Hyundai And Kia Electric Cars To Get New Platform And Bold Looks

Hyundai Group brands Hyundai, Kia and Genesis are set to benefit from a new electric car platform, similar to the Volkswagen Group鈥檚 MEB technology, while more radical designs for the brands鈥?dedicated EVs are promised, too. 鈥淎 new platform dedicated to electric vehicles is about two years away,鈥?a company insider revealed to Auto Express. Hyundai and Kia have already said they will have 38 green cars in their line-up by 2025, including 14 EVs. Premium brand Genesis is also expected to launch an all-electric car by 2021. Meanwhile the Group will push on with the development of fuel cell vehicles in addition to today鈥檚 Hyundai Nexo model. 鈥淲hen it comes to electric vehicles you have to ask whether you want science fiction or whether you want to conform,鈥?he told us. 鈥淲e can create something that doesn鈥檛 appeal to someone in the traditional sense. 鈥淲e need to appeal to millennials and next generation car buyers. Donckerwolke also revealed how 3D printing was going to have an effect on future car design and materials used. 鈥?D printing is a game-changer,鈥?he said. Currently, two EVs are available from the group, the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia鈥檚 e-Niro. An all-electric version of the new Kia Soul, that we鈥檝e already tested, will arrive at the end of the year. However, such has been the demand for electric models that both the Kona Electric and e-Niro are sold out. Increased supply should arrive next year, though, with a spokesperson telling us: 鈥淐ustomer demand has been higher than expected. Could you live with an electric car?

It also helps that unlike other Mercedes-Benz products, its relatively simple design keeps repair costs low. For 2016 the G-Class gains a new 416 horsepower twin-turbo V-8 engine, and of course low-range four-wheel drive remains standard across the board. Speaking of older designs, the Jeep Wrangler continues to command a premium amongst secondhand buyers. In the case of the Wrangler, there's a unique factor at play: a built-in market of off-road adventurers who wouldn't dream of leaving the beaten path unless they were behind the wheel of a Jeep. The club of like-minded Wrangler fans keeps the SUV's value high years after the new sheen has worn off. A 3.6-liter, 285 horsepower V-6 is standard with the Wrangler, and a four-door Unlimited model adds practicality to the rugged package. The Toyota 4Runner can be summarized as the more civilized alternative to the Wrangler鈥攁 more comfortable and modern mid-size SUV, that still offers respectable off-road chops should the going get rough.

There really aren't many traditional full-size SUVs left on the market, which helps to explain why the Chevrolet Tahoe and its GMC Yukon sibling hold their value so well. The Porsche Macan is the new hotness for a company better known for its sports cars than its SUVs. Tapping into pent-up demand for an entry-level, fun-to-drive luxury utility model, the Porsche Macan is selling at a rapid pace when new, and spends an equally short amount of time on the lot as a used model. This drives up the resale value of the vehicle鈥攊f you can find one, since it's such a recent offshoot of the Porsche vine. There are a pair of twin-turbo V-6 options available under its hood鈥攔ated at 340 and 400 horsepower, respectively鈥攁nd all-wheel drive is standard with the Porsche Macan. The Lexus LX is another unusual entry on our list of SUVs that hold their value. Like the G-Class, the LX is a full-size luxury model that commands a pretty penny when new, and it also offers more than respectable off-road capability. Most buyers, however, snag the Lexus for its comfy interior and stunning reliability (it does share its platform with the Toyota Land Cruiser, after all). Very few LX models are sold each year, so the lack of availability conspires to keep second-hand prices high. A 5.7-liter V-8 engine good for 383 horsepower is standard with the Lexus, as is full-time four-wheel drive.

Those engineers at Porsche just can鈥檛 sit still. They love to tinker, and that is a big reason why I love Porsches. Like the normally aspirated 911s as mentioned in an earlier article, the turbo is benefitting from what is known as a mid-cycle update. While it is not 鈥渁ll new鈥? as many web pundits are stating, the good news is that the updates are substantial. Let鈥檚 start with the heart of the matter, that Porsche flat-six turbocharged engine. Displacement has been increased from 3.6 to 3.8 liters and direct fuel injection has been added along with other little tricks that boost both performance and fuel economy. The turbo is now a member of the 500 horsepower club and sips less fuel..! Porsche鈥檚 dual-clutch PDK 7-speed transmission is an available option as well, along with new paddle shifters on the steering wheel. We recommend this transmission with the launch control feature, giving you a 0 - 60 mph time of 3.2 seconds according to the factory. This will out-quick pretty much everything out there. Aesthetically the boosted 997 (factory designation number) inherits the same taillight LED treatment bestowed upon its lesser siblings as well as new wheel designs. Take note of the optional RS style in the picture above with a center-lock racing style wheel鈥OT! Does the Connoisseur like this car? 143,800 for the convertible.