• Vroom Daily
  • Posts
  • 09/28/23 - New Honda sports, 11 cheapest EV to buy, History of American's first front-wheel drives

09/28/23 - New Honda sports, 11 cheapest EV to buy, History of American's first front-wheel drives

09-28-2023

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: Honda Sports, Hyundai Ioniq 6, GLC Coupe Mercedes AMG

  • ⚡ EV: Challenges for EV charging stations, 11 cheapest EV cars to buy

  • 🏭 Industry trend: Update on UAW on strike, Ford’s decision to pause on their power plants

  • 😄 Fun read: History of American’s first front-wheel-drive cars

New Honda Sports Car | CarBuzz

Honda will debut its all-electric Specialty Sports Concept at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, signaling a return to sports cars. While details are limited, the concept aims to provide a unique driving experience and is expected to be a successor to the S2000, potentially arriving in 2024. Honda plans to incorporate lightweight solid-state batteries in future electric Type R models, although this technology is still in development.

The 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6 is priced between $42,715 and $53,715 and has been successful globally, winning multiple awards. Despite the absence of a $7,500 Federal Tax incentive, it competes with the Tesla Model 3, starting at a similar price. The Ioniq 6 offers an impressive design, spacious interior, and a range of 270 miles, making it a compelling option in the electric vehicle market.

Mercedes-Benz introduces the GLC Coupe, a performance hybrid SUV coupe with a 671 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque engine. It offers a 2.0-liter turbo engine combined with an electric drive unit, and a 6.1-kWh battery above the rear axle. The entry-level GLC 43 4Matic Coupe produces 416 horsepower and boasts a 4.8-second 0-60 mph time, while the more powerful GLC 63 accelerates in about 3.5 seconds, despite its heavier weight due to electrified components. The vehicles are expected to arrive in 2024.

Reliability of public EV charging networks has become a key concern for non-Tesla EV owners. A J.D. Power report revealed that 20.8% of EV drivers experienced charging failures at public stations, with issues like connectivity (authentication failures due to cellular links) and internal faults being the primary culprits. Many automakers, including Ford and GM, have announced plans to use Tesla's connector standard and establish their own charging networks, aiming to improve the charging experience and compete with Tesla's Supercharger network.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is on strike, impacting the Big Three Detroit-based automakers: Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. The strike has had limited effect on car prices and availability so far due to its unique incremental strategy, affecting only a few models. The strike, driven by demands for higher wages, job security amid the shift to electric vehicles, and other concessions, may extend due to the UAW's substantial strike fund and the automakers' ample inventory, making the strike's duration uncertain.

Ford is facing controversy over the construction of a battery plant in Michigan, originally intended for Virginia but moved due to concerns about China's involvement. Work on the Michigan factory has been paused, raising questions about its future, possibly influenced by the ongoing United Auto Workers (UAW) strike. Meanwhile, the Mustang Mach-E is struggling in the Chinese market, facing competition from local EVs and difficulties in marketing and positioning as a competitor to Tesla.

This article discusses the early history of front-wheel-drive (FWD) automobiles in the United States, with a focus on the Cord L-29 and the Ruxton. It highlights the pioneering efforts of individuals like J. Walter Christie and Harry Miller in developing FWD systems for racing cars. The Cord L-29, introduced in 1929, and the Ruxton, which followed shortly, are mentioned as the first American production FWD cars. Both cars faced production challenges and limited sales, with fewer than 20 Ruxtons believed to exist today.

This article talks about affordable electric vehicles (EVs) for those looking to enter the EV market without breaking the bank. It highlights 11 low-cost EVs, including the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, the Nissan Leaf, the Mini Cooper SE Hardtop, the Hyundai Kona Electric, the Mazda MX-30 (discontinued in the U.S.), the Volkswagen ID.4, the Kia Niro EV, Tesla's Model 3, and the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Ioniq 5. Each vehicle's features, range, and pricing are briefly discussed.

And.. that’s a wrap