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Motor 1
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
BMW: 'The Combustion Engine Is Our Foundation'
Many carmakers rushed to set cutoff dates for combustion engines, only to backtrack on their lofty electric goals just a few years later. But BMW didn't break any promises for the simple reason that it never announced an end to gas-powered cars. On several occasions, CEO Oliver Zipse emphasized that the switch to electric shouldn't be forced and that consumers should have the freedom to choose, citing high EV prices and an underdeveloped charging infrastructure. In a new interview with the German business newspaper Automobilwoche (subscription required) , a senior BMW official stated, 'The combustion engine is our foundation and will also finance our future business.' Klaus von Moltke is the plant manager at BMW's Steyr factory in Austria, where 1.2 million engines were built last year. He added that the development of conventional powertrains will continue. To secure the ICE's future, engineers will make the three- to eight-cylinder engines compliant with upcoming Euro 7 regulations. Photo by: BMW While it might seem BMW is referring only to gasoline engines, diesel isn't dead yet. Von Moltke stated that the company is testing various fuels compatible with internal combustion engines, including HVO100, for diesel-powered cars. The abbreviation stands for 'hydrotreated vegetable oil,' and '100' indicates it's a pure, unblended fuel. BMW is already filling up diesel cars made in Germany with HVO100 before shipping them to dealers. The company claims CO₂ emissions are reduced by as much as 90% compared to conventional diesel. In addition to environmental benefits, diesel engines running on HVO100 are said to perform better during cold starts and are less prone to microbial contamination due to the fuel's purity. Beyond combustion engines, BMW's Steyr factory in Upper Austria is also producing 'electric engines' for future Neue Klasse EVs. Pre-production of sixth-generation electric motors began about a year ago for prototypes, ahead of the new iX3's debut this September at the IAA Mobility show in Munich. Series production of the electric crossover will start late this year at BMW's new Debrecen plant in Hungary. Photo by: Alex Goy | Motor1 Although BMW remains committed to combustion engines for the long haul, it expects sales to be evenly split between ICE and EV models by the end of the decade. Reaching 50% in just five years is ambitious, given that EVs accounted for only 17.4% of total BMW Group sales (including Mini and Rolls-Royce) last year. In the first quarter of 2025, EVs made up nearly 19% of shipments, so the company must feel pretty confident it can reach parity by 2030. Asked whether the European Union will follow through on its plan to ban sales of new combustion-engine cars by 2035 , Klaus von Moltke replied: 'It's not our job to make such assumptions; that's pointless. Our job is to consider all possible scenarios, prepare for each one, and ensure our delivery capability.' BMW is keeping all options open and has not yet fully committed its resources to EVs. It remains invested in combustion engines and has already confirmed a new gasoline-powered M3 with an inline-six is in development, likely with some form of electrification. The larger M5 hasn't lost any cylinders either, as its V-8 is now part of a plug-in hybrid setup to meet increasingly strict emissions standards. BMW's Main Rivals Have Had A Change Of Heart: Mercedes Makes 'Course Correction' to Extend Combustion Engine Life Audi Changes Its Mind. Will Make Gas Cars For Another 10 Years Source: Automobilwoche Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Major car brand reveals return of iconic model discontinued 2 years ago and says ‘it'll deliver more than ever before'
A classic off-roader is making a comeback after a two year hiatus CAR COMEBACK Major car brand reveals return of iconic model discontinued 2 years ago and says 'it'll deliver more than ever before' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR car brand has announced the relaunch of one of their classic off-roaders, that is set to make its comeback in 2026. The American manufacturer is bringing the Cherokee out of retirement, with an all new model of the beloved motor. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Jeep is set to relaunch the iconic Cherokee in 2026 Credit: Alamy 3 Jeep has released early images of the new mid-size off-roader Credit: Alamy 3 The Jeep Cherokee was discontinued in 2023 Credit: Alamy Jeep discontinued the car in February 2023 after a solid 10 year production run in the US. However, the reimagined model will officially debut later this year, before going on sale in 2026. Jeep has already released early images to give buyers an idea of what to expect from the brand's next mid-size off-roader. Jeep CEO, Bob Broderdorf, said: 'The all-new Jeep Cherokee headlines our efforts to deliver more product, innovation, choice, and standard content to customers than ever before.' According to Motor1, the 2026 Cherokee adopts Jeep's latest design language, first seen on the Wagoneer S, and then on the new Compass that debuted in May. The motor pays homage to the brand's classic look, with a seven-slot grille and a body with the familiar, rugged shape. Also, the new model will use Stellantis's STLA Large Transverse architecture, which Motor1 believe could mean it will have a variety of power train options. Popular dealership that sells Dodge and Jeep models abruptly closes for good as owner mourns 'difficult decision' Jeep has already confirmed a hybrid, but pure gas and fully electric power trains seem likely as well. An electric Cherokee would likely have a similar setup to the Wagoneer S, which uses a 100.0Kilowatt-hour battery pack and two electric motors to produce 600 hp and 617 pound-feet of torque. Mr Broderdorf added: 'Jeep Cherokee will boast competitive pricing that strikes at the core of the largest vehicle segment and sits perfectly between Jeep Compass and Jeep Grand Cherokee to bolster our winning mainstream lineup.'
The Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Major car brand reveals return of iconic model discontinued 2 years ago and says ‘it'll deliver more than ever before'
A POPULAR car brand has announced the relaunch of one of their classic off-roaders, that is set to make its comeback in 2026. The American manufacturer is bringing the Cherokee out of retirement, with an all new model of the beloved motor. 3 3 Jeep discontinued the car in February 2023 after a solid 10 year production run in the US. However, the reimagined model will officially debut later this year, before going on sale in 2026. Jeep has already released early images to give buyers an idea of what to expect from the brand's next mid-size off-roader. Jeep CEO, Bob Broderdorf, said: 'The all-new Jeep Cherokee headlines our efforts to deliver more product, innovation, choice, and standard content to customers than ever before.' According to Motor1, the 2026 Cherokee adopts Jeep's latest design language, first seen on the Wagoneer S, and then on the new Compass that debuted in May. The motor pays homage to the brand's classic look, with a seven-slot grille and a body with the familiar, rugged shape. Also, the new model will use Stellantis's STLA Large Transverse architecture, which Motor1 believe could mean it will have a variety of power train options. Jeep has already confirmed a hybrid, but pure gas and fully electric power trains seem likely as well. An electric Cherokee would likely have a similar setup to the Wagoneer S, which uses a 100.0Kilowatt-hour battery pack and two electric motors to produce 600 hp and 617 pound-feet of torque. Mr Broderdorf added: 'Jeep Cherokee will boast competitive pricing that strikes at the core of the largest vehicle segment and sits perfectly between Jeep Compass and Jeep Grand Cherokee to bolster our winning mainstream lineup.'
Motor 1
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
AMG's New V-8 Will Be Around for as Long as People Want It, Says CEO
Mercedes-AMG just unveiled the AMG GT XX, a 1,340-horsepower super sedan concept with an electric powertrain and synthesized noise that one board member called 'the best V-8 we have ever developed.' But fans of real, combustion V-8s needn't worry, as AMG has a new one of those in development, which the brand's CEO assures us will arrive in late 2027 and stick around for a while. 'Since we are just in the development of a new V-8, there is not a natural end date that we have defined,' AMG CEO Michael Schiebe told Motor1 when asked when the company might phase out its forthcoming V-8. Photo by: 'There are still customers that just want the V-8, a pure V-8.' 'We keep on going as long as we see that there is customer demand, and especially, you know, when it comes to the US, for example, we see that there are still customers that just want the V-8, a pure V-8. And so this is why we are investing in the technology.' Schiebe acknowledged the European Union's 2035 rule that new cars must create zero CO₂ emissions, which amounts to a ban on internal combustion unless automakers can invest in synthetic fuels quickly. 'There is, at the moment, a natural ending in Europe,' he said. But other countries don't face the same cliff. 'In the US, in the overseas market, where there is no certain end date, I'm pretty confident that we will carry them a couple of years, beginning of the [20]30s, middle of the [20]30s.' Schiebe acknowledged that Europe's rules could change. That's why Mercedes ensured the V-8 met stringent EU 7 emissions regulations. 'It wouldn't make any sense to just develop it for the US. And if you develop a new V-8 at the moment, of course, it has to comply with EU 7, because it's coming at the end of 2027 and 2028 so you have to fulfill the requirements.' The new V-8 powertrain in development is rumored to be related to AMG's existing 4.0-liter 'hot vee' twin-turbo engine, potentially with a flat-plane crankshaft. We don't know for sure yet which models it will make its way into, only that it won't power the C63 anytime soon. More on AMG's Future Mercedes-AMG's New Super Sedan Revealed: Insane Power, V-8 Noises AMG Says Its New EV Powertrain Is 'The Best V-8 We've Ever Developed' Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor 1
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV: Pros & Cons
This isn't your granddad's Dodge Charger. Though it may look somewhat like the Chargers and Challengers of old, the 2025 Charger Daytona Scat Pack is an entirely new thing, with a fully revamped interior and a fully electric powertrain. A Charger without a V-8 might sound like heresy, but this car is still charming in a number of ways. Unfortunately, the electric Charger becomes less charming when you see the price tag. With an as-tested sticker of nearly $80,000, it's far more expensive than the last-generation car. Factor in the weak range and the clunky infotainment system, and even the quickest Charger EV becomes a tough recommendation. Quick Specs 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack Motors Dual Permanent-Magnet Battery 100.5 Kilowatt-Hours (93.9 Kilowatt-Hours Usable) Output 670 Horsepower / 627 Pound-Feet 0-60 MPH 3.5 Seconds (Est.) Base Price / As Tested $64,995 / $78,970 The Good Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1 Excellent Design Luxurious, Well-Styled Interior Impressive Performance Though the new Charger may appear awkward in pictures, it looks fantastic in real life. The 'Bludicrous' paint job pairs excellently with the boxy form and striking fascias, catching the eyes of onlookers as I cruise silently by. Whereas most EVs are lifeless blobs, the Charger Daytona echoes a sense of purpose and strength. The Charger is also a big car. At 206.6 inches long, it's over 8 inches longer than the outgoing Challenger. The hatchback rear provides ample storage space, though there's no frunk. That extra length is obvious inside, with the Charger's interior offering ample space to stretch out. The back seats are actually usable, too; I was able to comfortably fit four adults inside without any complaints. Beyond the physical space, I enjoy the interior's design. The sweeping dash melds into the doors well, and the pistol-grip shifter is satisfying to use. There are two displays mounted to the dash, a 16.0-inch unit for the driver and a 12.3-inch screen for the infotainment system. Both are bright and crisp, making the cabin a nice place to spend time. Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1 Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1 Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1 And while I'll always prefer a V-8 to electric power, I have to commend the Charger Daytona's performance. It's stonking quick off the line, and claws itself out of the hole and into illegal speeds quickly. Like most EVs, that power seems to die off once you've eclipsed 90 miles per hour, but before that, it's a rocket. It's not just straight-line speed, either. Despite the Charger's chunky 5,838-pound curb weight, it can dance around corners. That's thanks to the huge 325-section-width Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3 tires out back, and the standard dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup. Slowing things down are a set of hefty 16.1-inch discs with Brembo calipers. There are a host of different toys to play with, too, like Drift mode, Track mode, Drag mode, and even Donut mode. If you need a kick in power, there's a button labeled 'PowerShot' on the steering wheel, which maxes out the dual motors to give the full 670 horsepower for 30 seconds. Gimmicky, yes. But also very fun. The Bad Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1 Messy Infotainment System Half-Baked Synthetic Exhaust Sound Lackluster Range Too Expensive While the Dodge Charger Daytona's interior is a nice place to spend time, the infotainment system hangs over it like a dark cloud. The company's Uconnect 5 operating system is a cluttered mess, with a slew of different menus and bunched-up buttons that make it nearly impossible to navigate, especially while driving. There's a new section specifically to show the powertrain's EV status, like power flow and charging info. But I found myself constantly sticking to the wireless Apple CarPlay instead, simply to avoid dealing with the native operating system. Those with Android phones won't have to worry; there's wireless Android Auto connectivity for your phones, too. That's not the only piece of tech on the Charger I don't like. While I'm generally pro faux exhaust sounds for EVs, the Daytona's ' Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust ' doesn't do it for me. Dodge got so close to making this work, but fumbled at the goal line. While the sound itself, which emanates from a subwoofer mounted in the rear bumper, is awesome, it's not paired with any sort of fake gears or shifting, like you'd find on a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N . Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1 Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1 That means when you're driving around with the Fratzonic exhaust turned on, it sounds like you're driving a V-8-powered car with a continuously variable transmission. It's foolish in its execution, rendering the sound suitable only for stoplight rev-offs or confusing people in parking lots. On the move, it just made me nauseous. Whether you keep the exhaust turned on or not, you'll be disappointed by the Charger Daytona's range. With a full charge, I was only able to squeeze 208 miles from the 93.9-kilowatt-hour usable battery pack, an average of just 2.2 miles per kilowatt-hour. That's pretty dismal for a 2025 model-year EV, much less one this expensive. To be fair, the range would be far better with a set of more efficient tires. Speaking of price, the Charger Daytona isn't exactly affordable. The Scat Pack's starting price of $66,990, including destination, is bolstered by those aforementioned drive modes, as well as a host of active safety systems, like lane management, intersection collision assist, and cross-path detection. A head-up display and a mechanical limited-slip differential are also standard. Our tester came in at $78,970 thanks to the pretty blue paint job, a $3,200 'Scat Pack Stage 2' package that adds 80 horsepower, and the $4,995 Track package, which adds stuff like the Brembo brakes, heated and ventilated sport seats, adaptive damping, and those Goodyears. Truthfully, I don't think you need any of that, except for the paint. It's not like anyone will be taking this thing to the track, after all. Competitors Audi A6 E-Tron BMW i4 Lucid Air Mercedes-Benz EQE Polestar 2 32 Source: Brian Silvestro / Motor1 More on the Charger Dodge Charger EV Owners Are Reporting Unintended Acceleration The Dodge Charger EV Is Already Outselling the Supra in 2025 Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack Specifications Motor Dual Permanent-Magnet Battery 100.5 Kilowatt-Hour (93.9 Kilowatt-Hour usable) Output 670 Horsepower / 627 Pound-Feet Drive Type All-Wheel Drive Speed 0-60 MPH 3.5 seconds (est.) Maximum speed 136 mph (Electronically Limited) Weight 5,838 Pounds (mfr.) EV Range 216 Miles (EPA) Seating Capacity 5 Cargo Volume 23.0 / 37.0 Cubic Feet On Sale 5 Base Price $64,995 As-Tested Price $78,970 Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
