2,000-HP Drako Dragon: Least-Hinged Electric SUV Ever?

ford f-150-lightning Full OverviewProsEffortless accelerationImpressive handlingAuthoritative one-pedal driving ConsBumps and potholes shake the cabinCharging times are unpredictableLong-distance towing is impractical Lightning-Quick ReflexesBig-Truck VibesYour Range May VaryModernizing the Pickup TruckThe EV Has ArrivedLooks good! More details?2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum Specifications Show All

The Ford Mustang is the last car the brand has left standing in North America—and it's a coupe—but elsewhere, traditional four-door, three-box designs still hold some sway. Take the Chinese market, where a few of Ford sedans are currently on the menu: the Focus (which mainly looks like a ROW Focus) and the Escort (based on the second-generation Ford Focus). The new Mondeo, though, is another thing entirely—a refinement of some of Ford's greatest hits. 2022 Ford Mondeo DesignFord revealed this car back in January, but it didn't strike us then just how bold this vehicle is until reports started coming in about it starting to reach dealerships in China. After a second glance, it's worth showing to our readers, if only to appreciate what could have been. In another timeline, had the Fusion (our version of the once-global Mondeo) hung on another generation, we're sure it would have carried this design language. It's like a greatest hits collection of all the best styling ideas of the last few generations of Fords, but honed to a very fine point.Mondeo Meets MuscleThe headlights and grille look more Taurus than Fusion, but more handsome and aggressive than either, using the high-mounted running lights and separated, prominent driving lights below to give it a very contemporary fascia. We're not sure that anyone at Ford Design in China had a rival Camaro up on their idea board, but the blending of the running lights into the grille, and the separate lower elements in black separated by a body-colored strip almost seem like a successful riff on the widely panned Camaro front end. More grille up top and less below the strip does wonders to the balance of the front end. It's in profile, and from the rear, that the Chinese-market Mondeo really comes into its own. There's lots of contour, contrast, and character to the flanks of the Mondeo, particularly the very rear-drive-influenced character line high on the rear quarters. The contrasting roof makes the Mondeo look even sleeker than it actually is. And the shapely rear end, with a strong Mustang influence that marries quadrangular elements with a classic fastback lip spoiler shape to the trunklid, is superb. Without the twin integrated exhaust pipes flanking a faux rear diffuser, this could sell as a very successful Ford EV concept.Mustang Mixed InThe taillamps are particularly noteworthy, with a hint of the trendy pixelated style, similar to what we see on the Hyundai Ioniq 5, but used sparingly enough to add visual interest rather than take over the rear end as an overarching theme. The small, tasteful, and very three-dimensional vertical strakes on the taillamps also are a nod in the direction of the Mustang.Inside, a massive panel of screens floats over a restrained dash, with plenty of character—particularly in the shapely and visually interesting steering wheel. While the dash overall has significant height—we'd need to sit in one to really evaluate how the cabin feels—it looks suitably futuristic.Will the Chinese Mondeo's massive screen, muscular design language, or three-box shape cross the Pacific anytime soon? The first two are possibilities, the third seems highly unlikely. It would seem Ford doesn't yet consider any of its sedans as "Icons." In the meantime, consider the Mondeo a taste of what might have been.

Tokyo Auto Salon returned after a one-year, Covid-induced hiatus that saw the cancellation of 2021's expected event. And along with the various tuning firms, parts distributors, and always interesting mom and pop shop-created display vehicles, some of the OEMs take part and show off some of their more enthusiast-focused projects.One of those automakers is Toyota, which regularly attends TAS and always brings something worth a closer look. For 2022, the Toyota Gazoo Racing group went all-in for the annual auto salon with a line of can't miss display cars, throwback parts, and some high-level motorsport competitors.Toyota GR GT3 ConceptThe world premiere of the group's GR GT3 Concept is much more than an exercise in design language and a pop of performance. The idea was to take all the technology, knowledge, and experience that Toyota Gazoo Racing has earned in various forms of motorsport and put them into a single race car. Most expected a modified MkV Supra, but what they got was something entirely different.With Batmobile like proportions, the front fascia isn't like any other Toyota product, using slender lighting that sits within a small gap along the upper portion of the front bumper. The pronounced splitter, accompanied by dual canards on each end, stretches the car out a little further. Out back, a massive carbon fiber wing sits over the rear with a sculpted vents under each side of the full-width taillight. Further down you'll spot diffuser with sharp blades and, in between, the GT3 Concept badging and GR logo.The slippery coupe sports vented front fenders that add considerable width, the rear portions connected to bulky side skirts that carry into the rear quarters. Exhaust exits are integrated into the front portions of the side skirts and the sharp cuts of the aerodynamic side mirrors are an elegant touch. Rolling stock is based on center-lock wheels wrapped in Bridgestone race meats and the suspension places the car's aero just a few inches off the ground. TGR states that they'll be implementing feedback and technologies refined in motorsports competition to develop their GT3 program as well as mass-produced vehicles.GR Yaris: Bite-Sized DynamoThe fan favorite GR Yaris is on display but it's the GRMN model that everyone is talking about. Limited to just 500 units, the three-door hatchback goes on a diet, including ditching its rear seats, and the body gets increased rigidity with additional spot welds and longer structural adhesive. The car's width is increased, and its ride height reduced, both by 10mm. Upon the rear hatch is a unique carbon fiber wing that sits well above the roofline with pedestals that mount to a carbon fiber base. Oh, did we mention the entire roof is also carbon fiber to drop some weight? It is.The transmission gets closer gearing with a low final drive and a mechanical LSD will be added to the mix, while grip and cornering were also improved upon based on feedback from professional drivers who helped TGR further refine the already potent GR Yaris. Toyota says they'll be offering an Update and Personalization Program to help end-users make changes to their cars as they increase their seat time. The Update Program promises additional parts and software updates will be offered along with engine upgrades, while the Personalization Program is based on the owner's driving habits, offering steering control and shock updates, additional aero, and more.Within that group of limited-edition Yaris, 50 models will include the Circuit Package which TGR says will focus on road performance based on feedback from Super Taikyu - Asia's top endurance race series. Available only in a Matte Steel color, the package includes that interesting rear spoiler, specific side skirts and front lip, Bilstein shocks, huge 18-inch brakes under BBS GRMN wheels. An airbag-equipped, fixed-back Recaro bucket seat with motorsport-grade side mounts is available as well. The Circuit Package, along with the standard GRMN Yaris Package will be made available through GR Garages in Japan this summer using TGR's lottery system.Old Is GoldFor those that are enamored with iconic Toyota models of yesteryear, the announcement of remanufacturing OEM-spec Toyota parts for fan favorites like the MkIII and IV Supra, 2000GT, and Corolla AE86 have been celebrated by enthusiasts attempting to restore or give these older vehicles a second life. TGR announced 56 items for the group's six chosen vehicles will be added to the already 33-piece line up as production begin to ramp up. The vehicle list includes those mentioned above, along with the Land Cruiser 40 and 2000GT.