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The latest Rolls-Royce concept is a hybrid dump truck

Is a standard Rolls-Royce not big and imposing enough for you? Perhaps the company's latest concept can get you to pass the Grey Poupon. Behold, the Rolls-Royce MTU hybrid haul truck. The Cullinan might come with 22-inch rims, but when equipped with its R63 Michelin XDRs, each wheel and tire combo of the ultimate Roller will stand over 13 feet tall. With a driver's seat a full story off the ground, it's so lofty you won't even see the plebes that you crush in their feeble Coachbuild Dawns as indifferently as Loxodonta africana steamrolls a line of ants. Serve as your own life-size Spirit of Ecstasy as you look down at the puny Parthenon radiators of run-of-the-mill Phantoms from atop your soaring grille, located a full flight of stairs above the lowly earth. All jokes aside, the Rolls-Royce truck mainly serves to promote its new MTU V12 2000-series industrial 12-cylinder engines. Rolls-Royce doesn't even produce the haul trucks; typically, they provide the engines for installation into rigid dumpers built by Liebherr, Hitachi, or Selex. The new hybrid mill produces 1,560 horsepower, meant to replace the V16 4000-series 16-cylinder engines making 2,500 horsepower. However, Rolls-Royce says performance will be the same while dropping carbon dioxide emissions by 30 percent in new installations, or 22 percent with retrofits. Like a Prius, the engine uses a battery pack to store regenerative energy captured as the trucks descend into quarries, then expends that juice to climb back up. It also requires no additional space for an exhaust gas treatment system or diesel urea additives, which are apparently concerns in a mining truck. In addition, Rolls-Royce is in the process of engineering its industrial engines to run on sustainable fuels such as hydrogen brewed from renewable energy (not the way we do it in the U.S.). The company hopes to have hydrogen fuel engines ready by 2023 in stationary applications. It's all part of the company's goals for a — say it with us — carbon-neutral future. The concept truck was conceived for MINExpo 2021, a mining convention taking place September 26-29 in Las Vegas. Hopefully they'll put it into production and offer a constellation headliner in the cab.

Volvo-based Futuricum electric truck sets Guinness range record

There is a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance traveled by an electric truck on a single charge. Swiss-based firm Futuricum built a Volvo-based delivery truck that drove for 683 miles on a closed test track. Although the prototype used to set the record has reportedly been in regular service on Swiss roads since early 2021, the record was set on a 1.7-mile high-speed oval operated by Continental near Hanover, Germany. The truck set off with a full charge and coasted to a stop 392 laps later; two drivers split their schedule in 4.5-hour shifts. Reaching the 683-mile threshold took about 23 hours, so the truck traveled at an average speed of 31 mph. Futuricum calls this a realistic average value for the truck's intended use — it's certainly not designed for long hauls. Whether it was empty or loaded with cargo wasn't specified, and we've reached out to the company for more details. What we do know is that the drivetrain was not modified, meaning the 680-horsepower truck is equipped with a 680-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. That's over six times bigger than the battery in a Porsche Taycan. Driving at a constant speed on a closed track is very different than delivering parcels in real-world conditions, which is what the Futuricum truck normally spends its days doing. In more normal use cases, the model (whose speed is electronically limited to about 55 mph) has a driving range of around 250 miles, according to the manufacturer. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

All 25 James Bond movies ranked only by their cars

There is no shortage of lists ranking the best James Bond movies. Ditto lists about the best or worst James Bond cars. I know, I've written some of them. As such, why not combine the two ideas into one new list that ranks all 25 official James Bond movies based exclusively on their cars, or more accurately their car content. I would then pull from my 25 years of James Bond nerddom plus the excellent "Bond Cars: The Definitive History" and our interview with long-time Bond special effects supervisor Chris Corbould to provide tidbits and factoids about the cars and their roles in the movies. And yes(!), this list now includes "No Time to Die," which impresses by adding plenty of car content to the series. It's now available on Blu-ray and download. To determine the list, I considered the inherent coolness of the cars as well as their importance to Bond, film and car history. I considered their importance to the story as well as the quality/excitement of the chases and scenes they participated in. Finally, I tried my best to divorce the car content from my opinions about the movies in general. That my personal list of best James movies looks nothing like this shows I was at least partially successful.     25. 'Moonraker' There are virtually no cars in "Moonraker." None. Oh, there's a gondola on wheels that makes a pigeon do a double-take, but that's not the same thing as a car. Neither is a golf cart. Or an ambulance. Or a space shuttle.   24. 'From Russia With Love' The literary James Bond mostly drove an ancient Bentley, and "From Russia with Love" is the only film in which it appears. It stays parked and the coolest thing that happens (by 1962 standards) is 007 answers its car phone. Thereafter, we get some old cars (even by 1962 standards) driving around Istanbul and a yellow truck. So yeah. Classic Bond film, a must-watch, just not for its car content.   23. 'Dr. No' History records that the first "Bond car" is the Sunbeam Alpine in "Dr. No." The car itself was literally borrowed from a Miss Jennifer Jackson of 53 Lady Musgrave Road in Jamaica for 10 pounds per day for two days during filming. Also, the stunt where it drove under an excavator blocking the road was entirely conceived because the filmmakers showed up to the road they intended to film on and discovered an excavator blocking the thing. Sadly, those are really the only two things interesting about the Alpine, which is a pretty small and dainty thing by Bond car standards.

2022 Genesis GV70 First Drive Review | The real deal

You get the sense from certain luxury brands that they're content to play second fiddle to the big names from Germany. The marketplace has spoken over the course of decades, and they don't see a path toward being equal in the minds of consumers, so why bother creating products that are truly equal? Genesis has not reached that cynical point. It's still young, plucky and swinging for the fences. Better still, the 2022 Genesis GV70 clears that fence, sailing over it to join the upper echelon of compact luxury SUVs. It's every bit a match for a Mercedes GLC and BMW X3, while greatly surpassing the disappointingly cost-cutting Audi Q5. And although cheaper than those, it's not a vast gap. The GV70's starting point of $42,045 is far closer to the Germans than it is to the Acura RDXs and Infiniti QX50s of the world, and quite frankly, it should be. There is a solidity and polish to the GV70 that you just don't get in those more value-oriented luxury models. To put it simply, the GV70 is the real deal. Under its skin, which for us was slathered in spectacular Barossa Burgundy matte paint, lies the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the G70 sport sedan. You can certainly see that DNA in its graceful long-hood proportions and short overhangs, which contrast sharply with its predominantly front-drive-based competition. Despite the sport sedan genes, however, the GV70 behaves more like its stately big brother, the GV80. It feels quite heavy, and, even when the available adaptive suspension is at its firmest in Sport+ mode, there's a fair bit of body roll. It sure likes to understeer, too, and it's hard to tell from the seat of your pants when you're getting overly ambitious with the throttle coming out of a corner. It won't seem like things are getting spunky, but then the stability control will jerk the seatbelts on you as if disaster is imminent. Excessively cautious nanny tech or excessive isolation? Shrug. The steering settings also need a rethink. The Sport mode is an unfortunate throwback to the earlier days of adjustable drive settings when extra effort would be added to satisfy the false assumption that stiff equals sporty, only worse. The G70 sedan’s isn't like this, but the GV70Â’s extra effort simply dulls the sensations transmitted from what is already a less-than-talkative chassis.

Toyota cuts production target by 300,000 vehicles due to parts and chips shortages

TOKYO - Toyota cut its annual production target by 300,000 vehicles on Friday as rising COVID-19 infections slowed output at parts factories in Vietnam and Malaysia, compounding a global shortage of auto chips. "It's a combination of the coronavirus and semiconductors, but at the moment it is the coronavirus that is having the overwhelming impact," Kazunari Kumakura, an executive at the world's biggest car maker, said after the company revised its production target. Unlike other big global automakers that were forced earlier to scale back production plans, Toyota had managed to avoid cuts to output because it had stockpiled key components along a supply chain hardened against disruption following northeast Japan's devastating earthquake in 2011. Toyota's announcement on Friday is a further sign that no part of the global car industry has escaped the affects of a pandemic that has sapped sales and is hobbling its ability to take advantage of the recovery in demand that followed the initial waves of COVID-19. Car sales in China in August fell by almost a fifth from a year earlier because there were fewer vehicles for people to buy. Toyota now expects to build 9 million vehicles in the year to March 31, rather than 9.3 million. It did not revise its 2.5 trillion yen ($22.7 billion) operating profit forecast for the business year. Adding to a 360,000-vehicle cut in worldwide production in September, Toyota said on Friday it will reduce output by a further 70,000 this month and by 330,000 in October. It hopes to make up some of that lost production before its year-end. Demand for chips has soared during the pandemic as consumer electronic companies rush to meet stay-at-home demand for their smartphones, tablets and other devices. A heavy reliance on Southeast Asian factories for parts is a headache for Toyota, but its also a problem for its rivals that have struggled with what Volkswagen has described as "very volatile and tight" chip supplies. The German carmaker has warned it may need to cut production further as a result. Ford last month shut down production at a plant in Kansas that builds its best-selling F-150 pick up because of parts supply woes, with Renault extending partial stoppages at factories in Spain. Mercedes this month said it expects chip shortages to significantly lower third quarter sales. (Reporting by Tim Kelly; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Kim Coghill) Plants/Manufacturing Lexus Toyota

Volvo Recharge models get more power and electric range

Volvo Belgium announced a few big improvements for plug-in hybrid models on the automaker's Scalable Product Architecture, meaning the 60 and 90 series Recharge models — S60, V60, XC60, S90, V90 and XC90. First, the battery's been given another layer of cells, upping capacity from 11.6 kWh to 18.8 kWh. At the moment, Volvo's UK site advertises two figures for all-electric range on the WLTP cycle for the XC60 and XC90, and says the S90 can already do 90 kilometers on a charge. The spec pages, however, say the XC60 can do 32 kilometers maximum, the XC90 able to go 30 kilometers. With the new battery, Volvo says all-electric range has improved to up to 90 kilometers (56 miles) on the WLTP cycle, but that will surely depend on model. Our U.S.-market XC90 PHEV is EPA-rated at 18 miles of battery-electric driving. A 62% increase would put that at about 30 miles. Just as good as the battery boost, the 87-horsepower e-motor that powers the rear axle on the Recharge trims is goosed to 145 hp. The T6 Recharge powertrain will make 350 combined horsepower, ten horses more than currently, and the T8 Recharge powertrain will make a combined 455 hp, a considerable 65 horses more than now. That makes the coming T8 the most powerful Volvo ever put into series production. The T8's 2.0-liter twin-charged engine has also been engineered for more efficiency as well as "higher engine power at low revs and at start-up," but Volvo hasn't offered specifics on that yet.  Finally, drivers will be able to control all that go with just the accelerator pedal, Volvo adding single pedal drive on the XC60 Recharge, S90 Recharge, and V90 Recharge. There's no word on when we might see them; introduction sometime during the 2022 model year seems sensible. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport First Drive | A charismatic outlier

For 2022, the Lexus IS is getting a V8, the first time since the last IS F was built back in 2014. But instead of an uncompromisingly sporty successor to the IS F, Lexus has created something a little softer and more civilized, and given it a similarly watered-down name: IS 500 F Sport. And in our time with the sedan, it's an apt name, since it's not a real competitor for the M, AMG, RS and Blackwings of the world. But what it is isn't bad, either. It's a characterful sport sedan that makes for an interesting alternative to similarly softer and more civilized choices like the BMW M340i or Audi S4. It is hampered by some familiar Lexus problems, but it has enough to like that the right buyer can happily overlook the shortcomings. Before diving too deep into the driving impressions, let's go over what was done to create the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport. The lynchpin is the 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8. It's a unique feature for a class full of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines. It sends 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque to the rear through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard limited-slip differential. Lexus clocks the 0-60 time at 4.4 seconds, which is on par with the rear-drive M340i. Of course, the BMW has 90 fewer horsepower. It sits on a sport-tuned adaptive suspension and gets bigger brakes with better cooling, but that's about it for mechanical upgrades. It's all wrapped in a body that looks almost exactly like the IS 350 F Sport except for the quad exhaust, exclusive Enkei wheels and the power bulge that raises the hood by 2 inches. It's great for keeping a low profile, but nodding quietly to those in the know that, yes, this is the fast one. The interior also gets leather and faux suede upholstery, a thick F Sport steering wheel and other F-related trimmings. As with every Lexus so equipped, the IS 500's V8 is a true treat that makes up for whatever disadvantages it might have on paper with endless character in person. It's spectacularly smooth and demure most of the time, but when asked, it delivers a raucous intake growl and a just right amount of exhaust noise. And it does so without needing to have the artificial sound enhancer turned on (it's adjustable from nothing to 100% via a scroll wheel on the dash). It's eager to rev and will do so to a little past 7,000 rpm. Peak power lives up there, but it has enough mid-range grunt to keep it entertaining even when you're not making the most of every gear.

Aston Martin DB5 re-creates life-size Corgi diecast toy car for 007 movie

To promote the upcoming James Bond film "No Time To Die," Aston Martin has turned a DB5 into a life-size toy car. In fact, the car itself is kind of a giant toy, one of the $3.6 million DB5 Goldfinger Continuation models that mimic the movie car with mock machine guns and rotating license plates. Now, it has a giant vintage Corgi Toys box to match. The original Corgi 007 Aston Martin DB5 toy debuted in October 1965, about a year after the "Goldfinger" movie showed Sean Connery behind the wheel of the gadget-infused spy-mobile. According to some estimates, the Corgi sold 4 million copies in four years, making it the best-selling toy car in history. Over the years, Corgi has retooled and re-released the model several times, selling over 20 million in total. The big box, unveiled at London's Battersea Power Station, re-creates Corgi's original release packaging complete with period artwork. In 1965, according to Aston Martin, the toy car sold for just 50 pence, the equivalent of just under $14 today when accounting for inflation. You can still get a new one for about $20, but first-release models can run up to $350 in good condition. The DB5 Goldfinger Continuation is one of just 25 cars built by Aston Martin's Heritage Division, the same outfit that brought you continuation models of the DB4 GT and DB4 Zagato. However, while those are faithful re-creations of the original cars, the DB5 Goldfinger is a little different. The cars are built as the original DB5s were, taking about 4,500 hours each and emerging from the same workshop in Newport Pagnell as the 1963 models did. In this case, the intriguing DB5 Goldfinger was developed in conjunction with Chris Corbould, the special-effects coordinator on the last 14 Bond movies and the individual responsible for modifying several of the picture cars. The cars have been outfitted with oil slicks, Browning machine guns that pop out from behind the lights, and a bulletproof shield that rises from the rear to protect the rear windscreen from villainous rounds. None of these things actually work — the oil is really water, the guns emit a bang-bang noise and flash some LEDs — but even so, the car is not street legal. It also comes with a rotating license plate holder and a roof panel shaped like Bond's ejector seat exit. There is, of course, no ejector seat.

2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 vs Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram 1500 TRX Spec Comparison

The 2022 Chevy Silverado refresh brings a new top dog off-road Chevy, the Silverado ZR2. It has the biggest V8 available, flashy looks, trick suspension and other off-road goodies. And naturally, that means people will be comparing it with the other top-rung off-road trucks, the Ford F-150 Raptor and the Ram 1500 TRX. As such, we've assembled the specifications available so far to see how the three super trucks compare. Having just been revealed, there are a few things we don't know about the ZR2, such as fuel economy and some other suspension details, but we know quite a lot. And from what we know, the ZR2 has some interesting positives and negatives compared to the other trucks. First, it's pretty clear that the ZR2 isn't as extreme as the Raptor and TRX. We wouldn't be surprised if Chevrolet insists they aren't direct competitors. Specifically it has the least power and torque by a fair margin, the smallest tires and the least ground clearance. Still, it's not completely fighting with an arm tied behind its back. It's the narrowest by a significant margin, which is good for tighter trails. It also has the best towing and payload capacity, and the approach, break-over and departure angles are quite competitive despite the "little" tires. It's also the only one to boast a locking front differential in addition to a rear locker. The Raptor can be had with a limited-slip front differential, and the TRX only gets an open front differential. Check out all the specific numbers in the chart below, as well as additional stories on the trucks featured below. Other reviews and deep dives about the new Silverado, F-150 Raptor and Ram 1500 TRX 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 Reveal In addition to the new ZR2, the Silverado line also gets new interiors, an upgraded four-cylinder and other updates.   2021 Ram 1500 TRX First Drive Review Our review of the Raptor's chief competitor, the mighty TRX. That just sounds like we're talking about Jurassic Park.   2021 Ram TRX Suspension Deep Dive and RTI ramp test Follow along with engineer Dan Edmunds as he takes you under the TRX and explains everything there is to know about its suspension -- and how it's able to do what it does.

Lots of new cars were unveiled in Munich this week. Here's what you might've missed

The 2021 Munich Auto Show is happening this week and due to ongoing corporate travel restrictions, we remained firmly planted on this continent. So, although we can't tell you exactly what it's like inside the futuristic new Mercedes EQE electric sedan or fully appreciate the funky Volkswagen ID.Life concept, there's no shortage of details and analysis to provide.  Obviously, as Germany's premier auto show in 2021, the cars unveiled were primarily from the German brands. We also focused mostly on the cars that might actually make their way to the United States, or at least inspire those that will.   2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE is an electric alternative to the E-Class While the EQS paved the way for Mercedes' electrified future, much like the S-Class before it, the EQE stands to be the car that will move in far greater numbers -- much like the E-Class before it. Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 View 12 Photos   Mercedes-Maybach EQS Concept shows SUV future of the flagship brand Opulence will still have a place in an electrified future, as Maybach gets into the EQ game with a grand electric SUV. Mercedes-Maybach EQS Concept View 4 Photos   Volkswagen ID.Life concept previews the city car's high-riding EV future Well, isn't this adorable? Though perhaps a tad derivative of the Honda E, Volkswagen's blocky little crossover EV nevertheless represents a handsome new direction for VW design. We like this better than the rounded looks of the current ID.3 and ID.4.  2021 Volkswagen ID.Life concept View 20 Photos   BMW i Vision Circular is a 100% recycled and recyclable hatch Behold, the next BMW 3 Series! Just kidding. Besides this, BMW displayed cars in person for the first time that it had previously only unveiled on the interwebs, including the new 2 Series and revised iX3. It also unveiled some bikes. BMW i Vision Circular Concept View 63 Photos   Audi's GrandSphere concept was designed as a road-going private jet Does Audi know what a sphere is? Cause this isn't anything like one. Still, it's quite a handsome thing, and as one of three Sphere-branded concepts, previews the next direction of Audi design (which is pleasantly reminiscent of two-decade-old Mazda design). No complaints here. 2021 Audi GrandSphere concept View 26 Photos   Porsche Mission R is a 1,000-horsepower electric monster Just like the Mission E previewed the Taycan, this apparently previews another future car.

2021 Acura TLX Long-Term Update | Pleasurable drive, puzzling gremlin

This was my first long haul behind the wheel of our long-term 2021 Acura TLX, and past experience with the brand (and Honda in general) led me to believe that if I could get past any seat comfort issues, the TLX and I would get along just fine. As it turned out, I had no cause to worry in the first place. The TLX’s seats are comfortable and supportive enough for my typical driving position – and look great in red to boot. Not having to worry about my back screaming at me after a couple solid hours on the highway, I was able to devote my attention elsewhere, and the report is largely positive. To me, the most impressive thing about the TLX is how small it feels from behind the wheel. IÂ’ve had it in my driveway for nearly two months (for various reasons, none of them good; look for more in a future update) and despite driving it rather frequently, I often forget that itÂ’s a midsize. HowÂ’d Acura accomplish that? ItÂ’s all in the feedback. The steering is dialed in pretty much perfectly and lacks the artificial and distant sensation present in AudiÂ’s FWD-based luxury sedans, for example. IÂ’d even put the TLX ahead of BMWÂ’s 2 Series Gran Coupe in this department. Sure, theyÂ’re very different vehicles, but that Acura can accomplish this with something as large as the TLX while even BMWÂ’s compacts disappoint? Well, it says something. And though it may feel small, it isnÂ’t. The TLX more than accommodated enough luggage for two people traveling to a Lake Michigan wedding over a long weekend, and did shuttle duty throughout the festivities without even a peep from rear-seat passengers, apart from commentary about the red leather. ItÂ’s a bit polarizing, IÂ’ll admit, but I think it looks great against the blue exterior. 2021 Acura TLX A-Spec View 51 Photos Over the 500-mile round trip, the TLX averaged just a hair under 30 mpg (against an EPA rating of 29 mpg highway; score one for the numbers geeks) at cruising speeds of 75-80. Michigan highways arenÂ’t known for top-notch surfaces, but even on the grooved pavement found on many of its interstates and other rural expressways, tire hum never became intrusive. Present? Sure, just not unpleasantly so. My gripes are few. I wish the cruise control would be a bit more aggressive in accelerating to a set speed when resumed, for one; it seems downright lazy under certain conditions. I could also do entirely without the silly touchpad-like infotainment interface.

Editors' Picks August 2021 | Honda Civic, Mercedes S-Class and more

This month of Editors' Picks saw us award the honor to a couple of redesigned stalwarts like the Honda Civic and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Plus, a new crossover that splits the difference between the compact and subcompact class takes home the prize. On top of this, we'll introduce you to a new term: midcompact. We'll be using this to describe those in-between crossovers that are a tad too small to be considered compact, but too large to neatly fit into the subcompact class. For a few examples of these "midcompact" cars, we'll point you to the Ford Bronco Sport, Kia Seltos and VW Seltos. In case you missed our previous Editors' Picks posts, here’s a quick refresher on whatÂ’s going on here. We rate all the new cars we drive with a 1-10 score. Cars that are exemplary in their respective segments get EditorsÂ’ Pick status. Those are the ones weÂ’d recommend to our friends, family and anybody whoÂ’s curious and asks the question. The list that youÂ’ll find below consists of every car we rated in August that earned an EditorsÂ’ Pick. 2021 Genesis G70 2022 Genesis G70 View 26 Photos Quick take: Genesis hits all the right buttons with its G70. It's attractive, fun to drive and can be had for a fair price. Enthusiasts should give it a shot before taking home one of its German competitors. Score: 8 What it competes with: Alfa Romeo Giulia, Lexus IS, Acura TLX, Infiniti Q50, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CT4, Volvo S60 Pros: Sharp handler, stunning exterior looks, strong engines Cons: Average interior, loses manual option, small backseat and trunk From the editors: News Editor Joel Stocksdale — "I was already a big fan of the Genesis G70. It has brilliant handling, and the twin-turbo V6 is a beast. It's even a bargain against the competition. And Genesis just made it look a lot better. I wish they'd done a bit more to update the interior, but it's still not a bad cabin. Besides, you won't think too much about it when you're hustling down a fun back road." Features Editor James Riswick — "Yes, it is small, but in a sport sedan segment where "sport" means increasingly less, the G70 still delivers (in part because of that smallness).

UPDATE: 2003 Acura NSX-T in Long Beach Blue hammers at Cars & Bids

UPDATE: This NSX-T sold today (Wednesday) for $72,500. Previous story appears below.   OK, we get it: There's really no such thing as "reasonable" Acura NSX ownership anymore, but around here, we're fans of cars that can be appreciated, and this 66K-mile automatic NSX-T finished in Long Beach Blue Pearl with a week to go at Cars & Bids has "driver" written all over it.  "But Byron, how can you call it a 'driver' when it has an automatic?" Honestly, we can't defend that particular choice on the original buyer's behalf, but what we mean is that this car isn't begging to be garaged for eternity. Between the visible signs of use on both the interior and exterior and the grunge present on the underbody, it's clear this car has spent its life being driven, meaning you won't have to feel guilty about doing the same.  This NSX is almost entirely original (the factory radio is included in case you want to eliminate the "almost") and its interior shows very little wear considering its mileage. The tan seat leather looks excellent, even on the bolsters, and all of the plastic and metal bits appear to be where they should. Outside, the paint shows signs of normal wear and tear, but certainly nothing that couldn't easily be corrected.  It may not be the best NSX to drive – or the one with the lowest miles or the least exposure to the elements – but that's why it might also be the right NSX for you. Why, you ask? Because it probably won't break the bank. But we'll see what a week of bidding says about that. Related video:

Radford Type 62-2 John Player Special takes the coach-built sports car even higher

Radford revealed its Type 62-2 a month ago, and today the coach-building company is releasing its first 62-2 variant. It’s simply called the JPS, short for John Player Special. YouÂ’d be able to guess that just by looking at the car, though, as itÂ’s completely done up in the traditional John Player Special black and gold livery. This JPS Type 62-2 isnÂ’t just a livery either. ItÂ’s the most extreme version of the car, even more so than the Gold Leaf version of the standard Radford that improves matters over the “Classic” model. Engine output sees a sharp turn upwards from 500 horsepower to 600 horsepower in the JPS. ItÂ’s still using the 3.5-liter supercharged V6 youÂ’d find in the Lotus Evora (an engine Lotus borrows from Toyota), but this one is heavily modified. Radford says it uses upgraded pistons, new connecting rods, camshafts and an upgraded supercharger. Plus, itÂ’s running a more aggressive engine calibration. Hauling it to a stop are upgraded brakes — Radford uses carbon ceramic rotors and AP calipers. New and larger carbon composite wheels (18-inch front and 19-inch rear) from Dymag are fitted and wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Plenty of appearance and aero changes are made to separate the JPS from the other Type 62-2s. Radford says itÂ’s either lightly massaged or made big changes to every area of the bodywork. YouÂ’ll notice a giant new splitter up front, larger side air intakes to cool the more powerful engine and a more extreme diffuser in back to produce more downforce. WeÂ’ll also note that the JPS “livery” is not a sticker package; itÂ’s all painted on, requiring hours and hours of work by hand. Pricing for the JPS hasnÂ’t been revealed, but itÂ’s guaranteed to be expensive. This special model will be sliced out of the total production of Type 62-2s. Only 12 of the 62 total cars will be the John Player Special cars, so theyÂ’ll be incredibly rare — Radford says itÂ’s currently taking build slot applications, so you still have a shot at buying one. If you want to see the JPS in person, Radford says it will be on display at this yearÂ’s Goodwood Revival. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Smart Concept #1 shows the brand's premium electric crossover future

At this year's Munich Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz's budget brand, Smart, has revealed a concept that shows the future of its electric cars. And with four doors and borderline conventional design, it hardly seems like a Smart. It's called the Concept #1 (real original, we know), and it even seems like something that could find buyers in America. In actuality, a Smart four-door isn't all that strange. Its first four-door was the first-generation ForFour, which shared its underpinnings and powertrain with the Mitsubishi Colt and launched in 2004. Then there was the Renault Twingo-based second-generation ForFour, which was more like a stretched ForTwo. Unlike the Concept #1, those past ForFour models still featured Smart's trademark design features such as funky shapes and a contrast-colored passenger cell. The Concept #1 on the other hand looks positively mainstream. It has a typical two-box profile synonymous with crossovers, and it has a floating, contrast-colored roof; design cues we've seen many times before, and will see many times again. It certainly doesn't look bad, though, and it is quite smooth and sleek. It's also reasonably sized, measuring just a bit longer, taller and wider than a Kia Soul, but not quite as big as a Seltos. The interior is where it stands out more. It looks almost like a budget Mercedes-Benz, and the company says it wants to become more of a premium brand. Particularly eye-catching is the use of polished-gold-colored trim on the dash and the high floating center console. Paired with the white interior and copious ambient lighting, it's reminiscent of Maybach concepts. But the Concept #1 has just one screen sitting dead center, and it seems to take on the functions of infotainment, climate and instrumentation. Though the Concept #1 is, well, a concept, Smart says it previews a production model. Development is being headed by Geely, parent company of both Volvo and Lotus, and Mercedes will handle exterior and interior design. And in keeping with the brand's switch to selling only electric models, it will of course be electric. Specifications are unknown, though. With conventionally good looks and practical size, it will probably be a sales success. And if Mercedes wanted to try to relaunch the brand in the U.S., perhaps as a Mini alternative, this would probably be a good way to do so. Related video:

2022 Genesis G80 is more expensive, adds Sport model with rear-wheel steering

Pricing for the 2022 Genesis G80 is out, and it’s up from last year. Plus, further details and pricing are also out for the new-for-2022 G80 Sport model. Packaging changes for the G80 lineup this year reveal that the only way to get the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 is to spring for the new Sport model. All other G80s get the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This is different from last year, since there was no Sport model for 2021. The V6 upgrade was essentially exactly that, but now itÂ’s a model all its own. The mix-up of trims/engines also spells the end of the rear-drive V6 model. For 2022, you can only pair the V6 with all-wheel drive, so conversely the only way to get rear-wheel drive is with the four-cylinder. The base price for the four-cylinder is up, too, now starting at $49,045, including the destination charge. ThatÂ’s up $300 over last yearÂ’s base price. Getting into a V6 is much more expensive. Since the Sport model is the base V6 choice at this point, and with all-wheel drive being standard, the cheapest 2022 G80 V6 is $4,350 more than last yearÂ’s entry point. If you compare similar entry points (both AWD models), the premium you pay for the Sport is less harsh at just $1,200. For your extra coin, the G80 Sport throws in rear-wheel steering, a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, aluminum interior trim, unique three-spoke steering wheel, Sport-specific seat designs and a slightly revised exterior design. The exterior changes include dark glossy chrome trim, a new front fascia, unique wheels and an available Cavendish Red paint option.  You can also spec the G80 Sport with summer performance tires if you so choose. These are only available on the fully decked-out Prestige trim, and will cost you an extra $500. Fully loaded, the G80 Sport Prestige (with the summer rubber) will run you $71,295. Genesis hasnÂ’t said when the new 2022 G80s will be hitting dealer lots, but we suspect it isnÂ’t far from today now that pricing is out. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Lotus Emira GT4 car revealed, ready for the race circuit

It’s time for the Lotus Emira to go racing. YouÂ’re looking at the first photos of the Emira GT4 race car here, which is the competition spec version of the Emira road car we got to see revealed at this yearÂ’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Lotus didnÂ’t provide a ton of details, but we know the important stuff. Its body is made of composite, and a bunch of changes are made in the name of aerodynamics and downforce. The clean and simple lines of the Emira are interrupted by items like the large front splitter and huge rear wing. By and large, though, the basic Emira design and structure remain the same outside. WeÂ’ll also note that the GT4 is hand-built, whereas Lotus is attempting to bring more automation to the road carÂ’s assembly. The engine used in the GT4 is the tried-and-true Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 (not the new AMG four-cylinder). Per usual, itÂ’s fitted with a supercharger, and Lotus says itÂ’s good for up to 400 horsepower with a 7,200 rpm redline. You get a six-speed xTrac sequential transmission (the only transmission option), and the car is fitted with a limited-slip differential. Braking is handled by race-spec Alcon discs and calipers, and Ohlins coilovers keep the body in check. In all, Lotus says the dry weight is 2,778 pounds. This car was developed with RML Group, a British racing engineering company. “The all-new Emira GT4 is an exciting next step following the hugely successful launch of the Emira road car,” says Richard Selwin, Lotus Race Program manager. “We have worked hard with the team at RML Group to ensure this next-generation of Lotus GT car will deliver race-winning performance.” Those entering racing series will be allowed to buy this Emira GT4 cars for the 2022 racing season. However Lotus says availability will be very limited for the first year. It expects to be able to meet total global demand for 2023 as production of the race car continues. Pricing wasnÂ’t made available initially. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Volkner Performance S is an RV with a Bugatti in its belly

Going on a long road trip in a Bugatti Chiron is easier said than done: There are a lot of things to love about the hypercar, but cargo space isn't one of them. German recreational vehicle (RV) manufacturer Volkner has a solution in the form of a big, bus-like motorhome with enough space between its front and rear wheels to house a Chiron. Volkner's Performance S looks just like a regular motorhome when you're stuck behind it in traffic. It's as big and as boxy as a tour bus, and its front end features antenna-like mirrors. It's what's inside the box that's impressive. The panel between the front and rear passenger-side wheels flips up to reveal a car-sized metal tray that slides out from the underbody. Controlled by a wired remote, it's big enough to hold a 178.9-inch long and 80.2-inch wide Chiron. Volkner Performance S View 3 Photos It's unclear whether Volkner made structural reinforcements to its motorhome in order to accommodate; the space the Chiron sleeps in is normally reserved for lighter items such as luggage. And, while most promotional material shows a Bugatti emerging from the RV's belly, anything that's smaller than a Chiron fits; one of the firm's images depicts a Porsche 911 parked in the storage space. Don't try to park a Toyota 4Runner under there, however. Inside, the Performance S looks like a five-star hotel, and it's bigger than many college dorm rooms. It boasts leather-upholstered seats, cabinets made with real wood, and LED lighting, among other features. Posh vacationers can work directly with the brand to configure an interior that suits their needs. If you splurged on a Chiron, you may as well order your RV with a Burmester surround-sound system that costs nearly ˆ300,000 (about $355,000). Volkner charges around ˆ2 for the Performance S, which represents approximately $2.3 million at the current conversion rate. Bugatti priced the Chiron at around $2.9 million, so the full package is worth over $5 million. Related video:

2022 Infiniti QX60 First Drive Review | Wading back into deep waters

NAPA, California — Standing out in a field that includes the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 and Acura MDX is no easy task. The trio nails driving dynamics, modern style and tech to a tee, putting all the more pressure on InfinitiÂ’s long-awaited revamp of its top-selling QX60. As a sophomore effort to an SUV that lasted well past its best-by date, the 2022 Infiniti QX60 undergoes a substantial overhaul to bring it up to snuff. Does it succeed? We scored seat time in all three rows for answers. Most visibly in this image-conscious segment, the QX60Â’s fully redesigned exterior is a less fussy, more serene look than the previous one, which debuted back in 2013 as the JX35. Gone are the deeply contoured body panels, whose pinched sheetmetal and curved character lines evoked a certain (and increasingly dated) moment in InfinitiÂ’s design language history. The new QX60 flattens many of those creases, bringing a smoother, more monolithic vibe to the table. According to Infiniti senior design director Taisuke Nakamura, the update embraces the concept of “Ma,” which describes a form of Japanese minimalism. WeÂ’re not sure if NakamuraÂ’s “kimono fold” headlights or “origami-inspired” dashboard are readily identifiable as such, but the redesign is nevertheless a handsome one. The 2022 QX60Â’s redux actually gives it a stylistic leg up on some competitors. The QX60 cabin has also been reworked to become a more livable space, starting with a de-cluttered dashboard that incorporates a fully digital instrument panel, an available 10.8-inch head-up display, and a standard 12.3-inch multimedia screen that replaces an 8-inch unit (the last QX60 never got Infiniti's bizarre double-screen tech interface). Standard tech includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six USB ports, a revamped Infiniti Intouch app that adds greater functionality, and the industryÂ’s first integration of remote starting via Alexa voice command. Up front, the interior comes across as sleeker and modernized, with a low-profile expanse of HVAC vents forming a sweep of horizontal lines across the dashboard. Though attractive, their functionality is somewhat hampered by the need to reach into the narrow slots in order to redirect the airflow up or down.  Some of the cabin's luxury touches are a bit heavy handed, like the Autograph trim level's diamond quilting on the dash whose stitches seem thick and indelicately executed.

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander gets IIHS top rating with improved lights

The current sticking point for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) highest honors, the Top Safety Pick+, is headlights. The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, despite having strong results in almost every category, missed out on any Top Safety Pick rating because of lights rated "Poor" on all models. But Mitsubishi has now fixed them, getting the crossover the coveted award. The rating applies to Outlanders built after June 2021. The LED reflector headlights now have the top "Good" rating on all trim levels because of reduced glare for oncoming drivers. There's also some additional good news for existing owners of Outlanders. They can go to their Mitsubishi dealer, where the existing headlights will have the aim adjusted to reduce glare. The Outlander already had excellent results in crash testing and crash prevention. Every crash test yielded a "Good" rating, and in both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention it got the top "Superior" rating. Even the child seat LATCH anchor access is rated "Good." The Outlander joins the ranks of a number of other small crossovers with the Top Safety Pick+ award, including its platform-mate the Nissan Rogue. Other winners include the Ford Bronco Sport, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-3, Mazda CX-30, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester and Volvo XC40. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

2022 Lexus RC F and RC F Fuji Speedway growl on nearly unchanged

Two years ago, Lexus debuted an anyone-can-buy-it RC F Track Edition that cut 122 pounds from the standard RC F with upgrades like a raw carbon fiber hood, carbon fiber rear wing, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and a titanium exhaust. Our First Drive of that car praised its promise, but chided Lexus for giving up halfway to the goal of making a truly special sporting machine. A year later, Lexus rolled most of the Track Edition changes into the RC F Fuji Speedway Edition, dropping the price from the $98,750 Track Edition by exactly one Ulysses S. Grant to $98,700, but limiting availability to 60 units. The Fuji Speedway Edition returns for the 2022 model year, and while Lexus hasn't divulged pricing, availability's been constricted further, to 50 units.  The only two changes between the 2021 model and next year's version start with the exterior color. Instead of having the choice of Arctic Blast Satin White or Cloudburst Gray, the only sheetmetal hue on offer will be Electric Surge. The rich blue tone has a semi-matte finish, delivering a muted luster that won't be destroyed by an automatic car wash. The other changes is also about color, this time on the inside. The Circuit Red Alcantara and red carbon fiber trim retire to make way for a black cockpit with seats trimmed in Blue Alcantara and blue carbon fiber accents. Over on the standard car, the sole change for 2022 is a new 19-inch wheel design, still wearing staggered Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires, 255/35 in front, 275/35 in back. The real magic of the RC F lineup, its naturally aspirated V8 with 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, waves its hardcore enthusiast flag for another year unchanged. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn Southfork Edition returns for 2022

Ram has steadily banged out packages and upgrades this year for the 2022 1500 pickup. So far we've had the Mopar-assisted G/T, the off-road ready Backcountry, the luxed-up, celebratory Limited 10th Anniversary, and new Uconnect 5 infotainment. At the same time, the brand that topped the 2021 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study has reworked how options and packages can be combined in order to keep the assembly lines running. Mopar Insiders reports that there's another special package coming for next year called the Longhorn Southfork Edition. This returns a name last seen in 2018 on the Laramie Longhorn Southfork Edition, but for next year it starts with the top standard trim to become the Limited Longhorn Southfork Edition.  Three years ago, the Southfork made do with a couple special colors and lots of extra leather and suede. Since this new one starts with the Limited there will be plenty of hide, as well as suede in places like the door bolsters, plus laser filigree detailing and a Mopar bright pedal kit. The special interior hue is called Mountain Brown. But the 2022 Southfork gets a tad more rugged utility, the Bed Utility Group comprising Mopar's deployable bed step, four adjustable tie-down hooks, and pick-up bed LED lighting, as well as a spray-in bedliner and Ram's Multifunction tailgate. The package sticks with the standard 20-inch painted and polished wheel, here wrapped in Falken Wildpeak A/T tires that usually require adding the Off-Road Group.   MI's dealer sources say the Limited Longhorn Southfork Edition will start at $1,295. Assuming the 2022 Ram 1500 Limited pricing doesn't increase from its present $62,645 after destination and the package can be bought standalone, a buyer can get away for around $63,940 if opting for the sole no-cost exterior color of Ivory White Tri-Coat.  Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Mitsubishi and Nissan teaming up on electric kei car

Nissan and Mitsubishi have announced plans to build an electric kei car together. The yet-unnamed car would mark a major step towards electrification of Japan's popular supercompact segment. The car will be powered by a 20 kWh battery and will be engineered to cover daily driving duties in a Japanese driving cycle. The car can also double as a mobile power source or power a home in emergency situations. Nissan says the car will measure 134 inches long, 58 inches wide, and 65 inches tall, in order to comply with laws limiting kei car size. The companies state that the car will be developed by NMKV Co., Ltd., a joint-venture that stands for Nissan Mitsubishi Kei Vehicle. Each carmaker owns a 50 percent stake, and already jointly builds models such as the feline favorite Nissan Dayz, which Mitsubishi sells as the eK. In reality, that likely means Mitsubishi will be developing the car and Nissan will simply slap a badge on it. Nissan has not traditionally built kei cars, choosing instead to rebadge those made by Suzuki or Mitsubishi. In fact, Mitsubishi built the first electric kei car, the i-Miev, way back in 2009, and it was actually sold in the U.S. until 2017. The jellybean-shaped EV was a pioneer in the field, but its 62-mile range from a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery showed the limitations of the technology at the time. Mitsubishi moved about 32,000 of them before they pulled the plug, with a pre-tax-credit price ranging from $23,000 to $31,000. The new Nissan-Mitsubishi kei car will land at around 2 million yen, or $18,200. The price, while slightly more expensive than a gasoline counterpart, bucks predictions from analysts that said prices would skyrocket by 66 to 120 percent if kei cars were forced to electrify. A petrol-powered Nissan Dayz starts at around $15,200. Size-wise, the two share a similar footprint as they are governed by kei car size limits. The special class of cars get unique license plates and other registration cost benefits due to their compact dimensions. A BMW i3 would exceed those boundaries due to its 158-inch length and 70-inch width. However, the larger EV comes equipped with a substantially bigger 42.2 kWh battery good for 152 miles of range. Though no photos have been released, we predict it will look like the iMk concept (pictured above). The car will go on sale in spring 2022. Related Video This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

How the Chinese tycoon driving Volvo plans to tackle Tesla

HANGZHOU, China — "Do you know how big Volvo is?" asked Don Leclair, finance chief at Ford. It was 2008, and Leclair was responding to an offer from a little-known Chinese businessman to purchase the Swedish carmaker, which Ford owned. The businessman, Li Shufu, had a company with less than half Volvo's sales and a flagship model, King Kong, almost unknown outside China. He was politely shown the door of the "Glass House," Ford's iconic headquarters near Detroit, according to two people who were at the meeting. Ford's Leclair did not respond to requests for comment about the episode. Fast-forward to 2021 and Li Shufu's company, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, is one of the biggest-selling automakers in the world's biggest auto market. It controls not only Volvo Cars but also a clutch of global auto brands, and a significant stake in German giant Daimler AG, the maker of Mercedes-Benz. These names are now part of its plans for a revolution in autos. Geely is preparing Volvo for a listing on the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange as a route towards the future of transportation: One where cars are part of an electrified network of mobility services, driving themselves, connecting to each other and — like cellphones — generating an array of data and new business opportunities. It's a vision more Silicon Valley than Detroit, where traditional automakers globally are chasing another giant — Tesla Inc. Li Shufu and his advisers eventually convinced Ford to part with Volvo in 2010 for $1.8 billion. It was the first in a string of deals, tapping brands such as Lotus, Smart and the London Electric Vehicle Company to form a network that he calls a "bigger circle of friends" across industry segments. Li Shufu sees them as building blocks to help Geely compete in a future where autos are not vehicles, but "service providers," he told Reuters in his management suite at Geely's headquarters in Hangzhou, eastern China. In that business model, cars will be available on subscription and offer services such as making payments and in-car apps. They will update their own software, and spawn opportunities in the same way as the mobile operating systems developed by Apple Inc and Google. "We are trying to create an automotive ecosystem similar to Android," he said. Li Shufu, 58, recently adopted a foreign first name - Eric - because he liked the sound of it.

Stellantis moves to set up its own lending unit

Stellantis is buying Houston-based auto lender First Investors Financial Services Group to set up its own finance arm in the U.S., a move that should support sales and eventually boost profit. The only major traditional automaker in the U.S. without its own finance company agreed to pay $285 million to a group of investors led by Gallatin Point Capital and Jacobs Asset Management, according to a statement. The transaction is expected to close by year-end. Stellantis was formed via the merger between Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group early this year. Carlos Tavares, the PSA boss who became the combined company’s chief executive officer, called the deal to acquire First Investors a milestone that will increase earnings and enhance customer loyalty. “Direct ownership of a finance company in the U.S. is a white-space opportunity which will allow Stellantis to provide our customers and dealers a complete range of financing options,” Tavares said Wednesday in the statement.  Having an in-house finance company has helped rivals General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. pad profits, especially during the global semiconductor shortage that has limited production and crimped sales. GM bought subprime lender AmeriCredit Corp. in 2010 and renamed it GM Financial. The operation generated a $2.76 billion profit in the first half -- roughly a third of the companyÂ’s adjusted earnings before interest and taxes. Trouble for Santander? The First Investors acquisition could spell trouble for Chrysler Capital, the operation that Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc. and Chrysler set up in 2013 before the U.S. automaker completed its merger with Fiat. In a statement, Santander Consumer said itÂ’s committed to supporting Stellantis through the term of their existing agreement and its transition. Santander Consumer will also have “ongoing conversations with Stellantis about long-term mutually beneficial opportunities beyond 2023,” the company said, adding that its consumer business remains strong and has “delivered solid results for our shareholders.” This, along with support from its parent company, will allow the lender to “pursue additional opportunities as they arise.” The lenderÂ’s U.S.-listed stock fell 1.5% in New York trading Wednesday after Bloomberg reported Stellantis was preparing to announce a new finance partner. Stellantis shares rose as much as 1.3% in Paris trading Thursday.

Genesis maps out its sustainable EV future, 14 years out

Genesis just did a cannonball into the clear blue waters of Earth's sustainable future, using a 12-minute livestream to announce eco-conscious commercial and electric-vehicle goals for the next 14 years. The first target arrives in 2025, after which every newly introduced Genesis will run on electricity alone, the automaker's dual technology strategy envisioning both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell offerings. Brand chief Jay Chang said engineers are working now on more efficient batteries with better performance and fuel cell systems with higher outputs. Five years later, Genesis plans to sell only an eight-strong lineup of zero-emissions vehicles that rack up 400,000 unit sales globally per year. In 2020, the brand sold 128,365 units globally. Last year was a down year for everything and everyone, but still marked the first time Genesis moved more than 100,000 units in a year around the world. The range shown in a dark image in the livestream looks like four cars and four crossovers and SUVs, all with the company's trademark quad lamps running from the front fascia to the leading edges of the front doors. The imminent GV60 electric crossover will break the seal on this lineup, but the GV60 isn't in the picture. One of the future products, based on a concept shown in the video, could put the swiveling seats and stage doors we've seen on so many concepts into production, and include an audio system delivering an at-the-orchestra experience.  Five years after the EV-only curtain gets raised, Chang declared the company plans to be carbon neutral, managing emissions starting from raw materials and including everything from parts production to assembly plants and corporate offices. Based on what's happening around the world right now, this would be an astute move for reasons beyond helping the planet, in that it would give Genesis close contact with its entire supply chain. Next time things go topsy turvy planet-wide — and they will — such intimacy with the lifespan of company processes from seed to shallow grave means Genesis will know which buttons to press to keep the machine moving as efficiently as possible. An item mentioned in the video as an afterthought is one we hope comes first.

2022 Lincoln Nautilus Review | What's new, price, mpg, photos

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus is the middle child of Lincoln’s excellent crossover and SUV lineup. It fills the space between the three-row Aviator and compact Corsair, competing with other two-row midsize SUVs. Up until a year ago, it was also the odd one out in that it lacked Lincoln's mid-century-modern-inspired interior design that's wowed since it originally showed up in the Navigator. That changed last year as the Nautilus finally got its makeover and it instantly made the Nautilus a more viable option in a stacked class of excellent choices from BMW, Mercedes, Lexus and Volvo, just to name a few. And if youÂ’re only considering American options, it walks all over CadillacÂ’s XT5 in both luxury and drive experience. DonÂ’t expect it to handle or drive like the German luxury options, though. Lincoln knows its target market is much more concerned with things like ride quality than they are skid pad ratings. WeÂ’ll give them credit for not trying to make this crossover something it shouldnÂ’t and can't be, too. While the twin-turbo V6 will still hustle you down a road, the isolated interior and eye-catching technology makes the argument for why you should come home with a Nautilus. Should you? It's hard to say it's a better SUV than a BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE, but then it's also priced lower than those and other European contemporaries, which at least makes up for its various deficiencies. Interior & Technology  |  Passenger & Cargo Space  |  Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive  |  Pricing & Features  |  Crash Ratings & Safety Features   WhatÂ’s new for 2022? Very few things are changing for the 2022 Nautilus, since the model was treated to a fairly notable refresh for 2021. That said, Lincoln is adding two new colors: Bronze Smoke Metallic and Gilded Green Metallic. ItÂ’s also gaining another Black Label interior option with Flight (dark tan and black combo) joining the Alpine White that was the sole Black Label interior for 2021. Beyond the colors, Lincoln made some minor packaging changes. It's also important to note that this could be the final year for the Nautilus, as Lincoln is reportedly turning its attention to other crossover concepts.  2021 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve View 24 Photos WhatÂ’s the Nautilus interior and in-car technology like?

2022 Ram 1500, HD lineup and ProMaster all updated with Uconnect 5 infotainment

Uconnect 5 is making its way through the Stellantis portfolio, and today it’s RamÂ’s turn to get the redesigned infotainment system. ItÂ’s coming to all 2022 Ram products, including the Ram 1500, Ram HD lineup and even the ProMaster. The most important of the above products getting Uconnect 5 is the 2022 Ram 1500, though. Ram has adapted its system to run on the vertical 12-inch touchscreen that debuted in that truck. WeÂ’ve enjoyed using the previous version of Uconnect with that screen layout, and given our pleasant experiences with Uconnect 5 already, we have a feeling this update will only make things better. You can check out some of the systemÂ’s nitty gritty details in our Uconnect 5 reveal post, but Ram also spelled out some of the important — and even truck-specific — details for us with its announcement today. For one, the Ram version of Uconnect 5 allows specific customization of the home screen to display a bevy of powertrain gauges during heavy towing scenarios. It also features RamÂ’s “Off-Road Pages” (similar to SRTÂ’s Performance Pages) to give you detailed off-road data for your truck. Fleets should enjoy newly-available telematics data, which is one reason Ram added this new system to the ProMaster (shown just above). Uconnect 5 allows third-party companies to collect data on vehiclesÂ’ status through the cloud in order to better monitor them. Ram suggests this will increase efficiency when it comes to reporting accidents, getting vehicles in for maintenance and making decisions about routes and vehicle appropriation. Of course, added efficiencies ultimately mean less money out of pocket for the folks running the fleet. Just like other Stellantis models with Uconnect 5, the Rams will enjoy wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto (now capable of going full screen on the 12-inch display), an updated navigation system with more capabilities, Amazon Alexa integration for voice services and the ability to be updated via over-the-air updates. Ram did not specify when Uconnect 5 would start appearing in 2022 models, but we suspect itÂ’ll be soon for all of them. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Ford Edge, Lincoln Nautilus to die in 2023

Last summer saw two separate reports that Ford killed the next-gen Edge due in 2023, the move leading to the death of the Lincoln Nautilus in 2024 since the Lincoln is based on the Ford. As part of its future product roundup, Automotive News looked into the futures of a range of Ford Motor Company products, reporting that the Edge and Nautilus will both die in 2023. The Edge is said to be dead for good, thanks to Ford having four two-row crossovers in the lineup with the arrival of the hugely popular Bronco line, and a three-row Explorer that's only $175 more expensive at the moment. The Nautilus, however, could get a second act. When Ford came to an agreement with Canada's Unifor union about the Oakville Assembly Plant, which builds the Edge and Nautilus, the automaker pledged to turn Oakville into an EV production facility. Lincoln's big on battery-electric vehicles in the near-term, Unifor mentioning Oakville product plans that would have at least one EV coming off the line by 2025 and four more by 2028. Automotive News says Lincoln's got a small crossover and a midsize crossover due in 2025, and the small one could come from Canada and slot into the space left empty by the departed Nautilus, perhaps carrying on the name, perhaps not. One step up in size, the Ford Explorer and its Lincoln Aviator platform mate will soon welcome two battery-electric cousins into the family. These will both probably debut in 2022 and go on sale in 2023, the Ford produced in the Cuautitlan, Mexico, facility that now builds the Mustang Mach-E. As for which platform they'll ride on, it's not clear yet. Ford has four dedicated EV architectures planned for the company fold: GE2, the evolution of the Mach-E's GE1 platform; TE1 for trucks, coming in 2025; the Rivian platform that will contribute a dedicated Ford vehicle; and a version of Volkswagen's MEB platform for European offerings, with Ford planning to have an all-EV lineup across the Atlantic by 2030. The Explorer and Aviator EVs could get the GE2, or if Ford wants to showcase extra-rugged chops for both, the TE1. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

The 2022 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR 86 aftermarket upgrader's guide

When you own an enthusiast car, there are few events more nerve-wracking than the introduction of its successor. Should you upgrade? Is it worthwhile? What will it cost you to part out your mods and trade up? Well, there's good news for owners of the outgoing Scion FR-S, Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ who are considering an upgrade: You might not have to start with a clean slate.  If you’re an owner (or even a casual fan) of the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 family of sports coupes, youÂ’re probably already aware that the 2022 models are more like aggressive overhauls than true, ground-up redesigns. Neither company really wants to put a spotlight on the fact that their coupes are a little less "all-new" and a little more "back and better than ever," but in our opinion, this is something Subaru and Toyota should embrace.  Why? In a word: continuity. Look no further than the NA (1989-1997) and NB (1999-2005) Mazda Miata. While they are regarded as distinct generations (the NA defined by its pop-up headlights and simpler lines; the NB by its fixed lamps and swoopier styling) and were offered with different equipment packages, the fundamental underlying chassis remained relatively unchanged. This meant that, in many cases at least, buyers could trade up to a new model but bring along some of their factory and aftermarket accessories because theyÂ’d still fit. The BRZ and GR 86 are meant to be fairly bare-bones vehicles, the idea being that they appeal to those who want limited frills at a low cost and those who prefer to view cars as canvases rather than finished masterpieces. A long-running platform makes an excellent candidate for the latter type of car buyer. So, what does that mean for the 2022 BRZ and GR 86? Well, let's break it down by whatÂ’s truly new, whatÂ’s kind-of-new, and whatÂ’s essentially carry-over, with some guidance from Subaru and Toyota engineers.  2022 Subaru BRZ blue action profile View 22 Photos Spankin' new LetÂ’s start with the obvious: the styling. Even if you can find older aftermarket appearance kits that will fit the new BRZ and GR 86 on paper, they probably wonÂ’t bolt up nicely to the new cars due to their sleek new exterior designs. Wings and spoilers might still bolt up, but donÂ’t count on it, and theyÂ’ll probably look disjointed at best anyway.