BEV Archives

First units of Faraday Future FF 91 e-SUV produced, to go on sale before end of 2022

Over the past decade, the auto industry has probably seen more new companies starting up than at any other time except in the earliest years over 100 years ago. And where those early companies saw new business opportunities with the motorized carriage invented by Karl Benz in 1886, the new companies of the 21^st century see great opportunities in electrically-powered ‘carriages’ – electric vehicles (EVs). And not having the legacy of decades of investment in vehicles with combustion engines, these new companies can be on the starting line alongside the established players in the new race.

More than just cars
But it’s not just transport vehicles which these newcomers are developing as they also look at providing mobility in a broader sense and as a service, rather than just selling the product. One such company is Faraday Future (FF), an American company originally founded by a Chinese businessman in 2014, which describes itself as a ‘shared intelligent mobility ecosystem company’. After some financial difficulties, the company was able to get substantial funding and went public on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange in New York City and proceeded to set up its manufacturing facility in California.

Its first concept car was the futuristic FF ZERO 1 which was shown in 2016 at CES and some other events, more to draw attention to the new company than as a preview of the EV it would build. That came a year later in the form of the FF 91 which remains as the designation for the production model.

SUV bodystyle for flagship
The FF 91, to be the flagship model, is designed to be highly modular. It is built with the company’s Variable Platform Architecture (VPA) that includes the FF Echelon Inverter, the first patent of Faraday Future. It’s a large car – overall length of 5255 mm and width of 1986 mm – sitting on a wheelbase of 3.2 metres, which is comparable to a BMW X7.

The mono-volume is a SUV bodystyle which has design features not constrained by traditional engineering approaches. Unlike early EVs which used architecture based on vehicles with combustion engines and mechanical drivetrains, the new generation of EVs are essentially clean-sheet designs that are optimized for electrical components, systems and layouts. Everything is incorporated on a skateboard platform for ease of manufacturing and simplicity.

3 motors, 1,050 ps, AWD
While details of the powertrain are not given at this time, FF does provide some performance claims. There will be 3 electric motors powered by a 120 kWh battery pack with patented submerged liquid cooling technology. The system output will be 1,050 ps and the 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration time is claimed to be less than 2.4 seconds. A fully charged lithium-ion battery pack is expected to provide up to 700 kms of range.

All four wheels will be powered with AWD and there will also be all-wheel steer with rear-wheel torque-vectoring. Before full-scale production starts, real-world testing will be carried out in America and most likely in China as well.

It’s not been mentioned what level of autonomous capability the FF 91 will have though it would surely be above Level 2. It will be fitted with a LiDAR sensor and use cameras for the door mirrors and inside rearview mirror.

High-tech interior
The FF 91 will have the ability to memorize different user profiles in FFIDs so each driver’s preferences and even content choices can be set upon entry. Information and entertainment will be displayed on 11 different displays around the cabin with a total of over 2.5 metres of high-resolution viewing area. The rear occupants will also get a state-of-the-art Mobile Movie Theatre screen on the ceiling which can be used for entertainment or even video conferencing.

The rear seats have a zero-gravity concept inspired by NASA and we’re not sure if this is similar to those which are found in some Nissan models (also called Zero-Gravity seats) but it sounds similar. In zero gravity, the human body naturally assumes what NASA scientists call the ‘Neutral Body Posture’ and using the posture data, the rear seats are designed to enable the ideal distribution of the body’s weight. The seats can also recline up to 60 degrees, which is industry-leading.

First 300 units booked
FF began accepting orders last July for two versions of the FF 91 – the Futurist Alliance and the Futurist. The Futurist Alliance will be a limited edition of only 300 units and exclusive colours and wheels. Apparently, all 300 units have already been booked by customers who received special invitations.

The first pre-production unit left the factory earlier this week and with volume production starting from the middle of this year, deliveries are expected to start during the final quarter of the year.

Sony has developed a second EV and this one’s an SUV

The iconic Volkswagen Kombi van returns next month

Over 70 years ago, a Volkswagen importer in Holland by the name of Ben Pons saw an opportunity to offer customers a versatile vehicle which could be adapted from the platform of the Beetle, then still a young product. He sketched a box like body on top of the Beetle platform and suggested it to Volkswagen which agreed to build prototypes. When the public saw the model, simply referred to as ‘T1’, there was great demand and so was born a vehicle that would become an icon in the decades that followed.

*The I.D. BUZZ concept in 2017 with the original Microbus Kombi T1.*

The original multi-purpose vehicle
It came to have various names – Kombi, Transporter, Caravelle, among them – and found use in numerous roles from people-carrier to goods transporter. In America, it was a ‘Microbus’ and became one of the symbols of the counter-culture movement there. Its low cost and simplicity made it easily affordable by the hippies who would live in it and gave the vehicles a lot of character with creative paintwork.

The original rounded form evolved into a more cubic shape with the third generation in 1979 and in 1983, the air-cooled engine was replaced by a water-cooled unit. The current generation is the T6 which was introduced in 2015 and continues to be a popular model in the midsize van segment.

Part of ID. family of EVs
However, with the trend towards electrification, Volkswagen has had to think of how to continue this iconic model with a zero emission powerplant. Its answer is a model known as the Buzz, which will be part of the ID. family of battery electric vehicles BEVs. The model, to be unveiled early next month, was shown in 2017 as the BUZZ concept and it received sufficient positive feedback that it was approved for production.

*Prototypes have been driven on public roads for many months as part of the final phase of the development program before unveiling next month.*

Volkswagen will have two versions of the electrically-powered model – the Buzz (a 5-seater) and Buzz Cargo (a van). The designers have transferred the styling of the 2017 concept car to the production version, and it has the design elements of the legendary T1. Those elements include extremely short body overhangs, maximum utilization of space on a minimal footprint, the classic division of the vehicle body design into an upper and lower level, and the V-shaped face. And just like the original, the Buzz also has rear-wheel drive.

*The Volkswagen Group MEB platform for battery electric vehicles uses a new generation of battery packs (below).*

VW Group MEB platform
The new model line is based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB). This uses a high-voltage lithium-ion battery providing gross energy content of 82 kWh, supplying 150 kW to the electric motor integrated in and driving the rear axle. The top speed is electronically limited at 145 km/h but official figures for range are not yet available. Unlike its combustion engine predecessor, the Buzz will be more agile with maximum torque of 310 Nm available when moving off.

Maximum space utilization
The MEB architecture has been designed to be variable and Volkswagen’s engineers have developed a versatile structure that facilitates a wide spectrum of roles – as a 5-seater leisure vehicle as well as a 3-seater cargo transporter. The range will be extended when another variant with a longer wheelbase and more possibilities of interior configurations debuts in 2023.

The standard wheelbase versions (2988 mm) of the Buzz and Buzz Cargo are just 4712 mm long. By way of comparison, the wheelbase of the Buzz is only 2 mm different to that of the current T6, which is 4904 mm long. The Buzz thus offers a similar internal length but is able to use smaller parking spaces. The passenger Buzz, which has a generous greenhouse, is 1937 mm high, which is lower than the T6, and is also 81 mm wider.

*The original T1 van was developed from the same platform as the Beetle and was Volkswagen’s second model.*

Thanks to the space-saving MEB concept, the two electric vans can offer good space utilization. The Buzz can take up to 1,121 litres of luggage even with all 5 seats occupied. For the Buzz Cargo, there‘s a volume of 3.9 cubic metres behind a partition that separates the front seats.

‘Plug & Charge’ and bi-directional charging
Using the latest ID. software, the model line will in future offer convenient charging methods such as the ‘Plug & Charge’ function. Using this function, the Buzz authenticates itself at many providers’ quick-charging (DC) stations via the charging connector, exchanging all necessary data with it in this way. And there is also the possibility of bi-directional charging which is available in some markets. This technology opens up a whole new spectrum of possibilities, such as the ability to store excess power from a home’s solar panels in the vehicle’s battery pack and to feed it back into the home in the evening.

Like other ID. models, the Buzz can receive software updates over the air (provided there is a connection). These include both updates for the infotainment system and updates relating to charging or driver assist functions. The spectrum of driver-assist systems available across various markets includes innovatively interconnected technologies such as the new ‘Trained Parking’ function (automatic maneuvering into and out of parking spaces); ‘Car2X’ (warnings and hazard alerts in the local vicinity); and the latest version of ‘Travel Assist’ that features crowd=sourced data to facilitate forward and lateral guidance on a partly automated basis across the full speed range.

*The model was assembled and sold in Malaysia and used in many roles. Some units are still in use today, their owners turning them into mobile food trucks (below)*.

Lower-priced Volkswagen ID.LIFE to help increase adoption of EVs

Extreme E Season 2: RXR wins opening round of all-electric series in Saudi Arabia

Reigning Extreme E champions Rosberg X Racing (RXR) continued their winning ways with overall victory in the opening round of the all-electric off-road series in NEOM, Saudi Arabia. This is the second season of Extreme E and for this season, RXR (owned and managed by Nico Rosberg, the former F1 champion) retained the services of Johan Kristoffersson with a new team-mate. Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky.

The pair were the victors in a Final of two halves, as a red flag was brought out at the end of the first lap following a big accident for McLaren XE’s Tanner Foust who, in a bid for third place clipped the back of the RXR car driven by Ahlin-Kottulinsky and then rolled his ODYSSEY 21 on the opening lap.

The race resumed for a one-lap shootout, with the four teams released at intervals that matched how they had entered the Switch Zone. X44’s Cristina Gutierrez attempted to close down Laia Sanz in the ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team car, while Kristoffersson closed the gap on the two Spaniards from third.

The RXR driver soon passed Gutierrrez on the inside, setting his sights on Sanz. As the Desert X Prix entered its closing stages, Kristoffersson took a wide line into the second to last corner for an aggressive overtake on Sanz and secure a dramatic win ahead of ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team, with X44 completing the podium.

Chip Ganassi Racing came fourth having secured a spot in the Final with a win in Semi-Final 2, and McLaren XE finished fifth despite Foust’s crash having made an excellent comeback from Qualifying to win the Crazy Race.

“It feels really good, but every week feels good. Every time we go for a race, we have the aim to win, but the competition is so high this year, especially with McLaren coming in, which raises the bar even higher. We learned quite a lot last year, but now things are even tighter we’ll have to work even harder. I’m just very happy to start off the season with maximum points,” said Kristoffersson.

RXR’s win was not surprising as the team set the pace in the first qualifying session. It was a dramatic first session over the 6.9-km course which was disrupted by a red flag following a crash for Veloce Racing’s Christine GZ. The Spanish driver, partnering Lance Woolridge, had looked strong throughout their Qualifying run, but the huge crash denied them a shot at the top spot. GZ was able to exit the car but sustained an injury to her foot.

There was also drama in the first of the new 5-car Heats in Qualifying 2. Sebastian Loeb and ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team’s Carlos Sainz Snr. delivered the strongest starts with Nasser Al-Attiyah running third ahead of Sara Price, all taking very different racing lines up the hill.

As the front three pulled away, the ABT Cupra XE car passed Sainz on the inside, but Nasser Al-Attiyah’s pace caused him to miss the flag and, in recovering, he collided with the Spaniard. Sainz brought the damaged ODYSSEY 21 back to the Switch Zone before retiring from the Heat. After the Stewards reviewed the collision, ABT CUPRA XE were classified last of the 4 runners in Heat 1, with the team relegated to ninth overall.

Championship Standings after Round 1
1. Rosberg X Racing – 30 points
2. Acciona | Sainz XE Team – 18 points
3. X44 – 15 points
4. Chip Ganassi Racing – 12 points
5. McLaren XE – 10 points
6. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E – 8 points
7. XITE Energy Racing – 6 points
8. ABT Cupra XE – 4 points
9. JBXE – 2 points
10. Veloce Racing – 1 point

Following the opening round, the next one will be held in Sardinia, Italy, on May 7/8. The long gap between rounds is partly because the cars and equipment travel by a ship to reduce the carbon footprint of the event which is also being used to promote climate and environmental issues on the planet.

Extreme E to add Extreme H in 2024 with hydrogen fuel-cell powered rallycars

Lexus releases pictures of electric sportscar on the track as well as other future BEV models (w/video)

In 2020, Toyota (or more specifically, its President, Akio Toyoda) expressed reluctance to make a bigger push towards fully electric vehicles (battery electric vehicles or BEVs) and even felt that it was not the right move in pursuit of carbon neutrality. While the other major carmakers were outlining their EV plans and even previewing models to come, it seemed that Toyota was not going to join the crowd if it meant leaving some customers behind. And being the world’s largest carmaker, that certainly has implications.

However, just a year later, the Toyota President went in front of the cameras and announced to the world that the company would be spending a total of 8 trillion yen (1 trillion yen = around RM37.2 billion) over a period of 9 years from 2022. Of this gigantic amount, 50% would be for the development of BEVs (inclusive of battery development).

And while other carmakers might show a handful of prototype models that will be in showrooms in coming years, Toyoda had no less than 17 models of the Toyota and Lexus brands assembled in the hall. They represented virtually all the segments that the two brands are in, including pick-ups, a segment that the American manufacturers already have fully electric models about the enter the market. And as long as Akio Toyoda is still the boss, we will certainly also get sportscars, even if they no longer run on combustion engines.

The BEVs to come
Only a couple of models among the 17 shown last December are to go on sale this year or in 2023 and, presumably, the others are just having the development programmes started. From Lexus, the closest one to production is the SUV known as the RZ450e but there was also interest in some of the other models that were visible, including a sportscar.

It is likely that top management has signed off on the designs and Lexus can now give a preview of the 3 BEVs that will follow the RZ450e. The three will slot into the segments the brand is now in – sedan, SUV and sportscar – and are associated collectively as the ‘Lexus Electrified’ vision. The brand aims to accelerate sales of electrified models from 2025.

Of the three, Lexus has provided three bits of information about the sportscar which it says revives the spirit of the LFA. Its targets are a 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) time in the low 2-second range, a cruising distance of over 700 kms, and it will possibly use solid-state batteries.

Charging stations for all
On the issue of charging stations for BEV owners, Toyoda said that this is an area where different parties must collaborate and cooperate. Some of the companies may establish the infrastructure on their own, but that infrastructure should be accessible to all other customers who drive vehicles of other brands.

“Toyota would like to urge related parties to realize that. When it comes to infrastructure, there’s a limit to what each OEM (company) can do to realize the sufficient convenience for customers. Of course, we will try to do what we can do. Regarding the regions where Lexus aims to achieve 100% BEV sales, in North America, there are 1,800 dealers, 2,900 in Europe, 1,700 in China, and 5,000 in Japan. I believe it is important to utilize these locations, and make such infrastructure open and available to non-Toyota [and non-Lexus] owners,” he said during the press conference last year.

Lexus BEV Sedan 202x — *202x Lexus BEV Sedan*

Toyota to step up investment and development of fully electric vehicles during this decade

Formula E/Round 3: First-ever win for TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team

Mexico City was the venue for the third round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship yesterday, with 22 drivers whizzing around the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez track in the all-electric single-seaters. A perfect mix of long, fast straights and a technical infield section produced intense races and high drama for the 40,000 spectators who turned up.

The circuit in Mexico City, part of which passes through the Foro Sol stadium, has new artwork that represents the modern, progressive, innovative values of Formula E’s race locations. The patterns draw on the rich cultural history of Mexico and combine this with modern-day artistic influences featuring a diverse tapestry of colours and patterns celebrating traditional techniques such as weaving, ceramics and mosaics, in a modern way.

Fresh from a third place finish in Round 2 (which was run at the same venue as Round 1 in Saudi Arabia last month) and a strong opening weekend for his new team, ROKiT Venturi Racing’s Lucas di Grassi would be the one to watch in Mexico. The Brazilian has made two trips to the top step in Mexico City, most recently in Season 5 after his first win two seasons earlier. Teammate Edo Mortara is looking to continue his fine opening weekend form and stay at the top of the drivers’ standings after winning the second of two races in Saudi Arabia.

Mortara’s win followed reigning World Champion Nyck de Vries’ victory in Round 1, as the Mercedes-EQ team immediately got to grips with the all-new Duels qualifying format. De Vries and teammate Stoffel Vandoorne dominated to take a one-two finish in the opening race of the seaon. The German manufacturer, which will leave Formula E after this season, sits just a point behind its customer outfit in the Teams’ World Championship, so Mercedes power is currently the benchmark.

The race
The competition was as close as it has ever been in the championship. Pascal Wehrlein led team mate Andre Lotterer in a historic 1-2 for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E, with the pair finishing 9 seconds ahead of the other cars, and both driver and team sealing their first ever victories in the championship. It was a perfect race for Porsche, with Wehrlein leading from Julius Baer Pole Position and fending off standings leader Mortara early on. The pair did drop into the pack behind the Swiss-Italian and Jean-Eric Vergne (DS TECHEETAH) for a brief period but gained a mighty energy advantage on the rest while still matching the leaders’ pace.

Into the final 15 minutes, Wehrlein and Lotterer picked their moment and passed Vergne and then Mortara for the lead. As they crossed the finish line, they were well ahead of the rest and could more than making amends for the heartbreak in Puebla in last season.

“It was very important for me [to win here], I have raced here a couple of times in the Championship and been close so many times. Here in Mexico last year was heart-breaking to finish in P1 but then get disqualified. It was payback this weekend and it feels amazing,” said Wehrlein.

Vergne was able to take third, with teammate da Costa battling to fourth after a number of skirmishes. Mortara did enough to hold on to the Drivers’ World Championship lead with fifth – the Venturi more marginal on energy than the Porsches and DS’ as the race wore on.

Reigning champion de Vries managed to end in sixth, a second ahead of Envision Racing’s Robin Frijns. Sebastien Buemi (Nissan e.dams) showed a stronger turn this time out to take eighth and points, just ahead of teammate Maximilian Guenther and Jake Dennis (Avalanche Andretti). Mortara thus heads the Drivers’ standings by 5 points over de Vries, with Wehrlein jumping to third with the Round 3 race win.

From Mexico City, the championship moves back across the Atlantic Ocean to Italy, where Rounds 4 and 5 will be run in Rome on April 9 and 10.

Formula E: Mercedes-EQ dominates opening round but ROKiT Venturi Racing grabs lead after Round 2

EdisonFuture’s electric pick-up truck aims to grab a slice of future market

Pick-up trucks are big business in the US market and have been top-sellers for decades. Their popularity made the Ford F-Series the bestselling vehicles on the planet (though almost entirely sold in North America). While the Big Three – GM, Ford and Chrysler – have long dominated this segment of the market, newcomers from foreign brands like Toyota and Nissan have also made inroads but the American trucks are still firmly entrenched.

Now comes the next wave of competitors in the segment and they are not only entirely new players like Tesla, EdisonFuture, Canoo and Rivian but they are also starting off with electrically-powered trucks so they are positioning themselves for the future. Ford and GM are already on the starting line as well with their own fully electric pick-ups that have seen soaring orders – to the extent that Ford had to stop taking orders for its new F-150 Lightning.

Most of the products of the new players are not in the market yet but have been shown at motorshows and drawn tremendous response. Orders are flooding in for vehicles that will begin to reach customers later this year and in coming years. Clearly, American buyers are receptive to the idea of electrically powered trucks even though, traditionally, such vehicles have had huge engines to give them their workhorse capabilities.

As EV technology is still developing and evolving, there are many approaches being taken and some are innovations too. One of the innovative new trucks is from a start-up called EdisonFuture. It’s a 2-year old company established and based in California but if you follow the ownership trail, it will lead back across the Pacific to China’s SPI Energy.

The Chinese company also owns Phoenix Motorcars, which has specialised in developing medium-duty electric vehicles for commercial markets over the past two decades. So EdisonFuture is already starting off with access to substantial technological resources for developing its products which are trucks.

EdisonFuture is working on at least two models, both of which have been shown in concept form. The first is the EF1-T which has a solar charging capability which will provide up to 55 kms of range per day. The integrated solar panel over the vehicle can be pulled out over the rear bed and locked into place to protect the contents. The unique panel is called ‘Armadillo Armour’ and presumably has a tough construction.

Utilizing the same chassis and platform of EF1-T, the EF1-V Delivery Van is a robust and modern multi-purpose van. It can be used for work as well as travel or personal use in varying road and environment conditions from city streets to off-road.

As it functions as a delivery van, the EF1-V is given an enclosed body with sliding side doors and varying cargo volumes within a space-efficient container that is almost 2 metres long. The entire top of the cargo box is covered with solar panels so the battery pack can be recharged while parked.

EdisonFuture will offer three different powertrains to suit different requirements with either one, two or three motors. Power and torque outputs have not been revealed yet but there is a claim of up to 725 kms on a fully charged battery pack for the tri-motor version. There will also be a choice of battery packs up to 180 kWh.

Since appearing at the Los Angeles Auto Show late last year, EdisonFuture has seen encouraging response though most of it has been for the pick-up rather than the delivery van. Perhaps there are also proven and cost-effective electric vans already in the market and fleet operators are satisfied with them, and expect to keep them in use for a while longer.

The designs that were shown are still conceptual and works in progress. Icona Design, an Italian group, has been brought on board to collaborate on the exterior design of the two vehicles. As the production models won’t be on sale till 2025, there will still be time to get feedback at motorshows and from fleet operators to get the design right.

“Our vision for EdisonFuture and Phoenix Motorcars is to be leaders in sustainable transportation with focus on energy efficiency and innovative design,” said Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman & CEO of SPI Energy earlier this year.

Canoo unveils fully electric pick-up truck with production to start in 2023

Remodelling the iconic Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy for the fully electric Spectre in 2023

Next year, Rolls-Royce will unveil Spectre, its fully electric limousine that will go on sale in 2024. The final form that the car will have would have been approved so much work would have been done in the wind tunnel to make it as aerodynamically efficient as possible. For electric cars, this is vital to minimise the power used to overcome wind resistance and achieve high performance.

Wind tunnel studies cover every centimetre of the bodywork and even the tiniest details need to be shaped correctly for minimum wind resistance. This includes the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy figurine that stands on the edge of the bonnet. She will also grace the bonnet of the Spectre and after 111 years since being registered as intellectual property of Rolls-Royce, the Spirit of Ecstasy is being remodelled again.

The figurine has been remodelled with a lower, more dynamic stance that brings her much closer to the drawings made by her original creator, the illustrator and sculptor Charles Sykes, in the early years of the 20^th century. It also sees her physical form represent ‘The Expression’, a visual device that forms part of the marque’s new visual language.

The new Spirit of Ecstasy stands 82.73 mm tall, compared to her predecessor’s 100.01 mm. Her robes, which flow behind her in the slipstream (often but incorrectly characterised as ‘wings’) have been subtly reshaped to make them more aerodynamic and realistic.

The most visible change is her stance. Previously, she has stood with her feet together, legs straight and tilting at the waist. Now, she is a true goddess of speed, braced for the wind, one leg forward, body tucked low, her eyes focused eagerly ahead.

*The new stance of the Spirit of Ecstasy and the one (inset) seen on current Rolls-Royce models.*

These changes have both practical and stylistic benefits, contributing to the Spectre’s aerodynamic properties which Rolls-Royce says will be remarkable. The earliest Spectre prototypes have already shown a drag coefficient of just 0.26 Cd, making it the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever created. The figure is expected to improve during the product’s exhaustive testing protocols undertaken in the course of this year.

This new expression captures the essence of Charles Sykes’ original drawings, but rather than simply being ‘redrawn’ or ‘redesigned’, her new shape has been digitally sculpted by a computer modeller working at the Rolls-Royce, who has a passion for life drawing and sculpture. Their experience in this field was invaluable in developing the figurine’s elegant lifelike facial features as well as her expression, which deftly combines focus and serenity.

The designers also consulted stylists at Roll-Royce for their perspective on her hair, clothes, posture, and expression, adding an authentically contemporary aura to her dynamism and commanding presence.

While all figurines are made using one of the oldest known casting techniques, named ‘lost wax casting’ or ‘cire-perdue’, each is individually finished by hand, so will be minutely different from figurine to figurine. As well as continuing a long Rolls-Royce tradition – until 1939, the mascots were made and polished by Charles Sykes himself – this subtle, ephemeral human element creates an intriguing contrast to the precise, highly engineered motor car she sits atop.

Though relatively rare in the modern era, changes to the Spirit of Ecstasy have been made throughout her 111-year lifespan. She has been rendered in various sizes and materials and, briefly, in a kneeling position. The new version created for the Spectre will appear on all future models. The current design will still be used on Phantom, Ghost, Wraith, Dawn and Cullinan and their Black Badge alter egos where applicable.

*The fully electric Spectre will make its debut in 2023 and it will be the most aerodynamic Roll-Royce ever designed for sale.*

“The Spirit of Ecstasy is the most famous and desirable automotive mascot in the world. More than just a symbol, she is the embodiment of our brand, and a constant source of inspiration and pride for the marque and its clients. Like our brand, she has always moved with the times while staying true to her nature and character. In her new form she is more streamlined and graceful than ever before – the perfect emblem for the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever created, and for gracing the prow of our bold electric future,” said Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

Leading every Rolls-Royce for 110 years – the Spirit of Ecstasy

Pushing prototypes to the limits – and having fun as well

The engineers who have to test prototypes go all over the world to places with extreme environments. Their job is to see how the future model will perform in the toughest conditions on the planet and collect data that will help them ensure reliability and durability. Much of the time, the work can be monotonous as it’s not a joy-ride and the vehicles must be driven in specific ways… and not always at high speeds.

For Polestar’s engineers, there are occasions when they must enjoy their work, especially when within the Arctic Circle where the company’s intense winter testing programme runs for 15 weeks from December to March every year. Teams of engineers pushing prototypes to the limits in harsh conditions that can be as low as -35 degrees C.

It’s not just components that are tested but also the prototype’s driving dynamics. “Tuning a chassis on snow and ice allows us to develop our cars in what feels like slow motion and with better accuracy,” said Joakim Rydholm, Polestar’s chief chassis engineer who has led the dynamic development of Polestar vehicles for over a decade and advocates tuning in this extreme environment.

“With such low levels of grip, we can feel and analyse the dynamics at a much slower pace than on tarmac, which means we can really fine-tune the way our cars behave, down to the smallest details. This is my absolute favourite place to develop cars,” he revealed.

To exhibit this expertise, and being a rally driver in his spare time with numerous trophies to his name, Rydholm created the unique Polestar 2 ‘Arctic Circle’ as a one-off special version that brings winter rally inspiration to a Polestar for the first time.

The base car, a Polestar 2 Long-range Dual motor with Performance Pack, has several specific modifications. The ride height is higher (+30 mm), with increased power and torque output (350 kW and 680 Nm) and custom-made 19-inch studded winter tyres, each having 4 mm metal studs (490 per tyre). These give the Polestar 2 Arctic Circle the mechanical credentials to be quick and agile on snow and ice.

In combination with springs that are 30% softer, the 3-way performance Ohlin’s dampers, specially designed and tuned for this car together with Ohlins, are set to 9 clicks front and rear and feature auxiliary adjustment chambers. The standard 4-piston Brembo front brakes are good enough, so they are retained without changes.

The front bumper has a carbonfibre skid plate for additional under-body protection. The front and rear strut braces have been fitted to increase torsional rigidity and steering responsiveness. A new prototype launch control system has also been integrated via steering wheel-mounted paddles. And just in case the drivers get stuck in snow far away, a carbonfibre snow shovel and a recovery strap are mounted in the rear of the car as well.

Visually, rally inspiration has seen the fitment of 19-inch OZ Racing rally wheels, four Stedi Quad Pro LED front lights and a unique exterior livery in matte grey and white. Inside, there are custom-upholstered Recaro front bucket seats in charcoal with Swedish gold branding.

“I wanted to have more fun than usual with this car – really being able to push it in terms of performance and handling in a winter environment like a frozen lake. The balance and predictability we have achieved with the raised ride height and specialised tyres are particularly noticeable when you enter a bend completely sideways, with a bigger-than-usual smile on your face, and in total control,” said a happy Rydholm, adding that the Polestar 2 Arctic Circle is a one-time-only showpiece there are no production plans.

Experimental Polestar 2 with higher output shown at Goodwood Festival of Speed

4-time Dakar Rally winner Nasser Al-Attiyah to compete in Season 2 of Extreme E series

The Extreme E series, which is the off-road version of Formula E, will enter its second season this year after an exciting inaugural season in 2021. Although 3 of the original venues on the calendar could not be used due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisers still managed to finish the season with 5 rounds in different parts of the world.

This year, there will again be 5 rounds with 7 teams taking part; last year, 9 teams took part. Each team has to have one male and one female, with both taking turns to drive on the competitive stages.

*Abt CUPRA Tavascan XE all-electric rallycar in action during the 2021 Extreme E series.*

Two Dakar Rally veterans
The Abt CUPRA XE team, which finished 5^th overall last year, is among the entrants and its drivers will be Nasser Al-Attiyah and Jutta Kleinschmidt. Both drivers are veterans in off-road events, with Qatari Al-Attiyah having won the Dakar Rally 4 times, his most recent win being this year’s event. German driver Kleinschmidt, who drove for the team in 4 rounds last year, is also a Dakar Rally (2001) winner and is still the only woman to win the world’s toughest rally.

Updated rallycar
The duo will use the new CUPRA Tavascan XE which was shown in concept form about 5 months ago. It is an updated version of the 2021 rallycar and is powered by a 54 kWh battery pack, placed behind the cockpit which contributes to an optimal vehicle weight distribution. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds.

The CUPRA Tavascan XE is more sustainable and environmentally-focussed than before. It comes equipped with 3D-printed parts to improve adaptability and make repairing the vehicle far easier and quicker, a crucial consideration when the event venues are in remote areas.

While the bodywork of the all-electric racing vehicle hints at the design language that will be seen on the future series production CUPRA Tavascan, the platform is similar to that used by other teams. Known as ODYSSEY 21, it has a common package of standardised parts and is manufactured by Spark Racing Technology. This encompasses a niobium-reinforced steel alloy tubular frame, as well as crash structure and roll cage, whilst the tyres are designed especially for the extreme conditions by Continental Tyres, a founding partner of the series.

“I’m very excited,” said Al-Attiyah, 51, who has won over 60 rallies and 13 titles. “I believe this is going to be a massive experience for me as the Extreme E Championship is a step forward towards a better future. I’m proud to have joined the CUPRA tribe for this adventure, and I know we can do a great job. The team’s background, combined with the experience of Jutta and me, can consolidate all the great work so far. We are really determined, and the goal is to win. I can’t wait to be sat in the car and start having fun. Let’s make the most of this opportunity!”

First round in Saudi Arabia again
The first round of the 2022 Extreme E series will be on February 19 and 20 in Neom, Saudi Arabia, which should be familiar territory to Al-Attiyah and Kleinschmidt. His closest rival in the desert would be Sebastian Loeb, who has won the World Rally Championship 9 times and is familiar with the Dakar Rally. Loeb’s team mate in the X44 Team, Cristina Gutierrez, has also participated in the Dakar Rally and Extreme E last year. Another veteran off-road driver with experience in Saudi Arabia is Carlos Sainz, who will be in the Acciona | Sainz XE team.

*A ship is used to transport the vehicles and equipment to each location, reducing the carbon footprint of the Extreme E series.*

At each venue, the participants learn about the environmental issues that need to be addressed and help to create awareness. Researchers also accompany the organisers to conduct studies and collect information, with a Science Laboratory on board the ship for them to use.

The other side of Extreme E
As in the first season, transportation of the vehicles and other equipment to each location is by ship. This is to minimise the carbon footprint Extreme E and though slower, travel by sea is a less carbon-intensive equivalent compared to using aircraft. The ship, called the St. Helena, has been re-engineered to be more efficient and includes a Science Laboratory for use by the researchers who follow the series and conduct environmental studies at each location.

Apart from providing the excitement of motor racing, Extreme E will also be used to raise awareness of environmental and climatic challenges that the world faces, particularly looking at the ecosystems selected for the races. In the case of Saudi Arabia, where the first round will be held, focus will be on the desertification there which epitomises the challenges of the global climate crisis and the importance of regreening and encouraging resilient ecosystems.

Nico Rosberg’s RXR team overall winner in first season of Extreme E off-road series for electric SUVs

Bentley to launch 5 new hybrid models in 2022, first EV in 2025

Every sector of the auto industry has to meet carbon-neutrality targets during this target and even the brands in the uppermost segments are not exempted although their volumes may be relatively lower. While all will eventually offer models powered only by electricity (battery electric vehicles or BEVs), the transition period will see hybrid powertrains being used for electrification. It is anticipated that more than 20% of sales this year will come from the brand’s hybrid models.

Bentley already started this transition a few years ago with the Bentayga Hybrid and has followed up with the Flying Spur Hybrid. It is continuing with development of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and has announced that 5 new models will be launched this year. As Bentley has only 5 model lines (including the Flying Spur and Bentayga), these new cars HEVs will likely be variants of the models, one of which will be the Continental GT.

*The Bentayga Hybrid (above) and Flying Spur Hybrid (below) will be joined by 5 more hybrid models in 2022.*

From 2025, the carmaker plans to launch one new BEV every year under its ‘Five-in-Five’ plan that is part of its Beyond100 strategy to reduce the brand’s environmental impact. Innovative steps will be taken to neutralise Bentley’s carbon footprint even further towards its aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. These include a commitment that all its global retailers will be carbon-neutral by 2025 (or sooner), with production zero impact by 2030.

To realise this strategy, Bentley has committed a sustainable investment of £2.5 billion for product development as well as transforming the factory in Crewe, England, to become a ‘Dream Factory’ – a digital, zero environmental impact, flexible and high-value manufacturing facility.

The Crewe site is already a certified carbon neutral facility, and the next initiatives will be an extension of on-site energy production with solar power. Moreover, Bentley is investigating using sustainable biofuel in fleet cars, including its Heritage Collection.

“Beyond100 is the boldest plan in Bentley’s illustrious history, and in the luxury segment. It’s an ambitious and credible roadmap to carbon neutrality of our total business system, including the shift to 100% BEV in just 8 years,” said Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, which is part of the Volkswagen Group. “Our aim is to become the benchmark not just for luxury cars or sustainable credentials but the entire scope of our operations. Securing production of our first BEV in Crewe is a milestone moment for Bentley, and the UK, as we plan for a long-term sustainable future in Crewe.”

Bentley’s sales have continued to climb and the total of 14,659 vehicles delivered in 2021 exceeded by 31% the record volume set the year before. This achievement was driven by new model introductions, a fresh product portfolio and increasing demand for the hybrid models.

While the Americas region took the most vehicles (4,212 units), it was China where Bentley saw the biggest growth of 40% to 4,033 units. The Asia Pacific region posted an increase of 37% which was also said to be a record performance as 1,651 vehicles were delivered, against 1,203 sold in 2020.

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