Automobiles Review

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  • Suzuki S-Cross Full Hybrid [UK]

    The Suzuki S-Cross has earned high acclaim for its stylish design, compact and easy to manage dimensions and good on-road performance. It is was replaced in late 2021 by an all-new model which takes advantage of Suzuki’s long-established expertise in packaging vehicles with an even higher level of safety equipment and latest technology all as standard. The Full Hybrid version with AGS (Auto Gear Shift) is now on sale and Mild Hybrid models continue to be available with manual transmission only.

    Standard equipment for Motion is very comprehensive and includes 17-inch painted alloy wheels, three signature LED projector headlamps for low and high beam, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control with speed limiter, keyless entry and start, dual zone auto air conditioning, 7 inch display screen, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, rear parking camera and seven airbags.

    Moving up to Ultra adds ALLGRIP Select four-wheel drive, 17-inch polished alloy wheels, leather seat upholstery, integrated on-board navigation with 9-inch screen, panoramic sliding sunroof and further driver safety and convenience with the fitment of a 360 view camera.

    S-Cross is available in a total of six different shades of which one is a solid colour and all others are metallic finish.

    The 1.5-litre (K15C) engine is fitted to both model grades and was intially introduced on the Vitara Full Hybrid model earlier in 2022. The higher-powered Suzuki Hybrid system consists of a 140V lithium-ion battery and inverter, Motor Generator Unit (known as MGU), a 12V lithium-ion battery as well as a conventional 12V lead-acid battery to power components requiring lower voltage such as lights, instruments and heating / air conditioning.

    The full Hybrid system has two switchable modes which are Eco and Standard. One switch enables the driver to change between the two modes depending on conditions and also increases the frequency of EV driving. In Standard mode operation, the MGU more frequently assists the petrol engine to allow more spirited driving enjoyment.

    TRANSMISSION

    The S-Cross Full Hybrid is equipped as standard with Auto Gear Shift (AGS) that automatically shifts the manual transmission with gear ratios optimised to help provide a good combination of performance and fuel economy. This enables the driver to enjoy both the direct driving experience of a manual gearbox and the shifting ease of an Automatic Transmission. Another key advantage is lower component weight versus a conventional torque converter type Automatic. The transmission also has a manual mode with steering wheel mounted shift paddles.

    Suzuki’s ALLGRIP ‘Select’ system is fitted as standard for the Ultra grade and incorporates four driver-selectable modes for safe, enjoyable driving on diverse surfaces. It debuted in the S-Cross model at first launch and has proved very successful. rear wheels before any slippage The system has four driver-selectable modes which are Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock.

    SUZUKI CONNECT AND AUDIO EQUIPMENT

    Suzuki Motor Corporation has now introduced Suzuki Connect in the UK. Suzuki Connect utilises the vehicle’s data communication module (DCM) to connect users to their vehicles in real time, enabling owners to take advantage of convenient functions via the Suzuki Connect smartphone app. Suzuki Connect is initially available in the current range of S-Cross models, before being introduced in other models across Suzuki’s range in the future.

    By connecting the vehicle via the Suzuki Connect app, available on Android and iOS, users can access a wide range of convenient connected services, including the ability to monitor and receive notifications about the status of their vehicle in real time, remotely lock the vehicle, and view information such as driving history and the location of their parked car.

    Users can also choose to receive maintenance-related information and warning light notifications via the Suzuki Connect app, and if an issue is detected, vital diagnostic information can be seamlessly shared with their registered Suzuki dealer, allowing for faster and more comprehensive after-sales support.

    Using their smartphone, drivers can monitor and receive notifications about their vehicle’s status, as well as lock the vehicle remotely.

    The audio system fitted to the Motion grade has a Smartphone Linkage Display Audio (SLDA) with a seven inch touch panel display that enables intuitive operation. The system also allows the driver to use certain smartphone applications with MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection.

    For the Ultra grade, the screen size increases to nine inches and includes a three dimensional navigation map that makes landmarks easy to distinguish and includes a multitude of features. The system in Ultra models also enables Apple CarPlay connectivity wirelessly.

    Apple CarPlay is the smarter and safer way to use iPhone in the S-Cross. Apart from making calls it also facilitates receiving directions for optimised traffic conditions, listening to music, accessing email, text messages and more.

  • BMW M2 M Performance Parts

    The new BMW M2  promises unadulterated driving pleasure through every mile – of everyday journeys and track sessions alike. The race-inspired character of the compact high-performance sports car can be accentuated to stunning effect with the help of the BMW M Performance Parts specially developed for this model. Available from the launch of the new M2 (which gets underway in April 2023), the retrofit products from the Original BMW Accessories range add extra touches of rich emotionality to the design of the new BMW M2.

    The BMW M Performance Parts for the car’s aerodynamics, powertrain, chassis and cockpit offer a wide variety of options for customising the new BMW M2 with maximum performance in mind. All the components were developed on the back of BMW M GmbH’s motor-racing expertise and the experienced it has garnered over five decades, and have been precisely tuned to match the two-door model’s specific characteristics. They reinforce the pure-bred performance credentials of the new BMW M2, whose compact dimensions, 338 kW/460 hp six-cylinder in-line engine, optionally available six-speed manual gearbox, sophisticated chassis technology and rear-wheel drive make the first step into the world of high-performance cars from BMW M GmbH a hugely enticing one.

    Exclusive materials, enhanced aerodynamic properties: the BMW M Performance exterior components.

    All the retrofit products in the BMW M Performance Parts portfolio stand out with their high-impact design, exclusive materials and top quality. The BMW M Performance exterior components for the new BMW M2 therefore match the two-door model’s styling and geometry to perfection. And they have already undergone homologation alongside the overall vehicle, meaning they comply with statutory safety regulations as well as the BMW Group’s own strict standards.

    The carbon-fibre add-on parts for the front, sides and rear are made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic. They optimise the car’s aerodynamic properties while also accentuating its racing aura with a clear coat finish that exposes the composition of fibres beneath. The M Performance front splitter carbon fibre and M Performance air intake trim carbon fibre, for instance, ensure the new BMW M2 makes a particularly striking impression. Customers wishing to give the car’s side profile a sharper visual edge have a choice of M Performance side skirt attachments carbon fibre, M Performance side spats carbon fibre front and rear and M exterior mirror caps carbon fibre. Airflow around the vehicle can be optimised with the M Performance rear lip spoiler carbon fibre and M Performance rear diffuser carbon fibre. Meanwhile, the M Performance rear spoiler carbon fibre and M Performance roof-edge spoiler in high-gloss Black dial the racing flair up to the max. Further personal touches can be added to the vehicle exterior in the form of an M Performance tow strap and an M Performance antenna cover in aramid, another exclusive fibre composite material.

    Less weight, more sound: titanium M Performance silencer system.

    The titanium M Performance silencer system available for the new BMW M2 boasts reduced weight, an unmistakable look and distinct racing-car acoustics. Its front pipes are made from lightweight stainless steel while the rear silencer has an all-titanium construction. As a result, the titanium M Performance silencer system is some eight kilograms lighter than the standard item. The exhaust system with its electrically controlled flaps and centrally positioned quartet of tailpipes is offered in combination with a specially modified M Performance rear diffuser carbon fibre. The tailpipe trim module is also made from titanium and has a ceramic coating. Optimised routing of the exhaust gases creates an even sportier driving experience. The soundtrack can be adjusted using the powertrain settings in the M Setup menu and hits a particularly exhilarating note reminiscent of a racing car in Sport and Sport+ modes.

    M Performance tailpipe trims in titanium/carbon fibre are available as an eye-catching addition to the standard exhaust system fitted on the new BMW M2. Their sophisticated mix of materials and perforated inner pipes lend the rear end a highly exclusive air.

    M Performance suspension with height-adjustable spring cups.

    The M Performance suspension available as a retrofit item for the new BMW M2 endows it with even sharper agility and cornering dynamics. Its coilover design with height-adjustable spring cups at the front and rear axle allows the ride height to be lowered by up to 10 millimetres as required. Specially tuned for the new BMW M2, not just on the track but on regular roads as well, the M Performance suspension results in a far more direct connection between the body and road surface. This allows drivers to experience track-inspired driving dynamics on everyday journeys.

    The M Performance forged wheels offered for the new BMW M2 also provide the ideal ingredients for an extremely sporty driving style. Each sculpted from a single piece of aluminium, they represent a compelling proposition with their exceptional stability, perfectly true running and visually striking design. The items for the new BMW M2 have a cross-spoke design measuring 20 inches in diameter at the front axle and 21 inches at the rear, which can be ordered in a choice of M Frozen Gold Bronze or M Jet Black matt. The M Performance tyre bags bring motor sport feeling to the customer’s garage, too. They are printed with a logo in the BMW M GmbH colours and a graphic indicating the wheel position, and also have a reinforced handle for easy transportation.

    Precision doses of extra racing flair for the interior.

    The BMW M Performance Parts range also features high-grade components for the interior of the BMW M2 that bring targeted enhancements to its sports-car cockpit. The M Performance interior trim panels in carbon fibre/Alcantara offered in combination with Alcantara knee pads intensify the racing-car aura inside the cabin. The elaborately hand-crafted interior trim panels are made from open-pore, matt-coated carbon fibre and come with M Performance badging in brushed aluminium. Also available as an individual option, the Alcantara M Performance knee pads offer additional support under particularly hard cornering and set the seal on the sporting ambience. A matching M Performance armrest in Alcantara is also available for the centre console of the new BMW M2.

    On models equipped with M Sport seats, the sense of sportiness and exclusivity can be turned up another notch with the M Performance backrest covers in carbon fibre/Alcantara. The hand-crafted head restraint trims are available in a choice of open-pore or high-gloss carbon fibre and carry an M Performance badge. The remainder of the rear panel for the driver’s and front passenger seats is trimmed in Alcantara.

    The M Performance steering wheel Pro is ideal for cornering with supreme precision. It features a distinctly contoured grip area in Alcantara with large thumb rests and a special lining, while the rim’s upper section and slightly flattened lower section are wrapped in top-quality fulled leather. A centre marker and decorative stitching in the BMW M GmbH colours put the finishing touches to the steering wheel’s stunning looks. The M Performance steering wheel trims offer another route to increased driving pleasure with their high-quality materials and racing-car feel. They are available for the new BMW M2 in a choice of carbon fibre/Alcantara and carbon fibre/leather. Both variants can also be combined with the M Performance shift paddles carbon fibre. The M Performance door sill plates carbon fibre provide the ideal transition between the dynamism of the new BMW M2 exterior and the sports car flair of its cabin. Their carbon fibre inlays are printed with a coloured M Performance logo.

    The portfolio of products for optimising the new BMW M2’s racing characteristics in distinctive style is rounded off by velour M Performance floor mats featuring decorative stitching in contrasting colours and M Performance badging, as well as M Performance door pins with a coloured M logo and the M Performance fuel filler cap carbon fibre.

    CO2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION.

    BMW M2 Eight-speed M Steptronic transmission:

    • fuel consumption combined in the WLTP cycle: 9.8 – 9.6 l/100 km;
    • CO2 emissions combined in the WLTP cycle: 222 – 218 g/km;
    • figures for the NEDC cycle: – .

    BMW M2 Six-speed manual gearbox:

    • fuel consumption combined in the WLTP cycle: 10.2 – 10.0 l/100 km;
    • CO2 emissions combined in the WLTP cycle: 230 – 226 g/km;
    • figures for the NEDC cycle: – .

  • Toyota Tundra TRD Lift Kit

    The all-new Toyota Tundra is raising the bar once more with a newly available 3.0-inch lift kit developed by Toyota Racing Development (TRD) that makes the already capable full-size pickup bigger and bolder. This new lift kit is available nationwide as a dealer-installed option, and it’s the only Toyota-approved lift kit designed to work with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) system.

    “There are many compromises with aftermarket lift kits, some of which can impact the function of vehicle features or safety systems,” Mikhal el Arculli, TRD principal engineer says. “We have designed this kit to work seamlessly with the Tundra’s standard features, retain all Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) functionality, maintain similar stock driving dynamics by creating a kit with a high center of gravity and provide a look and feel customers want with a lift.”

    Bilstein monotube shocks and TRD red coil springs are tuned by TRD, much like the tried-and-true dealer-installed lift kit available on the Tacoma mid-size pickup that debuted last year. The shocks feature digressive pistons to provide low-speed body control as well as exceptional high-speed stability. Forged upper control arms from Detroit-based Roush Performance are equipped up front. These stronger UCAs complement the additional suspension travel given with the lifted suspension.

    TRD Designed and Developed Kit Includes…

    • Bilstein front & rear shocks
    • Taller front coil springs
    • Roush forged upper control arms
    • Front lower knuckles
    • Front stabilizer links
    • Front outer tie rods
    • Front tie rod sleeves
    • Front extended drive shafts
    • Front bump stops
    • Extended brake flex hoses
    • Rear spring spacers

    The kit not only raises the truck, giving it a heroic appearance and increasing ground clearance by 2.6 inches, it also increases off-road capability with increased approach and departure angles. The approach angle increases from 21.0 to 26.0 degrees and departure angle from 24.0 to 25.0 degrees.

    The Tundra TRD lift kit includes all the necessary hardware and is only available for dealer installation. The manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing for the kit is $3,995, not including installation labor. It is available for model year 2022 and newer Tundra iFORCE and iFORCE-Max 4×4 models with either the 5.5- or 6.5-foot bed. The kit is not compatible with the TRD Pro, TRD Sport or trucks equipped with the optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) or air suspension.   

    The Tundra TRD Lift Kit comes backed by the same warranty as all TRD accessories, which includes a 3-year, 36,000-mile warranty on parts if it is installed prior to or at the time of the sale. If purchased after the new vehicle purchase, the coverage is 12 months, regardless of mileage from the date the accessory was installed on the vehicle or the remainder of any applicable new vehicle warranty (whichever provides greater coverage).

  • Vauxhall Grandland GSe

    Vauxhall has revealed the New Grandland GSe – a performance electrified version of the established family crossover, to sit alongside the recently announced All-New Astra GSe and All-New Astra Sports Tourer GSe as part of Vauxhall’s new GSe electrified performance sub-brand.

    The New Grandland GSe combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors – one on each axle – for a combined power output of up to 300PS (provisional WLTP combined fuel consumption 217.3mpg, CO2 emissions of 31-29 g/km). The plug-in hybrid powertrain makes the Grandland GSe a permanent electric all-wheel-drive vehicle with optimum traction and class-leading acceleration from a standstill.  0-62mph takes just 6.1 seconds, while top speed is 146mph (84mph in electric mode).

    Featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the New Grandland GSe offers enhanced performance combined with ultra-low emissions. All-wheel drive traction, unique suspension and revised steering combine to deliver performance-oriented handling, while maintaining the versatility and style New Grandland is known for. Sitting in the C-SUV class, the New Grandland GSe will be one of the few performance SUVs outside of the premium segment.

    James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “Following the reveal of the All-New Astra GSe and All-New Astra Sports Tourer GSe, the New Grandland GSe Plug-in Hybrid is a fantastic addition to our new electrified performance sub-brand, as we work towards offering a fully electric vehicle line-up by 2028. With sharper styling, improved handling and an electrified powertrain delivering responsible performance, the New Grandland GSe will offer greater driving pleasure while maintaining the versatility the Grandland is known for.”

    Like the All-New Astra GSe and All-New Astra Sports Tourer GSe, the New Grandland GSe features a unique suspension set-up and steering calibration. With MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link axle at the rear, the New Grandland GSe is fitted with firmer springs and dampers with KONI FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) technology, which enables different damping characteristics for the optimum balance between ride comfort and handling. As a result, the New Grandland GSe offers more precise and consistent responses while retaining superior stability under braking, in corners and at higher speed.

    The bold and pure exterior design of the Grandland with its ‘Vizor’ front end is further enhanced by signature GSe styling cues: 19-inch alloy wheels inspired by the award-winning Manta GSe concept; a unique rear diffuser; and a GSe emblem on the tailgate. As a further distinguishing feature, the Grandland GSe is optionally available with a black bonnet. Inside, the new Alcantara®-trimmed front sports seats have been certified by AGR*, providing additional comfort and support for sporty driving.

    The New Grandland GSe Plug-in Hybrid will go on sale in the UK towards the start of 2023 with customer deliveries scheduled from Spring 2023. Further specification details will be announced in due course.

  • Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG E Performance F1 Edition

    The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE (combined fuel consumption, weighted: 6.9 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions, weighted: 156 g/km; combined electric energy consumption, weighted: 11.7 kWh/100 km) is a real gamechanger in the 55-year history of AMG. With know-how from Formula 1™, it brings state-of-the-art technologies from motorsport to the road. The innovative hybrid concept with an electric motor and AMG high-performance battery on the rear axle combines a superior system output of 500 kW (680 hp) with impressive driving dynamics and high efficiency. This makes the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE the perfect ambassador for the Future of Driving Performance. With the exclusive exterior and interior features of the special “F1 Edition” model, Mercedes-AMG is now making the electrified future even more visible.

    The “F1 Edition” is available for the Saloon and Estate for one year from the start of sales. The exclusive MANUFAKTUR alpine grey uni paint finish is a striking distinguishing feature. It is combined with foiling on the vehicle flanks consisting of the AMG logo and colour gradient from grey to black. Red trim lines on the sides and front and rear aprons add further colour accents. The 20-inch AMG forged wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design are painted matt black. The red rim flanges provide an attractive contrast and thus follow the colour scheme of the wheels of the Official FIA F1 Medical Car™ from Mercedes-AMG.

    The AMG Aerodynamics Package, developed in the wind tunnel, improves handling characteristics at high speeds and enhances the dynamic visual impression. The aerodynamic elements include the larger front splitter, the spoiler lip on the boot lid (Saloon only), the redesigned trim on the side members and the additional diffuser board.

    The AMG Night Package I and the AMG Night Package II also enhance the motorsport appearance of the “F1 Edition”. The front splitter, the trim elements in the front wings, the outside mirror housings, the beltline trim strip and the window surrounds are all finished in high-gloss black. In addition, the radiator grille louvres, the trim strip in the rear apron, the twin tailpipe trims of the AMG exhaust system and the model badge on the boot lid are all finished in black chrome. The AMG fuel filler cap in silver chrome with “AMG” lettering also emphasises the special status of the edition.

    The interior is characterised by the contrast of black and red. The AMG Performance seats are particularly refined with upholstery in Exclusive black nappa leather with red decorative topstitching and embossed AMG emblems in the front head restraints. They follow the sporty look just like the seat belts in red and the exclusive AMG carbon trim elements with red thread. The AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather / DINAMICA microfibre with red decorative topstitching and the AMG door sill trims with red illuminated “AMG” lettering are a perfect match. The finishing touches are the exclusive Edition badge in the interior and specific AMG floor mats with red decorative topstitching and F1 logo.

    To protect the valuable vehicle, each customer receives a customised AMG Indoor Car Cover with F1 logo. With its breathable outer panelling made of tear-resistant synthetic fibre fabric and antistatic inner fabric made of flannel, it protects the vehicle in the garage from dust and scratches.

  • Skoda Enyaq RS iV

    ŠKODA AUTO is expanding its vRS family to include another all-electric model – the ENYAQ iV vRS. Just like the ENYAQ COUPÉ iV vRS, the Czech carmaker has opted for two motors with a total system output of 299 PS (220 kW) and all-wheel drive for the top version of the SUV. Thanks to an exceptional drag coefficient of cw 0.265, the ENYAQ iV vRS has a range of over 310 miles (500 kilometres) in the WLTP cycle.

    A new addition to ŠKODA’s range: The Czech car manufacturer’s sporty vRS line-up has been expanded to include a second all-electric model – the new ENYAQ iV vRS. The SUV features all‑wheel drive and two electric motors with a system output of 299 PS (220 kW) as does the ENYAQ COUPÉ iV vRS. This makes the two vRS versions of the ENYAQ iV family the most powerful vehicles in ŠKODA’s portfolio. The ENYAQ iV family is based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB) and rolls off the production line at ŠKODA’s main plant in Mladá Boleslav. The ENYAQ iV and ENYAQ COUPÉ iV are the only MEB models to be manufactured in Europe outside Germany. ŠKODA AUTO has announced that in the coming days, the 100,000th car from the ENYAQ iV family will roll off the production line. This figure includes both the ENYAQ iV SUV and the ENYAQ COUPÉ iV series in all their respective variants, such as the sporty vRS and SportLine versions. Alongside all-electric models, the car manufacturer also offers customers a ŠKODA iV ecosystem, which includes wallboxes for convenient at-home charging and the POWERPASS, a charging card that can be used throughout Europe.

    The ENYAQ iV vRS has a dynamic appearance, with sports suspension as standard, large 20- or 21-inch wheels and distinctive vRS features, to make it instantly recognisable as a vRS model. With a top speed of 111 mph (180 km/h), it is 12 mph (20 km/h) faster than the other ENYAQ iV models, as is the coupé variant. Locally emission-free, the vehicle sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds and boasts a maximum torque of 460 Nm, which is available from standstill, as is typical for an e-vehicle. Its 82 kWh battery, high energy efficiency and drag coefficient of cw 0.265 give the model a maximum range of over 310 miles (500 kilometres) in the WLTP cycle. Thanks to a maximum charging power of 135 kW, the ENYAQ iV vRS’s lithium-ion high-voltage battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 36 minutes at fast-charging stations.

    ENYAQ RS iV offers excellent driving dynamics and generous space

    Besides its sporty look and dynamic handling, the new ŠKODA ENYAQ iV vRS offers a generous amount of space for up to five people. The SUV is 4,653 millimetres long, 1,879 millimetres wide and 1,605 millimetres high, with a wheelbase of 2,768 millimetres. At 585 litres, the boot capacity is 15 litres larger than the ENYAQ COUPÉ iV vRS and can be expanded to up to 1,710 litres by folding down the rear seat backrests.

    vRS-specific exterior, full LED Matrix headlights and Crystal Face as standard

    The ENYAQ iV vRS sports a particularly dynamic exterior with numerous vRS-specific details: The frame of the ŠKODA grille is in high-gloss black, as are the window frames, exterior mirror covers and rear diffuser, as well as the ŠKODA wordmark and model designation at the rear. The front apron sports high-gloss black accents on the air curtain surrounds, which are E-shaped on the vRS model. The side skirts are painted in the body colour and the red reflector in the rear apron runs across the entire width of the vehicle – a distinguishing feature of all ŠKODA vRS models. The front wings bear exclusive green vRS logos, and the ENYAQ iV vRS comes with the Crystal Face as standard; 131 LEDs illuminate the vertical ribs as well as the horizontal bar of the ŠKODA grille. They combine with the full LED Matrix headlights and full LED rear lights, both of which come as standard on the vRS model, to create an animated welcome effect.

    Large wheels, lower body and outstanding aerodynamics

    Underlining the ENYAQ iV vRS’s dynamic appearance, the standard sports suspension lowers the body by 15 millimetres at the front axle and 10 millimetres at the rear axle. This ensures excellent aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient of cw 0.265. The streamlined plastic aero inserts on the large wheels also have a positive influence on the aerodynamics. As standard, the ENYAQ iV vRS comes with black 20-inch Taurus wheels, while anthracite-coloured 21-inch Vision wheels are available as an option. The solid paint finish in eye-catching Hyper Green is exclusive to the vRS models, and all other colours offered for the series are also available. Another option for the ENYAQ iV vRS is a large panoramic sunroof, which can be opened halfway at the front.

    Sporty interior with vRS details and two exclusive Design Selections

    The interior, which is predominantly black with generous space for up to five passengers, is characterised by a sporty ambience typical of the vRS series. The ENYAQ iV vRS’s comprehensive standard equipment includes carbon-look decorative trim on the dashboard and door panels as well as aluminium design pedal covers and heated sports seats with integrated headrests, bearing the vRS logo. A 3-zone climate control system, LED ambient lighting that also illuminates the dashboard and door panels, as well as the Phone Box for inductive smartphone charging also come as standard. The 585-litre boot can be accessed easily thanks to the factory-fitted electric tailgate with virtual pedal. Customers also have a choice of two Design Selections exclusive to the ENYAQ iV vRS models. The black seats in the vRS-series-standard Lounge design selection are upholstered in Suedia microfibre and feature lime-coloured piping and contrast stitching. Contrast stitching in the same colour is also featured on the heated multifunction sports leather steering wheel, bearing the vRS badge and the Suedia-trimmed dashboard. The optional Design Selection vRS Suite offers black perforated leather seat upholstery with grey piping and contrast stitching, which is also found on the multifunction sports leather steering wheel. The dashboard sports a leather-look finish with contrasting stitching.

    Two digital displays, head-up display with Augmented Reality available as options

    The ENYAQ iV family has the largest central display currently available in a ŠKODA production model, with a screen diagonal of 13 inches. The displays are customisable and can be controlled by touch function including touch slider, multi-touch gestures, gesture control or with the help of the online digital voice assistant Laura, who understands 15 languages. Added to this is a 5.3-inch Digital Cockpit, which presents information on speed, driving data, navigation and assistance systems clearly in four different layouts. The data displayed, as well as numerous vehicle functions and assistance systems, can be controlled using the multifunction steering wheel. The optional head-up display with augmented reality projects additional information into the driver’s field of vision. In addition, the CANTON sound system with twelve speakers and digital equaliser is available as an option to create an immersive sound world.

    Permanent Internet connectivity and ŠKODA Connect functions for electric vehicles

    ŠKODA ensures that the ENYAQ iV vRS’s software is always up to date thanks to a permanent online connection via an integrated eSIM, which also allows the driver to download additional apps or activate new functions in the infotainment system. The latest ME3 vehicle software includes updates for the displays as well as optimised climate control and improved battery management with battery care mode. The Internet connection supports numerous functions, including traffic information, route planning and searching for parking spaces with real-time data, and enables a wider range of voice control functions. Some of the comprehensive ŠKODA Connect mobile online services have been specially developed for all-electric vehicles. For example, the MyŠKODA app can be used to control battery charging remotely, and the air conditioning can be switched on and scheduled before the start of a journey. The navigation system will identify charging stations nearby or along a planned route. In addition, the MyŠKODA app can prompt the driver to switch on the heating or start a charging cycle if the temperature outdoors is too low at the ENYAQ iV vRS’s location for the battery to be used efficiently.

    Highest-performance powertrain in ŠKODA’s model range

    The ŠKODA ENYAQ iV vRS is based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB) and, like the ENYAQ COUPÉ iV vRS, boasts the highest-performance powertrain in the current model portfolio. One electric motor sits on the front axle while the second is on the rear axle. The ENYAQ iV vRS benefits from all-wheel drive, with a system output of 299 PS (220 kW) and a maximum torque of 460 Nm.

    Comparison of the ENYAQ iV vRS to other ŠKODA models from the ENYAQ iV family:

    ENYAQ iV vRS ENYAQ COUPÉ iV vRS ENYAQ iV 80x
    Output 220 kW / 299 PS 220 Kw / 299 PS 195 kW / 265 PS
    Max. torque 460 Nm 460 Nm 425 Nm
    Acceleration
    0-62 mph    		 6.5 s 6.5 s 6.9 s
    Max. speed 111 mph / 180 km/h 111 mph / 180 km/h 99 mph / 160 km/h
    Drive All-wheel drive, dual-motor configuration

    Sporty chassis and 82 kWh battery for long range

    Delivering the energy for a maximum range of over 310 miles (500 kilometres) in the WLTP cycle is an 82 kWh high-voltage battery, the largest battery in the range. It can be charged at DC fast charging points with a charging power of up to 135 kW and at AC wallboxes at up to 11 kW. The ‘Plug & Charge’ function is new. This makes it possible to start the charging process at suitable charging points stored in the POWERPASS app simply by connecting the charging cable; the vehicle is identified at the charging point and the charging session is billed automatically.

    The centre of gravity in the ŠKODA ENYAQ iV vRS is very low thanks to the battery being mounted in the underbody. This, in combination with the sports suspension and progressive steering as standard, makes for particularly dynamic handling. Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) is available as an option. It constantly monitors the situation on the road and automatically adjusts the damping. Drive Mode Select offers the predefined profiles Eco, Comfort, Normal and Sport, while a custom slider allows the driver to adjust the settings to their own preferences. The ENYAQ iV vRS also offers the additional driving profile Traction. This is ideal for driving on unpaved roads or slippery surfaces, offering constant all-wheel drive at speeds of up to 12 mph (20 km/h).

    Excellent active and passive safety as well as numerous assistance systems

    The ENYAQ iV vRS offers a high level of active and passive safety. The base model ENYAQ iV achieved the highest rating of five stars in the 2021 Euro NCAP test, scoring 94% for adult passenger protection and 89% for child passenger protection. In addition, the ENYAQ iV was awarded the safest vehicle in its class in the 2021 test year with the best rating for an electric SUV up until that point. The ENYAQ iV vRS comes with up to nine airbags, with driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags and two head airbags as standard, which also cover the side windows in the first and second rows of seats. A central airbag between the front seats prevents the front passengers from hitting each other in the event of a collision. There is also an option for two side airbags on the outer rear seats. Proactive Occupant Protection, included as standard, tightens the seat belts and closes the windows in the event of an imminent collision, emergency braking, or risk of skidding or tipping over. All the assistance systems ŠKODA currently offers are available for the ENYAQ iV vRS. Travel Assist provides comprehensive support, for example with longitudinal and lateral vehicle guidance. In addition to Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), it also includes Adaptive Lane Keeping Assist with Roadworks Detection, Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist. Online access to current traffic data enables the assistance systems to perform even more accurately. In addition to Front Assist with predictive pedestrian and cyclist protection, which comes as standard, Blind Spot detect including Rear Traffic Alert is available, as well as Collision Avoidance Assist, Turn Assist and Exit Warning. The optional Parking Assist also offers the Trained Parking function, where the system records the path to a frequently used parking space, for example through a narrow, winding driveway. The vehicle can then repeat this path at any time as required.

    The full LED Matrix headlights and the head-up display with augmented reality also improve safety. With 24 individually controllable LEDs in each high beam module, the matrix technology makes it possible to keep the high beam on permanently without dazzling other road users. As soon as the camera on the windscreen detects vehicles, people or objects that reflect light, the beam is automatically adjusted to eliminate any glare. The optional head-up display projects information onto two fields on the windscreen so that the driver can keep their eyes on the road at all times. In the augmented reality projection, for example, direction arrows from the navigation system are displayed as larger symbols and projected virtually onto the road in front of the vehicle.

    Maximum electrical power 220 kW: Maximum power determined in accordance with UN-GTR.21, that can be engaged for a maximum of 30 seconds. The power available in individual driving situations depends on various factors, including the temperature outdoors, the temperature of the high-voltage battery, and its charging status, condition and physical ageing. The maximum power is only available if the temperature of the high-voltage battery is between 23 and 50°C and its charge level exceeds 88%. If these parameters are not met, the maximum power may be reduced or unavailable. The battery temperature can to a certain degree be influenced indirectly via the stationary air conditioning function, and the charge level can be set in the vehicle. The currently available power is shown on the vehicle’s driving performance screen. To optimally maintain the capacity of the high-voltage battery, a charging target of 80% is recommended for everyday use (this can be changed to 100% before long-distance journeys, for example).

  • Toyota bZ3

    Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has announced the Toyota bZ3, the second model in its bZ series. The bZ3 is a battery electric sedan jointly developed for the Chinese market by BYD TOYOTA EV TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. (BTET)―a joint venture established by Toyota and BYD Company Ltd. (BYD)―and FAW Toyota Motor Co. Ltd. (FAW Toyota). It will be produced by and sold through the FAW Toyota dealer network.

    Jointly developed in three-company collaboration

    In developing the bZ3, Toyota, BTET, and FAW Toyota worked closely to provide the best products to customers in China, the world’s largest battery EV (BEV) market. Over 100 Toyota engineers from the design, production, engineering, and quality control departments participated in the development, working in unison with engineers from BYD and FAW Toyota.

    Toyota, the world’s first mass producer of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), has sold over 20 million electrified vehicles globally to date. Customers worldwide appreciate Toyota cars for the company’s wide array of advanced electrification technologies―with everything from HEVs to fuel cell electric vehicles―and fun-to-drive designs built on its long-honed QDR performance. The Toyota bZ3 carries on such DNA, following the Toyota bZ4X.

    BYD has specialized in batteries and other core technologies for electrified vehicles, including its e-Platform 3.0, since its establishment in 1995. The ever-growing company offers comprehensive solutions in the new energy field and has earned the trust of customers worldwide with its highly efficient development system and advanced electrification technologies. For the Toyota bZ3, BYD and its partners provide advanced, safe, and reliable battery technology.

    FAW Toyota has provided ever-better products and services to customers in China since its founding in 2000. The company is well-known for its extensive product lineup and one-stop capability encompassing production, sales, and service. To date, FAW’s cumulative sales volume has reached ten million units. Based on its world-class facilities and technologies, the company now produces high-quality new energy products, including the Toyota bZ series.

    Toyota bZ3 is born out of the three companies’ collaboration and synergy in development, car manufacturing, and battery technology. The combined strengths of each member have resulted in unprecedented new value and new experiences for customers.

    All-new structure and design for “new freedom, new experiences”

    Toyota bZ3 offers customers a novel automotive experience based on three keywords: electrified, dynamic, and enjoyable.

    ElectrifiedAchieving 600 km+ cruising range with an advanced electrification system

    The electrification system combines BYD’s lithium-ion LFP battery using lithium iron phosphate and Toyota’s extensive electrification technologies honed through long-standing HEV development, achieving a maximum cruising range of over 600 km. The battery structure, cooling, control, and safety monitoring systems were all newly designed for this car, making its high-quality electrification system efficient, advanced, safe, and reliable.

    Furthermore, Toyota has leveraged its electrification expertise to reduce battery degradation, with the development goal of ensuring 90% capacity even after ten years, for customer peace of mind.

    DynamicAchieving fun-to-drive through e-TNGA

    Toyota bZ3 uses the e-TNGA vehicle platform to achieve more pleasant driving, including more responsive performance, with a low center of gravity and excellent handling stability. The driving position is configured to minimize muscle strain, reduce fatigue over long distances, and create an enjoyable driving experience. Moving, turning, and stopping have been finely tuned utilizing Toyota’s expertise honed over its decades of experience in car-making and motorsports. The result is a more comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers.

    EnjoyableDelivering a comfortable riding experience

    The Toyota bZ3’s development concept is the Family Lounge, based on the idea that cars provide a space to enjoy time with family and friends, rather than merely being a means of transportation. With a people-centered focus, Toyota emphasizes a coherent and comfortable interior space with enhanced digital features perfectly integrated inside the cabin to suit customer preferences.

    The vehicle features the Toyota bZ series’ hammerhead shark-like design format. It has a relaxed silhouette, combining the long wheelbase of a BEV-specific package with the long cabin of a fastback. Moreover, the exterior exudes stability and power and features a highly modulated and elegant profile that hints at a linear sense of speed. The corners of the bumper emphasize air guides and air curtains that consider airflow, while the flat door handles, aluminum wheels, and rear bumper shaped to reduce air resistance result in class-leading aerodynamics with a Cd value of 0.218.

    The interior features the Digital Island system that integrates a large vertical center display with a tray-type console. In addition to wireless charging, it integrates functions for linking smartphones and multimedia, providing a new experience for customers. Air conditioning, music, trunk release, and other controls are also integrated into the large display, and voice control greatly advances convenience and innovation.

    Toyota bZ3 Main Specifications

    Length 4,725 mm
    Width 1,835 mm
    Height 1,475 mm
    Wheelbase 2,880 mm
    Cd value 0.218
    Seating capacity 5
    Battery type Lithium-ion Battery (first use of LFP cathode)

  • GMC Sierra EV

    GMC’s introduction of the first-ever Sierra EV marks a turning point for the premium truck brand, as it expands its portfolio of all-electric trucks. Led by the 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1, it offers uncompromising pickup capability, a GM-estimated 400 miles of range on a full charge and unique features made possible only by its dedicated EV truck platform.

    “This is the Denali of EVs — and a truck that is every bit a GMC,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick and GMC. “That means it leaves nothing on the table when it comes to hauling, towing and overall power while unlocking even more possibilities around what a GMC pickup can offer.”

    GMC will be the only brand to offer three all-electric trucks, with the Sierra EV joining the popular GMC HUMMER EV Pickup and SUV. Underpinning these three trucks is GM’s groundbreaking Ultium Platform, which enables incredible versatility and optimal performance in an all-electric truck.

    The 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 will be available at launch in early 2024. GMC will introduce the Sierra EV AT4 and Elevation trims in the 2025 model year.

    “The 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 is just the beginning,” said Aldred. “It will offer customers our very latest in technology, capability and luxury delivered in a way only GMC can do — with much more to come. From the HUMMER EV supertruck to the first-ever Sierra EV, GMC continues to write the next chapter in its future as a premium truck and SUV brand.”

    The 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 breaks new ground for GMC in four key areas:

    Next-Gen Power

    • GM-estimated range of 400 miles (640 km) on a full charge
    • GM-estimated 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque in Max Power mode
    • Onboard Power Station Pro turns Sierra EV Denali into a mobile power source, with up to 10.2kW of off-board power that can be used in a variety of situations
    • 800 Volt DC Public Fast Charging capable at up to 350kW, enabling up to 100 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes — the best charging capability in the EV truck segment

    Purposeful Technology

    • 16.8-inch-diagonal freeform infotainment touchscreen — the largest ever in a Sierra
    • Trailering-capable Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology on more than 400,000 miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada
    • Customizable drive modes, including Max Power mode, which enables 0-60 mph acceleration in less than 4.5 seconds (GM estimate)
    • Air Ride Adaptive Suspension that both enables a more comfortable ride as well as the ability to raise or lower the truck by approximately 2 inches
    • EV-enabled propulsion technologies including Regen on Demand Braking, One-Pedal Driving and 4-Wheel Steer with CrabWalk

    “Grille-to-Gate” Versatility

    • Versatility and next-generation GMC functional design enabled by the Ultium Platform
    • GMC-first MultiPro Midgate™ expandable bed offers room for hauling longer items, while still enabling room for a rear-seat passenger
    • eTrunk™ increases cargo room capability with lockable, weatherproof compartment at the front of the vehicle
    • Up to 9,500 pounds (4,309 kg) max towing capacity

    Modern Luxurious Appointments

    • Authentic premium materials including grain-matched open-pore wood (including a wood veneer induction wireless charger), aluminum, etched stainless steel and more that customers have come to expect from the Denali name
    • Bold, all-new design features including a panoramic fixed glass roof
    • A sleek, modern interior crafted with exceptional attention to detail — from seat stitching that invokes the bold lines of the truck’s profile to a streamlined dashboard — lays the foundation for the future of the brand

    “This truck is everything customers know about the Sierra, but is so much more,” said Nichole Kraatz, chief engineer, GM Battery Electric Trucks. “Leveraging GM’s dedicated Ultium pickup platform, it takes the Sierra franchise to new benchmarks of capability, versatility and luxury — all in a zero-tailpipe-emissions package.”

    NEXT-GEN POWER

    The 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1’s Ultium battery pack enables its GM-estimated driving range of 400 miles on a full charge. It is also a structural element of the vehicle, which contributes to its overall strength, durability and performance. Furthermore, the placement of the battery pack lowers the truck’s center of gravity, while enhancing ride comfort and driving confidence on and off the road.

    Front and rear electric drive units channel a GM-estimated 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque to the wheels via an e4WD system in Max Power mode, giving the truck exceptional traction and capability in almost every driving scenario.

    The foundation of the all-new Sierra EV’s range, performance and capabilities is the revolutionary Ultium Platform, first seen on the GMC HUMMER EV supertruck. After the launch of the Sierra EV Denali Edition 1, GMC will introduce additional trims with a selection of ranges and trailering ratings.

    Additionally, the 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1’s Power Station Pro allows the truck to be used as a mobile power source in multiple situations. With the available Ultium Power Bar accessory, the 2024 Sierra EV offers 10.2kW of off-board power through up to 10 outlets that can help power tools and other accessories on the trail or at a campsite, as needed. When properly equipped, the Sierra EV Denali’s Power Station Pro can even power another EV.

    This off-board power capability means that with the right configuration, such as a bi-directional charger and additional products and services offered through GM Energy’s Ultium Home line, the Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 can power a home’s essential necessities, for up to 21 days collectively.

    When it comes to charging performance, the 2024 Sierra EV Denali includes a 19.2kW onboard AC charging module for home and public charging. It also features 800V DC Public Fast Charging capability of up to 350kW, enabling approximately 100 miles of range to be added in only 10 minutes.

    Owners also have access to Ultium Charge 360, GM’s holistic approach to EV charging, designed to help simplify the overall charging experience, including access to more than 110,000 publicly available charging points in the U.S. and Canada.

    PURPOSEFUL TECHNOLOGY

    The Sierra EV offers the brand’s latest charging, infotainment and propulsion technologies that work holistically to help enhance and optimize every drive.

    It all starts when the driver enters the vehicle. With Hands-Free Start, the vehicle turns on after the driver enters with a key fob. Once in the vehicle, the driver simply has to put their foot on the brake and put the vehicle into gear and they are ready to go. Simple and intuitive.

    The driver is also welcomed by the bold animation of the Sierra EV Denali Edition 1’s multiple high-resolution display screens, the center point of which is a large, 16.8-inch-diagonal freeform touchscreen. It’s the first portrait-oriented screen for GMC.

    The touchscreen offers a user-friendly, freeform, customizable experience where icons can be organized similar to a smartphone, while keeping common buttons easily accessible. The screen can also be “split” to operate up to three apps simultaneously. And with GM’s Ultifi vehicle software platform, new features, apps and experiences can be downloaded over the air for greater personalization.

    Additionally, in the 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1, the central 16.8-inch-diagonal screen is paired with an 11-inch-diagonal reconfigurable driver information center and a multi-color Head Up Display offering 14 diagonal inches of view. It all adds up to more than 40 diagonal inches of digital displays providing ease of use and confident command for the driver. Further supporting that confidence are up to 14 available camera views to enhance visibility around the vehicle.

    When it comes time for long trips, the Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 includes Super Cruise, the industry’s first true hands-free driver assistance technology, allowing drivers to travel hands-free on more than 400,000 miles of compatible roads across the U.S. and Canada, even when towing.

    Customers have even more control over their driving experience with technologies enabled by the versatility of the Ultium Platform, including:

    • Customizable Drive Modes enable the driver to adjust steering, suspension, propulsion, sound and power settings for the ultimate personalized driving experience. These modes include:
      • Standard
      • Tow/Haul
      • Off-Road – for when the pavement ends
      • My Mode – a fully customizable experience for the driver
      • Max Power – a thrilling amount of EV torque enables 0-to-60 mph acceleration in under 4.5 seconds (GM estimate)
    • 4-Wheel Steer enables all four wheels to work together for a smaller turning circle and improved maneuverability
    • CrabWalk, a GMC-exclusive diagonal-drive feature that, at low speeds, turns the rear wheels in unison and at the same angle as the front wheels, allowing diagonal movement of the vehicle
    • Variable Regen on Demand Braking converts the kinetic energy of the vehicle’s forward momentum into electricity that’s stored in the battery pack to help improve driving range
    • One-Pedal Driving, which can slow the vehicle to a full stop, using only the accelerator

    ‘GRILLE-TO-GATE’ VERSATILITY

    Functional innovations enabled by the Ultium Platform provide unprecedented flexibility and versatility for hauling and cargo stowage never before available in a Sierra.

    “Without the need to work around a conventional propulsion system, there was an exciting opportunity to reimagine the Sierra EV with a refined yet bold, next-generation modern style and functionality,” said Sharon Gauci, executive director, Buick and GMC Design. “The Ultium Platform allowed us to design what a truck can offer differently when it comes to appearance, spaciousness and capability. It was an important goal for Sierra EV to be visually distinctive yet maintain the essence of GMC and this can be seen in many elements inside and out. For example, the powerful front shield and strong, continuous body side with machined detailing.”

    The 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 has a bold, forward-looking, and ultra-premium aesthetic that announces a new era for the brand’s design language, including a new interpretation of the GMC grille, which serves as an integral part of the sophisticated approach lighting animations, including perimeter grille lighting. Additionally, the Ultium Platform is integrated into the truck’s body structure, which enables more expressive overall design and a confident stance.

    The Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 will be offered exclusively in a Crew Cab model with an integrated 5-foot, 11-inch cargo bed. Its storage capacity is maximized with the innovative MultiPro Midgate™, which provides 9 feet of storage between the cab and the tailgate, when the Midgate is open.

    A 60/40-split second-row seat offers four configurations that allow users to haul gear or equipment while still accommodating a passenger, and an available tonneau cover allows longer items such as a kayak or windsurfing board to be stowed under a lockable, weatherproof cover.

    GMC’s popular MultiPro Tailgate is also standard on the 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1. When this innovative tailgate is down, the maximum load floor length extends to nearly 11 feet with the MidGate down and the MultiPro Tailgate’s load-stop open.

    At the front of the vehicle, the spacious eTrunk offers lockable weatherproof cargo space with two drains where the engine would be in a traditional truck, along with a 120-volt power outlet. The flat floor enables more storage space in the cab, including a modular center console.

    GMC trucks are made to be used, and the Sierra EV is no exception. When it comes to the all-important task of towing, the 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 delivers with up to 9,500 pounds (4,309 kg) of trailering capacity and up to 1,300 pounds of payload. A trailering package comes standard on the Sierra EV Denali Edition 1.

    MODERN LUXURIOUS APPOINTMENTS

    Distinguished by distinctive interiors, next-level materials, exclusive features and technologies, Denali has always represented the pinnacle of luxury done the GMC way. In the new 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1, that signature experience delivers the height of premium in an all-electric truck.

    One of those expressions is the all-new, panoramic fixed glass roof that stretches above both rows of the cabin, creating an open-air ambience and a greater sense of spaciousness. The roof is infrared reflective and has a UV coating to help keep the cabin comfortable.

    The interior accentuates openness, with attention to detail that shepherds in a modern and clean aesthetic. While distinctive quilting and the embroidered Denali logo on the front seat backs will be familiar to customers, the Sierra EV Denali introduces a new rich quilting pattern invocative of the vehicle’s bold front end. This attention to detail and premium materials is carried throughout the interior from the precise finishing on the doors to sweeping lines of authentic open-pore wood on the instrument panel. Also new is an inductive wireless charger finished in the same open-pore wood, creating the modern feel of uninterrupted lines and surfaces.

    The wood décor is complemented with aluminum accents and even etched stainless steel on the speaker grilles of the Bose audio system. Additionally, the electric vehicle sound enhancement technology, developed with Bose, elevates the driver’s sensory experience.

    COMING IN EARLY 2024

    Deliveries of the 2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 are expected to begin in early 2024, with a starting MSRP of $107,000 (plus DFC).

  • Aston Martin V8

    It’s 1972, and Aston Martin is undergoing one of its periodic seismic changes. Sir David Brown, the talented industrialist who steered the business through some of its most memorable 20th Century moments, has sold the firm to a new owner, Company Developments Ltd, and a fresh spirit of optimism takes hold.

    Enter the AM V8. A car that, while launched early in the tenure of Company Developments was firmly rooted in the engineering and design ethos of the David Brown era. Replacing the DBS V8, which had itself championed the use of Aston Martin’s first V8, and the first new engine for more than ten years, the AM V8 was essentially a styling exercise – replacing the angular nose of the DBS with a more curvaceous, purposeful front end that, together with some subtle styling changes elsewhere, gave the new car a much more muscular look. Key to that new nose was the arrival of two seven-inch quartz iodine headlamps and a black mesh grille.

    The return of a small open ‘power bulge’ on the bonnet; the ‘Coke-bottle’ flanks; and the use of Aston Martin V8 side strake badges completed the exterior styling revisions. That this same William Towns’ shape, in essence, would represent the Aston Martin ‘look’ for almost two decades – the last AM V8 styling-inspired cars only ending production in 1989 – shows not only the importance of its 1972 debut, but also the appeal of a styling silhouette that is utterly unmistakable today as a product of the marque’s Newport Pagnell era.

    This first iteration of the 5.3-litre engined AM V8 retained the Bosch fuel injection system from the DBS V8, and while power and torque figures were not commonly quoted, it is believed that these cars were good for as much as 320 bhp, with around 360 lbs/ft of torque. Mated to a ZF five-speed manual gearbox, or optional Chrysler Torqueflite 3-speed auto, that was ample urge to carry this early ‘70s sports car from rest to 60 mph in around six seconds with a top speed of circa 160 mph.

    As was often the case in Aston Martin history, production numbers of these early cars were incredibly small by today’s standards. A mere 289 AM V8 models of this iteration were built between April 1972 and July ’73. They were succeeded by cars with less complex Weber carburetion, the later cars also featuring larger bonnet scoops.

    Numerous iterations of the AM V8 followed over the years – the 1978 ‘Oscar India’ cars with closed bonnet scoop among their changes being among the most plentiful – along with the arrival of Volante versions in June 1978 for those seeking open top motoring. What united the cars, though, aside from their style, performance and exclusivity, was their luxury. The finest Connolly hides, sumptuous Wilton carpeting and, from the arrival of the ‘Oscar India’ cars, the use of burr walnut dashboard trim, were among the many features that marked out these cars as luxury models.

    V8 Vantage

    No AM V8 retrospective would be complete without reference to the original Aston Martin V8 Vantage. It was hailed at its 1977 introduction as “Britain’s first supercar”. It could outrun a Ferrari Daytona in the 0-60 mph sprint, and if pushed to the limit it could record a top speed of 170 mph thanks to its use of high-performance camshafts, an increased compression ratio, larger inlet valves and bigger carburettors mounted on new manifolds for increased output.

    A true British bruiser, the V8 Vantage’s performance belied its significant heft. Critical to the huge performance leap of this Vantage was a significant upgrade to the V8 engine, thereby triggering the ‘Vantage’ moniker, of course.

    The carburettors were changed to the larger 48 IDF Weber which were fitted to revised inlet manifolds. Together with larger valves, revised exhaust manifolds, revised camshafts and a higher compression ratio, once run-in, the engines were capable of 380bhp. At the time, though, and with true British modesty, the power output was described by Aston Martin simply as “adequate”.

    The V8 Vantage’s chassis was stiffened with adjustable Koni dampers, shortened springs and a larger front anti-roll bar. Wider 255/60 VR15 Pirelli CN12 tyres were fitted together with spacers to widen the track.

    External modifications were clear, and aerodynamic in nature. It was easily distinguished for the standard AM V8 by the front air dam, twin Cibie H4 driving lights within the blanked off grille (cooling air for the radiator being drawn in from beneath the bumper) and a boot lid spoiler at the rear. All of these aerodynamic additions were essential to reduce lift. Another feature was the use of a sealed bonnet bulge to cover a larger airbox above the down draught carburettors.

    The V8 Vantage evolved significantly over the course of its reign – which spanned two decades and only ended in 1989 with final deliveries of the last 5.3-litre ‘X-Pack’ car. It even provided the basis for a shorter, radical, and hyper rare, V8 Vantage Zagato saloon.

    Throughout its build period this iteration of Vantage remained the jewel in Aston Martin’s burnished crown.

    Bond is back

    Towards the end of its reign the AM V8 saloon, and corresponding V8 Volante, played another important part in Aston Martin history by reuniting the marque with its most famous ‘owner’ – James Bond.

    In the 1987 film The Living Daylights, which featured Timothy Dalton as 007, producers EON took the decision to return Bond to his familiar position behind the wheel of an Aston Martin using a V8 Volante that, through the magic of the movies, is ‘winterised’ into a V8 saloon by Q branch.

    Bristling with gadgets including a jet engine booster rocket, retractable outriggers for use on snow and ice, and twin heat-seeking missiles, the ‘Oscar India’ saloon has become a regular display piece and, indeed, so iconic was the car’s appearance that, in the most recent film No Time To Die, James Bond (Daniel Craig) is once again seen behind the wheel of his beloved V8.

    Sports car racing

    Naturally enough, AM V8 saloons also had a proud club racing history and cars were campaigned by enthusiast owners across the UK, and far beyond.

    Perhaps the most famous of these weekend warriors was the car that came to be known, affectionately, as ‘The Muncher’ by virtue of its apparently insatiable appetite for brake discs.

    Admittedly this car was developed from a DBS V8 but very quickly acquired the revised front end of the AM V8 as it went through numerous design and aerodynamic developments, some of which were very much an acquired taste!

    The car was the brainchild of Aston Martin enthusiast, service agent and one-time distributor, Robin Hamilton.

    Early club racing success spurred Hamilton on to push the V8 into Le Mans 24 Hours competition at a time when the brand itself was not prioritising its motorsport activity. RHAM/1 as it was called shocked not only the French spectators but also, perhaps, the competition by notching up a highly creditable 17th overall in the 1977 running of the famous 24-hour race, before further developments – including the addition of twin turbochargers – saw it achieve an outrageous peak power output of 800 bhp.

    Reflecting on the enduring appeal of the AM V8 in all its many forms over almost two decades of production Aston Martin Works President, Paul Spires, said: “The 1970s were, in many ways, a testing time with social and economic unrest rife. Yet, through it all, we created the AM V8 which, today, is rightly seen as one of the jewels in our illustrious history. That so many of these big, brutish sports cars survive and thrive today is testament not only to their enduring appeal but also to the legion of owners, past and present, who have worked so hard with us to keep the cars running.

    “As all things ‘70s seem, once again, to be back in fashion it’s only right that, today, we mark the 50th anniversary of one of our most desirable heritage models.”

  • Hyundai Grandeur

    Hyundai Motor Company today unveiled the bold new design of its seventh-generation Grandeur, badged as Azera in markets outside Korea, flagship sedan. The all-new model comes six years after the sixth generation launched in 2016.

    Since its original debut as Hyundai’s high-end sedan in 1986, Grandeur has led the Korean sedan market, with design and innovations that stand for success and premium quality. The seventh-generation Grandeur has evolved into a model with a new level of refinement and sophistication, full of innovative design cues and high-tech details, which reflects the great transformation happening in the mobility sector without losing sight of the model’s tremendous heritage.

    “The seventh-generation Grandeur expresses our respect for the past and commitment to move on to the future,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center. “We are creating a new standard for the premium sedan market through emotive design and a refined customer experience.”

    Creating an exterior design that perfectly fuses art and technology

    The All-New Grandeur’s exterior design takes inspiration from previous models and applies Hyundai Motor’s philosophy to reflect on its past while setting a course for the future.

    One of the model’s most prominent aspects is its pure volume and excellent sense of proportions that balance premium and dynamic styling attributes. The All-New Grandeur is defined by a Seamless Horizon Lamp inspired by the first light of dawn, accentuating the model’s wide stance and harmonizing with its parametric jewel grill. The Seamless Horizon Lamp is a perfect fusion of technology and art and characterizes Grandeur’s future-focused design sensibility.

    The large sedan’s pure volume is accentuated by a single character line that runs smoothly and horizontally from the headlamps to the rear combination lamp over clean, uncluttered body sides with frameless doors and auto-flush handles that reflect the model’s contemporary style and refinement.

    Grandeur’s stretched wheelbase harmonizes with the boldly receding cowl point and C-pillar to provide an excellent sense of spaciousness as well as dynamic and sporty proportions.

    The ‘Seamless Horizon’ design is also applied to the signature combination lamp that spans the taut rear end, emphasizing the model’s slim yet confident stance.

    An interior that serves as an oasis for relaxation and recovery

    For the All-New Grandeur, Hyundai Motor created a wrap-around interior space trimmed in premium and sustainable materials to provide a clean, comfortable respite for busy lives.

    The ambient mood lighting spreads softly across the door trim and the front of the dashboard, and interactive lighting on the upper right of the integrated display provides a new user experience. The pattern details on the door trim are designed with a delicate Korean aesthetic. Together, these elements provide passengers a calming space for relaxation and recovery.

    The steering wheel was also inspired by the single-spoke design of the first-generation Grandeur and reborn in its current form by integrating and rearranging controls to provide a more optimized layout for the driver. With the gear knob moved to the steering wheel, the console space provides neat and clean storage conveniences and wireless charging tailored for diverse customer lifestyles and connectivity needs.

    On the sleekly styled interior surfaces, designers applied real wood, aluminum and naturally dyed Napa leather quilted in a traditional Korean pattern to provide further differentiation and refinement. The sedan’s interior and exterior abound with sustainable materials. In addition to eco-process Napa leather, there is hygienic, anti-bacterial leather applied to various touchpoints.

  • Mitsubishi XFC Concept

    Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) today held the world premiere of the Mitsubishi XFC Concept, a compact SUV concept car, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The car will be on display at Vietnam Motor Show 2022 to be held from October 26 to 30.

    With the concept of being the “best-suited buddy for an exciting life,” the Mitsubishi XFC Concept is a next-generation compact SUV that offers the powerful and imposing design of an SUV, utility such as ease of handling and an ample cargo space, comfort including a class-leading interior space, and safe, secure road handling even on rough surfaces or roads flooded by heavy rains.

    “We will launch the new compact SUV sequentially in the ASEAN markets including Vietnam in fiscal year 2023*,” said Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer, Mitsubishi Motors. “In the future, we plan to add an electrified variant to the lineup and to also roll it out in regions outside ASEAN. We hope to grow the model from a vehicle for the ASEAN market to a global strategic vehicle, making it a core model like the sales-leading Xpander crossover MPV.”

    The Mitsubishi XFC Concept is a compact SUV that is not part of the current ASEAN lineup. It complements Mitsubishi Motors’ wide range of products tailored to the ASEAN market — the Triton pickup truck and its derivative, the Pajero Sport midsize SUV; the Outlander and Outlander PHEV midsize SUVs; the Xpander and Xpander Cross crossover MPVs; and the Mirage compact hatchback and its variant, the Attrage sedan.

    Powerful and imposing design

    In line with Mitsubishi Motors’ design philosophy of Robust & Ingenious, the Mitsubishi XFC Concept combines a compact yet powerful and imposing aura of an SUV with a sleek surface that forms one continuous flow, starting from the three-diamond emblem on the front and extending to the sides and rear. This gives it a stylish and sporty profile to match the cityscapes of the ASEAN region. In addition, with enhanced road handling on rough surfaces thanks to ample ground clearance and large-diameter wheels, the Mitsubishi XFC Concept expresses both toughness and agility while featuring an authentic SUV styling that stands out in outdoor scenes.

    At the front, the Dynamic Shield concept, which expresses both performance and protection, has evolved in line with the concept. The L-shaped headlight in the headlight unit’s upper portion combines with the louver-like daytime running lights (DRL) below to light up in an iconic T-shape, which shows a sense of broadness. The sides of the body are composed of rich, muscular surfaces, with sculpted front and rear fender flares and character lines expressing the power and dynamism of an SUV. Like the front, the rear also features T-shaped tail lights to create a rear styling that accentuates wideness and stability.

    The interior offers ease of operation and comfortableness, which are essential for an SUV. For the instrument panel, a horizontally themed design is adopted, making it easier to sense changes in the vehicle’s posture when driving on rough surfaces while also improving forward visibility. Meanwhile, the dynamic design extending from the instrument panel to the door trim, along with a series of soft padding, give a sense of enclosure and protection to create a secure and comfortable interior.

    Utility provided by ease of handling and ample cargo space

    The Mitsubishi XFC Concept is designed for ease of operation, providing good forward visibility, easy perception of the vehicle’s dimensions, and smooth handling. The instrument panel features a large display panel integrating a full digital driver display and a center display that can show three separate information such as navigation, road surface conditions, and other information necessary for driving on one screen to provide a safe and comfortable driving environment while also expressing a sense of advanced design. Despite its compact body size, the Mitsubishi XFC Concept is also designed for utility with ample cargo space.

    Comfort provided by class-leading interior space

    Although it is a compact SUV, the Mitsubishi XFC Concept comes with spacious cabin area. In particular, with its generous legroom in the rear seats, it offers top-level comfort in its class. Moreover, everyone on board can feel safe and reassured, with vehicle stability control in slippery road conditions and high-quality ride comfort.

    Safe and reliable driving on rough and flooded roads

    With plenty of ground clearance and four drive modes — Normal, Wet, Gravel and Mud — the Mitsubishi XFC Concept offers a fun, safe and secure ride in various weather and road conditions. The Wet mode, introduced for the first time in a Mitsubishi vehicle, is designed with use in ASEAN countries in mind, such as enabling safe driving even on roads flooded by sudden showers.

  • Porsche 911 Carrera T

    Porsche is adding to the 911 family with the lightweight sports car, the 911 Carrera T. The letter “T” stands for touring and describes models that offer a purist driving experience with exceptionally sporty equipment.

    The standard 911 T features a seven-speed manual gearbox. An eight-speed PDK is also available. The rear seats are omitted. Featuring a PASM sports suspension with 10-mm-lowering and reduced insulation, the new 911 Carrera T is the epitome of purism and exhilarating driving pleasure. You can feel it on winding mountain and country roads – and you can hear it too. The sound of the six-cylinder boxer engine is now an even more striking presence in the interior.

    Standard with PASM sports suspension and Sport Chrono package

    The new 911 Carrera T slots in between the 911 Carrera and the 911 Carrera S. The Carrera T takes its biturbo engine with 283 kW (385 PS; 911 Carrera T models: Fuel consumption* combined (WLTP) 10.9 – 10.3 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions* combined (WLTP) 247 – 233 g/km, Fuel consumption* combined (NEDC) 10.2 – 9.5 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions* combined (NEDC) 232 – 217 g/km) and 450 Newton metres of torque, and which accelerates the sports car from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and to a top speed of 291 km/h, from the entry-level 911. The standard equipment from the Carrera S with a manual transmission is augmented by Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical rear differential lock.

    The 911 Carrera T also comes standard with the Sport Chrono package and the PASM sports suspension (-10 mm) – features that only the Carrera T offers in combination with the 385-PS engine. This is available as an option in the 911 Carrera S. On request, the Carrera T can also be ordered with the optional rear-axle steering, which is also normally reserved for models from the Carrera S and up.

    T-specific equipment features include 20- and 21-inch Titanium Grey Carrera S wheels in front and back, respectively, with 245/35 (front) and 305/30 (rear) sized tyres. The 911 Carrera T also comes standard with the GT sports steering wheel, sports exhaust system and Sports Seats Plus (four-way, electric). Weighing just 1,470 kg, the 911 Carrera T with a manual transmission is the lightest series 911 with the entry-level engine, coming in 35 kg lighter than the 911 Carrera with a standard eight-speed PDK. In the 911 Carrera, the manual transmission is no longer available. Beyond the omitted back seats and reduced insulation, lightweight glass and a lightweight battery shave off even more weight.

    Touring car concept successful across several model lines

    The “T” in the model designation of the Porsche 911 Carrera T stands for touring and traces its history back to the homologation of the 911 T as a touring car in 1968. This first 911 T was offered until 1973, and in 2017 Porsche revived the purist 911 variant with the 911 Carrera T of the 991 model line. Since then, the concept of the stripped-down, yet exceptionally sporty setup has been successfully brought to other model lines with the 718 Cayman T, the 718 Boxster T and the Macan T.

    Exclusive details inside and out

    On the exterior, the Porsche 911 Carrera T stands out from the rest of the model line with Dark Grey accentuating details. Contrasting elements such as the top and bottom trim on the exterior mirrors, the new door logos and the rear logos, and the trim strips on the rear lid grille feature Agate Grey. The windscreen also features a grey top tint. The tailpipes of the sports exhaust system are in high-gloss black. It all gives the new 911 Carrera T an even more extroverted and dynamic look.

    The car’s sportiness is underscored in the interior by the standard four-way Sports Seats Plus. Decorative trim in matte black and decorative inlays in high-gloss black round off the T interior. Customers seeking even more distinctiveness can choose the optional Carrera T interior package. In this case, they receive additional safety belts in the contrasting colours Slate Grey or Lizard Green.

    The same goes for the decorative stitching, the 911 logo embossed in the headrests and the stripes down the seat centres. The floor mats also offer the logo and stitching in the contrasting colours of Lizard Green and Slate Grey as an option.

    Small but exquisite selection of options and colours

    The 911 Carrera T offers optional Adaptive Sports Seats Plus (18-way, electric) as well as the even sportier and exceptionally lightweight full bucket seats featuring Race Tex seat centres. The Carrera T interior package is offered with an optional extended leather interior. The armrests on the door panels and centre console are also in leather, along with the upper parts of the dashboard and door panel trim.

    The new 911 Carrera T is available in the four solid colours Black, White, Guards Red and Racing Yellow as well as in the four metallic finishes Deep Black, Gentian Blue, Ice Grey and GT Silver. Available special colours are Chalk, Ruby Star Neo, Carmine Red, Shark Blue and Python Green. Buyers of the 911 Carrera T also have the option of using the Paint to Sample programme, which offers paintwork in over 110 available colour tones.