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Lucid Unveils New Electric SUV Concepts and Performance Updates

Lucid Motors, an emerging electric vehicle manufacturer, has recently provided insights into its forthcoming product lineup, aiming to address financial uncertainties and curb bankruptcy speculation. CEO Silvio Napoli revealed new images of the anticipated smaller electric SUV, the Cosmos, alongside confirmation of a sportier version of the Gravity SUV, set to debut at Monterey Car Week.

The newly released photographs showcase the Lucid Cosmos undergoing rigorous cold-weather evaluations. This model is engineered to utilize Lucid's innovative mid-size platform, featuring a distinctive sloped-roof silhouette reminiscent of 'coupe' SUVs such as the BMW X4. Positioned as one of Lucid's more compact and economically accessible offerings, the Cosmos is projected to commence production in the latter half of 2027 at the company's new AMP-2 facility in Saudi Arabia. Following its introduction, a more conventionally styled SUV, reportedly named the Earth, is also expected to join the lineup.

Meanwhile, the high-performance iteration of the Gravity is scheduled for an imminent reveal within weeks at California's Monterey Car Week. While specifics regarding its performance enhancements remain undisclosed, expectations are high for upgrades mirroring those found in the Lucid Air Sapphire sedan, which boasts an impressive 1234 horsepower. These strategic announcements underscore Lucid's commitment to innovation and expansion within the competitive electric vehicle market.

Lucid Motors' forward-looking strategy, focusing on expanding its product portfolio with innovative electric vehicles, demonstrates a proactive approach to overcoming challenges and securing a prominent position in the future of sustainable transportation.

Ram Unleashes Supercharged Power for 2027 Rumble Bee Trucks

Ram's 2027 Rumble Bee lineup, initially introduced with V-8 engines, is now poised for an exhilarating power surge. Through their Direct Connection program, Ram is offering supercharger kits that promise to transform these street performance pickups into true beasts. This upgrade isn't just about raw power; it also includes cosmetic and functional enhancements, offering a comprehensive performance package for enthusiasts.

The Roar of Power: Supercharged Ram Rumble Bees Hit the Streets

Earlier this year, the automotive world buzzed with the announcement of Ram's V-8-powered Rumble Bee trucks. Now, Ram's factory-backed performance division, Direct Connection, is taking things up a notch, unveiling powerful supercharger kits that will significantly boost the performance of these already impressive vehicles.

For a price of $10,995, excluding installation, owners can equip their Rumble Bee V-8 engines with a formidable 3.0-liter twin-screw supercharger. This upgrade propels the 5.7-liter Hemi engine from its standard 395 horsepower to an astonishing 600-plus horsepower. For the more potent 392 models featuring the 6.4-liter Hemi, the power output jumps from 470 horsepower to over 700 horsepower. Even the high-performance Rumble Bee SRT, which already houses a supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat engine, will see its power escalate from 777 horsepower to a staggering 900-plus horsepower with a larger supercharger unit. This supercharger kit will also be available for the off-road-oriented TRX.

Beyond the engine bay, these supercharged Rumble Bee trucks will feature distinctive badging on the hood and grille, signaling their enhanced capabilities. Optional graphics packages will further accentuate their upgraded status, displaying prominent Direct Connection logos on the hood and sides. These decals, with their low-gloss black finish, will incorporate an accent color that matches the supercharger's hue, which varies according to the power level.

Complementing the power boost, Direct Connection also offers a Magnaflow cat-back exhaust system. Crafted from fully stainless steel with three-inch pipes and a five-inch tip, these exhaust systems will give the Rumble Bees a heartier roar. Prices for the exhaust range from $1599 for the base model to $2299 and $2399 for the 392 and SRT variants, respectively, not including installation.

To further refine the driving experience, a Ridetech suspension kit will be available for an anticipated price of $4590. This kit, designed for coil-sprung Rumble Bees with the 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter V-8 engines, includes coil-over dampers with 24 adjustment settings. It also lowers the front of the truck by one inch and the rear by three inches, enhancing both aesthetics and handling.

Prospective buyers can acquire a Direct Connection-equipped Rumble Bee directly from Ram dealerships. The entry-level model, starting at $62,790, is slated for release later this year. The more powerful iterations, including the regular 392 ($72,790), the 392 Track Pack ($82,790), and the SRT ($97,790), are expected to follow in the first half of 2027. A key advantage of purchasing these parts through Direct Connection is the assurance of factory support, with the warranty maintained if installed by an ASE-certified Mopar technician.

This initiative by Ram and Direct Connection underscores a commitment to delivering high-performance options for truck enthusiasts. The ability to significantly upgrade engine power, coupled with specialized exhaust and suspension systems, allows buyers to customize their Rumble Bees into truly unique and thrilling machines. The factory backing and warranty preservation further enhance the appeal, providing peace of mind alongside exhilarating performance. This move not only caters to a niche market of performance truck lovers but also solidifies Ram's position in the competitive landscape of high-horsepower vehicles.

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Ram 1500: Farewell to Hybrid Hemi and Auto Stop-Start in 2027

The 2027 Ram 1500 lineup is set to undergo notable changes, as the 48-volt hybrid system, known as eTorque, that has been supporting its V-8 Hemi engine will be discontinued for the majority of models. This strategic shift also includes the removal of the automatic stop-start technology, a feature that has faced considerable consumer dissatisfaction. This move signals Ram's intention to revert to a more conventional V-8 configuration, aiming to align with traditional market preferences and simplify its powertrain offerings.

Since 2019, the iconic Hemi engine in Ram's half-ton trucks has incorporated a 48-volt hybrid system, dubbed "eTorque," which substituted the conventional alternator with a battery-powered setup. This integration was designed to augment torque during acceleration, enhance fuel efficiency, and ensure smoother engine restarts, all while preserving the V-8's inherent power and rugged appeal. However, despite these benefits, Ram has decided to pivot away from this hybrid assistance for the upcoming 2027 models.

Following a brief hiatus in 2025, the Hemi engine made a comeback, albeit still paired with the hybrid system. Now, for the 2027 model year, Ram is steering the Hemi back towards its conventional roots. Most customers seeking a V-8 powered Ram 1500 will receive a non-hybrid variant. A Ram spokesperson confirmed that the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 eTorque will be phased out early in the 2027 model year, making way for the non-hybridized version. A limited number of eTorque-equipped models will be available during this transitional period.

The departure of the hybrid engine also marks the end of the automatic stop-start function. This technology, which automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle is stationary, was introduced to mitigate emissions from idling vehicles. However, it has consistently been met with disapproval from American drivers. The EPA had previously encouraged its adoption through off-cycle credits, but these incentives were rescinded in February 2026. While other automakers initially suggested they would retain the technology, Ram appears to be among the first to remove it. Non-hybrid 1500 models are anticipated to arrive in showrooms this fall, though a few hybrid versions might still be available for those who prefer the eTorque system.

In essence, Ram is streamlining its 2027 1500 pickup truck lineup by eliminating the eTorque hybrid assistance for its V-8 Hemi engine and discarding the unpopular stop-start feature. This decision marks a return to a purer, non-hybrid V-8 experience, aiming to meet consumer demand for traditional power and a simplified driving experience, while acknowledging the shifting landscape of regulatory incentives and driver preferences.

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