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My year in EVs: 8 electrics that are changing the car industry

The year 2021 will go down as an inflection point in the auto industry’s transition to electric vehicles. It's when many much-anticipated models became reality. No longer sketches or sketchy prototypes, electric vehicles appeared from all corners with everything from the Lucid Air to Ford Mustang Mach-E changing how we think about transportation. I managed to drive a lot of them, and as I went through my notes, I realized IÂ’ve got a mini memoir of the seminal EVs of 2021. HereÂ’s my take on eight of them. Hummer EV Easily the most over-the-top EV I tested this year. The 1,000-hp super truck lived up to the hype with its domineering presence, stupendous power and simply being a reincarnated Hummer. I took it for a short spin on- and off-road at the General Motors Proving Grounds in Milford, Mich., and was impressed with the airy cabin, removable sky panels and expansive touchscreens. Yes, I crab walked, which felt like steering a pontoon boat, though I can see why it would be useful. Lucid Air Dream Performance The most beautiful sedan I tested all year, EV or otherwise. Unlike the futuristic Mercedes EQS — which is quite attractive — LucidÂ’s car is a blend of mid-century modern interior aesthetics and classic European exterior styling. When I walked up for my test drive, someone who IÂ’m pretty sure was comedian Jon Lovitz was sitting inside and taking it all in. As it sat in the valet of a hotel in a wealthy suburban enclave north of Detroit, the Lucid drew more attention than any of the Mercedes, Cadillacs or Lexus models passing by. The driving experience was enveloping. Starting at $169,000 for the Performance model (reservations are closed), the Lucid I sampled packed 1,111 hp and 471 miles of range. From the precise steering to the comfortable suspension, the dynamics were spot-on. It's a formidable product, and all the more impressive given itÂ’s LucidÂ’s first. Chevy Bolt EV The Bolt was the most pleasant surprise for me. It handled well, offered low-to-the-ground hot hatch dynamics and the steering was dialed-in. Adding a crossover variant for the new generation was a smart play. On a summer morning where I went to a first drive of the Ford Bronco at an off-road course, my hour-long commute in the Bolt was an enjoyable appetizer.  The Bolt was also my biggest disappointment due to its extensive recalls for fire risk. Ironically, I had the Bolt in my driveway when the initial recall went out for the previous generation (2017-19).

Hyundai concept looks like Le Mans prototype from 2025

Hyundai is ripping the sheet off its N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo for the latest teaser of the digital racecar. The fighter jet-inspired design looks ready to turn on the afterburners at Le Mans a decade from now, but it debuts at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show to promote the company's new N performance sub-brand. The N 2025 is the latest in a long line of imaginative Vision Gran Turismo concepts from a plethora of automakers, but Hyundai is still keeping exact details about its entry a secret. The company admits that the racer highlights sustainable technology under the long, low-slung body, and that suggests something other than just a high-revving internal combustion engine for power. In addition to the PlayStation racer, Hyundai has a few other debuts in store for the German event. The new i20 Active and Sante Fe will get their European unveilings, and the Vision G Coupe will come along, as well. To further push the performance image, the next-gen 2016 i20 World Rally Championship car will also be on display. Hyundai Motor to Enhance IAA Press Conference with Live Streaming and Innovative Digital Assets 09 September, 2015 Hyundai Motor to Enhance IAA Press Conference with Live Streaming and Innovative Digital Assets - Broadcast of pre-show begins at 11:15 CET, Tuesday 15 September 2015 - Online newsroom enriches flow of information - Hyundai Motor showcases new models and visionary concept cars September 9, 2015 - Hyundai Motor will live-stream its press conference at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show, enabling a wider audience to learn about the brand's passion for performance and a host of new Hyundai models, design concepts and technologies. New i20 Active and New Santa Fe will premiere in Europe, enhancing Hyundai Motor's European range of Crossover and SUV models. The company will also showcase its new high-performance N sub-brand, brought to life through the thrilling Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept car and the New Generation i20 WRC car being previewed ahead of the 2016 World Rally Championship season. The Vision G coupe concept introduces dynamic design and advanced technology as inspiration for future premium products. The Hyundai Motor press conference will take place in Hall 6 at 11:30 CET on Tuesday 15 September 2015, and the livestream will be available via www.hyundai.news/IAA2015.

10 automakers sued over keyless ignitions

Keyless ignition has rapidly proliferated throughout the auto industry to become a fairly normal feature on new cars. It's supposed to offer the convenience of keeping the fob in your pocket and just pressing a button to drive away. However, ten major automakers are now being sued in US District Court over claims that the system is dangerous, Reuters reports. The suit alleges that people are forgetting to shut off the engine, and the lack of an idle timer is the cause for 13 deaths by carbon monoxide poisoning and multiple injuries. The suit currently includes 28 plaintiffs, according to Reuters, but the lawyers are asking for class-action status to potentially add many more. The case goes after a major swath of the industry, including BMW, Daimler, FCA, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen, plus their related brands like Acura, Infiniti, Mini, and Lexus. In all, over five million vehicles are affected. The assertion here is that people walk away from their vehicle without shutting it off because they believe the engine shuts off automatically. If parked in a garage, carbon monoxide can build up, leading to poisoning. The lawyers claim automakers know this is a problem and also cite 27 complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the issue, according to Reuters. The plaintiffs are asking for an automatic shut-off and damages from the companies. These concerns have come up before, though. Toyota previously faced a lawsuit over a carbon monoxide death after a woman accidentally left her Lexus running. Also earlier this year, GM recalled 64,186 examples of the 2011-2013 Chevrolet Volt because owners weren't shutting them off. The problem resulted in two injuries, and the company released a software update to limit the idling time.