Richard Truett

When the auto industry trains its product development guns on a component, that item usually gets smaller, lighter, simpler, more powerful and more efficient. That's what's happening today to the electric motor, which is really just now starting what will likely be a very long journey in the automobile.

The Cadillac Celestiq EV, with a big price tag and an ultra-exclusive customer experience to match, represents the future direction of the brand.

Higher-priced trims will offer up to 480 kilometres of range, Super Cruise hands-free driving technology and a 17.7-inch touch screen.

Former GM CEO Rick Wagoner challenged his company's R&D operations to reinvent the automobile. The skateboard was a team effort, says Larry Burns, who ran the automaker's R&D and planning from 1998 to 2009.

The skateboard chassis just might be the most important piece of automotive hardware created this century. Not only is it key to making EVs viable, but it has helped kick open the door to dozens of new automakers.

Land Rover's Defender lineup continues to grow. A V-8 model arrived this year. Next came the eight-passenger long-wheelbase 130. The latest Defender is the 2023 Trophy Edition.

Windsor Machine Group, an Ontario supplier, has developed what may be the first headrest system that moves closer to an occupant's head before an accident occurs. The system could reduce or even eliminate whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions.

The third Defender model, designed for families with camping and other gear, stretches the wheelbase and interior room. The eight-seat Defender starts at $94,950 including shipping and arrives this summer.

Stellantis vehicles that are front-engine, rear-wheel drive, such as pickups and SUVs, will be available in the 2023 model year with a new 3.0-litre inline-six, the first for a Jeep or Dodge since 2006.

As designers and engineers work to make EVs more energy efficient by improving aerodynamics, the scoop is no longer needed.

The 2022 Range Rover ditches permanent four-wheel drive, adds a third row of seats and gains four-wheel steering. The styling is shorn of excess lines and creases and now sports a very smooth, aerodynamic look. Hybrids and full-electric versions are on the way.

While the new Z06 won't go much faster than its Stingray stablemate's 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds, it offers a different kind of high performance.

The crossover's 160-kilometre-range is well below similarly priced vehicles that can go at least twice as far on a charge

Without a dealership network to act as an early warning system to catch software glitches and manufacturing issues, Rivian will task its new Guides with monitoring vehicle quality, in addition to building personal relationships with clients.

Dealer-FX's service lane software platform is used by dealerships selling brands from at least nine major manufacturers, including Stellantis, General Motors, Toyota and Hyundai.