Motor News

The Kia K8 is teased in new photos that show the front, side, and rear of the upcoming sedan.The K8 replaces the Kia Cadenza, which was last sold in the U.S. in 2020.While the K8 isn’t destined for America, we are still fans of new sedans.UPDATE 8/9/24: Kia has revealed the K8 for the Korean market, and these photos show the sedan’s fresh new look. The EV9-esque headlights dominate the front end, while the taillights look similar to those on the recently updated K5 and new K4 sedans that we get in the U.S. The interior looks to feature plush materials, large dashboard-spanning screens, ambient lighting, and a rotary shift knob. Kia also revealed that the K8 will continue to be powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine making 296 horsepower.KiaKiaKia’s transformation has been drastic. Once a purveyor of affordable, albeit bare-bones, transportation, the Korean automaker now proffers a lineup of well-appointed and sleek-looking models such as the popular Telluride mid-size SUV and the Carnival minivan, which is even offered with princely VIP rear lounge seats. Still, not every upmarket move from Kia has panned out in the United States. One misstep was the full-size Cadenza sedan, last sold on our shores in 2020. However, the model lives on in South Korea as the K8. Today, a new round of teaser photos were released that show how the refreshed sedan looks like it’s going to be a stunner.KiaWhile the lower bumpers are obscured by shadows, the teaser images show off most of the K8’s new design, which looks to draw heavily upon Kia’s electric vehicles. Called “Opposites United,” Kia’s latest design language has proliferated from its EVs to gas-powered vehicles like the refreshed Carnival and new K4 this year.The new K8’s thin vertical headlights looks like they were taken straight off the electric EV9 SUV. They are linked by a thin trim piece that’s adorned with a series of small illuminated hash marks. The taillights also span the entire width of the car, with a thin horizontal element ending in two vertical LEDs. The profile image shows off a slippery sloping roofline. KiaWhile we don’t expect the new Kia K8 to make it to America, we’re always fans of sedans. So it’s fun to keep an eye on what’s going to be available in other markets, especially when it’s the newest version of a car that was once sold on our shores.More Kia Sedan StoriesThis story was originally published July 30, 2024.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

Acura is getting ready to show off a concept car at the upcoming Monterey Car Week.The concept is described as a “segment-defying sport-utility vehicle” and looks to have a sloping roofline.The car previews Acura’s next-generation EV that will ride on a new platform and be built at Acura’s Ohio plant.Acura has announced that it will return to Monterey Car Week for 2024, where it revealed the electric ZDX Type S last year. The Japanese-American luxury brand has released a teaser for the concept car that will be unveiled next week, and while little is known about the vehicle at the moment, Acura did state that it will be an electric SUV. The concept is said to preview a next-generation EV that will be the first to ride on a new dedicated EV platform and will be assembled in Ohio.The teaser image Acura shared shows the rear of the concept, finished in a vibrant blue shade. The taillight stretches the full width of the vehicle and features a series of tightly spaced vertical LED elements. Below the taillight is illuminated “Acura” badging, and while the perspective makes it difficult to tell, the concept appears to have a sloping roofline.More Acura SUVsAcura describes the concept as a “segment-defying sport-utility vehicle.” While it’s unclear exactly what the company means by this, we think this crossover may take on a high-riding coupe-like silhouette, perhaps in a similar vein to the original Acura ZDX from 2010 or the BMW X6. The concept could also look more like a lifted sedan along the lines of the Toyota Crown. Whatever form Acura’s latest concept car takes will be unveiled in roughly a week’s time. 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

ChargePoint has a new one-size-fits-all solution to public charging with the introduction of the “Omni Port.”The Omni Port combines the Level 2 SAE J1772 plug with the Combined Charging System (CCS1) and Tesla’s NACS plugs. According to ChargePoint, users on the network enter their vehicle’s make and model, and then the charger deploys the correct port as needed. The electric-vehicle charging landscape is a confusing one. Don’t believe us? Ask any friend with an EV what they think about Chevy Bolt owners using their local fast-charger. ChargePoint, an EV charging company, aims to simplify the process for EV owners throughout North America with its new “Omni Port.”The Omni Port combines the Level 2 SAE J1772 plug with the Combined Charging System (CCS1) plug and Tesla’s proprietary North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug. The new single port lets both Tesla and non-Tesla EV drivers pull up and charge at the same station without having to choose between plugs. Because electric vehicles from various automakers currently have different charging ports, not all EVs can replenish their battery at every charger. To simplify the process for consumers, automakers have been signing up, one at a time, to adopt Tesla’s NACS plug, though none have actually made the shift yet. You can find the full list of automakers who have agreed to join the NACS network here. According to ChargePoint, people who use the ChargePoint network will simply enter their vehicle’s make and model into the app and then initiate a charge. Omni Port-equipped charging stations will then automatically deploy the correct plug for your vehicle. Customers who aren’t on the ChargePoint network can still make use of the technology by manually selecting the correct plug at the station. ChargePoint’s Omni Port will begin rolling out later this year at new locations as well as existing AC and DC stations. The Omni Port can also be added to existing ChargePoint CP6000 and Express Plus Power Link 2000 models at a nominal cost, according to the company.The company is touting the new system as the “only publicly available solution to solve North America’s EV connector confusion across AC and DC charging.” In the words of the brand’s CEO Rick Wilmer, “With Omni port, ChargePoint solved the challenges associated with a multiple connector environment, ensuring Tesla and non-Tesla drivers can continue to expect a world-class driver experience.” We’d also suggest adding a sign scaring Bolt owners away from DC fast-chargers.More on Electric VehiclesJack 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 Ford Police Interceptor Utility just launched with quality-of-life improvements and better driver safety tech. While the hybrid powertrain has been dropped from the production Explorer, it remains standard on the Interceptor.There’s also a new 12.3-inch LCD digital instrument cluster with a certified speedometer.Ford dropped the 3.3-liter V-6 hybrid powertrain from the production Explorer’s lineup following the 2023 model year. We’re happy to report that Ford Pro just launched the 2025 Police Interceptor Utility and the hybrid sticks around. Ford ProIt’s got a 285-hp naturally aspirated V-6 and a 44-hp electric motor that brings the total output to 318 horsepower. Since officers spend most of their time in the field tootling around in traffic or idling while performing routine duties like speed enforcement and traffic control—the hybrid’s battery can take over the brunt of the idle work from the engine. According to Ford, the hybrid system can save up to 838 gallons of fuel per year—resulting in savings of $17,500 over six years, assuming gas prices of $3.50 per gallon. The nonhybrid engine options are back as well, with the 285-hp 3.3-liter V-6 returning, along with the turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that makes 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The 2025 Interceptor adds some new quality-of-life changes to make officers’ lives easier. There’s a new 12.3-inch LCD digital instrument cluster with a certified speedometer to make information clearer to officers while they’re driving. More Ford Police VehiclesStandard features have also been improved, with the Police Perimeter Alert system now standard. Ford says it can detect moving threats around the vehicle, activate the rear camera, sound a chime, roll up the windows, and lock the doors. Driver safety tech is improved as well, with systems like automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and reverse brake assist all added. Jack 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

Automotive designer Sasha Selipanov, known for his work on the Bugatti Chiron, the Koenigsegg CC850, and the Lamborghini Huracán, has designed his own hypercar, the V-12 Nilu. The Nilu’s 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12, manual transmission, and few screens reflect the kind of simplified driving experience currently trending among high-end collectors. The Nilu will have a public debut on August 15, during Monterey Car Week 2024.As forced-induction and hybrid horsepower numbers rocket upward at a speed matched only by the complexity of traction-control program modes, and square inches of interior surface covered by touchscreens, the new standout in high-end performance and luxury seems to be manual transmissions and free-breathing, naturally aspirated powerplants. Such is the case with Nilu27’s self-named hypercar, the Nilu. The wide-mouthed two-seater with its NACA ducts, exposed V-12 engine, and seven-speed manual transmission combines classic supercar styling and driving elements with lightweight tube subframes and a composite monocoque. NiluNilu27 is the creation of Sasha and Inna Selipanov. The name is a combination of the Selipanov children’s names, Nica and Lucia, with the racing number of Formula 1 driver Gilles Villeneuve, a photo of whom inspired Sasha as a child to pursue automotive design. His most well-known work in the automotive industry has been with Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, and Bugatti, where he worked on the Gemera, CC850, Huracán, and Chiron, to name just a few of his greatest hits. For the Nilu, he left the security of an established brand to create his own vision of the perfect hypercar. NiluWild LooksThe Nilu sits low to the ground with a wide twin-scoop mouth that looks a bit like Jeremy Clarkson driving the BAC Mono on Top Gear (Season 20, Episode 2). The bodywork rises steeply over 20-inch five-spoke wheels and then drops like a ski jump into a wide rear scoop over a NACA duct before smoothing out over the 21-inch rear wheels and tucking around the exposed engine with its GT40-like “snake pit” of center-mounted exhaust pipes. Beneath the active curves of the exterior is a carbon-fiber monocoque attached to aluminum tubular subframes supporting a forged double-wishbone pushrod suspension, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires (265/35R-20 front and 325/30R-21 rear) on wide Nilu27-designed, AppTech-produced center-lock wheels. Stopping is handled by carbon-ceramic Brembo discs and new-sneaker-white brake calipers, which should have no issue bringing the proposed 2600-pound (dry weight) car to a stop. NiluInside gullwing doors, the Nilu seats two in a fixed side-by-side position. Following a burgeoning trend among supercar startups, you’ll see no big screens or button-bedazzled steering wheel in the Nilu cockpit. Instead the focus is on the open, gated seven-speed manual shifter, billet-machined switches, and a floating bridgework gauge cluster. Free Air V-12There are no electric motor assists, turbochargers, or superchargers involved in the 6.5-liter V-12’s 1070 horsepower and 634 pound-feet of torque. Nilu27 worked with Hartley Engines in New Zealand to develop a big 80-degree hot-V mill with 12 throttle bodies, a redline above 10,000 rpm, and an eye-catching and thunderous 12-into-1 3-D-printed Inconel exhaust system that is the centerpiece of the car’s open rear view. Nilu27 says the car should have a top speed of nearly 250 mph and a time to 60 mph that will be well under three seconds.Planned ProductionNilu27 plans the public debut of the Nilu hypercar for August 15 at Pebble Beach during Car Week. The initial run of production will be limited to 15 cars to be assembled by Aria Group in Irvine, California. Future plans include a 54-car run of street-homologated variants. Pricing and delivery have not been announced, but impatient buyers can look for the Nilu in the CSR Racing 2 mobile simulator app in November. More to ReadLike 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. In 2020, she received a Best Feature award from the Motor Press Guild for the C/D story “A Drive through Classic Americana in a Polestar 2.”  In 2023, her Car and Driver feature story More

Dodge has announced pricing for the electric Charger Daytona, which arrives for 2024 in two-door form.The Charger Daytona R/T will start at $61,590, almost $14,000 more than the 2023 gas-powered R/T.The Charger Daytona Scat Pack will carry a $75,185 price, over $20,000 higher than a 2023 Scat Pack with a V-8 engine.Just two days after Dodge showed off the new simulated “exhaust” note on the upcoming 2024 Charger Daytona EV, the American automaker has announced official pricing for the two-door electric sports car. The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T will start at $61,590, which is nearly $14K more than the previous-generation gas-powered 2023 Charger R/T.The electric R/T, however, gains a whole lot more performance. Dodge says the 2024 Charger Daytona R/T will come standard with the Direct Connection Stage 1 Upgrade, which boosts the maximum output to 496 horsepower and 404 pound-feet of torque. The old Charger R/T’s V-8 engine produced 370 horsepower. Dodge also specified that the R/T will ride on 18-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in 245/55R18 all-season tires and attached to a sport suspension.DodgeUpgrading to the 2024 Charger Daytona Scat Pack sees the price rise to $75,185, a more than $20 grand hike versus an internal-combustion 2023 Charger Scat Pack. Yet again, the electric Scat Pack boasts a high output, coming standard with the Direct Connection Stage 2 Upgrade, putting output at 670 ponies and 627 pound-feet of torque. The gas-powered Scat Pack’s V-8 cranked out 485 hp. The 2024 Charger Daytona Scat Pack will also arrive standard with the Track package, which adds red Brembo six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes, a gloss black rear spoiler, and a dual-valve adaptive dampers. The Scat Pack upgrades to 20-inch aluminum wheels wearing beefy 325/35R-20 all-season tires. Dodge says this specification will get the car to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and let it zip through the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds. Inside, the package brings leather and suede 12-way power-adjustable performance seats with four-way lumbar, heated rear seats, and a data and video recording system.Package DealsDodge will offer the Charger Daytona with an array of packages. The $4995 Plus Group adds goodies including a 16-inch digital gauge cluster, powered rear hatch, a wireless charging pad, and LED headlights. For $1095, the R/T model can gain a Blacktop package, which darkens the wheels and exterior badging. A Sun & Sound add-on equips the car with a full glass roof and an 18-speaker Alpine sound system, while the Scat Pack can be had with a Carbon & Suede package that dispenses those materials throughout the cabin.DodgeThe Scat Pack can also be fitted with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 summer tires, measuring 305/35ZR-20XL up front and 325/35ZR-20 at the rear, for a $695 fee. All 2024 Charger Daytonas will be offered with either an at-home Level 2 charger or a $600 credit through Free2move Charge, a charging network app launched by Stellantis. Production of the two-door 2024 Charger Daytonas will kick off this summer, and the new models should reach dealerships by the fourth quarter. Dodge also notes that both the R/T and Scat Pack will qualify for the full $7500 tax credit when leased.Four-door Charger Daytonas will start rolling off the line in the first half of next year. The gas-powered Charger Sixpack models will begin production in the second half of 2025, with pricing for the six-cylinder Charger not likely to arrive until next year. More on the Charger DaytonaCaleb 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 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SV gets a new Edition Two as a successor to last year’s Edition One. The Edition Two includes four unique themes that pair paint colors with specific interior trims.Each theme uses a considerable amount of carbon fiber, including the hood and wheels made from the material. Last May, Land Rover debuted the successor to the almighty SVR in the form of the Range Rover Sport SV Edition One. Now, the marque has announced the SV Edition Two, which expands customizability of the mid-size performance SUV—though only just. Land RoverThe Edition Two arrives with four hand-picked themes that determine the paint color and interior trim selections of each car. Last year’s version came with three. You can now choose from Blue Nebula Matte, Ligurian Black Gloss, Marl Grey Gloss, or Sunrise Copper Satin.According to Land Rover, the matte blue is inspired by the North Atlantic coast and contains a color-shifting effect with a hint of green. It’s paired with a painted carbon-fiber hood and 23-inch forged wheels. Inside, you get SV Performance seats in Light Cloud and Ebony Windsor leather. The Marl Grey and Ligurian Black options ditch the paint on the carbon hood and swap the alloy wheels for a set of 23-inch glossy carbon wheels. The grey spec mixes Rosewood and Ebony Windsor leather inside, while the black spec brings Cinder and Ebony and employs knitted fabrics. Land RoverThe final option is finished in Sunrise Copper Satin. Just like the blue spec, it’s got a painted hood and alloy wheels. The interior features Ebony Windsor leather. Just like with the Editon One, the Two dons special identifiers on the front splitter, center console, tread plates, and puddle lamps. Mechanically, the Edition Two matches the Edition One with a monstrous 626-hp twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 engine pushing 553 pound-feet of torque and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. We haven’t had the chance to strap our testing instruments to one, but according to Land Rover, it can launch to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. We bet they’re correct. Land RoverLand Rover hasn’t revealed pricing for the Sport SV Edition Two yet, but we expect it to be close to last year’s $180,000 starting figure. If the curated designs don’t perfectly match your taste, Land Rover lets you opt for alternative wheels or brake caliper covers. You can also select a body-colored roof, Satin Forged carbon-fiber pack, or Twill carbon-fiber pack to match interior and exterior carbon pieces. More on the Range Rover SportJack 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

Rolls-Royce’s latest one-off commission is the Spectre Semaphore, which will have its in-person debut at The Quail next week.The Spectre is painted Semaphore Yellow, echoed by yellow upholstery throughout the cabin.The hood gets a unique treatment with a flowing silver lacquer that makes it look like liquid chrome seeping from the grille.Monterey Car Week is nearly here. Over several days of festivities, the world’s most exclusive car companies will gather on the Californian coast to mingle with their ultra-wealthy clientele and reveal their latest luxury and performance machines. Rolls-Royce has jumped the gun, unveiling its latest one-off creation a week ahead its in-person debut at The Quail on August 16. The Rolls-Royce Spectre Semaphore is a one-off take on the brand’s first electric vehicle with a vibrant yellow paint job and unique artwork adorning the hood.Rolls-RoyceThe bespoke Spectre derives its name from the Semaphore Yellow paint which coats its large-and-in-charge bodywork. But the real attraction is on the hood, where Rolls-Royce placed a “Marbled Paint Spill” graphic that the company describes as “an abstract tribute to the Golden State and its diverse environment.” The visual features a silver lacquer under multiple layers of clearcoat, making it appear as if the chrome from the domineering Pantheon grille is oozing and flowing up the hood in liquid form. Rolls-Royce says the artwork took over 160 hours to create. Rolls-RoyceThe cabin matches the vivid exterior with a combination of Lemon Yellow and Citrine Yellow splashed across the seats, doors panels, and dashboard. The remaining surfaces are finished in Grace White and Slate Grey, accented by Lemon Yellow stitching, and even the digital dials on the gauge cluster have been colored to match the exterior. The cabin also features wood trim painted in Cashmere Grey and infused with silver mica flakes to create a sparkling effect. The Spectre’s dual-motor electric powertrain has been untouched for this one-off creation, still producing a healthy 577 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. While Rolls-Royce hasn’t divulged the price of the Spectre Semaphore, the bespoke nature of this commission means it likely required a hefty sum of money. The electric Spectre coupe starts at $422,750.More Ornate Rolls-RoycesCaleb 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