News Roundup: Sierra AEV, Civic Type R, June Sales, More

GMC Sierra AT4X AEV

GMC has just announced an even more capable version of its Sierra 1500 pickup. This one takes the new AT4X trim, along with its DSSV spool valve dampers, extra suspension travel, and other off-road goodies and adds even more trail-ready bits from American Expedition Vehicles. The changes include stamped steel bumpers with recovery points, along with a place for a winch on the front. There are five new steel skid plates to protect important underbody bits, and there are new 18-inch wheels. The AEV wheels wear 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires and have cool laser-engraved GMC and AEV lettering on the face. A new front grille and fascia are needed to help fit the new bumper and larger tires. There is also AEV branding inside and out. If even the Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition isn't enough for you, GMC and AEV are offering rocker panel protection and a bolt-on assist step. The Sierra AT4X AEV is available later in the 2023 model year.

Subaru Wilderness Parks Pass

Subaru has announced it is continuing its efforts to get Canadians into both provincial and national parks this year. Carried over from last year, Subaru Canada is providing Parks Canada Discovery Passes to all who purchase a 2022 Outback Wilderness or Forester Wilderness. This gives owners access to more than 80 national parks and historic sites for an entire year. “We want to encourage our customers to get outside and create a deeper connection with nature. We will always support Canadians that wish to go deeper in the forest, higher up the mountain and further off the beaten path than ever before,” said Subaru Canada CEO Yasushi Enami. Subaru is also partnering with B.C. Parks Foundation, Ontario Parks, and Parcs New Brunswick to support their Park Ambassador programs. These programs provide education and activities for parkgoers along with support to new campers.



June Sales Down 11.5 Per cent

New vehicle sales were down 11.5 per cent in June over the same month a year before. Desrosiers Automotive Consultants estimates 143,773 new car and light truck sales, making it the lowest June since the 2009 recession. In 2018, more than 200,000 vehicles were sold in the month. Unlike 2009, though, the problem isn't finding buyers. “Vehicle shortages remain severe and dominate the market environment,” said Desrosiers' Andrew King. Many dealers are still without vehicles as COVID-19 and supply chain issues including a shortage of semiconductor chips continue to impact vehicle production around the world.

Honda Civic Type R Prototype

Honda gave us a tease of the upcoming Civic Type R. The hottest version of the 2023 Civic showed up in camouflage at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the Honda Indy 200. The course is close to Honda's North American home office making it a natural choice. Honda hasn't yet detailed the car's performance, but we expect it to have a 2.0-litre turbo-four making at least the same 306 hp and 295 lb-ft as the 2021 version. While we can't see much in the photos, we do spot a larger front air intake and grille, extensive hood venting, and a large rear wing.

[caption id="attachment_169710" align="alignnone" width="2500"] 2023 Honda Civic Type-R[/caption]

2023 Toyota GR 86 Canadian Pricing

Toyota has priced the GR 86 sports coupe for 2023. A breath of fresh air in the current climate, the price is unchanged from last year. $31,490 gets you the entry-spec car complete with a 2.4-litre flat-four and six-speed manual transmission. The six-speed auto is $33,890 while the GR 86 Premium with Michelin performance tires, leather seating, and more luxury and driver assistance spec items start from $34,490 with the manual and $36,890 with an automatic. There is one thing new for 2023, and that's the 2023 GR 86 Special Edition. Just 20 will come to Canada, painted in Solar Shift orange with special wheels, a black spoiler, and a GR cat-back exhaust system. Pricing for that one will come later in the year.