Quick Notes
By Michael Hozjan
Virtual Montreal Car Show in 2021 / Honda and GM Merger and other ramblings.
Virtual Montreal Car Show
Word has just arrived on my desk that for the first time in its 107 year history the Montreal International Auto Show will be going virtual. That’s right kiddies no more kicking tires or sitting in that Big Buck Dream GT at Montreal’s convention center. Instead you’ll be able to view the 2021 automotive line up from the various manufacturers from the comfort of your couch. May be just the excuse to get yourself that big screen TV.
Facebook: SalonAutoMontreal
Tires
While I’m talking internet goings on, Korean tire purveyor and 6th largest tire manufacturer, Hankook is bringing brand awareness and on-line offerings of their Laufenn tire brand through that company’s website.
If your driving consists of daily commutes to the office and if you’re looking for a quite running, affordable tire for your city car, you may want to consider Laufenn’s offerings.
Above: From All-Terrain to Ice Radials to Ultra-High Performance tires the Laufenn line up is easy on the wallet.
For information on fitments, ratings and warranties visit https://www.laufenn.com
2021 Kia Sorento
Those of you who’ve been waiting for the new Kia Sorento need not worry. Equipped with two all new powertrains, including a 281 horse, 2.5L turbocharged four punching out an unheard of 311 lb-ft of torque and mated to mated to an 8-speed wet dual clutch automatic should have the competition on its ears.
Six trim levels are available…..stay tuned. I’ve already booked my seat time.
Honda/GM Merger
While the world seems in limbo Honda and General Motors have been negotiating a merger of sorts. The two have signed a non-binding proposed alliance.
While the initial talks are targeting the North American market for sharing common platforms for both electric and internal combustion vehicles, I wouldn’t be surprised if it went global.
“This alliance will help both companies accelerate investment in future mobility innovation by freeing up additional resources,” said Mark Reuss, president of General Motors.
“Through this new alliance with GM, we can achieve substantial cost efficiencies in North America that will enable us to invest in future mobility technology, while maintaining our own distinct and competitive product offerings. Combining the strengths of each company, and by carefully determining what we will do on our own and what we will do in collaboration, we will strive to build a win-win relationship to create new value for our customers,” said Seiji Kuraishi, executive vice president of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
The two had already agreed on developing two all-new electric Honda models that are to be based on GM’s flexible global Ultium battery powered EV platform. Bet you didn’t see that one coming!
Sharing R&D in fuel cell development and vehicle electrification, joint purchasing and global platforms can only mean financial rewards to the companies and better cars for the consumer.
Volkswagen ID.4 A REAR WHEEL DRIVE VW!
Well it seems that VW philes, ex hippies and yours truly will have to wait a bit longer to get behind the wheel of the electric VW we’ve been teased with for the last few years. The ID Buzz, the long awaited replacemnent to the iconic split window VW bus. With the recent rise in popularity and the splits shattering auction prices I would have thought VW would take advantage of it. I suppose having us dangling works too.
Still not all is dire. The ID.4 is an all electric compact SUV that will hit Canadian showrooms this coming spring.While the market may seem saturated with crossovers and SUVs the ID.4 will fill a gap in the electric car market that fills the void between the Tesla and Chevy’s Bolt. Volkswagen has gone a step furthe r by upping the ante with the ID.4 by offering a slightly differnt take on its proplusion that will appeal to drivers.
Above: Enthusiasts will be happy to see a rear wheel drive version sold alongside the all-wheel-drive version of the electric ID.4
The ID.4 will be available in rear wheel drive and all-wheel-drive versions. Rear wheel drivers will have 201 horsepower motor with the all-wheel-drive models getting motivated with an impressive 302 horses. Range is expected to be in the 400 km range with a quick charge capability from 5% to 80% in just 38 minutes.
Can’t wait to take a spin in the first rear wheeled VW in decades...and electric to boot!. Till then I’ll still be dreaming about the ID.Buzz, which is slated for a 2022 which coincides with the opening of the new VW facility in Tennessee.
