Fielding six competition teams with twelve participants in this year’s event
Once again, the presenting sponsor of the event’s Live Webcast
PLANO, Texas (June 23, 2023) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has announced that it will continue to support the Rebelle Rally, the premier women-only, off-road navigation rally. In 2023, Toyota will have a total of 12 participants forming six teams to compete in the event, doubling the number from last year. The Toyota representatives will be selected from various areas of the company, including CALTY Design, Manufacturing, Production Engineering, and Research and Development. Additionally, Toyota will once again serve as the presenting sponsor of the live webcast of the event.
Kristen Tabar, the group vice president of Advanced Mobility Research and Development at Toyota Motor North America, commented, “This event is important to us and provides a great opportunity for the women in our company. The Rebelle Rally is a unique and empowering experience that aligns with our values of pushing boundaries, learning by doing, and fostering a supportive and inclusive culture. We believe that our team members will not only have fun and learn from this adventure, but also bring back valuable insights and skills to their work and teams.”
The Rebelle Rally is an eight-day endurance event that will take place from October 12-21, 2023. It covers over 2,000 kilometers of challenging terrain in the deserts of California and Nevada. The rally stands out because competitors are required to navigate using only a map and compass, without the use of GPS or electronic devices.
As a Silver Sponsor and the Presenting Sponsor of Rebelle Rally’s Live Webcast for the second year in a row, Toyota will support the broadcast of the event on the rally’s website, YouTube, and Facebook. The coverage will include reviews of the format, standings, competitor interviews, live updates from the course, highlights, and a behind-the-scenes look at team planning and strategy.
Lisa Materazzo, the group vice president of Toyota Division Marketing at Toyota Motor North America, said, “We are excited to renew our commitment to Rebelle Rally and continue as the Silver Sponsor and the official Presenting Sponsor of the Live Webcast. This sponsorship allows us not only to showcase our exceptional Toyota trucks but also to support the remarkable endeavors of our team members. It is an honor to be associated with such an empowering event, and we are eager to contribute to an unforgettable experience.”
To follow Toyota’s teams and track their progress along with other participants as they navigate the challenging desert terrain, visit www.rebellerally.com/live.
More details about the Toyota teams participating in Rebelle Rally will be announced at a later date.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for over 65 years and is dedicated to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through its Toyota and Lexus brands, as well as its network of more than 1,800 dealerships.
In North America, Toyota directly employs over 48,000 people who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks across 13 manufacturing plants. Starting in 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will produce automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. As the automaker with the most electrified vehicles on the road, Toyota currently offers 22 electrified options.
Through its Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights how it partners with community, civic, academic, and governmental organizations to address society’s most pressing mobility challenges. Toyota believes that when people have the freedom to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visitwww.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
About Rebelle Rally
The Rebelle Rally is the longest competitive off-road rally in the United States. Covering over 2,500 kilometers through Nevada and California’s iconic terrain, it is an endurance competition for women that emphasizes precision driving and navigation rather than speed. The competition is innovative and unique, using maps, compasses, roadbooks, and strategies in the Rebelle Format. GPS and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited. As a remote and off-grid event for eight competition days, the Rebelle Rally serves as a proving ground for people, products, and stock manufacturer vehicles.
The compact SUV is set to receive its first major update in four years
The new Seltos will feature a redesigned interior with a new climate control panel and dual-zone AC.
It is expected to come with dual-integrated 10.25-inch displays for the touchscreen system and instrument cluster.
The Seltos will be the second compact SUV to have radar-based ADAS technology.
It will be equipped with a new and more powerful 160PS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, available with manual and automatic transmissions.
Prices are expected to start from around Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom).
The facelifted Kia Seltos has been spotted once again, giving us a glimpse of its interior. While we can’t see the entire dashboard, the climate control panel is clearly visible, showcasing an important new feature.
The spy shot reveals a new climate control panel with new switches. The presence of the SYNC button and temperature control buttons on either side of the panel suggests that the Seltos facelift will offer dual-zone climate control. Additionally, you can also spot the audio controls, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera switch on the buttons surrounding the drive selector of the automatic variant seen in the spy images.
This new climate control panel looks premium compared to that of the current Seltos. However, it is not the same as the one seen in the global facelift. The central AC vents have also been redesigned, resembling the globally available Seltos, indicating a possible update to the dashboard that includes an integrated dual-screen setup with 10.25-inch displays for the infotainment system and instrument cluster.
Similar to the current version, the facelifted Kia Seltos appears to have a dual-tone black and beige interior. This might be one of the regular variants, while the top-spec GT line trim could retain its all-black theme. In terms of safety, the presence of radar-based ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) technology will enhance the overall safety features of the car.
Aside from the interior, the exterior design of the Seltos will also receive updates. Recent leaked spy shots suggest that the front and rear profiles of the SUV will be more stylish. The overall silhouette remains the same, but new single-tone alloy wheels can be seen.
The powertrain options for the facelifted Kia Seltos will remain unchanged, with the 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines being retained. The 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine has been discontinued and will be replaced by a more powerful 160PS 1.5-litre unit, similar to the one offered with the Carens. All three engines will be available with automatic transmission options.
The owner of this 1972 Ford Gran Torino put it in an open garage bay 20 years ago, and it sat there ever since. Now, the folks at WD Detailing drag the forgotten personal luxury coupe out of the resting place to give the vehicle a much-needed wash.
While it was partially covered, this Gran Torino still looks rough. There’s dust and grime on the body. The interior is filthy. According to the owner, a raccoon got into the engine bay at some point and tore things up.
WD Detailing focuses on cleaning the car, but the team also makes sure the engine still turns over. It does, but the Ford needs lots of work before the powerplant gets running again.
Rather than starting by washing the body like usual, the detailers begin with the cabin this time because they plan on dyeing the carpets. The upholstery on the seats is also filthy. There’s a massive mouse nest under the rear seat.
As usual, just washing the body goes a long way toward making this Gran Torino look better. Instead of using wash mitts, the crew wipes the body with sandpaper to remove the oxidation from the paint. While unorthodox, the tactic works well here.
At the end of the cleaning process, the Gran Torino looks significantly better. There’s still some patina on the body with some chipped paint and less-than-shiny chrome. Inside, there are big holes on the driver and passenger side of the front bench. Plus, there would still need to be lots of mechanical work to make the car road-worthy.
Ford introduced the Torino name in 1968 as an upmarket subseries for the Fairlane. In 1970, the Blue Oval swapped the nomenclature by making Torino the primary model and Fairlane the submodel. For the 1972 model year, the Torino entirely took over, and the Blue Oval introduced the Gran Torino moniker.
Ford offered the ’72 Torino with an inline-six and a variety of V8s. This one has an eight-cylinder powerplant, but we can’t see enough to identify which one.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of electric vehicles, particularly motorcycles. This trend is particularly evident in the Asian market, where electric scooters and motorbikes are valued for their practicality and affordability. Many of the leading electric two-wheeler companies are based in the region, with India and China playing a key role. Yadea, a Chinese brand, is one such company with plans for expansion.
Yadea offers a wide range of models tailored to suit the needs of various commuters. Their lineup includes electric scooters, mopeds, and bicycles designed to provide practical and affordable mobility solutions. As an up and coming company, Yadea shows no signs of slowing down. Recently, they announced a $1 billion investment in a new production facility in the Philippines.
While the Philippines has yet to fully embrace electrification, there has been a growing number of electric scooters and bicycles on its roads. Zero, a California-based electric motorbike manufacturer, has also struck a deal with a major corporation in the Philippines to produce electric motorcycles for the Southeast Asian market. Given the heavy reliance on motorcycles for mobility in the Philippines, setting up shop in the country holds great potential for Yadea. Moreover, the government’s efforts to attract direct foreign investment through lowered taxes and accelerated permit processing further enhance the appeal of the Philippines as a manufacturing base.
Yadea currently has six production facilities in China and one in Vietnam, where they manufacture electric two-wheelers for sale in their respective markets as well as for export to neighboring countries. The company has expressed interest in filing a Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) application to establish a battery factory in Batangas, located about an hour’s drive from the country’s capital of Manila. Once approved and built, this battery facility will cater to local demand and meet the requirements of neighboring Asian countries.
One of the main reasons people buy new trucks every couple of years is to ensure they always have a pickup that is in excellent condition. By trading in their old trucks frequently, they avoid costly repairs, unless they end up with a model that has had a bad year. But what if there was a better way?
Used trucks can be a more cost-effective option because as technology improves, the dependability of vehicles increases. However, older trucks with high mileage can also be reliable. Knowing which used trucks will run forever can help you make the best choice. For example, the best trucks for construction work may not be suitable for off-road adventures, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
The 2000 Ford F-350 is a heavy-duty truck designed for work and towing, but it can also be used for off-road adventures. It was available with a 5.4L V-8, 6.8L V-10, or a 7.3L diesel engine. The 7.3L Power Stroke diesel engine is particularly sought after for its reliability and performance.
2000 Ford F-350 Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
Owners of the 2000 Ford F-350 with the diesel engine praise its reliability. With regular maintenance, these trucks can run for as long as needed without requiring significant repairs. It has received a 5/5 reliability rating from Edmunds.
Problems Owners Reported: Tie rods, ball joints, bearings, and brake rotors may warp easily
Highest Mileage Reported: 170,000
102004 Ram 3500
Reliability Score: 3.5/5
Mecum
Side and front view of a 2004 Ram 3500
The 2004 Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty work truck that can also be used for show or daily driving. It is known for its durability and is considered one of the best trucks in the industry.
2004 Ram 3500 Reliability Rating Based On Owner Feedback
Online reviews for the 2004 Ram 3500 vary, with average ratings ranging from 7 out of 10 to 3.5 out of 5. Owners are generally satisfied with the truck’s performance for work purposes, but some find it lacking in options and mid-range trim levels for daily driving. Overall, it is considered a reliable work truck.
Problems Owners Reported: Odors in the air conditioning, transmission issues, engine cranking problems, faulty thermostat, and sunroof cable issues
Highest Mileage Reported: 298,258
92007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
Reliability Score: 5/5
Mecum
Side and front view of a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is a versatile work truck that can also be used for daily driving. It offers a comfortable ride and optional features such as a backup camera display in the rearview mirror.
Reliability
The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD received a 5 out of 5 reliability rating from Consumer Reports. It is equipped with either a 6.0L V-8 or a 6.6L turbo diesel engine. The Duramax diesel engine provides good acceleration and performance, and it is highly reliable when properly maintained.
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $601 (RepairPal)
Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $14,644 (CarEdge)
Total Recalls: 3 (Passenger side air bag inflator, melted fusible link)
Worst Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD To Buy Used: 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
82009 GMC Sierra 2500HD
Reliability Score: 5/5
GMC
A front 3/4 studio shot of a 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD
The 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD is a reliable work truck that can also be used for daily driving. It offers a comfortable ride and reliable performance.
Reliability
Owners of the 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD praise its reliability. The truck received a 5 out of 5 reliability rating from Consumer Reports. It is equipped with either a 6.0L V-8 or a 6.6L turbo diesel engine, and it is known for its towing capabilities.
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $912 (RepairPal)
Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $13,029 (CarEdge)
Total Recalls: 6 (Passenger side air bag inflator, fire extinguisher clogged, melted fusible link, heated windshield washer module short circuit)
Worst GMC Sierra 2500HD To Buy Used: 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
72003 Ford F-250
Reliability Score: 4.5/5
Mecum
Front and side view of a 2003 Ford F-250
The 2003 Ford F-250 is a reliable pickup truck that offers different engine options and two- or four-wheel drive configurations. It is recommended to avoid the 5.4L Triton V-8 engine due to known problems.
2003 Ford F-250 Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
Owners of the 2003 Ford F-250 praise its reliability. The 7.3L Power Stroke diesel engine is particularly popular for its reliability and towing capabilities. Overall, the truck has received positive reviews and is considered a reliable choice.
The 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 is a reliable pickup truck that offers three different engine options and various configurations. It is known for its durability and versatility.
2003 Ram 2500 Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
Owners of the 2003 Ram 2500 have varying reviews, but most agree that the truck is reliable for various tasks. Some use it for work purposes, while others use it for daily driving and recreational activities. The truck received positive ratings overall and is considered reliable.
Problems Owners Reported: Engine cranks but won’t start, transmission issues, water leaks, vibration in the steering wheel
The 2000 Toyota Tacoma is known for its toughness and reliability. While it may not be specifically designed for heavy work, it can handle basic tasks and has a reputation for being reliable.
Reliability
The 2000 Tacoma offers different engine options, with the 2.7L four-cylinder being the standard engine in most versions. The truck has received positive reviews overall and is considered a reliable choice.
Problems Owners Reported: Rust, squeaking from the clutch, water leaks, dash rattles, paint issues
Highest Mileage Reported: 292,000
41999 Nissan Frontier
Reliability Score: 5/5
Mecum
Side view of a 1999 Nissan Frontier
The 1999 Nissan Frontier may not be the first choice for construction workers, but it is a reliable pickup truck that can handle various tasks, including towing and hauling.
1999 Nissan Frontier Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
Owners of the 1999 Nissan Frontier generally praise its reliability, although there may be some minor issues that could have been resolved with regular maintenance. Overall, it is considered a reliable truck that is likely to last with proper care.
Problems Reported: Exterior trim issues, paint deterioration, transmission issues
Highest Mileage Reported: 273,684
32013 Chevy Avalanche
Reliability Rating: 82/100
Mecum
Side view of a 2013 Chevy Avalanche
The 2013 Chevy Avalanche is a versatile pickup truck that offers a comfortable ride and a reliable performance. It is capable of towing and hauling.
Reliability
The 2013 Chevy Avalanche has an overall reliability rating of 82 out of 100 from J.D. Power. It is equipped with either a 5.3L V-8 or a 6.0L V-8 engine, both of which are known for their reliability. The truck has received positive ratings for customer satisfaction.
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $722 (RepairPal)
Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,220
Total Recalls: 1 (Shifting out of park)
Worst Chevy Avalanche To Buy Used: 2005 Chevy Avalanche
12013 Honda Ridgeline
Reliability Rating: 5/5
The 2013 Honda Ridgeline is a unique pickup truck that offers a comfortable ride and reliability. While some debate its classification as a truck, it is a versatile vehicle capable of towing and hauling.
Reliability
The 2013 Honda Ridgeline has received a perfect reliability rating of 5 out of 5 from Consumer Reports. Owners praise its style, comfort, and most importantly, its reliability. It is a highly rated truck with a high level of customer satisfaction.
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $534 (RepairPal)
Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,263
Total Recalls: 8 (Frame corrosion, accelerator pedal binding, airbag inflators)
Worst Chevy Avalanche To Buy Used: 2005 Chevy Avalanche
Over the past 20 years, we have witnessed the increasing connection of global economies through globalization. This has led to trade agreements and increased migration, which has in turn encouraged closer integration among the world’s economies. The automotive industry has been one of the major beneficiaries of this trend.
However, along with the benefits, new challenges are emerging that are undoing the progress made so far. As China becomes a real competitor to Western dominance, we are heading towards an inevitable confrontation between these two blocs. Among the achievements of globalization, trade is perhaps the most exposed to this new reality, and it has already started to impact the new cars we see on the roads.
One World, One Product?
We are starting to see an increase in cars specifically designed for certain markets, as opposed to a global standard. Just like before the 1990s, different regions and markets are becoming more independent in terms of product and supply chain. In fact, localization is being favored to source locally and produce locally manufactured cars.
For instance, Toyota, the world’s largest automaker by sales volume, used to be a good example of global autos. The Corolla and RAV4, manufactured in different locations, were virtually identical in all regions. They were the best examples of successful global cars. However, we are now witnessing the introduction of new localized products that are not available everywhere.
Take Toyota’s Yaris as an example. Apart from the Yaris models available in Europe and Asia, Toyota has recently introduced the new Yaris Cross for emerging markets, which is much larger than the one available in Europe. The brand also rebadges select Suzuki cars for its lineup in India, Africa, and the Middle East.
Citroën’s C-Cubed plan is another example of growing localization. It is a strategy that involves the development, production, and sale of cars designed for emerging markets, specifically for India and South America. This has led to the introduction of a different Citroën C3 and recently, the Citroën C3 Aircross. These cars use different platforms from their European counterparts and are cheaper to produce.
Hyundai is also adopting more localized approaches. The small crossover Exter, also known as the Hyundai Casper, will soon be launched in India. Brazil has its own version of the i20 with the HB20. In both cases, localization is the response to the changing income conditions of consumers. This can also be seen with the Fiat Panda for Europe and the Mobi for South America.
The South American Case
Due to income gaps, regulations, or simply differences in taste between markets, there are many other cases of localization. The most famous example is the Toyota Tacoma for North America and its counterpart, the Hilux, for the rest of the world.
Nissan still sells the fourth generation of the Micra in Latin America, where it is called the March, while the latest-generation model is available in Europe. A similar case can be seen with the Renault Captur; the first generation is still popular in the Latin American B-SUV segment, while the latest model is available in Europe. Suzuki offers two different Altos depending on whether you are in India or Japan. The Volkswagen Tiguan, available in Europe and China, has been replaced by the cheaper Taos in most Latin American markets.
The author of the article, Felipe Munoz, is an Automotive Industry Specialist at JATO Dynamics.
Brabus, a renowned tuner of Mercedes vehicles, has showcased its expertise in a new Autobahn video. The spotlight is on the 2015 AMG C63 with Brabus upgrades, which comes incredibly close to reaching its top speed.
The stock version of the 2015 AMG C63 S is equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 500 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque. Although this is plenty of power for most drivers, Brabus takes it up a notch with an upgrade that pumps out 600 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, transmitted to the rear wheels.
In the video, the C63 attempts to hit its top speed of 184 mph, but traffic conditions hamper its efforts. Nevertheless, the C63 manages an impressive speed of around 177 mph (285 kph), a testament to its performance capabilities.
Brabus offers a range of additional upgrades to complement its tunes. These include options to swap out the exhaust, install new wheels, add adjustable springs, and enhance the exterior with carbon-fiber accents. The tuner caters to various models and customer preferences, allowing for customization of horsepower levels.
In addition to its Mercedes upgrades, Brabus has diversified its offerings with a unique bundle, priced at $1.51 million. This bundle includes a Brabus 800-tuned G63 with 789 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, a boat with 900 hp, and a matching watch. The Brabus Shadow 900 Stealth Green Signature Edition sports boat is equipped with two 4.6-liter V8 Mercury Marine 450R engines, enabling it to reach speeds of over 69 mph (60 knots).
Another recent introduction from Brabus is the AMG GT63 S E Performance upgrade, which brings an extraordinary level of power. This plug-in hybrid boasts a combined output of 930 hp and 1,143 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to achieve a blistering acceleration of 0-62 mph in just 2.8 seconds. Although the 2015 AMG C63 is slightly slower, requiring 3.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, it still delivers impressive performance.
Over the years, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have become common in modern cars, and they have also made their way into the world of two-wheeled vehicles. Radar-assisted cruise control and blind spot detection systems are now being incorporated into flagship adventure and sport touring motorcycles.
OEMs like Ducati, BMW, and Yamaha are collaborating with established companies such as Bosch and Continental to develop these systems and address placement issues for the components.
The Chinese Patent Office recently published a patent application filed by Kymco, a major Taiwanese OEM known for its scooters but also involved in motorcycle and electric vehicle development.
In the patent, Kymco explores the placement of rear-facing radar units in various potential motorbike designs. Among the drawings are configurations that resemble a café racer design and an adventure bike.
Kymco’s design goals for these configurations include protecting the radar unit from the weather and other obstructions, such as rain, mud, and snow. The unit is positioned between the taillight unit and the license plate unit, set back to offer some shelter from the elements. This design also aims to deter theft by integrating the radar unit into the rear portion of the motorbike.
These patent drawings indicate that Kymco is planning ahead for future motorbike models. Considering their partnership with LiveWire for the production of lightweight electric motorbikes, it is possible that the unseen tail configurations could be part of upcoming LiveWire models.
However, this speculation is purely based on the patent filing and partnership, and there is no concrete evidence to confirm or deny these assumptions. It is common for people to connect dots and create their own narratives, even when there is limited information available.
What are your thoughts and speculations on these images? Share your opinions in the comments section.
Porsche has a rich history of producing some of the world’s most coveted high-performance luxury cars for 75 years, and the iconic 911 model has been a part of that legacy for 60 years. To commemorate these two significant milestones, Porsche introduced special edition cars that pay homage to its history. One such model is the Porsche 911 Sport Classic, which follows in the footsteps of the 2010 997-generation 911 Sport Classic. This car celebrates various moments in the history of the 911, including the exceptional qualities of the current generation. It combines a powerful engine with a 7-speed manual transmission, a favorite among purists, and features a ducktail spoiler for a touch of old-school aerodynamics. The duPont REGISTRY Magazine recognized the historical significance of this car and featured it on the cover of their September 2022 issue.
The Porsche 911 Sport Classic is a highly sought-after collector’s car or a dream come true for any 911 enthusiast. One such example is currently for sale at HGreg Lux in Pompano Beach, Florida. This exquisite car stands out with its Fuchs-style rims and racing stripes that evoke a retro-inspired aura. It is finished in the elegant Sport Grey Metallic paint. Inside, the interior showcases a fusion of modern 911 design with retro elements. The open-pore wood trim pays homage to previous models, while the green backlit gauges add a touch of nostalgia. The leather upholstery beautifully complements the Pepita houndstooth fabric, yet another nod to classic 911s. With its complete package, the Porsche 911 Sport Classic captures the essence of what makes the 911 legendary and highly respected. It is a must-have for any Porsche enthusiast or avid car collector. Click below to view the price and listing.
Keeping a classic car in a barn is not ideal if you want to keep it in good condition for years to come. However, it is still a better choice than abandoning it in the woods, where it is exposed to the harsh elements. Unfortunately, this 1964 Ford Mustang was left in the woods for a staggering 48 years, resulting in extensive rust and damage.
According to a recent article on Autoevolution, the once beautiful Mustang is now a sad sight to behold. Left to deteriorate with no protection, the car has become a rusty bucket of bolts.
It is crucial to provide proper care and shelter for classic cars to preserve their beauty and functionality. The extreme weather conditions in the woods have taken a toll on this unfortunate Mustang, leaving it in an unrecognizable state.
Classic car enthusiasts and collectors understand the importance of regular maintenance and storage in safe environments. Unfortunately, this 1964 Ford Mustang fell victim to neglect and now serves as a reminder of the consequences of improper car care.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
