News Roundup: VW Battery Plant, New Lincoln, New Polestar, Faster BMW EVs, More

New Elantra N

Hyundai revealed a new Elantra N at Auto Shanghai 2023 last week. The model marks the start of the N performance brand in China, but we're expecting the same looks to show up here. The Elantra N has a new nose with the brand's ultra-thin new front lighting look. The N trademark red stripe is still there. No word on the hardware specs, but don't expect much of a change from the current 276 hp. The 2024 Elantra N should be here before the end of the year.

Heavily refreshed Cayenne



Porsche revealed the 2024 Cayenne last week and while it looks just like the one it replaces there is plenty new underneath. The cabin is almost completely overhauled, getting the large and flat digital screens from the Taycan EV. That includes an available new 10.9-inch one for the front passenger. The air suspension is enhanced and all models come with active dampers with more adjustment for more comfort and handling. There are powertrain enhancements too, including the 348 hp base, the revised 468 hp V8 S, the 650 hp Turbo GT, and a much larger new 25.9 kWh battery for the 468 hp E-Hybrid PHEV.

Lincoln Nautilus



Lincoln revealed an all-new Nautilus. The brand's big two-row crossover will be made in China instead of Oakville, ON, but that might be the smallest of the changes. The Nautilus gets Continental-style hidden door handles and LED light strips nose and tail. Inside, there will be a massive upper screen that spans from door to door for a new digital experience. A conventional center screen lets you control the big screen as well as other usual functions. The 2024 Nautilus will offer a 2.0L turbo-four making 250 hp or the same engine with a hybrid drive system that gives it 310 hp with better fuel economy. To make driving easier, Nautilus will have adaptive suspension as well as the Lincoln BlueCruise hands-off highway assistant. Expect it early next year.

VW Ontario Battery Plant



Volkswagen has announced more details about its planned battery plant for St Thomas, ON. The company's CEO has said it could be the company's largest plant in the world and the $7B investment from VW for building the plant is the single largest Canadian auto investment ever. Though it will come with serious government incentives. VW Group says the plant will employ up to 3,000, with the federal government estimating tens of thousands of spin-off jobs. Groundbreaking is set for next year with production to start in 2027.

Polestar 4 deletes the rear window



Polestar revealed the Polestar 4, its latest EV. The model is a 544 hp electric that the company calls an SUV but is barely taller in height than the Polestar 2 sedan. The unique feature of the 4 is the complete lack of rear window. Instead of glass, you'll need to use a camera to see what's going on behind you. Polestar says this is better for safety, but it could be a tough sell. The model will offer dual-motor AWD or single-motor RWD. A heat pump will be standard. Both versions get a 102 kWh battery and the brand is targeting a range of more than 486 km.

BMW i7 gets more power



BMW has revealed its most powerful EV yet. The i7 is getting an M70 variant that has 650 hp, 811 lb-ft, and an estimated range of up to 474 km. The model uses motors with double the number of windings versus the non-M version. That gives it more output and the ability to sustain that output at speed. There is also new chassis bracing and M suspension upgrades. To go with it, BMW is launching the 750e PHEV as well, which will have 483 hp and double the battery capacity.