News Roundup: Lamborghini Lanzador, Toyota Dream Car Art Contest, Volvo EX30 Pricing, More

Canadian Toyota Kids Design Contest Finalist

Toyota has announced that 11-year-old Claire Kim from Alberta is the only Canadian finalist in the company's annual Dream Car Art Contest which invites kids from around the world to design a car they think makes the world a better place. Toyota received just shy of 800,000 entries this year from 90 countries. Kim's drawing was designed to "create a safe space of joy for families and kids to shield them from the negativities living outside of it". Toyota awards each finalist a cash prize and they are now eligible for the global grand prize. “The vision, creativity and innovation presented in the design ideas of Canadian children and youth is truly impressive. With the reoccurring themes of peace, environmental sustainability, and happiness, it’s clear to see that these are the leaders of tomorrow,” said Larry Hutchinson, President and CEO, Toyota Canada.

2024 Volvo EX30 From $53,700



Volvo's EX30 compact crossover made its Canadian debut last week in Montreal. The company's first dedicated small EV will start from $53,700 when it arrives in Canada, and the single motor extended range RWD model will offer up to 442 km between charges. A Twin Motor Performance variant makes 422 hp and hits 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds making it the fastest Volvo car ever. Volvo has also greatly reduced the EX30's total carbon footprint. If it is driven to 200,000 km, it will have a total carbon footprint of just 30 tons, 25 percent less than the brand's own C40 and XC40 EVs. Expect it at dealers later this year.

2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB Facelift



Mercedes-Benz is giving the EQB electric crossover a facelift. The compact three-row EV gets a new nose and new taillights, as well as new wheel designs outside. On the inside, the EQB gets a new steering wheel with touch buttons and a new centre console that drops the old wrist wrest. The latest MBUX infotainment system makes that possible. Other cosmetic upgrades include new dash trim designs including more stars and more lights, and there are functional changes to help users cut features to maximize range. The 2024 EQB line will start with the EQB 250 front-drive model, but Mercedes-Benz Canada hasn't decided which AWD model we'll get. It could be the 225 hp EQB 300 or the 288 hp EQB 350 that was offered for 2023.

2024 Toyota Tundra Adds Nightshade Trims



Toyota is enhancing the Tundra pickup for 2024 by adding its Nightshade black-trim grade to the now dizzying array of 40 different configurations available on the truck. Also new are power-extendable tow mirrors available on a few high-spec trim grades. The 2024 Toyota Tundra lineup starts with the double cab SR at $51,450 with two-wheel drive or $54,750 as a 4x4. That's about a $3,000 price increase for the base model, with similar increases across the lineup. The top-spec truck is the Capstone Hybrid Max for $90,690.

2024 Toyota Camry Starts From $31k



Toyota also announced Canadian pricing for the 2024 Camry sedan. The Camry has still not added Toyota's new multimedia interface, but the sedan remains an excellent value in a market where those can be tough to find. The basic Camry SE starts from $30,990 with the prices climbing to $41,490 for a Hybrid XLE. That's about $500 more than last year. Toyota continues to offer front and all-wheel drive gas-powered versions of the Camry along with the hybrid and a TRD-badged V6.

Lamborghini Lanzador EV Crossover



Lamborghini revealed the Lanzador concept, its look at a fourth model in the company's lineup. Lamborghini calls it a "high ground clearance GT," we call it a two-door crossover. This is a purely electric model, expected to make around 1,360 hp. It's loaded with active aerodynamic aids, has a third-generation electronic suspension system, and, well, it looks like a Lamborghini. Don't expect anything like it in stores until 2028, but the concept promises eco-friendly parts like recycled 3D-printed seat foam, synthetic yarns, and merino wool.

Kia EV5 EV Revealed



Kia revealed the EV5 electric crossover in China. The model looks like a scaled-down copy of the three-row EV9, while the company calls it "a holistic solution for sustainable mobility." We're expecting it to go on sale in Canada next year, though that hasn't been confirmed. The model is equally like the EV9 inside, which means loads of screens, plenty of space, and tons of tech. There's no range info yet, but expect more about the EV5 to come from Kia sometime in October.

GMC Hummer EV Earthcruiser Camper



GMC and EarthCruiser are offering a Hummer EV transformed into a camper. The GMC Hummer EV EarthCruiser upfit will add a carbon fibre pop-up camper to the back of the EV along with a battery pack of its own (and solar panels) to power a fridge for up to a week without touching the traction battery. The overland-ready Hummer EV camper comes with a touchscreen to control most of its functions, and it has camping features like indoor and outdoor showers, 120V plugs, small kitchen, and a flat pack toilet. The EarthCruiser package is expected to go on sale next year.