2023 Mazda CX-50: new illustration...

Now we know the upcoming new Mazda CX-50 will not be the one based on the new RWD platform. (That will be the CX-70 and CX-90 in the US) But apparently, on the CX-30 platform instead. This is confusing since they had announced a partnership with Toyota a while ago that includes a new model based on the Corolla Cross.  More recently, there was also a rumor about a new hybrid-only "CX-7". Bult in Alabama with the Corolla Cross. (That might actually be the one they now call "CX-50")

It seems Mazda is coming up with a giant SUV stew. It also seems many of these models will overlap and compete with each other.

This new illustration shows a very generic design. One that will be 100% invisible everywhere. Wasn't the point of Mazda to be different? At least a little bit?

Why???

 

2023 Kia Niro: new spy shots...

Today we finally get to see more of the next-generation Kia Niro. 

It seems like a pretty original design. Although looking a little bit more like a regular SUV than the current tall wagon shape. (Some current owners might not like that)

With all these new Ioniq models, the next Niro might be caught in a bad place, as Kia is now making a huge push for fully electric cars.

And the next Niro is not based on their new EV platform.

I think the most relevant model could be the PHEV. If they can drastically increase the electric range. 

The current model has a 26 miles electric range. But it starts at around $29 000 ($25 000 after current federal incentives). So it is really an inexpensive way to get a PHEV.

 If they double the EV range and keep the price down, the Niro might have a chance to attract people still afraid to jump into the EV world.

 

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6: new illustration...

This new illustration of what the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan could look like seems pretty realistic.

It really matches the most recent spy shots we have seen of the car (middle pic)

The interior, at least from this unfinished prototype photo, seems to try hard to establish a link with the Ioniq5.

It seems to be using the same screens, steering wheels, and some controls.

I am not sure how they will position this new model. Hyundai has still not announced pricing for the Ioniq 5, but it is expected to start at around $40 000 in the US.

This means the Ioniq 6 would be more. (Since they call it "6"?) Maybe $45 000 to start?

Sorry Hyundai, but any EV sedan priced above $42 000 will be in direct competition with the Tesla Model 3. And that's bad news.

As we know, right or wrong, the vast majority of people looking for an EV will pick the Tesla every time.

The only way anyone can compete, for now, is on price and features. 

I really don't think the Ioniq 6 will offer more range than the Tesla. 

Since they will appeal to different people, they can still price it close to the Ioniq 5. 

At $42 000, the Model 3 is pretty loaded too. Even the glass roof is standard. This needs to start at under $40 000 to have a fighting chance. Which means the Ioniq 5 should be even cheaper? 

 

2023 Chevrolet Blazer: new spy shot...

It looks like the Chevrolet Blazer is getting a few changes next year. As you can see, they will be limited, upfront, the bumper, grille, and headlights. As the fenders and hood will stay the same.

(At least they didn't waste camouflage wrap to pretend it is an all-new car)

It looks like the grille could be a bit smaller, but it's still hard to say. I hope the dashboard is revised a bit. I was not a huge fan of it when I test drove the Blazer last year.

While looking quite extroverted, the Blazer is actually quite blah to drive. Nothing really wrong, but nothing really stands out.

I also hope they keep the V6 as an option. 

These will probably be the last changes it will be getting until an all-new electric replacement is ready in a couple of years.

 

2022 Ford Ranger: new spy shot...

The new spy shot of the next-generation Ford Ranger looks very similar to what we already saw in early 2019 (bottom pic)

And yet, a bit different. The center piece in the grille doesn't seem to stretch as far to the sides as on the early photo. But that could also be that Ford will offer various grille designs, like on the Bronco.

The sharp line on top of the profile and fenders doesn't seem to be there on the new photo. 

And that could also be due to some clever camouflage.

It almost looks lie if the overseas model (top) could be a facelift version of the current generation.

While the US could be getting an all-new design for some reason?

 

2023 Mazda 6: new illustration...

 Let's just hope this is way off. While it is true that Mazda grilles will probably look a bit thinner in the future, this is just really bad. Generic and unrealistic.

I've actually heard rumors about the next generation being canceled already. Or at least for the US and Europe. (They might still release it in other countries).

With the recent announcement, Mazda has announced a bunch of SUVs. And only SUVs.  They've talked about the new RWD platform, the 48V Hybrid inline 6. But a new 6 was never mentioned.

Who knows...

2023 Acura Integra: 6 speed manual available!

Not really a surprise, but Acura has just confirmed the availability of a 6-speed manual on the 2023 Acura Integra, as seen on the pic above and teaser video below.

This is great news for manul transmissions fans. The bigger news would be to ditch the CVT. Since the Integra will be based on the Civic, it is rumored to get the Civic's 1.5 Liter Turbo as a base engine.

So far, that engine, in the Civic, CR-V, and Accord, only comes with a CVT as an automatic.

Even for the Integra, the vast majority will order the Automatic version. The 10 speed offered with the 2.0 Liter Turbo would be great.

And maybe, the Integra will offer the 2.0 instead of the 1.5 anyway. That would be a great way to differentiate it from the Civic...

        

2023 Acura Integra: new spy shots...

 This is pretty much the first photo of a 2023 Acura Integra prototype. You can already tell that under the camouflage, there is a pretty sharp and clean design.

I am really curious about the real thing. A nice 4 door hatchback would be such a refreshing choice these days. I really hope this ends up being a hit for Acura. 

For more pix, head over HERE. 

Mystery Ford sedan: new photos...

 

The top pic is a new spy shot of that mysterious Ford sedan we have seen before, with much more camouflage (the bottom photos)

It does look like it could be related to the Evos I had posted about just a few days ago. 

While the Evos is a raised-up hatchback, this is maybe the lower sedan version. 

While the Evos is a Chinese market-only model (so far...). This sedan has been spotted in China as well as Europe. (I also seem to remember spy shots taken in the US a few months ago)

Ford had announced a while ago that the US will not be getting any more car models except the next-generation Mustang. So this sedan will probably not be for us.

It could be Ford's version of the new Lincoln Zephyr for China.

What else could it be?

Next-generation Toyota Prius: new illustrations...

 

These are pure guesses since we haven't seen any prototype of the next Prius around. 

I wonder how Toyota will keep the Prius relevant in an ever-increasing EV world. The only way, in my opinion, is the just keep the PHEV version and make sure it gets an amazing 100 miles electric range.

Unfortunately, Toyota doesn't seem to be there yet. Their longest PHEV range so far is 42 miles.

Of course, it is larger and heavier than the Prius. But I really think 100 miles or close to it is a must to keep the Prius going.

What do you think?

2022 Ford Equator Sport: 5 seats only...

The new Equator Sport is basically a shorter 5 seater version of the 3 row Equator SUV. 

The Equator is a Chinese market Ford and is powered by the usual 2.0 Liter Ecoboost engine.

It has a pleasant, yet conservative style. And both versions look quite good. I guess, like everyone else these days, Ford just cannot stop coming up with more SUVs. Even if they overlap. (They also offer the Explorer and Edge in China...)

 

2023 Ford Explorer: a few changes...

Looks like the Ford Explorer is due for some changes. These new photos show an all-new front end. 

Which, I think, looks more generic and less integrated than the current one.

And the rear end also has new lights. And they also look more old fashion to me. (Although that LED shape would look good at night)

No news about the interior. The current dashboard could use a more integrated screen, which probably won't happen. Since Ford has been pushing huge vertical screens into almost everything lately.

I actually hope these changes are just for the Chinese market. Our version still looks quite fine.

On another note, whatever happened to that "Next Mustang" that was supposed to be based on the Explorer platform? Remember? That was a thing back in 2019 when the current generation came out. 

 

2023 Mazda CX-50: a few new clues...

 

As mentioned last week (HERE), the 2023 Mazda CX-50 will be based on the CX-30. Not the all-new RWD platform. (the larger platform will be used for the CX-70 and CX-90 in the US)

It seems the new CX-50 will be a North American market product only and built in the US.

There is already a rumor about the new 6 cylinder engine being available in the CX-50. It is unlikely since the new engine has been engineered to be used in the new larger RWD platform. But who knows.

If Mazda can make it work, it would really help differentiate the CX-50 from the CX-5. Which will still be available after the new model comes out. (Although it could become a cheaper FWD-only model).

By then, what would be the advantage of the new RWD CX-70? Sure, RWD. Something journalists will rave about. But 99% of buyers won't even care. 

Will it be that much roomier and more luxurious than the CX-50 that will already sit above the CX-5? Or will it be a larger "coupe" design?

3 models covering one segment seems like a lot...

As many illustrations had predicted, the new CX-50 grille looks a bit wider and narrower. At least on these patent illustrations.

I am surprised to see the fake vents on the front bumper return. Since they've just been eliminated from the 2022 CX-5.

Otherwise, it seems Mazda is slowly becoming a Japanese Audi. All their SUV designs look very, very similar these days...

2022 Ford Ranger: new teasers...

Apparently, there is an all-new generation Ford Ranger around the corner.

But I have a hard time believing it. The current generation has been around since 2011. Although it has only been on sale in the US for around 3 years. 

The teasers above are supposed to give us a preview of the new model for overseas. (apparently, the US will have to wait a year or two for this "new" Ranger)

But when compared to the current model, it looks almost exactly the same. 

This just looks like another facelift, with only new front and rear ends. (The fenders on the orange truck are probably specific to the US FX4 version anyway)

The current generation has had 2 "mid-cycle" refreshes, in 2015 and 2019.

From these photos at least, it looks like a 3rd one is on its way...

 

Subaru Outback: changes on the way?

A reader sent me these photos of a possible mid-cycle refresh for the Subaru Outback. The 2022 Outback is out in the US, which means this would have to be a 2023 model. Possibly coming out in a few months.

Upfront, the bumper, and grille are new. Although I really hate the black plastic cladding on these cars, I have to admit, it is super convenient. Most car bumpers these days are just so fragile and exposed to anything...

The rear trim of the car seems slightly different. 

The main difference I can see is on the sides, where the wheel arch cladding is much larger. And the parts at the bottom of the doors seem much more aggressive as well. 

Too bad Subaru can't seem to find a way to integrate all that black plastic a little bit better...

 

Chevrolet's EV future: a few hints...

 

GM just released a teaser of their upcoming Chevrolet Silverado EV. Which will be based on their new Ultium platform, and not the current Silverado truck. All we know so far is the projected range of 400 miles and the availability of a fixed glass roof. The Silverado EV will be officially unveiled on January 5th.

And of course, it will be a direct competitor to the new electric Ford F-150. It will be interesting to see if Chevrolet decides to depart from the regular Silverado design. Since the Ford looks pretty much the same as the gas version. I think there is a market for a more modern-looking EV truck than the F-150. Something that doesn't cost $70 000 like the Rivian.

They have also announced a new Equinox EV. The big news here is the predicted $30 000 starting price. Which would actually be lower than the current Bolt. And only about $4000 more than a base Equinox.

We saw patent photos (top) of an upcoming Electric Equinox a few months ago. But GM mentioned it will be based on the Ultium platform as well. The patent pix show a model obviously based on the current Equinox. So the one in the patent drawings might be a Chinese market model only. Who really knows...

The current generation Equinox came out in early 2017. Almost 5 years ago. A new generation should really be out in a year or two, which means the new EV could actually replace the current Equinox altogether.

GM has also mentioned a Blazer EV, as well as a smaller/cheaper model than the Equinox.

If the Blazer EV comes out after the Equinox, it could also be replacing the current Blazer. 

A smaller, cheaper model than the $30 000 Equinox could end up costing well under $20 000 after incentives. Which is quite amazing.

Things seem to be moving very fast into the EV world. Reminding me of when MP3s took over CDs...

Or earlier when CDs taking over vinyl. Expensive at first, and slow growth.

Then all of a sudden, it seems the previous technology has just disappeared...

 

2023 Mazda-CX60: all-new confusing Mazda future...

 

Yes, apparently, this is a teaser for the new CX-60. NOT CX-50.

Confused? It gets worse.

There will be a CX-50, as we thought. But it will not be based on the new RWD platform. Apparently, it will be based on the CX-30 platform and will be a US model only.

On top of that, it will be sold alongside the current (recently revised) CX-5.

This is basically what they did for a while with the CX-3 and CX-30.

A new CX-70 is what we thought of previously as the RWD CX-50. That one will be indeed based on the new larger RWD platform and offer a new inline 6.

The longer CX-90 will also be based on the new platform and will replace the CX-9.

The rest of the world will get a new CX-60 and CX-80. These will be for countries with "narrower roads and smaller parking lots".

This is actually not an all-new thing for Mazda which currently offers a CX-8 in Japan. Which is basically a longer 7 seater version of the CX-5. Instead of the larger CX-9 we have here.

But you have to wonder about the cost of offering specific bodies for these different markets. Something other manufacturers used to do. Like Honda with a smaller Accord for Europe many years ago. 

Or VW with the Passat.

No matter what, it seems a lot of money for a smaller manufacturer like Mazda.

So Mazda's new lineup in the US will be CX-30. CX-5. CX-50. CX70 and CX-90.

Still no official mention of a new Mazda 6 sedan...

2022 Dodge Journey: here it is...

As you can see, the "new" Dodge Journey is far from a new car. As it is, in fact, a Chinese Trumpchi GS5. And that model came out in China back in 2018.

The "new" Journey is the result of a deal between Stllantis and the Chinese GAC Group.

To be fair, it does allow Dodge to have an extra model. In a cheap way.

So far, the GAC Journey is only for the Mexican market. And it looks like there is almost no change from the Chinese version. (Grey car above)

Except for some elements of the grille that have been replaced by some black trim, vaguely resembling a Dodge...

On another note, I wonder if that logo on the steering wheel is some new official Dodge logo???

Just two sideway lines?

 

2022 Nissan Ariya: taking its time...

It looks like the Nissan Ariya is still testing things. We have seen the new EV back in July 2020. Nissan was then mentioning a late 2021 launch in the US. Now we will have to wait until late 2022. 

This is really too bad. 

For some reason, VW has been able to launch the ID4 a while ago here. And it is probably taking sales from the no-show Ariya. So will the Ioniq5 when it comes out in the US soon.

 

The Nissan will be so late it could even come after the new EV from Subaru and Toyota. (arriving mid-2022)

 

2023 Honda CR-V: new photos...

These prototypes are so camouflaged it's hard to see anything new about the redesigned 2023 Honda CR-V. (We've actually seen a bit more HERE)

It is obvious the new front end will resemble the Ridgeline and 2022 Passport. Which might actually look a bit too aggressive on the gentle CR-V design.

Since all R&D money seems to be going to EVs these days, expect the same engines as the current generation. Just like Honda did with the 2022 Civic.