The 2023 Range Rover Velar HST is a trim upgrade that will give consumers a unique version of what was already a unique trim.
Following the success of the Range Rover Sport’s high-performance derivatives, the Range Rover Velar HST adds even more style. It has a new body-color Arroios Grey, which comes with 21-inch Gloss Black alloy wheels, that are both exclusive to HST. The HST is available with a 395hp (mild hybrid electric) MHEV six-cylinder Ingenium gas engine. Electronic Air Suspension with Adaptive Dynamics comes standard.
“The new Range Rover Velar HST offers a combination of carefully curated design enhancements and chassis features; to add to its breadth of capability, without compromising its trademark refinement and comfort.”
Finbar McFall, Land Rover Brand Director.
Black Suedecloth headlining and steering wheel is part of the interior upgrades, including a large, sliding sunroof.
The 2023 Range Rover Velar HST can now be configured on the Range Rover website.
Nissan is upping their game with the Pathfinder with the debut of the off-road-ish new Rock Creek Edition
Yes, Andre and Alex hit the 2022 New York Auto Show and one of the stars was the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition. Why? Isn’t it just a paint scheme, mixed with badging and nicer seats like the previous Rock Creek Edition? Nope! It’s a lot more substantial than that.
We were all let down by the introduction of the 2019 version, as it was just a few styling tweaks – and nothing more. At the time, we begged Nissan to return the Pathfinder to its roots; at least a little bit. Last year, the Nissan Pathfinder took a few steps in the right direction with an updated powertrain and greater capability. Still, it needed more beef to make the masses happy.
We already know that the newest Pathfinder is not too shabby in the rough, for a crossover. It’s mainly limited by ground clearance, articulation, and rubber. When we took it off-road, we found that it still managed, despite its limitations.
This is the 2019 Rock Creek Edition… And THIS is the 2023 Rock Creek Edition…
Things have changed. This 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition is not a body-on-frame SUV, but it does have even more goodies that may help it when the going gets rough.
Tuned suspension for off-road driving, with 5/8th of an inch lift mixed with Toyo Open Country off-road tires, is an excellent start. That covers better ground clearance (it’s not a lot, but we’ll take it!), and aggressive rubber with improved articulation are a huge plus. Then they went and made it look a lot cooler too. A tubular roof rack that can hold up to 220 lbs, unique colors, badges, and a unique interior finish of the styling upgrades. Oh, it also has cool-looking 18-inch wheels, but the fake beadlock design might irritate some purists.
We covered the debut of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek (here), but in this video, we get Andre’s perspective.
Will synthetic gas save internal combustion engines?
Can Chevy build a better Ford Maverick?
The first question comes from a fan who is sick of waiting for affordable EVs.
Here I thought that Toyota would lead the way for affordable EVs – but not yet. (Image: Toyota)
Q: (Via: Twitter@NathanAdlen)Where the hell are the affordable EVs everyone is promising!!??
I love the perfect life for EVs. Nathan I swear that if you look at my lifestyle, you would say “yes, that dude is perfect for an affordable EV”
But where the hell are the affordable EVs? Even Elon promised an EV for the working class like me. I guess, for a jugular ripping billionaire who can do what he wants, working class people are millionaires. Man, even a used Model 3 is way too expensive for me. And don’t try to sell me on the tax credits! It allows you to claim UP TO $7,500 in creditagainst the federal income taxes you owe. It’s not a guarantee of money returned to your wallet.
I drive about 150 miles a week to my job and to my hobby spot, an RC airport in the San Fernando Valley. Very little driving for a Californian I bet you’re thinking. I fly RC planes, so I need a hatchback. I bought a used 2018 Chevrolet Bolt, and part of that reason was because of a review you posted on your experience driving it in L.A. And I got to say I love the car so much.
Image: Chevrolet
So now I am thinking about buying a new affordable EV, but my options are poor. I mean I bought the Bolt for about $15,000 and that was because it had some damaged body panels. Because of it being a used car, I have no real warranty and the recalls have been a pain in the neck.
I know a tiny bit about engineering and one of the things that should be obvious is that EVs are pretty simple. They should be able to build an alternative that is cheap to build and cheap to run. I know batteries are expensive, if you look overseas there are a mountain of very inexpensive EVs that are everywhere. Why can’t we replicate that?
I saw this story on a Chinese car that has a 250 mile range, high tech, even bigger than my Bolt, and it sells for the equivalent of about $10,000. They have much cheaper ones, this one is just one of he best. I bet it would be acceptable for American safety standards. Even if I have to spend a few thousand on overseas tax, why can’t I drive this!?
C.Paper
Image: Leap Motor
A: I know, waiting for affordable EVs to show up is a pain.
I think the car you’re referring to is the Leap Motor T03, which is a slick little people mover. Leap Motor is fairly new on the EV car scene, but they have already proven to be remarkably popular. They build a larger EV SUV and a funky EV sports coupe. The numbers and reviews seem to confirm that they are a serious contender. What blows my mind is the tech, like semi autonomy, park assist and over-air updates that are part of such an inexpensive machine.
After your email, I thought that I would look around to see if there was anything coming that would be in the same league as the T03. In the United States, the least expensive EV is the Mini SE, and then the low range Nissan Leaf. That will run you between $23 – $27,000 before options. Effectively, that’s more than twice the price over the vehicle you mentioned.
Image: Leap Motor
It’s a bit of a racket right now. EV’s are aimed at the upper class, leaving the folks who truly need it – behind. Not only are automakers selling these things at high prices (many “affordable” new EVs average about $48,000), they are almost impossible to find. On top of that, charge stations in urban settings are woefully behind.
Look, it’s a pain to charge your car if you live in an apartment. At least set up chargers at gas stations, and on more streets. On top of that, workplaces and schools should provide more charging to encourage EV acceptance.
I’m with you on your displeasure. Based on what I’ve seen overseas, it’s more than possible to build a quality electric vehicle for the masses. Unfortunately, profit is king.
N
The next question comes from a viewer who wants to know if synthetic gasoline can save internal combustion cars.
Q: I was wondering if you knew anything about synthetic gasoline.
I heard that it can burn totally clean and make gas cars even more efficient. Do you know anything about this?
Unnamed PA at Swedish Medical Center
A: Billions have been invested by Porsche, BMW, McLaren and others into a variety of different types of synthetic fuels.
Honestly, my knowledge of synthetic fuels is cursory, at best. What I basically know is that the new “cleaner” versions of synthetic fuel is based on biomass, CO2 and natural gas. A great deal of heat is applied, and – what eventually is formulated – can be refined into a variety of fuels.
I am attaching a much better explanation from a 2021 issue of Car and Driver regarding Porsche’s efforts.
… Porsche’s goal is to produce a fuel by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated by a wind turbine. The hydrogen would then be combined with atmospheric carbon dioxide to create synthetic methanol, from which synthetic gasoline, diesel, and kerosene can be refined. Sounds clean, right? Just water and wind.
Well maybe, if that’s how it’s actually made, but historically, synthetic fuels have come from our old friend coal. The technology dates back to the 1920s, when German chemists Franz Fischer and Hans Tropsch developed a method to make liquid fuel by superheating coal. The Fischer-Tropsch process powered Germany through World War II and has been used for decades in countries with minimal oil reserves and large coal reserves, such as South Africa.
Today’s spin on synfuels is that not only coal but also natural gas, biomass from crop waste, or CO2 itself—as in the Porsche plant—can be heated at temperatures exceeding 1800 degrees until it forms carbon-monoxide molecules. They’re joined to hydrogen molecules in the same long hydrocarbon chains that make up the petroleum-derived fuel we know and, with some reservations, love.
Porsche is candid about the limitations of synthetic fuels. In announcing the plant, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume said: “Our goal is and remains electric mobility. This is the future. It must be emphasized that we do not see the use of e-fuels as an alternative, but as an addition to the all-electric drive.”
Car and Driver
ILLUSTRATION BY PETE SUCHESKI CAR AND DRIVER
Do I think it’s worth pursuing? Absolutely. Especially if these and other automakers see merit in the expense. Still, I have to wonder if the mixture of emission improvements offsets the impact of making these fuels in the first place. We’ll see in the near future!
N
The last question comes from a fan who wants to see Chevrolet build a better Ford Maverick.
Q: Nate. Was Chevrolet caught sleeping when Ford introduced the Maverick?
How could Ford build such a runaway hit without anyone else other than Hyundai taking note? They just ignored the huge audience Ford who gets the crowd cheering. I’m not a Ford fan but I have to give them props for coming out with such a slam dunk! Why can’t Chevy build a better Maverick?
Anonymous
A: I do agree that Ford took many by surprise.
The idea to build something so utilitarian, efficient and inexpensive without a single proper competitor out there to challenge you was a bold statement. Sure, Hyundai built the Santa Cruz, but that’s a very different (and more premium) vehicle. In essence, the Ford Maverick created its own segment. Now, I am referring to the front-wheel drive (FWD) hybrid, as it is a remarkable bargain.
Chevrolet/GM already has the tech and the products that could be combined to build something competitive, but don’t hold your breath. GM isn’t as interested in hybrids as they are with full electric vehicles. That is to say, we would have a better chance seeing an all-electric (somewhat affordable?) pickup spun off the Chevrolet Silverado EV.
I have yet to see a legitimate (direct) challenger to the Ford Maverick hybrid from any automaker selling in the United States. Hopefully, someone will step up and keep things competitive.
Bottom Line — The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R 2.0T is a grown-up car that’s a blast to drive.
The new 2022 Volkswagen AWD Golf R 2.0T looks mostly conservative but has wild-child acceleration, sharp handling, supple ride, practical interior and lots of equipment.
This compact four-door hot hatch has a suggested retail price of $43,645, although a $995 freight charge brings it to the often-quoted $44,640 price. It’s a grown-up companion to the front-drive, lower-horsepower 2022 VW Golf GTI front-drive hatchback, which has less power and fewer features. The standard Golf has been discontinued for the United States.
Leave the GTI to kids, despite its legendary name. The more mature, although costlier, Golf R has a lot more going for it. First off, the Golf R 2.0T has a turbocharged 315- horsepower engine with 310 lb./ft. of torque that’s always on hand with either the standard six-speed manual transmission or 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. My test Golf R had the manual transmission.
The Golf R does 0-60 m.p.h. in about four seconds, with strong, linear acceleration. The times are approximately the same with the automatic. A driver can select these driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Race, Drift, Special, Custom and Individual. I found Comfort and Sport modes to be the most useful, although Sport and Race sharpen throttle response.
Images: TFLcar
Estimated fuel economy is a so-so 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on highways. The tank holds 14.5 gallons, and premium fuel is called for. The Golf R 2.0T has a supple ride even in Comfort and Sport modes, although the Comfort mode provides the smoothest, at least on good pavement. The variable ratio electro-mechanical power steering is quick. And handling is sharp, thanks to such things as an all-independent sport suspension, electronic stability control, multi-mode adaptive chassis control and VW’s 4Motion AWD system with a rear differential that can actively distribute torque between the left and right wheels for improved handling.
The larger brakes have an easily modulated pedal that initially felt soft but have electronic brake pressure distribution and hydraulic brake assist.
One might expect an exotic-looking car to deliver go-fast features, but the Golf R 2.0T has generally subdued styling. There are four chrome exhaust outlets, and other R features include a special grille, bumpers, side skirts and a rear spoiler. There also are cross drilled front brake rotors and 19-inch alloy wheels. Still in all, the car has a boxy hatchback shape and isn’t likely to turn many heads. Doors open wide, and our adults fit, but the rear section is snug. The cockpit is upscale, with nice materials, a premium audio system, Napa leather seating surfaces, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front sport seats with blue accents (to go with my test car’s Lapiz Blue paint) and all sorts of upscale features including automatic climate control, USB data and charging ports, heated rear seats, navigation assistance and a power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof.
There’s also wireless charging for compatible devices. There are many digital controls. But the ribbon tachometer, which gives a horizontal reading, looks sort of out of place in such a fast car. The digital speedometer is OK, but the digital climate control system and radio volume controls are frustrating to use, as is the 10-inch infotainment system. It is best used when not driving.
The manual hatch opens widely to reveal a decent cargo area, and rear seat backs quickly fold flat to provide a impressive cargo area. Opening the heavy hood to get to fluid filler areas requires Arnold Schwarzenegger muscles. A prop rod holds it open.
Drivers in heavy stop-and-go traffic might best opt for the DSG automatic unless proficient with shifting a manual transmission and like shifting to feel more of a connection with the car. Otherwise, shifting the manual might eventually wear drivers down, as they continually shift in stop-and-go rush-hour traffic. Not that there’s anything inherently wrong with the manual.
l grew up shifting gears (with an old 1949 Ford and 1952 MG TD) and found that the Golf R’s slightly notchy manual transmission shifts so well that I barely thought about upshifting or downshifting. Even the somewhat mushy, long-throw clutch didn’t bother me after a short time. Moreover, the engine generates so much torque that lots of it is available in any gear. Fortunately for manual-shift newcomers, there’s a small guide on the instrument panel that tells when to upshift or downshift for maximum efficiency.
Safety features include forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear traffic alert, lane keeping system, blind spot monitor for active side assist, rear view camera system and a dynamic road sign display.
There also is an advanced air bag protection system.
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R 2.0T won’t be the wildest-looking car in the neighborhood, but is a winner in most respects.
What’s the old saying: You can’t tell a book by its cover?
The 2023 Kia Niro lineup are all electrified, coming as a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and a battery electric vehicle.
Aside from the comedy of hearing Andre say “Haba-niro,” the 2023 Kia Niro is a serious jump in the automaker’s portfolio. The main reason is their absolute desire to take the fight to Toyota. Being that Toyota has the new BZ4x that compliments their line of hybrid and PHEV vehicles (mainly, the Prius and RAV4) the Kia Niro responds in kind. Still, it’s a hatchback, and not a “crossover” as advertised. As such, it does not offer an all-wheel drive variant like Toyota does.
Still, if we’re looking at the tea leaves properly, the 2023 Kia Niro trio will be a value leader in its class.
For 2023, Kia completely redesigned the Niro. It is larger, with more passenger and cargo space. On top of that, all three cars come with a ton of new tech.
We expect the 2023 Kia Niro hybrid to be the base model. It will come with a 1.6-liter I4 that makes a total of 139 horsepower and 195 lbs-feet of torque. It has a 32Kw electric motor and can get up to 53 MPG. Kia says it will have a maximum range of 53 miles. The Kia Niro PHEV is next, and while it has the same 1.6-liter gas engine, it has a beefier electric motor. Total torque remains the same, but horsepower jumps to 180. It comes with an 11.1kWh battery, 33-miles of maximum electric range and level II-capable charging.
Finally, there’s the 2023 Kia Niro EV or BEV (battery electric vehicle). This all-electric variant comes with a 64kWh battery that makes 201 hp. Although 85kW charge speed isn’t considered that fast, Kia says it can go from 10-80% charge on level III in about 45-minutes. The 2023 Kia Niro EV will have a maximum total range of 253 miles.
The current 2022 Kia Niro base model has a starting price around $23,000. Unfortunately, Kia did not announce pricing for the new Kia trio, but we expect it to be competitive with Toyota.
Honda is aiming for 100-percent zero-emission vehicle sales by 2040, and vehicles like an all-new Honda Civic Hybrid (among others) leads the way.
Images: Honda
We will soon be seeing an all-new Honda Civic Hybrid, a next-generation Honda CR-V Hybrid, and a next generation Honda Accord Hybrid as well. These “core model” hybrids will have the next-generation hybrid systems being developed by Honda. What we will no longer see is the slow-selling Honda Insight Hybrid, as it ends production in Indiana, as the company increases production of hybrid core models.
This announcement comes weeks after Honda reaffirmed their commitment and partnership with General Motors to work side-by-side developing BEV (battery electric vehicles). Honda’s EV partnership with GM will soon be on display when the Honda Prologue debuts in 2024. You can read about Honda and GM’s partnership update (here).
“Hybrid-electric vehicles are effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and are a critical pathway toward Honda’s vision for 100% zero-emission vehicle sales in North America by 2040. Making the volume leader of our core models hybrid-electric will dramatically boost electrified sales in the Honda lineup, a strategy that will be augmented by the arrival of a Civic Hybrid in the future.”
Mamadou Diallo, vice president of Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
In April 2021, Honda global CEO Toshihiro Mibe outlined the company’s vision for global sales of electrified vehicles. This vision calls for 40-percent of North American sales to be battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles by 2030. Then, he sees electrification increasing to 80-percent by 2035. Finally, becoming 100-percent battery-electricand fuel cell electric vehicles by 2040.
Honda is currently one of the leading automakers of hybrid vehicles, in some classes. Still, they are far behind their main competitor Toyota in midsize SUV, minivan and small SUV hybridization. There is still no mention of electrification of their Odyssee, Pilot, Passport and Ridgeline.
The previous model already impressed us, but the 2023 Hyundai Palisade takes it to another level.
Andre and Alex attended the 2022 New York Auto Show shooting several videos, that includes the 2023 Hyundai Palisade. Just like the previous model, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade shares a platform with the Kia Telluride. Both vehicles represent huge sales numbers for the automaker. This new Palisade has now been elevated to an even more luxurious level.
All of the powertrain remains the same, including the 3.8 L Lambda II GDi V6 that makes 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Whether you get the front, or all-wheel drive version, it’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 2023 get standard tow-mode, and all Palisades come standard with a transmission cooler and trailer pre-wiring and sway control. It can tow up to 5000 pounds when properly equipped.
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade has a ton of upgrades
Exterior updates on the ’23 Palisade are most noticeable with the front grill, bumpers, wheels and rear-end design. All of which have been updated, looking sharper. It’s the interior that gets the lion share of updates. It gets an all-new cockpit, with a new instrument panel, gauge cluster, and audio interface design. The seats, surface materials and even the steering wheel have been updated.
Passengers may be surprised by the heated third row, which is something new from the automaker.
All infotainment, charging ports, wireless charging and other tech gets upgraded as well. Check out (this) story for a full list of upgrades and updates for the new Palisade. It gets to a point where some might wonder why it’s still called a “Hyundai” rather than a “Genesis?”
In this video, Andre asks “How do you improve on a successful vehicle?” By the end of this video, he manages to answer the question too!
How do you make a great thing better? In the case of the refreshed 2023 Hyundai Palisade, you keep its core and incrementally refine everything you can. Why is the Palisade great? Just look at its sales numbers. The current Palisade sold 21,025 SUVs in the U.S. in Q1 2022. This 2023 model update is more than just a new grille and lights. Let’s dig into the details.
2023 Hyundai Palisade
The chassis and the powertrain of the new Palisade remain mostly unchanged. It is still Hyundai’s flagship three-row SUV. It is powered by a 3.8-liter gas V6 with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The power is delivered via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Palisade can be configured as either a two-wheel drive or an HTRAC AWD model. The 2023 Palisade also has a towing mode.
Here are the new 2023 exterior components:
– New front and rear bumper fascia
– New front grille
– New headlights
– New alloy wheel design
– Auto-dimming outside mirrors
Here is what’s changed on the inside:
– New instrument panel, gauge cluster, and audio interface design
– New steering wheel design
– New seating surfaces and materials
– Driver’s seat
– Heated 3rd-row seats (first application for Hyundai)
The infotainment system is also getting an upgrade.
– 12-inch navigation screen with 720p resolution
– Digital, full-display center rearview mirror (first application for Hyundai)
– Digital Key 2 Touch(compatible with iPhone and Android)
– Enhanced USB-C ports replace USB-A ports (quicker charging up to 3 amps)
– Enhanced wireless device charging (from 5W to 15W)
– Enhanced dynamic voice recognition
The refreshed 2023 Palisade reached dealers this summer. Pricing will be available closer to launch.
