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    Toyota Three-Row Electric SUV to Be Built on U.S. Soil in 2025

    Toyota plans to build a three-row electric SUV in the U.S. starting sometime in 2025.The company also plans to introduce 10 EVs globally by 2026, with these next-gen electric models to have double the driving range.A mysterious new Lexus EV was also teased during today’s press conference that featured several prominent executives.Toyota appears to be working overtime to make up ground in the race to electrify its lineup. During a press conference today in Japan, the company’s executive leadership said the latest plan includes introducing 10 new EVs around the globe by 2026. Among them is a three-row electric SUV that’s slated to start production in the U.S. sometime in 2025.Built in AmericaBesides the fact it’ll be built in America—with batteries to be assembled in North Carolina—no other details were revealed about the brand’s future EV SUV. However, it could be similar to the three-row Toyota bZ5X concept that was shown back in 2021. The bZ5X debuted alongside myriad other Toyota and Lexus concepts and coincided with their announcement about plans to offer 30 electric models by 2030.toyotaSince then, Koji Sato has replaced Akio Toyoda as Toyota’s president and CEO. The move marked a change of direction for the automaker, who had been criticized over its general resistance to EV adoption. In February, Sato tapped Lexus to lead the charge in the company’s reformed plans to prioritize EVs.Doubling Electric RangeThe announcement also mentioned the introduction of a next-generation electric platform planned for around 2026, and today Toyota Executive Vice President Hiroki Nakajima said the company plans to double the driving range of its next-gen EVs. Unfortunately, it wasn’t detailed exactly how the range will double, other than Nakajima’s vague comment that it’ll be accomplished through “far greater efficiency.” Currently, the longest EPA-estimated range is 252 miles for the Toyota bZ4X; the Lexus RZ450e tops out at 220 miles of estimated range. That suggest future models will have between roughly 440 and 500 miles of range per charge.Toyota’s Future EV PlansNew Lexus EV TeasedWhile it wasn’t directly addressed during the presentation, one of the slides showed a mysterious electric Lexus model. The side profile teased a sharp angles and a rakish roofline, with a small Lexus badge located above the rear wheel arch. The design suggests something between a sedan, a hatchback, and a crossover.ToyotaWhatever the new Lexus EV may be (real or otherwise), it will surely be based on the next-gen platform. It could also feature an interesting new idea that was brought up by Nakajima regarding the ability for drivers to customize “ride feel” in the future. This was described as preferences around how the vehicle runs, turns, and stops. He went on to say this is part of the Toyota’s plans to “create cars that are more fun to drive in terms of both hardware and software.”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 EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

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    Tesla Model 3 Gets Price Cut as Reduced Tax Credit Looms

    Tesla dropped the price of the Model 3 sedan by $1000 on Thursday.The Long Range and Performance versions of the Model Y also received a $2000 price cut, with the base Model Y officially joining the lineup.The price reductions come as the $7500 tax credit for the base Model 3 will be halved on April 18.If you’ve been on the fence about buying a Tesla Model 3, now’s the time to decide. In anticipation of a reduced federal tax credit starting later this month, the company reduced the price of the single-motor rear-drive sedan by $1000 on Thursday.”Based on new IRS guidance, the $7,500 credit will be reduced for Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive on April 18 to $3,750,” the automaker said on a Federal Tax Incentives section of its website. More Tesla and EV storiesThe reduction comes because the lithium-iron-phosphate battery used in the base model 3 is the only battery from Tesla’s U.S. lineup that sources its cells from China. For a vehicle to qualify under the Inflation Reduction Act, it must be assembled in the U.S. even to be considered for qualification. On top of that, a percentage of its battery minerals must be sourced from a specific list of free-trade partners (not including China), and lastly, its battery cells must be assembled in North America. That means that from now until April 18, the Model 3 has a starting price of $43,630 and qualifies for the full $7500 credit. After that, the credit will be cut in half. As to what Tesla will do with Model 3 pricing—your guess is as good as ours. TeslaIn other Tesla pricing news, the Long Range and Performance versions of the Model Y also received a $2000 price cut on Thursday and now start at $54,630 and $58,630, respectively. Additionally, a base version of the Model Y with 279 miles of range was added to the lineup on Tesla’s website. The base model comes with a small discount to the Long Range model, and starts at $51,630. It was previously limited to inventory models and wasn’t listed next to the Long Range and Performance Models on the website, with Tesla opting for more of an In-N-Out secret menu approach. Tesla notes on its website that all versions of the Model Y will remain eligible for the full credit beyond April 18.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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    This RE Continental GT 650 Cafe Racer Mod Will Race Your Heart

    Unlike most custom jobs which revolve around design, this RE Continental GT 650 Cafe Racer mod gets enhanced performance and brakingRE Continental GT 650 Cafe Racer ModCustom bike builders bring a certain character out of their projects that manufacturers often can’t. That’s because manufacturers aim to appeal to a much wider range of buyers, while a custom bike builder has to appeal to one. That said, some custom bikes are more than just styling upgrades.This new Cafe Racer mod by Neev Motorcycles reflects the same idea. This is not just a stylized motorcycle. This particular Neev Motorcycle seems to have given “more power” in the briefing. That is exactly what Neev Motorcycles have delivered.RE Continental GT 650 Cafe Racer ModThis Continental GT 650 has been re-tuned to make more power. With more power, there should be better brakes too, right? In comes a dual disc setup at the front wheels. This is a thorough mod job and let’s take a closer look.RE Continental GT 650 Cafe Racer Mod – Engine & Braking UpgradesBetter brakes always go hand in hand with more power. Dropping the anchor on this custom Continental GT 650 Cafe Racer is a dual disc setup at the front with upgraded 4-pot calipers. A new master cylinder from Brembo is part of the upgrade as well. Rear braking setup has been kept stock.RE Continental GT 650 Cafe Racer ModNecessitating stronger brakes is a more powerful engine. The stock ECU with the base Royal Enfield GT 650 is tuned right from the factory. It makes 47 bhp of power and 52 Nm of torque. This ECU is now remapped to deliver more performance. This ECU upgrade seems to be subtle, hence negating the need for stronger forged components.RE Continental GT 650 Cafe Racer ModComponentry Upgrades With 180-Section TyreNeev Motorcycles could have used OEM USD front forks from Super Meteor 650. But these look much fatter and offer a lot of beef to motorcycles’ overall appeal. Stock 18” wire-spoke wheels have been done away in favour of 17” alloy wheels lifted straight from a Harley-Davidson Street Rod 750.150/60-17 front and 180/60-17 rear Pirelli Rally STR tyres with block pattern lend a lot of muscle over the stock 100/90-18 front and 130/70-18 rear tyres. Dual exhausts are still present but there is a custom unobstructed exhaust system with end cans having Akrapovic branding.RE Continental GT 650 Cafe Racer ModDesign UpgradesIn terms of design, the original ethos of Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is retained. Fuel tank is kept stock, but it now gets a new tank tie finished in gloss black. Other custom handbuilt parts and accessories include front and rear fenders, side body panels, and a custom rear subframe with a custom single seat and cowl.There is a new bash plate to protect underbelly, a new CNC machined triple tree and CNC milled clip-on handlebar, number plate assembly, repositioned stock instrument clusters, and more. The icing on the cake is a custom Grey shade playing beautifully with gloss black elements all along. After-market accessories include LED headlights, bar-end mirrors and grips. More

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    2023 Hayabusa Launch Price Rs 16.9 L – BS6 P2 Compliant, 3 Colours

    This update doesn’t change the performance figures of 2023 Hayabusa – Which are 187.3 bhp of power and 150 Nm of torque2023 Hayabusa launched in IndiaCurrently, in its third generation, Hayabusa now meets BS6 Phase II emission standards. RDE norms and E20 compatibility checkboxes are now checked and this legendary motorcycle gets equipped with OBD2 equipment as well, monitoring emissions in real time. With this update, Suzuki has offered three new colours to add a touch of excitement as well.2023 Suzuki Hayabusa Gets BS6 P2 CompliantPricing for the motorcycle is pegged at Rs. 16,90,000 (ex-sh) and can be bought from any of Suzuki’s big bike showrooms across the country. OBD2-A compliant Suzuki Hayabusa will be brought into effect from April 7th, 2023.2023 Hayabusa launched in IndiaPhase II of BS6 transition kicked in on April 1st, 2023. All complying motorcycles should now come equipped with OBD2 diagnostic tools to measure real-time emission and various engine parameters. Along with that, RDE (Real Driving Emissions) are also met, apart from lab emissions and this powertrain is now E20 compliant (20% Ethanol).Mr. Kenichi Umeda, MD, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. expressed his gratitude to fellow enthusiasts of third-generation Hayabusa in India. He explained how this legend enjoys a cult following in the motorcycling world for the way it looks and performs. Also, he proudly announced that all the units that were assembled at Gurgaon plant have sold in record time.2023 Hayabusa launched in IndiaHe further explains that this fueled them to introduce new colours to the mix with OBD2-A compliance. These new colours radiate style and sophistication and Mr. Umeda hopes they will be well-received and appreciated by the Indian motorcycling community.New Colours For The New LegendSpeaking of the new colours, they are Metallic Thunder Gray/ Candy Daring Red, Metallic Mat Black No. 2/ Glass Sparkle Black and Pearl Vigor Blue/ Pearl Brilliant White. Suzuki has playfully used contrasting shades to complement the base colours.The contrast colours are found below the headlights in its fascia, lurking beneath its side fairing vents, parts of its rear subframe, seat cowl and its tail section. These add a dash of sophistication and bring a new styling quotient to Suzuki Hayabusa.2023 Hayabusa launched in IndiaWho Does Hayabusa Rival?The 1340cc inline-four motor with 187.3 bhp of power at 9700 RPM and 150 Nm of torque at 7000 RPM. Third-gen Hayabusa tips the scale at 266 kg, making it quite a chore to maneuver in the city. That said, this peregrine falcon is not meant to be caged in the city, it is meant to be unleashed on the highway for power-packed mile-munching.Sure, the performance numbers are slightly lower than second-gen and weight has gone up in third-gen model. That said, the newer model comes jam-packed with electronics making Hayabusa a versatile sports cruiser. It rivals the likes of Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX. More

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    Yamaha R15 White, Aerox Silver, MT15 New Variant – Launch Price Rs 1.43 L To Rs 1.86 L

    While Aerox and R15 get new colour options, MT15 has gotten a new, more affordable variant without LED indicator and Bluetooth connectivityYamaha R15, Aerox new colours – MT15 base variant showcased to dealersOne of the key facets of Yamaha’s market strategy has been to introduce updates at regular intervals. Even minor updates can help refresh the portfolio and provide more value to enthusiasts. Working on the same lines, Yamaha has launched updates for Aerox, MT15 and R15 at a dealer event in Delhi, along with showcasing new products – R3, R7, R1M, MT03, MT07 and MT09.Yamaha R15 White, Aerox Silver, MT15 New Variant – Launch Price 1.43 L To Rs 1.86 LAerox, R15 new colour optionsAmong the most basic updates for a two-wheeler is new colour options. Aerox gets a new silver colour option and a traction control system (TCS). TCS will help to further maximise performance by minimising wheelspin and better control in any riding condition. Prices start from Rs 1,42,800, ex-sh for the Silver Aerox with TCS.New Yamaha Aerox Solver colour for IndiaWhile silver can be dull, it’s not the case with this new colour shade for Aerox. That’s because the new colour theme has a vibrant mix of contrasting black shade, as evident on the fairing and side panels. Moreover, the scooter gets sporty graphics and lettering.Another key highlight is the golden coloured wheels, a first for Aerox. Silver shade is a welcome addition for Aerox, as current colour options are limited to dark shades. It includes Metallic Black, Racing Blue and Grey Vermillion.2023 Yamaha R15 White ColourIn case of R15, Yamaha has introduced a new white colour, called Intensity White. New Yamaha R15 Intensity White gets Quick Shifter and is priced from Rs 1,85,900, ex-sh. Current options of R15 are Metallic Red and Dark Knight are priced at Rs 1,80,900 and Rs 1,81,900, respectively. R15 Racing Blue is priced at Rs 1,85,900.The new R15 white appears quite different in comparison to existing colour options of Metallic Red, Dark Knight and Racing Blue. White is not necessarily a mainstream colour for a bike, but can appeal to folks who want an entirely different look and feel. R15 white variant gets graphics in grey shade and has orange-coloured wheels. Golden USD forks against the white shade create an exciting contrast.Yamaha MT15 Gets New Variant – Without BluetoothWhile equipping a bike with advanced features has its merits, the resulting increased pricing may not work for everyone. To free MT15 from such constraints, Yamaha has launched a new variant of the bike, which misses out on features such as LED indicators and Bluetooth connectivity. People with limited budget shouldn’t mind sacrificing these features in lieu of the reduced cost of ownership.Cheaper Yamaha MT15 variant – without LED blinkers, bluetoothThis new MT15 variant without the Bluetooth connect, is priced at Rs 1,63,400, ex-sh. It gets two exciting colors – Dark Matte Blue & Metallic Black colour. With the launch of this variant, customers will have a choice to select from Bluetooth (Y-Connect) equipped variant and non-equipped (Y-Connect) variant. This variant will retain the features like Dual Channel ABS for added safety, TCS ensuring maximum performance and OBD2 for quick access to the machine’s vital data. MT15 Bluetooth variants come in four colour options, all of which are priced at Rs 1,68,900. Hat tip to Nikam Yamaha and Jijo Thomas for sharing the exclusive photos. More

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    2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan’s Smooth Profile Teased before April Reveal

    The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-class will be revealed on April 25.Mercedes first showed the next-generation E-class’s futuristic dashboard earlier this year.The new E-class should arrive with hybrid powertrains but looks to retain more classic sedan proportions compared with the brand’s jellybean-like EVs.Earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz provided a first glimpse at the upcoming 2024 E-class by revealing the luxury sedan’s tech-laden interior. Mercedes has now officially announced the next-generation E-class will debut on April 25 and teasing the model with a shadowy image of its profile.Mercedes-BenzWhile Mercedes-Benz’s electric sedans have taken on a smooth, jellybean-like shape, the 2024 E-class appears to retain more traditional sedan proportions, with a longer hood and more upright front end. The side view also reveals a crisp, full-length character line running from the headlights to the taillights. There’s also a sloping roofline.More Mercedes NewsThe new E-class’s interior will feature Mercedes’s optional Hyperscreen, which adds a second display facing the front passenger for streaming and gaming on the move. The content will be obscured if eye-tracking cameras notice the driver looking over at the passenger’s entertainment. When parked, the car will allow you to browse the internet and even join Zoom meetings thanks to a built-in camera on the dashboard.We expect the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-class to offer hybrid powertrains, but the company has yet to hint at any performance details. Other specific information will come when the 2024 E-class is revealed in full later this month.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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    2008 Lamborghini Reventon Coupe Is Our Bring a Trailer Auction Pick of the Day

    This Reventón, one of just 20 sold, is a rare blend of Lamborghini’s past and present.Combining stealth-fighter styling and a lusty V-12 powertrain, this flagship Lamborghini led the way for the creation of the Aventador.Bidding has already gone into seven figures with six days to go on the online auction at Bring a Trailer.Car and DriverDirectly inspired by the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, the Lamborghini Reventón did anything but fly under the radar. A highly limited edition based on the V-12–powered Murciélago LP640, it featured unique carbon-fiber bodywork in a flat gray that enhanced the stealth fighter looks. The Reventón made its debut in 2007, and all 20 cars were snapped up by collectors before the public even saw them (one additional car was reserved for the Lamborghini museum). This one is now up for auction on Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos—and it’s an opportunity to own a Reventón for anyone who missed out the first time around. Fair warning: It won’t be cheap. With six days to go, bidding on this special Lamborghini has reached $1.4 million, the first Lamborghini product to crack the million-dollar barrier on the site. Then again, an F-22 Raptor costs roughly $143 million. This thing’s a bargain!Bring a TrailerIf you’re thinking there were a lot of hints at the then-upcoming Aventador’s styling in the Reventón, you’re right. In many ways, it was a roadgoing concept car, showing the way forward for Lamborghini’s V-12 machines.Here, that V-12 displaces 6.5 liters and produces 641 horsepower at 8000 rpm, slightly more than in the Murciélago. Note that this was one of the last examples of the first-generation Lamborghini V-12, which could stretch its bloodline all the way back to the birth of the company, and the handiwork of Giotto Bizzarinni.Bring a TrailerAnd, at the same time, the Reventón smashed any neo-retro nostalgia Lamborghini’s designers might have been toying with. One year before this all-angular car emerged, the 2006 Miura concept hinted at the potential for Lamborghini to look to its past for inspiration. The customer and public response to the Reventón helped Lamborghini hit the afterburners on an ever-wilder, knife-edged design.You can see the next evolution of that design in the just-released Revuelto, Lamborghini’s hybridized replacement for the Aventador. Many details on the Revuelto can be traced back to the limited-run Sián, which followed in the Reventón’s hoofprints in helping Lamborghini bridge the gap between models.Bring a TrailerBring a TrailerThis example is more artwork than car, with just 457 miles on the odometer. Car number five of the 20, it has been driven sparingly but maintained, and includes the military-style bag that came with the car on its original delivery to customers.Being that there are only 20 cars out there (plus 15 roadster versions that followed), the opportunity to own a Reventón doesn’t come along every day. As Lamborghini moves towards an ever more electrified future, this combustion-powered, combat-aircraft-inspired machine seems destined to only grow in value, even if the next owner puts a few more miles on it. Here’s your chance to take it out for a sortie while you still can. The auction ends on Wednesday, April 12.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 Mazda 3 Getting Big Ol’ 10.3-Inch Infotainment Screen

    The Japanese version of the 2024 Mazda 3 receives updates that are also expected to reach U.S. models.For 2024, the Mazda 3’s infotainment screen grows from 8.8 to 10.3 inches, a setup already available on the Mazda CX-50.Other new features include a ceramic paint color, a lighted USB-C port, wireless charging, and expanded driver assists.The 2024 Mazda 3 will feature a bigger infotainment screen when the new model year eventually reaches U.S dealerships. At least that’s what we expect after Mazda revealed updates to 2024 models for the Japanese market.Currently, the Mazda 3 hatchback and sedan come with an 8.8-inch display integrated into the top of their dashboards. That screen size is destined to increase to 10.3 inches, however, it’s unclear if the smaller setup will still be standard or replaced entirely. For instance, the Mazda CX-50 offers both sizes.MazdaMazda’s Japanese press release also states the 2024 Mazda 3 will add an illuminated USB-C port and a wireless charging pad. Both are also likely to be added to the U.S. lineup. The same goes for the expanded driver assists, which in Japan now include a driver-attention monitor as well as front and rear pedestrian detection. Other possible new features include a ceramic-colored paint option. There’s also the ability to remotely start the car using the MyMazda smartphone app, which could add a function seemingly designed for parents that sends alerts about vehicle speed, driving time, and the area where the vehicle is driving.More Mazda 3 ReadingSince the company hasn’t yet announced any updates to the 2024 Mazda 3 that’ll be sold in America, it’s possible there could be more or less changes in store. Car and Driver reached out to a Mazda spokesperson who declined to confirm details about the U.S. models but said the company will release that information sometime later this year. 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 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