Kia reveals 2024 EV9 in final form
The brand鈥檚 full-size electric utility vehicle was shown in concept form in 2021, but the final pre-production version shows only minor changes. There鈥檚 a blank panel at the front instead of a grille, and the fenders are squared-off. The EV9 has a blocky appearance that straddles the line between attractive and utilitarian. The cabin, which has three rows of seats, is more welcoming, highlighted by integrated 12.3-inch infotainment and driver鈥檚 information screens extending across much of the dashboard. For passenger sociability, the available second-row captain鈥檚 chairs can be swiveled backward to face the third-row bench. Kia will have a base 201-horsepower rear-wheel-drive version and a 380-horsepower all-wheel-drive model at the top.
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The electric G-Class enters production for 2024
The Mercedes-Benz luxury-class off-roader dates to the late-1970s when it was called the Gel盲ndewagen. For 2024, the G-Class becomes the EQG and it will get four electric motors 鈥� one for each wheel 鈥� that can operate collectively or independently. It will be able to turn on a dime, as the saying goes. The battery pack is positioned between the frame rails of the existing platform. As per the 2021 concept, the EQG resembles the current G-Class, save for an illuminated panel and oversized Mercedes-Benz logo that replace the grille. A lockable storage box for the charging cable and other gear replaces the spare tire, which moves to a spot beneath the load floor. Power ratings and range haven鈥檛 been released.
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The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek鈥檚 updates are just skin deep
The popular compact all-wheel-drive hatchback is priced thousands less than the next-in-line Forester and for 2024 it gets a more aggressive nose and grille. Accentuating its (unchanged) off-road ability, is noticeably more black cladding. Returning are the 152-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder and the 182-horsepower 2.5, plus a 148-horsepower plug-in hybrid system that uses the 2.0 and an electric motor. In the loss column, the six-speed manual transmission is history, leaving only the continuously variable unit.
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Acura builds an Integra Type S
Honda鈥檚 upscale division created a sportier Type S version of the TLX sedan and it will do the same with the Civic-based Integra. The front-wheel-driver, which is slated to launch this summer, gets a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that delivers 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. That鈥檚 five horsepower more than the hot Civic Type R produces with the same engine. A six-speed manual transmission, also found in the Civic Type R, is standard (there鈥檚 no automatic). The Integra Type S will receive a firmer suspension, a limited-slip differential and a less-restrictive (louder) exhaust system.
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Ferrari introduces another drool-inducing exotic
The Roma coupe, which the prancing-horse automaker launched for 2021, will soon be joined by a four-seat convertible that comes with a power soft top that retracts behind and beneath the rear deck. The Roma Spider will be as quick as it is beautiful since it employs the coupe鈥檚 turbocharged 3.9-litre V-8 that produces 612 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of torque. A rear-mounted eight-speed paddle-shift transmission is standard. The Roma comes with a digital gauge screen for the driver, a touch-screen located on the sloping centre stack and a separate smaller screen for the passenger.
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TRENDING DOWN: Hot Wheels gets its own TV show 鈥� Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge will air weekly on NBC later this year, hosted by former 鈥淭op Gear鈥� TV personality Rutledge Wood. The show鈥檚 premise sees two contestants pitted against each other to design life-size Hot Wheels models (using actual cars) in specially equipped garages with help from experts.
TRENDING UP: Morris Commercial EV 鈥� The Britain-based company launched its delivery van back in 1949 and is channeling its spirit into a retro version that uses the powertrain from the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle. Morris has no plans to export this cool carryall to North America, which is a shame since it would likely be a huge hit based on styling alone. Dealership opportunities, anyone?
鈥� written by Wheelbase Media
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