Motor News

A redesigned 7-series flagship sails forth with larger dimensions and gas or electric powertrains. In other large-BMW news, the iX electric SUV gains a 610-hp M60 variant, which has an EPA range of up to 288 miles and a base price of $109,895. The i4 adds an eDrive35 entry-level model with a single motor making 281 horsepower and a smaller 66.0-kWh battery good for 260 miles. At $52,395, it’s $4500 less than the eDrive40.2023 BMW i7BMW2023 BMW 7-seriesBMWChanges to the 2-series coupe are limited to updated infotainment. However, a redesigned M2 arrives in the spring, with its chassis and drivetrain borrowing heavily from the M3/M4. Details are limited, but a twin-turbo inline-six with around 450 horses drives the rear wheels via either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual.New BMW CarsThe 3-series lineup (330i, 330e, and M340i) receives a light freshening, with crisper exterior styling and BMW’s curved infotainment display coming to all variants, including the largely carried-over M3. Prices open at$43,295. Updates to the 4-series center on the top M4 Competition model, which adds a track-focused CSL variant with 40 more horsepower (now 543), a 240-pound weight reduction, and a $140,895 price. Production is capped at 1000 worldwide.The 8-series, the M8 Competition, and the 612-hp Alpina B8 receive a modest refresh, notably an illuminated front grille and a larger touchscreen. Carbon bucket seats are available in the 617-hp M8. Art collectors can empty their pockets chasing one of the 99 special-edition Jeff Koons–designed M850i Gran Coupes that went for $350,995.The updated Z4 roadster has minor styling tweaks but unfortunately it does not follow its Toyota Supra platform-mate in offering the option of a manual transmission.BMW M goes big with the new XM SUV, which adopts the polarizing design of the similarly named concept. It squares off against the Bentley Bentayga and the Lamborghini Urus early next year with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 plug-in-hybrid powertrain producing 644 horsepower, or up to 735 hp in the forthcoming Label Red version. Close in size to the three-row X7, the two-row XM will feature a spacious back seat and a ride-and-handling balance geared more toward grand touring than track days. We’ve sampled a prototype, and despite its roughly 6000-pound weight, we found it more entertaining to drive than a few of BMW’s smaller, sportier cars. And if there’s an M on the bumper, you can bet your sweet roundel there will be a Competition version too.New BMW SUVsThe big X7 also gets a refresh with an i7-inspired front end and the curved infotainment display. The xDrive40i’s turbo inline-six is up 40 horses to 375, while the M50i model becomes the M60i, with its 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 gaining 48-volt hybrid assistance. Prices kick off at $78,845 and range up to around $145,000 for the updated Alpina XB7, which has 630 ponies.At the opposite end of the lineup, a redesigned X1 offers a more spacious cabin. At launch, there’s only an xDrive28i, motivated by a Miller-cycle 2.0-liter inline-four good for 241 horsepower, a gain of 13. A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox replaces the previous eight-speed automatic. Prices start at $39,595. A redesigned X2 with a sleeker hatchback shape should follow in a year or so. But for now, only the 228-hp s- and xDrive28i models continue, as the 302-hp M35i variant is on hiatus.The X3, X4, X5, and X6 SUVs, along with the 5-series sedan, see only minor changes.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

An off-road-ready Rebel trim has joined the heavy-duty Ram lineup for 2023.Available only on the Ram 2500, the Rebel trim adds an electronically locking limited-slip rear differential, skid plates, meaty all-terrain tires, and unique exterior design elements.The Rebel trim slots midway through the Ram HD lineup with a starting price of $68,940 and will hit the market before the end of 2022.Ram can’t get enough off-roaders in its lineup of trucks, so it’s adding yet another terrain-stomping model in the form of a heavy-duty version of the popular Rebel trim. Set to go on sale by the end of the year at a starting price of $68,940, the 2023 Ram 2500 Rebel will sit alongside the 2500 Power Wagon with which it shares similar road-hogging dimensions.But of course, pavement is only one place one can expect to see the Ram 2500 Rebel. This massive hunk of steel comes with plenty of off-roading gear straight from the factory, including a limited-slip rear differential with an electronic locker, 20-inch wheels on 33-inch off-road tires, and a set of protective skid plates. The latter is designed to protect the truck’s fuel tank and transfer case as well as your ego, lest you embarrass yourself in front of the other four-wheelers out on the trail. If you do find yourself in a tricky spot, there’s an available 12,000-pound winch that mounts on the truck’s front bumper. Ram’s Heavy-Duty Rivals in the NewsThe standard engine is a 410-hp 6.4-liter V-8 but, unlike the Power Wagon, the 2500 Rebel can also be ordered with a 6.7-liter turbo-diesel inline-six. The diesel engine makes only 370 horsepower, but its 850 pound-feet of torque is far more than that of the gasoline V-8, which is rated for just 429 pound-feet. Heavy duty trucks are best used for towing, and the Rebel 2500 certainly can tug a lot. The maximum towing capacity is 16,870 pounds, and the truck’s payload rating is as high as 3140 pounds. The interior can be outfitted with a bench or bucket seats up front, but three-across seating locks you out of the fanciest leather upholstery that is only available on the bucket seats. An optional 12.0-inch digital gauge display can be reconfigured to show a dizzying number of menus, all of which are intended to give the driver a customized view of whatever information is most pertinent to the task at hand—be that towing, stump pulling, trail running, or rock crawling.Look for the 2500 Rebel to hit dealer lots where it will fit right in among Ram’s other off-road models, including the 2500 Power Wagon, the 1500 TRX, and the 1500 Rebel, in the fourth quarter of 2022. Watch for it on trails near you—where it may not fit in so well, considering its size—shortly thereafter.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 SP51 is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive V-12 speedster that draws heavily from the 812 GTS it shares a chassis, engine and layout with. The SP51 livery, said to be based on the 1955 Ferrari 410 S, features blue and white striping running the entire length of the car, inside and out. Ferrari offered no mention of price for this one-off car.To be able to purchase a new Ferrari, one must already be exceedingly wealthy. To purchase a specially designed one-off Ferrari from the exclusive Ferrari Special Projects division? That’s serious money. The newest car created by the Special Projects group in Maranello is a V-12 speedster called the SP51, which shares a layout, engine, and chassis with the 812 GTS. While the 812 GTS has a convertible top and gives the driver’s ears unhindered access to the screaming V-12 under the hood, the SP51 forgoes the roof entirely. Working in tandem with the client to bring their vision to life, Ferrari tested the SP51 through simulators and wind tunnel testing to ensure maximum comfort within the car. The front end of the car is redesigned and features unique headlights which are shorter and much less angled than those on the 812 GTS. The front bumper is unique with a more aggressive grille design and front splitter. A boomerang-esque carbon blade sits behind each front wheel well. FerrariDesign similarities between rear ends of the SP51 and 812 GTS end with the taillights and quad-exhaust systems. The SP51 features twin flying buttresses connected by a carbon fiber spoiler that sits just behind the cabin and slopes down on either side toward the rear wheel wells. Uniqueness continues to the wheels, designed specifically for the SP51, which feature a diamond-cut finish.According to Ferrari, the SP51 makes reference to a blue and white livery worn by the 1955 Ferrari 410 S. The one-off version shares the same blue and white striping, which runs the entire length of the car. The primary color for the SP51 called Rosso Passionale, was specifically designed for the car. The tri-color scheme makes its way to the interior of the car where the red Alcantara is accented with blue and white stitching. As might be expected from a sports car of this magnitude, carbon fiber plays a big role in the bodywork as well as the cabin of the car. A small plaque reading “Ferrari SP51 one of one” is tucked into the carbon work between the seats and serves as a reminder to the owner just how special their Ferrari is. FerrariNo power figures were offered, and Ferrari made no mention of mechanical changes to the car. Although we have not carried out a full test of the 812 GTS, we did test an 812 Superfast, which achieved 60 miles per hour in a lightning-quick 2.8 seconds. We also had a chance to review the 812 GTS, in which editor-in-chief Tony Quiroga commented that the starting price of $404,494 makes more sense when you consider the dualities it possesses. Sticking to its historically protective stance on the privacy of its clientele, Ferrari gives us no idea how much this one-off cost. Rest assured it was substantially more than the list price of the car.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

Polestar announced that it will reveal the 3 electric crossover on October 12, live-streaming an event in Copenhagen.The Polestar 3 will deliver 510 horsepower and 671 pound-feet of torque when equipped with the Performance package. That package will also include a revised suspension tuning and gold accents on the seatbelts and valve caps.Polestar has been teasing its third model, aptly called the 3, since last December, when it showed an image of the electric crossover in a pixelated wrap. The drip feed of information continued this June when a photo of the profile sans camouflage was revealed. Now we know when the teaser campaign will end, with the Swedish automaker announcing today that the new model will be unveiled in full on October 12 in Copenhagen, Denmark.The announcement was accompanied by another new photo of the 3, depicting the rear of the car. The rectangular full-width light bar and minimalist surfacing was previously seen in a second image from June where Polestar teased the 4 SUV coupe that will act as a sportier-looking, sloped-roof sibling to the 3. PolestarPolestar also dropped some more information about the 3’s powertrain. The company confirmed that at initial launch, every 3 will feature a rear-biased dual-motor powertrain, which will include electric torque vectoring via a dual clutch system on the rear motor. The Polestar 3 will also come with the Performance package, where the motors will produce a combined 510 horsepower and 671 pound-feet of torque. Polestar did not reveal how much the crossover will make as standard, but every 3 will come with adaptive dual-chamber air suspension and active dampers. More on PolestarThe Performance package also offers a retuned suspension from Polestar Engineering, and gold accents on the seatbelts and valve caps. There’s no word on pricing yet, but more details are coming soon.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 Kia Niro will cost $1800 more than in the previous model year, bringing the starting price up to $27,785.The Niro has grown slightly, increasing cabin space as it enters its second generation.The front-wheel-drive compact crossover will be at dealers shortly.The tiny Niro brings bold styling and shows off a bit of a growth spurt for its second generation. The 2023 Niro brings additional cabin space for passengers but tacks $1800 onto the starting price when compared to the previous model year, for a base price of $27,785. Kia also simplified the lineup. Remaining are the base LX, the midrange EX, and the range-topping SX, which starts at $33,785. There’s an optional Touring trim package as well, the price of which has not yet been announced.The new Niro is a bit larger, not just more expensive: the wheelbase is just under an inch longer, and the body is 2.5 inches longer overall. Maximum cargo capacity, as a result, is up from 100.9 to 105.1 cubic feet, and there’s 2.4 inches more rear legroom. Also, the base version of the previous-gen Niro lacked a lot of the standard driver-assist technology offered by competitors. Kia remedied that by giving every trim level standard forward collision and rear-cross traffic warning systems, plus blind-spot monitoring.Despite the higher prices, the 2023 Niro carries over mechanically from the outgoing generation. The Niro comes only with front-wheel drive and produces 139 total horsepower through its 1.6-liter inline-four engine that is paired with a 43-hp electric motor. The Niro has an EPA combined fuel-economy figure of 53 mpg. In our own 75-mph highway test, we achieved 46 mpg with the 2022 Niro.Pricing for the plug-in hybrid and fully electric variants of the 2023 Niro have not been released yet. We expect to see them soon, and likely at a cost premium over the standard hybrid version. 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

New S and Azure versions of the luxurious Bentley Bentayga Hybrid are sportier and waftier, respectively.The new model has slightly more power and electric range than the existing hybrid model, with Bentley targeting a 27-mile electric-only range.At least for now, these trims are for the standard-wheelbase Bentayga only, not the newly introduced EWB version.Having been relatively late to start electrifying its range, these days Bentley has been picking up the pace. The latest additions are two new plug-in-hybrid Bentayga variants, both boasting both power and electric range improvements over the existing version.The new Bentayga S Hybrid and Bentayga Azure Hybrid use the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 as the existing model, but the electric motor that sits between this and their eight-speed torque converter gearboxes has been given a modest upgrade, producing peaks of 134 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. These represent small but significant increases over the 126 hp and 258 pound-feet quoted for the previous synchronous-magnet AC motor. Peak output has risen to a claimed 455 hp, up from 443 hp, although the company’s official zero-to-62-mph time of 5.2 seconds and top speed of 158 mph are unchanged.Bentley Bentayga Azure Hybrid.BentleyBentley Azure S Hybrid.A more significant enhancement given the first Bentayga Hybrid’s minimal electric-only range is a new 18.0-kWh battery pack. We don’t have EPA numbers for this, but Bentley says it is targeting a 27-mile electric-only range, appreciably more than the derisory 18-mile EV autonomy of the existing Hybrid’s 13.0-kWh battery. We haven’t been told if the new pack weighs any more than the old one, which was reportedly 463 pounds.Enhancements in the Engine Bay Despite their shared powertrain, both new plug-in variants have been tuned to different dynamic purposes. The Hybrid S is effectively a greener version of the existing V-8–powered Bentayga S, with Bentley promising it will have a more aggressive soundtrack than the regular Hybrid thanks to what it calls “enhancements in the engine bay” and what we’re promised is an exhaust note within the cabin that can be “tuned to different effect for front and rear passengers,” suggesting the use of a sound symposer. The S also gets damping that is 15 percent stiffer, natty 22-inch alloys, and a more permissive ESC setting when running in Sport mode.Bentley Azure Hybrid.BentleyThe Bentayga Azure Hybrid takes the opposite approach, aiming to increase serenity. Bentley says its Azure models are designed around the increasingly fashionable concept of wellness, although in this case that means maximum comfort and minimal disruption rather than overpriced candles. That means an even more hushed engine note than the already calm regular Bentayga Hybrid plus what the company refers to as “wellness quilting.” This being, apparently, “the visual and tactile pleasure of precisely crafted diamond-quilted upholstery.” Which does indeed sound lovely.Inside the S Hybrid.BentleyInside the Azure Hybrid.Both new Hybrid models will only be available with the regular-wheelbase Bentayga for now, which seems slightly surprising given how well the motor and Azure trim would doubtless go with the new extended-wheelbase version. It probably won’t be long before the plug-in powertrain and stretched body meet on a product-planning Venn diagram.Important BusinessWe also don’t know if the regular Bentayga Hybrid will survive long next to this subtly upgraded model; we suspect it won’t. 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

Revealed tonight, the 2023 Ford Super Duty pickup trucks have been redesigned and benefit from updated exterior and interior styling. The Super Duty now offers tech such as an onboard generator, new trailering assists, a head-up display, and access to a 5G wireless network. Ford’s heavy-duty lineup also adds new and improved powertrains, including a newly standard gas-fed 6.8-liter V-8 and an enhanced Power Stroke diesel.The 2023 Ford Super Duty is redesigned with fresh styling elements, updated powertrains, and new technology. While the F-250, F-350, and F-450 are still primarily heavy-duty workhorses, Ford enhances them with features aimed at taking the trucks to another level of capability and functionality. They’ll square off, as always, against Chevrolet Silverado HD and Ram HD models that are also freshening up this time of year.New Mugs, Nicer InteriorsThe 2023 Super Duty lineup rolls out with seven different grille designs, which vary among the trim levels and available appearance packages. The most notable visual update is the truck’s C-shaped lighting elements. All models can now be fitted with LED headlights, too. The addition of long side vents is said to improve the trucks’ aerodynamics. Super Duty trucks can also be dressed up with new design packages that offer unique trim, rim, and paint combinations. The new XL Off-Road package specifically includes 33-inch all-terrain tires, skid plates, an electronic locking rear diff, and more and is only available on the single-rear-axle, four-wheel-drive F-250 and F-350.Inside the F-350 Lariat.FordInside, the Super Duty trucks receive an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s standard starting on the XL model. Higher trim levels are equipped with a 12.0-inch unit. Audiophiles can choose from a 640-watt, eight-speaker B&O sound system or a more powerful 1080-watt, 18-speaker B&O setup. Other desirable interior features that are available include a configurable 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster, a wireless charging pad, and a slot on the center console that’s designed to hold a table upright. Those looking to relax will appreciate the Super Duty’s optional Max Recline Seats that fold nearly flat and incorporate a lower cushion that rises to create an even more comfortable position.Updated Powertrain OptionsFor 2023, the standard engine on the Super Duty is a new gas-fed 6.8-liter V-8. It pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission just like all the other available engines. Also like all the other engines, Ford isn’t saying how much horsepower or torque any of them make, but we expect them to meet or beat their previous outputs. That includes the gas-burning 7.3-liter V-8, which receives revised tuning and an improved air intake. The Power Stroke diesel 6.7-liter V-8 remains a staple of the Super Duty lineup, and there’s a new high-output version with updated tuning, a unique turbocharger, and revised exhaust manifolds. Ford estimates the enhancements will make it the most powerful diesel truck in its class. Also new for 2023, all models starting with the XLT come standard with four-wheel drive.View PhotosL-R: F-250 Tremor, F-350 Limited, F-350 Lariat, XL STX.FordTech GiantsPerhaps the most notable updates to the 2023 Super Duty trucks are their myriad new tech-focused features. It’s the first time they’re available with a 5G wireless connection that helps the infotainment system perform quicker, and it accepts over-the-air updates and allows up to 10 devices to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot. Plus, Ford makes its mightiest trucks available with its 2.0-kW onboard generator (a.k.a. ProPower Onboard). The Super Duty can also be equipped with a head-up display for the first time, and there are new driver-assist features, too. The list includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality as well as lane-centering assist. The addition of front and rear emergency braking helps prevent the giant pickups from colliding with objects at low speeds.When it comes to towing, the Ford Super Duty is not only prepared for pulling massive loads, but now it boasts high-tech assists that make jobs easier. The introduction of onboard scales gives users an estimated cargo weight to make sure they don’t exceed the truck’s payload. The feature also helps guide people on how to evenly distribute the trailer’s tongue weight. Along with a blind-spot monitor for fifth-wheel and gooseneck towing, the Super Duty is now available with a 360-degree camera system specifically designed for trailers. Another cool new feature is navigation that shows routes that best accommodate a trailer’s specific dimensions and weight to help the driver avoid headaches. Anyone who has backed up with the tailgate down has undoubtedly bemoaned the fact that the traditional backup camera becomes useless. Ford addresses that by adding a camera in the top of the tailgate. This, along with the integrated parking sensors, is intended to make the act of backing up with the tailgate down easier than ever.Ford hasn’t yet released pricing for the 2023 Super Duty lineup. However, the company says it’ll release those figures closer to the time the trucks enter production, which should be sometime 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 OpenWeb. 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BMW has revealed the new 2023 XM, a performance SUV with a plug-in-hybrid powertrain.It features a twin-turbo V-8 and an electric motor that combine to produce 644 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque.The XM starts at $159,995 and will go on sale in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2023.BMW M is best known for sports sedans like the M3 and M5. But the performance division is going in many new directions as of late, and the new 2023 XM combines many of these fresh elements in a single vehicle—fitting, as this is meant to be M’s new flagship. As an SUV that’s available exclusively as an M, the XM also introduces a new plug-in-hybrid powertrain that’s the first hybrid ever to wear the M badge. The concept version of the XM proved controversial when it made its debut last year, and now we have all the details on the production version that’s slated to go on sale in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2023.The XM’s powertrain consists of a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 combined with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. There’s also a 25.7-kWh battery pack that enables an estimated electric driving range of 30 miles. Total output sits at 644 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, and there will be an even more powerful Label Red version coming later on with a claimed 735 hp and 735 pound-feet. This makes the XM the most powerful current production BMW—and it’ll need all that grunt to move around its 6062 pound mass.More on the XMWere it not an M exclusive, the XM might otherwise wear the X8 designation. It’s considerably larger than both the X5 and X6, but smaller than the three-row X7, much like the relationship between Audi’s Q7 and Q8 SUVs. The XM is a two-row model with five seats, and its interior features many of the wilder design elements seen on the concept version. A two-tone blue and brown leather color scheme is available, and the brown “vintage” leather is meant to look aged. There’s also an interesting pattern in the headliner that’s accompanied by LED lighting elements that pulse when you receive a phone call or try to open the door when an object is sensed outside.The exterior design is more angular and imposing than many of BMW’s other SUVs. The large kidney grilles up front are flanked by split headlights like those on the latest X7. A strong, accented character line rises along the side and kicks up at the rear doors as a nod to the classic BMW Hofmeister kink. There are BMW logos engraved into each upper corner of the rear window, and the aggressive-looking taillights wrap around the sides. Quad exhaust tips and diffuser elements give the rear bumper a racy look. 23-inch wheels are standard, but 22-inchers are optional, and BMW says the smaller size saves weight.Adaptive dampers are standard equipment, as is an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential and a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. 48-volt active anti-roll bars are a feature new to BMW M, although the XM uses traditional steel springs rather than an air suspension. Our initial drive of a prototype XM earlier this year revealed a surprisingly engaging driving experience, largely thanks to the steering tuning, so we look forward to sampling the final version to see if the spry handling is preserved.The XM will compete with other high-po SUVs such as the Audi RS Q8 and Mercedes-AMG GLE63, and is even aiming for higher targets including the Aston Martin DBX and Lamborghini Urus. It will start at $159,995, but options should add a considerable sum to that total, and the more powerful Label Red model will carry a sticker price of over $185,000. Like it or not, this super-SUV now represents the pinnacle of the M lineup, and it’ll start arriving at U.S. dealerships 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 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