News

The Most Expensive New Toyota You Can Buy In America

The Toyota Sequoia has been in production for over two decades, and the third-generation model was unveiled in 2022. The new Sequoia has been completely redesigned with the new TNGA platform used by the new Lexus LX600, Toyota Tundra, and Toyota Land Cruiser.

The flagship model in the Toyota lineup is the Sequoia Capstone, which is currently the most expensive new Toyota on sale today. Let’s see what Toyota has done to their most luxurious offering yet.

What Is The Toyota Sequoia Capstone Edition?

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone
Toyota
A front 3/4 shot of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone

The Capstone trim is the most luxurious version of the new Toyota Sequoia. It is the most expensive new Toyota you can buy, with a starting price of $78,460 and can go as high as $83,000 fully equipped.

The Capstone exterior features lots of chrome on the grill, bumper, mirrors, door handles, window trim, and roof rails. It also has power running boards, big 22-inch wheels, and Capstone logos on the front doors.

The Capstone Has A More Luxurious Interior

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone interior
Toyota
Interior shot of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone with ambient lighting

The Sequoia Capstone has a more luxurious two-tone semi-aniline leather interior. It also features Dark American walnut wood-grain trim with backlit “CAPSTONE” on the passenger dashboard. The center console has wood trim, and there is a 14-inch center touchscreen with a 14-speaker JBL sound system.

The front and rear seats are heated and ventilated, and the interior is quieter thanks to the new double-pane acoustic glass. The Capstone also comes with a full panoramic roof and exclusive Capstone floor mats.

In the second row, you have captain’s chairs as standard, and you can easily access the third row from the second row. The third row can be folded down for more cargo space.

Twin Turbo Hybrid V-6

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone V-6
Toyota
Twin Turbo hybrid V-6 in the Toyota Sequoia Capstone

The Capstone is powered by a 3.4-liter twin-turbo hybrid V-6 engine that produces 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The Capstone has a maximum towing capacity of 9,000 pounds and offers great fuel economy at around 20 MPG combined.

The Capstone also comes with active dampers and optional rear leveling air suspension to enhance the ride quality.

Is The Capstone Worth It?

White 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone
Toyota
Rear 3/4 view of a pearl white 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone

The Sequoia Capstone offers exclusive features and improvements over other trims, making it a great choice for those seeking luxury. However, it may fall short in terms of offering true luxury compared to its competitors. Nevertheless, it combines Toyota’s reliability, three-row seating, and massive towing capacity, making it a compelling option for buyers in search of a luxurious SUV.

Motorsport

Volkswagen Teaser Could Be Tiguan, Promises “Something New” On June 15

We know Volkswagen has something cooking with the Tiguan. Numerous camouflaged prototypes have been caught on camera, using clever disguises to make the next-gen model look much like the current one. Now, a curious teaser video from Volkswagen shows a simple sketch of a vehicle against a blue background, and it could be our first taste of how the new SUV will look. Moreover, we may not have long to wait before learning more.

Posted as a YouTube short on the VW News channel, we get only a small clip showing white lines on a blue background. However, the menagerie of lines come together at times to show a vehicle. Our screengrab at the top of this article catches two prominent moments, showing the grille and a good portion of the front. One might think we’re looking at a car, but the outline of roof rails confirms this is something a bit bigger.

Volkswagen Teaser

Beyond the visuals, VW delivers a bit of interesting information as well. We’re promised “something new” which isn’t exactly a revelation here, but then a date of 15 June 2023 pops up. A quick glance at the calendar shows us that’s tomorrow as this article publishes. We haven’t heard anything regarding an imminent debut, so it’s unclear if we’re about to get full disclosure or some new information regarding future announcements.

If this is the next-gen Tiguan, we can expect a familiar overall shape that embodies an evolutionary approach to design. The fact that VW can apply stickers to various areas on prototypes to make them look like the current model means the formula won’t be shaken too much. We have identified smaller headlights, and we think a thinner upper grille is in store, augmented by a larger grille down low. The teaser video supports these theories, and previous spy photos have revealed a completely revamped interior with a larger tablet-like center display.

More news is coming soon, so stick with Motor1.com as we’ll have all the latest VW info as soon as it breaks.

Motorsport

BMW Tuner Boosts M3 Touring to 641 Horsepower and Gives it a Bold Blue Paint Job

Manhart, a German tuner, has taken the BMW M3 Touring and transformed it into a powerful wagon that now generates 641 horsepower and 590 pound-feet (800 Newton-meters) of torque. This is a significant upgrade over the original stock output of 503 hp and 479 lb-ft.

The increase in power is mainly achieved through the implementation of Manhart’s MHtronik control unit. Additionally, the exhaust system has been completely revamped, with Manhart opting for Remus components and incorporating HJS sport downpipes.


Motorsport

Volkswagen Arteon Is No Longer Available as Volkswagen Implements New Profitability Plan

Volkswagen is implementing a new plan to increase profitability, which unfortunately includes discontinuing certain lower-volume models like the Arteon.

The specific details regarding other low-selling models that will be affected were not disclosed, but the company specifically mentioned the Arteon. The decision to discontinue the Arteon is not surprising, considering that its sales have seen a significant decline of almost 69% in 2022, with only 1,742 units sold in the US. This is a negligible number compared to Volkswagen’s total sales of over 301,000 vehicles in the same period. Although there was a notable increase in Arteon sales during the first quarter of 2023, with over 1,000% growth, this was based on a relatively small number of units sold, just 528.


Motorsport

Kia Stinger EV Successor Coming In 2025 With 600+ HP: Report

Kia and Hyundai plan to invest $18 billion in becoming fully electric vehicle manufacturers by the end of the decade. As part of this transformation, the South Korean automakers will develop a new electric vehicle architecture capable of accommodating one of the largest batteries in the industry. The first production model to utilize this platform will be a Kia-branded sedan.

According to a report from ET News, this upcoming vehicle is internally named GT1 and is expected to be positioned in the mid-size segment, potentially as a spiritual successor to the Stinger. The report suggests that it will belong to the E-segment according to European classification, which means it could be slightly larger than the current Stinger in terms of size.


Motorsport

Ford Factory Prepares for Dakar Race with Ranger Raptor T1+

Ford has a long history of success in motorsports, but they have never participated as a factory-backed team in the Dakar, the toughest off-road race in the world. However, that is set to change next year as Ford Performance announces their entry into the Dakar Race with a new Ranger Raptor in the top-tier T1+ category.

Mark Rushbrook, the global director at Ford Performance Motorsports, explained that while there was a Ford South Africa effort in 2014, this time they will be going as a factory team with great partners.

Ford Ranger Raptor T1+ Dakar
Ford Ranger Raptor T1+ Dakar

The Dakar is known for its challenges, and this year’s race covered over 3,000 miles of Saudi Arabian desert. Participants faced intense conditions like heavy rains, rocky terrain, and other grueling obstacles. In January 2024, Ford Performance will enter a Ranger Raptor into the T1+ category, which is the top class where renowned drivers like Nasser Al-Attiyah and Sebastien Loeb competed for overall victory last year.

To come out on top, Ford will rely on the assistance of their partners. One major partner is Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM), a South African team that already worked on a Dakar entry in 2014. NWM will take charge of the design and initial development of the Ranger Raptor, a process that has been underway for several years. Ford Performance’s direct involvement marks a significant development.

The other partner is M-Sport, the race shop led by Malcom Wilson that has been responsible for Ford’s World Rally Championship efforts for over 25 years. According to Rushbrook, M-Sport has vast experience in designing and engineering vehicles, as well as building service and support trucks, which are crucial for success in the Dakar.

It seems that NWM will primarily handle the development of the 2024 truck, while M-Sport will take care of the logistical challenges involved in running and supporting the team throughout the demanding Dakar race.

Motorsport

Next-Gen Audi S5 Sportback Spotted for the First Time

The Audi A4 is being retired and will be replaced by the A5 model. This transition will also affect the performance versions of the car, including the S and RS variants. As a result, the A4/S4 Sedan will be discontinued, leaving only the A5/S5 models for the next generation. Recently, spy images have emerged showing the upcoming S5 in Sportback form, with its final production body and lights.

Although we have already seen the S5 Avant (wagon) being tested multiple times, this is the first time we are witnessing the Sportback version of the S5. It is still uncertain whether Audi will continue using the “Sportback” suffix for this model or simply call it the S5. The prototype appears to have a tailgate rather than a traditional trunk lid, indicating that the conventional sedan might soon be phased out.


BMW

24H SPA EWC Motos: BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team extra motivated ahead of FIM EWC home round.

The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is returning to the scene of its greatest success to date. This weekend, the 24H SPA EWC Motos (BEL) forms round two of the FIM Endurance World Championship 2023 (FIM EWC). Last year, the team and its riders Markus Reiterberger (GER), Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR), and Jérémy Guarnoni (FRA) claimed a historic victory in the 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps. The success at the team’s home event was not only the first win in a 24-hour race for Werner Daemen’s (BEL) outfit but also the first time a European manufacturer had won over this distance for several decades. All set for its first appearance at the event is the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team. They start in the Superstock class of the FIM EWC and are making their debut on the Ardennes rollercoaster at Spa-Francorchamps.

This season, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is running the new version of the BMW M 1000 RR. The three regular riders – Reiterberger, Mikhalchik, and Guarnoni – immediately finished on the podium in the first race with the new bike when the trio came home third on the #37 M RR at the opening round of the 2023 season, the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA) in mid-April. The team is now extremely motivated ahead of the second race of the season at the iconic racetrack, which is just a one-hour drive from the Belgian team’s base. The fourth rider at Spa-Francorchamps is Vincent Lonbois (BEL). Over the course of his career, the 32-year-old has spent many years riding BMW motorcycles at racetracks and on the road racing scene. In 2016, he was crowned champion in the International Road Racing Championship (IRRC) with the BMW S 1000 RR. He also finished runner-up in the BMW Motorrad Race Trophy in the same year.

The new Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, in which the French Tecmas Racing Team and its owner Arnaud Sassone (FRA) is collaborating with Werner Daemen’s company Motorcycle Racing Parts and BMW Motorrad Motorsport, made a dream start to its debut season in the FIM EWC at Le Mans. Kenny Foray (FRA), Jan Bühn (GER), and Loïc Arbel (FRA) took victory in the Superstock class with the #9 BMW M 1000 RR. The team is now entering uncharted territory at Spa-Francorchamps. Although the Tecmas Racing Team has contested individual races in the FIM EWC in the past, it did not start the 24H SPA EWC Motos last year.

The race weekend at Spa-Francorchamps begins with free practice on Friday morning. The grid positions will then be determined in the two-part qualifying on Friday afternoon. The race itself gets underway on Saturday at 14:00 (CEST). As well as the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, private BMW outfit Team LRP Poland also competes at the 24H SPA EWC Motos.

Quotes ahead of the 24H SPA EWC Motos.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “It goes without saying that last year’s fantastic victory remains a memorable one. We are now back in the Ardennes to face this special challenge again. We have shown that we can be successful at the home circuit for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, and are obviously hoping for a similar result this year. The current season got off to a successful start with the new BMW M 1000 RR at Le Mans, with third place overall for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and the debut victory in the Superstock class for the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team. We now travel to Spa-Francorchamps well prepared. The law of any 24-hour race obviously also applies here – namely that anything can happen. However, as far as the riders, teams, and machinery are concerned, we are well prepared and very confident ahead of the weekend.“

Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “We are expecting a hot week at Spa–Francorchamps. The weather forecast is perfect. Last week, we had a successful pre-test. I was a little bit worried about the weather but the new BMW M 1000 RR also looks very good in hot conditions this year. So I think that we are well prepared for defending our good result from last year and hopefully, we also have the necessary luck.”

Markus Reiterberger: “Spa-Francorchamps is the home event for our team, and it is practically the home race for us too. Spa is a really great racetrack, and we have very fond memories of the circuit after last year’s victory. We completed a two-day function test there at a hobby event, during which we gained our first impressions of the new bike at this track. We now continue with the final tests, in which we will work on fine-tuning. As a team, I believe we are better positioned than ever. We are ready. We want to at least finish on the podium, but would obviously prefer to win. That is the goal we have set ourselves. The weather forecast is good, the team is super. There is nothing to stop us from being successful, and we will do everything we can to make that the case.”

Ilya Mikhalchik: “I am looking forward to a great race weekend at Spa on a beautiful track. I can’t wait to get back there with our new beautiful bike. Let’s hope for a good weekend and to enjoy riding our BMW M 1000 RR there. We want to show good speed over the entire weekend and to do a good job during the race. It would be great to finish the race on Sunday with a strong result.”

Jérémy Guarnoni: “The target for Spa is clear; like always, we want to win. We know that it is a track we are really fast on. Last year we won there, so obviously the goal is to repeat that. That would be really amazing. It is also a special race for us because it is the team’s home race. This gives us extra motivation. We know that in dry conditions, we are really fast there so let’s see what will happen. I am confident. At the pre–test, we saw that all is okay. Everything is on point so let’s see.”

Arnaud Sassone, Team Owner Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team: “We arrive at Spa-Francorchamps as the championship leader and with an advantage of eleven points. That is perfect, but it does put us under extra pressure, which we must manage. This race at Spa is a first for my team of technicians, but we have worked hard and listened to our riders in order to be well prepared. BMW Motorrad has been successful at Spa in the past, with the overall victory for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team last year. Our three Tecmas riders, led by their leader Kenny Foray, are a well-oiled team, which is both fast and capable of providing the engineers with precise information. They are also in great form and very motivated. All three of them are very familiar with the track in the Ardennes. Kenny took part in qualifying with the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team in 2022, while Loïc Arbel finished runner-up in the overall standings on the Tati Team’s Kawasaki. And Jan Bühn has been a regular at the Spa circuit for years.”

Volkswagen

The ID.7: sophisticated aerodynamics for long range and high efficiency

  • Streamlined design should make ranges of up to 700 kilometres (WLTP) possible
  • Close cooperation between developers and designers leads to a drag coefficient (Cd value) of 0.23
  • Fine tuning in computer simulations and in the wind tunnel

The ID.7 is the first electric model from Volkswagen for the upper mid-sized class. With a range of up to 700 kilometres (WLTP), the Volkswagen limousine is an efficiency champion. In addition to a new drive generation, sophisticated aerodynamics contribute to the ID.7’s long ranges. The aerodynamically favourable basic form, low drag coefficient (Cd value) of 0.23 and frontal area of 2.46 m² are the result of close cooperation between the Design and Development departments.

With limousines like the ID.7, the body shape accounts for about 50 per cent of the Cd value. The wheels and tyres influence about 30 per cent, the underfloor 10 per cent, and the functional openings through which air flows to the radiators in the vehicle front end, for example, also 10 per cent. The fact that the new ID.7 is the most aerodynamic ID. model so far can be seen at first glance when looking at the silhouette of the vehicle, which is almost five metres long. Volkswagen designer Daniel Scharfschwerdt says: “When designing the ID.7, there was a greater focus on aerodynamics than for practically any other model. This can be seen in the low front end, the flowing transition into the bonnet, and the fast windscreen. The coupé-like roof form and the tapering rear end are also designed for ideal aerodynamic performance.”

Even in the early stages of product development, intensive work was carried out on the exterior design, as well as on the underbody, wheels and other fine details. The prerequisite for optimal results is close collaboration between developers and designers. Stephan Lansmann, project engineer responsible for ID.7 aerodynamics: “We strive for ideal solutions in an iterative process, which includes regular consultation between the Development and Design departments. There are many small steps here that pay off in the end. Numerous computer simulations for flow calculation are complemented by tests in a wind tunnel as part of this process.”

Volkswagen ID.7

ID.7 – Near-production concept car. The vehicle has not gone on sale yet.

The aerodynamic strengths of the ID.7

The ID.7 has an almost completely closed underbody. This is supplemented by newly developed wheel spoilers on the front wheels. These guide the air along the wheels under the vehicle with minimum turbulence. Air curtains at the sides of the front bumper direct the air around the vehicles front end with minimum loss. The flared side sills prevent the air from flowing into the underbody area and shield the rear tyres from air flowing onto them. In addition, small spoilers and trim panels guide the flow of air on the underbody.

Volkswagen ID.7

ID.7 – Near-production concept car. The vehicle has not gone on sale yet.

“On electric vehicles, the wheels make a greater contribution to good aerodynamics, and we therefore focused on them in particular,” says Lansmann. “When designing the wheel rims, the primary focus was on the aerodynamics, which we also had to match to the cooling requirements of the brakes,” explains the expert. “The resultant wheel rims are more closed and therefore have especially good aerodynamic properties.” Flow simulations were also used when designing the tyre contours. This meant it was already possible to optimise variants with less good aerodynamic characteristics during the concept phase.

Other areas were also taken into account in the holistic aerodynamic development process. These include the functional openings at the front, for example, through which air flows to the radiators in the vehicle front end. In the ID.7, the air flow is actively controlled by a radiator roller blind in order to reduce the drag. The electrically operated roller blind opens only when targeted cooling of the power units and battery is required. At the rear, aerodynamic efficiency is ensured by the ideally shaped tailgate and the design of the diffuser and side separation edges.

Volkswagen ID.7

ID.7 – Near-production concept car. The vehicle has not gone on sale yet.

From computer to wind tunnel

The initial focus is on computer simulations. “Work only takes place virtually in the first year of development, with updates about every two weeks,” says Lansmann. The design team supplies CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. Several thousand processors then calculate the air flow values, also for numerous details like the flush-recessed door handles and the aerodynamically designed mirrors of the ID.7. “We go into the wind tunnel only when the design is stable. That can take a good one and a half years from the start of development,” says the development engineer.

The team used Volkswagen clay models in the original size of the ID.7 in the wind tunnel. The new findings are implemented on the model using a milling cutter with millimetre precision – for example, in the event of changes to the rear and to the separation edges. With the help of the prototype parts from the 3D printer, Stephan Lansmann’s team tested numerous variants – also for the aerodynamically shaped exterior mirrors, for example. On the ID.7, this process allowed them to optimise the upper and lower mirror housing sections and mirror base to achieve a lower drag coefficient with outstanding aerodynamic properties. The result of this detailed work is a Cd value of 0.23, the best drag coefficient of the entire Volkswagen ID. family.

All Information about the new Volkswagen ID.7

Volkswagen

Performance program: Volkswagen brand aims to become more efficient and more profitable

Volkswagen is launching a global performance program called “ACCELERATE FORWARD | Road to 6.5” with the aim of improving the brand’s performance and profitability in the long term. The goal is to achieve a return on sales of 6.5 percent and improve earnings by around €10 billion by 2026. The program will focus on streamlining administrative processes, increasing efficiency in development and production, streamlining the model range, reducing the number of equipment variants, and improving product quality. The program will be managed by a Project Management Office (PMO) led by Stephan Wöllenstein and will be implemented in consultation with employee representatives, with a target completion date of October 2023.



Performance programm „ACCELERATE FORWARD | Road to 6.5“

The decision to launch the “ACCELERATE FORWARD | Road to 6.5” program by the VW Board of Management is a response to the challenging market environment and economic situation. The program is a top priority and aims to strengthen the Volkswagen brand and position it for future growth. The ambitious goal of achieving a sustainable return on sales of 6.5 percent by 2026 can be achieved through leveraging synergies, improving efficiency, and becoming more effective across all divisions of the company. Stephan Wöllenstein will manage the program and ensure its successful implementation.

The Management Board and Works Council have also agreed to work together on the common goals of profitability and job security. They are committed to achieving targeted savings without reducing wages or shedding jobs, focusing instead on areas such as Group management, brand cooperation, software development, and product quality. The workforce will be kept informed and involved throughout the process.

The “ACCELERATE FORWARD | Road to 6.5” program will be implemented through major action areas within the brand, including administration, technical development, material costs, products, price/mix, vehicle construction, sales, and quality. Additionally, flagship projects spanning multiple action areas will further increase efficiency and profitability. Examples include focusing on volume models, reducing complexity by eliminating lower-volume models, optimizing plant capacity utilization, and maximizing the potential of the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB) and the Modular Electric Drive Toolkit (MEB).

The program will be managed by a lean Project Management Office (PMO) under the leadership of Stephan Wöllenstein. The Brand Board of Management will oversee the program, with individual members leading action areas and flagship projects. The program is expected to be fully implemented by October 2023, following consultation with employee representatives.

The Volume brand group, which includes Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, SEAT/CUPRA, and Škoda, will provide additional synergies and higher returns. Production within this group will be more focused on multi-brand plants and vehicle platforms, maximizing efficiencies and cost savings. The brands will also collaborate on selling expenses and overheads, further optimizing operations.