Motor News

Making a later update to a car from a previous model year may be unusual, but Porsche has done it, offering a replacement for the factory-installed onboard charger to a more powerful one.The newer 19.2-kW AC charging unit will let owners of the 2020 Taycan charge their vehicle several hours faster.Owners of newer Taycans can get the upgrade as well, but the real benefit is to 2020 models that will become as up-to-date as new models when it comes to charging speed. Software updates to add new or uprated features to electric cars are no longer a new and novel idea. Tesla’s been doing them for a decade; its first over-the-air update for the Model S was in October 2012. Other makers have followed, with software reflashes done at dealerships (which predated Tesla, but were almost always for safety recalls) and now, increasingly, over the air.Full Details and SpecsBut updating hardware—actual physical components of the car—is a different and far rarer offer. So a recent announcement by Porsche is an admirable outlier: The company will offer owners of 2020 Taycan electric sports sedans the ability to replace the 9.6-kilowatt onboard AC charger fitted at the factory with a more powerful 19.2-kW unit, launched in 2021 as a $1680 option. The upgrade can shave several hours off an overnight recharge.Owners of 2021 and later models who want faster AC charging benefit as well: The upgrade is offered for any Taycan. But it’s particularly important for the first-year models, bringing them up to the same charging ability as the highest-spec Taycans sold new in dealerships today.John Voelcker|Car and DriverThe 19.2-kW charger lets the car charge faster on a Level 2 (240-volt) AC garage charging station, if that station can deliver the higher power and is wired on a circuit that can supply it. The difference in charge times is substantial: the Taycan’s 71.0-kilowatt-hour Performance Battery can recharge from zero to 100 percent in 4.8 hours, against 9.5 hours using the original charger. For more powerful Taycans with the 83.7-kWh Performance Battery Plus, the same charge will take 5.3 hours versus a previous 10.5 hours. The replacement isn’t a minor operation, since the charger is located behind the front trunk and requires a new section of wiring harness. The full parts kit (number 9J1.044.900.31) carries a retail price of $1850.15. Porsche estimates 12 hours of labor will be required for the full retrofit. At dealership rates that can reach $200 per hour or more, the total tab for charging twice as fast could run owners $4500 or so.PorscheBonus: Plug & ChargeThere’s an additional benefit, though. The software upgrade for the new onboard charger also gives 2020 Taycan owners a new and desirable capability: the Plug & Charge protocol that lets them plug into an Electrify America DC fast-charging station and then walk away, with all verification and billing handled on the back end. Just like a Tesla using the company’s Supercharger fast-charging network, in fact. (Note that the upgraded AC charger has nothing to do with DC fast charging via Electrify America; the Plug & Charge ability comes as a bonus in the software upgrade that allows the new charger to work.)But why is the new charger such a unicorn? Essentially because hardware updates are extremely uncommon among carmakers. The car that rolls out the factory door is the one that a final owner will drive a decade or more later. Any changes to the factory spec are almost certainly due to safety recalls, and these days they’re far more likely to be tweaks to the car’s powertrain control or software for advanced driver-assistance systems than they are hardware.Software Is Easy; Hardware Isn’tThere are some notable exceptions. In October 2009, Toyota began a recall that included sawing off a portion of the accelerator pedals on 3.8 million vehicles to avert floor-mat fouling after the questionable “sudden acceleration” concern. In general, though, makers change vehicle hardware only with great reluctance—and almost never design vehicles to allow hardware upgrades.Anecdote 1: Many vehicles early in the past decade that were fitted with GM’s Onstar communications feature accessed it via 3G cellular service. (Yes, Virginia, there was once such a thing.) This month, cellular carriers will finally shut down that network. Has GM offered a retrofit to allow owners of the 2015 and earlier cars to use newer cellular networks? Nope. A Change.org petition to demand that hasn’t even made its goal of 2500 names.Anecdote 2: In 2015, Ford unveiled Sync 3, an entirely new version of its connectivity software that superseded the much reviled MyFordTouch system, which had subpar (to be kind) voice recognition. At a launch event, I asked the Ford exec in charge, “So the Fusion sedan with Sync 3 looks just like the one with MyFordTouch you sold until a few weeks ago. If I had bought one of those, how would I upgrade to the new feature?” He looked at me blankly. Finally, the answer emerged: “The upgrade path is the purchase of a new vehicle.” And he walked away.Porsche hasn’t commented on whether the Taycan was designed to permit replacement of the onboard charger from the start. But it’s worth underscoring how rare this capability is—and highlighting it as an example for other makers. Whether they’d be willing to spend time and effort to allow owners to upgrade vehicles they’ve already sold, of course, remains an open question.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

It’s okay if you’re a bit confused about where the Revero fits into the ongoing drama that started with Fisker Automotive and now includes models like the all-electric Revero GSe-6.We’ve found a good-looking example in Balboa Blue with a leather interior and less than 5000 miles on the odometer.Whatever the backstory, a deal’s a (potential) deal, and this one’s available now as our Bring a Trailer auction pick of the day. Bidding is currently at $41,000. But the auction goes until December 26, and there’s also an unspecified lien on the car.There aren’t that many Karma Reveros in the world, and if you were to purchase today’s Bring a Trailer highlight, consider it likely that people will confuse it with the much older Fisker Karma. But, hey, if clearing that up is a conversation you’d enjoy repeatedly having, read on. The backstory would be needed for conversations with strangers if you were to become the owner of this used 2019 Revero. It’s currently available, with the highest bid at $41,000 with a week to go until the auction ends on December 26 on Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos.More Specs and DetailsKarma Automotive was created out of the bankrupt Fisker Automotive, which first designed a plug-in-hybrid vehicle called the Karma over a decade ago. Chinese auto-parts maker Wanxiang bought the troubled remnants in 2014 and then created Karma Automotive to take advantage of the look and engineering IP. The automaker has since been tweaking the design and powertrain to create its current lineup, which no longer includes the vanilla Revero. The current lineup includes the Revero GS-6, which uses a plug-in-hybrid powertrain as it did in 2019, and the upcoming all-electric Revero GSe-6.Bring a TrailerPainted in spectacular Balboa Blue with Palisades black leather interior, this Revero has 4,800 miles on the odometer and appears to be in good shape. Features include a solar roof panel, 22″ Spur wheels, heated seats throughout the cabin, dual-zone automatic climate control and an eight-speaker sound system. There’s also a 10.2-inch touchscreen with navigation. Bring a TrailerThe Revero’s powertrain uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and two rear-mounted electric motors powered by a 20.8-kWh lithium-ion battery. The total output for the system is rated at 403 horsepower and 981 pound-feet of torque. The 2019 Revero has an all-electric EPA range of 37 miles and a total range of 240 miles with a full tank of gasoline. Its original sticker price was $135,600.Bring a TrailerWe expect the auction price to jump quite a bit before the auction ends in six days. There’s a used 2018 Revero being offered by a New Jersey Karma dealer for just under $60,000 and a 2019 model at Karma of Newport Beach in California (which originally sold the specific unit now available on BaT) with a $70,000 price tag. Of course, the vehicle available on Bring a Trailer does have a lien attached, which will need to be paid before you can take the title. At least the Carfax is reportedly clean, with no accidents or other damage. The car has been registered in California its entire life.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

Catalytic converter theft is an epidemic in America. A study from the National Insurance Crime Bureau indicates that thefts increased by 325 percent between 2019 and 2020. Thieves are after the precious metals in these emissions-reducing devices. Just last month, feds busted a 21-person national theft ring and earlier this year, New York State announced a major crackdown as well.The Fascinating World of the Catalytic ConverterFor a variety of reasons, late-model Japanese cars and trucks are among the most frequent targets. There are a number of aftermarket guards on the market to prevent such thefts, and now, Toyota itself is offering one for the new Prius. It’s an aluminum piece made by Cat Shield and it’s offered as part of Toyota’s new Associated Accessories Products program, a line of 3rd-party products offered at Toyota dealers. The catalytic converter shield for the Prius costs $140, plus the cost of installation. Toyota dealers can fit the guard, though as installation requires no drilling, customers can install it themselves if they’re so inclined.Other Honda Models Can Get One, TooCat Shield offers a number of other catalytic converter guards for popular Toyota models (plus the Honda Accord and Element), and the automaker confirmed to R&T that it’s offering shields for the Tundra, Sequoia, Tacoma, 4Runner, Corolla, and RAV4, with more to come.Frankly, this seems like a no-brainer to us. A quick search of Toyota’s parts site shows that catalytic converters for the 2022 model year generally cost over $1000, and trucks like the Tundra need two at nearly $1500 apiece. That’s before installation and the headache of having your car out of commission while it’s fixed. Perhaps a resourceful and determined thief could cut through the shield, but they’d more likely just move on to an easier target. Ultimately, this is a good, cheap insurance policy. 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

Kia will end production of the Stinger four-door hatchback following the 2023 model year, releasing a Tribute Edition to celebrate the Stinger’s six-year run.A unique Moonscape matte gray paint hue is available, and the interior is fitted with a Terracotta brown leather.Only 1000 Stinger Tribute Editions will be produced worldwide, with no word yet on the price of this final Stinger.The Kia Stinger, which arrived for the 2018 model year, catapulted the Korean brand into new territory with its blend of luxurious, stylish design and a potent twin-turbo V-6. But now the Stinger is being retired, with the electric EV6 GT set to take over as Kia’s performance flagship. But Kia is celebrating the Stinger as it bows out after the 2023 model year with a commemorative sendoff called the Stinger Tribute Edition, with only 1000 units set to be produced worldwide. KiaThe Tribute Edition is based around the GT model, packing a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6. The special Stinger is mechanically unchanged, with the motor pumping out 368 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, good enough for a sprint to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. KiaThe Tribute Edition focuses instead on visual upgrades, available in either Ascot Green or a new Moonscape matte gray paint job. The sideview mirrors, Brembo brake calipers, and 19-inch wheels are all finished in a stealthy gloss black. More on KiaInside, the seats and door panels are wrapped in a unique Terracotta brown leather, while a faux-carbon look also appears on the door panels and center console. The seats also have a new wasp-shaped logo embedded into the headrest, although Kia failed to provide any photos of the new emblem. A numbered plaque on the door sill reminds the owner that their Stinger Tribute Edition is one of just 1000 units. There’s no word yet on price or how many Stinger Tribute Editions will be available in the U.S., but we imagine there will be a decent jump over the GT model’s $52,935 starting price. 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

A Nismo version of the new Nissan Z is in the works, as evidenced by these spy photos.It has a body kit and will feature an upgraded chassis, and rumors suggest its twin-turbo V-6 could produce up to 500 hp.The Z Nismo could arrive soon, possibly even for the 2024 model year.It appears that the high-performance Nismo variant will return for the Nissan Z’s newest generation, if these spy photos are any indication. The images clearly show an upgraded version of the new sports car, with a body kit, upgraded wheels and tires, and—we can only assume—a healthy serving of extra power from the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6.Brian Williams|Car and DriverThis engine makes 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque in the standard 2023 Z, and rumors suggest that the Nismo version could receive a significant bump all the way up to 500 hp. If so, that would be a bigger boost than the previous Z Nismo offered, as its 3.7-liter V-6 produced 350 hp compared to the standard version’s 332 hp. The previous Nismo offered either a manual or an automatic transmission, so the new one may also come with a choice of the standard car’s six-speed manual or nine-speed auto.More on the New ZThe Nismo’s body kit looks subtle enough, with side skirts and different front and rear bumpers that extended lower than in the standard car. We can also see new nine-spoke wheels wrapped in Dunlop tires, which appear to be different than the 19-inch staggered setup in the standard 2023 Z Performance model that comes equipped with Bridgestone Potenza summer tires.Brian Williams|Car and DriverWith the standard Z’s pricing ranging from $41,015 up to $54,015, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Nismo model start in the low-$60,000 range. Nissan has yet to confirm its official existence, but it could join the lineup sooner rather than later, possibly even for the 2024 model year.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 Ram 1500 TRX is adding a limited-production Havoc Edition with exclusive Baja Yellow paint.To match its brightly colored body, the Havoc Edition’s interior includes Prowler Yellow contrast stitching.The new TRX Havoc Edition will go on sale in early 2023 with a lofty starting price of $106,445.As if a hulking pickup truck that’s over 7 feet wide and makes sounds that would haunt a satanic cult needs any more help attracting attention, allow us to introduce the brightly colored 2023 Ram 1500 TRX Havoc Edition.The Havoc Edition’s big selling point is its exclusive Baja Yellow paint job. It’s similar to what Ram previously did with the bright orange TRX Ignite Edition for the 2022 model year. Like the latter, the Havoc will have a limited-production run, but the company hasn’t said exactly how many will hit the streets.RamCurrently, the regular 2023 Ram is only available with one monotone paint color, and it’s black. The rest are part of a two-tone scheme with a black bottom strip. With the Havoc, that strip is gone, and the whole truck is yellow—besides the bumpers, overfenders, and matte black decals. Another unique detail is the truck’s beadlock-capable wheels, which are all black instead of the normal silver and gray.RamInside, the TRX Havoc Edition has Prowler Yellow contrast stitching that correlates with its outward appearance. The truck also has a special badge on its center-console lid that you won’t find on any other model. What you will find is a host of other equipment that’s normally a mix of standalone options and packages, but they’re standard on the Havoc, which is to say this rig is fully loaded. The highlights include adaptive cruise control, carbon fiber interior trim, a head-up display, leather-trimmed seats, and a panoramic sunroof.RamRequired Ram TRX ReadingWhile we think the yellow TRX is the 4×4 Big Bird would drive, its 702-hp Hellcat V-8 is undoubtedly more Nightmare on Elm Street than Sesame Street. The 2023 TRX Havoc Edition will start at $106,445 when it goes on sale early next 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

The Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato is a one-of-one creation by Italian coachbuilder Zagato, using a Giulia Quadrifoglio as its base.The twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 has been upgraded to GTAm spec, sending 533 horsepower through the six-speed manual gearbox offered on the Quadrifoglio in Europe. The unique bodywork is made from carbon fiber and features a fierce front end covered in vents with smooth curves wrapping around the two-door cabin.The Alfa Romeo Giulia is not long for this world, at least as we know it. Starting in 2027, the Italian marque aims to only sell electric vehicles, with the current gas-powered lineup giving way to battery-powered replacements around 2025. But before that happens, famed Italian design house Zagato has decided to celebrate the Giulia with a striking one-off called the Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato.While it wears completely unique bodywork, the SWB Zagato is based on the high-performance Giulia Quadrifoglio, packing a twin-turbo 2.9 liter V-6 and the ZF six-speed manual gearbox available in Europe. However, Zagato boosted the engine to the specification found in the track-focused, automatic-only Giulia GTAm, providing a stout 533 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. As the SWB portion of the name implies, Zagato shaved some length out of the Giulia’s wheelbase to create the svelte two-door body, which is fashioned from carbon fiber. Zagato doesn’t make any performance claims for the one-off model, but we would expect similar metrics to the GTAm, with the sprint to 60 mph in the mid-three-second range and a quarter-mile time under 12 seconds. The real highlight of the Giulia SWB is the Zagato bodywork which pays homage to the SZ, an unusually styled Zagato-built sports car from the 1990s. The slinky two-door shape has hints of Jaguar F-type to it, but with a distinctively Alfa Romeo face. The headlights are reminiscent of those on the new Tonale crossover and an air intake carved out above the triangular grille adds aggression. The expressive front end is followed by a smooth profile and a clean rear end that features a thin taillight wrapping around the edge of the body above a burly diffuser.More Beautiful ZagatosThe Giulia SWB Zagato was built for a German customer who is a loyal Alfa Romeo enthusiast, owning every vehicle from the company’s modern lineup as well as a 1990 SZ and a rare 8C Competizione. His garage also apparently features several special edition Aston Martin Zagato models. While there was no price announced for the Giulia SWB Zagato, we imagine the customer paid a hefty sum for the one-off. But given the customer’s passion for both Alfas and Zagatos and the Giulia SWB Zagato’s jaw-dropping looks, we imagine the price was well worth it.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

Based on the Ford F-150 Raptor R, the Hennessey VelociRaptoR 1000 is a tuned-up version with nearly 1000 horsepower. Hennessey, a Texas-based tuner, claims a larger supercharger and other upgrades increase the 700-hp Raptor R’s output by 40 percent. The 2023 F-150 Raptor R starts at $109,145, but pricing isn’t yet available for the VelociRaptoR. Builds start next year.If the 700-hp Ford F-150 Raptor R isn’t monstrous enough for you, the new Hennessey VelociRaptoR 1000 is even more of a monster, with a horsepower rating approaching four digits.We all saw this coming, right? Ford builds a mega-horsepower version of the Raptor, stuffing it with a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 from the Shelby GT500. Shortly thereafter, Hennessey Performance Engineering, a well-known tuner based in Texas, gets its gloves on that supertruck and turns it up to 11.HennesseyEnter the VelociRaptoR 1000. Hennessey has swapped the regular Raptor R’s 2.7-liter supercharger for a larger 3.8-liter unit. The company says it also adds a new supercharger belt, larger fuel injectors, upgraded fuel lines, and a high-flow intake system.Hennessey expects the enhancements to increase the output of Ford’s Predator V-8 by 40 percent. That math suggests the VelociRaptoR’s final horsepower figure will be nearly 1000 (980 horsepower, to be exact). The truck’s torque rating is expected to exceed 850 pound-feet, a considerable uptick compared with the stock motor’s 640 pound-feet.HennesseyThere’s more to the VelociRaptoR than just a more beastly engine, though. Hennessey outfits every version with unique front and rear bumpers. There’s also a front-mounted LED light bar to better spot small cars in the dark and prevent accidentally crunching them. The regular Raptor R’s standard 37-inch off-road tires remain, but they’re now mounted on a set of Hennessey-designed 20-inch rims. If you’re gonna own a super powerful pickup truck, you’re probably gonna want to broadcast that to your bros. Along with a more subtle plaque with a build serial number, Hennessey covers both sides of the VelociRaptoR with big graphics that say “R1000”. At least the Texas tuner’s livery isn’t as gaudy as the one Ford offers on the regular Raptor R’s bedsides.Must-Read Raptor StoriesFor those eager to own the Hennessey VelociRaptoR 1000, orders can be placed right now through an authorized Ford dealer or directly through Hennessey. While we currently don’t know how much the nearly 1000-hp truck will cost, we bet a sizable sum will be added to the 2023 F-150 Raptor’s MSRP, which starts at $109,145. VelociRaptoR builds are set to begin sometime in 2023. 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