Aurelia Butler

New Toyota CEO Koji Sato has implied more GR performance models are coming, per an interview with Autocar.Sato implied the Gazoo Racing brand’s expansion will be led by his predecessor, Akio Toyoda, who is now the company’s chairman.While details about future GR-branded Toyota models are scarce, we’ve heard rumors about a lightweight sports car.If there’s one thing we here at Car and Driver love, it’s performance cars. It’s why we’re so smitten with Toyota and its enthusiast-focused renaissance, as seen by the recent release of multiple Gazoo Racing models, from the tossable GR86 and terrific GR Supra sports cars to the thrilling GR Corolla hot hatch. So it’s with happy hearts that we’ve heard from across the pond that the company will reportedly give us more of a good thing.New Toyota CEO Koji Sato spoke with British publication Autocar and said there will be future GR-branded models. He also suggested their development could be sped up, implying that his predecessor, Akio Toyoda, who is now the company’s chairman, could be the one to lead the way.”Our Master Driver was also president of the company at the same time as he had a steering wheel in his hand for Gazoo. Now he is only chairman maybe he will have a lot more time to develop cars for them?” Sato told Autocar.While Toyota’s plans to expand the GR brand may sound like a no-brainer, it’s still good to hear Sato say it aloud. After all, the company’s recent reorganization and revised product strategy will include a bigger commitment to electrification, which could have an impact on enthusiast models like those from Gazoo Racing.ToyotaThere currently aren’t any details on what these new GR models will be. We’ve heard rumors that Toyota and Suzuki are working together on a new lightweight gas-powered sports car, which has been linked to the Toyota Sports EV pictured above. There has also been talk of a the electric Toyota bZ4X SUV getting the GR performance treatment. It sounds like a GR Camry also isn’t out of the realm of possibility.GR Toyotas Tested!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.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 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

From the May 2023 Issue of Car and Driver.The STI badge has been conspicuously absent from Subaru’s lineup ever since the latest WRX hit the scene, but rest assured, this high-performance nameplate isn’t gone for good. Subaru says it’s working on some sort of electrified version of the top WRX, which could mean a hybrid or battery-electric powertrain. This likely won’t arrive until the current generation of the gas-powered WRX runs its course. That model may last until late in the decade, so we’re in for a long wait.All of Subaru’s hybrid and EV efforts have so far been tied in with Toyota, as the Crosstrek plug-in hybrid used components from the Prius, and the Solterra electric SUV is a twin to Toyota’s bZ4X. We could see this collaboration continue to the next-gen WRX and WRX STI, as the Solterra’s platform, called e-Subaru Global Platform, was developed with Toyota.More That Are Worth the WaitIt will need significant modifications to work for a high-performance car like a WRX STI, as we’d expect at least 400 horsepower from a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup—around double what the most powerful Solterra offers. We also think the next WRX will stray even further from its Impreza roots, and we’d love to see the hatchback body style return. To differentiate the WRX STI’s all-wheel-drive system from other dual-motor EVs, Subaru will also likely come up with some special software, possibly with torque vectoring. And of course, the big question is whether loyalists will accept a WRX STI without the distinctive blat of a turbocharged flat-four.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

GMC teased a version of the Canyon AT4X that appears to be equivalent to the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison that was also teased recently.This will be a collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV).We expect the Canyon AT4X AEV, which is still unnamed, to arrive later this year.It appears that the GMC Canyon will be getting an equivalent model to its Chevy Colorado sibling’s ZR2 Bison off-road package. GMC teased the new outfitted pickup truck under a cover and showed its AEV badge that confirms a further collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles. The Canyon’s AT4X trim, new for 2023, is already roughly equivalent to the Colorado’s ZR2 package, and both represent the mid-size pickup’s most off-road-ready configuration. The AEV models take things even further, and based on what we’ve seen from Chevy’s tease of the ZR2 Bison prototype, this new version will be even more hard-core. We spotted huge 35-inch tires, a lifted suspension, beadlock-capable wheels, and more on the Bison—and this GMC version looked similar. We don’t yet know what this trim will be called, but it’s possible GMC will just refer to it as the “AEV Edition” like it does for the Sierra 1500.Joey Capparella|Car and DriverMore on Off-Road PickupsThis modified version of the Canyon AT4X may also offer a more powerful version of the high-output turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four engine that’s standard on all versions of the GMC truck. That engine produces 310 horsepower and 430-pound feet of torque, and those numbers could be juiced a bit for the AEV spinoff.Look for more information to come on these highest expressions of the off-road ideal that GM’s mid-size pickups offer.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

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4X and Extreme AEV Edition debut as the most off-road-capable models in the brand’s heavy-duty lineup.The AT4X boasts 35-inch mud-terrain tires, protective skid plates, and a jacked-up suspension with sophisticated spool-valve dampers.The Extreme AEV Edition’s add-ons come from aftermarket supplier AEV and include exclusive 18-inch wheels, stronger skid plates, and unique steel bumpers.All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. That is unless Jack drives a 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4X or an Extreme AEV Edition, which together debut as the most off-road-focused models in the brand’s heavy-duty lineup. Able to tow up to 18,500 pounds and haul a payload of up to nearly 3300 pounds, the new AT4X and its AEV-enhanced counterpart are as capable as most other three-quarter-ton Sierras, but they also come with the necessary equipment to warrant some added fun when the workday is done.An Off-Road Semi TruckWhile the 2024 model year marks the first time GMC’s AT4X badge has appeared on a Sierra HD, the dirt-oriented model was introduced on the 2022 Sierra 1500. Previously, the heavy-duty pickup truck’s top off-road option was the regular AT4, which is offered on both the 2500HD and 3500HD. The new AT4X is only available on the 2500HD configured with the crew-cab body style and the standard-length cargo bed.View PhotosNothing to see here. Just a Sierra AT4X towing in the mountains.GMCThe Sierra 2500HD AT4X is outfitted similar to the recently revealed 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD ZR2. Both feature black 18-inch wheels wrapped with chunky 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory M/T tires. The AT4X’s suspension is raised 1.5 inches, and the truck is buoyed by sophisticated Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers. Also found on professional race cars and trucks, these fancy shocks feature three separate spool valves that better help on-road composure and withstand off-road abuse.Other bits exclusive to the 2024 Sierra 2500HD AT4X include a revised front suspension with enhanced steering knuckles as well as unique upper and lower control arms. The bottom of the truck is also better protected from taking a beating thanks to the addition of an aluminum front bash plate and a larger steel skid plate for the transfer case. An electronically locking rear differential is part of the AT4X kit too, as is an Off-Road drive mode to help tackle tough obstacles.While four-wheel drive and an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission are mandatory, customers can choose between two powertrains: the standard 401-hp gas-fed 6.6-liter V-8 or the optional Duramax diesel 6.6-liter V-8, which makes 470 horsepower and an impressive 975 pound-feet of torque. An Extra Extreme AT4XWhat the AT4X and lesser heavy-duty Sierras don’t have is hardcore hardware that can only be found on the formidably named Extreme AEV Edition. With exclusive parts from aftermarket supplier AEV, it’s basically a further fortified version of the AT4X. The more extreme off-roader comes with steel-stamped front and rear bumpers that feature a winch accommodation and recovery points. Tougher underbody armor and a set of AEV-specific gloss-black 18-inch wheels complete the deal.There are some minor technical differences between the AT4X and the Extreme AEV Edition. Both versions have an identical 25.7 degree departure angle, and their ground clearance is virtually the same at 11.6—11.7 inches. However, the AEV has a slightly steeper breakover angle of 22.6 degrees (versus 21.2 degrees). On the other hand, the AT4X has a steeper approach angle (31.6 versus 29.8 degrees). The AEV add-ons also make it heavier, with GMC claiming the gas-fed version weighs 378 pounds more and the oil-burning one weighs 368 pounds more.With GMC giving the 2024 Sierra HD lineup a host of updates, including refreshed styling and a snazzier interior, the AT4X and Extreme AEV Edition reap the benefits. They also come with desirable content such as a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 13.4-inch center touchscreen, and a head-up display. Every model also has legitimate luxury features such as genuine wood interior trim, leather upholstery, massaging front seats, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4X and the Extreme AEV Edition will start production sometime this fall. GMC hasn’t said how much either version will cost, but we expect a base price around $90K, with possibly an $8000 surcharge for the AEV-enhanced model.More on the GMC Sierra HDThis 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 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

Two fun-looking modified Porsche Cayennes are up for auction on Bring a Trailer this week.For racing fans, a 2009 Porsche Cayenne GTS with a Martini livery wrap looks more than ready for your social media feed.A modified 2008 Cayenne S looks more ready for your updates with a lower auction price. First-generation Porsche Cayennes around the world are enjoying an adventurous retirement from daily commuting as modified off-roaders from Dakar to your local desert-like area. If you’re looking for a way to join the movement with an already-modified 2008 or 2009 Cayenne, we found some options over on the auction site Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos.From the ArchiveUp first is a 2009 Porsche Cayenne GTS that looks like it should be speeding along the dunes. It has been modified with 18-inch OZ racing-style wheels, an aftermarket air suspension, a tubular front bumper, a front skid plate, and a roof rack with recovery gear. Don’t buy this one to blend in. It’s also got a multicolor vinyl wrap of the Martini livery over Crystal Silver Metallic paint, bi-xenon headlights, and a sunroof. The black leather interior uses Alcantara upholstery for the heated front seats. It also has navigation and a Bose surround sound system.Bring a TrailerBring a TrailerThe GTS Cayennes are a great place to start making modifications, but the listing doesn’t detail who made the modifications. The original 4.8-liter V-8 engine, rated at 405 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque at the factory, and a six-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission remain. The Cayenne has all-wheel drive, a dual-range transfer case, and a variable center differential. There are 121,000 miles on the odometer. The auction ends on Wednesday, May 3, and the current bid is just over $18,000.Bring a TrailerA second modified Cayenne currently up for auction is a 2008 Cayenne S, the trim level below the GTS, in Sand White paint. Three inches of lift come from a Eurowise kit with Bilstein shock absorbers, and the car sits on 32-inch Falken tires (without tire-pressure monitors) with 18-inch Sparco Terra wheels. There are also bi-xenon headlights, a roof rack, a rear wiper, and a swing-away rear tire carrier. Bring a TrailerThe 4.8-liter V-8 and six-speed transmission should sound familiar. The interior is covered in Sand Beige leather and Gloss Light wood trim accents with heated front seats, navigation, and a Bose sound system.This vehicle has a few problems, including parking sensors and a windshield washer pump that do not work. There are also some scuffs and blemishes on the exterior. The front tires can rub the fender liners thanks to substantial front-end work. The odometer says the car has 121,000 miles, but it’s unclear how reliable that is. This auction ends on Thursday, May 4, and is currently sitting at $7000.If you’re more into the DIY aspect of modifying a Cayenne for off-road use, a fair number of them are regularly available on BaT. You can see all Cayennes on the auction site here.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