Hi, I'm John Davis and this is MotorWeek !

We're launching our 43rd season with a Road Test of the new Ford Mustang... "Your Drive" brings that faded black trim back to life... We'll celebrate the 75th anniversary of an iconic Torpedo... And we'll go plug-in with the all-new Toyota Prius Prime!

So, come drive with us, next!

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JOHN: Hello and welcome to the start of the 43rd season of MotorWeek !

We're glad to have you with us.

And there is no better way to begin than with the all-new 2024 Ford Mustang!

And while, a new "stang" usually means more style and definitely more power, let's see what Ford has delivered in the 7th generation of America's original pony car!

♪ ♪ (tires screeching) The all-new 2024 Ford Mustang is hitting the streets and we're just back from Southern California where we got plenty of saddle time to give you the low down.

Part of the Mustang's appeal has always revolved around its everyday usability, not just muscle car performance.

Which means you can buy anything from a base 'stang to the ultimate GT and have crazy amounts of fun with it on back roads.

Yet, still have plenty of comfort, space, not to mention tech, to make it great on date night, and even run a few errands.

So, as before, base models will come with a turbo-4, and GT's pack a V8.

We got to spend quality time in both.

GREG CARLOSS: This is the GT Coupe which is the V8; this is the Mustang that everybody thinks of... JESSICA RAY: Yeah!

GREG: ...a V8 engine now up to, up to 486 horsepower, still, out of a 5.0 liter but Ford is saying it's an all-new engine, they're calling it an all-new engine and it's naturally aspirated, so it's just beautifully linear.

JOHN: This new generation of Coyote V8 is still one of the best-sounding 8-cylinders out there, even if it is enhanced.

It now delivers up to 418 pound-feet of torque with an active exhaust, thanks to increased airflow and upgraded dual throttle bodies.

The 2.3 liter EcoBoost returns as well, but is also updated, delivering 5-additional standard horsepower at 315, along with 350 pound-feet of torque.

If, like us, you still prefer the manual, good news, the rev-matching 6-speed returns, bad news, it's now only available in the GT, the EcoBoost going 10-speed automatic only.

There are six drive modes that adjust power delivery, suspension settings, stability control, and steering response; along with shift times for the automatic.

Performance Pack is available with either engine, and includes a shock tower brace, limited slip rear, wider wheels, and bigger brakes, as well as a Performance Electronic Parking Brake.

JESSICA RAY: And I had the EcoBoost to test out arguably one of the coolest new features on the new Mustang, the electronic drift brake.

Ford had a small course set up for us to test it out; it's super simple to use, no buttons, just pull up and hold to engage the brake and lock the rear wheels.

It wasn't long before I got the hang of things, and drifting was a breeze.

JOHN: While, this is a new generation of Mustang, it rides on an updated version of the previous chassis; and the ride remains firm but far from abusive and seems just about right for a Mustang; but as we found out, this is surely not the same old 'stang.

JESSICA: They've been very clear that this is a modern Mustang; I mean, yes, it pays homage to the past, but...with certain design cues and stuff... but what they really want is that this is a 21st century Mustang.

JOHN: The cockpit is supposedly inspired by jet fighters, but something tells me American's finest pilots don't get this much screen time, with a highly configurable 12.4 inch digital instrument cluster flowing seamlessly into a 13.2 inch central screen.

A convertible remains available right from the get-go, and fans will find improved one-touch top activation, and more compact storage of the fabric top to maximize trunk space.

It all works well with the Mustang's overall sharper demeanor and carved up look.

More prominent hips are in place to further accentuate the wide stance.

And of course, front and rear lights, love 'em or hate 'em, come in the power of 3.

For this generation there's a bit more distinction between base EcoBoost and GT models, with unique fascias and hood; wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings for the EcoBoost 4 are 22-City, 33-Highway, and 26-Combined; the manual GT V8 at 14-City, 23-Highway, and 17-Combined.

Pricing starts with a base Coupe at $32,515, ranging to GT Premium at $48,610.

The Ford Mustang has existed for 60 years now, and for 2024, it's the last actual car remaining in Ford's lineup.

Truth be told we weren't sure exactly what we'd get, after Mustang went all-electric SUV with the Mach E. But it turns out we got a real deal rear-wheel-drive 2-door pony car packed with performance, muscle car style, and modern tech.

It's clear it is a better Mustang, and the best yet!

♪ ♪ JESSICA: Did you know, in the 43 years that MotorWeek has been on the air, we've tested over 6,000 different cars, trucks, and SUVs.

And since the beginning, our vehicle testing has been done independent of the influence or sponsorship of any auto manufacturer.

Plus, we put a vast majority of the vehicles we drive through a series of instrumented tests.

(car engine revving) And that information is published in our video reviews that air on PBS stations nationwide and on our website at MotorWeek.org.

And we'll continue that winning formula for another 43 years.

♪ ♪ JOHN: 2023 marks the 75th Anniversary of one of the most iconic, and rarest, automobiles of the 20th Century, the Tucker Torpedo.

Now, Preston Tucker's descendants are celebrating the milestone in many different ways, including dreaming of what might have been.

Stephanie Hart tells us more.

♪ ♪ STEPHANIE HART: Meet Tucker Number 44.

One of only 50 Tucker Torpedo's produced by automotive entrepreneur Preston Tucker in 1948.

This innovative design, known internally as Tucker Model 48, was advertised as the first modern car in post-World War II.

PRESTON TUCKER: This is our new automobile, the first completely new car in 50 years STEPHANIE: Seventy-five years later, we're taking it out for a drive.

A Franklin helicopter engine is powering this rare car worth 3-million dollars.

It's pretty surreal to be in Tucker 44 cruising around Morganville, NJ.

I'm here with Preston Tucker's great grandson Sean Tucker.

Sean, you tell me this car is pretty difficult to drive, not that easy.

I asked to drive it, but no.

SEAN TUCKER: (laughs) It can be a little nuanced, if you have never driven a Tucker.

STEPHANIE: Blame that on its pre-selector shifting system which adds to driving anxiety behind this one of a kind Tucker.

SEAN: It's an honor, but in the moment you're really more just nervous more than anything else.

STEPHANIE: In 2017, car collector Howard Kroplick bought it at auction.

It was his dream to own a Tucker.

HOWARD KROPLICK: I buy these cars, really, to expose people to the history of the car.

And this car, when you bring it onto a field, the looks are amazing.

You know, that-- "Wow, what is that car?"

STEPHANIE: There are no seatbelts in this car, so if we were in an accident what would I do?

SEAN: (laughs) Well, there is a crash compartment that's in front of you.

And this is-- this is one of the Tucker safety features, but the idea is that you would see an oncoming, you know, accident about to happen and you would dive into this chamber that's in front of you and in an accident it would protect you.

STEPHANIE: Your reflexes would have to be almost supernatural.

Some of the safety features are a little hokey, but make you think.

Others set the standard for today's automobiles.

Innovations such as aerodynamic styling.

When Howard bought Tucker Number 44, it needed a full restoration.

He teamed up with the Tucker twins and restoration expert, Rob Ida, to restore Tucker 44 in only eight months just in time for Pebble Beach.

ROB IDA: Usually, when we restore an old car, we're dealing with rust or damage and its usually a condition problem.

With a Tucker it's more of a build quality problem.

MIKE TUCKER: It took hours and hours and hours of research trying to figure out exactly what are we restoring back to and, when those parts weren't available, could we find them?

And if we couldn't, that's when my brother would get involved and we would make them.

STEPHANIE: Using old blueprints, the Tucker team produced the most accurate Tucker in existence today, Tucker number 44.

It was awarded "Second in Class" at the 2018 Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance.

From the beginning, the Tucker brand was more than just cars.

It was about daring to dream and pushing the boundaries of what was possible.

Seventy-five years later, the Tucker team is fully embracing that mantra by tackling two new big projects: A full-on restoration of Tucker Number 29 which was Preston Tucker's personal test car.

While simultaneously, using old renderings from 1955 to build the first Tucker sports car, the Carioca!

It was Preston Tucker's dream to create a unique sports car with steerable fenders!

A dream that is still very much alive today!

JOHN: Making a car shine like new isn't just about buffing the paint or applying a fresh coat of wax.

It's the little things that can make all the difference, so Dan Maffett stopped by to show us how to that faded black trim look factory fresh in MotorWeek's "Your Drive!"

♪ ♪ DAN MAFFETT: Any automotive owner that has plastic trim on their car knows that it can be the bane of your existence.

When it sits in the sun, the sun can bake the plastic and turn it colors.

It can go grey, it can even, like this vehicle, pick up tones of that paint onto the plastic and dye the plastic, but it never looks good.

There's a lot of options out there - some snake oil, some real stuff-- about how you can wipe things on it, make it new and never have to touch it again.

It's kinda far from the truth.

There's several options out there.

You have something that's kind of a topical spray, something like this.

You spray it on, it's essentially a tire dressing, a plastic dressing.

You put it on, you wipe it off, and you're good to go.

You just have to apply it pretty regularly, every time you wash the vehicle.

You have something like this which would be a ceramic.

It's going to last a little longer, but it's a little more process-heavy to apply.

But, not having to do it every time you wash the car, might be worth it.

You have some of these high-condensed oils like this as well, which a small bottle like this could set you back $30, $40 dollars.

But, it's very potent, it works quick, it just doesn't last a very long time.

The only permanent solution you have is something like this.

This is a trim black.

You either take the plastic off the vehicle, prep it and paint it like you would a normal fender, or you can mask it on the vehicle, spray it, and it gives you that true black factory finish.

But, it is process-heavy.

You have to mask.

You have to make sure you don't get anything on your paint, and if you do it right, this will last you a long time.

We're going to go through some of these and demo how they might work, and you can see some of the results for yourself.

We're gonna start with this tire spray.

This is a trim and tire coating.

This is the easiest thing to apply, so we're going to start with that.

You just spray it on as if you are painting the fender.

And it's paint safe, so you don't have to worry about it getting on the finish.

And then, you just go through and wipe it across, take off any extra.

And this is gonna add all that hydration back into that panel that the sun took from it.

Now that you've seen the easy one, we'll jump over to the more difficult one.

This paint, you're going to have to just clean the surface really good.

I'm going to actually put a piece of tape down the front, so that you can see the before and after.

(sound of ripping tape) Tape is a lot cheaper than paint, so don't be afraid to use it.

(spraying paint sound) I'm going to let that tack and we'll put a second coat on top in just a second.

Alright, so now you see our first coat is nice and tacked up, it looks kind of satin.

You can go ahead and put a nice even second coat on there.

(spraying paint sound) As you can see, painting the trim gives you that factory-new look with just a little bit of work.

If you don't mind a little bit of elbow grease now and then, you can use the spray dressing and it gives you a very good look as well, but a lot of maintenance.

So, if you have any questions or comments, hit us up, right here at MotorWeek .

JOHN: From First Drives to refreshed rides, we all love going for another QuickSpin!

♪ ♪ GREG: The Chevrolet Silverado EV is not the first EV pickup to hit the streets, but with 450 miles of range, it will travel farther than any other.

We're talking specifically about the 2024 Silverado EV 4WT, and our QuickSpin through Michigan coincides with the first customer deliveries.

The Silverado EV has nothing in common with any other Silverado to this point, as it's based on GM's Ultium platform, meaning, it's more akin to GMC's Hummer EV pickup.

Less weight and additional development time account for a big increase in range over the Hummer's 381 miles per charge.

Silverado EV 4WTs come exclusively as crew cabs with a 6-foot bed, and dual-motor all-wheel-drive to the tune of 510 horsepower and 615 pound-feet of torque.

So, it will indeed get plenty of work done, including towing 10,000 pounds.

BRIAN ROBINSON: So, I'm no stranger to GM's Ultium platform, having driven multiple Hummers and Cadillacs at this point... First time driving the Silverado EV version and first time doing a lot of towing; and wow, towing a lot of weight with an EV... much different experience.

Lots of power, smooth, quiet, you don't get those awkward harsh downshifts, don't lose a lot of power going uphill... GREG: Standard 350 kilowatt charging capacity can get you back on the road quickly, adding 100 miles for every 10 minutes on charge.

The interior is built to be abused on the daily, yet, keep you comfortable and informed with a standard 11 inch touchscreen.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV 4WT starts around $78,000 but a less expensive 3WT will arrive soon, along with the 754 horsepower RST, and even Trail Boss versions down the line.

JESSICA: The Volkswagen Atlas entered the world of 3-row utilities back in 2018, and it's been a hit ever since.

It was soon followed up by the 2-row Atlas Cross Sport, another "W" for "VW."

These siblings are back and updated for 2024, and we were invited to upstate New York to get a handle on them.

Both follow the same defining principles.

The Atlas is a little squarer, capable of holding 7-passengers across three rows.

The Cross Sport drops the rear two seats for sportier proportions, namely the tapered roofline.

It also measures a little shorter and rides lower than the Atlas.

Dimensionally speaking, neither model has really changed, both still around 200 inches in length.

They're not overwhelmingly large, making them a great fit for the new 2.0 liter turbocharged inline 4.

Supplying the front or available all-wheel-drive system with 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.

STEVEN TRUANT: So, if you're looking at a new Atlas and looking to get a 6-cylinder, I'm sorry to report that the days of the VR6 in this vehicle are over.

However, the 4-cylinder here is very, very good.

The power is up over 30 horsepower, there is quite a bit more torque.

I don't think you'll be disappointed at all.

Power is definitely plentiful, and the shifts through this 8-speed automatic are crisp and precise.

JESSICA: The healthy "under hood" changes are covered by a handsome exterior style, including a revised front and new wheels; though, the best changes are arguably inside with the standard 10 inch gauge cluster and 12 inch infotainment screen.

Other standard features include ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel.

Available now and built stateside in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport start under $40,000.

We'll have more on the 2024 VW Atlas and plenty more QuickSpins, soon!

JOHN: While, the Toyota Prius has been a game changer since day one, 2023s 5th generation took a major step forward in style, performance, and refinement.

And now, Toyota is quickly following that up with a plug-in version.

So, let's take a deeper dive into our prime suspect.

♪ ♪ The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime is a prime example of what we feel is the ideal situation for personal transportation in our current times; a car that essentially operates as an EV until it exhausts its battery range, at which time it then behaves like an ultra-efficient hybrid until you plug it back in.

So basically, it's a 5th generation Toyota Prius with a bigger battery, 13.6 kilowatt hour to be exact, delivering 39 miles of all-electric range in our XSE Premium tester.

But, lesser trims see as many as 44, which is a 76 percent increase over last gen. Another bonus, it will fully charge in about 11 hours on a standard household outlet, so no real need to go through the expense of getting a Level 2 charger installed.

Having built hybrids for more than 25 years now, Toyota's latest setup is well-sorted, quite refined, and even feels powerful at times, all part of the reasoning that the latest Prius earned our most recent Drivers' Choice Award for Best Family Car.

Based on the same 2.0 liter I4 Synergy Drive powertrain as the regular hybrid, the Prime works with a larger 120 kilowatt electric motor to the tune of 220 horsepower total, 26 more than the standard Prius.

All Primes are front-wheel drive, but drive modes allow you to select EV or Hybrid operation, or you can just let the car figure it out for itself.

Inside, a 7.0 inch LCD driver display is mounted up higher than the typical gauge package, eliminating the need for any type of head up display.

As for infotainment, most will come with an 8.0 inch screen that seems sufficient, but XSE Premiums get a 12.3 incher.

With the additional rear seat space of this generation Prius, all positions now feel very spacious, and cushions are more comfortable than last gen. Rear cargo space for top XSE trim comes in the same as the regular Prius at 20.3 cubic-feet.

The Prime mostly shares the Prius' modern EV-like shape, making it easily the best-looking Prius yet by a wide margin.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 48-Combined and 114-Combined MPGe.

Our driving loop exhausted the battery pretty quickly, so our average came in at near the Monroney sticker at 48.9 miles per gallon of Regular.

At our test track, the Prime's added power was quickly evident, getting us to 60 in 6.5 seconds.

We could feel the electric motor really doing the heavy lifting off the line, with the gasoline engine gradually taking over.

The CVT operates very smoothly, and the accompanying engine noise was fairly subdued, sounding more like just a healthy engine holding its note longer than normal, not so much the typical CVT endless droning.

Our best quarter-mile time was 15.1 seconds at 97 miles per hour.

Not bad at all for a hybrid.

Toyota really beefed up the Prius' handling chops for this generation too.

Even with some additional battery weight, the Prime felt quick and almost darty through our cone course, with controlled amounts of body roll and smooth weight transfer.

The hard rubber compound of the tires was the only weak link here, but sliding them around proved to be more fun than limiting.

It's difficult to make direct pricing comparisons, with Prime in SE, XSE, and XSE Premium trims, starting at $33,445, and the standard Prius following the LE, XLE, and Limited family, starting at $28,545.

Regardless, both configurations are highly functional.

If you do a lot of highway driving, or don't have the ability to plug in regularly, the traditional Prius hybrid is better than ever and can do the job for you.

But, if you can benefit from maximizing that EV range, like for daily commuting, then this 2023 Toyota Prius Prime is a no-brainer, and primed to offer you the best of both worlds.

Well, that's our show, I hope you enjoyed it.

Now, for more MotorWeek , including daily news updates, podcasts, and even complete episodes, cruise on over to PBS.ORG/MOTORWEEK.

And I hope you'll join us next time!

We'll strap in for an on, and off-road test of the revamped Jeep Wrangler, followed by quality seat time in the latest BMW 3-series sedan.

Until then, I'm John Davis.

We'll see you right here on MotorWeek !

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Learn more at AutoValue.com and BumperToBumper.com.

TireRack.Com is proud to support MotorWeek .

First, there was the wheel.

Then, the tire.

"We'll call it Tire Rack."

Forty years later, we're not slowing down.

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