Lamborghini is the newest automaker to refresh its company id with gently up to date emblem. We’ll see the subtly revised raging bull not simply on the corporate’s digital channels, but in addition on precise vehicles. Chances are that the Huracan alternative and the plug-in hybrid Urus would be the first to get the up to date badge later this yr.
But precisely has modified? Well, not a lot. The “Lamborghini” typeface is now barely wider than earlier than. Black and white stay the first colours—”symbolizing the clear identity of the brand,” or so we’re instructed. Yellow and a brand new gold shade function the accent colours. Interestingly, the Italian unique automobile producer additionally intends to make use of the legendary bull with out the defend however that may solely occur on its web site, social media, and many others.
Automaker generally patent a single farfetched know-how to guard an concept. But describing an unorthodox car system with a number of uncommon traits is way from the norm. That’s what Ferrari did with this recent patent application, which is excessive, to say the least.
The doc itself is titled “CAR PROVIDED WITH A HYDROGEN-POWERED INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE,” however it’s really solely one among a number of paperwork that describe various unorthodox programs for a possible sports activities automobile. All of the patents are purposes within the EU and US in the mean time. They all share a single credited inventor: Fabrizio Favaretto. According to his LinkedIn, Favaretto has been employed by Ferrari for twenty-four years, at the moment holding the title of “Vehicle and Powertrain Architectures Innovation Manager.”
The paperwork describe a hybrid sports activities automobile related in primary configuration to the Corvette E-Ray. Engine on the again, electrical motor up entrance. But that is the place the similarities finish. The precise electrical traction system on the entrance axle will not be described in nice element. At least, not within the paperwork I learn. The rear-mounted engine and transaxle are the centerpiece.
The combustion engine is, within the major embodiment, an inline-six fueled by hydrogen fuel. It’s an inline engine as a result of that configuration supplies room for hydrogen tanks on both aspect of it. The engine can also be mounted the other way up, i.e., the crankshaft is on the highest level of the engine whereas the cylinder head sits straight above the highway.
The logic behind that is that the transaxle can now be positioned greater up on the engine, which implies a extra aggressive diffuser might be put in in the back of the automobile. Some World War II fighter plane had upside-down engines like this, so it is not utterly exceptional.
The similar aggressive diffuser could be potential with out this uncommon association, however the car could be for much longer—and the doc insists a brief wheelbase is essential.
It’s all finest described by this picture:
Figure 75 refers back to the floor of the car’s rear diffuser, whereas 69 describes the differential output shaft’s location.
The quirks do not finish there. The engine options compelled induction, that is for sure, however the patent describes a number of strategies wherein this compelled induction could also be achieved. In one embodiment, it consists of two centrifugal compressors mounted coaxially to both aspect of a single electrical motor.
The power to drive the compressors electrically could be generated beneath braking by the entrance drive unit, and though the phrase “battery” will not be talked about within the paperwork I learn, it should be assumed that one could be used to retailer this power.
Another embodiment places the 2 compressors in a unique association however nonetheless drives them with an electrical motor. Another describes an MGU-H kind system with an exhaust fuel turbine able to recovering electrical power to drive a number of compressors. The closing iteration, as I perceive it, ditches all method of electrical energy, as a substitute tapping energy from one of many dual-clutch transmission’s shafts to drive a number of mechanical superchargers straight. In this embodiment, there could also be a transmission between the DCT and the supercharger to allow variable speeds. Multiple varieties of potential transmission are described. I’m not kidding.
One would possibly fear in regards to the potential serviceability of an upside-down engine, however the patent addresses these issues. The oil and coolant pumps are all pushed from the camshafts, as an illustration, which locations them on the backside of the engine in straightforward attain of technicians. A portion of the diffuser can also be an engine cowl, and it may be eliminated to entry important elements.
Ferrari’s system is, briefly, a supercharged, hydrogen-combustion, inline-six, all-wheel-drive, hybrid sports activities automobile. Subject to vary primarily based on regardless of the mad scientists at Maranello assume works finest.
Another publication, Autoguide, coated this patent in a skeptical, arguably adverse method. In its personal phrases, the outlet described the know-how as “unholy,” and “sacrilege” for a model similar to Ferrari to think about. Entertainingly, Favaretto himself then appeared on Linkedin, the place the article was shared by an affiliate of his, to defend the concepts.
The upside-down inline-six, as described within the doc.
“With the basic [physics] of hydrogen you must forget everything you know about how to design a car. Talk is cheap,” he says in a single remark. He then expands additional on the concepts specified by the patents, noting that Ferrari made an inline-six up to now primarily based on the Lampredi V-12.
The entire factor is a really attention-grabbing episode. Skepticism is suitable when discussing such radical concepts, naturally, however a smaller firm like Ferrari with entry to superior in-house manufacturing methods and really gifted engineers has each means to execute one thing like this.
The firm already makes a six-cylinder hybrid automobile. If something, going totally electrical could be extra sacrilegious. Innovating one’s means out of a world the place Ferraris—of all automobiles—fall silent is something however.
A Ferrari proprietor has sued the automaker in US District Court for failing to restore a brake defect correctly. The lawsuit alleges that the automaker may solely present “an interim” repair for the issue that now leaves house owners to drive unsafe vehicles.
Iliya Nechev purchased his 2010 458 Italia in 2020 and says he skilled brake points from day one. The lawsuit describes one incident the place Nechev tried to navigate a 90-degree flip whereas driving downhill, however the automobile wouldn’t decelerate when he pressed the brakes. A Ferrari seller informed him that that was “normal,” in response to the submitting.
Ferrari initially issued a voluntary recall in October 2021 for the 458 Italia, 458 Speciale (pictured above), 458 Speciale Aperta, 458 Spider, 488 GTB, and 488 Spider. The firm found that brake fluid may leak out of the system and trigger a partial or full lack of braking energy, however on the time, Ferrari did not know the cause of the problem.
The firm issued a second recall in mid-2022 for a lack of brake perform that affected more than 23,000 cars relationship again to the 2005 mannequin 12 months. Ferrari had found that the fluid reservoir cap on the affected autos won’t have been correctly venting. This may trigger a vacuum contained in the reservoir, resulting in a leak.
Ferrari fastened the problem with a brand new reservoir cap and up to date software program. The recall affected all the things from the 612 Scaglietti to the Roma however didn’t embody the 458 or 488 lineups from the sooner recall.
Nechev’s lawsuit alleges Ferrari may have solely fastened the problem by changing the grasp cylinder. It additionally says Ferrari failed to tell prospects concerning the extent of the brake defect.
A Ferrari spokesperson gave the next assertion to Motor1 when reached for remark:
“The safety and well-being of our clients is our highest priority. We operate according to stringent safety and security guidelines to ensure that our vehicles always respect homologation specifications.”
The French automaker at present has 58 retailers throughout the nation, with 4 fashions on supply
The French automaker is seeking to develop its India community by almost 400 %..
It can even add dealerships in rural areas, together with growth plans in city and semi-urban areas.
Under the Citroen model, its mum or dad firm Stellantis has already invested Rs 2,000 crore for market progress.
Citroen at present gives 4 fashions in India – C3, eC3 EV, C3 Aircross and C5 Aircross.
The French automaker, Citroen, has launched a Network Expansion Program (NEP) in India, via which it goals to develop its footprint within the nation by round 400 %. Currently, Citroen has 58 retailers in India, and it goals to develop its gross sales and dealership community to 200 touchpoints, masking over 140 markets.
Citroen won’t solely give attention to city and semi-urban markets however it should additionally add new dealerships in rural areas. It’s essential to notice that Stellantis, the mum or dad firm of Citroën, has already invested Rs 2,000 crore for market progress.
Currently, Citroen retails 4 fashions in India – C3, C3 Aircross, and C5 Aircross – together with an EV, the eC3. In coming months, Citroen may also launch a crossover sedan which can be primarily based on the C3, known as C3X.
Here’s what carmaker has to say on its growth plans:
CITROËN LAUNCHES NETWORK EXPANSION PROGRAM (NEP) TO REACH 200 TOUCHPOINTS BY YEAR-END
To develop community footprint by 400%
Announces growth rollout in over 140 markets throughout India to carry Citroën model expertise nearer to Indian shoppers
Chennai, 14 March 2024: Citroën, the main French automaker, is embarking on an bold journey with its Network Expansion Program (NEP) aiming to ascertain 200 gross sales and repair touchpoints by the tip of 2024. This transformative initiative underscores the model’s dedication to delivering an unmatched Citroën model expertise to a various and increasing buyer base nationwide.
The addition of latest dealerships, in markets throughout Urban, Semi-urban, and Rural markets will considerably enhance Citroën’s footprints to over 200 from the prevailing 58 throughout India, registering 400% progress within the community. The meticulously designed growth plan goals to create a sturdy presence close to the shoppers and ship an unparalleled Citroën model expertise with progressive good retail codecs tailor-made to completely different market classes.
Commenting on the community growth, Shishir Mishra, Brand Director, Citroën India, remarked, “We are looking to aggressively make Citroën available to consumers and extend the potential of our products beyond Tier I/Tier II cities. Our focus extends to Tier III and even Tier IV markets, strategically chosen for their proximity to Tier I and Tier II cities and their potential for substantial growth. These markets boast burgeoning consumer bases eager for enhanced accessibility to quality products and services. By investing in these regions, we aim to not only capture emerging opportunities but also contribute to the socio-economic development of smaller urban centers, fostering prosperity and inclusivity across diverse geographical landscapes.”
Earlier this 12 months, Stellantis bolstered its dedication to India with an extra INR 2,000 Crores funding below its Citroën model, underscoring the corporate’s dedication to Citroën’s progress in India. As Citroën continues to develop and innovate, the model stays steadfast in its imaginative and prescient of remodeling and reaching clients, making its services accessible to everybody.
The mysterious world of automaker patents and logos is buzzing at present with two letters and a quantity: RS and 200. We discovered just lately Ford has utilized for the RS200 trademark in Europe, reigniting the flames of hope {that a} redux of the unique rally-bred homologation particular may quickly attain manufacturing. Though we would not depend on it. Here’s why.
Automakers ceaselessly trademark every kind of names, and oftentimes we by no means see something come of it. Yes, aplethora of new namescan preview a brand new mannequin or trim stage being thought of. Reupping previous names can recommend a revival is imminent, however previous names even have model fairness. Depending on the title, it might be value renewing a trademark merely to guard that fairness. And it needs to be painfully apparent that RS200 has gobs of fairness for Ford.
The unique Ford RS200 was a product of Group B, an period within the mid-Eighties when the World Rally Championship went loopy with hilariously overpowered race vehicles disguised as street-legal econoboxes. To partake within the madness, automakers wanted a sure variety of precise road vehicles to satisfy homologation necessities for the collection.
That’s how the Ford RS200 was born. It made 250 horsepower in road-going trim from a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. In race trim, the mill was boosted to round 450 hp. That would not sound like a lot at present, however do not be fooled. The RS200 was a mid-engine, 2,600-pound race automobile with all-wheel drive. It was a rocket ship. So should you’re questioning why seeing an RS200 trademark from Ford sends our hearts all aflutter, that is it.
At this time, there is no indication of something occurring with Ford concerning an precise automobile, however we will dream. This is probably going only a case of the automaker defending the title, and rightfully so. The last item the world wants is a five-seat electrical crossover with RS200 badges on it.
The automaker Skoda might not be acquainted to stateside readers, however it’s an vital a part of the VW group in Europe. Think of it like Pontiac was to Chevy, earlier than GM unceremoniously killed off the model to keep away from chapter in 2009. Skoda makes a model of the Passat referred to as the Superb, however on this occasion, there’s at the least one a part of the automotive that does not fairly measure as much as its identify.
The Superb’s new digital gauge cluster seems prefer it was wedged into the dashboard and nailed into place proper in entrance of the outdated analog unit. The infotainment display screen is massive and protruding as nicely, however at the least it seems considerably framed by the dashboard. The cluster is inexcusable, although, and the bezel across the display screen is very large. It seems like they requested me to do it.
The uncommon a part of that is that the inside of the Volkswagen Passat, which is successfully the identical automotive, would not seem like this. The display screen itself may very well be the identical half, however it’s blended into the cluster in a way more aesthetically pleasing method. There aren’t even seen nail heads. Very spectacular.
To be truthful, I feel loads of automakers do not actually know what to anticipate relating to their buyer’s inside design preferences. The smartphoneification of all the pieces implies that some folks love the truth that there is a massive display screen of their automotive. It’s so fairly, so good to the touch, it feels good. Others don’t prefer it in any respect, seeing it as a giant rectangular distraction that is tougher to make use of than onerous buttons.
Whichever facet of that fence you land on, I feel we are able to all agree there are higher methods to do it than Skoda’s method. If you are gonna throw a display screen in a automotive, at the least make it seem like you did not actually throw it in.
At the reveal occasion for the new Rivian R2 SUV, the upstart automaker shocked us with an excellent smaller, cheaper crossover, the R3. “We’re so excited about what this delivers beyond what we’ve seen [with] R2,” mentioned Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe on the reveal occasion. “It takes the package of R2, the platform of R2, it shrinks it, it puts it into our take on ‘What is a crossover?'”
While the R2 is considerably smaller than Rivian’s first SUV, the R1S, the R3 is even slighter nonetheless. Scaringe says that the R3 sits on a wheelbase 5 inches shorter than that of the R2. Both R2 and R3 trip on the identical platform, and the smaller SUV may also be out there with single-, dual-, and tri-motor powertrains.
The R3 appears to be like far more like a lifted hatchback than the R2, however not like most hatchbacks, the R3 has lift-up rear glass. It additionally has a entrance trunk, and excitingly, two gloveboxes. There may also be a sporty model referred to as the R3X. It’s one thing of a small rally automotive, with a tri-motor drivetrain, larger wheels, and barely elevated floor clearance.
Porsche, like just about each different automaker on the market, is in a transitional interval to electrification. However, whereas a lot of the Porsche lineup will change into electrical or is ready to achieve an electric version alongside its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart like the Macan, the 911 will continue to be powered by an ICE for so long as rules can permit it. The highest quantity of electrification it may get is with hybrid electrical energy, as a result of even Porsche is aware of {that a} 911 won’t be a 911 with out an ICE. This Porsche sports activities automotive, in spite of everything, is so iconic at this level that it is already a cultural sensation of its personal.
But, what if we simply think about for some time, that Porsche abruptly determined to turn the 911 into an electric vehicle (EV)? What wouldn’t it appear to be, and the way wouldn’t it most likely do? Would you even be keen to purchase an electrical 911 if Porsche decides to construct one? Let’s discover out.
While the AWD guide sportscar is a rarity amongst new and upcoming fashions, the final remaining instance is fortunately a infamous excellent observe monster.
In order to provide the most modern and correct info doable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from Porsche and different authoritative sources, together with CarBuzz.
What An Electric 911 Could Look Like
The Porsche 911’s shape has remained relatively unchanged since its inception in 1973 for the 1974 mannequin yr. The 60-year-old sports activities automotive, due to this fact, has held a design that, whereas it has change into sleeker and extra trendy over time, continues to be undeniably a 911 that carries over its soul from the unique mannequin. Therefore, in its transition to an EV, each design element that has saved its id intact has remained unchanged, save for a number of design tweaks by our digital artists to present it a sleeker look.
An Electric 911 That Maintains Its Legacy
Building upon the present 992 technology mannequin, the electrical 911 makes use of the identical base design, however with a number of particulars that a number of new or upcoming Porsches are set to undertake. This begins with the LED headlights, which, in typical Porsche style, sit greater than the hood, however as a substitute of the round form that the 911 has all the time been identified for, it inherits a horizontal design with two-line LED daytime working lights. This is a design motif that the brand new Macan EV and facelifted Taycan inherited, although the LED daytime working lights in these two vehicles consist of 4 traces similar to the one in the Mission R electric concept.
Our digital rendering workforce additionally went a bit outlandish, too, by giving the electrical 911 a wider physique with flared wheel arches, solid carbon fiber exterior components, and even a big rear wing. Interestingly, the electrical 911 you see right here makes use of the Targa body style, which is, for my part, one of many nicest physique kinds that the present 992 technology has. Finally, being electrical, it would not have any type of tailpipes, whereas the entrance bumper has fewer vents and mimics the design of the 918 Spyder hybrid hypercar.
An Interior That (Probably) Echoes The Current 992
Unfortunately, what we haven’t any detailed views of is the inside. However, that is Porsche we’re speaking about, so it is not like it is going to be exhausting to think about what an electrical 911’s inside would appear to be. If the latest updates are something to go by, then we are able to anticipate the electrical 911’s inside to look just like the present 992’s, however add extra tech digitalization while eradicating a number of conventional Porsche design cues. Therefore, say goodbye to the analog tachometer that is flanked by two LCD screens in favor of a purely digital gauge cluster. Pour one out for the enduring five-pod gauge cluster that Porsches have historically been identified for.
Elsewhere, anticipate higher responses and newer software program from the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system, whereas the toggle on the left facet of the sprint to begin the engine will more than likely get replaced by an easier button. Lastly, the horizontal sprint design of the present 992 technology will stay, however with a number of design prospers to make it look extra trendy.
The legendary Mustang returns, modernized with a modern, wind-chasing design that preserves its spirit for a brand new electrified period.
An Electric 911 Seems To Be Some Time Away
Porsche
Porsche has positioned a heavy emphasis on driving dynamics, which implies that even in its transition into an EV, the Porsche 911 will stay on the pinnacle of the section in relation to the driving expertise. Porsche, nonetheless, has confirmed already that we cannot see an electrical 911 for so long as legal guidelines and demand permit it, however imaginatively, what would an electrical 911 be made up of to be able to keep that basic Porsche driving expertise for the electrical period?
A variety of particulars in regards to the electrical 718 stay a thriller aside from the existence of prototypes already undergoing testing. We additionally know it should make the most of a totally new platform for electrical sports activities automotive use. The 718 is a rear mid-engined sports activities automotive, whereas the 911’s engine place is far more rearward. However, with out an engine to talk of, the brand new electrical sports activities automotive platform’s proportions can merely be adjusted with out affecting the drivetrain traits.
Fast Charging With Good Range
Porsche
There isn’t any affirmation about something with respect to the 911 EV, however as a reference level, the facelifted Taycan and all-new Macan EV are primarily based on 800-volt structure. The Macan EV’s 800-volt structure even goes one step additional by enabling its batteries to be cut up into two 400-volt items when charging with 400-volt DC quick chargers, thus matching the velocity of what an 800-volt DC quick charger may additionally obtain.
Both of those aforementioned Porsche EVs additionally profit from new battery chemistries and better power densities. Also contributing to the power effectivity side are electrical motors designed to devour much less energy. That’s what Porsche has accomplished with the facelifted Taycan and the all-new Macan EV.
The 2024 Porsche 911 masterfully fuses energy, pinpoint precision, and surprising practicality into a wide ranging sports activities automotive with out compromise.
What The Future Holds For The 911
Porsche
As a lot as Porsche desires to maintain the 911 powered by an ICE for so long as rules and client demand permit it, the 911 will inevitably flip into an electrical sports activities automotive. Or will it? While Porsche is confirmed to be working on a hybrid 911, there’s one other vital merchandise that Porsche is engaged on to not simply hold the 911’s boxer engines alive and properly, but in addition different ICE automobiles as properly.
Synthetic Fuels, Anyone?
That’s as a result of Porsche is working on synthetic fuels, although different automakers are additionally eager to affix this carbon-neutral transfer. To perceive what separates artificial fuels from fossil fuels, we’ve got to grasp how each gasoline sorts are produced. Fossil fuels, because the identify suggests, are produced via thousands and thousands of years of decomposed matter. These include components like hydrogen and carbon, which is why we’re capable of combust these to energy our engines. These fossil fuels, which have been underneath the Earth’s crust for thousands and thousands of years, is what we at the moment extract from the Earth, refined, after which combusted in our engines.
Synthetic fuel, on the other hand, is similar to fossil fuels. The solely main half the place they differ is how the gasoline was created. Synthetic gasoline is created via the replication of thousands and thousands of years of decomposition right into a shorter timeframe and in a fashion that makes use of renewable or eco-friendly power sources. Porsche, alternatively, is particularly engaged on a spinoff of artificial fuels known as e-fuels. E-fuels are made by capturing carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide, together with hydrogen obtained from splitting water’s H2O content material, via sustainable power sources.
There’s A Massive Hurdle To Overcome
Porsche
So sure, it’s certainly a carbon-neutral course of, for the reason that complete cycle theoretically would not add any extra carbon dioxide to what already exists within the environment. Job accomplished, the way forward for mankind is saved, with out even the necessity for EVs, proper? Not fairly! That’s as a result of our present and important limitation is the present manufacturing output.
The world’s first e-fuel plant, which is backed by Porsche, opened in Chile in 2021. The drawback is, whereas Porsche goals to scale up manufacturing to 550 million liters yearly (145 million gallons), that is nonetheless a tiny fraction of the 146.29 billion gallons that the United States consumed in 2019.
E-fuels will not change pure EVs, however when the expertise does get support–especially because it primarily makes the ICE-powered vehicles on our roads immediately carbon-neutral, the more than likely state of affairs is that it’s going to more than likely supplant the push in direction of EVs as a part of a multi-solution strategy to fixing local weather change. The solely drawback is that just about each automaker and authorities chief is going all-in on fully electric vehicles and leaving synthetic or e-fuels on the sidelines.
Ford has had some unhealthy luck with remembers, racking up probably the most of any automaker for the final a number of years. Now, the corporate has to reinspect automobiles it is already fastened for incomplete and sloppy work associated to the large Takata airbag recall.
An investigation by The Detroit Free Press found that the Blue Oval confronted a difficulty the place dealership technicians did not carry out the repair and billed for it anyway, or accomplished the restore incorrectly. Ford advised the publication that it is aware of of practically 42,000 automobiles that might have points with their airbags.
Ford initiated its re-inspection program in March 2022, overlaying a spread of years, makes, and fashions. According to Ford’s submitting with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this system runs by March 31, 2027. The report discovered that Ford allegedly issued fines to sellers for the improper work, at $10,000 for every violation.
The program covers the 2005-2014 Ford Mustang, 2005-2006 Ford GT, 2004-2011 Ford Ranger, 2006-2012 Ford Fusion, 2006-2012 Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and 2007-2010 Ford MKX. Ford spokesperson T.R. Reid advised the Freep that it’s discovered only one.5 % of reinspected vehicles to have points.
Ford has needed to fiddle with fastened automobiles up to now. Last yr, the automaker recalled roughly 231,000 older Rangers that had their Takata airbag efficiently eliminated. The firm wished to examine the finished restore work as a result of a few of the pickups had their new entrance passenger airbag inflators put in incorrectly, which can not deploy as meant.
The Takata airbag recall stays probably the most large in US historical past, overlaying 67 million automobiles from over 30 automotive manufacturers. Millions have but to get replaced, and automakers have taken drastic motion to take away the lethal inflators from vehicles. The defective airbags have killed 26 folks and injured greater than 400 within the US alone.
Toyota, BMW, Honda, and others have gone so far as to issue do-not-drive orders for older vehicles with unrepaired airbags. Ford additionally issued two Takata-related do-not-drive orders six years in the past, and it has accomplished 98.5 % of these repairs. The firm is constant to succeed in out to the remaining prospects.
The reason behind the exploding inflators is the propellant that may degrade over time when uncovered to moisture and temperature fluctuations, making older automobiles particularly harmful. The degraded propellant may cause the inflator to blow up, sending shrapnel into the cabin.
McLaren has struggled to ship its hybrid Artura supercar since its debut two years in the past. The automaker needed to delay deliveries for a few months last year to enhance high quality, however now the corporate is able to increase its Artura lineup with a convertible model.
The 2025 McLaren Artura Spider options a number of enhancements in comparison with the coupe, together with a revised design to accommodate the retractable hardtop roof. Many of the updates will arrive on the coupe for the 2025 mannequin 12 months, and you’ll order each now.
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