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Ford Performance has revealed the 1800-hp Mustang Super Cobra Jet 1800, which aims to chase down NHRA world records. The Super Cobra Jet 1800 is a revised version of the 1400-hp Mustang Cobra Jet 1400. That old car holds a class-specific world record in the quarter-mile, recording 8.128 seconds at 171.97 mph.Ford Performance just revealed the Mustang Super Cobra Jet 1800 electric prototype. The Super Cobra Jet 1800 is a revised version of Ford’s first draft—the 1400-hp Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 prototype from a few years ago. The only things crazier than the new car’s 1800 horsepower are the NHRA world records it’s targeting.The Mustang Cobra Super Jet 1800 aims to beat the 1400’s quarter-mile run of 8.128 seconds at 171.97 mph, which was recorded in June 2021. Additionally, the 1800 is going after a new full-bodied, electric-vehicle record for fastest EV from zero to 60 mph and fastest two-wheel-drive EV from zero to 60 mph during an NHRA event later this season. Ford PerformanceCompared with the Cobra Jet 1400, the 1800’s additional 400 horsepower comes from the same inverters and motor pairings as before, which are now attached to a new transmission from Liberty. The Super Cobra Jet 1800 also features a redone battery system, revised rear-end setup as well as fresh control and data gathering systems. There’s also an entirely redone, lighter-weight battery system designed by Ford Performance and MLe Racecars. Power is sent to an MLe Racecars-revised rear end with improved suspension geometry from PMR and a new set of larger Mickey Thompson drag radials to help launch the car.“Our changes have made significant improvements to the car, including removing hundreds of pounds in weight and increasing horsepower to 1800,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports. More Mustang Cobra Jet ContentFord Mustang purists may be angered to see yet another electric model bearing the beloved title, but make no mistake, the Mustang Super Cobra Jet 1800 is an apex predator looking to hunt down a few world records. 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

From the May 2023 Issue of Car and Driver. When Akio Toyoda took the reins as president of Toyota Motor Corporation in 2009, the company was not in a good place. Yes, it led global auto production with 7.2 million units, ahead of GM’s 6.5 mil. But Toyota, reeling from the global recession, had just reported its first financial loss in decades and was deep in the throes of its unintended-acceleration controversy, which would result in a $1.2 billion fine in the U.S. Then things got worse. In 2011, the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami devastated the east coast of Japan, destroying or damaging three of Toyota’s factories and knocking many suppliers offline. Touring the devastation soon after, Toyoda said it “totally dwarfed” every other challenge he’d yet faced. Toyota’s production stumbled that year, with the company falling to number three. But by the next year, production figures were back on top.Toyota offers just one EV in the global market, the bZ4X. It still expects to make cars powered by internal combustion through 2050 and argues that using a 100.0-kWh battery to make six plug-in hybrids or 90 hybrids instead of one EV results in a greater reduction of carbon dioxide.Today Toyota outsells next-largest automaker Volkswagen by roughly 2 million vehicles annually. As of this writing, it’s also the second-most-valuable car company in the world, behind Tesla.ToyotaToyotaAlong with bringing Toyota through an earthquake and global financial peril, Toyoda also won over enthusiasts, racing under his alter ego, Morizo, and spearheading performance cars ranging from the Lexus LFA to the new GR Corolla. While we’ll never complain about more performance hot hatches, some pundits fear that Koji Sato will be stuck playing catch-up when it comes to EVs. Car and DriverWhile most global manufacturers are throwing their weight behind battery-electric vehicles in preparation for looming zero-emission mandates in markets such as California and New York, Toyota offers just one EV in the global market, the bZ4X (Lexus is introducing a companion model, the RZ450e). Instead, Toyota has been taking a more measured approach to electrification, relying on hybrids and plug-in hybrids. It argues that using a 100.0-kWh battery to make six plug-in hybrids or 90 hybrids instead of one EV results in a greater reduction of carbon dioxide. Toyota still expects to make cars powered by internal combustion through 2050, although with fleet emissions down 90 percent. Under Toyoda’s leadership, we saw playful performance offerings like the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla and the 2012 Lexus LFA.ToyotaToyotaToyota, under Toyoda’s leadership, has also been investing in hydrogen fuel-cell technology. Toyoda even raced a Yaris that used hydrogen combustion. “Carbon neutrality is not about one having a single choice but about keeping options open,” he’s said. But without government backing for hydrogen vehicles in the U.S., it’s hard to see fuel cells being much of an option here. The need for an electrification strategy may be part of why Koji Sato has been tapped as Toyoda’s successor. Coming from the presidency at Lexus, Sato has experience with EV planning. The Lexus Electrified initiative promises that by 2030, every Lexus sold in North America, Europe, and China will be battery-electric. As Sato steps up, is it too late for Toyota to meet anticipated EV demand? No way, Brian Finkelmeyer, senior director of new car solutions at Cox Automotive, tells us: “I think Toyota has played this perfectly.” Current and Coming SoonFinkelmeyer says no mainstream manufacturers have proven EVs as their sole business aside from Tesla, which operates in the rarefied air of smaller-scale luxury brands. “Toyota is still hedging its bets a little bit, not putting all the chips in one place,” Finkelmeyer says. And it isn’t just fuel cells. Finkelmeyer points out that Toyota is the global leader in patents involving solid-state batteries, which have the potential to increase range and decrease charging time. This, he believes, could leave Toyota well positioned long term.How much of an impact will Sato make in changing Toyota’s fortunes? Finkelmeyer says it won’t be dramatic. “My impression of Toyota is of a fundamental, cultural set of beliefs about how they go to market and who they are,” he says. “They’re like the [NBA’s] Golden State Warriors. They’re just going to keep doing what they’re doing.” ToyotaInitial statements by Sato seem to back that up. “Cars are made with the passion and efforts of countless individuals,” Sato said earlier this year at a press conference where he expressed his vision for Toyota. “I want to be a president who remains part of that group, toiling together to create cars.” What about Toyoda’s passion for sports cars? “If Morizo is someone who loves driving cars,” Sato said, “I am someone who loves making cars that make drivers smile.” Hopefully, that means the brand’s affordable, fun performance vehicles will continue, with or without tailpipes.Get To Know SatoToyotaBorn in Tokyo in 1969, Koji Sato studied mechanical engineering in college. His interest was always in cars, and he worked part time at a gas station and later at Fuji Speedway.Sato joined Toyota as an engineer in 1992. His early work was in suspension development and chassis design, including contributions to the first-generation Prius. He later moved to product planning, where he led the team for the Toyota Camry and Lexus GS before taking on the position of chief engineer at Lexus, where he oversaw the development of today’s Lexus LC coupe—still one of his favorite cars. He became president of Lexus in 2020, shortly before also taking on the role of Gazoo Racing president.When he isn’t working on designing new cars, Sato enjoys his favorite classic, the last of the rear-drive Corollas, the AE86. More

Tesla is preparing an updated Model 3, which we expect will arrive later this year.The reworked Model 3 is internally known as Project Highland.If this spy pic is anything to go by, then the revised Model 3’s design appears to crib cues from the Roadster prototype.It’s no secret that Tesla’s working on an updated Model 3. Known internally as Project Highland, the reworked entry-level electric sedan is expected to arrive sometime later this year, possibly as a late-arriving 2023 model (Tesla’s famous for ignoring model-year norms) or as a 2024. Related StoriesRegardless, Tesla has generally kept key details related to the Model 3’s revisions under wraps. Though we’re still waiting to learn what hardware and software upgrades Tesla intends to give the new Model 3, we’re finally getting our first glimpse at the car’s tweaked sheetmetal. At least, we think that’s what we’re seeing in this spy photo that seems to have originated on Reddit before finding its way to Twitter.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.This supposed unmasked Model 3 prototype may ultimately turn out to be the work of a skilled Photoshop artist, or a scrapped design proposal for Project Highland, but whatever it is, its tweaked body lines match those of camouflaged Model 3s spotted in the wild. Note the crease in the door that blends into the fender and joins the side-mounted camera. It’s a small detail missing from the current Model 3, but present on the camo’d Project Highland prototypes spotted in the wild. Based on the above image, the most notable changes to the Model 3 come to its front end. Gone are the current car’s large headlight bezels and noticeably canted front bumper cover. In their places sit slit-like headlights and a simpler and more upright front valance. The resulting front-end design gives the Model 3 a look reminiscent of the Roadster prototype from 2017.TeslaBesides a new wheel design, there’s little else to glean from this image. We’re sure Tesla’s done more than just massage the design of the Model 3 as part of Project Highland, but until the company formally reveals the revised sedan, we’ll simply have to wait and find out what improvements the EV brand’s made to the car’s adaptive safety features, infotainment technology, and powertrain components.Senior EditorDespite their shared last name, Greg Fink is not related to Ed “Big Daddy” Roth’s infamous Rat Fink. Both Finks, however, are known for their love of cars, car culture, and—strangely—monogrammed one-piece bathing suits. Greg’s career in the media industry goes back more than a decade. His previous experience includes stints as an editor at publications such as U.S. News & World Report, The Huffington Post, Motor1.com, and MotorTrend. More

The 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD ZR2 debuts as the off-road pinnacle of the brand’s heavy-duty-truck lineup.The ZR2 boasts 35-inch mud-terrain tires, a lifted suspension with fancy spool-valve dampers, and numerous bash plates.Aftermarket supplier AEV provides bits for the ZR2 Bison, including exclusive steel bumpers, unique 18-inch wheels, and tougher underbody armor. The folks who buy Chevy’s heavy-duty pickup trucks typically have big jobs to do. When they finish moving metaphorical mountains or hauling huge payloads, they likely want to have some fun like the rest of us. That’s when the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ZR2 enters the chat. Not only is it as useful as most other three-quarter-ton models, but it’s also better at playing in the dirt and crawling over rocks.Hard-Working and Fun-LovingChevy’s off-road-focused ZR2 moniker already appears on its other trucks, the mid-size Colorado and the full-size Silverado 1500. Now the fun-loving ZR2 joins the hard-working heavy-duty lineup, however, it’s only available on the 2500HD model configured with the crew-cab body style and standard-size cargo bed. It won’t be hard to spot either, as its gigantic grille draws the eye and features the company’s cool “flowtie.” The truck also has different moldings around its wheel arches; red front tow hooks and ZR2 badges are other identifiers.While four-wheel drive and an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission are standard, buyers can choose between the base 401-hp gas-fed 6.6-liter V-8 or the optional Duramax diesel 6.6-liter V-8, which generates a substantial 470 horses and 975 pound-feet of torque. The gas engine supports 16,000 pounds of conventional towing and up to nearly 3400 pounds of payload. While the diesel has a higher tow rating (18,500 pounds), its payload capacity is capped at 3200 pounds.Regardless of what’s under the hood, every Silverado 2500HD ZR2 boasts exclusive equipment. The roster includes a set of 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory M/T tires mounted on black 18-inch multispoke wheels. It may surprise some to learn these are the first factory-installed 35-inch tires on a Silverado. They pair with arguably the most notable ZR2-specific feature: Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers. These exotic shocks use three separate spool valves to better withstand off-road abuse and aid on-road composure.Along with the fancy dampers, the heavy-duty Silverado ZR2’s suspension is lifted 1.5 inches at all four corners. There’s also a set of revised front upper and lower control arms as well as new steering knuckles. In the likely event the truck’s underbody comes into contact with hard obstacles, there’s an aluminum skid plate up front and steel plating to protect the transfer case. Helping to manage traction is an electronically locking rear differential, and every ZR2 has an Off-Road drive mode to help conquer rugged terrain.ZR2 Bison Adds ToughnessChevy and aftermarket supplier American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) have a history of partnering on upfitted off-roaders. The offspring of their relationship includes the 2019 Colorado ZR2 Bison we tested (and jumped) and the newer 2023 Silverado 1500 ZR2 Bison we’ve yet to get our dirty mitts on. Naturally, there’s also a bovine version of the new heavy-duty ZR2.The 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD ZR2 Bison is quite a mouthful, but its name also brings additional equipment that helps it survive bigger beatings. For example, the Bison alone comes with steel-stamped front and rear bumpers with recovery points and a winch accommodation. Underneath are tough bash plates made from hot-stamped boron steel. Completing the Bison’s look are a set of AEV-specific 18-inch wheels painted in gloss black.While the Bison has a slightly steeper breakover angle than the regular ZR2 (22.6 degrees versus 21.2), the opposite is true of their approach angles, where the AEV model peaks at 29.8 degrees compared with 32.5 degrees. Their departure angle is identical at 25.7 inches and ground clearance is similarly close at 11.6—11.7 inches. Chevy says the Bison is just over 380 pounds heavier.ChevroletInside, the ZR2 benefits from updates included with the Silverado HD’s recent refresh. The interior materials are said to be easy to clean, and the leather-appointed seats and dark trim look handsome. There’s a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster to go along with a 13.4-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, which also provides access to the surround-view camera system. There’s a large head-up display too and a wireless charging pad on the full-length center console.Chevy hasn’t said how much the 2024 Silverado 2500HD ZR2 will cost, but we’d wager its price will start around $80,000. Those who want to upgrade to the Bison variant will likely have to spend another $8000, at least if the price delta between the half-ton Silverado ZR2 and its bovine counterpart is any indication. The off-road pinnacle of the heavy-duty Silverado will start production later this summer at GM’s assembly plant in Flint, Michigan. Official pricing will be announced between now and then.Extra Silverado HD ReadingThis 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

From the May 2023 issue of Car and Driver. WHAT IT ISDoes an electric muscle car still sound shocking? Well, Dodge appears to be making one. The next Charger is a muscular two-door with styling cues from its second-generation ’60s namesake and a powertrain from the future—or at least, the leading edge of the present. WHY IT MATTERSWe would have bet that Dodge would be the last gas-burning holdout, striping 11s on internal-combustion island as the automotive market quietly whirred and recharged around it. Instead, Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis declared the “brotherhood of muscle,” going forward, will be battery-powered. PLATFORMBeneath the Charger’s bulked-up body is Stellantis’s STLA Large platform. POWERTRAINThe entry-level Charger 340 gets a 400-volt propulsion system and 455 horsepower, while the midrange 440 (the electric Scat Pack, if you will) boasts 590 horsepower. Both models can receive over-the-air horsepower bumps through Dodge Direct Connection, and a multi-speed transmission is promised. The top Banshee model will have an 800-volt architecture, and we predict that if the lesser models don’t have two motors, the Banshee will. The horsepower rating is a secret, but Dodge promises the Banshee will eclipse the gas-powered Hellcat in all performance metrics. That includes sound, with the Charger EV’s amplifying chamber “exhaust” tuned to 126 decibels. COMPETITIONNothing on the market hits the same pressure points as the Charger EV. The Mustang Mach-E is quick, domestic, and wears a muscle-car name, but its SUV body puts it in a different category. WHAT MIGHT GO WRONGThe Mopar faithful might come carrying pitchforks and torches and burn the Stellantis castle to the ground before they accept an electric muscle car. ESTIMATED ARRIVAL AND PRICEIf the stars align, we could see the Charger EV in 2024 with a starting price somewhere around that of a current 392 Hemi model; expect to pay at least $50K.Old and NewSenior Editor, Features
Like 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