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Porsche is out testing prototypes for an updated Taycan, and the latest tester to be spotted is for the performance EV’s Cross Turismo soft-roader body style. Prototypes for the sedan and Sport Turismo wagon are also out testing. Clear giveaways that this is the Cross Turismo and not the Sport Turismo include the taller ride height, chunky side skirts, and protective underbody cladding. The Taycan initially arrived in the sedan body style for the 2020 model year and spawned the Cross Turismo for 2021 and Sport Turismo for 2022. The complete updated range should arrive for the 2024 model year,…
Quick Facts About Trailer Backup Assist Systems All current systems require the driver to accelerate and brake the vehicle. Ford and Ram trailer backup assist systems provide a separate control knob for steering. Aftermarket backup assist kits similar to the Ford and Ram factory systems aren’t currently available. Truck makers are tirelessly working to eliminate some of the drama from towing a trailer. These are welcome improvements to a task that can be stressful for even experienced drivers and downright scary for the novice. Here we are going to concentrate on some current technologies that simplify one of the more…
I spent the past few days behind the wheel of a 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe.Notes? Oh, I have notes.The 4xe pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque with a starter/generator motor and a transmission traction motor for a total system power output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The automatic transmission has eight speeds. Some quick thoughts:The 4xe may have neat tech, but you still make all the usual tradeoffs you do with Wranglers, especially a Rubicon. That means a lot of noise — especially with the power soft-top and…
One of my prized possessions is this photo of a school-bus-yellow C4 Corvette race car that I drove in the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1987. That’s me behind the wheel, about to turn left and climb up onto Daytona International Speedway’s high-banked Turn 1. In the background is a blurry red race car, most likely the famous Coca-Cola–sponsored Porsche 962 GTP prototype co-driven by sports car and Formula 1 superstar Hans-Joachim Stuck. Every time I look at that photo I feel a thrill from knowing that I had been on the inside of one of the great top-level professional…
Porsche has issued a recall on certain versions of the Panamera hatchback and wagon due to a potential fire risk. The recall affects Panameras and Panamera Sport Turismos from the 2017-2021 model years, and specifically the Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera GTS, Panamera Turbo, and Panamera Turbo S grades. A total of 24,467 examples may be affected in the U.S., according to the recall notice published by the NHTSA on Jan. 27. The issue is caused by the external coolant pump for the climate control system on the vehicles. In some cases, humidity may enter the pump and cause an electrical…
Last July, Alfa Romeo boss Jean-Philippe Imparato said his Italian concern would develop a new battery-electric vehicle in the U.S. that would launch here in 2027. It would take the new top spot in the lineup, being larger than the Stelvio, full of tech and full of performance. During the launch of the Tonale in Japan, the boss shared provisional specs of the “high-performance SUV” with Automotive DriftBreath Europe. The pack of some unknown size would juice motors putting out from 300 to 800 horsepower in the standard range, and around 1,000 horsepower in a Quadrifoglio trim. Here’s the big…
As far as knock-offs go, the FC3S Mazda RX-7 is one of the best. I’ll explain that brassy opinion shortly, in case you think I need my head checked, but first, let’s set the scene… It took many months of text ping-pong to tee up a shoot with the owner of this 1989 RX-7, Kohei Miyata. It was worth the wait, though, as I’m sure you’ll soon agree. I first met Kohei-san last year, when we shot his NA2 Acura NSX-T with another USDM-spec, left-hand drive NSX from the Level One Japan crew. Along with the NSX and this RX-7, Kohei-san is…
Known for its off-road shock absorbers, Fox is delving into complete vehicle builds with a special-edition Ford Bronco inspired by the King of the Hammers off-road race. Built under the Fox Factory Performance Vehicle Development (PVD) banner in a partnership with King of the Hammers race, the Ford Bronco King of the Hammers (KOH) Edition was unveiled at its namesake race last Friday, with modifications inspired by the 4600-class Broncos competing in the event. Fox teamed with off-road racer Jason Scherer to design the vehicle. The modifications center around Fox’s 2.5 Performance Elite shocks, paired with BDS coilovers, locating 37-inch…
Standing in the lobby at Mitsubishi’s suburban Nashville headquarters last week, I looked out the window and saw Nissan’s own HQ just down the street. Even though Mitsubishi tells me that it’s just a coincidence that the two offices are that close to one another, the two companies are part of a larger alliance that also involves Renault. Even if it’s not intentional, one can feel the corporate synergy.Geographic proximity isn’t the only reason I mention this – the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV I was in town to drive shares a lot of its bones with Nissan’s Rogue. Including much…
Beyond the functionality and powerful mechanics of cars, they have long been valued for their looks. The best looking cars throughout history have been able to redefine aesthetics of performance, personality, and status. From edgy, sporty looking cars characterized by their sleek and aerodynamic designs to timeless luxury vehicles, there are a range of vehicles that are a cut above when it comes to looks. The car industry is constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries when it comes to creating the next cool looking cars. Some of the best looking new cars have instantly come on the scene as true…