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Toyota has released more detailed specs on the new 2023 Prius hybrid.Its dimensions have changed significantly, meaning there’s less interior space than before.A new powertrain with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine means more power and better fuel efficiency than before.Now that we’ve all reacted to the 2023 Toyota Prius hybrid’s surprising new design, it’s finally time to dig into the details of what’s underneath the redesigned body. Toyota has released full specifications covering the powertrain, dimensions, interior space, and—perhaps most importantly of all—fuel-economy ratings.More MPGsThe most efficient version of the new Prius is the LE with front-wheel drive, which is rated at 57 mpg combined. Adding all-wheel drive drops that number to 54 mpg, and opting for the higher XLE and Limited trim levels—with their larger wheels and tires and extra equipment—pushes the combined figure down to 52 mpg with front-wheel drive and 49 mpg with all-wheel drive.These numbers aren’t too different from the old model, which was rated at 56 mpg combined for the Eco trim, 52 mpg combined for FWD models, and 49 mpg combined for AWD models. In our 75-mph real-world highway fuel economy test, we previously achieved a result of 46 mpg for a 2017 Prius FWD and 47 mpg for a 2019 Prius AWD. We look forward to testing the new model on this same test to see what it can do. More on the New PriusExtra PowerThe new, larger-displacement inline-four gasoline engine is mostly the reason for the new Prius’s greatly increased power output. The engine itself produces 150 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque, while the old Prius’ gasoline engine couldn’t even crest the 100-hp mark, rated at 96 hp. The main electric motor that serves as a motor-generator and powers the front wheels is also more powerful than before, at 111 hp, and the additional rear electric motor that powers the rear wheels in AWD models now makes 40 hp.The drivetrain’s combined output sits at 194 hp for FWD models and 196 hp for AWD models. (The plug-in-hybrid Prius Prime is even more powerful, at 220 hp, but we don’t have full specs on that model quite yet.)Interior and Exterior DimensionsIf you were wondering whether the Prius’s low-slung shape would affect interior space negatively, you might be disappointed—or vindicated—to find out that the new model has less passenger and cargo volume than before. Toyota claims 91 cubic feet of passenger space, down from 93 cubic feet for the old model, and just 20 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up in XLE and Limited models. The LE has a bit more space back there, but even its 24 cubic feet of space is less than the old car’s 27 cubic feet. We’ll have to see how many carryon suitcases we can fit inside the new model, but it’s safe to assume that it’ll accommodate less than the 6 suitcases we fit in the old Prius with the seats up.Perhaps surprisingly, the new Prius is not more aerodynamic than the old one. Toyota claims a drag coefficient of 0.27 compared with the old car’s 0.24. Dimensionally, it’s 1.1 inch longer, 0.9 inch wider, and between 1.8–2 inches lower than before, depending on trim level. The wheelbase has grown by 2 inches, which helps rear legroom increase by an inch. But headroom is down for both front- and rear-seat passengers. The Prius isn’t exactly meant for off-roading, but those with treacherous driveways will be glad to know that ground clearance is up by between 0.5 and 0.7 inch. This content is imported from OpenWeb. 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

The 2023 Toyota Prius isn’t just prettier than its predecessor; its straight-line performance is also considerably better.The new front-wheel-drive Prius we tested hit 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, making it 3.4 seconds quicker than its older equivalent.The Prius’s improved acceleration comes with an enhanced hybrid powertrain that produces a lot more horsepower.Welcome to Car and Driver’s Testing Hub, where we zoom in on the test numbers. We’ve been pushing vehicles to their limits since 1956 to provide objective data to bolster our subjective impressions (you can see how we test here). A more comprehensive review of the 2023 Toyota Prius can be found here.In what world is a hybrid’s straight-line performance important? Welcome to Car and Driver! Thanks for stopping by. For those who haven’t heard, the new fifth-generation Toyota Prius is preparing to hit the streets, and we’ve already subjected it to our signature series of track tests. The results speak volumes: Toyota’s proverbial hybrid is not only a lot prettier, but it’s a lot quicker, too. The 2023 Prius hit 60 mph in 7.1 seconds—a noteworthy 3.4 ticks ahead of its predecessor, which took a pitifully slow 10.5 seconds to hit that mark.Prius Palate CleanserBefore we compare the rest of the new Prius’s test numbers with those of the old one, let’s reset the deck. The 2023 Toyota Prius kickstarts a new generation with a makeover that most people with two working eyes would call attractive at worst and drop-dead gorgeous at best. (The latter likely applies to owners of one or more of the previous generations). While the hybrid hatchback’s visual shift from dorky to sexy is a hot topic of conversation, here at Car and Driver, we like to offset subjective musing with objective testing.Previewing the New PriusUnderneath the Prius’s hot new bod is an enhanced hybrid powertrain. As with the outgoing versions, the incoming ones are still available with front- or all-wheel drive. Along with switching from a nickel-metal-hydride battery to a lithium-ion pack, the Prius’s gas-fed engine goes from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder to a larger 2.0-liter four-pot.The growth spurt in engine displacement brings a big bump in horsepower too, with output rising from 121 total horses to between 194 and 196 combined ponies for the front- and all-wheel-drive models, respectively. There’s also a new plug-in-hybrid Prius Prime that headlines with 220 horsepower (also up from 121 hp), but we haven’t yet had the chance to test one.Quickest Prius We’ve Ever Tested (So Far)The only 2023 Prius we’ve strapped our test gear to so far is a top-spec Limited trim with front-wheel drive. For comparison’s sake, that setup most closely corresponds with the 2017 Prius Three (same front-drive configuration) we tested several years back.Despite some increased dimensions and the addition of upgraded equipment, the new Prius isn’t much heavier than before. The 2023 example tipped our scales at 3199 pounds, a reasonable 86 pounds more than the 3113-pound 2017 version. The new Prius still carries about 60 percent of its curb weight up front.2017 Prius Three.As we revealed earlier, the new Prius hit 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. That’s an unremarkable time when taken out of context. However, compared with the 10.5 ticks the old Prius needed to reach the mile-per-minute mark, that 3.4-second improvement is cause for celebration—at least among folks who extol the joy of driving.The new Prius proved significantly quicker in our other acceleration tests, too. Its quarter-mile time dropped more than two seconds, from 17.8 seconds at 79 mph to 15.5 seconds at 92 mph. The 2023 model should also reduce any lingering anxiety when executing passes on the highway, as the hybrid now accelerates from 50 to 70 mph in 5 seconds flat (2.1 seconds quicker than before).Marc Urbano|Car and DriverOn the rare occasions a new Prius driver wants to seek speeds in triple-digit territory, it’s remarkable how much quicker they can do it. We hit 100 mph in 18.8 seconds. That’s an incredible 11.7 seconds quicker than its predecessor, which took 30.5 ticks. The old car also needed 43.2 seconds to reach 110 mph; the new one did the deed in 24.4 seconds.More Prius Tests to ComeThe last all-wheel-drive Prius we tested was three-tenths slower to 60 mph (10.8 seconds) than its front-drive counterpart, which suggests the new all-wheel-drive version might not be quicker either. Still, we’ll have to wait until we test one to find out. The same goes for the new Prius Prime; the outgoing example we tested took 10.3 seconds to hit 60 mph.For now, the new front-drive 2023 Prius is the quickest Prius we’ve ever tested. Only time will tell if the hybrid’s newfound speed will require sacrifices at the fuel pump. Toyota claims the new Prius is more efficient than the last, targeting an EPA-rated 57 mpg combined versus the previous high of 56 mpg combined. However, we’ll see if our real-world fuel-economy test says differently. Stay tuned.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.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.IIHS crash propulsion system still pulling its weightWatch onIIHS has been crashing vehicles into barricades for decades. Until now, the heaviest vehicle the organization has tested was a 6000-pound Audi e-tron.With heavier electric vehicles on the way, like the 9640-pound Hummer EV, IIHS wanted to make sure it could handle bringing something that heavy up to speed in the crash chamber.To that end, an old Ford F-150 was loaded with concrete and steel and successfully smashed. IIHS, of course, provides the video receipts.After a crash, first responders need to approach electric vehicles differently than internal combustion engine vehicles. But even before a collision happens, people who work with crashed cars are changing their approach.That’s what the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has discovered as it gets ready to crash test some incredibly heavy EVs. In a video posted to YouTube, IIHS explains that it acquired a junked Ford F-150 that could still roll and loaded it up until the total weight hit 9500 pounds. The heavy tests aren’t meant to see what happens when an old F-150 loaded with concrete blocks and heavy steel plates hits a wall at 40 miles per hour (spoiler alert, it’s not pretty), but to make sure that IIHS’s test equipment can handle testing, for example, the GMC Hummer EV, which in our testing measured the scales at a whopping 9640 pounds. The heaviest vehicle IIHS has yet tested was an Audi e-tron that almost hit 6000 pounds.”With electric vehicles coming in and that battery weight pushing vehicle mass higher and higher, we want to be able to know that we can conduct the test here,” Raul Arbelaez, vice preside of vehicle research at IIHS, said in the video. “And if we can’t, we need to make some modifications to our crash machine.”More on the IIHSThe machines IIHS uses tow cables connected to the crash machine to bring the vehicles up to speed before they hit the barrier. IIHS has 600 feet of runway, but when you’re trying to get almost five tons of steel and batteries to 40 mph, you need a robust propulsion system. Based on the video IIHS released, the system works just fine. Stand by for slow-motion videos of a giant, zero-emission beast being torn apart.IIHS has studied the effect of vehicle size and weight on occupant safety for decades. In 2003, automakers entered into a “compatibility agreement” that they would work on improving the safety of smaller vehicles when in a crash with a larger one, especially when it came to front-to-front and front-to-side crashes. The agreement was finally adhered to in 2009, and a 2012 paper noted that the reduction in “car crash partner death rates” for SUVs and pickups had dropped, and that intentional safety efforts in specific areas like this one could lead to “a passenger vehicle fleet that is much more compatible in crashes.”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.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. More

Mazda has revealed a bit more about the new 2024 CX-90 three-row SUV.We now know that it will be offered with a plug-in-hybrid powertrain, in addition to the previously announced inline-six.A teaser image showing the rear end provides a glimpse of the taillight design and the “e-Skyactiv PHEV” badge.The new 2024 CX-90 three-row SUV will be Mazda’s first plug-in-hybrid model in the U.S. when it debuts next month. The company confirmed that a PHEV option will be offered, in addition to the previously announced inline-six engine, and partially revealed the crossover’s rear end and its “e-Skyactiv PHEV” badge with blue accents.We expect the plug-in-hybrid model to use a similar setup as the Europe-market CX-60, which we drove earlier this year. That SUV, which rides on the same longitudinal platform as the CX-90, has a 2.5-liter inline-four gasoline engine and an electric motor that combine for 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet. A 17.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides a claimed electric-only range of 35 miles, although Mazda does hint that the U.S. version of this powertrain could have slightly different specifications.More on Mazda SUVsFrom what we’ve seen so far, we think the CX-90’s styling will mostly fall in line with Mazda’s current SUV lineup, although the taillight shape looks a bit more angular and modern. Its interior is also likely to be luxurious, as the CX-90 is part of Mazda’s continued push upmarket. The longitudinal platform and inline-six engine will help this new model compete with premium-brand SUVs, as will this PHEV variant that could rival hybrid SUVs such as the BMW X5, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, and Volvo XC90.We’ll find out lots more about the CX-90 when it debuts in January 2023, so stay tuned for more information about this new SUV model.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.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

Subaru announced a recall for certain 2019–2022 Ascent SUVs over an issue relating to a bolt connected to the Postive Temperature Coefficient heater.Subaru warned owners to park affected vehicles away from garages, car ports and other structures until a repair has been completed. The recall has not yet appeared on the NHTSA website, but Subaru gave an official statement here, and plans to contact owners by mail within 60 days. Subaru is issuing a safety recall for certain 2019-2022 Ascent SUVs. In an email to Car and Driver, Subaru confirmed that the recall affects 271,694 vehicles, a figure which will be represented in a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) posting tomorrow. According to Subaru, the issue stems from a ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater being improperly fastened during production. In affected vehicles, the loose bolt increases the chance of the ground terminal melting while the PTC is in use, which could lead to a fire.At the time of issuing the recall, Subaru does not know of any crashes or injuries related to the potential defect. The manufacturer will replace the PTC Heater Ground Bolts at no cost to owners, and may replace the ground wire and connector holder if deemed necessary. According to the statement from Subaru, 0.6 percent of the recalled vehicles will require ground and connector replacement. Until repairs are completed, Subaru is warning owners to park away from garages, car ports and other structures due to the risk of a fire. If owners notice or smell smoke from the dash or the driver’s-side footwell, they are recommended to immediately stop driving and turn the ignition to the “off” position before contacting roadside assistance. This content is imported from OpenWeb. 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

Zeekr, a premium EV subsidiary of Chinese automotive conglomerate Geely, filed for an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange last week, as reported by Reuters.The company is seeking a valuation of more than $10 billion, hoping to raise over $1 billion to fund its expansion into Europe.Zeekr currently sells the 001, a 536-hp electric wagon, and recently revealed the 009 minivan with the same potent powertrain.A new automaker is preparing to debut on the New York Stock Exchange, with Reuters reporting that Zeekr confidentially filed for an initial public offering last week with the goal of raising more than $1 billion. The publication’s sources—which remain unnamed—say that Zeekr is seeking a valuation of over $10 billion. That isn’t even in the same ballpark as the $100 billion initial valuation achieved when Rivian went public in 2021, but it’s still an ambitious figure for a relatively unknown brand. And at this point, you’re probably wondering, “What is a Zeekr anyway?”The Zeekr 001.ZeekrZeekr is a premium EV brand created by Chinese automotive giant Geely, which owns a majority stake in Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. Geely also controls LEVC, which builds the current iteration of London’s black cabs and Lynk & Co, a Chinese-market brand that previously considered entering the U.S. market. The Zeekr name is apparently derived for the word “geek” and Generation Z, indicating the brand’s focus on technology and aim of capturing a younger customer base.Established in 2021, Zeekr’s first car, the 001, took an unusual wagon-like shape but shared its general design language with the Lynk & Co lineup. The top-of-the-line 001 comes with a dual-motor powertrain with 536 horsepower, allowing the electric wagon to zip to 62 mph in a claimed 3.8 seconds. Two battery sizes are available, but all 001s can travel over 300 miles on a charge on China’s NEDC test cycle, with the rear-wheel-drive version with the larger 100.0-kWh battery capable of 443 miles of range. The rear-drive single-motor version produces 268 hp and takes a more leisurely 6.9 seconds to reach 62 mph. The 001 starts at the equivalent of $42,852 at current exchange rates.The Zeekr 009.GeelyZeekr recently revealed its second model, the blocky 009 minivan, which embarks on a completely new design direction with swanky LED lightning elements and a bold, chunky chrome grille. The 009 uses the same 536-hp powertrain paired with either a 116.0-kWh or 140.0-kWh battery, helping the giant cube reach 62 mph in a claimed 4.5 seconds. The larger battery also provides up to 511 miles of range, and the 009’s cabin is filled with tech and luxury amenities including leather massaging captain’s chairs in the spacious second row. More Unusual EVsThe company’s proposed IPO, which will allegedly occur in New York in the second quarter of 2023, coincides with plans to launch the 001 in Europe next year, as more Chinese automakers expand beyond their homeland’s borders. While Zeekr has stated its intentions to come to North America, the company has yet to lay out the groundwork needed to sell cars stateside. While the company also considered the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, Zeekr also believes it can reach a higher valuation in New York, according to Reuters.Through the first nine months of 2022, Zeekr sold just over 60,000 cars in China—far from the approximately 285,000 Tesla Model Ys sold in the country in the same period, but still a solid start for a young brand. If sales keep up and the European launch is a success, the IPO on the New York Stock Exchange could mark the first step towards Zeekr breaking through into the American market. 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.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

• Designed by Pininfarina and elegant in white, this little French coupe just oozes class.• The Peugeot 204 was France’s bestselling car from 1969-1972, but few coupes survive. This one is a local car, on only its third owner. • For sale at no reserve on Bring a Trailer, this Peugeot’s auction ends December 15.Part of the fun in buying a car from an online auction is the vague air of mystery that goes along with it. The first time you drive your new acquisition, it’ll already be yours—no turning back. Happily, today’s pick from auction site Bring A Trailer comes with some helpful first-hand driving notes, as we’ve just popped across town to take this delightful little Peugeot coupe for a spin.You’ll have to act fast as there are just three days to go, and there’s no reserve for this listing on Bring a Trailer—which like Car and Driver is part of Hearst Autos. Bidding currently sits at just $4000, which is something of a bargain for such a fun and quirky machine.More in French motoringThe Peugeot 204 was launched in 1965 in Paris and quickly became the bestselling car in France. It was a compact front-wheel-drive car, sensibly packaged and available in a number of body styles, including a cabriolet.This 1968 model is a coupe, which rides on a wheelbase slightly shorter than the 204 sedan. The 204 was a Pininfarina design, but a very restrained one. Peugeot is a much more conservative company than rival Citroën, and the 204 was basically France’s Honda Accord. Buying a two-door version meant that you were still respectable, but perhaps wanted to show a little independence.Bring a TrailerBring a TrailerThe small French car everyone is most familiar with is the Citroën 2CV, which is utterly unlike anything from Peugeot. A 2CV is like driving around in the result of a ménage à trois between an umbrella, and accordion, and a lawnmower. Fun, but weird. This 204 coupe is far more dignified. In its day, this cat-faced little coupe would have been a thoroughly refined choice.Now on its third owner, a locally respected collector with an ever-revolving stable of interesting machinery, this Peugeot is an original Victoria car and has always lived in the mild climate of southwestern British Columbia. It has a little wear and tear but is overall a well-preserved and mechanically sound example.Bring a TrailerIts 53-hp 1.1-liter four-cylinder cranked over on the second try, and the car glided away from a rather cramped parking space, wedged between an Intermeccanica Speedster and a double-parked Ural motorcycle and Fiat 600 Jolly.The ride is very French: comfort comes first, and handling comes second. Fifty-three horsepower doesn’t seem much, but the column-mounted shifter is easy to row, and the little Pug’ carries speed well. It’s quite stable as the road widens out and speeds increase, and would be a pleasure on a road trip. Visions of a picnic basket on the backseat and a pleasant companion riding shotgun swim into the imagination.You’d likely have your pick of willing passengers, as this car turned heads and drew smiles all along our drive. Vancouver is crammed with high-dollar machinery (it has one of the most successful Rolls-Royce dealerships in the world), but this vintage French coupe outclasses the lot. Luxury, as Coco Chanel once said, is the opposite of vulgarity, and a 204 Coupe bears the saying out.With some recent mechanical sorting and a host of spares included, this 204 could be the budget-friendly fashion find you’re looking for. This content is imported from OpenWeb. 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

Honda Performance Development (HPD) and JAS Motorsport announced a TCR variant of the new Civic Type R.It will of course be called the Civic Type R TCR, and has been designed for competition in the TCR Touring Car classification. Based on the new FL5 generation Type R, the TCR features new bodywork, an updated chassis, upgraded braking and transmission, and a race-prepped version of the 2.0-liter turbo-four from the road car. The newest generation of Honda Civic Type R may have dialed back the crazy in the looks department, but the brand new Civic Type R TCR race car defiantly turns it back the other way. HPD and JAS Motorsport announced a competition focused version of the car based on the new FL5 platform, complete with a big wing and aggressive-looking bodywork. Civic RacersHonda didn’t get too detailed in revealing the specific changes it made, presumably due to the competitive nature of motorsport—you don’t hear Christian Horner talking about too many of the specifics behind the Red Bull Formula 1 cars, after all. We do know from both pictures and press materials that the new TCR gets new bodywork and a gargantuan wing mounted to the rear. Both front and rear fenders have been widened, and a rather large splitter is found at the front. The TCR features a race-prepped version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the road car, which likely means it makes more power than the street car’s 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. JAS Motorsport reworked the chassis for better handling mid-corner, and the brakes and transmission have both been upgraded for the rigors of track use. 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.The interior has been redesigned in line with the FIA global safety standards. According to Honda, the cockpit is capable of providing more relevant information than before thanks to a redesigned display. The new Civic Type R TCR will compete in the TCR Touring Car class of competition, where it has found success in the past. A separate “endurance version” will be available for those who plan to compete in endurance racing events. Honda plans for the cars to make their debut on track as part of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. No pricing figures have been announced, though the Type R TCR will certainly go for much more than the roadgoing variant. The factory racing version of the Civic Si, for instance, goes for $55,000. North American orders are all handled directly through HPD, and open February 1, 2023. 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. More