• Vroom Daily
  • Posts
  • 11/20/23 - Cadillac unveils new OPTIQ EV, “Honda SENSING 360+”: omnidirectional safety and driver-assistive system, Tires are saving us — and killing us, too

11/20/23 - Cadillac unveils new OPTIQ EV, “Honda SENSING 360+”: omnidirectional safety and driver-assistive system, Tires are saving us — and killing us, too

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

  • 🚗 Car reveal/review: Cadillac unveils new OPTIQ EV, Lotus Eletre R is a 900-horsepower SUV that slays the competition, Tesla Cybertruck Isn't as Bulletproof as Elon Wants You to Think, Guangzhou Auto Show recap: BEV debuts from ZEEKR and more

  • 🏭 Industry trend: Is Now Time To Buy, Sell, or Trade-In a Car?

  • 🤖 Auto Tech: “Honda SENSING 360+”, omnidirectional safety and driver-assistive system, The future of automotive radar

  • 😄 Fun read: Tires are saving us — and killing us, too

Cadillac OPTIQ EV5 | Electrek

Cadillac is introducing the OPTIQ EV, a smaller, more affordable electric SUV positioned below the LYRIQ, with spirited driving dynamics. Priced below $58,590, it competes globally, set to launch next year. The compact EV, revealed at 4,822 mm long, 1,912 mm wide, and 1,643 mm tall, rivals the Tesla Model Y. Cadillac aims for a lineup transition to all-electric by 2030, with the OPTIQ playing a crucial role.

Lotus Eletre | Ars Technica

The Lotus Eletre R, an electric SUV with 900 hp, weighs 5,820 lbs, and costs around $150,000. The pre-production model suggests excellent performance, with a 311-mile range. Expected as a 2025 model in the US, it competes with Porsche's Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo, offering better figures in horsepower, acceleration, range, and storage space at a potentially lower cost.

Tesla Cybertruck | The Drive

Elon Musk's claim of the Tesla Cybertruck being "bulletproof" is scrutinized. Originally marketed as resistant to a nine-millimeter handgun, recent tests with a Thompson submachine gun firing .45 ACP bullets cast doubt. The discrepancy in ammunition caliber raises concerns about Tesla's credibility. The article emphasizes that the Cybertruck may not offer the level of protection Musk suggested, and potential bullet penetration could pose risks to occupants.

ZEEKR 007 | Electrek

At the Guangzhou Auto Show, several Chinese automakers debuted electric vehicles. XPeng Motors unveiled the X9 MPV, starting at RMB 388,000 ($53,800) with pre-orders open. Li Auto introduced its first BEV, the Mega MPV, priced under RMB 600,000 ($83,200), receiving over 10,000 pre-orders in two hours. ZEEKR launched the 007 sedan at RMB 229,900 ($31,900), targeting mass-market appeal. MG Motor's Cyberster, an all-electric roadster, hit the Chinese market in three trims, priced from RMB 319,800 ($44,340). BYD and MG Motor also presented new EVs at the show.

Car prices stabilize as the United Auto Workers' strike concludes. New car prices rose 0.3% due to the strike and Tesla's price adjustments, averaging $47,936. Used car prices fell by 0.6% to $26,533. Microchip shortages ease, but low supply may sustain higher prices. Automakers shift focus to premium cars, reducing affordable options. The used car market faces low supply, especially for vehicles under $15,000. Car quality improves, with new cars lasting longer. Incentives make up 4.9% of deals. Consider selling privately for higher returns amid falling used car prices.

Honda introduced the Honda SENSING 360+, an omnidirectional safety and driver-assistive system. Building on the current SENSING 360, it adds a driver monitoring camera and high-definition maps for improved driver condition monitoring and vehicle control. Initially available in the 2024 Accord in China, the system aims to reduce health-related or human error-triggered collisions. It facilitates hands-off driving on expressways, lane changes, curve warnings, collision alerts while parked, and emergency stopping assistance. Honda aspires to apply SENSING 360+ globally, promoting safety and aiming for zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda vehicles by 2050.

IDTechEx's research on automotive radar highlights the shift to "4D imaging" radars, crucial for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and level 3 autonomous systems. While 70% of new cars in 2022 had front-facing radar, evolving ADAS demands improved technology. 4D imaging radars add elevation resolution, essential for scenarios like detecting a car in a tunnel entrance. Overcoming radar's physical limitations involves increasing frequency or aperture size, and distributing radar or using scanning technology.

Tires emit 6 million tons of harmful particles annually, impacting the environment. Major manufacturers invest in sustainable materials like guayule, rice husk ash-derived silica, and lemon peel-infused rubber. Racing series, such as IndyCar, showcase eco-friendly tires. Manufacturers target renewable sourcing by 2050. Silica, a crucial tire component, is now sourced sustainably. Industry explores alternatives like Michelin's airless Uptis and Goodyear's concept of biodegradable, rechargeable treads. Bridgestone's Wireless In-Wheel Tire concept explores EV charging through tire-integrated coils.

And.. that’s a wrap