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Nissan previewed a new minivan concept ahead of its debut at the Tokyo auto show.Its angular design language hints at a future styling direction for the Japanese brand.The concept’s spectacular interior includes face-to-face seating for autonomous operation.We love futuristic concept cars and we love minivans, so Nissan’s combination of the two in the spectacular form of the Hyper Tourer, set to be formally unveiled at the Tokyo auto show next week, is one we are more than happy to celebrate here. This is definitely not a “close to production” concept previewing a future model; the Hyper Tourer’s role seems to be mostly to drop hints about Nissan’s next generation of design. The company has already previewed the lower and sleeker Hyper Urban concept, another Tokyo debut, earlier this month. Taken together, both suggest we can expect to see much more angular form language in the company’s forthcoming products. The electric Hyper Tourer is pitched as a vehicle that “re-envisions the group road trip by combining the comfort of a luxurious living room with the convenience of a passenger van—all contained in a styish and futuristic package.”NissanIt certainly delivers on that last point, with the body panels featuring the contrast between smooth body panels and “sharp character lines” intended to convey traditional Japanese beauty. The white accent line that splits the glass from the bodywork around the Hyper Tourer’s whole exterior also incorporates ultra-slim headlights, while the broad front panel and wheels incorporate kumiko patterning, a traditional Japanese design normally made from interlocking wooden bars.But the Hyper Tourer’s interior is where the real fun starts thanks to the combination of huge space—helped by what Nissan says are solid-state batteries—with some spectacular design features. Twin sliding doors give access to a cabin featuring four individual chairs, with the ones in the front pivoting to face those behind when the car is driving fully autonomously. NissanAs with the other claimed technology, you’ll need to use some imagination here, especially as we are now a full three years beyond the point where previous Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, more recently an international fugitive, promised the company would have delivered full self driving. But it’s good to know that dream isn’t dead.The rear of the Hyper Tourer uses more traditional Japanese designs, but also has a huge flat LED panel display in the floor which can show images of a riverbed and the sky to, as the company puts it, “help create a relaxing space where digital and nature are fused.” Rear-seat passengers can apparently also use a wearable display system to view and operate navigation and audio settings, so they don’t feel excluded. There seems no chance that anything similar to the Hyper Tourer will make production, and, even if it did, there’s almost no chance it would come to the U.S. But we can dream, can’t we?More Cool MinivansSenior European CorrespondentOur man on the other side of the pond, Mike Duff lives in Britain but reports from across Europe, sometimes beyond. He has previously held staff roles on UK titles including CAR, Autocar and evo, but his own automotive tastes tend towards the Germanic, owning both a troublesome 987-generation Porsche Cayman S and a Mercedes 190E 2.5-16. More

Ford and Lincoln confirmed that neither the Explorer nor the Aviator will be offered as hybrids for 2024.The Explorer previously offered a hybrid model with a 3.3-liter V-6, while the Aviator Grand Touring had a plug-in-hybrid setup.We also spotted a refreshed Explorer with no camouflage, which we expect to arrive for 2025.The Blue Oval’s pair of three-row mid-size SUVs, the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator, are receiving several changes. The first update is for the 2024 model year, as Ford and Lincoln spokespeople confirmed to C/D that the hybrid versions of both models will be dropped. Soon, we expect to hear about refreshed 2025 Explorer and Aviator models, and we’ve already spotted the Ford’s new styling out and about with no camouflage (pictured).No More HybridsThe Explorer previously offered a hybrid powertrain with a 3.3-liter V-6, while the Aviator Grand Touring model had a plug-in-hybrid setup with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 and an EPA-rated electric range of 21 miles. Neither hybrid will be offered for 2024. Ford cited high demand for the hybrid version of the Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility, along with demand for other Ford hybrids, as the reason for the Explorer hybrid’s discontinuation. Lincoln did not provide a specific reason, but the Aviator is built at the same Chicago factory as the Explorer, so it’s likely that the causes for its discontinuation are related.Explorer HybridFordAviator Grand TouringMarc Urbano|Car and DriverNotably, the Aviator Grand Touring was one of the few plug-in-hybrid models eligible for the full $7500 tax credit as part of the new Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) rules. The 2024 Aviator is now available only with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 gas engine, while the 2024 Explorer is offered with the same 3.0L V-6 or a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four base engine.More on Ford and Lincoln SUVsUpdate Coming for 2025Drew Dorian|Car and DriverWhile the nonhybrid Explorer and Aviator models are unchanged for the 2024 model year, we expect to see updated 2025 versions soon with a new look. These photos show what the 2025 Ford Explorer’s new front and rear ends will look like, including reshaped headlights and taillights, a larger grille, and different fascias. We can also see new wheel designs, and it’s likely there will be updates for the interior as well.We’re not sure if Ford or Lincoln plans to bring back the hybrids as part of this update, but Ford did say that the 2.3L and 3.0L engines make up “a majority of Explorer sales,” so it’s possible the hybrids are done for good. Ford has previously promised that an electric version of the Explorer is in the works, and is already selling a smaller EV in Europe that also uses the Explorer nameplate.Look for more information to come soon on the 2025 Explorer and 2025 Aviator, as these refreshed models will likely go on sale within the first half of 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.Senior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More

The 2024 Atlas Cross Sport adds the Basecamp kit that makes the mid-size SUV look tougher.The complete kit adds matte-black body cladding and satin-silver exterior accents; 17-inch Traverse MX wheels are sold separately. The full Basecamp treatment costs $2774 ($4034 with the wheels) on the Atlas Cross Sport, but individual add-ons are available for less.Mid-size SUVs attempting to look like something you’d see on the Rubicon Trail are all the rage these days. If an automaker doesn’t offer a “Wilderness” model or a “Rock Creek Edition,” are they even trying? Volkswagen’s version of that is the Basecamp accessory line, which is now available on the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport.Basecamp Kit ExpandsThe Basecamp accessories have be offered on the regular Atlas since the 2020 model year. It was based on the Atlas Basecamp concept that was shown at the 2019 New York auto show. That concept also helped spawn the rugged Peak Edition model, which is a glorified appearance package that includes black 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and silver-colored lower bumper and body-side moldings. VolkswagenHowever, not only has has VW yet to confirm an Atlas Cross Sport Peak Edition, but—until now—the sloped-back model wasn’t available with the Basecamp accessories. Along with a complete dealer-installed kit, customers can choose between individual elements such as a lower front bumper that mimics a skid plate ($680), a lower rear bumper that echoes that look ($680), ribbed satin-silver trim on the lower body sides ($769), and matte-black fender flares ($645). A set of 17-inch Traverse MX wheels in either frosted graphite or radiant silver are also available as a standalone option. These 10-spoke rims are made by fifteen52 and cost $1260 altogether. But wait, there’s a catch: That price is only for the wheels. Customers will have to pay extra for the tires, which VW recommends should be paired with 245/70R17 all-terrains.VolkswagenBasecamp PriceThose looking to make their 2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport look as tough as possible, they can purchase the full package for $2774 ($4034 with the fifteen52 wheels). It’s expected to be available starting on the all-wheel-drive SE with Technology trim level, which starts at $43,905; the SEL starts at $48,785. The Basecamp kit isn’t compatible with R-Line models, and not recommended for Atlases without a trailer hitch.More Atlas Cross Sport StoriesThis 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

Montana-based GFC is the first to market with a camper for the upcoming 2024 Toyota Tacoma.Available in five- and six-foot sizes, these new wedge-shaped platform campers will fit all versions of the 2024 Tacoma.The starting price is $7700 and the camper is available to order now. GoFastCampers (GFC) is a platform camper company that was founded in Montana in 2017, and its first campers were built around the Toyota Tacoma mid-size pickup truck. With a new 2024 Tacoma on the way, you’d better believe that GFC is ready for it.Available in versions to fit both five- and six-foot bed lengths, GFC’s new platform camper will fit all versions of the new Tacoma, including the burly TRD Pro and new Trailhunter versions. The opening wedge tent creates a huge eight-foot vaulted ceiling, easily allowing occupants to stand up in the bed, there’s a 50-by-90-inch sleeping area with a three-inch-thick foam mattress inside. Platform CamperPlatform CamperCredit: GFCClosed, the tent only adds 6.8 inches to the Tacoma’s overall height, and it clocks in at a feathery 266 pounds in five-foot length or 278 pounds in six-foot length. That is, of course, before you add gear—the roof load capacity is 500 pounds. GFC uses its own aluminum space frame and a honeycomb composite roof to keep weight down, part of why these campers are so popular in the Tacoma community.GFCIn the Tacoma community, GFC already has a solid reputation for building tough, durable, serviceable platform campers and providing white-glove customer service. If you’re a real fan, the move is making the drive out to Bozeman to personally take delivery of your new GFC camper, then go adventuring around Montana.If you’ve got a 2024 Tacoma on order, GFC is now taking preorders for the new camper. With a 10–12 week lead time, that’ll get you a place in the queue until your Tacoma build spec is confirmed, and then GFC will build your camper to order. The starting price is $7700, which seems reasonable for a camper that is built to last just as long as your outdoor exploration rig—even if that rig is a Tacoma.More on CampersContributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

Based on Korean specs, it looks like the 2024 Genesis G70 sedan will have a new base engine.The old 2.0-liter turbo-four is out, and the more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter engine is in.Genesis hasn’t yet confirmed this new powertrain for the U.S., but we expect to get more info soon.More horsepower is generally a good recipe for success, and the Genesis G70 sports sedan appears to be hewing to this mindset for the 2024 model year. Specs are out for the Korea-market version of Genesis’ entry-level model, and they show that it adopts the more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four as its base engine, replacing the outgoing model’s turbo 2.0-liter unit.While we don’t yet have confirmation from Genesis about the U.S.-spec 2024 G70, we expect this engine to make its way stateside soon. It offers 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, useful increases of 48 hp and 51 pound-feet over the 2.0L engine. (This engine is already offered in other Genesis models including the GV70, G80, and GV80.) It still uses an eight-speed automatic transmission and is offered with either rear- or all-wheel drive. The upgrade engine remains a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 with 365 horsepower (or 368 hp if you opt for the upgraded exhaust).The Korea-market car also now offers a Sport package for the 2.5T car that includes a limited-slip differential, summer tires, and Brembo brakes. It also gets a slight power boost like the V-6 model, as its dual exhaust bumps power up to 303 hp. We’re hoping that Genesis will offer this setup in the U.S., too.GenesisBased on what we can see of the Korean car’s interior, we expect to see some changes to the dashboard as well. The climate controls appear to switch to a touch-sensitive arrangement, and there’s a redesigned row of buttons just under the air vents. The G70 was last updated for 2022 with a larger touchscreen and a new front-end design.Look for more information to come soon on the U.S.-spec 2024 Genesis G70, which should go on sale by the end of this year.More on the G70Senior 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