a $1,050 destination charge. A range-topping Pinnacle trim is available for $59,350. The EQB 350 starts at $60,350. Mercedes says the SUV will go on sale in summer 2022.

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