Motor News

Rivian and Mercedes-Benz Vans have signed a memorandum of understanding to create a new joint venture for building electric vans.The joint venture will lead to a new factory in Europe that will assemble two new electric vans.One will be based on the Mercedes’s VAN.EA platform, while the other will ride on the second generation of the Rivian Light Van platform.EV startup Rivian is already working with Amazon to build a 100,000-unit fleet of its goofy-looking EDV (Electric Delivery Van) by 2030, but now the California-based automaker is poised to enter another partnership. Mercedes-Benz Vans and Rivian announced today that the two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to begin a “strategic partnership,” which, if all goes well with regulatory processes, will lead to the creation of a new joint venture for electric van production.Rivian EDVRivian/AmazonThis joint venture would see the construction of a new electric-only factory in central or eastern Europe, “leveraging an existing Mercedes-Benz site.” This production facility will focus on building large electric vans for both Rivian and Mercedes-Benz, with two already planned. One will be based on VAN.EA, the Mercedes electric van architecture, while the other will be underpinned by the second-generation Rivian Light Van (RLV) platform. It’s unclear how these vans will be badged and sold, but we are guessing one will carry the three-pointed star while the other will feature a Rivian logo. The companies said that “further options for increased synergies” are being investigated, so the joint venture won’t necessarily be limited to these two vans. The partnership aims to boost production and cost efficiency to make the vans more affordable.More EV Van NewsMercedes is currently working on electrifying its van lineup, with an electric version of its Sprinter van—the eSprinter—set to arrive for 2023. In the European market, the eSprinter joins the EQV and eVito, electric versions of the van known stateside as the Metris, as well as the compact eCitan. Rivian, meanwhile, is ramping up production of its EDV as Amazon begins rolling out the delivery vans in cities across the United States. Starting in 2025, new mid-size and large Mercedes vans will all ride on VAN.EA and be powered by electrons, and the newly announced joint venture should be up and running by that point.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

A spy photographer has shared with us these images of a couple of camouflaged Mazda CX-90 prototypes testing at high elevations in Colorado.Judging by the third row and large dimensions, we’re confident the disguised mules are the CX-90 and not the two-row Mazda CX-70.The CX-90 prototypes appear to be plug-in hybrids, which should be an option along with a new inline-six engine.It’s no secret that Mazda is almost ready to introduce the CX-90, a new three-row SUV that’s destined to supplant the current CX-9. Not only have we heard that the 2023 Mazda CX-90 will go into production by the end of this year, but we also recently spied two camouflaged prototypes testing at high elevations in Colorado.Cory WolfeTwo-Row CX-70 or Three-Row CX-90?How do we know the disguised mules in the pictures aren’t the two-row CX-70 model that has also been confirmed for the U.S. market? Well, it’s because if you squint really hard or put your cheaters on you can see that they have a third row. Our spy photographer also pointed out that the camoed SUVs were longer than the published images of the Mazda CX-60, a new two-row model that’s only sold overseas.Mazda’s New SUVsWhile the CX-60 isn’t coming to America, it has Mazda’s new longitudinal-engine layout that will underpin the CX-70 and CX-90, too. Along with sharing a platform, the CX-60 we drove in Europe featured a plug-in-hybrid powertrain that’s expected to be available in both U.S.-bound SUVs. Plus, we already know that the CX-70 and CX-90 will have Mazda’s new straight-six engine.This CX-90 Is Probably a Plug-In Hybrid Judging by the separate fuel doors on both sides, the CX-90 prototypes we spied are plug-in models, meaning they probably have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor between the engine and eight-speed transmission. A 17.8-kWh battery pack is found on the CX-60. We can’t say for sure, but the CX-90 PHEV’s combined output should be around 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.Cory WolfeReady For the CX-90 Reveal Sure, the camouflaged CX-90s don’t really tell us anything we didn’t already know, but they do provide our first real-world glimpse of the mid-size SUV in motion. Obviously, the camo does a good job of disguising its design details, but we think it’ll look like an oversize CX-50, which is a good thing. Now we just have to wait until Mazda reveals the real deal in the coming months.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

Ford will launch version 1.2 of its hands-free driving system this fall. It will first appear on the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E before rolling out to other models. The system—called BlueCruise on Ford models and ActiveGlide on Lincolns—gains lane-changing assist, predictive speed assist, and in-lane repositioning features.Ford says the newly added features won’t be available to older vehicles via an over-the-air update, at least not yet.Ford’s hands-free cruise control technology is set to take a step forward this fall when the company adds three new features to its roster. Set to launch first on the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUV this fall, version 1.2 of the system brings three new features, including one that aids in lane change maneuvers. Called BlueCruise on Ford models and Active Glide on Lincoln ones, the system relies on cameras, sensors, and software and allows the driver to remove their hands from the wheel while the system handles physical piloting duties. Like other hands-free driving systems available from rivals such as General Motors and BMW, the system isn’t entirely self-driving as it requires the driver to remain alert and ready to take control of the vehicle. FordThe more advanced features included in version 1.2 will require the driver to take over less often though. For example, using the new lane-change assist feature allows the driver to remain in hands-free mode by having the car maneuver to an adjacent lane simply by tapping the turn signal stalk. Ford claims the vehicle will even suggest a lane change to the driver if it detects that traffic in an adjacent lane is moving quicker than the one it’s in.The other two features are designed with driver comfort in mind. Predictive-speed assist will automatically slow the vehicle’s speed when encountering a sharp turn on the highway similar to how a human driver might and an in-lane repositioning feature tells the system to move the vehicle from the center of the lane to closer to the outside edge of the lane when passing a semi-truck.Hands-Free Ford and Lincoln ReviewsBlueCruise and ActiveGlide have worked fairly well on the few occasions we’ve sampled them, but their driving nature doesn’t feel as natural as the GM Super Cruise system. Ford says other enhancements to the system in version 1.2 have been made to improve the driver and passenger experience, and we’re looking forward to evaluating how BlueCruise has evolved. The software still only works on pre-qualified roads and highways, but Ford says over 130,000 miles of roadway in North America have now been mapped thanks to the 75,000 Ford and Lincoln owners who have been using the system since its launch. Those current owners, however, will have to wait for version 1.2. A Ford spokesman told Car and Driver that the updated features will not be pushed to older vehicles via an over-the-air update just yet. 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

Dodge announced today that it is bringing out a set of Charger and Challenger limited-edition cars with the “Swinger” name.Like the Shakedown and Super Bee limited editions announced earlier, the Swingers will be Scat Pack versions of the cars with special-edition liveries and options.All Scat Pack Swingers will come in the Widebody style and can be had in F8 Green, Sublime Green, or White Knuckle exterior paint. It is likely no longer news to you that the current-generation Challenger and Charger are coming to an end. Dodge is going out with a bang with seven “Last Call” special editions of the vehicles. The 2023 Swinger Challenger and Swinger Charger are the third and fourth announced, following the previously announced Challenger Shakedown and Charger Super Bee models. The Swinger name dates all the way back to the 1969 Dodge Dart. Both Swinger models will come in the Widebody variant and with Dodge’s Scat Pack, which features a 485-hp 6.4-liter V-8. Only 1000 of each will be made. StellantisFrom Here to EternityBut this is primarily an appearance package. Much of the charm of these models comes from the 1970s-era design touches, including green-on-green exterior colors with gold accents and green stitching on the seats, dash, center console, and steering wheel. Exterior paint options are F8 Green, Sublime Green, or White Knuckle, and special “Gold School” badging will feature on the exterior along with a retro graphic on the rear fender. The Challenger Swinger gets a gold-painted Shaker intake hood.StellantisFor those wanting to see the complete set, the fifth and sixth special editions are slated to be announced September 14 and 21 respectively. The seventh and final “Last Call” edition will be announced during the SEMA show in November, Stellantis said today.Dodge has not announced pricing on any of the special editions yet, but the company announced it would release dealership allocation information along with pricing this fall, when orders open for the Scat Pack Swingers and the rest of the Last Call cars.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

Chevy says the entry-level Equinox EV will start at “around” $30,000 and have an estimated 250 miles of range.Other trim levels will offer 280 to 300 miles of range and hands-free driver assistance.The Equinox EV goes on sale in fall 2023.Following the Silverado EV and Blazer EV, the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV continues to fill out the automaker’s ranks with all-electric alternatives. For the Equinox EV, that means a compact SUV that Chevy says will be priced starting at around $30,000. More expensive trim levels offer GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving, 300 miles of range, and a 19.2-kW onboard charger. The Equinox EV offers two battery sizes. Chevy hasn’t said the capacity of either, but only the entry-level 1LT trim comes with the small battery, hence its estimated range of 250 miles. Chevy estimates the large battery that powers all other trim levels to offer 300 miles of range for front-drive Equinox EVs and 280 miles when equipped with all-wheel drive. Front-drive models have 210 horsepower and 242 pound-feet of torque, while all-wheel drive versions offer 290 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque. The Equinox EV is built on a similar platform as the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Cadillac Lyriq, though the Equinox EV is smaller than those vehicles. Versus the gas-powered Equinox, the EV has a longer wheelbase and overall length. Its wheels are pushed close to the front and rear bumpers, creating shorter overhangs that generally make for generous interior space and more attractive exteriors. Alas, the only Equinox EV’s lower roofline impacts cargo volume. At 57 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, it has a little less space on paper than its gasoline counterpart, though we look forward to loading it with our standard size carry-ons to see if the difference is meaningful. One highlight is that the cargo floor has two height settings, like the Honda CR-V. Unlike some other electric vehicles, the Equinox EV does not have a storage area under the hood. Chevy reps said frunks are both costly to implement and don’t test well with its focus groups. Inside, all Equinox EVs come with an 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster, and an impressive 17.7-inch center touchscreen is available on most trim levels. It’s the same screen as you’ll see in the Blazer EV and Silverado EV, and while the screens in the car we sat in weren’t interactive, the graphics appeared crisp and easily readable. Interior storage options appear to be numerous and well thought out. The center console has a generously sized opening under the cupholders and the tray where you set your phone, proving enough room for a large handbag. All manner of Chevy driving assistance will be available, from adaptive cruise control to a head-up display to a rear-view camera, and so on. Most impressive though is GM’s hands-free Super Cruise system, which is available on all trim levels except for the base. As for charging, most Equinox EV models have an 11.5-kW Level 2 onboard charger, which Chevy estimates can add 34 miles of range per hour. The priciest RS trim level offers a 19.2-kW charger, increasing Chevy’s estimate to 51 miles of range per hour. All Equinox EVs support 150-kW DC fast-charging. The Equinox EV goes on sale in the fall of 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

The 2024 Jeep Recon and Wagoneer S are two new EV models and the brand’s first for the U.S. market.The Recon shares traits with the Wrangler, and the mid-size Wagoneer EV is different than the full-size, gas-fed Wagoneers.Jeep also revealed the Avenger, an electric subcompact SUV that won’t be sold in America.Jeep is venturing deeper into uncharted territory as it transitions into the EV era. It started with the plug-in-hybrid Wrangler 4xe and was followed by a 4xe version of the Grand Cherokee. Now, the company is introducing two new fully electric models that are set to arrive in the U.S. in 2024. Enter the Jeep Recon and Wagoneer S.Jeep’s Going ElectricRecon Inspired by WranglerJeep says the mid-size Recon inherits characteristics from the Wrangler. Not only does it have removable doors and glass but, the company says, it has “impressive” approach, departure, and break-over angles. The Recon also shares the Wrangler’s boxy shape and rear-mounted spare tire, but its square headlights and traditional fenders are obvious differences. While Jeep hasn’t revealed any specific powertrain details or exterior dimensions, it did say the 2024 Recon will have electronic locking diffs, off-road-rated tires, and underbody protection. We fully expect it to have dual electric motors, too, providing all-wheel drive. Based on the photos, we can see its retractable roof and tan-colored interior.JeepJeepA New Mid-Size Electric WagoneerWhile the electric Wagoneer S shares a nameplate with the full-size, gasoline-powered Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, it actually has smaller dimensions that Jeep says make it a mid-size model. That makes us think it’s more like an electric Grand Cherokee. The S is also merely a placeholder until the company presumably decides on a permanent name. As with the Recon, we didn’t get many specific details about the Wagoneer EV other than claims that it’ll have 600 horsepower and an estimated range of 400 miles. One thing we can say for sure is that its exterior styling is much prettier than the full-size Wagoneers, with an illuminated seven-slot grille, sleek bodywork, and rear spoiler that’s nicely integrated into the design. Judging by the photos, it looks like the Wagoneer S will only have two-row seating.Jeep Avenger Isn’t for AmericansEarlier this year, Jeep announced it was going to introduce its first EV, which at the time we thought would be a small SUV the size of the compact Compass based on images of a little yellow ute. As it turns out, that model is the brand’s first EV, and it’s called the Avenger, but it won’t be sold in America. The Jeep Avenger is also smaller than we realized. In fact, the company says it’s smaller than the subcompact Renegade.JeepWhile the Avenger will be built in Poland and is expected to hit the streets overseas sometime early next year, the Recon and Wagoneer EV will both be built in America. However, they’ll also be sold in Europe and other markets around the world. Jeep says orders for the 2024 Recon and 2024 Wagoneer S will open early next year, with production expected to start sometime in 2024.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 Ford Bronco and its smaller Bronco Sport sibling have captured a massive fan base since their market debut. Of course now that we are starting to see these things around regularly, owners are embracing the accessory market. In fact, customers of the full-size Bronco are reportedly spending an average of $1700 on official Ford parts, with more than one million accessories sold between the two models. According to an Automotive News report, Ford executives say that the Bronco is currently the most customized product in the automaker’s portfolio. The Bronco Sport isn’t far behind, as its customers spend an average of $800 on parts from Ford’s own catalog. That figure puts the Bronco Sport right in line with the all-mighty F-150 as far as customization dollars are concerned. Warn, Yakima, Others Supplying the Goodies It can’t hurt that Ford has tailored a massive collection of parts for the Bronco and Bronco Sport with help from some of the biggest names in the automotive aftermarket. The automaker knew how important modifications are to the off-road community, and it worked with well-known companies like Warn and Yakima to create these components before the trucks even debuted. Customers can even spec the accessories they’d like to have on their truck right from the dealer before the truck arrives. This has created something of a lucrative business model for certain dealerships. Take Steve Olliges’s Team Ford dealership in Las Vegas, for example. Customers at this dealership spend an average of $4000 to $5000 on Bronco accessories with every purchase. The most popular parts that customers order across the board are the modular front bumper, winches, and off-road lighting elements. FordTested by C/D”It’s core to the success of Bronco,” Ford consumer marketing manager Mark Grueber told AN. “For dealers it’s a great opportunity not only from a profit standpoint but also long-term engagement with customers. It’s a great proof point of what Ford can do and how big this opportunity is going forward.”The success of the Bronco accessories program is multifaceted. First, the SUV was designed to enter a segment rife with customization needs and featured its own parts development cycle running concurrently with vehicle development. Second, Ford reworked its entire accessories distribution network to better serve dealer needs. By changing up the companies involved in the distribution, Ford has been able to cut back on wait times and improve inventory content. With more Bronco models continuing to roll out, one can expect the parts catalog to continue to grow as well. Not that anyone seems to be complaining about the current offerings. FordThis 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

• This Honda-badged sports car was spied.• Proportions suggest a mid-mounted engine (or motor).• Could it be a smaller successor to the Acura NSX?A new father’s bleary-eyed late-night run for baby supplies suddenly becomes more interesting when something catches his eye in the lighted window of a darkened office park. He swings into the lot for a closer look and discovers this: a Honda-badged sports car that looks like a shrunken Acura NSX. But what is it?Greg Fink|Car and DriverGreg Fink|Car and DriverA few months ago, Honda revealed that it is preparing two electric sports cars and showed teaser images of both. But this office-park discovery doesn’t seem to match the shape of either of the cars under the sheet. The front-end styling, the appearance of the large side air intakes, and the location of the cockpit within the body all appear similar to another unidentified Honda sports car, a roofless roadster that surfaced on the internet in 2017.Greg Fink|Car and DriverGreg Fink|Car and DriverThis time, the car is a glass-canopied coupe. Behind the glass canopy, we can see exoskeleton-like A-pillars. The car is left-hand drive, and the passenger compartment appears sized strictly for two. An ultra-short nose looks largely taken up with cooling apparatus, strongly suggesting a mid-engine—or is that mid-motor?—layout.It could be a successor to the mid-engine S660 sports car, which at one time was rumored to be headed to the United States. And that could take the form of an EV, aligning with the brand’s announcement earlier this year. With the Acura NSX now bowing out, the time is ripe for a new Honda sports car, and we’d love to see this one in the light of day.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