Photo courtesy of Volkswagen AG

With the pandemic becoming less of an issue as people get vaccinated and head out into the world, beloved automotive events are starting to come back online. One, the Amelia Island Concours D'Elegance, is taking place right now, and features some of the rarest, coolest, and most expensive vehicles in the country.

This year's event will be preceded by a parade of electric vehicles called Taking Charge, which will feature several electrified models. Volkswagen brought two EVs to the event this year, but there's a surprising twist with one of them. The ID.4 electric crossover will take part in the parade, and the other is a rare electrified bus form over 40 years ago.

1978 VW ElektrotransporterEarly EVs had almost no power or range.Photo courtesy of Volkswagen AG

Volkswagen's brand-new ID.4 electric crossover will participate in the parade. By now, most of you have probably heard about the vehicle, VW's first fully electric crossover. It recently took home 2021 World Car of the Year honors, and is on sale now. The ID.4 is cool, but it's the vintage EV that really caught our eye. The 1978 Elekrotransporter is based on a Volkswagen Type 2, and was originally used by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). VW says that it produced a handful of electrified bus and Golf models in the 1960s and 70s to test the feasibility of EV powertrains and charging. The Electric Power Research Institute snapped up ten buses to test with the TVA at the time.

1978 VW ElektrotransporterThe EV was powered by 24 lead-acid batteries.Volkswagen

The electrified bus carries 24 lead-acid batteries held in a 1,225-pound pack under its floor. The electric motor is bolted directly to the existing gearbox, which is permanently locked in second gear and sends power to the rear wheels. The early electric powertrain only generated 23 horsepower, which gave the bus a top speed of just 48 mph. It did feature an early version of regenerative braking, a feature that is onboard nearly every EV made today.

1978 VW ElektrotransporterThe bus used a combo of electric and existing drivetrain components.Volkswagen

It's easy to draw a line from the old Elektrotransporter to today's VW electric vehicles. The ID.BUZZ concept is the old EV's direct descendent, and will enter production in the EU in 2022. Unlike its grandfather, the ID.BUZZ will produce a combined system output of 225 kW, which equates to around 300 horsepower.

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land

Houston area auto enthusiasts get a taste of normalcy with The Car Culture Invitational

Events

On Saturdays in 2019, the Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land parking lot was traditionally filled with customers getting their fill of eye candy. Last weekend, the dealership brought a taste of enthusiast entertainment, with a dash of a return to normalcy, to Sugar Land Town Square.

More than 250 guests enjoyed The Car Culture Invitational where more than 60 luxury and performance vehicles were on display. The roster of parked attendees including models from Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land's own collection of luxury cars - a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, and a custom Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S - as well as a Ferrari La Ferrari, a McLaren 765LT, a Lamborghini Diablo SV, and the Valarravette. Professional race car driver Kory Enders showed off his Indy Pro car as well.

Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land Car Culture InvitationalCrowds gathered in downtown Sugar Land for the car show.Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land

Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land Car Culture Invitational

"We are thrilled to partner with Car Culture and support bringing this popular community event back to the Sugar Land area," said Ken Enders, President and Owner of Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land. "These events truly unite the local car community and celebrate some of the most exceptional, unique vehicles in the world. When you are ultra-passionate about cars and more importantly being with other car people that share that passion, there is nothing better."

The event also included a live DJ and giveaways.

In addition to hosing events like The Car Culture Invitational, Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land is known for their teen driver safety course for local high schoolers.

Indy Pro driver Kory Enders brought his ride to show off.Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land

The dealership, located on Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land near the Town Square, has also made waves with their owner exclusive First. Class. Access. VIP Card. The card allows bearers to enjoy enhanced lifestyle opportunities. Partners for that program include Kendra Scott, Smart Financial Centre, Momentum Indoor Climbing, Blendin Coffee Club, Tenenbaum Jewelers, Texas Biergarten, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Forth & Nomad, and Yes Yoga, among others.

Photo courtesy of @themusclecarhouse/Instagram

WHM x AutomotiveMap Virtual Car Show: May 2, 2020

Virtual Car Show

As the world gets back to its regular routine, or what some are calling, "the new normal", one thing is abundantly clear. Our love for cars hasn't changed. This week will be the last Virtual Car Show as stay at home orders are being lifted and the weather is getting better.

This week, we pit two new entries up against the winners of all the Virtual Car Shows of the past for the title of "Best in Show". Scroll down to see them all then cast your vote at the bottom.

The winner will be announced on May 7 on AutomotiveMap's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds.

See all the Virtual Car Shows here.

2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE

Photo courtesy of @themusclecarhouse/Instagram

Ben Wilson purchased this Camaro new just a few years ago and he hasn't modified it since then. Why? In his own words, "This is THE best American Muscle track car. My family would argue it is better than the [Ford Mustang] GT500, GT350R, and the Dodge Demon."

2018 McLaren 720S

Photo courtesy of Post Oak Motor Cars

In the words of Tim "The Toolman" Taylor, "More power!" This 2018 McLaren 720S has gotten the Hennessey Performance HPE900 Performance upgrade giving it 890 rwhp - up from the 710 bhp it comes with out of the factory.

Its already race-like prowess is further enhanced by the 720S Performance Package, MSO defined cargo fiber steering wheel, MSO defined carbon fiber steering wheel paddles, silver brake calipers, 5 twin-spoke lightweight forged wheels, HomeLink system, vehicle lift, secondary interior components in carbon fiber, power steering column, electric and heated memory seats, sports exhaust, and a 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. It wears a Pearl White exterior and black interior.

The car is available for sale at Post Oak Motor Cars and has a price tag of $304,950.

Note: This model was voted Best in Show for its April 18 appearance. See all the cars it competed against here.

2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

Photo courtesy of Richard Mundine

Owner Richard Mundine has always loved Mustangs. He had many Mustangs growing up but never a Shelby. When I found Ruby, he knew he had to have her.

Mundine loves to show off Ruby at car shows that benefit charities all across the Houston area. "Her name is Ruby and handles great. [I] enjoy meeting other car enthusiasts that have the same passion as I do. I'm so grateful I get to enjoy her with my family."

Since he bought the car he he's modified it a bit: Catless straight pipes, American racing headers, E85 custom tune, MGW short throw shifter, Tremec six-Speed manual transmission, custom paint job on strut brace and radiator cover, painted-on stripes.

1956 Ford F100

Photo courtesy of Christopher Koehn

Collector Christopher Koehn purchased this Ford F100 from Arizona in 2018. He, and it, now reside in Rosenberg, Texas. He says it has been a lifelong dream to own a F100 - he's loved it since he was in high school.

When he purchased it, he had been looking for one for several years. After laying eyes on this one, he knew that it had to be his.

Despite being modified, the model is still 100 percent Ford truck. It has a 351 Windsor engine with Edelbrock power package bored and stroked to a 414, Heidts Superide IFS Mustang II front end with four-link rear suspension, front and rear fully adjustable coil overs, Wilwood disc brakes, a four-speed TCI StreetFighter C4 transmission, fresh wood in the bed, air conditioning, power steering, and 20-inch Ridler wheels in Blue Flame Metallic.

Note: This model was voted Best in Show for its March 28 appearance. See all the cars it competed against here.

1968 Ford Mustang California Special

Photo courtesy of Jeff LeBeau

Owner Jeff LeBeau had a 1965 and 2011 coupe and wanted to add another 60s model Mustang to his garage. He purchased this one online in 2018 for $30,000. The car has been mostly restored and received a few modifications along the way including the front disc brakes and aluminum radiator. LeBeau's Mustang wears its original Candy Apple Red paint job and has its original 289 engine and C4 transmission.

Note: This model was voted Best in Show for its April 25 appearance. See all the cars it competed against here.

1941 Ford Pickup

Photo courtesy of Charlie Throop

Owner Charlie Throop from Fulshear, Texas, bought this 1941 Ford pickup online in 2017. Though he claims he paid too much for it, he had to have it because of its great looks and ease of ingress/egress. Plus, he says that it fits everything he needs.

Since he's owned it, Throop has added a Ford Boss 302 engine, a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, bucket seats, air conditioning, and new wiring and carpet. He also had the battery relocated to the truck's bed.

Bumbera's Performance in Sealy, Texas fixed the truck's frame and Trendsetter's Upholstery & Trim in Katy sewed the seats.

Note: This model was voted Best in Show for its March 21 appearance. See all the cars it competed against here.

1966 Ford Mustang

Photo courtesy of Juan Garcia

Like many, it was Juan Garcia's childhood dream to own a 1966 Ford Mustang. His dad, a Chevy guy, got him into classic cars when Garcia was still a boy. The elder Garcia has owned a 1966 Chevrolet Impala and a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette.

In 2016, Juan paid $8,000 for the '66 Mustang, purchasing it from the Mustangs Only restoration shop. He told AutomotiveMap the story:

"Jim Hangley, former owner of Mustangs Only, acquired the 1966 Ford Mustang I now own, from a man in Culver City, California. Jim dedicated more than 30 years of his life restoring classic Mustangs. In May 2016, Jim died from pancreatic cancer. Tracy Fietz, his wife, sold me the 1966 Ford Mustang in August 2016 ... and she recited to me the work that needed to be done to the Mustang from a handwritten note Jim left in the glove compartment. Had it not been for Jim and Tracy's passion for Mustangs, I wouldn't have my 1966 Ford mustang today."

Since he has owned the car, he's given it new brakes; refurbished the transmission; added fresh exhaust manifolds, dual tail exhaust pipes, mufflers, and GT fog lights. There's also a new radiator, shocks, four-barrel carburetor, radial tires, wires and hoses, interior carpet, and new welded panels under the driver and passenger seats.

Note: This model was voted Best in Show for its April 11 appearance. See all the cars it competed against here.

1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Photo courtesy of West Houston Muscle

Owner Bill Mehling of Richmond, Texas purchased the car used online for $27,000. He tells the story:

"I was ready for a hobby car and always thought the '69 Mach1 was the best looking car ever! It looked great in pictures, but the car was in Minnesota. I had a pro car inspector check it out for me. He supplied a report and dozens of additional pictures. Turned out that the entire undercarriage was new and as clean as the motor! He gave it a thumbs up and the deal was done."

Mehling has modified the car a bit since it arrived in Texas. It has had its interior refreshed with new seat covers, seat foam, door panels, and interior trim pieces. He had air conditioning re-installed (the car was originally equipped with it but had its parts removed).

Note: This model was voted Best in Show for its April 4 appearance. See all the cars it competed against here.


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Photo courtesy of Ferrari of Houston, Ferrari of The Woodlands

WHM x AutomotiveMap Virtual Car Show: April 25, 2020

Virtual Car Show

This week's Virtual Car Show entries are all about speed. There's an old and new Camaro, exclusive Ferrari Enzo, a vintage Mustang, and a shockingly blue Audi.

As you scroll down the page, you'll notice that at the end of this week's show, you have the opportunity to vote on the "Best in Show". Please do so. The winners will be announced on April 28 on AutomotiveMap's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds.

Click here to register your car for the next Virtual Car Show.

See all the Virtual Car Shows here.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro

Photo courtesy of Jay Hibbard

Jay Hibbard of Minneapolis, Minnesota bought his 1969 Chevrolet Camaro in 2010. He'd long wanted one, seeing it as his dream car. Since he purchased the model, it's undergone a full restoration including fixes for the engine, suspension, driveline, paint, interior, and more.

2018 Audi RS7 Performance

Photo courtesy of Andrew Threatt

When owner Andrew Threatt was looking for a new car, he knew he need a new daily driver but also wanted one that ws fun and looked "beautiful". "It also needed to be able to haul the family around town," he said.

Why did he go with an Audi? Threatt tells the story:

"The performance and looks first drew me to Audi cars. I wanted a four-door car with performance and beautiful lines. This particular car stood out with the Audi Exclusive color, Porsche Mexico Blue. Once I saw it in person, I was sold. There are so few cars out on the roads with this kind of performance, body lines and stands out with such a cool color. My kids are also very much into interesting and fast cars so they both loved this choice as well."

2014 Chevrolet Camero 1LE

Photo courtesy of Rudy Castillo

Rudy Castillo purchased this 2014 Chevy from a friend in 2019 and immediately set about upgrading it. It now features a stage two camshaft, fresh pistons and push rods, and an upgraded Borla exhaust. With the changes, the model now delivers 700 horsepower - nearly as much as a Dodge Challenger Hellcat.

1968 Ford Mustang California Special

Photo courtesy of Jeff LeBeau

Owner Jeff LeBeau had a 1965 and 2011 coupe and wanted to add another 60s model Mustang to his garage. He purchased this one online in 2018 for $30,000. The car has been mostly restored and received a few modifications along the way including the front disc brakes and aluminum radiator. LeBeau's Mustang wears its original Candy Apple Red paint job and has its original 289 engine and C4 transmission.

2003 Ferrari Enzo

Photo courtesy of Ferrari of Houston, Ferrari of The Woodlands

This 2003 Ferrari Enzo in Grigio Titanio Metallic is one of only six manufactured in the color, and one of only two Grigio Titanio Metallic built new for the United States. The exclusive model is owned by Ferrari of Houston and Ferrari of The Woodlands and only recently arrived to the showroom floor via a private collector. It has just 3,588 miles on the odometer and was refreshed by Ferrari Classiche in 2014. It is priced at $3,000,000.


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Automotive Map is moving to Your Test Driver

New website

Big news! Automotive Map has moved to a new site and has changed its name to Your Test Driver. You'll notice the same format, writing style, and content on the new site. That's because Your Test Driver is run by Chris Teague, the former editor of Automotive Map. We hope to see you there for continued coverage of news, reviews, and features from around the automotive industry.

2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

Updated EV

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.

2022 Nissan Altima: Three things to know

Comfortable midsize sedan

The Nissan Altima may not get the attention or the praise that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord get, but it's a solid entry in an ultra-competitive segment. It's also one of few options in its class with available all-wheel drive. We spent a week with the 2022 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition with AWD and came away from the experience impressed. Here are three things to know about the car.

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a Good Value

With a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range and available all-wheel drive, it's hard to complain about value here. The Altima is still reasonably priced at the top end, where it maxes out at around $35,000 before options and fees. That's a great value for a spacious, comfortable car like the Altima, and with all-wheel drive it's a great all-weather commuter.

2022 Nissan AltimaNissan offers the Altima in several configurations.Nissan

2022 Altima Interior Space and Comfort are Generous

It's easy to ignore Nissan's Zero Gravity seats as another marketing buzzword, but they are legitimately comfortable and supportive in a way that not many others are. Available leather upholstery and contrast stitching give the interior an upscale feel, but even lower trims' cloth upholstery feels nice and works well from a visual standpoint. Up front, there's room for both passengers to stretch out, and the driver won't feel cramped on leg or headroom. Back-seat passengers get a similar treatment, as there's plenty of space for adults and kids. Parents will find an easy time loading and unloading car seats as well.

2023 Nissan AltimaThe Altima gets an update for 2023 with fresh styling and more tech.Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Altima Gets an Update

Nissan is refreshing the Altima for 2023 with a facelift, new tech, and better safety features. The new car will go on sale in the fall of 2022 and will come in several trims, including one with Nissan's truck VC-Turbo engine. The Altima's most noticeable update will be its front fascia, which is all-new for 2023. Nissan gives the car a fresh grille design that varies depending on the trim, and LED headlights will be standard. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and the Altima is available with all-wheel drive, ProPilot Assist, and more.