Motor News

Pininfarina has just revealed its newest design project to be none other than the ZX5 Zamboni.Yes, that Zamboni. The ice-cleaning one. Initial production of the new resurfacer will feature a lithium-ion-powered electric powertrain.Currently, Zamboni (the company) offers gasoline and electric powertrains for its ice resurfacers (Zambonis).In a lateral move away from its usual high-end automotive designs of vehicles like the Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari Enzo, or Lancia 037, the Italian design house Pininfarina just announced its newest design: the ZX5 Zamboni. Yep, that’s correct. Pininfarina and Zamboni paired up for the creation. Why would Pininfarina choose to design a Zamboni? As The Great One once said, “you miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” Italian-Designed Zamboni If you’ve ever seen Happy Gilmore, or perhaps spent time of your own at an ice rink, you certainly know what an ice resurfacer looks like. Much like Band-Aid or Google, Frank Zamboni’s creation became ubiquitous with the product and now everyone refers to ice resurfacers as Zambonis. ZamboniWhen the winter-sports brand decided it was time to produce a new-generation Zamboni, it partnered with the Italian design house Pininfarina. The initial production of the ZX5 will feature a lithium-ion-powered electric powertrain. The dual-propulsion motors for the ZX5 combine to produce a meager 27 horsepower. Pininfarina’s design is a more modern take on what is basically still a box on wheels, but the addition of lights at the front helps to liven up the look. According to Zamboni, the new resurfacer features new tech to reduce inconsistency between operators, as well as save time, labor, and water. There’s also a newly optional onboard edger and quick-blade-change system, which the company says improves safety. The ZX5 is the first Zamboni product to be designed by a third-party outfit, and with Frank Zamboni emigrating from Italy, Pininfarina was a fitting choice to design. We’re not as up to speed with the ice-resurfacing world as we are with the automobile industry, but we do think this thing looks pretty badass. That Time We Drove a ZamboniThis 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.Associate News EditorJack 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

Subaru revealed an electric sports car concept at the Tokyo auto show called the Sports Mobility.The Sports Mobility concept features an upright, muscular design with bulging wheel arches and a blocky front end.Subaru didn’t provide many details or show an interior, leading us to believe this concept is merely a flight of fancy and not production bound.This year’s Tokyo auto show has been overrun by electric sports car concepts, a welcome surprise in a world increasingly dominated by crossovers. Toyota showed off the angular FT-Se, Mazda presented the sleek Iconic SP with a rotary range-extender, Honda revived the Prelude name, and Nissan hinted at a future GT-R. Not to be outdone, Subaru showed off its own concept, the brawny Sport Mobility concept seen here, complete with boxy wheel arches and vivid blue accents.SubaruSubaru was mum on the details, but did state that the concept was powered by electrons and that it “evokes the evolution of the Subaru Sport values,” so we presume the theoretical powertrain would be fairly punchy. Subaru said the driver is capable of “controlling all four wheels at will,” implying some degree of all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering. Although it is hard to judge the size without a direct comparison, the Sport Mobility appears to be fairly compact.SubaruThe concept sports muscular looks, with a squared-off front and and boxy fenders giving the Sport Mobility an assertive stance. The blue accents peak out from behind the grey bodywork, highlighting the rectangular front intake, front hood vent, and fenders that sit separate from the body, similar to the look seen on the Mini Cooper John Cooper Works GP. SubaruThe front bumper, rear bumper, side sills, and aero wheel covers are finished in forged carbon fiber that adds visual pizzazz, and the slim headlights end with hexagonal housings reminiscent of the auxiliary lights found on rally cars, a field Subaru is quite experienced in. The rear end mimics the front with narrow taillights and features illuminated “Subaru” badging. Subaru showed one interior photo that looks surprisingly production ready, with a rectilinear steering wheel, a pair of conventional looking screens, and plenty of physical buttons.Unfortunately, the Subaru Sports Mobility’s chances at production are low, but it shows that Subaru is at least weighing how to approach the electric performance cars. With an electric STI model coming by the end of the decade, perhaps some of the concept’s styling elements could carry over into future fast Subarus.More EV Sports CarsThis 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.Associate News EditorCaleb 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

After teasing the vehicle earlier this month, Mitsubishi revealed the D:X concept van.The stubby little MPV features wraparound glass, a plug-in-hybrid powertrain, and panoramic seating for up to six. The D:X concept alludes to the future of the beloved Delica van, introducing an electric four-wheel-drive system. The grass is always greener on the other side. unfortunately for us, the other side is across the Pacific Ocean. That’s because after releasing a teaser earlier this month, Mitsubishi has fully revealed the new D:X concept van. According to the manufacturer, the new concept is “designed to hint at the Delica of the future.” Future DelicaThe teaser earlier in the month left a lot to the imagination, only really displaying a dust-covered, rear-three-quarters view of the concept. Now we can see the endearing concept in all its chunky glory. Outward visibility is fantastic thanks to wraparound glass from the windshield to the D pillar, along with a front-mounted camera that provides a virtual “see-through” hood. The latter display extends from the base of the windshield to show information like road conditions (or off-road conditions) and turn angle for the front tires. MitsubishiThe D:X combines off-roader characteristics like a raised suspension, short front and rear overhangs, and all-wheel drive with more classic minivan or MPV traits like sliding doors and seating for six. Inside, the D:X features a 2+2+2 layout with panoramic seats that can rotate as well as move up and down. Front and rear skid plates and side-step protectors should offer protection for a bit of off-road performance as well. Without Getting SpecificMitsubishi didn’t delve into the specifics of the powertrain, save confirmation that the D:X features an electric four-wheel-drive system and is propelled by a plug-in-hybrid powertrain. The company also confirmed that the van can be used in an EV mode for short daily commutes or a hybrid mode for longer distances.MitsubishiAs things stand right now, Mitsubishi’s North American lineup is fairly scant and does not include the Delica van this concept alludes to. No matter how much we pine for it, we really don’t expect Mitsu to bring the new version stateside when it eventually goes into production. What a shame. 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.Associate News EditorJack 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

Update 10/25/23: A Honda spokesperson confirmed on social media that the Prelude concept uses a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain and not a battery-electric one. This story has been updated to reflect this.Honda officially calls the reborn Prelude it showed off at this year’s Tokyo show a concept car. Unofficially, we think it’s better to deem this a near-production prototype. We’re not Nostradamus, but we are pretty good at spotting the difference between a definitive concept car that serves as a design study or as a meter for public reaction, and a production car that’s been given the “concept” car treatment. This Prelude concept strikes us as the latter.Why? Look at the body itself. There are cutlines for the front and rear bumper covers, cutlines for the side skirts, rear reflectors, rearview mirrors, and windshield wipers. To paraphrase Justice Potter Stewart, “we know a production car when we see it.”What we don’t know, however, is just about anything about the mechanical bits that make up the surely greenlit production Prelude. We can make some educated guesses, though. For instance, it’s likely the Prelude concept was designed around the modular platform that underpins vehicles such as the Civic and Accord. In this sense, we predict the Prelude will effectively replace the now-discontinued Civic coupe (and, in a way, the Accord coupe) in Honda’s model line.Honda shared that the Prelude concept is a hybrid, but is mum on the powertrain’s specifics. It’s possible the automaker cribs the hybrid setup from the CR-V or Accord (or presumably the upcoming Civic Hybrid) for use in the Prelude. However, there’s also a chance Honda develops a starter-generator “mild-hybrid” system that complements the gas engine of the inevitable production Prelude. Going this route means the company could employ a multi-speed transmission in the Prelude. Mind you, all of this is merely conjecture on our end, and we’re not at all claiming certainty. Still, we’d bet decent money the Prelude concept morphs into a production Prelude. We just hope Honda finds a way to offer some variant of the car with a good old-fashioned manual transmission.More on HondaSenior EditorDespite their shared last name, Greg Fink is not related to Ed “Big Daddy” Roth’s infamous Rat Fink. Both Finks, however, are known for their love of cars, car culture, and—strangely—monogrammed one-piece bathing suits. Greg’s career in the media industry goes back more than a decade. His previous experience includes stints as an editor at publications such as U.S. News & World Report, The Huffington Post, Motor1.com, and MotorTrend. More

Alongside the eye-catching FT-Se sports car concept, Toyota revealed this futuristic SUV, dubbed the FT-3e concept.The FT-3e looks like an evolution of the Toyota bZ4X crossover, with a similar stance, sloping roofline, and two-piece rear spoiler.The interior is modern and airy, with a plethora of screens situated around the driver.Toyota’s first dedicated electric vehicle, the bZ4X crossover, has so far been a flop. After a recall and stop-sale for wheels that could fall off hampered the initial launch, Toyota reintroduced the bZ4X earlier this year. The dismal real-world driving range, however, means sales have remained low, with just 6486 units sold through September. But Toyota is hard at work on solid-state batteries that promise improved range and charging times, and the FT-3e concept revealed at the Tokyo auto show provides a glimpse into what a bZ4X successor could look like. FT-3e Concept Revealed Toyota didn’t reveal many details about the FT-3e, but described the concept as a “next-generation” electric vehicle that will feature “personalized services powered by innovative technologies.” One of these futuristic cues are the digital displays on each side of the vehicle, running along the doors and curving upwards to meet the beltline. Toyota says these exterior-facing screens will show relevant information as the driver walks towards the FT-3e, such as battery charge levels, onboard temperature, and interior air quality.ToyotaThe overall proportions of the concept are very reminiscent of the bZ4X, with a squat stance and wheels pushed to the outer corners of the vehicle. The features are sharp, with thin light bars stretching across the front and rear of the vehicle and crisp creases on the front end creating an expressive face. The roofline slopes dramatically at the rear and sports a similar two-piece rear spoiler as the bZ4X. Inside the FT-3eThe FT-3e’s interior is full of straight lines, with the center touchscreen and digital instrument panel supplemented by a pair of iPhone-like screens on either side of the steering wheel. There are also two screens on the outer edges of the dashboard, which appear to be displays for sideview-mirror-replacing cameras. Nearly all physical controls appear to have been shunned. The overall aura is airy and light and features a modern mix of interesting materials and textures.ToyotaWith so few specifics, it’s hard to say exactly what the FT-3e will mean for future Toyotas. But we think it likely previews the design direction for Toyota’s next iteration of EVs, which should arrive in 2026 with the new solid-state batteries. Ideas like the exterior displays or interior screen layout could certainly end up on a production vehicle.More Cool Toyota ConceptsThis 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.Associate News EditorCaleb 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 spread out its reveals leading up to the Tokyo auto show, saving its edgy electric sports car for last. All five concept cars shown made use of proposed electric power, with focuses on commuting, off-roading, and racing. The Nissan Hyper Force shares several visual cues with GT-R models of the past, but it’s clearly focused on the future. There was a huge crowd around the Nissan booth for the unveiling of its final of five concept cars at the 2023 Tokyo auto show. The final vehicle hidden under the drape was clearly something low and sporty with a giant wing, so expectations were high for high performance, and Nissan didn’t disappoint. While some concept cars play it safe, the Nissan Hyper Force is as high-energy and aggressive as its name suggests. Neither gloss nor matte, its bare metal finish gleams like an expensive carving knife, and some of its edges seem sharp enough to kill. The Nissan’s lower fascia juts out like a steam train cow catcher, or a severely pouty lower lip. Its headlights are sunken deep within a set-back grille, and sit far to the side like the eyes of a hammerhead shark. The body lines towards the rear manage to be both geometric and organic, with a hard triangle of flared fender capped by a flowing rise over the tire. NissanThe Hyper Force may be somewhat brickish in overall profile but Nissan says the design was done with input from the NISMO racing team, and that it will cut through the wind like the knife it resembles. The stepped front end and the comb-like rear diffuser provide downforce and control cooling airflow. The big wing offers active aero, while a plasma actuator—which uses an electrode to control air flow—fine tunes airflow around the forged carbon wheels for better grip during cornering. That’s clearly not the only electricity being put to use. The Hyper Force gets a (theoretical) solid-state battery making 1341 horsepower, which will hit the ground via a beefed-up version of Nissan’s e-4ORCE all-wheel drive. Behind the Hyper Force’s vertically opening doors is a cockpit made of more forged carbon, with floating laid-back racing buckets with four-point belts, and a hint of backseat. The squared-off edges of the exterior repeat in the concept’s narrow steering wheel and surrounding screens. Those screens move towards the driver in R mode, displaying systems data like tire pressure and temperatures. In GT mode, the interior lighting goes blue rather than red, and the interface focuses more on infotainment and cabin comfort. When not being driven, the Hyper Force can be used as a VR gaming room, with modes that allow racing without even leaving the garage, which is the high-tech version of sitting in your parked car making vroom sounds, only now you can do it with friends around the world. NissanIf you’re getting GT-R vibes from the concept’s quad round taillights and particular badge formatting, you’re not alone. While representatives at Nissan wouldn’t quite admit that the next GT-R will be all-motor, they did say that the responses to the Hyper Force concept would be closely monitored as the company makes its plans for the performance cars to come. More Nissan ConceptsSenior Editor, FeaturesLike a sleeper agent activated late in the game, Elana Scherr didn’t know her calling at a young age. Like many girls, she planned to be a vet-astronaut-artist, and came closest to that last one by attending UCLA art school. She painted images of cars, but did not own one. Elana reluctantly got a driver’s license at age 21 and discovered that she not only loved cars and wanted to drive them, but that other people loved cars and wanted to read about them, which meant somebody had to write about them. Since receiving activation codes, Elana has written for numerous car magazines and websites, covering classics, car culture, technology, motorsports, and new-car reviews.     More

Honda has revealed a new EV concept with the iconic Prelude name.The Prelude is a two-door coupe that looks remarkably production-ready.We don’t have any details on its powertrain, but we’re hoping it becomes a reality soon.The Integra is back, and now so is the Prelude. Another exciting name from Honda’s past has returned, this time applied to a sporty-looking two-door coupe concept with an electric powertrain. Revealed at the Tokyo auto show, the Prelude concept supposedly previews future Honda EVs, specifically sports-car models that promise to prioritize driver engagement and performance.We don’t have any details on the Prelude’s powertrain or which platform it will use, but we suspect it’s one of Honda’s upcoming proprietary EVs rather than a shared GM-supplied platform like the upcoming Prologue crossover. Sadly, we don’t expect to see any sort of manual transmission, not even a simulated one, as Honda’s CEO said the company wasn’t considering this approach and would instead use other performance metrics for imbuing engaging dynamics into its forthcoming EVs.More on Honda Sports CarsThe Prelude concept looks about exactly as you’d imagine a 21st century interpretation of the coupe from the 80s and 90s to look. It’s not radically low-slung, but instead looks somewhat like a sleeker version of an Accord coupe—which itself was discontinued a few generations back. We’re hoping that this means a legitimate two-door is returning to Honda’s lineup, as the automaker hasn’t produced a true sports car since the S2000 or even a coupe since the Civic and Accord dropped their two-door variants.Though billed as a concept, the Prelude doesn’t appear to have any overly fanciful features that would have to change for production. We’re hoping that Honda decides to make this car a reality sooner rather than later. The company has indicated that EV sports cars are in the pipeline, and the other may be a spiritual successor to the Acura NSX. We’re excited to hear more about the what’s to come, and to get more info on the resurrected Prelude.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.Senior EditorDespite 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

The newly revealed LF-ZC concept previews a luxury electric sedan that will go on sale in 2026. All-wheel drive and steer-by-wire will be standard. Next-gen Prismatic battery packs promise serious range.Lexus has already launched its first EV, the underwhelming RZ. But now the Japanese brand is showing a much more promising electric future with the LF-ZC concept, freshly unveiled at the Tokyo auto show. The company promises that a production version of this car will be hitting the streets in 2026.Presented by Lexus chief branding officer Simon Humphries as “a fusion of physical and digital technology,” the LF-ZC is a strikingly styled sedan that will sit on an all-new electric architecture. The company has also announced that and even larger and grander sister model, the LF-ZL SUV, will share the same platform. Details, Specs on Lexus VehiclesProvocative SimplicityThe LF-ZC’s design is based around a new philosophy that Lexus describes as “provocative simplicity.” From the front it certainly looks like a Lexus, with a new take on the brand’s elongated-check-mark headlight design and triangular black shapes in the bumper that are reminiscent of the apertures of the LFA supercar. From the side it becomes much more elaborate, with concave and convex shapes incorporated into fenders and doors. The roofline is low and coupe-like, falling gently toward the back of the car. Lexus has not released any performance numbers or claims but says that the LF-ZC is 187.0 inches long, 1.6 inches longer than the previous Lexus IS sedan. A height of 54.8 inches makes it impressively low by EV standards. The targeted drag coefficient of 0.20, if realized, is impressively sleek too. LexusOn the InsideThe concept’s interior seems to be further from production reality, unless Lexus is intending to follow Tesla with a cut-down yoke in place of a conventional steering wheel. Although not clear in the images, Lexus promises that controls have been concentrated into two touch-sensitive digital pads, with vehicle functions including drive mode selection done by the one on the left and infotainment by another on the right. Lexus says that both the LF-ZC and the larger LF-ZL will use a next-generation prismatic battery packs that will allow it to “achieve approximately twice the range of conventional EVs, alleviating range anxiety concerns.” That’s a big claim, and one we’d expect to come with an EPA rating of over 500 miles. E-Sports and AIThey will also come with the new Arene OS, which offers a high level of adaptability and even the possibility of mixing up the real and virtual worlds. Lexus’s promise that “customers will be able to engage in e-sports using steer-by-wire technology inside the vehicle” sounds close to terrifying. Arene will also bring an AI-enabled virtual function called Butler that will use self-learning functions to help customize vehicle settings for owners, and the LF-ZC will also be able to project information onto its windshield. The LF-ZL is bigger and larger than the sedan at a substantial 208.7 inches long and sitting on a huge 131.9-inch wheelbase. The images released show the combination of conventional front doors with sliding rears. It would sit at the top of the range. The clock is already ticking on Lexus’s race for electrification; the brand has committed to be EV only by 2035. In Europe, the company recently trademarked four names—LF-ZC, LF-ZL, LF-ZV, and LF-ZA—suggesting that this story is only half told at this point. We look forward to bringing you more. Senior European CorrespondentOur man on the other side of the pond, Mike Duff lives in Britain but reports from across Europe, sometimes beyond. He has previously held staff roles on UK titles including CAR, Autocar and evo, but his own automotive tastes tend towards the Germanic, owning both a troublesome 987-generation Porsche Cayman S and a Mercedes 190E 2.5-16. More