news 3-27 (2)

Evan is an East Coast based automotive journalist and a Certified Engineering Technologist. He is an avid autocrosser, hack mechanic, and a member of AJAC. If you don't find him driving or writing about cars, you'll probably find him in the garage breaking one.

Ford working on a new EV pickup

Ford is talking about its next-generation electric pickup as it readies to open a new facility to build it in Tennessee. The truck is code-named Project T3 and Ford is calling it "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to revolutionize America's truck." While the current <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/2022-ford-f-150-lightning-first-drive">F-150 Lightning</a> is a gas F-150 with an electric motor, the new truck will be designed as an EV from the start. "On the highway on a sunny day, you should be able to go to sleep in your truck or make a call or do whatever you want to do in your truck while it drives for you," Ford CEO Jim Farley said about the new truck. The BlueOval city factory will be greener itself. Using carbon-free energy and taking up less space to build more vehicles than a traditional plant. The Project T3 will come to market in 2025, and Ford can build around half a million per year at the new plant.

EV ownership satisfaction very high

The Canadian Automobile Association had more than <a href="https://www.caa.ca/news/largest-ever-survey-of-canadian-ev-drivers-finds-overwhelming-majority-would-buy-again-but-many-still-worry-about-lack-of-public-charging/">16,000 electric vehicle owners surveyed</a> and found that almost all would buy another EV. Plus most stopped being worried about range and cold weather once they owned an EV. 97 percent said they would buy an EV again when it was time to replace their vehicle. 89 perecent say they prefer driving their EV and 95 percent say it is more affordable. Worries about range fell 37 percentage points to 30 percent once buyers bought their EVs. Worries about cold dropped 25 percentage points to 33 percent. The biggest worry for EV owners, though, is the availability of public charging. 44 percent of EV owners still have this concern.

New cars galore

Just ahead of the New York International Auto Show next week, automakers have plenty of teases in store for new product.

Integra Type S

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175285" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/news-3-27-4.jpg" alt="Integra Type S" width="2500" height="1667" />

Acura confirmed that the upcoming <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/acura-integra-type-s-prototype-first-drive-review">Integra Type S</a> will have 320 hp from its 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder. Five horses more than the mechanically similar Honda <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/2023-honda-civic-type-r-first-drive-review">Civic Type R</a>. The announcement came with two teasers of the bodywork that showed the Integra Type S would have extra wide fender flares. And that it would have a subtle rear spoiler, not the massive wing of the Civic Type R.

Camaro dead for now

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175287" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/news-3-27-7.jpg" alt="Camaro done" width="1920" height="1080" />

Chevrolet announced it is goodbye for the Chevrolet Camaro. At least for a while. The sixth generation of the car will get a Collector's Edition offered in RS, SS, and 650 horsepower ZL1 iterations. Expect loads of badges including a new Camaro script as well as some other goodies. Chevrolet said we'll need to wait to see all the details.

Subaru goes deeper into the wilderness

Subaru has announced that its Wilderness family is growing. Subaru has already applied the off-road-ready and rugged Wilderness trim to the <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/vehicle-reviews/first-drive-2022-subaru-forester-wilderness">Forester</a> and <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/vehicle-reviews/why-i-love-my-vehicle-2022-subaru-outback-wilderness">Outback</a>. The versions get useful upgrades like water-resistant seats and all-terrain tires. The new Wilderness could be the Crosstrek or Ascent. Or it could be the electric <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/2023-subaru-solterra-first-drive">Subaru Solterra</a>.

New Tacoma

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175284" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/news-3-27-3.jpg" alt="new toyota tacoma" width="2500" height="1406" />

Toyota appears to be getting a new Tacoma pickup ready. The photo, posted to Instagram, was captioned simply "lost in the stars." The Tacoma was last all-new in 2005 or 2015, depending on how you look at the models. Expect hybrid power for the truck for the first time with the new generation.

Easter Jeep Safari

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175286" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/news-3-27-6-scaled.jpg" alt="Jeep Easter Safari" width="2560" height="1368" />

Jeep's favourite time of year is the Easter Jeep Safari. Every year, the brand brings around half a dozen cool concepts, some of which are actually a sneak preview of a production model. We'll have the full details for you later in the week, but for now Jeep has teased another electric Wrangler concept (Magneto 3.0), and other big power and electrified Jeeps. There's also what looks like a very cool restored classic Cherokee.

News Roundup: Ford's Second EV Pickup, EV Owner Survey, Loads of Upcoming New Models

HPD Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer

Indy CR-V

Honda built a CR-V like nothing else. No, not a CR-V Type R, but something even cooler. Honda Performance Development took a carbon (fibre) copy of the CR-V's bodywork and mounted it to an Indycar chassis. Complete with the 2.2L twin-turbo V6 and hybrid power, this CR-V makes somewhere north of 800 horses. The idea isn't to send it to production, though. It's to show off that Indycar hybrid power and look spectacular. The CR-V racer will show up at NTT Indycar Series races this year including the Toronto Indy in July.

Lightning production resumes

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174917" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/news-3-6-4.jpg" alt="F-150 Lightning Lariat off-road" width="2500" height="1446" />

Ford has restarted production of the F-150 Lightning electric pickup and it expects that production to go faster than ever. The line was halted after a battery fire early last month, but Ford says the issue has been solved. Ford has said previously it expects to hit 150,000 Lightning pickups per year by the fall of 2023. That's a significant figure, even for the F-Series trucks that see nearly a million built every year.

The Scout is back

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174915" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/news-3-6-2.jpg" alt="VW Scout" width="2500" height="2500" />

Volkswagen's latest heritage exercise is one step closer to market. The automaker announced on Friday that its new Scout line would be built at a new plant in South Carolina that would have enough capacity for more than 200,000 units per year. Early last year, VW announced that the Scout off-road brand, gas vehicles made by International Harvester from the 1960s through to the 1980s, would be coming back. This time as body-on-frame off-road-ready EVs. An electric competitor to the likes of Jeep and Ford's Bronco. Next up, the automaker plans to launch the Scout in 2024 to go on sale in 2026. We're also expecting a battery plant announcement for North America, possibly in Quebec or Ontario.

Income-based traffic fines proposed in B.C City

The City of New Westminster BC is looking to do something to even the playing field when it comes to speeding tickets in the province. Mayor Patrick Johnstone introduced a motion to tie traffic fines to the income of the person being fined. The Mayor pointed out that fixed fines are inequitable. They have a large effect on those with lower incomes, but a minimal deterrent effect on those with higher incomes. The measure passed 5-2. As this is beyond the city's mandate, the motion was to submit the resolution to the Lower Mainland Local Government Association, then if advanced, to the Union of B.C Municipalities and eventually the provincial government. Means-tested fines and enforcement have long been law in Finland and are beginning to become more common in the rest of Europe.

Toronto Auto show sees record crowds

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174916" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/news-3-6-3.jpg" alt="Toronto Auto show attendance" width="2500" height="1666" />

The Canadian International Auto Show returned with a blast. Taking two years off didn't stop demand, and the show saw its third-highest crowds ever. More than 350,000 people attended the Toronto show, with the opening weekend setting attendance records. The on-site EV Test Track saw more than 6,000 drivers behind the wheel of new EVs, with 83 percent of those driving an EV for the first time. More than 15,000 attendees went for a passenger lap. The Toronto AutoShow is set to return February 16-25 2024.

News Roundup: F-150 Lightning Production Restart, IndyCar Honda CR-V, More

news 2-27 (4)

Electrified GV70 pricing

Genesis has announced pricing and packaging for the 2023 <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/news/weekly-news-roundup-new-genesis-gv70-ev-ford-transit-trail-more">Electrified GV70</a>. The brand's third electric vehicle will come in just one trim, the well-appointed Prestige model for $84,000. Dual motors offer a total of 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque and the 77.4 kWh battery delivers an estimated 383 km of range on a charge. 350 kW fast charging can boost the Electrified GV70 from 10-80 percent in as little as 18 minutes. The price is $6,500 more than the gas-powered 375 hp GV70 3.5T Sport Plus grade. The 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 is set to launch in Canada next month.

World Traffic Index

TomTom has just released its latest Traffic Index. A look at 389 cities around the world that measures travel times and how long residents spend stuck in traffic. Toronto topped the list of Canadian cities to no surprise, with drivers there spending 199 hours a year in rush hour. The average time to drive 10 km rose 1 minute 40 seconds for the year to 22 and a half minutes. Vancouver tied that 10 km drive, but with Vancouverites spending "just" 197 hours in rush hour, the city was 31st overall to Toronto's 30th. Filter by metro area instead of just the city proper and Vancouver is number one. Drivers in Greater Vancouver spend 132 hours in traffic, 58th overall. Slightly shocking was Halifax Regional Municipality in the second spot with 118 hours in rush hour per year. The worst city was London, UK, at 325 hours per year and the worst metro area the greater Bogota area at 244 hours.

BC getting more EV charging options

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174873" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/news-2-27-1.jpg" alt="BC EV charging" width="2500" height="1406" />

EV charging is set to get easier in BC following a new announcement from the federal government. The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, announced $19m in funding to install up to 2,416 EV chargers, with 1,880 of those to be installed across Greater Vancouver. At the same time, the government of BC announced $2.2m for Level 3 chargers in the province. The new charge station installations are lead by municipalities, residential buildings, businesses, and utilities, said the announcement. Natural Resources Canada now says that funds invested to date should see more than 34,500 charging stations from coast to coast by 2027, with investments coming for another 50,000.

Refreshed X5 and X6M get hybrid boost

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174875" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/news-2-27-3.jpg" alt="2024 BMW X5M competition" width="2500" height="1667" />

BMW has just announced new X5 and <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/vehicle-reviews/review-2021-bmw-x6-m-competition">X6 M Competition</a> models, with a new V8 but no new power. The new 4.4L twin-turbo V8 will produce 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, just like last year. What it adds is a 12 hp and 147 lb-ft 48V electric motor integrated with the transmission. This will help save fuel, and boost torque from launch. BMW M has tweaked the chassis with extra bracing and the suspension with new tuning and geometry to make the new M models quicker. BMW is also giving the X5 M and X6 M its new curved display cockpit which combines the 12.3-inch digital dash and 14.9-inch center screen. The 2024 BMW X5 M Competition starts from $142,000, the X6 M Competition from $145,000. Production starts in April.

IIHS Top safety picks

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174874" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/news-2-27-2.jpg" alt="IIHS safety pick winners" width="2500" height="1406" />

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has announced its 2023 Top Safety Pick award winners. Only 48 vehicles earned the honour this year, down from 101 last year. That's because of a new side impact test that simulates being hit by a big SUV at higher speeds. Of the 48, 27 earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation, which requires top-rated headlights as well as the high crash test rating. 65 vehicles got the Pick+ last year.

IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Awards 

SMALL CARS
Acura Integra
MIDSIZE CARS
Subaru Outback
Toyota Camry built after January 2023
LARGE LUXURY CARS
Genesis G90
SMALL SUVS
Honda CR-V
Honda HR-V
Lexus UX
Subaru Solterra (electric) built after October 2022
MIDSIZE SUVS
Hyundai Palisade
Kia Telluride
Nissan Pathfinder
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Volkswagen ID.4 (electric)
MIDSIZE LUXURY SUVS
Acura MDX
Acura RDX
Infiniti QX60
Lexus NX
Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid
Lexus RX
Tesla Model Y (electric)
Volvo XC90
Volvo XC90 Recharge (plug-in hybrid)
MINIVANS
Honda Odyssey
Toyota Sienna
LARGE PICKUPS
Rivian R1T crew cab (electric)
Toyota Tundra crew cab
Toyota Tundra extended cab

News Roundup: IIHS Safety Awards, Electrified GV70, X5 M, More

Ram 1500 REV front three-quarters

Ram 1500 REV EV pick up makes official debut

Ram introduced its first electric pickup during the big game yesterday evening. The Ram 1500 REV (for Ram Electric Vehicle) isn't something close to the fancy Revolution concept we had hoped for, instead, it's something that probably makes a lot more sense. The 1500 Rev looks like a standard Ram 1500 with a new enclosed nose (which will likely hold a frunk). It's the same route Ford took with the <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/2022-ford-f-150-lightning-first-drive">F-150 Lightning</a>, and it has been working out well for that brand. Ram has also opened up opportunities to pre-order the truck using a new Rev Insider+ paid membership. No word yet on power or range, but expect the pickup to offer plenty of the former.

Maps update

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174626" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/newws-2-13-1.jpg" alt="Google Maps" width="2300" height="1436" />

Google has announced updates to its Maps app that are aimed at making life easier for electric vehicle owners. Users will now be able to add charge stops and Maps will suggest the best stop based on a number of factors. Google Maps also adds a "very fast" charger filter so users can separate 50 kW Level 3 charge stations from the much quicker 150 kW and higher L3 charge stations. Lastly, search results for stores and other destinations will now show if there is on-site charging.

Rubicon turns 20

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174630" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/newws-2-13-5.jpg" alt="Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 20th" width="2300" height="1533" />

Jeep is celebrating 20 years since a dedicated group of engineers convinced the product planners that an even more capable Wrangler would be a great idea. Say hello to the 20th Anniversary Jeep <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/everything-you-want-to-know-about-the-2022-jeep-rubicon-392">Wrangler Rubicon</a> models. Jeep will offer the 20 AE Rubicon in 4xe and 392 versions, and they will be made in a limited run. Extra features include a special grille, steel bumpers, half-inch suspension lift, and a host of badges and interior trim changes. Bigger tires and other capability-increasing Mopar accessories will be part of the package. The 20th Anniversary package will add $10,995 to the price of a 4xe PHEV and $12,995 to a 392.

Dark Horse details

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174629" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/newws-2-13-4.jpg" alt="Mustang Dark Horse" width="2300" height="1314" />

Ford showed more of the upcoming Mustang Dark Horse trim level. The special track-ready Mustang will also have some extra-cool cosmetic changes including a special available colour-shifting Blue Ember Metallic paint colour. Inside the Dark Horse is loaded with more blue including an anodized blue gearshift, Indigo Blue wheel and seat stitching, and a blue lever for the "electronic drift brake." Get the Dark Horse Appearance Package and get even more blue including Recaro performance seats with blue bolsters and deep Indigo Blue seatbelts.

BMW X5 and X6 updated for 2024

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174627" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/newws-2-13-2.jpg" alt="BMW X5 updates" width="2300" height="1533" />

BMW is giving the X5 and X6 crossovers a refresh for 2024 that will give them new cabins and some new engines. X5 and X6 models with the xDrive40i driveline get a new 3.0L inline six with 48v mild hybrid that makes 375 hp, a big upgrade over last year. The eight-cylinder M60i trims have a new V8 and 48V mild hybrid tech and make 523 hp (the same as last year). Aside from mild exterior cosmetic upgrades, the X5 and X6 get new interior screens and the latest version of BMW's infotainment system that has quicker response and better voice control. Pricing starts from $86,000.

New Crosstrek, no more manual

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174628" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/newws-2-13-3.jpg" alt="New Subaru Crosstrek" width="2300" height="1585" />

Subaru has revealed an all-new Crosstrek. The compact off-road hatch gets a stiffer chassis, styling that's not far off of the previous model, and Subaru's latest EyeSight driver assistance suite. Up-level models will get Subaru's 11.6-inch infotainment screen while lower-spec cars get a dual 7.0-inch system, like the Impreza. The powerplants are unchanged, with a 2.0L 152 hp flat-four and a 182 hp 2.5L flat-four offered. The manual gearbox appears to be gone for 2024, but Subaru says it has enhanced the CVT for smoother and quieter performance. Active torque vectoring is standard to improve handling and control on dry and slippery roads.

News Roundup: Ram 1500 REV, Subaru Crosstrek, BMW X5, More

news 2-6 (2)

Toyota remains on top

Toyota, despite the production challenges faced by the industry last year, remained the biggest automaker in the world. The company, including its subsidiaries like Daihatsu and Hino managed 10.5 million sales in 2022. Second place Volkswagen, including Audi, Skoda, and the rest, sold 8.3 million, down seven percent. Toyota hopes to build even more units this year but warns that there could still be shortages of crucial parts.

Mach-E production increases

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174515" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/news-2-6-3.jpg" alt="Mustang mach-e" width="2500" height="1667" />

Ford is building more copies of the <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/review-2021-ford-mustang-mach-e-gt">Mustang Mach-E</a> EV and has slashed prices up to $8,500. Ford says it is because of a new and more efficient supply chain for EVs. More parts for less money leads to more cars for a lower price. The basic Mach-E's price stays flat at $56,995, but a Premium Standard Range is down $7,000 to $64,995. At the top end, a GT Performance Extended range is down $4,750 to $92,745. Ford will reach out to buyers who took delivery since Jan 1 to help out with the price cut.

Colorado and Canyon pricing

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174516" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/news-2-6-4.jpg" alt="chevrolet colorado" width="2500" height="1668" />

Chevrolet and GMC have added the new <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/news/first-look-2023-chevrolet-colorado">2023 Colorado and Canyon</a> midsize pickups to their sites so we can get an idea of pricing for the latest pickup entrants. Prices are up, due to much more content, new powertrains, and, well, the price of everything being up. Colorado climbs $5,000 to $37,197 for a basic WT. GMC doesn't offer that trim anymore, so now starts at $48,487 for an Elevation model. All get a 2.7L turbo-four with three different power levels. Chevy Colorado tops out at just under $60,000, with the GMC getting close to $70k.

Velar updates

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174517" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/news-2-6-5.jpg" alt="range rover velar" width="2500" height="1291" />

Range Rover is giving the <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/vehicle-reviews/first-drive-2020-land-rover-range-rover-velar-svautobiography-dynamic-edition">Velar</a> a tiny facelift for 2024 but a big tech update. The headlights and taillights are the most noticeable part of the facelift, though the rear bumper is also tweaked. Inside, there is a new floating screen with curved glass that looks extra special. It operates using a new infotainment system that brings 80 percent of functions to within two button presses. There is also a new noise cancellation system and a new wool interior option.

GLE updates

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174518" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/news-2-6-1.jpg" alt="mercedes benz gle" width="2500" height="1875" />

Mercedes-Benz has given the <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/vehicle-reviews/review-2020-mercedes-benz-gle-450">GLE-class</a> an update for 2024 as well. This one is more thorough but does include new headlights and a new grille. Inside, it has a new wheel with touch controls and it also gets the second-generation MBUX interface. This has more voice controls and better natural speech recognition, and it should be quicker too. Suspension system software tweaks should improve both ride and handling. Two standard versions will be offered, the 255 hp four-cylinder GLE 350 and the 375 hp six-cylinder GLE 450. Mercedes-AMG will offer the 429 hp GLE 53 and the 603 hp V8 GLE 63 S. Every version will have mild hybrid electrification.

AJAC announces 2023 finalists

AJAC has announced the finalists for <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/features/ajac-announces-2023-canadian-car-and-utility-vehicle-of-the-year-category-winners">Canadian Car of the Year and Canadian Utility</a> Vehicle of the year. After more than 1,700 votes from some of Canada's top auto journalists and 250 or so eligible vehicles, it comes down to this. The three finalists for the 2023 Canadian Car of the Year are BMW i4 (Best Premium EV in Canada for 2023), Hyundai Elantra N (Best Sports Performance Car in Canada for 2023), and Mazda3 (Best Small Car in Canada for 2023). The three finalists for the 2023 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year are Hyundai Ioniq 5 (Best EV in Canada for 2023), Kia Telluride (Best Large Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2023), and the Mitsubishi Outlander (Best Mid-Size Utility Vehicle in Canadaï for 2023). The two overall winners will be announced on February 16th at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto and streamed on REV TV.

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News Roundup: Ford's Second EV Pickup, EV Owner Survey, Loads of Upcoming New Models

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News Roundup: Ram 1500 REV, Subaru Crosstrek, BMW X5, More

News Roundup: GM's New Pickups Priced, Ford Mach-E Gets Cheaper, Toyota Sells Most Vehicles in the World