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Lucid Air and Maserati MC20 unveiled | Autoblog Podcast #644

In this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Associate Editor Byron Hurd. Before they get to the juicy news of the week, they chat about the cars they've been driving, including a Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R, Audi A6 Allroad, Mazda CX-9 and Kia Niro. It's been a busy week in the news department, with GM investing in Nikola, Lucid Motors launching the Air electric sedan, Maserati unveiling the MC20 mid-engined supercar and a farewell to the Lexus GS. Then they talk about having a newfound respect for the Fox Body Mustang and the Mazda CX-9. Autoblog Podcast #644 Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Cars we're driving 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R 2020 Audi A6 Allroad 2020 Mazda CX-9 2020 Kia Niro GM buys $2 billion stake in Nikola, will build Badger hydrogen-electric pickup Update: Short-seller accuses Nikola of fraud and Nikola threatens to sue Lucid Air production electric luxury sedan is a dream revealed Lucid Air's modular powertrain opens up serious performance possibilities Lucid Motors teases electric SUV at Air debut Mid-engined, 621-horsepower MC20 inaugurates a new era for Maserati All future Maseratis will borrow styling cues from the MC20  2023 Maserati MC20 Folgore planned with three-motor electric powertrain Lexus GS dead for 2021 Respect to: Fox Body Mustang Mazda CX-9 Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video:

Kia GT spied looking like a rakish, sexy Forte

Just over four months ago, we told you that Kia would offer a production version of its handsome GT concept. Now, we have images of the svelte new four-door testing in Germany. It looks like we're getting a sexy, rear-drive performance sedan the size of a Kia Forte. And we're pretty stoked. Judging by our spy images, Kia is going to stick pretty close to the concept car's rakish lines. That means more four-door coupe than three-box sedan, which is precisely the kind of thing Kia could use. Beyond the overall shape, the headlights retain the same interesting shape as the concept, albeit in a more production-focused look. They crown a production-spec fascia, with more conventional vertical intakes. In back, the vehicle-spanning taillight element from the concept car appears to have been replaced by a conventional set of lamps – there's camo where the lighting element should be. Speaking of the tail, look at those tailpipes. Few things shout "Rawr, I'm a performance car," like a meaty set of quad exhausts. It's hard to tell here, but the rear fascia looks much more conventional than the GT concept, too, which went with a very aero-intensive design. Under the skin, our spies tell us the GT rides on a shortened version of the rear-drive platform slated to underpin the upcoming Genesis G70 – that backs up the reports that the GT would challenge the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. Our most recent report pointed to a range of four and six-cylinder engines from 2.0- to 3.3-liters. Our spies suggest that twin-turbocharged V6 will put out anywhere from 365 to 400 ponies. Obviously, this would be a range-topping model, but what a range-topper it would be. It's like a budget M4. Our best intelligence points to the GT's production debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, with an on-sale date in just under a year.

2016 Kia Soul EV gets $2k-cheaper base model

With the 2016 Kia Soul EV arriving at dealers in Washington, Oregon, Texas, Georgia, and Hawaii, the company is set to tap a huge array of new customers. Perhaps recognizing that fact, the South Korean brand has added a new base trim that allegedly slashes the electric car's starting price by some $2,000. Joining the former entry-level Soul EV and top-of-the-line EV+, is the new EV-e. While it's considered the base model, it still offers push-button start and a special driver's-side-only ventilation function for the HVAC system, on top of standard front heated seats and a heated steering wheel. The charging system – two ports, one for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging, and another for DC fast charging – and electric motor/battery pack remains unchanged on the new base trim. As for the rumored pricing figure, it comes from Kia World, which claims the new EV-e will ring up at just $31,950 before and state or federal incentives. As we said, that's some $2,000 less than the current starting price, if the report proves true. Kia is also addressing the customers at the top of the Soul EV range, adding a new Sun and Fun package for the EV+. The new package adds a panoramic sunroof and LED speaker lights that match to whatever music is playing through the six-speaker stereo. Both features have existed on the gas-powered Soul for some time, but are welcome additions to the electric hatchback. As we reported previously, sales of the Soul EV in Oregon, Washington, Texas, Georgia, and Hawaii should be underway as of this month. It's not clear, however, when the new entry level EV-e will arrive in dealers. Related Video: 2016 KIA SOUL EV OVERVIEW Kia Expands Eco-friendly and Affordable Soul EV Lineup for 2016 New 2016 Soul EV-e trim1 adds new value to the electric vehicle segment New Sun & Fun Package for Soul EV+ (plus) adds a host of premium amenities, including panoramic sunroof IRVINE, Calif., July 8, 2015 – The 2016 Soul EV marks the second year of Kia's first mass-market zero emissions, battery electric vehicle. For 2016, the Soul EV is offered in three trims – Soul EV-e, Soul EV, Soul EV+ (plus) – up from two in 2015. Offering a long list of standard equipment at a lower price point, the Soul EV-e brings new value for those looking for a fun and funky alternative in the EV segment. The Soul EV+ continues as the range-topping trim, and is further enhanced for 2016 with the addition of the Sun & Fun Package.