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From the May 2023 issue of Car and Driver.This infatuation with turning everything into an off-roader has gone off the trails. Porsche turned the iconic 911 into the dirt-spewing Dakar. Lamborghini is ready to get down and dirty, not with the Urus SUV, but with the 602-hp Huracán Sterrato. Even Toyota’s Sienna Woodland Edition, a lifted minivan, has found a new way to make kids regurgitate chicken nuggets. Now Ford is adding to the craze.Deep within Ford’s Dearborn headquarters, there’s a mindset to Raptorize everything. Going full desert racer with the F-150 was the godfather of the concept. The Bronco Raptor that followed was a no-brainer. That the philosophy trickles down to the upcoming Ranger Raptor makes sense. Even giving the treatment to the Explorer and Expedition doesn’t seem far off. But to turn the Mustang into a trail-prepped coupe seems like a stretch. Or is it?We should’ve seen this coming years ago when we noticed splined front hubs on the sixth-generation Mustang. Naturally, we anticipated all-wheel drive in the future to enable blistering acceleration, not to turn the backwoods into rally circuits.More on the MustangThough just about any of Ford’s many engines will nestle into the Mustang’s engine bay, the Raptor’s offering will be what Bronco enthusiasts are pining for: a nearly 500-hp 5.0-liter V-8. Sorry, folks, no manual-transmission option here. Also, don’t expect a two-speed transfer case. To make the most of the limited space in the drive tunnel, a 10-speed automatic will route torque to all four wheels through an electronically controlled center differential. Of course, a Mustang Raptor R with a 700-plus-hp supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 will arrive sometime later—because why not?Keeping true to the Raptor heritage, Fox Live Valve dampers will pad the landings when it’s time to get all Bo and Luke Duke. Bespoke suspension components and elongated springs will provide a 2.0-inch lift, and an abundant number of underbody bash plates will protect the Mustang’s vitals from harm. All-terrain tires will tuck into the cladding-protected fenders.As the seventh-generation Mustang reaches dealerships later this fall and the inevitable street-oriented performance models follow, the Raptor variant should arrive in 2026. Like all Raptors, it won’t come cheap, but it’ll cost a lot less than a lifted Lamborghini. The limited run of off-road Mustangs should start around $90,000, expect to pay more for mudflaps. STEVE KRAUSSIn February 1992, long before anyone at Ford dreamed of an off-road Mustang, C/D conducted a mustang-versus-Mustang test that pitted an equine member against a Fox-body Mustang GT convertible on a dirt track. Tang the mare ran the quarter in 34.3 seconds at 25 mph; the Mustang GT did it in 17.0 seconds at 89 mph. Based on its as-tested price, the horse won.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

If you want an EV but insist it must be a sybaritic retreat, the ultra-glamorous Mercedes-Maybach EQS680 SUV goes on sale this fall.Despite its size, the EQS has no third row, and the second row comes with separate passenger seats (although a bench is optional).Front and rear motors offer up 649 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque, the same as you’d get in the Mercedes-AMG EQS sedan.When the world’s movers and shakers take to the air, they typically fly private, an exceedingly carbon-spewing form of transport, but when ground bound, they might prefer to make an environmentally sensitive statement. Mercedes-Benz is attuned to this zeitgeist, which is why it’s rolling out the first EV for its Maybach sub-brand, the Mercedes-Maybach EQS680 SUV.Related StoriesBased on the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, the Maybach version layers on the brand’s characteristic veneer of cushy comfort and extra glitz. The extra glitz starts up front with a Maybach-specific look. In place of the large front grille of the brand’s gas-powered models, those characteristic vertical chrome bars are instead rendered in a solid front fascia. The stand-up hood ornament is another nod to tradition, although you’ll note that it’s a Mercedes three-pointed star rather than the Maybach logo. Not to worry, there are numerous Maybach logos scattered about the exterior. The outer pods in the lower front bumper, for instance, each contain a mass of logos. The extra-large wheels (21-inch at launch with 22s to follow) with their solid-disc appearance are another Maybach brand cue, as is the thick band of brightwork outlining the side windows. Two-tone paint is optional. Running boards are standard and are illuminated. The EQS SUV’s utilitarian third-row seat is banished from the Maybach. (Presumably, if buyers need to travel with more than five, they just requisition a second Maybach.) The example we saw had individual rear seats, although a three-passenger bench can also be had. The individual chairs are fully powered and include extendable leg rests—the bench’s outer positions have this feature as well. There’s a fixed bulkhead behind the seats, sealing off the luggage compartment. With the individual rear seats, the bulkhead flows down between the chairs and is finished with the same wood or black lacquer trim material (either one with striped aluminum inlays) as is found on the dash, door panels, front seatbacks, and console. A trap door between the rear seatbacks accesses a refrigerated compartment. That’s where you’d keep the chilled champagne, and the center console has two sets of cupholders, one with clips at the bottom to hold stemware (such as the available silver-plated champagne flutes). The fridge unit, though, takes up a significant portion of the trunk space, so it’s designed to be easily removed if the journey calls for more Louis Vuitton cases and fewer chilled champagne bottles. The rear console also includes a removable tablet, and there are 11.6-inch infotainment screens in the front seatbacks. On the C-pillars, stylized lamps again feature the Maybach logo, and the ambient lighting adds Maybach-exclusive color schemes. There are also pillows, small ones attached to the front and rear headrests with larger throw pillows for the rear-seat passengers.For the chauffeur, the environs are not much changed from those of the Mercedes EQS SUV, although the pedals have been dressed up. The Hyperscreen is present, of course, and there’s a Maybach-specific welcome screen and instrument-cluster display option. There’s also a Maybach-exclusive choice among the artificial “soundscapes” available if passengers don’t want to cue up anything on the standard 4D Burmeister stereo. There’s also an exclusive fragrance for the built-in ionizer: No. 12 Mood Ebony. Disappointingly, it doesn’t smell like money, instead pairing sandalwood and spices. In place of the EQS580 SUV’s 536-hp powertrain, the Maybach EQS SUV borrows a more potent set of electric motors from Mercedes-AMG. The front and rear motors are good for 649 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque, the same as in the Mercedes-AMG EQS sedan —although it’s missing the AMG’s boost function that temporarily bumps output to 751 hp. Still, Mercedes is claiming a 4.1-second 0-to-60-mph time. The suspension, with air springs and adaptive dampers, gets a Maybach-specific tune, while a “Maybach” drive setting replaces the default Comfort mode and prioritizes a smooth ride for rear-seat passengers. Four-wheel steering (with the rear wheels turning up to 10 degrees) is standard here, to aid maneuverability.A 108.4-kW battery (same as in the Benz version) is said to be good for 372 miles of range on the European WLTP cycle. The Maybach EQS adopts the front-axle disconnect just introduced in the EQE SUV as well as that model’s heat-pump HVAC system. The Maybach EQS is capable of recharging at up to 200 kilowatts.The Mercedes-Maybach EQS680 SUV goes on sale this fall.Deputy Editor, Reviews and FeaturesJoe Lorio has been obsessed with cars since his Matchbox days, and he got his first subscription to Car and Driver at age 11. Joe started his career at Automobile Magazine under David E. Davis Jr., and his work has also appeared on websites including Amazon Autos, Autoblog, AutoTrader, Hagerty, Hemmings, KBB, and TrueCar. More

The 2024 BMW i7 M70 xDrive is a new range topper for the automaker’s electric lineup, with two electric motors cranking out 650 horsepower.The launch control setting boosts torque to a peak 811 pound-feet, helping this opulent behemoth leap to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, according to BMW.The M70 features black trim on the exterior and can be decked out in flashy two-tone paint.BMW’s electric lineup has a new top dog. The 2024 i7 M70 xDrive, debuting at the Shanghai auto show, will become BMW’s most powerful EV when it launches in the second half of this year. The luxury sedan’s two electric motors combine for 650 horsepower, superseding the 536-hp i40 M50—which BMW says is the M division’s global best-seller—and 610-hp iX M60. The M-specific 483-hp rear unit will also become BMW’s most powerful electric motor. BMWThe M70’s peak torque output of 811 pound-feet is available only in the launch control setting or when using the M Sport Boost function. BMW claims the M70 can rocket to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, making it the automaker’s quickest EV. Drivers will have to make do with a still ludicrous 748 pound-feet of torque in Sport mode, and top speed is governed to 155 mph.The chassis has been tuned by the M division, with the high-performance i7 riding on M-specific adaptive air suspension with electronically controlled dampers. The body has been stiffened, while rear-wheel steering and active roll stabilization should help the large sedan feel relatively nimble. The four-piston fixed-caliper front brakes and single-piston floating-caliper rear brakes are painted blue and adorned with an M logo, or they can be colored black with an optional package. The M70 rides on unique 21-inch wheels, but they can be swapped out for 20-inch wheels shod in performance tires.BMWDespite the immense performance, BMW still claims that the 101.7-kWh battery will be capable of providing 295 miles of range, not far off the standard i7’s range. A new drive mode called Max Range will eke out every electron by restricting the M70 to 56 mph, limiting power, and deactivating the climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and heated steering wheel. Max Range is turned off by pressing the accelerator to the floor, selecting the M Sport Boost function with the left paddle shifter, or turning the window defroster to its highest setting. The i7 M70 supports DC fast-charging at up to 195 kW, with BMW claiming the battery can zip from 10 to 80 percent in 34 minutes.BMWThe M70 is visually distinguished from lesser i7s by its black trim, side skirts, and a rear diffuser insert. The M Performance Professional package adds a black rear spoiler, a black trim piece between the taillights, and more black trim on the rear bumper. Like other i7s, the M70 can be spec’d with two-tone paint, and the outline of the ginormous kidney grille lights up.More M-Branded BMWsInside, the i7 M70 receives the latest version of BMW’s operating system, featuring a redesigned home screen with a column of icons on the left edge for quick and easy access to specific functions. The curved display also shows off an M-specific font and graphics. BMW will announce pricing closer to the start of production at the end of 2023. The iX M60 starts around $25,000 higher than the standard iX, so we expect the M70 to open at around $145,000.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

Volkswagen is finally revealing the 2025 ID.7 electric sedan in production form.It uses the company’s MEB platform and comes with a 282-hp electric motor and a choice of two battery packs.The ID.7 will go on sale in the U.S. in 2024.Volkswagen is taking a step forward with its electric motors and battery packs in the 2025 ID.7 sedan. Compared with the ID.4 crossover, it boasts a more powerful electric motor and an option for a larger battery pack that should enable more range. We’re seeing the ID.7 without its camouflage for the first time, although we’ve already driven a prototype. This new model will arrive in the U.S. in 2024.More on the ID.7The ID.7’s standard powertrain setup will be a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive configuration with a 282-horsepower electric motor. That’s more powerful than the RWD ID.4’s 201-hp motor, and in the U.S. the ID.7 will initially come standard with the same 77.0-kWh battery pack as the crossover. The company is targeting an EPA range of 300 miles, which is a bit behind the ID.7’s main rivals which include the Tesla Model 3 and the Hyundai Ioniq 6.A larger 86.0-kWh pack will be optional in other markets and VW claims a WLTP range of 435 miles with that option. That could translate to over 350 miles on the U.S. EPA cycle, although it’s possible that Volkswagen will reserve this larger battery pack on our shores for only a more powerful (but less efficient) dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant.The ID.7 looks like a somewhat conventional four-door mid-size sedan, but it does have a hatchback design that provides good cargo space. The rear seats fold to expand the cargo area, too. In the passenger compartment, there’s a new 15.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that will hopefully improve upon the ID.4’s overly complex software. The cabin also appears to be spacious for five passengers. An augmented-reality head-up display will be standard, and features including massaging seats and a driver-assistance system with automatic lane changes will be available.We should learn more about detailed U.S. specs for the ID.7 later on, including pricing and final EPA figures. It will be built in Germany and should start reaching U.S. dealerships sometime next year.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

What’s this, an actual decline in the average new-vehicle transaction price (ATP)? Apparently, yes, said KBB, which reported that the ATP in March was down from the month before. It’s been almost two years since that happened.The decline was only 1.1 percent, meaning the average price is still high, at just over $48,000. But it’s the first sign that the relentless upward pricing pressure is starting to fade away.You can probably guess the reasons, which center on increased new-vehicle supply compared to the last few years of the global pandemic. And once shoppers have options, dealers can’t use as many price-increasing tricks.It’s been a while—20 months, to be exact—but the average price of a new car is once again below the official sticker price. For almost two years now, the average new car price has kept climbing and climbing, assisted by plenty of dealer markups that regularly reminded us that car shopping is a perfectly good way to get frustrated on a Saturday. But, according to data from Kelley Blue Book, the average new-car buyer paid less than the sticker price in March. As KBB’s Twitter account said, “Whew.”The average transaction price (ATP) for a new vehicle also dropped in March, down to a still-high $48,008. Compared to February, though, it’s down 1.1 percent. Go Ahead, ShopNew-car prices started skyrocketing in the early days of the pandemic when supply-chain problems and strong demand pushed them up, and then they just sort of kept rolling. Back in the first quarter of 2021, for example, General Motors said its transaction prices rose by an average of $3500 per vehicle compared to the previous quarter. Before the pandemic, in 2019, the average prices were up $1800 compared to 2018, then went up another $3301 in 2020 and another $6220 in 2021.This content is imported from twitter. 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.Ahem. *Ray of sunshine appears. Heavenly organ chords play* For the first time in almost 2 years, the average new car buyer paid less than sticker last month. Less than sticker. Whew. https://t.co/tUgDKpgAZB— Kelley Blue Book (@KelleyBlueBook) April 13, 2023The Return of IncentivesHere in 2023, the supply of new vehicles is climbing back up, and shoppers once again feel like they have some choice in what to buy. That is forcing manufacturers to once again offer up incentives, and KBB data said the average incentive discount last month was worth 3.2 percent of the transaction, for an average discount of $1,516. KBB said it saw average price drops at many dealerships, including Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, and Volkswagen.”More vehicles on dealer lots—and on their competitors’ lots—means dealers simply don’t have the pricing power they did six months ago,” Rebecca Rydzewski, research manager of economic and industry insights for Cox Automotive (which owns KBB), said in a statement.Is a $50,000 Average Price Coming?Where we go from here is the big question. The head of sales for Toyota North America, Jack Hollis, said in March that he expects new-car prices to top an average price of $50,000 sometime in 2023. That doesn’t seem outlandish, given December’s ATP of $49,501. Understanding how new vehicle prices are changing means breaking them down by category. The average new luxury vehicle, for example, cost $65,202 last month, effectively even with the February number. Prices for electric vehicles are headed up slightly, with an average price of $58,940 in March. It was $313 lower in February. The average price for a non-luxury vehicle in March was $44,182 and has been on a downward trend since January.This content is imported from twitter. 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

Lego Technic has revealed its newest set: a 1:10-scale version of Peugeot’s 9X8 Hybrid Hypercar set to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. The 1775-piece model measures 5.0 inches high, 9.0 inches wide, and 19.5 inches long. It was built through a collaboration between Lego and Peugeot Sport, and from photos it seems they’ve done a fantastic job replicating the car’s design ethos as a sleek, futuristic racer. We’re especially fond of the glow-in-the-dark lighting elements up front, giving the Lego Technic 9X8 a more realistic vibe. It’s not just the design Lego got right. The building block company also managed to fit a scale version of the V-6 engine sending power to the rear wheels, along with a replica of the electric motor sending power to the front wheels (though there’s no actual battery power, unfortunately). Open Gallery“Our two brands have come together to create a product that celebrates a new era of hybrid racing and engineering,” Lego designer Kasper René Hansen said in a statement. “Re-creating the shapes and details of such an elegant car using Lego Technic elements wasn’t an easy feat, but it’s been an honor to work so creatively with the Team Peugeot TotalEnergies on this one and I’m proud that together we have been able to build the hypercar for real in Lego Technic form.”Lego says the Technic 9X8 will go on sale at Lego stores and Lego.com starting May 1, priced from $199.99.More Lego CarsRoad & Track staff writer with a taste for high-mileage, rusted-out projects and amateur endurance racing. More

Chevrolet Performance engineers showed a camouflaged ZR2 Colorado to an assembled group of journalists that had just finished a first drive of the 2023 Colorado ZR2.They did not expressly admit that it was the new ZR2 Bison, but we discovered the word “Bison” on a sticker attached to one of the prototype DSSV Dampers that was on the truck.No longer an accessory showcase, the Bison is now a higher-performing ZR2 variant that rides on unique long-travel suspension and 35-inch tires that conspire to raise the truck an estimated two inches over a standard ZR2.play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playMcCarran, Nevada—Just as we were catching our breath and celebrating the finish of a three-day Vegas-to-Reno off-road blast across the Nevada desert, Chevrolet Performance engineers rolled out a distinctive camouflaged ZR2 that sent our jaws dropping. That it had massive 35-inch tires (actually, LT315/70R-17) on beadlock-capable rims was unmistakable, but a quick look underneath showed this to be much more than a garden-variety ZR2 with taller tires.Two Inches Taller For one, the truck stood about two inches taller than a regular ZR2 parked next to it. The one-inch-larger radius of the 35s explains half of that, so the rest is an additional inch of suspension lift. The Multimatic DSSV dampers were engineering sample “take-apart” pieces, which indicates this new ZR2 variant will have unique suspension tuning, which makes sense considering the taller stance and larger tires.But it also appeared that the new high(er)-performance ZR2 also had extra suspension travel above and beyond the 9.9 inches of front travel and 11.6 inches of rear travel found on a regular ZR2. This speculation was not merely due to the higher stance and extra fender gap, but also by the presence of unique Chevrolet Performance–branded hydraulic front and rear bump stops, there to cushion the landing and soak up the extremes of compression travel when driven at high speeds off-road.Why We Recognized This as a BisonWhat makes us think this higher octane ZR2 is a Bison? For one, the new ZR2 Desert Boss is the accessory showcase variant this year, and that leaves headroom for the Bison to be transformed into an extreme performance model. Secondly, and most certainly, we found the word “Bison” on one of the ID stickers affixed to one of the tunable engineering-sample DSSV dampers.Inside, there wasn’t much to see except different seat trim: black with a dash of red. No badges or embroidered logos were in evidence. And we didn’t see anything remarkably different under the hood during the brief, almost accidental glimpse that we got. But that’s not definitive because the usual plastic cover was there, and the standard ZR2’s 2.7-liter turbo engine’s output—310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet—could be ratcheted up by less obvious means involving software and turbo boost.Now We’re ExcitedWhatever the engine story turns out to be, the prospect of a genuine ZR2 Bison with a tangible performance difference has our motor running. And that is exactly what we feel the new ZR2 Bison will become, thanks to the prototype we saw with a taller stance, 35-inch tires, and long-travel suspension with hydraulic bump stops. The mid-size truck performance wars are in full swing, and we’re here for it. Technical EditorDan Edmunds was born into the world of automobiles, but not how you might think. His father was a retired racing driver who opened Autoresearch, a race-car-building shop, where Dan cut his teeth as a metal fabricator. Engineering school followed, then SCCA Showroom Stock racing, and that combination landed him suspension development jobs at two different automakers. His writing career began when he was picked up by Edmunds.com (no relation) to build a testing department. More

The never-ending TikTok-challenge saga is actually, slowly coming to an end.Hyundai has announced that its software updates, which make the cars no longer as easy to steal as they are in the popular videos, are now available for all affected models, a few months ahead of schedule.AAA also announced that it will offer owners of affected models insurance options, following the news earlier this year that both Progressive and State Farm either raised rates on the affected models or simply declined to offer new policies.Hyundai just finished rolling out a series of model-by-model software updates for the nearly 4 million of its vehicles that, until the update, remained vulnerable to an ultra-easy theft method popularized on TikTok. The ProblemThe software rollout started in February, and availability for the later models is happening a few months earlier than Hyundai’s previously announced schedule. Hyundai’s new code is meant for affected vehicles without a built-in electronic immobilizer. The update makes it so that the TikTok method won’t work because the cars now require a physical key to deactivate the new “ignition kill” feature. Hyundai (and Kia, which also has affected vehicles) has made it clear how important it is to install this update and said any Hyundai dealership could perform the update, which should take less than an hour.One Insurer That’s Not Walking AwayIn addition to that, the automaker announced last week it is partnering with AAA to offer insurance coverage for affected vehicles. That may not sound like much of a deal, but earlier this year, both State Farm and Progressive said they would no longer accept new policies for the easily stolen models or raised prices, so having at least one guaranteed coverage provider sure is better than none. Granted, now that the software solution is rolling out, the vehicles are no longer as virally tempting, which should mean AAA won’t have to pay out as many potential dollars to recover stolen Hyundais as insurers were facing before.Hyundai and AAA said the new coverage options would be available in “most” states, excluding Alaska, Massachusetts, and Washington, because AAA does not operate in those states. How to Know If You Have an Affected VehicleIf you have an affected vehicle or think you might, you can get more information at the official HyundaiAntiTheft.com website. If you aren’t able to get the software update for your car, Hyundai is offering a program for no-cost steering wheel locks or other anti-theft devices, like alarm kits. Every Hyundai vehicle built since November 2021 has a built-in engine immobilizer.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