+++ AUDI ’s next generation of 5-door super-coupe is just around the corner, as spy snappers have caught the new RS 7 Sportback testing ahead of its debut next year. It’ll get the option of a 700 hp plug-in hybrid powertrain derived from Porsche. The standard A7 Sportback was revealed earlier this year, and the subtly evolved shape and high-tech interior will transfer over to the RS 7. It will sport all the usual cues of an RS Audi, such as a large oval-tipped twin exhausts, beefier air intakes and oversized wheels covering bigger brakes. Audi’s head of design, Marc Lichte, confirmed earlier this year that the new car would be available with 2 powertrain options for the first time. The base RS 7 will feature the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 found in the Porsche Panamera Turbo and Bentley Continental GT, while a more expensive version will use the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid’s 700 hp plug-in hybrid V8. Despite the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and forthcoming RS 7 hybrid featuring a similar petrol-electric setup, the 5-door Audi is based on the new ‘MLB Evo’ platform shared with the Audi A8. The Panamera uses a different platform. Lichte states the standard V8 will have around 650 hp and 800 Nm of torque, with the hybrid adding plug-in power for a short all-electric range and improved performance. Both the regular RS 7 and the hybrid car will come with the latest 8-speed ZF gearbox, with drive going to all four wheels via the brand’s venerable Quattro system. Like the outgoing car, the new RS 7 will be capable of sprinting from 0-100 km/h in less than 4 seconds, as well as an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Remove the limiter, however, and the RS 7 should exceed 280 km/h. The range-topping Hybrid will see that 0-100 km/h sprint reduced to about 3.5 seconds. The RS 7 will be Audi Sport’s first plug-in hybrid when it goes on sale towards the end of 2018. It’s likely to command a significant premium over its conventionally-powered V8 sibling, though prices and specs won’t be revealed until nearer the car’s launch. +++
+++ More details have emerged about the new 6th generation of the BMW M3 just as the German premium practically announced the end of the current-gen 3 Series with the unveiling of the track-focused BMW M3 CS. The next generation of the BMW M3 has a codename of G80. The next BMW M3 is bound to be introduced in 2021, around 3 years after BMW launches the new generation of the 3-Series saloon (codenamed G20) in 2018. The 3-Series saloon will be followed by the 3-Series Touring (G21) in 2019 and by the 4-Series coupe and convertible (G22/23) in 2020. The next generation of the M3 is expected to don the tweaks implemented on the 3-Series. These tweaks are seen to include a wider track, a lower center of gravity and a longer wheelbase, as well as a more stable aerodynamic balance and more user-friendly ergonomics. Its design is expected to be expressive, with a number of unique elements to distinguish the G80 M3 from the current generation F80. As for power, the 6th generation of the M3 is seen to retain the twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine that powers the current model (F80). However, this application of the turbocharged engine will be more powerful than those on the current base M3 and the upcoming M3 CS. As reported, this twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 engine could deliver a power level at par with the mill of the limited-edition M4 GTS, which could generate 500 hp at 6,250 rpm and 600 Nm at 4,000 rpm. To make this powerful engine compliant with stricter emissions regulations in the future, it makes use of a 48-volt electrical system, a particulate filter and a start/stop system as well as employ mild hybridization and a coasting mode in its most eco setting. BMW M is seeking to make the next-generation M3 much lighter than the current iteration. However, the division would have to deal with the extra weight brought by the water injection and the standard-fit aerodynamic kit that includes bigger ducts and deflectors. M engineers would also have to offset the extra weight brought by the heavier 19- and 20-inch wheels and tires. During development, BMW M will try to achieve a better balance of low drag and high downforce while gaining higher levels of traction. The new M3 is expected to feature the so-called iD7 infotainment system with around three interactive displays. The 6th generation M3 would likely come optional with an on-demand all-wheel drive system that is less complex than the xDrive system on the latest M5. The new M3 would also feature an electrically assisted steering, electrically operated side-to-side locking differential, adaptive dampers and a lightweight brake-by-wire system with four individual electric actuators. +++
+++ HONDA is currently looking to develop technology that will enable future electric vehicles with ranges of around 240 kilometers to recharge fully in 15 minutes. Central to this plan will be the development of a new high-capacity battery that can handle ultra-rapid charging. This battery tech could arrive on sale in a range of production Honda EVs in 2022. In order to recharge at such a rate, the vehicles would have to rely on 350 kW Combined Charging System (CCS) infrastructure. However, that’s precisely the charging standard currently desired by a number of manufacturers and part of an ambitious joint charging network venture of big auto industry names put forward this time last year. In November 2016, the likes of the BMW Group, Daimler, Ford, and the Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche brands signed a Memorandum of Understanding intended to spark the creation of a brand-independent network of 350 kW CCS chargers spanning European highways. Work on the network began earlier this year, and thousands of charging stations kitted to the 350 kW standard are expected to be functional by 2020, should everything go to plan. Honda has made a statement of intent to become a player in the EV market. At this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the firm revealed the eye-catching Urban EV concept: a retro looking electric supermini, that will morph into a production model in 2019. +++
+++ An electric version of the HYUNDAI Kona is coming next year. It comes (off course) without exhaust tips, but apart fromt that it sports a high-efficiency wheel pattern, and the spot where the Kona’s grille normally sits is almost completely concealed. Look for the electric Kona to feature a sealed-off grille design like the one used on Hyundai’s Ioniq Electric. Hyundai has remained tight-lipped on the vehicle, which is expected to go by the name Kona Electric, but I have a few details. According to the rumor mill, a 50 kWh lithium/ion battery will provide a range exceeding 320 kilometers on a single charge. That’s well up on the 200 kilometers provided by the Ioniq Electric’s 28 kWh battery, though I hear the Ioniq Electric may soon receive a battery upgrade to keep up with its Kona sibling. Sales of the Kona Electric will commence in the second half of 2018, and we’ve heard the starting price will come in at a reasonable less that 45.000 euro in The Netherlands. The Ioniq Electric starts at 33.295 euro. Hyundai will also launch a fuel cell-powered SUV in 2018. +++
+++ The interiors of MERCEDES ’s next-generation compact cars are taking a marked step up in the areas of design and quality. The German automaker has given an early look at the interior that will be appearing in cars like the next-generation CLA and GLA, as well as a new A-Class sedan. It will appear first in a next-generation A-Class hatchback due for a reveal early next year. What’s immediately noticeable is a lack of a conventional dash cowl containing the instrument cluster. Instead there’s simply a “floating” screen which joins up with a second screen for the infotainment system. There’s also no missing the jet turbine-style air vents which until now have only featured in more upscale models from the automaker. But Mercedes doesn’t stop there. The multifunctional steering wheel comes from the S-Class, for example. The front seats likewise have comfort features available from higher segments, including seat climate control and massage function. Also borrowed from higher segments is the touchpad-based controller in the center stack, plus the availability of premium materials, including for example open-pore wood. This really is luxury at a level previously unattainable in the compact class. But it’s not just about the looks. Mercedes says visibility has been improved over the predecessor models by around 10 percent, primarily by slimming down the roof’s pillars and their claddings. The automaker has also increased space, made possible primarily via a longer wheelbase. And trunk space is also up. Mercedes says for the A-Class hatchback, there’s 13 cubic feet of storage, 1 more than before. The trunk opening is also bigger than before thanks to a revised design of the taillights. As mentioned, the first of Mercedes new compacts will be an A-Class hatchback. An A-Class sedan will follow shortly after. +++
+++ POLESTAR , formerly Volvo’s in-house tuner, will forge ahead as a standalone brand within Volvo Cars Group. The brand announced it broke ground on its first manufacturing facility in Chengdu, China. It will be the assembly plant for all future Polestar models. Volvo already has a plant in Chengdu and the new plant will follow typical Chinese government regulations for vehicle production. Polestar and Volvo Cars Group will build the vehicles in a joint-venture between two Zhejiang Geely Holding Group companies. Geely owns Volvo Cars Group as well. Polestar said in the announcement that the state-of-the-art facility will be the most environmentally-responsible car factory in China and one of the greenest vehicle production facilities in the world. The brand targets Gold status in the globally recognized LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) ratings once it completes construction. Not only will the new Chengdu facility build Polestars, it will include a customer experience center with product experts on hand and a customer test track. The track will let customers (or should we say “subscribers”) push the brand’s vehicles to their limits in safe conditions. Polestar’s first car, the Polestar 1 plug-in hybrid sport coupe, will arrive with 600 horsepower and 1.000 Nm of torque. It promises 150 kilometers of all-electric range as well. The carbon-fiber-bodied car will boast a unique ownership model. Polestar will sell the car via subscriptions for 2 or 3 years. The brand says its service will be all inclusive and no down payment will be necessary; just monthly payments. Construction of the plant should be complete in mid-2018, and Polestar previously said it will be entirely operational in 2019. It will build just 500 Polestar 1 plug-in hybrids per year. +++
+++ PORSCHE expects it won’t have any trouble meeting the EU’s next round of CO2 emissions reduction targets because more than half of its sales by 2025 will come from electrified vehicles. The European Commission has proposed a 30 percent reduction in fleet CO2 emissions from new cars by 2030, equating to less than 67 grams per km when expressed under the outgoing NEDC testing cycle. Half of that must be achieved by 2025 as an interim milestone to guarantee progress. “Technically we certainly won’t struggle with that target”, said Porsche development chief Michael Steiner, when asked about the new emission cap. Porsche is taking a much different stance from the rest of its German peers. The lobby organization VDA has called into doubt whether the targets were even reachable, saying it was “more than questionable from today’s perspective”. Steiner is more concerned that politicians might regulate combustion engine cars out of existence, as some lawmakers have proposed. Steiner wants Porsche’s lineup to be so attractive that owners will flock to its electrified models, while still allowing purists the chance to buy conventionally powered Porsches. “Customers should be the ones to decide”, he said, adding the result of the emissions targets should not be to favor one technology over another. “The attractiveness of Porsche’s electrified lineup should lead to a powertrain mix that ensures we are compliant”, he explained. So far Porsche is confident that customers are slowly starting to migrate towards its more eco-friendly range. The ongoing discussion about diesel city bans is encouraging buyers to switch and go straight to an electrified vehicle to ensure access years from now. Roughly two thirds of all Panameras sold in Europe come with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Porsche plans to add at least one additional battery electric model by 2025 in addition to its upcoming Mission E to help achieve its target of selling more than half of its cars with an electrified drivetrain. As part of its electrified future, Porsche will start sales of the 600 hp Mission E electric sedan in Europe in 2019.. An electric Macan “could be a possibility”, a Porsche spokesman told earlier this year. Porsche’s Strategy 2025 business plan aims to change its image from producing thirsty vehicles to building eco-friendly sports cars, especially given the success enjoyed by Silicon Valley rival Tesla in the highly lucrative 911 market of California. Porsche Finance chief and deputy CEO Lutz Meschke said that the carmaker was investing more than 3 billion euros over the next 5 years to push electrified cars. “By the middle of the next decade we want by and large to be electrically powered”, he said. “At least 50 percent of our sales volumes should come from plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles like our upcoming Mission E”. This could include the next generation 911. Porsche’s most important model in terms of image has thus far reduced CO2 emissions by switching from naturally aspirated to turbocharged 6-cylinder engines during the mid-cycle facelift. But the replacement, due to be presented in the third quarter of next year, has been designed to accommodate a small plug-in hybrid drivetrain in the hopes that battery technology will eventually catch up. Changing the proportions of the vehicle were considered taboo. “If we do a hybrid then naturally it has to be very dynamic; the priority is not how far its electric range extends, rather it must bring an advantage in terms of performance”, he said. “It’s more a question of the right timing”. To encourage 911 fans to make the switch, company sources have suggested it could likely be the top-of-the-line derivative, much like the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid for Porsche’s sedan family. This would position the 911 plug-in as a kind of ‘affordable’ version of the ultraluxury 918 Spyder, whose dual powertrain helped it gain the lap record on the Nuerburgring Nordschleife. When asked about the second EV in store by 2025, Steiner did not confirm an electric Macan but said Porsche would not go with another sports car. “We’re starting with a sporty 5-door concept in the Mission E positioned between the 911 and the Panamera, so it’s logical that we will look to balance our lineup with a product in a different segment such as an SUV”, Steiner said. He expected the electric SUV could have a range of more than the 500 km that the Mission E will have. Steiner said customers might also be offered a choice in the future between batteries with different electric ranges. That way those looking for a sportier dimension could avoid a dramatically heavy drive, and instead stop more frequently to recharge. +++
+++ Following the TESLA Roadster’s electrifying revelation, Musk’s highly ambitious goals have skyrocketed when he tweeted about his future plans for the new sports car. Well, kind of. The now controversial tweet hints at the possibilities of enabling the 2nd generation Roadster to “fly short hops”. Does that mean the new Tesla Roadster could actually fly? We don’t know the answer. But according to Tesla’s CEO, the new Roadster’s special option package could take it “to the next level” while explaining how rocket technologies could open up ground-breaking possibilities if applied to a car. While he admitted flying is “certainly possible”, Musk at least is well aware of its threat to safety. Let’s just say Elon Musk is simply having one of those “it’s not rocket science” episodes where he tends to dream big and doesn’t hold back when he wants the whole world to know all about it. And it doesn’t need a rocket scientist to figure this out either. The “flight” option could only mean that the new Roadster could take off faster than 1.9 seconds or maybe go beyond what the entry level Roadster now has to offer. The new Tesla sports car, as we all already know, can take off from 0 to 60 miles (96 kilometers) per hour in 1.9 seconds; hence it is clearly the fastest accelerating production car as of late. The Roadster is currently equipped with 3 electric motors and a 200 kWh battery pack that also enables it to run at 160 km/h in 4.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 402 km/h. Musk has made it clear that these performance figures are for the base model only and that a special upgrade option is being considered to bring a whole new level of performance. While Musk is also the CEO for SpaceX, the “rocket technology” he is suggesting here is obviously not the same as those that would launch a rocket ship off the ground. Even for a car with a capacity of “hopping” over obstacles or even for something that flies at “short distance”, we don’t think he means it could fly literally. All said, we couldn’t be more excited to hear more details of Tesla’s new generation roadster, especially what that new special package option really brings to the table, considering the base model Roadster already boasts an insanely fast acceleration. The entry-level Tesla Roadster with 1.000 kilometers of range comes with a starting price of $200,000 and is due to be out by 2020. Meanwhile, overzealous customers can also opt for the first production run or the Founder’s Series for $250,000. +++
+++ All is set for VOLKSWAGEN ’s plans to enter the electric vehicle game, as prompted by the so-called Dieselgate scandal. In fact, the German carmaker has already made a commitment to offer at least five battery electric vehicles (BEV) in the next 5 years. However, Volkswagen is not intending to offer plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEV) in North America, and possibly also in Europe. This was divulged by Volkswagen brand chief Herbert Diess in an interview. The new plans were a contrast to the ones formulated under the former boss of Volkswagen Group of America Michael Horn. The initial plans entailed replacing the group’s diesel vehicles with clean PHEVs. But those plans have been scrapped. As per the interview, Diess remarked that the German carmaker could still make the VW Tiguan as the best-selling SUV even without offering it as a plug-in hybrid in North America and Europe. He noted that the EV incentive scheme in North America doesn’t include PHEVs, which means offering these clean vehicles won’t make sense for the carmaker. For now, Diess’ efforts focus on offering BEVs, 15 of which have already been decided for the group. 5 of these 15 pure EVs are earmarked for the VW brand. All of these future BEVs will be underpinned by the new Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB) platform, a battery electric architecture. According to Diess, the new MEB platform would result to economies of scale, allowing VW to unleash the potential of its electric vehicles. He believes that by switching into BEVs, VW would be able to save costs, including those related to development. This will allow the brand’s first BEV (the new Volkswagen I.D.) to be in the same profit range as the Polo. Interestingly, the MEB platform is engineered to accommodate a future application of solid-state batteries. Diess noted that the first generation of solid state batteries won’t still be suitable for near-term BEV application, adding that such technology would only be applicable to its electrified offering in 2024. He quipped that currently, there are pros and cons in using solid state batteries. He disclosed that while solid state batteries are safer during crashes, its energy density means that it’s still not enough to be applicable in BEVs. VW’s hopes in using solid state batteries are confirmed by its investment in a startup company called QuantumScape, a spinoff from Stanford University. Meanwhile, Diess disclosed the German carmaker’s decision to implement over-the-air (OTA) updates in the future. He called this decision as a big revolution, as it makes cars updatable and upgradable. He added that OTA updates would be implemented on vehicles’ operational system every year or so. Nonetheless, the carmaker’s dealer network seems to not be happy with this decision, Diess said. +++