Lotus unveils its electric-powered ‘hyper-SUV’

Our roundup of new car news

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Lotus Eletre
Spots-car manufacturer Lotus shows off its electric-powered SUV, the Eletre | Manufacturer photos

Calling it the world’s first “hyper-SUV,” Lotus has released the electric-powered Electre, which is calls “the most significant milestone yet” for the British-based sports car producer. Lotus says the vehicle will go into production in China later this year.

“The company’s famed expertise in the fields of ride and handling, steering and optimized aerodynamics have been carefully and respectfully evolved,” according to the company’s news release.

“The Eletre takes the heart and soul of the latest Lotus sports car – the Emira – and the revolutionary aero performance of the all-electric Evija hypercar, and reinterprets them as a Hyper-SUV.

“Known until two days ago only by its Lotus codename, Type 132, the Eletre is a globally relevant product.”

Lotus said the electric SUV has 4-wheel drive, more than 600 horsepower and a target range of nearly 375 miles, with the capability of being recharged for nearly 250 miles in 20 minutes.

Lotus said the Eletre is available for sale “across global markets,” though deliveries won’t begin until 2023 and at first in China, the UK and Europe.

Mini working on electric-powered 3-door

New Mini 3-door

Mini will launch its fifth-generation model as a 3-door electric vehicle, and to prove its viability, the automaker has released images of the car undergoing winter testing in Lapland, where it was joined by some historic Mini models.

Calling the exercise “warm-up laps,” the BMW Group said the new Mini’s “electric drivetrain, high-voltage battery, power electronics and charging technology of the prototypes are already demonstrating their high degree of maturity at extreme temperatures below freezing. 

“Snow-covered roads and specially prepared areas on frozen lakes also serve as ideal test tracks on which the characteristics of the drive, steering and chassis can be very sensitively tested, refined and harmonized.”

In addition to the 3-door, Mini said the new generation will include a successor to the Countryman, the new one offered in either petroleum or electric versions.

The company said it also is preparing a concept of a Mini crossover vehicle to reveal later this year.

Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series

“Limited edition, unlimited performance” Mercedes-AMG says of its new GT Track Series, of which only 55 units will be produced, that number tied to the 55th anniversary of AMG. 

Based on the Black Series cars, the Track Series models get a biturbo 4.0-liter V8 rated at 778 horsepower (the most ever for a Mercedes customer sports car from the partnership) and 627 foot-pounds of torque. That power goes to the rear wheels through a 6-speed Hewland sequential gearbox.

In addition to adjustable differential power transfer, the $405,000 cars have adjustable Bilstein shocks, “optimized” aerodynamics, and other high-performance features.

Edition 55’ tag for special G 63 models

Mercedes-AMG also says it will produce 55 special ‘Edition 55’ versions of the G 63, but in this case that limited number is for the US market, not the globe.

The special edition will wear Obsidian Black metallic paint, ride on 22-inch wheels, have a silver-chrome fuel-filler cap and other special features inside and out, including a custom flannel car cover.

Hurricane twin-turbo I6 unveiled

Chrysler parent Stellantis has revealed its new 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged inline-6-cylinder engine that it says will reduce emissions, improve fuel economy, and provide the power of a larger V8. Two versions will be produced, it added, one tuned to efficiency, yet with more than 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, and one for performance, with more than 500 horsepower and 475 foot-pounds of torque.

The engine is being produced in Mexico and will be available in vehicles later this year, the company added. 

For which vehicles? “The Hurricane twin-turbo I-6 is the primary internal combustion power plant of the future in North America for vehicles using the STLA Large and STLA Frame platforms,” the news release reports.

“As Stellantis aims to become the U.S. leader in electrification, with a 50 percent battery-electric vehicle sales mix by 2030, internal combustion engines will play a key role in our portfolio for years to come and we owe it to our customers and the environment to provide the cleanest, most efficient propulsion possible,” Micky Bly, head of propulsion systems, is quoted. 

“The Hurricane twin-turbo is a no-compromise engine that delivers better fuel economy and an important reduction in greenhouse gases without asking our customers to give up performance.”

Bugatti building 10 Centodieci models

Bugatti says it will produce only 10 examples of its coachbuilt Centodieci cars, which it says is a homage to the EB110 model of the 1990s. The Centodieci sports cars will be powered by a 610-horsepower, quad-turbocharged 3.5-liter V12 engine, will have all-wheel drive, and a carbon fiber monocoque.

A white-colored prototype has undergone more than 50,000 miles of development testing.

Ford offers F-150 Rattler

With what Ford calls “expressive style inside and out plus exceptional off-road prowess,” the company has unveiled its 2023 F-150 Rattler package for “adventure-seeking customers.”

The pickup is equipped with skid plates, hill descent control, off-road shocks, electronic rear-locking differential and all-terrain tires, as well as “rattlesnake-inspired” graphics and a “desert-inspired theme” for the interior.

The vehicle goes on sale this fall, Ford added. 

Three flavors for Alpine A110

Alpine has updated its A110 sports car, which will be offered in three versions, A110, New A110 GT and New A110 S. In addition to improved dynamic performance and upgraded multimedia systems, the cars can be ordered in a new Fire Orange color with Deep Black roof. 

The A110 has a turbocharged 1.8-liter engine rated at 252-horsepower. The New A110 GT gets 300 horsepower, as does the New A110 S, which also gets sports suspension and can be equipped with “semi-slick” tires and a carbon-fiber aero body kit.

Base pricing in Europe ranges from $66,210 for the A110 to $79,955 for the New A110 S.

Callum designs electric motorcycles

Former Aston Martin and Jaguar designer Ian Callum has his own company these days, doing projects for various firms including Dubai-based Barq, for which he’s designed an electric scooter for use in the Middle East and North Africa.

The first version, the Rena Max, a joint project of Barq, restaurant chain Americana, and delivery company Jahez, is designed for making “last-mile” deliveries, but has a range of 150 kilometers on its interchangeable battery pack. 

The 2-wheeler also will be available in a personal-use version with “class-leading rider comfort.”

Kia confirms production for Concept EV9

Kia has confirmed that it will put into production an electric SUV based on its Concept EV9. Production for the European market is confirmed for 2023, the company said in its announcement.

“The Kia Concept EV9 is another important marker for us in what has been an incredible journey so far for the new Kia brand,” Karim Habib, the company’s head of global design, is quoted. “Having made our intentions clear – to become a global leader in sustainable mobility solutions – we have had to carefully assess how the near- to medium-term future will impact every type of vehicle and model. This includes the SUV.

“In the Concept EV9, we are showcasing how the SUV of today can evolve to play a fundamental role in the sustainable mobility era. The nucleus of the Concept EV9 is a cutting-edge exterior design, a contemporary and innovative tech-based interior space and an advanced all-electric powertrain. And these are the core principles that will shape our future SUV creations.”

2 COMMENTS

  1. Car companies—“Wil produce” sound so phony– Like jet powered cars for the public– or jet packs for everyone–

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