Motor Trend 09.2022_downmagaz.net

DELOREAN, NEW MUSTANG, AND MORE + SEPTEMBER 2022 TOYOTA BZ4X VS. HYUNDAI IONIQ 5

TURNING LEAVES AND TURNING HEADS FLOORLINER™ IMSA SPORTSCAR WEEKEND MICHELIN GT CHALLENGE AT VIR AUG 5-7 AUG 26-28 Catch every race live on the NBC Family of Networks

CARGO LINER Premium products are essential in any weather. Route around rain, leaves and mud on your interior with custom-fit FloorLiner, and load your fall gear confidently with Cargo Liner. Gearheads get it right when they shop WeatherTech.com. Made in USA © 2022 MacNeil IP LLC Auto. Home. Pet. Find Your Fit. 1-800-441-6287

ON THE COVER The new Mustang will make its debut for the model’s 60th anniversary. Illustration: Abimelec Design SEPTEMBER 2022 22 COVER STORY The future holds more than mere electric versions of the cars you drive today. Tests & Drives 58 Zigging and Zagging Nissan Z Tomorrow will be electric, but an ICE car wearing the Z badge still has 22 Gas? Where We’re Going, We Don’t Need Gas. something to offer. Frank Markus As we look ahead to what the auto industry has in store, one thing is clear: EVs are the future. 62 Their Time Is Near Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Toyota bZ4X MotorTrend staff EVs are starting to feel more ... normal. Aaron Gold 48 VietNow VinFast has ambitious plans and the 70 Calm of the Dawn Rolls-Royce Spectre Luxury backing of Vietnam’s richest man. He’s not interested takes a silent step toward a new age. Basem Wasef in taking things slow. Alisa Priddle 48 58 62 EST. 1949 MotorTrend (ISSN 0027-2094) September 2022, Vol. 74, No. 9. Published monthly by Motor Trend Group, LLC, 831 South Douglas Street, El Segundo, CA 90245. Copyright© 2022 by Motor Trend Group, LLC; All rights reserved. Periodicals Postage Paid at Los Angeles, CA and VOL. 74 NO. 9 at additional mailing offices. Subscriptions: U.S. and U.S. Possessions $18 for 12 issues. Canada $30 per year and international orders $42 per year (including surface mail postage). Payment in advance, U.S. funds only. Postmaster: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to: MotorTrend, P.O. Box 37200, Boone, IA 50037. 4 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022



MotorTrend Car Rankings See more at MotorTrend.com/Cars 82 The proliferation MTGARAGE of electric vehicles allows new companies Arrival Genesis GV70 Updates Land Rover to move quickly. Defender 110 • Mercedes-Benz E 450 • Rivian R1T Verdict Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Departments & Features 10 Editor’s Letter The future is anything but boring. 12 Intake This month’s hot metal. 20 Technologue Neural Propulsion Systems has the sensor suite and computing power that could eliminate crashes. 21 Your Say Responses to past issues. 82 The Big Picture Electric vehicles have made startup companies like China’s XPeng more viable than ever. 12 20 74 STREAM THE NEW TOP GEAR AMERICA ON THE MOTORTREND APP! SIGN UP FOR THE ALL-NEW adventures of Dax Shepard, Rob Corddry, and Jethro Bovingdon at MotorTrend.com/TopGearAmerica 6 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022

GAME-CHANGING TIRES FOR GAME-CHANGING CARS MICHELIN ELECTRIC VEHICLE TIRES As automakers push electric vehicles further and further, they need tires that match their trailblazing spirit. Michelin is proud to lead the charge. Scan QR code for more information. Copyright © 2022 Michelin North America, Inc. All rights reserved. The Michelin Man is a registered trademark owned by Michelin.

SUPERIOR Editorial Advertising UV Digital Director Erik Johnson Detroit: 4327 Delemere Court, Royal Oak, PROTECTION Executive Editor Mac Morrison @Mac_Morrison MI 48073 Tel: (248) 594-5999 Laurie Felton, Bill Waldman VISIT Deputy Editor, Daily Content Alex Stoklosa 303PRODUCTS.COM Daily Content Team Justin Banner, Andrew Beckford, Los Angeles: 831 S. Douglas St., El Segundo, OR SCAN HERE FOR CA 90245 Tel: (310) 531-9900 MORE INFORMATION Monica Gonderman, Alex Kierstein, Chuck Miller, Matt Smith Matt Rodriguez, Justin Westbrook MADE IN THE U.S.A. International Bureau Chief Angus MacKenzie @Angus_Mack New York: 1180 6th Avenue, 9th Floor, Senior Features Editor Jonny Lieberman @MT_Loverman New York, NY 10036 Tel: (212) 915-4413 Detroit Editor Alisa Priddle @alisapriddle Mexico Editor Miguel Cortina @CortinaMiguel Ryan Bahoshy, Janet Catallo Features Editors Scott Evans @MT_Evans, Christian Seabaugh @C_Seabaugh Chicago: 180 N. Stetson Avenue, Suite 3300, Editor-at-Large Edward Loh @EdLoh Chicago, IL 60601 Tel: (312) 470-3441 Mason Alwan Senior Editor Aaron Gold Manager, Visual Assets Brian Vance Marketing Director Photography Asset Editor William Walker @MT_dubdub Shawn Higgins Associate Photographers Renz Dimaandal, Advertising Coordinator Brandon Lim, Darren Martin Yvette Frost Managing Editor Rusty Kurtz Senior Copy Editor Jesse Bishop @thejessebishop MOTORTREND Group Copy Editor Claire Crowley President/General Manager Technical Alex Wellen Technical Director Frank Markus @MT_Markus Group SVP, Sales Road Test Editor Chris Walton Eric Schwab Associate Road Test Editor Erick Ayapana @Erkayapana Head of Editorial Road Test Analyst Alan Lau Edward Loh @EdLoh VP, Ad Operations Art Pauline Atwood Creative Director Alan J Muir VP, Digital Media Digital Design Manager Ryan Lugo Jason Rice Editorial Operations VP, Sales Auto Aftermarket Director of Editorial Operations Mike Floyd Matt Boice Buyer's Guide Director Zach Gale @ZachGale SVP, Marketing Buyer's Guide Team Duncan Brady, Bob Hernandez, Ryan Payne Alex Leanse, Kelly Lin, Billy Rehbock SVP, Content Strategy Aftermarket Manager, Editorial Operations Phillip McRae Content Coordinators Ryan Ono, Robert Matt Taylor David Freiburger Senior Production Editor Ryan Whitehouse VP, Finance/Controller Production Editors Veronica Beltran, Shilpa Joshi Sabrina Costa, Erika Pizano VP, Social Media & Content Monetization Social Media Manager Carol Ngo Megan Neal VP, Experiential Marketing & Events Contributors Karen Brown (Echavarria) Correspondents Jethro Bovingdon, Director, Publishing Systems Mike Connor, Randy Pobst, Derek Powell Photographers Wesley Allison, James Lipman, Matthew Paige Kenny Nakajima, Al Norris, Steven Pham, Povi Pullinen, Amir Saidi, Jessica Walker Any submissions or contributions from Artists Avarvarii Illustration, Paul Laguette readers shall be subject to and governed by Motor Trend Group, LLC User Content Submission MOTORTREND Studio Terms and Conditions, which are posted at http://www.motortrendgroup.com/submissions/ Head of MotorTrend Studio Mike Suggett VP, Development Gabriel VanHuss Subscriptions VP, External Production David Lee E-mail address changes to: VP, Linear Programming Roger Henry [email protected], Senior Director, Digital Programming Stephanie Vartanian or write to: MotorTrend, P.O. Box 37200, Boone, IA, 50037, or call 800/800-6848. Include name, VP, Studio Production and Operations Levi Rugg address, and phone number on any inquiries. Director, External Production Josh Berkley Occasionally our subscriber list is made available to reputable firms offering goods and services we Sr. Director, Executive Producer, Studio Brett Adkins believe would be of interest to our readers. If you Manager, Studio Development Bart Bidlingmeyer prefer to be excluded, please send your current Manager, External Development Shaan Akbar address label and a note requesting to be excluded Executive Producer Sam Wackerle from these promotions to Motor Trend Group, LLC, Senior Producer Kristin Curtin 831 S. Douglas St., El Segundo, CA 90245, Producers Jonny Clossen, Josh Klug, Michelle Turczyn Attn: Privacy Coordinator. Production Manager Christine Dang Production Coordinator Kelli Quock Back Issues Production Finance Manager Til Samaranayake To order back issues email us at: Director Bradford Alicea [email protected]. In your email please Design Director Mike Royer include: publication name, month/year, and Associate Creative Directors Larry Beimel, Jiro Ietaka quantity along with your phone number. Senior Editor Clint Stringfellow Do not include payment information in your email. Lead Assistant Editor Christian Taylor Assistant Editors Jared Merback, Jonathan Velasques, Kevin Zhang Post Production Supervisor Natalie Lucaccini Post Production Producers Kelly Barnhardt, Haley Hudkins, Mary-Kate Fitzpatrick Senior Manager, Linear Programming Al Schooley Director, Content Operations Jamie Dixon Digital Content Manager Aaron Reuteler Digital Content Coordinator Georgia McClellan MOTORTREND Certified Vehicles For more information, please contact us at, Info@Motortrendcertified.com Copyright 2022 by Motor Trend Group, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED/PRINTED IN THE USA. The MOTORTREND trademark is a registered trademark of Motor Trend Group, LLC.

KEEP YOUR CAR LOOKING LIKE NEW DASH TRIM AND MORE! Restore lost color and prevent fading from UV rays with 303® Automotive Protectant. The versatile protectant works perfectly on rubber, vinyl, and plastic to safeguard the surfaces of your vehicle for up to five weeks. 303® Automotive Protectant is the ultimate in exterior and interior automotive protection. Stock up on yours today! Available at: www.303automotive.com *SELECT WALMART® LOCATIONS MADE IN U.S.A.

Jonny Lieberman Senior Features Editor Editor’s Note Has the entire carworld gone electric? Prettymuch. One year has passed since I sat down to pen a column for our previous annual Future Cars issue. So much has happened comically delayed at this point, the company will eventually build since then. The biggest news was we awarded not one but and sell it. No, really. two of our Golden Caliper trophies to electric vehicles. The Rivian R1T captured our 2022 Truck of the Year honors, and You know what Americans love more than pickup trucks? SUVs. the Lucid Air won our 2022 Car of the Year award. Our 2022 SUV of We cannot buy enough of them. Especially car-based crossovers. the Year, the Genesis GV70, will be available as an EV soon, as well. You know, the ones that are essentially minivans cut to look like The Hyundai Ioniq 5—a real stunner—has taken over Los Angeles. off-roaders. Our thirst is unquenchable, our desires boundless. At one point we considered creating an EV of the Year award, but Automakers are aware of this, and boy, oh boy, is the onslaught we resisted by arguing (correctly) with ourselves that the entire coming. As you peruse this issue, you’ll notice electric SUVs industry is going electric. It’s InEVitable. The future is plugged in, comprise the majority of what’s on tap. From Buick to Honda to and sooner than later, we’ll just call “electric cars,” “cars.” Fiat to Chrysler to Lexus to Lotus to Lincoln, seemingly every automaker and their mother is on the cusp of offering an electric Don’t believe me? Have a flip through this issue and read what SUV, including an EV Jeepster and EV Wrangler. we’ve dug up about the automobiles you’ll be looking at, lusting over, test driving, and then buying in the next few years. Yeah, Then there are some electric cars coming—like, real cars—that you’re probably going to be shopping for an electric I’m pre-drooling over. First and foremost is the Dodge electric car in relatively short order. Forget about the entire muscle car. Dodge has survived until 2022 largely because of the automotive industry investing billions upon billions of dollars converting its product portfolio to electric, brand’s undying devotion to “Hellcat All the Things.” and just look out your window. At the time of writing, Well, a Hellcat engine is a supercharged, gas-burning gasoline costs more than $5/gallon nationally, and here Greenpeace trigger. But what if Dodge figures out how in L.A. gas prices have breached $7 for premium. But that’s now; to make a rowdy EV? What if it cracks the code and let’s look at what’s about to arrive. creates the obnoxious, four-wheel-burnout machine that’s needed to get the old dudes sitting around on beer Americans love pickup trucks. We buy more than 2 million of coolers bitching about “computers in cars” to get off their duffs them every year. And the two biggest names in the game—the Ford and join the EV revolution? If any brand can do it, it’s Dodge. F-150 and the Chevrolet Silverado—now or soon will come in EV There’s an electric Corvette coming, too, but Chevy’s not saying form. The Ford is called the F-150 Lightning (you might’ve heard a peep. I hope it rules. of it), and the Chevy is the not-quite-as-well-named Silverado EV. But hang on a minute. You don’t care about EVs. You want In terms of automotive history, it’s difficult to wrap our collective internal combustion, even if it’s partially electrified, damn it! Fret brain around just how seismic an event this will most likely be. not. As you’ll read, we have not one but two new Lamborghinis Those two powerhouses adopting electrons might one day prove coming, and they will still feature engines with pistons and valves and pipes that burn the high-octane stuff. Your Bitcoin lost most to be the pivotal straws that break of its value, and you can’t really be thinking about Italian exotics? the oil industry’s back. Hey man, we were just talking about Corvette a moment ago, and we’re positive we’re about to see a slew of hybrid ’Vettes featuring But wait! There’s more! Two electric motors combined with big ol’ V-8s. Also, a new Mustang is more big EV pickup dogs are about on the way, and although there might just be a hybrid variant, the to join this fight: Ram is going to GT’s heart will remain a 5.0-liter red, white, and blue V-8. launch a full-size electric pickup As car people, there are many things you can say about the future, truck in 2024, and although the but you can’t in good faith call it boring. Our look at what’s coming much-hyped Tesla Cybertruck is begins on page 22. Q 10 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 In addition to massive investments by established players, the EV revolution has created space for a revamped DeLorean.

Electrifying adventure. The all-new, all-electric 2023 Subaru Solterra. You’re looking at the first Subaru SUV of electric vehicles. The go-anywhere confidence of standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. 8.3 inches of ground clearance. Zero emissions. There’s finally an all-electric SUV built to get you out there. And back. Love is now electric. Solterra. Well equipped at $44,995.† Subaru is a registered trademark. *MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title, and registration fees. Retailer sets actual price. Certain equipment may be required in specific states, which can modify your MSRP. See your retailer for details. 2023 Subaru Solterra Touring shown has an MSRP of $51,995.

Intake 9.22 PHOTOGRAPHY KYLE CHRISTY WORDS JORDON SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY POVI PULLINEN TOP GEAR AMERICA SEASON 2 IS HERE CO-HOST JETHRO BOVINGDON TAKES YOU BEHIND THE CURTAIN. M otorTrend contributor Jethro “Yeah, it is,” he said. “And you know about how the interaction between three Bovingdon has lived out what? The funny thing is, I wouldn’t have exceedingly different personalities has some epic car-enthusiast thought it would be before I started.” evolved from Season 1 to Season 2. “We dreams in his 20-plus-year He made this observation near the end had decent banter, and those guys, because career as an automotive journalist, but of our conversation, after we had asked they have such big personalities, it’s very his role as a co-host of Top Gear America what it’s like to work with fellow hosts easy to just sit back and enjoy watching beats them all. OK, maybe not every single Dax Shepard and Rob Corddry, and about them chat and make jokes.” moment—his description of driving the some of his more memorable car-related MTM Bimoto Audi TT at full speed on experiences—most of them occurring As with any new television series, reality an autobahn makes your neck hair stand thanks to Top Gear America. or scripted, there is a learning curve, up—but as we chatted recently about the and Top Gear America is no different. A new Top Gear America Season 2 on “The first day on set for Season 1 was winning formula relies on the ability to MotorTrend+, we asked him: Is probably the third full day we had spent find a groove, get the pacing just right, this the best job you’ve together, so we were lucky that we got on and show humanizing moments. For ever had? really well,” Bovingdon said when asked Season 2, the producers have included even more of the banter and inside joking between the three hosts, and Bovingdon agreed there was a noticeable difference on the set this time around. “I guess it was like a big—I wouldn’t want to say something as cheesy as ‘a big happy family,’ but it felt like a 12 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022

MOTORTREND We won’t deliver any Season 2 spoilers here, but co-hosts Shepard, Bovingdon, and Corddry tackle a variety of challenges that put smiles on their faces—and are sure to do the same for viewers. much more cohesive machine by the saying stuff,” he said. “Dax, obviously Without giving away too much about time we began Season 2.” you couldn’t put a single word in Dax’s Season 2, we asked the co-host to name mouth; that’s just not his personality. his favorite experience with the show, and So what’s it really like on the set? That’s what I love about him the most. the experienced track driver and racer Bovingdon said Shepard and Corddry act He has one speed. He’s always at 100 provided an unexpected response. “One exactly as you’d expect them to when the percent. He’s never leaving anything on of the things I’ve discovered from doing cameras aren’t pointed in their direction. the table.” Top Gear America is, I would never have “In terms of actually making the show, thought I would enjoy off-roading as Dax and Rob are very professional about You might think Corddry would need much as I do,” he said. “I find it really good everything they do, as funny as they are,” some help staying on topic when it fun; it’s just a really good laugh, and you he said. “They’re great to watch—even comes to reviewing cars, but Bovingdon get to go to some amazing places.” on a bad day they can just turn it on put an end to that notion. “I think Rob is and make it happen, whenever it needs probably the funniest human being I’ve Indeed, he had seen the American to happen.” But that doesn’t mean the ever met; he just slays me every time,” he Southwest’s off-roading Meccas— co-hosts turn to scripted personalities said. “His basic opinion [about cars] is so Johnson Valley in California and Moab when it’s time to roll the cameras. bang on, and it always was from the very in Utah—a few times previously, but it beginning. He’s such a clever guy. You was a 57-hp second-gen Suzuki Jimny in “The cool thing for me, from very can’t be that funny without having an Calico, California, that won his heart. We early on in Season 1—and it continued active, fertile mind. He’s smart enough know it in America as the Samurai, but in Season 2—is that we were like, we’re to have his own opinion, and he won’t Bovingdon had heard about the cute little not saying stuff we don’t think is true, have one forced on him.” 4x4’s reputation, and the right-hand- and we’re not gonna be forced into drive Jimny the producers sourced did not disappoint. “I think the Jimny thing SCAN HERE TO START YOUR MOTORTREND+ FREE TRIAL was just the unexpected nature of it—it was so good,” Bovingdon said. “Once we had finished shooting, funnily enough, Dax was like, ‘I really wanna go in that.’ Dax is not into little 4x4s, but he sort of slowly fell in love with it, too. We are all very taken with that little car.” You can stream new episodes of Top Gear America on MotorTrend+ every Friday and new episodes of Top Gear America: Behind the Adventure every Monday for more behind-the-scenes action. As Bovingdon said, whether the hosts are racing minivans, revitalizing the Jaguar name, or lackadaisically Vmaxing a Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport (he said his grandmother could have done it, but don’t tell that to Shepard), Top Gear America is a “license to have a really bloody good time at work, every single day.” SEPTEMBER 2022 MOTORTREND.COM 13

MOTORTREND I 9.22 Intake 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight FIRST TEST Epic—but is it necessary? PHOTOGRAPHY at turn-in, midcorner, and on exit. If you WILLIAM WALKER have a choice, pick the Pirellis. For the first time ever, Porsche is exhaust, and center-lock wheels—it Is the Lightweight kit worth it? In offering a dedicated Lightweight weighed in at 3,628 pounds. the strictest sense, based on our test package for its 911 Turbo S, a kit that results, probably not. The one-piece the company says saves about 65 pounds— With its 640-hp twin-turbo flat-six, carbon-fiber buckets and rear-seat delete for $10,340. But does the added light- effective launch control, all-wheel drive, notwithstanding, the standard car can be ness substantially improve the already and eight-speed dual-clutch transmis- outfitted with the rest of the package for mind-boggling performance? sion, rocketing off the line and to 30 mph less money ($6,250). Still, there might be is as easy as falling off a two-legged stool. some future, higher regard for the first- The package includes thinner glass, Both 911s accomplished that initial burst ever 911 Turbo S Lightweight. It’s easy one-piece carbon-fiber seats, a sport in 0.9 second, tying our record set by the to imagine an auctioneer announcing, exhaust, and a PASM adaptive suspension 1,020-hp Tesla Model S Plaid. Keeping “This 992-generation Turbo S has the that lowers the car by 0.4 inch. Porsche the pedal pinned, 60 mph arrived in 2.2 extremely rare Lightweight package and also deletes the rear seats, some insulation seconds for the Lightweight versus 2.3 is one of just a handful in existence. The and sound-deadening material, and even for the standard car. The Lightweight bidding starts at … ” Chris Walton the quilted seat and door panel inserts. hit 100 in 5.2 ticks, better by 0.4 second, (Also, you can’t get heated seats. Sorry if and it completed the quarter mile in 10.0 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight you have a cold tuchus.) This boils down seconds at 137.8 mph, 0.3 second and 5.5 to $156.66 per pound of weight reduction. mph better than the regular Turbo S. BASE PRICE $204,850 Our example also featured the $3,890 PRICE AS TESTED $226,550 carbon-fiber roof that saves 2 more The standard 911 Turbo S actually VEHICLE LAYOUT Rear-engine, AWD, pounds, and it weighed a relatively svelte stopped from 60 mph a foot shorter, at 2-pass, 2-door coupe 3,550 pounds overall. 97 feet. But because the two cars’ huge ENGINE 3.7L twin-turbo carbon brakes were identical, we’ll direct-injected DOHC We previously tested a 992-generation put that down to tires. The standard POWER (SAE NET) 24-valve flat-6 911 Turbo S without the package, and Turbo S had Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) NA1s TORQUE (SAE NET) 640 hp @ 6,750 rpm although it had some of the Lightweight against the Lightweight’s Goodyear TRANSMISSION 590 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm car’s options—the glass, PASM, sport Eagle F1 SuperSport NA0s, and while CURB WEIGHT 8-speed twin-clutch auto these factory-fitment choices are (F/R DIST) identical in size (front 255/35R20, rear WHEELBASE 3,550 lb (38/62%) 315/30R21) and all but identical in LXWXH treadwear, temperature, and traction 0-60 MPH 96.5 in ratings, finding their limits proved a very QUARTER MILE 178.6 x 74.9 x 50.9 in different experience. BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 2.2 sec LATERAL 10.0 sec @ 137.8 mph The Pirelli rubber provided gobs of ACCELERATION 98 ft useful info near the limit and delivered MT FIGURE EIGHT 1.09 g (avg) a gradual breakaway. The Goodyears EPA CITY/HWY/ were edgier and harder to predict, and COMB FUEL ECON 22.6 sec @ 0.93 g (avg) they gave up grip more abruptly. These EPA RANGE, COMB 15/20/17 mpg tires made this new 911 feel like 911s of ON SALE yore, prone to oversteer under braking, 299 miles Now 14 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022

WATCH LIVE EXCLUSIVELY ON SCAN HERE START YOUR FREE TRIAL MOTORTREND.COM/MECUM2022

MOTORTREND I 9.22 Intake RML SWB Restomod turning the headlight switch or heater FIRST DRIVE controls is an event. Of course, an open- gated six-speed manual shifter stands $1.6 million? Sign us up. We think. PHOTOGRAPHY proudly on the transmission tunnel. DAVID SHEPHERD The SWB retains the 550’s basic floor- The car you see here—the RML Short in 1984. From Group C cars and Le Mans plan and suspension arrangement, but the Wheelbase—is a strange concoction success with the Aston Martin Nimrod 5.5-liter V-12 engine is rebuilt and blue- of Ferrari 550 Maranello and the project to various factory programs in the printed. This isn’t a car too concerned stunning 1959 250 GT Berlinetta Short British Touring Car and World Touring with straight-line speed, but with 479 hp Wheelbase, or 250 SWB as it’s commonly Car series, RML accrued experience and at 7,000 rpm pushing about 3,800 pounds, known. It’s built by RML, a company based an enviable reputation. It also developed it should be capable of 185 mph. The SWB in Northamptonshire, England, and costs Nissan’s Deltawing Le Mans project was also modeled extensively with CFD $1.6 million. RML will create just 30 exam- and recently designed, engineered, and tools to ensure high-speed stability. ples, and you might think this is a pastiche produced the Nio EP9 EV hypercar that designed to separate millions of dollars ran the Nürburgring in just 6 minutes, The noise is non-standard. Michael from the rich and stupid. 45.9 seconds. RML works with OEMs on Mallock wanted classic V-12 howl at high engineering projects, battery tech, and revs: high-pitched, layered, and pure, However, RML’s history and repu- secret stuff it can’t talk about. Its SWB is far more so than the 550 Maranello. The tation give its SWB instant credibility. a way to emerge from modern anonymity. steering is perhaps a shade too light, but it The story began with Arthur Mallock, pulsates gently with feedback. The struc- a prolific hill-climb driver and racer in Much of our skepticism melted once ture feels stiff and robust, yet the suspen- the 1940s and ’50s who introduced the we drove it. There’s such theater just sion’s fluidity is something different. Not Mallock U2 special in 1958. A strong, settling behind the thin-rimmed leather classic, exactly, but certainly more focused stiff, lightweight spaceframe chassis, it steering wheel that’s evocative of an old on feedback and weight transfer and a sort was affordable for any enthusiast. The Nardi wooden item but with a much of natural athleticism than any modern story continued with Arthur’s son, Ray smaller diameter. The metal-framed GT or sports car. Roll into turns, and it Mallock, father of Michael—RML’s boss dials for oil and water temperature and takes a moment or two to settle, but pitch today—and a talented driver and engineer. oil pressure are inspired by the past but and roll are well controlled. The driver He formed Ray Mallock Limited (RML) appear new and perfectly realized. Just really dictates how the SWB behaves, and this sense of oneness is bewitching. Thanks to relatively short gearing, you hear it build into a singular, piercing V-12 shriek over and over. Or you simply select third or fourth gear and ride the torque. You can hustle the Shorty one minute, calmly guide it the next, and feel totally absorbed either way. Some will crave more performance. Others might want the lightweight feel of an old road racer or a more traditional restomod based on a waifish Porsche 911. We get that. But we also now get the RML Short Wheelbase. Jethro Bovingdon RML Short Wheelbase PRICE $1,600,000 LAYOUT Front-engine, RWD, 2-pass, 2-door hatchback ENGINE 5.5L/479 hp/419-lb-ft port-injected DOHC TRANSMISSION 48-valve V-12 CURB WEIGHT 6-speed manual WHEELBASE 3,850 lb (mfr) LXWXH 98.2 in 0-60 MPH EPA CITY/HWY/ 167.9 x 76.9 x 51.2 in COMB FUEL ECON 4.1 sec (MT est) EPA RANGE (COMB) ON SALE 9/8/12 mpg (est) 327 miles (est) Now 16 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022

2022 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500-H FIRST DRIVE Hertz will rent you a 900-plus-hp GT500, but should you do it? Yes, you read that right. Hertz imagine it will increase from the stock is going to rent a 900-plus-hp 625 lb-ft. Mustang GT500 to just about anyone who can swing the rental fee. We Contributing to the tune is a cat-back took the first Hertz Ford Shelby Mustang exhaust system developed by Shelby GT500-H for a quick drive to find out and Borla, and hardened axle halfshafts whether that’s a good idea. prevent the extra power from breaking things. Shelby says it consulted with There’s at least precedent for this. transmission manufacturer Tremec to Hertz and Shelby first teamed up in 1966 make sure the dual-clutch gearbox could with the GT350-H, which was tuned up take the extra abuse. to 306 hp instead of 271 hp, a 13 percent increase. When you think about it that You may wonder what Shelby did way, the 18-ish percent increase in power to corral all the extra ponies, and the between a stock 2022 GT500 and a Hertz answer is not much. The GT500-H gets a Shelby GT500-H seems fairly reasonable carbon-fiber hood with extra vents to cope … until you remember we’re talking about with the additional heat. Shelby says it more than 900 horsepower. consulted with Ford engineers on where to add vents, though the car hasn’t been If we’re honest, the GT500 didn’t wind-tunnel-tested, just track-tested. need more power, but that’s kind of The Mustang also gets 20-inch forged Shelby’s thing. A massive 3.8-liter twin- aluminum wheels wrapped in standard screw Whipple supercharger with a GT500 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Why commensurately upsized intercooler and not the optional Cup 2 tires with more heat exchanger bring the beef, though even Shelby doesn’t know exactly how much power the car makes as of this writing. It’s still working with Whipple to finalize the tune before the cars hit select rental lots later this summer. That’s also why there’s no torque number, but we

MOTORTREND I 9.22 Hertz isn’t going to rent these cars to Rear View just anyone. Only 25 will be made, and it Intake might raise the minimum renter age. From the MT Archive ... grip? Because they’re no good in the rain, brutal with the throttle as you want, and SEPTEMBER 1972 Am as a ray of hope and they wear out too quickly. the computer will do everything it can to PRICE: $0.75 for Detroit. Our turn that into acceleration. coverage of AMC, Shelby also made no attempt to lock out Our 1973 New Cars Ford, Chevy, and the traction- and stability control defeat Our short test-drive route didn’t issue focused on the Lincoln-Mercury’s switch, so if you want to roast the tires, involve any corners aside from freeway Pontiac Grand Am, 1973 models was you can. Why on earth let just anybody ramps, but as Shelby doesn’t touch the a car that showed dominated by the turn off the computer in a 900-plus-hp, suspension on the GT500-H, it should significant signs newly mandated limited-edition car? Ask Shelby, and it’s perform as well as a stock GT500, which of influence from 5-mph bumpers because it tried back in 2006 with the first handles fantastically. Just roll into the BMW, Mercedes, occupying their revival of this partnership, and people throttle a little easier at corner exit, and and other European front ends. In a immediately posted instructional videos you should be good to go. Shelby didn’t manufacturers—a sporty coupe showing how to bypass the physical mess with the brakes, either, so when in rare capitulation from comparison test, lockout. Ask Hertz, and it’s because “if we doubt, stand on ’em. They’re excellent. General Motors. We newcomer Subaru’s thought about what-ifs all day, we’d never interpreted the Grand 1300 GL proved an lean in and do anything cool,” executive Aside from the whole concept of equal match for the vice president of global sales, marketing, renting anyone who can come up with Fiat 128 SL. and customer experience Laura Smith $400 a 900-hp, rear-drive car with says. Apparently, cars and coffee videos functional traction- and stability-control aren’t enough to sway Hertz. defeats, our main issue with the GT500-H is how many squeaks and rattles it had for The Ford Shelby GT500 is already a a brand-new car. We love the black and great car, and although it didn’t need gold livery, and the rest of the cosmetic more horsepower, adding what’s here mods are subtle enough, but the build hasn’t hurt it. Without driving a GT500 quality left something to be desired. and a GT500-H back to back, you’d be hard-pressed to notice the difference. The The bottom line: If you’re lucky enough stock GT500 already accelerates so hard to rent one of these within the six-month it’s almost scary, so the Shelby would have window of availability from one of the to be absolutely insane to really make its few Hertz locations offering them, leave mark, and it’s not. Given the stock GT500 the traction and stability control on. Your is already traction-limited, we don’t wallet will thank us. Scott Evans expect the Shelby to be any quicker to 60 mph, though its quarter-mile trap speed 2022 Hertz Ford Shelby SEPTEMBER 1992 SEPTEMBER 2012 should rise a bit once the tires hook. Mustang GT500-H PRICE: $2.95 PRICE: $4.99 Point is, anyone who’s never done a BASE PRICE $399/day plus $0.75/mile In our 16-car Our coverage of freeway pull in a GT500 before will have LAYOUT after 75 miles bang-for-the-buck new 2013 models their mind blown. Those who have will shootout, the $15,000 included a first drive appreciate that their hair feels 18 percent Front-engine, RWD, Plymouth Laser RS in the Tesla Model S, more on fire now. 2-pass, 2-door coupe Turbo proved the best which we called “an performance value, out-of-this-world For everywhere else, we’re happy to ENGINE 5.2L/900-hp (est) though Mazda’s sedan that happens report Ford’s traction- and stability- TRANSMISSION supercharged DOHC RX-7 was the best to be electric.” In our control programs work as well with more 32-valve V-8 performer overall. comparison of small than 900 hp as they do with 760 hp. Try New-for-1993 reviews SUVs, the 2013 Ford whipping it around on city streets, and the 7-speed twin-clutch auto included the Honda Escape topped the software will pull enough power to stop Del Sol, reshaped Mazda CX-5, Honda wheelspin and prevent oversteer, but no CURB WEIGHT 4,150 lb (MT est) Pontiac Grand Am CR-V, Kia Sportage, more than that. That means you can be as and Geo Prizm, and and VW Tiguan, in WHEELBASE 107.1 in the Plymouth Duster, that order. a Sundance with a LXWXH 189.5 x 76.6 x 54.3 in V-6 jammed between 0–60 MPH 3.7 sec (MT est) its strut towers. EPA FUEL ECON Not rated EPA RANGE, COMB Not rated ON SALE Summer 2022 18 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022

HOLD ONTO YOUR SEATS. ALL SEVEN OF THEM. The Type S badge is reserved for only the highest-performing Acura vehicles. Now, for the first time, we’re bringing Type S performance to our flagship seven-passenger SUV. Introducing the 2022 MDX Type S. At its core, a 355-hp, 3.0L, turbo V-6 with a torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system, a specially tuned Adaptive Damper System, Brembo® 4-piston front brake calipers, and a Sport+ drive mode. It’s the most powerful, best handling, supremely capable SUV we’ve ever made. ©2022 Acura. Acura, MDX, Precision Crafted Performance, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, and the stylized \"A\" logo are trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Brembo is a trademark of Brembo S.p.A.

Look out: Super-sensor sees around corners, promises zero avoidable deaths. I’ve just learned it’s not entirely our fault, as Homo SOLID-STATE ATOMIC-NORM sapiens, that we cause 95 percent of car wrecks. That’s MIMO LIDAR ALGORITHMS because we haven’t evolved the physiological ability to both see far enough ahead and process visual data divides the scanned world into voxels—3-D pixels— SWAM RADAR sufficiently to eliminate “accidents.” I learned this measuring about 8x8x8 inches. Digitizing every bit of when a California company called Neural Propulsion that space would generate 6.8 petabits/second of data Heavy trucks Systems (NPS) unveiled its AtomicSense Platform to process, but in any scene, 99.0–99.9 percent of the require greater sensor fusion product, which it says can sense and voxels are empty and can be ignored. This knocks that braking distances, interpret enough data to prevent crashes. total data stream workload down to a more manageable so long-range 100 terabits/second. obstacle detection NPS wrote a paper theorizing that perceiving the is critical to crash environment far enough, clear enough, and early By digitally steering the radar and lidar beams, the prevention. enough to eliminate roadway deaths (that is, those system can more thoroughly “interrogate” voxels of Shrinking both from avoidable crashes) requires a data acquisition the form factor and processing rate of 100 terabits per second—that’s interest—those containing objects near and price are 10 million times the sensory data rate flowing from your the direction of travel. Empty voxels necessary for eyes to your brain when you’re not drunk or distracted. may get checked 20 times per second, broader adoption. while occupied ones are scrutinized 100 So NPS devised a fully solid-state, system-on-chip times. Atomic-norm computing allows (make that chips—lots of ’em) sensor suite to do just the AtomicSense Platform to match the performance that, leveraging Department of Defense research. The of conventional sensor suites with 1/50th the AtomicSense system includes many cameras fused transmission power while yielding much higher with three tech breakthroughs: digital multiband resolution and vastly more hits on target. This allows it radar, multiple input/multiple output (MIMO) lidar, to reliably perceive pedestrians 650 yards away. and atomic-norm computing. The AtomicSense Platform sensor suite, anticipated for 2023 production, includes the software to iden- Today’s 77-GHz automotive radar is great at pene- tify objects all around the vehicle—including targets trating fog, but it paints a super-blurry picture of what’s between parked cars or around corners that can’t be out there, and raindrops can scatter it. However, radar seen. It’ll be up to suppliers or automakers to integrate at 1 GHz barely notices rain, the waves diffract to “see” AtomicSense into an autonomous driving system, around curves and corners, and they can even pass possibly increasing its capabilities by fusing data from through some solid materials. A focused beam of high- high-definition maps, V2V or V2X communications, frequency radar gives lidarlike resolution etc. Pricing (and form factor) will evolve to suit private but is limited to line of sight. vehicles, not just robotaxis and heavy trucks. The world has had a good look at “full self-driving” By employing four radar frequencies, informed solely by cameras; I know I’ll feel 10 million NPS realizes radar’s full potential, achieving times more comfortable with AtomicSense crunching 100 times greater reliability than typical 100 TB of triply redundant data Q. automotive radar units. Broadcasting digital pulses of radar virtually eliminates the risk of interference from other radar signals. NPS’ MIMO lidar uses a solid-state array consisting of multiple laser emitters and receivers, each focused on a small area and illuminated briefly, between 20 and 100 times per second. This flashing makes higher- power laser pulses safe for human eyes, which enables clear imaging at 540-plus yards—roughly twice the range of other lidars. Recent measurements at NASA’s Crows Landing runway detected a bicyclist at a record- setting distance of 1,285 feet. The daunting task of fusing this rich radar and lidar data with camera imagery and making sense of it all is where atomic-norm computing comes in. This data- compression concept reduces measurements required to achieve the desired perception performance—it was originally developed to dramatically reduce the time patients had to spend in an MRI tube. AtomicSense 20 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022

INTAKE I 9.22 Your Say ... WRITE US AT 831 S. Douglas St. El Segundo, CA 90245 Email us at [email protected] A Personal Magic Kingdom Reader on Location I have owned four other cars that won MT ’s Golden Calipers, and I enjoyed each It was great to read about the restored This month we live vicariously through one. Your batting average is OK by me. and privately held Disneyland Autopia Jorg Heyer of Orlando, Florida, who writes car (July). I’m told I have been a car fan to us from Western Europe: “After four long Tony Gray since the age of 2, when I received my years of planning (and COVID interruptions), North Wales, Pennsylvania first toy car. To hear my mom tell it, we are finally on our grand tour of Europe, apparently it flipped a switch in my brain. driving through the Alps down to the There’s Always One As a young boy, I went to Disneyland with Mediterranean coast and along the French my parents every August for my birthday. Riviera. This part of Europe has some of I disagree with including my 2011 Nissan My first exposure to the Autopia car the best driving roads, and this photo is Murano CrossCabriolet in your May was the long-gone Midget Autopia, with your ‘Reader on Location’ after driving the article about the weirdest cars throughout electric cars that had uselessly spinning St. Bernard Pass across the Alps between history. This is a fun convertible to steering wheels. Afterward, I rode as a Switzerland and Italy. And of course, drive; you sit up high and have adequate passenger in a real Autopia car with a gas MotorTrend is my magazine of choice on legroom for four adults. It came with most engine and a functional steering wheel. I this trip. Thank you for all you do for us of the high-end features, including AWD would measure myself against the height driving enthusiasts.” Thanks for reading and and a heated steering wheel. I receive a limit every year. When I was finally tall for writing to us, Jorg! If you’d like to feature lot of compliments on this unique car. enough to solo a real Autopia car, it was as a Reader on Location, send submissions Everyone admires the turquoise exterior a young kid’s version of getting a driver’s to [email protected]. and ivory interior. The Austin Nissan license—a real thrill. The concrete roads dealer told me he was allocated only five and landscaping were reminiscent of were fun to drive! You had to beat the of these in 2011. No wonder people ask California freeways, which made the dickens out of them to not get squished about it and say they’ve never seen one. Autopia feel the most authentic of any on Roosevelt Boulevard on the way to amusement park car ride. To a young work. The ride was quite good, the fuel Leon Whitney Long Beach boy growing up in Southern economy outstanding, and outside of an Austin, Texas California car culture, there was nothing annoying tendency for the car to hold revs Keep Austin weird. (It won’t be hard in that like it. A private citizen owning a in between shifts (the dealer said, maybe CrossCab.)—Ed. beautifully restored and rare icon of that erroneously, that it was for emissions), era is most extraordinary. Thank you so they were reliable. much for sharing. All-new with military know-how Jim Barber Las Vegas Meet Valentine One® Generation 2 Rebel Alliance “It’s about range superiority. Thanks for explaining why you made the I told my engineers, ‘We want Renault-AMC Alliance your 1983 Car the best radar-finding engine of the Year (June). And all this time I this side of the military.’ thought it was because you were dumb. For civilian users, V1 Gen2 is ”a break-through on range. Joel Widman — Mike Valentine Rio Rancho, New Mexico All-new I enjoyed your June issue. Reading about circuitry with the Renault-AMC Alliance brought back many great memories of the early ’80s. It was a fun time—but not great for auto enthusiasts, so we had to find other ways to have fun. I think I know the real reason the Alliance won Car of the Year—it was the ’80s, and everyone was high. Lee Jones Parkesburg, Pennsylvania I just read your article discussing the www.valentine1.com Alliance winning the COTY award 1-800-331-3030 in 1983. I think you were too hard on yourself. I owned two of them that I Valentine One Generation 2 is a registered trademark of Valentine Research, Inc. ©2021 VRI purchased in 1986 for $1,000 each. Both five-speeds were dog slow, but they

YOU DON’T NEED A CRYSTAL BALL 2024 Buick Electra TO SEE WHAT LIES AHEAD ON THE AUTOMOTIVE LANDSCAPE WHAT IT IS The Buick Wildcat EV concept showcases the brand’s new WORDS MOTORTREND STAFF face, logo, and design language for a lineup of future electric vehicles. Each “ People ask me to predict the future, when all I want will be called Electra, followed by an to do is prevent it. Better yet, build it,” Ray Bradbury alphanumeric designation. Although wrote. “Predicting the future is much too easy, the Wildcat is a coupe, the Electras will anyway. You look at the people around you, the be SUVs, beginning with a compact street you stand on, the visible air you breathe, and predict more of the same. To hell with more. I want better.” The dystopian view from Bradbury’s crow’s nest in the 1980s very well may have made it easy to imagine an automotive world that resembled today’s reality: electric propulsion, advancements in autonomous driving, and an industry-wide arms race to pack new vehicles with as much comfort, convenience, and entertainment tech as possible. We’re faced with more than ever, but is it better? That depends on what matters to your automotive experience, on your philosophies about driving and riding, and on the machines in question. We won’t endeavor to answer for you, but as we take our annual look at cars headed our way, one reality is certain: There’s something for just about everyone. 22 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022

CARS offering in 2024. By 2030, Buick’s SUV’s powertrain could mimic that of entire lineup will be badged Electra. the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq, which launches Two compact models are planned. with a single motor in the rear, good for One is lower, sportier, more carlike, 340 hp, 325 lb-ft of torque, and about and geared toward couples; the other 300 miles of range. An all-wheel-drive rides higher with more cargo room. performance variant should follow WHY IT MATTERS GM saved the Buick in 2023. Buick has shown previous brand because of its popularity in concepts with dual electric motors China, but cool electric SUVs could and a 12-module 100-kWh battery, make it hip in North America and providing 583 hp, a 0–60-mph time restore some former glory. Besides, of 4.3 seconds, and about 370 miles the more EVs that share GM’s Ultium of range. When the first production system, the greater the company’s Electra SUV arrives in 2024, it will also ability to reduce costs and make them feature one-pedal driving, on-de- more affordable. mand regenerative braking, and GM’s PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN Ultra Cruise hands-free driver assist All these new electric vehicles use technology. A giant screen will stretch GM’s BEV3 electric architecture and across most of the cockpit. Ultium battery technology developed ESTIMATED PRICE $55,000 with partner LG Chem. The first Electra EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE 2024 SEPTEMBER 2022 MOTORTREND.COM 23

FUTURE CARS 2024 Chevrolet Camaro EV WHAT IT IS An all-electric perfor- EV platform with an outline of a sports supports one to three mance model, reported to be a sedan car hovering above. The picture bears electric motors, so this EV and effectively a replacement for striking resemblance to a profile view of sedan could be anything from a the two-door Camaro. It may retain the present Camaro, though Chevrolet classic rear-drive performance the Camaro name, as Chevrolet has wouldn’t comment on the similarity. car to a 1,000-hp all-wheel-drive recently used the Blazer moniker on a Reports indicate the car will be a sedan supersled. Chevrolet has given no crossover that bears no resemblance even if it retains the name despite all indication what route it will take or to historical models. past Camaros being coupes. Although whether it will offer multiple battery WHY IT MATTERS Parent company GM Chevrolet could theoretically put any and motor configurations as GMC is transitioning all its brands to electric type of body on the Ultium skateboard now does with the new Hummer EV vehicles during the next 13 years, platform, Camaro sales in recent years pickup and SUV. performance models included. The have dropped sharply, and coupes in ESTIMATED PRICE $40,000 Corvette is already slated to adopt general have faded in popularity over EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE 2024 hybrid and pure electric powertrains in the past decade. the next few years, but the Camaro’s PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN All of future is unclear after today’s gener- GM’s EVs in the foreseeable future ation ends production in 2024 or so. In will be built on the company’s Ultium presenting its plans for an all-EV future, platform, which can be tailored to GM provided an illustration of its Ultium fit any vehicle size or style. It also 24 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 ILLUSTRATION: AVARVARII

COVER STORY 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray planned for the start, with Ultium pouch battery-module- shaped space reserved in the C8’s aluminum center tunnel. WHAT IT IS Electrification is coming to America’s Sports Car. So at least for the hybrid, the architecture carries over Lots of it. The first baby step will represent one giant leap mostly unchanged. We’re not entirely convinced this first for Corvette-kind by powering all four wheels—a 70-year hybrid model will be a plug-in, largely because we can’t first for a production Corvette. Yes, at some point in 2023 find any charging-port doors in spy shots of the car. That the C8 Corvette will get e-AWD, courtesy of hybridization could also add a lot more weight and makes more sense with an electric motor powering each front wheel. In April to be offset by the 5.5-liter twin-turbo flat-plane V-8 in 2022, GM president Mark Reuss confirmed an all-electric the considerably wilder Zora model. We fully expect the Ultium-based Corvette was also in the works. One of these 2023 Corvette hybrid to retain its venerable 6.2-liter V-8, variants is expected to get the E-Ray moniker, a trademark with the inboard motors adding at least 50 hp each for a GM renewed in August 2020. total of 600-plus. Those motors will erode but hopefully not WHY IT MATTERS Corvettes have long been regarded as eliminate the front trunk space. the most daily-drivable of high-performance sports cars, ESTIMATED PRICE Presuming light hybridization, a price so adding a hybrid all-wheel-drive variant with price and just undercutting the snazzier Z06 makes sense, so figure performance in between the base Z51 and Z06 models somewhere in the $90,000 range. Or a bit more if there’s a extends its general usability by improving traction in foul bigger battery and plug. weather—and when trying to route an extra 100-plus EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE 2023 horsepower to the ground. PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN Plug-in hybridization was SEPTEMBER 2022 MOTORTREND.COM 25

FUTURE CARS 2025 Chrysler Airflow electric Dodge muscle cars beginning in 2024, for Chrysler the platform will yield softer, more high-end, and family-ori- WHAT IT IS Chrysler first showed the Airflow concept at the ented premium EVs. The Airflow highlights what can be done 2022 CES in Las Vegas and followed up with an updated with a spacious interior, mimicking elements of the Pacifica version of the two-row midsize SUV at the New York Interna- Hybrid minivan’s layout. The Airflow-based production EV will tional Auto Show. The sleek crossover previews the styling also use Stellantis’ new STLA Brain tech for cloud connectivity and advanced tech we can expect from future Chryslers. No and STLA SmartCockpit hardware, screens, and computers. confirmation on whether the Airflow name, resurrected from STLA AutoDrive provides Level 3 autonomous driving. the 1930s, will carry over to a production vehicle. ESTIMATED PRICE $50,000 WHY IT MATTERS Chrysler is struggling, with its lineup down EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE 2025 to the Pacifica minivan and the aging 300 sedan. The Airflow is a look at its future and is the first of three electric vehicles planned for 2025 to 2028. The Airflow demonstrates the company has a future under Stellantis and paints its lane as a family-oriented brand and tech leader. PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN Parent company Stellantis has four dedicated EV architectures. All future Chryslers will use STLA Large, which will yield its first vehicle in 2024. The Airflow concept has a 118-kWh battery pack for a range up to 400 miles, but Stellantis has said STLA Large will give vehicles up to 500 miles of range. We expect a single-motor powertrain for the entry model and an optional dual-motor setup for all-wheel drive. Although STLA will underpin future 26 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022

SHOULD B E™ . FREE two-year road hazard protection with most tires www.tirerack.com/roadhazard FREE mount and balance with a tire & wheel packag www.tirerack.com/packages FREEFAST, shipping on all orders over $50 www.tirerack.com/freeshipping OVER 1,700 DIFFERENT WHEELS FROM 55 BRANDS T15 T16 16 17 18 19 O.Z. Alleggerita HLT O.Z. Hyper GT HLT O.Z. Hyper XT HLT O.Z. SUPERTURISMO O.Z. Ultraleggera HLT FLOW ONE F6 Bremmer Kraft BR20 16 17 18 17 18 19 20 18 19 20 18 19 20 20 21 22 AERO HLT 19 20 18 19 20 Sparco Assetto Gara Sparco Assetto Gara Sparco Pro Corsa Sparco Record MSW Type 42 MSW Type 50 MSW Type 80 5-Lug 17 18 19 17 18 19 18 19 20 21 16 17 18 19 15 16 17 18 19 20 16 17 18 20 17 18 ©2022 Tire Rack 888-372-8473 FAST FREE SHIPPING M-F 8am-8pm EST | SAT 9am-4pm EST ON ORDERS OVER $50 tirerack.com/freeshipping

FUTURE CARS 2024 DeLorean Alpha5 WHAT IT IS In spring 2022, DeLorean Motor Company released a teaser of its upcoming EV, and you might have wondered what year you were in when you absorbed that news. The DeLorean run by the late John Z. is long gone, but its spirit, if not look, lives on in the Alpha5 sedan concept. The Alpha5 is a product of DeLorean Reimagined LLC, headed by auto industry veterans Joost de Vries and Troy Beetz, and penned by ItalDesign—whose founder, Giorgetto Giugiaro, created the original DeLorean DMC-12’s origami form. WHY IT MATTERS The DeLorean name is recognized mostly for being a part of Americana rather than ever having been on a vehicle of marketplace significance. But the original DMC-12 has maintained a loyal following for decades, thanks in no small part to the Back to the Future movie fran- chise. The new DeLorean Motor Co. is more than the Alpha5 effort, as it also encompasses the Classic DMC business near Houston run by Stephen Wynn since the mid-1990s. Wynn remains in his position to cater to the DMC-12 crowd, while the Alpha5 and other potential new projects are headed by de Vries and backed by CMO Beetz. They have set up a new corporate HQ in the San Antonio area as they look to enter the EV space and leverage the DeLorean name. PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN Details are sparse, but the gullwing doors recall the original DMC-12 and the Tesla Model X. They provide a huge portal to the four- place interior, which has a clean look reminiscent of other American EVs. The initial official images pair with ambitious numbers, including a sub-3.0-second sprint to 60 and range exceeding 300 miles from a 100-plus-kWh battery. There had to be a Back to the Future nod in there somewhere, so there’s also an estimated run to 88 mph in a claimed 4.4 seconds. The new company plans to reveal more info and have an Alpha5 on hand during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August. ESTIMATED PRICE $145,000 28 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022

ILLUSTRATION: AVARVARII 2025 Dodge Electric ’60s and early ’70s. That era’s Fratzog “If an electric motor will make it Muscle Car logo returns, too, and is expected to quicker, we will do it,” Dodge chief Tim appear on all future Dodge EVs. Kuniskis has said. The battery packs WHAT IT IS A fully electrified hellsled PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN Carlos for STLA Large will range from 101 to from the automotive industry’s Tavares, CEO of parent company 118 kWh in size with up to 500 miles gas-chuggingest, tire-smokingest, Stellantis, has called the car “so bril- of driving range, though surely not in hair-on-your-chestiest brand, Dodge. liant that it is shocking,” and teasers this beastly machine. Worried about WHY IT MATTERS When even Dodge confirm it will have AWD, showing doing burnouts in silence? Fret not: prepares to transition to EVs, it’s time smoke billowing from all four tires. Dodge wants the car to be loud and to accept the inevitable. Of course, AWD means the car will pack at least has created a muscled-up sound that that doesn’t mean abandoning heri- two motors, and Stellantis has said intensifies based on how you’re driving. tage. So Dodge, the marque behind the car’s STLA Large platform will offer ESTIMATED PRICE The sweet spot the Challenger, Charger, Hellcat, motors that make as much as 443 hp for muscle cars is from $40,000 to Demon, and myriad other badass each. That means it could have nearly $50,000, Dodge says, so figure the badges, is spinning up an electric 900 horsepower. But this is Dodge production EV muscle car will land in muscle car as a bridge between we’re talking about, so it’s entirely that zone—at least to start. As with the its fully electrified future and its possible the car gets three or even four Hellcat models and the Demon, you’ll Hemi-powered past. motors to help it achieve 60 mph in a pay a premium for more performance. rumored 2.0 seconds. EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE 2024 This car’s retro flavor will help that mission. Its boxy nose will ape those of classic Chargers—wouldn’t that be an appropriate name for an EV?—from the golden period of muscle in the late 2024 Fiat Panda EV afraid to shake things up and pivot when market conditions change. WHAT IT IS Fiat’s splash back into PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN Little is the U.S. market. Once a lineup of four known about the electric Fiat just yet, vehicles—three 500 variants and the and we wouldn’t be surprised to see a 124 Spider—Fiat is down to just one plug-in hybrid model, as well. Possibly offering: the aging 500X SUV. Few underpinned by the Compact Modular consumers consider Fiat today. Could Platform (CMP) from the former PSA an electric SUV convince more to give Group, the electric Fiat would adopt the Italian brand a chance? styling cues inspired by the endearing WHY IT MATTERS Many electric and customizable Centoventi concept cars carry starting prices of at least (pictured), a four-door that’s as much $40,000, which eliminates an entire tall hatchback as it is small SUV. segment of buyers. Stellantis could Balancing the driving range Americans court these ill-served shoppers with expect with a low price will be tough, small Jeep- and Fiat-branded electric but the Fiat will need a range of at least SUVs. A modern and well-executed 250 miles for serious consideration. electric SUV from a fresh brand should ESTIMATED PRICE $36,000 get Fiat on more shopping lists in EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE You’ll find this the U.S. That is, if such a vehicle gets Fiat in Europe first. We may see it in Q4 approved at all. Stellantis hasn’t been 2023 or Q1 2024.

FUTURE CARS 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning Raptor ILLUSTRATIONS: ABIMELEC DESIGN WHAT IT IS A performance version of the Ford F-150 Lightning 2024 Genesis GV90 that baton and raise its game to full-size electric pickup truck, bringing the Raptor name and legitimately compete against the high-speed desert-racing chops into Ford’s electric future. WHAT IT IS The first three-row model Mercedes EQS SUV and Tesla WHY IT MATTERS Raptor has been a boon for the F-150 from Genesis, the GV90 will be the Model X. lineup ever since Ford introduced the Baja-inspired luxury brand’s flagship SUV. Much like PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN truck in 2010. So why wouldn’t you give the Lightning the G90 sedan, which has thoughtful The GV90 is based on the E-GMP the Raptor treatment? F-Series is Ford’s crown jewel, details around the driver and platform, Hyundai Motor Group’s and even though the Lightning has great perfor- passenger, the GV90 will offer an dedicated electric architecture. The mance as is, bragging rights are ferocious among immersive experience to everyone. Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 7, two truck owners, so Ford needs even greater perfor- But unlike the G90, the GV90 is said SUVs that were shown as three-row mance in the future to retain segment leadership. to be an electric-only SUV. concepts and have been confirmed PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN Given the huge WHY IT MATTERS As an ambitious for production, will also be based demand that will take time to satisfy for the initial brand that impresses with its design on this platform. The GV90 should Lightning, Ford can afford to wait for the next genera- and performance, Genesis continues deliver at least 300 miles of range. tion of the full-size electric pickup on a new, dedicated to expand its lineup. Today, Genesis Charging from 10 to 80 percent EV platform designed to accommodate a Raptor. Ford sells the G70, G80, and G90 sedans should take between 20 to 30 can also afford to wait because the Lightning has already and the GV60, GV70, and GV80 minutes with a 350-kW fast charger. been tuned to produce 580 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of crossovers. Although the GV60 and Power figures are unknown at the torque, which means it outmuscles the current third-gen G80 Electric are the only dedicated moment, but we won’t be surprised if Raptor, which has a 450-hp, 510-lb-ft twin-turbo V-6. electric vehicles the company sells in we see a high-performance version the U.S. right now, the GV70 and G90 like the GV60 offers to differentiate This might make you wonder why the Lightning needs will get electric variants this year itself from its Kia and Hyundai a higher-performing Raptor at all, especially with plans or next, and the GV90 will be a new cousins. for a V-8-fired Raptor R in the interim, a gas-burning truck addition to the all-electric lineup. ESTIMATED PRICE $75,000 designed to take on the 702-hp, 650-lb-ft Ram 1500 TRX. But EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE a Lightning Raptor will have to ward off a growing number of For now, the GV80 is Genesis’ Summer 2024 electric pickups with impressive specs. To wear the Raptor top-flight SUV, but it lacks the name, the Lightning needs to follow the recipe of the first two content and experience of a true generations, which means muscular flared fenders, albeit flagship model. The GV90 will take applied to the Lightning’s more aero-focused body. Expect distinctive headlight and grille designs and suspension modifications to make the truck desert-capable, including more wheel travel and Fox dampers. Ford also has another electric F-Series planned. The company is most likely going smaller—Ford CEO Jim Farley has ruled out an electric F-250, F-350, or F-450 for now. Most logical is a midsize F-100: Think Ranger, which is in a growing segment. At some point there will be an electric version of the Maverick, the car-based small pickup available now as a hybrid. But we think that’s further out, given its role as an affordable, entry-level vehicle for the brand that no longer has entry-level cars. After all, the Maverick has the least in common with the body-on-frame full-size F-Series family; it uses the same platform as the Bronco Sport. Ford has said it will make the next generation of electric F-Series trucks in 2025 at Blue Oval City, a new manufacturing complex being constructed in Stanton, Tennessee. ESTIMATED PRICE $75,000 EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE 2025 30 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022

GET YOUR FREE TRIAL: MOTORTREND.COM/TGA22

FUTURE CARS 2024 Ford Mustang Ford’s Modular Hybrid Transmission (MHT), as found in the ILLUSTRATION: ABIMELEC DESIGN Explorer Hybrid, which should work with either engine. WHAT IT IS The seventh generation of the icon that launched the pony-car genre will arrive in time for the Among the electrification possibilities, enthusiasts will Mustang brand’s 60th anniversary. Expect it in coupe and be most stoked by a unique V-8 hybrid powertrain revealed convertible forms with two powertrain offerings. Variants in patent drawings. It mounts a roughly alternator-sized delivering greater performance and efficiency will follow in electric motor on each side of the V-8, with their output the years to come. shafts roughly aligned with the crankshaft centerline. It WHY IT MATTERS The Mustang, along with the Bronco and being patented makes sense, as we’re not aware of any F-150, is a pillar of the Ford brand that carries immense other vehicle employing such a setup. Plus, it’s far simpler emotional appeal. It’s Ford’s sole North American car than trying to package a single electric motor somewhere offering and also ranks as one of a shrinking number of and needing to run a shaft through the oil pan; that affordable, fun-to-drive two-doors. Plus the droptops are would likely require halfshaft angles that would overtax all over rental fleets in tropical locations—what would we do existing CV joints. Using dual motors also allows handling- if it disappeared? enhancing torque-vectoring up front—might this system PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN The 2024 Mustang will get power the next Bullitt or Mach 1? a new code name (S650), but we expect its D2C-derived architecture to largely carry over from its S550 predecessor. The rumor mill has hinted at a plug-in version offering at Based on numerous prototype spy photos, it will receive least 10 or 20 miles of electric range, and this would boost only mild evolutionary styling revisions, such as squintier efficiency and possibly contribute in some small way to three-element headlamps, a revised hexagonal grille, and achieving higher corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) new air intakes. New electrical architecture will allow new ratings coming for 2026. But it would also add even more content at launch, like the latest driver assist features. It will weight to a sports car that typically weighs more than 3,800 also support over-the-air updates to an increasing number pounds today. So if there is to be an efficiency-focused of software-enabled features, helping it stay as fresh as Mustang hybrid, expect it to be an EcoBoost with rear ever over its expected eight-year lifespan. drive. Of course, once there’s a battery and an MHT to work with on this platform, it’s not hard to imagine pairing them Powertrain offerings will carry over at launch, including with the V-8 and front motors, juicing those Coyote V-8 the 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 and 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 engines, and motor outputs, and creating a worthy Shelby GT500 as well as the six-speed manual and 10-speed automatic successor with blistering torque-vectored all-wheel-drive transmissions. Engine outputs may be adjusted—we hear performance and respectable EPA numbers. base 2.3-liter power will increase from 310 to 320 hp, for example. Ford officials have told us the six-speed could be Spy shots have also revealed a shift away from the retro- phased out during this model’s lifetime. look dash with binnacles to a more streamlined interior dominated by big instrument and infotainment screens One major powertrain addition expected in 2025 is capable of displaying the latest Sync graphics in dazzlingly conventional and/or plug-in hybridization. Leaked info high resolution. It’s unclear whether the Chevy Camaro and suggests both engines will get an electric boost. This could Dodge Challenger as we know them will survive into the be accomplished most easily by employing a version of next decade, but we expect Ford to assume they will—and to sharpen the Mustang’s chassis dynamics sufficiently so it once again outhandles the competition. ESTIMATED PRICE Expect a modest price bump to an even $30,000 for a base EcoBoost coupe or $40,000 for a GT, with the ragtop adding roughly $5,500 to either. EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE Could Ford possibly resist launching its 60th anniversary Mustang on Monday April 17, 2023—the 59th anniversary of its World’s Fair debut?

Consumer Promotion Offer Valid July 1 - August 31, 2022 Rebate Form must be submitted online or by mail, postmarked by 9/30/22. GET UP TO $200IN VISA® PREPAID CARDS BY MAIL*,** with the purchase of 4 qualifying light truck/SUV Continental Tires*** $100 $70 Apply Today + +OR $100 $70 QUALIFYING 4x4Contact™ CrossContact™ LX Sport CrossContact™ RX SureContact™ LX VanContact™ A/S $70 TIRES 4x4SportContact™ CrossContact™ LX20 CrossContact™ UHP TerrainContact™ H/T VikingContact™ 7 CrossContact™ LX CrossContact™ LX25 PremiumContact™ 6 VancoFourSeason™ *** RESTRICTIONS AND LIMITATIONS APPLY, VISIT CONTINENTALTIRE.COM/OFFERS FOR COMPLETE DETAILS. * The Continental Tire Visa Prepaid Card is issued by MetaBank®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Card terms and conditions apply. ** Subject to credit approval. See associate for details and required rebate form. Rebate in the form of a Synchrony Visa Prepaid Card by mail. Card is issued by MetaBank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Card terms and conditions apply.

2024 Honda Prologue 2026/2027 Honda Electric Sports Cars WHAT IT IS The Honda Prologue will be the manufacturer’s WHAT THEY ARE Honda plans to sell nearly 500,000 electric vehicles first dedicated electric SUV. It will use a General Motors launch two electric sports cars in North America by 2030. With the chassis and battery, and GM will build it. in the medium term. The first is Acura NSX leaving production after WHY IT MATTERS Although late to the game, Honda plans dubbed a “specialty model,” the 2022 model year, this electric to sell 300,000 electric vehicles in North America by 2026 and based on the teaser image halo car could mark its return. And and half a million by 2030. The Prologue will be Honda’s Honda shared, it looks like it will who won’t be excited by an S2000- first of several eventual new EVs. But with other automakers have the proportions of a smaller, inspired electric car? already offering competitive vehicles, we’ll see whether the more affordable sports car. The PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN Prologue can win over Americans. The first image shows a return of the S2000 doesn’t sound It’s too early to know the details, long wheelbase and lots of black cladding to emphasize like a crazy idea, especially when but these two cars will be based outdoorsy vibes, but we’ve yet to hear any details regarding seemingly everyone is resurrecting on Honda’s own electric vehicle its powertrain, range, or other specs. Although it’s difficult old model names. platform, dubbed e:Architecture. to see scale in Honda’s illustration, the company is pitching Yes, Honda is working with General the Prologue as a midsize SUV. Rumored to be built in GM’s This will be the company’s first Motors to launch two SUVs—the Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico, the Prologue was designed electric sports car, but not its only Prologue and an unnamed in Honda’s Los Angeles design studio with North American one. The second model will serve as Acura crossover—but the two customers in mind. a halo, and based on its propor- sports models will be developed PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN The Prologue will be based tions, it looks like an Acura NSX with completely by Honda. We estimate on GM’s flexible BEV3 EV architecture and use its Ultium a wilder form. Honda hasn’t said each car will have at least 300 miles battery management system, the same tech that supports if both cars will carry the Honda of range and a scintillating driving the GMC Hummer EV, the Chevy Silverado electric pickup brand name, but given the NSX falls experience. truck, and the Cadillac Lyriq SUV and Celestiq sedan. Honda under Acura for the North American hasn’t shared any information on Prologue charging times, market, it won’t surprise us to see I The “specialty but we expect to see numbers similar to the Silverado EV, such a strategy continue. model” should start at less than which is capable of adding 100 miles of range in 10 minutes, $50,000, but the halo model will according to GM. As everyone likely cost more than $150,000. ESTIMATED PRICE $50,000 goes electric, Honda has been EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE Q1 2024 one of the most conservative E 2026 for automakers to make the change. the small model and 2027 for the This move puts Honda on the radar, halo car as the Japanese company aims to 34 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022

PHOTOGRAPHY: RENZ DIMAANDAL 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 7 systems. This architecture also underpins the Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Genesis GV60. Similarly, the Ioniq 7 will share much WHAT IT IS A three-row all-electric SUV from Hyundai with the Kia EV9 and Genesis GV90. The Kia is slated to go previewed by the Seven concept shown here. into production soon and could be here next year, while WHY IT MATTERS The 7 will be the third vehicle in the the Genesis GV90 will most likely arrive in 2024. The Ioniq expanding Ioniq family of electric vehicles. Following the 6 sedan will also use the E-GMP platform. Like its smaller footsteps of the acclaimed Ioniq 5 subcompact crossover sibling, the 7 should have a range north of 300 miles while and the soon-to-arrive Ioniq 6 sedan, the 7 will borrow the being able to charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 20 5’s pixelated taillights and daytime running lights. When minutes with a 350-kW charger. the 7 concept made its debut at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto ESTIMATED PRICE $50,000 Show, Hyundai Motor America CEO José Muñoz prom- EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE Q1 2024 ised the production model will hew closely to the show car. Although the Seven concept has a loungelike interior and coach doors, the version that goes on sale will have a normal interior with a steering wheel. We expect its cabin to borrow some of the Ioniq 5’s details. PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN The Ioniq 7 will be based on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform, which can accommodate multiple sizes with different battery ILLUSTRATION: LARSON 2025 Infiniti Electric Fastback will introduce an era in which Infiniti says most of its cars will be electric or hybridized by 2023. WHAT IT IS Infiniti’s first fully electric vehicle. Also, this could PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN The Infiniti will be based on the be the brand’s most attractive new car in years. same platform as a new upcoming Nissan; both will be built WHY IT MATTERS Going electric isn’t just a way to capture in Canton, Mississippi. The assembly plant is receiving a half- the glance of EV-curious buyers; it also positions the brand billion dollars in upgrades to prep for its electric future. as future-thinking. And considering how old most of Infiniti’s products are, that’s exactly what it needs. A fastback As for the electric Infiniti itself, we expect AWD will be four-door with details from the Qs Inspiration concept could standard on most if not all models. A showy LED light signa- attract buyers away from Tesla and Polestar. ture will likely survive from concept to production car, and at least one model should hit 300 miles in EPA-rated range. The concept’s raised seating position and proportions ESTIMATED PRICE $50,000 before any federal tax credits are are unusual outside of a few vaguely crossover-ish cars applied. By 2025, that target price should keep it competi- such as the Polestar 2, but we have high hopes for the final tive with the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2. product given Infiniti’s track record of attractive vehicles. It EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE 2025 SEPTEMBER 2022 MOTORTREND.COM 35

FUTURE CARS 2024 Jeep Jeepster WHAT IT IS The only electric model Jeep has shown in its entirety, which might be named “Jeepster.” WHY IT MATTERS This not yet officially named compact electric SUV is going to be the first electric Jeep globally, spearheading the brand’s efforts beyond the 4xe plug-in hybrid treatment currently spreading throughout its U.S. lineup. With chubby-cute styling that looks like a Renegade crossbred with a Compass, it’s clearly aimed at foreign markets. Given how Americans tend to purchase anything with a “Jeep” label on it, they’ll likely flock to this one, too, while hard- core brand aficionados will wait for the electric Wrangler. PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN Jeep will turn to Stellantis’ STLA Small electric platform for this one; expect dual motors to be available (offering AWD) and styling very close to the yellow concept the automaker has already shown. ESTIMATED PRICE $35,000–$40,000 EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE 2024 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer EV batteries and an entirely different powertrain; instead, it’s a safe bet the STLA Frame EV architecture that’ll underpin the WHAT IT IS The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are the upcoming Ram 1500 EV pickup will be deployed here. biggest Jeeps ever, and after arriving last year, they’ve already grown, with their new long-wheelbase L variants. Jeep probably could keep the Grand Wagoneer’s top Those models also introduced a new turbocharged I-6 to hat largely intact, simply mounting it to the electrified supplant the 5.7- and 6.4-liter V-8s in the shorter versions. frame, or it could make more substantial changes. Given A 4xe plug-in hybrid Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are the EV’s launch isn’t too far in the future and the body-on- on the horizon, likely based around that six-cylinder engine. frame construction allows for top-hat sharing, there might And then there’s the EV, which will arrive by 2025. not be as many differences to the bits you can touch and WHY IT MATTERS The biggest-ever Jeeps also deliver among see as you might expect. Details such as battery size, motor the worst fuel economy figures in the lineup, and their launch output, and the like are still fuzzy, but as huge as the Grand timing amid inflation and gas price concerns are uninten- Wagoneer is, there’s plenty of space for tons of batteries. tional selling points for the future electric model. Already ESTIMATED PRICE $120,000 in the works before everything hit the fan, the electrified EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE 2024 or 2025 Grand Wagoneer was teased at a splashy “EV Day” event for parent company Stellantis in 2021. Jeep’s CEO hinted the company would offer the EV only in Grand Wagoneer form, not the “regular,” less posh Wagoneer, a move that makes sense given the expected premium pricing. PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN The Grand Wagoneer EV will look similar to the gas models, but with special detailing, including what appears to be a closed-off grille. Partly, these styling changes will differentiate the electric model from the gas versions but also could be a hint the Grand Wagoneer EV won’t exactly be a Grand Wagoneer underneath. We doubt Jeep will refashion the Ram-based frame and trucky underpinnings to hold a bunch of 36 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022

2024 Jeep Wrangler EV PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN The first Magneto hypoth- esized an all-electric Wrangler built largely like a gas-fed WHAT IT IS A fully electric Wrangler is happening, and Jeep model, with a motor under the hood oriented north- is so giddy over the idea, it has now shown two iterations south and driving, get this, a manual transmission and a of an EV Wrangler concept at each of the past two Easter two-speed transfer case. Safari annual off-road pilgrimages to Moab, Utah. Dubbed the Magneto and Magneto 2.0, the electric rock bashers Far from a Teslafied Wrangler, the Magneto wasn’t provide a good preview of what to expect from the 2024 hugely powerful. Its 285 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque merely Jeep Wrangler EV. matched the performance of the base Wrangler V-6. The WHY IT MATTERS Jeep has already taken the Wrangler motor only spun to 6,000 rpm, with 70 kWh of batteries split halfway toward a fully electric future with the 4xe plug-in among a quadrant of fully sealed lithium-ion packs. This hybrid, a powerful (if not entirely efficient) electrified 4x4 year’s Magneto 2.0 upgraded the motor to an axial-flux that’s proven surprisingly popular. An all-electric Wrangler unit that, while having a lower 5,250-rpm limit, brought a will strip the guilt—and pain at the pump—associated with huge power jump (thanks to double the amperage and an 800-volt architecture) to 625 hp and 850 lb-ft. wheeling the off-roader around town while also Figure the more powerful setup makes it to the produc- offering a thrillingly tion Wrangler EV around 2025, along with more battery silent experience capacity. The Magneto’s 70-kWh setup is constricted by off-pavement. the concept being based on the shorter two-door model; we imagine a four-door—likely with, or at least offering, an automatic transmission (or simply direct drive)—would be more palatable while delivering more space to stash the batteries that are key to give the Jeep workable range. Given the Wrangler’s relationship with the after- market, we doubt Jeep will change much about the body, suspension, and key hard points in order to maximize how many existing parts can fit. Look for blue- tinged accents, such as the 4xe’s blue tow hooks and badges, and potentially more bits. ESTIMATED PRICE $50,000–$60,000 EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE 2024 2023 Lamborghini Aventador Replacement ILLUSTRATION: LARSON WHAT IT IS The unnamed replacement for Lamborghini’s Ferrari LaFerrari nearly a decade ago, sandwiching a thin flagship Aventador supercar. “pancake” electric motor between the naturally aspirated WHY IT MATTERS Wedge-shaped V-12 supercars have V-12 engine and the transmission. been Lamborghini’s calling card since the original Countach nearly 50 years ago. Although the company Lamborghini has experimented with supercapacitors in branched out to smaller supercars (today’s V-10-powered the limited-edition Sián FKP 37 (based on the Aventador), Huracán, for example) and even SUVs (the Urus) in recent but our sources indicate the Aventador successor will use a years, the big V-12 model remains the flagship and battery pack, as the car must be able to travel a few dozen the Countach’s spiritual successor. Fuel economy and miles on pure electric power in order to satisfy emissions emissions regulations continue to squeeze big engines out laws in many European cities. We’re also told it will retain of existence, but Lamborghini has vowed to keep its V-12 mechanical all-wheel drive rather than employing electric alive for as long as possible, and it’ll need a car to power. motors on the front axle. The Aventador has been on sale for a full decade now and simply can’t carry on as is in the face of such regulations. Sources conflict on whether the old single-clutch PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN Sources indicate the automated manual transmission will return, as the electric Aventador replacement will be more evolutionary than motor’s ability to fill in during gear changes could mask the revolutionary. With the V-12’s impending regulatory death gearbox’s jerkiness. Regardless, we’re told Lamborghini will and the industry shift toward electrification, Lamborghini stretch the car to fit the electric motor into the drivetrain appears to be spending its money carefully on updating and to make room for batteries without giving up frunk the existing formula rather than starting from a clean space. It’s unclear whether there will be a plug to charge sheet. We’re told it will follow the idea laid out by the the battery. ESTIMATED PRICE $500,000 EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE 2023 SEPTEMBER 2022 MOTORTREND.COM 37

FUTURE CARS 2024 Lamborghini Huracán Replacement WHAT IT IS The unnamed replacement for Lamborghini’s the Urus engine, but as in the Aventador replacement it’ll be smaller Huracán supercar. paired to an axial-flux “pancake” electric motor sand- WHY IT MATTERS The Huracán really changed things for wiched between the engine and transmission. Lamborghini. What the Gallardo began, the Huracán ran with. It led the company’s reentry into racing and ushered in Here’s where it gets crazy: The turbochargers won’t kick a new philosophy that put as much emphasis into handling on until 7,000 rpm. Until then, the powertrain will function and braking as raw horsepower. It showed Lamborghini like a naturally aspirated V-8 with electric assist. From was serious about competing with the dominant sports car 7,000 rpm to the 10,000-rpm redline, the turbos will join the companies on more than just design. Its successor has big party for maximum top-end power. Our sources are mum shoes to fill. on whether the car will retain mechanical AWD or employ PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN As the Audi R8, with which the motors on the front axle. They’re also silent on whether Huracán shares its platform, is on the way out, the Hura- it will offer plug-in recharging capability, but it will need cán’s replacement will likely ride on an updated platform a small battery with at least a few dozen miles of pure rather than an all-new one to save money. That’s important, EV range to comply with emissions regulations in some because Lamborghini needs resources to develop the entirely European cities. It will also need to be a bit longer than the new drivetrain. Yes, the Italian company is finally embracing Huracán to make room for the motor and batteries without turbochargers and hybrid technology, but in its own special sacrificing its frunk size. way. The car will employ a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 similar to ESTIMATED PRICE $270,000 EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE 2024 2026 Lexus Electrified BEV Sport and 2025 BEV Sedans WHAT THEY ARE Lexus is playing catch-up in the EV space adaptable to a variety of configurations, so we’ll be after years of betting on hybrids, but a bevy of recent surprised if either gets developed on a separate platform. EV concepts show it’s getting serious. SUVs will lead the volume charge, but a Lexus Electrified BEV Sport model—a Expect the BEV Sport’s performance to be heady. Lexus modern-day LFA with a rakish profile and aggressive targets a low two-second run to 60 mph and a range proportions—will top the lineup. We also expect a sporty exceeding 430 miles courtesy of the company’s solid-state four-door pair of Taycan-fighting smaller vehicles known for batteries. If it can deliver, the BEV Sport won’t just be a very now as the BEV Sedans, one with a fastback shape and the quick sports car—it’ll also be a rolling tech demonstrator other being a sporty wagon. heralding a new era of EVs. WHY THEY MATTER Yes, Lexus (and Toyota more broadly) ESTIMATED PRICE Adjusting for inflation, the Lexus LFA need to stake a claim in the EV space. But these three stickered at $536,000 when new. When Lexus says the models also provide an important insight into how Lexus as BEV Sport will be its halo car, there’s a lot of white space a brand will tackle the challenge of international appeal. between the roughly $100,000 Lexus LC and a half-million We see the smaller sedan and sporty wagon (call it a bucks. The BEV Sport could come in at any price point in shooting brake, sure, but it’ll have four doors) as a mainly that range. As for the BEV Sedan models, Lexus would be European play, where size and form factor will track with smart to track the Tesla Model 3’s relatively affordable local sensibilities. Meanwhile, what Lexus calls the BEV pricing structure, as its shape alone communicates strongly Sport will take on a halo role, tasked with conveying the what vehicle Lexus has benchmarked. excitement and tangible benefits of EV technology across EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE Lexus has committed to selling the entire lineup. The fact Lexus is creating sporty EVs nothing but EVs by 2030, with many on the road before then, and large, luxurious SUVs is a sign the company thinks so we expect to see the BEV Sedan models around 2025. enthusiasm and excitement still matter, whatever’s under As for the BEV Sport, 2026 or 2027 seems like a good target the hood—underscored by the thematic link to the LFA. date for a production version to launch. PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN All signs point to the Toyota e-TNGA platform as the basis for both the BEV Sport and the BEV Sedan variants. It already underpins the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, and it’s flexible enough to accommodate large SUVs and minivans. E-TNGA is 38 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022

The American Classic that Rescued Ford EXCLUSIVE! Doors open to show off the authentic fully detailed interior, including poseable steering. Presented by Hamilton. Manufactured by SunStar who holds the license with Ford. Fastest way to order: FOLLOW US ON HamiltonCollection.com/Caravan Die cast engineered to MAIL TO: 935010-BIH1 1:18 scale! Measures approximately 9” long! Power and versatility make the Ford Model A a true legend! Please Respond Promptly YES! Please accept my order for The Ford Caravan Collection, premiering with the “1931 Ford Model A Coupe”, as described in this announcement. The long-awaited follow up to Ford’s historic Model T, the Model This impressive series showcases the many body styles of the 1931 Name __________________________________________ (Please print clearly.) A debuted in 1927 to great fanfare. Built larger in size and with twice Model A — all in precise 1:18 scale — with every issue in an the power of the Model T, its boost in performance and versatility exclusive, authentic color. You’ll receive new die-cast editions as Address ________________________________________ quickly turned it into the company’s next big success story. released. Collect them all, or cancel at any time. City ____________________ State ____ Zip ___________ In fact, in its last year of production, the 1931 Ford Model A Reserve RISK-FREE with our money-back guarantee! Email__________________________________________ inspired five distinct body stylings, each showcasing a unique design! Send no money now to claim the “1:18-Scale 1931 Ford Model A OPTIONAL (for order & shipping confirmation) Now, with features like an opening butterfly hood, detailed en- Coupe” for four payments of $39.99*; with just the first payment gine block and more, “1:18-Scale 1931 Ford Model A Coupe” cap- billed prior to shipment. Plus, our 365-Day Guarantee assures your Signature _______________________________________ tures all the style of the original. What’s more, it debuts an all-new die satisfaction or your money back. Don’t delay; reply today! cast series from Hamilton — The Ford Caravan Collection. *Add $22.99 total for shipping and service, and sales tax; see HamiltonCollection.com. All orders are subject to product availability and credit approval. Allow 935010-E40701 6 to 8 weeks after initial payment for shipment.

FUTURE CARS 2025 Lincoln Aviator EV Anticipating advanced driver assist technologies, the concept has an interior ready for an autonomous future, WHAT IT IS Lincoln’s first electric vehicle, an Aviator-sized SUV. with front seats that swivel to interact with rear passengers. WHY IT MATTERS Lincoln promises three new EVs by 2025, a The production model won’t go that far. We expect Lincoln fourth in 2026, and full electrification of its portfolio by 2030. to add B-pillars for production models, and the A- and Many automakers are letting their luxury brands lead the EV D-pillars will be made of metal, not glass like the concept’s. charge, but Lincoln is behind the volume Ford brand. The split rear gate can open to create an extra bench for PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN The Lincoln Star concept offers tailgating, a feature that might survive into production. hints of what’s to come when Lincoln creates high-tech, ESTIMATED PRICE $70,000 connected luxury vehicles on Ford’s new rear-/all-wheel-drive EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE Q4 2024 or Q1 2025 EV architecture. Given today’s Lincoln lineup in the U.S. consists of four crossovers (China also has an electric Zephyr Reflection sedan), we expect four electric SUVs to replace them. First up should be the Lincoln Aviator EV, last up an electric Navigator from the next-gen full-size large truck/SUV EV plat- form. There’s nothing concrete yet on the powertrain, but dual motors are a must for AWD. And although the Lincolns will ride on a different platform than the Mustang Mach-E, there could be sharing of its 75.7- and 98.8-kWh battery packs. Expect one-pedal driving, the latest Sync infotainment, a streamlined body with LED lighting, an illuminated matrix grille below the frunk lid, and lattice lightwork across the back. 2025 Lotus Eletre features a sharp, swooping roofline. It will offer the perfor- mance we expect from the storied marque, with a 0–60 WHAT IT IS Lotus has considered making an SUV since the time of less than 3.0 seconds and a 161-mph top speed. middle of the last decade, an effort that will culminate in the Eletre—which, following in the footsteps of the Evija hypercar The Eletra is built on a and Lotus’ pledge to be gasoline-free by 2030, will be an EV. platform developed jointly with Lotus owner Geely, which Lotus says the Eletre will be followed by a sedan, another SUV, also owns Volvo and Polestar. The dual-motor, all-wheel- and a sports car, all with electric power and code- drive platform is said to produce in excess of 600 hp. The named Type 133, 134, and 135, respectively. 100-plus-kWh battery should deliver more than 300 miles of WHY IT MATTERS Several supercar range, and thanks to an 800-volt electrical system, it will be manufacturers have produced SUVs, able to use 350-kW DC chargers for ultra-fast charging. and although it took a while for Lotus to follow, the results look like they have been A healthy six-figure MSRP is a safe bet. worth waiting for. Despite its reputation Lotus plans to launch the Eletre in for small, lightweight cars, the Eletre is big—longer than a Tesla Model X—and Europe and China in 2023, and we should see it come to the U.S. by 2024 or 2025. 40 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022

FUTURE CARS ILLUSTRATIONS: LARSON 2025 Mercedes-EQ EQC Architecture (MMA) plat- form—186 miles in 15 minutes— WHAT IT IS The C-Class of electric luxury sedans arrives suggest active liquid cooling will replace sized and priced to do battle with Tesla’s mighty Model 3— the EQXX battery’s lighter, more efficient passive cooling. America’s bestselling electric sedan. Its design direction PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN The EQC will be the first was previewed by the aero-swoopy (0.17-Cd), muscular- vehicle to ride on MMA. As such, it shares nothing with the looking, 243-mpg-e Vision EQXX concept. combustion C-Class or the global electric EQC SUV, both of WHY IT MATTERS If the design and efficiency come which use the MRA platform, which dates to 2013 (C, E, CLS, S, anywhere near the similarly sized EQXX’s, Elon Musk and AMG GT models). Look for power to come from motor(s) will have cause for concern. Mercedes has sworn off like the 95 percent efficient Mercedes-developed 241-hp three-box sedans, but it’s an open question how much of eATS 2.0 unit in the EQXX, with a battery sized to provide the concept’s teardrop look and efficiency can trans- range that just bests its Tesla rival. late to production. As in our renderings, necessary aero ESTIMATED PRICE With performance likely to eclipse that compromises will include raising the roof and widening the of today’s C300 models, expect pricing to match the Tesla greenhouse and rear track to provide a class-competitive Model 3—figure $50,000 for RWD models and $60,000-plus rear seat, then fitting regulation mirrors and rain gutters. for the highest-performing AWD variants. We suspect aluminum brakes with no wheel venting will EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE Q4 2024 or Q1 2025 struggle to pass performance and durability requirements, and charging claims made for the new Mercedes Modular Nissan EVs featuring lots of display space for animations and such. The front panel is also translucent, offering a view from the cabin WHAT THEY ARE It’s getting tough to keep track all the way out the nose. Perhaps the general shapes will of which automaker has promised a flood of carry over to a four-door, midsize-ish pickup. But no matter electric vehicles over the near term, how many what form it takes, the truck is the concept we’d prioritize. EVs each has pledged, and by exactly when. So PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN Other than their cool-vibes what’s Nissan up to? It’s spending nearly $20 names, Nissan’s EV concepts showed off novel packaging billion to deliver 20 electrified vehicles in the and fanciful solid-state batteries that, as of today, don’t next four years, and it aims for 15 fully electric exist in a production vehicle. Nissan is working on the tech, models (among 23 all-new vehicles for Nissan which promises better energy density, lower cost, and and Infiniti) by 2030. quicker charging, but we figure come 2025, the first round of EVs is going to run on conventional lithium-ion tech, as found It recently previewed a smattering of concept vehicles in the Ariya. That production SUV also is likely to donate its representing potential EVs, including a pickup, an SUV-ish dual-motor system to a host of Nissan EVs. thing with vanlike sliding doors, and even a two-seat road- ESTIMATED PRICE $30,000–$50,000 ster. They carry ephemeral names: Chill-Out, Hang-Out, EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE 2024–2030 and Max-Out. We figure the production versions, if these concepts preview electric cars and trucks coming in the next SEPTEMBER 2022 MOTORTREND.COM 41 few years, will have normal designations—or they might even outright replace various existing Nissan nameplates. WHY THEY MATTER Nissan’s next-gen Leaf might be previewed by the Chill-Out, a small crossover that uses the same CMF-EV architecture as the 2023 Ariya SUV. Transi- tioning the Leaf into a taller, more appealing vehicle than the dumpy hatchback it is today makes so much sense, it’d be shocking if Nissan weren’t thinking about it. Far and away the most consequential future Nissan— besides the next-gen Leaf—is the electric pickup almost certainly bound for production. It might not look exactly like the Surf-Out concept above, which is a virtually sales-proof two-door regular cab with digital panels front and rear

FUTURE CARS ILLUSTRATION: LARSON 2026 Porsche Hypercar with its capability, tech, and presence. On a grander scale, electrification will be omnipresent throughout the lineup by WHAT IT IS More than nine years have passed since Porsche the time this hypercar comes to fruition, and we expect its revealed the production version of its most recent hypercar, tech to deliver a new level of performance. the hybrid V-8 918 Spyder. Its predecessor, the V-10- PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN Expect this unnamed model swinging Carrera GT, appeared a decade earlier. So you to feature electric power exclusively. Otherwise, Stuttgart might expect the imminent arrival of Porsche’s next mega could have fit it with, say, a roadgoing plug-in hybrid performance creation, but all signs point to having to wait version of the 1.6-liter turbocharged V-6 it developed a few more years. There’s internal interest in such a project, toward the end of the previous decade for a possible but it won’t arrive until at least 2025 as Porsche continues to Formula 1 program it ultimately binned. Instead, almost funnel resources into electrifying its core model range. nothing significant about this car has been seen or heard WHY IT MATTERS On the most elementary level, it’s signifi- publicly, though Porsche is committed to using next-gen cant simply because enthusiasts like to dream about (and high-energy-density, ultra-quick-charging batteries. We drive, if they have the financial wherewithal) the most exotic, know the tech is under development, but it’s not ready for quickest, and fastest machines on Earth. And because marketplace deployment. Porsche consistently produces some of the world’s best- ESTIMATED PRICE $1,300,000 driving cars, you can count on its next hypercar impressing EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE 2025 or 2026 2024 Ram 1500 EV and a Ram heavy-duty electric truck, is going for a dramatic, sleek, and including a fleet variant that uses a modern look to differentiate the EV WHAT IT IS Ram’s entry in the full-size fuel cell to generate its electricity. from the conventional truck lineup. electric pickup segment. It might also come with a range The brand says it will make up for its WHY IT MATTERS Full-size pickups are extender, which Ram calls the Range tardiness with class-besting towing, big business, and Ram’s 1500 is an Electric Paradigm Breaker. payload, range, and charge time. award-winning choice. But Ram finds And with it being Ram, we expect itself late to the party when it comes to Electric motors front and back will a top-notch interior with clever an electric truck. A 2024 launch puts it provide all-wheel-drive capability. features, big screens, and myriad behind the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, Battery packs may be as large as 200 high-quality materials. Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra kWh to provide the promised 500 miles ESTIMATED PRICE $45,000 EVs, the 2022 GMC Hummer EV, and of range, and the 800-volt architecture EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE 2024 the Rivian R1T. Ram must work to stand will speed up the fast charging. Ram out when it arrives. PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN Ram’s electric pickups will ride on the new STLA Frame dedicated electric vehicle architecture. STLA Frame will support the Ram 1500 light-duty EV ILLUSTRATION: SRK DESIGNS 42 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022

2025 Rivian Adventure Van 2024 Rivian R1X Its impressive hydropneumatic suspension allows it to seamlessly go WHAT IT IS Despite #vanlife completely dominating our WHAT IT IS How does a cross between from heavy off-roading to hauling Instagram algorithms for a spell, no automaker has yet a Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover to carving up a good back road. An delivered a factory-ready overlanding camper van. That’ll Defender, and Porsche Cayenne R1X, with a more overt performance change with the release of the Rivian Adventure Van Turbo sound to you? And what if you bias, has the potential to be a (below). Basically conceived as the progeny of a Rivian R1T mix in a little bit of the Rivian R1T’s revelation when it comes to do-it-all and a Sportsmobile Ford Econoline, the Rivian Adventure special sauce? That’s exactly what enthusiast SUVs. Van (the name may change) aims to live up to the the upcoming R1X (above) aims to PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN The company’s philosophy of “keeping the world adventurous be. Our Rivian sources tell us the R1X will ride on a slightly shortened forever.” The Adventure Van will be an R1-based electric company is hard at work building a version of Rivian’s familiar R1 platform, off-roader, with clever features like Rivian’s camp kitchen, rally-inspired SUV designed to be as but its motors and batteries will be and likely the ability to convert its seats into beds— capable as a Wrangler and Defender new. Sources tell us the R1X will use allowing for days of off-the-grid living. off-road and as quick as a Cayenne four of the new house-built motors WHY IT MATTERS With most automakers just now waking Turbo on pavement. We expect the that just debuted in the two-motor up to the amount of money to be made by investing R1X to be a slightly shorter two-row R1S SUV and R1T truck. These new in the overland craze, the Rivian Adventure Van would SUV than the R1S it’s based on, with motors feature carbon-sleeved take things a step further by creating the only OEM spy shots of a seating buck indicating rotors, which allow them to spin at off-road-capable adventure van on the market. The it’ll likely have a fastback roofline. higher rpm and develop more power. model would harken back to the days when you could roll WHY IT MATTERS Versatility is one We’re told total system output will be into your local Volkswagen or Toyota dealer and 1,200 hp and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. The leave with a Westfalia or Chinook. of the reasons we named quad-motor R1X will be backed by its PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN Although Rivian the related Rivian R1T own in-house battery pack. could conceivably build the Adventure Van from our 2022 Truck ESTIMATED PRICE $115,000 its commercial-oriented Prime Van or RCV, we of the Year. EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE Q4 2023 believe it’ll instead use the more off-road- ILLUSTRATIONS: RYAN LUGO capable platform under the R1T pickup and R1S SUV. Hard details from our sources are scarce, as it’s still early days for the Adventure Van, but we believe it will be available with multiple battery and motor options and come standard with the company’s trick hydropneumatic suspension. We suspect both dual- and quad-motor powertrains will be available, with as much as 1,200 hp and 1,200 lb-ft on tap, and Rivian’s 180-kWh Max battery pack. ESTIMATED PRICE $125,000 EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE Q4 2025 at the earliest. Rivian has a lot of irons in the fire; the niche Adventure Van is likely a lower priority. SEPTEMBER 2022 MOTORTREND.COM 43

Scout (by Volkswagen) ILLUSTRATION: LARSON WHAT IT IS A resurrection of the long-dead Scout SUV as discontinued in 1980, but interest rebounded somewhat an electric vehicle by Volkswagen, which recently acquired recently with the soaring popularity of classic off-roaders. rights to the name. It will be a new stand-alone brand and Building both an SUV and a pickup will position it well not badged as a VW. Official teasers indicate both an SUV against the established Jeep brand and the nascent Ford and a pickup are being developed. Bronco lineup, the latter of which is also developing stand- WHY IT MATTERS Off-roading, overlanding, and reviving alone dealers and adopting minimal Ford badging. retro nameplates are hot trends right now, and they print PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN Although VW already has a money. EVs are also rapidly rising in popularity. Combining two-motor all-wheel-drive EV platform in production, the all the above into a dedicated brand could be a big company said in a release that it plans to develop “a new coup for Volkswagen and give it an authentic entry into technical platform concept” for its new “rugged” offerings. the relevant market. The original Scout SUV by Interna- It provided no further details, but we expect two motors tional Harvester has mostly been forgotten since it was minimum, one in the front and one in the rear. Three or four motors is possible, but VW executives have expressed a desire to keep the price reasonable. A locking rear differ- ential and long-travel suspension are all but mandatory in a credible Bronco and Wrangler competitor, along with under-vehicle protection. As much range as possible is also necessary for serious backcountry exploration and the ability to tow and haul gear. ESTIMATED PRICE $40,000 EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE 2026 2024 Toyota Compact Cruiser platform, also found underpinning the bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. We expect the Compact Cruiser to offer dual-motor WHAT IT IS After initially doubling down on hydrogen and all-wheel drive and somewhere in the realm of 250 hp or so. hybrids, Toyota appears to be pivoting slowly toward If that’s the case, don’t expect it to be a range or charging battery electric vehicles. One of the models that’ll anchor champ—the more aerodynamic all-wheel-drive bZ4X nets this directional change is the new 2024 Toyota Compact 222 miles of range in its least efficient form and is among the Cruiser. A follow-up of sorts to the beloved FJ Cruiser (which slowest-charging EVs on the market. left our market in 2014 but still soldiers on in the Middle East), ESTIMATED PRICE $45,000 the Compact Cruiser is a pint-sized electric off-roader built EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE Fall 2023 in the same vein as early ’90s classics such as the Suzuki Samurai. This small electric off-roader sports four doors, plenty of ground clearance, tucked-away bumpers, all-ter- rain tires, and beefy-looking skidplates, all of which ought to make it a hoot off-road. WHY IT MATTERS Toyota is finally coming on strong in the EV space, promising 10 new “lines” of EVs by 2025, and the Compact Cruiser will be part of that salvo. While models like the 2023 Toyota bZ4X cover Toyota’s more conservative audience, the Compact Cruiser aims to satisfy legions of Toyota’s hardcore off-road enthusiasts by offering more traditional Land Cruiser styling cues in an efficient, modern package. PLATFORM AND POWER- TRAIN We don’t know a ton about what’s underneath the Compact Cruiser’s sheetmetal, but we think it’s a safe assumption we’ll find Toyota’s new e-TNGA 44 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022

FUTURE CARS 2024 Toyota Tacoma/Electric Truck WHAT IT IS The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is almost certain to be suspension options. When it comes to the 2024 Tacoma, the first truly new Tacoma pickup in nearly 20 years, with we believe Toyota will offer a version of the Lexus NX350’s not just 2022 Toyota Tundra–inspired styling but also a fresh 275-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged I-4 as the base engine, and platform, new powertrains, and a larger overall package. possibly a detuned version of the Tundra’s hybridized 389-hp We believe Toyota will offer up a wider variety of Tacomas 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6. Transmission options likely include a than ever before, with a turbocharged I-4, hybridized V-6, six-speed manual and 10-speed automatic; both rear- and and even an electric Tacoma all in the cards. four-wheel drive will be available. WHY IT MATTERS Despite its relative age, tight cabin, and critically panned powertrains, the stylish Tacoma is today’s We also expect an electric Tacoma, as previewed by segment sales leader in the increasingly hot midsize pickup the Toyota Electric Truck concept (above). We don’t have market. With a new Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado on much on the Tacoma EV but expect it to come standard the horizon, the revamped Tacoma is necessary to ensure with dual-motor all-wheel drive. Despite the wide variety of this cash cow keeps producing milk. powertrains, all Tacomas should lose their leaf-spring rear PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN The driving force behind the suspensions in favor of more streetable coil springs. Both new Tacoma is its TNGA-F platform, Toyota’s new modular extended- and crew-cab models with short and long beds global body-on-frame architecture. Shared with not just the are likely for the conventionally powered Tacomas, while the 2022 Tundra but also the new Lexus LX, global Land Cruiser, EV will most likely come only in the popular crew-cab and Hilux, and next-gen 4Runner, the new platform allows for short-bed configuration. a dizzying array of powertrain options, body styles, and ESTIMATED PRICE $30,000 (gas); $50,000 (electric) EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE Q2 2023 (gas); Q3 2024 (electric) T H E O U T L I E R S THESE EVS SHOULD BE GOOD FUN—IF THEY EVER MATERIALIZE Alpha Motor Ace, Jax, Rex, Saga, and Wolf WHAT THEY ARE Founded in 2020, California-based Alpha Motor Corporation (the new AMC?) announced a family of intriguing electric vehicles. It includes the Ace, a retro-styled compact coupe with early-1970s-Japanese overtones; a small four-door sedan and wagon called the Saga; and an off-road Saga sedan named the Jax. Also on the menu: a boxy compact pickup called the Wolf and a two-door Bronco-ish SUV dubbed the Rex. Along with the base models, Alpha announced high-performance “super” versions and off-road-capable variants. WHY THEY MATTER Alpha’s approach illustrates one of the advantages of EVs: The simplicity and interchangeability of skateboard-style platforms allow multiple vehicles with different body styles to be developed simultaneously. PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN Outside of one or two proto- types, these vehicles exist only as 3-D computer renders and models, so Alpha has little of substance to tell us about SEPTEMBER 2022 MOTORTREND.COM 45

the powertrain. Most of the vehicles would be available in dual-motor Rex and Super Wolf. The company is taking single-motor rear-drive and dual-motor AWD versions, with reservations, though signing up merely adds your name acceleration ranging from 6.5 seconds to 60 mph for the Jax and email address to a waiting list. crossover down to 4.6 seconds for the dual-motor Super EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE Alpha has claimed it will start Saga. The company claims a driving range of more than 300 delivering vehicles in calendar year 2023, but given the miles for the cars and 250–275 miles for the trucks. company is only just now entering into agreements with ESTIMATED PRICE Alpha Motor says pricing will range other organizations for engineering and manufacturing, from $32,000 for a single-motor Ace up to $56,000 for the its target strikes us as highly optimistic. The Vayanne is an all-wheel-drive electric A If the Vayanne doesn’t look hypercar from Austrian startup Deus Automobile. Designed radical, that’s intentional: It’s meant to look like a modern and engineered (we are told) with the assistance of gas-powered hypercar. Output will be 2,200 hp and 1,475 Italdesign and Williams Advanced Engineering, the Deus is lb-ft of torque, Deus says, but how many motors it will take planned to be limited to 99 bespoke examples. and how all that thrust will be distributed remain a mystery. The performance potential of electric vehi- Deus says each bespoke car will cles is massive: Today you can buy electric sedans that can allow buyers to choose their own color combinations for get to 60 mph in about 2.0 seconds and pickup trucks that both paint and the interior, which is constructed from can do so in 3.1, so the bar for electric hypercars is going to sustainable materials. Expect the company to price the be incredibly high. Deus aims for the stars: 1.99 seconds to 60 Vayanne between $2 million and $3 million. (which is pretty much the limit of rubber tires on unprepped asphalt) and a top speed of 248 mph. Deus says 2025, but there’s still a lot of development work to be done. 46 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022

FUTURE CARS EdisonFuture EF1-T and EF1-V WHAT THEY ARE What the world needs now is more 700-hp electric trucks, and California- based EdisonFuture (not to be confused with three-wheeler purveyor Edison) is ready to oblige. The EF1-T is a full-size pickup offering a choice of a 6.5-foot or 8.0-foot bed, and its unique selling proposition is a set of roof- mounted solar panels that will charge the batteries—and that can be extended to the bed’s back edge, maximizing their charge potential while protecting the bed’s contents from would-be thieves. EdisonFuture is also building a van variant called the EF1-V, and the company displayed prototypes of both body styles at the 2022 CES event. WHY THEY MATTER Full-size trucks are big business, which is part of the reason Ford and GM are rushing to market with electric pickups. EdisonFuture thinks it can grab a piece of that pie. These trucks promise the size and towing capabilities of a full- size EV pickup like the Ford F-150 Lightning combined with the performance potential of Rivian’s four-motor R1T. PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN EdisonFuture announced three powertrain configurations. The single-motor EF1-TP Standard will get to 60 mph in less than 6.5 seconds, offer a range of 300 miles, and tow up to 7,500 pounds. The 600-hp dual-motor EF1-TP Premium improves those numbers to 4.5 seconds, 380 miles, and 9,000 pounds. The 700-hp trimotor EF1-TP Super allegedly comes in at 3.9, 450, and 11,000. The company plans to offer the EF1-V van in single- and dual-motor versions with up to 8,000 pounds and 400 cubic feet of cargo capacity. ESTIMATED PRICE Look for the EF1-TP Super to list for about $100,000. EdisonFuture is accepting $200 reservations. EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE The trucks are tagged with a 2025 model year, which means we could see them as soon as 2024. Sony Vision-S 01 and 02 WHAT THEY ARE The Sony Vision-S 01 and Vision-S 02 are sedan and SUV concept vehicles. The Vision-S 01, originally introduced at CES in 2020, is apparently a working vehicle that has undergone on-road testing. The Vision-S 02 is a newer, stretched-wheelbase, seven-seat SUV version introduced at the 2022 CES. WHY THEY MATTER New vehicle manufacturers like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid blur the line between car companies and tech compa- nies, and of course we know Sony is a tech company—one that sees EVs in its future. Sony’s tech chops are on display in the Vision concepts, which include advanced imaging and radar and lidar sensors (40 in all). That will no doubt support some level of auton- omous driving, as well as multiple screens and a sound system designed for what Sony calls “revolutionary in-car entertain- ment experiences.” Still, Sony isn’t going it alone; the company announced a joint venture with Honda, called Sony Honda Mobility, to develop, build, and sell its proposed electric cars. PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN Although we don’t have much detail on the mechanical parts, Sony told us both Vision-S vehi- cles are powered by a pair of motors producing a total of 536 hp. The Vision-S 01 sedan will accelerate to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 149 mph. ESTIMATED PRICE It makes sense to price the Vision-S 01 and 02 in line with Tesla’s Model S sedan ($101,440) and Model X SUV ($116,440), respectively. EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE Honda has announced a 2025 target— and we could well see them sold at Honda dealerships. Q SEPTEMBER 2022 MOTORTREND.COM 47

FEATURE I VinFast ISVINFAST FORREAL? SIGNSPOINT TOYES. VinFast, a fledgling Vietnamese enough for consumers to take a chance on automaker, has grabbed headlines an unknown Vietnamese manufacturer with plans to start selling electric are questions we can’t yet answer. SUVs in the U.S. by the end of the year—the two-row 2023 VinFast VF 8 However, VinFast appears unlikely and the three-row 2023 VinFast VF 9 were to be a flash in the pan because it’s part of Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private on display at the 2022 New York Inter- company. The conglomerate is owned by billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, who got his national Auto Show. The company also start selling ramen noodles in Ukraine in 1993. His noodles took three minutes recently announced plans to build a vehicle to cook in a world where many competi- tors’ required 10 to 15. Consumers were assembly and battery plant in North initially wary, but within a year Vuong’s Technocom Corp. found itself with the Carolina, with production slated to begin world’s top-selling instant noodle brand. Vuong sold the company to Nestle in 2010. by July 2024, and it has filed paperwork He returned to his native Vietnam to for an initial public offering in the U.S. We start a business group, and Vuong is now known as “the Chairman.” He has spent spent time in Vietnam with VinFast and most of his professional life creating companies and services that he hopes its parent operation, Vingroup, for greater WORDS ALISA PRIDDLE make his country a better place to live. insight into this newcomer. To that end, Vingroup has become Who is VinFast, and is it for real? pervasive. It’s a $39 billion real estate and hospitality giant, and it also runs The answer is not a simple one. VinFast complex in Vietnam, which it says it will has seemingly unlimited financing and replicate in the U.S., its vehicles are styled resources, and its talent pool is drawn to stand out, and it plans to offer the same from both home and abroad. The company level of features as the competition at a seems to be moving at the speed of a lower purchase price, in part by leasing startup as it rides the interwoven wave the vehicles’ battery packs. Whether the of SUV and electric vehicle popularity. It products are unique enough, their quality has a shiny, massive new manufacturing good enough, and their prices compelling 48 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022

PART OF THE MASSIVE VINGROUP, VINFAST HAS VAST RESOURCES AND DETERMINED LEADERSHIP SEPTEMBER 2022 MOTORTREND.COM 49

FEATURE I VinFast a massive nonprofit organization. It a four-cylinder engine with the 6.2-liter caravan north to Cape Sa Vi amid great creates giant subdivisions where 100,000 LT1 V-8 from the C7 Corvette. The most fanfare, with beaming owners waving as people live in Vinhomes, attend nonprofit popular domestic model is the VinFast they began their electric-powered trek. K–12 Vinschools, and can apply to Fadil subcompact hatchback. attend VinUni, an international private Three years into production, Vuong university that sits on what just a few Vietnamese buyers snapped up these dropped a bombshell: VinFast would cease years ago was a rice field. Vietnamese cars with a mix of common pride and building vehicles with internal combustion can go to a Vinmec hospital for their ills, common sense. They could support their engines by the end of 2022 and make only visit VinWonders amusement parks, and country while getting affordable BMWs electric vehicles. The Chairman would foot work at a Vinpearl hotel or in a Vincom and low-cost parts and service. The quality the bill for the costs; it was of paramount shopping center. The Chairman did not was there at a bargain price, Vietnamese importance to him that VinFast be a leader like the idea of Hanoi painting his electric car reviewer Hung Dang Khoa Nguyen of in clean, smart mobility. buses red and yellow and covering them in Vlog Xe tells us. VinFast quickly became billboards, so he formed his own nonprofit the fourth-bestselling brand in Vietnam, The VF 8 and VF 9, which ride on a public transit service. Stylish green behind Hyundai, Toyota, and Kia. Each global platform Magna helped develop, VinBuses with air conditioning and Wi-Fi model now leads its segment, appealing to were engineered to be sold with an ICE or now operate in the city. middle-class buyers. as an EV, with the VF 8 to begin domestic production in May; U.S.-spec SUVs will In 2017, Vuong founded VinFast to make Continuing development at sonic speed, be added in late August for export in scooters, cars, trucks, SUVs, and buses. VinFast added its first electric vehicle for November. The VF 9 is scheduled to roll In 21 months, VinFast developed its first the Vietnamese market, the VinFast e34 out a month later. The SUVs will now be three vehicles and built an industrial compact crossover. Deliveries began in EVs only, and by April 2022, VinFast had complex with a vehicle assembly plant December 2021, and 100 owners gathered more than 65,000 global reservations. In and a VinES battery plant on what used to in Ha Long on April 7 for a 125-mile July 2024, if all goes according to plan, the be swampland in Hai Phong, near Hanoi. Vingroup tech companies at the Hanoi R&D center work on artificial intelligence, big data, battery development, and driver assist systems. In 2019, the automaker began delivering gasoline-powered vehicles to Vietnamese customers. To get out of the gate quickly, the LUX SA2.0 is a reworked previous-gen- eration BMW X5, and the LUX A2.0 is a riff on the BMW 5 Series sedan, both rede- signed by Pininfarina. A limited number of SUVs were badged President, replacing Electric VinBuses with air conditioning and Wi-Fi operate in Hanoi, Vietnam, part of a nonprofit transit system created by Vingroup. This Vinhome subdivision can house 100,000 people. The community includes a Vingroup international university, schools, parks, health care, and malls. 50 MOTORTREND.COM SEPTEMBER 2022