Latest news with #Car&Driver
Motor Trend
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
Apple CarPlay Ultra's Coolest New Features
Were you one of those kids who taught themselves to identify cars at night by their headlights and taillights? I was. I was also one of those kids with a huge box of Hot Wheels and impressive collection of home-made Lego hot rods. I asked my parents for a Power Wheels Porsche 911 for Christmas for years, though the best I got was a pedal-powered tractor. I drove the wheels off it. I used to tell my friends I'd own a 'slug bug' one day. When I was 15, my dad told me he would get me a car on the condition that I had to maintain it. He came back with a rough-around-the-edges 1967 Volkswagen Beetle he'd picked up for something like $600. I drove the wheels off that thing, too, even though it was only slightly faster than the tractor. When I got tired of chasing electrical gremlins (none of which were related to my bitchin' self-installed stereo, thank you very much), I thought I'd move on to something more sensible. I bought a 1986 Pontiac Fiero GT and got my first speeding ticket in that car during the test drive. Not my first-ever ticket, mind you. That came behind the wheel of a Geo Metro hatchback I delivered pizza in during high school. I never planned to have this job. I was actually an aerospace engineering major in college, but calculus and I had a bad breakup. Considering how much better my English grades were than my calculus grades, I decided to stick to my strengths and write instead. When I made the switch, people kept asking me what I wanted to do with my life. I told them I'd like to write for a car magazine someday, not expecting it to actually happen. I figured I'd be in newspapers, maybe a magazine if I was lucky. Then this happened, which was slightly awkward because I grew up reading Car & Driver, but convenient since I don't live in Michigan. Now I just try to make it through the day without adding any more names to the list of people who want to kill me and take my job. Read More
Miami Herald
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Lewis Hamilton Wants to Make a New Ferrari F40: What Could It Look Like?
According to Fred Smith at Car & Driver, "Lewis Hamilton Says He Wants to Design a Stick-Shift Ferrari Inspired by the F40." To most car enthusiasts, this statement alone is a major blessing, even without an official announcement in sight. With Ferrari developing fully-electric models that will supposedly have simulated engine noises, it's more than refreshing to hear that even top Formula 1 racing drivers are desperate for legacy exotic automakers to bring back truly analog performance cars that aim towards one goal above all else: to evoke an unparalleled emotional response from the driver. That one-of-a-kind adrenaline rush, like the vehicular equivalent of a double espresso martini chased with a shot of reposado, is what cemented the Ferrari F40 as an undisputed automotive legend. While the F40 was certainly no slouch, putting down a 3.8-second 0-60 mph time and producing 471 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V8, its performance figures and on-paper statistics are not why collectors and dreamers alike covet the car so greatly to this day. In fact, it's what accompanies those figures–the variables that you might not notice on the brochure, but will be at the forefront of your mind whilst behind the wheel–that make the F40 so breathtakingly captivating. For example, even Ferrari's most basic current mid-engine sports car, the 296 GTB, makes over 800 horsepower using a hybridized, twin-turbocharged V6, and accelerates from 0-60 in just 2.4 seconds–an utter barnstormer compared to the comparably sluggish F40, at least on paper. Despite the 296 GTB's objectively superior statistics, a Ferrari F40 will cost you literal millions of dollars more to own. That's because the magic of the F40 doesn't lie within its statistics, but rather in how well it satisfies the cathartic urges of the die-hard automotive enthusiast. The Ferrari F40 has no stereo, no air conditioning, no driver assist nannies like traction control or stability control (and forget about lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control), weighs almost 500 lbs. less than the 296 GTB, and sends its power to its rear wheels exclusively through a five-speed manual transmission. The F40 does none of the work for you, and in return, doing that work is precisely what makes the F40 such a memorable machine to operate. Upon the reveal of Ferrari's latest entry into its storied lineage of flagship supercars–the Ferrari F80–the Internet was flooded with livid car enthusiasts who were disappointed with the model's lack of panache and uniqueness compared to its many beloved predecessors, such as the hybrid V12-powered LaFerrari, the tantalizing Enzo, the exquisite F50, the timelessly iconic F40, and the groundbreaking 288 GTO. Whether it be the F80's V6 powertrain, its relatively uninspired styling, or its overabundance of computer-controlled driver assistance systems, the F80's diminished appeal echoes throughout the rest of Ferrari's modern lineup. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of the Ferrari 296, and its use of a V6 engine doesn't bother me in the slightest. If you've ever experienced a Dino 246 GT, then you're well aware that Ferrari is more than capable of executing an emotionally-stirring and engaging six-cylinder engine. For myself, and for many enthusiasts world-over, Ferrari's contemporary monotony can be blamed on stringent government regulations on automakers, forced electrification, too many driver assistance nannies, a shift away from Pininfarina-penned styling, and automatic transmissions that, while shifting much more quickly, remove the driver even further from an experience that's already been diluted by "features" like electronic power steering and adaptive suspension systems. Thankfully, now that Lewis Hamilton has gained a footing at Ferrari, it seems he plans on using his influence to convince Ferrari not to abandon its coveted heritage entirely. Lewis's idea to create a limited production, manually shifted Ferrari inspired by the original F40 isn't actually as radical as it may seem. Aston Martin employed a similar strategy with the Valour, which saw a 110-unit production run of a uniquely styled model that paired the brand's 705-horsepower twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 with a six-speed manual transmission. According to Charlie Martin at Autocar, the Valour "sold out within two weeks of its unveiling." Even Porsche cashed in on the analog hype with their 911 S/T, which saw a 1,963-unit production run and paired the 911 GT3RS's naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six with a manual transmission and other analog-focused enhancements. It seems like a no-brainer that a spiritually revived Ferrari F40 could achieve similar success in securing sales and skyrocketing brand excitement. Employing a similar strategy to Aston Martin and Porsche, Ferrari could even use existing parts and running gear to get the job done. Perhaps the most obvious powertrain for the job would be the twin-turbocharged, flat-plane crankshaft 4.0-liter V8 found in the contemporary SF90, sans the heavy batteries and electric motors. Rid of its electrification, the SF90's V8 produces up to 769 horsepower on its own–more than enough to overshadow the likes of the 705-horsepower Aston Martin Valour or the 518-horsepower Porsche 911 S/T. Paired with a gated manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, such a configuration sounds like an immediate recipe for success. With Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel on the test track, the spiritually revived F40 would undoubtedly be set up not with track performance or efficiency prioritized in mind, but rather tuned to provide the most physically and emotionally exhilarating experience possible. We're rooting for Lewis Hamilton here, because his idea seems like an utter no-brainer for Ferrari. With a record seven Formula 1 world championship titles, Hamilton is tied only with Michael Schumacher in his racing championship success. Schumacher himself was heavily involved with the development of the Ferrari Enzo–a more than respectable entry in the F40's familial lineage that set the stage for the brand's 21st-century pursuits. We're eager to see how Hamilton contributes to a spiritual revival of the legendary Ferrari F40, but as nothing has been officially confirmed as of yet, we'll just have to wait and see what kind of magic Ferrari and Hamilton can concoct collectively. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
This New 1,297 HP All-Electric Sedan Is as Fast as a Supercar
A new Chinese sedan has hopped onto the market—with a sub-$100,000 price tag. BYD's sub-brand, Yangwang, has just started selling its new U7 electric sedan. In addition to its bevy of other features, the sleek car offers up 1,287 hp and a starting price of about $86,000 at current exchange rates, Car & Driver reported. More from Robb Report A Lavishly Restored 300-Year-Old Villa in Sicily Hits the Market for $5.6 Million Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy Just Sold Their N.Y.C. Townhouse for $9.9 Million This Ultra-Rare Custom '57 Chevy Convertible Is Heading to Auction All that horsepower comes from the U7's four electric motors, with one for each wheel. The sedan also has 1,239 ft. lbs. of torque, as well as a 167 top speed and a zero-to-62 mph time of 2.9 seconds, according to Yangwang. As far as weight, the new launch leans on the hefty side, coming in at around 6,800 pounds and 207.3 inches long. The U7 comes with a 135.5 kWh battery, which allows the car to get 447 miles on a single charge. That stat is based on China's CLTC test, though, and the range would be shorter if tested using the EPA's procedure, Car & Driver reported. The brand also says the sedan can go from 30 to 80 percent charged in under 20 minutes. And if you're not looking for a pure EV, the model can be offered in a plug-in hybrid. In that case, you're getting a 52.4 kWh battery mated to all four electric motors alongside a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine. The battery can take you 124 miles, and once the gas engine comes into play, you're looking at a 621-mile range. You can also expect to find rear-wheeling steeling on offer, as well as a DiSus-Z suspension system. That system is a switch up from the usual DiSus-P hydraulic damper found on other Yangwang models; instead, the U7 uses linear actuators, which, for example, lets the car drive on three wheels if one happens to blow by lifting the affected wheel. Moving to the God's Eye driver-assistance system, it offers up Level 2 hands-free driving capability thanks to three lidar sensors, five radar sensors, 13 high-def cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Inside, the sedan, which is available in a four or five-seat configuration, is coated in a luxe red Nappa leather. The next things your eyes may wander to are the 12.8-inch central display and the 23.6-inch digital instrument cluster. Your front passenger nabs a six-inch screen of their own, along with chairs that can adjust in 20 ways and include ventilation, heating, and massaging. The rear passengers, meanwhile, have a pair of 12.8-inch screens for entertaining. Also in the rear are foldout tables, a mini fridge, and high-tech armrests meant to regulate your temperature. Everyone inside, though, can enjoy the U7's 23-speaker sound system. Sadly, the U7 will most likely never make its way stateside, Car & Driver reported. That doesn't mean you can't be impressed by the car maker's latest launch, though. Best of Robb Report The 2024 Chevy C8 Corvette: Everything We Know About the Powerful Mid-Engine Beast The World's Best Superyacht Shipyards The ABCs of Chartering a Yacht Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
This New 1,297 HP All-Electric Sedan Is as Fast as a Supercar
A new Chinese sedan has hopped onto the market—with a sub-$100,000 price tag. BYD's sub-brand, Yangwang, has just started selling its new U7 electric sedan. In addition to its bevy of other features, the sleek car offers up 1,287 hp and a starting price of about $86,000 at current exchange rates, Car & Driver reported. More from Robb Report A Lavishly Restored 300-Year-Old Villa in Sicily Hits the Market for $5.6 Million Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy Just Sold Their N.Y.C. Townhouse for $9.9 Million This Ultra-Rare Custom '57 Chevy Convertible Is Heading to Auction All that horsepower comes from the U7's four electric motors, with one for each wheel. The sedan also has 1,239 ft. lbs. of torque, as well as a 167 top speed and a zero-to-62 mph time of 2.9 seconds, according to Yangwang. As far as weight, the new launch leans on the hefty side, coming in at around 6,800 pounds and 207.3 inches long. The U7 comes with a 135.5 kWh battery, which allows the car to get 447 miles on a single charge. That stat is based on China's CLTC test, though, and the range would be shorter if tested using the EPA's procedure, Car & Driver reported. The brand also says the sedan can go from 30 to 80 percent charged in under 20 minutes. And if you're not looking for a pure EV, the model can be offered in a plug-in hybrid. In that case, you're getting a 52.4 kWh battery mated to all four electric motors alongside a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine. The battery can take you 124 miles, and once the gas engine comes into play, you're looking at a 621-mile range. You can also expect to find rear-wheeling steeling on offer, as well as a DiSus-Z suspension system. That system is a switch up from the usual DiSus-P hydraulic damper found on other Yangwang models; instead, the U7 uses linear actuators, which, for example, lets the car drive on three wheels if one happens to blow by lifting the affected wheel. Moving to the God's Eye driver-assistance system, it offers up Level 2 hands-free driving capability thanks to three lidar sensors, five radar sensors, 13 high-def cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Inside, the sedan, which is available in a four or five-seat configuration, is coated in a luxe red Nappa leather. The next things your eyes may wander to are the 12.8-inch central display and the 23.6-inch digital instrument cluster. Your front passenger nabs a six-inch screen of their own, along with chairs that can adjust in 20 ways and include ventilation, heating, and massaging. The rear passengers, meanwhile, have a pair of 12.8-inch screens for entertaining. Also in the rear are foldout tables, a mini fridge, and high-tech armrests meant to regulate your temperature. Everyone inside, though, can enjoy the U7's 23-speaker sound system. Sadly, the U7 will most likely never make its way stateside, Car & Driver reported. That doesn't mean you can't be impressed by the car maker's latest launch, though. Best of Robb Report The 2024 Chevy C8 Corvette: Everything We Know About the Powerful Mid-Engine Beast The World's Best Superyacht Shipyards The ABCs of Chartering a Yacht Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Chevrolet says a next-gen Camaro is still possible. What could it look like?
News recently broke that executives at General Motors did not green-light the development of the next-generation Chevrolet Camaro pony car, citing a disbelief that the vehicle would have any legitimate market appeal, according to Car & Driver. Despite this setback, the team behind the next-gen Camaro proposal isn't finished yet, and a new Camaro could arrive eventually–it might just be a while. That being said, if the beloved Chevy Camaro is going to make a comeback, it'll have to pull out all the stops to compete with the likes of the Ford Mustang and Dodge Charger, and recognize new competition like the Toyota Supra and Nissan Z. Using generative text-to-image artificial intelligence, we take an imagined look at what a revived Chevrolet Camaro could look like, incorporating current GM design cues and imagining what currently existing powertrains and platforms it could optimize. These images are for speculation purposes only and in no way depict any actual General Motors not entirely impossible that a next-gen Camaro could get an all-new powertrain of its own, but it's also not very likely. Thankfully, GM's current arsenal of parts and powertrains isn't devoid of thrilling performance, and there are some seriously intriguing options that would both spice up the Camaro's performance and enhance its efficiency. Firstly, the basic Camaro could swap out the old 275-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the larger, turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces a stout 325 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque when found beneath the hood of a Cadillac CT4-V. Paired with a standard 10-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, and perhaps even an optional all-wheel drive system, this could make an excellent base model package. Replacing the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 in the previous Camaro SS with a turbocharged six-cylinder seems like sacrilege for an iconic nameplate like the Camaro, but if Dodge can do so with the Charger, it seems fitting that Chevrolet could do the same in an attempt to differentiate itself from the Ford Mustang GT and modernize its mechanics. In place of the previous, 455-horsepower V8 could see the 472-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 found in the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing. This would also allow for the possibility of an optional 6-speed manual transmission, since it can be opted for in the Caddy, and would require relatively minimal reengineering. Of course, how could you sell a model like the Camaro without an available V8? The ZL1 package could be revived using the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 found in the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, which produces 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque. Paired with either a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, this would be the old-school muscle car on steroids that the ZL1 always now that we live in the seemingly-dystopian world of 2025, it wouldn't surprise me at all if converting the entire Camaro model lineup into a line of crossovers resulted in a green light from GM's top executive decision-makers. This could make use of a variety of powertrains, ranging from supercharged V8s to dual-motor all-electric power. This could make all-wheel drive a standard feature across the Camaro lineup. Imagine a Camaro-sized crossover based on GM's Alpha platform, pairing a 668-horsepower supercharged V8 with a rapid-shifting 10-speed automatic and the traction of four-wheel drive. Perhaps an all-electric SS package could make use of the Chevrolet Blazer EV SS's 615-horsepower all-electric powertrain. If you're a die-hard Camaro enthusiast, I do apologize for the mere suggestion of turning the beloved pony car into a crossover in search of enhanced sales. Unfortunately, the reality of the situation is that not enough people were buying the Camaro as it was, and turning the model into a crossover might actually change always unfortunate to see a vehicle that's coveted by so many people fade away into irrelevance because corporate executives just don't believe it's still worth building. There are certainly ways to make the Camaro a more marketable product, but each and every one of them comes with the risk of huge financial losses. Hopefully, the team behind the next-generation Camaro can come up with something feasible soon. Do you want to see the Camaro return with new engines and updated looks, or would you rather leave the pony car to rest as an icon of the past? Would you be at all interested in a Camaro crossover, or would you consider such a thing blasphemous? Let us know how you feel in the comments–we love to hear from you! Love reading Autoblog? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get exclusive articles, insider insights, and the latest updates delivered right to your inbox. Click here to sign up now!
