Volvo is offering UK buyers of its plug-in hybrid models a year’s worth of free electricity, in a bid to encourage them to use their cars as efficiently as possible. The Take Charge offer, which was revealed at the unveiling of the XC40 Recharge EV last month, will be available to any UK buyer of one of the firm’s seven plug-in hybrid models between now and 30 June 2020. Volvo now offers an electrified version of every car in its line-up, with plug-in hybrid versions of the XC40, XC60, XC90 SUVs, the V60 and V90 estates and S60 and S90 saloons. All those models will now carry the new Recharge badge for electrified machines. The firm will record the total level of charge put into it over the course of a year using the Volvo On Call app, with Volvo then giving the customer a rebate based on the average price of electricity. Björn Annwall, Volvo’s commercial boss, said the scheme was designed to showcase that plug-in hybrids can be a sustainable stepping stone or alternative to full electric cars, and to fight the belief that many are bought for tax incentives and rarely plugged in to charge. “Plug-in hybrids can be very efficient if they are used in the right way,” said Annwall. “But if you just buy them for tax reasons and leave the cables in the boot it’s just a waste. “We wanted to make consumers more aware of the benefits, and this was something we could do to help all plug-in hybrid buyers. We think incentives can help, because they can put a spotlight on efficient energy usage. “The first year with a new car is when you set your habits with it, so if we put incentives then it will really make people think about how they use their cars, and show how they can change.” While Volvo’s plug-in hybrid models have previously carried Twin Engine branding, that will be phased out in favour of the new Recharge label, which will also be used for full-electric cars such as the new XC40 Recharge. Volvo has introduced an electrified version of every model in its range, and is aiming for plug-in hybrid cars to account for 20% of its sales next year. This is a key part of a major push towards electrification and reducing its average carbon emissions. The firm is aiming to be carbon neutral by
Origin: Volvo launches free electricity offer for UK PHEV buyers
launches
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
Electric London black cab launches with 187-mile range
A pure electric black cab has been launched, rivalling the plug-in hybrid LEVC TX and offering up to 187 miles of range. The Dynamo Taxi, produced by new cab maker Dynamo, is the first fully electric taxi since the 1897 Bersey Taxi. The vehicle is based on the Nissan e-NV200 Evalia MPV, which Dynamo buys from the maker and modifies. Dynamo has added wheelchair accessibility and re-kitted the model’s interior to meet strict London taxi regulations. Other changes include incorporating contactless payment into the Evalia’s infotainment system. There is also an enlarged glass roof and heated seats, while Dynamo claims the seating has been overhauled to better cater for passengers. The cab has the same drivetrain as the standard Nissan e-NV200, producing a range of up to 187 miles. Recharging the Dynamo from empty to 80% takes between 40 and 60 minutes on a 46kW fast charge. The reworked Nissan also benefits from a significantly tighter turning circle to help drivers navigate London’s streets. Dynamo aims to produce at least 500 taxis next year, with a minimum of 1500 targeted for 2021. Although the taxi was launched in London, Dynamo hopes they will be adopted across the UK. Dynamo CEO Brendan O’Toole said: “The UK’s new-car market is experiencing an electric revolution, with record numbers of fully electric vehicle registrations taking place each year. Electric vehicle technology is now a viable alternative to petrol and diesel vehicles, and it’s imperative the UK’s taxi market changes with the times. “The Dynamo Taxi is the UK’s first Transport for London-approved fully electric taxi and is designed with both drivers and passengers in mind. With a low starting price, and a reliable vehicle architecture in the Nissan e-NV200, we are offering a truly unique solution to the tens of thousands of taxi drivers in London and cities across the UK.” The taxi costs £55,495 outright. This figure is reduced to £47,955 for buyers eligible for a £7500 government plug-in car
Origin: Electric London black cab launches with 187-mile range
Volvo launches Recharge brand for electrified cars
Volvo will introduce a new Recharge brand for all of its full electric and plug-in hybrid cars, and has vowed to show buyers the average lifecycle carbon footprint of each new model as part of a bold set of plans to reduce its carbon emissions. The new Recharge line will be introduced with the Swedish firm’s first battery electric vehicle, the XC40 Recharge, which will be unveiled later today (Wednesday). That will also be the first model for which Volvo will disclose the average lifecycle carbon footprint – effectively the CO2 emissions the car will produce during its life with both manufacturing and usage taken into account. The Recharge label will be used on all new electrified models the firm releases from now on. Volvo says that it will use the brand to push sales of electrified cars, and that it will offer incentives to encourage plug-in hybrid drivers to use the full electric Pure mode as much as possible. Volvo has already revealed plans for half of the cars it sells by 2025 to be fully electric, and has now launched a wider climate plan with the aim to reduce the lifecycle carbon footprint per car by 40% from 2018 figures by the same date. The firm has also set a target of becoming an entirely climate-neutral company by 2040. Volvo has already pledged that every new car its introduces will feature an electrified powertrain. But it says that meeting its climate target will involve both pursuing “all-out electrification” of its vehicle line-up, and reducing carbon emissions from its manufacturing network, wider operations and supply chain. The firm is also aiming to increase both recycling and the reuse of materials. To achieve a 40% reduction of its per car CO2 footprint by 2025, Volvo has set goals for that date of reducing CO2 emissions from its global supply chain by 25%, reducing its own carbon emissions by 25% and using 25% recycled plastics in new cars. Volvo boss Hakan Samuelsson said that the firm was “transforming our company through concrete actions, not symbolic pledges.” He added: “We will address what we can control, which is both out operations and the tailpipe emissions of our cars. And we will address what we can influence, by calling on our suppliers and the energy sector to join us in aiming for a climate neutral future.” Volvo recently announced plans to merge its combustion engine programme with parent firm Geely, and then spin it off into a separate company. It says that will allow it to focus fully on electrified
Origin: Volvo launches Recharge brand for electrified cars
David Brown launches hot version of Mini Remastered
David Brown Automotive has unveiled a limited-run performance variant of its sympathetically modernised Mini Remastered to mark the motoring icon’s 60th birthday. The Oselli Edition has been modified by classic motorsport specialist Oselli. It features an uprated version of the original A-Series engine but with capacity increased from 1.0 litre to 1.4 litres for a power output of 109bhp – a 40% increase over the standard Mini Remastered unit. Alongside the addition of a fifth gear for lower revs at higher speeds, the Oselli Edition receives a revamped exhaust and air intake system to cope with the extra power. Underneath, there are Spax adjustable performance dampers, wider wheels and tyres and an upgraded braking system comprising four-piston calipers at the front and alloy drums at the back. Buyers can choose from two bespoke paint schemes inspired by historic motorsport liveries, with the option of grey or white for the main body and red, blue or green for the racing stripes. The engine cover will be painted to match the chosen stripe colour, while chrome trim is replaced with black pieces to mark out the special edition. Further visual differences from the regular model include build number markings to the front and rear and a pair of rally-style spotlights in the grille. The Oselli Edition can be specified as a two or four-seater, with the option of a hand-trimmed roll cage for track use. Seats will be trimmed to match the exterior stripes and can be fitted with conventional seatbelts or a race-spec four-point harness. David Brown will produce 60 examples of the Oselli Edition, priced from £98,000 for a four-seater and £108,000 for a two-seater with a roll
Origin: David Brown launches hot version of Mini Remastered
Mercedes launches GLE 350 de and GLC 300 e PHEVs
Mercedes launches GLE 350 de and GLC 300 e PHEVs The GLE PHEV has an electric range of around 60 miles Mercedes Benz has added two new plug-in hybrids to its SUV range – the GLE 350 de and GLC 300 e – the former featuring an electric-only driving range of 60 miles on a charge. The GLE 350 de is a plug-in diesel hybrid that features a 31.2 kWh battery for a range between 56 and 62 miles on a charge, depending on specification. The battery powers a 100 kW electric motor, which contributes to a combined power output of 320 hp (235 kW). CO2 emissions are 29 g/km, and the official fuel economy is 256.8 MPG. The petrol-powered GLC 300 e plug-in hybrid has a more common set of statistics, with a 13.5 kWh battery allowing an electric-only range of 24 to 27 miles on a charge. CO2 emissions are rated at up to 57 g/km, and the fuel economy score is 112.9 MPG in the least efficient specification. All of the above figures are based on WLTP testing, which at least in terms of electric driving range, proves relatively achievable in real-world driving conditions. Both models feature Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive system, and the GLE 350 de can be rapid charged on CCS charge points at up to 60 kW. A 10-80% charge will take around 20 minutes, and a 10-100% charge around half an hour. This new GLE 350 de joins the latest BMW X5 plug-in hybrid in offering considerably larger battery packs, and subsequently, longer driving ranges on electric-only power. The BMW features a 24 kWh battery – the same as the first-generation Nissan Leaf – and this new GLE 350 de has a similarly-sized battery to the updated Leaf MkI. Further specifications and pricing details will be released closer to on-sale date.
Origin: Mercedes launches GLE 350 de and GLC 300 e PHEVs
Volvo launches S60 T8 Twin Engine model
Volvo launches S60 T8 Twin Engine model The PHEV is both the most powerful and most efficient model in the range Volvo has expanded its S60 saloon range with new trim levels and the eagerly-awaited T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain. Featuring an 11.8 kWh battery and 87hp electric motor, the S60 T8 Twin Engine can cover up to 36 miles in electric mode, has official CO2 emissions of 39 g/km, and a WLTP combined fuel economy score of 176.5 MPG. It’s also the range-topping powertrain with 390hp available to the driver, seeing the motor combine with a 303hp four-cylinder petrol engine. Power is put through an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the S60 T8’s 0-62mph time is just 4.6 seconds. New trim levels for the line-up have seen R-Design Plus and Inscription Plus. The former replaces the launch R-Design Edition trim, and adds a sporty air to the S60. The Inscrption Plus trim is a new specification, and focuses on a more luxurious set-up. Prices start at £37,935 for R-Design Plus, and £38,835 for Inscription Plus – both of which use the originally available T5 petrol engine. The new T8 Twin Engine powertrain is only available in R-Design Plus trim for now, and starts at £49,805.
Origin: Volvo launches S60 T8 Twin Engine model
Aston Martin launches bespoke garage design service
Aston Martin’s bespoke personalisation outfit, Q by Aston Martin, has launched a new service to help owners create their ideal car storage facility. Automotive Galleries and Lairs, revealed today at Pebble Beach, will assist owners in designing bespoke garages or display units to house their Aston Martins. The new sub-division can also design and build entire homes, in partnership with high-profile architectural firms, wherein the client’s car collection acts as an integral design feature. Architects are assigned to individual projects based on their awareness of the local area and appreciation of the requirements of the brief. A design concept from architectural firm Obermoser shows an extravagant underground gallery, with Aston’s new Valhalla supercar housed in the middle of a circular fish tank. Another rendering shows the upcoming Valkyrie hypercar positioned prominently in front of an expansive window. Aston Martin chief creative officer Marek Reichman said: “Imagine a home or luxury retreat built around your car. Picture creating the ultimate space to showcase your own automotive works of art. “This is now achievable with this new offering. For the car enthusiast, the garage is as important as the rest of the house and a bespoke auto gallery designed by Aston Martin that either focuses on showing off the car or is part of a larger, integrated entertainment space with simulators and such like takes Aston Martin ownership to the next level.” The launch of Galleries and Lairs coincides with the beginning of construction at Aston Martin’s new luxury apartment block in Miami. Aston Martin Residences, a 66-storey tower building in Miami comprising 391 apartments, is scheduled for completion in the next two
Origin: Aston Martin launches bespoke garage design service
Former Jaguar styling boss Ian Callum launches his own company
Ian Callum, Jaguar head designer. Ian Callum, the man behind a bevy of beautiful designs for British car companies Jaguar and Aston Martin, has started up his own design house.Callum stepped down from the top styling role at Jaguar a few weeks ago, leaving behind a massive body of work, but also some pretty big shoes to fill.Now it looks like those shoes were never taken off in the first place. His new venture will focus on art, audio, automotive, fashion, lifestyle and motorsport, and will simply be called CALLUM. View this post on Instagram Our new Design business starts today. CALLUM A post shared by Ian Callum (@iscallum) on Jul 17, 2019 at 12:42am PDTI wanted to get back to the essence of creativity; the challenge of producing something wonderful and personal. To design the alternative has always been my mantra, but always the beautiful alternative and something to enjoy, Callum said in a statement.In todays modern world, collaboration is the catalyst for new ideas, and this is our ethos and inspiration, both within our team and as we look to work with partners in the future. CALLUM is an exciting new chapter that will focus on Journeys to Destinations, and all that encompasses.At Jaguar, Callum was responsible for such iconic modern designs as the Jaguar F-Type, the XJ, the F-Pace and the C-X75, which was featured in the 007 movie Spectre. Previously, Callum also designed the Aston Martin DB7, the Vanquish and the DB9, as well as the Ford RS200 and the Nissan R390.Joining Callum will be a few other prominent designers including David Fairbairn, who styled the lightweight E-Type; Adam Donfrancesco, who gave Noble its modern design language, and penned the Aston Martin GT8 and GT12; and Tom Bird, who put the C-X75 into the latest Bond film.CALLUM has just 18 employees so far, and a 20,000-square-foot facility in Warwick,
Origin: Former Jaguar styling boss Ian Callum launches his own company
Peugeot launches new e2008
Peugeot launches new e-2008 The latest compact crossover will be available as a pure EV Peugeot has revealed the next generation of its 2008 crossover, and this model includes a pure-electric e-2008 version. Following on from the launch of the highly-anticipated e-208 EV, Peugeot has quickly added to its electric line-up, and is doing so with models that sit in two popular and accessible markets – superminis and crossovers. Sharing the same powertrain as the e-208, the e-2008 will have a 50 kWh battery and 100 kW electric motor. This should be good for a range of 193 miles (WLTP) on a single charge. Drivers will be able to charge at up to 100 kW DC on rapid units, and the on-board AC charger will accept up to 11 kW. Familiar EV features such as regenerative braking and connected car services – pre-conditioning, charger time/check etc – will be fitted. The new model shows parent company PSA Group’s intent to electrify its fleet. The same core platform and powertrain that will be used in the e-2008 and e-208 is also used in the Vauxhall Corsa-e and DS 3 Crossback E-Tense. By the end of the year, the group will have at least four new pure-electric models in affordable markets and with competitive range and charging specifications. That’s excluding the forthcoming plug-in hybrid models from the three brands too.
Origin: Peugeot launches new e2008
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