Autos

We confess we like listening to earnings calls because there are always product tidbits sprinkled among the numbers. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ third-quarter earnings call did not disappoint, and chief executive officer Mike Manley confirmed an electric Ram pickup is in the works. “There will be a Ram electric pickup in the marketplace, and I would just ask you to stay tuned for a little while, and I will tell you exactly when that will be,” he said. There is some urgency given the importance of the Ram brand to the automaker and the onslaught of electric trucks on the way in the next two years. General Motors has the 2022 GMC Hummer EV electric pickup coming next year, Ford plans to bring an electric F-150 to market by mid-2022, and Rivian hopes to have salable...

Audi isn’t waiting for a new model year to give A6 customers more horsepower. Having undergone a mid-model year refresh, the 2021 Audi A6 features a more powerful four-cylinder engine as standard equipment. The base model’s 2.0-liter mill pumps out 13 extra ponies for a total of 261 hp. Torque remains constant at 273 lb-ft. Fittingly, the model adopts the Sport 45 moniker. Once again, the A6 features a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that routes power to all four wheels. See all 17 photos A bolder appearance matches the extra power. The Black Optic package is now standard equipment on the entry-level A6. This appearance package brings along a black grille, black air intakes, black mirror housings, and black window trim. The Sport package can now be had for less coin, addin...

The Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen only recently saw a meaningful evolution. For decades, its roots as a military vehicle were barely disguised, but in America, we only saw a small sliver of the G-Wagen’s potential. Abroad, do-work short-wheelbase models roamed the European countryside, much as contractor-grade pickups do here. And yes, there were even convertible versions, which offered the charming possible combination of austere interior fittings, open-air motoring, and a clattery diesel—and uncompromised off-road prowess, of course. Enter Expedition Motor Company, which sources G-Wagens such as the one above, and subjects these Benzes to the sort of intense restoration and modification regimen we’ve seen Land Rovers and Land Cruisers put through. This particular G-Wagen, a...

Rolls-Royce is no stranger to celestial design themes. Its starlight headliner gives passengers a view of the night sky without ever having to open the windows. This time around, the automaker is taking things a step further with a bespoke Wraith that features a special headliner depicting the entire solar system from inside the cabin. Commissioned through Rolls-Royce Abu Dhabi, this Wraith’s exterior features a satellite view of the Arabian Peninsula from space. The intricate artwork on the hood took more than 100 to complete by hand, according to Rolls. On the side of the vehicle near the door handles, there are icons representing the eight planets of the Solar System: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Sorry again, Pluto. Along with the solar s...

We know the current Range Rover is on its way out, but if you can’t be bothered to wait for the new one and want an SUV that’s handsome, luxurious, and exclusive, then Overfinch has you covered. The Range Rover Sandringham Edition, as they’re calling it, is a Range Rover Autobiography LWB with an extra heaping of interior opulence and exterior style. The outside of the Sandringham Edition Range Rover is massaged with a unique body kit from Overfinch. The front bumper, grille, and front fenders are redone in carbon fiber—you can even see the weave in the air intakes. At the back, there is a new carbon fiber diffuser with a pair of integrated exhaust outlets and a new carbon fiber spoiler that sits atop the tailgate. The whole thing is set off by a set of custom 22-inch whe...

The story of Aston Martin lately has been inexorably linked to Mercedes-Benz—namely, the latter’s engines going into the former’s sports cars. It’s a technical partnership that’s been going on for years, culminating earlier this year with an even more intimate tie-up: Mercedes-AMG’s CEO, Tobias Moers, jumping ship and heading to Aston, replacing Andy Palmer, after a massively successful run at Daimler’s performance vehicle wing. Now, another deal and even closer ties between the British grand touring legend and the famed German brand. The basic thrust is this: Mercedes-Benz will increase its stake in Aston Martin to an as-of-yet undetermined percentage, but no more than 20 percent. In exchange, Mercedes will break off some of its most advanced powertrain...

There’s a lot to like about the plug-in hybrid version of the Porsche Cayenne. In past reviews, we’ve praised its refined chassis, robust acceleration, and the powertrain’s smooth transition between gas and electric power. These qualities helped advance the SUV to the finalist list for last year’s MotorTrend SUV of the Year competition. Now, Porsche is making a few more tweaks in hopes of delivering even better performance. See all 41 photos All changes apply to both SUV and coupe body styles. First, the 2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid gets a bigger battery, with capacity increasing considerably from 14.1 to 17.9 kWh. Powertrains haven’t changed, however, which means the standard model still combines a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 and electric motor for 455 horsep...

Fresh-Faced Feline Luckily, the updates for 2021 are nearly as comprehensive as the work done to the F-Pace. On the outside, the sides and rear of the E-Pace remain mostly unchanged, but there is a new face up front that’s slightly more mature than last year’s giddy looking treatment. There is a new mesh grille with chrome brightwork, a set of new LED headlights, and a new, more sculpted hood, all of which bring the little SUV in line the rest of the 2021 Jaguar lineup. As before, the E-Pace offers two turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains. The P250 and P250 SE models will use the carryover entry-level 246-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that sends power through a nine-speed automatic to all four wheels. Sport 300 models get the (also carryover) 296-hp, mild-hybrid 2.0...