Author: Sofia

Hyundai’s handsome Ioniq 6 electric sedan doesn’t only look good, it also offers some decent range. EPA-rated range estimates were published on Tuesday and the highest figure is 361 miles. That’s 58 miles more range than the best estimate for the related Ioniq 5, and three miles more range than the highest estimate for the Tesla Model 3. That shouldn’t come as a huge surprise given the Ioniq 6’s sleek shape and numerous aero design tweaks like active flaps at the front, a sealed underbody, rear spoilers, and aero-optimized wheel patterns. Together, these features help the car return a low drag…

A leadership change at Toyota doesn’t seem to have changed the automaker’s EV strategy. Akio Toyoda recently announced a step over to chairman after 14 years as CEO of the automaker founded by his grandfather, with Koji Sato anointed as the next Toyota CEO. But the automaker’s stance on EVs—that they’re not the only solution to addressing climate change—has remained consistent throughout the transition. 2023 Toyota Prius XLE In a recent presentation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Toyota chief scientist Gill Pratt argued that the all-EV strategies announced by some automakers will fall short of achieving emissions-reduction…

The SUV version of the GMC Hummer EV pledges to Tread Lightly. Electrify America plans to install more chargers at roadside travel centers. And Mazda’s flagship makes its debut in plug-in hybrid form. This and more, here at DriftBreath Reports.  Mazda has revealed its flagship CX-90 SUV plug-in hybrid, with seating for up to eight, and a plug-in hybrid is an important part of the lineup. Although feature details, pricing, and positioning are all yet to come, the CX-90 arrives this spring and could be another compelling family vehicle for those who can’t jump all the way to an EV.…

The Acura ARX-06 took the first win of IMSA’s LMDh prototype era at the 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona. Prior to the race weekend, Acura released a documentary showing how the car was designed. Branded GTP by IMSA in reference to the class of prototypes from the sanctioning body’s 1980s glory days, the LMDh rule set includes hybrid powertrains, as well as chassis from approved suppliers, but gives manufacturers freedom for styling and in the choice of internal-combustion engine to be paired with spec hybrid components. 2023 Acura ARX-06 LMDh race car teaser  Taking advantage of the relatively open design…

The U.S. Justice Department has requested documents from Tesla related to its Autopilot and “Full Self-Driving” features, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published Tuesday. In the filing, which was reported on by multiple media outlets, Tesla confirmed that the Justice Department had requested documents, but it indicated it wasn’t anticipating prosecution. “To our knowledge no government agency in any ongoing investigation has concluded that any wrongdoing occurred,” Tesla said in the filing. 2023 Tesla Model X – Courtesy of Tesla, Inc. Tesla has come under fire multiple times over the years for its driver…

Audi has purchased a stake in the Sauber Formula 1 team, ahead of its plan to compete in the sport from 2026 as both a constructor and power unit supplier. The purchase was announced on Monday by Sauber, which described the deal as a minority stake. Audi could gradually increase the stake in the lead-up to its 2026 entry in an effort to gain more control of the team. Sauber currently competes in F1 as Alfa Romeo but the automaker last August announced the arrangement would end after the 2023 season. Alfa Romeo hasn’t said whether it is quitting F1…

Own the pinnacle of 911 performance. In its current generation, the GT3 version of the Porsche 911 represents the ultimate track-focused version of the celebrated performance machine. However, with a designation that has rarely been used for the car, the 991-generation’s GT2 RS was a version of the car that eclipsed even the GT3 and GT3 RS in power and speed. With its incredible 700 horsepower coming from its twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, the car’s 6:47.2 Nürburgring lap time makes it one of the fastest cars on a track. Period. As a matter of fact, the 911 GT2 RS held the…

Fast Facts 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Crew Cab 4×4 Powertrain 5.7-liter V8 (395hp @ 5,600 rpm, 410lb-ft @ 3,950 rpm) Transmission Eight-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive Fuel Economy, MPG 18 city / 22 highway / 19 combined (EPA Rating) Fuel Economy, L/100km 13.4 city / 10.5 highway / 12.1 combined. (NRCan Rating) Base Price $55,690 US / $70,190 CAN As Tested $75,560 US / $82,805 CAN Prices include $1,795 destination charge in the United States and $1,895 for freight, PDI, and A/C tax in Canada and, because of cross-border equipment differences, can’t be directly compared. Step back in time…

BMW has filed a patent application for grilles that include headlights and other lighting elements, Auto Express reported on Monday, citing information found in patent documents. Documents filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization show designs that could incorporate headlights, as well as sensors for driver-assist features, into BMW’s signature twin-kidney grille, the report said. Accompanying drawings from the patent application show the traditional headlight and grille shapes blended together into contiguous sections. Patent image of a BMW grille incorporating headlights The documents also mention “light conductive tech,” a material covering the grille that can switch from opaque to transparent,…

The Mercedes CLA is a hugely desirable small car with the aspirations of something much bigger. It’s not the sharpest car to drive, but it handles neatly and predictably, and is perfectly suited pounding up and down the motorway, where it proves a refined and comfortable commuter no matter which spec you go for.The beautifully built, tech-laden interior is a real selling point; little this side of an E-Class feels quite so special inside. If you’re after a small, stylish saloon (or estate) that offers something a bit different to the norm, the CLA might be worth a look.About the Mercedes CLAThe Mercedes CLA…