Rumor: 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser Special Edition by Gazoo Racing Is Coming

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Despite getting discontinued for the U.S. market, the Toyota Land Cruiser lives on for the rest of the world with an upcoming 2022 model. However, while this large Toyota has previously stuck exclusively to off-roading, a new rumor suggests it may branch out. In fact, Gazoo Racing is reportedly working with this large SUV to create a sporty model. However, we don’t know if this will be on or off-road performance.

The rumor comes to us via CarBuzz. However, leaked design sketches show this might be far more than just a rumor. However, since even the standard model is surrounded by plenty of mystery, a new performance variant could bring major changes.

Is the Toyota Land Cruiser going high performance?

Toyota Land Cruiser | Toyota

If this latest Toyota Land Cruiser rumor turns out to be true, it definitely might add extra performance. However, as CarBuzz points out, there are two ways this Gazoo Racing-developed model could go.

The first is focused toward on-road performance. Since a good chunk of these off-roading SUVs live their entire lives on city streets, this could make sense. According to CarBuzz, this route could see the off-roader get larger wheels and tires as well as new aerodynamic elements throughout.

The second route could involve some serious off-road performance. If this is the case, the large off-roader could benefit from reinforced off-roading components. In fact, CarBuzz estimates that this variant would likely feature smaller wheels and larger tires. Given this model’s history, this is likely the more probable of the two potential routes.

Regardless of the model, CarBuzz estimates that the new Toyota Land Cruiser will feature the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 out of the Lexus LS. In total, we’re looking at around 420 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque.

When will the all-new 2022 model arrive?

An image of a Toyota Land Cruiser outdoors.
Land Cruiser | Toyota

RELATED: The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Is Having a Killer Year – Q1 Sales up 200 Percent

If you’re waiting on the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser to arrive for the U.S. market, it’s best to give up hope now. That’s because the Japanese carmaker pulled the plug on this off-roader last year due to poor sales. However, it seems its Lexus counterpart will live on into the future. We know this because the carmaker hasn’t officially announced its cancelation. However, expect that variant to carry a premium.

If you’re one of our few international readers, there’s good news for you. The arrival of the 2022 model appears to be right around the corner, says Motor1. While the original rumored release date was supposed to be sometime in April, this unveil got delayed. While we don’t have exact dates, it likely won’t be delayed for long.

How much does a Toyota Land Cruiser cost?

An image of a Toyota Land Cruiser outdoors.
Land Cruiser | Toyota

If you want to buy a Toyota Land Cruiser in the U.S., you still can. However, this off-roader carries a massive price tag. Pricing starts at $85,665 for the standard model; however, the unique Heritage Edition commands $87,995. Aside from its respected off-roading prowess, there is another reason why these SUVs are so expensive.

Part of that price tag comes down to outright build quality. The Japanese carmaker has repeatedly bragged about how most of the components that go into this off-roader are designed to last 25 years. As a result, you pay a lot upfront, but it lasts decades.

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1,300-HP Twin-Turbo Audi R8 Hits Drag Strip With Stock Engine

by Gabrielle DeSantis

As it stands, the Audi R8 is a bit of a bargain in the world of mid-engined supercars. With its Lamborghini-derived V10 at a major discount, it offers a fantastic platform to make big power. That’s exactly what T1 Race Development, a Dallas tuner company, decided to do. However, part of what makes this build unique is the fact that it houses a stock engine.

According to CarBuzz, despite including a twin-turbo kit, this supercar doesn’t have any forged components to handle the extra power. If anything, this proves just how strong the car’s stock V10 truly is.

How fast is the Audi R8 V10?

Even in stock form, the Audi R8 offers a considerable amount of speed. You can have this German supercar in one of two flavors with the same 5.2-liter V10 engine. The standard car produces 532 hp, while the more expensive Performance model pushes out 602 hp. All of that power hits the car’s four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

As you might imagine, the car featured in That Racing Channel’s video is far from stock. In fact, this car features an AMS twin-turbo setup bolted directly to the stock engine. However, since this car pushes out 1,300 hp at the wheels, it needs an updated transmission.

To this end, T1 Race Development built the Audi R8’s dual-clutch transmission to handle all of the extra power. Additionally, this car also features a modified fuel system, injectors, and ECU. Basically, these extra mods help support the engine so it can reach its true maximum output.

In terms of rubber, it won’t surprise you to learn that this supercar features upgraded wheels with bead locks and drag radials. Since Audi’s all-wheel-drive system is rear-biased, there are larger tires in the rear.

How is this a stock engine?

Twin-Turbo Audi R8 | That Racing Channel

RELATED: The 2021 Audi R8 Might Be One of the Last – New Model to Look Vastly Different

Despite all of the modifications surrounding this Audi R8’s engine, the engine itself remains completely stock, says CarBuzz. By “stock,” we mean that there are no forged internals in this engine. Typically, when a car runs this kind of power on the drag strip, a built engine is required to hold power. However, this R8 defies that rule with its stock engine.

To illustrate just how extreme this is for the powertrain. This supercar can lose traction on all four wheels. In fact, CarBuzz reports that it will cover a 60-foot in less than 1.3 seconds. In total, this car runs about 15-lb of boost. However, even on a low-boost setting, its owner claims it’ll run a sub-10-second quarter mile.

How much does a brand-new Audi R8 cost?

An image of an Audi R8 out on a race track.
Twin-Turbo Audi R8 | That Racing Channel

If you’d like to attempt an Audi R8 project of your own, you’ll need bottomless pockets. In fact, a brand-new one of these cars starts at $142,700. If you opt for the Performance variant, you’re looking at just under $200,000. Given all of the extra necessary modifications, you’re easily looking at an additional six figures to get a car that consistently crushes the drag strip.

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Recall Alert: These Chevy and GMC Vans Could Burst Into Flames

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Most people don’t own a passenger van or cargo van because they’re commercial vehicles. Still, automakers like General Motors make some capable models, including the GMC Savana and Chevy Express. Though the two are similar, each has unique badging and pricing.

Both vans offer three powertrain options, but one is prone to problems. According to Detroit News, some engines might short-circuit and cause a fire in 2021 models. If you own one of these vans, here’s what you need to know.

Potential Chevy and GMC van engine fires

In March, General Motors issued a recall for Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans with the most powerful engine. According to GM’s official statement, the positive battery terminals’ anti-rotation tabs could touch a fuse block attachment post. Under certain conditions, this could cause a spark and set the battery ablaze.

That’s the worst-case scenario, and no accidents of this nature have been reported yet. Drivers are likelier to experience a low-voltage warning or a dead battery. Still, it’s important to get the van serviced as soon as possible.

The recall includes over 10,000 Chevy and GMC vans

RELATED: The Engines in Chevy Silverados Were ‘Engineered to Fail,’ Class Action Lawsuit Claims

GM says 10,176 GMC Savana and Chevy Express vans could have this problem. Only the 2020 models with the V8 engine are included in the recall. According to GMC, the Savana comes with a base 4.3-liter V6 capable of 276 hp and 298 lb-ft of torque.

The available Duramax turbodiesel makes 181 hp but a hefty 369 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include an eight-speed automatic and a heavy-duty six-speed automatic. The V8 is the most powerful engine, producing 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque.

It also gives the GMC Savana the highest trailering capacity of 9,600 pounds. It can seat up to 15 passengers and boasts a maximum combination weight rating of 16,000 pounds.

The Chevy Express has the same engine options, with a slightly higher trailering power of 9,900 pounds. However, unlike the GMC Savana, you can unlock that number with the optional Duramax engine. According to Chevrolet, payload capacity with the 6.6-liter V8 maxes out at 4,280 pounds on the 3500 models.

Both vans are spacious enough to house passengers comfortably and keep them entertained with tech like a Wi-Fi hotspot. The cargo vans have over 283 cubic feet of storage space, with high door openings for easy loading.

Signs of a shorted battery

Battery fires can happen instantly, but there are a few ways to detect an issue beforehand. When the battery is struggling, you might experience difficulty turning the engine over. An unexplained dead battery also indicates a problem.

Oddly enough, a dead battery will supply power to your vehicle’s electronics even if the car isn’t started. If possible, check the battery’s voltage after it’s been charged. Anything below 10.5 volts indicates a battery cell shortage.

How owners can resolve the issue

GM cautions drivers to park their vehicles outside, far from any flammable structures. The automaker might’ve already contacted you if you have an affected vehicle, but you can also check. Visit the NHTSA‘s recall page, where you can enter your vehicle’s VIN and locate it under recall number N202325160. 

You can schedule a free repair online or by calling your GM dealership. Mechanics will remove bits of the anti-rotation tabs to make the vehicle safe to drive again. The NHTSA also encourages you to contact it directly if you know of any accident related to the battery.

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Huawei Bets $1 Billion That It Can Beat Tesla’s Autonomous Vehicles

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei is setting its sights on the self-driving car market. The global computer chip shortage and U.S. trade tariffs have energized the company to diversify its interests. The company claims it already out-performs Tesla. What does this mean for the future of autonomous cars?

Huawei Production Campus | Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Huawei says its autonomous vehicles already surpass Tesla

A driver rests their hands on their knees as the Tesla Model S they sit in drives itself autonomously.
Tesla Model S autonomous mode | Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images

RELATED: Tesla Was Forced to Walk Back Some Claims About Its ‘Full Self-Driving’ Mode

Autonomous cars are classified into five levels. Levels one and two represent advanced driver assist technology but still require frequent driver intervention and absolute supervision. Level three still requires driver supervision but allows further control by the automated system.

Level four autonomy does not require a human pilot. Level five could be described as completely self-driving. The autonomous driving technology displayed by Huawei have been described as having level 4 functinality.

Tesla’s Full Self Driving cars have stirred up controversy for inspiring overconfidence. These cars fall under a level 2 classification. While the car can handle some situations without human input, it does require vigilant human supervision. Tesla was forced to

Tesla has earned an incredible amount of attention surrounding its self-driving cars. From the excitement before the first autonomous Tesla was released to the disappointment in the under-whelming delivery. Currently, Tesla’s self-driving mode requires driver input every 10 seconds. Huawei Rotating Chairman Eric Xu told Automotive News that Huawei’s autonomous system could self-pilot for 621 miles without human intervention.

The controversy surrounding Huawei and cybersecurity

Huawei was founded in 1987. Over the last 34 years, it’s grown to become the largest seller of mobile communications devices and networking equipment in the world. The company is so large that it employs nearly 200,000 people. The United States and other countries have security concerns about this and other Chinese tech companies.

Chinese intelligence laws are to blame for the suspicion. These laws are vague, and many warn they could pose a digital security threat to Huawei technology users. Under these vague laws, the Chinese government could force Huawei to collect and hand over data on its users.

Huawei faces obstacles on the road ahead

A woman packs up cellphones in a Huawei production plant
Huawei production facility | Kevin Frayer via Getty Images

RELATED: The NHTSA Needs to Be More Hands-on With Autonomous Cars, Says NTSB

Huawei is one of many Chinese companies affected by U.S. tariffs. These tariffs were put in place under the Trump administration and have faced harsh criticism from the beginning. Coupled with COVID-19 supply chain shortages, these tariffs will cost the computer chip industry more than $60 billion.

The Biden administration shows no sign of walking back these tarifs regardless of their crippling hold on several global industries. Huawei has an eye toward the future. The company has also begun to expand into the health care and smart agriculture industries.

It’s unclear when global supply chains will return to pre-COVID numbers. Many predict the impact would fade by 2023. The tariffs imposed by the U.S., however, could last much longer. It’s clear by Huawei’s quick pivot that it will take a lot to well its ambition.

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