AD #2956 – Next-Gen Model S Planned for 2026; Hyundai Product Offensive Coming; Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Review
November 10th, 2020 at 11:51am
Listen to “AD #2956 – Next-Gen Model S Planned for 2026; Hyundai Product Offensive Coming; Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Review” on Spreaker.
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Runtime: 11:03
0:07 Next-Gen Tesla Model S Planned for 2026
0:47 GM Needs More Tech Employees to Speed Up EV Development
1:06 Chevy Shows Bolt EUV Interior
1:32 Continental Develops New Tire for Electric Buses
2:54 Hyundai Launching SUV Offensive
4:36 Hyundai Tucson N Line Teased
5:13 Hyundai & NVIDIA Develop Connected Car Platform
5:50 Land Rover Discovery Refreshed
7:07 Mercedes Offers 1st Metris Camper Van
8:02 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Review
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NEXT-GEN MODEL S PLANNED FOR 2026
If you had any interest in getting the next-generation Tesla Model S, you’re going to have to wait a bit longer. AutoForecast Solutions reports that the next-gen Model S will start production at the company’s Fremont, California plant in March of 2026. Production of the current Model S will end a month before that. The next-gen Model S was originally scheduled to go into production in early 2024, but now that’s being pushed back two years and it will remain in production until 2033. Tesla started building the current Model S in 2012, so that means it will be in the market for 14 years before the next-gen model is introduced.
GM NEEDS MORE TECH EMPLOYEES TO SPEED UP EV DEVELOPMENT
Even still, most automakers are way behind Tesla in EV development and that’s why General Motors announced its hiring 3,000 new employees across its engineering, design and IT divisions, from now through the first quarter of 2021, to help speed up electric vehicle development.
CHEVY TEASES BOLT EUV INTERIOR
And speaking of GM and EVs, the company gave us a glimpse of the interior of the upcoming Bolt EUV, the electric crossover based on the Bolt. It released this short video of the Power Flow Screen, which displays info like regen braking use and battery charge level. The Bolt EUV along with the refreshed Bolt go into production in the summer of 2021.
CONTINENTAL DEVELOPS TIRE FOR ELECTRIC BUSES
It’s not just passenger vehicles that are joining the electric craze, so are commercial vehicles. But batteries can add a lot of weight to what is already a very heavy machine. So, Continental has come out with a new tire that was developed specifically for electric buses. The Conti Urban HA3 tire features a high strength casing, robust tread strip and reinforced sidewall, which allows it to carry more weight. It also helps with the added strain that an electric drive can put on the tires during acceleration and braking.
HYUNDAI LAUNCHING SUV OFFENSIVE
Car buyers continue to gobble up crossovers and SUVs, so it’s not a surprise to learn that Hyundai plans to introduce 12 new or refreshed SUV models through the end of 2021 in the U.S. That includes internal combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric and N performance models. The models getting updated or coming out include the Kona, Santa Fe, Santa Cruz pickup, and the electric Ioniq SUV. As well as the 2022 Tucson, which was revealed a few months back but now we have some more details. As we reported before, it will have the option for a 2.5L four-cylinder gasoline engine that’s mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission or a 1.6L that powers the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. The 2.5L gets an estimated 28 MPG combined with front-wheel drive. The hybrid is equipped with a 44.2 kW electric motor and a 1.49 kWh battery pack. While Hyundai didn’t provide specifics, it says the hybrid is 30% more fuel efficient than the standard gas engine and it has a driving range of over 500 miles. The plug-in hybrid features a 13.8 kWh battery, which provides an all-electric range of 28 miles and an estimated fuel economy over 70 MPGe. The new Tucson will only be available with the long-wheel base in the U.S. The SUV goes on sale in the U.S. in the spring of 2021, while the plug-in version will be available next summer.
HYUNDAI TUCSON N LINE TEASED
And speaking of the Tucson, Hyundai revealed a few teaser images of the N Line version. It will have a more aggressive look and offer unique design features for both the exterior and interior. The Tucson N Line will be available next spring. And like its SUVs, Hyundai plans to introduce a number of new N and N Line models over the coming months. Through the end of 2022, Hyundai will reveal seven new N and N Line models. The Elantra N will be the next N brand model unveiled for the U.S. (TOP: Tucson N Line; BOTTOM: Elantra N)
HYUNDAI & NVIDIA DEVELOP NEW CONNECTED CAR PLATFORM
And in a final bit of Hyundai news, the automaker introduced a new connected car platform it developed with NVIDIA called NVIDIA Drive. The system includes a hardware and software stack, which enables Hyundai to combine audio, video, navigation, connectivity and artificial intelligence based connected car services in its infotainment systems. In addition to that, Hyundai and NVIDIA are developing a new digital cockpit that will launch late next year. NVIDIA Drive will be equipped in new Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models starting in 2022 as a standard feature.
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY REFRESHED
The refreshed Land Rover Discovery is making its debut. Some of that freshness comes in the form of new LED lighting and bumpers, both front and rear. A new R-Dynamic model is also available that pairs unique black exterior accents and two-tone leather with contrast stitching on the inside. Sticking with the interior, the new Discovery features a larger 11.4 inch center display screen that Land Rover says is faster, smarter, better connected and offers over-the-air updates as well. There’s some changes under the hood, too. A diesel will no longer be offered in the U.S., but other markets will still have the option for a 3.0L inline 6-cylinder diesel that comes in two power outputs. The base engine is now a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder that makes nearly 300 horsepower, while the upgrade from that is a 355 horsepower turbocharged 3.0L inline 6-cylinder engine. The new Discovery can be ordered right now. Pricing in the UK starts at a little over 53,500 pounds, while in the U.S. it starts at $55,250, including destination charges.
MERCEDES OFFERS METRIS CAMPER VAN
Camper van conversions are just not something that you see very often in the U.S. but Mercedes is looking to change that. For the first time, the Metris, which is sold as the Vito in other markets, will be available with a pop up camper in the states. In addition to the roof top tent, the Metris Getaway, as it’s called, also comes with a second battery, rear bench seat that opens into a bed and swivel front seats. And there’s plenty of accessories, like mosquito nets, an awning, pull out kitchen and even solar panels. The van is available at dealerships now.
TOYOTA TUNDRA TRD PRO
Ever since the pandemic hit and we went into lockdowns, people have been flocking to the great outdoors to find a safe escape from their house or apartment. Sales of bicycles and motorcycles–especially dirt bikes–have skyrocketed. The same goes for off road vehicles. That’s why we were keen to test drive the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. As you probably know, any Toyota that says TRD on the side is a serious off road machine. But there are two versions of this TRD, Sport and Pro. And Pro means just what the name implies. Check out the equipment list: You get a modified suspension with 10.6 inches of ground clearance. You get an inch and a half more front suspension travel, and two more inches in the rear. You get Fox shocks with 3-stage compression damping, which are perfect for a soft landing. And you get a quarter-inch, steel front skid plate just in case you misjudge the landing. If rock crawling is really your cup of tea, then you’ll appreciate the electronically controlled transfer case and a 4.30 rear gear ratio for when you have to crawl very slowly over the biggest rocks or through the roughest trails. The TRD also has what Toyota calls A-Trac, which is a heavy duty traction control that also doubles as a limited slip differential. If a wheel is slipping it will transfer full power to the wheels with traction. Normally, traction control will limit engine power to prevent wheel slip. And there’s plenty of power to tap into thanks to a 5.7 liter V8 with 381 horsepower and 401 pound feet of torque, all of which flows through a 6-speed automatic. When you’re not running over the Rubicon Trail, the TRD Pro is a tamed beast out on the open road. Yes, it rides a bit rough but only a bit. And the cabin is relatively quiet until you stomp on the gas. Speaking of gas, it only delivers 14 miles to the gallon. But with a price tag north of $55,000 we suspect that owners can easily afford to fill the tank. And they will enjoy every gallon as they leave their Covid concerns behind.
And be sure to join us for Autoline After Hours later this week. Our guest is Brian Goldstine, the President of Mobility Solutions and Fleet Management at Bridgestone Americas. So join John and Gary at 3PM eastern time this Thursday for some of the best insider discussions in the automotive industry.
But that brings us to the end of today’s show, thanks for watching.
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Comments (23)
November 10th, 2020 at 12:17 pm
I wonder why Tesla is pushing back the restyled model S by 2 years. Not sure they ever hit the target dates there.
Mercedes Camper Van may capitalize on the current RV surge but I’m not sure how they compete. They are thousands more than the competition and other than being on a MB chassis don’t really offer anything special over the Ford, Ram van conversions.
November 10th, 2020 at 1:56 pm
Wow! The aftermarket is going to be selling whiskers that mount on Model S sedans. Kinda hard to keep promoting it as the flagship when it will be 12-14 years in the market with no significant updates, other than the ones they can do over the air. The styling is going to look pretty dated very soon, especially as entries from other makers hit the market, like the Lucid Air.
It would not surprise me to see Tesla announce in a few years that they will phase out the Model S. Sales trends sure don’t favor sedans, even at the high end of the market. It could be replaced with a crossover that actually looks and functions more like an SUV and leave the few remaining sedan buyers to the Model X since its basically a sedan anyway.
November 10th, 2020 at 2:14 pm
2) I think they are competing with Dodge in an unspoken battle over who can keep their car on the same chassis for the longest period of time. Or, they finally looked around and decided that they needed to actually be a luxury manufacturer. Particularly with their flagship car.
That could delay production a few years while they try to figure out how to integrate actual luxury features into their car. I think that Cadillac and Lucid showed them that they have a weakness that no over the air update will address. That weakness is that their $75k flagship car has all the luxury features of a Chevrolet Malibu. Maybe one day they will even improve their build quality to match the Malibu also. One can dream.
November 10th, 2020 at 2:16 pm
2
November 10th, 2020 at 2:23 pm
2 Are you REALLY that breathtakingly DUMB or are you FAKING IT???
THe BEST OF THE BEST, CLUELESS ONE, the ROLLS ROYCE PHANTOM VII, the FLAGSHIP ROLLS ROYCE, lasted from 2003 to 2017. ONLY THEN did BMW bother to replace it, and the VIII looks VERY Similar to the VII.
WHy do you waste my time? You want to wallow in ignorance and ridiculous hate of the ONLY SUCCESSFUL US Automaker, the maker with a 75% Share of the BEV market? and instead HOPE that the 67% SAUDI owned OSAMA-ALQAIDA-LUCID motors ‘succeeds’? DO you know, other clueless one, Lambo, how big THEIR Delays have been??? THey have been around for a DECADE already and have not sold a SINGLE ONE of their miserable science projects!
Do you clowns stick pins in an Elon Musk voo doo dolls in your miserable basements?
PS You are REALLY clueless if you think the model X loooks like a….. Sedan?!!!!@
It has the proportions of a MINIVAN, you idiot. AND STILL Tesla sells a ton of them at… $120,000, while YOU GM Bankrupt losers could not sell one even at $30,000 and GAVE UP ON THEM..LOL
November 10th, 2020 at 2:23 pm
EV’s: Another day and another list of electrification push stories. USA now a decade into EV’s and 2020 YTD EV sales is a whopping 1.52% share. With no signs of hockey stick growth despite all the talk and increase in nameplates. EV’s are expensive, have low range, take a long time to fill/charge, and there is little charge infrastructure…long trips not practical. Fast chargers super expensive. But their “green” right? If electricity is made from dirty coal or other fossil fuels is the electricity that charge EV’s green? And what about those rare earth metals that low cost slave labor around the earth is mining….can you say human rights abuse? But only if we push another 100 nameplates on consumers they are bound to buy them right? How about we add pick up trucks and SUV’s and change $100,000….surely the consumers will come right? Right? Right? Or is this all for ZEV credits and regulation game? Profit to be made??? Group think? When will it end?
November 10th, 2020 at 2:26 pm
PS idiots, the IMPORTANT, DO OR DIE, Models for TESL were the TRIUMPHANT Model 3 and the model Y. THESE are the MASS MARKET< MILLION UNIT models that made TESLA a MAINSTREAM automaker in numbers of units, DESPITE their high prices. a MONUMENTAL Achievement, but I never expected the usual Tesla hating idiots to even get a CLUE.
November 10th, 2020 at 2:32 pm
6 another post, another clueless one. You have NO CLUE of US and WORLD automotive HISTORY. Look up how many DECADES it took gasoline cars to get that 1.58% share you ALLEGE from Horses and Buggies. DECADES. If not for Henry FOrd, it would have taken FOREVER. But I don’t expect you to know why.
PS of that alleged 1.58, 75% are TESLAS and the PITTANCE that is left are YOU LOSERS, ALL OF YOU TOGETHER. Pathetic losers.
PS2. The 1.25% of TESLA is MORE THAN DOUBLE the market share of LOSER VOLVO with ALL its many models, AND FIVE TIMES the share JAGUAR has. (most JLR sales are LAND ROVERS)
You all must have an extremelhy hard time to understand why the hell, DESPITE all you hurl against him, TESLA has EXPLODED and the BRILLIANT ELon Musk is worth $100 BILLION and your 401k does not even have enough for a LOUSY HYUNDAI.
November 10th, 2020 at 2:44 pm
@5, 7, 8: please check out https://www.mindshiftwellnesscenter.com/what-is-the-best-therapy-for-anger-management/
You promised yesterday to tell us how much money you made on the stock market. Do you know it, yet, or are you still “under audit”? All of us utter losers can’t wait to hear the number.
November 10th, 2020 at 3:32 pm
I for one would comment more often on this forum and I’m sure others would like to, but with someone like Larry D calling names like he does surely discourages people. I do not like name calling. I wish someone could ban him from writings comments on this site.
November 10th, 2020 at 3:49 pm
@10 – Two thumbs up!
November 10th, 2020 at 4:01 pm
Re old styling: I remember when Mercedes models lasted 10 years or so, your model lasted with better resale for longer. I don’t mind a nice ubiquitous style, if it’s nice and new, with the important safety and improvements where it’s needed. As a driver I’m behind the wheel do I really notice if it has a “ hot trend” outside? if it was good when I bought it’s still nice after all those years, look at all the vintage buyers / collectors. A classic will always be in Style. Look at the current resale prices for the FJ Cruiser.
November 10th, 2020 at 4:33 pm
#10,11 – Agree.
I will admit that since the infamous mr d likes to scream & yell, it is fairly easy to identify his rantings & save time by skipping over them.
November 10th, 2020 at 5:56 pm
Why does he keep repeating himself? Does he think we are “L”earning “D”isabled? I hope his employer keeps him away from the students. Higher education is suppose to open student minds… not bore them with repetition.
November 10th, 2020 at 7:04 pm
Sean, Is it true your advertisers pay you by the number of comments? That is the only reason I can imagine to let Larry D crap all over your otherwise good blog. I’m interested in the comments everyone BUT Larry D screamer makes. Any change you could offer a Larry free version?
November 10th, 2020 at 7:44 pm
Are you guys hurting for money so bad that you have to hawk bus tires and Toyota trucks now? Shameless product promotion is going to drive viewers away, stop while you still have an audience.
November 10th, 2020 at 8:34 pm
#9, Wim, I nominate you for comment of the month award
November 11th, 2020 at 8:46 am
5,6,7,8 – It is clear that you are passionate about Tesla. It is not personal attack on Elon Musk to say that a 14 year old model is getting a little old. On average, its 2 to 2.5 times older than the average model lifespan.
On the other hand the Model S has held up pretty well considering its current age.
November 11th, 2020 at 8:47 am
meant 5,7.8
November 11th, 2020 at 8:54 am
@#10 +++++ John, get rid of this guy!!!!!
November 11th, 2020 at 10:49 am
9,10,11,13,14,15,17,18,20
Its unanimous. I feel so sorry for anyone that had this fool and an instructor. That has to be brutal to be stuck in a lecture hall with this guy. Probably calls his students fools and clueless too, if they didn’t agree with his every thought.
If they don’t ban him, do yourself a favor and as soon as you see a comment save yourself the trouble of reading it.. I can condense it for you.. “me smart, you fools, Tesla is God and US manufacturers are idiots, I walk to work, All other EVs are junk and funded by terrorists and here come Elon, I have to go get on my knees..
To pray?
November 11th, 2020 at 11:26 am
Are the main trends in Automotive these days giant grilles, huge infotainment screens, and lifted trucks?
November 11th, 2020 at 5:12 pm
22 It sure seems that way.