For 2023 Audi will offer 333 special-edition RWD R8 GTs. The Audi R8 GT RWD gets a bump in power for its 5.2-liter V-10, from 562 to 602 hp. To better manage wheel slip from the rear axle, the electronic stability control now offers seven settings, from minimum to maximum slide. Until now, if you wanted the big power from an Audi R8, you had to step up to an all-wheel-drive model. For 2023, Audi will offer a special-edition R8 GT, a rear-wheel-drive coupe with the more powerful version of the 5.2-liter V-10 with 602 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque that was previously only available in the Quattro. Audi says the GT will get to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds and have a top speed of 199 mph.The R8’s shifts will be faster too, with new gearing for the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to allow for the increased top speed, and quicker gear changes along the way. What’s Special about the Special EditionThere will only be 333 special-edition R8 GT RWD coupes available, distinguishable from other R8s through black badges including a new R8 GT emblem. For wind-tunnel-tested stability and increased car-show cred, the GT comes with a glossy carbon-fiber front splitter, side spats, rear scoops, a diffuser, and a high gooseneck rear wing. Not only are the badges and aero elements menacingly midnighted, but should you peer through the rear hatch at the V-10 engine, even the intake manifold on the GT is black. Basically, it looks like the ZL1 1LE of R8s.Inside, it reflects the first-generation R8 GT with a black and red interior, including red seatbelts. Floor mats and seats declare the GT’s special status, and owners can figure out their place in the order line with a sequential special edition build number embedded in the carbon-fiber center console. Rear Drive, Now with More Slip-N-SlideWe’ve liked the RWD R8 for its more playful driving characteristics, and Audi is leaning into that with the R8 GT. The rear axle now offers Torque Rear Mode which allows the traction- and stability-control system to be set in one of seven different programmed curves, from more to less slippage. This is controlled by a knob on the steering wheel, for those last-minute drift decisions. Jokes aside, the customizability of the stability controls means that the R8 can adjust for different drivers, or increasing track confidence. Lighter SideThe GT will weigh 44 pounds less than the R8 Coupe Performance RWD. This is partially due to lightweight forged 20-inch wheels, wrapped in Michelin Sport Cup 2 rubber. Ceramic brakes are standard in the GT, as are sports seats and the performance sport suspension with a carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic anti-roll bar. The lightweight bar and aluminum suspension components also help the GT achieve its weight loss. More on the R8The real loss here is what Audi only hints at with a header in its press release that reads, “Goodbye to the V-10 Engine.” It’s no real surprise that the V-10’s days are numbered, but if this is the start of Audi’s last year festivities, can we expect some additional special R8s for 2023? This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

• Our Bring a Trailer auction pick of the day is this 1967 Volkswagen Beetle, up for auction until Thursday, July 14.• For a buyer who wants a cost-effective way to get into vintage-car ownership, a 1960s Bug like this is a perfect starting point.• This example has had exterior and interior refinishing, as well as mechanical repairs and maintenance, and is in good working order.There’s a never-ending parade of high-dollar collectibles circulating car auctions, but sometimes there’s more fun to be had with something more affordable that won’t break the bank when it inevitably breaks down. This 1967 Volkswagen Beetle is just one such option, and it’s currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos.

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Vintage VWs like this one are still relatively common, which tends to keep prices for nice examples within reach. A 1964 model, which we showcased a few months ago, ultimately sold for just $17,500. Plus, with parts still widely available, repairs and maintenance won’t be too much of a chore.

I should know. In high school and early college I drove a 1969 Beetle as my daily driver. My father and I fixed up the car together in his garage and quickly learned how easy it is to remove the air-cooled flat-four to help facilitate repairs.

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This 1967 model, which has been repainted in Savannah Beige, probably won’t need much in the way of repairs or maintenance following the close of the auction, as the current owner has already done a lot of work. Videos included in the auction listing show the car running smoothly—well, as smoothly as a Sixties VW ever did.
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The original 1.5-liter boxer four has been replaced with a larger-displacement 1.6-liter one from a later model that recently received a valve and timing adjustment as well as new spark plugs. The distributor cap, ignition rotor, and fuel filter have also been replaced.

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The interior has been refurbished with matching Savannah Beige dashboard, door panels, and steering wheel. Replacement seats were installed in the front and back and wear brown-colored vinyl covers that look period correct. The original stereo has been replaced with a vintage-style head unit with AM and FM radio as well as Bluetooth connectivity. The Beetle is not a pristine example, nor is it all original. The owner reports there are chips in the paint and a few dents here and there. Perfectly restored show pieces might be the ideal to some, but if you ask me, I’d rather have a nice but imperfect car like this which will be less nerve-wracking to drive and enjoy. And there’s a chance of getting a bargain: With five days go until the auction ends on Thursday, July 14, the bidding is only at $5000.
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Pricing is out for the 2024 Chevy Corvette and its many variations, with the base Stingray coupe starting at $67,895—$2000 more than last year.The hybrid E-Ray starts at $104,495, and the 670-hp Z06 has a $109,695 base price, but opting for any convertible Corvette costs an extra $7000.How expensive can a ’24 Corvette get? Well, the Z06 convertible in 3LZ guise starts at $130,245—and that figure will easily surpass the $150K mark with options.While the 2024 Chevy Corvette’s base price is $2000 higher than last year, the Stingray coupe still starts under $70K, which means America’s mid-engined sports car isn’t out of reach for most people. The hybrid all-wheel-drive Corvette E-Ray and 670-hp Corvette Z06—not so much.Six-Figure VettesChevy released initial pricing for the 2024 E-Ray earlier this year. Along with the 1LZ coupe’s $104,495 base price, we now know its higher 2LZ and 3LZ trims start at $109,995 and $115,445, respectively. Choosing the convertible version of any of those tacks on another $7000, meaning the 3LZ convertible starts at a cool $122,445 before any options.Those looking to set the most heroic lap times will have the Corvette Z06 in their sights. However, to own the rights to its exclusive and exotic naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V-8 requires deep pockets, as in at least $109,695 for the 1LZ coupe (only $400 more than last year). The Z06’s 2LZ and 3LZ trim levels start at $118,595 and $123,245, respectively. Like all other Corvettes, the convertible body style is a $7000 option, which gives the drop-top Z06 3LZ the highest base price of $130,245. Loading up on options will easily push its bottom line past $150K. Everyone who can’t afford the Corvette’s higher-performance models can choose from the Stingray lineup, with the coupe versions of the 2LT and 3LT starting at $74,995 and $79,645, respectively. Considering any of those will still outrun most sports cars on the street and lap those same cars at the track, the 2024 Corvette is an incredible bargain no matter which one people can afford.C8 Corvette StoriesThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

Honda Racing has revealed a new racing version of the Civic Type R, fittingly referred to as the Civic Type R-GT.The car will run in Japan’s Super GT Series top GT500 class starting with the 2024 season. The race-prepped CTR will begin testing at the Okayama International Circuit in Japan from July 25-26. It’s pretty clear at this point that we’re smitten with the 11th-generation Honda Civic Type R. Like head-over-heels in love type smitten. It’s a 10Best winner, Editors Choice winner, and on top of all that, the fastest front-drive car we’ve ever lapped around Virginia International Raceway (VIR). So excuse us for a moment while we indulge in the glory of the new Civic Type R-GT. The CTR-GT will run in Japan’s top-class Super GT, the GT500 series, starting in the 2024 season. Honda hasn’t released any details regarding the car itself, but based on the one photo we’ve seen, the Type R-GT means business. Two Civic Type R’s Worth of PowerSuper GT rules limit manufacturers to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, something Honda confirmed, but we still expect output to be somewhere in the range of 550 to 650 horsepower. Combine nearly double the horsepower along with significant weight, aero, and technical upgrades, and we’d pay to see the advantage the Type R-GT has over the standard CTR’s 2:58.8 lap at VIR. hondaThe visual differences are drastic when comparing the Type R-GT to the standard Type R, even with just one picture. Of course, that’s expected, but we’re still taken aback at how aggressive the aero looks on the Honda. The focused intent on winning is quite clear. “From the 2024 season, we will participate in the SUPER GT GT 500 class, one of the highest categories in Japan, with our constant desire for victory, we will aim to win the championship from the first year, so please keep your expectations high for the permeance the Civic Type R-GT will demonstrate in the coming years,” said Honda Racing Corporation President Yasuharu Watanabe. Testing for the car will officially take place at the Okayama International Circuit in Japan from July 25-26. More Civic Type RAssociate News EditorJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

Ford announced today that it will cease production of vehicles in India following a decade of losses totaling $2 billion. The restructuring will result in about 4000 layoffs.The company’s plants in Chennai and Sanand are responsible for the Figo, Aspire, Freestyle, and Endeavor, which are not sold in North America; the EcoSport, which is sold here, is also produced in India and will be discontinued.The American automaker’s presence in India will continue through the Ford Business Solutions arm and by importing vehicles into India that were assembled elsewhere.UPDATE 9/9/2021, 5 p.m.: The Detroit Free Press reported this afternoon, citing Ford as confirmation, that the EcoSport and other India-built models will stop production. Ford said in a statement, “Sales of current products such as Figo, Aspire, Freestyle, EcoSport and Endeavour will cease once existing dealer inventories are sold.”Following a decade of losses, Ford announced today that it will end production of vehicles at its two assembly plants in India. The company said that over the past 10 years its Indian manufacturing arm has posted losses totaling $2 billion.The two Indian plants assembled vehicles for sale locally in India, including small cars such as the Figo, Aspire, and Freestyle. The North American version of the EcoSport is also built at Ford’s plant in Chennai and The Detroit Free Press has reportedly received confirmation that the subcompact SUV will be discontinued as a result of the plant closures.

Ford Freestyle (L) and Aspire.
Ford India

“As part of our Ford+ plan, we are taking difficult but necessary actions to deliver a sustainably profitable business longer term and allocate our capital to grow and create value in the right areas,” Ford CEO Jim Farley said in a press release. “Despite investing significantly in India, Ford has accumulated more than $2 billion of operating losses over the past 10 years and demand for new vehicles has been much weaker than forecast.”

Ford’s presence in India will continue after the restructuring, with about 100 manufacturing workers retaining jobs to provide parts and support for current customers and about 500 remaining on at the Sanand plant to build engines for the Ranger pickup truck. As part of the restructuring, the American automaker will refocus its efforts in India on its 11,000-person Ford Business Services team, which offers engineering, software development, finance, accounting, and data analysis services. Although the Indian market will no longer include the aforementioned small cars and SUVs, the company plans to begin exporting models to India, including the Mustang and the electric Mustang Mach-E.

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