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The Nissan GT-R Goes Electric
Jordan Greer
August 28, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBiters. We’ve got a lot in today’s issue, so let’s dive in!
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
Nissan is developing an electric GT-R, expected to be the first model to utilize solid-state batteries, which could enhance its power output to over 1,000 kW (approximately 1,300 horsepower). The company aims to introduce EVs featuring this battery technology by 2028, citing benefits such as increased energy density and reduced charging times, while also indicating that the electric GT-R will showcase innovations from its NISMO racing team for improved aerodynamics and handling.
Tesla's Supercharger network, which includes nearly 30,000 fast-charging plugs in the U.S. and Canada, remains largely inaccessible to non-Tesla electric vehicle owners due to ongoing software delays and hardware shortages, despite Elon Musk's commitment to open it up to other automakers. The rollout of necessary adapters for vehicles from companies like Ford and Rivian has been slow, raising concerns about the impact on electric vehicle sales and the overall transition to a more unified charging standard in the industry.
Todd Willing has been appointed as the new head of Ford Design, succeeding Anthony Lo, and will oversee the design of all Ford and Lincoln models globally. With a 21-year tenure at Ford, including his previous role as global design director for the electric vehicle division, Willing has a strong background in shaping the design of key models such as the F-150 and Bronco.
The Lexus RZ features infrared heating panels designed to warm occupants directly, improving energy efficiency by approximately eight percent compared to traditional climate control systems. Meanwhile, Hyundai is expanding its use of radiant heating technologies, which promise to enhance comfort and reduce energy consumption by around 17%, with new advancements allowing for a wraparound heating effect in their vehicles.
General Motors' transition away from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to its proprietary "Google Built-In" interface has led to user dissatisfaction, particularly with its glitchy performance and the restriction of previously free features behind a paywall. A long-term test of the 2024 Chevy Silverado ZR2 revealed significant issues, including slow navigation, ineffective voice commands, and the necessity of an OnStar subscription for essential functionalities, raising concerns about the overall value of modern infotainment systems.
Tesla has acquired land in Maspeth, New York City, for $18 million to build a new Supercharger station, addressing the city's limited EV charging infrastructure amidst rising demand. The expansion comes after Tesla's layoffs affected its Supercharger team, and it follows a surge in electric vehicle usage spurred by the city's Greenrides Initiative, which mandates new for-hire vehicles to be electric.
Infiniti is set to introduce the QX65 in 2026, a two-row SUV that will share its platform and four-cylinder engine with the QX60, but feature a distinctively sportier design. As part of a broader strategy to revitalize its lineup and focus on electric vehicles, Infiniti plans to discontinue several models, including the QX50 and QX55, and has already ceased production of the Q50 sedan.
The Toyota GR Corolla, previously sold at significant markups, is now being offered below MSRP at Hatch Toyota in Show Low, Arizona, with a price of $40,237. This particular Premium trim model, which includes features like limited-slip differentials and heated front seats, has an MSRP of $42,016, indicating a shift in market pricing as availability increases.
The 2025 Genesis G80 offers a comfort-focused luxury experience, featuring a refreshed design, a new 27-inch OLED display, and standard all-wheel drive across the range. While it includes performance-oriented features in its Sport trim, the review suggests that these additions detract from the car's primary strength as a smooth and quiet cruiser, recommending buyers consider lower trims for a more satisfying experience.
Pagani has opted not to pursue hybrid or electric hypercars, citing a lack of customer interest and the significant weight penalties associated with such technologies. Instead, the Utopia, unveiled in September 2022, features a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, which aligns with client preferences and meets regulatory standards until 2031.
The article discusses the rapid growth of public EV chargers in the U.S., which has doubled to 192,000 since the Biden administration took office, aided by $521 million in grants aimed at expanding charging access. It also covers Canada's decision to implement a 100% tariff on Chinese-built EVs and Canoo's relocation from California to Texas amid ongoing operational challenges and leadership changes.
MOTORSPORT
The NASCAR Cup Series will include a race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City as part of its 2025 season schedule, marking the first points-paying Cup event outside the United States since 1958. This decision follows a history of NASCAR's international ventures, including past races in Canada, Japan, and Australia, and reflects the sport's ongoing efforts to expand its global presence.
At the 2024 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, Formula 1 champion Jenson Button made his debut at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, racing his 1952 Jaguar C-Type, which was originally owned by Juan Manuel Fangio. Despite facing a horsepower disadvantage against faster competitors from the early Sixties, Button finished fifth in the Briggs Cunningham Trophy Race and expressed his enjoyment of vintage racing, noting the differences between events like Goodwood Revival and Laguna Seca.
Logan Sargeant has been dropped by Williams Racing, effective immediately, after a disappointing performance in the Dutch Grand Prix, where he finished 16th and failed to score points. He will be replaced by rookie Franco Colapinto for the remainder of the season, as the team aims to improve its championship standings before Carlos Sainz joins for the 2025 season.
McLaren has confirmed Taylor Barnard as a full-time driver for the upcoming Formula E season, promoting him from his previous role as development and reserve driver, while he replaces Jake Hughes, who has joined Maserati. Barnard will team up with veteran driver Sam Bird, who is returning for his second season with McLaren after achieving a notable victory in São Paulo last year.
Ferrari is hinting at a special livery for its SF-24s at the upcoming Monza Grand Prix, coinciding with the introduction of its 'Monza Carbon Fibre collection' featuring new black and yellow race suits for drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. The RacingNews365 podcast also reflects on the previous Dutch Grand Prix and discusses various topics, including Lando Norris' victory and potential changes to the driver lineup.
Lewis Hamilton faced challenges during the Dutch Grand Prix, qualifying poorly and finishing in eighth place, his worst result since April. As he prepares for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, Hamilton expressed his desire to move past the disappointing weekend and noted that his car performed better in race conditions than during qualifying.
CURIOSITIES
U.S. Armor Group has introduced an armored version of the Lucid Air Sapphire, claiming it to be the fastest armored vehicle, capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 1.89 seconds and reaching a top speed of 205 mph. The vehicle features lightweight ballistic protection that withstands .44 Magnum rounds, an advanced security system to prevent hacking, and offers optional enhancements for increased protection against grenades and firearms, with a starting price of $475,000.
A Tesla Cybertruck, described as severely damaged and unrecognizable, has been totaled and is set to be auctioned off by IAAI. The vehicle's condition raises questions about whether it was involved in a crash before catching fire or ignited while stationary, and it follows a recent incident in Texas that resulted in a fatality involving a Cybertruck.
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