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2023 Audi E-Tron Sportback spy shots: Mid-cycle update to bring new designing, technology

Audi remains in the procedure of creating a mid-cycle upgrade for its E-Tron as well as E-Tron Sportback electric SUVs, and also a model has simply been detected.

The prototype is for the upgraded E-Tron Sportback, but a lot of the adjustments seen here will certainly likewise end up on the updated E-Tron, which is additionally out screening.

The E-Tron arrived in 2018 as a 2019 model, with the coupe-like E-Tron Sportback getting here one year after the normal SUV. In Audi tradition, we must see the upgraded versions arrive in late 2022 or early 2023, likely as 2023 versions.

2023 Audi E-Tron Sportback facelift spy shots - Photo credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

2023 Audi E-Tron Sportback renovation spy shots-Photo credit rating: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien The prototype points to substantial styling fine-tunes coming, including a new headlight and also grille treatment comparable to what we see on the brand-new 2022 Q4 E-Tron. The front and rear fascias also show up to include a much more streamlined look, and also it’s feasible the interior graphic of the taillights will sport a new design. There isn’t a shot of the interior however our photographer claims the prototype was fitted with a brand-new infotainment screen. Don’t be amazed if the different screens for the instrument cluster as well as infomercial in the existing E-Tron are merged into a single wide display for the updated design.

We must additionally see some significant mechanical mods to help maintain the E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback affordable against a few of the newer competitors.

2023 Audi E-Tron Sportback facelift spy shots-Photo credit report: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien It’s rumored the vehicles will obtain new batteries, extra effective electric motors, as well as brand-new digital control software application to aid enhance range. The E-Tron got here with simply 204 miles of variety as measured by the EPA. Effectiveness updates added for 2021 saw the range boosted to 222 miles. The mid-cycle update is anticipated to increase the array better to 300 miles. The E-Tron Sportback currently has an EPA-rated variety of 218 miles. It needs to likewise obtain something closer to 300 miles with this upgrade.

Audi was relatively early among recognized car manufacturers to release a reputable Tesla opponent when it initially presented the E-Tron. To speed up the pregnancy, Audi customized a platform initially created for internal-combustion automobiles, specifically the high-riding variation of Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform shared with the Audi Q7 and Q8 as well as multiple various other VW Group designs.

The upcoming updates ought to keep the E-Tron fresh until it is revamped around the middle of the years on a specialized electric-vehicle system, whereupon it will be rebranded a Q8 E-Tron (although there are rumors the name modification might occur with this update). Other Audi EVs due in the coming years consist of a Q6 E-Tron, A6 E-Tron, and a manufacturing version of the Grandsphere concept that may just replace the A8. As well as past 2026, Audi will just present EVs.

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Florida Could Suspend Carvana’s Dealer License For Not Submitting Title Applications

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Florida could suspend Carvana’s dealer license after it has failed to transfer the titles of some vehicles sold.

Carvana was reportedly notified of the issues in an email sent by Florida authorities last week. This email is said to have included a spreadsheet that showed 300 Carvana vehicle sales dating back to 2019 that had not had their titles transferred. More than 100 of these vehicle sales occurred in Florida.

State law in Florida requires retailers to apply for a title within 30 days of completing a sale. Speaking with Auto News, a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said Carvana has until January 31 to submit title applications for all the vehicles it sold in 2021 before December 1.

“The department has been proactively working with Carvana to identify and assist Florida customers who have not received their title in a timely manner, and in accordance with state law,” the spokesperson added. “Florida law allows for the suspension of the dealer’s license if they fail to apply for a transfer of title in a timely manner.”

This isn’t the first time Carvana has been scrutinized for not delivering titles in time. Earlier this year it settled with Florida regulators and agreed to pay $500 each to 12 customers who had to wait three to eight months to receive titles on vehicles they purchased. In August, Carvana had its dealer license suspended for 180 days in Wake County, North Carolina for not producing titles fast enough, among other issues.

Carvana sold 244,111 vehicles in the U.S. last year, making it the country’s second-largest retailer of used vehicles. A spokeswoman from the company says Carvana has applied for around 23,500 titles in Florida over the past 12 months.

BMW M Rumored To Be Readying Special M4 For 50th Ann. With Manual Gearbox

Next year is gearing up to be a special one for BMW’s M division. BMW M GmbH will mark its 50th anniversary in May, 2022, and new rumors suggest that there’s a special, limited production M4 on the horizon.

The lead comes from an alleged BMW insider on g80.bimmerpost. The user, who apparently has a good track record for new car info, suggests that the unnamed M4 special will be “configured like the CSL, but with a manual transmission.”

The forum member goes on to say that several options will be deleted, including comfort access, parking sensors, and electric seats. The absence of such would result in an M4 that’s even lighter than the already lightweight CSL, provided this special model is based on the upcoming CSL in the first place.

Although the production M4 CSL hasn’t yet been revealed to the public, our spies have spotted prototypes undergoing testing. These cars feature revised air intakes and grilles, as well as lightweight wheels, a more prominent lip spoiler, and a new diffuser.

Read: BMW Teases Next-Generation M4 GT4 Customer Race Car

A BMW M4 CSL prototype caught testing at the Nurburgring

As yet, powertrain details for the CSL have not been confirmed, although there have been reports that BMW may not offer a manual transmission. If that were the case, a limited, manual-equipped take on the CSL could prove to be the holy grail of BMW’s M4 line-up. The source also remarks that the new variant will be only produced for a few months, starting in November 2022, implying that production numbers will be kept low.

We already know that BMW M GmbH has big plans on the horizon for the upcoming year. Their 750hp plug-in hybrid SUV, the XM, is set to be in production before the end of 2022, and from January, customers will be able to order their cars with a roundel that harks back to the Motorsport division’s classic logo. If that weren’t enough, the new BMW M3 Touring would finally fulfill our M wagon dreams, and a series of 50 new M paint finishes will be made available. A special, ultra-limited edition of the M4 could just be the icing on the cake.

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Subaru teases an electrified concept for Tokyo Auto Salon

Subaru is showing some fun stuff at Tokyo Auto Salon this year. The big news will be the concept it’s teasing, shown above, which will apparently be electrified. It also will be showing some of its sporty models with new STI accessories, including the recently launched WRX.

The concept that Subaru has teased looks quite interesting, even if we can’t see it clearly. The nose looks low, with a low and wide grille a bit like a BRZ, but clearly it’s something unique and original. It has angular, angry headlights like on the WRX. We can make out some air extracting vents in the hood, too. Subaru also provided a name: the STI E-RA concept. The E is definitely a nod to the electrification. The RA is a letter designation seen on past Subarus, and most recently the letters stood for “record attempt” on special edition WRX STIs. So whatever it is, it’s serious and probably quite fast.

The only car shown so far with STI parts is the WRX, and fortunately it’s shown clearly. The standout parts are the body additions. All around the lower section are lip spoilers and side skirts, and they’re in STI’s signature “cherry red,” which we would definitely call pink. If they weren’t bright pink, they’d actually be quite subtle additions. They’re matched by equally pink mirror caps. They work pretty well with the gray paint, but we suspect the pink would clash a bit with some colors, such as orange. At the back is a huge carbon fiber wing. Subaru says there’s a more aggressive-sounding muffler, too, though obviously pictures don’t do much for us on that subject. Availability isn’t mentioned, but we bet these parts will be offered in Japan, and some may even make the journey to the States. Even if they don’t come officially, we bet there will be some people willing to export them to intrepid buyers.

As for the BRZ and Levorg models, they should be similar to the WRX shown above. They’ll probably be showcases for upcoming STI accessories that will go on sale in the near future. So stay tuned for info on those and the E-RA concept in January.

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2022 Toyota Supra Gets A $300 Bump In Price And A New $63k Carbon Fiber Edition

Toyota has announced pricing for the 2022 Supra range and the cost of buying the car has risen, as has the cost of shipping the car to you.

For 2022, the entry-level 2.0-liter Supra rings in at $43,290, $300 more from its base price in 2021, which was $42,990. That’s not the extent of it, though. For 2022, Toyota has also upped its “Delivery Processing & Handling fee” from $995 to $1,025. So customers who waited until this year to buy a cheap Supra will actually be paying $330 more than they would have last year.

Prices for the 3.0-liter Supra have risen even more. Starting at $51,640 ($52,665 w/ destination) in 2022, that’s $650 more than customers were paying in 2021, which was already $1,000 more than they were paying in 2020.

The GR Supra 3.0 Premium also gets a bit of a price bump for 2022, with an MSRP of $54,790 ($55,815 w/ destination), or $300 more than it cost last year. It gets a red leather-trimmed interior option and models equipped with the Premium Audio package get full-screen Apple Car Play.

Finally, the A91-Carbon Fiber Edition is new to the lineup and prices start at a whopping $63,280 ($64,305 w/ destination). The model is limited to just 600 examples, though, and is the most exclusive Mark V Supra to date. It features handmade carbon fiber accents, including a duckbill spoiler, a front splitter, and rockers. It also gets unique 19-inch wheels and can be finished in matte-gray Phantom, Absolute Zero White, or Nitro Yellow.

Like the other 3.0-liter Supras, it makes 382 hp (387 PS/285 kW) and can get to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.9 seconds. The 2.0-liter model, meanwhile, develops 255 hp (259 PS/190 kW) and can reach highway speeds in just five seconds. Both make more power than they did in 2020 thanks to upgrades introduced last year.

As a nice added touch, every 2022 GR Supra comes with a complimentary one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA), which gives them access to perks like discounted admission to NASA events and a free high-performance driving event.

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The Chevy Volt is the best used car bargain in America

Way back in 2010, it seemed like the Chevy Volt was about to take America by storm. The premise was solid: A few hours plugged in overnight would leave the Volt driver with around 35 or 40 miles (depending on how it was driven, GM said it’d to 25 to 50 miles) of electric driving each day; plenty for the average commute. Once the battery was depleted, an efficient gasoline engine would kick in to keep everything running smoothly. No range anxiety, no muss, no fuss.

And it worked exactly as advertised, too. I tested a new Volt myself shortly after its debut, and in a week’s worth of driving that included running around my neighborhood and several hour-long runs on the highways to cross the Phoenix area, I averaged better than 100 miles per gallon of gas. Even including the electricity I pumped into the battery pack, the Volt was easily the most efficient highway-capable method of transportation I’d ever experienced up to that time, and it was actually pretty fun to drive.

A second-generation Volt debuted in 2016 with many improvements, including more electric range and greater efficiency. We lamented its retreat from the market back in 2019 when General Motors decided to pull the plug, literally and figuratively, on the Volt experiment. A few years have passed since the Volt’s death (and the ensuing Bolt EV hatchback’s arrival), and fully electric vehicles are making more and more sense for more and more Americans, at least those who have access to a charger at home or enough plugs near them.

But the Volt still makes a whole heck of a lot of sense as a used purchase, with prices hovering at around $10,000 on the low end and still well under $30,000 for a low-mileage model from the final year of production. Those figures represent current realities at today’s inflated rates, and they are expected to drop in due time along with other used vehicles. But even for current sums, the Volt is an extremely attractive option.

The closest competitor that offers a similar ownership experience to the Volt would be the Toyota Prius Prime. Between those two, the Chevy is better to drive, more efficient for most drivers and, though looks are of course subjective, in my opinion way more attractive regardless of which Volt generation you compare it to. It’s also cheaper. Blue Book value for a well-equipped 2017 Chevy Volt in very good condition with 50,000 miles currently stands at $18,658. A Prius Prime with similar options from the same year (its first on the market) is $25,044.

Of course, the Volt has been on the market quite a bit longer than the Prius Prime. It’s not hard to find an older Volt with around 100,000 miles for less than $10,000 or one with significantly fewer miles for just $1,000 or so more. That strikes me as an amazing bargain for a solid vehicle. And while I fully expect the Prius Prime to be reliable, the same is true of the Volt, which has solid reliability and satisfaction scores across the board from agencies that publish ratings.

It’s also worth mentioning that a drivetrain very similar to the Volt’s was used in the Cadillac ELR, a slinky two-door coupe packed with all the luxuries you’d expect from a vehicle wearing the Wreath and Crest. Those don’t sell at prices as low as the Volt, with a 2014 model’s book value hovering around $23,000 right now. The upgraded 2016 edition is quite a bit pricier. Either way, the ELR could be a potential collectible — it was massively overpriced when new, meaning few were sold, and oddities sometimes gain traction after a couple of decades have passed.

If you’re in the market for an extremely efficient vehicle that isn’t fully beholden to available charging plugs and are looking for a deal, the Chevy Volt deserves a close look.

Looking for more cheap car deals? Here are our picks for the best used cars under $10,000, and the best used SUVs and crossovers for under $10,000, and our cars for sale hub.

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‘Wheel of Fortune’ contestant lost new Audi, gets one in the end

If the joy of giving is what Christmas is about, Audi of America must be feeling the holiday spirit. It gave a woman who participated in the “Wheel of Fortune” television show a free Q3 after she lost the car by not guessing the right words displayed on the screen quickly enough.

Charlene Rubush had to solve a Bonus Round puzzle titled “What are you doing?” to win the Q3. With 10 seconds and five blank spaces left, she first guessed “choosing the right card” before saying “choosing the right… word.” Her second guess was correct, and she finished her sentence right before the buzzer, but her answer wasn’t accepted. “You said all of the right words, including the word ‘word,’ but as you know it’s got to be more or less continuous,” said Pat Sajak, the show’s host. “We can’t give you the prize.”

You’re a winner in our eyes, Charlene. Now, let’s get you a prize. Time to #GiveHerTheQ3. https://t.co/x0e3j1CqY9

— Audi USA (@Audi) December 22, 2021

The prize was a good one: an Audi Q3. The show’s decision was criticized on social media, notably by former “Jeopardy!” winner Alex Jacob.

Posts crying foul didn’t change the “Wheel of Fortune” producers’ minds, but Audi caught wind of the situation and decided to make it right. “You’re a winner in our eyes, Charlene. Now, let’s get you a prize. Time to #GiveHerTheQ3,” the German company wrote on its Twitter page. Audi later wrote that it tracked down Rubush with the help of the Audi community, so we expect to hear more when the Q3 has been delivered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2022 Toyota Avalon Pricing

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

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

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New Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 Priced From £155k In The UK, Nearly £16k More Than 751HP Taycan Turbo S

Two months ago, Mercedes unveiled the AMG EQS 53 at the Munich Motor Show as the first electric vehicle to wear the AMG badge. Now, the German automaker has released pricing for it, and it’s about what you’d expect for a range-topping high-performance EV sedan.

The EQS 53 will start at £154,995 (equal to around $208,000 at current exchange rates) in the UK, or 55% more than the base EQS 450’s starting price of £99,995. It’s also more expensive than the current flagship Porsche Taycan Turbo S that’s rated for 761PS / 751HP and kicks off from £139,280 (about $186,900).

For that money, you get a dual-motor AWD drivetrain producing 649 hp (658 PS / 484 kW) and 701 lb-ft (950 Nm) of instant electric torque. Upgrade to the AMG Performance Package with the Night Edition that pushes the starting price to £163,900 (around $220,000) though, and that same drivetrain produces 751 hp (761 PS / 560 kW) and 752 lb-ft (1020 Nm) of torque.

The former enables a 3.8-second sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) with a top speed of 137 mph (220 km/h), while the latter allows for 3.4 seconds to 62 mph with a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h). The range is the same for both, with a WLTP-estimated 358 miles (576 km) on tap from the car’s 107.8 kWh battery.

Standard features on all variants include the 56-inch Hyperscreen, an AR heads-up display, Nappa leather upholstery, a Burmester® surround sound system, a Parking package with Active Parking Assist, and 360° camera, Driving Assistance Package Plus, AMG sound programs, AMG-specific bodywork, and an AMG steering wheel.

Included with the Night Edition are 21-inch AMG alloy wheels, a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel, and sport pedals. Upgrading to the £8,995 AMG Performance Package (which is only available with the Night Edition) gets you carbon-ceramic brakes, AMG Dynamic Plus boost for Race Start, the AMG Sound Experience, the AMG Driver’s Package with increased top speed, AMG TRACK PACE, and AMG carbon-fiber interior trim.

Finally, serving as a counterpart to the bold Night Edition is the more subtle Touring specification, which comes with 22-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels and elegant ambient lighting in the cabin. On top of that, you can opt for the £2,995 Rear Luxury Lounge package (only available with the Touring), which outfits the multi-contour rear seats with black Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery, power reclining, luxury headrests, neck and shoulder heating, comfort armrests, separate climate controls, an MBUX tablet, wireless charging, and additional USB ports.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is currently on sale now, with the first UK deliveries expected to arrive in April 2022.

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Lotus builds the final Elise, Exige and Evora

Lotus has closed one of the most important chapters of its history: It has ended production of the Elise after a 25-year run. It also built the final example of the Exige, which was closely related to the Elise, and of the Evora, which was bigger and more comfort-oriented.

We knew that this day was right around the corner, Lotus announced Final Edition variants of the Elise and the Exige in February 2021, and the British company confirmed that it’s keeping the very last examples of the three models for itself. Shown above, the last Elise is a Sport 240 Final Edition model in yellow. The last Exige is a Cup 430 Final Edition finished in British Racing Green, while the last Evora is a GT430 Sport model that wears Dark Metallic Gray paint. All three cars will join the carmaker’s growing collection of heritage models.

Lotus built 51,738 examples of the Elise, the Exige, and the Evora combined over the past quarter of a century. While that doesn’t sound like much, not when Ford sold over 787,000 units of the F-Series in pandemic-ridden 2020, that figure represents nearly half of the cars Lotus has built since its inception. It’s worth noting that this number doesn’t include the Elise derivatives made for third-party companies; the original Tesla Roadster was built on an Elise-sourced chassis, and the Opel Speedster was developed and manufactured by Lotus.

It sounds like the three nameplates have been consigned to the pantheon of automotive history — at least for now. Lotus isn’t standing still, however. Funded by Volvo parent company Geely, it unveiled the Emira, a coupe powered by a mid-mounted engine, earlier in 2021, and it’s planning to launch its first crossover in spring 2022. The soft-roader will be the first in a series of mass-produced electric models from the company. Looking much further ahead, Lotus will also release a sedan and an electric sports car developed jointly with Alpine.

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