Motor News

The 2024 Land Rover Defender is adding a new flagship model known as the OCTA.Land Rover promises it will be “the toughest, most capable, and luxurious Defender vehicle ever,” with a twin-turbo V-8 under the hood.Full pricing and specifications will be announced closer to the OCTA’s full reveal later this year. Land Rover has announced a new flagship model to sit atop the Defender’s already diverse lineup. The new model will be known as the OCTA—a name the brand derived from an eight-sided polyhedron—or octahedron. The Defender OCTA will be “the toughest, most capable, and luxurious Defender vehicle ever,” according to Land Rover.Land RoverPower will come from a twin-turbocharged V-8 under the hood. We won’t know exact power figures for certain until closer to the OCTA’s full reveal later this year, but we think it’s likely that the OCTA will feature the same 626-hp twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 found in the revamped Range Rover Sport SV. In that model, the powertrain is claimed to send the SV Edition One to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 180 mph.The OCTA will also earn Land Rover’s trick new suspension setup from the SV. The manufacturer calls the system “6D Dynamics,” which in more understandable terms mean it pairs the Sport’s standard air springs with hydraulically cross-linked dampers in place of anti-roll bars. The system not only allows the Defender to maintain a near-level stance during aggressive acceleration, braking, and cornering, but it also massively aids in independent wheel travel and articulation while off-roading. Land RoverSticking with the model’s theme, the OCTA will differentiate itself from other Defenders with a new diamond-shaped badge placed on areas like the steering wheel and side paneling. Land Rover says development for the OCTA has been the toughest of any Defender in history, with tests occurring from Sweden to Dubai to the Nürburgring and Moab.Full details such as pricing and specifications will be announced closer to the OCTA’s full reveal later this year, but customers interested in the Defender OCTA should reach out to their dealers now because Land Rover is promising prospective clients invitations to exclusive previews as part of a new global Defender Elements series.More on the DefenderJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

The 2025 Mini Cooper Hardtop family has been revealed with a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and a base price under $30K.The Mini Cooper S hatchback now makes 201 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque; details about the base engine will be released later this year.Mini is also waiting to drop details about the convertible body style and the hi-po JCW model, but it says there are no plans to offer a manual transmission.UPDATE 3/26/24: Mini today revealed the North American version of the 2025 Mini Cooper S Hardtop before the New York auto show. Its styling is nearly identical to the European version, however, U.S.-spec cars are split between Classic and Favored trims that have different paint colors and interior options. Mini also confirmed a special three-tone roof will be available later this year, and it will be exclusive to U.S. customers. Production of the 2025 Cooper S started this month, with first deliveries scheduled to arrive at dealerships in May.The quirky Mini Cooper Hardtop is the British marque’s most iconic model, and for 2025 the two-door hatchback enters its fifth generation. We’ve already seen its new design, which looks like an even more modern take on the car’s classic shape. The company has also revealed details about the electric Mini Cooper that makes up to 215 horsepower and should have an estimated range around 200 miles. Folks who want to avoid any EV-induced range anxiety can opt for the new gas-powered variant, which today has been revealed with a mightier engine.Gas-Fed Mini CoopersThe Mini Cooper Hardtop will be sold in the U.S. as a base model and a sportier S variant. Both will feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, however, the company has only announced power figures for the Mini Cooper S hatchback. It now makes 201 horses and 221 pound-feet of torque, which represent increases of 12 and 14, respectively, compared with the outgoing version. Mini estimates the S will accelerate to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.Car and Driver reached out to a Mini spokesperson regarding power figures for the non-S model, who said that information won’t be released until later this year. Of course, it’s safe to assume that since the company will no longer offer the turbocharged three-cylinder in the U.S. market, the newly standard turbo four should at least exceed the 134 horses produced by the previous generation’s base engine. Plus, there’s a new 154-hp turbo three that will be sold overseas on the Mini Cooper C. So consider that the bogey. Mini also confirmed to us that the seven-speed automatic transmission will be standard on the front-wheel-drive hatch. Unfortunately, we were told that the six-speed manual option that returned briefly for the 2024 model year on Hardtop models is currently not in the plans for the next generation of Mini Cooper models.We were told to expect more information on the upcoming convertible body style and the high-performance JCW model to be released this October. That will be about a month after the 2025 Mini Cooper and Cooper S Hardtops hit dealerships in early September. The former will have a starting price of $29,945 (up $3150 from last year’s base model), while the latter will see its starting price rise from just over $30K last year to $33,195.More Mini Cooper NewsEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

The 2025 Audi Q7 as well as the higher-performance SQ7 have been revealed with various updates.Their front ends look different thanks to a reshaped grille and revised headlights, and there are a few new features inside.There are no changes to the engine lineup, which in the Q7 still includes a 261-hp four-cylinder and a 335-hp V-6; the SQ7 retains its 500-hp V-8.UPDATE 3/26/24: Audi has released U.S. specs and pricing for the 2025 Q7 and SQ7, with the three-row SUVs receiving updates that were previewed earlier this year by their European counterparts. Not only do we have confirmation that they’re both 2025 models, but we now also have pricing for the entire U.S. lineup. The entry-level Q7 45, which features the 261-hp turbo four, starts at $61,695. Upgrading to the Q7 55 with the 335-hp V-6 brings a starting price of $66,995. The 500-hp Audi SQ7 starts at $92,590. The base prices for the Q7 45 and 55 are now $1000 and $500 higher than last year, and the SQ7’s base price is up by $400. CLARIFICATION: We have corrected the SQ7’s base price to reflect the base Premium Plus trim, rather than the more expensive Prestige as mistakenly reported before. The second-generation Audi Q7 has been around for nearly ten years now, but it’s not quite time for a redesign. Instead, Audi is facelifting the three-row luxury SUV once again, with the latest update bringing a new front-end look and some minor changes to the interior. We expect this updated Q7 and its SQ7 performance variant to come to the U.S. for the 2025 model year, but for now we only have details on the Europe-spec versions.At the front, the new look includes a reshaped grille, headlights mounted higher on the Q7’s face, color-framed air intakes, and new daytime running light LED signatures. The taillights are also revised and can display different light signatures and animations as you approach the vehicle. Several new colors join the palette—including Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red—and there are new interior upholstery options and wood and metal trim choices as well. Wheels ranging from 19 to 22 inches also feature new designs.Technology additions include new app integrations for music streaming services such as Spotify and Amazon Music. The driver-assistance features are also upgraded and can now display more warnings on the digital gauge cluster.SQ7 UpdatesThe SQ7 receives a new front spoiler and a rear diffuser, though it still maintains a subtle presentation and is only a bit more aggressive-looking than the standard Q7. You’d barely know that it features a 500-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine, plus an upgraded suspension, larger brakes, and an available torque-vectoring rear differential. In our testing, the SQ7 hit 60 mph in a remarkable 3.5 seconds, and we’d expect the new model to match that feat.More on the Q7 and SQ7Audi likely won’t release U.S. pricing for the 2025 Q7 and SQ7 for a few more months, but we expect the refreshed models to start just a bit higher than the current versions. They currently start at $60,695 for the Q7 45, $66,495 for the Q7 55, and $92,190 for the SQ7.Despite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has reportedly mandated that all new customers receive a demo of the company’s Full Self-Driving mode.The directive requires Tesla staff in North America to install and activate the latest FSD software and provide a short test ride.Musk reportedly said that although the procedure will slow down the delivery process, it’s a hard requirement.Everyone who buys a new Tesla model in North America will be required to sit through a demonstration of the company’s Full Self-Driving mode. CEO Elon Musk reportedly made the new mandate in a recent email to staff that was leaked online and then confirmed by Business Insider.In his email, Musk directs Tesla staff to install and activate the latest version of FSD, which still requires the driver to actively pay attention to the road and does not make the vehicle autonomous. Along with the driver-assist functions that come with Tesla’s standard Basic Autopilot and the $6000 Enhanced version, FSD—which is listed as a $12,000 option on the consumer site—currently enables “autosteer” on city streets as well as traffic light and stop sign control.TeslaMusk’s original mandate further required Tesla staff to give a demo to all new customers, but a follow-up email reportedly also extended the requirement to owners who have their vehicles returned from a service center. There are no details about what’s involved in the demonstrations other than that they’re a “short test ride.” In his first reported email, Musk wrote, “Almost no one actually realizes how well (supervised) FSD actually works.” He also acknowledged that the procedure will slow down the delivery process but notes that it’s a hard requirement. Musk yesterday posted on the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, that all Tesla models that have Full Self-Driving capability will have access this week to a free one-month trial.More About Tesla’s AutopilotEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-class is refreshed with better aerodynamics that pave the way for the anticipated electric variant.The G550 trades its old 416-hp V-8 for a new 443-hp turbo six, while the AMG-tuned G63 retains its 577-hp V-8 but adopts a 48-volt hybrid system.For 2025, both G-wagen models also gain new off-road tech, more desirable features, and expanded personalization options.The terrain-and-tarmac-conquering Mercedes G-class is being updated for the 2025 model year with—get this–aerodynamics in mind. Don’t worry, the G hasn’t evolved into some rounded blob-shaped crossover. It remains distinctly boxy, casting a shadow similar to the original 1979 Geländewagen. The restyling is subtle but includes reshaped A-pillars, an updated grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers, and a subtle spoiler on the leading edge of the G-class’s roof. These changes apply to the Benz-branded G550 and the AMG-tuned G63. More importantly, they’re also expected to appear on an upcoming electric G-class model.G-Wagens Get a 48V Hybrid SystemAlong with a more aerodynamically enhanced body, both G-class models adopt a new 48-volt hybrid system. That means the G550 no longer features a 416-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, as that’s been replaced by a turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six that’s good for 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. That represents an increase of 27 horses but a decrease of 37 pound-feet versus the outgoing engine. Meanwhile, the G63 retains its predecessor’s twin-turbo V-8, which still makes 577 ponies and 627 pound-feet, but now pairs with the aforementioned 48-volt system. The G63 is also now available with an adaptive suspension system. Called AMG Active Ride Control, it uses hydraulic anti-roll bars and dampers to reduce body roll during hard cornering. Plus, Mercedes claims it improves ride comfort by softening up during normal driving. The system is included with the AMG Offroad Package Pro, as the new suspension is designed to improve wheel articulation on uneven surfaces.The AMG Offroad Package Pro bundle also adds two new drive modes: AMG Tracking Pro and AMG Active Balance Control. The former uses the G63’s braking system and locking differential to improve traction, while the latter uses the suspension’s hydraulic system to let the driver manually select the proper roll stiffness on the fly to help improve control in off-road scenarios.Better Tech across the BoardBoth G-wagens now feature more off-road tech in the cabin too, including a special set of gauges that can be called up on the infotainment system to provide details such as steering angle, altitude, and vehicle position. An updated 360-degree camera system can now display a view of what’s under the G-class. Mercedes calls this feature “Transparent Hood,” and it gives drivers a better idea of the terrain directly beneath the SUV.For those planning to use the updated G-class models in a more suburban setting, Mercedes has several new convenience and comfort features for the cabin. The G550 and G63 now come with Mercedes’s MBUX infotainment interface, which brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Climate-controlled front cupholders and a wireless charging pad are now included too, and a revised rear-seat entertainment system is optional. The latter setup features two 11.6-inch touchscreens mounted to the front seatbacks, which allow rear-seat passengers to browse the web, stream video content, and control the SUV’s sound system.Driver-assistance features get a boost for 2025 too. A new adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature is available on the G-class for the first time. The system can also increase and decrease the vehicle’s speed to prepare for corners or highway exit ramps when used in conjunction with the navigation system. All models now come standard with passive entry and a Burmester surround-sound stereo. A dashcam finds its way onto the options sheet as well, and Mercedes has expanded its personalization offerings through its Manufaktur customization service. Manufaktur provides a selection of unique paint colors, interior trims, upholstery options, and rear wheel covers that can be combined to spec a G-class to an individual buyer’s taste. Production of the updated G will start soon. Mercedes says the ’25 G550 and G63 will reach U.S. dealerships in the second half of this year. Pricing hasn’t yet been announced, but we expect the price of both models to receive a slight increase. The 2024 G550 starts at $144,150, and the ’24 G63 starts at $184,150, so no matter how you slice it, the 2025 model will require very deep pockets.Gettin’ G-iggy Wit ItDrew Dorian is a lifelong car enthusiast who has also held a wide variety of consumer-focused positions throughout his career, ranging from financial counselor to auto salesperson. He has dreamed of becoming a Car and Driver editor since he was 11 years old—a dream that was realized when he joined the staff in April 2016. He’s a born-and-raised Michigander and learned to drive on a 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. His automotive interests run the gamut from convertibles and camper vans to sports cars and luxury SUVs.       More

Genesis showed the GV60 Magma concept at an event ahead of the New York auto show.A production version isn’t far away and is expected to lead the charge for a slew of high-performance Magma vehicles.Genesis said it plans to launch a Magma model for every vehicle in its existing lineup.Along with the lavish Neolun concept, Genesis announced plans to launch a performance-focused subbrand tonight, revealing the GV60 Magma concept during an event ahead of the New York auto show. The Korean luxury brand said the sporty GV60 variant is very close to production and will hit the road soon, possibly becoming the first production vehicle under the Magma banner. The GV60 Magma concept is derived from the brand’s first EV, which shares its platform with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6. The GV60’s two siblings have already spawned performance models, the Ioniq 5 N and EV6 GT, with the former reaching U.S. customers for the first time later this year. Although Genesis provided no technical details on the GV60 Magma, we wouldn’t be surprised to see it share components with the 576-hp EV6 GT or the 641-hp Ioniq 5 N. GenesisWhat Genesis did reveal was the striking design, which builds off the GV60’s squat, aggressive proportions with beefy wheel arches—each with a pair of vents—and a spiky rear wing. The front bumper is also revised with a larger intake to help cool the battery, motor, and brakes, while the rear gains a substantial diffuser. Unusual fins sprout from the roof and direct air to the rear wing, while the Magma concept rides on eye-catching 21-inch wheels with an aero-disc design. While Genesis didn’t provide images, the cabin is said to pack bucket seats and nappa and suede leather upholstery with orange stitching.Along with the GV60 Magma, Genesis showed off a series of other vehicles that are considered part of the Magma program. First up was the GV80 Coupe concept, which debuted ahead of last year’s New York auto show and was the first appearance for the vivid Magma paint color. A production version was revealed in November with a slightly toned-down look, but we wouldn’t be shocked to see a GV80 Coupe Magma arrive in the near future.More Genesis NewsThere was also the G80 Magma Special, a sporty version of the company’s mid-size luxury sedan that is being offered exclusively in the Middle East. Lastly was the X Gran Berlinetta concept, a slinky coupe created for the Gran Turismo video game and unveiled last December. Genesis says that it plans to create a “high-performance” Magma model for every vehicle in its current lineup, which consists of the G70, G80, and G90 sedans along with the GV70 and GV80 crossovers and GV60 EV. We’re curious to see the level of performance the Magma variants deliver, especially since the brand has signed six-time Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx as a brand partner. He was present at the event and spoke glowingly of driving a version of the GV60 Magma concept.Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. More

The Genesis Neolun concept previews a future large electric SUV that we expect to be called the GV90. The concept has smooth bodywork painted in a pretty mix of Midnight Black and Majestic Blue, and it features fancy coach doors.Inside, the Neolun’s interior is covered in cashmere and leather, with a real wood floor; the front seats also swivel to face the rears.As has become tradition at the New York auto show, Genesis presented its vision for the future at its luxurious showroom, Genesis House. The Neolun concept is a large and opulent SUV, with smooth bodywork and a decadent cabin. We believe this concept previews a future electric SUV, expected to be called the GV90, that should arrive in the coming years.Neulon Is a Large, Luxe Two-Row SUVThe Neolun’s name comes from the Greek word neo for new and the Latin word luna for moon. The combination and the concept’s tranquil design are said to be inspired by Korean moon-shaped porcelain jars.GenesisThe Neolun sports a roof rack that raises when needed but otherwise hides, sitting flush with the roof. Genesis’s distinctive twin-line headlights and taillights are also integrated smoothly into the bodywork, with the headlights forming a triangular grille shape as seen previously on the sporty X series of concepts. The Neolun is painted a mixture of Midnight Black and Majestic Blue—a deep, lustrous hue.In typical concept-car fashion, the Neolun ditches B-pillars in favor of coach doors. Notably, Genesis says the development of these doors has “reached a level where its application to production vehicles is now feasible.” Electric side steps automatically lower when the doors are opened to ease ingress and egress.GenesisThe cabin is spacious, with just two rows and kingly captain’s chairs for the second row. There is a unique heating system that has heating films on the dashboard, door trims, floor, seatbacks, and console sides. This is meant to efficiently radiate heat throughout the car, instead of blowing directly out of vents in the dash. The sound system is also said to be “advanced,” with the tweeters, midrange speakers, woofers, and subwoofers situated to create an “immersive audio experience.”The front-row seats can swivel, and a large screen lowers from the roof for the rear passengers. The cabin is upholstered in Royal Indigo cashmere and Purple Silk leather, paired with a real wood floor.GenesisGenesis says that they “don’t do show cars for the show business,” indicating that a version of the Neolun concept will reach production. This flagship SUV will come soon, and we expect to see it within the next five years.Other Genesis StoriesCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. More

Nissan plans to launch seven new models in North America and refresh 78 percent of its U.S. lineup by 2026. Nissan’s three-year business plan will also see 30 new models launched around the globe, with a nearly even mix of electric and gas-fed powertrains.Nissan also aims to greatly reduce the price of its next-gen EVs by sharing a variety of development costs; it expects EV and ICE models to cost the same by 2030.Nissan is looking towards the future with a new three-year business plan that involves launching seven new models in North America. The company says it will also refresh 78 percent of its existing U.S. lineup during that time as it prepares for more electric vehicles. In the United States, Nissan plans to invest $200 million in its integrated customer experience too. That’s part of its goal to increase North American sales by 330,000 units in 2026 compared with 2023. Nissan hasn’t yet revealed the powertrains of the U.S.-bound vehicles. However, we know that at least some of them will be electrified, as Nissan plans to launch plug-in-hybrid models and a system called e-Power. The latter powertrain features a gas engine that acts as a generator and powers the electric motor(s), which alone will drive the wheels. As things currently stand, the company has no hybrid or plug-in-hybrid options in the United States.NissanOver the next three years, Nissan also plans to launch 30 new models around the globe, with 16 being electrified and 14 having internal-combustion engines. With those new vehicles taken into account, the brand is planning for electrified vehicles to account for 40 percent of global sales by 2026 and 60 percent by 2030. For its next generation of electric vehicles, Nissan plans to significantly reduce the price. The company says it aims to cut costs of those next-gen EVs by 30 percent compared with the current Nissan Ariya by sharing a variety development costs. Using that approach, production is slated to begin in 2027, with the company planning to achieve pricing parity between its EVs and ICE cars by 2030. Nissan says its two-part plan is intended to “drive value and strengthen competitiveness.” It will also focus on a broad product offensive, a ramped-up electrification effort, new engineering and manufacturing approaches, and the utilization of strategic partnerships to improve global sales. Globally, the company plans for 53 percent of its new models released in the next three years to be electrified, while 47 percent will be gas-powered. Nissan says its plan shows a clear path to the company’s future. “It illustrates our continuous progression and ability to navigate changing market conditions,” said Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida. “This plan will enable us to go further and faster in driving value and competitiveness. Faced with extreme market volatility, Nissan is taking decisive actions guided by the new plan to ensure sustainable growth and profitability.”Related StoriesJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More