Tag Archives: partnered

VolvoCars

Volvo Cars companions with and invests in Breathe for next-generation quick charging

Volvo Cars has partnered up with Breathe Battery Technologies (Breathe), turning into the primary automobile firm to get entry to the newest model of its patented, algorithm-enabled charging software program to be used on our new-generation totally electrical vehicles.

By integrating Breathe’s software program in Volvo Cars in-house-developed battery administration platform to optimise and enhance the efficiency of our charging know-how, we are able to present Volvo clients with even sooner charging occasions and an enhanced general driving and charging expertise.

We will implement the brand new know-how in our new-generation totally electrical vehicles, the place we anticipate it is going to scale back the time it takes to cost your totally electrical Volvo from 10 to 80 per cent charging state by as a lot as 30 per cent*, whereas sustaining the identical vitality density and vary. Even higher: the charging time enhancements will final throughout the total battery life cycle with out impacting its well being standing.

The collaboration with Breathe is the results of a sourcing settlement for its flagship product, Breathe Charge, and represents the newest funding by the Volvo Cars Tech Fund, our company enterprise capital arm. It displays our ambition to steer the event of premium electrical vehicles and change into a totally electrical automobile maker by 2030.

Sharing our ardour for electrical mobility and pleasant driver experiences, Breathe is a London-based start-up that develops battery administration software program with the intention of contributing to sooner, higher and extra sustainable electrification.


“The investment and commercial partnership with Breathe helps us address a familiar pain point for electric car customers and makes our charging performance even more competitive,” says Ann-Sofie Ekberg, CEO of the Volvo Cars Tech Fund. “Faster charging times, in the range where customers typically fast charge, represent a major step in the right direction as we continue to boost electric mobility and make it available to more people.”


Software-defined batteries
Unlike conventional stepped charging, which depends on pre-determined guidelines, Breathe’s software program makes use of adaptive charging to dynamically management the battery in actual time, leading to considerably shorter charging occasions.

Using algorithms, the software program manages the charging course of in keeping with the battery’s well being to ship the perfect driver expertise whereas avoiding the danger of lithium plating, which may hurt the battery’s efficiency and lifespan.

Our funding in Breathe helps place us for an all-electric future, but it surely additionally suits with our ambitions of reaching web zero greenhouse fuel emissions and turning into a round enterprise by 2040. While lowering charging occasions for our vehicles, the know-how achieves this with out the necessity to change battery pack design or mine additional supplies, with out extra environmental impacts.

Also, since it’s totally suitable with the {hardware} utilized in our new-generation totally electrical vehicles, scaling will likely be straightforward as a result of we anticipate our electrical gross sales to extend considerably within the coming years.


“We’re very pleased with this investment and sourcing agreement with Volvo Cars, and support their exciting journey towards full electrification,” says Dr Ian Campbell, CEO of Breathe Battery Technologies. “Deploying our technology at scale on Volvo’s next-generation EV platform opens doors to innovative car designs and performance improvements. We share a profound passion for electric mobility, and convenient, fast charging is one of the cornerstone enablers for the future we strive towards.”


The Volvo Cars Tech Fund was established in 2018 to put money into firms and know-how areas that remodel the automotive trade, akin to electrification, AI, autonomous driving, sustainability and digital commerce. The Tech Fund makes strategic investments to assist start-ups thrive and collectively speed up the transformation of the worldwide mobility trade.

*Different battery packs will end in various charging occasions. Testing indicated cost time enhancements starting from 15-30%.

 

Featured

Mitsubishi Set To Make A Comeback In India, But Not The Way You Think

The Japanese model has partnered with TVS VMS, one of many largest multi-brand sellers in India

Mitsubishi returning to India

After exiting the Indian passenger automobile market because the onset of BS6 emission norms within the first half of 2020, Mitsubishi has now introduced that it’s going to re-enter the Indian automobile market in 2024. It has subscribed to greater than 30 % shares in TVS Vehicle Mobility Solution (TVS VMS), one of many largest multi-brand sellers in India. TVS VMS additionally manages the distribution of autos produced by many carmakers akin to Renault, Mahindra and Honda.

Details Of The Deal

Mitsubishi Corporation

As per a number of on-line studies, Mitsubishi is claimed to make an funding value tens of hundreds of thousands of US {dollars}. The completion of those transactions is topic to approval by the related regulatory authorities following which Mitsubishi will reportedly ship its workers to the sellers. This funding goals to drive Mitsubishi’s technique in advancing complete mobility options for Japanese auto makers in India, which embody not simply after-sales companies and multi-brand gross sales, but additionally leasing and different automotive ventures. It shall be completed by leveraging the broad buyer base of TVS VMS and digital expertise. 

Are We Getting Mitsubishi Cars Back?

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Although Mitsubishi is returning to energetic standing within the Indian automotive area, there are not any confirmed plans for the Japanese carmaker to carry again its automobiles to India simply but. If Mitsubishi does select to carry its personal lineup to India with these new multi-brand dealerships, there shall be a concentrate on bringing EVs too. So, we’d not maintain out for the return of the Pajero Sport as of now.

The new partnership seeks to create the potential for having sub-brands of Japanese automobile producers organising store in India whereby Mitsubishi will reportedly deal with the negotiations to extend the variety of Japanese automobile manufacturers and fashions. This signifies that we might probably see automobiles from the likes of Mazda and Infiniti (premium sub-brand of Nissan) in India.

What Japanese automobiles would you hope to see in India due to this Mitsubishi partnership? Let us know within the feedback.

Also Read: Ford Mustang Mach-e Electric SUV Trademarked In India. Is It Finally Coming?

News

Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Supreme Is All About Living Bold And Loud

Ducati has launched a wide array of special-edition fashions through the years, and in doing so, has partnered up with various big-name manufacturers, together with additionally VW-owned Lamborghini and Bentley. This time round, the Italian producer has teamed up with American attire and life-style model Supreme for a special-edition Streetfighter V4 S.

Supreme has all the time been about dwelling daring and loud, and the model’s clothes and attire does little or no to maintain this a secret. With its in depth use of logos, and screaming pink and white colours, Supreme has constructed fairly a following amongst younger individuals trying to stand out from the group.

What higher solution to stand out than with a Ducati Streetfighter V4 S? But it isn’t simply any Ducati Streetfighter V4 S.

Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Supreme Edition - Left Side

Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Supreme Edition – Left Side

Naturally, the Streetfighter V4 S Supreme Edition takes the hyper-naked bike’s already head-turning styling and makes it even louder. Emblazoned with a large Supreme emblem that stretches from the left facet of the bike, over the gasoline tank, and onto the suitable facet of the bike, it desires to remind you that it’s dwelling its most Supreme life each time you swing a leg over it.

On high of that, the bike will get white wheels giving it a retro racer vibe.

Styling apart, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Supreme Edition is mechanically an identical to the usual mannequin. Being one of the potent hyper-naked bikes in the marketplace at this time signifies that this bike is already packing tons of tech and efficiency, together with its 1,103cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine pumping out a whopping 208 horsepower at 13,000 rpm and 90.4 pound-feet of torque at 9,500 rpm.

 
Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Supreme Edition - Top

Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Supreme Edition – Top

The hyper-formance goodies carry over to the bike’s underpinnings, too, because it flaunts 43mm totally adjustable Öhlins NIX 30 {hardware} with electronically adjustable compression and damping up entrance, paired with an Öhlins TTX 36 digital rear shock. It involves a cease through Brembo Stylema Monoblock calipers up entrance and a single floating caliper on the again.

Lastly, Ducati’s cutting-edge electronics are featured right here, with performance-oriented rider aids comparable to cornering traction management, wheelie management, slide management, launch management, and all types of different “control” baked in for an exhilarating but secure expertise.

As of this writing, Ducati has but to announce pricing for the Streetfighter V4 S Supreme Edition, however likelihood is it’ll command fairly much more than the usual mannequin merely due to the addition of a bunch of its eye-catching livery.

For reference, the Streetfighter V4 S carries an MSRP of $27,795.

Arai x Supreme x Ducati Corsair-X

Arai x Supreme x Ducati Corsair-X

Now, if for some cause you discover the Supreme Ducati Streetfighter V4 S missing when it comes to model, you could possibly pair it with a special-edition helmet from Arai additionally bearing Supreme and Ducati branding. The Arai Corsair-X is a well-liked lid amongst sportbike and bare bike riders, and the addition of Ducati and Supreme branding makes it the proper pairing with the Streetfighter V4 S Supreme Edition.

The Corsair-X additionally includes a caricature of a rider who seems to be sliding a Ducati Streetfighter on the again of the helmet. The limited-edition lid was made completely for Supreme, and holds DOT and SNELL certifications.

So what do you assume? If you had the cash, would you decide one up? Sound off within the feedback under. 

Featured

Toyota Hilux Can Be Modified For These 6 Operations: Fire Fighting, Construction, Banking, And Others

Toyota has partnered with a number of third social gathering companies to supply specialist conversion kits for the Hilux in India

Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux is a pickup recognized for its sturdy construct. Built on the Fortuner’s ladder-on-frame platform, the Hilux boasts spectacular off-road capabilities. Its total dimension and spacious cargo mattress additionally make it sensible for numerous functions. Toyota has collaborated with a number of third-party companies to supply various kinds of conversion choices that may modify the pickup for specialist functions. We now have particulars on six such operation-based Hilux modifications, detailed beneath:

Disaster Management & Vehicle Service

Hilux Rapid Intervention

Toyota has lately showcased the catastrophe administration model of the Hilux, referred to as the Rapid Intervention, on the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024. It is specifically outfitted for delivering emergency aids in areas the place the big fireplace vehicles can’t go. 

Toyota partnered with New Age Fire Fighting Company Ltd to supply this modified model of the Hilux. The cargo mattress of the pickup has been utterly modified to accommodate all vital fireplace combating gear like water pump, hoses, visitors cones. On the highest, it additionally will get a ladder and stretcher for emergency conditions. The total value of this model of the Hilux goes over Rs 70 lakh, bringing its complete value to over Rs 1 crore.

For Vehicle Service

This model of the Hilux pickup has been modified right into a cell service provider. Developed in partnership with Oil Lube Systems Pvt Ltd, it’s customised to supply automobile upkeep, offering each cell and doorstep providers. The cargo space behind is designed to accommodate all vital gear required for repairs and upkeep in addition to a roof rack to retailer extra components. 

Also Check Out: 10 Cars You Can’t Afford To Miss At The Bharat Mobility Expo 2024

Mining & Construction 

The Hilux can be modified for each floor and underground operations. Toyota’s pickup designed for mining functions additionally options safety for the entrance windscreen with an exoskeletal help body for added cabin safety. This consideration is essential, because the automobile can also be utilised for transporting items and providers, and the motion of defence personnel.

On the opposite hand, the FDV (Field Diagnosis Vehicle) model can be utilised at development websites in distant areas, as a provider for spares and provides actions. The Hilux FDV additionally can be used for the maintenance of onsite machineries. We can see the instance fitted with a giant toolbox and the rear cabin field opens as much as act like a shed with cabinets.

Security & Banking

The utility of the Hilux additionally extends to safety functions reminiscent of patrolling, restoration, and help. Its cargo bay could be transformed right into a personnel carrying construction with home windows. Recently, the Toyota Hilux has additionally been inducted into the fleet of the Chandigarh police.

The Hilux’s cargo mattress can be modified into a big closed provider for banking functions like transportation of money, doorstep ATM providers, and money vaulting providers. 

Also Check Out: This Modified Force Gurkha Has Over 1000 Nm Of Torque!

What Powers The Hilux?

The Toyota Hilux is powered by the identical 2.8-litre diesel engine because the Fortuner, which makes 204 PS and as much as 500 Nm. This unit is obtainable with both a 6-speed guide transmission or a 6-speed automated transmission. We should not positive precisely which transmission choices have been supplied for various variations of the Hilux talked about above.

Price Range

We don’t have the details about pricing for every of the personalized variations of the Toyota Hilux. The common model of the pickup is priced between Rs 30.40 lakh and Rs 37.90 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It acts as a premium different to the Isuzu V-Cross, and can be thought to be a substitute for the SUVs like Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster.

Read More on : Toyota Hilux diesel

VauxhallUk

VAUXHALL PARTNERS WITH RYZE TO DEVELOP HYDROGEN CHARGING SOLUTIONS

  • Vauxhall has partnered with Ryze Hydrogen to develop hydrogen charging options for company clients
  • Ryze Hydrogen is a UK firm specialising in hydrogen distribution infrastructure
  • Vauxhall’s new Vivaro HYDROGEN begins fleet analysis trials within the UK in 2024
  • Next yr, orders will open for the Movano HYDROGEN, which has a variety of 311 miles (WLTP) and might be refuelled with hydrogen in round 5 minutes
  • Vauxhall would be the solely producer providing two zero emission options (BEV & FCEV) enabling van fleets to decide on the one which most accurately fits their operational necessities
  • Vauxhall is the UK’s primary electrical LCV producer

Vauxhall is partnering with UK firm Ryze Hydrogen to develop hydrogen charging infrastructure options for fleet operators, permitting companies to run hydrogen automobiles and refuel them both on-site or at a situated refuelling facility.

Vauxhall’s partnership with Ryze varieties a part of the model’s wider hydrogen technique, which can inform the event of a widespread and workable hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for corporations operating fleets throughout the UK.

The partnership announcement comes forward of the Vauxhall Vivaro HYDROGEN commencing fleet analysis trials within the UK in 2024. Later in 2024, orders will open for the hydrogen model of the Movano, Vauxhall’s largest mild industrial automobile (LCV), forward of first buyer deliveries in 2025.

The Vauxhall Movano HYDROGEN supplies the proper resolution for drivers eager to journey lengthy distances emissions-in-use-free with a variety of as much as 311 miles (WLTP) and might be refuelled with hydrogen in solely round 5 minutes.

James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, mentioned: “We are delighted to be partnering with Ryze to develop hydrogen refuelling solutions for customers across the country. Next year, our new Movano Hydrogen will be available for fleet and business customers to order, offering a new practical, long-range, zero-emissions vehicle. With the help of businesses like Ryze, drivers will be able to add hydrogen vans to their fleet trouble free and with accessible charging options at convenient locations.” 

Mark Gilks, Head of Business Development – Mobility at Ryze, mentioned: “Vauxhall is making hydrogen a key part of its internet zero technique. Ryze is on the forefront of inexperienced hydrogen manufacturing and provide and we’re extremely excited to be working with Vauxhall and its clients on tailor-made options to their internet zero ambitions.

“Every business is different and while some may want their own fuelling facility at their depot, others may be looking at a co-location solution, and that is where our experience comes in.”

Hydrogen LCVs supply an efficient zero-emission resolution with out compromise in payload capability or refuelling instances. Large vans such because the Vauxhall Movano largely function from depot to depot. Vauxhall’s partnership with Ryze supplies charging options for company fleet operators which require their very own hydrogen refuelling stations.

Ryze Hydrogen is a UK firm which operates reasonably priced hydrogen distribution infrastructure for industrial automobiles. Ryze is already concerned in plenty of tasks together with a low-carbon hydrogen manufacturing and allotting facility, with accompanying hydrogen refuelling services in Bradford.

Vauxhall Press Contacts:

Matthew Bendall                                                           
Head of PR, Vauxhall
matthew.bendall@vauxhall.co.uk                          
07920 163 854

Michael Lear                                                               
Performance Communications
michael@performancecomms.com                       
07813 479357

Ryze Press Contact:

Dave Burrows, Head of PR
03300 552622 / 07483 160222
dave@nathanrous.com

ToyotaUk

Career Readiness Programs Help Prepare Toyota’s Future Manufacturing Workforce

In order to foster innovation, Toyota has developed and partnered with various workforce programs to ensure that future employees are well-prepared for success, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

Getting a Jump Start
To engage and prepare the next generation for careers in advanced manufacturing and other fields, it is important to start early.

Toyota continues to partner with the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME), an organization of employers who collectively support and participate in advanced manufacturing career pathways. This includes the Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program, a five-semester manufacturing degree that combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience at Toyota facilities across the U.S.

Toyota has also introduced the 4T Academy, a national high school program that provides juniors and seniors with an innovative education experience combining hands-on learning with on-the-job training at Toyota.

Jon Adams, principal at Gibson Southern High School, praised the 4T program: “The real-world experience our students have been fortunate to receive is world-class and will better prepare them for a successful future. We are excited about our partnership with Toyota Indiana and look forward to continuing the 4T program for many years.”

Students like Katrina Shipley and Trey Lancaster have found the program beneficial, with Shipley expressing her excitement about becoming an engineer and Lancaster enjoying the opportunity to learn about electricity and Toyota’s operations.

Accelerating Careers
After high school, it is a great time to generate interest in manufacturing among young adults. The AMT program offers a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on experience at Toyota, and students graduate with a two-year degree in advanced manufacturing automation technology. This program combines a cutting-edge curriculum with paid work experience at a leading global manufacturing company.

Que Chandler, a second-year AMT student, expressed his satisfaction with the program: “It has been a wonderful place to work and has allowed me the opportunity to learn more about the industrial maintenance field, troubleshooting, communication, and expressing my ideas. The AMT program is a fantastic job opportunity giving future maintenance technicians hands-on, real-world experience.”

Driving Local Partnerships
Toyota initiated the AMT program in 2005, and since then, many other businesses and organizations have partnered with schools to adapt the curriculum.

While the AMT program is a national initiative, Toyota also collaborates with local educational organizations near its manufacturing facilities.

Toyota Mississippi
Toyota Mississippi recently collaborated with Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid South to host a career speaker series on-site. Over 400 local 9th-grade students attended the 3-day event, where they listened to various Toyota employees speak about different careers available at the auto-manufacturing facility. The students also had the opportunity to tour the facility and witness the production of the Toyota Corolla.

Leigh Mansberg, president of Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South, emphasized the importance of community partnerships in children’s education: “Children can’t become what they can’t see, and our partnership with Toyota makes bright futures possible for every child.”

Toyota West Virginia
To ensure that the future workforce is skilled and passionate about innovation, Toyota West Virginia organized its first Women Exploring Toyota career event. This event aimed to introduce women from Putnam County and the surrounding region to the employment opportunities available at the plant. Attendees had the chance to participate in hands-on demonstrations, meet leaders from various plant departments, and learn about the wide range of jobs in advanced manufacturing. They also took guided tours of the plant and engaged in skills challenges.

David Rosier, president of Toyota West Virginia, highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusivity: “Advanced manufacturing is bright, fast-paced and a place where motivated people can truly build a career. This event allowed us to showcase the amazing opportunities at our plant, and it was an honor to welcome so many for the evening.”

News

H2X Darling: A Hydrogen Van with Lightweight Chassis by KTM

KTM, the well-known track car and motorcycle manufacturer, has teamed up with Australian company H2X Global to create a hydrogen fuel cell van. This collaboration allows H2X to benefit from KTM’s expertise in lightweighting technology.

KTM, famous for its X-Bow track car and the GT-XR supercar, joined forces with H2X last year to develop a “revolutionary” lightweight platform called the ‘Smart chassis’. Their goal is to reduce the cost of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses.

Under this partnership, the two companies announced their plans to collaborate on a new ‘origami’ chassis specifically designed for H2X’s light commercial vehicles. This chassis is said to be easier to produce, maintain, and provide greater flexibility for different models compared to a traditional chassis.

KTM states that this new platform will not only enhance the sustainability of their manufacturing processes but also reduce the costs associated with tooling, which is typically a significant expense in sheet metal forming processes.

The first product resulting from this collaboration is a hydrogen-powered version of H2X’s Darling, a mid-sized van comparable to the Ford Transit and Vauxhall Movano. The Darling comes in various sizes, ranging from 4670mm to 5324mm in length.

Although still in the early stages of development, H2X has revealed a prototype of the Hydrogen Professional Van and is currently in discussions with a key supplier to verify its viability. The van claims to have a payload capacity of 3500kg, a towing capacity of up to 2550kg, and a range of up to 248 miles.

While technical details about the hydrogen-powered Darling remain undisclosed, KTM Technologies’ technical project manager, Andy Schumacher, expressed excitement about collaborating with H2X Global. He acknowledged H2X’s innovative vision and dedication to pioneering hydrogen-powered solutions for the automotive industry. Schumacher emphasized KTM’s commitment to environmentally friendly and groundbreaking vehicles.

Hydrogen fuel cells are particularly appealing to light commercial vehicle manufacturers due to their long range and quick refueling times, which benefit commercial operators. Stellantis already offers a range of mid-sized fuel cell vans in Europe, and various start-ups, including First Hydrogen from the UK and Canada, have plans to commercialize their own versions of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

This announcement from KTM and H2X comes shortly after Toyota revealed its priority shift towards the development of fuel cell technology for commercial vehicles. Toyota has experienced limited success with its Mirai FCEV passenger car.

VauxhallUk

VAUXHALL PARTNERS WITH CARWOW AS ELECTRIC STREETS OF BRITAIN PROGRAMME EXPANDS

  • Vauxhall has teamed up with carwow for the Electric Streets of Britain programme
  • The partnership with carwow provides valuable insights into consumer attitudes towards electric vehicle adoption
  • Data from carwow shows that 15% of car enquiries are for electric vehicles
  • Vauxhall’s Electric Streets of Britain programme aims to accelerate the installation of on-street charging points
  • According to Vauxhall, 72% of UK councils have no strategy for residential on-street charging
  • About 80% of EV charging occurs at home, leaving residents without off-street parking reliant on public charging
  • Vauxhall launched ElectricStreets.co.uk to support households without driveways
  • Register your street at http://electricstreets.co.uk/  

Vauxhall has partnered with carwow, an online car marketplace, as part of its ongoing Electric Streets of Britain programme. By utilizing carwow’s extensive database, Vauxhall can work with local councils to identify areas of high interest in electric vehicles (EVs) across the country. This collaboration will help prioritize the installation of on-street charge points in those areas.

Data from carwow reveals that 15% of car enquiries this year have been for EVs, based on an analysis of over 320,000 car enquiries in 2023. This highlights the growing interest in EVs as the UK government plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035. However, the current gap between EV interest and the availability of charging infrastructure indicates the need for significant growth in the UK’s charging network.

Last month, over 45,000 EVs were registered in the UK, accounting for a peak of 17% of the new car market. In contrast, only 1,432 public EV charging devices were added to the ZapMap database during the same period.

The Electric Streets of Britain programme by Vauxhall aims to address the lack of on-street charging infrastructure in the UK, which poses a significant obstacle for many motorists. Research shows that more than 70% of UK councils have no published strategy for residential on-street charging, and 69% of local authorities have yet to install any on-street chargers.

The majority of EV charging, approximately 80%, occurs at home due to its cost-effectiveness and convenience. However, around 40% of UK households, and over 60% in urban areas, do not have access to off-street parking. This means that residents in these areas heavily rely on public charging facilities.

Vauxhall’s Managing Director, James Taylor, emphasized the importance of assisting local authorities in installing charging infrastructure to support the increasing number of EVs on the road. To facilitate this, Vauxhall has launched the Electric Streets website (ElectricStreets.co.uk), allowing the public to register their charging needs.

Carwow’s Commercial Director, Sepi Arani, stressed the collective effort needed to install more charging points in the right locations to ensure a smooth transition to electric vehicles. This collaboration aims to avoid potential infrastructure bottlenecks that could hinder the adoption of EVs and help the UK meet its net-zero targets.

Vauxhall plans to offer fully electric versions of all its car and van models from 2024. The company is currently the top-selling electric van manufacturer in the UK and has transformed its Ellesmere Port plant into Stellantis’ first facility dedicated to electric models.

1Data provided to Vauxhall by carwow – January 2023 to September 2023, 321,758 new car enquiries made through carwow.co.uk by fuel type.

2Vauxhall’s Freedom of Information research took place between May – July 2023, issued to 414 councils across the United Kingdom.

3Energy Saving Trust: Charging Electric Vehicles

4TfL Feasibility Study into Electric Vehicle Uptake and the Impacts of Associated Infrastructure (Source: TfL Electric Vehicle Charging Study)

5Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, September 2023

6Zapmap EV charging statistics 2023 https://www.zap-map.com/ev-stats/how-many-charging-points

News

A ’90s Performance Sleeper Sedan That Could Outrun The Cops

Summary

  • European supercars gained popularity in the 80s and 90s due to their high-performance nature, sportiness, and exclusivity.
  • GM partnered with Lotus to create a high-performance sports sedan, the Lotus Carlton, by outfitting a low-cost base sedan with top-of-the-line upgrades.
  • The Lotus Carlton featured a twin-turbo 3.6-liter inline-six engine, wide-body kit, reworked suspension, racing brakes, and other performance enhancements, outperforming high-dollar competitors and police cars.

The popularity of European supercars in the 80s and 90s was driven by their high-performance characteristics, sporty designs, and exclusive nature. Brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Mercedes-AMG produced expensive sports cars with powerful upgrades that could outrun anything on the road and track, making them highly sought after by automotive enthusiasts.

General Motors (GM) recognized the demand for supercars and decided to enter the market. However, instead of producing a fancy sports car, GM partnered with Lotus to create a high-performance sports sedan. Their approach was simple: take a low-cost base sedan and equip it with top-of-the-line upgrades, a strategy that would become popular in the following decades.

While most performance brands focused on two-door coupes and targas, GM and Lotus saw an opportunity to capture the market with a sports sedan. The 1989 Lotus Carlton became one of the first sports sedans to combine the worlds of supercars and sedans.

GM And Lotus Partner To Create A Super Sports Sedan In The ’80s

Front 3/4 exterior shot of a red 1987 Opel Omega - Vaxhaul Carlton
Stellantis

In 1987, GM’s European arm, Opel, introduced the Omega, a modest rear-wheel drive sedan designed for cost-effective production. In the United Kingdom, Opel was sold under the Vauxhall name, giving birth to the Vauxhall Carlton. While the base Omega/Carlton was well-received by the public and even won the Car of the Year award in 1987, it wasn’t breaking any track records.

Recognizing the market interest in high-performance cars, GM Europe’s president Robert James Eaton teamed up with Lotus CEO Mike Kimberly to transform the Omega/Carlton into a performance-focused sedan. Lotus Engineering was brought in to provide expertise and upgrade the sedan beyond expectations.

The collaboration led to the creation of the Lotus Carlton, which retained the inline-six engine from Opel but received extensive modifications. The engine was enlarged to 3.6 liters and fitted with a twin-turbocharger setup, resulting in an impressive 377 horsepower. The transmission was upgraded to a ZF six-speed manual from the C4 Corvette ZR1 to handle the increased power.

1990 Lotus Carlton Performance Specs

Engine

3.6-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six

Horsepower

377

Torque

419 Pound-Feet

0-60 MPH

5.0 Seconds

Top Speed

174 MPH

Layout

Front-engine, six-speed manual transmission, four-door five-passenger sedan

(Performance specs sourced from Lotus)

The Lotus Carlton’s performance upgrades extended beyond the engine and transmission. It featured a wide-body kit, reworked suspension, racing brakes, Goodyear Eagle tires, and a limited-slip differential. With these enhancements, the Carlton could sprint from 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds and reach a top speed of over 174 mph.

The 1990 Lotus Carlton Featured An Aerodynamic Wide-Body Kit

The Lotus Carlton’s exterior design was updated to not only match its high-performance nature but also improve overall aerodynamics. The wide-body kit with aerodynamic contours and aggressive styling enhanced its appearance and helped reduce drag. Vents on the hood improved engine cooling, and the sedan’s low drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.28 minimized wind resistance.

While the interior of the Carlton wasn’t focused on luxury amenities, it was praised for its size and capacity in the UK and Europe. Despite being considered a compact sedan by modern American standards, it was meticulously reworked to match the performance of supercars like the Ferrari Testarossa.

The Lotus Carlton’s Legal Issues

Black 1990 Lotus-Carlton
Lotus

The Lotus Carlton’s performance stats were impressive, boasting an official top speed of 174 mph, with claims that it could reach over 180 mph. Its acceleration from 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds was comparable to modern sports cars. What made the Carlton controversial was its relatively low price tag. Starting at £48,000 (around USD 58,598), it was priced significantly lower than its supercar competitors like the Ferrari F-40.

This affordability, combined with its extraordinary performance, raised concerns about the accessibility and safety of such a powerful vehicle. These concerns were not unfounded, as a stolen Lotus Carlton was used by a gang of thieves to commit a series of store heists while successfully evading the police. While this incident didn’t directly lead to the decline of the Lotus Carlton, production was limited to 320 units, with an additional 630 units of its twin model, the Lotus Omega, being produced.

(Sources: Lotus, Stellantis, Dodge, Ford)

ToyotaUk

Sharing the Power of the Toyota Production System With Harbor-UCLA Medical Center

The Toyota Production System Support Center (TSSC) has been collaborating with Harbor-UCLA Medical Center community hospital in Los Angeles for almost ten years. Their goal is to create a work culture that is highly efficient and engaged in order to provide better service to their patients, staff, and community.

A notable success story is the orthopedics clinic, which specializes in complex surgeries for severe injuries that require months of rehabilitation. Implementing the principles of the Toyota Production System (TPS) in orthopedics care has had a significant impact.

Watch the video below to see the transformative power of TPS in the healthcare industry.

Originally published on September 21, 2023