Every important car news story breaking today, in one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Wednesday 11 September 2024. Notably in car news today: Overseas reports indicate that Tesla will build a cheaper electric vehicle using the Model Y platform, and Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 electric SUV will look quite different to the related Kia EV9.
Tesla is still reportedly developing a cheaper model
Tesla is working on a cheaper model based on the Model Y platform
Tesla could still be working on more affordable models, even though it shelved its ‘Model 2’ project to build the Robotaxi program.
According to sources from Automotive News, the more affordable models could either use the Robotaxi platform, or be stripped-down versions of the Model 3 and Model Y, possibly without several standard features.
The existing Model Y SUV platform is the most likely to be used over the Model 3.
While pricing is yet to be confirmed at this early stage, the cheapest Model Y currently costs $55,900, which means that the budget version could potentially be priced around $45,000 before on-road costs.
Elon Musk has previously said that Tesla’s future will depend on the company selling fully autonomous vehicles, such as Robotaxis, but a cheaper model is certainly likely in the near future to compete with MG and BYD’s products.
More details emerge about Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 large SUV
The Hyundai Seven Concept
Hyundai’s next electric vehicle is set to be the Ioniq 9 SUV, which will be based on the same platform and underpinnings as the Kia EV9, which is already on sale in local Aussie showrooms.
But the Ioniq 9 will be quite a bit different from the related EV9, and, according to Autocar, will feature a sloping roofline and more “curvacious” bodywork.
Autocar has also confirmed that the Ioniq 9 will retain some of the features from the Seven Concept, including lighting signatures and flared rear haunches.
Expect a similar interior to the current generation of Santa Fe, though the platform will be E-GMP – the architecture underneath models such as the Kia EV6, the Ioniq 5 and even the Genesis GV60.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 electric SUV is due to have its full reveal by the end of 2024.
High-performance Hyundai Ioniq 6 N is in development
Hyundai is planning an Ioniq 6 N
Hyundai will soon introduce the Ioniq 5 N’s sedan sibling, the Ioniq 6 N.
Having been already spotted overseas, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N will be the second full-electric N to make production.
The Ioniq 6 N is almost guaranteed to use the Ioniq 5 N’s drivetrain – a dual-motor electric set-up that produces 478kW and 770Nm.
Other features will include a sporty rear spoiler, larger braking system and cooling, sports bucket seats and a drift analyser function.
Expect more details about the Ioniq 6 N in the coming months.
Luxurious new-gen Bentley Flying Spur plugs in for the first time
This is the new super powerful Bentley Flying Spur
Bentley has revealed its new luxury sedan, the Flying Spur, with its new, stupendously powerful engine.
Gone is the W12 engine from before, having been replaced by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine combined with a plug-in hybrid system. Total system outputs are 575kW/ 1000Nm. The electric motor alone produces 140kW/450Nm.
Power is aided by a 25.9kWh battery pack that allows the Flying Spur to travel up to 76km in electric-only mode.
The new Bentley also features 22-inch alloy wheels, rotating display, 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 101 different paint options, and 700 different colour options for the leather alone.
A 10-speaker sound system, four-wheel steering, dynamic ride control and an electronic limited-slip differential also feature as standard.
Mercedes-Benz E300 reviewed
Tom Baker this week reviewed the new 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Chasing Cars founder Tom Baker’s written review of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E300was published, including his thoughts and feelings on the new W214 E-Class.
Baker found the E300 to have improved interior quality, slick in-car technology, appealing exterior design and well-tuned safety tech.
However, the lack of powertrain options, noticeable engine noise, big wheels that affect ride quality and the model’s expensive servicing were all things that Baker thought could be improved.
In summary, Baker gave the Mercedes-Benz E300 7/10 and would recommend the luxury sedan as “there is much to like about the new E-Class” and is a “dignified car by appearance that drives in an elegant and comfortable manner … We just wish it had the effortless engine to match”.
