autos
LifestyleAutoblog2022 Lexus UX gets new colors and a single new feature
If you were waiting to see what Lexus would do with the 2022 UX before committing to buy, the answer is "make tiny cosmetic changes." Between the Lexus press release and images, the new colors mentioned are Grecian Water, Cadmium Orange, Cloudburst Gray, Sonic Chrome, and Silver Lining Metallic. Cadmium Orange is available now on the 2021 UX.
BusinessAutoblogToyota celebrates the Land Cruiser's 70th birthday with retro-flavored model
Toyota is celebrating the Land Cruiser's 70th birthday by releasing a limited-edition version of the 37-year-old 70-Series model on the Australian market. Buyers can order the special Land Cruiser as a pickup with a single or double cab, or as a wagon. Available in French Vanilla, Merlot Red, or Sandy Taupe, the 70th Anniversary gains a specific grille with "TOYOTA" lettering instead of the firm's oval emblem, tinted headlights, black paint on the front bumper and on the fender flares, plus 16-inch wheels with a dark gray finish.
LifestyleAutoblog2006-2010 Mazda5 | Used Vehicle Spotlight
The discontinued Mazda5 is a type of vehicle that simply no longer exists in the U.S. There are still plenty of minivans out there, but the Mazda5’s small footprint and car-like styling push it into the compact minivan category. Meanwhile, Mazda’s description of its Mazda5 is far more skewed to talking up its driving dynamics and handling prowess. As an example of where Mazda’s head was at with this extra-mini minivan, it was offered with a manual transmission.
BusinessAutoblogMitsubishi's new Outlander could herald the return of Ralliart
Mitsubishi is on the cusp of reviving its dormant Ralliart performance line, and a new report suggests the label will return on a sportier version of the latest Outlander PHEV. Ralliart's unexpected revival was announced during a presentation made to investors in May 2021, though no further details were released. Japanese magazine Best Car learned from unnamed sources that the new Outlander PHEV (pictured) expected to break cover in the coming months will be the first Ralliart-branded model in several years.
BusinessAutoblogNext Subaru Wilderness model teased, and we're sure we know what it is
Subaru is really getting into the habit of releasing teasers with virtually no information. Referencing it against other Subaru models that don't have Wilderness trims, and the only model that fits is the Forester. There weren't exactly many options, of course, since the Outback Wilderness covers the regular model and the Legacy.
EntertainmentAutoblog'Fast and Furious': Chatting with the movie car guy who builds Dom's Dodge Chargers
Veteran movie car coordinator Dennis McCarthy has worked on many of the biggest films and franchises of all time, from Marvel (Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War) to DC (Man of Steel, Birds of Prey) to the Fast saga (every installment since 2 Fast 2 Furious). McCarthy works with key figures like the screenwriter, director and stunt coordinator to figure out not only which cars to pair with specific scenes and actors but also what mechanical modifications are required to ensure the vehicles can achieve what the filmmakers need for the film sequence. McCarthy is especially essential, then, on a film like this summer’s F9, the latest high-octane adventure with speedsters Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and family that made its on-demand premiere last week.
BusinessAutoblogFord Maverick hybrids will reportedly not be stocked at launch
It appears Maverick customers will get a taste of Ford's new build-to-order strategy this fall. Due to limited production allocations and ongoing pandemic-related supply issues, the only hybrid models that will initially be delivered to dealers will be sold orders. Per a dealer representative on MaverickTruckClub.com, this is expected to be the case for the first two months of Maverick's rollout – at minimum – as the company has at least that many verified retail orders in the system.
SportsAutoblogWatch as 2022 Audi RS 3 is crowned compact king of the Nurburgring
Audi's latest RS 3 hasn't landed in showrooms yet, but it has already started winning medals. It set a new record on the challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife track in Germany by shaving about five seconds from the previous record. Powered by a sonorous 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, the 2022 RS 3 lapped the Green Hell in 7:40.748, which is a new record in the compact class.
BusinessAutoblogAutomakers turn to less-popular models as chip shortage hinders rebound
July sales results are expected to trickle in Tuesday as OEMs yet again put blame for lagging production volumes on the ongoing global semiconductor chip shortage. BMW and Stellantis became the latest major carmakers to warn on Tuesday that the shortage that has bedeviled the industry this year will drag on throughout 2021 and beyond, hitting production and sales. Other carmakers from Tesla to Ford have warned that for the foreseeable future, a lack of chips is the main speed bump.
LifestyleAutoblog2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing First Drive Review | A magnificent sunset
Rising from the ashes of the ATS-V, the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing represents the ultimate (in the purest sense of the word) in compact performance from GM’s luxury brand. The name Blackwing was originally applied to a stillborn, twin-turbocharged V8 destined for a new generation of luxury sedans, but has been repurposed as a symbol for Cadillac’s stubborn insistence on doing right by its performance heritage, right up to the end. Whatever version of finality works best for you, apply it here, because Blackwing represents the gasoline-powered Cadillac’s final form.
BusinessAutoblogToyota Avalon production to end after 2022
According to a new report, the Toyota Avalon will not live beyond the 2022 model year. The Avalon is the largest sedan and the flagshippiest model in Toyota's lineup (we're not counting Lexus here), but it appears to be another victim of the crossover takeover. The report comes from Automotive News, which reports that the Avalon was originally slated to get a mid-cycle refresh next year.
BusinessAutoblogAcura NSX to end production in blaze of glory with Type S
Production of the Acura NSX is coming to an end after the 2022 model year. Before it goes, though, Acura is promising one last hurrah, in the form of a Type S variant. Said to have performance improvements and limited production, it will prove to be the ultimate form of Honda's second-generation supercar.
TechnologyAutoblogToyota could add a diesel-electric system to its arsenal of hybrid tech
Toyota will electrify its global range of off-roaders and commercial vehicles by developing a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, according to a recent report. The system will power bigger, heavier vehicles like the Land Cruiser. Combining a turbodiesel engine and an electric motor is a match made in heaven for users who need as much torque as possible, like motorists who regularly tow, haul or drive off-road.
NewsAutoblogWatch this GMC Sierra pickup slide down a boat launch into a lake
You can see the video from WICS ABC NewsChannel 20 above. The only reason this mishap was caught on video is because the news station was running a short standup segment at the boat launch. It appears that this is just a good ol' fashioned case of improper boat launching.
LifestyleAutoblogKoenig Special Ferraris looking for Gordon Gecko's bid in Monterey
Glossy car magazines in the 1980s regularly welcomed the outrageous and hugely powerful gimcracks created by U.S. and European tuners. Koenig Specials always seemed to be on photo shoots, probably because they looked like, well, this. Eponymous namesake Willy Koenig, a German, also had a company origin story akin to Ferrucio Lamborghini's.
BusinessAutoblog2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT revealed as a more rugged(ish) midsize SUV
The latest is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, an appearance package that machos up Hyundai's midsize SUV that was given a mid-cycle restyle last year. It effectively starts off as an SEL trim level with the Convenience package, and true to off-roadish appearance package form, can be had with front-wheel drive as well as all-wheel drive. The rugged appearance upgrades include black lower bumper moldings and dark silver faux skid plates front and back; XRT-exclusive door lower door moldings, side steps and 18-inch black wheels; a matte-black grille; and mirror covers, roof rails and raised cross rails in ... you guessed it, black.
LifestyleAutoblog5 unused, unregistered Bentley Mulsanne Grand Limousines for sale
Bentley the company has said that the five stretched Mulsannes were delivered, but never used or registered. Bentley said the first cars were built in 2015, and the model made its public debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. Obviously, the most distinct part of the car was its length, just over three feet greater than a standard Mulsanne, itself a large machine.
LifestyleAutoblog2022 Audi E-Tron GT First Drive Review | Audi hits a bullseye
The Audi E-Tron GT is the first electric vehicle that feels like a legitimate flagship for its brand. Does a Mustang Mach E make Mustang devotees happy or mad? The E-Tron GT, though, exudes the aura of an Audi.
NewsAutoblogToyota will re-release spare parts for the 40-Series Land Cruiser
Toyota will help enthusiasts keep classic Land Cruiser models on the road by re-releasing a number of rare parts that are no longer in production. Often called FJ40, the 40-Series Land Cruiser built from 1960 to 1984 wasn't the first Toyota off-roader (it had several predecessors) but it's the one that's mostly fondly remembered in 2021. As values rise, genuine parts are getting difficult to come by, and the quality of aftermarket bits varies greatly.
NewsAutoblogWin the fastest Land Rover ever, the 2021 Range Rover Sport SVR
The Range Rover SVR can do both, though we don’t recommend attempting them at the same time. Also, a Range Rover Sport SVR can be had for much less than the $125,000 MSRP — just head on over to Omaze, where they’re giving one away. If I have to compare the odd experiences, I'd say that BMW's X6 M is more technically proficient (with pin-sharp engine response) than the SVR, but the Range Rover felt less high-strung and edgy on a circuit.
TechnologyAutoblog2022 Honda Pilot awaits new base trim, so it starts at $40,285 for now
Honda has begun the rollout of the 2022 seven-seater Pilot crossover, emphasis on "begun." The base LX and EX trims available presently won't make the leap into next year, and Honda hasn't debuted the trim or trims that will substitute. It's possible just one new entry-level model will replace the LX and EX, Honda writing in a press release that this autumn will welcome a "well-equipped new entry trim level aimed at younger buyers and active lifestyles, offsetting the no longer available LX and EX entry trim levels."
SportsAutoblogBMW preps i4 EV for safety car duty at MotoE World Cup
BMW's M division has turned the recently-unveiled i4 into its first electric safety car. The battery-powered sedan will lead the field at the Motorcycle Grand Prix of Austria's MotoE World Cup taking place in August 2021. M's historic colors appear on the front splitter, on both sides, and on the rear diffuser, and BMW added a light bar to ensure no one misses the car.
NewsAutoblogAston Martin Valkyrie is set to lose its roof at Pebble Beach with roadster variant
Aston Martin is coming to Monterey Car Week with a new car reveal. The specific model name isn’t explicitly mentioned by Aston, but one look at the “teaser” gives us all the information we might need to suss it out. The Valkyrie is losing its roof for a new Roadster variant that will join the existing hardtop and racing-only AMR Pro model.
NewsAutoblogBMW R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B expand the big-bike family
BMW opened its new foray into big cruisers with last year's R 18 and R 18 Classic. This year the R 18 tree branches in two more directions with the R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental; the B is for "bagger," the Transcontinental is for iron-butt sunup-to-sundown days in the saddle. The "Big Boxer," as BMW calls it, rolls up with the same 91 horsepower and 116 pound-feet of torque.
LifestyleAutoblog2021 Karma GS-6 First Drive Review | Seriously attractive deal
In 2014, Karma Automotive formed to take over the model and evolved it into a very impressive series plug-in hybrid called the Revero GT. Now it gets another name change, as the Revero GT will become the name for a far more powerful flagship electric car. Despite being extremely similar to the nearly decade old Fisker, it hasn't lost any of its power to grab attention, all of it positive.
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