Ford Warns Dealers and Customers Alike: Don’t Screw With F-150 Lightning Sales

No Softie in StylingHoneycomb All the InteriorsPlatform Shared with Civic and HR-VSmall but Mighty Base Engine ReturnsReworked Hybrid System Likely Bound for Future Accord2023 CR-V Trims—TrailSport on the Way?Safety ImprovementsNorth American Made2023 Honda CR-V Specifications BASE PRICE $30,000-$39,000 (est) LAYOUT Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINES 1.5L/190-hp/179-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4; 2.0L/143-hp/129-lb-ft (est) Atkinson-cycle DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus two electric motors, 204 hp/247 lb-ft (comb) TRANSMISSIONS Cont variable auto; 1-speed auto CURB WEIGHT 3,600-3,900 lb (est) WHEELBASE 106.3 in L x W x H 184.8 x 73.4 x 66.6 in 0-60 MPH 6.8-8.0 sec (MT est) EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 26-39/31-34/28-37 mpg (est) EPA RANGE, COMB 400-500 miles (est) ON SALE Fall (MT est) Show All

lexus lx Full OverviewThe 2022 Lexus LX600 is a giant leap forward—15 years have passed since its last major redesign—but the 27-year-old SUV nameplate is still a work in progress. The fourth generation of the luxury brand's SUV flagship expands to five trim levels, but Lexus may have stretched itself a bit thin in its bid to appeal to a wider swath of potential buyers. At least in the LX600's first model year on a new platform.A lot is asked of the 2022 Lexus LX600 that goes on sale this quarter. With Toyota's decision to not offer the 300-Series Land Cruiser in North America, the lower trims of the Lexus LX600 must pick up these loyal orphan buyers lest they stray to another automaker's brand. At the other end of the spectrum, the new LX600's Ultra Luxury trim is a four-passenger, VIP-treatment SUV. Then there is the heart of the market, where the majority will buy a mid-trim, three-row LX600, including those who want a sportier look and more off-road capability with the new F-Sport trim.Here are the five trim levels, with a price span of almost $40,000 from base to VIP treatment:The base trim is a five-passenger, two-row SUV that will account for 5 to 7 percent of 2022 Lexus LX600 sales. It starts at $88,245. The Premium, new F-Sport, and Luxury trims are seven-passenger, three-row SUVs. Starting prices are $96,345, $102,345, and $104,345, respectively. The Premium trim will account for as much as 40 percent of sales, and the three middle trims combined could be 90 percent of the mix. The new Ultra Luxury is a two-row, four-passenger SUV with reclining captain's chairs in the second row. It starts at $127,345 and will represent a small fraction of total sales. To attract a more diverse customer base and continue to meet the needs of loyal LX customers as well as those moving up from the Lexus GX, the 2022 Lexus LX600 has moved to Toyota's GA-F platform which also underpins the 2022 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck, the 2022 Land Cruiser offered elsewhere in the world, and the third-generation 2023 Toyota Sequoia SUV.Dynamic New Platform is a Big LeapDeveloped in Japan, engineers were ready to ditch the aging platform for one that would allow them to make the 2022 Lexus LX600 lighter, with a lower center of gravity and a more dynamic ride. The GA-F architecture also accommodates a new powertrain with the ability to add electric motors for a hybrid in the future. Lexus will not offer a diesel engine in North AmericaThe new LX600 has the same powertrain as found in the Toyota Land Cruiser and Tundra: a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 that generates 409 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque in the Lexus. (Toyota markets it as a 3.5-liter V-6 but actual displacement is 3,445 cubic centimeters, or 3.4 liters.) The eight-speed automatic transmission is replaced by a 10-speed. Fuel economy improves to 17/22/19 mpg in city/highway/combined driving, far better than the 12/16/14 of the outgoing model.All trims of the 2022 Lexus LX600 can tow up to 8,000 pounds, which is 1,000 more than the 2021 model, with wiring and components integrated into the platform—no bolt-ons here. For comparison, the Lexus LX600 has higher output but tows less than the Tundra.Lighter is BetterThe LX600 has dropped 441 pounds—the aluminum roof is a first for Lexus—which means a little less weight to haul around. It still feels like a large vehicle when you drive it, with heavy steering and a sense of the mass around you, but acceleration is smooth and ample in all driving conditions.There is little body roll, and the suspension soaks up most road impurities; it is only on especially rough pavement that you are reminded you are in a body-on-frame truck. Inside the cabin is the quiet, cocoon-like experience Lexus is known for.Adaptive cruise control is easy to find and use. Lane centering can be a bit abrupt in its corrections at times, but for most of our drive it kept the vehicle evenly and uneventfully centered, never coming close to the painted lines or crossing out of the lane.Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is standard on all trims and adds lane-departure with driver assist, courtesy of the upgrade to electric power steering. The safety suite is not quite as advanced as the 3.0 system on the 2022 Lexus NX which has a digital key and remote park. Higher trims of the LX have a standard head-up display, and the Ultra Luxury has a digital rearview mirror.No Mistaking That GrilleYou won't miss the 2022 Lexus LX coming or going. The grille is massive and remains the subject of debate: people tend to love it or hate it. The new F-Sport is notable for its giant black mesh front grille that's meant to provide a sportier and more menacing look. The chrome horizontal bars of the new Ultra Luxury speak to a different customer.Across the back, "Lexus" is spelled out in large letters, replacing the old logo in the center and model name at the right corner. This is a new design element that debuted on the Lexus NX.Despite its size, the 2022 Lexus LX600 is easy to get into thanks to running boards and grab handles. But it is a long reach to adjust the side mirrors or the volume on the stereo.All About the SeatingExcept for the Ultra Luxury's captain's chairs, the other trims have second-row bench seats with seatbelts for three, but the middle passenger's space is narrow. Lexus product planners are looking at adding captain's chairs to future trims, but it seems like an early miss for a luxury flagship vehicle. The seats are heated and ventilated, and with a manual lever the 60/40 split bench seats flip up and tumble forward for third-row access.Good news: the third-row seats fold into the floor, a huge improvement over the outgoing model where the seats were pushed to the sides of the cargo area, encroaching on space for gear. On the Luxury trim you can push a button to fold both the second- and third-row (50-50 split) seats flat. But the 2022 LX600 still has a live rear axle, which means those in the very back are forced to sit up high, upright, and with raised knees.Another improvement: the split-opening at the back is replaced by a traditional single-piece liftgate. It is powered and can be opened by kicking your foot under the sensor, just right of the trailer hitch.Big Infotainment NewsInside, the big news is a vastly improved, in-house-developed infotainment system. It relies on touchscreens and good old-fashioned knobs and buttons rather than the much-maligned Lexus joystick/touchpad.The new infotainment system, which debuted on the 2022 Lexus NX, was a top priority. On the LX, there are two separate center screens so that navigation can remain displayed on the top 19.3-inch screen while off-road information is shown on the same-size screen below. There are four USB outlets on the lower two trim levels and six on the top three trims.The "Hey Lexus" voice command works well and recognizes natural speech patterns. But on a dirt road in New Mexico, with no service, the Google nav system could not reroute us when we got mixed up. In more urban areas it worked flawlessly.The 2022 Lexus LX600 comes with six drive modes, one more than the 2021 model offered. They include Comfort, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+, Custom, and Eco. The Sport modes are barely perceptible as sportier; the throttle and exhaust notes are turned up, but barely.This remains a quiet vehicle to drive in all modes. The F-Sport is a bit more visceral; you feel gear shifts more succinctly and acceleration does fall off quicker when you lift your foot. The F Sport has standard Adaptive Variable Suspension electronically controlled dampers, and the electric power steering is tuned to be more responsive.Off-Road ProwessThe 2022 Lexus LX600 has a full-time four-wheel-drive system with low range. The Torsen center differential can lock to split the power 50-50 front and rear, but only the F Sport has a Torsen limited-slip rear diff.You'll find 8.9 inches of ground clearance, and the Active Height Control hydraulic suspension can increase the height by 7 inches and lower it by 2.0 inches. It is standard on the Ultra Luxury and optional on Luxury and F-Sport.The F Sport has a standard Torsen rear limited-slip diff and new rear anti-roll bar for better off-roading. The trail we clambered over in Santa Fe was moderately challenging and was a cake walk for the F Sport.Anyone who has used the Downhill Assist Control in a Lexus or Toyota knows it is loud—like, "Is there something broken or wrong with this?" loud. Not anymore. The DAC/Crawl feature is operated by a single button to control low speeds up or down a hill on the trail, and it is pretty much dead quiet. The camera that shows the trail ahead is invaluable when all you can see is hood and sky. Push a button in a tight turn to brake the inside wheel; the LX pivots better around an obstacle without the need to throw it in reverse for a multi-point turn.Ultra Luxury for a VIP ExperienceThe 2022 Lexus LX600 Ultra Luxury has a diamond-stitch-pattern leather interior, wood, chrome, a microsuede headliner, and Mark Levinson stereo.Second-row passengers will be happy, especially the right-rear passenger who can recline their seat 48 degrees with a button on the screen in the center console. The front passenger seat moves forward, the headrest lowers, and an ottoman can be employed for your feet. Push another button to restore everything for exit. There are seven massage settings to choose from, too, setting your own intensity level.The HVAC system has regular vents as well as an "air showerhead" that gently releases a soothing airflow from above; a vaporous spa treatment to aid relaxation. There are sunshades for the back seat, but they are operated manually without power assist.Amenity Upgrades to ComeThere is a wireless charger in the LX600 Ultra Luxury trim for rear-seat passengers—but not for the driver. Lexus is working on fixing this oversight, product planners told us. The driver has wireless CarPlay but can't charge wirelessly. Nor does the driver's seat come with massage. Lexus is looking at that, too, we were told.Rear passengers have headphones, but they are not Bluetooth, which means a cumbersome cord. Nor is there a remote for the lounging passenger to manage the entertainment. Again, Lexus is considering/working on it. Captain's chairs are only available on the Ultra Luxury but could become available on more trims sometime down the road. The rear door opening feels a bit small for VIP entry; a wider-opening door to the second row would also be appreciated. The issue is exacerbated by the screen on the back of the front seat which further impinges on space as you climb in.Lexus said one reason some seemingly obvious amenities are not available in the first model year is to let the new 2022 Lexus NX600 get out of the gate. Lexus officials will continue to gather feedback from LX600 customers to help guide future upgrades. We'll go out on a limb and say greater availability of captain's chairs will make the list. Additionally, giving drivers of a $130,000 vehicle a massaging seat and wireless charging, while adding power sunshades—and a remote and Bluetooth headphones for VIP passengers—are good ideas for the suggestion box.Company officials hope the 2022 Lexus LX600's additional trim levels and broader reach will double the model's sales and market share. The new LX600 is a giant leap forward, but customers expect certain amenities for this amount of money. The sooner the product planners get them approved and executed, the better.Looks good! More details?2022 Lexus LX600 PRICE $88,245-$127,345 LAYOUT Front-engine, RWD/AWD, 4-7-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE 3.4L/409-hp/479-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 24-valve V-6 TRANSMISSION 10-speed auto CURB WEIGHT 5,700-5,950 lbs (mfg) WHEELBASE 112.2 in L x W x H 200.6 X 78.4 x  74.6 in 0-60 MPH 6.9 sec (MT est) EPA FUEL ECON 17/22/19 mpg ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY 153-198 kW-hrs/100 miles CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB 1.02 lb/mile ON SALE First Quarter 2022 Show All

audi s8 Full OverviewAudi's S8 has always flown under the radar. Even the iconic D3 model, launched in 2006, hid its light under a bushel, with a discreet "V10" badge, silver side mirror caps, and quad exhausts the only clues to the 450-hp of mellifluous madness delivered by the Lamborghini Gallardo-derived 5.2-liter V-10 lurking under the hood. The refreshed 2022 S8 maintains the stealth sport sedan tradition.Sadly, the charismatic V-10 is long gone. The D4-generation S8 launched in 2012 with the Audi-developed EA824 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 that made 520 horsepower and 421 lb-ft of torque under the hood. For the current-generation S8 that arrived in 2016, that engine was in turn replaced by the Porsche-developed EA825 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, which also sees duty in the Porsche Panamera, Bentley Continental GT, and Lamborghini Urus.That engine carries over unchanged in the 2022 refresh of the S8, its 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque delivered with a baritone burble that scarcely rises above a murmur even in Dynamic mode. It may sound like a more plebeian powertrain on paper, but there's nothing wrong with what it delivers: The 2023 S8 will surge from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, a full 1.1 seconds quicker than its 550-pound-lighter Lambo-powered predecessor could manage.In simple terms, the 2022 S8 is an A8 with the lot. Standard equipment includes rear-wheel steering, a sport rear differential, and predictive active suspension. The suspension uses actuators at each wheel to counter cornering loads rather than electrically twisting a stabiliser bar across the axle, and it delivers a surprisingly supple ride with very low noise levels even though the big sedan scarcely rolls through corners or pitches under acceleration and braking.The 2022 face-lift, which also extends across the regular A8 range, is little more than a subtle nip and tuck. The most visible change is at the front, where the single-frame grille has been made even bolder and more aggressive. It's still roughly hexagonal in shape, but it's wider, and the corners on either side have been positioned closer toward the bonnet. The new grille, which makes the slightly slab-sided S8 look lower and wider, is flanked by more upright air intakes and redesigned headlights.At the rear, bazooka-caliber chrome exhaust pipes peek out from under a rear bumper that has been redesigned to incorporate a new diffuser graphic. Customizable digital OLED taillights feature a continuous light strip that runs the full width of the car.America's S8, like those in Canada, China, and South Korea, is built on the long-wheelbase A8L platform. That means a 5.1-inch stretch in the wheelbase compared with the rest of the world's S8, but the standard rear-wheel steering system endows the car with surprising agility in tight corners. High-speed stability is superb.With their engine slung out ahead of the front wheels, big Audis have always tended to push when you gas the accelerator a shove. But despite carrying 56 percent of its weight over the front axle, the S8 turns in nicely, and the sport diff ensures the rear wheels get maximum torque to the tarmac. This is a big sedan that is calm and fast, confident and comfortable, the sort of car you could happily hustle 600 miles through the Rockies in a day and step out at the end of it feeling relaxed.Four new colors have been added to the S8 exterior palette, three of them available in the U.S.: District Green, Firmament Blue, and Ultra Blue, the last of which is the signature shade for the 2022 refresh (which may end up arriving in American dealers as a 2023 model). The standard wheels are 20-inch double-five-spoke pieces, with 10-spoke 21-inchers in either silver or black available as an option. Europeans can order their S8 with a full white leather interior. American customers are offered black or black with either cognac brown or merlot red inserts.No, nobody's going to look twice at the new S8 when it arrives here in spring, priced from $118,995 (a decrease of $12,950 from the 2021 model). Especially if you order one in anything other than the punchy Ultra Blue. But that's an intrinsic element of this car's appeal.The 2022 Audi A8 story is a mix of good and bad news. The good news is the subtle refresh gives Audi's somewhat conservative flagship sedan a more arresting presence on the road, and all cars come with the sportier S-Line design tweaks being offered on the A8 for the first time, plus the customizable OLED rear lights.The bad news is the model lineup has been rationalized. The PHEV powertrain will no longer be offered, and if you want a V-8, you'll have to reach for the top shelf and order the S8. Mind you, that's not a bad option.What that means is Audi's flagship luxury sedan now comes in only one flavor for America: long wheelbase and with the 340-hp, 369-lb-ft 3.0-liter V-6 under the hood, which is known as the A8L 55 TFSI Quattro in Audi-speak. Prices start at $87,595.The $3,400 Executive package adds 20-inch wheels—19s are standard—and adaptive cruise with traffic jam assist and turn assist, among other things, while the $3,250 Comfort Plus package includes goodies such as noise-reducing dual-pane glass and massaging front seats. The $5,400 Luxury bundle brings rear-wheel steering plus interior upgrades such as power rear seats with lumbar and memory functions.New for the A8 worldwide and available on U.S.-spec cars are a pair of optional Black Optic packages, one priced at $1,750 that offers high-gloss black exterior trim items and silver and black multispoke 21-inch wheels, the other priced at $2,750 and adding black-painted 10-spoke 21-inch wheels, black Audi badges,\ and black-painted brake calipers.Looks good! More details?2022 Audi S8 Specifications PRICE $118,995 LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan ENGINE 4.0L/563-hp/590-lb-ft twin-turbo direct-injected DOHC 32-valve V-8 TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT 5,300 lb (MT est) WHEELBASE 123.1 in L x W x H 208.7 x 76.6 x 58.5 in 0-60 MPH 3.8 sec (mfr est) EPA FUEL ECON, CITY/HWY/COMB 14/23/17 mpg EPA RANGE, COMB 369 miles ON SALE Spring 2022 Show All