This Isn’t a Miata: The Mazda Iconic SP Throws Back to the Iconic FD RX-7 As a Rotary Hybrid Concept

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October 25, 2023

The rotary is back, again! Sort of.

While some Japanese automakers like Nissan are charging ahead into the future with its concepts, Mazda brought this to the party: the ‘Iconic SP’. We originally thought this would be a preview of the next-generation Miata (especially since Mazda hinted at that in its teaser), but that is not the case here, per se. Instead, we’re looking at a sports car that draws cues from the FD RX-7, right down to the pop-up headlights. In 2023!

Of course, this isn’t the first time Mazda’s teased a modern interpretation on its RX line. We’ve seen the RX-Vision as well as the Vision Coupe concepts, and this follows largely in the same vein. You get a sleek, low body with a long hood, modern grille design and some old-school styling elements that harken back to the rotary’s glory days. Around the back, you also get a far more modern interpretation of the FD’s classic circular taillights, most prominent in the rare and highly collectible Spirit R.

As far as actual dimensions are concerned, the Mazda Iconic SP concept measures out to 164.5 inches long, 72.8 inches wide and 45.3 inches tall, on a 102-inch wheelbase. So, it’s a bit smaller than the RX-8, but larger than a new ND MX-5 Miata. Mazda says this car weighs 3,197 pounds.

Taking a look inside the Mazda Iconic SP concept

Inside, you get an astonishingly minimalist interior, save a start button, a digital instrument cluster and a small infotainment screen in the center. Interestingly, you get four tiny switches to control the car’s (disappointingly) automatic transmission, as well as a 3D view of the car on the central screen to mess with different settings like the 360-degree camera system, suspension and head-up display, which Mazda calls the “Active Driving Display”.

Mazda didn’t disclose too much technical information on the concept, but it did divulge a few tidbits to mull over. Under the hood, you get a twin-rotor hybrid setup, meaning the company is still at least thinking about a rotary engine sports car, to some degree. CEO Masahiro Moro suggested at the Iconic SP’s debut that it is a “highly-scalable” powertrain, though it’s not clear exactly what the idea is there. Will we see bigger engines, or is it easier than past rotary units to build at a high volume?

Moro and the company’s official statement also mention the hybrid system can “burn various fuels”, including hydrogen as well as other “carbon-neutral” fuels. So, while the company isn’t ready to ditch internal combustion completely — I suspect Mazda will cling onto internal combustion as long as it possibly can — it is trying to pitch this sort of powertrain in a more sustainable light.

According to Mazda’s official statement, this powertrain puts out 364 horsepower, putting it just ahead of the brand-new 3.3-liter straight-six the automaker is fitting to its “Large Architecture” vehicles like the CX-90 SUV. We don’t know how much of that is the rotary engine on its own versus the electric motor, nor do we know the battery capacity or even if it’s rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Will we see this head to production? Eh…

Normally, I’d say “we’ll have to wait and see”. As a full-fledged Mazda fan, however, I’m skeptical the company will actually bring a rotary hybrid sports car to market. It’s a cool idea, don’t get me wrong. However, we’re not getting the rotary range-extended MX-30 (or any MX-30 moving forward, for that matter), and the company’s focus has emphatically been toward shifting its image upmarket — not bringing us new sports car.

To my earlier point on this car not previewing the new Miata…Mazda does need to bring out a next-generation Miata! It’s been nearly a decade since it introduced the ND MX-5, and it’s highly unlikely, in my opnion, that Mazda would leapfrog its current, aging halo car with an electrified rotary RX-7/RX-8 follow-up.

Since the RX-8 went out of production in mid-2012, we’ve also endured a decade’s worth of rotary hijinks. The company teases new rotary vehicles, only for these “concepts” to never actually reach production. I believed the company’s SkyActiv diesel engine would gain some traction over here. I believed SkyActiv-X would launch in this market. And I thought a range-extended MX-30 made sense.

I want to believe Mazda could launch a new rotary sports car. Nevertheless, it’s a medium-sized car company and that powertrain doesn’t make much sense outside a sports car application. Now, Mazda could feasibly slot its straight-six engine under that long hood…but I wouldn’t hold my breath too long.

You can’t deny, though: The Mazda Iconic SP concept looks fantastic. Check it out in greater detail in the video below:

A GT-R Preview? The Nissan Hyper Force Concept Makes Over 1,300 Horsepower

By

Zach Butler

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October 25, 2023

Nissan debuted five “Hyper” concepts, but it saved something special for last.

Over the past few weeks, the automaker teased the Hyper Urban, Hyper Adventure, Hyper Tourer and Hyper Punk in the lead up to the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. Now, we have the fifth electric concept and it’s arguably the craziest of the bunch: the Hyper Force. As you probably worked out from the design alone, we’re looking at an electric supercar with some interesting cues to the GT-R.

According to Nissan, though, this Hyper Force concept isn’t just a futuristic, angular face, though. Nissan’s electric supercar features an all-solid-state battery pack (more on that in a moment), “optimal” weight distribution and Nissan’s e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system.

Unlike the comparatively pedestrian Ariya, though, the Hyper Force supposedly puts out a staggering 1,341 horsepower.

As for the solid-state battery technology, though…that’s more of a wish list item, at least for the moment. Several parties are working to develop the tech for electric vehicles, which promises a far safer and energy dense solution to lithium-ion batteries. By the time something like this concept may actually make it to production, we should have the technology. Right now, though, it’s more theoretical than something that’s commercially available, as automakers like Toyota and Nissan race to be the first to actually implement solid-state batteries into their upcoming EVs.

With some serious aerodynamic elements, a high-strength carbon body, a massive rear wing and a dual-level rear diffuser, what could be a preview of the electric Nissan GT-R isn’t screwing around.

Oh, and the concept features two driving modes: “GT” for grand touring (or “Gran Turismo”) and “R” for racing. Just in case things weren’t quite on the nose for your liking. Speaking of Gran Turismo, developers at Polyphony Digital did indeed collaborate with Nissan on the graphics for the graphical user interface inside the Hyper Force, like they helped create the graphics for the R35 GT-R when it first launched in 2007.

Cheekily, Nissan doesn’t full-on admit that this is some preview for the GT-R. Nevertheless, some features like its quad taillights and VR-style cockpit layout would be awesome to see in real life. Even if the Hyper Force is just a flight of fancy, the automaker is paying attention to folks’ reactions as it (hopefully) is readying a follow-up to the R35 GT-R for production.

Never say never, right? Fingers crossed, we’ll know more about Nissan’s near-term plans for supercars and SUVs alike soon.

Surprise! The Honda Prelude Returns, This Time as An Electric Coupe

By

Zach Butler

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October 25, 2023

Electric doesn’t have to be dull – At least, that’s what this Honda Prelude concept aims to show.

The 2023 Japan Mobility Show is in full swing, and Honda arrived with a sporty electric concept. This isn’t a follow-up to the NSX, but this coupe does revive an iconic name within the brand’s heritage: Prelude.

During its debut, Honda President Toshihiro Mibe spoke of the company’s commitment to making sporty vehicles. “In order to offer the ‘joy of driving’ only Honda can realize, we are diligently progressing with development, so please keep your expectations high for this model.” Those are promising words indeed, as we get our first look at what could be a rakish and fun follow-up to the old Civic and Accord Coupes of the world, as well as the old Prelude, obviously.

For reference, Honda dropped the fifth-generation Prelude (using the “BB” chassis code) in 2001.

Unfortunately, while it seems Honda is keen to build it, we don’t have any technical specs just yet. Apart from being electric, it’s unclear whether this Prelude will bring a single-motor layout, although that’s fairly likely based on the exterior design. With a longer hood and front overhang, it’s likely the automaker aims to keep its front-wheel drive performance ethos alive (like the long-running Si and Type R models). That said, an electric platform does offer some flexibility to go in a different direction if they wanted to launch a hot version — it will just depend on packaging constraints.

“This model will become the prelude for our future models,” said Mibe, “which will inherit the ‘joy of driving’ into the full-fledged electrified future and embody Honda’s unalterable sports mindset.” Honda typically shows off “concepts” as near-production-ready models, so we wouldn’t be too surprised to see this actually hit dealers sometime in the next couple years. Per the company’s previous EV-related announcements, it should launch several new electric models within the next 2-3 years, of which this may well be one.

Check out more of the Prelude Concept in-person below, as Roman and Tommy take a closer look:

California DMV Bans Self-Driving Cruise Robotaxis, Citing Public Safety Risks

By

Zach Butler

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October 24, 2023

After pedestrian accidents, the California DMV suspended Cruise’s ability to operate driverless cars in the state.

On Tuesday, the state temporarily pulled the autonomous testing permits for General Motors subsidiary Cruise LLC. In a statement, the Department of Motor Vehicles said the robotaxis posed “an unreasonable risk to public safety,” after multiple reports of pedestrian injuries, including an incident earlier this month that prompted an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The DMV noted it can “immediately suspend or revoke permits” in the event of such safety concerns. Specifically, it cited four regulations under which it did suspend Cruise’s ability to operate its robotaxi fleet without human monitors behind the wheel. In its statement, the California DMV said it “determines the manufacter’s vehicles are not safe for the public’s operation”, and that “the manufacturer has misrepresented any infomration related to safety of the autonomous technology of its vehicles.”

Today’s decision does not impact Cruise’s permit to test vehicles with a safety driver present — only cars that operated entirely without human intervention.

After California’s Public Utilities Commission approved Cruise’s round-the-clock robotaxi service more than two months ago, one of the company’s cars crashed into an emergency vehicle. Several cars also caused a traffic jam in San Francisco, which at the time prompted the DMV to request Cruise reduce its active autonomous fleet by 50%, while it conducted an investigation.

Cruise published a statement Tuesday on the pedestrian crash, saying safety “is at the core of everything we do”, and laying out more details on the incident in question. It did not, however, address the DMV’s suspension of its autonomous permits.

The 2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV Is for Eco-Conscious Plutocrats, But It Won’t Come Cheap

By

Zach Butler

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October 24, 2023

Meet the most expensive Mercedes-Maybach you can currently buy.

The first all-electric Mercedes-Maybach model aims to carry high-end luxury into the next era. Like any high-end luxury car, though, the 2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 comes with a fairly steep price tag. If you want one, be prepared to shell out at least $181,050, including Mercedes’ $1,050 destination fee.

At its heart, the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 delivers the same fundamental experience, just with an electric drivetrain. Also, you obviously get the EQS’ styling language over your gas-powered GLS, whether or not you’re a fan. This electric version costs a full $50,000 more than your base EQS 450, but it’s worth noting the Maybach 680 is only $10,000 more expensive than its twin-turbo V8 counterpart, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600.

The 2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 brings a dual-motor setup like the EQS 580, but here you get a downright respectable 649 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque. So, even against the V8-powered GLS, you won’t be wanting for grunt, even if the whole point of the Maybach makeover is luxury and comfort. Like other EQS models, the Maybach also brings air suspension with adaptive damping, as well as 10-degree rear-axle steering.

Full U.S. specs are still forthcoming, but Mercedes says the Maybach EQS 680 can achieve up to 600 kilometers on a charge, using the European WLTP cycle. EPA ratings tend to skew more pessimistically than those figures, but the non-Maybach EQS 580 can manage about 285 miles on a full charge. The Maybach variant should manage about the same range from its 108.4-kWh battery pack. Charging up using a 200-kW-capable DC fast charger should take just 31 minutes (from 10-80%), though the car’s 0-60 time is far more impressive, at 4.1 seconds.

It’s all about the two-tone paint!

As standard fare, the 2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 gets 21-inch wheels, though you will be able to spec larger 22s later on. While interior features more or less track with other current Maybach models (the EQS’ “Hyperscreen” notwithstanding), one of the hallmarks is the range of available two-tone paint options. Five two-tone color options are available, all with lighter hues seprated from the darker tone up top. You also get a facsimile of the old-school Maybachs’ vertical-slatted grille, as well as Maybach logos in the lower fascia (and the three-pointed star hood ornament, of course).

U.S. orders open up for the 2024 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 today. If you’re in the market for an EQS and can’t stretch your budget to the Maybach — I definitely can’t blame you there — we check out the less expensive EQS 450+ below:

Toyota Teases What Looks Like a New Crown SUV for North America

By

Zach Butler

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October 24, 2023

Toyota Crown Estate Hybrid teaser — (Images: Toyota)

In a world full of SUVs, here’s another one from Toyota.

bZ4X, Corolla Cross, RAV4, Venza, Highlander, Grand Highlander, 4 Runner, Sequoia…you’d think Toyota already has a jam-packed roster of SUVs on the market, but the automaker is gunning to introduce another one to the North American market. This time, we’re looking at an “all-wheel drive hybrid electric mid-size SUV” that will soon debut for the U.S. market. But what exactly could it be?

Well, Toyota cropped the teaser image so that we can just see the badge on the tailgate. More specifically, there’s a “C”, which suggests this is the next variant of the controversially-styled Crown. The automaker debuted a Crown Estate wagon concept last year. Odds are, we’re looking at the production-spec version of that concept here.

If you aren’t a huge fan of the sedan, then, perhaps this SUV-ish take on the Crown nameplate will be more to your liking. Since we’re getting a teaser right at the tail end of October, it’s likely we’ll actually see it in the sheet metal at next month’s LA Auto Show.

We don’t have to wonder about its powertrain, though, since that rear badge is clearly visible in the teaser. The high-riding Crown sedan comes with two powertrain options. The standard model brings a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder and an electric motor, similar to Toyota’s other hybrid crossovers, bringing 236 horsepower to the table. The more potent “Hybrid Max” option, on the other hand, brings a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine into the mix, raising the total output to 340 horsepower.

Stay tuned in a couple weeks for more info from the LA Auto Show, which opens up to the public between November 17 and November 26, 2023.

6,800 UAW Workers Strike Stellantis’ Sterling Heights Plant, Impacting Ram 1500 Production

By

Zach Butler

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October 23, 2023

In a surprise announcement, the UAW escalades its “Stand Up Strike” once more.

On Monday, the United Auto Workers union announced that 6,800 workers at Stellantis’ Sterling Heights Assembly Plant would join the picket line. The move shuts down one of the automaker’s most lucrative plants building one of its most profitable models: the Ram 1500 pickup.

According to UAW president Shawn Fain, Stellantis has fallen short of the other Big Three automakers at the negotiation table, as both sides remain at an impasse and the strike extends into its sixth week. “The unannounced walkout at SHAP brings the total number of UAW members on strike at the Big three automakers to over 40,000,” the union said in its statement. “Stellantis lags behind both Ford and General Motors in addressing the demands of their UAW workforce. Currently, Stellantis has the worst proposal on the table regarding wage progression, temporary worker pay and conversion to full-time, cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), and more.”

Among the union’s demands are a 40% wage increase over a four-year period, restoration of pension benefits, COLA, the elimination of a multi-tier compensation system that inhibits recent hires from quickly reaching higher pay levels. As of October 23, UAW members are striking seven assembly plants and 38 parts distribution centers across 22 states.

Just over a week ago, workers elected to strike Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant, one of the Blue Oval’s biggest revenue generators that builds Super Duty trucks as well as the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.

How will this impact Stellantis’ plans moving forward?

Last Friday, Stellantis announced it would pull out of its exhibitions at SEMA in Las Vegas next week and the LA Auto Show in November due to the ongoing strike. As the union strikes more factories and threatens to expand their labor actions to more plants at any point, we’ll have to wait and see how the company curtails or cancels its other upcoming plans.

“Time is on our side, the American public is on our side, and the facts are on our side,” Fain said as he addressed today’s strike against the Sterling Heights plant.

At time of writing, Stellantis has not released a statement concerning today’s walkout. However, we will update this post if and when more information is available.

Ask Nathan: Is This an All-Electric Nissan Xterra, and Tall Overlanders Suck?

By

Nathan Adlen

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October 22, 2023

In this week’s post

Will this Nissan Hyper Adventure concept turn into an all-electric Nissan Xterra?
Tall, and oversized overlanders are useless?

The first question comes from a fellow journalist who spotted the Nissan Hyper Adventure concept, and wondered if it might hint at an all-electric Nissan Xterra. I added a doubter I met at a deli as well.

Q: (Summerized) Is this Nissan Hyper Adventure concept actually a preview of an upcoming all-electric Nissan Xterra?

“Over the past few years, people like you (Nathan) have openly speculated about an all-electric Nissan Xterra hitting the market.” – J.J

“Nissan will never bring back that name!” – Toyota fan-boy I met at Brent’s Deli in Northridge, CA

A: Nissan is beginning to see that fans like to hark back to the past, which might mean a return to the “Xterra” name… in some fashion/

This concept, which will be shown at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show (née: Tokyo Motor Show) is one of four that Nissan will be presenting. Out of all of them, the Nissan Hyper Adventure (pictured) stands out to me. The other ones are the Hyper Tourer, Hyper Urban and the Hyper Punk, which you can read about (here).

Like it or not, Nissan is getting serious about heading down the path of electrification. Most of the concept vehicles they’ve debut over the past few years have been battery electric vehicles. Their newest production offering, the Nissan Ariya, is pretty advanced – but it is pricy, and mid-pack in terms of competitiveness.

Many in the industry feel that Nissan may begin an assault of more affordable electric vehicles. These concepts may be pointing in that direction. The “Nissan’s Ambition 2030” plan is to produce 15 fully electric vehicles by the end of the decade. Right now, Toyota and Honda have very few EVs available, so the possibility for Nissan to undercut these automakers is real.

With all that being said, there’s no reason to hide such a popular name as the “Xterra.” Hopefully, like the original, it will be affordable, utilitarian and remarkably off-road capable. Even if it’s electrically powered.

One can only hope.

N

The last question comes from a fan who is fed up with bloated, oversized overlanders that he thinks are a nuisance off-road.

Q: (Via Twitter @NathanAdlen) Let’s get real Nathan, I think that this craze of massive, and overpriced over land trucks is stupid!

I have watched TFL for a long time and I know you have a passion for smaller vehicles off road. So do I! My girlfriend and me modified a 1993 Suzuki Sidekick as oiur third car. It’s just for camping, or what the rich call over landing. Let me tell you what happened when we camped at Capitol Reef in Utah. I guess you would call it boondocking. Anyway we modified the Sidekick’s engine suspension, and tires. I added a HiGos roof top tent and brought enough supplies for three or four days.

Second day comes and these massive converted military trucks roll up that are all decked out. Thhe destroyed the road coming in and kicked up a lot of dirt. Then they set up near a walking trail and blocked a nice mountain view for us. One of the generators roared all night and these rich jerks blasted music until late.

We moved on the third day and saw even more over land elephants hogging the trail!

It made me and my girfriend upset and we left the next day. I wonder if you have some sort of opinion about this?

Thanks for all the laughs! Glenn

A: I am with you on this one. Many of these massive trucks can barely handle a minor trail.

Don’t get me wrong, I find massive off-road vehicles fascinating. Seeing them lumber over obstacles, and knowing the mechanics behind their grunt is amusing. Plus, I like seeing what some intrepid people do with these vehicles. I estimate that less than a quarter ever face any challenging adventure.

I’ve met owners who insist that they are just preparing for an emergency, and simply camp in it when the world isn’t on fire.

I see overlanding as getting to a primitive location, and being self-sustaining while you’re these. I’m glad to see folks like you taking something as simple (and awesome) as a Sidekick overlanding. I’m just sorry that these guys ruined it for you.

Many of these folks who buy outrageously expensive off-grid motorhomes rarely take them through the harder stuff. I would recommend trying a place that has a narrow trail leading to the camp. You would be amazed at how few of these vehicles can even handle a tight canyon or dried riverbed trail. There’s something to be said about lightness and maneuverability.

In the meantime, keep on trucking!

N

The rotary is back, again! Sort of.

Taking a look inside the Mazda Iconic SP concept

Will we see this head to production? Eh…

Nissan debuted five “Hyper” concepts, but it saved something special for last.

Electric doesn’t have to be dull – At least, that’s what this Honda Prelude concept aims to show.

After pedestrian accidents, the California DMV suspended Cruise’s ability to operate driverless cars in the state.

Meet the most expensive Mercedes-Maybach you can currently buy.

It’s all about the two-tone paint!

In a world full of SUVs, here’s another one from Toyota.

In a surprise announcement, the UAW escalades its “Stand Up Strike” once more.

How will this impact Stellantis’ plans moving forward?

In this week’s post

Q: (Summerized) Is this Nissan Hyper Adventure concept actually a preview of an upcoming all-electric Nissan Xterra?

A: Nissan is beginning to see that fans like to hark back to the past, which might mean a return to the “Xterra” name… in some fashion/

Q: (Via Twitter @NathanAdlen) Let’s get real Nathan, I think that this craze of massive, and overpriced over land trucks is stupid!

A: I am with you on this one. Many of these massive trucks can barely handle a minor trail.

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