The non-profit group recently published a series of articles about personal data and privacy in cars. It researched 25 brands, all of which earned the foundation’s Privacy Not Included warning label, meaning the automakers did a poor job of managing data and providing security. In fact, Mozilla found that cars ranked as the worst category of products it had ever reviewed. 

According to the study, all of the car brands surveyed collect too much personal data. In addition to the information required to operate a vehicle, details on how people use their vehicles, how fast they drive, and where they go are data points. Auto companies also collect information from the connected services used in the car, including third-party sources from companies like Google, Meta, or Sirius XM. 

The study determined that 84 percent of car companies share or sell customer data to third parties, including service providers, data brokers, and other businesses. Additionally, 56 percent of automakers say they share information with government or law enforcement officials in response to court orders, warrants, or informal requests.

Mozilla Foundation concluded most car companies also provide little or no control over personal data. 92 percent of companies surveyed allegedly don’t allow or make it extremely difficult for people to delete their personal information. Renault and Dacia are listed as exceptions, though the study notes these two brands fall under the purview of Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) privacy laws. 

The Mozilla Foundation spent over 600 hours researching the car brands’ privacy practices and was unable to determine the full picture of how consumer data is used or shared. It also reached out to all of the car companies in its survey but only received responses from Ford, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz, and apparently, those responses still didn’t answer all of the group’s questions.

Motor1.com has also contacted automakers to request comments on the study. A spokesperson from Stellantis responded with the following statement:

Multiple claims in this document are incorrect as they relate to Stellantis brands. We carefully and diligently consider data privacy and act accordingly. Customers with questions may call our Customer Care center.

We will update this article with additional statements as they become available.

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Nota told Autocar that “the user acceptance isn’t that high” for the service, adding that customers felt like they were paying double. The company isn’t completely eliminating subscriptions, instead focusing on software and service-related products – think driver and parking assistance features. BMW’s customers are more open to subscribing to these offerings after purchasing the vehicle, and the company sees the potential.

Gallery: 2024 BMW X6

The automaker ruffled feathers last year when its heated seat subscription service became a reality. BMW didn’t implemented in every market, with US buyers avoiding having to pay the fee.

Subscription services for once-included vehicle features are new for the industry. The increased digitization of modern cars allows automakers to inject more software-related services and paywalls into the driving and ownership experiences as companies seek new revenue streams.

Consumers might not like subscriptions, but they are also not opposed to them if they add value, according to an S&P Global Mobility study from earlier this year. It revealed that consumers highly desire features like enhanced navigation and advanced driver-assist systems and are willing to subscribe to them, but paying for heated seats and remote start functionality garnered less interest.

Automakers could struggle to convince consumers to subscribe to certain features. A Cox Automotive study found that only 21 percent of the 2,000 in-market car buyers it polled were aware of in-vehicle subscription services. Most respondents – 53 percent – said subscriptions are a benefit if they lowered the vehicle’s upfront price. Nearly 70 percent said they’d shop elsewhere if a brand only offered certain features through a monthly subscription.

Putting features behind paywalls makes the car-shopping experience even more challenging as automakers take unique approaches to such services. Volvo announced earlier this year that it wouldn’t offer a subscription plan for heated seats. On the other end of the spectrum is a company like Mercedes-Benz, which announced last year that owners of its electric EQ models could wring out more power for $1,200 a year, increasing a vehicle’s output by 20 to 24 percent.

It seems like every day, there is something new to subscribe to as the idea of actually owning things slips away. Subscription services once reserved for music, movies, and smartphone applications have made their way to the automobile, and it’ll be interesting to watch automakers navigate this new reality. Adding features after purchasing a vehicle is appealing if consumers feel it adds value.

As Volvo’s Chief Operating Officer Björn Annwall said in January: “We will not ask people who have bought a car for 1 million kronor [$90,000] to pay another 10 kronor [$0.90] to get extra heat in the seat.”

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This GR86 has the optional Touring Package that adds sports brake pads and 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. There are no powertrain changes to the 2.4-liter flat four-cylinder engine. The mill makes 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in the United States. This one has the six-speed manual rather than the available Subaru Performance Transmission CVT.

Gallery: 2024 Toyota GR86 Trueno Edition

The GR86 clocks 24.2 seconds in the slalom. This is the same as a Mercedes-Benz C 300 and Renault Megane E-Tech. The quickest time ever in KM77.com’s test is the Porsche Taycan GTS that can hustle through the cones in 21.5 seconds.

The driver reports the GR86 has precise steering. However, the stability control intervened at one point, which limited the vehicle’s acceleration.

The moose test challenged the driver. He initially used quick, aggressive steering inputs, which resulted in oversteering and hitting a cone. Being more deliberate and precise with the wheels fixes this problem. The GR86 can get through the test at 46.6 miles per hour (75 kilometers per hour).

The second-generation GR86 debuted for the 2022 model year. Since then, Toyota introduced multiple special editions. For example, the Trueno Edition (in gallery above) paid tribute to a sporty version of the AE86-generation Toyota Corolla made famous in the series Initial D. It featured a two-tone black-and-white body, 18-inch wheels, Sachs dampers, and Brembo brakes.

A third-generation GR86 is reportedly already under development. Toyota is allegedly spearheading the project. The new model is necessary to comply with stricter emissions and safety rules. The engine is possibly a hybrid version of the turbocharged three-cylinder from the GR Yaris and GR Corolla.

Check out the GR86 Trueno Edition and some other special Toyotas:

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The wing’s body is carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. The uprights are aluminum, and the attachment points are on the vertical section of the trunk lid.

Gallery: Toyota GR86 Rear Wing Japan

Toyota engineered the wing using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. The result is that it creates downforce while minimizing the increase in air resistance. Buyers can select three adjustment settings depending on how aggressive the owner wants the angle. They are 0 degrees, 1.25 degrees, and 2.5 degrees.

Toyota recommends pairing the wing with its optional Aerodynamic package because otherwise the aerodynamic balance would be biased toward the rear. The standard version costs the equivalent of $2,615 (380,600 yen). A more extensive variant adds an aero nose cone, door mirror fins, roof fins, and a side spoiler for $3,383 (492,800 yen).

The second-generation GR86 debuted for the 2022 model year. Power comes from a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine that makes 232 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Buyers can select a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The car can reach 62 miles per hour as quickly as 6.3 seconds.

Since the launch, Toyota has introduced multiple special-edition versions of the GR86. It recently introduced the Trueno Edition with a two-tone black-and-white body, 18-inch wheels, Sachs dampers, and Brembo brakes.

Toyota’s Gazoo Racing and TRD divisions have introduced a bevy of upgrades for the GR86 in Japan. There are many body upgrades and wheels for folks who want to make the GR86 appear more aggressive.

Toyota is reportedly leading the development of a third-gen GR86 that could debut as soon as 2025. A new model is necessary to meet stricter emissions regulations in Japan and safety rules in Europe. A rumor suggests it would use a hybrid-equipped version of the turbocharged three-cylinder engine from the GR Yaris and GR Corolla.

Take a tour of the current GR86 in this video:

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Customers will receive notifications for the MBUX Entertainment Update 2.4 via the Update Wizard or the Mercedes me mobile app. Once available, it will be provided using MBUX’s over-the-air capability. In addition to the Dolby Atmos and Voice Assistant enhancements, the software update includes the addition of NewsFlash and the YouTube Web app on select 2024 model year vehicles, including the S-Class, EQE, and EQS models equipped with the activated Entertainment Package Plus. 

Supported by Apple Music, Dolby Atmos provides an immersive stereo sound experience, adding more space, clarity, and depth to music. Listeners will enjoy music that matches the artist’s original vision, whether it’s hearing the layers of instruments move, catching the subtle breath a singer takes between lyrics, or feeling melodies wash over you.

MBUX’s Voice Assistant enables the vehicle’s occupants to select infotainment features with the Hey Mercedes command. The addition of NewsFlash, which will be available later this year in the US, allows people to listen to newscasts on general news, business, finance, culture, and other topics. Customers can also configure their favorite radio channels in the Mercedes me app and then use the MBUX Voice Assistant with the command Hey Mercedes to play the news or their favorite music. 

Gallery: 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MBUX Infotainment

Other enhancements available via the OTA update include support for the front passenger Hyperscreen display on EQE and EQS models to provide in-cabin audio for dynamic content and allow photo personalization. Customers can select a personal image for the display and are no longer required to wear headphones to listen to audio for the dynamic content. 

Vehicles with the first-generation MBUX2 system and Mercedes-Benz Navigation also receive access to Place Details by Google. In addition to providing an address and directions, this feature provides detailed information for more than 200 million locations worldwide, including business hours, photos, ratings, and reviews.  

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But let’s start with some numbers first. The tested example has a single electric motor placed on the rear axle with a peak output of 228 horsepower. A 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack sits within the floor of the vehicle, giving it a range of up to 381 miles (614 kilometers) measured by Europe’s WLTP cycle. However, the real-life range between charges is around 270 miles. The 0-62 miles per hour (0-100 kilometers per hour) sprint takes around 7.4 seconds in this configuration. This particular car rides on Nexen NFera Sport EV tires in 225/55 R18 size. 

Gallery: 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6

The reviewer in this video isn’t impressed by the Ioniq 6’s performance around the cones. The highest entry speed at which the car doesn’t hit any cone in the moose test is 44.7 mph (72 kph) and this is a relatively low velocity, especially for an electric vehicle that generally has a lower center of gravity. A big part of this result is due to the tires or at least this is what the test driver says. He makes more than 10 consecutive attempts at different speeds, which keeps them at quite high temperatures, negatively affecting their performance. As a side note, the Tesla Model 3 – a direct competitor for the Ioniq 6 – registered a significantly better result in the moose test.

Apparently, the suspension – with a McPherson strut front/multi-link rear layout – also plays an important role. According to the reviewer, it has a very soft setup while the accelerator has very aggressive reactions, making the Ioniq 6 prone to oversteering. Also, it is very important to notice that the performance in the moose test of the model largely depends on the level of recuperation that has been selected by the driver. The reviewer notes that the highest levels of recuperation make the car a little nervous as it feels like there’s some brake power applied to the rear wheels.

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The minivan has a 60-speaker sound system that consists of four 12-inch subwoofers, 36 midrange speakers, 14 tweeters, and six percussion horns. It has 16 amplifiers that produce 25,000 watts of power. Professional-grade audio comes from a 12-channel Digital Sound Processor, while multiple connections are possible through the van’s eight-channel mixer.

Gallery: Toyota Sienna:Remix Concept

Toyota modified more than just the Sienna’s sound system. The automaker installed heavier springs, added a two-inch suspension lift, and put 22-inch wheels at all four corners. The company also used a lot of noise-dampening material. 

The Sienna also replaced its rear liftgate with swing-out doors packed with speakers. The automaker also removed the van’s center roof panel, replacing it with a fully retractable panel and elevated platform for the mobile DJ booth, which features digital turntables.

It has six 56-volt Li-Ion batteries that power the 16 amps that are chargeable through two standard 110-volt plugs. They also power the 43-inch, high-definition TV in the back, which has WiFi for streaming video content or video games.

Texas-based Complete Customs built the concept for Toyota, with SiriusXM also collaborating on the project. It also has tunable dynamic LEDs and tunable under glow because no DJ booth is complete with a proper light show.

Toyota launched the fourth-generation Sienna for the 2021 model year with a standard hybrid. The 2.5-liter, electrified powertrain delivers a combined 245 horsepower, and Toyota offers it in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Sales for the Sienna are down 18.8 percent through the first six months of 2023. Toyota has sold 27,940 minivans so far, trailing the Honda Odyssey, which has sold nearly 40,000 examples during the same period. Both models trail the Chrysler Pacifica, which had sold almost 45,000 vehicles in the second quarter alone. The Pacifica has racked up 73,845 sales in the first half of of the year.

The 2023 Sienna is on sale now. It starts at $38,280 (all prices include the $1,395 destination charge). Toyota offers the van in seven trims: LE, XLE, XSE, Woodland Edition, 25th Anniversary Edition, Limited, and Platinum. The Platinum has a $57,740 starting price. While you can’t get this concept’s 60-speaker system in the van, customers can opt for the 12-speaker JBL Premium Audio system.

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The project was first introduced in 2021 and at its heart is a mid-engined, Targa-topped roadster design based on the Porsche Cayman S. This means there’s a 3.8-liter flat-six engine under the hood, which has gone through extensive reengineering to unleash a compelling 380-400 horsepower. Some of the upgrades include reinforced internals, forged pistons, and a Life Racing ECU. This translates to over triple the performance of a stock 914. The mill is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Gallery: Porsche 914 by Fifteen Eleven Design

The handling and ride quality are expertly handled by Reiger’s three-way adjustable coil-over shock absorbers. These components, often found on World Rally Cars, are integrated into the Cayman-based suspension architecture. Porsche Brembo four-piston calipers, cross-drilled and vented discs, and an AP Racing pedal box collaborate to deliver improved stopping performance. Additional features encompass a fly-by-wire throttle, bespoke stainless exhaust system, 18-inch Fuchs wheels, and Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires.

Design-wise, Fifteen Eleven ditches the original pop-up headlights and installs projector LED lamps. Since the Cayman’s engine is liquid-cooled, versus air cooling for the original 914, the company also has to adapt the front bumper and hood to make room for the radiator and oil cooler. The lift-off roof is still present, but Fifteen Eleven makes the panel clear for a brighter cabin. The exterior panels are made of carbon fiber.

The interior of the 914 restomod reflects a similar level of intricate attention, with bespoke leather adorning the cockpit and Recaro seats for improved comfort. A redesigned bulkhead offers increased legroom. Each order is a bespoke creation, tailored to the customer’s preferences for color and trim, and is available in both left- and right-hand drive configurations.

The order books for this exciting new Porsche restomod are officially open with prices starting at $444,000 (350,000 British pounds).

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The vehicle didn’t start looking this wild. Porsche Santa Clarita found the car with fire and corrosion damage. Since this 911 was far from perfect, it was a good candidate for an overhaul.

Gallery: Porsche Santa Clarita 1988 Porsche 930 Turbo Slantnose

A 1988 911 falls into what enthusiasts call the G Series, which consists of vehicles from 1974 to 1989. Porsche Santa Clarita fitted this one with the Japan-exclusive X83 slant nose option from the later 964 generation.

This 911 features a turbocharged flat-six engine displacing 3.5 liters, rather than the stock 3.3-liter unit. There’s also a custom oil cooler and a rebuilt transaxle with a limited-slip differential. Porsche Santa Clarita claims the output is over 850 horsepower. This generation of 911 Turbo was available with up to 326 hp from the factory. The builder also upgrades the suspension with 997-generation 911 GT3 RS components and adds coilovers by MCS.

This build features an exterior in the color Rubystar. A portion of the hood and rear decklid has a swirly, multi-colored motif over a black background, which is a design that looks straight off a late 1980s Trapper Keeper. It rolls on turquoise blue basketweave-style wheels with polished lips.

“Despite starting off with fire damage and corrosion, we were able to transform it into a period-correct Porsche on the exterior and interior while making the performance simply terrifying,” said Beau Boeckmann, president and chief operating officer for Galpin Motors, which operates the Porsche Santa Clarita dealer. 

The cabin is predominantly turquoise. The center of each seat has a black-and-white checkerboard pattern that Porsche refers to as pasha. The instrument cluster has a Rubystar surround, and the gauges have white faces. There’s also an updated climate control system and a stereo using a Porsche Classic radio and Blaupunkt parts.

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The current-generation Grand Cherokee debuted back in 2020, with the longer Grand Cherokee L following in early 2021. However, the IIHS awards only apply to 2023 models, and to get even more specific, Grand Cherokees built after March 2023. For Grand Cherokee L versions, the production date bumps up to May 2023.

Why is this? According to IIHS, Jeep made structural changes to the SUV’s undercarriage that addressed a major fuel leak on earlier versions, resulting from sheet metal puncturing the tank in previous crash tests. That contributed to poor ratings on prior models, and IIHS also mentions changes in how Jeep adjusts the headlights across all Grand Cherokee trims.

As a result, 2023 models built after the aforementioned dates earn good ratings in all IIHS crash tests. That includes overlap front crash tests on both driver and passenger sides, and side-impact testing. As for lighting, changes made by Jeep give the Grand Cherokee either good or acceptable ratings for all trim levels.

Vehicles receiving Top Safety Pick + awards must have standard-issue frontal crash prevention systems that earn advanced or superior ratings for vehicle-to-pedestrian collisions. The 2023 Grand Cherokee in standard and L format received an advanced rating in daytime operation, and a superior rating when the sun goes down. Jeep offers this system on all Grand Cherokee trim levels, thus leading to the Top Safety Pick + award.

For 2023, Jeep offers the Grand Cherokee in no less than eight trims. The entry point is the Grand Cherokee Laredo with a starting price of $41,330, including Jeep’s $1,795 destination fee. That gets you a very specific SUV, namely a two-wheel-drive model with a white exterior as all other colors are a $595 option. Opting for four-wheel drive adds $2,000 to the price, and the cheapest three-row Grand Cherokee (2WD) is $43,330. At the other end of the price spectrum, the range-topping Grand Cherokee L costs $72,735 and comes standard with 4WD. However, any exterior color other than white is still a $595 upcharge.

Gallery: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee: First Drive

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