Motor News

The BMW Z4 gets a slightly more aggressive look in this mid-third-generation refresh.Among smaller changes, one addition is that the Sport body trim, already standard on the M40i, is now added to the sDrive 30i.The 2023 Z4 will be out in November, priced at $53,795 for the sDrive 30i and $66,295 for the M40i. Props to BMW for sticking around with its roadster: the segment has been shrinking continuously, but a few convertibles are still around. One of them is the BMW Z4, which entered its third model generation (the fourth, if you count the Z3) just two years ago. Surprisingly, it is already up for an update, although this is less of a mid-cycle refresh (at least we hope we aren’t there yet) and more of a streamlining.From the C/D ArchiveThe Z4 is one of our favorites because it is a serious sports car, and we suspect that is not least the case because of Toyota’s input in this joint project, which led both to the Z4 and the Supra. We understand that BMW was content with a roadster that would improve on the qualities of the predecessor, while Toyota had its sights set on the Porsche Cayman. Tellingly, the joint project only took off after Herbert Diess left BMW for the pastures of Wolfsburg; he had been interested in jointly developing a hybrid with Toyota, but the Japanese insisted on a purist approach. What emerged were two cars—the Z4 and the Supra—that are extremely competent in their own right, with marked differences.Two Engine ChoicesIn many other markets, the Z4 is available as the sDrive 20i, with an 194-hp entry-level 2.0-liter four and a six-speed manual, but the U.S. portfolio begins with a more powerful version of the same four-banger, the 255-hp sDrive 30i. The range is topped by a second model, the straight-six 382-hp M40i. Both engines are mated to the ubiquitous ZF-sourced 8HP torque-converter-type automatic.To reach a “new maximum of sportiness,” as the press release gushes, the formerly optional M Sport body trim, which has always been standard on the M40i, now becomes standard equipment on the sDrive 30i as well. The more chiseled and aggressive look will no doubt please the attention-seeking crowd, although we never had a problem with the cleaner look of the now-deleted Sport Line look that the brand had identified as “Classic BMW Design.” Experts will still be able to tell the two models apart: The M40i comes with mirror caps in the bronze-ish Cerium Gray and larger, angular exhaust tips.BMWBMWThere’s a minor nose job, too: Both variants get a restyled front kidney grille which loses the vertically positioned dots in favor of horizontally oriented décor that is designed to “add to the impression of width at the front.” Three “rich” new metallic colors, a new optional 19-inch wheel design and optional black trim for the headlights top off the rather modest list of changes, which thankfully does not include the curved dashboard that is currently trickling down from the iX electric SUV to most of BMW’s other models.The new model year launches in November, with prices starting at $53,795 for the sDrive 30i and $66,295 for the M40i, which is only a couple hundred dollars above 2022 prices. We’re glad the Z4 carries on, and we hope it does so for many more years. The mild enhancements should give it a boost in the market until we see more substantial changes a few years down the road—which, if we were granted a wish, would include a manual transmission on the glorious straight-six like the Supra now offers.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

Dodge has revealed six out of the seven “Last Call” send-offs for the Charger and Challenger, but has now announced the final debut has been pushed back.Dodge cited “product and supply challenges” and said the reveal will be rescheduled.We’re not sure what form this Last Call model will take, but we can be fairly certain that it will be powered by a V-8 with at least six liters of displacement.So far, Dodge has shown six out of the seven Last Call special editions that spell the end of the line for the Charger and Challenger as we know them. The muscle cars are set to be replaced by electric versions in the near future, as previewed by the Charger Daytona SRT concept. The final Last Call vehicle was supposed to be revealed at the 2022 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, Nevada this November, but Dodge is now announcing that the debut has been delayed.The 2023 Dodge Charger King Daytona.DodgeDodge cites “product and supply challenges,” stating that once those issues have been ironed out, the unveiling will be rescheduled. Dodge has yet to provide any hints as to what this final Last Call car might be. So far, Dodge has shown three Chargers and three Challengers, so the odds on which model will constitute the remaining special edition are equal, but we would guess it will be the flashier Challenger coupe.The 2023 Dodge Challenger Shakedown.DodgeMore Dodge “Last Call” EditionsWe also don’t know what will motivate this Last Call model, but so far all of the special editions have come with either the Hellcat supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 or the Scat Pack 6.4-liter V-8. Perhaps the last car will up the ante with the Demon version of the 6.2-liter with upward of 800 horsepower. Some of the Last Call models have also revived classic Dodge names, such as Swinger or Super Bee, while others have honored historic vehicles, like the Black Ghost or King Daytona. We wouldn’t be surprised to see another name from the past reappear whenever the concluding Last Call Dodge is revealed.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 entry-level 2023 QX50 starts at $41,495, which is a $1320 increase over the previous model year. All 2023 QX50s will receive a frameless rearview mirror, heated exterior mirrors, and a wireless charging pad as standard. In addition to new standard features, the QX50 is gaining a midlevel trim option labeled Sport with a starting price of $49,695.Infiniti released updated and increased pricing on the QX50. Jumping $1320 over the previous model year, the 2023 QX50 carries a starting price of $41,495. That’s not quite as bad as the $2520 increase on the larger QX60, but it does show another example of a manufacturer hiking starting prices for the 2023 model year. Interestingly, the lowest price increase is felt on the top-of-the-line Autograph trim, which now starts at $58,545. As well as increasing the starting price, Infiniti has added a new Sport trim level and updated the standard features for all trim levels. More on InfinitiInfiniti is adding a host of new standard features for the QX50 to help offset the increased cost. Heated exterior mirrors, a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, a remote start engine, rear door alert, and a wireless phone charging pad are all standard across trim levels. Like all 2023 Infinitis, the QX50 will also benefit from three years or 36,000 miles of scheduled maintenence; including inspections, oil changes and tire rotations. InfinitiThe new Sport trim level is a mid-tier option that slots in between the Luxe and the Sensory. It features a unique front fascia and gloss-black exterior trim. It also receives 20-inch machine finished wheels in lieu of the 19-inch wheels offered on the cheaper Pure and Luxe trim levels. Pricing for the Sport starts at $49,695. Opting for all-wheel drive rather than the standard front-wheel drive requires an additional $2000 on all but the range-topping Autograph trim, where AWD is standard. 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 Corvette Z06 returns to its naturally aspirated roots with a 670-hp 5.5-liter V-8 that uses a flat-plane crankshaft and revs to 8600 rpm. Chevy says it’ll pull 1.22 g’s on the skidpad, and we look forward to confirming that.The Blazer, which gets a light refresh with a restyled front end and new wheels, looks nothing like the sleek new 2024 Blazer EV, which packs as much as 557 horsepower and 648 pound-feet of torque in SS trim. Pricing starts at $44,995, and there are front-drive, rear-drive, and all-wheel-drive options. Best memorize its headlight signature, because there will be a police version too.While the Blazer targets the middle of the market, the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV aim to undercut competitors via big price reductions. Compared with 2022 models, the 2023 Bolt gets a $5900 price drop, and the EUV’s price falls by $6300.The redesigned Colorado offers a modernized interior along with an overhauled powertrain. GM’s turbo 2.7-liter four is now the sole engine, albeit in several different tunes—from 237 horsepower in base models up to 310 ponies. There’s a Trail Boss model that splits the difference between Z71 and ZR2 off-road editions, as well as a Desert Boss ZR2 variant.New Truck ModelsThe Silverado ZR2 that Chevy introduced for 2022 gets a Bison variant fitted with various bolt-on goodies from American Expedition Vehicles. The Suburban and Tahoe offer optional SuperCruise and a black grille with “Chevrolet” lettering rather than the bow-tie badge. The Trailblazer, Equinox, and Traverse carry over mainly unchanged. There are some exterior and interior updates for the Silverado HD. As for our old friend the Camaro, we expect some news for 2023, but we’ll just have to wait on that. The Silverado EV and Equinox EV are also scheduled to arrive as 2024 models.Oh, and this is our annual reminder that the Express van still exists. It’s available with a 401-hp 6.6-liter V-8 engine. Write us a letter if you ever see a new one.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

Faraday Future has earned an official EPA range figure for its first vehicle, the FF 91, and showed the certification letter to Car and Driver to prove it.The FF 91 is rated at 381 miles of range, an increase over the initial 378-mile estimate thanks to a larger 142.0-kWh battery than the original 130.0-kWh unit.The FF 91 was first revealed in 2017, and the top-spec Futurist model could cost around $200,000.When EV startup Faraday Future revealed a “production intent” version of its first vehicle, the FF 91, earlier this year and announced that production was set to start in the third quarter of 2022, we were skeptical. Faraday Future has struggled to get the FF 91 onto the road since first unveiling the crossover in 2017, and in July the company stated that it would yet again need to push back deliveries as it sought to raise more capital. But now the California-based automaker is one step closer to getting its FF 91 into the hands of customers, receiving an official EPA range rating for its electric crossover. Faraday FutureThe FF 91, which now seems on track to be sold for the 2023 or 2024 model year, is rated at 381 miles of range. This is higher than the previous 378-mile estimate that Faraday Future had quoted, but the company also told us that the range figure was achieved with a 142.0-kWh battery; previously the FF 91 was said to employ a 130.0-kWh battery. This also bests what will be its closest competitors should the FF 91 reach production, with the Tesla Model X topping out at 348 miles of range. Faraday FutureFaraday Future’s press release also specifies that the rating only applies to the FF 91 Futurist, which will represent the top of the model line and could crest $200,000, according to the company. While the range rating is not yet visible on the public EPA fuel economy website, Faraday Future provided Car and Driver with a copy of the certification letter sent by the government agency.More EV StartupsAccording to the letter, the range rating will only apply to vehicles built before January 1, 2024, and if the FF 91 is further delayed, the startup will have to get it re-certified. The FF 91 is powered by three electric motors—one up front and two at the rear—good for a combined 1050 horsepower, providing a claimed sprint to 60 mph in less than 2.4 seconds. At 206.9 inches long, the FF 91 is just a hair shorter than a Mercedes-Benz S-class, and it features a futuristic interior design. The company still needs to raise more funds before the FF 91 can begin production at Faraday Future’s plant in Hanford, California, but the EPA certification shows the automaker is moving forward and could convince potential investors to fork over that much-needed cash.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 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD get a facelift, and most models receive a ritzier interior with bigger screens.Gas-fed models now have a 10-speed automatic transmission, and diesel models make 470 horses (up 25) and 975 pound-feet of torque (up 65).The ’24 Silverado HD twins will go into production in the first half of 2023, with the first-ever ZR2 version also eventually joining the lineup.Chevy’s big pickup trucks—the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD—are getting refreshed for the 2024 model year. Along with new facial features, most trim levels benefit from a flashier interior design that first debuted on the half-ton Silverado about a year ago. The improvements to the 2024 Chevy Silverado HD trucks are more than skin deep, though.More on Chevy’s Heavy-Duty TruckNew Transmission, Mightier DieselSure, the facelift and redesigned cabin help Chevy’s heavy-duty pickups stay looking fresh, but the bottom line is that the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD are built for work duty. That’s where their updated powertrains come into play. The standard gas-fed 6.6-liter V-8 is unchanged, meaning it makes the same 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque as its predecessor. However, it now pairs with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission instead of a six-speed automatic. Chevy says the gasser’s new gearbox helps the engine make better use of its peak power. For 2024, gas-burning Silverado HDs also have a higher Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), which rises from 24,000 to 26,000 pounds.The optional Duramax diesel 6.6-liter V-8 continues with the same Allison 10-speed automatic, but its output gets a significant uptick. It now makes 470 horsepower (up from 445) and 975 pound-feet of torque (up from 910). Chevy says the increases result from updates to the control architecture, combustion system, and turbocharger, which are also said to help provide up to 25 percent more low-end torque and improve efficiency. However, we don’t know how the updates will affect fuel economy since the trucks are exempt from EPA testing and the company isn’t currently sharing estimates. What we do know is that the 2024 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD still have max tow ratings of 22,500 and 36,000 pounds, respectively.Fresh Face, Flashier InteriorFor 2024, the supersize Silverados all wear new mugs, from the base-level Work Truck to the top-of-the-line High Country. Along with the newly designed grille and C-shaped LED lighting elements, the LTZ and High Country trim levels feature new dual-projector headlights with animated sequences for when the driver approaches or walks away from the trucks. Chevy also supplies the ’24 Silverado HD with new wheel options, including chrome 20-inch wheels for the LTZ as well as polished 18-inchers and all-terrain tires for the dual-rear-axle 3500HD. Plus, a set of 20-inch off-road tires can now be had with certain packages. The Midnight Edition, a blacked-out appearance package, is also now available on the High Country for the first time.Inside, heavy-duty Silverados adopt a new dashboard design with prominent digital displays. While the updated layout and tech features aren’t offered on the Work Truck or Custom trim levels, they’re standard on the LT model and up. The setup includes a configurable 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen with Google-based software and apps. The updated interior also brings a revised center console with a wireless charger and more space for cupholders. The fanciest Silverado models have real leather-wrapped surfaces and genuine wood accents. Exclusively on the High Country, there’s a new Nightshift Blue interior option with all the top-notch materials.The Silverado HD trucks also benefit from better driver assists. The list includes adaptive cruise control that works while pulling a trailer, and the blind-spot monitor now has an extended range while trailering. Plus, there’s a new alert that lets users know if they exceed the truck’s GCWR, and the available camera view that uses technology to essentially make a trailer transparent has been enhanced to work with fifth-wheel and gooseneck setups. ZR2, Coming to a Silverado HD Near YouThe 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD will go on sale in the first half of 2023. The company says it’ll share pricing closer to their on-sale date. Chevy also today announced that the heavy-duty Silverado will be getting a version of the off-road-ready ZR2 model for the first time ever, but it’ll launch sometime after the regular trucks. 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

Toyota’s most highly anticipated 2023 vehicles include two enthusiast specials: a manual-transmission GR Supra and the GR Corolla. Three pedals are a no-cost option for the Supra 3.0, and there’s an A91-MT Edition with appearance tweaks that will be limited to 500 units, while the GR Corolla channels its rallying sibling.GR CorollaToyotaGR Supra Manual ToyotaThe bZ4X gives Toyota an entry into the mainstream electric-SUV segment. Co-developed with the Subaru Solterra, the Toyota differentiates itself by offering both single-and dual-motor versions, with the front-wheel-drive base model producing 201 horsepower, and the all-wheel-drive upgrade bumping output to 214 horsepower. EPA range is 222 to 252 miles on a charge.The Avalon is dead, and its replacement is a new large sedan called the Crown. At launch later this year, customers will choose between two all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrains: a 340-hp Hybrid Max or a base 236-hp model. The roomy sedan starts at about $40,000.New and Updated ModelsThe Sequoia full-size SUV follows its Tundra pickup sibling with a long-overdue refresh. Unlike the pickup, the body-on-frame SUV gets only the 437-hp i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, consisting of a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6, one AC motor, and a 10-speed auto. A nonhybrid version of the engine is available on the pickup. Both the Tundra and the smaller Tacoma receive new SX appearance packages.A new Prius is on its way but hasn’t been revealed yet. Word is it’s significantly more stylish than before (which won’t take much) and more efficient too.The Highlander swaps its 3.5-liter V-6 for a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four that’s less powerful (265 horsepower versus 295) but more torquey (309 pound-feet versus 263 for the six). The non-GR Corolla is facelifted and drops its base 1.8-liter engine, meaning the 169-hp 2.0-liter is now standard. The Corolla hybrid sedan now offers all-wheel drive, and its Corolla Cross SUV sibling also adds an all-wheel-drive hybrid model with 194 horsepower and a claimed 37 mpg combined.The RAV4 Woodland Edition adds rugged styling to the hybrid model, the Venza gains a blacked-out Nightshade package, and the Camry now offers bronze wheels for its own Nightshade treatment. Toyota is also celebrating some anniversaries with cosmetic special editions: GR86’s 10th Anniversary Special Edition, Sienna’s 25th Anniversary Edition, and 4Runner’s 40th Anniversary Special Edition. The fuel-cell Mirai and the C-HR are unchanged.Anniversary EditionsThis 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

California’s governor signed legislation into effect today that will make it harder for catalytic-converter thieves to get away with selling them, the Los Angeles Times reported.The new law will require sellers of the valuable anti-smog equipment to prove they came by it legally or face stringent penalties.The buyers—generally scrap-metal recyclers or dealers—will also have to keep and show records of where they’re getting catalytic converters. Governor Gavin Newsom of California today signed into effect a law that will impose strict penalties on people who illegally buy and sell catalytic converters. The anti-pollution devices are a frequent target for saw-and-grab thieves, with more than 18,026 reported stolen in California alone in 2021. The Los Angeles Times reported that the new rules originated with a pair of bills, one in the California State Senate and one in the state’s Assembly. The legislation attaches a $1000 fine to a first conviction and $2000 for a second. The law would allow the additional penalty of a temporary suspension from operating as a recycler. Among the records required will be a written agreement with the seller, records of the amount paid and number of catalytic converters purchased, and descriptive information such as unique ID numbers or VINs etched into the parts. Recyclers would need to keep the records for at least two years. Related Stories As Car and Driver reported earlier this year, popular car models are the most frequent targets of catalytic converter theft, including the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-series pickups, the Honda Accord and CR-V, and the Toyota Camry and Prius. The State Farm insurance company reported in mid-2021 that catalytic converter theft grew almost 293 percent nationwide during the year after making an initial leap as the COVID-19 pandemic got underway. The insurer gave the number-one ranking to California, where more than 30 percent of State Farm insurance claims for the thefts originated in 2021. Texas, Minnesota, Washington, and Illinois rounded out the top five, but the problem is nationwide.This content is imported from twitter. 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.CA is taking action to stop catalytic converter theft by requiring recyclers to keep specific records & only allowing used catalytic converters to be sold by authorized parties. Together, these bills should remove incentives for theft and keep Californians & their cars safer. pic.twitter.com/gz44bxMzzA— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) September 25, 2022Gov. Newsom appeared on video via social media today, trumpeting the new protection and explaining to Californians that a catalytic converter is “part of that exhaust system on your car, and it’s full of valuable materials that thieves can resell.” Under the new pair of laws, only licensed resellers with detailed records will be allowed to buy and sell catalytic converters. Of course, there will always be unscrupulous buyers and sellers already figuring out a way around the regulations, but other states will be likely to watch the situation in California with interest and possibly pass their own stricter laws. As of this summer, the NICB said, more than 150 pieces of legislation were already in the works around the U.S.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