Ask Nathan: Why Not Build an EV Jeep Pickup, Do the Cross-Country Challenge in a Gas Car and Used Car Prices are Falling?

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November 20, 2022

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

Will we ever see an EV Jeep pickup?
Do the O-2-O cross country trip in a gasoline car now!
Are used car prices falling?

The first question comes from a fan who wonders if Nissan would allow a PHEV Mitsubishi pickup to be sold in our market.

Q: (Via: AskNathan@tflcar.com) Any news about Stellantis building an EV Jeep pickup of some sort?

If they are building an EV Wrangler, why can’t they build an EV Jeep pickup based on the EV Wrangler? Small pickups are hot and no one has a cheap, small EV pickup yet. So why not Jeep?

— Anonymous

A: You make a good point, but I think an EV Jeep pickup is a ways off.

Still, there are rumors about the possibility of the small Jeep Avenger EV coming to the USA in a different form. If you remember a while back, Jeep showed the world the Comanche pickup concept. We were lucky enough to drive it, and many people were showing real interest. Perhaps that’s something Jeep has kept in mind. Not only that, but Stellantis is fully aware about how popular the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are.

While a small electric pickup seems like a great idea to you and me, it’s a daunting task for automakers. Considering what consumers expect of modern day pickup trucks, building a small one that underperformed in any way, might sink the ship. I could be wrong, but I suspect that’s why we’re only seeing large, expensive EV pickups. They are easier to package, and keep the consumers fairly happy with their performance.

I hope you’re right about an EV Jeep pickup. It could be epic!

– N

This next question comes from a fan who wants us to repeat our cross country trip – in an internal combustion vehicle.

Q: (Via Twitter@NathanAdlen) Hey guys. I don’t mean to be a total troll, but I have an issue with your cross country trip in the Hyundai.

I thought it was a really cool video, and I’m looking forward to the next one, but you left something very important out. You should’ve established how long it takes to get from those two fountains in a gasoline car. Without that compare the other component to, it doesn’t seem to be as exciting. Maybe that is something you’re going to do later on?

I really like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and I think it’s a perfect car for cities. You’ve proven that it can be driven across country in a way that’s not too bad. I figure if you decide to take it back across country with a family, you’ll have to make twice as many stops. That seems logical doesn’t it?

Anyway, I think you guys are the hardest working journalist on YouTube. I really like all of your content and all of your channels. My wife and I can’t stand the fakes out there who obviously pay for viewership. I also hate Subaru for not giving you cars. That’s about the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard of. Whoever is in charge of their public relations should be fired immediately! I mean, you guys live in the Rocky Mountains for crying out loud! The one car you guys should be testing as a Subaru! Anyway, that’s enough of my rant. Take care and have a safe winter!

Bob G NYC

A: Great question!

Yes, we talked about it quite a bit, and I am keen on doing this whole run in different vehicles. If this does happen, we will be looking for one of the more fuel efficient vehicles out there. An economy car that can average over 40 mpg at speed would be ideal, and there are still a few to choose from.

You can read about my solo return trip (here).

The only issue for us is the resources needed to do this again. Remember: we’re a small studio – with only a handful of people available at any given time. This type of trip requires a lot of planning, expenses and time for three of us to be away from the studio for a while. Still, it’s something that I think is worth looking at.

If we try it again, we will make plenty of announcements!

– N

Here’s part two of the two part series!

The last question comes from my neighbor.

Q: I was told that used car prices are finally coming down.

Is that true?

— G

A: Indeed they are, but there’s something you should know…

Not ALL used cars are coming down in price, and not all dealers are playing nice. Also, the vehicles in question are not the most popular, like Tacomas, Wranglers, pickups and whatnot. Many of the used cars that seem to be more reasonable in price are people movers, like economy cars, small/midsize sedans and some crossovers.

I don’t think the balloon popped, but the market seems to be letting off some steam. This could be a sign of things to come, and we’ll have some comprehensive posts on the subject on TFLcar.com soon.

Cheers!

Coast-to-Coast SOLO in the All-Electric Hyundai Ioniq 5: A Sonic Road Trip Extravaganza

By

Nathan Adlen

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November 19, 2022

There’s no way to sugarcoat it: driving cross-country solo is a pain, but in the Hyundai Ioniq 5, it was better than I expected.

After completing the O-2-O (Orange County, CA to Orange County, FL) cannonball-style journey, I was left alone with the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 to drive back to SoCal. Roman and our videographer Cole had to get back to the office ASAP, but I had nothing on my schedule. So, rather than spend a few thousand to ship the car back to California, I opted to drive it back myself.

EV Cannonball - O2O finish line — Roman and I finished the trip, and were desperately tired. We only had a few house of sleep, and I needed to get a comfy bed and hot shower for the night. My first stop was Jacksonville, Florida. I like that area, and wanted to see the Atlantic ocean.

Unlike our 46-hour run, which was grueling and required three drivers – I figured it would take six to eight days to make the journey comfortably. Remember: this is an electric vehicle, thus long distance driving (usually) takes much longer than a gas vehicle. If I drove 350 – 450 miles per day, I could easily knock out a 2,500 mile trip solo, in a week.

Or so I thought…

As you’ll see in our video coverage, traveling at optimum speeds, conserving energy, and arriving at EV chargers that work is a big deal. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 performed flawlessly, and it was a pleasure to drive. The Bose Premium Audio System was constantly maxed out, and with the lack of powertrain noise, I was in audio bliss. Unfortunately, the infrastructure in various places made my blissful ride – less.

My initial plan was altered, and I had to deal with several locations that forced me to use Level 2 chargers just to make it to a fast charger. This was especially true in Florida, where I spent an extra day after encountering two problems: dead chargers and chargers I wasn’t permitted to use.

Yea, that BMW isn’t an EV. The struggle is real.

Over 90-percent of our charging was done with Electrify America’s fast chargers. They were fairly easy to find along highway 10, but not all of them worked. I encountered this problem near Jacksonville, FL where there was a line for the one working charger. I opted to find another charger.

That didn’t go well.

There was no way to use these FLP chargers in Florida – on a Sunday. Creating a legal account cannot be done if you live out of state. I had to find a Charge Point Level II charger, just to limp to another Level II – which eventually led me to another fast charger. It killed the day.

My carefully planned out trip was already screwed up. I blew an entire day crawling to a useable fast charger. From there, I had other struggles, but the worst happened about four days later. Sure, it sucked having people in gas cars parked in the good slots at the charging station. Sometimes, I had to fight the charging hose to stretch it over to the rear passenger side of the Ioniq 5. Actually, other than a lack of a rear windshield wiper, that’s my biggest gripe. The charger port location.

Along the way, I pulled into a little gem I never visited before: Mobile, Alabama. What a nice town, and the food was outstanding. So were the friendly people. On top of that, unlike many of the other hotels that had Tesla or poorly working Level II chargers, the one at the Mobile, AL hotel (Charge Point) worked great!

Anyway, before I bore you with my worst day, here’s my final day to day driving details:

Jacksonville FL to Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee, FL to Mobile, AL
Mobile, AL to New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA to Katy, TX
Katy, TX to Fort Stockton, TX
Fort Stockton, TX to Maricopa, AZ
Maricopa, AZ to El Cajon, CA
El Cajon to Agoura, CA

While I was plowing through Texas (which is over 800 miles wide) I had to stop in Junction, TX. It’s a small town, with a motel that’s next to four chargers. Not a SINGLE CHARGER WAS WORKING. My biggest problem is that I was down to about 14 miles of range, and the closest Level II charger was over 56 miles away. As I panicked, looking for anything closer (and considering asking the motel to allow me to plug in to their 120) another EV arrived. A nice couple in an EV6 pulled up, and wasted no time calling Electrify America.

About a half an hour later, one charger came to life. I let the family charge, then I powered up. Like some other chargers, it ran low – about 35 – 60 kW being delivered. The whole escapade killed a few hours.

Yep, that’s me in the reflection. I just HAD to shoot this marvel. We need thousands of stations like this – nationwide. They need to be as easy to use as a gas pump, and they need to be reliable. Fortunately, it looks like things are improving every year.

Finally, after over a week, I arrived in Southern California. Oddly, I encountered plenty of charger issues in California. Hell, I thought they would have the an exemplary charger network. Nope! Many were in poor condition, not working, or working slowly. On the other hand, I found charging Nirvana in SoCal as well. There was one of the largest working charge stations near Pasadena, CA.

I estimated that each day required at least three stops – which averaged about 20 minutes.

When all was said and done, the sweet little Ioniq 5 finished its 5,884 round trip from coast to coast, along with plenty of mini excursions along the way. On top of that, this EV was driven from L.A. to Colorado, where we tested it. Then, it was driven back to Anaheim, CA for the beginning of the O-2-O run. That means there’s at least 2,000 miles of additional driving done. It could probably use a tire rotation, and a top off of washer fluid.

Yup, that’s all it needs.

I’m not writing this as an advocate for EVs. The truth is, though, that you can drive cross-country in an electric vehicle. Doing it solo was a cathartic experience for me, and most of it was easy going. I didn’t mind the stops either. It was about a two hour average between stops, which isn’t too bad.

Charger wish list

If any charging companies, OEMs or the good folks at the state or federal level read this – please think about this: we’ve got a ways to go. Look, no one is thinking about charging stations like gas stations. As such, we don’t have small things that would help an EV owner.

How about a way to wipe/clean their windshield? Bathrooms? Vending machines? How about a vending machine that squirts out caviar for Lucid and Tesla owners?

Seriously, why not give EV chargers a friggin’ roof so folks don’t have to hide in their cars when there’s inclement weather? It’s no fun handling a somewhat stiff electric hose in a rain storm. I think we’re at a point where enough EV drivers are out there where we need to think about accommodating them.

Shh Don’t Tell: We Are EMBARRASSED We LOVE These Cars! Buy or Bust Ep.6

By

Nathan Adlen

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November 18, 2022

Tommy and Brendan reveal their deep feelings towards vehicles that many of us find repulsive.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

This episode of TFLclassics’ Buy or Bust features three (somewhat) lovable losers. Tommy and Brendan call these vehicles “guilty pleasures,” but that would indicate that there’s something here that would provide some sort of pleasure. I think, these boys need a bit of therapy. Well, to each their own.

The first vehicle on deck is a bit of a unicorn. Not because of its desirability, but it’s the fact that the ragtop’s siblings are often rusting in a wrecking yard. I refer to the Chrysler PT Cruiser Turbo. No, it’s not the full-blown “GT Cruiser” which was set up for more performance with a more potent drivetrain and suspension. Nope, this is a 215 hp turbo strapped inside of a somewhat flimsy open-top cruiser.

As easy as it is to slap the PT Cruiser around, it was a tremendous success for Chrysler. They sold over 1,000,000 worldwide in less than 10 years. The GT Cruiser was fast and did handle fairly well, on top of being very utilitarian. Unfortunately, the convertible took all of what was good about the PT Cruiser and sacrificed it for the rag top.

This poor running example netted $1,000 at the auction.

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV

Equipped with the trusty 345 hp 6.0-liter V8, the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV is still a prize to many. While I am not fond of its tacked on cladding, it had (for the time) one of the most luxurious interiors in the biz. The seats are considered by many to be the most comfortable units Cadillac has built – ever. On top of that, the sophisticated all-wheel drive setup was pretty dam good.

We got to beat the hell out of one on our Go Big series, and it’s worth a watch!

The big Caddie fetched $9,000 at the auction.

2014 Lexus CT200h

Based on the MC platform that the lauded Toyota/Scion TC used, it was powered by a similar anemic hybrid powertrain used in the ’14 Prius. That was a shame, because the handling characteristics, looks and feel of the CT200h felt sporty. Still, this was a great entry-level vehicle for Lexus back then.

The interior was upscale, and comfortable, despite the tight interior dimensions. It was never that popular, and I felt it always deserved a turbo charger. The example the boys found had a lot of hail damage, and high mileage.

This Lexus CT200h got an underwhelming $5,600 at the auction.

Check out the video and see the action:

The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Rolls into the New Year with a Fresh Color and a Higher Price Tag

By

Zach Butler

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November 18, 2022

The ND Mazda MX-5 Miata carries on for another year, but there’s a new color to consider.

Though it didn’t have any major reveals at the LA Auto Show, Mazda did shed some light on what’s happening with its halo car in the 2023 model year. That includes (minor) tweaks and updated pricing. Not that you’ll need the hint on that last part: You’ll have to pony up more cash this time around. The largest difference here is the new Zircon Sand Metallic color, which you may recognize if you’ve checked out the CX-50 crossover.

Other than that, the fundamentals remain the same, including the soft-top and RF options. The base 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport now starts at $29,325, which is a hearty $1,010 bump over the 2022 model. The mid-range Club increases in tandem, to $32,825. Add in the Brembo/BBS/Recaro package for upgraded brakes, wheels and seats, and you’ll have to fork over another $4,500, for a total of $37,325.

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Review — Jedlicka

The Grand Touring your way to go if you want a 6-speed automatic transmission, and that trim will set you back at least $34,325. Going for the hardtop RF version will cost you another $2,300 for the Grand Touring model. Across the range, Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control carries over, as does the same 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque as before.

If you’re looking for the most expensive Miata, that’ll be the build-to-order RF Club with the Brembo/BBS/Recaro pack. The most Miata Miata, as it were, costs $39,825. If you want it in Zircon Sand Metallic, it’ll cost you another $395, whichever trim you choose.

The 2023 MX-5 Miata models will hit showrooms this winter.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza Brings Back the Sportier RS Trim, Loses the Sedan Option

By

Zach Butler

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November 17, 2022

Subaru arrived at this year’s LA Auto Show with the updated version of its Impreza hatchback.
- This time around, the model is only available as a hatch — the automaker dropped its entry-level Impreza sedan from the lineup.
The base model and Impreza Sport get the same 2.0-liter boxer engine as before, but those seeking a bit more power can now get the 2.5-liter RS trim.
- After a two-decade hiatus, the RS offers up sportier styling and 182 horsepower.
The sixth-generation 2024 Subaru Impreza should go on sale around Spring 2023.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza gives the brand’s entry-level model long-awaited update.

You can’t drive half a mile without seeing a Subaru in our neck of the woods, and the Impreza is among the most popular as the automaker’s most affordable car. While Impreza-based cars including the WRX and Crosstrek have recently gotten updates, the time has now come for the hatchback to get a host of updates.

If you’re asking, “Where’s the sedan?”, then I have some inconvenient news for you: This 2024 Subaru Impreza is hatchback-only. Even the sportier RS trim, which does return after a 20-year absence, only comes in five-door hatchback form. Three trim levels will be available, including the base model, Sport and RS. Every car gets standard all-wheel drive — outside the BRZ, that is a Subaru staple, after all — and a continuously variable transmission.

And yes, if you were keeping track, that means there’s no 5-speed manual option available for the 2024 models either. So, if you’re keen on rowing your own gears, you’ll have to stick with the current generation (the 2023 model is available to build and buy now).

The 2024 Subaru Impreza Sport and RS models bring sportier suspension tuning (naturally), as well as larger 18-inch alloy wheels and Subaru’s SI-Drive performance management system to sharpen up throttle response and transmission mapping. The new Subaru Global Platform on which the Impreza rides is also 10% stiffer than before, promising better dynamic performance and a smoother ride.

The RS gets a larger engine, like the Crosstrek’s upper trims

Stick with the base 2024 Subaru Impreza or pick the Sport trim, and you’ll get the same 2.0-liter boxer engine as the outgoing car. That means 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque — reasonably efficient, but by no means “quick”. Fortunately, the RS’ revival does redress that balance somewhat.

The sportiest model of the bunch uses an updated version of the Crosstrek‘s larger 2.5-liter mill, good for 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. While you’re still stuck with the Lineartronic CVT, it does imitate an 8-speed ‘box when you kick it over into manual mode.

Other notable updates for the 2024 Subaru Impreza

The RS we’re looking at here as well as the Sport (shown in blue below) get an updated version of Subaru’s 11.6-inch, portrait-oriented Starlink infotainment system. The rest of the interior design isn’t radically different from the old car, but you do get a host of tech features on the RS as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel. RS models also get alloy pedal covers, heated black and red cloth sport seats (that’s power adjustable on the driver’s side), a sunroof, blind-spot monitoring and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Standard fare on the new Impreza, of course, is Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance suite. This time around, though, the cameras get an enhanced field of view as well as updated software. Subaru says that the updates should help the system work “smoother, faster and under a greater range of conditions”. The EyeSight system can now also identify bicycles and pedestrians sooner. That said, we’ll have to see whether independent testing (such as through the IIHS) can corroborate the automaker’s claims there.

In terms of physical dimensions, the 2024 Subaru Impreza is virtually identical to the outgoing car. That’s no major loss, though, since the Impreza and Crosstrek are decently roomy considering the class they compete in. Subaru did not share exact figures on overall space, but you should expect somewhere close to the old hatchback’s 20.8 cubic feet of cargo volume (55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded).

Fuel economy is also a question mark, though the 2.0-liter Impreza managed up to 32 Combined mpg before. I’d expect similar figures for the base and Sport model, and perhaps closer to the Crosstrek’s 29 Combined mpg for the larger 2.5-liter RS.

Subaru did not announce an exact on-sale date, but the 2024 Impreza should hit showrooms sometime in the spring. Pricing will also be available a bit closer to launch.

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Lands In LA, Along with Its U.S. Specs and On-Sale Date

By

Zach Butler

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November 17, 2022

Hyundai revealed new U.S.-specific details for its upcoming Ioniq 6 sedan at the LA Auto Show Thursday.
Three versions will be available, including two rear-wheel drive specs and the a top-level all-wheel drive variant.
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 claims a range of up to 340 miles, according to Hyundai’s own estimates.
Following the Ioniq 5 crossover, this Ioniq 6 is slated to go on sale in spring 2023.

Hyundai’s new all-electric Ioniq 6 officially lands in the U.S. at this year’s LA Auto Show.

We’ve already checked out the Korean automaker’s latest EV in its homeland. Now, though, we have more information about what the car will offer when it actually hits American showrooms in the next few months.

Hyundai’s upcoming sedan will be available with two battery pack options and two drive configurations. The base, rear-wheel drive model kicks off the range with a 53.0-kWh battery pack. That gives you 149 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, though the company did not say how much range this entry-level version offers.

To get the best possible range, you’ll have to get the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 with RWD and the larger 77.4-kWh battery. That bumps power up to 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. We actually get a range figure for this version as well, with the potential to drive 340 miles between charging stations. That number easily beats with the Ioniq 5 can achieve, mainly because the 6 is far more aerodynamically efficient. In fact, Hyundai says the car has a drag coefficient of 0.22, making it one of the slipperiest cars in the business.

At the top end, you can get the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 with all-wheel drive, like the 5. The dual-motor version is the most powerful of the bunch, putting out 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. As you’d expect, the output numbers are identical between the two models, though Hyundai claims the AWD 6 will still manage 310 miles on a charge.

Speaking of charging…

Roman and Nathan recently tested the Ioniq 5’s mettle in a cross-country road trip (Part 1 is up now; Part 2 is coming this weekend). The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 uses the same architecture. What’s more, the automaker says you can charge up from 10% to 80% state-of-charge in just under 20 minutes using a 350 kW DC fast charger. That said, the Ioniqs’ current capability tops out around 235 kW, but that’s nevertheless a respectable charging time among current EVs.

Hyundai announced it’s also introducing a new navigation system to make finding desirable charging stations easier. Not only will it plot available stations along your route, but it should also know what stations are actually working at any given time, hopefully resulting in fewer frustrating detours. We’ll have to test that out when we get our hands on the car and take it for a spin.

More on the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6

When it goes on sale next spring, the new Ioniq 6 will be available in seven colors. The color gamut runs through Gravity Gold Matte, Ony Black Pearl, Serenity White Pearl, Curated Silver Metallic, Transmission Blue Pearl, Ultimate Red Metallic and Digital Green Pearl. As for the interior, you’ll be able to spec an Ioniq 6 in black, gray, or dark green and gray.

Pricing information is not available just yet, but we should have that information closer to launch. Stay tuned!\

Check out the first part of our Ioniq 5 roadtrip in the video below:

Kia Reveals the Refreshed, More Powerful 2024 Seltos and Its New X-Line Trim

By

Nathan Adlen

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November 17, 2022

The 2024 Kia Seltos gets serious upgrades including more power, tech and a host of design tweaks as well.

Fighting in the increasingly competitive compact crossover segment, the Kia Seltos already made a strong case for itself. However, there were some complaints about the turbo engine’s power, the onboard tech and elements of the design. Apparently, Kia was listening, and is bringing a revamped model in for the upcoming year.

The turbo gets a power boost

The 2024 Kia Seltos debuts with some serious upgrades. Now, the 147 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder remains the same, as does its continuously variable transmission (CVT). The big change comes to its 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that got a beefy 20-hp boost. It now makes 195 horsepower, which is a substantial 20 hp bump over the old model. Just as importantly for detractors, Kia ditched the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and replaced it with the widely used 8-speed automatic instead.

If you’ve spotted a more rugged theme among Kia’s newer crossovers, don’t worry — the 2024 Kia Seltos is getting that treatment as well. The new X-Line trim is another option with the refresh. It brings in unique 18-inch wheels, a bespoke grille design with a gunmetal finish, and a black roof rack. You also get gloss black door garnish, and the requisite X-Line badging.

Updated exterior design, and new tech inside

Exterior design enhancements include revised front and rear fascias, available unique Star Map lighting, and geometric-style wheels are available as well. New available colors include Pluton Blue, Fusion Black and Valais Green. The interior updates are mostly focused on the dashboard and its infotainment setup. Kia added a “panoramic display” featuring two 10.25-inchscreen side-by-side. Other models get a new 4.2-inch instrument cluster with digital gauge upgrade.

Among the new tech upgrades, the 2024 Kia Seltos gets Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW), along with over-the-air updates for the navigation system.

The 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar is a Rally-Bred Homage to an ’80s Icon: Is It the Coolest 911 Yet?

By

Zach Butler

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November 17, 2022

Yep, the Porsche 911 Dakar is a rolling paradox: a purebred sports car that’s also a serious off-roader.

Porsche first fitted its iconic 911 with an all-wheel drive system way back in 1984, for that year’s Paris-Dakar Rally. Now, the automaker is evoking that decision with the aptly named 911 Dakar: An official factory build that’s probably (at least, depending on your tastes) the most badass version yet.

At its heart, the 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar is 50 millimeters (roughly 2 inches) higher than your standard Carerra. That’s done through longer springs, shocks and suspension linkage, though it doesn’t stop there. Porsche took the standard car’s front-axle lift system and added it to the rear as well, offering up another 30 millimeters of extra clearance capability. The result is 7.5 inches of clearance with the car in its highest level, which you’ll see in the photos here. That’s still a bit lower than most of your run of the mill SUVs, but they’re also not a Porsche 911, are they?

Lest you think the high setting is only for more hardcore, slow-speed settings, think again. Even in that high setting, you can drive the Porsche 911 Dakar up to 105 mph (170 km/h). Above that speed, the car will lower itself back to its normal level…for obvious reasons.

The 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar also gets a staggered set of Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires. You’ll get 245/45/ZR19 rubber at the front, and 295/40/ZR20 at the rear. Summer and winter tires are available as an option, and they also get two carcass layers to reinforce the sidewalls. As you’d expect, the Dakar comes with an 8-speed PDK transmission and standard all-wheel drive. You also get rear-axle steering, GT3 engine mounts, and Porsche’s dynamic chassis control anti-roll system.

Different modes for different folks (and driving situations, of course)

The 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar offers up two distinct driving modes inspired by its namesake desert runner design. Rallye mode works for loose, uneven surfaces and biases the AWD system more toward the rear. In Offroad mode, you’ll get the highest available ground clearance for more technical terrain and sand. Both modes enable Porsche’s new “Rallye Launch Control”, which allows about 20% wheel slippage. Still, the goal there is to enable lightning-fast starts off the pavement.

Under the carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) rear spoiler, the 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar gets a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine. That enables output of 473 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Porsche quotes the car’s 0-60 time at 3.2 seconds, or just a hair off the pavement-focused Carrera 4 GTS. That said, the automaker limits this car’s top speed to 150 mph because of the all-terrain tires — not that you’d likely want to drive faster than that.

On top, the optional roof basket can hold up to 92 pounds (42 kg) of equipment. In the showcase, it houses water, extra fuel, folding shovels and traction boards. You can even get a tent if you so choose, making this one hell of a camping rig.

Pricing and availability

Now, here’s the rub: Only 2,500 examples of the 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar will be manufactured. Those who do put their names in for a unit can spec the Rallye Design package, which is the full-on 1984 homage (what you see above). Customers can decide the door numbers between 1 and 999 (who’s going to go for the number we’re all thinking of, I wonder…?).

It’s not exactly cheap, either. Prices for the 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar kick off at $223,450, or about the same as a GT3 RS. Of course, two factors will drive the price northward: Porsche’s options list, including the $28,470 Rallye Design package, and dealer markups. Still, the folks who get this car (or indeed the Lamborghini Huracán Staccato) will get a properly unique and bonkers car to show off to absolutely everyone. And that makes both of them pretty sweet.

Get a closer look at the 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar from the LA Auto Show below:

This article is also posted on TFLoffroad.com.

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

Q: (Via: AskNathan@tflcar.com) Any news about Stellantis building an EV Jeep pickup of some sort?

A: You make a good point, but I think an EV Jeep pickup is a ways off.

Q: (Via Twitter@NathanAdlen) Hey guys. I don’t mean to be a total troll, but I have an issue with your cross country trip in the Hyundai.

A: Great question!

Q: I was told that used car prices are finally coming down.

A: Indeed they are, but there’s something you should know…

There’s no way to sugarcoat it: driving cross-country solo is a pain, but in the Hyundai Ioniq 5, it was better than I expected.

Or so I thought…

That didn’t go well.

Anyway, before I bore you with my worst day, here’s my final day to day driving details:

I estimated that each day required at least three stops – which averaged about 20 minutes.

Charger wish list

Tommy and Brendan reveal their deep feelings towards vehicles that many of us find repulsive.

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV

2014 Lexus CT200h

The ND Mazda MX-5 Miata carries on for another year, but there’s a new color to consider.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza gives the brand’s entry-level model long-awaited update.

The RS gets a larger engine, like the Crosstrek’s upper trims

Other notable updates for the 2024 Subaru Impreza

Hyundai’s new all-electric Ioniq 6 officially lands in the U.S. at this year’s LA Auto Show.

Speaking of charging…

More on the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6

The 2024 Kia Seltos gets serious upgrades including more power, tech and a host of design tweaks as well.

The turbo gets a power boost

Updated exterior design, and new tech inside

Yep, the Porsche 911 Dakar is a rolling paradox: a purebred sports car that’s also a serious off-roader.

Different modes for different folks (and driving situations, of course)

Pricing and availability

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