Motor News

Acura has announced pricing for the new Type S version of the Integra.It starts at $51,995, compared with the closely related Honda Civic Type R’s $44,890 starting price.Reservations will open May 11, which will allow buyers to reserve one of the first 200 units.Predictably but perhaps disappointingly, the new 2024 Acura Integra Type S will carry a considerable price premium over its sibling, the Honda Civic Type R. The Acura hot hatch will start at $51,995, or $7105 more than the mechanically similar Civic. Both cars have a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and a limited-slip differential, but there are some differences between the two other than the exterior and interior styling.Most notably, the Integra does offer plenty of extra standard equipment that partially explains the price differential. It comes with heated front seats, a head-up display, a 16-speaker ELS audio system, and a power driver’s seat—all features that aren’t offered on the Civic Type R. The Integra Type S also offers a bit more horsepower, with its turbo four producing 320 horsepower to the Civic’s 315 horsepower.More on the IntegraWe don’t anticipate the Integra Type S will offer any standalone options other than premium colors. Most exterior paint options cost $600 extra on the standard Integra and on the TLX and MDX Type S models, so the Integra Type S should follow a similar formula. Acura says the Type S will come in white, blue, red, and the same gold Tiger Eye Pearl hue offered on the TLX and MDX, but the configurator tool should be available soon.Acura will offer the chance to reserve one of the first 200 Integra Type S models set to arrive in the U.S. These reservations will open at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time on May 11 at Acura.com/Integra, and the cars will start arriving at dealerships sometime in June.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

Slated to make its official debut on May 31, the new VW Golf R 333 brings unique gold paint and some performance adjustments to the all-wheel drive hot hatch. The short teaser doesn’t feature a ton of specifics, but it does give us a good look at some of the adjustments VW made. The gold paint is the most obvious addition, looking far more sophisticated than the select hues on offer for Golf R buyers. A bespoke graphics package also runs along the bottom of the doors, matching the black mirror caps on either flank. We can also see a set of the brand’s 19-inch Estoril wheels, behind which sit a set of blue brake calipers. VW has also fitted the Golf R 333 Limited Edition models with an Akrapovič exhaust system, complete with four tips in a bright finish. That’ll surely make it sound great.This content is imported from youTube. 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.While that’s about all that VW has confirmed so far, there are further hints as to what we can expect in its name. Last year, VW released a few different takes on a Golf R 20 Years special edition model for its various global markets. In Europe, that anniversary model came equipped with a variant of the 2.0-liter turbo-four making 328 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. If you measure that output in German Pferdestärke, that figure jumps to a round 333 PS. It is then not unlikely to assume a similarly trimmed engine will find its way to the Golf R 333. That will also make the Golf R 333 tied for the title of most powerful Golf model yet. Details, Specs, ResultsWe expect that high-output engine to come mated to either a six-speed manual or VW’s dual-clutch automatic, but VW could also limit the package to one gearbox. Similarly equipped 20 Years models are capable of reaching 62 mph in 4.6 seconds. VOLKSWAGENWhether or not VW decides to bring the Golf R 333 to the U.S. or not, here’s hoping we don’t get another watered down take like with the 20 Years models. With VW rumored to ditch the ICE-powered Golf altogether after the eighth generation, this might represent one of out last chances at a proper limited-edition hot hatch. VOLKSWAGENBorn and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry. He may daily drive an aging Mustang, but his Porsche 944 and NB Miata both take up most of his free time.  More

This content is imported from youTube. 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.EA Sports and Codemasters have released video of the new F1 23 video game. F1 23 will come to Sony PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC on June 16. The Las Vegas Grand Prix, a returned physics engine, 35 percent race length, red flags, and the return of Braking Point career mode are all new for F1 23.EA Sports knows what you did last summer. If you’re an avid Formula 1 fan, they know you stayed up late to watch Max Verstappen win under the lights at Saudi Arabia. They know you canceled your Netflix subscription after bingeing an entire season of Formula 1: Drive to Survive in a single weekend. And they also know you want to see this just-released reveal trailer for this year’s new F1 23 video game, coming to Sony PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC, hoping you’ll give it a try this summer on June 16.All Things F1 and RacingF1 23 puts gamers in the seat of their favorite F1 team again this year, but this time, the game’s physics engine has been tuned with the help of the people it portrays, as if someone from Red Bull stuck a hard drive in the wind tunnel. EA Sports says the racing feels more real than ever, emphasizing engine torque, inertia, and more realistic tire grip that should have folks white-knuckling their wireless controllers or racing wheels. This year, a new Precision Drive controller technology arrives to help players use sticks and buttons instead of wheels and pedals to put up a stronger fight across the virtual curbing.After a grandstand of feedback from its players, the new F1 23 is also making some specific changes to how it delivers the drama of simulating the latest Formula 1 season. F1 2021’s Braking Point career story mode is back. A new 35 percent race distance creates a race that’s neither too short or real-time. There are even red flags now, which could make for some interesting strategic headaches, similar to the ones that plagued team principals in actual F1 races.Electronic ArtsNew additions to the 2023 F1 racing schedule are reflected in its video game. November’s Las Vegas Grand Prix is coming to F1 23, as well as Lusail International Circuit and three legacy circuits, France’s Paul Ricard, China’s Shanghai, and Portugal’s Portimão. A new progression system also gives players a chance at unlocking car upgrades, fancy liveries, and new helmets and racing suites by completing challenges. There’s a new safety rating for drivers, online multiplayer, and single player, in hopes of corraling a more serious field of racers to minimize lobbies with the infamous Turn 1 wrecking ball.F1 23 is available for pre-order today on PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Epic Games Store, and Steam. The digital-exclusive F1 23 Champions Edition comes with Las Vegas content (must preorder by May 31), Max Verstappen Race Wear Pack, Braking Point 2 Icons and Vanity Item Pack, Dual Entitlement (available on PlayStation 4 and 5 and Xbox Series X and S only), four new My Team Icons, an XP Boost, F1 World Bumper Pack, and 18,000 PitCoin, as well as early access to the game three days ahead of launch. The World Starter Pack and 5000 PitCoins accompany pre-order sales of the standard-edition F1 23 game. EA Sports has been serving up virtual F1 racing since new games were available on the Game Boy Color back in 2000. Now, 23 years later, they’re here to help celebrate the revival in popularity of F1 racing in the United States. 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 EditorYes, he’s still working on the 1986 Nissan 300ZX Turbo project car he started in high school, and no, it’s not for sale yet. Austin Irwin was born and raised in Michigan, and, despite getting shelled by hockey pucks during a not-so-successful goaltending career through high school and college, still has all of his teeth. He loves cars from the 1980s and Bleu, his Great Pyrenees, and is an active member of the Buffalo Wild Wings community. When Austin isn’t working on his own cars, he’s likely on the side of the highway helping someone else fix theirs. More

Volvo is reconfiguring the C40 and XC40 Recharge’s electric powertrain for 2024.A new 248-hp rear-wheel-drive base model offers considerably more range and should cost less too.Range increases to 293–297 miles for the single-motor version, while the dual-motor AWD model gets a range boost to 254–257 miles.Volvo is expanding and improving its EV lineup for 2024 with some notable changes to the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge models. They both gain a new rear-wheel-drive single-motor version with a larger battery and considerably more range, while the existing dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants also boost range thanks to efficiency improvements.The new RWD cars have a 248-hp electric motor and battery with 79.0-kWh usable capacity, which enables a 297-mile range in the C40 Recharge and a slightly lower 293-mile range in the less aerodynamic XC40 Recharge. These models are also capable of a higher DC fast-charging rate of 200 kilowatts, which Volvo claims enables it to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in 28 minutes.More on Volvo EVsThe dual-motor configuration continues into 2024 as well and continues to make 402 horsepower like before. But Volvo says that the electric motors are different, with the rear motor now making 255 horsepower and the front motor now an asynchronous type that is able to disconnect when it’s not needed. These efficiency improvements, also helped by new 19-inch wheels that are more aerodynamic, mean that the AWD models’ 75.0-kWh battery provides considerably more range. The XC40 is now rated at 254 miles, 31 miles more than before, while the C40 goes from 226 miles up to 257 miles.Volvo hasn’t released pricing yet, but we expect the RWD versions to cost less than the outgoing 2023 C40 and XC40 Recharge, which were offered only with a dual-motor powertrain and started in the mid-$50,000 range. Volvo says these updated 2024 EVs will go on sale in the United States in the second half of this 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.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

From the May 2023 issue of Car and Driver.WHAT IT IS The Korean luxury arm’s third electrified SUV will be its biggest and poshest yet and build on the flagship G90 sedan’s striking design.WHY IT MATTERSThe gasoline-powered G90 isn’t exactly a volume model—or even well known, for that matter. The GV90 is a luxury SUV, which means it’ll probably sell well.PLATFORMThis luxury liner will be underpinned by the E-GMP architecture shared throughout the Korean automaker’s most recent electrified efforts. We expect air springs and electronically controlled dampers to enhance the cabin’s tranquility.POWERTRAINDon’t expect any groundbreaking electrification technology here. The GV90 is likely to use the same motors that propel the Electrified GV70, one on each axle, for a maximum combined output approaching 500 horsepower. Expect the GV90 to use the 87.2-kWh battery from the Electrified G80, which could offer around 250 miles of range. Top-trim GV90s may pack a larger battery.COMPETITIONBMW iX, Lucid Gravity, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X.WHAT MIGHT GO WRONGAfter nearly a decade since Hyundai established the luxury brand, people still ask, “What’s a Genesis?”ESTIMATED ARRIVAL AND PRICEThe GV90 should hit the streets in the middle of 2024 with a starting price around $100,000.Senior Testing EditorDavid Beard studies and reviews automotive related things and pushes fossil-fuel and electric-powered stuff to their limits. His passion for the Ford Pinto began at his conception, which took place in a Pinto. More

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E is getting a battery upgrade for the standard range models, swapping out the lithium-ion units for new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) units.The new 70.0-kWh batteries add a few extra miles of range, with rear-wheel drive models targeting a 250-mile EPA estimate and all-wheel drive versions improving to 226 miles.The Mach-E is now cheaper as well, with the base Select trim start $3000 less and the Premium trim seeing a $4000 cut.Major updates are coming to the Ford Mustang Mach-E for the second half of 2023. New batteries for the standard-range models promise increased EPA range estimates and extra power for all-wheel-drive models, while all Mach-Es will now have BlueCruise capability. The changes also come with cheaper prices across the board.All standard range Mach-Es trade the existing lithium-ion batteries for new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which Ford is currently purchasing from Chinese battery maker CATL. A dedicated factory will open in Michigan in 2026 and will build CATL’s LFP batteries under license. The new packs in the standard range Mach-Es still have a 70.0-kWh capacity, but the new chemistry unlocks a few extra miles of range. Rear-wheel-drive models increase from 247 miles to a targeted 250-mile EPA estimate, while all-wheel-drive standard range Mach-Es see a bump from 224 to 226 miles. The new batteries also lead to a 45-horsepower boost for all-wheel-drive standard range Mach-Es. Andi Hedrick|Car and DriverFord also says that standard range models will now be able to fully recharge more often when using AC home charging, while five minutes was shaved off the DC fast-charging time. Ford now estimates that standard range Mach-Es will take just 33 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent charge. Extended range versions of the Mach-E are unaffected by the updates, continuing to use the same 91.0-kWh lithium-ion battery packs. All Mach-Es are also now assembled with the required hardware for BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free highway driving system. Customers will receive a free 90-day trial, with the option to activate the system as a subscription later on. A three-year subscription can also be added with initial purchase of the vehicle. The latest version of BlueCruise sees hands-free lane changes when the driver activates the turn signal, and the Mach-E will also adjust its position within lanes to give larger vehicles like semi-trucks a wider berth.More Ford EV NewsThe upgrades at the Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico plant where Mach-Es are built will see an increase in production, allowing Ford to reopen the order books for the popular electric crossover which sold nearly 40,000 units last year. Prices are down across the lineup, with the Select trim dropping by $3000, starting at $44,795, and Premium models costing $4000 less, opening at $48,795. Adding the extended battery for Premium trim is still a $7000 upgrade, but the extended range California Route 1 edition is $1000 cheaper at $58,795 and the high-performance GT model is $4000 more affordable at $61,795. Adding the Performance Edition package to the Mach-E GT now costs $5000, $1000 less than before. The upgraded Mach-Es are still 2023 model year cars—owners will be able to identify which battery they have using the owner’s manual or their vehicle’s VIN.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

Mansory revealed a new P900 version of the Mercedes-AMG G63 with an exclusive Desert Sand Gloss paint option.As the name implies, Mansory’s P900 version of the G63 brings output to 900 horsepower.Like all of Mansory’s creations, both the interior and exterior of the G63 have been completely overhauled. Even in stock form, the Mercedes-AMG G63, or G-wagen, turns heads. Mansory is famous for taking that formula and increasing attention by any means necessary. The newest creation/modification project from Mansory is a version of the P900 finished in an exclusive Desert Sand Gloss paint with lots of forged carbon-fiber pieces. MansoryThe German tuners are back with another over-the-top creation for the G63. While the G63’s styling is already quite bold, the Mansory version takes it up multiple notches. A monstrosity of a f0rged carbon-fiber hood with a massive hood scoop replaces the standard hood, while even more forged carbon replaces every piece of exterior trim. The huge SUV rides on a new set of 24-inch forged wheels. A new forged carbon wing is placed at the back of the car, though it feels a bit like a bandage on a bullet wound situation in terms of added downforce. A pair of light bars are set at the front of the car for the one Mansory customer who actually takes their P900 off-road. The interior theme matches the ostentatious nature of the exterior. Tan diamond stitch leather wraps the majority of the interior, with forged carbon covering the remaining surfaces. Mansory decided for some reason that a second engine start/stop button is necessary on the roofline, but they deemed it unnecessary to remove the factory-installed button. The Mercedes logos are all gone from the headrests, replaced by Mansory’s own logo, lest you forget what you paid for. MansoryLike the name implies, the 577-hp V-8 from the standard G63 is cranked up to 900 horsepower in the P900. According to Mansory, the zero-to-62-mph time is brought down to around 3.3 seconds, with the car reaching a top speed of around 155 mph. As absurd as the new P900 is, it is relatively subtle as far as Mansory-built cars are concerned. The basic G63 shape remains intact, and the body is mostly one color, as opposed to the Bentley shown below. Mansory VehiclesThis 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

Toyota confirmed today that the 2024 Tacoma will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission.No other details were provided, but we expect it to be a modified version of the six-speed stick shift in the outgoing model.The 2024 Tacoma should debut within the next few months.Toyota continued its lengthy teaser campaign for the upcoming 2024 Tacoma today. Although the Japanese automaker still hasn’t divulged when we will see the next-generation mid-size pickup, the teaser confirmed that the new Tacoma will keep enthusiasts happy by retaining an available manual transmission.The image doesn’t reveal much, simply showing the three pedals that will reside in the 2024 Tacoma’s footwell. Toyota did say that the row-it-yourself transmission will feature six forward gears, but was tight-lipped on other details. We expect the manual gearbox to be an updated version of the six-speed stick shift in the outgoing Tacoma rather than an all-new unit, but we’re just glad Toyota is still committed to saving the manual transmission. More on the Next TacomaWe expect the Tacoma to debut at some point this summer, and we already have a few hints of what to expect. Toyota started off in April by teasing the tailgate of a hard-core off-road TRD Pro model, showing an iForce Max badge that suggests that the Tacoma may receive a hybrid powertrain like its Tundra big sibling. Toyota also announced that the Tacoma will add a new trim called Trailhunter, a name Toyota first teased with a Tundra concept at the 2022 SEMA show. The Tacoma Trailhunter is expected to focus on overlanding, with the teaser image showing an ARB rear bumper and a large frame-mounted tow hook. Most recently, an image of the TRD Pro’s rear wheel revealed that it will wear rear disc brakes for the first time. Toyota also teased the TRD Pro’s rugged suspension, which will feature a Fox QS3 coil-over and keep the signature TRD Pro red spring. More information will arrive with the full reveal in the coming months. 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