02/01/24 - New BMW M4 gets more power, ditches RWD 🚗, Lamborghini will make hybrid versions of all its cars, Ford CEO confirms complimentary charging adapters coming soon 🏭

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: 

  • New BMW M4 gets more power, ditches RWD

  • 2025 BMW Z4 "Handschalter" Enshrines a Third Pedal

  • Official Jeep Wagoneer S Teasers Reveal At Least Four Screens And Range Rover Styling

• 🏭 Industry trend: Lamborghini will make hybrid versions of all its cars to cut its CO2, Ford CEO confirms complimentary charging adapters coming soon

• 🤖 Auto Tech: Lotus thinks the future of the sports car is software

• ⚡ EV: This EV startup, once valued at $13b, is on the verge of total collapse

New BMW M4 gets more power, ditches RWD (6 mins read)

The updated BMW M4 Competition, now exclusively xDrive in the UK, features a 530hp 3.0L twin-turbocharged S58 straight-six engine. Cosmetic changes include CSL-style rear laser lights and revised wheels. Interior updates include BMW Operating System 8.5, touch, and voice controls. The 4 Series range sees the M4 Coupe and Convertible leading, alongside a slimmed-down selection in the UK. Prices start at approximately $58,400 for the 420i Coupe, with the M4 Competition xDrive Coupe priced at approximately $109,500. Deliveries are expected in April. Read more.

Revealed: 2025 BMW Z4 "Handschalter" Enshrines a Third Pedal (2 mins read)

The 2025 BMW Z4 M40i will feature a six-speed manual transmission for enthusiasts seeking exhilarating driving pleasure. Powered by a 3.0L twin-scroll turbo motor, it delivers 382 hp to the rear wheels. The manual variant, known as "Handschalter," takes 4.2 seconds to reach 60 mph. Priced at $67,295, the Handschalter package adds $3,500 to the M40i model. Available from March 2024, it includes updated dampers, springs, steering, traction control, M Sport differential, and distinctive exterior. Read more.

Official Jeep Wagoneer S Teasers Reveal At Least Four Screens And Range Rover Styling (3 mins read)

Jeep teases its first global battery electric vehicle, the Wagoneer S, revealing a high-tech cabin with four screens, including a digital instrument cluster and central infotainment display. Touch controls, ambient LED elements, and entertainment options distinguish the passenger screen. The luxurious interior features premium technology, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system. Exterior images show a two-tone design, resembling the Range Rover Velar. The Wagoneer S, sitting on the STLA Large platform, is set to launch in fall. Read more.

Lamborghini will make hybrid versions of all its cars to cut its CO2 (4 mins read)

Lamborghini plans to hybridize all models, aiming to cut fleet emissions. The V12 Aventador is succeeded by the hybrid V12 Revuelto, in production since 2023. The Urus SUV goes hybrid in 2024, and the mid-engined Hurácan replacement, expected in 2024, will feature a smaller-capacity turbocharged V8. Lamborghini aims to reduce production emissions by 40% by 2030. A battery electric vehicle (BEV) is confirmed for 2028 (2+2 GT) and 2029 (electric SUV). The brand, part of Volkswagen Group, emphasizes a step-by-step approach, utilizing group resources for BEV development. Read more.

Ford CEO confirms complimentary charging adapters coming soon (3 mins read)

Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E owners can soon reserve a free adapter for using Tesla Supercharger stations, confirmed by Ford CEO Jim Farley. Ford dropped the CCS1 plug for the J3400 standard, securing access to Tesla's Supercharger network. The adapter is part of Ford's strategy to enhance charging convenience for EV owners, with reservations opening this spring. The move follows a trend among automakers negotiating Supercharger access and adopting the J3400 standard. Read more.

Lotus thinks the future of the sports car is software (11 mins read)

Lotus is challenging its heritage with the Eletre, a 2600 kg electric SUV manufactured in China. Despite deviating from its lightweight, sports car philosophy, Lotus aims to secure its financial future by embracing the EV market. The Eletre impresses with advanced software, a luxurious interior, and a commitment to regular updates. Lotus plans to go fully electric by 2027, releasing an EV sports car in 2027 after building a portfolio of mainstream vehicles. Read more.

This EV startup, once valued at $13b, is on the verge of total collapse (3 mins read)

Automakers have introduced rear occupant alert systems in response to the danger of leaving children and pets in hot cars. These systems can remind drivers to check the back seat and can include features like audible alerts, visual notifications, and even smartphone alerts in more advanced versions. Leaving a child or pet unattended in a hot car can be fatal, but these systems aim to reduce such incidents. In the 2024 model year, many manufacturers offer these systems, and federal legislation now requires them in all new vehicles by the 2025 model year. Read more.