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Mercedes has priced the 2023 AMG C43 sedan at $61,050.It has a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine with 402 horsepower.All-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission are standard.The newest middle child of the Mercedes C-class lineup, the 2023 AMG C43 sedan, now has a price. It starts at $61,050, a $3500 bump compared with the last time the C43 sedan was offered, for the 2021 model year.The C43 looks a whole lot different this time around, as this performance model now has a turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain compared with the old model’s turbo V-6. Power is up, however, with the new 2.0-liter engine pumping out 402 horsepower compared with the old V-6’s 385 hp. If you’re not sold on this setup in the new W205-generation model, you can still buy the old W206-generation C43 in coupe and convertible form for 2023, as these carry over for the time being.More AMG C-classesMercedes will offer the C43 in two trim levels, with the base called Premium. The Pinnacle trim, for an extra $2800, adds features including heated front seats, a sunroof, larger screens, and a head-up display. There are also other options available such as a $3250 Performance Seat package, a $1700 driver-assist package, and many more standalone add-ons that will easily push the price over $70,000.The C43 is starting to arrive at U.S. dealerships now, but the real AMG faithful will still be kept waiting for the top-dog: the 2024 AMG C63. It swaps the old C63’s V-8 for a new plug-in-hybrid setup with a four-cylinder that puts out a whopping 671 horsepower in total. Pricing is still a mystery, but we reckon it will cost a pretty penny.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

Gordon Murray’s T.33 Spider uses the same 4.0-liter V-12 as the T.33 Coupe, revving to 11,100 rpm and making 607 hp.Its targa-style roof panels lift out and stow in the front luggage compartment. Only 100 will be produced, priced at $2.3 million at current exchange rates.When Gordon Murray unveiled the T.33 supercar last year, he admitted that an open-topped version was part of his company’s model plans. Now we have the stylish proof in the form of the T.33 Spider. Only 100 will be built, each carrying a seven-figure price. We can expect the entire run to sell out shortly after ordering opens, so there’s no time to waste if you want to add one to your personal collection.While the T.33 is less radical than the central-seat Gordon Murray Automotive T.50, it is still radically different from almost everything else in the supercar segment. Like the other GMA models, the Spider uses a mid-mounted, naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V-12 created and built by Cosworth in the U.K. It shares its peak 607 horsepower and dizzy 11,100-rpm redline with the T.33 Coupe.The T.33 Spider will also be available exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox. When Car and Driver spoke to Murray about the T.33 Coupe last year, he said he was planning to also offer an automated version of the same transmission, but that has now been reversed on the grounds that almost no buyers actually wanted to forgo a clutch pedal. “It was an expensive mistake,” Murray admitted, when he showed C/D the new car at GMA’s Dunsfold factory in Surrey, England. “We started developing the gearbox with the Xtrac instantaneous shift and even had a working gearbox in a Lotus Evora prototype. We’d spent a fair bit of money on it—and then nobody wanted it!”Murray confirmed that both T.33 Coupe and Spider will now be manual only, although he admitted it is possible that the instant shift system will be offered with the third car to use the T.33 platform, likely a track-focused variant. Spider and Coupe buyers will be able to choose between regular gearing and a longer-legged sixth ratio to make high-speed cruising quieter. Alternatively, they could just enjoy listening to that V-12.More Gordon Murray CarsHatchback Practicality in a SupercarGMA’s dedication to lightweight construction means the T.33 Spider doesn’t get a power-folding roof. Instead, it has a pair of targa panels that can be individually removed and then stored in the front luggage compartment. Doing this removes the ability to carry additional luggage there, although there are two rear-hinged storage compartments in the T.33’s rear flanks with a total of six cubic feet of space. Keeping the roof in place, or leaving it at home, gives the chance to accommodate an additional four cubic feet up front, delivering on Murray’s promise to combine supercar performance with hatchback practicality. There is also a power-operated rear glass screen behind the passenger compartment, which will enable occupants to sample more of the V-12’s soundtrack. The car you see here is a late styling model that doesn’t quite reflect what will become the finished reality. Since it was commissioned, Murray says the decision has been taken to move the windshield header forward by another 4.3 inches. “Once we sat in the seating buck we decided it will be just a little too close to your head,” he said. Such flexibility is clearly one of the main advantages of owning your own auto company. Despite that, Murray said that the Spider’s aerodynamic performance will be almost identical to that of the T.33 Coupe.Unlike the GMA T.50, which uses a fan-assisted ground effects system to create serious downforce, the T.33 has a gentler aerodynamic mission. It still has some clever ground effects, using low-pressure air drawn from the rear of the car to improve the efficiency of the hidden underbody diffuser. Murray says this will make a peak of 331 pounds of downforce at 150 mph, enough to improve high-speed stability but not to require excessively firm springs or dampers. As with the the Coupe, the T.33 Spider uses passive rather than active dampers and doesn’t even have a rear anti-roll bar. In terms of dynamics and performance, the two T.33 variants should be almost identical, with Murray saying the open-topped car is just 40 pounds heavier with a dry weight of just 2445 pounds.The Spider Came First”We actually designed the Spider first, as that is much easier to do than to take the roof off a coupe,” he said. “Our torsional target and bending stiffness targets were both for the Spider. The Coupe is slightly stiffer, but that’s bonus stiffness if you like.” The Spider will also be the car used for the testing required to earn T.33 federal approval for sale in the U.S., a process which Murray said has cost an additional $34 million and which will involve sacrificing over 30 crash-test mules. That’s a serious commitment for a company of GMA’s modest size, but one that has been justified by huge interest from American buyers. Murray confirmed that exactly half of the 100 T.33 Coupes will be going to the U.S. While the T.33 has been designed to avoid fussy styling or the aggressive aerodynamics common to modern supercars, there are many neat details. One is the way the exterior color comes into the cabin through a panel between the seats, something Murray says was inspired by the C1 Corvette. Another is the high-level air intake for the mid-mounted engine, which passes through the bodywork in an aperture that gives it clearance on all sides. That’s because it is mounted directly to the top of the engine and will move with it. “Like a shaker hood,” Murray says with a laugh. Another option which we will only be able to imagine for now is what we’re promised will be an optional color scheme inspired by Murray’s love for vibrant Hawaiian shirts. We hope at least one buyer will order it that way.The GMA T.33 Spider will cost $2.35 million, with the first deliveries due to begin in the middle of 2025. 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.Car and driverCar and driver Lettermark logoEuropean EditorMike Duff has been writing about the auto industry for two decades and calls the UK home, although he normally lives life on the road. He loves old cars and adventure in unlikely places, with career highlights including driving to Chernobyl in a Lada. More

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-class dons a new mug as part of a mid-cycle refresh.Most updates also apply to the AMG GLS63 and Maybach GLS600, with all three variants adding new exterior and interior features.The Benz-branded GLS450 and GLS580 see their engine output rise to 375 and 510 horsepower, respectively.The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-class looks a little different than the previous model year. The large luxury SUV also adds some fresh features inside and out. It’s all part of a mid-cycle refresh that should keep the biggest Benz competitive with alternatives such as the BMW X7 and the Land Rover Range Rover—both of which have recently been revamped.Fresh FacesThe Mercedes GLS family includes myriad models. There’s the Benz-branded GLS450 and GLS580. There’s also the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GLS63 and the ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach GLS600. All of them receive mildly revised styling, with the Benz model’s larger grille being the most notable.Mercedes-BenzAll 2024 models add a pair of revised taillights with three distinct blocks. There are also new paint colors—Twilight Blue Metallic and MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey—and the GLS63 and GLS600 both are now available with forged 23-inch wheels. The GLS63, in particular, now has red-painted brake calipers.Interior UpdatesInside, Mercedes supplies customers with new leather options, from Catalana Beige and Bahia Brown/Black to Crystal White and Silver Gray Pearl as well as Mahogany Brown and Macchiato Beige. There are additional interior trim choices too, including glossy Brown Linden Wood and MANUFAKTUR Piano Lacquer Flowing Lines. Previously, the latter was only available on the extra-expensive Maybach model.Mercedes-BenzThe GLS lineup gets new steering wheels with touch controls on the spokes. The mid-cycle refresh also brings the latest version of the Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system, featuring new display designs (the AMG has some unique layouts). Each trim also has some newly standard features. For example, every GLS63 now comes with automatic high-beams, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a performance exhaust.Power UpWhile the AMG and Maybach models don’t receive any powertrain changes, the GLS450 and GLS580 do. The former sees output rise from 362 to 375 horsepower and the latter sees an increase from 483 to 510 ponies. The AMG has revisions to its air suspension and its anti-roll system, with Mercedes saying a software update and other tweaks are intended to increase the gap between comfortable and sporty dynamics.The GLS580 can now be equipped with the Off-Road Engineering package. This kit brings underbody protection and a revised air suspension, which can raise the ride an additional 1.2 inches for better ground clearance.Other Mercedes SUV UpdatesThe 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-class will reach U.S. dealerships sometime later this year. While we don’t yet have pricing details, we expect the entry-level GLS450 to start around $85,000 and the AMG GLS63 and Maybach GLS600 to start around $150K and $175K, respectively.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

Average new-car prices aren’t getting any more reasonable, and if you’re someone who finances their vehicle, you’re probably wondering where all the money’s going.The average APR for new vehicles financed in March was 7 percent, helping create a market where the average payment for a new car is, gulp, $730.That’s bad, but the number of people paying over $1000 is also on the rise. In Wyoming, more than 25 percent of car shoppers who finance have payments that high. Sorry, truck shoppers. The average price of a new car in the U.S. has been climbing, again, and at least one Toyota executive thinks it could hit $50,000 later this year. If we’re paying more for our cars, it logically follows that our monthly payments are increasing as well, especially with interest rates as high as they are. Right on cue, Edmunds has announced that the average annual percentage rate (APR) for new vehicles was at 7 percent in March, the highest level since early 2008. The average monthly payment for a new car is now $730, up almost $80 from a year ago.Interest Rates Climbing to 7 Percent and HigherThe average APR is under 6 percent in only two states—Minnesota and South Dakota—and is above 7 percent in 16 mostly Southern states. The national average was under 6 percent in September and has been climbing each month since then. The Federal Reserve sets the rate at which banks can borrow money, which then influences the rate the rest of us pay when we, say, finance a car. The Fed has been raising interest rates recently as it attempts to keep inflation from growing too rapidly and has raised the rate by almost 5 percent over the past year. Here’s More Good NewsHigher APRs and higher prices, along with the length of the loan, affect the total price and just how much people are paying each month. In some cases, it’s a lot. In January, Edmunds noted that around 15 percent of people who financed a new car did so with payments over $1000. As of March 2023, the number has grown to almost 17 percent, representing a continued increase from the 10.5 percent who were paying four figures monthly for their car a year ago. These high payments are likely one reason why more Americans are falling behind on their car payments in 2023 than at any time since 2009, according to Bloomberg. Wyoming Has the Most $1000+ Car Payments Two states stand out as “winners” in the race to pay $1000 or more a month for your car: Texas and Wyoming. Almost 21 percent of new-car financers are in the four-figure club, but Wyoming has the honor of topping the list. Vehicles are “ridiculously more expensive” there these days than before, according to Cowboy State Daily, and we can see that in the fact that a whopping 25.7 percent of people agreed to pay over $1000 a month for their vehicles. Edmunds said the high prices in Wyoming and Texas are “due to the high volume of large truck purchases in both states.”While $1000-a-month payments are rare in the used-car world, the cost to finance is even higher than for new cars, Edmunds notes. The average APR to borrow money for a gently loved car or truck was over 11 percent last month, up from just over 9 percent in September. It’s pricey out there. 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.Shopping Is Still Fun AnywayContributing EditorSebastian Blanco has been writing about electric vehicles, hybrids, and hydrogen cars since 2006. His articles and car reviews have appeared in the New York Times, Automotive News, Reuters, SAE, Autoblog, InsideEVs, Trucks.com, Car Talk, and other outlets. His first green-car media event was the launch of the Tesla Roadster, and since then he has been tracking the shift away from gasoline-powered vehicles and discovering the new technology’s importance not just for the auto industry, but for the world as a whole. Throw in the recent shift to autonomous vehicles, and there are more interesting changes happening now than most people can wrap their heads around. You can find him on Twitter or, on good days, behind the wheel of a new EV.  More

Toyota teases the 2024 Toyota Tacoma with a picture of the mid-size truck’s tailgate.The teaser image confirms the pickup will once again be available in TRD Pro guise.The photo also reveals the company’s plan to offer the next-gen Taco with a hybrid powertrain.A new Toyota Tacoma is coming. Alas, it’s not coming today. Rather than fully show its next-generation mid-size pickup, Toyota has opted to send out a teaser image instead. The photo shows off the truck’s tailgate and right rear taillight. A smidge of the 2024 Tacoma’s rear bumper also makes an appearance. What can we glean from this image, though?Well, we see the next-gen Taco’s rear-end design will largely mimic that of the full-size Tundra, with the two trucks sharing similar tailgate and taillight treatments. The tailgate in this teaser also tells us a bit more about the 2024 Tacoma’s trim and powertrain offerings.ILLUSTRATION BY BEN SUMMERELL-YOUDE/FOX SYNDICATION|Car and DriverFor instance, the “TRD Pro” stamping confirms the most off-road-ready variant of today’s Tacoma line is due to return. Like the current Tacoma TRD Pro, the 2024 model is sure to separate itself from the rest of the Tacoma line by way of various off-road goodies. We wager the new truck will once again employ Fox-branded shocks, feature a bevy of underbody skid plates, and benefit from additional ground clearance—as well as improved approach, breakover, and departure angles—by way of a suspension lift.Expect power to come courtesy of a gasoline-electric hybrid setup, as noted by the iForce Max badge pinned to the lower-right corner of the Tacoma in this teaser. Note that Toyota precedes the Max designation with iForce and not Hybrid.toyotaThe latter—Hybrid Max—is the designation Toyota uses for the 340-hp gasoline-electric powertrain it fits in the Crown sedan. (It’ll also find a home under the hood of the upcoming Grand Highlander where it’ll push out 362 horses.)Although Toyota may offer the four-cylinder-based Hybrid Max as an option in lesser Tacoma trims, the automaker’s first teaser for the new truck appears to indicate the Tundra’s six-cylinder-based hybrid powertrain will motivate the next Tacoma TRD Pro. This setup produces 437 horsepower in the Tundra, though it’ll probably make a bit less in the Tacoma. Regardless, the hybrid TRD Pro ought to give the forthcoming Ford Ranger Raptor a run for its money in the world of high-powered off-road-oriented mid-size pickups. More Taco TalkThis 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 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