GM’s Ultium drive motors debut with three different outputs meant for use in different configurations. (Images: General Motors)
Meet the Ultium drive units powering GM’s next-generation EVs.
A ton of electric car news has broken onto the scene over the past few months, and this latest piece concerns the electric motors powering General Motors’ next-generation vehicles. We’ve seen a bit of the Ultium battery pack design in past months, but now the company unveiled three drive motors meant for various applications.
The most powerful of these three units is meant for front- or all-wheel drive configurations, putting out 255 kW (342 horsepower). GM plans to use these specific units in a triple-motor configuration with the GMC Hummer EV — landing that coveted 1,000 horsepower output. That truck is set to launch later this fall, at least in its initial “Edition 1” stage.
A less powerful, 180 kW (241 horsepower unit) also debuted, for use as a front-drive motor. A third, called an “all-wheel drive assist motor”, puts out just 62 kW (83 horsepower). What’s more, GM plans to integrate the inverter and other power electronics — currently housed outside the drive units in the company’s EVs — within the Ultium drive units to reduce complexity and manufacturing costs. The power electronics shown above, GM says, will be up to 50 percent smaller in mass and volume, while delivering 25 percent greater capability. All of this may well play toward greater energy efficiency, which will increase driving range in the Ultium generation to what we have right now.
“All three motors were calibrated in-house to ensure the highest level of performance in Ultium-based EVs,” GM said in its Tuesday statement. “The motors were built as a scalable family, sharing design principles as well as similar tooling and manufacturing strategies.” While GM aims to introduce dozens of models across all its brands over the next few years, the Ultium platform will be at the core of those designs — with these motors put into widespread use throughout both cars and trucks.
Mike Manley debuts the 2019 Jeep Cherokee. (Image: Stellantis)
The former FCA chief executive is leaving after 20 with the company.
Stellantis N.V. announced Tuesday that Mike Manley, a two-decade company veteran and most recently head of the automaker’s North American division, is leaving effective November 1. At that point, he will take the CEO position at AutoNation — America’s largest automotive dealer chain.
“After 20 incredible, challenging, and enjoyable years, and with Stellantis performing so strongly under Carlos’ leadership, the time feels right for me to open a new chapter,” Manley said. “I’m so proud of our Stellantis teams for their extraordinary work and I wish Carlos and them every success as they continue their great adventure.”
Before the Stellantis merger, Manley was most recently the CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, taking over after Sergio Marchionne’s untimely death in 2018. Before that, he was head of Jeep brand, led planning and sales at Chrysler and was appointed as director of network development for DaimlerChrysler UK. His position at Jeep, however, is perhaps Manley’s most profound accomplishment during his tenure.
“I’d like to thank Mike for all that he has done over his 20 years with us,” said Stellantis chairman John Elkann. “His time as the head of Jeep was transformational for that flagship brand an then as the CEO of FCA, he led the company to record results through some of its most challenging moments. Working closely with Carlos [Tavares, current Stellantis CEO], he was instrumental in the creation and successful launch of Stellantis. We wish him all the very best in his new role.”
Manley will join Stellantis Foundation, as one of the charitable arm’s board members moving forward.
Mike Manley with Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, prior to the FCA-PSA merger.
Stellantis has not named a direct replacement yet
As Manley prepares to depart, Stellantis did not announce who will fill that role. In the interim, though, the company did announce its COO for North America, Mark Stewart, and its COO for Latin America, Antonio Filosa, would both report directly to CEO Carlos Tavares.
Of Manley’s departure, Tavares said, “From the very earliest days of our discussions, we shared a truly common vision, belief and commitment and it’s on these solid foundations, built over the past several years, that Stellantis has delivered its impressive early results. So, while I’m personally sorry to no longer have Mike as a colleague, I’m equally delighted for his new CEO role and glad that he will be joining the board of the Stellantis Foundation.”
A few nips, tucks and tech updates are in store for the 2022 Acura RDX to keep it competitive among ferocious crossover competition. (Images: Acura)
The refreshed 2022 Acura RDX will hit dealers this November.
It hasn’t been that long since Acura overhauled its best-selling RDX crossover — and even that effort was a solid one. Now, a couple years down the line, it’s time for a refresh, and the automaker’s efforts focus more on refinement and tweaking the formula, rather than a ground-up revision. To that end, you’ll see some sharpened front and rear styling, some new colors in the palette, tech updates and improvements to vibration and harshness over the outgoing model.
One notable addition right off the bat is this Long Beach Blue Pearl paint. It’s exclusive to the limited-run PMC Edition, which will only get 200 fully-loaded units off the same assembly line as the Acura’s NSX halo car.
The PMC Edition gets some more special touches by the brand’s Performance Manufacturing Center, and comes as a fully-loaded A-Spec model with the Advance package.
Charting the changes
Under the hood, the 2022 Acura RDX retains its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Power stays at 272 horsepower, and torque at 280 lb-ft. Front-wheel drive is still the standard spec, while Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is an option. That said, the automaker says it has tweaked the drive modes to give a more noticeable shift between Comfort and Sport. Acura also retuned the car’s electronic brake booster to improve brake feel, so that should help reinforce the RDX’s position for having some of the best driving dynamics among all its competition.
One area the 2022 Acura RDX steps up its game is on the interior. It wasn’t terrible before, but it lacked some panache that you could reasonably expect in this class. To that end, you get a mix of new interior materials and color options, including standard aluminum trim on the doors, dash and center console across the range. Saddle Brown-equipped cars get bronze finish applied to that aluminum, while Advance Package models get real open-pore wood trim accents and Milano leather.
As you’d expect with a refresh, more standard tech also comes across the 2022 Acura RDX range. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now baked in. The standard AcuraWatch safety suite also includes lane change assist, blind spot montiroing, a rear seatbelt reminder and low-speed braking control. Acura also fitted additional structural elements into the doors to improve crash protection, as well. For context, the current Acura RDX already scored a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though any improvement is always welcome there.
2022 Acura RDX pricing
Pricing for the 2022 Acura RDX is not available just yet. However, it shouldn’t move too much from the current model’s price tag, so expect it to kick off just under $40,000.
For this new model year, the Technology Package gets Qi-compatible wireless charging and ‘IconicDrive’ 27-color ambient lighting. The top-spec Advance Package adds in power-folding side mirrors. For a sportier flavor, the RDX A-Spec model remains, with a gunmetal finish on the grille, gloss-black exhaust finishers and a flat-bottom steering wheel.
Dealers will start receiving the electric Mercedes-Benz EQS later this fall — with an AMG model to follow. (Images: Mercedes-Benz)
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS launches with two models: the 450+ and the 580 4Matic.
Mercedes is mounting its major assault into the EV space with the likes of the EQS, as well as its impending AMG variant over the next year. There’s also the smaller EQE sedan coming, as well as the EQB crossover. It’s kicking off with the S-Class‘ electric sibling, though, and Mercedes announced formal pricing for the model this week.
Looking at the brand’s models moving forward, you’ll be able to choose from bespoke models (based on drivetrain configuration and power output), as well as three trims. For the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS, that narrows down to the rear-wheel drive 450+ or the all-wheel drive EQS 580 4Matic. From there, you can choose the Premium, Exclusive or Pinnacle trim — each subsequently loaded out with more and more features. Base pricing for the EQS 450+ Premium starts at $103,360, while the EQS 580 4Matic Premium kicks off at $120,160.
Here’s a complete breakdown on the EQS by model and trim. Pricing includes Mercedes’ $1,050 destination fee:
Model
Premium
Exclusive
Pinnacle
EQS 450+ (RWD)
$103,360
$106,760
$109,560
EQS 580 4Matic (AWD)
$120,160
$123,560
$126,360
Less expensive than an S-Class?
At least to start, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS slightly undercuts the $110,850 S 500 4Matic, even before available federal and state tax credits. Both versions of the new S-Class pack a 4.0-liter V8, with the S 580 4 Matic naturally putting out more power. Even the standard S-Class is more powerful than the base EQS 450+, though the electric model outguns the gas-powered S-Class on torque. As it stands right now, the EQS 450+ manages 329 horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque. It also sticks with all-wheel drive, in contrast to the all-wheel drive S-Class models.
Like its gas-powered sibling, the EQS comes with a laundry list of standard features. 20-inch wheels are standard fare, as are heated and ventilated front seats, a surround-view camera, 10-degree rear-wheel steering and a 10-speaker Burmester sound system. The 450+ gets a decently large 12.8-inch touchscreen, but that’s nothing on the top-end 580. Spec the higher-end EQS, and you’ll get Mercedes’ massive 56-inch-wide Hyperscreen unit, with three distinct displays under a single piece of glass.
Beyond the base Premium, the Exclusive trim adds massasing front seats, a head-up display and four-zone climate control on top of the Premium’s standard features. The Pinnacle, befitting its name, gets rear heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, as well as additional USB-C ports and wireless charging in the rear center armrest. All EQS buyers will also receive two years of unlimited, 30-minute DC fast charging sessions at Electrify America stations within the U.S.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS will begin arriving in showrooms later this fall.
Ford confirmed the Bronco Raptor name Tuesday. (Image: Ford)
Called it! The Ford Bronco Raptor is coming in 2022.
I won’t go on an egotistical trip here (okay, maybe a small one) — but we had a good feeling for some time that the Ford BroncoRaptor would make its way onto the scene after the initial models debuted. All the way back in 2019, I among many others supposed, “wouldn’t it be great if Ford put a super-powerful engine in the Bronco, like with the F-150, and created an SUV Raptor?” And now, Ford Performance confirmed that they’ve gone and done just that. That helps round out the Raptor lineup, rather than adding Warthog as yet another moniker to Ford’s growing list of sub-brands like FX4, Tremor, Timberline, ST…you get the idea.
Here’s a look at what Ford teased on Tuesday:
If you expected to actually see something, you’ll be disappointed. Nevertheless, at least Ford finally came clean on the name — and that opens the door for a new round of speculation on what this new Bronco Raptor could entail.
Back in the day, I wondered if perhaps Ford would use a souped-up version of their 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 to create the Raptor. Now, we know that engine in fact made its way into the normal lineup, with 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. So what could Ford Performance do here to set the Bronco Raptor apart from its competition? Even the spy video we caught a few months ago (check it out below) doesn’t yield too much insight into which powertrain Ford selected here.
What could we see?
I’m going to dash some hopes now, in that I don’t think Ford will use a V8 engine here. Sorry, but that just hasn’t been their M.O. with the F-150 Raptor, so I doubt they’ll do it with the Bronco either. We could see a 3.0-liter version of the EcoBoost V6 seen in the Explorer ST, which would bump up output to around 400 horsepower. As for torque, Ford Performance could tune that engine to put out somewhere between the 415 lb-ft we see in the 2.7-liter Bronco, and the 510 lb-ft that’s in the F-150 Raptor. Again, this is just conjecture, but going that route would establish a step up from the standard Bronco models, while still leaving some breathing room to market the F-150 Raptor as the top dog in the lineup.
An earlier example of the Bronco Raptor. (Images: TFLcar)
Expect to see some chassis tweaks from the OG Bronco, including a likely switch over to Fox shocks from the Bilsteins found in the Badlands and the Wildtrak. Other changes we’ve seen include monstrously wide fender flares — good for putting some extra power and torque down — and some properly huge BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires.
As for the ‘Warthog’ name, that’s not to say Ford couldn’t expand the lineup again down the road. Ford did say this is “one of the Bronco special edition vehicles that will be available in 2022.” As always, their team could have more reveals up their sleeve.
We’ll have to wait until Ford divulges more actual information to know for sure, but at least know we know with certainty to expect the Bronco Raptor sometime next year. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback builds out the 11th-gen lineup — though the Si and Type R are still on their way. (Images: Honda)
Yep, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback is (a bit) more expensive.
With how screwed up new car prices are at the moment, you can take heart that the new Honda Civic Hatchback is only $700 more than last year. That’s technically just down to MSRP, although you should be able to actually find them for that price, unlike some other cars at present. The new eleventh-generation Civic already launched in sedan form, and now the automaker announced formal pricing for the five-door hatch — which is the one many folks actually want. Even with the price hike, the new Civic Hatchback still starts under $24,000.
Start off with the base LX trim, coupled to naturally-aspirated, 158 horsepower 2.0-liter engine, and you’ll part with at least $23,915. That’s including Honda’s $1,015 destination charge, and winds up about $1,000 more than the equivalent sedan. Now, if you want to row your own gears and dump the CVT for a 6-speed manual, you’ll have to cough up some more cash. The Sport trim is the most affordable way to go the manual route, with its pricing coming in at $25,115.
Honda seems to want to offer folks a real choice with the automatic, though, and the CVT-backed Sport model also starts at $25,115. Once upon a time manuals were a bit cheaper than their automatic counterparts, but that’s not the case here — if you still had the value trump card in your back pocket for the #savethemanuals campaign.
The 1.5-liter turbo packs as much power as the Civic offers, for now
Until the 2022 Honda Civic Si and Type R come along (soon!), the 1.5-liter turbo offers as much power as the new Civic offers for the time being. The CVT-only EX-L trim kicks off at $27,615, and offers the best fuel economy of the bunch. If you’re looking for the best mileage, you can get up to 39 mpg on the highway and 35 mpg combined, according to EPA figures.
At the top, there’s the Sport Touring trim. Think Sport, but with some nicer trimmings thrown into the mix, like wireless charging, a larger touchscreen and a Bose premium sound system. That will cost you $30,415, regardless of whether you opt for the manual or stick with the CVT.
Overall, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback has a wider spread on price than the Toyota Corolla Hatchback. To start, though, the Corolla is only slightly (by about $75) less expensive. Hatchbacks are thin on the ground these days, and the Mazda3 stands out as the Civic’s other chief rival. Again, the Mazda is only slightly less expensive, though if you want it with a manual you’re limited to its swankier, more expensive Premium trim for $29,590.
Unlike those two, though, at least the Civic will offer both performance and a manual transmission when the Si and Type R arrive within the next few months.
The Ford Bronco and Ram TRX are two of this year’s hottest launches.
Even with the absolute craziness going on within the automotive industry, it’s been a headline year for new launches. That’s largely predicated by the new Ram 1500 TRX pickup and the new Ford Bronco SUV, not to mention several other cool cars making it out onto the streets this year. Thanks to your guys’ support, TFL Studios was actually able to purchase both vehicles as long-term prospects, with the intent to fully test each one for their capabilities, as well as their limitations. After quite a few months with the TRX and at least a couple months with the new Bronco, it’s time for an update. What have they been like to live with?
TL;DR version: Both have been fun experiences, in their own ways. Naturally, if you buy something like a monstrous, 702 horsepower pickup, you’re going to have some fun with all that power and presence. The Bronco, for its part, has proven itself a capable off-roader against the likes of the Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender and Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. It may not be as much of a powerhouse — though 330 horsepower and over 400 lb-ft of torque is nothing to scoff at — but it brings some more personality and competition to the off-road segment. That, coupled with the mainstays mentioned above and the boisterous TRX’s own capabilities, means they’ve honestly both been a blast so far.
We recently pitched the Ford Bronco against the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro.
At least for our team, problems have been few and far between with both vehicles. Despite being a massive, heavy, high-strung super truck, the Ram TRX hasn’t given the team any issues so far. While the Bronco faces issues with its hard top that Ford’s working to rectify, the most involved matter we’ve had to handle is preparing it to tow up the Ike Gauntlet. Still, we have a little bit of time left with both yet. You’ll certainly get another update if either the TRX or Bronco decide to play up before we sell them on to new homes.
Particularly with the Bronco, we are always happy to thank the Ronald McDonald House for making it possible to get this First Edition model in the first place, and encourage folks to support their mission to help the well-being of children and families, if and how you can.
This is the previous generation Volkswagen Amarok. (Image: Volkswagen)
The first question comes from a Volkswagen fan whop is curious about the Ford/Volkswagen Amarok pickup truck coming stateside. This was his second question after asking about the Volkswagen ID. LIFE concept last week.
Q (Via NathanAdlen@Twitter): ..also do you think the Volkswagen Amarok pickup truck is coming here?
And will it be a real truck or what you call a crossover pickup like the Maverick and Santa Cruz?
My roommate says there may be two pickups coming. Is that true?
— B. Swartz
(Image: Ford)
A: The Volkswagen Amarok pickup truck could (keyword) make it here!
All signs point to the next generation Volkswagen Amarok possibly coming to the U.S. market. Based on the upcoming next generation Ford Ranger’s T6 platform, it looks like the Volkswagen Amarok will share a majority of the Ranger’s underpinnings. There are Volkswagen Amarok test mules running around the Ford proving grounds at this very moment.
In 2018, it was discovered that a trademark was filed by Volkswagen for the Amarok name with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
If you look at the heavily-cladded next-generation Ford Ranger testing, it looks a lot like the images we’ve seen of the Amarok. It’s expected to have similar stats to the Ranger, and there are rumors of a (Ford-supplied) seven-speed manual transmission, along with Ford’s 10-speed automatic. Insiders believe that Volkswagen will offer a four-door (SuperCrew Cab in Ford-speak), and only a few options.
As for a second pickup?
Volkswagen debuted a very different concept at the 2019 New York Auto Show. It’s called the Volkswagen Tarok concept pickup, and it’s not a Ford-based vehicle. Unlike the Amarok, the smaller Tarok has yet to be confirmed for production for our market. The Volkswagen Tarok is a small, unibody pickup that has a folding midgate (think Chevrolet Avalanche). It’s front-wheel drive-biased and it comes with a small 147-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter engine. It has VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
It’s possible that, if Hyundai and Ford show success with their unibody pickups, Volkswagen may look at our market for production. If that is the case, it will be interesting to see how they work with Ford. Experts think that the Ford Maverick will have massive sales in its first few years.
Before the Tarok debut, there was the Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak concept. Both of these crossover-based pickups were built to get a feel for what the public may want.
Speaking of Volkswagen…
The next rather vague question comes from a viewer who is looking at a Honda Accord and a Toyota Camry.
2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
Q Accord vs Camry?
Hi Nathan, I need to know which used car to get.
There’s an auction that sells off cars used by the state. They have a ton to chose from but what caught my eye was a 2017 Toyota Camry and a 2015 Honda Accord.
Which one would you get?
Bill.P
A: Hi Bill
As I stated in the email I sent back to you, I need a lot more information. When I get emails, or messages regarding my/TFL Studios’ opinion, information needs to be supplied. Find those things you want and/or need in a new car. Think about driving comfort, verses a sporty ride. Most importantly, send the specifications about the vehicle(s) you’re looking at.
Here are a few tips:
There are a bunch of Honda Accords back in 2015. There were quite a few combinations, including a 6-speed manual option on the coupe V6. That thing was a rocket. They had a hybrid as well. Almost all of the variables point to the Honda having outstanding performance, and good efficiency.
The 2017 Toyota Camry also has a few powertrain options. There is a V6 and I4 available, but no coupe and no manual transmission. They had The Camry comes with a strong six-speed automatic transmission. In fact, the term “strong” fits the ’17 Camry well. While it’s not the class leader on paper, it is tough, reliable and safe.
Based on what little you sent me, all I can say is: pick a Camry for longevity and comfort – and pick a Accord for good times and tech.
— N
The last question comes from a “fan” who thinks I live in a cardboard box.
Q: (Via: Facebook) You bought a crap SUV again? Are you poor?
You went from a used Pathfinder to a used Montero! The other guys are running around in new and expensive vehicles. I noticed your ratty trailer too. Do you live in a cardboard box!? I bet Youcar or Edmunds or Kelly Blue Book would pay more!
A.D.
A: Nothing wrong with saving a buck.
I’m doing fine, but thanks for your genuine concern.
Roman just bought one of the most hated modern Land Rovers to prove a point: Even this SUV doesn't suck! Or maybe it does...that's what we're going to find out in our latest project series.
The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid hatchback stakes a claim as one of the most efficient and practical cars for the money — but just how good is it on a 1,200-mile road trip?
