After years of existential uncertainty, Karma Automotive has begun its renaissance

The Kaveya electric coupe shown last year has now been joined by the Gyesera limousine. The very attractive and muscular design of the body, made almost entirely of carbon fiber and aluminum, shows what the expectations are from it.

The interior is modernly elegant and the performance is provided by two electric motors with 590 horsepower installed in the back. They provide acceleration to the American 60 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 217 km/h, while the massive 120 kilowatt-hour batteries provide a modest 400 kilometers of autonomy. Although orders are already being received, sales will start at the end of next year at a price of about 200 thousand dollars.

Immediately after, Kaveya is expected, which will have four electric motors with 1,180 horses, for which it is easy to guess what they can do. Provisional data say acceleration to 96 kilometers per hour in less than three seconds and a maximum of 290. Since the price will certainly be high, a weaker variant with two electric motors and drive only on the rear wheels can be expected. Although the Karma Automotive company is Chinese-owned, the production of both new products will be organized in California.

Škoda gave us a first look at the new city crossover, which will be called the Epiq.

The presentation of Epiq is expected next year, and the price is around 25,000 euros.

Shorter than the Kamiq by 15 centimeters, it will launch a powerful and authentic design, which will surely be transferred to the other new models of the Czech manufacturer.

The details about it are limited for the time being – they mention a range of 400 kilometers, front-wheel drive, new user-friendly technological solutions and high functionality.

The interior as it is now in fashion will be minimalist and will be dominated by durable materials.

As a turning point in Škoda's history, the Epiq will be produced in Spain, together with the other electric models of the group in this price class.

With the joint launch of the ID.3 GTX & ID.7 GTX Tourer GTX, VW expands its range of sporty electric models

Is the GTX becoming the alter ego of the GTI? As of 2021, the most powerful models of the all-electric ID range carry the GTX label. While we're still waiting for the GTI-branded electric production car that's announced to arrive in the near future, VW is organizing a joint launch of the ID.3 GTX & ID.7 GTX Tourer GTX, models that should satisfy the appetites of all those accustomed to the benefits that the classic GTI editions offered – performance and equipment.

The compact ID.3 GTX is split into two editions. The difference is in the power. The basic model is driven by an electric motor of 282 HP, 545 Nm, "hunts" to 100 in six seconds and reaches a maximum of 180 km/h. In the ID.3 GTX Performance, the engine with the same torque develops 322 horses, overcomes the sprint in 5.6 seconds and reaches a maximum of 200 km/h, a performance better than the benchmark in the class, the Tesla Model 3.

Both models work with single-speed gearboxes and get the same 79kWh battery which is claimed to offer 600km of range and can be charged at 175kW. Each version gets suspension revisions to match the extra features and their hot performance. VW has put more effort into the interior. Hand on heart, there's no checkered fabric upholstery, but red stitching and chrome GTX lettering on the sports steering wheel, GTX logos on the sports seats and the option to upgrade to ergoActive performance seats with integrated headrests, power adjustment and adjustable thigh support are included. .

Included is a 12.9-inch touchscreen with a redesigned menu system with the ChatGPT voice assistant that VW is rolling out across its models. In just one month's time, VW is launching the ID7 wagon, and now its GTX version. The key difference between the new GTX and the standard ID.7 Tourer is in the front of the powertrain.

Supporting the model is a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 86 kWh that allows charging speeds of up to 200 kW, which allows it to be charged from 10 to 80% in less than 30 minutes. This battery provides power for two electric motors that make this the most powerful VW electric car to date. The front and rear engines combine to produce 335 hp, 54 horses more than the rear-wheel-drive ID.7 Tourer Pro.

The front electric motor can kick into action in fractions of a second depending on power needs and the driving scenario. Power is transmitted to all wheels. Although VW did not release any acceleration figures, it did not hide that the top speed is 180 km/h. A host of visual tweaks are expected to differentiate the ID.7 GTX Tourer from the regular model. These include a new honeycomb grille, high-gloss black accents and new 20-inch wheels as standard.

The changes continue at the rear with a revised diffuser, new GTX lettering and customizable 3D LED taillight clusters that include an illuminated Volkswagen badge. The cabin features ergonomically shaped seats upholstered in a combination of fabric and suede with red stitching and red GTX lettering.

Other important features include a head-up display with augmented reality, VW's new IDA voice assistance with ChatGPT integration. It also includes optional Park Assist Plus systems that enable automatic parking, and "Connected Travel Assistance" that includes lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and a dynamic road sign display are part of the options. Volkswagen has not yet announced pricing for the ID.7 GTX Tourer, but states that European pre-sales will begin in the spring.

The first performance-focused version of the E-Class W214 is available in limousine and estate body styles

Despite being positioned below the announced AMG E63, the E53 represents a big step up from its predecessor in power and performance. The attractive Mercedes E-Class received a more aggressive look, "sharper" chassis and power up to 612 hp obtained thanks to electrons.

The plug-in hybrid system consists of a three-liter six-cylinder engine with 449 hp and an electric motor, 120 kW strong, which is integrated into the nine-speed AMG Speedshift gearbox. Combined power is 585 hp and 750 Nm of torque is transmitted to all four wheels via the 4Matic+ system. However, the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package unlocks a more impressive 612 hp when Race Start mode is selected.

As a result, the sedan accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. With the optional AMG Driver's Package, top speed is electronically limited to 280 km/h for the sedan and five km/h less for the wagon. The nature of the plug-in hybrid allows it to be driven exclusively on electric power up to a speed of 140 km/h. The battery pack has a usable capacity of 21.22 kWh, offering a zero-emission range of between 90-101 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle.

With the optional 60 kW fast charger, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in about 20 minutes. As expected, the E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ comes equipped with all the AMG-related associations, including a beefed-up chassis, a sport suspension setup with adaptive and adaptive damping, a braking system with larger discs and standard rear-axle steering.

The AMG Dynamic Plus package has an electronically controlled locking differential on the rear axle, even larger composite brakes on the front wheels and the Race Start function. Visually, the E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ differs from lesser versions of the E-Class thanks to an AMG-specific illuminated grille and larger air intakes on the front bumper.

The profile is defined by wider front fenders that add 11mm on each side and a new set of 19-inch alloy wheels that can be optionally upgraded to 20-inch alloys or 21-inch forged wheels. Finally, the rear gets quad tailpipes and a spoiler, setting it apart from less powerful AMG Line makeups.

In typical Mercedes style, the optional AMG Exterior Night Package and AMG Carbon Exterior Package are offered for those willing to splurge on black chrome or carbon fiber makeup. Inside, the electrically adjustable sports seats are upholstered in artificial leather and microfiber with red contrast stitching, and the steering wheel is covered in leather.

The infotainment has several AMG-specific displays, and MBUX Superscreen is part of the optional equipment. The Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ will be available to order soon when the price is known.