Electric Cars

The 2027 Buick Envista emerges as a distinctive contender in the compact SUV market, offering a blend of sophisticated styling, a comfortable cabin, and an attractive price point. This model distinguishes itself from its counterpart, the Chevrolet Trax, with a more streamlined, coupe-inspired silhouette and refined interior finishes that elevate its perceived value. It is powered by a 137-horsepower turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that delivers power to the front wheels, as all-wheel drive is not an available option.

This year, the Envista sees notable enhancements to its feature set, solidifying its appeal. Buick has integrated a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies as standard, including adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, sliding sun visors, and blind-spot monitoring, enhancing both safety and convenience. The interior provides ample space for four adults, ensuring comfort for both daily commutes and extended road trips. Standard amenities on the base Preferred trim are generous, featuring a large touchscreen infotainment system and a Wi-Fi hotspot. For those seeking additional luxury, the Sport Touring and Avenir trims offer further upscale touches, with the Sport Touring trim now including a front center armrest previously exclusive to the Avenir.

While the Envista's turbocharged engine offers lively performance in urban settings, its highway passing power is somewhat reserved, requiring a moment for the turbocharger to engage fully. However, its overall driving experience prioritizes a smooth and quiet ride, making it an ideal choice for relaxed cruising rather than spirited driving. The vehicle's handling is characterized by confidence and composure, complemented by precise steering and a responsive brake pedal. Furthermore, the Envista boasts impressive fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, validated by real-world testing. Its practical cargo capacity, capable of accommodating six carry-on suitcases with the rear seats upright and up to 19 with them folded, underscores its versatility for various lifestyles.

The 2027 Buick Envista represents a smart choice for consumers looking for an SUV that combines aesthetic appeal with practical functionality and economic sense. Its updated features and thoughtful design contribute to a driving experience that is both enjoyable and efficient, making it a noteworthy option in its class.

The 2027 Lotus Evija stands as an automotive engineering marvel, not only for its breathtaking speed, captivating aesthetics, or its astonishing 2012 horsepower. Its true brilliance lies in its ability to integrate a formidable electric powertrain while preserving the featherlight construction that Lotus sports cars are celebrated for.

This electric hypercar boasts a quad-motor setup, delivering an incredible combined output of 2012 horsepower and 1257 pound-feet of torque. This power, nearly double that of some rival hypercars like the Aston Martin Valkyrie, is efficiently managed by a single-speed automatic transmission, channeling thrust to all four wheels. The Evija's modest curb weight of approximately 4200 pounds contributes significantly to its agile handling, positioning it as one of the lightest electric hypercars ever produced.

The Evija's driving dynamics are further enhanced by a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, ensuring optimal power delivery to the road. This setup allows for an estimated 0-60 mph sprint in a blistering 1.8 seconds, placing it in direct competition with other elite electric vehicles like the Rimac Nevera. Drivers can tailor their experience through five distinct modes: Range, City, Tour, Sport, and Track, each offering a unique performance profile. During initial test drives, the Evija impressed with its immense power and responsive nature, and its carbon-ceramic brakes provided exceptional, easily controllable stopping force, a notable advantage over some performance-oriented electric vehicles. The hydraulic power steering also received acclaim for its precise feedback, a rarity in modern high-performance EVs.

The cabin of the Evija is designed with the driver at its core, featuring essential controls strategically placed for optimal focus and minimal distractions. Eschewing conventional infotainment and driver-assistance systems, the interior maintains a pure, track-oriented ambiance. Access to the two-passenger cockpit is through distinctive dihedral doors, revealing electrically adjustable seats with carbon-fiber shells and plush microfiber padding. While the steering column offers manual tilt and length adjustments, storage options are intentionally limited, emphasizing the vehicle's purpose as a performance machine rather than a grand tourer.

In terms of technology, the Evija includes Bluetooth connectivity and an integrated infotainment system. A 15.0-inch digital display behind the steering wheel provides crucial information like battery status and remaining range, serving as the sole screen in the vehicle. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an onboard modem facilitates cloud connectivity. A dedicated smartphone application allows owners to remotely monitor various aspects of their Evija, including its charge level and range. However, it's important to note that the Evija lacks traditional driver-assistance features such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, or automated emergency braking, aligning with its focused, analog driving philosophy. With an estimated range of 195 miles, the Evija can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes using a 350-kW charger, though aggressive driving significantly impacts battery life, as demonstrated during a prototype test where the battery was depleted in just 15 minutes of full-throttle use.