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Toyota has confirmed that it is recalling 227,490 Camrys from the 2018 and 2019 model years. The suspect issue is reported to be a brake issue that could cause sudden loss of braking ability. The Camry Hybrid is unaffected though, which does not have the vacuum pump that is said to be the reason for the braking issues. The NHTSA released this information in an official recall. Dealers will replace the vacuum pump at no charge to the owner, and further notifications are pending.
The world is noticing Lucid, and not like the way it noticed Faraday Future, Canoo, or any of the other failed startups. Lucid is legit. They have already began selling their Air electric sedan, and it has burst onto the scene by winning Motor Trend's illustrious Car Of The Year award, besting the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS, the electric Porsche Taycan, the Toyota 86, Honda Civic, and vastly improved Hyundai Elantra. The sophisticated engineering excellence found in the Lucid is similar to the aforementioned Mercedes Benzes, and that's a heck of an accomplishment, given Mercedes has been doing this for decades, and Lucid is new to the scene. The Air features an incredibly small motor that pumps out 480 for just the base model, and it jumps all the way up to 1111 with the Dream Edition. The whole electric powertrain is developed entirely in-house, and uses a 900 volt system that enables "jump charging" to other EVs. The Air is the fastest charging EV in the world at the moment, capable of adding 300 miles in 20 minutes. It provides 451-520 miles of range, and boasts EPA figures of 111-131 mpg-e, ranking just narrowly ahead of it's biggest competitor, the Tesla Model S, and noticeably better than Porsche Taycan and Audi E-Tron GT.
Although styling is subjective, the Air has received near unanimous praise for it's incredibly sleek design, and many have said that it is the best-looking EV on the market. Although I would not go that far, (My pick would be the Rivian R1T or Porsche Taycan 4S) it is definitely a styling success. As a matter of fact, the Air is a complete success, and is sure to make a splash in the industry's EV transition.
Ladies and gents, Ferrari is back. After a period where they had some identity issues, with the brand forgoing it's heritage and shelling out a variety of hatchbacks, luxury coupes, and even a SUV, the Italian firm is going back to what it does best: 2 door supercars with drop-dead gorgeous looks and a wild engine configuration. The SP3 joins the SP1 and SP2 in the company's Icona stable, and in the SP3, Ferrari have built their most aerodynamically efficient car from the brand ever, even though it features no active aero. Powering the stunning SP3 is a ludicrous 6.5 Liter V12 that makes 812 hp that is also found in the phenomenal 812 Superfast. The engine goes all the way to a 9500 redline. It sprints to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. Ferrari have not at the arrival date, but there will be 599 made and it will cost roughly $2 million. Stay tuned for more info.
The Kia EV9 just debuted on Wednesday at the LA Auto Show, and it’s got everyone talking. It is big, bold, and also electric. It, along with the smaller EV6, signal that Kia is heading unmistakably towards the electric world, and extends the Korean brand’s head start on its competitors, with the Niro and Soul E both on the market. In its press debut, Kia executives and marketers strangely said that the EV9 is “inspired by water”, and that’s why the SUV is blue-ish, and apparently uses recycled materials from the ocean, as well as it using vegan leathers. Fish nets have been repurposed and are part of the flooring. Considering that such environmentally friendly measures are also seen on the EV6, it is fair to say that Kia is going all in with “saving the world, through cars” as they promise. The EV9 is full of clever features, but the production model might ditch a few of them, with the platform likely to be enlarged, and definitely other pairs of wheels will be available, thank goodness. The exterior design, while not for everyone, is unique and creative, and I personally like it more I every time I see it. Obnoxious? Maybe, but I think I prefer it to the bland SUVs on the market currently. Let me know in the comments what you think of the EV9, and be sure to follow MTT for more news.
PRIUS: Although the Prius is inexcusably ugly, it is still a decent choice for those who want an inexpensive car that has great fuel economy.
SUPRA: The new Supra is nothing short of legendary in the turns, and is a bargain compare to rivals like the Porsche 718 or BMW M2.
86: Apart from the Mazda Miata, there are no cars you can buy for $27K that give you such a divine driving experience
COROLLA: Even considering the Corolla was designed for nothing more than "Point A-B" travel, Toyota have still made a thoroughly disappointing sedan in the Corolla.
CAMRY: For the first time in a while, the Camry is relevant, thanks to a dazzling new exterior design, among other things.
HIGHLANDER: Although it will never beat the Kia Telluride or Mazda CX-9 in a comparison test, the Highlander is improving steadily, and sales are up.
RAV-4: Not unlike the general Toyota lineup, the Rav-4 has comfortably exceeded the prior model in every aspect, especially fuel economy and exterior design.
SEQUOIA: Every part of the Sequoia, from the engine to the design, is tragically outdated.
LAND CRUISER: legendary off reader, unfortunately will be pulled from the lineup soon and replaced by a Lexus.
#1 - Chevrolet Silverado "Bandit"
#2 - Ford Maverick
#3 - Jeep Gladiator
Jeep has created a 3-row Wrangler SUV for the SEMA car show, and it is called the "Overlook concept". Although this is very likely just a styling exercise, many are still speculating that Jeep will, in fact, reveal a production version in the coming years. Whether or not this happens in the future doesn't change the fact that this concept is a very, very cool idea. It's 1 ft longer than the standard Wrangler, with the roof 5 inches higher. It also features upgraded shocks and more expensive leather upholstery. What Jeep is doing here with the Overlook is very similar to what Land Rover did with the Defender, starting with a 2 door, 2 row SUV, and then adding a larger version aferwards. The overlook is based on the 4-door Wrangler Sahara, and uses a custom bronze paint that is contrasted by the blacked-out tires and hubcaps. All in all, it is a pretty cool move by Jeep, even if it never happens, which is even more likely with the new addition of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUVs. Stay tuned to MTT for more news on Jeep, as well as all the big news in the car world.
In a surprise move, Mike Flewitt has stepped down from the CEO role at McLaren. What makes this especially surprising is the huge amount of success the brand has enjoyed under Flewitt's leadership: After joining in 2012, he has been behind some truly legendary supercars, names like the P1, Senna, 720S, and Speedtail. The brand is now transitioning into the EV and hybrid realm, with the Artura the latest car to use electricity. Prior to his McLaren stint, Flewitt worked in executive positions at Ford, TWR, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce. When asked about his exit from the sports car firm, he said "I feel incredibly proud to have led McLaren automotive through most of it's first, highly successful decade, and am privileged to have played a part in the incredible McLaren story. This young company's success is a testament to the many passionate and talented people I have had the pleasure of working with, and I look forward to seeing that success continue. As expected, McLaren are now under a considerable degree of pressure to find a successor for Flewitt. Whether that replacement will come from inside the brand or not remains in question, but they will undoubtedly have massive shoes to fill. Mike Flewitt, in less than a decade, transformed McLaren from an unknown automaker that produced dozens of cars to arguably the best sports car brand in the world, and their cars consistently outperform the giants that are Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini. The time Flewitt spent at McLaren was hugely effective, and a heck of a lot of progress was made.
It's here, folks. The Corvette Z06 has finally been revealed, and let's be honest: It is looking like one of the best 'Vettes of all time. The minor tweaks from the base C8 add up, and we are left with an unbelievably attractive car. It is easily one of the most exciting cars of recent time, with it's 5.5 Liter V8 engine, a machine sure to delight everyone from Chevy die-hards to just casual enthusiasts. It pumps out 670 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, both very impressive numbers. Production starts in summer of 2022, and will challenge the likes of the Jaguar F-Type, Lotus Emira, Ferrari Portofino, and Acura NSX in the entry-level supercar market. Except one fact: The C8, and the C8 Z06 are priced at a fraction of the costs of similar cars, with the former starting at $59K, and the latter estimated to cost $80K. The new mid-engined layout of the Corvette really works to it's advantage, as it is much quicker (0-60 in only 2.5 s for the Z06) and much more responsive on the track, as it's symmetry helps it handle better than the previous gen of the Corvette, the C7.
Also, by ditching he supercharger, the Z06 pays homage to the legendary C1 Corvette, and it is also a really good idea, mechanically wise. The new engine revs to an outrageous 7000 rpm, and is sure to please the purists with it's beautiful engine sound, which sounds, to be honest, like a Ferrari 458, which is the highest compliment. As a matter of fact, the two share engine configurations, which might have something to to with it. The approach that Chevrolet is taking here with the Z06 is a good one, as they seem to have a perfect ratio of retro glory and today's tech. The sports car world is not ready for this one, that I can say.
Welcome to the series where we shout out brands that have realized their problems, and attended to them, and subsequently improved one of their cars significantly. Last time, I looked at the Nissan Rogue, an anonymous, uninteresting crossover that morphed into a fantastic vehicle with spirit, style, and practicality. This week, we are switching over to yet another Japanese crossover, the Toyota Rav-4.
Previous Gen:
Current Gen:
Previous Gen: Nissan Rogue
Maybe you've noticed a pattern over the last couple of years: the Hyundai/Kia/Genesis partnership has been absolutely on point. Sometimes, it almost seems that they can do no wrong. First came the outstanding Kia Telluride, an 8-seater some even consider to be the best SUV of the 21st century. Then, the Kia Stinger and Hyundai Veloster came out. They were elite sports cars, but you would've never known by looking at their price tag. Then came the Genesis G90, a sedan that, out of nowhere, became arguably the best car in its class, while winning Motor Trend's prestigious Car Of The Year award in 2019. Other notable overachievers include the Kia Soul, Kia K5, Kia Carnival, Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Palisade, and Genesis G80 and G70. I think it is fair to say, given all their recent successes, that the Hyundai/Kia/Genesis trio should be taken seriously, for the first time in a while.
The G70 is no exception to Hyundai's winning streak, and it is a serious threat to the throne currently occupied by the likes of the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, and Porsche Cayenne. Not unlike 99% of Hyundai products, the GV70 offers comparable power, luxury, and features to its rivals, but it significantly undercuts them in price. Starting at just $41K, the GV70 is a obvious bargain when you weigh in all the factors. First off, it looks pretty good, wouldn't you say? The trademark "split headlights" look great on a mid-size crossover, and the overall look is far more interesting than it's German competitors. However, the beauty is not skin-deep, as the cabin is immensely luxurious, with one of the best infotainment screens in the segment. The seats also impress, offering high levels of comfort.
Now we come to the last, and for some, most important aspect of the new Genesis GV70: the driving experience. Boasting 375 horsepower and 391 lb/ft. of torque, the GV70 is easily one of the most enjoyable mid-size crossovers you can buy in the segment. It shares the chassis with the G70 sport sedan, and is all the better for it. It has plenty of power, and is perfectly tuned. Like G70, the SUV is nothing short of excellent, and is poised to make a splash in one of the most lucrative spaces in the market.
These days, people buy SUVs in droves, and although some might anticipate that the fall of coupes and sedans is due to crossovers/SUVs, there are still a heck of a lot of really awesome SUVs out there. Without further ado, let's get into it.
Land Rover Discovery Sport:
Mercedes-AMG GLC-43
Aston Martin DBX
At Tesla's shareholder meeting, CEO Elon Musk broke the news that Tesla will, as soon as possible, move it's HQ to Texas, after many years in Silicon Valley, California. The leading electric car brand is only the latest company to move from Silicon Valley, after Oracle and Hewitt Packard did likewise. The reason for the move is the same reason millions of households have been making the journey: Cost of living, taxes, and government messing with businesses. The word is that the new HQ will be located near the Giga factory. Elon himself has already made the move to Texas earlier in the year. Reason? "It's tough for people to afford houses, and a lot of people have to come from far away"
For the better part of a century, Americans have been crazy about small trucks, with legends like the Ford Lightning and Chevrolet C-1500 coming to mind. However, besides the Toyota Tacoma, there really hasn't been a true mid-size street truck available. That changed several months ago, when Hyundai and Ford almost simultaneously revealed their Santa Cruz and Maverick trucks, respectively. These two arrivals have gotten plenty of attention, as their unibody design sets it apart from the vast majority of trucks, which use the BOF (Body-On-Frame) style. Without further ado, lets go through the 3 prominent trucks of 2021, starting with the Ford Maverick.
Ford Maverick - $21K
Toyota Tacoma - $25K
T here's been a considerable amount of talk around some new Artificial Intelligence generators that can take two or more words and mash ...
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