Motor News

Rivian is preparing a second product line following the R1T truck and R1S SUV, with the R2 expected to take the shape of a compact SUV.The R2 is due to hit the market in 2026 and will slot below the R1 with pricing between $40,000 and $60,000.The R2 should continue the off-road-capable approach of Rivian’s other consumer vehicles, and could also spawn a pickup truck down the road.Rivian is working hard to ramp up production of its R1T pickup and R1S SUV—along with assembling EDV vans for Amazon—and built more than 9000 vehicles in the first quarter of 2023. But while the company’s Normal, Illinois, plant churns out those vehicles, Rivian is also busy developing its next EV. The automaker’s chief financial officer, Claire McDonough, revealed some details on the upcoming R2 at an automotive conference, as first reported by Carbuzz.According to McDonough, the R2’s design is almost finished and will expand on the distinctive styling that has helped the R1T and R1S stand out in a sea of new EVs. The R2—which is expected to debut as a compact SUV but could later be joined by a pickup variant—will be shown to the public for the first time in early 2024 before sales kick off in 2026. Rivian R1S.RivianMcDonough confirmed that the R2 will be more affordable than the R1T and R1S, with pricing ranging from $40,000 to $60,000. “R1 has an average selling price of $73,000, so this lives right below that,” she explained. The R2 will continue the adventurous vibe started by the R1T, with McDonough stating that the “R2 really leans on the brand and ethos of what R1 has started.” Along with the company’s unique positioning as the outdoorsy EV brand, McDonough cited “the UI/UX experience” as one of the other areas where the R2 can differentiate itself.Comfort/Capability Tradeoffs?Still, some sacrifices will have to be made to maintain a lower price point. As Rivian’s CEO, RJ Scaringe, explained earlier this year, “On a vehicle with a cost target, you have to decide where you’re going to spread your investment.” We wouldn’t be surprised to see the R2 sacrifice some off-road capability for on-road comfort or interior quality. The startup also says it has revised how it interacts and negotiates with suppliers to keep material costs down, learning from its experience with the R1T and R1S. More Rivian NewsSales of the R1T and R1S have been pretty impressive so far, especially for a relatively pricey first product from a startup company. But the R2 has the potential to transform the brand, opening up Rivian ownership to thousands more potential customers, boosting the company’s sales, and truly bringing Rivian into the mainstream. But as Tesla found with the Model 3, mass producing an affordable car is a huge challenge, and Rivian will still have to survive the next few years. 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.Associate 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

Toyota is revising the GR86 sports car for 2024 and adding a Trueno Edition.The special-edition model is meant to evoke the AE86 Corolla (a.k.a. Sprinter Trueno) from the 1980s.A new Performance package adds Sachs dampers and Brembo brakes.Toyota has offered many special-edition versions of its 86 sports car over the years, and the latest for the 2024 GR86 is meant to hark back to the legendary AE86 Sprinter Trueno from the 1980s. It’s called the Trueno Edition and it comes with a two-tone color scheme, special badges, and some interior upgrades. There’s also a newly available Performance package available for the GR86, plus some new features and other tweaks for the new model year.The Trueno Edition is available in either white or red and with either the standard six-speed manual transmission or the optional six-speed automatic. It features a black hood, black stripes on the side, a black duckbill spoiler, and black trim for the door handles and mirrors. You’ll find Trueno badges at the front and rear, and there’s a number plate on the dash commemorating it as one of 860 units for the U.S. market. The interior has red leather accents and red stitching, plus Trueno logos for the shift knob and floor mats.A new Performance package is standard on the Trueno and optional for other 2024 GR86 models. It includes Sachs dampers and Brembo brakes with larger-diameter rotors than the standard car; they measure 12.8 inches in front and 12.4 inches in the rear, compared with 11.6 and 11.4 inches on the standard car. This package will be a dealer-installed option, and Toyota even says it will offer the package as a retrofit for existing 2022 and 2023 GR86 owners so long as the car is equipped with 18-inch wheels.ToyotaManual-transmission GR86 models now have many of the driver-assist systems that were previously available only on automatic-transmission cars. The stick-shift cars now come with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and a few other features.Toyota hasn’t yet released pricing for the 2024 GR86 and its new options, but we expect to find out more before it goes on sale later this year.GR86 and AE86Senior 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

The 2024 Toyota Supra is adding a 45th Anniversary Edition.It is available in either orange or white and it has a manually adjustable rear wing and some added graphics.900 units will be produced for the U.S. and it will go on sale this fall.The current generation of the Toyota Supra went on sale for the 2020 model year, so Toyota just missed the 40th anniversary of the first-gen Celica Supra that arrived for 1979. But now it’s making a big deal out of the Supra’s 45th birthday with a new Anniversary Edition for 2024.The special-edition model comes in either white or orange paint, and the orange hue is called Mikan Blast (“mikan” means orange in Japanese). The big addition is a manually adjustable rear wing that can switch between different angles. Matte-black 19-inch wheels, a black graphic on the side, orange strut tower braces, and GR logos on the brake calipers round out the visual changes. Toyota says it’s meant to look like the Mk IV Supra of “big screen fame,” clearly hinting at the Supra from The Fast and the Furious.The 45th Anniversary Edition comes with the 382-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine and either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Only 900 units will be produced, half in white and half in orange, and Toyota hasn’t yet released pricing. The standard Supra 3.0 and 2.0 models, the latter of which has a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, will continue on for the new model year without changes.play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playSupra Then and NowThis 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

The Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch continues into 2024 with a few changes.Toyota has only revealed the Circuit Edition so far, which adds a new Blue Flame color and gets some chassis tweaks.The Circuit Edition will go on sale in the winter, and Toyota will release details on other 2024 GR Corolla trims later on.The Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition was supposed to have a limited run just for the hot hatchback’s first model year, but Toyota announced earlier this year that it would extend the Circuit into 2024. Now we finally know what changes are in store for the 2024 GR Corolla Circuit Edition, and they include a new color, some visual changes, and some minor updates to the chassis and aerodynamics.The new hue is called Blue Flame and it’s one of only two colors available for the 2024 Circuit Edition; the other choice is white, called Ice Cap. The Circuit Edition’s 18-inch wheels are also new for 2024. The interior features matching blue stitching for the shift knob and seats.There are also several very detail-oriented changes meant to help aerodynamics. Aluminum sheets were placed in the front and rear wheel wells that are meant to remove static electricity from the bumper. Toyota also reshaped duct for the air outlets that allow for airflow through the wheel wells. To get even more into the nitty-gritty, Toyota says it replaced certain mounting bolts for the front and rear subframes with wider bolts.We expect to hear more about the 2024 GR Corolla’s other two trim levels later on. They’ll likely be similar to last year’s Core and Morizo Edition models, but we don’t know pricing or details just yet.play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playMore on the GR CorollaThis 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

The 2024 Ram Rampage has debuted in Brazil, and clues such as a report by the Brazilian website, Auto Segredos, suggest the new small truck is coming to the States.The Rampage is offered in Laramie, R/T, and Rebel trims, with standard all-wheel drive and the brand’s Hurricane turbo four; a diesel four-cylinder is also available in Brazil.The Rampage isn’t confirmed for the U.S., but it was designed in collaboration with Stellantis’s North American arm and has an American flag motif in the taillights.Ram has sat on the sidelines while “little” trucks have made a comeback. The pickup-centric brand hasn’t offered anything smaller than the half-ton 1500 model in the U.S. since the mid-size Dakota was dropped after 2011. Meanwhile, Ford has released the unibody Maverick to great success, and even Hyundai has entered the fray with the Santa Cruz. With the 2023 Ram Rampage launching in Brazil, there are clues the new small truck could come to our shores and help the brand cash in on an untapped segment.Back in March, the Brazilian automotive website, Auto Segredos, reported that Antonio Filosa, president of Stellantis South America, told a group of reporters a version of the Ram 1200 (a.k.a. the Rampage) would be sold in the U.S. to compete with the Ford Maverick. The report also references plans for a smaller body-on-frame truck, which may or may not have something to do with the long-rumored Dakota revival. Keep in mind this is all speculation right now, but it’s worth considering nonetheless.The Brazilian RampageIt’s possible the Rampage that’s set to go on sale in Brazil provides a preview of a potential U.S. version. The unibody truck measures approximately 198.0 inches long, 74.3 inches wide, and 70.1 inches tall. That makes the Ram roughly 1.7 inches shorter from stem to stern but about 1.5 inches taller than the Maverick. The Rampage’s 117.9-inch wheelbase is also more than 3 inches shorter. The truck has a crew-cab body style, but there aren’t any specifics on bed length. It does have a power-opening tailgate, though.Ram’s mini truck resembles its bigger siblings, specifically up front where the grille shape and headlights have a clear visual connection to the larger 1500, 2500, and 3500 models. Although it’s the first Ram vehicle designed and developed in Brazil, North American designers also collaborated on the styling. That along with the U.S. flag motif in the taillights are a couple of hints about the Rampage possibly making it to our shores.Expected to be built on a stretched version of Stellantis’s Small Wide platform that also underpins the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Dodge Hornet, and the Jeep Compass SUVs, the Rampage’s suspension features McPherson struts up front and a multilink rear setup. The truck’s max payload is approximately 2238 pounds, however, that’s the rating for the 170-hp diesel 2.0-liter four-cylinder powertrain that likely won’t be offered on our shores.Instead, the U.S. Rampage would likely offer the new Hurricane 2.0-liter turbo four; the Brazilian version claims a 1653-pound max payload. Pairing with standard all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission, it’s the same engine found in the Hornet, which makes 268 horses and 295 pound-feet of torque. Perhaps Ram will also offer the truck with the 288-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrain that’s reserved for the sport-tuned Hornet R/T.Three Rampage FlavorsThe Brazilian Rampage is available in three trim levels: Laramie, R/T, and Rebel. The trio boasts desirable features such as a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch Uconnect touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Along with six USB outlets (three of which are USB-C ports), a cooled wireless charging pad is on the menu. The optional Elite package adds a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo, a 12-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, and ambient interior lighting. The Rampage’s roster of driver assists includes obligatory tech such as automated emergency braking as well as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.Among the three Rampage trim levels mentioned in the Brazilian press release, the R/T version (pictured at the top of this story) has the most details. Along with a specially tuned Sport drive mode, its dual-exhaust system is said to be louder than the other models, and the sprint to 62 mph is claimed to be a couple tenths quicker too. The Ram Rampage R/T also has a 0.4-inch lower suspension with firmer springs and dampers. Its outward appearance is highlighted by black 19-inch wheels, more body-color trim, hood stripes, and decals on the bedsides. Inside, there are exclusive faux-suede surfaces and red accent stitching. The Rampage’s Laramie trim has 18-inch wheels and the most chrome exterior trim of the bunch. The interior is covered in brown leather, whereas the more rugged Rebel variant has black leather. The Rebel also features 18-inch wheels mounted on all-terrain tires and presumably other off-road-oriented hardware that’s not mentioned.While orders for the 2024 Ram Rampage open tomorrow in Brazil, there’s no telling when or if a similar version will be sold in the U.S. For now, we’ll just have to wait and see whether the Rampage is Ram’s answer to the Ford Maverick and other little trucks sold here or if there’s another pickup planned for the brand to get off the sidelines and into the game. 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.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

The 2024 Range Rover Evoque gets some minor styling updates and new paint colors for the new model year.The Evoque gains a redesigned center console, with the addition of a curved 11.4-inch infotainment touchscreen.The 2024 Evoque carries a starting price of $51,075, a $4900 jump over last year’s model. The 2024 Range Rover Evoque is offering newly updated technology and a freshly redesigned center console. If those changes aren’t enough to lure in new buyers, Range Rover also added three new paint schemes.That console, though, is the highlight of the changes for the new Evoque. A shorter, stubbier shifter replaces the old, clunkier version. The real star of the show is a curved 11.4-inch infotainment touchscreen situated at the center of the dashboard. The “floating” screen has static bars on either side to give users immediate access to the most important menus and functions (such as climate controls). According to Range Rover, roughly 80 percent of tasks can be performed within two taps on the home screen. The new system makes use of the newest Pivi Pro software and comes with Amazon Alexa support as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.Recent Range Rover NewsThe placement of the new screen brings about extra space in the center console for goodies like the newly standard wireless phone charging pad as well as a new storage area in place of the old lower screen. The addition of new chrome pieces on the steering wheel, center console trim, and air vents should help elevate the luxury feel inside the compact SUV. Range RoverSubtle Changes, Larger StickerBystanders who aren’t die-hard fans of the model probably won’t notice the subtle changes to styling cues. In front, the grille maintains the same overall shape but changes the central design. Similarly, the headlights maintain their same jagged line, but Range Rover now refers to them as “super-slim.” Arroios Grey, Tribeca Blue, and Corinthian Bronze join the exterior paint lineup, pairing with black and bronze contrasting roof options to give more choice.The 2024 Evoque is on sale now at a price significantly higher than its predecessor. The new model starts at $51,075 in the standard S trim. That amounts to a $4900 jump in starting price over the outgoing base version. Stepping up to the SE brings the starting price to $56,075, which is $5400 more than last year’s model. Every trim features the same all-wheel drive and the P250 powertrain, which is a 246-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. 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.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

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 crossover is the subject of a new safety probe by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The investigation comes as a result of 30 customer complaints alleging a loss of power while driving the Ioniq.According to Hyundai and the Office of Defects Investigation, the issue stems from the Integrated Control Charging Unit (ICCU).Hyundai’s celebrated and popular Ioniq 5 electric crossover is the subject of an open investigation by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). The investigation stems from 30 customer complaints alleging their Ioniq 5 lost power while they were driving it. As things stand now, the investigation only affects 2022 model year Ioniq 5s. According to NHTSA, many of the customer complaints refer to a loud popping noise in the car, followed by a warning displayed in their dashboard and an immediate loss of power that ranges from a reduction to a complete loss of motive power. The ODI conducted a series of owner interviews confirming loss of power and varying time intervals between the warning message and loss of power.HyundaiAccording to documents from NHTSA, Hyundai has said the failure is related to the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), which is responsible for powering both the main vehicle battery and the low voltage 12V accessory battery. Hyundai’s preliminary assessment leads it to believe that the problem stems from an over-current within the ICCU that can damage transistors in the 12V battery system, hampering its ability to recharge. Recent NHTSA Action”We value our cooperative relationship with NHTSA and have engaged in frequent, open, and transparent dialogue with the agency on this topic,” Hyundai said in a statement. The company is planning to begin a service campaign in July, updating software as necessary and replacing ICCUs if that is needed.The investigation is ongoing, and it is unclear right now if NHTSA will decide to transition into a full-scale recall. It’s important to note that while an ODI investigation may lead to a recall, NHTSA considers investigations and recalls to be separate. Owners concerned their vehicle may be under recall can check out the NHTSA recalls website for more information. 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

The McMurtry Spéirling Pure is a track-going electric supercar, with only 100 examples planned at more than $1 million apiece.The Spéirling emerged last year with a record-breaking run at the Goodwood Hill Climb. It uses two rear-mounted fans to produce absurd amounts of downforce.The car is tiny, shorter than a Chevrolet Spark and weighing less than 2205 pounds, yet the Spéirling still produces 999 horsepower.The McMurtry Spéirling shocked the world last year by setting a new lap record at the Goodwood Hill Climb, sprinting up the storied course in 39.08 seconds. Now the British startup says it will build 100 examples of the diminutive electric supercar, dubbing the customer-spec version the Spéirling Pure and unveiling the car ahead of this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.McMurtryThe Spéirling Pure will still be a track-only vehicle, boasting 999 horsepower from two electric motors, one for each rear wheel. McMurtry says it weighs under 2205 pounds, and while the Pure is 10.0 inches longer than the original prototype at 135.8 inches, that is still over seven inches shorter than the tiny Chevy Spark. The Spéirling also stands just 40.2 inches tall and is 62.2 inches wide, but despite the unusual proportions, the adjustable pedals and steering wheel are meant to fit drivers up to six foot seven inches and 330 pounds. McMurtry claims a 190-mph top speed, but the Spéirling is more focused on unbelievable grip in the corners. The supercar runs on slick racing tires (measuring 275 mm wide in the front and 300 mm in the rear) and packs two electric turbines behind the cockpit. Those fans provided around 4400 pounds of downforce at a standstill in the original prototype, and although McMurtry hasn’t quoted a figure for the Pure, the automaker says the “downforce-on-demand fan system” helps the car achieve 3 g’s when cornering at “accessible speeds.”McMurtryThe Pure Should Perform Even Better The company claims that the Pure will have even better performance than the Goodwood record-holding car. The Spéirling is designed to be able to run multiple laps on full-sized racetracks before needing to be recharged. The 60.0-kWh battery is integrated into the carbon-fiber monocoque and can replenish the battery in 20 minutes, although McMurtry didn’t provide specifics around the charging setup required.After unveiling the first Spéirling Pure prototype at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, McMurtry will begin building pre-production prototypes in 2024 with deliveries commencing in 2025. The 100 units will start at well over $1 million at today’s conversion rates. The lucky owners of the Spéirling Pure will be able to participate in the GT1 Sports Club, an event for supercars held during SRO GT World Challenge race weekends at racetracks around the world.More Electric SupercarsThis 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 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