Motor News

Alpine, which was revived by Renault in 2017, is aiming to launch a pair of electric crossovers in the United States in 2027 or 2028. (Pictured above is the Alpine Alpenglow concept from the 2022 Paris auto show.)CEO Laurent Rossi compared the crossovers to the Porsche Macan and Cayenne Coupe, and said that they will be a significant part of Alpine’s goals of reaching 150,000 sales by 2030.Alpine is also launching three cars in the coming years for Europe, including an electric version of the A110 sports car and a performance variant of the upcoming electric Renault 5 hatch.Alpine was founded in 1955 and rose to prominence in the 1970s after being acquired by Renault, scooping up rally victories with its A110 sports car and triumphing at Le Mans in 1978. Renault revived the brand, now part of Groupe Renault, in 2017 with a new lightweight A110. The nimble sports car has remained forbidden fruit in the United States, but now it appears that Alpine may be coming to the U.S. within the decade. According to a report today by Automotive News, CEO Laurent Rossi revealed in a recent call that two new models are being developed with the American market in mind. Unfortunately, the future U.S.-bound Alpines do not include a low-slung sports car. Instead, they will be a mid-size electric crossover and a larger EV SUV, targeted for 2027 or 2028. Rossi explained that “the U.S. is the main destination for these cars” and compared the crossovers to the Porsche Macan and Cayenne coupe in terms of how they are positioned in the market.RenaultRossi said he sees the U.S. as crucial for boosting Alpine’s volume. Right now Alpine only sells the A110, with 3,546 total sales in 2022. The goal is to surpass 150,000 annual sales by 2030, and Rossi said that entering the U.S market “will create the bulk of the extra volume.” He said Alpine is still debating what platforms the EV crossovers will ride on; along with Renault’s partner Nissan, the company is considering using platforms from Geely’s premium brands, which include Volvo, Polestar, and Zeekr.More Fun French CarsBefore those Alpines reach U.S. shores, the French automaker will debut three exciting EVs for the Europe market. First will be a performance version of the upcoming Renault 5 electric hatchback. This will be followed by a sporty compact crossover, currently referred to as the GT, which will bring torque vectoring, more powerful motors, and unique battery chemistry to differentiate it from more mainstream Renaults. Finally, an electric successor to the A110 is coming by 2027, developed in collaboration with Lotus. It will still be several years before Alpine’s American expansion begins, and promises to return to the U.S. by other French carmakers have yet to materialize. But if Alpine meets its 2027 timeline, it will mark the the first time since the early 1990s that Renault will have a presence in the United States. And even if the dynamic A110 never reaches our shores, we are still excited to see what Alpine can deliver at the tail end of the 2020s.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. More

Porsche has expanded its factory-approved touchscreen infotrainment support for the 997 911 (2005–2008), 987 Boxster and Cayman (2005–2008), and first-generation Cayenne (2003–2008).The touchscreen infotainment systems allow owners of older Porsches to utilize SiriusXM radio, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto on the 7.0-inch touchscreen. The new unit is available for order at Porsche dealerships for about $1475. In the 911, Boxster and Cayman, several features can be saved to the unit, including personal settings lights, windshield wipers, climate controls, and locking. Porsche introduced touchscreen infotainment options for vintage 911s in 2020, giving owners of air-cooled classics access to digital maps and music inside a vintage housing. The factory-approved retrofit units come in a 3.5-inch configuration referred to as Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM), with a screen so small that owners may be squinting to read words from more than a Planck unit away, or a larger 7.0-inch configuration referred to as Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus (PCCM Plus), allowing owners to move their heads back by a few micrometers. Depending on the vehicle being retrofit, it’s offered for 911s from the ’60s, all the way through the 996 generation. More on Vintage PorscheNow Porsche Classic is expanding touchscreen support to include the 997 911 (2005–2008), 987 Boxster and Cayman (2005–2008), and first-generation Cayenne (2003–2008). The expanded lineup gives owners of qualifying Porsches access to USB connectivity, Bluetooth, SiriusXM radio, plus AppleCarPlay and Android Auto funtionality. The new lineup will only be available in the larger 7.0-inch double DIN size. According to Porsche, in the 911, Boxster, and Cayman, the system can store personal settings for the lights, windshield wipers, climate controls, and locking for the car. The new PCCM Plus units, like the ones announced earlier, are designed to fit right into the dashboard. The look and feel are based on components like climate control already installed in the car, in an effort to give owners a modern experience without taking away from the generational feel of the car. Both PCCM and PCCM Plus units are available for order from Porsche dealerships, with the PCCM Plus unit retailling for about $1475. 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. 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.With Ken Block’s passing, the future of Hoonigan is being worked out. The team there—people we know and people we like—will surely return to producing things that entertain, amuse, and inspire us. But not right now.They have a lot of things to sort out. And grief can’t be rushed.Brian Scotto and his crew issued this nearly 11-minute-long video that puts the sadness of Block’s passing up front, and then celebrates the joy of his life for the majority of the time. That’s six minutes of clearly and cleverly edited clips that celebrate Block as an athlete, driver, entertainer, entrepreneur, and, most of all, father. It’s a sad moment, but such a happy life.There’s a lot left to come from the Hoonigan squad, including possibly a public L.A.-area event to celebrate Block. But the future will be different than what has come before. Different even as it carries Ken Block’s inspiration forward.Remembering Block More

Shelby American is producing a limited run of 100 Carroll Shelby Centennial Edition Ford Mustangs in celebration of what would have been Carroll Shelby’s 100th birthday this month.Using the 2023 Ford Mustang GT as a base, the Centennial Edition honors its founder with specialty badging throughout the car, while cranking power output from the stock 450 horsepower to an impressive 750 horsepower.All 100 of the limited-run Carroll Shelby Centennial Edition Mustangs have been reserved at $49,995 on top of the price of the car.Shelby American is commemorating the 100th anniversary of its founder’s birth in the most Carroll Shelby way it can. That means a hot-rod version of the 2023 Mustang GT, supercharged to make 750 horsepower, barking exhaust fumes out of the Borla cat-back exhaust system. Fittingly, Shelby American is only planning to make 100 of the centennial edition. Unfortunately they’ve all sold out in the four days since a prototype was displayed in Gardena, California. The Shelby American team isn’t being too strict with this one. Want a fastback? Sure. Convertible? You got it. Manual transmission? Sign here. Automatic transmission? If you say so. What it won’t stand for is non-stock Mustang colors, the Mach 1, or the California Special. Basically, as long as the badging reads “GT” and the title says 2023, you’re in the clear. More on ShelbyShelby American is adamant that the upgrades are more than just a boost in horsepower figures. The front fenders are wider, the stock wheels replaced with 20 x 11 Shelby wheels, and the stock rubber swapped for 305/30/20 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S performance tires, providing much more stick. The Shelby vented hood increases airflow, while the Shelby Performance Radiator handles cooling. The suspension is redone, adding performance anti-roll bars and springs, as well as adjustable camber and caster plates. Additionally, donor cars that show up without the Ford Performance Pack get Performance Pack brakes for the front axle.Shelby American Visually, Shelby American left no stone unturned. The Shelby name adorns each wheel, the upper grille, both doorsill plates, the floor mats, top of the hood, etc. Shelby’s hatted sillhouette can be found in equally as many places. Hood? Check. Headrests? Check. Rear badge? You betcha. If that’s not enough Shelby, the 100 customers who were quick enough to place an order also get a special black Stetson hat and a copy of the Shelby Centennial Book publised by Team Shelby. The package price started at $49,995, which doesn’t include the price of a donor car. A fitting way to honor the late legend. More

You know the drill: a new EV gets all hyped up, and the limited number of early editions sell out quickly. That means secondhand auctions are where you need to look if the FOMO is real for you. In this case, the 2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup Edition 1 is all sold out, and given the $112,595 price when new, the current bid of $102,000 over on Bring a Trailer represents a discount. (BaT, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos.)With the auction continuing until Saturday, January 21, we suspect the numbers will climb before it’s all over.Whatever powertrain it carries, the Hummer remains a controversial vehicle. Reviewing the the 1000-hp, all-electric version, we once called it a “definitive riposte to the ‘EVs are wimpy’ crowd.” If you’re sad you missed out on the chance to buy one of the $100,000-plus GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 monsters, time to turn that frown upside down. A 2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup Edition 1 with about 2000 miles on it is currently listed for auction at the site Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos. Bring a TrailerSince you can’t even place an order for a new Hummer EV right now—and when you can, deliveries might not happen until 2024—secondhand sales like this are the only way to get one in your driveway any time soon. All the Details and SpecsOriginally priced at $112,595, this Hummer includes all of the headline-grabbing features that GMC is packing into the over-the-top EV: CrabWalk four-wheel steering, the 200.0-kWh Ultium battery pack, underbody cameras, Watts to Freedom (WTF) launch control, and an Infinity Roof with four removable tinted glass Sky Panels. Three motors (one in front, two on the back axle) provide a zero-to-60-mph time of approximately three seconds when the WTF mode is engaged. SuperCruise, an Extreme Off-Road package, Bose audio, 18-inch wheels, and a MultiPro tailgate are all included.Bring a TrailerBring a TrailerOnce GMC opens up Hummer EV orders again, you could spec a new one to have similar specs to the Edition 1, but some features are exclusive to this model, like an Edition 1 badge. The contrasting Interstellar White exterior paints and Jet Black and light gray faux leather interior also identify it as an Edition 1 model. This 2022 GMC Hummer EV is located in Washington State and has a clean title. It has had only one owner and a clean CarFax report. The seller is including a travel battery charger with 110V and 220V connectors and a home charging unit.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. More

Hyundai has revealed more specs for the redesigned 2024 Kona.It features carryover engines and offers a hybrid variant, which hasn’t yet been confirmed for the U.S.We expect the Kona to go on sale here later this year, although we’re still waiting on U.S. details.Hyundai’s new 2024 Kona looks a whole lot different than before but doesn’t appear to be as revolutionary underneath. Specs for the new model are out, and the subcompact SUV’s engine choices—a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four and a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four—carry over from the outgoing model. We’re still waiting on details for the U.S. model, which will confirm whether the Kona’s hybrid model will make its way to our shores.More on the KonaThe base engine will remain a 147-hp 2.0-liter inline-four paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. A more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four will be available, likely on the sportier N Line model, and produces the same 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque as before. Hyundai has yet to confirm the transmission for this model, but it previously used a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. We’re hoping that the raucous 286-hp Kona N performance model will stick around, too, but we may have to wait a little longer for more information on that.There’s also a Kona hybrid, but we’re not sure if it’ll be sold in the U.S. or not. Its powertrain, which consists of a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor and produces a total of 139 horsepower, appears to be the same as what’s offered in the Kia Niro. A Kona Electric model will also return, but specs aren’t yet available for that.In terms of size, the new 2024 Kona is bigger than before, with a 2.3-inch longer wheelbase and a 5.7-inch longer overall length. Hyundai says this improves rear-seat room and cargo space. A few additional photos of the interior show the dual 12.3-inch display screens that will be offered, likely only on higher trim levels.We’ll learn more about the 2024 Kona later this year as Hyundai divulges more information on the U.S.-spec version of the car. For now, peruse the photo gallery to see what the new generation of the small crossover looks like inside and out.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. More

In news from the state of North Carolina, which we might have to start referring to as “North North Florida,” a man on a John Deere tractor instigated a lengthy police chase that involved spike strips, the shooting of tires, and eventually a taser battle. We’re calling this incident “Hicks Gone Wild,” for an obvious reason: The guy on the tractor was named Ronnie Hicks. Oh, and this was a stolen tractor, just in case you had any doubt.It sounds like ol’ Ronnie is no stranger to the local constabulary, based on the summary of the chase posted by the Boone police department, where this all went down. The Facebook post begins, “So, many of you have heard, or have seen the videos, that we got in a pursuit with a tractor. The stolen tractor was being operated by a person who we are very familiar with, Mr. Ronnie Hicks.” It’s left to the reader to imagine why they might be familiar with this fellow, but the following account might provide some insight.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.According to the police, our GTA (Grand Theft Agriculture) adventure begins with the Deere pilot driving around town, swerving menacingly at pedestrians and crashing into stuff. In Boone, as in most towns, this will draw the attention of local law enforcement. Police chief Andy Le Beau maintains that Hicks “hit several vehicles, a dumpster, and a church,” adding that “We are still trying to sort it all out.” Indeed, as are we!Thus ensued an OJ-style low-speed chase in which the police learned that John Deere tractors are surprisingly resilient, if not quick. As speeds approached 20 mph, the cops tried throwing spike strips in its path. The tractor and its irascible helmsman continued, undaunted. Next up: bullets. And shooting at the tires did work, such that one of the front ones eventually peeled straight off the rim. But those big wheels kept on turnin’, and in the process tearing up the dang-nabbed road. But eventually, our ornery protagonist took a turn that led him to run out of road. At which point, he jumped off the tractor wielding a knife. You ever hear the expression, “Don’t bring a knife to a taser fight?” No? Well, we just made it up, based on what happened next. After which Mr. Hicks was taken into custody and charged with various things—whatever local statutes cover smashing into churches with stolen tractors and whatnot.This was the second police chase in Boone this week. So far.There Are No Words More

The 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale small SUV is the company’s first plug-in hybrid. Pricing starts at $44,590 for the entry-level Tonale Sprint, while the fully loaded version starts at $49,090. The mid-level Ti trim and top Veloce are available for preorder today, with the Sprint ready later this spring.Every Tonale comes with a plug-in-hybrid powertrain that uses a turbocharged 1.3-liter inline-four engine and produces 285 horsepower. All-wheel drive is also standard.The Italian-built 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale is coming to shake some Italian seasoning on the subcompact luxury crossover segment that’s filled largely with German offerings such as the Audi Q3, the BMW X1, and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class. Available today for preorder, we now know pricing for the new Alfa SUV, but its entry-level trim won’t become available until sometime this spring. Tonale of Tomorrow:The Tonale is Alfa Romeo’s first plug-in hybrid and is a small SUV that slots in below the Stelvio. It shares its platform with the Jeep Compass but is more closely related to the upcoming Dodge Hornet that also goes on sale later this year. While every Tonale gets the same 285-hp turbocharged 1.3-liter inline-four plug-in-hybrid powertrain with a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, the crossover’s options are split among three trim levels. Only the top two trims, Veloce and Ti, are available for preorder today. The Tonale is currently eligible for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit.Tonale Sprint starts at $44,590 and serves as the entry point for the mini Alfa Romeo. It comes with an impressive list of standard equipment such as silver 18-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, remote start, heated cloth seats, and a heated steering wheel. A 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto are also standard. There’s even wireless smartphone charging.The Tonale Ti pricing starts at $46,590, only a few thousand bucks more than the entry trim, and adds subtle appearance changes like black wheels and other exterior accents but also includes a power liftgate and ambient lighting. At the top of the Tonale food chain is the Veloce at $49,090. While the trim level means Italian for fast, it doesn’t actually have an advantage in power. But it should feel livelier thanks to its larger 19-inch wheels, Brembo brake calipers, and a sporty adaptive suspension. The Veloce has the nicest interior of the bunch, with perforated leather seats and synthetic suede upholstery, and it’s the only way to get paddle shifters.While its commanding starting price does give it a bigger price tag than other plug-in hybrids such as the Ford Escape PHEV, Toyota RAV4 Prime, and Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV, it has more horsepower than other gas-only crossovers its size. Alfa hopes that its beautiful Italian design and richly equipped standard features will win hearts.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. More