Smart is distancing itself from its reputation for tiny urban vehicles with the Concept #5, a rugged-looking electric compact SUV boasting AWD capability. The Geely-engineered model features and AWD-capable fully electric powertrain and an 800-Volt battery pack with a capacity of over 100 kWh. The production version of the Smart #5 will be introduced in the second half of 2024. Smart was once exclusively associated with tiny urban vehicles, but times have changed, leading to an expanding product portfolio for the brand. The Concept #5, set to be unveiled at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, pre ..read more

The 2024 Tacoma is a significant truck, not just for Toyota, but for the segment overall. It marks the debut of the first mid-size hybrid pickup in the U.S. market, potentially signaling the end of having to choose between capability and fuel economy. Its introduction in May of 2023 received widespread positive reactions, but upon its launch in December, one major feature was notably absent: the hybrid drivetrain Toyota had previously touted nearly a year ago. Now, it’s finally ready, and it will be at dealers within weeks. Upon arrival, it will bring with it 326 hp (243 kW) and 465 lb-ft ..read more

The upcoming fully electric version of the Range Rover looks identical to the mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. The model will use a new type of traction control system, set to significantly reduce the torque reaction time at each wheel. The electric motors and the battery pack will be assembled in-house by JLR, so that the Range Rover Electric matches the all-terrain capabilities of the ICE-powered versions. Unlike most automakers that publish cryptic teasers or show photos of camouflaged prototypes, Land Rover showed us the upcoming Range Rover Electric without any sign of camo. Th ..read more

Lamborghini will introduce the Urus PHEV on April 24. The crossover is expected to have a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, a 25.9 kWh battery pack, and an electric motor. The Urus could have an output of around 729 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque. The countdown to Auto China continues as Lamborghini has dropped the first teasers of the Urus Plug-In Hybrid. While the company didn’t exactly come out and say it on social media, we can see the prototype features an electrification warning label. More tellingly, the Volkswagen Group confirmed a “Lamborghini PHEV model will make its world premiere at the ..read more

The new Opel Grandland EV gets up to 700 km (434 miles) of range. Two different internal combustion hybrids are also going to be available. The entire car is a dramatic shift up market from the previous generation. The all-new 2024 Opel Grandland has arrived, marking a bold departure from the last generation. Set to be available later this year as both an Opel across mainland Europe and as a Vauxhall in the UK, the Grandland brings with it a slew of luxury features that elevate it into a unique new space. As we reported all the way back in November of 2023, the Grandland will be offered ..read more

A rare 1996 Toyota Classic, one of only 100 ever built, will be auctioned by Mecum in May 2024. The model was launched in 1996 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Model AA. Based on a Hilux chassis, the Classic features an AA-inspired body with chrome accents, whitewall tires, and a wood-trimmed interior. If the turn of the century had a theme, it was retro. Starting around 1995 and continuing for nearly a decade, automakers introduced an assortment of retro-inspired models including the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chevrolet SSR, and Plymouth Prowler. Those are widely known examples, but ..read more

Fox Factory has created a high-performance version of the Chevrolet Silverado with a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine producing 700 HP. The pickup truck’s suspension has been thoroughly upgraded, giving it 14.5 inches of front travel and 15.5 inches of rear travel. Just 500 examples will be built, each starting at $209,999 or double the price of a Ram 1500 TRX. The Ford F-150 Raptor R and Ram 1500 TRX have a new rival in the form of a special 2024 Chevrolet Silverado. Or sort of, as this is not an official project from Chevrolet. Instead it has been brought to life by Fox Factory. The company ..read more

Hyundai is moving forward with the development of their Nano Cooling Film. It’s a transparent film that is applied to vehicles and helps to significantly lower interior temperatures. Testing has shown the film can reduce interior surface temperatures by up to 22° C (71.6° F). This spring has been unseasonably warm and summer is right around the corner. That means hot cars and plenty of discomfort. That might not be the case for much longer as Hyundai is moving forward with the development of their Nano Cooling Film, which was originally announced last summer. It’s billed as a “revolutio ..read more

A semi truck backed into a Tesla Cybertruck parked at a loading dock. The damage created upon inital impact was made far worse when the truck drove away. The owner says he’ll document the repair process which includes several parts. The Cybertruck might be tough but it’s no match for a loaded semi truck trailer. That’s what one Tesla owner found out the hard way after an unfortunate accident at a loading dock. The semi-driver backed into the Cybertruck but then damaged it even more when pulling away. The owner, known as Jimmy, has been parking in this space to charge his car for about 1 ..read more

BMW Classic introduce new “Birth Certificate” for owners of vintage vehicles. The new document replaces the “Vehicle Certificate” and is now a fully digital document. The Birth Certificate gives owners information about chassis and engine numbers, production and delivery dates, as well as optional equipment. Enthusiasts often refer to their cars as their babies and, while that may be hyperbolic, BMW is leaning into the metaphor, now offering a birth certificate for the owners of its historic vehicles. The new piece of documentation is actually the latest development of a product that th ..read more