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Nissan Ariya Nismo marks return of performance arm Car News

Nissan has not revealed a 0-62mph time or top speed. However, we expect it to be much faster than the current quickest Ariya, which takes 5.1sec to dispatch 62mph and maxes out at 124mph.

The two-tonne B6 is lighter than the B9, which comes in at around 200kg heavier. The B9 also sits lower than the B6 by 5-10mm.

Underneath, the Ariya Nismo has tyres that have been developed specifically for it, with 20in alloys to improve its line-tracing and cornering ability on track. Nissan promises that the car will deliver “exemplary” handling.

The cabin is largely the same as the standard car’s, albeit with body-hugging Nismo-branded sports seats and red pinstriping. Its side skirts and front and rear bumpers are each flanked with a red pinstripe.

Nissan says that “no decision has been made” on whether the flagship SUV will enter markets outside of Japan.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2024-01-12 10:04:59

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Kia launches new family of slick commercial EVs Car News

Kia has unveiled three bold new electric concepts that showcase a future line-up of hugely flexible vehicles, led by a multi-purpose PB5 designed to eventually offer autonomous capabilities.

The new PBV – standing for Purpose-Built Vehicle – machines revealed at CES in Las Vegas, USA, showcase the ambitions of the Korean firm to dramatically ramp up its offering of multi-purpose vehicles in the coming decade.

The vehicles will feature modular design, allowing one chassis to be used for multiple purposes. While there is a major focus on their use as commercial vehicles, they will also be sold as multifunctional passenger vehicles.

Kia has a three-phase plan to roll out its PBV assault, which will start in 2025 with the production version of the Concept PV5. Likely to reach the UK in 2026, the PV5 essentially takes the form of an ultra-sleek modern van, and features ‘easy swap’ technology inside to offer a modular, multi-function approach.

Aided by the flat floor due to the bespoke electric car platform, the PB5 can be adapted for multiple use cases, for example being used as a large taxi and, with the seats removed, as a delivery van. The one fixed element of the interior is the ‘driver zone’ cabin, with the rest customisable through the use of various interchangeable modules. For example, when in passenger mode, the area traditionally used for a passenger seat can serve as a secure area for holding luggage, while a variety of seat types can be placed in a number of layouts.

Four versions of the PB5 will be offered at launch, including a People Mover intended for carrying passengers, and a High Roof with extra headroom to maximise cargo space. There are also plans for a Robotaxi, which will eventually be able to offer autonomous shuttle services for passengers, and a Pickup version that will be offered in the US and a handful of other markets.

The second phase of the PBV rollout will be based around two further models, also shown in concept form at CES. The PB1 will be the smallest machine in the line-up, and is intended for carrying small loads in tight urban areas. The PB7 will be the largest machine in the line-up, with Kia promising that as well as extra space it will offer ‘enhanced functionalities’ in future.

As indicated by the model names, Kia is planning further PBV models to sit between the three concepts in the future. All the models will sit on a bespoke platform that uses a ‘dynamic hybrid’ modular body. This features tubular steel and engineered polymers to, Kia claims, reduce the amount of parts needed by 55 per cent with no reduction in rigidity.

Kia is also developing a range of fleet management options, including over-the-air updates, to help firms running a large number of PBVs. It is also developing a PBV Ecosystem, based around an integrated rail system on the ceiling, floor and side of the machines, that will allow items such as frames, cabinets and seats to be switched between different PBVs.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2024-01-08 23:01:46

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VW Group hails ‘encouraging’ solid-state battery tests Car News

The Volkswagen Group has revealed that new solid-sate battery cells developed by partner QuantumScape have shown encouraging results in recent tests, with a better range and significantly less degradation than both its existing lithium ion batteries and rival solid-state cells.

During the tests, run by Volkswagen Group battery division PowerCo in Germany, the cells are claimed to have experienced a minimal 5% storage capacity loss after more than 1000 charging cycles – the equivalent of 311,000 miles on the road for an electric car with a range between 311 and 372 miles, according to the German car maker.

The Volkswagen Group said current automotive industry standard targets call for 700 charging cycles and a maximum storage capacity loss of 20%. 

In an official statement on the tests, PowerCo said the new cells were also able to meet requirements for other test criteria, including fast-charging capability, safety and self-discharge.

“These are very encouraging results,” said PowerCo CEO Frank Blome. “The final result of this development could be a battery cell that enables long ranges, can be charged super-quickly and practically does not age.”

Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte and separator of lithium ion batteries, both of which are considered volatile due to potential flammability, with a solid separator typically made of ceramic, polymer or glass.

VW battery pouch

QuantumScape’s in-house-developed ceramic separator is claimed to be one of the defining elements of the new cells tested by PowerCo. 

The San Jose-based company delivered its first batch of 24-layer solid-state cells to its automotive partners, including the Volkswagen Group, for testing in December 2022. Since then, it has developed more advanced cells, although it has yet to reveal exact details or specification.

QuantumScape CEO Jagdeep Singh said it is seeking to place its new cells in large-scale production “as quickly as possible”.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2024-01-04 10:01:05

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UK car sales hit highest level since pandemic in 2023 Car News

The UK had its best year for car sales since the pandemic in 2023, as more than 1.9 million were registered, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Growth of 289,000 over 2022’s 30-year low of 1.6 million sales was driven entirely by fleet customers, who registered 1.1 million cars alone, a 38.7% rise year on year.

The private market remained stable, with 818,000 registrations, as the cost of living crisis and high interest rates continued to bite and stalled further growth.

Last year’s numbers were still 17.7% down on 2019’s high of 2.3 million.

Despite this, SMMT boss Mike Hawes says the industry “faces 2024 with a lot more confidence and optimism” than the year before and predict it to push on further to 1.97 million.

Key to the growth was the record take-up of EVs, which accounted for one in six cars registered.

This was again driven by business and fleet buyers, thanks to the compelling tax incentives of going electric: benefit-in-kind tax rates will sit at just 2% until at least 2025.

Of the total 315,000 EVs registered in 2023 (up 50,000 on 2022), 242,235 were sent to fleets, meaning just 8.9% were private sales. In comparison, combined EV sales in 2020 and 2021 totalled 298,932.

Meanwhile, hybrids recorded 27.1% growth in 2023 to reach a 12.6% market share, while plug-in hybrids were up 39.3% (for 7.4% of the market). 

Buyers again showed preference for superminis and SUVs, which accounted for 29.8% (around 86,000) and 28.6% (82,000) of total car sales. Crossovers such as the Ford Puma put in another strong showing, taking a 28.3% (81,000) slice.

These three segments have been the most popular since 2013.

“With vehicle supply challenges fading, the new car market is building back with the best year since the pandemic,” said SMMT chief Mike Hawes.

“Energised by fleet investment, particularly in the latest EVs, the challenge for 2024 is to deliver a green recovery.”

Call to halve VAT on EVs

The SMMT, backed by the automotive industry, has used the data to again call on the government to reintroduce EV incentives for private buyers after it revealed that consumer demand has flattened.

The UK is currently the only major European market without any non-business purchase incentives on EVs – but is the only market with a mandated minimum sales target through the new ZEV mandate.

As such, the lobby group wants Westminster to halve VAT on new EVs for three years, which would translate to lower purchasing costs – a similar level of support currently available to business buyers.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2024-01-05 00:01:44

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Volvo ES90 electric saloon due for 2024 reveal Car News

The Volvo S90 saloon is expected to be replaced with a new electric flagship launching in 2025, likely to be called the ES90.

Known internally at the Swedish car maker under the codename V551, production is set to take place at a factory owned and operated by Volvo’s parent company Geely in China, as revealed in a photograph and specifications leaked by the company’s board.

A photograph published to Volvo’s employee intranet shows members of Volvo’s production team in Zhejiang huddled around signs that read “Volvo Cars V551 First VP Car Celebration” and “Confidential Top Secret”. The reference to VP stands for ‘Verification Prototype’.

The electric Audi A6BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE rival is completely obscured from view, ahead of an expected unveiling in the coming months. 

The luxury four-door is expected to be based on Volvo’s SPA2 platform – the same structure that underpins the new EX90 SUV and its Polestar 4 sibling. It accommodates electric drivetrains operating at either 400 or 800 volts.

Specifications leaked by Volvo suggest the ES90 will be sold with the choice of both single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor four-wheel drive.

It is also said to use a 111 kWh battery (107 kWh usable) delivering 600km (373 miles) of range in combination with the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive drivetrain.

According to Volvo, the ES90 measures 4999mm in length, 1547mm in height and 1945mm in width, making it 61mm shorter, 32mm higher and 45mm wider than the BMW i5. It also receives a wheelbase that is 105mm longer than its German rival at 3100mm.

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

While early speculation suggested the ES90 could share its platform with the recently unveiled Polestar 5, it is understood the new bonded aluminum structure is considered too expensive for the price point and expected production volumes of the new Volvo saloon, which is planned to be offered in all of its existing global markets. 

Details of Volvo’s new electric S90 come after it phased out all estate and saloon models in the UK market, citing much higher demand for SUVs. As a result, it remains unclear if the brand will bring its Audi A6 rival here.

The ES90 will be Volvo’s fourth bespoke electric car, joining the EX30 crossover, EX90 SUV and EM90 MPV. An electric successor to the XC60 is due in 2025, but no plans have yet been revealed for an electric replacement for the S60 and V60. 

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2024-01-03 10:53:09

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New Porsche Taycan eclipses Tesla Model S Nürburgring time Car News

A new range-topping version of the Porsche Taycan has beaten the Tesla Model S Plaid around the Nurburgring by a blistering 28sec.

It becomes one of the fastest Porsches around the fabled circuit, posting a time of 7min 7sec.

Arriving later this year, the new Tesla Model S Plaid rival was previously spotted at the Nürburgring as it attempted to set a new lap record for electric production cars, driven by chief tester Lars Kern.

The range-topper, likely to be the Turbo GT, posted a time that was 26 seconds faster than Porsche’s previous fastest car, the Taycan Turbo S, and 28sec ahead of the Model S Plaid.

Kern said he “pushed as hard as he could” for multiple laps on the fabled track, which was reserved for Porsche’s use throughout the day.

“Twenty-six seconds is half an eternity in motorsport”, said Kevin Giek, head of the Taycan model line.

“Lars’ lap time of 7:07.55 minutes on the Nordschleife is sensational, putting the Taycan in the same league as electric hypercars.

“And the impressive thing about it is that over several laps, Lars clocked almost exactly the same time.”

Upgrades over the Turbo S include a huge rear wing, new bumpers, a rear air intake and new headlights.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2024-01-02 14:00:00

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UK government misses motorway EV charging target Car News

The UK government has missed its goal to have six or more ultra-rapid (150kW-350kW) electric vehicle chargers at every motorway service station in England by the end of 2023.

New analysis published by the RAC revealed that only 46 of the nation’s 119 service stations meet the criteria set out by the Department for Transport in May 2020.

It confirms Autocar’s December 2023 report that the target was set to be missed, as many service stations were limited to a sub-150kW charging provision.

Some sites – including Barton Park, Leicester Forest and Tebay South – still lack any form of EV charging provision.

According to figures from charger mapping service Zap-Map, there were 53,029 EV charge points in the UK at the end of November 2023. Of these, just 4505 were capable of delivering ultra-rapid charge rates.

Charge-point operators have previously highlighted the slow pace of electrical grid connections as a significant barrier to installing new chargers. Gridserve CEO Toddington Harper told Autocar in April 2023: “Almost every issue of speed of implementation is down to the speed of grid connections.”

Harper added that operators “can often be delayed by months or more waiting for a connection”.

Vauxhall Corsa-E charging at Gridserve

The government announced at November’s COP28 climate conference that it had established a £70 million pilot fund intended to improve grid connections at several sites.

It said the money, taken from the £950 million Rapid Charging Fund, would be used to prepare five to 10 locations for 100kW-plus charge points.

The government’s ambition with the new funding is to ‘future-proof’ each service station’s electrical capacity against the expected increase in demand for motorway chargers through to 2035. That year, sales of new petrol- and diesel-powered cars, including hybrids, will be banned.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2024-01-02 09:00:00

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777 Hypercar is 900kg customer racer with 789bhp atmo V8 Car News

The new 777 Hypercar is a fearsome 900kg track toy with a Dallara motorsport monocoque and a 789bhp naturally aspirated V8.

It’s the first offering from 777 Motors, which was founded in Italy by Andrea Levy, president of the Milan motor show.

Limited to just seven examples and priced from €7 million (£6,030,000), the Hypercar takes design and engineering influence from LMP1 prototype racers.

However, it has been designed for private track use, rather than competitive motorsport, like the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro and Ford GT MK IV.

This means it can use an unrestricted version of the Gibson V8 that has powered some LMP1 cars.

The engine itself is powered by e-fuels, which is said to guarantee a 65% reduction in CO2 emissions.

777 said: “Our mission is to create the ultimate track-use only hypercar for private owners, becoming the reference in the automotive industry for performance and innovation.”

The ferocious power and low weight results in a top speed of 229mph, a speed at which the Hypercar is said to develop 2100kg of downforce and jaw-dropping lateral acceleration of 4g. 

It also features a ‘push to pass’ function like top-class endurance racers. This gives the driver increased power for short periods and allows the V8 to reach a redline of 9000rpm.

Its abilities on track have been honed at Monza, where it has an estimated lap time of 1min 33sec – some 2.4sec faster than the pole lap achieved for the 2023 6 Hours of Monza by a Toyota GR010 Hybrid LMH hypercar.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-12-19 12:23:08

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Xiaomi SU7 saloon revealed in Chinese government filings Car News

Details of the first car to come from consumer-electronics giant Xiaomi have been revealed in Chinese government filings.

The saloon, called the Xiaomi SU7, will go into production in the first half of 2024 as a rival to the BMW i4.

It will be built under contract by long-established manufacturer BAIC, per Car News China. 

Measuring 4997mm long, 1963mm wide and 1440mm high, with a wheelbase of 3000mm, the SU7 tips the scales at 2205kg in its heaviest specification.  

Two powertrains will be available: a rear-wheel-drive one offering 295bhp and a top speed of 130mph and a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive one with a Porsche Taycan-rivaling 663bhp and a top speed of 164mph. 

Xiaomi will offer the SU7 with two options: a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery from BYD on entry-level cars and a larger CATL pack as a more expensive option.

Battery capacities and ranges are yet to be confirmed, however.

Higher-specification cars can also be fitted with an active rear wing and lidar technology.

The SU7 will also be offered with a choice of 19in and 20in wheels, compatible with 245/45 R19 and 245/40 R20 tyres. 

Xaoimi revealed plans to start production of its EV earlier this year.

Speaking at China’s annual parliamentary gathering in Beijing, CEO Lei Jun said: “Xiaomi’s car manufacturing has progressed beyond expectation and [prototypes] have recently successfully completed winter testing.”

Lei, who is a also deputy of China’s National People’s Congress, also confirmed Xiaomi had invested more than ¥3 billion (£360 million) in its EV division, Xiaomi Automobile, in 2022.

He added that staffing of its research-and-development department had risen to more than 2300 people.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-11-15 15:30:00

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Polestar 0 is “truly climate-neutral” electric car for 2030 Car News

Polestar has made an ambitious pledge to launch a “truly climate-neutral car” in 2030, and is now two years into a lengthy research and development programme aimed at determining how the environmental impact of its supply and construction processes could be slashed. 

The programme is called Polestar 0 – a reflection of its intended environmental impact. Hans Pehrson, previously Polestar R&D boss and now charged with bringing it to fruition, stressed to Autocar that the aim is to create a “commercialised car” rather than a concept.

“What kind of car will come later – convertible, SUV, city car, whatever…” he said, explaining that the 10-year programme (which began in 2020) is divided into three distinct stages.

“We have a detailed timeline to get there. We should have a production start in 2030. Three years before that point, we need to start detailed product development in the automotive business: 36 months is quite common.

“Before that starts, we need to look into architecture. Will we build it on aluminium, steel or something else? Will it be four-wheel drive? Will the battery be under the floor?”

Pehrson said his division will “have to be ready with really deep research” in 2025 in order for the company to meet its targets.

The research programme will take into account the impact of all materials, components and processes used in car construction, but Pehrson said: “If we make a breakthrough this year or next year, we can implement them in a model-year change or in a new car launching in 2024, 2025 or 2026.”

Polestar has so far integrated more than 30 companies into the 0 project and it demonstrated the work of some of these at its Polestar Day event in Los Angeles.

These include seats made using ‘fossil-free steel’ from a company called SSAB, plastics from Dama BioPlastics that are made using plant waste, and a material called PaperShell that turns paper back into wood.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-11-14 11:28:35