Two of America’s Cheapest New Cars to Be Discontinued
As of this year, new cars with starting prices under $20,000 are on the verge of extinction in the US. Only three contenders remain, the Nissan Versa, Kia Rio, and Mitsubishi Mirage, and after the 2024 model year, that list will drop to just one.
According to Automotive News, both the hatchback and G4 sedan versions of the Mitsubishi Mirage will end production within the next two calendar years. With 2024 model year units already on sale, it’s possible the Mirage could survive one additional model year, though it’s unlikely given its rapidly declining sales figures.
Also per Automotive News, the Rio sedan and hatchback will be dropped from Kia’s US lineup even sooner, after the 2023 model year. Sales of the Rio have also begun to decline significantly as most able buyers now prefer small crossover SUVs instead. Unlike the Mirage, though, the Rio was a genuinely good small car, with decent features, good fuel economy, and a roomy interior.
Kia recently introduced a new small sedan for global markets called the K3. Rumors suggest that the K3 could be brought Stateside, but no official announcement has been made. For now, the Forte will become the cheapest new Kia on sale at just under $21,000.
Ford F-150 Lightning Adds Limited-Run Platinum Black Edition
Have you been wanting a Ford F-150 Lightning but been disappointed with its color selection? Good news — for 2024, Ford has introduced a special “Platinum Black” edition of the electric pickup truck. And what makes it special? It’s wrapped matte black.
Beginning in early calendar year 2024, Ford will produce 2,000 units of the Platinum Black edition, which starts at $99,990 (or roughly $7,000 more than a base Lightning Platinum). In addition to the matte black exterior wrap, it also features 22-inch black wheels, black badges, a black tonneau cover, and a tinted light bar. Inside, you’ll find black Nirvana leather upholstery and a plaque in the doorjamb with your truck’s production number.
Performance and feature content will be similar to a regular Platinum. The Extended Range battery pack and 580-horsepower dual-motor drivetrain will be standard; Ford says the 300-mile EPA range will also be uneffected. For 2024, all Lightnings gain new convenience upgrades, including BlueCruise 1.2, an automatic locking function when you leave the truck, and the ProPower onboard generator will automatically power on when you unlock the truck.
Ford says the new feature upgrades will be made available to 2022 and 2023 owners via software update. Also available to 2022 and 2023 owners — 3M vinyl wrap from your local shop, likely for less than the $7,000 Ford is charging.
Volvo Teases EM90 Electric Minivan For Asian Markets
As the world shifts towards electric vehicles, Volvo certainly does not want to be left behind. Its first purpose-built EV, the EX90, was revealed late last year, and the company is preparing to launch at least six new electric models by the end of 2026.
As Volvo aims to have an entirely electric portfolio by the end of the decade, the EX90 and recently-unveiled EX30 will be followed up by replacements for the current S60, S90, XC40, and XC60 within the next few years. In an attempt to cover all markets and vehicle classes, an new luxury minivan called the EM90 has also been in development.
Very little information about the EM90 has been published, however a single teaser photo (above) has now been released. Allegedly based on the Zeekr 009 (another member of the Geely family), the van will be fully revealed on November 12.
It’s likely that the EM90 will remain exclusive to Asian markets where luxury minivans are popular, but it will certainly still be cool to see.
Ford Mustang Mach-E Owners Still Experiencing Battery Issues Post-Recall
Last year, Ford recalled 48,924 examples of the Mustang Mach-E due to issues with the battery causing the cars to lose power during operation or be unable to start at all.
In a statement in June 2022, Ford explained that “DC fast-charging and repeated wide-open-pedal events can cause the high-voltage battery main contactors to overheat. Overheating may lead to arcing and deformation of the electrical contact surfaces, which can result in a contactor that remains open or a contactor that welds closed. An overheated contactor that opens while driving can result in a loss of motive power, which can increase the risk of an accident.”
Through an over-the-air software update, Ford upgraded the Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module (SOBDMC) and Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) software which it claimed would fix the issues. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has now opened a new investigation of the recall after 12 Mach-E owners filed reports of battery failures even after the update had been carried out.
The NHTSA’s investigation document describes the problem as: “High-voltage battery contactors may overheat, resulting in a loss of motive power.” Depending on results, the investigation could lead to a recall for more than 64,000 2021 and 2022 Mach-E crossovers, a higher number than the original recall.
Ford has not yet issued a new statement in response to the investigation or customer complaints.
V8 Engine Will Not Return to Mercedes-AMG C63 or E63, CEO Says
Earlier this month, rumors surfaced that Mercedes-AMG’s long-loved V8 engines would be making a comeback to the C- and E-Class platforms within the next few years. The reports credited two anonymous AMG employees as the source. Unfortunately, in an interview with The Drive, Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG “definitively” denied the reports.
That means the four-cylinder hybrid system in the 2024 C63 is here to stay. As for the redesigned E63, it is believed to be receiving an electrified six-cylinder setup, though nothing has been officially revealed yet. It seems Mercedes-AMG is all-in on hybridization in the name of improved performance and efficiency.
“I don’t like to talk about other manufacturers, but it seems like there are many more performance hybrids coming to the market now. Or, at least they’ve been announced. So, I think we were right when we said ‘let’s go in that direction,'” Schiebe added.
While he makes a good point, transitioning to hybrid power doesn’t have to mean significantly downsizing the gas engine as well. Plenty of automakers, including Mercedes-AMG, have been using hybrid technology with V8 engines in other models for the last couple years. The next-generation BMW M5 is also rumored to be pairing its existing 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with some level of electrification.
Either way, while the 2024 C63 still produces typical AMG power figures, nothing beats the character of the old V8s. As American muscle car fans always say, there’s no replacement for displacement.
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