NASCAR Racing EV Prototype Hints At The Future
NASCAR recently showed off its new EV prototype at the Chicago Street Race highlighting its sustainability initiatives.
NASCAR recently showed off its new EV prototype at the Chicago Street Race highlighting its sustainability initiatives.
The A-segment urban EV, based on the famed Korean-only Hyundai Casper, has been unveiled at the ongoing 2024 Busan International Mobility Show.
The performance iteration of the luxury EV borrows elements from the famed Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. The Genesis GV60 Magma spy shots indicate an even more powerful version of the luxury EV. The Hyundai Motor Company is not satisfied with keeping its Genesis sub-brand a premium-only affair. Sure it offers some of the most ostentatious automobiles out there, but the future looks diversified. Also, it makes sense since Genesis cars can easily borrow powertrains and platforms from established successful vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. You might also like: Hyundai Casper-based Inster Sub-compact EV Teased w/ 355 km of Range Genesis GV60 Magma Spy Shots The spy shots capture the luxury electric car with a partially camouflaged body. At the front, the split-LED light cluster is reminiscent of the Genesis design philosophy. We even get to witness a broad grille section with a splitter at the front. Apart from that, the side profile captures the crossover silhouette of the luxury EV. The roof rails, sloping roofline, flush-fitting door handles and ginormous wheel arches accentuate the road presence significantly. I particularly like the 21-inch elegant alloy wheels. At the rear, the sloping roofline culminates into a tailgate-mounted spoiler. It extends out of the body making it noticeable. The rear bumper wears a rather unique and rugged appearance with a chrome frame. The ‘V’-shaped elements near the C-pillar are a cool touch to elevate the exterior design language. I noticed that the ground clearance is quite low due to the suspension setup. That can be expected from a performance crossover. Now, there have been no official announcements regarding the powertrain of the Genesis GV60 Magma. Nevertheless, I expect it to borrow most elements from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Since, the Performance variant of the existing GV60 already boasts a potent dual-motor AWD configuration with 483 hp (with boost mode) and 700 Nm, the more hardcore driving version is bound to have a higher output than this. Note that the Ioniq 5 N makes 641 hp and 769 Nm. I believe the GV60 will also get a tuned electric powertrain to produce something similar if not slightly higher. You might also like: Xiaomi To Launch More Powerful SU7 To Rival Porsche Taycan Learn Electric Cars Says The luxury department of Hyundai Motor Company looks determined to enter the performance EV race as well. This would be a great situation for those who want to experience the thrilling driving dynamics of a hot EV along with the utmost comfort and top-notch quality cabin. I believe it will be a niche market. Still, with the backing of Hyundai’s expertise in this matter, it is worth a shot. This Genesis GV60 Magma prototype could go into production soon, first in Europe and then in other international markets. Image Source – Autoevolution and the_carspy
The Korean auto giant joins hands with Toray Industries, Inc. to develop advanced materials for a new era of mobility. The future Hyundai EVs stand to benefit from advanced materials including carbon fiber, for enhanced performance. Hyundai Motor Company has relentlessly been working toward embracing all facets of electric mobility. This includes sustainability, racing, affordability, technology, connectivity and now material science. The aim of the Korean car marque is clear, “Hyundai Motor Group aims to leverage this strategic partnership to strengthen its position as a global leader in mobility solutions”, says Chang Song, Hyundai’s President. You might also like: Hyundai Ioniq 6 N To Be A Meaner Avatar Of The Ioniq 5 N Future Hyundai EVs To Use Carbon Fiber As per the official press release from Hyundai, the Korean auto giant has signed an agreement for strategic cooperation with Toray Industries, Inc., a pioneer in carbon fiber and composite material technology, to advance material innovation for a new era of mobility. For the unversed, Toray Industries are experts in fibers and textiles, performance chemicals, carbon fiber composite materials, environmental engineering and life science. This partnership is crucial for Hyundai Motor Group’s future mobility strategy. Hyundai is adopting a comprehensive approach by pursuing fundamental advancements in material technology, in addition to electrification and software-defined vehicles (SDVs). President Chang Song concluded by saying, “By combining our automotive expertise with Toray Group’s material technology prowess, we aim to become the first mover and gain a competitive edge in the global market.” Toray Industries Toray Group is the global leader in carbon fiber which is a key material in automotive and aviation. The prime qualities of carbon fiber, as many of you would already be aware of, include lightweight, high strength, and heat resistance properties. Toray Industries President, Mitsuo Ohya remarked, “Toray Industries has developed innovative technology and materials focusing on electrification and sustainability to address the needs of customers in the constantly evolving automotive industry. We are happy to partner with Hyundai Motor Group to continue this innovation.” Among other key alliances of Toray Industries are with a California-based Joby Aviation. As a part of this partnership, Joby Aviation will utilize carbon fiber from Toray Industries to create its upcoming all-electric air taxi. In addition to that, the other prominent partnership is with Lilium. It is a German aerospace firm. In this case, the carbon fiber composite will be used on its fully electric five-seater jet. The Lilium Jet is an emissions-free aircraft that can take off and land vertically. It is designed to provide high-speed regional connections of up to 300 km in under 60 minutes. The aircraft’s primary structures, such as the fuselage, wings and flaps will all be made from carbon fiber. You might also like: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car Marks Brand’s Entry Into EV Racing Learn Electric Cars Says Hyundai Motor Group is working in all directions to capitalize on every major technological breakthrough to ensure that its future EVs are much superior to their already impressive electric cars. Using lightweight materials will certainly boost range and performance. In fact, you must already know that supercars have been using carbon fiber elements for decades now. Reduction in weight always boosts the efficiency of automobiles. Hyundai aims to bring that aspect to its EVs, hopefully at a much more affordable price point. We also know that Hyundai has been creating the racing EVs after the Ioniq 5 N. Hence, it already offers re-tuned versions of its existing EVs. If it starts using carbon fiber elements, the regular EVs will get even more efficient. I shall keep an eye out for further developments in this regard as they unfold.
The American EV startup is adopting the orthodox method of boosting sales. In a bid to boost its Q2 sales, Rivian is offering enticing discounts on its R1T and R1S EVs. The California-based EV startup is evidently feeling the heat as the U.S. EV industry braces for a slowdown. However, to boast decent sales figures for Q2, Rivian is offering attractive offers on the existing inventory for 2023 and 2024 models of the R1T electric pickup truck and R1S three-row electric SUV. You might also like: 2025 Rivian R1 EVs To Get Heat Pump As Standard, New LFP Battery Discounts on Rivian R1T and R1S Note that the price cuts are applicable to the existing inventory both in the U.S. and Canada. A Drive Tesla Canada report highlights the specifics of this offer. Various price cuts are being offered on multiple versions of the R1T and R1S. These include: Rivian R1T Electric Pickup Truck Rivian R1S Electric SUV These are some pretty decent and sizeable discounts to reel new customers in. It is, sort of, becoming crucial to draw buyers in to ensure a decent quarter. Note that Rivian delivered a healthy 13,588 EVs in Q1 2024. While this marks a remarkable 71% growth on a year-on-year basis, it is still less than what it sold in the previous three quarters. Therefore, the EV startup wants to maximize its chances to close this quarter on a high. Regarding these price cuts, Rivian said, “Now is the time” to take advantage of the discounts of “approximately 20 per cent”. Remember these offers are valid on the existing inventory only. Apart from that, Rivian recently confirmed that it is partnering with Google on Google Cast and YouTube integration for its EVs. It will allow the drivers to stream high-definition video content with premium sound directly to their vehicles’ screens using a native YouTube app and Cast-enabled apps on their smartphones or tablets. You might also like: Rivian R3 Reminds Us Of Hyundai Ioniq 5, R2 Also Spotted Testing Learn Electric Cars Says The need to resort to the oldest trick in the book (price cuts) informs us that the atmosphere surrounding EV growth and sales is slightly concerning. Sure, it is not the end of the road for electric cars as most EV-haters would suggest. The overall sales are projected to keep growing. However, the pace at which the growth was anticipated will most likely be slow. This is true for the U.S. and China, the two biggest automobile markets on the planet. To know the specifics of what the exact scenario would be like this year, we shall have to wait.
Just 6 months after the concept was showcased, Kia announced the World Premiere of the EV3 electric SUV to be held on May 23, 2024. The much anticipated Kia EV3 has officially been teased before the May 23 World Premiere. Those interested could watch the live stream on YouTube at 19:00 KST (10:00 GMT / 12:00 CET). Interestingly, the teasers highlight the production model with many elements straight from the concept. I know people are always excited to see elements from the concept making their way to the production version. The Korean auto giant will ensure that it comes to pass. The launch is slated for later this year. Also, the EV4 sedan could follow in 2025. You might also like: Kia EV9 GT Will Boast 0-62 mph Time of 4 Secs, Debut in January 2025 Kia EV3 Teased Ahead of World Premiere The teaser confirms the continuation of Kia’s globally acclaimed ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy with the EV3 as well. We know that the existing EV6 and EV9 embody this design language already. The EV3 will also bear bold, geometric and robust aspects of this theme. One could evidently experience this in the boxy rear fenders, tailgate, signature Star Map Lighting, etc. The teaser image encapsulates the striking 7-shaped LED DRL which flanks the main headlamp cluster. In fact, it is positioned on the extreme edges of the bonnet. We even get a glimpse of the squared-off wheel arches adorned with black claddings. At the rear, the roof-mounted spoiler is visible. Apart from that, the elements from the C pillars seamlessly merge into the vertical component of the LED taillamp. Look closely and you will even see the glass panel connecting the taillamps. Concluding the inspection, I also like the hint of the roof rails to accentuate its SUV-ish traits. All in all, the inspiration from the larger sibling, the EV9, is apparent. It also means that the upright stance and rugged elements will lend an imposing road presence. I would be prepared to witness an attractive compact SUV that will offer similarities to the EV9 to some extent. Expected Specs Kia has been tight-lipped about the kind of specifications it will offer with the EV3. However, we know that it will use the established and widely successful E-GMP architecture of the Hyundai Motor Group (parent company of Kia). Apart from that, we also anticipate that the EV3 will draw power from either a 58 kWh and/or a 77.4 kWh battery pack. For the price-conscious buyers, there will be a single-motor 2WD variant. However, we might even have a dual-motor AWD trim for those seeking spirited performance. Needless to mention, more details will emerge at the World Premiere. You might also like: Upcoming Affordable Kia Electric EVs – EV2 and EV3 Learn Electric Cars Says Hyundai Motor Group in general and Kia in particular are slowly emerging as the players to beat in the global EV industry. Their products like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 5 N, Ioniq 6, Kia EV6, and EV9 have already tasted immense success from customers and critics alike. If you think about it, this entire success story of Hyundai and Kia is barely a couple of years old. It is already ahead of most legacy carmakers in EV sales across the globe. Going forward, they are now focusing on low-cost mass-market electric cars. That is where a product like the EV3 comes into the picture. The platform and battery aspects are already sorted, and the Korean giants are now readying an onslaught of new vehicles rapidly. Their product-offensive strategy might just be enough to make them market leaders within a short span of time. We shall keep an eye out for more developments in this space.
Kia targets launching 8 electric car models in the USA by 2029 including the likes of the EV2, EV3, EV4 and EV5. Kia is planning an onslaught of affordable electric cars with its upcoming models which include EV2 and EV3. In recent announcements and spy media, the EV2 has been spotted, while the EV3 also looks to go into production based on the concept version soon after. The future of electric mobility will rely heavily on the availability of affordable EVs. The Chinese car marques are already flooding the international markets with their inexpensive compact EVs. Even Ford has deployed its Skunkworks division to develop a range of cheap EVs from scratch. Since the Chinese carmakers don’t offer their models in the USA yet, thanks to exorbitant tariffs, legacy players like Kia can stretch their lead in this space with more mass-market electric cars. The EV2 and EV3 could be key products in that strategy. You might also like: Kia EV6 Facelift Spotted Testing – Everything We Know So Far Upcoming Affordable Kia EV2 and EV3 The Kia EV2 spy media stems from the 숏카 SHORTS CAR channel on YouTube. The visuals capture a heavily camouflaged, upright and compact vehicle plying on the road. One could deduce the sleek vertically-oriented LED DRLs, a boxy silhouette, prominent roof rails, stylish alloy wheels and an upright and tall-boy stance. Apart from that, the wheel arches are quite pronounced, lending it a rather muscular demeanour. Not many details are available about the specs or features. Nevertheless, if it were to launch in the USA, the prices could be in the vicinity of $20,000 – $25,000. In fact, the video mentions that the EV2 in its native market of South Korea could even start at $14,500 (20 million Won). On the other hand, the EV3 will be a compact electric crossover SUV. As a matter of fact, we might witness the EV3 in the flesh later this year (2024). In this case, we can infer a few aspects from the concept version. The front end will borrow aesthetic cues from the larger EV9 with a sleek LED DRL setup along with a slim LED headlamp cluster. The overall silhouette will bear SUV-ish traits with most design elements inspired by the EV9. In a detailed interview with the Automotive News, Kia America COO Steve Center said, “We’re ahead of most, and we’re trying to rush out ahead because our technology will be more evolved. You can’t just jump in and catch up. You have to have your own R&D, your own secret sauce.” This is a clear indication that the Korean auto giant will launch an affordable EV onslaught. You might also like: Kia EV8 Could Replace The Iconic Stinger In Electric Avatar Learn Electric Cars Says The entire automobile industry is evidently worried about the inexpensive Chinese EVs flooding the international markets in the immediate future. Sure, the demand for electric cars in top economies like the USA and China seems to have slowed down a little in comparison to the forecasts. Nevertheless, we have to remember that a whole lot of developing regions are still at a nascent stage when it comes to EV adoption. Markets like Thailand, Singapore, India, Brazil, the Middle East, and countries in Europe and South East Asia are yet to experience the EV explosion. The legacy carmakers have a presence in all these nations. Hence, everyone wants to get in the game of mass volume, low-cost EVs. That is where the future growth is set to derive from. Car marques like Kia and Hyundai have positioned themselves perfectly to cater to these regions with their mass EVs. With electric car models like the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, EV6 and EV9, Hyundai and Kia have already established themselves as pioneers in this space across the globe. They want to maintain their lead and expand their footprint before other auto giants catch up. Essentially, they are leveraging their first mover’s advantage to set up global dominance before the Chinese car companies do so.
The facelift version is slated not just to get aesthetic enhancements, but mechanical alterations as well. The popular Kia EV6 facelift has been spotted testing and parked adjacent to the existing model. The Korean auto giant is amidst the process of refreshing its current electric crossover. This news comes after Hyundai Motor Company (parent company of Kia) announced the upgraded version of the IONIQ 5. Since both these EVs share the E-GMP architecture and powertrain, the EV6 facelift will follow as well. For now, let us glance at the details we know. You might also like: Kia EV8 Could Replace The Iconic Stinger In Electric Avatar Kia EV6 Facelift Spotted Testing These images came to us courtesy of Carscoops. In these visuals, one can witness the pre-facelift model alongside the camouflaged facelift trim. Despite the thick covering, the silhouette gives away the credentials. The headlights look a bit more angular and the grille section is slightly sportier. There is a distinct new and elegant design of the alloy wheels, which now features straight lines, instead of the curves in the existing version. Although it is hard to guess the exact dimensions looking at these pics, we believe that there won’t be much difference compared to the existing EV6. Similarly, the overall design will be reminiscent of the current model itself. The only minor changes on the exterior could include tweaked headlamps and taillamps along with a fresh bumper at the front and rear. Note that the cameraman was not able to give any visuals of the inside. But the EV6 could get a new infotainment system, just like the Hyundai IONIQ 5. You might also like: Mercedes VISION EQXX Drives 1,010 km On Single Charge, Still Has 309 km Range Left Specs What is uncommon for facelift models is the change to the powertrain. At present, the EV6 boasts a 77.4 kWh battery pack. But with the facelift, we can see a slightly larger 84 kWh unit. This would increase the range by around 17 miles (24 km) without affecting the charging times all that much. Again, if we go by the new IONIQ 5, the EV6 could even come equipped with new shock absorbers and more sound-damping materials to cut out the noise from the outside. Even the driver assistance system will be improved. You might also like: Lithium-Sulphur Batteries For EVs Promise 5-Min Charging Time Learn Electric Cars Says The Kia EV6 is the brand’s most successful electric car based on the E-GMP architecture globally. In January this year, the Korean car marque sold an impressive 8,166 units of the EV6 and 4,945 units of the EV9. Remember, Kia EV6 was launched in August 2021 globally. In the last three-and-a-half years, there has been no major change to the electric car. Hence, it was about time Kia updated it as the competition across various markets gets fierce.
BMW has showcased its Vision Neue Klasse X SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) and the production will commence in 2025 in Debrecen, Hungary. The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X has been revealed with fascinating details. Note that the Neue Klasse X represents the future of electric SUVs from the German carmaker. On the other hand, the Vision Neue Klasse unveiled at the IAA 2023 was the concept sedan for future models. Essentially, the Neue Klasse X borrows the ‘X’ nomenclature from BMW’s regular lineup which represents SUVs or SAVs, as BMW likes to call them. The technological features on the new concept are revolutionary. You might also like: Mercedes VISION EQXX Drives 1,010 km On Single Charge, Still Has 309 km Range Left BMW Vision Neue Klasse X – Key Highlights Exterior Styling BMW has gone back to the 1960s to take inspiration from the first-ever Neue Klasse range of vehicles. Back then, it saved the company from disaster. It is calling back that name to mark yet another inflexion point in its current journey to enter the future. Nothing could remind us more of the 1960s than the iconic grille, or lack thereof, on the Vision Neue Klasse X. The typical ‘Kidney Grille’ is a 3D sculpture which is vertically aligned with backlit contours. When the driver approaches, the grille and headlamps create a unique lighting effect. At the rear, the Vision Neue Klasse X bears the familiar L-shaped LED taillamp pattern. On this occasion, it carries the 3D elements which are individually controlled for light intensity. The body color features a cool trick which can form a transparent or reflective surface, depending on the viewing angle. You might also like: All-New Audi Q6 e-tron Quattro Revealed With New Platform Interior and Technology The cabin is powered by incredible technology on the back of four totally new super brains: high-performance computers. The main attraction has to be the BMW Panoramic Vision which projects key information across the full width of the windscreen above the dashboard. Complimenting this is the BMW 3D Head-Up Display and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant for better human-car interaction in comparison to Alexa Support. There is also a Central Display which the driver and passenger can access for all cabin controls and entertainment. You might also like: Taycan Turbo GT Becomes The Most Powerful Porsche Ever Specs Since this is not a production-spec model, the specific details about the powertrain are not available. Still, BMW informs us about the core of the electric SAV of the future. The latest iteration of BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology plays a pivotal role in achieving remarkable efficiency. Alongside enhanced e-drive units, it introduces newly designed round lithium-ion battery cells with a volumetric energy density exceeding that of previously utilized prismatic cells by over 20%. Coupled with the transition to an 800-volt system, this advancement enhances charging speed by up to 30%, enabling vehicles to achieve a 300-km range with just ten minutes of charging. Moreover, the sixth generation of BMW eDrive extends its range by up to 30%. In terms of aerodynamics, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X showcases a significant improvement, with drag reduced by 20% compared to a comparable model in the current lineup. Further enhancements, including new tyre designs and a specialized brake system tailored for fully electric vehicles, contribute to an overall increase in vehicle efficiency by up to 25%. You might also like: Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Starts At $66,100 – How Does It Compare To The Rivals? Learn Electric Cars Says We know that this is not the production model. However, BMW claims that it is quite close to production. Hence, we could expect most elements to make it to the flesh. It would be fair to deduce that BMW is certainly transforming its entire design philosophy to meet the challenges of the future. Furthermore, it is backing it up with the latest technology. Most of it has been built in-house, which makes it reassuring for the users. Finally, the intelligent brains of the EV will ensure legendary performance, something BMWs are known for. Also, the cabin will be a place where the occupants will thoroughly feel pampered.
The German carmaker has introduced the new Audi Q6 e-tron on the PPE architecture along with a sporty “S” performance trim. The new Audi Q6 e-tron Quattro has been revealed with a ton of enhancements. It carries upgrades in almost every department including performance, range, charging, driving dynamics and design. It becomes the first production model which utilizes the VW’s PPE (Premium Platform Electric) architecture. There are two iterations – Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron. The prices start at €74,700 ($81,020) and €93,800 ($101,702), respectively. The orders are underway and the deliveries will commence in the Q3 of 2024. You might also like: Taycan Turbo GT Becomes The Most Powerful Porsche Ever Audi Q6 e-tron Quattro Revealed – Specs Both the Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron come with a 100 kWh (94.9 kWh usable) battery pack with 12 modules and 180 prismatic cells. It enables a range of 625 km (388 mi.) on a single charge. At present, these models are available with dual-motor AWD configuration alone. The Q6 e-tron is good for 285 kW (383 hp), whereas the SQ6 e-tron generates 380 kW (510 hp) (with extra boost in short bursts). As a result, the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration comes up in just 5.9 seconds and 4.3 seconds, respectively. Furthermore, the top speeds are rated at a blistering 210 km/h (130 mph) and 230 km/h (142 mph), respectively. The 800-V architecture supports a charging capacity of 270 kW. It allows 255 km (158 mi.) of range recovery in a mere 10 minutes. It takes 21 minutes to go from 10% to 80%. Specs Audi Q6 e-tron Quattro Platform PPE (Premium Platform Electric) Drivetrain Dual-Motor AWD Quattro Battery 100 kWh (94.9 kWh) Range 625 km (388 mi.) Power (Q6) 285 kW (383 hp) Power (SQ6) 380 kW (510 hp) Acc. (0-100 km/h / 62 mph) 5.9 secs (Q6) / 4.3 secs (SQ6) Top Speed (SQ6) 230 km/h (140 mph) 270 kW DC Charging 10% to 80% in 21 minutes Architecture 800 V Cell Packaging 12 Modules, 180 Cells Specs You might also like: Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Starts At $66,100 – How Does It Compare To The Rivals? Audi Q6 e-tron Quattro Revealed – Charging Tech The impressive charging performance of this vehicle relies heavily on intelligent, high-performance, and predictive thermal management. Equipped with Plug & Charge technology, the vehicle self-authorizes at compatible charging stations as soon as the charging cable is plugged in, initiating the charging process automatically. Additionally, charging becomes fully automated. For the first time, if a charging station operates with 400-volt technology, the Audi Q6 e-tron1 can facilitate bank charging. This entails the automatic division of the 800-volt battery into two batteries with equal voltage, allowing them to be charged in parallel at rates of up to 135 kW. Depending on the state of charge, both battery halves are initially equalized before being charged simultaneously. Furthermore, AC charging with capacities of up to 11 kW is feasible at standard home chargers. You might also like: 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV Breaks Cover, ICE Still Alive Dimensions The Audi Q6 e-tron slots perfectly between the Q4 and Q8. Its dimensions are indicative of that. Dimensions Audi Q6 e-tron Quattro Length 4,771 mm (15.6 ft) Width 1,993 mm (6.5 ft) Height 1,648 mm (5.4 ft) Wheelbase 2,899 mm (9.5 ft) Boot Compartment 526 L (18.5 cu ft) Dimensions Interior and Features The cabin is minimalistic with tons of modern amenities and tech-savvy functions. Some of the highlights include: You might also like: 1,300 hp BYD YANGWANG U9 Is Ready To Redefine Electric Supercar Segment Learn Electric Cars Says Since the demarcations in the EV market are still not that dense and concrete, there can be multiple rivals to the Audi Q6 e-tron. This includes the likes of traditional competitors like the Mercedes-Benz EQE and BMW iX. However, one could also think of the Porsche Macan EV, Kia EV6, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Genesis GV60, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y as potential enemies. We shall have to wait for a bit longer for the official launch and deliveries to see how well the customers embrace it.