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Mercedes-Benz EQB teased ahead of Shanghai auto show unveiling Car News

The expansion of Mercedes-Benz’s electric vehicle lineup shows no signs of slowing down as the company teases its EQB electric SUV ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show.

Featuring a seven-seater layout – a rarity in electric cars – and a large trunk that can reach 1,700 liters, the EQB sits on a modified platform shared with the combustion GLB.

However, like the GLA-based EQA, the EQB will get unique front and rear styling cues, dedicated wheel designs, and other detailed design changes that would reduce its drag coefficient below 0.30.

Technical details remain scarce before the unveiling, but rumor has it that the car uses a 60 kWh battery for a range of 310 miles. It will use two electric motors, one powering the front wheels and the other powering the rear wheels – a setup similar to its EQA sibling.

The GLB is the eighth model based on Mercedes’ MFA II platform, and it shares its wheelbase with the long-wheelbase A-Class sedan only in China. At 2,789mm, its wheelbase is 60mm longer than those of other A-Class models, while a relatively long rear overhang ensures that the GLB offers more luggage space than the GLA.

With production centered in Hungary and Beijing, the electric EQB is launched in China first before European sales follow later this year. The United States will receive the car in 2022.

When unveiled this Sunday, the EQB will expand Mercedes’ electric offering to a total of five cars: the EQA, EQC, EQV and EQS. An EQE sedan is also expected later this year, along with two more electric SUVs.

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New Mercedes-Benz EQB: an electric compact SUV hits the road

First test: 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 prototype

Mercedes-Benz GLB review

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-04-16 14:52:39

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Former Ford engineering boss Richard Parry-Jones dies Car News

Richard Parry-Jones, former Ford group vice president responsible for global product development, has died in an accident at his farm in Wales.

Parry-Jones, 70, had a distinguished engineering career at Ford for almost 40 years. He will be most remembered for bringing a new, much higher level of vehicle dynamics to Ford’s European cars, starting with the Mondeo in 1993 and working across the range until the all-important Focus launch. in 1998, which set new standards for cars of its type across the world.

His secret weapon was still communication. Successive teams of young engineers were inspired by him, and the management he met (then joined) converted to his way of thinking through his unique combination of eloquence and exceptional engineering know-how.

Parry-Jones’ success led to his appointment as Ford’s technical director, which has enabled him to lead 30,000 engineers around the world. It also broadened its influence to the many Ford-owned brands of the day, including Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Volvo and Aston Martin. This role also allowed him to bring his dynamic philosophy of excellence to Ford’s global portfolio, where he continues to thrive today.

Exceptionally adept at making his case to reporters, Parry-Jones quickly rose to fame for a car evaluation procedure known as the “50-meter test,” which he said was more effective at detecting the real one. behavior of a car than driving at the limit. test tracks. In 50 yards, he said, a discerning driver could tell whether he was driving a good car or not. He has also said, convincingly and often, that it is much more difficult to design and develop a top family sedan than a simple million pound supercar.

The improvement of Ford vehicles in the 1990s and 2000s had a great influence on rival companies like Volkswagen, Renault, the PSA Group and Opel-Vauxhall: the benign influence of Parry-Jones also brought improvement to everyone. of his company’s main rivals. At one point he was courted by VW’s Ferdinand Piëch, but opted to stay with the company he had joined as a graduate trainee in 1969.

Parry-Jones, who won Autocar’s Man of the Year award in 1994, retired from Ford in 2007 to pursue a career as a consultant advising the Welsh government on economic development issues, transport and energy and also become one of the founders of the Automotive Council, a very effective means of cooperation between the UK government and the automotive industry. He was also president of the Marshall Motor Holdings dealer group.

Recently, Parry-Jones had joined the board of directors of Aston Martin Lagonda, a company where he had greatly improved the range of cars of the 1990s, especially from a dynamic point of view. He was a longtime rugby fan, a brilliant communicator and a loyal Welshman to the end.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-04-16 18:26:03

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Promoted | The Audi Q4 e-tron: high-tech space exploration Car News

A sci-fi augmented head-up display

Also available on the new Audi Q4 e-tron is an all-new, pioneering augmented reality head-up display that projects key driving data onto the windshield so that the information appears to be floating around 10m away from the driver.

Using dynamic animated ‘drone’ type floating arrows for navigation and visual guidance for driver assistance functions such as lane assist, it helps the driver focus more precisely on the road – by especially in poor visibility conditions – while keeping key information directly in the driver’s line of sight.

This system is powered by advanced software powered by 600,000 lines of code – 50% more than in the first space shuttle.

Expanding the borders of internal space

On the outside, the Audi Q4 e-tron differs from the normal SUV pack by its striking lines and proportions – especially the short overhangs and long wheelbase that result from the compact electric powertrain of the Q4 e. -tron and its low bed. battery, which is located under the passenger compartment.

This also improves interior space, with the wheelbase extended by 2.76m (longer than most midsize SUVs), resulting in an interior that is 1.83m long – similar to a large full SUV. greatness. The lack of a central transmission tunnel means a flat floor and more legroom for the rear passengers, while the rear seats have a dominant position 7 cm higher than the front seats, while still offering plenty of room. space for the head.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-04-16 15:20:00

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New Volkswagen ID 4 GTX: the hot electric SUV will launch on April 28 Car News

Volkswagen has confirmed that it will launch the new ID 4 GTX, the first in a series of performance-oriented electric vehicles, on April 28.

The top-of-the-line version of the recently launched electric SUV is expected to use a 302-horsepower all-wheel drive powertrain, making it the first ID model to go on sale with all-wheel drive. The system will automatically send power to the front axle when needed, although Volkswagen says it will offer an AWD “ Traction ” performance driving mode.

As first revealed by Autocar in 2019, the GTX badge will be used for future performance ID models, positioning them alongside the existing GTI, GTD and GTE model lines.

Klaus Zellmer, Volkswagen Marketing Director, said that “the letters GT have long been synonymous with driving pleasure. Now the X is building the bridge to the mobility of the future. “

He added: “Durability and sportiness are not mutually exclusive, but intelligently complement each other.”

As with the GTI models, the GTX machines will feature bespoke styling cues to differentiate them from regular ID cars, which Volkswagen says will include “their own light signature”. It is not yet known whether the GTX models will feature a variation of the famous tartan trim offered with the GTI models, and which has been extended to the GTD and GTE machines.

Autocar understands that the ID4 GTX will feature a lower ride height than the regular ID 4, with various other chassis changes being made to improve handling and performance.

The ID 4 GTX is expected to be followed later this year by the ID 5, a coupe-crossover version of the ID 4. It’s likely that this model will also get a GTX version eventually.

While Volkswagen’s focus is on using dual-engine, all-wheel-drive powertrains to meet the performance expectations of the GTX badge, a hot version of the smaller ID 3 is unlikely to be offered.

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Volkswagen ID 4 GTX and Rakish ID 5 to spearhead the Volkswagen EV push

Autocar Volkswagen ID 4 review

Volkswagen to build hot electric GTX model lineup

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-04-16 13:31:11

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Buy Them Before Us: Pre-Owned Picks For April 16 Car News

10 P0032945

A BMW M6 soft top is not everyone’s cup of tea, but used versions can be bought cheaply

Our roundup of BMW M soft tops begins with the M6 ​​Convertible from 2005 to 2010. Not everyone’s cup of tea, okay. More aptly, it’s not only expensive to buy but also expensive to own and, if something goes wrong, too expensive to fix.

This is why dealers are not interested in storing examples that are very long (up to 90,000 miles is their limit, and most prefer no more than 60,000) or cheap (starting at around £ 16,000 is l ‘where they start). For cheaper examples you are looking for private sellers. This is not necessarily a problem, because you can tell a lot about a car from its owner. Have your M6 expertly inspected and you might stumble upon a good deal.

Click here to buy your next used car from Autocar

The M6 ​​is powered by a 5.0-liter V10 producing 500 horsepower. Apparently the coupe version was faster than the M5 sedan – or maybe that’s an urban myth. Either way, most examples send all that oomph to the rear via a gearbox that has a flaky reputation; even some BMW specialists will not touch an automatic M6 unless they are completely convinced that the shifter is correct.

That’s why we opted for an extremely rare manual: a 2007 car with 62,000 miles, which leaves plenty of room for a good warranty.

However, there is no mention of its service history, which is a shame as you want to be sure that the connecting rod bearings have regularly benefited from fresh oil. We would also check the clutch, as it has a habit of sliding about 50,000 miles. Also during the test drive, we would experience jerking caused by worn control arm bushings. If that’s not enough, the suspension uses electronically controlled shocks which cost £ 600 per turn to replace.

BMW M3 Convertible (E46), £ 9,995: Crumbs: A 3.2-liter inline-six 343 hp, manual, M3 inline six for the price of a new Sandero. This 2003 car has 130,000 miles, but it is in mint condition and has a good service history. The coupe is more desirable, but when summer comes we know what we would prefer.

BMW M3 Convertible (E93), £ 15,999: The E93-generation M3 is not as desirable as the older E46, but we have no issues with its 414-horsepower 4.0-liter V8, except a gauge was not provided. Our find is a 2008 single owner car with 59,000 miles and a full history of major dealership service.

BMW Z4 M Roadster £ 14,290: The Z4 M is becoming scarce and prices are rising. The Coupé is in demand, so the Roadster is cheaper. Guess what we prefer. In any case, the suspension of the soft top is a little more comfortable. This 2007 car with 70,000 miles and a full BMW service history caught our attention.

BMW Z3 M Roadster £ 16,995: We really go back in time with this choice: the 316 hp ragtop was registered in 1998, so imagine our joy when we learn that the 90,000 km has no less than 15 stamps in its service book, including the very important break-in. a service.

Auction watch

Colt Lancer 1.4: With the departure of Mitsubishi, Colt Car Company is auctioning its heritage fleet of 14 men this month. You can see the cars on autoauction.co.uk. Those sure to generate interest include a Starion and a 3000GT, as well as a host of Lancer Evolutions, including an Evo VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition signed by the man himself. It’s exciting, but our attention was caught by the pretty Colt Lancer 1.4. It was the first Mitsubishi registered in the UK, in 1974, and the brand’s stand-out car at the Earl’s Court motor show that year. The little two-door sedan has only driven 74,000 miles and looks immaculate.

Future classic

Fiat Stilo Abarth auto £ 4,999: Even though it’s powered by a 168bhp, 20-valve, 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine, the Stilo Abarth surely stretches the case for classic credibility. Maybe, but there is scarcity on her side. This 2003 single owner, 27,000 mile car also has a full service history. Still not convinced? So how about the Stilo Michael Schumacher Limited Edition with 18 inch OZ Superturismo multi-spoke alloys, Bilstein shocks, Eibach springs and a stainless steel rear silencer? An example from 2006 with 140,000 miles was heading for online auction as this was written …

Clash of classifieds

In short: Can I have a warm weather runaround for £ 5,000?

BMW 330Ci Convertible auto £ 2,995

Porsche Boxster 2.7 Tiptronic 4 950 €

Max Adams: To me the “ hot weather runaround ” screams the E46 generation BMW 3 Series, because with one of them you can get a sturdy six-cylinder engine and room for four people in one package. cheap. In addition, it will be easy to work on, unlike some inexpensive mid-engined cars of the time.

Felix Page: BMW badges will be equal to BMW repair prices regardless of age or practicality, and I would bet the nice provenance of my Porsche Boxster means it won’t be complicated to live with on a daily basis. Besides, what would you honestly rather use to bite into Camber Sands when the sun comes up?

MY: A manual Boxster instead of your automatic example. This is…

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-04-16 05:01:25

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Suzuki Across Review (2021) | Coach Car News

The new Suzuki Across looks a lot like another electrified mid-size SUV that you may have seen on the road before: the current Toyota RAV4 PHEV. However, this is not a disturbing case of design plagiarism. The reason the new Across looks like the RAV4 is because it’s a RAV4, only designed with badges.

You may have noticed that small Japanese brands such as Suzuki are going through a scorching time in Europe right now, mainly because emissions laws require their smaller models to be fitted with expensive emission reduction technologies, which is eating up costs. Already slim profit margins. Daihatsu left Europe in 2013, Subaru is on the brink, and the exciting news that Mitsubishi UK is going to auction its wonderful heritage is only coming because, at least in the short term, it is leaving too.

But Suzuki remains, after the world’s most prolific automaker took a 5% stake in the company in 2019, which paved the way for model sharing. In addition to the Across plug-in hybrid, you can also purchase a Suzuki version of the Toyota Corolla hybrid estate known as Swace, although a few of the company’s old internal names are still on offer.

The Vitara, S-Cross, Swift and Ignis are advancing, but now only with hybrid powertrains. Notable for its absence is the standard Jimny, which was shot due to CO2 figures that had in fact become an embarrassment to company executives.

With this test drive, you get two for the price of one: a review of the surprisingly rugged, partially electric crossover that is the new Toyota RAV4 PHEV, plus an early verdict on this new direction Suzuki is taking. , more out of necessity than anything else, chosen to take.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-04-16 07:01:23

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How to Comment on Motorsport: An Expert Guide Car News

Have you ever listened to an F1 commentator and thought you could do better? Well, it’s not as easy as it sounds.

Until he stepped down late last year, Ben Edwards had been the voice of F1 on British terrestrial television since 2012, first for the BBC and since 2016 for Channel 4.

It was actually Edwards’ third stint to comment on F1: he voiced coverage for Eurosport in 1995 and 96, and later for Sky’s short-lived F1 Digital + service in 2002. He also put on his cover. voice in a host of other motorsport categories: he commented internationally for the US-based Champ Car series in the late 1990s and was the longtime commentator of the British Touring Car Championship. He also commented on the A1 Grand Prix, British F3s and GTs, rallying and even motorboat races.

Here’s Ben’s take on the comments and his tips for getting it right:

Commenting on motorsport has been my passion for 30 years and even though I have strayed from Channel 4’s F1 coverage, the microphone is still a part of me. This moment of going “live” on the air and communicating with the viewer never fails to increase adrenaline levels and sharpen my mind.

The accumulation of races is intense; I avoid drinking too much coffee because my heart rate is already increasing and I steer away from a heavy lunch because I don’t want to be heard burping on the training lap. Walking into the paddock as race time approaches helps me capture the mood of the event as the drivers get dressed and walk towards their cars.

Over the years, I have had several jet lag-induced dreams of being caught in a crowd and not reaching the comment box before the grid takes off; I make sure to be installed in my booth at least 20 minutes before “Lights Out”. My environment is normally a small rectangular room mounted high up in a grandstand with TV screens and timing monitors blocking much of the view out the window, but I learned many years ago to just focus on screens, because that’s what the audience is watching.

I spread out a few sheets of paper on the desk; a map of the circuit, the formation of the grid and a handwritten A4 document that I created the day before, summarizing the key facts relating to this race. At the same time, my plastic sleeve file contains a lot of research; I spend a few days a week updating and refining the information, some of which comes from dedicated statistical experts in the world of F1.

Before putting on the headphones, I’ll do some warm-up and vocal preparation exercises. I remember seeing Murray Walker doing the same in 1995 when we were both commenting on F1 in separate but transparent pits. Murray was a real inspiration to me and his recent loss was a very sad moment. I copy his technique from the standing position during the comments to bring the necessary breath and energy at key moments.

Like him, I prefer to use a hand-held lip microphone. Fortunately, I never had to share the specific article like Murray did with James Hunt, although a technical issue in Brazil a year ago caused John Watson and I to struggle over an old-fashioned hard-wired phone. while we express the action.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-04-15 23:01:23

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2021 Jaguar XE P250 R-Dynamic review in UK Car News

What is that?

The future looks bleak for the XE, and when Jaguar goes electric only in 2025, it is likely that this sedan will disappear from its lineup forever.

Not that this has stopped the car from being updated for 2021, including a review that could redefine how you see Britain’s response to the BMW 3 Series in the limited time it has left.

Among the changes is the adoption of Jaguar Land Rover’s new Pivi Pro infotainment, which in the XE dispenses with the large, glossy display of the refreshed XF and F-Pace, but has the same slick graphics and a layered layout. intuitive and responsive menu. That alone is a huge improvement.

There’s also a new 201bhp 48V mild hybrid diesel powertrain, which is rated at nearly 60mpg and helps solve one of the XE’s main flaws: high official CO2 emissions.

None of these additions change the game, however; it’s Jaguar’s decision to hack around £ 5,000 of the XE’s asking price. That means this example, the rear-powered P250 turbo petrol in the guise of R-Dynamic – which sits between the low-powered D200 mild-hybrid diesel and the top-of-the-line four-wheel-drive P300 and is probably the most attractive XE for enthusiasts. drivers – costs from just £ 31,010. Which is less than what Volkswagen is asking for the Golf GTD.

What does it look like?

Okay, some parts of the interior still don’t feel state-of-the-art, the rear legroom remains the Achilles heel of the XE and either the new engine doesn’t quite do them. 247 horses claimed, that is to say the curb weight is slightly higher than the 1536 kg declared, because the acceleration can only be qualified as lively.

But the elegance of the steering and the balance of handling make the driving experience particularly smooth and racy at this price.

Ultimately, an M Sport 3 series is always more modern and nimble in terms of feel, with faster steering and finer body control on your average B-road, where the XE’s passive suspension helps a bit. more roll and float than you could possibly get. waiting. It’s less clinical in general.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-04-15 23:01:23

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Dacia design chief leaves after less than a year Car News

Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos stepped down as head of design at Dacia, less than a year after joining the company of sister brand Renault.

Mesonero-Romanos, who was responsible for the design of the Global Access branch of the Renault group before his promotion in July, Luca de Meo, Renault boss, will be temporarily replaced by the current head of Global Access design, David Durand.

Renault has yet to confirm who will be appointed to this post for the long term and has not given a reason for Mesonero-Romanos’ departure.

A spokesperson told Autocar they were unable to comment beyond confirming Durand’s appointment to an acting role.

Prior to joining Dacia, Mesonero-Romanos was tasked, under the leadership of Vice President of Design Laurens van den Acker, with designing affordable cars for developing countries as part of the Global Access project.

Previously, he was Design Director at Seat, where he oversaw the design of the successful Ateca, Arona and Tarraco SUVs, as well as the latest Ibiza and Leon sedans, winning the Eurostars Award in Design in 2018 for his work reviving the company lines.

Its latest unveiling was the Dacia Bigster concept. Described as “Dacia’s way of making the C-segment accessible”, the rugged machine – which will go into production in 2024 – embodies, in Mesonero-Romanos’ words, “the evolution of the Dacia brand”.

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The Dacia Bigster concept presents a robust top-of-the-range SUV

Renault’s transformation strategy will see 24 new vehicles by 2025

Launch of the new Dacia Duster commercial van

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-04-15 16:36:31

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Hyundai Santa Cruz unveiled as crossover-style pickup Car News

Hyundai has revealed that the Santa Cruz is a business-focused pickup competing with the Ford Ranger for the US market.

Claimed to “innovate” by combining elements from the SUV, truck and crossover segments in its design, the Tuscon will go into production in Alabama in June before a summer on-sale date.

The Santa Cruz was developed to serve urban drivers whose lifestyle would suit an open cargo bay better than a conventional SUV boot. The bed itself is approximately 1270mm long and includes a lockable bedspread for enhanced security, as well as hidden storage areas underneath.

Hyundai says the new model is comparable in handling and efficiency to a standard midsize SUV. Power is provided by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing either 190 hp and 180 lb-ft in atmospheric form, or 275 hp and 310 lb-ft with a turbocharger.

Both powerhouses send their reserves to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which is linked to shift paddles behind the steering wheel for manual gear shifting. The atmo engine offers a towing capacity of 1,600 kg, while the turbo brings it to almost 2,300 kg.

Overall, the Santa Cruz is clearly inspired by the styling of the recently launched Tucson SUV, most notably in its spectacular full-width grille with signature daytime running lights and angular silhouette. A prominent skid plate is a nod to its off-road capability, while elongated wheel arches and large 20-inch wheels lend a certain ruggedness.

At the rear, the Santa Cruz adopts new and unique T-shaped light groups that have not yet appeared on any other production Hyundai model.

Inside, the Santa Cruz adopts a layout and design philosophy familiar to the Tucson. A pair of 10-inch screens are used for infotainment and digital displays, while Hyundai’s BlueLink connectivity services come standard.

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New 2021 Hyundai Bayon revealed as entry-level SUV

Hyundai Kona Electric and Ioniq Electric prices have fallen

2020 Hyundai Tucson UK review

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-04-15 16:59:09