Auto Industry News: Elon Musk Sued, Porsche Taycan Revealed, A Hellish ’06 RAM Build, & a Big Fiat Chrysler Recall
A widespread Fiat Chrysler recall has the badge on the ropes, and news of Elon Musk sued over compensation sure makes us happy that EVs like the Porsche Taycan are in the works. While the pony gains across the electric movement are admirable, some of us prefer a big ole hunk of pickup power—check out the ’06 RAM “Clifford” build we have lined up for you. All this and more in our weekly auto industry news!
Elon Musk Sued Over Compensation Package
According to a lawsuit filed by a Tesla shareholder on Thursday, Elon Musk’s current compensation package is too extravagant. The deal, which experts analyze to be worth up to $70 billion (assuming the company continues to thrive), is being called for substantial downsizing by the filing shareholder to “better protect investors.” In conjunction with those terms, the suit also calls for the overhaul of Tesla’s board of directors. Keep in mind, the package was initially valued at around $2.6 billion in March. And it is built with incentives that require the company’s value to at least double. But c’mon, man.
Waiting for the Porsche Taycan
Luckily there’s more than one company making electric vehicles. If you’ve kept your finger on the EV pulse elsewhere in the auto world, you might remember Porsche’s Mission E. A somewhat mysterious presence mostly accessed through spy photos and general rumblings, the Mission E was thought by many to be the great hope of electric vehicles that still maintain some chutzpa. Well, in another step toward that platform (hopefully), the Mission E has received an official name: The Taycan. According to Porsche, the name translates to “lively young horse.” The car will have two motors, generating 600 horsepower. Supposedly, it can vroom zero-to-sixty in 3.5 seconds and 124 mph in under 12. While we wait for some outsiders to get their hands on it and report back, all signs point to this being more bite than bark.
Nasty ‘06 RAM Build
While the pony gains across the electric movement are admirable, some of us prefer a big ole hunk of pickup power. This fiery Dodge RAM build comes courtesy of Matthew Holstein. His 2006 RAM 2500, aptly nicknamed “Clifford” for its Inferno Red Crystal Pearl paint, is a dream project and a half. Clifford can certainly run with the big dogs, as Holstein incorporated a Forced Inductions S472/87/.90 ETR turbocharger with a race cover. For an exhaust system, Matthew installed a 4″ 409-Stainless downpipe which runs into a 5″ polished Jamo Performance Exhaust tip. But what really makes this build imposing are the 305-45-R20 Nitto 420 S tires wrapped around 22 x 12 American Force Wheels. With specs like this, Clifford is NOT just for show. And the proof is in the pudding. According to Holstein, the truck has well over 200,000 miles on it. And he has no plans of slowing it down!
Huge Fiat Chrysler Recall
But it’s not all good news for the badge. Dodge, Jeep, and RAM have all been roped into a widespread recall by Fiat Chrysler. The recall is in response to a potential malfunction in which the cruise control does not deactivate. According to sources, it triggers when the vehicle climbs an elevated surface while in cruise control. Luckily, drivers in this situation can still slow down by hitting the brakes or shifting into neutral. Dodge Durango, Dodge Journey, RAM 1500-5500, Jeep Cherokee, Grand Chrokee, and Wrangler vehicles made any time after 2014 fall under the recall– approximately 4.8 million vehicles in total.
Around the Circuit
While it probably feels like fright around every corner, it was another scary day in the NHRA, as Cruz Pedregon’s vehicle exploded right on the track. Pedregron, who races in the Funny Car division, was performing a qualifying run at the Virginia NHRA Nationals when the combustion occurred, causing the car to separate. Thankfully, he walked away with only minor injuries. You can watch video footage of the scene below.
As for NASCAR, Clint Bowyer claimed his second victory of the season in Michigan on a miserable Saturday afternoon. Between the second and final stages, Bowyer pulled into the pit for two tires but was able to regain composure and the lead. And as it turned out, that would be all he needed, because shortly after, NASCAR called the race due to the rainy conditions while that lead was still in his possession. The narrow victory over teammate Kevin Harvick helped to keep Bowyer in the top five in overall points.
