01/05/24 - Mullen's 200-MPH Five RS is on its way | Technical issues stall GM's major EV initiative | VW's Solid State Batteries Exceed All Targets

GM. Rev up your day with the latest automotive news and insights delivered to your inbox in our exclusive newsletter! What we cover in today’s edition:

• 🚗 Car reveal/review: 

  • 200-MPH Mullen Automotive Five RS Will Soon Arrive

  • After Delays, Mazda Will Show Us The CX-70 On January 30

  • Review: 2024 Mercedes-Benz C and GLC look different but act the same

• 🏭 Industry trend: Technical headaches put the brakes on GM’s big EV push | Samsung and Hyundai are teaming up to add SmartThings to cars

• 🤖 Auto Tech: Volkswagen Solid State Batteries Exceed All Targets | Your Next Mercedes-Benz Will Have An AI-Powered Virtual Assistant

200-MPH Mullen Automotive Five RS Is Days Away From Arriving (2 mins read)

Mullen Automotive will unveil the high-performance Five RS electric crossover at the 2024 CES, featuring 1,000+ hp, 200+ mph top speed, and a sub-2-second 0-60 mph time. Priced at $55,000 for the base model, the RS variant's cost is undisclosed. With an 800-volt architecture and Porsche Taycan-like gearbox, it boasts 21-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, and sporty suspension. The debut is on January 9 at CES, potentially revealing more details about features, pricing, and launch programs. Read more.

After Delays, Mazda Will Finally Show Us The CX-70 On January 30 (2 mins read)

Mazda's two-row CX-70 SUV debuts on January 30 at 11 AM EST. Similar in size to the CX-90, it omits the third row for a larger cargo area. Utilizing CX-90's powertrains, options include a turbocharged 3.3L inline-six or a plug-in hybrid 2.5L four-cylinder. Prices expected to align with CX-90's, starting at $39,595 with AWD standard. Read more.

Review: 2024 Mercedes-Benz C and GLC look different but act the same (5 mins read)

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class and GLC-Class, sharing a platform, feature a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and nine-speed automatic transmission. The C300 sedan starts at $46,000, emphasizing rear-wheel drive and quick dynamics, lacking standard luxury features. The GLC-Class SUV, priced around $49,000, offers a roomier interior and a mild-hybrid system for improved fuel economy. Both models excel as entry-level luxury options, competing with Genesis G70 and GV70. Read more.

Technical headaches put the brakes on GM’s big EV push (5 mins read)

GM leads U.S. auto sales in 2023, with 2.6 million vehicles, up 14.1%. Despite strong EV sales (up 93%), production of the Chevy Bolt ends. The new Ultium-based Bolt EV is expected in 2025. GM faces challenges, delivering only 13,838 Ultium-based EVs in 2023. Infotainment issues, including a stop sale for the Blazer EV, pose additional problems. GM aims to produce one million EVs annually by 2025. Read more.

Samsung and Hyundai are teaming up to add SmartThings to cars (2 mins read)

Samsung and Hyundai are partnering to integrate Samsung's SmartThings smart home platform with Hyundai and Kia's connected car services. The collaboration aims to enable "home-to-car" and "car-to-home" services, including integrated home energy management. Users can control car features at home and vice versa, such as adjusting the car's temperature from a smartphone. While specifics on supported car models are unclear, Hyundai plans to update existing vehicles with these features via over-the-air and USB-based updates. Read more.

Volkswagen Solid State Batteries Exceed All Targets (4 mins read)

Volkswagen and QuantumScape's latest solid-state battery prototype surpasses industry benchmarks, showing remarkable durability with only a 5% capacity loss after 1,000 charging cycles. As the race for efficient electric vehicle batteries intensifies, this breakthrough holds the potential to revolutionize EV performance, prompting key players like Toyota to forge partnerships and set ambitious goals for rapid implementation. Read more.

Your Next Mercedes-Benz Will Have An AI-Powered Virtual Assistant (2 mins read)

Mercedes-Benz will debut its AI-powered MBUX Virtual Assistant at CES 2024, promising a human-like, personalized in-car experience. CEO Ola Källenius emphasizes empathetic qualities, with the technology set to roll out in passenger vehicles in the coming years. Other highlights include in-car entertainment updates and the North American reveal of an electric G-Class prototype. Read more.