Toyota Gazoo Racing Makes a Racy Splash With Super-Hot Concept Car

The Russian incursion into Ukraine this week has thrown European and global markets into a frenzy, as automakers work to determine how big an impact the war, and any economic sanctions against aggressor Russia, will have on supply lines, production, and workforces who could now be in direct danger. Europe's home automakers will be hit the hardest, as supply lines from Ukraine and Russia freeze up while bombs get dropped. However, Hyundai and Kia's massive manufacturing presence in Russia now presents a huge headache for the Korean group, as well.Multiple global automakers have reportedly halted shipments of local dealer orders to Russian partners, effective February 24, the date of the Russian invasion, according to letters apparently sent from the automakers and viewed by the Russian-language business paper Vedomosti. Russian dealers for Audi and Chevrolet reportedly received notices, and Vedomosti claims VW and Skoda are prepping notices of their own. Porsche and Land Rover's Tata Group had also halted shipments starting the date of the Russian invasion. If this is all true, and it likely is, it's unclear exactly what conditions forced the shut down—but it probably isn't going to be easy getting your car through Russian customs right now.The report says Audi will inform its partners on its plans to resume shipments down the road. Any inventory from automakers that's already passed through Russian customs will still be delivered. The quick move to halt shipments to Russia on the part of most automakers is likely precautionary and temporary, and more to do with establishing new logistics options adapted to an environment now at war, and in the environment of new global sanctions against Russia. Companies obviously face public pressure to not appear too cozy with a current aggressor, so the shipment freeze is likely an indefinite delay until everybody calms down.If you're wondering if the U.S. government and its allies' sanctions against Russia will further exacerbate the ongoing semiconductor shortage, the answer is of course. While no semiconductors or raw materials used to make them will be flowing into Russia, much of the raw materials come from Ukraine, which probably won't be exporting them for a while.Hyundai + Kia In RussiaThe Korean automotive sector is hugely reliant on Ukrainian-provided rare gases like neon, krypton, xenon, and more, everything from EV battery cells to superconductors are now on an even tighter supply line, and prices will go up. And speaking of gas, the kind you use to fill up your car at the pump likely will get more expensive in the coming weeks as energy prices rise globally, especially if European nations abstain from Russian fuels in response to its attack on Ukraine.Hyundai Group, which Kia also operates through, first established itself with a factory in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 2010 and recently purchased a former General Motors facility to renovate for Hyundai Tucson, Palisade, and Kia Sportage production for export to North America and the rest of Europe this year. The automakers combined currently produce more than 230,000 cars annually in Russia.That's just what they build there—Hyundai Group sold 373,132 vehicles in the Russian market in 2021, holding the largest market share; Hyundai accounts for 10.3 percent and Kia 12.3 percent of Russia's total vehicle market share.The outbreak of war and the onslaught of economic and financial sanctions against Russia now put all of Hyundai and Kia global business in jeopardy and will severely damage the national Korean economy, as well. The Korea Times says "Korean conglomerates" sold $2.5 billion worth of cars to Russia in 2021, plus an additional $1.45 billion worth of car parts and components.Cars and their parts previously accounted for 44 percent of Korea's annual export volume to Russia, which will likely be severely hindered by American and European sanctions looking to cut trade and handicap Russia's economy.Kia takes home four prizes at the annual Russian Car of the Year awardsHyundai + Kia in UkraineHyundai also operates a local sales office in Kyiv, Ukraine, and Kia produces the Rio sedan and hatchback at the ZAZ factory in Zaporozhye, Ukraine. On January 28, 2022, the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a state of emergency in the region and established plans to evacuate Korean nationals out of Ukraine, the Korea Times reports.Hankook Tires, another Korean company, evacuated its sales office in the country. An official from Hyundai offered that the company has "been closely monitoring the situation as the Russian-Ukraine crisis is expected to bring about an economic slump and weak ruble," in a statement to the Korea Herald.The war in Ukraine could also severely impact global EV battery cell production, as the nation is the world's third-largest producer of nickel and aluminum, two highly valuable resources necessary in battery and EV components. Additionally, Ukraine produces almost 70 percent of the world's neon gas needed for components like chips, which are already suffering a shortage that has driven the average new vehicle transaction price in the U.S. to unbelievable new heights. It will likely only grow higher this year.Ukraine is also a critical global supplier of rare gases used in all sorts of high-tech equipment and components, and the war will severely hinder those supplies and likely cause prices to rise. This, too, will have a specific impact on the Korean economy, as the nation imports 30.7 percent of its krypton, 23 percent of its neon, and 17.8 percent of its xenon rare gases for component production from Ukraine, according to the Korea Herald. South Korean-based automaker SsangYong also imports raw materials like aluminum from the region.The Korean Automotive Manufacturer's Association fears up to 29 percent of its group sales could drop this year, anticipating a similar impact to when it witnessed a 62 percent drop in auto exports after the Russian incursion in Crimea in 2014, which also brought about international sanctions against Russia.New Sanctions on RussiaIn response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. Treasury Department announced it would immediately target the core infrastructure of Russian financial and some economic institutions. Sanctions target banks such as the state-backed Sberbank, VTB Bank, Otkritie, Sovcombank and Novikombank. The move is meant to ban any trading with U.S. institutions and freeze any U.S. assets held by the companies and their executives.This first wave of sanctions from the U.S. and its allies, announced on February 24, did not specifically target Russia's auto sector or any enterprises directly involved. However, some major economic enterprises related to autos were targeted, including Russia's Sovcomflot shipping company and Russian Railways, as well as much of the Russian energy sector.Russia is currently the third-largest supplier of nickel in the world and provides 40 percent of global palladium resources used for manufacturing catalytic converters, according to NBC. In return, Russia also relies on foreign supply lines for as much as 25 percent of its home automotive production, which could be heavily sequestered by new sanctions. The Russian Gaz Group has already announced that it will have to halt production as sanctions are levied against Russia.Analyst Sam Abuelsamid from Guidehouse Insights told NBC the big question regarding sanctions comes down to China: "If we put heavy sanctions on Russia, they might respond and cut us off from many of the things we need," including circuit boards and other raw materials, such as the lithium needed for electric vehicles. However, following the first wave of sanctions, this may not be a serious risk.J.D. Power and LMC Automotive analysts have downgraded projected global light vehicle production this year to 85.8 million units for 2022, a cut of 400,000 vehicles this year, Reuters says. However, the overall global volume of light vehicle sales is still expected to rise by 5 percent.Renault + Stellantis + Toyota Have Russia Trouble, TooOther major global automakers, including Renault and its affiliate brands, Stellantis and its affiliates, and Toyota, also have a significant manufacturing presence in the region. Renault has already announced that production in its Moscow, Russia, facility would have to stop from February 28 to March 5, citing "tighter border controls in transit countries and the forced need to change a number of established logistics routes," but failing to mention the Russian invasion of Ukraine outright, according to Reuters.Renault Group makes 8 percent of its core earnings in Russia, the automaker's second-largest market after its home of France. Russia's top automaker, AvtoVAZ, is partially owned by Renault, as well.Stellantis operates a car factory in Kaluga, Russia, where it also manufactures Mitsubishi models. Production of Peugeot, Citroën, and Opel cars reportedly doubled in Kaluga in 2021, and overall sales for Stellantis in Russia grew by 65 percent. There were plans earlier this year to start exporting commercial vehicles from the factory, which have now been interrupted.Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares commented on the situation on a conference call earlier this week: "If we cannot supply the plant, if that is the reality, we have either to transfer that production to other plants, or just limit ourselves," via NBC. The factory only exported about 11,000 commercial vehicles last year, a fraction of more than 2 million total light commercial vehicles the company sold.A Stellantis spokesperson told MotorTrend that the company is "monitoring the situation carefully in real time, and if necessary we will take appropriate measures in the interest of our employees and their families. We currently see no significant impact on our business operations, including our manufacturing plant."Considering the light amount of commercial exports from the Kaluga factory, it's more likely Stellantis' local Russian operation takes the bigger hit, though broader supply chain issues will still negatively impact the global Stellantis portfolio.Toyota has been building the Camry in Russia for decades and has a

Dear Jonny,I was terribly distressed to learn of your recent bout of COVID-19 and your unfortunate but necessary withdrawal from our long-anticipated rendezvous with the 2022 BMW M5 CS, the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, and the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S.Equally disappointed was your dear friend Reggie Watts, the delightful band leader of The Late Late Show with James Corden and quite the car expert. Much to our relief, our mutual friend Ed Loh was able to make time in his busy schedule to take your place as our third.Still, I recognize what a great letdown this must be for you, so you have my word I'll write often of our experience so that you may find some small comfort in your time of recuperation.Sincerely, Scott2022 BMW M5 CSDear Jonny,I hope my letter finds you well; may the following good news hasten your recovery. Today's activities reminded me of when we were last together with Ed. We had just become acquainted with the greatly anticipated M5 CS but were equally disappointed to learn BMW was unable to equip it with the proper tires. How sad we were the car couldn't perform at its best.It is with much delight that I inform you this wrong has been put right. Finally, BMW has secured a set of the coveted Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires for our evaluation, and the difference is palpable to the skilled driver. No longer does the car seem skittish and struggling to maintain its hold of the road. Its monstrous power and sharp responses now are equaled by its purchase on the asphalt, doing away with the past concern the car would simply overpower the tires' rubber at a critical moment.Curiously, these welcome subjective revelations are not supported by objectivity. Our colleagues in the testing department report the M5 CS is slightly less exceptional in all performance measurements on this gummy tire than on the Michelin tire we last experienced the car with, the one we both agreed wasn't up to the task. As highly as we regard our instrumented findings, surely you agree with Ed, Reggie, and myself that the confidence the operator has in the automobile is paramount. Ed and I, having previously flogged the car with the other tires, are of the same mind: These new tires are the driver's choice.The M5 CS is an imperfect thing in some ways. None among us had kinder words for the front seats than we did the last time we were forced to occupy them. We also remained unenchanted by the needlessly thick steering wheel. Veteran critic Ed found it "fatiguing," and our newly minted judge Reggie agreed: "If I had to do a bunch of runs with that steering wheel, man, my hands would be so tired."Less passionately, we were also disenchanted with the brake pedal response, which we all found soft under initial contact before firming up nicely. As Reggie put it to us, it's "a little light at the beginning of travel, and then it kind of bites down. Once you get used to it, it's fine, but I usually like—from beginning to end—a more firm pedal."As you may suspect, we remain unimpressed with the complexity of the interface required to tailor the car's myriad performance settings. I know you disagree, but having the Cadillac and Mercedes on hand was illustrative of how the system could be simplified without losing its range of customization. It's rare we find cause to advocate for more features to migrate to the touchscreen, but done well it effectively corrals all the buttons necessary to adjust vehicle systems in one intuitive place rather than scattering them across the vehicle's interior.Quibbles aside, we collectively found the M5 CS to be utterly enthralling on a fine mountain byway. The ferocity of its acceleration, the ceaselessness of its grip on the pavement, and the nimbleness of its responses impressed us greatly.Sincerely, Scott2022 Cadillac CT5-V BlackwingDear Jonny,I write in hopes your recovery has progressed since my last letter. I was recently reacquainted with a dear friend of ours who was with us when last we were together with Ed, the CT5-V Blackwing. These many months have been far too long, and we were thankful to have this time together again. It was as if nothing had changed, though the Cadillac did trade its lovely manual transmission for a more fashionable 10-speed automatic.We introduced the Blackwing to our mutual friend Reggie in hopes they would hit it off, but it was not to be. Much as he enjoyed the car's poise and capability, he simply could not reach an accord with the programming of the automatic transmission. In addition to the Cadillac's many adjustable performance parameters, the manufacturer has of late introduced a performance gear-shifting algorithm that attempts to identify a driver's intent and deliver the transmission's most raceworthy calibration. While Ed and I took no issue with it, the program simply did not suit Reggie's driving style, and it frustrated him to no end.The only other manner in which the Blackwing failed to endear us was in its top-end power delivery, an artifact of its pushrod-valved and supercharged engine design. In any normal circumstance, the car's power is intoxicating, but in the company of vehicles with enormous top-end power that never seems to taper off, the Blackwing never felt as powerful as the M5 CS or GT63 S despite having the greatest output of the three.This dichotomy is represented clearly in the measured testing results and undoubtedly attributable to its status as the only rear-driven car present. In choosing not to route power to the forward axle, Cadillac has foregone the performance advantages offered in favor of the vehicle's dynamic character.What a character it is! We have to say this is the best rear-drive sedan ever made. The Blackwing's ability to effectively translate such overwhelming power to just two wheels boggles the mind. The driver can be just about as aggressive with the accelerator as they like while exiting a corner, and the car is able to apply its power almost wholly to acceleration rather than lose some amount to oversteer. It is truly remarkable.Equally impressive is the CT5-V Blackwing's ability to decelerate. We were all in agreement, the stopping power and tactile feedback of the Blackwing's brakes stood head and shoulders above the others'. Even Reggie, who found the Cadillac's transmission so disagreeable, said its brakes were the best in his estimation.We were all similarly infatuated with the car's handling and composure. We deemed it the most capable of absorbing roadway imperfections without disturbing its balance and deeply confidence-inspiring in its movements and reactions. We even found its seats the most comfortable while still providing adequate adjustable lateral support.We must tip our hat to Cadillac for remaining steadfast in its commitment to the powerful rear-drive sedan, not as an anachronism but as a statement. We applaud the firm not only for standing on principle but also for putting in the elbow grease necessary to bring this concept to its fullest potential in the Blackwing.Sincerely, Scott2021 Mercedes-AMG GT63 SDear Jonny,I am optimistic this letter will see you soon reaching the end of your convalescence. I find occasion to write again after bumping into an old acquaintance, the GT63 S. It was The Before Times when last we met, and I remember thinking the AMG a skilled operator with a cold and detached personality. My memory served me well, as it has not changed its demeanor over the intervening years. Nor could it have recently, as Mercedes opted not to produce any for the 2022 model year.Ed and Reggie agree. "It's sporty, but weirdly I didn't really want to drive it fast," Reggie said. "I drove it quickly, but not fast. This car's a really refined, badass tank that has power and can definitely corner, but it feels to me more luxurious than it does sporty."Indeed, the instrumented results show it's either as capable as the BMW or nearly there in every metric. It is a truly quick car with stupendous brakes and delightful cornering prowess, but it makes no emotional connection with the driver. It's a shame, really. A car this capable ought to have no issue being enthralling.Not just dispassionate, it hides its speed, as well. Each of us recounted at least one moment of arriving at a corner far more quickly than anticipated, the lack of feedback disguising the vehicle's true velocity. Thankfully, we found the brakes excellent, though they couldn't top the feel of the Blackwing's pedal.Otherwise, the GT63 S is a fine piece of work. The interior is really quite an accomplishment, finely crafted in rich leather and sturdy stitching. True, the on-screen interface remains cumbersome and overly layered, but the new row of shortcut buttons is welcome. If only they weren't capacitive, and the same goes for the steering wheel controls.The other issue meriting a mention is the dismal rear window. The car's massive hatch is certainly accommodating to cargo, but the necessary reinforcements encroach on the glass area. This would be a minor annoyance if not for the fixed rear wing, which bisects the window, further reducing visibility.Although the GT63 S' flaws are few in number, the aloofness considerably dampened our enthusiasm for the car—especially considering its notably higher price.Sincerely, ScottA Final CorrespondenceDear Jonny,I hope this last letter sees you fully recovered. I had a wonderful conversation with Ed and Reggie regarding our comparison and thought I should share our conclusions.Between the M5 CS, CT5-V Blackwing, and GT63 S, we all shared a preference for the BMW. The power of its performance, the gracefulness of its handling, and the passion it showed us left us each in its thrall. It was a unanimous decision: The M5 CS is the greatest sport sedan in the land.Our thoughts were less in lockstep regarding the other two. Ed and I were impressed by the poise and precision of the Blackwing, especially considering its two-wheel-drive chassis. Reggie, however, was still so frustrated by the transmission he ranked the Cadillac third.We were similarly divided by the GT63 S. Here, Reggie found its style and demeanor appealing enough, but Ed and I remained unmoved. We struggled to find connection with the car despite our best efforts.Sincerely, Scott3rd Place: 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT63SProsCrazy quickIncredible InteriorLeast ostentatious ConsNo personalitySquishy brake pedalObnoxious touch-sensitive buttonsVerdict: Crazy capable but still unable to connect with the driver on an emotional level. 2nd Place: 2022 Cadillac CT5-V BlackwingProsPuts the power downExcellent brakesMost comfortable seats ConsSlowest despite being the most powerfulPerformance shift algorithm is wonkyDoesn't feel as fast as it isVerdict: The best rear-drive performance sedan ever made. 1st Place: 2022 BMW M5 CSProsWickedly fastEndless gripShockingly nimble ConsUncomfortable seatsToo many buttons for performance setupChunky steering wheelVerdict: At BMW, "CS" now means what just "M" used to—the M5 CS is the performance division at its greatest.  2022 BMW M5 CS Specifications 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Specifications 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S 4Matic+ Specifications DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD Front-engine, RWD Front-engine, AWD ENGINE TYPE Twin-turbo direct-injected DOHC 32-valve 90-degree V-8, alum block/heads Supercharged direct-injected OHV 16-valve 90-degree V-8, alum block/heads Twin-turbo direct-injected DOHC 32-valve 90-degree V-8, alum block/heads DISPLACEMENT 4,395 cc/268.2 cu in 6,162 cc/376 cu in 3,982 cc/243 cu in COMPRESSION RATIO 10.0:1 10.0:1 8.6:1 POWER (SAE NET) 627 hp @ 6,000 rpm 668 hp @ 6,500 rpm 630 hp @ 5,500 rpm TORQUE (SAE NET) 553 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm 659 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm 664 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm REDLINE 7,000 rpm 6,500 rpm 7,000 rpm WEIGHT TO POWER 6.5 lb/hp 6.4 lb/hp 7.4 lb/hp TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic 10-speed automatic 9-speed automatic AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIO 3.15:1/2.02:1 2.85:1/1.82:1 3.27:1/1.99:1 SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR Struts, coil springs, adj shocks, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, adj shocks, anti-roll bar Struts, coil springs, adj shocks, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, adj shocks, anti-roll bar Multilink, air springs, adj shocks, anti-roll bar; multilink, air springs, adj shocks, anti-roll bar STEERING RATIO 14.3:1 11.6-15.5:1 14.4:1 TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK 2.3 2.2 1.6 BRAKES, F; R 15.8-in vented, drilled, carbon-ceramic disc; 15.0-in vented, drilled, carbon-ceramic disc 15.7-in vented cast-iron disc; 14.7-in vented cast-iron disc 15.8-in vented, drilled, 2-pc carbon-ceramic disc; 14.2-in vented, drilled, 2-pc carbon-ceramic disc, ABS WHEELS, F;R 9.5 x 20-in; 10.5 x 20-in forged aluminum 10.0 x 19-in; 11.0 x 19-in forged aluminum 10.0 x 21-in; 11.5 x 21-in, forged aluminum TIRES, F;R 275/35R20 102Y; 285/35R20 104Y Pirelli P Zero Corsa (star) 275/35R19 100Y; 305/30R19 102Y Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 275/35R21 103Y; 315/30R21 105Y Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 M01 DIMENSIONS WHEELBASE 117.4 in 116.0 in 116.2 in TRACK, F/R 64.0/62.8 in 63.3/62.3 in 65.7/65.2 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 196.4 x 74.9 x 57.8 in 194.9 x 74.1 x 56.5 in 199.2 x 76.9 x 57.0 in TURNING CIRCLE 41.4 ft 42.6 ft 41.3 ft CURB WEIGHT (DIST F/R) 4,104 lb (56/44%) 4,253 lb (54/46%) 4,637 lb (54/46%) SEATING CAPACITY 4 5 4 HEADROOM, F/R 40.7/38.5 in 39.0/36.3 in 40.8/38.2 in LEGROOM, F/R 41.4/36.5 in 42.4/37.0 in NA/28.6 in in SHOULDER ROOM, F/R 58.7/55.9 in 56.7/55.7 in 57.7/57.2 in CARGO VOLUME 14.0 cu ft 11.9 cu ft 13.0 cu ft ACCELERATION TO MPH 0-30 1.1 sec 1.6 sec 1.0 sec 0-40 1.6 2.2 1.5 0-50 2.2 2.9 2.1 0-60 2.9 3.7 2.9 0-70 3.7 4.5 3.7 0-80 4.5 5.4 4.7 0-90 5.5 6.5 5.8 0-100 6.7 7.6 7.1 0-100-0 10.5 11.6 11.0 PASSING, 45-65 MPH 1.4 1.5 1.5 QUARTER MILE 10.9 sec @ 127.9 mph 11.6 sec @ 124.9 mph 11.1 sec @ 124.6 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 101 ft 100 ft 103 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 1.07 g (avg) 1.01 g (avg) 1.05 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 23.3 sec @ 0.88 g (avg) 23.8 sec @ 0.85 g (avg) 23.3 sec @ 0.88 g (avg) TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH 1,500 rpm 1,600 rpm 1,400 rpm CONSUMER INFO BASE PRICE $143,995 $90,390 $163,950 PRICE AS TESTED $148,995 $110,635 $199,910 AIRBAGS 8: Dual front, front side, f/r curtain, front knee 8: Dual front, front side, f/r curtain, front knee 7: Dual front, front side, f/r curtain, driver knee BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles 4 yrs/50,000 miles 4 yrs/50,000 miles POWERTRAIN WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles 6 yrs/70,000 miles 4 yrs/50,000 miles ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE 4 yrs/Unlimited miles 6 yrs/70,000 miles 4 yrs/50,000 miles FUEL CAPACITY 20.1 gal 17.4 gal 17.4 gal EPA CITY/HWY/COMB ECON 15/21/17 mpg 13/22/16 mpg 16/21/18 mpg EPA RANGE, COMB 342 miles 272 miles 380 miles RECOMMENDED FUEL Unleaded premium Unleaded premium Unleaded premium ON SALE Now Now Sold out Show All

It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that there's apparently a lot more planned for the current Dodge Challenger, even as the model appears set to go away in 2024. Considering just how long the car has managed to stick around and remain relevant, most notably with the bonkers Demon model good for 840 horsepower and requiring high octane racing fuel, you'd expect Dodge to send it out with an appropriately gas-guzzling bang before things go electric. Now, MoparInsiders reports the automaker is working on a new Demon-beating model that will be able to run on E85, without the need for more special fuel.For what it's worth, Dodge has already packaged its 6.2-liter Hemi motor in non-Demon configurations, namely the SRT Super Stock we recently tested at the drag strip, but those were slightly limited in power and performance. The report from sources via MoparInsiders suggests a new model will feature a similar powertrain that runs on E85 fuel, but with the performance to beat a Demon, which would set it atop the performance hierarchy and push the Challenger platform even further.Sources indicate we can expect another limited production model with more than 850 horsepower on tap. The car will reportedly debut as part of Dodge's "Never Lift" campaign relatively soon, as part of a plan to introduce new models and products every four months over the next two years, leading up to the debut of Dodge's electric muscle car sometime in 2024. The report seems to indicate it could be limited to just the Challenger coupe, but the four-door Charger could see an upgrade as well.Any new high performance limited edition model from Dodge would likely be the last hurrah, for real this time, for the Hemi engine, as the brand's parent company Stellantis plants to introduce more fuel-efficient, emissions-limiting powertrains for the expected next generation of internal combustion Challenger and Charger models. Eventually everything will go fully electric, but not for a few more years, and we pretty much expect Dodge to be one of the last holdouts of the EV transition if they have their way.