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2021 Audi R8, 2021 Jaguar XF, 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer: This Week’s Top Photos

The 2021 Audi R8 lineup has seen the R8 V10 model replaced by a rear-wheel-drive R8 V10 RWD. The new model is lighter and more affordable than the R8 V10, but it’s also down on power.

Ford has demonstrated the overlanding potential of its modern Bronco with a cool concept. Aptly named the Bronco Overland, the concept hints at some of the accessories Ford could offer when the Bronco starts sales later this year.

2021 Ford Bronco Raptor (or Warthog) spy shots – Photo credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

Another Bronco in the headlines was a high-performance option along the lines of a Raptor, which was spotted testing in prototype form. The jury is still out on the new name, though the prototype suggests the vehicle is coming with seriously flared wheel arches and 17-inch beadlock capable wheels with 37-inch off-road tires.

2021 Jaguar XF

Jaguar has updated its XF sedan for 2021. There’s new looks and tech, though the XF Sportbrake wagon will no longer be offered in the United States.

2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer spy shots – Photo credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

Jeep’s new full-size, three-row SUV was spotted testing. The vehicle we’re talking about is the new Wagoneer, which in production guise looks remarkably similar to the concept version unveiled in September. It’s due out next year together with a redesigned Grand Cherokee.

2020 Aston Martin Vantage

One of the cars we tested was the 2020 Aston Martin Vantage. We found it excels as a sports car, approaching the Porsche 911 for handling prowess, but it’s expensive and the interior controls can be confusing.

Aston Martin V12 Speedster prototype

Another Aston Martin in the headlines was a speedster blending parts from the Vantage and DBS Superleggera. It’s coming with a 710-horsepower version of Aston Martin’s 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V-12, and just 88 examples are destined to be built.

Mazda MX-30

And finally, Mazda confirmed the return of the rotary engine in 2022. It won’t power a new sports car, however. Instead, Mazda will use the rotary as a range extender for its MX-30 battery-electric SUV.

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October 10, 2020
2021 Ford Bronco Raptor (or Warthog), 2020 Chevrolet Corvette, 2020 Aston Martin Vantage: The Week In Reverse

The 2021 Ford Bronco Raptor (or Warthog) was spotted; the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette won’t be as rare as expected; and we spent time in the 2020 Aston Martin Vantage. It’s the Week in Reverse, right here at Motor Authority.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Raptor—or is that Warthog?—was spotted on public roads undergoing what appeared to be validation testing. Likely in production form, the high-performance Bronco featured 37-inch off-road tires and orange Fox shocks with active damping and external bypass technology.

Toyota’s commitment to the iconic Land Cruiser SUV in the U.S. has apparently ended as a dealer source told Motor Authority 2021 will be the final model year for the large SUV in the U.S. market. “There’s no illusion it’s coming back and it’s completely dead for the moment,” he said.

We slid behind the wheel of the 2020 Aston Martin Vantage and found it excels as a sports car, approaching the Porsche 911 for handling prowess. But it’s expensive and the interior controls can be confusing.

The 2021 Jaguar XF was revealed with a tweaked exterior design and a refreshed interior with updated tech. The XF will now feature an 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system that Jaguar says is simpler to use. Digital controls now reside below the infotainment screen for comfort settings.

Turns out the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette won’t be that collectible after all. Production of the mid-engine sports car has been extended through December to build as many 2020s as possible to meet customer demand. Chevrolet has delivered 12,634 2020 Corvettes through the first three quarters of the year.

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October 9, 2020
2021 Audi R8 adding less-expensive rear-drive models

The EPA provided the clue, and now it’s coming true.

In July, we reported that EPA fuel economy figures published on fueleconomy.gov indicated a rear-drive 2021 Audi R8 was coming to the U.S. Audi confirmed the news on Thursday and revealed that both the coupe and Spyder will get rear-drive models in addition to the standard all-wheel-drive versions.

The 2021 R8 lineup consists of R8 V10 Performance Coupe and Spyder and R8 V10 RWD Coupe and Spyder models. The RWD versions get less power and come at a discount.

The R8 RWD models use the same naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-10 as the V10 Performance models, but here it’s tuned to make 532 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque instead of 603 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. With less grip and less power, Audi says the R8 RWD coupe will hit 60 mph from a stop in 3.6 seconds and the Spyder will do the deed in 3.7 seconds. The coupe will top out at 201 mph and the Spyder will hit 200 mph. The lesser performance is despite less weight due to the RWD models’ lack of all-wheel-drive components, including the prop shaft, front axles, multi-plate clutch, and front differential.

2021 Audi R8 V10 RWD Spyder

The drop in performance will be worth it for buyers who want to get an R8 at a lower price. The 2021 Audi R8 V10 Coupe RWD starts at $145,895, including $1,495 for destination and a $1,700 gas-guzzler tax, while the Spyder starts at $158,095. That’s about 25% less than a 2021 R8 V10 Performance Quattro that starts at $200,295 for the coupe (including $1,495 for destination and a $2,100 gas-guzzler tax) and $212,485 for the Spyder.

Audi adjusts the R8’s chassis for rear drive by using solid instead of hollow rear axles, a stiffer front anti-roll bar, and more negative camber in the rear.

The 2021 Audi R8 RWD coupe and Spyder get unique design elements. The front blade, side sill inserts, and rear diffuser are all painted gloss black, while the side blades sport Mythos black paint and the exhaust tips are chrome. The all-wheel-drive R8 V10 Performance models have matte titanium lower trim; the side blades, mirror housings, and rear spoiler have a carbon finish; and the tailpipes are black.

2021 Audi R8 V10 RWD Spyder

An optional Carbon Exterior package for RWD models uses carbon fiber for the side blades and in the engine compartment.

The RWD variants also don’t come standard with the laser headlights of the V10 Performance models, though they are optional.

Interior design packages for the RWD models consist of a Carbon Interior package with carbon-fiber surrounds for the instrument cluster and air vents and a Diamond Stitch Full Leather package with diamond stitching on the Alcantara headliner and seats.

Audi also announced a new interior package for R8 Performance models. The R8 Performance Design package adds Mercato blue diamond contrast stitching to the standard leather- and Alcantara-upholstered racing shell seats, a full leather package, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and floor mats. The package also comes with blue ceramic brake calipers, an Alcantara shift lever, and a leather shifter boot with the Mercato blue stitching.

The 2021 Audi R8 will be available late this year.

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October 8, 2020