Tag Archives: Hybrids

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2022 Toyota Avalon Drops AWD And TRD, Starts From $36,375 For Its Final Year

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The fifth-generation Avalon might have been introduced in 2018, but Toyota has confirmed that 2022 will mark the end of its production. Today, the automaker announced pricing for the 2022 MY alongside a few changes in the lineup.

The 2022 Toyota Avalon starts from $36,375 (excluding the $1,025 fee), making it $250 more expensive than last year’s model.

The full-size sedan is not available in AWD variants anymore, while the sporty TRD trim was also dropped from the range. The good news for prospective buyers is the addition of new safety features as standard, including the upgraded Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ package (dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, etc), and the addition of a rear-seat reminder system.

Read Also: The Toyota Avalon TRD Has Plenty Of Comfort, But Not Enough Sportiness

Just like last year, the Avalon is available with gas and hybrid powertrains. The 3.5-liter V6 produces 301 hp (224 kW / 305 PS) and 267 lb-ft (362 Nm) of torque, mated to an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox that sends power to the front axle. The hybrid combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors producing a combined 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and comes with a fuel economy rating of 44 mpg combined.

The 2022 lineup includes six trim levels, including the XSE Nightshade Edition that is visually differentiated from the glossy black accents, the 19-inch wheels, and the rear diffuser. Inside, variants are differentiated with the base XLE featuring SofTex upholstery and “engineered wood” trim, the Limited coming with perforated leather and genuine wood sourced from Yamaha, and the Touring with perforated SofTex / Ultrasuede and aluminum trim.

Read Also: Toyota Adds New Colors, Nightshade Edition To 2022 Camry

In terms of equipment, the Limited and Touring come standard with a premium 14-speaker JBL Audio system, a 10-inch Head-up display, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen (Apple CarPlay / Android Auto / Amazon Alexa), a wireless charging pad, and a moonroof (also standard on the Nightshade, optional in XLE, XLE hybrid). The Touring is the sportiest of the bunch equipped with the electronically controlled Adaptive Variable Suspension system, and an extra driving mode (eco, normal, sport, sport+, custom)

2022 Toyota Avalon Pricing

  • Avalon XLE 3.5-liter V6 8-speed Auto: $36,375
  • Avalon XLE Hybrid 2.5-liter ECVT: $37,350
  • Avalon Limited 3.5-liter V6 8-speed Auto: $42,675
  • Avalon Limited Hybrid 2.5-liter ECVT: $43,650
  • Avalon XSE Hybrid Nightshade 2.5-liter ECVT: $40,700
  • Avalon Touring 3.5-liter V6 8-speed Auto: $43,075

*MSRP prices excluding delivery processing and handling fee of $1,025

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Jeep Wrangler 4xe Recalled Due To Bizarre Odometer Failure

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The 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid is being recalled due to an issue with the odometer.

The automaker has revealed that some Wrangler 4xe models are equipped with digital instrument cluster software that may prevent the odometer from displaying after it hits 13,342 miles or 21,437 km.

Read Also: 2022 Jeep Wrangler Updated In Europe, Sold Exclusively As 4xe Plug-In Hybrid

The issue took place between September 8, 2020 and September 13, 2021, when vehicles on the production line received a suspect software service update. Jeep fixed the issue with a new gauge cluster software version that was implemented into vehicle production but a total of 2,903 Wranglers are now involved in the recall and all of them are thought to have the issue.

A recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that if the odometer value is not displayed, owners may miss critical vehicle maintenance periods, increasing the likelihood of components failing due to a lack of maintenance, heightening the risk of a crash.

To fix the issue, the automaker will update the software on vehicles with less than 13,342 miles (21,473 km) on the clock while those vehicles that have already passed this figure will be fitted with new gauge clusters. It has also been confirmed that any owner that has had the gauge cluster replaced due to the issue will be reimbursed.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles U.S. will begin notifying owners on or around January 28, 2022.

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Chrysler Dramatically Cuts Down 2022 Pacifica Hybrid Configurations, Increases Prices

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Chrysler has introduced a host of changes to the Pacifica Hybrid for the 2022 model year while also announcing a new pricing structure.

The most significant change made to the hybrid minivan for 2022 is a dramatic reduction in the number of available configurations. According to Mopar Insiders, the number of possible combinations has been decreased from 3,550 to just 53, bringing the Pacifica more closely in line with the Honda Odyssey and its seven available combinations and the Kia Carnival with its 90 different configurations.

Elsewhere, Chrysler has made a new rear-seat reminder system standard equipment across all models. A Clean Air Filtration System that cleans 95 per cent of air particulates, while also separating out pollen, allergens, and bacteria, has also been introduced.

Read More: Chrysler Updates Their 2022 Lineup With New Tech Including Amazon Fire TV

Customers can pick up the keys to a 2022 Pacifica Hybrid in one of three trim levels. The entry-level model is the Touring L and replaces the base Touring that was offered for 2021. It starts at $46,760 in the U.S., a $745 increase over last year, but does come standard with the Safety Sphere Group that adds ParkSense Front Park Assist with Stop, ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, and a 360 Surround View Camera.

Found in the middle of the range is the Pacifica Hybrid Limited. It starts at $50,660, a $1,675 price hike over 2021, and now comes standard with the Premium and Safety Sphere Group which adds the aforementioned safety features of the Touring L and adds a 760-watt amplifier and 19 Harmon Kardon speakers. The tri-plane sunroof is no longer available and has been replaced by a dual-plane one.

Topping out the 2022 Pacifica Hybrid family is the Pinnacle. It lands with Amazon FireTV as standard but drops the standard wireless headphones that accompanied the Uconnect Theater system. The Pinnacle’s starting price has been increased by $450 to $54,940.

Note: 2021 Chrysler Pacifica pictured

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The Czinger 21C Is Insanely Fast, But Does The Driving Experience Match Its Performance?

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There’s a lot to talk about the Czinger 21C, from its 3D printed design to its ridiculous lap time at Laguna Seca, to its technological inspiration being the SR-71 Blackbird. But what no one knew until now about the highly limited hypercar is how it is to drive.

Top Gear’s Jack Rix has finally gotten the chance to sample this technological marvel that’s faster around Laguna Seca than a McLaren Senna.

To start with, the Czinger 21C certainly behaves in a manner that reflects the way it looks, which is to say, unusually. To start with, this preproduction model has a seven-speed sequential transmission with straight-cut gears. Using a hand clutch to get off the line, though, means that there’s a whole new learning curve for the vast majority of drivers and you’re fairly likely to stall it.

Read More: Production Czinger 21C Arrives As A 3D-Printed Hybrid Hypercar With 1,233 HP And A 281 MPH Top Speed

Once you’re up to speed, though, the gear changes are lightning-fast going both up and down the cogs and it’s pretty clear why a company obsessed with speed would have picked this transmission. Similarly, the unusual seating position takes some getting used to.

“You’ve got electric motors, two of them on the front axle in front of me,” says Rix. “And then the driver, and then the passenger, and then the V8 engine behind me, which means you’re a bit squashed up. The whole car is massively long and I’m tucked in the nose like some sort of turbo era F1 car.”

The result of the weirdness, though, is something that makes you feel alive. With a dry weight of 1,240 kg (2,733 lbs) and 1,233 hp (1,250 PS / 919 kW), the car is extremely fast. “Look, I knew this thing was gonna be fast,” says Rix. “But oh my word, the way that the throttle picks up, the way that the engine revs out – Ooooh! That was just a cheeky 9,000 [rpm]!”

He also says that it feels like an LMP car in which you can feel the downforce (650 kg at 100 mph) keeping you on the road.

“The steering is actually really good. I like it,” says Rix. “There’s plenty of feel. I talked earlier about the yoke steering wheel meaning you’ve got to keep your hands in the right place and right now they’re not going anywhere, because right now I’m trying to hold to this beast around Willow Springs.”

So the driving experience matches the insane performance. Sounds, then, like the 18 people who will be able to buy one will be very happy indeed.

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Volvo Bringing Its 48-Volt Mild-Hybrid Tech To 2022 U.S. Models

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A plethora of Volvo’s 2022 models will be offered with 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrains in the U.S.

These models will feature B5 and B6 badges and be used by the 2022 S60, S90, XC60 and V90 Cross Country and will replace the non-hybrid T5 and T6 powertrains. Data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirms that the 2022 S60 B5, for example, returns 26 MPG city, 35 MPG highway, and 30 MPG combined, compared to the 23 city, 34 highway, and 27 combined of the outgoing 2021 model.

Read Also: Volvo’s First EV-Only Plant Will Be In America

Volvo already sells its B5 and B6 powertrains in other markets. Both use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is turbocharged in B5 guise while the B6 variant is both turbocharged and supercharged. The B6 powertrain will be available as an option on the XC60, Car and Driver reports, and standard in the S90 sedan and V90 Cross Country wagon.

Details for the U.S.-spec models haven’t yet been confirmed, but the B5 model sold in Europe has 247 hp, slightly less than the T5 powertrain with its 250 hp. Similarly, the B6 is rated at 295 hp in Europe compared to the 316 hp of the T6.

For the XC60, fuel consumption data reveals that the B5 model provides a 1 MPG increase over the city cycle compared to the T5. Similarly, the higher-powered B6 is 1 MPG better in the city and 1 MPG more efficient over the combined cycle compared to the 2021 XC60 T6.

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This Yellow Porsche 918 Spyder Has A $1.2 Million Asking Price

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A low-mileage 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder is up for grabs in the UK with an £895,000 ($1.2 million) asking price.

Porsche built just 918 examples of its hybrid hypercar for customers and this example is number 238. It is painted in a bright color dubbed Racing Yellow and was delivered new to the original owner via Porsche Center Hong Kong on January 8, 2015. In 2019, the owner imported the car to the UK where it has been regularly maintained by authorized Porsche facilities, the RM Sotheby’s listing states.

Watch Also: Can A Porsche 918 Spyder Beat The Mighty Bugatti Chiron In A Straight Line?

In September 2019 and with 1,357 miles on the clock, the car was sent to Porsche Centre Reading for its four-year major service. It was also serviced by the same facility in preparation for sale and currently has 1,429 miles under its belt.

The original owner ordered the car with carbon fiber wing mirrors and carbon across the removable roof panels and rear wing. The car has also been equipped with an optional front-axle lift system, full leather sport seats and steering wheel, a glare reduction package, a Burmester audio system, and various Acid Green and carbon fiber trim throughout the interior.

Porsche produced the 918 Spyder between September 2013 and June 2015 as the successor to the Carrera GT. It features a 4.6-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine that produces 599 hp at 8,700 rpm and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque. Providing supplementary power are two electric motors, one at the front axle and one at the rear axle, that lift combined grunt up to 875 hp and 944 lb-ft (1,280 Nm) of torque.

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Experience An Exclusive Track Test With The 1,500 HP Koenigsegg Regera

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A few weeks ago, we brought you an excellent POV video from AutoTopNL that showed some acceleration runs in the brutal Koenigsegg Regera. Now, we have a full-length clip from the YouTuber that provides a detailed look at the Swedish hypercar’s exterior design and its insane performance.

The Regera in question has been outfitted with the available Ghost Package that includes some aerodynamic upgrades, including additional fins on the rear wheel arches, a more pronounced front splitter, carbon fiber canards, and a few more touches. It is also equipped with lightweight carbon fiber wheels that not only look amazing but are also incredibly light.

Watch Also: Discover What Goes Into Making A One-Of-One Koenigsegg Regera

The clip also offers us a detailed look at the engine and boy, what a powertrain it is. Situated behind the passenger cell is a 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine coupled with three electric motors that combine to produce no less than 1,500 hp and 944 lb-ft (1,280 Nm) of torque. This powertrain helped the Regera set a 0-400- km/h (0-248-0 mph) record of 31.49 seconds back in 2019.

Most of the action happens after the 12-minute mark when the YouTuber jumps into the Regera’s passenger seat with a Koenigsegg test driver behind the wheel. To get the tires warmed up, the driver performs a slalom at roughly 150 km/h (93 mph) down the carmaker’s runway, before pinning the throttle to show off the car’s remarkable straight-line performance. The driver then proceeds to do a slalom at roughly 220 km/h (136.7 mph), showing just how steady the car is during cornering.

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Hyundai Details The Santa Fe’s New Hybrid And Plug-In Hybrid Powertrains

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Hyundai introduced the new Santa Fe earlier this month, and now the company has released details about its engine lineup.

In Europe, there will be a hybrid variant that features a turbocharged 1.6-liter petrol engine, a 59 hp (44 kW / 60 PS) electric motor and a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery. This will give the crossover a combined output of 227 hp (169 kW / 230 PS) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque.

A plug-in hybrid variant will arrive next year with the same 1.6-liter turbo engine. However, it will have a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery and a more powerful electric motor that develops 90 hp (67 kW / 91 PS). The model will be available exclusively with all-wheel drive, and have a combined output of 261 hp (195 kW / 265 PS) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque.

Also Read: Hyundai Gives 2021 Santa Fe A Thorough Refresh With Daring Face And New Platform

On the diesel side, there will be a 2.2-liter Smartstream engine which features an aluminum block that enables it to weigh 43 lbs (19.5 kg) less than its predecessor. The engine has also a new camshaft and an upgraded fuel injection system.

Thanks to these changes, the four-cylinder will produce 199 hp (149 kW / 202 PS) and 324 lb-ft (440 Nm) of torque. It will be connected to a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission which provides improved acceleration and better fuel efficiency.

Besides revealing powertrain details, Hyundai provided more information about the Santa Fe’s platform. While the model looks like a simple facelift, Hyundai says it rides on an all-new platform and this allows for “significant improvements in performance, handling, fuel efficiency and safety.”

In particular, Hyundai says the fixed points for the steering arms have been positioned closer to the middle of the front wheels for more agile handling. The architecture also uses a multi-load path structure, hot stamping and a super high-tensile steel plate to better absorb impacts and minimize deformation of the passenger space in the event of a collision.

The platform also has a lower center of gravity and unspecified weight savings. That’s on top of a more comfortable driving experience thanks to “reinforced sound-absorbing systems in vibration-sensitive parts.”

The new platform allows the Santa Fe to be a tad roomier as there’s an additional 1.2 inches (3 cm) of second-row legroom and an extra 1.6 inches (4 cm) of third-row legroom. Buyers will also find a more accommodating cargo compartment.

While the Santa Fe can be equipped with a familiar all-wheel drive system, there’s a new Terrain Mode selector with sand, snow, mud, eco, sport and comfort modes. The model can also be equipped with an optional smart driving mode which recognizes your driving style and automatically selects the appropriate mode for you.

The first three modes are self-explanatory, but Hyundai says sport mode improves acceleration by distributing up to 50 percent of torque to the rear wheels. Comfort mode favors stability, while eco mode saves fuel by being front-wheel drive only.

Lastly, the Santa Fe comes with a host of driver assistance systems including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Lane Following Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist.

The big news is Highway Driving Assist which is available on the Santa Fe for the first time. It uses the Lane Following Assist and Smart Cruise Control systems to keep the vehicle centered in its lane and traveling at an appropriate speed.

Another new addition is the Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist system. It uses a rearview camera and ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles when reversing. When an obstacle is detected, it will warn the driver and apply the brakes if necessary.

The crossover can also be equipped with Remote Smart Parking Assist – or “Smaht Pahk” – which enables owners to use their key to move the Santa Fe forward or backward. This can be used for entering or exiting tight parking spaces.

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