1973 Volkswagon Bus/transporter With 1978 Fuel Injected Engine And Bubble Top. on 2040-cars

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Tesla tires turning on Stretchla Vanagon EV conversion project

It is one thing to say you are going to Frankenstein a Tesla Model S with a pair of Siamese-twinned Volkswagen Vanagons and quite another to actually start taking your newly-acquired, smashed-up electric sedan apart in an effort to bring it back to life. Otmar Ebenhoech is doing just that, and having no small successes along the way. The Stretchla project, as it is being called, has officially started and our protagonist has put together another bit of video to document his progress and let us know about some of the different challenges he's encountered and conquered. While our original post about this endeavor featured video of the stretched Vanagon's drivetrain removal, this latest installment focuses on the Model S. Otmar received the Tesla in less-than-operable condition. Otmar received the Tesla in less-than-operable condition and has been tackling some of the basic problems one might expect to encounter: lots of error messages and an electrically disconnected battery pack. Without the aid of a manual or technical diagrams, he's removed the battery pack and discovered why it wasn't sending power to the car. Scroll below to watch the ten-minute presentation and celebrate some initial victories. You can also check out the official Stretchla blog for more photos and updates, including the most recent one that discusses how he talked himself into paying (*spoiler alert) $42,000 for a wrecked, non-functional electric car, along with more recent struggles with the steering rack. Hit us up in the comments to let us know what kind of trouble you would get into with a Model S drivetrain of your own. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Don't buy that crossover! Buy a cladded wagon instead!

If you're looking to buy a car soon, and you're like most Americans, there's a strong chance you're considering buying a crossover SUV. That's what people want nowadays. People like the tough, tall exterior that suggests adventure and preparedness, they like the high seating position, they like the all wheel drive many have and they like the practicality. Because of this, crossovers have rapidly supplanted typical cars such as sedans, wagons, and more as the most popular vehicles in the country. But they're compromised, too. They're often heavy, thirsty, and expensive compared with more conventional cars. The good news is, there's an alternative, a happy medium between the straight crossover and the traditional car. They're lifted wagons, and they're the best crossover SUVs around. And for those who may not know what we're talking about, we're talking about cars and wagons that have been given a suspension lift for more ground clearance and a higher ride height, and often have all wheel drive standard or optional. They also usually have chunky plastic body cladding to make them look tough and durable. Examples include the Subaru Crosstrek, Audi A4 Allroad, Buick Regal TourX, and Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, among others. Because of the suspension and body modifications, these vehicles fit the trendy crossover mold quite well. And in the case of long-running nameplates such as the Subaru Outback and Volvo Cross Country models, they even have some heritage as outdoorsy machines. They also provide the higher driving position that crossover buyers love. And in some cases, such as with the Golf Alltrack, we've learned they offer better ride quality than their road-oriented siblings. View 9 Photos So these tall wagons offer the key things crossover buyers want, but what makes them better than traditional crossovers is that they have the advantages of the cars they're based on. For instance, the aforementioned Golf Alltrack still drives mostly like a Golf, which is to say, it's nimble, feels peppy, and is easy to maneuver because of its relatively small size. We can't really say the same for the Tiguan, which feels generally more sluggish and uninteresting than the Alltrack. And we mention Volkswagen's compact crossover because it starts at nearly the same price as the Alltrack. Some of the difference in giddy-up can be explained by weight. Normal crossovers can be fairly portly, while these lifted wagons are notably lighter.

2015 VW Golf SportWagen priced from $21,395*

Now known as the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen in the US, the long-roof version of the platform gets larger for its new generation in 2015, but it also sheds up to 137 pounds and cuts some money off the price of some models. The base now begins at $21,395, plus $820 destination on all versions, when they arrive at dealers in April. Volkswagen claims that with all of the extra standard content, buyers actually save $700 compared to the previous-gen Jetta SportWagen, despite its lower $20,995 starting price. The S trim is the least expensive model and comes with a five-speed manual and 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 170 horsepower. Paying an extra $1,100 adds a six-speed automatic. The SE for $26,995 gets the auto as standard and also includes a panoramic sunroof, front foglights, push-button start and a rearview camera. The top SEL for $29,345 further features chrome roof rails, navigation, a 12-way power driver's seat and more. In addition to the gas engine, buyers can choose the 2.0-liter TDI with 150 hp and 236 pound-feet of torque, and VW quotes EPA estimates of up to 43 miles per gallon highway fuel economy for it. All of the trims with the oil burner come with a six-speed manual, but a six-speed DSG is a $1,100 extra. The base TDI S trim starts at $24,595, which is nearly $2,000 less than the last-gen Jetta SportWagen with a diesel, and buyers also get standard push-button start and a rearview camera. The SE and SEL trims offer similar upgrades as their gasoline counterparts and ring up for $27,995 and $30,345, respectively. Of course, many buyers want extra tech for their cars, and VW is offering two packages of options for the SE and SEL trims with either engine. One adds collision warning, automatic post-collision braking and front and rear parking sensors for $695. The Lighting Package includes adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights, LED running lights and LED interior lighting for $995. VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES PRICING OF 2015 GOLF SPORTWAGEN ? New TDI® S model reduces base Clean Diesel pricing by almost $2,000 ? Newly available driver assistance technology includes Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Post-Collision Braking System ? Larger interior than outgoing Jetta SportWagen rivals compact SUVs for size ? Car will be offered with 1.8-liter turbocharged TSI® gasoline and 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel engines ?