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Added on the 20/04/2023 06:26:54 - Copyright : Auto Moto EN
"In our Automotive News Weekly Recap you can watch all the news from the last week. This week: The first-ever BMW X7 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT to the TT New GTS Models - Two athletes join the Porsche Panamera Family Porsche to display Mission E Concept in Sydney All-new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon put to the test on the legendary Rubicon Trail High-powered 900 hp Ford Mustang RTR become first car ever to drift legendary Nürburgring All-new Hyundai Nexo - The future utility vehicle made by Hyundai A style for all seasons - The new Fiat 500 Collezione is here"
In a constantly changing global mobility market, there are those who dream about a better future and those who take concrete steps towards a more sustainable and responsible tomorrow. FIAT has proved that the future is already here with the unveiling of its new family of Panda-inspired concepts.The first new product will be revealed next July, followed by the launch of a new vehicle every year until 2027. The new set of models has been designed to conquer the streets of the world and complete the brand’s line-up. Thanks to Stellantis, FIAT has access to a new global platform, on which it has added its distinctive brand of Italian creativity: a recipe combining beauty and simple solutions.The new cars will share the same philosophy - Functionality should never exist without Fun - and the same technology - a single global platform where new models can be manufactured on a local relevance basis. Wherever the new models are created, they can be produced in any part of the world and reach customers everywhere. The unique multi-energy platform will also allow the next FIAT models to be equipped with all types of powertrain (electric, hybrid and ICE). Furthermore, the new family will feature an efficient use of space together with sustainable materials. Each of the new models will be a unique and original interpretation of the inclusive, accessible, and ingenious spirit that has allowed the brand to create vehicles with modular interiors, unique looks, and bold personalities.
Volkswagen T-Roc CabrioletThe T-Roc Cabriolet continues Volkswagen tradition, featuring a lightweight fabric top with three layers – like the Beetle and Golf Cabriolet. As soon as the electro-hydraulic drive has retracted the soft top fully automatically, which takes just nine seconds, the occupants of all four seats enjoy an all-round view. The modern design of the exterior is achieved by means of clear, calm geometries and surfaces, while details such as the wide front grille with integrated LED performance headlights highlight the robust SUV look. In the interior of the new T-Roc Cabriolet, the latest modifications in the area of the redesigned dash panel and displays ensure a particularly high-quality and progressive look.Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet Twelve years ago, Porsche introduced the first GTS version of the 911. Now, a new generation of the popular sports car model is being launched – more powerful and visually distinctive, and with better driving dynamics than ever. Its six-cylinder boxer engine delivers 353 kW (480 PS), which is 22 kW (30 PS) more than the current 911 Carrera S and the previous 911 GTS.An eight-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK) or a seven-speed manual, as well as GTS-specific suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), and the high-performance braking system from the 911 Turbo, ensure the superior transmission of longitudinal and lateral forces. Driving dynamics will be further improved with the Lightweight Design package, which will be available on the GTS for the first time and saves up to 25 kilograms.Fiat 500 CabrioThe New 500 is FCA’s first full-electric model and boasts numerous top-of-the-range features. For instance, the 42-kW battery guarantees extended range, up to 320 km in the WLTP cycle, increasing to 450 km in the urban cycle, and comes with an 85-kW battery charger as standard in both the Passion and Icon versions. It only takes 5 minutes to charge it up to drive 50 kilometers, more than necessary for average daily use. The fast charger can also charge the battery to 80% in just 35 minutes. In terms of performance, the batteries are combined with an 87-kW (118-hp) electric motor, delivering an automatically limited maximum speed of 150 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds and from 0 to 50 km/h in 3.1 seconds.Mercedes-AMG SLThe new Mercedes-AMG SL, the new edition of an icon, returns to its roots with a classic soft top and sporty character. High-tech components such as the AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension with active anti-roll stabilisation, rear-axle steering, the optionally available AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system and the standard-fit DIGITAL LIGHT with projection function sharpen the sporty profile. In combination with the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, this results in a driving experience of the highest order. As a consistent Performance Luxury model, Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach has developed the SL completely independently. Two models with AMG V8 engines will kick off the market launch.Lexus LC 500 Convertible Engineers aimed to retain similar handling dynamics to the LC 500 coupe while also improving chassis rigidity with the addition and relocation of various structural braces. The LC Convertible’s suspension is tuned specifically to complement the subtle changes in weight between the two platforms, as a reduction of un-sprung weight in the front suspension improves the overall stroke. In the rear, engineers were able to further enhance structural rigidity by reshaping and relocating the rear suspension brace tower. Drivers of the front engine, rear-wheel-drive LC Convertible can expect similar breath-taking performance to the coupe, thanks to the powerful drivetrain combination of the 5.0-litre V8 engine paired with the seamless Direct-Shift 10-speed automatic transmission. The naturally aspirated, direct-injection V8 is rated to produce 471 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 398 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm.MINI Cooper S With the market launch of the new MINI Convertible, the brand-typical driving pleasure and extroverted style in a small car reach an even higher level. The powerful bright yellow colour emphasises the lively appearance of the MINI Convertible. At the front of the vehicle, it also adorns the bumper strip, which serves as the number plate holder and is now no longer painted in black but always in the same colour as the car. The minimalist design language also brings the design features characteristic of the brand even more into focus.The MINI Convertible combines the enthusiasm for open-top driving pleasure with clever functionality. It’s fully electrically driven, and thus particularly quiet textile soft top can be opened and closed within 18 seconds at a time. The soft top can also be activated while driving at speeds of up to 30 km/h.Chevrolet Corvette Stingray ConvertibleSuper sports car quality, high-quality materials, new standards in terms of performance and technology as well as a pronounced attention to detail are features that characterize the eighth Corvette generation. With the vehicle, Chevrolet is also presenting the first mid-engine series version in the 67-year history of the American sports car icon, which is making its market debut in Europe with a particularly large variety of edition models.BMW 4 Series ConvertibleThe standout element of the models in the new BMW 4 Series range is the carefully judged enhancement of their sporting abilities. And now, this can also be combined with the pleasure of open-top motoring. With its sensational styling, brand new roof design, diverse line-up of engines, top-class chassis technology and innovative equipment features, the new BMW 4 Series Convertible packages driving pleasure in a particularly exclusive form.The range now peaks with an extremely sporty BMW M440i xDrive Convertible flagship model powered by a 275 kW/374 hp six-cylinder in-line petrol engine. The launch line-up also comprises two four-cylinder petrol units and a four-cylinder diesel, with two straight-six diesel engines.McLaren 765LT SpiderComplementing the 765LT ‘Longtail’ coupe unveiled last year – all of which are sold – the new Spider is McLaren’s most powerful-ever convertible supercar and brings highest-ever levels of driver engagement to the McLaren LT experience. Engineered in addition with the other core attributes intrinsic to any McLaren Longtail – minimised weight, track-focused dynamics and optimised aerodynamics – the 765LT Spider has all of the class-leading abilities of the coupe and also meets the LT demand for exclusivity: just 765 cars will be available globally for customer order.Carrying over the coupe’s dynamic and aerodynamic DNA with no structural compromise and only a minimal 49kg weight increase – primarily from the retractable hard top and accompanying operating mechanism – the 765LT Spider weighs in at just 1,388kg (DIN weight), which is 80kg lighter than a 720S Spider and circa 100kg lighter than its closest comparable competitor.Audi skysphere conceptAudi has unveiled the first member of a new family of concept vehicles, a spectacular roadster. Audi skysphere concept is the name of the electric-powered, two-door convertible whose lines lead directly to the Audi design of tomorrow. With it, the brand is illustrating its vision for the progressive luxury segment of the future, in which the interior becomes an interactive space and the vehicle a platform for captivating experiences. This is being made possible thanks to autonomous driving, a revolutionary redesign of the interior, and a seamless digital ecosystem.The Audi skysphere concept shows how the brand is redefining luxury in the future – it’s no longer just about driving. The concept car was designed with the clear objective of offering its occupants captivating and world-class experiences.
Kia has revealed its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) future strategy at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Kia’s PBV business will initially be based around the introduction of an all-new, modular vehicle, previewed by the Kia Concept PV5.This future vision was presented alongside a multi-phase plan that will see PBVs revolutionize the mobility industry while helping to advance Hyundai Motor Group’s ambitions in robotics, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and autonomous driving.Kia PBVs are a total mobility solution that combines fit-for-purpose EVs with advanced software solutions based on the Hyundai Motor Group’s software-to-everything, or SDx, strategy. As a Platform Beyond Vehicle, Kia PBVs will open the door to new businesses and lifestyles by redefining the concept of space thanks to advanced, tailored interiors that provide ultimate freedom and flexibility.
Morgan Motor Company is planning its electric future and sharing details of a new development vehicle that will act as the forerunner to all future electric Morgan sports cars. Referred to as ‘XP-1’, the experimental prototype will provide key information to the engineers and designers at Morgan as they embark on creating the company’s first production electric models. Developed over the last 12 months by Morgan’s team of engineers based in Malvern, Worcestershire, XP-1 is based on Super 3’s aluminium platform.The striking prototype is not intended for production but has been created to enhance thinking in several key areas including driving characterisation, powertrain development, in-house EV competence and training, and new feature ideation and testing. Following 12 months of design and build, XP-1 will now embark on a comprehensive testing programme during the next 18-24 months, undergoing continual evolution to test new technology and features.XP-1’s battery, motor and inverter combination represents Morgan’s first powertrain, internal combustion or battery electric. The powertrain, engineered specifically for XP-1, gives Morgan’s engineers complete control of calibrations that vary the throttle and regeneration level at different speeds, in order to create a range of driving modes featuring a mix of driving characteristics. To aid with the identification of suitable component combinations for the powertrain – both for XP-1 and future Morgan electric models – an in-house developed full vehicle toolchain has been created. This toolchain is key to modelling the compatibility and suitability of a range of different powertrain components, calculating the range prediction algorithm and simulating different scenarios that can help the company to benchmark against future requirements.Ensuring that future electric Morgan sports cars are lightweight – as they have been throughout the company’s 114 year history – is a key requirement. This weight requirement is fundamental in the decision for the company to create its own powertrain combination, working with key partners and utilising industry leading components. As such, XP-1’s weight is comparable to that of the production car it is based on.
According to a recent assessment by the European Environment Agency, up to 80 per cent of cars in the EU will be fully-electric by 2050. With EV ownership continuing to rise, there will be a rapid increase in the number of zero-emission cars on our roads in the next decade alone.While the transition to renewable energy is certainly a positive one for the environment, this drastic transformation will nevertheless bring with it a series of challenges to consumers, communities and the stability of local electricity grids.To support the transition to renewable energy, innovative Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology offers a potential solution. V2G can leverage the renewable energy stored in EV batteries and feed it back to the grid at peak times, benefiting EV owners and entire societies.The first challenge to consider is the shift to more EVs on the roads that will require the use of more renewable energy. This is already a common social phenomenon: the spike in energy demand that is instantly created when people wake up in the morning and switch on their kettles, or cook an evening meal while watching television after work.
In cooperation with Vodafone, Porsche has entered the 5G era at its Weissach Development Centre. Hannes Ametsreiter, CEO of Vodafone Germany, and Michael Steiner, member of the Porsche AG Executive Board for Research and Development, switched on the 5G standalone network today. Real-time mobile communications will now be available with immediate effect for vehicle development at the site. The new technology will ensure the secure and instantaneous transmission of data between car, human and machine. At the same time, it will improve the framework conditions for the strategic development of new vehicle systems and functions at Weissach, allowing 5G to be integrated in the cars of tomorrow, to meet the requirements of the future.
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