Motor News

BMW issued an urgent “Do Not Drive” warning for 90,000 vehicles built between 2000 and 2006, that fall under a recall for defective Takata air bags.The recall affects the 3-series and 5-series, including the M3 and M5, as well as the first-generation X5.Drivers are urged not to use affected vehicles until a fix is implemented, as the airbags can become dangerous even in minor crashes.BMW has issued an urgent “Do Not Drive” warning for owners of roughly 90,000 vehicles built between 2000 and 2006. The affected vehicles are outfitted with defective Takata airbags, which have a high likelihood of failure in the event of a crash. The recall affects 3-series models built from 2000-2006, including the E46-generation M3, and 5-series sedans built from 2000-2003, including the E39 M5, as well as X5 SUVs built from 2000-2004. In the event of a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says the airbags have “an extremely high probability of failure.” If the inflators rupture, metal fragments may eject towards the driver and cause serious harm. “These inflators are two decades old now and, with every day that passes, they become even more dangerous as they can rupture even in a minor crash,” said NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman.More on Takata AirbagsBMW is asking owners to immediately check if their vehicle has an open Takata recall, (which they can do here) and to stop driving their vehicle if it does. The replacement parts are available, and owners of defective vehicles are being urged to contact their dealership immediately for a free repair, and free towing or mobile repair. 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

Caterham is working on a new two-seat electric sports car, according to a report by Autocar.According to the report, the new sports car is completely unrelated to the Seven, though it will share a lot of the same characteristics. The car is being designed by Anthony Jannarelly, a designer best known for the W Motors Lykan HyperSport.Caterham is only months away from revealing a new two-seat electric sports car, according to a report by Autocar. The British publication spoke with Caterham’s lead designer, Anthony Jannarelly, who is best known for the his work on the W Motors Lykan HyperSport.The project has advanced quickly, with Autocar reporting that it was “just an idea in people’s heads” in September and that now a design reveal is imminent. Switching from a front-mounted internal combustion engine to an electric powertrain opens the door for Caterham to evolve, something Jannarelly emphasized to Autocar. As he put it, the intent is to “please the existing Caterham fans while also trying to reach another type of audience.””The principle is always lightness,” Jannarelly explained. “And the driving pleasure is a consequence of this lightness. The key words are always simplicity, lightness, and driving joy.”CaterhamExpect a Fresh LookAccording to Autocar, Caterham CEO Bob Laishley previously confirmed the new EV will hit the manufacturer’s ideological pillars but will also distinguish itself from the Seven. That means that besides the cars sharing the basic two-seat design and simple cabin, we shouldn’t expect too many other similarities. Switching to an EV powertrain will allow for new styling cues, and possibly a more compact structure. One thing we do know for sure (because Jannarelly confirmed it to Autocar) is that the unnamed future car will not feature the same elongated hood design that the Seven uses, and it could take on a more traditional sports-car shape.Laishley also got into a bit more detail on the construction of the new car, even hinting at a potential roof. “Like the Seven, it will have a steel spaceframe—but a different one—because they’re easy to modify in production if you need to,” he said to Autocar. More on Caterham”A Pure EV from the Start”It will have a six-panel enveloping body in aluminium or carbon fiber: two sills, two doors, plus clamshell openings front and rear. It will be prettier and more modern than a Seven—those will be big points of distinction—and maybe it will have a roof. We’re designing it as a pure EV from the start, with rear drive only.”Caterham hasn’t given any firm notion of when we should expect to learn more, but according to this report, a production version could come as soon as 2026 with design concepts and prototypes being shown in as little as a few months. Caterham generally doesn’t list its prices online, but we feel confident in saying that the EV will run a premium over the Seven lineup. 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 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

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

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

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

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

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.EA Sports and Codemasters have released video of the new F1 23 video game. F1 23 will come to Sony PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC on June 16. The Las Vegas Grand Prix, a returned physics engine, 35 percent race length, red flags, and the return of Braking Point career mode are all new for F1 23.EA Sports knows what you did last summer. If you’re an avid Formula 1 fan, they know you stayed up late to watch Max Verstappen win under the lights at Saudi Arabia. They know you canceled your Netflix subscription after bingeing an entire season of Formula 1: Drive to Survive in a single weekend. And they also know you want to see this just-released reveal trailer for this year’s new F1 23 video game, coming to Sony PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC, hoping you’ll give it a try this summer on June 16.All Things F1 and RacingF1 23 puts gamers in the seat of their favorite F1 team again this year, but this time, the game’s physics engine has been tuned with the help of the people it portrays, as if someone from Red Bull stuck a hard drive in the wind tunnel. EA Sports says the racing feels more real than ever, emphasizing engine torque, inertia, and more realistic tire grip that should have folks white-knuckling their wireless controllers or racing wheels. This year, a new Precision Drive controller technology arrives to help players use sticks and buttons instead of wheels and pedals to put up a stronger fight across the virtual curbing.After a grandstand of feedback from its players, the new F1 23 is also making some specific changes to how it delivers the drama of simulating the latest Formula 1 season. F1 2021’s Braking Point career story mode is back. A new 35 percent race distance creates a race that’s neither too short or real-time. There are even red flags now, which could make for some interesting strategic headaches, similar to the ones that plagued team principals in actual F1 races.Electronic ArtsNew additions to the 2023 F1 racing schedule are reflected in its video game. November’s Las Vegas Grand Prix is coming to F1 23, as well as Lusail International Circuit and three legacy circuits, France’s Paul Ricard, China’s Shanghai, and Portugal’s Portimão. A new progression system also gives players a chance at unlocking car upgrades, fancy liveries, and new helmets and racing suites by completing challenges. There’s a new safety rating for drivers, online multiplayer, and single player, in hopes of corraling a more serious field of racers to minimize lobbies with the infamous Turn 1 wrecking ball.F1 23 is available for pre-order today on PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Epic Games Store, and Steam. The digital-exclusive F1 23 Champions Edition comes with Las Vegas content (must preorder by May 31), Max Verstappen Race Wear Pack, Braking Point 2 Icons and Vanity Item Pack, Dual Entitlement (available on PlayStation 4 and 5 and Xbox Series X and S only), four new My Team Icons, an XP Boost, F1 World Bumper Pack, and 18,000 PitCoin, as well as early access to the game three days ahead of launch. The World Starter Pack and 5000 PitCoins accompany pre-order sales of the standard-edition F1 23 game. EA Sports has been serving up virtual F1 racing since new games were available on the Game Boy Color back in 2000. Now, 23 years later, they’re here to help celebrate the revival in popularity of F1 racing in the United States. 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