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Why?
For years I have been wondering if Ford or General Motors would ever make a 4-door version of their Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro respectively? A sedan version that looked just like their coupés. Oddly enough, I never had any desire to buy them, but was curious to see if they would ever do it. Not only did we get rumors that Ford was going to make a 4-door version of the Ford Mustang in 2019, but that it was going to be an all-electric crossover. An extremely daring, even “controversial” move to some people. But, you know what? I am glad they did it. I am glad that they decided to give their iconic coupé that dates all the back to 1964, a pure-electric, utilitarian version of it. Even though the Ford brand is not on my list of consideration, I applaud them for this daring move.
Reception?
Much of the world’s reception was very positive. Elon Musk shared his excitement for it in a Tweet by congratulating them, and hoping for other manufacturers to electrify their lineup. Ford themselves reported that not only was the crossover well received, but that Mustang Mach-E First Edition reservations are full. Good for them. Ford seems to be one of very few legacy automakers taking electrification seriously. The fact that they invested a steep 500 million into Rivian to build an all-electric Lincoln, also shows this. I do not know if this is for one vehicle or not. Will Ford go as far to electrify their lineup? That is major question that has not been answered.
Mach-E Gave Me Ideas
After seeing Ford do this, it inspired me to create a “wish list” of vehicles that I would love to see create an all-electric utilitarian version of an existing, or past vehicle. Before I proceed with the list of no specific order, I should mention what I mean by “utilitarian”. By utilitarian, I want to see either a crossover, sport utility vehicle, or pickup truck of that vehicle. I will specify accordingly. For some vehicles, I would prefer to see them become a pickup truck. For others, maybe a crossover or sport utility vehicle would suit them better.
Sport Utility Vehicle Versus Crossover
Even though most people that clicked on this blog post already know the difference, I will quickly explain to those who do not. Despite how a number of manufacturers use crossover and SUV interchangeably, they are mechanically different. An SUV (called off-roaders or 4X4s in some markets) has a body-on-frame construction just like most trucks. This gives them far more rugged capabilities with towing, hauling and off-roading, just like their truck counterparts. They are also capable of towing at least 2267 kilograms. True, there are some pickup trucks such as the Honda Ridgeline and upcoming Tesla Cybertruck that utilize a unibody construction. But, that is a discussion for another write-up.
1. Bugatti Chiron
The Bugatti Chiron is synonymous with the word hypercar for a reason: it has mindblowing specifications:
- quad-turbocharged 8 litre W16 engine
- 1,118.55 kW
- 1,600 Nm of torque
- Consumes 22.2 L/100km (Mixed useage)
- $2,998,000 CAD?
- Weighs 1,995 kg
- Accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 2.4 seconds
Perhaps you did not even need to read the specifications to be convinced that this is an extreme machine. All you had to do was simply look at it. The angry, jeweled, squared, LED headlights, and menacing horseshoe mouth is enough. But what if it were to become a five-seating crossover with the exact same front fascia? And what if it were to lose that ocean-guzzling W16 engine? I would love to see Bugatti make a crossover of the Chiron. Because the engineers at Bugatti are all about refinement and luxury, you can count on it to be an ultra luxurious land jet. With an all-electric drivetrain and Bugatti engineering, I am not even sure if this thing would end up being road legal. One thing is certain, you could probably expect it to cost a good $3 million.
Probability
I would say there is a 25% chance this will happen. There is no official word, but it has been speculated that a 2nd model will come to Bugatti in the form of a crossover. More so, it could be entirely electric. And remember, Bugatti is apart of the Volkswagen Group after all, so hopefully they will push them into making an all-electric crossover.
2. Bugatti Centodieci
When you thought the price and looks of the Bugatti Chiron were already extreme, the Bugatti Centodieci appears. The front and rear fascia looks polarizing, but good in my view. Bugatti only made 10 of these, so only 0.01% of the population will ever own one. This vehicle looks unique and futuristic. Unfortunately, they cost $9,000,000 USD. So if that translates directly to Canadian dollars as of February 2020, that is $11,933,640 CAD. Bugatti should definitely make an all-electric crossover of the Bugatti Centodieci. This time, they should make 110 of them, since centodieci literally means one hundred ten in Italian. Furthermore, when the Bugatti Centodiece was filmed driving at Zoute Grand Prix Concours d’Elegance in Belgium, it was moving in complete silence. How so? Because it was powered by an electric motor. Therefore, if Bugatti really wanted to, they could have definitely made this car all-electric. It would probably shoot the price tag up to $13 million, though. Still, a crossover of this should be done.
Probability
There is a 0% chance this will happen. I really wish I could at least say 1%, but I had to keep it real and honest. The Bugatti Centodieci was meant to celebrate Bugatti’s 110th anniversary, thus making it impossible to make an all-electric crossover of it before the end of 2020.
3. Ferrari LaFerrari
Despite being touted as a “hyper hybrid” the Ferrari LaFerrari was never actually a true plug-in hybrid. In fact, Ferrari did not even have any intention to let it have an all-electric driving range, only to have reportedly change it last minute to include that feature. Well, I say that Ferrari should resurrect this LaFerrari, but this time turn it into an all-electric crossover. The list of exotic manufactures making crossover has grown large, but Ferrari is sticking out like an awkward thumb. Italian counterparts Maserati and Alfa Romeo make crossovers. These two also have plans to make all-electric vehicles.
Probability
I predict there is a 5% chance this will ever happen. Ferrari does not even have a single 4-door vehicle in its lineup, yet alone a 5-seating, all-electric crossover. Recent (February 2020) searching shows that Ferrari is finally going to make crossover, but that will almost certainly be either gasoline, or a hybrid at best. If they could make it all-electric, and give it angry, pulled back headlights like that of the Ferrari LaFerrai, that would be fantastic. And let us not forget that retractable wing of the Ferrari LaFerrai.
4. McLaren P1
Unlike its Italian rival, the McLaren P1 could actually be plugged in like an electric car. Too bad they did not go all out and make the car entirely electric to begin with. Well, why not make an all-electric crossover of it? McLaren could even call it the McLaren P1T. The major problem? McLaren thinks the idea of making a utility vehicle is atrocious. Mark Roberts, head of design operations for McLaren Automotive, said no. And to make matter worse, Darren Goddard director of McLaren’s Sports Series division, said that they are uncool, unpure, non-exclusive, volume chasers.
It is really sad that they view utility vehicles like that. While it is great to see that they will embrace an all-electric powertrain, they really should change their view towards utility vehicles. If they think they are ugly, volume chasers, then why not show the world how you think utility vehicles should be done? Perhaps when electric ultra-luxury utility vehicles eat away at what they thought was a hardcore audience, they will realize it is mistake to not make one.
Probability
I say there is a 1% chance this will happen. Remember when former Fiat-Chrysler leader Sergio Marchionne said that a Ferrari utility vehicle would never happen? Later, the company then said it would happen after all. While McLaren may say they are a staunch holdout, their current managers will not be managers of McLaren forever. Even if they do decide to stay in their positions for the next 10+ years, something within the decade can cause them to radically change their minds. Unless they would rather fade into history as a former high-performance, pure coupé, British automotive company.
5. Lotus Exige Cup 430
Lotus is famous for making very lightweight, high-performance cars. Case in point, the Lotus Exige Cup 430 weighs approximately 1100 kilograms. For a comparison, the average light duty crew cab pickup truck tends to come out at 2200kg minimum. Lotus may have a history and reputation for such lightweight vehicles, but you know what? I believe they should do something people may call revolting, and make a crossover that resembles the Lotus Exige Cup 430. Why? Because Lotus is clearly an expert at making lightweight, high-performance cars that cost less than $200,000. Thing is, would they ever actually create such a thing? Surprisingly, it is quite likely. I will explain below.
Probability
For starters, the Lotus Evija is a thing; an all-electric Lotus. No, it is not a crossover, but it is proof that Lotus did not want to wait 10 – 20 years to make an all-electric vehicle. Secondly, Lotus crossover mules have been spied last year. Therefore, I predict that it is 90% likely that we will see an all-electric Lotus crossover. The only problem is, will it have the looks of an Exige? Likely not, so if I had to make a probability on that account, I would say 10%. Either way, the fact that it is highly likely that Lotus will make an all-electric crossover is very good. When? That I have no idea, as those mules were not all-electric, nor has Lotus said anything about such a thing.
6. Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
The Lamborghini Aventador looks really cool. The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ looks even more incredible, due to the presence of a wing at the back. And as you may or may not already know, Lamborghini did used to manufacture pickup trucks. Sounds like I am talking absolute nonsense? Search for Lamborghini LM002 and see for yourself. For that reason, I would love for Lamborghini to make an all-electric pickup truck that resembles the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. Why not? General Motors is serious and official about reviving the Hummer as an all-electric truck. Lamborghini certainly could, and should, do the same.
Probability
I would say that there is 50% chance this will happen. Lamborghini has built pickup trucks in the past. Check. Lamborghini presently has a utilitarian vehicle in their lineup called the Lamborghini Urus. Check. Not only that, it actually looks like a Lamborghini, too. Check. Their parent company Volkswagen Group is taking electrification seriously. Check. However, Lamborghini does seem to be really in love with its V10 Huracáns and V12 Aventadors. This makes it seem like they would rather ride out those engines for as long as they can, instead of making an all-electric vehicle. Yes, they do have an all-electric concept called the Lamborghini Terzo Millennio. But, there is no word on whether or not it will even come into production this decade. For these reasons, I would say it is 50%-50% it will happen. Perhaps the Cybertruck, Rivian, Hummer EV, and all-electric Ford F-150 might convince them to make an all-electric Lamborghini pickup truck sooner.
7. Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
Immediately upon seeing this you must almost certainly be thinking, “Alfa Romeo already makes the Stelvio. Why not realistically wish for an all-electric version of that?” Well, yes, you are correct. Alfa Romeo does already have a crossover in their lineup. However, it is simply just that: a gasoline-powered crossover. I want Alfa Romeo to make an all-electric sport utility vehicle of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. Why? I love the front fascia of this vehicle, and want to see it applied to an electric SUV.
Probability
Alfa Romeo has stated that they do have official plans to offer all-electric powertrains this decade. Actual body-on-frame SUVs? No idea. Does not seem like it at the moment. There were some rumors that the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione could return this decade Likely not with an all-electric truck version, though. That said, Alfa Romeo does not abhor utility or electricity, so I will say there is a 12% chance we could see this happen.
8. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
The Tesla Model X is the only utility vehicle on the market with gullwing doors. This is incredibly sad! Mercedes-Benz presently has only one SUV in their lineup called the Geländewagen. Zero pickup trucks. Therefore, why not take the frame of the Geländewagen, headlights and gullwings of the SLS AMG, and make an all-electric Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Pickup truck? Considering that the upcoming Tesla Cybertruck and GMC Hummer EV are both high-performance trucks, this actually makes more sense than you might have previously thought. Mercedes-Benz has over 100 years of engineering experience, and is presently working hard to electrify their lineup. This needs to happen.
Probability
While I was writing the paragraph above, there is a critical thing I have not realized: Mercedes-Benz already makes a pickup truck. It is called the Mercedes-Benz X-Class. Therefore the odds of them making an electric-pickup truck will actually be fairly high. With gullwing doors? I have no idea. I will say the probability of this German automaker building an all-electric pickup truck is 75%. Hopefully with gullwing doors, as this would be an excellent way to differentiate from a market that is about to get crowded. Presently, no pickup truck has gullwing doors. Do it Mercedes!
9. BMW Hommage 3.0 CSL
Never heard of such a vehicle? Take a moment to look at pictures of it. This vehicle is bound to bring a lot emotions when staring at the dramatic front fascia of it. If you ask me, it looks undeniably cool. BMW should take it further by taking those twin circle X headlights, huge grille, and that sinister smile by placing it on a menacing all-electric BMW sporting pickup truck. Yes, that front fascia would do very well on big vehicle like a pickup truck. In fact, it would make it all the more intimidating to look at. Having the lights run horizontally across the tailgate is also a must. However, making an all-electric BMW Hommage 3.0 CSL pickup would also give it an intimidating price tag. Probably no less than $500,000 minimum.
Probability
First thing first, if BMW were to make a truck with the same headlights, smile, and taillights as this coupé, it almost certainly would not be called the Hommage for very obvious reasons. That is perfectly fine with me. The probability of this happening? 5% chance. Why so slim? There is no official word on when BMW will make a pickup truck, yet alone one that looks as cool as the BMW Hommage 3.0 CSL. BMW does plan to expand its all-electric lineup, which includes its crossovers, but will it add a truck like this? Highly unlikely, but not impossible.
10. Koenigsegg Jesko
What form of utility would I like to see of this? An SUV. Yes, they must not be shy about it. I hear that there are plans to do a sedan, but I, and others, do not want to see a sedan. Alright, many people like sedans. Nothing wrong with that. But, I want to see this hypercar-making Swedish company do something more daring: go full-out to make an all-electric SUV. Now unfortunately, it does not sound like Koenigsegg has plans to make an all-electric vehicle anytime soon, yet alone an SUV. I believe Christian von Koenigsegg said that sporty SUVs are pointless at one point.
The reason? Making it good enough to perform well on the track would make it useless off-road. I disagree. This is why it is specifically important to go with a real SUV and not a crossover if that is what they were worried. To keep weight down significantly, it can be made entirely out of aluminum and carbon fibre. The addition of a frame would make it tough enough to go off-road. Koenigsegg has the potential to show the world how the “hyper SUV” is done. The problem? Their lack of interest and feelings of revolt towards utility vehicles.
Why is it that McLaren and Koenigsegg alike insist that a hyper SUV would have to be equally amazing on both track and off-road? Nobody expects sedans and coupés to be equally amazing at both. Why utility vehicles? The Lamborghini Urus, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Bentley Bentayga are three ultra luxury utility vehicles that can do both. They may not be masters at both, but the capability is there.
Probability
I would say there is a 2% chance we will ever see an all-electric sport utility vehicle from Koenigsegg, especially one that resembles the Yesko.
List Summary
All-electric crossovers: Bugatti Chiron, Bugatti Centodieci, Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1, and Lotus Exige Cup 430.
All-electric sport utility vehicles: Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione and Koenigsegg Jesko.
All-electric pickup trucks: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, and BMW Hommage 3.0 CSL.
How About You?
Is there any vehicle, no matter how unlikely, you would love to see get an all-electric utility version? What about this list? Do you think that some of them would be better coming as pickup trucks, SUVs or crossovers? Comment and let me know.