Mercedes-Benz has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first foreign automaker authorised to test Level 4 autonomous vehicles in China. The approval, granted by Chinese authorities, marks a crucial step in the development and deployment of self-driving technology.
Level 4 autonomy indicates that a vehicle can operate independently without human intervention under certain conditions. This capability is exemplified by robotaxi services such as Alphabet’s Waymo One and Baidu’s Apollo Go. Mercedes-Benz’s autonomous vehicles will undergo a series of tests in Beijing, including parking, reversing, and navigating complex traffic scenarios, such as making U-turns and turning left in busy intersections.
Testing Scope and Future Applications
The trials will focus on assessing the vehicle’s performance in real-world conditions, which include high-density traffic and varied driving environments. While the primary aim is to refine the technology for private car use, Mercedes-Benz is also considering potential applications for a robotaxi service or licensing the technology to other companies.
Sasha Selipanov, the acclaimed designer behind the Bugatti Chiron and Koenigsegg Gemera, has officially launched his own hypercar, the Nilu. This marks a significant milestone for Selipanov, who recently established his design consultancy, Hardline27, and his hypercar brand, Nilu27, in collaboration with his wife, Inna.
Selipanov’s career includes stints at major automotive brands such as Volkswagen Group, where he was instrumental in designing the Bugatti Chiron and Lamborghini Huracán, and Genesis, where he contributed to the Essentia and Mint concepts. At Koenigsegg, he was the head of design responsible for the Gemera and CC850. Now, he turns his expertise to creating his own high-performance vehicles.
A Modern Take on Classic Racing
The Nilu is a pure, V12-powered track car with a road-going version that is also in development. Designed to offer an unfiltered driving experience, it eschews modern conveniences in favour of a design that pays homage to classic Le Mans endurance racers.
The Nilu features a bespoke carbon-fibre monocoque passenger cell, supported by aluminium-alloy tubular subframes at both the front and rear. Selipanov opted for these skeletal tubular subframes instead of composite materials to enhance access to key components and improve cooling efficiency.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the Nilu boasts a 6.5-litre V12 engine developed by Hartley Engines, a renowned New Zealand engine builder. Paired with a 7-speed manual transmission, the powertrain is expected to deliver over 1,000hp. Selipanov aims for the Nilu to be the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated car without any electrification. The engine features a “hot-V” design, placing the exhaust system between the cylinder banks, and includes fully exposed 12-into-1 exhaust headers, which Selipanov refers to as the “Snake Pit.”
Design and Interior
Access to the cabin is provided by gullwing doors, and inside, the Nilu features two low-mounted sports seats and an H-pattern shifter with an exposed mechanism. The interior is minimalist, with traditional dials and billet-machined controls, and devoid of digital screens, except for a digital rearview mirror. The steering wheel is also stripped of any controls to ensure an undistracted driving experience.
Limited Production and Future Plans
The Nilu will be privately showcased to prospective buyers at an event in Los Angeles before making its formal debut at the 2024 Monterey Car Week. Initially, Nilu27 plans to produce just 15 examples of the Nilu, with the first cars being built by California’s Aria Group. The company intends to establish its own production facility overseas in the future.
Additionally, a road-going version of the Nilu is in development, with plans to produce 54 units, four of which will feature unique designs that will further evolve the brand’s design language.
Thermal paint coatings are commonly used in commercial buildings to reflect solar energy and keep interiors cool. However, adapting these coatings for automotive use presents unique challenges due to the need for light, thin, and durable finishes. Nissan is addressing these challenges with its new “cool paint,” designed specifically for vehicles.
Overview of Nissan’s Cool Paint
Nissan’s cool paint is a white paint that reflects solar energy, aiming to reduce interior temperatures and air conditioning use. This is particularly beneficial for electric vehicles (EVs), where air conditioning is a significant energy drain. Nissan has tested this paint on service vans at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and recorded a 9°F (5°C) lower interior temperature compared to standard-painted vehicles.
Five of Europe’s largest car manufacturers recently reported a significant decline in profits for the first half of 2024. This drop is attributed to several key factors, including weak demand for electric vehicles (EVs), cost competition from Chinese manufacturers, and rising research and development (R&D) expenses.
Volkswagen Faces Major Challenges
Volkswagen’s CEO, Oliver Blume, highlighted rising costs and lower factory utilisation during a recent earnings conference. Blume stated, “We have made all the necessary technical decisions. We have implemented the relevant organisational measures. Now, our primary focus is on costs, costs, and costs.”
BMW is launching a new iteration of its popular X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) exclusively for the Chinese market, featuring a longer wheelbase and enhanced interior comfort. This new version, the BMW X3 25L xDrive and BMW X3 30L xDrive, marks the brand’s commitment to catering specifically to the preferences of Chinese consumers.
The extended wheelbase of the new X3 models, increased by 110mm to 2,975mm, significantly enhances rear-seat legroom, providing a more comfortable experience for passengers. The updated BMW X3 boasts an exterior length of 4,865mm and a width of 1,920mm, making it the largest in its competitive segment. The new design incorporates the brand’s latest styling cues with a sleek roofline and modern proportions that reflect BMW’s current design language.
Inside, the BMW X3 offers a luxurious environment with the latest BMW iDrive system based on the BMW Operating System 9. This system includes digital services tailored specifically for the Chinese market. The interior features a BMW Curved Display, BMW Interaction Bar, and a steering wheel with a flattened lower rim. High-quality materials, such as Veganza sports seats and optional “Crafted Clarity” glass applications, contribute to a premium feel. The panoramic glass roof with optional Skylounge lighting adds to the ambience, providing a sophisticated touch to the vehicle’s interior.
Volkswagen is setting high expectations for its upcoming electric GTI, promising a driving experience that could surpass that of its internal combustion engine (ICE) predecessors. VW CEO Thomas Schäfer recently shared that the electric GTI, inspired by the ID. GTI Concept, will feature an advanced chassis and suspension designed to make it “even more exciting to experience and drive” than any previous GTI model.
The assertion that an electric vehicle (EV) could be more thrilling than traditional GTIs is met with both intrigue and skepticism. Historically, the GTI has not relied solely on sheer power; instead, it has earned its reputation through exceptional handling and dynamic driving characteristics, as seen in models like the Mk7 GTI. Even without the iconic VR6 engine present in many of its iterations, the GTI’s performance credentials have remained strong.
Volkswagen is not new to the challenge of marrying performance with innovation. The company’s approach with the electric GTI involves leveraging EV technology to enhance driving dynamics. According to VW’s R&D boss, Kai Grünitz, the objective is to create an EV with “an agile steering feel and a very smooth way of driving it through curves.” Grünitz emphasises the desire to maintain the GTI’s hallmark agility and road feedback, aiming for a vehicle that is “fast but smooth.”
Ferrari has announced the discontinuation of the SF90 Stradale and the open-top 812 GTS as part of its Q2 2024 financial results. The decision marks the end of the line for these models after nearly half a decade of sales, reflecting the marque’s strategic adjustments in response to changing market dynamics and sales performance.
Despite a 2.7 per cent increase in overall shipments year-on-year, Ferrari reported a decline in sales for several models, including the Roma coupe and 812 Competizione, as they approach the end of their lifecycles. The SF90 Stradale and 812 GTS, which were introduced five years ago, will be phased out. This move comes amidst a slight decline in hybrid vehicle sales, with Ferrari seeing a shift back towards internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in Q2.
A recent study has unveiled a significant trend among Tesla owners in 2024 which is that the majority have opted to abandon their electric vehicles (EVs) in favour of combustion engine models. According to the study, only 32% of Tesla owners chose to remain with electric vehicles, while the majority made the switch to traditional combustion engines or other hybrid options.
Specifically, 51% of Tesla owners have transitioned to pure internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, 10% have moved to hybrid models, and 6% have opted for plug-in hybrids. These findings align with a recent McKinsey & Co. survey, which indicated that nearly half (46%) of EV owners in the U.S. are likely to revert to combustion-powered vehicles for their next purchase.
Despite this trend appearing alarming, the situation represents a notable improvement from previous years. In 2020, a significant 76% of Tesla owners abandoned their EVs for internal combustion engine vehicles, with only 9% choosing other electric models. Since then, the numbers have shown a steady decline in the rate of EV abandonment.
Tesla owners have historically demonstrated a strong tendency to exit the EV market. However, the gradual improvement in retention rates suggests that owning an electric vehicle in North America may be becoming less challenging. Still, the current figures indicate that substantial advancements are needed to make EV ownership more appealing to a wider audience.
Another key observation is that an increasing number of former Tesla owners are now purchasing electric vehicles from legacy automakers. This shift is not unexpected, given Tesla’s evolution from an EV pioneer to competing against a growing array of mainstream manufacturers in the electric vehicle segment.
Hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have not gained substantial traction as alternatives to Teslas. While these vehicle types are becoming more popular among new car buyers, they appear less attractive to those who have previously owned electric vehicles. Notably, the proportion of Tesla owners switching to PHEVs is higher than the overall PHEV market rate, likely due to their previous experience with EV charging challenges.
The data highlights both the progress and ongoing challenges in the electric vehicle market, emphasising the need for continued innovation and improvement to retain and attract EV buyers.
Maserati has had a challenging start to 2024, with sales dropping by over 50% in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year, totalling just 6,500 units. The luxury Italian brand also reported an adjusted operating loss of €82 million, highlighting a significant financial struggle.
Despite these setbacks, Stellantis, the parent company of Maserati, has reaffirmed its commitment to the brand. On July 30, Stellantis emphasised that it remains dedicated to Maserati’s future, rejecting speculation that the brand might be at risk of being sold or shut down.
Toyota has once again pushed the boundaries of performance with the introduction of the 2025 GR Corolla, featuring the new 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT). This latest model is set to bring a fresh wave of excitement to both manual transmission enthusiasts and those who prefer a focus on handling.
Following the GR Corolla’s initial reveal in 2022, Toyota’s Akio Toyoda, known as MORIZO, challenged his team to innovate further. The result is the first GR Corolla equipped with the advanced DAT, designed to deliver a thrilling driving experience inspired by track testing.
The new GR Corolla, tested rigorously on renowned circuits like Fuji International Speedway, boasts an increase in engine torque from 370Nm to 399Nm This enhancement, coupled with refined suspension components, promises an impressive driving performance.
Exterior and Interior Upgrades
The GR Corolla features a redesigned front bumper to accommodate optional cooling components while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, the car sports a darker, sportier aesthetic with new trim finishes, enhancing the tactile experience for drivers.
GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission
The 8-speed DAT is a standout feature, offering rapid gear shifts and optimised performance. Unlike previous models, the DAT uses sophisticated control software to sense driver inputs—such as brake and accelerator usage—to predict the optimal timing for gear shifts. This technology aims to provide a driving experience akin to that of professional racers.
Performance Enhancements
For 2025, the GR Corolla is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre G16E-GTS engine, delivering 300hp and 399Nm of torque. To ensure the engine and transmission remain at peak performance, an automatic transmission fluid cooler is standard, with a sub-radiator available as an option on higher grades.
The car’s suspension has been upgraded with rebound springs and improved rear coils to enhance traction and stability during dynamic driving. The GR-FOUR All-Wheel-Drive system, developed in collaboration with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team, offers three drive modes—Normal, Gravel, and Track—allowing drivers to adjust torque distribution for various driving conditions.
Standard Features and Availability
The 2025 GR Corolla will come equipped with front and rear Torsen Limited-Slip Differentials (LSD) for superior cornering performance. Additionally, launch control has been incorporated to facilitate powerful acceleration from a standstill.
Toyota plans to make the new GR Corolla available at dealerships this Winter, with further details on pricing and specifications to be released later in the year. The latest model aims to attract both seasoned driving enthusiasts and those seeking an exhilarating sports car experience.
