Motor News

• The RS2 Avant was a limited-production, high-performance station wagon. • With a turbocharged five-cylinder engine making 311 horsepower, it had a top speed of 163 mph.• The auction for this car ends on June 18.If you’re an Audi fan, the RS2 Avant is enshrined in the pantheon of Audi greats. If you’re not, it’s merely one of the most intriguing and unusual performance machines of the 1990s. As the mid-size Audi 80 neared the end of its production run, a special version of the 80 Avant was co-developed with Porsche (and was assembled at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen factory). Its turbocharged 2.2-liter inline-five engine made 311 horsepower and was paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, sending power to all four corners via a Quattro all-wheel-drive system with a Torsen center differential.

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Although fewer than 3000 were built, the RS2 (RS for Rennsport or “racing sport”) presaged a whole line of special RS models that continues to this day. This example, up for auction on Bring a Trailer, which like Car and Driver is part of Hearst Autos, is finished in the model’s signature color of Nogaro Blue. The black interior features Recaro bucket seats, carbon-fiber trim, and white gauges.

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With approximately 115,000 km (71,000 miles) on the clock, this car has had a bunch of recent mechanical work, including replacement of the timing belt, water pump, alternator, valve cover gasket, front outer CV boots, front anti-roll-bar links, and brake fluid. The A/C, however, is inoperable.

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Although never sold in the United States, the RS2 is now legal to import under the 25-year exemption rule. They remain thin on the ground in North America, however. This car, which is in Canada, was purchased on BaT by the seller last year. Commenters on that auction thought the selling price, $61,000, was a bargain. That appears to be the case, as the bidding as this writing is just shy of $70,000 with five days still to go.

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Polestar announced that a prototype of its upcoming Polestar 5 will complete several runs up the famous Goodwood Festival of Speed hill in the U.K. on June 23. The Polestar 5 evolved from the Polestar Precept concept and a production model is expected sometime in 2024.The new prototype will be on display at Goodwood along with Polestar’s electric roadster concept and the Polestar 2 BST Edition 270.After revealing the sleek Precept concept back in early 2020, Polestar later announced that the car would come to market sometime in 2024 as the Polestar 5. Now, Polestar says it will bring a prototype of the upcoming 5 to the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K., which will open June 23 and run through June 26.

Polestar Precept concept
Polestar

The Polestar 5 will be made on a new platform using bonded aluminum in an effort to increase rigidity while also keeping the frame lightweight. This prototype appears to have a similar overall shape to versions of the 5 seen in official photos and patent drawings, but it has a camouflage wrap and non-production headlights that signify it as a work in progress.

While the company remains mum about details like range, the company is labeling the “performance four-door GT” as its new flagship so we don’t expect it will skimp on driving range or quality of materials. Fans of the Porsche Taycan, the Tesla Model S, the Lucid Air, and the Mercedes EQS will all be standing by to see how this new competitor in the field stacks up.While the car is being developed by Polestar’s U.K.-based R&D team, the company has also announced plans for a carbon neutral plant in China where the 2024 Polestar 5 will begin production in a few years.
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Ford has notified dealers not to deliver the 2021 and 2022 Mustang Mach-E while it fixes a safety problem that could immobilize the vehicle or make it lose power during operation.The problem involves the main contactors of the vehicle’s battery, which could overheat and cause loss of power or failure to start, Ford told Car and Driver in a statement.In the U.S., 48,924 Mach-E crossovers are affected, and Ford will fix the problem with an over-the-air software update. The automaker said it “has not issued instructions to stop driving vehicles under this safety recall.”Ford will recall 48,924 of its Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles to fix a problem with the battery that could cause the crossover to lose power during operation or be unable to start. The issue, Ford said, is with the battery’s main contactors, which have the potential to overheat on the vehicles being recalled. Ford issued a statement today that explained: “DC fast-charging and repeated wide-open-pedal events can cause the high-voltage battery main contactors to overheat. Overheating may lead to arcing and deformation of the electrical contact surfaces, which can result in a contactor that remains open or a contactor that welds closed. An overheated contactor that opens while driving can result in a loss of motive power, which can increase the risk of an accident.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalls website does not list any complaints from owners, and Ford notes that there are no investigations in progress about the issue.The automaker told C/D that it plans to update the Mach-E’s software with an over-the-air fix, but owners of affected vehicles can also choose to go to a dealership to get the software update there. Ford said it will update the Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module (SOBDMC) and Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) software. Although details of the planned recall have not yet been published to the NHTSA recalls site, information is expected to be posted there soon.

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The 2023 Subaru Ascent receives a facelift that brings a new grille design and revised lighting elements.The three-row SUV now comes standard with an 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.Subaru also improves its EyeSight driver-assistance tech, which includes a new automated evasive steering feature. The Subaru Ascent is a member of the hotly contested segment of mid-size crossovers and SUVs. As such, Subaru is giving the three-row ute a slew of updates for the 2023 model year that are aimed at keeping up appearances and maintaining competitiveness.

The 2023 Ascent’s curb appeal is refreshed thanks to a newly styled mug. Its grille grows larger with a more pronounced design, the headlights are reshaped for a more assertive look, and the front bumper has been updated to accommodate air ducts that Subaru says improve aerodynamics underneath the SUV. The rear adopts taillights that are now shaped like the letter C.
Although the Ascent’s revised styling elements help separate it from prior model years, its most notable updates are arguably the influx of infotainment features and enhanced driver-assistance technology. Every Ascent now comes standard with a vertically oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen that supplants the previously standard 6.5-inch and optional 8.0-inch displays. The new interface does replace most of the physical switchgear with touch functions, but it also brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.Subaru has always provided the Ascent with a comprehensive roster of driver assists. However, that roster is improved on 2023 models thanks to the addition of the company’s latest technology, which it calls EyeSight. The enhancements to existing features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, are said to make them operate more smoothly and under a wider spectrum of conditions. Subaru says this is accomplished by new control software, a wider field of view for the camera system, and the addition of an electric brake booster.
With the improved driver assists, Subaru says the Ascent can recognize cyclists and pedestrians sooner at low speeds, alerting the driver and braking if necessary. Likewise, models equipped with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert benefit from the introduction of what Subaru calls Automatic Emergency Steering, which is said to help steer the Ascent away from a collision at speeds below 50 mph.Other revisions for the Ascent lineup include the addition of an optional 360-degree camera system (previously only a 180-degree view was offered) and a feature called Cabin Connect that’s essentially a PA system where front-seat passengers can amplify their voices to third-row occupants via speakers back there. The black-trimmed Onyx Edition also adds green contrast stitching inside, a newly standard panoramic sunroof, and additional drive modes with hill-descent control. The latter is now standard on the top-tier Limited and Touring trims, too.Subaru hasn’t released pricing for the 2023 Ascent family, which last year ranged from the $33,970 base model to the $46,570 Touring. We expect prices for the new model year to be announced sometime before they reach dealers this fall.
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Carmakers grapple with conflicting goals in designing electric-car batteries. They want high energy density for long range, but they also want to reduce the costly metals that provide that capacity.Michigan battery startup Our Next Energy (ONE) claims to have a better way to optimize across all these factors. Now, BMW will fit an early prototype of ONE’s Gemini “Dual-Chemistry” battery into a test version of its iX EV luxury SUV to see if the claims—a heady 600 miles of range, nearly double the stock iX xDrive50’s EPA range estimates—are borne out in a variety of real-world uses. The test iX will be on the road by the end of this year, both companies say.BMW is the logical vehicle partner to test ONE’s technology, because its investment arm—BMW i Ventures—was one of several backers in a $25 million round of financing for the battery startup last October. Traction + Long RangeThe Dual-Chemistry label on ONE’s Gemini battery refers to the pairing of two different types of battery cells, each with a different purpose. The “Traction” portion has cells that use a lithium iron-phosphate (LFP) cathode, known to have a lower energy density than chemistries based on cobalt, nickel, manganese, or aluminum. LFP batteries are rare in North America, but common in Chinese EVs. Their use of cheap and easily available iron in the cathode leads battery analysts to suggest LFP cells will surge in popularity as their energy density rises, even though it remains below that of advanced cobalt-nickel cells.

ONE

The “Long Range” portion of ONE’s Gemini battery, on the other hand, uses a higher energy-density chemistry based on a proprietary material rich in manganese, with only minimal cobalt and nickel. During the current R&D phase, ONE founder and CEO Mujeeb Ijaz told Car and Driver, the company is still experimenting with blends of the three metals to enhance performance. Unusually, it has only a bare copper current collector—rather than separate anode material—a design known in academic circles as “anode-free.”The LFP “Traction” cells will provide close to 99 percent of the vehicle’s overall miles, Ijaz said, while the “Long Range” cells kick in for the 1 percent of usage that requires extreme power, reducing stress on and deterioration of the LFP cells. ONE says it can thus provide a battery with energy density that’s claimed to be double that of those in today’s EVs, while focusing on “safer” and “sustainable” battery chemistries created via a “conflict-free supply chain” that includes appropriately sourced and inexpensive manganese.Lab Tests, Meet Real WorldHundreds of battery chemistries show at least some promise in lab tests, but far fewer make it into production—or even extended testing. The Gemini-powered BMW iX prototype will hit the road by the end of this year. It will be used as a demonstrator first, to prove the Gemini battery concept can store and deliver energy. After that, BMW and ONE will work together on further testing. As Ijaz notes, ONE needs to “work with BMW to understand their requirements” for his company to become a long-term supplier. That’s an arduous path, but one every battery startup needs to travel before its products find a market.

The ONE-powered BMW iX will mark a new milestone for the company: Powering an actual vehicle, rather than simply showing bench-test results. The actual cells that will go into this early prototype pack will be fabricated by one or more of four separate supplier partners, both in Asia and North America, that are working with ONE on prototyping and production scale-up of its new cells.When the iX is shown to run, charge, and cover the promised distances, ONE will have moved a large step away from its press stunt last December. In that effort, which ONE called a proof of concept, it stuffed cells with twice the energy capacity as a standard Tesla Model S into that car’s pack and ran it for more than 750 miles—or twice the usual range.But those weren’t Gemini cells, whereas the BMW iX coming by the end of the year is expected to use very early and experimental versions of ONE’s new cells. This will count as definite progress, presuming it happens on schedule. Stay tuned.

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The 2023 Bentley Flying Spur lineup is adding a new S model that aims to prioritize driving pleasure.Its exterior is distinguished by gloss-black trim, and its two-tone interior includes S-specific touches.The Flying Spur S comes with a 542-hp twin-turbo V-8 or a 536-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrain.For Bentley customers who don’t just want to ride in the back seat, the newly introduced 2023 Flying Spur S will be right up their alley. Its available 542-hp twin-turbo V-8 and 536-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrains are the same as those found on other Flying Spurs, and this marks the first time an S-badged Bentley is offered as a hybrid.

The Flying Spur S can be identified by the absence of exterior chrome. Instead, its big body boasts lots of gloss black on the grille, lower front fascia, mirror caps, and window trim. The headlights and taillights also receive dark tints that contribute to the sinister style. The only chrome bits that remain are the Bentley badge and lettering on the trunk lid.
The Flying Spur S can be fitted with several different wheels, all unique to this model. The choices include a set of tri-spoke 21-inch wheels with gloss-black and machined surfaces. There’s also a set of 22-inchers that can be had in gloss black (pictured here) or in Pale Brodgar satin. Regardless of rim type, every version has red-painted brake calipers. Plus, the Flying Spur S comes standard with rear-wheel steering and active anti-roll bars, also known as Bentley Dynamic Ride.Inside, the Flying Spur S is available in two-tone color schemes that combine leather and a faux-suede material. Its seats can be optioned with quilting, and the standard “S” embroidery on the headrests can be replaced with Bentley’s winged logo at no extra cost. Other S-specific touches that appear throughout the cabin include special illuminated sill plates, a metal “S” badge on the dash panel, and digital gauges that share a motorsport-inspired look that’s also seen on the Bentley Continental GT Speed.
For those who want the quickest version of the Flying Spur S, the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 with 542 horsepower and 569 pound-feet of torque is the ideal engine. It comes standard with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel drive, and a 2021 Flying Spur we tested hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Bentley also says the V-8 model has a top speed of 198 mph. As part of the S treatment, it features a different exhaust system for a sportier soundtrack than drivers will otherwise find. Bentley’s 626-hp W-12 engine is not available in the S model won’t find.Although it doesn’t sound as intimidating as the V-8, and its top speed is limited to 177 mph, the plug-in-hybrid variant’s 536 horsepower and 553 pound-feet are properly prodigious. Unlike the V-8, it’ll provide an estimated 21 miles of electric-only range. Bentley says the PHEV S also has “ingenious sound enhancements” under the hood that are intended to stimulate the driver when Sport mode is engaged but still keep things quieter in the back seat.The 2023 Bentley Flying Spur S with the V-8 is expected to have a price tag in the neighborhood of $245,000. We expect the plug-in-hybrid version to start at about $243k.
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Chevrolet has released an official image showing the 2024 Blazer EV SS in full.It will use GM’s Ultium battery packs, like the Equinox EV and many other upcoming GM EVs.This mid-size electric SUV will go on sale in spring 2023 and more details are coming July 18.The Blazer nameplate has adorned many different sizes and shapes of Chevy SUVs over the decades, and now we know what the latest version—the 2024 Blazer EV—will look like. It appears to be a futuristic take on the current gas-powered Blazer, a somewhat aggressively styled mid-size crossover, with quite a different stance thanks to its large wheels, long wheelbase, and short front and rear overhangs. What you see here is the SS version, which presumably means it will offer a higher level of performance compared with the lesser trim levels.

We’ve known that the Blazer EV was coming for a while now, as it was announced alongside the upcoming Equinox EV as part of Chevy’s expanding electric lineup. But this is our best look yet at the Blazer ahead of its reveal that will take place on July 18, aside from a few teasers from a few months ago. The Blazer will be the first EV model to use Chevy’s “SS” performance moniker, which makes us wonder how much extra horsepower it will have. From what we can see in this image, the SS badge is visible on the front grille and it has large Continental tires wrapped around 12-spoke wheels.We know that the Blazer will use GM’s Ultium battery packs, but we don’t know what sizes will be offered. Expect both single- and dual-motor powertrains to be offered, with the SS coming standard with the most powerful AWD setup and the lower-priced models, possibly including LT, RS, and Premier trims, having less powerful single-motor configurations as standard.More Blazer EV specs will be released in July, including range estimates, horsepower and torque ratings, and possibly even pricing. Chevy says the Blazer EV will go on sale in Spring 2023, and we think the SS version will be available before other models.
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• This 1990 Honda CRX Si in Rio Red is our pick for today’s favorite Bring a Trailer auction.• The second-gen CRX Si’s fun-to-drive nature was a byproduct of its light curb weight, sophisticated suspension, and manual-only gearbox.• It’s currently bidding at $20,000 with three days left until the auction ends on Thursday, June 16.Full disclaimer: I love the Honda CRX Si. I’m also the proud owner of a less-than-pristine 1990 example in the infamous Y-49 (Barbados Yellow) paint code. Unfortunately, my CRX Si is currently out of commission, as several mechanical issues await my free time and attention, both of which are in short supply these days. While mine collects dust in the garage, it’s fun fantasizing that I could adopt this fresh-looking ’90 CRX Si. It’s currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos.

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While I’m not a big fan of the BaT version’s Rio Red (R-63 code) paint, it’s the CRX’s unique shape and clean design that I think looks good in any color. Honda’s designers brilliantly transformed the otherwise square Civic hatchback into a sexy coupelike hatch with a rear roofline that dives into a distinctive Kamm tail. Equally unique is the CRX’s translucent tail panel, which further contributes to the cabin’s airy vibe and excellent outward visibility. Inside, the sportiness continues with its exclusive two-seater configuration. A pair of nicely bolstered buckets with cloth upholstery and red-striped inserts provide support and a good amount of comfort. Back in 1990, the CRX Si didn’t have airbags, let alone touchscreens or digital frippery. Its dashboard is refreshingly simple, with clear analog gauges and a center stack slightly canted towards the driver. In typical Honda fashion, the flat surface on top of the dash was designed to incorporate functional storage space.

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At the heart of every ’90 CRX Si is a 105-hp 1.6-liter inline-four. That output is puny by modern standards, but with a curb weight that’s similarly low compared with contemporary sport compacts, its power-to-weight ratio helps it feel peppier than the numbers indicate. Plus, it only came with a five-speed manual gearbox, so swapping cogs to keep the fuel-injected 16-valve four-pot on boil continues to contribute to the fun factor.

Although it’s a front-wheel-drive car, the CRX Si has surprisingly neutral handling. For its second and final generation (1988–1991), the spunky two-door adopted a more sophisticated suspension setup that independently flexes at all four corners. Compared with regular CRX models of the same vintage, the Si has a thicker front anti-roll bar, a rear anti-roll bar, stiffer shocks, and wider tires mounted on 14-inch rims. In 1990, it also adopted standard four-wheel disc brakes as well as some other cosmetic updates.The version in this BaT listing shows 12,000 miles on the odometer, however, its Carfax report includes inconsistencies and there are other exemptions that mean its actual mileage is unknown. This and several minor scuff marks shown in the photos are the blemishes that accompany this 1990 CRX Si, which currently has a high bid of $20,000. The auction ends in three days on Thursday, June 16.

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