Rumorpile: Kia Plans A Two-Seat RWD Competitor To The FR-S/BRZ

BMW for the 2026 model year of the iX SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle has stated that they have delivered a simplified design language EV with more power, range and efficency. Lets look at the options this updated EV SUV or SAV as BMW calls it offers. 2026 BMW iX models: iX xDrive45 provides 402 hp and an estimated range of up to 312 miles, 0-60 in 4.9 seconds, top speed of 124mph iX xDrive60 provides 536 hp and an estimated range of up to 340 miles, 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, top speed of 124mph iX M70 xDrive provides 650 hp and an estimated range of up to 302 miles in a performance-oriented M-specific design, 0-60 in 3.6 seconds, top speed of 155mph Base MSRPs (+$1,175 destination and handling) 2025 BMW iX xDrive45                    $75,150 2025 BMW iX xDrive60                    $88,500 2025 BMW iX M70 xDrive                $111,500 Simplified, enhanced sportiness design language on the exterior of the 2026 iX SAV. Did BMW achieve this? BMW has redesigned the headlights, turn indicators and updated the kidney grille, but is it enough to enhance the look? They say subtle diagonal lines are echoed from front to back while the front and rear aprons have a seamless design and a higher proportion of surfaces that are painted body-color. This simplified design language is paired with 20-inch alloy wheels by default but have the option of offering 21-, 22- and 23-inch wheel options. All of these aluminum wheels come with optional use aluminum inserts that help reduce drag. Interior: Progressive Luxury, Refined Sportiness BMW has for the first time offered in the iX upgraded seats that offer a wide range of adjustments, including backrest adjustments, lumbar support and pronounced contouring. This continues with upgraded Climate comfort package, to a panoramic roof and enhanced Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, with 30 speakers and exciters in the front seats, delivers an exceptionally intense and precisely balanced sound experience. You decide as here is the visually released images: iX xDrive45 interior iX xDrive60 interior iX M70 xDrive Interior Full gallery can be viewed here: 2026 BMW iX Gallery Some updated details in regards to the EV powertrain: Net usable power by model iX xDrive45 - 100.1 kWh iX xDrive60 - 113.4 kWh iX M79 xDrive - 112.8 kWh New Heat Pump More efficient predictive heat management of the battery pack Updated optimized charging software iX xDrive45 - 175 kW top charging speed iX xDrive60 - 195 kW top charging speed iX M79 xDrive - 195 kW top charging speed Automated optimized driving and parking with Level 2+ highway assistance Enhanced Smartphone control of parking and maneuvering Parking Assistant, including Back-Up Assistant Optional Parking Assistant Professional, part of the Driving Assistant Professional Package, adds Parking View including Top View, Panorama View and 3D View, as well as the BMW Drive Recorder and Anti-Theft Recorder Display and operating system, connectivity.  Intuitive user experience and advanced digital services. BMW Maps navigation system with charging-optimized route planning Over-the-air updates: Remote Software Upgrade and BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades Video streaming and in-car gaming on the control display Personalized user experience with BMW ID, My BMW App and personal eSIM, BMW Digital Key Plus as standard Efficient driving with the efficiency trainer BMW app Optimized 400V architecture Production of the 2026 BMW iX will begin March 2025, deliveries are expected to commence Q2 of 2025. Further details to be released closer to launch. View full article

To quote: Audi CEO Gernot Döllner: “Highly emotive reinterpretation of quattro” This pretty much states the drive by Audi to offer a showcase EV that covers the potential of the PPE platform. Audi developed portal axles that enable gradient climbs of up to 100% with a wider track, increased ride height that delivers on a spectacular appearance that no other EV has delivered today. The Audi Q6 Offroad features a two-motor AWD Quattro powertrain that delivers 380 kW or 510 HP. A progressive off-road stance that increases the ride height by 160mm or 6.3 inches and a wider track of 250mm or 9.8 inches over current Audi width. The new portal axles allow an increase in torque by 50 percent, enabling the Q6 Offroad to climb a 45-degree gradient with no problems. The Q6 Off-road is built off the Audi Q6 e-tron, the first model built on the PPE or Premium Platform Electric system. It is the new reference point for electrically driven Vorsprung durch Technik. The Audi Q6 model series not only excels with impressive driving and charging performance but also sets standards in range and efficiency per their press release. The Q6 e-tron offroad concept can be seen in action on February 1, 2025, at the F.A.T. Ice Race and on the social media channels of @Audi Sport. The interior is currently what is found in the Q6 e-tron. Since this is based on an existing production version EV, the Q6 Offroad could easily be put into production based on feedback from various events where Audi is going to show this off and gather attendees' response. What do you think, should this go into production? View full article

Wood splitting for We3dnesday.

I hope the production of swasticars and the incel camino ends permanently.   The stupid cycle runs deep. I can't say that I didn't see this coming, i want to leave the United States of America forever. In the end it won't, as AI and Video games will interest the young more than actual racing.

WOW, this just causes so much un-needed caos from an Idiot President and administration that affects so many levels including the auto industry which is a far over reach of presidential powers as the house and senate approved many of these money spends. Trump administration orders sweeping freeze of federal aid - POLITICO The above incompetent dictator wannabe moron is going to run up against his own people now that this will affect jobs in Red states. POLITICO Pro | Article | More Republicans back IRA tax credits in reconciliation fight Michigan has over $27 billion committed to assembly of EVs to battery packs, the only state more than Georgia that has $26 billion committed. Trump is trying to kill it all building what will lead America to being behind the world as they move forward and behind China. Michigan electric vehicle industry responds to Trump policy changes | AP News Good info on why Heat pumps are making a difference. Heat pumps in EVs are making a big difference in cold-weather driving | The Verge Great list on the EVs that have heat pumps. recurrentauto.com/questions/which-electric-vehicles-have-heat-pumps