Motor News

Volvo is reconfiguring the C40 and XC40 Recharge’s electric powertrain for 2024.A new 248-hp rear-wheel-drive base model offers considerably more range and should cost less too.Range increases to 293–297 miles for the single-motor version, while the dual-motor AWD model gets a range boost to 254–257 miles.Volvo is expanding and improving its EV lineup for 2024 with some notable changes to the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge models. They both gain a new rear-wheel-drive single-motor version with a larger battery and considerably more range, while the existing dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants also boost range thanks to efficiency improvements.The new RWD cars have a 248-hp electric motor and battery with 79.0-kWh usable capacity, which enables a 297-mile range in the C40 Recharge and a slightly lower 293-mile range in the less aerodynamic XC40 Recharge. These models are also capable of a higher DC fast-charging rate of 200 kilowatts, which Volvo claims enables it to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in 28 minutes.More on Volvo EVsThe dual-motor configuration continues into 2024 as well and continues to make 402 horsepower like before. But Volvo says that the electric motors are different, with the rear motor now making 255 horsepower and the front motor now an asynchronous type that is able to disconnect when it’s not needed. These efficiency improvements, also helped by new 19-inch wheels that are more aerodynamic, mean that the AWD models’ 75.0-kWh battery provides considerably more range. The XC40 is now rated at 254 miles, 31 miles more than before, while the C40 goes from 226 miles up to 257 miles.Volvo hasn’t released pricing yet, but we expect the RWD versions to cost less than the outgoing 2023 C40 and XC40 Recharge, which were offered only with a dual-motor powertrain and started in the mid-$50,000 range. Volvo says these updated 2024 EVs will go on sale in the United States in the second half of this year.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

From the May 2023 issue of Car and Driver.WHAT IT IS The Korean luxury arm’s third electrified SUV will be its biggest and poshest yet and build on the flagship G90 sedan’s striking design.WHY IT MATTERSThe gasoline-powered G90 isn’t exactly a volume model—or even well known, for that matter. The GV90 is a luxury SUV, which means it’ll probably sell well.PLATFORMThis luxury liner will be underpinned by the E-GMP architecture shared throughout the Korean automaker’s most recent electrified efforts. We expect air springs and electronically controlled dampers to enhance the cabin’s tranquility.POWERTRAINDon’t expect any groundbreaking electrification technology here. The GV90 is likely to use the same motors that propel the Electrified GV70, one on each axle, for a maximum combined output approaching 500 horsepower. Expect the GV90 to use the 87.2-kWh battery from the Electrified G80, which could offer around 250 miles of range. Top-trim GV90s may pack a larger battery.COMPETITIONBMW iX, Lucid Gravity, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X.WHAT MIGHT GO WRONGAfter nearly a decade since Hyundai established the luxury brand, people still ask, “What’s a Genesis?”ESTIMATED ARRIVAL AND PRICEThe GV90 should hit the streets in the middle of 2024 with a starting price around $100,000.Senior Testing EditorDavid Beard studies and reviews automotive related things and pushes fossil-fuel and electric-powered stuff to their limits. His passion for the Ford Pinto began at his conception, which took place in a Pinto. More

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E is getting a battery upgrade for the standard range models, swapping out the lithium-ion units for new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) units.The new 70.0-kWh batteries add a few extra miles of range, with rear-wheel drive models targeting a 250-mile EPA estimate and all-wheel drive versions improving to 226 miles.The Mach-E is now cheaper as well, with the base Select trim start $3000 less and the Premium trim seeing a $4000 cut.Major updates are coming to the Ford Mustang Mach-E for the second half of 2023. New batteries for the standard-range models promise increased EPA range estimates and extra power for all-wheel-drive models, while all Mach-Es will now have BlueCruise capability. The changes also come with cheaper prices across the board.All standard range Mach-Es trade the existing lithium-ion batteries for new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which Ford is currently purchasing from Chinese battery maker CATL. A dedicated factory will open in Michigan in 2026 and will build CATL’s LFP batteries under license. The new packs in the standard range Mach-Es still have a 70.0-kWh capacity, but the new chemistry unlocks a few extra miles of range. Rear-wheel-drive models increase from 247 miles to a targeted 250-mile EPA estimate, while all-wheel-drive standard range Mach-Es see a bump from 224 to 226 miles. The new batteries also lead to a 45-horsepower boost for all-wheel-drive standard range Mach-Es. Andi Hedrick|Car and DriverFord also says that standard range models will now be able to fully recharge more often when using AC home charging, while five minutes was shaved off the DC fast-charging time. Ford now estimates that standard range Mach-Es will take just 33 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent charge. Extended range versions of the Mach-E are unaffected by the updates, continuing to use the same 91.0-kWh lithium-ion battery packs. All Mach-Es are also now assembled with the required hardware for BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free highway driving system. Customers will receive a free 90-day trial, with the option to activate the system as a subscription later on. A three-year subscription can also be added with initial purchase of the vehicle. The latest version of BlueCruise sees hands-free lane changes when the driver activates the turn signal, and the Mach-E will also adjust its position within lanes to give larger vehicles like semi-trucks a wider berth.More Ford EV NewsThe upgrades at the Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico plant where Mach-Es are built will see an increase in production, allowing Ford to reopen the order books for the popular electric crossover which sold nearly 40,000 units last year. Prices are down across the lineup, with the Select trim dropping by $3000, starting at $44,795, and Premium models costing $4000 less, opening at $48,795. Adding the extended battery for Premium trim is still a $7000 upgrade, but the extended range California Route 1 edition is $1000 cheaper at $58,795 and the high-performance GT model is $4000 more affordable at $61,795. Adding the Performance Edition package to the Mach-E GT now costs $5000, $1000 less than before. The upgraded Mach-Es are still 2023 model year cars—owners will be able to identify which battery they have using the owner’s manual or their vehicle’s VIN.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

Mansory revealed a new P900 version of the Mercedes-AMG G63 with an exclusive Desert Sand Gloss paint option.As the name implies, Mansory’s P900 version of the G63 brings output to 900 horsepower.Like all of Mansory’s creations, both the interior and exterior of the G63 have been completely overhauled. Even in stock form, the Mercedes-AMG G63, or G-wagen, turns heads. Mansory is famous for taking that formula and increasing attention by any means necessary. The newest creation/modification project from Mansory is a version of the P900 finished in an exclusive Desert Sand Gloss paint with lots of forged carbon-fiber pieces. MansoryThe German tuners are back with another over-the-top creation for the G63. While the G63’s styling is already quite bold, the Mansory version takes it up multiple notches. A monstrosity of a f0rged carbon-fiber hood with a massive hood scoop replaces the standard hood, while even more forged carbon replaces every piece of exterior trim. The huge SUV rides on a new set of 24-inch forged wheels. A new forged carbon wing is placed at the back of the car, though it feels a bit like a bandage on a bullet wound situation in terms of added downforce. A pair of light bars are set at the front of the car for the one Mansory customer who actually takes their P900 off-road. The interior theme matches the ostentatious nature of the exterior. Tan diamond stitch leather wraps the majority of the interior, with forged carbon covering the remaining surfaces. Mansory decided for some reason that a second engine start/stop button is necessary on the roofline, but they deemed it unnecessary to remove the factory-installed button. The Mercedes logos are all gone from the headrests, replaced by Mansory’s own logo, lest you forget what you paid for. MansoryLike the name implies, the 577-hp V-8 from the standard G63 is cranked up to 900 horsepower in the P900. According to Mansory, the zero-to-62-mph time is brought down to around 3.3 seconds, with the car reaching a top speed of around 155 mph. As absurd as the new P900 is, it is relatively subtle as far as Mansory-built cars are concerned. The basic G63 shape remains intact, and the body is mostly one color, as opposed to the Bentley shown below. Mansory VehiclesThis 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

Toyota confirmed today that the 2024 Tacoma will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission.No other details were provided, but we expect it to be a modified version of the six-speed stick shift in the outgoing model.The 2024 Tacoma should debut within the next few months.Toyota continued its lengthy teaser campaign for the upcoming 2024 Tacoma today. Although the Japanese automaker still hasn’t divulged when we will see the next-generation mid-size pickup, the teaser confirmed that the new Tacoma will keep enthusiasts happy by retaining an available manual transmission.The image doesn’t reveal much, simply showing the three pedals that will reside in the 2024 Tacoma’s footwell. Toyota did say that the row-it-yourself transmission will feature six forward gears, but was tight-lipped on other details. We expect the manual gearbox to be an updated version of the six-speed stick shift in the outgoing Tacoma rather than an all-new unit, but we’re just glad Toyota is still committed to saving the manual transmission. More on the Next TacomaWe expect the Tacoma to debut at some point this summer, and we already have a few hints of what to expect. Toyota started off in April by teasing the tailgate of a hard-core off-road TRD Pro model, showing an iForce Max badge that suggests that the Tacoma may receive a hybrid powertrain like its Tundra big sibling. Toyota also announced that the Tacoma will add a new trim called Trailhunter, a name Toyota first teased with a Tundra concept at the 2022 SEMA show. The Tacoma Trailhunter is expected to focus on overlanding, with the teaser image showing an ARB rear bumper and a large frame-mounted tow hook. Most recently, an image of the TRD Pro’s rear wheel revealed that it will wear rear disc brakes for the first time. Toyota also teased the TRD Pro’s rugged suspension, which will feature a Fox QS3 coil-over and keep the signature TRD Pro red spring. More information will arrive with the full reveal in the coming 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.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 National Council of Corvette Clubs (NCCC) came under fire last month when it was discovered that the hybridized Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray would be banned from competing or participating at its sponsored events and shows. Following a significant amount of backlash from the Corvette community itself, NCCC has released a new statement acknowledging another adjusted rule set that allows the E-Ray to compete. Much More on the E-RayThe outcry from fans came after Section 1.8.1 item 14 of the NCCC rulebook made its way around the internet last month. The rule specifically made it clear that hybrids and pure EVs are not welcome to share the lawn or track with other, more traditional Corvettes. Those types of cars were slated to be parked at least 30 feet away from other vehicles, which was an effort by the NCCC to reduce fire risks. The rule read as follows: Electric Vehicles/Hybrids using lithium type battery packs are prohibited in competitive events. If driven to NCCC events, they should be parked 30 feet minimum from structures or other vehicles.GM DESIGNThe E-Ray features a single electric motor mounted above the front axle, which gives the Corvette AWD capabilities for the first time. A minuscule battery located in the center spine of the chassis supplies the juice, while the 6.2-liter LT2 V-8 from the Stingray sits out back. For comparison, the pure-electric Hummer EV’s battery pack is 212.0 kWh. Together the powertrain is good for 655 horsepower. Thanks to the added grip, the E-Ray will get to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. Keep your foot in it and the electrified sports car will rip off a 10.5-second quarter-mile run. Those figures make the E-Ray the quickest Corvette ever, surpassing even the mighty Z06, which makes 15 hp more. Following the media storm, NCCC president Deb Murphy said that we all misunderstood the original rule. More specifically, Murphy states that hybrid vehicles were never meant to get caught up in the ban, but rather just pure electric vehicles. GM DESIGN”I would like to clarify the discussion at the November meeting compared to what has appeared across the media: Discussion concerned the electric cars (plug-in kind) that have caught fire,” Murphy said in a statement. “We did not include hybrid cars in that discussion. Hybrids are allowed at our competitions and E-Rays will be welcomed at our events.”While the rulebook listed by NCCC still doesn’t back up Murphy’s claims about that initial ruling, this is a win for E-Ray buyers. Whether or not they have a battery onboard, the E-Ray was designed for track work like every other C8. Murphy stated that the rulebook will ultimately be adjusted to reflect the group’s position on the matter. Whether or not NCCC softens up to all-electric cars, a pure EV Corvette doesn’t seem that far off at this point. GM DESIGNSo Much More E-RayBorn 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

From the May 2023 issue of Car and Driver.Many of the world’s leading luxury marques built their names around two-door coupes or convertibles—”halo cars,” if you will—that loudly broadcast the brand’s ethos even if they didn’t sell in huge numbers. Genesis has been doing a good job of establishing itself as a bona fide luxury player without one, but that could change soon. The company has been toying with a range-topping two-door and finally appears ready to take the plunge. Over the past few years, the automaker has released what it calls a trilogy of concept cars that wear the Genesis X moniker: an elegantly proportioned coupe, then a fascinating shooting-brake design study called the Speedium Coupe, and lastly a beautifully rendered convertible.More on Genesis ConceptsAs much as we’d like to see a production version of the Speedium, we’d bet on the coupe and convertible making it to showrooms for real. Genesis chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke reportedly already confirmed the convertible’s existence to dealers, and a coupe companion would be logical. It could wear the name GT90 to align it with the flagship G90 sedan (Genesis has already trademarked this moniker in the U.S., along with GT70 and GT80). Oh, and Genesis will offer this model solely as an EV.GenesisGiven that Genesis was able to get a decent 365 horsepower and 282 miles of range out of the Electrified G80, a gas-engine sedan retrofitted with EV hardware, we assume the company’s next-gen EV platforms will offer considerably more of both. The possible GT90 would need somewhere north of 500 horsepower and 300 miles of range in order to be competitive. We expect it to be more of a plush four-seat grand tourer than a performance machine, since Genesis vehicles so far have shied away from chasing the Ms and AMGs of the world and instead focused on serene cabins, composed ride quality, and smooth powertrains.In terms of the competition, Mercedes has the SL, BMW has the 8-series, and Lexus has the LC, but Genesis is setting its targets even higher. Genesis seemingly claims that the company aims to chase Bentley Continental GT customers with this new model. That may be the goal, but we doubt Genesis will try to charge anywhere near the Conti’s nearly $240,000 base price. Still, it could be the first Genesis model with a starting cost above $100,000. And if that doesn’t signify its arrival as a luxury brand, we don’t know what does.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

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