Drew Dowdell

Now now... don't troll.

We reported earlier in April that Tesla was preparing more efficient versions of their Model S and Model X. Yesterday Tesla announced improvements to the Model S and Model X Long Range models that will increase range to 370 miles and 325 miles respectively, based on EPA testing cycle. The vehicles will still use the same 100 kWh battery pack. Unfortunately, customers will only get this upgrade when they purchase a new vehicle. The upgrade changes the drive hardware to the latest version of Tesla's motor technology. Now using a permanent magnet synchronous reluctance motor, silicon carbide power electronics, improved lubrication, cooling, bearings, and gear designs achieve a 10% improvement in range. This improvement works both during supplying power to the vehicle and during times of regenerative braking. In addition to adding range, power and torque has increased for all Model S and Model X versions, resulting in even better 0-60 times. Along with this new more efficient powertrain, the Model S and Model X are now capable of 200kW charging on V3 Superchargers and 145 kW on V2 Supercharger. This enables drivers to charge 50% faster. Tesla has also upgraded the air suspension system to be fully-adaptive. It will give an ultra-cushioned feel when cruising on the highway for firm up during more aggressive driving behavior. The adaptive suspension can receive over the air updates so that Tesla owners always have the latest technology. Tesla will also be bringing back their standard range versions of these cars at a lower entry price that includes the latest motor and suspension updates. Any existing Model S or Model X owners who purchase a new Performance model of these cars will get a free upgrade to Ludicrous Mode at no additional charge. The changes go into production this week and can be ordered today. View full article

Make sure you set your out of office!

GM is further along with their own platform. Maybe they didn't see the value in adding another platform from another company.

Ford announced today that it would be investing $500 million in Electric Vehicle startup Rivian. The move will gain Ford access to Rivian's flexible skateboard platform. Ford will co-develop the vehicle with Rivian and will join the already planned Ford F-150 EV and a Mustang inspired crossover EV. Ford will provide Rivian with industrial expertise and resources. Rivian will remain an independent company and the investment is subject to regulatory approvals. Rivian has shown concept versions of the Rivian R1T, an electric pickup and Rivian R1S SUV at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It plans to put these vehicle into production at its plant in Normal Illinois. Ford's investment comes just two months after Rivian landed $700m in investment commitments from Amazon and others. The talks between Rivian and General Motors have apparently collapsed. View full article

I'm getting a very Aviator vibe from the front end, but the Aviator does it better.

*squinting* I'm still not seeing it... but okay.

Correct, Azera is dead, though Cadenza lives on.

Nat Gas is so cheap that in some cases they're drilling the well and then capping it because they're betting the cost will go up sometime in the future. It's easier to just leave it in the ground than it is to store it long term.

I think the Costco interaction is just Costco being Costco. They are famous for their customer service and won't give an argument if the price is marked wrong.

Since we're on a Paris kick...

It's going to take a LONG time to replace the container ship fleet.

@ykX those look great! Mine is just the original Pixel.

This is most directly targeted at the 3-series. It's a shot across the bow for BMW. Hyundai doesn't get it right on the first try, but they're persistent and I bet they'll be a lot closer on the 2nd or 3rd. BTW, they drive really well.

THAT said... the real issue isn't cars these days anyway, it is shipping. Rail, Air, Ship, Truck are all bigger emitters of CO2 than cars. Rail and Truck have started cleaning up their act. I don't know about Air. Ships are way way behind.

Edit for the first 10 minutes after posting. If you're a premium subscriber $1.75 a month or $15 a year, that restriction gets removed and so do almost all of the ads. Plus.. it helps the site out a little bit with the cost of running the place.

I see VINs listed sometimes for an example payment, but also with the statement that "other similar vehicles also available" @ccap41... that..... that has a VIN.

Really? I think its quite good.

I've never heard of such strict advertising rules.... so do I need a VIN for the Reeses cups they want me to buy?

24/34 mpg rating for the CT6 with the same powertrain. So that or better. But no, it's not officially released yet.

They have to add that on to the burning of coal to get a total just 3 g/km higher than diesel. They are claiming that a GLC with a 3-liter diesel emits 176 g/km while a Telsa model emits 156 to 180 g/km if running on coal. But if the Tesla is powered by renewables, then the Tesla only get 98 g/km. Tesla supercharger stations that have solar panels (not all, but many do) put more power into the grid than the cars take out, so Tesla is further adding to the reduction of fossil fuel usage. I wonder who sponsored the study.... follow the money. It will probably be funded by an oil company or automobile manufacturer.

The Hyundai Sonata broke cover a couple of weeks before the New York Auto Show, but I finally got to see it on Thursday. While there are frequent reports that the midsize sedan segment is dying, it still is able to move about 153,000 units just in the month of March. Hyundai sees an opportunity here as some of its competition, namely the Ford Fusion, will be going to the great used-car lot in the sky in the near future. Still, the Sonata has only sold around 21,000 units year to date while Nissan can move that many Altimas in a month and Accord and Camry do even better. So what is Hyundai going for here by introducing a new Sonata? They're going for sexy. The midsize market is a conservative one, few models are ever called sexy. Hyundai has gone out of their way to give the Sonata a sexy look without looking odd (Accord) or overwrought (Camry). Up front, there is a huge.. HUGE...grille opening. It has the somewhat traditional six-sided shape but is pinched in a little at the bottom. Above that are the lighting accents that most everyone will mention when talking about this car. Along the hood, they are chrome strips that light up when the car is on. Once this thing hits the streets it will be a very distinctive visual feature that will separate this car from the Accords and Camrys. The character line flows from the headlights along the body in a very slight S-curve. Multiple creases on the door panels help keep the car from looking slab-sided. The wheels are an attractive two-tone 10-spoke design. Around back is a full-width U-shape taillamp setup that looks like the Honda Civic setup, but upside down. It integrates into a rather tall (for a family sedan) spoiler on the rear trunk like. The tops of the taillights have small fins that ostensibly direct airflow the way Hyundai intends. The overall exterior is handsome and sensuous and does a good job of distinguishing itself from others in the class. Inside is a mixed bag. The overall look is handsome and restrained, but areas of cost-cutting were visible. There is cheaper plastic on the door panels, lower dash, and parts of the center console. Still, it is hard to argue with a full TFT screen for the gauge cluster and a large, wide infotainment system in the center. The infotainment system sits high on the dash and looks like a tablet popping up from below. Controls are simple and easy to reach, and Hyundai has joined the ranks of the new decade by removing the shifter and replacing it with push-button controls. I like Hyundai's setup better than Honda's which I have to think about to use. The seats are a bit flat, but there is plenty of head and leg room. I do like Hyundai's use of two-tone interior, but that won't be on all cars. At release, the Hyundai Sonata will come with two engines, a 2.5 direct injected 4-cylinder with 191 horsepower at 6,100 RPM and 181 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. An optional 1.6T will have 180 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 195 lb-ft of torque from 1,5000 - 4,500 rpm. The 2.5 will get 33mpg combined and the 1.6T will get 31mpg combined. Some have balked at the idea that the buy-up engine has less horsepower than the base engine, but in this case, it is the flat torque curve that will really make the 1.6T feel faster. For those who are wanting more power, Hyundai is reportedly working on an N-Line version that will have over 275 horsepower. For the greenies, a hybrid is coming soon as well, with a possibly plug-in version in the works. Driving impressions will have to wait until this fall. Overall, Hyundai has a very strong contender for the shrinking mid-size market. Not all of the Ford Fusion owners will go to crossovers, so Hyundai looks ready to scoop them up. View full article