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    1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi Is Today's Bring a Trailer Auction Pick

    Built as a double celebration of Subaru’s 40th anniversary and triple wins of the WRC manufacturer’s championship, the 22B is the ultimate STI.All the Subaru rally-racing goodies are here: a driver-adjustable all-wheel-drive system, wider bodywork, a huge rear wing, and World Rally Blue paint. The auction runs through March 28, with bidding already approaching $100K. Car and DriverIn 1998, Subaru turned 40 and gave itself pretty much the best birthday present ever. Subaru was riding high in its middle age, with three consecutive WRC manufacturer championships between 1995 and 1997. To celebrate, it announced what would become the most desirable car ever to wear the six-star Subaru badge: the rally-bred 22B. One of these late 1990s World Rally Blue beauties is now up for auction on Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos. Bring a TrailerThis 22B is #135 of the 400 examples sold in Japan (a further 25 were split between the U.K. and Australia). The car has been imported into the U.S. under “show and display” rules. Under show and display rules, a gray-market car like the Subaru 22B is limited to 2500 miles a year. Related StoriesThis generation of the WRX/STI never officially came to the U.S., and the closest we got on this side of the Pacific was the 2.5RS. Even those have increased in value of late, as Subaru enthusiasts seek out clean donor chassis to build tribute cars.Car and DriverWhen it comes to a real 22B, things are about as tasty as any gravel-spattered rally otaku could hope for. No Subaru STI has ever looked better, and at just over 2800 pounds, few have been lighter. The blister fenders house 235-series tires for maximum grip —Car and Driver managed 0.96 g on the skidpad in a 1999 test—while tucked under that functional hood scoop is a turbocharged and intercooled 2.2-liter flat-four engine with a redline of 7900 rpm. Water injectors are controlled by a dashboard switch. Subaru listed the 22B at the 280-hp rating common at the time, but it’s widely believed that the peak power figure was somewhere between 300 and 350 horsepower.Bring a TrailerThat power is doled out through an all-wheel-drive system with an adjustable center differential, making for all kinds of back-road pace or big, fun sliding. It’s the kind of driving experience that still echoes today in rally-inspired machinery like Toyota’s GR Corolla, or, yes, Subaru’s own WRX sedan. Pause here to pour out a gallon of vape fluid for the much-missed STI versionThis car has 186,000 kilometers (115,000 miles) on the odometer and has just completed a comprehensive engine-out service. Despite the six-figure mileage, bidding has already hit $90,000 with seven days to go.Bring a TrailerIf the thought of a six-figure Subaru is surprising, that number is only going to tick upward. The 22B is basically the Subaru equivalent of the Ferrari F40, an anniversary gift of a type that will likely never be seen again. Besides, can you drift your 401K on gravel, then take it home to wash the bugs off your side windows? In these uncertain times, when even blue-chip investments can falter, maybe it’s time to consider World Rally Blue–chip ones. No matter what happens in the financial markets, you can bank on the fact that a dirt-road blast in a 22B is sure to make you feel like Colin McRae.Car 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

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    2024 Mini Clubman Marks the End but Celebrates the Past

    The 2024 Mini Cooper S Clubman Final Edition is a send-off to the brand’s funky station wagon.The Final Edition will be limited to 1969 examples, a reference to the first year of the original Clubman.The Cooper S Clubman Final Edition features special graphics and badging to differentiate it from regular variants. It comes as no surprise the Mini Cooper Clubman is headed for the big farm upstate. Sales have been in a downward spiral since they peaked in 2016, with the Clubman now the worst-selling vehicle Mini makes. Before officially bowing out, though, the Clubman is celebrating the past with the 2024 Mini Cooper S Clubman Final Edition. MiniThe Final Edition pays homage to its roots by limiting production numbers to 1969 units, a figure that representative the first year Mini introduced the Clubman nameplate. The special edition is only available with three exterior paint options: Nanuq White, Enigmatic Black, and Melting Silver. Its interior features a special Final Edition color scheme. Special graphics running along the hood and doors of the car are intended to accentuate the classic Mini shape of the Clubman. Unique copper-colored badging is also found outside and in, denoting the significance of the Final Edition. Inside the new Clubman, the Final Edition maintains an earthy tone, with dark brown leather bolstering and anthracite fabric inserts in the seats. The door sills along with the base of the steering wheel read “Final Edition.” The floor mats and dashboard feature a serialized badge (“1 of 1969,” for example) denoting the number of each specific car in the limited-production run. MiniMiniThe Final Edition is mechanically unchanged from the standard Mini Clubman, with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing a peppy 189 horsepower. Mini overlooked the Clubman when it added the manual back to the Cooper last year, so all Clubmans have a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard, while all-wheel is optional. After the 2024 model year, the Clubman will be put to rest, but the gap left in Mini’s lineup will be filled by a production version of the incoming fully electric Aceman SUV. The Clubman’s life was a bit rocky when it came to sales, but we’re always sad to see another wagon leave the U.S. market. So long, Mini Clubman, you will be missed. Reviews to Remember the Club’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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    Chevy Camaro Axed after 2024, but a Successor Is in the Works

    The sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro will go out of production in January 2024, the automaker announced today.For its final model year, Chevy will introduce a Collector’s Edition, although no details on the package have been revealed yet. Chevy says that the Camaro nameplate will live on and that a successor will be announced in the future.Chevrolet announced today that the sixth-generation Camaro will end production after the 2024 model year. The last examples of the muscle car are set to roll off the line at the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant in January of next year. While there is no direct successor waiting in the wings, Chevy promises that “this is not the end of Camaro’s story.” The sixth generation ran for nine years, selling a healthy 72,705 units in its first full year on sale in 2016. Yet it was never able to reach the heights of the fifth generation—which crested the 80,000-unit mark in five different years—and sales dwindled to just 24,652 vehicles in 2022.ChevroletA special Collector’s Edition will arrive for the Camaro’s final year, although Chevy has yet to provide details on what it includes. For now, we just have a shadowy teaser. The automaker did divulge that it will have “ties that date back to the development of the first generation Camaro in the 1960s” and referenced that Camaro’s original codename, Panther. The package will be fitted to the RS and SS models, as well as a limited number of the ZL1 variant. More on the CamaroWith the Dodge Challenger biting the dust after 2023, the Camaro’s demise leaves the Ford Mustang as the only remaining American muscle car. But Dodge is promising an electric competitor, inspired by the Charger Daytona SRT concept, and we expect that whatever Chevy cooks up to wear the Camaro nameplate next will include some form of electrification. The muscle car world is in for some major changes.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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    Hero MotoCorp Price Hike Apr 2023 – Optimistic About Growth In Rural Markets

    Hero MotoCorp announces price revision for motorcycles and scooters with OBD2, wef April 1, 2023Image – Jilani HeroLeading two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp announced a price revision of some of its motorcycles and scooters from April 1, 2023. This revision is due to the cost increase associated with the mandatory transition to On-board diagnostics (OBD) 2, a more advanced diagnostic system for vehicles.OBD 2 is a more advanced diagnostic system for vehicles, which is mandatory for all new vehicles sold in India from April 1, 2023. Implementation of this system requires the use of additional inputs. This has increased the cost of production for the company.Hero MotoCorp commits to providing financing solutions for customersHero MotoCorp has committed to providing financing solutions to help ease the impact of the price hike on its customers. This commitment is expected to maintain customer loyalty and prevent the price hike from negatively impacting sales figures. While the price revision may be a short-term setback for consumers, implementation of OBD 2 is expected to have long-term benefits for vehicle health.But naturally, cost of production has increased due to the use of advanced technology and additional components required for OBD 2. Hero MotoCorp’s price revision is pegged at about 2 percent, and will vary by specific models and markets. Exact models affected and to what extent are not currently specified.Cost increase due to mandatory transition to On-board diagnostics 2 (OBD 2)Despite the price revision, Hero MotoCorp is optimistic about the growth prospects of the two-wheeler industry in rural markets. Rural markets in India have been witnessing robust demand, which is a strong indicator of healthy crops. This growth momentum is expected to continue into the upcoming festive season towards the latter half of the fiscal year.It is worth noting that the cost increase due to the OBD 2 transition is not unique to Hero MotoCorp. Other automobile manufacturers in India are also expected to revise their prices upwards due to the same reason. Rising commodity prices and increasing input costs continually impact vehicle price hikes.Price revision not expected to negatively impact sales figuresThis price revision is a necessary step to maintain profitability and sustain the growth of the two-wheeler industry. While the impact on customers may be modest, Hero MotoCorp’s focus on financing solutions and growth momentum in rural markets are positive markers. And are expected to mitigate any potential negative impact and sustain the growth of the two-wheeler industry. More

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    2023 Honda Vario 125cc Launch Price RM 7k (Rs. 1.3 Lakh)

    Honda Vario is patented in India and is expected to launch soon – Ahead of that, it has now been launched in Malaysia2023 Honda Vario 125cc scooterWe have seen ADV popularity rising off the roof in recent markets. This has given rise to ADVs across multiple engine displacements and price points as well. Slowly, we have been witnessing this trend carry over to scooters as well. Honda has dived into this as well, with the latest entrant being Vario 125.Honda teased the launch a couple of days ago, and a full-fledged launch has happened now in Malaysia. As its name suggests, it is a 125 cc scooter, launched in Malaysia at RM 7,080, which roughly translates to Rs. 1.3 lakh in today’s currency exchange rates. Price might seem on the higher side, but this seems to be on-road pricing, including insurance.2023 Honda Vario 125cc scooter2023 Honda Vario 125cc Scooter – New Features, ColoursHonda Vario 125 looks like every other Vario scooter in its lineup. We’re talking about Vario 150 and Vario 160, both of which are not on sale in India. Vario 160 is the most expensive of this bunch priced at RM 9,998 (approx Rs. 1.83 lakh). Honda has discontinued the 150cc model, replaced the larger 160cc model, and is sold alongside the newly launched Vario 125.Design-wise, the new Honda Vario 125 gets a large face, which radiates a lot of aggression. It gets dual headlights with eyes-like design language present on its apron. These headlights are lit by LEDs and also contain sharp LED DRL elements along with turn indicators. Handlebar cowl is kept blank and below the headlight, there is a pronounced mudguard almost mimicking a beak of an ADV.2023 Honda Vario 125cc scooterAt the side, we have sporty body panels and complementing them is a large grab handle. Seat looks fairly comfortable offering a lot of support for the rider. Speaking of rider, they will enjoy an upright riding posture with comfortable ergonomics. Rounding off its looks, is a substantial-looking tail light section.Specs & FeaturesThe main highlight of 2023 Honda Vario 125 is that it rides on 14” alloy wheels, lending it a lot of road presence. This is likely to be its main USP as well, giving riders a commanding view of the road with its high seating position. Componentry includes 90/80-14 front and 100/80-14 rear tyres, telescopic front forks with rear monoshock, disc brakes at front with petal rotors and more.The swingarm-mounted 124.9 cc single-cylinder engine makes 11.5 bhp of power at 8,500 RPM and 11.74 Nm of torque at 5,000 RPM. Transmission is handled by a CVT unit. Features include an 18L under-seat storage, a fully-digital instrument cluster with negative backlighting, LED lighting, a USB charger in front storage pocket and an anti-theft key with an immobilizer as we have with Honda Activa in India.2023 Honda Vario 125cc scooterHMSI has not mentioned anything about launching the Honda Vario 125 in India. That said, given how it looks, we hope Honda considers bringing it to India along with Vario 160, which can be a tough competition to Yamaha Aerox 155. Also, Honda has already patented Vario in India too. More

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    BMW Electric Motorcycle Patent Leaks – Gets G310R Styling, More Power

    Ergonomics and Economics of BMW Electric Motorcycle, TVS Apache RR310 electric makeover likelyBMW Electric Motorcycle Based On G310R – RenderElectric two-wheelers are gaining popularity, and many manufacturers are working on expanding their EV portfolio. One such company is BMW Motorrad, which is currently developing its first electric motorcycle based on G310R. TVS, an Indian partner of BMW 310 series, could also launch its own version of the electric motorcycle soon after.Last year, TVS MD Sudarshan Venu had stated that they are collaborating with their German partner for developing a sub-15kW electric motorcycle. In effect, TVS could also manufacture BMW’s electric motorcycle, just like the ICE-based G310R and G310GS are made in India.BMW Electric Motorcycle Patent Leaks – Based on G310RBMW G310R electric motorcycle Design and Styling patent leaksPatent design of the electric G310R is similar to its ICE-based counterpart, but it borrows powertrain components, such as the battery pack, motor, and other equipment, from the CE-04. However, fitting all these components within the G310R framework is not an easy task. To make it work, BMW has carried out several tweaks. And has placed the battery pack vertically at an angle under the front section of the bike, where most ICE-based motorcycles have their radiators. This placement will help cool the battery pack, as a significant percentage of its surface area will get direct air.Electric G310R borrows the ECU and charger from the CE-04, and the ECU is placed under the bike’s belly. Due to the middle section of the bike being jam-packed, the only storage space available is where the fuel tank is. This space could be used to store at least a half-face helmet or charger.BMW Electric Motorcycle Based On G310R – RenderThe motor of the electric G310R is placed under the seat at a 90° angle. The shaft runs longitudinally instead of being positioned across the bike, and is also tilted at an angle. This allows for a shorter, taller package. It connects to a bevel gear that transfers power to the front sprocket, which works like a reduction gearbox, increasing torque and gearing down the rotational speed of the motor. Lastly, a belt final drive connects to a large rear sprocket, which is another form of reduction.BMW CE-04 Specs to influence BMW G 310 R Electric performance – Assuming the electric G310R borrows the battery pack and motor from CE-04, it could make 42 hp of max power and 62 Nm of peak torque, which is better than the ICE-powered G310R that makes 34 hp and 28 Nm.Advantages, Sound and Noise Levels of BMW G 310 R ElectricThe electric G310R and BMW G 310 R electric offer several advantages over their ICE-based counterparts. Firstly, they are environmentally friendly, producing no emissions while riding. Secondly, they have a lower operating cost than ICE-based motorcycles, as they require less maintenance, have lower fuel costs, and offer better fuel efficiency. Lastly, they provide a smooth, quiet ride, which is a significant advantage for urban riders.However, the cost of the battery pack and other components could make the electric G310R more expensive than its ICE counterpart. In US, BMW CE-04 is available at a starting price of $11,795 (approx. INR 9.76 lakh). TVS version could be much cheaper though.BMW Electric Motorcycle Patent Leaks – Based on G310RDisclaimer – 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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    This Special Wraith Black Arrow Is Rolls-Royce's Final V-12 Coupe

    Rolls-Royce has revealed the Wraith Black Arrow, a limited-run send-off to the automaker’s V-12–powered coupe.The Black Arrow is a reference to a 1930s land speed record car that used Rolls-Royce engines, with an etching of that motor appearing on the Wraith’s dashboard.The special edition also features a gradient paint job, going from silver to black, accented by yellow trim.After a ten-year run, the Rolls-Royce Wraith is finally bidding adieu for good. Although the coupe departed the U.S. market in 2021, it had lived on overseas, and the newly revealed Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow Collection represents the end of the line for the company’s V-12–powered coupes. The electric Spectre takes over the mantle later this year, but before then Rolls-Royce will build 12 examples of this special Wraith as a final hurrah.Rolls-RoyceThe car pays homage to Thunderbolt, an eight-wheeled land speed record car powered by two Rolls-Royce V-12 airplane engines. In 1938, Thunderbolt rocketed to 357.497 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, a record that it held for nearly a year. The onset of World War II curtailed efforts to recapture the top spot, but changes in propulsion technology following the conflict mean Thunderbolt has remained the fastest V-12–powered car ever. According to Rolls-Royce, Thunderbolt’s bright aluminum body reflected the glaring Utah sun’s rays so much that it couldn’t be picked up by timing equipment, leading the driver to paint a massive black arrow and with a yellow circle on the side of the car, inspiring the name and design of this limited-production Wraith. Rolls-RoyceRolls-Royce says that the Black Arrow’s snazzy gradient paint finish—with the Celebration Silver front end blending into the Black Diamond rear—took 18 months to perfect. It is accented by bright yellow trim in the front bumper and adorning the wheels. Yellow also appears on struts visible through the grille and on the base of the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament above. Rolls-RoyceRolls-RoyceThe decadent interior continues the color scheme, with yellow leather gracing the seats, steering wheel, and dashboard. The headrests are embroidered with a stylized arrow, while the analog clock set into the dashboard proudly displays Thunderbolt’s top speed. The coach doors feature a dark wood finish consisting of over 320 layered pieces designed to emulate the rough surface of the Salt Flats, while a depiction of the Thunderbolt’s V-12 is etched into aluminum and set behind glass on the dashboard. A small aluminum model of the Thunderbolt also resides under a pane of glass in the center console.Rolls-RoyceRolls-RoyceRolls-Royce also went the extra mile with the starlight headliner, stitching 2117 fiber-optic lights into the ceiling, the most Rolls-Royce has ever fitted to one headliner. The “stars” are arranged to mimic the constellations as they would have looked on the date in 1938 when the Thunderbolt set its record.More on Rolls-RoyceA plaque on the engine cover notes that this is the last V-12 coupe from the automaker. Unsurprisingly, all 12 Wraith Black Arrows are already spoken for. There’s no official price, but we are certain that those lucky owners paid a substantial sum more than the Wraith’s $343,350 starting price.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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    New Honda 300cc ADV Launch Planned – Based On CB300F

    Based on outgoing CB300F street naked motorcycle, Himalayan rivaling Honda ADV can soon become a realityImage for illustration purpose onlyEver since the Honda CB300F was launched in India, it has stirred quite a commotion in many. Sales figures reflect the same and almost begs the question, whether Honda should have launched this in the first place. It even got a discount of Rs. 50,000 at dealer level to clear off stock. It sits below Honda CB300R, a much more powerful and sporty offering.New reports suggest Honda might extract more from this platform. How? By making an ADV version of it, of course. We have seen this strategy by Honda with CB200X based on Hornet 2.0 and it hasn’t procured much success either. It is yet to be seen how Honda will execute this and it might be launched by the end of 2023.Honda CB300F Based ADV motorcycle launch plannedWith ADV popularity on the rise, manufacturers are lining up their rugged machines to cater to this highly competitive segment. Sometimes, we also witness pseudo ADVs like Honda’s CB200X with style of an ADV, without any substance of one. We’re talking about the lack of long travel suspensions, wire-spoke wheels, larger front wheel and the likes.Honda is considering taking a similar approach with its recently launched CB300F naked street bike. Going by past encounters with Honda ADVs, we would wager this will just be a styling exercise, rather than a trail and offroad-worthy machine. While at it, we hope Honda bases this upcoming motorcycle on CB300R, instead of CB300F. We say this because Honda CB300R is powered by a 286cc motor making 30.7 bhp at 9000 RPM and 27.5 Nm at 7500 RPM. While CB300F is powered by a 293.52cc motor developing 24.13 bhp at 7500 RPM and 25.6 Nm at 5500 RPM.Honda CB300FWith CB300R, Honda can pit its upcoming ADV against KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G 310 GS and the likes with comparable numbers. That said, the figures of CB300F will limit it to rival against Suzuki V-Strom SX and KTM 250 Adventure, which is not a very hot segment. Not only is the CB300R’s platform more exciting, but it is also lighter as well.Specs & FeaturesGoing by Honda’s previous strategies, we would say this new Honda ADV based on CB300F will be equipped with a handsome looking fairing with a revised seating position. This ensures an upright seating position as opposed to ergonomics on a street bike. It will get design inspiration from its elder sibling Honda CB500X and is highly likely to be named CB300X.It will be powered by the same engine and come equipped with identical componentry like USD front forks, rear monoshock, single disc setup at both ends, same headlight assembly housed in a different cowl, integrated into a bikini fairing is possible. That said, Honda can surprise us and actually offer longer travel suspension, larger front wheel and even wire-spoke rims.Also, we expect Honda to tune the CB300X to suit characters of an ADV, unlike a street bike that it is based on. With CB200X, Honda offered a handsome and upmarket product without offroad-worthy hardware and there is a price increment of around Rs. 12,000. With the larger CB300X, we expect it to be priced Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000 higher than CB300F.Source More