Tag Archives: previewed

News

McLaren previews large adjustments with future design language

McLaren Automotive has previewed a brand new design language that can be used on all future automobiles – and it has been conceived to allow the model to develop into new segments.

The new design traits can be represented by three exterior design signatures and a wraparound inside. They take inspiration from McLaren’s earlier street automobiles and motorsport heritage and would be the foundation for the entire Woking agency’s future merchandise.

The language is designed to permit for extra differentiation between the styling of McLaren fashions than beforehand. That is more likely to be essential sooner or later because the agency appears to be like to develop its vary with each an SUV and electric fashions.

Former Bentley, Volkswagen and Aston Martin designer Tobias Sühlmann has lately returned to McLaren as its new chief design officer and led the event of the brand new design DNA.

“There’s a lot of potential in this brand and we’ve built up a strong design in the last 10 years starting with the 12C and P1,” stated Sühlmann, who in a earlier spell at McLaren led design of the Solus GT. “It implies that we construct recognisable automobiles: everyone can have a look at a McLaren and comprehend it’s a McLaren.

“In the future, to take the next step, we need to change and move the brand forward. There will be a bigger portfolio and we need to look into different powertrain technologies. Are there more than two seats? Quite possibly, and that is something we need to look into. We need a form language that separates each model from each other.”

There is not any indication on when the primary McLaren to function the brand new design language is perhaps revealed and Sühlmann wouldn’t be drawn on future merchandise or a timeline for them. But he stated the design DNA “will build McLaren into a brand that delivers 60 years of motorsport heritage in incredible lightweight supercars and beyond. A new era, with new vehicles, more product differentiation, and with ‘Performance by Design’ at the heart of it.”

Labelled ‘Performance by Design’, the brand new design language can be constructed round 5 rules – epic, athletic, useful, centered and clever – and can be represented in three key exterior design signatures.

News

New 2026 Polestar 6 EV sells out one week after public debut

Polestar O2 concept

The O2 took design cues from the Precept concept – which previewed the 5 – and Ingenlath said it was developed with two goals: further reinforcing the brand’s image as a “luxury sports brand” and pushing internal development.

“The energy and vision that it brings into the company definitely drives us,” said Ingenlath. “We made the Precept a reality with the Polestar 5, and that’s the result of us daring to go out with that vision.”

Polestar o2 batch a 13

He added: “The propulsion of an electric drivetrain is great for a sports car. And then to do it when an open-roof concept, when everybody dreams about ‘the fresh air, the breeze, being closer to nature’ – it’s a perfect fit to have that with an electric drivetrain, and not only have fresh air when you arrive at it, but you’ll leave it for the people behind you.

“Electric propulsion is absolutely a perfect fit for a roadster, so I would love to put an exclamation mark that the future of driving an open roadster has to be electric.”

The O2, which features a fixed retracting roof, is substantially shorter than the 5, at around 4600mm long, with the wheelbase shrunk by around 400mm. This has been enabled by removing the ‘foot garage’ – a well in the skateboard chassis floor of the 5 to increase rear leg room – from the platform. Polestar claims this will allow the model to maintain huge rigidity, ensuring it offers strong handling and dynamics.

Featured

2024 Maruti Swift Spied Testing In India, New Design Details Revealed


The fourth-generation Maruti Swift was previewed in concept form featuring comprehensive design changes

2024 Maruti Swift Front

  • The new Maruti Swift will have a new rounded grille design.

  • It will feature an all-LED headlight setup, including LED fog lamps.

  • The test mule of the hatchback is also seen with a blind-spot detection feature.

  • It will likely have similar interiors as the Maruti Baleno and Fronx.

  • It could introduce an updated version of the same 1.2-litre petrol engine in India.

  • It is expected to be launched in early 2024.

Just a few days after its concept debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, the test mule of the fourth-generation Maruti Swift has been spotted in India under heavy camouflage. The new spy shots of the India-spec 2024 Swift reveal new design elements, closely resembling the production-ready concept showcased in Japan. Let’s take a closer look at these spy shots.

New Grille & Lighting Setup

2024 Maruti Swift Front

The new-gen Maruti Swift sports a rounded grille along with an updated all LED headlight setup, including LED fog lights. While the front bumper remains under wraps, it seems to have undergone some design tweaks as well.

2024 Maruti Swift Rear

When it comes to the profile, it closely resembles the current-generation Swift, but the spy shots reveal a new set of blacked-out alloy wheels. One noticeable change is the rear door handle placement, which has been brought back on the rear door itself, in contrast to the existing Swift where it is positioned on the C-pillar. At the rear, the new Swift boasts redesigned LED taillamps, along with an updated tailgate and rear bumper.

Also Check Out: 5 CNG SUVs Priced Under Rs 20 Lakh

Seen With Blind Spot Detection

2024 Maruti Swift ORVM

While none of the Maruti cars in India currently offer the blind spot detection feature, it appears that the fourth-generation India-spec Maruti Swift might become the first to incorporate it. In the spy shot above, you can clearly see the ORVMs equipped with a blind spot detection.

Expected Changes Inside

2024 Maruti Swift Infotianment spy shot

While the interior of the production-spec 2024 Maruti Swift has not been spied in detail, it is likely to have a dashboard layout similar to the one seen in the Japan-spec Swift concept. The spy shots also provide a sneak peek at the infotainment screen, which bears a resemblance to those 9-inch units found on other Maruti models.

In terms of features, the fourth-generation Maruti Swift is expected to have push button start/stop, wireless charging, cruise control, and automatic climate control. The safety kit could include up to 6 airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold assist, and a rear parking camera.

Also See: Tata Punch EV Spotted Testing Again, But With A Clever Disguise Detail

What About Powertrain?

The India-spec 2024 Maruti Swift will most likely debut the updated version of the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine showcased at the Japan mobility show which is expected to offer a bit more torque. The current Swift’s 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol unit (90PS/113Nm) gets a choice between a 5-speed manual transmission and a 5-speed AMT.

Expected Launch & Rivals

In India, the fourth-generation Maruti Swift is expected to go on sale with a starting price of Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom). It will continue to rival the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios while being a sporty alternative to the likes of the Maruti Wagon R and Maruti Ignis.

Image Source

Read More on : Swift AMT

News

Volkswagen ID 7 Tourer previewed as brand’s first electric estate

Volkswagen has given a sneak peek of the upcoming estate version of the ID 7 saloon, set to be officially revealed in the coming months. Called the ID 7 Tourer, this electric estate is based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, which is also used for the ID 3, ID 4, and the recently unveiled ID 7 saloon. The MEB platform allows Volkswagen to maximize interior space by offering a long wheelbase and short overhangs.

The ID 7 Tourer is designed to be highly practical, featuring 545 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1714 litres with the seats folded down – larger than the current Volkswagen Passat. The boot itself is an impressive two meters in length.

Aerodynamics played a crucial role in the development of the ID 7 Tourer, with features like a smooth front bumper, rear lip spoiler, and flush door handles that help achieve a drag coefficient of 0.24cd – slightly higher than the saloon.

An exact range for the ID 7 Tourer has not been disclosed, but considering the ID 7 saloon can cover 435 miles on a single charge, it is expected that the estate version will offer a similar range.

The ID 7 saloon made its debut earlier this year as Volkswagen’s first electric saloon, aiming to rival the Tesla Model 3. It boasts new infotainment software, driving dynamics specifically designed for long-distance travel, and a range of 435 miles.

The ID 7 Tourer will be available in Pro and Pro S trims. In Germany, customers can currently pre-order the Pro version starting from €56,995 (£48,844). For comparison, the ID 4 starts from £38,845, with the more powerful GTX variant priced at £52,865.

The regular ID 7 saloon will launch in Europe and China this autumn, followed by the US in 2024. The electric estate will come with a choice of two batteries: a 77kWh pack, which offers a range of 382 miles and 170kW charging, and a new 86kWh unit that allows up to 435 miles of range and can be charged at up to 200kW. The Pro S version of the ID 7 Tourer is expected to achieve a 0-62mph time of around 6.0 seconds.

News

Electric Toyota Land Cruiser: A Luxurious Reinvention

The Toyota Land Cruiser is set to undergo a radical transformation for the electric era, as evidenced by a stunning new concept that will be showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show. Known as the Land Cruiser Se, this futuristic SUV with three rows of seats will be one of the highlights on Toyota’s stand in Tokyo, along with the highly anticipated FT-SE sports car and FT-3E crossover.

The design of the concept represents a departure from the traditional Land Cruiser, which is known for its ruggedness. The production version of the Land Cruiser, scheduled for release in early 2024, will retain its ladder chassis and combustion power, but will also feature a retro look inspired by older Land Cruisers. In contrast, the new concept emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency and incorporates Toyota’s modern design language.

With its sleek roofline, angled bonnet, and sculpted sides, the concept showcases a more contemporary aesthetic. The slimline wraparound light bars, rear-view cameras, and low-profile tires suggest a focus on luxury.

Electric Toyota Land Cruiser concept drives through a city

There are stylistic similarities between the Land Cruiser Se and the FT-3E SUV concept unveiled last week, such as the creased haunches, kinked window line, and contrasting lower trim. This suggests that the two may share styling cues, interior arrangements, and performance statistics, making them technical siblings.

Toyota’s Tokyo Motor Show stand will also highlight the brand’s future lineup of electric cars, set to launch from 2026. The Land Cruiser Se, FT-SE, and FT-3E are expected to evolve into production models as part of this electric vehicle range. Toyota has previously mentioned that its next-generation cars will have slimmer battery packs, resulting in increased interior space and improved aerodynamics, while still offering an impressive range of 621 miles thanks to advanced lithium-ion technology.

News

Hot urban EV concept provides a glimpse of the all-new Nissan Micra

Nissan has given a sneak peek of the highly anticipated next Micra with the introduction of the motorsport-themed 20-23 hot hatch concept.

The eye-catching supermini, designed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Nissan’s European design centre in Paddington, London, draws inspiration from the carmaker’s participation in the Formula E race series and its history of producing bold hatchbacks.

The concept car was unveiled by Nissan’s president and CEO, Makoto Uchida, in front of Nissan Design Europe’s (NDE) headquarters in central London. The choice of venue emphasizes the 20-23’s sporty and urban character.

The NDE team was given a free rein to design a car that they would want to drive on the city streets where they work. The result is a race-inspired design featuring prominent front and rear diffusers, a touring car-spec rear wing, oversized wheel arches, and ultra-low-profile racing tires.

Other conceptual styling elements include a roof scoop, racing numbers, Lamborghini-style scissor doors, and air-channelling louvres on the tops of the wings. These features continue Nissan’s tradition of bringing playful and eye-catching design to the world of hatchbacks and city cars.

Beneath its racy exterior, the 20-23 concept offers a closer look at Nissan’s upcoming electric replacement for the Micra. This new model is set to go into production in 2026, built on the CMF-BEV platform shared with Alliance partner Renault’s 5 supermini and Alpine A290 hot hatchback.

The previewed replacement for the Micra, introduced last year as a compact five-door supermini with a distinct design, is expected to share several design elements with other electric models in Nissan’s lineup. The initial side profile image revealed shared features such as the two-piece circular LED light clusters and black ‘floating’ roof. Although the 20-23 concept does not have rear doors like the production version, it still shares a similar silhouette and proportions.

News

First Look at BMW Neue Klasse SUV for 2026: A Radical Take on Electric SUVs

BMW has given us a glimpse of their upcoming electric SUV, set to be released in 2026, as part of their exciting Neue Klasse EV lineup. This new SUV, revealed briefly during the presentation of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept, will be a crossover similar in size to the BMW iX3. Its aim is to compete against other electric SUVs like the Audi Q6 E-tron and Mercedes EQC.

The Vision Neue Klasse, showcased as a stylish sedan, sets the stage for this new line of SUVs. However, BMW remains committed to the SUV segment, indicating that electric replacements for popular models like the X3, X5, X6, and X7 are in the works. BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has confirmed that BMW plans to introduce “six Neue Klasse models in 24 months [starting from 2025]. From SUV to sedan, we will have something for every customer.”

Design chief Domagog Dukec has previously stated that while the Neue Klasse will feature traditional three-box designs, there will also be SUV options, as the demand for SUVs is expected to continue. The first model in the Neue Klasse lineup will be a sedan similar in size to the BMW 3 Series, heavily inspired by the new concept car. The second model will be a closely related SUV, likely replacing the current iX3.

The upcoming SUV is estimated to be 25% more efficient than its predecessor, resulting in a range of around 360 miles (compared to the iX3’s 286-mile range). With a charging capacity of 270kW, it will compete effectively with other innovative German electric SUVs. Furthermore, BMW’s next-generation batteries will be slimmer, providing a roomier cabin compared to the current iX3’s platform.

Inside, the Neue Klasse SUV will feature the advanced ninth generation of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system. It will include a panoramic head-up display, gesture-controlled interfaces, and voice control. The focus will be on sustainability, space, and creating a warm and familiar environment, quite different from BMW’s current EV offerings.

News

Total overhaul for interior of 2024 Skoda Kodiaq PHEV

The interior of the next-generation Skoda Kodiaq has been previewed by the Czech firm, with new images revealing that it will retain physical dial controls for critical functions.

The three dials, located between the centre console and the dashboard, can be customized to control different functions. Official images show the system set up to manage the climate settings for the front occupants, with stereo volume control between the two dials.

The dials on either side of the front occupants can control the cabin temperature, seat heating or seat ventilation, based on user preference. The central controller, meanwhile, can adjust the fan speed, air direction, volume of the sound system, selected driving mode, or the zoom level of the sat-nav map.

The new images also reveal that the Kodiaq will feature a large 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument display.

2024 Skoda Kodiaq interior dials

In addition, the automatic gear selector has been relocated from the centre console to a stalk on the steering wheel, providing more legroom for the front occupants.

Connectivity has also been emphasized in the design of the new Kodiaq. USB-C ports are featured on the rear-view mirror and centre console, which also integrates a 15W wireless phone-charging box.

First drive: 2024 Skoda Kodiaq prototype review

Even the most iconic movie trilogies (including The Godfather and The Dark Knight) tend to lose steam by the third installment.

But it’s a different story with Skoda SUVs. The Czech automaker has released a successful three-part series, starting with the Skoda Kodiaq as a great debut, followed by the highly acclaimed Skoda Karoq and Kamiq. Now, the company is turning its attention back to where it all began, with a new Kodiaq set to be released in the first quarter of 2024.

The second-generation large SUV will continue to share components with other Volkswagen Group models, including the new VW Tiguan, which we’ve also seen as a prototype. Prices, trims, and equipment details will be confirmed later this year, but there will be a choice between a standard Kodiaq and a sportier-looking SportLine version, with most models offering seven seats. A more powerful Skoda Kodiaq vRS version is expected to join the lineup about a year later.

News

Electric Honda NSX Successor Revealed in Design Study

The highly anticipated successor to the Honda NSX has been previewed as an ‘Electric Vision Design Study’ at Monterey Car Week, according to Acura, Honda’s sibling brand. Three images released by Acura showcase a sleek and low-set coupé with a forward-cab design reminiscent of the mid-engined NSX. The car also features a rear light bar similar to that found on the original NSX. The design closely resembles the silhouette that was revealed in May 2022, when Honda announced its plans to develop a high-end, NSX-inspired model as part of its £31 billion electrification strategy.

Autocar reported in May 2023 that Honda is set to unveil a new sports car to celebrate its 75th anniversary. Tom Gardner, Vice President of Honda Europe, stated that the brand’s identity in Europe will revolve around two words: ‘advanced’ and ‘sporty’. He emphasized Honda’s commitment to incorporating technology that adds value to its customers and expressed enthusiasm for performance-focused vehicles such as the Type R. While Gardner didn’t share specific details about the positioning or powertrain of the new model, he hinted at its imminent reveal and hinted that it could have similar significance to the previous sports car released during a Honda anniversary, the S2000.

Dave Marek, Executive Creative Director of Acura, also confirmed Gardner’s statements by expressing excitement about the future of Acura Precision Crafted Performance in the electric vehicle era. He mentioned that the latest expression of an all-electric high-performance model has inspired their design team to push boundaries, and they wanted to share the excitement with Acura fans.

Acura Electric Vision Design Study silhouette