Motor News

The Kia Sportage debuted with a distinct new design earlier this year, and now it gains an efficient Hybrid model.The Sportage Hybrid has the same powertrain as the Tucson Hybrid, with a turbo 1.6-liter four teamed with a 44-kW electric motor.Kia says it’s aiming for a 39-mpg rating from the EPA, and the Sportage Hybrid will come with either front- or all-wheel-drive.This summer, the fourth generation of Kia’s Sportage compact crossover debuted with a polarizing new front end design and larger dimensions than the outgoing model. Closely related to the striking Hyundai Tucson, the Sportage arrived with the same naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four found in the Tucson. Now the Sportage is borrowing another powertrain from its crossover sibling, with Kia revealing the 2023 Sportage Hybrid at the Los Angeles auto show.
The Sportage Hybrid uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder paired with a 44 kW permanent magnet electric motor, which draws juice from a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery. The combined 226 horsepower is routed through a six-speed automatic, just like in the Tucson. Kia didn’t quote a torque figure, but we assume it will make the same 258 pound-feet as in its Hyundai counterpart. The Tucson Hybrid can get up to an EPA-estimated 38 mpg combined; Kia says it is targeting 39 mpg for the Sportage Hybrid. Kia also claims a class-leading 2000 pound towing capacity. Visually, the Hybrid is distinguished by new 17- and 18-inch wheels and badges reading “HEV,” for “Hybrid Electric Vehicle.”

The hybrid powertrain will be available in three trim levels: the LX, EX, and SX-Prestige. The LX can be had with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the EX and SX-Prestige get the Active AWD system as standard, which employs electro-hydraulic coupling with a center-locking differential to divide power between the front and rear wheels. The Sportage Hybrid will go up against the Tucson Hybrid, as well as the Honda CR-V Hybrid—rated at 38 mpg by the EPA—and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which earned an EPA-estimated 40 mpg. Kia didn’t say when the hybrid Sportage will go on sale or how much it will cost, but we expect it to arrive around the same time as the gasoline model early next year and mirror the Tucson’s pricing, starting at around $30,000.
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The Hyundai Seven concept is the latest member of the electric Ioniq sub-brand.The concept features a sleek design and rides on Hyundai’s dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform.The SUV, roughly the same size as the Palisade, previews a production model due in 2024.With the Hyundai Ioniq 5 crossover due to hit showrooms this winter, the South Korean automaker is ready to expand its electric Ioniq sub-brand, introducing the new Seven concept at this year’s Los Angeles auto show. The Seven concept continues the retro-futuristic design themes seen on Ioniq 5 and previews an upcoming electric SUV sized similarly to the Palisade.
The Seven rides on Hyundai’s dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), also found under the Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Genesis GV60. The wheelbase stretches nearly ten and a half feet, a foot longer than that of the Palisade, since the electric architecture allows the wheels to be pushed to the corners of the vehicle. The design is smooth and elegant, and continues Ioniq’s distinctive Parametric Pixel lighting design, which looks like it came straight out of an old-school video game.
Pillar-less coach doors swing open to reveal a flat floor and what Hyundai says is a “more fluid interior layout.” There are three rows of seating, with swiveling lounge chairs up front and a curved bench for the third row, although the arrangement can be customized. The driver steers the Seven via a retractable control stick, and the minimalist center console stretches the width of the cabin. There is a built-in mini fridge and shoe-care compartments that “refresh passengers’ footwear,” although Hyundai did not elaborate on what that means. (We’re picturing our sneakers sipping margaritas on the beach.) The Seven’s roof features a panoramic OLED screen that can display content for the passengers or help set the ambience for a relaxing journey. The interior makes heavy use of recycled and renewable materials, such as mineral plaster and bamboo. Hyundai also fitted the Seven concept with a Hygiene Airflow System, which can isolate airflow between front and rear passengers and draws on airflow management systems in commercial airliners. Sanitizing UVC lights that clean the interior when the passengers exit.

Hyundai says the Seven has a range of over 300 miles and that, when connected to a 350-kW charger, it can charge from 10 to 80 percent in around 20 minutes. We expect the production version of the Ioniq Seven to arrive for the 2024 model year. Although the nifty pixel lighting elements should make the cut, expect details like the coach doors and interior gimmicks to get scrapped before production.
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Ford, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen

American consumers want crossovers, and automakers are adding electric vehicles to their lineups, so it only makes sense for them to offer electric crossovers. Toyota’s bestseller in the U.S. is the RAV4, so it’s no surprise that its newest electric car, the upcoming 2023 bZ4X, nearly resembles the vehicle it sells the most of. Toyota isn’t the only automaker doing this; others have already added electric crossovers to their lineups. So when the bZ4X arrives next year as a 2023 model, it’ll have some competition from the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y, and Volkswagen ID.4, which are all on sale now. RangeRange is the all-important number when it comes to EVs. The bZ4X offers the least amount of range of the group, based on Toyota’s initial estimates (official EPA numbers have yet to be announced). Toyota says that front-drive models will reach 250 miles on a single charge, but we expect the all-wheel-drive model’s range to be closer to 200 miles, though Toyota has not yet given an estimate. The other electric crossovers have more range, with the Volkswagen ID.4 offering up to 260 miles, the Ford Mustang Mach-E up to 305 miles in its California Route 1 trim, and the Tesla Model Y up to 326 miles in its Long Range AWD model. DrivetrainsToyota has two lithium-ion battery packs for the bZ4X. Front-wheel-drive models use an approximately 64.0-kWh battery pack and a single electric motor making 201 horsepower, while all-wheel-drive models have a roughly 66.0-kWh pack and two electric motors combining for 215 horsepower. The Mustang Mach-E has either a 68.0-kWh or 88.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and anywhere from 266 to 480 horsepower on the high-performance GT model. Tesla also offers a high-performance Model Y Performance model along with the Long Range, and they both use a dual-motor drivetrain. The battery pack on the Long Range is 77.7 kWh, and the pack on the Performance is 81.1 kWh. VW ID.4s use a 77.0-kWh pack with either single-motor rear-wheel-drive or dual-motor all-wheel-drive setups. InteriorAll bZ4X models come standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen using Toyota’s simplified new Audi Multimedia infotainment system and a digital gauge cluster mounted high above the steering column with a shift dial. Mustang Mach-Es have a 15.5-inch vertically oriented touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Ford’s universal shifter dial. The Tesla doesn’t offer either of those connectivity features, but it uses a 15.0-inch touchscreen and a steering column-mounted shifter. Volkswagen offers either a 10.0-inch or 12.0-inch screen on the ID.4, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. PriceToyota has yet to release pricing details for the new bZ4X electric crossover. Only XLE and Limited models are available at launch, and we expect the XLE to start at approximately $37,000 when it goes on sale next year. Whatever the bZ4X costs, it’ll need to compete with the Mustang Mach-E’s $43,995, the Tesla Model Y’s $59,190, and the Volkswagen ID.4’s $41,190 starting prices.

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Nissan has released pricing and additional specs for the 2023 Ariya EV crossover.It starts at $47,125 for the base front-wheel-drive model with a claimed 300 miles of range.Reservations are open now and deliveries will start in the fall of 2022.Deliveries of the new 2023 Nissan Ariya are still a ways off, but Nissan is opening reservations, releasing pricing, and sharing a few more specs for this new electric crossover model. The Ariya starts at $47,125 for its base front-wheel-drive Venture+ version with a claimed 300 miles of range, while the loaded all-wheel-drive model with a claimed 265 miles of range costs $60,125.Other than the base trim, the other Ariya models available for reservations include Evolve+ ($50,125), Premiere ($54,625), and Platinum+ ($60,125). Venture+, Evolve+, and Premiere models have a single-motor front-wheel-drive setup with 238 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the Platinum+ has a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with 389 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. Nissan claims a 60 mph time of 7.2 seconds for the FWD model and 4.9 seconds for the AWD model.
All Ariya models will be initially available with a battery pack with 87.0 kWh of usable capacity. The Venture claims 300 miles of range, while the Evolve and Premiere claim 285 miles of range. The more powerful, AWD Ariya Platinum has the lowest range estimate of 265 miles.

These specs are comparable to other EV crossovers such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4, but the Nissan is on the higher end of the spectrum both in terms of price and estimated range. The VW starts significantly lower than the Nissan, at $41,190, but only offers up to 260 miles of EPA-estimated range. The Ford, our 2021 EV of the Year, starts at $43,995 and offers between 260 miles and 305 miles of EPA-rated range depending on configuration.Deliveries of FWD Ariya models will start first, in the fall of 2022, with AWD models coming later. Reservations are open now on Nissan’s website.
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The 2022 Nissan Rogue has a new engine: a variable-compression-ratio turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder.The new 201-hp VC-Turbo replaces the old 181-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder as the Rogue’s lone engine option.Nissan says the new engine gets up to 33 mpg combined, while its predecessor peaked at 30 mpg combined.UPDATE 11/17/21: This story has been updated with new information about the turbo three-cylinder engine and pricing.The 2022 Nissan Rogue, which was fully redesigned for the previous model year, is already getting an engine swap. Out is the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four, and in is a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder with innovative variable-compression-ratio tech.Despite its smaller size, the turbocharged three packs a bigger punch than its four-pot predecessor. The 1.5-liter produces 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque compared with the 2.5-liter’s 181 horses and 181 pound-feet. Equipped with the latter powertrain, an all-wheel-drive Rogue we tested hit 60 mph in a class-competitive, albeit unremarkable, 8.2 seconds. We expect the new setup to trim about a half-second off that mark.The debut of the new, smaller engine for the Rogue’s 2022 model year coincides with the introduction of Nissan’s latest Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Its wider gear-ratio spread, reduced friction, and twin oil pump system are among the updates that are designed to increase fuel economy and improve shift responsiveness during aggressive driving.

The new powertrain in the 2022 Rogue makes the compact SUV feel considerably peppier, as we experienced during our first driving impressions. However, the switch to a variable-compression ratio is also intended to boost fuel-economy numbers. While Nissan is still awaiting final approval from the EPA for the ’22 Rogue’s city and highway estimates, the company says front-wheel-drive models will earn up to 33 mpg combined. That’s 3 mpg higher than the thriftiest 2021 Rogue. Likewise, nonhybrid rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 both top out at 30 mpg combined.
The 2022 Rogue family is expected to go on sale in January. Even though a new, more powerful powertrain is now part of the deal, the price increase is incremental. Front-drive models see a $650 uptick across the board and all-wheel-drive variants see a $750 surcharge. That equals a range of starting prices that span from $27,875 for the base S model to $39,155 for the top-of-the-line Platinum.
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The 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is the Cayman GT4 RS’s race-ready sibling.Power comes courtesy of a 500-hp version of the 4.0-liter flat-six engine from the 911 GT3 Cup racer.Plan on spending $229,000 (before taxes) for the Clubsport before factoring in other competition-related costs.Need more proof the new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is essentially a race car for the street? Then look no further than the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, the race-ready variant of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS.Like its street-legal counterpart, the GT4 RS Clubsport cribs its 4.0-liter flat-six engine from the 911 GT3—specifically, the 911 GT3 Cup race car. In the mid-engine 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, the six-pot belts out a mighty 500 horsepower at a hair-raising 8300 rpm (Porsche notes the engine spins to 9000 revs) and 343 pound-feet of torque at 6000 rpm. Pushing that grunt to the ground is Porsche’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the sole gearbox the brand offers in this Clubsport.
Additionally, the race-spec Clubsport includes race-ready bits such as two-way adjustable shock absorbers and adjustable anti-roll bars. The car’s ride height, toe, and camber are also adjustable, as is its giant swan neck rear wing.Other track-oriented features of the GT4 RS Clubsport include the likes of a trio of available spring rates for the front and rear axles, massive 15.0-inch front rotors (that are kept cool by way of the car’s NACA hood vents), and a track-specific stability control program. Inside, Porsche fits the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport with a welded-in roll cage, Recaro racing seat and six-point harness, and a fire extinguisher. There’s also a built-in air-jack setup, as well as enough space for a 30.4-gallon fuel cell.
Racing isn’t cheap, and neither is the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport. It rings in at $229,000 before taxes, not to mention the competition-related costs. Those looking to save some scratch may ultimately decide the street-legal $143,050 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the better Cayman for their personal and financial needs. Sure, the Cayman GT4 RS is not a real race car, but its Clubsport kin proves the roadgoing model is the street version of one.

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The GTS slots between the 4S and Turbo in the Porsche Taycan trim hierarchy.The GTS also marks the debut of the Taycan Sport Turismo wagon, which ditches its Cross Turismo kin’s additional ride height and body cladding.Deliveries of the Taycan GTS are due to begin in the first half of 2022.Porsche is bridging the gap between the Taycan 4S and Taycan Turbo by adding a new GTS trim to its electric sedan and wagon for 2022. Offered exclusively with the Taycan’s larger 93.4-kWh battery pack (lesser Taycan models come standard with a 79.2-kWh pack), the Taycan GTS has two electric motors (one at the front axle, the other at the rear) that produce a combined peak of 590 horsepower with Launch Control engaged. That’s 28 more peak horses than a Taycan 4S with the same battery pack, but 80 peak horses less than a Taycan Turbo (both with Launch Control engaged). Like other Taycan models, the GTS’s front motor directly drives the front wheels, while the rear unit mates to a two-speed gearbox.Although Porsche claims the all-wheel-drive Taycan GTS claws its way from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, we wager the newest Taycan trim will hit the mile-a-minute mark in a skosh over 3.0 seconds in our hands. Consider the fact we pushed a Taycan 4S to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, or 0.4 second ahead of Porsche’s estimate for the model.
The GTS TouchOf course, the GTS packs more than just extra horses under its slinky sheetmetal, as Porsche blesses the model with trim-specific tuning to the likes of its active air suspension system and torque-vectoring rear end. While the GTS cribs its red-painted six-piston front and four-piston rear rotors from the lesser Taycan 4S, it trades the 4S’s 14.2-inch front rotors for a pair of massive 15.4-inch units (the GTS shares its 14.1-inch rear rotors with the 4S). Those in search of additional braking performance can opt to fit their Taycan GTS with Porsche’s trick tungsten-carbide-coated brakes or a set of carbon-ceramic units. Complementing the additional performance kit of the GTS are a number of distinct exterior and interior cues. In the former case, this includes bits such as a more aggressive front fascia and side skirts, gloss-black decor on the rear fascia, darkened headlight bezels, and black badging, 20-inch wheels, and window trim.Meanwhile, the interior of the Taycan GTS features black brushed-aluminum trim pieces and kick plates, as well as suedelike material (dubbed Race-Tex by Porsche) on the steering wheel, seats, and headliner. If that’s not enough, then Porsche offers an available GTS Interior package that adds contrasting red or gray bits about the cabin. The optional extra also includes matte carbon-fiber trim to the likes of the steering wheel, door panels, and center console.
Debut of the Sport TurismoThe Taycan GTS also marks the debut of the Sport Turismo version of Porsche’s electric vehicle. Whereas the Taycan Cross Turismo wagon wears SUV-like body cladding to complement its additional ground clearance, the lower Taycan Sport Turismo wagon shares its exterior decor with the Taycan sedan. That said, the functional benefits of the Taycan Cross Turismo’s wagon shape carry over unchanged to the Sport Turismo.Predictably, the Taycan GTS’s price falls between those of the $105,150 Taycan 4S and $152,250 Taycan Turbo ($111,650 for the Taycan 4S Cross Turismo and $154,850 for the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo), with the sedan stickering for $132,750 and the Sport Turismo for $134,650. Both Taycan GTS models are available to order now, with deliveries due to begin before the middle of 2022.
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Stellantis will recall 222,410 Ram Heavy Duty and Chassis Cab trucks from the 2019 and 2020 model years to replace a defective high-pressure fuel pump.The recall is to fix a problem revealed earlier in which some trucks with the Cummins diesel engine were reportedly stalling and subsequently being unable to start again. Truck owners will begin to get recall notices after January 1, Stellantis said.Stellantis, parent company of Ram, has announced it will recall about 222,410 U.S. Ram HD and Chassis Cab trucks from 2019–2020. The recall is to replace fuel pumps in trucks with the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine. In October, it was revealed that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was investigating reports that some trucks would stall and be unable to start again. This was believed to be related to a defective high-pressure fuel pump. A Stellantis statement said the company reviewed warranty data and “discovered the components are subject to inadvertent wear that may contaminate their mechanisms with metal shavings. If this occurs, it may cause the vehicles to stall or prevent them from starting.” Stellantis emphasized it is “unaware” of accidents or injuries as a result of the issue and that it started its own internal investigation before NHTSA did.The NHTSA document said the stalling reportedly occurred when trucks were moving at more than 25 mph and it “resulted in permanent disablement of the vehicle.”There were 22 reports of the problem as of the date the document was published on October 14, 2021. Stellantis’s recall report says a malfunction indicator lamp may light up to indicate the problem is occurring, or there may be “a fuel leak, abnormal engine noise, or a change in drive quality.” Vehicles involved in the recall are Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks built between October 11, 2018, and November 13, 2020.Truck owners looking for more details can call Stellantis at 800–853–1403 or visit NHTSA’s recalls site.

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