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    Crash Tests Show Small Cars Aren’t Protecting Rear Occupants Well

    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.The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released findings on a set of crash tests that show small passenger cars can’t protect rear-seat occupants as well as front passengers. The IIHS tested five small 2023 model-year cars using its moderate overlap crash test: the Honda Civic, the Toyota Corolla, the Kia Forte, the Nissan Sentra, and the Subaru Crosstrek. None were able to achieve an overall crash test rating of Good, with only the Civic and the Corolla being marked as Acceptable. The other three were given Poor ratings from the IIHS. IIHSThe lackluster ratings stem from the lack of modern protections afforded to rear-seat occupants. The IIHS found that in all five cars tested, the rear dummy would “submarine” on impact, increasing the risk of fatal injury. Submarining occurs when the lap part of the seatbelt slides up into the abdominal region, making internal injuries more likely in the event of a crash.These findings aren’t the result of diminishing rear-seat occupant safety equipment, but a byproduct of the increasing safety standards given to occupants up front, in the form of more advanced seatbelt and airbag designs. Basically, the IIHS is saying it wants to see this new tech make its way to rear seats too. Despite the results, the IIHS says the rear seats remain the safest place for young children, who can be injured by an inflating front airbag. Crash CourseRoad & Track staff writer with a taste for high-mileage, rusted-out projects and amateur endurance racing. More

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    1999 Shelby Series 1 Roadster Is Our Bring a Trailer Auction Pick

    Car and DriverCarroll Shelby is a legend, but not everything he built was legendary. Case in point: the Series 1 roadster he designed and engineered in the ’90s. The car’s journey to production was riddled with complications and setbacks, with Shelby American eventually churning out just 249 copies. One of them is currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer, which—like Car and Driver—is part of Hearst Autos.Cobra Connection Just because the 1999 Shelby Series 1, pictured here in Centennial Silver with Garnet Red metallic stripes, didn’t quite live up to the ambitious goals set by its iconic creator doesn’t mean it’s still not cool as hell. Just look at the thing. Its resemblance to the original Shelby Cobras is undeniable, and that curvy bodywork is said to be extremely lightweight, as it’s made of carbon fiber and fiberglass. The Series 1 had a claimed curb weight of 2650 pounds. Bring a TrailerThe Playskool-like interior isn’t so attractive. In fact, it’s pretty embarrassing for a car that once cost about the same as a Ferrari 360 Spider when both were new. Close inspection reveals parts from a fourth-generation Pontiac Firebird; one need look no further than the retrofitted gauge cluster, HVAC controls, and door handles to spot the connection. Still, no one who bought a Series 1 likely expected a luxury interior—or apparently one that had any cupholders or storage space whatsoever. The roadster was also notoriously unfriendly to driver’s over six feet tall, as the standard seating positions put the top of the windshield directly in their line of sight. Bring a TrailerPowered by OldsmobileIt’s kind of funny to think a car as expensive and performance-focused as the Shelby Series 1 would share an engine with a front-wheel-drive Oldsmobile Aurora, but that’s exactly where its DOHC 4.0-liter V-8 was sourced from. Without the optional Vortech supercharger, which is said to have been a nearly $20K add-on, the standard engine in the Series 1 produced 320 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. Sending that power to the rear wheels is a six-speed manual transaxle, and the eight-cylinder soundtrack was delivered through a Borla exhaust system with a set of prominent tailpipes poking out the back.Bring a TrailerBack in 2000, Car and Driver icon Brock Yates reviewed a 1999 Shelby Series 1 that looks identical to the example currently up for auction. Despite mechanical snafus during two separate tests, the supercharged roadster shot to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and cleared the quarter-mile in 13.0 seconds at 112 mph. Its Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires, size 265/40R18 up front and 315/R18 out back, helped it post 0.92 g of grip on the skidpad. Every Series 1 also had race-car-derived pushrod suspension. Yet its impressive performance and sophisticated chassis weren’t enough to offset its other shortcomings, with Yates summarizing the car like this: “The Shelby Series 1 is essentially a superb concept but remains a work in progress. When all the bugs are worked out, we’re eagerly awaiting another call from the man whose name is on this interesting but still unproved sports car.”Other Shelby BaT PicksThis 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 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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    EVs Are Hot, but Only 34 Percent of Dealerships Have Even One in Stock

    The Sierra Club has surveyed the plug-in-vehicle shopping landscape and found that we still have a long way to go to make more EVs available in more areas.In 2022, you could only find an EV at 34 percent of all the auto dealers in the U.S., and less than half of those who didn’t have one were interested in selling one if they could get it.In ZEV states, where laws are in place to force higher levels of EV sales in the coming years, more dealers there want EVs to sell than elsewhere. Looks like the laws are slowly working.To the surprise of absolutely no one who’s been shopping for an electric vehicle the past few months, there aren’t all that many EVs out there. We now have data to back up the stream of anecdotes about five-figure dealer adjustments and people selling their spots in line on the near-endless waiting lists for some models. The Sierra Club released a report this week called “A Nationwide Study of the Electric Vehicle Shopping Experience,” and, well, things could be better out there.To learn about the EV landscape for the new study, Sierra Club staff and volunteers contacted more than 800 dealerships across the U.S. between June and November 2022. They determined that only 34 percent of car dealerships in the U.S. had any EVs for sale during the survey period in 2022. Of course, supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic made shopping for all kinds of products challenging these past few years, and new cars were certainly affected. Despite that, less than half (44 percent) of the 66 percent of dealers who did not have an EV for sale said they would sell EVs if they could get any.Tesla dealer in Florida.UCG|Getty ImagesBroad Definition of “EV”Before we go on, for this study, the Sierra Club counts both battery-electric and plug-in hybrids as EVs. While we usually differentiate between those powertrains, we will use EV as a catch-all for this article to refer to both types. The shopping experience survey is a follow-up to the Sierra Club’s 2019 report called “Rev Up.” Shopping ListEV availability varies by region, of course, and there’s an interesting thing happening in California and the 15 states that have adopted California’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandates. The ZEV states differ in how they will implement their versions of the various rules, but the important part here is that these laws set clear targets for future EV sales levels. States that follow California’s Advanced Clean Cars II program, an August 2022 update to the ZEV rules, for example, require 100 percent EV sales by 2035. The ZEV states, therefore, already are and can be expected to continue to be leaders in the shift to electrification. But when the Sierra Club broke down its findings, it found that the dealer landscape was almost precisely the same in ZEV states and those without these future mandates. The nationwide number of dealers with an EV was 34 percent. In ZEV states, it was 35 percent.What Do Dealers Think of Selling EVs? Where the ZEV states differ is how dealers feel about selling EVs. Dealers with no plug-in vehicles to sell were likelier to wish they did in ZEV states than others. While the national average was 44 percent, it was 52 percent in ZEV states and just 41 in the non-ZEV states. In other words, while the supply chain and production constraints affected dealers nationwide, the people it mattered to were in states that said they will force more EV sales in the coming years.Solutions to the EV drought have to come from the companies that build the cars, the Sierra Club said. Despite the many, many billions that have already been pledged to shift the bulk of new-car sales to electrified vehicles in the next decade or so, it’s not enough, apparently. “It is the responsibility of manufacturers to deliver more EVs to all dealers,” the report said. “The ultimate conclusion is that automakers must invest more in EV production to match consumer demand that is at a record high.”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.Contributing EditorSebastian Blanco has been writing about electric vehicles, hybrids, and hydrogen cars since 2006. His articles and car reviews have appeared in the New York Times, Automotive News, Reuters, SAE, Autoblog, InsideEVs, Trucks.com, Car Talk, and other outlets. His first green-car media event was the launch of the Tesla Roadster, and since then he has been tracking the shift away from gasoline-powered vehicles and discovering the new technology’s importance not just for the auto industry, but for the world as a whole. Throw in the recent shift to autonomous vehicles, and there are more interesting changes happening now than most people can wrap their heads around. You can find him on Twitter or, on good days, behind the wheel of a new EV.  More

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    Electric Car Sales April 2023 – Tata, Mahindra, MG, BYD, Hyundai, Kia

    New Mahindra XUV400 Electric SUVAccording to FADA Research, electric vehicle penetration in PV segment stood at 2.1% last month as opposed to 2.6% in March 2023Tata Motors took the lead again in April 2023. The company sold 4,392 units last month. When compared to 1,817 units sold a year ago and 7,137 units a month before, Tata Motors witnessed a staggering 141.72% YoY growth and a 38.46% MoM decline. Tata’s market share in April 2023 is 75.2%, down from 83.31% in March 2023.Volume growth YoY stood at 2,575 units and Tata lost 2,745 units MoM in volume. With XUV400 deliveries commenced, Mahindra sold 505 electric vehicles last month. This accounted for an astonishing 3784% YoY growth and 113.04% MoM growth (both highest in this list). Volume gain stood at 492 units YoY and 268 units MoM.Electric Car Sales April 2023Electric Car Sales April 2023MG sold 335 units of ZS EV last month and with Comet, sales numbers are likely to grow considerably. MG registered 36.73% YoY growth, but a 32.19% MoM decline. PSA Automobiles (Indian entity of Stellantis’ PSA) sold 229 Citroen eC3 last month. Sales are thriving as it registers 36.73% MoM growth as opposed to 202 units sold a month before. This accounts for volume growth of 27 units MoM.e6 and Atto 3 combined, BYD sold 154 units and registered 633% YoY growth as opposed to 21 units sold a year ago and 45.20% MoM decline in numbers as opposed to 281 units sold in March 2023. BMW has three EVs on sale in India including i4, iX, and i7.Electric Car Sales April 2023 vs April 2022 – YoY AnalysisTogether, BMW sold 60 EVs last month and saw 252.94% YoY growth and 17.65% MoM growth. Hyundai sold 51 units of the Ioniq 5 and Kona EV. The company registered 121.74% YoY growth and 10.87% MoM growth too. Hyundai is testing an electric version of Creta too.Electric Car Sales April 2023 vs March 2023 – MoM AnalysisKia currently has just EV6 on sale in India. It clocked 34 units last month and witnessed 70% MoM growth as opposed to 20 units sold a month before. Just like Kia, Volvo has one EV on offer too, which is XC40 Recharge. It sold 34 units and saw sales dip by 26% MoM.Total of 5,834 EVs were sold in India last monthMercedes-Benz has four electric vehicles on offer in India. EQB, EQC, EQS and AMG EQS. Together, they sold 27 units. Numbers grew by 145.45% YoY but dipped by 6.90% MoM. Other brands combined, sold 13 units accounting for 87.62% YoY decline and 43.48% MoM decline.In total, 5,834 EVs were sold in India in April 2023. As opposed to 2,252 units sold in April 2022 and 8,566 units sold in March 2023, this segment saw 159.06% YoY growth and 31.89% MoM growth. EV penetration in the PV segment stood at 2.1%, down from 2.6% in March 2023. More

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    2024 Honda Compact Electric SUV Debuts – 412 Km Range, 15 Inch Touchscreen

    New Honda Compact Electric SUVWhile official launch timeline is not available, 2024 Honda e:Ny1 EV is expected to debut in Europe in coming monthsHonda has been rather late in EV segment. However, recent plans show that the Japanese carmaker has stepped up focus to boost its electric portfolio in international markets. But in India, Honda continues to focus on ICE-based and hybrid cars.Honda’s brand-new electric SUV for European market is e:Ny1 compact SUV. It was earlier showcased as e:Ny1 Prototype, which in turn is similar to e:NS1 and e:NP1 twins available in Chinese market. Honda e:Ny1 seems familiar, as the SUV is essentially an electric version of HR-V.New Honda Compact Electric SUV2024 Honda e:Ny1 electric compact SUV detailsAlthough it looks like HR-V, Honda has stated that its new e:Ny1 electric SUV is based on an entirely new e:N Architecture F. It has some unique characteristics, designed to improve drive dynamics. One of the key highlights is a front-drive platform.The e:N Architecture F has three primary USPs – low centre of gravity, a dedicated high rigidity body structure and intelligently designed under-floor aerodynamics. All these features will ensure greater confidence for users while driving the SUV and make journeys a lot more fun and exciting.New Honda Compact Electric SUVThe newly developed chassis for Honda e:Ny1 offers improved torsional rigidity. It has been achieved with the use of high tensile steel, which comprises around 47% of the SUV’s body by weight. Improved torsional rigidity means the vehicle will have better ride quality and the suspension system can work more efficiently. With the new platform and chassis, Honda e:Ny1 is primed to deliver dynamic and refined performance and exceptional comfort.New Honda Compact Electric SUVIn terms of how it differs from HR-V, Honda e:Ny1 Compact Electric SUV has new headlamps, a closed grille and new bumper. The EV also gets a unique set of alloy wheels. Branding elements are also new, as can be seen with the white coloured ‘H’ logo on the charging flap and on the steering wheel. This seems to be a new identity for Honda’s electric cars.Honda follows a similar approach for Type R variants that have the logo in red background. Similarly, Honda hybrid cars have the H logo in blue background. Another unique aspect is new typeface for ‘HONDA’ badging at rear.New Honda Compact Electric SUV2024 Honda e:Ny1 Compact Electric SUV is expected to offer spacious interiors. It will be equipped with a massive 15.1-inch vertically mounted (portrait) touchscreen infotainment system. The screen has a fixed section for AC controls. Honda e:Ny1 also gets a separate instrument console, which seems to be around 10.25 inch in size.Honda e:Ny1 range, specsHonda e:Ny1 electric SUV is equipped with a 68.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The EV has a lightweight three-in-one integrated power drive unit that generates 201 hp of max power and 310 Nm of peak torque. Honda says range of e:Ny1 is 412 km, as per WLTP cycle. With a DC fast charger, Honda e:Ny1 can load up from 10% to 80% in just 45 minutes.New Honda Compact Electric SUVHonda e:Ny1 could be launched in Europe at around £30,000 (approx. INR 30.70 lakh). At this price point, it will compete with rivals such as  Hyundai Kona Electric and Peugeot e-2008. If launched in India, it will rival the likes of the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV, Kia Seltos EV, Tata Curvv EV, etc. More

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    Tata Punch Electric Spied On Towing Truck – Interiors Leak

    Tata Punch Electric Spied. Images – PhotulogyUpon launch, Punch Electric will rival the likes of Citroen eC3 and recently launched MG Comet EVWith new rivals in entry-level EV segment, Tata Motors is looking to spruce up its EV portfolio. The strategy to launch electric versions of existing popular ICE models has paid rich dividends for the company. After Nexon, Tiago and Tigor, the next to get the EV version is Tata Punch.Tata’s primary volume generators have been Nexon and Punch. While Nexon has crossed the 5-lakh production milestone, Punch recently achieved the 2-lakh production milestone. With Punch’s soaring popularity, it seems the right time to introduce its electric version. Punch will also be getting a CNG option soon.Tata Punch Electric SpiedPunch Electric spotted – Same exterior profilePunch Electric has been spotted on a tow truck. The tight-fitting camouflage reveals that Punch EV has the same exterior profile as the ICE-based Punch. Even the alloy wheels are the same as ICE Punch.Changes at the front are not needed, as Punch Electric is likely to have the charging port at the same spot where the ICE version has the fuel tank lid. This has been the case with Nexon EV and Tiago EV as well. This setup probably helps reduce the number of changes required to convert an ICE-based car into an electric car.Tata Punch Electric SpiedHowever, Punch electric could get some new features. For example, the test mule can be seen with rear disc brakes. In comparison, ICE Punch is offered with front disc and rear drum brakes. Interiors reveal the presence of a rotary dial, indicating that the EV could get an electronic parking brake. This feature is already available with Nexon EV Max. The electronic parking brake functions automatically and it can also be engaged and disengaged manually.Tata Punch Electric SpiedOther features on the inside appear to be the same as ICE Punch. The electric version can be seen with a floating 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is likely to be from Harman and come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other features similar to ICE Punch include a 7-inch TFT instrument cluster, automatic climate control, flat bottom steering wheel and premium upholstery.Safety features for Punch Electric will be largely the same as its ICE sibling. Some of the key safety equipment offered with Punch includes reverse parking camera, front fog lamps with cornering function, auto headlamps, rain sensing wipers, ABS and EBD with brake sway control and rear defogger.Tata Punch Electric SpiedPunch Electric rangeWhile official details are not available, Punch Electric could have a range of around 300 km. For reference, Tiago EV is available in two variants, one with 250 km range and the other with 315 km range. Recently launched MG Comet EV has range of 230 km whereas Citroen eC3 offers 320 km. Punch Electric is likely to get drive modes of Eco, City and Sport. Battery packs could be similar to those used with Tiago EV.Image Source More

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    Renault 4Ever Trophy Is a Spunky EV Concept in French Blue

    Renault revealed another version of the 4Ever Trophy concept, this time in Île-de-France Blue paint, a nod to the original Renault 4.The concept was first revealed at the Paris auto show last year, but that one wore silver paint.The newest concept will take the stage at the 2023 French Open, which begins later this month.Renault first revealed the 4Ever Trophy concept at the Paris auto show last year, as both an homage to the original Renault 4 and as a look into the upcoming relaunch of the vehicle. The company just revealed an updated version of the concept, this time finished in Ile-de-France Blue paint, complete with neon accents. RenaultAccording to Renault, the livery of the new concept is meant to represent the “iconic tennis balls of the French Open,” which is exactly where the company plans to debut the car. That seems a bit of a stretch, but either way, we love the look of the concept. The electric crossover sits on a set of all-terrain tires, with rugged panels running along the bottom half of the car while a spare is strapped down to a roof rack. Off-roading accessories like traction boards and a shovel are strapped to the rear windshield to help in the event that the little 4 gets itself stuck off-roading. Passé ComposéThe Île-de-France Blue of the new version is inspired by the launch color for the original Renault 4L, back when it launched in 1962. It’s been over 30 years since the original car left production, and now Renault is planning to bring it back in the form of an small EV crossover.RenaultAccording to a report from Top Gear magazine, Renault’s chief of advanced and concept design Sandeep Bhambra says the concept is “very close” to the production version. Of course, we won’t get the updated 4 in North America, but that won’t stop us from fawning over the images. Despite carrying a lower number designation, the new 4 is said to be sized and priced above the 5, which will be much closer to the original city-going 4. 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 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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    Honda e:Ny1 Is a Classy Electric Compact SUV for Europe

    The Honda e:Ny1 revealed today is an electric SUV that will soon go on sale in Europe.The e:Ny1 appears to be related to the European-market HR-V, with a clean, stylish exterior design and a new interior with a 15.1-inch touchscreen.The 201-hp motor powers the front wheels, and Honda says the e:Ny1 will go 256 miles on a charge on Europe’s WLTP test cycle. Honda’s first dedicated electric vehicle for the United States, the Prologue SUV, doesn’t arrive until 2024, but over in Europe the brand has just revealed its second EV. The Honda e:Ny1 follows the adorable Honda e hatchback, but swaps the retro styling for a more modern, clean look. The e:Ny1 is closely related to the e:NS1 and e:NP1 SUVs sold in China; the e:NS1 is sold by Honda’s joint venture with Dongfeng while the e:NP1 is sold via Honda’s partnership with GAC.HondaThe e:Ny1’s exterior design is clearly based on the European-market Honda HR-V, a smaller but more stylish SUV than the HR-V sold in the U.S. The grille is blanked-off and the front bumper has also been simplified, likely to improve the e:Ny1’s aerodynamics. The crossover wears white Honda badges to indicate its electric powertrain, a new branding move by Honda The cabin, however, is significantly different than that of the HR-V. The redesigned dashboard is dominated by a massive 15.1-inch vertically oriented touchscreen which controls nearly every function, and the digital gauge cluster is also revised into a simpler rectangular shape. Ambient lighting lines the doors, and Honda says the electric powertrain’s integrated drive unit, electric motor, and gearbox allows for efficient packaging, bringing added interior space. HondaThat electric motor sends 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, enough shove to be competitive in the European market. The 68.8-kWh lithium-ion battery provides 256 miles of range on Europe’s more lenient WLTP test cycle, and Honda says the DC fast-charge capability will boost the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 45 minutes. The e:Ny1 is not expected to make it stateside, with Honda instead working closely with General Motors on its American-market EVs. The Prologue and its Acura counterpart, the ZDX, will ride on GM’s Ultium platform. Honda is also partnering with Sony on a new EV brand called Afeela that will launch in 2026. Over in Europe, Honda hopes to find more success with the e:Ny1 after disappointing sales for the Honda e in its first two years on the market.More Honda EV NewsThis 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