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After a brief hiatus, the Mercedes-AMG S63 is back for 2023, now bearing the E Performance badge that signifies AMG’s sporty plug-in hybrids.The twin-turbo V-8 and electric motor combine for 791 horsepower, which can catapult the big sedan to 60 mph in a claimed 3.2 seconds.An air suspension and adaptive dampers should give the S63 the ability to switch between a cloud-like ride and athletic handling, and the cabin remains extremely luxurious.Mercedes controversially replaced the 2024 AMG C63’s V-8 with a plug-in-hybrid four-cylinder setup, sparking worry among AMG aficionados that other high-powered Mercedes could suffer a similar downsizing. But fear not, for the new 2023 Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance retains its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8, adding a permanently excited synchronous electric motor to produce a massive 791 hp and 1055 pound-feet of torque. All of that power shoots the gargantuan sedan to 60 mph in a claimed 3.2 seconds and on to an electronically limited 180-mph top speed. The V-8 engine yields 603 hp and 664 pound-feet on its own, fed through a nine-speed automatic transmission. The hot-V setup, with the turbochargers stuffed between the cylinder banks, claims to improve responsiveness. The V-8 also features a belt-driven starter-generator that is integrated into the 400-volt electrical system. The electric motor, meanwhile, is mounted on the rear axle and is paired with a two-speed transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential. The second gear engages around 87 mph, when the e-motor reaches its maximum speed of 13,500 rpm, dropping the motor back to a low rpm where it makes its peak torque. The electric motor can make 188 hp for up to 10 seconds, or a continuous 94 hp. While the gas and electric powertrains use separate transmissions, the all-wheel-drive system allows the e-motor’s power to be sent to the front wheels as well so the S63 can run as an all-wheel-drive EV. The battery pack is situated above the rear axle and has a 13.1-kWh capacity, providing a driving range of around 20 miles. Mercedes says that the positioning of the motor and battery on the rear axle improves weight distribution and handling.The S63 offers four levels of regeneration—the lowest allows for coasting while the highest permits one-pedal driving and can return up to 90 kW back into the battery. Charging for the battery is handled by a 3.7-kW onboard AC charger, but Mercedes didn’t cite a recharging time estimate. The new S63 comes with seven drive modes. The car starts silently in Electric mode—although a start-up sound “characteristic of AMG” plays on the interior speakers—and the S63 exclusively uses electric power up to 87 mph. The AMG also plays a low-frequency sound on exterior loudspeakers up to 19 mph to alert pedestrians of the luxo-barge’s presence. As the battery’s charge gets low, the car will switch into Comfort, which balances the two propulsion systems for smooth driving. A Battery Hold setting maintains the remaining charge, while Sport and Sport+ prioritize the e-motor’s power for spirited driving. A Slippery setting flattens the torque curve and prevents electric-only driving, while Individual lets the driver customize the setup. With air springs and adaptive dampers, the AMG Ride Control+ suspension system allows the S63 to transform from a sedate cruiser to a sports sedan depending on the drive mode. The S63 also lowers by 0.4 inches when it exceeds 75 mph, and it features active roll stabilization thanks to electro-mechanically controlled anti-roll bars that can be divided in half to handle differing road imperfections on either side of the car. Standard rear-wheel steering makes the S63 more nimble in tight spaces and more stable during high-speed cornering. The S63 doesn’t look too distinct from a normal S-class, but features a new grille with vertical slats and a front bumper with larger air intakes. The S63 rides on 21-inch wheels, while the rear includes four trapezoidal tailpipes sandwiching a diffuser. The cabin is appropriately rich and luxuriant for an S-class, with special AMG upholstery, stitching, seats, and steering wheel. The infotainment system also gains specific AMG and hybrid displays. More from Mercedes-AMGMercedes has yet to divulge pricing information for the S63 E Performance. The previous generation S63 sedan cost $152,595, a nearly $60,000 increase over the base S-class at the time. With the current S500 starting at $115,550, we expect the S63 to crest the $170,000 mark. Pricing details and availability will come later, but the S63 should arrive at some point in 2023. 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

This brand-new EV-only SUV from the U.K. startup Munro combines mechanical four-wheel drive with electric power.It’s being offered with a choice of 295-hp and 375-hp motors and 61.0-kWh and 81.0-kWh battery packs. The new SUV, just called the “Mk 1,” will be coming to the U.S. in a limited run during 2023.Neither the Tesla Cybertruck nor the INEOS Grenadier has come to market yet—but the Munro Mk 1 may beat them to it, and it could pass as their love child. It’s an all-new fully electric SUV from Scotland that promises to combine a zero-emissions drivetrain with go-anywhere utility. The Scottish company building it confirms it will be sold in the States, with the first examples set to arrive here as soon as next year.MunroNamed after the term for a Scottish mountain more than 3000 feet in height, the Munro will be sold as a work truck rather than a leisure vehicle, although it is not hard to see its appeal to green adventurers. According to Munro CEO Russ Peterson, it has been designed to meet Class 3 medium-duty classification in the U.S., with either a two- or a five-seat cabin and the ability to carry up to 2200 pounds of cargo. It can also tow up to 7700 pounds under European testing methodology.Beyond the electric powertrain, the Munro takes a very traditional approach. It sits on a ladder-frame steel chassis and uses solid axles at both ends, powered by a permanent four-wheel-drive system which incorporates a low-range transfer case intended for off-roading. A locking center differential will be standard, with locking front and rear diffs an option. MunroTerrifyingly Quick? While most electric SUVs use two or more motors, the Mk 1 takes a much simpler approach. It uses a single centrally mounted axial flux motor which then supplies drive to each corner mechanically. Munro says it is planning to offer both 295-hp and 375-hp motor options, plus the choice of 61.0-kWh and 81.0-kWh battery capacities. (The packs are actually split into three, with one between the chassis rails and two more just outside.) The more powerful motor will only come with the bigger battery. Munro says it’s targeting 190 miles of range under the European WLTP test; that would probably fall to less than 170 miles in the U.S. We don’t have a range prediction for the smaller pack. The Mk 1 will support both AC charging and DC fast-charging. It will be quick, too—possibly terrifyingly so, given a claimed 4.9-second zero-to-62-mph time for the most powerful version. Top speed will be limited to 80 mph.The Mk 1’s bodywork has been designed by Ross Compton, who formerly worked at Bollinger Motors. The quad light units at each side at the front are off-the-shelf units designed to be easily replaced; the charging ports sit just inside the left-hand unit. Bodywork is aluminum, although with wheel arches protected by bolt-on fiberglass cladding that is intended to be easily replaced in the event of damage. Similar logic has dictated all-flat glass, allowing users in remote areas to cut replacement windows if they are unable to find original parts. (Gordon Murray used the similar idea for his innovative OX concept.) No-nonsense interior of the Munro Mk 1.MunroThe Mk 1’s interior is similarly utilitarian. The concept shown at the launch event in Edinburgh didn’t have carpeting or a headliner, although we’re told the production version will gain some kind of noise insulation. Although short on toys, the cabin has plenty of room for five full-size adult occupants, and this is definitely one EV that won’t be criticized for a lack of luggage space: the huge plywood-lined load compartment has been sized to accommodate a 47.2-by-31.5-inch pallet. There are also two storage lockers within the front fenders that can be accessed by small flaps on top; this arrangement is intended to help keep dirty items out of the cabin.Plug-In TruckingIf Munro is able to deliver on its promises for the concept, the Mk 1’s off-road performance should be impressive. The company claims a very impressive 18.9-inches of ground clearance and a 31.5-inch wading depth. Despite sitting on a 130-inch wheelbase, the Mk 1’s minimal overhangs mean it is just 180.7 inches long, or 19.7-inches shorter than the new Land Rover Defender 130. The widely pushed axles also give the Mk 1 a claimed 84-degree approach angle, 51-degree departure angle, and 31.6-degree ramp-over angle. We don’t have a finalized curb weight yet, but Munro is hoping this will be around 5500 pounds, which would be very impressive if delivered for such a sizable EV.Having spent around £1m building the prototype, Munro is now raising funding that will allow it to started limited production of the Mk 1, with early vehicles then sent to commercial users for in-the-wild testing. Beyond that the ambition is to create a new manufacturing facility capable of producing up to 2500 cars a year in Scotland – which would be the country’s first car factory since the former Chrysler plant at Linwood was closed in 1981. But Peterson also told C/D that any volume production for the U.S. would almost certainly come from a plant in North American to help avoid import taxes. Pricing for the most basic two-seat version will be about $61,000 at current exchange rates and run to the equivalent of around $115,000 for the five-seater with the more powerful motor, bigger battery pack, and a full set of options including air suspension. We look forward to finding out how it deals with the more rugged and remote parts of its homeland. Also, ours. 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

We managed to spy the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander at a testing site near our Michigan office.The extra length is immediately noticeable in photos. It seems Toyota is planning to slot the new three-row SUV to its lineup for the 2024 model year, filling the space between the standard Highlander and full-sized Sequoia. The full reveal of the Grand Highlander is scheduled for February 8 at the Chicago auto show. Toyota is prepping for the reveal of its new Grand Highlander SUV at the Chicago auto show on February 8. The teaser it revealed last week gave us a glimpse at the styling direction, but didn’t show much in terms of size. Luckily, we managed to snap a few pictures of a heavily camouflaged version, which give us a better understanding of the Grand Highlanders newfound length. See the TeaserGLENN PAULINA|Car and DriverGlenn Paulina|Car and DriverWe won’t have a full comprehension of the Grand Highlander’s size until we see one up close and check out a spec sheet, but from the spy photos we captured, it’s clear Toyota’s new mid-size SUV experienced a substantial growth spurt compared with the standard Highlander. The front end looks boxy, though its hard to make out details with the car wrapped up like a Christmas present. We expect Toyota stretched the wheelbase for the new SUV as a way to improve third-row space without detracting from cargo volume. The rear overhang looks to have grown as well, hopefully indicative of increased storage space. GLENN PAULINA|Car and DriverWe expect the Grand Highlander to come standard with the 265-horsepower turbo-four found in the current 2023 Highlander. We know from the original teaser that it will receive some version of Toyota’s Hybrid Max drivetrain, which seems likely to be the same 340 horsepower hybrid system found on the Crown sedan. We’re still in the dark about the interior. Toyota could be planning on sprucing up the Highlander’s interior and making it more luxurious in addition to more spacious. The cabin, plus other specs and information, will be revealed in a few months at the Chicago auto show when the Grand Highlander makes its official debut. 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

Acura has shared the first info on the new Type S version of the Integra.This high-performance variant features the same components as the Honda Civic Type R: a 300-plus-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, a six-speed manual transmission, front-wheel drive, and a limited-slip differential.The 2024 Integra Type S will go on sale in summer 2023.A high-performance version of the new Acura Integra is right around the corner, as Acura has finally confirmed that a 2024 Integra Type S will arrive next summer. Although it won’t wear the same red Type R badge as its hard-core Honda Civic hot-hatch stablemate, the Integra Type S nonetheless shares its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, front-wheel-drive layout, and six-speed manual transmission with the CTR.The Integra Type S prototype pictured here in camouflage looks more subdued than the Type R, as it lacks a giant rear wing and features only a few visual modifications compared with the base Integra. The bodywork is wider, the wheels and tires are larger, and there are three exhaust tips out back.Honda Hatch SiblingsVarious rumors about a possible dual-clutch automatic transmission for the Civic Type R haven’t amounted to anything yet, but it’s possible Honda could be saving that for the Integra. So far we’ve only heard about the manual for the Type S, but we’ll likely be hearing more details about this new model within the next few months as Acura prepares to fully reveal it. In the meantime, check out our first hands-on experience with a prototype of this hotted-up Integra, which we had the chance to drive in Japan.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

Everyone thinks they know what they’re doing, but AAA once found that almost 20 percent of people had had their tree fall off or out of their vehicle while bringing it home. A roof rack and solid knots should be enough to get your tree home safely, but only if you know what you’re doing.The American Christmas Tree Association says prices are up, so if you want it to be there when you get home, follow our three tips.’Tis the season for strapping a pine tree to the roof of your car and then dashing through the snow, sometimes at highway speeds. There are safe and unsafe ways to do this, of course, and since the Internet loves to point out people who choose the latter option, it’s time for us to once again offer tips on how to carry a Christmas tree on your car’s roof without doing any damage to the car or your pride. The American Christmas Tree Association said it expects there to be enough of a supply of fake and natural trees in the U.S. this year, but—shocker—prices are likely to be higher than last year. The ACTA said prices for real trees are up due to extreme weather events throughout the U.S., while prices for artificial trees could be higher than previously expected because of shipping issues at the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland, “which will cause disruptions in getting Christmas trees to shelves and consumers,” the group said.Most of us don’t regularly throw a six-foot tree on top of our car, and it’s clear that not everyone understands the basics. According to a study conducted by AAA, nearly one in five people who bought a real Christmas tree had it fall off or out of their vehicle when trying to get it home. You don’t want to join that crowd, even if only to prevent your Christmas budget from spiraling. AAA said that fixing minor surface scratches from an improperly secured tree can cost $150 while repainting deeper blemishes on the roof can reach $1500. Here are a few tips to safely transport a Christmas tree to avoid these and other potential problems. First, bring rope or straps, gloves, and perhaps a large blanket or tarp when it’s time to pick up your tree. Second, feel free to send this article to your friend who’s not exactly a knot-tying expert. On to the tips:Roof is best. One of the easiest ways to transport a Christmas tree is to tie it to the roof rack, with the trunk (the cut part) of the tree facing the front of the vehicle. If you don’t have roof rails, you can make do with some protective surface (like an old blanket or large towel) to keep the needles and pine sap from the paint or the sunroof. Without roof rails, you can run the tie-down ropes or straps through your car door (not the windows). Alternatively, you can place the tree inside if your car is large enough and you don’t mind vacuuming up pine needles. O Christmas Tree. Whether the tree is on the roof or in the car in the back seats, it’s helpful to have it tied up tight. Some tree sellers will provide the tree to you bundled up in netting, which makes handling the tree easier and provides aerodynamic assistance when it’s on top of the car. If you’re using the roof, strap the tree to the car in three areas: front, middle, rear. The AAA recommends against using the nylon rope provided by many tree lots. If your car doesn’t have rails, you can open the doors and run the rope through the cabin and then up to the roof. When you close the doors, the tree should remain tightly tied town, but this method may damage door seals. . If you can, avoid the interstate and high speeds on the way home. Not all knots survive the stress of moving at 70 miles per hour.Tie it tightGo slowThis 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

Ford Pro and DHL are bringing more electric delivery vehicles to more places, including a new order for 2000 all-electric Ford E-Transit vans.DHL plans to use mostly zero-emission vans by 2030 and has almost 27,000 electric vans in operation around the world.In the U.S., the commercial E-Transit starts at $55,585 and has a maximum Ford-estimated range of 126 miles.The ever-elusive “last mile” challenge is getting another competitor. Ford Pro, the automaker’s new, separate global vehicle services and distribution business, announced today that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Deutsche Post DHL Group to provide the logistics company with more than 2000 all-electric delivery vans. Ford Pro is initially focused on North America and Europe, but the announcement says the electric vans are part of DHL’s zero-emission logistics efforts that will eventually reduce emissions from delivery vehicles “around the globe.”FordFord will deliver over 2000 electric delivery vans to DHL by the end of 2023. Some of DHL’s new electric delivery vehicles will be the two-ton E-Transit model. These commercial vans will come with Ford Pro’s connected E-Telematics software and charging solutions, designed to make it easier for fleet operators to coordinate charging and other changes required by shifting to zero-emission EVs. Ford said it might also use information gained from the new EVs to co-develop future products with Deutsche Post DHL Group for the delivery company’s specific operations. As a related example, Ford recently designed and delivered vans with customized boxes for DHL vans delivering goods in German cities.Charlie Magee/FordDHL has tested other electric delivery vehicles in its global fleet. In 2017, DHL ordered 2500 electric Ford Transit vans and purchased almost 100 others converted by Lightning eMotors in early 2021. DHL currently operates nearly 27,000 electric vans around the world, including Bulgaria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands and the UK. DHL said it targets 60 percent of its pick-up and delivery vehicles to be carbon neutral by 2030. Other automakers are sending electric delivery vans into service as well. FedEx, for example, was the first customer to test out BrightDrop’s EV600 electric van, and Amazon is using over 1000 Rivian electric delivery vans in the U.S. Ford has previously announced climate targets for its European activities, including “zero emissions for all vehicle sales and carbon neutrality across its European footprint of facilities, logistics and suppliers by 2035, and carbon neutrality globally no later than 2050.”The new Ford E-Transit starts at $55,585 and, with the low cargo roof, has a Ford-estimated range of 126 miles.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