As we come to the end of another week we look at some of the motoring news which you may have missed starting with Mazda who have launched their first Self-Charging Full Hybrid
The new Mazda2 Hybrid goes on sale throughout Europe from spring 2022 and brings self-charging full hybrid powertrain technology to the Mazda model range for the first time. The Mazda2 Hybrid is a self-charging, full hybrid that combines a 1,490cc 93hp three-cylinder petrol engine with a 59kW electric motor for a total system power of 116hp.
Mazda’s new hybrid will accelerate from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds and returns a WLTP combined cycle fuel economy of between 70.6 to 74.3mpg and CO2 emissions of just 93-87 g/km depending on the specification of 16” or 15” wheels.
At start-up the Mazda2 Hybrid automatically runs in EV mode, offering smooth, seamless and quiet running on electric motor power in urban environments, with zero CO2, NOx and particulate emissions. During normal driving, power allocation is adjusted between the petrol engine and electric motor for optimum performance and the best possible fuel efficiency. During deceleration and under braking, kinetic energy is recovered as electrical energy for storage in the high-performance battery.
Battery power level is constantly managed via an engine-driven generator to remove any need to recharge the system from an external source. Although it is a compact B-segment vehicle, the new Mazda2 Hybrid’s long 2,560 mm wheelbase offers comfortable accommodation for up to four adults, as well as 286 litres of boot space. It is available throughout Europe in a choice of three grades -Mazda2 Hybrid Pure, Mazda2 Hybrid Agile and Mazda2 Hybrid Select- and has a maximum five-star Euro-NCAP crashworthiness rating2.
The new Mazda2 Hybrid is the latest outcome of a long-standing collaboration between Mazda Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation. It will be an OEM model supplied by Toyota Motor Europe, a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, and will be added to the Mazda2 European line-up as Mazda’s own brand vehicle.
In the UK, the Mazda2 Hybrid will be sold alongside the recently launched 2022 Mazda2, giving customers in the supermini segment the choice of two distinct models, depending on their needs.
The Mazda2 Hybrid is a highly significant car for Mazda in the context of the company’s commitment to fulfil the objectives laid out in ‘Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030’, its long-term vision for technological development. Specifically – in line with the Paris Agreement – its aim to reduce corporate average well-to-wheel CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030 and, by accelerating the electrification of its fleet, achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
It joins the battery electric Mazda MX-30 and the Mazda M Hybrid mild hybrid system equipped 2022 Mazda3, 2022 Mazda2* and 2022 Mazda CX-30 in Mazda’s electrified range.
Jenson Button takes Radford Lotus Type 62-2 for final development track test
The Radford Lotus Type 62-2 has successfully completed the final phases of pre-production testing.
The dynamic track test of the prototype John Player Special model was conducted by Jenson Button at the home of Lotus, on the test track facility at its global sportscar headquarters in Hethel, UK.
Jenson Button: “To finally drive the type 62-2 for the first time was obviously a very special moment, the cockpit already feels like home! The car felt great, well balanced in high and low-speed corners and ran faultlessly all day which is the perfect base for the months of setup tweaking that will follow for me. We want to ensure that this car is a pure driver’s car that pays both due respects to the DNA of Lotus but also delivers the luxury of a Radford.”
Jenson’s role as test driver plays a crucial part in the final stage of development, having been involved from the outset in the design, development and engineering of the Lotus Radford Type 62-2. Jenson’s feedback and expertise ensures the Type 62-2 will offer the superlative, engaging yet refined driving experience expected from an analogue sports car by its exacting global clientele, who have already begun to commission their completely bespoke production slots for each of the ultra-limited 62 examples to be built. First customer deliveries will commence from Q2 2022.
On-track during testing, the Type 62-2 John Player Special prototype delivered an electronically limited top speed of 186mph and a 0-62mph acceleration speed of 2.9 seconds. 0-124mph was completed in 8.4 seconds. It will produce 600bhp from a supercharged 3.5-litre V6 and has a dry weight under 1,000kg.
The mid-engined two-seater coupe is based on Lotus technology that has been reengineered throughout including upgraded pistons, con-rods and camshafts, adjustable coil spring suspension driven through a 6-speed manual transmission. The carbon fibre body panels and interior sit on an ultra-lightweight aluminium chassis, in keeping with the Lotus philosophy of “Simplify and add lightness.”
White Motorcycle Concepts tackles climate change with hybrid emergency services First Responder vehicle
White Motorcycle Concepts [WMC] has unveiled its revolutionary new electric hybrid scooter – the WMC300FR. The bike is designed specifically for use as a fully operational first response vehicle that will help bring emergency services into line with new national objectives to combat the effects of climate change and cost reduction.
The pioneering British engineering company, founded by Chief Executive Officer Rob White and based in Northamptonshire, has based the WMC300FR on the same patented technology central to its all-electric WMC250EV high-speed demonstrator with which it intends to break the world electric land speed record over the next 12 months. In the case of First Responder however, the key objectives are not so much to achieve ultimate speed as to significantly increase range and viability while reducing CO2 footprint and running costs for emergency service fleets.
The three-wheeled scooter, developed in conjunction with Northamptonshire Police, and with the cooperation and guidance of the Northants force’s Chief Constable Nick Adderley – the Motorcycle Lead for UK Police – is the result of nearly three-year’s worth of research into pioneering drag reduction aerodynamics. This, paired with the latest generation of hybrid technology, can reduce carbon emissions by up to 50% of that of comparable conventional motorcycles and scooters.
The First Responder features WMC’s patented Venturi Duct, which reduces drag by pushing air through the vehicle, rather than around it. This system is aided by aerodynamic front fenders, which funnel the air towards the venturi, reducing overall frontal resistance and meaning less energy is required to propel the vehicle forward. The scooter is based on the Yamaha Tricity 300 and uses the same 292cc single-cylinder four-stroke motor, but the WMC300FR features hybrid power assist utilising two robust & proven 56V 12Ah detachable lithium ion batteries from industry leader – EGO Power+. These unique & innovative batteries can be fast charged in multiples of 6 from a standard three-pin plug, removing the need to wait during re-charge. Moreover, this feature ensures that the First Responder is ready to go into service long before the infrastructure is in place to cope with targeted legislation that will phase out all petrol and diesel-powered sales by 2030.
The First Responder’s up to 5kW power assist hybrid system works predominantly in the lower speed ranges of the vehicle, which improves acceleration and range and removes the need to use so much petrol until the venturi effect of the aerodynamics becomes prominent as the speed increases, maximising fuel saving.
Vauxhall Corsa retains its place as UK’s best-selling car
The Vauxhall Corsa is the UK’s best-selling new car so far this year, according to the latest new car sales and registration figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
38,306 Corsas have been registered so far this year with the all-electric Corsa-e also one of the best-selling all-electric models in its segment, as the brand continues its electric vehicle expansion with the goal of offering an electrified variant across its entire model line-up by 2024. Vauxhall will offer only fully electric cars and vans in the UK by 2028.
Paul Willcox, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “As a British brand, we’re delighted to see the Corsa as UK’s best-selling new car and, with electric sales continuing to grow at a rapid pace, we’re proud to see the Corsa-e and our electric line-up help drive Britain to a more sustainable motoring future.”
Aznom premieres in the Emirates
Aznom Palladium will soon debut in the United Arab Emirates leading the entire Aznom brand in a market of great interest, known for its appeal to international luxury companies.
On December 7 the northernmost Emirate in the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah, will host an exclusive event at the Waldorf Astoria where the brand based in Monza will present its production line to a limited number of guests.
In the Emirates, Palladium will be Aznom’s trailblazer and represent the entirety of Aznom’s larger activity and production line. Palladium is the concrete proof of Aznom’s designers’ talent and abilities, showcasing the results of their attention to detail, the tailor-made finishing touches … and the largely important technical aspects. Palladium is a beautiful “statement” from Aznom, showcasing to the world the quality of the brand’s creations and making quite the eye-catching first impression.
At the center of the business model is not only the exquisite ability to personalize the interiors, even though Aznom has a long history of fine craftsmanship, but the capability of creating a whole manufacturing process of limited-edition vehicles, built step by step according to the client’s needs … creating true “one-off” cars. With these premises Aznom wants to retrace the steps of the historic Italian coachbuilders that became famous in a time where each vehicle was built by hand with immense passion and care.
So, while Palladium is already on the streets and available to order (with almost infinite possibilities of customization), three interesting new vehicles will debut at the Ras Al Khaimah event on December 7. Serpas, Serpas Coupé and Dolce Vita; three undeniably appealing “concepts” that represent three distinct styles and are showcased to act as inspiration for Aznom’s clients. These three proposals are ready to become unique tailor-made one-off vehicles upon the customer’s request of customization and personalization.
Aznom Serpas is not an absolute premiere (a few years back the company released the design study and computer generated renderings of the car) but is now at the brink of its market launch. A true “spider” inspired by the glorious racing prototypes of the past, it doesn’t hide its sensual and charming side. If the aerodynamics recall a sporty racing car, the interior boasts the best in luxury and comfort. The model showcased in the UAE is based on the Rapture SL donor car, the latest creation from Radical, the well-known British manufacturer of racing prototypes and Gran Turismo cars.
Aznom Serpas Coupé is the hard-top version of the Serpas. The vehicle boasts the same style of the sister car but strives to reach an even higher level of performance while offering more comfort features in its interior. The Serpas Coupé showcased in Ras Al Khaimah is built around the Lotus Emira allowing it to reach great performance but at the same time remaining enjoyable to drive. It goes without saying that the company encourages its clients to take advantage of the highest level of customization, from the exterior colors to the interiors, with the possibility to customize even the mechanical and engine setups.
The great surprise in the Emirates though will be the Dolcevita. The name by itself hints at the attention to detail, comfort features and finishing touches that Aznom has given to this vehicle. Dolcevita is simply beautiful, fascinating, with its “muscular” style that doesn’t compromise its elegance … but there’s more. AMG GT engineering roars under the hood for unmatched performance and handling.
It is important to stress once more that these automobiles will be designed and manufactured in a true “tailor-made” fashion. Clients will work with a dedicated team of designers that will engineer the vehicle comprehensively from the ground up, in a manner of fashion usually seen when building yachts or super-luxury villas.
Palladium will also showcase a few new developments. As already known Palladium is a unique vehicle, so much so that it resides in its own brand-new segment, christened “hyper-limousine” by the media and automotive experts that have witnessed the car’s unveiling in Milan in November 2020.
As a matter of fact, Aznom Palladium blends the traditional characteristics of the great luxury sedans (comfort, quality of materials and craftsmanship, ample space and reliability) to dynamic qualities usually found in much different vehicles. The extra-large dimensions (almost 2 meters in height and 6 in length) unquestionably position the car in the limousine segment, but its unconventional design is undeniably eye-catching and powerful, matched only by the strengths of its engineering.
Capable of traversing any type of terrain in either two- or four-wheel drive configuration, Palladium has undergone modifications and improvements after a series of trials and tests where the car was driven for tenths of thousands of kilometers.
The V8 powertrain has reached 6350 cc and is now capable of delivering 850 Hp and 1050 N/m of torque, important figures obtained thanks to the turbochargers (the car is now a biturbo) and thanks to new components such as pistons, piston rods and driveshaft. The electronic injection system has also been updated, more efficient and precise compared to the original one, while work on the hydraulic components of the suspension allows for the car to be more responsive in all situations.
The imposing Palladium can now count on a more powerful braking system (made by Carbobrake on Aznom’s design) with 450mm carbon ceramic rotors with aluminum calipers machined from solid with 10 pistons at the rear, and 420mm rotors and 4 piston calipers at the front. It’s the biggest carbon ceramic braking system on the market for a street legal car.
Aznom’s premiere in the Emirates (and in the luxury car market more in general) also means the start of the collaboration with Super Luxury Company, the London based company that will handle promotion, distribution and sales of Aznom creations.
ZEEKR gets off to an electrifying start delivering over 2000 cars in first month of production
ZEEKR, the premium electric mobility brand from Geely Holding Group, has announced delivery of over 2000 vehicles to customers in its first full month of production.
Just six months after Zeekr revealed its all-electric 001 model – a luxury shooting brake coupe – at the Shanghai Auto Show and one month since production started, it has now delivered 2,012 examples to customers in more than 150 cities across China.
Capacity at the Zeekr Intelligent Factory, one of the world’s most advanced vehicle facilities, is now ramping up to accommodate the unprecedented demand for the 001. Zeekr will continue to prioritize local market customers ahead of its planned global roll-out from 2023.
Andy An, CEO of Zeekr, said: “We revealed Zeekr to the world in April this year and in just eight months, we have developed the 001, started production at our state-of-the-art Intelligent Factory in Ningbo and delivered over 2000 of our luxury shooting brake coupes. This was an extremely ambitious challenge for Zeekr and I am truly proud of this startup’s progress in such record time.”
Zeekr’s 001 luxury shooting brake coupe is one of the most anticipated all-electric vehicles and the brand’s flagship product for the market. Based on Geely Holding Group’s Sustainable Electric Architecture (SEA), the vehicle is able to create 400kw of power with max torque of 768 Nm through a twin motor system capable of spiriting the 001 from 0-100kph in just 3.8 seconds and braking from 100-0 kph in just 34.5 meters.
The 100kWh Z-Battery is able to charge from 10% to 80% within 30 minutes and has a 712km range, according to the NEDC cycle used in China.
The average order price with options for the 001, for the Chinese market only, was confirmed at RMB335,000 (USD 53,000) with the vast majority of orders to date being for the mid to high range models.
Zeekr customers will be able to experience a Zeekr charging station at selected locations that cover nine major cities in China. Zeekr has also included third party charging points in 211 cities to provide a hassle-free and seamless charging experience for all Zeekr users.
