Tag Archives: Wheelbase

BMW

The new MINI Cooper SE: All-Season Driving Fun.

Munich. With a barely bigger monitor width and longer wheelbase, the brand new MINI Cooper SE impresses with noticeable dynamism in each season – driving enjoyable that’s assured on snow and ice. The spontaneous energy growth of the 160 kW/218 hp electrical motor is transferred immediately and exactly to the high-quality chassis expertise. The common direct steering conduct ensures agility, and the built-in braking system ensures most security even on moist and slippery roads.

“The MINI Cooper SE electrifies the go-kart feeling typical of the brand and underlines MINI’s exceptional position in the competitive environment. “Thanks to the fully electric drive concept, the new MINI combines maximum emotion and a minimal footprint and presents itself as a strong symbol for the future of the brand,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI.

On frozen climbs or downhill sections, Active Slip Regulation optimizes traction and brings as much as 330 Nm of most torque to the street in a managed method. The high-voltage battery with 54.2 kWh capability and a spread of as much as 402 kilometers within the WLTP check cycle is put in within the car flooring and contributes to a balanced weight distribution. This implies that the MINI Cooper SE has a low middle of gravity and, together with its suspension and damping properties, maneuvers significantly easily on the street.

Reduced exterior with a assured expression. 
MINI has been regularly reinventing and creating the profitable idea of the enduring 3-door automobile for greater than 60 years. The traditional Mini -thanks to its extraordinarily brief physique overhangs – impressed with its maneuverable compactness. The traditional Mini turned a legend within the Sixties when it achieved total victory thrice within the Monte Carlo Rally towards considerably extra highly effective opponents. And simply because the traditional Mini fashions moved safely and rapidly on snow-covered roads 60 years in the past, the present MINI Cooper SE drives protected on snow and ice right this moment.

Car review

Mercedes EQE SUV

The Mercedes EQE SUV offers spacious accommodation, especially in the rear, with ample leg, head, and shoulder room due to its flat floor and long wheelbase. Although the boot space is 90 litres smaller than the EQS SUV, it can be expanded by adjusting the rear backrest to create an extra 60 litres of space. The broad and flat cargo area is slightly hindered by a high loading lip, attributed to one of the two rear axle-mounted electric motors.

The entry-level 350 model provides a good balance within the EQE SUV lineup. Weighing 2580kg, it delivers strong performance with 564lb ft of instant torque, resulting in initial acceleration and gradually tapering off as speed increases.

The drivetrain is exceptionally smooth and free of vibrations, while the car’s aerodynamic design minimizes wind noise and mirror buffeting even at higher speeds.

The EQE SUV is the first Mercedes EV to feature a disconnect unit that disengages the front motor from the drive process at low speeds in Comfort and Eco driving modes. This reduces energy consumption by 6%. Additionally, it is equipped with a heat pump that replaces a regular air-con unit, further reducing consumption by 10% in cooler weather. The EQE 350 SUV’s 89kWh battery offers an official range of up to 342 miles, and it can be charged at 22kW by an AC wallbox or 170kW by a DC rapid charger.

The standard suspension includes a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear steel-sprung setup with stroke-dependent dampers, while the optional Airmatic air suspension provides adjustable ride height and constant self-leveling using single-chamber plungers.

Equipped with Airmatic air suspension, the EQE SUV offers a comfortable and absorbent ride in Eco, Comfort, and Normal modes, complemented by precise and lightly weighted steering, making it suitable for daily urban driving. The optional rear-wheel steering system enhances maneuverability and provides a tight 10.5-meter turning circle for such a sizable vehicle.

Car review

Skoda Karoq

The Skoda Karoq is not long for a crossover hatchback, but its wheelbase is quite spacious, highlighting its focus on practicality and versatility, which it achieves very well. Despite its small exterior, it surprises with its interior space and convenience features.

While the car’s body is not very high, it offers high-set seats and plenty of headroom. The driving position improves with a higher seat cushion, providing better visibility. In the second row, adults will find adequate head and legroom, good under-thigh support, and ample foot space under the front seats.

The SE L specification includes Skoda’s Varioflex back seats as standard, providing considerable carrying versatility with the ability to tilt, fold, or be removed individually. When all three back seats are removed, the car offers over 1800 litres of cargo space. Leave them in, and second-row passengers can enjoy various conveniences such as picnic tables, cupholders, tablet holders, and optional heated rear seats.

Additional storage cubbies and sliding storage hooks can be found in the boot, along with a removable boot light-cum-torch and a load bay cover secured to the bootlid for easy loading and unloading. The car also includes practical features such as an ice scraper, an umbrella, and an optional powered tailgate that closes with a tug.

The Skoda Karoq offers three touchscreen infotainment systems across the range, with the base Amundsen system coming with navigation as standard. It is easy to use and can be upgraded to include Virtual Cockpit digital instruments and wireless device charging for additional convenience. The system is user-friendly and accepts voice commands easily.

News

Polestar 5 revealed with 100-mile charge in five minutes

It’s not difficult to get something with so much torque and a long wheelbase to behave well, but what’s surprising is the sense of finesse and pedigree, even from the passenger seat.

The development of the 5 is taking place at MIRA, by a team of engineers from backgrounds at Lotus, McLaren, and other top handling schools. The British team at Polestar HQ in Gothenburg is working on it from scratch, and it shows in the car’s performance.

When driving, the 5’s tail moves smoothly, and it feels forgiving in the way it handles. Even when pushed mid-corner, the car maintains control. It feels composed and resistant to understeer.

Concrete technical details about the 5 will be scarce until closer to the car’s 2025-model-year launch. However, it’s clear that the 5 will ride on a passive suspension set-up without air springs or selectable modes.

Even though the 5 will likely have a high price, it showed natural poise and good suppleness on the Dunlop circuit, though it may struggle with potholes and poor roads.

Polestar 5 prototype rear quarter static

Featured

5-door Mahindra Thar On A Spy Shot Spree, Rear Profile Spotted Again In Disguise


Mahindra’s elongated Thar will not only have extra doors and a longer wheelbase, but will also be more feature-rich

Mahindra Thar 5-door Spied

  • The 5-door Mahindra Thar has a muscular rear profile with sleeker light elements.

  • It is expected to come with a new cabin theme and a few new features including a sunroof.

  • The 5-door Thar is likely to get 2-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines.

  • The launch is scheduled for next year with an expected starting price of Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom).

The 5-door Mahindra Thar is currently undergoing extensive testing before its launch next year. New spy shots of the off-roader keep surfacing online, with the latest images revealing the rear profile of the car. Let’s take a closer look at the bigger Mahindra Thar.

Beefier Design

Mahindra Thar 5-door Rear

The 5-door Mahindra Thar features a rugged and muscular design, characteristic of an off-roader. The rear profile showcases sleeker LED tail lights that differ from the standard 3-door version. Additionally, the car sports production-ready 5-spoke alloy wheels.

Mahindra Thar 5-Door

The side profile of the 5-door Thar remains more or less the same, but with a longer wheelbase and two additional doors. The front fascia is more muscular, featuring a 6-slat grille and circular LED lighting setup. This version of the Thar will also come equipped with a single-pane sunroof.

Inside The Bigger Thar

Changes are not limited to the exterior design; the interior of the Mahindra Thar is also getting an upgrade. Recent spy shots reveal a larger touchscreen in the center console, suggesting a new cabin theme as well.

Also Read: 5 Things Mahindra XUV700 Offers Over The Tata Safari Facelift

In terms of features, the 5-door Thar is expected to offer a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, rear AC vents, and even up to 6 airbags for passenger safety. Other safety features could include ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), hill hold and descent control, and a rear parking camera.

What Will Power It?

Mahindra Thar Engine

The 5-door Thar is likely to be powered by the same 2-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines found in the 3-door version. These engines are expected to be in a higher stage of tune and can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 5-door Thar may also be offered with both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and 4-wheel-drive (4WD) setups, similar to the standard Thar.

Also See: Mahindra XUV300 Facelift Spied Again, New Alloy Wheels & Connected LED Taillamps Revealed

Launch, Price & Rivals

Mahindra Thar 5-door

The specific launch date for the 5-door Mahindra Thar is yet to be announced, but it is expected to be available by March 2024. The 5-door variant will come at a premium over the 3-door version, with an expected starting price of Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete with the Maruti Jimny and the 5-door Force Gurkha.

Read More on : Thar Automatic

Motorsport

Short Mercedes Sprinter Camper Packs Bunk Beds And Bathroom In Small Space

California-based Big Bear Vans has transformed the smallest Mercedes-Benz Sprinter – the short 144-inch wheelbase model – into a compact mini-motorhome called the Santa Monica. Despite its small size, the Santa Monica is equipped with all the amenities of a larger RV and manages to create a spacious interior.

One notable feature of the Santa Monica is the dual full-size beds at the back. Instead of a raised bed with storage beneath, there is a permanent bed that can be electrically lowered or raised. When raised, the space beneath serves as a dining area with two benches and a table. The second full-size bed, slightly smaller than the one above, can be converted from the dining area and comfortably sleeps two adults.

Big Bear Santa Monica Mercedes Sprinter Camper Beds

There is also a second mini-dining area at the front of the Mercedes Sprinter. A small table on a swivel arm is positioned between the front seats, allowing it to be swiveled rearward for use in the second row of travel seats. As a result, this 144 Sprinter can comfortably accommodate four people for travel, dining, and sleeping.

Between the front and rear dining areas, there is a well-appointed kitchen with a deep sink, a single-burner induction stove, and ample counter space. The kitchen also features two deployable shelves, one for exterior use when the door is open, and another parallel to the door. Additionally, there is a full bathroom opposite the kitchen, complete with a toilet and tiled shower.

The Santa Monica comes with a 30-gallon fresh water tank (optional 40 gallons) and a 25-gallon gray water tank. It is equipped with batteries providing 600 amp hours of power (optional 1,000 amp hours), along with solar panels on the roof. Interestingly, the air conditioning system is installed below, allowing for a rooftop terrace with a hammock. The van also features a diesel heater that draws fuel directly from the van’s fuel tank to heat both the van and provide hot water for showers.

Although the specific cost for the Santa Monica floorplan is not mentioned, the starting price for a rear-wheel-drive model with a gasoline engine on the Big Bear Vans website is $147,200. For more information, you can visit the company website or contact Big Bear Vans directly.

Car review

BMW i5

The BMW i5 has undergone some changes for the new generation. The wheelbase has grown by 20mm and tweaks have been made to the suspension hard points, including wishbones up front, five-link suspension at the back, and air springs at the rear in the i5. However, the core recipe remains the same.

BMW aims to avoid forcing customers into an unfamiliar model range just because they want an electric vehicle. Unlike Mercedes, BMW offers a range of powertrain options – internal combustion engine (ICE), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or electric vehicle (EV) – all available in a 5 Series suit. This means that the electric i5 is a “proper” 5 Series, just like any combustion model.

In the UK, the eDrive40 tested in this review offers a single motor with 335bhp, while the M60 xDrive provides a dual-motor system with 593bhp. Notable combustion models in the UK include the 520i M Sport with 205bhp and the 550e xDrive M Sport, a six-cylinder PHEV. Of course, there is also the M5. It’s worth noting that diesels won’t be available in the UK, at least for now.

Now, let’s focus on the changes made to the BMW i5. BMW has the world’s largest fleet of over-the-air-upgradable vehicles, with over five million vehicles capable of receiving updates wirelessly. Navigation, telephony, and entertainment are the most frequently used functions in BMW cars. The new OS 8.5 offers a crisp and curved infotainment display, and BMW has a software joint venture that focuses on user experience (UX) and digital solutions for “premium mobility.” This venture has two sites, one of which is located in the same building as this review and has 2000 engineers dedicated to software development. The chassis magic, on the other hand, is the work of software experts in Germany.

News

Limited-run Porsche 911 GT3 is firm’s hottest track car yet

The Porsche 911 GT3, a limited-run model, is the company’s most powerful track car to date. The car features bespoke bodywork, including a stretched wheelbase, widened wheel arches, and lowered springs with new 18in BBS alloys.

Constructed entirely from carbon fiber, the body design incorporates aero-optimized fins and larger air intakes on the front wheel arches to enhance track performance. The traditional exterior mirrors have been replaced with electronic screens connected to three cameras mounted on the body.

Inspired by Porsche’s racing heritage, the rear of the car features design elements reminiscent of past models. The rear wing, inspired by the Daytona-winning Brumos Porsche 935/77, spans the width of the bumper. The vertical spoiler supports draw influence from the Porsche 962 Le Mans racer. Weight reduction measures include the absence of grille covers and certain panels, leaving components like the exhaust exposed.

The interior also focuses on weight-saving measures by removing the front and rear passenger seats and the air conditioning system. Additional features include a model-specific plaque, monitors replacing the door mirrors, customizable ambient lighting, and an FIA-spec roll cage.

The Porsche 911 GT3 comes in a choice of seven colors, including brand new options like Star Ruby, Signal Orange, and Agate Grey Metallic.

Motorsport

Bentley Bentayga EWB Mulliner: A New Flagship Model

Bentley has introduced the Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB) Mulliner as its new flagship model. This luxury SUV offers more cabin space compared to its competitors and comes with bespoke enhancements, according to the British automaker.

The Bentayga EWB Mulliner is based on the brand’s popular Bentayga SUV. It undergoes the craftsmanship of Bentley’s in-house coachbuilder, Mulliner, resulting in a vehicle that exudes artistic elegance.

Under the hood, this variant is powered by the same 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine found in the regular Bentayga SUV. It generates an impressive 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. The Bentayga EWB Mulliner is available in either a 4+1 or 4-seat configuration.

One of the standout features of this flagship model is its standard Airline Seat specification. Bentley describes it as the most advanced automotive seating system in the world, featuring 12 electric motors and 22-way adjustment. However, this seating option is also available as an upgrade for the non-Mulliner Bentayga EWB.

What sets the coach-built Bentayga EWB Mulliner apart is its luxurious interior. It boasts Mulliner Harmony Diamond Quilt leather upholstery on the seats and door panels. The vehicle also includes Mulliner deep-pile overmats made from 100 percent wool, Grand Black wood veneer trim, three-dimensional diamond milled finish on the center console, and Mulliner name embroidery on each seat.