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    Toyota Crown EV Prototype Expectation – 1,353 Km Range

    Toyota’s next-gen solid-state batteryToyota’s Crown EV prototype demonstrated the company’s bipolar solid state batteries that will be the next big thing with EVs in the futureRange anxiety! The one hindering factor in EV growth. Regardless of range anxiety, EV sales are clocking higher numbers with every month. Advances in Battery tech and aero efficiency will go a long way in extracting a longer range than what is currently possible. Advances are underway in EV tech in the form of solid-state batteries that will ensure more range and less cost.Toyota wants to be at the forefront of solid-state batteries as it has dived head-first into this realm. Facing criticism for slower EV adoption, Toyota is showing the world that it means business when it does adopt. The automotive giant showcased its new-gen solid-state battery with a Crown sedan concept with 1,353 km of range on a single charge.Toyota’s Crown EV Prototype Has 1,353 Km RangeYes! You read that right. In a “Let’s Change the Future of Cars” workshop, Toyota revealed key details about its electrification roadmap. For starters, the company intends to offer both affordable EVs for the masses and enthusiast EVs with better capabilities. Toyota is comparing BZ4X, an EV it currently sells, with its next gen battery.For performance versions, Toyota will stick with monopolar NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) batteries and promise 200% range of BZ4X. 200% of 615 km (range of BZ4X) is 1,230 km. This next-gen battery will grace the markets in 2026 with a 20% increase in cost efficiency as opposed to BZ4X’s battery cost. Charging time will be around 20 minutes for 10-80%.Toyota’s next-gen solid-state battery ExplainedToyota is working on a new type of bipolar LFP (Lithium Ferrous Phosphate) battery for mass market offerings. This is likely to storm the market by 2026 and 2027. This battery promises 20% increase in range when compared to BZ4X’s 615 km range. This translates to 738 km of range.For the mainstream market, this is phenomenal considering charging time of 30 minutes for taking SOC (State Of Charge) from 10% to 80%. These new bipolar LFP batteries aim to be 40% more cost-effective than BZ4X’s batteries.Ushering new era of Battery tech and vehicular engineeringIf you observed closely, performance batteries are still monopolar in 2026. That will change till 2028. Toyota promises a high-performance bipolar solid-state battery promising a 10% increase in range and 10% increase in cost efficiency when compared to next-gen performance battery’s 1,230 km. This means a total range of 1,353 km and charging times for 10-80% is still 20 minutes.Toyota’s electric axlesToyota is not aiming to achieve this by the virtue of batteries alone. Reduction in weight, a smaller rear electric axle, more efficient aerodynamics based on a rocket’s hypersonic aerodynamics and other attributes. Toyota has already begun work on its bipolar solid-state batteries and showcased the same in a Crown sedan. The company intends to take charging time close to gasoline refueling times and cut down on range anxiety and cost associated with EVs. More

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    1963 Chevrolet Impala Z11 Lightweight Is Today’s Bring a Trailer Auction Pick

    The Z11 option package was a one-year-only offering that brought aluminum body panels and other weight-saving features.It’s believed that 57 full-size ’63 Chevys were so equipped.This example was originally campaigned by drag racer Terry Prince.Car and DriverThis 1963 Impala is one of the most muscular full-size Chevys ever made, rare and bristling with aggression. In period, it rolled up to the Christmas tree and then blitzed down the dragstrip, angry dinosaur noises roaring out of its 427-cubic-inch big-block V-8. Now, this rare Impala is up for auction on Bring a Trailer, which like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos. Bring a TrailerMore Impala goodnessThe early 1960s were a golden age for drag racing, and Chevrolet’s executives wanted to beat Ford. For 1963, they introduced a special-order option package, Regular Production Order (RPO) code Z11, which bestowed Chevrolet’s full-size Impala with something very special. It was an astronomically expensive option—at $1240, it added almost a third to the price of the car—and buyers got less for their money. Specifically, the radio, heater, and front sway bar were deleted. Many steel parts were replaced with aluminum, for a total weight savings of around 300 pounds.Bring a TrailerChevy had introduced the Super Sport (SS) option in 1961, with a 409-cubic-inch V-8 good for around 360 horsepower. For the Z11, that engine was punched up to 427 cubic inches, fitted with 13.5:1 compression pistons, and crowned with a high-rise intake and twin four-barrel carbs. The factory rating was 430 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque. The manual transmission was a four-speed BorgWarner T-10. Power is sent rearward to a 4.11:1 Positraction rear axle.Bring a TrailerThis example was bought new by Terry Prince, whose name it wears on its flanks. Prince ran the performance shop at Service Chevrolet in Pasadena, California, and ordered it specially. He competed in the 1963 NHRA Winternationals, and through the rest of the year. The car is accompanied by photos of the Impala in competition, as well as the original purchase order for $4102.32. The car was restored from a dissembled state in the late 1990s.Get your footwork right and this big red sled would scoot to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and flash through the quarter-mile traps at over 120 mph. A ferocious beast from a long-ago age, this Chevy has no seatbelts, drum brakes, and firepower like the USS Missouri. It’s a holy grail for Impala enthusiasts. The auction runs through June 17.Car and driverCar and driver Lettermark logoContributing 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

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    New Forza Motorsport with 500 Cars Is Out October 10 for Xbox, PC

    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.Attention, gamers: The release date for the new Forza Motorsport is October 10, with an opportunity to preorder special editions and get five days of early access ahead of launch. Forza Motorsport is available for Xbox Series S, Series X, and PC. The game is also included as part of the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. This newest iteration of Forza will launch with more than 500 cars, 20 tracks, and a fancy new physics and graphics system that allows for gameplay at 4K resolution at 60 frames per second on Xbox Series X and PCs with suitable hardware. The 100th Le Mans, a new Detroit Grand Prix city circuit, and the upcoming Formula 1 race down the Las Vegas Strip have all contributed to an especially exciting year of motorsport spectatorship—and Turn 10 Studio’s all-new Forza Motorsport promises to keep the party going. Stuffed within the two-hour-long Xbox Games Showcase was this Forza Motorsport official trailer that highlighted new cars, tracks, and Xbox’s highly anticipated next-generation answer to Sony’s exclusive Gran Turismo 7. Pre-orders are open now, but the new Forza Motorsport has been confirmed as included in Xbox Game Pass when it launches on October 10. Get your game onThe DetailsHere’s what we know so far: Forza Motorsport is bringing more than 500 cars with it on launch day. There are 20 tracks that each have numerous layouts, and five of those tracks are brand new to the series. Every track in the game will have a range of times of day and a choice of different weather environments, with the ability for the track surface to collect rubber and varying grip levels dependent on surface temperature. Some of our own favorites, such as Virginia International Raceway and the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, make their return in more detail than ever before. TURN 10 STUDIOSMore Powertrain Swapping, More ChallengesPart of Forza’s long-standing charm has been the ability to swap powertrains and drivetrains to create some wild automotive cocktails. That’s back, and so are 800 other performance upgrades for its swath of vehicles to challenge the imagination. A single-player campaign mode, Builders Cup Career mode, and online multiplayer all return to the stage this year, each with its own challenges and progression system that are designed to keep you in the driver’s seat. Turn 10 says the AI has been revamped to add a smarter and more competitive level of difficulty, and if that’s not enough for ya, they’ve thrown tire and fuel strategy into the mix.Forza Motorsport Standard EditionForza Motorsport Standard EditionForza fans can preorder to get early access to Forza Motorsport, beginning October 5, and play either on Xbox Series X, Series S, or PC. PC gamers who prefer Steam to the Xbox store can wish-list the new Forza to be notified when it’s available for preorder on that platform. There are also multiple special editions that have come with their own perks for an extra cost. The Premium Edition ($99) brings five days of early access, a Race Day Car Pack, a Car Pass (one new car awarded weekly for 30 weeks), VIP membership, and a welcome pack. The Deluxe Edition ($89) gets everything the Premium Edition includes, short of the early access. The Standard Edition ($69) is the cheapest way to purchase the new Forza Motorsport, but if you’re already subscribed to Xbox Game Pass, you’ll be able to play on launch day. 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.Associate EditorYes, he’s still working on the 1986 Nissan 300ZX Turbo project car he started in high school, and no, it’s not for sale yet. Austin Irwin was born and raised in Michigan, and, despite getting shelled by hockey pucks during a not-so-successful goaltending career through high school and college, still has all of his teeth. He loves cars from the 1980s and Bleu, his Great Pyrenees, and is an active member of the Buffalo Wild Wings community. When Austin isn’t working on his own cars, he’s likely on the side of the highway helping someone else fix theirs. More

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    Hero Xtreme 160R 4V USD Forks – Launch Price Rs. 1,36,500

    2023 Hero Xtreme 160R 4V LaunchedThe new oil-cooled 163cc engine on Hero Xtreme 160R 4V gets a 4V head as the name suggests and generates 16.9 Ps/12.4kW @ 8500rpm
    For the first time in recent past, Hero MotoCorp is making big revisions to its premium motorcycle range (160cc+). This began with launching of MY2023 Xpulse 200 4V and Xpulse 200 4V Pro motorcycles. At the flagship end, there is Karizma which is set to launch by the end of 2023. Now, Hero has taken wraps off MY2023 Hero Xtreme 160R 4V with USD forks.
    This is a big revision for Xtreme 160R and is a much-needed one at that. There are two variants, Standard and Pro variants. Hero has priced this Standard variant at Rs. 1,27,300, Rs. 1,32,800 for the connected variant and Rs. 1,36,500 for Pro variant (all prices ex-sh) and it is a tempting proposition as it is the only motorcycle to offer a 4V head and USD front forks in the same package. The new colour additions are Matte Slate Black, Neon Shooting Star and Blazing Sports Red.
    Hero Xtreme 160R 4V – The new king of 160cc segment?
    160cc space is currently dominated by two manufacturers. TVS with its Apache RTR 160 (both 2V and 4V) and Bajaj with its Pulsar NS160 and Pulsar N160. Honda X-Blade and Hero Xtreme 160R fall in the same segment but don’t sell as many motorcycles. TVS Apache RTR 160 4V was the only one with a 4V head.
    Pulsar NS160 was the only one with KYB USD front forks. Hero seems to be making a best-case scenario in this segment by bundling both of these attributes in the same package. As of now, Bajaj Pulsar N160 and Pulsar NS160 packed oil cooling setup. But Hero seems to have jumped in the bandwagon too and is offering oil-cooling setup.
    MY2023 Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Specs
    This should vastly reduce heating and expand headroom to extract more performance with the 4V head. This 4V head ensures increased performance, fuel efficiency, durability (with reduced wear and tear due to reciprocation of smaller valves), engine speed and reduce vibrations and make the engine sustain higher speeds for longer.
    Pulsar NS160 and Pulsar N160 get dual-channel ABS options. The 163cc single-cylinder engine makes 16.9 PS @ 8500 RPM, 14.6 Nm of torque @6500 RPM, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Kerb weight is 144 kg.
    Added features are extensive
    Apart from a 4V head, oil-cooling setup and USD front forks, Hero has offered quite a few design revisions as well. There is a slightly revised fuel tank and headlight cluster to lend a slightly athletic demeanor. The belly pan look similar to Stealth Edition variant, but knuckle guards are missing. Belly pan gets a new 4V sticker to signify its improved mechanicals.
    MY2023 Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Prices
    MY2023 Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Colour
    Hero Xtreme 160R 4V with USD front forks gets LED headlights, LED tail lights with smoked effect, LED turn indicators at both ends with hazard light function, rear disc brake option and more. Instrumentation is fully digital and features Bluetooth connectivity as well. Hero didn’t mention anything about navigation and dual-channel ABS. The latter is on offer with Pulsar N160 and Pulsar NS160.
    The company promises Xtreme 160R 4V will be the fastest one in its segment in a straight line and the fastest to a quarter-mile, which should be its main USP. Also, Hero mentions it is the lightest in its segment as well. For people who want the outgoing 2V model, Hero has retained it and is still on sale as well. More

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    Ford Is Serious about Entering the Dakar Rally, and about Winning It

    Ford Performance is set to enter the famed Dakar Rally for the first time ever, which takes place in Saudi Arabia in January 2024. Ford will join with partners M-Sport and Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM) to field a T1+-class modified Ford Ranger for 2024. According to Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance, Ford will use 2024 as a learning experience before bringing a Ranger Raptor–based truck and going for a win in 2025. The Ford Motor Company is going racing, and no, this time it isn’t in response to a recent Ferrari victory at Le Mans. Instead, Ford Performance will be taking on the famous and physically demanding Dakar Rally. The Blue Oval will team up with longtime partners M-Sport and Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM) to field the required T1+-class truck for the competition. Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance, told Car and Driver some details about Ford’s entry into the famed rally. When it enters the race for the first time in 2024, Ford will run a modified version of the fourth-generation Ranger, built to the Dakar’s T1+ specifications. Current-generation NWM Ford Ranger T1+.FordAccording to Rushbrook, the 2024 race will be a “finish and learn effort” for Ford, because racing the Dakar Rally is grueling on the truck and team alike. He plans to use the race as an opportunity for the team to learn the necessary logistics to mount a strong competition at the race. The team also plans to compete at Spain’s Baja España Aragón and Morocco’s Rally du Maroc rallies in July and October, using both races as a testbed before the Dakar Rally in January. Currently, the NWM-built competition trucks use the same twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine as the F-150 Raptor. The harsh terrain of Saudi Arabia makes suspension a vital part of the truck. On the NWM Ranger, that means suspension making use of 3.0-inch-diameter single dampers on each corner, which provide up to 13.8 inches of wheel travel to cushion the landing when cresting desert dunes. Stopping power is handled through a set of 13.9-inch Brembo disc brakes, complete with water-cooled calipers to handle extreme heat. All-New Truck for the January 2025 RallyUsing what they learn in the 2024 event, Ford and Rushbrook plan to mount the offensive in the following year. “We will prepare and build and test and develop an all new truck through 2024. That we will take back to race in January of 2025, with the intent of competing for the win,” he told C/D.FordMore Ford PerformanceNot only will they be armed with the knowledge and experience of having actually competed in the event, but they also plan to bring a completely new truck. While the fourth-generation Ranger underpins the current NWM T1+ Ranger, the 2025 entry will be built on the newer Ranger Raptor platform. When we asked Rushbrook if that meant the new truck would utilize the Raptor’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 rather than the current 3.5-liter, he instead pointed out that the FIA regulations allow for use of any engine from within the Ford family, but wouldn’t give specifics yet. All this talk of M-Sport–developed vehicles and Ford Performance has us thinking of the 5.4-liter V-8 in the Mustang GT3 that was just revealed . . . perhaps that’s a conversation for next time.More Details and SpecsAssociate 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

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    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Bares Its Adventurous Soul – Spied with no Cladding

    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450The new 450cc single-cylinder engine on Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is likely to generate 35 bhp of power and 40 Nm of torque
    Ever since the first set of Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 test mules emerged, it has been a sensational piece. There is a lot of anticipation for this motorcycle as it is a step above for Royal Enfield when compared to what it is currently doing with single-cylinder motorcycles. Launch is nearing, given the increasing frequency of test mule sightings.
    The recent test mule spy shots from Austria show zero camouflage on it. Most of the body panels and components look like they’re production-ready as well. It still features a generic Black shade, which doesn’t reflect the final finish quality and parameters, though. Royal Enfield seems to be acquiring final data ahead of launch.
    Ahead of the Curve: A Leap Forward in Adventure Motorcycles
    Unlike Indian test mules with extremely overdone camouflage including plastic corrugated sheets and cardboard as well. Test mules spotted in India look excessive in every sense of the world. For starters, the spy shots from Austria show a few exposed wiring leading to the rear top box where testing equipment is present.
    The previous set of test mules from India showed a smaller beak, which might be broken while testing. Test mules crashing while testing is getting quite common too. Also, it featured official accessories like side panniers with pannier mounts and a top box. There were electrical accessories too, like auxiliary lights.
    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Side view
    But those could very well be DT horns too, considering the positioning, which will only light up the front wheel. Now that Royal Enfield Himalayan is entering final phases of testing, we can expect it to globally debut by the end of 2023. Probably at 2023 EICMA show.
    A radical approach to new-age ADVs
    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is moving a notch above where technology is concerned. There are a lot of firsts associated with this motorcycle. For starters, this is the first Royal Enfield single-cylinder motorcycle to feature LED headlights and USD front forks. It is the first RE to feature a liquid-cooled engine. Even the flagship 650 twins feature oil-cooling.
    Speaking of the engine, it is a brand new 450cc unit that is likely to be on par with KTM 390 Adventure and upcoming Hero Xpulse 440. Rumour mill suggests a 6-speed gearbox too, which is a first for any RE single-cylinder motorcycle. This new engine is likely to develop 35 bhp of power and 40 Nm of torque. Stroke is likely to be greater than bore to ensure a torquey character.
    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 rear view
    Componentry includes USD front forks and rear mono-shock suspension with long travel, 21” front and 17” wire-spoke wheels (size not official), disc brakes at both ends, dual channel ABS, dual purpose tubed tyres, a long wheelbase along with high ground clearance, a circular instrument console that will probably have Bluetooth connectivity with navigation and more. Lighting is LED all around and rear tail lights are integrated within rear turn indicators, which is a neat touch.

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    2021–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokees Recalled for Suspension Problem

    Stellantis has issued a recall on 2021 through 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokees over a faulty coil spring.According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem potentially affects about 331,000 2022—2023 Grand Cherokee and 2021–2023 Grand Cherokee L SUVs.Owners of these vehicles will be receiving a letter by July 28, and the issue will be fixed free of charge by the dealer.Owners of 2021 through 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokees may soon receive a recall notice over a problem with the SUVs’ coil springs. According to the automaker, Stellantis, a total of 331,401 Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L models may have incorrectly installed rear coil springs. Included in the recall are 217,099 Grand Cherokee L and 114,302 Grand Cherokee SUVs. Grand Cherokees with the optional air suspension are not involved.The report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) details a “potentially out-of-position rear coil spring” as an issue that occurred during manufacturing in May 2023, making it possible the spring could detach while the vehicle is in motion. The separation could cause loss of control and increase the risk of an accident. As of May 25, the automaker was made aware of two customer assistance records, 17 warranty claims, and two field reports potentially related to the issue. There have been no reports of accidents or injuries directly related to the malfunctioning springs. The recall report estimates that only about 13 percent of the 331,401 recalled vehicles are likely to have the problem, and Grand Cherokees built after May 31 are not involved. Stellantis will send notifications to owners about the current recall by late July. In the meantime, Grand Cherokee owners can check whether their vehicle is affected on the NHTSA recalls website.Recent RecallsCar and driverCar and driver Lettermark logoSummer Editorial InternAlessandra Kaestner, a Chicago native, has always been interested in journalism. She remembers listening to NPR every day before school with her parents and trying to race her dad to get the New York Times from the front door. Alessandra continued her passion for journalism by working at her university’s newspaper during her first year and into her sophomore year: the Cornell Daily Sun. She is majoring in psychology and philosophy and wants to explore law and journalism. Although she does not have a lot of background in the world of cars, Alessandra is interested in expanding her knowledge and gaining experience. She could not be more excited to work with so many talented people at Car and Driver. More

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    2024 Nissan Sentra Improves Fuel Economy for Refreshed Model

    The 2024 Nissan Sentra is here with new exterior styling, highlighted by redesigned headlights and a new front fascia. The interior is slightly redesigned for the Sentra, and unlike its Chinese twin the Sylphy, the Sentra sticks to its 7.0- and 8.0-inch infotainment screens.The Sentra now has an engine start-stop feature, which Nissan says will help improve fuel economy figures.Nissan is adding some more visual flair to the 2024 Nissan Sentra while keeping meaningful changes light. Now in its fifth generation, the affordable compact sedan was due for a facelift. We’ve had some idea of what the changes would look like after spotting updates to the Sentra’s China-market twin the Sylphy back in March, though it seems that the U.S.-spec version isn’t exactly the same. The extent of the changes for the Sentra depend on the chosen trim level. All trims have a restyled front fascia and new headlights, along with new 16- and 18-inch wheel designs. Stepping up to the top trim SR adds a restyled rear bumper as well and a new color for the contrasting interior accent stitching.Inside, the changes are less noticeable. Unlike the Sylphy, which gained much larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, the 2024 Sentra marches on with the same old 7.0- and 8.0-inch infotainment screens. The Sentra also has a revised CVT automatic that promises smoother faux “shift” patterns. When paired with the new engine start-stop feature, these powertrain improvements should improve on the standard 2.0-liter inline-four engine’s already competitive fuel economy figures. EPA fuel-economy figures aren’t yet available, but the Sentra previously achieved EPA combined ratings of 33 mpg and 32 mpg for the SR trim. The only other change for the 2024 model comes in the way of Nissan adding its Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety features as standard. More on the SentraDetails such as pricing won’t be released until closer to the late summer, when Nissan plans to put the refreshed Sentra on sale. With so few changes, we don’t expect the price will change all that much, and it will likely hover around $22,000 to start. Associate 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