Alev Kochoolu – Page 20 – Automobiles Review

Ford Mustang Mach-E GT

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT1

Ford today revealed for the first time in Europe the high-performance Mustang Mach-E GT that will deliver 3.7‑second 0-62 mph acceleration¹ when introduced to the region in late 2021.

No other vehicle in its class can accelerate faster than the Mustang Mach-E GT, featuring a 465 PS, all-wheel drive, battery-electric powertrain for drivers ready to take full advantage of the performance benefits of all-electric driving.

Mustang Mach-E GT will be supported by an industry-leading ecosystem delivering seamless, integrated access to charging across Europe – for complete peace of mind on the move. Ford today announced Mustang Mach-E customers placing an order this year and into 2021 will receive five years of free access² to the FordPass Charging Network that has grown by almost 25 per cent in less than one year – to now include more than 155,000 charge stations across Europe.

Mach-E customers will also receive one year of free access² to the IONITY fast-charging network that has now established more than 270 charging stations en route to a targeted 400 by the end of this year.

The Mustang Mach-E GT made its European debut today in Rotterdam, Netherlands, as Ford continued its Go Electric roadshow with hands-on, engaging activities to help de-mystify electrification and inspire confidence in consumers about the different types of electrified powertrains available and their benefits.

“The new Mustang Mach-E GT shows what all-electric performance really looks like, but performance counts for nothing without the confidence to use it. Our charging initiatives mean Mustang Mach-E customers can enjoy the electrified Mustang driving experience with the knowledge that they can recharge quickly and easily across Europe,” said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe.

Electrifying performance
Mustang Mach-E GT delivers the spirited performance and character of the iconic Mustang sports car alongside the ability to carry five occupants in all-electric refinement. A 465 PS, dual-motor powertrain applies 830 Nm of available torque independently to the front and rear axles for even more responsive handling, and 0-62 mph acceleration equal to the Tesla Model Y. Top speed is limited to 200 km/h (124 mph).

A bespoke specification includes MagneRide adaptive suspension, 20‑inch alloy wheels, red-painted brake callipers and unique exterior colours including Grabber Blue and Cyber Orange. Inside, a 15.5-inch full HD touch display supports a next generation SYNC communication and entertainment system³ that actually learns from driver behaviours to make smart suggestions. The enhanced interior also features Ford Performance seats and a unique steering wheel with suede inserts.

Mustang Mach-E GT features as standard an 88 kWh (useable) extended-range battery for a targeted WLTP pure-electric driving range of up to 310 miles,⁴supported by Intelligent Range, which more accurately predicts how much range drivers have using past driving behaviour, weather forecasts and crowdsourced data from other Mustang Mach-E vehicles.

Ford also today announced that the standard Mustang Mach-E equipped with an extended-range battery and all-wheel drive delivers 5.1-second 0‑62 mph acceleration⁵ – equal to the Tesla Model Y Long Range model – and a targeted WLTP pure-electric driving range of up to 540 km (335 miles).⁴

The company is delivering peace of mind for its all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle customers via the FordPass Charging Network – the largest network of public charging stations in Europe with approximately 30,000 stations added since October 2019.

In partnership with NewMotion, Ford customers will be able to use the FordPass app to effortlessly locate, navigate to, pay for and monitor charging at locations across 21 countries – initiating and paying for services from a single account² for a simplified ownership experience.

Ford is also a founder member and shareholder in the IONITY consortium – delivering high-power charging stations along motorway routes and at key European locations. The FordPass Charging Network and IONITY initiatives could be particularly beneficial to electrified vehicle owners who do not have the facility for a private charge point at home or at work.

Charging with up to 150 kW at an IONITY station, Mustang Mach-E in extended-range battery, rear-wheel drive configuration is estimated to add an average of 73 miles driving range within approximately 10 minutes of charging⁶ and has a targeted WLTP pure-electric driving range of up to 379 miles.⁴

No one-size-fits-all solution
Ford believes a broad range of electrified powertrain solutions is the most effective path to a more energy-efficient future for drivers. Ford is introducing 17 new electrified models to the region by the end of next year.

Earlier this year the company called on governments, industries and institutions to support the push for electrification with faster expansion of public charging infrastructures. In the meantime, Ford’s diverse range of hybrid vehicles is helping greater numbers of customers save fuel costs, support clean air initiatives and transition to electrification with confidence.

Seventy-five per cent of Puma models sold up to August this year are equipped with a Ford EcoBoost 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain. Fifty-five per cent of new Kuga sales in the same period have been Kuga Plug-In Hybrid models.

A U.K. trial of 20 Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid vans covering more than 150,000 miles found that 75 per cent of the fleet’s mileage in Central London was completed using pure electric power – dramatically reducing tailpipe emissions in the inner city.

Full hybrid variants of the Ford S-MAX and Galaxy models are joining the Mondeo Hybrid early next year, following a €42 million investment in Ford’s Valencia manufacturing plant, Spain – including a state-of-the-art battery assembly facility.

“The sales speak for themselves. We believe customers are finding mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains fit seamlessly with their lifestyles, and that’s why we’re seeing really encouraging take-up of our electrified models,” Rowley said.

Ultimate electric propulsion
Also making its European debut in Rotterdam is the all-electric Mustang Mach-E 1400 – a one-of-a-kind prototype with more than 1,400 PS of power.

The result of 10,000 hours of collaboration by Ford Performance and tuning specialists RTR Vehicles, Mustang Mach-E 1400 is aimed at bridging the gap between what an electric vehicle can do and what customers tend to believe it can do.

Aerodynamics are optimised for shape and location, and seven motors have a huge range of adjustability to set the car up for everything from drifting to high-speed track racing.

“One is a production model, the other an extreme prototype, but our Mustang Mach-E GT and Mustang Mach-E 1400 have something in common, which is immediate, adaptable power delivery, creating a driving experience that has to be experienced to be believed,” Rowley said.

October 15, 2020

Volvo Polestar Precept

Polestar has confirmed it will put the Precept into production. Revealed earlier this year, the Polestar Precept started life as a manifesto to illustrate the brand’s future vision and was described as a commitment car, not a concept car.

Showcasing the Swedish electric performance brand’s future design direction, Precept also highlights Polestar’s path for digital technology and the use of innovative sustainable materials, inside and out.

“‘Stunning. Spectacular. Cutting-edge. We’d like to see it on the road!’ – this is what the press wrote about Precept and the public said, ‘We want it’, so we decided to build it,” comments Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO.

“Consumers want to see a change from this industry – not just dreams. Now, Precept becomes an even stronger statement. We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our cars and our business. The aim has to be climate neutrality, even though I recognize that is a long-term goal.”

The interior of Polestar Precept features a mix of sustainable materials including recycled PET bottles, reclaimed fishing nets, and recycled cork vinyl. A flax-based composite developed by external partner Bcomp Ltd has featured in many interior and some exterior parts. Polestar’s ambition is to bring much of this sustainability into production.

With product development underway, Polestar confirms it will produce Precept in China, where a new production facility will be established. The aim is to ensure the facility will be carbon neutral and one of the most intelligent and connected automotive production facilities in the world.

This climate-positive narrative was started by Polestar’s original manufacturing facility in Chengdu where the Polestar 1 is produced. Inaugurated in 2019, the Polestar Production Centre became the first LEED Gold-rated automotive production facility in China and runs on 100% renewable energy.

“China is a home market for Polestar and we recognize the increasingly important drive for greater sustainability here,” continues Thomas Ingenlath, speaking at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition 2020. “With this new factory, we will again raise the bar, aiming to produce the most advanced and premium electric car in China with the lowest carbon footprint.”

October 15, 2020

Audi Q5 familiarity

The reassuringly robust foundations of an SUV and the charismatic curves of a coupé – Audi has already successfully combined these elements to create striking new Sportback versions of its Q3 and e-tron models, and the mid-size Q5 is now following suit. The new Q5 Sportback will appeal to customers who appreciate the innately family-friendly utility and sophisticated technology of the standard Q5 but also admire the expressive and distinctive design of more purebred sports cars. It will line up alongside its perennially popular SUV counterpart with a choice of Sport, S line, Vorsprung and Edition One specification options in the first half of 2021.

“Form often carries as much weight as function for Audi customers, many of whom have been drawn to the brand by our longstanding commitment to combining design that innovates and inspires with fundamental everyday versatility and usability,” says Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle. “In new Sportback form the ever popular Q5 makes a far more expressive statement visually, but remains impressively fit for whatever life throws at it. Like the Q3 and e-tron Sportbacks it really is a best-of-both-worlds proposition.”

The Q5 Sportback has great presence, as is typical of the Q models from Audi. Large air inlets flank the octagonal Singleframe, and the headlights with their distinctive daytime running light signature feature LED technology, with matrix LED units reserved for S line models and above. The continuous, elegantly sweeping shoulder line emphasises the wheels, and the side sill trim on the doors suggests resilience and solidity. The glasshouse extends low over the body and begins its downward slope early so that the third side window tapers sharply to the rear. The sloping rear window and the seemingly high-mounted rear bumper give the Q5 Sportback a very dynamic and powerful appearance. This is particularly true of models equipped to S line specification and above, which combine an even more distinctive rear bumper treatment with exclusive detail enhancements to the Singleframe and side air intakes. In Vorsprung and Edition 1 versions, these are complemented by a black styling package as is customary in the UK Audi range.

Innovative: rear lights with digital OLED technology
The state-of-the-art technological sophistication of the new Q5 Sportback is underscored further in Vorsprung versions by rear lights featuring innovative digital OLED technology. The units each incorporate three organic light-emitting diodes, each of which is divided into six segments that can be controlled individually and configured differently. Customers can choose from three different rear light signatures at the point of order, all of which include a dynamic coming-and-leaving-home lighting sequence and an additional safety feature – if another vehicle approaches from the rear to within two metres of the stationary Q5 Sportback, all OLED segments illuminate as a proximity warning.

At 4.69 metres in length, the Q5 Sportback is seven millimetres longer than its sister model. Its height and width are identical, but its coefficient of drag is lower at 0.30. The long wheelbase of 2.82 metres facilitates ample room for five in the cabin, the focal point of which is the cleanly styled two-section dashboard with its freestanding 10.1-inch MMI display. As in the recently updated Q5 SUV, incorporation of the third generation modular infotainment system or MIB 3 has rendered the rotary MMI control dial obsolete and enabled the introduction of full touch-screen functionality for the monitor, as well as a greatly enhanced natural language voice control system.

This latest system is able to access information from the cloud to inform its responses, and can be activated by either pressing a button on the steering wheel or by saying “Hey Audi.”

The Audi Virtual Cockpit plus with its panoramic 12.3-inch display is standard for all versions in the UK, as are MMI Navigation Plus and Audi connect internet connectivity, meaning that when guiding the driver the Q5 Sportback can display high-resolution satellite images from Google Earth and use the swarm intelligence of the Audi fleet to deliver lane-by-lane information on traffic flow and traffic forecasts in real time, as well as providing alerts for upcoming hazards such as slippery roads and fog. Useful resources such as a news feed, weather and travel updates, local fuel pricing listings and an on-street parking assistant that gauges the likelihood of finding a space at a given location also form part of the Audi connect package.

Vorsprung versions raise the bar even further technologically, adding features such as a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a head-up display, Audi Phone Box wireless handset charging and a host of advanced driver assistance upgrades covering everything from manoevring into a parking space and then reversing out again to turning at junctions, monitoring blindspots and observing motorway lane boundaries. A step up from the standard cruise control to adaptive cruise assist is also included, enabling the Q5 Sportback to largely take over the tasks of accelerating, decelerating and steering within the limits of what is currently legally permissible. Its presence also helps another high-tech Vorsprung highlight – the predictive efficiency assistant – to automatically adjust the driving speed to suit the situation, the topography of the route, speed limits and road users up ahead, helping to reduce fuel consumption by as much as ten percent.

Flexible space configuration: rear seat bench plus
The standard powered tailgate glides upwards to reveal a luggage compartment with a volume of 510 litres, which increases to 1,480 litres when the rear seats are folded down. Vorsprung versions offer increased variability thanks to their sliding rear bench seat plus, which has a 40:20:40 configuration and offers a movable seat base and adjustable backrest angle, liberating extra space for passengers or luggage as required. When its base is positioned as far forwards as possible luggage capacity can be increased by as much as 60 litres to a maximum of 570 litres. The optional storage and luggage compartment package keeps things orderly and holds luggage securely.

The engine lineup: one TDI and two TFSI units
The Q5 Sportback is set to launch in the UK with two powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines – a TDI and a TFSI – each with 204PS and therefore identifiable by 40 TDI and 40 TFSI designations. The potent SQ5 Sportback with its 347PS twin-turbo V6 TDI will also form part of the first wave. Plug-in hybrid TFSIe variants with a choice of two outputs will follow a little later.

The four-cylinder engines are combined with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, while the V6 TDI in the SQ5 Sportback works with an eight-speed tiptronic. All versions are shored up by quattro all-wheel-drive, with some featuring an on demand system that can disengage the rear axle in everyday driving conditions for maximum efficiency, and reconnect it predictively within fractions of a second when required. To further boost economy a mild hybrid system employing a belt alternator starter also stores electrical energy generated during braking in a lithium ion battery. With its help the Q5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback can coast with the engine idling or completely shut down, and are able to more fully reap the benefit of start-stop technology by disengaging their engines during deceleration at a higher speed of 13mph and below while also restarting impressively smoothly.

The 2.0 TDI in the Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro is not only efficient, but also particularly clean. It meets the limits of the latest emissions regulation Euro 6d-ISC-FCM or EU 6 AP. Thanks to a twin-dosing SCR system with double AdBlue injection, nitrogen oxide emissions are further reduced as appropriate for the respective operating situation. The urea solution is injected into each of two SCR catalytic converters arranged one behind the other in the exhaust system: one close to the exhaust manifold and one farther away from the engine in the exhaust system.

More ground clearance off-road: the adaptive air suspension
Comfort for the long haul is assured in all versions of the new Q5 Sportback thanks to its exceptionally lightweight multilink front and rear suspension, which from S line level upwards has a tauter sport tuning. A set-up with adaptive damper control is also available for even keener tracking of the road surface, while an adaptive air suspension system that can vary the ride height of the bodyshell in five stages and by up to 60 millimetres features in Q5 Sportback Vorsprung models. The SQ5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback Vorsprung are equipped with an S-specific version of this versatile system, which can even make loading easier by lowering the rear axle individually by 55 millimetres at the touch of a button in the luggage compartment.

The Audi drive select dynamic handling system puts the driver in control of several technical components, including the air suspension in Vorsprung and SQ5 variants, and forms part of the standard equipment package for all models. The driver can choose from up to seven profiles.

October 15, 2020

Mazda 100th Anniversary

2021 Mazda 100th Anniversary1

Built to celebrate Mazda’s centenary, the 100th Anniversary Special Edition series is a range of special versions of all the key passenger cars in the firm’s global line-up and they’ve now arrived in the UK. Designed to celebrate the company’s centenary, the 100th Anniversary models adopt a white-and-burgundy two-tone exterior/interior combination, inspired by high-grade versions of Mazda’s first passenger car: the Mazda R360 Coupe.

With Snowflake White Pearlescent exterior paint contrasted with burgundy interior carpet and burgundy leather seats, the 100th cars are a stand-out celebration of Mazda’s centenary. Additionally, the 100th Anniversary Special Edition models feature a host of bespoke touches to further add to their exclusivity. This includes the unique 100th Anniversary badge featuring on the burgundy floormats, on the key fob, and embossed into the headrests. Externally, the same badge is on the wheel centers and the side of the car. Additionally, the 100th Anniversary MX-5 Convertible features a Dark Cherry fabric roof.

Revealed in Japan earlier this year, the first 100th Anniversary Special Edition models have now arrived in UK dealerships. The £29,995 Mazda3 is powered by the 180ps Skyactiv-X engine and with just 100 examples of this car being sold in the UK, it becomes the unique halo for the award-winning Mazda3 range. Likewise, the £31,695 100th Anniversary Mazda CX-30 shares the same Spark Controlled Compression Ignition SPCCI Skyactiv-X engine and the rarity of just 100 cars being sold in the UK.

Sure to be popular with British sports car fans, all 100 examples of the £29,995 100th Anniversary MX-5 Convertible are powered by the 184bhp 2.0-liter engine and join the 1.5-liter R-Sport in the limited-edition MX-5 range currently offered in the UK. Even more rare, just five examples of the £20,995 Mazda2 and £33,995 Mazda6 100th Anniversary will arrive later in the Autumn, while five examples of the 100th Anniversary Mazda CX-5 will arrive by the end of 2020.

Each vehicle will arrive with a bespoke key presentation box to be used on vehicle handover. Following delivery, the customer will also receive a beautifully crafted, limited edition book documenting the 100th anniversary of Mazda, as well as a 1:43 model of the Mazda R360 that inspired this range of special edition models.

Destined to be some of the most exclusive Mazdas on UK roads, all of these cars wear the unique 100th Anniversary badge inside and out, this special 100th Anniversary symbol overlays the current Mazda badge atop the original round logo of the Toyo Kogyo company. The design of which reflected the desire of Mazda founder Jujiro Matsuda to contribute to the world through engineering and the determination to constantly strive forwards.

Returning to his native city of Hiroshima having had a successful career in engineering in Osaka, where having started as an apprentice blacksmith, he founded his own foundry company, Matsuda joined the Toyo Cork Kogyo cork company. After renaming the company Toyo Kogyo in 1927, he led the company into machinery manufacturing, which ultimately led to the production of three-wheeled trucks, building the basis of the Mazda we know today.

Launched in 1960, the Mazda R360 was the firm’s first production car, this stylish coupe micro-car proved to be a huge sales success, and the white body/red roof two-tone design of high-grade versions has 60 years later inspired the exterior-interior color combination of Mazda’s 100th Anniversary models. With just 100 examples of each coming to the UK, the Mazda MX-5 Convertible, Mazda CX-30 and Mazda3 100th Anniversary Special Edition’s will offer a desirable blend of stand-out design and exclusivity for UK Mazda fans.

Commenting on the 100th Anniversary Special Editions, Mazda UK Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson, said: “ Mazda Corporation has created these special models as a token of appreciation for the customers who have supported Mazda through the years. We are proud to now have special versions of the MX-5 Convertible, CX-30, and Mazda3 in our UK showrooms. UK buyers have always loved special edition MX-5s so I’m sure that with its distinctive cherry roof and burgundy interior, the 100th Anniversary Special Edition Convertible will be very popular, while the first opportunity to have distinctive limited-edition versions of our latest cars: the Mazda3 and Mazda CX-30 are equally exciting”.

Adding, “Mazda’s have been sold in the UK for over 50 years and today, just as in the past, UK owners love the style, quality and driver involvement of our cars. Since the inception of Mazda UK in 2001, we’ve sold more than 795,000 cars in the UK, so it’s great to be able to celebrate the centenary of Mazda Corporation by offering these special models, at the same time as looking forward to our exciting future, including the launch early in 2021 of our first electric vehicle: the Mazda MX-30.

October 14, 2020

Mercedes-Benz S-Class new Generation

Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse, V223, 2020

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is now on sale, with prices starting from £78,705 on-the-road for the standard wheelbase S 350 d AMG Line.

The S 350 d features an inline six-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 286 hp and 600 Nm of torque. It emits 173 g/km of CO2 and delivers between 40.4 and 42.8 combined mpg (39.2 and 39.8 mpg for LWB). It can reach 62 mph from a standstill in 6.4 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Priced from £94,135 OTR, the S 400 d 4MATIC – only available in long-wheelbase – uses an inline six-cylinder diesel engine, producing 330 hp and 700 Nm. It emits 192 g/km of CO2 and delivers between 37.7 and 38.7 mpg on the combined cycle. It can travel from 0 to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds and also has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

The petrol-powered S 500 4MATIC – with prices starting from £89,105 – produces 435 hp and 520 Nm of torque and can sprint to 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds. The S 500 uses EQ Boost which features an integrated starter-generator powered by the 48 V on-board electrical system – thus also enables certain hybrid functions, ultimately improving overall performance and efficiency. As a result, the S 500 delivers between 32.8 and 34.9 mpg (31.7 and 32.5 mpg for the long wheel-base variant) and emits 184 g/km of CO2.

All models come as standard with a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission. The S 400 d and S 500 are also now available with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.

The new S-Class features the next generation of Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen central display, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, plus an MBUX tablet – which can be used as a fully-fledged tablet outside of the vehicle, including the ability to download Android apps (MBUX tablet is available as part of the Executive line). The driver display is also optionally available with 3D technology, including facial recognition which can monitor driver drowsiness and exterior mirror settings.

The ‘Hey Mercedes’ virtual assistant is also more intelligent than ever, now recognizing instructions or requests from any seat in the car.

The Driving Assistance Package is now standard equipment on all S-Class variants and includes updates to various features such as:

Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC – responds to stationary road users to prevent collisions up to 80 mph (previously 37 mph)
Traffic Sign Assist – now warns of inadvertently running a stop sign or red light
Active Lane Keeping Assist – uses active steering intervention (instead of braking intervention) and can indicate potential hazards via the ambient lighting
Active Evasive Steering Assist – responds to cyclists and ends of tailbacks in addition to pedestrians. The operating range on urban routes has been expanded to 67 mph (previously 44 mph)

Standard equipment on AMG Line short wheelbase – 350 d and 500 4MATIC only – includes 19-inch AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels; Nappa Leather upholstery; 12.8-inch OLED media display with augmented navigation and 12.3-inch driver display; KEYLESS-GO with seamless door handles and soft-close doors; heated seats front and rear; memory seats and wireless charging in the front; Driving Assistance package; MBUX premium; MULTIBEAM Intelligent Light System and reversing camera.

AMG Line Premium (available on short and long-wheelbase models, from £85,200) offers
20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels; Burmester® 3D Surround sound system with sound personalization; a panoramic sliding sunroof; 12.3-inch 3D driver display; remote parking package including 360° camera and active ambient lighting. Long wheelbase models add electrically adjustable rear seats with memory, luxury head restraints, and climatized rear outer seats.

AMG Line Premium Plus adds augmented reality head-up display; DIGITAL LIGHT with ULTRA RANGE high beam; 21-inch AMG multispoke alloy wheels; ENERGIZING Comfort Package; AIR BALANCE; heated center armrest (front only) and heated front and rear door armrests, plus heated steering wheel and windscreen; active multi-contour, climatized front seats and luxury head restraints. AMG Line Premium Plus is only available on long-wheelbase models and starts from £95,695.

For another £3,795, the range-topping Executive line can be added to either Premium or Premium Plus long-wheelbase models and includes MBUX rear tablet with 7-inch touchscreen; electric sunblinds in rear doors and rear window; double sun visors with pivoting section; chauffeur package with a foldable, removable head restraint on the front passenger seat; the front passenger seat adjustable from the rear; and electrically extendable footrest on the back of the front passenger seat.

October 14, 2020

Hyundai i30 N

2021 Hyundai i30 N1

Hyundai Motor has unveiled the new i30 N, which comes with an enhanced design, a new wet-type eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (N DCT), and new advanced driver assistance and safety features, providing drivers with a better experience whether they’re on the road or on the track. With a variety of new features to improve both every day and high-performance driving situations, the new i30 is truly a racetrack-capable everyday sports car.

The i30 N became Hyundai’s first high-performance production car when it launched in 2017. So far, over 25,000 i30 N units have been sold in Europe.

The new i30 N builds on the success of its predecessor. As well as offering a range of design and driving enhancements, it is also equipped with more lightweight materials, resulting in more agility and better handling.

Like the previous version, the new i30 N is available in both hatchback and fastback body types.

“Since its market debut in 2017, the Hyundai N original high-performance car has received multiple outstanding reviews and awards. Drivers seeking maximum fun-to-drive on the road as well as on the track, now receive an even wider range of performance and design features, with the new Hyundai i30 N,” says Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Company. “Especially the new design, new wheels, N Light Seats, and the new wet-type eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, make the Hyundai N experience sportier and more convenient than ever before.”

An enhanced exterior design focused on dynamic performance

The new i30 N’s design can be described in three words: performance, emotion, statement. Beyond a styling exercise, performance defines the changes made exclusively for the i30 N. Every design feature around the car has been developed with a focus on dynamic performance: the new i30 N’s appearance shows that it was naturally born for the racetrack.

At the front, the N signature can be found on the wide center grille. Its specific, sharp mesh design reminds the viewer of airplane wings and has been optimized to allow efficient engine cooling. The N logo has also been integrated onto the wheel caps.

Other design enhancements include new LED headlamps with V-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). Meanwhile, the outer bumper corners, dominated by the typical aerodynamic side fins, incorporate the air curtains to significantly improve the airflow and reduce turbulence into the wheel housing.

The new i30 hatchback N features an updated rear-end design, while the rear of the new i30 Fastback N remains unchanged. On the hatchback, the large wing spoiler with the distinctive N triangular brake light creates a downforce and excellent balance, while the rear lamps have also been updated and feature a new LED signature. Two large exhaust pipes integrated into the lower bumper diffuser complete the image of the pure high-performance i30 N.

The form following function design of the new i30 N makes the car look fast even in standstill. Purposeful and energetic, it is ready to tackle the road and track.

The new i30 N comes in seven exterior colors, including Performance Blue, which is exclusive to Hyundai N models.

Exterior colors:

Performance Blue
Polar White
Engine Red
Sunset Red
Shadow Grey
Dark Knight
Phantom Black

The new i30 N with standard trim is fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels. When outfitted with the Performance Package (see below), it comes with a series of design upgrades, including the newly-developed 19-inch forged alloy wheels. The lightweight optimized, five-double-spoke wheels were designed for minimum unsprung mass and high strength. Together, the 19-inch forged alloy wheels are 14.4 kg lighter than the current 19-inch cast alloy wheels. Their dark satin grey matte finish, contrasting with the N-specific red brake calipers with N logo, underlines the racing spirit of the car. The new i30 N with Performance Package has also been outfitted with high-performance Pirelli P-Zero tires, developed especially for the i30 N, while the standard trim offers Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

Interior design connects the car with the driver

The interior of the new i30 N is focused on connecting the driver with the car at all touchpoints. The analogue cluster includes features such as the active variable LED red zone, which varies according to engine oil temperature, and the shift timing indicator, which shows the driver the best time to switch gears. The new i30 N is also available with a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.

The new i30 N features sporty, metal pedals, and Performance Blue stitching on both body types. New to this model are seatbelts with Performance Blue accents. The interior comes in one-tone Black with a full cloth or artificial suede and leather seats.

N Light Seats

For the first time, the new i30 N comes with the option of N Light Seats, a set of lightweight, high-performance front seats. These uniquely-designed mono form high-performance sport seats are 2.2 kg lighter than the standard seats. The pronounced bolsters offer excellent lateral support. N Light Seats are made of premium leather and Alcantara materials and come with Performance Blue stitching and an illuminated N logo on an integrated headrest for a high-quality feeling.

An improved engine delivers an even more intense motorsport feeling

The new i30 N comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with either a six-speed manual transmission (6MT) or – for the first time – a wet-type eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (N DCT).

With the standard trim, the new i30 N with 6MT delivers a maximum power output of 250 PS and a maximum torque of 353 Nm. New i30 N customers can also select the Performance Package option. With the Performance Package, the engine delivers 280 PS. This is an increase of 5 PS from the original i30 N and is available with both 6MT and N DCT. The maximum torque for the Performance Package variation has been increased by 39 Nm to 392 Nm.

The 280 PS engine offers flat power, which ensures high responsiveness and improved acceleration for even more fun on the road or on the track. Flat power provides more torque and power at lower RPMs, thus utilizing more of the engine’s potential in everyday driving situations. The new i30 N keeps maximum torque between 1,950 and 4,600 RPM and achieves maximum power at 5,200 RPM. This improves acceleration in the mid- and high-speed range and delivers consistently high performance even in a variety of ambient conditions.

Both trim levels have a maximum speed of 250 km/h, and the new i30 N with the Performance Package can go from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, an improvement of 0.2 seconds or 3 percent as compared to the previous model.

As with its predecessor, the new i30 N is equipped with a range of high-performance driving features including Rev Matching, Launch Control, Rear stiffness bar, and more.

N DCT makes the new i30 N even more fun to drive

The new N DCT eight-speed dual-clutch transmission enables a range of high-performance driving features, making the new i30 N even more fun to drive. N DCT is a wet type transmission, meaning that oil is used to cool the clutch components, which creates less friction and allows a higher amount of torque to be transferred through the gearbox. The new transmission option was designed to provide the engaging experience of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic transmission. Drivers can choose to enter manual mode and shift gears either by using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel or the gear stick. The paddle shifters allow the driver to shift gears without taking their hands off the steering wheel for an even sportier experience. If the driver decides to use the gear lever instead, the gear lever comes with sporty shifting logic: to downshift, push forward, and to upshift, pull back.

The N DCT enables three new N performance functions for even more driving fun: N Grin Shift, N Power Shift, and N Track Sense Shift.

N Grin Shift (NGS) increases torque by allowing turbocharger overboost and maximizes transmission response for 20 seconds – a performance that is sure to bring a grin to the driver’s face. To activate, the driver pushes a button on the steering wheel, and a countdown begins on the cluster showing the remaining seconds for this function. When NGS is activated, the driver will experience a “push feel” when upshifting.

N Power Shift (NPS) engages when the car accelerates with more than 90 percent of the throttle, thereby mitigating any reduction in torque by using upshifts to deliver maximum power to the wheels. This gives the driver a responsive feeling of dynamic acceleration when shifting.

Finally, N Track Sense Shift (NTS) automatically recognizes when the road conditions are optimal for dynamic driving, for example, if it recognizes that the car is driving on a racetrack, and activates automatically. By selecting the right gear and shift timing, it provides optimal performance, just like a professional race car driver.

N Grin Control System

As with the previous generation i30 N, the N Grin Control System gives customers the choice between five distinct driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, N, and N Custom. The driving modes adjust the parameters of the engine, the suspension, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), N Corner Carving Differential (Electronically-controlled Limited Slip Differential), exhaust sound, steering, and transmission to optimize them for a variety of driving conditions. In the N Custom mode, drivers can select from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ settings for each of these components to match driving preferences and road conditions.

Ride and handling

As with its predecessor, the new i30 N features an Electronic Controlled Suspension. The suspension and steering systems have been returned, resulting in improved ride and handling performance for both transmission types.

Customers who select the Performance Package can also benefit from the N Corner Carving Differential, an Electronically Controlled Limited Slip Differential (eLSD). Additionally, for the Performance Package, the front brake disc size has been increased from 345mm to 360mm for better braking performance.

The weight saved through the high-performance N Light Seats and 19-inch forged alloy wheels result in better performance and handling for a more agile driving experience.

Safety

The new i30 N has been upgraded to include more Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driver assistance features. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist has been upgraded to include pedestrian detection (FCA-P). Lane Following Assist (LFA) works to keep the vehicle centered in its lane even before the vehicle begins to drift to one side. The hatchback version of the new i30 N with N DCT comes with the option of Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA-R). This function can activate the brakes to prevent a collision when switching lanes on the highway or when exiting a parallel parking spot. Similarly, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), also available on the hatchback with N DCT, can activate the brakes when an obstruction is detected directly behind the vehicle and the car is in reverse, such as when exiting a normal parking spot.

Hyundai SmartSense safety features:

[NEW] Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with a vehicle and now also with pedestrian detection (FCA-P)
[NEW] Lane Following Assist (LFA)
[NEW] Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) (hatchback only)
[NEW] Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA-R) (only DCT, hatchback only)
[NEW] Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Warning (RCCW) (hatchback only)
[NEW] Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) (only DCT, hatchback only)

Another safety feature, e-call, can contact emergency services at the push of a button, and automatically contacts first responders if the vehicle’s airbags have been deployed.

Tech & Connectivity

The new i30 N features a Performance Driving Data System to monitor and improve the driver’s track skills, with updated graphics for even more ease of use. This feature saves and displays driving data, including information on PS, torque, turbo boost. It also includes a lap and acceleration timer, which comes in handy on the track.

The new i30 N comes with an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is also available with the latest version of Bluelink, Hyundai’s state-of-the-art connected car services. This offers a range of new benefits and services for Hyundai customers including Connected Routing, Last Mile Navigation, and live parking information, and a new user profile feature.

October 13, 2020

Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended

2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announce new Ghost Extended, offering the indulgence of enhanced rear seating space with no compromise to Ghost’s driving dynamics. Ghost Extended is the product of an exhaustive process of consultation with a new generation of Rolls-Royce clients. This global, highly dynamic group of entrepreneurs expressed a desire for a chauffeur-driven business tool for the week that can transform into a serenely comfortable and dynamic self-driven saloon at the weekend. Ghost Extended is the response. The first customer deliveries will be made in the fourth quarter of 2020.

DESIGN

Ghost Extended offers 170mm more space than Ghost, providing more rear legroom than any four-seat sedan with the exception of a Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended. Customer centricity has informed every step of the development process. A key learning was that Ghost Extended customers wanted no compromise to Ghost’s pure, minimalist design. The marque’s designers worked to cloak the extra length by only extending the rear door and body around the rear door apertures, preserving the lines of the car.

TECHNOLOGY

Rear Suite Serenity

A suite of enhancements to the rear of the cabin reflects Ghost Extended’s flexibility. For the first time, a reclining Serenity Seat can be selected, offering a new dimension of rear-seat comfort akin to a business jet cabin environment.

The rear cabin also provides the perfect environment to transition from business to leisure. To enhance this, a Champagne fridge is provided between the rear seats and has been developed with exacting attention to the needs of the Rolls-Royce client. To achieve this, the marque’s engineers consulted with a Master Sommelier. They learned that the optimum serving temperatures of non-vintage Champagne is around six degrees centigrade and vintage Champagnes is around 11 degrees centigrade. To that end, the refrigerator operates two cooling modes, chilling to six degrees and 11 degrees.

Technology Without Obtrusion

Ghost is the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce ever created. For Ghost Extended’s entrepreneurial customers, access to WiFi, and cutting-edge infotainment systems is essential for use during the business day. However, technological functions have been deployed with care to reflect customer demand for a serene environment, free from unnecessary distractions.

The commitment to delivering a pure, detoxifying space extends to the air within the cabin. To deliver this, Ghost is equipped with a new Micro-Environment Purification System (MEPS). This technology enhances existing air filtration systems through software and hardware. Highly sensitive Impurity Detection Sensors detect ambient air quality, automatically activating fresh air intakes into Recirculation Mode. If unacceptable levels of airborne contaminants are detected, the air is passed through a nanofleece filter that is capable of removing nearly all ultra-fine particles within the cabin in less than two minutes.

A suite of technologies enhances the driving experience in urban and country settings. This includes laser headlights with more than 600m of illuminated range and key safety enhancements including vision assist with day and night-time wildlife and pedestrian warning; alertness assistant; a four-camera system with panoramic view, all round-visibility and helicopter view; active cruise control; collision warning; cross-traffic warning; lane departure and lane change warning. An industry-leading 7×3 high definition head-up display and self-park ensure absolute effortlessness whatever the driving conditions.

ENGINEERING

All-Aluminium Spaceframe and New V12 Engine
Ghost Extended is built on the Architecture of Luxury, Rolls-Royce’s proprietary all-aluminum spaceframe that underpins every new Rolls-Royce model. The marque’s hallmark Magic Carpet Ride is delivered by a new Planar Suspension System, the result of more than 10 years’ exhaustive testing and refinement by specialist engineers. Featuring continuously variable, electronically controlled shock absorbers, self-leveling high-volume air strut assemblies, and a world-first upper wishbone damper; this technology has never been previously applied to a production motor car. Ghost Extended also benefits from all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering for the first time.

Power is provided by a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged engine developed exclusively for Ghost. It produces 571PS and 850Nm of torque. The requirement for silence when traveling is answered through 100kg of acoustic damping materials incorporated into the chassis, bodywork, and tires, delivering exhilarating performance without disturbing the serenity within.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Simplicity Through Complexity
The pursuit of design simplicity requires highly complex engineering and craft techniques. For example, sophisticated bodywork forms are only achievable through advanced generative design and 3D printing. This is the first time this technology has been incorporated within a component production facility and combined with Rolls-Royce’s craft and engineering competencies.

For Ghost Extended, beam-melted metal components are welded to the body-in-white, while parts made by multi-jet fusion and selective laser sintering are individually fitted at the Home of Rolls-Royce.

More traditional craft is given a contemporary expression through the introduction of two new wood finishes, developed especially for Ghost. Obsidian Ayous is inspired by the rich palette of colors found in igneous rocks, while Dark Amber has veins of fine aluminum particles running through the wood. Both are available in open-pore finish, allowing the tactility of the material to fully express itself.

October 13, 2020

ŠKODA joins forces with Parkopedia to help drivers find parking spaces quicker and easier in real time

Skoda1

ŠKODA drivers now receive enhanced support in their search for vacant parking spaces. To achieve this, the Czech car manufacturer has concluded a cooperation agreement with Parkopedia, the world’s leading parking service provider. As a result, ŠKODA drivers have access to real-time information on millions of parking spaces throughout Europe, which is displayed via the vehicle’s navigation system or the ŠKODA Connect App. The parking space locator is one of many features of the mobile online services included in ŠKODA Connect.

Finding a vacant parking space or the nearest multi-story car park in a strange town can be a nerve-racking experience. ŠKODA drivers are already supported in their search for a parking space through the mobile online services of ŠKODA Connect. Thanks to a new partnership, the scope of the service have been comprehensively expanded. ŠKODA drivers have access to information on millions of parking spaces throughout Europe as a result of the collaboration with Parkopedia, the world’s leading parking service provider. Using the vehicle’s navigation system or the ŠKODA Connect App, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, the cheapest and closest parking options are displayed at the respective location or a selected address. In addition to the fees, it also shows whether the parking spaces are actually vacant – in real-time, subject to availability. The latest version of the ŠKODA Connect App or the navigation system can also provide route guidance directly to the selected parking space.

Jan Havlas, coordinator of Connected Car projects at ŠKODA AUTO, says: “We are constantly expanding our ŠKODA Connect service offers with the aim of making remote vehicle access and communication more convenient for our customers. The partnership with Parkopedia is another important element of this. Parkopedia offers ŠKODA drivers the parking service and integrative user experience via the ŠKODA Connect app and the vehicle’s infotainment display”.

Founded in 2007, Parkopedia provides detailed information on more than 70 million parking spaces in 15,000 cities and 89 countries worldwide. These include multi-story car parks, public and private parking facilities.

October 12, 2020

Nissan Navara OFF ROADER AT32

2018 Nissan Navara OFF ROADER AT321

Nissan has announced pricing for the updated version of its toughest ever Navara – the OFF-ROADER AT32 – and order books are now open at dealerships.

Available from just £42,850 OTR, the refreshed model has been manufactured to be more efficient and better to drive, without compromising its class-leading off-road ability.

Created through an ongoing partnership between Nissan and world-famous off-road experts Arctic Trucks, the updated Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 features full underbody shielding which has been upgraded to durable and lightweight aluminum material. Its improved contours ensure more comprehensive protection of underbody components.

In addition, new 31.6” Nokian Rotiiva AT Plus tires have been fitted; improving fuel economy and emissions, while enhancing on-road handling without compromising off-road performance. The special satin black Arctic Trucks alloy wheels are fitted with dual valves to allow fast and accurate adjustment of tire pressures when moving between different terrains.

Other key features carried over from the previous Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 include extended Arctic Trucks wheel arch flares and an optimized and elevated Arctic Trucks Bilstein performance suspension system.

The model is also finished off with special badging and detailing to the front wings, arch extensions, side steps, wheel centers, tailgate, and mudguards.

For owners who need to venture even further off the beaten track, optional accessories include an electronic front differential lock to boost traction in extreme conditions. A raised air intake and extended breather system are also available, which increases the Navara’s maximum wading depth to a massive 800mm.

Despite its off-road prowess, the Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 is packed with on-board technology, including Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Intelligent Emergency Braking, and Intelligent Around View Monitor.

The Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 is ready to handle the most challenging landscapes and adventures; delivering a combination of smooth on-road handling and enhanced off-road clearance, comfort, control, and mobility over a variety of terrains.

“The first Nissan Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 was a sell-out success and proved incredibly popular with adventurers seeking elegance and toughness,” said Manuel BURDIEL, General Manager Europe, LCV Sales, and Business Development.

“We have upgraded the OFF-ROADER AT32 so it can maintain its position as the ultimate Navara while bringing new efficiency and becoming fully WLTP-compliant. It’s the perfect blend of in-car technology, comfort, and extreme off-road performance.”

On-the-road prices range from £42,850 for a six-speed truck with manual transmission to £46,870 for a seven-speed automatic in ‘N-GUARD’ spec.

Optional extras include a sunroof (£400), a full-size AT spare wheel and tire (£400), and locking front differential (£3,250). Prices exclude VAT.

October 12, 2020

Land Rover Range Rover Velar

2021 Range Rover Velar1

The Range Rover Velar is now even more desirable, sustainable and intelligent with the introduction of an electric plug-in hybrid option, advanced new infotainment technology, an elegant new design features.

The mid-size luxury SUV, which sits between the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport in the family line-up, offers customers the perfect balance of design and technology – now with electric power. The new 2.0-liter four-cylinder P400e plug-in hybrid offers a smooth and refined drive, producing a combined 404PS and 640Nm of torque from its 300PS petrol engine and 105kW electric motor, with an impressive 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds). A 17.1Wh lithium-ion battery, located under the boot floor, can be charged to 80 percent in just 30 minutes†† using a fast DC charge point, or 1 hour 40 minutes using a standard 7kW wall box. With zero tailpipe emissions in electric mode, an impressive real-world all-electric range of 33 miles (53km), the fuel economy of up to 130.2mpg (2.2 litres/100km), and CO2 emissions from just 49g/km*, the Range Rover Velar is now even more sustainable by design.

A new family of 3.0-litre straight-six Ingenium engines is also introduced to the Range Rover Velar for the first time. The latest generation of smooth and efficient petrol and diesel engines are available with 48-volt mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) technology for reduced fuel consumption and heightened refinement. The new straight-six engines developed in-house, are available as D300 (300PS diesel) and P400 (400PS) petrol all-wheel-drive variants, each fitted with air suspension as standard for signature Range Rover comfort.

The new engines are available with mild-hybrid electric vehicle technology (MHEV) in addition to the latest engine technologies, for efficient performance. The MHEV system uses a Belt integrated Starter Generator (BiSG) in the engine bay to harvest energy usually lost under deceleration, which is then stored in a 48V lithium-ion battery located beneath the rear loadspace. It is able to redeploy the stored energy to assist the engine when accelerating away, while also delivering a more refined and responsive stop/start system.

The new P400 straight-six engine generates 550Nm torque and delivers an impressive 0-60mph time of 5.2 seconds (0-100km in 5.5 seconds.) The engine features an electric supercharger supported by a twin-scroll turbocharger and Continuous Variable Valve Lift (CVVL), for refined performance.

The D300 diesel generates 650Nm torque, offering 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds (0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds) with a fuel economy of up to 37.2mpg (6.3litres/100km) and CO2 from 199g/km. Series sequential turbos and an advanced after-treatment system make it one of the world’s leading clean diesel engines.

The new in-line Ingenium diesel engine designs meet Real Driving Emissions Step 2 (RDE2) standards and Euro 6d-final real-world driving compliance with 48V Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology boosting responses and fuel economy. As a result, the new Ingenium diesel unit – also now available in the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport – is one of the world’s leading clean diesel engines.

Additionally, the next-generation four-cylinder Ingenium D200 (204PS diesel) is introduced on the Range Rover Velar, offering more power, lower CO2, and improved fuel economy. The engine is offered with the same 48-volt mild-hybrid technology as the rest of the range, with CO2 from 165g/km and fuel economy of up to 44.9mpg (6.3 litres/100km)*.

Velar features a reductive design emphasized with beautifully integrated digital screens that are now fitted with Land Rover’s state-of-the-art infotainment system, Pivi, and Pivi Pro. The intelligent and intuitive system, offered as Pivi ProΔ from an S-specification pack, transforms the digital experience inside Velar.

Pivi is designed around ease of use, with a simple interface reducing the number of interactions to enhance safety. Crisp new graphics and super-fast responsiveness are enabled with a new electrical architecture under the surface, ensuring the screens and navigation system are ready to go in seconds, thanks also to a dedicated power source. Customers can access software updates ‘over-the-air’ reducing the need to visit a retailer. An embedded data connection means customers have access to the latest maps, apps, and vehicle software modules with updates scheduled via the touchscreen at a time to suit them.

Streaming music and media has never been simpler. Spotify is integrated directly within the infotainment menu for the first time, with data included ΔΔ, while there’s Bluetooth connectivity for two phones at once.

Nick Rogers, Executive Director, Product Engineering at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “The Range Rover Velar’s name and bloodline date back to the code name of the original Range Rover prototypes. It has been fifty years since the introduction of the pioneering Range Rover in 1970, and now every family member is electrified with our awesome plug-in hybrid technology. Electrified powertrains and cleaner mild-hybrid diesel engines mean the Velar is an even more efficient and sustainable option for our customers. Jaguar Land Rover’s new Electrical Vehicle Architecture – EVA 2.0 – supports the new Pivi and Pivi Pro infotainment, as well as Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA), and a whole suite of advanced driver assistance systems, cameras, and clean-air technology, making the Range Rover Velar cleaner, safer and smarter than ever before and one of the most technologically advanced luxury SUVs in the world.”

The experience inside the Range Rover Velar is now an even calmer sanctuary with the addition of Active Road Noise Cancellation***. The intelligent technology works like a pair of high-end noise cancellation headphones, constantly monitoring vibrations from the road surface and calculating the opposite phase sound wave needed to remove the noise heard by the occupants. The effect is subtle, but the minimum reduction of 4 decibels ensures an even more refined and calming interior space. The system is even able to adjust the level and position of sounds played into the cabin based on the number of passengers and their position inside the vehicle by using the seatbelt sensors. This advanced system delivers a more serene experience inside Velar, even reducing driver tiredness, which can be brought about by extended exposure to low-frequency sound on long journeys.

A new Cabin Air Filtration system enhances the relaxing and clean sanctuary inside Velar, reducing levels of harmful particulates, pollen, and even odors. The new system – introduced in addition to the existing Cabin Air Ionisation feature – filters out fine particulate matter, allergens, pollen, and even strong smells. Activated via a ‘Purify’ button in the lower touchscreen, it is capable of filtering ultrafine particulates (up to and even below PM2.5). Drivers and passengers can be assured the air they breathe inside the Range Rover Velar is cleaner than the air outside.

Also available is the new second-generation wearable Activity Key, which can totally replace the traditional key fob when necessary. The water-resistant and shock-proof wrist device now incorporates an LCD watch and allows customers to start, stop, lock, and unlock the vehicle, with no need to take a traditional key fob out with them.

Additional new design features introduced on Velar include a new steering wheel design which has integrated smart buttons ready to receive the latest ADAS software updates over-the-air. A tactile new Drive Selector also replaces the rotary gear selector.

The ‘Range Rover Velar Edition’ provides even more customer choice and features a combination of exterior and interior upgrades. Based on the R-Dynamic SE specification□, enhancements include a black contrast roof and matching 20-inch black alloy wheels, for sophisticated presence. The distinctive new special edition model is available exclusively in Lantau Bronze metallic paint, as well as the new Hakuba Silver, Santorini Black or Eiger Grey.

October 9, 2020

Lotus Evija development car

2021 Lotus Evija development car1

Lotus today reveals further details on the Evija all-electric hypercar in a stunning new film featuring an engineering development vehicle testing on the 2.2-mile track at Hethel.

At the wheel is Gavan Kershaw, Director of Vehicle Attributes for Lotus, who provides extensive new commentary on key elements of the Evija project. At almost five minutes long and using on-board cameras to reveal new views of the car, it’s the most detailed insight yet into the dynamic excellence of Britain’s first all-electric hypercar.

The film has been launched as the Evija takes center stage at this week’s Salon Prive Concours d’Elegance, the UK’s most exclusive motor show. It’s staged in the beautiful gardens of Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site in heart of the Oxfordshire countryside.

In the film, Kershaw reveals how from the earliest discussions about what the Evija should be, the goal was to create a hypercar with genuine everyday usability. He reveals new details on the progressive deployment of power and torque through the car’s five drive modes:

Range mode is limited to 1,000PS of power and 800Nm of torque and intelligently switches the Evija from four-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive to maximize the distance available from the battery and its intelligent power management system.
City provides greater power control and decreases the level of regenerative braking for urban environments.
Tour provides automatically switchable four-wheel or rear-wheel drive, delivering over 1,400PS of power with torque-vectoring.
Sport delivers performance figures of 1,700PS and 1,700Nm linked to stability control systems to increase traction levels.
Track mode is the most extreme, boosting power delivery to the maximum 2,000PS. It delivers the highest level of torque-vectoring with the Evija’s Drag Reduction System (DRS) available on request. The chassis setting is automatically switched to Track.

Also included in the film are exclusive dynamic views of the battery pack located immediately behind the two seats, echoing the classic mid-mounted powertrain layout of so many Lotus cars. As Kershaw explains, this creates an optimum weight distribution and makes the Evija exceptionally maneuverable as it races towards its top speed of more than 200mph.

As with all Lotus cars past, present, and in the future, agile handling and exceptional steering are embedded in the brand’s DNA. Kershaw explains they were among the top priorities in setting the performance characteristics of the Evija: “Lotus cars are very nimble, inspiring great confidence when being driven, and the Evija is no different to that,” he states.

The Lotus Evija marks the start of an exciting new chapter in the history of an iconic and much-loved British sports car brand. With class-leading in-gear acceleration and an output of 2,000 PS – making it the most powerful series-production road car ever built – it sets new standards in the global hypercar market.

Satisfying a brief to be the most powerful and dynamically accomplished road car in the history of the company, the Evija represents a thrilling new high watermark for Lotus driving performance. As well as signaling the beginning of a contemporary new Lotus design language, the Evija is a bold statement of intent about the brand’s future ambition to be a truly global performance car company.

October 9, 2020

MINI Paddy Hopkirk Edition

2020 MINI Paddy Hopkirk Edition1

MINI launches the Paddy Hopkirk Edition, a limited edition of 100 cars available to order now in the UK and based on the MINI Cooper S 3-door Hatch. In honor of the Northern Irish rally driver and inspired by the historic rally winning model, the special edition is Chili Red with a white contrast roof and features the famous starting number 37 livery.

Patrick ‘Paddy’ Hopkirk clinched the first victory behind the wheel of the classic Mini Cooper S number 37 at the legendary Monte Carlo Rally in 1964. Driving the small British car with his English co-pilot Henry Liddon, Hopkirk overcame the odds against competitors with significantly greater engine power. The surprise win in Monte Carlo made Paddy Hopkirk the UK’s most famous rally driver overnight and the classic Mini advanced from outsider and crowd-pleaser to becoming a motor racing legend. Hopkirk’s Finnish teammates Timo Mäkinen and Rauno Aaltonen added two more outright victories to the title collection in the Mini Cooper S 37 in 1965 and 1967.

The winning streak at the Monte Carlo Rally continues to inspire MINI fans all over the world to this day. With the MINI Paddy Hopkirk Edition, they now have the opportunity to express their passion for racing. In the style of the historic rally winner, the edition model features the car’s start number 37 on the driver and passenger doors. It also has 17-inch John Cooper Works light-alloy wheels in Track Spoke Black design and numerous other accentuations in dark colors. The frame and horizontal brace of the radiator grille are finished in high-gloss black, as are the inserts for the lower air intakes, the bonnet opening, door handles, fuel filler flap, tailgate handle, the MINI logos at the front and rear as well as the surrounds for the headlights and rear lights. On the inside, the car features the motorsport-inspired Alcantara John Cooper Works steering wheel.

The start number 37 also appears on the side indicator elements known as side scuttles. Other features on the exterior are stickers with the inscription “Paddy Hopkirk Monte Carlo” and a single white bonnet stripe on the driver’s side which bears the signature of the 1964 “Monte” winner. In addition, the famous number and letter combination 33 EJB of the number plate of the 1964 Monte Carlo winning car is shown on the bonnet strip using 3D effect graphics.

Hopkirk’s signature also appears on the decorative trim strip on the passenger side, which forms part of the Piano Black high-gloss interior surfaces. Another exclusive design feature is the MINI LED “Paddy Hopkirk” entry sills.

The MINI Navigation Pack and Comfort Pack are included in the MINI Paddy Hopkirk Edition as well as auxiliary headlights in Piano Black, a keycap with the start number 37, and the Waistline Finisher in Piano Black for the trim strips between the body and the greenhouse.

The MINI Paddy Hopkirk Edition is available to order now at retailers nationwide and is priced from £27,405 RRP. Customer deliveries will begin in November 2020.

October 8, 2020

Author: Alev Kochoolu

DESIGN

TECHNOLOGY

ENGINEERING

MATERIALS AND METHODS