BMW

The all-new BMW X1 M35i xDrive

The all-new BMW X1 M35i - Highlights (06/2023).

The all-new BMW X1 M35i - Highlights (06/2023).

Powertrain and driving experience. Most powerful four-cylinder unit from the latest generation of engines, M-specific chassis technology,
BMW xDrive.

A new performance model, the BMW X1 M35i xDrive, has been introduced at the top of the BMW X1 range. This model combines the excitement of the compact Sports Activity Vehicle concept with the dynamism, agility, and precision that M models are known for. Its four-cylinder engine is part of the latest modular generation of BMW Group Efficient Dynamics engines, using M TwinPower Turbo technology to deliver maximum output of 221 kW/300 hp in Europe and even higher figures in the USA and selected markets. The BMW X1 M35i xDrive can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.4 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). It features M-specific chassis technology and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive, offering exceptional performance and handling. The design of the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive is also sportier, with exclusive features and options typically reserved for high-performance BMW M models. The car will be available in the USA starting from October 2023 and in Europe from November 2023.

New four-cylinder engine with extra power.

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive is equipped with the most potent version of the four-cylinder petrol engine from the latest generation of modular engines. This engine delivers impressive power and performance, thanks to various innovations including the adoption of the Miller cycle, redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers, and changes to the camshaft timing, injection, ignition system, and exhaust gas routing. The engine features M TwinPower Turbo technology, with increased performance in the turbocharging system and indirect charge air cooling, as well as dual injection for mixture preparation. It generates maximum output between 5,750 and 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) from 2,000 up to 4,500 rpm.

Seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch and M Sport Boost.

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive is equipped with a seven-speed Steptronic transmission, known for its sharp shift action. The transmission allows for quick manual interventions with shift paddles on the steering wheel. The car also features the M Sport Boost function, which activates the sportiest settings for powertrain and chassis systems when the driver pulls on the left-hand shift paddle for at least one second.

Supreme traction and agility: BMW xDrive all-wheel drive, mechanical limited-slip differential at the front axle.

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive comes with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which distributes drive power between the front and rear wheels as needed. The system is interlinked with the chassis control technology, providing excellent traction, directional stability, and sporting prowess. The car is also equipped with a mechanical limited-slip differential at the front axle, which limits the difference in speed between the front wheels, increasing traction and handling dynamics.

Adaptive M suspension and sport steering as standard.

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive features adaptive M suspension as standard, which improves agility and long-distance comfort. The suspension has mechanically controlled adjustable and frequency-selective dampers, offering comfortable response on bumpy roads and sporty characteristics during dynamic driving. The car also comes with sport steering, combining speed-sensitive power assistance with a direct rack ratio.

Integrated braking system with the option of M Compound brakes.

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive is equipped with an integrated braking system that ensures precise stopping power and excellent feedback through the brake pedal. The system combines brake activation, brake booster, and braking control functions into a compact module, with an electric actuator triggering the required brake pressure. The car can also be equipped with the optional M Compound brakes, featuring four-piston, fixed-caliper brakes at the front and single-piston, floating-caliper units at the rear. The M Compound brakes provide comfortable braking, superior feel, stable stopping power, and reduced weight compared to conventional braking systems.

Near-actuator wheel slip limitation for sharper agility.

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive utilizes near-actuator wheel slip limitation technology to enhance its handling and agility. This technology integrates the traction control function into the engine management system, allowing for faster and more precise corrective inputs. It ensures optimum traction, straight-line stability under acceleration, and excellent directional stability during cornering, even on slippery roads.

19-inch M light-alloy wheels as standard.

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive comes with 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in a twin-spoke design, enhancing its dynamic handling potential. The standard tires are 20 millimeters wider than the outgoing model, further improving performance. 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in an exclusive twin-spoke design are also available as an option.

Design and equipment. An exclusive window into signature M performance.

The design of the BMW X1 M35i xDrive reflects its sporty character. It features M-specific design cues that emphasize its elite sporting pedigree. The interior of the car has a sporty ambiance, which can be enhanced further with options such as M Sport seats. The BMW X1 M35i xDrive also offers the latest digital technology, including the BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9. The car stands out with its standalone design and M-specific details, such as the M kidney grille with horizontal double bars, M exterior mirror caps, and four exhaust tailpipes. The cockpit design is M-specific, featuring an Alcantara-covered instrument panel, Aluminum Hexacube Dark interior trim elements, an M leather steering wheel, and other M-specific graphics and features on the BMW Curved Display.

Sophisticated options enable precise individualization.

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive can be personalized with a range of options and packages. The M Sport package Pro adds M high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, M lights Shadowline, M Sport braking system, M Sport seats, and M seat belts. The car comes with standard equipment such as two-zone automatic climate control, BMW Live Cockpit Plus with navigation, an automatic tailgate, a rain sensor with automatic headlight activation, and USB-C ports. Additional options include ambient lighting, a panoramic glass roof, and the Harman Kardon sound system. The car also offers a wide array of cutting-edge systems for automated driving and parking, as well as a range of digital services and connectivity features.

Display and control/operation system, connectivity. Updated BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9.

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive features the updated version of the control/operation system BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9. The new BMW iDrive offers a redesigned home screen and QuickSelect functionality for more intuitive and comfortable operation of functions and digital services. It works in conjunction with the BMW Curved Display and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, providing touchscreen operation and natural language control. The system offers a broad range of digital content, shorter function update cycles, and improved access to online services. It also enables customization and expansion of digital services through the BMW ConnectedDrive Store. The car comes with standard features such as BMW Maps navigation system and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, with additional digital services available as options.

BMW

Ready for the Electric Future: Groundbreaking on New BMW Group High Voltage Battery Assembly Factory in South Carolina, USA

  • New BMW Group Plant Woodruff will produce high-voltage batteries for fully electric BMW X models at Plant Spartanburg.
  • Investments of $700 million in the construction of the new Plant Woodruff and $1 billion in Plant Spartanburg in preparation for electric vehicle production
  • Local for Local: short distances between cell supplier, battery assembly, and vehicle production plant

Woodruff, S.C., U.S.A. – The BMW Group broke ground for a new high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff, South Carolina, signaling a major step towards building electric vehicles in the United States. The BMW Group Plant Woodruff will produce sixth-generation batteries to supply fully electric vehicles at nearby BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg. The plant is expected to create over 300 jobs and has potential for further growth.

According to Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for People and Real Estate, the new battery assembly plant in Woodruff will play a vital role in the company’s electric future in the USA. The expansion is not just about increasing the company’s footprint in South Carolina, but also about preparing the associates for future electric vehicle production through the new Technical Training Center at the Spartanburg plant.

Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg, stated that the groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a new era for Plant Spartanburg, which will now produce fully electric BMW X models for the global market. The Woodruff plant is expected to be state-of-the-art, focusing on sustainability, flexibility, and digitalization.

Extensive Investments in Plants Spartanburg and Woodruff

In October 2022, the BMW Group announced a significant $1.7 billion investment in its U.S. operations. This includes $1 billion for preparing Plant Spartanburg for the production of fully electric vehicles and $700 million to construct a new high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff. The Woodruff facility will occupy approximately 100 acres of land and will house various buildings such as a technology building, cafeteria, fire department, and energy center.

Local for Local: Short Distances between Battery and Vehicle Production.

To promote localization, the BMW Group will source battery cells for its electric vehicles from partner AESC’s new battery cell factory in Florence, South Carolina. The cells will be specifically designed for the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology, offering increased energy density, faster charging speed, and extended range. The company aims to reduce the carbon footprint in battery cell production by up to 60 percent by utilizing cobalt, lithium, and nickel that include secondary material and by using green power from renewable energy sources.

High Ecological Standards: Binding CO2 when pouring concrete

The BMW Group Plant Woodruff, known as the next BMW iFACTORY, will meet high ecological standards. The plant will operate without fossil fuels, relying solely on 100% green electricity. The BMW Group has set a goal to reduce CO2 emissions in its global production network by 80 percent by 2030 compared to 2019. The plant will have photovoltaic systems installed on its roofs, use intelligent LED lighting with motion detectors and efficient dimming strategies, and collect rainwater for non-production purposes. Furthermore, an innovative technology that injects captured CO2 into the fresh concrete during the mixing process will be used, enhancing both carbon sequestration and concrete strength.

BMW Group in South Carolina

Since 1992, the BMW Group has invested around $12.4 billion in its South Carolina operations. BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg is the largest BMW Group plant globally, producing over 1,500 vehicles each day. The plant is crucial for meeting the high demand for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes in the U.S. and international markets. Approximately 60 percent of BMW vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2022 came from Plant Spartanburg, showcasing its significance. The plant has a production capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles annually and employs over 11,000 people.

Ongoing Commitment in the U.S.

Aside from sales and marketing operations, the BMW Group has a strong presence in the U.S., with nearly 30 locations in 12 states and a wide dealer network. The company’s operations, both directly and indirectly, provide and support more than 120,000 jobs in the U.S. and have contributed $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy. The BMW Group aims to continue making significant contributions to the country’s automotive industry.

BMW

BMW M Motorsport News, 27th June 2023.

Björn Lellmann, Head of Customer Racing at BMW M Motorsport:

“It was another fantastic weekend! In the USA, Paul Miller Racing secured another podium with the BMW M4 GT3 in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Turner Motorsport celebrated a superb one-two result with the BMW M4 GT4 in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. BMW Italia Ceccato Racing had a strong weekend in the Italian GT Championship in Monza with P1 and P3 on Saturday. There was also thrilling racing in the BMW M2 CS Racing Cup Italy. And in Zandvoort, Walkenhorst Motorsport finished on the podium with the BMW M4 GT4. Congratulations to all the drivers and teams!”

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Top topics in this newsletter:

– One-two result for Turner Motorsport in the IMPC.

– Bruno Spengler and Jens Klingmann win with BMW Italia Ceccato Racing in Italy.

– Podium for Walkenhorst Motorsport and the BMW M4 GT4 in the GT4 Germany.

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IMPC: Turner Motorsport Celebrates One-Two Result at Watkins Glen.

Turner Motorsport celebrated a one-two result in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC) at Watkins Glen. Vincent Barletta and Robby Foley won in the BMW M4 GT4, ahead of their team-mates Robert Megennis and Cameron Lawrence. This was the second one-two result of the season for Turner Motorsport. Bad weather delayed the start of the race, but Barletta and Foley kept their lead on a drying track and with three yellow flag periods.

In a post-race interview, Foley said, “It was a crazy race. Vin did an amazing job and got us through the first half of the race well, when it was still very wet. We were expecting the weather to be like this and opted for a kind of rain set-up, and the car was really good. It’s a great day for the team. It’s fantastic to get another one-two result. And now we want to take this momentum with us.”

Starting driver Barletta added, “It was a little bit difficult, but it wasn’t long before the track improved. I tried to find my pace, to not lose any time. The yellow flag periods suited us, which isn’t always the case. We were able to pit early and then Robby did the rest.”

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Italian GT Championship: First Win of the Season for Bruno Spengler and Jens Klingmann.

Bruno Spengler and Jens Klingmann secured their first win of the season in the Italian GT Championship at Monza. They represented the BMW Italia Ceccato Racing team and won the Saturday race in the BMW M4 GT3. They also finished in a podium position in race two, but were given a time penalty retrospectively. Spengler and Klingmann are now at the top of the championship table. Their team-mates Francesco de Luca and Carlo Tamburini also had success, finishing third on the overall podium and winning the Pro-Am class in the BMW M4 GT3.

In an interview, Spengler said, “It was a great weekend for us. The team did a fantastic job. We made another huge leap with the car from Friday to Saturday. The car was very competitive and consistent during the race. It was an amazing result for the whole team.”

Klingmann added, “The first win of the season on Saturday saw us pick up a lot of valuable points. Overall, it was a great result for the whole team. Bruno paved the way for success at the start. He did the hard work, then my job was to manage the win. It’s always something special to win at Monza.”

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ADAC GT4 Germany: Walkenhorst Motorsport on the Podium at Zandvoort.

Walkenhorst Motorsport secured a podium finish in race two of ADAC GT4 Germany at Zandvoort. Mex Jansen and Nico Hantke finished in second place in the BMW M4 GT4. The Hofor Racing by Bonk Motorsport team narrowly missed out on the podium, finishing fourth in race two with Tim Reiter and Leon Wassertheurer in the BMW M4 GT4. Marat Khayrov and Gabriele Piana of Hofor Racing by Bonk Motorsport finished seventh in both races.

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BMW M2 CS Racing Cup Italy: Thrilling Race Action at Monza.

The BMW M2 CS Racing Cup Italy at Monza offered thrilling race action. Jody Vullo won the first race in his BMW M2 CS Racing, with a narrow lead over Luigi Ferrara. Marco Zanasi took a narrow victory in race two. Ferrara continues to lead the championship standings.

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C5 AIRCROSS HYBRID 136 AND Ë-SERIES VARIANTS NOW OPEN FOR ORDERS

  • Order books open for new 48V Hybrid powertrain offering electric-only driving in urban areas
  • Powertrain improves fuel economy by up to 30% in urban use
  • New C5 Aircross ë-Series versions add distinctive style and enhanced levels of technology to Citroën’s electrified model range
  • C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 priced at £32,295 OTR, ë-Series variants priced from £33,530 with deliveries expected to commence in July

 

Citroën has opened orders for the C5 Aircross with the new 48V Hybrid powertrain. The model is now also available in the ë-Series trim level. Prices for the C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 start at £32,295 on the road (OTR). The ë-Series variants are available with either the Hybrid 136 powertrain or as a Plug-in Hybrid, with prices starting at £33,530 OTR.

 

NEW 48V HYBRID POWERTRAIN

 

The new powertrain is based on the latest compact and lightweight hybrid technology. It includes a 48V battery pack that charges in use, a specially designed 136hp PureTech petrol engine, a new electrified dual-clutch ë-DCS6 gearbox, and a 21kW electric motor.

 

With CO2 emissions of only 129g/km on the combined WLTP cycle, the C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 emits 15% less CO2 than the equivalent non-electrified petrol version. It also emits almost 12% less CO2 than the diesel-powered version. The C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 enhances the Citroën electrified range, which also includes the Plug-in Hybrid 225.

 

The introduction of the C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 is part of Citroën’s electrification strategy, which now consists of 10 models, ranging from hybrid to 100% electric, including Plug-in Hybrids and models from Ami to New C5 X, catering to different customer needs.

 

Ë-SERIES TRIM

 

The C5 Aircross with the new 48V Hybrid powertrain is available in Shine or the new ë-Series trim level.

 

Shine variants come with generous standard features, including 18” diamond-cut bi-tone ‘Pulsar’ alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, a customisable 12.3” digital instrument cluster, and a 10” infotainment system with Citroën Connect Nav, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay®. Shine variants also include a Dark Chrome colour pack, glossy black roof bars, electric heated folding door mirrors with LED welcome lighting, and the Drive Assist Pack with the latest safety technology.

 

Ë-Series is based on the C-Series variants and offers unique style cues, additional technology, and the use of recycled materials. Ë-Series variants include 19” Onyx Black ‘Art’ alloy wheels, ë-Series exterior detailing and badging, a bi-tone roof, and a panoramic glass sunroof. Inside, they feature light grey Alcantara® R-Evolution fabric and leather-effect cloth, Next-Generation Advanced Comfort Seats with electric driver seat adjustment, heated front seats, and the Drive Assist Pack with Highway Driver Assist.

 

The ë-Series versions of the C5 Aircross use quality materials such as Alcantara® for the seats, backrests, and armrests. The fabric is manufactured using an innovative process that incorporates 68% recycled fibres, enhancing the interior’s perceived quality and providing better support for occupants.

 

The C5 Aircross features Citroën’s Advanced Comfort® Programme, with enhanced suspension and supportive seating for a smoother ride. It also includes Citroën’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushion® technology, which improves control on damaged surfaces by integrating hydraulic bump stops into the suspension system.

 

Inside, the C5 Aircross comes with Advanced Comfort® seats that offer comfort and relaxation with broad cushions, seat backs with high-density foam, and a layer of extra textured foam on the surface.

 

To learn more about the C5 Aircross and Citroën’s electrified range, visit: https://www.citroen.co.uk/

 

TRIM LEVEL

POWERTRAIN

CO2 g/km

MRRP OTR

C5 Aircross Hybrid 136

Shine

PureTech 136 PureTech petrol + 48V hybrid

129

£32, 295

C5 Aircross Hybrid 136

ë-series

PureTech 136 PureTech petrol + 48V hybrid

131

£33, 530

C5 Aircross Plug-In Hybrid ë-series

PureTech 180 petrol + 80kW plug-in hybrid

29

£38,375.00

 

 

News

Aston Martin Chairman Lawrence Stroll Believes He Should Be Knighted for Saving the Company

Lawrence Stroll, the executive chairman of Aston Martin’s road car business and owner of the Formula 1 team, believes that he deserves to be knighted for his efforts in saving the company and setting it up for future success.

In a media interview before the firm’s capital markets day, Stroll expressed his belief that he should be recognized for his achievements. He stated, “I should be knighted for what I’ve done. I’ve saved thousands of jobs and built a new Formula 1 factory with hundreds of millions of investment.”

Stroll emphasized the significant investment he has made in Aston Martin, which amounts to around £1.5 billion. He described it as a huge show of his belief in the company and its future success.

Setting Aston Martin up for long-term success has been a challenging task that typically takes between five and 10 years for industrial companies. However, Stroll believes that achieving this feat within just three years demonstrates his determination and commitment.

Despite negative media coverage affecting Aston Martin’s performance, Stroll remains confident in the brand’s future. He believes that external perception still carries a sense of negativity due to the impact of the company’s IPO, but he emphasizes that the current management team has made significant progress over the past three years and is focused on future endeavors.

Stroll draws attention to the evidence of Aston Martin’s success in the form of increased car prices and improved margins. The average sale price of an Aston is expected to rise from £157,000 in 2020 to £223,000 in 2023, with a margin goal of 40% for future cars.

Under Stroll’s leadership, Aston Martin has already introduced the Aston Martin DB12 and has plans for the Vantage and DBS replacements, the Valhalla mid-engined supercar in 2024, and the company’s first EV in 2025. The partnership with Lucid will provide crucial motor and battery cell technology for Aston’s upcoming electric vehicles.

News

Update: Aston Martin partners with Lucid for 2025 electric SUV

Aston Martin has announced a partnership with Lucid to develop their 2025 electric SUV. As part of the agreement, Aston Martin will have access to Lucid’s electric drive units. These units integrate the motor, invertor, and transmission and boast a power density of 9hp per kg. This is more than double Tesla’s power density and eight times that of Hyundai’s motors. Additionally, Lucid is working on motors for racing that have an impressive 17hp per kg.

Aston Martin’s electric cars will utilize four motors, potentially reaching power outputs of up to 1500bhp. Lucid CEO and Chief Technology Officer, Peter Rawlinson, highlighted the difference in their approach: “Aston will use four motors, we’re three. Aston Martin is taking it to the next level.” Aston Martin’s four motor technology will feature a twin-motor front axle that will be unique to their vehicles.

Lucid will also supply battery cells and modules, which Aston Martin will incorporate into a battery pack of their own design. All components will be manufactured at Lucid’s factory in Arizona and then shipped to the UK.

Rawlinson noted that the technology is derived from Lucid’s Air model but with significant software changes. The main differences lie in thermal integration and battery layout. Aston Martin’s technical chief, Roberto Fedeli, aims to have the first electric Aston drivetrain operational on a test bench by the end of the year and a prototype running on the roads by early 2024.

The powertrain will be installed in a “fully flexible BEV platform, modular in height and wheelbase” that is designed to endure until the 2030s, according to Fedeli. This platform will allow Aston Martin to create a sports car that is 2cm lower than their current Aston Martin Vantage, thanks to the compact size and design of Lucid’s cells. Fedeli emphasized the importance of maintaining Aston Martin’s tradition of producing low, sports cars.

However, Aston Martin’s first electric vehicle will not be a sports car but an electric SUV crossover, as hinted in a teaser sketch released alongside the news about the partnership with Lucid. It is expected that an electric GT model will follow by 2030, but for now, the focus is on the SUV crossover.

News

BMW M5 Touring to Make a Comeback in 2024 as a 700bhp-Plus Hybrid

The BMW M5 Touring will be making a return in 2024, after being absent from the lineup since the discontinuation of the E60-generation model in 2010.

BMW has confirmed that the new M5 will be available as both a saloon and estate model, and will feature a hybrid powertrain, as previously reported by Autocar.

The hybrid powertrain is expected to combine BMW’s 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged S63 V8 engine with a rear-mounted electric motor. Sources close to BMW claim that the combined power and torque outputs of the two units will be around 790bhp and 737lb ft.

Early prototypes of the new M5 were said to use a lithium-ion battery similar to the 12.0kWh unit found in the outgoing BMW 545e. It is still uncertain whether this battery will be used in the production versions of the next M5, as BMW M is rumored to be developing its own performance battery with ultra-rapid discharge properties.

The larger batteries found in the upcoming 530e and 550e PHEVs suggest that the new M5 may also receive a more capacious battery pack.

2024 BMW M5 Touring side detail

“We are now also installing a hybrid drive system with typical M performance in other high-performance cars,” said BMW M development head Dirk Häcker.

The power from the hybrid powertrain will be delivered through an eight-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox, and the M5 will feature a rear-biased xDrive four-wheel drive system.

The next generation of the M5 will also have a heavily reworked chassis, with notable features such as a wider front and rear track.

The introduction of the new BMW i5 won’t bring an all-electric M5, but the M division has made modifications to the electric saloon. The i5 M60, while not as focused on performance as the M5, can still accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds, thanks to its dual-motor powertrain that produces a combined output of 593bhp and 605lb ft.

2024 BMW M5 prototype testing at the Nürburgring

News

Fiat Ends Production of Grey-Coloured Cars to Emphasize Joy and Optimism

As part of its effort to position itself as a “brand of joy, colours, and optimism,” Fiat has decided to stop producing cars painted in grey, despite it being the most popular car colour in the UK. The change will begin with the release of the 600, Fiat’s answer to the Jeep Avenger, which will be available for sale later this year. The new strategy aims to give Fiat’s cars a distinctive character in their respective markets and provide the company with a competitive advantage.

Grey has traditionally been the preferred colour choice among UK customers, with over a quarter of new cars sold in the country last year being grey. Fiat’s CEO, Olivier Francois, explained that the decision to eliminate grey cars is intended to reinforce the brand’s leadership in joy, colours, and optimism. The change aligns with the company’s vision of conveying the values of “dolce vita” and the Italian DNA embodied by the brand.

In conjunction with the elimination of grey cars, Fiat has introduced a new tagline: “Italy. The land of colours. Fiat. The brand of colours.”

Fiat’s current lineup includes five models: the 500, electric 500, 500X, Panda, and Tipo. All of these models are now available in white, orange, red, blue, green, gold, and black, with each colour named after Italian landscapes.

This decision follows a series of changes made by Fiat as it transitions to becoming an all-electric car manufacturer by 2030. The company will continue producing small cars and has plans to introduce five new models within the next five years, in addition to its existing electric Fiat 500. Furthermore, Fiat is developing a range of models based on the 2019 Centoventi electric concept, which may see the revival of the Panda nameplate.

News

New 2024 Skoda Kodiaq gains hybrid power and overhauled interior

Skoda has announced the details of the upcoming version of its largest SUV, the new Skoda Kodiaq. The SUV will be fully revealed in the autumn and will be available for sale in early 2024. The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq offers more interior space, introduces electrified powertrains, and incorporates various new interior technologies. Skoda provided a sneak peek of the model through a camouflaged prototype.

The new Kodiaq will be offered with two petrol and two diesel engines, ranging in power from 147bhp to 201bhp. All-wheel drive will be available on top models. Additionally, the Kodiaq will now feature hybrid power for the first time. The electrified range includes a 147bhp 1.5-litre TSI mild-hybrid petrol engine and a 201bhp plug-in hybrid as the top of the range option. The plug-in hybrid model utilizes a 25.7kWh battery, enabling it to achieve a range of over 62 miles on electric power alone. Charging can be done at speeds of up to 50kW.

All engine options are paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission, except for the plug-in hybrid model, which comes with a six-speed DSG. The Kodiaq will also undergo an exterior redesign, with the new SUV being 61mm longer than its predecessor. This increase in length allows for a boot space of 910 litres in the five-seat version, while the seven-seat version offers between 340 to 845 litres depending on the seating configuration.

In terms of the interior, the Kodiaq has undergone a significant overhaul. The gear lever has been relocated to the steering column for the first time, and a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen has been installed. The rear now features a new storage compartment with cupholders and a touchscreen display cleaner, and the driver’s door houses Skoda’s signature umbrella.

Klaus Zellmer, Skoda chairman, expressed his confidence in the new Kodiaq, stating, “The Kodiaq has been an absolute success for Skoda ever since its launch in 2016, when it kick-started our SUV campaign.”

Featured

Ferrari SF90 Stradale With $200K In Carbon Fiber Options For Sale

In recent years, Ferrari has shown that its iconic red color is not the only option for its cars. Collectors now have the opportunity to add Ferraris in various colors to their garages. One of the models that exemplifies this new approach is the SF90, a hybrid all-wheel drive supercar that outperforms even the LaFerrari on the Fiorano Circuit.

Available for sale at Porsche Woodland Hills, this particular Ferrari SF90 Stradale stands out with its Grigio Ingrid exterior paintwork and a stunning Iroko-finished interior. What sets this car apart is the extensive use of carbon fiber options, totaling an impressive $200,000 worth of upgrades, including the wheels. Despite its unique specifications, this SF90 Stradale maintains a timeless and elegant look that would complement any collection.

If you’re interested, you can view the price and listing here.


Ferrari SF90 Stradale For Sale

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