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  • 2023 Detroit Auto Show recap | Autoblog Podcast #798

    In this episode of the Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Senior Editor John Snyder and Road Test Editor Zac Palmer. The team attended the 2023 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week, and have some thoughts about the reveals. They discuss the 2024 Ford F-150 (including the Raptor models), 2024 Jeep Gladiator, 2024 GMC Acadia and 2025 Cadillac CT5. Ford held a Mustang-focused event, and we talk about the Mustang Mach-E Rally and Mustang GTD. Finally, the hosts opine about the general vibe of the Detroit Auto Show, and whit it means for auto shows in general. Send us your questions for the Mailbag and Spend My Money at: Podcast@Autoblog.com.

  • 2023 Detroit Auto Show - everything you need to know

    The F150 is a significant refresh for 2024 and features a new tailgate, bed dividers and an updated design. The tailgate can now swing out -- Ford joins the tailgate wars with Ram and GM -- and the headlights give the F150 a fresh look. The Tremor and Raptor are also updated as part of the model line refresh. The Jeep Gladiator gets new interior, more trim levels -- called X badge -- and more options. Just like the Jeep Wrangler has already received. A Jeep executive also confirmed the Gladiator will get a 4xe powertrain by 2025 as the brand continues to go electric. The Acadia, GMC’s long-running midsize SUV, also gets an update for 2024. It’s larger, all of the engine choices are now turbocharged, and the design is now similar to other GMC vehicles. The updates match those received by its sibling, the Chevy Traverse. The Cadillac CT5 was the other major reveal of the show. It gets an updated front end with a larger grille and larger LED lights, more tech and an updated interior with a slightly curved dashboard.

  • 2024 Ford F-150 Tremor, Raptor R, and Platinum Plus walkthroughs at the 2023 Detroit Auto Show

    Ford brought three trims of its refreshed 2024 F-150 to the Detroit Auto Show, including the Tremor, Raptor R and Platinum. The Tremor shows off Ford’s fancy, new Pro Access Tailgate and a new modular bumper with a Ford Performance winch kit on it. Meanwhile, the Raptor R showcases Ford’s 5.2-liter supercharged V8 and new Fox dual-valve shocks that improve off-roading and on-road handling even more. Finally, we turn to the Platinum trim where Ford has every last new feature onboard. The F-150 is rocking a new digital instrument cluster, new head-up display and an improved PowerBoost hybrid powertrain. Of course, the price goes up with all of these changes, too, but the lineup is as strong as ever.

  • 2025 Cadillac CT5 gets a refresh

    Cadillac has taken the opportunity to reveal the refreshed 2025 CT5 sedan on home turf, at the 2023 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It gets some styling tweaks to put forward a more aggressive face, and features some improved and updated technology. Most of the visual changes occur up front, with the redesigned grille growing in size, complemented by a revised front fascia. Inside, the CT5 gets what Chief Designer Alex MacDonald called “the most driver-centric cockpit we’ve done.” It focuses on the new 33-inch display, curved toward the driver, which serves as both infotainment and instrument panel.

  • 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor revealed with 405 horsepower

    Introducing the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor, a high-performance, off-road capable truck engineered by Ford Performance. The Ranger Raptor isn't new, but its U.S.-market availability is. Our Ranger is a little spicier than the one offered overseas. While it's not quite as punchy as the 418-horsepower Bronco Raptor, it does make a respectable (or best-in-class, as Ford would put it) 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with 33-inch BFGoodrich KO3s, a beefed-up frame, upgraded drive modes and the Ranger's trick Fox Live Valve shocks, it's fit to rule its (Ford's words again) class of one. Ford's boast isn't baseless. The midsize pickup segment has gotten fizzy in recent years, but only Ford has really dared to turn up the wick. The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon/Mojave and GM's crawl-ready ZR2 and AT4X are certainly fun in their way, but none of them has a twin-turbo six thrumming beneath its sheet metal. The Raptor gets 10.7 inches of ground clearance and offers approach, departure and breakover angles of 33, 26.4 and 24.2 degrees, respectively. This capability comes at a cost, however, as the Raptor's maximum payload capacity drops to just 1,411 pounds and max towing to 5,510 pounds. Not bad for a rabid little runabout. The Ranger Raptor is equipped with what Ford calls a purpose-built suspension, including a Watts linkage and trailing arms at the rear, for better control and confidence in off-road conditions. Its next-generation FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks are coil-overs at the front and piggyback reservoirs at the rear, filled with Teflon-infused oil to reduce friction and heat. The aforementioned 3-liter engine is paired with an advanced four-wheel-drive system, a new electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case, and front and rear locking differentials for improved off-road traction. It also sports underbody protection with a thick front bash plate made of high-strength steel and dedicated engine, transfer case, and fuel tank shields. The Ranger Raptor features seven Drive Modes - Normal, Tow/Haul, Sport, Slippery, Off-Road, Rock Crawl, and Baja - which change damping performance based on terrain and driving conditions, providing improved on-road comfort, off-road control, capability, and ride quality at high and low speeds. Its active valve exhaust system can also be tuned to several modes - Quiet, Normal, Sport, and Baja. Additionally, the Ranger Raptor comes with Trail Control, which manages throttle and brakes while drivers navigate tricky spots. Inside, the Ranger Raptor's cabin features a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel with an on-center marker for improved precision, cast magnesium alloy paddle shifters, and a unique Raptor logo and exclusive off-road displays in the instrument cluster. The SYNC 5 system features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ranger Raptor's starting price is $56,960, including $1,595 for destination and delivery, and Ford says the Build and Price website for the Ranger will be available in the coming weeks. #fordranger #ford #cars #trucks #pickup #fordtrucks

  • New York Auto Show Special with the Ram REV, Kia EV9 and more | Autoblog Podcast #775

    In this episode of the Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Road Test Editor Zac Palmer. They start off with what it was like to be at the New York Auto Show, then provide analysis on all the big reveals. The big reveals touched on include the 2025 Ram REV, 2024 Kia EV9, Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept, 2024 Hyundai Kona variants, 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness and 2024 Jeep Wrangler. They also touch briefly on some non-NY news with a refresh of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Lastly, the two discuss the cars they've been driving, including the 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE and our long-term Toyota Sienna minivan.

  • 2024 Hyundai Kona electric and gas variants debut at the 2023 New York Auto Show

    The 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric and gasoline variants make their debut today at the NY Auto Show. This new generation of Kona starts with the Electric model as Hyundai says it developed a new platform with the electric model as the priority. It’s packing the smallest of increases in battery size, which Hyundai says is good for 260 miles of range. Hyundai is offering two different powertrain options for your choosing if you prefer the gasoline variant. A base 2.0-liter four-cylinder is the standard engine, but a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is available on Limited and N Line trims.

  • 2025 Ram 1500 REV debut at New York Auto Show

    Ram debuts its first battery-electric light-duty pickup truck at the 2023 New York International Auto Show. The zero-emission Ram 1500 REV will come in two variants for customers to choose from, a standard 168-kilowatt-hour battery pack with a targeted range of up to 350 miles or the optional 229-kilowatt-hour large battery pack with a targeted range of up to 500 miles. Both can add up to 110 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes with 800-volt DC fast charging at up to 350 kW offering customers quick and convenient charging solutions. The 1500 REV has vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid bi-directional charging capabilities. An onboard power panel in the bed can provide up to 7.2 kW while an available onboard power panel in the frunk provides up to 3.6 kW. Other targeted performance figures include a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, 654 horsepower, and 620 lb.-ft. of torque, up to 24 inches of water fording, up to 14,000 pounds of towing and a maximum payload capacity of 2,700 pounds. The powered frunk has 15 cu.-ft. of storage space. The 2025 Ram 1500 REV is available in five trims including Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Limited, and, the all-new trim, Tungsten. The range-topping Tungsten trim comes standard with a 23-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system. Other interior highlights include a Uconnect 5-powered infotainment system. A 12-inch or available 14.5-inch touchscreen display. And a 10.25-inch passenger screen that can be used to access Co-Pilot, entertainment functions, or view the exterior vehicle cameras. With the launch of the 1500 REV, Ram also teased a forthcoming REV XR model with what they say will have “class-shattering” range. Head to Autoblog to learn more about the Ram 1500 REV 

  • 2024 Kia EV9 debuts at the 2023 NYIAS

    The 2024 Kia EV9 made its global debut just a short week ago, but now it’s at the 2023 New York Auto Show, and Kia has U.S.-specific details to share with us about the three-row electric SUV. Power figures in the U.S. differ slightly from what Kia stated during the global launch. Instead of the top-shelf dual-motor version starting with a base of 380 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, the U.S. version will output a combined 379 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Kia said the higher output version that we get will be available as an after-sales purchase or subscription for global markets. This dual-motor version is paired with a 99.8 kilowatt-hour battery pack. Kia says it’s targeting a five second zero to sixty time and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity with this model. It also features torque vectoring to make it more fun to drive. Nothing changes for the U.S. as it concerns the single-motor EV9 options. The Long-Range rear wheel drive version still comes with the big 99.8 kilowatt-hour battery pack — Kia is targeting 300 miles of range with this model, but final EPA certification is not complete yet. The base model comes with a smaller 76.1 kilowatt-hour battery pack and a single motor producing 215 horsepower. Range estimates for this model aren’t yet available. Specs for charging the EV9 were also spelled out today. It will feature a maximum DC fast charging speed of 230 kilowatts, which Kia says is good for a 10%-80% charge in just 25 minutes. That charging speed is precisely what we expect from a car on the Hyundai Group’s E-GMP platform with 800-volt architecture. Level 2 charging will max out at 11 kilowatts. More intriguing specs concern cargo space, as Kia says the EV9 will offer 20.2 cubic feet of space with all three rows raised. That’s nearly identical to the Telluride’s figure of 21 cubic feet. With both rows folded, the maximum volume increases to 81.9 cubic feet, or 5.1 cubes less than a Telluride. We’ll still need to perform proper luggage tests to see how that space works in practice, but it’s safe to assume that if a Telluride works for your use case, an EV9 will, too. Kia went in-depth on U.S.-specific tech options for the EV9 in New York, with the most intriguing details coming in the driver assistance offerings. There’s no talk of Kia’s Level 3 autonomy being made available in the U.S. any time soon, but the car will still be optionally fitted with Lidar and other sensors that Kia says will make conditional Level 3 autonomy possible. What is confirmed instead is a new version of its Highway Drive Assist, (now named AHDA for “Advanced Highway Drive Assist”) that improves the system’s operation by using said lidar. This is complemented by a new Lane Following Assist 2 system that will help keep the EV9 centered in its lane better than previous systems. Remote Smart Park Assist 2 will be available as an option, allowing you to park your EV9 from outside the vehicle in a number of scenarios via the fob. The last big tech item of note is a new generation of infotainment technology debuting in the EV9 that Kia calls Connected Car Navigation Cockpit. This new tech will make the EV9 the first Kia with over-the-air update capability for vehicle systems. Most importantly of all, though, it will also house Kia’s first navigation system with EV-route charging guidance. Up until now, the lack of a native route planner integrated with the car’s systems has been one of the biggest omissions from otherwise stellar Kia EVs like the EV6 and Niro EV. We can’t wait to get our hands on the route planner and test it in the real world. Initial U.S. sales will begin in the fourth quarter of 2023, and while production for the EV9 will begin in Korea, Kia announced today that sometime in 2024, it will also be building the EV9 locally in West Point, Georgia using both U.S. and globally sourced parts. We’ll need to wait and see what the ever-fluid EV tax credit rules are by then, but the EV9 could potentially be eligible for a federal tax credit if Kia meets all of the government’s criteria in 2024. Learn more about the 2024 Kia EV9 at Autoblog.com #kia #kiaev9 #ev9 #ev #nyias #nyautoshow #cars

  • 2024 VW Atlas Peak walkaround | 2023 NYIAS

    If the prospect of “more rugged” fits into your truck-buying ethos this year and the idea of a Land Rover is a bit too “unpretty” for mild off-roading, consider the new 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition. It certainly looks the part. Debuting today in public at the VW stand at the New York International Auto Show, the Atlas Peak is an exercise in mobile design accoutrements: a gloss-black “X” design element stretches across the lower fascia, borrowed from Atlas Cross Sport. Two chrome strips pop on an otherwise blacked-out grille, flowing to either side of the illuminated logo. Want new colors? Avocado Green and Pure Grey are exclusive to this model. Black mirror caps, window surrounds, wheel arches and roof rails complete the black-out look in profile. Not enough décor? The Peak Edition logo on the side of the quarter panel is orange and chrome, and at the rear, a black tailgate strip meets a rugged black and silver diffuser with chrome exhaust bezels. In the cabin, VW explains, is “Titan Black leatherette paired with light grey accents and orange contrast stitching. Dash and door inserts in a black metallic check pattern further set the look apart from the rest of the Atlas family.” There’s a steering wheel clip bearing the same logo as the exterior badging and ambient lighting with 30 color choices The Peak Edition takes its cues from a concept called the Basecamp Camping model that was shown previously at the SEMA show. The basis of that example was a VR6-equipped Atlas SEL with the Basecamp appearance package, which adds fender flares, rocker panels and bumper additions. It also picked up Fifteen52 wheels VW sells, plus an H&R Springs suspension lift kit, wheel spacers and all-terrain tires. VW promises more details on the SUV at the launch this summer. For more visit www.autoblog.com #volkswagen #vw #vwatlas

  • 2024 Kia EV9 walkaround

    Power figures in the U.S. differ slightly from what Kia previously stated during the global launch. Instead of the top-shelf dual-motor model starting with a base of 380 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, it will output a combined 379 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Kia said the higher output version that we get as the standard dual-motor model would be available as an after-sales purchase or subscription for global markets. This dual-motor version is paired with a 99.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Kia says it’s targeting a 5.0-second 0-60 mph time and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity with this model. It also features torque vectoring to make it more fun to drive. Nothing changes for the U.S. as it concerns the single-motor EV9 options. The Long-Range RWD version still comes with the big 99.8-kWh battery pack — Kia is targeting 300 miles of range with this model, but final EPA certification is not complete yet. The base model comes with a smaller 76.1-kWh battery pack and a single motor producing 215 horsepower. Range estimates for this model aren’t yet available. Specs for charging the EV9 are also spelled out today. It will feature a maximum DC fast charging speed of 230 kW, which Kia says is good for a 10-80% charge in just 25 minutes. That charging speed is precisely what we expect from a car on the Hyundai Group’s E-GMP platform with 800-volt architecture. Level 2 charging will max out at 11 kW. More intriguing specs concern cargo space, as Kia says the EV9 will offer 20.2 cubic feet of space with all three rows raised. That’s nearly identical to the Telluride’s figure of 21.0 cubic feet. With both rows folded, the maximum volume increases to 81.9 cubic feet, or 5.1 cubes less than a Telluride. We’ll still need to perform proper luggage tests to see how that space works in practice, but it’s safe to assume that if a Telluride works for your use case, an EV9 will, too. Kia went in-depth on U.S.-specific tech options for the EV9 in NY, with the most intriguing details coming in the driver assistance offerings. There’s no talk of Kia’s Level 3 autonomy being made available in the U.S. any time soon, but the car will still be optionally fitted with the lidar and other sensors that Kia says will make “conditional Level 3 autonomy” possible. What is confirmed instead is a new version of its Highway Drive Assist, now named AHDA for “Advanced Highway Drive Assist,” that improves the system’s operation by using said lidar. This is complemented by a new Lane Following Assist 2 system that will help keep the EV9 centered in its lane better than previous systems. Remote Smart Park Assist 2 will be available as an option, allowing you to park your EV9 from outside the vehicle in a number of scenarios via the fob. The last big tech item of note is a new generation of infotainment technology debuting in the EV9 that Kia calls Connected Car Navigation Cockpit or CCNC for short. This new tech will make the EV9 the first Kia with other-the-air update capability for vehicle systems. Most importantly of all, though, it will also house Kia’s first navigation system with EV route charging guidance. Up until now, the lack of a native route planner integrated with the car’s systems has been one of the biggest omissions from otherwise stellar Kia EVs like the EV6 and Niro EV. We can’t wait to get our hands on the route planner and test its mettle in the real world. Initial U.S. sales will begin in the fourth quarter of 2023, and while production for the EV9 will begin in Korea, Kia announced today that sometime in 2024, it will also be building the EV9 locally in West Point, Georgia using both U.S. and globally sourced parts. We’ll need to wait and see what the ever-fluid EV tax credit rules are by then, but the EV9 could potentially be eligible for a federal tax credit if Kia meets all of the government’s criteria in 2024. Learn more about the Kia EV9 at Autoblog: https://www.autoblog.com/2023/04/05/2024-kia-ev9-revealed-ny-auto-show-debut/ #NYIAS #NewYorkAutoShow #KiaEV9

  • Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept is coming to reality

    New York Auto Show week is kicking off with a concept from Genesis that is going to find its way onto showroom floors in the near future, Genesis President and CEO Jose Munoz confirmed in New York. It's the Genesis GV80 Coupe, and it's the classic coupe-ification of an SUV we've seen time and time again from BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and more. And we have to say, it's quite handsome, particularly in its vivid orange paint. Read more at Autoblog: https://www.autoblog.com/2023/04/03/genesis-gv80-coupe-concept-reveal-new-york-auto-show/ Research the Genesis GV80 here: https://www.autoblog.com/buy/2022-Genesis-GV80/ #genesis #gv80 #coupe #gv80coupeconcept #cars #nyias

  • 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric, Limited and N Line

    Hyundai showed off the design of its 2024 Kona late last year, but today Hyundai is feeding us all the U.S. specs as the new Kona makes its North American debut at the New York Auto Show. This new generation of Kona starts with the Electric model (seen in yellow above), as Hyundai says it developed this new generation with the electric model as the priority. In practice, that means it's rocking a column-mounted shifter to free up center console space and numerous shared design elements with Hyundai's Ioniq models. The Kona's platform isn't radically changed to make the EV significantly different from before — the E-GMP platform cars still rule there — but there are still EV improvements. It’s packing the smallest of increases in battery size to 64.8 kWh, which Hyundai says is good for 260 miles of range — EPA numbers aren’t available yet, but the 2023 Kona Electric is rated for 258 miles. A smaller 48.6 kWh battery pack will be available for this generation of Kona Electric, too, this one allowing for 197 miles of range. This marks the first time Hyundai has offered the Kona Electric with two different packs. Hyundai’s new Kona platform still uses 400-volt architecture, unlike the E-GMP platform’s 800-volt architecture, so charging speeds are similar to the previous model. Hyundai promises a 10%-to--80% charge will take about 43 minutes in ideal conditions, but doesn’t quote a max speed. It’ll also be capable of vehicle-to-load like other Hyundai/Kia EVs, but can only output 1.7 kW of power. No matter the battery pack, the Kona Electric retains its FWD-only layout. The big battery pack version has a single electric motor good for 201 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. That’s the same power as the outgoing model — but it’s down on torque by a massive 103 pound-feet from the 2023 model's 291. The small battery Kona gets a less potent motor that is rated for 133 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. In case you’d rather have a gas-powered Kona (pictured above), Hyundai is offering two different powertrain options for your choosing. The first is a carryover 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission and comes standard. Meanwhile, the N Line and Limited trims get a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This motor is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that should prove far more enjoyable than the CVT in the base model. We asked Hyundai why it wasn't offering the hybrid powertrain being offered in global markets in America, and the answer is that Hyundai wants folks to turn to the Kona Electric as the green option. Both FWD and AWD will be available, and we suspect the AWD models could be slightly better to drive with their multi-link rear suspension design — FWD models make do with a torsion beam rear axle. However, the Kona Electric is the exception here, as it’s FWD but features a multi-link rear suspension. The N Line won’t enhance performance, but it will look considerably sportier with unique 19-inch wheels, revised front/rear fascias, an aggressive rear spoiler and dual exhaust. The extra sportiness transfers inside, too, as it gets red accidents all over N Line scuff plates and aluminum sport pedals. As for a future Kona N, Hyundai was mum for now, but we wouldn't doubt it if it comes back in the new generation. Inside all Kona models you’ll find a completely new interior that is far more spacious due to the Kona being a larger vehicle than before. In total, the Kona is 5.7 inches longer and an inch wider than the outgoing model, which means more cargo room and more backseat space. Hyundai says the loudest feedback about the previous Kona was a lack of backseat space, so it used most of the extra length to add there. Hyundai even thinned out the front seats and gave the rear bench couch-like curved edges to make it feel like more of a lounge. Of course, it's still a Kona, so don't expect a big lounge-like experience. In the front, Hyundai says the 12.3-inch screens (same size for both the cluster and infotainment system) will run next-gen software that we’ll be eager to try out. Other notable tech enhancements include more charge ports in both front and rear, an available Bose 8-speaker audio system, Hyundai’s Digital Key 2 Touch (allows you to use your smartphone as a key), OTA update-capable infotainment, remote smart parking and lots more driver assistance features like Blind-Spot View Monitor and the always excellent Highway Drive Assist. Pricing isn’t available for the new Kona yet, but Hyundai says the combustion engine version will hit dealers this summer. The Kona Electric will closely follow in late fall. For more visit www.autoblog.com #hyundai #hyundaikona #kona #nyias

  • 2025 Ram 1500 REV packs 650 horsepower, up to 500 miles of range

    It may have technically been revealed first during the Super Bowl, but the New York Auto Show is where we're finally getting to see the 2025 Ram 1500 REV up close and personal. It's also where Ram has provided all the important specs. And with 650 horsepower and up to 500 miles of range, it has some impressive numbers. The body of the Ram is very obviously based on the current Ram, but it has unique front and rear styling. The front bumper, grille, lights and hood are all completely different, and the headlights and illuminated "RAM" badge are straight off the concept. The taillights also continue onto the tailgate, similar to the F-150 Lightning. But this old body sits on new underpinnings. The REV uses the new STLA Frame, well, frame. It's a fair bit wider in the middle than the regular Ram frame in order to fit the battery packs. Read more at Autoblog: https://www.autoblog.com/2023/04/05/2025-ram-1500-rev-reveal-specs-new-york-auto-show/ Research Ram 1500 here: https://www.autoblog.com/ram/ #ram #ram1500 #ev #truck #cars

  • Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Anniversary Editions at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show

    The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Anniversary Edition returns for 2023, this time marking two decades since the package first debuted way back on the TJ. Jeep marked 10 years of the Rubicon with the first Anniversary Edition in 2013, and the fundamental approach remains the same this time around: More than a sticker package, but not enough to be a separate model in its own right, and American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is getting in on the action with an upgrade kit. Let's dive in. The core bits of the package are identical whether you opt for the 4xe or 392, but those are your only two choices — the V6 and four-cylinder Rubicon variants aren't invited to the party. Exterior upgrades include a unique grille treatment, various badges and decals, a grille guard, BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires (more on those momentarily), an integrated front trail camera, steel rock sliders, a Gorilla Glass windshield and some other bits here and there. 4xe models get a half-inch suspension lift and standard 33-inch tires; the 392 includes the Xtreme Recon package, which gets you a 2-inch lift and 35-inch KO2s. Inside, both get the telltale Rubicon red leather interior, all-weather mats and integrated auxiliary switches. To make things a bit more interesting, AEV is offering a "20th Anniversary Level II" package that incorporates massive 37" tires (Hi, Bronco Raptor!) alongside a pile of AEV add-ons, including a 2.5-inch lift with Bilstein shocks,17-inch Savegre II wheels and an upgraded axle ratio for the 4xe (4.56:1, which is offered from the factory on the Rubicon 392). Combined, AEV says its upgrades improve the Rubicon's vital off-road stats to the tune of 14.2 inches of ground clearance; 37.1 inches max water fording; and approach, breakover and departure angles of 50, 33 and 43 degrees, respectively. While the Rubicon's fundamentals really haven't changed in 20 years, the car market certainly has. Available exclusively on the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe and 392 models, the 2023 Rubicon 20th Anniversary Editions will start (yes, start) at $71,380 and $92,690, respectively (including $1,795 for destination). If that wasn't eye-watering enough for you, the AEV Level II package adds another $22,978 (4xe) or $21,130 (392; yes, the V8 package is cheaper). Both of those prices are inclusive of something called an "upfit logistics charge," which sounds an awful lot like a destination charge by another name. You're reading that correctly; An AEV Level II Rubicon 392 Anniversary Edition is a $110,000 Wrangler. For more visit www.autoblog.com #jeepwrangler #jeepwranglerrubicon #chicagoautoshow

  • 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show is more than just a longer Highlander

    From the teasers and the name, we weren’t expecting the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander to be a whole lot more than a longer version of the regular Highlander. But Toyota did a fair bit more than the bare minimum, bestowing the Grand Highlander with unique styling and the new Hybrid Max powertrain from the Toyota Crown and Lexus RX as an option. And of course, it is indeed bigger than the regular SUV. Whereas the standard Highlander is organic and curvy, the Grand Highlander is more slab-sided and creased. The nose sits higher, creating a razor-sharp leading edge. The grille design is also more closely related to the 4Runner than it is to Toyota's other SUVs. There's a significant increase in cladding on the outside, too. The thick rear pillars do a good job hiding the SUV's additional 6.5 inches of overall length and it is about 2 inches taller and wider than the regular Highlander. The Grand Highlander's newly designed dashboard shares some similarities to the regular model, but adds a second layer on top. The screen placement and overall integration are also changed from the Highlander. Overall interior space is where things really change. With all the seats up, the Grand Highlander can carry 20.6 cubic feet of cargo, 4.6 more than the regular Highlander. With all the seats down, the Grand Highlander's capacity expands to 97.5 cubic feet, 13.2 more than the Highlander. Toyota didn't give numbers for each row's head and leg room, but with the extra height and length, we're sure those will be improved across the board, too. Buyers also have the option of either a second row bench seat or captain's chairs. The Grand Highlander's grandest powertrain, which helps further separate it from the regular SUV, is the Hybrid Max. It combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a pair of electric motors and a six-speed automatic. In this application, it makes 362 horsepower, nearly as much as the version in the Lexus RX 500h. Toyota didn't divulge torque or fuel economy numbers, but this powertrain will let the Grand Highlander tow 5,000 pounds. The majority of Grand Highlanders will get the carry-over engines from the regular Highlander: the base turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, and the optional naturally aspirated 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder. Toyota didn't give any specs on these except to say that they're both available with either front- or all-wheel drive, and the hybrid is expected to get a quite impressive 34 miles per gallon combined. Odds are, power and torque will be unchanged, with the turbo engine offering 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and the hybrid offering 243 combined horsepower. The turbo engine is rated for 5,000 pounds of towing, while the hybrid is limited to 3,500. Three trims will be available for the Grand Highlander: XLE, Limited and Platinum. Standard features across all models are alloy wheels, heated mirrors, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen running Toyota's latest infotainment system, wireless phone charging, seven USB-C ports, 13 cup holders, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist and automatic high-beam headlights. Noteworthy features on higher trims include larger wheels, LED lighting, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heated and ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, parking sensors and stop-and-go functionality for the adaptive cruise control. The Grand Highlander will go on sale sometime this year. Availability and pricing will be announced this summer. For more visit www.autoblog.com #toyota #grandhighlander #toyotagrandhighlander

  • 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse features carbon fiber wheels at the Chicago Auto Show

    What kind of wheels do you buy when you're ponying up for a 500-horsepower 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse and you've even popped for some hand-painted stripes? If you're going to swallow a horse, don't choke on the tail, go all in — the Dark Horse will be available with these carbon fiber wheels. Ford offered a first look at them Wednesday on the floor of the Chicago Auto Show. Ford says they weigh in at 20.1 pounds, "37% lighter on average than Dark Horse aluminum wheels." (Doing the math, that puts the aluminum wheels at about 32 pounds, we think.) Ford also says it has put the wheels through over 200 tests for strength and rigidity. They are being built alongside carbon fiber wheel experts Carbon Revolution. Ford says these are its first-ever five-spoke single-piece carbon fiber wheel design, and they're a first for Carbon Revolution too, with lug nuts between the spokes. The two companies have worked together for a long time producing wheels for the Ford GT and Shelby GT350. And quoting from the press release: "For decades, the aerospace industry has treated turbine blade materials subject to extreme heat with ceramic coatings to help improve durability. Similar technology is used in top-tier open-wheel racing environments. A proprietary thermal barrier coating system has been developed by Carbon Revolution which tailors its plasma spray deposition technology to provide a thermal protection solution for carbon fiber wheels." So there's that. Plasma is involved. Oh, and we're told the wheels are blue, though they largely seem black in the photos. There are hints of blue there. No word on the cost. For now you'll have to use your imagination. Take a look. What do you think? For more visit www.autoblog.com #fordmustang #darkhorse #mustangdarkhorse #chicagoautoshow

  • 2024 Subaru Crosstrek revealed at 2023 Chicago Auto Show, loses manual transmission

    We got a look at the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek back in September, but now the U.S.-spec version has been revealed, and it has some minor differences to the global model. Two basic, naturally aspirated powertrain variants are offered among four trim levels. The base and premium Crosstrek get the 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, and it sends power through a standard CVT to all four wheels. Yes, this means that the Crosstrek has lost its manual transmission option. As with the previous model, the new Crosstrek has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, hill start assist, hill descent control, some level of torque vectoring -- and X-Mode, Subaru's off-road traction mode. Moving up to the Sport or Limited trim adds the U.S.-only 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. It gets a CVT, all-wheel-drive, and most of the same off-road features, but X-Mode gains a second mode for higher-speed off-road driving. The Sport model also gets unique lime yellow accents and both of these higher-output Crosstrek trims get 18-inch wheels. What's not different about the Crosstrek is its size. It's basically the same size inside and out. The price has barely changed, too. The MSRP of the old base model with the CVT is the same as the new one. Standard convenience and comfort equipment includes steering LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, dual 7-inch infotainment and climate screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control and rear-seat reminder. Higher trims get an 11.6-inch infotainment and climate screen and can be equipped with other features such as wireless phone charging, push-button starting, heated seats, heated mirrors and wipers and navigation. Optional safety features include rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and emergency steering avoidance under 50 mph. The 2.0-liter-equipped Crosstreks will be arriving first in the spring, with the 2.5-liter variants to follow in summer. For more visit www.autoblog.com/2023/02/09/2024-subaru-crosstrek-us-reveal-first-look/ #subaru #crosstrek #subarucrosstrek #chicagoautoshow

  • 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport walk around at the Chicago Auto Show

    The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have arrived as moderately refreshed SUVs at the Chicago Auto Show. A tweaked exterior design joins a thoroughly overhauled interior. Plus, Volkswagen has done some powertrain shuffling. For starters, Volkswagen has upgraded the base 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making it the only engine option. That means the upgrade of a V6 is no longer available. The beefed-up four-cylinder now cranks out 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, additions of 34 and 15 respectively. It still lags behind the outgoing V6 in horsepower, but now surpasses it in torque. Maximum towing capacity stays the same at 5,000 pounds, and Volkswagen has kept the same 8-speed automatic transmission to shift gears. Furthermore, Front wheel drive remains standard, while all-wheel drive remains an option. Exterior changes are most obvious in the dark. The new daytime running lights run all the way across the front of the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, dominating the design. This new light and the light-up Volkswagen badge are standard on all but the base models of both Atlas models. The front fascia of each is updated with revised side air intakes, and the coupe-ified Cross Sport uniquely gains gloss-black trim details to set it apart. Both Atlas models get larger rear spoilers and full-width rear tail lights — again, base models are left out of the full-width lighting. New wheel designs are available across the board and range from 18-inch to 21-inch options, the latter of which come exclusively with the R-Line appearance models. Lastly, the Cross Sport adds a special rear diffuser to give it a sportier look than its more traditionally shaped sibling. On the inside, Volkswagen has added its newest suite of tech to the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. This means the Atlas gets Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit Pro infotainment system that plays on a 12-inch touchscreen display. Plus, it gets Volkswagen’s Climatronic touch controls for temperature adjustment. We’ve been deeply disappointed in this new control stack in testing of the GTI and Golf R, and it looks like we’ll be in for a similar experience in the new Atlas. Standing alongside the new infotainment is a new, configurable 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that comes standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto and wireless phone charging are all along for the ride, but you can plug in to any of the eight available USB-C ports scattered throughout the interior, too. Since Volkswagen’s new infotainment/climate control system is an all-inclusive setup, the whole interior needed a redesign to fit it. The Atlas features a totally new center stack, dash and door panel design. The new shifter is the same nub-style shifter seen in automatic GTIs or Golf Rs. An intriguing light-up dash displays the specific model’s name in front of the passenger, and ambient lighting is now simply everywhere you look. It's all very clean and minimalistic, but we’ll see how usable the new Atlas interior may be once we get our hands on one. Other notable upgrades include a new leatherette dash and leatherette center console for more soft-touch surfaces. Volkswagen also offers available quilted leather seats in the top model, all in an effort to amp up the niceness of the Atlas’ interior. More features have been made standard equipment, including desirables like ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel (with shift paddles) and a height adjustable passenger seat. On the tech side, Volkswagen added its IQ driver assistance suite as standard equipment, which means every Atlas will have Volkswagen’s lane-centering system alongside others like blind spot monitoring and front and rear emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control can be added as an option. Volkswagen isn’t talking price for the 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport yet, but expect those details to be made public closer to the third quarter of 2023 when both models will go on sale. For more visit www.autoblog.com #volkswagen #vwatlascrosssport #vw

  • 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Revealed

    The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have arrived as moderately refreshed SUVs at the Chicago Auto Show. A tweaked exterior design joins a thoroughly overhauled interior. Plus, Volkswagen has done some powertrain shuffling. For starters, Volkswagen has upgraded the base 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making it the only engine option. That means the upgrade of a V6 is no longer available. The beefed-up four-cylinder now cranks out 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, additions of 34 and 15 respectively. It still lags behind the outgoing V6 in horsepower, but now surpasses it in torque. Maximum towing capacity stays the same at 5,000 pounds, and Volkswagen has kept the same 8-speed automatic transmission to shift gears. Furthermore, Front wheel drive remains standard, while all-wheel drive remains an option. Exterior changes are most obvious in the dark. The new daytime running lights run all the way across the front of the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, dominating the design. This new light and the light-up Volkswagen badge are standard on all but the base models of both Atlas models. The front fascia of each is updated with revised side air intakes, and the coupe-ified Cross Sport uniquely gains gloss-black trim details to set it apart. Both Atlas models get larger rear spoilers and full-width rear tail lights — again, base models are left out of the full-width lighting. New wheel designs are available across the board and range from 18-inch to 21-inch options, the latter of which come exclusively with the R-Line appearance models. Lastly, the Cross Sport adds a special rear diffuser to give it a sportier look than its more traditionally shaped sibling. On the inside, Volkswagen has added its newest suite of tech to the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. This means the Atlas gets Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit Pro infotainment system that plays on a 12-inch touchscreen display. Plus, it gets Volkswagen’s Climatronic touch controls for temperature adjustment. We’ve been deeply disappointed in this new control stack in testing of the GTI and Golf R, and it looks like we’ll be in for a similar experience in the new Atlas. Standing alongside the new infotainment is a new, configurable 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that comes standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto and wireless phone charging are all along for the ride, but you can plug in to any of the eight available USB-C ports scattered throughout the interior, too. Since Volkswagen’s new infotainment/climate control system is an all-inclusive setup, the whole interior needed a redesign to fit it. The Atlas features a totally new center stack, dash and door panel design. The new shifter is the same nub-style shifter seen in automatic GTIs or Golf Rs. An intriguing light-up dash displays the specific model’s name in front of the passenger, and ambient lighting is now simply everywhere you look. It's all very clean and minimalistic, but we’ll see how usable the new Atlas interior may be once we get our hands on one. Other notable upgrades include a new leatherette dash and leatherette center console for more soft-touch surfaces. Volkswagen also offers available quilted leather seats in the top model, all in an effort to amp up the niceness of the Atlas’ interior. More features have been made standard equipment, including desirables like ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel (with shift paddles) and a height adjustable passenger seat. On the tech side, Volkswagen added its IQ driver assistance suite as standard equipment, which means every Atlas will have Volkswagen’s lane-centering system alongside others like blind spot monitoring and front and rear emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control can be added as an option. Volkswagen isn’t talking price for the 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport yet, but expect those details to be made public closer to the third quarter of 2023 when both models will go on sale. For more visit www.autoblog.com #volkswagen #vwatlascrosssport #vw

  • 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Revealed

    From the teasers and the name, we weren’t expecting the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander to be a whole lot more than a longer version of the regular Highlander. But Toyota did a fair bit more than the bare minimum, bestowing the Grand Highlander with unique styling and the new Hybrid Max powertrain from the Toyota Crown and Lexus RX as an option. And of course, it is indeed bigger than the regular SUV. Whereas the standard Highlander is organic and curvy, the Grand Highlander is more slab-sided and creased. The nose sits higher, creating a razor-sharp leading edge. The grille design is also more closely related to the 4Runner than it is to Toyota's other SUVs. There's a significant increase in cladding on the outside, too. The thick rear pillars do a good job hiding the SUV's additional 6.5 inches of overall length and it is about 2 inches taller and wider than the regular Highlander. The Grand Highlander's newly designed dashboard shares some similarities to the regular model, but adds a second layer on top. The screen placement and overall integration are also changed from the Highlander. Overall interior space is where things really change. With all the seats up, the Grand Highlander can carry 20.6 cubic feet of cargo, 4.6 more than the regular Highlander. With all the seats down, the Grand Highlander's capacity expands to 97.5 cubic feet, 13.2 more than the Highlander. Toyota didn't give numbers for each row's head and leg room, but with the extra height and length, we're sure those will be improved across the board, too. Buyers also have the option of either a second row bench seat or captain's chairs. The Grand Highlander's grandest powertrain, which helps further separate it from the regular SUV, is the Hybrid Max. It combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a pair of electric motors and a six-speed automatic. In this application, it makes 362 horsepower, nearly as much as the version in the Lexus RX 500h. Toyota didn't divulge torque or fuel economy numbers, but this powertrain will let the Grand Highlander tow 5,000 pounds. The majority of Grand Highlanders will get the carry-over engines from the regular Highlander: the base turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, and the optional naturally aspirated 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder. Toyota didn't give any specs on these except to say that they're both available with either front- or all-wheel drive, and the hybrid is expected to get a quite impressive 34 miles per gallon combined. Odds are, power and torque will be unchanged, with the turbo engine offering 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and the hybrid offering 243 combined horsepower. The turbo engine is rated for 5,000 pounds of towing, while the hybrid is limited to 3,500. Three trims will be available for the Grand Highlander: XLE, Limited and Platinum. Standard features across all models are alloy wheels, heated mirrors, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen running Toyota's latest infotainment system, wireless phone charging, seven USB-C ports, 13 cup holders, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist and automatic high-beam headlights. Noteworthy features on higher trims include larger wheels, LED lighting, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heated and ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, parking sensors and stop-and-go functionality for the adaptive cruise control. The Grand Highlander will go on sale sometime this year. Availability and pricing will be announced this summer. For more visit www.autoblog.com #toyota #grandhighlander #toyotagrandhighlander

  • 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Revealed

    The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have arrived as moderately refreshed SUVs at the Chicago Auto Show. A tweaked exterior design joins a thoroughly overhauled interior. Plus, Volkswagen has done some powertrain shuffling. For starters, Volkswagen has upgraded the base 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making it the only engine option. That means the upgrade of a V6 is no longer available. The beefed-up four-cylinder now cranks out 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, additions of 34 and 15 respectively. It still lags behind the outgoing V6 in horsepower, but now surpasses it in torque. Maximum towing capacity stays the same at 5,000 pounds, and Volkswagen has kept the same 8-speed automatic transmission to shift gears. Furthermore, Front wheel drive remains standard, while all-wheel drive remains an option. Exterior changes are most obvious in the dark. The new daytime running lights run all the way across the front of the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, dominating the design. This new light and the light-up Volkswagen badge are standard on all but the base models of both Atlas models. The front fascia of each is updated with revised side air intakes, and the coupe-ified Cross Sport uniquely gains gloss-black trim details to set it apart. Both Atlas models get larger rear spoilers and full-width rear tail lights — again, base models are left out of the full-width lighting. New wheel designs are available across the board and range from 18-inch to 21-inch options, the latter of which come exclusively with the R-Line appearance models. Lastly, the Cross Sport adds a special rear diffuser to give it a sportier look than its more traditionally shaped sibling. On the inside, Volkswagen has added its newest suite of tech to the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. This means the Atlas gets Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit Pro infotainment system that plays on a 12-inch touchscreen display. Plus, it gets Volkswagen’s Climatronic touch controls for temperature adjustment. We’ve been deeply disappointed in this new control stack in testing of the GTI and Golf R, and it looks like we’ll be in for a similar experience in the new Atlas. Standing alongside the new infotainment is a new, configurable 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that comes standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto and wireless phone charging are all along for the ride, but you can plug in to any of the eight available USB-C ports scattered throughout the interior, too. Since Volkswagen’s new infotainment/climate control system is an all-inclusive setup, the whole interior needed a redesign to fit it. The Atlas features a totally new center stack, dash and door panel design. The new shifter is the same nub-style shifter seen in automatic GTIs or Golf Rs. An intriguing light-up dash displays the specific model’s name in front of the passenger, and ambient lighting is now simply everywhere you look. It's all very clean and minimalistic, but we’ll see how usable the new Atlas interior may be once we get our hands on one. Other notable upgrades include a new leatherette dash and leatherette center console for more soft-touch surfaces. Volkswagen also offers available quilted leather seats in the top model, all in an effort to amp up the niceness of the Atlas’ interior. More features have been made standard equipment, including desirables like ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel (with shift paddles) and a height adjustable passenger seat. On the tech side, Volkswagen added its IQ driver assistance suite as standard equipment, which means every Atlas will have Volkswagen’s lane-centering system alongside others like blind spot monitoring and front and rear emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control can be added as an option. Volkswagen isn’t talking price for the 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport yet, but expect those details to be made public closer to the third quarter of 2023 when both models will go on sale. For more visit www.autoblog.com #volkswagen #vwatlas #vw

  • 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Revealed | No more manual and still no turbo

    We got a look at the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek back in September, but now the U.S.-spec version has been revealed, and it has some minor differences to the global model. Two basic, naturally aspirated powertrain variants are offered among four trim levels. The base and premium Crosstrek get the 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, and it sends power through a standard CVT to all four wheels. Yes, this means that the Crosstrek has lost its manual transmission option. As with the previous model, the new Crosstrek has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, hill start assist, hill descent control, some level of torque vectoring -- and X-Mode, Subaru's off-road traction mode. Moving up to the Sport or Limited trim adds the U.S.-only 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. It gets a CVT, all-wheel-drive, and most of the same off-road features, but X-Mode gains a second mode for higher-speed off-road driving. The Sport model also gets unique lime yellow accents and both of these higher-output Crosstrek trims get 18-inch wheels. What's not different about the Crosstrek is its size. It's basically the same size inside and out. The price has barely changed, too. The MSRP of the old base model with the CVT is the same as the new one. Standard convenience and comfort equipment includes steering LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, dual 7-inch infotainment and climate screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control and rear-seat reminder. Higher trims get an 11.6-inch infotainment and climate screen and can be equipped with other features such as wireless phone charging, push-button starting, heated seats, heated mirrors and wipers and navigation. Optional safety features include rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and emergency steering avoidance under 50 mph. The 2.0-liter-equipped Crosstreks will be arriving first in the spring, with the 2.5-liter variants to follow in summer. For more visit www.autoblog.com #subaru #crosstrek #subarucrosstrek

  • 2023 Honda Pilot Review

    SEDONA, Ariz. — Honda’s fourth-generation Pilot is here in all of its squared-off, butched-up glory. Packing an updated powertrain with new drive modes and an upgraded TrailSport model for the outdoorsy types, the overhauled three-row wades into a segment where every new entry seems to push the boundaries of jack-of-all-trades utility and light-duty adventuring. Honda picked Sedona because it was one of many places across the country where its engineers spent time testing the capabilities of its new TrailSport models, Pilot included. Home turf, if you will. What the company didn’t count on was a freak January snowstorm that paralyzed the small town’s main arteries for several hours on the morning of our test drive. Neither the Elite nor the TrailSport models Honda brought along for evaluation were equipped with snow tires, so we were cautioned about following distances and slick hills before being released into the snow-covered desert. We started our drive in a TrailSport. The unique conditions provided an opportunity to test one of the fourth-gen Pilot’s new additions: selectable drive modes. Sure enough, “Snow” is one of them, and paired with the Continental all-terrains, it handled the slop with aplomb. A full-ABS braking test found reasonable grip from the knobby A/Ts even on icy hills, giving us confidence that we’d be able to get by on some of the area’s steeper inclines. A set of knobby tires might prompt concerns among those of you who know Honda’s history of delivering models that suffer a bit more than average from wind and road noise intrusion, but the Contis were admirably quiet even on rough desert asphalt. After trading in the TrailSport for an Elite, we actually found the latter’s all-seasons to be a bit more talkative on messy pavement, but the weather conditions and rather generous application of what appeared to be cinder treatment on the roads made for a challenging testing environment. Both models are powered by the Pilot’s new standard 3.5-liter V6. Yes, that may sound like a carryover, but is in fact a new, DOHC design. Power was bumped ever so slightly to 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet (up from 280 hp and 262 lb-ft) and the 10-speed automatic (with paddle shifters!) returns. Standard on the TrailSport and Elite, and optional on the other trims, is the second-generation of Honda’s i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. It features a stronger rear diff that can handle 40% more torque while responding 30% quicker. As much as 70% of the engine’s power can be sent to the rear axle, with 100% of that transferred to one wheel. Sedona sits more than 4,000 feet above sea level. Those altitudes are borderline hostile to naturally aspirated engines, to the tune of a roughly 40-horsepower deficit. That made Honda’s choice of testing venues a bold one. A turbocharged unit would lose a lot less of its wind out here, but the V6 held its own despite the Pilot’s heft. The standard 2WD model checks in at a reasonable 4,030 pounds. The AWD models we sampled are a good bit heavier — 4,685 for the TrailSport and 4,660 for the loaded-up Elite. Heavy though these figures may sound, they’re in line with the Highlander Platinum (4,453 pounds) and Pathfinder Rock Creek (4,605 pounds). And for context, all of them weigh less than even a two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland (4,721 pounds). Speaking of the competition, Honda is looking to one-up the Nissan’s sliding second-row and handy removable console. The Pilot can now be optioned with a removable center seat in the second row, allowing you to convert your 8-passenger model to 7-passenger duty with far better access to the third row. Even better, the seat can be stowed in the under-floor cargo area behind the third row in case you need to bring it with you (or have cause to remove it in the middle of an outing). It weighs about 45 pounds and it’s a bit unwieldy, but it comes out in seconds and removal requires no tools. Honda supplies a sturdy tie-down strap to secure it in the rear cubby while you drive. Unfortunately, this knocks it out of contention as a TrailSport option, as the full-sized spare intrudes too far into the rear cargo area. That’s not the only interior upgrade. Honda chucked the Pilot’s old cabin out the window entirely in favor of a new, much sleeker and more upscale look. Honda says the Pilot’s front seats were redesigned for better support and reduced fatigue. The updates appear to have paid dividends, as we had zero complaints about their shape or adjustability. Materials, fit and finish all show improvements over the previous generation. There’s no under-console storage, but there is ample space inside along with room for doodads in the recessed portion of the dash. Whether you opt for the standard 7-inch infotainment system or the 9-inch upgrade, the physical-button-to-touchscreen-control ratio is favorable. USB-A and USB-C plugs are available on the center console for smartphones, as is a standard 12-volt DC outlet. USB-A charging is also standard in the second row; third-row ports become standard at EX-L and above. A wireless charger sits below them (on models so equipped) for easy access. The Bose system on the Elite is the first branded audio offered in Pilot’s history; our testing environment wasn’t the best for audio evaluation; that’ll have to wait for a future road test. Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard (wireless is standard on EX-L or better). We were able to pair and use Android Auto with virtually zero effort. Honda’s new infotainment isn’t perfect, but it’s certainly much better than what we were used to seeing from them just a couple of model years ago. That said, the 10.2-inch digital cluster exclusive to the Elite is cool to look at, but doesn’t bring much functionality to the table. We also have to dock Honda a few points for sticking to those corny digital temperature readouts on the HVAC controls. That’s not the brand of nostalgia we’re itching for. And the single 3.0-amp USB-C port up front is a good start, but we’d like to see more of those in the rear cabin area. With Pilot, Honda is entering the second phase of its TrailSport rollout. While the 2022 Pilot and Passport TrailSport conveyed the general direction Honda intends for the sub-brand, the 2023 Pilot is the first ground-up execution of the concept, building on the slight suspension lift and wheel/tire package that was offered for 2022. For 2023, that lift grows to an inch, for a respectable but not 4x4-rivaling 8.3 total inches of ground clearance. You also get steel skid plates for the oil pan, transmission and gas tank; a full-size spare tire; smaller stabilizer bars for improved off-road articulation and a trim-exclusive “Trail” mode for Honda’s new drive mode system. Our time in Sedona reinforced our experiences with the prototype TrailSport we briefly sampled last year. No longer a sleepy woo-woo backwater, the little Arizona town is now chock-full of premium crossovers and SUVs. As we quickly learned, however, their ubiquity ends where the pavement does.

  • Chrysler Synthesis Cockpit Demonstrator at CES 2023

    As auto enthusiasts, we get used to seeing vehicle exteriors teased endlessly while interiors often remain under wraps until the very last second. And then once a year, CES happens and our focus shifts briefly to glimpses of arguably the single most important part of a car for most drivers: the many touch points between man and machine. Chrysler will be among those offering in-person demonstrations of its vision for future tech, and in this case, a little bit more. Chrysler says it will be the standard-bearer for the company's forthcoming AI-based technologies that can both adapt to driver preferences and automate certain functions — up to and including driving. Chrysler is calling it "Advanced Technology For Real Life" and says it will "create smooth, efficient and connected experiences between the customer and the vehicle." The demonstrator itself shows off the next generation of interior materials ("vegetable-tanned, suspended seats wrapped with an arctic upcycled chrome-free soft trim embellished by a unique constellation-style perforation") and design themes. Chrysler calls it "Harmony in Motion," but rest assured that it will remain stationary for all of its demonstrations. Its simulation is meant to represent a day in the life of a typical owner. It optimizes the day's drive routes, coordinates with other smart ecosystems (home, phone, etc.) and even takes the wheel to allow for multi-tasking (simulating level 3 self-driving). Check it out at Chrysler's booth starting tomorrow, Jan. 5. #chrysler #synthesiscockpit #ces2023

  • Jaguar F-Pace | 2nd Row Review and Reaction

    The 2022 Jaguar F-Pace is an aesthetically pleasing alternative to the regular crowd of compact luxury SUVs from Europe and Asia. It bears the leaper proudly on its tightly-wrapped and attractive bodywork, and there’s little to complain about on the interior, too. Jaguar offers a level of performance available for whatever fits your fancy, but this SUV would rather be a cruiser and backroad bruiser versus a Nürburgring-carver no matter the model you choose. Some of our usual Jaguar Land Rover gripes have dissipated with the F-Pace recently, as it’s now sporting a competent suite of tech to match its good looks. Plus, the new and complex inline-six engine is a real treat to use no matter the environment — it pulls hard when called upon, but has a smooth and luxurious side around town. We think it’s the engine to get. The F-Pace fits in nicely to this large group of luxury crossovers on sale today, offering an unmatched level of style and a good dose of substance to back it up. We’d still recommend a couple luxury SUVs before it, but the F-Pace is a more worthy alternative than it’s ever been today. There are no notable changes for the F-Pace in 2022 beyond a few optional items being made standard. Those include a power tailgate and privacy glass for the four- and six-cylinder models, and adaptive cruise control with lane-following assist for the SVR. The F-Pace received a makeover for the 2021 model year, and you can read more about that here. The F-Pace’s interior just went through a big rethink last year that upgraded it into the realm of a top-shelf luxury cabin. It has an upscale look, uses excellent materials, and while it may struggle to find that balance between the inclusion of features and maintaining ease of use, nobody will criticize it for a lack of trying with technology. Per usual with Jaguar, the color and materials choices are vast, allowing you to find a combination that best fits your personality. The standard heated (front) seats are comfortable, and the interior as a whole measures up to its leading competitors out of Germany in the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. A standard 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system runs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the Jaguar software is finally respectable with the latest Pivi Pro system. It’s rich in appearance, reacts quickly and the graphics are gorgeous. This screen is complemented by the nice 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that offers a number of configurable display options. We’re less excited about the bizarre climate/seat controls that are bundled into the same knob. You “press” to change the knob’s functionality between adjusting the seat temperature and climate control temperature, but unfortunately, it doesn’t like to work 100% of the time. When it does, it’s a cool party trick, but it’s simply irritating otherwise for such a vital car control. The F-Pace is on the larger side of luxury compact crossovers and SUVs, but it’s still not a big car. Rear legroom measures in at 37.2 inches, which is merely average for the segment. Adults will fit without issue, and the recline on the seats themselves ensures a comfortable enough seating position. Cargo space is also a respectable 26.6 cubic-feet, but is hindered by the fast-sloping roofline. It’s also a narrow cargo space, but put the rear seats down, and its capability opens up to swallow longer items with ease. Storage throughout the F-Pace is present, but not abundant. Its cupholders are generous enough in diameter, but not super deep. The cubby ahead of the shifter is the perfect spot to tuck a phone, and Jaguar provides wireless charging as standard in that cubby, too. Jaguar offers four different levels of performance with the F-Pace, and the top level, called SVR, is a true performance model in every way. However, it all starts with the P250 that is outfitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 246 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. This model, like all other F-Paces, is fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Fuel economy for the P250 is rated at 22 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. The step up from here is the P340 that gets Jaguar’s 3.0-liter turbocharged (and aided by an electric supercharger) inline-six. It also features mild-hybrid technology that stores energy in a lithium-ion battery, then deploys it to assist the engine as it’s accelerating from a stop. All in, this powertrain produces 335 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is hardly affected for the extra power, as it rings in at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. A slightly more potent version of this same powertrain — the P400 makes — 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy drops by 1 mpg on the highway with the P400 to 26 mpg. For more visit https://www.autoblog.com/2022/01/18/2022-jaguar-f-pace-review/ #jaguar #jaguarfpace #fpace