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    Fiat Revives Topolino Name for Cute Electric City Car for Europe

    Meet the Fiat Topolino, a charming little electric runabout that does away with doors and includes a canvas convertible top. The Topolino name comes from the original Fiat 500 introduced in 1936, but the new Topolino is more reminiscent of the Fiat Jolly beach cars of the 1960s.Based on the Citroën Ami, the Topolino should be capable of a 47-mile electric range and a top speed just under 28 mph.Fiat is reviving the classic Topolino moniker for its latest electric city car, and the result is predictably adorable. Based on the Citroën Ami, a two-passenger pod that entered production in 2020, the Topolino brings back the endearing nickname (which means “little mouse” in Italian) bestowed on the original Fiat 500 built from 1936 to 1955. Fiat only shared one image of the new Topolino, displaying the car in a pleasant pastel shade of seafoam green. Calling the cheerful little bubble a “car” is actually a bit generous, since the Topolino and its Ami sibling are technically considered quadricycles in Europe and can be driven without a license in certain countries. The Topolino’s front end is noticeably different from the Ami’s, with a softer look, silver trim that emulates an old-school bumper, and silver circular elements around the headlights.The original Fiat 500 “Topolino.”FiatAlthough the name comes from the original 500, the new Topolino calls to mind the beach-roaming Jollys popular in touristy coastal towns by eschewing doors for a rope barrier like you might find at the front of the line for an amusement park ride. The Topolino wears retro-style white wheels, features a striped pattern on the dashboard, and appears to include a canvas convertible top.Fiat didn’t release any specifications for the Topolino, but we imagine it will share its powertrain with the Ami, which pairs a 5.5-kWh battery with an 8-hp electric motor motivating the front wheels. The Ami is good for a claimed range of 47 miles and tops out just under 28 mph. The same numbers should apply to the Topolino, and we imagine it will be a hit in towns along the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Unfortunately, its diminutive size makes the Topolino unfeasible for the United States, so it will likely remain a European exclusive.More Cute European EVsThis 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

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    2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Goes Bigger Than Other Mid-Size Off-Road Trucks

    The 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison debuts as a more beefed-up, jacked-up version of the regular ZR2 model.Along with 35-inch off-road tires, the Bison has Multimatic hydraulic bump stops designed to help cushion hard landings.The bovine-themed truck also has AEV steel bumpers, wider fender flares, and a bed-mounted spare-tire carrier.We’re calling it. The golden age of pickup trucks is right now. Not only are there an unprecedented amount of choices—from compact trucks to electric trucks to luxury trucks—but automakers are also going all out on off-road-focused variants. The mid-size segment is arguably the most hotly contested, with Ford, GM, and Toyota all recently revealing new generations of their respective entries. Chevy has already rolled out the 2023 Colorado lineup, and we’ve driven the desert-pounding ZR2, but before the dust has settled, the bow-tie brand is unleashing a bigger, badder version: the 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison. Bison Is a Beefier ZR2When it comes to bovine-themed Colorados, this isn’t Chevy’s first rodeo. The previous-generation ZR2 also came in Bison guise, which had trim-specific bits such as unique wheels and badging as well as steel bumpers and skid plates all from aftermarket supplier American Expedition Vehicles (AEV).The ’24 Colorado ZR2 Bison still gets exclusive AEV add-ons such as wider fender flares, a full-width steel front bumper with a winch accommodation, and a rear bumper with steel corner plates. Underneath the truck are five skid plates made of Boron steel (the regular ZR2 has three aluminum plates). The Bison’s additional protection covers the fuel tank and the rear differential, giving drivers more peace of mind on rocky terrain. A set of steel rock rails is also standard. The Bison’s hooves are the real stars of the show. Its Goodyear Wrangler Territory Mud-Terrain tires are sized LT315/70R-17, which Chevy rounds up to 35 inches. Apart from the heavy-duty Silverado 2500HD ZR2, the Colorado ZR2 Bison is the only other truck with a bow-tie badge that features factory-installed 35s. No other mid-size truck offers tires that big, either, with the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor and 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro riding on 33-inchers, same as the regular ZR2.To make room for the 35s, Chevy had to modify the ZR2’s front fenders by enlarging the wheel openings. Moving the third-gen Colorado’s front axle 3.1 inches forward also allowed for the bigger tires, and a company spokesperson told Car and Driver that fitting 35s was the main reason behind the stretch. The Bison’s 66.3-inch front and rear tracks are almost an inch wider than the regular ZR2’s. Thanks largely to the taller tires, the Bison stands 1.5 inches higher than its counterpart, with a slight suspension lift playing part too.A Bison That Can JumpThe Bison benefits from the same type of Multimatic spool-valve dampers found on the regular ZR2, however, here they’ve been retuned to account for the truck’s added mass. The Bison is just over 300 pounds heavier, according to Chevy. Its suspension also has the same 9.9 inches of front travel and 11.6 inches of rear travel, despite what we thought when we saw a prototype in the Nevada desert.Compared with the standard ZR2, the Bison has an extra 1.5 inches of ground clearance at 12.2 inches. While the AEV bumper drops its approach angle from 38.6 to 38.2 degrees, the Bison has a better breakover angle (26.9 versus 24.8 degrees) and departure angle (26.0 versus 25.2 degrees). To see how the standard ZR2 stacks up against the Ranger Raptor and the Tacoma TRD Pro, read our spec comparison. What really takes the Colorado ZR2 Bison to the next level of off-road lunacy is that has hydraulic front and rear bump stops, which are also supplied by Multimatic. Chevy calls them “Jounce Control Dampers,” and they’re built to better withstand the abuse of aggressive off-road driving. While bison can’t jump, the ZR2 version certainly can, and its upgraded bump stops will help soften hard landings should drivers be goaded into “sending it.”If the Bison gets a flat tire, there’s a full-size, 35-inch spare mounted in the cargo bed. Unlike its predecessor, which also featured a bed-mounted spare tire, the new truck’s carrier is mounted at the front of the five-foot-two-inch box instead of smack dab in the middle. Sure, it doesn’t look as cool, but the new location maintains most of the truck bed’s usable space. It also doesn’t fully block the rearview mirror, and an aftermarket cab topper can be installed without interference.Still a ZR2 at HeartSadly, the Bison treatment doesn’t bring any powertrain upgrades. It features the same high-output turbocharged 2.7-liter four-pot as the regular ZR2, which makes 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque (on 87-octane fuel, mind you). An eight-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and electronic locking front and rear differentials are also mandatory. The Bison’s tow rating is capped at 5500 pounds (500 less than the ZR2), and its payload capacity is 230 less at 1050 pounds.For the 2024 model year, both the ZR2 and the Bison add launch control that can be activated in Baja mode. Simply select the setting with the rotary knob on the center console, press the brake pedal, pin the throttle, and release the brake for take off. Chevy says the launch mode also automatically adjusts to different surface conditions, so the system will detect if the truck is on dirt, gravel, or sand. Michael Simari|Car and DriverInside, the Bison looks almost identical to the regular ZR2. The only differences are the AEV-branded floor mats and embroidered headrests. Otherwise the two trucks share a fully digital gauge cluster and an 11.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard driver assists include automated emergency braking, automatic high-beams, and lane-keeping assist; adaptive cruise control is also available but costs extra.The 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison is slated to start production sometime in the third quarter of this year, with orders opening this fall. While Chevy says it’ll release pricing closer to the truck’s on-sale date, we fully expect the Bison to break the $60K barrier.Meet the New ColoradoThis 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

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    Volvo EX30 Reveals More Glimpses of Its Interesting-Looking Interior

    Volvo has shown more images of the EX30 before its reveal next week, revealing that the cabin will feature just a single 12.3-inch center screen.The cabin will also include a sound bar spanning the entire dashboard, freeing up space on the doors for extra storage.The interior will be decked out in renewable materials, from flax to wool to recycled denim.The Volvo EX30, first teased earlier this month, is set to be unveiled next week and will occupy the smaller end of Volvo’s increasingly electrified lineup. Ahead of the full reveal, Volvo has offered a few more tastes of what to expect from the new electric crossover, showing glimpses of the exterior and interior design. VolvoThe new images show sharply creased bodywork and distinctive LED lights, with the headlights adopting Volvo’s established “Thor’s hammer” look as seen on the EX90. The taillights also echo the larger electric SUV, with a C-shaped section beneath a vertical element. The interior looks minimalist, with a mostly empty dashboard centered around a single screen, measuring 12.3 inches. A “calm” mode will see the screen display only the most important information, and the infotainment system will include built-in voice commands via Google Assistant and navigation from Google Maps. However, the EX30 will also become the first Volvo with wireless Apple CarPlay, and the system will be capable of 5G connectivity. VolvoThe interior will feature a sound bar inspired by the type you might find in your living room, stretching across the width of the dashboard. The sound bar can be paired with an upgraded Harmon Kardon system and Volvo says that by putting multiple speakers within one housing, they’ve cut back on the amount of wiring and other materials used. The sound bar also means there aren’t speakers in the doors, allowing for extra storage space, while the window switches also migrate from the doors to the center console. The glovebox has moved, now slotting in below the center screen, and the cupholders will also retract to free up space. The rear passengers get access to a sliding storage bin as well, while Volvo says a guide integrated into the tailgate shows what sizes of cargo will fit in the trunk. More Future VolvosVolvo is touting the use of recycled and renewable materials, and calls the different interior themes “rooms.” One cabin theme will center around denim, using waste from the denim recycling process, and other materials will include flax and a wool blend that features 70 percent recycled polyester. Recycled plastic will also be used throughout, including Nordico, a material that comes from PET water bottles. The EX30 will debut on June 7, with U.S. reservations opening up the same day. Sales should kick off next year.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

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    2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Doesn’t Cost Much More Than the Highlander

    Toyota has released pricing for the 2024 Grand Highlander SUV.A larger version of the Highlander, the Grand Highlander starts at $44,405 and ranges up to nearly $60,000 for the loaded version with the Hybrid Max powertrain.The Grand Highlander will start arriving at dealerships this summer.How much extra will you pay for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander’s extra space compared with its non-Grand sibling? As it turns out, not that much. Pricing for the new three-row SUV starts just a bit higher than its smaller equivalent. With a base price of $44,405 for the front-wheel-drive XLE model, the Grand Highlander starts $1050 higher than the equivalent Highlander XLE.The Grand Highlander’s standard engine, like in the Highlander, is a 265-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four. All-wheel drive costs $1600 extra on both the XLE and Limited ($47,860) models and is standard on the Platinum trim ($53,545). The XLE and Limited models are also available with a 243-hp hybrid powertrain that also commands a $1600 premium. It too comes standard with front-wheel drive and is available with all-wheel drive as an option. Toyota claims that the hybrid offers a big MPG bump: 36 mpg combined, compared with the gas model’s 24 mpg combined.We Drive the Grand HighlanderThe top dog in the Grand Highlander lineup—exclusive to the Grand—is the Hybrid Max setup. It combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four with electric motors for a total of 362 horsepower. In terms of fuel economy, it fits between the standard gas and hybrid models with a claimed combined EPA estimate of 27 mpg. This all-wheel-drive-only configuration is offered only on the Limited and Platinum and carries a significant price premium. The Limited Hybrid Max starts at $55,375 and the Platinum Hybrid Max is $59,460. This brings it well beyond the realm of the Highlander, but it’s not unheard of in the three-row SUV segment, as competitors such as the Mazda CX-90 and Jeep Grand Cherokee L reach well into the $60,000 range.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 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

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    The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Has Easter Eggs: Here Are a Few We Found

    We covered the reveal of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma extensively. And yet, we still managed to miss a few little details about the Japanese automaker’s redesigned mid-size pickup. Specifically, we ignored the truck’s handful of Easter eggs. With the help of a Toyota representative and a pre-production Tacoma TRD PreRunner, we stumbled upon three such treats the brand fits on the truck as a means of pleasing keen-eyed observers. We know there are more, though, so 2024 Tacoma owners ought to keep a vigilant eye out for additional hidden messages that Toyota’s placed about the truck. These three Easter eggs, however, should help you get started on your search.Taco MountainsGreg S. Fink|Car and DriverYou’ll have to squint to see it, but what you’re looking at is a mountain range that Toyota’s pinned to the 2024 Tacoma’s front windshield. It’s a fitting design element for a truck that shares its name with Tacoma, Washington—a city with a mountainous skyline.A Rainier TacomaGreg S. Fink|Car and DriverStamped onto the 2024 Tacoma’s left headlight’s mounting point to the truck’s body are the numbers 46.853 and -121.76. These aren’t just any numbers, though; they’re coordinates to a location positioned just a little northwest of Mt. Rainier. What exactly you’ll find at these coordinates is anyone’s guess, but we hope those who venture there on a Tuesday are at least met with some Tacos.QR You?Greg S. Fink|Car and DriverSee those dots on that plastic piece on the side of the dashboard? Those aren’t just random pinholes, but Morse code. And according to Toyota’s PR team, it reads “Accessory Ready.” Production Tacomas will also include a QR code on this panel. Scan it, and you’ll be taken to a website with dimensions to 3D print accessories, including a lantern and toolkit.More on the New TacomaSenior EditorDespite their shared last name, Greg Fink is not related to Ed “Big Daddy” Roth’s infamous Rat Fink. Both Finks, however, are known for their love of cars, car culture, and—strangely—monogrammed one-piece bathing suits. Greg’s career in the media industry goes back more than a decade. His previous experience includes stints as an editor at publications such as U.S. News & World Report, The Huffington Post, Motor1.com, and MotorTrend. More

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    Report: Kia Confirms Pickup Truck Heading to Australia in 2025

    Reports suggest that Kia is planning to sell a new pickup truck in Australia starting in 2025.According to Drive, the manufacturer confirmed the news in a confidential meeting with dealers.We’re not sure if it will come to the U.S., but it could rival the Ford Ranger in global markets.Kia is preparing to launch a new pickup truck—at least in Australia. According to a report by Australian publication Drive, Kia told dealers to expect a “genuine and serious rival” to the mid-size Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger trucks, both of which are popular down under. While we’re not sure about the truck’s U.S. prospects, we’re curious to hear more about this new crew-cab model that’s slated for a sales launch in 2025.Dealers were informed the internal model code for the new truck is “TK”, but the official name hasn’t been announced yet. They were also reportedly told that the truck will have a new ladder-frame chassis and that it will utilize a diesel engine. This significantly narrows down the list of potential engines, as Kia and Hyundai only offer a few diesels in global markets. The four-cylinder diesel from the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe could be an option, along with the 3.0-liter inline-six diesel in foreign versions of the Genesis GV80.More Truck StuffUnlike the 2004 KCV4 Mojave concept pictured at top, the new truck will likely look much more like the other mid-sized trucks on the road now. Spy photos on Drive show a tall and flat front end, with a crew-cab configuration. Despite offering more information to its Australian dealers, the manufacturer is staying tight-lipped beyond simple confirmation that the truck exists when talking to media. “Kia is currently developing a future pickup truck model that will be highly capable and fit for purpose. Additional details will be confirmed in due course,” Kia told Drive. As things stand now, we’re not sure if Hyundai would consider building its own version of this new truck. It currently offers the Santa Cruz pickup in the U.S., but that’s a smaller unibody truck that shares its platform with other Hyundai crossovers.We’ll have to wait a bit longer to see what’s in store for Kia’s forthcoming Australia-market truck, as it likely won’t debut until more than a year from now at the earliest. As for the possibility of it coming to the U.S., we wouldn’t hold our breath, but a Kia entry into the hot mid-size truck segment here—which includes the recently redesigned Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevy Colorado—could shake things up in an interesting way.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

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    2024 Audi A6 and A7 Will Feature Revised Styling and New Colors

    Audi is introducing a few minor updates to the Audi A6, S6, A7, and S7 for the 2024 model year.The new models have a revised front end, plus new wheel designs and colors.We don’t yet know U.S. details, but we expect these to arrive on our shores later this year.Audi is preparing to rework its lineup soon with new names for many of the models, but the mid-size A6 and A7 are sticking around for now and receive a few updates for the 2024 model year. You’ll be hard-pressed to spot the changes, which include subtly revised styling, new wheel designs, and a few new standard features. These also apply to the S6 and S7 and the A6 Allroad, and we’ve already covered the 2024 updates to the highest-performance RS6 Avant and RS7.More Audi NewsThe A6 and A7’s front grille and bumpers are revised, and there’s greater variation between the standard treatments and the S Line package. New wheel designs for the European models include sizes ranging from 17 to 21 inches, but the current U.S. models come standard with 19-inch wheels so we might see slightly different offerings for our versions. The expanded color palette may also change when Audi releases U.S. specs for the 2024 models, which may not be until later this year.Park assist is now standard, and there are different appearance packages including basic, advanced, and S Line. New interior trim options include additional wood trims and microfiber trim, but Audi hasn’t yet shared any photos of the updated cabin.We don’t anticipate any changes to the A6 and A7’s powertrain lineups. The A6 comes standard with a 261-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four and a 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 is optional. The A7 comes standard with the V-6, and the S6 and S7 have a more powerful 444-hp turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6.Look out for more details on these 2024 Audi models as we learn more including U.S. pricing, equipment packages, and EPA ratings.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

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    Cadillac Launches New CT6 Sedan, GT4 Crossover for China

    Cadillac has revealed a second-generation CT6 sedan, but unfortunately the rear-wheel-drive cruiser will be exclusive to China.A turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four resides under the hood, while a 33-inch screen spans the leather-trimmed dashboard.Cadillac also unveiled the new GT4 crossover, which slots into the small end of the brand’s Chinese lineup but still includes that massive curved screen.Cadillac sales in the United States have suffered over the past few decades, but the situation in China is much rosier, where the brand posted nearly 60,000 more sales than in its home country last year. The large CT6 sedan—killed off in the U.S. after 2020—lives on overseas, and now Cadillac has revealed a new generation for China, debuting alongside a new SUV model called the GT4.CadillacThe CT6 doesn’t look wildly different from the outgoing car, with sleek, clean bodywork and vertical taillights. Thin LED running lights sit above the main headlight units and flow into the wide grille that echoes the shape of the Cadillac crest. Inside, the dashboard is dominated by a curved 33.0-inch screen, while the rest of the cabin is trimmed in lush Nappa leather and open pore ash with metal accents. The ambient lighting can be set to 26 different colors. The CT6 remains rear-wheel drive, but instead of the V-6 and V-8 engines that powered the CT6 we got in America, the Chinese car is motivated by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The CT6 will also come with Super Cruise, General Motors’ hands-free highway driving tech that will automatically initiate lane changes in the right circumstances. Prices will open at the equivalent to around $50,000. CadillacCadillac also showed off the new GT4, referring to it as a “coupe-style SUV.” While the crossover sports a low-slung look compared to the more upright XT4 that also competes in the compact SUV segment, it’s not quite as coupe-like as vehicles like the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. The GT4 follows the same design language as the CT6, and a Sports package adds 19-inch black aluminum wheels, a black roof, and other darkened accents.CadillacThe 33.0-inch screen makes another appearance in the GT4, which offers a 15-speaker sound system, a color head-up display, heated and cooled front seats, and a 360-degree surround view camera setup. Under the hood is one of two four-cylinder engines, either a turbocharged 1.5-liter motor or a turbo 2.0-liter unit. The inline-fours are mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox and include 48-volt hybrid systems. Front-wheel drive is standard, but the GT4 can be specced with all-wheel drive. The GT4 will start at the equivalent around $31,000. While the CT6 will likely stay a China-exclusive model as American tastes shift away from sedans, the GT4 could potentially reach our shores. More Cadillac NewsThis 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