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BMW Group begins testing of the i Hydrogen NEXT with hydrogen fuel cell engine

BMW Group begins testing the new hydrogen fuel cell engine in everyday conditions. The prototype vehicle, BMW i Hydrogen NEXT will showcase the efficiency of the CO2-free engine and give some intel about the overall performance and engine’s reliability.

This kind of technology has a long-term potential to supplement the conventional internal combustion power units, plug-in hybrids, and battery-electric vehicles. In fact, it has the potential to become an attractive alternative to electrified engines, especially for those who don’t have the access to charging infrastructures.

A central component of the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT tests includes the fine-tuning of the software that controls all driving and operating functions. Also important at this stage is the validation of efficiency, safety, and convenience. At the same time, engineers and examiners should try to enhance this well-known BMW driving experience.

Technical aspects of the fuel-cell technology

The BMW prototype vehicle blends hydrogen fuel cell technology with the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology and delivers quite satisfactory results.

The energy is generated in the fuel cell as a result of a chemical reaction between the hydrogen and oxygen from the air. This approach manages to deliver a total of 170hp output and quite agile performance.

SEE ALSO: GTO Engineering shares the first sketches of the new Squalo

Also, the system features a performance buffer battery which is used for dynamic acceleration and agile cornering. The idea is to ensure that the advanced system provides the same performance and feel as a six-cylinder in-line petrol unit, but with zero emissions.

June 16, 2021
GTO Engineering shares the first sketches of the new Squalo

GTO Engineering has revealed the initial drawings of the neat interior of the new Squalo. The design team blends luxury, modern functionality, and cutting-edge and engineering ideas into a single design concept that would become the cabin of the new Squalo.

The drawings demonstrate the overall design concept and the placement of all interior components, luggage, and even the buttons, switches, and all these tiny controls. Also, GTO Engineering plans to release even more sketches and explain the ideas behind every single image.

At the moment, the design team is working on a bespoke seating arrangement that fits the styling concept but also provides enhanced comfort for all occupants. In fact, it is apparent that the design team maps the placement for different components like pedals, steering wheel, and manual gearbox selector in such a way that the driver would get the most out of the driving experience.

SEE ALSO: Porsche reveals details for new 911 GT3 model

Since the first announcement back in November 2020, the development of the Squalo continues both internally and externally. The ever-growing team of GTO Engineering would most likely result in delivering us advanced machines with some neat technologies. We expect that the new Squalo will be one of the most exciting vehicles of the decade.

Customer deliveries are appointed for 2023. Stick with us for more information in the meanwhile!

June 16, 2021
Porsche reveals details for new 911 GT3 model

Customers can already order the 7^th generation on 911 GT 3 with a Touring package. The vehicle comes with a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung gearbox and a six-speed GT Sport manual transmission as an optional feature. Also, this is the first time when the Touring Package is available with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox system.

One of the most notable features of the new 911 GT3 is the omission of the fixed rear wing. Instead, the engineering team has included an automatically extending rear spoiler that generates downforce at high speeds and maintains a menacing appearance. There’s also a unique grille and glossy adonized aluminum details. The front face is painted completely in exterior color and showcases a rather badass face.

Interior design

New 911 GT3 with Touring Package offers an atmosphere of a classic sports car. The steering wheel, gear lever/selector, central console lid, door panels, and door handles are all upholstered in black leather, while the seats are covered with special fabric. The doors sill guards and trim elements on the dashboard and central console are all made of brushed aluminum. Some of the optional features include colored upholstery for the seats, interior and upper dashboard.

SEE ALSO: New Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe comes with revised drivetrain system

In terms of tech features, the new 911 GT3 comes with LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System and Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, a Smart Front Axle Lift system, Chrono package, and an optional BOSE Surround Sound System.

June 16, 2021
New Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe comes with revised drivetrain system

The successful AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is now even more customizable and offers further updates and changes that contribute to the overall refinement of the vehicle. There’s a new MANUFAKTUR Exclusive Edition that further underlines the distinctive character of the four-door sports vehicle. Also, there’s an extended choice of wheels, upholstery, trim, exterior colors, and numerous more goodies.

The AMG GT 4-Door Coupe continues the success story and presents a neat combination of driving dynamics, thanks to the new air suspension, active rear-axle steering, and the fully variable AWD system.

The suspension system is based on a multi-chamber air suspension system and is mated to an adaptive and electronically controlled adjustable damping system. This combination allows the vehicle to allow the damping force to be adjusted more precisely.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen reveals further details about the new Golf GTI

Also, there are some neat attractive choices that have been added. These include new exterior colors, Starling Blue Metallic, MANUFAKTUR Starling Blue Magno (matte finish) and MANUFAKTUR Cashmere White Magno (matte finish), a new AMG Night Package II that provides an AMG-specific radiator grille with dark chrome and neat black accents across the body. The neat exterior design is finished off with exclusive 20-inch light-alloy 10-twin-spoke wheels.

Interior design

There are also numerous interior updates included into the new vehicle. First, there are new colors that emphasize the sporty and yet luxurious ambiance. There’s also extended use of Nappa leather – customers can specify their AMG GT 4-Door Coupe with either a combination of Exclusive Nappa Leather in Titanium Grey Pearl / Black with contrasting stitching in Yellow or fine Exclusive Nappa Leather in Auburn Brown / Black in the STYLE finish.

June 16, 2021
Volkswagen reveals further details about the new Golf GTI

The new-generation Golf GTI will take the successful hot hatch formula to the next level and will showcase a new chassis, enhanced performance rates, and tons of new advanced technologies.

The setup of the new Golf GTi features some exclusive modifications especially designed to increase precision and driving stability. let’s find out more, shall we?

Drivetrain system

First, the strut-type front suspension is fine-tuned and features redesigned wishbone bearings and revised damping hydraulics.

Furthermore, the new Golf comes with a new aluminum subframe which is nearly 7 pounds lighter than the processor. Also, there’s a multilink rear axle with a new wheel mount, wishbone bearing, and spring setup, along with reconfigured auxiliary springs.

Also, for the 8^th generation, the Volkswagen team has included the brand’s dedicated Vehicle Dynamics Manager – a new driving dynamics control system that integrates the electronic stability control with the electronic differential locks and the optional DCC adaptive damping system.

The latest Golf GTI also comes with an electronically controlled torque-sensing limited-slip differential. The system offers a variable degree of intervention depending on the actual driving situation. The system makes it possible to avoid steering instability and optimizes grip and handling when cornering.

SEE ALSO: Subaru reveals further information for the new 2022 Ascent SUV

As it comes to driving dynamics, the vehicle comes with Driving Mode Selection via which the driver can amend the reduction of body motion as preferred. The required damping is automatically calculated for each wheel and adjusts at the front dampers within a fraction of a second.

June 15, 2021
Subaru reveals further information for the new 2022 Ascent SUV

Subaru announced details for the new 2022 Ascent, the brand’s award-winning SUV.

The new family member comes with spacious interior and 3-row setup with flexible seating options and tons of standard features, driver-assistive technologies and safety tech. Available in five trim levels, Base, Premium, new Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring, Ascent hits the retailers this summer.

What is new for 2022 is the Ascent Onyx Edition and its exclusive black-finish exterior touches and elegant interior details.

Standard equipment for all trim levels includes tri-zone front and rear automatic climate control, automatic power door lock, power windows and side mirrors, multi-function display, security system with engine immobilizer, rear vision camera, two USB input ports in the front section of center console, two USB charging ports in rear section of center console, raised roof rails, 19 cupholders, and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Drivetrain system

Geared with a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, the new Ascent generates a total of 260hp and 277lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a high-torque Lineartronic CVT gearbox with 8-speed manual mode function and steering wheel paddle shifters for some more driving control.

SEE ALSO: New PEUGEOT e-Rifter is available for order. Check it out!

Furthermore, all trim levels come standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE with Hill Descent Control for enhanced stability.

Safety features

With safety as a top priority, 2022 Ascent comes with a rich safety suite. First of all, the engineering team has included EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering. Also, all Ascent trim levels include Steering Responsive LED headlights with High Beam Assist and Seat Belt Reminder.

Depending on the trim level, the vehicle can also be equipped with are Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking and more.

June 15, 2021
New PEUGEOT e-Rifter is available for order. Check it out!
PEUGEOT has opened the order books for the all-new e-Rifter, one of the brand’s latest zero-emission vehicles.

Available in two trim levels, the vehicle comes with a multi-energy EMP2 platform with a 100kw (136hp) electric engine capable of generating a total of 260Nm of torque. Also, the new PEUGEOT e-Rifter is powered by a 50kWh battery, allowing it to cover about 172 miles with a single charge. Furthermore, drivers can choose from three driving modes: Eco (60 kW/180 Nm), for optimum range, Normal (80 kW/220 Nm), for daily use, and Power (100 kW/260 Nm), to optimize vehicle’s performance.

New PEUGEOT e-Rifter also comes with a 7.4kW single-phase on-board charger and an 11kW three-phase on-board charger. A full charge via the 7.4kW Wallbox takes about 7.5 hours, five hours with the optional 11kW three-phase on-board charger, and about 30 minutes to reach 80% with a 100kW rapid charger.

In terms of design, the vehicle demonstrates a striking and bold exterior with 16-inch aluminum wheels for the Allure Premium trim level and 17-inch exclusives for the GT. There are also many e-Rifter badges across the body.

SEE ALSO: Hyundai TUCSON wins ‘Car of the Year’ award by DieselCar & EcoCar Magazine

The new model comes with the latest infotainment features, including a digital i-Cockpit interior with a large 10-inch digital instrument panel and digital central display. Thee-Rifter also comes with smartphone compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In terms of safety the vehicle is geared with:
- Keyless Entry & Start (PEUGEOT Open & Go)
- Advanced Grip Control with five grip levels** (optional)
- Hill Start Assist
- Visiopark 180° (reversing camera)
- Lane Departure Warning System
- Automatic Collision Alert
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Driver Attention Alert
- Automatic Smartbeam Assist
- Speed Sign Recognition and Recommendation
- Blind Spot Monitoring System** (optional)
- Trailer Stability Control System
June 15, 2021
Jaguar Land Rover develops a hydrogen-powered fuel cell prototype

Jaguar Land Rover engineers are developing a prototype hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle based on the new Land Rover Defender.

The FCEV concept is part of Jaguar Land Rover’s goal to achieve zero emissions by 2036, and net-zero carbon emissions across its supply chain and products by 2039.

The FCEV generates electricity from hydrogen in order to power the electric motor and is complementary to the battery-electric vehicles on the goal of achieving zero vehicle emissions. Furthermore, the Hydrogen-powered FCEVs ensure high energy density and quick refueling, and minimal losses of range in low temperatures. This makes the technology suitable for longer-range vehicles and these operating in temperature-fluctuating environments.

The advanced engineering project is named Project Zeus and is funded by the government-backed Advanced Propulsion Centre, and will enable engineers to get to know more about the hydrogen systems and how they can be optimized in order to deliver the performance and capability expected by customers.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen reveals further details about the new Golf GTI

The tests will begin towards the end of 2021 and will verify key attributes like the off-road capabilities and the overall fuel consumption.

Ralph Clague, Head of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells for Jaguar Land Rover, said: We know hydrogen has a role to play in the future powertrain mix across the whole transport industry, and alongside battery electric vehicles, it offers another zero tailpipe emission solution for the specific capabilities and requirements of Jaguar Land Rover’s world-class line-up of vehicles. The work done alongside our partners in Project Zeus will help us on our journey to become a net zero carbon business by 2039, as we prepare for the next generation of zero tailpipe emissions vehicles.

June 15, 2021
Hyundai TUCSON wins ‘Car of the Year’ award by DieselCar & EcoCar Magazine

Hyundai Motor UK announces that the new TUCSON SUV was named “Car of the Year 2021” by DieselCar & EcoCar Magazine.

The vehicle offers customers a choice of three engine systems, Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, and Petrol. The jury was impressed with the vehicle’s agile performance rates as well as its styling and safety features. TUCSON SUV comes with some of the best in the class safety systems – Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) Car, Pedestrian and Cycle and Multi Collision Braking (MCA) as standard.

The Hyundai TUCSON ushers in a new design language, taking it from ‘handsome’ to ‘trend-setting.’ Its interior is a big step up, with great materials, a mature design and an excellent infotainment system with an attractive instrument display. The hybrid model serves up plentiful performance and a near-50mpg economy. We found the TUCSON refined and capable, with excellent handling and plenty of traction. All in all, we not only think the TUCSON perfectly fits the bill for buyers, but it also goes above and beyond the segment expectations, making it a very worthy winner, says DieselCar & EcoCar Magazine editor Ian Robertson.

SEE ALSO: Citroën vehicles win three prizes at the 2021 DieselCar & EcoCar magazine Top 50

In addition to TUCSON’s prestigious award, Hyundai KONA also scored success with its placement at DieselCar & EcoCar Magazine Car “top 50” list. The agile KONA SUV is geared with a sustainable drivetrain system with a choice of Electric, Hybrid, and Petrol with Mild Hybrid powertrains, as well as some cutting-edge connectivity technologies with next-generation Heads-Up Display, Touch Screen functionality, wireless charging, and a large 10.25-inch digital cluster.

June 14, 2021
Citroën vehicles win three prizes at the 2021 DieselCar & EcoCar magazine Top 50

Citroënwins numerous awards at the DieselCar & EcoCar event. Brand’s latest full-electric C-segment hatch, the ë-C4 was named “Best Electric Medium Car”, and the new C4 ranked at 49^th position in the event’s list of the best models on sale this year. Both models are joined by the new Berlingo, which won the “Best Utility Vehicle” and Grand C4 Space Tourer, which took home the “Best MPV” award.

What impressed the jury at the event were C4’s elegant style and the practical all-electric drivetrain. This is also the latest electrified vehicle by Citroën, followed by C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid, ë-Dispatch van, and ë-SpaceTourer MPV.

New ë-C4 is powered by an agile 136hp electric motor and can cover up to 217 miles. It can also support CCS rapid charging for 80% for about 30 minutes with a 100kW rapid charger. Also, a Type-2 charging cable allows a regular 7.4kW charger to fully charge the vehicle for 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Along with ë-C4, the new C4 SpaceTourer received the award for the model’s elegant exterior styling and comprehensive standard equipment. This is the second year that the SpaceTourer impresses the jury – at last year’s event, the vehicle also received the “Best Medium MPV” award.

SEE ALSO: PEUGEOT e-208 and 2008 receive awards at the DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 New Car Awards 2021

The Berlingo also received tons of attention. The judges praised the model for its family-friendly interior, affordable price, and overall handy and reliable technologies. Offered in two body variants, Berlingo comes with numerous standard features.

June 14, 2021
PEUGEOT e-208 and 2008 receive awards at the DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 New Car Awards 2021

PEUGEOT e-208 and 2008 have won prestigious awards at the 2021 DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 New Car Awards. The e-208 won the Best Electric Supermini and the 2008 took home Best Compact SUV award. Both vehicles have been praised for their range, handling and powertrain capabilities.

In fact, PEUGEOT e-208 also placed fourth overall in the DieselCar & EcoCar top 50 models on sale for 2021. The vehicle managed to impress both PEUGEOT skeptics and fans with its innovative interior design and the extended list of standard features.

Similarly, PEUGEOT 2008 caught the attention with its contemporary design and neat advanced technologies – the “tooth” LED daytime running lights, i-Cockpit, and the 3D Digital Instrument Panel are only a few of the goodies that make the vehicle stand out from the crowd.

Ian Robertson, Editor of DieselCar & EcoCar said: The PEUGEOT e-208 stunned us on the road and feels poised and agile, and with a 217-mile range, it’s our favourite electric supermini this year. The 2008’s strong design, which when backed up with its efficient powertrain options, made it the obvious choice for our Best Compact SUV award this year. PEUGEOT has come in strong at this year’s awards, with two further models, the 3008 and 5008, also being placed in our Top 50 New Car listings.

SEE ALSO: Mazda MX-30 is awarded Best Electric Compact SUV at the 2021 Diesel and EcoCar Magazine Awards

Both vehicles are available for purchase via PEUGEOT Retailers and Buy Online, where customers can specify their vehicle in any way they want.

June 14, 2021
Mazda MX-30 is awarded Best Electric Compact SUV at the 2021 Diesel and Eco Car Magazine Awards

New Mazda MX-30 has been named Best Electric Compact SUV by Diesel and EcoCar Magazine in their annual event.

This is the brand’s first battery-electric production car and features a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery and elegant exterior design. The jury at the Eco Car Magazine event was impressed with the vehicle’s unique Kodo design and the freestyle doors and framed glasshouse which hint at the openness of the interior.

Talking about the interior, the MX-30 features a high-quality material cabin and driver-focused design. The lower console incorporates a 7-inch color touch-screen air conditioning control panel, ample space, and a sense of a floating central console.

In terms of drivetrain system, Mazda engineers stayed true to the ‘Jinbai Ittai – car and driver as one concept and developed an engine system that features intuitive response, natural feedback, and intuitive control. The Electric G-Vectoring Control Plus system enhances the chassis performance by using motor torque that optimizes the front-rear load shift for improved stability, while the Skyactiv-Vehicle complements the smooth power delivery of the Skyactiv drivetrain.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen presents the new Multivan

New Mazda MX-30 lineup is currently available with three equipment grades -SE-L, Lux, Sport Lux, and GT Sport Tech, each featuring LED headlights with daytime running lights, reverse camera, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Intelligent Speed Assist, navigation, and heads-up display.

June 14, 2021