Alfa Romeo has unveiled the Milano as its latest addition to the SUV lineup and its first-ever series-production electric car.
Named after the brand’s hometown, the Milano is an urban-focused crossover that aims to capture the essence of the Giulietta and Mito hatchbacks while offering premium appeal and engaging driving dynamics to attract a new generation of Alfisti.
Jean-Philippe Imparato, Alfa Romeo boss, stated that the Milano is designed to transition the brand “from exclusive to inclusive,” emphasising its position alongside the ultra-exclusive 33 Stradale. He noted, “Alfa is the only brand that is able to sell a car at €2 million and €30,000.”
With dimensions of 4170mm length, 1780mm width, and 1500mm height, the Milano incorporates bold new design elements while paying homage to Alfa’s heritage with features like swollen wheel arches, a ‘coda tronca’ bluff rear end, and SZ-inspired headlights. Its distinctive front-end grille features stylised elements from the brand’s logo in electric versions. For reference, the smart #1 measures 4270mm in length, 1636mm in height, and 1822mm in width.
The Milano is available with either electric or mild-hybrid petrol power, sharing a platform with models like the Citroën C4, Fiat 600, Jeep Avenger, and Peugeot 2008. The Milano Ibrida combines a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V starter-generator and a 28bhp electric motor for 134bhp and the option of short-distance EV driving. The Milano Elettrica features a 54kWh battery, offering a range of 410km and a front-mounted 154bhp motor for engaging performance.
Alfa emphasises the Milano’s driving dynamics, boasting optimal mass distribution and best-in-class handling tuned by the same team responsible for the Giulia GTA super-saloon. The top-tier Veloce variant offers the most driver-focused experience with a 237bhp motor, Torsen limited-slip differential, and agile chassis upgrades.
Technological features include LED matrix lights, a virtual assistant, and hands-free boot lid, while premium trims offer massaging seats and ambient lighting.
The same inspiration of pure sportiness can be found inside the car, where the standout features are the Italian attention to every detail, the use of the finest materials and the placement of all the controls within the driver’s reach. The instrument panel and its historical ‘Cannocchiale’ design creates that direct visual connection and persuades you to wrap your hands around the steering wheel, start the engine, and make the best of a unique driving experience.
In the middle of the cluster, the standout feature is a fully digital 10.25-inch TFT screen, to access the car’s data and the settings for the driving technologies. In the middle of the dashboard and oriented towards the driver, a 10.25-inch touchscreen system developed to work with widgets, graphic components designed for intuitive interaction with all the features, which can be customised via quick and easy drag and drop. Every user can create their own homepage, where each of the car’s features is an app in itself.
To further embellish the interior, the air conditioning vents in the shape of a quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover), the symbol par excellence of Alfa Romeo sportiness. To catch the eye and welcome the driver, optional Sabelt sports seats are available featuring an enveloping backrest that combines high mechanical resistance, perfect ergonomics and structural lightness.
The Milano is available for order in Italy and will launch in 28 markets over the next six months.
‘Electrification’ is the probably the most heavily-used word in the auto industry today. Increasingly stringent emission regulations as well as commitments to become carbon-neutral to address climate change have forced carmakers to accelerate development and production of electric vehicles. Ford is even creating a specific business unit just for electric vehicles. The aim is to fully electrify their product lines by the end of the decade and for some, sales of vehicles with internal combustion engines will cease.
In tandem with this trend, there is also a growing industry where old models are being ‘electrified’. Classic models are having ‘heart transplants’ with their original engines being replaced by electric powertrains. It’s a slowly growing industry which will help preserve classic models of special value and allow them to be driven even in the new era of electrification.
We’ve already written about companies like Everrati and Lunaz carrying out such conversions and another British company called Charge Cars is also getting into the business. The company has an experienced engineering team with members who have contributed to various projects for McLaren Automotive, Jaguar Land Rover and F1 racing teams.
The original Ford Mustang in 1967.
The company has announced its latest ‘restomod’ project to build EVs which is a 499-unit production run of the iconic 1960s Ford Mustang. While some other companies require an existing body and chassis to convert, Charge Cars takes an officially licensed body with the design of the legendary Mustang. The bodyshell (in the fastback style of 1967) is made of composite material but has the necessary engineering to ensure that it is safe and can meet safety requirements for road use.
It’s something like what ACE (a subsidiary of EON) used to do with the TD2000, a model which had the looks of a 1950s MG sportscar but a modern powertrain and chassis. The powertrain was not electric and was a 2-litre petrol engine sourced from Toyota similar to that found in the early RAV4.
So Charge Car basically builds a new Mustang with the 1960s design and fits an electric powertrain into it. It gets two electric motors which presumably are installed at the front and rear as all-wheel drive is mentioned, something which the Mustang has never had. The total system output is 500 kW (equivalent to 680 ps) and up to 1,500 Nm, so it should easily get from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) within the claimed 3.9 seconds. The battery pack, which can be fast-charged, has a capacity of 64 kWh which is said to be good for up to 320 kms.
Charge Car will personalize the 2-person interior to customers’ requirements and there are various options and accessories to choose from. While the original Mustang had classic meters, the Mustang EV has digital instruments and a tablet-like centre panel which looks like the same idea as in the latest Mustang Mach-E e-SUV.
Each unit, which would be handbuilt, will cost upwards of £350,000 (about RM1.94 million) ex-factory. Orders are now being taken and the first customers will get their cars by the end of this year or early in 2023.
While the extreme design of the E-TENSE PERFORMANCE may make it seem like just a showcar, it is actually intended for use as a high-performance laboratory by DS Automobiles, the spin-off brand from Citroen which became a standalone brand.
The prototype has been conceived to accelerate the development of technology for the future of DS Automobiles design. It has been devised, developed and created by DS Performance, which has been successfully participating in the single-seater electric Formula E series.
DS Performance has been participating in single-seater electric Formula E series with the French-Chinese TECHEETAH team since 2016.
“Our objective is to apply the experience acquired in Formula E and the expertise that we’ve taken from our international titles to a project which predicts the high-performance electric car of tomorrow. It is a laboratory that we will use to analyse the behaviour of components and to develop them with a view to future manufacturing. The idea is also to find solutions to lower costs, make them easier to manufacture and explore implementations in production models. The next generations of the E-TENSE range will benefit from these developments,” said Thomas Chevaucher, Director of DS PERFORMANCE, the brand’s motorsports division.
Up to 8,000 Nm
The powertrain is made up of two electric motors giving a combined power of 600 kW (250 kW at the front, 350 kW at the back) corresponding to 815 hp and torque of 8,000 Nm at the wheels. Taken straight from DS PERFORMANCE developments for Formula E, these two electric motors prioritise the use of energy in the most effective way. If, physically, the DS E-TENSE PERFORMANCE keeps a braking system with discs and pads for safety, only the regeneration system is used for braking.
The battery pack is one of the fundamental parts of the very high-performance mobile laboratory. It is compact and housed in a carbonfibre-aluminium composite envelope. This is situated in a central rear position for optimum weight distribution. The battery pack, using experience from electric car racing, is developed jointly with TotalEnergies and its subsidiary Saft. It uses innovative chemistry and an immersive cooling system for cells – at odds with current technology – thanks to a bespoke design of Quartz EV Fluid solution. This battery permits phases of acceleration and regeneration of up to 600 kW, enabling the exploration of new avenues for future generations of production vehicles.
The design language
The DS Design Studio Paris was responsible for the extreme form with a frontal appearance that has a new surface for expression in place of the grille. Already suggested by the DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE, this treatment combines the DS Automobiles logo with a 3-dimensional effect that displays a special welcome sequence.
On either side, new daytime lights combine technology and design with unprecedented thinness to give a wide span of light (made up of 800 LEDs). Two cameras are used instead of headlamps, providing a visual identity while enabling useful data to be collected while on the move.
To go with the aerodynamic lines, the bodywork introduces a ‘beetle-effect’ interference colour. Depending on exterior conditions and the viewing angle, the perception of the colour changes and gives a striking contrast against the gloss black surfaces stretching to the bonnet.
The cockpit has been conceived to gather data. Bucket seats and a Formula E steering wheel create an ambience devoted to high performance but there is also comfort and attention to detail. An in-car FOCAL Utopia sound system with a pair of exclusive Scala Utopia Evo speakers give a unique signature sound.
2022 looks like the year of electric hypercars as some manufacturers will either unveil their products or start deliveries. Among them is Automobili Pininfarina which has announced that its Battista hyper GT – Italy’s most powerful production car ever – will start going to customer in early 2022. Final production prototypes have been running with test-drivers completing assessments of various systems.
Nick Heidfeld, ex-Formula One and Formula E driver, is a Test and Development Driver for Automobili Pininfarina who has been working with the engineers for the past 2 years. “From the first time I experienced Battista’s performance in 2019 in an advanced simulator, to today on road and track, I believe the Automobili Pininfarina team has successfully developed a unique hyper GT that is enormous fun, as well as incredibly fast,” he said.
Heidfeld has experienced the Battista on the road and track in Italy in production-intent form, accompanied by its emotive soundscape for the first time. “In this test, I was able to drive Battista with full power available. The effect under acceleration is completely mind-bending – drivers will never bore of the experience, no matter how many times they feel it. This roadcar sprints faster than a Formula 1 car, and in Furiosa mode, I was left with a huge grin on my face every time. Every client that experienced Battista with me was positively overwhelmed by the experience – there is simply nothing like it!” said Heidfeld.
The Furiosa mode mentioned unleashes the full 1,900 ps, which also utilises the full torque available from the 4 independent electric motors. Originally projected to produce 2,300 Nm of torque, the Battista is now developing an increased 2,360 Nm. This comes from two 250 kW motors at the front, and two 450 kW motors at the rear, with 280 Nm of torque for each front motor and 900 Nm at each rear motor. Their combined output makes it possible to go from 0 – 100 km/h in a claimed time of less than 2 seconds and reach a top speed of 350 km/h.
Besides the Furiosa mode, there are 4 others – Pura, Calma, Energica, and Carattere. Control of the driving experience is provided by a beautifully-milled rotary dial, ergonomically situated right next to the driver, allowing for quick changes in driving mode, each one lending a unique character to the Battista’s drive, perfectly adapted to a range of driving conditions.
Calibrated using thousands of kilometres of software simulation before being introduced to development cars, the driving modes allow the driver to fine-tune the driving experience and unlock both the full potential of the advanced torque vectoring system and honed characteristics of the Battista.
The system recuperates and transfers electrical energy without using the brakes – the active energy shifting takes place directly via the 4 electric motors, resulting in a much faster, more precise and efficient shift of torque compared with torque vectoring by braking.
The motors are powered by a powerful 120 kWh lithium-ion battery and, depending on driving style and other conditions, the range is claimed to be up to 500 kms.
“The handling on open roads – even on unpredictable surfaces – proved Battista to be beautifully balanced. Just how a hyper GT should feel. Battista’s performance on track had already surprised and impressed me after I experienced it in Nardo earlier this year, so my expectations on this occasion were set high. This test however confirmed that the team has achieved its target of creating a new type of hyper GT which is rewarding on all surfaces. The ride quality and damping both feel excellent, and the steering feels natural and the perfect fit for what we want to achieve in Battista. I am very sensitive to steering feel as a racing driver, and the sweet spot here is for it to feel light yet connected, and direct yet smooth,” explained Heidfeld.
Paolo Dellacha, Automobili Pininfarina’s Chief Product and Engineering Officer, commended Heidfeld for his input which has helped the engineers to fine-tune the car. “Nick has been a brilliant partner throughout the whole development programme, not only for his driving skills and unique experience in both Formula 1 and Formula E, but also for his ability to evaluate and improve the programme in its various stages of development by delivering the anticipated view of our customers,” he said.
The Battista in production form made its global debut at California’s Monterey Week in August this year. Potential customers had an opportunity to experience the hypercar on the scenic coastal roads and listen to its ‘tailor-made exterior soundscape’. Those who decided they must own one would have to book a unit which will cost from €1.98 million (about RM9.37 million).
It seems that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars either cannot contain its own excitement about its new fully electric car or pressure from its customers has persuaded it to reveal more about the new model. Until now, the company has said that the car will be launched during the decade, which can mean up till 2030. However, today CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos has announced that the finished product will have its global debut as early as the fourth quarter of 2023.
Another ‘otherworldly’ model name
The car’s name has also been revealed: Spectre, which perfectly fits with the other ‘otherworldly’ model names like Ghost, Silver Spirit, Wraith and Phantom. “Spectre is a name given to otherworldly beings synonymous with great power and apparition; creatures of an alternative realm that make their presence felt through fleeting manifestation. A spectre forces the world to pause. It dominates the space it occupies. Then, as quickly as it appears, it dissipates, leaving a wake of exhilaration, energy, and intrigue,” explained Muller-Otvos.
“This name perfectly matches the extraordinary Rolls-Royce that we are announcing today – a motorcar that makes its presence felt before disappearing into a world inaccessible to all but the very few. As a quintessentially British brand, we have selected the British spelling; however, the meaning is universal,” he added.
Road-testing to commence soon
Understandably, technical details are sparse at this time and the first two pictures of the camouflaged car do not reveal much although the side view does show a sleek form. Certainly, it will be nothing like the VISION NEXT 100 (103EX) concept shown earlier. The new car will begin testing shortly, which could explain why the company is making the announcement today. “This is not a prototype. It’s the real thing, it will be tested in plain sight,” he said. “We have conceived the most demanding testing programme in Rolls-Royce’s history. We will cover 2.5 million kilometres – a simulation of more than 400 years of use for a Rolls-Royce, on average – and we will travel to all four corners of the world to push this new motorcar to the limit.”
“You will see these test cars on roads, around the world. Look out for them – they will be in plain sight. They will be tested in all conditions and over all terrains on their multi-million-mile journey – that will literally accelerate Rolls-Royce into the future,” he added. Of course, the cars are likely to be heavily camouflaged.
Building up expertise in electric cars
Besides the fact that the founders of the company – Charles Rolls and Henry Royce – were familiar and even experienced electric cars over 100 years ago, the company has also been building up its expertise in electric powertrains for some time. “At Rolls-Royce, we have been experimenting with an electric powertrain for some time. In 2011, we revealed 102EX, a fully operational all-electric Phantom. We followed this in 2016 with our fully electric 103EX, which represented our vision for the marque several decades into the future,” said Muller-Otvos.
Layout of the electric powertrain in the 102EX.VISION NEXT 100 (103EX)
“We embark on this bold new future with a huge advantage. Electric drive is uniquely and perfectly suited to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, more so than any other automotive brand. It is silent, refined and creates torque almost instantly, going on to generate tremendous power. This is what we at Rolls-Royce call ‘waftability’,” he added.
Exclusive spaceframe architecture
“In 2016, we debuted Phantom and, with it, the marque’s proprietary aluminium architecture: a scalable and flexible spaceframe that would underpin all forthcoming Rolls-Royce motorcars. This unique technology – developed for Rolls-Royce by Rolls-Royce and reserved for the marque’s exclusive use – was created to form the foundation of not just different internal combustion engine models, as it now does with Cullinan and Ghost, but models with completely different powertrains.”
Part of the proprietary aluminium architecture with a scalable and flexible spaceframe to be used for the Spectre.
“To this end, our forthcoming electric car benefits from the Rolls-Royce architecture and therefore the extraordinary experience of a Rolls-Royce on the road. Free of any group platform sharing strategy, we were able to integrate our plans for an electric powertrain into the architecture’s initial design and ensure that this extraordinary new product meets the extremely high expectations of our clients,” he explained.
“With this new product, we set out our credentials for the full electrification of our entire product portfolio by 2030. By then, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will no longer be in the business of producing or selling any internal combustion engine products,” he declared.
Mercedes-Benz continues its roll-out of its all-electric EQ range, which will total 10 models by 2022, with the unveiling of the EQA. The ‘A’ indicates its entry-level positioning in the big Mercedes-Benz family, and it is considered a member of the compact car line although it has a dedicated electric powertrain.
Besides being built in Germany, from which European dealerships will soon get their units, the EQA will also be built in China. The first version, the EQA 250, will be sold in Germany at prices from 47,540.50 euros (about RM233,000) with various rebates being available from the government and also the manufacturer.
The EQA 250 has a ‘double-decker’ lithium-ion battery pack which sits as a structural element within the underbody of the vehicle. In order to meet the low levels of noise and vibration expected from the brand, complex damping measures have been taken to isolate the electric powertrain from the chassis and body.
The battery pack has an energy content of 66.5 kWh and a stated combined electric consumption of 15.7 kWh/100 kms, and a claimed range of 486 kms. Further variants to meet specific customer requirements will follow. These will include all-wheel-drive with an additional electric powertrain, and, for those wanting range, a version that will go more than 500 kms.
Charging management
At home or at public charging points, the on-board charger provides a convenient way of charging the EQA with up to 11 kW using alternating current (AC). The charging time required for a full charge depends on the available infrastructure and the country-specific vehicle equipment. Charging at a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox would be considerably faster than at a domestic power socket. Faster speeds can be achieved at direct current (DC) rapid charging stations. Here, the EQA can be charged with a maximum output of up to 100 kW from 10% – 80% in around 30 minutes.
Electro-aesthetics
The EQA features the black panel radiator grille with the central star, which will be used for all EQ models. A further distinctive design feature of the all-electric vehicles is the continuous light strip at front and rear. A horizontal fibreoptic strip connects the daytime running lights of the full-LED headlamps, ensuring a high level of recognisability both in daylight and at night. Blue colour highlights within the headlamp reinforce the signature Mercedes-EQ appearance.
The LED tail lamps merge seamlessly into the tapered LED light strip, thus underlining the impression of width in the rear view of the EQA. The licence plate has also been relocated to the bumper. Exclusive to this model are light-alloy wheels in a bi or tri-colour design, up to 20 inches in size, in some cases with rosé gold-coloured or blue decorative trim.
Efficiency the key factor
The frontal area totals 2.47 square metres, contributing to a Cd of 0.28. Aerodynamic measures adopted include the completely closed cooling air control system in the upper section, the aerodynamically efficient front and rear aprons, a very smooth, almost completely enclosed underbody, specially optimised Aero wheels and specifically adapted front and rear wheel spoilers.
An indication of the electric character in the interior of the EQA is provided by a new-style back-lit trim element and rose gold-coloured decorative trim on the ventilation outlets, seats and the vehicle key. The Edition 1 special model additionally features perforated leather seats, through which blue fabric can be seen. The instruments, with their electric car-specific displays, pick up on the same colour scheme with rose gold-coloured and blue highlights.
The seating position is high and upright, as is typical for an SUV – making it not only comfortable for getting in and out, but also good in terms of all-round visibility. Utility value was one of the general focuses during development and as with most SUVs, the rear seat backrests are divided 40:20:40 and can fold down to vary cargo volume and floor length.
The standard heat pump forms part of the sophisticated thermal management system. With its numerous innovative details, such as the reuse of the waste heat from the electric drive system, the system is configured for exceptional efficiency and thus maximum range.
Latest MBUX with EV-specific features
Included as standard is, of course, the intuitively operated MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). MBUX, with a powerful computer system, can be individually configured with the help of various options. It has learning software and voice control activated by the keyword ‘Hey Mercedes’, and options such as a full-colour head-up display, navigation with augmented reality,
The Mercedes-EQ tile in the media display can be used to call up menus relating to charging options, electrical consumption and energy flow. The right-hand display within the instrument cluster is a wattmeter rather than a tachometer. The upper section shows the percentage of power used, the lower section the recuperation. The left-hand instrument can be used to show whether the destination can be reached without an interim charging stop.
The colours change according to the driving situation. During a boost process, for example, the display changes to white. Depending on mood, or to match the particular interior, the user has a choice of four different styles.
In conjunction with Mercedes me, the URBAN GUARD Vehicle Protection and URBAN GUARD Vehicle Protection Plus enable all-round monitoring of the parked vehicle, including its location. If the service is active, the driver is informed via the Mercedes me App not only if the vehicle is being removed (as in being stolen) but also the severity of parking damage and in which area of the vehicle it occurred. In the case of the latter, the vehicle sensors register when the parked and locked vehicle is bumped.
Driving assistance systems
It goes without saying that the EQA would have a comprehensive range of intelligent driving assistance systems and these have cooperative driver support. The enhanced functions of the Driving Assistance Package include a turning manoeuvre function, emergency corridor function, exit warning function (alerting the driver to approaching cyclists or vehicles), and a warning when pedestrians are detected near zebra crossings.
Included as standard on board are Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Brake Assist. In many situations, the purpose of the latter is to prevent a collision by autonomous braking, or to mitigate its consequences. The system is also able to brake for stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians at typical city speeds and even to prevent collisions, depending on the situation.
Partial autonomous mode
In certain situations, the EQA is able to drive in partially automated mode. To do this, it keeps a close eye on the traffic situation. Improved camera and radar systems allow it to see far ahead, adjusting the cruising speed when necessary to ensure a safe gap.
The EQA also uses map and navigation data for assistance functions. For example, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC as part of the optional Driving Assistance Package is able to provide route-based support to the driver in numerous situations, and to predictively and conveniently adjust the speed, eg when approaching bends, junctions or roundabouts. In doing so, it interacts with ECO Assist.
“Mercedes-EQ aspires to take the lead in the field of electric drive systems and vehicle software. To this end, we have defined some ambitious product development goals and resolved to push forward with the accelerated market introduction of new technologies,” 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.
“The new EQA allows us to show the way we envisage e-mobility as tailored to the needs of our customers. It proves that, by using a tried and tested architecture, it is possible to achieve an excellent compromise between performance, costs and time to market,” he said.
Over the past 15 years, a number of new companies have announced intentions to make cars, mainly electric vehicles. The notion was that cars of the future are largely packages of electronics so it was more like putting a computer package on wheels with people inside. Obviously, it’s not that simple as there are quality and safety issues to consider but there have been many companies which have already started up and begun making hybrid or electric cars.
Joining them could be Sony – yes, the Sony we all know from the consumer electronics sector – which actually indicated its intentions a year ago at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in America. At that time, it displayed what seemed to be a concept car to show off various technologies, which is also done by other electronics companies.
Vision-S concept first shown at CES in 2020.
From concept to running prototype
However, it appears that the company has decided to go further with the concept car and has been quietly developing it into a running prototype. In fact, for the CES this year, Sony even showed a short video showing the car – known as Vision-S – being tested on public roads and on a test track in Austria.
“We made a fairly grand announcement [at CES 2020], so I often get asked why Sony moved into car development. As a matter of fact, the move wasn’t triggered by any dramatic decision. Rather, it was more like the time had finally come. At the time, the 2010s—the decade of smartphones—were drawing to a close, and we knew the next decade would belong to mobility” said Izumi Kawanishi, a senior Vice-President in the company.
Full technical details are still not revealed but it has a fully electric powertrain. It obviously has much experience in electronics, even in automotive-related areas, but as it has not made cars before, it has commissioned Magna Steyr to provide engineering services for chassis development.
Other partners include familiar names such as Bosch, Continental, ZF, Vodafone Nvidia and Qualcomm as well as other companies which may not be as readily known to the public. Just as specialist suppliers work with carmakers on specific systems, Sony would be getting its own group of specialists although they may not be in traditional automotive fields.
In-house design
The design was developed in-house by Sony’s own team. Commenting on the appearance of the Vision-S, Daisuke Ishii, Creative Director at the Sony’s Creative Centre, said they aimed for a style that would be clearly distinct from the bold, aggressive designs with a focus on on-road performance that are common these days.
“At the same time, a nondescript or impersonal design wouldn’t work either, so it was a tough process. One of the things we tried to realize with this car was the concept of ‘wrapping’ people. So you could say the design was the stylistic embodiment of the idea of mobility that protects people through sensing. A blacked-out glass cabin wrapped in a sensor-packed case that gleams with a metallic light. The interior was also designed to encircle the rider, almost like a capsule holding people,” he explained.
Camera-based rearview mirrors
The prototype has some of the technologies which were showcased last year such as camera-based rearview ‘mirrors’ – which carmakers like Lexus and Audi have already begun offering as options in countries where their use is permitted. Of course, Honda has also been offering this idea for a few years now in its LaneWatch system for blinsspot monitoring.
Autonomous capability would certainly be available as the car, if it goes into production, would be entering the market when autonomous cars become available. Up to 40 sensors are installed on the car to fully cover 360 degrees and collect data and imagery to be processed by the computer.
Occupant recognition
Sony interior designers also propose the use of camera imagery of occupants in the car for managing things like air-conditioning and other personal preferences. Facial recognition could identify the occupant and from data input, preferences relating to temperature or even music can be applied automatically.
From the video, the dashboard layout can be seen to be fully occupied by digital panel displays. This is only to be expected and given Sony’s expertise in displays, we will probably see high-definition images and advanced interfaces for audio-visual systems and navigation.
No production schedule has been mentioned yet so Sony is probably not in a hurry to launch is first car. It will certainly be interesting to see which of the ‘big names’ in the electronics industry will be the first to do so, signalling the beginning of a change in the auto industry’s status quo.
Hispano Suiza, the Spanish manufacturer with a history going back to 1904, has launched a second model as a follow-up to its Carmen all-electric hypercar which debuted last year. The new model is the Carmen Boulogne, a sportier evolution of the Carmen, and it also fully electric.
The current plan is to build only 5 units for sale, each priced from 1.65 million euros (about RM8.2 million) and take approximately 12 months to complete. 14 units of the Carmen will be available, with the first unit to be delivered in 2022.
A name from 1921
The ‘Boulogne’ name dates back to 1921, when Hispano Suiza made a racing version of its high-performance H6 Coupe and entered it in the George Boillot Cup, an endurance race lasting more than 3½ hours around the French city of Boulogne. There, Hispano Suiza achieved three consecutive victories with its H6. The Carmen Boulogne pays tribute to these historic motorsport victories
Its powertrain produces 1,114 ps – 95 ps more than the Carmen – and it can go from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 2.6 seconds, with a maximum speed limited to 290 km/h. Its weight of 1,630 kgs is 60kgs less than the Carmen, achieved by optimisation of structural elements such as the suspension and carbonfibre subframe. There are also new CNC parts and a carbonfibre roof, among other things.
Visible carbonfibre bodyshell
The entire carbonfibre bodyshell of the Carmen Boulogne is visible under a clear varnish that emphasizes its sportiness and preserves the timeless elegance of this model. It sports the same semi-circular headlights and aggressive ‘scowl’ as the Carmen, with the difference of an imposing copper-coloured grille.
The five customers can fully customize the model with the assistance of the brand’s ‘Unique Tailormade’ department. The sleek interior features suede or black Alcantara on the bulkhead and door panels.
The Carmen Boulogne is powered by four permanent-magnet synchronous motors, two on each rear wheel. The torque of each engine is controlled through sophisticated vectoring systems developed in-house with the expertise gained in Formula E.
1,600 Nm of torque from standstill
From 0 to 6,500 rpm, the engines are capable of generating up to 1,600 Nm of torque, allowing for the sizzling acceleration. The lithium-ion polymer battery pack that provides ‘fuel’ has a capacity of 80 kWh and is claimed to enable driving range of up to 400 kms.
The batteries are designed and produced in-house, including a complete temperature control system to ensure that the cells can operate optimally. The fast-charging capability at more than 80 kW DC is said to require 30 minutes to charge 30 – 80%.
The 2021 Carmen hypercar gets its name from the founder’s daughter, with design inspiration from Hispano Suiza’s iconic 1930s design called the Dubonnet Xenia (top car).Hispano Suiza has a long history going back to the early 1900s and was a well known name in motor racing.
Most people would never have heard of Lucid Motors but that’s how the auto industry is these days, with many new players joining it. Lucid, originally known as Atieva and based in California, is one of those start-ups which has focussed on electric vehicles during the 13 years since its founding.
From making EV hardware (batteries and powertrains) for other companies, Lucid has developed its own technology and has embarked on developing and producing its own electric cars. Its first model will be the Lucid Air with up to 4 versions at prices expected to start from US$80,000 (about RM332,000).
“Lucid Motors is driven to make the electric car better, and by doing so, help move the entire industry forward towards accelerated adoption of sustainable mobility. The goal of this relentless approach to developing the world’s most advanced electric vehicle is to benefit all mankind with sustainable, zero emission transportation, and to also attract new customers to the world of EVs,” said Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO of Lucid Motors.
Using space to create the Air
The Lucid Air is said to be the result of a revolutionary approach to automotive packaging called the Lucid Space Concept. It capitalizes upon the miniaturization of Lucid’s in-house developed EV drivetrain to optimize interior cabin space.
The concept is central to the architecture of the Lucid Electric Advanced Platform (LEAP) upon which the Lucid Air, and forthcoming Lucid vehicles, will be built. It’s a holistic, clean-sheet approach to advanced EV construction, without using existing ‘off the shelf’ solutions so often seen in EVs from legacy automakers.
By simultaneously making smaller yet more powerful electric motors and improving the packaging of the entire electric powertrain, Lucid is able to reclaim that space for passengers and their comfort. This extends the philosophy of hyper-efficiency embedded in the car, from energy to spatial efficiency, to achieve longer range, practicality, higher performance, and luxury.
The Space Concept
The Space Concept also contributes to the subtly different and modern proportions for the Lucid Air, without relying on any traditional automotive design cues, instead delivering a car that can look distinctive on the road.
Lucid designers have also made the Air the world’s most aero-efficient luxury car. Tests in an advanced rolling-road wind tunnel have returned results of a Cd of 0.21. This aspect is particularly important for EVs as wind resistance must be kept to a minimum so as to enable motor output to be used to propel the car.
Advanced lighting
The car’s headlamps employ advanced technology with the revolutionary Micro Lens Array system. This has literally thousands of ‘light channels’ to provide the brightest, most precise and advanced lighting. Digital ‘steering’ of light direction is possible by digitally switching light channels in different directions to give the best spread and coverage.
Lucid will also create special retail and digital experiences for the brand which will be different. These are summed up in the brand tagline of ‘Dream Ahead’, which is also the company’s vision for rejecting the status quo and always pushing the boundaries in EV technology.
Record-breaking performance and range
Initial specifications claimed for the Lucid Air show output of up to 1,080 hp available in a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive architecture. It is claimed to be able to do the quarter-mile (about 400 metres) as quick as 9.9 seconds on a consistent, repeatable basis. To date, no other electric sedan has been able to do a time under 10 seconds, according to the company.
High performance can usually mean less range; at least that is how it has been with internal combustion engines. But for electric cars, advanced technologies are continuously extending the range and up to 832 kms is the claim for the Lucid Air with a full-charged battery pack. The compact 113 kWh extended-range battery pack is developed in-house.
World’s fastest charging EV
When it arrives in the market in 2021, the Lucid Air will be the fastest charging electric vehicle ever offered, with the capability to charge at rates of up to 32 kms per minute when connected to a DC Fast Charging network. For owners charging their car in real-world conditions on the road, that can translate into 480 kms of range within just 20 minutes of charging.
To enter the market sometime next year, the cars will be offered in North America, and some countries in Europe and the Middle East.
Aston Martin’s DB5 is well known as the ‘James Bond car’, having appeared as a gadget-packed sportscar in the movie ‘Goldfinger’ (as well as ‘Skyfall’). Only 1,059 units were produced and sold between 1963 and 1965, so it is a rare model. As part of its Continuation program, the company is currently making 25 units of the ‘Goldfinger’ car, complete with the array of gadgets, priced at the equivalent of RM17.7 million.
While the original DB5 is not readily available and only 25 people will get to own the Goldfinger cars, there is now the DB5 Junior, a two-thirds scale replica that runs on electric power. It is the result of a collaboration between Aston Martin and The Little Car Company and based on Aston Martin’s reference 3D scan of an original DB5 to ensure complete accuracy and authenticity.
Developed over the last 15 months as a collaboration between the two companies, the junior car is priced at £35,000 (about RM195,000). Like all Aston Martin models, customisation of the DB5 Junior is possible in almost the same manner. Only 1,059 units will be available – the same production volume as the original DB5 – on a first-come, first served basis with a refundable deposit required.
The DB5 Junior is around 3 metres long, and 1.1 metres wide. It is designed to easily accommodate an adult and a child side by side. The aluminium honeycomb chassis and composite body provide a very rigid platform whilst keeping the total weight down to around 270 kgs.
Absolute authenticity was key throughout the development of the car. For example, the DB5 Junior sports the same iconic Aston Martin ‘wings’, ‘shield’ and DB5 badges as the original 1963 model. Like its big brother, the dashboard is filled with functional Smiths instruments, which have been cleverly updated for the modern era.
The fuel gauge has been converted into a battery meter, while the oil temperature now monitors the temperature of the electric motor. Finally, the same Smiths clock as seen in the original 1960s car sits proudly in front of the passenger seat.
The perfect two-thirds scale steering wheel has a racing-style quick release to make entry and exit easier for the driver. Power is regulated by billet aluminium accelerator and brake pedals and, as would be expected, there are working headlights, brake lights, indicators and a horn. However, there are no 007 gadgets which is a pity.
In true DB5 style, the car comes in the famous Silver Birch colour as standard, with a full black leather interior and carpet set. There is even a boot at the rear for storage.
Like the real car, the DB5 Junior sits on double wishbone suspension at the front and even the roll centre and camber gain match the original geometry. At the rear, there is a live axle that is of the 1960s period, with authentic upper and lower trailing arm suspension and Panhard rod.
Behind each of the 10-inch wire wheels are ventilated disc brakes. Like modern hybrid and all-electric cars, there is regenerative braking which contributes to recharging of the battery pack.
Powered by a torquey electric powertrain delivering 5 kW (6.7 bhp) to the rear wheels, the DB5 Junior can zip to a maximum speed of almost 50 km/h. The removable battery pack under the bonnet is said to provide 16 to 32 kms driving range, depending on how the car is driven. A second battery can be added for extra range and replacement of each pack is easily done in seconds.
For safety, there are three modes to suit the skill of the driver, with the power output reduced to 1 kW (1.3 bhp) for less experienced drivers. Besides a maximum speed of around 20 km/h, this mode has a remote kill switch which will disable the car if it is further than 30 metres. The Expert mode generates maximum output available and for the ultimate driving experience, a rally-style hydraulic handbrake is included.
DB5 Vantage Junior
There is also the DB5 Vantage Junior available in the UK for £45,000 (around RM250,000) which has a powerful 10 kW (13.4 bhp) electric motor. This output is delivered to the wheels through a Limited-Slip Differential. Performance is further enhanced by the lightweight carbonfibre body and a second battery pack, doubling the range to between 32 and 64 kms.
