The 2018 Honda Fit, Dodge Challenger Wide-Body and the Electric Car Jockey [Ask Nathan]

    • What’s going on with the 2018 Honda Fit?
    • Did you Tweet about the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Wide-body?
    • Are you becoming an Electric Car Jockey?

This first question comes from a fan who wants to know about the new 2018 Honda Fit.

Q:Hi Nathan! I was thinking about buying a new Honda Fit. I know you like them.

I know it’s your favorite little car. My boyfriend has a 2009 and we love it! The only thing I don’t like is that it’s slow. But I intend on getting a manual because that’s the only way I drive! It should be quicker, right?

I’m getting rid of my trusty 2004 Scion XA. It’s super reliable and it’s super boring. My brother is buying it off me, which makes more sense than trading it in for less money. Besides, he knows I took good care of it. I even taught him how to drive stick in it!

Anyway, I would like to know if I should wait a few months before I get the Honda for the 2018 model.

Can you give me your best guess?

Thanks for all of the fun videos you make! If you use this email, can you call me “Brandy”?

A: Hi Brandy!

There are a few things to consider regarding waiting for the 2018 Honda Fit. If you want the newest model, yes, there are a few changes, including a new Sport model. There will be some exterior updates including new wheel and color choices. The 2018 Honda Fit Sport will get unique interior updates too.

Honda has also stiffened the steering and updated the suspension. New offerings, like Lane Keep Assist System,
Collision Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control and Road Departure Mitigation are now available. The engine and transmission remain the same.

Lots of good stuff coming on the new 2018 Honda Fit; however, if you’re looking for a better deal, look for Honda dealers discounting 2017 models to make way for the 2018 Honda Fit soon!

N

This next question comes from a fan who saw my tweets (@NathanAdlen) about the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Wide-body.

Q:So, what’s up with that tweet?

Did FCA finally do something right? Did they actually put a wide body on the Hellcat? Or is this just a one off for us to drool over and never buy.

Chubby D

2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody

A: Hi Chubby D!

It’s for real! The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Wide-body will soon be for sale for $71.495. While that’s a fat chunk of dough over the regular Challenger Hellcat ($64K+), you get better handling and acceleration performance.

“Dodge claims that these slight adjustments to the Hellcat help make it significantly faster around a track. According to the press release, the Hellcat Widebody is 2 seconds, or 13 car lengths faster than a standard Hellcat on a 1.7 Mile course. The 1/4 mile time has improved from 11.2 seconds to 10.9. The 0-60 time is down .1 seconds to a blistering 3.4 seconds.

The 305 section tires help the Widebody see a .04g improvement on the skidpad with the max being 0.97g. Finally, Dodge claims a top speed of 195 MPH, which is actually slower than the standard Hellcat. This is probably due to the increased drag from the massive new tires and the splitter fitted to the front bumper.” – – TFLcar Post. Click (here) to read the full story.

The best news: it’s still available in an eight-speed automatic AND six-speed manual transmission!

It’s pretty obvious that FCA knew we would clamor for more rubber since the day the Hellcat was introduced.

Smart.

N

 

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV

The last question comes from a viewer who wants to know if I’m becoming an Electric Car Jockey.

Q: Nathan! You’ve been a naughty little piggy!

In the past few videos and written reviews you’ve been connected to, you’ve been a fanboy of electric cars! What the hell!? I thought you were a gearhead through and through! Stop this madness now!

Are you an ELECTRIC CAR JOCKEY now!?!?!?!?

Nigel Manberries

A: Hello Mr. Manberries,

I’m guessing you’re referring to my time driving the Chevrolet Bolt. Yep, it’s quick and enjoyable to drive. I can’t deny it. I liked the Tesla and Leaf too.

Honestly, I don’t care about how thrust is made in any vehicle – just as long as it’s fun. Sure, I like the roar of a beefy gas engine and I always prefer shifting gears too. Electric cars give me a different kind of rush, especially off the line.

In my mind, I see electric cars and hybrids as a great second commuter car while we keep our sportscar, truck or off-road ride for fun. It just makes sense for many.

Let me put it another way: I am already considering an electric car for my tween in the next few years. Seriously.

The bottom line for me is that, if I enjoy driving it, it’s a good vehicle – that includes electric cars now.

Sorry to disappoint.

N

Check out this fun crossover video!

Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.

From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.

Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.