Refreshed 2023 Nissan Leaf EV gets new(ish) looks, lower pricing and added equipment

For the 2023 model year, Nissan gave the Leaf EV a few updates, a simplified line-up, and lower pricing. The '23 Leaf gets a revised grille and headlamps that more closely mirror the rest of Nissan's models along with other styling tweaks. The Leaf line-up has been simplified to just two models: the Leaf S and Leaf SV Plus. "All Leaf models feature Nissan's Safety Shield® 360 as standard equipment, inclusive of six active driver assistance technologies that can help drivers avoid or lessen the severity of a crash. SV PLUS models include ProPILOT Assist3 and Intelligent Around View Monitor®." Prices start at $27,800 (plus taxes, license, fees and a $1,095 destination charge) for the Leaf S and jump to $35,800 + for the loaded SV Plus model. Battery sizes vary with the S getting a 40 kWh battery (EPA est. range 149 miles) and the SV Plus stepping things up to a 60 kWh battery (EPA est. range 212 miles). One new option are the 17-inch, multi-spoke wheels shown in the pics. While the Leaf is a tad larger, the Chevy Bolt competition is a touch cheaper, faster to charge, and has greater range (up to 249 miles). At this time, both cars are still eligible for the $7,500 Federal Tax credit (for those who qualify) which would make either car an inexpensive way to go electric. Click on "read more" below to view the media release, additional pics, and a b-roll video, Here's to more choices, The Tennessee-built 2023 Leaf is available now.

Source: Nissan - Media release, pics, and video

Audi adds new S model to e-tron and e-tron Sportback EVs

What's wrong with a little more performance? Nothing really and Audi has cranked up the power on the e-tron (foreground above) and e-tron Sportback (background above) for 2022. The new layout provides three (count 'em 3) motors to propel the vehicles with 496 horsepower and a whopping 718 lb-ft of torque, getting 0-60 mph times in an estimated 4.3 seconds. You get one motor in the front and two at each wheel on the rear axle which can provide better power delivery and control (what with slippage and all that) not to mention quattro all-wheel drive. Besides the additional power, e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback models get new tech like the standard 12.3 inch virtual cockpit, 3D satellite navigation, traffic light information, LTE Wi-Fi, top-view camera, active lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and much more. Click on "read more" below to view all the details in the media release and to view the "drifting" video. All this goodness will take a bite out of the bank account though with e-tron S Premium Plus models starting at $84,800 (plus taxes, license, fees, and $1,095 destination) moving on to the top e-tron S Sportback Prestige at $92,400. Yep, they better be special when you start hitting six figures and these two are...special. They're good-looking, fast, and electric with all of Audi's (and parent VW's) latest tech and the EV kit including fast charging, etc. One thing that surprised me when I saw an e-tron in person is just how large the vehicle is. The pics are kinda deceiving but this is a luxury, performance EV with a great interior (pic below is of the standard e-tron). So if you've got the dough or a large enough credit line, Audi has provided you with two new EV choices with deliveries in the US starting this Fall. Decisions, decisions...

Source: Audi - Media release, pics,

VW introduces iD4 Pro AWD as the least-expensive AWD EV in the US

Volkswagen USA took the wraps off of the iD4 EV folks have wanted, the iD4 Pro AWD (you can also add an S in there, for you know, Sport if you check the right option box). The iD4 Pro AWD has a motor on each axle (the standard iD4 is RWD only) which ups the power to 295 hp with a 0 to 60 that's under 6 seconds. (Pics on this page are of the iD4 Pro S non AWD.) Range is 249 miles for the iD4 Pro AWD and about 240 miles for the S version. Yes bigger tires reduce range. Prices will start at just over $40k not counting any eligible rebates, etc. While it hasn't been announced for the US market, these stats are very similar to the iD4 GTX which is sort of the GTI of iD4s. The GTX version would add suspension tuning and blacked out trim, wheels, sports seats (?), etc. to the mix so here's hopin'. (Click on the link for my GTX post.) All in all, this is good news for EV buyers. More choice and a better (and more expensive) product. Remember that VW is marketing the iD4 to regular SUV/crossover buyers, you know like the folks that buy RAV4s. But this new model is a stronger competitor for EV buyers. If you can find one. I went with a friend to a VW dealer recently and the salesperson admitted that dealers aren't excited to sell EVs cuz they really make their money in the service bay (EVs don't require as much service as do ICE vehicles). Think about that. For more information, click on "read more" to jump to the media release and additional pics.

Source: Volkswagen - Media release, pics

All-new 2022 Nissan Frontier pickup debuts for summer availability

Nissan has taken the wraps off of the all-new Frontier pick-up that is expected in dealer showrooms this summer. The new Frontier has been thoroughly updated and upgraded and is now truly competitive in the smaller (compact? mid-size?) pickup segment with more modern and aggressive exterior styling, class-leading standard power, and a new interior plus all the expected safety and tech equipment (largest-in-class available 9-inch color touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM, available WiFi and wireless charging) either standard or optional. Available safety technology starts with Nissan Safety Shield® 360, featuring Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and class-exclusive Rear Automatic Braking9.

The 2022 Frontier King Cab is offered in 2WD and 4WD S and SV grades. The 2022 Frontier Crew Cab is available in 2WD and 4WD S, SV SWB (standard bed) and SV LWB (long bed), along with the Crew Cab PRO-4X (4WD only) and new-for-2022 PRO-X (2WD only). The PRO-X grade provides the same rugged design touches as PRO-4X but does not include certain 4WD-related content (electronic locking differential, underbody skid plates). Seven option packages will be available. The new Off-Road Mode available on Frontier PRO-4X functions while the vehicle is moving forward at slow speeds and the 4WD system is in 4LO/ This is ideal for negotiating tight trails without having an external spotter to avoid potential body scrapes or dents.

For more detailed info, check out the extensive media release (w/infographic) and videos after the "read more" jump. Check with your local dealer for dates of availability. Nice truck, to bad Nissan didn't surprise everyone with an EV version. I mean the all=new Nissan Ariya CUV EV is coming out soon, so...

Source: Nissan/YouTube - Media release, pics, videos

Mini Countryman goes to the "Boardwalk"

Few car companies do special editions better (or as many) as the Mini brand and this is the latest, The Countryman Boardwalk. The Boardwalk edition (I keep hearing the song "Under the Boardwalk" as I type this) comes outfitted with special Deep Laguna Metallic blue paint with black accents and a stripe pattern in Deep Laguna metallic and black metallic with the lettering “BOARDWALK” on the frame of the side trims known as "Side Scuttles." Patterns and inscriptions can also be found on the entry bars. In addition, the side flanks of the roof at the rear side windows and the interior bar on the passenger side each bear a logo with the name of the edition model. The Boardwalk edition will come in three Countryman flavors: Cooper, Cooper S, and Cooper S All4 (with all-wheel drive). A six-speed manual is standard and a seven-speed automatic is optional. All4 models step up to the eight-speed Steptronic automatic. Cooper S and Cooper S All4 models get the turbocharged four (178 hp). Options are available to further enhance your Mini special. Personally, I like the Deep Laguna Metallic paint and the overall look. Now if it was available in the hybrid SE version... For more, check out the media release, general Countryman video, and additional pic after the "read more" jump. Check with your dealer regarding availability.

Source: Mini - Media release and pics