Tag Archives: allelectric

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group increases all-electric deliveries by around 50 percent in the first half year

  • In the first six months, 321,600 all-electric vehicles (BEVs) were handed over to customers, compared with 217,200 in the same period last year
  • In Europe, the Group is the market leader in the BEV segment and gained market share, with deliveries increasing by 68 percent to 217,100 vehicles (H1 2022: 128,900)
  • Order bank in Western Europe remains good at around 200,000 BEVs
  • Hildegard Wortmann, member of the Group’s Extended Executive Committee for Sales: “With an increase in all-electric deliveries of around 50 percent in the first half of the year, the Volkswagen Group is systematically continuing its transformation. We are the market leader in Europe in this segment and have gained market share. Since May, we have again seen an improved trend in incoming orders here, after a certain reluctance on the part of our customers at the start of the year due to reduced subsidy programs, partly long waiting times and high inflation. In view of the recent significant reduction in delivery times, we expect this positive trend to continue in the coming months.”

The Volkswagen Group increased its deliveries of all-electric vehicles (BEVs) by 48 percent year-on-year to 321,600 vehicles in the first half of the year. The BEV share of total deliveries rose to 7.4 percent, up from 5.6 percent in the first six months of the previous year. The Group achieved the highest growth in Europe, where deliveries rose by 68 percent to 217,100 BEVs. Here, the Volkswagen Group is the market leader and gained market share. Significantly more customers of a Group brand took delivery of their all-electric vehicles in the USA, too. The increase here was 76 percent to 29,800 vehicles. In China, deliveries were around two percent below the previous year’s level at 62,400 BEVs in a particularly competitive market environment. Recently, however, the trend here has also been positive. Following a lower first quarter, 18 percent more BEVs were handed over to customers in the world’s largest automotive market in the second quarter than in the prior-year period. Worldwide, the increase in the second quarter was 53 percent to 180,600 vehicles (118,000), and the BEV share of total deliveries rose to 7.7 percent (6.0) in this period.

Around 68 percent of the Group’s BEV deliveries were in its home region of Europe, followed by China with 19 percent and the USA with nine percent. Four percent went to other markets.

The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand delivered 164,800 vehicles by the end of June, slightly more than half of all BEVs in the Group. It was followed by Audi with 75,600 vehicles (group share 24 percent), ŠKODA with 31,300 vehicles (group share 10 percent), SEAT/CUPRA with 18,900 vehicles (group share 6 percent), Porsche with 18,000 vehicles (group share 6 percent) and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles with 12,300 vehicles (group share 4 percent).

The most successful BEV models in the first half of 2023 were:

    • Volkswagen ID.4/ID.5 101,200
    • Volkswagen ID.3 49,800
    • Audi Q4 e-tron (incl. Sportback) 48,000
    • ŠKODA Enyaq iV (incl. Coupé) 31,300
    • Audi Q8 e-tron (incl. Sportback) 19,500

Volkswagen Group – Deliveries of battery-electric vehicles (BEV) to customers

Deliveries to
customers by markets

Jan. – Mar.
2023

Jan. – Mar.
2022

Delta (%)

Apr. – Jun.
2023

Apr. – Jun.
2022

Delta (%)

Jan. – Jun.
2023

Jan. – Jun.
2022

Delta (%)

Europe

98,300

58,500

+68.1

118,900

70,400

+68.8

217,100

128,900

+68.5

USA

15,700

7,900

+98.0

14,000

9,000

+55.7

29,800

17,000

+75.5

China

21,500

28,800

-25.4

41,000

34,700

+18.0

62,400

63,500

-1.6

Rest of world

5,600

4,100

+37.1

6,700

3,900

+74.4

12,300

7,900

+55.3

Worldwide

141,000

99,200

+42.1

180,600

118,000

+53.0

321,600

217,200

+48.1

Deliveries to

customers by brands

Jan. – Mar.
2023

Jan. – Mar.
2022

Delta (%)

Apr. – Jun.
2023

Apr. – Jun.
2022

Delta (%)

Jan. – Jun.
2023

Jan. – Jun.
2022

Delta (%)

Brand Group Core

97,000

65,100

+49.0

130,300

82,400

+58.2

227,300

147,500

+54.1

Volkswagen

Passenger Cars

70,000

53,300

+31.2

94,800

62,500

+51.6

164,800

115,900

+42.2

ŠKODA

12,400

8,800

+40.6

18,900

13,400

+41.3

31,300

22,200

+41.0

SEAT/CUPRA

9,200

2,200

+318.9

9,700

6,100

+60.3

18,900

8,300

+128.7

Volkswagen

CommercialVehicles

5,500

700

+642.2

6,900

400

+1,680

12,300

1,100

+998.6

Brand Group Progressive

34,600

24,200

+42.7

41,100

25,800

+59.2

75,600

50,000

+51.2

Audi

34,600

24,200

+42.7

41,100

25,800

+59.2

75,600

50,000

+51.2

Lamborghini/Bentley

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Brand Group Sport Luxury

9,200

9,500

-3.4

8,800

9,400

-6.0

18,000

18,900

-4.7

Porsche

9,200

9,500

-3.4

8,800

9,400

-6.0

18,000

18,900

-4.7

TRATON

300

400

-38.8

400

400

-7.1

600

800

-22.8

MAN

150

270

-44.7

250

270

-7.1

400

540

-26.2

Volkswagen

Truck & Bus

20

110

-83.8

20

0

+1,050

40

100

-65.0

Scania

70

20

+208.3

70

70

+9.2

150

90

+62.9

Navistar

10

20

-13.3

60

100

-40.0

70

110

-36.4

Volkswagen Group

(total)

141,000

99,200

+42.1

180,600

118,000

+53.0

321,600

217,200

+48.1

Media contact

Motorsport

MG EX4 Hot EV Revealed On Twitter Before Goodwood Debut

MG Motor, a British-based, Chinese-owned automaker, has unveiled the EX4 all-electric hot hatch concept on Twitter. The car will make its official debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend.

The EX4 concept is based on the road-going MG4 XPower, which is equipped with a dual-motor setup delivering 429 horsepower and up to 442 pound-feet of torque. Although MG has not revealed the specs of the concept car, they have confirmed that both the street-legal MG4 XPower and the upcoming Cyberster electric roadster will be showcased at Goodwood alongside the EV hot hatch.

With its massive front splitter, enlarged wheel arches, green spoiler, and full-width diffuser, the EX4 concept is a tribute to the Metro 6R4 Group B rally car from the 1980s. The Metro 6R4 was known for its central-mounted 3.0-liter V6 engine producing up to 410 horsepower and powering all four wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.

The interior of the EX4 has not been revealed in the video, so there are still some surprises to look forward to at Goodwood.

The original Metro had success in rallycross events, and the standard Metro was a popular car in the UK between 1980 and 1997, selling approximately 1.5 million units.

Although it is unlikely that a road-legal version of the all-electric MG EX4 will be released due to safety concerns, it is exciting to see the British brand paying homage to its past in a modern way.

What are your thoughts on the MG EX4? Share your opinions in the comments section below!

Motorsport

Caterham Project V Debuts: A Lightweight, Electric Sports Car

Caterham is set to unveil its latest creation, Project V, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 12. Unlike its iconic roadster, the Seven, Project V is an all-electric sports car, designed to be lightweight and rear-wheel drive. It is expected to be available for purchase in late 2025.

Project V, designed by Anthony Jannarelly, the new Chief Designer at Caterham, was always intended to be an electric vehicle. It is powered by a 200-kilowatt motor located in the rear axle and is equipped with a 55-kWh USOC lithium-ion battery pack. This combination gives the car 268 horsepower and an estimated range of 249 miles. Additionally, it can be rapidly charged from 20 to 80 percent in just 15 minutes using a 150 kW DC charger.


Motorsport

AIM EV Sport 01 Concept Detailed, Will Drive Up The Goodwood Hill

The AIM EV Sport 01 is a new all-electric sports car concept that will be showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed later this month. AIM, a Japanese engineering company founded in 1998, specializes in automotive design and technology.

This will be AIM’s first-ever concept vehicle, and it has received positive feedback since its initial unveiling in April in Japan. AIM is currently testing and evaluating the vehicle, with potential plans for a limited series production run.

The EV Sport 01 features a dual-motor, rear-wheel-drive configuration with two APM200 electric motors producing a combined 483 horsepower and a maximum torque of 545 pound-feet. The motors are controlled by an advanced torque vectoring system, and the inverter has an input rating of 720V and an output of 380 kW.

With a curb weight of just 3,141 pounds, the two-seat coupe is relatively lightweight. It is powered by a laminate rechargeable lithium battery with a capacity of 81 kilowatt-hours, allowing for an estimated driving range of 186 miles. Although AIM has not provided specific performance details, the car’s low weight, aerodynamic shape, and decent power suggest it will offer respectable performance.

The AIM EV Sport 01 has a length of 153.5 inches, making it comparable to a subcompact car. However, it is wider at 74.8 inches and lower at 47.2 inches. The car features a multi-tubular aluminum frame chassis and a double-wishbone front and rear suspension system.

The body panels are constructed from a carbon fiber laminate structure, and the interior is made entirely of carbon fiber. The EV Sport 01 Concept rides on 20-inch wheels with 235/35 ZR20 tires at the front and 275/30 ZR20 rear tires.

The design of the AIM EV Sport 01 was led by SN Design Platform, a company headed by Shiro Nakamura, the former chief designer at Nissan. Nakamura aimed to create a car that embodies the spirit of great sports cars from the past, with a simple, clean design that exudes dynamism and elegance.

The AIM EV Sport 01 will be making timed runs at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place from July 13-16. It will be part of the “First Glance” category, showcasing the future of automotive design and technology.

News

Chevrolet Silverado EV vs GMC Sierra EV: Which One Should You Buy?

First introduced in 2022, Chevrolet is getting ready to introduce its all-electric version of the Silverado, the Silverado EV into the market. Alternatively, GMC is all set to release its all-electric version of the GMC Sierra, the Sierra EV. Both of these electric trucks come with stellar features and performance specs. To begin with, both of these electric trucks offer an impressive driving range. First off, the GMC Sierra EV can go up to 400 miles on a full charge, while the Chevrolet Silverado EV can go nearly 450 miles on a single charge. Additionally, they also come with batteries that are strong enough to power your house for a total of 21 days, and a range of other spectacular features. But if you want to choose the best possible all-electric truck for you, it’s the small details that matter, while both of these electric trucks are unique in their own way, you need to choose the one that suits your needs the best. Here are a few points which you can go through to help make your decision.

Related: 10 Reasons Why The Chevy Silverado EV Is A Threat To Every Other Electric Truck

1. The GMC Sierra EV And The Chevrolet Silverado EV Are Equally Powerful

If performance is what you’re after, then the GMC Sierra is the better choice out of the two. The Chevy EV Silverado comes fitted with two electric motors that are capable of generating a combined 516 horses, this is for the base trim. With the costlier RST trim, the number goes up to 664 horses. But if you were to use the Open-Wide Watts mode, then you can unlock a staggering 754 ponies alongside 785 pound-feet of torque.

Sierra EV and Silverado EV Specs

Quite similarly, the GMC Sierra EV also comes studded with two electric motors and is capable of generating a whopping 754 ponies alongside 785 pound-feet of torque when Max Power mode is in play. Furthermore, this all-electric truck is capable of accelerating from a standstill to 60 mph within just 4.5 seconds.

2. The Chevrolet Silverado EV Is Cheaper Than The Sierra EV

Although the Chevrolet Silverado EV is as powerful as the GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1, it is more affordable than GMC’s Sierra EV. Both seem to be quite similar in a lot of ways, the Chevy Silverado EV price starts at around $75,000 for the 3WT trim and can go up to nearly $107,000 for the RST. Chevy had earlier announced that there will be a cheap base WT trim starting at $39,900, but has now pulled the plug on it. A $50,000 trim is in the reckoning, but at the time of writing this, there are just three trims available.

Pricing

The GMC Sierra EV’s only available trim, on the other hand, will cost you an approximated $108,695 which is slightly more expensive than the Silverado EV’s most expensive RST trim. But even though the Silverado EV costs less, it does not fall short of power nor does it have any dearth of features.

Related: Why The Chevrolet Silverado EV Is Better Than The Ford F-150 Lightning

3. The GMC Sierra EV Features “CrabWalk”

Although both of these all-electric trucks come with four-wheel steering technology and multiple driving modes, the GMC Sierra EV is better suited for off-roading. For starters, the all-electric pickup truck comes with “CrabWalk”, a unique feature that allows the electric truck to move diagonally. To be accurate, this feature lets the rear wheels turn in the exact direction and angle as the front wheels, this way the all-electric truck can quite literally move diagonally, which makes it easy for the electric truck to get out of tricky spots. But the “CrabWalk” feature can only be used at low speeds. This feature can also be of great help in maneuvering the EV through tough terrains and trails.

4. The Silverado EV Is Better Suited For Off-Roading

In comparison to GMC’s Sierra EV Denali Edition 1, the Chevrolet EV Silverado is better suited for off-roading. Silverado EV’s Trail Boss trim is meant for off-roading purposes. This electric truck will cost you roughly about $85,000 (destination included). There isn’t a lot of information that has been released about this, but you should expect this trim to have slightly smaller wheels and offer a little less than 400 miles of driving range. Moreover, you can also expect it to have lifted suspensions, all-terrain tires, locking differentials as well as air springs. Another reason for Silverado taking the lead here is because the GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 was meant to be driven on city roads, and GMC is also releasing the 2024 GMC Hummer EV this spring which comes with better off-roading capabilities.

Related: Why The GMC Sierra EV Could Be One Of The Best Mainstream Electric Pickup Trucks

5. The Sierra EV Is Much More Feature-Rich

Although there are limited details available, it does seem like the GMC Sierra EV comes with a lot more features as compared to the Silverado EV. The standard Chevy Silverado EV comes with 11.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display system and if you were to opt for the higher models you will get a 17.0-inch display system alongside an 11.0-inch digital gauge display, standard for all trims. On the other hand, the GMC Sierra comes fitted with a standard 16.8-inch infotainment display system as well as an 11.0-inch digital display gauge and a 14.0-inch diagonal multicolor Head-Up display. The panoramic roof on the Sierra EV comes with tinted glass and infrared/UV coatings to keep the interiors as comfortable as possible. Furthermore, the SuperCruise Driver Assistance technology offers a plethora of safety features such as hands-free driving, automatic lane change, and much more. If you’re looking for an electric truck with tech-laden interiors, then the Sierra EV does seem like the right choice.

6. The Silverado EV Is Available In More Trim Levels

The GMC Sierra EV as of now is set to be released in just one trim, although there are a couple of trims set to be released in the coming years, the GMC Sierra EV Elevation and the GMC Sierra EV AT4. Currently, the only available trim is the Denali Edition 1, whereas, Chevrolet offers the Silverado EV in three trims, although you can expect up to six in the near future. The 3WT, 4WT, and RST are the ones confirmed for now. Expect Trail Boss and High Country to join the fray, too.

Related: 10 Ways The GMC Sierra EV Is Better Than The Ford F-150 Lightning

7. The GMC Sierra EV Comes With A Rather Luxurious Interior

If you’re paying over $100,000, then you ought to expect to get luxurious interiors. The interior of the Denali Edition 1 features leather and open-pore wood. Apart from all the premium materials used to make the interior, GMC uses a top-tier seating material “CoreTec”, this material is custom-engineered and can provide better stain resistance as well as durability. Furthermore, GMC also gave the Sierra EV a Galvano chrome finish to the all-black interior. Whereas the Silverado EV dawns interiors that make use of vinyl, PVC, and a slew of other sustainable and recycled materials.

8. The Chevrolet Silverado EV Boasts A Better Towing Capacity

When it comes to towing capacity, the Chevrolet Silverado EV takes the cake here as it clearly comes with better towing capacity as compared to the GMC Sierra EV. To begin with, the GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 offers a total towing capacity of 9,500 pounds, falling a little short as compared to the Silverado EV. To Chevrolet’s credit, the Chevrolet EV Silverado can tow up to 10,000 pounds which is almost as much as the Ford F-150 Lightning. Furthermore, it can also haul up to 1,300 pounds of payload. In addition to that, Chevrolet plans on introducing models that can tow up to 20,000 pounds. The base WT trims, on the other hand, come with a maximum towing capacity of 8000 pounds.

Related: Here’s Why The Chevrolet Silverado EV Is A Masterstroke

9. The Sierra EV Offers More Cargo Space

The GMC Sierra EV comes fitted with a 5-foot-11-inch bed along with the MultiPro Midgate system that can be opened to give way to additional cargo space of 9-feet-11-inches. In addition to that, the MultiPro Tailgate can be further used as an extension which allows the all-electric truck to offer a combined generous 10-feet-10-inches of cargo space. The Chevy Silverado EV also offers a total of 10-feet-10-inches of cargo space with an additional “frunk” which offers about 10.7-cubic-feet of space, while the Sierra offers a total of 11.0-cubic-feet of space.

Interior Dimensions

Related: Here’s Why The Chevrolet Silverado EV Is A Masterstroke

10. The Chevrolet Silverado EV Will Arrive Before The Sierra EV

The Chevrolet Silverado EV was first introduced to the public in 2022 and is all set to go on sale by the fall of 2023, on the other hand, the GMC Sierra EV will go on sale early next year, 2024. So, if you’re looking to buy an electric truck as soon as possible, then the Chevrolet Silverado EV is a very fine choice. You can expect the base trim to be released first, after which you can expect the costlier trims to go on sale. The Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 will be released early next year, and you can expect the Sierra AT4 and Elevation to go on sale by 2025.

Featured

Watch Mate Rimac & Triple F Collection Drive The Nevera

The Rimac Nevera has revolutionized the hypercar world with its exceptional all-electric performance. It has rewritten the rulebook of automotive performance, and now the renowned Triple F Collection has one in their garage. Mate Rimac himself delivered the car to them in a double-delivery ceremony, making it quite a spectacle. During the event, Mate Rimac demonstrated the impressive capabilities of the Nevera in delivering incredible performance.

Mate Rimac took the wheel and demonstrated the incredible power and instant torque delivery of the Nevera by slamming the accelerator to the floor. This electric hypercar can go from 0-60 mph in under two seconds, making it one of the fastest in the world. As a leading example of electrification in the performance world, the Rimac Nevera, which is limited to 150 units, is a remarkable addition to the Triple F Collection, as well as any other collection lucky enough to have it.

View All Exotic Cars For Sale

Motorsport

Porsche Macan EV Teased In All-Electric Frauscher Boat Sketch

Porsche and Austrian shipyard Frauscher have announced a collaboration to create an all-electric, 28.4-foot sports boat that uses the same powertrain as the upcoming Macan EV. And as part of the announcement, the next-gen electric crossover has made an appearance in the official sketch released by the two companies.

Spy shots of the first-ever zero-emissions Macan are nothing new, as we’ve seen multiple mules, including during winter testing, but this new sketch gives us something fresh, at least in terms of design.

The digital drawing shows the new crossover from the side and by the looks of it, the rear seems to be much more raked than it is on the current-gen model, all while resembling the profile of the Panamera and Taycan.

Porsche Macan EV teaser included in electric boat sketch
Porsche Macan EV teaser included in electric boat sketch

The tail lights also seem to be similar to those of the Taycan, in the sense that it’s a continuous beam of red light that runs across the width of the car.

Specs-wise, we already knew that Porsche’s upcoming model will be underpinned by the new PPE architecture that uses 800-volt technology, as well as making use of a roughly 100-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This has been confirmed once again in the official release that details the collaboration between the German car brand and the Austrian shipyard.

The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air, which is based on the Frauscher 858 Fantom Air day cruiser, will integrate everything from the permanently excited synchronous electric motor and the 800-volt architecture to the high-voltage battery and related power electronics.


Car review

Human Horizons HiPhi Z

hiphi z review 2023

The Human Horizons HiPhi Z is a five-meter long, all-electric, four-door shooting brake GT. It boasts 663bhp of power, an electric range of nearly 350 miles (WLTP certified), and a unique design inspired by Japanese manga and BMW i-brand. The car also pays tribute to the digital technology that Human Horizons believes to be the future of mobility.

The design of the HiPhi Z is quite unconventional, with flashing LED light strips and bulky sensors covering the exterior. It stands out among other electric vehicle (EV) makers who often rely on a more conventional design. Although it may not be as visually appealing as other models like the Porsche Taycan, the HiPhi Z definitely grabs attention.

Inside the car, the digital technology is even more prominent. The car features a motorized door for entry and a slightly high driving position. While the headroom may be tight by luxury car standards, the second row offers ample space for adult passengers. The materials used in the cabin are of high quality, surpassing Tesla at a similar stage of development. The overall ambience is rich and inviting.

One of the main highlights of the cabin is the 15.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system called the HiPhi Bot. It is mounted on a robotized arm, capable of automatically pivoting towards the driver or the front passenger based on their gaze. The system is highly responsive and clear, although the pivot mounting is seen as more of a gimmick than a practical addition. The HiPhi Z caters to those who enjoy the latest mobile phones with large screens and fancy cameras, or those who own the largest OLED TVs for their living rooms.

RollsRoyce

THE EXTRAORDINARY UNDERTAKING IS COMPLETE: ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE CONCLUDES GLOBAL TESTING PROGRAMME WITH METICULOUS LIFESTYLE ANALYSIS

  • Rolls-Royce concludes 2.5-million-kilometre testing programme of all-electric Spectre
  • Motor car has been exposed to temperature extremes of -40°C to +50°C
  • More than 50,000 total driven hours expended testing the motor car
  • Test programme concludes with Lifestyle Analysis testing in marque’s home market
  • Programme created to respond directly to Rolls-Royce client lifestyles

 

“Spectre is the Rolls-Royce that changes everything. It symbolises not only the marque’s technological leadership of the super-luxury sector, but that a bold electric future, first prophesised in 1900 by our founder, Charles Rolls, is now upon us. To attain its final, perfect form, Spectre has passed through our engineers’ ‘finishing school’ – and in so doing, completed the most demanding testing regime in our brand’s history, spanning 2.5 million kilometres and every conceivable extreme of temperature, weather, road type and surface condition. Equally importantly, it has also undergone our extensive Lifestyle Analysis testing. Applying our detailed knowledge of our clients’ tastes, habits and requirements, this unique evaluation process ensures Spectre delivers an authentic, personal and effortless super-luxury experience, as well as true engineering substance, specific to the most demanding consumer group in the world – the Rolls-Royce client.”
 Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

“It is a highlight of my professional life to have developed Rolls-Royce Spectre, the car which propels Rolls-Royce into its bold, electric future. Such a remarkable car requires a remarkable testing programme and I am enormously proud that Spectre has now completed what has been the most arduous schedule ever conceived for a Rolls-Royce motor car. Indeed, it is where automotive manufacturers finish testing that so much of our work begins in fulfilling the requirements of the super-luxury consumer. This has been an extraordinary undertaking from a team of dedicated and highly skilled engineers that span both traditional technical disciplines and exciting emerging technologies. Rolls-Royce Spectre brings the future of this great marque into the present.”
 Dr. Mihiar Ayoubi, Director of Engineering, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ genre-defining all-electric super coupé, Spectre, has now concluded an historic and unique undertaking: a 2.5-million-kilometre testing programme simulating more than 400 years of use. In the most demanding development process in the marque’s 119-year history, Spectre has endured temperatures ranging from -40°C to +50°C, and in conditions spanning from Arctic snow and ice to deserts, high mountain passes and the world’s megacities.

En route, every one of Spectre’s 141,200 digital sender-receiver relations and 25,000 performance-related functions has been minutely observed, analysed and tuned by Rolls-Royce engineers, a process representing over 50,000 collective driven hours of highly skilled work. This has resulted in thousands of iterative improvements in everything from Spectre’s acoustic performance, composure under cornering and steering precision to its charge time, electric range and torque delivery; each small in itself, but with an immense overall cumulative effect on the client experience.

LIFESTYLE ANALYSIS

As a Rolls-Royce, Spectre must be more than just an engineering tour de force – it must also offer clients an authentic super-luxury experience. It has therefore also been subjected to the marque’s unique Lifestyle Analysis process, which has informed the development of every new product emanating from the marque’s home in its Goodwood era. This additional testing programme goes far beyond standard automotive assessments to encompass how clients will use the motor car in their daily lives.

Lifestyle Analysis is based on the marque’s detailed knowledge and understanding of the super-luxury consumer, and continuous intelligence-gathering across the luxury sector. It enables engineers to anticipate the very particular demands likely to be placed on a new Rolls-Royce and ensure that final engineered and fashioned experience incorporates appropriate features and responses.

Using this knowledge, engineers have considered a range of variables of particular relevance to Rolls-Royce clients. For example, they have examined how Spectre’s drivetrain performs on specific roads in and around the world’s most exclusive enclaves, including: Sanya on Hainan Island, China; Dubai in the United Arab Emirates; Napa Valley in California; and London, in the marque’s home market.

This testing is not limited to performance under highway speeds. Specific city centre destinations are also used to ensure that features such as four-wheel steering offer the requisite manoeuvrability benefits to access areas roads and property approaches with limited space. Indeed, testing in and around the boroughs of Mayfair and Kensington and Chelsea, London, ensured the appropriate rear axle steering to approach key residential streets and luxury retail locations.

Similarly, given the environments Spectre will be placed in worldwide, a large number of static testing procedures are undertaken that address key client concerns. These include if it is possible to hold a normal telephone conversation inside the motor car while it is parked alongside a waiting helicopter, the strength of the motor car’s in-car internet connection between specific skyscrapers, and ease of access when placing specific objects inside the motor car – the long garment bags used to protect formal evening suiting and gowns.

As with the technical road testing, the Lifestyle Analysis phase of testing is in place to highlight necessary adjustments to the motor car’s specification or performance. For example, after testing the power-assisted doors on an exceptionally steep hill – replicating the steep driveways common to the hills of Los Angeles, California – engineers added gyroscopic and G-force sensors to ensure that doors open and close at the same effortless speed, regardless of longitudinal or transverse parking angles.

Additionally, one corner was used so frequently to test the steering precision of Spectre, which the marque’s engineers believe is the most exact in Rolls-Royce history, they have named a switchback within the environs of Rolls-Royce’s home in Goodwood, West Sussex, ‘Spectre Corner.’

Fittingly, it was during Lifestyle Analysis testing in London, the capital of Rolls-Royce’s home market, that Spectre completed its 2.5-million-kilometre odyssey in preparation for client deliveries, which will commence in the fourth quarter of this year.

SPECTRE

WLTP:

Power consumption: 2.9 mi/kWh. / 21.5 kWh/100km*
Electric range: 323 miles / 520 kilometres*
CO2 emissions 0 g/km

*Preliminary data not yet confirmed, subject to change.

  1. Official data on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, power consumption and electric range were determined in accordance with the mandatory measurement procedure and comply with Regulation (EU) 715/2007 valid at the time of type approval.
  2.  WLTP information takes into account any special equipment in ranges. For vehicles that have been type-tested since January 1st, 2021, the official information no longer exists according to the NEDC, but only according to the WLTP. For more information on the WLTP and NEDC measurement procedures, see WLTP: new times, new rules.
Volkswagen

First preview of the new ID.7 GTX: a long-distance limousine with more power and all-wheel drive

Three weeks ago, Volkswagen presented the new ID.7 as an all-electric limousine for the upper mid-size class. The most dynamic model variant will now follow in late summer with the world premiere of the ID.7 GTX. Equipped with the latest drive generation of the ID. models, the dual-motor all-wheel drive system and a host of sporty design elements, the long-distance limousine is a high-performance model. The launch of the new GTX model is planned for the IAA Mobility in Munich (5–10 September 2023).

Black and red stand for GTX. In the interior, details such as the red GTX contrast stitching on the seats, dash panel and doors emphasise the sportiness of the model. The exterior design, on the other hand, is characterised by black gloss elements. Together with the standard black roof paint finish and the darkened windows, these features ensure that the upcoming ID.7 GTX will also enjoy a powerful and distinctive appearance.

GTX – fine-tuned for efficiency and driving pleasure. Like on the previous GTX models ID.4 and ID.5, the vehicle dynamics manager is responsible for intelligent control of the dual-motor all-wheel drive system in the ID.7 GTX. This software, developed in-house by Volkswagen, always aims to achieve the optimum combination of efficiency, dynamics and driving stability. The vehicle dynamics manager controls not only the powertrain, but also all braking, steering and chassis control systems, depending on the selected driving profile. The limousine’s running gear and steering have been fundamentally enhanced on the basis of the modular electric drive (MEB) platform and offer a large bandwidth between comfort and sportiness thanks to the possibility of driving profile selection. This underlines the ID.7 GTX’s status as the flagship model in the ID. family.

GTX as a formula for success. The sporty GTX brand with its all-electric performance models has been part of Volkswagen’s portfolio for two years now. The dynamic vehicles combine electric mobility, sustainability and intelligent sportiness. Their sporty design also emphasises the special character and recognition value of the high-quality GTX models.