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Electric All-Wheel Drive System Could Help The Soul Navigate Path To Success

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Yesterday, Kia unveiled their new, but not so different Trail’ster concept in Chicago, and while the design of the subcompact car was definitely a focus of the press conference, the biggest news to come from the Korean automaker has all to do with the electric all-wheel drive system that was announced—a system that would actually separate the Trail’ster from previous versions of the Soul and its derivatives.

An all-wheel drive Soul is not an entirely original idea. Kia has wanted to get all four wheels of the Soul train moving since they unveiled the performance-enhancing Track’ster concept in Chicago a short three years ago. That is not to say that the AWD system of the Trail’ster is not original, however. It is still extremely unique, and its originality lies in the way that it distributes power to the axles.

Kia Trail’ster Electric All-Wheel Drive System

kia-trailster-concept-car-electric-all-wheel-drive

The electric all-wheel drive system has the ability to get the rear wheels spinning when needed.

According to Kia, the Trail’ster engine is the same size as the one found in the nose of the current Soul, but it’s not naturally aspirated. The turbocharged 1.6-liter engine of the Trail’ster puts out 185 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, a significant improvement over the 130-horsepower powertrain we know now.

Unlike a traditional AWD system, however, that torque is split between the greedy pair of wheels up front, because in back, the power source is entirely different. The rear axle is spun exclusively by a 27 kW electric motor that puts out 35 horsepower and has the ability to direct 100 lb-ft of twist to the rear axle when needed. There is no link between the engine and the motor. They are completely separate entities.

It is also worth noting that the back set of wheels only spin when you tell them to. It seems a bit sleazy to define the whole operation as an all-wheel drive system when there is no connection between the axles and when the all of the wheels aren’t constantly in motion, but Kia has an explanation for this, explaining that “the link between the two is the road itself.” Real deep shit.

Read More: Kia Continues To Ride The Soul Train With New Trail’ster Concept

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The AWD system proposed for the Track’ster would have required a complete overhaul to the drivetrain, and that is likely one of the major reasons that it was never added to the production list. Bringing all-wheel drive to the Trail’ster wouldn’t require nearly as much work, and for that reason, we wouldn’t be surprised if Kia followed GM’s cue with the Chevy Bolt and turned their Trail’ster concept into a production model.

With more power and increased fuel economy provided by the introduction of electricity to the powertrain, it is hard to find any reason that the Trail’ster wouldn’t be a welcome addition to the Soul lineup, but it’s difficult to picture the subcompact car as the off-road-capable CUV that Kia is positioning it as.

If they patch up that useless roll-back canvas top with a piece of steel and shave off that roof rack, I truly believe that they could find some success with bringing the Trail’ster to market. Again, although somewhat misleading, the electric all-wheel drive system does provide a number of appealing benefits, and for that reason, I say they should do it.

At the close of the press conference, Kia’s Michael Sprague said that the future of the Trail’ster will be left in the hands of the public. If we hear anything more, we’ll be sure to let you know.

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John is a full-time automotive blogger who digs cars, but also spends a disturbing amount of time watching and reading about movies. His first car was a maroon 1993 Buick Skylark which, after a solid seven-year run, was laid to rest in August of 2013. He currently writes for phantomcopy.com.

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The 2024 Dodge Charger Electric Concept is That Car

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dodge charger 2024

If this is the future of electric pony cars, I’m on board. 

We’ve heard rumors of the next iteration of the Dodge Charger. We’ve seen the concept pictures. But after seeing it in person at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show, I can say, the electric future is pretty bright at Stellantis (aside from the Ram overkill).

From a design perspective, nobody beats the designers of Dodge cars, in my opinion. The lines on this car pay tribute to Chargers of the past, while also being very modern. Even the triangle-shaped logo, known as a Fratzog, harkens to its Mopar past. 

Where the design gets more modern, without losing us in the new wave is the unique aero hood that is undetectable looking at the front of the car. But a look from around the windshield clearly shows a full scoop at the front of the hood that is unlike anything in the class.

The concept is also a two-door, which is a deviation from the modern-day Chargers that only came in four-door. Whether the company will release a four-door version still remains to be seen.

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2024 Dodge Charger Engine Specs

While the design is catching many eyes, it’s still Dodge we’re talking about here. People are going to want to know about the power. After all, Dodge making an electric vehicle seems like a clear departure from the gas-guzzling, tire-burning Dodges of the past.

However, the company put out a teaser video with clear messaging that performance will not be lost. With the capability of electric powertrain torque, they are likely leaning on takeoff power, and I’m confident the car will be fast. That being said, there’s no replacing the sound of a traditional hemi engine. But, with the electric revolution, some concessions will need to be made. 

Right now, all we know about is three engine options under the hood for the 2024 Dodge Charger Electric. They are: 

  • 340 with 440 horsepower
  • 440 with 590 horsepower
  • SRT 800 with horsepower not yet released 

2024 Dodge Charger Electric Price

While pricing hasn’t been released, since the 2024 Dodge Charger Electric is still listed as a concept, we have a rough idea of where things could land – within an accepted range of error. 

Our estimates of price of the 2024 Dodge Charger Electric are: 

  • Dodge Charger Electric 340, $55-65,000
  • Dodge Charger Electric 440, $65-75,000
  • Dodge Charger SRT, $90-100,000

No matter how you feel about electric vehicles – especially with Dodge – the world is heading that direction. But with the 2024 Dodge Charger Electric, there is hope.

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2020 Chevy Corvette Details and Images

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new chevy corvette 2020 blue

The 2020 Corvette is here – and it’s the one we’ve been waiting for. 

Having seen and sat in the car in person, I can confidently say that Chevrolet nailed it with the G8 Corvette that only shares a single part with its predecessor. 

The biggest change is clearly the engine of the car moving from the front to a mid-engine. This has become a high-end performance car staple, but not something Chevrolet has entertained until the release of the newest version for 2020. The mid-engine gives the Corvette better balance and handling dynamics, while it is slightly heavier than the last edition. 

2020 chevy corvette mid-engine

The new Corvette will be available in three trim levels, the 1LT, 2LT and 3LT. There will be a single engine offered initially – the 6.2-liter V8 that produces 495 horsepower paired to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 2020 Corvette Stingray 0-60 time, according to Chevrolet, is 2.8 seconds and it can conquer the quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds, reaching 122 mph. 

The overall appearance of the Corvette has changed a bit, but it’s still very recognizable as a Corvette, which is key to an evolution that still harkens back to the car’s rich history that began in 1953. The door handles have been hidden and the car has an incredibly sleek and clean look. It retains its convertible option, but has a first-ever production retractable hardtop. It can activate at speeds up to 30 mph.

2020 chevy corvette blue stingray chicago

Inside, the car feels amazingly natural to sit in. You almost become part of the car, which is how you want to feel when navigating a sports car – especially if you are lucky enough to be able to pilot the car around a real track.

2020 chevy stingray interior

There are three seat combinations to choose from, so everyone can find the Corvette that best suits them. There’s even a trunk behind the mid-engine, which the professionals at the Chicago Auto Show were quick to point out “can hold two sets of golf clubs.” While the actual golf bags would have to be pretty small, funnier to me was the assumption that I like golf. 

2020 chevy corvette trunk space

Arriving for sale now, the 2020 Chevy Corvette is sure to impress. It’s already been named the 2020 Motor Trend Car of the Year – and I have a feeling the awards will keep coming. 

2020 Chevy Corvette Key Stats

Horsepower495
Torque470 lb-ft
Top Speed194 mph
0-60 Time2.9 seconds
Quarter-Mile11.2 seconds


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Kia Seltos Pricing Leaked. Is It A Value Buy?

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kia seltos

Kia promised the new 2021 Seltos to start under $22,000. And thanks to some leaked Kia Seltos pricing information, the brand appears to have made good on it. Barely. 

The base Seltos LX (and S) from the information that’s out there, appears to be sneaking just under the bar at $21,990. Yes, $10 MSRP does equal a promise fulfilled. 

Yes, we are going to wait until Kia officially gives out the pricing to fully speculate. But for now, it’s up to you to decide if a Kia SUV is in your future. 

2021 Kia Seltos Pricing

ModelPrice
LX AWD$21,990
S FWD$21,990
S AWD$23,490
EX AWD$25,290
S 1.6L Turbo$25,490
SX 1.6L Turbo$27,890
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