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Runtime: 10:26
0:00 U.S. Wants More Vehicles That ‘Talk’ to Each Other
1:53 Toyota Could Go Hybrid-Only in the U.S.
2:32 Porsche Expands Hybrid Battery Production
3:05 Mercedes-AMG SL63 Gets Maybach Touch
4:19 EVs Outpace Overall U.S. Market
5:38 EU Tariffs Have Big Impact on Chinese Sales
6:33 Stellantis Has Too Many Pentastar V6s
7:05 New Hybrid Temerario Replaces Huracan
7:38 Cadillac Concept Previews Future EV V-Series Cars
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U.S. WANTS MORE VEHICLES THAT ‘TALK’ TO EACH OTHER
In 2022, over 42,500 people were killed in traffic accidents. So, the U.S. Department of Transportation or DOT is calling on automakers to implement technology that can help. It wants to see more V2X or Vehicle to Everything communication, which wirelessly sends critical information between cars, the infrastructure, pedestrians and bicyclists. By 2036 the DOT hopes the entire highway system and 85% of intersections in major metro areas are covered and that six automakers have at least 20 vehicles that can operate V2X. It says once that happens, 13-18% of crashes would go away and save more than 1,350 lives a year. But there’s several factors that could hold back V2X. First, it’s not like this is new technology. John said he first experienced vehicle-to-vehicle communication about 20 years ago. And since then it’s always been ‘just a few years away.’ Second, automakers have come up with two main ways to achieve V2X. One uses Dedicated Short Range Communication and the other uses the cellular network. So, two competing technologies could hurt expansion. Plus, the Federal Communications Commission cut some of the radio frequency spectrum for V2X because of lack of adoption. And lastly, the DOT plan provides guidance and targets, but it is not a regulation and does not provide any funding. It would be up to NHTSA to mandate the technology and that typically takes NHTSA a decade to implement.
TOYOTA COULD GO HYBRID-ONLY IN THE U.S.
Toyota could go hybrid-only in the U.S. according to the automaker’s head of sales and marketing in North America. He said “Going forward, we plan to evaluate, carline by carline, whether going all-hybrid makes sense.” It’s already made that leap with the Camry sedan and Sienna minivan. And models, like the Tundra and Tacoma, where you might not expect to find electrification, offer a hybrid option as well. But Toyota doesn’t have a timeline for a hybrid-only lineup and price sensitivity on entry-level pickup trucks and economy cars could keep gas-only versions around longer.
PORSCHE EXPANDS HYBRID BATTERY PRODUCTION
But speaking of hybrids, we’ve got an indication that Porsche will expand its hybrid lineup. It’s acquiring a majority stake in V4Drive Battery, which makes cylindrical lithium-ion cells that are used in the hybrid version of the 911 Carrera GTS. As part of the deal Porsche is providing V4Drive with a new production facility, which is scheduled to start making batteries next year. Some of those cells will go to other automakers, but it’s unclear if they’ll go outside of the Volkswagen Group.
MERCEDES-AMG SL63 GETS MAYBACH TOUCH
Ultraluxury and 2-door convertible sports cars don’t normally go together in the same sentence, but Mercedes is coming out with a Maybach version of the SL. Specifically it took the Mercedes-AMG SL63 roadster, which comes with a 585 horsepower 4.0L twin-turbo V8, and then gave it the Maybach touch. Available in only red or white, the Mercedes‑Maybach SL 680 Monogram features a new grille, two distinctive 21-inch wheel designs, an optional black hood with Maybach logos all over it, which also spreads to the soft top that is more insulated than before. The interior also gets special seats, materials and unique instrumentation. No price was given, but the Mercedes-AMG SL63 starts at roughly $113,000.
EVs OUTPACE OVERALL U.S. MARKET
EV registrations in the U.S. outpaced the overall market in June. According to S&P Global Mobility, more than 108,000 EVs were registered in June, up 3.3% compared to a year ago. While overall registrations hit 1.2 million vehicles, a 9% decrease. That translates to an EV market share of nearly 9%, up from about 8% the previous June. Tesla led the way with roughly 61,000 registrations, which is a 2.4% drop. Ford was the second-best brand with about 6,300 registrations. Kia was third with about 5,200 and Rivian and Hyundai were just behind in fourth and fifth. But some automakers relied heavily on incentives to boost EV sales. According to Motor Intelligence, the average incentive for the Kia EV9 was more than $18,000. Incentives for the Nissan Ariya were about $14,800 on average and the Toyota bZ4x had incentives of $11,700 on average. In the first half of the year about 580,000 EVs were registered in the U.S., up 7% from a year ago.
EU TARIFFS HAVE BIG IMPACT ON CHINESE SALES
The EU’s new tariffs on Chinese made EVs is already putting a big dent on sales. According to Dataforce, registrations for Chinese brands in Europe dropped 45% in July compared to June. Imported Chinese EVs now face tariffs of up to 48%. Part of the reason the drop was so big is that Chinese automakers rushed to get EVs to dealers before the tariffs went into effect on July 5th. The slowdown of the EV market in Europe is another reason with overall registrations falling 36% last month. But despite the fall in registrations, Chinese brand market share in the region was 8.5% in July, up from 7.4% a year ago. And BYD sold three times as many vehicles in Europe in July than it did a year ago.
STELLANTIS HAS TOO MANY PENTASTAR V6s
Stellantis is idling a plant that makes engines for the Jeep Wrangler and Ram 1500 Classic because inventory is piling up. The plant, in Trenton, Michigan has more than 20,000 Pentastar V6 engines at the complex. So Stellantis is pausing production for a week. And this isn’t a surprising move. Earlier this month, the automaker announced that it’s ending production of the Ram 1500 Classic and laid off 2,450 workers at its Warren Truck plant in Michigan.
NEW HYBRID TEMERARIO REPLACES HURACAN
Lamborghini introduced a new hybrid called the Temerario, which is replacing the Huracan in its lineup. Its powertrain consists of a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 mated to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission and three electric motors. That setup produces 907 horsepower. It has a top speed of more than 210 MPH or 340km/h and can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 2.7 seconds.
CADILLAC CONCEPT PREVIEWS FUTURE EV V-SERIES CARS
And Cadillac revealed a new concept called the Opulent Velocity. It’s a 2+2 coupe that’s highlighted by butterfly doors. Cadillac didn’t share any powertrain details but calls it a zero emission hyper car. So like the Solli concept it’s also likely based on the all-electric Ultium platform. It’s designed for both autonomy and driving. When in self-driving mode, the steering wheel and pedals retract. But when you’re driving it, the experience is enhanced with an augmented head-up display that includes road overlays and active information about conditions. While we may never see this car in production, Cadillac says its design is a preview of future electric V-Series models.
But that brings us to the end of today’s show. Thanks for making Autoline a part of your day.
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DOT is keen on rolling out V2X communication because it “wirelessly sends critical information between cars, the infrastructure, pedestrians, bicyclists and the GOVERNMENT”!.
The problem with V2X is we have about 280 million vehicles on the roads in the US with an annual sale of new cars around 17 million. Which means it would take about 16 years to turn over most of the vehicles so that they have this technology. Wont we have self-driving cars by that time? I think V2X is just like AV and we are further away than we think.
Apple Carplay keeps my attention on the drive.
BUT the move to large infotainment screens with all the buttons located away from the edge means I have to search and press a piece of glass accurately on a road that’s bumpy enough I don’t sip my coffee.
I would greatly appreciate rules that require car makers to make buttons findable quickly and that are pushable even on a bumpy road without taking my eyes off the road.
I like my Outback, but it’s ridiculous with its 11” screen plus the infrared eye monitoring system. When I select something on the screen, I get ‘yelled’ at by the car for not watching the road. You’d think the designers at Subaru would notice this and fix the button-on-glass problem.
Sean, Shouldn’t the question be why WOULDN”T you go all hybrid? Cost is an issue only until Sodium batteries become widely available. Other than that, hybrid cars are better in every way. … or at least my Honda Accord hybrid is.
Lambo, quick propagation of V2X can be as easy as the conversion of HDTV. Simply, existing vehicles can be fitted with a black box. The box will send the appropriate signals to other vehicles. The only compromise vs a new V2X vehicle will be that V2X an old vehicle can only alert its driver about a safety issue whereas a newer vehicle can initiate evasive maneuvers.
Albemarle, I’m with you on the buttons. My cars aren’t as bad as some, but there are too many functions done with a touch screen that you need to look at to use, and bumpy roads are a problem, even if you are looking at it.
I suspect the biggest cost of hybrids over ICE might be just the motor/generators and electronics. The battery in my Highlander hybrid is only about 2 kWh, so the cost of the cells should be less than $300. An Accord hybrid battery is only ~1.2 kWh. Most Toyota hybrids, Ford Maverick, and some others have very simple “nothing but gears” transmissions which should be cheap to make compared to shifting transmissions with clutches, etc. I think the Accord may be that way, but Hyundai likes complexity for complexity’s sake, using 6 speed DCTs with their hybrids, but having no performance or mpg advantage over the mechanically much simpler Toyotas.
I purchased a 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in July, it’s a worlds difference compared to my 2018 Chevrolet 1/2 ton pick up truck. But when I was looking I went with the Hybrid because that’s the future and they put more technology in them. I didn’t buy for the gas mileage but I’m not complaining that it gets about 2 1/2 times the gas mileage. They are designed for different purposes, I do wish the Asian manufacturers would let you order a vehicle the way you want it instead of taking what is allocated to a dealer.
V2X is something that over time would lead to AVs being more accurate than they are currently. V2X for a human driver that is ignoring everything anyhow would not do much of anything. Maybe it would autobrake faster than the traditional emergency braking systems, but overall I do not see a net positive for the technology. The infrastructure cost for V2X which would be staggering.
They are projecting at the end of spending this staggering amount of money the tax payers don’t have; we would save 1350 lives or 27 per state. In my state the death toll would reduce from 1095 to 1068. In doing a cost to benefit analysis; that is not much benefit for the cost. I think the better use of funds would be in education, licensing improvements, infrastructure, better driving laws, and more rule enforcement. With those things we would see more than 27 lives saved per state and have a greater benefit than V2X. It would likely be substantially cheaper cost to do those things as well.
Danny, it annoys me too, that Toyota won’t let you order cars. It is that way with Honda too. You can’t order a Toyota from Indiana or a Honda from Ohio, but you can order a Mini from the UK, or a Porsche from Germany. Of course, you can order any GM, Ford, or Chrysler group vehicle, at least the ones built in North America.
Ram trucks have 2 programs running here, 10,000 discount or free Cummins diesel, depending on model.
We don’t need V2X to reduce serious crashes. We need fewer distractions, controls safe to use while driving, better driver training and licensing standards, red light cameras and/or police enforcement. Also, even though I often speed, we need better speed enforcement, especially for people going 30 over the limit while weaving between lanes through small “holes.”
Also, where and how do these fatal crashes happen? Do those 42,500 fatalities include pedestrians? How many are at rural intersections? Some of those where I am are very dangerous, with multimillionaire farmers planting corn so close to roads, to make a few more bucks, that you need to be in the intersection to see if anyone is coming. Technology won’t fix that.
Speaking of hybrids, is Toyota going through some kind of production hell? There have not been any Siennas or Priuses at dealers for a year or two, and there are no Camrys either.
Or is Toyota artificially limiting production to make dealers happy so they can charge over MSRP?
Schools used to require Drivers Ed, but cost eliminated the training. Skill and MANNERS were key parts of the instruction.
Driver ed was available when I was in HS in Indiana in the early-mid ’60s, but not required. Local dealers provided the cars, and they installed a right side brake pedal for the teacher.
The Cadillac concept has the best looking version of Cadillac EV grill and the tail lights look good too!
The Temerario is an interesting looking vehicle and reminds me a lot of the Contash (is that how you spell it) from the late 70’s and 80’s! It’s probably flatter the that vehicle, but in pictures appears to be closer to that vehicle, then the seemingly huge current Lamborghini flagship.
Can someone tell me the difference between hyper car, supercar and exotic car and what the pecking order is? While I would imagine vehicles from Ferrari, Lamborghini and Bugatti could be called either of these, McClaren, Aston Martin, Porsche and other smaller brands have produced vehicles with similar power, performance and price tag as the first three, but I have a hard time describing them in those words.
Ferrari dealers seem to have their definitions of supercar vs hypercar, but they seemed to vary between sites I found.
https://www.continentalautosports.com/ferrari-information/supercar-vs-hypercar/
I abhor drivers education in the USA. The USA turned drivers education into a joke. Here drivers education is done via private companies now. There is a mixed bag of good and bad private driving schools. In fact, I have not seen one that I was ever happy with. Just varying degrees of “bad”. They teach just enough to pass a minimum for the state and nothing more. It is very important for the parents to fill the gaps, but this varying degrees of bad has been around for so long, it is hard to judge how good the parents are at this point.
I checked into job postings for the driving schools near me because they are always hiring people. Turns out it is a pay problem. Being a driving instructor is a gig job at best and it oddly pays less than working at McDonalds. The standards that you must meet are also extremely relaxed which I guess is so that they can get a warm body to fill the revolving door of the instructor seat. Given that it is a gig job with very odd hours, you can’t have a full time job and do this one on the side. So you end up with recent retirees supplementing income. At least that is who I have seen every single time across multiple companies. Private drivers education classes can and should do much better….but it is a free market issue.
You have parents trying to pay $50 to have their kids “trained” in drivers education. Parents don’t take it seriously and most are demanding the bare minimum of instruction to get their cherub a license. The private companies happily comply with their wishes. Think Spirit airlines but for training kids how to drive. If a class was properly staffed with career professionals that taught kids exactly how to drive and behave on the road, you are looking at a $1000 minimum education. Parents would never go for that because it is not a serious issue for them. So you get crap instruction for under $200 and parents calling it good because little johnny got his vertical license. That is until their kid crashes multiple times resulting in thousands of dollars in costs and increases to their insurance premiums. Then that $1000 instruction cost seems like a bargain.
Kit- would you consider the Corvette a supercar? And would you consider the ZR1 a hypercar?
If the ZR1 isnt a hypercar would you consider that to be at least a supercar?
Lambo, I’d consider ZR1, and even Z06 to be “supercars,” based on performance. I think the term “hypercar” usually goes with 7 figure price tags, along with performance, at least to me.