Weekly News Roundup: Dodge Challenger Shakedown, Kia EV9, Battery Material Announcement, More

Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen Working with Feds on EV Sourcing

The Federal Government announced a new partnership this week with both Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz that will help the automakers meet electric vehicle battery needs while benefitting Canadian industry. The Volkswagen agreement is focused on expanding cooperation on sustainable battery manufacturing as well as the production of cathode materials and critical minerals. VW's battery company PowerCo will set up a Canadian office. Mercedes-Benz will increase collaboration with Canadian companies in a wide range of battery supply chain areas. Including mineral supply, but also research and development.

Dodge Challenger Gets Shakedown



Dodge announced a few weeks back that it would be sending off the Challenger with seven special editions. Here's the first one, called the 2023 Dodge Challenger shakedown. It's a replica of the 2016 SEMA show concept of the same name and is largely an appearance package for the Challenger Scat Pack 392. Just 1,000 will be made for all of North America, with 500 in Destroyer Grey and 500 more with the Scat Pack Widebody in pitch Black. They focus on this one is the Shaker hood and intake, with special graphics. Inside, the cars get black Nappa leather and Alcantara seats and Demonic Red seat belts. No MSRP for this one just yet, but expect it soon. And for the cars to get ordered quickly.

2023 Subaru Impreza Goes Hatch Only



Subaru has announced pricing for the 2023 Impreza. The model carries into 2023 without any changes, but the automaker has dropped the sedan for the new model year. The 2023 Impreza hatch starts from $23,295 in Convenience trim, up $1,300 from last year and is offered with a five-speed manual. For an extra $1,800, buyers can get a CVT and Subaru's EyeSight driver assistance pack that include adaptive cruise, pre-collision braking, and lane keep assist. Touring and Sport trims offer both transmissions, while Sport Tech is CVT only. The cars will hit dealers in the fall.

Toyota Makes SE Base Camry for 2023



Toyota is shuffling around equipment for the 2023 Camry, and has made the SE model the base trim instead of LE. That makes getting into a Camry slightly more expensive than last year but does include heated front seats (with power adjustment). Adding all-wheel drive raises the $30,190 entry price slightly, to $31,990. LE, which was the base trim last year, is now only offered as a hybrid. It starts from $31,550. Small changes include new colour combinations on some grades and a heated wheel for the Camry TRD model. Nightshade AWD is a new addition to SE that comes with black trim and badging and 19-inch bronze wheels. The Camry line tops out for price with the XSE AWD for $37,950 and is at dealers now.

Mini Countryman Gets Untamed



Mini has launched a new special edition of the Countryman PHEV called Untamed. The Mini Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 in the Untamed Edition, and yes that's the car's proper name, offers a new Momentum Grey paint job that includes body colour highlights on the lower air intake and door sills. It has a contrast black finish for the roof and mirror caps, with extensive use of piano black trim and Untamed four-stripe graphics on the doors. The cabin is filled with nature-inspired green and blue, both exclusive to this model. Mountain landscape graphics on the door sills, backrests, and trim highlight the cosmetic upgrades. No word yet on the price, but expect it soon as the car made its debut at the Mini United event in Kelowna BC this past weekend. A standard Countryman PHEV starts from $44,990.

Kia Shows Off EV9 in Final Testing

Kia has released photos of its large electric SUV, the EV9, ahead of its reveal early next year. The EV9 is a full-size model, expected to seat seven in comfort, and will have Kia's latest electric platform, the same that underpins the EV6. The EV9 was displayed in concept form at the LA show last fall. This camouflaged SUV looks to have brought most of the concept's styling with it, though we don't expect the concept's rear-opening back doors. The EV9 is currently in the final part of its testing program.