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When we first tested the BMW M550i xDrive, it accelerated slower than we expected.BMW has now issued a fix, which dropped the sprint to 60 mph from 4.1 seconds to 3.5 seconds.The update can be done over the air or at a BMW service department. Our test of the 2021 BMW M550i xDrive earlier this year revealed a slower-than-expected 4.1-second time to 60 mph. While that beats the time a Ferrari F40 set 30 years ago, these days that’s slower than the 3.9 seconds it took us to get to 60 in an X5 M50i that weighs 856 pounds more than the M550i. They have identical 523-hp powertrains, so that raised some eyebrows.It’s rare, but turbocharged cars are sometimes slower than expected, and the culprit is often low-octane fuel. A retest on a fresh tank of 93 octane after the initial California 91 dropped the time to 3.9 seconds, still short of BMW’s 3.6-second claim (plus, we often outperform manufacturer claims).

When BMW learned of our test results, engineers went to work and discovered that a software glitch was causing a miscommunication between the engine computer and the car’s stability-control module. In a standing-start launch, the stability control would intervene and direct the engine to cut boost, keeping it from making full power and adding tenths to the 60-mph time, a problem for all 2021 M550i and 540i xDrive models.This summer BMW sent out a statement informing owners that there would be a fix. The update can be done over the air or at a dealer service department. Now, several months later, we’ve tested the fixed version of the M550i and hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and the quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds at 119 mph. It appears that all 523 horses are present and able to run.

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The next-generation Mini Cooper will arrive in 2023.These photos of a camouflaged prototype preview the new model’s styling.A new Countryman SUV will also arrive in 2023, and both models will offer EV versions.BMW’s Mini hatchbacks have evolved slowly since the launch of the first one—inspired by the 1959 BMC original—back in 2001. The three generations of the two-door hatchback have all shared similar dimensions and closely related design, and these official pictures of a prototype version of the next hatchback make it clear that the pattern is set to continue.

While the images keep the car’s details under a disguised wrap, it’s clear that the dinky proportions and bug-eyed headlights are set to continue. We’d also be surprised if there weren’t Union Flag taillights under the test mule’s covers. Mini has confirmed that both combustion-engine and electric powertrains will be offered, although with the bulk of global production set to be emission-free very quickly; the company says it anticipates 50 percent of sales will be EVs as soon as 2027.

Mini

The successor to the Countryman SUV will also arrive in 2023 and is set to be produced by BMW’s Leipzig Plant alongside the X1. It will also offering both ICE and EV powertrains. The company says its last combustion model will be launched in 2025 and could possibly be the cabriolet version of the next hatchback.BMW has also confirmed it will be producing two pure electric models in China, this presumably part of the joint venture it previously announced with Chinese automaker Great Wall. Reports in the U.K. suggest these will be an ultra-compact model positioned under the Mini hatchback—which seems unlikely to make it to the U.S.—as well as a crossover positioned between the hatch and the next Countryman.There’s also some good news for fans of Mini’s performance models, as the company confirmed that it is working on ideas for future generation of electric John Cooper Works models. Those are the ones we’re looking forward to most.
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The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee will start at $39,185 when it goes on sale later this year. The new two-row Grand Cherokee is available with either rear- or four-wheel drive with either a V-6 or V-8 engine. A plug-in-hybrid 4xe model will arrive next year, though Jeep has not announced its price. Jeep’s fresh Grand Cherokee lineup is finally complete, with the upgraded two-row model joining the new three-row L model that debuted earlier this year. The 2022 standard-wheelbase version will go on sale by the end of this year with a starting price of $39,185, which is $3705 more than the previous generation that was sold alongside the new three-row L for the 2021 model year.
That starting price is for the base Laredo model with rear-wheel drive, which is only available with a 3.6-liter V-6 with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It has cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. Rear-wheel drive is standard on every Jeep with the V-6, but four-wheel drive is available for an extra $2000. The Altitude ($43,740) and Limited ($45,505) models add leather seats and are also only available with the V-6 engine.

A 5.7-liter V-8 with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque is available on the Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and new Summit Reserve models. It comes standard with four-wheel drive. The Trailhawk gets Jeep’s “Trail Rated” badge thanks to off-road equipment including a front sway bar disconnect. It starts at $53,070 ($56,365 for the V-8). The Overland starts at $55,100 with rear-wheel drive and the V-6 but can reach $60,395 with the V-8 engine. Summit models have the most luxury appointments. They start at $59,160 and can reach $64,455 with the V-8. The new Summit Reserve trim is only available with four-wheel drive and costs $65,160 for the V-6 and $68,455 with the V-8. There’s also a new 4xe plug-in-hybrid model using a turbo four-cylinder engine and two electric motors drawing power from a lithium-ion battery, but Jeep has yet to announce its price. The 4xe is available in Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Summit trims. It will go on sale early next year. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is slated to arrive at dealerships by the end of this year, and it will join the new three-row Grand Cherokee L, which costs $1500 more.
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Road & Track is making pit stops on the West Coast this month at the first ever Velocity Invitational and the annual Los Angeles International Auto Show. Want in? Keep reading to see what we’re up to.JOIN THE CLUBVelocity Invitational | November 11–14, 2021

CSA

Brought to you by the team behind the Sonoma Speed Festival, Velocity Invitational is inviting the Road & Track community to a weekend packed with track action and historical exhibits showcasing some of the most notable vehicles in the world. Plus, Track Club members receive an exclusive discount on weekend tickets. You won’t want to miss it. LEARN MORELos Angeles Auto Show | November 17–28, 2021

DW Burnett

One of the most anticipated West Coast car shows is finally around the corner. Stop by the Road & Track newsstand to stock up on limited-edition merch from the Road & Track Shop, the latest issues of Road & Track and Car and Driver, and other fun surprises.Track Club members are getting front-row access with an exclusive invitation to join the show’s press day tours. Road & Track editors will be on the ground giving members tours of the over 1000 vehicles at the Los Angeles Convention Center. LEARN MOREExperience the industry’s most exclusive opportunities as a member of Road & Track’s Track Club. Hit the show floor at industry car shows; hang at select Road & Track clubhouses at outings like The Quail, Greenwich Concours, and Velocity Invitational; connect with industry legends and cultural tastemakers at select Road & Track experiences; and so much more. JOIN THE CLUB This content was provided by the Road & Track marketing team.

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Ford debuted the F-100 Eluminator concept at this year’s SEMA aftermarket show. It debuts the first use of the Eluminator electric crate motor, using a dual-motor setup producing the same 480 horsepower and 634 pound-feet of torque ad the Mustang Mach-E Performance. The electric crate motor is available to purchase for $3900. Earlier this year, Ford announced its first electric crate motor called the Eluminator: a 281-hp electric motor from the Mustang Mach-E GT. Now Ford is giving the world an example of what the Eluminator can be used for at this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas with it used on a 1978 F-100 pickup.
However, the F-100 Eluminator concept uses the same dual-motor electric powertrain from the 2021 Mustang Mach-E GT Performance, which Ford claims will reach 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The two motors make a combined 480 horsepower and 634 pound-feet of torque. The version you’ll be able to buy from Ford makes 281 horsepower and 317 pound-feet. Of course, the electric motors aren’t the only electric hardware that’ll need to be installed—the Mach-E GT’s 88.0-kWh battery pack provides the juice.

The concept truck was built by MLe Racecars and the Roadster Shop, and it’s finished in Avalanche Gray with copper accents. A set of 19-inch wheels are wrapped with Michelin Latitude Sport tires, and it has an aggressive stance, nailing the retro look. The interior features avocado-tanned leather and a billet aluminum dashboard with the 15.5-inch center touchscreen from the Mustang Mach-E.
Ford’s production electric pickup, the F-150 Lightning, will go on sale next year. In the meantime, the Eluminator electric crate motor is available to purchase online now for $3900, and it’s street legal in all 50 states. We can’t wait to see the EV conversions people come up with.

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