Lexusº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s big and bold utility vehicle is new for 2022

Toyota is expanding its mission to move away from V-8 powertrains, starting with the full-size Tundra pickup and the equally large Lexus LX600. It uses the same body-on-frame construction as the Tundra, which is also new (and considerably lighter and more rigid) for 2022.

The LX600º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s body varies only slightly in size and styling from the previous LX570, but the new vehicle does offer fancier trim inside and out. The replacement twin-turbocharged V-6 makes 409 horsepower and 441 pound-feet of torque, which bests the outgoing V-8 by 26 horses and 38 pound-feet.

A 10-speed automatic transmission also supplants the previous eight-speed unit. Given Toyotaº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s penchant for hybrid power systems, itº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s probable that one will be optional for the LX600 at a future date.

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Vinfast of Vietnam says itº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s coming to North America

The automaker is technically not a startup operation, having been in business in Asia since 2017. Vinfast has revealed two electric models: The compact VF e35; and the midsize VF e36 utility-style vehicles. Sales of both are slated to begin in the United States and Canada by late 2022.

The 201-horsepower all-wheel-drive VF e35 is roughly the size of the BMW X3 and offers a 300-mile (480-kilometre) maximum range. The larger (about the size of a Ford Explorer) Vinfast e36 º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù” also AWD º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù” is rated at 402 horsepower and is claimed to have a similar range. A full array of dynamic-safety technologies will be among a lengthy list of standard items for both models.

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Ford welcomes you to the (Bronco) Everglades

The automaker is adding a special Everglade edition to the list of available trim levels for the Ford Bronco off-roader. Itº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s expected to come with factory-installed items such as a winch with 100 feet (30 metres) of line and a 10,000-pound (4,500-kilogram) rating.

Also part of the Everglades package is a snorkel that will allow drivers to ford water thatº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s deeper than the currently allowable 33.5 inches (85 centimetres).

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Fewer ponies for the Ford Mustang

A story from the Ford Authority website claims that the 2022 Mustang GTº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s 5.0-litre V-8 will be rated at 450 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, down from the 2021 V-8º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s 460 horsepower/420 pound-feet. Similarly, the Mustang Mach 1º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s 5.0 engine is reduced to 470 horses and 410 pound-feet from the current 480/420 numbers. Apparently changes to emissions requirements are the cause for the reductions. Remaining as is for 2022 is the Mustang Shelby GT500º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s supercharged 5.2-litre V-8 that puts out 760 horsepower and 625 pound-feet.

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Mercedes-Benz changes EV course

Originally, the automaker intended to launch the compact EQC hatchback as its first electric model for North America. A change of plans now sees that Merc offered to European clientele only. The revised schedule makes two other EVs available here: The full-size EQS sedan; and the midsize EQE utility vehicle. Both are expected by mid- to late-2022 as 2023 models.

The EQS will be offered in ultra-luxury Maybach and performance-oriented (751-horsepower) EQS53 AMG varieties. The EQEº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s single rear-mounted motor will deliver an estimated 288 horsepower, while a two-motor all-wheel-drive version is expected to produce close to 400 horsepower. Both models will eventually be built at Mercedes-Benzº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s plant in Alabama.

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Ups and downs

UP: 3D-printed seats for Porsches º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù“ The automaker is now offering these buckets as aftermarket items that will fit newer 911, Boxster and Cayman models. Each lightweight seat is covered in a synthetic red, black or yellow material º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù” called Race-Tex º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù” and attaches to the carº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s standard brackets. Buyers can also select hard, medium or soft levels of firmness.

UP: Hot Wheels by Gucci º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù“ In celebration of its 100th anniversary, the Italian label thatº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s famous for its exclusive handbags, shoes and fragrances, has partnered with toy maker Mattel to produce a 1/64th-scale Hot Wheels model of the 1982 Cadillac Seville Gucci Edition. Each of the limited-edition Cadillacs sold for $23,000 back in the day. The Hot Wheels version lists for US $120 and can be purchased from the companyº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s retail stores or obtained online at www.gucci.com.

º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù“ written by Wheelbase Media

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