Tag Archives: Reports

Lotus And Alpine Team Up To Develop Fully-Electric Sports Car

It has been a busy day for the Renault Group, whose Alpine unit just signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Lotus.

The two automakers will go on to study multiple areas of cooperation, with a focus on the joint development of a fully-electric sports car, leveraging resources, expertise and available facilities in both the UK as well as France. Unfortunately, no further details about the vehicle were provided.

Could it serve as a direct replacement for the current Alpine A110? Will it be sold as both an Alpine and a Lotus? Will it ride on Lotus’ next-generation Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) architecture, or Renault’s CMF-EV platform? As soon as we know, you’ll know.

Read Also: Alpine A110S Proves An Impressive Track Tool At The Nurburgring

Both companies will also look into the development of a joint services offer, combining their engineering expertise. Another thing being discussed is a collaboration to “leverage” Alpine’s motorsport platform, from Formula One to Formula E and Endurance racing.

“The signing of this MoU with Lotus shows the lean and smart approach we’re implementing as part of the new Alpine brand strategy. Both brands have an amazing legacy and we are most excited to start this work together, from engineering tailored solutions to developing a next-generation EV sports car,” said Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi.

Alpine’s current A110 sports car

“This collaboration along with our transformation mark the beginning of a new era in which we’ll be taking the Alpine name and line-up to the future. We’re putting F1 at the heart of our business, leveraging our in-house expertise and best-in-class partners such as Lotus to inject our cars with leading-edge performance, technology and motorisation.”

Meanwhile, his counterpart at Lotus, Phil Popham, added that his company is proud to work with the Renault Group and to share Lotus’ technical expertise and abilities.

“Our companies have much in common – from a pioneering pedigree in light-weighting, to championship-winning sportscars which perform as impressively on the road as they do in the motorsports arena. It is a natural fit in many ways and the co-development of an EV sportscar is hugely exciting for our companies, our fans and customers around the world.  The joint-services element of our agreement will additionally make our engineering expertise available to those wishing to engage our innovations,” added the Lotus CEO.

Quick guessing game

While there are no details at this point, we can safely assume that it will be a small or compact lightweight sports coupe, with a possible dual-motor setup. The term “sports car” is also revealing in its own way, which is why we anticipate something the size of an A110 or Evora.

Less of a guess is the fact that it will almost certainly feature an automatic “transmission”, seen as how it will be fully electric. So to all you purists out there, forget about changing gears yourselves.

Ultimately, would you rather this EV sports car look and behave more like a Lotus or an Alpine? We know which way we’re leaning.

Lotus Evija powertrain pictured

GM Will Reportedly Build Honda EV In Mexico, Acura EV In Tennessee

General Motors is set to build a Honda EV and an Acura EV in its Mexico and Tennessee plants respectively.

According to individuals with knowledge of the plans, the all-electric Honda in question will take the shape of a crossover and be built in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, the same location where the Chevrolet Blazer and Equinox are produced. Meanwhile, GM will handle production of an electric Acura crossover at its factory in Spring Hill, Tennessee, the same location where the electric Cadillac Lyriq will be built.

It is understood that both the Honda and the Acura EVs will be similar in size to the Lyriq.

Read Also: Acura Says It Has No Plans To Build A New MDX Hybrid

GM’s EV platform

Both the Honda and Acura are set to use GM’s Ultium batteries that have been rated at up to 450 miles of range, Auto News reports. Neither GM nor Honda would comment on the report.

The two automakers announced an agreement to jointly develop two Ultium-powered electric vehicles back in April 2020. In that announcement, the companies confirmed that the Honda and Acura EVs would feature exteriors and interiors designed exclusively by Honda while using GM’s global EV platform.

“This collaboration will put together the strength of both companies, while combined scale and manufacturing efficiencies will ultimately provide greater value to customers,” executive vice president of American Honda Motor Rick Schostek said at the time. “This expanded partnership will unlock economies of scale to accelerate our electrification roadmap and advance our industry-leading efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Sales of the Honda and Acura EVs are expected to begin for the 2024 model year in the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Polestar Banned From Using Its Logo In France For Six Months

The three-year legal dispute between Citroen and Polestar has resulted in a French court temporarily banning the latter’s logo.

As we have reported earlier, Citroen claims that the logo of Polestar is too similar to its own double chevron badge and that of its premium DS brand. The French carmaker first asked parent company Volvo to stop using the Polestar logo in 2017, but the Swedish company refused.

Read More: Polestar Sales In France Reportedly Being Blocked Over Trademark Dispute With Citroen

Polestar now confirmed to Autocar that there’s an ongoing legal case in France, with a company spokesperson adding: “Polestar does not operate in France and we currently have no plans to operate in France. There is an ongoing legal case in France concerning the use of the Polestar logo, initiated by Citroën.”

“Whilst we cannot comment on the details of the case, we strongly believe in the position of our brand and logo. We recognize that as a new, exciting car brand on the market with ambitious plans to raise the profile of electric mobility, we may gather attention from established automakers. The case only relates to France and does not apply to any other countries.”

Citroen first took their case to the European Intellectual Property Office with no success. A French court however sided with them, ordering Polestar to stop using their logo for six months, starting in July 2020, and pay €150,000 ($177k in current exchange rates) to the French carmaker, plus €70,000 ($82k) in legal fees.

It’s not clear yet what will happen when Polestar’s six-month logo ban will expire this January.

Facelifted 2022 Jeep Compass Might Debut Sooner Than Expected

Jeep is working on the first mid-cycle refresh of the Compass, four years after production of the second generation started, with prototypes already spied undergoing testing on the other side of the pond.

The facelifted compact SUV was initially believed to debut sometime next year, but it appears that the unveiling date might actually be sooner than expected.

Quoting undisclosed sources, MoparInsiders reports that the 2022 Compass could be due next month, revealing its updates under the spotlight at the Guangzhou Auto Show, in China. The event is scheduled to kick off on November 22 and will close its gates on December 1.

Review: Should You Want A 2019 Jeep Compass In Your Life? (Spoiler Alert: No)

As for the changes that will set it apart from the current iteration, previous spy shots have shown that it will feature a modified front bumper with reshaped air intakes, new fog lamps, different taillights and likely a new rear bumper design, although the camouflage did a very good job at hiding it.

We can expect a few upgrades inside too, with the latest prototype sporting a huge infotainment screen in the middle of the dashboard, surrounded by a metallic frame. The instrument panel hood and steering wheel might be revised as well.

We don’t expect any changes to the North American model’s powertrain, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 180 HP and 175 lb-ft (237 Nm) of torque and is available with three different transmissions driving either the front or all-four wheels.

Jeep’s Euro-spec Compass packs a variety of powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid that combines the turbo’d 1.3-liter gasoline unit with a rear-mounted electric motor and a 11.4 kWh battery pack, enabling a zero-emission range of around 30 miles (50 km). However, it is yet unknown whether the electrified Compass 4xe will launch in the U.S. with the facelifted model.

PHOTO GALLERY

more photos…

New Ford Mustang Allegedly Due In 2022, Will Stick Around Until 2030

Having been in production since 2014, the sixth generation Ford Mustang is slowly approaching the end of its life cycle.

Previous reports had suggested that the Blue Oval come up with a strategy about its successor, which is allegedly due in late 2022.

The time frame has now been reconfirmed to AutoNews by sources close to the company’s plans, claiming that it will launch for the 2023 model year. Its first mid-cycle refresh is expected in 2025, and suppliers have been told that the life span of the muscle car has been expanded to eight years, meaning that it will remain in production until 2030.

Watch Also: 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Review Says It’s “A Bit Magical”

Ford’s future rival to the likes of the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger might migrate to the same platform as the Explorer and Lincoln Aviator. As a result, it should have a bigger footprint, translating into improved interior space and larger cargo area.

But that’s not the biggest news, because if they stick to this plan, then the new-gen Mustang will also be compatible with all-wheel drive. There have been talks about an electrified V8, with the ICE powering the rear wheels and an electric motor setting the front wheels in motion.

It is unknown yet whether the turbo-four variant will live on, but Ford has allegedly decided to keep offering both coupe and convertible versions of its pony car, in left- and right-hand drive. As fir the design, the new Mustang is understood to go down the evolutionary road, whereas the latest technology gear will be implemented in the more driver-focused cockpit.

Note: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 pictured below

PHOTO GALLERY

more photos…

Genesis Confirms It Will Ditch The G70’s Manual Gearbox Option

Genesis has revealed it will abandon the manual transmission option in the 2.0-liter G70 for the 2022 model year.

It was only back in March that Genesis announced the 2021 G70 would continue to be available with a six-speed stick shift but the automaker has since decided this will be the final model year such a transmission will be offered.

Speaking with Road & Track, a Genesis spokesperson said the company only sold roughly 100 manually-equipped models for the 2020 model year in the U.S., representing just 0.8 per cent of overall sales. While it’s sad to see the manual go, it is hardly a surprise considering just how few customers prefer it over the standard 8-speed automatic.

Read Also: Driven – 2020 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport Makes For A Truly Compelling Proposition

The 2.0-liter model of the G70 that could be optioned with the manual is good for 252 hp and 260 lb-ft (353 Nm) of torque. The manual has been rated at 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. Meanwhile, the 8-speed auto model returns 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.

There is some thought that this 2.0-liter is on its final legs and will be replaced with the larger 2.5-liter turbo-four of the GV80 when the entire G70 family is facelifted. Topping out the G70 range continues to be the company’s 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that is offered in rear- and all-wheel drive configurations and sold exclusively with the eight-speed automatic.

This engine is also believed to be under threat for the car’s facelift and may be ditched in favor of the company’s more powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6.

BMW, Honda, Ford, VW To Remain Neutral On Trump’s New Emissions Rule

BMW, Ford, Volkswagen and Honda will not take a position on legal challenges to the Trump administration’s decision to weaken fuel economy standards introduced while Barack Obama was president.

The Trump administration recently finalized the rollback of U.S. vehicle emissions standards. Under the Obama administration, car manufacturers were required to make 5 per cent increases in efficiency across their models through 2026, but now, these required efficiency improvements have been reduced to 1.5 per cent annually.

Read More: 23 States Sue Trump Administration Over Lower Fuel Economy Standards

Auto News reports that on Monday, BMW, Ford, Volkswagen and Honda will ask a U.S. Appeals Court in Washington for permission to be heard in a court challenge over the new regulations “to ensure that any remedy imposed by this court is both appropriate and achievable.” The four automakers finalized a voluntary agreement with California in July 2019 on vehicle emissions rules.

In a statement issued on Friday, Volkswagen said its “preference continues to be one set of national standards that’s achieved through an agreement between the federal government and California.”

A group of 23 U.S. states, including California has challenged the Trump vehicle rule and while some automakers are taking a neutral stance on the regulation changes, others are supporting the move. For example, General Motors, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Toyota have sided with the Trump administration on the rollback.

These automakers have also sided with the government in a separate lawsuit to determine if the federal government can strip California of the ability to set its own zero-emission vehicle requirements.

San Leandro Rioters Stole 50 Cars From FCA Dealer, Including Nearly Every $80k Hellcat

Following our story earlier today about the ransacking of the ‘San Leandro Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM SRT’ in California on Sunday night, more details on the aftermath have emerged.

In particular, the owner of the dealership revealed that upwards of 50 vehicles were stolen from the FCA dealership in the midst of wide-spread looting throghout the local Alameda County and other parts of the U.S.

Footage of the looting, triggered by civil unrest following the death of George Floyd while under police custody in Minneapolis on May 25, hit social media on Monday, showing several Dodge Challengers and Chargers being driven off the San Leandro dealer lot.

Read: Looters Raid FCA Dealership Driving Off With Hellcats, Burn AMG GT In Mercedes Showroom

San Leandro Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Speaking with CBS Local, the owner of the San Leandro Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership, Carlos Hidalgo, said that around 50 vehicles were stolen from the showroom and the parking lot. This included “nearly every” powerful Dodge Challenger Hellcat and Dodge Charger Hellcat model, many of which appear to have been on sale with prices ranging from just under $60,000 to upwards of $90,000. Among the vehicles stolen was a 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition painted white with a blue livery and a showroom price of $90,995.

“Right now we’re thinking 50 [vehicles] … Gone,” Hidalgo said. “We have trackers on them so we’re seeing which ones are out there. They’re running around everywhere. We tried calling the cops and they were too busy. They couldn’t respond. So, you know …”

How the looters gained access to the cars

Hidalgo says the rioters gained access to a key safe, hence why they were able to drive away with the vehicles. He had instructed employees to use the dealership’s cars to block the driveways after seeing looters ransacking a Nike store across the street. However, that was not enough to stop them from gaining access to the dealership.

[embedded content]

During the brazen theft, looters showed a total disregard for the vehicles and at one stage, drove a Hellcat parked in a corner into two other Hellcats on either side of it before stealing it. What’s more, a Hellcat displayed on the showroom floor was driven right through the glass front windows. Many of the Hellcat models stolen look to have been brand new and were still equipped with their front splitter guards.

“It’s not a cause for anybody. This is just bad thieves. It’s horrible,” said Hidalgo. “This is domestic terrorism brought upon to people that work. That’s not right.” Hidalgo added that the theft and damage caused to his dealership will hurt the 100 people that he employs who had already been struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.

Citroen Is Once Again Going After Audi And BMW, This Time With A New Flagship Sedan For China

Citroen will take yet another swing at the premium segment with a new four-door model. Aimed at the Chinese car market, it’s expected to launch before the end of next year, likely as the successor of the second-gen C6, which has been around since late 2016 in the People’s Republic.

So, why limit it to China and not launch it globally? Because sedans still outsell SUVs in the People’s Republic. As for the basics of the model, Autocar reports that it will be based on the EMP2 platform, which will tie it to the Peugeot 508 and new DS 9.

See Also: DS Designers Imagine What A Modern-Day Citroen SM Would Look Like

In terms of power, it’s expected with regular combustion engines and a plug-in hybrid that will give it a zero-emission driving range of around 40 miles (64 km). A full-blown electric version has been ruled out for launch, even if the architecture could support such a powertrain, but could be added at some point given China’s appetite for EVs. More importantly though, it will have a magic carpet ride made possible by the Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension set-up.

The design of the vehicle is said to be in the process of being finalized, as it needs to be adapted to the local market, where the looks of the front end of a vehicle “must deliver the right status, presence, reassurance that you made the right choice”, according to the French firm’s CEO, Vincent Cobee.

2016 Citroen CXPerience Concept

“Plus, safety regulations, road conditions, engine size and fuel are different. There will be a number of things related to suspension tuning, powertrain choices, color and material and overall delivery of the car that vary”, he added. “The different versions will use the same platform and silhouette, but there are a number of dimensions where you can adapt expectations.”

Citroen’s new flagship sedan could be inspired by the 2016 CXperience Concept, which was presented at the Paris Auto Show, came with an electrified gasoline engine and had a 37-mile (60-km) electric range.

PHOTO GALLERY

more photos…

Note: Citroen CXPerience Concept pictured above