2022 Bronco Raptor to be four-door only, ’60s Ferrari California revived, Aston Martin DBX to gain V-12
Barebones or luxe, 2022 Bronco Raptor only available with four doors
Intake: A user at the Bronco6G forum dug up some interesting dirt on the upcoming Raptor variant of the Ford Bronco. The desert-loving, long-travel variant appears to be a 2022 model exclusively available as a four door. According to the info, two Raptor trim levels will be available: a base version and a luxury-oriented one that packs a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, and the Lux Package (familiar from the current Bronco), which brings wireless phone charging, a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice-activated navigation, and the 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system. Other Bronco Raptor news includes a new color: Code Orange, currently unique to the F-150 Raptor. A separate trim level was also discovered, “Everglades,” but what that may include is still up in the air.
Exhaust: We expected the Bronco Raptor to arrive in a single, four-door configuration, just as the F-150 Raptor is exclusively available as a crew cab. The new shade is also unsurprising, but nice to see: The burnt orange is a bold option, and clearly distinct from the yellow-hued Cyber Orange on tap for the regular ’22 Bronco. If anything, we’re surprised to see Ford rolling out so many new options for 2022 when excitement for the Bronco is still running high and the trucklets are only now beginning to arrive in customers’ driveways. Hopefully Ford will keep up the pace of Bronco updates!
The Triumph Speed Triple RR is a cafe racer for a new age
Intake: The Speed Triple has long been a staple of the standard road bike category. With the new Speed Triple RR, Triumph is dialing up the aggression with a a small fairing and single headlight—replacing the signature twin lights—and clip-on handlebars. Semi-active Öhlins suspension and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tires will make a track rat feel right at home while also making a street rider feel like a superhero on their favorite backroad. A full suite of rider aids make sure a rider can take advantage of the 177 horsepower and powerful Brembo Stylema brakes without spinning or sliding.
Exhaust: While we may be among those who are a bit sour about the transition from the round headlights to the more stylized versions, even we have to admit the Speed Triple RR looks great and has everything that for the rider who wants supersport performance in a streetable machine. While an unconventional choice if you are chasing laptimes, the Speed Triple RR sure seems like a cool way to do it.
Rivian’s first EV pickup rolls off the assembly line
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Intake: After years of hard work and an endless stream of buzz from media, the first customer iterations of the Rivian R1T have begun rolling off the assembly line at the ex-Mitsubishi plant in Normal, Illinois. Since announcing its first two vehicles—the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV—in late 2018, the Plymouth, Michigan-based EV startup has remained remarkably free from the flashy teasers and outrageous goals about timing and production volume that many other EV startups fall victim to, instead carrying itself with a quiet resolve and setting mostly attainable goals. Along the way, Rivian has gathered considerable backing from the likes of Ford and Amazon, and last month announced intentions to bring the company public on the stock market.
Exhaust: Making good vehicles is difficult—and less glamorous than PR firms and social media suggest. Rivian’s decision to set measured goals with reasonable timelines did wonders to separate it from the other vaporware EV startups attempting to disrupt the industry. While a few completed vehicles doesn’t mean that full-scale production is imminent, it’s a huge milestone, and one that deserves applause.
GTO Engineering’s California dream comes true
Intake: Britain’s GTO Engineering has added to its portfolio of classic Ferrari recreations with a new California Spyder Revival. Described as a “hand-built, tool room copy” of the 1960 SWB California Spyder, the car will make its debut at the 2021 Goodwood Revival, held this weekend, September 17–19. The original car was a collaboration between Pininfarina and Scaglietti and just 106 were built in both short- and long-wheelbase versions. Like all GTO Engineering revivals, the build starts with a donor car (typically a 250 or 330) that’s completely stripped down before the technicians start afresh. The aluminum body is hand-formed using bespoke tooling and each car can be uniquely customized. As standard, the California Spyder Revival will come with a three-liter engine and four-speed transmission, but 3.5- and 4.0-liter upgrades are available, along with a five-speed gearbox. Founder Mark Lyon says, “It is one of, if not, the most iconic Ferrari road car from the ’60s and it’s something we’ve worked hard over recent years to develop.” The cost of having your California dream made reality will be a minimum of one million dollars.
Exhaust: With a #1 (Concours) condition 250 California Spyder valued at $12M, it’s no wonder that Cameron’s dad polished his with a diaper in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. We were mightily impressed by the company’s 250 GT SWB and, given the simply insane value of original cars, we’re sure these Spyders will fly out of the Hare Hatch workshop.
Rapper is defending Palm Beach International Raceway like, well, a Pitbull
Intake: Pitbull is joining a group of enthusiasts trying to save Florida’s Palm Beach International Raceway. Calling it “a true honor” to join the effort, the Miami rapper says he is driven to help restore PBIR to its former glory. The track, which was built in 1964, is being considered for demolition to make way for warehouse space. Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Perez, says the track is valuable to the community beyond racing, as it also provides space as an entertainment venue.
Exhaust: As we bemoan the loss of other motorsports tracks around the country, its encouraging to see the groundswell of community support surrounding Palm Beach International Raceway. For the sake of history and community, let’s hope their efforts are successful.
Aston Martin DBX V-12 S coming fast
Intake: Reports from the Nürburgring suggest that Aston Martin is developing a V-12 powered version of its DBX crossover. Spy shooters had already captured footage of the upcoming mild-hybrid, six-cylinder model (above), but also seen—and more importantly, heard—was a car that sounded just like the V-12-engined DB11 and DBS, according to Autocar. If a V-12 does get shoved into the DBX it’s likely to wear an S badge and offer up to 648 horsepower, which would match the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. Autocar reckons a 2023 due date is likely.
Exhaust: If the DBX does get fitted with a V-12, then the entire Aston Martin line-up, apart from the Valhalla, would be available with 12 cylinders. The British sports car maker is certainly making the most of the last days of internal combustion.
