Author: Sofia
Porsche teased an RS-themed 911 special edition at last year’s Monterey Car Week, then showed what the coupe would look like in October. The real Weissach deal is finally here, a 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS with the Tribute to Carrera RS package paying homage to the 1973 911 Carrera RS 2.7 that’s conquered tracks and bank accounts since its creation. Media got to spend time with the coupe in Southern California, the wider public will get eyes on it at the 12 Hours of Sebring the weekend of March 15-18. Forget about ordering one unless you live in the…
Buick has revived its Electra nameplate for a family of electric vehicles, the first member of which is the Electra E5 compact crossover destined for sale in China later this year. Buick revealed the exterior design of the Electra E5 last December, and on Tuesday it provided a first look at the crossover’s interior. While the Electra E5 isn’t likely to reach the U.S., both its exterior and interior designs may preview what’s to come for electric Buicks sold on these shores. The cabin design isn’t exactly groundbreaking, though the space looks like a comfortable place to be. The highlight…
When considering the overall environmental impact of new cars and trucks, it’s important to look not only at the powertrain, but also the curb weight, according to a new analysis from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The group annually releases a “Greenest List” of the 12 vehicles estimated to do the least damage to the environment, as determined by a holistic look at tailpipe emissions, manufacturing, and disposal, as well as emissions related to production of electricity or fuel. It also releases a “Meanest List” of the 12 worst environmental offenders. The 2023 “Greenest List” was entirely…
DeLorean Motor Company, the company famous for the DeLorean DMC-12 sports car that served as the basis of Doc Brown’s time machine in the “Back to the Future” movies, has been revived as an EV company and is working on its first model, the Alpha5. First shown last May, the Alpha5 is a large coupe that packs a 100-kwh battery and is promised to deliver a range of more than 300 miles on a charge. Like the DMC-12, the Alpha5 was penned by Italdesign and features a pair of gullwing doors. It will also easily hit 88 mph, a feat…
Volkswagen has introduced an update to the first member of its ID family of electric vehicles, the ID.3. Unveiled on Wednesday, the updated ID.3 goes on sale in markets where the current compact hatch is offered later this year. While the U.S. isn’t one of the markets, the changes made to the ID.3 likely portend similar updates destined for ID EVs sold here. The ID.3 gets revised styling on the outside, including a new front fascia with side curtains that bring a sportier look and are also claimed to improve aerodynamic efficiency. At the rear, the taillights now extend farther…
Stellantis on Tuesday announced a $155 million investment in three Kokomo, Indiana, plants to produce drive modules for future electric vehicles beginning in 2024. Consisting of an electric motor, power electronics, and transmission assembled as one unit, these modules will be used in vehicles based on the STLA Frame and STLA Large platforms, which will underpin an upcoming Ram 1500 REV pickup truck and Dodge electric muscle car, respectively. While the company didn’t name specific products, it’s very likely these models will be powered by U.S.-built drive modules from this facility. Stellantis EV drive module The company has noted before that…
Vinfast says that it’s delivering its first U.S.-market EVs to customers tomorrow. A study suggests that brake and tire pollution may exceed that from tailpipes. And the Rivian R1T is making owners very happy. This and more, here at DriftBreath Reports. New results out this morning from survey giant J.D. Power suggest Rivian is doing very well with the ownership experience—especially in setting expectations for range. The Rivian R1T, Mini Cooper SE, and Kia EV6 were among the top-ranked EVs, with the Model 3 following those. Vinfast has cut the lease prices for its VF 8 and VF 9, and…
Pricing information for the redesigned 2024 Ford Mustang is now live on Ford’s website. The cheapest new Mustang is the EcoBoost Fastback, which starts at $32,515 with the mandatory $1,595 destination charge. EcoBoost models use a 2.3-liter turbo-4 engine that generates 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, and are only available with a 10-speed automatic transmission. A standard limited-slip differential helps meter the flow of power to the rear wheels. A 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen are standard as well, along with rear parking sensors, but buyers still only get manually adjusted front seats. 2024 Ford…
Rivian has made its biggest battery, a 180-kwh unit dubbed the Max Pack, available on its R1S SUV for the first time. Previously limited to the R1T pickup truck, the Max Pack battery can now be ordered on the R1S for fall delivery. Like on the R1T, the Max Pack on the R1S can only be configured with a Dual-Motor powertrain. The R1S has an available Quad-Motor powertrain, though this option is offered exclusively with a 135-kwh Large Pack battery. Rivian has said that it plans to make the Max Pack available with an enhanced Quad-Motor powertrain at a later…
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is a three-row vehicle in that it literally has three rows of seats, but to lump it in with other large, luxury three-row vehicles would be generous. Quite simply, that third row and the amount of cargo space behind it are barely usable. Mercedes’ own GLS-Class is far more functional, which means that the EQS SUV is hardly the all-electric answer to the biggest Benz SUV. In terms of cargo area specs, I have absolutely no idea what the EQS SUV supposedly provides. The official specs show only the 5-passenger version and even then lists 22.7…