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Most of Toyota’s North American vehicles are engineered in Southeast Michigan. The newest concept to wear the automaker’s famous badge, however, has its roots firmly planted in the red clay of South Carolina.

Designed, engineered and hand-built by graduate students at Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), the vehicle is the result of a two-year collaboration with Toyota Motor North America designers and engineers. The result is an innovative, flexible concept called uBox that is intended to appeal to the next generation of car buyers: Gen-Z.

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The CU-ICAR / Toyota collaboration, called Deep Orange, immerses students into every aspect of automotive development – from market research and design studies to engineering design and manufacturing.

“Deep Orange gives students’ hands-on experience with the entire vehicle development process, from identifying the market opportunity through the vehicle build,” says Johnell Brooks, an associate professor in Clemson’s graduate engineering program. “It’s like automotive boot camp for the real world, and it wouldn’t happen without industry partners like Toyota.”

A man working on his laptop and writing in a notebook at a desk.
The typical customer for uBox is a young entrepreneur who wants a vehicle that can provide utility and recreation on the weekend but that can also offer office space or other career-centric or lifestyle uses during the week.

Some of the many features of uBox include:

A bold, youthful and distinctive exterior design that aligns with generation Z’s personality trait to stand out, embodying a muscular stance that looks like it’s sprung forward in motion, even when standing still.

A versatile interior that can be rearranged for various activities, from working or operating a business, to hauling bulky cargo. A low floor allows for reconfigurable, removable seats on sliding tracks that can be nested.

Vents, dashboard display bezels and door trim that can be personalized and made with 3-D printing technology, and an online community for owners where they can share design ideas.

A compact, dual-purpose, all-electric powertrain providing a fun driving experience and emission-free stationary energy to power consumer electronics, power tools or other devices through various 110-volt sockets located throughout the interior and exterior.

One feature in particular caught the attention of Toyota Executive Program Manager Craig Payne, a unique pultrusion technique developed by the students that allows composite carbon fiber rails bonded with aluminum to support a curved glass roof.

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“The roof pultrusion was something unexpected and very interesting when they first started talking about the concept,†said Payne. “The fact that they were able to achieve an industry-first manufacturing technique as students speaks volumes for this program.â€

“The collaboration with Toyota was extremely fruitful,†said Paul Venhovens, endowed chair for automotive systems integration at CU-ICAR. “The Toyota management team constantly challenged the students with justifying their design and engineering decisions based on brand essence, real-world customers and what the students believed the future would embrace. This experience can simply not be gained from a text book.â€

A man working on his laptop and writing in a notebook at a desk.
Toyota and the Clemson Deep Orange Team will unveil the uBox Tuesday, April 12th at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress and Exposition at the Cobo Center in Detroit. It will then remain on display in the Cobo atrium through Thursday, April 14.

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INTELLIGENT MOBILITY

GM Reportedly Delays Next-Generation Electric Truck Program As EV Strategy Evolves

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General Motors is reportedly putting the brakes on its next-generation electric truck program, a move that could reshape the company’s electrification plans in North America.

According to a report from Crain’s Detroit Business, GM has indefinitely delayed development of its next-generation full-size electric trucks and SUVs, including future versions of the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Cadillac Escalade IQ and GMC Hummer EV. The program had previously been expected to launch around 2028.

The reported decision comes as automakers continue adjusting their electric vehicle strategies in response to shifting consumer demand and evolving market conditions.

GM is reportedly delaying development of its next-generation electric truck platform originally targeted for 2028.

Electric Truck Plans Face New Challenges

According to the report, suppliers were recently informed that the next-generation EV truck program has been halted and no revised production timeline has been communicated.

The delayed program was expected to introduce lower-cost electric versions of several key GM models, including the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Cadillac Escalade IQ and GMC Hummer EV.

While General Motors has not officially confirmed the reported delay, the move reflects the growing challenges facing the electric vehicle market as manufacturers balance investment costs with fluctuating consumer demand.

Slower EV Demand Impacts Production Plans

The report follows recent developments at GM’s Factory Zero facility in Detroit, where the company builds several of its flagship electric trucks and SUVs.

The plant recently experienced temporary workforce reductions as GM responded to slower-than-expected electric vehicle sales.

Although EV adoption continues to grow, demand has not expanded at the pace many manufacturers anticipated several years ago, leading automakers across the industry to reassess product launches and production schedules.

The GMC Sierra EV is among the vehicles reportedly affected by the delayed next-generation program.

Plug-In Hybrids Could Play A Larger Role

One of the most significant elements of the report involves GM’s potential shift toward plug-in hybrid technology.

According to Crain’s, the automaker is expected to introduce plug-in hybrid versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra at another Michigan manufacturing facility that also produces gasoline-powered trucks.

Such a move would provide customers with an alternative solution that combines electric driving capability with the convenience and range of traditional internal combustion engines.

GM has previously indicated that hybrid technology would eventually return to its U.S. portfolio, making the reported development a logical next step.

GM may increasingly rely on hybrid and alternative electrified powertrains as market demand continues to evolve.

Extended-Range EV Technology Under Evaluation

The report also suggests that General Motors is discussing the development of an extended-range electric vehicle system with suppliers.

Known as EREV technology, these systems use a small gasoline engine solely as a generator to recharge the battery, allowing the vehicle to operate primarily as an electric model while significantly reducing range anxiety.

Several manufacturers have recently shown renewed interest in extended-range solutions as a way to encourage EV adoption among buyers who remain hesitant to fully transition to battery-electric vehicles.

GM Remains Focused On Long-Term Electrification

Despite the reported delay, General Motors continues to invest heavily in electric vehicles and advanced propulsion technologies.

When asked about the report, a GM spokesperson stated that the company has not disclosed future plans or timing related to next-generation battery-electric trucks and declined to comment on speculation.

For now, current models such as the Silverado EV, Sierra EV, Hummer EV and Escalade IQ remain central to GM’s electrification strategy. However, the latest report suggests the company may be taking a more flexible approach as the automotive industry adapts to changing market realities.

The Cadillac Escalade IQ remains one of the flagship vehicles in GM’s expanding electric portfolio.

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INTELLIGENT MOBILITY

Mitsubishi Brings Back The Eclipse Name With New Electric Sportback SUV For North America

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Mitsubishi Motors is expanding its electric vehicle strategy in North America with the introduction of the all-new Eclipse Sportback EV. Scheduled to arrive in U.S. and Canadian dealerships during the second half of 2026, the new model marks the return of one of Mitsubishi’s most recognizable nameplates in an entirely new form.

Unlike previous Eclipse models, the new Eclipse Sportback enters the market as a fully electric subcompact SUV, combining sporty styling, everyday practicality and zero-emission driving.

The launch represents another important step in Mitsubishi’s ongoing electrification efforts across North America.

he all-new Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV will arrive in North America during the second half of 2026.

A New Electric SUV For Modern Drivers

The all-new Eclipse Sportback has been developed as a battery-electric vehicle designed to meet the needs of modern drivers.

Mitsubishi describes the model as a sporty and practical subcompact SUV capable of handling daily commuting, family transportation and weekend adventures. The vehicle combines the benefits of electric mobility with the versatility that continues to drive demand for compact SUVs across the United States and Canada.

The new model is expected to strengthen Mitsubishi’s position in the growing EV segment while attracting customers seeking a stylish and efficient alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

Mitsubishi Adds Its Own Design Identity

Although the Eclipse Sportback will be supplied by Nissan through an OEM agreement, Mitsubishi has made significant changes to ensure the vehicle maintains a distinct identity.

The company has redesigned multiple exterior elements, including the front and rear bumpers, grille, headlights, taillights, rear gate and side profile details.

Additional styling changes to the D-pillars and wheel designs help create a unique appearance that differentiates the Eclipse Sportback from its Nissan counterpart.

Distinctive Mitsubishi design elements help give the Eclipse Sportback EV its own visual identity.

Alliance Partnership Continues To Expand

The new model highlights the growing collaboration between Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.

The two automakers continue to work together on a variety of projects around the world, including pickup trucks, passenger vehicles and electrified models.

For North America, Mitsubishi will receive the Eclipse Sportback EV from Nissan through an OEM arrangement, allowing the company to expand its electric vehicle lineup more efficiently while benefiting from shared technology and development resources.

The strategy helps both manufacturers strengthen their competitiveness in key global markets.

The Eclipse Sportback EV is part of Mitsubishi’s broader strategy to expand its electrified vehicle lineup.

A Key Step In Mitsubishi’s EV Future

The arrival of the Eclipse Sportback signals Mitsubishi’s commitment to growing its presence in the electric vehicle market.

As consumer demand for EVs continues to increase across North America, the company is looking to broaden its portfolio with vehicles that combine efficiency, practicality and modern technology.

The Eclipse Sportback is expected to play a central role in that strategy while helping Mitsubishi attract a new generation of buyers interested in electric mobility.

The new electric SUV combines sporty styling with the versatility expected by today’s crossover buyers.

The Eclipse Name Returns For A New Era

Few names carry as much recognition in Mitsubishi’s history as Eclipse.

While the new Eclipse Sportback differs significantly from the sports coupe that helped build the brand’s reputation, Mitsubishi believes the name remains a strong symbol of style and performance.

With its electric powertrain, SUV practicality and North American focus, the all-new Eclipse Sportback represents a modern interpretation of a familiar nameplate as Mitsubishi continues its transition toward an electrified future.

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INTELLIGENT MOBILITY

Mercedes-AMG Unveils 1,169-HP Electric GT 4-Door Coupe With 600-kW Charging

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Mercedes-AMG Launches 1,169-HP Electric GT 4-Door Coupe With 600-kW Charging

Mercedes-AMG has officially opened orders for its most advanced electric performance vehicle to date. The new AMG GT 4-Door Coupe combines extreme power, rapid charging capabilities and next-generation electric technology in a package designed to redefine high-performance driving.

Available as the AMG GT 63 4-Door Coupe and AMG GT 55 4-Door Coupe, the new model introduces several technologies never before seen in a production Mercedes-AMG.

With up to 1,169 horsepower, a top speed of 300 km/h and charging performance that ranks among the fastest in the industry, the four-door coupe represents a major milestone for the AMG brand.

The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe introduces a new era of electric performance with up to 1,169 horsepower and ultra-fast charging technology.

Advanced Axial-Flux Motors Define A New Generation Of Performance

One of the most significant innovations in the new AMG GT is its electric powertrain.

For the first time in a production Mercedes-AMG, engineers have integrated axial-flux electric motors. The vehicle uses three motors in total, with two mounted on the rear axle and one powering the front wheels.

Together, the system produces up to 860 kW, equivalent to an impressive 1,169 horsepower.

Mercedes-AMG says the new motor technology delivers exceptional power density, rapid energy transfer and consistent performance under demanding driving conditions.

The result is an electric vehicle capable of delivering performance levels traditionally associated with exotic supercars.

Exceptional Electric Performance

The performance figures place the AMG GT among the fastest four-door vehicles ever produced by the brand.

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes only 2.1 seconds, while the sprint to 200 km/h requires just 6.4 seconds.

Customers who choose the optional AMG Driver’s Package can unlock a top speed of 300 km/h.

These figures demonstrate the capability of Mercedes-AMG’s newest electric platform.

Three electric motors, advanced aerodynamics and all-wheel drive help deliver impressive acceleration and high-speed capability.

Charging Technology Sets New Standards

Performance is only part of the story.

Mercedes-AMG has equipped the vehicle with a high-performance battery system capable of accepting charging rates of up to 600 kW.

Under ideal conditions, more than 460 kilometers of driving range can be recovered in just 10 minutes. A charging session from 10 to 80 percent requires approximately 11 minutes.

This combination of performance and charging efficiency helps make the new AMG GT practical for both everyday driving and long-distance journeys.

The electric AMG flagship combines high performance with one of the fastest charging systems available in a production vehicle.

AMG Preserves Its Signature Driving Character

Mercedes-AMG understands that many enthusiasts appreciate the sound and character of the brand’s traditional V8-powered models.

To maintain that connection, engineers developed AMGFORCE S+, a system that recreates key elements of the AMG driving experience through dedicated sound profiles, simulated gear changes and performance-focused digital displays.

The goal is to provide a familiar sense of engagement while embracing the advantages of an advanced electric platform.

Aerodynamics And Software Work Together

Supporting the vehicle’s performance is a collection of active aerodynamic systems and advanced software technologies.

Depending on configuration, the AMG GT can be equipped with active aerodynamic elements integrated into the underbody as well as an active rear diffuser that continuously adapts to changing driving conditions.

Drivers seeking additional capability can select the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package, which includes active roll stabilization, Race mode, AMG TRACK PACE and the AMG RACE ENGINEER system.

Together, these technologies help optimize traction, cornering precision and overall vehicle response.

Active aerodynamic systems help maximize efficiency, stability and overall driving performance.

A New Era For AMG Performance

The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe demonstrates how electrification can expand the possibilities of performance vehicles.

With advanced axial-flux motors, up to 1,169 horsepower, ultra-fast charging capability and sophisticated software integration, Mercedes-AMG has created a vehicle that showcases the future direction of the AMG brand.

As Mercedes-AMG continues its transition toward electrified performance, the new GT 4-Door Coupe stands among the most technologically advanced vehicles ever developed by the company.

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