V8 Engines Rumored to Return to Mercedes-AMG C63 and E63 by 2026
As of late, AMG has been taking downsizing to entirely new highs, er, lows. Mercedes’ performance division controversially ditched its 4.0-liter V8 in favor of a hybridized, turbocharged four-cylinder in the 2024 C63 sedan. Additionally, the upcoming redesigned E-Class will feature a plug-in hybrid inline-six as its top engine offering.
Despite the 2024 C63 producing a combined 671 horsepower, it has drawn strong criticism from reviewers and enthusiasts for the principle of the matter. The high-performance C and E AMG models have always featured eight-cylinder powerplants; only in the last few years have six-cylinder options been available as budget alternatives.
According to two independent sources, the M177 V8 is currently being modified to meet EU7 emissions standards, and could return to the C- and E-Class as early as 2026. The V8 is currently paired with a hybrid system in the AMG GT63S E-Performance and AMG S63, so it’s likely the C63 and E63 will adopt a de-tuned version of the same system. Senior engineers have confirmed that only minor body modifications will be required to accommodate the larger engine and associated components.
Thus, good news for armchair internet commenters and real-world drivers alike; it sounds like AMG V8s will be back soon enough!
Cadillac’s New Escalade EV is as Extravagant as You’d Expect
Cadillac unveiled its latest electric SUV offering this week, the Escalade IQ. Not to be confused with Mercedes’ EQ naming scheme, the Escalade IQ follows in the footsteps of the Lyriq and Celestiq — just be glad they didn’t call it the “Escaladiq.”
The Escalade IQ is actually unique to the regular Escalade both visually and underneath. Whereas the gas-powered Escalade shares most of its underpinnings with the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon, the IQ rides on GM’s Ultium EV platform like the new Silverado EV and Hummer EV. As such, it boasts an over-200 kWh battery pack and the ability to add 100 miles of range in 10 minutes at a (properly functioning) DC fast charger. The Hummer’s CrabWalk mode has been hilariously rebranded as “Cadillac Arrival Mode.”
The IQ is also larger in every length and width dimension than the extended-wheelbase Escalade ESV. 24-inch wheels, MagneRide dampers, and air springs are all standard equipment. Despite this, the rear wheel steering enables a turning radius of 39.4 feet, almost 4 feet shorter than the ESV.
In Velocity Max drive mode, the IQ produces 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque, topping the supercharged Escalade V. Cadillac claims a 0-60mph time of under 5 seconds, which is impressive when you consider the Escalade IQ will likely weigh between 8,000 and 9,000 pounds.
As expected, the interior amenities and technology features on offer are nothing short of insane. The dashboard is primarily made of screens, as is the trend nowadays; the driver gets a single 35-inch diagonal display while the passenger has to make do with just 25 inches diagonal. For reference, this article was written on a 34-inch “ultrawide” computer monitor, though the aspect ratios are different. By the way, climate control functions are adjusted from a separate 11-inch screen.
All models will come standard with second-row captains chairs and a power folding third row, while the available Executive Second Row package will add yet another touchscreen display and 12.6-inch entertainment monitors in the headrests. With this configuration, the total number of AKG speakers in the IQ reaches 40.
Getting in and out of the vehicle is made easier by power opening and closing doors. If enabled, the driver’s door will automatically present itself when you approach. And once you’re on the road, you can also expect the Super Cruise driving assistant, a comprehensive camera system, parallel parking assist, and massaging seats, among other things. Just be prepared to fork over at least $130,000 when the IQ goes on sale in summer 2024.
Nissan Titan Officially Discontinued After 2024 Model Year
First launched in 2003 and most recently updated in 2017, the Titan full-size pickup has never been quite the success Nissan had hoped for, despite being just as robust and reliable as the Toyota Tundra. Through the first half of this year, Nissan only managed to sell 10,550 Titans in the US, eclipsed by the smaller Frontier as well as almost every other large truck on sale.
Nissan has now confirmed the 2024 model year will be the last hurrah of the Titan and Titan XD. In summer 2024, production will end at Nissan’s Mississippi plant to make way for a new electric sedan (and Infiniti equivalent) to be built there.
As a sendoff, Nissan has added the SV Bronze Edition appearance package to the lineup, as well as shifting around other trim levels and features. Pricing for the 2024 Titan starts at $47,665.
Massive Price Cuts Bring Lucid Air Back to Original Figures
After pricing increases across the board last June, electric vehicle startup Lucid Motors has announced decreases on every version of the Air sedan currently in production.
The dual-motor all-wheel-drive Air Pure receives a decrease of $5,150, now starting at $83,900. The Touring and Grand Touring get hefty discounts of $12,550 each, bringing the price tags to $96,500 and $127,100 respectively.
Lucid has not commented on an updated cost for the upcoming entry-level rear-wheel-drive variant, though don’t be surprised to see it roughly in line with the $78,900 figure initially quoted in March 2022. Additionally, the high-performance Sapphire is expected to remain around $250,000.
For comparison, the base Porsche Taycan RWD starts at a similar $90,900, though the EPA projected driving range is only a little over half the base Air. As of writing, the dual-motor Tesla Model S comes in at $88,490 and on paper matches the claimed range of the Lucid.
Volkswagen Parters With Hyundai Mobis For Next-Gen EV Battery Engineering
A collaboration between the Germans and Koreans may sound strange at first, but outsourcing critical components like battery packs is not unusual. That’s especially true if another manufacturer is able to supply a component for a significantly cheaper cost than for an OEM to build its own from the ground up, while maintaining quality and dependability compared to an overnight production supplier.
Hyundai’s high-technology arm, Hyundai Mobis, has been building critical parts for EVs and PHEVs for over a decade. Recently they have shown the world their capabilities with roll-up infotainment screens, a crab-walking Ioniq 5, and more, so it’s no surprise they have been chosen by Volkswagen to develop and build a next-generation battery system assembly. The BSA will not only include the battery pack, but also the cooling and battery management systems.
The first use of these new Mobis-built assemblies is expected to occur in or around 2026. They are also expected to be produced in a new facility in Spain, which makes sense given Volkswagen is planning to build two new EVs at the Seat plant, as well as their Valencia-based Gigafactory plans.
Hyundai-Kia Urges More Owners to Park Outside With Announcement of Latest Recall
Following the recent recall of Hyundai and Kia SUVs for trailer hitch wiring-related fire risks, an new batch of around 91,000 vehicles may have faulty transmission oil pumps.
2023 Hyundai Palisades, Tucsons, Sonatas, Elantras, and Konas, as well as 2023 Kia Seltos, Sportages, and Souls equipped with Idle Stop and Go (aka start-stop technology) have a transmission oil pump that runs while the vehicles are in their engine-off state. A manufacturing defect may damage the multi-layer ceramic capacitor on the circuit board, causing a short and thus potentially a fire. Even if the pump fails without catching fire, the transmission would behave as if it was not engaged as a result, leaving the car unable to move.
Hyundai and Kia will begin sending notices to dealers and certified letters to customers in late September. However, the NHTSA offers a VIN lookup tool for those that would like to know sooner.
Dealers will have a remedy available immediately, and the vehicles are still drivable, though owners are cautioned to park outside in the meantime.
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