Here’s the New Lexus RX & Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Toyota and Lexus are going all-in on electrified and electric SUVs.

 

2023 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX will be all new for 2023, featuring new powertrain, evolutionary styling and more. Up front, you’ll see a new spin on Lexus’ “spindle grille” design, which to me, it looks a little strange… But Lexus has proven it’s not afraid of radical looks. In addition to this, there will be a couple plug-in hybrid RX models as well as other a new AWD system called “Direct4”. The 3.5L V6 is gone, now replaced by a 2.4L inline four-cylinder engine shared with the Lexus NX. The “RX-L” longer wheelbase model is also dropped, but Lexus IS reportedly coming out with a new large 3-row SUV called the “TX”. I don’t doubt the RX will remain a best seller.

In other news and recent reveals: The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. While pricing is unknown, for reference the standard Corolla Cross starts at $22,445. The Corolla Cross Hybrid will achieve an average of 37 MPG (which is slightly worse than the RAV4 Hybrid) and will go on sale in the late summer/early fall timeframe of this year.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Which of these electrified Toyota SUVs do you like best? For me, I like the Corolla Cross Hybrid best.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

SPOTTED: Rare Rides Take 11 & New Cars

More rare and new rides for your eyes! Have you seen any cars that would qualify as "rare" or even "uncommon" lately?

Roughly a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe with what looks to be Vogue wheels and matte paint on it. Nice!

Hyundai Elantra N - first one I've seen in the wild.

Lincoln Mark LT - every time I see one of these, I have to basically get a picture because I'm like "Lincoln really made not one, but TWO pickup trucks in my lifetime!"

Might be hard to tell, but this truck-looking vehicle off in the distance is a Dodge Rampage, only made for 1983 and 1984! I'll put a link to an article below on the Rampage.

• Rampage: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-story-of-the-dodge-rampage-mopar-s-forgotten-mini-truck-182638.html

This is the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V - the ESV variant. Its the first I've seen in the wild that was owned by an actual customer, and its exhaust is LOUD AND PROUD. As it should be.

Modified Jeep Gladiator

Dodge Stealth - haven't seen one of these, especially a mint one, in forever! Very 90s chic styling.

Saab 9-3 sedan

This may look like a normal Equinox, but look more closely at the little blue "TD" next to the "Equinox" lettering. This is a diesel Equinox! Very rare, along with the Chevy Cruze Diesel - both stopped production after 2019. The only similar thing more rare than this is likely a GMC Terrain Diesel.

Classic Chrysler 300! I hope Chrysler lets the modern 300 nameplate stick around for at least awhile longer (with a redesign and an electrified variant).

K5 Blazer!

The looks to be a customized 2007 Subaru Outback XT.

Here's a valuable Pontiac: the G8 GXP

Here's some prototypes of the Hummer EV SUV testing.

The 11th generation of the Ford Thunderbird was made from 2002-2005. This owner had their Thunderbird registered as a classic car since it was 20 years old, allowing them to not have to put tags on it. I'm thinking of doing the same for my Bravada when its 20 years old. But note - you have to only drive it a certain amount of miles per year to qualify.

This is most definitely the new Dodge Hornet (a.k.a. the Alfa Romeo Tonale) crossover undergoing testing. The taillights match Dodge's current design language and this was near Auburn Hills, Michigan when I got this picture. The Tonale has different rear taillights, but a similar headlight design.

The Telluride is one of the fastest selling vehicles in North America, and it routinely has some of the largest markups and lowest inventory at dealers too. I see some on roads, but not many in the grand scheme of things. This Telluride here has custom brake calipers.

This is very likely the upcoming redesigned Maserati Gran Turisimo, based on other spy shots I've seen. This was also taken near Auburn Hills.

This is the upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer L! There will also be a Wagoneer L to compete with the likes of the GMC Yukon XL.

 Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

First Car Show In the 2022 Kia K5!

Look at these vintage dealership signs for McDonald Cadillac GMC in Saginaw! I remember when they still sold Pontiacs and Oldsmobiles there back in the day.

Today, I rode through and briefly showed the K5 at a local car show! It was a good opportunity to see custom Firbirds, Cadillacs, low rider bikes, Camaros and a lot more. I intend to take all of my cars at some point to a show as I continue to fix them up how I want them. I’ll also be taking them on road trips. Check out local car shows in your area! We also went to the Bay City Rib Fest today as a family, which was also a good time.

Do you have a custom car? Or have you participated in a car show before?

Long live summer!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqThO0tr_ixrz1zxKpnyxbQ

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Coming In Hot – The 2023 Honda Civic Type R

A new generation of Type R is coming - Honda fans rejoice! And if you like red interiors,
you're going to be very happy.

Honda has dropped details on the 2023 Honda Civic Type R, which should delight performance enthusiasts everywhere. While details are sparce, let’s talk about some of what’s new.

We haven’t heard from Honda on what pricing or power figures will be for the new Type R, but we do know that the manual transmission and 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine will carry over. I suspect that the engine will be more powerful, because otherwise what’s the point of releasing a new version, right? Overall, the design is less wild outside, but sportier inside, I think. On the interior, there are red seats AND red carpeting, which really reminds me of old Buicks, Cadillacs and Oldsmobiles from the 80s and early 90s for some reason… But it works here, because like I frequently mention – I’m a sucker for a red or brown interior anyways! Seats are heavily bolstered for track days and there’s a digital gauge cluster that I’m sure provides all necessary info for performance driving as well, such as boost.

Competition for the Civic Type R would include the Volkswagen Golf R, Hyundai Elantra N, and the soon-to-be-discontinued Hyundai Veloster N. Are you a Civic Type R fan? I’m interested in hearing more performance specs on this when they’re finally released.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Coming Soon - The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS

The 2024 Chevy Blazer EV will be built in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico alongside the gasoline powered Blazer.

Chevrolet has now officially unveiled the 2024 Blazer EV. It’ll ride on the Ultium platform and will have front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models. Based on first looks, I can see some design influence from GM’s other midsized Ultium EV offering, the Cadillac Lyriq – namely in the side profile. Ironically, the gas-powered crossover Blazer also now looks less appealing in my eyes after I’ve seen the Blazer EV. Though something tells me that this EV model will be just as controversial in nature as the gas model amongst diehard Chevy enthusiasts, since many will continue to say this isn’t a “real Blazer”. For many people, the word “Blazer” brings back memories of the of the K5 Blazer era - i.e., an SUV based on a body-on-frame architecture actually meant for off-roading, not a crossover. For me, I remember the S-10 Blazer of the 90s and Trailblazer of the 2000s.

History lessons aside, this new Blazer EV will offer up to 320 miles of range and an SS trim level with 557 HP. Speaking of trim levels, four will be offered: 1LT, 2LT, RS and SS. As mentioned, you can get the Blazer EV in several drive configurations – the 1LT, 2LT and RS come standard with FWD, but the RS can also be had with RWD. AWD is also offered on the 2LT and RS and depending on your choice of battery pack size, you’ll get 293 miles of estimated range out of the 2LT – the RS will be able to travel up to the aforementioned 320 miles of range depending on your configuration. GM hasn’t said what size the Blazer EV’s battery packs will be, but we know the Ultium battery packs are supplied by LG Chem. So, based on prior knowledge of GM's Ultium platform and specs, its reasonable to assume that the battery packs could be similar in size to the Lyriq. When plugged into a DC fast-charger, the Blazer can charge at up to 190 kW and gain 78 miles of range in 10 minutes.

I like how tech-focused the interior of the Blazer EV is -
and I'm also always a fan of red and brown leather.

First Day Out

Being the first electric Chevrolet to wear an SS badge, the Blazer SS can hit 60 MPH in under four seconds in Wide Open Watts mode (or “WOW” mode – just like GMC named the Hummer EV’s sporty drive mode “Watts To Freedom” or “WTF”). The Blazer EV SS will also have front Brembo brakes, but each trim level will get a unique front grille, with RS models adding a front light bar that does a “dance” whenever the car is unlocked and that doubles as a charging level indicator for when the vehicle is plugged in. Inside of the Blazer EV, there will be an 11-inch digital gauge cluster with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with available factory navigation (as shown in pictures). Heated and cooled seats will be offered in upper trim levels, as well as red leather seats, which I’m ALWAYS personally a fan of. Other safety and tech features offered include automatic emergency braking, advanced parking assist, and GM’s Super Cruise highway driving system. The MyChevy app will also help you find charging station along your planned driving route, a useful touch. If that’s not cool enough for you, a Police Pursuit Vehicle Blazer EV will be released as well and will be fitted with the largest battery possible and available in RWD or dual-motor AWD.

If the flash of the SS trim is too much for you,
check out other variants of the Blazer EV.
I can't wait to see what the PPV
looks like as well.

Pricing for the Chevy Blazer EV will start at $44,995 for the 1LT trim. However, note that this trim will not arrive until Q1 2024 alongside the Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV). You can place your reservations now for a 2LT or RS Blazer EV, which are due to arrive on dealer lots next summer 2023. The 2LT starts at $47,595 and the RS at $51,995, while the Blazer EV SS will start at $65,995 and will be released in late 2023. Also note that GM is out of EV tax credits, so unless these are renewed by the current government we have in place, getting a $7,500 rebate for your Blazer EV is out of the question (as of the time of this writing). Competition for the Chevy Blazer EV includes the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y and the Kia EV6.

Are you not intrigued by the Blazer EV? I am! If this is the future of GM’s EV crossovers, then its bright because this will turn a new page for GM, showing they can produce a competitive EV while also marking a new chapter in the "Blazer" history books. 

Blazer EV webpage via Chevy.com: https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/blazer-ev

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Here is the 2023 Toyota Crown - Your More “Rugged” Avalon

Say hello to the Crown, making its comeback to America as your electrified Avalon replacement.

Toyota is reviving the Crown in America as a replacement for the upscale Avalon sedan. Unlike the Avalon it’s replacing, the Crown is being marketed as more of an “SUV-ified sedan alternative” rather than an outright large semi-luxury sedan. I fully suspect this is because consumers have largely shifted away from midsize and large cars in favor of SUVs.

Also, in a change from the Avalon, the new Crown will only be offered with hybrid powertrains. The standard powertrain is a 2.5L four-cylinder with three electric motors good for 236 combined HP and an estimated 38 MPG according to Toyota. Top-trim Platinum models will have the company’s new Hybrid Max powertrain setup, also seen in the new Lexus RX, with 340 HP. Fuel economy is estimated to be 28 MPG combined in this trim. It’s also worth noting that the lower trims (XLE and Limited) will use a continuously variable transmission (CVT) while the Platinum trim will use a 6-speed automatic transmission. eAWD is standard on all trims.

The Crown's interior looks to be more luxurious than other Toyota models at first sight. Fitting, since its supposed to be an upscale replacement for the long-standing Avalon. AWD is a definite bonus as well.

In terms of tech features, the new Crown will have a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen in all trims as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless phone charging, premium leather, and premium JBL audio will all also be offered. Standard convenience and advanced safety features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and a two-year complimentary maintenance plan.

What do you think of the Crown? I think it’s interesting nonetheless, I like it. Especially with its two-tone paint schemes - I’m guessing this will only be available on the top trim. However, I’m not sure it will move the bar very much on the “sedan vs. SUV” spectrum, as individuals who want an SUV likely want an SUV for specific utility purposes vs. a car. It’s also surprising to see Toyota dropping a legacy nameplate such as Avalon instead of attaching the word “Cross” to it like they did with the “Corolla Cross”, as Toyota rarely ever rocks the boat with a new niche product like this (a la Honda Accord Crosstour flashbacks). We’ll see how the new Crown does with shoppers when it arrives in showrooms this fall and in early 2023.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Throwback Thursday - Traffic JAMS

I admit it - I had a crush on Cassie in middle school (along with Rihanna).

We've all been at a complete standstill on the road before... Or just bored at work. Never fear, the weekend will soon be here! Until then, let's switch into memory lane and rock out while we roll on!

This week's jam: Cassie - Long Way 2 Go (2006)

I always liked the beat of this song. It makes me think of driving around at sunset with the windows down in the summer. Also, I reminisce about riding in the back seat of my grandparent's silver Mercury Grand Marquis with my laptop listening to this and other songs of this era while playing my Nintendo DS. Those were the days!

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GK7XNLQw1M

Chevrolet Malibu: Throughout the Years

The Chevy Malibu has been around for so long now, until its likely that you or someone you know has or will own one at some point.

The Malibu has long been a bread-and-butter staple of the Chevrolet brand's midsized car lineup, though it has taken different forms over the years, such as the Malibu MAXX. The Malibu actually began its life as a trim level of the Chevelle, but was eventually promoted to being its own model in the late '70s. Past Malibus were produced in Arlington, Texas among other places, but the current North American Malibu is built at GM Fairfax Assembly in Kansas City, Kansas - where the Cadillac XT4 is also built. We'll see if the Malibu lives on for another generation, especially given sedan vs. SUV sales these days.

All of that said, here's a look at the Malibu, from past to present. Which is your favorite? I like the 2008 Malibu best personally (red car in the middle picture). Its the most similar overall to my Saturn Aura.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Kia K5 vs. Civic Si!

A couple of car guys talking car things!

I love meeting other car enthusiasts, and that's what happened recently as I was going down the highway. I ran into Joe Regits and we promptly had to have a quick (and safe) pull. He ended up coming out the victor, because his 9th Gen. Civic Si has some pretty serious mods on it. But it was fun! We stopped after and talked cars for a good while, and we even had a chance to talk about our car collections. His collection also included an Acura Integra Coupe, which he's now sold, but got plenty of use out of. 

If you have the time, follow him on Instagram, @slow_joe_fg4! Thanks for the fun Joe, let's meet up again! I'll likely have a few more upgrades besides just a K&N air filter on my K5 by then!

(SN: A short time after this pull, I encountered some stalling issues with my K5 due to improper fuel being in the tank. To see how I handled this, visit my YouTube page and watch the video.)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AdamRichardsonAdamsAutosBlog/featured

Stalled Out Photos:

If you contact UVO Roadside Assist, the info will be displayed on your navigation screen. Also,
getting towed to your local Kia dealer via the UVO services is complimentary.

I believe I had bad gas in the tank, as I normally put midgrade in and then stopped once
gas prices went up. Thus, if you have a K5, I recommend using AT LEAST midgrade for
optimal performance.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

VW Will Revive Scout as an EV Off-Roading Brand

Volkswagen is one of many automakers dedicated to having a portfolio of electric vehicles. If they’re recent products such as the ID.4 and Electrify America charging network didn’t have you convinced, then reserve further judgement until you hear about Scout.

Scout was a name last used by International Harvester in the 60s and 70s, but VW is planning to revive the nameplate on an off-road focused SUV and truck around 2026 in the United States. Scout will be financially supported by VW. I think this is a great idea on VW’s part, given America’s never-ending thirst for SUVs and trucks. Plus, demand for EVs is growing steadily, especially given current gas prices. I like VW’s electrification and current product lineup, and Scout will only enhance that strategic direction further. This also heats up the rugged EV truck arena even more, with the upcoming HUMMER EV and Rivian models. This represents a unique opportunity for Scout to establish itself as perhaps a more “unique” alternative with a tie-in to the International Harvester past.

Will you be looking to buy a Scout? Prototypes and additional sketches are expected to be released within the next year or so. Direct competition for Scout once they’re released would be the Rivian R1S and R1T as well as future electrified Jeep and Ford Bronco variants.

Update, Aug. 28th 2023:

Scout Motors has selected South Carolina as the site for their manufacturing facility. This is a wise strategic move in my opinion, as this would make Scout’s vehicles eligible for the federal EV tax incentive up to $7,500.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Spring Cleaning

 

I recently completed the spring/summer cleaning on my Aura, Bravada, K5 and Telluride! This is your friendly reminder to do the same for your cars - they'll look good and run even longer! Now, its time to plan some *shorter* road trips - that way we save a little gas too, right?

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

VW Will Revive Scout as an EV Off-Roading Brand

 

VW is planning to throw its hat into the EV off-roading/active lifestyle vehicle game with a Scout revival.

Volkswagen is one of many automakers dedicated to having a portfolio of electric vehicles. If they’re recent products such as the ID.4 and Electrify America charging network didn’t have you convinced, then reserve further judgement until you hear about Scout.

Scout was a name last used by International Harvester in the 60s and 70s, but VW is planning to revive the nameplate on an off-road focused SUV and truck around 2026 in the United States. I think this is a great idea on VW’s part, given America’s never-ending thirst for SUVs and trucks. Plus, demand for EVs is growing, especially given gas prices. I like VW’s electrification and current product lineup, and Scout will only enhance that further.

Will you be looking to buy a Scout? Prototypes and additional sketches are expected to be released within the next year or so. Competition for Scout once they’re released would be the Rivian R1S and R1T as well as electrified Jeep and Ford Bronco variants.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Colorful Cars

 

Let's all say "YAY" for colorful cars! So many choose black or white or silver these days, its good to see some variety in a parking lot. I'm personally a fan of two-tone paint jobs, like my 2018 Jeep Compass that had green paint with a black roof or the new Chevy Blazer (above) that's yellow with a black roof - this is actually a color for 2022! I had to look it up just to make sure it wasn't a custom job.

Today's question is simple: What color is your car and what's your favorite color in general? Do you like colorful cars?

I think Dodge, Jeep and Kia have some of the most interesting color options in their cars on the market right now among mainstream brands.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Lighting Strike - Ford F-150 Lighting Starts Production

Ford has appeared to somewhat hint that there are other electric and electrified pickup trucks on the way.

It’s 4/26/2022, and the Ford F-150 Lightning has started production today at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan! Future F-Series electric trucks will be built at Blue City Oval in Stanton, Tennessee starting in 2025. Ford is spending $11.4 billion to build and EV factory in Tennessee and a gigawatt battery factory there as well. This will no doubt make Ford even more competitive with Tesla in the EV space, and a leader in the EV pickup truck wars we’re seeing gain traction. We still have yet to get any seriously concrete plans on when the Cybertruck will enter production… However, if you’re already wanting more EV trucks from Ford, fear not - Ford CEO Jim Farley said that another EV truck is on the way.

Two great features on the F-150 Lightning are V2L and V2V charging, allowing users to charge other EVs and also power their homes for a set amount of time using their truck. The standard battery in the Lightning is good for 426 HP and 775 lb.-ft. of torque. The extended range battery makes 563 HP, but the same amount of torque. Towing capacity is rated at 10,000 pounds with a payload capacity of 2,000 and AWD is standard. Range with the standard battery is estimated to be 230 miles on a single charge and 300 miles with the extended range battery. SK Innovation supplies the F-150 Lightning’s lithium-ion battery packs. The cells in the battery use nickel-manganese-cobalt chemistry.

Pricing starts at $41,669 for the F-150 Lightning Work Truck before federal incentives and discounts, but currently the Lightning is all sold out. You’ll likely wait a year or more if you reserve one now. Other trims for the F-150 Lighting are the XLT, Lariat, and Platinum. Some upcoming competitors for the F-150 Lightning include the Chevrolet Silverado EV, Rivian R1T, GMC HUMMER EV truck, Lordstown Endurance and the Tesla Cybertruck.

Are you excited for the EV truck wars? So far, I actually like the GMC Hummer EV and Chevrolet Silverado EV best.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Cars of Kansas City

The DBZ Charger was an unexpected surprise to see on the road!

I recently went on an adventure to Kansas City, KS and Overland Park, KS, and while there, these were some interesting vehicles I saw! Sports cars seem to be the "exclusive" or "luxury" vehicle of choice here. My favorite has to be the DragonBall Z Dodge Charger, followed by the custom Toyota Supra. It was a fun trip! 

See my YouTube page for a short on my time in the Jeep Grand Cherokee I rented while I was in Kansas.

Adam's Autos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AdamRichardsonAdamsAutosBlog/featured

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.