Tag Archives: regulations

Motorsport

Porsche Caught Testing Its Electric Boxster with Fake Exhaust

With Porsche killing the 718 in Europe on account of cybersecurity regulations, its all-electric successor cannot come quickly sufficient. Ahead of its launch in 2025, the Boxster EV was noticed cold-weather testing in Scandinavia. Some of those prototypes now have the ultimate headlights and taillights, however that middle exhaust tip is unquestionably pretend.

This is a working joke with Porsche; each Taycan prototypes had pretend exhaust suggestions earlier than they debuted. In addition, the Macan EV was additionally seen with pretend exhausts throughout the testing section. We will not be shocked if the already confirmed three-row electric SUV and Cayenne EV will undertake an analogous setup as soon as testing begins.

But we will not assist however discover the big charging port door within the middle of the rear bumper. EV house owners normally juice up the batteries from one of many automotive’s sides, however that will not be the case with the long run Boxster. It’s additionally completely different from what Porsche is utilizing contemplating the Taycan has twin charging ports on the entrance fenders whereas the Macan has the pair on the rear fenders. We cannot inform as a result of the prototypes are nonetheless cleverly camouflaged however it seems to be as if the next-gen 718 will solely have one charging port.

Likely carrying the “983” inner codename, the next-gen 718 might retain the “Boxster” moniker regardless of eliminating the boxer engine. That would not be stunning—the Taycan Turbo would not have a turbocharger. These are fashionable nameplates Porsche would not need to retire.

The new electrical sports activities automotive will retain the material roof, two-seat format, and entrance trunk, however it will likely be a distinct mannequin beneath the pores and skin. It might borrow bits and items from the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) {hardware} co-developed by Porsche with Audi. We’re anticipating rear- and all-wheel-drive variations with single- and dual-motor setups, respectively. The Boxster is more likely to come out first, with the Cayman coupe to comply with shortly after that.

The new electric-only Macan has a lithium-ion battery pack with a usable capability of 95.0 kilowatt-hours, however Porsche may downsize it for the Boxster/Cayman to scale back the load penalty. People shopping for a sports activities automotive are extra prepared to accept much less vary if meaning further efficiency. If the long run 718 will get the identical 800-volt structure because the crossover, it ought to assist DC charging at 270 kilowatts.

Don’t count on a design overhaul since Porsche prefers evolutionary over revolutionary. However, the present automotive’s inside is starting to indicate its age, which is why prototypes of its alternative have been noticed with a extra fashionable dashboard. Aside from the same old greater screens, these automobiles had contact buttons on the middle console to regulate the temperature in addition to the heated and ventilated seats.

The future 718s can be offered completely with electrical energy however the present Boxster and Cayman usually are not going away. Although the duo is being phased out within the European Union, the gasoline sports activities automobiles are sticking round in different markets. Porsche will promote the ICE and EV fashions collectively for an unspecified period of time earlier than inevitably pulling the plug on the previous. It’s the identical story with the outdated and new Macan.

News

Renault: Europe should counter premium shift, make automobiles reasonably priced

Renault’s boss has decried automotive laws in Europe as “objectively favouring premium models” and referred to as on authorities to assist redress the stability by selling the event of reasonably priced automobiles once more.

“Cars are required to be more sophisticated, more fuel-efficient and less costly all at the same time,” a clearly exasperated Luca de Meo wrote in a wide-ranging letter addressed to Europe. “This has already had an effect that is totally counterproductive: passenger cars are now 60% heavier on average.”

In his letter, the Italian strongly advocates a brand new industrial mannequin that might strengthen the hand of the European automotive business – and particularly quantity manufacturers – within the face of sturdy competitors from China and the US.

His criticism is that Europe’s drive to make automobiles cleaner and safer has made them heavier and costlier.

Motorsport

Hyundai Performance Cars Could Go Hybrid Before Going Electric

Amid more and more stringent emissions rules and better taxes on automobiles with large-displacement engines, the longer term does not look good for combustion-powered efficiency automobiles. Hyundai just killed the i20 N and i30 N in Europe the place automakers face the hardest laws anyplace. However, not all hope is misplaced for a enjoyable automotive with an inside combustion engine.

Speaking with Australian journal Drive, Hyundai’s present Executive Technical Advisor and former R&D boss mentioned a hybrid powertrain is a chance value exploring. Albert Biermann—who was one of many driving forces behind the creation of the N division—confirmed stronger hybrid setups are being developed. Not only for the Hyundai model, but in addition for the luxury-oriented Genesis marque. As a reminder, the Hyundai Motor Group additionally owns a couple of third of Kia.

Biermann mentioned the Elantra N (aka i30 Sedan N) “could be an option—technically it’s in there.” He avoided confirming whether or not the efficiency sedan might be electrified however admitted it is technically potential. Let’s understand that Hyundai has already confirmed a next-generation mannequin with a gasoline engine, suggesting it would even get an even bigger ICE.  The turbocharged 2.5-liter unit can be a pleasant bump over the present 2.0-liter engine.

2024 Hyundai Elantra N

In its present type, the Elantra N has 276 horsepower whereas the bigger engine is rated at 290 hp within the Sonata N Line and as a lot as 300 hp within the Genesis G70. Of course, including an electrical motor would enhance the output much more. If authorised, it won’t be the one hybrid N automotive from Hyundai as Biermann says he’s making an attempt to persuade the higher-ups to green-light a smaller electrified N. However, the mission continues to be in its infancy.

Hyundai is already wanting forward, having simply launched the absolutely electrical Ioniq 5 N crossover. There are additionally experiences of an Ioniq 6 N sedan, probably with extra energy. Biermann defined the Korean automaker needs to cowl all of the bases by catering to totally different tastes whereas assembly ever-changing rules. The ex-BMW M boss argued {that a} hybrid powertrain would bridge the hole between efficiency automobiles with pure combustion engine automobiles and full EVs.

Toyota has one other thought of how sports activities automobiles with combustion engines could be saved. It’s toying round with the concept of making ICE run on hydrogen instead of gasoline. To that finish, it has already constructed and examined prototypes of GR Yaris and GR Corolla sizzling hatches on the observe.

On the identical be aware, Austrian firm AVL Racetech has engineered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that runs on hydrogen. It makes a wholesome 405 horsepower and 375 pound-feet (508 Newton-meters) of torque.

Porsche has a special method because it believes artificial gas may very well be an answer. It’s been producing nearly carbon-neutral e-fuel at its manufacturing facility in Chile since late 2022 when it celebrated the milestone by submitting up a 911. Although Porsche is a part of the Volkswagen Group, VW model boss Thomas Schäfer claims all this discuss prolonging the lifetime of combustion engines is thrashing a lifeless horse. He claims discussions about e-fuels are “unnecessary noise” since combustion engines symbolize “old technology.”

Motorsport

The Toyota GR86 And Subaru BRZ Are Dead In Europe. Here’s Why

It’s often stricter emissions laws that drive automakers to discontinue their enjoyable automobiles in Europe. However, the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ might be discontinued resulting from upcoming security laws. It’s referred to as the General Safety Regulations 2 (GSR2) and is unfortunately going to place the ultimate nail within the Toyobaru’s coffin this yr.

In e-mails to Motor1, each automakers have confirmed the rear-wheel-drive coupes aren’t going to be out there on the Old Continent for for much longer. Patrick Scheelen, Senior Manager, Lexus and Toyota Gazoo Racing Communications, advised us the unique plan to promote the GR86 for under two years in Europe stays in place. He went on to say the corporate has no intention of modifying the reasonably priced sports activities automotive to fulfill the necessities of GSR2.

Jürgen Ehlenberger, Subaru Head of Marketing Services and Corporate Communications declared: “After 2024, there might be no extra Subaru BRZ in Europe. The sale of inventory automobiles will happen in 2024.”

2023 Toyota GR86 (UK-spec)
2023 Toyota GR86 (UK-spec)

The writing had been on the wall since December 2021 when Toyota introduced the second-generation GR86 could be provided in Europe for simply two years. To make the automotive adjust to the brand new security laws, it must be “completely re-engineered.” That’s simply not possible from a enterprise standpoint for the reason that GR86 is a distinct segment product in Europe and nearly wherever else. The reality Toyota teamed up with Subaru to unfold prices speaks volumes of how tough it’s to construct a viable enterprise case for a sports activities automotive. The identical goes for the Supra, which is basically a BMW Z4 coupe.

Assuming Toyota would do the work and spend the cash to make the GR86 as much as snuff, it would not be the identical automotive, or so we’re advised. Modifying the sports activities coupe “would detrimentally affect the dynamic character of the car” and “it simply wouldn’t be the driver’s car everybody knows and loves.” That’s in line with an article written by Joe Clifford for the official Toyota UK Magazine.

The GSR2 commonplace will stop Toyota and Subaru not simply from taking new buyer orders for the GR86 and BRZ however the automakers will not be allowed to promote any out there inventory. It means the window of alternative is closing for the reason that firms might be more and more reluctant to maintain automobiles of their stock.

2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata

It’s going to be a tragic day when the Toyobaru bows out in Europe – together with the United Kingdom by the best way – however we do have some excellent news. Enthusiasts will nonetheless be capable to purchase the MX-5 after 2024. A spokesperson for Mazda has advised us the beloved Miata is sticking round, regardless of being an older automotive.

As a reminder, the ND technology was unveiled in September 2014 with a cloth roof earlier than the hardtop RF premiered in March 2016. Since then, the tiny convertible sports activities automotive has acquired two notable updates, the ND2 in 2018 and the ND3 in 2023. MX-5 Program Manager Shigeki Saito is promising “very cool” special editions are coming.

2024 Alpine A110 R Turini

The GSR2 implementation goes to influence the supply of one other enjoyable automotive in Europe. In an interview with Autocar final yr, Alpine’s vp of engineering Robert Bonetto mentioned the automotive is just not compliant with the brand new energetic security homologation requirements. Consequently, the Renault-owned model says “options for European sales will be limited.” Echoing the assertion made by Toyota, Alpine argues it could be value prohibitive to switch the A110, including that prices wouldn’t be amortized by the tip of the automotive’s manufacturing run in 2026.

Seeing the glass half full, the Alpine A110 is just not going away fully in Europe. There is a particular two-year exemption from the principles that enables the corporate to promote a most of 1,500 items yearly.

Porsche Macan GTS (2021) and Porsche Macan S (2021)

Another notable demise in Europe this yr, albeit not of a sports activities automotive, is the first-generation Porsche Macan. The gasoline-fueled crossover is bidding adieu because it does not meet an upcoming GSR2-related cybersecurity regulation, which can be coming into impact in July. A few weeks in the past, Ben Weinberger, Spokesperson for Macan and Cayenne, declared in an e-mail to Motor1:

“In the European Union and some states that apply EU legislation, the combustion-powered Macan will not be available indefinitely. The main reason for this is the General Safety Regulation of the European Union (including cybersecurity), to which the platform will not be converted. Any models that do not meet these requirements will no longer be eligible for new registration in the EU after the beginning of July 2024.”

This applies not solely to the Macan with an inner combustion engine, however to all fashions from all producers, and this no matter whether or not it’s an e-vehicle or one with an inner combustion engine. As a end result, sale of the Macan with an inner combustion engine is predicted to be discontinued within the EU throughout the spring, thereby making certain that the automobiles may be delivered to clients and registered by the deadline. In areas the place the related EU laws is just not utilized, the Macan with an inner combustion engine can stay out there for longer.”

The first section got here into impact on July 6, 2022, when the EU stopped offering sort approvals for automobiles that did not meet the usual. The guidelines will prolong to all new automobiles from July 2024, so the clock is ticking. It’s not simply automobiles, but additionally vans, vans, buses, and so on. According to car engineering, take a look at, and improvement consultancy firm Horiba Mira, cited by Autocar, GSR2 represents a “massive list of 100 or so regulations, depending on vehicle category. Some are amendments, but we’ve identified about 20 to 25 items that are new.”

One of the gadgets that may change into necessary from July 2024 goes to be the Event Data Recorder, colloquially often known as a black field. It’ll report 5 seconds earlier than the crash and 0.3 seconds after the influence, whereas analyzing the automotive’s velocity, braking, place, and the way the protection techniques work, together with the emergency name operate. The latter is named eCall and has been necessary within the EU since April 2018.

The European Commission’s factsheet (available here) particulars the brand new security measures, various from lane retaining help and tire strain monitoring system to an emergency cease sign and a spotlight warning in case of driver drowsiness. Additional measures might be applied till July 2029, corresponding to improved security glass, superior driver distraction warning, longer-lasting tires, and “improved direct vision to better see cyclists and pedestrians.”

We can safely assume that automobiles will change into much more costly in Europe. The addition of latest {hardware} and software program to adjust to laws will undoubtedly end in greater prices for the automaker, which can then be handed on to shoppers. We imagine smaller automobiles are notably in danger, as the combination of intensive security know-how may render them too costly.

Motorsport

The New Ford Mustang Loses 52 Horsepower In Europe Thanks to Emissions

Increasingly stringent emissions rules have compelled automakers energetic in Europe to chop cylinders and add turbocharging. Consequently, the brand new automotive market in 2024 is dominated by fashions outfitted with three- and four-pot engines that includes compelled induction. However, the Ford Mustang defies the chances. The pony automotive nonetheless has a giant ol’ V8 beneath its hood, the acquainted Coyote 5.0-liter naturally aspirated mill.

Now comes the unhealthy information. Ford UK has launched the seventh-generation efficiency automotive with a considerably detuned V8. The customary Mustang GT makes 440 horsepower, so the Blue Oval needed to sacrifice 40 horses to adjust to the stricter legal guidelines. To make issues worse, torque has taken successful as properly for the reason that engine can solely muster 540 Newton-meters (397 lb-ft). That’s 28 Nm (21 lb-ft) lower than the model outdated in North America.


Motorsport

Porsche Will Reportedly Stop Selling The Gas Macan In Most Of Europe

It’s often stricter emissions laws that result in the demise of a automotive within the European Union. However, that is not the rationale why the fuel Macan is about to get the proverbial axe. The SUV is unable to fulfill upcoming cybersecurity laws, so Porsche has no different determination however to drag the plug on its smallest crossover.

An organization spokesperson instructed Automotive News Europe that gross sales of the Macan will come to an finish in EU international locations subsequent spring. When Porsche was growing this era of the crossover, these laws had but to be finalized. According to the spokesperson, updating the car to fulfill the brand new necessities could be too costly. Autocar studies an automaker faces an as much as €30,000 (practically $33,000) wonderful for every car it sells that does not adjust to the upcoming UNECE WP.29 regulation. 

We’ve reached out to Porsche to be taught extra concerning the determination.


Motorsport

This Gas To EV Conversion Takes Eight Hours And Costs $13,000

With emissions rules getting stricter globally, there’s extra strain on automakers to roll out EVs. But what is going to occur to the gas-powered automobiles which were already constructed? A German startup based mostly in Dachau has an thought.

This firm needs to transform present gasoline and diesel automobiles to pure EVs. Of course, e-Revolt isn’t the primary to supply this resolution, but it surely has optimized the method to chop the conversion time to only eight hours.


Motorsport

Mercedes Is Keeping The Four-Cylinder AMG C63 Because It’s ‘Very, Very Progressive’

More and extra vehicles are downsizing because of stringent emissions laws. The newest C63 is the newest instance, eschewing its brawny 4.0-liter V8 in favor of a small 2.0-liter four-cylinder. There had been some rumors about Affalterbach’s plan to re-install an even bigger engine, however that is not going to occur.

In an interview with Top Gear journal, AMG CEO Michael Schiebe says folks have been asking why the corporate dropped the V8. Schiebe explains: “We want to be very, very progressive when it comes to technology. And we are convinced of the hybridization concept, there we will stay with the four cylinder.”


Motorsport

Ferrari 296 Challenge: High Performance and No Hybrid System

In today’s world, where emissions regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, it has become more challenging for car manufacturers to introduce high-performance vehicles that solely rely on internal combustion engines. Even prestigious and low-volume brands like Ferrari have had to adapt by incorporating hybrid powertrains into their recent models. The 296 GTB and its convertible counterpart, the 296 GTS, are prime examples of this trend.

However, the Ferrari 296 Challenge is a race car designed without any hybrid assistance, featuring a pure V6 setup. Since this vehicle will be participating in the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, it is exempt from meeting strict emissions regulations. This model is the ninth specifically developed for this racing competition, succeeding the 488 Challenge Evo introduced in the 2020 season.


News

Relaxed Euro 7 emissions rules would extend life of Skoda Fabia

A relaxation of the impending Euro 7 emissions regulations could see the lifecycle of the petrol-powered Skoda Fabia supermini extended well into the second half of the decade. 

Many car company executives have expressed concerns about the impact of Euro 7, which is set to be implemented in 2025. They argue that the new regulations will make it difficult for small, affordable combustion cars to comply with the strict emission limits. This would require expensive engineering modifications such as fitting electrically heated e-catalysts and new on-board diagnostic technology, which would significantly increase production costs and render them economically unfeasible.

Klaus Zellmer, the head of Skoda, stated earlier this year that it would not be possible to continue selling the Fabia, at least not at its current starting price of under £19,000, if Euro 7 goes ahead as planned. He explained that raising the list price to over £20,000 to compensate for the increased production costs would not be a practical option for customers.

However, the European Commission is now expected to revise the initial Euro 7 proposals following objections from countries like Spain, Italy, France, and the Czech Republic. These countries argued that the proposed regulations would impose significant costs on manufacturers without providing substantial environmental benefits. They also expressed concerns that the strict rules would divert investment away from the goal of transitioning to electric vehicles.

The new proposals, which still need to be approved by the European Parliament and Commission, would maintain the same limits imposed by the current Euro 6 standards for passenger cars. This would significantly reduce the cost of compliance for automakers.

The Skoda Fabia leads the Volkswagen Polo and Seat Ibiza through a corner

Zellmer, speaking to Autocar at the launch of the new Skoda Kodiaq following the announcement of the less strict Euro 7 proposals, praised the potential change as a more realistic approach. He acknowledged that this could help extend the potential lifespan of the combustion-engine Fabia. However, he also emphasized that the new regulations still need to go through the legislative EU process before any celebration can take place.