Cybertruck Delays Mean Competitors GM, Ford Will Be First With Truck EVs

[Auto Styling News]

When Tesla first introduced its Cybertruck electric pickup prototype in November 2019, it was described as a vehicle similar to one in the films "Mad Max" and "Blade Runner." CEO Elon Musk said the development of the Cybertruck was influenced by the amphibious Lotus Esprit S1 that was featured in the 1977 James Bond film "The Spy Who Loved Me."

The prototype impressed so many people that five days after introduction on Nov. 24, 2019, Musk said the company had received 187,000 orders for the electric vehicle.  After numerous delays due to COVID, it may finally come to market next year. As The Street reports, it will have competition from Ford, Stallantis/Chrysler,  and even GM:

"General Motors will have its say in the SUV/crossover market as it in July 2022 unveiled plans for its new electric version of the Chevy Blazer, which has been a popular internal combustion engine model for many years, since it first went on sale in 1969."

"The new Chevy Blazer EV will feature four models: the 1LT starting at $44,995; 2LT at $47,595; the RS starting at $51,995 and the SS priced at $65,995. The automaker will also feature a Police Pursuit Vehicle, automaker said in a statement when it unveiled the models."
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Auto Styling News is a blog that covers car concepts, newly released models, and the auto industry.

2023 Prius Has Striking New Design

[Auto Styling News]

Striking from any angle, Prius’ sleek new design profile  is features smooth curves and sharp details. And optional 19-in. alloy wheels give it an even sportier look. The sexy full length glass sunroof curves gently down to the rear of the vehicle, offering great interior light and visibility.

It comes with the added bonus of 194 horsepower and up to 54 MPG. The new hybrid will cost you $27,450 (MSRP) but this is lower than all new purely Electric Vehicles. It's well worth a look.

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Auto Styling News is a blog that covers car concepts, newly released models, and the auto industry.

(Photos: Toyota USA)

Mercedes Launches Luxury EV For 2023

[Auto Styling News]

Mercedes-Benz is betting big on its full conversion to electric vehicles.

The company's ongoing dedication to performance is translated well in the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE350+It's a mouthful to say, but a beautiful vehicle to behold.

The exterior design features one-bow lines and a cab-forward design. The black panel grille with chrome vertical struts and AMG lettering characterize the front view, while the side panels, rear bumper and spoiler give it a distinctly aerodynamic effect.

Mercedes-AMG vehicles have always thrilled with performance, and the all-electric EQE is no different. AMG-specific electric motors at the front and rear axles provide higher engine speeds and even more power, resulting in up to 677 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque (with the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package). Variable all-wheel drive, rear axle steering, and AMG RIDE CONTROL+ with adaptive adjustable damping all help to translate that power to the pavement, maximizing agility and maneuverability. And to maintain the sensory experience of driving a Mercedes-AMG. 

The car is likely to price close to 100K in the US when it goes on sale later this year. But that hits both the EV market and Mercedes upscale AMG market quite nicely, pricewise.

Let's hope that sometime in the future the company has an entry level EV that looks similar to this and runs in the $35,000 range.

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Auto Styling News is a blog that covers car concepts, newly released models, and the auto industry.

KIA Goes Electric With It's 2023 Niro

[Auto Styling News]

The "Sustainable mobility" 2023 Kia Niro is said to be by the Kia to be built to be  "accessible for everyone." the Second-generation Niro CUV comes in hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and all-electric (EV) variants, further advancing Kia’s "Plan S" electrification initiative.

This all-new Kia Niro features a bold and dynamic design, featuring what the company calls it's ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, and specifically its design philosophy, ‘Joy for Reason.' Let's just say that Korean car companies think differently than American car companies!

The design treatment allegedly takes its inspiration from nature, while the choice of colors, materials and finishes aim to strike a balance between an environmentally responsible approach to mobility and a future-oriented passenger car vision.

The side profile of the 2023 Kia Niro is accentuated by the Aero Blade, a highly distinctive shape that also aids airflow underneath. The Aero Blade can be painted in body color or in a variety

Dimensionally, the 2023 Niro retains a compact footprint but is surprisingly larger than the vehicle it replaces. The wheelbase increases to 107.1 inches, and overall length increases to 174 inches. Cargo capacity behind the rear seats increases to 22.8 cubic feet. And with 6.3 inches of ground clearance, Niro can easily handle urban activities. With these changes, Niro has 8 more cubic feet of passenger cabin room and 50 percent more cargo room than the Tesla Model 3.

Photos and text courtesy of Kia Motors

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Auto Styling News is a blog that covers car concepts, newly released models, and the auto industry.

EV Automaker Rivian Sees Stocks Plummet After Bad Fourth Quarter

[Auto Styling News]

Rivian, the U.S. electric automaker that went public late last year, reported its fourth-quarter financial results and calendar 2021 outcome, results that along with its production forecast for 2022 disappointed Wall Street and sent shares to a new low, according to TechCrunch.

The company (trading as RIVN) are holding steady at just below $36 a share, after losing 12% of its value in after hours trading on Thursday. That followed losing 6% of its value Thursday during daily trading.

A worldwide computer chip shortage, lingering doubts about future energy supplies, and range anxiety are all creating a perfect storm that is causing EV adoption hesitancy in the electric car market, despite a great deal of hype from the auto industry itself.

That is having a serious effect on startups like Rivian and lesser known companies like Canoo (GOEV) an electric automaker that has also has seen its stock plummet in recent months (it stands at $5.76 a share, down 1.35% Thursday) despite a new factory having been constructed in Oklahoma and promises of their van-like Lifestyle vehicle being produced by the end of the fourth quarter of this year - the seemingly ambitious goal that is also being doubted among those watching Rivian.

Nevertheless, Rivian produced just over 900 vehicles by the end of 2021, despite the fact that this was not enough to turn a profit.
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Auto Styling News is a blog that covers car concepts, newly released models, and the auto industry.

#Nissan Unveils Electric #Ariya SUV

[Auto Styling News]

The all-new 2023 Nissan Ariya electric crossover model is getting closer to its upcoming U.S. on-sale date with the opening of a special reservation portal, giving customers the opportunity to be one of the first to purchase the most advanced and connected Nissan vehicle ever.  

Four Nissan Ariya SUV models will initially be available for sale in late 2022.

The preliminary 2023 Ariya reservation model lineup, specifications and initial MSRP starts at $45,950 for the Venture+ front-wheel drive model. Pricing for additional Ariya models will be announced at a later date.

Additionally, the first 10,000 reservations made before Jan. 31, 2022 will qualify for a two year free EVgo membership plus $500 in charging credits upon purchase. That's worth up to an estimated 5,000 miles of EV driving for the Ariya Venture+.

The all-new Ariya is "the embodiment of the new Nissan," says Michael Colleran, senior vice president, Nissan U.S. and Marketing and Sales. "Ariya leverages our decade of expertise selling mass-market EVs, uniquely positioning Nissan and our dealers to deliver both a thrilling vehicle and outstanding ownership experience."

The company says the Ariya will be a cornerstone to the Nissan NEXT global transformation plan and is the first production model to represent the company’s new electrified brand identity.

Nissan has for years sold electric vehicles like the Leaf, but this SUV is taking this to the next level.

Visually, this crossover bears a scary similarity to several others hitting the market this year and next. The front end, at least, bears Nissan's signature styling, but the sides and rear could be mistaken for a Hyundai, or a KIA. Or the new electric Ford Mustang SUV.

Not that it's in any way unpleasant to look at, it's just that once a trend gets started, every car company copies it, endlessly.

Nissan has announced a target that more than 40 percent of its U.S. vehicle sales by 2030 will be fully electric, with even more to be electrified. 

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Auto Styling News is a blog that covers car concepts, newly released models, and the auto industry.

#KIA's Sculpted, Redesigned 2023 Sportage Set For Spring '22 Release

[Auto Styling News]

The renewal of KIA's lineup continues with the next generation of the Sportage SUV, the company's oldest nameplate. In North America, the model will debut as a 2023 when it does arrive next Spring.

As KIA’s longest running nameplate, which pioneered its segment, the Sportage undergoes its most significant change to date as the fifth generation is unveiled.

It was developed as part of the company's new global brand transformation, “Movement that Inspires."

Up front, the Sportage sports a new look that signifies a break with previous styling.

KIA says this "Opposites United” design philosophy "blends futuristic yet rugged design elements."

It has new, aggressive, boomerang-like headlights and running lights that are integrated into a grille that spans the entire width of the vehicle. (One wonders if the right lamp is designed to remind us of the letter K.)

The beltline is steep at the rear, which suggests there could be problems with rear three-quarter visibility. 

The back end is once again equipped with lights that extend the vehicle’s width and are similar to those of the Korean company's upcoming electric model, the EV6.

Overall, this smoothe and sculpted redesign will likely prove to be a hot seller for the Korean automaker. It follows design trends in the industry and considerably amps up its own brand styling.

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Auto Styling News is a blog that covers car concepts, newly released models, and the auto industry.

#Canoo Inks Battery Deal With Panasonic

[Auto Styling News]

There was a time when many auto industry insiders were concerned that California-based EV startup Canoo was not going to make it. 

Last April, Hyundai withdrew from a previously signed deal to help develop Canoo's skateboard multi-purpose EV platform. No doubt this was a major hit for the start-up, but it refused to give up.

This week, Canoo announced it's signed an agreement with Panasonic to supply batteries for its curvaceous, yet box-like Lifestyle Vehicle. Canoo is also developing a Tesla Cybertruck-rivaling truck, MPV, delivery van, and a sedan, all from the same platform.

2023 is still the rather ambitious sale date for these vehicles, and the plants have not been built in which they will be produced.

Yet, it's easy to find yourself reading for them, and hoping they can make it go of it. If they do, Canoo who have brought an electric van to market before Volkswagen, which has promised a Boomer-pleasing, nostalgic electric van every year for the past 10 years. But that project always seems 5 to 10 years away.

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Auto Styling News is a blog that covers car concepts, newly released models, and the auto industry.

#Canoo EV Manufacturer Introduces Pickup Truck

[Auto Styling News]

Electric vehicle manufacturer Canoo (Nasdaq: GOEV), has debuted its fully-electric pickup truck during the Motor Press Guild’s Virtual Media Day. 

The production version of the pickup will open for pre-orders in the second quarter of 2022, with deliveries beginning in 2023.

“We are so passionate about building vehicles that can change people’s lives,” said Tony Aquila, Executive Chairman, Canoo. “Our pickup truck is as strong as the toughest trucks out there and is designed to be exponentially more productive. This truck works for you. We made accessories for people who use trucks – on the job, weekends, adventure. You name it, we did it because it’s your platform and she’s bad to the bone.

Canoo’s pickup truck was built with several unique features to help customers do more with their vehicles:

Pull-out Bed Extension: The pickup truck bed is six feet long and can extend to a fully enclosed eight feet, allowing big items such as a 4 by 8 ft sheet of plywood to easily fit inside. The pull-handle bed extension also helps with loading and unloading the truck. The extension also serves as a license plate holder. When the bed is extended, a second layer of tailgate doors can be swiveled out. The bed extension also houses a secondary lamp, containing all tail lamp functions, so the truck can be driven while the bed space is maximized.

Fold Down Worktable + Cargo Storage: To offer the greatest customer utility, the pickup features a front cargo storage area that can hold tools or gear, also includes a fold down worktable with electrical outlets. The workstation table is extendable to allow customers to have maximized work surface on the go, in addition to providing an area to put on gear before heading out exploring.

Flip-Down Side Tables: Both sides of the vehicle house a flip down table in two expandable depths. Built into the side panel of the truck bed, the flip-down side table becomes a workbench with multi-functional power sources in close proximity.

Side Step + Storage: On the side of the vehicle there is a hidden step to allow quick and easy access to the truck bed. Underneath the step is a flexible storage area for items including: a first-aid kit, cooler for snacks and drinks, lockable laptop storage and more. This space efficient feature is only possible due to Canoo’s ultra flat platform.

Modular Bed with Space Dividers: The truck bed is modular with the use of Canoo’s space divider system designed to keep items separate and secure. The bed wall also incorporates modular wheel chocks to secure bikes and configurable tie downs for ladders, large equipment and other materials.

Multi-Accessory Charge Port: The pickup truck can double as a powerplant with exportable power accessible on all sides of the vehicle. Power can last all day for tools and devices, which only has a 10% impact on vehicle range.

Integrated Overhead + Bed Perimeter Lighting: The third break light doubles as an overhead light to see inside the cargo bed at night. The vehicle is also equipped with perimeter lighting on all sides of the bed wall for added visibility.

Roof Rack: The pickup truck has optional roof racks in variable sizes for added cargo storage. The roof rack is easily accessible from the flatbed or via the sidestep.

Camper Shell: The pickup truck has been designed to accommodate a variety of camper shells to fit as many uses as possible.

The pickup truck is the third vehicle that will be based on the company’s proprietary multipurpose platform architecture, enabling the accelerated development timeline. 

Canoo’s EV platform functionally integrates all the critical components of an electric powertrain to be as flat and efficient as possible. 

Traditional EV platforms have power units, shock towers and mechanical steering columns that protrude into the vehicle and take up space. By incorporating steer-by-wire and other space-saving technologies, Canoo’s thin platform ("skateboard") with no need for an engine compartment, allows the company to offer a flatbed size comparable to America’s bestselling pickup truck on a smaller footprint. This makes the vehicle easier to maneuver and more convenient to drive and park in any terrain.

Canoo designed its pickup truck to be the most cab-forward and space efficient on the market, with massive cargo capacity on the smallest footprint possible. Thanks to the flexible platform and steer-by-wire, the passenger compartment was able to be shifted forward to maximize driver visibility. Canoo’s designers gave the pickup added stance and durability with increased wheel spats to support larger wheels, which provides improved stability and gives it a rugged profile. Advanced lighting technology provides adaptive safety, and the company’s iconic signature headlights and taillights serve as core brand identifiers without the need for a logo. Beyond just storage, the front surface of the vehicle has been extended to better protect the headlights and windscreen.

The bumpers are designed for maximum functionality and durability with integrated tow hooks and metal skid plates on both the front and rear. The vehicle's fog lamps are also integrated seamlessly into the bumper design to offer the driver additional visibility and safety. Lined with trim and materials selected for durability, the extended cab vehicle has two seats in the front with a customizable rear compartment that can accommodate two additional seats or support additional purpose-built use-case configurability.

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Auto Styling News is a blog that covers car concepts, newly released models, and the auto industry.

Cadillac Teases 2023 All-Electric LYRIQ [Auto Styling News]

Cadillac has announced that the first of its electric vehicles will be the LYRIQ, a show car planned for a 2023 launch.

The car takes the current angular styling and puts it on steroids with nary a curve to be found on the entire vehicle.

Cadillac’s first electric SUV makes a bold design statement that introduces a new face, proportion and presence for the brand’s new generation of EVs. It’s a forward-looking vision unconstrained by the needs of a traditional internal combustion engine, says the company.

The face of the vehicle is undoubtedly unique. Whether it will prove too much for the buying public, or whether it will fit right in among other cars of the year 2023, remains to be seen.

“The LYRIQ represents the next iteration of the iconic brand’s styling, enabled by electrification, as only Cadillac can express,” said Andrew Smith, executive director, Global Cadillac Design. “Inside and out, LYRIQ is a thoughtful integration of design and technology and is intended to make every drive an occasion.”

The company's launch releases the LYRIQ is "assertive and modern," and they are not wrong. The vehicle is characterized by its low, fast roofline and wide stance that emphasize agility and convey confidence. Additional details such as a flow-through roof spoiler express the careful attention paid to aerodynamics to optimize efficiency on the highway.

A distinctive “black crystal” grille in the front is one of the LYRIQ’s most unique and expressive design elements. It is also a dynamic feature, as it is part of a dramatic lighting choreography that — along with bold vertical, slim LED signature lighting — greets the owner upon approach. At the rear, a split taillamp design incorporates slim LEDs that are also integrated into the lighting choreography.

Internally, the LYRIQ will be based on GM’s next-generation, modular electric vehicle platform and driven by the Ultium propulsion system, allowing Cadillac to deliver customers a variety of range and performance options. 

With range being one of the biggest factors when it comes to selecting an EV, the LYRIQ will deliver over 300 miles of range on a full charge.

Squarely aimed at Tesla buyers, Cadillac EV well also offer a hands-free driver assistance feature, along with remote self parking.

Of note is the LYRIQ's Ultium battery system. The Ultium’s NCMA (nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum) chemistry uses aluminum in the cathode to help reduce the need for rare-earth materials such as cobalt. In fact, GM engineers reduced the cobalt content by more than 70 percent, compared to current GM batteries