+++ ELECTRIC vehicles are twice as green as they were 5 years ago thanks to the increase in renewable energy like solar farms and wind turbines, a British study has found. Charging a Tesla Model S created 124 gram of carbon dioxide per km driven in 2012, but that has now halved to 74 gram per km in winter and just 41 gram per km in summer, according to research by Imperial College London. This means a Tesla Model S still produces more CO2 when charged in winter than a Toyota Prius, the cleanest non-pure-electric car which emits 70 gram/km, but is cleaner by far in summer. The seasonal difference is down to solar farms making up a higher proportion of UK electricity generation in the summer months, with the winter shortfall made up by gas power stations. The study, commissioned by power generation company Drax, found that the fall in UK coal from 20 per cent of electricity generation in 2012 to 6 per cent in 2016 has had a marked impact on emissions per kWh produced. Dr Ian Stafell, lecturer in sustainable energy at Imperial College and author of the report, said: “It is widely accepted that electric cars dramatically reduce air pollution in cities, but there is still some debate about how clean they actually are; it varies depending on where the electricity to charge them with comes from. According to our analysis, looking at a few of the most popular models (they weren’t as green as you might think up until quite recently), but now, thanks to the rapid decarbonisation of electricity generation in the UK, they are much better. “Smaller electric cars like the Nissan Leaf and BMW i3 can be charged for less than half the CO2 of the cleanest non-electric car on the market: the Toyota Prius hybrid”. There are now more than 100,000 electric vehicles on UK roads and sales of pure electric and plug-in hybrids have grown 30-fold in 4 years, swelling to 1.8 per cent of new car registrations. +++
+++ MERCEDES makes a whole array of SUVs, from the compact GLA to the big GLS. But the most popular among them is the GLC. In fact the manufacturer has just built its millionth example. The model started out as the GLK in 2008, and (like the SLK/SLC) was relaunched in 2015 as the GLC to more clearly align with the C-Class family. Today it’s also offered as the GLC Coupe with a sleeker roofline. The landmark millionth example was produced at the plant in Bremen, Germany, where it’s built alongside the C-Class sedan and wagon, but rolls off the line at a quicker pace than its lower-slung stablemates. That’s not the only location where it’s made, though: additional capacity is handled by Valmet in Finland, with local production taking place in China as well. The Chinese market accounts for roughly half of all GLCs sold around the world; more than the United States or Germany. With 9 engine options, a dozen colors to choose from, and so many trim levels and options, Mercedes says that, even with so many being made, no 2 GLCs need ever leave the factory exactly alike. I imagine, though, that certain combinations have proven more popular than others. To put that million-made figure into perspective, consider that, as of this time last year, Mercedes had sold roughly 4 million SUVs in total, so the GLK/GLC accounts for nearly a quarter of all those made. The company’s most popular model line remains the E-Class, of which Mercedes had sold over 13 million sedans and wagons two years ago already. +++
+++ MERCEDES-AMG will introduce a new petrol-electric hybrid line-up to sit below its 63 range, starting with a CLS 53 version later this year. The model is due to be revealed as part of the next-generation CLS range at the Los Angeles motor show in November, before reaching roads in the middle of 2018. It will use AMG’s 3.0-litre straight-six engine, as used by 43 models, in conjunction with a 50 kW electric motor. AMG has the intention to introduce a hybrid-six-cylinder drivetrain to its line-up earlier this year at the E-Class Coupé launch, but information at that time suggested it would be a range badged as 50. A source has now confirmed that 53 has been chosen to align the hybrid models with AMG’s existing naming conventions. The hybrid AMG CLS’s combined system output is expected to be 500 hp, likely ranking it more than 50 hp behind the current V8-engined CLS 63 S. However, the hybrid six-pot model’s electric torque-filling ability should ensure performance is much closer, so much so that it will likely take the 63’s place and become the CLS’s top variant. This would clear space for the AMG GT 4-door that’s due in 2018 as an entirely different model, inspired by the GT Concept of the 2017 Geneva motor show. The GT 4-door will use a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, borrowed from either the AMG GT or E63, with a hybrid range-topper producing 806 hp. The hybrid CLS is expected to come with regenerative braking technology to help replenish its lithium ion batteries when on the move. This technology is already in use elsewhere in Mercedes’ range, and would come as part of 48v electric architecture. Following hybrid 6-pot models will share the CLS 53’s’s drivetrain. An AMG E 53 would be the most likely next candidate for the system, due to the CLS’s strong technical links with the E-Class. Sources suggest that the electric and six-cylinder system will be the only drivetrain available on AMG coupé and convertible E-Classes, while larger saloon and estate models will remain as E63s with V8 engines. +++
+++ PORSCHE is putting the finishing touches on the 2018 Cayenne but it appears the diesel variants have been delayed. The model will be unveiled on August 29th with a turbocharged V6 engine. A turbocharged V8 model is also in the works and that vehicle will reportedly be shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. A handful of plug-in hybrids are expected to join the lineup later down the road and they are set to be equipped with V6 and V8 engines. The latter model will follow in the footsteps of the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and produce 680 hp. Diesel fans are reportedly out of luck as Porsche is unlikely to announce the diesel-powered models until the drama surrounding the Dieselgate scandal calms down. While the models will be delayed, there aren’t any plans to drop them in Europe as one source stated “it is simply unthinkable that all of our diesel customers will switch into gasoline” due to fuel prices. +++
+++ The RANGE ROVER EVOQUE is a car that defined a generation of small SUVs and a key part of a golden era in the history of Land Rover. Now the British firm is gearing up to deliver the second generation of the car, due at the start of 2019. Engineers and designers are working on an evolution of a model that has sold well over 600,000 examples since its launch in 2011. They’re aiming to offer better connectivity and more scope for personalisation, along with greater efficiency and a bit more practicality. What they’re not going to do is radically alter the styling, which has kept the existing car looking fresh and appealing throughout its 6 years. However, as previewed in our exclusive images, the distinctive front-end design will get new headlamps with the option of all-LED lighting, nudging the Evoque’s facial features towards those of the recently launched Range Rover Velar. The car’s distinctive side profile will be retained, with the narrow window line and wheels that look pressed up into the arches. Land Rover may choose to clean up the flanks further by incorporating the flush door handles first seen on the Velar. The taillights may also incorporate cues from the Evoque’s bigger brother, with more of a strip across the hatchback to give the car a wider look from behind. And Land Rover is likely to move the roofline up by just a few millimetres to maximise packaging gains in the cabin and improve rear headroom. The Evoque will continue to be a family in itself, meanwhile, with a 3-door coupe sitting alongside the 5-door in the line-up. The Convertible will continue as well. This relatively subtle evolution means that the Evoque will stay on the well established and cost-efficient D8 platform. But that doesn’t mean it won’t get any changes under the skin. Chief among these will be a slight extension to the wheelbase. This move, which adds around 20mm to give the Evoque the same distance between its axles as on Jaguar’s new E-Pace, is designed to improve legroom for rear passengers and expand the boot. It could help the Evoque to deliver something close to the usability that would have been offered by the Evoque XL; a project that was under consideration when the original model was launched, but which was ultimately canned. Staying on the D8 platform means that the Mk2 Evoque is likely to be the last new Land Rover product to not be offered with any form of electrification. It is understood that the architecture, which can be traced back to the nineties, is not suitable for even a mild hybrid. However, it can accommodate JLR’s Ingenium engines. As such, expect the next Evoque to get 2.0-litre diesel motors with 150 hp, 180 hp and 240 hp, plus petrol versions with 250 hp or 300 hp. Engineers are likely to offer an improved version of Land Rover’s Terrain Response off-roading set-up, and the Evoque could also get the active torque vectoring seen on the E-Pace. Land Rover feels that it can take its time bringing the next Evoque to market; the Halewood production line on Merseyside is still running its 3 shifts to capacity, so demand for the current model is as strong as ever. However, back in May the firm announced a Landmark edition of the car, and that high-end trim level is usually reserved for models entering the runout phase of their product cycle. I expect that to mean the existing Evoque has another 18 months to run, and that its successor will make a public debut in autumn 2018, with first deliveries before spring 2019. The entry point of the range is likely to stay the same, but the extra tech and further personalisation are likely to stretch the price ceiling to as much as a mid-spec Velar. +++
+++ After driving numerous cars over the years, CarBuyer have released a top 10 of the most RELIABLE ones on the market. The list, which is said to have been compiled after a survey, seems subjective, but it includes several interesting examples that should be taken into consideration, if you’re looking for a used vehicle. Despite being replaced by an entirely new generation, the old Volvo XC60 is still a good ride, which is why it comes 10th on the list, being followed by the Lexus NX, Suzuki Vitara, and Lexus CT, in this order. Buying a Kia Cee’d apparently won’t make you regret your decision, as the Korean compact car is number 6 on the list, and neither will the more expensive Lexus RX. The Seat Leon is number 4, while the bronze medal, in this case, goes to the Audi Q3. The Skoda Yeti is still as tough as they come, and even though the Czech automaker will soon retire it, in favor of the newer Karoq, the SUV still easy to recommend, and it’s number 2 on the list. And since reliability is synonym with Toyota in the automotive industry, topping the Yeti is a model made by the Japanese company: the RAV4. +++
+++ Whereas some automakers are divided on whether to invest in the U.S., Canada or Mexico, TOYOTA is pushing ahead with significant investments in all 3 countries in a bid to satisfy politicians and consumers alike. Since being elected President of the United States, Donald Trump has frequently expressed his displeasure at automakers electing to invest in Mexico rather than the U.S. Ultimately, he played a role in Ford scrapping plans for a Mexican production facility. However, Toyota has adopted a different approach. At the time of 2016’s election, the Japanese automaker had already commenced production of a new plant in Mexico to build the ever-popular Corolla. Then, at the start of August, it announced it would invest $800 million in a new factory with Mazda in the United States to build the Corolla while shifting Tacoma production to Mexico. At the same time, Toyota also intends on expanding its Canadian operations, currently responsible for building the RAV4. These investments all come at a time when the politicization of North American car manufacturing is the highest it’s been in recent memory and while NAFTA is being renegotiated, allowing Toyota to appease all 3 nations. +++
+++ Sales of USED CARS have fallen 13.5 percent; the largest drop on record. 1.8 million used cars changed hands between April and June 2017, nearly 300,000 fewer than the same period in 2016, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. 2016 was a record year for car sales but new VED rates and Brexit uncertainty have hit new car registrations in 2017, with this latest data showing the used market following the same pattern. The decrease is the largest since SMMT started collating quarterly figures for used car sales in 2001. Superminis remained the most popular used vehicle type in Q2, with 600,000 buyers accounting for a third of the market, following by small family cars, with half a million changing hands. SUVs and superminis were the only two segments to grow at 3.5 and 5.7 percent respectively, echoing the trend in the new car market. Mike Hawes, chief executive of SMMT, said: “With used car sales closely mirroring what we see in the new car market, last quarter’s decline comes as no surprise; and with demand easing over recent months, this could offer motorists the opportunity to get some great deals. “However, although the market remains at an exceptionally high level, given the softening we’ve seen in registrations of new cars in more recent months, looking ahead it is vital that Government secures the conditions that will maintain consumer and business confidence if we are to see both markets continue to prosper”. +++