Next-generation Toyota Prius: early spy shots...

Apparently, this is a Toyota. Although it's not the new EV that's coming out next year.

And from the front end, it does look like a Prius, doesn't it...

This would mean that, like everything else, the Prius would become a crossover. It started life as a small sedan. Then went to a larger hatchback design. Now it might adopt an SUV shape.

I guess why not. Since this could be the only way to keep the Prius brand name popular these days.

Although I am not sure this will be embraced by many Prius fans. Who do not want an SUV.

Since Toyota is now making their Hybrid system standard in more and more models (like the Venza and Sienna), I would expect this to be offered as a plug-in hybrid only.

 Still, Toyota will really need to increase the EV range to keep the new Prius relevant. The 25 miles range of the current Prius Prime is just ridiculous. Even the RAV 4 Plug-in does much better with 42 miles.

In my perfect world, the new Prius should get at least 60/70 miles of EV range to make it worthwhile.

Could they even stretch it to 100 miles? Is that even possible. (That would really put the Prius back on the map...)

What do you think?

(Thanks to a reader for these!)

 

2023 Subaru Solterra: teasers...

The 2023 Subaru Solterra will be Subaru's 1st EV. And is being "developed" with Toyota.

In this case, "developed with..." is code for "they're the same car".

As you can see from the teaser above compared to the Toyota BZ4X, the 2 cars are much more than just similar. They are basically the same car. Just like the Toyota 86GT and Subaru BRZ.

Which is, of course, pretty sad.

Selling a version of Toyota's EV is not really Subaru's best way to enter the EV market. It is, however, the cheapest way to do it, of course.

But I am not sure selling Toyota clones is the best long-term strategy for the brand. This should have at least looked like a Subaru.

Do Subaru buyers really want a Toyota?

 

Mercedes Concept EQT: Vs. Renault Kangoo..

 

Mercedes has been selling a Renault Kangoo clone in Europe for a while. Called the Citan.

Since a redesigned Kangoo came out, Mercedes is teasing their new model, still based on the Renault.

The Kangoo is basically Renault's equivalent to the Ford Transit Connect. A small cargo van also available as a more family-oriented version. Same thing with the Fiat Doblo/Ram Pro Master.

This time around, it looks like Mercedes is making much more of an effort to make sure their version doesn't look like the cheaper Renault Model. Regular versions will now be called the T-Class. (Using Renault engines) While the EV is, of course, the EQT.

Pretty sure this will never come to the US. Although a small luxurious Electric van could really be a cool thing...

2021 Tesla Model S: better look inside...

The 2 photos on top show a better view of the revised Tesla Model S interior. And I think it does look much better than Tesla's official pix (bottom)

You can see how the screen can now be angled toward the driver. Which is very nice. The trim isn't bad. 

Again, the screen directly in front of the driver could have been much thinner (matching the shape of the vents on the passenger side) and the whole interior would have been much more minimalist, and more similar to the Model 3 design. While displaying convenient info in front of the driver. 

I always liked the Model S. But, like many, was never crazy about the interior. Which never came close to matching the quality and feel of similarly priced cars from the competition. I am not sure yet about the new interior. Which could be great in real life. Or not... 

At least from pictures, it really doesn't seem to match the fantastic Lucid Air interior...

 

New Mercedes EQS: parked outside...

This seems to be in the US, showing the US version of the 2022 Mercedes EQS. Looing fine. Parked next to a Tesla Model S.

I think the EQS could be a hit for Mercedes. If priced right. Or not? If it starts at $100 000 it will be $20 000 more than the Model S. Should a Mercedes be that much more? It will have a longer range. But that might be only on even more expensive versions. And from what we have seen it is quite roomier inside than the Model S. And much more upscale...

 

Next-generation Toyota Prius: new illustration...

 

Since the current model came out almost 6 years ago, we are starting to see people guessing what the next generation could look like.

I am actually not even sure there will be a next Prius. At least not the way it has been so far. These days, with EVs from everyone, the "hybrid hatchback" idea is an old one. Like many, I really think Toyota should keep the Prius name for something. But that something should really be an EV, or at least, a 100 miles V range plug-in Hybrid.

Something special, like it used to be...

Tesla Model S: new prototype...

Even though I am not a Tesla specialist, I can tell you this is one weird-looking Model S.

The front hood looks much flatter and higher than the current version.

And I haven't seen these wheels on any Tesla yet.

This looks to be a mule for some all-new model. Could they be testing a next-generation Model S? So early after the 2021 "facelift"?

Is this some sort of new SUV model? Or a high riding hatch/wagon thing?

What do you think? 

 

2022 VW ID4 GTX: the ID4's sportier AWD twin...

 

The new GTX version of the ID4 is basically the sports version. With AWD. Which wasn't available in the "regular" ID4.

The GTX has a total of 295HP from 2 motors. Vs 200 for the regular version with a single motor. 

While the GTX will not be sold in the US, we will be getting an AWD option for the ID4 pretty soon.

On another note, I know VW has very high hopes for their EVs over here. But it seems there is still quite a widespread feeling of resentment over the "Dieselgate" scandal in the US. On top of this, VW has a long history of being known as an unreliable brand. With tons of well-known electrical/electronic problems.

Which is, oddly enough, very different from their image in Europe.

I really think they will have a very hard time in the US convincing people that they are now a different company. Buying an electric car from a company known for electric problems is still a huge step for many...

2022 Kia Niro: new illustration...

 

This new illustration actually seems quite nice looking. Better than the horrible stuff we have seen before. 

The big lower grille has a weird Toyota feel to it. Otherwise, this could work. Kia really needs to re-invent the Niro for this new generation.

Things are moving towards pure electric cars very quickly now. And, even though a plug-in hybrid vehicle makes a lot of sense, it really needs to offer much more than 20 or 30 miles to even be considered. Unless it's dirt cheap. 

The next Niro needs to step things up and offer at least a 60 miles EV range. Which is what I was able to get in a 2nd generation Chevy Volt years ago... 

(Thanks to a reader for sending me this!)

2022 Genesis GV60: new spy shots, in yellow...

Unlike Cadillac, it looks like Genesis still believes in offering some fun colors. From these photos, we know that at least, yellow will be a choice for the new 2022 Genesis GV60 Electric car.

Besides the new color, it's hard to see anything really new from these photos. This is the third model based on Hyundai-s new EV platform. After the Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6. So expect similar specs as well.

Since the Kia and Hyundai versions have already shown very nice interiors, I would expect this to be quite upscale. 

We have seen so many spy shots of this for so long, I would guess it'll come out any day now...

2022 Genesis G90: new spy shot...

For the first time, we get a pretty good look at the rear light design of the next-generation Genesis G90 sedan.

Or do we? This does look very different from their current design language. Which uses 2 lines for the rear lights. On all their cars...

This actually does match what we saw earlier (HERE) It would be strange for the new G90 not to have what is now a big part of the Genesis design signature. I'll file this under "pretty clever camouflage"...

I guess we should be seeing this one pretty soon. And again, an electric version of the next G90 is also planned. 

 

2023 Cadillac Lyriq: the production model...

Cadillac has just released official photos of the production 2023 Lyriq Electric Crossover.

And it really looks almost exactly like the concept. So this is great news for those who liked that concept in the first place. (If only they could have done the same thing with some of their other fantastic previous Concepts...)

The interior looked fantastic on the concept last year. But as we know, things are moving very, very fast these days. And by the time the Lyriq goes on sale, these giant screens will be everywhere.

- The Lyriq is going on sale in about a year from now as a 2023 model.

- Rservations start in September 2021.

- Over 300 miles of electric range from the 100Kw/h battery.

- 190kW fast charging allows for 76 miles in 10 minutes.

- 20-inch wheels standard with 22-inch option.

- Only 2 colors available, Satin Steel and Stellar Black.

- Only 2 interior colors as well. Black or grey.

- RWD with 340hp.

- $59 990.

While I mostly like the design (The rear lights should have been clear and not red. Like on some early prototypes I've seen), the interior seems a bit cold. There is a mention of wood trim in the press kit but it doesn't seem to be on any of the photos provided.

The price does seem right. Depending on the standard equipment. It is cheaper than the Audi E Tron of the Jaguar EV.

The Lyriq is also quite long at almost 197 inches. Only about 2 inches shorter than the XT-6.

To me, the worst part is the lack of AWD at launch (good luck with that)

But especially the lack of colors.

I mean really, black or grey? that's it? 

For a luxury brand, this is really unheard of. Even the cheapest car sold in the US has more than 2 colors to pick from. 

This is almost like a joke...

Audi A6 E-Tron Concept: a look inside...

 

The only thing I have seen (so far) about the new Audi E-Tron A6 concept interior is the official illustration above.

From what we see here, it looks like a drastic departure from their current trend. As the new A3 has a very angular and super busy interior. This is just super simplistic. Almost Tesla-like. But classier.

I know it is difficult to judge from a sketch, but Audi ash already said the Concept is about 95% of what the production car will be. And I bet the same goes for the interior.

2022/23 Mercedes EQE: new illustration...

Now that we have seen the EQS, let's take a look at what the Mercedes EQE might look like.

 If the illustration above is correct, the EQE will look very much like a smaller EQS. Which is probably right. Since that's what Mercedes has been doing for decades.

Since the EQS is going after the Tesla Model S, the EQE will be Mercedes's equivalent to the Model 3. 

Although probably more expensive... So=ince, you know... Mercedes.

 

Lincoln Zephyr Concept Vs. Ford Evos: interior cousins...

I mentioned earlier the interior similarities between the new Ford Evos and the Zephyr Concept.

Of course, they are different. But also so similar. The proportions are pretty much the same. Placement of stuff like vents. etc...

I think the Zephyr could actually be a lowered, luxury sedan version of the Evos. And why not. I understand the need for Lincoln to offer a sedan in China where that body style is still very popular. And not be willing to spend the investment on an all-new car. Really, I do understand...

I also understand that an EV-only version of the Zephyr could make an interesting Tesla Model 3 competitor in the US...

( I just "understand" everything there is, I guess...) 

 

Lincoln Zephyr Reflection Concept: all-new Lincoln sedan coming up...

 

If there is one thing I never expected on this planet, it is a new Zephyr sedan from Lincoln...

But, as part of the ever-important "expect the unexpected" life lesson, here is the new "Lincoln Zephyr Reflection Concept."

Apparently, this is, again, "designed solely for the Chinese market". Which really can mean anything. It can mean we'll never see this in the US, or they'll change the headlights and it's coming over.

As you can see, this is very close to a real car. And a production version is actually coming next year. 

Not sure yet, but that grille looks like it is an EV. Or at least one version will be electric. Also not sure what it is based on. Since there is no way Ford is creating a new platform for a new Lincoln sedan.

I posted the photo of the new Ford Evos to compare it with the Zephyr interior. And they do look closely related, don't they?

As for the design, I really like the idea of a Lincoln sedan. But this looks very derivative. It just looks a lot like other cars, with a Lincoln grille. I see a Genesis G80, the Audi A6 e-Tron, Lexus ES to name a few.

2022 Ford Evos: more pix...

Here are a couple of more photos of the new 2022 Ford Evos. At least, we now get to see what it looks like from the rear.

And any questions you might have had about the center console are now answered...

2022 Ford Evos: the new Fusion...

 Ford is saying, so far, that the new Evos is a Chinese product for the Chinese market (And a local design).

But, when you compare it to the prototypes we have seen around Detroits over and over again in the past year, it is obvious the new model unveiled in China will be the same one coming over here to "replace" the Fusion. (as well as the Mondeo in Europe)

So far, Ford has only shown photos of this top-of-the-line version with a stupid-looking Sport package. Which include the usual black wheels (The same ones on the US prototype) and some moronic orange trim inside and out.

It would be interesting to see some more "normal" versions as well.

Just when I was thinking the idea of a "dashboard/screen" was going to trickle down from cars like the new Mercedes EQB to cheaper models in the coming years... it's already happened!

As the giant screen inside the Evos pretty much covers the whole dashboard.

I guess screens are getting very cheap, very quickly...

No specs yet. But the rumor is this could be a hybrid-only for the US market.