G. David Felt

Seems that VW is rethinking the names of their EVs. Seems the names will live on as ID.ProductName. VW says best-selling SUV will go electric as the ID.Tiguan (electrek.co) ID2 is getting a complete redesign based on the new MEB+ platform which will see the ID2 become the ID.Golf along with the ID.Tiguan.

Very COOL, 3 more Cadillac EVs we will see this year for production in 2024. Trio of Cadillac EVs to debut in 2023, start production in 2024 (greencarreports.com)

I think both of these will sell based on a nicer interior and the price. VW current prices are likely to rise but they are cheap for the 2023 model year. The 2024 model year should be higher. 2023 Atlas starting price - $35,150 2023Atlas Crossover starting price - $34,460

Other than luxury or high-end models of full line products have real wood. It seems on par with everyone else selling in this category. Turbo 4 banger motor Fake wood dash or the metal dash with colored interior lighting to taste. VW seems to have delivered a People's SUV, not luxury level, but not entry level. Somewhere in the middle and yes, I agree with you there are a few better options as you pointed out more to each individual's taste. I think VW fans will like this.

Why Yawn, these are on par with what the Germans have been selling for the last few decades here. If they truly have adjusted the interior for us bigger Americans, these should do well in selling to the mass. The interiors are nice.

@oldshurst442 When I first saw this, I thought it was an Alfa Romeo like this. But with unfinished headlights as I just do not see the purpose in the wind drag those headlights will cause. While there is lots to like about it, the front end needs work IMHO. I love that it is a Roadster / Coupe EV car that delivers on the look and based on the press release feel of traditional ICE driving but without the ICE. I too was surprised by the price but seems there are plenty of fools and their money soon parted. That has been proven by the German and Italian brands with their limited release autos.

Coupe or Convertible, your choice in what could easily be a 21st century Bond car. April 2022 Wiesmann revealed a Thunderball Concept EV to considerable excitement. This car features a classic two-seat, rear-wheel drive layout and lightweight carbon fibre construction, delivering performance, responsiveness, and engagement that enthusiasts demand. Wiesmann at the start of this year opened the books and as of this past Superbowl weekend, the first year production of the Wiesmann "Project Thunderball" is sold out. This is a big accomplishment for a sports sedan with a $320,000 dollar starting price. To quote Owner and CEO of Wiesmann, Roheen Berry: “We are all extremely proud that Project Thunderball – the car which heralds the return of the storied Wiesmann brand – should resonate so strongly with driving enthusiasts from around the world. We knew that combining the timeless design, luxury, and hand-crafted finish that Wiesmann is renowned for, together with a state-of-the-art electric powertrain that delivers exceptional performance, range and charging and our own technology, including the innovative regenerative braking system, would result in a truly captivating and iconic car. To have already sold out the first year of production proves the unique appeal of Project Thunderball and represents a phenomenal start to a Wiesmann’s new, electrified era.” Project Thunderball has the initial details with more to come as they get closer to the 2024 delivery date. Targeted acceleration From 0-62mph (0-100 km/h) 2.9 seconds From 0-125mph (0-200 km/h) 8.9 seconds 680hp (500kW) and 809 lb-ft (1,100Nm) of torque Dual motor - 250kW each Transmission - Single speed limited slip Brakes Front: 380 mm rotors, 6 piston calipers Back: 380 mm rotors, 4 piston calipers Battery range of 310 miles (500km) 92kWh lithium-ion battery pack connected on an 800V state-of-the-art electrical system 300kW DC fast charging via the onboard 22kW charging controller Curb Weight - 3,747lbs (1,700kg) Power to weight ratio of 5.5lbs (2.5kg) per HP Weight distribution (% f/r) 48/52 Production will commence at the Wiesmann's "Gecko" facility in Dulmen, Germany. Body and Chassis specifications: Body Type - Coupe/Roadster Chassis - Aluminum spaceframe Wheelbase - 102 inches (2595 mm) Track Front - 61.5 inches (1564 mm) Rear - 68.6 inches (1668 mm) Steering - Electric Power Steering Suspension - Fully adjustable sports suspension including anti-roll bars Body Length - 271 inches (4440 mm) Width - 135 inches (2210 MM) including mirrors Doors/Seats 2/2 Cargo Front 6.3 cubic feet (180Liters) 2 carry-on golf bags Rear 4.4 cubic feet (125 Liters) 2 regular golf bags - Coupe only You can check out all the pictures of the handcrafted autos on weismann Instagram page. Wiesmann Sports Cars (@wiesmannsportscars) • Instagram photos and videos Wiesmann Sports Cars GMBH is taking reservations for the 2025 production, $3,217 US or $3,000 Euros as of this writing date. ThunderBall Reservation Cancel Anytime Priority Availability 100% Refundable The All-New Wiesmann Thunderball Timeless design, coachbuilt quality, bespoke individuality View full article

Upon reviewing Stellantis RAM News Reveal on the RAM 1500 REV, just not enough to make a real story at this time so just posting a few of the pictures from the Reveal News Alert here.

Up skiing yesterday, saw my first Rivian R1T bringing the family to the pass for a fun day.

This is to run during Superbowl and I have to say while funny as shit, it is so sexual in nature, I wonder just how it will go over. I am actually surprised a company would create a commercial like this in todays sensativity, but then it is a European run company now and they are far more open than the close minded U.S. in commercial humor. Taking the family skiing so will not have time till later tonight to post a story on this reveal. Stellantis Media - Ram Truck Brand Reveals Highly Anticipated All-new, All-electric Ram 1500 REV in 60-Second 'Premature Electrification' Big Game Commercial, Opens Up Online Reservations (stellantisnorthamerica.com)

Happy Birthday @Chris_Doane Been so long since we seen him post anything here and I wonder what he is up to?

Kicking this off mid month since I did not see anyone else start a February thread. Saw a rather dirty but new GMC Hummer EV Truck. Was really surprised how tall and big it is. Thought it was the same length as my 2006 Escalade ESV which is 221 inches long and the GMC Hummer EV Truck is 217 inches long, so only a 4 inch difference between the autos. Very cool looking and I love the stance.

Interesting race review for the fastest SUV.

I have high Hopes for this truck. I posted this in the CES reveal that Drew wrote and posted here for additional info on this awesome truck. CES 2023: Ram 1500 Revolution Concept Unveiled - Page 2 - Consumer Electronics Show (CES) - Cheers and Gears Very cool track drive with the Electric Wrangler you see in the back of the guy talking about this truck at the 4 min mark.

Revolution is never easy on any human population and yet the revolution that IONBLOX has for global humanity is truly evolutionary in both to the air and land movement of humans. Who is IONBLOX? Founded in 2017, IONBLOX (Formerly known as Zenlabs Energy) is a next-generation energy company transforming the future of mobility be it by land or air. Ionblox’s proprietary pre-lithiated silicon oxide anode distinguishes itself by simultaneously delivering multiple performance attributes – fast charging, high energy, high power, and long life at low cost – pushing the limits of traditional battery storage technology and unlocking the viability of widespread electric transportation for generations to come. Fossil-free mobility is the focus and IONBLOX is using a proprietary silicon anode in the battery instead of commonly used anode materials such as graphite. This allows Ionblox to unlock high-energy, high-power, and rapid charging capabilities in electric vehicles and aviation applications. Ionblox’s pre-lithiated silicon oxide anode is essential for high-performance applications requiring both high energy and power for fossil-free mobility. “We know fossil-free mobility depends on high-performance batteries. At Ionblox, we have launched the only commercially scalable battery with a silicon dominant anode that can simultaneously provide high energy, high power, 1,000 fast charge cycles, and offers our partners a clear path to low-cost production.” —Sujeet Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Ionblox To better understand what IONBLOX has to offer, we need to understand Energy Density or better yet what is Fuel Energy Density? There are many different materials that have stored energy, ranging from food, to diesel, to uranium. These materials are known collectively as fuels, and all of these fuels are used as energy sources for a variety of systems. Fuels that come directly from nature such as crude oil are considered primary fuels; fuels that have to be modified so they can be used such as gasoline are called secondary fuels. The table above shows energy densities for a variety of common fuels. Energy density is the amount of energy that can be stored in a given system, substance or region of space. Energy density is measured in energy per volume or per mass. The higher the energy density of a system or material, the greater the amount of energy it has stored. A material can release energy in four types of reactions. These reactions are nuclear, chemical, electrochemical and electrical. When calculating the amount of energy in a system most often only useful or extractable energy is measured. Energy density is generally expressed in one of two ways and the most common is VED or Volumetric energy density and the second is GED or Gravimetric Energy density. Volumetric energy density - how much energy a system contains in comparison to its volume, typically expressed in watt-hours per liter (Wh/L) or Megajoules per liter (MJ/L). Gravimetric energy density - how much energy a system contains in comparison to its mass, typically expressed in watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/Kg) or Megajoules per kilogram (MJ/kg). Gravimetric energy density can also be referred to as specific energy. Having a high energy density does not give information on how quickly this energy can be used. This knowledge is contained in the substance's power density, which describes the rate at which its energy can be put out. Energy sources do not give up their energy in the same way, but assuming they could, how far would each source move an auto? Coal has been used as a base line by researchers to show the amount of energy various sources can move an auto. Wood - 7 meters or 23 ft Coal - 10 meters or 33 ft Crude oil - 18 meters or 59 ft Uranium 235 - 1,625, 000 meters (1,625 km) or 5,331,365 ft or 1,010 miles Petroleum products such as Gasoline are used due to the energy density, and this is important to understand in how IONBLOX is planning to revolutionize the air and land mobility of humans. Ionblox’s proprietary pre-lithiated silicon oxide anode distinguishes itself by simultaneously delivering multiple performance attributes – fast charging, high energy, high power, and long life at low cost – pushing the limits of traditional battery storage technology and unlocking the viability of widespread electric transportation for generations to come. Let's put this into simple terms to understand the benefits of this companies' technology. Pre-lithiated silicon oxide anode-based cells distinguishes itself by the following: Giving the cells 50% more energy density than traditional lithium-ion cells 1,000 charge cycles, retaining 90% of original capacity at the 1,000 Fast DC charge Rapid charges 80% of the battery's capacity in 10 minutes. In a 300-mile battery pack vehicle, this means that you can charge 240 miles in 10 minutes, on par with an equivalent ICE auto Idaho Labs has confirmed this with repeated testing of a 12Ah pouch cell, confirmed energy density of 315 Wh/kg IONBLOX believes that this proprietary solid-state lithium-ion battery cell solution in pouch form can deliver both constant rapid charging with high endurance all in a single cell design at a lower cost with longer cycle life. IONBLOX has stated that this solution is for both Air and Land. Lets first look at the Air solution. Electric Air Transport Ionblox knows that eVTOLs have unique operating profiles and hence drastically different battery requirements from EVs —and the long-term success of the eVTOL air mobility revolution depends on the development of high-performance batteries to power it. Ionblox batteries can sustain high power output for a significant length of time without quickly draining the energy stored within. That’s what planes need and why they have partnered with companies such as Lilium Jets to Applied Materials who have invested in Ionblox batteries. The unique batteries can be scaled up with low risk and at a competitive cost because they use commercially available materials and proven production processes and equipment, rather than costly, hard-to-scale materials, such as silicon nanotubes and nanowires. And to date, Ionblox has launched the only commercially scalable battery that can simultaneously provide high energy, high power, 1,000 fast charge cycles, and a clear path to low-cost production. The IONBLOX Air Cells Weight as we have seen in the auto industry is just as important an issue in the Airplane industry. Ionblox batteries allow more flight miles or increased loads over competitive products. The following charts above shows the cell characteristics and size of these state-of-the-art cells that offer high energy density with high power for the cells entire performance range. Electric Vehicle Transport Ionblox had this statement about vehicle transportation: "Electric mobility is one of the most important efforts in the global fight against climate change. However, in order to truly compete with internal combustion engine vehicles, the cost of electric vehicles needs to decrease, the vehicle range needs to increase, and the fast charge capability needs to vastly improve. Today's options are a $30K vehicle that travels 90 miles per charge or a $60K vehicle that travels 300 miles per charge -- neither of which appeals to the general population. And recharging your car should be as fast as filling up a tank of gas." In partnership with the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler), Ionblox has developed an ultra high energy density cell, utilizing a silicon based anode. When most traditional cells are charged at high rates on a continuous basis, cycle life suffers tremendously. Range will finally alleviate inconveniences associated with electric vehicles — recharge time can finally last the same amount time as a gas fill-up. Ionblox cells have one of the farthest ranges of operating temperatures of any cell currently on the market. For the market to support mass adoption of EVs two things need to happen, first is the official funding and ramp up of Ionblox cell production which is happening now allowing them to produce 50Ah large format pouch cells which will go out to both auto and aircraft manufacturers for evaluation this year and hopefully into mass production in 2024. Second is the global installation of Fast DC chargers. Companies globally are ramping up production of these DC or EV Fast Chargers to be installed. Here in the U.S. we have the IRA or Inflation reduction Act that is helping to put level 2 chargers in homes and Fast Chargers nationally on a scale of every 50 miles to make it easy for any EV owner to travel coast to coast. Ionblox Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov) The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program Guidance (dot.gov) View full article

This is interesting as 4 people with knowledge of the Monday Announcement by Ford but unable to be identified as they are not allowed to talk to the press let the cat out of the bag. Ford to announce $2.5B battery plant in Marshall with Chinese partner (detroitnews.com) One has to wonder how the redneck owners of Ford Products will feel about a Chinese company being one of the biggest battery cell builders/suppliers for Ford EVs? Interesting times we live in for sure.

Here is the updated webpage for the LYRIQ and the configurator is live. 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ | All-Electric SUV | Model Overview Seems Cadillac has changed their labeling, Platinum is gone as you have a Tech Base auto and then from there you either go up the Luxury way with 3 levels of luxury trim or the Sport way with 3 levels of Sport trim. I have to think the V Series edition would be above the Sport trims. 3 Sport Trims 3 Luxury Trims Base Tech Level

The Chicago Auto show has started off on a busy streak of reveals and announcements and Volkswagen is no exception. VW was proud to announce their refreshed seven and five-seater SUVs, offering enhanced technology, upgraded interiors designs and materials and a livelier powertrain. President and CEO of Volkswagen of America, Pablo Di Si had this to say: “The Atlas was the first modern Volkswagen designed, engineered and produced specifically for American buyers, and since its debut, it has become a major player in the U.S. market,” “The refreshed Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport continue to build on that success, with an elegant new interior and a sophisticated turbocharged engine that improves both performance and the driving experience.” Lets clearly state the 4 key points in this release by VW: Major refresh of Atlas family boasts significant interior upgrade with premium materials and standard high-end comfort features, including three-zone Climatronic®, ventilated front seats, and heated steering wheel Enhanced technology with standard 12-inch display, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro, IQ. DRIVE® driver assistance, wireless charging and App-Connect Front and rear treatment benefits from premium lighting on most trims New 2.0-liter turbo powertrain replaces previous four-cylinder and VR6®, brings better performance and improved fuel economy VW made it clear that while the underpinning of these autos are the same as the outgoing models, they did focus on a spacious interior as a major upgrade to compete in the American market. As such, the rather long press release is best summed up with a bullet list of all the changes and new additions to this SUV family. Premium materials throughout with a leatherette-trimmed soft-touch dash and center console An upscale cockpit for the driver and all passengers from door trim to the dash panels with 30 color choices paired with innovative backlit dash specific to each model Quilted leather seats with diamond pattern on top-of-range models Leather seating surfaces and heated rear seats available on lower trim models. Heated steering wheel with paddle shifters Ventilated front seats and Height-adjustable passenger seats are now standard Automatic climate control and Voice control 12" floating infotainment display & 10.25 customizable VW Digital Cockpit Pro Display Atlas CrossSport interior Atlas interior Standard Wireless App-Connect, wireless charging, six USB-C ports with 45-watt fast charging (eight total) IQ DRIVE driver assistance technology is standard Hands on semi-automatic capable Lane centering Capacitive steering wheel Heads up display Predictive Adaptive Cruise control 360 alert monitoring for surprise obstacles Standard New Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) LED Headlights Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) New front fascia New wheel designs for all trims 18" to 20" machined alloy rims Black finish available R-line trims Gloss-black grille 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels R-line badging All trims are now powered by a all-new four-cylinder turbocharged, direct-injection TSI engine with 269 HP and 273 lb-ft of torque. Power is simular to the outgoing VR6, but has a bump in torque that is available over a broader rev range, improving drivability and acceleration and VW is anticipating improved fuel economy. Towing capacity of 5,000 lbs 8-speed automatic transmission FWD is standard, 4Motion AWD system is available across the model lineup View full article