Video: What Does a Truck Guy Think of the New Volkswagen ID. BUZZ?

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January 7, 2023

Andre and Roman took a look at the Volkswagen ID. Buzz at CES 2023.

Many would agree that the upcoming Volkswagen ID. Buzz is one of the most anticipated minivans in the history of people movers. I’m serious when I say this, especially if you look at how uninspired minivan styling has been over the decades. The ID. Buzz is styled as a nod to the original Volkswagen Microbus.

Yes, the original had many names like Transporter, Bulli, Type 1-6, and more. Still, it was iconic as being one of the most versatile, and affordable people movers of its time. It was the grandfather of the minivan, and so much more.

Hippies be damned: this ID. Buzz is for the well-heeled masses!

Unlike the original Volkswagen Bus, which was popular with folks on a budget, the ID Buzz appears to headed to a premium consumer. The crowd who will clamor for this ride appear to be (mainly) families who want a little pizzazz in their electric convince. Optimistic outlets expect the pricing to start at the mid $40,000 range, but other insiders are banking on a $50,000 + mark. For reference, the Volkswagen ID4 has a base price of about $39,000.

We expect the same underpinnings as the ID.4

The European ID. Buzz Roman and Andre are looking at will be similar to the U.S. model. Still, it’s not exactly the same. We know that many of the components, and its bones will be based on the ID4. The exact numbers on power and battery size for our market have yet to be released. We do know that a three-row version will be the only one available, at first – and it will be longer than the one on this video.

The overseas’ base model has a 201 horsepower rear-wheel drive setup. But it looks like we will get all-wheel drive standard, with the dual-motor AWD system that makes 295 hp. We expect to see a 82-kWh, 400V lithium-ion battery setup, which is the same as the ID.4 we can already buy.

Many of us at TFL Studios believe that Volkswagen should have led their U.S. electric debut with the ID. Buzz. The ID.4 is fine, but it’s a bit more conventional, while this van is much more about fun. All of us have high hopes for the Buzz. Oddly enough, our biggest VW fan (Andre) hasn’t been exposed to the ID Buzz yet. As such, we get to see how he reacts to this slick van.

Illinois Judge: Rivian Can Sell Its Vehicles Directly to Consumers in the State

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Kase Van Rees

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January 6, 2023

What’s going on in Illinois?

Rivian and Lucid have won the battle to keep their dealers’ licenses in Illinois. As a recent Carscoops article notes, the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association filed a lawsuit to challenge their licenses issued in 2021.

As of December 19, 2022, Associate Judge David Atkins dismissed the lawsuit, granting the automaker the ability to sell directly to customers. Luckily for Rivian, the Judge stated that selling through franchised dealers has never been a requirement in the state of Illinois. Though selling through dealers is the standard procedure, “that does not mean it ever required such as system,” said Atkins.

Though Rivian and Lucid have effectively won the direct sales dispute in Illinois, there are still many states in which direct sales are banned.

Why ban direct sales at all?

Laws around granting automobile manufacturers dealers licenses vary widely depending on the state. While many states have no restrictions, some limit the number of stores through which vehicles can be sold and others ban it entirely. Alabama, New Mexico and South Carolina go as far as to also ban manufacturers from running service centers. Some state’s rules also prevent certain EV car galleries such as Tesla stores from discussing pricing or test drives. Other states don’t have any clear legislation on the subject.

The advantage of manufacturers selling directly to the customer is that they can sell cars at their listed price. That means fewer dealer fees and no haggling. The laws that prevent direct sales keep manufacturers from treating dealers unfairly or competing with them directly.

Tesla has been fighting the same issue in various states for years. Despite that, it is an ongoing challenge for startup EV manufacturers like Rivian and Lucid. For more information on Rivian and the R1S, check out TFL’s full review here, or the video linked below.

You Can Once Again Order a Tesla Model X and Model S with a Proper Steering Wheel

By

Zach Butler

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January 6, 2023

A conventional steering wheel wouldn’t normally be an exciting option, but if you don’t like the yoke…

Tesla’s move a couple years ago to replace the well-known, well-understood steering wheel with a futuristic yoke was mixed, to put it mildly. As with anything, some people love having the different look and feel, while others want the option that makes the car easier to maneuver (especially at slow speeds). Now, you can once again order a new Tesla Model X or Model S with a proper steering wheel.

While the automaker’s larger electric models are not exactly cheap — the Model S starts at $104,990 these days — making the decision on which way to steer won’t cost you any extra cash. The configurator now defaults to the steering wheel, but you can switch it back to the yoke if you really, really want to as a no-cost option. It’s an interesting move, as Tesla usually keeps its options list pared down to the essentials.

And for those who are still wondering: Yes, this change also applies to the Plaid models.

There’s also an option should you want to fit a steering wheel to your yoke-equipped Tesla.

You’ve been able to “fix” the yoke situation for a little while thanks to aftermarket shops like T Sportline. It’s certainly a pricey alternative, but it at least gets you a bit closer to a normal steering wheel, albeit a funkily shaped one.

If you already took delivery of your Model X or Model S with a yoke though, there’s more good news. From March 2023, you’ll be able to order a steering wheel retrofit kit, so you aren’t stuck should you want to make the change. The kit costs $700, and that includes installation.

The Second Generation, Solar-Powered Lightyear 2 Lands at CES: And the Waitlist Is Open

By

Kase Van Rees

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January 5, 2023

Meet a new EV manufacturer: Lightyear

CES 2023 has brought many exciting reveals, and the Lightyear 2 is one of the most intriguing. Lightyear is a Dutch EV startup company set on manufacturing solar powered cars. The goal is to produce a car that doesn’t rely on the electrical grid to even further reduce emissions.

Their first model, Lightyear 0, is in production (pictured below to the left). Lightyear claims that the 0 has a record breaking drag coefficient of just 0.175. That’s even better than the Mercedes EQS at 0.2. Its solar system adds up to 43 miles of range to the car per day. However, you’re unlikely to see many Lightyear 0’s on the road seeing as it costs over $260,000.

What we know so far about the Lightyear 2

Lightyear 0 served as a proof of concept. Now, the manufacturer has opened the waitlist for their new Lightyear 2. Preorders aren’t available yet, but joining the waitlist gets you updates on progress and dibs on the first Lightyear 2s to be produced.

What’s especially hard to believe is the projected range of 500 miles for a starting price under $40,000. That in itself would be an impressive feat. Lightyear claims they will use the lessons learned from developing the Lightyear 0 to make the Lightyear 2 work. They also claim the car’s lifetime emissions to be half those of a typical EV, and that it would need 3 times less charging annually.

Plenty of EV manufacturers have increased pricing over the last year to cover various claimed costs. If Lightyear is capable of keeping their projected price where it stands, the Lightyear 2 could be a great vehicle for many with short commutes. Stay tuned for more updates on the Lightyear 2 and everything else from CES 2023.

Andretti and Cadillac Team Up for F1 Racing. Yes, Formula One Racing with Cadillac!

By

Nathan Adlen

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January 5, 2023

General Motors’ Cadillac is partnering with Andretti Global to join F1 as Team Andretti Cadillac.

The group, or team name “Andretti Cadillac” is exactly what it sounds like, a partnership between Andretti Global and General Motors’ luxury brand Cadillac. Now, just to be clear, Cadillac has a stout history with racing and performance cars. Still, entering Formula One racing is a remarkably expensive endeavor. Cadillac has no presence, or history, in F1 racing to date.

Currently competing Formula E, the IndyCar Series, Indy Lights, and Indy Pro 2000, Andretti Global has Formula One in its sights. This makes sense considering the family name. Also, the Chairman and CEO of Andretti Global is Michael Andretti, who has actual Formula One experience. As does his legendary farther Mario.

“I feel very strongly that we are suited to be a new team for Formula One and can bring value to the series and our partners, and excitement for the fans. I’m proud to have GM and Cadillac alongside us as we pursue this goal.”

Andretti Cadillac stated that they want to compete soon, and with at least one American driver. Given their request is now in the hands of the FIA, it may take time to find out if this team can compete. There is no word on other partners, and it’s unclear whether Cadillac/GM will be engineering their own F1 racer, or basing it on an existing platform.

In my opinion, it would behoove the FIA to allow the world’s largest automaker to enter F1. It would bring renewed interest into the sport in the United States. On top of that, it would add a new dimension to the teams.

We will be keeping a close eye on this story.

The New HD Google Maps Service Will Launch on the Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3

By

Kase Van Rees

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January 5, 2023

Navigation is getting better with the Polestar 3

Polestar is one of many manufacturers that have teamed up with tech companies to make the most out of their car’s screens. For CES 2023, they decided to showcase some of the next generation features soon to be available on Polestar models such as the Polestar 3.

The Polestar 3 debuts Google’s new HD map thanks to their partnership. Their new system integrates real time traffic updates into the car’s built in navigation. The HD map is said to have “details not normally available in traditional maps.”

Polestar 3 feeds information from its own sensors back into the system. Polestar claims that the combination improves driver assistance tech such as Pilot Assist and self-driving capability. Here they show an image of what the Google HD map might look like.

Polestar 2 takes Google’s integration a step further

Polestar 3 isn’t the only one benefitting from Google’s hand. They saved arguably the most exciting feature for a different model. Polestar 2 has the ability to use Google Assistant to control features of the car. That includes “starting climate preconditioning, checking battery status and unlocking doors.”

Polestar is also working on other EV models such as the upcoming Polestar 4. The Polestar 4 is set to be a sporty, electric SUV with coupe-like styling (think of it as Polestar’s version of the Volvo C40, to its XC40 SUV counterpart). Future products such as these will almost certainly integrate and improve upon the tech features being presented at CES 2023.

Being able to warm your car through smart home tech without having to leave the room is a welcome convenience. These features are first going to be available in the United States market. Stay tuned for more coverage on the reveals from CES 2023. You can also check out our full review on the Polestar 2 by clicking on the link below!

The BMW i Vision Dee at This Year’s CES Offers a Glimpse into the Brand’s Future Cars

By

Kase Van Rees

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January 5, 2023

Welcome to the Digital Emotional Experience.

BMW i Vision Dee aims to push the boundaries of automotive technology in a new way. The concept is a preview of what will distinguish BMW’s “Neue Klasse” vehicles starting in 2025.

Last year at CES, BMW debuted what they called “Flow Featuring E Ink.” The technology allowed an iX to switch its exterior color between black and white. This year’s i Vision Dee concept can cycle between as many as 32 colors. 240 film panels around the outside of the car adjust color individually.

Inside the car has a HUD that spans the entire width of the windshield. That is what BMW means with the name Dee, or Digital Emotional Experience.

Choose your reality

BMW I Vision Dee features a “Mixed Reality Slider” that allows you to adjust how much information the HUD displays. Through five levels of adjustment, drivers select between information specific to the car all the way to augmented reality features and “entry into virtual worlds.” The latter saved presumably for when the car is parked.

Even the windows themselves hold the ability to dim down and focus your attention forwards.

Phygital, BMW created a new word

Phygital, as you might have guessed, is a combination of physical and digital. BMW coined the term to described the i Vision Dee’s exterior functions. Those functions include the car’s ability to not only greet you, but make “facial expressions.” BMW claims the car can express moods such as joy, astonishment and approval.

BMW says they kept the rest of the car’s design minimal so that it doesn’t distract from the new digital features. Otherwise, the details on this concept are relatively few. However, it’s a sure sign that BMW is working on impressive technology for models in the near future.

In the meantime, check out the technology that’s available here and now on the BMW iX M60:

Are You Afeelin’ Honda and Sony’s New Afeela EV?

By

Kase Van Rees

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January 5, 2023

Sony Honda Mobility names its new car brand “Afeela”.

Sony Honda Mobility has just revealed their EV brand Afeela at CES 2023. All the way back in CES 2020, Sony shocked everyone with the reveal of their Vision-S concept. Building an EV is a big jump from making phones and gaming consoles.

Sony has a ton of experience with developing electronics. The partnership with Honda brings in a similar level of experience on the automotive side.

Progress on the concept so far

The newly revealed Afeela concept (above, left) has made clear progress since the 2020 Vision-S prototype (above, right). Sony and Honda’s prototype Afeela is much smoother than the original design, with flush headlights, fewer body lines and aerodynamic wheels.

Both cars share the obligatory concept car camera mirrors and the same general proportions. Video footage on the Afeela website shows a detailed front screen that plays along with the running light’s greeting. Topping off the front light signature is a full width light bar that breaks at the front wheel arch and resumes until it meets the front door.

Getting under the skin

Behind the minimalist bodywork is an equally modern, airy interior furnished with more screen than dash. Ambient lighting follows the screen, into the doors and even around the moon roof. Each side of the dash has an additional display for the camera mirrors, angled toward the driver.

Probably the most surprising feature inside is the controversial Tesla Yoke style steering wheel. The Tesla steering yoke was not very well received, and we’re surprised to see anyone else adopt a similar design. Between both front seats sits a minimal control panel. Otherwise the interior is about as blank as it can be.

More information to come

As for hard facts on the car, there aren’t many. Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) claims the car uses 45 cameras and sensors, some of which appear to be visible just above the windshield. The Afeela website emphasizes autonomy and augmentation as features in the final product. They are also collaborating with Epic Games to include some form of entertainment built into the car. Maybe a play station?

Pre-orders open in the first half of 2025 with deliveries estimated in the spring of 2026 for North America.

Andre and Roman took a look at the Volkswagen ID. Buzz at CES 2023.

Hippies be damned: this ID. Buzz is for the well-heeled masses!

We expect the same underpinnings as the ID.4

What’s going on in Illinois?

Why ban direct sales at all?

A conventional steering wheel wouldn’t normally be an exciting option, but if you don’t like the yoke…

There’s also an option should you want to fit a steering wheel to your yoke-equipped Tesla.

Meet a new EV manufacturer: Lightyear

What we know so far about the Lightyear 2

General Motors’ Cadillac is partnering with Andretti Global to join F1 as Team Andretti Cadillac.

Navigation is getting better with the Polestar 3

Polestar 2 takes Google’s integration a step further

Welcome to the Digital Emotional Experience.

Choose your reality

Phygital, BMW created a new word

Sony Honda Mobility names its new car brand “Afeela”.

Progress on the concept so far

Getting under the skin

More information to come

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