Carscoops | Newsletter

Watch As This Tired But Low-Mileage Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI Is Made To Look 20 Years Younger
Environmental Activists Deflate Tires On At Least 30 SUVs In Canadian City
Trio Of Corvette C8s Spied At Nürburgring Suspected Of Being E-Rays
The 2024 Hyundai Kona Is Shaping Up To Be A More Attractive, Eco-Friendly Crossover
GM CEO Confident Of Overtaking Tesla As The Top EV Maker Within Three Years
Google Maps Testing Hybrid And EV-Specific Navigation Directions
VW Updates 2023 Lineup, Announces Entry-Level ID.4 As Well As Golf GTI / R Special Editions
Renault Master E-Tech Gains Larger Battery For 68% More Range
NHTSA Opens Special Investigation Into Tesla Crash That Killed Motorcyclist
Watch The Hyundai N Vision 74 And RN22e Go For A Play Date On The Track
This Alpina B3 Touring Is One Of Just 89 In Existence
Bentley Wins “Net Zero Plastic to Nature” Status Thanks To Recycling Initiative

Watch As This Tired But Low-Mileage Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI Is Made To Look 20 Years Younger

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 04:09 PM PDT

If someone told you about a 20-year old car with an incredibly low 18,600 miles (~30k km) on the clock, you'd probably assume it looked almost as good as the day it left the factory. But that's not always the case, as this Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI proves.

Although it has covered a relatively tiny mileage compared with most cars built at dawn of the new millennium, and is free from modifications, it has lived its life outside, and that has taken its toll on the Reims Blue paint look, making the car look like it has covered far more miles than it really has.

But the car's originality makes it a perfect base for one of Hong Kong-based Contempo Concept's restorations and blissfully relaxing videos documenting the process. As with the films covering their other projects, this one combines high quality camera work, mellow background tunes and a soothing narration explaining what's happening when necessary, but mostly leaving us to enjoy the visuals.

Unfortunately, this Evolution's paint was too far gone to be brought back to life with some careful cutting and polishing, so it gets a new coat, as do the brake calipers and the wheels, which are painted with their new tires loosely fitted to make sure the finish isn't ruined by a tire fitting machine.

Once the top side is covered off the car is hoisted in the air so the underneath can be blasted with dry ice, returning the aluminum suspension arms and transmission casings to as-new condition. The grubby wheelarch liners are pulled out and washed, and when the team turns its attention to the engine bay, the VI is treated to a new cam cover, exhaust manifold and hood heat shields leaving it looking showroom-fresh.

Finally, it's the turn of the Evo’s interior to get some love. The seats and carpet are removed and thoroughly cleaned, and Contmepo even goes so far as to detail the floorpan, even though it'll never be seen when the carpet is back in place. The original steering wheel stays, but the car receives a new gear shifter, plus door panels, footwell kick plates and sill plates, all of which often show cuff marks, even on incredibly low mileage cars like this. As you'd expect, the result is stunning.

Environmental Activists Deflate Tires On At Least 30 SUVs In Canadian City

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 03:36 PM PDT

Police in the region of Waterloo, Ontario, about an hour west of Toronto, said they received more than 30 reports of tires being deflated in the area this weekend. All of the reports came from the owners of SUVs.

A group called the “Tyre Extinguishers” has taken responsibility for the act and, in a letter to local news outlets, such as The Record, said they deflated the tires on 60 vehicles in the Waterloo region on the night of Saturday, July 16.

The tires had objects inserted into their air valves, allowing the air to run out. In tweets, the group refers to this as “disarming” the SUVs. No other damage was reported to the vehicles, but pamphlets warning drivers that SUVs contribute disproportionately to climate change were left on their windshields.

The Record (Ontario): "More than 30 SUVs have tires deflated in Kitchener"https://t.co/TTIDT387HS

— The Tyre Extinguishers (@T_Extinguishers) July 17, 2022

The Drive recently reported that the group, which is based in the U.K., has recently started making inroads in North America, targeting SUVs in large cities such as New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Members of the group jam small objects, such as a lentil or a piece of gravel, under the valve cap, letting the air out of the tire. The group does not slash tires.

In its leaflet, the group tells owners that, despite having a deflated tire, they should have “no difficulty getting around without [their] gas guzzler, with walking, cycling, or public transport.” It has been translated into 10 languages, and the group has claimed responsibility for similar action in places like France, New Zealand, and Sweden.

Fundamentally, the Tyre Extinguishers aim to make it “impossible to own a huge polluting 4×4 in the world’s urban areas.” Citing the climate crisis, the group has singled out SUVs, which were also called out by the United Nations for their impact on the planet. The group is also targeting the large vehicles for their added danger to other road users, like pedestrians and cyclists.

Trio Of Corvette C8s Spied At Nürburgring Suspected Of Being E-Rays

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 03:04 PM PDT

Chevrolet was recently caught testing a trio of Corvettes at the Nürburgring and, although the camouflage is highly effective, they are suspected of being electrified “E-Ray” variants of the mid-engine supercar. And while there weren’t any stickers to signify hybridization or electrification, our spies tell us that those where absent on other E-Ray prototypes spotted earlier this year as well.

There are very few distinct details singling this out as a hybrid (with the possible exception of an electrical socket cap on the number 4 car), but Chevrolet confirmed that it would make an electrified Corvette earlier this year. It did not officially reveal whether it would be a standard or a plug-in hybrid, though, nor did it say what the vehicle’s official name would be, either.

In a video that was released concurrently with that announcement, however, the automaker showed that the new model would power all-four wheels, which would be another momentous addition to the Corvette lineup.

An alleged internal document that was leaked to Hagerty suggested that there might actually be two hybrid models coming, though there is no official confirmation of this. It claimed that the Corvette Grand Sport would combine a 6.2-liter V8 with electric motor making 600 hp (447 kW/608 PS) and 500 lb-ft (678 Nm) of torque.

The Zora, meanwhile, would allegedly combine electric powertrain components with the Z06’s 5.5-liter V8, the document claimed. It alleged that they would together make 1,000 hp (746 kW/1,014 PS) and 975 lb-ft (1,322 Nm) of torque.

That would certainly be enough to take on other hybrid supercars such as the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTS, which make 671 hp (500 kW/680 PS) and 819 hp (611 kW/830 PS), respectively. We recently found out, though, that the 2023 Corvette Z06 will cost $106,395, begging the question, how much will people be willing to pay for a Chevrolet, no matter how powerful?

Unfortunately, for now, we’ll simply have to wait and see while Chevrolet develops the car to see if the above information is accurate. Fortunately, the automaker did at least say that the electrified Corvette would arrive in 2023, and would be followed by a fully electric model.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona Is Shaping Up To Be A More Attractive, Eco-Friendly Crossover

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 02:32 PM PDT

Consumers can't seem to get enough crossovers and they're in luck as Hyundai is working on a redesigned Kona.

Looking like a huge improvement over its predecessor, the redesigned model was recently spied undergoing testing in Europe and camouflage can't hide its bold new design.

While some details are still hidden on this prototype, it's clear the crossover will have a more distinctive front end with stacked headlights that vaguely recall those found on the Kia Sportage lurking in the background. Previous spy photos have also shown the Kona will be equipped with a slender light bar that resides just beneath the hood.

Also Read: 2024 Hyundai Kona Peels Off Some Disguise To Reveal Full-Width Light Bar

Moving further back, we can see pronounced fender flares with an edgier design. They're joined by an angular shoulder line that appears to run nearly the full length of the vehicle. Other notable highlights include an upward sweeping beltline, sizable wheels, and what appears to be a more cohesive rear end.

Spy photographers didn't get close enough to snap interior pictures, but previous images have shown a substantially improved cabin that takes some cues from the Ioniq 5. Highlights are slated to include a freestanding digital instrument cluster, which flows into a widescreen infotainment system. Further below, there are slender air vents, metallic accents, and modern switchgear.

Hyundai has been tight-lipped about specifications, but earlier spy photos have shown a document revealing the model will be equipped with a hybridized 1.6-liter engine. This is presumably shared with the 2023 Kia Niro, where it produces a combined output of 139 hp (104 kW / 141 PS) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque.

We can also expect a new Kona EV and it will likely have a 64.8 kWh battery pack that powers a 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) electric motor. This setup enables the Niro EV to have a range of around 253 miles (407 km).

GM CEO Confident Of Overtaking Tesla As The Top EV Maker Within Three Years

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 02:04 PM PDT

Late last year, General Motors CEO, Mary Barra, said very clearly that she expected the brand to overtake Tesla as the top-EV brand by 2025. Now, she’s doubling down on the claim and has laid down what she sees as the path to that success. Central to that plan are low-cost EVs that occupy the $30,000 to $35,000 price range.

In a new interview with the AssociatedPress, Barra addressed far more than just the aim of EV pricing though. She says that GM has a plan to overcome all of the major hurdles facing the brand as it tries to scale up to the point where it’s looking at Tesla in the rearview mirror.

There’s a lot of ground to make up too. Last year, Tesla sold some 350,000 vehicles while GM didn’t crack even ten percent of that number with just 25,000 total sales. According to Barra, pricing is the biggest factor though. "To really get to 30, 40, 50% EVs being sold, you have to appeal to people that are in that $30,000 to $35,000 price range," she said.

To walk around Tesla as quickly as it aims to, GM will need to have a steady stream of parts, including batteries, and it’ll need to overcome charging concerns for potential buyers. Addressing the former concern she says that "We're also working with a select group of strategic companies to source these for the volumes. We'll have much better control and a stable supply."

Securing a steady supply of parts is only the first step though. General Motors is also heavily investing in charging station infrastructure. Not only are they placing some 2,000 charging stations in up to 500 Pilot Travel centers across the country but they’re also offering a free in-home charging station to all EV customers.

Of course, GM isn’t the only one gunning for Tesla. Ford, Hyundai, Kia, and others are working hard to improve products, supply, and sales across the country. Tesla has built itself quite the lead at this point but it will clearly take a lot more than flashy promises to keep it at this point.

Google Maps Testing Hybrid And EV-Specific Navigation Directions

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 01:30 PM PDT

Google Maps has changed navigation forever, but the auto industry is embracing electrification and this will require changes to route planning.

Thankfully, the company is changing with the times as 9to5Google is reporting the latest beta update to Google Maps incorporates powertrain considerations into route planning.

Details are limited at the moment, but users will reportedly be able to select from gasoline, diesel, electric, and hybrid powertrains. This selection will then be used to "tailor" directions to "save you the most fuel or energy."

Also Read: Google Updates Android Auto With New Look, Optimized For Information

The update reportedly claimed beta testers will get "fuel-efficient routes tailored to your vehicle's engine type" and this will enable them to save fuel. It remains unclear how Google will do this, but hybrids are typically more efficient at lower speeds so it's possible the update will direct hybrid owners to avoid highways and take more fuel-efficient alternatives. This would presumably contrast with gasoline-powered vehicles, which are typically far more fuel-efficient on the highway.

On the EV side, it's possible Google Maps may highlight routes that feature charging stations along the way. That remains to be seen, but a number of automakers have EV-specific navigation features that ensure charging stations are nearby.

While the feature is currently in beta, it's natural to assume a wider roll out is planned for the future. There's no word on when this could occur, but the publication believes a traditional release could happen in a few weeks.

VW Updates 2023 Lineup, Announces Entry-Level ID.4 As Well As Golf GTI / R Special Editions

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 01:02 PM PDT

Volkswagen of America has announced a series of changes for 2023.

Starting with the Arteon, the entry-level SE R-Line gains additional equipment including performance LED headlights, fog lights, and an illuminated light bar in the grille. They're joined by an adaptive front-lighting system with dynamic cornering light as well as a "power hatch with Easy Open and Close." Other extras include a heated steering wheel, a Dynamic Road Sign Display, and IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology.

Changes to the rest of the lineup are limited, but the mid-level SEL R-Line adopts larger 20-inch wheels. The SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line also gain a 30-color ambient lighting system and Black Carbon trim.

Given the extra equipment, it's little surprise that pricing for the 2023 Arteon has climbed from $40,750 to $42,530. That's before factoring in a destination charge of $1,295.

Also Read: 2022 VW Arteon Gains New Turbo Four-Cylinder With 300 HP

Moving on, the 2023 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport largely carryover but SE Technology variants gain a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. While the changes are minor, so are the price increases as the Atlas begins at $34,600 while the Atlas Cross Sport will set you back $33,910.

Golf fans will find an assortment of updates as the GTI now comes equipped with performance LED headlights and LED fog lights. There are also "minor cosmetic changes," but the big news is a GTI 40th Anniversary Edition that will slot between the S and SE variants. We'll learn more about the 40th Anniversary Edition at a later date, but the 2023 Golf GTI starts at $30,180 which is $300 more than last year's model.

The Golf R, on the other hand, benefits from "minor cosmetic changes." There will also be a Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition, but details are scant. On the bright side, pricing has only climbed $200 as the 2023 Golf R starts at $44,290.

The 2023 Jetta lineup receives minor cosmetic changes and a newly standard remote start system on SE variants. Pricing begins at $20,415 and climbs to $31,345 for the Jetta GLI Autobahn.

Moving on, the 2023 Taos gains equipment at every level. The entry-level S now comes equipped with an assortment of driver assistance systems including Front Assist, a Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert. Furthermore, the Taos S 4Motion swaps 17-inch wheels for larger 18-inch units.

Elsewhere in the lineup, the Taos SE gains IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology while the SEL variant now comes equipped with a panoramic sunroof. Pricing climbs from $23,495 to $24,155 which is an increase of $600.

Since the Tiguan received a facelift last year, the only update for 2023 is new 19-inch alloy wheels for the SE R-Line Black variant. Pricing starts at $26,590 and that's a $100 increase.

Last but not least, Volkswagen noted all 2023 models now come equipped with a digital instrument cluster and will eventually offer 45W USB-C charging. More importantly, the company noted the ID.4 will gain an entry-level variant with a 62 kWh battery pack. We’ll learn more later, but the model promises to be cheaper than existing variants.

Renault Master E-Tech Gains Larger Battery For 68% More Range

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 12:33 PM PDT

Renault has upgraded the Master E-Tech with a larger 52 kWh battery replacing the old 33 kWh unit. Thus, the French LCV can now travel up to 126 miles (203 km) between charges, representing a 68 percent increase over the 75 miles (120 km) of its predecessor.

Despite its size, the Master E-Tech came fitted with the small 33 kWh battery from the original Zoe. The Master lineup was facelifted in 2019, but Renault didn’t add the 52 kWh battery from the updated Zoe into the mix. The battery upgrade was finally announced in late 2021, with the market launch of the long-range Master E-Tech following in 2022.

The lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt (LiMiNmCoO) battery with a capacity of 52 kWh weighs 350 kg (772 pounds) and has the same overall dimensions as the older unit, which means it is not affecting the LCV’s cargo capacity. Other features that contribute to the increased range are regenerative braking, low resistance tires and the ECO driving mode. The 126-mile (203 km) WLTP range makes it easier for business owners to make the change from ICE to EV, although it is still shorter than what you would get from a diesel-powered model with a full tank.

The new battery needs less time to recharge, going from 20-80 percent in 90 minutes from a 22 kW DC charger, in five hours from a 7 kW wallbox, or in 10 hours from a standard domestic socket. As for the powertrain, the zero-emission Master E-Tech retains the single electric motor producing 76 hp (57 kW / 78 PS) and 210 Nm (155 lb-ft) of torque, which is less powerful than the one used in the smaller Kangoo E-Tech.

Renault offers the Master E-Tech in Panel Van, Chassis Cab, and Platform Cab bodystyles, with a gross vehicle weight of 3,500 kg (7,716 pounds). Load volume is up to 13 cubic meters (459 cubic feet) in the longer version of the panel van, while the platform cab has the highest payload capacity of 1,664 kg (3,669 pounds). Equipment in the entry-level Advance includes air conditioning, rear parking sensors, hill start assist, auto headlights and auto wipers, while the Advance trim adds a more comfortable full suspension seat, and the side wind assist.

The updated Renault Master E-Tech will be available to order in the UK starting from August, with the first deliveries expected in September. UK pricing starts from £45,160 ($54,160) excluding VAT, after the PiVG incentives. Mind you, the diesel-powered and E-Tech variants of the Renault Master are joined by HYVIA’s H2-Tech models coming with hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains.

NHTSA Opens Special Investigation Into Tesla Crash That Killed Motorcyclist

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 12:00 PM PDT

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced today that it has opened a Special Crash Investigation into an accident involving a 2021 Tesla Model Y.

The agency did not identify the specific crash, but, according to Reuters, the accident involved a 48-year-old motorcyclist, who was killed after colliding with a Model Y on the Riverside Freeway.

My News LA reported on July 7 that the freeway was shut down following the crash, which occurred at around 4:45 a.m. The motorcyclist was riding in the HOV lane when the Tesla pulled up behind him. It’s unclear why, but at some point a collision occurred, and the rider was thrown onto the freeway and was pronounced dead at the scene by Riverside Fire Department paramedics.

The Tesla driver was not injured in the accident and alcohol was not believed to be a factor, according to the police. The driver was not arrested.

The agency uses the data from its Special Crash Investigations to examine the circumstances and engineering issues that may have contributed to the accidents being probed. More specifically, the program can be used to interrogate the effectiveness and safety of emerging technologies. It was crucial in the development of airbags, for instance.

NHTSA has opened 37 special crash investigations into collisions involving Tesla vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems like Autopilot since 2016. A total of 18 crash deaths were reported in those investigations.

More recently, NHTSA has opened three special investigations into Tesla accidents in recent weeks. That includes an accident in Florida that killed a 66-year-old driver and their 67-year-old passenger.

The regulator is in the midst of investigating Autopilot, which could lead to a recall of 830,000 vehicles.

Watch The Hyundai N Vision 74 And RN22e Go For A Play Date On The Track

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 11:28 AM PDT

Shortly after Hyundai set the automotive world abuzz with the launch of the RN22e and N Vision 74 concept cars, it has released a clip that shows them being put through their paces on a track.

Both cars form part of what Hyundai calls its rolling lab technological experimentation collection and while they may not reach the production line, their designs and technologies could influence future Hyundai N models.

Starting with the N Vision 74, it pays homage to the 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupe designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. The design is absolutely spectacular and is paired with an intriguing powertrain.

Hyundai has revealed that the N Vision 74 sports a 62.4 kWh battery capable of 800-volt fast-charging, a hydrogen fuel tank, and electric motors that deliver 670 hp and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque. The technological showcase is also quite efficient as it has a claimed range of 373 miles (600 km).

The Hyundai RN22e is a little different. Whereas the N Vision 74 is completely bespoke, the RN22e is based on the carmaker's Electric-Global Module Platform (E-GMP) and is packaged in the body of the Ioniq 6. A plethora of visual and aerodynamic upgrades have been made, including the fitment of a striking front splitter, extended side skirts, slimline wing mirrors, unique wheels, and a menacing rear end with a fixed rear wing and a diffuser.

In terms of power, the RN22e sports a pair of electric motors that combine to deliver 576 hp and 545 lb-ft (740 Nm) of torque. These motors receive their juice from a 77.4 kWh battery pack and just like the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, it can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in less than 18 minutes.

Watching both of these distinctive concept cars on the track is quite a sight to see and shows that when it comes to performance, Hyundai is taking the electrified era very seriously.

This Alpina B3 Touring Is One Of Just 89 In Existence

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 11:01 AM PDT

If you've always dreamt of owning a unique estate that offers impressive levels of performance and luxury, all while standing out on the road, then this 1996 Alpina B3 3.2 Touring could be the perfect car for you.

This rare B3 Touring is one of just 89 units built between April 1996 and 1999. It is number 23 and was originally built for the Japanese market in September 1996, meaning it is a left-hand drive model. The car is listed up for auction through Cars & Bids and was imported into the United States in 2021.

In creating the B3 Touring, Alpina took the standard E36-generation 328i Touring and outfitted it with a host of new parts. For example, it sports a more powerful 3.2-liter straight-six, a shorter ratio rear axle, stiffer suspension with Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs, 17-inch alloy wheels, a unique front splitter, and gold exterior graphics.

Elsewhere, the Alpina B3 Touring benefits from a new intake and a distinctive exhaust system, helping it to pump out 265 hp and 243 lb-ft (329 Nm) of torque when it was new. This power is fed through the rear wheels courtesy of a five-speed automatic transmission.

Some alterations have also been made to the car's interior. These include the fitment of aftermarket speakers, a BMW Business RDS radio, a 3-spoke steering wheel, Alpina wood trim, bespoke cloth upholstery, and a numbered plaque above the glove box.

The car has been driven approximately 104,100 miles (~167,000 km) since leaving the factory and given its mileage, it's not surprising that it has a few signs of wear, including some minor rock chips, scratches across the exterior and wheels, wear on the leather of the steering wheel, a sagging headliner, and cracks across the wooden trim. Nevertheless, we think it is oozing appeal and is a surefire way to get your friends talking.

Bentley Wins “Net Zero Plastic to Nature” Status Thanks To Recycling Initiative

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 10:38 AM PDT

Bentley has been awarded "Net Zero Plastic to Nature" accreditation for its recycling efforts following an appraisal by the eco-experts at South Pole.

That's South Pole the organization, rather than the South Pole, the place where the penguins live. The team at the Switzerland-based company assessed Bentley's use of plastics and its efforts to mitigate its global plastic footprint before making it the first firm to win net-zero status.

The assessment involved an investigation into the way Bentley used plastic packaging in logistics and manufacturing at the beginning of the build process, right though to how dealerships handled the disposal of protective plastic wrappings immediately prior to handing over a new car to its owner. It also factored in micro-plastic emissions from tires, which is now recognized as a major problem. Bentley also invested in two plastic waste collection and recycling projects in India and Thailand to secure the accreditation.

"From the bubble wrap and foam used to package inbound parts, to the car body covers and shrink wrap processes employed on vehicle protection and aftersales materials, no stone has been left unturned and we've been able to make quick and effective changes," said Peter Bosch, Member of the Board for Manufacturing at Bentley Motors.

"For example, we have reduced the amount of plastic parts protection on outbound products from 13 items to six,” Bosch explained. "By removing unnecessary items like vinyl wheel protection and wiper blade covers, we've removed 12 tonnes (26,500 lbs) of plastic from our outbound packaging operations in a year – and we're ensuring that where plastic is still needed to ensure our cars arrive in perfect condition, it is minimal, lightweight and has low CO2 impact. Other measures, such as reducing unnecessary packaging for items moved around site, have reduced plastic shrink-wrap waste by 86 percent."

The recycling initiatives are part of the Beyond100 strategy Bentley announced in 2020, which aims to make the company end-to-end carbon neutral by 2030, by which time it will only sell EVs.