Category: Auto News

Auto news – automobile industry news. Articles about all the latest car models and concepts. Breaking news, uncovered secrets.

Toyota GR Supra Heritage Edition

The GR Supra Heritage Edition, which debuted at the 2019 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, returns to the show floor along with its companion car, the GR Supra Sport Top. Both are located in Central Hall, Booth No. 24800 and are expected to be fan favorites once again.

“The original MKIV Supra is considered by many to be one of the most desired vintage Supra models, and we wanted to pay tribute to its legacy,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president – Toyota Division Marketing. “Our team’s approach was to give a serious nod to the legendary A80 while doing justice to the great lines and performance of the new A90.”

In order to conceive the Heritage Edition Supra, the Toyota Motorsports Garage worked with Beree Cox Design to render a prototype design based on the GR Supra that paid homage to the MKIV Supra’s visual cues. From there, it was off to the races to blend the “old” with the new.

LG Motorsports crafted an integrated front splitter and a MKIV Supra wing modified to match the new GR Supra’s proportions. To optimize the aerodynamic balance and efficiency, Toyota and Cripwerks Engineering designed a custom rear diffuser and slotted the GR Supra’s stock front fender vent covers to help relieve pressure built up behind the tires. LA Prep then painted the creation in a vibrant custom color dubbed “Re-Entry Red.”

Lead builder, Marty Schwerter searched for headlights and taillights that would work with the GR Supra’s modern body lines yet resemble those on the MKIV Supra. He ultimately chose to go with custom light buckets with lenses CNC machined from blocks of acrylic.

Precision Turbo & Engine modified a stock turbocharger to produce 18% more airflow to the B58 inline-six cylinder engine. Mission Performance calibrated the engine management system, and a custom intake and three-inch center exit exhaust helps the engine breathe more freely. These modifications increased overall output to more than 500 horsepower.

Toyota worked with Scarbo Performance to design an extremely unique custom inboard rocker arm system to replace the factory rear suspension. This allowed the team to maintain the factory body lines while creating room for a wider wheel and tire combination capable of managing the increased horsepower. The GR Supra Heritage Edition wears custom 19×11-inch HRE P107SC five-spoke wheels shod with 305/30R19 Toyo Proxes R888R competition tires at the rear. A matching set of 19×10.5-inch HRE P107SC wheels with 295/30R19 Toyo Proxes tires fill the front wheel wells.

To close the gap between the tires and arches, the team used TEIN adjustable coil-overs and fitted massive Brembo six-piston monobloc calipers with 380mm two-piece rotors up front and four-piston monobloc calipers with 380mm rotors at the rear.

When the GR Supra Sport Top debuts at its first live in-person SEMA Show alongside the GR Supra Heritage Edition, attendees will finally get to see GR Supras inspired by the MKIV side by side. Fixed roof rigidity and simplicity or a removeable roof to take in the sun or the stars? This year, SEMA concept car fans don’t have to choose.

November 1, 2021
Toyota GR Supra Sport Top Concept

Last year, Toyota remained committed to the automotive aftermarket and the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA), hosting its 2020 SEMA360 Showcase virtual presentation and unveiling its latest creations, including the GR Supra Sport Top. For 2021, Toyota is excited to “show the metal” and give the GR Supra Sport Top the live in-person SEMA Show debut it deserves.

Intended as a continuation of Toyota’s tribute to the much heralded and loved MKIV Supra of the 1990s, it celebrates the removable-roof Supra models of the past and is a fitting companion to the wildly popular GR Supra Heritage Edition that debuted at SEMA in 2019.

Both the GR Supra Sport Top and the GR Supra Heritage Edition will be on display in Toyota’s 2021 SEMA Show exhibit (Central Hall, Booth No. 24800). For the first time, SEMA attendees will be able to feast their eyes on both builds side by side and experience the ultimate Supra tribute.

“We are very excited to finally get a chance to show off both of these incredibly cool GR Supra builds at the SEMA Show,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president – Toyota Division Marketing. “The team did some spectacular customization and fabrication work to pay tribute to Supras that came before, and we’re finally going to show them together so SEMA fans can see them up close and personal.”

Marty Schwerter and the Toyota Motorsports Garage set out to conceptualize the GR Supra Sport Top Edition and create this open-air Supra tribute. It features many of the Heritage Edition’s custom visual cues and performance upgrades yet takes a fresh look at the retro-inspired build.

“Toyota really wanted to have a companion to the Heritage Edition. But, this was no easy build, and we put a lot of thought into cutting the roof and removing a significant part of the car’s structure,” Schwerter said. “It was way more complicated than we originally thought. Removing the top was extremely tough and required some innovative work to retain the GR Supra’s rigidity. I love how it came out, and I hope others love it, too.”

KC Mathieu, owner of KC’s Paint Shop in Fort Worth, Texas, led the roof removal work.

“The steel was a little harder to cut through than we expected,” said Mathieu. “We started with an air saw and got nowhere real fast.”

Though concerned that after 30 minutes they had only cut about an inch of steel, KC then switched gears and tried a different cutting tool. After some time, the metal of the roof really started to yield, and eventually the surgery would be a success.

The roof design features two composite panels 3D printed by Toyota Motor North America Research and Development in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The roof panels were contoured to the GR Supra’s body lines and the car retains the windshield header and the driver’s and passenger’s side outer roof body structure shapes. To maintain structural integrity, the team reinforced the roof’s outer body structures and added reinforcement underneath from the engine bay to the back of the tub.

With an opportunity to take a new look at some of the Heritage Edition’s custom upgrades, the team worked on making the hand-built rear diffuser and underbody airflow more efficient. They also reworked the exhaust and created a new custom setup featuring dual pipes in the center of the rear fascia. Of course, the iconic MKIV rear basket handle wing was also integrated into the decklid, while round taillights complete the MKIV rear treatment. KC’s Paint Shop did the final body work and applied numerous coats of BASF paint mixed to exactly match the OEM GR Supra color Absolute Zero White, creating a strikingly flawless finish. The GR Supra Sport Top Edition and GR Supra Heritage Edition share many of the same custom upgrades, but both are visually unique and fitting tributes to past Supra models.

November 1, 2021
2022 Toyota GR86 Price Starts At $27,700
With more horsepower and torque, a redesigned interior and exterior and a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just $27,700, the all-new 2022 GR86 is priced to thrill. Arriving at Toyota dealerships in December and available in two grades, GR86 and GR86 Premium, the new generation of Toyota’s driver’s car brings affordable sports car fun, all with a larger 2.4 liter engine that delivers nearly 18% more horsepower and 11% more torque.

The GR86 Premium grade rides on standard 18-inch, 10-spoke black aluminum alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4® tires and a large duckbill spoiler on the back. On the inside, black and silver accented six-way adjustable front seats feature two-level heating and perforated UltraSuede upholstery with leather side bolsters. Black and silver accents continue through to the leather steering wheel, shift boot and hand brake. A new 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with eight-speakers brings connectivity and tunes to drivers.

The GR86 grade sits on 17-inch, 10-spoke machined-finish aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Primacy HP® tires. Interior features include six-way adjustable black G-embossed fabric with sport fabric side bolsters with textured vinyl and sport fabric trim on the dash, doors and steering wheel. The new 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with six-speakers comes standard.

Available in a choice of manual or paddle shifted automatic transmission, it comes in a choice of seven exterior colors: Track bRED, Halo White, Steel Silver, Pavement Grey, Raven Black and Neptune or Trueno Blue. The new generation also marks its evolution to Gazoo Racing lineup with a new, angular GR86 logo paired with Toyota’s GR badge. Models are expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships this December.

Power & Design for a New Generation

The Gazoo Racing team engineered more horsepower and torque into the new GR86 by utilizing a larger, naturally aspirated 2.4-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. With 228 hp., up from 205, and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, up from 156, it’s now tuned so peak torque arrives far earlier in the powerband at 3,700 RPM, versus 6,600 RPM. Thanks to a larger engine bore diameter, now at 94 mm. (previously 86 mm.) displacement bumps up to 2,387 cc. from 1,998 cc.

Thanks to these changes, the new GR86 provides a responsive and powerful driving experience – especially when coming out of the curves and onto the straightaways. The bigger engine improves zero-to-60 times from 7.0 to 6.1 seconds for the MT and from 8.0 to 6.6 seconds for the AT. Fuel economy comes in at an EPA estimated 20 City/27 Hwy/22 Combined MPG (6-Speed M/T) and 21 City/31 Hwy/25 Combined MPG (6-Speed A/T).

Toyota’s D-4S dual injection technology is also re-tuned to deliver more aggressive throttle input. This system combines direct fuel injection and port-injection technologies. The direct-injection system provides a cooling effect in the cylinders, which allows the engine to use a very high 12.5:1 compression ratio for maximum power. The port fuel injectors come into play during light- and medium-load conditions to help maximize combustion efficiency.

The intake manifold’s port diameter and length have been optimized to support linear torque and acceleration and the air intake has also been redesigned to maximize airflow. The fuel system has a new pump design and wider transfer tube for a steady fuel flow during cornering. The cooling system gets a new high-speed water pump, five-level water-cooled oil cooler and a new high-capacity 200W radiator output motor. The exhaust’s larger 5.6L center pipe capacity delivers a satisfying growl, with augmented engine sound in the cabin from an Active Sound Control system.

Highly Rigid Body Structure

The GR team also reworked the chassis and body to complement GR86’s increase in power. Building upon the nimble attributes of the prior generation 86 chassis, the GR team added front cross-members to the joints between the front suspension and frame. The hood also adds an internal diagonal frame for stability.

A new full-ring rear frame ties the upper and lower chassis together and a combination of high-strength steel, hot-stamped steel and aluminum is strategically used throughout the frame to bring drivers a balance of roll and pitch that maximizes control. For additional reinforcement, structural adhesives and high-strength fasteners throughout the underbody creates a taut, connected frame.

Curb weight on the GR86 was also kept down for maximum controllability. Weighing in it at just 2,811 pounds on the MT (2,851 pounds in the AT), the GR86 ranks among the lightest sports cars on the market. Pair that nimble weight with a low center of gravity (COG) from the combination of the compact flat-four engine, low-slung 51.6-inch overall height and near perfect 53 front:47 rear balance, and the result is a pure driver’s car.

Driven by Control

GR86’s three-spoked steering wheel puts drivers in direct control of its agile handling. With a 13.5 overall ratio that requires just 2.5 turns clock to clock for tight maneuverability, it features a new Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system with a column-mounted integrated motor and control unit that reduces both weight and space. GR engineers even changed the steering gear box mount, making it more rigid with a hard rubber bushing and reshaped mounting bolt washer.

Sport-tuned independent MacPherson® front struts feature refined damping performance and gain new rebound springs to enhance handling characteristics. A double wishbone style multi-link rear suspension features a Torsen® limited-slip rear differential for improved traction while cornering.

To complement GR86’s increased torque, the rear axle offers additional reinforcement and the strut stabilizer bar is now connected directly to the subframe for maximum stability. Sport-tuned rear shock absorbers feature stiffer springs to provide planted, predictable handling for the front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe. Both grades come with power-assisted 11.6-inch front and 11.4-inch rear ventilated disc brakes.

Manual or Automatic — You Choose

Sports car purists will love GR86’s six-speed manual transmission. With the push of a button, MT drivers can engage Track mode or switch off Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). The shape of the shift lever was optimized for smooth, enjoyable shifting, whether you’re moving from 2nd to 3rd or downshifting from 5th to 4th. Additionally, a carbon synchronizer was added to improve shifting into 4th gear. The MT uses new low-viscosity oil and bearings for smooth shifting operability with the higher torque output of the 2.4L boxer engine.

For the Automatic Transmission (AT), steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters offer enthusiasts a dynamic driving experience. Drivers can choose between Normal, Sport, Snow or Track modes. When in Sport mode, the AT senses brake and accelerator operation and vehicle behavior to automatically shift into the optimal gear, bringing drivers the control they want. Additional clutch discs and a new high-capacity torque converter allow for smooth delivery of the engine’s added power.

Purist Sports Car Design, Track Ready Aerodynamics

First introduced in 2012, the first-generation 86 was a tribute to the fun-to-drive, AE-86 Corollas of the 1980s. The new GR86 keeps that spirit alive with its focus on sporty design and weight management.

Parabola-shaped transparent lens components give its LED headlights a fearless look, with the same sweeping, internal L-shape as the GR Supra. A GR sports car exclusive G-mesh-shaped matrix grille feeds air to the intake, and functional molding on the front bumper features a textured shark skin-inspired design to reduce drag.

On the side, its front fender and large rocker molding form side sill spoilers with integrated air outlets, improving aerodynamics at the door drop. The air outlets allow air inside the front wheel arch to escape, reducing wheel well turbulence and supporting stability. Along the doorline, a low, horizontally aligned underbody combines with the accentuated fender tops to express a strong front-rear posture. Black side mirrors add contrast and are slightly larger than the previous generation, with a curved shape to maximize airflow.

At the rear, inverted wheel arches express a wide stance and arch fins control air flow. Aerodynamic fins have been added to the lower rear bumper for further stability. On the Premium grade a large, duckbill spoiler sweeps up from the rear deck for increased downforce. The license plate holder has been dropped down to the rear bumper, simplifying the trunk opening and contributing to its low center of gravity. Three-dimensional rear taillights wrap around the rear deck and blend into trim molding along the trunk line to form a wide, connected rear.

GR engineers also stretched their creativity in seeking weight savings on the GR86. The front fenders and roof panel are now constructed of aluminum, in addition to an already-aluminum hood. Other examples of weight-shaving ingenuity come from the use of structural adhesives in the underbody, a resin fuel door, new light-weight front seat frames, the redesigned EPS and changes to the driveline and engine block.

Driver-Focused Tech & Comfort

GR86 features Toyota’s Smart Key System that functions on both the driver and passenger door. Once inside, drivers will find a horizontally configured instrument panel for a clean field of view. A push-button start fires up a boxer-inspired GR-logo animation on its 7-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) multi-information display. Display content varies based on whether drivers are in Normal, Sport, Snow or Track mode (MT offers Track mode only). Sport Mode throws a red ring around the speedometer for an aggressive look. Track Mode was developed with race driver input and prominently displays an RPM-band in the center, oil and water coolant temperatures and lap timer.

The HVAC system has added independent left/right temperature adjustments and new, large LED dials and piano-key switches are arranged on the center console for easy operation. A leather-wrapped steering wheel has integrated controls for the audio system, hands-free calling, voice-recognition system, display meters and cruise control; AT adds an ACC display option button. The Premium grade gains aluminum sport pedals and footrest. Power windows come with auto up/down and pinch protection.

A split opening center console provides two cup holders or storage as needed, with one auxiliary audio and two USB connections inside. The AT version has an open storage area in the center as well. Door armrests have a long pull-handle with easy access to in-door storage space.

An 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with a six-speaker audio system comes on the GR86 grade; that increases to an eight-speaker system on the Premium. The eight-speaker system now adds a “powerful” mode to the equalizer function for an acoustic effect that emphasizes low and high tones. For those who want even more rumble, a dealer or factory-installed 10-inch, 200W subwoofer is available for either grade. Either system comes complete with Wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, Bluetooth® for hands-free phone capability, a SiriusXM® 3-month Platinum Plan trial and a trial access to a suite of available connected services (with additional subscription).

New Era Customized

Drivers who want even more from their GR86 can tap into an all-new line of Toyota Gazoo Racing accessories.

For some extra growl, there’s a dual cat-back GR performance exhaust with stainless steel bent pipes, black chrome tips and debossed GR logo. There’s also a GR performance cold air intake kit, with a larger airbox and performance air filter. A bolt-on GR strut tie brace and GR performance stabilizer bars are also available.

MT aficionados can split seconds between gears with a GR quick shifter kit. A GR etched logo shift knob is available for MT or AT. GR front brake pads are also available, and for added style, there’s forged 18-inch black or 17-inch bronze aluminum GR wheels.

Gloss black, larger GR logoed fender vent inserts add a touch of shine. Add a clear film paint protection kit for the hood, fender and front bumper or paint-matched door edge guards to keep dings away. All-weather GR branded floor mats and cargo tray or carpet GR floor mats help protect the interior. And for drivers looking to make a statement, there’s a vinyl GR graphic for the side rocker and a rear bumper applique.

Complimentary 1-year NASA Membership

Every 2022 GR86 comes with a complimentary 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA). GR86 owners will enjoy a host of benefits, including one free High Performance Driving Event (HPDE) and discounted admission to NASA-sanctioned events.

GR86 Safety & Connected Services

The Automatic Transmission GR86 comes with a standard active safety system that includes Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure Warning, Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert and High Beam Assist. An anti-theft system with engine immobilizer and alarm are also standard.

All grades of the GR86 come with the following standard safety systems: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). It also includes Smart Stop Technology® (SST), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Track Mode and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC). Additional safety features include LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) with lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats and a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). Seven airbags are standard on all models, now including a driver’s knee airbag for 2022.

Remote services are now available for enhanced safety and security. Available services include:

Remote Connect (Requires Subscription)
- Engine Starter
- Advanced Climate Control
- Vehicle Locator
- Lock/Unlock, Hazards/Lights
- Diagnostic Alert
- Monthly Vehicle Health Reports
- Service Usage Report
- Geo Fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew
- Horn
Safety Connect (Requires Subscription)
- Enhanced Roadside Assistance
- SOS Emergency Assistance
- Automatic Collision Notification
- Stolen Vehicle Recovery Service
Maintenance Included, Limited Warranty & Price

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles, and corrosion with no mileage limitation.

Standard ToyotaCare is a no additional cost plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years, unlimited mileage.

2022 Toyota GR86 Pricing*

No matter the grade, GR86 offers everyday drivability and sports car performance in an affordable package. With two grades and a choice of manual or automatic transmission, the 2022 GR86 is ready to thrill at every turn.

Grade Drive MSRP

GR86 6-speed MT $27,700

GR86 6-speed AT $29,200

GR86 Premium 6-speed MT $30,300

GR86 Premium 6-speed AT $31,800

* MSRP does not include Dealer Processing and Handling Fee
October 29, 2021
2021 Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has a unique fluency in its clients. Its close relationship with the women and men who patronise the marque affords the company’s decision-makers an unparalleled understanding of the super-luxury consumer: their aesthetic preferences, uncompromising lifestyle requirements and changing taste patterns. Only with this understanding, and briefings supplied by the brand’s Luxury Intelligence Unit, is the marque able to create an accurate product response. Black Badge is a vivid example of this.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has always attracted subversive clients – rebellious women and men who built their success by breaking rules, taking risks and challenging conventions. In the 2020s, these women and men engage with luxury products on their own terms. They reject suits for streetwear, use blockchain not banks and influence the analogue world through their digital endeavours. In doing so, they have created new codes of luxury that resonate with their sensibilities: darker in aesthetic, assertive in character and bold in design.

Their approach to Rolls-Royce products is no different. The marque has responded accordingly, developing new colour palettes, more technical surface treatments and even more powerful driving experiences without ever compromising the effortless sensibilities that have drawn this bold group of clients to the Rolls-Royce brand.

Black Badge, the highly successful alter ego of Rolls-Royce, now represents more than 27% of commissions worldwide and is codified by the mathematical symbol that represents a potential infinity, which is found within the motor car’s interior. This graphic, also known as the Lemniscate, was applied to Sir Malcolm Campbell’s record-breaking Rolls-Royce-powered Blue Bird K3 hydroplane and the marque’s designers nominated this hallmark for Black Badge motor cars to reflect their own unrelenting pursuit of power.

Rolls-Royce debuted Black Badge with Wraith and Ghost in 2016, followed by Dawn in 2017 then Cullinan in 2019. Today, a new, Post Opulent expression of Black Badge joins the family. The purest and most technologically advanced Black Badge motor car yet, Black Badge Ghost.

THE DARK SIDE OF POST OPULENCE

Conceived in response to a group of clients who requested a Rolls-Royce that was agile, discreet, highly connected and free of any superfluous design, the new Ghost is not just the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet, but also the most aesthetically pure. In the twelve months since this motor car has been available, it has become one of the fastest-selling products in the marque’s history, representing more than 3,500 commissions worldwide.

This motor car also started a new design conversation in its relentless pursuit of minimalism and purity. Named ‘Post Opulence’ by Rolls-Royce designers, this aesthetic movement is characterised by reduction and substance. In service to this, exceptional materials are selected and celebrated while overt design is limited, intelligent and unobtrusive.

However, within this group of clients – who celebrate minimalism and material substance – a rebellious subset sought to create a disruptive expression of Ghost by permanently cloaking it in a shade so pure that its very classification as a colour remains a subject of debate: black. Black Badge Ghost reflects these clients’ desires. It is the dark side of Post Opulence: minimalism in extremis.

EXTERIOR

Clients are free to select any of the marque’s 44,000 ‘ready-to-wear’ colours or create their own entirely unique Bespoke hue. However, the overwhelming majority of women and men who requested this darker expression of Ghost have selected the signature Black. To create what is the motor car industry’s darkest black, 100lbs (45kg) of paint is atomised and applied to an electrostatically charged body in white before being oven dried. The motor car then receives two layers of clear coat before being hand-polished by a team of four craftsman to produce the marque’s signature high-gloss piano finish.

At between three and five hours in duration, this operation is entirely unknown in mass production, creating an intensity simply unattainable elsewhere in the automotive industry. It is this depth of darkness that serves as the perfect canvas for clients to add a high-contrast, hand-painted Coachline, which has done much to create the Black Badge ‘black and neon’ aesthetic that has come to characterise this vivid family of Rolls-Royce motor cars.

To match this dramatic coachwork, the marque’s Bespoke Collective of designers, engineers and craftspeople collaborated to create an entirely customisable process that allows Rolls-Royce hallmarks such as the high-polished Spirit of Ecstasy and Pantheon Grille to be subverted. Instead of simply painting these components, a specific chrome electrolyte is introduced to the traditional chrome plating process that is co-deposited on the stainless-steel substrate, darkening the finish. Its final thickness is just one micrometre – around one hundredth of the width of a human hair. Each of these components is precision-polished by hand to achieve a mirror-black chrome finish before it is fitted to the motor car.

The exterior treatment resolves with a Bespoke 21-inch composite wheelset. Designed in the Black Badge house style and reserved for Black Badge Ghost, the barrel of each wheel is made up of 22 layers of carbon fibre laid on three axes, then folded back on themselves at the outer edges of the rim, forming a total of 44 layers of carbon fibre for greater strength. A 3D-forged aluminium hub is bonded to the rim using aerospace-grade titanium fasteners and finished with the marque’s hallmark Floating Hubcap, ensuring the Double R monogram remains upright at all times. To celebrate the material substance and remarkable surface effect, a lightly tinted lacquer is applied to protect the finish but still allow clients to observe the technical complexity of the wheels unique carbon fibre construction.

INTERIOR

Advanced luxury materials have been meticulously created and crafted for a unique ambience in the interior suite. While recalling the dramatic mechanical intent of Black Badge Ghost, the materials are true to Ghost’s Post Opulent design philosophy – one defined by authenticity and material substance rather than overt statement. In this spirit, a complex but subtle weave that incorporates a deep diamond pattern rendered in carbon and metallic fibres has been created by the marque’s craftspeople.

Multiple wood layers are pressed onto the interior component substrates, using black Bolivar veneer for the uppermost base layer. This forms a dark foundation for the Technical Fibre layers that follow. Leaves woven from resin-coated carbon and contrasting metal-coated thread laid in a diamond pattern are applied by hand to the components in perfect alignment, creating a three-dimensional effect. To secure this extraordinary veneer, each component is cured for one hour under pressure at 100°C. This is then sand-blasted to create a keyed surface for six layers of lacquer, which is hand-sanded and polished before being incorporated into the motor car.

If specified in the client’s commission, the Technical Fibre ‘Waterfall’ section of the individual rear seats receives the Black Badge family motif: the mathematical symbol that represents potential infinity known as a Lemniscate. Rendered in aerospace-grade aluminium on the lid of Black Badge Ghost’s Champagne cooler, it is applied between the third and fourth layer of a total of six layers of subtly tinted lacquer, creating the illusion that the symbol is floating above the Technical Fibre veneer.

Aesthetes from the marque’s design team elected to further enhance the noir ambience of Black Badge Ghost by subduing the brightwork. Air vent surrounds on the dashboard and in the rear cabin are darkened using physical vapour deposition, one of the few methods of colouring metal that ensures parts will not discolour or tarnish over time or through repeated use. The Post Opulent principles of simplicity have also been applied to dramatic effect in the Black Badge Ghost timepiece design: only the tips of the hands and the twelve, three, six and nine o’clock markers are picked out, in a subdued chrome finish, creating a remarkably minimal clock. Additional timepieces are available within Black Badge Ghost to suit the client’s aesthetic preference.

The timepiece is flanked by a world-first Bespoke innovation that debuted with Ghost: the Illuminated Fascia, which displays an ethereal glowing Lemniscate, surrounded by more than 850 stars. Located on the passenger side of the dashboard, the constellation and motif are completely invisible when the interior lights are not in operation. As in Ghost, the Lemniscate motif is illuminated via 152 LEDs mounted above and beneath the fascia, each meticulously colour-matched to the cabin’s clock and instrument dial lighting. To ensure the Lemniscate is lit evenly, a 2mm-thick light guide is used, featuring more than 90,000 laser-etched dots across the surface. This not only disperses the light evenly but creates a twinkling effect as the eye moves across the fascia, echoing the subtle sparkle of the Shooting Star Starlight Headliner.

ENGINEERING

Black Badge is not just an aesthetic – it is an experience. The clients who requested this motor car demanded that the Bespoke treatment of Black Badge Ghost extend from the design atelier into the marque’s engineering department. In doing so, the Bespoke Collective of designers, engineers and craftspeople collaborated to create a vivid driving personality that matched Black Badge Ghost’s visual intent without compromising the marque’s effortless ride proclivities and exhaustive acoustic tuning.

Key to its potent character is the Architecture of Luxury, Rolls-Royce’s proprietary all-aluminium spaceframe architecture that debuted with Phantom. This sub-structure not only delivers extraordinary body stiffness, but its flexibility and scalability allowed Ghost to be equipped with all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and the award-winning Planar Suspension system. For Black Badge, these peerless engineering qualities have been comprehensively re-engineered, including the fitting of more voluminous air springs to alleviate body roll under more assertive cornering.

The capacity of the Rolls-Royce twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 engine was deemed sufficient. However, the flexibility of this celebrated power plant has been exploited to generate an extra 29PS, creating a total output of 600PS. The sense of a single infinite gear has also been dramatised with the addition of a further 50NM of torque, for a total of 900NM. The powertrain has also received Bespoke transmission and throttle treatments to further enhance the engine’s increased power reserves. The ZF eight-speed gear box and both front- and rear-steered axles work collaboratively to adjust the levels of feedback to the driver, depending on throttle and steering inputs.

As with all products in the marque’s Black Badge portfolio, the ‘Low’ button situated on the gear selection stalk unlocks Black Badge Ghost’s full suite of technologies. This is asserted by the amplification of the motor car’s engine through an entirely new exhaust system, subtly announcing its potency. All 900NM of torque is available from just 1700rpm and, once underway in Low Mode, gearshift speeds are increased by 50% when the throttle is depressed to 90%, delivering Black Badge Ghost’s abundant power reserves with dramatic immediacy.

To bolster confidence when exploiting Black Badge Ghost, the braking bite point has been raised and pedal travel decreased. Non-Black Badge Ghost is provisioned with a robust braking hardware package that was deemed more than ample under extreme conditions, even accounting for the Black Badge alter ego’s increased power output. However, a new suite of bold high-temperature brake calliper paint colours has been developed in preparation for forthcoming Black Badge Ghost commissions.

Black Badge Ghost is available to commission now.

CO2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION.

Black Badge Wraith: NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 367 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.5 mpg / 16.1 l/100km; WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 370-365 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.2-17.4 mpg / 16.4-16.2 l/100km.

Black Badge Dawn: NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 371 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.3 mpg / 16.3 l/100km WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 382-380 g/km; Fuel consumption: 16.7-16.9 mpg / 16.9-16.8 l/100km.

Black Badge Cullinan: NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 341 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.8 mpg / 15.0 l/100km WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 377-355 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.0-18.1 mpg / 16.62-15.6 l/100km.

Black Badge Ghost: NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 359 g/km; Fuel consumption: 15.8 mpg / 18.0 l/100km. WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 359 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.9 mpg / 15.8 l/100km.

October 28, 2021

Range Rover

2022 range rover

The elegant New Range Rover defines modern luxury, providing more refinement, customer choice and scope for personalization than ever before.

Range Rover is the original luxury SUV and has led by example for 50 years, combining serene comfort and composure with incredible capability. The New Range Rover is the most desirable yet, mixing breathtaking modernity and aesthetic grace with technological sophistication and seamless connectivity.

2022 Range Rover US Models and MSRP2

Trim Level	Powertrain	MSRP2
Range Rover P400 SE	Mild Hybrid 3.0L Turbocharged I6 (395hp / 406 lb-ft)	$104,000
Range Rover P400 SE (LWB 7-Seat)	Mild Hybrid 3.0L Turbocharged I6 (395hp / 406 lb-ft)	$110,000
Range Rover P530 SE	4.4L Twin Turbocharged V8 (523hp / 553 lb-ft)	$118,700
Range Rover P530 SE (LWB 7-Seat)	4.4L Twin Turbocharged V8 (523hp / 553 lb-ft)	$124,700
Range Rover P530 Autobiography	4.4L Twin Turbocharged V8 (523hp / 553 lb-ft)	$152,000
Range Rover P530 Autobiography (LWB 7-Seat)	4.4L Twin Turbocharged V8 (523hp / 553 lb-ft)	$154,000
Range Rover P530 Autobiography (LWB)	4.4L Twin Turbocharged V8 (523hp / 553 lb-ft)	$156,000
Range Rover P530 First Edition	4.4L Twin Turbocharged V8 (523hp / 553 lb-ft)	$158,200
Range Rover P530 First Edition (LWB)	4.4L Twin Turbocharged V8 (523hp / 553 lb-ft)	$163,500

With a suite of efficient mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain (available at 2023 model year) – and a pure-electric Range Rover set to join the line-up in 2024 – plus a choice of four, five or seven-seat interiors available across Standard and Long Wheelbase body designs, the New Range Rover is at home in any environment.

Thierry Bolloré, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land Rover, said, “The New Range Rover is a superb manifestation of our vision to create the world’s most desirable luxury vehicles, for the most discerning of customers. It writes the next chapter in the unique story of pioneering innovation that has been a Range Rover hallmark for more than 50 years.”

The Land Rover brand’s new flexible Modular Longitudinal Architecture, MLA-Flex, underpins every aspect of this luxury SUV, from its incredible capability and agile handling to its peerless refinement.

The new luxury SUV is available in SE and Autobiography models. A First Edition will be available throughout the first year of production, based on the Autobiography and featuring a unique specification. It is exclusively available in a Sunset Gold Satin finish, among a choice of five exterior colors. Both Standard (SWB) or Long Wheelbase (LWB) body designs are available with five seats, while the New Range Rover LWB model is available with a third row for extended comfort for up to seven adults.

The new Range Rover SV, arriving at 2023 model year, is an exquisite interpretation of Range Rover luxury and personalization from the experts at Special Vehicle Operations. The SV model is available in both SWB and LWB body designs, with exclusive features including new SV Serenity and SV Intrepid design themes and a four-seat SV Signature Suite configuration.

Breathtaking modernity

The fifth-generation luxury SUV takes the Land Rover brand’s modernist design philosophy to the next level, with a contemporary interpretation of its trademark profile to create an incredible design statement. It continues to lead, bringing breathtaking modernity, aesthetic grace and sophistication to the latest flagship.

Prof Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer, Jaguar Land Rover, said, “The New Range Rover is a vehicle with a peerless character, from the impeccable restraint of its exterior to the flawless tranquil sanctuary of its cabin. Informed by creative intellect and a desire for perfection, it doesn’t follow fashion or trend, but by a modernist design philosophy, combined with over 50 years of evolution, it is quite simply the most desirable Range Rover ever created.”

The New Range Rover is defined by three lines that can trace their origins back through the generations; the falling roofline, strong waistline and rising sill line. These trademark features combine with a characteristically short front overhang and a distinctive new boat tail rear – complete with practical split tailgate – to create an elegant profile that conveys peerless presence of the Range Rover.

The unbroken waistline showcases the Land Rover brand’s attention to detail as the rounded edge of the door meets the glass in a simple, clean finish thanks to a specially engineered hidden waist finisher. The design-enabling technology combines with flush glazing, hidden-until-lit lighting and precise detailing to create the impression that the vehicle has been milled from solid.

The luxurious interior is underpinned by modern, intuitive and relevant technologies, designed to work harmoniously with the finest materials and wellbeing innovations to create a calm sanctuary for all occupants – turning every trip into an experience to savor.

The exterior color palette elevates the elegant proportions and clean surfaces of the New Range Rover while the interior options are more sustainable, responsible and progressive than ever. Customers have a wider choice of materials and finishes, including innovative textiles and tactile Ultrafabrics™ with a continuation of the Land Rover brand’s pioneering relationship with Kvadrat™ – Europe’s leading manufacturer of premium textiles.

Peerless refinement

The New Range Rover makes every journey an occasion to be remembered, combining advanced technology with modern luxury to deliver peerless refinement for every occupant, including those in the new optional third-row seats. By eliminating unwanted noises, vibrations and distractions – and reducing the cognitive load on the driver and passengers – occupants will arrive at their destination feeling refreshed.

Advanced speaker technology builds on the fundamental refinement provided by the MLA-Flex body architecture to deliver serene cabin calmness – ensuring passengers enjoy a first-class experience. It uses the 1,600W Meridian™ Signature Sound System (not available on SE; standard on Autobiography and First Edition models) to create one of the quietest vehicle interiors on the road, with additional 20W speakers in the four main headrests for the most immersive sound experience.

Included with the Meridian™ Signature Sound System, the third-generation Active Noise Cancellation system monitors wheel vibrations, tire noise and engine sounds transmitted into the cabin and generates a cancelling signal, which is played through the system’s 35 speakers. These include a pair of 60mm diameter speakers in the headrests for each of the four main cabin occupants, which create personal quiet zones similar to the effect when using high-end headphones.

The Range Rover was the first luxury SUV to feature Electronic Air Suspension in 1992. The New Range Rover continues this pioneering approach with Dynamic Response Pro and pre-emptive suspension that uses eHorizon Navigation data to read the road ahead and prime the suspension to provide appropriate responses.7

The intelligent technology also works in conjunction with the Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist to smooth out body movements resulting from sudden changes in speed.7 Fully independent suspension underpins the luxurious ride and features the Land Rover brand’s first ever five-link rear axle, which isolates the cabin from surface imperfections more effectively than ever using advanced air springs.

The New Range Rover is also the first Land Rover vehicle to feature optional Power Assisted Doors – available at 2023 model year – with integrated hazard detection and anti-pinch features, which enhance its Soft Door Close capability and ensure every trip begins and ends with effortless refinement and sophistication. All four passenger doors are power assisted – also controlled via the Pivi Pro6 screen – for elegant entry and exit, including at angles of up to 10 degrees while off-road. Advanced hazard detection means the doors can automatically pause until the sweep of the door is cleared7. The practical two-piece split tailgate that has been a Range Rover hallmark since 1970 is updated for 2022, with a series of new technologies providing greater versatility and convenience.

Inside, the new optional Versatile Loadspace Floor protects luggage and enhances convenience. Its clever floor panel can be raised forward, across the width of the load area around its mid-point, forming a partition to contain smaller items and keep them within easy reach when unloading. It can also pivot backwards along its leading edge to serve as a backrest when using the lower tailgate as outdoor seating. The new optional Tailgate Event Suite takes the Versatile Loadspace Floor backrest concept to new heights, combining additional lighting, audio features and tailored leather cushions to create the perfect vantage point for outdoor relaxation.

Five-seat models debut a new Auto-Folding Loadspace Cover. Combining the practicality of a rigid cover with the convenience of a retractable design, it elegantly retreats when the upper tailgate is opened to provide unrestricted access to the load area, without opening the lower tailgate.

Seamless technology

The New Range Rover maintains its rich bloodline of pioneering innovation with a suite of technologies designed to effortlessly enhance convenience, efficiency, refinement and safety. The latest Electrical Vehicle Architecture (EVA 2.0) on Land Rover vehicles, is the enabler-in-chief and includes Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) updates for more than 70 electronic modules, meaning the New Range Rover will constantly evolve, improve and remain up to date as it matures.

The New Range Rover revolutionizes the in-car experience with seamlessly integrated Amazon Alexa1. Using intuitive natural voice commands goes one step beyond touchscreen or button interfaces in helping reduce cognitive load, providing a sense of effortless modern luxury. In this way, Alexa capabilities allow customers to manage everything from favorite infotainment features and music track selection to navigation or phone contacts – all while keeping their hands on the wheel, and eyes on the road.8

Alexa1 voice AI is embedded within the New Range Rover, so users experience seamless interactivity and next-level convenience. Alexa capabilities also allow customers to check the news, weather and for any scheduled meetings using simple voice commands.8 The system can even turn on your lights at home and connect to other Alexa-enabled devices.

Alexa1 works in addition to Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Wireless Android Auto™ and can be initiated either by saying “Alexa” or pressing the Alexa button on the central touchscreen4. It does not need a phone or external device to operate – only details of a customer’s Amazon account and an internet connection – while wireless charging for Qi compatible smartphones keeps devices topped up.

SiriusXM with 360L3 debuts on 2022 Range Rover, offering an extensive and personalized radio experience on the road. The advanced in-car technology guides users through the largest in-car catalogue of SiriusXM channels, shows and exclusive content for a ride that’s unique to the driver. Users will enjoy a variety of ad-free music, plus sports, news and talk — and for the first time, experience SiriusXM’s on-demand content, ad-free personalized Pandora stations and curated recommendations for each vehicle.

Nick Rogers, Executive Director, Product Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, said, “The New Range Rover combines supreme on-road and all-terrain capability with electrified propulsion and new levels of connected capability. In the quest for comfort, we have been obsessed with human science and understanding brain activity to minimize cognitive impact and ensure these advanced technologies work in absolute harmony, creating a truly effortless driving experience. It’s an engineer’s duty to make people’s lives better, and that’s exactly what the New Range Rover will do for you.”

The New Range Rover elevates the Land Rover brand’s award-winning Pivi Pro infotainment technology6 with its largest ever touchscreen. The 13.1-inch curved, floating screen embodies the architectural lightness of the interior with a minimalist frame design. It provides intuitive control of all the major vehicle functions, using the latest consumer technology to deliver a smartphone-inspired interface, allied to convenient hard switches for the climate control.

Pivi Pro6 works in harmony with an elegant new semi-floating 13.7-inch Interactive Driver Display, which features new high-definition graphics based around a three-panel layout that intuitively reflects the design of the Pivi Pro homescreen. Customers can choose from a variety of configurations, including a conventional analogue layout, using the steering wheel controls.

For the first time in a Land Rover vehicle, the central display will provide haptic feedback when customers touch and press the screen. Allowing users to feel a positive confirmation without the need to glance at the screen, it reduces the need to look away from the road and makes Pivi Pro even more intuitive6.

Rear passengers can enjoy a new optional Rear Seat Entertainment system, which provides adjustable 11.4-inch HD touchscreens mounted on the rear of the front seatbacks. They can be operated independently and support the connection of most devices with an HDMI port, while using Wi-Fi hotspot9 capability means rear-seat passengers can enjoy smart TV entertainment on the move. The available eight-inch Rear Seat Touchscreen Controller mounted in the center armrest of Executive Class Rear Seats provides quick and intuitive control for the perfect seating position, elevating the luxurious rear-seat experience.

New Maneuvering Lights help drivers complete low-speed maneuvers in dimly lit surroundings with complete confidence, by creating a blanket of light around the perimeter of the vehicle, working with the 3D Surround Camera system to provide maneuverability7.

Serene capability and composure

The flagship of the Land Rover family represents the pinnacle of refined capability thanks to advanced hardware and software systems working in complete harmony, enabled by the new MLA-Flex body architecture. This unrivalled breadth of dynamic capability is governed by the brand’s Integrated Chassis Control – a single control system for a suite of advanced technologies that tailor the vehicle dynamics to suit every mile of every journey, to pre-emptively and reactively fine-tune the driving characteristics.

Rory O’Murchu, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar Land Rover, said, “The New Range Rover combines advanced hardware with a pioneering toolkit of digital technologies and software, all enabled by our advanced electrical architecture – moving Range Rover from a mechanical world to a mechatronic ecosystem that delivers an intuitive drive. Our new Integrated Chassis Control system is a prime example of this philosophy and co-ordinates a suite of predictive and reactive technologies, that make this the most comfortable and agile Range Rover ever produced.”

Every New Range Rover features All-Wheel Steering for an effortless drive with heightened stability at speed and improved maneuverability at low speeds, ensuring it is equally at home on the open road and negotiating tight urban streets7.

The electrically operated rear axle provides up to seven degrees of steering angle and, at low speeds, turns out-of-phase of the front wheels, giving the New Range Rover a turning circle of 36 feet – the smallest of any Land Rover vehicle. At higher speeds the rear axle turns in phase with the front wheels for enhanced stability and comfort.

The New Range Rover is also the first Land Rover vehicle to feature Dynamic Response Pro. The powerful new active 48-volt electronic roll control system is faster-acting and more efficient than a hydraulic set-up, with a torque capacity of over 1,000 lb-ft fed into the rollover protection system to keep body movements under control7.

Fully independent air suspension isolates the cabin from surface imperfections more effectively than ever, for serene composure. It combines air springs volumes with twin-valve dampers – all managed by in-house-developed Adaptive Dynamics control software7.

The intelligent All-Wheel Drive (iAWD) transmission is controlled by the Land Rover brand’s Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) system, which monitors grip levels and driver inputs 100 times a second to predictively distribute torque between the front and rear axles, and across the rear axle, for optimum traction on and off-road7.

Every Range Rover also features an Active Locking Rear Differential. This optimizes traction from the rear axle during cornering, on slippery surfaces and during off-road wheel articulation, delivering enhanced capability and driver confidence7.

All of this technology feeds into the Land Rover brand’s award-winning Terrain Response® 2 system, which harnesses the various chassis systems to automatically provide the perfect settings for the surroundings, from a choice of six driving modes, to minimize driver workload across various terrains. Alternatively, the driver can select the most appropriate setting manually or, use Configurable Terrain Response® to create a bespoke chassis set-up7.

Electrified efficiency

The New Range Rover maintains its compelling combination of effortless performance and peerless refinement with a comprehensive line-up of advanced six- and eight-cylinder powertrains. Spearheading the Land Rover brand’s Reimagine strategy, a pure-electric model will join the family in 2024, bringing full-time zero tailpipe emissions driving to the Range Rover for the first time.

Available at 2023 model year, the new extended-range plug-in hybrid (PHEV) combines the inherent refinement of the Land Rover brand’s inline six-cylinder Ingenium engine with a 38.2kWh lithium-ion battery – with usable capacity of 31.8kWh – and a 105kW electric motor integrated with the transmission. Together, the powertrain provides up to 62 miles10 of near-silent pure-electric driving.

The 434hp PHEV can reach up to 87mph5 without the use of the gasoline engine allowing customers to enjoy pure-electric driving for most journeys in town and country. The clever packaging of the battery, beneath the vehicle and within the wheelbase, ensures both luggage space and all-terrain capability are uncompromised.

The use of advanced eHorizon navigation data also allows the hybrid system to optimize energy usage across a journey, to provide a peaceful arrival at a destination on electric power, while also optimizing EV usage.

The six-cylinder Ingenium engine features the latest 48-volt mild hybrid technology. The system’s clever belt-integrated starter motor ensures more responsive and refined operation of the stop-start system and provides extra assistance to the engine when accelerating.

Exquisite personalization

The New Range Rover SV will provide an exquisite interpretation of Range Rover luxury and personalization, giving customers even more scope to create a truly individual vehicle with a choice of exclusive design themes, details and material choices from SV.

This hand-crafted model will be the first Land Rover vehicle to carry the new ceramic SV roundel and simplified naming strategy – known simply as SV. The SV roundel represents the distillation of Special Vehicle Operations design and engineering passion for modern luxury, performance and capability. The SV roundel will identify all new Land Rover vehicles launched by Special Vehicle Operations in the future.

Michael van der Sande, Managing Director, Special Vehicle Operations, said, “Special Vehicle Operations exists to amplify the core characteristics of Land Rover vehicles, obsessing over every detail with a passion for quality. In the case of Range Rover, that means injecting even more luxury into every part of the car. With more choice than ever before, our customers will be able to create a new Range Rover SV that truly reflects their personality, their dreams, their desires. That is how we interpret modern luxury.”

Both Standard and Long Wheelbase body designs – including a five-seat LWB configuration for the first time – are available with specially curated SV Serenity and SV Intrepid design themes, which introduce two-tone front-to-rear contrasting colorways to Range Rover. Exclusive materials include lustrous plated metals, smooth ceramics, intricate mosaic marquetry and soft near-aniline leather, as well as sustainable non-leather Ultrafabrics™.

The sumptuous new SV Signature Suite option on LWB models epitomizes the heightened luxury and craftsmanship of Range Rover SV, providing a peerless travelling environment for its most discerning customers. Its uniquely cosseting seats feature 24-way adjustment with massage functionality, while an elegant electrically deployable Club Table rises theatrically from the fixed full-length center console on beautifully engineered supports to provide a convenient workspace when required.

The Range Rover SV will be available with the refined new 523hp twin turbocharged V8 powertrain.

New quality benchmark

The New Range Rover has been designed, developed and engineered in the UK and, during this process, Land Rover has filed no fewer than 125 patents covering everything from its pioneering chassis technologies to its PHEV battery. Land Rover engineers used motorsport-derived simulation technology to put the vehicle through its paces in the virtual world more comprehensively and intensively than ever, completing more than 140,000 hours of computational analysis prior to physical testing.

A fleet of prototypes then embarked on a punishing global test and development program, taking in extreme temperatures ranging from the 100°F + heat of the desert to the -20°F cold of the Arctic.

The New Range Rover will be produced exclusively at the Solihull Manufacturing Facility in the UK, using a state-of-the-art production line housed in the building used to produce early Series Land Rover vehicles. The historic building is the spiritual home of Land Rover and its reimagining as a new, ultra-modern center for Range Rover production showcases the way the company protects its heritage.

The New Range Rover is available to order now, priced from $104,0002 in the U.S.

Dimensions

	SWB	LWB
Wheelbase (in)	118	126
Overall Length (in)	199	207
Overall Width with Mirrors (in)	87	87
Overall Width with Mirrors Folded (in)	81	81
Overall Height (in)	74	74
Curb Weight (lb)	P400: 5,240P530: 5,530	P400: 5,385 – 5,600 (7-Seat)P530: 5,620 – 5,840 (7-Seat)
Gross Vehicle Weight (lb)	7,385	7,385 – 7,560
Turning Circle – Curb-to-Curb (ft)	36	37.8
Standard Tire Size	255/60 R18	255/50 R20
Loadspace Volume – Behind First Row (ft3)	83.5	92.9
Loadspace Volume – Behind Second Row (ft3)	40.7	40.9 (5-Seat)43.1 (7-Seat)
Loadspace Volume – Behind Third Row (ft3)	N/A	8.7
Legroom – Behind First Row (in)	40	40
Legroom – Behind Second Row (in)	40	48 (5-Seat)40.4 (7-Seat)
Legroom – Behind Third Row (in)	N/A	34
Wading Depth (in)	35.4	35.4

October 28, 2021

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

2023-chevrolet-corvette-z06

The next chapter in the mid-engine Corvette journey begins today with the introduction of the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, a new American supercar that puts the world on notice. Arriving two years after the first production mid-engine Corvette Stingray debuted and captivated a worldwide audience, the Z06 is designed and engineered to act as a precision tool for the track.

The Z06’s striking appearance, sound and tactile feel are the result of intense focus. With new, wider sculpted front and rear fascia designs that define a confident stance and exotic proportions and a luxuriously-appointed interior, the Z06 is the ultimate supercar experience.

“Corvette has always brought a discerning customer to the Chevy family,” said Steve Hill, vice president of Chevrolet. “This new Z06 was designed and engineered to set a higher bar with increased levels of craftsmanship, personalization and performance so customers can truly have their own bespoke performance car.”

While the Z06 was created to dominate on the track when it debuted in 1963, the Z06 nameplate has also come to symbolize the perfect combination of track beast and supercar.

“The new Corvette Z06 defines the American supercar,” said General Motors President Mark Reuss. “It builds on the distinctive design and groundbreaking dynamics introduced with the mid-engine Corvette and elevates them to deliver refined but uncompromising track capability with world-class performance.”

The Z06 is set apart by its beating heart – the all-new 5.5L LT6, the highest horsepower, naturally-aspirated V-8 to hit the market in any production car, ever.

An all-new flat-plane crankshaft design entices drivers to push the tachometer to a lofty 8,600 rpm, creating 670 hp. Engineers spent two years crafting a distinctive, rich exhaust tone unlike anything ever heard from a Corvette.

Racing at its core

The sound and appearance of the Z06 take direction from Corvette Racing. The direct knowledge transfer from the track to the street has never been more evident. The Z06 chassis has underpinned Corvette Racing’s C8.R since it began competing in 2020. Thanks to a shared chassis, similar engine architecture and exterior proportions, the C8.R has been referred to internally as the Z06 hiding in plain sight.

“Racing was the reason the Z06 was developed in 1963, and it continues to support development of the road models that make them better on the street and the track,” said Tadge Juechter, executive chief engineer, Corvette. “It also means we’ve tested the Z06 on the best tracks around the world, from Circuit of the Americas here in the United States, to the Nürburgring in Germany.”

The Corvette C8.R shined during IMSA’s 2020 sports car championship series, capturing six victories and seven pole positions, and setting the fastest class race laps in six events. During the 2020 series, Chevrolet won the GT Manufacturers title – its 13th since 2001. Jordan Taylor and Antonio Garcia and the No. 3 Corvette C8.R crew won the GTLM Drivers and Team championships.

The performance envelope of Z06 builds on the foundation laid by Stingray, as does Z06’s design language and attention to detail. Expanded material offerings, new interior packages and features unique to Z06 enable owners to create their own bespoke American supercar.

Additional highlights of the 2023 Corvette Z06 include:

A stance 3.6 inches (9.4 cm) wider than the Stingray, accommodating massive 345-series rear tires and more airflow through side air vents
Unique front and rear fascias, a first for Z06. The front fascia is designed to optimize the Z06’s cooling needs, including channeling air to a center heat exchanger, which is one of five for maximum cooling performance
A unique, standard reconfigurable rear spoiler with adjustable wickerbill elements designed to improve high-speed stability and cornering capability on a racetrack
Standard 20-inch front and 21-inch rear forged aluminum “spider” wheels (with five available finishes) — the largest wheels ever available on a production Corvette
Available lightweight and rigid carbon fiber wheels that deliver a 41-pound (18.6-kg) reduction in unsprung mass, which contributes to more agile and responsive handling
Specific suspension tuning, including Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, and larger brakes (six-piston front) than the Stingray, contribute to making the 2023 Corvette Z06 the most track-capable Corvette ever
Eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with a specific, “shorter” 5.56 final drive ratio compared to the Corvette Stingray, which enhances acceleration capability
Elevated cockpit surrounding the driver, with rich materials and textures, including more carbon fiber trim and new options
Available Z07 performance package that offers the greatest track capability and provides 734 pounds of downforce at 186 mph, more than any Corvette ever. It includes a carbon fiber high rear wing and ground effects, specific chassis tuning, specific Magnetic Ride Control calibration and unique Michelin® Cup 2 R ZP tires, along with Brembo® carbon ceramic brakes and optional carbon fiber wheels

“Virtually every component that distinguishes the Z06 was developed to support or enhance its capability,” said Juechter. “By leveraging the mid-engine architecture’s inherent advantages, we are able to achieve six percent more downforce than a seventh-gen ZR1 at eight percent lower drag.”

All-new LT6

The 2023 Corvette Z06 debuts an all-new 5.5L DOHC V-8 engine that marks a return to natural aspiration for the track-capable performance model.

Engine responsiveness and trackability, two characteristics of naturally aspirated motors, were the top priorities for providing an engaging driving experience for purists. As a result, it was determined that a clean sheet naturally aspirated powerplant was needed, with the goal of exceeding the power of any naturally aspirated production V-8 engine ever made. A lightweight, flat-plane crank design enables the engine to rev to the high rpms needed to create significant power.

More than horsepower, the new LT6 is designed to complement all aspects of the Z06’s track-focused performance experience. From its 8,600-rpm redline and full racing-style dry-sump oiling system to meticulously tuned induction and exhaust systems, this engine exudes an entirely new and emotional character.

The key to the LT6’s performance capability is a lightweight, low-inertia rotating assembly rooted in an all-new flat-plane crankshaft that, along with a comparatively short stroke (the distance each piston/connecting rod assembly travels with each rotation of the crankshaft), allows the engine to rev to its maximum range.

A version of the LT6 has powered the C8.R race cars since 2019, and the rigors of endurance road racing helped engineers refine the engine’s performance and durability.

Additional highlights include:

All-new aluminum cylinder block casting with the Small Block engine family’s signature 4.4-inch (111.76 mm) bore spacing
All-new dual-overhead-camshaft cylinder head design with fully CNC-machined combustion chambers and intake ports, supporting a mechanical “finger follower” valvetrain
Dual-coil valve springs to support titanium intake and sodium filled exhaust valves
Forged aluminum pistons and forged titanium connecting rods for low mass and high strength
Distinctive Edge Red camshaft covers
All-new active split intake manifold with twin 87 mm throttle bodies
All-new six-stage dry-sump oiling system with individual crank bay scavenging
Four-into-two-into-one stainless steel exhaust headers
670 hp at 8,400 rpm (GM tested per SAE J1349)
460 lb-ft (623 Nm) of torque @ 6300 rpm (GM tested per SAE J1349)

The LT6 is hand assembled by master engine builders at the Performance Build Center within the Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky. Builders use precision tooling and hand fit pieces of the engine to meet Chevrolet’s exact specifications. Each engine features a plaque on the intake manifold with the signature of the technician who crafted it from start to finish.

Designed to perform

Almost every exterior detail unique to the Z06 serves a purpose for aerodynamics, handling or cooling, with styling cues that accentuate the car’s sense of motion.

The wider fenders, for example, accommodate larger, wider wheels and tires for more grip. Larger vents — including a new front fascia that, like the C8.R race car, draws clean air into a center heat exchanger — provide more cooling air to the engine, brakes and transaxle for increased track capability. Additionally, a more aggressive aerodynamic package is designed to enhance cornering grip and high-speed stability.

The wider wheels and tires include 20 x 10-inch (50.8 x 25.4 cm) front wheels wrapped with 275/30ZR20 tires and 21 x 13-inch (53.3 x 33 cm) rear wheels, used with 345/25ZR21 tires. Michelin® Pilot Sport 4S ZP tires are standard, with Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires included with the available Z07 package.

Designers pulled out the fenders in the front and rear to cover the wider tire tread, which are 30 mm front and 40 mm rear wider than the Corvette Stingray. These extensions give the Corvette Z06 a wider, lower appearance further emphasized by a unique rear fascia that also features centered floating exhaust bezels. This floating design was key to the precise tuning in the exhaust note. The wider rear fender also allows for the larger air intakes required for the car’s cooling.

Additionally, the new Z06 will offer three increasing levels of aerodynamic support:

The standard Z06 features a front splitter and a unique rear spoiler, which includes an installable fixed wickerbill – a small, vertical tab at the edge of the spoiler that significantly increases downforce, providing 365 pounds (165.6 kg) more at 186 mph (299.3 km/h).
The available carbon fiber aero package adds a larger front splitter, front-corner canards (dive planes), a pedestal-mounted rear wing and underbody aero strakes for the maximum track-capable downforce and maneuverability.

Track-proven performance technologies

The 2023 Corvette Z06 leverages the technologies introduced on the mid-engine Corvette Stingray, including the strategic use of lightweight materials and advanced driver technologies, with unique features and calibrations tailored for its capabilities.

The new Z06 retains the SLA-type front and rear suspension design of the Corvette Stingray, but uniquely calibrated for its higher performance capabilities. Magnetic Selective Ride Control 4.0 is standard and can be adjusted for touring comfort or maximum track performance via the standard Driver Mode Selector.

Like the Stingray, the Driver Mode Selector tailors more than a dozen features of the Z06 to suit the driver’s environment, including:

Launch control: Available in Track mode for maximum off-the-line acceleration
Active handling (StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control): Z06 has performance traction management standard
Traction control: Weather mode tailors traction control and engine torque for driving in inclement conditions
Performance Traction Management: Available in Track mode and offers five settings of torque reduction and brake intervention for track driving
Electronic Limited Slip Differential: Adjusts the rate at which the limited slip engages to balance between steering response and stability in different driving conditions

The Z06’s greater track performance capability is also matched with greater braking capability, with larger 14.6-inch-diameter (370 mm) front and 15-inch-diameter (380 mm) rear Brembo® rotors, compared with the Stingray. Z06 has six-piston front calipers compared to four-piston calipers on Stingray.

Even larger, carbon ceramic rotors are available and also included with the Z07 package, which takes the Corvette Z06’s performance to its zenith.

Z07 Performance Package additional features include:

Carbon fiber aero package with larger front splitter, front-corner dive planes, a rear wing and underbody strakes that enhance downforce
Unique FE7 suspension with specific Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 calibrations
Michelin Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires developed specifically for the Z06
Available carbon fiber wheels that deliver a 41-pound (18.6 kg) reduction in unsprung mass
Brembo® carbon ceramic brake system featuring larger, 15.7-inch-diameter (398 mm) front rotors and 15.4-inch-diameter (391 mm) rear rotors

When equipped with the Z07 performance package in the track prepared configuration on a 300-foot diameter circle, the car is capable of 1.22 g of road-hugging grip.

The Z06 is based on the same robust architecture as the Stingray — a rigid structure that enabled engineers to fine-tune the car’s chassis and suspension components with exceptional precision. The Z06 is so stiff that the track-capable Z06 is offered in a hardtop convertible model, and there is no variance in the suspension calibrations between it and the coupe.

Bespoke attention to detail

In the driver-focused cockpit, premium materials continue to elevate the luxurious look and feel introduced with the Stingray. They’re complemented with available carbon fiber trim that expresses the car’s lightweight, track-focused mantra.

“To match its performance, the Z06 is an elevated execution of the eighth-generation design,” said Phil Zak, executive design director, Chevrolet. “From its wide planted stance with sculpted surfaces to its premium and carbon fiber materials, the Z06 instills an aura of raw power and performance with bespoke craftsmanship.”

Unique features include an available carbon fiber-wrapped steering wheel, shift paddles and new carbon fiber interior trim package level 2. The Z06 also features hand-wrapped leather interior options, including the all-new, available fully trimmed interior in Adrenaline Red.

Additional new wheel, color and trim options offer Z06 customers the most personalization choices in the Corvette lineup, including:

Twelve available exterior colors
Seven available wheel packages, including five finishes on the standard forged aluminum wheels and available carbon fiber wheels
Seven interior colors with the opportunity to expand it to thousands of combinations
Three seat choices and six seatbelt options
Two interior carbon fiber trim packages, plus Stealth Aluminum trim option
Six available brake caliper colors

The 2023 Corvette Z06 will be seen, heard and experienced around the globe when production begins in summer 2022. It will be built from Bowling Green Assembly in left- and right-hand drive.

FAST FACT: The Corvette Z06 was born in 1963, as an optional Special Equipment Package intended for racers. It included a stiffer suspension, heavy duty brakes, a thicker front stabilizer bar, and a large, 36 gallon fuel tank that reduced the number of necessary pit stops in longer races. A fuel-injected 5.4-liter engine (327 cubic inches) and a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission were required with the package.

CORVETTE Z06 GENERATIONS

YEARS	ENGINE	HORSEPOWER	TRANSMISSION
C2 (1963)	L84 5.4L OHV V-8	360	4-speed manual
C5 (2001-04)	LS6 5.7L OHV V-8	385 (2001); 405 (2002-04)	6-speed manual
C6 (2006-13)	LS7 7.0L OHV V-8	505	6-speed manual
C7 (2015-19)	LT4 6.2L OHV V-8 supercharged	650	7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
C8 (2023)	LT6 5.5L DOHC V-8	670	8-speed DCT

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

EPA-EST. MPG

Not yet available

FUEL TANK CAPACITY (approx.)

18.5 gal. / 70 liters

ENGINE

Type:	LT6 5.5L DOHC V-8 Direct Injection
Bore & Stroke (in / mm):	4.104 x 3.150 / 104.25 x 80
Block Material:	A319-T7 sand-cast aluminum with pressed-in iron cylinder liners and four-bolt main bearing caps
Oiling System:	Six stage dry sump (8-qt. capacity); includes oil-spray piston cooling
Oil Type:	DexosR synthetic 5W50
Cylinder Head Material:	A356 T6 cast aluminum
Combustion Chamber Volume:	58.8cc
Compression Ratio:	12.5:1
Valvetrain:	Dual overhead camshafts with mechanical finger follower valvetrain and dual-coil valve springs
Valve Size (in / mm):	1.654 / 42 titanium (intake) & 1.378 / 35 sodium filled (exhaust)
Fuel Delivery:	Exhaust side direct injection. Max pressure: 5,076 psi (35 Mpa / 350 bar)
Firing Order:	1-4-3-8-7-6-5-2
Throttle Body:	Twin 87mm single bore (electronic)
ECU:	GM E68 (32-bit processing)
Horsepower (hp):	670 @ 8400 rpm (GM tested per SAE J1349)
Torque (lb-ft/ Nm):	460 / 623 @ 6300 rpm (GM tested per SAE J1349)

TRANSMISSION & AXLE

Type:	M1L 8-speed dual clutch (DCT)
Final Drive Ratio:	5.56:1

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

Front Suspension:	Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, forged aluminum upper and cast aluminum L-shape lower control arms; monotube shock absorbers (46mm); Magnetic Selective Ride Control 4.0 available. Specific calibration with available Z07 package. front lift with memory is available
Rear Suspension:	Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, forged aluminum upper and cast aluminum L-shape lower control arms; direct-acting stabilizer bar; monotube shock absorbers (46mm); Magnetic Selective Ride Control 4.0. Specific calibration with available Z07 package
Steering Type:	Variable-ratio rack-and-pinion with electric power assist; includes Active Steer Stops with available Magnetic Ride Control 4.0
Steering Ratio:	15.7:1
Brake Type:	Front and rear eBoost-assisted discs with Brembo six-piston/two-piece front calipers and four-piston/monobloc rear calipers
Brake Rotor Size (in / mm):	Front: 14.6 x 1.3 (370 x 34) Front: 15.7 x 1.5 (398 x 38) – w/ avail. carbon ceramic Rear: 15.0 x 1.3 (380 x 34) Rear: 15.4 x 1.3 (390 x 34) – w/ avail. carbon ceramic
Wheel Size:	Front: 20-inch x 10-inch (w/ 5 x 120mm bolt pattern) Rear: 21-inch x 13-inch (w/ 5 x 120mm bolt pattern)
Tire Type and Size:	Z06 (std.): Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP1 Z07 Package (avail.): Michelin Sport Cup 2 R ZP1 Front: 275/30ZR20 Rear: 345/25ZR21

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase (in. / mm):	107.2 / 2722
Overall Length (in. / mm):	184.6 / 4688 (std.) 185.9 / 4722 (w/ carbon fiber ground effects)
Overall Width (in. / mm):	79.7 / 2025
Overall Height (in. / mm):	48.6 / 1235
Track (in. mm):	Front: 66.3 / 1685 Rear: 66.1 / 1678

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS

Headroom (in. / mm):	37.9 / 962
Legroom (in. / mm):	42.8 / 1087
Shoulder Room (in. / mm):	54.4 / 1382
Hip Room (in. / mm):	52 / 1321

WEIGHTS & CAPACITIES

Dry Weight (lb. / kg):	3434 / 1561 with Carbon fiber wheels and Z07
Cargo Volume (cu. ft. / L):	12.6 / 357

Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.

SAFETY & DRIVER AWARENESS FEATURES

Airbags: frontal and side-impact for driver and front passenger. Includes Passenger Sensing System

Standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (includes tire fill alert)
Standard Run Flat tires

Standard Rear Park Assist
HD Rear Vision Camera (1LZ)
HD Front and Rear Vision Cameras with front curb view (2LZ and 3LZ)
Side Blind Zone Alert (2LZ and 3LZ)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (2LZ and 3LZ)
Standard Head-Up Display
Rear Camera Mirror (2LZ/3LZ coupe – standard convertible)

October 27, 2021

2023 Land Rover Discovery Metropolitan Edition

Land Rover has strengthened the appeal of the Discovery with the introduction of a new special edition. The 2023 Discovery Metropolitan Edition features a suite of technologies to enhance the comfort and convenience provided by the seven-seat family SUV.

Sitting at the top of the Discovery line-up, the new Metropolitan Edition provides a host of exterior upgrades and a host of standard features, including a powerful 355hp 3.0-liter Ingenium six-cylinder powertrain, featuring 48V mild hybrid technology.

“The introduction of the Metropolitan Edition brings a new level of premium appeal to the Land Rover Discovery,” said Finbar McFall, Land Rover Brand Director. “The special edition model represents the flagship of the line-up and builds on the appeal of the R-Dynamic specification with exterior design enhancements and a suite of convenience-boosting technologies.”

Metropolitan Edition

The new Metropolitan Edition represents the pinnacle of the Discovery family and builds on the purposeful R-Dynamic HSE model with Bright Atlas detailing for the grille and Discovery lettering. This is complemented by Hakuba Silver lower bumper inserts, 22-inch Diamond Turned alloy wheels with Gloss Grey detailing and Black Land Rover brake calipers.

Standard features inside include a head-up display, heated steering wheel, powered and heated third row seating, a front cooler compartment and four-zone climate control.

The cabin is also enhanced with Titanium Mesh trim detailing.

Elsewhere in the Discovery line-up, the R-Dynamic model now features a Gloss

Black contrast roof as standard. Additionally, wireless device charging, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, Meridian™ Sound System and three-zone climate control are now fitted standard across the wider Discovery model range.

The Land Rover Discovery remains among the most capable and versatile full-size

SUVs, with an 8,200lb towing capacity1 and Advanced Tow Assist technology2, designed to take the stress out of difficult reversing maneuvers with a trailer.

October 19, 2021
2022 Lexus LX 600

“Good things come to those who wait,” the age-old expression goes. Following three impressive generations, the wait is now over – an all-new LX has arrived. Totally redesigned from the ground up – inside and out – the all-new 2022 LX 600 stands as the ultimate sport-utility flagship in the luxury brand’s growing and diversified model portfolio. The full-size luxury SUV, with its newly reengineered body-on-frame platform, avant-garde style and luxurious cabin, embodies Lexus’ commitment to meeting the diversifying needs and lifestyles of customers. It is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealers in the first quarter of 2022.

Since its launch in 1995, the LX has been a luxury SUV icon shaped by an identity distinguished by an indomitable duality. Its comfortable ride quality and long list of amenities have defined it as a luxurious long-range cruiser, yet its tried-and-tested off-road specifications and equipment have taken it beyond the pavement in more than 50 countries and regions around the globe. As of August 2021, over 500,000 LX models have been sold throughout the world.

For its fourth generation, LX offers unparalleled refinement thanks to a full optimization of nearly every component. It adopts an all-new 20% more rigid GA-F platform, which serves as a robust foundation for its body-on-frame build. Weight is reduced by 441 pounds when compared to its predecessor, and body rigidity is also increased.

Powering LX is a high-output, high-torque 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine. More refined vehicle control in both on-road and off-road situations is enabled by the new Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system and Electric Power Steering (EPS).

Beyond the LX’s aluminum doors is an all-new cabin designed for the utmost in comfort and usability. The instrument panel features Lexus Interface with Lexus’ first dual display configuration. A 12.3-inch upper screen and 7-inch lower screen help to create a more comfortable driving experience with their variety of views, instrumentation and control adjustments.

LX’s exterior design pursues a blend of athletic performance, accessible functionality and striking beauty – a combination that began with the all-new NX. Key to LX’s design are optimized proportions that combine sophistication with power and presence.

Speaking to a wide variety of customers and diverse lifestyles is essential to the LX’s ethos. This mindset has enabled the expansion of LX’s range, which adds the all-new Ultra Luxury and F SPORT grades. The Ultra Luxury offers four independent seats for opulent travel comfort on all road surfaces. Customers preferring a sportier look and feel can select the F SPORT grade with its unique touches and handling.

KEY TECHNICAL IMPROVEMENTS
NEW GA-F PLATFORM

By adopting a new GA-F platform and redesigning the entire framework of the vehicle from the ground up, engineers revised the LX’s fundamental characteristics and reduced its center of gravity and weight, while increasing body rigidity to achieve a smooth composure and superior comfort level, according to Lexus Driving Signature. The new LX is 441 pounds lighter than its predecessor and realizes a predictable, balanced comportment during turning, acceleration and deceleration maneuvers, plus improves stability when driving off-road.

To achieve both a high level of off-road driving performance and on-road handling stability, the front high-mounted double wishbone suspension, suspension geometry and optimized coil springs offer both excellent vehicle stability and ride comfort. The suspension stroke, which is an important factor for off-road driving performance, is made sufficiently long with 100 mm/3.93 in. of bound and 145 mm/5.7 in. of rebound (15 mm/0.6 in. longer than that of the previous model) to help achieve both exceptional on and off-road driving performance.

The capable four-link axle-type suspension with rear lateral control arms is inherited from the previous model, while the suspension arms and shock absorber layout and characteristics are refined to facilitate control of axle movement, resulting in enhanced vehicle stability and ride comfort. The rebound stroke is increased by 20 mm/0.8 in. compared to the previous model to ensure excellent road-following performance.

The rear shock absorbers are placed outside of the lower control arm, and the shock absorber mounting angle has been adjusted to match the angle at which the axle moves. This makes it easier for the shock absorbers to follow the vertical movement of the wheels, increasing their damping effect and, thus, better absorbing shocks and vibrations from the road surface to provide exceptional vehicle stability.

POWER + LINEARITY: 3.5-LITER TWIN-TURBO V6 AND DIRECT SHIFT-10AT

The 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine (V35A-FTS engine) is smaller than the outgoing naturally aspirated V8 and provides increased output and torque through turbocharging. The engine produces an output of 409 hp (415 PS) and maximum 479 lb.-ft. of torque and maintains maximum torque in a wide range up to about 3,600 rpm, making it easier to handle not only during on-road driving but also during off-road driving, which can require frequent use in the low-speed range.

The Direct Shift-10AT produces a smooth start that only a torque converter can provide, as well as manual transmission-like direct acceleration by activating lockup in almost its entire range of operation (except when the vehicle starts from a stop). The cross gear ratio setting – which brings the gear ratios of each stage closer together – and the quick gear shift time make for crisp gear shifting at regular intervals, creating a driving rhythm that is in harmony with the sound of the engine.

A wide range of gear ratios is employed for strong starting comfort as well as high-speed driving. The low first gear increases the driving force when starting at low speeds, providing a smooth start and powerful low speed off-road driving performance. In contrast, the high gearing in the 10th gear keeps the engine speed low during high-speed cruising, resulting in a quiet ride and lower fuel consumption.

An oil pan guard is installed to the lower body of the automatic transmission, which has been designed for off-road performance, to help reduce the risk of oil pan damage due to unplanned hits to the underfloor that might occur when conquering rocky roads.

ON-ROAD PERFORMANCE VIA THE LEXUS DRIVING SIGNATURE

LX’s fundamental dynamic characteristics are enhanced by way of Lexus’ first adoption of the GA-F platform and a weight reduction of 441 pounds. The high-output, high-torque twin-turbocharged engine, Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB), and Electric Power Steering (EPS) further deepen the Lexus Driving Signature by delivering driving performance that seamlessly connects deceleration, steering and acceleration in all situations, while the use of a new Active Height Control (AHC) system and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) help provide improved grip, traction and control as well as a sense of strength and security.

Although it is a frame-based vehicle that retains its predecessor’s traditional off-road driving performance and vehicle stability, the new LX offers a high level of vehicle control, along with supreme on-road ride comfort.

ACTIVE HEIGHT CONTROL (AHC) SUSPENSION AND ADAPTIVE VARIABLE SUSPENSION (AVS)

The AHC suspension, which allows the ride height to be adjusted according to the driving environment, now comes with an expanded range of ride height positions. While ride height is still adjusted through the use of shock absorbers, gas and hydraulic springs and metal springs, a spring rate switching device – which was previously only used for the front wheels – is now used for the rear wheels as well, reducing the time needed to adjust ride height. There are three settings for vehicle height while the vehicle is in motion (Normal, Hi1 and Hi2) and a Low setting for passenger ingress and egress.

The system automatically adjusts vehicle height depending on the activation of Drive Mode Select or Multi-Terrain Select and the selection status of the transfer case. Ride height status can now be displayed not only on the gauge panel but also on the 7-inch touch display. Additionally, AHC not only adjusts the vehicle height but also responds to changes in vehicle posture, such as the amount of pitch and roll, and it stabilizes vehicle posture during turning, acceleration and deceleration by optimizing the spring rate as needed.

The suspension automatically adjusts to Hi1 or Hi2 in line with the road environment in coordination with the transfer case being in the L4 range or with the mode selected during the use of Multi-Terrain Select. When Hi1 or Hi2 is selected, the system automatically adjusts the vehicle height according to the vehicle’s speed to help avoid interference with the road surface and improve handling stability.

The springs are softened to help provide a comfortable ride when overcoming bumps during in-town driving and are stiffened to help ensure a flat and stable ride when going around curves. An added benefit: Vehicle height automatically adjusts when the vehicle is in motion, and when at a standstill, lowers for easier passenger ingress and egress.

Changing to a linear solenoid valve system offers excellent damping force switching response, providing intricate and smooth control depending on the road surface and driving conditions. The damping force can be set low to provide a comfortable ride when going over bumps during in-town driving and can be set high to provide a flat and stable feeling when going around curves.

ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) AND ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED BRAKE (ECB)

The new EPS uses the motor and reduction gear instead of conventional hydraulics. It enables subtle tuning and provides a light steering sensation at low speeds, such as when driving off-road, and full steering weightiness at high speeds. The vehicle responds faithfully and linearly to steering operations. At low speeds, the light steering sensation contributes to reducing driver burden, and at high speeds, a moderate steering force in line with the vehicle’s speed provides a driving experience that is distinctive of Lexus Driving Signature.

The Electronically Controlled Brake system employs a sensor to detect the degree of brake pedal depression and creates braking force with the hydraulic brakes for more linear braking characteristics. When Multi-Terrain Select is selected for off-road driving, the system is designed to ensure a high level of driving stability through detailed braking control to counter slipping or spinning wheels.

WHEEL, TIRE AND REAR TORSEN® LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL (LSD) PERFORMANCE

In addition to off-road driving performance, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, the largest in the Lexus lineup, have been adopted for the first time to improve on-road performance. The unsprung weight of all wheels, including the available 18-inch and 20-inch wheels, has been reduced for optimized rolling resistance values.

Exclusive to F SPORT grade, a Torsen® LSD is employed to help ensure traction performance of the rear tires. When accelerating during a turn, it optimally distributes the driving force according to the load on the rear left and right wheels to achieve a high level of control performance. In straight-line driving, it responds well to changes in road conditions, contributing to stability.

SUPERIOR PROWESS BEYOND THE PAVEMENT

The new LX has further evolved its proven ability to handle rough roads. In addition to refining “hardware” performance features such as its traditional body-on-frame structure and rear rigid suspension, the new LX boasts evolved software features such as Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) and Crawl Control. Furthermore, the introduction of various advanced technologies that support off-road driving, such as a Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) and the LX’s first dual display, enables the new LX to be driven with a greater sense of confidence in harsh environments.

INHERITANCE OF HERITAGE

The new LX inherits the golden ratio of a 2,850 mm/112 in. wheelbase, which has been carried over from the first generation in 1995, to provide both high-level performance on rough terrain and a spacious interior. The ground obstacle angles (approach angle, departure angle and ramp break angle), maximum stable inclination angle of 44 degrees, climbing ability of 45 degrees and maximum river crossing performance of 700 mm/27.5 in. are maintained at the same level as the previous model.

19.3-INCHES OF SCREEN ACCESS

The instrument panel features Lexus’ first Lexus Interface dual display with a 12.3-inch upper screen and 7-inch lower screen designed to inform, not distract. The upper 12.3-inch display shows navigation, audio controls and the Multi-Terrain Monitor during off-road driving. The lower 7-inch touch display shows the climate control screen and serves as a driving-support screen for Multi-Terrain Select. Displaying the camera image on the upper screen while simultaneously displaying the real-time vehicle status on the lower screen allows the driver to monitor off-road driving conditions more safely without switching the display.

EVOLVED MULTI-TERRAIN SELECT (MTS)

The all-new LX also features Multi-Terrain Select, which allows the driver to select from six modes – Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow and Rock – to support off-road driving conditions. In addition to conventional brake hydraulics, the drive power and suspension are integrated and controlled for optimization according to the selected mode, making it possible to match driving performance to road conditions.

In addition, the operating range of Multi-Terrain Select, which was previously limited to the low range (L4), has been extended to the high range (H4). The Auto mode, which Lexus has adopted for the first time, uses information from various sensors to estimate the road conditions while driving and to optimize brake hydraulic pressure, driving force and suspension control. This feature allows the driver to maintain ideal driving performance in various driving conditions, without having to switch modes.

CRAWL CONTROL

Engaged when the vehicle is in low range, Crawl Control allows LX to move forward or in reverse at one of five driver-selected low-speed settings: LO, MIDL, MID, MIDH and HIGH. Crawl Control intuitively orchestrates the engagement and disengagement of engine output and hydraulic braking pressure to help reduce tire slippage and optimize chassis behavior.

DOWNHILL ASSIST CONTROL

When descending a steep slope, the system is designed to automatically control the hydraulic pressure of the brakes on all four wheels to support stable descent without locking the wheels. Because the selected vehicle speed is maintained through the operation of a switch, the driver can concentrate on steering operations without worrying about braking and accelerating, thus reducing the burden on the driver.

MULTI-TERRAIN MONITOR (MTM)

The Multi-Terrain Monitor uses four cameras to help the driver see around the vehicle. The images captured by the front, side and rear cameras can be interchanged and are shown on the entire 12.3-inch display, allowing the driver to check road conditions, which are often in the driver’s blind spots.

By switching to the Lexus-first, Back Underfloor View, images of the foreground taken in advance are provided to the driver as transparent-underfloor images. By superimposing the vehicle and wheel position over this image, the driver can check underfloor conditions and front-wheel position. In another view, the vehicle is made transparent, and an image showing the area around the rear wheels is magnified. This can enable the driver to ascertain conditions around the rear wheels and estimate distances to obstacles.

INTRODUCING ULTRA LUXURY AND F SPORT GRADES

ULTRA LUXURY

The Lexus-first four-seat Ultra Luxury grade enhances the LX lineup with special attention paid to the rear passenger space and their experience. To help achieve an unparalleled comfort level, the front seat can move forward, and the seat reclining angle can be controlled up to 48 degrees. Additionally, the rear seat display, behind the front passenger seat, can fold down to allow for forward visibility, offering an airy VIP seating experience with a maximum leg space of 1,100 mm/43 in. This seating posture is easily achieved with the push of one rear control panel button. A footrest behind the front passenger seat can be deployed to provide maximum comfort, from head to toe.

The rear seats feature Ultra Luxury-exclusive curved headrests, seatbacks and cushions that gently wrap around the head, hips and lower body. The all-new crafted VIP seating helps to offset any lateral G-forces and irregular road surfaces. The seats are shaped to help maintain a secure posture, while the use of soft urethane with superior vibration absorption performance helps to suppress unwanted movement – even in off-road driving conditions.

Added comfort features such as sunshades on the side and quarter windows, reading lights and a rear seat display are standard. An Ultra Luxury-exclusive air conditioning system offers unique overhead ceiling vents for a full body comfort breeze experience.

A product of relentless imagination and human-centered design, no surface is overlooked. The rear control panel, which centrally manages all functions and equipment of the rear passenger experience, has been carefully crafted for a seamless and intuitive guest experience. The space for wireless charging has been lowered to ensure visibility while seated in a reclined position. Cup holders are equipped with a lid, and, with the lid closed, the resulting surface, which is coated with a scratch-resistant self-healing paint, can be used as a note table. The large console box provides ample storage space, and the DC power supply, USB and headphone jacks located within provide added functionality.

F SPORT

Guests preferring a sportier look and feel can select the F SPORT grade – a first for LX – with its unique design touches and handling.

Styling features of the F SPORT grade include new and exclusive 22-inch forged aluminum wheels and F mesh design spindle grille with jet-black chrome grille frame. Inside, the steering wheel and shifter feature textured genuine leather for improved style and grip, while the exclusive F SPORT emblem is applied throughout. A custom crafted F designed seat further enhances hold against lateral g-forces. Ultra White (exterior) with Circuit Red (interior) are offered as an F SPORT grade exclusive.

Driving performance for the F SPORT grade features uniquely tuned standard front and rear performance dampers, a Torsen® LSD and a rear stabilizer. Special tuning of the EPS and AVS offers performance focused response and handling stability that only the F SPORT can provide.

NEXT-GENERATION DESIGN

The all-new Lexus next-generation interior and exterior design marries superior function with stunning aesthetic. The front A-pillars are pulled rearward to create a cab-backward design, and a stout torso and 22-inch wheels (the largest in the Lexus lineup) express a dynamic driving image. For its spindle grille, a three-dimensional shape comprised of seven sets of floating bars creates a seamless and frame-free structure. It is style rooted in function: fine-tuning the thickness of each bar to the millimeter achieves not only a new look but also provides the high-level cooling performance required for the twin-turbo engine. The side radiator grilles also have large openings to ensure cooling performance and are shaped to provide a high-level rectifying effect.

For the headlamps, the L-shaped clearance lamps (with daytime running lamp function) have evolved into a three-dimensional shape, and their inner lenses have been doubled, with each having a different level to give a sense of depth and change depending on the viewing angle.

The sides portray a strong sense of unity and mass, with a thick, horizontal torso running the entirety of the profile, blending through to the muscular rear wheel arches. The LX’s quarter pillars narrow from the roof to the back window, while a distinct chiseled flow from the underside of the vehicle runs up from the lower edge of the rocker panels to behind the rear tires.

As seen on the 2022 NX, the redesigned rear LEXUS logo symbolizes the next generation of Lexus. For the rear combination lamps, tail lamps have been adopted that combine an L-shape and a continuous axial flow from the front to the shoulders and then to the rear silhouette.

New 22-inch forged aluminum wheels employ the high contrast of black and machined brilliance, emphasizing their largest-ever sizing for Lexus. For the Ultra Luxury grade, a deep three-dimensional effect is expressed by high-gloss paint, giving the tires and wheels a presence appropriate to the LX’s size.

LEXUS INTERFACE: INTUITIVE CONNECTED MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM

New for 2022, the North American-developed Lexus Interface multimedia system allows the LX to seamlessly integrate and navigate life’s twists and turns. The Lexus Interface’s 12.3-inch upper touchscreen with added LX-exclusive 7-inch lower touchscreen, provides intuitive technology at the occupants’ fingertips. The screen’s new Human Machine Interface (HMI) enhances user interaction through sight, touch and voice, while balancing accessibility needs.

Lexus Interface incorporates a new Voice Assistant developed with a human-centered approach. The Voice Assistant is intended to be the primary way guests interact with the new multimedia system. Designed with dual microphones with speaker location capability and enhanced noise-cancellation, the system enables a voice-first approach allowing front seat occupants an expanded and interactive experience to access navigation, media, phone and other vehicle control settings.

With the ubiquitous use of smart phones, an intuitive and simple guest experience is now possible with Lexus Interface. With the Lexus Interface User Profile feature, the driver’s personalized settings and experience can be retained in the cloud and accessible on the go in other Lexus Interface equipped vehicles. Once a profile is created in the Lexus App, guests can use a Bluetooth handheld device, smart key or manual login to access it.

The Lexus Interface native navigation system was designed with ease of use and functional beauty in mind. Featuring 100% cloud capability and integrated Google Points of Interest data, the system allows faster and more accurate directions and mapping. Over-the-air (OTA) updates offer real-time updates for mapping and enriched media experiences. The native navigation is also available to occupants with or without a network connection. Offline mode detects when the vehicle is near or entering an area with low connectivity and downloads applicable maps and services in advance.

LEXUS SAFETY SYSTEM+ 2.5

The 2022 LX comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which brings a suite of key active safety features to the vehicle. For starters, the Pre-Collision System (PCS), which includes Frontal Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection, features an enhancement to the lens camera and millimeter-wave radar elements to expand the response range. By enhancing the radar and camera capabilities, it is now possible for the system to help detect not only the vehicle ahead but also a preceding bicyclist in daytime and even a preceding pedestrian in daytime and low-light conditions. At intersections, the system has the capability under certain conditions to recognize an oncoming vehicle when performing a left-hand turn, or a pedestrian when performing left and right-hand turns, and is designed to activate typical PCS functions if needed. Additional PCS functions include Emergency Steering Assist (ESA), which is designed to assist steering within the vehicle’s lane as cued by the driver.

All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) can be activated above 30 mph and is designed to perform vehicle-to-vehicle distance controls down to 0 mph and can resume from a stop. DRCC also includes a feature that allows for smooth overtaking of slower vehicles. If traveling behind a vehicle going slower than the preset speed, once the driver engages the turn signal, the system will provide an initial increase in acceleration in preparation for changing lanes; and, after the driver changes lanes, the vehicle will continue acceleration until it reaches the original preset driving speed.

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA) is designed to help notify the driver if it senses an inadvertent lane departure at speeds above 32 miles per hour via steering wheel vibrations or audible alert. It can also take slight corrective measures to help keep the driver within the visibly marked lane. When DRCC is set and engaged, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) is designed to provide slight steering force to help steer to the center of the lane to assist the driver with staying in the lane using visible lane markers or a preceding vehicle. LTA alerts the driver with a visual warning and either an audible alert or steering wheel vibration.

Additional Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 features include Intelligent High Beams, which detects preceding or oncoming vehicles and automatically switches between high beam and low beam headlights. Road Sign Assist (RSA) is designed to acquire certain road sign information using a camera and navigation maps when data is available and displays them on the multi-information display (MID).

Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 243 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers eight F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

October 14, 2021
2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid-Only Bronze Edition
The fourth-generation Toyota Highlander’s bold, distinctive design is going to stand out even more for 2022 thanks to the new Bronze Edition – exclusive to the Highlander Hybrid powertrain. Available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), the Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition offers unique styling and premium features to inspire a turned head of any curious onlooker. Once on sale later this year, the 2022 Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition will be offered at a manufacturer starting estimated price (MSRP) of $43,880 for the FWD variant and an MSRP of $45,480 for the AWD variant.

Hybrid Bronze Edition – Unique Styling and Premium Features

Designed with sophistication in mind, the new Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition, available in either Cement (exclusive to Bronze Edition), Wind Chill Pearl (new for 2022 Highlander) or Midnight Black Metallic exterior colors, includes bronze-colored accents on the exterior and interior, including 18-inch bronze wheels, bronze interior stitching, illuminated bronze door sills and mid-century, modern-inspired SofTex-trimmed seats with fabric insert and bronze stitching. Also exclusive to the Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition are unique floor and cargo mats embroidered with a special bronze logo. Taking inspiration from contemporary crafted interiors to create a premium ambience, details include soft-touch surfaces and a tailored look with stitching that continues from the door trim to the instrument panel. The dash integrates the multimedia and HVAC controls in an elegant and functional way.

Building off of the popular Highlander Hybrid XLE grade, unique standard features of the new Bronze Edition include:
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Digital rearview mirror
- 1500 W. power outlets
- Puddle lamps with Highlander logo
- In-dash ambient lighting
- Driver seat memory with 10-way power seat
The Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition is also a glimpse into new offerings for 2022 Highlander, overall. This includes Wind Chill Pearl now added to exterior color palate (replacing Blizzard Pearl) and the addition of height/tilt power passenger seat adjustments, which will also be standard on 2022 Highlander XLE and above.

The 2022 Highlander Bronze Edition gets a grip on the road with a choice of FWD or a unique AWD system for Highlander Hybrid grades. For customers looking for additional grip, the 2022 Highlander Hybrid’s AWD system employs a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. Like the hybrid powertrain itself, the AWD is designed to work seamlessly and transparently.

Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+)

Safety remains a top priority for Highlander customers. For 2022, the Toyota Highlander will continue to include standard Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.5+), a comprehensive suite of active safety systems that includes:
- Pre-collision System with Pedestrian Detection is enhanced with intersection support:
  - At intersections, the system is designed to detect an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian when performing a left-hand turn and may provide audio/visual alerts and automatic braking in certain conditions.
  - Additional PCS function includes emergency steering assist, which is designed to stabilize the driver’s emergency steering maneuvers within their lane while avoiding a preceding pedestrian.
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Lane Keeping Technology: Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Sway Warning System
- Automatic High Beams (AHB)
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection offers automatic braking capability under certain circumstances should the driver not react in time in a system-detected emergency situation. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are standard on LE grade and above. Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB) is available with clearance sonar on Limited and above.

The standard backup camera features projected path, while the Limited’s backup camera comes standard with dynamic gridlines. A Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan is available on Limited and standard on Platinum and provides a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle.

The 2022 Highlander is equipped with eight airbags, including side curtain airbags for all three rows. Toyota’s Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). Hybrid models will receive Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) as well. VDIM provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-start assist control and EPS systems. It helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by controlling the brakes, hybrid system output and steering assist.

Highlander XSE: More Fun for Everyone

Launched first in 2021 and continuing for the 2022 model year, the Highlander XSE badge signals a drive on the sporty side with specially tuned handling suspension, unique exterior styling and exclusive interior trim.

Starting at an MSRP of $42,000 for the FWD variant, the Highlander XSE combines bold exterior design with more agile driving reflexes. Positioned between the XLE and Limited grades, the 2022 Highlander XSE is briskly motivated by a 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that’s teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s available with either Front-Wheel Drive or Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive.

In addition to being able to send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels, this advanced available AWD system can control the left/right torque distribution to the rear wheels for a more engaging driving experience. In addition, the Multi-Terrain Select feature, controlled by a dial on the center console, allows the driver to adjust drivetrain responses to prevailing road and weather conditions.

The Highlander XSE handles curves as well as its design takes compliments. In addition to exclusive machined-faced 20-inch wheels with black accents, the XSE model is equipped with higher-rate springs and rear stabilizer bar, and the shock absorbers have been re-tuned for lower friction. Electric power steering has also been re-tuned for a sportier steering feel. These carefully calibrated new parts boost handling agility for the XSE while preserving Highlander’s renowned ride comfort.

To make the XSE grade, Highlander received a bumper-to-bumper style makeover. The front fascia, grille and lower spoiler are exclusive to this model and impart a more aggressive stance. The restyled upper grille joins a much larger lower air intake integrated into the new bumper, with a spoiler below that. Unique headlamps feature black accents and light-strip DRLs.

In profile, unique rocker panels add an edgy accent to the Highlander XSE’s sculpted lines. Around back, a surprise and delight: the first-ever twin-tip exhaust on a Highlander. Black roof rails, mirror caps and window moldings dial up the subtle cool factor.

Inside, the Highlander XSE rocks black SofTex®-trimmed seats with fabric inserts, while ambient lighting and carbon-fiber finish on the instrument panel sets the sportier mood. A striking two-tone red and black leather-trimmed interior with red-stitched instrument panel is available at no additional cost. The 2022 Highlander XSE comes ready to take on all devices with Android AutoTM, Apple CarPlay® and Amazon Alexa compatibility, as well as five USB ports and an all access 3-month trial of SiriusXM® Platinum Plan.

The Highlander XSE also offers an available Premium Audio 1200-Watt, 11-speaker JBL® sound system and navigation with a 3-year trial.

The Strong, Athletic Type

Setting off the bold design, the L, LE and XLE grades feature a black front grille with silver-colored paint surround, while the Limited and Platinum grades are distinguished by a black grille with chrome-colored trim, high output LED fog lights and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Platinum grade stands apart with silver-colored painted front bumper and rear fascia and a unique 20-inch wheel.

While Highlander’s design will turn heads everywhere it goes, it’s also highly functional. Greater aerodynamic efficiency reduces wind noise while enhancing vehicle stability.

Interior Details

Looking sporty does not come at the expense of practicality in the 2022 Highlander. The L and LE grades come standard with second-row bench for seating for eight, while the XLE and Limited grade come standard with a Captain’s Chair second row with seating for seven. For XLE Gas, XLE Hybrid and Limited Gas grades, there is an option of second-row bench for seating for eight; the Hybrid Bronze as well as the XSE come standard with seven-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs. Finally, the Platinum grade comes standard with Captain’s Chair second row with seating for seven. Either way, the large rear doors provide easy access, while versatile seat folding features allow passengers to access the third row. Passengers in the second and third row stay comfortable thanks to standard three-zone climate control that ensures ample flow of warmed or cooled air.

With all seat rows in use, Highlander offers 16.0 cu. ft. of carrying space behind the third row. Folding the 60/40 split fold-flat third-row seatbacks opens the space to 48.4 cu. ft., and then folding the second row raises that to 84.3 cu. ft. The versatile cargo area makes the most of its additional length with side surfaces and pockets shaped for maximum space usage.

Power, Performance and Panache … with Efficiency

Power and efficiency are a whole lot sexier when wrapped in Highlander’s striking design. The 2022 Highlander offers a choice between two advanced powertrains, a gas V6 or the Toyota Hybrid System.

The 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 is the epitome of smoothness. Its Toyota-innovated D-4S Injection system combines direct fuel injection with port fuel injectors to help optimize efficiency, power and emissions in all conditions. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i), likewise, helps ensure ideal response and efficiency at all engine speeds.

That translates into 295 horsepower and 263 lb.-ft. of torque, which further translates into exemplary everyday performance and competitive towing capability. The Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission maximizes Highlander’s acceleration and highway merging capability while operating seamlessly and transparently.

All V6 models are equipped to tow 5,000-pounds and include Trailer Sway Control (TSC) which uses the Vehicle Stability Control to help control unwanted trailer movement.

Why use fuel when you don’t need to? The Highlander’s standard Stop and Start Engine System allows the engine to shut off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop, and then instantly restarts when the driver’s foot lifts from the brake pedal. This technology helps reduce fuel consumption and cuts emissions.

Hybrid Aims Even Higher

The Toyota Hybrid System in the 2022 Highlander Hybrid combines a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric. The gas engine employs Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system by Electric motor (VVT-iE) on the intake camshaft, and VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft. A variable cooling system (electric water pump, electric thermostat) and a fully variable oil pump help to further enhance engine efficiency.

The bottom line is an eye opener for the efficiency-minded: 243 total system horsepower, up to an EPA-estimated 36 combined MPG and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. The hybrid is available in either front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

The transaxle mounts the electric motors (MG1 and MG2) coaxially rather than in-line, and the resulting smaller and lighter package reduces frictional losses. The gas engine and MG2 work in concert to deliver dynamic performance, while both MG1 and MG2 charge the hybrid battery.

To reduce the transaxle’s size and weight, the reduction gear is a parallel shaft gear rather than a planetary gear, and a multi-function gear integrates the power-split planetary ring gear, parking gear and counter-drive gear. Computer integration and a smaller, lighter power stack installed directly above the transaxle help reduce energy transmission losses.

The battery pack is small enough to be installed under the second-row seats, so it does not take up any cargo or passenger space. This means Highlander Hybrid drivers get all the benefits of a hybrid powertrain without sacrificing much-needed cargo room for everyday activities.

Seamless Everyday Performance

The Highlander Hybrid delivers its exemplary fuel economy and performance without calling attention to its high-tech powertrain operation. Quite the contrary, like all Toyota Hybrid vehicles, it simply goes about its business in a transparent way. For example, the system optimizes the level of electric motor assistance and gas engine speed without the engine running at high revs. Engine speed is synchronized with vehicle speed, yielding effortless and quiet acceleration.

The Highlander Hybrid offers selectable NORMAL, ECO and SPORT driving modes that let the driver choose the vehicle’s performance personality. The bonus is the EV mode, which allows electric-only driving at low speeds for short distances.

SPORT mode quickens the throttle response from the hybrid system for improved acceleration control. ECO mode gets maximum efficiency from the fuel and battery, while NORMAL mode is ideal for everyday driving.

Special, easy-to-use hybrid tech adds an element of control and fun. Using a sequential shifting feature, the driver can “downshift” to increase the regenerative braking in steps, which helps foster greater control when driving in hilly areas, for example.

The 2022 Highlander Hybrid can also coach the driver to drive as economically as possible. For example, an accelerator guide function suggests an acceleration level to the driver according to the driving conditions, and a scoring function adds a measure of fun-to-eco driving.

Features for More Efficiency

Highlander Hybrid’s Predictive Efficient Drive (PED) analyzes the driver’s daily driving habits and upcoming road and traffic conditions to more efficiently charge and discharge the hybrid battery accordingly alongside actual driving.

The more the vehicle is driven, the more data is accumulated, contributing to practical fuel efficiency. Many actual roads chosen to represent common usage scenarios, such as in urban congestion or on mountain roads, were driven and analyzed to create control that feels natural to the driver when operating to help enable more efficient driving.

All-Wheel Drive

The 2022 Highlander gets a grip on any road with a choice of FWD or three different available AWD systems — two for the V6 models and a unique AWD system for the Highlander Hybrid. For the Highlander Gas L, LE and XLE models, the optional AWD system can send up to 50% of available torque to the rear wheels to help counter wheel slip when necessary.

Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD with Drive Mode Select and Driveline Disconnect is available for the Highlander XSE, Limited and Platinum for even greater agility and capability. In addition to governing torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, this advanced system uses special couplings to actively manage torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels.

Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD doesn’t need wheel slippage before springing into action. Rather, a sophisticated AWD Integrated Management (AIM) system manages Electric Power Steering (EPS), throttle control, transmission shift control and drive torque distribution to continually help optimize handling.

Using the Multi-Terrain Select control dial on the console, the driver can maximize traction when driving through inclement weather or road conditions. Mud & Sand mode works well for beach driving while Rock & Dirt mode optimizes AWD traction for trails. The driver can monitor, in real time, torque allocation and slip control on the Multi-Information Display (MID).

In addition, Highlander grades include the following features for optimal on-road and off-road performance and safety:
- Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
- Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
- Downhill Assist Control (DAC) (available on Gas AWD only)
AWD is a great traction partner, but it’s not needed all the time, such as during steady highway cruising. In such situations, Rear Driveline Disconnect automatically disengages drive to the rear wheels and stops the propeller shaft’s rotation. As one might guess, that reduces the energy needed to propel the vehicle and, therefore, helps reduce fuel consumption. When AWD is needed, the system instantly re-engages without the driver even noticing.

Hybrid AWD

The 2022 model’s AWD employs a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. Like the hybrid powertrain itself, the AWD works seamlessly and transparently.

The rear electric motor operates independently with no mechanical connection between the transmission and the rear wheels. Preemptively distributing more driving force to the rear wheels, such as when accelerating, helps suppress front wheel slip during off-the-line starts. The system also helps enhance cornering agility by reducing understeer. And, when venturing onto a trail, the increased rear-wheel torque helps move the Highlander Hybrid confidently over rough or slippery surfaces.

A Certain Level of Comfort

From the L grade to the top-of-line Platinum, the 2022 Highlander offers plush accommodations across all grades. Taking inspiration from luxury crafted interiors to create a more premium ambience, details include softer padded surfaces and a more tailored look with stitching that continues from the door trim to the instrument panel. The dash integrates the multimedia and HVAC controls in an elegant and functional way.

The cabin’s center console combines available Qi wireless charging to plenty of storage spaces. For 2022, USB ports have been updated for both front and rear: for front seat passengers, two Type-C USB ports + 1 Type A port are located at the bottom of the center stack; for back seat passengers, two Type-C USB ports are located at the bottom rear of the center console. On XSE, Hybrid Bronze Edition, Limited and Platinum grades, ambient LED lighting sets a relaxing mood. Inset steering wheel controls are a modern luxury touch on all grades.

Highlanders have long been renowned for a quiet ride, and, with the high-strength TNGA platform, Toyota raises the bar even higher. Sound-dampening and soundproofing materials are optimized throughout the vehicle with the takumi approach, focusing particularly on minimizing noise in the frequencies that interfere with conversation. As an example, Limited and Platinum grades have acoustic glass on the front side windows to further isolate the driver from outside noise; and the available Driver Easy Speak offers a built-in PA system that carries the driver’s voice through the audio system’s rear speakers.

The seating color palette enhances the sense of luxury permeating the 2022 Highlander. The L and LE grades offer comfortable woven cloth seat surfaces in Graphite or Black; the XLE offers SofTex® -trim in Harvest Beige, Graphite or Black, while the Limited offers those colors in perforated leather-trim. The Highlander XSE rocks black SofTex®-trimmed seats with fabric inserts or optional bold red leather seats at no extra cost; and the Hybrid Bronze edition offers mid-century, modern-inspired SofTex-trimmed seats with fabric insert and bronze stitching. While the top-of-line Platinum grade, the most luxurious Highlander ever offered, exclusively features embossed, perforated leather-trim in those three colors plus a luxuriously delicious brown called Glazed Caramel.

Multitalented Multimedia

However passengers listen to music and connect with their worlds, the 2022 Highlander is ready with the latest multimedia systems. All grades come standard with Apple Car Play®, Android AutoTM and Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM® Platinum Plan 3-month trial and a Wi-Fi connectivity trial.

All Highlander models come equipped with Toyota Safety Connect with a one-year trial subscription.

LE and above grades offer Service and Remote Connectivity. The available audio package for the XLE provides navigation with a 3-year trial, while the Limited grade and above offer it as standard. A move up to Platinum grade offers the impressive 12.3-inch multimedia screen, which is also available as a package on Limited.

The JBL® Premium Audio System is available as a package on XSE and comes standard for Limited and Platinum grades and rocks music of all genres with 1,200 watts of power playing through 11 speakers in nine locations. Clari-Fi® technology breathes life into compressed digital music formats with the result like a mobile concert. The system will not, however, settle arguments over which music to play.

2022 Highlander Pricing*

No matter the grade, every Highlander offers something to suit varying lifestyles, whether it’s for a city exploration or a weekend trip to the countryside. With five gas models and five hybrid models, the 2022 Highlander arrives at dealerships with an option for everyone.

* MSRP does not include delivery, processing and handling (DPH).
October 14, 2021
Ferrari expands its list of after-sales services

Ferrari team presents the new LaFerrari Power warranty and maintenance service for owners of LaFerrari and LaFerrari Aperta.

The LaFerrari Power service is specially created for customers who want to maintain the excellent performance of Ferrari’s first-ever hybrid car, which is equipped with the F1-derived HY-KERS hybrid system.

LaFerrari Power is a two-year renewable program that can be activated at any official Ferrari dealer, regardless of the vehicle’s year of production.

Owners of LaFerrariand LaFerrari Aperta who take advantage of the LaFerrari Power service will benefit from the extension of the vehicle’s factory warranty, which includes, among other things, the HY-KERS system and high-voltage battery. This is the first time that Maranello offers this kind of extended warranty for one of its limited-series models, testifying to the quality and reliability of its cars.

LaFerrari Power also includes annual maintenance during which Maranello specialists will perform a wide range of inspections to ensure that the car is maintained to optimum levels.

SEE ALSO: Silverstone Auctions prepares the last sale for the year

The LaFerrari Power launch coincides with the tenth anniversary of the introduction of Genuine Maintenance, the premium scheduled maintenance program available on every new Ferrari in the range up until seven years after purchase. This new service confirms the Company’s commitment to providing maximum peace of mind and how it continues to set the standard throughout the industry for customer care.

September 29, 2021
SsangYong Motors opens Holt SsangYong in Derby

SsangYong Motors announces that the Holt SsangYong, based in Derby, joins the franchise opening this month. The SsangYong showroom is based on the main ring road at Alvaston provides customers with a modern SsangYong retail experience in a relaxing and comfortable environment and offers complimentary refreshments.

Holt SsangYong has over 30-years’ experience in the automotive industry and has represented various SUV and 4WD brands during this time, as well as specializing in performance and prestige vehicles.

Brian Holt, managing director and owner at Holt SsangYong, said; As experts in SUV and 4WD sales and support, we feel that there is a definite synergy between ourselves and SsangYong’s proposition. The Rexton, and the new Musso – which is now on sale – are well specified, quality value for money products, and we’re very much looking forward to the pure-EV e-Motion, coming later this year. In a nutshell, with our experience and SsangYong’s products, we are looking forward to welcoming customers to our showroom.

SEE ALSO: 2022 Acura NSX Type S manages to break a record! Details and VIDEO here!

Kevin Griffin, managing director at SsangYong Motors UK, commented, We’re delighted to welcome Holt SsangYong to the family and to extend our representation in the East Midlands. Brian and his team have a wealth of experience and an outstanding reputation which will ensure an excellent customer journey.

September 29, 2021
Hennessey presents a new upgrade pack for the third-generation of VelociRaptors

Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE), the Texas car manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has revealed details of its VelociRaptor 600 package for the all-new, third-generation, Ford F-150 Raptor.

First, the pack adds the massive 33 percent increase in power, or a total of 150hp, which results in 4.2 seconds 0-60 mph time and a 12.9-second ¼ mile for the 600-hp off-roader. Hennessey enhanced the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine by adding an upgraded air induction system, high-capacity intercooler system with blow-off valve, and upgraded engine-management system. All work is covered by a comprehensive 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty.

John Hennessey, company founder and CEO: “The VelociRaptor has been a cornerstone of our products for years with our customers queuing up for the truck’s surprisingly nimble handling, great practicality… and of course, the horsepower! The popularity of this truck presented the opportunity to create a family of VelociRaptors including the SUV, 6×6, V8, and Bronco variants going to customers across the country and around the world.”

The anew, third-generation of F-150 Raptors is already a high-performance vehicle with five-link rear suspension, 24-inch coil springs, and sport-tuned shocks to ensure performance is maximized on- and off-road. The Hennessey modifications retain all the manufacturer driving modes to enable comfortable cruising or high-power performance at the flick of a switch – enhanced engine management software is even capable of maximizing off-the line performance by sending more of the VelociRaptor’s 622 lb-ft torque to the rear wheels.

SEE ALSO: 2022 Acura NSX Type S manages to break a record! Details and VIDEO here!

VelociRaptor owners may enhance their truck even further with a full range of optional upgrades including rugged VelociRaptor front and rear bumpers with integrated LED lights, 20-inch Hennessey wheels, up to 37-inch off-road tires, suspension leveling kit, plus Hennessey and VelociRaptor badging. Customers may also opt for massive six-piston Brembo front brakes to increase stopping power. With most owners opting for the performance upgrade plus the enhanced off-road package (bumpers, wheels, and off-road tires) the total price paid is typically in the region of $110,000 (which includes the stock Ford F-150 Raptor).

September 29, 2021