All posts in “Car News”

Hyundai N Vision 74 Takes a Shot at the Past with its Cool Retro Design

If electric cars mean the comeback of retro design then we can keep on rejoicing. Personally I have come to support EVs not because of the green agenda but after realizing they could lead to the survival of a few sports cars. Much like how the Cayenne/Macan models give Porsche spare change for a few naughty sports cars to keep car guys happy.

This is the new Hyundai N Vision 74, a hydrogen fuel cell hybrid concept car inspired by a Hyundai Pony Coupe from 1974.

Since it’s a concept, Hyundai decided to make it as outrageous as possible. First up is the electric powertrain which is half FCEV half BEV – meaning it has a hydrogen powered fuel cell electric system as well as a battery powered electric system. These work hand in hand to deliver 670hp to the rear wheels and 900 nm of torque.

Further elaboration, the N Vision 74 has a 4.2kg tank that can be filled up with hydrogen in just 5 minutes. This hydrogen will be used by the fuel cells that are responsible for producing electricity needed to power the twin electric motors at the rear. There is also a 62.4 kWh battery with 800v high speed charging architecture, this will be used to power the same electric motors. The main difference being, the fuel cells use hydrogen stored in the tank to power the electric motors while the batteries use rechargeable energy to power the electric motors.

I think the coolest bit about the N Vision 74 is the Parametric Pixel lights, we have already seen these on the Ioniq 5. Instead of copy pasting the current light design in the industry, Hyundai are opting for a totally different look. It’s retro yet futuristic. Who thought square headlights from the 70s would make a comeback?

The N Vision 74 has a range of 600km and is only a concept for now, but judging by the looks of the Ioniq 5, Hyundai might just roll it into production just the way it is!

July 15, 2022 / Comments Off on Hyundai N Vision 74 Takes a Shot at the Past with its Cool Retro Design
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Bentley Introduces New ‘S’ Models: Continental GT S and GTC S

Bentley has launched a new S range focused on driving performance and visual presence. The S range emphasizes on Bentley’s “Wellbeing behind the wheel” concept and adjusts Bentley’s grand touring recipe to centre on the pleasure of driving through multiple enhancements.

The S range retains the 4.0 litre V8 engine delivering 550 PS and 770 Nm of torque and the acceleration from 0-100km/h is achieved in 4.0 seconds. Additionally, for the GT and GTC S, the engine is enhanced with a Sport Exhaust fitment as standard.

The lighter 4.0 litre engine gives the Continental GT S model a responsive and agile character amplified by Bentley Dynamic Ride. Motors within the anti-roll bars actively minimise body roll under hard cornering by generating upto 1300 Nm of torque in 0.3 seconds while also improving the ride comfort at cruising speeds.

The exterior of the new S models feature black gloss radiator grille, S badge on the front fenders, dark tinted headlights and rear lights, Bentley badge finished in bright chrome, gloss black wing, quad exhaust tailpipes in black, brake callipers finished in red and sill extenders in black.

The S range is offered with a set of 22 inch wheels with Y-shaped spokes finished in gloss black and also available in new Pale Brodgar Satin finish. 21 inch wheels in tri-spoke design will also be available as a second option.

The interior design of the GT and GTC S features metal S signature badge on the fascia, S design seats, S emblem on the headrests, suede-like properties of Dinamica on the steering wheel, gear lever, seat cushion and seat backrests and leather upholstery on the seat bolsters, door pads, instrument panel and on the centre console.

June 21, 2022 / Comments Off on Bentley Introduces New ‘S’ Models: Continental GT S and GTC S
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Ferrari Builds 1 of 1 Ferrari F8 Tributo Called SP48 Unica

Meet the new Ferrari SP48 Unica, this new model is the latest addition to the Prancing Horse’s One-Off series, the most exclusive group in Maranello’s entire production.

The new SP48 Unica is a two-seater sports berlinetta developed on the F8 Tributo platform and designed by the Ferrari Styling Center under the Chief Design officer Flavio Manzoni.

The design of the new Ferrari features an arrow shaped front profile, re-designed headlights, relocated brake air intakes and completely redesigned grille and engine air intakes. A pivotal aspect of the design is the extensive use of procedural-parametric modeling techniques and 3D prototyping which resulted in perfect 3D grilles that seem curved from a solid volume.

In addition to the design, the vehicle has been transitioned from black to the body color which includes the windows, roof and engine cover, the visor effect has been heightened by reducing the size of the side windows and eliminating the rear screen and the central section of the roof includes a graphic representation of the air intakes on the rear carbon-fibre engine cover.

The thermal-fluid-dynamic design delivers different aerodynamic balance and guarantees all cooling requirements are met. The air intakes for cooling flows for the engine on the front bumper and beneath the rear spoiler are among the biggest changes compared to the F8 tributo’s styling and the intercooler intake behind the side window enables the engineers to reduce the dimension of the intakes on the flanks.

Additionally, the longer rear overhang reduces suction from the roof area which in return boosts the rear downforce. The interior of the new model features a specially developed black laser-perforated Alcantara on the seats and most of the cabin trim, polished sill covers with leather-embossed hexagonal motif and matte carbon-fibre cockpit complimented with Grigio Canna di Fucile accents.

May 11, 2022 / Comments Off on Ferrari Builds 1 of 1 Ferrari F8 Tributo Called SP48 Unica
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Official: 2022 Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheel Base

Bentley is hoping to stretch its reach further into the realms of luxury with the 2022 Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheel Base. The Bentley Bentayga EWB is based on the second generation of Bentayga, extending the wheelbase and rear cabin space by an extra 180mm. The changes to the underfloor, side panels, door and roof were worked on by Bentley’s design team to ensure the sharp lines and proportions of the Bentayga remain elegant and stylish. The increased length results in the wheelbase of the car being stretched from 2995 to 3175mm brining the total length to 5322mm. All of the increase in in the rear door panel highlighting the focus in the creating an even more sumptuous rear cabin with an emphasis on comfort and wellness. This is reflected in the introduction of the world’s first auto climate and advanced postural adjustment rear seat.

The new cabin space allows for the new Bentley Airline Seat which Bentley claims to be the ‘most advanced seat ever fitted to a car, with 22-ways of adjustment’. Having attended to the preview of the car earlier this year, I can confirm that the rear seats in this configuration are sublime, with ample room and endless adjustability.

The front passenger seat can be pushed forward and a leather-trimmed footrest can be deployed whilst rear passenger seats sense the occupant’s temperature and determine whether to apply heat, ventilation or both simultaneously whilst the postural adjustment system automatically makes micro adjustments to the occupant’s seating position pressure points by measuring pressure across the seats surface: clever stuff! Elsewhere in the cabin, there is a more advanced stitching design, Bentley Diamond Illumination on the door sills and a total of 24 billion(!) trim combinations that can be chosen from. 

Bentley predicts that the EWB model will account for 45% of Bentayga sales, but for many the two Airline Seats in the rear may not be the most desirable set up. No problem, a standard 4+1 seating layout is offered with the two outer rear seats featuring 16 ways of adjustment, heating, ventilation and five massage programmes. 

Visually the 2022 Bentley Bentayga EWB can be spotted from its new ‘Vertical Vane Grille’ design, new 22 inch 10-spoke wheel, repositioned sunroof and, of course, that elongated rear door. 

Mechanically the car is identical to the V8 offering in the Bentayga range with the exception of the rear-wheel-steer system that is new to the EWB. It allows the turning radius to be reduced by up to 7% helping compensate for the additional length of the Extended Wheel Base.

Expect to see the 2022 Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheel Base on the road soon knowing that the occupants are enjoying levels of comfort never previously experience in a Bentley SUV.

May 10, 2022 / Comments Off on Official: 2022 Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheel Base
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They Actually Did It! Mercedes EQXX Covers 1,008km on Single Charge, 140km Still Remaining

The new Mercedes Vision EQXX took on the roads of Europe to demonstrate its outstanding range and efficiency. This new model covered over 1000 km in everyday traffic on a single battery charge. On arrival, the battery charge was 15% which mounted to a remaining range of around 140 kms, the average consumption was a record-breaking low of 8.7 kWh per 100 kms.

The Vision EQXX completed the long-distance with the charging socket sealed accompanied by an independent expert from certification body TUV sud. The model is packed with innovations and the software-defined research prototype is part of the technology programme that combines the latest digital technology with Mercedes’s spirit, agility and speed of Formula 1.

The model has also been fitted with Bridgestone tyres with an extremely low rolling-resistance rating of 4.7, the tyres are specifically developed for the EQXX in partnership with Mercedes and also improves the overall efficiency of the vehicle.

Special features in the new EQXX includes comprehensive lightweight construction and design concept, examples of this are carbon-fibre-sugar composite materials also used in Formula 1, BIONEQXX rear floor manufactured using aluminum casting process, light metal structural components, aluminium brake discs and lightweight F1 subframe for the electric chassis.

The Vision EQXX also gets its energy from the fixed solar roof which increases the range by more than 2%. The 117 solar cells charge the 12-volt battery which then supplies power to auxiliary consumers like the navigational system.

In addition, the vehicle has also been fitted with the UI/UX which features a new one-piece display that spans the entire width of the interior.

Start of Trip Sindelfingen, April 5th, 2022, 7:00 a.m.
End of Trip Cassis, April 5th, 2022, 7:02 p.m.
Distance Travelled 1,008 kilometres
Time Travelled 12 hours and 2 minutes
Average speed 87.4 km/h
Max Speed 140km/h
Battery Remaining on Arrival 15% or 140km Range
April 26, 2022 / Comments Off on They Actually Did It! Mercedes EQXX Covers 1,008km on Single Charge, 140km Still Remaining
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Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Specs and Pricing

The Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 will be on the road for the first time since it’s unveiling at the Pebble Beach on August 13th.

On this special occasion, the LPI 800-4 will be accompanied by two of its predecessors; the first Countach LP400 and the last Countach 25th Anniversary produced.

The LPI 800-4 is powered by a Lamborghini 6.5 liter V12 engine delivering an output power of 780 hp. When combined with the 48-volt electric motor mounted on the gearbox, the output power increases to a maximum 814 hp for instant response as well as increased performance.

2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Specs and Pricing

Engine 6.5L V12 N/A
Electric Motor 48v system
Energy Storage Supercapacitor
Combined Horsepower 803hp
0-100km/h 2.8s
0-200km/h 8.6s
Top Speed 355km/h (221mph)
Dry Weight 1,595 kg
Price $2.8 Million

Additionally, the electric motor is powered by a supercapacitor providing three times more power than a lithium-ion battery of the same weight.

The new model will be limited to only 112 units all of which have been sold already. The number of units is a reference to ‘LP 112’, the project name used during the manufacture of the first Lamborghini Countach.

The deliveries of the Countach LP 112 will begin from the first quarter of 2022.

January 27, 2022 / Comments Off on Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Specs and Pricing
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