Aurelia Butler

At Tesla’s 2023 Annual Shareholders Meeting, CEO Elon Musk talked Cybertruck troubles, the state of “Full Self-Driving,”, and, potentially, advertising in the future.Tesla is working on two new products, and Musk said he guesses that Tesla will build more than 5 million of them a year once they’re up to full production.It wasn’t all fanciful promises with fans. Musk said he expects the next 12 months to be economically challenging. “I just wanna say I love you guys.”Tesla CEO Elon Musk appeared on stage at the 2023 Annual Shareholders Meeting, shaping a heart with his hands and sending it out to the cheering crowd at the automaker’s Austin, Texas, facility. The two-hour event—complete with a denial the company uses child miners and big promises about the future—gave Musk a chance to update his fans and the rest of the world on the electric-vehicle company’s progress.Coming Soon?For one thing, Musk promised that the Cybertruck will, for real, actually start deliveries later this year. Previously, Musk promised that the first Cybertruck deliveries would begin in 2021, but this was pushed back to 2022 and, now, 2023. Tesla won’t deliver the Cybertruck in volume this year, but it has scheduled an official first-delivery event for the third quarter. Musk admitted that the company has come up against problems producing the all-electric truck.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.”Extremely Non-Trivial to Build the Cybertruck””The Cybertruck is a hard car to make because it’s such a radically new design you can’t just use conventional methods of manufacturing,” he said. “We had to invent a whole new set of manufacturing techniques in order to build an exoskeleton-based car instead of an endoskeleton-based car. It’s extremely non-trivial to build the Cybertruck.”Musk has made similar promises about when Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology—which the company makes clear is not fully self-driving, but it insists on keeping the name—will be fully operational. While Musk and Tesla have been saying “complete autonomy” is coming soon for more than five years, all those missed deadlines didn’t stop Musk from once again promising that FSD technology is right around the corner.Musk at the initial unveiling of the Cybertruck.FREDERIC J. BROWN|Getty ImagesNew-Product PromisesTalking optimistically about Tesla’s future lineup, Musk promised “two new products that I think you will be very excited about.” Still, he didn’t specify what those are other than to say that the design and manufacturing techniques of those products are “head and shoulders above anything else in the industry.” Musk said, “We are already building a new product,” and he expressed his guess that these two models will sell 5 million units a year.Ads for Tesla?A two-way-adulation-slash-question-and-answer session led to a few news items, including that Tesla might start paying for advertising. For years, Tesla has paid people to promote its vehicles through a referral system, and Musk has pushed advertising-like messages on social media. Still, the company has not run any mainstream print or digital advertising. “We’ll try a little advertising and see how it goes,” he said in Austin, agreeing with a fan who said more people should know about Tesla’s features and prices. Starting to advertise could also signal that the automaker is responding to challenging times. “Tesla is not immune to the global economic environment,” Musk said. “I expect things to be, just at a macroeconomic level, difficult for at least the next 12 months.”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

Land Rover has announced several changes to the 2024 Range Rover lineup, including a new 606-hp P615 V-8-powered variant for the top SV trim.The 434-hp plug-in-hybrid model has been replaced by a new P550e variant producing 542 horsepower thanks to a more powerful electric motor.SV Bespoke, a new customization service, will allow buyers to make their Range Rover Autobiography and SV models unique through a personalization process.Land Rover is bringing a host of updates to the Range Rover line for 2024, with a new 606-hp V-8-powered variant and upgrades to the plug-in-hybrid model. Range Rover is also launching a new customization service, called SV Bespoke, in a bid to emulate the profitable personalization programs from other high-end automakers such as Lamborghini’s Ad Personam, Bugatti’s Sur Mesure, and Porsche’s Exclusive Manufaktur. Sitting at the top of the lineup is the new SV model called P615, with the upgraded twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 now producing 606 horsepower, although torque remains at 553 pound-feet. Land Rover claims a 4.3-second sprint to 60 mph, but given that the 523-hp V-8 Range Rover matched that time in Car and Driver testing, we imagine the new 606-hp variant will be even quicker.Land RoverThe plug-in-hybrid model also sees improvements for 2024, now churning out a combined 542 ponies and earning a corresponding name change to P550e from the previous 434-hp P440e variant. The added oomph comes from a new 215-hp electric motor that pairs with the 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, and the P550e can reach 60 mph in a claimed 4.8 seconds, a 0.4-second improvement. Land Rover says the 2023 plug-in model could do 51 miles on a charge, but hasn’t release numbers for the 2024 model yet.The P550e appears to be exclusive to the Autobiography trim, with the base SE model no longer offering the P440e powertrain in the United States. The 523-hp V-8 P530 Range Rover, available on the SE and Autobiography models, gains the same 48-volt hybrid system as the six-cylinder models, which should help improve fuel economy. More Range Rover NewsNew Range Rovers will also come with the company’s latest version of the Pivi Pro infotainment system that brings new sliding sidebar controls for the volume and climate control. Land Rover says 80 percent of functions can be completed within two taps of the screen, and Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant is now built-in. Other additions to the Range Rover for 2024 include a new version of the adaptive cruise control system called Country Road Assist, which works on smaller two-lane roads and adjusts the speed based on upcoming curves. The Range Rover Sport has also donated its Dynamic Response Pro system, which electronically minimizes body lean while going around bends, and an adaptive off-road cruise control system can control the vehicle’s speed while away from the pavement. Land RoverThe new SV Bespoke customization service will only be offered for Autobiography or SV variants, with buyers invited to spec their vehicle at the SV Bespoke Commissioning Suite in the United Kingdom. They will also have the choice of visiting select dealerships or undergoing the seven-step customization process virtually. SV Bespoke will offer up to 391 material color schemes and over 230 satin or gloss paint colors. A Match to Sample program will allow Range Rover to replicate any color for the vehicle’s exterior paint, and the Range Rover badges on the front and rear can be had in several precious metal finishes including 24 carat gold.The 2024 Range Rover will start at $108,750 for the SE model with the P400 six-cylinder powertrain. Stepping up to the P530 sees the price skyrocket to $131,750, while the same powertrain in the Autobiography trim is $167,750. The plug-in P550e Autobiography model, which can only be had with the standard wheelbase, starts at $142,450. The P615 will start at $210,350 and is the only powertrain for the fanciest SV model.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 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

The Rimac Nevera is claimed to have set 23 records in one day at the Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany.The 1813-hp electric hypercar is said to have accelerated to 60 mph in 1.74 seconds and completed the quarter-mile in 8.25 seconds.Previously, Rimac claimed the Nevera set an EV top speed record—reaching 258 mph.Never heard of the Rimac Nevera? Here’s the SparkNotes version: It’s a Croatian-built electric hypercar with four motors sending a combined 1813 horsepower and 1741 pound-feet of torque to both axles. Combine that all-wheel-drive traction with the instantaneous thrust provided by electric propulsion and one might imagine how Rimac can claim its insanely powerful EV set numerous (23 in total) acceleration and braking records in just one day.A Good Day at the TrackThe company, which also now controls the legendary Bugatti brand, says the Nevera set the records on the 2.49-mile straights at the Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany. To help legitimize its claims, Rimac says third-party verifiers Dewesoft and Racelogic were on hand to independently authenticate the record-setting runs, which can be viewed in the video below.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.The Nevera’s tests are said to have been conducted with a standard 1-foot rollout on a non-prepped surface. The car wore a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires—just like those on the Chevy Corvette Z06 with the Z07 track package. While the 670-hp gas-fed Vette on race-ready rubber ripped to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds during our testing, that impressive figure is still almost a full second behind the Nevera’s claimed 60-mph time of 1.74 seconds.Along with claiming to have completed the quarter-mile in 8.25 seconds (Dewesoft time), here are some of the Nevera’s other noteworthy acceleration times, with the quickest time reported between Dewesoft and Racelogic listed:100 mph: 3.21 seconds120 mph: 4.19 seconds130 mph: 4.74 seconds200 mph: 10.86 seconds250 mph: 21.86 seconds The Nevera is also claimed to have set braking records that include accelerating from zero to 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph) and back to zero in 3.99 seconds (Dewesoft time). It completed similar acceleration/braking runs, hitting 200 km/h (approx. 124 mph), 300 km/h (approx. 186 mph), and 400 km/h (approx. 249 mph) in as little as 8.85 seconds, 15.68 seconds, and 29.93 seconds, respectively.Best Results BelowRimacBefore Rimac today announced news of the Nevera’s record-setting performances, the company claimed its electric hypercar reached a top speed of 258 mph at the same German test track, which was said to be a record for an EV.Extra Rimac Nevera 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 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 INEOS Grenadier, which has that old-school Land Rover look and feel, will have a pretty reasonable starting price just over $73,000, the company has announced.That’s the price for the Station Wagon, the base model, while the two higher trim levels start just over $80,000.U.S. and Canada buyers are invited to preorder a Grenadier starting on May 31, with deliveries starting at the end of the year.INEOS, the fledgling automaker behind the Grenadier SUV, kept a lid on prospective pricing throughout the vehicle’s development. But now we’ve got some numbers, and they’re perhaps a little bit friendlier than we expected for a small-volume luxury 4×4 with BMW power and a throwback Land Rover aesthetic. Prices start at $73,100 for the entry-level base Station Wagon and $80,190 for either of the two uplevel trims. Those prices include a $1600 destination charge.IneosThe base model is deliberately spartan: five seats, solid axles, and all-wheel drive with a locking center differential. The BMW B58 3.0-liter six-cylinder makes 282 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, and INEOS expects an EPA combined fuel-economy rating of 15 mpg for the base model. Individual options include safari windows for $2150, leather upholstery for $2000, and a heavy-duty winch for $4085. There are, of course, many more options for buyers who aren’t inclined to stick to the bare-bones off-roader setup.IneosAnd on that front, prospective Grenadier buyers can opt for pre-configured builds oriented toward either creature comforts or off-road acumen. INEOS owns the Belstaff clothing brand, so both of the higher trim levels reference outdoorsy apparel. The Fieldmaster is the luxury-oriented trim, with the leather upholstery, safari windows, and heated front seats. (The namesake jacket looks like the kind of thing you’d wear while leaning on the rear bumper and snacking on cheese and pickles in a muddy field in Wales.) INEOS/Sean_DVRThe Trialmaster model skips the creature comforts but adds the Rough pack, which includes front and rear electronically activated locking differentials, BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires, a snorkel air intake, and an extra battery. The Trialmaster is also pre-wired for off-road lights or other overlanding accessories, and it includes exterior belts on the doors for carrying extra gear out into the wild. That trim, like the Fieldmaster, is named for a jacket, in this case the Trialmaster motorcycle jacket created in 1948 for dirt-bike trials rider Sammy Miller to wear during the Scottish Six Days Trial. Which is presumably quite a muddy affair.If you want to play around with your own Grenadier build, the INEOS configurator is live now.Rough and ReadySenior EditorEzra Dyer is a Car and Driver senior editor and columnist. He’s now based in North Carolina but still remembers how to turn right. He owns a 2009 GEM e4 and once drove 206 mph. Those facts are mutually exclusive. More

The 2024 Lexus LC coupe and convertible feature numerous upgrades, most notably a touchscreen infotainment system.The LC500 continues to use a 471-hp 5.0-liter V-8, while the LC500h has a 354-hp hybrid system.The 2024 models will go on sale in June in the U.S.The most desirable Lexus, the stunning LC, has finally abandoned one of its key flaws: the frustrating touchpad infotainment controller that’s been disappearing from the luxury brand’s lineup recently. The 2024 Lexus LC500 and LC500h finally adopt a newer infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and benefit from other new color options and customization possibilities.The updated dashboard doesn’t look radically different, but the central display screen is now a tablet-style touchscreen rather than the previous model’s recessed screen that was controlled by a finicky touchpad on the center console. This also means that the screen runs the newest Lexus Interface software, which enables over-the-air updates, a voice assistant, and additional connectivity features.New exterior colors include Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 for $595 and Copper Crest for $500, and there’s a new interior color called Copper Crest. Lexus will start offering a Bespoke Build program that allows customers to customize their LC with a wider range of color combinations, wheel options, and optional features. The Bespoke Build option opens up choices such as a carbon-fiber roof, different colors for the softtop in the convertible version, and a new blue and white interior color scheme that costs an extra $1900.There aren’t any mechanical changes for the LC coupe or convertible models. The coupe continues to offer either a naturally aspirated 471-hp 5.0-liter V-8 in the LC500 and a 354-hp hybrid powertrain in the LC500h that uses a 3.5-liter V-6; the convertible is V-8-only.LexusA park-assist system and 21-inch wheels are now standard. And pricing is up significantly, with the 2024 LC500 coupe now starting at $98,850, a $3250 increase from last year. The LC500h hybrid’s uptick is more modest, going up $550 to $102,150, while the LC500 convertible is up $2700 to a new starting price of $106,350. Lexus says that the 2024 models will start arriving at U.S. dealerships in June.More on the LCThis 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 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