Electric Vehicles & Cars News - Page 10

To complete the X concept trilogy alongside the X Concept and X Speedium Coupe, Genesis has unveiled the X Convertible concept car. Although the Korean automaker owned by Hyundai didn't disclose drivetrain specifications during the unveiling, we get a closer look at a unique vehicle design.

Ahead of the 2022 LA Auto Show, Genesis invited a small group of attendees to check out the four-passenger, open-roof concept car in Malibu. Even if the folding hardtop roof is closed, transparent moon roofs located above the front-seat passenger and driver have been designed to offer an open feel at all times.

Similar to the pair of concept vehicles before it, the X Convertible features a digital dash and infotainment system that is physically angled towards the driver with an L-shaped piece of glass. The "Giwa Navy" primary interior color is enhanced with recyclable wool fabric to make roof tiles - and a noticeable woven pad graphic wraps around the car's interior.

The 2023 Toyota Prius hybrid car offers a better range and a slick new look for a car model over a quarter-decade old. The Japanese automaker said series-parallel hybrid (HEV) models will launch in winter 2023, while plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Prius models will be available starting in spring 2023.

The standard hybrid includes a drivetrain able to support up to 193 horsepower, while the PHEV cranks out 220 hp. The standard hybrid runs the Toyota Series Parallel Hybrid System and interested shoppers can choose from a 1.8-liter or 2.0-liter version. The PHEV uses a 2.0-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine, lithium-ion batteries, and an electric motor to generate extra horsepower.

Toyota aimed for an interior styling that presented some amenities alongside a spacious interior and cockpit. The instrument panel features the first illuminated warning system from Toyota, with flashing lights and audible warnings in place to alert the driver to safety risks.

The fastest Ford Mustang a consumer could purchase, the CS850GT, was recently upgraded by Clive Sutton - and the CS850R packs on more for an already upgraded car. The CS850GT Mustang is the most powerful Mustang available in the UK, though that wasn't good enough for the Clive Sutton team.

The CS850R borrowed the 5.0-liter V8 engine from the base Ford Mustang but modified it with a bespoke Whipple supercharger, active exhaust system, and different intercooler. These changes helped take the increased whopping 847 horsepower - with 665 lb-ft. of torque - and spice it up further. The mechanical drive is improved with a new Torsen differential, so the car has significantly better traction under fast acceleration.

Inspiration from Shelby led the CS850R to feature a carbon fiber body kit, along with designed tweaks to improve the muscle car's aerodynamics. Although the car can travel on public roads, it's apparent that this beast was designed to tear up the track.

So, does a Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo share any similar characteristics to a monster truck? Even if you don't think so, Porsche simply points towards both vehicles when they're driving on dirt - with similar power-to-weight ratios, four-wheel steering, and off-the-line performance. Here is a video of the fun event:

Described as "chaotic fun," the Porsche was able to hold its own, well, until they approached a jump that only the monster truck could handle. The event took place at the 72,000-person capacity NRG Stadium in Texas. Porsche promotes the Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo as a dual electric motor vehicle with five seats, adjustable air-sprung suspension, and a quiet ride for drivers.

Here is what Taycan driver Leh Keen thought after the experience:

Autonomous trucking company Kodiak Robotics is developing self-driving trucking technology while also fighting a public relations battle. The company recently wanted to demonstrate how effective its kodiakDriver system is - and simulated a tire blowout:

Guess it shouldn't be a big surprise to hear a tire blowout can be a major safety issue, but Kodiak Robotics explained:

a tire blowout is a big deal, even when the vehicle you're driving has 18 of them. On a big rig truck, the back 16 tires are paired dual tires while all the steering is done by the two front single tires, called the steer tires. Steer tires are responsible for steering, handling, and ensuring a steady ride for humans and cargo alike. If one of the back 16 tires pop, a dual tire is able to compensate and carry some weight until the truck comes to a stop; however if one of the single steer tires pop, it's a whole different story.

The 2023 Nissan Versa will offer four different versions, and all of them feature starting price tags of less than $20,000. The Versa S 5-speed manual edition starts at $15,730, with the Versa S (Xtronic CVT) available for $17,400, while the Versa SV ($19,020) and Versa SR ($19,720) feature higher price tags.

The 2023 edition Versa goes on sale in December 2022. At a time when both used and new cars increased in price, Nissan worked to cater to a larger demographic. The company did a survey of vehicle owners and lessees found the following: "...more than half of respondents - 53% - identified affordability as one of the most important attributes in a new vehicle, closely followed by fuel economy (34%)."

All Versa models have a 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine that pushes 122 horsepower - can't really expect a car less than $20,000 to accelerate fast off the line. However, that lack of acceleration means better gas mileage, with the automatic models rated up to 40 mpg highway driving.

Anyone interested can now place a $990 refundable deposit for the $41,900 Electric Moke California. Moke wants to reinvigorate the Mini Moke's legacy, but with a focus on supporting electrified models. This will be the first Moke model for the US auto market since 1982.

The Californian will be manufactured in the UK, and then the rear-wheel drive model with an electric 44-horsepower motor will ship to the US. Drivers will be able to accelerate 0-34mph in 4.3 seconds. The original Moke Californian was sold in the US from 1977 until 1982, with the automaker promoting these qualities: fun, freedom, and fresh air.

The Moke Californian has a top speed of 50mph but is promoted as a highway-legal vehicle - and has a range of up to 80 miles on a single charge. A Type 1 charger will take four hours to finish a full charge.

Italian luxury automaker Lamborghini is sold out completely through 2023 and right into 2024, according to CEO Stephan Winkelmann. For a company that specializes in limited numbers of vehicles produced each year, this certainly isn't the worst position Lamborghini finds itself in.

Here is what Stephan said while interviewed by FOX Business: "We already have 18-19 months waiting period for a new car. We are selling more cars than we are able to produce."

Through the first three quarters of 2022 (January to September), the luxury automaker matched the 2020 sales year (7,430 models sold) - Lamborghini's second-best sales tally. Judging by the current vehicle lineup - and the fact that they already have unreleased cars selling thousands of units - Lamborghini will continue to see success over the next couple of years.

Republican Senate candidate Herschel Walker recently again expressed disinterest in policies such as the Green New Deal, speaking fondly of gas-guzzling cars, trucks, and SUVs. Here is what he said during a campaign appearance in Peachtree City:

"If we was ready for the green agenda, I'd raise my hand right now. But we're not ready right now. So don't let them fool you like this is a new agenda. This is not a new agenda. We're not prepared. We're not ready right now.

What we need to do is keep having those gas-guzzling cars, 'cause we got the good emissions under those cars. We're doing the best thing that we can.""

Luxury automaker Maserati recently announced a partnership with the Mattel toy company. This new relationship will bring a Barbie theme for an ultra-limited edition of the Maserati Grecale Trofeo compact SUV - the 530-hp Barbie x Maserati Grecale Trofeo SUV.

The SUV is powered by a 523 horsepower Nettuno twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Grecale accelerates 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, with a maximum speed of 177 mph. The regular Grecale Trofeo trim starts at $102,500, though the Barbie x Maserati Grecale Trofeo SUV is a whopping $330,000.

The exterior features Barbie's signature pink painted on the body, with an iridescent topcoat to help the paint job really pop. A specialized Barbie logo also is noticeable on the unique exterior.