Motor News

Fiat announced today that its adorable 500 minicar will return to the North America market after a four-year absence.Unlike the previous-generation car, the 500 will be sold here only as the electric 500e.The new 500e is already on sale in Europe and comes with an estimated driving range of up to 199 miles on Europe’s very optimistic WLTP cycle.After Fiat discontinued of the 500 and 500L models in North America a few years back, we’ve been skeptical about the future of the brand. The 500X SUV is the only Fiat currently sold on our shores, but now a completely redesigned 500e electric hatchback is on the way to give Fiat a boost in the U.S. market.Based on the 500 city car that’s sold in Europe already, the 500e will go on sale here as a 2024 model, but Fiat has so far been tight-lipped on details about U.S. specs for its electric powertrain and battery pack. We suspect it will port over exactly as it is sold in Europe, with the larger of the two available battery packs, a 37.3-kWh unit, and an electric motor driving the front wheels that can provide up to 117 horsepower. More on the Original 500eWith this larger battery, the 500e carries a range estimate of 199 miles on the European WLTP cycle. But unless Fiat somehow squeezes a larger battery pack into the U.S. variant, we expect to see a significantly lower EPA range estimate, likely around 160 miles per charge.The 500e appears to be coming to the U.S. in both hardtop hatchback and softtop convertible body styles, although there’s no word yet on if the European version’s 3+1 door configuration will make the leap. With help from Italian fashion houses Armani and Bulgari as well as contemporary furniture design firm Kartell, Fiat has shown three one-off concept cars at the 2022 Los Angeles auto show that highlight the car’s fashionable styling. FiatFiatThe Armani 500e, for example, features a special exterior paint treatment with a laser-etched chevron pattern meant to make it look like fabric. The Kartell version uses sustainable plastics to dress up the car’s interior, and the Bulgari model sports an upscale appearance inside and out with colorful embroidered upholstery and a matching mural on the dashboard. That version also features a removable brooch with inset amethyst, topaz, and citrine gemstones mounted at the center of the steering wheel. We don’t expect such an option to make it to production, sadly.Those in the know will remember that 500e version of the previous-gen car was sold here back through 2019 model year, although its availability was limited to California and Oregon. That model was a big money loser for the brand, with former Fiat Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne famously telling Reuters in 2014 that he hoped not too many people would buy it because his company lost about $14,000 on each one.FiatFiatThis time around, the 500e is poised to present a better business case. For starters, it’ll likely be offered in for sale in more states, and we expect it will carry a higher starting price than the 2019 version, which retailed for around $34,000. The 500e will be among the first EVs to reach the U.S. from Fiat’s parent company, Stellantis. While rivals such as General Motors, Ford, and Volkswagen have rapidly launched EV models, Stellantis has lagged. The company has shown flashy concepts such as the Chrysler Airflow and the Dodge Charger Daytona, but those cars are still in the concept stage. Since the 500e is already on sale in other parts of the world, it may beat those vehicles to production.Fiat says the production version of the 500e will debut next year at the 2023 Los Angeles auto show, and by then we’ll likely know more about the car’s powertrain, battery, and driving range. 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

Porsche has pulled the wraps off its most unique 911 model at the 2022 Los Angeles auto show.The 2023 911 Dakar is a lifted, off-road-capable variant of its famed 911 sports car, complete with a roof rack, all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, and more rally-ready mods.Behind the rear axle is a 473-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six engine borrowed from the 911 Carrera GTS and the 911 Dakar is offered only with Porsche’s eight-speed PDK automatic transmission.Porsche’s 911 sports car is an icon in its own right and one of the many things we like about it is its broad range of available models, from basic Carrera coupes all the way up to the fire-breathing GT3 RS. One thing the 911 lineup hasn’t had is perhaps something we never thought to ask for: an off-roader. That changes for 2023 with the introduction of this, the 911 Dakar, which is named for the Paris-Dakar rally race that began in 1978.Although we caught a glimpse of it already via teaser images of it completing its testing at all corners of the earth, the 911 Dakar has now been shown in production form and we know all about its all-terrain modifications. The 911 Dakar is essentially a Carrera 4 GTS coupe modified for rally duty, and as such is equipped with a 473-hp twin-turbo flat-six and all-wheel drive. Rally ModsThe suspension has been raised by 50 millimeters and features a standard lift system that can give it 30 millimeters more ground clearance when needed. Unlike off-road systems that allow for a higher level of adjustability for low-speed maneuvering, Porsche has set up the lift system to allow the 911 Dakar to ride at its maximum height at speeds up to 105 mph. Set the car to its new Off-Road driving mode, and it automatically raises itself to this height.Lifted Porsches Old and NewLike other 911 models, the Dakar rides on a staggered wheel setup with 19-inch rollers in the front and 20 inchers in the back. What makes the Dakar unique is that wrapped around those aluminum wheels are Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus tires that have been specially developed to be more resistant to puncture thanks to a dual-carcass construction method.Ok, so the paint might get scuffed surely, but the 911 Dakar is made for high-speed off-road endeavors. Porsche has added under-body protection to give the 911 Dakar the ability to blast down rutted roads and scale grassy knolls without terrorizing the car’s low-hanging mechanicals. Stainless steel skid plates and side protectors have been added and the car’s front overhang has been slightly shortened to provide a better approach angle. Still a 911Despite all the modifications, Porsche says the 911 Dakar is only 16 pounds heavier than a 911 Carrera 4 GTS with an automatic transmission. Weight-saving measures have been taken to keep the car’s mass in check, for example, the rear seats have been removed and lightweight window glass has been used.The 911 Dakar’s engineers raided the 911 parts bin, installing the GT3’s carbon-fiber hood, the Carrera S brakes, and the cooling system from the Turbo S. Porsche says the 911 Dakar can hit 60 mph in 3.2 seconds—an estimate we think is a little conservative given that a rear-wheel drive 911 Carrera GTS with the PDK dashed to 60 in just 2.8 seconds during our testing. The interior is spacious for two adults and nicely put together just like a normal 911. A pair of aggressively-bolstered sport seats are standard, buyers can opt for more comfortable standard 911 seats if they wish. An exterior livery package that pays tribute to the 1984 Paris-Dakar winning 911 is optional too and it looks rad with its Fuchs-style white wheels, racing stripes, and racing number decal.Additionally, the 911 Dakar can be ordered with a cool roof-mounted cargo basket that features floodlights integrated into the leading edge. If you want to camp atop the 911 Dakar, Porsche says their rooftop tent will also fit.The 911 Dakar’s starting price is a lofty $223,450, but we expect that won’t deter moneyed Porsche buyers, especially when the car is this unique. But if all this performance and rally-bred engineering appeals to you, call your Porsche dealer immediately. Only 2500 will be made, and Porsche is cagey about whether a second run of limited-edition Dakar models will be made available in future model years. 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

Toyota has revealed the bZ Compact SUV concept at the 2022 Los Angeles auto show, previewing a future electric crossover.The bZ Compact SUV has crisp, modern styling and is six inches shorter but 1.1 inches wider than the bZ4X electric crossover Toyota currently sells.No powertrain details were revealed, but the interior includes sustainable materials and a virtual voice-command assistant named “Yui.”While Toyota remains committed to hybrids—and has just revealed a new generation of the iconic Prius—the Japanese automaker is also dipping its toes into the emerging EV market, launching its first dedicated electric vehicle, the bZ4X, for 2023. Now Toyota has revealed a new concept at the Los Angeles auto show, which it is simply referring to as the bZ Compact SUV. This one previews a smaller electric crossover that should join Toyota’s lineup in the coming years. The concept appears to be a more finished version of the rendering shown late last year when Toyota released a slew of electric concepts.The bZ Compact SUV features sharp styling cues and a more athletic stance than the larger bZ4X electric crossover currently on sale. At 178.6 inches long, the concept is six inches shorter than the bZ4X, and the 108-inch wheelbase is four inches shy of the bZ4X’s. While the bZ Compact SUV stands 3.6 inches less tall than the bZ4X, it stretches 1.1 inches wider. With the wheels pushed out to the corners of the vehicle and crisp creases across the bodywork, the concept has a purposeful stance.The interior is simplistic and straightforward, with a yoke steering wheel and two rectangular screens that curve upward from the dashboard. The seats are built from plant-based and recycled materials, and ambient lighting adds a bit of pizazz to the grayscale cabin. The bZ Compact SUV also features a virtual assistant named “Yui” that responds to verbal commands. More Toyota NewsToyota isn’t providing any details on the bZ Compact SUV’s powertrain, other than confirming that it’s fully electric and claiming that it will bring “fun to drive, exhilarating performance.” Toyota says that it has plans to introduce around 30 dedicated electric vehicles globally, with five of those wearing the bZ (which stands for “Beyond Zero”) branding. The bZ Compact SUV concept is likely to be one of the five, and we expect it to arrive in the next couple of years bearing the name bZ3X. 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

Toyota has revealed the U.S. version of the 2023 Prius hybrid and the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid.The standard model produces either 194 hp or 196 hp, and the Prime has 220 hp.The new Prius will go on sale in the U.S. sometime next year.Every new car aims to be quicker and better-looking than its predecessor, but it wouldn’t have taken much for Toyota to make such claims about the new 2023 Prius. Being slow and ugly has always been the Prius’s thing—and that’s not even meant as a knock against it. Slow and ugly worked for the Prius, which was a sales hit for many years and even won one of our 10Best awards in 2004. But the quintessential mass-market hybrid has fallen out of favor recently, among buyers and C/D staffers alike.The thoroughly reworked fifth-generation Prius appears to be just the right antidote. Significantly more powerful than before, it also offers slightly better fuel economy and adds many new features including solar panels and a hands-free driving feature. And wait, it looks like that?!More on the PriusThe same teardrop shape remains, but the new model’s smooth side surfacing, elegant detailing, and far more athletic proportions make us look back at the previous model and wonder—what happened? If the Prius could have looked like this the entire time, why didn’t it? The front end features scooped-out headlights with a C-shaped LED accent light, while the rear has a full-width LED taillight strip that looks like the new Crown sedan’s. Two inches lower than before and one inch wider, the Prius has a whole new stance—and seemingly a new outlook on life.This extends to the new powertrain that bumps output up to between 194 and 220 horsepower, depending on the configuration. That’s a huge uptick from the previous model’s wheezy 121 hp. Toyota claims the new Prius will accelerate to 60 mph in between 6.6 and 7.2 seconds, which could make it feel like an NHRA dragster compared with the 10-plus-second runs of the previous model.Although Toyota hasn’t released detailed powertrain specs quite yet, one contributor to the newfound muscle is the 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine that replaces the previous 1.8-liter unit. All Prii now use a lithium-ion battery pack that’s mounted under the rear seat; the old nickel-metal-hydride pack that was still found in certain versions of the outgoing car is gone. The all-wheel-drive Prius also swaps its induction-style rear-axle-mounted motor to a new permanent-magnet synchronous unit.A 194-hp front-wheel-drive setup is standard, and the all-wheel-drive model adds 2 hp to that total. The FWD-only Prius Prime, meanwhile, tops the range with its 220-hp plug-in setup that includes a larger lithium-ion battery that promises around 38 miles of electric driving range, compared with the previous Prime’s 25-miles rating.View Photos2023 Toyota Prius PrimeMichael Simari|Car and DriverDespite the extra grunt, Toyota also promises an EPA combined rating of 57 mpg for the base front-wheel-drive LE model with its 17-inch wheels. That’s one better than the outgoing 2022 Prius Eco’s 56 mpg rating, although adding AWD and opting for the XLE and Limited models’ larger 19-inch wheels will likely drop that number somewhat.Unlike before, the Prime plug-in doesn’t offer much visual differentiation from the standard car (fortunately, they both look good now). But now that it’s the most powerful Prius, Toyota is pitching it as the sporty one, as it’ll be offered only in SE, XSE, and XSE Premium trim levels. The standard car will have LE, XLE, and Limited models, just like before.While the lower trims aren’t anything fancy—they lack power seats, feature a relatively small 8.0-inch touchscreen, and will likely look dumpier on their 17-inch wheels—the Limited and XSE Premium models introduce some novel tech goodies and convenience features. A huge 12.3-inch touchscreen comes on board in the upper trims, along with a power liftgate, and a digital rearview mirror is optional. The Prime will offer solar panels for its glass roof that juice up the battery while the car is stationary to help power accessory functions and the air conditioning. Also exclusively optional on the Prime is a Traffic Jam Assist function that allows the driver to go hands-free under certain circumstances under 25 mph.We’re expecting Toyota to raise the price somewhat on the Prius, but the base model should still come in under $30,000. Top versions will likely exceed $40,000—but maybe that’s not such a stretch thanks to the Prius’s newfound swiftness, high-end features, and, most of all, its undeniable curb appeal.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 new study shows a significant reduction in rear-end collisions for vehicles equipped with forward collision warning together with automatic emergency braking.• Other advanced driver-assistance systems had less dramatic but still notable real-world results.• The study looked at vehicles from the 2015 through 2020 model years.You’re half as likely to get hit from behind if the car following you is equipped with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. That’s the major takeaway from a new study whose results were recently announced. Forward collision warning (FCW) combined with automated emergency braking (AEB) reduced the incidence of rear-end collisions by 49 percent. It’s not just low-speed crashes that are prevented—the technology reduced serious injury crashes of this type by 42 percent.From the C/D Archive The auto industry has been enthusiastic about adopting these safety systems already. In 2016, 20 automakers issued a statement vowing to make AEB standard on all vehicles, and the current study was conducted by PARTS (Partnership for Analytics Research in Traffic Safety), described as a data-sharing partnership between the U.S. Department of Transportation and eight automakers. The study also looked at other advanced driver-assist systems, and there the results were less dramatic. Vehicles equipped with lane-departure warning (LDW) and lane-keeping assist (LKA) were less likely to be involved in single-car collisions where the vehicle stuck an object alongside the road, but the reduction was only 8 percent. Adding lane centering marginally increased the effectiveness, bringing the drop to 9 percent.The study also looked at pedestrian-detection systems and their ability to reduce incidents of vehicles hitting pedestrians, but the data were inconclusive, possibly due to the small number of vehicles so equipped.The study used police-reported crash data from 13 states, for crashes that occurred between January 2016 and August 2021. More recently, earlier this fall AAA cautioned that the safety systems can’t completely protect vehicles from rear-end crashes, particularly those that happen at higher speeds in the 40-mph range and up, so this technology doesn’t mean you’ll never be rear-ended again. 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

A study conducted by utility company National Grid suggests that highway truck stops setting up for EVs in the next two decades could require the same amount of power as a small town might use.Based on current traffic patterns, the study found, many highway charging sites (the equivalent to a highway gas station) will require 20 or more fast-chargers to meet EV demand.The study focused on 71 highway sites in New York and Massachusetts with an eye toward finding solutions to “future proof” U.S. highways for the EV era.There are a lot of hurdles to clear between where our infrastructure sits now and the seemingly inevitable future of widespread electric-vehicle use. A new study from utility company National Grid is showing just how tall some of those hurdles may be. More on EV ChargingThe study examined traffic patterns and projected charger use at 71 highway sites throughout New York and Massachusetts and considered relevant EV sales goals/mandates, based on a scenario in which all light-duty vehicles sold in the U.S. are electric by 2035 and all medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sold are EVs by 2045. Think of the highway sites as being equivalent to a highway truck stop or gas station. According to the study, in the next 10 years more than a quarter of the sites studied will require 20 or more fast-chargers, or the equivalent power of a sports stadium, to meet demand during peak hours. National Grid’s analysis of EV charging capacity changes in the Northeast.National GridAs things stand now, fast-charging along American highways is still in the embryonic stage. To find 20 chargers in one spot, at least outside California and outside the Tesla Supercharger network, is nowhere near the norm. Sometimes, finding an open charger is only half the battle; finding a fast-charger in working order becomes even harder. Gas stations may be able to get by with only four or six pumps, but charging most EVs takes considerably longer than pumping a tank of gas, meaning there will be more time for potential overlap at the charger.According to the findings, in 10 years more than a quarter of sites studied will require the same amount of power as an outdoor sports stadium to meet charging demand, with some requiring the same power as a small town within the next two decades. The study suggests plugging into the existing high-voltage electrical grid to “future-proof” high traffic areas on the highway. Conveniently, the study notes, these transmission lines already tend to mirror highway routes. Equivalent to a Small TownSites acting as electrified truck stops could require the same amount of energy needed to power a small town. Size and weight are especially important for electric vehicles. Take the nearly 10,000-pound GMC Hummer EV, with its 2923-pound battery, which took an hour and 49 minutes to get from 10 to 90 percent state of charge. On the other hand, the 4800-pound Taycan, which accepts a lower peak power input than the Hummer, is able to charge from 5 to 80 percent state of charge in a claimed 23 minutes. It’s not hard to think about how a parking lot full of electric semi-trucks, all towing roughly 40 tons, would require a huge power output.”No Regrets”Transitioning our highway infrastructure will not, and can not effectively switch overnight. Of the $5 billion the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law from last year promised, the first $900 million or so has been approved for EV chargers to cover 53,000 miles of highway throughout the country.In its summary of the study, National Grid says a goal is to figure out how to do “no regrets” upgrades at “no-regrets” sites—”so we can build grid infrastructure once, and build it right.” In what seems like an understatement, the power company says upgrading and building high-voltage interconnections along highways “can take years,” which is the points of its study urging the industry to plan ahead for it now. One thing is for certain: the highway landscape is going to look different—and much more electrified—10 and 20 years into the future.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 first images and bits of information about the 2023 Toyota Prius are here.This is the Japan-spec model, which offers a reworked hybrid drivetrain with 193 hp for the standard hybrid and 220 hp for the plug-in hybrid.Details about the U.S.-spec 2023 Prius are coming tomorrow, so stay tuned.Toyota has taken the cover off the new 2023 Prius, as the first images and details about the Japan-spec car have arrived. While it’s instantly recognizable as a Prius thanks to its teardrop shape, the lower stance, far sleeker side profile, and interesting-looking headlights and taillights take it to an entirely new realm in terms of design.Open GalleryThe new fifth-gen Prius is also significantly more powerful than before, with Toyota claiming that the reworked hybrid system produces 193 hp in standard form and 220 hp in the plug-in-hybrid model. A 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine replaces the old 1.8-liter unit. The U.S. version may have slightly different specs, but it’s clear that there will be lots more grunt on offer than the current model, which has a combined output of just 121 hp.ToyotaThe single image of the interior shows a large horizontally oriented touchscreen, a digital gauge cluster on a tablet-style screen behind the steering wheel, and a row of buttons on the dash for the climate controls. The chunky steering wheel is similar to what’s in the bZ4X EV, and the shifter on the center console appears similar to the joystick-style unit we’re familiar with from the old Prius.Toyota will be releasing more details on the U.S.-spec Prius soon, so check back here in the evening of November 16 to learn all about this new generation of the hybrid hatchback.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

Genesis has revealed the X Convertible concept ahead of the Los Angeles auto show.The concept builds on the previous X show cars with a folding hardtop convertible setup.The X Convertible will sadly likely never become a reality. The 2021 Genesis X concept showed off the Korean luxury brand’s assertive and crisp design language, while the X Speedium Coupe concept from this summer built on that look with a longer, gracefully sloping roofline and a new lighting signature to indicate the car’s electric powertrain. Today, Genesis continued the series by unveiling the X Convertible concept at an event ahead of the Los Angeles auto show. Unsurprisingly, the X Convertible is a strikingly beautiful design, thanks to strong proportions and clean but defined lines. The concept has a long wheelbase with a short front overhang, with miles of hood stretching out in front of the windshield. Powerful creases over the incredibly intricate and large wheels provide a dynamic stance. The distinctive headlights that form the triangular “grille” shape are carried over from the X Speedium, while the convertible ends in a ducktail spoiler. The X Convertible’s folding-hardtop roof includes integrated transparent moonroofs.The interior retains the same design as the previous two concepts, with the digital dash and infotainment screen sharing an L-shaped piece of glass angled toward the driver. The wool fabric throughout the cabin is recyclable, and the seats are wrapped in leather. The interior color combo, Giwa Navy and Dancheong Orange, is “inspired in part by traditional Korean roof architecture”—Genesis informs us that Giwa are the roof tiles on Korean houses and Dancheong is the “traditional decorative colorings on traditional Korean wooden buildings.” You learn something new every day.More about GenesisGenesis revealed no technical details about the X Convertible, simply stating that it uses the same electric powertrain and architecture as the previous two X concepts. The X Convertible has two doors but can seat four passengers, although we’d imagine the rear seats are a bit cramped like most sports cars. Like the other two X concepts, the X Convertible will probably never reach production, but we’re hoping the eye-catching design is a harbinger of good things to come for the future of the Genesis brand.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