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Initial 2023 Fisker Ocean production commenced today at their carbon-neutral plant in Graz, Austria, with most deliveries slated for next year as production gradually ramps from 300 in Q1 of 2023 to 8000 in Q2 to more than 42,000 expected by year’s end. All first-edition Ocean One units are spoken for, as are 2023 examples of the affordable FWD Sport and AWD Ultra, but orders are still being taken for the top-level AWD Ocean Extreme, which goes for $68,999—plus a yet-to-be-announced destination charge.Fisker says the top-level model will offer 350 miles of range according to EPA methodology, and can accelerate to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds thanks to the 550 horsepower available from its dual-motor AWD platform.Official production began today for Henrik Fisker’s long-awaited Ocean all-electric five-passenger SUV, which had an uncertain gestation until a tie-in with assembly partner Magna International was announced in October 2020. Fisker’s previous automobile, the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid, is not affiliated with the Fisker Ocean project, the tooling having been sold off and reconstituted by Karma Automotive as Henrik Fisker himself moved on to focus on his all-electric Ocean SUV project. Fisker Ocean One.Fisker Expectations are high that the Ocean will make a good first impression when customer deliveries begin. After all, the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria, also produces the Mercedes-Benz G-class, the BMW 5-series, and the Jaguar E-Pace and I-Pace, as well as the BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra. As expected from an established assembly plant, they seem to be on the right track to manage build quality and early teething problems, with a gradual production ramp-up that will result in just 300 examples produced by the end of first quarter of 2023. And it’s not as though the Ocean’s assembly line’s switch just got flipped today, as some 95 prototype Ocean vehicles were built as the line came together. Production will increase to 8000 by the end of next year’s second quarter and rise to more than 42,000 by year’s end.Compared with the unrelated Volkswagen ID.4, the Ocean SUV is some five inches wider and nearly eight inches longer (both in wheelbase and in an overall sense), but it stands no taller. That gives it a sleek shape that, crucially, also provides increased underfloor space for a larger battery. The capacity of that battery has not yet been announced, but Fisker does report that all-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with the larger Hyper Range battery will be good for up to 350 miles according to EPA testing methodology, thanks in part to a rear motor disconnect that comes into play while cruising. At the other extreme, Fisker says that Boost mode will unleash as much as 550 horsepower that can accelerate the machine to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.Details and SpecsThe front-wheel-drive Sport, which is currently sold out for 2023 thanks to its low starting price of $37,499 before destination, will use the smaller Touring Range pack and deliver 250 miles of range. Its single-motor powertrain makes 275 hp and takes the entry-level Ocean to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. Few interior dimensions have been released apart from headroom, but at 41.1 inches in front and 40.4 inches out back, things do look promising for the relatively low-slung electric crossover, which offers a panoramic glass roof across the board. The tinted glass panels are fixed on the entry-level Sport, sliding on the midlevel Ultra, and supplemented with photovoltaic panels on the Extreme and the first-edition One.With luck, we will be able to evaluate and test an early production model in the first part of 2023. The Ocean has been a long time coming, but Henrik Fisker’s tie-up with an established auto assembly outfit appears to be on the cusp of paying off in a very tangible way.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

Porsche is cashing in on its illustrious rally history with the new 2023 911 Dakar. The latest 911 variant, rolled out this week, honors the German automaker’s 1984 Paris–Dakar rally victory with a modified 911 called the 953. That car later morphed into the iconic 959, which triumphed at the 1986 running. While the 2023 911 Dakar won’t go into competition like its ancestors, it features a host of meaningful upgrades designed to help it conquer gnarly landscapes, with a 2.0-inch suspension lift, chunky Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus tires, and stainless steel skid plates. Porsche is only building 2500 examples, and with a starting price of $223,450, the go-anywhere 911 will likely be quickly snapped up by collectors, if it isn’t already sold out. Still, Porsche added it to its configurator, allowing us to enter the world of make-believe and design our dream rally 911. Here’s what our editors came up with:Jack Fitzgerald’s $246,500 Porsche 911 DakarPorschePorscheThe first time I saw a safari 911, I was 15 and walking through the pit lane at Road America. I couldn’t quite wrap my head around what I was seeing. Is that Porsche lifted? Does it have extra headlights and a roof rack? I knew it was beautiful, and hoped that whoever owned it actually made use of their modifications. I kept that car in mind as I waded through Porsche’s intricate configurator for the 911 Dakar. For my paint option, I went for the $12,830 Paint to Sample British Racing Green, complete with color-matched wheels. I spent $660 to get the base of my exterior mirrors paint matched, and a further $370 for the Dakar puddle lamps, as well as $2700 to PPF the entire front end. Since I wasn’t digging the Christmas vibe the red brake calipers were giving against the green body, I paid $900 to have them painted black. I added the Surround View cameras, which should be equal parts helpful in tight parking lots as well as navigating off-road. The only options I chose for the interior were the $3980 Burmester sound system so I can blast the Proclaimers in high def, as well as a $180 fire extinguisher for safety. My additional equipment tallied up to $23,050 at the end. Considering the number and price of options available, I’m happy with that. It’s just a shame that Porsche doesn’t offer a factory-installed roof rack and rally headlamps. If only I had picked better Powerball numbers. . . —Jack FitzgeraldCaleb Miller’s $254,080 Porsche 911 DakarPorschePorscheGiven the 911 Dakar’s lofty starting price, I knew I had to splurge on Porsche’s Paint to Sample program, because what’s another $12,830 when you’re already spending more than 200 grand? I chose Viola Purple Metallic, along with color-matched wheels and side-view mirrors ($660). The standard red brake calipers clashed with the paint job, so I spent $900 to paint them black and an additional $430 on silver tailpipes. I wrapped the entire front end in protection film ($2700) to avoid paint chips from semi-trucks kicking up pebbles, and the $1430 Surround View camera system was a must for protecting my Dakar from unwanted scrapes. I also dropped $370 on the puddle lights and $1350 on bespoke illuminated aluminum doorsills—I made the driver’s-side sill display a 911 silhouette while the passenger’s sill says”Porsche,” with white backing light—because I love those sorts of silly gizmos.Inside, I swapped out the bucket seats for the 18-way adjustable memory sports seats, because I value comfort and, let’s be honest, most of the car’s life will be spend tootling around the suburbs running errands. I threw in heated seats and a heated steering wheel, no-cost options, to help me survive the frigid Michigan winters. I also spent $1120 on the Porsche Design Subsecond clock, an analog piece mounted in the dashboard, since, well, it looks super cool. Then, to add some flavor to the interior I specced the tachometer in white ($420) and got the center console lid embossed with the Porsche crest ($340). I also had the air vents outfitted in silver-painted leather ($1800) along with the door panels ($1910) and the sun visors (somehow a no-cost option) so that everything I touch feels soft and supple. Since I hadn’t gone for any carbon-fiber accents on the outside, I had the interior dashboard trim replaced with matte carbon fiber ($390) and added the $3980 Burmester surround sound system. All told, $30,630 worth of options took my 911 Dakar to a grand total of $254,080—not as egregiously expensive as I expected but still is an appropriately absurd amount of money for this special 911. —Caleb MillerAustin Irwin’s $256,080 Porsche 911 DakarPorschePorscheLook, getting the 911 Dakar without the Rallye Design package is like cooking a turkey without the stuffing. Skip the best part and it’s just another bird. While my colleagues’ taste in paint lands at either side of a KitchenAid mixer and McDonald’s Grimace paint palette, I’m not missing the chance at white with Gentian Blue Metallic on a 992. Porsche rewards those who pay homage to the Paris–Dakar Carrera with a Rallye Design interior stitched in Shark Blue. I’m a big fan of the center pattern on the race bucket seats, but I much prefer the comfort of the optional adjustable sports seats. I’ve left the wheels, brake calipers, and tailpipes painted black because normal use will quickly revert it to that color. For no extra cost, the interior gets heated seats and a heated GT Sport leather steering wheel. For no particular reason, I’ve added the optional fire extinguisher ($180). I’d also add the Burmester sound system ($3,980) to listen to songs such as “Nights over Egypt” by the Jones Girls and “Bidibodi Bidibu” by Bubbles from this intercontinental mashup. Equipment to be added later: a proper Rothmans vinyl over the Roughroads placeholder and a front-mounted LED light pod for the nose. Porsche’s hard-shell rooftop tent, available later this year, is a must too, but it doesn’t appear to be compatible with the roof rack. The tent will be nice to have when some Natty Light–fueled Bronco challenges me with a “That thing can’t make it through here.” If a $256,080 limited-edition 911 falls in the woods, it makes a sound. Crying surrounded by laughter, I’d imagine. —Austin IrwinThis content is imported from OpenWeb. 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• The frame in this hot rod was built almost 90 years ago, in 1935, but don’t expect to get much more than that from the history books. • This hot rod was completely reworked in 2009 for land speed competitions and is now street legal with a Chevy V-8 engine, a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission, and plenty of other upgrades.• The 1940 Ford body has been completely redone with a So-Cal feel, but there’s still a heated bench seat for when you’re chilly.By the time they reach 80 years old, very few vehicles haven’t had at least some work done. You know. A touch-up here, a nip and tuck there. And, sometimes, you just go the whole distance and evolve into something totally different. That’s the case with this Ford Roadster Pickup Hot Rod, which combines a modified 1935 Ford frame with 1940 Ford bodywork and plenty of modern updates to create something completely new. And it could be yours by next week, as the truck is up for auction. It’s our latest Auction Pick of the Day on Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos. What can we say? We’ve got a thing for cool, old converted trucks. Bring a TrailerRecently . . .For our purposes, the story of this truck restarts in 2009, when Hot Rod Haven of Albuquerque, New Mexico, started building this roadster for use in land speed competitions. The truck did just that until 2013 and was converted to street use in 2014. Today, the hot rod uses a 383-cubic-inch Chevrolet V-8 engine, a General Motors 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission, and a Ford 8.0-inch rear end. Bring a TrailerThe engine has been modified with Edelbrock Performer cylinder heads, a Holley carburetor, and chrome So-Cal-branded valve covers. There’s some corrosion on the headers. Hod Rod Haven also installed chrome front shock absorbers and Pete & Jake’s suspension components.The So-Cal vibe is certainly evident in the way this truck looks now. The black exterior paintwork, adorned with large “#4041” graphics on the sides, is matched by a black removable hard top and black vinyl upholstery on the interior, including the heated bench seat. Excelsior tires sit on black-finished steel wheels with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.Bring a TrailerThe driver gets information about the car from the So-Cal-branded instrumentation panel with a 200-mph speedometer, tachometer and auxiliary gauges. There’s also a digital stereo, Lexan wing windows, and a front tow loop. While the five-digit odometer says just 3000 miles, the total chassis mileage is unknown. The title is registered in New Mexico. If you’re interested, the auction is scheduled to end on Monday, November 21, and as of Friday the bidding is at $7000.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

VinFast, an Vietnamese startup automaker, today revealed the VF6 and VF7 electric SUVs at the L.A. auto show.The subcompact front-drive-only VF6 is said to make up to 201 hp; the larger VF7 makes a claimed 201 hp (FWD) or 349 hp (AWD). Both EV models are coming to America, with production expected to start sometime in the third quarter of 2023.VinFast—the up-and-coming Vietnamese automaker whose name sounds like a mashup of Vin Diesel and Fast and Furious—is adding two new members to its U.S.-bound family. While this isn’t the first we’ve heard of these electric SUVs, the company today revealed production-intent versions of the 2024 VinFast VF6 and VF7 at the L.A. auto show. More on VinFast2024 VinFast VF6Measuring 166.9 inches from stem to stern, the VF6 is about the same size as conventional subcompact SUVs. Its 107.5-inch wheelbase is 0.5 inch shorter than the Kia Niro EV, and the VF6 is just as wide and about an inch taller at 62.8 inches. VinFast definitely makes the VF6 stand out stylistically, with distinctive V-shaped lighting elements front and back to go along with its shapely sheetmetal.The VF6 will only be offered with a single electric motor mounted on the front axle. VinFast claims the Eco model will produce 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and it says the Plus will generate 201 horses and 228 pound-feet. The company also says to expect two different battery pack options, but their capacities and estimated driving ranges are yet to be determined. The same goes for its charging rates.Inside, the VF6 has a simple design, and a tranditional gauge cluster is conspicuously absent. Instead, there’s a head-up display and a prominent center touchscreen. The latter includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Amazon Alexa voice-assistant. VinFast also mentioned an in-car karaoke app and an app called what3words that offers a simpler way to access voice-activated navigation. The VF6 offers either cloth or faux leather upholstery, and while the Eco model has a steel roof, the Plus has a panoramic sunroof.2024 VinFast VF7Compared with the subcompact VF6, the VF7 measures exactly a foot longer at 178.9 inches, which is a mere two-tenths shorter than the compact Mazda CX-5 SUV. The VF7 also spans 74.4 inches from hip to hip and stands 64.4 inches tall. Again, for context, those dimensions make it about 2 inches wider and 2 inches shorter than the Mazda. The VF7’s design is highlighted by its unique lighting bits, and its smooth body panels aren’t busy, contributing to a clean look, even if its rear “floating roof” element is a bit contrived.The VF7 is available with one or two electric motors. The former setup is found on the Eco model, providing front-wheel drive and a claimed output of 201 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque (same as the VF6 Plus, if you didn’t notice). The all-wheel-drive VF7 Plus is considerably more powerful, with VinFast saying it produces 349 horses and 368 pound-feet. The company didn’t divulge any performance estimates, and there’s no word on battery sizes or predicted driving range.With its increased dimensions, the two-row VF7 will offer more cargo and passenger space than the smaller VF6. Its interior appears to be more upscale, too. The 7 gets a larger 15.6-inch center touchscreen infotainment system with the same connectivity features as the 6. Along with cloth upholstery on the VF7 Eco, the Plus trim level comes with “premium” faux leather.Arrival Time and PricingThe VF6 and VF7 will join the two-row VF8 and three-row VF9 SUVs (the two other models VinFast is planning to sell in America). As of this writing, the company hasn’t sold any models on our shores, and so far it only has six mall-style retail outlets, all of which are in California. However, a VinFast spokesperson told Car and Driver the company aims to add brick-and-mortar sales and service centers by the end of next year. Each model will also be backed by VinFast’s notable warranty, which spans 10 years or 125,000 miles.VF7Michael Simari|Car and DriverVF6Michael Simari|Car and DriverVinFast hasn’t yet announced pricing for the 2024 VF6 or VF7. We’d wager that the smaller of the two electric SUVs will start in the low-$30k range, whereas we think the larger one will have a base price somewhere above $35,000. As with the VF8 and VF9, expect VinFast to offer the VF6 and VF7 with or without a monthly battery subscription.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

Fiat CEO Olivier François told Car and Driver at the 2022 Los Angeles auto show that the future of the brand does not include a next-generation 500X SUV.The electric 500e minicar will be the primary focus starting in 2024 as the company shifts its North American strategy.That strategy could include subscriptions and car-sharing options.Fiat is discontinuing its SUV and shifting its focus back to the 500 minicar, as the Cinquecento’s North American return was announced today at the 2022 Los Angeles auto show. The brand currently has one model on sale in the U.S.—the 500X SUV—but Fiat boss Olivier François told Car and Driver that it will be phased out after this current generation. “Fiat is the 500, no other car,” François said. “I have a very clear plan to not do anything else than the 500.”Fiat says the current 500X will be available through the end of its current generation, although the automaker declined to say exactly when that will be. We expect it will soldier on at least until the 500e officially launches in America in 2024. François also explained that the future of the brand on U.S. shores is to serve as a learning opportunity for parent company Stellantis as it eyes a transition to electric vehicles. Experimentation with digital sales, monthly subscription services, limited-release specialty models, and even a car-sharing service are all possibilities for Fiat when the 500e goes on sale in 2024. “The last thing the American market needs is one more mainstream model or brand,” François said.The car could be offered in a variety of body styles but perhaps not concurrently, giving Fiat an opportunity to switch to whatever seems popular or desired by buyers at any given time. For instance, the 500e could be offered only as a convertible for a certain period of time, then switch back to sales of the hardtop. While sales could still happen via the traditional dealership model, Fiat says a click-to-buy option is an enticing possibility. More on FiatThe brand will focus on metro areas that are best suited for the car’s size and driving range, but François added that rural and suburban buyers wouldn’t be locked out if they so desire a 500e. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but it’s likely that the 500e will be treated as a low-volume style item rather than a mass-market car, which could translate to higher-than-expected prices. The designer models shown at the L.A. auto show could be an indication that branded collaboration models could play a big role in the car’s marketability. Fiat has a history of such collaborations, as the previous-generation car was sold as a Gucci edition in America and in other markets under a partnership with luxury yacht manufacturer Riva.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

Mazda will paint your 2023 MX-5 Miata a pleasant beige option named Zircon Sand for only $395.The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata will start at $29,370 when it goes on sale later this winter, a slight increase over the previous model year. The Miata has long held to the simple formula that made it popular in the first place, something it maintains by bringing no other updates for 2023. Mazda has answered the prayers of whichever potential MX-5 Miata owners opted out of their purchase in fear of retribution for owning such a flashy car. The 2023 MX-5 Miata is a carryover model with the only change to the lineup being $395 beige paint named Zircon Sand. Truth be told, it’s an attractive color, and the Miata carries it well, even though it is also a color choice for the CX-50 crossover.There are no other meaningful changes for the 2023 MX-5. Pricing is up slightly across the lineup, with the base Sport now starting at $29,370, a $655 increase over last year’s model. That still earns you a plucky 181 horsepower from the Miata’s high-revving four cylinder. It may not sound like a lot, but urged the softtop version to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Our favorite, the Club trim, now starts at $32,870 and brings extra goodies like a limited-slip differential, a front shock tower brace, and Bilstein dampers. Upgrading the Club further with Brembo front brakes, dark gunmetal 17-inch BBS forged wheels, and heated Recaro seats tacks an additional $4500 onto the tab. Should you want the hardtop model with the Club, you’ll need to option the BBS Recaro package as well.Sitting atop the MX-5 food chain, the Grand Touring sees a raise in price to $34,370, which brings more safety and comfort items in comparison to cheaper trims. The Grand Touring gets body-color heated door mirrors, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing wipers. 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