From the Red Bull Ring in Austria two weeks ago, the Formula 1 teams have travelled 1,100 kms west to the Paul Ricard Circuit in France for Round 12 of the 2022 world championship. This is the 62nd French Grand Prix that is a part of the Formula 1 World Championship and it was on the calendar of the very first championship in 1950.
However, the Paul Ricard Circuit has not always been the venue of the French GP and including this weekend’s event, has held it 18 times. Other circuits that have hosted F1 rounds have been Reims, Clermont-Ferrand, Le Mans, Dijon and Magny Cours.
Paul Ricard is an interesting track which features no less than 247 possible track configurations – ranging from 800 metres to 5.86 kms (the lap length for this weekend’s race will be 5.842 kms). While it is used for many races, it is also a popular track for testing and it is possible to make it something like Monza or Monaco or a combination of both circuits. There’s also a sprinkler system that can simulate wet weather driving on 64 of the different layouts.
One of the circuit’s special and eye-catching features are its brightly coloured run‑off zones which offer plenty of grip and replace the more usual gravel traps. The blue zone is not especially abrasive and has only a small negative effect on cars going off track, while the red zone close to the barriers has a much coarser texture and slows cars down (and can flat-spot tyres). Both of these distinctive zones use tarmac combined with tungsten to create an abrasive surface that helps reduce car speeds when they exceed track limits.
The circuit itself has been regularly resurfaced with fresh tarmac and provides a high grip level, compared to other tracks in F1. Plus, the tarmac is very dark in colour, which is why it gets so hot in the sun and can reach temperatures approaching 55°C, one of the year’s highest figures. The asphalt is extremely smooth and while smooth tarmac means tyres don’t wear out as quickly, they are much more difficult to warm up. But the normally high temperatures experienced at the track, especially in summer, should help with getting heat into tyres.
“This year’s French Grand Prix takes place nearly a month later than it did last year, when it rained on Sunday morning, so it’s fair to expect warmer temperatures. This year’s generation of tyres and compounds is different and more resistant to overheating than the 13-inch versions used last year, so we’ll have to see how that affects the strategy,” said Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Motorsports Director.
The layout used for F1 racing will challenge teams in optimizing set-ups as there are varied demands. Of the 15 turns, 6 are left-hand and 9 are right-handers. Many of the right-hand corners are long sweeping turns, which puts a great deal of stress on front left tyres. All in all, the Circuit Paul Ricard has a good mix of fast, medium and slow corners.
Defined by long straights, the circuit’s first sector ends in a low-speed complex that requires agility and good traction on exit for the high-speed run to Turns 7 and 8. The faster sequence following the sweeping Signes curve will put more energy through the tyres.
Although the track is generally very smooth, there is one heavy bump. Turn 5 was remodelled for the 2021 season with the intention to make it a slightly banked entry towards the apex, similar to Turn 4 in Austria but in the end, there is now a bump where the track drops away from the car between Turn 4 and Turn 5.
Brake cooling at Paul Ricard is not as critical as at some other circuits, because there is enough track between braking zones to allow pads and discs to cool down sufficiently, so overheating is not a particular problem. Brembo’s technicians agree and on a scale of 1 to 5, it has a difficulty rating of 2, the joint lowest of the season with Silverstone.
Gear positions and cornering speeds of Mercedes-AMG racing cars.
The most demanding braking is on Turn 8, the chicane that bisects the 1.8-km long Mistral straight. The cars come onto it at 319 km/h and brake for 2.12 seconds, covering a distance of 116 before going into the turn at 135 km/h. For 53 laps, the drivers have to exert a load of 141 kgs and during that time will experience a deceleration force of 4.7g.
In the championship standings after half the season has been completed, Charles Leclerc’s win in Austria a fortnight ago closes the gap with leader Max Verstappen, cutting it down to 38 points. The Dutchman’s team mate, Sergio Perez, had bad luck and failure to finish dropped him to third place, 21 points behind the Ferrari driver.
In the Constructors championship, Red Bull Racing still has the lead with 359 points, 56 points ahead of the Italians. The British-based Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Team is some way down with 237 points.
Showcars or concept cars used to be exercises in fantasy, showing the public the sort of vehicles people would be travelling in many decades in the future. Sometimes they got a bit outrageous with fancy ideas that would never become reality. But over time, concept cars have become previews of near-future products and designers use them to gauge response to some of the ideas they are exploring.
Cadillac’s latest showcar, called the CELESTIQ, has been conceived for that purpose – to present the brand’s vision of innovation and purpose in a 3-dimeensional form that will be the basis of its all-electric flagship sedan in future.
“The CELESTIQ showcar is the purest expression of Cadillac,” said Magalie Debellis, Manager, Cadillac Advanced Design. “It brings to life the most integrated expressions of design and innovation in the brand’s history, coalescing in a defining statement of a true Cadillac flagship.”
Looking to the past for ideas
In developing the showcar, the design and engineering teams immersed themselves in the artisanship and customization that defined early Cadillac sedans such as the bespoke V16 powered coaches of the pre-war era, and the hand-built 1957 Eldorado Brougham. The CELESTIQ is the culmination of that heritage, created today with innovative production methods and new technologies.
1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham was a limited edition model, with only 400 cars built.
“Those vehicles represented the pinnacle of luxury in their respective eras, and helped make Cadillac the standard of the world,” said Tony Roma, Chief Engineer. “The CELESTIQ showcar — also a sedan, because the configuration offers the very best luxury experience — builds on that pedigree and captures the spirt of arrival they expressed.”
The designers drew further inspiration from classic architecture such as the mid-century masterpieces of architect Eero Saarinen, along with other iconic American designs, which made era-defining statements when introduced and endured with distinctive timelessness.
Clean-sheet development
Realizing and infusing those influences within a General Motors’ Ultium-based EV architecture enabled a clean-sheet expression for the CELESTIQ that considers the entirety of travel as a curated experience — one intended to evoke an emotional response. The result is a car that makes a magnetic first impression and cultivates a permanent personal connection.
“We’ve combined the beauty of function with the beauty of form,” said Laetitia Lopez, Creative Designer, Cadillac Colour and Trim. “We had to reconsider all aspects to immerse the customer, all of their senses, and create a connection with the vehicle through the finest genuine materials, exceptional detailing and advanced technology.”
The show car previews some of the materials, innovative technologies and handcrafted attention to detail harnessed to express Cadillac’s vision for the future. Highlights include 5 high-definition, advanced LED interactive displays, including a massive 55-inch-diagonal advanced LED display, along with expected industry-firsts such as a variable-transmission Smart Glass Roof and Ultra Cruise. The latter will be General Motors’ next evolution of available handsfree driver assistance technology which Cadillac plans to offer with the CELESTIQ.
Smart Glass Roof
The Smart Glass Roof features Suspended Particle Device technology that allows for 4 zones of variable lighting. This allows passengers to fine-tune their cabin experience for completely personalized comfort and visibility. Additionally, the huge advanced LED display introduces a passenger display with electronic digital blinds, an active privacy technology which is designed to allow passengers to enjoy video content while blocking it from the view of the driver. While they are previewed on the showcar, these technologies and others will make CELESTIQ the most advanced vehicle ever from Cadillac when it goes on sale.
The launch date for the CELESTIQ production model has not been indicated but GM is investing US$81 million (about RM360.6 million) to support its assembly at GM’s Global Technical Centre the heart of the company’s engineering and design efforts. The CELESTIQ will be the first production vehicle built there since the facility’s inauguration in May 1956.
The next-generation Ford Ranger has arrived in Malaysia and also joining the range before the end of the year will be the new Ranger Raptor. Developed by Ford Performance, the Ranger Raptor has proven to be the ultimate Ranger which blends raw power with mechanical and technical precision to create the most advanced Ranger ever.
The big news for performance fans is the introduction of a new twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 producing up to 392 ps at 5,650rpm and 583 Nm at 3,500rpm tuned by Ford Performance. However, the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel 4-cylinder engine will also be available in markets where a smaller displacement is more practical. Malaysia would be one of them.
The 2-litre Bi-turbo engine with high-pressure Commonrail Direct Injection is already a familiar powerplant as it is used in the latest Ranger Wildtrak. With two turbochargers, the engine (for the Raptor) pushes out 213 ps, with a massive 500 NM of torque.
All that power and torque flows through Ford’s own 10-speed automatic transmission which has been specially calibrated to work perfectly with the turbocharged engine. Not only is power delivery smooth but gear changes are also quick and precise with advanced programming to ensure the right gear for every situation.
With an electronically-controlled active exhaust system that amplifies the engine note in 4 selectable drive modes (Quiet, Normal, Sport and Baja), the Raptor’s vocal character ranges from mild to wild. Drivers can choose their preferred engine sound by pressing a button on the steering wheel or by selecting a drive mode.
While there are similarities, the new Ranger Raptor has a unique chassis when compared to latest Ranger. A series of unique mounts and reinforcements, for elements including the C-pillar, load box and spare wheel, as well as unique frames for the jounce bumper, shock tower and rear shock bracket all combine to give the vehicle much more capability in extreme conditions.
The suspension is completely redesigned, with all-new tough, lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms, long travel front and rear suspension and refined Watt’s link rear end designed to deliver more control across rough terrain at high speed.
The new suspension upgrades in the Ranger Raptor make the most of the new FOX Live Valve dampers. The suspension adapts in real time to enable exceptional on-road body control while absorbing corrugations and bigger ruts off-road with ease ensuring maximum control and performance.
Soaking up those humps and bumps are next-generation FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers with cutting-edge control technology offering position-sensitive damping capability. These shock absorbers are the most sophisticated ever on Ranger Raptor and are filled with Teflon-infused oil that reduces friction by around 50% compared to those on the previous Raptor.
While the hardware is FOX, the tuning and development work was carried out by Ford Performance using a mixture of computer-aided engineering and real-world testing. Everything from adjusting the spring rates to setting the ride height, valve tuning and honing the ride zones was performed to create the perfect balance between comfort, control, stability and traction on-road and off-road.
In addition to working with the drive modes, the system works in the background to prepare the Ranger Raptor for different conditions. As the shocks compress, different zones within the bypass system give exactly the amount of support needed for the travel being used and work in reverse as the shocks rebound back to full height.
The Ranger Raptor’s ability to tackle rough terrain is further enhanced with tough underbody protection. The front bashplate is almost double the size of the standard Ranger bashplate and made from 2.3 mm-thick high-strength steel. This bashplate, combined with the engine undershield and transfer case shield, provides protection for key components like the radiator, steering system, front cross member, engine sump and front differential.
For the first time, the Ranger Raptor gets an advanced permanent 4-wheel drive system with an all-new electronically controlled on-demand 2-speed transfer case, combined with front and rear locking differentials, a feature that hardcore off-roaders will appreciate.
Unlike other pick-up trucks in the market with bodykits to just give a sportier image, the Ranger Raptor’s was specially developed by Ford Performance. The flared fenders accommodate a choice of two muscular 17-inch wheel designs, one with beadlock capability, and each wrapped in BFGoodrich all-terrain tyres.
Functional vents, aero features, and tough, new-design cast aluminium side steps help enhance the look and functionality of the truck. At the rear, LED taillights provide a signature link to the front, while the precision grey rear bumper features an integrated step pad and towbar that is tucked up high to aid the truck’s departure angle.
Inside, the theme continues to emphasize the off-road performance and high-energy nature of the exterior. The cabin features all-new, jet fighter-inspired sports seats – both in the front and rear – that are not only more comfortable but more supportive during high-speed cornering.
When the first Ranger Raptor was launched in Malaysia, its RM209,000 pricetag was thought to be excessive. But much to SDAC’s surprise, the model was in high demand. It was just the thing for the hardcore types who could get a factory-ready truck with genuine high performance – and with a warranty too.
One of the frustrations for engineers is that there are so many regulations they must meet when developing a model for sale. There are emission regulations and safety regulations to comply with otherwise the car cannot be registered for use on public roads.
With racing cars, it’s a bit different and while there are also regulations, they are generally focussed on safety while allowing more freedom in performance. This is why manufacturers sometimes have models which are strictly for track use (or on private roads) and then the engineers can go all out to achieve maximum performance. It’s a dream project for any engineer.
At Maserati, there’s such a dream project now in progress, codename Project24. This is going to be a super sportscar and it is based on the MC20. Besides inheriting the main specification, the V6 Nettuno 3-litre dry sump engine will have new turbochargers to raise its power out to 740 ps. The drivetrain will consist of 6-speed sequential racing transmission with a racing clutch, and a mechanical limited-slip differential.
Maserati MC20
Besides suspension uprating, there will also be a carbon-ceramic braking system by Brembo and slick tyres specially chosen for racing, as well as FIA-approved safety features. The passenger’s seat will be an optional item but air-conditioning will be installed.
Based on the brand’s obsession with lightness, the target weight of the sportscar will be below 1,250 kgs. With the higher output and lower weight, a power-to-weight ratio of approximately 1.69 kgs/ps will be possible.
The bodywork has also be lightened with carbonfibre cladding. Aerodynamic studies in the wind tunnel will provide guidance on how to make the body more slippery, and there will be adjustable front and rear wings.
The Project24 will not be a one-off car but will be produced in 62 copies. Each owner will have assistance in getting the car on the track and also support services. Of course, how many owners will race it on a track remains to be seen but it will certainly become an instant classic collector’s item.
Ahead of its sales launch, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) previewed the new-generation Ford Ranger today. This can be considered the fourth generation of the pick-up truck which was originally conceived as Ford’s idea of an ‘ASEAN Car’ in the mid-1990s. Its development was partly inspired by the creation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) as a single trading bloc. Products could be exchanged among ASEAN countries without import duties so manufacturers could set up large factories in one location for economies of scale and supply to neighbouring countries without tax penalties.
Ford (in partnership with Mazda) chose Thailand to build a huge factory in Rayong on the eastern seaboard for its new model called the Ranger, which succeeded the Courier. For the Malaysian market, the timing was perfect as regulations has just changed (in the late 1990s) to permit private registration of pick-up trucks. With the Ranger’s stylish design and more passenger car-like features, it very quickly became a top-seller, accounting for 51% of all trucks sold in Malaysia in its early years.
2022 see a new generation of the model which has by now become a very global product, made in Thailand and South Africa, and exported to some 180 countries. For this new generation, Ford has no longer collaborated with Mazda (which has instead teamed up with Isuzu for its new truck) and has partnered Volkswagen (which makes its Ranger-derived product the new Amarok).
Familiar design
Pick-up trucks generally have similar profiles – a cab up front and a long cargo bed at the back, with lots of ground clearance. Apart from a few exceptions, they all sit on a chassis frame (or ladder frame) which has been the case for decades. This type of construction, with the cab bolted on, is stronger and can handle heavy loads better. It’s also more resistant to flexing, an important point when driving in rough terrain.
However, the styling is where the differentiation is, and Ford’s designers have kept the new Ranger stylishly rugged. According to Max Tran, who led the design team for the model, they looked at nature for inspiration as well as the F-Series trucks and also the previous Rangers.
The front end is bolder with more distinct elements but the most eye-catching are the two ‘C-clamp’ LED lighting units around the large headlights. These serve as daylight running lights (DRLs) and certainly make the new Ranger recognisable from a distance. The same theme is used for the tail lights as well.
The dimensions of the new Ranger are roughly the same as before, but the wheelbase is 50 mm longer, and the tracks have also been widened by 50 mm. The extended wheelbase moves the front wheels forward so that the overhang is reduced, making for a better approach angle. The widened tracks allow the body to be slightly wider, which makes a difference in the cargo bay.
Since the second generation, the brand badges have been enlarged to make them more visible from far. This time round, ‘RANGER’ has been stamped into the lower section of the tailgate panel, giving a rugged look to the vehicle. On the top of the tailgate is a hint of a spoiler, helping to influence airflow in some beneficial way.
As before, some versions have an ‘easy-lift’ bar under the tailgate which makes opening and closing really easy. The tailgate is normally a heavy piece and you need two hands and a bit of effort to lift it but with the Ranger, you can use one hand to close it.
Proven powertrains
As before, there are two 2-litre diesel powertrain choices – the Bi-Turbo and Single Turbo. Both have received improvements, particularly in reduction of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness). The output remains the same, though, with the Bi-Turbo putting out 210 ps/500 Nm, and the Single Turbo generating 170 ps/405 Nm. Because the Ranger is sold widely in ASEAN, where governments are promoting biodiesel strongly, the engines can run on diesel blends up to B20 with no problem.
Also carrying over from before, the Single Turbo engine is coupled with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, while the more powerful engine gets a 10-speed automatic transmission which has been updated for more efficiency with closer ratios. Ten ratios is a lot but it does allow for higher ratios to keep revs down for efficiency while, at the same time, having low ratios for strong pulling power when needed. The manual transmission is actually new and was four years in development across 4 continents and has a new gear set for smoother shifts.
To improve cooling in the engine bay, the structure around the front end is hydro-formed. This allows for extra space in the structure around the radiator, and also makes it possible for other powertrains in future (an electrified one, perhaps?). There’s also a dedicated space under the bonnet for the installation of a second battery for use as an auxiliary power source to keep camping accessories running.
There are also two drivetrains and both have electronic management with shift-on-the-fly capability. However, only the top Wildtrak version has the sophisticated electronically managed 4×4 system that intelligently delivers power to the wheels. A rotary dial is used for the first time for selection and there are four modes – 2WD High, 4WD High, 4WD Low and automatic 4WD. The other versions have the more traditional 2-wheel drive High and Low range transfer case.
There’s also another set of drive modes to suit different types of surfaces conditions, from mud and sand to normal roads as well as for fuel-saving. The Wildtrak gets 6 modes which include the different terrain settings but the other versions get only 4 modes for normal, economy, towing or slippery surfaces.
The platform has similarities to the one used before but it is not identical. It’s an evolved version which has the rear suspension dampers shifted outboard of the frame rails. The aim has been to allow more tuning range with a better balance between comfort and durability. With trucks being used more on-road than off-road, the comfort aspect is desired more.
Flexible multi-function cabin
Each generation of the Ranger has seen a new approach to interior design, influenced by feedback from customers as well as themes chosen by the design teams. The third generation, for example, had some elements inspired by Casio G-Shock watches which the chief designer was impressed by. This time round, more than 5,000 people were interviewed to find out what to improve and what was expected.
The result is a flexible, modern cabin space that is more functional for family use as well as for work. To meet this requirement, Ford has provided smart and connected technologies and features, with more comfort and storage options. Digi-graphics are dominant on the instrument panel and also a tablet-like centre display which looks like the one in the Mach-E SUV.
The portrait orientation of the centre touchscreen display provides more surface area so that more menu elements can be displayed. With a horizontal orientation, the menu may need to be layered, adding time to the operation for the driver. The vertical panel also displays the 360-degree + overhead view that allows the driver to see all sides of the vehicle.
There are two centre consoles between the seats and the Wildtrak gets the ‘advanced’ one with an electric parking brake tab (no lever) and the rotary dial for the drive modes. The other versions continue with the conventional handbrake lever on one side. All versions have the option of manual gear selection and this is done by a rocker switch on the side of the shift lever knob. It’s been used for a long time and is common in American vehicles, instead of paddles on the steering wheel.
There are USB and 12V power points around the cabin (and even a 3-pin one in the cargo bay). With many people installing dashcams nowadays, the interior designers have also provided one USB socket at the top of the windscreen area to power the device without having a cable dangling down. And for those who have smartphones that can charge without cables, there’s also a charging pad.
With the second generation Ranger, Ford provided a slide-out tray for the front passenger but that idea probably didn’t catch on so they omitted it later on. For the latest Ranger, besides the rather small glovebox, there’s a horizontal space above it which can be used for a small umbrella or small items. There are, of course, the requisite cupholders with sizes that have been thoroughly researched for universal use.
The instrument panel is now fully digital with an 8-inch TFT display that provides the driver with a wide range of information. To ease the driver’s workload is SYNC4a which is the latest version of Ford’s own connectivity software that was introduced in 2019. It offers enhanced conversational voice recognition, OTA update capability, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
With this new Ranger, the interior designers have gone even further in making the cabin feel like a car’s. In fact, if you were not told that it’s a truck, you would think you’re in a spacious sedan or hatchback. The materials used are soft-touch or well padded, and there are many convenience features. All versions now have rear air-conditioning vents and the rear backrest can be folded down to place items that can’t be left in the exposed cargo bed. Additionally, there are two compartments in the floor as ‘hideaway’ storage areas.
An even safer Ranger
Right from the start, the Ranger has been a leader in safety in the truck segment. For Ford, the lives of the occupants of a truck are no less valuable than those in a passenger car. So even with the first generation, Ford was providing safety features – including airbags – that other trucks didn’t have. This leadership position continues to the latest generation with the more advanced integrated active safety systems being provided (albeit in the Wildtrak only).
The Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) that you see in many cars and SUVs these days are also available in the Ranger Wildtrak. Using a camera and radar, these range from pre-collision warning to automatic emergency braking as well as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping. There is also post-collision braking which brings the vehicle to a faster stop after an accident.
Additionally, Ford has also installed Evasive Steering Assist, a system which complements the Pre-Collision system. If the vehicle is rapidly approaching a stationary vehicle or a vehicle traveling in the same direction, the Evasive Steering Assist system can help the driver steer around the vehicle in a controlled and stable manner. Additional steering torque is applied to help steer around the vehicle. After passing, the system applies steering torque in the opposite direction to encourage a return to the original lane.
There’s also protection for the vehicle in view of it likely to be used in rough off-road conditions. To protect vital components, there are protective underbody shields for the steering, sump, transmission and transfer case. These shields are made from pressed and folded laser-cut steel. The recessed mounting bolts are protected from damage and easy to remove for servicing, and because the shields are bolted directly to the chassis, they add to the structural integrity of the vehicle.
Introducing the new Ranger
SDAC will have a series of events between now and October to introduce the new-generation Ranger before it officially goes on sale. If you sign up here, you can get an exclusive invitation to a debut event at a city near you as well as receive regular updates to keep you informed. To know more about the new-generation Ranger models available in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my.
General Motors is fully committed to going electric as quickly as possible and all its divisions are headed in the same direction. While some of the divisions have shown concept cars, Chevrolet has revealed a production-ready electric model – the 2024 Blazer EV.
“The 2024 Blazer EV sets a new tone for electric SUVs, with options and intuitive technologies that help position Chevy for leadership in one of the fastest-growing EV segments,” said Scott Bell, Vice-President of Chevrolet. “Along with the all-new Silverado EV and Equinox EV coming next year, we are making great strides in offering more choices for zero tailpipe-emissions vehicles — choices that make switching to an EV easier than ever.”
The Blazer EV is not a combustion-engined Blazer with an electric powertrain. It was developed independent and uses GM’s modular Ultium Platform which has been designed for multiple applications. The Ultium platform and its batteries are the heart of GM’s strategy. The batteries are unique in the industry because the large-format, pouch-style cells can be stacked vertically or horizontally inside the battery pack. This allows engineers to optimize battery energy storage and layout for each vehicle design.
The athletic styling of the Blazer EV mimics that of the 2018 Blazer – with performance cues inspired by the Camaro and Corvette. Each version has a muscular, athletic profile with taut converging body lines. Prominent front-fender extractor vents associate with Chevy’s motorsports legacy.
The designers elevated the Blazer EV’s presence with a bold, dual-element LED exterior lighting signature that also has choreographed lighting sequences. These activate when the driver approaches or walks away. The effect features a full light bar and illuminated Bowtie emblem on the front. The front lighting also conveys the state of charge while the vehicle charges. A sequential orchestration of the lighting increases in speed and intensity as the battery’s charge increases.
Inside, the cabin also makes a modern design statement. Like the exterior, many of its elements draw inspiration from Chevrolet’s sportscars and performance heritage, such as a flat-bottom steering wheel and sculpted vents inspired by turbines.
An expansive, 17.7-inch-diagonal colour touchscreen is the focal point of the cabin and the command centre for the vehicle’s infotainment system. A large 11-inch-diagonal colour Driver Information Centre in the instrument cluster complements the central touchscreen.
With design and engineering developed to live up to the legacy of the iconic Super Sport performance designation, the Blazer EV SS offers customers the most powerful experience in the line-up. It features an exclusive performance AWD propulsion configuration designed to produce up to 557 ps/878 Nm, and unique WOW (Wide Open Watts) mode enabling very quick acceleration.
When it comes to charging, the Blazer EV uses an 11.5 kW onboard AC charging module for home charging and public charging, along with high-speed DC public fast-charging capability of up to 190 kW. It can recharge in about 10 minutes and get around 125 kms of range. A fully charged battery pack is claimed to be good for 515 kms.
A major enabler of the Blazer EV’s technologies is Ultifi, GM’s new end-to-end vehicle software platform. It separates the vehicle’s software from the hardware to enable the frequent and seamless delivery of software-defined features, apps and services to customers over the air (OTA). Ultifi will allow customers to upgrade and personalize their vehicle as improvements and new features become available over time.
Besides four different versions for sale to the public, Chevrolet will also be offering a pursuit-rated Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) model for police fleet applications. These PPVs will have the largest Ultium battery in the line-up and a specific interior designed for police officers with ample room to accommodate emergency equipment and gear. To go on sale from mid-2023, the Blazer EV will have prices ranging from US$44,995 to US$65,995.
