To be a bit more specific, it’s a notable addition for tire shoppers in North America. At the P Zero AS Plus 3 launch back in June, Pirelli stated that 94 percent of tires sold in this market are all-season rubber. That’s a significant figure, and it’s why the Italian-based brand spent considerable time dialing in the AS Plus 3 to give it more grip in all conditions, notably under braking. And since North America is a place where drivers can cover a lot of miles, Pirelli also worked on improving tire wear and rolling resistance.

To accomplish all of this, the AS Plus 3 has a new tread pattern incorporating 3D sipe technology. This helps both in wet and snow conditions; Pirelli says the tire is 20 percent better with snow braking and 10 percent in the wet. As for dry braking, the tire also improves over the outgoing model with a modest 4 percent.

The tread is only one part of the equation, however. The P Zero AS Plus 3 also makes use of a new compound that enhances both grip and tire wear. The result is a 25-percent improvement in wear and a 10-percent bump in rolling resistance. And as the tire wears, Pirelli says 99 percent of AS Plus 3’s overall performance is still there when the tire is half worn. It comes with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, and at the end of its life, the tire still has 82 percent of its performance.

Now, that’s what Pirelli says but what about the real world? Tire guru and head of Tyre Reviews Jonathan Benson joined Pirelli at the tire’s launch in June and found the steering response to be quite impressive. He followed that up with a comprehensive ultra high performance tire test, pitting the new P Zero AS Plus 3 against six performance-focused all-season competitors. We have his video embedded at the top of this article (set to start with the Pirelli review at the five-minute mark) but the summary is that the new Pirelli ranked near or at the top in his categories.

“The P Zero AS Plus 3 is a testament to Pirelli’s focus on the North American Region and its commitment to develop products that answer to the specific needs of this market,” said Pirelli North American President and CEO Claudio Zanardo. “We’re confident that this tire will exceed our customers’ expectations, providing a great driving experience and delivering exceptional performance in all conditions.”

The P Zero AS Plus 3 is available in 31 sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches, and it’s available now.

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The Han is a fairly large sedan with a length of 196.65 inches (4,995 millimeters). For comparison, a Mercedes-Benz EQE is 196.9 inches. The EV has an electric motor powering each axle for a total of 510 horsepower (380 kilowatts). The 85.4-kilowatt-hour battery provides a WLTP range of 324 miles (521 kilometers). Prices start at the equivalent of $75,618 (70,805 euros).

Gallery: BYD Han

KM77.com first puts the Han through the slalom, and the car proves challenging to drive. The accelerator is so responsive that the pilot struggles to keep the vehicle on a consistent path through the cones.

The driver manages to get the Han through the slalom in 23.9 seconds. That’s the same time as a BMW X1 xDrive30. For comparison, a Porsche Taycan GTS can speed through the cones in 21.5 seconds.

Next, it’s time for the moose test. BYD sets up the Han for driving comfort rather than sharp handling. The sedan suffers from understeer in this evaluation. With an entrance speed of 47.85 miles per hour (77 kilometers per hour), the car is unable to transition to the third set of cones and blasts through the second stage.

The testers have to reduce the entrance speed to 43.5 mph (70 kph) to make a successful run. There’s nearly a passing performance at 45.98 mph (74 kph), but the Han barely touches a cone. An attempt at 46.6 mph (75 kph) is another failure.

BYD also offers two electric SUVs in Europe. The Atto 3 is the smaller offering starting at the equivalent of $47,642 (44,625 euros) in Germany. The Tang is the larger, seven-seat model for $76,228 (71,400 euros). The brand also plans to introduce the Dolphin hatchback And Seal sedan models to that market in 2023.

BYD builds buses in the US and is reportedly investigating whether to enter the passenger vehicle market in the country.

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Google Built-In, the company’s suite of integrated services and apps, now offers Amazon Prime Video in the store. It’s available today for select Renault, Volvo, and Polestar models, with the functionality coming to other brands in the future. Also rolling out today is Vivaldi, a new internet browser. Both apps only work when the vehicle is parked.

The third new app coming to Google Built-In is The Weather Channel. This provides hourly forecasts, alerts, and “Trip View” radar right on the infotainment screen.

Google is also expanding its support for digital car key, which is already available in Europe. The expanded functionality comes to the United States, Canada, and Korea for drivers of select Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia models who also own compatible Pixel and Samsung devices. The company said it wants to “grow support” for the technology with additional automakers. 

A new feature coming to Android Auto is the ability to join scheduled meetings and conference calls from a car’s display. Users can join WebEx by Cisco and Zoom calls with audio-only capability without having to access their phones, making the process much safer for the driver and everyone else on the road.

Apps and other digital services are infiltrating modern automobiles, with tech companies and automakers fighting for screen real estate. Earlier this year, General Motors announced it would not offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in future models, instead working with Google to build an in-house software solution. The Cadillac Escalade IQ revealed last month doesn’t come with either service.

Google isn’t the only tech company interested in in-car displays. In June 2022, Apple announced its next-generation CarPlay software that would overtake every screen in a car, allowing users to customize the digital instruments, control settings, and more. Apple said it would announce the first vehicles to use the new software in late 2023, with Ford, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and others already committed.

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The cars need to run on 102-octane fuel to make the full power. On 98-octane gas, the output falls to 927 hp (940 metric hp) and 774 lb-ft (1,050 Nm).

Gallery: Abt Audi RS6 And RS7 Legacy Edition

ABT overhauls the engine to achieve the power upgrade. The company adds forged pistons, reinforced connecting rods, and upgraded piston pins. There’s a carbon-fiber intake with revised turbos featuring enlarged air intakes. Additional oil coolers and tweaked intercoolers are also part of the package.

An indirect water/ethanol-injection (IWI) system is among the significant upgrades. An electronic control unit operates the tech. “This allows more charge air or oxygen to be supplied for the combustion of the fuel, resulting in permanently higher performance,” said Thomas Biermaier, Managing Director of ABT Sportsline.

The tuner fits a 3.963-gallon (15-liter) tank for holding the water and ethanol in the rear cargo area. The filler for it is next to the gas cap. ABT estimates drivers can go 1,864 miles (3,000 kilometers) between refills. The myABT app shows the fullness of the tank. Owners need to order more IWI fluid from ABT.

Activating the IWI system requires placing the RS6 or RS7 in the RS drive mode and holding down that button for one second. The additional power then becomes available.

For the 2024 model year, Audi introduced the RS6 Avant Performance and RS7 Performance to the United States. Both of them come with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that produces 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. They can get to 60 miles per hour in 3.3 seconds. The standard top speed is 155 mph, and the limited-run Bronze Edition can hit 174 mph. Compared to the previous iterations, the Performance models feature larger turbos, less sound deadening, a lighter mechanical self-locking center differential, and upgraded transmission control software. Prices start at $126,895 for the wagon and $128,895 for the sedan.

Driving The Audi RS6:

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At the heart of this classic beast lies the 2.0-liter M10 inline four-cylinder engine that boasts a single throttle system and a manifold from Alpina. Manhart also installs a K&N airbox and other smaller hardware upgrades, which result in a significantly increased engine output. Originally, the four-pot generated around 130 horsepower and 131 pound-feet (178 Newton-meters) of torque, but the tuning firm’s improvements bring those numbers to 200 horsepower and 158 lb-ft (215 Nm) of torque.

Gallery: Manhart Alpina BMW 2002 tii

While 200 hp isn’t exactly impressive by today’s standards, keep in mind the sports car tips the scales at just around 2,200 pounds. In addition to the big power boost, the four-cylinder mill also gains a new exhaust system by Manhart for a more sonorous sound. Matching the added oomph is an upgraded brake system, which is based on the 323i model from the E21 generation. 

The enhancements don’t stop there, though. To complement the increased power and braking capabilities, Manhart Classic Cars installs a Raab coilover suspension by KW. This suspension upgrade gives the 2002 tii sportier handling, ensuring that the driver can fully exploit the newfound power. Additionally, a Wiechers strut brace adds more body stiffness, further enhancing the car’s stability and handling precision.

Last but not least, ensuring that this classic beauty maintains road contact are 215/40 R16 front and 225/40 R16 rear tires. These are mounted on original Alpina multi-spoke rims, which measure 8×16 inches all around. The wheels, finished in classic silver, are perfectly aligned under the car’s fenders thanks to 25-mm spacers both front and rear. An individually configured finish for the wheels is also offered.

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Starting with the diesel-powered, all-wheel-drive van, the Geotrek has a lifted suspension with shocks providing 2.047 inches (52 millimeters) more ground clearance. It also gains a set of 235/55 R18 General Grabber all-terrain tires for improved grip off the highway. The rubber wraps around slotted wheels with a bronze matte finish. 

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz V 250 d 4MATIC VP Gravity GEOTREK-Edition

Van Sports installs its VP Gravity front bumper with matching fender flares. They lend the nose a more rugged look than the standard model. The back wears the Aero rear apron. For this show vehicle, the company covers the van in a gloss black color with gold accents in the shape of a topographic map. Paint protection prevents scratches if the driver scrapes a brush or kicks up small stones.

Despite the small footprint, this van has room for four people to sleep inside. The roof pops open to expand interior space. Plus, the cabin has a sink, cooler, and outdoor shower. Unfortunately, the automaker didn’t provide a good look into the layout of the living area.

The company doesn’t list full pricing for this build, but specific parts are available. Van Sports offers a variety of off-road parts for the V-Class. There are skid plates, storage racks for the roof and hatchback, and various body components. The company even has a device for calibrating the instruments when adding different wheels.

In August 2023, Mercedes showed off its own V-Class Marco Polo camper at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Germany. The dashboard features dual 12.3-inch displays and the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Control (MBAC) interface module for operating the equipment in the rear living area. Like the Geotrek Edition, this model has a pop-up roof and total space for four people. The kitchenette includes a gas cooktop and fold-out table. A wood floor was among the amenities. 

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The non-profit group recently published a series of articles about personal data and privacy in cars. It researched 25 brands, all of which earned the foundation’s Privacy Not Included warning label, meaning the automakers did a poor job of managing data and providing security. In fact, Mozilla found that cars ranked as the worst category of products it had ever reviewed. 

According to the study, all of the car brands surveyed collect too much personal data. In addition to the information required to operate a vehicle, details on how people use their vehicles, how fast they drive, and where they go are data points. Auto companies also collect information from the connected services used in the car, including third-party sources from companies like Google, Meta, or Sirius XM. 

The study determined that 84 percent of car companies share or sell customer data to third parties, including service providers, data brokers, and other businesses. Additionally, 56 percent of automakers say they share information with government or law enforcement officials in response to court orders, warrants, or informal requests.

Mozilla Foundation concluded most car companies also provide little or no control over personal data. 92 percent of companies surveyed allegedly don’t allow or make it extremely difficult for people to delete their personal information. Renault and Dacia are listed as exceptions, though the study notes these two brands fall under the purview of Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) privacy laws. 

The Mozilla Foundation spent over 600 hours researching the car brands’ privacy practices and was unable to determine the full picture of how consumer data is used or shared. It also reached out to all of the car companies in its survey but only received responses from Ford, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz, and apparently, those responses still didn’t answer all of the group’s questions.

Motor1.com has also contacted automakers to request comments on the study. A spokesperson from Stellantis responded with the following statement:

Multiple claims in this document are incorrect as they relate to Stellantis brands. We carefully and diligently consider data privacy and act accordingly. Customers with questions may call our Customer Care center.

We will update this article with additional statements as they become available.

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Nota told Autocar that “the user acceptance isn’t that high” for the service, adding that customers felt like they were paying double. The company isn’t completely eliminating subscriptions, instead focusing on software and service-related products – think driver and parking assistance features. BMW’s customers are more open to subscribing to these offerings after purchasing the vehicle, and the company sees the potential.

Gallery: 2024 BMW X6

The automaker ruffled feathers last year when its heated seat subscription service became a reality. BMW didn’t implemented in every market, with US buyers avoiding having to pay the fee.

Subscription services for once-included vehicle features are new for the industry. The increased digitization of modern cars allows automakers to inject more software-related services and paywalls into the driving and ownership experiences as companies seek new revenue streams.

Consumers might not like subscriptions, but they are also not opposed to them if they add value, according to an S&P Global Mobility study from earlier this year. It revealed that consumers highly desire features like enhanced navigation and advanced driver-assist systems and are willing to subscribe to them, but paying for heated seats and remote start functionality garnered less interest.

Automakers could struggle to convince consumers to subscribe to certain features. A Cox Automotive study found that only 21 percent of the 2,000 in-market car buyers it polled were aware of in-vehicle subscription services. Most respondents – 53 percent – said subscriptions are a benefit if they lowered the vehicle’s upfront price. Nearly 70 percent said they’d shop elsewhere if a brand only offered certain features through a monthly subscription.

Putting features behind paywalls makes the car-shopping experience even more challenging as automakers take unique approaches to such services. Volvo announced earlier this year that it wouldn’t offer a subscription plan for heated seats. On the other end of the spectrum is a company like Mercedes-Benz, which announced last year that owners of its electric EQ models could wring out more power for $1,200 a year, increasing a vehicle’s output by 20 to 24 percent.

It seems like every day, there is something new to subscribe to as the idea of actually owning things slips away. Subscription services once reserved for music, movies, and smartphone applications have made their way to the automobile, and it’ll be interesting to watch automakers navigate this new reality. Adding features after purchasing a vehicle is appealing if consumers feel it adds value.

As Volvo’s Chief Operating Officer Björn Annwall said in January: “We will not ask people who have bought a car for 1 million kronor [$90,000] to pay another 10 kronor [$0.90] to get extra heat in the seat.”

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This GR86 has the optional Touring Package that adds sports brake pads and 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. There are no powertrain changes to the 2.4-liter flat four-cylinder engine. The mill makes 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in the United States. This one has the six-speed manual rather than the available Subaru Performance Transmission CVT.

Gallery: 2024 Toyota GR86 Trueno Edition

The GR86 clocks 24.2 seconds in the slalom. This is the same as a Mercedes-Benz C 300 and Renault Megane E-Tech. The quickest time ever in KM77.com’s test is the Porsche Taycan GTS that can hustle through the cones in 21.5 seconds.

The driver reports the GR86 has precise steering. However, the stability control intervened at one point, which limited the vehicle’s acceleration.

The moose test challenged the driver. He initially used quick, aggressive steering inputs, which resulted in oversteering and hitting a cone. Being more deliberate and precise with the wheels fixes this problem. The GR86 can get through the test at 46.6 miles per hour (75 kilometers per hour).

The second-generation GR86 debuted for the 2022 model year. Since then, Toyota introduced multiple special editions. For example, the Trueno Edition (in gallery above) paid tribute to a sporty version of the AE86-generation Toyota Corolla made famous in the series Initial D. It featured a two-tone black-and-white body, 18-inch wheels, Sachs dampers, and Brembo brakes.

A third-generation GR86 is reportedly already under development. Toyota is allegedly spearheading the project. The new model is necessary to comply with stricter emissions and safety rules. The engine is possibly a hybrid version of the turbocharged three-cylinder from the GR Yaris and GR Corolla.

Check out the GR86 Trueno Edition and some other special Toyotas:

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The wing’s body is carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. The uprights are aluminum, and the attachment points are on the vertical section of the trunk lid.

Gallery: Toyota GR86 Rear Wing Japan

Toyota engineered the wing using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. The result is that it creates downforce while minimizing the increase in air resistance. Buyers can select three adjustment settings depending on how aggressive the owner wants the angle. They are 0 degrees, 1.25 degrees, and 2.5 degrees.

Toyota recommends pairing the wing with its optional Aerodynamic package because otherwise the aerodynamic balance would be biased toward the rear. The standard version costs the equivalent of $2,615 (380,600 yen). A more extensive variant adds an aero nose cone, door mirror fins, roof fins, and a side spoiler for $3,383 (492,800 yen).

The second-generation GR86 debuted for the 2022 model year. Power comes from a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine that makes 232 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Buyers can select a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The car can reach 62 miles per hour as quickly as 6.3 seconds.

Since the launch, Toyota has introduced multiple special-edition versions of the GR86. It recently introduced the Trueno Edition with a two-tone black-and-white body, 18-inch wheels, Sachs dampers, and Brembo brakes.

Toyota’s Gazoo Racing and TRD divisions have introduced a bevy of upgrades for the GR86 in Japan. There are many body upgrades and wheels for folks who want to make the GR86 appear more aggressive.

Toyota is reportedly leading the development of a third-gen GR86 that could debut as soon as 2025. A new model is necessary to meet stricter emissions regulations in Japan and safety rules in Europe. A rumor suggests it would use a hybrid-equipped version of the turbocharged three-cylinder engine from the GR Yaris and GR Corolla.

Take a tour of the current GR86 in this video:

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