This week, on the event of the New York Auto Show, Genesis made its efficiency ambitions clear. The model debuted its “Magma” project, a coming collection of sporty fashions to sit at the top their respective model lines. Surprisingly, Genesis has additionally introduced on six-time Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx as an official marketing consultant and model ambassador.
In a presentation at a pre-Auto Show occasion Monday, Icxk talked about desirous to be a part of a “winning team,” and Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke instructed these gathered to not simply fasten their seatbelts, however racing harnesses too. It’s arduous to not learn this not simply as Genesis desirous to get into efficiency vehicles, however racing too. Combine that with the brand’s increased presence in the Gran Turismo series, and you’ll see the place that is presumably going.
Unfortunately, there’s nothing on the horizon now. “Racing is interesting,” Donckerwolke instructed Motor1 on the Auto Show flooring Wednesday. “We have to find the right moment as well because today, racing with the instability of the regulations, you can’t bet on that, because with electrification all the motorsport regulations are changing. So we have to wait a little bit.”
So it is undoubtedly on the radar, if not one thing we will count on in two or three years. As for Icxk, Donckerwolke mentioned he is “bringing another dimension to the group. It’s a support for the Magma program.”
Earlier within the week, Icxk instructed Motor1 he determined to begin working with Genesis after an eye-opening journey to Korea on Doncerwolke’s invite. “I had the option to chose either to stay in the past, or come in the future and live with some people who are at the present and in the future,” he mentioned. “So it’s just a fantastic option.”
But for now, he isn’t like a Niki Lauda for Mercedes or Helmut Marko for Red Bull sort. At least, not but.
At an occasion on the eve of the New York International Auto Show, Genesis launched what it’s calling its Magma project. The G80 Magma Special is a limited-production sedan for the Middle East, and shortly, we’ll see the GV60 Magma, a warmer model of the brand’s small EV crossover.
But don’t name Magma a sub-brand within the mildew of BMW M or Mercedes-AMG—Genesis desires to do one thing totally different right here.
“We don’t want to create a hardcore product that will be a disconnect from the other Genesis product,” Luc Donckerwolke, Genesis Chief Creative Officer, tells Motor1. “It’s an evolution, an extrapolation of the Genesis product.”
A Genesis Magma automotive, Donckerwolke says, received’t be a track-car first, highway car-second. The concept is to create extra of a high-performance GT automotive to take a seat atop the lineup. More energy, wider tracks, greater brakes, distinctive inside trim—together with some snazzy Recaro buckets—however nothing excessive. (Except for the vivid Magma Orange bodywork, maybe.)
“It’s a bit like wearing a fur coat inside out,” Donckerwolke says. “It’s about creating a vehicle that has the qualities you know, the initiated know, but you don’t want to brag. The car has a certain aesthetical quality that’s designed to be for performance. And that should be a symbol of the capabilities of the car.”
Genesis is clearly a challenger to the luxury-car institution, nevertheless it’s consciously totally different from Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and the remaining. That’s true of its upcoming efficiency fashions
“The obvious way would be to basically do something which is disconnected to the [Genesis] brand,” Donckerwolke says. “We have just started this brand. We will not just now make a 90-degree curve and do something different… The Magma program is—and this is why it is not a sub-brand—is just an extension of the brand. It basically is not trying to be something else.”
That mentioned, Donckerwolke confirmed to Motor1 that there’s a devoted engineering group for the Magma automobiles. He also told our colleagues at InsideEVs that the GV60 Magma will use loads of the identical {hardware} as the brand new Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, however received’t be a easy rebody. It shall be tuned in another way, to raised slot in with how Genesis conceives its high-performance automobiles. Still, it is going to have “hundreds” extra horsepower than the 429-hp GV60 Performance.
Genesis didn’t present a manufacturing timeline for the GV60 Magma, however in a presentation, Donckerwolke mentioned the automotive is coming “soon.” The idea proven on the New York occasion regarded principally manufacturing prepared, although. Genesis has achieved a wonderful job creating a reputable luxury-car challenger, and we’re very curious to see what its Magma automobiles shall be like. Based on seems alone, the Korean model might need yet one more winner.
Genesis is rolling into the 2024 New York Auto Show with some sizzling information. We imply that figuratively after all, with a contact of pun included as a result of there is a new efficiency sub-brand from the South Korean firm referred to as Magma. And based mostly on what we see of this very orange GV60, we would say good issues are coming.
If you are experiencing Deja Vu proper now, it is as a result of we noticed the identical shade of orange virtually a yr in the past. Genesis rolled into New York with a GV80 Coupe concept after which adopted it up later in 2023 with the G80 you see under. Called the G80 Magma Special, it is already in manufacturing in restricted numbers, although just for clients within the Middle East.
New to the scene is the GV60 Magma Concept, unveiled at the moment forward of the 2024 New York Auto Show and likewise destined for manufacturing. It will not be region-limited, although right now Genesis would not have a lot in the best way of manufacturing data. Nor do we’ve particulars on efficiency upgrades for the electrical crossover, however we do know it can have an improved battery sending energy to tweaked motors.
To take advantage of what we assume is a energetic energy improve, the GV60 Magma Concept sits a bit decrease and rides on a wider stance. It wears a revised entrance fascia with a wider air consumption, designed to not feed a hungry engine however to chill down batteries, brakes, and motors. There are three holes punched into the fascia above the consumption for extra cooling, and air curtains are designed to extend the GV60’s effectivity by the wind.
Adding to the large stance are bigger fenders, and the idea rides on 21-inch wheels with built-in aero discs designed to each cool the brakes, and additional help in effectivity. Up prime, roof fins carry out extra aerodynamic trickery, channeling air to the GV60’s rear wing for higher downforce. Inside, the leather-based inside will get extra magma touches with orange distinction stitching and body-colored seatbacks.
“Genesis Magma presents an exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of performance and luxury for new interpretations in high-performance vehicles, with the ultimate goal of developing models exclusive to Genesis,” stated Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke. “The brand will continue to reveal experimental concepts with careful consideration of both technological and aesthetic elements. While speed and performance are important, the Genesis Magma program will look beyond, prioritizing the driving experience to kindle the joy of sporty driving with effortless comfort.”
As for when patrons can pattern that mix of consolation and efficiency within the GV60, Donckerwolke advised reporters it might arrive “very soon” however did not elaborate additional. For now, the GV60 Magma Concept together with the G80 Magma Special, and the lately revealed Neolun Concept can be on show on the 2024 New York Auto Show beginning on March 29.
The 2024 New York Auto Show kicks off subsequent week, and Hyundai might be there with one thing new. Making a worldwide debut alongside the recently refreshed Tucson would be the 2025 Santa Cruz, up to date with contemporary styling and “improved capability.”
That’s precisely what Hyundai says in a brief press launch for its presence on the Big Apple’s huge present. Specifics of those capabilities are as but unknown, although Hyundai’s announcement mentions a revamped inside with higher ergonomics and a brand new infotainment system. On the surface, the Santa Cruz will shed a few of its street-truck persona with rugged-themed design tweaks. You can anticipate extra standard-issue driver-assist programs, too.
Two teaser photographs include Hyundai’s announcement. A sketch featured on the high of this submit exhibits the pickup from the again, carrying a brand new rear fascia with bigger nook cutouts and trim extending additional up the edges. It appears correctly broad, although being a sketch the proportions are possible exaggerated.
A second picture (additionally above) is a close-up of the brand new Santa Cruz grille, the place we see the blade designs of the earlier mannequin changed with rectangular cutouts. This appears just like the not too long ago up to date Tucson, bringing the fashions extra in keeping with Hyundai’s present design path.
It’s value noting that Hyundai particularly identifies each 2025 Santa Cruz teaser photographs as being the rugged-themed XRT trim. Debuting last July, XRT provides daring plastic fender flares, aspect steps, door trim, and a blackout therapy to the truck. Mechanicals stay the identical, being the 281-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine related to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox driving all 4 wheels.
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT
Could Hyundai’s point out of additional functionality level to the brand new XRT trim getting some correct off-road upgrades? It’s no secret that the Ford Maverick—the one Santa Cruz competitor within the small truck phase—is positively killing it in gross sales. The Maverick brandishes a extra conventional truck form with an obtainable FX4 package deal that provides useful bits like skid plates and all-terrain tires. Bolting up some additional elements to a Santa Cruz XRT looks as if a logical step, however alas, we cannot know for certain till the covers are lifted in New York.
That occurs on March 27. We could have particulars for the brand new Santa Cruz and all of the debuts on the 2024 New York Auto Show proper right here at Motor1.
Ford teased a brand new supercharger kit for the 2024 Mustang ultimately yr’s SEMA present in November, promising the improve would crank the horse automobile’s output to over 800 horsepower. The Blue Oval omitted necessary data like value and torque on the time, however now we all know all the main points.
Ford Performance now lists the twin-screw supercharger package on its web site, saying it’s going to crank the model’s 5.0-liter V-8 engine as much as 810 hp for simply $9,995. It’s appropriate with the Mustang GT and the Dark Horse … however provided that you reside outdoors of California.
After 119 years, the way forward for the Geneva motor present is unsure.
At its peak, it hosted greater than 1300 corporations and 660,000 individuals. But occasions have modified, to the nice remorse of trade figures and lovers.
Let’s cheer ourselves up by wanting again at one of many best Geneva reveals: 1970, when ‘electrifying’ referred to the impact of multifarious new V8 coupés on petrolheads.
Usually there’s a standout star of the present, however right here it’s inconceivable to choose. However, “without doubt the most interesting technically”, we mentioned, was the Citroën SM. Yes, a extremely modern, very advanced, beautiful GT with a Maserati V6 engine made by a financially troubled quantity model. Mad.
“Whenever we plan a new car, we like to achieve the impossible,” defined new president Claude-Alain Sarre. “This time, the object was to produce a different type of sports car. You would not let the grocery man on the corner handle a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. But he will be able to drive the SM.”
“Ours is probably the safest and the most comfortable GT anyone could hope to build today,” added chief engineer Jacques Né.
Their claims have been borne out, however the SM ruined its maker. Peugeot saved it, in fact, however by no means once more would there be a luxurious Citroën.
Oh, and the entire ‘women doing yoga in dresses and high heels’ factor seen on the stand? No concept!
The newest grocer killer from Sant’Agata was the Jarama 2+2 GT, which matched its Islero forebear’s 3.9-litre V12 mechanical package deal with a shortened model of the Espada’s punt chassis.
As for its success, simply know that it was absolutely the favorite automotive of Ferruccio Lamborghini himself.
From Maranello was an idea “that had to be seen to be believed”: the Pininfarina-penned Modulo – a particularly low, wedge-shaped imaginative and prescient of the long run primarily based on the 512 S sports activities prototype racer.
In 2014, it was restored for Jim Glickenhaus of SCG, who really now drives it on the street. Legend.
Another thrilling GT, this one with a V8, got here from Alfa Romeo: the Montreal – a manufacturing model of an unnamed idea that had appeared at Expo ’67 in Canada. That had used the chassis and 1.6-litre four-pot of the on a regular basis Giulia, however now Bertone’s suave design cloaked a 2.6-litre V8 from the long-lasting Tipo 33 sports activities racer.
It too was successful, our testers later concluding: “It’s a leisurely and restful kind of GT. It displays all the traditional Alfa virtues in its delightful handling, the limitations we were expecting never really showing. It deserves a high place in our list of desirable machines.”
Buying your first automotive may be difficult, particularly when you’re a petrolhead and wish to present the world that you simply’re extra keen on motors than the common spotty-faced Vauxhall Corsa proprietor.
You’re in all probability searching for one thing fashionable that’s new sufficient to play your personal music in and that gives a little bit of involvement within the driving expertise. You’re additionally more likely to be working to a really tight funds, each to purchase the automotive after which get it insured.
We’ve pored over the classifieds and run extra insurance coverage quotes than we care to recollect to place collectively a definitive information to the most effective first automobiles for brand new drivers.
Each automotive on this record has a novel promoting level to mark it out from the opposite slabs of steel in your common automotive park. From fashionable superminis to scorching hatches, there’s an excellent choice right here for everybody.
Citroën C2 VTR (2003-2009)
The C2 VTR definitely seems to be the a part of a scorching hatch with its squat, bulldog-like stance and sharp-edged bodykit.
The spec is promising as properly. Early VTRs pack a 1.6-litre four-pot that pushes 108bhp by the entrance wheels, dispatching the 0-62mph dash in a decent 10.9sec. The tyres are fatter, the suspension stiffer and the steering faster too, making full use of the C2’s light-weight chassis.
This all makes for a reasonably nippy bundle – if not one which’s as enjoyable because the Saxo VTR that preceded it. That’s as a result of the C2’s lifeless steering and laggy Sensodrive automated-manual gearbox in the end restrict driver engagement.
Yet what makes the C2 VTR such a compelling choice is the comparatively low value of insurance coverage. The 1.6-litre VTR sits in group 13, whereas the a lot wheezier 61bhp 1.1-litre model is all the way in which down in group three.
C2s are low-cost to purchase too, with asking costs for 1.6-litre VTRs hovering round £1000-£3000.
We’d additionally suggest looking for out an instance of the C2 GT, which was a bona fide homologation particular for the World Rally Championship. It swapped the tragic Sensodrive ’field for a correct guide shift, and shaved 28kg off the VTR’s kerb weight. It’s a full 1.4sec faster to 62mph, but stays in insurance coverage group 13. The solely downside? Just 2500 have been made, so that they’re a lot tougher to trace down at this time.
Citroën Saxo VTR (1997-2003)
Sure, it’s a throwback to the bygone days of stuffing superminis with extra ’woofer than Crufts, however the Citroën Saxo VTR nonetheless stacks up as top-of-the-line entry factors to efficiency motoring.
It has an older model of the 1.6-litre four-pot discovered within the C2 VTR, pushing out 90bhp. That won’t sound very highly effective, however it’s solely acquired about 900kg of steel to cart round, so feels surprisingly potent on the open highway.
As quickly because the idea for the Dodge Charger Daytona was unveiled on the SEMA Show again in 2022, the anticipation for the electrified way forward for one of the iconic muscle car nameplates in historical past grew stronger and stronger. Now that the Charger Daytona has been formally revealed, we now higher perceive the direction that Dodge will be taking with the Charger, a few of which weren’t solely anticipated.
What was anticipated, nonetheless, and is now confirmed, is that the primary all-new Charger Daytona would be the coupe model launched later this yr. Considering that the Charger has been a long-standing gas-powered large within the muscle automotive scene, many followers have been skeptical concerning the mannequin shifting away from the iconic HEMI V-8. However, Dodge unveiled some mighty intriguing plans for the Charger fashions that may comply with the electrified Daytona.
In order to provide the most modern and correct info potential, the information used to compile this text was sourced from Dodge’s producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with our sister web site, CarBuzz.
Dodge plans on including a gasoline-powered mannequin to the brand new Charger lineup. Here’s every thing we all know concerning the 2025 Hurricane-powered Dodge Charger.
The Potential With Dodge’s New “Multi-Energy” Platform”
Throughout the Charger’s historical past up till at the moment, there hasn’t been some other model of the Charger apart from an inner combustion engine-powered mannequin, which dates again to 1966. Despite going via a complete of seven generations with hybrid and electrical automobiles changing into an increasing number of distinguished, Dodge remained agency in delivering gas-powered-only muscle automobiles.
Despite the flagship 2024 Charger being the all-electric Daytona, the utterly redesigned muscle automotive will probably be constructed on what Dodge’s model boss Tim Kuniskis calls a “multi-energy platform”. This new platform from the Detroit-based model has the potential to take the Charger to all-new heights, setting the usual for years to come back.
Introducing A PHEV Charger
One of essentially the most notable takeaways from the 2024 Charger Daytona’s reveal was the announcement of the combustion engine’s return for the nameplate, which is slated to start manufacturing in 2025 in each coupe and sedan varieties and can drop the Daytona badge.
The gas-powered fashions will characteristic the new Stellanis’ inline-six Hurricane engine. As effectively as the joy of the gas-powered Charger making a return, it units the stage for one more model of the Charger to be launched, a plug-in hybrid. It undoubtedly will not come as a shock if Dodge extracts as a lot potential from the Charger’s new platform, with the mannequin carrying the muscle automotive banner alone, with Kuniskis having no short-term plans for the equally iconic Challenger nameplate.
Embracing Electrification
Compared to different producers, Dodge in addition to different Stellanis-owned manufacturers have taken extra time to adapt to the business shifting to electrical energy, as a result of threat of shedding prospects with the potential steep worth will increase for his or her fashions. In latest years, gentle hybrid methods have been rolled out in automobiles such because the Ram 1500 pickup truck, however the know-how by no means managed to seek out its means into the high-performance muscle automobiles over at Dodge.
Now with the all-new multi-energy platform permitting for each fuel energy and electrical energy (or a mixture of each), the center floor between the 2 has grow to be a more likely actuality. When requested concerning the potential of hybrid variants of the Charger, Charger chief engineer Audrey Moore says “Anything is possible”, and quite a few insiders imagine that a number of PHEV Chargers is a possible route for Dodge to take.
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The Benefits Of A PHEV Charger
Now that plug-in hybrid automobiles have gotten more and more common selections for consumers throughout the globe, the advantages that this kind of hybrid system can carry are clear. The most evident profit is the improved gasoline financial system in comparison with gas-powered automobiles, resulting in a way more inexpensive choice in the long term. However, when combined with the performance of the 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six, the potential that PHEV will get all of the extra attractive.
Becoming One Of The Most Powerful Chargers In History
The uncooked energy of the V-8s which have been below the hoods of the Chargers to date is a key purpose as to why the mannequin is cherished by so many. While the gas-powered 2025 Chargers will probably be fitted with on of two variants of the inline-six Hurricane engine that produces 550 horsepower at the moment, combining PHEV know-how with the Hurricane engine champions doubtlessly extraordinary energy.
Despite the inline-six Hurricane engine not having been hybridized, the ZF eight-speed computerized transmission current on the Jeep Wrangler 4xe and the Cherokee 4xe is claimed to be available to hyperlink up with the Hurricane engine. These two fashions are actually the best-selling PHEV models on the US market, which is certain to encourage these over at Dodge.
While this mixture has the potential to supply as much as a staggering 700 horsepower, a PHEV Dodge Charger most probably would not be essentially the most highly effective new variant. That honor is anticipated to be given to the Charger Daytona Banshee, an all-electric mannequin designed to harness all of the capabilities of Dodge’s new electrical motors on an 800-volt system. To evaluate, the 2024 electrical Daytona fashions (utilizing a 400-volt system) will produce 496 horsepower for the R/T model, and 670 horsepower via their two electrical motors.
Updating The Charger For Efficiency And Practicality
Dodge
As effectively as providing traditional Charger energy, a PHEV variant opens the door for the Charger to be much more sensible and usable than ever earlier than. With the huge V-8s, fashionable Chargers devour their fair proportion of fuel, although not essentially an extortionate quantity contemplating the automotive’s dimension. However, having hybrid know-how available has to means to chop prices, even with a smaller inline-six offering the fuel energy.
Having the power to run solely on electrical energy for shorter journeys and in city environments may even introduce a degree of practicality and effectivity to the Charger, with out sacrificing any of the ability that so many want from the Charger nameplate.
With many nonetheless hesitant to make the full jump over from a combustion engine to an EV, a PHEV is the right center floor for consumers to be launched to the advantages of hybrid know-how whereas holding onto the thrilling efficiency that gas-powered Chargers have offered for thus a few years.
PHEV Success Elsewhere In The Industry
Mecum
Although the vast majority of the best-selling plug-in hybrids are discovered within the SUV or sedan class, a couple of producers have utilized the know-how to their efficiency automobiles. The end result has been the manufacturing of a number of the strongest and excessive highway automobiles ever made. One of essentially the most notable plug-in hybrid achievements is the Ferrari SF90, which manages to supply 986 horsepower with its 4.0-liter V-8 and three electrical motors mixed.
Despite a Dodge Charger PHEV greater than doubtless being designed with a special philosophy, the staggering advantages of the extra electrical energy for automobiles just like the SF90 trace in direction of the potential it might present to a muscle automotive. In the early 2010s particularly, by way of know-how, muscle automobiles weren’t far behind the sports activities/supercars of Europe however have been beginning to fall behind with the rise of EVs. Dodge now has the chance to carry the muscle phase proper again to the highest of the business for pioneering generational efficiency, in a means solely muscle automobiles can.
Stellantis has carried out rather a lot for the EV business. Here’s why the corporate’s latest patents imply a fair greater push towards electrification.
Honoring The Legacy Of The Charger Nameplate
Considering that Dodge hasn’t unveiled any official plans to supply a plug-in hybrid variant of the revamped Charger, it is protected to say that the potential mannequin will not be seen till 2026 on the earliest. There was a good quantity of debate about whether or not the essence of the Charger can be retained after transitioning to all-electric energy. But now Dodge has introduced that two gas-powered variants are on the best way, this worry has been settled for essentially the most half.
However, by combining both gas and electric power, a PHEV has the potential to enchantment to the widest market potential. Not solely contemplating the rise in recognition of PHEVs within the States, which Dodge’s sister firm in Jeep presently spearheads, it will possibly introduce an array of electrified advantages to the combustion engine lovers who do not wish to lose the legendary spirit of the Charger.
A PHEV variant additionally additional takes the Charger to new territory, being the first-ever plug-in hybrid muscle in addition to the primary fully-electric mannequin within the phase. With opponents equivalent to Ford sticking with the V-8 within the ’24 Mustang and Chevrolet ending manufacturing of the Camaro, Dodge has the potential to actually stand head above shoulders with a Charger outfitted for each efficiency and effectivity.
The Jaguar C-X75 idea initially debuted on the 2010 Paris Motor Show. It appeared like the corporate was near placing the car into manufacturing, however Jaguar ultimately canceled the undertaking after constructing a couple of prototypes. Now, famed designer Ian Callum’s firm Callum has taken up the reigns, changing a kind of fashions right into a road-legal machine as a buyer fee.
The C-X75 that Callum made road-ready was one of many 4 surviving stunt vehicles from the filming of 2015’s Spectre. Dave Bautista’s Mr. Hinx character drove it in a chase scene towards Daniel Craig’s James Bond within the Aston Martin DB10.
The 2024 Geneva Motor Show kicks off at present, and whereas most worldwide manufacturers are lacking, there are a handful of European debuts. This D9 minivan marks the launch of Denza on the Old Continent. If the identify would not ring a bell, it is a model created by Chinese automaker BYD and Mercedes in 2010. Initially, the three way partnership was 50:50, however the German luxurious model diminished its share to 10 p.c in 2021 when Denza underwent restructuring.
BYD is paving the best way for Denza in Europe by bringing the D9, a big individuals mover with a high-end inside to rival one other posh minivan—the Lexus LM. It’s not a totally new mannequin because it initially went on sale in China in 2022. Much like within the People’s Republic, the Euro variant may be had as a plug-in hybrid or as a full EV.
The three-row household hauler has a boxy form, massive electrically operated sliding doorways, a beneficiant greenhouse, and two equally polarizing grille designs. The imposing entrance finish is simply as placing as different new minivans, together with the Volvo EM90 / Zeekr 009 and the Toyota Alphard / Vellfire twins. The boxy form with a virtually flat roofline maximizes inside house and there is a massive panoramic sunroof to make the cabin really feel extra ethereal.
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