Changes coming for the full-size Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride

Both eight-passenger utility vehicles, which use the same platforms and powertrains, fall under the Hyundai group umbrella. Adjustments for the Palisade include new front and rear styling plus an in-your-face grille. There are revised dashboards and new seat coverings. A new XRT trim level gives the Palisade a rugged off-road appearance.

Likewise, the Telluride receives changes at both ends of the body, although not as significant as the Palisadesa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s. There are also two new X-Line and X-Pro trims, the latter designed for more rugged use with all-terrain tires, self-leveling suspension and 500 extra pounds (230 kilograms) of towing capacity (for 5,500 pounds/2,500 kilograms).

The 291-horsepower 3.8-litre V-6 used by both vehicles is unchanged.

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Not a new Leaf, but an updated one, for 2023

Now in its fifth model year, Nissansa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s only electric vehicle (until the eagerly awaited Ariya arrives later this year) keeps whirring along.

Its first update of any significance sees a somewhat sleeker-looking grille plus new headlights and wheel designs. The digital instrument panel also gets new graphics.

The base Leaf S uses a 40-kilowatt-hour battery plus a forward-located electric motor that makes 147 horsepower (149 miles/240 kilometres of maximum range). The 60-kilowatt-hour battery and motor in the SE are good for 226 miles (360 kilometres) of range. Those numbers are quite modest compared with newer EVs, but the Leafsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s sub-$40,000 base price makes it one of the least expensive EVs available in Canada.

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A revised Mustang is in the works

According to various sources, Ford is giving its iconic pony car a makeover, and the company will introduce updated versions in early 2023 as 2024 models. Alterations include a new grille and headlights, plus new-look taillight treatments.

The interior also comes in for attention, including an up-to-date digital dashboard and touch-screen.

The Mustangsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s current turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder is likely to remain unaltered, as will the GT500sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s supercharged 5.2-litre V-8. But there are rumours the optional 5.0-litre V-8 could receive electric assist for added performance and/or be used for extra power at the rear axle for all-wheel-drive performance.

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Hondasa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s future sportscar shockers are electric

Recently, the Japan-based automaker revealed two images that represent future battery-electric two-seaters. One is of a flagship model, presumably replacing the mid-engine hybrid Acura NSX that retires this year. The second appears to be a front-motor model, which could represent something similar to the Honda S2000 roadster that was retired after 2009.

Apparently both would not be built on the General Motorssa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™ Ultium platform, which Honda will tap for other models. Theresa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s no word as to a launch window for the sports cars, but production is likely at least three to four years away.

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Lucid Motors ramps up production

The California-based startup is building a series of Air-branded electric sedans with a focus on the premium market. Theysa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™re also coming to Canada.

Following production of 520 Air Dream Edition models (with up to 1,011 horsepower), Lucid will launch the $189,000 Grand Touring. It gets 800 horsepower and delivers a claimed 830-kilometre maximum range.

In 2023, Lucid will introduce the $105,000 Air Pure (480 horsepower) and the $129,000 Air Touring (620 horsepower). According to Lucidsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s web site, both models provide 653 kilometres of range.

UPS AND DOWNS

TRENDING UP: The Toyota Supra gets a manual transmission sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½“ Ever since the automaker revived the nameplate for the 2020 model year and attached it to a two-door sport coupe, The Sleuth has wondered if it would get a manual transmission. For 2023, Toyota says a six-speed stick will be offered along with the current eight-speed automatic. Expect it as an option for the turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder.

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TRENDING UP: Nissansa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s solid-state battery sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½“ The automaker recently opened a facility in Japan that will develop new battery systems that offer double the range of lithium-ion batteries, charge faster and cost far less to produce. Nissan says this should ultimately help lower the cost of EVs to a point where theysa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™ll be on parity with vehicles powered by internal-combustion engines. The company plans to begin installing solid-state batteries in its electric vehicles by 2028.

sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½“ written Wheelbase Media

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