Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Friday December 20th 2024. Notably in car news today: Chery reveals its electric Jimny-Defender lovechild in the iCar V23, and Honda confirms new-gen Prelude to debut in the US in 2025 with hybrid power.
Chery iCar V23 is every cool 4×4 rolled into one BEV wagon
Chery has lifted the covers off its unusually named iCar V23, a pint-sized electric wagon that looks like a mash-up of every 4×4 cult car of the past three decades.
Its design robs liberally from the likes of Suzuki Jimny, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Defender and every all-terrain Toyota wagon you dare to mention, in a 4.2-metre-long package offered in both single- and dual-motor electric drive.
Perhaps some inspiration borrowed from Jimny, G-Class and Defender?
The single-motor version boasts 100kW/180Nm, a 47kWh battery and a range claim of around 300kms, with a larger circa-60kWh battery said to improve range by a further 100kms.
The dual-motor combination brings 155kW/292Nm, a 81kWh battery and around 500km of range.
While all details including pricing have been revealed for the Chinese market release of the V23, it’s unconfirmed as to whether the lifted, boxy wagon will make it to Australia in right-hand drive.
Honda Prelude confirmed for production and 2025 debut
Honda has finally confirmed production for its next-generation Prelude sports car, with Honda Europe teasing images of the model.
If genuine, the Euro-previewed production vehicle appears almost identical in design to the Prelude concept car that debuted at the Tokyo motor show in 2023.
Prelude is back, and due in 2025, but not yet confirmed for Australia.
The Prelude is said to feature a next-generation iteration of the e:HEV dual-motor (if single axle) self-charging petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, as currently used elsewhere in the Honda’s line-up.
Honda has confirmed that the Prelude will get its global debut in the US market in Q4 2025, followed by a European release in 2026. It’s not yet confirmed for Australia, where the Prelude nameplate was last sold in 2001.
Car News Of The Day is taking a holiday, returning on January 6th
Everyone deserves a break, including the Chasing Carsstaff who put together the Car News Of The Day five times a week.
Thanks for reading CNT in 2024, we wish you and your family a safe holiday period.
Still, the Chasing Cars will remain on deck throughout the Christmas and New Year holiday period, continuing to bring you new and review content both on this website, on our YouTube channel and via social media.
Major news stories will continue to be published as standalone reports, through what is traditionally a quiet period for global and local automotive news.
