This week, we shared Tesla Model Y crash-test ratings, explained why it’s essential to buy the safest car you can afford, taught you how to get a car out of snow, previewed the new 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric SUV, published a comparison of the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue, and introduced you to the Mercedes-Benz Hyperscreen.
But that’s not everything that was happening in the automotive space.
In a video Ford released this week, sketches of the rumored upcoming Bronco pickup truck came to life, depicting the open-bed version as a lifestyle vehicle suitable for hauling kids to school, snowboards to the slopes, and surfboards to the sand. In truck-crazy America, a new Ford Bronco pickup would directly compete with the Jeep Gladiator, and indirectly with other midsize models – including Ford’s own Ranger.
Bloomberg reports that General Motors is considering producing a Corvette-badged electric SUV, likely based on the automaker’s Ultium Drive platform and component set. Reportedly referred to internally at GM as Project R, the electric Corvette would have a sportback design similar to a Ford Mustang Mach-E or a Porsche Cayenne Coupe. The automaker’s sports car is already on track to receive a more powerful and efficient electrified powertrain in the next year or two.
A new spy video of a camouflaged Ford F-150 wearing all-terrain tires and sitting on a lifted suspension suggests that the redesigned Raptor will bellow with V8 fury. And we’re not talking about just any V8. Rumor has it the new Ford Raptor will get the supercharged 5.2-liter currently melting tires in the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, either as standard equipment or as an option. So, while the Ram 1500 TRX now dominates the factory-built performance truck class, it appears Ford is ready to give it some competition.
What’s that? Didn’t you know Mazda offered a diesel engine in the U.S.? Yep, for one year only, in the 2019 Mazda CX-5. The Skyactiv-D powertrain returned up to 29 mpg in combined driving, but the SUV’s standard engine averaged 28 mpg. Plus, the diesel engine was expensive and restricted to higher trim levels. With a price north of $40,000, the CX-5 diesel found few takers. Mazda originally planned to put the engine into the Mazda6 sedan, too, but that ‘future vehicle’ is gone from the company’s consumer website, along with the CX-5.
Kia Changes Logo, Name, Rolls Out Nine New EVs - Find the best Kia deals!
Kia made a whole bunch of news this week. It rolled out a new logo. It changed its name from Kia Motors to simply Kia. It debuted a ‘Movement That Inspires’ brand slogan. And then, it teased nine new electric vehicles with names ranging from Kia EV1 to Kia EV9, all sitting on Hyundai Motor Group’s new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). First to arrive is “a powerful and dynamic crossover,” and Kia says it will reveal the vehicle in a matter of months. Five of the new Kia EV models are for consumers, and the rest are for commercial purposes.
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