Skoda launches CITIGOe iV EV and Superb iV PHEV The iV badge will be used on plug in models from Skoda Skoda has revealed the first two models due to launch in its electrification push – the CITIGOe iV and Superb iV. The first sees Skoda create the firm’s first pure-electric model in its city car, while the large family sized Superb will arrive as Skoda’s first plug-in hybrid. The CITIGOe has a range of 165 miles (WLTP) on a single charge from a 36.8 kWh battery, powering a 61 kW electric motor. The 0-62mph time is 12.5 seconds, but thanks to 211 Nm of torque, shorter bursts of acceleration are considerably quicker. Charging times are quoted as 1 hour on a 40 kW DC CCS rapid charger to 80%, so although technical specifications have not been confirmed, it looks as though 40 kW DC charging will be the maximum the Skoda can take. The on-board AC charger is rated at 7.2 kW though, with a 0-80% charge time of just over 4 hours. Skoda’s Superb will combine a 1.4 TSI petrol engine with an 85 kW electric motor, to produce a combined 218 hp and 400 Nm of torque when both systems are working together in Sport mode. Because of a 13 kWh battery, the Superb iV will cover up to 34 miles (WLTP) on a single charge in electric mode, and the official CO2 emissions figure is 40 g/km. Charging will take 3.5 hours from a 3.6 kW charger via the Type 2 inlet.
Origin: Skoda launches CITIGOe iV EV and Superb iV PHEV
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Audi launches new PHEV range with Q5 55 TFSI e quattro
Audi launches new PHEV range with Q5 55 TFSI e quattro The PHEV Q5 SUV leads a new range of four plug in models from Audi Audi has launched its new Q5 55 TFSI e quattro, with the plug-in hybrid SUV kicking off a number of new PHEV model launches. The Q5 has a 14.1 kWh battery, which powers a 105 kW electric motor – supported by a 2.0 litre TFSI petrol unit. This allows for WLTP economy figures of 113 MPG, a range of more than 26 miles on a single charge, and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. The Audi produces a combined 367hp and 500 Nm of torque, for a 0-62mph time of 5.3 seconds. The Q5 will be able to run on electric power alone at speeds of up to 84mph. Already a popular SUV, the addition of a PHEV powertrain will appeal to a number of buyers, particularly those running one as a company car. The Q5 55 TFSI e quattro can be set to electric-only driving, battery hold, or conventional hybrid modes. The Audi’s navigation system can help put the car in the most efficient setting for any part of a trip, allowing the car to coast when at higher speeds, recuperate energy when heading down hill, and picking which powertrain or combination there or to use at particular sections. Charging is carried out via the Type 2 inlet on the rear flank, with an on-board charger capable of taking 7.4 kW. This means a charging time of just a couple of hours from a fast home or public point. Audi is in the process of re-launching its plug-in hybrid line-up. Having had an A3 and Q7 e-tron on its books, these have been removed, and the e-tron badge reassigned to pure-electric models only – like the e-tron SUV. A new range of ‘TFSI e’ models will be coming along shortly though, with the Q5 set to be joined by the A6, A7 Sportback, and A8 saloons in 2019. Order books will open early in June, with deliveries due in the last three months of 2019. Although UK pricing is yet to be confirmed, Audi expects the Q5 55 TFSI e quattro to start at around £55,000.
Origin: Audi launches new PHEV range with Q5 55 TFSI e quattro
BMW launches limited-run M5 Edition 35 Years
BMW will celebrate 35 years of its M5 super saloon with a limited-run reworking of the 616bhp M5 Competition. The BMW M5 Edition 35 years features the same tuned version of the 4.4-litre V8 twin turbo engine as the M5 Competition, which produces 553lb ft of torque and can achieve 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 155mph. The all-wheel-drive model also features the lowered and stiffened suspension from the M5 Competition, along with ball-joined rear suspension mountings and upgraded front anti-roll bars. The 350 examples of the M5 Edition 35 Years that will be produced feature a number of design changes, including a new metallic grey paint, and new 20-inch alloy wheels. The brake calipers are finished in high-gloss black, while the calipers on the optional M carbon ceramic brakes are available in a golf finish. The interior features a number of trim finishers made from aluminium carbon structure gold in the door trim, instrument panel and centre console. The door sills and cupholder covers feature M5 Edition 35 engravings. The M5 Edition 35 Years will go on sale in July. No pricing details have been revealed, but it is likely to be above the £96,205 of the standard M5 Competition. The first M5, which featured an in-line six-cylinder engine taken from the mid-engined M1, was launched in late
Origin: BMW launches limited-run M5 Edition 35 Years
VW launches online hub for upcoming electric I.D. cars
A camoflaged version of the VW I.D. HatchbackElektrowoz Volkswagen’s I.D. line of electric vehicles could be hitting the streets sooner than later. Starting May 8 at noon, London time, the company will begin taking pre-orders for its new I.D. Hatchback. To juice the process, VW’s U.K. arm launched a special online portal to welcome “registrations of interest” and to provide information on future members of the I.D. family. Alert readers will recall Wolfsburg has shown several vehicles designed to be part of its all-electric I.D. lineup. They include the curiously named Crozz, Buzz and Vizzion. At that rate, the company will quickly use up the world’s supply of Zs. The new I.D. Hatchback will be offered in a trio of flavours, ranging from an entry-level trim with about 330 km of driving range; all the way up to a fancy-pants 111-kWh model that can stretch its legs up to 550 km per charge. All versions will be powered by a rear-mounted electric motor cranking out approximately 168 horsepower. The company has indicated it will build future I.D. vehicles on a common skateboard platform, allowing them to drape the electric architecture with different clothing depending on market goals. Earlier today, a video of a lightly disguised I.D. Hatchback prototype briefly appeared online; screenshots from website Elektrowoz made sure images from the clip stayed around. Despite its overall shape being quite unlike anything in VW’s current catalog, there’s no mistaking it for anything other than a Volkswagen. The taillights are especially reminiscent of a Golf, while the round button of a VW badge stands out prominently between its headlamps. A camoflaged version of the VW I.D. Hatchback Elektrowoz What is presumably a flap covering its charging port appears on the car’s right-rear quarter panel in some images, but vanishes from that location in others. We’ll have to wait for an unveiling of the real thing to accurately determine details such as those. What is certain is that VW is jumping into the electric vehicle market in a big way. With entrants like these, competition for EV supremacy is going to a whole lot more
Origin: VW launches online hub for upcoming electric I.D. cars
Genesis launches Mint EV concept
Genesis launches Mint EV concept The premium brand is looking to expand into Europe Genesis has unveiled the Mint Concept ahead of the New York Motor Show, a pure-electric city car that aims to focus on style and urban driving. The two-door EV has an estimated range of 200 miles on a single charge, and features 350 kW ultra-rapid charging capabilities. A compact footprint and low-slung shape aim to help aerodynamics and suitability for driving in towns and cities, while also giving the Mint an air of ‘fun-to-drive’ nature – think Mini in concept. Though not prevalent in Europe yet, Genesis is Hyundai’s premium brand, and the Hyundai-Kia group is one of the world’s leading EV manufacturers currently, with a line up that boasts the likes of the Kona Electric & Ioniq Electric from Hyundai, and the e-Niro & forthcoming Soul EV from Kia. Essentially, the experience and systems are in place to not dismiss the Mint as yet another concept without any solid foundations. It is not yet confirmed for production, though many will hope that it will be made. Stylish and premium yet compact EVs are not currently available, but Honda has already said it’s Urban EV will be pitched in that market, and the Mini E will cover that space a little, so it appears that manufacturers think there are buyers out there to put their money down. Genesis as a brand will launch in Europe next year, with confirmed plans for sales in the UK. Although currently made up primarily of premium saloons, a model like the Mint would be a welcome one for many.
Origin: Genesis launches Mint EV concept
New hydrogen-only car firm launches with Pininfarina concept
New Chinese start-up Grove, which claims to be the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell-only mass production company, has launched at the Shanghai motor show with a concept car designed by Italian styling house Pininfarina. The concept car is the result of a “wide-ranging” deal between Pininfarina and Grove, which is based in the Chinese province of Wuhan and has a design studio in Barcelona, Spain. The Grove Pininfarina concept is a striking four-door coupé-style saloon, with a bold front grille and a highly sculpted rear diffuser. It also features frameless doors and cameras in place of wing mirrors. No technical or performance details have been revealed. While the firm has not confirmed a name for the car in press materials, the rear number plates suggests it uses the moniker Granite. Grove is currently developing a range of hydrogen-powered vehicles, beginning with a four-door SUV called the Obsidian, which was also on display in Shanghai. The firm has said that this machine will have a range of up to 625 miles, with a powertrain that use regenerative charging to regain energy under braking. The company aims to start sales in China later this year, with volume production starting in 2020, and plans to expand into other markets with the goal of becoming “a world leader in clean transportation”. Grove recently secured an agreement to expand into Australia and New Zealand, but there are no details of European expansion plans yet. Grove Hydrogen was established by the Chinese Institute of Geosciences and Environment, which currently manufactures and distributes hydrogen extracted from industrial waste. The Institute says it is working with large Chinese cities to install and expand hydrogen a charging infrastructure in the coming years. Pininfarina has also designed a new Karma sports car, which is on display in
Origin: New hydrogen-only car firm launches with Pininfarina concept
Toyota launches China-only electric C-HR
Toyota has revealed an electric variant of its C-HR compact SUV exclusively for the Chinese market. Unveiled at the Shanghai motor show alongside the identical Izoa, which will be produced by Chinese company FAW, the C-HR EV will go on sale in 2020. The new model, first announced at the Beijing motor show last year, is the first electric Toyota to become available in China, and the first to use the firm’s new TNGA platform as featured on the new Corolla. Performance and powertrain details are unconfirmed, but subtle styling revisions such as the absence of a front grille differentiate the new EV from its conventionally fuelled sibling. The unveiling is the first step in Toyota’s plan to introduce 10 electrified models in China over the next five years, in line with Chinese government requirements for manufacturers to electrify a percentage of their line-ups. The C-HR is sold in the UK with conventional petrol and petrol-electric hybrid powertrains. Last month Toyota unveiled Chinese-market plug-in hybrid variants of the Corolla and FAW-built Levin, which joined the electric C-HR on Toyota’s Shanghai stand, alongside the Rhombus – a futuristic EV urban EV designed by Chinese firm TMEC. Moritaka Yoshida, Toyota executive vice-president, spoke of the firm’s intentions to use the Chinese market as a testbed for new hydrogen-fuelled vehicles. “Since 2017, Toyota has been conducting demonstration tests with the Mirai in China,” he said. “We are considering the local introduction of other fuel cell vehicles such as the FC Coaster.” The car maker plans to sell 5.5 million electrified vehicles worldwide by
Origin: Toyota launches China-only electric C-HR
China-only BMW 3 Series LWB launches
BMW has revealed the long-wheelbase version of the new 3 Series saloon, which will be offered exclusively in the Chinese market, at this year’s Shanghai motor show. The extended version of the recently launched seventh-generation 3 Series has been reworked to offer extra space in the rear, along with a number of new features. It fits a long trend of car firms making longer versions of premium models for China. The stretched 3 Series’s wheelbase of 2851mm is 41mm longer than the regular 3 Series, and the car’s total length is stretched to 4719mm. It is 1827mm wide and 1459mm high, with increased track widths of 1583mm at the front and 1599mm at the rear. Power comes from a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, while the 3 Series long-wheelbase features comfort seats in the front and rear and a panoramic glass roof, among a number of features to meet the demands of Chinese customers. The machine will be produced by joint venture firm BMW Brilliance Automotive, at its Tiexi plant in Shenyang in Liaoning Province, where Chinese market versions of the regular 3 Series will also be produced. In China, the 3 Series – in both standard and long-wheelbase forms – will also be offered with BMW’s new Intelligent Personal Assistant system, which offers a range of digital services. It also responds to voice controls with the prompt ‘hey BMW’. BMW has also displayed the recently announced X3M and X4M performance SUV models in public for the first time at the Shanghai
Origin: China-only BMW 3 Series LWB launches
Renault launches KZE compact EV at Shanghai
Renault launches K-ZE compact EV at Shanghai The latest Renault is the sixth EV to join the range Renault has launched the K-ZE pure-electric compact crossover at the Shanghai Auto Show, which will help drive expansion in the important Chinese EV market, but could come to Europe in due course. The K-ZE is smaller than a Zoe, and roughly the same size as a Twingo in crossover form. Technical specifications are not yet confirmed, but the concept version showcased at the Paris Motor Show last year had an NEDC range of 155 miles on a single charge. Judging by the footprint and low-cost targets, a large battery would be out of the question, so a WLTP range of around 120-130 miles would be a reasonable estimate. Charging times have been quoted at 50 minutes for a 0-80% fast charge, or four hours for a slow 0-100% charge. Connected EV systems will be available via an app, and Renault has fitted PM2.5 sensors and an air quality control system to improve the cabin environment. Aimed specifically at the Chinese market, the K-ZE has been designed to ‘high European quality standards’ and it would not be a surprise if the model made it to Europe at some stage.
Origin: Renault launches KZE compact EV at Shanghai
Seat launches electric car push
Seat launches electric car push Six new EVs and PHEVs part of plans until the beginning of 2021 Seat has revealed that six electric and plug-in hybrid models will be launched in the next two years, with a pure-electric version of the Mii city car, and the el-Born going into production first. The next generation Leon and the Tarraco SUV will both feature a plug-in hybrid option, and Seat’s performance brand Cupra will also be electrified, with PHEV variants of the Cupra Leon and Formentor. Both the el-Born and Formentor were displayed at the recent Geneva Motor Show in concept form, but both will go into production with plug-in powertrains available. The Mii shares many components with the VW up! – which is already available as an EV – and electric versions have been trialled in Spain. Seat will base the el-Born and a number of other electric models on the VW Group’s MEB modular electric vehicle architecture, but it will also develop a smaller version of the platform for the group. The VW Group grew largely off the back of platform sharing between its main brands, with the MQB found underpinning a great many models from VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda. A larger version of the MEB has been developed by Audi and Porsche for larger electric models, and Seat is set to work on a version for compact models too. The aim of the new electric platform is to provide electric vehicles below the 20,000 euro mark. Announced during the company’s financial results presentation, CEO Luca de Meo said: “Seat now has a clearer role in the Volkswagen Group, and thanks to the results obtained, we have earned the new electric vehicle platform. For the first time, the Seat Technical Centre will be developing a platform that may be used by more brands around the globe”
Origin: Seat launches electric car push
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