Motor News

The Toyota C-HR will be discontinued in the U.S. and Canada after 2022, the automaker confirmed to Car and Driver.Toyota also confirmed that the next-gen C-HR will not make it to North America and instead will be sold in Europe only. Previewing the next generation is the C-HR Prologue concept, which shares design cues with the extroverted Toyota bZ concept. It was fun, it was real, but it wasn’t real fun. The Toyota C-HR, which stimulated our eyes but never our hearts, will be pushing daises after the 2022 model year—at least in the U.S. and Canada. Toyota has confirmed to Car and Driver that its funky subcompact SUV will not return to either market for 2023, effectively ending the model’s North American run after just one abbreviated generation that began back in 2018.Remembering the C-HRC-HR Exit Stage LeftThe death of the C-HR means Americans who want a subcompact Toyota SUV will now be limited to the Corolla Cross, which looks comparatively bland but offers all-wheel drive and improved practicality versus the front-drive-only C-HR. Of course, there’s also the hugely popular RAV4, but its larger dimensions coincide with a higher price tag.2018 model shown.During its brief five-year life cycle, the first-generation C-HR captured our attention with its interesting bodywork featuring a determined-looking face, prominent character lines, and an available two-tone roof that ended with an integrated spoiler. Despite its undeniable curbside appeal, the C-HR always stymied our excitement with its snooze-worthy driving demeanor. We won’t bore you with the details, we’ll just point out that the trip to 60 mph took 11 seconds thanks to its indifferent 144-hp four-pot.Next C-HR Looks Even CoolerAlthough the C-HR nameplate will soon cease to exist on our shores, the people across the pond will be getting a second generation. Toyota confirmed that it’ll only be sold in Europe. Based on images that Toyota released of the C-HR Prologue concept (as seen below), the next-gen version looks legitimately rad. With the company’s proclamation that the successor to the original C-HR will be even bolder, we feel confident the production model will look similar to the concept. ToyotaMaybe if shoppers in North America had shown the first generation of the quirky subcompact SUV more love, Toyota wouldn’t have axed it. Either way, those who love the look of the next C-HR will likely be satisfied with the company’s upcoming bZ electric SUVs, which share design cues with the Prologue concept.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

The Ford GT Mk IV is the final special edition of the third-generation Ford halo car. Sixty-seven hand-built models of this track-only GT will be produced. Only approved clients will be allowed to hand over the $1.7 million starting price, with Ford planning to make buyer selections in the first quarter of 2023 and deliveries in the late spring. The Mk IV features a longer wheelbase, a racing gearbox, a redesigned body, and a larger-displacement engine targeting more than 800 horsepower. The Ford GT Mk IV is the last special-edition GT in a year with seemingly no end to the number of special-edition and send-off Ford GTs. Way back in August 2021, Ford came out with a 1964 prototype-themed livery to honor the GT’s final year of production. Then in February 2022 Ford paid tribute to the Mk I prototypes of the ’60s with a special red, white, and gold model. Next came a Holman Moody Edition celebrating Ford’s historic 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans in 1966. As recently as October, Ford released its racing-inspired LM send-off version of the GT as a nod to the class-winning 2016 car. The special edition announced today looks wild enough to make each and every one of the earlier GTs look almost as mundane as the squadron of Camrys you passed on your way home from work yesterday. Unlike the rest of the special-edition send-offs, the Mk IV is a track-only car that gets dedicated upgrades on top of visual alterations. FordFord increased the displacement of the twin-turbocharged V-6 engine and is now targeting more than 800 horsepower compared to the standard GT’s 660 hp. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission from the standard car has been replaced with what Ford described as a “proper racing gearbox.” The original suspension has been replaced with Multimatic’s Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) suspension. As a track car, standard road siped tires aren’t really necessary and look to have been replaced by a set of Michelin Pilot Sport racing slicks wrapped around center-locking wheels. Special Edition Ford GTsThe wheelbase has been stretched and fitted with a “longtail” carbon-fiber body; in fact, the carbon body has been completely reworked for the Mk IV. All aero elements appear to have been dialed to 11, with a massive front splitter and a set of canards protruding off the front end. At the back, a giant wing is mounted in a fixed position. The full extent of aerodynamic changes isn’t clear, but judging by the photos, those changes are extremely performance focused. The bulky headlights necessary for roadgoing GTs have been replaced by minimalistic beams that look to simply cut through the carbon body. The two channels which would so famously normally take up the hood of the car have been replaced by four overlapping vents, a change that drastically alters the look of the front end. FordFordThe Mk IV gets its name from the 1967 Le Mans-winning GT Mk IV race car, which remains the only American-built and American-operated car to win Le Mans outright. Piloted by Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt, the Mk IV took the lead in the first 90 minutes of the race, building a four-lap lead by the end of the 24 hours. For that reason, Ford is only producing 67 hand-built examples of the Mk IV. Prospective customers will need to apply directly to Ford, and only approved clients will be allowed to purchase the extremely limited car. Pricing starts at $1.7 million, with Ford planning to make selections in the first quarter of 2023, and begin deliveries in the third quarter of 2023. FordThis isn’t the first modern Ford GT to honor the famous 1967 win at Le Mans; that award goes to this version in 2017. Boy, does Ford love a special editon. But it looks as if time has run out for Dearborn to make more of them before production ends with the year. Probably.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

Can’t swing a 550 Maranello or one of the rare manual-transmission 575s? Here’s an overlooked GT that delivers the full Ferrari experience.Front-engined Ferraris aren’t exactly cheap to own, but servicing costs are far below most of the smaller mid-engined cars.Searching for a suitable comparison vehicle, Car and Driver once put the 456 up against an airplane. You can get your hands on your own V-12 long-distance missile, now up for auction at Bring a Trailer until Wednesday, December 14.Let the maxim be written: there are no cheap Ferraris. Not even the Mondial. However, there are a few stallions from Maranello’s stable that have been somewhat overlooked: either not as pretty as Pininfarina’s best work or not as quick around a racetrack as the mid-engined stuff. Here’s a great example of the full-fat Ferrari experience without (potentially) the big-ticket expense: a 2002 456M, up for auction this week at Bring a Trailer.The 456M is a proper GT car from Ferrari, one of the front-engined V-12–powered machines that sucks down interstates with Luciano Pavarotti–like virtuosity. And with much the same soundtrack: with the click-clack of an exposed metal gate on its manual transmission and a 440-hp 5.5-liter V-12, the 456M loves to belt out operatic arias from the golden age of internal combustion. Bring a TrailerBasically, we’re talking a 550 Maranello for people who missed out before those cars started climbing in value. This one looks especially elegant in black and is from the final years of 456M production. It’s subtle-looking, but with a Tubi exhaust fitted, it will surely be capable of shattering all wine glasses in the vicinity when the throttle is vigorously provoked.Matchup for the AgesWith just 24K miles on the odometer, this car should also be considered an opportunity to right a wrong. Like Car and Driver, Bring a Trailer is part of Hearst Autos. When, in 1995, the Car and Driver team got their hands on the keys to an early 456, they called up another Hearst magazine, namely, Flying. “Wanna race this Ferrari versus one of your beloved planes?” was the challenge. Spoiler alert: the Ferrari lost, but only by nine minutes over 263.8 miles. The thing was a monster for carrying speed.Bring a TrailerFuel will not be cheap. Replacement parts will not be cheap. But the maintenance on a front-engined Ferrari is much less expensive than might be expected, at least when compared to the smaller mid-engined cars. Where the latter seems to be Step A: Remove Engine for pretty much anything, the front-engined Ferrari GTs are a bit less needy. Happily, this one has new Continental ExtremeSport tires, and the timing and accessory belts were all replaced just two years ago.FerrariThere is, however, a little work to be done on the interior. The listing notes sheepskin seat covers, which are probably very comfortable, but they look like the car has been upholstered in labrador retriever. So toss those in the dumpster.Bring a TrailerThen, settle back in your stylish black-on-tan Ferrari ICBM and point that sleek nose at the horizon. Sure, your buddy with the private airplane might get there a few minutes ahead of you. But you’ll be having all the fun. With just six days to go, bidding sits just north of $42,000. Millennial Matchups from the C/D ArchiveThis 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

Pricing has come out for the GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV, revealing a staggeringly high price of $90,440 after accounting for the $6895 price of the AEV package. The AEV version takes things up a notch from the standard AT4X by partnering with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) for a more capable version of the truck.The AEV treatment brings the AT4X more in line with the Chevy Silverado ZR2, by adding steel bumpers, stronger skid plates and larger tires, at a roughly $17,000 premium. It’s not news to anyone that trucks are an expensive commodity, especially trucks of the off-roading variety. But that didn’t stop our eyes from popping out of our heads like some sort of cartoon character when we saw the price of the GMC Sierra AT4X AEV. GMC’s off-roadiest pickup comes with a starting price of $90,440, making it a $6895 premium over the standard AT4X, and $17,045 over the Chevy Silverado ZR2. To put that in the context of similarly priced trucks, the Ford Raptor which comes equipped with 450 horsepower compared to the AT4X’s 420, starts at $78,385, while the 702 horsepower Ram TRX starts at $86,450. Anyone who’s in the market for a GMC off-roader who needs extra approach and departure angle—and has a spare $7000 burning a hole in their pocket—is in luck. While the standard Sierra 1500 AT4X shares equipment including Multimatic spool-valve dampers and locking front and rear differentials with its ZR2 silbling, it lacks some of the Chevy’s off-roading capabilities. Off-Road ThingsThe AEV package reverses the hierarchy, swapping the Sierra’s front bumper for a specially designed steel bumper that allows it to fit the 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory Mud-Terrain tires found on the ZR2. The approach angle also benefits from the new bumper, increasing to 32.5 degrees (compared to the ZR2’s 31.8), with the new steel bumper at the rear increasing departure angle by 0.4 degree, wile the ride height sees a 0.4-inch improvement, up to 11.2 inches. There are also five hot-stamped boron steel skid plates under the truck to keep vitals protected from below. Speaking with Car and Driver earlier in the year, a GMC spokesperson said the company plans to make AEV goodies standard on all 2023 AT4X trucks, but that won’t occur until later in the model 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.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

Our spy photographers caught the refreshed 2024 Buick Encore GX out testing without any camouflage.Its new face incorporates slim LED accent lights similar to the new Envista’s.This also appears to be the first production model to adopt Buick’s new logo.The new look of Buick will be propagating across the lineup soon, and these spy photos of the 2024 Encore GX crossover show our first glimpse of the new face on a U.S. production model. Caught without any camouflage, the updated Encore GX bears a clear resemblance to the new Envista crossover, and proudly displays the redesigned Buick logo and overall design language that first appeared on the Wildcat concept car earlier this year.Glenn Paulina|Car and DriverGlenn Paulina|Car and DriverThe Encore’s front end looks more distinctive than before thanks to the slim LED accent lights at the leading edge of the hood that also double as the turn signals. The actual headlights are discretely mounted lower on the front fascia. The updated logo, which is the first revision to the Buick tri-shield emblem since 1990, is displayed both on the hood and on the tailgate. Buick previously said that the logo would start appearing on various models in 2023, so it’s possible that the Encore GX will be the first to get it before the rest of the lineup switches over to the new design.More on BuickWe don’t expect any other significant changes to the Encore GX, as its mechanical components—a choice of turbocharged three-cylinder engines, paired with either front- or all-wheel drive—aren’t likely to change. Buick may fit a larger touchscreen infotainment system inside and will also likely change up the wheel designs, color offerings, and interior trims.Glenn Paulina|Car and DriverLook for more information to come soon on the 2024 Encore GX, which should debut early in 2023 before going on sale later in the 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.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

Hertz has agreed to pay out $168 million in hundreds of customer settlements, following years of unfounded accusations of theft by the rental giant.The company claims that a faulty inventory system is to blame for rental vehicles being reported as stolen, which has led to customers being falsely arrested, detained, and even facing felony charges.Following its Chapter 11 insolvency in 2020, Hertz claims the problem was fixed and that the instances were an isolated event, though a lawsuit filed in Delaware as recently as September shows otherwise.Renting a car should be an easy task, save for the busy airport lines, but it’s become a more costly and involved process. Making sure the tank is full and the interior is clean is part of the agreement between the renter and driver—an agreement that is generally fair for both parties, as long as you don’t have to pay an inflated refueling fee. What most consumers don’t expect out of their rental, however, is being arrested because of claims that the car was stolen.Crazy Times in the Car-Rental IndustryUnfortunately, that’s exactly what has happened to hundreds of Hertz customers since 2015. According to lawsuits filed across the nation, customers were held at gunpoint, arrested, and even held in jail for days as a result of Hertz reporting rental models as stolen. Now, Hertz says it will compensate these customers to the tune of $168 million total, resolving claims for more than 95% of the wrongfully accused.The company claims this issue was a result of a faulty theft reporting system, a system the company alleges was fixed following its 2020 bankruptcy. However, a lawsuit filed in Delaware earlier this year shows that the practice was still in effect following the company’s Chapter 11 proceedings. Hertz previously denied all claims of the false theft reports until this April, when the newly minted CEO, Stephen Scherr, admitted that some customers had been affected by the “glitch”.HertzThe company says that it runs over 25 million rental transactions per year and that at least 3365 theft reports are made annually, accounting for 0.014 percent of its rentals. Additionally, a spokesperson for the company said that most of these cases involve renters who were many weeks or even months overdue, in a statement to CBS News.Despite this, some of the accused hadn’t even rented from Hertz previously. Other victims include NASA employees operating government-rented vehicles and customers with cars rented by their insurance companies following accidents. Customers who returned vehicles on time later received correspondence from the company that it had reported the vehicle as stolen and that an arrest warrant had been issued.Spencer Platt|Getty ImagesThe hundreds of millions in payments will be finalized by the end of this year, and statements in recent Securities and Exchange Commission filings show that the company isn’t worried about this affecting its financial standing. Additionally, Hertz plans to recoup the majority of this expense from its commercial liability insurance policies, though the company has had to file lawsuits against its insurers to this effect.Emerging from bankruptcy in 2021 and recently reporting a return to profitability, the settlement payments may not damage Hertz’s bottom line but its reputation among consumers very well could. With new leadership at the helm and continuing strong travel demand, the true outcome of a rocky few years for Hertz has yet to be seen. Despite this, company executives claim to see a future of improved customer relations. “As I have said since joining Hertz earlier this year, my intention is to lead a company that puts the customer first,” said Scherr, CEO of Hertz.”In resolving these claims, we are holding ourselves to that objective.”From: AutoweekThis 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

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.The manual transmission is almost gone. Even if you ignore that manual-transmission cars account for less than 2 percent of the auto market today, you have to accept that the transition to EVs will likely spell the end of shifting yourself. Toyota wants to change that, which is why the company is showing off a prototype EV with a faux manual shifter. The company has spent the last couple of days showing European journalists a special version of the Lexus UX 300e. The small electric crossover isn’t sold in the U.S. and isn’t particularly exciting in its normal form, but this version has a simulated shifter and clutch to provide a taste of old-school engagement. The driver can shift between different gears when they get to the far end of the fake tachometer and, if they blow a shift, can even stall the electric car. The driving video from EVO is certainly worth a watch. Electric vehicles rarely have more than one or two forward gears, so it is unlikely that this is going to be a useful technology for future mainstream EVs. But Lexus says it is developing the concept to make more engaging EVs, and may actually use the system on a production BEV if the development work is promising. We’re not sure a simulated shifter could ever scratch our itch, but we’re certainly interested in trying it out. 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

Ford Fiesta and Focus owners are expressing how frustrated they are about long wait times for transmission repairs, via a report in the Detroit Free Press today (subscription required). Problems with Ford’s faulty PowerShift gearboxes, found in its 2011—2016 small cars, began a decade ago and led to a 2020 settlement of more than $30 million.Ford told the Free Press that service and repair delays are due to a shortage of transmission control modules, but this problem predates the supply-chain issues, making some customers express the belief that the company is indifferent.Trouble over Ford’s infamous PowerShift transmission continues to haunt the automaker. As the Detroit Free Press reported this week, many current owners of 2011–2016 Fiesta and 2012–2016 Focus models still afflicted by problems are furious. Their frustration over delays in getting a fix for their cars is understandable, given that several told the Free Press they’ve waited multiple months for their gearboxes to get fixed.2016 Ford Focus.Highlighting more than two dozen experiences, the newspaper cites months-long wait times and claims that Ford is ignoring customers seeking updates on the status of their repairs. Back in 2019, the paper also reported claims that some Ford dealerships were declining to repair their defective transmissions. A Decade-Old DebacleFord’s faulty PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmissions gained notoriety almost as soon as they went into production in 2011, with the first lawsuit filed against the company just one year later in 2012. The transmissions were prone to rough shifts and required frequent repairs, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) never reported evidence that they posed a safety risk.Ford’s PowerShift ProblemsIn 2019, an investigative piece by the Detroit Free Press revealed Ford knew about the problems with the PowerShift transmissions during development and decided to continue with production anyway. The rest is history, including the company extending the powertrain warranty on affected models from five years or 60,000 miles to seven years or 100,000 miles. Ford also eventually agreed to a settlement in 2020 that required it to buy back defective Fiesta and Focus models as well as pay out at least $30 million in cash.Ford Says: Call Our Help LineWhile it makes sense that supply issues play a part in the long wait times currently facing Fiesta and Focus owners, as the Free Press points out, the problems with Ford’s PowerShift transmissions predate the scarcity of semiconductors. Combine that with owners’ personal stories of hardship, and it is not surprising that customers who are receiving poor service might start to believe the company is indifferent.The current situation, Ford says, is due to a shortage of the transmission control modules that are necessary for the fix. Speaking to the Free Press, Ford spokesman Said Deep said the company is aware of the delays and is “trying desperately” to acquire the modules. He also encouraged people who need help while their car is in for service to call Ford’s customer support line at 800–392–3673. Car and Driver reached out to Deep for more comment on this story, but we haven’t yet gotten a response. 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