This week in the news, Audi reveals three new quicker models, the Genesis G70 gets an extensive makeover, Volkswagen teases a sub-Tiguan crossover, GM gets Badgered with Nikola, the Tundra adds trails, and Lucid Motors is preparing an EV offering more than 800 km of range.
Audi last week talked about three new Audi Sport models, an all-new S3 plus the SQ7 and SQ8 fast crossovers. The S3, arriving for 2021 or 2022 in hatch and sedan models get a 2.0L turbo-four that now makes 306 hp and 295 lb-ft, up 18 from the old one. A seven-speed auto and quattro all-wheel drive shift power and available adaptive suspension keep the car planted.
Much larger, the three-row SQ7 and crossover-coupe SQ8 get twin-turbo 4.0L V8s underhood boasting 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. The new V8 offers displacement on demand and turbochargers in the engine’s vee, the former offering better fuel economy, the latter quicker response. An eight-speed auto sends power to the ground and the adaptive air suspension boasts all-wheel steering to increase stability and agility.
Genesis has refreshed the G70 compact luxury sedan, giving it the split-light looks of the G80 thanks to a new front fascia that includes the G80 and G90’s larger grille. The taillights are similarly turned into quad units. Inside is a new 10.3-inch touchscreen display with updated infotainment software sitting in a redesigned center console and dashboard. The renewed car will arrive next year as a 2022, with the rear-drive and manual transmission models gone from the list. Pricing to follow, and there are whisperings of new or updated engines for the car.
General Motors announced a deal with electric and fuel-cell startup Nikola, saying that GM would build and engineer Nikola’s already revealed Badger fuel-cell and EV pickup. In return, GM would take an 11 per cent stake in Nikola. GM’s Ultium battery system and already in development fuel cells would be used in the Badger as well as Nikola’s semi trucks, with Badger production expected to start in 2022. Of course, just a day later reports surfaced claiming impropriety in some of Nikola’s previously revealed information, so this could all change over the next week. Nikola’s CEO denied any wrongdoing.
Volkswagen teased a new compact crossover, but the only thing we’ve really learned is that it is coming to Canada. The new model will be smaller than the Tiguan, probably replacing the no-longer-coming-here next-generation Golf. More when we get it.
Toyota has priced the Tundra pickup for 2021, and the truck gets a new Trail model this year. Trail here means dark wheels, side steps, and grille surround, and it comes on 4×4 Crew Max trucks. Toyota has simplified the model, now offering fewer variants and dropping two-wheel drive. Unchanged is the 5.7L V8 with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. The 2021 Toyota Tundra starts from $46,610, nearly the same as last year, topping out at $67,980 for a TRD Pro model.
Lucid Motors revealed the Air, a luxury EV that promises an estimated range of up to 840 km, expected to come to Canada next year. While that longest-range model will likely run more than $200,000 in Canada, lower range models and two-wheel drive options will be available for lower prices. More than 1,000 hp will be available and Lucid says that it will offer the fastest charging of any EV. Up to 500 km in 20 minutes. A 34-inch display highlights an airy cabin.
Keyword: News Roundup: Quicker Audis, Refreshed Genesis, EV News, Tundra Pickup