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Lexus’ yoke remains on the way for the U.S.—later. Genesis’ GV70 electric SUV is much more expensive than its gasoline counterpart. Porsche thinks one-pedal driving isn’t efficient. Sakuu offers up the first solid-state cells for EVs. Rivian electric trucks make some nature-inspired sounds. And are plug-in hybrids emitting more than they’re supposed to? This and more, here at DriftBreath Reports. Lexus has provided an update on its yoke interface and steer-by-wire system, and timing appears not to have changed as a result of Tesla’s recent decision to start offering steering wheels again on Model S and Model X. The Lexus…
Recent McLaren patent filings hint at a triple-motor powertrain for future supercars. One patent application, published in January 2023 and first spotted by The Drive, describes a rear-axle drive unit consisting of a differential with three electric motors. A primary motor is positioned at the differential’s input, and two more are at the outputs, where the axle shafts exit and connect the diff to the rear wheels. The housing for this mass of motors and gears would be made of aluminum or magnesium to save weight according to the application. McLaren triple-motor powertrain patent image (from application published Jan. 2023)…
Cadillac revealed an updated XT4 that we’ll see in showrooms shortly as a 2024 model. The update represents a mid-cycle refresh for the compact crossover and has seen the vehicle receive styling tweaks plus a tech overhaul. Porsche plans for most of its lineup to be electric by the end of the decade. It means the automaker’s model lines will transition to electric power as they’re redesigned. The Macan will be the first to go the electric route, and now we have a report about Porsche’s plans for the Cayenne’s electric transformation. Volkswagen was spotted testing what’s likely to be…
BMW took the wraps off updated versions of the X5 and X6 earlier this month, and on Tuesday it revealed the high-performance versions of the mid-size SUVs. Both the updated X5 M and X6 M are offered as standard in Competition grade, and they each deliver 617 hp, which is the same peak output for the current Competition grade. However, there’s a new V-8 under the hood. It’s still a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 but it’s now paired to a mild-hybrid system, which is a first for a BMW M powertrain. 2024 BMW X5 M Competition The mild-hybrid system delivers a…
The Ford EcoSport has never quite managed to match the best models in the small SUV class, although a facelift back in 2017 helped address a few key issues. In particular, there were big improvements in the cabin brought about by a smart Fiesta-inspired dashboard, while revised on-board tech meant that Ford’s smallest crossover didn’t feel quite so out-dated alongside newer rivals.However, the Ecosport wasn’t anywhere near the top of the class in 2017, and it certainly isn’t challenging for top honours today. Mechanically and in terms of practicality, the EcoSport remains flawed; clumsy driving characteristics, poor interior space and unhelpful…
Mercedes-Benz hasn’t made much hay with its EQ Power line of plug-in hybrid powertrains in the U.S. market, most recently lobbing batteries at the short-lived GLC 350e and the S 560e and introducing the 2024 GLE 400e 4Matic. The dual-power motivations are bigger deals in other markets, hence the introduction of the Mercedes-Maybach S 580e. Maybach’s first PHEV is the rebranded and more luxurious version of the Mercedes-Benz S 580e that launched in July 2021. As with the previous car, the telltale is the charge port on the driver’s side rear fender. You’d need to know your S-Classes well, because…
As the mobility and EV industry converges around a seemingly limited array of battery sizes and just three form factors, California-based Sakuu is suggesting a very different, seemingly endless range of possibilities—like future cells sized and shaped for products. The manufacturing hook behind this proposition is 3D printing. While there have been a few attempts at 3D batteries before, Sakuu claims that as of December 2022 it’s the first “company of record to 3D-print fully functional batteries in custom shapes and sizes with patterned openings for thermal management in a completely dry process.” The company says that it’s on track…
Hyundai is close to revealing a major update for its Sonata, and one of the final prototypes has been spotted undergoing cold-weather testing in Sweden’s Lapland region. The mid-size sedan is currently into its eighth generation, with the last redesign coming for the 2020 model year. This updated version should debut later this year as a 2024 model. A reveal at the 2023 New York auto show in early April is a strong possibility. It’s where the current model debuted four years ago. The prototype is heavily camouflaged but we know the updated Sonata will ditch the current model’s conventional…
EVs are by nature far quieter, so more thought needs to go into the sounds they make when doing routine things. Rivian saw this as an opportunity to reinforce the outdoorsy branding of its R1T electric pickup truck and R1S electric SUV, choosing sounds inspired by nature. Even without an internal-combustion engine, cars make lots of sounds. From turn signals to the pedestrian warning sounds now mandatory on EVs and hybrids, each needs to be purposefully chosen. Rivian worked with sound design firm Audio UX to do this, whittling down about 900 sounds to around 40 that actually made it…
The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e electric crossover has begun arriving in the U.S., but the brand’s first mass produced global electric vehicle won’t arrive with the brand’s newest technology. The Lexus won’t offer a steer-by-wire system with a yoke when it launches the RZ 450e EV in the U.S. Both will be offered in the U.S. at an unspecified date, Lexus confirmed to DriftBreath Reports over the weekend. At launch, the RZ 450e will be sold only with the conventional rack-and-pinion steering with electric assist, the same as that in the related 2023 Toyota bZ4X. It’s connected to a conventional steering…