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 Kia K8 interior: new pics....

This actually looks really nice!

I mean, sure, there is a lot of wood in there (a lot!) And I can't picture it to be the real thing. So, some wood "trim" thingy. With a weird pattern on top. For some reason...

if you're gonna get screens, they might as well all be integrated into a single shape like this. Or the current Mercedes stuff (Not the new S and C class "screens everywhere" idea)

I mean, this makes the Telluride interior look old already.

But, as we know, this isn't coming here. Which is too bad. Imagine picking up something like this for around $20 000 or less (Which is what 2018/17 Cadenzas are going for) in a few years.

But no. Since millions of lemmings only want SUVs these days, that's all we're getting.

Thanks to a reader for the pix!

 

2022 Mercedes EQS: a teaser...

That new teaser is actually showing less than the spy shot I published recently...

Now you "kinda" see the lights. I guess...

I really wish the new EQS well. I mean, sometimes "obnoxious billionaire bro" Elon Musk really needs some bruising from the competition. (especially after that weirdo Model S interior redesign)

But somehow, the EQS (Or what we've seen of it) doesn't look really that modern. Or as futuristic as I hoped it would be. There is a weird late 90's early 2000's feel to it. 

Is it just me? Should I not start drinking that early??? (it's already cocktail hour anyway)

 

2022/23 Honda Pilot: first pix...

This is quite an "exciting" time for Honda fans. First, we will be getting an all-new Civic sedan and hatchback next month. Then the US version of the HR-V. Followed by an all-new CR-V. 

And this! The redesigned Pilot. (Based on the new Acura MDX)

Of course, it's early and we can't see much. Except, the huge ghastly-looking grille. Which, so far, looks like a nightmare. Why such an obnoxious thing what is basically a family car?The modern version of the large wagon.

It looks like it could actually be as bad, or worse, than the 2021 Ridgeline face.

Is it really that hard? Do they really want to fail? Nice-looking SUVs have been designed before. 

Here is an illustration of the next Pilot I posted a while ago. Hopefully, it'll be as clean as this. Except for the gruesome grille.

On a related note... Here is a weird funny story I don't remember sharing here:

I remember criticizing the Pilot years ago. I think it was the generation before the current one. One of the designers actually wrote to me to complain. The complaints became insults, and insults became threats. (He was going to kick my ass if he ever met me!)

By some weird chance, it turns out I was working at the time with a guy who knew him (!)

I showed my friend the Emails and he was shocked ("he is usually such a nice guy")

Years later (about 6 years ago) I finally got to meet that jerk and my friend's Bday party. I actually had forgotten about the guy. So I didn't say anything, just that it was nice to meet a Honda designer...

I remembered the whole thing on my way home.

Turns out he never kicked my ass...

More pix HERE

 

2022 Genesis G90: new pix...

Still testing, and still covered. Nothing we haven't seen before, really.

Except maybe a better look at the headlights. Which seem really big. Even going all the say from the grille to the wheel. 

That could be either interesting or freaky.

I do like the whole idea of that big sedan cheaper than the German models. No one does this anymore. Except maybe Lexus. Lincoln and Cadillac gave up. A really big comfortable sedan is kind of like a guilty pleasure. 

The next G90 will also be offered as an Ev later. Which could actually make it a bit more popular, since now it will be also competing with Tesla and Lucid.

 

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 Honda CR-V: first spy shots...

I didn't expect to see these so soon. But I guess it makes sense since a new CR-V is usually due out soon after the new Civic. Which is scheduled for next month.

Plus, the CR-V has become the most important model for Honda in the US. 

What is expected, is the design. Which resembles the new HR-V. It follows the more angular trend of new Honda designs. Which means, it might also lose a bit of personality. Just like the HR-V. At the same time, it could gain a cleaner look. The front end of the current CR-V alone is quite a mess.

2021 is shaping out to be quite a year for Honda. With a new Civic, CR-V, and HR-V. As well as the new Acura MDX and S-Type versions of the TLX and MDX. 

More pix of the 2022 Honda CR-V HERE.

 

2022 Toyota Land Cruiser: new illustrations...

These actually seem pretty realistic since they do match quite well with the spy shots I posted a few days ago (HERE) of the real thing. 

Again, it seems Toyota is hard at work to make the 2022 Land Cruiser as invisible as possible.

By carefully removing any trace or personality it might have.

As someone mentioned earlier in the comments, this could very well be a big Mitsubishi. Or anything else...

 

2022 Ford Maverick: new illustration...

 

Sure, this vaguely matches the spy shots we have seen of the new 2022 Ford maverick Compact pick-up.

But at the same time, it looks terrible. I think it mostly comes from the bed looking too low. 

And that very bland front end. This just looks super generic and unattractive. And cheap! The best part of this illustration is the real thing will probably look much better.  As it already does in these spy shots: 

(HERE and HERE)

2022/23 Alfa-Romeo mid-sized sedan: new illustration...

This is a new illustration of a very old rumor. I have heard about a mid-sized Alfa sedan for years but it never happened.

(That Giulia coupe never happened either.)

Now they are talking again about a larger sedan. Which would be great.

I guess this is not a dying segment after all. Since the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 series seem to be doing well. We also have the new Cadillac CT-5 and Genesis G80 in the US.

The Alfa would be, of course, based on the same platform as the Guilia. Which is fine. 

If true, this could be good news for sedan fans. 

The illustration above is from 2016 (!!!) That's how old the rumor of a larger Alfa sedan is. 

Look how classier and more conventional it looks compared to the overly sporty and blacked-out new one on top...

 

2022 Toyota Land Cruiser: new photo...

 Here it is, the next-generation Toyota Land Cruiser. (The white one on the right)

Not much to see. At least it's better than the illustration I just posted earlier. (HERE). So this could turn out OK after all. I still think they could have done some cool retro thing and try to compete with the new Defender.  But, no...

2022 Subaru WRX: another illustration...

 

Another car we have seen tons of spy shots of the next-generation Subaru WRX.

From what we see here, it'll keep the tradition of not selling on its looks alone.

Another amazing small car that looks like an old fashion sedan with sporty crap added to it.

I guess that's probably part of the appeal. The great driving ugly car. And you know what, good for them!

That means enough buyers care about how it drives more than how it looks. That alone can keep Subaru going for years.

2022 Toyota Land Cruiser: new illustration...

 Although I have posted a few other illustrations of the next generation Toyota Land Cruiser before, this one has to be the worst. Just look at that thing.

It would actually be funny if this particular one turned out to be close to the real thing. Funny and tragic. As this doesn't look like a serious off-road vehicle. And it doesn't look luxurious or fancy at all. 

This would just be an insult...

2022 Honda ZR-V: early photo...

 

Honda has been making a small "fake SUV" based on the old Fit. Which was mostly a raised-up Fit with black plastic trim. This time it looks like Honda designed a separate model. Still smaller than the HR-V.

Kind of like the Hyundai Venue or the Nissan Kicks. Which use the same platforms as their small sedans.

A new design could also mean the tiny thing could show up in the US. Priced under the current HR-V. And since the next HR-V is a bit larger, there would be some room there. And since people buy "anything SUV" these days... So why not...

2022 Kia K8: a look inside...

Here are a few new pictures of the 2022 Kia K8 interior. 

And just like the exterior looks both impressive and weird, the interior gives me the same feeling.

I am sure it will be quite impressive in real life. But it's also pretty weird and busy. 

There is a lot going on on that center console...

The super widescreen enclosure is quite nice and simple. (although not unique)

But the sheer amount of wood rim anywhere could end up being quite tacky. As it usually is. Almost reminiscent of "American Luxury" from the 1970s...

At least they are trying. And it's not yet another SUV...

 

2022 Lexus NX Vs. Toyota Venza: copycats...

Yes, I can see the differences. But these 2 designs are awfully close. Especially for a company that should do its best to differentiate its luxury Brand.

The Venza would look right at home in a Lexus dealership. While the new NX does look a bit sportier and more aggressive. 

Is it really what Lexus should be after? Sportier and more aggressive?

 

2022 Lexus NX: next to the current one...

I hate to say, but this new 2022 Lexus NX is another disappointment. At least do far...

As you can see, the design is cleaned up a bit. But not that much. It is less angular for sure. Looking like a slightly melted version of the current car. (Putting an old clay model in a microwave for 90 seconds should never replace real design work)

But there are still plenty of fake scoops front and rear. Unnecessary lines etc...

On top of that, it looks a lot like the Toyota Venza. Even more than before!

Inside it now looks like the Toyota Mirai!

Why???

It seems Lexus is doing its best to remind people they are luxury versions of their Toyota models. Again, why????

And the passenger side of the dash looks like it was not designed at all. (The design department must have had to leave early that day)

I really want to like Lexus, but this seems like a busy yet uninspired mess. 

They still sold over 58 000 of these in 2019. Which isn't bad. But the new one will now have to compete with the all-new Genesis GV70. Yes, it's another world now...

From what I see here, it'll be a tough fight for Lexus. 

 

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: 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.