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Hyundai today released images of their latest Hyundai Sonata refresh for 2024. This is a rather quick turnaround as the current Hyundai Sonata was released in 2019 as a 2020 model. This could be the last hurrah for the Sonata because it is rumored that Hyundai will ax the Sonata nameplate at the end of this run. While the current Sonata is one of the more handsome designs in the dwindling sedan market, Hyundai felt the refresh was necessary to bring the Sonata in line with their EV lineup. The visual similarities between the 2024 Sonata and the recently released Hyundai Ioniq 6 aren't by accident. While riding on the same platform, externally, the 2024 Sonata adopts the wide front-end styling of the Ioniq 6, including a full-width and seamless LED bar. Headlamps are camouflaged low into the bumper area, leaving viewers with the expectation that headlights should pop up from somewhere. The tail light bar gets a similar treatment with obvious edges in the new H-lights. The interior of the Sonata has also been refreshed with this horizontal theme similar to the Ioniq 6. A first the any Hyundai model, the panoramic curved display combines both the 12.3-inch driver cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment unit. Hyundai must have noticed the recent pushback on all-touch controls at competitors because they left physical buttons for climate control and some entertainment functions. Similar to the drive selector in the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, the gear selector in the Sonata has become a stalk on the steering column. This opens up the center console space to the driver. Standard and N-Line variants will be available. Powertrain details will be released later, but we expect much to carry over from the existing car. The 2024 Sonata officially debuts at the Seoul Mobility Show on March 30th and will go on sale in the U.S. later this year.

At New York International Auto Show today, Ram unveiled the all-new Ram 1500 REV truck. The version released today is all-electric and available in 350-mile or 500-mile configurations. Later, a REV XR version with an onboard regenerator will be offered to allow even greater distances. The 1500 REV boasts longer ranges than the Ford F-150 Lighting (230 miles or 320 miles) and the coming Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV twins (up to 400 miles), and the Rivian R1T (260+ to 320+ miles, a Max Pack battery with 400 miles has been promised, but never delivered). The Tesla Cybertruck claims to have a 500-mile range. However, the permanently delayed truck has yet to go on sale. Ram also claims to have the fastest charging speed, with the ability to add up to 110 miles per 10 minutes of charging when connected to an 800-volt DC Fast Charger. The 1500 REV walks away with the towing capacity title and a brawny 14,000 lbs. The Ford and Chevy are rated for 10,000 lbs, while the Rivian R1T goes to 11. Update 4/6: A Stellantis representative confirmed today that the Ram 1500 REV will have a heat pump for cabin HVAC. This should minimize range degradation in cold weather. Ram 1500 REV sits on Stellantis' all-new STLA body-on-frame architecture specificaly designed for electric vehicles. This new platform allows for efficient battery packaging with a wider section in the middle to accommodate a larger battery pack. Vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-home, and vehicle-to-grid gives the 1500 REV the ability to charge other EVs, provide backup power to a building, or even sell power back to the grid. Power panels onboard can provide 7.2 kW from the bed or an optional additional 3.6 kW in the frunk. Ram is aiming for a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds, 654 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque, and up to 24 inches of water fording capability. Range is helped by a class-leading 0.340 coefficient of drag, made possible in part by the full-length aero belly pan. Advanced air and multi-link suspension with active dampening are standard. Power comes from twin 250-kW electric drive motors. The front unit can automatically disconnect a wheel to allow free spin in certain situations while the rear utilizes a limited-slip differential. The Ram 1500 REV wouldn't be an all-new vehicle without some autonomous driving capabilities, and it delivers with an automated parking system and eyes-on-road hands-free driving. Inside is an interior geared towards luxury with carbon fiber, metal, and leather materials. In the center is a new 14.5-inch touchscreen with UConnect 5, a 12.3-digital gauge cluster, and an available 10.25-inch passenger display. Also available are a digital rearview mirror, Heads-up Display, high-end Klipsch Reference Premier audio system with 23 speakers, 24-way power seats with heat, cooling, and massage. Smartphone as a Key, using the Ram app, allows customers to enjoy a truly keyless experience. The digital key can also be shared with other smartphones with full control over access. If the phone is lost or without power, a wallet card can be carried for access. The 2025 Ram 1500 REV will be available sometime next year.

Ford is taking the frustration out of lining up to your trailer. At the New York Auto Show today, Ford will unveil Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, an A.I. powered driver's assist technology that uses machine learning to automatically line the truck up to the trailer. From distances of up to approximately 20 feet, the system uses the rear camera and two corner radar units to control the truck's speed, steering, and braking while the driver monitors the progress. Computer vision learning uses the truck's rear camera to identify the ball and trailer coupler. If the system detects an obstacle while in operation, it will alert the driver and stop the vehicle. Ford used hundreds of hours of video were collected to help train the system initially, but Pro-Trailer Hitch Assist will get smarter over time as more trailer image data is added and the vehicle's Ford Power-Up system receives over-the-air updates. The system will work in a broad range of terrain and weather conditions. Ford developed the technology in-house and has received 60 patents with 4 more pending. Pro-Trailer Hitch Assist is available now in the 2023 F-150, F-150 Lightning, and all-new 2023 F-series Super Duty. Pro Trailer Hitch Assist_04.mp4