Revving Up Reality: The Polestar Synergy Concept

Polestar unveiled the wild Synergy concept at Pebble Beach that takes Hot Wheels design cues to the next level. With butterfly doors that pop upwards and an experimental wedge shape, the Synergy looks like it jumped off the track and into real life. Powered by a dual-motor electric powertrain producing over 872 horsepower, Polestar claims the Synergy can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in under two seconds. With minimalist bucket seats and a driver-focused interior, it’s clear this concept was meant to attack the track at top speed.

Sales of the manual transmission-equipped Mini Cooper have dwindled in recent years, with fewer than 10% of customers opting for the third pedal. Now it seems Mini may finally kill off the manual as early as 2024 due to its skyrocketing costs and complexity compared to automated transmissions. Dwindling interest from enthusiasts threatens one of the brand’s trademark driving experiences.

The new Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Bison takes the rugged Silverado ZR2 off-road performance to the next level. With a suspension lift of 2 inches, the Bison adopts muscular off-road tires, high-strength aluminum skid plates, and a front bumper designed to tackle rough terrain. Torsion key front anti-sway bars and adaptive damping help keep things composed no matter how extreme the driving gets. The changes aim to make the Bison the hardest-working Silverado yet.

The Audi Q8 and SQ8 receive minor exterior updates for 2024 including a larger singleframe grille, refreshed LED headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. Inside, a fully digital instrument cluster takes center stage along with an updated MMI infotainment system. Under the hood, the SQ8 remains a potent pristine with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 producing 563 horsepower while the standard Q8 soldiers on with a 335-hp 3.0-liter V6.

VW’s Head of Design Klaus Zyciora said that if customer demand is strong, an electric Golf GTI is dubbed ID.GTI could be produced for the American market. Taking design inspiration from the brand’s iconic hot hatchback, the ID.GTI concept unveiled this week in California suggests an EV with GTI-esque driving qualities could be a big hit with enthusiasts. With a dual motor powertrain likely providing ample performance, the prospect of an electric GTI is certainly intriguing.

The striking 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron concept boasts a sleek coupe-like roofline and a futuristic dashboard wrapped edge-to-edge in digital displays. With this production-bound electric crossover, Audi aims to blend sleek Audi design with high-tech features and the utility of a mid-size CUV. Motive power comes from dual electric motors producing over 475 horsepower, enabling an estimated 0-60 time of less than 5 seconds and a range approaching 300 miles from its large battery pack under the floor. Could this be a new high-tech hit for Audi’s rapidly expanding electric lineup?

Polestar Synergy is a stunning supercar concept | GRR

Several Nikola Tre electric trucks were recently recalled after one caught fire last month while charging on a customer’s property. In response, Nikola issued a voluntary recall for a wiring harness issue they said could cause overheating. While Nikola works to remedy the problem and regain customer trust, this marks yet another setback for the one-time EV success story still trying to move beyond reputation issues and get its fledgling operations fully off the ground. Mass-producing reliable electric trucks remains a major challenge.

Tesla has developed its own dual port charging cable that includes both the CCS standard used outside of North America as well as the J1772 connector used stateside. This flexible cable enables greater compatibility when traveling between markets, reducing the need for multiple charger types. It also shows Tesla embracing more open standards despite once using proprietary connectors. With charging networks evolving quickly, universally compatible plugs become increasingly important for electric vehicle adoption.

It took many delays and roadblocks, but California-based Faraday Future has finally produced its first customer vehicles in the FF 91 electric luxury crossover. Starting at over $130,000, the FF 91 aims for Tesla-style tech features and hypercar levels of performance from its dual motor powertrain providing over 1000 horsepower. Many will be watching to see if Faraday Future can avoid past pitfalls and establish itself as a legitimate premium EV player in a market growing more competitive by the day.

Ram shocked the industry by announcing the extreme TRX pickup would end production after just two short model years of production due to lagging interest. Despite opening to rave reviews, the over-engineered supertruck struggled to attract new customers in large enough numbers. With supply chain woes also limiting parts availability, Dodge decided to bring an early end to one of the most outrageous trucks ever built. Gearheads mourn the loss of one of the true outliers in the truck world.

Aston Martin took the wraps off the 2024 DB12 Volante convertible, reborn with elegant Malcolm Sayer-inspired bodywork. Powered by a specially tuned 6.0-liter V12 producing 517 horsepower and hacking 0-60 in 5.1 seconds, the DB12 Volante promises spirited yet supple grand touring. Limited to just 100 units worldwide with exclusive Noble and Lunaz bespoke commissions available, this luxurious drop-top is surely the last of its kind bearing Aston Martin’s characteristically restrained Art of Englishness.

VW’s ID.GTI concept shows how the brand envisions translating the hot hatch formula to an electric powertrain. With 207-mph dual synchronous motors producing 294 horsepower and double-wishbone front suspension, it handles with spirit while its minimalist interior prioritizes the driver. With design cues like plaid seats and red accents, the concept proves EVs can channel fun-to-drive attitudes once reserved for internal combustion. With the range extending to roughly 310 miles, the ID.GTI points to an e-Golf GTI that could likely excite global audiences.

BMW was snapped testing a prototype for the next-generation 3-Series EV sedan. Disguised with wrappings but providing clear previews of the design direction, this electric 3er adopts a sleek fastback roofline and large kidney grille not seen on the gas car. Dual rear motors are expected to produce around 450 horsepower while an 80-100kWh battery should enable 250+ miles of range. With the 3 Series long the benchmark for driver’s cars, much anticipation surrounds how BMW will translate its heritage to electric power without compromising the experience.

Lucid provided more details on its upcoming Gravity electric SUV, slated to begin low-volume production by late 2024. With seating for up to 7, the Lucid Gravity will share its gravity-defying interior space with the Air sedan while riding higher for improved visibility and practicality. The dual motor drivetrain should match or exceed the Air’s power figures too, making it one of the quickest and most luxurious electric family haulers on the market upon arrival. With a claimed 500+ mile range, Lucid is raising the bar yet again.

Bentley replicated the design of its legendary 1929 Blower sports car in electric form, swapping its supercharged 4.5-liter straight-six for a zero emissions powertrain. Paired with Bentley’s new expertise in electric power, the reborn Blower prototype proves the timeless forms of the past can nod to the future. With traditional sports cars good looks and performance to match their heritage, this resto-mod Blower could hint at intriguing electrified classics still to come from Bentley’s workshop of dreams.

The new F-250 received in-depth testing from truck experts at FCA. With a 5.0-liter V8 and gas tank loaded for neutral weighting, the crew cab 4×4 pickup rocketed from 0-60 mph in a blistering 5.5 seconds. On the brake, it halted from 60-0 mph in just 129 feet. That testing validated the 2023 Ford F-250 offers face-melting acceleration and confident stopping ability for a vehicle of its gargantuan size and capability. With power figures supplemented by turbo diesel options, today’s F-250 is no mere heavy-hauler but a true heavyweight.

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