Motor News

Porsche is updating its badging on the Turbo models in its lineup.The iconic badge will be finished in a new gray color called Turbonite, and depending on the model, wheel spokes or inlays in the front fascia will be finished in the same color.The switch comes as Porsche attempts to distinguish Turbo models as a brand of their own.Automakers love to separate out model lines and trim levels as their own sub-brands. Take a look at the next Corvette you see, or the next Bronco. You won’t see any Chevrolet bowties or Ford ovals shouting about who actually builds the iconic vehicles. Now, Porsche is gearing up to do something similar with the capital-T Turbo models in its lineup. PorscheStarting with the 2024 Porsche Panamera that is set to make its debut later this month, Turbo models will differentiate themselves from the lesser vehicles in the lineup with badging finished in a new gray color that the manufacturer calls Turbonite. “We now want to make the Turbo even more visible, and differentiate it more markedly from other derivatives such as the GTS,” said Michael Mauer, Porsche’s chief designer.PorscheThe new crest will be exclusive for Turbo models and swaps the red and gold of the traditional badge for a more muted black and gray. The color won’t be limited to just the front badge either. According to Porsche, the color will make its way onto side window surrounds as well as the lettering on the rear. Depending on the model, other details like wheel spokes or inlays in the front fascia will be finished in the same color as well. The color will make its way into the cabin as well, with things like trim strips and belt straps as well as some switchgear will come in Turbonite. According to the manufacturer, the extent of the interior changes is tied to individual models. Knowing Porsche, we’d wager you’ll still be able to option the classic look, should you want it. Just know they’ll likely charge you an exorbitant amount for the replacement. 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

Polestar revealed the production version of the Polestar 5 at a recent event.It looks much like the Precept concept but now has production-ready details.The new EV will start production in 2025.It started life as the Polestar Precept concept, but it now appears the upcoming Polestar 5 is getting ready for the road in a real way. At its recent Polestar Day event, Volvo’s EV spinoff showed a totally undisguised, production version of the Polestar 5 replete with details such as side mirrors, more realistic-looking headlights and taillights, and reasonably sized wheels and tires.Like the recently revealed Polestar 4, the 5 appears to not have a rear window. While this might sound like a nightmare for visibility, Polestar assures us that it will overcompensate with various cameras, sensors, and a digital rearview mirror. We’re curious to see how it plays out in the real world once we get a chance to drive these new windowless Polestar models.Elana Scherr|Car and DriverBased on what Polestar previously divulged about the 5, we expect this range-topping model to be a sporty and powerful competitor to the Porsche Taycan. Polestar promises a dual-motor setup with 884 horsepower and a 103.0-kWh battery pack that should provide at least 300 miles of range. We’ll have to wait a bit longer for more detailed specifications on the Polestar 5, and we have also yet to see the final interior configuration.Polestar says it will start production of the 5 sometime in 2025, and we expect it to carry a starting price of at least $100,000.More on the Polestar 5Senior 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

Volvo has revealed its first minivan, the EM90, targeted at the Chinese market.The EM90 packs a single electric motor on the rear axle producing 268 hp, while the 116.0-kWh battery provides a 459-mile range on China’s test cycle.The cabin seats six in luxury, with a 21-speaker sound system and screens galore.It’s a bit odd that it took this long for Volvo, purveyors of automotive boxiness, to dabble with the rectangular, family-friendly minivan layout. The new Volvo EM90 leverages the Swedish automaker’s position under the Geely corporate umbrella, sharing a platform and powertrain with the electric China-only Zeekr 009 while replacing that car’s brutalist look with a smoother, more tranquil design and, of course, a focus on safety.The EM90 has a chunky resemblance to its Zeekr cousin but features subtler details. Volvo’s customary “Thor’s hammer” headlights sit high and wide, presiding over a large flat face decorated with ornate LEDs and an illuminated Volvo logo. The rear features vertically oriented taillights and a full-width light bar that includes a lit-up Volvo script, and the EM90 rides on 19- or 20-inch wheels.Volvo describes the EM90 as a “comfortable living room on the move,” so don’t expect nimble handling. Unlike the dual-motor 536-hp Zeekr, the EM90 makes do with just one rear-mounted electric motor producing 268 horsepower. This will see the rear-wheel-drive minivan dawdle to 62 mph in a claimed 8.3 seconds, versus the Zeekr’s 4.5-second dash. The Volvo packs a 116.0-kWh battery also found in the Zeekr, although the 009 can be upgraded to a 140.0-kWh unit. Volvo claims a 459-mile range on China’s test cycle, an improvement on the Zeekr’s 436-mile rating. Volvo claims the EM90 can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in less than half an hour and the battery can be used to provide juice to other cars and electronic accessories.Ultimately, the EM90 is all about the lounge-like, six-seat cabin. The rear captain’s chairs look especially plush and feature fold-out tables, and the overall design is light and airy. The dashboard, doors, and front seatbacks are finished in birch wood panels with an intricate, backlit design and the shifter is made from Orrefors crystal.A 15.6-inch entertainment screen hangs from the ceiling, supporting a variety of third-party apps and featuring a camera for video calls, while a 21-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system takes care of audio duties. Meanwhile, the driver receives a 15.4-inch infotainment screen and a small display behind the steering wheel, while rear-seat passengers use screens on the doors to control certain functions.Volvo touts the EM90’s sound isolation, with features including noise cancellation technology, specially designed tires, and a dual-chamber air suspension. The panoramic glass roof includes a curtain, while ambient lighting sets the mood with options that are inspired by the Northern lights, Swedish forests, or “the dawn of Midsummer.”Although the EM90 shares a platform with the Zeekr 009, Volvo still aims to incorporate its safety-first mindset. Volvo says a strong structure made of steel and aluminum protects the battery and passengers, while an array of radar and ultrasonic sensors and cameras allow for advanced driver-assistance features.Volvo says that the EM90 is “coming first to China,” unsurprising given the popularity of luxury minivans there. But curiously the statement leaves open the possibility of export, although we’d be surprised to see the EM90 reach U.S. shores. If it does, don’t expect it to arrive for several years. Regardless, we hope the EM90’s serene, luxurious cabin design makes its way into other future Volvos.More Volvo NewsAssociate News EditorCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. More

Automotive influencer Larry Chen is one of the hardest-working photographers in the business. Now you can get his lens trained on your own car.A partnership between Bring a Trailer and Pennzoil is auctioning off a full photo-shoot day with Chen, with all the proceeds going to the 43 Institute charity.The 43 Institute is Ken Block’s charity, and this collaboration is also a way for Chen to give back to his late friend. The online auction ends Friday, November 17.Larry Chen is among the most influential automotive photographers in the business. Born in Santa Monica, California, he grew up surrounded by car culture and worked his way into the business through sheer persistence, self-taught behind the lens. He’s covered everything from Formula Drift to the wildest SEMA builds to the action at Pikes Peak. Now you can bid for the chance for him to capture your own car—and it’s all for a charitable cause.In partnership with Pennzoil, Bring a Trailer (which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos) is auctioning off a private photo-shoot session with Chen, with all proceeds going to the late Ken Block’s 43 Institute. The 43 Institute, named for the race number Block competed under in his rally racing exploits, does everything from providing mentorship and scholarships for young athletes to donating helmets for after-school programs. It’s a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, looking to create a pathway for the potential next gymkhana hero who might not have the financial wherewithal otherwise. Chen captured thousands of images of Ken Block over the course of the latter’s career. Perhaps his most famous shot shows Block in his wildly modified Hoonicorn V2 Mustang, barely maintaining traction as it slews around a totally exposed corner at Pikes Peak. It’s an iconic shot, the kind that Chen has built his reputation on.The successful winner of the auction will have access to Chen’s camera work for a full day as he captures 50 fully edited digital images and four 24-by-36 signed prints. The parameters are wide open; thanks to Pennzoil’s backing, Chen can meet you anywhere in the United States. Have a collection you want captured? A special car you want immortalized? Great photos of your club track day? Make the winning bid and it’s up to you.Larry ChenThe one caveat is that the shoot is scheduled rain or shine, but then as the official photographer for the often unpredictable Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Chen is no fair-weather photographer. It’s further noted that the photo shoot should be scheduled by March 1, 2024, at the latest and completed before the end of the year.Larry ChenThe entirety of the sale price, including the 5 percent BaT fee, will go directly to the 43 Institute nonprofit. Head on over to Bring a Trailer before the auction ends on Friday, November 17, for your chance to bid on an epic photo shoot for a good cause. The Late Great Ken BlockContributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

The Lancia Scorpion is a rare and fun mid-engine Italian sports car.This example has benefited from a comprehensive restorationPart of the refurbishment included the installation of a more-powerful European-spec 2.0-liter engineFancy a dose of mid-engine Italian exotica? Today’s find on Bring A Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos—won’t quite rock you like a Lamborghini Huracán, but it is a fun and accessible classic from a brand with impeccable breeding. It’s a Lancia Scorpion, one fitted with the feistier European engine and with a simply staggering amount of restoration work already done.Bring a TrailerLaunched in the 1970s as a hotter version of the Fiat X1/9, the Scorpion features similarly wedgy styling. It’s like a Toyota MR2 that talks with its hands. This 1977 version has beautifully thin rear buttresses like a Maserati Merak, and some details lifted from the European Montecarlo version.Bring a TrailerAcross the Atlantic, the Lancia Montecarlo took its name from the marque’s win at the 1975 Monte Carlo rally. Lancia is perhaps a lesser-known Italian brand, but it is one with a proud history. That includes breakthroughs like the first V-6–powered car (the achingly gorgeous B20 Aurelia), and winning more WRC titles than any other manufacturer. Its engineering was always forward-looking. Financial management, not so much.Bring a TrailerObviously Lancia couldn’t sell a Montecarlo in the U.S. without General Motors deploying an entire paratrooper division of lawyers. Instead, possibly due to Abarth’s racing success with one of the early prototypes, it was called the Scorpion. The U.S.-spec cars looked cool and cornered like the “on rails” cliche, but had less sting in the tail than a base model Pinto. They also cost more than a contemporary Corvette, so only the most ardent Lancia fans bought them.Bring a TrailerSpeaking of ardent Lancia fans, the current owner of this car certainly counts as one. He treated this Scorpion to an extensive restoration. Together with work done by the previous owner, the result is a Scorpion that in many ways is an improvement on the original. A 2.0-liter European-spec engine was installed, with high compression pistons, a ceramic-coated header, and a Magnaflow exhaust. Euro Montecarlos were good for something like 120 horsepower and 0-60 mph in a respectable 8.5 seconds. The suspension is all new too, as is the rack-and-pinion steering, and refreshed brakes. The 13-inch alloy wheels are shod with 185-series Falken tires. The interior has been refurbished and the body treated to a bare-metal respray and Euro bumpers. The lift-off roof panel appears to be one of the few remaining needs.Related StoriesImagine resting your hands on that Momo Prototipo steering wheels and feeding this little sports car into a tight corner, then blasting out with a snarl of twin-cam Italian four-cylinder fury. Yes, please. Let the exotics have their unusable hundreds of horsepower. This is one of those cars where you get to use the whole of the tachometer.Scorpions haven’t really appreciated sharply in the same way other Lancias, like the Stratos or the Fulvia, have, so someone may get a great deal on this car. The auction is no reserve and ends on November 15. Contributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

Honda recently revealed a near-production-looking concept car that brings back the iconic Prelude name. The concept is a low-slung two-door coupe that Honda has said prioritizes “the joy of driving.”However, new quotes from Honda’s large project chief engineer, Tomoyuki Yamagami, suggest that the new Prelude won’t be sporty enough to compete with the Civic Type R or Integra Type S.All signs point to Honda’s bringing the historical Prelude name back in the form of a new hybrid coupe. The brand officially showed off the car at this year’s Tokyo auto show as a concept, although unofficially we think it’s more accurate to call the Prelude a near-production prototype. HondaDon’t be fooled by the low-slung and sporty look of the two-door coupe, though. Despite Honda’s statement at the reveal that the new car will prioritize “the joy of driving,” quotes from Honda large project chief engineer Tomoyuki Yamagami suggest that the new Prelude won’t necessarily be a track-day weapon. In an interview with Australia’s CarsGuide, Yamagami said the new Prelude “isn’t going to be the sportiest, zippiest car that’s going to be tossed into the circuits.” The publication suggested that it will therefore not compete against, for instance, the Subaru BRZ or Toyota GR86. While that doesn’t mean enthusiasts should immediately write the Prelude off as boring, it does suggest that the new version will be positioned somewhere below the brand’s own track-ready cars like the Civic Type R and the Acura Integra Type S. Furthering that point, Yamagami continued by saying, “We’re developing this as a four-seater, so you will be seeing a second row with two seats available as well.” Take that last comment with a grain of salt. The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 both have “back seats” and are no worse off for it. Elana Scherr|Car and DriverThe Prelude is more likely to serve as something of a replacement for the discontinued coupe versions of the Civic and Accord. Think of the Prelude as filling the space between the harder, more focused cars like the Civic Type R and softer, more livable cars like the outgoing Accord coupe—an economical front-wheel-drive GT car. More Revamped Honda NewsWe know the Prelude will use a hybrid powertrain, but we don’t know the specifics yet. We expect it to share underpinnings with either the Civic or the Accord. We’re hopeful the hybrid setup will be a bit more potent than the 204-hp Accord Hybrid, but it’s also possible the new car will use a similar configuration, simply with a more powerful gasoline engine. 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

In its day, this police pursuit version of the Chevrolet Camaro was hard to outrun, packing LS1 V-8 power.This one is a former Florida Highway Patrol car and comes with all kinds of fun accessories.With five days to go and no reserve, bidding on the Bring a Trailer online auction is currently at $4200.As Chevrolet prepares to send its Camaro muscle car off to the big scrapyard in the sky in January 2024, here’s a brief homage to the Camaro you really didn’t ever want to see. When zipping down one of Florida’s highways in the early 2000s, the sight of a black and tan coupe snorting up behind you with its blue lights strobing was inevitably accompanied by a sinking feeling located in the area of your wallet. But now you can turn the tables (just not in Florida). Bring a TrailerToday’s pick at Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos—is this former Florida State Patrol Camaro with the B4C Special Service package. Assuming you discount stickered-up exotics and Corvettes usually used for police PR events, this is probably the quickest a working highway pursuit vehicle ever got.Essentially a Z/28 package with fewer amenities and no T-tops, the B4C has a 5.7-liter LS1 V-8 under its hood, a four-speed automatic transmission, and a knack for catching up to scofflaws. In its retirement, it’s a fun way to play cops and robbers dress-up, particularly as this example comes with a Florida Highway Patrol uniform, jacket, and hat. Bring a TrailerWe mentioned the just-not-in-Florida part, right? FHP would not be amused to see this car on the road in their home state. This cruiser is currently registered in Virginia and would be fine to bring to shows in many states. Or you can of course bring a trailer.Bring a TrailerBring a TrailerWhat would be the most fun for this old cop car is to invest in a couple of drag radials and head to your local run-what-ya-brung Friday-night drag races. Fans of horsepower never wanted to see this car coming up fast in the rearview, but the crowd would surely cheer to see it running down the strip with the light bar on.With five days to go until the auction ends on November 15, the high bid is $4200, and there’s no reserve. If you want to live out your highway patrol fantasies, just head over to Bring a Trailer to make your bid. Just, let’s say it all together: not in Florida. Other Recent Auction PicksContributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

The amount of people in the market for a $186,000, plug-in-hybrid luxury SUV is a lot smaller than those looking for, say, a Toyota Prius Prime that costs about $153K less than that price. Still, the wealthy folks who are considering buying the 2024 BMW XM’s high-performance model might notice a slight change to its name. What was previously known as the XM Label Red is now simply known as the XM Label.BMW XM’s New LabelWhen BMW first introduced the XM Label Red, we admired its mighty 738-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrain, but we also noted that its styling wouldn’t appeal to everyone. It was also the luxury brand’s first use of “Label Red” on a production model. Clearly BMW didn’t think it was catching on with consumers, as a company spokesperson told Motor1.com that the decision to give the hi-po XM a new label was to simplify the name. Car and Driver also reached out to BMW to ask about the name change, and we’ll update this story if we hear back.Report: BMW XM DiscountThe 2024 BMW XM Label starts at a hefty $185,995, while the regular model starts at $159,995. However, customers can apply for a $9900 loan credit that would drop those prices. That’s according to Cars Direct, who reported the discount is available by either financing through BMW directly or by going through another lender using a “Non FS Credit” that would act as a rebate and provide the same $9900 off.Extra BMW XM ReadingSenior 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