2021 Tesla Model S: Yoke steering is real...

 

Yes, it wasn't a joke.

The stupid video game steering wheel will actually be available in the revised Tesa Model S.

I personally think it should be illegal. As it is obviously very dangerous to use in the real world.

Not sure where Elon Musk lives, but here on earth, many humans already have trouble keeping their hands on the wheels and eyes on the road. 

Cutting the steering wheel in half will not make things easier. Again, this should not be legal.

Maybe we should have a tiny 3-inch tall window in front of us too. Why have such giant windshields?

Why doors when it's so much cooler to jump into a car through the window?

The stupid yoke wheel is some crazy schtick to get more press I guess. And look. I am talking about it!!! It's not the first time either.

So that part of the craziness works.

Also, I still think the black trim makes the Model S look much cheaper. Especially with the plasticky wheel covers...

And that little screen behind the "steering wheel" looks like it's fighting for attention against the main center screen. And losing. 

(Hey Musk, there's nothing wrong with a head-up display you know... )

It just looks odd and out of place. 

The new interior manages to be simple and busy at the same time. A weird feast to achieve.

2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo: new pix...

This already looks fantastic. 

It took Porsche quite a while to get the new wagon into production since we saw the concept back in 2018. 

From the spy shots, we have seen it looks like Porsche will offer both Sport Turismo and Cross Turismo versions. (Both will make fantastic camping companions!)

And of course, the more expensive versions will come first. So it will be at least a year or two before we see anything close to $80 000...

At least it looks great! And on top of that, Porsche is actually one of the most reliable brands. 

 

2022 Genesis GV60: new spy shot...

 I guess we are calling this the Genesis GV60 now?

This is the best shot we have seen so far of Genesis's brand new EV. Which shares its platform with the new Hyundai Ioniq 5. It's still hard to see what part is camouflaged,. Or not. Part of the rear lights might still be covered. Unless they really have these pointy ends.

Same thing with the weird zig-zag chrome line right behind the rear door. Which also seems to end in a pointy shape. Maybe that's the main design theme for this car: pointy.

If that's the case, the front end could be quite interesting (or ghastly...)

2022 Mercedes EQS: new pix...

This is looking fine. Although quite a disappointment when compared to the original concept.

A large luxury hatchback sedan looks to be perfect to compete with the Tesla Model S.

Let's hope the range is also competitive. Since both the Model S and Lucid Air offer over 400 miles for about $80 000, Mercedes needs to step up its game. If this is another 300 miles $100 000 rich guy toy it will fail. We don't need more of these...

I guess Porsche does get away with it because... Porsche. Still a fantastic sports car.

But even they are now offering an $80 000 base price.

The EQS, being a Mercedes, will be very expensive...

That night driving shot (top) looks like a nightmare to me. I mean, how much distraction do you need at tight? On top of concentrating on your driving. Ridiculous "ambient lighting" and now screens everywhere! To watch a video of more bad weather??? Is it supposed to make you feel like things aren't that bad? "Look! It could be worse!"

And you basically cannot really turn the whole thing off since it probably controls every feature of the car... 

It looks like the Mercedes interior design nerds got their inspiration from Blade Runner. Which is actually cool. Although not everything you see in the 1980's science fiction moves is actually great to see in real life. ( I could name a few besides "replicants")

On another note, that Blade Runner car glass roof looks very Tesla now...

 

2022 Volvo C40 recharge: official pix...

This is basically a "coupe" version of the Volvo XC40 Recharge.

Which is fine. I think the new C40 Recharge looks kind of cute. 

So far, it only comes with 2 motors and a 261 miles range. Which is fine. Although both the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Nissan Ariya are expected to offer up to around 300 miles.

The interior seems to be the same as the XC40. But with no leather option for the 1st time. A panoramic sunroof is still available.

These won't be cheap. Or even competitive. As the current XC40 Recharge starts at around $55 000.

Which, I think, is a crazy, out of touch price...

Even if the new C40 ends up cheaper, it'll still be around $50 000...

Not sure that at that price, 261 miles range is enough to tempt many customers. I think this is still good news for Tesla. 

Just like Tesla, the new C40 will be available only online (Which means good luck test driving one...)

Starting in the fall.

 

2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5: walk around video...

This is a very nice video showing most features and design of the all-new 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV.

Which, I think, has the potential to be a huge hit for Hyundai. It now all depends on how much it will be.

On another note. How is it that in 2021 someone can actually produce such a shaky video??? I mean most phones have some sort of IBIS these days. And pretty much all cameras do.

Why is still possible???

(Thansk to a reader for sending me the link to his)

2022 VW ID6: that face...

While the profile seems OK. Kinda a generic SUV/tall wagon thing. That poor ugly face is tough to look at...

VW claims they will be taking over Tesla in sales in just a few years. By selling a gazillion EVs and dominating the market. 

Not with this! Or anything looking close to this. The front-end design even ruins the profile! Look at these giant (for no reason) droopy headlights!

They act as if they were the only ones working on electric cars to take on Tesla. But they're not. Everyone else is too.

And there will no doubt be some attractive design to pick from. From brands with a much higher brand image than VW too. 

Maybe this is good enough for the giant Chinese market everyone is after? Or their brand image is so golden in Europe they just can sell anything?

Maybe it's just me, but I really don't think this can fly in the US/Canada market. And by the way, Telsa isn't sitting still either ...

Someone should remind VW this is earth. 

 

2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5: pix and spex!

 

At least to me, this thing keeps looking better and better. Inside and out, this is a futuristic and classy package. Tesla could really learn something here... (But they won't)

How about a few specs:

- 2 battery packs are available. 58kWh or 72.6 kWh. The maximum range of around 295 miles.

- 2WD or AWD. 

- Supports 400-V and 800-V charging. 

- 10 to 80 percent chare in 18 minutes with a 350 kW charger. 

- It is about an inch longer than a Honda CR-V with a longer wheelbase than the Hyundai Palisade. (by over 3 inches)

- 7 colors available in the US.

No info on pricing yet.

Not only this is good looking, although many won't think so. Probably preferring the new Mitsubishi Outlander. (Yes, some will)

But it also seems to be an amazing package. Something not too big with a huge interior. This could be THE perfect camping companion!

More very soon...

(Meanwhile, please send all your generous contributions directly to me so I can actually buy one)

2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5: first pix...

These early pix from the presentation video show the production model of the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV.

As I mentioned multiple times before, I think it looks great. Finally, a true modern art-inspired car for the 21st century. As well as being reminiscent of so many great Giugiaro designs from the past.

No specs yet. But more on this very soon...

 

2021 Karma GS-6: a cheaper Revero...

Just when you thought Tesla was weird for reducing the price of their cars all of a sudden (or just canceling them after 2 weeks, like the RWD Model Y), Karma is reducing the price of the Revero by over $60 000!!!

The $146 000 Revero is now replaced by a new model they call GS-6. With a starting price of around $85 000. Instead of $146 000.

This actually makes zero sense, since both cars look exactly the same. Both are plug-in hybrids using the BMW System.

The Revero has a 50 miles EV range.

While Karma claims an 80 miles electric range for the newer GS-6.

An all-electric version of the GS-6 will be unveiled later this year. And it will be even cheaper at $80 000.

Including the tax credits, it means the GS-6 EV will be at least $10 000 less than a Tesla Model S.

That all sounds great. I think the design still looks great. As the Revero came out as a redesigned Fisker Karma. 

And now, it really competes with Tesla and others price-wise.

The only mystery (And it's a big one) is how they were able to shave off almost half of the asking price.

What happened? How???

Imagine being someone who just bought a $146 000 Revero? ( I actually saw 2 of these in Brentwood last week!)

Someone has to explain to me how it's done...

 

2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5: new pic...

As far as I am concerned, this is great so far. A true designer's car. And what a perfect homage to the master Giugiaro and his wonderful designs from the '70s.

I really hope Hyundai doesn't price this too high...

More on this very, very soon. Including more pix, inside and out, and official specs. 

2021 Tesla Model S: a real steering wheel...

 Here is a quick photo of a real live revised Tesla Model S.

You can clearly see a regular steering wheel. And not that stupid video game controls thing they show on the official site. The site makes zero mention of a steering wheel choice or option. And yet, here it is.

The prototype interior seems to lack the new wood trim as well. 

I am actually curious to see this. I think the screen might look OK. But the small one behind the steering wheel just looks goofy. The could have designed a very thing one that doesn't stick out. Something as thin as the vents on the passenger side. Since this is just for basic info like speed etc...

Also, this!

Billionaire Bro Elon Musk said there was no shifter on the revised Model S. that the car would know what to do (No doubt some intense pot smoking magic there...) He even tried to clarify things: 

“After you drive without using a PRND stalk/stick for a few days, it gets very annoying to go back & use a shifter! You can override on touchscreen.”

Well, it looks like it does have some electronic shifter after all. Somewhere on the console. All this actually make the new Model S more attractive to me. Too bad I can't afford one. I mean a big hatchback you can camp in, with a range of over 400 miles. A glass roof,  22 speakers and a super smooth air suspension... 

That sounds like something I'd like. A lot. Except for the lack of colors ... And that new $80 000 price tag...

Oh well...

Ford's EV future: weirdo teaser...

Okay... What does that even mean?

We already know they are planning to be "all EV" in Europe in less than 10 years.

But what is that car?

Some in the European press are already speculating, for some weird reason, about a 4 door electric version of the next Mustang. Why not. That could be really nice.

But I don't think so...

I think the silhouette on the teaser/promo image shows the upcoming Evos. 

But wait! The Evos isn't supposed to be electric...

Could it really be a 2023/24 Electric 4 door Mustang???                                                                       (One based on the next-generation Mustang. Not the Mach-E)

 

2022/23 Karma SUV: really???

It looks like Karma has plans for an SUV now...

Most people don't even know they are still around. I mean, when was the last time we've heard anything. Or anyone interested in actually getting one.

 I do like the current Revero. Which is basically a newer version of the "old Karma". 

A really good looking large luxury car with a tiny interior. A plug-in hybrid with an EV range of around 50 miles. All this for at least $131 000! Not what you would call very competitive.

They claim to have an all-electric model coming out later this year, for under $80 000. Not sure how they can do that, if it is based on their $131 000 car. 

Next, of course, would be an SUV.

It will probably look really good . But also a bit like everything. If these patient designs are true. 

A little bit of Aston Martin, a little bit of Porsche. etc...

I mean, why not. And good luck.

 

2022 Honda HR-V: that's it...

 

Well, this is a bit disappointing. After test driving the current version a while ago, I have to say the current HR-V is a good car. Roomy, quiet, comfortable. Not very quick, but who ever buys these to go fast??

Since I've posted so many spy shots of these over the past few months (and received so many insults just because "this is not the next HR-V!!!", I was expecting a bit more.

Sure, the design is pretty clean. No fake air intakes under the lights. No weird scoops and spoilers. This is much cleaner. 

But it also seems quite uninspired. Much more generic than the current generation. And not as cute.

Same thing inside. Except it's now actually much busier than before.

And of course, there has been no effort to incorporate the screen into the design. So now you end up with what looks like a cheap Pep Boy after market tablet stuck on the dash.

I guess Honda is proud of the vents though, since they published a full picture. (Instead of showing us more of the actual car) The "vent designers union" must have pulled some strings. (Good for them)

The double sunroof is really cool. But I really doubt it will make it to the US.

And you know what else will probably not make it over here? The cool hybrid powertrain.

With a total of 202HP from a 1.5 Liter engine and the electric motor. Wouldn't that be nice...

Let's hope the interior of the 2022 Civic is better than this. It should be, since it is a more expensive model. But you never know... The lure of saving a buck is a very strong one.

From what we have seen, it could end up a bit similar. 

This is what Honda showed us a few months ago. The 2022 Civic interior. See what I mean?

It seems dangerously close. The stupid tablet looks the same. Door handle and trim seem quite similar too. Same shifter. 

But those vents look a bit fancier. Looks like 2021 is the "year of the vents" at Honda. 

They'll be going full speed ahead on vent designs...