2005 Honda S2000 on 2040-cars

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Sunday Drive: And now for something completely different

This past week played host to a wide assortment of automotive news, highlighted by our first drive of the 2018 Volvo XC40. The Swedish crossover is targeted at young, successful Millennials, but it offers cool styling, fun dynamics, and all of today's must-have technology, so we think it ought to appeal to a much wider swath of the automotive marketplace. From there we answer the question, "What are hard on the outside and soft on the inside?" as we take a look at the next Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV. We expect the German automaker's flagship luxury SUV to remain boxy on the outside, but the interior is going to be soft, supple, and luxurious. And then there's the Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, which starts at starts at $34,290 and boasts 212 total system horsepower, 232 pound-feet of torque, 47 miles of electric driving range, and a total range of 340 miles. EPA rates it at 110 MPGe in EV mode, and 44 city/40 highway/42 combined overall. We compare it to other plug-ins like the Chevy Volt and Toyota Prius Prime. And finally we have some more spy photos of the 2019 Ram 1500. It doesn't have a traditional crosshair grille, but it's got plenty of chrome and an attractive upright stance that's sure to tempt future truck buyers looking for some sophistication to go with their work gloves. As always, stay tuned to Autoblog this week to see all the automotive news that's fit to print. 2018 Volvo XC40 First Drive Review | The Masspirational crossover Mercedes-Benz G-Class gets the luxe, high-tech treatment 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Review | It's what's on the inside that counts 2019 Ram 1500 shows chrome grille and more production parts Green Honda Mercedes-Benz RAM Volvo Technology Truck Crossover SUV Luxury Performance Sedan volvo xc40 sunday drive

Acura teases production MDX ahead of next week's unveiling

Acura will unveil the 2022 MDX in production form next Tuesday, Dec. 8, promising it will be "the most premium, performance-focused and technologically advanced SUV in Acura history." Acura will host the debut on its web site at 11:30 a.m. EST.  If you thought we already saw the 2022 Acura MDX, it's because we did. Acura showed the TLX-inspired design back in October with a "prototype." Like parent company Honda, Acura tends to show "prototypes" that are dead-ringers for their production variants, and this appears to be no different. The below left is Acura's teaser image with the levels brought up to reveal more detail; the below right is an image of the "prototype" shown in October. From what we can see here, they're virtually identical, and nothing we've seen in spy photos suggests that we're in for any surprises when the real thing bows next week.  The 2022 MDX rides on a new light truck platform that Acura says will provide more athletic handling, greater ride comfort and a quieter cabin versus the outgoing car. Like the new TLX, it will incorporate a double-wishbone front suspension, which should also improve ride and handling. Acura says it will offer a Type S version of the MDX is with the same turbocharged V6 that will power the new TLX Type S. That variant will make 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque (same as the TLX), while the standard engine will continue to be Acura’s 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Both engines will be mated to AcuraÂ’s 10-speed automatic transmission and send power to all four wheels using the latest fourth-generation SH-AWD system. Not all of the performance details are available yet, but Acura says the MDX can be had with four-piston Brembo brake calipers (likely another Type S feature) and comes with a drive mode selector that allows you to adjust ride, handling, steering, suspension and powertrain characteristics. Based on the prototype, the interior matches the exterior for flair and elegance. We like the open-pore wood thatÂ’s been infused with metallic flake, French stitching, contrast piping and quilted leather in all three rows. Acura says that all three rows get more legroom this year, and first and third rows get more headroom. A new panoramic moonroof should make the cabin even airier for rear occupants. Related Video:

Honda Baja race truck previews 2017 Ridgeline at SEMA [w/video]

Honda is heading to this year's SCORE Baja 1000 with a mean-looking, race-prepped Ridgeline Baja Race Truck in the unlimited class. The tube-framed pickup makes a grand debut at the 2015 SEMA Show, but take a good look at the styling on display here. While it's a lot more aggressive than the real thing, it previews the production model that arrives in the first half of 2016. The race truck looks seriously tough with huge fenders, chunky off-road tires, and tons of LED lighting. According to Honda, "the front fascia, hood, roof, bed, and side profile" all feature elements that are inspired by the upcoming production version. Based on the version here and earlier teases, those cues suggest a more traditional, pickup-like appearance than the previous Ridgeline. Of course, any Baja truck needs serious power, and for this Ridgeline that comes from Honda Performance Development's HR35TT racing engine. The twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter V6 makes around 550 horsepower in this application. Look closely at the front to find a hidden hood scoop that sends cool air to a custom intake plenum. Check out the gallery above for a look at the Baja Ridgeline at the SEMA Show. The video below shows off the tube-frame chassis underneath, and offers a great look at the engine, too. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Honda Announces Return to Baja at 2015 SEMA Show, Ridgeline Baja Race Truck Hints at Styling Direction for All-New 2017 Ridgeline Pickup Nov 3, 2015 - LAS VEGAS Today at the 2015 SEMA Show, Honda revealed its Ridgeline Baja Race Truck, a purpose-built racing machine that marks Honda's return to off-road truck racing, while also providing an early glimpse at the styling direction for the all-new 2017 Honda Ridgeline pickup that will hit dealer showrooms in the first half of next year. The Honda exhibit also showcased a multifaceted display of personalized Honda cars, SUVs, powersports products and two- and four-wheeled racing machines. The Honda Ridgeline Baja Race Truck, in red, white and black Honda Racing livery, will compete in this year's running of the SCORE Baja 1000. The tube-frame unlimited class off-road truck is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 developed by Honda's U.S.