WLTP Challenge showcases vehicle efficiency The challenge looked to see how accurate WLTP testing is Results from the inaugural WLTP Challenge have come in, with the overall figures showing that the new WLTP test cycle is largely reflective of real-world fuel economy. Completed over a day’s driving, the 220 mile route included a variety of types of road and conditions. Heading from Bristol to Birmingham, and back again via the Cotswolds, the event planned in all different types of road and speeds – from motorway to urban driving. Designed to simulate a potential day’s driving on business, Fleet World – the event’s organisers – had arranged for every powertrain type to be tested. This covered petrol, diesel, mild hybrid, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, pure-electric, and even hydrogen fuel cell. Highlights from the results include a 40% improvement over the official WLTP figure from a Vauxhall Astra 1.5 diesel, returning 85 MPG. Honda’s hybrid CR-V managed to achieve 70 MPG, representing a 70% improvement over official figures. Mitsubishi’s L200 Barbarian returned 62% more than its test results, and thee fully-laden RAC patrol van exceeded its official figure, proving the case for WLTP with light commercial vehicles too. Next Green Car ran a Nissan Leaf e+ in the event and managed to complete the route comfortably, as did the Audi e-tron and Tesla Model 3 which also represented pure-electric models. Although the official economy figures weren’t matched, they were all close to the target. The Leaf was less than 6% off its miles/kWh target, the Audi e-tron less than 11% away, and the Model 3 only 3% off. Using the real-world figures gained from the challenge, it is calculated that the trip would have cost £10 in the Leaf, compared to £19 for a diesel averaging 70 MPG, and £25 for a petrol averaging 50 MPG. WLTP Challenge 2019 organiser, Luke Wikner said: “The WLTP Challenge 2019 just goes to show that every driver, be they a private motorist or a company car driver behind the wheel of any vehicle, can make significant incremental improvements to their fuel economy. “Smarter driving in this way ultimately leads to safer driving, lower fuel bills, lower insurance, lower stress levels for drivers and fleet operators and a happier mobile workforce. “The Challenge also underlines that the new WLTP test procedure is already proving its worth. Gone are the days when motorists can say that they will never achieve their vehicles’ official fuel consumption figures, as the latest official WLTP figures will be representative of most drivers’ real-world fuel economy, most of the time.” Click below to read NGC’s report of how the WLTP Challenge unfolded.
Origin: WLTP Challenge showcases vehicle efficiency
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Mercedes showcases Vision EQS
Mercedes showcases Vision EQS The concept could become a flagship electric model for Mercedes Mercedes Benz has unveiled the Vision EQS at the Frankfurt Motor Show, previewing what is expected to become the electric version of the flagship S-Class. With the all-electric EQ range confirmed to expand, this Vision EQS is still a concept, but with a number of hints at a production version down the line. Mercedes itself describes the concept as a ‘trailblazer for the entire Mercedes-Benz EQ family’. Add in the fact that Jaguar’s replacement XJ rival will be all-electric too, and the Vision EQS is looking increasingly likely to become simply the EQS. Expect the yacht-themed styling to be toned down a little; made a little more ‘normal’, as designers can get away with certain ideas in concepts that simply aren’t allowed on production models. The prominent ‘grille’ mirrors that of the currently available EQC SUV though, and a sleek saloon shape would both help attract buyers and aid aerodynamics. Under the skin of the concept is a powertrain that puts out around 350 kW and 760 Nm of torque. A battery of around 100 kWh gives a range of up to 435 miles on a charge, and the battery can be topped up at maximum speed via a 350 kW CCS ultra-rapid charger. These figures are rather vague because that’s how Mercedes has announced them – this is a concept after all. Advanced driver assist systems are fitted to the Vision EQS, though Mercedes expects that ‘individual driving pleasure will continue to be desirable in the future’. A high-tech cabin incorporates recycled materials from ocean waste, wood is locally sourced from German forests, and batteries are sourced from CO2-neutral manufacturers, reducing the overall CO2 impact. Mercedes says the Vision EQS is the ‘first milestone on the way to a CO2-neutral mobility of the future’.
Origin: Mercedes showcases Vision EQS
Ferrari showcases Monza SP2 speedsters at Goodwood
Fewer than 500 of the two models – one a fixed single-seater, the other a two-seater – will be produced, with the production split according to demand from the select band of Ferrari collectors invited to buy them. There’s no official news of the pricing, but it is thought to be in the region of $3 million (£2.3m). Inspired by the original Ferrari Barchetta models, particularly the 1948 166 MM and the 750 Monza of the 1950s, the SP1 and SP2 also feature the most powerful engine Ferrari has ever produced. The 6.5-litre V12 delivers 809bhp at 8500rpm and 530lb ft of torque at 7000rpm. The engine has also gained variable inlet tracts – something taken from F1 engines – and another first for a road-going Ferrari. The company is claiming a 0-62mph time of just 2.9sec and a 0-124mph time of 7.9sec. The maximum speed is set at 186mph. Loosely based on the 812 Superfast’s underpinnings, the SP1 and 2 are clothed in carbonfibre composite panels. Design boss Flavio Manzoni said that the composite exterior and interior are made in exactly the same way as the structure of Ferrari’s Formula 1 cars. Using composites also allowed the SP models to be fitted with a huge clamshell bonnet that could not have otherwise been manufactured. The doors open upwards and forwards to aid access into the cockpit. The exterior gets bespoke LED headlights and a unique ‘signature’ LED rear strip. The simple form language not only echoes the classic Barchetta models but is a deliberate move away from “visually complex solutions”, Manzoni said at the Maranello unveiling. It’s an interesting move that suggests there has been some customer backlash against the extreme modernity of recent Ferrari models. Ferrari is also promising to move back to more classically elegant design for its upcoming GT models. Both SP models have minimalist cockpits, with a simple carbonfibre control panel to the right of the driver. Ferrari has also managed to dispense with the windscreen thanks to a patented ‘Virtual Wind Shield’, which is mounted in the bonnet fairing ahead of the driver. It’s designed to divert some of the airflow over the driver’s head, though these Monza models will offer raw driving experiences similar to piloting an F1 car, the company says. No more information was given about future Icona models, other than that they will account for well below 5% of Ferrari’s sales.
Origin: Ferrari showcases Monza SP2 speedsters at Goodwood
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