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Rimac partnership allows Bugatti to grow and add new models Car News

There hasn’t been a more surprising hypercar event in recent years than the plan announced last year to merge Bugatti and Rimac into a new company, with Autocar’s Issigonis Trophy winner Mate Rimac as CEO. and Porsche as a key technical partner.

At the time, there were few details about the purpose of the Bugatti Rimac, although it was clear that the Volkswagen Group was reluctant to invest billions in new Bugattis for the electric vehicle era. It turns out that Mate Rimac’s key mission was to get much better control of model development costs.

“On a car-by-car basis, Bugatti is very successful,” he says.

“People would be surprised how profitable each is; I certainly was. But he was less successful in car development. It cost them more to create the Bugatti Chiron from the Bugatti Veyron, which has the same W16 engine and the same eight-speed gearbox, than we spent to develop our Rimac Nevera from scratch. .

Volkswagen’s technique was to outsource a lot of work to other companies, says Rimac. She was faced with a choice: invest billions in electric vehicles (“they didn’t want to do that, because Ferdinand Piëch is no longer with us”) or kill Bugatti, with all the practical problems that would entail.

Then someone had the idea to merge it with Rimac… “I see this new arrangement as a win-win-win”, says Mate Rimac.

“It’s a victory for us to have a wonderful brand with a 113-year tradition. It’s a victory for Volkswagen, because Bugatti has a bright future, they have shareholders and we will keep costs under control.

“It’s a win for employees because we’re going to grow. And it’s a win for customers because we have exciting new products coming our way. We won’t just move forward, we’ll thrive.”

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-06 23:01:24

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Mercedes-Benz recalls one million SUV models over brake issue Car News

Nearly one million Mercedes-Benz ML, Mercedes-Benz GL and Mercedes-Benz R-Class cars are being recalled worldwide after a potential brake system failure was identified.

The 993,407 cars affected were built between 2004 and 2015. Although Mercedes did not say how many were in the UK, the BBC said some 70,000 were in Germany and a notice published by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said nearly 300,000 were in Germany. United States.

The problem concerns the mounting point of the brake booster, a crucial part of the braking system, which could fail due to corrosion and thus impair the driver’s ability to stop the car.

It’s unclear whether this issue has caused any crashes so far, but Mercedes said it issued the recall after “analysis of isolated reports for some vehicles”.

In a statement sent to Autocar, the company said: “Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain ML, GL and R-Class series vehicles from the 2004 – 2015 production period, the function of the brake booster may be affected. by advanced corrosion in the gasket area of ​​the housing.”

Another statement seen by the BBC said: “It could be possible that a particularly hard or harsh braking maneuver could cause mechanical damage to the brake booster. In such a rare case, it would not be possible to decelerate the vehicle via the service brake. This would increase the risk of accident or injury.”

Mercedes has asked customers “not to drive their vehicles” until they have been inspected.

The company immediately began inspecting the affected cars and said it would replace any necessary components.

Autocar has contacted Mercedes UK for further details.

This latest recall comes just over a year after Mercedes recalled more than a million cars in the United States due to a failure in their eCall emergency response systems.

It was found that the system could send an incorrect location to emergency responders after an accident, which could delay ambulance response times.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-06 08:53:03

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Bentley Continental GT S brings bespoke design, sharper dynamics Car News

The Bentley Continental GT is now available in a tight S-shape, which brings an extra touch of agility and a bespoke design package.

Based on the Bentley Continental GT V8, it is available in coupe and convertible versions, joining the standard Mulliner, Speed, Azure and Continental GT to bring the number of variants on sale to five.

As with the similarly designed Bentley Bentayga S launched last year, Crewe’s new luxury coupe variant is available exclusively with the company’s 542bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, speeding the sprint time from 0 to 62 mph in 4.0 seconds and peaking at 198 mph.

This engine, chosen for the lightness it offers compared to the top-of-the-range V12, now breathes through a new sports exhaust system designed to “amplify the cross rhythm of the V8”.

And, in line with the Model S’s dynamic billing, it’s equipped with a 48V electric anti-roll control system capable of generating up to 959 lb-ft of torque in as little as 0.3 seconds.

Bentley says this system, which uses motors inside the anti-roll bars to compensate for lateral movement when cornering, can also improve ride comfort when cruising by disconnecting the left and right wheels from one another. the other.

Like its Bentayga sibling, the new Continental variant stands out from the more luxurious models in the range with its black grille, wheels, exterior trim, exhaust tips and exterior mirrors. The lights at both ends have tinted lenses, while the brake calipers stand out with bright red paint.

Inside, meanwhile, the S’s sporting intent is underscored by its Dinamica-trimmed steering wheel, seats and gearshift, while the instrument cluster features the same car-themed graphics. performance than the top-level, W12-powered Bentley Continental GT Speed.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-06 11:31:23

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Ford plans to cut Focus production from August Car News

Ford Focus production volumes could be reduced as the US auto giant plans to drastically cut production at its plant in Germany.

The Saarlouis plant, which currently produces the standard Focus and the hot Ford Focus ST, will see its production reduced after August 29, reported Automotive News Europe (ANE).

The long-term future of the factory, which opened in 1970, is also uncertain, said ANE, with a decision on the direction of the plant expected to be announced by the end of June.

Last year Ford closed all of its factories in India after 27 years. The previous year it closed its engine factory in Bridgend, Wales, with 1,700 ongoing jobs.

Ford Saarlouis works council chairman Markus Thal told the publication that the talked-about production cut increased fears of major layoffs in Germany. Some 6190 workers are currently involved in the production of Focus in Saarlouis.

These concerns have been heightened after Ford opted to invest £1.59billion in its Cologne plant, where it is currently building the Fiesta, instead of that in Saarlouis, as part of an electrification drive. large in Europe.

Ford told Autocar that no official announcement has yet been made regarding the future of the plant.

The closures would be another blow to the Focus, which has lost its long-standing position on Europe’s best-selling car list as Ford diverts sourcing of rare components to more popular models, such as the Ford crossover Puma, in light of the ongoing supply chain crisis.

In April, only 5,000 Focus models were sold, compared to 10,000 the previous year, according to figures from Jato Dynamics. The similarly sized but taller Puma, on the other hand, is one of from the continent best-selling cars, selling nearly 13,000 models in the same month this year.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-06 15:46:48

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Mercedes-Benz B-Class PHEV discontinued in range reduction Car News

The majority of Mercedes-Benz B-Class variants were dropped before the launch of a facelifted model later that year.

The German brand now only offers the B200 and B200d, it confirmed to Autocar, with a 163hp 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 148hp 2.0-litre diesel engine respectively.

This means that the Gasoline B180 and The B250e plug-in hybrids have been eliminated, along with the B180d and B220d diesels.

Mercedes has also reduced the trim levels to four, leaving just eight variants of the compact MPV available to order. Previously, buyers could choose from 26. Prices now start from £31,800.

The updated version of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer rival is set to launch later this year, with spy photos showing a slightly redesigned front bumper and grille, similar to the updated Mercedes A-Class. up to date.

An updated interior, including a new steering wheel and an updated infotainment system, is also expected.

Mercedes told Autocar that an engine range for the facelifted B-Class has yet to be confirmed, although it is still planned with petrol, diesel and PHEV variants.

It’s expected to be the latest iteration of the B-Class, which arrived two generations ago in 2005, as Mercedes bosses plan to turn the company into a pure luxury brand by launching more models at high margin and eliminating entry-level cars.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-06 12:02:20

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New 2024 Polestar 5: Final Design of UK-Developed Electric Vehicle Revealed Car News

Discussions are underway to establish exactly how to tune the 5’s stiff chainstays to give it its dynamic character. “His whereabouts have yet to be confirmed,” Swift said. “We are looking for sophistication, rather than taking a Volvo and having it handle [like a Polestar].

“If you have a vehicle that drives well and is relatively isolated from road noise and you get the handling right, you’ll attract people who like to drive and also people who just like to drive the car without articulation.”

The Porsche Taycan is an obvious rival to the 5, and Polestar is said to have one at its MIRA factory for benchmarking purposes. However, the Sino-Swedish automaker wants to create a car with more everyday compliance and a rounded edge, rather than aiming for genuine sports car-like handling.

“It has to be engaging but also comfortable,” Swift said. “We can push the car in a dynamic direction or a comfort direction without totally sacrificing either.”

Further developments include motorsport-derived underbody aerodynamics and a slippery body shape. Polestar is not yet discussing powertrain and battery details for the 5 – prototype testing of which is already underway in the UK and the Arctic Circle – but performance levels are expected to be stupendous given its position. top of the range in the Polestar range. -at the top. However, Swift revealed that there are “interesting IP addresses [intellectual property]” in battery technology.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-06 09:50:23

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BMW will participate in IMSA in 2023 with the M Hybrid V8 LMDh prototype Car News

Of the four chassis suppliers nominated, BMW – like Cadillac – opted for Italian automaker Dallara, while Porsche will use foundations provided by Multimatic and Acura has partnered with French Oreca.

Manufacturers have free reign over the design of their cars, however, and BMW has opted for a look that nods to its two current road cars and celebrates the 50th anniversary of its performance division.

“The prototype is clearly recognizable as a BMW M car,” the firm said, pointing to the oversized front grilles – which channel air to the mid-mounted V8 – as well as the “hook” style exterior mirrors. “, distinctive. taillight designs and even a side graphic that mimics the company’s trademark Hofmeister crease.

The driver’s camouflage – which will be replaced with a sponsored livery in time for his racing debut – contains references to some of the M Division’s most successful racing cars of the past half-century, including the 1976 BMW 3.0 CSL, the 1981 BMW M1 and the 1986 BMW. GTP and the newer BMW M8 GTE.

Michael Scully, BMW Group Designworks Global Automotive Director, said: “My team’s job was to make the BMW M Hybrid V8 look like a BMW and to seize every opportunity to make it perform on the road as well. racetrack.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-06 07:01:23

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The best test drives of all time: BMW 633 CSi Car News

99 bmw 633 csi front quarter

This Series 6 is often overlooked these days, but we loved it in 1976

Tested on 16.10.76

In the wake of the impressive BMW 3.0 CSL Coupe, the firm added space, comfort and performance when creating the durable and long-loved BMW 6 Series.

Drive came from the 3.3Li saloon’s fuel-injected 3210cc straight-six, delivering identical power and slightly more torque than the lighter 178kg 3.0 CSL coupe.

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Engine responsiveness was superb, allowing you to cruise up top at 30mph, but also give vigorous acceleration without needing to downshift and cruise comfortably to 105mph. The economy improved the CSL by a total of 3.9 mpg.

The four-speed manual was light but positive in action, but reverse was hard to engage and the clutch was heavy.

The worm and roller steering was sufficiently precise with discreet electric assistance. Body roll was well contained, understeer could be curbed with the throttle, and power slides were easily maintained. The relatively firm ride shook a little around town but picked up speed, aside from a few rear floats. The all-round vented discs were strong but prone to binding.

The luxuriously finished cabin was very comfortable, even for two rear passengers.

For: Performance, economy, handling and steering

Versus: Price, firm ride, rear float, tricky reverse

What happened next

The E24-gen 6 series lasted until 1989, by which time we had seen the 184 hp 628 CSi, the 220 hp 635 CSi and the M635 CSi which used the 3.5 liter straight-six from the M1 supercar to deliver 286 hp, hit 60 mph in 6.0 seconds and hit 158 ​​mph. The Series 6 badge was not seen again until the E63-gen model in 2003. It is now in its fourth generation under the guise of the Gran Turismo, but was withdrawn from sale in the UK in 2020.

Information sheet

Price £13,980 Engine 6 cylinders in line, 3210cc, gasoline Power 200hp at 5500rpm Couple 210 lb ft at 4250 rpm 0-60mph 8.1s 0-100mph 21.9s quarter mile standing 14.9sec at 83mph Top speed 131mph Economy 20.6mpg

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-06 04:01:24

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Hyundai, Kia and Genesis will introduce more Europe-specific models Car News

More Genesis, Hyundai and Kia models will be developed in Europe, for Europe, according to Tyrone Johnson, European R&D manager for the three brands.

“We are so successful [in our European operation] that we were given more to develop on our own,” he said.

Ultimately, the move means more bespoke models just for Europe, but also the team leading the development of some global models, such as those from the Hyundai N performance sub-brand.

Last year alone, Johnson’s team had 30 projects in the works, including the Hyundai Kona N, Hyundai i20 N and Hyundai Elantra N, the last of which was developed in Europe but destined for the United States.

Since taking office in 2018, Johnson has consolidated a number of European test sites. Today, the main facility is the former Opel test track in Dudenhofen, Germany.

The Hyundai Group also plans to double the size of its Nürburgring site, Johnson confirmed. He said “the ring is used for extensive durability testing, with each vehicle driving 10,000 miles on the circuit.

In terms of new models for Europe, just last year Genesis launched its G70 Shooting Brake, a car created specifically for the European market.

It has been so well received, said Genesis Europe boss Dominique Boesch, that its home market in Korea is now considering selling the car as well.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-05 23:01:24

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Genesis X Speedium Coupe will make its European debut at Goodwood Car News

Genesis will show off its remarkable X Speedium Coupe EV concept at the Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​next month, giving hints as to what the premium Korean brand’s future electric vehicles will look like.

The Genesis X Speedium Coupe is described as a “freestyle” design exercise based on last year’s Concept X, led by Creative Director Luc Donckerwolke, to show the evolution of the brand’s Athletic Elegance design language .

It will be shown alongside the all-electric Genesis Electrified GV70 SUV, which will also make its European debut at the West Sussex event, ahead of its market launch in the coming months. With a peak output of 482hp and a range of over 310 miles, the Korean firm says the all-electric version of the Genesis GV70 will set “a new standard for luxury electric SUVs”.

The Speedium concept takes its name from a Korean race track, which Genesis says reinforces its commitment to “the emotional value of driving” by electrifying its lineup.

The low, long-wheelbase silhouette is retained, but it’s the details that most set this new concept apart from its predecessor and current Genesis production cars.

Up front is a distinctive wraparound twin light bar that’s shaped to reference the large shield-like grille of the marque’s production cars – suggesting it will be dropped from the future EV range from Genesis, which will include six models by 2030.

The sleek side profile is described as embodying an “anti-corner” design philosophy in line with an emphasis on “understated elegance”.

Although mostly minimalist, the design is interrupted by a prominent crease that runs along the side, between the heavily flared wheel arches.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-05-31 11:12:25