Latest news with #RivianR1T
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
MegaRexx Builds a $180K Diesel Super Truck Based on Ford F-250
There are plenty of off-road trucks on the market right now, each catering to a different kind of buyer. If you want an electric truck with hipster vibes, there's the Rivian R1T. If you're after a tough-looking daily driver, the F-150 Raptor fits the bill. And if you want something to match your stainless steel kitchen, Tesla offers the Cybertruck. But if you're chasing something unhinged, something so over-the-top it makes everything else look tame, MegaRexx has exactly what you're after. MegaRexx, a brand under Signature Autosports, builds the kind of trucks you draw while daydreaming in your school notebooks. Their specialty is taking Ford's Super Duty lineup and transforming it into something that looks like it escaped from a Baja race. They typically start with an F-250 Tremor and go wild with it - lifting the suspension even more, swapping in wider bodywork, and making everything look and feel more trophy truck-like. In essence, it's like giving the Super Duty the Raptor treatment, then tossing in a little extra just for fun. Believe it or not, MegaRexx doesn't mess around much with the drivetrain. Instead of the standard gas-powered 7.3-liter V8, they opt for Ford's 6.7-liter High Output Power Stroke V8 turbo-diesel, which makes 500 horsepower and a ridiculous 1,200 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission and both differentials are left mostly untouched, apart from a new 4.88:1 gear ratio to help put all that power through its even larger wheels and tires. Its suspension, on the other hand, gets a very unnecessary, but undoubtedly cool, overhaul. The truck sits 4.5 inches taller than an ordinary Super Duty, and just about every suspension component gets a high-performance replacement. Fox Racing supplies remote-reservoir shocks and track rods. Icon provides new 4.5-inch coil springs up front, leaf springs out back, and a set of steering stabilizers. MegaRexx even fabricates the radius arms themselves. The result isn't just more ground clearance; it should also handle better than you'd expect from something this humongous. But the cherry on this all-terrain conquering Super Duty is its wheels, tires, and bodywork. With ZXL Michelin tires nearly twice as tall as the smallest person in the world (yes, we fact-checked that), measuring at 46 inches, and 20-inch three-piece aluminum wheels typically used by military trucks, it's a bona fide off-road monster. To accommodate its newfound girth, MegaRexx crafts wider fiberglass body panels that widen the Super Duty by 18 inches. Obligatory steel bumpers at the front and rear, complemented by LED light bars on each side, electronic side-steps, and a metal skid plate, round off the upgrades. None of this comes cheap. A base Ford Super Duty F-250 starts at around $45,000, and that number climbs quickly once you add the $12,995 torque-healthy diesel engine and the $4,500 Tremor Off-Road package. A well-optioned factory F-250 can push past $100,000. MegaRexx takes things much, much further, with this particular build, finished in Rapid Red Metallic. They call it the F250 Original Super Duty Crew Cab, and it's priced at a steep $179,950. That's a lot of money for a truck, but it's also a lot of truck. If your dream is a go-anywhere diesel beast that towers over traffic, MegaRexx might be your kind of crazy. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Auto Blog
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Tesla Sales Keep Falling as Elon Musk Fires Sales and Manufacturing Head
Will a Personnel Change Correct Tesla's Sales Dive? Elon Musk has fired Omead Afshar, the head of Tesla's sales and manufacturing operations in North America and Europe, Gizmodo and other outlets reported Thursday. While not officially confirmed by Tesla, Afshar's ouster would come amid declining car sales in the United States and Europe. On Thursday Bloomberg reported that Afshar, who has also worked for Musk's rocket company SpaceX as well as Tesla, had 'left' the company for unspecified reasons. Forbes then reported that Afshar had been fired by Musk, something CNBC echoed in its reporting. Tesla's lack of a functioning public relations department makes getting a clear answer more difficult. 0:02 / 0:09 Rivian R1T delivers on this EV feature that Tesla forgot Watch More Tesla Sales Continue to Nosedive Source: Tesla These reports arrive as Tesla sales continue to fall. Though it remains the largest U.S. producer of battery-electric vehicles, Tesla is saddled with large inventories of Cybertruck pickups, and the refreshed Model Y has failed to gain momentum. A pause in production at the automaker's Austin, Texas, factory, which Tesla attributes to maintenance needs, will provide an opportunity to draw down those inventories. Tesla reportedly suffered a 16% dip in year-over-year registrations in April, according to data from S&P Global Mobility, while Cox Automotive announced Wednesday that it's projecting U.S. Tesla sales to fall 21% this quarter compared to the same period last year. The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association also reported this week that Tesla sales in 30 European countries had fallen 28% in May. That follows double-digit sales decreases for the automaker in Europe earlier this year. Threadbare Lineup, Musk's Politics, To Blame? Tesla's sales slump could be attributed to several factors—and it's unclear what the automaker is doing to address them. Tesla faces more competition in both the U.S. and Europe as other automakers ramp up EV sales and, in the case of Europe, Chinese EV brands continue to make inroads into the market. In April, when Tesla saw a double-digit dip in year-over-year U.S. registrations, Chevrolet and Cadillac saw triple digit increases in their registrations, for example. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The automaker's lineup also remains top-heavy with expensive models like the Cybertruck, as well as the aged Model S and Model X. Tesla has repeatedly put off development of a truly affordable EV that could compete with the Chevrolet Equinox EV or the upcoming Bolt EV revival. Musk's hard turn to the political right, exemplified by his recently concluded role as an advisor to the Trump Administration, has also alienated many traditional Tesla buyers, industry analysts previously told Autoblog. It's also led to boycotts and protests that will likely make new buyers harder to find. Robotaxi Launch Not Going Well Instead of focusing on its core auto manufacturing business, Musk has led Tesla down the rabbit hole of automation. After years of hype and promises, the automaker finally launched its robotaxi service in Austin earlier this week. A pilot program uses a fleet of around a dozen Model Y crossovers to give public rides, but with human safety monitors onboard. But according to multiple reports, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has already reached out to Tesla about numerous safety issues, including alleged speeding, random braking, and stopping in intersections for no reason. The NHTSA has already investigated Tesla for problems with driver-assist systems the automaker installs in production cars, and a lawsuit was recently filed over a fatal crash allegedly involving this tech. About the Author Stephen Edelstein View Profile
Miami Herald
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Rivian Offers Tantalizing R1T Lease Offer for June
The 2025 Rivian R1T is the first modern, mass-produced electric pickup truck, and it's easily the best-looking in its class. It comes standard with a Dual-Motor powertrain rated at 553 horsepower and 610 pound-feet of torque. The Dual-Motor Performance Upgrade ups the ante to 665 horsepower and 829 pound-feet of torque, while the Tri-Motor model is even stronger, with 850 horsepower and 1,103 lb.-ft. of torque. As you might expect, the Quad-Motor powertrain is the he-man here, with 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque. The Rivian R1T carries up to 1,764 pounds and tows up to 11,000 pounds. Depending on motor configuration and battery pack size, you'll be able to travel anywhere from 258 miles to 420 on a single charge, according to the EPA. If all that sounds like something you'd want in your driveway, now might be an ideal time to lease one. Rivian's "Summer Adventure Offer" applies to the R1T Dual-Motor model with the Performance Upgrade and large battery pack, and you'll be treated to $5,000 in down payment assistance and a $7,500 EV lease credit. Prefer the new Tri-Motor model or the hot new California Dune Edition, which wears a sublime paint job and gets standard off-road gear? You'll receive the same $5,000 down payment assist in addition to a $7,500 EV lease credit. Other models leased online receive an immediate $7,500 EV Tax Credit. All offers are good through June 30, 2025. Keep in mind that, when leasing, you should consider the monthly payment cost, taxes, and fees before signing. Lease offers vary by metro market. Check your local pricing here. While the 2025 Rivian R1T benefits from product updates, like an updated user interface and revised electrical architecture that sheds some heft, its design retains its allure, playing the part of an outdoors sophisticate. Clever touches, such as the cargo compartment that spans the width of the vehicle at the back of the cab, only make it more alluring. In a sea of Detroit pickup sameness, the Rivian R1T is a fresh take on a well-known form, minus the political hassle that now accompanies Tesla Cybertruck ownership. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Miami Herald
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Rivian Is Missing Out on a Key Demographic
In a crowded landscape that includes legacy automakers, as well as rival startups like Rivian and Lucid, Tesla is still top dog when it comes to American electric vehicle sales. According to data from Kelley Blue Book and Cox Automotive, Tesla sales are eclipsing those of its competitors, even as it records an 8.6% year-over-year drop from last year. In Q1 2025, Tesla managed to move 128,100 of its EVs, while its closest competitor; Ford, sold just 22,550 vehicles in the same period. However, one brand that has posted lower growth numbers than Tesla is the outdoorsy-focused Rivian. According to KBB and Cox, its meager 8,553 sales in Q1 2025 means that it recorded a whopping 37.1% year-over-year sales drop, higher than established names like Kia. In 2024, it managed to sell 51,579 vehicles, a 3% jump from that in 2023, but at the same time, Tesla managed to move over 1.8 million vehicles. According to a recent study by S&P Global Mobility, Rivian's is struggling to connect and resonate with Asian-American buyers in the United States. According to results from Q1 2025, Asian households represent just 7.2% of all the new cars that were registered. However, what stands out is that Tesla and Tesla alone captured a huge chunk of this key demographic, with its vehicles capturing nearly 27.2% of Asian-American drivers. Additionally, Asian-American households made up 12.7% of all electric vehicle (EV) sales that aren't from Tesla or Rivian. Asian-Americans are buying EVs, and the majority are buying Teslas. However, this shows that Rivian struggles to gain a foothold with this demographic, as just 13.7% of its sales are made to Asian-American households. One significant factor that S&P researchers Kent Chiu and Steve Giordano identified is the lack of diverse models on the Rivian lineup. Though the more compact R2 SUV is on the way and the hatchback-styled R3 is set to release in the future, Rivian only sells two models, the R1T and the R1S; the former being a pickup truck, a segment where Asian buyers are close to nonexistent. According to S&P data, Asian-Americans accounted for just 2.3% of all full-size pickup truck sales in the U.S., the same segment that the Rivian R1T and contemporary gas-powered rivals like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 compete in. But even in the electric pickup market, Rivian falls short. Despite the Tesla Cybertruck's unconventional design alienating "real truck guys" and "truck bros," it's hitting with Asian-American Tesla fans. According to S&P, nearly a quarter (24%, to be exact) of Cybertrucks were sold to Asian-American buyers, while just 8% of Asian-Americans bought a Rivian R1T. Despite this, S&P identified that Rivian faces challenges that extend beyond what kind of cars it wants to sell, as Tesla's deeper appeal is something much more skin-deep. According to data scraped by S&P researchers, some Asian-American buyers are particularly drawn to brands with a very strong premium brand image and companies known for their technological capabilities, which not only explains a gravitational pull towards Tesla but also established luxury car names in the gas-powered space. Their data shows that Asian-American buyers also like some of Tesla's German luxury rivals; 28.3% of sales for the Mercedes EQS SUV can be attributed to Asian households, while 25.5% of BMW iX sales came from the same demographic. More remarkably, S&P also found that 33% of Tesla Model X sales were made to Asian-American buyers. I am Asian-American, and even as someone within this large and diverse diaspora that lives in the NY Metro Area, one of the largest hotbeds for EV ownership growth in the United States, this study does ring somewhat true from an anecdotal point of view. I slightly disagree with the idea that vanity or a perceived luxury image significantly influences Tesla's reputation within the Asian-American community. However, the appeal of a practical car with low maintenance costs, the widespread and convenient Supercharger network, and a buying experience without traditional franchised dealers are significant advantages for people of all walks of life, Asian or not. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla Cybertruck's Huge Depreciation is Mindblowingly Bad
There's nothing like the Tesla Cybertruck on the market today. Its radical design pushes the envelope of what's considered modern, resulting in an appearance that gets attention wherever it goes. Initially, that was a very good thing, and the hype about the Cybertruck, its capabilities, and exclusivity was everywhere. The Cybertruck was, at the very least, polarizing. Some loved its daring design that thumbed its angles and corners at convention. Others couldn't stand the 'fancy dumpster' and considered it an eyesore and an offense to good design. The Cybertruck has since fallen from grace, with over three months' surplus of unsold units. That's no bueno in the automotive industry and typically indicative of a bad sales forecast. Tesla has been discounting Cybertrucks to move them off lots, and to add insult to injury, it now appears that resale values have tanked. A recent report from Jalopnik reveals how this all transpired. For more than a year after the Cybertruck's release, Tesla wouldn't accept the vehicle as a trade-in for other Tesla models. In a reversal of this policy, the automaker recently allowed owners to sell their Cybertrucks back to Tesla. In doing so, the automaker has inadvertently revealed why it resisted taking them back in the first place: it doesn't place a high value on used Cybertrucks. On the Cybertruck Owner's Club forum, users have been testing Tesla's trade-in system, supposedly out of curiosity. These are Cybertruck loyalists, for the most part, and the trade-in estimates they're seeing are harrowing. Estimates reflect as much as a 35% drop in value after only about a year. Typically, anything more than 15% in the first year is considered significant depreciation for a new vehicle, and the Cybertruck's is more than twice that. 35% depreciation is typical of a mainstream vehicle after three years, not just one. Tesla obviously won't give much for a used Cybertruck when they can't even sell new ones. Tesla had previously claimed the Cybertruck would only depreciate by 30% over three years. The market has told a different story—and now, so is Tesla. The company appears to be adjusting its expectations, offering resale prices that reflect the severely weakened demand and steep depreciation already evident in the secondary market. Numerous factors likely contribute to this steep depreciation, including increased competition in the EV market (Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and GMC Sierra EV in the U.S.; the BYD Shark in international markets), Elon Musk's political views and current influence in President Trump's administration, and issues with the quality and recall history of the Cybertruck model. At the moment, it seems that all signs are pointing to a growing consensus about the value and perception of the Cybertruck, one that even Tesla may be starting to accept: the Cybertruck's polarizing design and mixed reception are taking a toll on its long-term value, along with Elon Musk's ever-growing negative public perception. For a vehicle that was so coveted at the outset to fall so hard is a rarity in the automotive world, but here we are. Whether or not Tesla can dig the Cybertruck out of its giant hole is the question. Tesla Cybertruck's Huge Depreciation is Mindblowingly Bad first appeared on Autoblog on May 25, 2025
