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    2024 Ford Mustang V-8s Hit with Gas-Guzzler Tax, Higher Prices

    The 2024 Ford Mustang with the optional V-8 will cost more than originally claimed, as first reported by Motor Authority.The V-8 models’ price increases are primarily due to gas-guzzler taxes that add an extra $1000 to $1300.The Mustang GT coupe now starts at $44,090 (up $1000), and the 500-hp Dark Horse now starts $60,895 (up $1300).Folks planning to buy a 2024 Ford Mustang fitted with the revised 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 will have to pay at least $1000 more than previously expected. The price increase is a result of the new seventh-generation pony car getting hit with a gas-guzzler tax, which applies to vehicles that don’t meet federal fuel-economy standards.Originally, the manual-equipped Mustang GT coupe had a base MSRP of $43,090, but now that jumps to $44,090 after adding the $1000 gas-guzzler tax. This also affects the GT Premium coupe and convertible models, which see their starting prices rise to $48,610 and $54,110, respectively.Michael Simari|Car and DriverThe Mustang Dark Horse, which features an enhanced version of the Coyote V-8 and makes 500 horsepower versus GT’s 480—486 ponies, gets hit with an even higher $1300 gas-guzzler tax. That boosts the newly introduced performance model’s base MSRP to $60,895. A Ford spokesperson also told Car and Driver that the base price of the Dark Horse Premium has risen $1400 “due to strong demand.” It now starts at $64,860.Several of the Dark Horse’s available options will also cost more than originally planned. The list includes the Appearance package (up $250 to $1500), the Handling package (up $495 to $4995), and the carbon-fiber wheels (up $500 to $8995). The 2024 Ford Mustang is slated to go on sale sometime this summer.More Mustang 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

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    1987 Mercedes Unimog Camper Is Our Bring a Trailer Pick of the Day

    This Mercedes Unimog camper conversion is the work of two professional engineers. The custom rig even underwent a five-month shakedown test in the Arctic.Bidding closes on Monday, May 8.Engineered as a farming tool to help rebuild Germany after World War II, the Unimog has spent more than 75 years crawling inexorably across the most punishing terrain on the planet. The Unimog is neither quick nor light on its feet, but in terms of off-road capability, this big rig makes the G-class seem like an S-class. But what does a Unimog driver do when they finally traverse the toughest terrain? Well, if you’re in this 1987 Mercedes-Benz U1300L that’s up for auction on Bring a Trailer (which, like Car and Driver, is a part of the Hearst Autos group), you simply relax since you already have the comforts of home with you.Related StoriesCredit a state-of-the-art camping setup that’s as pleasing to look at as it is well-designed. Those looking to avoid the grid will appreciate this truck’s solar panels, water-filtration system, and plentiful interior storage space. Beyond the appeal of its Tonka-truck-like looks, this Unimog stands out for its quality craftsmanship. A pair of married aerospace engineers built this rig as a personal vehicle, adding thoughtful touches to the living area, as well as giving the Unimog’s mechanicals comprehensive sorting. The couple even drove this truck through the Arctic for five months in 2019, so it’s been thoroughly vetted.Bring a TrailerPart of what makes Unimogs so capable is the excellent clearance afforded by their portal axles. The chunky Continental MPT 81s on this ’87 give it sufficient height to go wading through swampy muskeg, or pretty much any other obstacle. This Unimog features higher-speed gearing and upgrades to the front portal axles to reduce oil consumption and make the highway drive to the trailhead less of a slog. It’ll reportedly cruise happily at 60 mph. The cabin features extra sound-deadening material and suspension seats to make long drives more bearable. A stovetop, refrigerator, sink, composting toilet, 30 gallons of freshwater storage (plus nearly the same again in jerry cans), 600 watts worth of solar panels, and a 48-inch by 75-inch memory-foam mattress round things out. Throw a dart at a map, fire up the 6.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six, and this Unimog will take you on any planned or unplanned adventure you want.Bring a TrailerYou could hardly do worse than taking this rig on a thorough tour of the Oregon (where this Unimog is currently located) backcountry, then stopping off at the annual NorthWest MogFest, which is exactly what it sounds like. The event is usually held in August and features all manner of off-road activities and a backhoe operating contest. 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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    2024 Toyota Tacoma Body Styles Teased ahead of May 19 Reveal

    Along with teasing the 2024 Toyota Tacoma’s different body styles, the company announced it’ll be revealed on May 19.Based on four silhouette images, the next-gen Taco will offer an extended cab, a crew cab, as well as short and long wheelbases.One silhouette teases the low-profile roof rack and prominent sport bar that will be featured on the new Trailhunter model.Whereas mid-size alternatives such as the recently redesigned Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon are only available in a one-size-fits-all body style, the upcoming 2024 Toyota Tacoma will continue to be offered in multiple configurations. These latest details are confirmed by four silhouettes Toyota today released as part of its onslaught of teasers leading up to the next-gen pickup truck’s upcoming reveal, which we now know will take place on May 19. Extended cab with long bed.ToyotaCrew cab with short bed.ToyotaThe outgoing Tacoma generation is available with an extended (a.k.a. Access) cab and a six-foot cargo bed, as well as a crew (a.k.a. Double) cab with either a five- or six-foot bed. While we can’t confirm the bed lengths will be exactly the same, we can tell by the images of the new Tacoma’s side profile that there will be two cab styles and two bed lengths forming some combination of short and long wheelbases.The TRD Pro.ToyotaThe quartet of silhouettes appears to show a TRD Pro model (seen above), with its identity given away by its elevated ride height. Previously, Toyota teased the popular off-road model’s newly added disc brakes and suspension, the latter of which will feature Fox QS3 coil-overs with Toyota’s signature red springs. Like the outgoing TRD Pro, we expect it’ll only be offered with the crew cab and the short bed. Toyota also gives the world a better look at the new Trailhunter model (seen below), which is configured with a crew cab and the longer box. This combination gives it the longest wheelbase of the bunch. Also visible from the Trailhunter’s silhouette is a low-profile roof rack and a prominent sport bar, both of which could be supplied by ARB. The aftermarket company will also supply the Trailhunter’s rear bumper and red tow hooks, as we learned in an earlier teaser.The Trailhunter.ToyotaWith the 2024 Tacoma’s official reveal only a couple of weeks away, we fully expect Toyota to keep rolling out teasers. Besides the ones already mentioned, we’ve learned the next-gen truck will be offered with a hybrid powertrain and that it will continue to be available with a six-speed manual transmission.Next-Gen Tacoma TeasersThis 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

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    Electric Scooter Refund – Ather, Ola, TVS, Hero To Repay Overcharged Customers

    Ather Electric ScooterFAME II Policy and EV Manufacturers: India’s Auto Giants to refund EV Overcharges, Ola, TVS, Ather, and Hero Take Responsibility
    India’s FAME II policy was established to promote the adoption of electric vehicles in the country. Under the policy, eligible electric vehicles were provided with benefits and subsidies to incentivize the purchase and use of EVs.
    However, the policy set a limit on the retail price of electric two-wheelers that could qualify for these benefits. Two-wheelers priced above INR 1.50 lakh per unit were excluded from receiving these benefits to ensure that the programme’s benefits are targeted towards affordable EVs accessible to a larger section of society.
    Manufacturers, however, found ways to sidestep this caveat by selling electric scooters within the price range and selling necessary chargers and proprietary software separately. To address this, the Ministry of Heavy Industries stopped subsidies to all manufacturers that didn’t comply with the FAME II guidelines. In response, some EV manufacturers have taken corrective steps to repay customers who have been overcharged.
    Ola Electric, TVS Motor, Ather Energy, and Hero MotoCorp Set Example with Refunds
    Ola Electric has announced a refund of INR 130 crore to S1 Pro customers who purchased the vehicle before March 30, 2023. Similarly, TVS Motor has agreed to refund customers who paid more than the threshold limit set by FAME II. The total refund cost for the company is estimated to be less than INR 20 crore, and it will be paid to customers who bought the TVS iQube S model between May 2022 to March 2023. An ET AUTO report pegs the total refund amount at Rs 15.61 crore. This will be repaid to 87k customers. Hero MotoCorp will refund 1,100 Vida V1 Plus and V1 Pro customers who purchased the vehicle before March 2023.

    Official statement. pic.twitter.com/MKtMfGREMe
    — Ather Energy (@atherenergy) May 4, 2023

    Ather’s dues stand at INR 140 crore to be repaid to 95,000 customers who purchased the Ather 450x e2W until April 12, 2023. Additionally, a further recovery of INR 25 crore will be made from Ather on account of reduced battery capacity scooters for those who didn’t buy upgraded software. With these corrective steps, EV manufacturers aim to rebuild trust with their customers and promote the adoption of electric vehicles in India.

    Important Update. pic.twitter.com/G0GM46UApM
    — Ola Electric (@OlaElectric) May 4, 2023

    TVS Motor said – “TVS Motor is fully committed to the Government of India’s vision to promote electric mobility and fully support the Government of India’s initiative to enable faster adoption of electric mobility, development of electric vehicle eco-system and in spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat, all the electric development has happened in house. Additionally, as a responsible corporate, TVS Motor has fully complied with all government regulations specified under FAME. Further towards alleviating ambiguity and ensuring a clear policy direction, TVS Motor will offer a goodwill benefit scheme for its customers who have paid over and above the threshold limit fixed by FAME. The overall cost impact to TVS Motor Company is less than 20 crores.”
    EV Manufacturers Take Corrective Steps to Repay Customers for Overcharging
    The refund announcements by EV manufacturers are significant steps towards promoting customer trust and transparency in the EV ecosystem. This move by manufacturers will help restore consumer confidence in the EV industry and encourage wider adoption of electric vehicles.
    The FAME II policy’s guidelines are designed to make EVs more accessible to a larger section of society by targeting benefits towards affordable electric two-wheelers. Manufacturers must comply with these guidelines to qualify for benefits and subsidies, which will further promote the adoption of EVs in India. The corrective measures taken by EV manufacturers also highlight the importance of regulatory oversight and enforcement to promote a fair and transparent market for EVs.
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    2024 Acura Integra Type S Costs $7100 More Than the Civic Type R

    Acura has announced pricing for the new Type S version of the Integra.It starts at $51,995, compared with the closely related Honda Civic Type R’s $44,890 starting price.Reservations will open May 11, which will allow buyers to reserve one of the first 200 units.Predictably but perhaps disappointingly, the new 2024 Acura Integra Type S will carry a considerable price premium over its sibling, the Honda Civic Type R. The Acura hot hatch will start at $51,995, or $7105 more than the mechanically similar Civic. Both cars have a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and a limited-slip differential, but there are some differences between the two other than the exterior and interior styling.Most notably, the Integra does offer plenty of extra standard equipment that partially explains the price differential. It comes with heated front seats, a head-up display, a 16-speaker ELS audio system, and a power driver’s seat—all features that aren’t offered on the Civic Type R. The Integra Type S also offers a bit more horsepower, with its turbo four producing 320 horsepower to the Civic’s 315 horsepower.More on the IntegraWe don’t anticipate the Integra Type S will offer any standalone options other than premium colors. Most exterior paint options cost $600 extra on the standard Integra and on the TLX and MDX Type S models, so the Integra Type S should follow a similar formula. Acura says the Type S will come in white, blue, red, and the same gold Tiger Eye Pearl hue offered on the TLX and MDX, but the configurator tool should be available soon.Acura will offer the chance to reserve one of the first 200 Integra Type S models set to arrive in the U.S. These reservations will open at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time on May 11 at Acura.com/Integra, and the cars will start arriving at dealerships sometime in June.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 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

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    13 Upcoming Royal Enfield Motorcycles – 2 in 350cc, 5 in 450cc, 6 in 650cc

    Royal Enfield 650cc test mules spiedOf all 13 upcoming Royal Enfield motorcycles, Himalayan 450 has the highest probability of breaking covers first
    Royal Enfield has revealed that they have plans to launch 13 new motorcycles over the next few years. These new motorcycles will be launched in a phased manner owing to their four motorcycles per year strategy in the next three or four years.
    These 13 motorcycles from Royal Enfield will be launched in the 350cc, 450cc and 650cc segment. In their official report, Royal Enfield has revealed details. 6 new motorcycles will be launched on the 650cc platform, 5 motorcycles will be launched on the 450cc platform while the 350cc platform will get only 2 new motorcycles.
    Royal shares launch plans of 13 new motorcycles
    1. Bullet 350
    This is by far the most iconic model from Royal Enfield. Iconic Bullet 350 will step into a new generation with J-Series platform. The new 350cc J-series engine is renowned for cutting down on spine-shattering vibrations that outgoing Bullet 350 engine architecture is associated with. We expect a styling exercise too, without deviating much from the OG charm.
    2023 Royal Enfield Bullet 350cc New Gen. Image – Bullet Guru
    2. Classic 350 Bobber
    Royal Enfield is testing a new Bobber and it is based on its best-seller Classic 350. Testing has commenced and it was spotted recently. Spy shots reveal a similar wheelbase to Classic 350. But it donned a chunkier exhaust and a new taller handlebar. Both Bullet 350 and Classic 350 Bobber will come equipped with a 349cc J-series engine developing 20 bhp and 27 Nm.
    Royal Enfield Classic 350 Bobber vs Classic 350 Single seat
    3. Himalayan 450
    This is one of the most anticipated on this list and is likely to launch ahead of the other twelve. Testing is in full swing. Himalayan 450 will lock horns with fast-paced KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G 310 GS and upcoming Hero Xpulse 4XX. It will feature USD front forks, LED lighting all around, a circular fully digital instrument cluster and more.
    2023 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
    4. Roadster 450
    Behold Royal Enfield’s KTM 390 Duke and BMW G 310 R rival. This is a perfect example of how Royal Enfield grew in the past years and dared to traverse into uncharted waters. This will be the sportiest offering from the brand to date. Roadster 450 (name not confirmed) will miss out on USD forks that its larger sibling Himalayan 450 will get. So, pricing is likely to be competitive.
    Royal Enfield Scram 450
    5. Continental GT-R 450
    The fully faired Continental GT-R 450 is a derivative of Roadster 450 (both names not confirmed). It will primarily rival KTM RC 390 and BMW G 310 R. Sporty credentials, sharp handling (in Royal Enfield’s standards) and a distinct design are some of its notable elements. The 450cc engine on all these will get liquid cooling. We expect performance numbers in 30 bhp and 40 Nm ballpark.
    6. Scram 450
    Another derivative of the 450cc platform. Name is highly likely and it will get an even minimal body style. We expect rugged overall appearance in the form of a headlight grille, under-seat exhaust, knobby tyres and a front beak. Spoke wheels and long travel suspension will be thrown in the mix as well.
    7. Rally 450
    This is the 5th variation based on the 450cc platform. The is an unconfirmed name and will be a more ruggedised version of Himalayan 450. However, we predict a smaller probability of it launching for general consensus. We would wager that it will be Royal Enfield’s rally-spec machine to rival Hero MotoCorp.
    8. Hunter 650
    Only a few of the supposedly Shotgun 650 test mules are bobber-style with a single seat. So, it is high time that we drew references to Hunter 650 (not confirmed). It gets an overall similar silhouette as Shotgun 650, except rear seats. Similar strategy is used for Classic 350 Bobber based on Classic 350. Is this the first of upcoming new 650cc offerings from Royal Enfield? Probably.
    2023 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 or Hunter 650?
    9. Continental GT-R 650
    The Chennai-based manufacturer raised eyebrows when it spawned GT Cup 2022. Royal Enfield and racing were never associated in a sentence before until then. Motorcycles racing in it were a lighter and fully-faired version of Continental GT 650 called Continental GT-R 650. Royal Enfield is testing a similar fairing on Continental GT 650 for production. Will the name stick? Time will tell.
    10. Scram 650
    Royal Enfield has commenced testing for this machine already. Scram 650’s name could stick too. We can see a single exhaust along with a different rear subframe too. We would like longer travel suspension, knobby tyres, wire-spoke rims and other Scrambler elements to make it on Scram 650.
    Royal Enfield Scram 650cc Spied. Image – Bullet Guru
    11. Shotgun 650
    The company had showcased SG 650 concept some time ago. It is a handsome machine and we expect the production model to inherit most of its attractive design traits. We predict the Shotgun 650 name to stick as well. Similar styling with Hunter 650 with a single seat layout is likely.
    Upcoming Royal Enfield 650cc Shotgun Spied In Traffic
    12. Himalayan 650
    This is a no-brainer. Himalayan has always been a strong case for Royal Enfield and a 650cc version of it is even more exciting. We hope it gets similar componentry from Himalayan 450 and has more off-road credentials to take on the well-established middle-weight ADVs like Suzuki V-Strom 650, Kawasaki Versys 650 and Triumph Tiger Sport 660.
    13. Bullet 650
    Ah, the Bullet 650. Ironically, this list started with a Bullet and is ending with a Bullet. There is not much to say about this. It is a Bullet 650. The original, the classic and an absolute timeless legend. Prospect of a large-capacity Bullet is enticing and Royal Enfield had a 500cc version earlier. So enticing, that I would buy one when launched. More

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    Hero Vida Electric Scooter Price Cut – Starts At Rs 99,900

    Hero Vida Electric Scooter Price CutVida price cut comes at a time when electric two-wheeler segment has reported negative MoM growth in April 2023
    To boost sales, leading electric scooter manufacturers like Ather and Ola Electric had recently launched affordable base-spec variants. It appears that OEMs are looking to achieve a starting price of under Rs 1 lakh. This has a significant impact on consumer perceptions and their decision making.
    Now, Hero MotoCorp seems to be following a similar strategy. Prices have been reduced by Rs 25k for Vida V1 Plus and Rs 20k for Vida V1 Pro. Prices of Vida scooters will be even lower at locations that still have state subsidy.
    Hero Vida new prices – April 2023
    Earlier, Vida prices were quite high at Rs 1.45 lakh for V1 Plus and Rs 1.59 lakh for V1 Pro. Hero MotoCorp has now implemented a new pricing policy that will be applicable pan-India. The new effective price of Vida V1 Plus is Rs 1,19,900 whereas Vida V1 Pro will retail at Rs 1,39,900. This is an effective price, which includes FAME II subsidy and portable charger. Hero says that the new prices will make Vida more accessible to the masses. It will also help speed up adoption of electric scooters.
    Some states continue to offer state-level subsidies for EVs. Consumers in these states can get the Vida at an even lower price. For Example, people in Ahmedabad can get Vida V1 Plus at Rs 99,900 and Vida V1 Pro at Rs 1,19,900. Similarly, prices will vary based on state level subsidy. Other states that continue to offer state subsidies include Rajasthan and New Delhi.
    First Hero Vida Electric Scooter Experience Center
    Vida to increase presence across 100 cities
    Hero MotoCorp is working on a mega expansion plan, which will help boost sales. As of now, Vida is available in Bengaluru, Delhi and Jaipur. The company has also started expansion plans in eight new cities – Pune, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Nasik, Hyderabad, Chennai, Calicut and Kochi. By end of CY2023, Hero has plans to make Vida available in 100 cities. The company should not have any major challenges, as it already has a large network of dealerships.
    Hero currently operates experience centres for Vida in Bengaluru and Jaipur. In Delhi, the company has pop-up stores. Pre-bookings for Vida are now open in the eight new cities. Deliveries are expected to commence soon at these locations.
    Hero is also working to expand its charging network. As of now, there are around 300 charging station across Bengaluru, Delhi and Jaipur. Charging stations will soon be set up in new cities as well. The charging stations will be installed at prominent locations to ensure easy access to users. When using Vida’s fast charging network, users can refuel at 1.2 km per minute.
    Due to the earlier high pricing, Vida sales were fairly limited in comparison to rivals. With more affordable pricing and availability across 100+ cities, a surge in sales can be expected. Vida comes with removable batteries, which is another advantageous factor for the scooter. More

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    VW Golf R 333 Special Edition Will Get a Rad Akrapovič Exhaust

    Slated to make its official debut on May 31, the new VW Golf R 333 brings unique gold paint and some performance adjustments to the all-wheel drive hot hatch. The short teaser doesn’t feature a ton of specifics, but it does give us a good look at some of the adjustments VW made. The gold paint is the most obvious addition, looking far more sophisticated than the select hues on offer for Golf R buyers. A bespoke graphics package also runs along the bottom of the doors, matching the black mirror caps on either flank. We can also see a set of the brand’s 19-inch Estoril wheels, behind which sit a set of blue brake calipers. VW has also fitted the Golf R 333 Limited Edition models with an Akrapovič exhaust system, complete with four tips in a bright finish. That’ll surely make it sound great.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.While that’s about all that VW has confirmed so far, there are further hints as to what we can expect in its name. Last year, VW released a few different takes on a Golf R 20 Years special edition model for its various global markets. In Europe, that anniversary model came equipped with a variant of the 2.0-liter turbo-four making 328 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. If you measure that output in German Pferdestärke, that figure jumps to a round 333 PS. It is then not unlikely to assume a similarly trimmed engine will find its way to the Golf R 333. That will also make the Golf R 333 tied for the title of most powerful Golf model yet. Details, Specs, ResultsWe expect that high-output engine to come mated to either a six-speed manual or VW’s dual-clutch automatic, but VW could also limit the package to one gearbox. Similarly equipped 20 Years models are capable of reaching 62 mph in 4.6 seconds. VOLKSWAGENWhether or not VW decides to bring the Golf R 333 to the U.S. or not, here’s hoping we don’t get another watered down take like with the 20 Years models. With VW rumored to ditch the ICE-powered Golf altogether after the eighth generation, this might represent one of out last chances at a proper limited-edition hot hatch. VOLKSWAGENBorn 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