02/16/24 - SV Rover 'Hypertruck': Gas/EV Beast at $1.5M 🚗, Tesla now account for 'battery age' in range calculation 🏭, Stellantis quietly launched its hands-free driver-assist system 🤖

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: 

  • Monstrous SV Rover gas/EV 'Hypertruck' starts at $1.5 million

  • AirDrop: Lucid Cuts Prices on 2024 Air by Thousands

• 🏭 Industry trend: Tesla is now accounting for 'battery age' in its range calculation

• 🤖 Auto Tech: Stellantis quietly launched its hands-free driver-assist system, INTERVIEW: Mobileye’s vision for software-defined vehicles

• 😄 Fun read: In America, Headlights are blinding but not in other countries, this tech is why

Monstrous SV Rover gas/EV 'Hypertruck' starts at $1.5 million (2 mins read)

Scarbo Vintage unveiled its SV Rover, dubbed the world's first street-legal Hypertruck, at Colorado's FAT International Ice Race. Starting at $1.5 million, it offers a choice between a 1,100-hp supercharged V8 or a 1,000-hp electric drive. Inspired by the Land Rover Defender, it boasts four-wheel steering, selectable locking differentials, and a mix of carbon fiber and aluminum bodywork. Read more.

AirDrop: Lucid Cuts Prices on 2024 Air by Thousands (3 mins read)

The 2024 Lucid Air now starts at $71,400. Its Pure trim offers 430 hp and a 419-mile range. The Touring variant has all-wheel drive, 630 hp, and charges to 200 miles in 15 minutes. The Grand Touring, with 819 hp, promises 516 miles of range. The high-performance Sapphire delivers 1,234 hp and 427 miles of range. Pricing includes a $1,000 home charging credit and two years of maintenance. Read more.

Tesla is now accounting for 'battery age' in its range calculation (3 mins read)

Tesla has updated its range calculation to include "battery age," aiming for more accurate range predictions. Despite advancements, predicting energy consumption remains a challenge due to various factors. Over the years, Tesla refined its calculation, incorporating crosswinds, tire pressure, and now battery age in its 2024.2.6 software update. Additionally, the update informs drivers of pre-conditioning time for efficient charging at Supercharger stations. Read more.

Stellantis quietly launched its hands-free driver-assist system (6 mins read)

Stellantis introduced its Hands-Free Active Driving Assist system with the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It's available on select trims for $2,995 with a 3-year trial. Future models, like the 2025 Ram 1500, will offer the system. Operating on mapped roads, it requires a cellular connection and lane markings. The system uses radar, cameras, and blind-spot monitors, issuing warnings and initiating a controlled stop if the driver doesn't respond. It functions up to 90 mph and allows for lane changes initiated by the driver. Read more.

INTERVIEW: Mobileye’s vision for software-defined vehicles (8 mins read)

Mobileye discusses Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), emphasizing automated driving, platform accessibility, and redundancy strategies. They highlight the role of data in vehicle visualization, advanced alerts, and collision avoidance. Mobileye's approach includes a variety of sensors, machine learning, and safety protocols. Their innovations aim to enhance autonomous driving experiences while addressing challenges in system architecture, and safety. Mobileye's strategy involves collaboration with OEMs to customize driving experiences and achieve longer intervals between driver interventions through redundancy and advanced sensors. Read more.

In America, Headlights are blinding but not in other countries, this tech is why (7 mins read)

This article discusses the delayed introduction of adaptive driving beam (ADB) headlights in the United States, contrasting with their availability in Europe and Asia. Despite safety benefits, US regulations pose hurdles for automakers, prolonging the implementation timeline. Industry stakeholders advocate for regulatory adjustments to facilitate the integration of this advanced lighting technology. Read more.