Tag Archives: drive

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

Autocar magazine 21 June: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we have some exciting coverage for you. We take a look at Mercedes’ newest hypercar, the Vision One-Eleven, which pays tribute to the iconic C111. Only 16 of these will be produced.

In other news, Toyota Gazoo Racing has started testing its first battery-powered prototype, with chairman Akio Toyoda personally involved in the development. We have exclusive information on this.

Renault has launched its flagship coupé-SUV, the Rafale, promising an exhilarating driving experience. Volkswagen’s upcoming SUV, the Tayron, will be the successor to the seven-seat Tiguan Allspace and is set to be available in the UK in 2025.

Reviews

This week, we review the Honda ZR-V, a hybrid-powered family crossover designed to compete in a tough market. We also have an exclusive drive in a prototype of the new Volkswagen Tiguan, set to be released in June 2024. Our reviewer, Felix Page, reveals that there is more to this crossover than meets the eye. Additionally, we put the Ford Ranger, DS7, and facelifted Mazda 2 to the test.

Features

Bentley has launched the Batur, a £2 million hypercar and a swansong to its iconic W12 engine. Our reviewer, Matt Prior, believes it deserves a full five-star rating. We also take a trip to Skoda’s museum to explore their collection of classic cars. Additionally, we cover the 100th anniversary of the Le Mans 24 Hours race, discussing the special significance of this event.

Opinion

In this section, Matt Prior speculates on what Bentley might do next after the Batur, suggesting the possibility of a Mulliner-edition Bentayga or Flying Spur. On the other hand, Steve Cropley shares his experience of returning to Le Mans after a six-year hiatus, including witnessing parades, the unveiling of Alpine’s new A424 Beta racer, and an encounter with an incredibly bad driver.

Used

In the used car section, Oliver Young examines the second-generation Honda Integra Type R and provides insights on why it’s a great choice if you’re considering buying one.

Volkswagen

Performance program: Volkswagen brand aims to become more efficient and more profitable

Volkswagen is launching a global performance program called “ACCELERATE FORWARD | Road to 6.5” with the aim of improving the brand’s performance and profitability in the long term. The goal is to achieve a return on sales of 6.5 percent and improve earnings by around €10 billion by 2026. The program will focus on streamlining administrative processes, increasing efficiency in development and production, streamlining the model range, reducing the number of equipment variants, and improving product quality. The program will be managed by a Project Management Office (PMO) led by Stephan Wöllenstein and will be implemented in consultation with employee representatives, with a target completion date of October 2023.



Performance programm „ACCELERATE FORWARD | Road to 6.5“

The decision to launch the “ACCELERATE FORWARD | Road to 6.5” program by the VW Board of Management is a response to the challenging market environment and economic situation. The program is a top priority and aims to strengthen the Volkswagen brand and position it for future growth. The ambitious goal of achieving a sustainable return on sales of 6.5 percent by 2026 can be achieved through leveraging synergies, improving efficiency, and becoming more effective across all divisions of the company. Stephan Wöllenstein will manage the program and ensure its successful implementation.

The Management Board and Works Council have also agreed to work together on the common goals of profitability and job security. They are committed to achieving targeted savings without reducing wages or shedding jobs, focusing instead on areas such as Group management, brand cooperation, software development, and product quality. The workforce will be kept informed and involved throughout the process.

The “ACCELERATE FORWARD | Road to 6.5” program will be implemented through major action areas within the brand, including administration, technical development, material costs, products, price/mix, vehicle construction, sales, and quality. Additionally, flagship projects spanning multiple action areas will further increase efficiency and profitability. Examples include focusing on volume models, reducing complexity by eliminating lower-volume models, optimizing plant capacity utilization, and maximizing the potential of the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB) and the Modular Electric Drive Toolkit (MEB).

The program will be managed by a lean Project Management Office (PMO) under the leadership of Stephan Wöllenstein. The Brand Board of Management will oversee the program, with individual members leading action areas and flagship projects. The program is expected to be fully implemented by October 2023, following consultation with employee representatives.

The Volume brand group, which includes Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, SEAT/CUPRA, and Škoda, will provide additional synergies and higher returns. Production within this group will be more focused on multi-brand plants and vehicle platforms, maximizing efficiencies and cost savings. The brands will also collaborate on selling expenses and overheads, further optimizing operations.

Featured

Mysterious 1964 Ford Mustang Spent Almost 50 Years in the Woods, Is Now a Sad Sight

Keeping a classic car in a barn is not ideal if you want to keep it in good condition for years to come. However, it is still a better choice than abandoning it in the woods, where it is exposed to the harsh elements. Unfortunately, this 1964 Ford Mustang was left in the woods for a staggering 48 years, resulting in extensive rust and damage.

According to a recent article on Autoevolution, the once beautiful Mustang is now a sad sight to behold. Left to deteriorate with no protection, the car has become a rusty bucket of bolts.

It is crucial to provide proper care and shelter for classic cars to preserve their beauty and functionality. The extreme weather conditions in the woods have taken a toll on this unfortunate Mustang, leaving it in an unrecognizable state.

Classic car enthusiasts and collectors understand the importance of regular maintenance and storage in safe environments. Unfortunately, this 1964 Ford Mustang fell victim to neglect and now serves as a reminder of the consequences of improper car care.