Aurelia Butler

The 2025 Volvo EX30 debuts as the brand’s smallest electric SUV, slotting below the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge in size and price. Starting at $36,145, the 268-hp rear-drive EX30 has a claimed range of 275 miles; a punchier, albeit pricier, 422-hp all-wheel-drive model is available too.The EX30’s interior boasts a single 12.3-inch touchscreen, myriad recycled materials, and a full-width sound bar on the dashboard.Chevy called the Bolt EV an SUV when most people with two working eyes saw it as a high-riding hatchback. However, the Bolt will be six feet under after this year, and there aren’t many small, affordable electric hatches—er—SUVs for Americans to choose from. That’s why the 2025 Volvo EX30 is so refreshing.The Smallest VolvoThe EX30, which measures 166.7 inches long and 61.1 inches tall, is a few inches longer and a couple inches shorter than the regular Bolt. The Volvo is almost 3 inches wider, though, at 72.3 inches. The EX30 is also smaller and less expensive than the fully electric Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, which both occupy the subcompact end of the SUV spectrum. Riding on a short 104.3-inch wheelbase, the EX30 has 6.5 inches of ground clearance. It’s also rated to tow 2000 pounds (same as the Recharge twins).The Swedish automaker can market its smallest model however it likes, because the EX30 exemplifies the EV ethos better than many other electric models currently sold on our shores. It’s the exact opposite of four-ton-plus behemoths such as the GMC Hummer EV SUV and the growing number of electric pickup trucks. A smaller vehicle obviously needs fewer materials to make, but Volvo took extra measures to make the EX30 sustainable.Simple to Be Sustainable Along with using more recyclable and renewable materials, Volvo says it has streamlined the manufacturing process by increasing the number of stamped body parts. The company also partners with suppliers who share its climate-neutral mission, with a majority of them said to have committed to using 100 percent renewable energy by 2025. Volvo also uses blockchain technology to trace critical raw materials used to make its batteries.The EX30 will begin production in China, in a factory that’s said to be primarily powered by climate-neutral energy, but a company spokesperson declined to say whether it would eventually be built in Volvo’s South Carolina plant, as is the plan for the larger, three-row EX90. As a result, it remains to be seen whether or not the EX30 will ever become eligible for federal EV tax credits under the new guidelines. Inside the EX30 is where people can see how Volvo simplified things for the sake of sustainability. Instead of scattering stereo speakers in both the doors and dashboard like most cars, the EX30 comes standard with a full-width sound bar mounted at the base of the windshield. Containing seven speakers, it clears room for more storage space in the door panels and reduces the amount of wiring. Of course, the sound system can be further upgraded with optional Harman/Kardon equipment.Minimalist doesn’t mean plain, boring, and questionably screwed together in the EX30 like it does in the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Instead, it channels Volvo’s chic cabins, with attractive upholstery options, from wool-blend fabrics to recycled denim. It also has interesting trim pieces on the dash and doors that are accented by adjustable ambient lighting. The center console has loads of storage space, and it features retractable cupholders and other versatile bins for front- and rear-seat passengers. There’s also a glovebox mounted below the center stack with tons of room thanks to the flat load floor. For bulky items, the EX30 offers 14 cubic feet of space behind the back seats and 32 cubes with that row stowed.Like the Teslas, the EX30 has a single center-mounted display where all critical driving information as well as other vehicle settings and infotainment options are controlled. The vertically oriented 12.3-inch touchscreen runs the latest version of Google’s Android operating system. The big news is that it finally includes wireless Apple CarPlay. A Volvo spokesperson says wireless Android Auto isn’t included since the native system serves that function.Powered UpThe EX30 is built on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) electric platform that was developed by Geely, Volvo’s Chinese parent company. The little ute is offered with two powertrains. There’s a single-motor rear-wheel-drive configuration that generates 268 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant delivers a combined 422 horses and 400 pound-feet. Volvo claims that’s enough punch to launch the EX30 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.VolvoVolvoEvery EX30 features a 64.0-kWh battery pack. Volvo estimates a full charge will send the single-motor model 275 miles, while the extra motor is expected to shave 10 miles off that figure. Neither range rating has yet been certified by the EPA. With a peak charging rate of 153 kW, Volvo claims it takes about 27 minutes to charge the EX30’s battery from 10 to 80 percent when plugged into a DC fast charger.On the road, the EX30 continues to promote Volvo’s safety-minded image. It comes with all manner of common driver-assistance tech, but it also features an alert to help prevent opening a door into oncoming cyclists and such. There’s a new driver-attention monitor too, which is said to be better at recognizing if a driver is drowsy or distracted. For those who struggle with parking, the EX30 also marks the debut of Volvo’s latest-generation automated Park Pilot Assist feature. It’s basically able to identify and execute more parking scenarios, such as curved and diagonal fishbone-style spots.EX30 Cross Country ComingVolvo will finally offer an EV with its outdoorsy Cross Country treatment. While production isn’t slated to start until sometime later in 2024, the EX30 Cross Country will have the hallmarks of its predecessors. That includes higher ground clearance and rugged-looking exterior bits. Along with black 19-inch wheels, a set of 18-inchers with knobby BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires will be available. Black panels on the front bumper and tailgate as well as a Swedish flag on the hood will be other telltale details, and an optional roof rack is available.The U.S. version of the 2025 Volvo EX30 is currently available to pre-order. Prices start at $36,145 for the entry-level Core trim with the single motor. While the company has confirmed that a mid-level Plus and a loaded Ultimate will complete the lineup, it isn’t releasing pricing yet. That will happen sometime before U.S. models start reaching dealerships next summer.Extra EX30 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

The C8 Corvette is the first model in the nameplate’s long history to offer a right-hand-drive configuration directly from the factory. This has allowed the C8 Stingray and C8 Z06 models to find plenty of interested parties in Europe and Japan. Thanks to a report from WebCG, we now know that every C8 Z06 headed to Japan will carry the same trim package and color combination. Know Your CorvettesThe news comes directly from GM Japan executives Yoshiaki Uehara and Satoshi Nakano, who discussed the Japan-spec Z06 with the publication. According to the report, every C8 Corvette Z06 being ordered by GM Japan will be a loaded-up 3LZ coupe, complete with black exterior paint and a red interior. In order to keep the color theme in order, all cars will also feature black wheels and red brake calipers. The track-oriented Z07 package will also not be available for customers at the time of the sales debut, nor does the company expect to be able to retrofit those parts with ease. The executives specifically noted that this combination is currently the most popular with Z06 customers in the United States, and one that fits the car nicely. It’s a Production ThingThe Japan spec wasn’t made on styling preference alone, however. Uehara noted that if customers overseas were given the same access to the Z06 configurator as here in the States, the cars might never get built. GM’s difficulties in getting C8s to customers have been well documented through the car’s production run, with high interest in the Z06 only making that more of a challenge. ChevroletJapan-market Z06 models will also lose the car’s unique center-exit exhaust system found on U.S.-spec cars. This comes as a result of the country’s more stringent emissions and sound requirements for vehicles, which the trumpet-style straight pipes on the Z06 will not meet. This means the cars will wear the standard Stingray’s corner exit setup, resulting in a slight drop in horsepower output. Whereas U.S.-spec cars make 670 horsepower, these particular units will be limited to 636 horsepower. That should still be plenty of power to beat up on all sorts of JDM goodness at any of Japan’s incredible circuits. ChevroletBorn and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry. He may daily drive an aging Mustang, but his Porsche 944 and NB Miata both take up most of his free time.  More

Toyota revealed the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition, a racing-influenced concept version of the fifth-generation hybrid, ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.The sporty Prius is fitted with a carbon-fiber hood, a rectangular rear wing, dive planes on the front bumper, and a rear diffuser.The track has been widened and the 18-inch wheels are unique to the concept, but Toyota didn’t reveal if the powertrain was modified at all.Before the 2023 Toyota Prius debuted last fall, we would’ve never used the words “Prius” and “sporty” in the same sentence. But then Toyota took the wraps off of the fifth-generation hybrid, which wowed with a sleek new body and a punchier powertrain. Now Toyota has brought out another surprise with the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition, a concept revealed ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend, showing a vision for a high-performance Prius.ToyotaToyota says this special Prius is meant to honor the iconic race, and the hybrid hatchback has been fitted with a variety of motorsports-inspired parts. The GR-modified Prius—which we will henceforth call the GRius—wears dive planes on the front bumper, beefy side skirts that flow into extended wheel arches, and a sizable rear diffuser. There is also an aggressive wing sprouting from the rear hatch, and these aerodynamic add-ons are said to be influenced by the GR010 Hybrid race car that won Le Mans in 2021 and 2022.ToyotaThe GRius concept also features a wider track that the standard Prius, and the black 18-inch wheels are shod in 235/50 Michelin tires, versus the usual 195-width rubber. The front bumper gains a wide, rectangular grille and square clusters of LED headlamps, while the hood has been replaced with a carbon-fiber unit to reduce weight. Toyota didn’t mention any mechanical changes to the GRius, but we would hope that power has been boosted from the Prius Prime’s 220 ponies. We doubt that Toyota will actually put a GR-branded Prius into production for the U.S. market, but this concept won’t stop us from dreaming.More Speedy GR ToyotasThis 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

Shelby American has revealed its latest creation, the 2023 Ford F-150 Centennial Edition. The Centennial Edition F-150 can be ordered in either 400- or 800-hp configurations, with only 100 units of the more powerful version being made.Pricing for the Centennial Edition includes the donor Lariat 4×4, 5.0L SuperCrew, and starts at $129,495 for the naturally aspirated truck and $138,495 for the supercharged version.Shelby American is continuing the long tradition of naming things after Carroll Shelby with the creation of more specially tuned creations. The performance outfitter kicked off the year with the introduction of a 750-hp Centennial Edition Mustang. In a slight twist, the newest creation built to honor the late Shelby is an F-150–based performance truck, capable of producing up to 800 horsepower. Based on the 2023 F-150 Lariat 4×4 SuperCrew, the Centennial Edition comes standard with the same naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V-8 that comes optional on the standard Ford model. That’s kind of boring, so Shelby also added an optional supercharger system complete with a performance air intake with high flow filter, aluminum heat exchanger and a billet throttle body with high-flow fuel injectors. The optional system brings total output to a much more reasonable 800 horsepower. Opting for either engine configuration will equip the Centennial Edition with a Borla cat-back exhaust system to snort exhaust fumes out the black dual exhaust pipes at the back. Shelby AmericanNot satisfied with an exhaust system and supercharger, the Shelby team fit the Centennial with Fox shocks that have adjustable dual speed controls. According to Shelby, the system allows the shocks to be adjusted from better off-road capability, to better track handling, and even to a more luxurious ride. Off-road capability is also aided by upgraded brakes that now live within a set of 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich all-terrain KO2 tires.More Centennial ShelbyThe interior is updated as well, and now has two-tone leather upholstery complete with Centennial Edition logos. Shelby Centennial floor mats, billet racing pedals, and tinted windows complete the rest of the interior, with the official Shelby serial number printed on a plaque on the dash.Shelby AmericanNaturally, Shelby will only make 100 examples of the truck to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its founder’s birth. The base 400-hp version carries a starting price of $129,495, while the supercharged truck starts at $138,495. The trucks come with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty, which includes the powertrain and still allows for stock features like over-the-air updates and the onboard generator. 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 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

The 2024 Mazda CX-5, CX-30, and 3 are all adding a new trim level called Carbon Turbo with a special color combo.They’re finished in Zircon Sand exterior paint and have an interior that combines brown Terracotta leather and black suede.We’ll get more details soon on the 2024 model-year pricing and equipment.Mazda is adding another spin on the Carbon Edition for the 2024 versions of the CX-30 subcompact crossover, CX-5 compact crossover, and 3 sedan and hatchback. Following the previous Carbon Edition that combined a gray exterior with a red interior, this new Carbon Turbo model flaunts a brown on brown color scheme.More Mazda Carbon EditionsAvailable only for models equipped with the optional 256-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four, the Carbon Turbo cars are finished in Zircon Sand exterior paint, a hue first introduced on the CX-50. They also get gloss-black trim pieces including mirror caps, grille trim, and wheels. Inside, the interior has brown Terracotta leather upholstery with black suede accents and gunmetal trim accents. The pictured interior is of a 2024 CX-5.MazdaThose are all the details we have until now, as info such as pricing will have to wait until Mazda releases specifics for each of these 2024 models. We’re not expecting any major updates to these cars for the new model year, but there could be some minor changes. These 2024 Mazda Carbon Turbo vehicles should be arriving at dealerships within the next few months.Senior 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