Electric Cars

Kia has introduced its latest electric vehicle, the EV2, marking the sixth addition to its dedicated EV platform lineup. Unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show, this compact electric car boasts a distinctive boxy design, setting it apart from the prevalent crossover trend. It comes with a GT-Line trim, offering a sportier aesthetic right from its debut, and promises a blend of innovative features with practical usability.

The exterior of the Kia EV2 presents a bold and unconventional design. Its squarish silhouette is a refreshing change in a market dominated by sleek, flowing lines. Noteworthy design elements include the uniquely positioned taillights, reminiscent of the Chrysler PT Cruiser, and striking split vertical headlights that give it a futuristic concept car appeal. The GT-Line trim further enhances its visual presence, adding a touch of athleticism to its quirky charm.

Inside, the EV2 balances modernity with user-friendliness. While it incorporates advanced technology, such as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a similarly sized touchscreen display, Kia has thoughtfully retained physical buttons for essential functions like climate control. A tactile volume roller and manual air-vent adjusters are also present, ensuring drivers can easily manage controls without navigating through complex digital menus. Additionally, the EV2 is equipped with contemporary amenities, including wireless smartphone charging, 100-watt USB-C ports, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and over-the-air update capabilities, along with a unique 'Pet Mode'.

Despite its compact dimensions, measuring only 159.8 inches (4,060 millimeters) in length, the EV2 offers surprising interior versatility. Customers can opt for either a two- or three-seat configuration in the rear. The four-seat model provides a respectable 14.2 cubic feet (403 liters) of cargo space with the rear seats fully forward, while the five-seat version offers 12.7 cubic feet (362 liters). A small front trunk (frunk) adds an extra 0.5 cubic feet (15 liters) for miscellaneous items.

Built on the E-GMP platform shared with other Hyundai and Kia electric models, the EV2 offers two battery choices. The standard 42.2-kWh battery provides a WLTP range of up to 197 miles (317 kilometers), while the larger 61-kWh option extends this to 278 miles (448 kilometers) on a single charge. The vehicle is strictly front-wheel drive, with the standard-range model producing 144 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.6 seconds. The larger-range model, with slightly less horsepower, takes 9.5 seconds for the same sprint. Both versions have an electronically limited top speed of 99 mph (159 km/h).

Fast-charging capabilities allow the EV2 to charge from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 29 minutes for the smaller battery and 30 minutes for the larger one. Unlike its higher-end siblings, the EV6 and EV9, the EV2 utilizes a 400-volt charging system, a reasonable compromise given its expected starting price below €30,000 ($35,000). Furthermore, the EV2 supports bidirectional charging, including Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) for powering external devices and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) for returning energy to the power grid.

Production of the EV2 will take place at Kia's Žilina factory in Slovakia, alongside the EV4. The standard-range model is slated for production in the first quarter of the year, with the larger-battery version and the GT-Line trim following later in 2026. This new entry will face stiff competition from other compact electric vehicles such as the Renault 4, Volkswagen ID. Polo Cross, Peugeot E-2008, and Ford Puma Gen-E.

The Kia EV2 emerges as a compelling contender in the burgeoning compact electric vehicle market. Its bold design, user-centric interior, and competitive specifications, including a respectable range and practical charging solutions, position it as an attractive option for consumers seeking an affordable yet distinctive EV. Despite some cost-conscious design choices, such as a simpler rear suspension and a 400-volt charging architecture, the EV2's overall package reflects Kia's commitment to expanding its electric lineup with innovative and accessible options.

Renowned Italian design firm Italdesign, with Honda's official endorsement, has breathed new life into the second-generation NSX, unveiling an exclusive \u201cNSX Tribute\u201d at the Tokyo Auto Salon. This project takes cues from the original NSX, integrating classic design elements into the modern supercar's aesthetics. The initiative is set for a highly limited production run, catering specifically to right-hand-drive versions of the 2016-2022 NSX models. This collaboration highlights a growing trend among design houses to offer bespoke restomod or tribute editions of iconic vehicles, marrying heritage with contemporary styling.

The Italdesign NSX Tribute is a meticulously crafted vehicle that blends historical references with modern supercar attributes. While the interior largely retains its original form, enthusiasts will appreciate the various upholstery and trim options, alongside a special dashboard badge signifying its unique lineage. This project follows Italdesign's previous work on special edition supercars, underscoring its expertise in transforming existing vehicles into rare, collector's items. The limited nature of the NSX Tribute, along with its bespoke modifications, suggests a premium offering for discerning collectors.

The Rebirth of an Icon: Italdesign's NSX Tribute

Italdesign has masterfully re-envisioned the second-generation Honda NSX, creating a striking \u201cNSX Tribute\u201d with the full backing of Honda. Debuting at the Tokyo Auto Salon, this project showcases a fusion of the modern NSX's engineering with design elements reminiscent of its revered predecessor. The endeavor is not a complete rebuild but a comprehensive aesthetic and partial structural overhaul of existing vehicles, specifically targeting the right-hand-drive models produced between 2016 and 2022. This approach allows Italdesign to imbue the contemporary supercar with a nostalgic spirit, ensuring each limited-run unit stands as a testament to automotive heritage and innovative design. The collaboration underscores the enduring appeal of the NSX and Italdesign's capability to enhance an already exceptional machine, creating a truly unique offering for collectors and enthusiasts.

The transformation by Italdesign on the NSX Tribute goes beyond simple cosmetic changes, incorporating significant design cues from the first-generation model. Key exterior updates include a prominent rear spoiler, reminiscent of the original NSX, and a distinct roof scoop that pays homage to the ultra-rare NSX-R GT. The vehicle also features red Honda badges at both ends, echoing the iconic NSX-R, and bespoke black 19-inch front and 20-inch rear Advan wheels fitted with Yokohama tires. While pop-up headlights could not be re-introduced, Italdesign designed \u201ceyelids\u201d to evoke their classic look. The interior, though largely preserved, offers exclusive upholstery options and trim accents, with a special \u201cNSX Tribute by Italdesign\u201d badge confirming its unique provenance. This extensive reinterpretation ensures the Tribute model is both visually distinct and deeply connected to its lineage.

Heritage Meets Modernity: Design Philosophy and Exclusivity

Italdesign's philosophy for the NSX Tribute centers on a respectful yet innovative integration of past and present design languages. By taking the modern second-generation NSX and infusing it with iconic elements from the original, the design house avoids a simple 'restomod' label, instead creating a contemporary homage. This delicate balance ensures the vehicle maintains its modern performance capabilities while celebrating its rich history. The decision to produce an \u201cultra-limited series\u201d highlights the exclusivity of the project, appealing to a niche market of collectors who value unique design and a deep connection to automotive heritage. This strategic approach allows Italdesign to offer a bespoke experience, further solidifying the NSX's status as a timeless supercar.

The exclusivity of the NSX Tribute is further emphasized by its limited production run, contrasting with Italdesign's previous collaboration with Nissan on the GT-R50, which involved entirely new vehicles. With the NSX Tribute, Italdesign modifies existing right-hand-drive models, making each unit a highly individualized creation. While the exact number of NSXs to be converted remains undisclosed, the term \u201cultra-limited series production\u201d suggests a very small quantity, contributing to its desirability and potential value. This bespoke modification process, focusing on significant exterior restyling and subtle interior enhancements, positions the NSX Tribute as a unique automotive artwork, bridging generations of design and performance. The project also subtly hints at the automotive industry's evolving landscape, with Honda's plans for an \u201cNSX-Type\u201d EV signaling a shift towards electric powertrains, making these V6-powered tributes even more significant as a celebration of internal combustion legacy.