Aurelia Butler

After an almost 50-year career, automotive designer Peter Horbury died suddenly while traveling in China. Most recently, Horbury was executive vice president of design for Group Lotus.Horbury worked at or for multiple automakers, including Ford, Chrysler, and smaller brands including Bentley and Rolls-Royce. He also worked on motorcycles and the updated London Taxi.Horbury is best remembered for shifting Volvo’s classic angular design language to something sleeker and luxurious today.Peter Horbury, the automotive designer best known for leading the transition from boxy to curvy during his decades at Volvo and, most recently, as the executive vice president of design at Lotus, has died. He was 73.VolvoA cause of death has not been announced, but it appears to have been unexpected. According to a statement from Lotus, Horbury passed away “while visiting colleagues in China, doing what he has always done—leading, inspiring and mentoring others to challenge conventions and be the best that they can be.”What he has always done also includes designing an incredible variety of vehicles—cars, bikes, buses, vans and London Taxis, according to a deep tribute over at Car Design News —for an incredible variety of companies: Volvo, Ford, Chrysler, Geely, Lotus, Bentley, Triumph, Rolls-Royce, and more. Horbury started in the industry after graduating from the Royal College of Art in London in 1974. His oversize impact at Volvo kicked off in 1991 when he became the automaker’s head of design. He famously led the company away from the boxy designs of the 1970s and 1980s, starting with the ECC concept car in 1992 and on to the S80 production model and then the XC90. In 2002, Horbury became the head of design in Ford’s Premier Automotive Group, which included Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo. 1998 Volvo C70.Car and DriverHorbury went back to Volvo in 2009 to become vice president of design. When Ford sold Volvo to Geely in 2010, Horbury became Geely’s senior vice president of design. While there, he worked on multiple Geely brands, including Lynk & Co, Proton, and Lotus. One of the last vehicles Horbury worked on to have a reveal was the Lotus Eletre electric SUV last fall.Lotus Eletre.LotusHorbury’s peers in the automotive industry have been posting their condolences. Andy Palmer, the former CEO of Aston Martin, called Horbury an “extraordinary talent.” Ford CEO Jim Farley said Horbury’s passing deeply saddened him and that Horbury used “the power of design to transform and modernize Volvo globally.” Lotus’s official announcement noted that the charismatic Horbury spent nearly half a century designing “some of the world’s most significant and pioneering cars.”This content is imported from twitter. 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.I am deeply saddened by the passing of Peter Horbury. Our heart and condolences go out to his family. Peter was a remarkable design leader, perhaps best known for using the power of design to transform & modernize Volvo globally. He was an incredible advocate for Lincoln & Ford… pic.twitter.com/fqWG6iT83L— Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) July 1, 2023Beyond the adulations for a design legacy that “can be found on roads across the world today, enjoyed by millions of drivers,” as Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng put it in a statement, social media and personal tributes speak about the many ways Horbury enjoyed life. It is clear he will be missed by many around the world.Contributing 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

A new Lego Corvette model kit, based on the 1961 model year version, will be available later this summer.This is the fourth official Corvette Lego has released and the largest such model ever.With more than 1200 pieces, the 1961 Lego Corvette arrives August 1 with a $150 price tag.You can get a real Chevrolet Corvette from the late 1950s or early 1960s on Bring a Trailer for around $100,000, give or take $40,000, depending on the condition. If you don’t mind a smaller size and parts made out of plastic, a new Lego model celebrating the 1961 version is coming later this summer for a more modest $150.LEGO Of course, $150 for a toy isn’t exactly pocket change, but this set has been designed for adults. Plus, at least Lego has added features to the new 1210-piece kit to make you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth. The most noticeable bit is the swappable hard or open top for this little cabriolet sports car that stands four inches high, 12.5 inches long, and 5.5 inches wide. It’s just the right size and complexity for anyone who enjoys Legos but doesn’t want to take three weeks to put together a complicated Technics machine.Brick Lore That doesn’t mean there aren’t clever touches here. The hood and truck open, and there’s a spinning radiator fan and a working tie-rod steering set-up in the engine bay. The cabin features three pedals, a gear shifter and a steering wheel that turns the wheels. The kit has three license plate stickers, including one with a Corvette logo and one each with Michigan and California identifications. Corvette fans should appreciate the transitional ducktail design and the four iconic taillights.LEGO Part of the Lego Icons series, this set (#10321) is the fourth official Lego model with a Corvette, and it arrives just in time to mark the 70th anniversary of the Corvette’s debut in 1953.The first, featuring a tiny Z06 made from 168 pieces, came out in a Speed Champions set in 2016. The second was a 600-piece Technic set featuring the ZR1 in 2019. In 2021, Lego released another 500-piece Speed Champions set, but this time it was a twofer with models of a C8.R race car and a 1968 Corvette in the box. All three of these older sets are available, used, on the fan-to-fan Lego marketplace called Bricklink for around $20 to $30.LEGOIf you don’t want your new Corvette to look lonely, Lego also offers two other classic GM vehicles in its current lineup of sets. There’s a Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (around 1500 pieces for $170) and a NASCAR Camaro ZL1 made from almost 700 pieces and a $50 price tag.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.Contributing 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

This first-gen Audi TT has arguably the purest execution of the model’s Bauhaus design.Although based on VW Golf underpinnings, the top-spec version featured a turbocharged 225-hp engine, all-wheel drive, and an available six-speed manual transmission, all present here.This example also boasts ultra-low mileage with the odometer showing just 15K miles. The auction ends on Thursday, July 6.Car and DriverLaunched in the fall of 1998, the Audi TT is now a quarter-century old, which naturally begs the question: Is this a potential future classic? Underpinned by the same platform as the fourth-generation VW Golf, the TT was practical, quick, capable, and oh, so pretty. This ultra-low-mileage example of the first-gen TT Roadster, complete with a manual transmission and those standout baseball-stitch seats, is up for auction on Bring a Trailer, which like Car and Driver is part of Hearst Autos.Related StoriesThe TT takes its name from motorcycle racing on the Isle of Man. NSU was a car and motorcycle manufacturer that was absorbed by Auto Union in 1969 to form the modern embodiment of Audi, and it was quite successful in motorcycle racing on the Snaefell circuit. Further, the NSU TT was a small, highly tuned rear-engined coupe that may be thought of as analogous to any number of Fiat Abarth specials.In the mid-1990s, Audi was looking to infuse its lineup with more emotional appeal. The A4 and A6 had established themselves as credible rivals to BMW’s 3- and 5-series and the Mercedes-Benz C- and E-class. But Audi needed a sports car.Bring a TrailerEnter the TT, first sketched out as a coupe concept in 1995. Production began in 1998, with the roadster joining the lineup a year later. A year after that, a more potent 225-hp version of the turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine went on sale, and the TT made Car and Driver’s 10Best list.”We predict this wonderfully glamorous Audi will eventually join the Cisitalia and Jaguar E-type in the Museum of Modern Art. For now, we simply grin every time we see one,” we wrote.Bring a TrailerThis example is the more potent 225-hp variant, with Quattro all-wheel-drive and the six-speed manual transmission. Finished in black over Amber Red upholstery, it also has the must-have baseball-stitch leather, like you’re sitting in Paul Bunyan’s game-day mitt. With just 15,000 miles on the odometer and a clean California history, it’s a gorgeous piece of modern Bauhaus design.Just as it did on its debut, today the TT marks a high point for Audi enthusiasts. And, sadly, also a bookend. The current TT is leaving the market as Audi pivots to electrification. There may be an all-electric successor to the R8, but there appear to be plans for the TT to go EV.Bring a TrailerWhich is a shame. The TT was Audi’s Everyman sports car—interesting, beautiful, and within reach. A box-fresh vintage version like this example still has those qualities. This auction ends July 6.Contributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are the largest members of the Jeep family. With both boasting three rows of seats as well as longer-wheelbase “L” variants, the Wagoneers are great for hauling families from one adventure to the next. However, for folks who want to know what differentiates the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer from the 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, we’re here to break it down by detailing their available powertrains, exterior and interior designs, and the various safety and tech features. Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer TestedExterior Differences As its name implies, the Grand Wagoneer has a grander appearance than the regular Wagoneer. The more upscale model has more chrome, a black roof, snazzier LED lighting accents, a different hood, and more prominent fender flares. Power-retractable running boards are also standard on the Grand Wagoneer. The three-row SUVs also offer wheel sizes ranging from 18 to 22 inches, but those options vary by trim level. The Grand Wagoneer’s smallest available wheels are 20 inches, and it also offers a few exclusive colors, including Midnight Sky Blue, Rocky Mountain Green, and Ember Pearl. For Wagoneer shoppers only, a blacked-out appearance is available with the Carbide package. Along with glossy black wheels (20-inchers are standard; 22s are optional), the mirror caps, parts of the grille, and other bits are also black; the Wagoneer Carbide’s interior has black seats and special trim on the dashboard. The Grand Wagoneer equivalent is called the Obsidian. It’s a bit more glamorous and includes standard shiny black 22-inch rims.For 2023, both the Wagoneer and the Grand Wagoneer are available with a longer wheelbase that grows by an identical 7 inches to 130 inches. These “L” variants see their overall length extend an entire foot to 226.7 inches. For comparison, the similarly sized Chevy Suburban is 225.7 inches long, and the stretched version of the more luxurious Cadillac Escalade ESV is 227.0 inches long. All Jeep Wagoneers—regardless of wheelbase or grandness—stand between 74.6 and 77.3 inches tall and measure nearly 84 inches wide. Those dimensions might be worth considering for shoppers with garages or parking spots that are on the smaller side.Interior Differences Inside, the Grand Wagoneer is more luxurious, with a slightly different dashboard layout as well as nicer leather and wood trim compared with the Wagoneer. The latter has a standard second-row bench seat that provides room for as many as eight passengers. A set of second-row captain’s chairs are also optional, but that configuration means there’s one less seat in the middle. The Grand Wagoneer is the opposite and comes standard with the seven-passenger layout (the second-row bench is optional).Those considering the long-wheelbase Wagoneers should know their interior passenger volume is similar to their shorter counterparts. However, the L models have considerably more cargo space. The Wagoneer L offers between 42 and 131 cubes of cargo volume, depending on which rows of seats are stowed; the regular Wagoneer has between 27 and 117 cubes. It’s also worth noting that the Grand Wagoneer L has a little less passenger space (173 cubic feet versus 176), but it has much more cargo space than the non-L Grand, providing an extra 19 cubes (113 total) behind the first row and an extra 17 cubes (44 total) behind the third.Convenience Features, Safety, and TechOptional features exclusive to the Grand Wagoneer include four-zone climate control, 24-way power seats, and a McIntosh audio system with more speakers. Not only does the Grand Wagoneer offer more screens on the dash and for rear-seat passengers, its available screens are also larger than in the Wagoneer.Both models have a host of driver-assistance technology. Along with available adaptive cruise control, a self-parking function, and night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, the Wagoneers come standard with the following safety features:Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency brakingStandard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistStandard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alertWagoneer InfotainmentEvery Wagoneer packs a robust infotainment system that runs through a 10.1-inch center touchscreen. A separate 10.3-inch display that faces the front-seat passenger is also available, and it provides entertainment and navigation functions. The Uconnect 5 system also includes built-in navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa functionality, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. A rear-seat entertainment system with a pair of 10.1-inch displays is optional.Grand Wagoneer InfotainmentThe Grand Wagoneer’s infotainment system brings an even larger 12.0-inch center touchscreen plus another touch display below it that measures 10.2 inches. This lower unit provides controls for the HVAC system and other functions. As with the regular Wagoneer, a 10.3-inch front-passenger display is also available. The Grand model has the same popular standard features, from wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to Amazon Alexa functionality and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotpsot. Those sitting in the second row are privy to another 10.3-inch touchscreen between the captain’s chairs, and there’s an optional rear-seat entertainment system with dual 10.1-inch touchscreens.Wagoneer PowertrainA 392-hp 5.7-liter V-8 is the Wagoneer’s base engine, but it’s only available on the entry-level trim. What’s more, a 420-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is a no-cost option. That “Hurricane” engine is also standard on every other Wagoneer, including all L variants. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear- or various all-wheel-drive systems. Those who need to tow a trailer can tug up to 10,000 pounds. Fuel EconomyThe 2023 Jeep Wagoneer with the V-8 and all-wheel drive has the worst EPA estimates, at 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. Pairing rear-drive with the turbo six brings estimates of 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway; opting for all-wheel drive drops both figures by 1 mpg. Grand Wagoneer PowertrainA 471-hp 6.4-liter V-8 is the Grand Wagoneer’s entry-level engine, but it’s only available on the base model. The rest of the lineup, including all long-wheelbase versions, feature a high-output Hurricane twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six that makes 510 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. Every Grand Wagoneer has an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, although the latter is offered with different levels of capability. It’s rated to tow up to 9860 pounds too.Fuel EconomyThe 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer with the V-8 earns a lowly 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway, per the EPA. While the six-cylinder isn’t much better, with mpg estimates of 14 city, 20 highway for the standard wheelbase and 14 city, 19 highway for the long wheelbase, the latter performed slightly better than advertised in our 75-mph fuel-economy test, earning 20 mpg.Wagoneer Pricing The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer with rear-wheel drive starts at $62,670, which is several thousand dollars more than the full-size, body-on-frame Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition. Jeep charges an extra $3000 for all-wheel drive on all Wagoneer models, which we expect to be the volume sellers. With AWD included, the Series II and Series III start at $70,790 and $76,810, respectively. The Wagoneer Series II Carbide 4×4 starts at $74,485. Base prices for the long-wheelbase, all-wheel-drive Wagoneer L models are listed below:4×4: $68,670Series II: $73,790Series II Carbide: $77,485Series III: $79,810Grand Wagoneer PricingThe 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer starts at $91,645, which is nearly $10K more than full-size, body-on-frame luxury SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade and the Lincoln Navigator. Stepping up from the entry-level Grand Wagoneer to the Series II pushes the starting price to $97,995, and the Series III opens at $111,145. The long-wheelbase adds another $3250 to the Grand Wagoneer’s base trim level and $3000 to the others. The Obsidian treatment costs an extra $995 with the top-spec Series III, but it’s a $5495 option with the Series II because it adds more content.More Jeep Wagoneer 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.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