Happy Friday Welcome to this week’s edition of the Official DoubleClutch.ca News Rundown, where we recap the top automotive headlines from the week that was in one convenient package. Let’s go.
Hyundai planning 'extended-range EV' Santa Fe, Genesis GV70 variants
Earlier this week, we told you about Hyundai's plans to introduce a third tier of N models by the end of the decade. But wait, there's more — Hyundai also plans to introduce a new type of electric powertrain, too.
At this point, Hyundai is keeping most of the specifics close to its chest, but the brand dropped a few breadcrumbs in the same presentation as this week's 'N-lite' news. The new powertrain will be an 'extended-range electric vehicle' arrangement, where the on-board gas engine acts as a generator to recharge the battery, instead of powering the wheels.
Moreover, we'll see it debut in the first half of 2027 under the skin of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Genesis GV70 sport-utes. Both will use dual electric motors for an AWD setup, and both are targeting about 1,000 kilometres of combined range.
Additional details, such as what will make up the internal-combustion portion of the powertrain, and whether or not Kia may see a similar lineup expansion, remain under wraps.
Genesis GV80 goes hybrid
But wait, there's even more! Genesis this week dropped a sneak peek at its upcoming GV80 Hybrid, a necessary and long-overdue addition to the lineup.
No, this is not the "extended-range EV" powertrain noted above, but rather a different yet equally new hybrid powertrain. This particular variant is a more traditional hybrid, pairing the base 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors — one to handle engine start-up and power generation, and a second for additional propulsion and regenerative braking.
Genesis rates the GV80 Hybrid at 347 horsepower combined and does the zero-to-100 km/h run in 7.1 seconds. According to initial testing, Genesis also says new hybrid returned 25 per cent better fuel economy rolling on 19-inch wheels.
Visually, the only difference we can pick out at the moment is a unique grille design ... and that's about it. Look for a full reveal this fall, with market-specific details to follow.
Mitsubishi drops another Pajero teaser
Mitsubishi is working to expand its lineup with a reborn off-roader that will bring back the Pajero nameplate. Not only that, there's a good chance it'll come to North America.
The automaker dropped a second teaser this week, this time showcasing a familiar feature — its iconic triple-meter gauges — destined to appear in the new off-roader. Mitsubishi will retain the altimeter, pitch, and roll gauges, but in a digital format. Here's hoping they'll live in their own binnacle as before, rather than relegated to a page in the infotainment.
The reborn Pajero will be based on the same body-on-frame platform as the midsize Triton pickup. Not much else is known aside from that, but we don't have to wait long to see the overseas model — the new Pajero will debut on Sept. 2nd for overseas markets. North America is expected to get in on the action as well, but our version will debut closer to the end of the decade.