More stories

  • in

    Tune In for Episode Six of Inside Track, R&T's Virtual Q&A Series

    On the next episode of Inside Track, our friends at Road & Track will be chatting with the founder of one of the most iconic websites in the world of cars: Bring a Trailer.
    Head on over to our dedicated sign-up page here to access episode two of Inside Track on Thursday, Nov. 12 , 5:00 p.m. EST.
    Next Thursday, Hearst Autos chief brand officer Eddie Alterman and Bring a Trailer founder Randy Nonnenberg will be coming together to talk about the classic-car market, the site’s mission, and how it became an iconic stop for vintage-car sales.
    To join in on the chat, head over to our dedicated sign-up page here. See you there.
    Disclaimer: Bring a Trailer is also owned by Road & Track’s parent company, Hearst Autos.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • in

    Toyota Brought This Overland-Ready Tacoma TRD Pro to Virtual SEMA

    Toyota teamed up with 4WD Toyota Owner Magazine to build this Tacoma TRD Pro overlanding rig.
    It’s equipped with CBI Offroad heavy-duty bumpers, 33-inch mud-terrain tires, a rooftop tent, and more.
    The team also installed a supercharger to give the V-6 engine more power to account for all the added weight.
    The overlanding community has been blowing up in recent years with people modifying Jeeps, Toyotas, and really anything with four-wheel drive with beefed-up suspensions, big all-terrain tires, roof racks, rooftop tents, onboard refrigerators, and everything else needed to survive off-road and off the grid for days at a time. Toyotas are the vehicle of choice for some overlanders because of their reliability, and Toyota, in partnership with 4WD Toyota Owner Magazine, is showing off this Tacoma TRD Pro at virtual SEMA fully kitted out for overland adventures.

    Toyota

    The build starts off with a 2020 Tacoma TRD Pro, which comes factory-equipped with Fox shocks, protective skid plates, and a hood-mounted snorkel intake, and then it adds all the necessary accessories needed for overlanding. They swapped out the factory shocks with ToyTec coilovers on the front axle, new dampers, and added a leaf spring to the rear as well as CBI Offroad lower control arms and Camburg Engineering upper control arms.

    Essential Gear for Overlanding Adventures

    2021 Ford Bronco Looks Best Fully Kitted Out

    Jeep Shows Off Concept Gladiator Overlander

    It sits on 16-inch matte black Method Racing wheels wrapped in 33-inch BFGoodrich mud-terrain KM3 tires, and for protection they added aluminum and steel skid plates and rock sliders. A CBI Offroad aluminum front bumper with a ComeUp winch and a steel dual swing-out rear bumper are also installed along with a Prinsu roof rack with LED light bars installed in all three. And it wouldn’t be complete without a Yakima rooftop tent and extra fuel and water storage.

    Toyota

    The Tacoma TRD Pro is powered by a 278-hp 3.5-liter V-6, but the team added a Magnuson supercharger to add more power to account for all of the extra weight added to the truck. The blower ups the six’s output to 370 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, so it’ll be ready to conquer all sorts of off-road terrain.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. 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.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • in

    The Ford Explorer “Cherokee Truckster” Is Neither Jeep Nor Proper Family Truckster

    See all 8 photos

    But what if the Griswold’s road trip took place a decade later? Would the family still hit the road in a station wagon? Maybe. Then again, Clark might have decided to join the hoards of families embracing truck-based SUVs such as the still rather new Ford Explorer. For better or worse, such a vision of this alternate timeline exists and is pictured here. The rather unfortunate vehicle bears the name Cherokee Truckster. 

    Presumably a tie-in between the fictional Wagon Queen brand and Ford, the 1994 Ford Explorer Cherokee Truckster proudly wears its Blue Oval and Explorer badges. However, the Cherokee Truckster kit adds an unmistakably Family Truckster-inspired style to Ford’s family SUV. Green paint? Check. (This is reportedly one of just three Explorers to leave the factory in this hue.) Tacky faux wood paneling? Yep. Loads of luggage tied to the roof racks? You know it.

    This special Explorer also features a host of era-specific additions, too, such as oversized running boards, large mud flaps, and tacky chrome bits surrounding the wheel wells and lower door panels. Look past the exterior bits, though, and this looks like any run-of-the-mill XLT-grade 1994 Explorer, from its gray cloth interior to its 4.0-liter V-6 engine. 

    Then again, would you expect Clark Griswold, of all people, to pay extra for a vehicle with meaningful comfort and convenience or performance upgrades? Of course not. Clark’s the sort of sucker to get upsold on an extra such as the Cherokee Truckster package—one that adds little substance, but reeks of terrible taste.

    Not that we’d ever say such things about the individual or family that ultimately signs the title of this Cherokee Truckster (at least not to their faces), which is set to hit the block at Mecum’s upcoming Kissimmee, Florida auction. Credit our colleagues at Motor1.com for making us aware of this piece of vehicular fan fiction. More

  • in

    Automotive Design Star Luc Donckerwolke Is Back at Hyundai Group

    After an absence of several months, Luc Donckerwolke rejoins the Hyundai Group.
    The highly regarded designer, who had been with the group since 2016, will return in a new and global, Europe-based position overseeing design.
    Donckerwolke is expected to focus particularly on Genesis and the Ioniq sub-brand.

    2022 Genesis GV70 Revealed, and It’s a Big Deal

    Tested: Genesis GV80 Brings Guilt-Free Opulence

    2022 Genesis G70 Gets Same New Look as G80

    After a break of just over half a year, Luc Donckerwolke is returning to Hyundai. The star designer had left in April at his own request, but his relationship with the Hyundai Group, where he continued to be deeply admired, was apparently never broken.
    Donckerwolke returns on the executive vice president level, but in a new position that will allow him to spend more time in Europe: Located in Hyundai Motor Europe’s Technical Center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, he will assume the title of chief creative officer (CCO) and head design communications for the Hyundai Group.

    Luc Donckerwolke (L) and Genesis CEO Manfred Fitzgerald with Genesis Essentia concept, 2018.
    GREGORY BERG/Genesis

    Donckerwolke had worked for the Hyundai Group since 2016 and had most recently taken over from Peter Schreyer as global chief designer. There, he shaped the design language of the Group’s various brands decisively. Among his most important cars there are the new Genesis G80 and Hyundai Tucson as well as the Hyundai Prophecy and Genesis Essentia concept cars.
    Before joining Hyundai, Donckerwolke held various positions in the Volkswagen Group, including as chief designer for Lamborghini, Seat, and Bentley. Some of his most remarkable cars there are the Lamborghini Murciélago and the current Bentley Continental GT.
    Going forward, he will put particular emphasis on the luxury brand Genesis, in whose rise he played a decisive role, as well as the EV brand Ioniq and models powered by hydrogen fuel-cell technology. At the same time, he is expected to initiate joint projects with leading industry designers and conceive new concept cars.
    The global design department of Hyundai and Genesis will continue to be led by SangYup Lee, while Karim Habib remains responsible for Kia. Six months ago, we wrote that Donckerwolke left Hyundai “on very amicable terms.” His return is proof of how much he was missed at Hyundai, and how much potential still lies in the Korean auto industry.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. 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.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • in

    Ferrari SUV Mule Photos Prove the Purosangue Is Closer to Reality

    Captured images of the upcoming Ferrari Purosangue SUV confirm a four-door layout and a coupelike roofline.
    The production car is set to go on sale in 2022.
    It’s expected to be substantially more expensive than the Lamborghini Urus, which is priced in the $220,000 range.
    Enzo Ferrari understood that many Ferrari customers want to be able to share the thrills of driving the company’s products with more than one friend at a time. The 1960 250 GT/E was the first production Ferrari two-plus-two, and the brand has offered at least one model with rear seats pretty much continuously since then. But Enzo always refused to countenance the creation of a Ferrari with rear doors, something he regarded as reserved for vulgar sedans. Which is why the forthcoming Purosangue is set to be doubly radical, both as Ferrari’s first SUV and as the first works-produced model to have four doors.

    Ferrari’s First SUV Is Coming in 2022

    Lamborghini Urus: Perhaps the Ultimate SUV

    2021 Bentley Bentayga Gets a New Look

    Surprise at Ferrari’s bold new direction has faded since the initial shock of learning the company is developing a sport-ute. Former boss Sergio Marchionne famously told financial analysts, “You’d have to shoot me first,” when asked about such a direction. But times have definitely changed; Marchionne died in 2018, and the galloping success of the Bentley Bentayga, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, and Lamborghini Urus has proved that ultra-luxury consumers are as keen on a raised ride height and taller seating position as buyers of cheaper cars are.

    KGP Photography

    These latest spy shots confirm that development work is continuing, as we would expect given our expectation of seeing the production Purosangue—Italian for “thoroughbred”—as soon as 2022. Distant images of a heavily disguised prototype reveal little about the finished form of the final version, but the lowered driver’s window effectively confirms the presence of four doors and a B-pillar. Beyond that, we can see a low, coupe-ish roofline and sizable brake discs—doubtless carbon-ceramic—and quad exhaust tailpipes we would expect from any Ferrari.
    The Purosangue will be based on Ferrari’s modular front-engined platform, one that has been designed to maximize dimensional freedom and accommodate different powertrains. With a rear-mounted transaxle, it is likely that the production car will use an electrically powered front axle rather than a mechanical connection, probably a two-motor system similar to the one on the recently launched SF90. Similarly, we expect the production Purosangue to use a hybridized V-8 like the supercar’s, with some amount of plug-in range. Ferrari has also acknowledged it is working on a hybrid V-6, although that seems like a less likely choice of powerplant given the Lamborghini Urus’s V-8. Ferrari may also choose to follow Rolls-Royce’s example with the option of V-12 power, although likely only in less emissions-conscious parts of the world.
    We will have to wait until closer to the Purosangue’s launch in 2022 for more details and to find out how Ferrari’s designers have handled the challenge of combining the brand’s styling cues with an SUV. But we can already tell you that it won’t be cheap, with an anticipated price that will almost certainly be closer to the $335,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan than the $222,000 Lamborghini Urus.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. 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.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • in

    Honda Sales Oct 2020 Crosses 5 Lakh Units – Thanks To New Activa

    New Honda Activa 6G
    Honda 2Wheelers India reports YoY sales growth for 3rd month

    Honda domestic sales is just shy of 5 lakh units at 4,94,459 units. Volume gain is reported at 6,640 units, up from 4,87,819 units at 1.36 percent growth. Domestic sales accounts for 93.79 percent of total sales. Exports grew to 32,721 units at 8.98 percent growth. Volume gain is reported at 2,695 units, up from 30,026 units. Total sales is reported at 5,27,180 units, up 1.8 percent from 5,17,845 units.
    MoM domestic sales fell by 1.28 percent. Sales has dipped from 5,00,887 units at volume decline of 6,428 units. Exports gained 25.96 percent up from 25,978 units. Total MoM sales gain is minimal at .06 percent up from 5,26,865 units.
    Honda Two Wheeler Sales Oct 2020 vs Oct 2019 vs Sep 2020
    Looking Forward To Q4 2020
    With sales in October 2020 being a strong tailwind for most manufacturers, sales momentum has been noteworthy. This bodes well as the industry goes into Q4 2020 on the back of a weak start to FY21 on account of nationwide lockdown owing to Covid-19 pandemic. While a sudden standstill threw processes off-track, recovery now has been phenomenal. Of course this won’t be enough to recuperate losses incurred a few months earlier, it will help post a strong quarter to end 2020.
    While sales momentum was expected, it seems the industry for the most part has bounced back much better than some of the stifled expectations discussed earlier. HMSI covets precious podium spot and has been sitting pretty at number two for years now. Through October 2020, it continues to do so. As expected, HMSI’s strong march forward is propelled for the most part by the ever popular Honda Activa scooter.
    Interestingly, though Honda two-wheeler sales are obstinately strong, it still has always been difficult for the manufacturer to catch up with Hero MotoCorp’s sales. Both manufacturers function as strong protagonists of the industry, and foster and nurture the nation’s strong reputation as being a larger the life two-wheeler market. On any given month, cumulative sales from the top two manufacturers could hover around the 10 lakh mark. Interestingly, the two close competitors don’t really compete too closely across segments.
    Personal vehicle purchases
    Hero MotoCorp gallops forward basis its Splendor, and Honda sales is furthered by its Activa scooter. Current sales growth spurt at present is getting a shot in the arm through a cascading sentiment that’s tipping people’s decision making towards two-wheeler purchases. Need for a personal commute option is now paramount as more folks are cognisant about maintaining safe distancing.
    Public transport options though resumed on most routes doesn’t comes with the guarantee of safe distancing, meaning more or more people would rather have a bike. A range of finance options too is ensuring ease of purchase. Business resumption has meant the supply chain and logistics is now uninterrupted.
    Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Ending October, nearly 100% of our network is opened and charged up post recording YOY increase in retails during the first 2D’s of festival (Durga Puja and Dussehra). Riding into the festive season on a high note, our newly launched H’ness-CB350 has garnered great response in a short span of time. In less than 1 month of start of sales of our debut 350ccc mid-size motorcycle, our production is booked till November, even as new bookings continue to rise.” More

  • in

    Toyota Reveals More 2021 Mirai Details, Including Trims and Colors

    Toyota has shown more photos of the production 2021 Mirai, a hydrogen-powered sedan.
    It will come in XLE and Limited trim levels and a choice of four exterior colors.
    The Mirai will arrive in the U.S. in late December, Toyota says.
    The second generation of Toyota’s hydrogen-powered car, the Mirai, is remarkably different than its predecessor, adopting a new rear-wheel drive layout and a much more luxurious interior than before. Toyota has now shown more photos of the production version of the 2021 Mirai after first previewing the new model with a thinly veiled concept last year.
    Toyota also now says that the Mirai will be offered in two trim levels: XLE and Limited. The XLE is pictured here in Supersonic Red and the Limited in Hydro Blue. Oxygen White and Heavy Metal (which we assume is grey) will round out the exterior color options.

    Toyota

    Toyota

    Toyota Mirai Concept Heralds Gen-2 Fuel-Cell Car

    2017 Honda Clarity vs. 2016 Toyota Mirai

    We already knew that the new Mirai is significantly larger than the old one, and that it will offer new features such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, heated and cooled seats front and rear. Its larger hydrogen fuel cell promises around 30 percent more range, meaning it should go around 400 miles on a tank, and its electric motor now powers the rear wheels rather than the fronts.

    Toyota

    We don’t know about pricing for the new Mirai yet, but we assume it will be more expensive than the current car, which starts at $59,545. Most customers will likely lease the Mirai rather than purchasing it outright, and it’s likely to be offered only on the West coast in areas where hydrogen fueling stations exist. Toyota offers $15,000 or 3 years of free hydrogen with the current car, and we’d expect a program like this to continue for the new Mirai.
    Further details should be available soon, as the Mirai is scheduled to go on sale in December.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. 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.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More