Tag Archives: saloon

News

Volvo ES90 electrical saloon due for 2024 reveal

The Volvo S90 saloon is anticipated to get replaced with a brand new electrical flagship launching in 2025, prone to be referred to as the ES90.

Known internally on the Swedish automotive maker underneath the codename V551, manufacturing is about to happen at a manufacturing unit owned and operated by Volvo’s mother or father firm Geely in China, as revealed in {a photograph} and specs leaked by the corporate’s board.

{A photograph} printed to Volvo‘s worker intranet reveals members of Volvo’s manufacturing crew in Zhejiang huddled round indicators that learn “Volvo Cars V551 First VP Car Celebration” and “Confidential Top Secret”. The reference to VP stands for ‘Verification Prototype’.

The electrical Audi A6, BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE rival is totally obscured from view, forward of an anticipated unveiling within the coming months. 

The luxurious four-door is anticipated to be primarily based on Volvo’s SPA2 platform – the identical construction that underpins the brand new EX90 SUV and its Polestar 4 sibling. It accommodates electrical drivetrains working at both 400 or 800 volts.

Specifications leaked by Volvo recommend the ES90 will probably be bought with the selection of each single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor four-wheel drive.

It can be mentioned to make use of a 111 kWh battery (107 kWh usable) delivering 600km (373 miles) of vary together with the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive drivetrain.

According to Volvo, the ES90 measures 4999mm in size, 1547mm in peak and 1945mm in width, making it 61mm shorter, 32mm increased and 45mm wider than the BMW i5. It additionally receives a wheelbase that’s 105mm longer than its German rival at 3100mm.

Development of the ES90 is known to have been partly carried out together with Geely’s new Galaxy E8 saloon and Zeekr 7 saloon – the latter of which boasts as much as 637bhp and a variety of 478 miles on the Chinese CLTC check cycle in range-topping dual-motor four-wheel drive specification.

While early hypothesis advised the ES90 may share its platform with the lately unveiled Polestar 5, it’s understood the brand new bonded aluminum construction is taken into account too costly for the value level and anticipated manufacturing volumes of the brand new Volvo saloon, which is deliberate to be provided in all of its present international markets. 

Details of Volvo’s new electrical S90 come after it phased out all estate and saloon models in the UK market, citing a lot increased demand for SUVs. As a outcome, it stays unclear if the model will deliver its Audi A6 rival right here.

The ES90 will probably be Volvo’s fourth bespoke electrical automotive, becoming a member of the EX30 crossover, EX90 SUV and EM90 MPV. An electric successor to the XC60 is due in 2025, however no plans have but been revealed for an electrical alternative for the S60 and V60. 

News

Xiaomi sports activities saloon brings as much as 670bhp and 746-mile vary

Xiaomi has unveiled its first manufacturing automobile, the SU7, as a Porsche Taycan-rivalling electrical saloon that is due on sale globally after a launch in China subsequent 12 months. 

The new saloon debuted 1003 days after the Chinese shopper electronics firm initially introduced its plans to enter the electrical automobile ranks in 2021 with an preliminary funding of RMB10 billion (£1.1 bn) and plans for an additional RMB70bn (£7.8bn) over the following 10 years.

The SU7 is amongst a spread of latest fashions deliberate by Xiaomi, which has set itself lofty objectives.

At its unveiling in Shanghai on Thursday, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun mentioned the corporate is searching for to grow to be one of many world’s prime 5 automobile makers throughout the subsequent 15 to twenty years.

“Xiaomi will rival Porsche and Tesla, and create a dream car for the new era of the automotive industry,” he mentioned.

Further Xiaomi fashions will embody an SUV, in response to plans already revealed by the Beijing-based firm.

The foundation for Xiaomi’s first manufacturing mannequin is a brand new electrical automobile platform that goes beneath the interior title Modena. It has been conceived to assist each 400-volt and 800-volt electrical architectures, in addition to single- and dual-motor drivetrains.  

The styling of the SU7 was developed in-house beneath the management of Xiaomi’s head of design, Sawyer Li. The Chinese designer has contributed to a variety of current new vehicles, together with the BMW iX and Circular Vision Concept throughout a five-year stint on the German automobile maker.

At 4997mm in size, 1963mm in width and 1440mm in top, the brand new saloon is 34mm longer, 3mm narrower and 44mm larger than the Porsche Taycan, and has a wheelbase 100mm longer than its German rival at 3000mm.

The smooth traces contribute to a claimed drag co-efficient of simply 0.195. This makes it one of the vital aerodynamically environment friendly manufacturing vehicles but, beating the 0.199 claimed by Geely for the brand new Galaxy E5 and roughly matching GAC’s Hyper GT.

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

Sleek new Lexus LF-ZC concept previews 2026 electric saloon

The new Lexus LF-ZC concept is a preview of a premium electric saloon set to launch in 2026, designed to rival the BMW i4 and the forthcoming Audi A4.

Lexus has unveiled two EV concepts at the Tokyo motor show: the LF-ZC and the LF-ZL. The LF-ZC represents the future of Lexus with its sleek design and a focus on delivering an exhilarating driving experience, while the LF-ZL previews a future flagship SUV.

Both models carry the LF – Lexus Future – nameplate, a designation used by the company for its concept cars and the production LFA.

The LF-ZC saloon measures 4750mm in length, 1880mm in width, and 1390mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2890mm. This makes it slightly wider but around 200mm shorter than the current Lexus ES, the smallest saloon offered by the brand in the UK.

The LF-ZC features a low-slung and aerodynamically optimized design, boasting a drag coefficient of less than 0.2. This focus on aerodynamics enhances efficiency and range.

The exterior design showcases the latest iteration of Lexus’s design language, with aerodynamic optimization taking center stage. The front end retains the signature Lexus ‘spindle’ design, while the flared rear wheel arches contribute to the car’s assertive stance.

Inside the LF-ZC, the driver is presented with a bold steering yoke, reflecting the use of a steer-by-wire system first seen on the Lexus RZ. The main controls are spread across the cockpit area on digital pads. The left pad handles operation functions such as safety systems, driver assistance features, and drive mode selections, while the right pad groups audio, climate control, and other functions.

The windscreen features a ‘distant view meter’, which projects information onto it similar to a head-up display. The car also includes digital side mirrors designed to minimize distractions by reducing shifts in the driver’s focus.

Concept Cars

The Beaverette: Britain’s Unique Armored Car From World War II

The Beaverette, a peculiar armored car from World War II, was built on a regular four-wheel “Saloon” car chassis that had leaf-spring suspension. To ensure protection for its crew members, the British added 11mm-thick steel plating and backed it with three inches of oak planking, despite the fact that the vehicle had an open-air design.

Similar to a conventional automobile, the engine was positioned at the front. However, due to its weight of 2.6 tons (5,753 pounds), a double-reduction back axle was installed to handle the heavier load. The Beaverette could only reach a maximum speed of 24mph.

The Beaverette came in four variations, known as Mk I through IV, each with minor improvements. Additionally, different types of armaments could be fitted onto these small vehicles. Unfortunately, the design of the vertical aiming slots in the hull offered only limited visibility.

Interestingly, the German invasion of Britain never occurred. Consequently, approximately 2,800 Beaverettes were produced by 1942, but none of them were deployed in frontline combat.

News

Volkswagen ID X: A Powerful Electric Super-Saloon with 558bhp

The Volkswagen ID X Performance concept is an electric sports saloon that showcases the future of Volkswagen’s performance models. With an impressive 558bhp, it is currently the most powerful Volkswagen to hit the roads. This concept gives us a taste of what to expect from Volkswagen’s upcoming high-performance EVs, boasting nearly double the power of their current top-performing electric vehicles.

Unveiled at the annual Volkswagen ID Driver’s Club meeting in Switzerland, the ID X Performance follows the ID GTI concept revealed last week, confirming Volkswagen’s commitment to electric sports cars. Notably, it shares the same ‘X’ designation as a previous four-wheel-drive performance version of the Volkswagen ID 3, which was quietly introduced in 2021.

Andreas Reckewerth, Volkswagen’s head of technology for the platform, stated, “The MEB platform offers many great possibilities for creative vehicle development. It was evident to us that we wanted to base our new show car on the ID 7 and focus on improving performance. This allows us to demonstrate what is achievable.”

Volkswagen ID.X Performance

While Volkswagen has not disclosed the extent to which the ID X concept reflects the upcoming Volkswagen ID 7 GTX, previous reports from Autocar suggest that the production model will combine the ID 4 GTX’s front motor (107bhp) with the base model’s rear motor (282bhp and 402lb ft) for a total output of approximately 390bhp. It is possible that a future ‘ID 7 R’ model will draw direct inspiration from this concept, as the brand has confirmed an electrified future for its high-performance sub-brand.

Visually, the concept sets itself apart from the standard ID 7 with features such as a chunky front splitter and rear diffuser made of carbon fiber, a 60mm suspension drop, 20-inch alloy wheels fitted with 265-section track tires, and tinted rear lights. The overall transformation is completed with a sleek matte grey paint scheme.

Volkswagen ID.X Performance

News

Autocar magazine 30 August: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we have all the details about Jaguar’s highly anticipated electric XJ saloon. We also reveal Britain’s top fun EV and take a spin in a Unimog.

News

Jaguar is getting ready to launch a luxurious electric saloon. This car will indirectly replace the discontinued XJ EV and will be launched alongside two electric crossovers. We have all the information you need.

Alpine is bringing back the A310 as a four-seater electric sports car. It promises to be a future icon in the world of sports cars and will stay true to the lightweight and agile DNA of Alpine. Following this, Alpine will introduce two SUVs in the D- and E-segments.

Meanwhile, Ford and Volkswagen are venturing into the wild with their new Nugget and California campers. We take a close look at what these campers have to offer.

Reviews

We test the new Range Rover Velar, which aims to enhance its luxurious image with a minimalist design approach. We find out if it still delivers the goods on its home turf.

Vauxhall treats us to a plug-in hybrid edition of the Astra Sports Tourer. Our reviewer, Matt Prior, goes to Oxfordshire to determine if it’s a sensible choice compared to the petrol model.

Toyota promises efficiency improvements and software tweaks to make its new b74X the best in its class. We investigate if these claims hold true.

Our road tests include the 617bhp Mercedes AMG EQE 53 and the Porsche 911 T, which is often considered the purist’s choice. We evaluate if the Porsche lives up to its reputation as the perfect entry-level option.

Features

Is 2023 the year when electric cars become truly enjoyable to drive? Our second annual ‘EV Handling Day’ test will reveal all. We gather six EVs that promise exceptional dynamics and engaging powertrains.

A Unimog is like a Swiss Army knife on wheels, capable of handling any task. It can go places and do things that no other vehicle can. Matt Prior explores what makes this vehicle so special.

Formula 1’s recent commercial success has led to conflicts with the most powerful figure in motorsport. Edd Straw interviews Mohammed Ben Sulayem to get the inside scoop.

Opinion

Matt Prior delves into the origins of the term ‘supercar’ and traces its journey to becoming a common word in the last century.

Steve Cropley discusses one of the main challenges of electric cars, shares his exhilaration about the fastest car he has ever used for a track event, and explains why he is a fan of the Jeep Wrangler.

Volkswagen

The new all-electric ID.7 is now available to order

Volkswagen has announced that pre-sales for its ID.7 all-electric saloon have begun. Customers can now order the model in the Pro specification package, starting at a price of €56,995. The ID.7 offers a range of up to 621 kilometres (WLTP) and comes equipped with convenient and high-quality technologies such as an augmented reality head-up display and the “Discover Pro Max” navigation system as standard.

Imelda Labbé, Member of the Board of Management for Sales, Marketing and After Sales: “The new ID.7 will impress our customers all over the world thanks to its long ranges, quick charging, spacious interior and intuitive operation. The model therefore represents the new benchmark for all-electric premium models at Volkswagen.”

ID.7 with generous space concept and long ranges. The ID.7 demonstrates the benefits and versatility of Volkswagen’s modular electric drive (MEB) platform. The electric saloon offers a spacious interior with plenty of legroom for rear passengers, thanks to its short overhangs and long wheelbase. The large luggage compartment can hold up to 532 litres of luggage. With a compact drive unit positioned in the rear of the vehicle, the ID.7 delivers 210 kW (286 PS) and 545 Nm of torque. Despite its nearly five-meter length, the ID.7 has a surprisingly agile turning circle of just 10.9 metres. With an average fuel consumption of 16.3 – 14.1 kWh per 100 kilometres and ranges of up to 621 km (WLTP)2, the efficient saloon is also suitable for longer distances.

New operating concept with intelligent air conditioning system and voice assistant. The ID.7 introduces intelligent electronic air vents, which allow for quicker cooling or heating of the vehicle’s interior. The optional panoramic sunroof, equipped with “smart glass”, can be controlled via touch or voice commands to switch between opaque and transparent settings. The ID.7 also features the new IDA voice assistant, capable of understanding natural language and enhancing the vehicle’s ease of operation. The infotainment system of the ID.7 incorporates a new menu structure, which takes into account customer feedback and makes it more user-friendly.

Volkswagen is equipping the ID.7 Pro with popular highlights as standard for the start of ordering.

The standard features for the launch of the ID.7 Pro include:

  • Augmented reality head-up display
  • “Discover Pro Max” navigation system
  • “Hudson” alloy wheels, 8 J x 19 at the front, 8.5 J x 19 at the rear, in black, with diamond-cut finish
  • Keyless locking and starting system “Keyless Access”, with SAFELOCK

The following assist systems are also included as standard for the launch:

  • “Travel Assist”, “Lane Assist”, and “Emergency Assist”
  • “Side Assist”, Rear Traffic Alert and exit warning system
  • “Area View” including “rear view” camera system

Easy-to-understand offer structure

The ID.7 is designed to be easy to configure with its optional, clearly defined equipment packages.

  • The Interior package includes features such as electric ergoActive comfort seats in the front with memory function and massage programs, a convenient entry function, adjustable thigh support, pneumatic lumbar support, and background lighting with 30 different colours.
  • The Interior package “Plus” includes additional airbags and the Harman Kardon sound system with twelve loudspeakers plus a centre speaker, 700-watt total power, a digital 16-channel amplifier, and a subwoofer. In addition, the premium ergoActive seats offer intelligent seat climate control and activation of the lumbar and pelvic area.
  • An optional Exterior package is also available, including features such as LED matrix headlights, tinted windows at the rear, and the Easy Open & Close sensor-controlled luggage compartment opening and closing function.
  • The Exterior package “Plus” also includes progressive steering and DCC adaptive chassis control including driving profile selection.
News

Armoured BMW i7: A Luxury Electric Car Designed for Heads of State

BMW has introduced armoured versions of its flagship saloon, offering enhanced protection with features such as protective glass, a reinforced chassis, and bodywork capable of withstanding explosives. This marks the first time the current generation of the 7 Series receives an armoured edition, with the electric BMW i7 also receiving its own Protection model.

Both vehicles are equipped with an armoured steel body known as the BMW Protection Core, which reinforces the doors, underbody, and roof. The company claims that this provides “maximum protection” against explosives, bullets, drone attacks, and hand grenades. Moreover, they feature VPAM 10-rated protective glass, the highest level of protection available for civilian protection vehicles.

The 7 Series Protection is rated VR9, meaning it can withstand ballistic attacks from high-velocity weapons traveling at speeds of up to 820 meters per second. It also offers PAS 300 blast resistance and includes a self-sealing fuel tank to prevent fuel loss.

The vehicles are also equipped with PAX 20-inch light-alloy wheels, specifically designed for them. These wheels feature a run-flat ring that allows driving at speeds of up to 50mph even when the tires have no air.

Due to the additional protective bodywork, the performance of the two cars is somewhat compromised.

The i7 Protection model is powered by two electric motors, generating 536bhp and 549lb ft of torque. While the standard i7 achieves a 0-62mph sprint in 4.7 seconds, the i7 Protection model takes 9.0 seconds to reach the same speed. Its top speed is limited to 99mph.

On the other hand, the 7 Series Protection is equipped with a 4.4-liter V8 mild-hybrid petrol engine that produces 522bhp and 553lb ft of torque. Its 0-62mph acceleration drops from 6.6 seconds to 4.2 seconds, with a top speed limited to 130mph.

News

Audi RS6 saloon set to make electric comeback in 2025

Audi Sport plans to revive the RS6 saloon as an electric-powered rival to competitors like the recently unveiled BMW i5 M60 saloon and the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 saloon.

The new four-door performance model, set to debut in the UK in 2025, will be sold under the RS6 E-tron name. It will be a companion to the RS6 Avant E-tron, according to insiders at Audi’s engineering headquarters in Neckarsulm, Germany.

After a 13-year hiatus since the combustion-engined RS6 saloon stopped production in 2010, the model will be reintroduced to the Audi lineup, joining the more sporty RS7 saloon.

The RS6 E-tron saloon and RS6 E-tron Avant will build on the A6 E-tron saloon and Avant models, which are already confirmed for release in 2024. Their performance will be enhanced by a newly developed electric drivetrain that includes components co-engineered with Porsche. Porsche will use this dual-motor system in an upgraded version of the Taycan, expected to be unveiled in 2025.

Audi claims that the two new electric models will outshine the existing RS6 Avant and RS7 saloon in terms of performance, offering over 600bhp and 738lb ft of torque.

With a two-speed gearbox on each motor and a fully variable electric Quattro four-wheel drive system, the RS6 E-tron saloon and Avant will likely be the fastest-accelerating saloon and estate combinations to date.

Like the A6 E-tron saloon and Avant, the RS6 E-tron models will be based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) structure, a joint engineering effort between Audi and Porsche. This platform supports an 800V electric architecture and a silicon-carbide inverter.

Other upcoming models based on the PPE platform include the Audi Q6 E-tron SUV, Q6 E-tron Sportback, and the Porsche Macan Electric.

The dimensions of the upcoming RS6 E-tron saloon can be inferred from the A6 E-tron concept revealed in 2021. The concept is 4960mm long, 1960mm wide, and 1440mm tall, making it slightly larger than the fifth-generation A6 saloon.