BEV Archives

BMW X1 range gets first fully electric variant with new generation

Starting its third model generation since being introduced in 2009, the BMW X1 range includes a battery electric (BEV) variant for the first time – the iX1. Other electrified models of the range have plug-in hybrid powertrains and there are also petrol and diesel engine choices.

The new iX1 xDrive30 is the BMW Group’s first premium compact model based on a flexible vehicle architecture to feature an all-electric drive system. It has one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear to power all four wheels and deliver xDrive performance. Total system output is 313 ps with up to 494 Nm of torque.

Interaction between the two motors is enhanced by a unique drive torque control which is interlinked with the DSC and the AWD-specific version of the near-actuator wheel slip limitation function.

5th generation BME eDrive technology
The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology uses a 64.7 kWh high-voltage battery pack positioned flat within the vehicle’s underbody. The battery’s high energy density and the drive system’s efficiency achieve combined power consumption of 18.4 – 17.3kWh per 100 kms and can cover a driving range claimed to be up to 438 kms.

Combined Charging Unit
The Combined Charging Unit in the iX1 enables single and 3-phase AC charging up to 11 kW, optionally increased to 22 kW. This allows the battery to be fully recharged from empty in 6.5 hours as standard, or 3 hours 45 minutes as an option. DC recharging at up to 130 kW is claimed to raise the energy level from 10% to 80% in 29 minutes, or increase range by 120 kms in 10 minutes.

An optimised cooling strategy for DC charging improves the durability of the battery. Alternating phases of full and partial cooling power are used to prevent cell temperatures dropping too low during fast charging, shortening charging times and reducing ageing.

BMW IconicSounds Electric
As with other BMW BEV models, there’s BMW IconicSounds Electric which treats drivers to soundscapes developed as part of a collaboration between the BMW Group and 2-time Academy Award-winning film score composer, Hans Zimmer. The character of the sound alters according to the vehicle setting. A drive sound emitted externally at low speeds helps to protect pedestrians by making them aware that the car is approaching.

Larger dimensions
The surface treatment, lines and exterior design details of the iX1 display its Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) identity more clearly than before. Distinctive design features include the stretched silhouette, almost square wheel arch contours and the signature BMW X model styling of the front and rear ends. When viewed from the rear, the slim tailgate window, horizontal lines, striking LED lights and flared wheel arches produce the typical SAV look.

At the centre of the new front end design stands the large, almost square BMW kidney grille, its contouring highlighted by the three-dimensional chrome surround. The grille bars are finished in Black high-gloss as standard. In the outer areas of the lower air intake, large chrome strips accentuate the classy design of the front end.

The X1 bodyshell is larger than its predecessor – by 53 mm in length to 4500mm, 24 mm in width to 1845 mm and 44 mm in height to 1642mm. The wheelbase of 2692 mm is 22 mm longer than before, while track widths have increased by 31 mm at the front and rear.

More space, optimised comfort
With the enlarged body, there are more generous amounts of space. Key features include the slender instrument panel, a stage for the BMW Curved Display, and a ‘floating’ armrest with integral controls. The raised seating position also provides the commanding view which is one of the reasons why many people like SAVs. The newly developed seats offer optimised comfort over long distances and extended functionality, with their prominent bolsters and adjustability of seat angle and depth.

The BMW Curved Display is framed by solid-looking trim pieces which extend out to the doors. Four interior trim variants, including the new open-pore fine eucalyptus wood and Aluminium Hexacube for the M Sport model, allow owners to individualise the design.

With a glass surface measuring around one square metre, the panoramic glass sunroof floods the interior of the iX1 with light and can also allow fresh air in. The roller blind cover for the glass roof now has a multi-layer design and is also electrically operated.

The fore-and-aft adjustment of the rear seat bench and triple-split backrest provides variability in the cabin configuration. The rear seat can be moved forward up to 13 cm, allowing boot capacity to expand from 540 litres to 1,600 litres.

Malaysians understand merits of EVs but misconceptions remain, BMW survey finds

Using brainwaves to change the colour of your car!

Wouldn’t it be nice to have the colour of your car change as you wish, with just the touch of a button? It’s still an idea in science fiction but the BMW Group has developed a technology which can do it. The technology, known as E Ink, was demonstrated on a BMW iX Flow at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2022 in Las Vegas this year.

“Since then, we have already introduced further improvements for the technology,” said Stella Clarke, project lead of the BMW iX Flow. “Previously, the changes between colour patterns only took place in a gradual transition. Now, the control electronics have been tweaked to enable instantaneous transformations, resulting in an even more stunning visual effect.”

Neurotechnology to change colours
In a one-off collaboration with the BMW Group, a Munich-based start-up called brainboost has developed a new and improved colour-changing effect using brainwaves. With the help of brainboost, the BMW iX Flow was connected directly to the brain of the delegates at a dialogue platform using an electroencephalograph (EEG), which records the brain’s electrical activity.

“The colour patterns of the BMW iX Flow react to brain activity and reflect the level of activity,” explained brainboost CEO Philipp Heiler. “Once the brain is at rest, the changes of patterns on the iX Flow also become calmer and more rhythmical.”

A special animation was activated if delegates managed to maintain this state for several seconds. Thus, the participants were able to gradually calm and relax their brains under the guidance of the brainboost experts and with the help of neurofeedback via the iX Flow.

Technology behind the colour change
The body of the BMW iX Flow is laminated in a special film containing millions of colour capsules. When stimulated by electrical signals, negatively charged white pigments or positively charged black ones will collect at the surface, thereby changing the exterior colour.

The innovative E Ink technology opens completely new ways of changing the vehicle’s appearance in line with the driver’s aesthetic preferences, the environmental conditions or even functional requirements. By making it possible to alter the body colour and display different patterns, the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink opens up a whole new way of personalising the driving experience.

Apart from a greater degree of personalisation, a customer will also not have to settle for just one colour – he or she can have many more for different occasions! “This gives the driver the freedom to express different facets of their personality or even their enjoyment of change outwardly, and to redefine this each time they sit into their car,” said Clarke.

Colour variability enhances efficiency
A variable exterior colour can also contribute to wellness in the interior and to the efficiency of the vehicle. This is done by taking account of the different abilities of light and dark colours when it comes to reflecting sunlight and the associated absorption of thermal energy. A white surface reflects a lot more sunlight than a black one. By implication, heating of the vehicle and passenger compartment as a result of strong sunlight and high outside temperatures can be reduced by changing the exterior to a light colour. In cooler weather, a dark outer skin will help the vehicle to absorb noticeably more warmth from the sun.

In both cases, selective colour changes can help to cut the amount of cooling and heating required from the vehicle’s air conditioning. This reduces the amount of energy the vehicle electrical system needs and with it also the vehicle’s fuel or electricity consumption.

In an all-electric car, changing the colour in line with the weather can therefore also help to increase the range. In the interior, the technology could, for example, prevent the dashboard from heating up too much.

E Ink technology itself is extremely energy efficient. Unlike displays or projectors, the electrophoretic technology needs absolutely no energy to keep the chosen colour state constant. Current only flows during the short colour changing phase.

The technology is still under development and as with many new advanced technologies, it will be expensive when it is initially offered. But over time, the cost could come down and then everyone can have a colour-changing car (the police won’t be happy!).

THE 8 X JEFF KOONS – most elaborately designed vehicle in all of BMW’s history

What a future Mercedes-AMG model will look like

Everyone is going electric and so will Mercedes-AMG, the high-performance subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG. And it is no longer a change that will take place in the next decade – stricter regulations have forced carmakers to act quickly and most have already a few fully electric models on sale, with more in the pipeline during this decade.

At Mercedes-AMG, it’s not just about switching to electric powertrains but doing so while retaining the high performance which the brand has built its reputation on. “We’re developing everything from scratch, from the dedicated AMG.EA platform to the revolutionary drivetrain technology with which we will take performance electric mobility to a whole new level,” said Philipp Schiemer, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

“AMG is reinventing itself. As was once the case with our founding fathers, there has been an amazing feeling of new beginnings here in Affalterbach [the home base of AMG] for quite some time now. The course has been well and truly set for an electrified future, and we’ve set the bar high. That’s because our customers expect something very special from all-electric cars. We have already well and truly proven our expertise in this regard with the SLS AMG Electric Drive, our own E PERFORMANCE hybrid technology and the first Mercedes-EQ derivatives,” he said.

To provide a glimpse of what its future high-performance products will look like, it has built the Vision AMG showcar. Like the Vision EQXX concept presented by Mercedes-EQ earlier, the Vision AMG is a design study which is not the basis for a future model though its technologies will be used in a new sportscar that will be out in 2025.

Monolithic sculpture
The proportions of the car are defined by a long wheelbase, and emphasised by short overhangs, powerful shoulders, large wheels, a distinctive rear spoiler and star-shaped headlamp signature. Joints and shut lines are reduced to a minimum, and the rear and side windows are painted in the same Alubeam silver as the car itself. The result is an overall look that reinforces the impression of a monolithic sculpture.

The graceful greenhouse is integrated into the flowing overall form and blends seamlessly into the low-lying silhouette. The roof tapers as its line drops elegantly towards the rear, flowing directly into the rear spoiler. The overall effect is a visually fascinating and aerodynamically advantageous teardrop form, not unlike that of the VISION EQXX.

The sharply angled tear-off edge at the rear incorporates an active spoiler, elongating the side view while at the same time improving the aerodynamics. It is framed by a precisely cut band of light that accommodates a variety of different light installations, providing an effective contrast with the large black AMG logo on the rear of the car.

Technical details are provided in general terms, with mention of a dedicated high-performance high-voltage battery pack and revolutionary drive technology. The powerful heart of the Vision AMG is its innovative Axial Flux Motor developed by Mercedes-Benz’ wholly owned subsidiary, YASA. With its compact and lightweight design, can deliver substantially more power than conventional electric motors.

Closed-off AMG grille
While an EV has no cooling requirements like a car with a combustion engine, the AMG grille with vertical bars is retained as a distinctive brand feature. The grille is therefore closed off, painted in body colour and fully integrated into the front end. As the visual focal point, the grille emphasises the futuristic look of the Vision AMG with its illuminated bars and three-dimensional exterior contour. The three-pointed star is positioned prominently on the bonnet.

Star-shaped light signature
The headlamp light signature is unique with 3 LED elements forming a stylised, three‑dimensional Mercedes star, ensuring the Mercedes and AMG branding is visible night and day. The two headlamps are visually connected via the horizontal band of light above the grille. This light band can display a variety of animations – ranging from a welcome signature to constant light.

The round lights at the rear have a light design that is new yet familiar. On each side, three LED rings are positioned in cylindrical tubes. Here, too, small stars link to the Mercedes brand. By way of contrast, the expressive rear diffuser is painted deep black.

Connection to Formula 1
The Mercedes-AMG name is very prominent in Formula 1 with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team having won the world championship 8 times. The Vision AMG makes a direct connection in visual details. Examples are the silver paintwork with a large-format star pattern across the shoulders and rear wings; functional elements in exposed carbonfibre; the aerodynamic design of the 22-inch wheels with aero claddings; the AMG logo; and elements on the sills and diffuser in the PETRONAS colours.

30 years ago, the Mercedes-Benz F 100 showed the future of motoring

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance testing Mission R’s advanced EV technology

At the 2021 IAA Mobility event in Germany last year, Porsche displayed a conceptual study that was the vision of a fully-electric GT racing car. Called the Mission R, it was intended to show a possible model for customer motorsport in the future.

The sportscar maker has now begun testing the technology components of the Mission R with the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance as a test vehicle. Like the Mission R, the all-wheel drive racer uses the chassis of the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport with the entire electric motor and battery technology from the IAA conceptual study.

The powertrain has a maximum output of 735 kW (1,000 ps) and can generate still more. In simulated racing, a steady 450 kW (612 ps) is available for 30 minutes – equivalent to the duration of a Carrera Cup race. In terms of lap times and top speed, the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance is on par with the performance of the current 992-generation 911 GT3 Cup.

“With the Mission R, we’ve shown how Porsche envisages sustainable customer motor racing in the future. The 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance now demonstrates that this vision works impressively on the racetrack,” revealed Matthias Scholz, GT racing vehicle project manager. “We’re very excited about the response because a one-make cup with electric racing cars would be an important addition to our existing customer racing programme.”

By 2030, Porsche aims to be CO₂ neutral across the entire value chain and lifecycle of its new cars sold. By then, the proportion of all new vehicles featuring all-electric drive should be more than 80%. This development is there important in the light of moving towards greater electrification.

The fully-electric drivetrain has electric motors on front and rear axles for all-wheel drive. The direct oil cooling of the e-motors and battery pack developed by Porsche counteracts thermally induced derating.

“The integration of oil cooling has significantly impacted the vehicle concept,” explained Bjorn Forster, GT4 ePerformance project manager. “With experts in the fields of aerodynamics and thermodynamics as well as high-voltage and bodywork specialists, the development team created an architecture to tap the full potential of the battery cells for the first time, since there is no thermal derating. In this way, the power output in racing mode remains constant for half an hour.”

*Mission R drivetrain has e-motors on front and rear axles for all-wheel drive.*

Thanks to 900-volt technology, the state of charge of the battery at full charging capacity jumps from 5% to 80% in about 15 minutes. This is important in future races which may have long durations.

Under the direction of designer Grant Larson, a team from Porsche Style came up with the shape of the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance. The racing car is 14 cm wider than a 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport. About 6,000 parts were designed from scratch and the body is made of natural fibre composite materials. The production is intended to generate fewer emissions than the production of comparable synthetic materials. Recycled carbonfibres are also used for testing purposes.

Compared to the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, the flared fenders allow more room for the wider 18-inch racing tyres from Michelin. Renewable materials make up a particularly high proportion of the tyres.

The GT4 ePerformance Tour
The 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance will make a dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month. At the famous motorsport festival in southern England, the concept racing car will take part in the traditional 1.9-km hillclimb event.

Its second outing will be in August at the Porsche factory in Leipzig on the occasion of the factory’s 20th anniversary. The facility boasts a 3.7-km circuit with sections reproducing world-famous racetracks.

The two 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance demo vehicles will travel through various European countries before heading to North America in early 2023. The world tour concludes in the Asia-Pacific region where it will tour until mid-2024. It’s almost a certainty we will see it at the Sepang International Circuit which is frequently used by Porsche for events.

“The 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance blazes a trail to Porsche customer racing with electrically-powered racing cars. As a first step, we will unveil this concept to our global partners,” says Oliver Schwab, Project Manager Sales of the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance. “With drivers, teams, organisers, authorities and other interested parties, we’re also gathering ideas for Porsche racing formats in the future.”

Porsche Mission R concept sportscar cockpit can also be a standalone simulator

Mercedes-EQ team moves to top position in Formula E championship after Berlin round

It may be the final year for the Mercedes-EQ team in Formula E (after which they will be taken over by McLaren Racing) but there’s just as much determination to retain their championship title one more time. This was shown by the double podium finish in the Berlin E-Prix held at the Tempelhof Airport grounds, with Nyck de Vries delivering a supremely controlled drive to win the race.

Reigning champion de Vries powered to victory at the same venue where he had claimed his title for the previous season, with ROKiT Venturi Racing’s Edoardo Mortara following 2.5s back. Chasing Mortara across the finish line was de Vries’ team mate, Stoffel Vandoorne. Incidentally, the ROKIT car also used a powertrain similar to that of the two Mercedes-EQ Silver Arrow 02 cars.

Robin Frijns (Envision Racing) wound up a battling fifth after a race-long back-and-forth between the Dutchman, António Felix da Costa (DS TECHEETAH), who finished in sixth and a gaggle of cars behind all fighting to maximise their points haul as Season 8 passed its half-way stage.

Oliver Rowland (Mahindra Racing) made good progress from 10th at the outset to an eventual seventh – the Yorkshireman running as high as fifth at one stage. TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team’s Andre Lotterer took the chequered flag in eighth position, not quite able to capitalise on practice and qualifying pace. Jean-Eric Vergne crossed the line in ninth, just ahead of fellow title challenger Mitch Evans (Jaguar TCS Racing) who took the final point in 10th.

De Vries had set the second-fastest time in his qualifying group and went through to the semi-finals in the knock-out stages but was eliminated by Mortara and qualified third on the grid as a result. But he was still able to make a quick start, taking the lead going into the first corner from third on the grid. He then activated Attack Mode at an early stage in the race, which temporarily dropped him back down the field to P3. He was subsequently able to quickly fight his way back up into P1 which is where he stayed until the finish line.

The win for de Vries is his fourth Formula E win and his second of the season. In his 34th E-Prix start, he also notched up more than 200 points in total in the all-electric racing series. For the Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team, this was their seventh victory in Formula E and third of the season.

After the eighth race of the season, the Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team leads the Team Championship with 176 points, 28 points ahead of Venturi Racing. For the Drivers Championship Vandoorne is now on top with 111 points, as Mortara has moved into second with an increase to 99 points, while Vergne is third, 4 points back.

The next round of the 2022 Formula E championship will be held in Jakarta on June 4. It will be the first time that the event is being held in Indonesia. Malaysia also hosted one round (at Putrajaya) in the first and second seasons.

Porsche Taycan plays important role in Formula E as Official Safety Car

McLaren Racing to take over Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team for 2023 entry

As reported last year, McLaren Racing will join Formula E and Extreme E, the two series which run all-electric racing cars. The team for Extreme E has already started competing in the second season which started earlier this year, and next year, McLaren Racing will enter the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in its ninth season.

Acquiring championship-winning team
The McLaren Formula E Team will be formed through the acquisition of the Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team, expected to complete later this year, following agreement between McLaren Racing and Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team won last year’s championship and will exit at the end of this season.

Ian James, Team Principal of the Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team, will continue to lead the team, enabling a smooth transition as the team prepares to join the series which will be using the new Gen3 cars.

*McLaren Racing will have a ‘ready-to-race’ team when it takes over the Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team which is in its final season this year. The German team won Season 7 of championship last year.*

McLaren Racing’s participation is said to be squarely aimed at accelerating the organisation’s understanding of EV technology as part of their sustainability journey while reaching a new, more diverse global audience.

More manufacturers joining Formula E
McLaren will join the growing number of car manufacturers such as Porsche, Jaguar, Maserati, Nissan and DS in the series which continues to become more popular. However, it is not the first involvement by the organisation as McLaren Applied (a subsidiary) has been Formula E’s exclusive Gen2 battery supplier under a 4-season contract.

“McLaren Racing always seeks to compete against the best and on the leading edge of technology, providing our fans, partners and people with new ways to be excited, entertained and inspired,” said Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO. “Formula E, like all our racing series, fulfils all those criteria. As with all forms of the sport we participate in, Formula E has racing at the centre but will be strategically, commercially and technically additive to McLaren Racing overall.”

“I firmly believe that Formula E will give McLaren Racing a competitive advantage through greater understanding of EV racing, while providing a point of difference to our fans, partners and people, and continuing to drive us along our sustainability pathway,” he added.

McLaren is among the great names in motorsport, collecting 20 Formula 1 World Championship titles and more than 180 Grand Prix wins since the team was founded by Bruce McLaren in 1963. In addition to Formula 1 racing, it has three Indianapolis 500 victories and won the Le Mans 24 Hours at the first attempt.

*McLaren Racing has been taking part in Formula 1 since 1966 and this year, it also entered the Extreme E all-electric off-road series (below).*

In Formula 1, it was also the first team to be awarded FIA Three-Star Accreditation for sustainability and is a signatory to the UNFCCC Sport for Climate Action framework established to drive the climate agenda in the sports industry.

For Formula E Founder and Chairman, Alejandro Agag, McLaren’s arrival is the culmination of a long-term objective, and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. “I wanted McLaren to be part of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship since Season 1, and I’m delighted we finally made it happen. But it is so much more than just deciding to go racing. Being part of Formula E signals a strategic investment in the future of electric vehicle development. I welcome Zak’s belief that Formula E provides a cutting-edge environment for a proven innovator like McLaren to accelerate their EV experience and performance,” he said.

New generation of electric racing cars
The Gen3 racing cars will be used from the 2022/23 season, bringing performance and efficiency advances including more powerful, lighter cars and faster charging as well as a set of technical and financial controls aimed at reinforcing the business case for Formula E’s ecosystem of teams and manufacturers.

With more automotive manufacturers on the grid than any other motorsport, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is not only one of the most compelling racing series on the planet but also an unparalleled proving ground for race-to-road electric vehicle and sustainable mobility technologies.

McLaren Racing reveals 2022 F1 car as well as Extreme E and IndyCar challengers

Lincoln Star Concept – a study of experiences

Over the 100 years that it has been part of the Ford Group, Lincoln has offered luxury models in the same way that Cadillac has done for General Motors. This year, on its 100^th anniversary (it was actually founded in 1917), the company is showing how its products will look as it moves ahead in the new era of electric vehicles (EVs).

The new design language which Lincoln cars of the future will use will maintain the core tenets of beauty, human, gliding and sanctuary. “As Lincoln enters the next chapter in our transition to a zero-emissions future, the Lincoln Star Concept will lead the way for our portfolio of fully electric vehicles. It is an excellent example of how we are redefining luxury for the next generation as we work to transform the vehicle into a third space – a true place of sanctuary – for our clients,” said Joy Falotico, President of Lincoln, when introducing the company’s new concept car.

The new design language is applied inside and out, with thoughtful design details, connected experiences and clever solutions to create the ultimate sanctuary for customers who travel in the Star Concept.

A study of experiences
“Electrification is removing many traditional vehicle design constraints, allowing us to reimagine what a vehicle can be,” said Anthony Lo, Chief Design Officer, Ford Motor Company. “The Lincoln Star is a study of experiences and themes that push the boundaries of Lincoln design – and it’s just the start.”

Relating to the evolved design language of Lincoln, the silhouette is sleek and dynamic, expanded to create a striking effect. Whether stationary or in motion, the concept uses design, light, displays, scents and sounds to create an immersive experience for the occupants. Intelligent technology that enhances comfort, productivity and entertainment is deployed throughout to bring the romance of travel back in a uniquely Lincoln way.

Using light in a modern new way
The designers worked to create harmony throughout by using light in a modern new way. Illuminated crystallines, plus backlit doors, seats and exterior features elevate the architectural space to create the ultimate sanctuary. The new Lincoln star on the fascia lights up like a jewel – greeting clients upon approach while giving new meaning to the Lincoln Embrace welcome sequence.

Under the floor, the company’s rear and all-wheel-drive flexible BEV architecture and next-generation Lincoln Intelligence System make possible the new design thinking and connected experiences proposed in the concept. The flexible architecture means engineers and designers will be able to reimagine the additional interior space in new and exciting ways.

Lincoln Intelligence System
The new Lincoln Intelligence System takes the definition of ‘digital assistant’ to a new dimension, enabling experiences such as connected vehicle-to-vehicle and infrastructure capabilities. These would include next-generation driver-assist features such as ‘Help Me See’ and ‘Park for Me’.

A reimagined sanctuary
Both in design and colour composition, the interior is uniquely partitioned into first and second-row areas. The entire cabin experience in both rows is premium, with extra-spacious wraparound seating, reclined lounge posture, individual lounge legrests and curated storage for devices and slippers. A luxurious glass beverage chiller is neatly integrated between the back seats.

The feeling of spaciousness is enhanced with 3D-printed metal latticework on the A-pillar along the windshield and the D-pillar at the back window of the Lincoln Star Concept – visible from the inside out. These transparent pillars, along with a full skylight with digital shade, invites natural light in to enhance the open, airy feel of the space.

A full-width curved horizontal display creates a digital panorama in which content flows seamlessly into an integrated centre control screen, then into the second-row screen. New materials such as leather and chrome alternatives and several unique finishes work in harmony to create a modern, luxurious experience.

Three rejuvenation moods join a new Lincoln Embrace sequence harmonizing audio, scenting and lighting throughout the cabin. A symphonic orchestration with crisp, high-resolution animations on the displays creates an immersive digital sanctuary. Whether stuck in traffic or just enjoying a few quiet moments after work, the rejuvenation moods provide a true sanctuary in a third space:

The three moods are built around the human body’s natural circadian rhythm of morning, day and evening. With the help of connected technology, the moods will offer content updates and ways for the occupants to personalize their settings into the future.

‘Boot’ at the front
The area no longer occupied by a combustion engine is converted into a front storage compartment, helping to liberate more space in the cabin. With electro-chromatic glass that changes from transparent to opaque, the front compartment is instantly recognizable, allowing light in when the car is in motion and darkening to hide stored valuables when parked. Underneath, illuminated first-row floors flow uninterrupted into the interior, creating an airy, open cabin.

A wing-shaped floating instrument panel, inspired by aircraft ailerons, emphasizes horizontal balance and equilibrium, while the Lincoln one-touch pedal is used for easy driving. The interior also features Lincoln Attache, a digital briefcase concept with a hidden compartment in the rear coach door that not only provides safe storage of tablets and laptops, but does double duty as a charge pad for devices and can seamlessly detect incoming wireless content. Finally, a reimagined rear cargo space features a lounge mode that transforms into a cozy, indulgent outdoor seat to bring the destination closer.

Lincoln plans to deliver three new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) which will account for more than half of its global volume, and it will add a fourth model by the end of 2026.

Audi urbansphere concept shows what the luxury MPV of the future could be like

Porsche Taycan plays important role in Formula E as Official Safety Car

Besides having a works team in the Formula E World Championship for single-seater all-electric racing cars, Porsche also has a second car that sometimes leads in the races. It’s a Taycan which the sportscar maker has supplied for use as the Official Safety Car and it’s most appropriate since it too has a fully electric powertrain.

As the Official Safety Car, the Taycan is deployed from the pitlane whenever there is an incident to manage the cars on the track. This is to allow marshals to remove a car that has had an accident or to carry out other duties in safety, and the cars must follow behind the Safety Car.

First season for the Taycan
Porsche supplied two units of the Taycan Turbo S which began their duties at the first round of the latest season in Saudi Arabia in January. It is designed to be more than just the Formula E Safety Car and the striking paintwork flies the colours of all 11 teams competing in the championship, as well as the colours of the FIA and Formula E. The number 22 acknowledges the performance of the 22 drivers who contest the series this season.

“We’re proud that Formula E has entrusted a Porsche with this task – one that is important for the safety of its drivers,” said Thomas Laudenbach, Vice-President Porsche Motorsport. “With the Taycan Turbo S as the Official Safety Car, we’re making an important contribution to track safety and also underlining the importance of Formula E for Porsche Motorsport. The distinctive design illustrates our commitment to the successful future of this innovative racing series. Although we’re rivals out on the track, we’re spreading this message to the world together. What’s more, we hope that this also enables us to appeal to a younger target audience who are not yet motorsport fans.”

High performance necessary for Safety Car
A Safety Car must have a level of performance which enables it to lead the racing cars around at a brisk pace, and also have driving dynamics that allows it to negotiate a track at high speeds. The Taycan definitely meets this requirement with its driveability as well as its output of up to 560 kW (761 ps). With Launch Control, the flagship model of the Taycan range can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 260 km/h.

To prepare the Taycan Turbo S for its role as a Safety Car required the installation of a roll-cage and racing bucket seats with 6-point seatbelts for the crew. Additionally, wire harnesses for the Safety Car lighting and the Marelli Logger System were needed and flashing lights were integrated into the bumpers. The new workplace of Bruno Correia, the long-standing Formula E Safety Car driver, was also equipped with a fire extinguisher and a high-tech communications system.

Porsche team on home ground
The Porsche Taycan Safety Car will be seen at the historic Tempelhof airport in Berlin this weekend, on standby at rounds 7 and 8 of Season 8 of the Formula E World Championship. TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team drivers Pascal Wehrlein and Andre Lotterer will be aiming to build on the historic 1-2 achieved at round 3 in Mexico City, the first ever win for the team.

“For us as a German team, the races in Berlin are the most important of the year. I have good memories of the event and was already on the podium there,” said Lotterer. “Driving races at home and especially in front of the home fans is a very special motivation. It would be fantastic to get another win, this time on home soil,” added Wehrlein.

*In earlier years, the BMW i8 (above) was used as the Official Safety Car and more recently, the MINI Electric Pacesetter inspired by JCW (below) took on the role.*

Formula E Gen3 racing car unveiled, to be used from Season 9 in 2023

Volkswagen’s design boss wants to know what you think of a pick-up version of the ID. Buzz

Developing new car designs is a challenge as the designers have to anticipate trends and look ahead to market needs. They may have new ideas and features, but how will car-buyers respond? To get an idea of how people feel, concept cars are built and displayed to show proposed designs so feedback can be collected. From what they learn, they can know what appeals and what doesn’t and create a winner with the next new model.

These days, it’s not necessary to spend money making a concept model as digital renderings can provide very realistic representations. Furthermore, it’s not even necessary to display the cars in physical form (though it is still done at motorshows to draw crowds). There is now social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter – where millions of consumers can be reached and their opinions collected.

Recently, during World Design Day, Volkswagen Group Design boss Klaus Zyciora posted just one image of an idea on his Instagram page (and also the Volkswagen Group’s) and wrote: “On the way from an idea to production, there are a lot of unseen design drafts made – like this one: An #IDBuzz pick-up! What do you think about it?”. His post immediately went global and his team must still be going through all the comments posted.

The pick-up derivative of the just-launched ID. Buzz, the 21^st century electric successor to the iconic Transporter/Kombi, is just a proposal. The design is not based on the production ID. Buzz but draws more on the original concept of the model that was first shown in 2017.

2022 Volkswagen ID.Buzz — *ID. Buzz BEV (battery-electric vehicle) which will go on sale in Europe later this year.*

*The new Amarok undergoing testing. It is more of a workhorse type of pick-up whereas the proposal for the ID. Buzz variant would be towards lifestyle activities and usage.*

It would undoubtedly sit on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform for electric vehicles which has been developed to accept many bodystyles. In fact, even before the ID. Buzz goes on sale in Europe later this year, the carmaker has said that work is being done on a ‘California Camper’ version (shown below) as well as an autonomous variant for ride-sharing operators. Both are expected to enter the market in 2025.

Volkswagen already has a new generation of the Amarok pick-up truck on the way, with a battery-electric version likely to appear in the second half of the decade. The Amarok is a workhorse vehicle and Volkswagen may see some potential in the lifestyle segment where it can offer this ID. Buzz pick-up.

Volkswagen’s designers have always been thinking of a modern pick-up based on the Transporter. This was one idea which was displayed at the carmaker’s Autostadt exhibition complex in Germany in 2006.

Clearly, it is not being conceived as a workhorse and would be aimed at customers who want to take along their activity gear like bikes or surfboards, just like the original Transporter (except the surfboards went on the roof).

Many of the styling elements would be just ideas for now so it’s hard to say how the final product could look like but the proportions of the 4-door cabin and short rear deck will probably be adopted. Below the doors appears to be integrated side-steps which could also make it to production as they suit the overall design well.

*Volkswagen has produced a pick-up version of the Transporter/Kombi for decades.*

The idea of a pick-up variant of a van is not new to Volkswagen as previous Transporter generations did have such a variant. Like the MEB platform, the original platform for the Beetle was also versatile enough for different bodystyles. One of them, known as the ‘Doppelkabine’, may eventually be regarded as the grandfather of the ID. Buzz pick-up if it does make it to the showrooms in future.

If you would like Volkswagen ‘s design head to know what you think about the pick-up concept, click here to post your comments on his Instagram page.

Wiesmann reveals ‘Project Thunderball’, its all-new electric sportscar

Wiesmann, a German carmaker founded by two brothers, has been in existence since 1988 although it may not be as well known as other specialist carmakers. Until it ran into financial problems and ceased operations in 2014, it had a steady business making and selling retro-styled sportscars with BMW M V8 and V10 engines.

It came out of dormancy in 2016 after being qcquired by Contex Global, a technology company, and has since been developing new models. One of them, codenamed ‘Project Thunderball’, is an electrically-powered convertible sportscar with rear-wheel drive. Development appears to have been completed and a fully engineered car built for preliminary presentation to the world.

With the promise of being ‘the world’s most exciting electric sports car’, the Thunderball (we don’t know if that will be its name in the market) has two electric motors at the rear end. These have a combined output of 494 kW (671 ps) and 1,100 Nm, which should take the 1,700-kg roadster from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 2.9 seconds.

The 83 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which comes from another sportscar company, Roding Automobile, will have 800V technology and can be charged at levels of up to 300 kW. A 500-km range on a full charge is targeted.

*GT MF5, produced in 2009, had BMW V8 and V10 engines. Only 65 units were available.*

Having many years of experience developing sportscars, Wiesmann intends to maintain the driving dynamics that its customers have enjoyed in its combustion-engined models. One approach is the way it has programmed the regenerative braking system to give the sort of feel which has been lost in most electric vehicles today. The Thunderball’s system will have 5 levels of braking and stronger braking forces that drivers can manage when heading into turns.

The styling will still have some retro undertones although there are also elements of modernity which reflect the new era of powertrains (and also the company). Besides the signature grille shape that was last seen on the company’s MF5 model, the new car will also retain the long-nose profile reminiscent of British sportscars.

The interior, like the exterior, has a blend of retro and modern themes. Modern materials like carbonfibre will be used for the dashboard which will incorporate a large display screen and no less than 7 analogue meters. The sports seats will also have carbonfibre shells to keep weight low.

Wiesmann will build the Thunderball at its own factory in Germany and has indicated a starting price of €300,000 (about RM1.37 million).

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