December 2022 Car News Round-up
As December rolls in and everyone gets cozy for the holidays, the automotive industry also starts to wind down and prepare for a new year. There's less news this month compared to the last as they're saving the juicy announcements for CES 2023.
1. Toyota C-HR prologue - Toyota's funky crossover gets even funkier
Source: Toyota
The C-HR has already been with us for 6 years, originally unveiled in 2016 with a daring design that made it stand out from its conventionally styled competition. Even though this is just a concept that previews the next generation C-HR, the production version should look quite close to this as that's what happened with the Aygo X Prologue and its subsequent production version. The main complaint people have with the current generation C-HR is that it's very cramped inside, Toyota seeks to fix this issue by reducing the front and rear overhangs and using that space to expand the interior. However, Toyota has also come out and said that the next generation C-HR won't be coming to North America in favour of the brand new Corolla Cross.
2. 2024 Acura Integra Type S - The Civic Type R that comes with a mark-up from the factory
Source: Car and Driver
Honda's new Civic Type R has been met with rapturous applause ever since it was unveiled back in July. Acura looks to create an even more refined and luxurious version of it with its upcoming Integra Type S. The new Integra Type S will use the same powertrain as its sibling, and will only be available with a manual transmission. Since it's an Acura and a Type S, it's even less subdued than the Civic Type R, only by looking at its rear and noticing the three gigantic exhaust pipes will you realize this is the high performance version. However, the new Civic Type R is already fairly expensive, coming in at over $50,000 and that's before it gets marked up by dealerships. The new Integra Type S looks to be a good alternative for those looking for a more subdued performance hatchback, or for those who don't want to pay the marked up price of the new Type R.
3. Only the Elantra N remains as Hyundai prepares its move towards electrification
Source: CarExpert
Even though the Kona N was just released, it's already been confirmed that it won't be here for long, as its engine will not be able to pass stringent euro 7 emissions laws. The i30N and i20N will also be cancelled as Hyundai's N division is expected to move forward with creating N versions of their brand new EVs. The Ioniq 5 N has already been teased, with suspension upgrades and a healthy power bump to 576 hp. The only N car that will go forward and have a new generation is the Elantra N. This may come as sad news to most but let's look on the bright side, with Hyundai recently showing off the RN22e, which is based off of their new Ioniq 6 sedan, and the N vision 74, which harks back to their heritage. The future of Hyundai's N division still remains bright, it's just that instead of pops and bangs, we'll be getting beeps and boops.
4. Next generation Bugatti to be Hybrid powered - ICE lives on
Source: Motor1
Back in 2021, Volkswagen sold a controlling stake of Bugatti off to Rimac as it no longer had a use for such a lavish brand that was acquired by their former CEO. Rimac is famous for its battery electric technology, using it to create physics defying supercars such as the Nevera. Fans of Bugatti worried that it may get turned into an all electric brand soon but fear not as Rimac's CEO has come out and said that the next generation Bugatti will be a "hypercar rearranged as a hybrid" and that it will have a "totally bonkers" drivetrain. Rimac's first decision after it became the owner of Bugatti was to cancel its plans to create an SUV, instead diverting those resources into creating a hybrid hypercar.
5. Nissan Z Nismo - Getting the performance to match its looks
Source: Car and Driver
The high performance Nismo variant will be returning for the Z's newest generation, sporting a more aggressive bodykit and upgraded tires. Rumors suggest that the Nismo could receive a significant bump in power to 500 hp, 150 hp more than its predecessor. Not much is known about the Nismo variant as of now other than these spy pictures, but it might be coming sooner than you think.
6. 2023 Hyundai Kona - Bigger and better
Source: Autocar
The previous generation Kona had polarizing looks, the newest generation aims to tone down the loudness slightly, but still retain all the design features that make it instantly recognizable as the Kona. With a shark-nose front end and a wraparound LED lightbar, the new Kona adopts Hyundai's new pixelated design theme to express a "bold and dynamic presence" on the road. The Kona's wheelbase has grown by 150mm, resulting in a 77m increase in legroom and slightly increased headroom. Pricing has yet to be released but expect it to be more expensive than the outgoing generation.
7. Ford GT MK IV - The Ford GT goes out with a bang
Source: Forbes
The Ford GT has been with us since 2016, and is finally going to cease production at the end of the 2023 model year. Ford decided to go out with a bang and create the Ford GT MK IV, limited to just 67 units. The new variant is track-only, and features a unique livery that pays homage to the Ford GT MK IV that won 24 Hours of Le Mans back in 1967. Power has been boosted up to 789 hp, along with an upgraded racing transmission, the MK IV is the ultimate send-off for the third generation of the Ford GT.
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