CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT : The Audi Q4e-tron offers a basket of new design options including an Alu-Optic carbon fiber trim package and Matrix LED headlights with the auto world ’ s first customizable daytime running light signatures . The Mercedes Benz EQS sedan features a dramatic “ one-bow ” design , a coupe-like roofline that sweeps across the vehicle from hood to trunk . The Cadillac LYRIQ is an example of GM ’ s 21st-century streamlined design that will mark its nascent EV fleet .
all other EVs . The company hopes to continue that trend with the eagerly awaited Cybertruck .
Looking like something created for another Terminator reboot , the Cybertruck may be the most radically designed street legal vehicle of all time . With an “ exoskeleton ” ( Tesla ’ s term for the vehicle body ) made from ultra-hard , dent-proof stainless steel and armored window glass , the truck is as tough as they come . Because the steel panels are unable to bend , the design features incredibly sharp angles , especially the peaked roof .
Tesla may soon be faced with serious competition , with many eyes on the California start-up Lucid Motors . The company ’ s first creation , the sleek Lucid Air , is the world ’ s longest range ( up to 520 miles ) and fastest charging luxury electric vehicle .
The 2022 Motor Trend “ Car of the Year ” accelerates from zero to 60 miles per hour in 2.5 seconds thanks to an aviation-inspired aerodynamic design with a 0.21 drag coefficient — a scientific measure of an object ’ s resistance to moving through air . That ’ s equal to an F4 Phantom fighter jet and better than a Formula One race car .
Hoping to bridge the gap between the traditional luxury sports car enthusiast and the burgeoning EV buyer , the all-electric Porsche Taycan was unveiled in 2019 .
“ We ’ ve seen an interesting demographic trend thanks to the Taycan ,” says Porsche USA product spokesperson Calvin Kim . “ When the Taycan was unveiled in 2019 , the first ‘ batch ’ of buyers were Porsche loyalists — the ones that had to be first on the block with the newest car from Zuffenhausen . As the rest of the model variants were introduced , the scope of customer increased as well . As of this year , nearly 40 % of Taycan buyers are new to Porsche .”
One of the Taycan ’ s major allures is its customizability versus other EVs . “ In the USA , we have 10 variants , ranging from a rear-drive sedan to a 750 hp all-wheel-drive supercar wearing a wagon body ,” says Kim .
Among the Taycan ’ s other bespoke design features are seemingly limitless paint options , seat materials and interior colors , as well as numerous sport and infotainment options including rear-axle steering , electrically locking rear differential , and Burmester audio system .
“ Don ’ t get me wrong ,” adds Kim . “ The Taycan is the most efficient Porsche based on MPGe / MPG comparisons . But it must still put a smile on our drivers ’ faces .”
Audi is another premium brand that believes the future is electric . “ By 2025 , our U . S . model lineup will be 30 % electrified , including fully electric and
68 FALL / WINTER 2022 / 23 | LATITUDE33MAGAZINE . COM