Motor News

The Toyota Tundra is now offered with a factory-backed lift kit that adds an extra 2.6 inches of ground clearance.The $3995 dealer-installed kit includes Bilstein monotube shocks and new upper control arms from Roush Performance.Unlike many aftermarket kits, Toyota’s package is designed to be compatible with the Tundra’s standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning.Toyota truck fans with a penchant for off-roading and $70,000 to spare can already buy the capable and brawny-looking Tundra TRD Pro. But for those looking to save some coin while still tackling challenging terrain, Toyota is now offering a factory lift kit for lower-priced, non-TRD Tundra models. Crafted by Toyota Racing Development, the kit provides the truck with an extra 2.6 inches of ground clearance, thanks to new parts like Bilstein monotube shocks in the front and rear.ToyotaToyotaToyota says these shocks use digressive pistons to balance high-speed stability with low-speed body control. Along with the new shocks, the package adds taller front coil springs—painted red and tuned by TRD—and forged upper control arms from Roush Performance, known for its aftermarket parts for vehicles including the Ford F-150 and Mustang. The kit also brings lots of other gear, with front extended driveshafts, rear spring spacers, and front stabilizer links, as well as new lower knuckles, bump stops, and outer tie rods.ToyotaThe extra 2.6 inches of lift improve the Tundra’s approach angle from 21.0 to 26.0 inches, while the departure angle increases from 24.0 to 25.0 inches. The big advantage of the Toyota-supplied lift kit versus aftermarket options is that it is configured to work with the Toyota Safety Sense system, which provides driver assistance features including forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. More on ToyotaThe kit will be a dealer-installed option and carries an MSRP of $3995, excluding the cost of labor for installation. The kit cannot be had with the TRD Pro or TRD Sport models or with any Tundras fitted with air suspension, including those with the optional adaptive dampers. But all other 2022 and newer Tundras are compatible with the kit, which comes with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty if installed when new, or a 12-month warranty if it’s added after the purchase date. 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 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 Acura Integra revives the iconic nameplate, and it’s getting the aftermarket treatment for the 2022 SEMA show. Acura teamed up with three notable names in the tuner community and told them to build their ideal version of the new Integra.The trio of personalities who designed the custom Integras includes Coco Zurita, Dai Yoshihara, and Sara Choi.With the Acura Integra returning to U.S. streets for the first time in over two decades, it’s also time for the sport compact to return to the spotlight in tuner culture. There’s arguably no bigger stage for aftermarket products than the Specialty Equipment Market Association show (better known as SEMA), which takes place every year in Las Vegas. For this year’s event, Acura has partnered with three popular personalities in the tuner community and asked them to create their own custom interpretation of the 2023 Integra.Top Teggy StoriesThe trio includes Coco Zurita, Daijiro “Dai” Yoshihara, and Sara Choi. In additon to building cars, Zurita is a professional BMX rider and an amateur drifter. Yoshihara is a professional driver with notable wins that include a Formula Drift championship and a class win at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Choi has many titles—drifter, host, model, actor—and she also has a large following on her social media accounts. Coco Zurita’s Integra Built by AutotunedZurita lives in Southern California and said his Integra build was inspired by his affection for action sports (he has two X Games medals to show for it). “We grabbed some inspo from the NSX GT designs and added some race car features to help bring in my own personal style and achieve this new look for the next-gen Integra,” he said. The car features various powertrain and chassis modifications that include an aftermarket HPS cold-air intake and A’PEXi exhaust system as well as upgraded Wilwood six-piston front brakes and RSR Sport-I coil-overs. Its Kansei KNP 18-inch wheels wear Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (245/35 front and 265/35 rear). The exterior of Zurita’s Integra is highlighted by a body kit by Autotuned, a prominent APR GTC rear wing, and graphics designed by Andreas Wennevold. Inside, there’s a MOMO six-point harness, racing seat, and steering wheel with NGR quick release.Dai Yoshihara’s Integra Built by Evasive MotorsportsYoshihara hails from Tokyo, Japan, but is based in Southern California. Influenced by his career in motorsports and his love of Integras from the 1980s and ’90s, he tried to blend both of those passions into this project. “I wanted to take the sporty theme from the iconic DB8 Integra and fuse it into my build,” he said.Along with aftermarket powertrain upgrades such as a Spoon air filter and exhaust, the car’s chassis has been modified with RSR Sport-I coilovers and a StopTech ST-40 big brake kit. Yoshihara’s Teggy rolls on forged BBS REV7 18-inch rims mounted on Yokohama A005 racing slicks, size 260/650 at all four corners. The Integra’s body is fitted with myriad parts from EVS, but its fender flares and rear wing are by Voltex. The interior of the car features more EVS parts (shift knob, carbon center console and door panels). There’s also a slew of Sparco stuff, from the six-point harness to the quick-release steering wheel to the kevlar racing seats.Sara Choi’s Integra Built by Tony Star PerformanceChoi was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, but now she lives in Los Angeles. She got invoved in the tuner scene when she was 15 years old. That combined with a unique artistic flair fueled the design of her Integra. “My favorite part of being a car builder is that you get to express yourself however you want,” said Choi. “It’s a thrill building my own version of such an iconic car.” Breathing through a Sports Touring cat-back exhaust system, Choi’s car also has an aftermarket intercooler and oil cooler from GReddy. A set of Tein Flex Z coilovers support Advan RSDF 19-inch wheels paired with Nexen Sport R tires (245/40 front and 275/35 rear). The body kit is custom, designed by Choi and Walter Kim. The car is wrapped in a glossy pearl white. Inside, there are Evasive Motorsports x Bride Zeta IV seats as well as a teardrop shift knob and quick-release (both BattleCraft Hyper parts). The steering wheel is a Dogfight Race Pro 380mm unit.All three custom 2023 Acura Integras will be on display from November 1–4 at the SEMA show. They’ll also make appearances on November 19 at Los Angeles Radwood as well as next year from April 14–16 at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.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 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 three-pronged trident of Maserati goes full-on pink, embracing the ethos of the most famous doll in the world.Only two of these powerful Barbie SUVs will be built, with 10 percent of proceeds going to support charity.The launch is part of the company’s bespoke Fuoriserie program, which will let the buyer endlessly customize their Maserati.It is established canon that Barbie is a gearhead. Who else could come up with the perfect two-car garage solution of a C4 Corvette convertible and a GMC motorhome? Pretty in pink, and with near unlimited accessories, America’s most popular doll is happiest when behind the wheel. Thanks to a collaboration between Neiman Marcus and Maserati, you too can play high-octane dressup.Car and DriverThe Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gift list is an annual catalog of what Santa might pop in your stocking should you have been deemed as nice on the same level as, say, Dolly Parton. There’s always an automotive component, and this year comes with a partnership between Maserati and Mattel. It’s a Barbie-themed Maserati Grecale Trofeo SUV, complete with pink accent stitching, iridescent paint, and one-of-two global exclusivity.What You Really Want to KnowIt seems an unlikely tie-up until you consider that the Barbie brand represents capital-B Billion sales numbers. With a new movie coming next year and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the Barbie franchise is still firmly fixed in the mainstream. In the early days, Barbie garnered criticism for being more clothes-horse than progressive icon. These days, she’s both fashionista and progressive pioneer.And driver. The Barbie-accented Grecale comes equipped with a 530-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6; better buckle up in the passenger seat, Ken. Two will be produced worldwide, but only one for the US. A pink theme is present inside and out, including “B”-branded headrests. Price: a whopping $330,000. But 10 percent of that cost will go directly to Mattel’s Barbie Dream Gap project. The charity aims to bridge the gap between make-believe play and practical reality for young girls, helping them achieve their full potential. It’s a worthy cause.And it also illustrates the flexibility of Maserati’s Fuoriserie customization offerings, which allow for a highly personalized approach to ordering your new Maser. If not Barbie, then perhaps you’d like a Hot Wheels theme. Or that of Fisher-Price? UNO? The customer calls the shots.As for the Barbie version, the price sits at $330,000, making this machine truly a fantasy gift for most. A portion will go towards realizing the dreams of young Barbie fans. And for one lucky buyer, it’s a machine that proves what everyone always knew about Barbie. Yes, she still likes to dress up in all the latest fashions. Really, though, Barbie’s number-one accessory is her hotshoes. 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

Americans are a generous people. According to the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, all forms of charitable giving in the United States added up to $484.8 billion. Imagine how much larger that number would be if every charitable donation came with a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 thank-you gift. During Barrett-Jackson’s auction in Houston last Saturday, a single 2022 Ford Shelby GT500 Heritage Edition sold for $1,000,938. That’s quite a premium over the $82,955 base price of the Heritage Edition as currently listed on Ford’s website. What got the price up there is that all the money raised went to charity. In this case, to charities working to alleviate suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian ripping across Florida.Barrett-Jackson on FacebookDonated by George and Megan Shinn, the car hit that seven-figure total in a convoluted way. “The Brittney Blue Shelby brought $400,000 on the auction block with additional donations from the audience and friends of Shinn bringing the total to $650,000,” explains Barrett-Jackson on the company’s website. “It was then re-donated by Mike Patterson to raise an additional $300,000 for a total of $1,000,938 with 100 percent of the funds going directly to the charities. The additional $250,000 in donations were made by George Shinn, the Mauzy family, Kathie Lee Gifford, the Ingram family, and Rick Hendrick. A ‘collection’ hat was spontaneously passed in the Muscle Lounge skybox and filled to the brim with $6938.”From the C/D ArchiveThe math is dizzying (and doesn’t seem to add up), but the bottom line here is that a single Shelby Mustang put a lot of money into two charities: Samaritan’s Purse and the Florida Disaster Fund.The tax implications here are mind-boggling to contemplate. Whoever it is who wound up with the car likely gets a deduction for any of what was paid beyond the retail value of the car. But, hey, this is Road & Track and not Deloitte & Touche.Barrett-Jackson on FacebookThis 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

• VW’s GTI 40th Anniversary Edition arrives as a midyear 2023 model.• It slots in between the base S and the SE, with a starting price of $34,150 (add $800 for the automatic transmission).• Production is limited to approximately 1500 units, evenly split between the six-speed stick and seven-speed DSG.Once you pass 21, milestone birthdays are often greeted with as much trepidation as celebration. There’s the existential dread of aging, the questioning of one’s accomplishments, and the worrying evidence of physical decline. But for cars, it’s different. Thus, with the Volkswagen GTI hitting the big 4-0 this year (the U.S. version at least), there was nothing to do but celebrate the occasion. Well, maybe also monetize the occasion, by rolling out a special 40th Anniversary Edition.VolkswagenThis GTI dons some party garb in the form of special lower-body graphics, 40th-anniversary badging, and exclusive colors of Tornado Red and Urano Gray (versus Kings Red metallic and Moonstone Gray on other GTIs), along with Opal White Pearl and Pomelo Yellow Metallic. For an extra pop of contrast, the roof, wheels, and mirror caps are rendered in black, another Anniversary Edition exclusive. Inside, you’ll find the same plaid cloth seats as found in the S and the SE. Perfect.VolkswagenThe 40th Anniversary Edition is based on the entry-level S model, but it adds a couple of key items normally reserved for the top-spec Autobahn: adaptive dampers and 19-inch wheels with 235-35 summer tires, as well as speed-sensitive steering. So there’s some substance beneath the revelry.Related StoriesVW says the redline-accented wheels are borrowed from the European GTI Clubsport 45 (the model has been around longer over there), but unfortunately, the Clubsport’s engine, which is turned up to 296 horsepower, isn’t invited to our birthday bash. The 40th Anniversary Edition has the same 241-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 as the rest of the U.S. GTI lineup.VolkswagenThe $34,150 ask for the 40th Anniversary Edition represents a $2875 upcharge over the base car, which seems worth it to get the adaptive dampers without having to lay out nearly 40 large for the autobahn. Will the GTI as we know it survive into the electric age? Hard to say, but better grab one while you still can. After all, you’re not getting any younger.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 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 second Toyota bZ (“beyond Zero”) electric vehicle after the bZ4X will be the bZ3, a five-seat sedan designed specifically for the Chinese EV market.Toyota developed the bZ3 with partners BYD and FAW Toyota, following the collaborative path that the Japanese automaker took with its first bZ model, which was developed in partnership with Subaru.A drag coefficient of 0.218 and specially developed batteries should give the bZ3 a range of more than 370 miles on the Chinese test scale. The EV wouldn’t get that high a rating in the U.S., but it won’t be sold here, so we’ll never know what the EPA might say about this new entrant.Toyota has pulled the wraps off its second electric vehicle, the bZ3. Designed for the Chinese domestic market in partnership with BYD and FAW Toyota, the bZ3 is a five-seat, all-electric sedan that can go more than 373 miles (600 kilometers) on a single charge. A Toyota spokesperson pointed out that the “3” in its name indicates the sedan body style and size.Meanwhile, Closer to HomeDo not expect this model to come to the States. Toyota said its partners developed the bZ3 specifically with Chinese customers in mind. That means that the bZ3 wasn’t just designed for movement but also a space that can be used as a “Family Lounge,” Toyota said, and can be a place where you would spend time with other people. A large center screen called the Digital Island can be used to connect multiple smartphones and control features like temperature controls and infotainment services.ToyotaToyota said BYD contributed EV platform expertise and knowledge about battery technology. FAW Toyota has sold 10 million units and contributed its understanding of the China market. Toyota focused on advanced electrification technologies and making sure that the bZ3 is fun to drive, the company said.More Range Than the bZ4XThe bZ3 is undeniably aerodynamic, with a cD of just 0.218. That kind of slipperiness allows the bZ3’s lithium-ion batteries to take the car further than the larger bZ4X model, which has an estimated range of up to 250 miles. It is important to note that the 373-mile estimate comes from China’s light-duty vehicle test cycle, while the bZ4X’s 250-mile range was calculated using the more stringent EPA test cycle. Even if the bZ3 wouldn’t get 373 miles in U.S. testing—and it wouldn’t—the battery structure and cooling, control, and safety monitoring systems in the bZ3 were all newly designed for this EV.The bZ3 will be the first time Toyota uses a lithium iron phosphate cathode in its EV batteries. Toyota said that it and its partners designed this pack to keep 90 percent of its capacity after 10 years.Both the bZ3 and the first bZ model, the bZ4X, are built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture platform for EVs, the e-TNGA, but Toyota hasn’t yet announced any bZ models that contain nothing but Toyota DNA. The bZ4X was developed in partnership with Subaru, which released its version of the EV as the Solterra. The bZ3 will be produced by FAW Toyota and sold through that company’s dealer network in China.ToyotaWhen Toyota filed trademark applications for its new line of all-electric vehicles, we learned that the bZ in the bZ brand stood for “Beyond Zero.” We thought that the X would stand for dual-motor, all-wheel-drive models. That worked with the first model, the bZ4X, and implies that the bZ3 will not offer all-wheel-drive options. Toyota’s trademarks in early 2021 also included the BZ1, BZ2, BZ2X, BZ4, BZ4X, and BZ5.ToyotaThe unveiling of the bZ3 could open the dam on the reveal of more new Toyota EVs. As part of the bZ3 announcement, Toyota teased another bZ EV with a darkened photograph. The image shows a Prius-y-shaped vehicle, and the image file name is 002. Toyota didn’t respond to our questions about this, so make of that what you will.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 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 Toyota Crown is a new sedan model for 2023 that replaces the Avalon.It starts at $41,045 and ranges up to $53,445 for the top Platinum model.The Crown will start reaching U.S. dealerships in early 2023.Toyota is aiming high with the new 2023 Crown sedan, both literally—it’s significantly taller than the Avalon large sedan that it replaces—and figuratively, as it’s priced on the high end of the automaker’s lineup, with the loaded model topping $50,000. The Crown is available in three trim levels: XLE, Limited, and Platinum, and all versions come standard with all-wheel-drive and hybrid powertrains.More on the CrownThe Crown XLE starts at $41,045 and comes with a hybrid setup that uses a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and makes a total of 236 horsepower. That starting price is $3125 more than the 2022 Avalon XLE’s. The Limited starts at $46,645 and adds equipment including a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, an upgraded audio system, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. These versions of the Crown are EPA-rated at 41 mpg combined.The Crown Platinum requires a big jump up to its starting price of $53,445, and it brings on a significantly more powerful hybrid powertrain that Toyota calls Hybrid Max. This powertrain uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four gasoline engine, produces 340 horsepower, and is EPA-rated at a significantly lower 30 mpg combined. Added equipment for the Platinum includes adaptive dampers, 21-inch wheels, and an upgraded park-assist system.Toyota says that the Crown will start arriving at U.S. dealerships in early 2023.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’s stalwart family sedan will soon debut a new look for the 2023 model year.The Japanese automaker released three teaser images of the 2023 Accord mid-size car, and from what we can see so far it’ll sport a slick design.In the third image, the new car’s infotainment display shows a graphic calling attention to the hybrid powertrain.A redesigned Honda Accord will launch for the 2023 model year, marking the 11th generation for the popular nameplate, which has been in production continuously since 1976. From teaser photos shown here, we can see that the new Accord will wear a smoother design that fits right in among Honda’s newer offerings such as the Civic compact car and the upcoming Prologue electric SUV.HondaBright LED lighting elements highlight the new design’s sleek lines while an elongated hexagonal grille wears a handsome triangle-motif insert. At the back, the Accord’s taillights stretch nearly the entirety of the width of the car, save for a small interruption in the middle of the trunk lid to make room for a small Honda logo.HondaOn the 12.3-inch infotainment display is a graphic showing the 2023 Accord’s hybrid powertrain in action. We previously reported that Honda has stated its intention to grow the Accord hybrid’s sales numbers, so we’re not surprised that we’re seeing the electrified powertrain promoted in these teaser images. HondaHonda hasn’t released any details about the Accord’s powertrains yet, and while it’s clear that the company is pushing the hybrid to center stage, we still expect a nonhybrid powertrain to be the base offering. That may turn out to be the same turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder as the current model or it could be the more powerful turbo 2.0-liter from the current Accord Sport. The current Accord Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors that combine for 181 horsepower but this time around it could get the hybrid system from the 2023 CR-V SUV that uses a turbocharged engine and makes 204 horsepower. More Future HondasIt’s no secret that the Accord is regularly among our favorite cars, as the nameplate has won our annual 10Best award 36 times throughout the years. It’s the Accord’s balanced driving demeanor combined with stellar value and excellent build quality that have impressed our editors in the past.Needless to say, we have high expectations for the 2023 model and we’re eager to learn more about the new generation. But we’ll have to wait with everyone else until the rest of the car is unveiled in November 2022.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 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