Updates to Tesla Model S and X ranges Improvements to driving range, performance, and refinement are claimed Tesla has rolled out a series of upgrades for its Model S and Model X ranges, which include an increase in range by more than 10%, improved power and torque figures, and new adaptive suspension. Newly built models in the saloon and SUV line-up now see an estimated WLTP range of up to 375 miles for the Model S Long Range, and 315 miles for the Model X Long Range. The 100 kWh batter for both models remains the same as before, with the increase in range coming from a new drivetrain design. The revised electric motors also increase power and torque available to the driver, improving acceleration, though these new figures are not currently available. Faster charging capabilities have been added, increasing the charging speeds to up to 200 kW on the latest V3 Superchargers, and 145 kW on the current V2 Superchargers. Improvements enable customers to recharge up to 50% faster according to Tesla. The new fully adaptive suspension has been designed to provide an ‘ultra-cushioned’ feel when cruising at motorway speeds, and added responsiveness when in dynamic mode. A predictive model has been designed in-house to anticipate how the damping adjusts, based on road, speed, and other driver & vehicle inputs. Tesla has improved the levelling systems to keep the car low when at speed, reducing aerodynamic drag. The suspension system can receive over-the-air updates, meaning the system can be improved further in future. Other improvements have seen new wheel bearings and tyres fitted to increase range and refinement, while Tesla is bringing back an entry level Standard Range model, which starts the Model S line-up at £72,550, and the Model X Standard Range model starts at £76,550 – both including the UK Plug-in Car Grant. The former has an estimated WLTP range of 280 miles on a single, and the latter at 230 miles. Existing Model S and Model X customers who are looking to buy a new Performance version of either model will be offered the Ludicrous Mode upgrade free of charge. The revisions are already being added to models on the production line, with new orders benefiting from the upgrades.
Origin: Updates to Tesla Model S and X ranges
Model
Lincoln Corsair will be first Lincoln model built in China
Lincoln will build its brand new Corsair SUV in China, making it the first model the brand has ever built there. According to a report from Automotive News filed on Wednesday, the MKC predecessor is projected to be Lincoln’s most popular model in China, as the MKC was. The choice to build the Corsair in China makes sense, as it is built upon the same platform as the redesigned 2020 Ford Escape, which is produced in China. Having production in the same country that buys the most of the model makes for great savings on shipping. As for Americans, their Corsairs will come out of Louisville, Kentucky. Local automaker Changan also uses the same plants as Ford in a joint building venture, as laws in China require that foreign automakers can’t just set up a plant and start building, they must partner with local companies that are run in part by the government. This is a small price to pay in exchange for large tax savings. Lincoln has been doing very well in China since 2014 when it was introduced there, and that is partly because of the desire for locals to purchase luxury products for more of a personal experience, rather than an object to show off. Chinese Lincoln dealerships also offer more than what a regular dealer would, with a luxurious showroom complete with tea room. Complete sales and service transparency is also a hallmark of the company. Expect Lincoln to make more vehicles in
Origin: Lincoln Corsair will be first Lincoln model built in China
600-hp Nissan GT-R returns to Canada for 2020 model year
2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition What is it? It’s not as awesome as the GT-R50 Nissan revealed last year and then decided to build for well-heeled customers, but the 2020 GT-R introduces a 50th Anniversary Edition with heritage colours that pay tribute to the greatest racers to bear the GT-R badge. Why does it matter? Don’t be distracted by the flashy colours and pretty stripes Nissan is showing off for their 50th Anniversary Edition GT-R. The real news is the return of the 600-hp Nismo engine tune under the hood of 2020 GT-R Track Edition cars, not seen since the very brief appearance of the GT-R Nismo in Canada for the 2017 model year. While 600 hp is a wonderful round number to make good headlines, it’s not the only change on the menu for the heavyweight AWD supercar, though it is the most meaningful for performance enthusiasts. Each and every twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 that goes into a GT-R is handcrafted by its own takumi technician, with a signed badge commemorating his work. In standard Premium trim, horsepower is an already robust 565, with 467 lb.-ft. from 3,300 to 5,800 rpm, while the 600-hp Track Edition gets a bump to 481 lb.-ft. from 3,600 to 5,600 rpm. Changes for the 2020 model include new turbochargers that yield quicker responsiveness, race-inspired exhaust manifold designed for easier servicing and potential tuning. Nissan continues to tinker with the transmission refinement, but hopefully they will never go too far and strip away the endearing mechanical orchestra of gears and differentials from the 6-speed dual-clutch. R mode gains more aggressive downshifts, particularly during ABS moments, when it interprets that hard braking as preparation for corner exit. However, both Auto mode and R mode will dial back the aggression based on driving inputs, so if you are just driving around town, it won’t downshift for max rpms every time you brake gently or regularly. and as with every update, the suspension is tweaked to enhance both cornering attitude and comfort to go along with refined steering and braking. With the GT-R climbing the pricing ladder thanks to impeccable performance credentials, Nissan is working to keep up appearances and quality for customer that could just as easily spend their money on a Porsche 911 or Mercedes-AMG GT. While the 8-inch touchscreen and controls are looking a bit dated, the single, seamless piece of leather stitched across the dash and matched by door panel inserts do bring a touch of class to the cabin. However, if you can get your hands on one, the 50th Anniversary Edition is the one to have, with a grey colour scheme Nissan likens to the twilight sky (fitting for a car that is in the twilight of its generation), special embossed seats, and stitched Alcantara headliner and trim. Sadly, the 50th anniversary special is paired only with the Premium trim, so you can’t have your 600-hp track beast in that guise. When is it coming? The 2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition will be in dealers this summer. Should you buy it? Well, if you couldn’t afford the GT-R50, then this isn’t a bad way to get into GT-R, especially the Bayside Blue that is as loud and special as the car
Origin: 600-hp Nissan GT-R returns to Canada for 2020 model year
600-hp Nissan GT-R makes its return in Canada for 2020 model year
2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition What is it? It’s not as awesome as the GT-R50 Nissan revealed last year and then decided to build for well-heeled customers, but the 2020 GT-R introduces a 50th Anniversary Edition with heritage colours that pay tribute to the greatest racers to bear the GT-R badge. Why does it matter? Don’t be distracted by the flashy colours and pretty stripes Nissan is showing off for their 50th Anniversary Edition GT-R. The real news is the return of the 600-hp Nismo engine tune under the hood of 2020 GT-R Track Edition cars, not seen since the very brief appearance of the GT-R Nismo in Canada for the 2017 model year. While 600 hp is a wonderful round number to make good headlines, it’s not the only change on the menu for the heavyweight AWD supercar, though it is the most meaningful for performance enthusiasts. Each and every twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 that goes into a GT-R is handcrafted by its own takumi technician, with a signed badge commemorating his work. In standard Premium trim, horsepower is an already robust 565, with 467 lb.-ft. from 3,300 to 5,800 rpm, while the 600-hp Track Edition gets a bump to 481 lb.-ft. from 3,600 to 5,600 rpm. Changes for the 2020 model include new turbochargers that yield quicker responsiveness, race-inspired exhaust manifold designed for easier servicing and potential tuning. Nissan continues to tinker with the transmission refinement, but hopefully they will never go too far and strip away the endearing mechanical orchestra of gears and differentials from the 6-speed dual-clutch. R mode gains more aggressive downshifts, particularly during ABS moments, when it interprets that hard braking as preparation for corner exit. However, both Auto mode and R mode will dial back the aggression based on driving inputs, so if you are just driving around town, it won’t downshift for max rpms every time you brake gently or regularly. and as with every update, the suspension is tweaked to enhance both cornering attitude and comfort to go along with refined steering and braking. With the GT-R climbing the pricing ladder thanks to impeccable performance credentials, Nissan is working to keep up appearances and quality for customer that could just as easily spend their money on a Porsche 911 or Mercedes-AMG GT. While the 8-inch touchscreen and controls are looking a bit dated, the single, seamless piece of leather stitched across the dash and matched by door panel inserts do bring a touch of class to the cabin. However, if you can get your hands on one, the 50th Anniversary Edition is the one to have, with a grey colour scheme Nissan likens to the twilight sky (fitting for a car that is in the twilight of its generation), special embossed seats, and stitched Alcantara headliner and trim. Sadly, the 50th anniversary special is paired only with the Premium trim, so you can’t have your 600-hp track beast in that guise. Should you buy it? Well, if you couldn’t afford the GT-R50, then this isn’t a bad way to get into GT-R, especially the Bayside Blue that is as loud and special as the car
Origin: 600-hp Nissan GT-R makes its return in Canada for 2020 model year
Volkswagen Roomzz concept previews 2021 Model X rival
Volkswagen has extended its range of ID concepts to include a new 302bhp electric-powered SUV, known as the Roomzz. Unveiled at the Shanghai motor show, the contemporary seven-seater acts as a preview to a production model of similar size and shape Volkswagen says will be launched in 2021. It’s a crucial part of the German car maker’s plan to become the world’s leading manufacturer of electric vehicles by the middle of the next decade. Set to be positioned above the upcoming production version of the Crozz and a more sporting Crozz Coupé, the Roomzz is said to offer interior space superior to that of the Touareg in a body measuring 4915mm in length, 1890mm in width and 1760mm in height. “The ID Roomzz shows us what we can expect from full-size electric SUVs in the future,” said VW brand design boss Klaus Bischoff. “The puristic look emphasises the clear function and the user experience is intuitive and natural. Plenty of space inside allows for completely new seating configurations.” The sixth ID concept is based on a new variant of VW’s MEB platform. It has a wheelbase of 2965mm – some 192mm longer than the Crozz’s but 135mm shorter than that of the Buzz. Developed under the internal codename VW316 and previously dubbed ID Lounge, the Roomzz gets its own unique styling that Bischoff describes as featuring “seamless transitions of individual elements” for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. Key cues include an almost completely enclosed front end featuring illuminated horizontal elements that act as a grille and extend outwards into in the outer edges of the headlights to provide the new SUV with exaggerated visual width. Also included is an illuminated VW badge – a feature Autocar can confirm will be offered as an option on all upcoming ID production models in markets where it is permitted. The Roomzz also receives prominent front wheel arches and a side feature line that runs back through to the middle of the front doors. Traditional exterior mirrors are replaced by a camera, which is mounted on a discreet arm within the leading edge of the front doors. The doors open on opposing hinges, providing uninterrupted pillar-less entry to the cabin. Also evident is a rounded roof turret. It houses two Lidar units that form part of a level four autonomous driving system VW is touting for future ID models. Contrasting aluminium is used for the roof rails, while the side glass is almost completely flush with the bodywork to smooth airflow along the flanks. To highlight the interior, the concept also goes without a B-pillar. The rear is distinguished by a full-width light band whose graphics can be customised via a smartphone app. “Lighting is the new chrome,” said Bischoff of the possibilities made possible by the latest generation of LED lighting. Previewing the cabin design VW proposes to provide future models with advanced autonomous driving functions, the Roomzz features a digitised steering wheel. It is designed to retract back into the dashboard when the driver chooses a fully autonomous driving mode. Further interior highlights include a 13.8in digital instrument unit and augmented reality head-up display. Although the new concept features four individual seats, VW insiders have confirmed the production version is planned to provide seating for up to seven in three rows of seats. Power for the Roomzz comes from the same electric driveline previewed by the earlier Vizzion. It uses two electric motors – one acting on the front axle with 101bhp and 103lb ft and a more powerful unit at the rear with 201bhp and 228lb ft. The total system output is 302bhp and 331lb ft. Depending on the driving mode, the new SUV can be driven by the rear wheels as standard or all four wheels. VW quotes a 0-62mph time of 6.6sec and a top speed that is limited to 112mph. Electric energy for the motors is provided by an 82kWh lithium ion battery mounted within the flat floor structure of the Roomzz’s MEB platform. It is claimed to provide a range of 280 miles on the WLTP test cycle, while the charge time to 80% of the battery’s capacity on a highpower 150kW system is put at “approximately 30
Origin: Volkswagen Roomzz concept previews 2021 Model X rival
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