Lamborghini's CEO Stephan Winkelmann announced that the luxury carmaker plans to continue using internal combustion engines for at least the next decade due to declining enthusiasm for electric vehicles among high-end buyers, and is considering whether to make its upcoming Lanzador model fully electric or a plug-in hybrid, amidst broader industry debates on emission regulations and electric transition timelines.
Optimizing hybrid power is the current priority for IndyCar, with the focus on improving the quality of racing and attracting a third original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Despite calls for a new chassis, the trusted Dallara DW12 will continue to be used, undergoing significant updates to support the move to hybrid engines. The series hopes that the introduction of hybrid technology will entice additional auto manufacturers to join, and the success of the hybrid system will determine the possibility of a new chassis in the future.
The US Army is preparing to pursue a prototyping program for an electric light reconnaissance vehicle (eLRV) starting in fiscal 2024, pending funding approval from Congress. The Army has conducted market research by purchasing commercial electric vehicles and testing them against operational mission profiles. The evaluation team is preparing a test report to inform the prototyping effort. The eLRV may be the first all-electric platform to enter the force. The Army aims to modernize its platforms with mature electrification technologies and field purpose-built hybrid-drive tactical vehicles by 2035, eventually transitioning to fully electric tactical vehicles by 2050. The Army is also working on converting Humvees and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles to hybrid power and is exploring different acquisition strategies to integrate hybrid capabilities into the production line.
Toyota has revealed the 2024 Tacoma, which includes a hybrid powertrain and a new Trailhunter off-road trim. The Tacoma offers four different engine outputs, including a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder and an optional hybrid engine that produces 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The Tacoma also features a tougher aesthetic and advanced trailering features, as well as a new Trailhunter trim designed for overlanding enthusiasts. The Tacoma is set to go on sale later in 2023, with pricing to be announced closer to the on-sale date.
