news roundup: ram’s electric 1500, project arrow debuts at ces, and more

Welcome to our roundup of the biggest breaking stories on Driving.ca from this past week. Get caught up and ready to get on with the weekend, because it’s hard keeping pace in a digital traffic jam.

Here’s what you missed while you were away.

Ram unveils electric Ram 1500 Concept, expected in 2024

news roundup: ram’s electric 1500, project arrow debuts at ces, and more

Ram 1500 Revolution Battery-electric Vehicle (BEV) Concept grand saloon doors Photo by Stellantis

The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept was one of the stars at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Details are scant, despite a robust press release some 3,500 words long, leaving us to guess at range, power, battery size and more. But we do know one of its main party tricks, which Ram managed to summarize in a concise manner: “The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept can add up to 100 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes with 800-volt DC fast-charging at up to 350 kW.” That’s twice the voltage and charging speed as the Ford F-150 Lighting’s 400-volt architecture with charging limited to 150 kilowatts. That power would be revolutionary if it were to be available today, but may be the new standard when the truck eventually arrives in 2024. 

The Revolution rides on Stellantis’ BEV STLA body-on-frame chassis, and boasts an interior fit for a concept, with clamshell doors, four bucket seats, a large futuristic infotainment screen, and orange accent lighting. Another cool feature is what Ram calls Shadow Mode, which uses autonomous tech and sensors to follow the driver as they walk in front of the vehicle. 

Canada’s ‘moonshot’ Project Arrow electric SUV debuts at CES

news roundup: ram’s electric 1500, project arrow debuts at ces, and more

Project Arrow unveiled at CES 2023 Photo by Project Arrow

Marking a milestone for the nation’s EV and battery production industry, the electric, Level 3 autonomous, one-off Project Arrow SUV was shown as a complete project for the first time ever at CES. The made-in-Canada vehicle is the result of a collaborative effort between dozens of tech and parts suppliers, and houses no less than 25 all-new technologies. 

Project Arrow draws from a 82.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack to drive its dual-motor, all-wheel drive system, and is expected to sprint to 100 km/h from standstill in around 3.5 seconds. 

Flavio Volpe, president of Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, says the vehicle makes a clear two-part statement about the Canadian BEV system. “Anybody who is considering Canada for electric vehicle assembly, number one we have all the components here, and Project Arrow shows it to you without giving you theoretical BS,” he said. “Number two, it says we have all the technical know-how and people required to do this successfully.”

Rally icon and Gymkhana founder Ken Block dies in snowmobile accident

news roundup: ram’s electric 1500, project arrow debuts at ces, and more

“Hoonigan” Ken Block works with Audi to develop the German brand’s EVs Photo by Audi

The motorsport world is mourning the loss of professional rally driver Ken Block, who was killed in a snowmobile accident on Monday, Jan 2, at age 55. 

“Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed,” wrote Block’s Hoonigan Racing team in an Instagram statement. According to the Sheriff’s Office of Wasatch County in Utah, Block was navigating a steep slope when his snowmobile flipped on top of him. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Block burst onto the rally scene in 2005, earning Rookie of the Year in the Rally America Championship and going on to win multiple rallycross medals at the X Games. He was also the founder of DC Shoes and the Head Hoonigan in Charge of the Hoonigan Racing team, which produced the popular Gymkhana video series. RIP, legend. 

Shoppers are asking a lot of electrified questions this year

news roundup: ram’s electric 1500, project arrow debuts at ces, and more

2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV plug-in hybrid teaser Photo by Mazda Canada

The conversation about how, why, and when and where to buy a new car has changed drastically in the last few years. You can thank the continued march toward complete electrification, but the majority of questions from prospective buyers involve hybrid and PHEV technology. 

Buyers want to know things like whether they should buy an EV or a hybrid, how EV battery replacement works in general, how Canadian winter weather impacts EV performance, and why they should bother with the e-hype when gas power continues to serve them just fine. All good questions — Lorraine Sommerfeld breaks down the answers in her latest Lorraine Explains column. 

VW teases the ID.7, coming to Canada next year

Volkswagen used some fancy camouflage paint to cover up the ID.7 that it revealed just before the start of CES this month. The electric sedan concept was displayed with neat electroluminescent paint that lit up different parts of the car to the beat of a DJ track. Cool, but not commercial. 

Exactly what tricks the actual car will have when it arrives next year remains mostly unknown as VW’s first-look presentation was rather light on details. Riding on the MEB platform shared with the ID.4, the sedan will be built in Germany starting later this year, and will feature a cabin with augmented-reality head-up display, a 38-cm screen, illuminated touch sliders, and digitally controlled air vents as part of a ‘smart’ climate system that accepts voice commands. Pricing has not been announced. 

Ontario’s rejected vanity plates of 2022

news roundup: ram’s electric 1500, project arrow debuts at ces, and more

Fighting to FART—North Carolina woman denied “FART” custom plate Photo by Jimmy Kimmel Live on YouTube

Personalized license plates are a simple, affordable, and effective way to express your personality on the outside of your ride, but there are limits. The government does its part to protect the public from the obscene, rude, or otherwise offensive messages some drivers try to have adhered to the tip and tail of their cars. In 2022, the list of rejected vanity plates included “DAAAAMN,” “BYEBXTCH,” “FOXSAKES,” “WADDAFAK,” and “HECKIN,” — all cut for their obscene connotations. 

Offended yet? Doesn’t really matter, because the plate previewers at Ontario’s Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery were, and they’re the ones who make the call. The Ministry’s pros also deny plates that evoke violence, like “DOGFIGHT,” and “ISELLGUN,” those that make political statements like “GRETAWHO” and “VVPUTIN,” and even some they found too hard to read, such as “LE4F5,” “JU5TSOLD,” and “SORRRRRY.” Scope more of 2022’s rejected vanity plates here.  

Keyword: News Roundup: Ram’s electric 1500, Project Arrow debuts at CES, and more

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

2023 BMW iX M60 Review: Ramping up the Power

•    Auto123 reviews the 2023 BMW iX M60. BMW takes straight aim at Tesla and its top-selling Model X with the iX all-electric SUV’s new M60 edition. This is the third variant of the model BMW has put out, after the xDrive40 and iX xDrive50 that debuted with the 2022 ...

View more: 2023 BMW iX M60 Review: Ramping up the Power

Valencia MotoGP: Pramac Ducati on top in FP1 but it's Johann Zarco who leads the way

Johann Zarco helped secure a Ducati top four lockout in FP1 at Valencia, after beating Fabio Di Giannantonio to first place on his final flying lap. Title contender Jorge Martin made the perfect start to FP1 as he led the way early on from Marco Bezzecchi. The same couldn’t ...

View more: Valencia MotoGP: Pramac Ducati on top in FP1 but it's Johann Zarco who leads the way

Lewis Hamilton’s father named as “representative” at centre of Red Bull drama

Lewis Hamilton’s father has been named as the “representative” who was in contact with Red Bull. Anthony Hamilton made contact with Christian Horner, a Red Bull spokesperson told the BBC. But Anthony Hamilton is not officially involved in his son’s management anymore, which may explain the differing versions of ...

View more: Lewis Hamilton’s father named as “representative” at centre of Red Bull drama

MotorWeek Thanksgiving Retro Review Marathon Is The Perfect Way To Drowning Out Family Drama

Screenshot: YouTube/ MotorWeek Well hello and welcome again to another YouTube livestream of MotorWeek’s Retro Reviews, we’re glad to have you with us. The heroes at MotorWeek are already underway in their noble pursuit to save the Thanksgiving holiday with five straight days of free classic car reviews, starting ...

View more: MotorWeek Thanksgiving Retro Review Marathon Is The Perfect Way To Drowning Out Family Drama

2025 Subaru Forester, RUF-Restored Ford GT40, And An Exploded Engine: Rambling About Cars 151

We'll also have a cheap car challenge to find a road-trip vehicle for Thanksgiving.

View more: 2025 Subaru Forester, RUF-Restored Ford GT40, And An Exploded Engine: Rambling About Cars 151

Rivian Leasing Program Launching Next Week But Only For The R1T

This will mark the first time Rivian vehicles are available through a leasing scheme, but details are scarce for now.

View more: Rivian Leasing Program Launching Next Week But Only For The R1T

Hot Wheel’s Latest Exclusive Is A Dodge Power Wagon With A Swivel Frame

This Red Line Club car costs $30 for members.

View more: Hot Wheel’s Latest Exclusive Is A Dodge Power Wagon With A Swivel Frame

Finally! Rivian confirms R1T leasing program is coming very soon

Less than a week after pulling its first demand lever to get new customers behind the wheel of its existing R1T pickup inventory, Rivian is further incentivizing would be drivers by introducing a lease program for the first time. Rivian’s held a mainstay on Electrek‘s homepage the last month, ...

View more: Finally! Rivian confirms R1T leasing program is coming very soon

Ford caves on EV dealer program and will cut charger requirements

Ford caves on EV dealer program following IL loss and will cut charger requirements

Illinois High School's Racing Program Can't Race After Losing Insurance Policy

Fresh status of discussions revealed in VR46 vs Pramac tug-of-war for Moto2 star Fermin Aldeguer

Lewis and McLoughlin lead midway through dramatic Canberra

Esteban Ocon sorry for ‘not acceptable’ F1 fan treatment and reflects on lucky escape from drain drama

F1 confirm plan to resume FP2 at Las Vegas Grand Prix after manhole drama

Vegas FP1 drama sparks Vasseur/Wolff fury - for different reasons

In full: Toto Wolff’s “completely ridiculous” rant in defence of the Las Vegas GP after drain cover drama

Angry Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur labels Las Vegas GP drain cover drama “unacceptable for F1”

GM's Cruise cancels its employee equity program in fourth quarter

Tesla Supercharging Station is now in Sunway Pyramid

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel