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The first photo of the upcoming Lexus TX provides a look at its “floating” roof and other details.The TX will be a three-row SUV that’s expected to share a platform with the Toyota Grand Highlander. Lexus has filed trademarks for TX350 and TX500h, suggesting the new model could offer gas and hybrid V-6 powertrains.Lexus will reveal a new three-row SUV called the TX, and today the automaker shared the first photo of it. The cropped shot shows a side view of its rear quarter panel, giving us a look at its “floating” roof design as well as details of its body lines and the shape of its wheel arches.While Lexus didn’t release any other information about the upcoming TX, the new SUV is expected to ride on the same TNGA-K platform as the recently introduced Toyota Grand Highlander. Along with featuring three rows of seats, the TX will obviously boast an even more luxurious interior and Lexus’s latest tech features. The most powerful Grand Highlander features a Hybrid Max powertrain with 362 horsepower, so it’s possible that setup is also offered (or standard) on the TX.This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about the TX name. Back in 2021, rumors on a Reddit post as well as trademarks filed by Lexus helped give us an idea of what to expect. At the time, we found trademarks for TX350 and TX500h, which suggested the new model could be available with both gas-powered V-6 and hybrid versions.There currently isn’t any word on when the new Lexus TX will be officially revealed, however, we expect the company to pull the covers off sometime later this year. Much like how the Grand Highlander slots between the regular mid-size Toyota Highlander and the full-size, body-on-frame Sequoia, the TX will likely slot between the Lexus RX and the larger GX and LX SUVs.Other New Lexus SUVsThis 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

Toyota is bringing the Nightshade edition back to the Corolla for the 2024 model year after a hiatus in 2023.The Nightshade edition turns the grille, rear bumper, and badges black and now features eye-catching bronze wheels.The Corolla Nightshade hits dealerships this fall, and should cost a couple thousands dollars more than the SE trim on which it is based.The Toyota Corolla is gaining some extra pizzazz for 2024 with the return of the Nightshade edition, which brings blacked-out accents and flashy bronze wheels. The stealthy trim package was dropped from the Corolla lineup for 2023 after debuting for the 2020 model year. The Nightshade continues to be based on the SE model and is offered on the sedan and hatchback body styles as well as with the hybrid powertrain. As the moody name suggests, the Nightshade is designed to blend into the darkness, sporting a gloss-black grille, black badges, a black rear diffuser, and black side-view mirrors. The sedan models wear a rear lip spoiler while the hatch is fitted with a large rear wing, unsurprisingly also in black. This monotone look is offset by bronze 18-inch wheels, and the hatchback can be ordered with a two-tone look with a contrasting black roof.More on ToyotaToyota didn’t provide photos of the interior, but it should remain mostly unchanged. A optional JBL Premium Audio package improves the sound system while a SE Premium package brings a moonroof, wireless charger, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Hybrid Nightshade models can be had with front- or all-wheel drive. Pricing details will be shared later this year, but we expect it to carry a premium of around $2000, with the hatchback model starting around $26,000 and the sedan opening at $27,000. More specifics should come before the Nightshade reaches dealerships in the fall of 2023.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

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.A new Volvo EV is coming next month, with the Swedish automaker teasing the EX30 for the first time today.The EX30 will be smaller than the EX90, but it’s unclear how it will line up against the XC40 Recharge.The crossover appears to have heavily creased bodywork and bold LED lighting.Volvo today announced the imminent arrival of its fourth electric vehicle. The new battery-powered SUV will be called the EX30 and will make its full debut on June 7, with reservations opening to American customers on the same day. The EX30 follows the XC40 Recharge, C40 Recharge, and EX90.Volvo didn’t share any details aside from the name, but a short teaser video provided an initial hint of what to expect. The video appears to show an SUV that will slot below the EX90—which acts as an electric counterpart to the three-row XC90—emphasized by the tagline “Something small is coming.” We also catch a glimpse of Volvo’s classic vertical taillights, a chiseled hood, and what appears to be a full-width light bar linking the headlights.More about Electric VolvosThe EX30 will be the second electric Volvo to bear the Swedish brand’s new naming scheme, after the 2024 EX90 revealed last fall. The EX90 features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain with up to 496 horsepower. It is unclear how the EX30 will be positioned relative to the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge. It may act as an indirect replacement, with a dedicated electric platform replacing the converted gas-powered Recharge models. Look for more information to emerge over the next month before the EX30’s official reveal. 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

A handbuilt rarity, this Alpina C2 is one of just 74 made.It’s a little more powerful than a contemporary 325i, but the real story is in all the little details and the extreme care taken in building the engine.With four days to go until the auction ends on May 12, bidding is at $81,500 on the Bring a Trailer auction site.If the 1980s were a golden age for BMW, then Alpina was all about burnishing that gold to lustrous desirability. This week’s auction pick at Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos—is one of the rarest E30-chassis 3-series BMWs ever made. Serial number 002 of 74 made, it is obviously collectible, but it is also the kind of car that just begs to be driven.Beginning in 1962 as a BMW tuning specialist, Alpina established itself on the racing circuit with the likes of the 3.0CSL “Batmobile.” The company’s crest still wears a carburetor and a crankshaft insignia proudly, though modern Alpinas are more luxury oriented (and thoroughly high-tech). If you’re interested in the current B7, you’re looking for a high-speed executive tourer that’s more refined than a BMW M or Mercedes-AMG product.Bring a TrailerHowever, if you were shopping Alpinas in 1986, then you probably kept a set of leather driving gloves handy. This C2 was emphatically not the buzzy homologation-special M3 that also debuted for the 1986 model year, but a handbuilt special with an inline-six barking out an authoritative 182 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque.An Alpina Is SpecialIt’s worth noting here that Alpina wasn’t just in the business of fine-tuning BMWs; it was recognized as an actual manufacturer in its own right. The C2’s 2.5-liter inline-six makes more power and torque than the contemporary 325i, but the numbers don’t really tell the whole story. An Alpina is a boutique item, as tightly and carefully assembled as a Swiss watch, then sprinkled with some signature goodies.The stripes are an acquired taste, but they contrast beautifully with the deep Lapis Blue paint. The 16-inch 20-spoke wheels are an Alpina icon. The cloth seats and cleanly executed interior are an all-business riposte to the touchscreen clutter of modern cars.Bring a Trailer’Correctly European’ but Made for JapanThis example was originally delivered to Japan, though it is left-hand drive. This is a common feature of German performance cars of the period in Japan: despite driving on the left, Japanese customers wanted their cars to be “correctly European.” Pretty much every BMW M, AMG, and Audi RS sold in Japan was left-hand drive into the mid-2000s.Bring a TrailerThe E30 BMW 3-series is still beloved by enthusiasts young and old, simple, durable, and faithful to BMW’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” reputation. This is as good as a 3-series sedan ever got. It’s the kind of car you could park in a garage full of Ferraris and Alfa Romeos and it would still be the one most often picked for a weekend drive. With 43,000 miles on the odometer, it won’t hurt the collector value much to do so.With just four days to go, bidding is already at $81,500. That’s pretty steep for a 3-series BMW from the 1980s. But then, this is no BMW. This is an Alpina. Other Recent Gems from Bring a TrailerCar and driverCar and driver Lettermark logoContributing 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

Hyundai will build a production version of the N Vision 74 concept, per a report by Korean news outlet Money Today.The company will reportedly confirm the plans and reveal the mass-production model on May 27.Part hydrogen fuel-cell, part electric hybrid, the N Vision 74 concept is a 670-hp rear-drive sports car revealed last year to critical acclaim.One of the coolest concept cars in recent history could be making its way to production. The Hyundai N Vision 74 concept was an instant hit when it was revealed last year as part of the automaker’s “N Day” event held in South Korea. A report today by a Korean news outlet claims Hyundai has greenlit the concept for production, and that the company will make an official announcement on May 27.Money Today published the report on its website but didn’t cite any specific sources, which obviously leads some (including us) to question the veracity of the information. However, considering the critical acclaim from enthusiasts and media alike that the N Vision 74 received, we’re not completely surprised that a mass-production model is on the table. It would almost certainly look a lot like the concept, which featured a wedge-like body that was inspired by the 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupe concept that was penned by famed designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. But the bigger question is what type of powertrain it might use.The N Vision 74 concept debuted as a “rolling lab” test bed for Hyundai’s N performance division to explore future powertrain development. The 670-hp hybrid EV is powered by two rear-mounted electric motors that act as a “virtual differential.” Those motors are fed by a 62.4-kWh battery pack, which itself is fed by a hydrogen fuel-cell that acts as an on-board generator for extended range. We were even lucky enough to drive one of the concept cars, where we got to feel its relentless acceleration and impressive agility.At the end of that drive, we came away not expecting Hyundai to build a production version of the N Vision 74, at least not one that uses the brand’s E-GMP architecture that underpins the new Ioniq 6 sedan as well as other electric Kia and Genesis models. We spoke to Albert Biermann about it at the time, and the former Hyundai-Kia R&D boss turned executive technical advisor told Car and Driver, “It is hard for me to see us doing it; at this moment we don’t need such a car.”On the other hand, Till Wartenberg—Hyundai’s vice president of N brand management and motorsport—more recently made comments to The Autopian expressing his hope to put the retro-styled two-seater into production. Obviously, Wartenberg’s words shouldn’t be misconstrued as a confirmation. Instead, his statement and the news today out of Korea simply makes us hopeful that those in charge at Hyundai will make the concept a reality, and we might find out when the calendar hits May 27.Other N Vision 74 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 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

Mercedes-Benz will end production of the CLS-class sedan on August 31, the company has confirmed.There are no plans to replace the current-generation CLS, meaning the car will die with production in August.The sedan has always had coupelike styling, but the CLS is mechanically underpinned by the E-class sedan. The bell has officially tolled for the Mercedes-Benz CLS-class. Production of the coupelike sedan will end on August 31, the company confirmed to Car and Driver. As things stand now, 2023 will mark the final model year for the car, with Mercedes having no plans to replace the current-generation CLS following the August close of production.The news of the CLS’s untimely demise may come as a shock as it underwent a mild refresh as recently as 2022, but the timing comes while the E-class sedan (which underpins the CLS) prepares for a new generation. Mercedes trimmed the available CLS sedans in 2022, dropping the rear-drive version of the CLS450 as well as the 429-hp AMG-tuned CLS53, and leaving only the all-wheel-drive CLS450 4Matic. Mercedes-BenzThe lone survivor CLS450 is equipped with a buttery-smooth 3.0-liter inline-six that pairs to a 48-volt hybrid system, both of which are shared with the E450 sedan. It produces 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque and springs the swoopy four-door to 60 mph in a spry 4.6 seconds. The lavish E-class driving dynamics carry over to the CLS, which provides an elegant ride more tuned for comfort than speed.It’s not as if Mercedes is removing its most budget-friendly vehicle by axing the CLS, but the change marks a clear push toward both its battery-electric EQ vehicles and more expensive AMG models. “In our opinion, our current product portfolio addresses emotionally appealing design more than ever,” a company spokesperson told Car and Driver. “In this respect, models such as the EQE and EQS with their coupe-like lines offer attractive alternatives both in terms of design and price segment. Furthermore, the four-door AMG GT will continue to be part of the model range as a four-door coupe.”More on Mercedes SedansThis 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

Ram released a short video teasing a new pickup truck that’ll be revealed on May 10.The nine-second clip shows a set of headlights obscured by dust and what sounds like a roaring engine.The tagline “A New Force Is Landing” suggests a new Ram 1500 powertrain, likely a Hurricane twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six.Ram is getting ready to reveal a new pickup truck. The brand last week released a short video on its social channels teasing the announcement, which will be made on Wednesday, May 10. The remaining question is what exactly will the Ram brand reveal?This content is imported from twitter. 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 nine-second clip seen above opens with a dusty cloud over a desert surface. Then it cuts to someone looking through a pair of binoculars before cutting back to the cloud where a set of headlights from an obscured truck are speeding toward the viewer. What sounds like a roaring engine can also be heard before the video ends with the words, “A New Force Is Landing,” along with the date.Stellantis|Car and DriverWhile we don’t know for sure what Ram plans to reveal, it’s most likely a new powertrain for the company’s half-ton pickup truck. That’s expected to be a version of the Hurricane twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that’s already available on the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. The engine’s standard output is 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque, but there’s also a high-output variant that makes 510 horses and 500 pound-feet. Both Hurricane engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission.Of course, there’s also a small chance Ram will reveal something else completely. Perhaps it will be the long-rumored return of the mid-size Dakota or another version of the Hellcat-powered Ram TRX. Both of those are likely long shots, but we’ll all just have to wait until this Wednesday to find out. Stay tuned.More Ram 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.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