Chrysler originally offered its Dodge and Plymouth Neon models in both coupe and sedan forms. However, it seems the American automaker at least explored the idea of expanding the Neon’s chassis beyond those two body styles, as evidenced by the Neon-based Chrysler Aviat concept. Revealed at the 1994 North American International Auto Show, the Aviat evolved the friendly face of the Neon to better fit the concept car’s more aerodynamic shape.
Despite its mid-engine-like styling, the Aviat retained its Dodge and Plymouth kins’ front-engine and front-wheel-drive architecture. Those cavities, located aft of the Aviat’s two doors, aided airflow around the concept coupe’s body, as did the skirts covering the rear wheels. That said, Chrysler’s decision to fit the cooling system within the Aviat’s rear end surely contributed to the concept’s low-slung [...]
It’s late 1970. Mazda has been at the rotary engine game for almost a decade, developing the problematic Felix Wankel/NSU design into a formidable, powerful, and futuristic little powerplant. It was the highlight of the forward-looking production 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S. While beautiful, and interesting, the Cosmo Sport merely (albeit expertly) epitomized the now. The RX500 Concept, which took the stage at the 17th Tokyo Motor Show, envisioned a rotary-powered future straight out of a Syd Mead sketchbook.
The RX500’s aesthetic is pure ‘70s sci-fi, with a wrap-around windshield that makes it look like a starfighter for the road. The ports on the engine cover and fenders look like exhausts for some sort of fusion reactor, the mirrors look like sensor pods, the large inlets just behind the windows could be jet intakes. Fair in the wheels, and it looks like it could hover, or fly. Pop up the butterfly doors and the impression [...]
McLaren is offering a windshield on the exclusive Elva roadster for customers who prefer a physical screen. Keep in mind, the Elva’s core appeal was tied up in the fact it lacked a windshield in the first place, so consider this a weird development.
This newly windscreened version of the Elva eliminates McLaren’s clever Active Air Management System (AAMS, which redirected air up and over the open cockpit) and adds 44 pounds but does not hinder performance. The $1.7 million hypercar will still be roofless, without side windows or a rear window. Some states in the U.S. require a windshield, and this option would make the Elva street legal.
The windshield comes equipped with rain-sensing wipers, washer jets, sun visors, and a rearview mirror. It has a carbon fiber surround and is also heated. Opt for the windshield, and you also get a new hood, one without the [...]
We’ll stop saying good things about Kia as soon as the brand stops making fantastic vehicles. Until then, the South Korean automaker is the juggernaut that seemingly cannot be stopped. The Telluride, Sorento, K5, Stinger, and Soul are all great to drive, easy to live with, and solid values. Predictably, the Seltos follows that trend. Despite arriving on our shores last year, Kia’s little SUV gets a number of small but noteworthy updates for 2022.
Of note, all 2022 Seltos models now come standard with forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and automatic high beam headlights. When we tested the Seltos against the Mazda CX-30 and Chevy Trailblazer, we were surprised at just how [...]
UPDATE 5/28/21: It’s been a frustrating few months for prospective Ford Bronco buyers, who’ve experienced a litany of delays, including plant shutdowns in May related to the semiconductor chip shortage. But the most vexing problem of all remains the removable hardtops supplied by Webasto, which has been hit hard by coronavirus-related delays, according to the Automotive News report cited in the previous update from March. The latest communication with some customers who have ordered Broncos makes it clear the hardtop issue hasn’t been solved.
While Ford has promised owners would receive build dates by May, many haven’t, or have had their orders pushed back. An email sent out today to owners whose vehicles are affected by hardtop delays reveals that a build date will not be forthcoming. The email, provided to MotorTrend by a Bronco customer, states that “we unfortunately can’t provide you with a definitive delivery window.” The message says that future emails [...]
