AD #3134 – VW Previews New ID.5 GTX; EPA Proposes 52 MPG Target; Porsche Unveils Special Edition 911 Race Car

This is Autoline Daily, the show dedicated to enthusiasts of the global automotive industry.

EPA PROPOSES 52 MPG TARGET BY 2026
Yesterday as expected, President Biden signed an executive order calling for half of all new car sales in 2030 to be electric. But the Administration also revealed details about fuel economy regulations through 2026. The EPA is proposing boosting efficiency 10% for the 2023 model year followed by 5% annual increases from 2024 to 2026. By 2026, it’s aiming for a fleet average of 52 MPG. That’s a sharp increase from the Trump Administration’s 43.3 MPG goal. The EPA estimates that the new proposal will increase vehicle costs between $150 billion and $240 billion through 2025 but will also save drivers between $120 billion and $250 billion in fuel costs. And it will have net benefits up to $140 billion by improving public health and reduced pollution.

CHIPMAKERS SAY SHORTAGE WILL LAST INTO NEXT YEAR
There’s a lot of conflicting news over the shortage of semiconductors. Last week, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the shortage is starting to ease for automakers.  But chip makers don’t see it that way. Bloomberg reports that two of the largest chip makers, Infineon Technologies and NXP Semiconductors, say supplies are still very tight and they likely won’t be able to meet demand until the middle of next year. New technologies and the shift to electrification is also making it harder to meet demand, since those vehicles need more chips. The shortage is expected to cost automakers at least $110 billion in lost sales this year.

UK SALES DOWN BIG IN JULY
As we reported earlier in the week, U.S. car sales were down in July. But it was even worse in the UK. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, just over 123,000 vehicles were registered last month, which is a 30% drop and the lowest level in July since 1998. Sales were down due to people having to self-isolate over COVID plus inventories are low because of the chip shortage.

VOLKSWAGEN PREVIEWS NEW ID.5 GTX
While the New York Auto Show was cancelled, the Munich show is still scheduled to happen in September and we’re getting a few more reveals ahead of time. Volkswagen will debut a fastback version of the ID.4, called the ID.5 GTX. Remember, GTX is the name it’s giving to the slightly sportier versions of its ID electric family. Most notably, it’s a dual motor setup that adds all-wheel drive. In the ID.4 GTX, the system generates 220 kW or roughly 300 horsepower and helps it go from 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. There’s also a number of unique styling touches that we guess make it to the ID.5 GTX as well. 

MERCEDES REVEALS ARMORED VERSION OF THE S-CLASS
Also on display will be the armored version of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. There’s enough protection on this thing to stop armor piercing rounds from an assault rifle or even explosive blasts. In fact, the windows are so heavy they have to be raised and lowered using hydraulics and each door requires its own hydraulic system. The car is powered by a 612 horsepower V12 engine, which sends power to all four wheels, a first for an armored S-Class from Mercedes. And here’s a fun little fact. Mercedes has been making special protection vehicles since 1928. 

PORSCHE UNVEILS SPECIAL EDITION 911 RACE CAR
Speaking of special cars, Porsche is coming out with a limited edition 911 that’s based on the GT2 RS Clubsport. Its name is the same as that but with the number 25 added to the end, which is in reference to its 25th anniversary of working with Manthey Racing. Only 30 of these cars will be built and as you can see it’s fitted with all kinds of aerodynamic elements and cooling vents that come from familiar and future Porsche racing cars. It’s powered by a twin-turbo 3.8L 6-cylinder engine that makes nearly 700 horsepower and is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. As you might have guessed the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 is exclusively meant for track days and circuit racing. 

ACURA UPDATES NSX GT3 RACE CAR
In other racing car news, despite the street legal NSX going away, the GT3 version has been approved to race through 2024. And starting next year it will have an updated version, called the Evo 22, ready for race teams and drivers. The car features upgraded engine intercoolers, revised spring rates, suspension geometry adjustments, increased fluid tank sizes and wheel system revisions for faster tire changes. Like the street car, the NSX GT3 chassis is made in Ohio, but then the car is shipped to JAS Motorsport in Italy for final assembly. 

DAIMLER TRUCK & CUMMINS SHARE ENGINE PARTNERSHIP DETAILS
Daimler Truck and Cummins shared more details about an engine partnership they announced earlier in the year. Cummins will set up an engine production facility at Mercedes-Benz’s Mannheim plant in Germany. It will produce medium-duty engines that meet Euro VII standards for Daimler Trucks & Buses starting in the second-half of the decade.

FISKER TO USE BRIDGESTONE TIRES EXCLUSIVELY FOR NEW OCEAN SUV
And speaking of partnerships, Fisker announced it’s choosing Bridgestone as its official tire partner for the electric Ocean SUV. The model will be fitted with custom made Potenza Sport tires in Europe and select models in North America. All other North American models will use Alenza Sport all-season tires. The Fisker Ocean makes its debut at the LA Auto Show in November and production is scheduled to kick off in November 2022.

GM DEVELOPS NEW TURBO ENGINE FOR CHINESE MARKET
Even though the whole world is shifting to electric, internal combustion engines still power most vehicles on the road and GM is launching an all-new 1.5L unit. The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine develops 181 horsepower and features new technology, like Dual Fast Cam Phasers, which as the name suggests, adjusts valve timing at a faster rate than traditional cam phasers. The setup will be featured in the Buick Verano Pro in China where it provides a 6% improvement in fuel efficiency and 0-100 km/h time of 7.7 seconds. The engine will be used in a number of models and segments in China over the coming years.

LEXUS DEBUTS GX BLACK LINE SPECIAL EDITION 
The Lexus GS is jumping on the blacked-out bandwagon. It’s launching the Black Line Special Edition, which features black wheels, black chrome grille surround and roof rails as well as unique designs in the lower section of the front and rear bumpers, special taillamps and body color door handles. But the biggest difference with this model is the massaged center console and its large 10.3-inch touchscreen. 

But that wraps up today’s show, thanks for watching and have a great weekend.