01/26/24 - Porsche takes 2024 Macan to a new level | Toyota Mirai is advanced to the Core 🚗, NASCAR to debut electric race car Feb 4 🏎️

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: 

  • Porsche takes the all-electric 2024 Macan to a new level

  • Advanced to the Core: Toyota Mirai Offers an Electrifying Ride

  • Mazda Just Gave 2024 MX-5 Miata A Ton Of Useful Updates

  • 2024 Subaru Solterra Adds Hands-Free Driving Standard, But Only Up to 25 MPH

• 🏭 Industry trend: Elon Foresees Chinese EV Makers Dominating Global Markets, Cruise reveals DOJ and SEC probes as it releases internal report on pedestrian crash

• 🤖 Auto Tech: Next-Gen Honda Fuel Cell System Plays Key Role in Hydrogen Business Strategy

• 🔧 Parts/upgrade: Which Cars Have Heated Windshields?

• 😄 Fun read: NASCAR to debut electric race car Feb 4

Porsche takes the all-electric 2024 Macan to a new level (7 mins read)

Porsche introduces its second all-electric model, the Macan, boasting up to 630 hp, 270 kW fast charging, and 100 kWh lithium-ion battery. Equipped with Porsche's PPE architecture, it achieves 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds (Macan Turbo) and features advanced technology, including rear-axle steering. The design emphasizes aerodynamics, increased luggage space, and a customizable interior. Prices start at $78,800 for the Macan 4 and $105,300 for the Macan Turbo. The global premiere is on January, 2024, in Singapore, with deliveries expected in the second half of the year. Read more.

Advanced to the Core: Toyota Mirai Offers an Electrifying Ride (9 mins read)

The 2024 Toyota Mirai, in its second generation, features a sleek design, luxury interior, and advanced technology. It operates as a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) with an EPA-estimated range of 402 miles. New upgrades include an Elemental Silver exterior and Beyond Zero badging. Safety enhancements include Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The Mirai offers up to $15,000 of complimentary hydrogen with purchase. Built on the Rear-Wheel Drive GA-L platform, it combines luxury with dynamic driving performance. Prices start at $15,000 (excluding $1,025 DPH fee). Read more.

Mazda Just Gave the 2024 MX-5 Miata A Ton Of Useful Updates (2 mins read)

The 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata receives a subtle facelift with mechanical, cosmetic, and technology upgrades. Mechanical changes include a new steering rack for smoother action, and a Club model upgrade with an asymmetric limited-slip differential and a "Track" mode for stability control. Exterior changes include LED headlights, taillights, new wheel designs, and a new color option. The interior features a larger infotainment screen and Amazon Alexa integration. Read more.

2024 Subaru Solterra Adds Hands-Free Driving Standard, But Only Up to 25 MPH (3 mins read)

The 2024 Subaru Solterra EV introduces Subaru's first hands-free driving system, part of the updated EyeSight assistance package. It allows hands-free driving in stop-and-go traffic up to 25 mph and lane changes with a turn signal flick. Priced at $46,340, it may be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit. The SUV also features improved battery conditioning, regenerative braking control, and standard roof rails. Read more.

Elon Musk Foresees Chinese EV Makers Dominating Global Markets (4 mins read)

Elon Musk predicts global success for Chinese EV makers if trade barriers are removed. Tesla faces increased competition in Europe from BYD, Nio, and Xpeng. Chinese EVs prioritize advanced features, challenging Tesla with lower prices. China plans to launch over 100 new EV models in 2024, focusing on advanced tech. China is gaining prominence in the global EV battery industry, holding over 60% of the market. Read more.

Cruise reveals DOJ, SEC probes as it releases internal report on pedestrian crash (5 mins read)

Cruise faces investigations by the Department of Justice and SEC over the October 2 incident involving a robotaxi that dragged a pedestrian. The incident led to Cruise losing permits and its CEO resigning. The internal report blames leadership missteps and lack of judgment, putting Cruise's future at risk. Cruise's troubles began after receiving permits for commercial robotaxi service in San Francisco, and the incident escalated regulatory challenges. Read more.

Next-Gen Honda Fuel Cell System Plays Key Role in Hydrogen Business Strategy (6 mins read)

Honda starts mass production of a new fuel cell system, co-developed with GM, to achieve its 2050 carbon-neutral goal. The technology targets various sectors, including FCEVs, commercial vehicles, power stations, and construction machinery. Honda aims for external sales, explores hydrogen ecosystem partnerships, and conducts advanced research for space applications with JAXA. Read more.

Which Cars Have Heated Windshields? (4 mins read)

This article discusses the luxury and cost implications of heated windshields in cars, a feature more common in Europe than the U.S. Ford introduced it in the 1974 Lincoln Continental Mark IV, and the 2023 and 2024 models with this feature include Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln Aviator, and Volkswagen ID.4. It explores technologies, challenges and benefits of fully heated windshields, impacting vehicle specifications, prices, and regional preferences. Read more.

NASCAR to debut electric race car Feb 4 (2 mins read)

NASCAR will feature its electric race car at the Busch Light Clash on February 4, 2024, at the LA Memorial Coliseum. Tested at Martinsville Speedway, the concept car completed 340 laps. NASCAR is also considering hydrogen-powered engines, potentially offering advantages over electric power, such as maintaining engine noise. The NextGen car allows for future adoption of full battery electric or hydrogen combustion. The event will be broadcast on Fox at 8 p.m. ET on February 4. Read more.