Weekly Motoring news Roundup April 30th

ID.4 GTX

ID.4 GTXAs we come to the end of another week  we look at some of the motoring news which you may have missed starting with the new VW ID.4 GTX.

At the digital world premiere held at Berlin Tempelhof Airport, Volkswagen presented its first fully electric high-performance model: the ID.4 GTX. The new product brand is bringing new and intelligent sportiness to the world of electric mobility. The ID.4 GTX is the first model based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) to feature dual-motor all-wheel drive and also offers attractive, high-quality design elements.

“Electric driving is simply great fun – and with the ID.4 GTX we are adding a new dimension of sportiness and dynamics,” explained Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen Brand. “The most emotional member of the ID. family to date shows that electric mobility and top sporty performance are not mutually exclusive.”

ID.4 GTXID.4 GTX

 

 

The ID.4 GTX has one electric drive motor on both the front and rear axle. Together, they deliver a maximum electrical output of 220 kW (299 hp)* and can work together as an electric all-wheel drive – a first for the ID. family. Holding the world premiere in an aircraft hangar at the former Tempelhof Airport in Berlin allowed the new model to show just what the intelligently controlled all-wheel drive is capable of: the ID.4 GTX effortlessly climbed a ramp at an incline of 37.5%. Thanks to the dual-motor all-wheel drive, the flagship model of the ID.4 product line is able to accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in 3.2 seconds and from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The vehicle’s top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h.

“The full torque of the electric powertrain is immediately available and you can feel the excellent vehicle handling in every bend,” says Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Board of Management for Development. “What’s more, the innovative operating and safety concept is just as intelligent as the drive train! For example, the driver is supported by the unique augmented reality head-up display and comprehensive assist systems.”

The design of the ID.4 GTX underscores its extraordinary character, combining driving fun with a robust look. The familiar light strip has been combined with powerful, dynamic elements – in particular, the three honeycomb elements that form the daytime running lights. They convey the vehicle’s sporty character even when it is stationary and, at the same time, establish a connection to the Golf GTI2. Alongside the newly designed bumpers, the eye-catching elements at the rear include the 3D LED tail light cluster with brake lights that form an X.

The body colour is more dominant than on rear-wheel drive models. The roof and rear spoiler are black, while the roof frame bar is a high-gloss anthracite. The interior also boasts a new colour scheme. The upper section of the dashboard and leatherette inserts in the doors come in the dark shade of X-Blue, which represents sustainability. Red contrasting seams – a classic symbol for sportiness and strength – add accents to the seats. The GTX logo appears on the steering wheel, sill panel trims and – in perforated form – at the top of the front seat backrests.

The new GTX product brand is a booster for both the ID. family and the ACCELERATE corporate strategy, with which Volkswagen aims to become the most coveted sustainable mobility brand. It has set itself the target of increasing the proportion of sales of purely electric vehicles in Europe to 70 percent by 2030. Volkswagen intends to become climate-neutral by 2050 and by 2025, Volkswagen will have invested around 16 billion euros in electric mobility, hybridisation and digitalisation.

The ID.4 GTX will be launched in Europe in summer 2021. In Germany, it will start at an entry-level price of 50,415 euros, with customers being able to apply for a (net) grant of 7,500 euros.

First impression of the new ŠKODA Fabia’s interior

ŠKODA AUTO reveals further details of the new Fabia and gives a first impression of the interior of the fourth model generation in an official design sketch. Based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Transverse Toolkit MQB-A0, the interior of the popular small car offers even more room, an enhanced sense of spaciousness and fresh colours. Technologies from higher vehicle classes have also been incorporated. The Czech car manufacturer is systematically refining the interior concept already implemented in the current ŠKODA Octavia by introducing new details in the Fabia. The new ŠKODA Fabia will be celebrating its world premiere at the beginning of May.

First impression of the new ŠKODA Fabia’s interiorThe new, fourth generation of the ŠKODA Fabia is based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Transverse Toolkit MQB-A0, making it longer and wider than its predecessor. This extra room creates a more spacious atmosphere for passengers. The symmetrically designed instrument panel with its central, free-standing display and a coloured horizontal decorative trim accentuates the width of the interior, and the character line beneath the display mirrors the ŠKODA grille. Large round air outlets on the right and left create new accents, as do the coloured elements in the centre console and door handles along with the newly designed chrome door openers. One of the design sketches also reveals prominent Fabia lettering on the side of the instrument panel.

Volkswagen expands plug-in hybrid line-up of new Golf with UK launch of frugal 204 PS eHybrid

Volkswagen is today opening its order books for an important, fleet-friendly addition to its Golf plug-in hybrid line-up with the unveiling in the UK of the new Golf eHybrid Style model. Priced from £32,995 RRP OTR, and offering CO2 emissions of 21 g/km (WLTP) and fuel economy of up to 235 mpg (WLTP, combined) – as well as a pure-electric range of 44 miles on a full charge – the new 204 PS Golf eHybrid is set to expand significantly the appeal of the brand’s plug-in hybrid offerings.

The new five-door Golf becomes available in the UK as Volkswagen works to broaden already-strong interest in its plug-in hybrid Golf, which to this point has been represented here solely by the sporty Golf GTE. Sitting beneath the 245 PS GTE, the new 204 PS eHybrid model is offered exclusively in luxurious ‘Style’ trim, meaning that this sprightly yet frugal new offering is as well appointed as it is well engineered.

Golf eHybrid StyleGolf eHybrid Style

 

 

The new plug-in hybrid drive makes it possible for the Golf to become a zero tailpipe-emission vehicle when running on pure-electric power only. Comprising a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery that is located beneath the rear bench seat, the drive system provides a compelling combination of minimum consumption and impressive power delivery. The 204 PS Golf eHybrid produces maximum torque of 350 Nm practically from a standing start. Channelled to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG transmission, that is enough to propel this new model from rest to 62 mph in only 7.4 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 137 mph (where permitted).

Around town, practically all short-distance trips are possible in the Golf eHybrid with zero tailpipe emissions. The car’s full electric range of 44 miles (WLTP combined) on a full charge, allied to the fact that the Golf eHybrid always starts journeys in all-electric E-MODE if the battery is sufficiently charged (except at battery temperatures of below -10°C), means that all-electric running will probably become the norm for many drivers.

Hyundai announces New i30 N prices and specifications 

Hyundai Motor UK has announced the pricing and specification of the New i30 N, which includes a variety of new features to improve both every day and high-performance driving situations.

First released in 2018, i30 N blindsided the industry with its dynamic abilities and back to basics hot hatch approach. Developed by Hyundai’s then new High Performance Vehicle Division headed by long term performance vehicle guru Albert Biermann, i30 N was developed at the state of the art Namyang R&D facilities and further honed at both the Nürburgring racetrack and renowned driving roads across Europe. The result was a first effort from Hyundai that quickly took its place alongside the best of its hot hatch brethren.

Hyundai i30 NHyundai i30 NHyundai i30 N

 

 

The New i30 N has undergone a series of exterior design updates, developed with a focus on dynamic performance as well as an aesthetic refresh. At the front, a new wide centre grille has been optimised to allow efficient engine cooling and a redesigned front that significantly improves airflow and reduces turbulence into the wheel housing. New i30 N hatchback versions feature an updated rear end design, while the rear of the New i30 N Fastback remains unchanged. New LED headlamps with V-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs) complete the front end while the rear lamps have also been updated and feature a new LED signature.

With form following function, New i30 N features newly-developed 19-inch forged alloy wheels, designed for minimum unsprang mass and are 14.4 kg lighter than the current 19-inch cast alloy wheels. The lightweight, optimised, five-double-spoke wheels are finished with a dark satin grey matte finish, contrasting with the N-specific red brake callipers with N logo. Tyres continue to be high-performance Pirelli P-Zero tyres, with a specific HN compound developed especially for the i30 N.

Interior changes include the latest 10.25” navigation system, with multi speaker sound, voice control and the latest version of Bluelink®, Hyundai’s state-of-the-art connected car service. This offers a range of new benefits and services for Hyundai customers including Connected Routing, last mile navigation, live parking information, and user profile feature to customise audio settings to individual drivers. The 10.25” screen is also used to display the Performance Driving Data System, which monitors and helps to improve the driver’s track skills, with updated graphics for even more ease of use. This feature saves and displays driving data, including information on PS, torque, turbo boost and also includes a lap and acceleration timer.

New i30 N also introduces the option of N Light Sport Seats, a uniquely-designed pair of monoform high-performance sport seats that are 2.2 kg lighter than the standard seats, with pronounced bolsters designed to provide optimal lateral support. N Light Sport Seats are made of premium leather and Alcantara materials and come with Performance Blue stitching and an illuminated N logo on an integrated headrest. The New i30N interior remains focused on connecting the driver with the car, with features such as the signature analogue instrument cluster with its active variable LED red zone and the shift timing indicator. Metal pedals and Performance Blue stitching are joined by new seatbelts with Performance Blue accents.

As well as design and interior updates, New i30 N has also received a number of mechanical changes. Power from the 2.0-litre turbocharged GDi engine is now increased to 280PS and 392 Nm of torque, an additional 5PS and 39Nm respectively. The engine has been developed to provide maximum performance in real life driving conditions, with maximum torque available between 1,950 and 4,600 RPM, with a 0-62 time reduced by 0.2 seconds to 5.9 and a top speed of 155mph.

Prices from £33,745 

Volkswagen celebrates 45 years of the iconic Golf GTI with new special edition Golf GTI Clubsport 45

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45 opens for order to UK customers from tomorrow, marking 45 years of one of the world’s most iconic and best-loved badges with a highly desirable and bespoke limited-edition hot hatchback.

The GTI Clubsport 45 is the sixth generation of Golf to be bestowed with a special anniversary edition, and is based on the Golf GTI Clubsport – the quickest and most powerful production Golf GTI in the current eighth-generation line-up – and adds a package of upgrades befitting of such a landmark model. The Golf GTI Clubsport 45 is priced from £39,980 RRP OTR.

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45The new Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45The new Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45

 

 

The recipe is simple, but effective – Volkswagen takes the Golf GTI Clubsport, with its 5.6-second sprint to 62 mph, 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque, removes the speed limiter to facilitate a top speed of 166 mph (where permitted), and adds an Akrapovič titanium sports exhaust system to augment the car’s engine note, save weight and improve exhaust flow. The already sporty aesthetic of the GTI Clubsport is given additional assertiveness with a set of dynamic 19-inch ‘Scottsdale’ alloy wheels, which feature a high-gloss black finish and a Tornado Red pinstripe around the rim. The car’s special status is further marked out by ‘45’ lettering on the side sill panels, and a metallic black finish to the door mirror covers and upper part of the spoiler.

Inside, GTI lettering appears on the backrests of the front sports seats, while the ‘45’ emblem features in the centre spoke of the steering wheel – a constant reminder to the driver that they are driving a part of hot hatchback history. Artvelours fabric in the door panels and a leatherette arm support add further sporting luxury to the interior of the model.

These tweaks combine to create the latest in a six-generation string of subtly tweaked but historically prominent special edition Golf GTI anniversary models, which started with the Golf GTI Mk III 20th Anniversary Edition in 1996, and continued every five years covering the Mk IV, Mk V and Mk VI Golfs in 2001, 2006 and 2011 respectively. For the Golf Mk VII, the model gained special, limited-edition Golf GTI Clubsport and Clubsport S variants for the GTI’s 40th anniversary.

Performance for this new special edition remains the same as that of the acclaimed GTI Clubsport – outputs of 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque translate into acceleration to 62 mph from standstill of 5.6 seconds. The Clubsport 45 achieves fuel economy of 37.7 mpg on the combined WLTP test cycle, with CO2 emissions of 169 g/km.

Hennessey Unveils Seven-Seat Ram TRX SUV

Hennessey Performance, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle builder, has unveiled a new model for 2021 – the exclusive and luxurious Hennessey Mammoth 1000 SUV.

Hennessey Unveils Seven-Seat Ram TRX SUVBoasting 1,012 hp from its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 and capable of 0-60 mph in a supercar slaying 3.2 seconds, the new SUV can seat seven adults in comfort and is guaranteed to be exclusive with just 20 models being produced.

Based on the new Ram TRX, the enhancement by Hennessey Performance sees bespoke bodywork extend the roofline to meet a new C-pillar that sits above the rear taillights. The bespoke conversion incorporates a sizable rear-side window and adds a rear screen while retaining excellent luggage space behind the third row of seats.

The SUV variant also benefits from Hennessey’s Mammoth Off Road package, which includes a 2.5-inch lift, custom front bumper with LED lights, 20-inch Hennessey 10-spoke wheels, 35-inch off-road tires, and a front suspension leveling kit.

The Hennessey Mammoth 1000 SUV production will be limited to just 20 units with a base price of $375,000 before taxes and shipping.

20 years of the modern MINI

The MINI brand and BMW Group’s UK manufacturing plants in Oxford and Swindon are celebrating twenty successful years of MINI production. In early 2001, production began for MINI body parts in Swindon and on the 26th April that same year, the first new MINI rolled off the line in Oxford.

MiniOver the past two decades MINI has built over 5 million cars in the UK. Plant Oxford currently builds the MINI 3-Door Hatch, MINI 5-Door Hatch, MINI Clubman and the MINI Electric, all on the same production line.

BMW Group Chairman of the Board of Management Oliver Zipse was in charge of manufacturing at MINI Plant Oxford from 2007-2008; he said: “Congratulations to everyone at MINI Plants Oxford and Swindon for reaching such a great manufacturing milestone. I still have very fond memories of my time at Oxford. It was a real pleasure to work at the home and heart of the MINI brand with such engaging and passionate people, nearly one quarter of whom have dedicated these 20-years or more to building our cars.”

MINI Plants Oxford and Swindon employ over 4,500 highly-skilled employees, including 130 apprentices, who all keep production moving to build 1000 MINI a day – one every 67 seconds.

New Ferrari limited-edition V12: The countdown has begun

The first official images of Ferrari’s latest limited-edition special series have been published in the build-up to its world première, which will be broadcast live on the Maranello marque’s social media channels on May 5 at 14:30 CEST.

New Ferrari limited-edition V12: The countdown has begunNew Ferrari limited-edition V12: The countdown has begun

 

 

The new model is the ultimate expression of Ferrari’s concept of an extreme front-engined berlinetta, honing the characteristics of the critically-acclaimed 812 Superfast to a level never seen before. The result is a car that encapsulates and epitomises the company’s 70-plus years of experience on the world’s circuits, drawing on its thoroughbred sports car DNA to deliver a perfect marriage of performance, form, and function. Aimed at Ferrari’s most passionate collectors and connoisseurs, it features numerous uncompromising engineering solutions to guarantee peerless driving pleasure.

As is the case with all Ferrari’s cars, the most striking feature lies at its very heart: in this instance the latest evolution of Maranello’s legendary 65° V12 engine, which reaches the highest output of any Ferrari road-car engine – 830 cv – and revs to 9,500 rpm, again the highest of any Ferrari ICE. The use of state-of-the-art materials, the redesign of many of the engine’s key components, a new valve timing mechanism and a new exhaust system are just some of the technical solutions that allow the most noble of Ferrari engines to deliver performance levels that are unprecedented in the V12 segment.

GTO Engineering confirms its new car will be called Squalo and reveals final exterior design and engine updates

GTO Engineering has confirmed that Squalo will be the production name for its new car and has revealed the final exterior design updates and a first production-ready look of the new 4.0-litre quad-cam engine.

Squalo, meaning shark in Italian, has been chosen for GTO Engineering’s all-new car due to its shark-like look, instincts and speed. The team, who were previously using the codename Moderna for its all-new, sub-1,000kg, V12-powered car, has been working behind the scenes on updated surfaces and production-ready engine alongside a completely bespoke wheel and tyre package.

SqualoSqualo

 

 

Now gaining momentum and pace as it works towards the production-ready car, GTO Engineering and its design team has signed off on the all-important exterior aesthetics including the door handles, wing mirrors, as well as working on a bespoke alloy wheel, which will be available in 18”. The tyres, which will be produced by a leading manufacturer in conjunction with GTO Engineering are also in development.

The GTO Engineering Squalo will stick to the same principles since the car was announced: sub-1,000kg, with a manual gearbox, inspired by the Sixties sports cars of old but with modern engineering principles and materials. The Squalo will be powered by a bespoke V12 engine, in keeping with GTO Engineering’s ethos, and both engine and the complete car will be built completely by the firm from the ground up at its UK HQ.

The engine has been announced as a quad-cam V12, but following the last update in February it has had significant aesthetics and light weighting engineering upgrades including the surround of the carbs removed to ensure you can see the open trumpets when the bonnet is opened. More news on the engine’s capacity, calculated bhp figures as well as a target weight for the engine will revealed next month.

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