Isuzu has announced the forthcoming arrival of the electric D-Max ute in Australia, introducing the ‘D-Max EV concept’ ahead of the Bangkok International Motor Show. This concept serves as a preview of the production ‘D-Max BEV’ model scheduled to launch in mainland Europe in 2025, with an anticipated arrival in Australia around 2026.
Based on the current D-Max ute introduced in 2020, the EV concept boasts a 66.9kWh lithium-ion battery, full-time 4X4 capability, dual electric motors generating 174hp and 325Nm, a 1,000kg payload capacity, and a 3,500kg braked towing capacity. It achieves a maximum speed of over 130km/h.
While specific technical details such as driving range and charging speed are yet to be confirmed, Isuzu emphasises that the D-Max BEV maintains the rugged performance expected of pickup trucks, excelling on rough terrain with a smooth, linear acceleration characteristic of electric vehicles.
Toyota telah memperkenalkan kereta Konsep Sport Crossover di Eropah. Ini memberi kita gambaran tentang kereta elektrik yang Toyota rancang untuk ditambahkan ke rangkaian kenderaan elektriknya menjelang 2025. Mereka memperlihatkan konsep ini semasa acara bernama Forum Kenshiki Toyota di Brussels. Kereta ini mempunyai reka bentuk yang licin dengan garis-garis halus yang membuatnya kelihatan menonjol dalam koleksi kenderaan elektrik Toyota.
Konsep Sport Crossover pertama kali dipamerkan di Auto Shanghai pada bulan April. Ini adalah hasil kerjasama antara Toyota dan BYD Toyota EV Technology Co. Ltd. (BTET), usaha sama yang berpangkalan di China. Tujuannya adalah untuk menarik orang yang pertama kali mempertimbangkan kereta elektrik dan menawarkan pilihan bergaya sebagai gantian kepada SUV. Konsep ini menjanjikan keselesaan, lima pintu, bonet yang luas, dan banyak ruang di belakang untuk penumpang.
At the GT World Series Finals in Barcelona, Genesis unveiled the full-scale prototype of its Vision GT concept, the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta. Developed for the Gran Turismo series, this exotic hypercar showcases the Athletic Elegance styling language without the constraints of a production vehicle.
The concept features a low-slung body with a long hood, cab-backward proportions, and striking design elements. The interior combines luxury with motorsport-inspired features, including a digital panoramic interface mounted on the base of the windshield.
The minimalist cockpit features Genesis’ signature Quad Lights, a yoke steering wheel, and heavily bolstered quilted seats.
The hybrid powertrain comprises a mid-mounted Lambda 11 V6 engine and a Yasa E electric motor, delivering a combined output of 1,071hp and 1336Nm of torque.
While the concept is designed for racing and won’t enter production, it allows Genesis to showcase its design prowess and push boundaries in the virtual realm of Gran Turismo 7, with availability for players starting in January 2024.
The concept hints at the brand’s potential foray into more exciting segments in the future.
In Hyundai Motor Group’s 2023 Ideas Festival, a bronze prize-winning concept called “H-SOS” has raised concerns about privacy and potential surveillance.
The concept envisions a future where cars equipped with external microphones are always listening for signs of distress, such as screams or explosions.
If detected, the car would activate lights, hazards, and horn, recording the surroundings via cameras and alerting police with the vehicle’s location and video footage.
The GV80 Coupe Concept, which was inspired by the X Speedium Coupe Concept that debuted in New York last year, combines the utility of a lifestyle-focused SUV with the athleticism of a sports car.
Genesis steps up its SUV game to compete with rivals such as BMW and Mercedes, who are dominating the current Sports Utility Vehicle market.
With electric vehicles going to take over in coming years, will some segments disappear? Will the rugged 4×4 vehicles and pick-ups slowly fade away? Not likely if we look at what Mercedes-Benz is working on as its electrification program progresses.
The company has revealed a prototype which uses a drivable technology platform on the basis of an EQC 400 4MATIC that is now on sale. Known as the EQC 4×4², this SUV is able to go further on rough terrain using future-oriented technology.
Technology platform
With the EQC 4×4², Mercedes-Benz engineers will test the limits of the vehicle and show that e-mobility is not just urban but also conceivable off-road. The one-off prototype was developed by a cross-departmental team as a technology platform.
“Our aim is to combine modern luxury and sustainability with emotional appeal. The EQC 4×4² shows how enjoyable sustainable mobility can be. This is where electromobility high-tech and an intriguing customer experience are transferred to the mountains, thanks to MBUX and over-the-air updates. To put it succinctly, electric, progressive luxury goes off-road,” said Markus Schafer, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG responsible for Daimler Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars COO.
“This drivable study clearly shows that, alongside a passion for e-mobility, we at Mercedes-Benz lay a strong claim to leadership in this sector and will heighten the emotional appeal of this even further in the future,” he declared.
The capabilities of the EQC 4×4² include driving through sand in desert regions and on beaches, on rocky terrain and through mountain streams. As well as great reliability and corresponding comfort, the mature genes of the standard model also allow trailer operation and installation of a roof-rack. A roof-tent and inflatable dinghy allow the remotest areas to be reached.
Very generous ground clearance
At 293 mm, the EQC 4×4² rides more than twice as high as a production EQC; even a G-Class is 58 mm lower. The fording depth is increased by 15 cm to 40 centimetres and, of course, all necessary measures are taken to protect the many electronic systems and battery pack.
The generous ground clearance is made possible by the conversion to portal axles. Unlike conventional axles, the wheels are not at the height of the axle centre but are instead situated much lower down on the axle hubs owing to the portal gears. Or conversely, the entire vehicle moves up.
The reprogrammed Off-Road drive programs take advantage of the high-performance logic of the current GLC models. For example, using targeted brake interventions, this enables an improved torque curve when starting on loose ground. In combination with the tyres (285/50R20), this results in very good traction.
Soundscape gives feedback to driver
Another highlight of the EQC 4×4² is the sound experience with its own ‘soundscape’. The acoustic production comprises sounds that give the driver feedback on system availability and vehicle parking. It is influenced by various parameters such as the position of the accelerator pedal, speed or energy recovery rate.
The technology uses intelligent sound design algorithms to calculate the sounds coming from the amplifier of the sound system in real time and the interior loudspeakers to reproduce them.
The production EQC uses the external noise generator (Acoustic Vehicle Alert System, AVAS) required by law to reproduce the sounds. The EQC 4×4² has a more powerful AVAS composed specifically for it and uses the headlamps as external speakers for this purpose. The reason for this is that the sound experts at Mercedes-Benz have made creative use of the available installation space in the headlamp housings – thus the ‘lampspeaker’ was born.
The EQC 4×4² is actually the third model of the 4×4² family from Mercedes-Benz. The G 500 4×4² has been around since September 2015, and in 2017, came the E 400 All-Terrain 4×4² study. For now, the EQC 4×4² remains a study, a vehicle for the engineers to test new technologies. However, if response from the public proves to be good and there is a business case, perhaps Mercedes-Benz will turn it into a production model in future.
For a brand with a history of over 130 years, the transition to a new era of design and technology has to be managed carefully. There is the legacy and the birth of the brand to keep in mind while at the same time, the future must be shown as well.
At Design Essentials 2019 in Nice, France, Mercedes-Benz Design is presenting the Vision Mercedes Simplex, a sculpture embodying the heritage and future of the luxury brand. “Only a brand that is as strong as Mercedes-Benz is capable of the physical symbiosis of history and future. The Vision Mercedes Simplex symbolises the transformation of the brand-specific luxury of Mercedes-Benz,” said Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener.
The inspiration for the Vision Mercedes Simplex goes back to 1901, when the history of mobility changed radically. At Race Week in Nice, a car the world had never seen before appeared on the starting line: a high-performance car which Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft had developed at the suggestion of the visionary Emil Jellinek.
The designs which were the norm back then were still closely related to motorised carriages. The Mercedes 35 PS, named after Jellinek’s daughter Mercedes, appeared with a completely new vehicle architecture and dominated the competitions in Race Week, which took place on the famous racetrack from Nice to La Turbie, right at the heart of what is now the Mercedes-Benz International Design Centre Europe.
The design is acknowledged as the first modern car and it heralded in a new era. Nearly 120 years ago, the transformation, away from a high motorised carriage to a flat vehicle design with a light high-performance engine installed low down in the frame and a honeycomb radiator organically integrated into the front, was the pioneer of success and role model for all the cars that were to follow, whatever the brand. The vehicle layout presented for the first time over a century ago remains to this day the technical basis of all cars.
The Vision Mercedes Simplex recalls this historic event and carries the pioneering spirit and the styling characteristics of those days far into the 21st century. Its message? The passion for luxury and innovation is part of the Mercedes-Benz brand DNA. This brand DNA gives Mercedes-Benz the strength to set new standards in mobility over again, yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Two-seater with forward-looking digital luxury
The Vision Mercedes Simplex reinterprets the historic Simplex as a two-seater with freestanding wheels, an alternative drive, User Interface and a thrilling design. Its body with the dominant horizontal alignment sits as a monocoque amid the 4 large wheels, which form the outer points of the vehicle.
The resolutely vertical colour separation into a white front section and a black rear section follows the historic example. The transparent trims on the wheels reflect lightness and efficiency, as do the aerodynamic surface areas between the front wheels and the vehicle body. The entire sculpture lives from the interplay between clearly and powerfully drawn surfaces and precise technical details.
Radiator grille a symbol of digital transformation
The radiator blends a dominant frame in rose gold – reminiscent of the bronze radiator grille of the historic example – with an opening in the form of a large lens-shaped Black Panel/3D display. This is where the famous MERCEDES lettering is digitally superimposed, as are animations which provide information on the vehicle status. This detail, too, is a symbol of the transformation of the luxury brand Mercedes-Benz into the digital world.
The decentralised wheel location components unite aesthetics and engineering artistry in a unique way. The omission of a windscreen – as on the historic role model – reinforces the uncompromisingly sporty character and allows a seamless transition from the front-end flap to the instrument panel. The slim reversing lamps which are horizontally integrated into the rear section separate the upper section from the lower section of the exterior shell, which envelopes the occupants like a protective cocoon.
Perfect handcraftsmanship is also evident on the leather bag which rounds off the tail end of the vehicle body and – with its contemporary interpretation – is also themed around the historic vehicle.
Homage to history
The entire interior pay homage to the successful history of Mercedes-Benz and the DNA of the Simplex racing car – systematically reduced and nevertheless highly emotively appealing. A seamless transition between the exterior, interior and User Experience reflects the holistic approach of the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy. This is particularly evident in the flowing, flute-like transition between the bonnet and instrument panel with its reduced interface which works with projections. The seamless look continues into the footwell.
The fashion world is reflected in the interior with exclusive accessories like the high-quality openers for the stowage compartments. The bench seat is inspired by stylish furniture, the hand-made Chesterfield quilting denotes a contemporary interpretation of classically luxurious handcraftsmanship. The colour-and-trim concept, including the azure blue upholstery cover which transitions seamlessly into the footwell, is inspired by the colours of the Cote d’Azur.
UI/UX design: digital luxury
The UI/UX design demonstrates a Mercedes-Benz vision of digital luxury. The driver is only shown precisely the information they actually require in the specific driving situation. The heart of the instrument panel is a physical rose-gold-coloured instrument on which dynamic digital content is projected.
This combination of mechanical beauty and intelligent digital content is described by the Mercedes-Benz designers as ‘hyper analogue’. The right information is shown on the display at the right time, eg speed, navigation instructions or vehicle information. Other information is displayed on the instrument panel depending on the situation.
A star pattern fused with the material of the instrument panel creates a large surface onto which information can be projected for a certain amount of time. Thanks to the simple presentation and the size of the display the driver can take in relevant information and yet still concentrate fully on the road at all times.
Formula 1 is considered the pinnacle of competitive Motorsports and is the platform that established manufacturers use to display their engineering prowess. This isn’t its only purpose though, because technology that’s developed for F1 cars, especially those that help improve stability and driver management, eventually make their way into mainstream vehicles.
Such is the case with Mercedes-AMG. The company’s F1 team, which has proven to be an unstoppable force these past few seasons, has enjoyed a string of victories because they’ve developed a car that is blindingly fast, agile around corners and pretty reliable too.
Now, the company has decided to bring the same technology and magic of this F1 car, into a road going car. Called the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE, it’s a two-seater supersports showcar that will showcase the brands capabilities.
Slated for reveal at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, the car is said to encapsulate the very latest and efficient, fully-fledged Formula 1 hybrid technology for the road. It’s a high performance supercar that will be powered by a hybrid powertrain that is able to output more than 1000bhp.
According to the automaker, the car is expected to have a top speed exceeding 350km/h and will offer the best of both worlds. Meaning, it will combine exceptional racetrack performance with sensible day-to-day practicality.
Little else is known at the moment, and the only proof we have of the car’s existence is a rather vague image of it’s front end. Based on what we have gathered, it draws quite a bit of design inspiration from the brand’s past race cars, which is a good thing. Stay tuned and will let you know more about the car as soon as we find out.
Ariel, the boutique sports car maker that was responsible for the lightweight supercar killer known as the Atom, is currently developing a new vehicle called the P40. Unlike the outrageously fast Atom, the new vehicle isn’t primarily aimed at track day enthusiasts.
Rather, its for those who want a performance car that can be hooned about on a circuit for a brief period of time. After about 15 minutes of on track action, the P40 will require about 30 minutes for it to recharge its battery pack, which hampers the hopes of practicality, somewhat.
According to a report by Autocar UK, Ariel’s newest superstar will have a very different propulsion system compared to its current crop of vehicles. Touted as an electrified vehicle, it will feature electric motors and a turbine range extender that will help supply electricity when it’s battery pack is depleted of charge.
Built on an aluminum chassis, the car will be offered as either a rear-wheel-drive or 4×4 model with the former being the less powerful of the two. The latter is said to have nearly 1200bhp and 1800Nm of torque. This is ludicrous for a vehicle that weighs a relatively light – 1600kg.
Thanks to torque vectoring and traction control, the power that is sent to the wheel should be manageable. But that is still a colossal amount of power that Ariel expects to reach the road via four narrow strips of rubber that it calls – tyres.
The rear-wheel-drive P40 will be powered by two electric motors and a 56kWh battery. Oddly enough, the more powerful 4×4 model will have four electric motors with juice being supplied by a smaller centrally mounted 42kWh liquid-cooled battery pack.
The logic behind this is still unclear but we suspect that it may have to do with weight distribution and making the car as light as possible. Like Lotus, Ariel resort to extreme methods when it comes to saving relatively small amounts of excess wight.
Their vehicles are built with the concept that, less is more. This is extacly why the Atom has a chassis that closely resembles that of crudely put together bits of scaffolding. Though functional, one can’t help but wonder whether the lack of bodywork on the sides were really necessary.
Slated for release in 2020, the P40 should be a highly anticipated vehicle when launched but we would like to reserve judgement till we witness the turbine range extender function under real world conditions.
Honda has released a concept sketch of its upcoming 10th generation Accord. Based on what we can see, the new car should have a more muscular and sporty stance compared to the previous generation, which is a very good thing. Though the overall design language doesn’t detract much from that of its predecessor, the changes provide the silhouette more depth and the curvature of the front-end give the car a menacing look.
The all new 2018 Honda Accord will make its global debut in Detroit on July 14 and the Japanese automaker boasts that it will be the most ‘fun-to-drive, premium looking and dramatically styled Accord ever made’. Earlier in the month, it was revealed that Honda would be offering the car with two new direct-injection turbo engines that would be paired with either the new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic transmission, CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission. The hybrid variant should feature the company’s next generation two-motor hybrid powertain technology.
Honda says that it will reveal full details regarding the performance of these powertrains as well as the new design and technology at the launch event, state side. North America is an important market for the Japanese company because for the past four years, it has seen the Accord top the sales charts in the midsize sedan segment. And in the first five months of 2017, it has held the title of segment leader in sales and is the best-selling passenger car overall after the new Honda Civic.
Expect more details regarding the car very soon as Honda prepares to reveal the highly anticipated 10th generation Honda Accord for the global market next month.