Rumor: A plug-in hybrid Lexus UC may be under development The rumors first surfaced in late June and only became stronger through the extended Independence Day weekend. When we learned that Lexus might develop a version of the Toyota 86, which itself is derived from the Subaru BRZ, that caught … Read more
If your product launched a segment and still dominates it, how do you maintain that position? That’s a challenge Lexus faces with its midsize RX crossover, a model introduced in 1998. The RX has done exceedingly well for the brand, with a record 115,230 units sold in 2021. That means … Read more
The Escape was Ford’s first hybrid, introduced in 2005 and built through 2012. When the third-generation Ford Escape rolled out in 2013, no hybrid option was offered. But beginning with the release of the 2020 Escape this fall, two hybrid variants will join a pair of gas models to comprise … Read more
Seven years is a long time between new models for an automotive brand. Then again, we are talking about Alfa Romeo, a niche Italian make from Fiat that is now under the auspices of Stellantis. The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale compact crossover is the first new model since the midsize … Read more
A Kent Island glimpse at a compact luxury PHEV sedan. The Mercedes-Benz brand has remained elusive among my press fleet vehicles, a situation I plan to amend by next year. You simply can’t properly evaluate the market without a steady dose of M-B models to compare with Audi, BMW, and … Read more
The Peugeot 308 is a compact hatchback or station wagon first revealed in 2007. Foremost, the Peugeot 308 was aimed at the European market, which extended to select regions in Asia, Russia, and South America. A significant market for the 308 is China, where it is sold as a compact … Read more
Chevrolet’s Volt maintains its place in a niche segment. The 2019 Chevrolet Volt operates in a limited, but important segment. As a compact plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the Volt supplies sufficient electrification range for local drivers, then backs it up with a small generator (engine) for longer trips. The original … Read more
Mazda outlines its plans for an electric future with Zoom Zoom. Earlier this month, we learned that Mazda will drop a pair of models from its U.S. portfolio this year. Both the small CX-3 crossover and the midsize Mazda6 sedan will no longer be sold in America. However, these vehicles … Read more
The Chevrolet Corvette is America’s sports car and our love affair with this machine remains strong after nearly seven decades. Come 2023, an electrified version of the famed two-seater arrives, launching a sea change for this iconic model. Gas models will continue, but a hybrid will precede an all-electric version … Read more
An all-new electric vehicle model is on the way, with a spring 2022 arrival set. Dubbed the Toyota bZ4X, the latest vehicle joins a long list of electrified Toyota models. It is the first of a new line of fully electric vehicles slated for the North American and global markets, … Read more