Electric Vehicles & Cars News - Page 11

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.

Luxury automaker Bugatti will only produce 10 hand-built units of the super-exclusive Centodieci car - and each owner can rest assured the line was thoroughly tested. The most experienced Bugatti test driver they have, Steve Jenny, with almost 220,000 miles of testing for the Veyron, Chiron, Divo, and Centodieci, is handling the assignment - but he's familiar with the smallest, possibly overlooked details in Bugatti cars.

Bugatti promotes Centodieci's pre-delivery inspection as one of the most intense and demanding among automakers. The test drive is designed to take hours and will include time on a closed runway of an airport - to ensure the car's 0-62 mph time of just 2.4 seconds, and maximum speed of 236mph - is accurate.

The Centodieci features the same 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine as the Chiron Super Sport - pushing out a rather insane 1,578 horsepower. High-speed slaloms, emergency braking, and emergency lane changes also will be tested at high speed as part of the testing process.

French automaker Renault recently expanded its partnership with Google, the US software company tasked with aiding Renault's end-to-end digital transformation.

This is a wise strategic partnership expansion for Renault, as the company wishes to capitalize on growth opportunities. Google will help using its experience with cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and Android throughout a vehicle's lifecycle.

The software-defined vehicle (SDV) powers in-vehicle software, while both companies also discuss the so-called digital twin: "a virtual twin of the vehicle that will feature the most advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities, for an easier and continuous integration of new services into the vehicle and the creation of new onboard (In-Car Services) and offboard applications."

Despite its transition towards a fully-electric vehicle portfolio, BMW isn't expected to just leave lower-priced auto buyers high and dry. Of course, BMW isn't really known for the most affordable vehicle lines, whether gas-powered or electric.

Here is what BMW CEO Oliver Zipse recently said while speaking at a Bosch event: "We are not leaving the lower market segment. Even if you consider yourself a premium manufacturer, it is wrong to leave the lower market segment - that will be the core of your business in the future."

Competitors found their own EV platforms to develop and nurture, while BMW was rather discombobulated making a move. However, its Neue Klasse (New Class) EV architecture shows BMW doesn't want to share drivetrain data and other EV-based solutions with anyone else.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover First Edition luxury SUV seems to deliver the expected performance from a rather pricey vehicle.

The test model Car and Driver tried was $169,900, slightly higher than the $164,000 base price - and featured a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine powering 523hp and 553 lb-ft of torque.

There is a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment center with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. In addition, drivers can sign up for a data plan and deliver voice commands using Amazon Alexa. Rear passengers also have access to 11.4" entertainment screens for them to enjoy. The front seats are 24-way heated and cooled, with a built-in electric massage feature. The leather seats are complemented with an Ecru walnut veneer.

BMW recently started production of the fully-electric BMW iX1 EV crossover at its Regensburg plant, an eastern Bavarian city in Germany. Interestingly, BMW Group Plant Regensburg is able to produce combustion-engine, plug-in hybrid, and fully-electric vehicles in a single facility.

The xDrive 30 variant from the iX1 line is aimed at auto markets in Europe and China - and the 66.5 kWh battery supports up to 272 miles of drive range per charge. The 313 horsepower motor powers 0-62mph acceleration in 5.7 seconds.

Each German production plant can assemble electric cars, a milestone the automaker announced around two years ago. At least one in three BMW models produced at Bavarian plants will be electric by 2024, according to BMW executives. These continued efforts display BMW's effort to prepare for a fully-electric car and SUV portfolio in the future.

A prototype crossover from General Motors was spotted with a camouflage wrap back in September. Initially identified as the 2024 Chevrolet Trax, it turns out the unidentified vehicle might actually be a Chevrolet Trailblazer.

The Trailblazer entered the Chinese auto market in 2019 but has recently excited China - as the 2023 Chevrolet Seeker will replace it overseas. However, the US market is expected to see a new vehicle sporting a traditional crossover shape that appears smaller than current versions of the Trailblazer.

Expect a familiar two-tiered headlight configuration with no wheel and door trim present on the prototype. Chevrolet also added some noticeable roof rails, perhaps to develop a model trim focused on the outdoors. The profile does appear to look like a Trailblazer, even though it does look smaller.

Is it just another millennial problem? It looks like younger people like the idea of electric vehicles, but often cannot afford them. Between EVs being eco-friendly and packed full of next-generation technology, guess it shouldn't be a big surprise younger people like them.

Depending on driver's age, they may be able to receive help from their parents, as they increasingly want their kids to learn to drive in tech-centric EVs. In addition, these Gen Z and millennials will get older and their interest in EVs will develop even further - and sticker shock will decrease as there is price parity in the auto market.

As noted by Camila Domonoske, cars, energy and the future of mobility reporter for the NPR Business Desk, said during a recent discussion:

Volkswagen has created an office chair that can move up to 12.5 mph with a battery range of over 7 miles per charge. This is just a VW concept...chair designed as a clever PR and marketing tactic. Check out a short introduction:

The lights are inspired by VW ID models, so the chair is easily recognizable - and illuminates a dark hallway. After buckling up with a seatbelt, the passenger also can listen to music and activate a horn while operating the chair.

For office workers that spend hours every day in an uncomfortable chair, Volkswagen has "the chair" to help. Designed to help promote Volkswagen Utility Vehicles - the tricked-out chair includes reversing cameras and 360-degree sensor coverage, with information displayed on a built-in infotainment display.

The 2023 Lexus LX 600 luxury flagship SUV continues to add customer-driven updates to the model line, with prices starting at $89,610. Expect sales of the 2023 Lexus LX 600 to begin before the end of 2022.

The LX line went under major changes between 2021 and 2022 models - so nothing significant was planned for the 2023 year. Instead, Lexus worked to make small improvements to jazz up the LX, including making the heated steering wheel standard. Leather seats are now standard across all trims for the 2023 model.

The 3.4-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine produces 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The 2023 LX 600 uses the exact platform as the Toyota Sequoia SUV and Tundra pickup truck, so it's already something well-established.