11/17/23 - Lucid Gravity swerves into the electric SUV market, Feds want speed reduction tech in every new car, What Does Paint Protection Film (PPF) Do?

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• 🚗 Car reveal/review: Lucid Gravity swerves into the electric SUV market, 2024 Kia Sorento, Lamborghini unveils Huracan STO SC 10 Anniversario, 2025 Subaru Forester Revealed With New Styling And Tech

• 🏭 Industry trend: Feds want speed reduction tech in every new car, You Will Soon Be Able To Buy a New Hyundai on Amazon

• 🤖 Auto Tech: The Wild West of robotaxis, Using your iPhone to start your car is about to get a lot easier

• 🙌 Tips/advices: What Does Paint Protection Film (PPF) Do?

Lucid swerves into the electric SUV market with the three-row Gravity (6 mins read)

Lucid Motors unveils the Gravity SUV, based on the Air sedan platform, targeting the competitive luxury EV market. Priced at $80,000, it promises a 440-mile range, 0–60 mph in under 3.5 seconds, and production starting in late 2024. Despite financial struggles and production setbacks, the Gravity presents hope for Lucid with its aerodynamic design, substantial cargo space, 900-volt architecture for fast charging, and features promoting well-being. Production is set to begin in late 2024, with Lucid majority-owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

2024 Kia Sorento - Family Influence Brings Rugged Facelift (3 mins read)

The 2024 Kia Sorento, with a facelift embracing a rugged/boxy trend, features a "baby Telluride" look. Trims include LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-P, with off-road-oriented X-Line and X-Pro packages. Influenced by Telluride and the upcoming EV9, it boasts a 12.3-inch dual display, X-Line's center-locking differential, and X-Pro's all-terrain tires. Available in Q1 2024, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models expected later in 2024 as 2025 models. Base engine: 2.5L four-cylinder; Turbocharged engine: 2.5L four-cylinder with 281hp.

Lamborghini unveils Huracan STO SC 10 Anniversario (3 mins read)

Lamborghini unveils the Huracan STO SC 10 Anniversario, a special edition commemorating a decade of Squadra Corse. Revealed at the Lambo World Finals 2023, it features a unique Verde Mantis livery, increased downforce, and a performance kit influenced by Squadra Corse engineers. With 640hp, two-wheel drive, and racing-inspired upgrades, the limited production and price are undisclosed, but it is expected to carry a premium over the non-Squadra version's £260k.

2025 Subaru Forester Revealed With New Styling And Tech But The Same Old Engine (6 mins read)

The 2025 Subaru Forester, in its sixth generation, maintains its crossover appeal with a 2.5L boxer engine, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and a strengthened chassis. The exterior features new styling and aerodynamic improvements, while the interior boasts supportive seats, updated HVAC, and durable materials. Safety is enhanced with the latest EyeSight technology, Emergency Stop Assist, and DriverFocus on the Touring trim. Infotainment includes dual 7.0-inch screens and an available 11.6-inch system. Deliveries begin in spring 2024, with pricing to be confirmed.

Feds want speed reduction tech in every new car. Are American drivers ready? (5 mins read)

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) urges the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to mandate intelligent speed-assist technology (ISA) in all new vehicles. Following a fatal accident involving a speeding driver, NTSB emphasizes ISA's potential to prevent tragedies. ISA utilizes GPS and cameras to align with speed limits, with passive systems issuing warnings and active systems limiting speed. While Europe mandates ISA, its implementation in the U.S. faces potential resistance due to concerns about freedom and technological challenges. NHTSA is reviewing public comments with a decision expected in 2023.

You Will Soon Be Able To Buy a New Hyundai on Amazon (3 mins read)

Hyundai pioneers online car sales by partnering with Amazon, enabling full end-to-end transactions starting in 2024. Dealerships can list inventories on Amazon, streamlining the car-buying process for customers who can choose models, colors, and features, then complete transactions online. The collaboration includes integrating Amazon's Alexa into Hyundai vehicles in 2025. This move signifies a shift in automotive retail, simplifying the process and eliminating haggling. Other auto dealers are expected to join the initiative in 2024.

The Wild West of robotaxis: Will Texas be a regulatory haven or chaos unleashed? (7 mins read)

Texas emerges as a key testing ground for autonomous vehicles, with its minimal regulation and prohibition of city-level AV regulation. Following regulatory challenges in California, Cruise and Waymo consider expanding in Texas. While regulatory approaches may vary, Texas cities have the power to issue fines to AV operators for traffic violations, collisions, or misbehavior, potentially influencing the broader AV landscape.

Using your iPhone to start your car is about to get a lot easier (3 mins read)

Automakers and tech giants form a working group, Joint Ultra-wideband (UWB) MAC PHY Working Group (JUMPWG), led by Apple, to establish industrywide standards for UWB connectivity. The Car Connectivity Consortium and FiRa Consortium collaborate in this effort, aiming to ensure interoperability and scalability of UWB technology for digital car keys, enhancing vehicle access security. UWB, combined with NFC and low-energy Bluetooth, facilitates features like unlocking and starting cars with phones. The goal is to develop consensus-driven standards, addressing cybersecurity concerns and encouraging broader UWB adoption.

What Does PPF Do? We Asked A PPF Expert At XPEL (6 mins read)

Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a thin transparent film applied to a vehicle's painted panels, protecting against damage. XPEL's Ultimate Plus, a premium PPF, consists of four layers, offering durability and resilience. PPF is distinct from vinyl wrap, designed for appearance change. PPF effectiveness lasts longer than waxes, polymers, or ceramic coatings, providing robust defense against physical impacts and environmental elements. Proper professional installation involves cleaning, polishing, and precise application. 'Self-healing' PPF refers to its ability to return to the original shape when warmed, addressing minor scratches. PPF longevity is 7-10 years, with costs varying based on quality, installer skill, and coverage area. A full vehicle wrap may cost $8,000 or more.

And.. that’s a wrap