Motor News

It is your last chance to purchase the Hemi-powered Dodge Challenger or Charger. With production of the two muscle-car icons slated to end by the end of the year, Dodge is gearing up to close the ordering books at the end of this month. That means you only have 13 days left to get in on the Mopar madness before electrification becomes the name of the game for the Detroit automaker. “For enthusiasts looking to order a Dodge Challenger or Charger, especially a high-horsepower model, such as the Scat Pack, SRT Hellcat, or a special-edition model, it’s truly the last call for the ‘Last Call,'” said Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis. “As we transition to an exciting, electrified muscle car future, we’re marking the end of an unforgettable era for Dodge, and time is running out for those who want to own a piece of it.”StellantisFrom the start of the year, Dodge has been clear that it cannot continue to produce these muscle cars after December 31. In preparation for the twin’s departure, Dodge introduced a run of seven Last Call special-edition models. These include the Dodge Challenger Shakedown, Dodge Charger Super Bee, Dodge Challenger and Charger Scat Pack Swinger, Dodge Charger King Daytona, and Dodge Challenger Black Ghost. The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 was the final product in the lineup, representing the most extreme factory Mopar ever created. The Demon 170 comes straight from the factory with 1025 horsepower, allowing for a 0-60 mph sprint time of just 1.66 seconds. With only 3000 units for the U.S. market, every Demon 170 is already spoken for. All the Details and SpecsFrom Destroyer Gray to Plum Crazy That said, there are still plenty of other Challenger and Charger variants still on offer. The 2023 model years brings some unique adjustments to the ordering book, including a suite of fan-favorite colors. These include historic hues like B5 Blue, Plum Crazy purple and Sublime green. Modern Mopar fanatics will also have the choice to spec the previously discontinued Destroyer Grey on their cars once again in 2023. Other highlights include Last Call badging on all models, as well as a new “345” badging for the 5.7-liter R/T models. Customers need to act fast if they want to secure a Mopar for themselves, but Dodge has already eased that process. Interested parties can head over to DodgeGarage.com and use the Horsepower Locator tool. This will allow you to see what allocations and stock dealers around the country have at this time, making it easy to begin the ordering process on exactly the machine you want. Born and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry. He may daily drive an aging Mustang, but his Porsche 944 and NB Miata both take up most of his free time.  More

Both 2018-and-newer Jeep Wranglers and 2020-and-newer Jeep Gladiators are now offered with a 2-inch factory-backed lift kit. The $2095 bolt-on kit includes Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs and other upgrades, from front lower control arms to front and rear bump stops. The kit installs in stock mounting locations and doesn’t require drilling any additional holes.Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator owners looking for an excuse to drop some extra cash in the pursuit of making their vehicle a little more off-road ready just earned another factory-backed option. Both 2018-and-newer Wranglers as well as 2020-and-newer Gladiators are now available with a factory-backed 2-inch lift kit from Jeep Performance Parts.JeepThe bolt-on kit comes with Bilstein 1.8-inch monotube shocks with remote reservoirs as and other chassis upgrades, such as new front lower control arms, front and rear stabilizer links, and front and rear bump stops. The remote reservoirs increase oil capacity to help with heat dissipation. In addition to the peace of mind that comes with factory-backed parts, the new bolt-on kit can be installed in the stock mounting positions, which means owners won’t need to drill any new holes for installation. JeepThe additional space created by the kit allows owners to increase ground clearance further by being able to accommodate larger off-road tires. Jeep claims a self-adjusting deflective-disc valve instantly reacts to surface changes to help drivers maintain control when driving over difficult terrain. The company also says system works with electronic stability control although unique alignment specifications are required.The kit retails for $2095 and ships specially packed in a custom wooden crate branded with the Jeep Performance Parts logo. More on JeepThis 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

Mini’s revamped lineup will sport a new interior design that’s a mix of retro and modern styling, starting with the 2025 Cooper Electric hatchback.A large circular screen remains in the middle of the dashboard, but the surrounding panels are covered with textiles with embedded lighting elements.To come up with the new look, designers looked to Mini’s past for inspiration but added modern touches while keeping things simple. Starting for the 2025 model year, Mini’s lineup of small cars and SUVs will be entirely fresh. That means updated exteriors, revised powertrain offerings, and an all-new interior design. Shown here for the first time in the new Cooper Electric hatchback, Mini’s new interior design language pulls inspiration from the brand’s 1959 original but incorporates modern conveniences and cheeky details.The centerpiece is a circular display screen with an impossibly slim bezel. You’ll also find a textile-covered dashboard with embedded LED lighting that illuminates to greet you when you switch the car on. The lighting can also change colors as you cycle through the car’s various driving modes or change the display screen’s theme.Previous generations of the Mini Cooper have featured a panel of toggle switches on the dashboard, and that same concept makes an appearance here as well, but it’s been redesigned with simplicity in mind. The revamped Countryman SUV is expected to offer a similar design.More Modernized MinisWe were able to see the Cooper’s new interior for ourselves at a recent Mini preview event, and the cabin looks and feels more refined and upscale than before. Material quality seems to be a step above the current model, and although it’s roughly the same size and shape inside as before, the interior feels more spacious.We expect to see the production version of the new Cooper and Cooper Electric soon. We’ll also find out more about its powertrains and features closer to its on-sale date, which is expected to be sometime in 2024. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Managing Editor, Buyer’s GuideDrew Dorian is a lifelong car enthusiast who has also held a wide variety of consumer-focused positions throughout his career, ranging from financial counselor to auto salesperson. He has dreamed of becoming a Car and Driver editor since he was 11 years old—a dream that was realized when he joined the staff in April 2016. He’s a born-and-raised Michigander and learned to drive on a 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. His automotive interests run the gamut from convertibles and camper vans to sports cars and luxury SUVs.       More

When you start buying up tens of thousands of electric vehicles, you may have more on hand than renters want.Hertz is doing what it can to encourage its renters to ask for one of the many EVs in its fleet, with discounted prices and free rental days through the end of the summer.If you rent an EV for at least two days by September 6, for example, you’ll get a free rental day. Hertz is also offering a separate 30 percent discount on EV rentals until the end of August.As part of a massive investment in electric vehicles, Hertz announced earlier this year that it has more than 50,000 EVs in its fleet. That’s about 10 percent of the rental car company’s fleet, and it’s not done yet. In fact, Hertz might have so many EVs that you could rent one without warning.The rental company’s shift to EVs is making itself felt in both big and small ways. The fact that Hertz has already announced plans that call for over 340,000 EVs by 2027 is a big one, one that includes orders for 100,000 vehicles from Tesla, 65,000 from Polestar, and 175,000 from GM.Hertz’s growing EV numbers filter down to smaller announcements like “Hertz Electrifies Orlando,” which will bring 6000 of those EVs and 50 DC fast-charging stations to the Florida city. The company’s recent press announcements are full of similar announcements for places including Houston, Denver, and Atlanta. Recent Hertz ads have featured football star and EV driver Tom Brady and comedian Yvonne Orji talking up EV rentals.HertzSurprise EV RentalHertz’s strong EV progress has both fans and detractors. When Hertz handed a writer for The Atlantic the keys to an all-electric Chevy Bolt EV as a “manager’s special” without any warning—that is, the writer expected to get a gas car for their road trip, not an EV—it spelled unwanted trouble for someone new to EVs and unfamiliar with the charging process. When we checked Hertz’s rental website, we found that the Manager’s Special entry now discloses that the car you get may be electric.HertzHertz is showing ambition in other ways when it comes to EV rentals. Some data from its connected EV fleet is being shared with city planners as they decide where to install charging infrastructure as part of what Hertz calls its Charging Opportunity Index. Hertz is also donating EVs to high school and community college auto programs so students can get hands-on experience with EVs.HertzHertz says it is trying to give renters the tools they need to drive away happy in a plug-in model. If you actually request an EV, you’ll get a link emailed to you for an online EV guide. Hertz is also updating the keychains for its EVs to include a QR code that links to the guide. Other rental car companies, including Avis and Enterprise, also have EVs available, but not as many.Related StoriesHertz of course would like to rent out its large and growing EV fleet to people who know what they’re getting into. The company has multiple promotions happening this summer for EV drivers. If you rent an EV for at least two days by September 6, for example, you’ll get a free rental day. Hertz is also offering a separate “up to 30 percent” discount on EV rentals until the end of August. That’s the kind of non-surprise deal that could bring people to the rental counter ready to drive away in an electric vehicle.Contributing EditorSebastian Blanco has been writing about electric vehicles, hybrids, and hydrogen cars since 2006. His articles and car reviews have appeared in the New York Times, Automotive News, Reuters, SAE, Autoblog, InsideEVs, Trucks.com, Car Talk, and other outlets. His first green-car media event was the launch of the Tesla Roadster, and since then he has been tracking the shift away from gasoline-powered vehicles and discovering the new technology’s importance not just for the auto industry, but for the world as a whole. Throw in the recent shift to autonomous vehicles, and there are more interesting changes happening now than most people can wrap their heads around. You can find him on Twitter or, on good days, behind the wheel of a new EV.  More

Hyundai has released pricing for the new 2024 Kona, which starts at $25,435.Prices are up significantly for the turbocharged N Line and Limited models, which now start at $31,985 and $32,985.There’s also a Kona Electric, but we don’t yet know how much that will cost.The new 2024 Hyundai Kona is bigger than its predecessor, and so is its starting price. The new model starts nearly $2000 higher than before, with a base SE coming in at $25,435, a $1960 increase from the smaller 2023 Kona. Hyundai says the 2024 model will be arriving at U.S. dealerships this summer; the Kona Electric, which is also redesigned for 2024, will arrive later in the fall and we don’t yet have pricing for the EV.The SE and the $26,785 SEL model both come with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four producing 147 horsepower and paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. There’s an even bigger price bump for the upper trim levels, the N Line and the Limited, which come with a more powerful 190-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine. The N Line costs $31,985, a $2800 increase over last year, and the Limited starts at $32,985, a $2700 increase from before. The turbo models swap out the previous seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for a traditional torque-converter eight-speed automatic.Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is a $1500 option across the board. As before, FWD models have a torsion-beam rear suspension while AWD models have an independent multilink setup.The only notable option package is a $2200 convenience package available for the SEL that adds features including a digital gauge cluster, heated front seats, wireless charging, a power driver’s seat, and several driver-assistance systems. There are also a few extra-cost paint options including a $450 two-tone color scheme for the N Line that’s available in red, white, or gray with a black roof.We haven’t yet driven the new 2024 Kona to see how it stacks up against the old model from behind the wheel, but stay tuned for our review soon.More on the New KonaThis 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

Pricing is out for the 2024 Chevy Corvette and its many variations, with the base Stingray coupe starting at $67,895—$2000 more than last year.The hybrid E-Ray starts at $104,495, and the 670-hp Z06 has a $109,695 base price, but opting for any convertible Corvette costs an extra $7000.How expensive can a ’24 Corvette get? Well, the Z06 convertible in 3LZ guise starts at $130,245—and that figure will easily surpass the $150K mark with options.While the 2024 Chevy Corvette’s base price is $2000 higher than last year, the Stingray coupe still starts under $70K, which means America’s mid-engined sports car isn’t out of reach for most people. The hybrid all-wheel-drive Corvette E-Ray and 670-hp Corvette Z06—not so much.Six-Figure VettesChevy released initial pricing for the 2024 E-Ray earlier this year. Along with the 1LZ coupe’s $104,495 base price, we now know its higher 2LZ and 3LZ trims start at $109,995 and $115,445, respectively. Choosing the convertible version of any of those tacks on another $7000, meaning the 3LZ convertible starts at a cool $122,445 before any options.Those looking to set the most heroic lap times will have the Corvette Z06 in their sights. However, to own the rights to its exclusive and exotic naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V-8 requires deep pockets, as in at least $109,695 for the 1LZ coupe (only $400 more than last year). The Z06’s 2LZ and 3LZ trim levels start at $118,595 and $123,245, respectively. Like all other Corvettes, the convertible body style is a $7000 option, which gives the drop-top Z06 3LZ the highest base price of $130,245. Loading up on options will easily push its bottom line past $150K. Everyone who can’t afford the Corvette’s higher-performance models can choose from the Stingray lineup, with the coupe versions of the 2LT and 3LT starting at $74,995 and $79,645, respectively. Considering any of those will still outrun most sports cars on the street and lap those same cars at the track, the 2024 Corvette is an incredible bargain no matter which one people can afford.C8 Corvette StoriesThis 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 EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

People who drive diesel- or gas-powered vehicles can pull up to almost any fuel pump and fill their tanks without having to think twice. It’s not that simple for EV drivers. That’s because electric vehicles currently have one of several different charge ports, from the oddball CHAdeMO to the more common Combined Charging System (CCS) and Tesla’s proprietary North American Charging Standard (NACS).Tesla’s NACS charge port and the company’s extensive network of Superchargers are largely considered the gold standard, and it appears other automakers are ready to make Tesla’s system the industry standard. In May 2023, Ford was the first to agree to team up with Tesla and adopt the NACS plug; then the dominos started falling, with several other automakers recently announcing agreements with Tesla. The engineering group SAE International also announced that it will standardize the NACS connector. With other automakers—and charging networks—expected to adopt Tesla’s plug, we’ve compiled a list of them as well as those we’ve heard are in talks to join. We’ll update this list as new agreements are confirmed or if we hear of more potential deals. Automakers That Have Agreed to Adopt Tesla’s Charging Plug FordStarting in the spring of 2024, Ford EV owners will have access to the Tesla Supercharger network. Currently, the Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E feature a CCS-type charge port, but an adapter will allow them to connect to Tesla’s fast-chargers. Sometime in 2025, Ford says its new EVs will feature a standard NACS plug.GMGeneral Motors was the second automaker to ink a deal with Tesla to adopt its charge port. GM EV owners will gain access to Tesla’s Superchargers starting in 2024 with an adapter that lets their CCS ports work with NACS. GM will begin making NACS standard on all of its EVs starting in 2025. The company also said it will offer adapters so NACS-equipped models can connect to CCS chargers.Mercedes-BenzBecoming the first German automaker to announce plans to adopt Tesla’s NACS charge port, Mercedes-Benz says its electric models will be equipped with the plug starting in 2025. The company also says it will offer an adapter for its CCS-equipped models sometime in 2024 so that customers can access Tesla’s Supercharger network. Mercedes also plans to build its own charging network in North America, with the goal of offering over 2500 fast-chargers. The first of these are slated to arrive during the last few months of this year, and these chargers will also be available to non-Mercedes EVs.NissanNissan is the first Japanese automaker to announce plans to adopt Tesla’s NACS charge port, which the company will do for the Canadian and U.S. markets starting in 2025. For Nissan Ariyas, which are equipped with a CCS-style port, the automaker will predictably offer an adapter sometime in 2024 to allow the SUV to connect to Tesla’s Supercharger network. Polestar/VolvoPolestar and Volvo are the first foreign automakers to team up with Tesla. The Chinese-owned Swedish brands will both make the NACS port standard on all of its EVs starting in 2025. Like the other companies, an adapter to make their CCS ports compatible with Tesla’s Superchargers will be offered in the first half or middle of next year. Polestar and Volvo will also offer a NACS-to-CCS adapter for those who need to connect to a non-Tesla charger.RivianFollowing Ford and GM, Rivian has agreed to work with Tesla, with the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV getting NACS ports sometime in 2025. An adapter for those models will become available next year.Automakers Reportedly in Talks with Tesla HyundaiHyundai Motor Company, which also includes the Kia and Genesis brands, is reportedly looking into making its EVs compatible with the NACS port, per a report by Reuters. While the Korean automaker has publicly expressed interest, Hyundai President Jaehoon Chang is also said to have expressed concern over the fact that Tesla’s 400-volt fast-chargers currently don’t allow the higher charging speeds that Hyundai’s 800-volt electrical architecture is capable of on other chargers.StellantisStellantis executives have confirmed that the company is considering adopting Tesla’s charge port, according to a report by Reuters. However, an official deal has yet to be announced. In the U.S. market, the automakers that are part of Stellantis include Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Maserati, and Ram.Volkswagen Volkswagen is said to be considering a deal with Tesla, as reported by Reuters. The automaker’s decision to adopt a NACS port would likely impact other brands under its umbrella, which in the U.S. market include Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche, and Lamborghini.Charging Networks Adopting NACSAlong with the automakers who have announced agreements with Tesla, some public charging networks have also inked deals to offer the NACS connector at its stations.ChargePointChargePoint has announced it will add the NACS-type plug to its charging stations. However, the company hasn’t revealed any specific details about when that will happen, other than simply saying it will be “soon.” ChargePoint also said it will continue to offer other types of chargers.Electrify AmericaElectrify America, which is owned by the Volkswagen Group, has announced that it too will adopt Tesla’s NACS connector. The charging network said it plans to offer the new plug at its stations in 2025. It will also continue to offer other types of plugs.Following the NACS MovementSenior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

Small truck, big goals. The 2024 Ford Maverick can tow up to 4000 pounds when properly equipped, and people are taking advantage of the compact pickup’s power on this front.The problem is that most Maverick configurations can tow only 2000 pounds, as you need AWD and Ford’s 4K Tow package to really load up the trailer.Competitors can do more—the Hyundai Santa Cruz can tow up to 5000 pounds—but we don’t need another towing arms race on this front. Let small trucks be small trucks.Ford had an unsurprising hit when it released the more right-sized Maverick pickup in late 2021 as part of the welcome compact-truck revival trend. Despite these vehicles’ smaller sizes, small-truck owners still want to do big-truck stuff sometimes, and the Maverick appears to be delivering.When we first took a 2022 Maverick through its paces, we found it to be just enough truck. The unibody design, also seen in the Hyundai Santa Cruz, provided a workable balance between size and capability. The 2023 model added an optional Tremor Off-Road package, among other minor updates like different exterior paint colors. Engine choices are a hybrid with a 191-hp 2.5-liter engine and a 250-hp 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo. For 2024, the 2.0-liter becomes the standard engine choice, with the hybrid becoming a $1500 option. The 2024 Maverick can tow up to 4000 pounds, but most configurations can only tow 2000 pounds. The Tremor package, for example, is limited to 2000 pounds. In fact, any Maverick with the newly optional 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain is stuck at the lower capacity, but even the 2.0-liter engine is only rated at the higher capacity with the optional 4000-pound Tow package ($745) and all-wheel drive ($2220). So while the Maverick technically starts at $24,995 for the XL, to get a truck capable of towing 4000 pounds means you’ll have to shell out at least $27,690.More DetailsThe Tow package changes a few details in the powertrain, including lower axle gear ratios (from 3.63:1 to 3.81:1), a transmission oil cooler, a higher-capacity radiator, and an upgraded cooling fan. The package can only be applied to the XL, XLT, and Lariat trims, meaning it’s excluded from the Tremor. Of course, the maximum 4000-pound level is the headline number here. It’s a decent number that can be used to sell some trucks—the Maverick can tow 500 more pounds than the Ford Escape, for example—but it’s not at the same level as the Santa Cruz or the bigger Honda Ridgeline (both of which can tow up to 5000 pounds). To tow that much in a Maverick, as mentioned, you need to have all-wheel drive, which reduces fuel economy to, at best, 24 mpg without a trailer. Every vehicle is a collection of compromises, but when you read what people are doing with their Mavericks, there’s a lot to be said for this specific way of threading the needle.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.Contributing EditorSebastian Blanco has been writing about electric vehicles, hybrids, and hydrogen cars since 2006. His articles and car reviews have appeared in the New York Times, Automotive News, Reuters, SAE, Autoblog, InsideEVs, Trucks.com, Car Talk, and other outlets. His first green-car media event was the launch of the Tesla Roadster, and since then he has been tracking the shift away from gasoline-powered vehicles and discovering the new technology’s importance not just for the auto industry, but for the world as a whole. Throw in the recent shift to autonomous vehicles, and there are more interesting changes happening now than most people can wrap their heads around. You can find him on Twitter or, on good days, behind the wheel of a new EV.  More