12/25/23 - New Toyota Hilux is for truck buyers who want to stand out, It's game over for Hyperloop One, Automakers had their chance and now it's time to let Apple fix terrible car software

GM and Merry Christmas! 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 Toyota Hilux is for truck buyers who want to stand out

  • Aston Martin Valhalla Supercar Spotted Testing Ahead Of 2024 Reveal

  • Brabus Upgrades Mercedes-Benz GLC With 300 HP And Lots Of Carbon Fiber

  • VW reveals spacious interior for $27,000 ID 2all EV

• 🏭 Industry trend: It's game over for Hyperloop One, Study: Tesla Drivers Have Highest Accident Rate and BMW Drivers Have Highest DUI Rate

• 🤖 Auto Tech: Automakers had their chance and now it's time to let Apple fix terrible car software

• ⚡ EV: More American Consumers Buying Hybrids as EV Sales Slow

• 😄 Fun read: Ford Envisioned A Nuclear-Powered Car In The '50s With A 5,000-Mile Range

New Toyota Hilux Special Edition Is For Truck Buyers Who Want To Stand Out (3 mins read)

Toyota Japan introduces the Hilux Z Revo ROCCO Edition, based on the Z trim, featuring a 2.4L turbo diesel with 147hp. Priced at $33,500, it boasts cosmetic upgrades like 18-inch alloy wheels, white lettered tires, and an illuminated sports bar. Not coming to the USA, it aims to maintain interest in the aging eighth-gen Hilux amidst tough competition. The model is part of Toyota's strategy before the Hilux's anticipated replacement in 2-3 years.

Aston Martin Valhalla Supercar Spotted Testing Ahead Of 2024 Reveal (3 mins read)

Aston Martin reveals the Valhalla hybrid supercar. Set for customer delivery in 2024, priced around $800,000, it boasts a 4.0L V8 engine with three electric motors, producing 1,000+ horsepower. The plug-in hybrid accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds, with a top speed of 217 mph. The mid-engined Valhalla features a massive rear wing for downforce and is Aston Martin's first mass-produced mid-engined car. Production begins in 2024, with 999 units planned.

Brabus Upgrades Mercedes-Benz GLC With 300 HP And Lots Of Carbon Fiber (2 mins read)

Brabus enhances the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class X 254 with a sporty facelift and performance boost. Carbon fiber trimmings on the front bumper, logo embedded in various exterior parts, and monoblock Z forged wheels contribute to the upgraded appearance. The GLC 300 4Matic receives the PowerXtra B30 Performance Upgrade, yielding 296hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Interior touches include Brabus-logoed floor mats and aluminum pedal pads. Pricing details are yet to be disclosed.

Volkswagen reveals spacious interior for $27,000 ID 2all EV (3 mins read)

Volkswagen unveils the ID 2all concept, a budget-friendly electric car priced at $27,000. It features up to 280 miles of WLTP range, and a spacious interior with 490-1,330 liters of storage. The design emphasizes a new C-pillar and modern infotainment, including a rotary knob for driving modes. The ID 2all is part of VW's plan to launch 10 new electric cars by 2026, with a production version expected in 2025.

It's game over for Hyperloop One (3 mins read)

Hyperloop One, Elon Musk's high-speed transportation project, officially shuts down on December 31. Despite initial hype and funding, challenges like financial troubles and a test falling short led to its demise. In 2022, the focus shifted to cargo, and DP World acquired the project's assets.

Study: Tesla Drivers Have Highest Accident Rate, BMW Drivers Have Highest DUI Rate (3 mins read)

A study reveals Tesla drivers in the U.S. had a higher accident rate than other brands in the past year, with 24 accidents per 1,000 drivers. Ram and Subaru had around 23 and 21 accidents, respectively. BMW drivers had the highest DUI rate. Ram drivers had the highest overall incident rate. The study emphasizes the potential impact on insurance rates. The findings coincide with a recent Autopilot software recall by Tesla, affecting about 2 million vehicles.

Automakers had their chance, it's time to let Apple fix terrible car software (7 mins read)

With the latest partnership between Apple and Porsche, Aston Martin for CarPlay, the article suggests automakers should embrace technology partnerships like CarPlay instead of creating closed ecosystems. It discusses historical context, trade-offs with CarPlay and Android Auto, GM's decision to drop CarPlay, and argues for a "best of both worlds" approach.

More American Consumers Buying Hybrids as EV Sales Slow (3 mins read)

Americans bought a record 1 million hybrids in 2023, up 76%, contrasting with slower EV growth. Factors include higher EV prices, charging concerns, and environmental consciousness. Ford plans to quadruple hybrid sales, while GM reconsiders focus. Hybrids offer budget-friendly options and appeal in regions with charging concerns. Despite the surge in hybrids, analysts anticipate eventual EV dominance with improving infrastructure and incentives.

Ford Envisioned A Nuclear-Powered Car In The '50s With A 5,000-Mile Range (3 mins read)

This article discusses Ford's 1958 Nucleon concept, a speculative nuclear-powered car design. Envisioning a 5,000-mile range and featuring Fallout game aesthetics, it remained a design experiment. The press release hinted at future charging stations and included electronic devices for vehicle proximity warnings, foreshadowing today's driver-assist systems. The Nucleon concept offers a fascinating glimpse into historical automotive innovation.