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Subaru announced a recall for certain 2019–2022 Ascent SUVs over an issue relating to a bolt connected to the Postive Temperature Coefficient heater.Subaru warned owners to park affected vehicles away from garages, car ports and other structures until a repair has been completed. The recall has not yet appeared on the NHTSA website, but Subaru gave an official statement here, and plans to contact owners by mail within 60 days. Subaru is issuing a safety recall for certain 2019-2022 Ascent SUVs. In an email to Car and Driver, Subaru confirmed that the recall affects 271,694 vehicles, a figure which will be represented in a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) posting tomorrow. According to Subaru, the issue stems from a ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater being improperly fastened during production. In affected vehicles, the loose bolt increases the chance of the ground terminal melting while the PTC is in use, which could lead to a fire.At the time of issuing the recall, Subaru does not know of any crashes or injuries related to the potential defect. The manufacturer will replace the PTC Heater Ground Bolts at no cost to owners, and may replace the ground wire and connector holder if deemed necessary. According to the statement from Subaru, 0.6 percent of the recalled vehicles will require ground and connector replacement. Until repairs are completed, Subaru is warning owners to park away from garages, car ports and other structures due to the risk of a fire. If owners notice or smell smoke from the dash or the driver’s-side footwell, they are recommended to immediately stop driving and turn the ignition to the “off” position before contacting roadside assistance. This content is imported from OpenWeb. 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. More

Zeekr, a premium EV subsidiary of Chinese automotive conglomerate Geely, filed for an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange last week, as reported by Reuters.The company is seeking a valuation of more than $10 billion, hoping to raise over $1 billion to fund its expansion into Europe.Zeekr currently sells the 001, a 536-hp electric wagon, and recently revealed the 009 minivan with the same potent powertrain.A new automaker is preparing to debut on the New York Stock Exchange, with Reuters reporting that Zeekr confidentially filed for an initial public offering last week with the goal of raising more than $1 billion. The publication’s sources—which remain unnamed—say that Zeekr is seeking a valuation of over $10 billion. That isn’t even in the same ballpark as the $100 billion initial valuation achieved when Rivian went public in 2021, but it’s still an ambitious figure for a relatively unknown brand. And at this point, you’re probably wondering, “What is a Zeekr anyway?”The Zeekr 001.ZeekrZeekr is a premium EV brand created by Chinese automotive giant Geely, which owns a majority stake in Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. Geely also controls LEVC, which builds the current iteration of London’s black cabs and Lynk & Co, a Chinese-market brand that previously considered entering the U.S. market. The Zeekr name is apparently derived for the word “geek” and Generation Z, indicating the brand’s focus on technology and aim of capturing a younger customer base.Established in 2021, Zeekr’s first car, the 001, took an unusual wagon-like shape but shared its general design language with the Lynk & Co lineup. The top-of-the-line 001 comes with a dual-motor powertrain with 536 horsepower, allowing the electric wagon to zip to 62 mph in a claimed 3.8 seconds. Two battery sizes are available, but all 001s can travel over 300 miles on a charge on China’s NEDC test cycle, with the rear-wheel-drive version with the larger 100.0-kWh battery capable of 443 miles of range. The rear-drive single-motor version produces 268 hp and takes a more leisurely 6.9 seconds to reach 62 mph. The 001 starts at the equivalent of $42,852 at current exchange rates.The Zeekr 009.GeelyZeekr recently revealed its second model, the blocky 009 minivan, which embarks on a completely new design direction with swanky LED lightning elements and a bold, chunky chrome grille. The 009 uses the same 536-hp powertrain paired with either a 116.0-kWh or 140.0-kWh battery, helping the giant cube reach 62 mph in a claimed 4.5 seconds. The larger battery also provides up to 511 miles of range, and the 009’s cabin is filled with tech and luxury amenities including leather massaging captain’s chairs in the spacious second row. More Unusual EVsThe company’s proposed IPO, which will allegedly occur in New York in the second quarter of 2023, coincides with plans to launch the 001 in Europe next year, as more Chinese automakers expand beyond their homeland’s borders. While Zeekr has stated its intentions to come to North America, the company has yet to lay out the groundwork needed to sell cars stateside. While the company also considered the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, Zeekr also believes it can reach a higher valuation in New York, according to Reuters.Through the first nine months of 2022, Zeekr sold just over 60,000 cars in China—far from the approximately 285,000 Tesla Model Ys sold in the country in the same period, but still a solid start for a young brand. If sales keep up and the European launch is a success, the IPO on the New York Stock Exchange could mark the first step towards Zeekr breaking through into the American market. 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.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. More

• Designed by Pininfarina and elegant in white, this little French coupe just oozes class.• The Peugeot 204 was France’s bestselling car from 1969-1972, but few coupes survive. This one is a local car, on only its third owner. • For sale at no reserve on Bring a Trailer, this Peugeot’s auction ends December 15.Part of the fun in buying a car from an online auction is the vague air of mystery that goes along with it. The first time you drive your new acquisition, it’ll already be yours—no turning back. Happily, today’s pick from auction site Bring A Trailer comes with some helpful first-hand driving notes, as we’ve just popped across town to take this delightful little Peugeot coupe for a spin.You’ll have to act fast as there are just three days to go, and there’s no reserve for this listing on Bring a Trailer—which like Car and Driver is part of Hearst Autos. Bidding currently sits at just $4000, which is something of a bargain for such a fun and quirky machine.More in French motoringThe Peugeot 204 was launched in 1965 in Paris and quickly became the bestselling car in France. It was a compact front-wheel-drive car, sensibly packaged and available in a number of body styles, including a cabriolet.This 1968 model is a coupe, which rides on a wheelbase slightly shorter than the 204 sedan. The 204 was a Pininfarina design, but a very restrained one. Peugeot is a much more conservative company than rival Citroën, and the 204 was basically France’s Honda Accord. Buying a two-door version meant that you were still respectable, but perhaps wanted to show a little independence.Bring a TrailerBring a TrailerThe small French car everyone is most familiar with is the Citroën 2CV, which is utterly unlike anything from Peugeot. A 2CV is like driving around in the result of a ménage à trois between an umbrella, and accordion, and a lawnmower. Fun, but weird. This 204 coupe is far more dignified. In its day, this cat-faced little coupe would have been a thoroughly refined choice.Now on its third owner, a locally respected collector with an ever-revolving stable of interesting machinery, this Peugeot is an original Victoria car and has always lived in the mild climate of southwestern British Columbia. It has a little wear and tear but is overall a well-preserved and mechanically sound example.Bring a TrailerIts 53-hp 1.1-liter four-cylinder cranked over on the second try, and the car glided away from a rather cramped parking space, wedged between an Intermeccanica Speedster and a double-parked Ural motorcycle and Fiat 600 Jolly.The ride is very French: comfort comes first, and handling comes second. Fifty-three horsepower doesn’t seem much, but the column-mounted shifter is easy to row, and the little Pug’ carries speed well. It’s quite stable as the road widens out and speeds increase, and would be a pleasure on a road trip. Visions of a picnic basket on the backseat and a pleasant companion riding shotgun swim into the imagination.You’d likely have your pick of willing passengers, as this car turned heads and drew smiles all along our drive. Vancouver is crammed with high-dollar machinery (it has one of the most successful Rolls-Royce dealerships in the world), but this vintage French coupe outclasses the lot. Luxury, as Coco Chanel once said, is the opposite of vulgarity, and a 204 Coupe bears the saying out.With some recent mechanical sorting and a host of spares included, this 204 could be the budget-friendly fashion find you’re looking for. This content is imported from OpenWeb. 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. More

Honda Performance Development (HPD) and JAS Motorsport announced a TCR variant of the new Civic Type R.It will of course be called the Civic Type R TCR, and has been designed for competition in the TCR Touring Car classification. Based on the new FL5 generation Type R, the TCR features new bodywork, an updated chassis, upgraded braking and transmission, and a race-prepped version of the 2.0-liter turbo-four from the road car. The newest generation of Honda Civic Type R may have dialed back the crazy in the looks department, but the brand new Civic Type R TCR race car defiantly turns it back the other way. HPD and JAS Motorsport announced a competition focused version of the car based on the new FL5 platform, complete with a big wing and aggressive-looking bodywork. Civic RacersHonda didn’t get too detailed in revealing the specific changes it made, presumably due to the competitive nature of motorsport—you don’t hear Christian Horner talking about too many of the specifics behind the Red Bull Formula 1 cars, after all. We do know from both pictures and press materials that the new TCR gets new bodywork and a gargantuan wing mounted to the rear. Both front and rear fenders have been widened, and a rather large splitter is found at the front. The TCR features a race-prepped version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the road car, which likely means it makes more power than the street car’s 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. JAS Motorsport reworked the chassis for better handling mid-corner, and the brakes and transmission have both been upgraded for the rigors of track use. 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.The interior has been redesigned in line with the FIA global safety standards. According to Honda, the cockpit is capable of providing more relevant information than before thanks to a redesigned display. The new Civic Type R TCR will compete in the TCR Touring Car class of competition, where it has found success in the past. A separate “endurance version” will be available for those who plan to compete in endurance racing events. Honda plans for the cars to make their debut on track as part of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. No pricing figures have been announced, though the Type R TCR will certainly go for much more than the roadgoing variant. The factory racing version of the Civic Si, for instance, goes for $55,000. North American orders are all handled directly through HPD, and open February 1, 2023. 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. More

The 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S680 Haute Voiture is a special edition that’s inspired by high fashion. Along with exclusive two-tone paint, the Haute Voiture has a uniquely appointed interior with bouclé fabric and other intricate details. The 2023 S680 Haute Voiture will be limited to 150 examples when it goes on sale early next year. For rich folks who fancy themselves fashionistas, the 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S680 Haute Voiture is a fashion-show-inspired variant of the already ultra-classy Maybach S-class.After teasing the Haute Voiture concept earlier this year, Mercedes today announced plans to put the “drivable art piece” into production. The new limited edition was revealed in its full glory following a fashion show in Dubai.Even More Fashionable than Before To ensure the Haute Voiture isn’t confused with any other Maybach S680, it wears an exclusive two-tone paint job that features metallic nautical blue on top and rose gold below. Its large monoblock wheels are painted to match the blue hue of the body. While this author finds the color combination quite fetching, it’s the type of look that’ll likely divide people. You know, like fashion.Obviously, the S680 special edition is adorned with chrome exterior trim and a prominent Mercedes-Benz hood ornament same as the regular Maybach-branded S-class. However, the Haute Voiture also comes with extra baggage—literally. That’s because along with the car Maybach is releasing a bag collection that’ll be made of the same materials used on the interior. The bags will also be sold in limited numbers. MercedesMercedesA Bougie Bouclé-Trimmed CabinInside, the Haute Voiture has the same layout as the Maybach S680, meaning a massive MBUX infotainment screen up front and two-passenger lounge seating in the back. For the occasion, Mercedes upgrades the MBUX system with Haute Voiture-specific visuals, such as rose gold accents and “sparkling glitter clouds” (yes, really). Users can also choose from 12 different avatars wearing fashion accessories and fancy clothes.Bouclé is a type of fabric that’s woven from yarn. It has a very distinctive look, and it’s featured throughout the Haute Voiture’s cabin, with the material seen on the door panels and the seats. The pattern uses a mix of blue, beige, rose gold, and other gold shades. The headliner also features a neat pattern that wouldn’t look out of place on a high-dollar handbag. The car’s cabin comes with a set of floor mats made of linen and mohair, which is yarn made from goat hair, and there’s a set of rose gold-colored champagne flutes.High Fashion, High Power, High PriceAs with regular Maybach S680 models, the Haute Voiture features all-wheel drive and a 621-hp twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12. Considering the 496-hp V-8-powered Mercedes-Maybach S580 we tested sped to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, the even mightier V-12 version should easily hit the same mark in under 4 ticks. Acceleration times aside, true fashion isn’t concerned with how quickly models reach the end of the catwalk, it’s about how they look doing it.More on the Maybach S-ClassLike most things that qualify as high fashion (a.k.a. haute couture), the S680 Haute Voiture that will go on sale in early 2023 will have a limited production run of just 150 copies. While Mercedes hasn’t divulged how much this special Maybach will cost, we expect a sizable premium to be attached to the standard S680’s price tag, which starts at $230,050.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.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. More

Last year, GM announced plans to install up to 40,000 Level 2 charging stations for any and all EVs in underserved communities across the U.S. and Canada. This week, the automaker said the first stations had been installed in Wisconsin and Michigan and that many more are on the way.While GM dealers (Chevy only until 2023) are involved with this program, it is not meant to only install units at dealerships. Instead, the plan calls for EV chargers to be installed at commonly used public locations.GM also said it would partner with FLO, which will supply future units and build them in Auburn Hills, Michigan.Electric vehicles need places to charge, and it doesn’t hurt if the company that makes the EVs also provides charging options. Just ask anyone who’s used a Tesla Supercharger. Last year, GM announced it would install a new network of up to 40,000 Level 2 stations as part of a “community charging program” in the U.S. and Canada. This week, GM said that around 1000 GM dealers have enrolled in the program and that local dealerships in Marshfield, Wisconsin, and Owosso, Michigan, helped determine where the first of these stations were installed in their local communities.Currently, only Chevrolet dealerships have been invited to join the program, but other GM brands—Buick, GMC and Cadillac—can sign up starting in January 2023. Dealers in the Dealer Community Charging Program can get up to 10 19.2-kilowatt charging stations, and then GM will direct dealers to installation providers to get these stations up and working at “key community locations.” These Level 2 stations are open to any EV driver and are meant as a next-step solution in so-called “charging deserts,” where public EV charging infrastructure is rare or just doesn’t exist there yet. Level 2 isn’t the game changer that DC fast-chargers would be in these places, but they will be welcomed in the “underserved rural and urban areas” that GM is targeting with the program.GM also announced it had selected EV charging company FLO to be its charging station provider in this project. FLO will build future charging stations for GM at its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan.Charging at HomeWhen GM announced the Dealer Community Charging Program in 2021, it said that the project would bring EV stations to places like “workplaces, multi-unit dwellings, sports and entertainment venues, and college and universities, among others.” GM said that the next batch of states to get stations installed will be Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio, and Washington State.This content is imported from OpenWeb. 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. More