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    GM Electric Vehicles Will Use Tesla Charging Network Starting in 2024

    General Motors will team with Tesla to let owners of GM EVs use the Tesla 12,000-unit fast-charging network beginning in 2024.GM EVs currently charge using the Combined Charging System, or CCS. Starting next year, GM said, owners will be able to get an adapter to make their EVs compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network, which uses the North American Charging Standard, or NACS.Ford announced in May that it will be teaming with Tesla so its EVs can be charged on the Supercharger network.General Motors electric vehicles will be able to use Tesla’s Supercharger network starting in 2024, appearing to put Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) on the path to be the dominant charging technology in North America. GM vehicles currently are set up for the Combined Charging System, or CCS.GM CEO Mary Barra made the announcement via Twitter Spaces on Thursday. By teaming with Tesla, the company is expected to save millions on costs to add to its own charging infrastructure. GM currently has 134,000 chargers that are accessible through its own Ultium Charge 360 program and mobile app. Barra said in a statement that this pairing is intended to “help move the industry toward a single North American Charging Standard.”Barra expressed enthusiasm during the Twitter conversation for GM customers’ added access to “12,000 Tesla fast-chargers. I couldn’t be more excited for what this is going to do for customers and for EV adoption.”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.Built-In NACS Starting in 2025In a statement today, GM said it will start integrating NACS charging into new EVs it builds starting in 2025. In the meantime, it will provide owners of GM EVs with adapters to let them use NACS charging stations. The automaker said it will also make adapters available for those who own NACS-standard vehicles (such as Teslas) so they can use the CCS charging stations that already exist. Digital DirectorLaura Sky Brown has been involved in automotive media for a very long time, and she sees it as her calling to guard the legacy and help ensure the continued high quality of Car and Driver. She was one of the first staffers at Automobile Magazine in the ’80s and has worked for many other car magazines and websites as a writer, editor, and copy editor ever since. It has been her privilege to edit many of the greats of automotive journalism over the years, including the ones who currently write for C/D. More

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    2024 Lexus TX Promises Three Roomy Rows and Two Hybrid Choices

    Lexus is adding a new model to its lineup for 2024 called the TX.It’s a three-row SUV meant to replace the old RX L, and it’s larger and offers more third-row space.Available models including the TX350, the TX500h hybrid, and the TX550h+ plug-in hybrid.It’s surprising that it took this long, but Lexus is finally ready to offer a legitimate three-row luxury crossover in the U.S. Welcome the 2024 Lexus TX, a new model that’s larger than the two-row RX and is now the biggest SUV Lexus offers other than the truck-based LX600 flagship. It shares a platform with the Toyota Grand Highlander but offers more features, nicer interior materials, a distinct exterior design, and adds an available plug-in-hybrid powertrain.With a 116.1-inch wheelbase and a 203.1-inch overall length, there’s no denying the TX’s size. It’s larger than competitors such as the Acura MDX and appears to be much more of a legitimate three-row effort than the old RX L, which had a third-row seat only suitable for occasional use. The wayback seats in the TX are far more comfortable than the RX L’s, and access is easy thanks to a second-row seat that flips forward at the push of a button. There’s also more cargo space behind the last row.The TX’s design offers some items of interest, such as the body-color treatment of the spindle grille design with a chrome bar in the center, plus headlights with an inverted L-shaped accent light. But the slab-sided profile and full-width LED taillight strip are less distinctive.Two of the TX’s powertrains are effectively the same as the Grand Highlander’s offerings. A 275-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four comes standard in the TX350 and comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. Lexus estimates it will deliver a 21 mpg combined EPA fuel-economy rating. The more powerful TX500h, a hybrid model offered only in F Sport Performance trim, comes with a 362-hp all-wheel-drive setup with that same turbo-four gas engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and two electric motors. It also has 22-inch wheels, rear-wheel steering, and adaptive dampers. The TX500h claims 24 mpg combined.The TX does differentiate itself with a plug-in-hybrid model called the TX550h+ that uses a 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine. This combination produces 406 horsepower and claims 30 mpg and a 33-mile electric driving range. It comes with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission but Lexus has not yet released details on battery size or charging capabilities.Lexus is also hoping that the TX’s interior design separates it from its Toyota sibling. The dashboard features a 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an optional digital gauge cluster, and an optional head-up display. It looks and feels appropriately upscale for a Lexus but doesn’t skimp on practicality, with generous storage spaces and numerous charging ports and power outlets. Three interior colors will be available, including Peppercorn, Birch, and Black. Trim levels include base, Premium, and Luxury, along with the RX500h F Sport Performance.We reckon the TX will cost a few thousand dollars more than the RX, which ranges from $48,950 up to $64,145. The TX350 and TX500h are scheduled to arrive this fall, and the PHEV TX550h+ will go on sale later on.More New Lexus SUVsMore on 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 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 Lexus GX Leans into Off-Road Nature with Blocky New Look

    Lexus is introducing a new version of the GX mid-size SUV for 2024, and it looks quite different.At launch there is a GX550 model with a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 engine with 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. A hybrid will come later.There’s also an off-road-oriented Overtrail trim with 33-inch tires and a locking rear differential.The Lexus GX mid-size SUV, already a favorite among off-roaders and overlanding enthusiasts, enters 2024 looking like Lexus’s version of the Mercedes G-wagen. The blocky, squared-off new look emphasizes its tough body-on-frame construction, sophisticated four-wheel-drive system, and Land Cruiser roots, and the new 2024 GX550 will even offer a special new off-road trim level called Overtrail.Built on the same platform as the larger Lexus LX, the new GX is significantly larger than the old one. In fact, it’s only a few inches smaller than the LX in most dimensions and has the same wheelbase, making us wonder why Lexus still plans to offer both models in the U.S. Most versions of the GX come standard with a third row of seats offer seating for six or seven, although the Overtrail is only available as a two-row five-seater for now. The side-opening tailgate is gone, replaced by a conventional power liftgate with a glass section that opens separately. The third row is available with a power-folding function.More on the GXFour-wheel drive with a low range is standard across the board, as is a center locking differential. The standard powertrain in the GX550 is a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine and a 10-speed automatic. This is the same engine found in the Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, and Lexus LX600, and in the GX550 it produces 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claims a combined fuel-economy rating of 17 mpg, a slight bump over the old V-8 GX460’s 16 mpg combined. Lexus says that a hybrid is coming later, and we expect this setup to have a similar configuration as the Tundra and Sequoia’s iForce Max, with a bit more horsepower courtesy of an electric motor and slightly improved fuel economy.The GX’s suspension features the same setup as the LX, with an independent front suspension and a solid rear axle. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) feature that can disconnect the front and rear anti-roll bars continues on, but it’s now done electronically. Adaptive dampers are standard. Upgrades for the Overtrail include a rear locking differential, 33-inch all-terrain tires with 18-inch wheels, and skid plates.Inside, the new GX’s dashboard looks far more modern than before—no surprise given that the previous GX had been around for more than a decade. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system dominate the driver’s view, and the touchscreen runs Lexus’s latest infotainment system with improved voice commands. A combination of two physical knobs and touch-sensitive buttons control the HVAC system, and there are switches and buttons on the center console near the shifter for the four-wheel-drive system, drive modes, and differential locks.The lineup starts off with the Premium and Premium+ grades, and the Luxury and Luxury+ models will presumably add more equipment (Lexus hasn’t detailed available features by trim yet). These will be offered with either a second-row bench or captain’s chairs. The Overtrail adds the off-road upgrades and comes with other visual tweaks, while the Overtrail+ will come with extra features commensurate with the Luxury trim. The Premium and Overtrail models offer 8000 pounds of towing capacity, while the Luxury trim can tow 6990 pounds and the Luxury+ can tow 6780 pounds.Eleven exterior colors will be offered, and the Overtrail will be available in certain two-tone combinations with a black roof like the Earth-and-black combination pictured at top. The interior comes standard with faux leather and will be available with semi-aniline leather on the higher trims, while the Overtrail has attractive green suede accents on the seats.We haven’t heard anything on price, but we expect the 2024 GX to go up a fair amount compared with the old model’s price range of $59,275–$69,930. It will be built in Japan and is slated to start arriving at U.S. dealerships in early 2024.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

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    2024 Lexus GX Overtrail Swaps Third-Row Seats for Extra Off-Road Capability

    The Lexus GX is new for 2024, and it adds a new Overtrail trim level.We’re detailing what’s different about this off-road model, as it features mechanical upgrades.The GX is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in early 2024.Toyota and Lexus are going all in when it comes to the off-road lifestyle. In addition to rough-and-tumble TRD variants, we’re starting to see new trims that lean on an outdoorsy aesthetic while adding some parts to boost capability beyond normal variants. We saw that from Toyota with the Tacoma Trailhunter, and now it’s time for the Lexus GX Overtrail.As part of a massive makeover for the entire GX lineup for the 2024 model year, Lexus has rolled out two new overland-flavored trims: Overtrail and Overtrail+. Aesthetics are obviously a big part of the Overtrail trims, with four available two-tone paint options that contrast a primary paint color against a black roof. Black fenders flares, an aluminum skid plate, and unique 18-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch all-terrain tires round out the exterior upgrades.More on the GXJust as the exterior relies on some earth tones to really hammer home that “get out into nature” metaphor, the GX Overtrail’s interior pairs one of two interior motifs with olive-green suede accents. While the standard GX is capable of holding up to seven people, Overtrail models ditch the third row, limiting the seating to five. While the seating arrangement may be different, the Overtrail’s underpinnings are largely the same as the rest of the lineup. Motive force comes from a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 mated to a 10-speed automatic and four-wheel drive. Output is a GX-standard 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The Overtrail is capable of towing 8,000 pounds, same as the Premium and Premium+ trims. While the GX is set to receive an optional hybrid powertrain later, it’s unclear if that will extend to Overtrail.More Lexus Off-RoadersIn terms of off-road-friendly kit, the GX Overtrail will come with what Lexus calls its Electronic–Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS). In all its forms, KDSS allows for the fitment of larger stabilizer bars than you would normally fit on an off-roader. The system is able to tell the difference between on-road corners, when big anti-roll bars are a handling benefit, and articulation off road, where big bars (or any bars at all) are a liability. The old system deactivated the anti-roll bars (or not) after comparing the front and rear hydraulically, while the new one does that electronically.An electronically locking rear differential is standard on Overtrail variants as well. The Overtrail’s unique looks don’t change its capability much, carrying the same 26-degree approach angle as the rest of the lineup. Breakover is one degree better than the pack at 24 degrees, while departure is midpack between the trims at 22 degrees.While pricing is still some ways away, Lexus did note in its release that Overtrail and Overtrail+ will exist at the top of the GX lineup, so it’s sure to be an expensive proposition. Senior EditorCars are Andrew Krok’s jam, along with boysenberry. After graduating with a degree in English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2009, Andrew cut his teeth writing freelance magazine features, and now he has a decade of full-time review experience under his belt. A Chicagoan by birth, he has been a Detroit resident since 2015. Maybe one day he’ll do something about that half-finished engineering degree. More

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    Porsche Mission X Is an Electric Hypercar Concept with Future Nürburgring Records in Mind

    Currently a concept, the Mission X that Porsche revealed today is a hypercar with an electric powertrain. Porsche says that if it goes to production, the Mission X would be designed to claim the title of fastest road-legal car on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Lightweight carbon-fiber design and aero elements make more downforce than a 911 GT3 RS.Summer is when the concept cars come out to play, and Porsche has a doozy in its Mission X, which the automaker unveiled at a celebration of 75 years of its sports cars. The Mission X is a look at how the next 75 years of great sports cars might unfold: fast, light, and electric. PorscheThe low-slung electric coupe-style concept looks like a hovercraft, with a lightweight glass-dome roof and doors that open forward like a beetle’s wings—although Porsche designers were probably thinking more of the famous 917 race car when they hung those hinges. “The Porsche Mission X . . . picks up the torch of iconic sports cars of decades past. Like the 959, the Carrera GT and the 918 Spyder before it, the Mission X provides critical impetus for the evolutionary development of future vehicle concepts,” according to Oliver Blume, chairman of the executive board of Porsche.PorscheFascinating LED LightingThis is no longtail. At 177.0 inches long, 78.7 inches wide, and 47.2 inches tall, the Mission X should fit nicely in your garage. It has a similar wheelbase—107.4 inches—to the Carrera GT and 918. Other racing callouts can be seen in the headlight shape, long and placed low on the nose. Unlike the old cars, the new lights are LED modules. During daytime running, just a slim element is visible, but when you turn on the headlights, the full module opens, “like an eye blinking open,” says Porsche. The modern version of a pop-up, say us. Elana Scherr|Car and DriverThe concept car is painted in Rocket Metallic, a color designed just for this car. Satin-finished carbon-fiber details highlight the car’s lightweight construction, and Porsche says its aero elements will make more downforce than a 911 GT3 RS. Staggered tires—20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear—make use of that downforce. In the center of the wheels is Porsche’s redesigned crest, which also can be found on the hood and steering wheel. Look closely: changes are subtle. More Porsche NewsContinuing Porsche’s current production car design trend, a full-length light floats across the rear of the Mission X, with Porsche spelled out across it, in case the freshly redesigned crest threw off your recognition. While charging, the “E” in the Porsche lettering gently pulses, to show something is happening. As it’s a concept, Porsche hasn’t given much detail on the propulsion, but this is an electric hypercar, with a battery installed behind the vehicle seats to center the mass and give it mid-engine dynamics. PorscheUltra-Fast ChargingThere is no information on the motors, but the Mission X is promised to have a power-to-weight ratio of roughly 1 hp per 2.2 pounds, and a 900-volt system that will allow it to charge at twice the speed of the Taycan Turbo S—which Porsche says can go from 5 to 80 percent in just over 20 minutes. In the cabin, the driver and passenger seats are different colors, the driver’s seat blending into the Kalahari Gray of the dash as if to say the pilot is part of the car. The passenger sits on Andalusia Brown, and what that says about Porsche’s expectations of your passenger’s experience, we don’t wish to guess at. Porsche’Ring-Ready SwitchgearBack to motorsports inspiration, the open-top steering wheel features mode switches and shift paddles—presumably for some sort of regenerative brake control. Lap recorders and a stopwatch module are also integrated into the cabin, so you can set your own Nürburgring time. Currently the production-car record is held by Mercedes, with the Mercedes AMG One running a 6:35.18 lap time set in 2022.Porsche is quick to declare the Mission X is a design study only, but we saw the Mission E become the Taycan, so we have hope that Mission X will find its way to dealerships in the future. Other Porsches of NoteSenior Editor, FeaturesLike a sleeper agent activated late in the game, Elana Scherr didn’t know her calling at a young age. Like many girls, she planned to be a vet-astronaut-artist, and came closest to that last one by attending UCLA art school. She painted images of cars, but did not own one. Elana reluctantly got a driver’s license at age 21 and discovered that she not only loved cars and wanted to drive them, but that other people loved cars and wanted to read about them, which meant somebody had to write about them. Since receiving activation codes, Elana has written for numerous car magazines and websites, covering classics, car culture, technology, motorsports, and new-car reviews.     More

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    Ford Recalls Maverick over Fire Risk for a Second Time

    Ford is recalling over 125,000 pickup trucks and crossovers that could catch fire, according to a campaign published by the the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).The recall expands on a similar recall campaign issued in July 2022 that covered 100,000 Ford Escape, Ford Maverick, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles built between 2020 and 2023, equipped with the company’s 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain. In the event of an engine failure, the recall says engine oil and fuel vapor can enter the engine compartment and accumulate near hot ignition sources like the exhaust, which could start a fire.Ford says it knows of three instances where vehicles caught fire after undergoing the 2022 recall, suggesting the company’s original fix did not solve the problem. The new fix is currently under development, says Ford. In the meantime, Ford is advising owners to “park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke.”If you think your vehicle might be affected by this recall, head over to the NHTSA’s website and enter your VIN. Ford is expected to mail notices to owners on June 12, with a follow-up notice when a solution is available. Other Recent RecallsRoad & Track staff writer with a taste for high-mileage, rusted-out projects and amateur endurance racing. More

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    Honda to launch 5 New SUVs in India – Elevate Electric by 2026

    Honda ElevateHonda Cars India Ltd. revealed that Elevate is the first of the five SUVs for Indian marketThe Japanese brand re-opened its account in SUV space of India by unveiling Elevate compact SUV. At this event, HCIL revealed some key strategies it has on its cards for the Indian market. For starters, Honda Elevate will be on offer in India first and more global markets will follow soon.The company intends to make its Indian manufacturing plants, its export hub. Elevate will be the first of five SUVs planned by Honda. Elevate Electric launch has also been confirmed. This will be Honda’s first fully electric SUV for India and launch will happen within the next three years (by 2026).Honda Plans 5 New SUVsTakuya Tsumura, CEO and President of HCIL, promised a strong product strategy for India. Of these 5 new SUVs, one will be Elevate and second will be an electric SUV based on Elevate. It is not clear as to which will be the other three SUVs.Considering competition launch plans, there could be a smaller entry level SUV to rival the likes of upcoming Punch EV and the Exter EV. While the other could be a mid-size electric SUV, bigger than the Elevate. It will rival the upcoming XUV700 electric and Safari electric.Honda Elevate InfotainmentAlso, Honda intends to bring its global models to India again via CKD or CBU route to fortify its portfolio in the country. As of now, Honda only has Amaze sub 4m sedan and City compact sedan on sale in India.The company will manufacture Elevate at its manufacturing facility in Tapukara, Rajasthan. Honda is likely to increase production capacity to incorporate Elevate and upcoming future vehicles. Honda currently has 326 dealerships across 238 cities and all of these dealerships will see an upgrade in customer interface along with Elevate’s launch.Honda’s product positioning with ElevateCompact SUVs are currently one of the highest-selling SUV segments in India with over 36K units sold in April 2023. Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos dominate this segment while Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara has entered top 3. This is a highly competitive segment and Honda is betting big in this space with Elevate. Given that India is one of the fastest-growing markets, there is scope for growth. More

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    Electric Cars Sales May 2023 – Tata, Mahindra, MG, BYD, Kia, Hyundai

    MG Comet EV Image – Vinay PatilAs revealed by FADA (Federation of Automobile Dealers Association), Electric car sales witnessed 2.5% penetration in the automotive industry in May 2023With the onslaught of increasing electric vehicle adoption, EV sales are increasing by quite a respectable margin. India is still young where EV charging infrastructure is concerned. This leads to people getting skeptical about EV ownership and many EV buyers have expressed their disappointment as well.Despite all that, EV space is growing at an unprecedented rate. Total sales stood at 7,437 units in May 2023. As opposed to 2,961 units sold in May 2022 and 5,834 units sold in April 2023, Electric car sales registered 151.17% YoY growth and 27.48% MoM growth. Volume growth stood at 4,457 units YoY and 1,603 units MoM.Tata Motors topped Electric car sales with 78.28% market shareWhen it comes to EV penetration in the automotive industry, it stands at 2.5%, up from 2.1% in April 2023 and up from 1.0% in May 2022. Highest-seller is still Tata Motors and by a big margin. The homegrown company sold 5,822 units last month which accounted for 78.28% market share among all other EV makers. Tata has come a long way too as it sold 2,501 units last year and 4,392 units a month before. In effect, Tata registered 132% YoY growth and 32.56% MoM growth. Volume growth for Tata Motors stood at 3,321 units YoY and 1,430 units MoM.MG took second place with 437 units and registered 74.80% YoY growth and 30.45% MoM growth. With the launch of MG Comet, we expect sales to increase in the coming months. Mahindra currently has just one EV in its arsenal.Electric car sales May 2023 vs May 2022 – YoY comparisonMahindra sold 363 XUV400s last month and saw 3933.33% YoY growth as opposed to just 9 EVs sold in the same month last year. That said, Mahindra faced 28.12% MoM decline which should be slightly alarming to the company as it has to counter Nexon EV. Citroen sold a healthy 308 units of eC3. As opposed to 229 units sold in April 2023, Citroen saw 34.50% MoM growth.Electric car sales May 2023Hyundai currently has Kona EV and Ioniq 5 on sale in India. In total, Hyundai sold 163 units with a solid 503.7% YoY growth and 219.61% MoM growth. Volume growth stood at 136 units YoY and 112 units MoM. With the launch of Hyundai Creta EV in the future for the mainstream market, sales will go up considerably.EV space saw 151.17% YoY growth and 27.48% MoM growthChinese EV giant BYD is currently the world’s highest EV maker. But in India, BYD has a limited portfolio that ensured 138 units with 228.57% YoY growth and 10.39% MoM decline. BMW India sells i4 and iX EVs and totalled 70 units last month and became the highest luxury EV seller in India. BMW saw 677.78% YoY growth and 16.67% MoM growth.Electric car sales May 2023 vs Apr 2023 – MoM comparisonKia sold 45 units of EV6 in India with 32.35% MoM growth as opposed to 34 units sold a month before. Volvo sold 42 units of XC40 Recharge in India, which is India’s most affordable dual motor EV. There was 23.53% MoM growth. The three-pointed star sold 18 EVs in India with 260% YoY growth and 33.33% MoM decline. Other brands combined, sold 31 units which saw 73.73% YoY decline and 138.46% MoM growth. More