+++ When BMW first showcased the second-generation M2, many thought it would be too big and too heavy to live up to its predecessor. However, the new BMW has proven to be an exceptional sports car, and soon, it’ll become even better with the launch of a CS version. BMW has been testing the flagship version of the M2 for quite some time, and spy photographers have snapped it yet again, albeit this time with slightly more revealing camouflage and a pair of particularly lovely wheels with a gold finish. To ensure this pumped-up version of the M2 is fitting of the CS badge, the front bumper has been significantly altered with a sharp new splitter and revised air intakes, making it look much more aggressive than the standard car. The revisions continue at the rear with a large lip spoiler and a slightly different bumper and diffuser package. While the M2 CS will look a little edgier than the standard model, exterior tweaks won’t be the most significant change made. The most exciting stuff happens under the hood. Like the standard car, power will come from a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder, although power will increase significantly and could soar to as high as 530 hp. That would give the M2 CS even more power than the rear-wheel drive BMW M4 Competition with its 510 hp. This is bound to make the range-topping M2 an absolute hoot to drive. BMW’s engineers are also expected to deploy some cunning tactics to shed some unnecessary pounds from the car, improving its power-to-weight ratio even further. Perhaps the only piece of news that may disappoint enthusiasts is that the M2 CS will probably only be sold with an eight-speed automatic transmission and not a six-speed manual. +++
+++ Many cars were given top marks in the latest round of crash tests in 2024 by EURO NCAP . The independent body that verifies the safety of new models has released the data and scores for no fewer than 14 models (plus 1 specific trim). The tests not only cover the actual crash tests, but also analyse the consequences for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists in the event of impact with the car. In addition, important weight is also given to the presence of ADAS and their functioning in various types of scenario. Here, then, are some the cars in the tests. Alpine A290 – 4 stars; what partly penalised the Alpine A290 was some shortcomings in the equipment of the driver assistance systems. Audi A5 – 5 stars; the A5 scores very well in all tests, giving up a little only in terms of ADAS: Euro NCAP pointed out the ineffectiveness of the system that prevents the doors from opening when a cyclist is approaching. Hyundai Santa Fe – 4 stars (5 stars with Safety Pack); the new Santa Fe falls short in pedestrian protection and ADAS effectiveness. Leapmotor C10 – 5 stars; the protection of adults and children is excellent (89% and 85% respectively) and the ratings for pedestrian protection and driver assistance systems are also high. Lexus LBX – 5 stars; of particular note is the effectiveness of the various ADAS systems in both daylight and night tests. The LBX only pays something in terms of driver monitoring, which is only operational from 65 km/h (in other cars it is already active from very low speeds). Mazda CX-80 – 5 stars; high marks in all areas of the test with a few points lost only in emergency braking in the event of an oncoming (or approaching too fast) motorbike. MG ZS Hybrid – 4 stars; the MG pays the price in adult protection, where it scored only 75 percent. Side impact is particularly critical, with rear passengers being thrown around excessively, according to Euro NCAP tests. Mini Countryman – 5 stars; the Countryman had a few too many problems in the case of frontal impact. Porsche Macan – 5 stars; adult and child protection is very good, but pedestrian protection and ADAS equipment less so. Renault 5 E-Tech – 4 stars; what partly penalised the 5 E-Tech was some shortcomings in the equipment of the driver assistance systems. Subaru Forester – 5 stars; excellent values especially in child protection (89%, among the best ever) and pedestrian protection (86%). Only 72%, on the other hand, for ADAS, with some criticality in automatic braking in the event of a head-on collision with another car. Volvo EX30 – 5 stars; it achieved 88 percent in adult protection. Also high is the 80% achieved in the case of ADAS equipment. +++
+++ After years of speculation, fans of MAZDA ’s rotary-powered sports coupes can finally breathe a sigh of relief. If you weren’t convinced by the words of Mazda’s head designer, Masashi Nakayama, the company’s CEO, Masahiro Moro, has stepped in to reaffirm the brand’s commitment to producing a vehicle based on the well-received Iconic SP concept. During a wide-ranging interview, Moro was asked about a production version of the Iconic SP. He responded, “We still persist in making it happen, and we are marching towards it step by step”. While not exactly a hard launch date, his words are the closest thing we’ll get to a green light for the production version of the Iconic SP. After years of speculation, it looks like Mazda fans might finally get their hands on a legitimate successor to the RX-7 that we all miss. Moro had shown his enthusiasm for the concept right from the start. During the Iconic SP reveal at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, the CEO described it as a beacon of Mazda’s “commitment to the future”. As mentioned earlier, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard about the company’s intent to bring the concept to production from a high-ranking official. Last month, design chief Masashi Nakayama stated, “This concept is not just one of those empty show cars. It has been designed with real intent to turn it into a production model in the not-so-distant future”. During the same interview, the Mazda CEO revealed that the company is developing a new hybrid powertrain with 2 rotors, one that could cater to America’s thirst for power: “The rotors spin separately in different chambers with one shaft. We need to generate more electricity. 2 rotors will generate more power, which is more suitable to U.S. market characteristics”. The Iconic SP’s hybrid powertrain is an interesting departure from what many expected. Instead of a traditional combustion (rotary) engine, Mazda opted for a dual-rotor engine that serves as a power generator for an electric drivetrain. This hybrid setup produces a combined 370 hp, which is more than we ever got from the RX-7 and RX-8 models. The hybrid rotary engine powering the Iconic SP isn’t just a clever throwback. It also addresses one of the most significant challenges in the EV industry today: weight. By using a range-extender internal combustion engine (ICE) to generate electricity, Mazda can use a smaller battery pack, reducing weight and avoiding the cumbersome, energy-hungry batteries found in most BEVs. Earlier this year, Mazda told that a rotary-powered project would reach the market as soon as some “technical hurdles” were overcome. I recently asked Mazda USA about a production version of the concept and received the following reply: “Iconic SP is a design study for future Mazda sports cars. Whether it’s an MX-5 Miata, or any other Mazda vehicle, the people who work at Mazda have a lot of passion for driving and encouraging others to also find that passion through the fun to drive cars that we make and will continue to make”. +++
+++ The MCLAREN 765LT is now the subject of a recall. McLaren has revealed that the supercar’s rear window, made from lightweight polycarbonate, could de-bond from the support frame due to an adhesion failure. The carmaker believes the fault could arise when the panel is subjected to aero-loading forces higher than the design tolerances, specifically when 765LTs are driven at high speed with the side windows open. It’s also possible the bonding process used in production wasn’t in compliance with McLaren’s standards. The recall involves 765LT models that were built between August 3, 2020 and May 19, 2021. It does not include the 765LT Spider as they do not have these polycarbonate panels, nor does the recall affect 765LT Coupes fitted with a carbon fiber roof scoop from MSO. Owners of impacted models may notice a rattling sound coming from the polycarbonate panel when the bonding begins to fail. McLaren became aware of a potential issue after receiving several warranty claims about rear windows that were de-bonding from the support frame. The firm has revealed it’s also aware of cases where the panel has detached completely. Initially, McLaren was unable to replicate the panel detaching but was later told that certain racetracks require drivers to leave their windows open while driving. There have been no reports of injuries caused by the panels flying out at high speed. Both dealers and owners were informed of the recall earlier this week. Dealers need to install bespoke fastenings into each corner of the polycarbonate panel to secure it in place. In the meantime, McLaren has advised drivers not to exceed 154 km/h with the windows open and also avoid driving on racetracks. For those who wish to do so before the fix is ready, McLaren will apply an extra adhesive to the perimeter edge of the support frame to reinforce it as a temporary measure. +++
+++ MERCEDES Who doesn’t love a sunroof? They significantly brighten the interior of any car and provide much-needed airflow with minimal noise. However, sunroofs can deteriorate over time, leading to all kinds of problems, and the owners of more than 33.000 MERCEDES cars have just been hit with bad news: their sunroofs may be faulty. Late last month, Mercedes issued a recall for 33.456 vehicles after determining that the bonding material used between the glass sunroof and the sliding roof may deteriorate over time. If the adhesive wears away enough, there’s a chance the entire glass panel can separate from the vehicle. That poses a significant risk to other road users and has forced the carmaker to respond. The recall impacts select 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class and CLS vehicles, including models like the 2007-2009 AMG E53, 2003-2005 CLK320, 2006 CLS, 2003-2009 E320 and AMG CLK 55, AMG CLS 55, and AMG CLS 63 models. The impacted cars were manufactured between May 18, 2000, and July 19, 2010. Mercedes has blamed the issue on a production deviation at a supplier where the glass panels may have been bonded “without proper application and/or ventilation of the primer”. Owners of affected vehicles may notice excessive wind noise. The brand has been aware of potential issues with certain sunroofs since 2017 when it received isolated field reports from outside the US about roof panels detaching from vehicles. An investigation began and while initial tests were inconclusive, Mercedes determined by mid-2019 that the supplier had changed the drying time for the bonding agent used. A recall was first launched in December 2019, but in 2020, several damaged sunroofs were observed in vehicles that fell outside the scope of the initial recall. A second recall was issued in 2021, but once again, Mercedes has since found the fault impacts many models not covered by this second recall. Owners of impacted models will be alerted to this latest recall on January 18, 2025. Dealers have been asked to check the glass panel bonding and replace sliding roofs if necessary. +++
+++ OPEL ’s electrified performance brand will enjoy a resurgence next year with the arrival of the first fully electric GSe-branded car. The Grandland GSe is expected to boast around 320 hp from a dual-motor all-wheel-drive set-up which will also make use of the larger 97 kWh battery that is already confirmed for sister firm Peugeot’s e-3008 and e-5008 models next year. The Grandland GSe is likely to be followed by electric performance versions of the Astra and, when the next-generation car comes through in late 2026, the Corsa. However, the new Frontera is not expected to get a GSe variant, due to its positioning as a practical family car. There could be a faster version of the Mokka Electric, though, potentially even before the car is replaced by an all-new model in 2027. The Mokka is around 12 months behind the Corsa in terms of a new generation of car, with the facelift having been recently unveiled, ahead of going on sale early next year. There’s no indication yet on which motors the various GSe models beyond the Grandland could use, or the level of performance that might be offered. It will be ‘warm hatch’ territory, though, rather than the area of the market occupied by full-on performance models such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or Alpine A290. The GSe brand was launched in 2022 as an electrified successor to the GSi logo that adorned Opel cars from the Omega through the Cavalier, Astra, Corsa, Vectra, Zafira and Insignia, and was last used on the 230 hp all-wheel-drive Insignia Grand Sport in 2022. The first GSe models were plug-in hybrid versions of the Grandland and Astra in late 2022. The four-wheel-drive Grandland boasted a combined 300bhp from its petrol-electric powertrain, while the front-drive Astra hatch and Sports Tourer offered 225 hp. +++
+++ In a major setback for Europe’s push to cut reliance on Chinese battery suppliers, Swedish battery maker Northvolt filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US last month. The move is aimed at restructuring its debt and securing new funding. While the process is expected to be completed by early next year, the company has said it will be business as usual for the time being. Behind the scenes, however, several automakers may have to delay future models due to problems at Northvolt. The upcoming all-electric PORSCHE 718 replacement is rumoured to be one of the victims and it might miss its intended launch of late next year. When reached for comment, a spokesperson declined to confirm or deny the rumour. While Porsche is staying tight-lipped, it appears the company is heavily dependent on Northvolt batteries and their high energy density. This is important for sports cars as they’ll enable weight savings through the use of smaller battery packs. Interestingly, it appears the electric 718 is also facing other issues. In particular, an unknown “component in the drivetrain” is said to be causing problems and this, alone, could also result in a delay. Porsche isn’t the only one that could be impacted as Audi also has a deal with Northvolt. Their batteries will be used to power models based on the PPE platform including the A6 e-Tron. However, Audi is also sourcing batteries from CATL and LG. This means the situation isn’t critical and the A6 e-tron wasn’t even slated to use Northvolt batteries until later. That’s fortunate as it means the company might be able to secure a new contract with another supplier, if needed. A lot of the blame is being placed on Northvolt founder Peter Carlsson, who ‘stepped aside’ as CEO following the bankruptcy. Rumours suggest he brought the “worst parts of Tesla’s corporate culture” to his new job and this resulted in “unrealistic schedules” as well as “overambitious goals”, That led to problems and BMW pulling out of a multi-billion dollar contract. It remains to be seen how everything will shake out, but European automakers are understandably nervous. +++
+++ VOLKSWAGEN is facing a tense standoff between its management and works council as the company grapples with financial woes and production challenges. With new competitors emerging from China, VW’s leadership has put forward controversial measures that involve cutting staff salaries and shuttering plants in Germany, a move that’s proving harder to sell than expected. On Wednesday, about 20.000 workers gathered at VW’s Wolfsburg plant for a heated company-wide meeting. Led by CEO Oliver Blume and attended by German Labor Minister Hubertus Heil, the gathering underscored the gravity of the situation. Blume argued that cutting costs and restructuring are necessary to remain competitive in an increasingly cutthroat market. “As management we’re not operating in a fantasy world. We are making decisions in a rapidly changing environment”, Blume stated. “We therefore urgently need to take measures to secure the future of Volkswagen. Our plans for this are on the table”. However, not everyone is on board with the drastic steps. Daniela Cavallo, chairwoman of the VW Works Council, has fiercely rejected the need to slash jobs and close plants and believes that VW’s board of directors, and its major shareholders, must also do their part to guarantee the company’s future. She also took aim at the Porsche and Piëch families, who continue to earn €1 million in dividends each and every week. “Imagine the following: You play the lottery. Every week. Always the Saturday lottery,” she told. “And every Saturday, you win one million euros in the lottery. After 1 year, you would have 52 million euros. Now, becoming a lottery millionaire every week for an entire lifetime, that’s the amount our major shareholders, Porsche and Piëch, have received in dividends since 2014. Only in the past 10 years. From 2014 to today. A skilled worker in German industry (for example, here at VW) would have to work around 100.000 years to achieve that sum”, The criticism highlights a growing disconnect between the company’s top executives and the workforce, who are feeling the pressure of an increasingly precarious situation. As tensions escalate, Cavallo says the unions want to get a done deal before Christmas and insists compromises have to be made on both sides. “That will mean compromises. Concessions too”, she said. “Things that you don’t like and that sometimes hurt you one way or another. But that has to apply to all sides, otherwise it’s not a compromise”. On Monday, approximately 100,000 VW workers walked off the job, with more strikes threatened if an agreement isn’t reached. A fourth round of negotiations between workers and VW management has been scheduled for December 9, with both sides hoping to avert a complete breakdown. +++