The Kia Soul has received a refresh for the 2023 model year that brings a new nose and updated interior tech, but the removal of the Turbo and X-Line models. The latter previously utilized Hyundai’s commendable 1.6L turbo 4-cylinder, but apparently no one bought it, as it was the most expensive variant available. The former was the off-road appearance trim that added more rugged body cladding and other elements in that same vein. Apparently, people weren’t convinced that it worked on the Soul, so it, too, is gone from the lineup. Inside there is a new instrument cluster and an updated 10.25″ infotainment screen with integrated navigation. More on the changes here.
The mythical Apple Car project (known as “Project Titan”) has received a new addition to its leadership in the form of 31-year Ford Veteran, Desi Ujkashevic. She spent the last three decades overseeing exterior, interior, chassis, and electrical engineering for the brand, and most recently, its Global Director of Automotive Safety Engineering. She will likely be joining Project Titan as part of their vehicle autonomy division, as her aforementioned role at Ford brought about the development of the brand’s latest active safety suites. More on this here.
The Volvo XC40 has received a refresh for 2023 with design tweaks that more closely align it with the recently-launched C40 Recharge. Updates include a new front fascia, new mild-hybrid “B#” powertrains, Android Automotive, and other minor feature additions. More details and pictures here.
Fisker is still prepping for the launch of its first electric crossover, the Ocean. Now, the brand has teased an electric sports car known as ‘Ronin’. This is one of two cars being developed under the ‘Fisker Magic Works’ special projects division that launched last Fall, the other being a larger crossover. A prototype of the sports car is expected to be unveiled in August of 2023, with specs that will be very close to those of the mythical Tesla Roadster. More on this development here.