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    $100,000 Used Cars: Window Shop with Car and Driver

    Even after being on the show before, for reasons known only to him, Matt Farah of the Smoking Tire podcast found time in his busy schedule to face this week’s Window Shop challenge: Find the best $100,000 used car.In addition to producing a podcast, posting videos to his YouTube channel, and contributing to Road & Track, Farah owns and operates Westside Collector Car Storage, a purpose-built facility in California that regularly houses this caliber of car, so we’re glad to have him on the panel for this challenge. Contributor John Pearley Huffman gets us started with an intriguing pick. His 1966 Ford Galaxie has a 7.0-liter V-8, its top goes down, and it looks pristine. The WS crew likes this big, beautiful Ford, but given its similarity to Galaxies that cost $25K, we’re not sure it looks like 100,000 bucks. In contrast, Farah hits shoppers with a Porsche 911T that looks as expensive as it is. We all remember the 911T and the way it drives. We can’t deny the performance of his pick, but some of us feel it’s a little too obvious a choice.Contributor Jonathon Ramsey lends weight to that argument when he shows off his find: a 2014 911 GT3. Like so many 2014 GT3s, this one had to have its engine replaced due to teething problems and a risk of fire. But at least the new engine has a 10-year warranty.Deputy testing director K.C. Colwell goes in another direction, selecting an E34 BMW M5 Touring. For those who don’t speak BMW, Touring means wagon. This rare longroof Bimmer features a high-revving 3.8-liter inline-six and a stick shift. Barely sneaking in under the price cap is deputy editor Tony Quiroga’s exotic Ferrari 360 Modena. The car features a manual transmission with the classic gated shifter and promises not to be as expensive to maintain as other Ferraris.

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    2022 Kia Forte Getting Updates, Possible Name Change to K3

    Kia is preparing some visual updates to its compact sedan for 2022.We expect the U.S. model to look just like this Korea-market version, called the K3.The Forte may also be renamed K3 in the U.S., as Kia has already filed for a trademark for that name.

    Kia’s compact sedan is about to get a new outlook on life—and possibly a new name to go along with it. The Korea-market K3 has been revealed with updated styling inside and out, and we think that the U.S. version, currently called Forte, will adopt its global name like its big sibling did when it was renamed from Optima to K5. Kia has already filed for a trademark for the K3 name in the U.S.; a Kia spokesperson told C/D that the company does not comment on future product.

    Kia

    The refreshed 2022 Kia K3/Forte benefits from attractive new headlights, slightly different taillights, and a new wheel design. Kia’s new logo is on board, too. Inside, it appears to have a larger touchscreen infotainment system and a digital gauge cluster.We don’t expect any significant mechanical changes to the Forte/K3 for the U.S. market. It will likely keep its 2.0-liter inline-four base engine, although it may drop the base model’s manual transmission and offer only a CVT automatic like its sibling, the Hyundai Elantra. The higher-performance GT model should continue with its more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four, and we hope it will still offer a manual like the current GT, which has a six-speed manual as standard and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic as an option.Look for Kia to announce more information about the U.S.-market Forte/K3 later this year. It should go on sale in the U.S. by the end of 2021.

    Kia

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    Subaru Recalls 466,000 Crosstrek, Impreza Vehicles for Ignition-Coil Fix

    Subaru of America will recall 466,205 vehicles to fix a potential problem with the ignition coils, which could degrade and lead to “starting or stalling issues.” The vehicles being recalled are the 2017–2019 Impreza and 2018–2019 Crosstrek.A second recall, issued at the same time, is to tighten bolts on the rear stabilizer bracket. This recall includes 405,000 2019 Crosstrek and Forester models.Subaru says there have been no accidents or injuries reported from either issue.Subaru of America has announced that it will recall nearly half a million Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles from the 2017 through 2019 model years over a problem with ignition coils that could degrade and cause stalling. The automaker says that reports of this occurrence are “extremely low” and no accidents or injuries have been reported. The recall includes 466,205 2017–2019 Impreza and 2018–2019 Crosstrek vehicles. Subaru said it will notify affected owners by mid-June; dealers will check and update the engine control module programming and replace ignition coils.

    Separately, Subaru is also recalling 405,000 2019 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles to check and re-torque rear stabilizer bracket bolts that could come loose and cause damage. The automaker says that in this case, too, there have been very few reports and no accidents or injuries.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet listed these two recalls on its recalls website, but owners can check there to find out if their vehicle is involved in the recall.

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    2022 Mercedes Benz EQS Electric Debuts With 770 Kms Range

    2022 Mercedes EQS ElectricThe EQS has one of the best aerodynamics with the lowest drag coefficient in its segment of 0.20
    With demand shifting to non-fossil fuel energy sources gaining momentum in the last few years, the German carmaker has a string of new electric cars ready for launch within its dedicated EV sub-brand ‘EQ’. However, the marque isn’t going to compromise on a few things that have earned it the brand image the company enjoys today, one of them being luxury.
    S-Class stands at the top-end of Mercedes Benz’s global lineup and is the epitome of luxury on wheels. The carmaker has now taken the covers off the fully electric version of the luxury sedan called EQS. The electric sedan will be offered in two variants- 450+ and 580 4Matic and is expected to go on sale by the end of this year.
    2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
    Exterior Styling
    EQS is based on the Vision EQS concept that made its maiden appearance in 2019, however, sports a few differences in its actual production form. Its appearance is commanded by Mercedes’ “one-bow roofline” design philosophy that essentially forms a projectile roofline.
    The roof arches back to a heavily angled liftback-style tailgate giving the sedan a sportier appeal than its fossil-fueled sibling. At front end, it gets a black faux grille panel flanked by angular headlights on both sides with a “three-dimensional star pattern”.
    2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
    The headlight clusters are themselves joined by a horizontal light bar. The electric sedan’s body is made of aluminium making it very light for its size and wrapped by a two-tone colour scheme with a contrasting upper half.
    2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
    It features a fixed clamshell bonnet that doubles up as front wheel arches. The doors are frameless as expected from this range of cars and feature the same flush door handles as its IC engine-powered counterpart.
    The electric S-class is built on the brand’s new dedicated EVA (Electric Vehicle Architecture) platform that will also underpin the upcoming EQE. At a length measuring 5265mm, it is closer to the long wheelbase version of S-Class rather than the standard S-Class. Other dimensions read as 1,926mm wide in width and1,512mm tall while the wheelbase measures a staggering 3,210mm. Despite the enormous size, Mercedes claims a very low drag coefficient of only 0.20.
    2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
    Powertrains specs & Performance
    The 450+ trim comes powered by a single rear-wheel biased motor while the 580 4Matic trim comes with a dual motor setup providing all-wheel-drive functionality. The former returns an output of 329 bhp and 458 Nm of peak torque and is capable of sprinting 0-100 kmph in just 6.2 seconds. The latter receives a combined output of 516 bhp and 856 Nm of peak torque while 0-100 kmph acceleration time reduces to a meagre 4.3 seconds.
    However, top speed on both variants have been capped at 210 kmph which results in a more than an impressive driving range of 770km on a single charge as per WLTP cycle. The motors are fed by a 107.8kWh battery pack but Mercedes says it will also offer a smaller 90 kWh battery at the time of launch. The company has also revealed that a more powerful 715 bhp AMG version of the sedan based in the same twin-motor setup as 580 4Matic is in making.
    2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
    Interior & Features on offer
    Step inside the cabin and one would feel that he/she has time travelled to future. The biggest highlight (literally) is the new digital Hyperscreen dashboard which contains three screens, eight CPUs, 24GB of RAM and the latest MBUX software. The cabin is a proper definition of opulence and comes with all bells and whistles one receives in a modern-day car and much more.
    Some feature highlights include a Burmester surround sound system comprising 15 speakers, a rear-wheel steering system, OTA software updates, a panoramic sunroof, multi-zone climate control to name only a few. Safety kit on offer features driver-assist technologies such as lane-keeping assist, steering assist, adaptive cruise control, etc.
    2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
    EQS is slated for an international launch in the US towards the end of 2021 at an expected price of USD 100,000 that translates to approx INR 75 lakh. Indian market is also likely to see EQS on the roads at some stage next year maybe. In India, it will be sold as a CBU. More

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    New Royal Enfield Classic And Hunter Spied Together – Differences Detailed

    New RE Classic and Hunter 350The new-gen Classic 350 is likely to be Royal Enfield’s next big-ticket launch while Hunter 350 might launch towards the end of this year
    Royal Enfield is planning to launch a host of new motorcycles in the coming few years based on its new-gen J platform. The entry-level motorcycles will be powered by the new 350cc motor that currently powers Meteor 350 and will soon be extended to the next generation Classic 350 and other models in future as well.
    Among the many models in prospect, one that has grabbed attention of many is the Meteor 350 based classic roadster which is speculated to be named Hunter. A spy video uploaded by Grasholt Vlogs on YouTube shows the upcoming motorcycle in its near production-spec model alongside the upcoming new-gen Classic 350.
    New Classic 350
    At first glance, Hunter does remind us of Meteor 350 which sports a similar stance as the latter. As already mentioned, the roadster will share its underpinnings with the latest cruiser from Royal Enfield but looks a tad sportier.
    Test mules of Hunter have been frequently spied on Indian roads over the last few months. Although the motorcycle in the latest images is only partially wrapped in camouflage thereby revealing its attributes to a greater extent.
    New Hunter 350
    Retro Yet Sporty Styling
    As all Royal Enfield bikes, Hunter also carries a retro-style design with signature styling highlights such as a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a round headlamp, a round turn taillamp with turn indicators, a single-piece seat and a short rear section.
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    Like Meteor 350, Hunter will also ride on alloy wheels but likely to be wrapped by 17-inch rubber on both ends. Other notable highlights include an upward sweeping exhaust canister, muscular front, muscular front end, split grab rails, wide tyres and redesigned side panels.
    The bike’s sporty appeal is highlighted by an all-black theme carried by its handlebar, alloy wheels, engine casing, exhaust pipe and suspension setup. The shortened muffler further accentuates its sportiness. It is likely to offer a comfortable riding position as the footpegs are centre placed with a wide raised handlebar and low saddle.
    Features
    The most highlighted attribute, however, is the semi-digital instrument console which features a Tripper Navigation Pod. Interestingly, this pod was missing in the previous set of spy shots that was leaked. Powered by Google Maps and Royal Enfield App, Tripper provides turn-by-turn navigation on the console when paired to one’s smartphone via Bluetooth. The analogue unit contains the speedometer while the digital display should read information from the odometer and fuel gauge.
    Mechanical Specs
    Powering the Hunter will be a 349cc single-cylinder air-cooled OHC engine that can push out 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque. This motor will be paired with a 5-speed gearbox and is more refined than the previous generation 350cc engine thanks to a counter-balance shaft. Suspension duties will be handled by 35 mm telescopic forks at front and twin gas-charged shocks at rear. Stopping duties will be carried out by disc braked on both wheels assisted by dual-channel ABS.
    Upon its launch, Royal Enfield Hunter will directly rival the likes of Honda H’NEss CB350, Jawa Forty-Two and Benelli Imperiale 400. It is likely to be priced around Rs 1.80 lakh (ex-showroom). More

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    2021 Yamaha FZ-X Specs Leak Ahead Of Launch – Based On FZ 150

    2021 Yamaha FZ-XFZ-X will help Yamaha strengthen its portfolio in 150cc-200cc motorcycle segment
    Several speculations have been put to rest with Yamaha FZ-X getting type approval certificate. Earlier, it was believed that Yamaha was planning to launch XSR 250 in the Indian market. That too may be in the works. But it’s now certain that Yamaha will be launching FZ-X first in the Indian market.
    Yamaha FZ-X design and styling
    As revealed in spy shots, Yamaha FZ-X features modern-retro styling. This could be advantageous for the motorcycle, as there’s significant consumer interest in retro themed two-wheelers.
    Some of the key features include fork gaiters, a bulkier looking, box-type fuel tank, flat seat design and short tail. The motorcycle has been equipped with alloy wheels, sleek turn indicators, digital instrument cluster, and upswept exhaust.
    Yamaha FZ-X will offer a comfortable riding stance, which will be suitable for urban commutes as well as long distance touring. It is expected that FZ-X will have multiple India-specific features to suit driving conditions and consumer preferences in the country. Yamaha has followed the same strategy for its other motorcycles such as MT15 and R15.
    2021 Yamaha FZ-X Specs
    Yamaha FZ-X powertrain and specs
    Based on FZ, Yamaha FZ-X will be using the same 149 cc engine. The air-cooled, SOHC unit is capable of generating 12.4PS of max power at 7,250 rpm and 13.3 Nm of max torque at 5,500 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed, constant mesh transmission.
    Other hardware could also be same such as telescopic front forks and 7-step adjustable monocross rear suspension. Braking duties on FZ are performed by 282 mm disc at the front and 220 mm disc at the rear. Single channel ABS is offered as standard.
    In terms of dimensions, Yamaha FZ-X is longer, wider and taller than FZ. It measures 2020 mm in length, 785 mm in width and 1115 mm in height. In comparison, FZ measures 1,990mm x 780mm x 1,080mm (length x width x height). However, wheelbase of 1330 mm is the same for both motorcycles.
    2021 Yamaha FZ-X
    Yamaha already has a strong presence in 150cc-200cc motorcycle segment with products like FZ, R15 and MT15. Together, these motorcycles command around 20% market share in this space. In February list of bestselling 150cc-200cc motorcycles, FZ, R15 and MT15 were ranked at 4th, 5th and 6th place, respectively. Addition of FZ-X could help boost sales further.
    Talking about pricing, Yamaha FZ-X could retail at around the same price band as that of FZ. Yamaha FZ is available at a starting price of Rs 1.05 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). More

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    People Keep Jumping Their Cars over This Drawbridge in Florida

    You know how when there’s a live car chase on TV, helicopter following overhead, the would-be escapee is never driving a fast car? It’s always a clapped-out Grand Caravan or an old Ford Aspire that’s already on a space-saver spare. Well, it seems that when you decide to jump a drawbridge, the same rules apply: If you’re the type of person to smash through a barrier arm and try to make it to the opposite side of a drawbridge, you probably don’t have the impulse control and life skills that would lead to Ram TRX ownership. But like they say, you jump the bridge with the car you have, not the car you want. And, in the case of the Main Street bridge in Daytona Beach, Florida, that car is a old Hyundai Santa Fe. This particular bridge seems to be a hot spot for would-be Jakes and Elwoods to try their luck, since last month a motorcyclist did the same thing during Bike Week. (With a passenger, it seems, who might’ve been a little surprised at that turn of events, given the healthy bounce upon landing.)
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    The latest flying leap occurred Monday morning, when the Santa Fe crashed through the barrier arm and caught air with all four wheels as it sailed over the gap. Of the second-gen Santa Fe, we opined that “the soft-riding suspension absorbs bumps well,” and good thing for that.Main Street Bridge is a double-leaf bascule bridge that spans the Halifax River, roughly 20 feet below. So you wouldn’t want to come up short. Our Daytona Beach Travis Pastrana does an on-the-spot assessment of the relevant Newtonian physics and errs on the side of more throttle, sending the Hyundai airborne even though at that point the bridge has just begun to open. We don’t see brake lights until touchdown. The footage ends shortly thereafter, but we trust that the opposite barrier arm got the same treatment on the way out.
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    What was the motivation here? We can only speculate, but mere impatience seems insufficient. More likely, the Santa Fe driver’s brother just got out of prison and was making derisive comments toward the sensible crossover in which he was picked up. That Santa Fe, if it had the 242-hp 3.3-liter V-6, ran zero to 60 in 8.0 seconds (per our 2007 test). And by the time it got to the opposite side of the Main Street Bridge, he’d probably begrudgingly admit that it has pretty good pickup.
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    Lamborghini’s Miura SV Turns 50

    Lamborghini unveiled the Miura SV on its Geneva auto show stand in March 1971. The SV, the sensational-looking car that Autoweek called “the world’s first supercar” and C/D described as “the supercar that started it all,” was the last evolution of the successful project code-named P400. Indeed, over on Bertone’s stand was none other than a Countach LP 500, defined as “a concept car for future production.”

    The Miura SV (V stands for “veloce,” or super fast) was meant to accompany the S, but was so popular the SV ended up replacing it. Lamborghini says the Miura SV is now the most sought after of its production cars and says it is the “highest expression of the supercar concept of its time and the best of all the Miura versions produced.”Giampaolo Dallara and Paolo Stanzani, Lamborghini’s chief engineers at the time and the Miura and Miura S creators, said the SV benefited from the experience gained during the first five years of Miura production. Well known racer Bob Wallace, a New Zealander, did much of the development driving.

    Just 150 SVs were built.
    REMI DARGEGEN

    The SV’s engine delivered more power, 385 horsepower at 7850 rpm, and above all was more drivable thanks to its smooth torque curve and revised setting on the four Weber triple-barrel carbs (type 40IDL3C, for those taking notes). A separate lubrication system between the engine and gearbox was introduced when the SV was already in production—a modification that wasn’t externally visible but was a huge technical improvement, Lamborghini says. The Miura SV’s official top speed was over 180 mph, and from a standing start the car could cover one kilometer in a bit less than 24 seconds—record performance results back then.The SV’s interior was also upgraded over the S’s, with a more modern look, higher-quality materials, and more leather and chrome.

    The SV interior got more chrome and leather.
    Lamborghini

    The Miura SV was taken out of production in early 1973 after just 150 were built, although two years later a final car was built for Formula 1 team owner Walter Wolf. That car now rests at Mudetec, Lamborghini’s museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese.

    Lamborghini sums up the Miura SV nicely: “It was truly the end of an era in which speed and sinuous lines predominated, and in which a small group of young men, driven by an innate passion and blessed with great technical skills, were able to create what for many was, and still remains, the most beautiful car ever produced in series.”We couldn’t agree more.

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