Hyundai Ioniq 6: a look inside...

You can already tell the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV sedan will share a few of its interior bits with the new Ioniq 5.

The steering wheel and switchgear all seem to be similar. Even the part of the dashboard under the screens seems very similar. 

And why not, since they already will share platform and powertrain.

But it will also make the more expensive Ioniq 6 less special than the Ioniq 5. Since that interior might feel a bit familiar by the time it comes out.

As for the exterior, the new sedan will be quite a letdown compared to the concept that previewed it. 

While the Ioniq 5 stayed very close to the Giugiaro influenced Concept 45. 

I also wonder about the new Ioniq models pricing in the US. Which hasn't been revealed yet.

The 5 is rumored to start at between $35 000 and $40 000.

 This means the 6 would have to be more expensive. Hyundai could end up having quite a tough time fighting against the Model 3 if it doesn't offer a price advantage.

 

2022 Volco C40 recharge: pricing...

 

The new 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge will start at $58 750. Yes, another Volvo EV for around $60 000.

A few years ago, Volvo has claimed they would soon be at the forefront of the EV revolution with tons of new electric models, etc...

So far, we got the Polestar 2 sedan. Which in the US is offered at around $60 000. A less expensive version has been rumored for a while but hasn't shown up yet. The Polestar 2 has a disappointing EV range rating of just 222 miles. 

Then we saw the XC40 Recharge. That one starts at $54 000. With an even smaller 208 miles range.

Now Volvo has announced the C40, which is basically a "coupe" version of the XC40 for thousands more.

No official range has been announced, but you know it'll be the same as the XC40...

Like it or not, Tesla is the king of the EV market. If you're going to compete, you'd better offer something amazing.

208 miles range for almost $60 000 isn't going to do it. 

The C40 is about a foot shorter than the Tesla Model Y. The Y long range with 326 miles is priced at $53 000. Or about $5000 less than the smaller Volvo. With 120 miles range advantage.

Of course, Volvo still gets federal and local incentives. Which would put it at a price advantage. But maybe not for long... And that 208 miles range just doesn't compete...

And there is always the Model 3 long-range, with a 353 miles range for $49 000... (Their most popular model with an increasing waiting list)

All I can say to Volvo/Polestar is: good luck...

2022 Toyota Aqua (Prius C): official pix...

Even though the previous generation left the US in 2019, it has been a big hit for Toyota with over 1.8 million sold around the world.

The new model is based on the same platform as the new Yaris.

And Toyota claims it is 20% more efficient. Which would mean about 57 City/52 Hwy in the US.

That would be pretty decent for an inexpensive car. (It used to start at around $21 500 here)

But, the new Aqua is not scheduled to be sold in the US. Where Toyota's priority ( and everyone else's) is selling us small SUVs like the upcoming Corolla Cross. With so far, no hybrid version for the US. 

 

2022/23 Hyundai Ioniq 6: new spy shots...

The only thing we know about the all-new Ioniq 6 i that it won't look anything like the cool Prophecy concept. Which is really too bad.

But if you forget the Prophecy, the Ioniq 6 could still be a decent-looking sedan. 

Probably one of these fastback designs with a tiny trunk opening though...

The interior seems quite roomy (although the front seats on the bottom pic look like they've been moved forward all the way)

It could actually be a worthy competition to the Tesla Model 3. 

We'll see...

 

New Smart SUV: new teaser...

Smart just released a new teaser for their upcoming SUV. (The bottom pic was released earlier)

It will be unveiled in September as a concept. So we can expect a production version sometime next year.

The new small EV SUV will be based on a new Geely platform. That same platform will also be used for a new Volvo model (XC20 or XC30?)

Too bad they left the US market. That little SUV might have finally given them a model that could appeal to a wider audience than their tiny 2 seaters...

2023/24 Toyota Prius: new illustration...

 

A new generation Toyota Prius is now scheduled to be introduced in January 2023.

It is also supposed to be based on a revised version of the current TNGA platform. And will retain the 1.8 Liter engine. The current battery pack would also return. But the engine itself will be modified to be even more efficient, which will result in higher MPG numbers for the new model.

The design will adopt a more coupe-like shape. (The image above is just an illustration)

These are not earth-shattering news. It basically means the next Prius will be an evolution of the current car based on the same platform and using most of the current tech.

It'll be interesting to see if PHEV will be standard. By late 2023, Toyota's own EV will be out. The Prius might be seen as old tech unless they found a way to get some incredible MPG numbers. Or around 100 miles of EV range on the PHEV.

Next-generation BMW 5 series: new illustrations...

 

These new illustrations show what an electric version of the next 5 series could look like. (i5?)

I am sure this is actually pretty close since BMW has been pretty predictable for a while now (Except for some of their horrible details)

And it does seem to match the recent spy shots we have seen. 

I am not sure it will be a match for the great-looking Audi A6 e-Tron. Audi made a real effort to design something new, yet unmistakably Audi. While BMW seems to be redesigning the same thing over and over. 

On top of that, Audi seems to be making rapid progress with its batteries.

The E-Tron SUV is supposed to be getting a new battery pack next year with up to 373 miles. A huge jump from the current 250 miles rating. The A6 e-Tron will probably be getting the same thing. 

Good luck to BMW...

(Thanks to a reader for these illustrations)

Mazda MX-30 PHEV: another one bites the dust...

After launching the pure electric version of the new MX-30 overseas, Mazda had just announced weeks ago that a PHEV version would be coming to the US. Using a small rotary engine as a generator.

Since the EV model has a modest (lame) electric range of only 124 miles, the Plug-in hybrid version promise a much better and more useable model.

But no. Mazda has just announced the PHEV version is "postponed".

Which, I think, pretty much means it is dead. It is just weird to postpone a new model just a few months away from launch. Or is it?

You know what it reminds me of? Mazda's own Diesel engine. Which had been "postponed" over and over for the US market. Only to finally come out after DieselGate, when nobody in the US wanted a Diesel anymore.

No one will buy a small electric crossover with a 124 miles range in the US. Mini might sell a few EVs because the Mini Cooper is basically a small city car. Where its small 110 range is actually enough for many.

But a compact SUV needs much more. The PHEV could have been a great solution.

It looks like Mazda has, again, been spending a lot of R&D cash on something "stupid". And they will be yet late again.

By the time they get it together with the MX-30, most of the competition will offer EVs with a much longer range for the same price or cheaper. This means most people won't even be interested in a PHEV.

You would think a small company like Mazda would be more careful with their money...

 

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Vs. the "L"...

From my previous post about the new Grand Cherokee, the difference with the larger "L" version wasn't that obvious. (HERE)

But from the rear angle, it is.

The roofline is completely new. As well as the lights.

I am not a fan of the chrome line. But that's something that could actually look better in real life. And also better with a body-colored roof. Just like the one on the "L" pictured here.

What do you think?

 

Chrysler EV Concept: early pix...

It looks like Chrysler might be coming back pretty soon. Without really unveiling it, they did show this concept to the press. Of course, it is electric. And looks like it is ready to be produced.

It is based on one of the largest EV platforms Stelantis is planning. And could get up to 500 miles of range.

Apparently, another, more traditional-looking SUV, is also planned for Chrysler. 

While this is great news for Chrysler, it needs to happen now. This is a fine design, but not really more modern than the Mustang Mach-e. They need to put this in production next year at the latest. 

 

2022 Jeep Grand-Cherokee 4xe: first official photo...

As expected, the new 2022 Grand Cherokee is basically a 5 seater version of the 2021 Grand Cherokee L. Although the front end seems slightly different. And the D-pillar is quite thinner. With a new chrome design.

Otherwise, it basically looks as good as its longer brother.

The model pictured here is the new plug-in version called the 4xe. No specs yet, but it is expected to inherit the same powertrain as the Wrangler 4x2. Which makes 370HP, but can only drive around 22 miles as an EV.

Interestingly enough, the Wrangler plug-in starts at over $49 000 (before incentives). But you can lease one starting at $265 a month! (HERE) Which would seem like the best lease deal in the world.

I wonder if some super low lease like this one will be available for the Grand-Cherokee too...

 

Canoo hatchback: already a new model...

New carmaker Canoo has already announced their van and pick-up models. As well as a delivery truck.

The lifestyle van starting at around $35 000 before incentives. Which could be great if it actually happens. (You can even pre-order one HERE)

They have already mentioned their intention of producing even more models. The car pictured above would be next.

Looking like it would compete with the Model 3. Or even the Model Y.

Which of course, could have the potential to be super popular.

I do admire the new company. Their designs are really clean and futuristic. First deliveries of the van are scheduled for 2022. But... This is still a startup. And there have been only vague statements about a factory in Oklahoma. Opening in 2023. So, not really sure how these 2022 vans will be built before...

It seems that no matter what, this would be years away.

Still. At least they look really interesting...

 

Honda EV Coupe: return of the Prelude?

 

While Honda/Acura is getting a couple of new electric SUVs based on the new GM platform, they are also working on their own. Mostly for smaller models.

One of these is rumored to be a sporty coupe. Which means, the Prelude could be back. After so many years. I know, the coupe market has been shrinking. At least you still have a good choice of sedans, but coupes are harder and harder to find. maybe making them electric is an answer?

The return to small affordable coupes would be a nice trend. Not everyone is married with kids, wants to go offroad, or carries tons of stuff all the time. Practical 4 seater coupes with decent trunks used to be extremely popular in the US. For many decades.

Why not...

2022/23 Kia EV7: new illustration...

 

The illustration on top is obviously based on the spy shot. Guessing an EV7 design largely based on the EV6 recently released. 

I think Kia will actually be more original than this. The spy shot seems to show a much more angular design than the EV6. And I think the final thing could be quite different.

What do you think?

2022 Hyundai Ioniq 6: new illustration...

As usual, many will try to guess what the new Hyundai Ioniq 6 will look like. This is just the beginning. We will see many more illustrations in the coming months. 

And, from the spy shots we have seen, they will all be much more conservative than the fantastic-looking Prophecy Concept we saw last year.

The one Hyundai told us was a preview of the Ioniq 6 sedan.

As you can see, the concept is about 258 times better looking than the illustration above.

Which, again, could end up being quite close to the real thing.

After keeping the Ioniq 5 so close to the concept design, this one could end up being such sad news...

(Thanks to a reader for this)
 

Volvo Recharge Concept: Volvo's EV future...

The all-new Recharge concept is showing us Volvo's new design language. Basically, the next XC90 could be a production version of this. With, of course, plenty of changes in the translation.

Which is fine. The concept has a very pure and modern design. And a toned-down production version could still look great. And much more like a wagon than their current SUVs.

The next-generation XC90 will be unveiled next year, and we'll see how close it looks to this. It makes you wonder if there will be any room for any sedan in Volvo's new lineup of EVs... 

2022/23 Lexus EV: new illustration...

The top image is an illustration of what the new Lexus EV could look like. It will almost certainly be based on the Toyota one (bottom pic)

So expect similar proportions. 

I think the illustration looks really good and modern. Although the spy shot (middle) of the real thing does look more angular. And all that camo is trying very hard to make it look really ugly.

So things can only improve from what we see.

 

2022 Hyundai Ioniq 6: new spy shots...

We still cannot tell much from this highly covered prototype. Except that it won't be as fantastic looking as the concept.

But the interior does seem really nice. Very minimalist and super simple. Which could be a breath of fresh air in the business. 

As we know, the new Ioniq 6 will be an EV sports sedan based on the same platform as the Ioniq 5.

 

2022 Kia Niro: a look inside...

 Here is a look at the new 2022 Kia Niro's interior. Not much. Just a bit of the door panel and seat.

Not sure if it looks better or even more modern than the current one (Bottom pic). Of course, it's hard to say. The door might be the worst-looking part of the interior for all we know. (Or the best)

Thanks to a reader for this .

New Lincoln EV: teaser...

 

Lincoln just released a teaser of their first-ever electric model.

And it does look a lot like the Zephyr Concept we saw a little while ago. While the Zephyr is a sedan for the Chinese market, the "other one" will be sold in both the US and China. And it will have an SUV/tall wagon shape. Of course...

Lincoln also mentioned that all their cars (their cats will as well) will be "electrified" by 2030. Not all EVs. It will still include hybrids and PHEV. 

Lincoln also claims it will use an all-new platform. Strange since Ford does have the Mach-e platform that could be used for other models.

We will see the whole thing next year.