Month: April 2023

Spring has sprung within the majority of the northern hemisphere. The grass is greening up, and flowers are in bloom besides within the northern realm, the place the bottom stays snow-covered, and temperatures hover just under freezing. It is ultimate climate for testing new automobile fashions, even convertibles just like the Bentley Continental GTC we noticed not too long ago. 

Bentley’s take a look at drivers have been very energetic these days. Earlier this week, we noticed the clearest photographs but of the Continental GT coupe, which has been noticed testing a number of instances this yr. The final time we noticed this flurry of exercise from the crew at Crewe was previous to the launch of the Flying Spur.  

Just like the latest photographs of the Continental GT coupe, the photographs of the GTC are the clearest ones but. The headlights are barely oval in form and embody a strip of LED working lights. The bumper stretches above the headlights and incorporates a smaller however extra pronounced grille. The general design seems to tackle a few of the Bacalar’s design language and gives a name out to the basic Bentley profile. 

Whereas the rear of the automobile is caked in snow and ice, it confirms what we noticed earlier. The fender line is extra pronounced, and the trunk lid is barely bigger than the outgoing automobile. Not like the Continental GT, the convertible doesn’t have a pronounced lip spoiler.  

Many of the adjustments seem like beauty, except the powerplant. Gone is the topline W12 engine, which departs subsequent yr after a last run of Bentley Batur coupes wraps up. Changing the 12-cylinder engine is a pair of V6 and V8 PHEV powerplants, with the V8 anticipated to match or enhance on the W12’s efficiency.  

There is not any phrase but on whether or not or not the brand new Continental GT and GTC will get electrical powertrains. Bentley has hinted that the EVs will doubtless double the W12’s energy making it an excellent guess that an EV model of the large coupe will make an look. However for now, we’ll have to attend and see. 

My evaluation of annual monetary outcomes for many Western automakers and a few massive Chinese language automakers confirmed enticing outcomes for the fiscal yr between January and December 2022.

The evaluation consists of data referring to 25 totally different corporations from everywhere in the world. That features eight Japanese manufacturers (Isuzu, Subaru, Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Nissan, and Suzuki); seven European corporations (Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Stellantis, Volkswagen, Renault, and Aston Martin); 5 from China (BYD, Nice Wall, Geely, Xpeng, and NIO); three within the US (Tesla, Common Motors, Ford); Hyundai Group in South Korea and lastly Tata from India, which incorporates Jaguar Land Rover.

Europe In The Lead

The primary attention-grabbing proven fact that emerges from this evaluation is that the European producers lead the profitability rating in comparison with the remainder of the world. In 2022, European automakers made almost €79 billion ($87.three billion) in working earnings, out of a complete income of greater than €804b ($888.5b).

Which means their mixed working margin was 9.eight p.c. The consequence was the perfect amongst all geographical areas and even 0.5 factors increased than 2021 outcomes.

A part of the constructive consequence will be defined by the power of those corporations to show an issue into a chance. The principle downside going through all international automakers in 2022 was the availability chain disaster. It was not doable to keep up excessive manufacturing charges as a result of there have been no components/semiconductors out there. Customers all over the world have been compelled to attend for months to get a brand new car.

Though this example had a damaging influence on gross sales, it was the perfect alternative for the producers to cut back inventories, enhance manufacturing effectivity and, consequently, enhance profitability. Each producers and shoppers have discovered to reside with this new actuality and, whereas it’s nonetheless a ache for the latter, the previous have gotten used to it and treasured it.

Ferrari Is Unbeatable

The opposite huge conclusion from the monetary evaluation is that Ferrari continues to be absolutely the king of earnings. Though the working margin fell by one share level between 2021 and 2022, the Italian automaker is unbeatable, even in comparison with second-placed Tesla.

Final yr, Ferrari delivered 13,221 new vehicles worldwide, contributing to a complete turnover of €5.09b ($5.6b). From this whole, the corporate earned €1.22 b ($1.35b) after paying working bills. In different phrases, Ferrari earned 24 cents for each euro of gross sales. It is a enormous quantity in comparison with the trade common, which is 7.6 cents. And the perfect is but to return, on condition that the Purosangue has but to work its SUV magic when it comes to revenue.

Tesla was the second most worthwhile firm and the one with the most important enhance in working margin between 2021 and 2022. Tesla’s margin elevated from 12.1 p.c in 2021 to 16.eight p.c final yr. Musk’s firm is without doubt one of the uncommon instances of profitability within the electrical car section. There are a number of causes for this: extra vehicles offered, an absence of recent automotive improvement (the Mannequin Y is the most recent and was launched in 2019), and higher economies of scale.

And China?

It’s tough to get a whole image of the Chinese language trade, as lots of its massive corporations additionally produce vehicles for Western manufacturers by means of joint ventures. Nevertheless, from the restricted data out there, the scenario is somewhat heterogeneous. Nice Wall had the best profitability at 6.eight p.c, adopted by BYD and Geely. In distinction, Xpeng and NIO, the 2 EV startups, posted steep losses in 2022.

The writer of the article, Felipe Munoz, is an Automotive Trade Specialist at JATO Dynamics.

On Tuesday, April 17, within the early morning hours, Monterey Regional Airport commuters could have caught a glimpse of the Racecar Transporter rolling previous the runway on its technique to unload an INDYCAR car into the terminal.

The automotive is a part of a promotion with WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca to advertise the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey, NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ season finale occasion happening September 8-10 in addition to a complete season of premier racing occasions that occur in Monterey on the historic observe.

Together with a everlasting show case which showcases the lengthy historical past of the observe and world famend occasions within the upstairs hallway of the terminal, the automotive will definitely flip a head or two stationed straight subsequent to the test in desks. Brilliant Blue and displayed tilted at a again left angle it gives the look the automotive is nearly to dive into the well-known Corkscrew, a 5 and a half story twisting drop which each excites and frustrates drivers on the observe.

The show additionally options an opportunity to win two tickets to the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey and a two-night keep within the Hyatt Regency Monterey. Company who full a quick survey, conveniently accessed through the QR code on the show, are mechanically entered.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca not solely has an extended and famed historical past inside the neighborhood, however a brightly evolving future as they wrap up a multi-million greenback enchancment venture and have expanded each the occasions schedule and artistic staff up to now yr. Your complete season Schedule can also be on show on the airport and will embody some unimaginable prize giveaways within the upcoming summer season months. Commuters and locals headed to the beloved Woody’s Restaurant for lunch are inspired to cease by the show anytime from now till September.

Land Rover redesigned the Vary Rover Sport for 2023, and shortly the SUV’s high-performance variant developed by the SVO particular initiatives group will probably be launched.

It is due for a reveal on Might 31, and this time round will carry an SV badge, as an alternative of the previous SVR designation. We now have new footage of a prototype testing on the Nürburgring.

The earlier Vary Rover Sport SVR delivers a powerful mixture of luxurious and observe functionality, making it an SUV that is not solely quick but additionally cozy. The brand new Vary Rover SV ought to solely enhance on these qualities.

We all know that is the SV due to the extra intakes within the entrance fascia, plus a diffuser built-in into the rear fascia that additionally homes a pair of exhaust recommendations on both facet. You’ll additionally discover the enlarged brake rotors and calipers that nearly fill the wheels.

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Underpinning the redesigned Vary Rover Sport is the MLA (Modular Longitudinal Structure) platform of JLR (previously Jaguar Land Rover). The platform has been designed to suit each internal-combustion and electrical powertrains, and is lighter than the D7 platform it replaces. This latter attribute ought to assist enhance the efficiency of the Vary Rover Sport SV.

Energy will probably come from a BMW-sourced twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8, an engine that delivers 523 hp within the common Vary Rover Sport. Count on it to make near 600 hp within the SV model. The supercharged 5.0-liter V-Eight used within the earlier Vary Rover Sport SVR delivers 575 hp.

Past the potent powerplant, the Vary Rover Sport SV must also profit from tweaks to the transmission, suspension, and anti-roll system.

Search for the car to reach as a 2024 mannequin. JLR plans to supply it by way of invite solely, which factors to a value that would come near and even exceed the $142,950 sticker of the earlier Vary Rover Sport SVR Final Version, the particular final-edition model of the earlier era that was revealed in 2021.

• Lucid Motors has begun testing its upcoming Gravity SUV on public roads in the USA.
• Lucid claims the Gravity will provide sports activities automobile driving dynamics and higher electrical vary than EV SUV’s at the moment available on the market.
• A configurator and order books are speculated to open this yr, with manufacturing starting in 2024.

Lucid Motors has stored fairly quiet concerning the upcoming Gravity SUV since teasing it final November. Now the Gravity is making strides in the direction of manufacturing and has simply begun testing on public roads in the USA.

Regardless of Lucid displaying the automobile uncovered close to the top of final yr, the most recent pictures of the Gravity testing present all of it wrapped up in space-themed camouflage. Nonetheless, particulars on the startup firm’s upcoming SUV stay fairly scarce.

We all know the Gravity will provide seating for as much as seven and can function a more recent model of the Glass Cockpit, which is able to convey an up to date technology of the Lucid UX working system. The corporate guarantees the posh SUV will present driving dynamics on par with sports activities vehicles and higher electrical driving vary than any EV SUV at the moment offered.

Sadly, Lucid’s phrase is all we have now to go on in the meanwhile, as we have no actual efficiency figures to go off of. We anticipate the Gravity to supply the identical energy choices because the Air, which will be had in three ranges starting from 480 horsepower all the way in which as much as 1050 horses on the Grand Touring Efficiency.

The truth is, we predict the Gravity will share loads of its specs with the Air sedan when it reaches manufacturing. As issues stand now, the Air has the longest vary of any electrical car at the moment available on the market, in accordance with EPA estimates. The Air Grand Touring has one of the best vary of any EV we have put by our 75-mph fuel-economy take a look at. Additionally it is able to including as much as 300 miles of vary in simply over 20 minutes when plugged right into a fast-charger.

The added dimension and weight that include an SUV will certainly be a hindrance on the Air’s vary figures, but when Lucid’s first try is something to go by, the Gravity will certainly provide loads to love.

In accordance with a timeframe given by Lucid final November, the configurator and ordering books for the Gravity needs to be opening someday in 2023, with manufacturing set to start in 2024. We reached out to Lucid for affirmation on that timeline and can replace this story if we hear again.

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GMC’s new Hummer EV SUV is hitting the market in each Version 1 and 3X grades. Each grades include the identical 830-hp powertrain, however the lesser 3X grade will get probably the most vary as its wheel and tire mixture is extra environment friendly than the usual set on the Version 1.

Chevrolet’s redesigned Colorado has simply spawned a ZR2 off-road mannequin for 2023, however come the 2024 mannequin yr there can be a extra succesful ZR2 Bison grade. New teaser images trace at a few of the upgrades that may function on the Bison.

The Swedish firm NEVS has gone into hibernation a decade after its battle to save lots of Saab. That is the corporate that purchased the stays of Saab after its 2011 chapter, and briefly restarted Saab manufacturing in Sweden in 2013. Nonetheless, issues rapidly went south from there and now NEVS can be completed.

You will discover these tales and extra in as we speak’s automotive information, proper right here at Motor Authority.

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2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison teased forward of Might 31 debut

Firm that after tried to save lots of Saab has shut down

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The 2023 Barrett-Jackson Palm Seashore public sale lately wrapped up and among the many 600+ automobiles bought (totaling a report $44.four million in gross sales) have been quite a few choices by Ford. The highest three of the highest ten general, non-charity gross sales have been all late-model Ford GTs, with heaps #725 and #725.1 each coming from the long-lasting Steve Todhunter Assortment. The remainder of the highest ten for Ford celebrates Mustang Eleanor tributes and the favored Bronco.

High 10 Ford gross sales on the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Palm Seashore public sale

There have been many Plymouth ‘Cudas offered for jaw-dropping costs. Prime sellers declare to be certainly one of solely a handful with a selected engine, paint or efficiency bundle choice. Some are really uncommon, however Chrysler supplied so many checkboxes and catalog modifications on the time that any sufficiently discerning purchaser might have put collectively a reasonably unusual construct. Nonetheless, one 1970 ‘Cuda that is developing for public sale quickly is actually distinctive: a manufacturing unit customized commissioned by Plymouth itself.

Within the golden period of muscle, Huge Three advertising and marketing departments have been developing with all types of how to satiate America’s urge for food for horsepower and construct model loyalties. Mopar’s was arguably one of the best, utilizing inventive coloration names, eye-catching decal stripes, and associations with common cartoon characters to hype up their merchandise. 

In 1970 the Plymouth division got here up with a very memorable promoting marketing campaign, the Fast Transit System. A play on public transportation (as a result of who in 1970 really aspired to be car-less) and presumably a nod to the R/T (Street and Observe) designation on high efficiency trims, RTS made patrons proud to personal a Plymouth.

Psychedelic advertisements, hop-up clinics, and specialised sellers buying and selling in high-po components have been only a few of the points of interest. The “System” a part of it united Plymouth’s many-pronged racing efforts — from NASCAR ovals to NHRA drag strips to Trans-Am street programs — and promoted the notion that classes discovered from these endeavors have been trickling down into their manufacturing automobiles. 

However Plymouth did not cease there. The Fast Transit System Caravan took the most recent fashions and components and traveled the nation. As if that wasn’t sufficient, Plymouth additionally commissioned 4 wild customs for the tour, a Duster, Dart Swinger, Roadrunner, and ‘Cuda. Every one was closely modified on the street freak fashion that was common on the time, with notes of “kustom” period developments in paint and bodywork.

In the event that they regarded like Scorching Wheels automobiles, that was no coincidence. The RTS present automobiles sprang from the thoughts of famend auto designer Harry Bentley Bradley, who got here up with a lot of the authentic Scorching Wheels automobiles when the toy line launched in 1968. Bradley designed a number of award-winning customs, from ’40s Mercs to Pontiac land barges, and his private automobile, a controversial Infiniti J30, was lately lately found on the market. Plymouth commissioned Bradley to provide you with the RTS automobiles, and below his pen every automobile was totally enhanced however the base automobile beneath was nonetheless unmistakable.

Esteemed automobile collector Steven Juliano made it his life’s mission to gather ever piece of RTS memorabilia, and managed to amass and restore three of the 4 Bradley-designed present automobiles. He positioned the ‘Cuda, however was by no means capable of wrest it from the proprietor. When he handed they went up for public sale, the others every fetched six figures. 

Now the lacking piece ‘Cuda has been unearthed, after being saved in a storage since 1976. In line with Auto Archaeology, the automobile was present in downtown Detroit within the mid-70s. The present proprietor was capable of purchase it, drove it round for a bit, however was spooked on the consideration he acquired. So he parked it for over 4 a long time.

The automobile has solely 976 miles on the odometer. The serial quantity is 100005, that means it was one of many very first to roll off the road and went straight to the customizer. The entrance Cragar is included however wouldn’t maintain air, so that they put the unique spare on it for now. It nonetheless wears the unique paint and customized bodywork, and the inside appears as fairly near flawless an unrestored 53-year-old cabin can look.

It was symbolic of a bygone period, and nobody knew the times of low-cost gasoline and horsepower would come crashing down in just a few years. The Fast Transit ‘Cuda goes up for bidding at Mecum’s Indianapolis public sale subsequent month. 

An automotive legend has reached a critical milestone. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has hit 500,000 items constructed. The most recent one rolled off an meeting line in the identical manufacturing facility that has been constructing the SUV for 44 years. And that 500,000th G-Class was given a retro makeover.

Mercedes says the design inspiration for this particular G-Class was a comparatively early 1986 280 GE. And to get that retro look, the SUV was painted in one of many authentic colour choices, Agave Inexperienced, together with black for the grille, bumpers, fender flares, rub strips and door handles. The headlights get stone guards, and small, silver-painted wheels with chunky tires are fitted, together with on the rear the place a vintage-style vinyl spare cowl hides it. One element Mercedes is especially happy with is the entrance flip indicators. They’d to make use of a special brilliant amber plastic to emulate the outdated look.

The within of the G-Class additionally has classic touches (although, tragically, Mercedes did not present pictures). The seats have a checkered material just like the 1986 inspiration. On the seize deal with, there is a badge denoting that that is the 500,000th mannequin, and it is painted to match the outside.

The G-Class has come a good distance because it was launched in 1979. The unique vehicles solely made between 72 and 150 horsepower, although you would get it in two- and four-door variations and in hardtop and convertible variants. And till the present era that was launched in 2018, they’d strong axles entrance and rear. At this time’s truck, no less than within the U.S., comes customary with a 415-horsepower twin-turbo V8, and it may be optioned as much as 577 with the AMG mannequin. And now it has unbiased entrance suspension and significantly better packaging.

There isn’t any signal of the G-Class ending manufacturing, both. And Mercedes has confirmed there’ll even be an electrical one popping out subsequent yr. That mannequin will apparently pack 4 motors, one for every wheel, that ought to permit for some spectacular off-road capabilities.

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A contemporary MG sports activities automobile has been hinted at for years by the British marque and now one has lastly arrived within the type of the Cyberster, which was revealed on Monday on the 2023 Shanghai auto present.

MG is arguably finest identified for its light-weight, open-topped sports activities vehicles of the 1950s and ’60s, however the model has been owned by Chinese language auto large SAIC since 2006 and since then has targeted on extra worthwhile segments like crossovers and hatchbacks. These efforts have paid off as MG now has the capability to return to its sports activities automobile roots, beginning with the Cyberster.

The Cyberster is an electrical roadster with two seats, an influence soft-top roof, and scissor-style doorways just like these utilized by supercars. It’s attributable to go on sale in 2024 in markets the place MG operates.

The design has clear hyperlinks to MG’s sports activities vehicles of the previous, significantly with the lengthy hood and drooping nostril. Carl Gotham, superior design director at MG’s design studio in London, mentioned the mission was to create a design that was respectful of MG’s heritage whereas pushing the model into the long run to draw a brand new era of sports activities automobile followers.

MG was brief on specs, however a minimum of two variations of the Cyberster are anticipated: a base mannequin with a single motor rear-wheel-drive powertrain and roughly 309 hp, and a range-topper with dual-motor all-wheel drive and round 536 hp. The curb weight is anticipated to come back in at 4,078 kilos for the bottom mannequin and 4,376 kilos for the dual-motor mannequin.

MG’s MSP modular EV platform will possible underpin the automobile. It was unveiled in 2022 and confirmed by the model as able to supporting sports activities vehicles.

The Cyberster is unlikely to achieve the U.S. given MG’s absence in these components, however one other firm plans to supply electrical MG sports activities vehicles right here. A British agency is constructing reproduction MGBs powered by batteries, and left-hand-drive variations are within the pipeline.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: 2024 MG Cyberster

This text was initially printed by Motor Authority, an editorial companion of ClassicCars.com