Aurelia Butler

It stands to reason that dangerous driving on public roads puts people in danger. So, if there are more high-speed police pursuits (and there are), then it makes sense that there would be more injuries and deaths (and there are).A new, unofficial policy in New York City resulted in a 600 percent increase in police vehicle pursuits earlier this year with a tenor that one New York Police Department official has called “reckless.” In Los Angeles, deaths and injuries from high-speed chases are on the rise, especially for some unfortunate innocent bystanders. Police chases might be entertaining in the movies, but they can be dangerous to people who get caught up in them. In New York City, a policy shift toward more aggressive tactics resulted in an increase in police vehicle pursuits of almost 600 percent in the first few months of 2023. Over in Los Angeles, about a quarter of the time when law enforcement vehicles give chase, someone dies or is injured. In Michigan, police pursuits have resulted in 60 deaths in the past five years.Some of these dangerous pursuits are the consequence of quiet rules changes. According to The City, a New York City–based publication, John Chell—the new NYPD chief of patrol, who stepped into the role in December 2022—is behind the push for more enforcement, including more chases. As one unidentified NYPD official told The City, “Chell’s going out himself. On a Friday night at three in the morning, he’s out there. It’s just an aggressive tenor now that’s reckless. I’ve never seen it like this.”More Than 300 Chases in Three Months As The City notes, New York City has a rule from its 2016 NYPD patrol guide that requires officers to terminate a vehicle pursuit “whenever the risks to uniformed members of the service and the public outweigh the danger to the community if [the] suspect is not immediately apprehended.” But under Chell, the NYPD’s unofficial pursuit policy change resulted in more than 300 chases in the first three months of 2023, up nearly 600 percent from the first three months of 2022. From the C/D Archive (2017)This is such a big increase that the city has already had more vehicle pursuits in the first three months of 2023 than it did in all of 2022 (when there were 214 chases). The NYPD has also been making more traffic stops this year (11 percent more in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same time in 2022), which The City said is likely leading to more pursuits. “Ghost Cars” and Dirt BikesWhen C/D contacted the NYPD for comment, we were referred to a video showing Chell’s announcement of second-quarter NYC crime statistics this week. In it, Chell answered a reporter’s question about the increase in high-speed pursuits by saying that some of the biggest complaints from the community a year ago were about illegal dirt bikes and reckless driving from “ghost cars,” cars without legal tags or stolen vehicles.”We also realized that the street violence we were getting at the time involved the same types of vehicles as related to robberies, shootings,” Chell said. “So we made a pledge: ‘No more.’ You are not going to drive around this city in a reckless manner and think you can do whatever you want to do with your attitude and commit crimes at that rate.””You are not going to drive around this city in a reckless manner and think you can do whatever you want to do.” —John Chell, NYPDThe police force has increased its pursuit presence, The City notes, through its plainclothes Community Response Teams. These were set up to, in part, deal with drivers of vehicles that shouldn’t be in NYC: ATVs and motorbikes, cars with temporary plates, and stolen vehicles.Since NYPD established the Community Response Teams, Chell said, the department has taken 9700 illegal bikes and ghost cars off the street so far in 2023 and 25,000 in the last two years. Chell said calls about reckless driving in NYC are down and vehicle pursuits are up. “I’ll say it again: the days of driving around this city, lawless, doing what you think you’re going to do? They’re over,” he said. 1000+ Deaths or Injuries in L.A. Since 2018Los Angeles is dealing with its own high-speed-chase problems. According to statistics from the local Board of Police Commissioners cited by the Los Angeles Times and other media, in the 4200 police chases since 2018, over 1000 resulted in death or injury. The true unfortunates, though, are the people who were injured or died in these incidents and who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. About 500 of the pursuit-related injuries (and three deaths) were to unconnected bystanders. The Los Angeles Times notes that the annual number of bystander injuries has been steadily increasing in the past five years.KIM KULISH|Getty ImagesHow to correctly end a high-speed chase has been studied for decades. In 1990, for example, the U.S. Department of Justice issued “Restrictive Policies for High-Speed Police Pursuits,” a report on how different police departments regulated their officers’ chase situations. The report recommended that a police department’s pursuit policy should set the conditions for a chase well before anyone starts speeding away. Defining the environmental conditions in which pursuits may or may not be conducted is important, for example, as is clearly defining the rules for terminating a pursuit.Vehicle pursuit rules are in place for police departments today. The UCLA Police Department, for example, has clearly defined rules about radio usage, firearm rules (“The use of firearms to disable a pursued vehicle is not generally an effective tactic and involves all the dangers associated with discharging firearms,” the UCLA PD said), and much more in order to to provide officers guidance on how to “[balance] the safety of the public and themselves against law enforcement’s duty to apprehend violators of the law.” 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.From the C/D ArchiveContributing EditorSebastian Blanco has been writing about electric vehicles, hybrids, and hydrogen cars since 2006. His articles and car reviews have appeared in the New York Times, Automotive News, Reuters, SAE, Autoblog, InsideEVs, Trucks.com, Car Talk, and other outlets. His first green-car media event was the launch of the Tesla Roadster, and since then he has been tracking the shift away from gasoline-powered vehicles and discovering the new technology’s importance not just for the auto industry, but for the world as a whole. Throw in the recent shift to autonomous vehicles, and there are more interesting changes happening now than most people can wrap their heads around. You can find him on Twitter or, on good days, behind the wheel of a new EV.  More

BMW Motorrad is launching a new electric motorbike called CE 02, which is designed for running around town while looking far less dorky than a mobility scooter.The electric motor makes up to 15 horsepower, and there are two 1.96-kWh batteries on board. BMW Motorrad says that’s enough for about 56 miles of driving range.A set of smartglasses is also being introduced. Wearing them, riders get vital information such as speed and turn-by-turn navigation right in their line of sight.Electric powertrains are creating a lot of buzz in the car world. That same eco-friendly approach is trickling down to motorcycles, so BMW Motorrad is adding a second electric model to its lineup of two-wheelers. The CE 02 is a smaller and more affordable follow-up to the CE 04 that hit the market for the 2022 model year.BMW MotorradWhile BMW insists this new product is neither an e-motorbike nor an e-scooter, we can’t quite get on board with the company’s marketing materials, which refer to the CE 02 as an “e-parkourer.” We can see where they’re going with it, though, as the bike has a street-smart appearance that’ll look right at home in urban settings. More Electric Motorcycles to Add a Jolt to your CommuteTwo different versions will be offered in global markets, including one with a 5-hp electric motor and a single 1.96-kWh battery. But American buyers will have just one choice: the more powerful 15-hp version, which doubles up the batteries for a total of 3.92 kWh and a claimed range of about 56 miles per charge. Top speed is estimated to be 59 mph.BMW MotorradA 0.9-kW home charging adapter is standard, but frequent riders may find it more convenient to upgrade to the optional 1.5-kW charger, as it cuts down on charging time. The higher-powered charger is part of the optional Highline package, which also adds Bluetooth phone connectivity, a smartphone holder, heated hand grips, and an upgraded seat. The CE 02 has a standard 3.5-inch display between the handlebars that shows speed and remaining range, among other things. There’s also a USB-C port to charge a smartphone as well as an app to keep track of the bike’s charging status. Heads Up!To tie the whole connected package together, BMW Motorrad is launching smartglasses that integrate with the bike’s telemetry to display speed, charge, and turn-by-turn directions on the right lens. The glasses will pair with other BMW Motorrad products, so you aren’t locked into the CE 02 if you want to give them a try.BMW MotorradBMW MotorradWe got a chance to try the glasses at a recent BMW event and we can report that they serve as a sort of head-up display, providing enough adjustment capability that most users will have a crystal-clear view of both the road ahead and the information displayed. They aren’t the most fashionable pair of shades, but the functionality seems worth it for frequent riders. The price, which comes in at around $750 at today’s exchange rate, is what may give buyers pause.BMW MotorradThe CE 02 seems to be a great option for getting around town and avoiding traffic, but it too carries a high starting price of about $8200. BMW Motorrad hasn’t announced pricing for options yet, but we think with the Highline package it’s possible the CE 02 will push close to the $10,000 mark. We expect the CE 02 to arrive at BMW Motorrad dealers in the U.S. in early 2024.Managing Editor, Buyer’s GuideDrew Dorian is a lifelong car enthusiast who has also held a wide variety of consumer-focused positions throughout his career, ranging from financial counselor to auto salesperson. He has dreamed of becoming a Car and Driver editor since he was 11 years old—a dream that was realized when he joined the staff in April 2016. He’s a born-and-raised Michigander and learned to drive on a 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. His automotive interests run the gamut from convertibles and camper vans to sports cars and luxury SUVs.       More

The 2025 Ram 1500 is expected to receive a facelift based on new spy photos.Images of a camouflaged crew-cab model reveal updated headlights, hint at other cosmetic changes, and suggest an updated touchscreen.The refreshed half-ton Ram is also expected to adopt a version of the Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six, which currently makes up to 510 horsepower.Ram’s full-size pickup truck should soon have a fresh face as well as other exterior and interior updates. Based on images captured by our spy photographer, it appears the 2025 Ram 1500 will definitely receive restyled headlights, which are partially visible through the truck’s camouflage.KGP Photography|Car and DriverWith just the half-ton Ram’s front and rear ends disguised, it’s presumed they’ll be the only parts to see notable cosmetic changes. We expect the new headlights to be accompanied by revised grille designs and possibly different bumpers. The truck should also gain a new set of taillights, tweaks to the rear bumper, and possibly updated tailgate appliqués. A variety of updated wheel options are expected too. Inside, we don’t think the Ram 1500 will undergo any major surgery. We’d wager that a fully digital gauge cluster will finally be offered along with an updated infotainment system. One of our spy photos shows the truck’s vertically oriented touchscreen, which could potentially be enhanced with features not currently found on the current model’s available 12.0-inch unit.KGP Photography|Car and DriverNot only will the 2025 Ram 1500 benefit from updated styling, but it’s also expected to adopt Stellantis’s new Hurricane twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. Currently, the Jeep Wagoneer and the Jeep Grand Wagoneer are the only two models with the engine. Both pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the Wagoneer’s 420-hp engine works with rear- or all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the Grand Wagoneer comes standard with all-wheel drive and features a high-output Hurricane engine that makes 510 horses and 500 pound-feet of torque.It remains to be seen if the ’25 Ram 1500 will continue to offer any of the current engine options. The roster for the 2023 model year includes a 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6 and a 395-hp 5.7-liter V-8 with or without a 48-volt hybrid system. More details on the refreshed pickup truck will likely come sometime later this year, so stay tuned.Read More Ram 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

This content is imported from youTube. 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.Bad car names come in a wide variety of stupid. Toyota‘s bZ4X is named after gobbledygook, all those Infiniti vehicles have the letter Q in their names for no discernible reason, and both Edsel and Chevrolet have built miserable cars called Citation. Some good cars have bad names, and some bad cars make names bad. There will, for instance, never be another Cadillac Cimarron. Even though Cimarron is objectively a better name than CT-this or XT-that, the car itself sucked.This episode of Car and Driver’s ongoing soap opera Window Shop goes in search of the worst car names ever. Names that evoke images of profligate lifestyles, miserable fates or, even, fascism. Window Shop goes forward—unpredictably for sure—in bringing the world Zoom call–based automotive addle-mindedness.Conspicuously missing from this edition is Jonathon Ramsey, who apparently is willing to risk his title of “favorite contributor” with C/D. But senior editor Elana Scherr is aboard again and, yes, she brings a Mopar. Also in attendance is the miraculous executive editor K.C. Colwell, slightly less–senior senior editor Joey Capparella, Road & Track aging nuisance John Pearley Huffman and, naturally, Dear Leader of the Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes, Tony Quiroga.Which bad name sunk the deepest? Watch and find out. Then join us again in the misty, indefinite and random future for the next episode. More Window ShoppingSenior EditorJohn Pearley Huffman has been writing about cars since 1990 and is getting okay at it. Besides Car and Driver, his work has appeared in the New York Times and more than 100 automotive publications and websites. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara, he still lives near that campus with his wife and two children. He owns a pair of Toyota Tundras and two Siberian huskies. He used to have a Nova and a Camaro. More

Apple Original Films is producing a currently untitled movie about Formula 1 racing and has given us our first look at the black-and-gold car that will feature in the film.The film will star Brad Pitt and Damson Idris as the fictional APXGP team’s two drivers, and the actors have also been trained to drive the race car. Joseph Kosinski, who directed Top Gun: Maverick, is charge of the project and will use real footage of the APXGP car on track at this weekend’s British Grand Prix. Cadillac and Andretti Autosport made headlines earlier this year when they announced their intention to join the Formula 1 grid as an 11th team. This weekend’s British Grand Prix will see an 11th team join the paddock, but it won’t be the Andretti Cadillac squad. Instead, it is a fictional team dubbed “APXGP,” which will play a central role in the upcoming and as-yet-untitled F1 movie being produced by Apple Original Films.Formula 1 via TwitterApple Studios first announced last summer that it is producing a movie about Formula 1, looking to capitalize on the surge of popularity that the open-wheel racing series experienced through the Netflix show Drive to Survive. Now we have our first glimpse at the race car that will star in the movie thanks to images released by Apple Original Films and published by F1. The car clearly appears to follow the latest regulations—introduced in 2022—that put an emphasis on ground-effect downforce, but the design doesn’t appear to be a carbon copy of the current cars on the grid. In fact, the APXGP car being used for the movie is actually based on a Formula 2 chassis, modified by Mercedes and British racing team Carlin, as reported by Racer.com. Formula 1 via TwitterThe APXGP car sports a black-and-gold livery, reminiscent of the iconic John Player Special–branded Lotus F1 cars of the ’70s and ’80s as well as the infamous Rich Energy–sponsored Haas car of 2019. Notably, the livery includes sponsorships from real companies, including IWC, Tommy Hilfiger, and Expensify. A large AMG badge along the engine cover suggests that the fictional team will be portrayed as an engine customer of Mercedes-AMG F1. IWC is also a Mercedes F1 sponsor, while Tommy Hilfiger has ties to Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton.Hamilton will serve as a producer for the film in hopes of keeping it as true to real life as possible. The movie will star Brad Pitt and Damson Idris (who starred in the FX series Snowfall) as the team’s two drivers. Directing duties are being handled by Joseph Kosinski, who led the filming of the blockbuster hit Top Gun: Maverick.The crew will be filming at the British Grand Prix. APXGP will occupy a garage between Mercedes and Ferrari, with the two fictional drivers’ names—Sonny Hayes (Pitt) and Joshua Pearce (Idris)—plastered above their pit lane spot. The made-up team also has a pit-wall command center and a hospitality suite in the paddock. Filming will occur on track as well, with the APXGP car piloted by professional drivers. Pitt and Idris have been training and will get some seat time as Kosinski looks to reduce the reliance on CGI, similar to the approach he took with Maverick. No release date has been announced, but considering filming is still underway, we wouldn’t expect it to hit the silver screen for at least another year. More Cars on the Silver ScreenThis 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.Associate News EditorCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. More