Sony first showed the world their interest in entering the automotive industry with the Vision-S 01 concept in 2020. The all-electric sedan was later followed by the Vision-S 02 crossover last year, proving that the Japanese electronics giant was serious about designing and producing cars of their own. They claimed, however, that these vehicles were not meant to be built, only to show what the company could do. It turns out that a local automotive giant, Honda, is actually going to help them make it happen. This partnership will spawn a completely new brand, according to Honda. More on this development here.
Remember the Tesla Semi? Yes, it has been delayed significantly like the infamous Roadster that was unveiled roughly four years ago. In an effort to keep it relevant, Tesla announced an update to a tire innovation it has been working on since 2018. Known as Automatic Tire Inflation Systems (ATIS), it was designed for long-haul applications such as the Semi to be able to inflate its tires on the go. The updated design is more intelligent and will further extend the lifespan of key components of the vehicle. More details on the tech here.
The third generation MINI Countryman’s debut is not too far in the distance. Today, we have information from Autocar suggesting its top powertrain option will be a 318 hp plug-in hybrid. You can get the current generation with an AWD (‘ALL4’) plug-in hybrid that produces 221 hp and gets 79 MPGe. This new system will make it the most powerful MINI ever and should have increased electric range. That’s good, because this generation will likely grow in weight to accompany its larger size. More details here.
Rolls-Royce’s first foray into the EV space will be the Sceptre, a two door coupe reminiscent of the current Wraith. It is set to go on sale at the end of next year, so there’s going to be a good long wait before anyone sees the full thing. Most details are still up in the air, but most believe it will be powered by the BMW iX M60’s electric motors. They produce 610 hp and 749 lb.-ft. of torque, plenty of power for a behemoth like this. It is worth noting that Rolls-Royce has never been one to share power-plants with its parent company, so this will be a first. Today we have a new look at the car doing winter testing on winter tires. More here.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge was joined in blood by the C40 Recharge last year. Simply a ‘crossover coupe’ iteration of the XC, the C40 is receiving updates to its batteries this year while the XC is getting a refresh to bring it in line with its protege. The changes are very subtle, mostly focused on the fog light area and lower facia. Inside, new upholstery options join the existing leather ones. The C40, on the other hand, is receiving a new single-motor 69.0-kWh variant. More details on that model and the rest of the changes here.