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      Tested: Is the Toyota GR Corolla Quicker Than We Thought?

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      The limited-edition 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Morizo is the lightest, most powerful, and generally best-performing GR Corolla model we’ve tested. However, test results for a new-for-2024 Premium model, which is mechanically identical to lesser GR Corolla trims, are surprisingly close to the Morizo’s. Despite a close analysis and discussions with Toyota, a clear explanation remains elusive. Welcome to Car and Driver’s Testing Hub, where we zoom in on the test numbers. We’ve been pushing vehicles to their limits since 1956 to provide objective data to bolster our subjective impressions (you can see how we test here).We love a good mystery, and occasionally in our testing of hundreds of vehicles every year we come across anomalous performance data that just doesn’t add up, prompting a deeper investigation. Such is the case with a recent test of an overachieving 2024 Toyota GR Corolla Premium, the test results for which lie beyond the normal vehicle-to-vehicle variances we’ve come to expect from Toyota’s feisty three-cylinder hot hatch. Queue the suspenseful music and the shadowy detective grabbing his hat. A Clear HierarchyLet’s rewind for some context. The 2023 GR Corolla launched with Core, Circuit, and limited-edition Morizo trim levels, all sporting a driver-adjustable all-wheel-drive system, a performance-tuned chassis and suspension, a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-three good for 300 horsepower. The Morizo upped the ante with more torque (295 pound-feet versus the standard 273), shorter gearing, revised suspension tuning, wider Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect track-oriented tires in place of the standard Pilot Sport 4 summer rubber, a chassis brace where the rear seats used to be, and a few other weight-saving measures. It also featured the front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials that are standard on the Circuit and optional on the Core, as well as a hefty starting price of $51,420.For 2024, the Morizo is no more, and the new $41,455 Premium trim slots between the $37,635 Core and the $46,275 Circuit models, bringing mostly convenience upgrades over the former. The Torsen diffs and brake cooling ducts that are standard on the Circuit also are present, and Toyota says all 2024 GR Corollas receive small aerodynamic improvements plus minor tweaks to the mounting bolts for their steering hardware and rear suspension—revisions aimed more at improving the feel of the car’s chassis than its outright performance. Upsetting the Established OrderAt the test track, the Morizo seemed to justify its price, posting better results than those we’ve recorded for three different Circuit editions of 2023 and 2024 vintage. Compared to the best results from that lot, the Morizo is expectedly lighter (3185 pounds to 3252), quicker (4.4 seconds to 60 mph and 13.0 seconds at 106 mph through the quarter-mile versus the Circuit’s best of 4.8 and 13.3 seconds at 105 mph), grippier (1.02 to 0.97 g), and better under braking (152- and 301-foot stops from 70 and 100 mph, respectively, compared to 156 and 312 feet). Here’s where it gets interesting: Although our Premium test car, which is mechanically identical to the Circuit, was the heaviest GR Corolla we’ve sampled at 3273 pounds, it tied the Morizo to 60 mph (4.4 seconds) and actually edged it out through the quarter-mile, turning a 12.9-second pass at 107 mph. Its 1.00-g skidpad orbit also is nearly as good, and its stopping performance is virtually the same, coming to a halt in 151 and 301 feet from 70 and 100 mph, respectively. This is despite its more street-friendly tires, plus its greater mass from the retention of functional niceties such as rear seats and a rear wiper. The Mystery DeepensSo, what gives? The short answer is this particular Premium test car may be a freak, as even the GR Corolla’s chief engineer in Japan, Naoyuki Sakamoto, struggled to wrap his head around how a non-Morizo-spec model could be this quick and capable. Unfortunately, a closer analysis doesn’t shed much light on the matter. You see, the GR Corolla is super easy to launch—just hold the revs around 6700 rpm and quickly yet smoothly let out the clutch—and the Premium, Morizo, and one of the Circuit models all were tested on the same track by the same driver using the same standardized procedures. This eliminates several significant variables from the equation. Given the Premium was tested in a relatively cool 53 degrees compared to our other hot-weather Michigan tests, our initial thought was that ambient air temperature may be a factor, specifically regarding the GR Corolla’s possible sensitivity to intake air temperature. This thinking was compounded by the known heat-related issue with the GR Corolla’s rear differential, which can overheat during extended hard use and temporarily deactivate the car’s all-wheel-drive system. Toyota is aware of this, and the car issues a warning message in its instrument cluster when it happens, prompting the driver to stop and let the system cool off. This message briefly appeared during multiple Michigan tests, and the quickness with which it both came and went away seemed to be related to how hot it was outside. The Premium was the least affected by this problem. However, we tested a 2023 Circuit model in California in even cooler temperatures, which in theory should further reduce any heat-related issues, yet it performed on par with other Circuit models, as expected. Granted, that car was running on 91-octane premium fuel, rather than the 93-octane juice we use in Michigan, and we can’t say definitively how much of a difference that makes in the GR Corolla. But that car’s grip and braking results also were in line with other tests of Circuit models, which doesn’t explain the Premium’s seemingly heightened adhesion to the pavement. Who Dunnit? Sadly, this is a mystery that likely will go unsolved, as none of the evidence provides a compelling explanation for our observations. While it’s not impossible that this Premium model was freakishly gifted, a more plausible theory is that a combination of factors related to the car, the track, and the conditions aligned just right to produce the above-average results, and that’s where we’ll have to leave it for now—an intriguing facet of one of our favorite driver’s cars.More on GR CorollaMike Sutton is an editor, writer, test driver, and general car nerd who has contributed to Car and Driver’s reverent and irreverent passion for the automobile since 2008. A native Michigander from suburban Detroit, he enjoys the outdoors and complaining about the weather, has an affection for off-road vehicles, and believes in federal protection for naturally aspirated engines. More

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      Stellantis May Kill Brands Struggling to Turn a Profit, CEO Says

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      Stellantis, which includes brands such as Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, and Ram, may become more aggressive about axing ones that don’t turn a profit.Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said the company is willing to kill off struggling car brands, per a report by Reuters.Tavares told reporters about the potential action following weak sales results in the first half of the year. It’s nothing personal, it’s just business. At least that seems to be the new stance of Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. He recently said that the company is willing to kill off brands that struggle to turn a profit, according to a report by Reuters.The news follows a financial report for the first half of 2024 that showed worse-than-expected results. Outside of Maserati, which recorded first-half losses in the eight-figure range, Stellantis doesn’t report figures for individual brands.On the Chopping Block “The company’s performance in the first half of 2024 fell short of our expectations, reflecting both a challenging industry context as well as our own operational issues,” said Tavares. “If they don’t make money, we’ll shut them down. We cannot afford to have brands that do not make money.”The statement marks a position change for the Stellantis boss, who has stood behind the group’s individual brands since their 2021 merger. He told reporters he would be working with his team in the United States throughout the summer months to improve sales performance and reduce dealer inventory. Part of that work includes launching 20 new models globally this year, which Stellantis hopes will aid sales. Marc Urbano|Car and DriverThe focus is on sales in North America, which has performed below expectations. “We consider that the job is done in Europe,” said Tavares. “The job is not done in the U.S. and we are now going to take care of that work.”That could spell trouble for low-volume brands such as Maserati or Fiat, both of which fall under the Stellantis umbrella. As of 2024, the only model Fiat sells on our shores is the recently revamped 500e. Maserati, on the other hand, maintains a full lineup of internal-combustion cars and SUVs and has multiple EVs on the way. More Stellantis Production NewsJack 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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      Toyota Replacing 102K Tundra and Lexus LX Engines after Recall

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      Toyota and Lexus will replace roughly 100,000 engines in Tundra trucks and LX SUVs built for the 2022 and 2023 model years.The replacement engines will resolve a May recall caused by machining debris left in the engine during the manufacturing process.The affected engines will be replaced free of charge; as of May 2024, Toyota was aware of 824 engine warranty claims that appear related to the issue. Toyota and Lexus are biting the bullet and replacing roughly 100,000 engines for owners of certain Tundra pickups and LX SUVs from the 2022 and 2023 model years. The replacement engines are necessary due to a recall issued in May caused by machining debris left in the engine during the manufacturing process. While the company had not figured out a fix at the time of the recall, an updated statement from Toyota on July 25 confirmed that Toyota’s solution is a simple one: Replace the whole dang thing. The full recall population includes 102,092 vehicles—98,568 Tundras and 3,524 LX600s. LexusThe recall only went into effect for purely gas-powered models, meaning Tundra and LX models with Toyota’s hybrid powertrain are unaffected. According to documents associated with the recall, in May 2024, Toyota was aware of 824 engine warranty claims believed to be associated with the issue. Thankfully, the brand was not aware of any injuries related to the problem. Toyota will begin contacting affected owners about the issue by late July, so right about now. Owners who are concerned their vehicle may be included can check using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website or Toyota’s recall tool. Recent RecallsJack 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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      2025 Toyota 4Runner Teased in New Photo as Reveal Approaches

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      Toyota just gave us a sneak peek of the new 2025 4Runner for the first time, revealing a close-up of the redesigned SUV’s rear bumper.The 4Runner is expected to be completely redesigned for 2025, entering a new generation with the Tacoma pickup as its base.The new photo comes a month after we spotted a fully covered prototype testing near Toyota’s R&D facility in southeast Michigan. Toyota has given us our first look at the all-new 4Runner, which is expected to arrive later this year as a 2025 model. The company teased the redesigned SUV in a new Instagram post that shows the evolution of the 4Runner through the ages, culminating in a close-up shot of the 4Runner’s new rear bumper. The written-out “4Runner” badge on the rear tailgate, which has lived directly under the Toyota badge for years, has migrated to sit directly above the bumper in a new blocky font. We can also spot redesigned taillights peaking out at the top of the image. The teaser comes a month after we caught a heavily camouflaged 4Runner prototype testing near Toyota’s R&D center (and Car and Driver HQ) near Ann Arbor, Michigan. That spotting indicated that the SUV will retain a similar size to the 2024 model, though the 2025 4Runner is expected to use the mid-size Tacoma pickup truck as its base. We’ll have to wait a bit longer for confirmation from Toyota, but, we expect the new version to be equipped with both the Tacoma and Land Cruiser’s hybrid and nonhybrid four-cylinder engine options along with the truck’s off-roading goodies. More 4Runner NewsJack 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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      Ford Celebrates 60 Years of Mustang with Special Retro Badges

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      On April 17, 1964, the world got its first look at a new model from Ford called the Mustang. Now, the Mustang is about to turn 60, and Ford is not letting that milestone go unnoticed. Ford announced a special Vermillion and Ebony (red and black) logo on Wednesday to pay tribute to the iconic American pony car. The new logo takes design inspiration from the badging and wheel center caps from the 1964 show car that debuted at the World’s Fair that year. The retro-themed badges are red with black stripes with “60 Years” text as a reminder of how long the Mustang has been around. FordBut the 60th-anniversary celebration does not end there. Ford teased a special feature that will be available to owners of the seventh-generation Mustang. Around April 17, Ford is going to push this new feature to those owners via a software update. There is no cost for this new feature. The automaker says owners just need to turn on Automatic Software Updates in the settings menu through their vehicle’s Sync 4 touchscreen to receive it. The Chevrolet Camaro is dead, and the V-8–powered Dodge Challenger has also driven into the sunset. That leaves the Ford Mustang as the only surviving V-8-powered American muscle car. No performance enhancements were announced along with the 60th anniversary, so it’s safe to assume the Mustang GT will continue on with 486 horsepower and 500 horsepower in Dark Horse trim. From the ArchiveThe Mustang was a sales hit the moment it launched in 1964 and has proven to be quite popular in recent years as well. Ford claims it was America’s best-selling sports car last year based on 2023 U.S. registrations. “As we get set to celebrate Mustang’s 60th anniversary, that same passion and excitement continues with our seventh-generation Mustang, now headed to customers in 85 markets around the world,” said Jeff Marentic, Ford general manager for truck, family, and enthusiast vehicles. More

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      Automakers to Face Shipping Disruptions Following Baltimore Bridge Collapse

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      Numerous automakers are facing shipping challenges after Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed earlier this week.Traffic has been suspended at the Port of Baltimore until further notice, creating issues for many automakers who import vehicles through this large and busy port.According to Automotive News, Audi, Bentley, Ford, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Lamborghini, Mazda, Mercedes, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Volvo depend on the port for importing, exporting, and parts shipment.Numerous automakers are facing shipping challenges on America’s Eastern seaboard following the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which left six people missing and presumed dead. The collapse occurred after a 948-foot container ship collided with the bridge, bringing it down almost immediately. On Tuesday, following the collapse, the Port of Baltimore said that vessel traffic in and out of the port would be suspended until further notice, though trucks within the port’s terminals can still be processed.KENA BETANCUR|Getty ImagesVehicles leaving the port in Baltimore after the incident on Tuesday, March 26. The port’s closing has created a logistical headache for many automakers who use the area to import vehicles into the United States. Most major automakers use this location to import and export vehicles and parts.A report from Automotive News notes that Volkswagen and BMW are two examples of automakers that will be less affected because their terminals are located east of the bridge and remain accessible. Others are not so lucky, the paper said, and are being forced to find workarounds until things can return to normal. “This is a terrible tragedy and our sympathies go out to those injured and still missing in Baltimore,” said John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a firm that represents Ford, GM, Toyota, and Volkswagen, among other major automakers in the U.S. “It’s too early to say what impact this incident will have on the auto business, but there will certainly be a disruption. Baltimore is the No. 1 automobile port in the U.S., and we’re in touch with federal officials to help them understand the scale of automotive operations there.”Cargo ContentLast year, the private and public terminals within the Baltimore port handled 847,158 cars and light trucks. That’s more than any other port inside the United States. “It’s a large port with a lot of flow through it, so it’s going to have an impact,” John Lawler, Ford CFO, said Tuesday on Bloomberg TV. “We’ll work on the workarounds. We’ll have to divert parts to other ports along the East Coast or elsewhere in the country.”Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Dimitris Psillakis told CNBC that not enough time has passed to glean an accurate picture. “It’s too early to see the effects,” Psillakis said on ‘Money Movers.’ “The situation is still developing, so we’ll do our best to make sure we find ways to supply vehicles to the market. But it is still too early to judge.” He also said the Baltimore port is one of four U.S. distribution centers that the company uses for vehicles coming from Germany. A spokesperson for General Motors told the Detroit Free Press that the automaker is working with its logistics providers to find shipping options at other ports and that GM does not expect major disruptions to its shipping operations. Like GM, many of the automakers affected by the suspension in traffic in the Baltimore port say they expect minimal impact. But the extent of the disruptions likely won’t be known for some time yet, as with the supply-chain problems that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

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      Fisker Slashes Ocean Prices up to $24K as It Fights to Avoid Bankruptcy

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      The 2023 Fisker Ocean lineup is getting its prices slashed by between $14K and $24K, depending on the trim level.The top-spec Extreme’s base price drops from $63,937 to $39,937; the entry-level Sport and mid-tier Ultra now start at $27,437 and $37,437, respectively. The dramatic price cuts come as Fisker fights to avoid bankruptcy, having recently paused production for six weeks to address the situation.Fisker appears to be on the brink of bankruptcy, and today the California-based startup has announced that it is drastically slashing prices for the 2023 Ocean electric SUV. The lineup consists of three trim levels, starting with the front-drive Sport and moving up to better-equipped all-wheel-drive models—the Ultra and top-of-the-line Extreme. The entry-level Sport sees its starting price drop by $14K, from $41,437 to $27,734. The mid-tier Ultra’s starting price is cut $18K, from $55,437 to $37,437. Finally, the Extreme’s previous base price has gone from $63,937 all the way down to $39,937, which amounts to a substantial $24,000 discount. All of these figures include the $2438 destination fee.Fisker said the reduced prices apply to 2023 models with the company new 2024 Ocean OS 2.0 software installed. The discounts will also go into effect this Friday, March 29. In its press release, the company said,”Fisker is strategically positioning Ocean to be a more affordable and compelling EV choice, competitively available to EV buyers.”Car and Driver has reached out to a Fisker spokesperson to ask if the price cuts will apply to the 2024 Ocean too, however, we have yet to hear back from them. We will update this story if or when we get a response.It’s no coincidence that the dramatic price cuts come as the company fights to avoid bankruptcy. This past February, Fisker’s problems became obvious after an ominous earnings call that provided a bleak outlook followed by mass layoffs. Then, starting last week on March 18, the company paused production for six weeks as it worked on a plan to address its current financial turmoil. While Fisker has announced a commitment from an existing investor along with a new wave of financing reportedly worth up to $150 million in gross proceeds, talks with a large unnamed automaker have since broken down, according to Reuters. Fisker has also been delisted from the New York Stock Exchange as its financial woes grow.Other Ocean StoriesEric 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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      2025 Polestar 4 Pricing Starts at $56,300, Ranges up to $74,300

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      As the Polestar 4 makes its North American entrance at the New York auto show, the automaker has revealed its full pricing breakdown.Pricing for the single-motor base variant starts at $56,300 while the top trim dual-motor variant with the Plus and Performance packs comes in at $74,300; all models are labeled as “long range.”Polestar will begin taking orders for the Polestar 4 in late April 2024 with deliveries planned to start later in the year. Polestar’s lineup is about to grow by a factor of one Polestar 4 SUV, and the company has just revealed its full pricing breakdown in the run-up to its arrival. In its cheapest form, the base Long-range single-motor variant starts at $56,300 and features 272 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque from its rear-drive powertrain. PolestarBuyers can choose between single- and dual-motor options, with single-motor trims getting rear-wheel drive and dual-motor variants featuring all-wheel drive. Stepping up to all-wheel-drive models brings the base price to $64,300. Beyond the drivetrain choices, Polestar packages options in a choice of four Packs: Pilot, Pro, Plus, and Performance. Adding the Pilot or Pro package costs an additional $1500 or $2000 respectively, while the Plus Pack is $5500 extra. The Performance Pack is only available on the long-range, dual-motor Polestar 4, and when bundled with the Plus pack, it brings the price to $74,300. The Pilot Pack comes standard on dual-motor cars and adds driver-assistance features including pilot assist and lane-change assist. The Pro Pack swaps the standard 20-inch wheels for a set of 21-inch Pro wheels and adds a special set of seatbelts and valve stem caps. The Performance Pack adds 22-inch forged wheels, Brembo brake calipers, performance tires, and special gold seatbelts and valve stem caps. PolestarAll Polestar 4 models bear the moniker “Long Range” and come equipped with a 94.0-kWh battery capable of charging speeds up to 200 kW DC and 11 kW AC no matter the power designation chosen. Polestar is targeting an EPA estimate of more than 300 miles of range. Single-motor versions feature a 268-hp electric motor driving the rear wheels, while dual-motor Polestar 4s get all-wheel drive and 536 horses. Polestar will open order books in late April 2024, with deliveries expected to begin sometime in the fourth quarter of the year. More on the Polestar 4Jack 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