Leading automotive engineering firm BorgWarner has converted an Ariel Nomad off-roader into a fully electric vehicle. The one-off machine was produced as a showcase for electric powertrain technology developed by the US company and its partners. It swaps the 235bhp Honda-built 2.5-litre petrol engine usually found in the Nomad for an electric system that uses two motors to deliver a total of 268bhp. The converted Nomad is rear-wheel drive, with each motor independently driving a rear wheel through two separate eDriveGear gear sets managed by torque vectoring. BorgWarner says the set-up offers “more power and durability”. The motors draw power from a liquid-cooled 350V 30kWh power pack. BorgWarner says the machine’s extensive use of torque vectoring through the electric powertrain improves steering response, and allows for regenerative braking to extend range. The British-built Nomad was chosen for the project in part because the open-top design makes it easy for BorgWarner’s team to easily install and remove components, and it is purely intended as a one-off showcase. Kahan Yilmaz, BorgWarner’s tech boss, said the converted Nomad was a “high-voltage demonstration” that “gives us a fantastic tool to showcase our extensive capabilities, collaborate with industry partners and evaluate current and future technology at a system level”. Ariel was not involved in the project, and is currently working on a fully electric machine of its own: a 1180bhp
Origin: Electric Ariel Nomad created as one-off technology showcase
Death in fiery wreck blamed on Tesla’s hideaway door handles
Teslas retractable door handles are being blamed for the death of a man in Florida, who was consumed by a fire in his car when a police officer responding to the incident couldnt get the door open, Automotive News reports.According to the wrongful death lawsuit, 48-year-old anesthesiologist Omar Awan lost control of his leased Tesla in February on a south Florida parkway.The vehicle slammed into a palm tree and burst into flames.When officers arrived, the door handles were retracted, and all they and bystanders could do was watch the car fill with smoke. The cause of death was listed as smoke inhalation; Awan sustained no injuries from the crash.The fire allegedly originated from the batteries, which in a Tesla are below the floor.Fire engulfed the car and burned Dr. Awan beyond recognition all because the Model S has inaccessible door handles, no other way to open the doors, and an unreasonably dangerous fire risk, according to the suit.The handles are supposed to extend when it senses the key fob in the drivers hands, but it doesnt always go so smoothly. In fact, the door handles are one of items most commonly listed as faulty by Tesla Model S owners, according to Consumer Reports.The design of the door handles has been contentious since its inception. Elon Musk insisted on their inclusion despite the fact during development it was unanimous among the executive staff that the complex door handle idea was crazy, according to a former exec speaking with Wired.Tesla has not offered comment on the
Origin: Death in fiery wreck blamed on Tesla’s hideaway door handles
Jaguar Land Rover returns to profit after revenue boost
Jaguar Land Rover boss Ralf Speth that the firm’s turnaround programme is firmly on track after it returned to profit in the last financial quarter. Hit by falling sales, the British firm posted a £395 million loss between April and June of this year. But it turned that around in the quarter running from July to September, recording a £156 million pre-tax profit – a £246 million year-on-year improvement. The improved results were driven by Jaguar Land Rover’s revenues rising to £6.1 billion, an 8.0% year-on-year increase. While retail sales dipped by 0.7%, the firm was boosted its performance in China, where sales grew 24.3%. The arrival of the new Range Rover Evoque also helped, with sales of that model up 54.6% compared to the previous year. Range Rover Sport sales rose 17.5% over the same period. Jaguar Land Rover has been undergoing a massive £2.5 billion cost-cutting and restructuring programme, named Project Charge, and Speth said the improved results reflected the success of those efforts. The firm has already achieved £2.2 billion on efficiencies, and is on track to reach its goals by the end of March 2020. It has also invested in new facilities, such as the recentl;y opened Product Creation Centre. “Our people have responded very positively to the challenging circumstances over the past year,” said Speth. “The improved performance this quarter reflects their ongoing passion and
Origin: Jaguar Land Rover returns to profit after revenue boost
Ford’s Mustang-inspired ‘Mach-E’ SUV to debut in November
A teaser of the Ford Mach E electric SUVFord Ford will finally pull the covers off of its Mach E electric utility vehicle in November, just ahead of the L.A. Auto Show late in the month, the automaker said late October. The reveal date will be November 17, about a week before the big show in the very-green-car-centric state.The long-talked-about Mustang-inspired battery-driven SUV has the potential to be a hit in California, one of North Americas largest markets for EVs, so the report has real legs.A reveal like this could have been held over for the Detroit auto show in January in the past, but with that show moving to June, now, automakers may be stacking a few big unveils up for L.A.Weve also heard rumours the 2021 Bronco may peek out from under the sheets in L.A., too, though it feels like a reveal that big would be more suited to Detroit. Of course, theres always a chance Ford might pull off both in L.A., or give us a big teaser of the much-anticipated off-road SUV.We dont much about the Mach E just yet, save for its battery range, said to be in excess of 300 miles (480 km). Expectations are for the electric SUV to start production in April 2020 before showing up in dealerships in December with a price tag circa US$40,000.Wed assume Ford will offer a number of different versions of the thing, too, and a variety of battery pack sizes at different price points.Meanwhile, other rumours pin the Audi eTron Sportbacks reveal at the L.A. Auto Show,
Origin: Ford’s Mustang-inspired ‘Mach-E’ SUV to debut in November
Michigan Jeep dealer building new Gladiator-based Scramblers
A Jeep dealer in Michigan is making us long for the 80s with this cool new retro Scrambler tribute.The vehicle is based largely on the Scrambler concept originally shown at Jeep’s annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.Motor1 spotted this beauty on the YouTube channel for the Preferred Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealership of Grand Haven.The Scrambler features classic orange-and-red decals that run along the side of the all-white truck, and up towards the matching Scrambler script on the hood.White wagon alloy wheels with multiple spokes remind us of classic steel wheels found on almost every 44 of the 1980s, and look great on the Gladiator. All wheels are wrapped in 35-inch tires, and a two-inch lift keeps everything from rubbing.In the bed is a roll bar with fog lights, complete with iconic smiley-face covers, as well as a full-sized spare tire. Under the hood is the same 3.6-litre V6 engine thats found in every Gladiator, which offers significantly more power and reliability than the original engine in the CJ-8 Scrambler, which only made about 115 horsepower and 210 lb.-ft. of torque.Is the dealer preying on nostalgia to sell more trucks? Maybe, but at least you can actually walk into the store and buy one (if you live in the U.S.). Youre not so lucky at least not yet with the Moab concept.The dealer-modified Scrambler will, be warned, put a US$51,220 dent in your wallet, which is a lot less than a fully tricked-out
Origin: Michigan Jeep dealer building new Gladiator-based Scramblers
Donkervoort launches D8 GTO-JD70 as 415bhp track weapon
Dutch car maker Donkervoort has unveiled the JD70 – a supercar designed to celebrate the 70th birthday of company founder Joop Donkervoort. An evolution of the D8 GTO sports car that was released in 2011, the JD70 weighs less than 700kg and is claimed to “be suitable for both the road and the racetrack”. Power comes from a uprated version of the turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine that’s fitted to Audi’s RS Q3 and RS3, producing 415bhp and 384lb ft of torque to make the JD70 Donkervoort’s most powerful model yet. Detailed performance figures are yet to be revealed, but the new model is expected to beat the standard GTO’s 2.8sec 0-62mph time and 168mph top speed. Donkervoort has confirmed, however, that the JD70 can generate over 2G of lateral acceleration in corners in standard trim. The JD70’s exhaust system incorporates a new catalytic converter, making it compliant with the latest Euro 6d-Temp emissions legislation, and exits from the side of the car, rather than the rear, to reduce weight. Donkervoort also claims it “has been tuned to deliver an even more emotional engine sound into the car”. Carbonfibre makes up more than 95 percent of the JD70’s bodywork, with further weight savings courtesy of carbonfibre race seats, a lightweight lithium ion battery and a multi-function steering wheel that reduces the amount of switchgear in the interior. While the JD70 bears a strong resemblance to the D8 GTO on which it is based, it receives a number of styling tweaks aimed at maximising aerodynamic efficiency and downforce. The front wings feature a louvred design that enhances air flow for an improved top speed, while a redesigned front end, prominent rear diffuser and ‘cycle-wing’ wheel covers help to generate 80kg of downforce at the rear, and 50kg at the front. Taking a minimalist approach, the company says that the JD70, which will cost €163,636 (£141,677), will “swim against the mainstream sportscar tide by minimising electronic driver aids”. Just 70 examples will be built across a 2020/2021 delivery run. Pre-orders are already being taken. The JD70 isn’t the first variant of the D8 GTO; Donkervoort also revealed S, R and RS versions in
Origin: Donkervoort launches D8 GTO-JD70 as 415bhp track weapon
New Seat Mii electric priced from £19,300 in UK
Seat has announced UK pricing for the Mii Electric, its first zero-emissions model, will begin at £19,300, making it one of the cheapest mainstream electric cars available in the UK. Seat is also offering the first 300 buyers fitment of a wall-mounted home charger, a three-pin home charging cable, three years servicing and roadside assistance free of charge. The supermini’s sub-£20,000 price tag is lower than that of its Vauxhall Corsa-e, Peugeot e-208, Mini Electric and Honda e rivals. The new Renault Zoe is available from £18,670 under the firm’s battery leasing scheme, but monthly costs have yet to be revealed. As part of Seat’s ‘easyMOVE’ range simplification strategy, only one trim is available from launch. Standard equipment includes metallic paint, lane assist, fast charging capabilities, 16in alloy wheels, air conditioning and automatic windscreen wipers. Owners can also make use of an associated smartphone app, which allows the climate control, lights and locks to be activated remotely, and gives information on journey times and the car’s location. The Mii Electric shares its drivetrain with the recently revealed Skoda Citigo-e iV and replaces the petrol-engined Mii, which went out of production in July. With an 82bhp electric motor mated to a single-speed transmission, the Mii Electric produces 156lb ft torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0-31mph in 3.9sec and onto a limited top speed of 81mph. A 36.8kWh battery pack gives a WLTP-certified range of 162 miles. That’s 2 miles less than the 164 miles offered by the Citigo-e iV but 79 more than the ageing Volkswagen e-Up. Styling changes over the outgoing Mii are subtle, limited to 16in alloy wheels and the addition of illuminated badging to the back and sides. Unlike the Citigo-e iV, the Mii retains the mesh grille fitted to the petrol car. Inside, the Mii Electric sports a redesigned dashboard, heated, ‘performance-inspired’ seats and a leather steering wheel, handbrake and gear selector. Boot space is unchanged, at 251 litres. The Mii Electric is aimed squarely at “those who spend the majority of their time traversing metropolitan and suburban streets”, says Seat. It can be charged in around four hours to 80% capacity from a 7.2kW home wallbox or one hour from a 40kW public fast charger. Seat said the Mii’s shift to electric power will help prepare its dealerships for the arrival of the el-Born in 2020. Company president Luca de Meo said: “In Europe, the electric vehicle market grew by 46% in the first four months of the year. Moving forward, we expect electrified vehicles to play an important role within our range. “The Mii Electric is the start of that journey and at the same time brings to the market an affordable electric car.” The Mii Electric is the production version of the 2017 e-Mii concept, of which five examples have been used in a car-sharing trial scheme in Barcelona, Spain as part of the new car’s development programme. Production of the Mii Electric will begin at Skoda’s plant in Bratislava, Slovakia later this year, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in early 2020. The launch of the Mii electric comes as Seat gears up to introduce the el-Born EV, a plug-in hybrid variant of the next Leon and the plug-in hybrid Cupra Formentor sports
Origin: New Seat Mii electric priced from £19,300 in UK
Seat Mii Electric goes on sale
Seat Mii Electric goes on sale The Mii Electric launches the electrified Seat range Orders are now being taken for Seat’s Mii Electric, with the first 300 customers set to benefit from a free home charger, charging cable, and three years’ free servicing and roadside assistance. Featuring a range of 161 miles on a charge (WLTP) from its 38.8 kWh battery, the Seat is fitted with a 61 kW electric motor. The Mii Electric uses a CCS inlet to allow rapid charging at up to 40 kW. This means a charge to 80% will take less than an hour, while charging at home or in public on a 7 kW unit will take about four hours. Seat has kitted out the Mii Electric in one trim level, and it’s well equipped. Fitted as standard are 16-inch alloys, rear privacy glass, leather steering wheel and gear selector, heated front seats, air conditioning, cruise control, automatic wipers, and rear parking sensors. Seat’s Drive Mii app is also available to download on to customer’s smartphone, which acts as infotainment system when fitted into the car’s cradle. This includes navigation, and an eco trainer. The addition of the Seat connect app also means drivers can access the usual EV features, such as remote climate control, pre-conditioning, driving data, and charging management. The Mii Electric sees the launch of an updated VW Group electric citycar range, with a refreshed VW e-up! and new Skoda Citigo-e iV due – all sharing the same powertrain. The Seat Mii Electric can be ordered now, with pricing at £19,300 including UK Plug-in Car Grant. Deliveries are expected towards the end of Q1 2020.
Origin: Seat Mii Electric goes on sale
New virtual Jaguar concept could preview future EVs
Jaguar has revealed a new model designed for the Gran Turismo videogame, which could offer a glimpse of its future electric sports car design. The Vision Gran Turismo Coupé concept is the latest addition to the virtual motorsport title, and will be available for players to download from the end of December. Jaguar has expressed no intent to bring it to production in real life, however. The concept is said to have been “designed and developed from the ground up, taking inspiration from the brand’s incredible racing lineage,” with the brand’s historic C-Type and D-Type racers listed as styling influences. The coupé’s powertrain, while not taken from any one real model, is based on that featured in the firm’s I-Type and I-Pace electric racers. The virtual model packs a combined 1006bhp and 885lb ft from three high-output electric motors, one driving the front axle and two at the rear, which is enough to push it from 0-62mph in under two seconds, and on to a top speed of over 200mph. There has been no indication of a hypothetical range figure. In terms of its design, the concept takes clear inspiration from the current F-Type, with visual references to previous Jaguar concepts, including the 2013 C-X75 supercar. It is constructed using a range of experimental lightweight materials, with a carbonfibre monocoque tub at its core helping to achieve a 1400kg kerbweight and near-50:50 weight distribution. The concept’s roofline is low to the ground, and a swooping rear deck and domed glass cabin feature for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. An active rear wing is said to “optimise energy efficiency while generating the perfect amount of downforce”. Further retro-inspired design touches include a vintage-style grille that features Jaguar’s ‘Leaper’ mascot, and twin rear charging sockets as a reference to the first-generation XJ saloon. The retro-modern theme continues inside, where Gran Turismo players can make use of an on-board artificial intelligence system called Kitt-E, which uses hologram technology to display three-dimensional maps and telemetry. Augmented reality digital glass can alert the driver to unseen dangers, while a transparent information cluster allows for a clearer view of the road ahead. Jaguar design director Julian Thomson said: “This project has been completely led by our young designers and represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to create a vehicle steeped in our incredible heritage but pushing the boundaries of future design. “The team have done an incredible job in creating something which is clearly identifiable as a Jaguar, inspired – but not constrained – by our iconic
Origin: New virtual Jaguar concept could preview future EVs
You can now search people’s licence plates on Google, Facebook
2020 Porsche 911Derek McNaughton / Driving Its a constant debate when taking car photos: to cover the licence plate, or not to cover? Well, today will be the day we all start covering up our licence plate in pictures; its the day we found out Google and Facebook can read them.Google and Facebook can actually scan a photograph and recognize the letters, turning the plate in the frame into a searchable alphanumeric sequence, something pointed out by, among others, Twitter user Jim Magill.This is likely a product of the image-searchable function, which can recognize similar images and patterns to help you find what youre looking for.If you want to try it for yourself, type CJJR 265 into Google images, and youll get an image of the Volkswagen Golf R we reviewed earlier this year, with that plate number on it. Youll even get similar plate numbers from other Volkswagens in VW Canadas press fleet.All around the office, weve tried it with a few of our cars, and it seems to work with Google, as well as on Facebook, and possibly other social media sites.Maybe some good could come from this tech; like if you see a car you think might be for sale by the side of the road and want to know the price, you could just Google it and see if theres a listing online somewhere. You could also run the plate of somebody who dinged your car door, or perhaps find the phone number of somebody who left their dog in a hot car. Of course, all of this stuff sounds a little creepy, too, and much more nefarious motives are not hard to imagine.At any rate, this is some Stephen-King-level eerie stuff, and wed rather not be a part of
Origin: You can now search people’s licence plates on Google, Facebook
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