Hyundai tore the wraps off of the updated 2021 Santa Fe crossover SUV in early June. But, that was the global model. Thanks to the sharp sights of a MotorTrend reader, though, we’re finally able to get our first look at the North American-spec version of the updated Hyundai model.
Predictably, our version of the South Korean brand’s crossover SUV looks almost identical to the 2021 Santa Fe the company already unveiled abroad. This includes the model’s new mug, which includes a wide grille bookended by new headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights that appear to connect with a set of lamps located near the base of the crossover’s hood.
After undergoing a thorough refresh for the 2020 model year, the Lexus RX L crossover SUV enters the 2021 model year with minimal changes. Still, it’s not completely devoid of differences.
The most noteworthy update Lexus makes to the RX L—the “L” refers to its extra length compared to the non-L RX models—is to its standard features list. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and power-folding auto-dimming exterior mirrors are now included across the board. The former item adds $1,865 to the bills of base 2020 RX 350L and RX 450hL gasoline-electric hybrid models as part of a package that also includes a surround-view monitor and parking sensors. Meanwhile, the latter item was grouped into the 2020 RX L’s $1,580 Premium package.
For years, the Ford Bronco was essentially the same vehicle: a stubby SUV with a removable roof. The early Broncos were smaller, and the rest (those without “II” in their names) adopted shortened full-size truck underpinnings, but the formula was otherwise basically recognizable. But even Ford was considering what a larger Bronco might look like before a fuel crisis scared them straight, though it took an aftermarket conversion by Centurion Vehicles to bring the four-door Bronco into reality.
Not that Centurion called it a Bronco. Instead, it was the “Centurion Classic,” built off a crew-cab version of the F-150 or F-350. The rear quarters and roof were sourced from a contemporary Bronco. The Michigan-based outfit built these conversions for years, but it was the end of Bronco production to make way for the conceptually similar full-size Ford Expedition SUV that put the nail in its coffin.
Tesla’s Autopilot, as well as other driver-assist tech from competing automakers, tends to divide the automotive-minded. Folks either view it as a feature that lulls drivers into a false sense of security or as the best thing since the dawn of the car. We, however, feel there’s a middle-ground that both acknowledges some drivers’ overreliance on such technologies while also acknowledging these features make the act of driving on freeways and other boring stretches of road a lot more palatable.
That’s why we welcome and also note the potential shortcomings of Tesla’s latest update to Autopilot’s beta- phase Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control feature in its v10.2 (2020.24.6.9) software update. As of now, Teslas running this software “no longer [require] explicit driver confirmation of pushing down the gear selector to continue through an intersection for green traffic lights when there is a lead vehicle ahead of you and Autopilot is confident that you are [...]
Here’s an intro to the old school for the young generation of Roadkillers. This is the Crop Duster—a 440-engine-swapped 1970 Plymouth Duster that runs in the 11s—which was built for what today would be considered cheap for a vintage muscle car. It’s also the story of the resurrection of an old car that spent years wallowing in farm soil laden with sundry vegetal and animal residue.
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“You’re still going to have 20 grand duplicating that car,” David Freiburger says in his trademark deadpan. “That’s the problem. That’s expensive.” But insofar that cubic dollars can be replaced by fanatic hoarding, ingenuity, and elbow grease, this is it. “The key to the whole thing—the reason why people think it’s cool—is the [...]
