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    BMW iX xDrive50, iX M60 Recalled for Cruise Control Problem

    More than 11,000 BMW iX xDrive50 and iX M60 from 2022 through 2024 model years are under recall due to a cruise control software error. Documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explain that the driver can inadvertently hit the cruise control button and activate the system. BMW will notify owners starting July 28. BMW of North America has issued a recall for approximately 11,180 iX xDrive50 and iX M60 electric SUVs because of a potential safety concern involving the cruise control.According to BMW, when turning the steering wheel at low speed, the driver is at risk of inadvertently contacting the cruise control button. This complication could lead to unexpected acceleration or deceleration, although the cruise control icon will become visible and the driver can deactivate the system by either braking or pressing the cruise control on/off button. BMWSeparately, more than 14,000 BMW EVs, including about 5000 iX SUVs, were recalled earlier this year over a problem with short-circuiting in the high-voltage battery, as well as a few dozen 2022 iX EVs for a problem with battery manufacturing that could allow debris to enter the battery. In both cases, BMW issued Stop Drive orders until the problems could be fixed under recall.For the current issue, BMW will begin notifying vehicle owners in July about the need for a software update. In the meantime, iX owners can check the NHTSA recalls website to see if their vehicle is included in the recall.Other Recent RecallsSummer Editorial InternAlessandra Kaestner, a Chicago native, has always been interested in journalism. She remembers listening to NPR every day before school with her parents and trying to race her dad to get the New York Times from the front door. Alessandra continued her passion for journalism by working at her university’s newspaper during her first year and into her sophomore year: the Cornell Daily Sun. She is majoring in psychology and philosophy and wants to explore law and journalism. Although she does not have a lot of background in the world of cars, Alessandra is interested in expanding her knowledge and gaining experience. She could not be more excited to work with so many talented people at Car and Driver. More

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    2024 Nissan Z NISMO Teased Shredding Tires In New Video

    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.There’s a new NISMO in town – Introducing the Nissan NISMO ZWatch onYouTube IconYouTube IconThe 2024 Nissan Z NISMO is teased in a video posted today on YouTube.The clip gives us our clearest look yet at the upcoming NISMO Z, and it shows off a new body kit and upgraded Dunlop SP Sport Maxx summer tires. Nissan promises to release more details later this summer, which could mean the car will arrive before the end of the year. The track-oriented 2024 Nissan Z NISMO model is just around the apex. The automaker released a 45-second teaser video, giving us the opportunity to spot a few exciting details about the new car. We’ve seen camouflaged spy photos of the NISMO in the past, but this gives us our best look yet. A Better BodyA new body kit is immediately recognizable in the video. The standard Z is far from introverted, but the NISMO treatment makes the coupe look even more aggressive. Its unique front and rear bumpers have a more angular look, and the now iconic NISMO red stripe returns, tracing the bottom of the car, from the front splitter around to the rear diffuser. The duckbill spoiler is also new and extends over the wheel arches, giving the car a slightly more pronounced stance.NISSANIn the clip, Nissan uses three-time Formula Drift champion Chris Forsberg to hoon the NISMO Z around a racetrack. More important to us are the actual tires he tears up in the video. The NISMO Z ditches the regular model’s Bridgestone Potenza S007s in favor of stickier Dunlop SP Sport Maxx summer tires. That switch alone should help improve the Z’s performance, as we’ve previously bemoaned how its tires can be easily overwhelmed. More Power?It’s possible the NISMO-tuned Z could bring a considerable power increase. Unfortunately there’s no way to be sure until Nissan reveals the full specs later this summer. As things stand now, the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 in the base car makes 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, but rumors suggest the NISMO version could have up to 500 hp. Since the model driven in the video is an automatic (based on the steering-wheel-mounted paddles), we’ll have to wait and see if the regular Z’s six-speed manual transmission is also available.Pricing for the 2024 range of Z’s hasn’t been revealed yet, but the base prices of last year’s lineup ranged from $42,085 to $55,085. With the expected bump in horsepower and the extra performance hardware, we think the NISMO will start in the low-to-mid-$60,000 range. Nissan promises to release more details later this summer, which could signal the Z to join the lineup before the end of the year.More Nissan Z 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.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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    Ford SuperVan 4.2 with Comically Large Wing Will Climb Pikes Peak

    The electric Ford SuperVan 4.2 will compete in the 101st Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.Modified from the 1973-hp SuperVan 4, the 4.2 version features a massive wing and a 1400-plus-hp powertrain that was specifically tuned for the climb.The SuperVan 4.2 will be driven by Romain Dumas when the race takes place this Sunday, June 25.Race cars come in all shapes and sizes. Like, say, an electric van with more horsepower than five Honda Odysseys combined. That describes the Ford SuperVan 4.2, which will use its 1400-plus horsepower to race to the top of Pikes Peak at this year’s event.A Transformed SuperVanThe Ford Pro Electric SuperVan debuted at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, where its four motors generated 1973 horsepower combined. Developed in a partnership with Ford Performance and STARD, who is based in Austria and specializes in electric race and rally cars, the SuperVan 4 featured a mid-mounted 50.0-kWh liquid-cooled battery and myriad racing modifications. With the 4.2 version, the EV van has been further transformed with one goal in mind: Reach Pikes Peak as quickly as possible.Ford Motor CompanyAlong with a new livery emblazoned with Ford Performance’s updated logo, the most obvious difference between the SuperVan 4.2 and its predecessor is the comically large rear wing. That lightweight carbon-fiber spoiler as well as the other aerodynamic add-ons are said to deliver more than 4400 pounds of downforce at 150 mph. The van’s chassis has also been lightened, but its powertrain receives the other biggest changes.Ford removed one of the SuperVan’s four electric motors, with one now powering the front axle and the other two feeding the rear wheels. Together they make over 1400 horses, and the motors are now juiced by a newly optimized version of the van’s regenerative braking system. Along with carbon-ceramic front rotors, the SuperVan 4.2 features forged wheels with Pirelli P Zero race tires. It also has enhanced driveshafts, a plexiglass windshield, and a stripped-out interior with a roll cage and a single racing seat.Ford Motor CompanyThe Ford SuperVan 4.2 will be driven by Romain Dumas, who has previously participated in the annual event seven times. The 101st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will be held this Sunday, June 25.More Ford EV Race CarsThis 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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    Royal Enfield Electric Motorcycle Production Version Render – 6 Colours

    Royal Enfield Electric Motorcycle – RenderRoyal Enfield can launch the first of its electric bikes in 2025, based on an entirely new platformIt is known that Royal Enfield is working diligently to develop its electric bikes. As the ICE portfolio also needs to be handled simultaneously, it may take a couple of years before the first Royal Enfield electric bike debuts. It will be an entirely new journey for the company, quite like starting from scratch.Launch of Royal Enfield electric bikes has been delayed due to the pandemic. It is not certain if prototypes have been developed or things are still on the drawing board. Test mules are yet to be spotted, although OEMs are known to test new products at overseas locations as well.Only evidence is a glimpse of Royal Enfield Electrik 01 Concept that was leaked online last year. To get a better idea about Royal Enfield’s electric bike, Pratyush Rout has come up with a digital render based on the leaked concept.Royal Enfield electric bike renderWhile the body details have changed, the core silhouette is still familiar to current bestsellers like Classic 350. Retro bits have been retained, as seen with the round headlamp and rear-view mirrors and teardrop fuel tank. The latter is there just for the aesthetics, although it can have a compact storage space on the inside.Royal Enfield Electric Motorcycle – RenderAnother interesting detail is the front girder fork, usually seen with vintage motorcycles. It is not certain if the production variant will have this feature or not. Girder forks have long been replaced with standard telescopic forks and USD forks. The battery pack housing is completely covered with rugged looking panels. The deep grooves on the panelling ensure a distinctive character for the bike. The triangular boxes towards the rear exude a sense of familiarity with the current range of Royal Enfield bikes.Colour theme comprises the primary shade, along with a contrasting colour used to highlight the bike’s outer layers. The contrasting shade is also used on the headlamp cowl, graphics and alloy wheels.Royal Enfield electric bike performance, rangeIn terms of performance, Royal Enfield electric bike will have capabilities similar to its 350cc siblings. The first launch could be a roadster, meant for city commutes. Other formats such as electric ADVs and cruisers can be introduced at a later date. Range of Royal Enfield electric bike could be around 100 to 150 km.Royal Enfield Electric Motorcycle – RenderAs Royal Enfield bikes are preferred for their large size, installing a higher capacity battery pack shouldn’t pose any major challenges. But this approach can clash with the company’s focus on affordability. It is imperative that a middle ground be discovered to ensure an optimal mix of performance and affordability.Royal Enfield has mega plans for electric segment, as evident with investment commitments worth Rs 2,000 crore. This will be part of the PLI scheme and spread over a period of five years. Royal Enfield is also expected to make investments for developing charging infrastructure across the country.Disclaimer – Design renders presented in this blog are solely for illustrative purposes and have not been commissioned, approved, or endorsed by the manufacturer. Designs presented here may not reflect the final product or the manufacturer’s intentions. The renders are provided as conceptual designs or artistic interpretations only, and their accuracy or feasibility cannot be guaranteed. More

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    Rivian R2 Compact SUV Targeted for 2026 Launch, $40,000 Starting Price

    Rivian is preparing a second product line following the R1T truck and R1S SUV, with the R2 expected to take the shape of a compact SUV.The R2 is due to hit the market in 2026 and will slot below the R1 with pricing between $40,000 and $60,000.The R2 should continue the off-road-capable approach of Rivian’s other consumer vehicles, and could also spawn a pickup truck down the road.Rivian is working hard to ramp up production of its R1T pickup and R1S SUV—along with assembling EDV vans for Amazon—and built more than 9000 vehicles in the first quarter of 2023. But while the company’s Normal, Illinois, plant churns out those vehicles, Rivian is also busy developing its next EV. The automaker’s chief financial officer, Claire McDonough, revealed some details on the upcoming R2 at an automotive conference, as first reported by Carbuzz.According to McDonough, the R2’s design is almost finished and will expand on the distinctive styling that has helped the R1T and R1S stand out in a sea of new EVs. The R2—which is expected to debut as a compact SUV but could later be joined by a pickup variant—will be shown to the public for the first time in early 2024 before sales kick off in 2026. Rivian R1S.RivianMcDonough confirmed that the R2 will be more affordable than the R1T and R1S, with pricing ranging from $40,000 to $60,000. “R1 has an average selling price of $73,000, so this lives right below that,” she explained. The R2 will continue the adventurous vibe started by the R1T, with McDonough stating that the “R2 really leans on the brand and ethos of what R1 has started.” Along with the company’s unique positioning as the outdoorsy EV brand, McDonough cited “the UI/UX experience” as one of the other areas where the R2 can differentiate itself.Comfort/Capability Tradeoffs?Still, some sacrifices will have to be made to maintain a lower price point. As Rivian’s CEO, RJ Scaringe, explained earlier this year, “On a vehicle with a cost target, you have to decide where you’re going to spread your investment.” We wouldn’t be surprised to see the R2 sacrifice some off-road capability for on-road comfort or interior quality. The startup also says it has revised how it interacts and negotiates with suppliers to keep material costs down, learning from its experience with the R1T and R1S. More Rivian NewsSales of the R1T and R1S have been pretty impressive so far, especially for a relatively pricey first product from a startup company. But the R2 has the potential to transform the brand, opening up Rivian ownership to thousands more potential customers, boosting the company’s sales, and truly bringing Rivian into the mainstream. But as Tesla found with the Model 3, mass producing an affordable car is a huge challenge, and Rivian will still have to survive the next few years. 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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    Yamaha Neo’s Electric Scooter Plan Shelved – India To Get New Premium EV

    2023 Yamaha Neo’s Electric ScooterWith most EV users prioritizing cost per km, it has become challenging for established ICE players to integrate traditional brand values in their electric productsElectric-two-wheeler segment in India has been registering robust growth month after month. However, ICE-based OEMs like Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Royal Enfield are yet to foray in this space. Clearly, a sense of urgency seems to be missing, as generally seen with startups in EV segment.Talking about Yamaha specifically, the company was planning to bring its Neo’s electric scooter to India. This was confirmed around a year back by Eishin Chihana, chairman of Yamaha India. However, things have changed since then. Yamaha’s entry into EV space in India has been further delayed by around 2 to 3 years.Yamaha working on new premium EVDiscontinuation of Neo’s India launch plans is quite disheartening for Yamaha enthusiasts who were eagerly waiting to see their favourite brand in electric format. However, Yamaha has assured that they are working on a new premium EV for Indian market. This will be a performance-oriented electric machine, much better and capable than Neo’s. It’s just that users will have to wait patiently for 2-3 years to see this new Yamaha EV in action.There are specific reasons why Neo’s launch plan in India has been shelved. Firstly, the immediate ecosystem has changed dramatically with things like reduction in subsidies and newer regulatory policies. Moreover, Yamaha has realized that the purpose of buying an EV in India is different from that of other markets.2023 Yamaha Neo’s Electric ScooterFor example, people in Europe buy EV scooters, as they feel motivated to do their bit for the environment. In India, most users buy EVs with the goal to reduce running costs. This is due to an increase in petrol prices. In comparison, Yamaha’s existing ICE customer base focuses on other aspects such as style, aspirational value and performance. This is why Yamaha is working on a new premium EV for India. It will be sporty, stylish and exciting, a perfect match with brand Yamaha.Not chasing volumesWith its new premium EV for India, Yamaha will cater to a niche target audience. The new EV will be meant for folks who are looking for something truly unique. Yamaha will not be focusing on volumes with its upcoming premium EV. Instead, the focus is on creating something sporty and outstanding. It will have an electric heart, but style and performance will be just as good as the current range of Yamaha bikes.Yamaha does not want to create something in a rush, as it won’t add value to the brand. So, the company will invest adequate time and effort in development of the new EV. For folks who can’t wait, it will be better to go with Yamaha’s ICE-based machines such as R15 and MT-15. Yamaha is also working on plans to bring R3, R7, MT-03, MT-07 and MT-09 to India.Source More

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    2024 Toyota GR86 Adds Trueno Edition and a Performance Package

    Toyota is revising the GR86 sports car for 2024 and adding a Trueno Edition.The special-edition model is meant to evoke the AE86 Corolla (a.k.a. Sprinter Trueno) from the 1980s.A new Performance package adds Sachs dampers and Brembo brakes.Toyota has offered many special-edition versions of its 86 sports car over the years, and the latest for the 2024 GR86 is meant to hark back to the legendary AE86 Sprinter Trueno from the 1980s. It’s called the Trueno Edition and it comes with a two-tone color scheme, special badges, and some interior upgrades. There’s also a newly available Performance package available for the GR86, plus some new features and other tweaks for the new model year.The Trueno Edition is available in either white or red and with either the standard six-speed manual transmission or the optional six-speed automatic. It features a black hood, black stripes on the side, a black duckbill spoiler, and black trim for the door handles and mirrors. You’ll find Trueno badges at the front and rear, and there’s a number plate on the dash commemorating it as one of 860 units for the U.S. market. The interior has red leather accents and red stitching, plus Trueno logos for the shift knob and floor mats.A new Performance package is standard on the Trueno and optional for other 2024 GR86 models. It includes Sachs dampers and Brembo brakes with larger-diameter rotors than the standard car; they measure 12.8 inches in front and 12.4 inches in the rear, compared with 11.6 and 11.4 inches on the standard car. This package will be a dealer-installed option, and Toyota even says it will offer the package as a retrofit for existing 2022 and 2023 GR86 owners so long as the car is equipped with 18-inch wheels.ToyotaManual-transmission GR86 models now have many of the driver-assist systems that were previously available only on automatic-transmission cars. The stick-shift cars now come with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and a few other features.Toyota hasn’t yet released pricing for the 2024 GR86 and its new options, but we expect to find out more before it goes on sale later this year.GR86 and AE86Senior 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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    2024 Toyota Supra 45th Anniversary Edition Slaps On a Big Wing

    The 2024 Toyota Supra is adding a 45th Anniversary Edition.It is available in either orange or white and it has a manually adjustable rear wing and some added graphics.900 units will be produced for the U.S. and it will go on sale this fall.The current generation of the Toyota Supra went on sale for the 2020 model year, so Toyota just missed the 40th anniversary of the first-gen Celica Supra that arrived for 1979. But now it’s making a big deal out of the Supra’s 45th birthday with a new Anniversary Edition for 2024.The special-edition model comes in either white or orange paint, and the orange hue is called Mikan Blast (“mikan” means orange in Japanese). The big addition is a manually adjustable rear wing that can switch between different angles. Matte-black 19-inch wheels, a black graphic on the side, orange strut tower braces, and GR logos on the brake calipers round out the visual changes. Toyota says it’s meant to look like the Mk IV Supra of “big screen fame,” clearly hinting at the Supra from The Fast and the Furious.The 45th Anniversary Edition comes with the 382-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine and either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Only 900 units will be produced, half in white and half in orange, and Toyota hasn’t yet released pricing. The standard Supra 3.0 and 2.0 models, the latter of which has a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, will continue on for the new model year without changes.play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playSupra Then and NowThis 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