According to McLaren’s CEO, Michael Leiters, the arrival of full-electric supercars is still a few years away. He explained that the main challenge lies in developing lighter batteries with sufficient range. Leiters recently discussed the automaker’s electrification strategy and reiterated the importance of weight in McLaren’s design principles. Heavy cars compromise nimbleness and create a disconnect for drivers, which goes against the essence of the McLaren brand. Leiters doesn’t anticipate this technology being ready for real supercars until the end of the decade.
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Will MV Agusta Ever Debut The Lucky Explorer 5.5?
MV Agusta’s CEO recently had an interview with Motorcycle News (MCN) where he shared some updates on the Lucky Explorer project. Initially, the adventure bike was supposed to come in two variations, a twin and a triple. However, it seems that only one version is close to being launched while the other has been put on hold.
We also reached out to MV Agusta, and their distributors confirmed that the Lucky Explorer 9.5 is still in progress, but the 5.5 might not see the light of day. Despite rumors of the project being a failure, MV’s CEO clarified in the interview that the 5.5 model is on temporary hold, indicating that it has been postponed.
The reason behind MV’s decision to pause the Lucky Explorer 5.5 might be their evaluation of market conditions, particularly within KTM’s sales network. Currently, KTM has been working closely with MV Agusta, utilizing its resources to assist the Italian brand with sales and networks in different countries.
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Initially, MV Agusta introduced two new adventure-touring motorcycles under the Lucky Explorer project to meet the increasing demand for versatile bikes. While the 9.5 model received positive feedback from MV fans, the 5.5 model raised some eyebrows. MV Agusta announced that the 5.5 model would be produced in collaboration with QJ Motor in China and be based on the Benelli TRK502.
Following the announcement, KTM became more involved with MV Agusta by acquiring a 25.1 percent stake in the Italian brand. This partnership involves KTM’s assistance in terms of distribution and dealer network. It seems that Pierrer Mobility, KTM’s parent company, is looking to deepen its involvement with MV Agusta, possibly different from Saradarov’s perspective on maintaining MV’s independence from the Pierrer Group.
Saradarov affirms that the Lucky Explorer 9.5 will retain the inline three-engine configuration instead of being replaced by KTM’s 890cc twin. MV Agusta is committed to maintaining its technological independence. Before entering mass production for the 9.5 model, MV Agusta plans to manufacture 500 special editions. However, the fate of the 5.5 model remains uncertain as it is no longer scheduled for production. Saradarov has not completely ruled out the possibility of seeing it in the future, and he mentioned that MV and QJ Motor are still collaborating on other projects.
Currently, the MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 9.5 is expected to begin production in October 2023 for the 2024 model year, and enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting its release.
First Lamborghini EV to be unveiled as a concept next week
In a recent exclusive interview with Autocar, Lamborghini has shared details about its first electric vehicle (EV), which will be revealed in concept form next week. This announcement supports Lamborghini’s previously stated plan for electrification, which was announced in 2021.
The EV, known as Direzione Cor Tauri, takes its name from the Latin term for a bull’s heart and the brightest star in the Taurus constellation. Lamborghini’s electrification plan outlines a three-step strategy.
The initial stage of the plan involved creating pure internal combustion engine (ICE) specials, which concluded last year. This was followed by the launch of Lamborghini’s first plug-in hybrid, the Revuelto, which has already sold out until 2026.
By the end of 2024, all three of Lamborghini’s current models – the Aventador, Huracán, and Urus – will be available as plug-in hybrids.
The introduction of these plug-in hybrids will help Lamborghini reduce its official carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by half of the 2022 levels by 2025. The company’s two EVs planned for release after 2024 will further contribute to a significant reduction in emissions.
Lamborghini’s CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, emphasized that customer perceptions have shifted with regards to electrification. Customers are now more aware of environmental regulations and interested in sustainable technologies that also enhance performance. The success and acceptance of Lamborghini’s hybridization phase have paved the way for a new breed of customers to consider full electrification.
Why Ferrari Isn’t Giving Up The Combustion Engine
In a recent interview with the BBC, Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna emphasized the importance of the internal combustion engine (ICE) as part of the company’s heritage. Vigna believes that the iconic sound produced by the high-performance V8 and V12 engines is a vital characteristic of all Ferrari vehicles. He further stated that the choice between an ICE, a hybrid, or an electric car should ultimately be left to the customer, and Ferrari should not impose its preferences on them.
Ferrari has recently introduced its latest road-legal hybrid supercars, which mark the debut of the automaker’s XX program: the SF90 XX Stradale coupe and spider. These models are equipped with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, three electric motors, and a 7.9 kWh plug-in hybrid battery. With a staggering 1,015 horsepower, they can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds and offer an electric-only range of 15 miles.
Despite speculations that the Daytona SP3 might be the last V12-powered Ferrari, the company is embracing synthetic e-fuel and hybrid technology to ensure the preservation of its lineage in the age of electrification.