Daily Drive: Lucid’s Model Y Rival Surfaces, Chevy’s New V8 Era, and a Diesel‑PHEV Ute with an Aussie Drawl

Strong coffee kind of morning in car world: patent drawings of a new Lucid crossover slip out, Chevrolet doubles down on V8s for its 2027 Silverado, and Chery slaps a wonderfully dusty Aussie name on a diesel plug‑in hybrid ute. Meanwhile, Suzuki gives the Jimny a special-edition bark, Honda wants your iPhone to film your off‑road glory, and the folks at Horse make the case that cleaner internal combustion can move the net‑zero needle faster. Oh, and Mobileye—the brains behind a lot of today’s driver-assist tech—wants to run its own robotaxis. Quiet news day? Not quite.

Lucid Cosmos Leak: A New Electric Crossover Aims Straight at Tesla Model Y

I spent a good while squinting at the patent images of what’s reportedly the Lucid Cosmos and, surprise, surprise: the proportions and packaging say “mid-size electric family hauler”—right in Model Y territory. Think: a cleaner, softer Lucid design language than the Air and Gravity, with the tidy aero work you’d expect from a company obsessed with efficiency.

Lucid needs a volume play beneath Gravity, and this looks like it. If the brand can nail cabin space, charging speeds, and price positioning—and keep that signature lucid steering feel—it could finally park itself in more suburban garages, not just tech moguls’ driveways.

Quick take

• Positioning: Mid-size electric crossover aimed at the Model Y crowd.
• Design vibe: Sleek, aero-first silhouettes from patent art; likely minimalist details.
• What matters most: Interior packaging, charging performance, and a price that doesn’t live on the moon.

EV Crossover Snapshot

Truck Talk: 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Gets New V8s, While Chery Preps a Diesel‑PHEV Ute

Two very different answers to the same question—how do we move big, useful vehicles into a lower‑emissions future?

2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Fresh V8 Power

The Silverado 1500 is rolling into 2027 with new V8 engines. No shock there—full-size pickups still live and die by torque, towing confidence, and long-haul durability. When I’ve run cross‑state miles in these trucks, a relaxed, low‑revving V8 just feels right—like a big-bore blues track under your right foot. Expect the latest in efficiency tweaks and refinement, because that’s the game now: keep the brawn, trim the thirst.

• New V8 family slots in for 2027 model year.
• Focus: Towing-friendly torque and smoother, more efficient cruising.
• Why it matters: A pragmatic step for buyers not ready (or able) to go full EV truck.

2027 Chery Stockman: A Diesel Plug‑In Hybrid Ute with a Very Aussie Name

A “Stockman” badge on a diesel‑PHEV ute? That’s a hat tip to the Outback’s working roots. Diesel‑hybrid might sound like a genre mashup, but for Australia’s long distances and towing needs, a battery boost paired with diesel efficiency can make daily commutes quieter and worksites less thirsty—without charging anxiety on the Birdsville Track.

• Powertrain: Diesel plug‑in hybrid (PHEV)—electric boost for short hops, diesel stamina for the long stuff.
• Use case: Tradies, station runs, and family weekends that mix highway and paddock.
• Timing: Targeted for 2027.

Small but Mighty: 2026 Suzuki Jimny Rhino Goes Big on Personality

The Jimny doesn’t need to prove its trail chops—it’s a baby goat on rock steps. The Rhino edition leans into the attitude with a unique appearance and even merch in the bundle. I’ve lost count of how many times a Jimny has embarrassed larger rigs on narrow climbs; a light footprint and simple geometry works. The Rhino asks a bit more coin, but for fans, the character payoff might be worth it.

• Exclusive looks: Special styling cues to separate it from the herd.
• Bonus gear: Branded merch baked into the deal.
• Reality check: Premium pricing for the attitude upgrade.

Trail Toys and Tech: Honda’s App Wants Your iPhone to Film the Mud-Slinging

Honda has cooked up an app that lets you film off‑road runs using an iPhone mounted on the exterior of your SUV. Sounds wild; also sounds like something the trail crew will use immediately. I’ve strapped action cams to rock rails and recovery points before—shots look epic, but you worry about exposure. Same story here: secure mount, sanity checks, and maybe a sacrificial screen protector.

• Idea: Use your iPhone outside the vehicle to record off‑road action.
• Upside: Fresh angles, easy sharing, likely deeper integration with vehicle modes.
• Watchouts: Weather, debris, and mount integrity—be smart about placement.

Autonomy Moves: Mobileye Wants to Run Its Own Robotaxis

After supplying driver-assist brains to half the industry, Mobileye is stepping into the arena with a robotaxi service of its own. That’s a big pivot—from Tier‑1 supplier to mobility operator. Expect carefully geofenced routes, meticulously mapped zones, and the usual rollout caution. If it nails the service piece, the company that powered everyone else might end up competing with them, too.

The Bridge to Net Zero: Horse Makes the Case for Better ICE

Autocar’s look at Horse—the powertrain specialist focused on more efficient internal combustion—lands on the crux of today’s transition: electrify where you can, clean up ICE where you can’t. It’s not as glossy as a 10‑minute fast charge, but it’s realistic for markets where infrastructure or cost make EVs a tough sell right now.

I see threads connecting all of today’s headlines: Silverado’s new V8s, Chery’s diesel‑PHEV ute, and even Suzuki’s plucky Jimny. Cleaner, smarter combustion alongside targeted electrification can take big bites out of emissions while the grid, chargers, and consumer budgets catch up. It’s not either‑or; it’s both, for a while.

Bottom Line

Lucid’s Cosmos hints at a proper family EV from a brand that knows efficiency. Chevy’s keeping the V8 flame alive—but cleaner—and Chery’s diesel‑PHEV ute speaks fluent Outback. The Jimny Rhino adds flair to a proven mountain goat, Honda’s app turns your iPhone into a trail cam, and Mobileye’s gunning to operate the robotaxis it once only powered. Somewhere between all that, Horse’s thesis holds: smarter ICE plus targeted electrification might be the pragmatic on‑ramp to net zero.

FAQ

What is the Lucid Cosmos?

A newly leaked Lucid model seen in patent images, appearing to be a mid‑size electric crossover positioned against the Tesla Model Y.

What’s new with the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

It’s been revealed with new V8 engines, signaling improved refinement and efficiency while maintaining towing-friendly performance.

How does a diesel PHEV ute like the Chery Stockman work?

It combines a battery‑electric drive portion for short trips with a diesel engine to extend range and support heavy‑duty use—aimed at reducing fuel use without compromising utility.

Is Honda’s off‑road filming app safe for my iPhone?

Used smartly, it can be—secure mounts and protective gear are key. Off‑road conditions are harsh, so placement and protection matter.

What’s Mobileye changing with robotaxis?

Beyond supplying technology to other automakers, it plans to run its own robotaxi service, likely within tightly mapped, geofenced areas to start.