Volvo has been ahead of the curve when it comes to electrifying its lineup. It all started way back in 2015 when the current XC90 T8 debuted with its PHEV powertrain. Now known as Recharge, each of the brand’s models with that powertrain use the moniker. It looks like we should expect to see at least five new full-EV models in the next couple of years. The flagship EV crossover expected to be sold alongside the outgoing XC90 will start production in early 2023. It will look very close to the Recharge concept seen above. More details here.
Even automotive giants with presumably massive online security measures can’t stop every cyber attack. Toyota just learned that the hard way, with a hit to one of its suppliers affecting 14 total factories in Japan. Production was forced to stop, displacing 13,000 vehicles in the process. There is concern that this could be part of a retaliation effort by the Russian government after the sanctions placed on them over the Ukraine crisis. A thorough investigation is ongoing. More on this here.
Mazda has openly said its intentions are no longer to be known for its ‘Mazdaspeed’ heritage. It wants to challenge luxury players like Mercedes-Benz or BMW. While driving dynamics have always been a strong suit for the brand, Mazda is going all-in on making its lineup one of pure luxury without copying the establishment. Speaking in an interview with Autocar, the head of Mazda’s UK operations claimed, “Our aspirations are to become a credible alternative to the traditional mainstream premium and that means non-German. We’re not looking to mimic German premium because that’s very well catered for with the existing incumbents and probably impossible to beat them at their own game.”
The infantile 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL hasn’t even gone on sale yet and we are now hearing of a new variant. With SL 55 and 63 variants available, there’s room for a lower-cost entry level model with the typical 43 badge. Like certain variants of the all-new C-Class, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder plug-in hybrid setup will be the likely locomotion, good for 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. More here.