Aurelia Butler

The 2024 Chevy Corvette E-Ray posted a 2.5-second 60-mph time in our instrumented performance testing—the quickest ever for a Vette.On the street, the E-Ray’s combined 655 horsepower, all-wheel-drive traction, and instant electric-motor torque make it a stoplight hellion, capable of brutal launches that are as easy to attain as flooring the accelerator.To see how the E-Ray would fare in a theoretical stoplight drag race, we launched the E-Ray with and without launch control to see the difference in acceleration times.Welcome to Car and Driver’s Testing Hub, where we zoom in on the test numbers. We’ve been pushing vehicles to their limits since 1956 to provide objective data to bolster our subjective impressions (you can see how we test here).The time it takes a car to go from rest to 60 mph is one of the most important, best-understood, and longest-running benchmarks for judging performance—and for winning one-upmanship arguments that erupt between car enthusiasts. Our standard array of acceleration tests unearth that 60-mph time, among numerous other performance data points, as scientifically as possible in order to extract the quickest acceleration result.We test on a closed, flat, proving-ground track, utilize the driving technique that will deliver the quickest time—that can mean using a car’s launch-control system, or not—run our tests in two directions to account for the effects of wind, and then average the two best runs and also correct the results to standard weather conditions. (Temperature and humidity affect horsepower in internal-combustion engines).We Test the Hybrid AWD VetteNo Time for Launch Control?Thorough as this data-gathering is, the hybrid all-wheel-drive Corvette E-Ray got us thinking: What could it do without the effect of launch control? Activating launch control in the Corvette is a bit tedious. First, the Performance Traction Management (PTM) system must be set to Track, Race 1, or Race 2. If a burnout is required to clean off the tires, Race 2 is required. With the correct PTM mode selected, launch control is now available. From there, the custom launch-control interface is accessible through the steering wheel controls. The engine rpm can be adjusted to compensate for wheel spin, as can the target slip percentage. Or launch control can be left in Auto mode and the E-Ray will figure out what’s best.One of the things we love about the E-Ray out on the road is its brutal, instantaneous, and easily accessible acceleration. Thanks to the 495-hp 6.2-liter V-8 in its tail pumping power to the rear wheels, a 160-hp electric motor driving its front wheels, and a 1.1-kWh battery that’s almost always at a 70-percent-or-higher level of charge on the street, the E-Ray leaps ahead from almost any speed. And with all-wheel-drive traction it launches from stoplights as if shot out of a Howitzer. So how quick is it to 60 mph in a real-world driving scenario when the light turns green? What if you rolled up to a stoplight to find, say, a 797-hp Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye in the next lane and the E-Ray’s launch control isn’t prepped for battle? Could you still beat the Dodge—theoretically, of course—if all you did was slam your right foot to the floor when the light turned green? A Stoplight to 60 MPH Takes 2.9 TicksIn the interest of science we performed exactly that gas-it-and-go run with our VBox test equipment attached to the E-Ray. In a previous test of a Charger Hellcat Redeye it hurtled to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with its launch control disengaged; it was slightly slower with it on. The E-Ray hit 60 in 2.5 seconds in our track testing—the quickest time we’ve ever recorded for a Corvette—with its adjustable launch control on and optimized. However, with no help from launch control, the E-Ray clocked in at 2.9 seconds. So, the Charger driver would be watching the E-Ray’s quad exhaust pipes fade into the distance.Part of our normal testing includes a 5-to-60-mph rolling start, in which we creep at 5 mph and then smash the accelerator. This test removes the effects of a high-rpm, launch-control start. The E-Ray completes the rolling start in 3.1 seconds, just 0.2-second slower than smashing the throttle from a standstill.How would the E-Ray fare in a stoplight shootout against other hypercars like the Ferrari 296GTB or Lamborghini Huracán STO? That’s a good question; we don’t have comparative 60 mph data for other supercars, which we virtually always test with their launch control on. So be it. This fun foray into a different sort of test nonetheless underscores our subjective impression of the E-Ray’s performance: how easy it is to make the hybrid Corvette hurtle away from almost anything else on the road in a stoplight drag race—theoretically, of course.Extra Corvette E-Ray ReadingThis 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.Director, Buyer’s GuideRich Ceppos has evaluated automobiles and automotive technology during a career that has encompassed 10 years at General Motors, two stints at Car and Driver totaling 19 years, and thousands of miles logged in racing cars. He was in music school when he realized what he really wanted to do in life and, somehow, it’s worked out. In between his two C/D postings he served as executive editor of Automobile Magazine; was an executive vice president at Campbell Marketing & Communications; worked in GM’s product-development area; and became publisher of Autoweek. He has raced continuously since college, held SCCA and IMSA pro racing licenses, and has competed in the 24 Hours of Daytona. He currently ministers to a 1999 Miata and a 1965 Corvette convertible and appreciates that none of his younger colleagues have yet uttered “Okay, Boomer” when he tells one of his stories about the crazy old days at C/D. More

The 2024 Nissan Rogue is transformed into an off-road SUV with the Project Rugged Rogue concept for SEMA. The 2024 Nissan Sentra concept channels past SE-R models with myriad performance upgrades, such as a highly modified turbo four and manual gearbox.The 2024 Nissan Frontier at SEMA isn’t a concept, it’s a real-life off-road race truck that’s packed with NISMO equipment.Right now, the most exciting models in Nissan’s portfolio are the GT-R and Z—both offer track-focused NISMO models. With this year’s SEMA show kicking off next week, Nissan has transformed two of its most mainstream models into tantalizing concepts that are turnt up with NISMO add-ons.A Truly Rugged RogueThe regular Rogue has no business tackling tangled terrain or venturing very far from paved roads. Now imagine a world where the compact SUV has a jacked-up ride height and mud-terrain tires like the Ford Ranger Raptor—amber running lights above the grille are also aped. That’s the Project Rugged Rogue that Nissan is NISMO fitted with all manner of NISMO equipment.Wearing a livery with a Reese’s cups’ color scheme and a topographical design, the Rogue concept has a roof rack packed with a bike and a kayak. There’s a total of six front-mounted fog lights, carbon-fiber fender flares, and side rock rails as well as a front brush guard. NISMO also supplied a three-inch suspension lift and 18-inch wheels that are bronze up front and black out back. Those mount on a set of 32-inch Yokohama Geolander M/T G003 tires.While there’s no mention of any powertrain changes, the Rogue’s 201-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder breaths through a custom center-exit exhaust that, frankly, looks badass.A Modern-Day Sentra SE-RThe NISMO-badged Sentra was killed off after the 2019 model year, and if there had been funeral, we doubt many would have attended. The Sentra DET concept that was built for SEMA is worth shedding a tear for. It features a host of prototype NISMO parts as well as a heavily modified powertrain—that it pairs with a six-speed manual versus the standard CVT is the cherry on top. “DET” is an acronym for Nissan’s past performance engines, but it’s wordy enough to not be worthy of writing out.Sure, we could do without the cheesy graphics, and we prefer the wheels on our cars to have matching colors on both sides, but a Sentra with hood-mounted heat extractors has our attention regardless. Beneath those slots sits the standard cars’s MR20DD 2.0-liter turbo four. Normally it makes a wimpy 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, but this isn’t the normal engine. It has been souped-up with a higher compression ratio, a bigger turbo, stronger internals, and an upgraded fuel system. If you don’t see this Sentra coming, you’ll likely hear its cat-back exhaust setup. Nissan didn’t mention the Sentra’s new output, but rest assured its considerably more than the stock engine.NissanNissanIn addition to the overhaul under the hood, the Sentra DET concept has a revised chassis that benefits from brakes pulled from the Nissan Z and coil-overs and anti-roll bars courtesy of NISMO. It grips and rips on a set of 18-inch Yokohama Advan Neova summer tires, with front-seat passengers being better held in place with Recaro competition seats.Frontier for Off-Road RacingThe Frontier is a fine mid-size pickup truck, and we dig the new retro-inspired Hardbody model. The Forsberg Racing-developed Frontier that’s heading to SEMA is more than fine, it’s frickin’ sweet! It’s also not a concept, it’s a race-proven rig that competed in the NORRA 500 (look it up).The Forsberg Frontier features more stickers than a Lisa Frank booklet, but they’re all tastefully applied. The look is completed by black beadlock NISMO wheels wrapped with gnarly Yokohama Geolander mud-terrain tires, which are buoyed by a lifted and enhanced suspension. Current Frontier owners can also find parts such as the roof rack, light bar, and rock sliders in the NISMO catalogue to copy the off-roader’s look.Nissans We’ve TestedThis 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

Kia is updating the Carnival minivan with a new look for the front and rear ends.We don’t know about interior updates at this point, but it may receive some new features.Look for U.S. specs on the the 2025 Carnival to be released within the next few months.The Kia Carnival’s looks were already one of its strong suits, and the minivan is getting an update for the 2025 model year that gives it an even more attractive appearance. Kia released photos of the Korea-spec Carnival with new front- and rear-end designs, plus different wheels and a new trim level called Gravity with a blacked-out color scheme.KiaUp front, the new grille texture and the larger headlights with futuristic-looking LED accent strips make a stronger statement. The taillights are also new and feature LED strips that stretch nearly the width of the car, while also extending downward into the fender. We’re particularly partial to the silver and black wheels on the pictured model, which feature a cool geometric pattern.Kia is also introducing a new trim level called Gravity that has black accents including the wheels, the window surrounds, and other bits of trim. We don’t know if this version will come to the U.S., or what name it would use if it does.KiaPhotos of the interior haven’t been released yet, so we’re not sure if it will include updates as well. We wouldn’t be surprised if Kia introduced some new features or updated the Carnival’s infotainment screen as part of this facelift. Some new upholstery and trim options might also be added.KiaWe don’t expect changes to the Carnival’s powertrain, which is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that’s available only with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Look for Kia to release more details on the U.S.-spec version of the 2025 Carnival within the coming months. It should go on sale on our shores either late this year or early in 2024.More on the CarnivalSenior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More