Lamborghini has pulled the covers off the most powerful and fastest-accelerating car it’s ever produced – and it’s also the firm’s first hybrid. Making its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show, the limited-run Siån previews Lamborghini’s plans to take its brand of V12-powered flamboyance into the near future with models such as the next-generation Aventador. As the model appeared in the flesh for the first time, Lamborghini announced it will enter production as the Siån FKP 37 as a tribute to ex-Volkswagen Group boss Ferdinand Karl Piëch, who died last month. Born in 1937, Piech was instrumental in bringing Lamborghini under the VW Group umbrella in 1998, helping the Italian maker to bring its pivotal Murcielago supercar to market. Lamborghini CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “Prof. Dr. Piëch innately understood the attraction and potential of the Lamborghini brand and how it could fit within the Volkswagen Group, whilst retaining its unique Italian super sports car identity and design and engineering DNA. “Prof. Dr. Piëch was an engineer and an innovator, particularly appreciating the appeal of the iconic Lamborghini V12 powertrain on which today, the Sián FKP 37 combines pioneering hybrid technologies.” The Aventador SVJ’s naturally aspirated 6.5-litre 12-cylinder unit has been uprated from 759 to 774bhp with the addition of titanium intake valves, and is mated to a 48v electric motor producing 34bhp, for a combined total output of 808bhp. In what Lamborghini claims is a first for low-voltage hybrid powertrains, the electric motor is integrated into the gearbox and connected to the wheels for low-speed reversing and parking manoeuvres. The charismatic sound of the V12, Lamborghini assures, has been preserved. The developments mean the Siån will offer enhanced acceleration over Lamborghini’s conventionally fuelled models, sprinting from 0-62mph in under 2.8 seconds, with top speed claimed to be in excess of the SVJ’s 217mph. Power is not stored in a conventional lithium ion battery, but rather generated by a supercapacitor unit three times as powerful as a cell of the same weight, and three times lighter than a battery with the same output. The device, mounted ahead of the engine for enhanced weight distribution, is an evolution of that found in the Aventador to power the starter motor, and can store ten times as much power as the original. A regenerative braking system, developed in-house, sends power to the supercapacitor unit under deceleration. Energy generated in this way is available as a power boost at the discretion of the driver at speeds of up to 81mph. The electric motor also allows for a smoother acceleration curve, activating during gear changes to counter the effect of deceleration and resulting in a 43-75mph time 1.2 seconds quicker than that of the SVJ. Traction at lower speeds is improved as well, making the Siån 10% faster than a car without this system, according to its maker. Maurizio Reggiani, Lamborghini’s chief technical officer, said: “With this car, we set ourselves the challenge of creating the best hybrid solution for a Lamborghini super sports car to provide the first step in our electrification strategy”. Design-wise, Lamborghini says the model shows off “a visionary and futuristic design in combination with outstanding aerodynamic solutions”, but one that still conveys “the heart and soul of a Lamborghini”. The Siån’s wedge-shaped silhouette is characteristically angular and wide, and is said to be influenced by the work of Bertone’s Marcello Gandini, who was responsible for some of Lamborghini’s best known historic models. The diagonal lines along the length of the bonnet, six hexagonal tail lights and roof-mounted ‘periscope’ tunnel are a nod to the Countach, while the low front splitter and Y-shape headlights are a set-up originally intended for the electric Terzo Millenio concept. Downforce is maximised by the model’s prominent side air intakes and large carbonfibre front splitter. In keeping with the Siån’s “pure and uncluttered” design ethos, the rear wing sits flush with the rear deck, extending only at speed, while active cooling vanes along the engine lid react to exhaust temperatures and rotate as needed. Lamborghini will make just 63 Sians, offering buyers a high level of personalisation through its bespoke Ad Personam division. All have been sold
Origin: Lamborghini Sian FKP 37: 808bhp hybrid honours late VW boss
hybrid
First Drive: 2020 BMW 330e plug-in hybrid
2020 BMW 330e plug-in hybrid MUNICH, Germany Theres no doubt today that the future of personal transportation is all about sustainability, reducing your carbon footprint, finding cleaner sources of fuel, and basically being friendlier to the environment while driving. But that doesnt mean you have to make serious compromises in terms of driving pleasure if you want to do your part to ease the burden on Mother Nature at least not yet. The 2020 BMW 330e is the firms latest iteration of the 3 Series plug-in hybrid, and it is greener than before, while also becoming more powerful and more engaging to drive.The big deal with the new 330e is a much improved and more efficient hybrid powertrain that boasts 50 per cent more electric range than the previous 330e, or up to 66 km according to European testing. The 330es 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four develops 184 horsepower, and an electric motor adds up to another 113 hp. Combined output is 252 hp and torque is 310 lb.-ft., though Sport mode activates what BMW calls XtraBoost, which provides maximum electric power at full throttle, or 292 hp combined, for up to 10 seconds. The previous 330e made 248 horsepower, and had no added electric boost.The gasoline engine is mated to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic. The 330e tested in Germany is a rear driver, and although were told it can be built with an all-wheel-drive power train, the folks at BMW would not confirm if the 330e would arrive in Canada with AWD; the outgoing model is a rear driver. Note that the latest 5 and 7 Series plug-in hybrids are built on xDrive power trains, so its possible this will be announced closer to market launch. The electric motor is mounted between the engine and transmission, replacing what would normally be a torque converter. Instead of a torque converter, a multi-plate clutch is used to launch the car when the engine is running. The 330e now rides on the latest 3 Series chassis, which was introduced to market earlier this year. It boasts 25 per cent more overall rigidity; the wheelbase is 41 mm longer and the wheels have been set wider apart. This really improves handling compared to the previous generation 3 Series, and this is no less true for the heavier 330e.At 1,815 kg it is 46 kg heavier than the previous 330e, and 270 kg heavier than the 330i. That added weight is due to the larger 12 kWh lithium ion battery that replaces the previous 330es 7.6 kWh battery. The new modular battery now extends below the rear seat, whereas the previous unit extended no further than the trunk. Trunk space is reduced compared to the 330i, down to 375 litres from 480.Although it is carrying added heft, the 330e is remarkably strong off the line, its maximum combined torque propelling it from a stop to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds; thats just one tenth of a second slower than the 330i. Steering is light, yet sharp and precise, and body roll is well managed when cornering at speed it feels as taut as a 3 Series should feel. What is notable about the 330e is its energy management system. Hybrid mode is the default drive mode when pushing the start button, so the engine does not fire, and the car can be driven silently and emissions-free up to 110 km/h before the cylinders fire up, which is a 30 km/h increase over the previous 330e. When the gasoline engine is called into duty, it is done so seamlessly only a change in the background colour of the instrument display giving away the use of gasoline.Unless Sport mode is selected, the energy management system is programmed to use mostly battery power, but without draining the battery if you have a destination set in the navigation system. Its designed this way so that there will be a reserve of electric power when you reach your destination especially important in Europe, where many city centres have bans on gasoline-powered vehicles. It will also use GPS and mapping information to optimize battery replenishment while driving, automatically favouring engine power on the highway, and electric power in urban areas.When Electric mode is selected, prioritizing the electric motor, the car can reach a top speed of 140 km/h, which is a 20 km/h increase over the current 330e. Claimed charging time from an empty battery to an 80 per cent charge is 2.4 hours when using a level 2 charger. My 330e test car is equipped with BMWs optional Live Cockpit, which includes a 12.3-inch high-resolution instrument screen, and 10.5-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. It also includes the optional BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant voice-recognition system that responds to Hey BMW, followed by a command. As long as you have a good cellular connection, the system works well using regular speech.A number of driver assists are available, either as standard or part of separate packages, including the unique Back-Up Assistant. This feature continuously records the last 50 metres of forward travel at speeds below 35 km/h, and retains the
Origin: First Drive: 2020 BMW 330e plug-in hybrid
The new hybrid Sián is the most powerful car Lamborghini’s ever produced
Lamborghini, long the maker of fodder for bedroom-wall posters, has whipped up yet another jaw-dropping creation. In keeping with the current trend of bestowing unpronounceable names on hypercars, this ones called the Sin.Oh yeah its also the most powerful Lamborghini ever produced.Deploying a claimed worlds-first use of a supercapacitor in a hybrid powertrain, the Sin produces a staggering 819 horsepower. Adopting a V12 engine as all Lambos should, in your authors opinion makes sense, but theres also a 48 volt e-motor incorporated into the gearbox to provide immediate response and improved performance.The company says this is the first time in any low-voltage hybrid that a direct connection has been made between electric motor and wheels. The V12 is rated at 785 horses, while the e-motor chips in for 34 ponies. The e-motor also supports low-speed maneuvers such as reversing and parking with electric power, so itll probably skirt things like Londons congestion charge. I know anyone who can afford a Lamborghini doesnt really care about such an expense, but it sure makes for great bragging rights.But back to that supercapacitor. Besides sounding like a Bond weapon, it brings some innovative hybrid tech to the table its used for energy accumulation rather than a lithium-ion battery, for example. The unit is said to be three times more powerful than a battery of the same weight, and three times lighter than a battery producing the same power. Located in the bulkhead between cockpit and engine helps keep the cars weight distribution in check. The electric system, supercapacitor and e-motor weighs only 34 kg, with alert readers recognizing this means a remarkable weight-to-power ratio of 1.0 kg/hp. In fact, the whole car has a better power-to-weight ratio than the Aventador SVJ.All this adds up to a run to 96 km/h from rest in less than 2.8 seconds, according to Lamborghini. The company claims the e-motor fills in power gaps during gear changes, which are lightning-quick anyway.Expect the Sin to appear at this years Frankfurt IAA Motor
Origin: The new hybrid Sián is the most powerful car Lamborghini’s ever produced
Toyota tests plug-in hybrid RAV4 SUV in new images
Toyota has been seen testing what appears to be a plug-in hybrid variant of the RAV4 SUV on European roads. At first glance, the prototype doesn’t seem any different from the standard Honda CR-V rival. However, closer inspection reveals a disguised opening on the right-hand side of the car – the opposite side of where the fuel filler cap resides – a classic tell that a charging port is lurking underneath. The test hack is also towing what looks like dynamometer equipment, another traditional sign of a new powertrain under development. While Toyota is unable to officially comment, it’s most likely that a PHEV RAV4 would continue to use the 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a larger electric motor and lithium ion battery pack. While the Japanese maker already has a PHEV in its arsenal in the form of the Prius Plug-in, that 1.8-litre unit is unlikely to provide sufficient power and torque levels to account for the substantial weight increase usually seen with a plug-in hybrid – for reference, the straight hybrid model already weighs around 1750kg. The TNGA platform underpinning the SUV has been designed to offer a mix of powertrains. Expect an all-electric range target of about 30 miles, allowing a quotable low-CO2 figure to satisfy business users. Toyota has long been an advocate of its so-called ‘self-charging’ parallel hybrid system – used in the Prius for two decades – claiming it’s more convenient than having to plug in. However, all car makers will be forced to drive down their fleet average CO2 rating rapidly or face heavy fines as new EU emission laws come into force in 2020/21. Electrification with a meaningful all-electric range is the most effective way of doing so. As such, expect a plug-in hybrid RAV4 to arrive on the scene in the middle of 2020, rivalling models such as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Vauxhall Grandland X
Origin: Toyota tests plug-in hybrid RAV4 SUV in new images
New Hyundai Kona Hybrid to start from £22,495
The new Hyundai Kona Hybrid will be priced from £22,495 when it goes on sale in the UK near the end of September. The latest version of the Korean firm’s compact SUV, which joins the existing petrol, diesel and fully electric models, will be offered in three trim levels, all of which will use the same 1.6-litre petrol-electric powertrain. That unit, taken from Kia’s larger Niro, uses a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, making 104bhp on its own, mated to a 43bhp electric motor also powering the front wheels. Both are linked through a six-speed dual-clutch auotmatic gearbox and a small (1.56kWh) lithium ion battery that recharges through coasting and braking. Total system output is 139bhp, with a combined torque figure of 195lb ft. That’s sufficient for a 0-62mph time of 11.2sec on the smallest wheel size, and a maximum speed of just under 100mph. The hybrid is considerably more frugal on paper than the normal petrol equivalents, managing a claimed 72mpg (66mpg on 18in wheels) and CO2 emissions of 90g/km (99g/km on 18in wheels). For comparison, Hyundai claims the base 1.0 T-GDI petrol engine manages 54.3mpg combined. Entry-level Kona Hybrid SE models feature climate control, 16in wheels with a design bespoke to the hybrid version, special badges and unique white accents on the air vents and gear level. There is a 7in touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, rear parking sensors and camera and lane-keeping assist. The mid-level Kona Hybrid Premium starts at £24,295, and additions include 18in wheels, a 10.25in touchscreen, Krell sound system, keyless entry, privacy glass, wireless smartphone charging. The top Premium SE trim level is priced from £27,195 and includes the likes of LED front and rear lights, standard autonomous emergency braking, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a head-up display. All three trim levels are available with different versions of Hyundai’s SmartSense safety packs as options. The £22,495 starting price for the Kona Hybrid compares to £17,305 for the petrol, and £27,250 for the electric
Origin: New Hyundai Kona Hybrid to start from £22,495
Cosworth will provide hybrid technology for BTCC in 2022
British Touring Car Championship organiser TOCA has announced that Cosworth Electronics will supply hybrid powertrains for the race series from 2022. The new technology will be integrated into the competing cars’ existing 2.0-litre turbocharged powertrains, to keep costs down, and will be used primarily for passing and defending manoeuvres on track. But cars will also operate in full-electric mode in the pitlane. The system will allow the BTCC to forego its current ‘success ballast’ system from 2022. Instead of race winners carrying more weight in their next outing, their hybrid usage will be more tightly restricted. Cosworth Electronics, a subsidiary of renowned engineering firm Cosworth, won the tender having demonstrated it could meet the packaging, performance and cost requirements outlined by TOCA. The compact 60-volt system comprises a gearbox-mounted electric motor and separate cooling unit. A bespoke battery and its associated hardware, alongside modifications to the gearbox and ancillaries, entails an estimated 64kg weight gain for each car. Early tests have shown that the most significant performance boost comes at the bottom of the rev range. The BTCC claims “the hybrid power burst will bring the engine up into the turbo ‘window’ more quickly”. Activating hybrid mode will temporarily add approximately 40bhp to a car’s power output, claims the BTCC. A simulation based on Silverstone revealed that a hybrid-equipped racer would accelerate faster out of Copse Corner than a conventionally-fuelled current model. Drivers can control how much energy they recuperate and deploy throughout the race, with a steering wheel-mounted button that engages and disengages the hybrid motor. The system will also deactivate under braking, when the pre-determined time limit has been reached or when throttle input changes suddenly. The BTCC is conducting tests to determine the exact rules of hybrid technology usage in races, but has confirmed that it cannot be deployed for more than a total of 15 seconds per lap. Cosworth’s hybrid powertrain will cost teams £20,500 per season (£2050 per race). The competition’s shift to electrification was first announced in 2018, with testing scheduled to get underway as early as next year. The BTCC says hybridisation “could have been introduced from 2021” but “it was decided to stay with the original 2022 introduction date in order to allow ample
Origin: Cosworth will provide hybrid technology for BTCC in 2022
New Chevrolet Corvette could get hybrid or electric versions
The new mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette will feature electrified powertrains in the future – with a full electric version under consideration. The new C8 version of the two-seater was launched in Los Angeles, with the initial Corvette Stingray model featuring a 495bhp, 470lb ft 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine. Chevrolet sources have confirmed the powertrain has been designed to allow for electrification, with insiders suggesting mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and, while less likely, full electric versions were being considered. Asked if an electrified Corvette might feature a mild hybrid battery-based starter motor, or use a small electric engine to provide four-wheel drive, one project member said: “You would not look stupid if you said that.” When asked by Autocar about future electrified variants of the Corvette, the president of Chevrolet parent company General Motors, Mark Reuss, said: “The company is committed to a strategy of 0-0-0: zero emissions, zero crashes and zero congestion. All of the technology rolling into this vehicle is meant to support that. This platform can carry a lot of different things into the future for General Motors.” Pressed on whether a fully electric Corvette was under consideration, Reuss said: “We’ll see. Stay tuned.” Reuss did confirm that the Corvette would be produced in right-hand drive and will be sold in European markets, which will most likely include the UK. The outgoing C7 model was only available with a limited number of British dealers. Chevrolet sources have confirmed that a convertible version of the Corvette will follow the coupé “in relatively short order”. Paul
Origin: New Chevrolet Corvette could get hybrid or electric versions
Plug-in hybrid sales drop by half in June
Demand for plug-in hybrid cars fell by half in June, the biggest fall yet seen in this sector of the market, according to figures from The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Plug-in hybrid sales decreased by 50.4% in June, and year-to-date, fell by 29.6%. The SMMT blamed the trend on the Government’s removal of the grant for these vehicles, which was announced in October last year. Supply issues for plug-in hybrids, related to the introduction of WLTP emissions testing last year, is another factor in their decline. While plug-in hybrid sales fell in June, electric vehicle registrations rose by 61.7%, closely in line with demand year-to-date. In the first six months of 2019, EV demand has increased by 60.3%. The overall new car market declined for the fourth consecutive month in June, falling by 4.9% with 223,421 units sold. Year-to-date, UK car registrations dropped by 3.4% to 1.27m units, as “ongoing confusion over low emission zones and diesel, the removal of key ultra low emission vehicle incentives and an overall decline in buyer confidence affected the market,” said the SMMT. However, it added that the figures were in line with expectations. The downward trend for diesel continued in June with a fall of 20.5%. Year-to-date, diesel sales have decreased by 19.4%. Conversely, petrol sales grew by 3% in June and 3.5% year-to-date. Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “Another month of decline is worrying but the fact that sales of alternatively fuelled cars are going into reverse is a grave concern. Manufacturers have invested billions to bring these vehicles to market but their efforts are now being undermined by confusing policies and the premature removal of purchase incentives. “If we are to see widespread uptake of these vehicles, which are an essential part of a smooth transition to zero emission transport, we need world-class, long-term incentives and substantial investment in infrastructure. Fleet renewal remains the quickest way to address environmental concerns today and consumers should have the confidence – and support – to choose the new car that best meets their driving needs, whatever the technology, secure in the knowledge that it is safer and cleaner than ever before.” The supermini segment remains the biggest selling segment in the UK, making up 31% of registrations in the first six months. The Ford Fiesta remains Britain’s top-selling car followed by the Vauxhall Corsa and Mini
Origin: Plug-in hybrid sales drop by half in June
Mercedes-Benz is bringing out an A250e plug-in hybrid hatchback
Mercedes-Benz is planning to add another product to its growing collection of EQ plug-in hybrids. Word is the fourth-generation A-class will get a PHEV hatchback variant dubbed the A250e. The gas-electric four-door will still run the same 1.3-litre turbocharged engine as the A200, good for 158 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torque.The electric portion of the power comes from a motor mounted on the gearbox producing 101 horsepower and 221 lb.-ft. of torque. Those drivetrains in combination, says Benz, will lead to similar performance stats as the gas-powered A250. It’s expected Benz will use the same eight-speed automatic recently introduced in models like the new GLB, only tuned to handle the extra electric torque. Powering the electric motor is a 15-kWh lithium-ion battery with the capacity to deliver 60 km of pure electric driving and a top electric speed of 140 km/h. That battery sits beneath the rear seat, next to the hybrid’s fuel tank, which is 10 litres smaller than that of the standard A250. DC charging should be supported at a max rate of 22 kW, but we’ll have to wait until September for confirmation on that. The A250e is scheduled to be revealed in full at the Frankfurt auto
Origin: Mercedes-Benz is bringing out an A250e plug-in hybrid hatchback
Bentley to offer hybrid versions of all its vehicles by 2023
The 2019 Bentley Bentayga Plug-In Hybrid Bentley has been slowly wading into the waters of electrification with the recent release of its first hybrid vehicle, the Bentayga hybrid last year. But the brand plans to be fully submerged as early as 2023, with all of its cars and SUVs offered in hybrid spec; it wants to follow that with the first fully electric Bentley in 2025. The luxury brand is pushing for greener power – as are the majority of other automakers – as emissions and fuel consumption regulations in Europe and around the world continue to become tighter and more expensive to ignore. Speaking with media including Roadshow at an event in California earlier this week, Bentley’s sales and marketing board member, Chris Craft, said it’s not just the government demanding a new power source, but the public as well. “Over 30 per cent of luxury buyers are interested in electric cars,” said Craft. “That will be a big part of our future.” The Bentayga Plug-In Hybrid pairs a 3.0-litre V6 engine with a single electric motor good for 50 km of driving and able to be recharged in 2.5 hours via an industrial outlet. Bentley hasn’t said whether the new PHEVs will use some version of this same powertrain or not. Details on the electric vehicle promised to arrive in 2025 are also sparse, though it’s rumoured the EV will not be built on the J1 platform used in the Porsche Taycan, but rather be underpinned by the PPE platform Porsche built in collaboration with Audi.
Origin: Bentley to offer hybrid versions of all its vehicles by 2023
All about car 