Volkswagen has unveiled an entry-level electric vehicle that it says could be available in the marketplace by 2025 and for less than $24,000.
“The ID. Life is our vision of next-generation fully electric urban mobility,” Volkswagen chief executive Ralf Brandstätter is quoted in the company’s announcement, made at the IAA Mobility 2021 event in Munich. “The concept car provides a preview of an ID. model in the small car segment that we will be launching in 2025, priced at around 20,000 euros. This means we are making electric mobility accessible to even more people.
“In creating the ID. Life we have consistently focused on the needs of younger customers. We believe that, even more so than today, the car of the future will be about lifestyle and personal expression. The customer of tomorrow won’t simply want to get from A to B; they will be much more interested in the experiences that a car can offer. The ID. Life is our answer to this.”
Thus the concept does away with the conventional dashboard but instead offers a video screen for watching movies or playing games. The car also has a textile roof that can opened.
VW said sustainability also was a goal and that recycled materials would be used in the vehicle’s components.
Lexus doing 50 Fuji-edition RC cars
In this case, RC does not stand for “remote control.” Instead, we’re talking about the 2022 Lexus RC F Fuji Speedway Edition model, of which only 50 will be produced, and all of them in an exclusive color, semi-matte Electric Surge.
Empowering the coupes will be a 5.0-liter V8 pumping out 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, good, says Lexus for 0-to-60 3.96 seconds (compared to 4.2 seconds for the non-Fuji 2022 RC F cars). The Fuji version also gets Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, and titanium exhaust.
Subaru unveils 5th-gen WRX
Subaru has rolled out its fifth-generation and new-for-2022 WRX model, powered by a new 271-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine and available with a 6-speed manual or new Subaru Performance Transmission. The car also features dual-pinion electric power steering for quicker response and improved feel.
The car also has a tablet-style Subaru Starlink 11.6-inch central information display and offers the latest version of EyeSight driver-assist safety technology.
New for 2022 is a GT trim package with the automatic transmission with driver-selected steering feel and suspension settings.
The car will be available in early 2022, Subaru said.
Morris unveils cute electric delivery van
Event though you’re not likely to ever see one on American roadways, the new Morris JE delivery van is too cute not to share in this space. The British automaker says the electric-powered vehicles can carry 2,200 pounds of cargo and have a driving range of 200 miles.
Morris Commercial Limited says the vehicles are “a 21st century re-imagining of the famous 1950’s Morris J-Type.”
“Fully designed and engineered in Britain, the automotive engineering company is pioneering a new approach to carbon-neutral transport, by combining innovative modular skateboard architecture and ultra-lightweight recycled carbon-fibre body construction with timeless and quintessentially British design,” the company said.
Honda planning TrailSport truck series
Honda has announced TrailSport as the name for a series of “rugged” light trucks (and presumably SUVs) it plans to launch this fall as it makes its vehicles more capable off pavement. Features include more aggressive tires, increased ground clearance, off-road suspension, under-vehicle protection, and expanded all-wheel drive capabilities, it said.
“The first models to incorporate the TrailSport treatment will feature rugged front and rear styling, durable cladding, and exclusive interior touches, including high-contrast orange stitching and signature all-weather mats that are easier to clean,” Honda said.
“With Honda’s best-in-class i-VTM4™ torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system, they will want to get dirty tackling trails, without sacrificing comfort or the best-in-class on-road dynamics of the brand’s light trucks.”
Chevy updates pickup for 2022
Chevrolet has introduced its 2022 Silverado pickup trcuk and a new ZR2 flagship version specially designed for off-road travel with a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, front and rear e-lockers and Multimatic suspension components.
Design has been updated inside and out, as have technology features including Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance.
Another change is a 20 percent boost in torque from the 2.7-liter turbo engine and increased towing capacity — by 4,000 pounds — for trucks powered by the 3.0-liter Duramax turbo diesel.
Porsche opens another Experience Center
Porsche has opened its eighth Experience Center, this one in Franciacorta, Italy, east of Milan and in an area known for Bergamo, Verona and Lake Iseo. The facility includes three tracks for instruction — and for motorsports events including the Porsche Carrera Cub Italia. There also is a low-friction circle for teaching vehicle dynamics, an off-pavement driving area, driving simulators, vehicles equipped for people with disabilities, and a go-kart track with electric-powered karts.
Porsche also said it will open yet another Experience Center in October, this one in Tokyo. The company already has such facilities in Los Angeles and Atlanta, among other global locations.
Crossover joins Corolla lineup
Just a few days after announcing the sale of the 50 millionth Corolla, Toyota revealed a new addition to the compact car’s model lineup, a crossover.
“Fresh off the sale of the record-setting 50-millionth Corolla, the best-selling car of all time welcomes a versatile new family member with the introduction of the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross,” Toyota said. “Value-priced and packed with features not typically found in a small crossover, Corolla Cross hits the sweet spot with the engaging driving experience of a small car and the functionality of a larger crossover.
“The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, based on the ever-popular Corolla sedan, is coming to dealerships this October with a starting MSRP of $22,195 for the front-wheel drive base grade. And a bump up to all-wheel drive will be available for an extra $1,300.”
Toyota adds that the Corolla Cross is being built in the US, at Huntsville, Alabama.
Cupra flexes flax and future design
Spanish automaker Cupra has revealed the Tavascan Extreme E concept car that it plans to use in the Extreme E electric off-road racing series, but which it also says hints at future design themes for its Tavascan EV series and shows progress in sustainability through the use of such things as flax fibers in the vehicle’s coachwork.
The company also said the use of 3D-printed parts, such as headlight frames, streamlines vehicle production, assembly and repair. Speaking of headlights, the company said grouping headlights in triangles provides a more imposing look for the car.
