+++ ASTON MARTIN could use oscillating body structures on future performance EVs to simulate the experience of driving a V12-engined sports car, company boss Adrian Hallmark has hinted. The British firm is currently developing its first production electric car, which is due to arrive by 2030. It has a deal with EV start-up Lucid to use its electric motors, inverters and other technology, but Hallmark insisted that the cars would be true Astons. Asked how Aston Martin could can produce a true electric performance car that could match the emotion of its existing models in the future, Hallmark ruled out the use of fake gearshifts or engine noises that feature in EVs such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. He said that he recently drove the Mercedes-AMG EQS “and that gave me hope” because “without fake gear changes or engine noise, it resonates. I don’t mean emotionally but physically. It physically resonates. If you mapped the telemetry of the V12 engine from the Valkyrie, or even the engine from the race version, measured the frequencies and built those into the body structure of the vehicle, linked them to the throttle position and suppressed the electrical frequency noises, you would feel exactly like you were in a Valkyrie or another 12-cylinder car. So I believe without fake noises but by actually oscillating body structures and other structures with the frequencies that you get from a combustion powertrain, you can create an emotional connection”. Hallmark also hinted that weight reduction will be a key objective for future performance EVs, citing solid-state batteries as crucial in that aim, although he was clear that such technology wouldn’t feature on the first wave of Aston EVs. “The biggest number issue in making a performance EV is weight, because we all know that a car that is lighter feels better, even at the same level of performance”, he said. “The problem with battery electric vehicles is that’s very difficult to get that dynamic feel that you get from a genuinely lightweight performance car. Mass is the enemy, and with EVs, mass is part of the DNA”. Hallmark said that the battery was the single biggest challenge and “you can’t save enough on everything else to compensate for the burden” it brings. But he said that solid-state batteries could be a game-changer, because “not only would the battery itself weigh less but you would need less cooling and protective materials”. He said that could be combined with new technologies to reduce other structure and component weights to close the weight gap and suggested that “technology in terms of steering, suspension geometry and electronic intervention could replicate maybe the rest of what you get dynamically”. While firms such as Rolls-Royce have enjoyed success (with the Spectre), several firms producing high-performance luxury EVs have struggled to win over buyers. Asked if Aston Martin’s customers actually wanted EVs, Hallmark indicated that there were 2 camps. “There are 2 different customers”, he said. “There are ones who don’t want an EV. They don’t just not want one, they hate them with a deep-rooted passion, and they partly hate them because they feel they’re being told to have one. “There’s nothing better to trigger a multi-millionaire than the word ‘no’. Most of our customers are millionaires, so if you tell them ‘no you can’t have a V12, you can’t a car with 700-something horsepower’, then they will really want it. But there’s another group of customers who are pro-EV (and the size of that group) is moving, and it will change further as education and information occurs and the reality dawns. “We’re already finding that petrolheads who said a PHEV would never be relevant are now saying ‘if I can’t have a full petrol car, a PHEV is a great solution’ ”. +++
+++ Presidents come and go, and gas prices ebb and flow, but for over 40 years there’s one thing Americans have been able to rely on, and it’s that the FORD F-150 is the country’s favorite vehicle. But that tradition ended in 2024, when The Toyota RAV4 knocked the F-150 off the top spot, industry figures show. F-150 sales dropped 5 percent to 460.915 last year, according to data from Jato Dynamics, while Toyota RAV4 registrations increased by 9 percent to 475.193. The RAV4 has been snapping at the F-150’s heels for several years, but it’s never managed to topple it before. When the F-Series was crowned best selling vehicle in 2023, it was the 42nd time the Blue Oval truck had achieved the feat. Jato Dynamics’ global analyst Felipe Munoz notes that other figures coming out in the next few days or weeks might show a different outcome, but if they do it’ll be because they’ll be referring to the wider F-series family, including the F-150, F-250 and F-350, while this list is only concerned with single models. What makes the RAV4’s achievement all the more impressive is that the SUV managed it in its twilight years. The current RAV debuted in 2018 and Toyota is expected to unveil an all-new model this summer. I’ve already seen prototypes testing and 2 weeks ago a leaked photo surfaced online allegedly taken at a dealer event and showing the Chinese version of the future RAV4, the Wildlander. Getting back to Jato’s best-sellers list, the Honda CRV grew its sales by 11 percent to 402.791, but the fifth-placed Tesla Model Y shrank 3 percent to 372.613, perhaps in part because buyers knew the facelifted model, revealed last month, was on the horizon. Chevrolet’s Silverado slipped a couple of percent but the Camry (up 7 percent) and Corolla (up 22 percent) gave Toyota even more reasons to smile. The Nissan Rogue (X-Trail in Europe), Honda Civic and GMC Sierra 1500 rounded out the top-10, which notably, did not contain a single Stellantis product. Munoz and Jato also catalogued 2024’s sales according to brands, the data again showing Toyota on top with just shy of 2.04 million registrations (up 6 percent), with Ford in second place (1.96 million, up 3 percent), and Chevrolet in third spot (1.73 million, up 2 percent). Looking at the automaker group numbers, however, both Toyota and Ford conceded to GM. +++
+++ The first car of JAGUAR ’s new era, spawned from December’s Type 00 concept, has been spotted testing again ahead of its much-anticipated unveiling at the end of the year. The electric super-GT is the first all-new Jaguar since the I-Pace was launched in early 2018. It will pack north of 600 hp, have a range of more than 700 kms and be priced above €120.000 in the Netherlands. Due to hit the road next year, it’s the first of three Jaguar EVs due to arrive by the end of the decade atop a new brand-specific, EV-only platform dubbed JEA. The other two are a large luxury saloon and an SUV. Testing in the snowy conditions near the Arctic Circle, this is the second time the super-GT prototype has been spied, with these new pictures revealing more details about the car that will spearhead Jaguar’s next generation. For example, the images showcase the heavily camouflage car’s back end for the first time, which confirms a lack of a rear window, similar to the new Polestar 4. This was shown on December’s Type 00 concept and previously reported by Autocar as a key feature of Jaguar’s next-generation models. The pictures also show off thin split rear lights; clearly a more practical interpretation of the concept’s dual light blades. Like the concept, it sports a heavily sculpted rear end. The new images also reveal a rear door design that houses a small window and flares backwards above the rear wheel arch, cutting into the bodywork. The front end is pictured with the wording ‘lorips’. Instead of previewing a future production name, this could be a reference to ‘lorem ipsum’, a Latin placeholder text used in graphic design and publishing to fill spaces that do not yet have content. This therefore suggests a different word will appear there on the production car. Mules also sport numberplates both on the grille and to the side of it, possibly indicating different positions for different markets. In the EU, plates must now be centrally mounted, due to new pedestrian safety regulations. Beneath the heavy camouflage of this early prototype, it is clear that the GT will be a large, low-slung saloon with a rakish, coupé-like roofline, a generous wheelbase and its A-pillars positioned as far as possible behind the front axle to give a cab-rear silhouette reminiscent of some of Jaguar’s biggest-engined past models. Interestingly, in size and shape, it appears not dissimilar to the electric Jaguar XJ that was axed midway through its development programme in 2021, though it will bear no relation to that car. The front ends of Jaguar’s new cars will be dominated by a distinctive new lighting arrangement made up of ultra-slim LED strips that will be almost invisible when off, but they are covered entirely on this test vehicle. The one design element recognisable from past Jaguar models on this car is the front grille panel, which is the same shape as that of the I-Pace, but camouflage is clearly visible underneath, which strongly suggests that it is non-functional and won’t feature on the production car. Instead, electric Jaguars will wear an all-new face centred around a new decorative ‘grille’ and a new interpretation of the Jaguar badge. It’s unlikely we will see the interior before the official unveiling later this year, but sources suggest Jaguar’s future cabins will be highly minimalist and tech-heavy affairs, largely omitting buttons in favour of touch controls and dominated by a wraparound infotainment interface that spans the width of the dashboard, with a secondary touchscreen in the centre console for climate control and audio functions. A greater focus will be placed on rear passenger refinement, with screens on the backs of the front seats, USB-C charging ports and blinds for the windows. There will also be the option to spec future Jaguar models with two separate rear seats in place of a conventional bench. Before the production version of the super-GT is revealed, Jaguar is in a limbo state. Since the Type 00 concept’s unveiling in December, the brand has wound down production of all models except the F-Pace, and even that car has now been pulled from sale in Europe, although it will remain available in other markets for just over a year. As such, Jaguar has no new cars in showrooms in Europe, with just a limited number of stock available. +++
+++ MAZDA ’s CX-5 is about to undergo a major and much-needed redesign, and if you’ve been waiting for something fresh to go toe-to-toe with the Toyota RAV4, which is also set to debut a new generation soon, this might be the update you’ve been hoping for. With hybrid powertrains, a smarter interior layout, and a more upscale design, the upcoming model looks promising. After nearly 9 years since the second-generation CX-5 first hit the streets in 2016, a prototype of the compact SUV was recently been spotted cruising around Los Angeles, offering a first look at what’s in store. Here’s everything we know so far about the redesigned CX-5 ahead of its official debut. Mazda’s Kodo design language continues to evolve, and the upcoming CX-5 is a prime example of this. The new model blends rugged elegance with a touch of sportiness, especially up front, where a winged inner grille inlay flanks cascading headlamps and a stacked DRL cluster. While much of the silhouette retains a familiar outline, notable changes include a chunky D-pillar and upper wheel arch sections that extend over the fenders, adding a more rugged, off-road-inspired edge. As is typical of Mazda’s design ethos, the bodywork remains free of harsh creases, lending it a premium feel that should age gracefully over time. At the rear, Mazda’s new ‘letterhead’ script, first seen on the recently-revealed Mazda EZ6/6e, replaces the traditional logo we’ve all come to know. The taillights take cues from the larger CX-90, creating a cohesive design language across Mazda’s SUV line-up. Inside, expect a cabin that’s both premium and spacious. The dashboard is rumoured to feature a rectangular instrument cluster and infotainment display, similar to the tablet-style screens found in current BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi products. Rear passengers will benefit from a higher roofline, offering improved headroom, while the cargo space will see a boost as well. Key features will likely include Amazon Alexa voice command integration, a panoramic sunroof, and Mazda’s driver personalization system, first seen in the CX-60, in higher trims. This system allows the SUV to adjust settings like seat position, climate control and mirrors to individual driver profiles. Under the hood, a new parallel hybrid system allows the wheels to be driven by the electric motor alone, a combination of electricity and the internal combustion engine (ICE), or solely by the ICE. In terms of layout, fresh patent images from Japan reveal a transverse 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor positioned to the right, with a transmission sandwiched between the 2 units. Mazda is tipped to retain its naturally aspirated 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine from the current car. From 2027, Mazda’s new Skyactiv-Z powertrains will come on-stream with advancements in thermal efficiency and fuel economy. Underneath, the CX-5 will ride on the automaker’s rigid “Small Platform,” shared with the Mazda 3 and CX-30. Both front and all-wheel-drive configurations will continue to be offered. The new generation CX-5 will face stiff competition in a crowded SUV market, taking on rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Forester, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue/X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Volkswagen Tiguan. An official reveal will occur in the coming months. In fact, Mazda’s South Africa division accidentally spilled the beans, revealing that the new CX-5 will make its global debut sometime between July and September. +++
+++ Electric PORSCHE exist and new models will be added in the future, starting with the battery-powered Cayenne. However, we now know that the Prancing Horse will also continue to develop and produce internal combustion engines for use in pure combustion cars or with plug-in powertrains. This is a clear change of strategy, given the difficulties (not only for Porsche) of winning over motorists with purely electric models. So what will happen now? Let’s start with a certainty: the 911. The Zuffenhausen icon will retain the internal combustion engine for many years to come. While the company used to stress the difficulty of making such a car electric, with the revised strategic plan we can rest assured. Sure, there is the hybrid 911 (the new GTS), but the 6-cylinder boxer remains. And the 718 family? In the coming months, the Boxster and Cayman will make their debut as all-electric sports cars. Models that have been and are still being discussed, although they are facing development problems due to the crisis at Northvolt, the company that produces the batteries for the two small sports cars. Of course, the versions that have now been withdrawn cannot be brought back because they do not comply with the EU regulations Unece / R155 and R156. Will Porsche reconsider and update them, keeping the cabriolets and coupés with internal combustion engines alive? Things are more complicated for the Macan. After Autointernationaal.nl reported that the midsize SUV, now fully electric, was about to get a petrol engine, the company rushed to officially deny it. The PPE platform does not allow petrol engines and it would require the PPC, which is designed for non-electric models. We already know practically everything about the Cayenne: it will live on 2 separate tracks. The big German SUV will be both electric and plug-in hybrid. The former will debut in 2025, while the latter will be an evolution of the current version. A similar fate could be in store for the Panamera, with a separate development that will see a 100 percent electric version emerge alongside a classic electrified version. The decision will have an impact on Porsche’s margins, which are already under pressure. The company expects margins of between 10% and 12% in 2025, well below its long-term target of 20%. An additional 800 million euro will have to be budgeted for vehicle and battery development. +++
+++ Cars from STELLANTIS will soon be able to talk to their owners. This is not science fiction, but a future for which we are all prepared, given the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the commitment of many car manufacturers. Thanks to a partnership between the Stellantis and Mistral AI, a science and product company that aims to make Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) accessible to all, the group’s cars will be equipped with an on-board assistant that allows drivers to interact with the vehicle using their voice. When the new assistant is operational, customers will be able to ask it questions about vehicle features, troubleshooting or warning indicators, as well as receive instant directions through what the company describes as “completely natural” voice interaction. The assistant will be updated on an ongoing basis and will be adapted to all the Stellantis models of all the brands. In addition to in-vehicle assistance, Stellantis and Mistral AI are exploring other initiatives that harness artificial intelligence: BOM Data Intelligence: a Stellantis-specific AI tool that simplifies the analysis of complex component databases. It is a Mistral AI-powered chatbot that interacts with Stellantis product data to help engineers identify, compare and optimise component selection to maximise reuse and overall efficiency. Vehicle feedback data analysis: AI automates the processing of data from development fleets and related surveys, quickly identifying trends and corrective actions to improve product quality and customer satisfaction. Club Stellantis virtual assistant: a chatbot to help Stellantis employees in France buy company cars. The tool is optimised to handle requests in multiple languages, a key feature in anticipation of expanding the service to other countries. AI-driven anomaly detection: Stellantis is evaluating Mistral AI’s edge computing models to detect production errors in real time, allowing operators to take corrective action before parts are released, improving quality control and efficiency. “There are many players in the artificial intelligence space, and we are particularly excited to partner with Mistral AI because of its remarkable adaptability and ability to achieve significant results through a strong collaborative spirit”, said Ned Curic, Chief Engineering & Technology Officer at Stellantis. “Together, we are exploring the potential of AI in different areas to improve our product development and customer experience and deliver real benefits”. +++
+++ A hefty price increase for the Model S: TESLA now charges €17,000 or 18 percent more for its 5-metre saloon. The previous base price of €93.990 is still listed on the Model S website, but according to the configurator, the normal all-wheel drive model with 2 motors now costs €110.990 in the Netherlands. The Plaid variant now costs €120.990 instead of €108.990; an increase of 11 percent. There are similar price increases for the Model X. Perhaps as a consolation, Tesla is reintroducing free Supercharging for both models. This will apply to all Model S and X purchases from now on, according to the configurator: “Eligibility for free Supercharger use and premium connectivity is linked to the vehicle’s VIN and the original named driver, who must also take possession of the vehicle. Free Supercharger and Premium Connectivity cannot be transferred to another person or vehicle in the event of a change of ownership”. This news gives us the opportunity to update our model overview of the Model S. The luxury saloon was Tesla’s second electric car after the Roadster; the model was launched in 2012, so it has been “in service” for over 10 years. At the end of 2021, it underwent an extensive technical upgrade, including a slight facelift. The Plaid+ version announced for 2021 was never released, and the new Plaid version was initially only available in the USA. The Plaid has only been available in the Netherlands since August 2022. The regular all-wheel-drive version was also delayed: the Model S Dual Motor only appeared in the Dutch configurator at the beginning of 2023. +++