Auto Industry News: James Bond Adds Rapide E to 007 Garage, Tesla Has High Hopes for Model Y, and Mahindra North America Outgrows New Digs

James Bond will supposedly get an image makeover thanks to an environmentally sustainable new whip— the Rapide E. Elon Musk also looks for some brand re-energizing with the release of the all-new Tesla Model Y. Mighty Mahindra North America is already at capacity thanks to the little Roxor’s success. And racing season is officially underway, ushering in a much-welcomed Spring.

James Bond Will Chase Down Bad Guys (Responsibly) in New Rapide E

Despite several scheduling setbacks—including a director swap and screenplay rewrites—it appears that the new James Bond movie will still be supplying its main character with flashy future tech worthy of an international spy. According to UK’s The Sun, the upcoming 25th Bond film will place 007 in a zero-emissions vehicle, likely the limited-edition Aston Martin Rapide E sedan.

“The move is part of a push by movie chiefs to make the character more eco-friendly,” says the tabloid paper. New director Cary Joji Fukunaga is a “total tree-hugger,” according to The Sun’s inside man, and is the driving force behind Bond’s smaller carbon footprint.

James Bond is said to be getting an eco-friendly makeover, thanks to his new ride-- the Aston Martin Rapide E.

The Rapide E should have a top speed of 155 mph with a 0-60 time of under 4 seconds. A 65.0-kWh battery pack and two electric motors will give it 600+ hp and 700 lb-ft of torque, as well as a range of over 200 miles. The new Rapide E will be Aston Martin’s first electric vehicle, with only 155 expected to be built.

“It’s going to be the center of an incredible action sequence in the movie,” the insider told The Sun. “James Bond is known for driving amazing cars and this one won’t disappoint either.”

At £250,000 ($331,000) a pop, one would hope not.

We think a spy could greatly benefit from a car that essentially operates in stealth mode, thanks to its quiet ride. But we have to wonder—now that bad guys drive Jags, will they be following close behind in the new I-Pace?

Speaking of foreign masterminds and electric vehicles…

New Tesla Model Y Unveiled to Mixed Reactions

The new Tesla Model Y was revealed last week at the company’s design center in Hawthorne, CA. Rounding out Tesla’s “S3XY” line, the new Model Y will offer SUV-functionality with sports car handling, according to founder Elon Musk. “This thing will be really tight in corners. And we expect it will be the safest midsize SUV in the world by far,” he said at the event.

Expected for a Fall 2020 release are the higher trims, including a performance variant which boasts a 280-mile range, 150-mph top speed, and 3.5 second 0-60 time, all for around $60k. The base model should arrive by Spring 2021, sporting a range of 230 miles, 120-mph top speed, 5.9-second 0-60 time, and competitive $39,000 price tag.

Rounding out Tesla’s “S3XY” line, the new Model Y will offer SUV-functionality with sports car handling.

Some news outlets reported an underwhelming response to the new Model Y, due to its heavy borrowing from the Model 3 design. (They do share a platform.) But overall, Tesla-fans seem impressed and excited. “I think Model Y could end up being a bigger seller than the Model 3,” says popular tech-vlogger Marques Brownlee. Teslanomics’ Ben Sullins agrees, saying, “This might be the perfect car.”

However, Wall Street failed to share their enthusiasm.

The EV-company’s stock fell 5% on Friday, the lowest close since October and the next stop on its three-month slide. Demand for Tesla vehicles seems to be softening thanks to issues in Model 3 delivery, roll backs of federal tax credits, and Musk’s recent tango with the SEC.

Regardless, Tesla remains a major player in the automotive industry. And the recent auto show season seems to support Sullins’ pronouncement that, “The EV revolution is here.”

If America’s obsession with SUVs continues its upward trend and Tesla can avoid manufacturing and distribution snafus with the Model Y, the new 7-seater compact SUV could very well be the beginning of the end for traditional ICE mid-market family haulers.

“You wake up everyday with a fully charged vehicle,” exclaims Sullins. “You never have to go to a gas station. It’s such a game-changing experience.”

And speaking of game-changers…

Mahindra Sets Up Second Swing at US Market

Hot off its Detroit Auto Show debut, Indian-owned Mahindra North America is already outgrowing its Michigan plant. The company’s rugged little off-roader, the Roxor, has seen immense success, despite charges of trade dress infringement from FCA for its startling resemblance to the early Willy’s Jeep.

Hot off its Detroit Auto Show debut, Indian-owned Mahindra North America is already outgrowing its Michigan plant thanks to the Roxor's success.

Last week, Reuters announced that Mahindra North America plans to take another crack at mainstream passenger car production. (A decade ago, it tried and failed to introduce a low-cost pickup.) Showing it can produce a high-quality product in a niche market is a key part of its brand-growing strategy.

“The United States is a mature market that most industry executives say is heading for a downturn, and it is already crowded with over 40 automotive brands and 300-plus models on sale,” the media outlet points out.

However true, Mahindra North America appears undeterred. Despite the U.S. International Trade Commission’s ruling allowing FCA to pursue intellectual property claims, “Mahindra has signed up a network of 390 powersports dealers all over the country to sell the Roxor,” says Reuters. The company continues to fight back FCA as well, recently asking the trade commission to review its ruling.

Last week, Reuters announced that Mahindra North America plans to take another crack at mainstream passenger car production, building on the Roxor's success.

Whether we start seeing street-legal Mahindra vehicles depends largely on the company’s ability to secure a contract with the U.S. Postal Service. It is currently one of five finalists for the $6 billion project. A decision may come as early as this year.

Around the Circuit

F1 Season Begins

Valtteri Bottas takes home the Australian Grand Prix title, kicking off the first race of the 2019 F1 season. This is Bottas’ first win since the final race of 2017.

Despite Ferrari showing the fastest cars during testing, the Italian badge finished without a podium place. Its four-time world champ, Sebastian Vettel, took fourth—a full 35 seconds behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, whose third-place seat marks the first time a non-Mercedes or Ferrari driver has appeared on the podium since 2015, according to Formula 1 News.

Second place went to Bottas’ Mercedes-teammate Lewis Hamilton, who trailed behind by nearly 21 seconds. And while Ferrari’s results were disappointing, new team member Charles Leclerc’s fifth place finish was a PR for the young driver, his best-ever result in a F1 race.

NASCAR Results

Kyle Busch continues to dazzle, tying Richard Petty’s NASCAR record with his 200th career victory on Sunday. Despite sweeping the first two stages, a penalty for speeding off the pit road saw him drop down to 18th place with 73 laps left.

Busch got his groove back though, blazing into the lead with 26 laps left, holding off Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski, who finished second and third respectively.

This is Kyle Busch’s 53rd career NASCAR Cup win, and his second of the 2019 season.

Lucas Oil Drag Racing

The 50th Annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals wrapped up this weekend at the Gainesville Raceway in Florida. Among the event’s winners were Robert Hight in the Funny Car class, Bo Butner in Pro Stock, Richie Crampton in Top Fuel, and Andrew Hines in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Click here for a detailed rundown of the excitement.

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