Auto Lovers Land

As the most popular nameplate in the brand’s history, Lexus has a lot riding on the debut of the next-generation RX — and its aiming to increase the crossover’s appeal by not only loading the 2023 model with new technology and creature comforts but also by offering four different powertrain options. Lexus unveiled the latest iteration of the RX crossover, including the 500h hybrid. Three of those will be electrified, including a first-ever Lexus RX plug-in hybrid, an all-new sport hybrid and the more familiar hybrid and gas-powered options. Long seen as the crossover for soccer moms, Lexus engineers have come up with a new platform they claim is not only lighter, but also boasts a lower center of gravity — translating into a more fun-to-drive version of the RX. “Nothing exemplifies our commitment to the transformation we’re making as a brand and next chapter for Lexus product more than the renewal of our best-selling vehicle — the RX,” said Andrew Gilleland, group vice presiden...

The 2023 Jaguar F-Pace SVR Edition 1988 For the first time, Jaguar’s highest-performance SUV, the F-Pace SVR, gets a new special edition, Jaguar revealed Tuesday. The new model, dubbed the F-Pace SVR Edition 1988, is the sort of package Jaguar officials will be employing until 2025, when the company transitions into an all-electric brand. Until then, Jaguar will offer a slew of special trim packages in hopes of sustaining sales. Inspired by Jaguar racing Quad exhaust and unique trim details distinguish the new limited edition F-Pace. Created by Jaguar’s SV Bespoke division, the Edition 1988 is limited to 394 units, and is the first special edition of their pinnacle flagship SUV.  The Edition 1988 features special amethyst paint, gold satin 22-inch forged alloy wheels and logos, along with gloss black finishes on the door mirror caps, brake calipers and wheel center caps Richard Woolley, creative director for Jaguar’s Special Vehicle Operations, said the model was ins...

It’s bigger, roomier and a lot more sophisticated, what with a variety of new, high-tech features, including the new Driving Assistance Professional. BMW took the covers off the third-generation X1, but it doesn’t get to the U.S. until this fall. BMW finally pulled the wraps off the third-generation X1 crossover — though U.S. buyers will have to wait until the fourth quarter of this year to finally take delivery. Starting at less than $40,000, the crossover will be offered — at least initially — in xDrive28i trim, and all-wheel drive will be standard. An M Sport model also will be available. The X1 was first introduced as the rare BMW front-wheel-drive model in 2009 — though it didn’t arrive in the U.S. market until 2012. The second-generation crossover launched three years later and offered a variety of configurations, including both front and rear-wheel-drive, and even a long-wheelbase version for China. Generation III Like other X-family models, the new X1 features black...

In case anyone wondered if there was room for anymore electric vehicle offerings for the future, Ineos Automotive apparently believes the answer is: yes. Ineos Automotive CEO Jim Ratcliffe confirmed the company plans to build an electric vehicle. Ineos Automotive CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe confirmed what the company had already been working on: an electric vehicle is coming. Ready to “embrace the future,” Ratcliffe said it’ll be a smaller version of its much-anticipated Grenadier off-roader. This is a reversal of the long-held belief that a fuel-cell variant would be the best alt-fuel version of the Ineos Grenadier, its forthcoming SUV whose gestalt owes much to the previous-generation Land Rover Defender, was  speculated about earlier this year . Change in perspective However, the big change is that the all-electric model will be a smaller version — a different name? — of the Grenadier, which is nearing the end of its testing and development phase. Initially, the idea was that...

With good reason, three-row utility vehicles are enormously popular with consumers days. But in a crowded segment, manufacturers face a big challenge as the try and make sure their vehicle stands out and gets noticed at a time when every brand with a stake in the U.S. market is offering a similar package. The 2022 Buick Enclave offers signature styling and features that premium SUV customers expect and appreciate. Buick, which once sold upscale sedans, now sells utility vehicles. However, it’s using its sedan heritage to make the transition from cars to crossovers by emphasizing luxury, technology and convenience to capture the attention of shoppers. The new Enclave is versatile, family-oriented transportation so in demand by customers, who appear willing to spend a bit more to get what they have want. Overview The 2022 Buick Enclave Avenir AWD fills by bill by delivering powerful and sophisticated ride with a nicely appointed interior and ample technology to protect the drive...

Struggling to meet production targets, EV startup Rivian is again shaking up its management ranks, with chief manufacturing engineer Charly Mwangi leaving for “personal reasons.” Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe is facing a variety of setbacks, but his is not the only EV company facing challenges right now. The announcement by Rivian CEO R.J. Scaringe comes at a time when Rivian is facing a variety of setbacks, including a more than 80% plunge in its stock price. But Rivian is by no means alone. A variety of nascent EV makers are struggling simply to survive. And even the well-funded EV program at Apple faces new turmoil, the project’s latest director leaving the company after barely a year. Only a few years ago, many industry analysts were forecasting a dramatic transformation of the auto industry as a wave of wannabe car companies laid out plans to crack into the business by focusing on EVs. But things haven’t worked out as expected. Some seemingly well-positioned manufactur...

Land Rover announced an extension of its Defender series Tuesday with the unveiling of the new Defender 130. Measuring 211 inches long, its body is 13.38 inches longer than the 110, and 30.6 inches longer than the 90. Front overhang remains unchanged at 33.3 inches, however, rear overhang grows to 58.7 inches from 35.1 inches without a rear-mounted spare tire, and 45.3 inches with it. The numbers reveal its appeal The 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 boasts three rows of seats, just like 110, but with added cargo space. The added length pays big dividends for the new Defender 130, which not only offer room for 8, but can transport 13.7 cubic feet of cargo with all seats in use, more than the 110’s 10.7 cubic feet. Similarly, the 130 can haul 88.9 cubic feet with both rows folded, a bit more than the 110’s 78.8 cubic feet. Defenders were always known for their ability to haul people and their cargo; the 130 only adds to its capability. Yet as you might expect, the added length bring...

Each week TheDetroitBureau.com reports on the biggest news and events about new vehicles, mobility, technology, trends as well as offering our years of experience and insights in our car reviews. Then we put it all into our weekly  the Headlight News podcast .  Toyota’s cuts will impact the supply of vehicles, which are at historic lows. Automakers have struggled to keep production steady due to the ongoing semiconductor shortage and now a resurgence of COVID is putting the brakes on more assembly lines, with Toyota begin the latest automaker to suffer. The Japanese automaker said it would be shutting down two lines, which could make it just a little tougher to get new Corollas and RAV4s, reports Editor-in-Chief Paul A. Eisenstein.  Some of the other stories you need to know about include: While automakers and buyers have struggled during the past 18 months or so with lower profits or dashed expectations, auto dealers have enjoyed record profits due to the higher...

Summer is the favorite time for car collectors and enthusiasts, and Hagerty is launching a new digital platform for buying and selling collectible vehicles. McKeel Hagerty said the new digital classifieds give members a “safe, secure” place to buy and sell vehicles. “Hagerty classifieds is about giving our members a safe, secure and easy way to buy and sell vehicles,” said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty. “It’s also about doubling down on our commitment as a company to save driving and car culture for future generations, in this case by tapping into an industry growth market.” Hagerty Inc., which has offered insurance on collectible cars for years, recently began an ambitious effort to become what its top executive describes as an “automotive lifestyle brand” aimed at the enthusiast market, which encompasses collectors and others with an interest in motoring as a hobby. Its new digital classifieds platform will offer Hagerty Drivers Club members the chance to buy and sell collec...

Nissan has stopped taking advance orders for its new Ariya crossover just as it prepares to bring the battery-electric vehicle to market. Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta said the company halted new orders of its new Ariya electric crossover. And it’s not alone, Ford earlier this year closed the order bank for the popular new Maverick pickup. And Tesla CEO Elon Musk said his company may stop taking orders on some of its models, as well, because of the long delivery times some customers might face. “We don’t want customers to wait,” Nissan Motor Co. COO Ashwani Gupta told trade publication Automotive News when asked about the decision to close the order bank on Ariya. Too many orders Ariya is Nissan’s second all-electric model and will supplement the once-popular but now slow-selling Leaf. Originally expected to reach showrooms around the beginning of this year, production of Ariya has repeatedly been delayed, primarily due to the semiconductor shortage. It just went on sale in Japan...