2009 Limited Used 3.8l V6 24v Automatic Fwd Sedan on 2040-cars

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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 previews new Creta crossover in first design sketch

It was barely a week ago that Hyundai announced the name of its upcoming subcompact crossover, the Creta. And now the Korean automaker has released the first sketch. The design bears obvious links to the larger Santa Fe (which was just unveiled in facelifted form) and the new Tucson (unveiled in Geneva), particularly at the front end with its angular eyes and trapezoidal grille. Hyundai promises "a bold front, voluminous side, [and] sporty rear," with a hidden A-pillar and an overall "premium look." Called the Creta, the new small crossover is set to take on the likes of the Nissan Juke, Mazda CX-3, Jeep Renegade, and others in an increasingly vital, growing, and competitive segment. HYUNDAI MOTOR UNVEILS FIRST RENDERING OF CRETA SUB-COMPACT SUV Hyundai Motor Company today unveiled its first rendering of the upcoming Creta, sub-compact SUV. The design of Creta follows a premium look, based on Hyundai Motor's evolved design philosophy. Harmony between a bold front, voluminous side, sporty rear and other details complete the premium sub-compact SUV design. Creta with its bold and glamorous looks feature singular hexagonal radiator grille, sleek profile and a stable stance. The hidden A-pillar was applied to grant a unique and dynamic image, hinting at an open and airy cabin. Related Video:

Is Hyundai's conservative new Sonata struggling out of the gate?

"But so far, Sonata sales are up compared with last year even while we're still ramping up to full speed," - Jim Trainor
According to Reuters, the redesigned-for-2015 Hyundai Sonata is not enjoying the same degree of success in the early going as the previous sixth-gen model, which proved to be one of the most important models in the company's history and ushered in the company's so-called "Fluidic Sculpture" design language that we still see today. Citing a recent review from The New York Times that called the car's more conservative styling "bland" and "boring," Reuters also points to analysts who claim the higher price of the new Sonata, as well as smaller rebates and incentives, are hurting sales. Honda and Toyota both offered anywhere from $600 to $800 more on the hoods of their Accord and Camry sedans last month.