German authorities have granted approval for a fully automated valet parking system at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. The system, claimed to be the world’s first, will be in daily use at the facility’s parking garage. It collects and returns vehicles automatically, with no monitoring human behind the wheel. The system is operated via a smartphone app; drivers can exit their vehicle, activate the parking process on their phone and then leave the building while the vehicle parks itself in a designated space. Bosch-provided sensors throughout the car park communicate with the Daimler-developed receivers in the vehicle to guide it safely through the driving corridor. The vehicle will stop automatically if an obstacle is detected. The system uses Level 4 driverless technology, which is defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers as “driverless driving in a geographically discrete area”. Daimler says the function is “a comprehensive safety concept with appropriate testing and approval criteria that can be applied beyond this pilot project”. As there was no existing legal framework in place for the regulation of an automated valet system, the Stuttgart regional administrative authority and the local transportation authority were on-hand during development to assess the system’s operating safety. Dr Markus Heyn, member of the Bosch board of management, said: “Driverless driving and parking are important building blocks for tomorrow’s mobility. The automated parking system shows just how far we have already progressed along this development path.” This project is the latest in a series of collaborations between Bosch and Daimler. The supplier is currently developing artificial intelligence software for Daimler’s planned driverless taxis, and recent photos appeared to show a test rig for a new synthetic fuel being co-developed by the pair of German
Origin: Mercedes-Benz reveals “world’s first” autonomous valet parking system
reveals
Lotus reveals 1973bhp Evija as world’s most powerful production car
Lotus has revealed the Evija, the all-electric hypercar it claims will be “the most powerful production car in the world”. An output of 1973bhp is promised when it hits roads next year, which is more than the upcoming 1888bhp Pininfarina Battista and Rimac C_Two, and the 1479bhp internally combusted Bugatti Chiron currently in production. No more than 130 of the two-seat hypercars will be built, each priced at £2.04 million. “Target specifications” include four-wheel drive, 1254lb ft and torque vectoring, giving it a 0-62mph time of less than three seconds, a 0-186mph time of less than nine seconds and a top speed of 200mph-plus. A production slot can be reserved with a refundable £250,000 deposit. The Evija, apparently pronounced ‘E-vi-ya’, will be Lotus’s first new-model launch under Geely ownership, and is the maker’s first all-new model for more than a decade. It will be made at the company’s traditional home in Hethel, Norfolk, and will act “as a ‘halo’ for the rest of the Lotus range” both now and for “new Lotus performance cars to come”. The car pictured here in a studio is for show, but Lotus’s design director, Russell Carr, told Autocar that “this is how it’ll be on the road. This is very much the production car. All the surfaces are made to production level.” The Evija, which is codenamed Type 130, is low and broad, at 4.59m long, 2.0m wide and 1.12m high. According to Lotus, it “marks the beginning of a contemporary new Lotus design language”. “We wanted from the start to do something that was pure, simple, but have a sense of luxury and elegance about it,” said Carr. “On the outside, we started by thinking ‘what are the existing factors from the Lotus DNA that we want to keep?’, and really important for us were the strong haunches you see on the car. It’s very important when you’re sitting inside that you can see the corners of the vehicle – it helps you place the car on the track. It’s also just a very emotional thing to see the bodywork; rearwards as well.” “We have the cabin sat low within those fenders, which are really important to us because the car’s all about dynamics,” said Carr, “and if the cabin sits low and the fenders are pronounced, you have the impression that the car’s got a low centre of gravity.” Around the overall design simplicity come some advanced aerodynamics (see Carr QA, below), which direct air flow over, under and through the car, creating a complex body shape with vast scoops running through the rear three-quarters, and exiting at the back. The design is permitted by the adoption of electric drive. “That certainly gives us a lot more freedom, yes,” said Carr. “You’ve obviously got battery packs that can be placed in certain places, and it’s certainly different from a traditional combustion engine, and we’ve tried to exploit that as much as possible.” Lotus hasn’t yet revealed how many electric motors the car will have or where they’ll be positioned, but its partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering – which is, among other things, the supplier of batteries to the Formula E grid – will be key to the Evija’s performance. Lotus said the Evija will have a 70kWh battery, capable of being charged at up to 350kW, enabling an 18-minute charge with a WLTP range of around 250 miles. The charge port is at the rear of the car. Construction is from carbonfibre, both for the chassis and the body. Light weight is core to all Lotus models and the Evija weighs several hundred kilos less than the Battista and C_Two are reported to be, although they have more battery capacity. Even so, at 1680kg, the Evija is likely to become the heaviest Lotus ever. Despite this, Lotus boldly claims it will “set a new standard for Lotus driving performance” and be “the most dynamically accomplished road car in the history of Lotus”. Inside, the carbonfibre construction remains visible in what’s a relatively spacious cockpit. “The start point is a floating beam, this open instrument panel you can place your hand right through,” said Carr. “The inspiration for that came from classic racing cars, from the 1950s and ’60s, in which you can see the structure. In those days it would have been tubular, but on this it’s carbonfibre. “We wanted to use carbonfibre, and once we got into that we started looking at wishbones on racing cars. We looked at modern racing bicycles as well, and that informed some of the sections and forms that go in there. And that’s really become a very distinctive part of this interior. If you love modern racing bikes or componentry on racing cars, you’ll recognise that.” “It’s a nice shape to use as well, with the wing profile, and adds a strong aeronautical flavour on the whole car. It’s very distinctive,” Carr added. “There’s a certain luxury to space and in such cars you can feel very claustrophobic. This feels open.” That’s in stark contrast to another upcoming hypercar, the Aston Martin Valkyrie, with the implication that the
Origin: Lotus reveals 1973bhp Evija as world’s most powerful production car
Ionity reveals UK expansion plans
Ionity reveals UK expansion plans New Leeds site will be followed up with seven more stations Ionity has announced the next phase of its roll-out in the UK, with the ultra-rapid network set to open eight new locations later this year, starting with the first station in an Extra services, at the company’s new M1 Leeds Skelton Lake area. There is already an open site at Maidstone, and plans for Gretna have been in the pipeline for a while now. These new sites will bring the number of UK locations to 10, with a total of 40 targeted by the end of 2020. The network will install up to six 350 kW CCS ultra-rapid chargers at each site initially, and Ionity is currently installing 400 stations across Europe, providing up to 2,400 charge points by the end of 2020. After Leeds Skelton Lake, the other Extra umbrella-branded motorway service areas are at Cobham on the M25, Cambridge Services on the A14/M11, M40 Beaconsfield, M5 Cullompton, M65 Blackburn, A1M at Baldock, and A1M at Peterborough. There are no EVs currently available that can charge at up to 350 kW, so the sites are future-proof for some time to come. The first confirmed EV due in the UK with 350 kW ultra-rapid charging capability is the Porsche Taycan, expected next year. Until then, the units will be able to charge the likes of the Audi e-tron (150 kW), Mercedes Benz EQC (110 kW), and Jaguar I-Pace plus Hyundai s Leaf e+ (100 kW) at their maximum rate. A number of new EVs due in the next 12 months all feature at least 100 kW CCS DC charging capabilities. Other companies that Ionity is partnering with include Shell and the MFG (Motor Fuels Group) in the UK. The network is a joint venture between BMW, Daimler, Ford, and the VW Group.
Origin: Ionity reveals UK expansion plans
Ford reveals new Puma as Fiesta-based compact SUV
Ford’s new Puma takes a classic name and applies it to a new car that is subtly but effectively different from its established SUV rivals. Officially, the company describes the Puma as an “SUV-inspired crossover”, with its three standout virtues claimed to be “seductive styling”, ingenious rear stowage and the new 48V mild-hybrid petrol drivetrain. The body’s flowing surfaces have been developed under what designer George Saridakis labels an “anti-wedge” policy. What he calls “separated” headlights and tail-lights are also a move against the current trends for “joining everything up”, Saridakis citing the industry fashion for full-width light bars across a vehicle’s tail. The new Puma is based on Ford’s existing B global small car architecture, the same as the Fiesta, but the platform’s inherent flexibility has allowed the Puma to be sized very specifically. It is just 30mm higher than the new Fiesta and the front seating position is raised by the same amount. This is still a compact vehicle, but it is usefully longer than the Fiesta as well as wider, with a wider track. And it squeezes a surprising amount of interior space out of a vehicle that’s smaller than the Focus. Saridakis says he and the project’s chief engineer, Norbert Steffens, worked in the styling studio with “cardboard and tape” trying to extract the maximum luggage space from the Puma structure. This crossover has a claimed 456 litres of boot space, whereas the Focus has just 370 litres. They achieved this by way of what Ford calls a “lower load box”. Cut through the boot floor, the box is a useful 80 litres in capacity and even has a removable plug in the bottom to allow it to be washed out. The Puma’s rigid boot floor can also be fitted in three different ways: low, on top of the load box; at a mid-height, which gives generous hidden storage; and clipped out of the way, by being attached to the backs of the rear seats. Steffens demonstrated that, with the boot floor clipped out of the way, it is possible to load items such as a golf club bag vertically in the back of the Puma thanks to the extra load height offered by the box. Even the parcel shelf has been rethought as a lightweight fabric cover attached to the tailgate itself, which avoids the need to stow an awkward load cover. From an engineering point of view, it’s the Puma’s new 48V mild-hybrid drivetrain that stands out. This is based around an updated version of Ford’s 1.0-litre Ecoboost petrol unit and replaces the conventional alternator with an 11.5kW integrated starter/ generator (called a BISG). It will come in 123bhp and 153bhp guises, with the more powerful version using a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The BISG is connected to the engine via a belt and works in two directions: it can be used when braking and coasting to recover energy (which is stored in a small lithium ion battery) and it can also assist the engine during acceleration. Ford says the hybrid assistance has allowed the engine’s compression ratio to be lowered and a larger turbocharger to be fitted, as the BISG can mitigate turbo lag and keep the engine turning faster. Performance at lower speeds is especially enhanced, says Steffens, with as much as 50% more torque on offer. That improves fuel economy by around 9% on the WLTP economy test. This three-cylinder engine can also switch to two-cylinder running to save fuel and, in stop/start mode, the BISG can restart the engine in 300 milliseconds. Ford says the 48V model’s overall WLTP economy will be 124g/km. A 1.5-litre diesel with a six-speed manual gearbox will also be offered and is expected to be rated at 123g/km. On the handling side, Steffens says the Puma gets a new setting for the electronic power steering, a stiffer attachment for the beam axle and five-stud hubs for a more rigid fixing of the wheels compared with the Fiesta on which it is based. Ford’s hopes for the Puma are also reflected in the list of upmarket options. It will be one of the first Ford models to take local hazard information from the HERE data network, receiving live updates of congestion, crashes, ice and pothole warnings, for example. Adaptive cruise control, blindspot information, pre-collision assist and even lumbar massage front seats show how Ford wants to combine the potential of an executive-level spec in a town-friendly package. Why has you decided to offer diesel engines again, alongside the new 48v Mild hybrid petrol engine? Norbert Steffens, chief engineer Ford Puma: “The 1.5-litre diesel engine is still very slightly more economical than the new hybrid petrol under WLTP testing conditions. We absolute believe that the latest diesel engines are now completely clean (in pollution terms), as clean as petrol. The diesel Puma has a 12-litre Urea tank which will need re-filling between every 2500 and 6000 kilometres. Winter conditions and lots of short journeys are mean much more regular Adblue fill-ups, but that is how we
Origin: Ford reveals new Puma as Fiesta-based compact SUV
BMW reveals Vision M Next as part of EV update
BMW reveals Vision M Next as part of EV update The concept comes as BMW announces it is two years ahead of schedule BMW has unveiled a new concept – the Vision M Next – as part of a range of announcements that include it is currently two years ahead of schedule for its electric vehicle plans. The BMW Vision M Next is a plug-in hybrid concept clearly inspired by the current i8, and emphasises BMW’s focus on driver’s cars at a time when autonomous driving concepts are popular. The 600hp (441 kW) PHEV is powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit, supported by an electric motor. All-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive modes feature, and the Vision M Next will complete the 0-62mph sprint in three seconds before reaching a top speed of 186mph. Despite the performance potential, the concept will still cover up to 62 miles on a single charge, and there are two driving settings – Ease and Boost. Ease offers complete autonomous driving, while Boost allows the driver to take charge. Other technology featured includes facial recognition to unlock the car, an AR heads-up display, and Laser Wire lighting technology. No word has been given as to plans for whether it will go into production or not, though it is expected that many of the design elements and PHEV systems will be brought forward onto forthcoming models. In more tangible news, BMW has confirmed that it plans to have 25 electrified models available in 2024, two years ahead of its initial target of 2025. A steep sales curve is predicted, seeing electrified models climb more than 30% per year up to 2025, and sales are expected to double between 2019 and 2021. BMW will also introduce eDrive Zones as standard in plug-in hybrids from next year, which allow geo-fencing technology to automatically recognise these models within green zones, designed for emissions-free driving. Here the BMW PHEVs will switch to pure-electric mode automatically, so they have the same access rights in zones as pure-electric models.
Origin: BMW reveals Vision M Next as part of EV update
Audi reveals hot SQ8 as new flagship SUV
Audi has revealed the new hot SQ8 as its flagship SUV, featuring a 429bhp mild hybrid turbodiesel V8 engine. The 4.0-litre biturbo unit offered in the range-topping performance version of the coupe-inspired Q8 large SUV is the most powerful V8 offered by the firm in Europe. It produces 664lb ft and powers the seven-seater from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, with a limited top speed of 155mph. The diesel, which automatically turns off one of the two turbochargers at low speeds to boost fuel economy, is mated to a 48V mild hybrid system, operated through a belt alternator starter connected to the crankshaft. It can generate up to 11bhp under braking, and allow the SQ8 to coast without the engine active for up to 40 seconds at speeds between 34 and 100mph. Power is driven to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with an optional advanced suspension package including a sport differential that can balance torque between the rear wheels when cornering. As standard, the car sits on adaptive air suspension, which can adjust the ride height by up to 90mm, and features electromechanical active roll stabilisation, which uses an electric motor to reduce body movement. All-wheel steering is available as an option, either by itself or as part of the advanced suspension package. The SQ8 sits on 21-inch wheels as standard, with 22-inch available upon request. Carbon fibre ceramic brake discs are available as standard. The SQ8 features a number of design tweaks from the Q8, which is closely related to the more practical Q7 and built on the VW Group’s MLB Evo platform. It gains a new S-specific grille featuring a matt silver frame and LED headlights, along with revamped air inlets and new aluminium-effect mirrors. At the rear, the diffuser is finished in a matt black colour, with quad exhausts. A black styling package will be offered to further differentiate the car. Inside, as with other S machines the SQ8 is finished in black, with a mix of leather and Alcantara, and embossed S logos in the seats. Stainless steel pedals and footrest, along with aluminium inlays on the door sills, are standard. As with the Q8, the SQ8 is offered with a twin touchscreen set-up and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, which features S-specific graphics and displays. The SQ8 is due to go on sale in the UK in the coming months. Pricing has yet to be set, but will likely be an increase on the current range-topping Q8, the 55 TFSI, which costs £80,815. While the SQ8 will only be offered in the UK and Europe with the turbodiesel powerplant, largely due to the need to meet EU CO2 targets, petrol engined-versions will be offered in other
Origin: Audi reveals hot SQ8 as new flagship SUV
BMW reveals the 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe
The teasing is over. BMW has revealed the latest and most spacious iteration of the 8 Series, a “four-door coupe.” In fact, the 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe has the widest track of any BMW on the road. Bimmer has a knack for making its cars look at once sporty and luxurious. It hit the mark with the two-door 8 Series models revealed last year and has managed to keep it there with this new, stretched version. It’s 30 mm wider, 61 mm taller and 231 mm longer, with four doors instead of two. It’s also got a panoramic glass roof, a more vertically oriented windshield and what BMW describes as “width-emphasising design at the rear end intensify the car’s sporting allure and presence.”Interestingly, BMW claims each 8 Series Gran Coupe will technically be unique, as there’s a “subtle flying buttress design” around the rear window that has to be finished by hand. Inside theres Nappa leather on the dash and doors as standard, and a selection of finishes in a variety of colours including Ivory White, Cognac, Black and some two-toned options for the 850 models.The model will arrive in four variants, including a diesel we wont be getting in Canada. The M850i xDrive Gran Coupe gets a V8 that makes 530 horsepower and 553 lb.-ft. of torque and carries it to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds; and the 840i Gran Coupe and the 840 xDrive Gran Coupe come with a six-cylinder making 340 horsepower and 368 lb.-ft. of torque, getting to 100 km/h in 5.2 and 4.9 seconds, respectively.An eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission relays power through to all four wheels in all models except for in the rear-wheel-drive 840i Gran Coupe.BMW says the Gran Coup-eight will enter production in July and launch in
Origin: BMW reveals the 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe
LEVC reveals new LCV
LEVC reveals new LCV The range extended van uses TX technology LEVC has shown off its new LCV, with the van based on the same powertrain technology as the TX range-extended black cab already on sale. Targeting urban drivers, the medium-sized van has a range of 80 miles on a single charge, increased to 377 miles (combined) when the engine is used to charge the battery on the go. LEVC has designed the LCV not just as a ‘last-mile’ delivery van, but a ‘distribution-to-door’ vehicle, thay can link out of town depots and city centres. Drivers can use the range extender on open roads, and switch to EV mode when in built up areas. It’s a market that is currently dominated by diesel vans, with only Nissan’s e-NV200 pure-EV any real electric challenger currently. More pure-EV vans are on their way, but LEVC is the only one offering a range-extended EV, which will appeal to a number of drivers and fleets. Further details will be announced closer to launch, but like its TX taxi, LEC is targeting low total cost of ownership figures.
Origin: LEVC reveals new LCV
Renault reveals second-gen Zoe EV with 242-mile range
Renault has revealed the second-generation Zoe hatchback, the successor to Europe’s best-selling electric car. The new model offers an extended 242-mile range and up to 134bhp. Effectively a heavy redesign of the outgoing model, the new Zoe will go on sale in the autumn in a dramatically different market from the one its predecessor entered in 2012, with a range of competitors including the new Peugeot e-208, Vauxhall Corsa-e, Honda e and Volkswagen ID 3. Renault intends to maintain the Zoe’s position as one of the more affordable offerings in the market, likely undercutting these models with an as-yet-unconfirmed price not far from the £21,220 of the current car. Sharing the same overall dimensions as the outgoing Zoe, the car’s design is updated with new grilles and bumpers, plus new, standard-fit LED headlights and tail-lights. There is a fresh colour palette inside and out, as well as new wheel designs. The intention has been to modernise the supermini’s looks. The interior is more heavily revamped, with a new dashboard design introducing a 10.0in customisable digital instrument display as standard across the range. Top-spec cars also receive a new curved 9.3in touchscreen infotainment display, similar to that found in the latest Clio, using the firm’s Easy Link connected technology. As well as being able to locate suitable charging points, it can tell if one isn’t functioning properly. A new smartphone app can also remotely pre-heat or cool the car. Higher-quality materials and new upholstery, including one made using 100% recycled fabric, aim to give the Zoe a more upmarket air. New details, such as an electronic gearlever and parking brake, free up extra storage space in the cabin, while wireless smartphone charging and an acoustic windscreen have been added. The Zoe’s biggest developments are in the powertrain department. The previous generation, which was upgraded throughout its life, made use of a 40kWh battery in its highest spec, but now an increase to 52kWh allows Renault to claim a WLTP-certified range of 242 miles. Renault has also adapted the car’s charging system to allow a 50kW DC charge using a CCS plug, joining existing Type 2 and AC connections behind the enlarged front badge flap. An optional 7kW wallbox enables owners to charge the battery from empty to full in nine hours. The new Zoe is now available with a choice of two motors. A base 107bhp unit – carried over from the old car – is joined by a higher-spec 134bhp version. Renault claims this power unit, which makes 181lb ft, allows the Zoe to achieve the 0-62mph sprint in less than 10 seconds and go from 50mph to 75mph in 7.1sec. Its top speed rises from 81mph to 87mph. Chassis changes are limited, but Renault claims the spring and damper rates have been tweaked and all-round disc brakes appear for the first time. QA Emmanuel Bouvier, director of sales and marketing and EVs, Renault This is effectively a heavy facelift of an older design. Why not an all-new platform? “We are in the unusual situation where we have a seven-year-old vehicle whose sales are growing significantly year on year. We are confident that this Zoe has plenty of life left in it, but we are considering using a common (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi) Alliance platform in future.” You claim the new Zoe is part of a wider assault on the EV market. What is next? “Our objective is to cover A-, B- and C-segments, with multiple shapes of vehicles (ie standard cars and crossovers/SUVs). These will be focused on being passenger cars. I cannot tell you more at this stage.” Does the recently launched City K-ZE fit into these plans in Europe, or is it just for China? “We are currently investigating if the City K-ZE has international sales potential. No decision has been made
Origin: Renault reveals second-gen Zoe EV with 242-mile range
BMW reveals 523bhp X5 M50i and X7 M50i SUVS
BMW has revealed new M Performance versions of its latest X5 and X7 SUVs ahead of their planned UK introduction during the final quarter of 2019. The two M50i-based SUVs both feature an updated version of BMW’s twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine, which produces 523bhp and 553lb ft, an increase of 67bhp and 74lb ft over the existing xDrive50i versions of both models. BMW has so far only issued a limited number of photos showing the car from the rear, and detail shots of the interior. The updated engine features a revised aluminium block that offers increased stiffness. To boost refinement, it also features pistons coated in graphite-impregnated resin and a damper incorporated in the crankshaft. The power is driven through an eight-speed torque converter-equipped eight-speed gearbox, which features bespoke electronic mapping including a launch control function. The latest entrants in the growing premium sports SUV class also feature a rear-biased xDrive all-wheel drive system with an electronic M Sport differential managed via the Dynamic Stability Control system. It is claimed to be able to transfer up to 100 per cent of drive to the rear wheels in certain driving conditions. No official weight figure has yet been revealed for the new range-topping X5 and X7 models, though BMW claims respective 0-62mph time of 4.1secs and 4.5secs respectively, as well as a limited top speed for both models of 155mph. That compares to 4.7secd and 5.4secs for the X5 xDrive50i and X7 xDrive50i. The machines also feature newly tuned suspension, with a double wishbone at the front and multi-link rear. It uses unique bushing, firmer springs and dampers, and rides on 20inch wheels as standard (21in and 22in wheels are available as options). The X5 M50i features an Adaptive M suspension featuring adaptive damping, while the X7 M50i rides on air suspension with variable ride height control. That suspension is an option on the X5. The boost in performance is accompanied by a retuned double wishbone (front) and multi-link (rear) suspension. It features unique bushings together with firmer springs and dampers and standard 20-inch wheels. In the case of the X5 M50i, it is allied to a so-called Adaptive M suspension featuring adaptive damping control, while the X7 M50i receives an air suspension with variable ride height control – a feature that is also available on the X5 M50i as an option. The brakes feature new two-piece compound steels discs disks with revised M division callipers. The X5 M50i and X7 M50i are distinguished from standard X5 and X7 model by a more heavily structured front bumper with larger cooling ducts, new sills underneath the doors and a revised rear bumper, among other subtle exterior design tweaks. Inside, the door sill plates feature an illuminated M50i logo, and there is an M-Sport steering wheel, gear lever and instruments, and sport seats. The new models will top the existing line-ups for the two SUVs until the arrival of even more powerful X5 M and X7 M variants in 2020. UK pricing has yet to be
Origin: BMW reveals 523bhp X5 M50i and X7 M50i SUVS
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