Civic Type R

Make
Honda
Segment
Hatchback

Cock-a-doodle-doo, and good morning to you! Welcome to Cold Start, where we give you a quick recap of the five most important automotive news stories from the last 24 hours. Since yesterday's report, Mini has revealed yet another special edition selection of Cooper and Clubman models, Toyota has announced a new EV battery investment in the US, and Chevrolet has provided pricing information for the 2023 Camaro.

But in today's report, we're going to talk about the power figures of the US-spec Honda Civic Type R, the latest of Dodge's 'Last Call' special editions, and more developments concerning the Polestar 6 EV. We'll also take a look at leaked images of the Toyota bZ3 electric sedan and discuss another major industry shortage that is starting to rear its ugly head.

US-Spec 2023 Civic Type R Is More Powerful Than Ever

Over in the land of the rising sun, the recently revealed Honda Civic Type R produces 326 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. In the US, we typically get a slightly less powerful version of the same engine, and that's the case once again with the 2023 model. The US spec of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder K20C1 engine produces 315 hp and the same 310 lb-ft, representing an 11-hp deficit compared to the JDM model. Despite this, the new Type R is the most powerful Honda ever sold in the USA and has gained nine hp and 15 lb-ft compared to its predecessor. Sadly, we still don't have a 0-60-mph time, although we do know the top speed is 170 mph.

Click here to learn more about the US-spec 2023 Civic Type R

Dodge Reveals Super Bee Drag Package For Scat Pack Chargers

As part of Dodge's 'Last Call' campaign - which sees the Mopar brand reveal seven special editions between now and SEMA in November - the digital covers have just been taken off the Charger Super Bee. This is based on the existing Charger Scat Pack and references the Super Bee that debuted in 1968 on the Dodge Coronet. As standard, the car comes with drag radial tires and plenty of Super Bee graphics. There's also a special fender badge on each side, black exhaust tips, black hood pins, and carbon and suede interior elements. 500 cars based on the regular body (with 20-inch wheels and 275-section rear tires) will be produced in B5 Blue, and another 500 Widebody variants in Plum Crazy Purple will feature 19-inch wheels with 315-section rear tires. All Super Bees feature a functional hood scoop that proves this is more than just an appearance package. Brembo brakes will help owners rein in the 6.4-liter HEMI's 485 hp that is delivered via an eight-speed automatic.

Click here to discover the full details of the Charger Super Bee

All 500 Polestar 6 LA Concept Editions Are Already Sold

Polestar revealed the O2 Concept as just that, a concept. But because the electric automaker did such a sensational job of the design, the public has yearned to see it enter production. The Swedish company has obliged, and the gorgeous roadster will enter series production as the Polestar 6. As part of its initial production run, which will commence in 2026, the brand has planned to produce 500 special editions known as the LA Concept. Clearly, this was a shrewd move, as all 500 reservation slots were filled within a week of the announcement being made. With stunning Sky Blue paint and a cream interior, as seen on the original concept, the electric roadster is guaranteed to turn heads. The regular Polestar 6 will be available to reserve later this year.

Click here to read the full article

China Provides An Early Look At Upcoming Toyota bZ3 EV

Toyota may have been intentionally late to the all-electric party, but its 'Beyond Zero' electrification strategy aims to make up for that with a series of BEVs. The first of these was recently introduced as the bZ4X, a RAV4-sized crossover. The second is the bZ3, but this will be exclusive to China. With styling that makes it look like a cut-price Crown, it's rather quirky to look at, but that won't matter too much to buyers. What will matter is price, and EVs in China are far more affordable than they are here. Sure, the base model only produces 183 hp, but what more do you need from a basic commuter car that doesn't break the bank?

Click here to see more of the Toyota bZ3

Volkswagen Is Preparing For An Automotive Glass Shortage

The automotive industry is barely starting to adapt to the ongoing semiconductor chip shortage and the low supply of other critical components, and already there's another crisis on the horizon. According to The Wall Street Journal, the Volkswagen Group has identified that automotive glass supply could be constrained by potential gas shortages in Europe, which was predominantly sourced from Russia before it invaded Ukraine. To ensure it isn't caught out, VW has begun stockpiling side windows, windshields, and other items so it can ride out the storm. Hopefully, the poor supply of glass doesn't lead to further new-car price hikes. Consumers have had more than enough of those lately.

Click here to find out why glass is in short supply