2023 Cadillac Lyriq EV debuts foreshadowing Cadillac´s all-electric future

GM has a decent track record with production EVs that goes back years starting with the EV-1 to today's Chevy Bolt and Bolt EUV. What you see here is the Cadillac Lyriq EV crossover that will hit dealerships early next year as a 2023 model. The styling is nice if a bit overdone in the direct front and rear angles. The night-time start-up light show is fun, but could get annoying (see video). But the Lyriq is Cadillac's opening salvo in it's stated mission to become an EV-only brand. On many levels having your expensive marque lead the EV charge makes sense until the new technology's prices drop and using the popular crossover body style also makes sense. The Lyriq is a large, luxurious crossover that has all the latest tech and features that your money can buy. Prices are expected to start around $70k and jump depending on options, etc. Recently, Cadillac showed dealers their plans and some dealers refused to sell EVs, so Cadillac offered them a buyout. It's probably good that GM removed the "dead wood" cuz it's just a matter of time before all vehicles are electrically-powered. Despite what you may believe about climate change, EVs are cheaper to run and require little maintenance. As soon as there are more charging stations, folks will adopt EVs. In fact there was a published report that one of the major oil companies (who hit their max oil production level) was going to start retro-fitting their fueling stations with chargers. As the song says, get out your shades cuz your future looks bright.  Expect Lyriq's numbers to be about 340+ hp,  440 nm of torque and a 100 kwh Ultium battery pack for fast charging and more than 300 miles of range. With only 340 hp and weight approaching (or exceeding) 5,000 lbs, expect performance to be quick, but not Tesla fast. If you need super-fast wait for a possible all-wheel drive model with front and rear motors. GM's Super-Cruise and an AKG Studio 19-speaker audio system with headrest speakers will be available. This one that I can't wait to see in person. For more info, check out the media releaes, pics, video and spec charts after the "read more" jump. More to come...

Source: Media release, pics, spec charts, and video after the ¨read more" jump.

Ford announces Mustang Mach-e GT info and release date

Okay, let's start off with the color of this Mustang Mach-e GT shown in the pics...not a fan. I prefer the candy-apple metallic red color (rapid red metallic clearcoat) but that's me. But this is the Mustang Mach-e some folks have been waiting for, the Mach-e GT (and GT Performance Edition).  This is the Mach-e that will compete with the various Tesla performance models. Start with the Mach-e GT's numbers like 600 hp and up to 814 lb./ft. of torque. How about a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds and under 300 miles of range (depending on tires, Performance edition, etc.). Very competitive. Prices are similar as well with the Mach-e GT starting at $59,900 (plus taxes, license, and fees) and prices jump to $64,900+. BTW, the Mach-e still qualifies for the Federal EV tax incentives unlike Tesla vehicles. Interior fitments are upgraded and Ford's BlueCruise "hands-free" automated driving tech is optional. For more info, check out the media release and videos after the jump. Ford should sell a bunch of these (later this year - early fall) if they can get their dealers in line. If I had unlimited new car funds, this would probably be my choice especially since it has been reported that Ford will start using the Google Infotainment software. More to come. We shall see... Oh and do I have to mention that this is an all-wheel-drive EV?

Source: Ford - Media release, pics, spec sheets, and videos (2) after the "read more" jump.

Alpha Motors has released info on the Wolf+ EV extended-cab truck

Alpha Motors has shown what can be done with one EV platform by developing several vehicles (coupe, CUV, truck) that share styling and equipment with some deviations. For Example, the Wolf+ truck is an extended-cab version of the regular two-door Wolf truck with similar options and capabilities with about 275 (est.) miles of range, 0 to 60 in around 6+ seconds, fast charging capabilities, and available rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Obviously how you spec your vehicle will determine the ultimate numbers. Prices for the Wolf+ start around $40k - $48k with options like the adventure gear shown here costing extra. These prices reflect a $4k jump over the base two-door, two-seat Wolf truck. I like the looks of the Alpha vehicles with a simplistic design that should hold up well over time. Heck, the bed-extender could prove helpful when your home-improvement job requires 4X8 sized plywood. I'll admit that I even like the roof basket and the bumper guards as well but I would imagine the roof basket would affect aerodynamics thus reducing range. Even if you don't care for the "Twenty-nine Palms" color, the Wolf+ looks good. For more info, one pic, reservation link, and an intro video hit the "read more" jump. Seems like this should be getting here soon. My only concern is the dwindling availability of computer chips causing delivery delays. More to come...

Source: Alpha Motors - Media release, pics, and video.  Previous Wolf truck post.

Hyundai unveils not-a-truck 2022 Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle

So, we should probably dispense with the pretext that this is something other than a truncated Tucson and if so, why is that a bad thing? Hyundai calls its new Santa Cruz a Sport Adventure Vehicle (SAV - even though BMW started using the SAV initials years ago) which I'd assume is a crossover trucky thing much like the Honda Ridgeline, and yesterday's Ford Explorer Sport-Trac, and Subaru Brat. Why do automakers have to say they invented something when they clearly haven't? And this discussion doesn't even include Ford's Maverick compact truck that will be unveiled soon. Okay, I've digressed enough. What we have here is a good-looking truck/not-a-truck crossover with an abbreviated pick-up bed (up to six feet with a bed extender) that showcases most of Hyundai's features and tech (check out the media release after the jump for lots of info, spec sheets, and charts). It even has a mini trunk under the pick-up bed much like the Ridgeline. The Santa Cruz is smaller than the current "mid-size" trucks but should meet most folks needs. Two four-cylinder engines will be available (2.5-liter, direct injection four with 190 hp/180 lbs./ft. of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic or a 2.5-liter turbocharged four with 275 hp/310 lbs. of torque mated to an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic). All-wheel drive is optional. The all-wheel-drive/turbo combo will be able to tow up to 6,000 lbs which should meet the needs of most folks. See the Tucson post for more info and interior shots. This is the kind of segment-expanding thinking that should make it easy to find exactly what you're looking for. I'm sure a lot of folks will be checking this one out later this year at their local Hyundai dealership. Hyundai is also creating an early reservation system for the U.S.-market Santa Cruz in late April at https://www.hyundaiusa.com/ so you can get in line for yours. This should be interesting.

Source: Hyundai - Media release, pics, '22 Tucson post, and videos (3) after the "read more" jump

Genesis X concept gets roof-top debut

Hyundai's Genesis division recently unveiled its latest concept, the Genesis X EV GT Coupe on a roof top in downtown Los Angeles. A short video was made to document the event (I mean it is LA after all...and yes I live in the LA environs). The X concept hints at an upcoming EV that utilizes all of Genesis' styling cues to make a voluptuous vehicle. Will it still be a coupe when it gets closer to production?  Who knows, but a sedan version would lose little in the transition from a styling standpoint. The X concept uses the two-lines styling idea to highlight the vehicle's length and lithe proportions. The X concept is an outstanding-looking car and would sell well if the lines make it through the development process. I mean this is just to pretty not to get made. No specs were given other than it is a luxury EV. This one I'd like to see in person. California Govenor Newsom announced today that if the COVID numbers continue to decline and if the vaccination rate continues, California will "get back to normal" around June 15th so maybe there will be an LA Auto Show this year (with masks of course). I'm sure that there will be more to come on this one. I do wonder what's going to happen when all carmakers go after the same customer with premium luxury EVs. Eventually they are going to have to create new EVS for the rest of us, but still with the efficiency, tech, and low-cost of ownership that current EVS have shown. They sell quite a few smaller EVs in Europe and Tesla is making a small(er) EV hatchback for the Chinese market that will supposedly be sold globally, so we shall see. Check out the flowery media release and video after the jump.

Source: Genesis - Media release, pics, and video after the "read more" jump.

GMC releases info on the SUV many have been waiting for: the HUMMER EV SUV

About the only way GMC could revive the HUMMER brand was by making the giant vehicles EVs. Previously, GMC unveiled the Edition 1 "Supertruck" HUMMER that was a  cross between a mega truck and a Wrangler-esque off-road vehicle. But the HUMMER SUV is the one I think most folks were waiting for and the one GMC will probably sell the most of. The HUMMER SUV has the same off-road credentials that were established by the Supertruck with features like Crabwalk, a very short turning radius, long EV range, and much more. Check out the media release, video, and spec charts for more details after the "read more" jump. But the ultimate long-term success of these HUMMERs will come down to whether folks will need a vehicle this large and whether they will be willing to pay close to six figures for the privilege. The HUMMER is attractive in an "in-your-face" way and should have the luxury fitments and EV tech that this price point demands. Being different and new can only take you so far. After the NBA stars and Hollywood types buy theirs, who's really left unless you need a vehicle with these capabilities (and there are a lot of them). In fact, the Crabwalk feature is one of those items that I hope can stand up to long term wear and use, otherwise there will be a lot of broken, used HUMMERs for sale in a few years. The HUMMERs will be available early next year as 2024 models. If you want to be one of the first for the $100k+ Edition 1 models check with your local dealer soon.

Source: HUMMER - Media release, pics, video

Jeep and Electrify America work to establish off-road charging

As we continue to electrify our vehicle fleet,  charging and charging sites are becoming more and more important. As such, Jeep has joined with Electrify America to create charging sites at off-road trailheads for the charging needs of Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrids and possible upcoming Wrangler EV models (see Magneto post next). After the Rubicon Trail, Big Bear and Moab sites are opened this Spring, other locations for Jeep 4xe Charging Network EV chargers will be announced in the future. Charging stations will be either solar-powered or connected to the grid (see previous EA solar post) with Level 2 high-speed charging. Rivian is setting up its own off-road charging network and there has been no announcements as to the availability of these networks to vehicles of other brands, but you would think they would to make these sites commercially viable.  This would also help keep Jeep alive in the future.

“Electrification opens a new chapter in the Jeep brand story, and it brings an entirely new level of excitement and enjoyment for our enthusiastic owners,” said Christian Meunier, Jeep Brand Chief Executive Officer – Stellantis. “Key to making Jeep brand the greenest SUV brand is assuring our owners can enjoy the benefits of electric propulsion wherever they go, including the most iconic off-road trails in the country.”

Looks like the electrification hold-outs have one less problem to worry/complain about with these new sites. For more info, check out the media release, video, and links after the "read more" jump.

Source: Electrify America/Jeep - Media release, pics, video - 4xe post