Auto Industry News: Hennessey Venom F5 Debut, Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV Leak, Yet Another Explorer Recall, and Mahindra ROXOR Gets Green Light
Several exciting things to report on this week. The Hennessey Venom F5 makes its global debut and the performance specs are mind-blowing. Hyundai Austria leaks some interesting details about the new Ioniq 5 EV. In the world of design patents, Mahindra gets some good news regarding its ROXOR off-roader, while Volkswagen gets slapped with an ITC investigation. Plus, some interesting acquisitions are happening in the aftermarket.
But first, let’s address Ford’s troublemaker…
2020 Ford Explorer Recalled 10th Time This Year
Sharing in this year’s many misfortunes is the 2020 Ford Explorer. Last week, the Blue Oval announced yet another recall for the redesigned SUV and its platform mate the Lincoln Aviator. For those keeping count, this move marks the 10th recall for the Explorer and sixth for the Aviator.
The most current recall is relatively small, only impacting about 1,405 Explorers and Aviators built from July 28-30 and sold in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. It addresses bad motor mounts that could potentially loosen and disconnect from the engine, leading to a loss of power and increasing the possibility of a crash. Currently, no accidents have been linked to the issue.
Previous recalls have run the gamut from rearview camera issues and incorrectly torqued airbag fasteners to defective driveshafts, poorly welded fuel tank inlet check valves, and improperly secured wiring harnesses.
Rushed to Market?
Ford’s former CEO Jim Hackett addressed the Explorer’s ongoing issues, saying an “aggressive” timeline for the model is largely to blame.
Indeed, the automaker took an ambitious approach—launching the redesigned SUV with multiple trim levels (including hybrid and Police Interceptor models), as well as an Aviator platform mate with its own hybrid version. Ford also switched the model from FWD-based underpinnings to a new RWD architecture, and changed all the sheet metal. And, as MotorTrend points out, the automaker tried to accomplish all this “in an old plant with no room to set up a pilot area to test assembly.”
Ford insists it has learned from its mistakes. For the sake of 2021 Explorer customers, let’s hope so. Plus, with hybrid and electric F-150s on the way, a resurrected Bronco, and new electric Mustang in the mix, the automaker can’t afford another botched launch.
2020 Ford Explorer owners affected by this most current recall will be contacted by the automaker. Dealers will handle the repairs for free. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.safercar.gov for more information.
Hyundai Austria Leaks Specs of Upcoming 2022 Ioniq 5 EV
It seems like the auto industry just can’t keep a secret. Every week there’s an exciting series of spy shots or whispers of a new, superpowered ride. This week, however, we’ve uncovered something a little more unique.
Thanks to Hyundai’s consumer website in Austria, details of the upcoming 2022 Ioniq 5 electric vehicle have now come to light. The site was offering reservations for 150 of the vehicle’s First Edition before the official model debut, and seems to have inadvertently shared some specs that were meant to stay mum. The Korean Car Blog first noticed the leak, which was later confirmed by Car & Driver.
The Ioniq 5 will have all-wheel drive and make 313 horsepower, purportedly running 0-60 in 5.2 seconds. Targeted range is 280 miles, with fast charging capability delivered via an 800-volt system that can recharge the battery from 20% to 80% in 15 minutes. A solar panel on the roof offers extra on-the-go power.
For now, details remain sparse and unreliable. Hyundai Austria’s website listed the Ioniq’s specs with a disclaimer stating that data could change before the start of production. So, until Hyundai makes things official on a site that’s not written in German and released on accident, we’ll have to wait and see.
The Ioniq 5 is set to debut in early 2021, though Hyundai announced last week that it will share upcoming snippets of the new model in the form of a social media puzzle.
Hennessey Venom F5 Set for Global Production Car Debut
Another week, another amazing custom vehicle build from Hennessey. This time, however, we have an interesting wrinkle to throw in the mix. While past Hennessey highlights like the Venom F-150 and the VelociRaptor V8 Bronco were based on actual production models, this week’s star is a true, 100% bespoke supercar designed and built by the tuning company.
Powered by a mid-mounted 6.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engine dubbed “Fury” by the company, the Venom F5 is capable of pumping out 1,817 horsepower and topping out at 311 mph. These numbers, if accurate, would make the F5 the fastest production car in the world. According to Hennessey, the F5 – named for the highest rating on the Fujita scale of tornado strength – will be capable of a 2.6-second zero-to-62-mph time with traction limited. Hennessey says the vehicle is capable of running 0 to 186 mph in 8.4 seconds and 0 to 249 mph in 15.5 seconds.
According to Motor Authority, the Venom F5 offers five driving modes, with full power only “unleashed” in F5 mode and at speeds over 140 mph – as that’s the point at which the car has enough traction to actually use the power. Company president John Hennessey said every Venom F5 owner will need to attend and complete a special one-day driving program, included in the car’s purchase price.
As expected, this custom supercar comes with a super price tag.
Originally priced around $1.6 million, the F5’s cost climbed to $1.8 million for anyone who hadn’t locked in their pre-orders before January 2020. Now, the number has jumped to $2.1 mill a pop, with only 12 build slots remaining.
A total of 24 Venom F5s will be built in Sealy, Texas. Hennessey says of the 12 already spoken for, eight are for U.S. buyers with four heading overseas.
Creative Inspiration or Copy-Cat Designs?
It’s clearly been a busy week for the ITC…
Mahindra Gets All-Clear to Sell ROXOR in America
After a long, drawn-out legal battle between FCA and Indian automaker Mahindra, the International Trade Commission (ITC) has ruled that Mahindra can once again produce and sell its off-road ROXOR vehicle in the U.S. (The ROXOR is a non-street legal vehicle similar in size to a side-by-side.)
Despite a previous legal win for FCA back in June, in which the ROXOR was ruled a copy of the Jeep Wrangler, the ITC modified its cease-and-desist order against Mahindra, clearing the way for its Auburn Hills assembly plant to get up and running.
According to The Detroit News, Mahindra made adjustments to the vehicle’s design that no longer “infringe the Jeep Trade Dress”—namely, a broader nose and new, horizontal two-slat grille. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Jeep refuses to let go of the complaint, stating it believes it will be successful in appealing the decision.
Muddying the waters is some historical context.
Jeep and Mahindra worked together in the 1940s, with the Indian automaker actually holding a license to import and later build Willys Jeeps after World War II. Mahindra relied on these past agreements (some of which dated as late as 2009) as proof that the automaker had the right to build and sell its Jeep-resembling ROXOR.
Read more about this fun off-roader and its interesting backstory, here.
Jaguar Land Rover Accuses Volkswagen of Patent Infringement
Back in November, Jaguar Land Rover filed an official complaint with the ITC, alleging some Volkswagen Group vehicles contain “certain vehicle control systems” that infringe on the British automaker’s patents. The models in questions are the Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q8, Q7, Q5, A6 Allroad and e-tron vehicles, and the VW Tiguan. On Monday, the ITC agreed to open an investigation into whether the allegations have merit.
Jaguar Land Rover says the vehicles “have used JLR’s patented inventions without payment or permission” notably a patent for an “improved system for driving a vehicle on different driving surfaces, in particular off-road.”
As Car & Driver reports, the entire spat actually began way back in 2016, when JLR accused the Bentley Bentayga of ripping off Land Rover’s Terrain Response system by using a similar driving-mode chrome dial on the center console. (Pictured)
After four years of back-and-forth petitions and rulings (which you can read about here) it appears JLR has finally lost its patience and upped the ante. The automaker now wants to block the import of nearly every new VW, Audi, and Porsche with an off-road mode and recoup years of back royalties and damages.
That could cost these automakers a lot of money, but any potential financial repercussions would likely be a bigger deal for VW, as the automaker is still licking its wounds from the never-ending Dieselgate.
In our opinion, this one has a settlement written all over it.
Aftermarket Acquisitions
Westin Automotive Acquires Hint Mounts
Several years ago, Westin Automotive Products leveraged its knowledge in steel fabrication to branch into the Public Safety market. Now, the California accessories manufacturer has acquired Hint Mounts, a Connecticut-based aftermarket company that specializes in high performance mounting systems and electronic products for mobile equipment.
Joining Westin’s lineup of steel replacement bumpers, running boards, hitch steps, and Superwinch winches, will be Hint’s product range of computer, tablet, keyboard, monitor and specialty mounts, consoles, rear organizers, and electronic products.
Bob West, president and CEO of Westin, said management believes that the Public Safety and vehicle electronic market will continue to grow for a long time to come. “The combination of Westin and Hint in the public safety market will allow us to offer a full vehicle product program to meet our customer’s needs.” West said. “This acquisition is very strategic and complementary to Westin’s existing product lines, and it should position Westin at the forefront of the public safety vehicle segment.”
Clearlake Capital-Backed Wheel Pros Buys TSW Alloy Wheels
Westin isn’t the only aftermarket player who found a new partner for 2021. Denver-based Wheel Pros just acquired TSW—one of the oldest aftermarket alloy wheel companies in the world. Originally founded in the 1960s by former Formula One racing driver, Eddie Keizan, TSW’s aftermarket wheels operations split off in 2001. Under CEO Terence Sheckter, TSW grew its own portfolio to an impressive size and boasts some of the most popular brands in the industry, including Black Rhino Truck Wheels.
According to Aftermarket News, Wheel Pros’ recent move bolsters its luxury and off-road offerings. This also marks the eighth acquisition Wheel Pros has made under the sponsorship of private investment firm Clearlake Capital, and the 11th brand that Wheel Pros has absorbed in the past six years. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“More people are looking to change from their OEM wheels to custom-branded aftermarket alternatives to showcase their individuality and style,” said Jody Groce, president and co-founder of Wheel Pros. “Over the past year, we have seen many new customers enter the segment, customizing their vehicles for the first time. With the acquisition of TSW, Wheel Pros enhances its brand awareness and innovative design capabilities to meet the needs of a rapidly growing customer base.”
In Case You Missed It…
- The NHTSA released its annual 2019 traffic fatality data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Data for 2019 showed significant improvements in traffic safety, including the lowest percentage of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities on record. Read more at Aftermarket News.
- Automakers welcomed a post-Brexit accord between the EU and UK on Christmas Eve, just days before Britain is due to leave the bloc’s single market. The deal preserves several trade provisions for both sides and ends much of the uncertainty that started for automakers when Britain voted to leave the EU in 2016. Automotive News has the full report.
- Apple’s autonomous EV may be here sooner than later. Reuters reports that an Apple-branded car could enter production by 2024 and sport a breakthrough new monocell battery design, as well as self-driving capabilities powered by LiDAR.
- Lordstown Motors and Camping World announced during a joint press conference that they will team up to build electrified travel trailers and, eventually, a “Class E” electric RV. Car & Driver reports that “Camping World plans to have a mock environment ready for testing by June 2021 and an electrified trailer available to test in 2021.” Read more here.
