Lotus has revealed a date for the unveiling of its groundbreaking all-new electric hypercar – the Type 130. The most ambitious car in the firm’s history will be shown at “an exclusive event” in Central London on 16 July, barely a few months after Autocar first revealed the project. Lotus has also confirmed for the first time exactly how many examples will be produced. 130 are planned to be made available to own, up from previous estimates after “several hundred potential owners came forward to express their interest in the new car”. It will be built in Norfolk alongside the rest of the maker’s range. The Type 130 will be Lotus’s first all-new production car since 2008. Lotus also claims it will be the first fully electric hypercar built and to go on sale from a British manufacturer. A preview image has been released showing a side profile of the new car, and Autocar was recently given an exclusive walk-around of a full-size clay model at the firm’s Hethel base. The name is a reference to a number of innovative models that have appeared throughout the Norfolk brand’s 71-year history, beginning with the Type 14 Elite in 1957 – claimed to be the world’s first composite monocoque production car. The most recent, the Type 111 (the world’s first aluminium and bonded extrusion construction road car) became the Elise. As the official picture suggests, the 130 is low and wide. Lotus design director Russell Carr, who showed the model to Autocar, says it is a similar length to the existing Evora – which is 4.4 metres long – but will sit closer to the ground and be nearly two metres wide. It uses a carbonfibre structure and will be built in Hethel away from the company’s main production line. The cabin is tightly proportioned and adopts the teardrop form familiar from hypercars like the Ford GT40, to better allow airflow to pass around it. The most impressive feature is one that isn’t hinted at by the official rendering – two substantial air tunnels in the rear bodywork which have the tail light elements integrated around their exists. It’s a detail that Carr says has been inspired by the venturi tunnels of LMP sports prototype racing cars. The battery pack will be positioned entirely behind the passenger compartment, with drive sent to all four wheels. No other details are forthcoming at the moment, beyond the fact – as previously reported – that the powertrain is being developed by Williams Advanced Engineering, making this a collaboration between two of the most famous names in Formula 1 history. Lotus boss Phil Popham promises an “entirely appropriate” level of performance for the 130’s target market and what will be a seven figure pricetag. The total system output is tipped to exceed 1000bhp. It is also set to offer a range of more than 250 miles. Both the battery pack and the pushrod-operated rear suspension will be visible beneath a transparent cover, with Carr saying the plan is for the huge aero tunnels to also incorporate lighting elements. The rear licence plate surround will be removable to help improve performance when the car is used on track. Downforce will be generated from a substantial underbody diffuser and there will also be moveable wing elements and a drag-reducing DRS system. Inside the cabin will feature plenty of carbonfibre and a digital instrument pack, but will also have conventional switchgear rather than a touchscreen interface. “You want to be able to find things without taking your eyes off the road in a car like this,” Carr said. Carr also claimed there will be more room and shoulder space than in a Ford GT or Aston Martin Valkyrie, with moveable seats rather than moveable pedals. “We’re trying to get the balance between prestige and luxury right,” Carr said, “but also to make clear that it’s a very high performance car. We don’t want people to think it’s a stripped-out track day monster, it will be much more practical than that. But equally we don’t want to make a Bugatti either, it has to be a Lotus.” Other neat details include a camera rear view system which will use deployable pods that motor out of the scissor-opening doors, and which relay images onto display screens. It’s a very similar system to the one the forthcoming McLaren Speedtail will have. “We were frustrated when we saw those,” Carr admits, “we’d been working on them for some
Origin: Lotus Type 130 electric hypercar will be unveiled on 16 July
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Buick will bring the Encore GX to Canada for 2020
2020 Buick Encore GXBuick General Motors is cranking out new SUVs and crossovers apace, today showing off the 2020 Buick Encore GX. More than just an extra trim level for the diminutive little scamp already on sale, the GX is a different vehicle altogether. Set to be sized in the sliver of room existing between the existing Encore and Envision, the GX will have a cargo area some 142 litres (5 cubic feet) larger than the former, and about 85 litres (3 cubic feet) smaller than the latter. Said to offer a greater-than-expected level of kit on the safety front, all Encore GX models will come equipped with front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert and lane-keeping. The neato Rear Camera Mirror will be lifted from the Enclave and made available on high-zoot trims of the Encore GX. Does all this sound familiar? It should, as the Chevrolet arm of GM introduced its Trailblazer model just yesterday, and its description sounds a heckuva lot like this new Buick. Absent of any official sizing information from Chevy on that rig, this detail from the Tri-Shield brand gives us a bit of insight as to the Bowtie’s dimensions, as well. It’s not quite badge engineering as in the bad old days—but similarities between the two vehicles are remarkable. Close study of the press photos reveal an ST badge, complete with red accents on the lower part of the bumpers and peppered amongst the grille detail. Could this portend a slightly-hot Encore GX? Or at least one that’s more than lukewarm? The vehicle shown here is riding on Hankook Kinergy GT rubber, tires described as premium grand touring all-seasons. Its interior is very similar to that of the Trailblazer shown yesterday, though with the crucial addition of dual climate control. A button for downhill descent assist pops up here, too, along with a button suggesting the Encore GX’s all-wheel-drive system will have different driving modes. If you want proof as to the importance of crossovers and SUVs in Buick’s lineup, look no further than the one-liner that asserts a full 90 per cent of Canadian Buick sales come from the segment. Product specifications and pricing will be announced when the Encore GX begins arriving at Canadian
Origin: Buick will bring the Encore GX to Canada for 2020
New Flying Spur will be first Bentley with all-wheel steering
The third-generation Bentley Flying Spur will be the first model from the marque to receive all-wheel steering, as the car maker seeks to make its four-door luxury saloon the most dynamic yet. Alongside this, it will also feature active all-wheel drive and Bentley’s Dynamic ride system, as found on sibling model, the Continental GT. Bentley said the trio of systems promises “unparalleled agility in the segment,” which includes the Rolls Royce Ghost and Mercedes-Maybach S 600. It added that the introduction of all-wheel steering will “enhance both stability at highway speeds and manoeuvrability around town”. The last two generations of Flying Spur used all-wheel drive, but the new model’s active system means drive is sent to the rear wheels in normal road conditions for a sportier feel. This latest image and video (below) shows the model undergoing final testing at Nardo test track. Bentley has also shown an image (above) of the door card which features three-dimensional, textured leather upholstery, a claimed world-first. The final clue Bentley has shown ahead of the Flying Spur’s full reveal is a video (below) of the car’s bonnet and Flying B emblem, which appears to have illuminated wings. The Crewe-based firm hopes that the upcoming Flying Spur, which will be unveiled on June 11, will appeal to a new generation of Bentley buyers. It will also aims to better distinguish the model from its two-door sibling, the Continental GT by having a more distinctive design with more defined surfaces. It is, however, based on the same MSB platform as its sibling, and uses familiar Bentley engines, including the 6.0-litre W12 and V8. It’s also expected to be the next Bentley to receive a V6-powered plug-in hybrid. An electrified version will be crucial to bolster Bentley sales in China, among other markets. Bentley said: “Both sports sedan and luxury limousine, Bentley’s all-new Flying Spur owes only its historic name to the preceding model and will deliver an unparalleled touring experience for the driver and passengers alike.” It added that the model is “ground up development that pushes the boundaries of both technology and craftsmanship to deliver segment-defining levels of performance and refinement”. Following the launch of the Flying Spur, the firm will turn its focus to what Autocar understands will be a next step in its design, promising a more radical change to something more fresh and modern. It is Bentley’s centenary year, and a host of celebrations in July will include a concept reveal showcasing “the future of grand touring”. Bentley, under the tenure of boss Adrian Hallmark, who joined last year from Jaguar Land Rover, is finalising its broader model strategy for the next few years, which is expected to focus on grand touring models and SUVs rather than sports
Origin: New Flying Spur will be first Bentley with all-wheel steering
Pagani will keep Zonda, Huayra alive forever by modifying existing models
2017 Pagani Huayra RoadsterHandout When the final North American Ford Taurus is produced later this year, it will mark the end of a nameplate. Sure, dealers and mechanics – even some tuners – will work on the Taurus perhaps forever, repairing and modifying it, but Ford itself will no longer have anything to do with it. Technically, this is how a nameplate dies. (At least in North America, as the Taurus lives on in China.) And it’s in this sense, technically, that the Pagani Huayra and Zonda will remain immortal—for now. In a recent feature interview with Top Gear, founder Horacio Pagani explained how the Zonda and Huayra will be kept forever young by Pagani’s commitment to ‘modify’ any existing model should the owner request it. On existing Zondas, if a customer asks, we can do it,” Pagani explains in the interview. “But only modifying an existing chassis. One of the latest trends is customers asking for one of the very first original Zonda chassis, to perform some modifications on—and then buying another one to fit their own tastes.” And these aren’t mild modifications either. In Pagani’s own words, it’s “er, very expensive.” Right now, a customer who owns one of the very first Huayras has been asking to do some special additions, modifying it,” he said. “We will deliver that in May 2019. I mean, we’re talking about modifications which can cost $1 million, not just a few hundreds or thousands. It’s effectively a new car…” So if you’ve got a Huayra or Zonda or one of each, and the millions of dollars required, by all means, have it dipped in Pagani’s pool of Eternal Automotive Youth. In this way, the car may live forever. You, on the other hand, just like the Ford Taurus, are definitely going to die.
Origin: Pagani will keep Zonda, Huayra alive forever by modifying existing models
Europe’s BMW Z4 is getting a manual, so will the Toyota Supra, too?
2020 Toyota Supra. BMW will make the Z4 roadster standard with a manual transmission in Europe. Cool—for France! But North America won’t have access to that variant because, well, it’s not an SUV. What we do get, however, is the Toyota Supra. Could the hands-on transmission-engine combo find its way into Toyota roadsters bound for the West? We won’t rule it out. Here’s why. BMW published the news of the standard manual configuration on the Z4 as a sort of Easter egg in a product model update release on its media site for Europe and the Middle East. “The 197-hp four-cylinder petrol engine in the BMW Z4 sDrive20i will be partnered by a six-speed manual gearbox as standard from July 2019, the page reads. In the U.S. and Canada, the Supra is currently outfitted with BMW’s 3.0-litre turbo-six, but Toyota announced Japan would receive a 2.0-litre turbo four cylinder making 197 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque for its Supra. So, with the same engine, configured for a stick shift in the German roadster, the Supra could technically and quite easily be offered in manual guise. And it could also technically and quite easily be offered to North American enthusiasts who want a manual transmission on their sporty Japanese-German roadster. It could—but will it? The recent news only 33 per cent of Toyota 86 buyers ordered a manual variant in 2018 suggests maybe not. Still, it’s nice to have
Origin: Europe’s BMW Z4 is getting a manual, so will the Toyota Supra, too?
BMW confirms smaller M cars will still get manual and RWD options
The BMW M4 comes equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox — one of the few new models in North America to offer a manual drive.Handout It sometimes feels like the act of driving is under attack. As we cruise toward total automation with adaptive cruise control activated and AppleCarplay streaming an algorithm-generated playlist of songs we’re sure to love straight into our ears, brands continue to pull away from what used to be the pillars of motoring. Such old-school features like manual gearboxes and rear-wheel-drive are being ditched for the safer and more efficient automatic and all-wheel-drive options. This is progress—for most, but not all. BMW’s M, for one, is staying the course, according to an interview BMW M chairman Markus Flasch recently gave GoAuto. The Motorsport division’s smaller passenger vehicles, including (hallelujah!) the M3, will still come with a stick shift and RWD as an optional combo. “With the M3, we were able to take over the entire drivetrain concept that we offer in the M5, and we were able to do a rear-wheel-drive version as well, plus manual transmission,” Flasch said in the interview. “I won’t disclose today how we configure those opportunities, but we can do whatever the markets globally demand. I can’t confirm, but I’ve driven the cars.” The brand chairman explained that because cars like the M4, M3 and M2 are less frequently used as daily drivers than the larger X5 M, M5 or M8, and are more frequently operated as second or third vehicles, the brand is able to justify retaining the more sporty configuration. In other words, it knows what its M drivers want from the smaller, more corner-capable offerings. Flasch also gave some clues to the fate of the CS and GTS monikers, explaining that we will see more limited editions, especially like the CS and, I can imagine, the CSL,” he said, going on to allude they don’t have to stick to coupes. As for the GTS— “We won’t see the GTS sub-brand in the future,” said Flasch. “There will be CS and maybe CSL. There won’t be a GTS in parallel with
Origin: BMW confirms smaller M cars will still get manual and RWD options
GM’s new global digital platform will underpin electric, autonomous vehicles
GM Digital Vehicle Platform GM unveiled its new all-electronic platform late May, the basis for its next generation of conventional and electric vehicles; active safety, infotainment and connectivity technologies; and evolving Super Cruise driver assistance. The company said these and other advancements are central to its vision for zero crashes, emissions and congestion, including an “all-electric future.” Over the next five to 10 years, vehicles will need more electrical bandwidth and connectivity to ensure all advanced vehicle features can run in conjunction with each other. The platform’s technology powers an electronic system that’s capable of managing up to 4.5 terabytes of data processing power per hour, a fivefold increase over the company’s current electrical architecture. Over-the-air software updates will allow functionality upgrades over the vehicle’s lifetime. The platform will debut underneath the 2020 Cadillac CT5, which goes into production later this year, and is expected to roll out to most vehicles across GM’s global lineup by 2023. It was developed at GM’s global facilities by teams of electrical, hardware and software engineers. For cybersecurity, the system includes additional protective hardware and software levels, and the company maintains an integrated team of experts that focus on protecting data, as well as chairing the Automotive Information Sharing Analysis Center, a community of private and public sector partners that analyzes intelligence about emerging security risks in the automotive
Origin: GM’s new global digital platform will underpin electric, autonomous vehicles
Ferrari’s new hybrid will follow the Acura NSX’s three-motor layout: report
Ferrari Maserati of Vancouver is bringing two LaFerraris and an Enzo to the auto show as part of its six-car Owner’s Collection display.Kevin Uy Ferrari will follow up its hybrid flagship LaFerrari with a new hybrid model to be revealed later this month—and packing more power than the LaFerrari while wearing a lower price tag. The rumour mills have been churning as prototypes have been spotted and Ferrari itself has released a small amount of information, but it seems now we’re getting some tangible details about the upcoming car. According to German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, in a leaked invitation to the launch event, Ferrari revealed the upcoming model would be able to hit 100 km/h in just 2.0 seconds, making it one of the fastest-accelerating cars available today. The upcoming model will also use three electric motors: two connected to the front wheels; and one in the transmission to offer assistance to the twin-turbo 3.9-litre V8, sourced from the F8 Tributo. Altogether, the vehicle will make roughly 986 horsepower, just over 20 more than the combined horsepower of the LaFerrari. The high-tech NSX from Acura uses the same layout as the upcoming Ferrari to great success, but only produces a combined system output of 600 horsepower, due to its smaller 3.5-litre V6. The new model is expected to cost 600,000 Euros (about $900,000), which is about half what the LaFerrari cost when it was brand-new in 2013, and about the same as the previous flagship, the Enzo. Ferrari’s second-ever hybrid will be revealed on May 31,
Origin: Ferrari’s new hybrid will follow the Acura NSX’s three-motor layout: report
Ford will axe 7,000 workers by September in cost-saving efforts
A Ford employee works on the final assembly line for the Ford F-150 pickup in this file photo.Larry W. Smith When big companies use terms like “redesign” and “restructure,” you know the axe is going to fly. As part of its ongoing restructuring meant to cut costs and reduce bureaucracy, Ford has announced it will continue lopping off salaries through buyouts and job cuts, starting with 800 jobs by the end of June, and ramping up to 7,000 total by September. Most of the positions will be cut from overseas locations, with 2,300 jobs being lost in Canada and the U.S. According to the CBC, of those 2,300 from the U.S. and Canada, 1,500 cuts have already been made, with an estimated 500 more happening this week, followed by an additional 300 by August. In a letter to Ford employees, CEO Jim Hackett laid out the plan to lay off around 10 per cent of the company’s management workforce worldwide. Unlike the media coverage of the news which brings the job losses to the forefront, Ford’s internal email communication – published by CNBC in full here – is titled “Smart Redesign Update,” and doesn’t mention salary cuts until two-thirds of the way through the document. Sometimes it’s better to ease the people into the bad news. Ford is a family company and saying goodbye to colleagues is difficult and emotional, Hackett wrote in the email. We have moved away from past practices in some regions where team members who were separated had to leave immediately with their belongings, instead giving people the choice to stay for a few days to wrap up and say goodbye. He went on to encourage employees to “take a moment to thank them personally for their service and commitment to Ford.”
Origin: Ford will axe 7,000 workers by September in cost-saving efforts
This app will help you if you crash your Volvo
Volvo Car Accident AdvisorVolvo Crashing your car isn’t fun, and the worst part about doing it is the uncertainty of what to do afterward. Luckily, Volvo is taking some of the guesswork out of car accidents with its new mobile app. The app is aptly called Car Accident Advisor, and is designed to guide you through the first steps you need to take following a minor fender-bender. First, you must confirm to Volvo Customer Care that you are uninjured and that emergency services are not needed; then you will receive a text with a link to the advisor. The app requires that you have a data or internet connection, and then it will guide you through the next steps. The app will prompt the driver to take photographs of the damaged areas and the scene around the vehicles, as well as record facts about the scene. The app can also compile a report to send to your insurance company, and search for repair shops. The whole system should amount to a less stressful experience, as well as a faster repair time for the vehicle and quicker claim response from the insurance company. Obviously, if you are in a larger accident, the app might not be the best thing to use, but for small accidents with other drivers or even with objects, the step-by-step instructions make the whole process less disorienting. The service is available for vehicles model year 2015-and-a-half and up automatically, and via the in-car SOS communications system in newer
Origin: This app will help you if you crash your Volvo
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