The refreshed Genesis G90 already made its Korean reveal, but now we have some more US-specific figures. (Images: Genesis)
The 2023 Genesis G90 leans heavier on tech and lighter on engine choices.
It hasn’t been terribly long since Hyundai’s luxury arm redesigned its flagship sedan, but now it has a new look to keep its styling in line with its newer (crossover) siblings. Beyond its exterior aesthetic, though, Genesis announced more specifics on the incoming model, including plenty of gadgets and the powertrain. Yes, there is only one this time — the 5.0-liter V8 is no more.
As ever, the Korean automaker’s top-end sedan takes direct aim at luxury staples like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the BMW 7 Series and the Audi A8. Read through the list of equipment when this car arrives in the US next year, and that’s more apparent than ever before. Features like speed-adaptive air suspension that will lower or raise the car depending on the driving conditions, a “Chauffeur” brake mode allowing the driver to control the braking force for a more auspicious experience, and rear-wheel steering up to four degrees are just a few examples on offer with the 2023 Genesis G90.
Unlike the Korean reveal, this announcement actually affords us a look at the interior as well. Genesis has never been bad in this area, but this redesign takes things to another level. Not only do you get copious amounts of leather, but you also get a large infotainment screen and a fully-digital instrument cluster — as you should in a luxury flagship these days. You also get a 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, as well as biometric-controlled driver profiles by way of fingerprint recognition. And yes, there’s a fragrance system à la Mercedes-Benz and massaging seats, as well.
The 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 makes another appearance
Under the hood, there’s only one engine this time around: the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6. That “Smartstream” engine is familiar to what’s available across the rest of the range, and it replaces the old 5.0-liter Tau V8 and the 3.3-liter twin-turbo Lambda II engines that were the bread and butter of Genesis’ high-end model. The company didn’t announce specific output for the updated G90, but we’d more or less expect the same (or similar) figures to other models. So, you should get around 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, give or take a bit should Genesis tune the powertrain differently in this application. As before, this car should be available with rear- or all-wheel drive.
In time, it’s likely the Genesis G90 will see an electrified version as well. That’s not in the cards right now, but with the way the brand’s been moving toward EVs we can’t rule it out — we’ll have to wait and see.
Check out more on the current (pre-facelift) generation G90 below:
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is taking on Tesla as well as its Kia-branded cousin, the EV6. (Images: Hyundai)
The Ioniq 5 will roll out to certain states soon.
As virtually every automaker is now on the bandwagon, the EV field continues to expand, now joined by the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5. It’s just the first from Hyundai’s all-electric sub-brand, and now we finally have pricing information for SE, SEL and Limited models. Like several of its rivals, you’ll soon be able to buy the Ioniq 5 in both single, rear-motor and dual-motor AWD variants. The SE Standard Range is the entry-level model, packing 220 miles of range according to EPA figures, and a price tag starting at $40,925 including Hyundai’s $1,225 destination charge. That version uses a modestly sized 58.0-kWh battery,. and will arrive later than the higher-range, more powerful variants.
If you want more power or more range, there are a couple different ways you can go about it. The first is to get the larger 77.4-kWh battery, which adds a more powerful 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque for the single-motor models. Range also improves to 303 miles, which is the best Hyundai’s new EV can currently manage. The top-of-the-line dual-motor spec, which costs $3,500 more for the SE/SEL and $3,900 more for the limited, ups the power to 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, while coming in at 256 miles of range. Unlike the RWD models, the dual motor only comes with the larger battery.
Here’s how that stacks up to the competition
Across the range, the 77.4-kWh SE kicks off at $44,875. The SEL starts at $47,125, then the Limited tops out the range at $51,825 (mind you, the AWD dual motor will bring the MSRP up to $55,725). On the whole, the launch pricing slightly undercuts the Ford Mustang Mach-E’s $44,995 starting price. That said, you can get the Mach-E in much more powerful GT form. The Volkswagen ID.4, on the other hand, starts slightly higher at $41,190, but comes in less expensive at the top end ($49,370) for the all-wheel drive Pro S model.
Most 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 models will go on sale this month, while the cheaper entry-level SE with the 58 kWh battery will hit dealers in the spring. Tommy will have driving impressions on the new Ioniq 5 later this week, but for now we have a walkaround video you can check out below!
The Chevrolet Corvette is still manufactured in Bowling Green, Kentucky — and the facility was damaged by a series of tornadoes this weekend. (Image: General Motors)
The Chevrolet Corvette plant will be offline this week for repairs.
General Motors announced it would shut down the Bowling Green, Kentucky manufacturing plant, halting Chevy Corvette production after a series of tornadoes struck Kentucky and five other states Friday and Saturday. Authorities are still assessing damage throughout the state, but beyond the untold damage at least 64 people are confirmed dead, while many more are unaccounted for at time of writing.
Roof damage and a fire “caused damage to our facility,” the automaker says, “including the roof and an employee entrance.” Fortunately in this case, GM says the “small number of employees” that were on-site at the time are safe and accounted for. “Maintaining a safe work environment for plant employees is our top priority.”
(Image: Channel News 5 Nashville, via Facebook)
Bowling Green will be offline the entire week of December 13, with both first and second shifts cancelled. Teams will reportedly work to repair the plant and restart production by December 20, though it’s unclear whether that will certainly happen depending on the scope of the damage. Channel 5 News Nashville published a flyover showing the damage around the Bowling Green plant, as Car and Driver and CorvetteBlogger point out.
The Corvette, like several other lines, suffered several pauses over the past year as the COVID-19 pandemic and supply shortages hampered production.
Toyota’s newer cars (after 2018) will require a subscription for remote connectivity features. (Images: Toyota)
These are the new, somewhat hidden costs of owning newer cars.
Over the past few years, the notion that you pay for a car and all its baked-in features has eroded. ‘Over-the-air updates’ is now a much-hyped feature of new cars, with the idea that you can keep the car fresh for longer with updates that weren’t available at launch. In addition to that, however, automakers are using it as a pay wall to lock out certain features unless you pay a fee. Not just in the form of a one-time option, either — Toyota is now gradually moving into charging a monthly subscription for remote connectivity features.
More specifically, a company spokesperson told The Drive that 2018 and newer cars equipped with “Remote Connect” functions would have to pay over time to keep functioning. This includes the proximity-based RF key fob, even though using the fob does not transmit any data through an onboard modem, like using your smartphone would.
Despite that, you still have to have a Remote Connect subscription active in order for even the key fob remote start to operate. So, the car’s cellular-based modem will occasionally check that you have Remote Connect active, and if it’s not the remote start ceases to function. The move is one that some folks have already been used to with phone-based systems using an app to control their cars, but locking out some functionality on the actual key fob is certainly unusual.
How much will it cost? Toyota’s Remote Connect currently runs at $8 per month or $80 annually.
You can use it without paying for a subscription, but there are a couple caveats
Not every post-2018 Toyota owner will wind up paying for the Remote Connect key fob functionality right away. In fact, certain “Audio Plus” packages will add remote start functionality from the fob for up to 3 years. 2020 model vehicles will actually get it for 10 years, while “Premium Audio” vehicles may get a trial for up to 10 years before you have to get a Remote Connect subscription. The caveat? If an owner waives Connected Services (you’ll still have to pay the fee for other Connected Services functionality), then key fob remote start will not function.
If you own a Toyota built before November 12, 2018, your vehicle will not require this subscription to function. Instead, the automaker says the logic has been “enhanced” to forego that requirement. Part of that comes down to older cars’ 3G connectivity to use connected services, which will not function after cellular providers shut down or “sunset” the 3G network in the US next year.
Whatever your stance is on the issue, this is likely just the tip of the iceberg moving forward. In the future, subscriptions may well be an added cost of ownership as automakers jump on board. Stellantis, for example, is shifting emphasis toward software-based functionality over the coming years, with the aim to incorporate the technology into some 34 million vehicles by 2030.
Even with the camouflage, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R is a more grown up hot hatch.
We’re still some months away from the full reveal, possibly as a 2023 model. That said, Honda’s aim to bring an eye to the Type R’s development shows we are closer to seeing the final product than you might think at the moment. Sure, the automaker shared no more information with today’s batch of camoed photos, but they are testing it at Japan’s Suzuka Circuit…which should give you an idea of where the thought process is for this generation.
To date, Honda hasn’t shared any technical information on the new Civic Type R, but we can already check a few items off the list. It will still have a turbocharged four-cylinder engine at its heart. Mated to that, enthusiasts will be delighted to see a 6-speed manual transmission once again. As for how much power it will have? That is still a mystery at this point. The old 2.0-liter powerplant put out 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels.
After experiencing the new Civic Si, though, I’m wondering whether the new model actually will get any more power. After all, the brand’s mid-range offering is down five horsepower from the tenth-generation version (at least on paper). With Hyundai’s N division and Volkswagen’s new GTI and Golf R raising the stakes, though, we may see Honda turn things up a bit. Despite the subdued styling, we have seen the large rear wing and center exhaust, while some of these photos show the trademark red seats.
A few things remain to be seen, namely any huge powertrain changes — like actually offering an automatic transmission this time around — and what pricing will be. That last one’s genuinely tough to gauge with how ridiculous the car market’s been over the past year. However, assuming Honda doesn’t ask the world for the new Civic Type R, it should start right around $40,000…before the inevitable markup, that is.
The first question has to do with the future Ram Power Wagon. It’s actually many questions/statements from different sources.
Q: (A post on a Ram Power Wagon fan site): Do you think Stellantis will make the future Ram Power Wagon all-electric?
“The future Ram Power Wagon is the last truck I would ever consider electrifying. It’s been around for 75 years and the recipe remains the same. Tough, capable, unstoppable.” – E. Berr
“Will Stellantis discontinue the Ram Power Wagon, or make it some sort of hybrid?” – C. Costa
“We will have electrified versions of every vehicle they we in the United States by 2030.” – Stellantis
An image of the upcoming Ram EV pickup (Image: Stellantis)
A: The future Ram Power Wagon?
I’m kind of worried about Stellantis’ plans in general, to be honest. I don’t mind the idea of future electrification for many brands, but they straight-out said they will have electric versions of all of their vehicles. That’s kind of dubious for all of their heavy duty pickup trucks, to be honest.
The Ram Power Wagon is one of my favorite off-road pickup trucks. It’s not just because it is remarkably capable off-road, it simply oozes awesomeness. It’s a brute, a basher, an asphalt thug – and it’s cozy too. Sure, it laps up unleaded like a thirsty hound – it’s more frugal that the previous models. I got about 12 mpg combined driving the 2020 model… which is an improvement!
A hybrid powertrain in the Ram Power Wagon could be something…
If you think about the gains Ford and Toyota have managed by building a proper hybrid powertrain for their half-ton pickup trucks, it makes me wonder about the Power Wagon. Right now, Ram’s e-Torque system is not that efficient. Sure, there are slight gains, but it’s not exactly stellar.
The Power Wagon’s current, big-honkin’ 6.4-liter Hemi V8 makes 410 horsepower and 429 lbs-feet of torque. It moves the 7,000-lbs heavy duty truck with mucho gusto. Now, just for the purposes of comparison, the 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid makes a combined 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque.
Just hang with me here.
What IF Ram made something comparable to Ford’s hybrid – but built for heavy duty trucks? Sure, there are a ton of reasons people would be resistant to this. Not the least of these issues would be concerns over complexity and reliability. Still, there are a lot of examples of both civilian and industrial hybrid systems that last a long time.
It’s just food for thought. I wonder what the folks at Stellantis are thinking.
— N
The next question comes from a Tesla fan who’s thinking about turning to Ford.
Q1: (Via: Twitter@NathanAdlen) Waiting on Tesla to make good on their Cybertruck is annoying.
I am seriously considering trading my wife’s Model 3 in for a Mach E and giving in to get a (Ford) Lightning instead of a Cybertruck. Tired of (Elon) Musk and his antics. So tired of stupid politics and game playing. Like our Model 3 and drove it over 50,000 miles in 3 years. Just hate the customer service. Kinda done.
— @OzStevensLover66
A: I hear you, and I hope it works out.
Still, there is real evidence that the Cybertruck is coming closer to production. We recently posted a story about some intriguing images and video of the Cybertruck testing. It showed many clues about the truck nearing production (mirrors, wiper, lights, etc.).
Being that I have yet to drive either the Cybertruck, or the Ford F-150 Lightning, I have no insight to share with you. On the other hand, I’ve driven both the Model 3 and Mach-E, and they are both fantastic performers. Yes, I would choose the Ford as it is a little more intuitive and I found all models to be comfy for the driver. I think the Model Y is a better competitor with the Mach-E.
Anyway, I hope it works out. Keep us in the loop!
— N
2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT.
The last question comes from a friend in California who wants to know what he can do about getting screwed at a used car dealership.
Q: Just bought a 2017 Honda Pilot for $29,000. It had 70,000 miles on it.
Paid cash and got a warranty from the dealership last week. Now it’s dead and the “warranty” company won’t cover the glitch. The dealership won’t return my calls and I found a mountain of bad reviews on the place. Can you expose them!?
— Kana
[Photo: Flickr]
A: Good news my Amigo!
Not only do you have legal avenues, you should quality under California’s used car Lemon Law requirements. Provided that you owned the vehicle for less than a month, and put less than 1,000 miles on it – the Lemon Law should apply.
From 2013 on, the laws of California were amended to require that even “buy here, pay here” used car dealers must offer at least a 30 day or 1,000-mile warranty that covers the essential components of the car. However, most dealers that are not “buy here, pay here” will provide a better warranty, particularly if the vehicle is Certified Pre-Owned. Either way, the Lemon Law entitles you to compensation if you bought a used car and the following qualifications are met:
You bought the car from a retailer, not a private individual. Private used car sales are not covered under the law.
There is an active warranty on the car, whether that is the original manufacturer’s warranty or an extended warranty given by the retailer.
The pre-owned vehicle has a substantial defect.
The pre-owned vehicle has spent an excessive amount of time in the shop being repaired.
Despite a “reasonable number” of repair attempts, the car still is not fixed and the problem persist
Now, quickly reply and be prepared show up at the dealership with all of your paperwork – AND a printout of the Lemon Law. Don’t be afraid to seek legal guidance, many Lemon Law specialists do free consultations.
Finally: for all of you, make that dealership famous. There are several websites that you can report them to, including the Better Business Bureau and a variety of forums like Yelp – among others. Also, consider going to the state’s various dealerships associations, like IADAC.
Check local news sources too. You would be surprised about how many journalists are gathering data for a slam dunk on that business. On top of that, if a news piece has already posted about that dealership, contact the journalist and their editor. They are probably looking for additional material for updates and so-on.
Best of luck!
— N
p.s. Update: Kana retained an attorney and got a refund, along with additional money for expenses. Well done!
In order to meet Mach-E demand, the Ford Explorer EV and Lincoln Aviator EV will be delayed.
In a report by Automotive News Friday, Ford stated that it is planning to triple output of the Ford Mustang Mach-E in order to meet the car’s explosive demand. Per a tweet from CEO Jim Farley, means ultimately ramping up production to 200,000 units annually. It also means that the all-electric versions of the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator will have to wait. The Ford plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico was slated to produce the EV Explorer and EV Aviator. It’s switching to the Mustang Mach-E.
In that post, AutoNews notes Ford telling its suppliers that the production of the Explorer and Aviator EV will be delayed 18 months. Originally, production was supposed to start near the summer of 2023. The company also aims to move the vehicles’ production from Cuautitlan, Mexico to an as-yet-unannounced plant. As it stands right now, that timeline means the delay pushes production to December 2024.
Demand for the Ford Mustang Mach-E is remarkably high
Recently, Jim Farley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ford Motor Company tweeted that EV production will increase to 600,000 units within two years. Part of this increase is the massive demand for their new Mustang Mach-E. Despite a recent price increase, the demand remains consistently high.
As of October 2021, Ford Mustang Mach-E ranks second in EV sales, trailing only the Tesla Model Y. With the addition of the Cuautitlan, Mexico plant, Ford is aiming to overtake Tesla in the near future. With the impending arrival of the Ford F-150 Lightning — which is also in high demand — Ford’s aim of producing 600,000 electric vehicles per year could be well within reach.
It’s hard to produce Mustang Mach-Es fast enough to meet the incredible demand, but we are sure going to try. So starting in 2022 we are increasing production and expect to reach 200,000+ units per year for North America & Europe by 2023. That's 3x our 2021 output. ⚡️⚡️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/xSMbuHxdEN
What about the regular Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator?
The gasoline-powered Ford Explorer will continue production at the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant. The Ford Explorer is still extremely popular. Last year, Ford sold over 240,000 units in North America. The automaker is on track to match or exceed that number in 2021. While not as hot as a seller, the Aviator sold about 25,000 units in North America in 2020. The Explorer is still one of the more popular vehicles in its segment, and the Blue Oval isn’t going to jeopardize that position.
The Next-Generation 2023 Mini Hardtop appears to have a ton of changes.
A lot of new changes to the Mini are immediately apparent with the exterior design, but is it enough?
A new set of spy images showing next-generation car are making the rounds, and were tweeted out by Greg Kable. It’s a pretty good bet that these cars are fairly production-ready, so it should be informative of what’s coming to production. Judging by the other camouflaged Minis in other photos, those changes should also be wide-ranging across the model’s lineup. It’s apparent that the Cooper four-door and Cooper S are hanging around as well.
The main attraction is this white next-generation Cooper. While the front end is still familiar, there are some obvious changes, including the headlights. The rearview side mirrors look a bit larger, which would be a good thing. You can clearly see other significant exterior updates, and the grill is one of them.
That design update is especially noticeable with the rear end design. The next-generation Mini appears to have ditched the signature squared-off taillights for a triangular design.
The new model still has fairly similar headlights to the current model.
It still appears that Mini kept what I call the “fish eye” headlights. The halo component is still there, but the internal design of the headlight looks different. Perhaps it’s a mix of projection and LED lights? Well, at least the dead fish eye look is now kind of angry.
The interior looks a bit different as well. If you look at the screen and steering wheel, they both look like they have been upgraded.
Mini already stated that their other products, the Countryman and Clubman will get updates in 2023 as well. The thing is, these last updates are probably the last ones for the gas models. Mini will begin its serious move to electrification shortly. That means, they want to have about 50% of their models electric by 2027. Eventually, the internal combustion Mini will be extinct.
While we savor the future possibilities, check out one of our recent roadtrips with the (current) Mini Cooper SE below:
