All the Automotive News You Missed This Week That You Should Know About

It was an exciting time at the Gear Patrol motoring desk this week. The all-new Toyota GR 86 finally launched, as did the new Hummer EV SUV; meanwhile, Chevy announced they will take the pickup wars electric. We looked at the 2021 Q1 sales numbers to look at 10 cars selling really well and another 10 that aren’t — and even touched on why the new Subaru Outback Wilderness may not be ideal for road trips.

But, as always, we didn’t have time to get around to all the juicy news nuggets that make the rounds in a given week. Here’s a quick roundup of noteworthy items we didn’t get to write about yet.

Genesis wants to know if you love this concept enough to drop a deposit

Genesis

The Genesis X electric concept car that debuted last week is an all-around stunner. Question is, will there be a production version? This week, Genesis put the question to people on Twitter, asking if folks would be willing to put down a $1,000 deposit on it. We’re guessing that means there’s a good chance we’ll see it on the streets someday soon.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS gets a fresher face, loses its AMG version

Mercedes-Benz

With the E-Class mid-life facelift now fully in the rearview, Mercedes-Benz has turned to updating the closely related CLS. Revisions are fairly mild, but the bigger — and more unfortunate — news is the loss of the CLS53 AMG version. Going forward, the only CLS offered Stateside will be the CLS 450 4Matic; if you want an AMG, you’ll have to go GT 4-Door.

Lexus is bringing semi-autonomous driving to the LS

Lexus

Sick of having to drive yourself on highways, but not interested in an American or German car? Well, you’ll soon be able to buy a Lexus that can pilot itself…under certain circumstances…so long as you’re still paying close attention. Lexus announced this week that its Lexus Teammate Level 2 autonomy tech will come to America on the 2022 LS500h AWD.

Porsche puts the 911 GT3 through a brutal testing regime

Porsche

Consistency and durability are an essential part of Porsche performance. Their goal is not just to deliver capability but to make it repeatable. How durable is the new Porsche 911 GT3? Very, it turns out.

Porsche drove the GT3 more than 3,100 miles straight at 186 mph on the Nardo Ring, a giant circle, only stopping for brief refuelings as needed. That’s about the length of a 24 Hours of Le Mans race, or driving from San Francisco to Boston — going flat out the entire way.

The upshot? Now we know the 911 GT3 will handle whatever you put it through.

Toyota appears to have a new sub-brand for us

Toyota

Toyota is going electric. And the automotive industry’s unwritten rule in 2021 is that any new venture must involve a sub-brand, especially if it’s related to EVs. Naturally, Toyota filed a trademark application in Europe for a “Beyond Zero” sub-brand with a BZ logo.

The application includes model names for BZ1-BZ5 as well as X variants, potentially delineating all-wheel-drive, for each one. Two Toyota EVs will debut this year and hit the market in 2022.

We’ll have to wait even longer for Alfa Romeo’s next car

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo last debuted a new car in 2016. The next one, a compact crossover based on the Tonale concept, will be delayed until next year. The reason? Injecting more performance into the PHEV version, reports claim.

Like the big BMW kidney grilles? There’s a body kit to add them to older models

Taobao

Enthusiasts have found the grille on the new BMW M3 and M4 controversial — to put it charitably. But if you’re one of the exceedingly rare souls who digs it, we have some news for you. Autoblog found a Chinese company that will retrofit that grille on the E60 5 Series (of 2004–2010), allowing you to get the flagrantly off-putting look for less money.

A Mach-E owner reportedly received death threats from Tesla fans

Ford

Tesla has a spirited internet fan base, to put it mildly. And according to the Detroit Free Press, a Georgia-based Mustang Mach E owner received death threats from Tesla owners after praising his new ride online. The kicker? He also owns…a Tesla.

Enter to win this stunning electric Himalaya Defender

Omaze

Love the idea of a vintage Defender, but not so keen on the poor fuel economy? Well, Himalaya, one of the best custom Defender builders out there, built an electric one — and it’s being given away in an Omaze sweepstakes. Every donation supports the African Community & Conservation Foundation.

This company will convert old Vespas to electric scooters

Retrospective Scooters

Few things are chicer to tool around town in than a vintage Vespa. And now you can bring them into the modern era with an electric powertrain. This week, the New York Times profiled London-based company Retrospective Scooters who now offer electric motor conversion kits.

Get your Colorado weed plate to benefit a good cause

The Drive

Marijuana is legal in Colorado —and presumably, that means it’s okay to reference the no longer illicit substance on vanity plates. Some of the more obvious weed-themed plates like “BONG” are being auctioned to benefit the Colorado Disability Funding Committee. The auction ends on, you guessed it, 4/20.

Dodge Charger drivers are the car world’s Florida Man

NBC 4 Washington

Some D.C. area nogoodniks brought traffic to a complete stop on the Capital Beltway Saturday evening so someone could do donuts. The “sports car” driver was hit with six different traffic citations and fined more than $1,800. And it’s probably redundant to note the car he was driving was a 2020 Dodge Charger.

These Are the 16 Best Cars to Buy in 2021

Ford

Kelley Blue Book has released their best cars to buy awards for 2021. The results may surprise you.

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