Before finally appearing in showrooms and being delivered to customers, one of the final stages in the development of a new model is extensive testing in all kinds of conditions representative of the real world. The testing will identify areas that need to be improved or changed and also validate many operating parameters.
Every manufacturer has a similar process and at Kia, the new EV9 is going through this final phase. As the model designation indicates, this is an electric vehicle (EV) and will be the second dedicated EV from the Korean carmaker after the EV6. Its launch date is set for the first quarter of 2023 so there’s about 6 months left to complete testing.
One year ago, at IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany, the BMW Group displayed a special X5 which runs on hydrogen. Known as the iX5 Hydrogen, it uses the X5 bodywork but has a hydrogen fuel-cell electric drivetrain.
The iX5 Hydrogen is under development because BMW sees hydrogen fuel-cell technology as having the potential to become a further pillar in the BMW Group’s drivetrain portfolio for local mobility without CO2 emissions. Provided the gas is produced using renewable energy and the necessary infrastructure is available, this technology can complement the BMW Group’s electrified drivetrain portfolio in future.
Fuel-cell + BMW eDrive technology The iX5 Hydrogen combines fuel-cell technology with a fifth-generation BMW eDrive. The drive system uses hydrogen as fuel by converting it into electricity in a fuel-cell. The electric output can be up to 125 kW/170 bhp, with water vapour as the only emission.
The electric motor was developed from BMW eDrive technology also used in the BMW iX. In coasting overrun and braking phases, it serves as a generator, feeding energy into a power battery. The energy stored in this power battery can deliver a system output of 275 kW/374 bhp to provide the driving experience that the brand has been known for.
The hydrogen needed to supply the fuel cell is stored in two 700-bar tanks (the two cylinders in the picture above) made of carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), which together hold almost 6 kgs of hydrogen. “Filling up the tanks only takes three to four minutes – so there are no limits on using the BMW iX5 Hydrogen for long distances, with just a few, short stops in-between,” said Juergen Guldner, Head of BMW Group Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology and Vehicle Projects.
Built in-house The carmaker recently commenced fuel-cell system production at its competence centre in Munich. By the end of this year, it will have a small fleet iX5 Hydrogen SAVs that will be run around the world for test and demonstration purposes
“As a versatile energy source, hydrogen has a key role to play on the road to climate neutrality. And it will also gain substantially in importance as far as personal mobility is concerned. We think hydrogen-powered vehicles are ideally placed technologically to fit alongside battery-electric vehicles and complete the electric mobility picture,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “By commencing small-scale production of fuel cells today, we are demonstrating the technical maturity of this type of drive system and underscoring its potential for the future.”
“Our many years of research and development work have enabled us to get the very most out of hydrogen technology,” added Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development. “We have managed to more than double the fuel cell’s continuous output in the second-generation fuel-cell in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, while weight and size have both decreased drastically.”
So far, the iX Hydrogen prototype has already successfully demonstrated its excellent everyday usability, even at very low temperatures, during the final round of winter testing in Sweden at the start of this year.
Technological expertise, high efficiency standards A chemical reaction takes place in the fuel cell between hydrogen from the tanks and oxygen from the air. Maintaining a steady supply of both elements to the fuel cell’s membrane is of crucial importance for the drive system’s efficiency. In addition to the technological equivalents of features found on combustion engines, such as charge air coolers, air filters, control units and sensors, the BMW Group also developed special hydrogen components for its new fuel cell system. These include the high-speed compressor with turbine and high-voltage coolant pump.
The individual fuel cells required for manufacturing the iX5 Hydrogen are supplied by from the Toyota Motor Corporation, which has been selling a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (the Mirai) since 2014. The two companies have been collaborating on fuel-cell drive systems since 2013.
In March 2022, the Audi RS Q e-tron won its first desert rally in Abu Dhabi, an important achievement for an electrically-powered vehicle. Audi was the first carmaker that committed to develop a viable alternative drive concept for the gruelling event, making it a pioneer in motorsport.
The original RS Q e-tron development had been rushed as it had to be done during the difficult period of the coronavirus pandemic in 2021 and limited testing opportunities. However, with the experience and learnings from that tough first event, Audi Sport’s engineers have developed a new and significantly improved prototype which will be entered in the 2022 Morocco Rally and the 2023 Dakar Rally.
“We’ve managed a good debut at the Dakar with the Audi RS Q e-tron and even our first stage victories in a motorsport discipline that is new to us,” said Rolf Michl, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH and responsible for motorsport at Audi. “The entire team is working excellently together and pulling in the same direction. As is usual at such an early stage, the drivers, co-drivers and technicians quickly agreed on the next development targets. We have summarized the result in a new evolution package – the RS Q e-tron E2.”
Main components of the first RS Q e-tron
Second phase of development program Reminiscent of the legendary Audi Sport quattro in its final development stage for Group B rallying in the 1980s, the body is completely new and features significantly enhanced aerodynamics. It also has a lower weight and centre of gravity.
“The Audi RS Q e-tron E2 does not adopt a single body part from its predecessor,” said Axel Loffler, Chief Designer of the RS Q e-tron. In order to comply with the prescribed interior dimensions, the cockpit, which was previously narrowly recessed towards the roof, is now significantly wider. The front and rear hoods have also been redesigned.
“We are now doing away with the underflow of the rear hood to the left and right of the B-pillars. In conjunction with modified lay-ups – optimized fabric layers of the composite materials – this solution reduces weight,” said Loffler.
The T1U prototypes will have to weigh 2,100 instead of 2,000 kgs in the future. Given that the first generation of the RS Q e-tron was overweight, it was still necessary to save several dozen kilograms. This is accompanied by the lowering of the vehicle’s centre of gravity.
New aerodynamic concept The aerodynamic concept in the area of the body below the hoods is completely new. This section is somewhat like the shape of a boat’s hull: its widest point is at the height of the cockpit, while the body tapers significantly towards the front and rear.
The designers dispensed with the part of the fenders that was behind the front wheels and formed the transition to the door. Internally, this structure was called the ‘elephant foot’ and as a result, it saved more weight and optimized the airflow.
“The aerodynamic aspect should not be underestimated in desert rallying either,” said Axel Loffler, Chief Designer of the RS Q e-tron. “Admittedly, the new cockpit dimensions mean that the body has a larger and therefore less favourable cross-section. Nevertheless, it was possible to reduce the overall aerodynamic drag by around 15%. But this does not change the top speed, which remains limited to 170 km/h in the regulations.”
Nevertheless, the improved airflow offers one major advantage. “It further reduces the energy requirements of the electrically powered car,” explained Loffler. “We implemented the aerodynamic calculations entirely using computational fluid dynamics. These computer simulations replace the time-consuming work in the wind tunnel and still deliver highly precise results.”
Simplified operation in the cockpit The drivers can look forward to their new workplaces. The displays are still in the driver’s field of view and located in the centre console in the usual style, and the central switch panel with its 24 fields has also been retained. However, the engineers have restructured the displays and controls.
They can also work much more easily when there is a puncture, which is not uncommon in off-road events. Simple, flat and easily removable body components replace the previous bulky covers for the spare wheels in the flanks. The new 10-spoke rims are much easier to handle, making the change of wheels safe and quick.
New operating strategies further improve the efficiency of the electric drivetrain. The drivetrain of the RS Q e-tron E2 comprises an energy converter consisting of an internal combustion engine and a generator, as well as a high-voltage battery pack. Two electric motors are used to power the front and rear axles.
Better energy management Energy management plays a crucial role here. The electronic control system of the complex electric drivetrain proved its worth in the first rally events and issues only occurred in extreme cases. At the Dakar Rally, for example, it was noted that there were short-term surpluses of power in situations where the wheels made less contact with the ground while jumping or on uneven terrain.
The so-called auxiliary consumers also benefit from optimized control. The servo pump, the air-conditioning cooling pump and the fans have a measurable impact on the energy balance. In the course of the debut season this year, the Audi and Q Motorsport rally team gained valuable experience that enables better assessment.
The air-conditioning system, for example, works so aggressively that it could cause the coolant to freeze when constantly running at its maximum output. In the future, the system will run in an intermittent mode. This saves energy, yet the interior temperatures only fluctuate slightly, even over longer periods.
“We have combined all the important lessons in a very short time. The result of our ideas is the E2 evolution,” says Uwe Breuling, Head of Vehicle Operations Audi Sport. “Our development team’s determined and cost-efficient work has prepared us perfectly for our second Dakar Rally.”
With the VISION 7S concept, Skoda is providing a preview of an all-new battery electric SUV as well as the Czech brand’s new design language. There is also a new brand logo which no longer uses sculptural 3D graphics, a response to a growing shift in marketing activities from print to online.
The 7-seater VISION 7S SUV, which is 3 to 4 years from appearing in Skoda showrooms, sits on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electrification Kit (MEB). Proposed with an 89 kWh battery pack, it has a projected range of over 600 kms.
With the new design language comes the ‘Tech-Deck Face’ at the front end with a a solid underbody and aerodynamic roof lines. The Tech Deck Face embodies a modern reinterpretation of the familiar Skoda grille. Though it has similar lines, the appearance is significantly flatter and wider than the previous styling. The ribs have been replaced by dark glass that conceals the vehicle’s sensors.
The redesigned SKODA wordmark replaces the brand’s picturemark and is complemented by a new ambient light strip. This extends across the entire width of the vehicle at the upper edge of the front section and features illuminated graphics.
The robust bumpers are made of durable, recycled tyres. This material is also used for the wheelarch linings and adds a rugged visual highlight. Seven vertical air intakes are integrated into the front, through which air is directed to the cooling systems and brakes, and another nine vertical air outlets are in the rear bumper.
A control element in bright Flashy Orange is located in the centre of both the front and rear. These can be pulled out to serve as hooks. In addition, they can be used to safely cut off the vehicle’s high-voltage current from the outside, if required.
A high tornado line separates the solid underbody from the side windows and emphasises the powerful shoulder sections through its curve. The squared-off wheel arches beneath it are prominent and clearly recessed. Within them, the wheels are aerodynamically optimized rims and almost completely closed.
Additional air outlets are positioned between the wheel arches and above the side skirts. These act as running boards for the portal doors that swing up in opposite directions and also have cover grilles. These grilles channel the warm air generated from cooling the high-voltage battery pack to the outside.
The flat roofline gently slopes to the rear and merges with a pronounced roof spoiler for high aerodynamic efficiency. The triangular D-pillar extending to the rear features a bold design; at the bottom, it bears the new SKODA wordmark, which also appears on the tailgate and is lit up in the same way as at the front of the vehicle.
The minimalistic interior is as spacious as the exterior proportions of the Skoda concept suggest. The sense of security further enhanced by the combination of dark and light materials. These are leather-free (mostly from sustainable sources) and are extremely durable, thanks to some smart material combinations.
One example is the floor, which is also made from recycled tyres. The interior trim is also sustainable and coated with a fine, matt metallic layer, thus conserving valuable resources. The fabrics are made of 100% recycled polyester yarns.
Great emphasis was placed on further optimising usability. In addition, the vehicle’s menu structure and infotainment functions have been streamlined, and the controls on the central, free-standing touchscreen, as well as haptic keys for important or frequently used functions, are particularly intuitive.
In front of the central screen on the instrument cluster is a large crystal that indicates the battery and charging status using different colours. This can be seen easily from outside the Skoda SUV.
The position of the childseat may seem unsuitable from the safety point of view but it is actually in the safest place in the vehicle. It is integrated into the centre console, which extends to the second row of seats, opposite to the direction of travel. This means the child is optimally protected, and the passengers in the second row can always keep an eye on him or her.
An optional interior camera in the rear roof area can also transmit a video of the child to the central infotainment display. This makes it possible for the driver and front passenger to see the little ones on board at all times.
The VISION 7S also introduces a new series of ‘Simply Clever’ features, well known in Skodas. For example, the air vents on the dashboard work in a discreet, diffuse mode until more direct ventilation is needed. Passengers will also find magnetic surfaces under the floating centre console, where metal Skoda drink bottles or a first-aid kit can be securely attached. There are also backpacks that are magnetically attached to the seat backrests, easily taken off when leaving the vehicle for a hike.
“The VISION 7S is the forerunner of our new design language that we’ll be rolling out across the entire product portfolio over the coming years. We’ll also be using it to sharpen our customer appeal; with the new styling, we are taking the brand to the next level and aligning it to our customers’ new needs and expectations, particularly regarding UX (user experience), connectivity and the entire customer journey,” said Martin Jahn, Skoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing.
In April this year, Genesis – the third brand in the Hyundai Motor Group – unveiled the X Speedium Coupe to give a preview of what the luxury brand’s next wave of electric vehicles will be like. At that time, it showed only the exterior of the concept car inherits the brand’s design philosophy of ‘Athletic Elegance’.
Now, we get to see the inside of the X Speedium Coupe which, like the exterior, embarks on a design evolution of the Grand Tourer concept in the coming age of electrification. Over the 5 months since it was first revealed, the interior design was developed by the Genesis design group which adopted a ‘freestyle’ design exercise.
“The X Speedium Coupe was conceived as an internal design exercise that we later decided to reveal publicly. It was nothing more than a hard model built on our Athletic Elegance design identity,” said Genesis Chief Creative Officer, Luc Donckerwolke. “Given the positive reception it received at the event, we chose to complete the concept and present it to discerning attendees at the Pebble Beach Concours. The interior captures the Genesis brand’s ‘Beauty of White Space’ design ethos, which suits various luxury lifestyles and adds to the appeal of the dynamic GT.”
Driver-oriented layout and UI concept The interior of the X Speedium Coupe leverages a classic Korean design principle known as ‘the Beauty of White Space’. Inspired by Korean architecture, this aligns closely with the ideology of reductive design and is expressed through a minimalist and pure form language punctuated by strong design elements.
The asymmetric, driver-oriented layout is a continuation of the theme found on Genesis’ more recent concept cars, in which all the control systems and displays surround the driver. The instrument panel and floating centre console wrap around the driver cockpit, amplifying the driving experience.
This effect is further accentuated by the interior’s contrasting colour palette, which clearly distinguishes the driver’s area from the passenger space. The driver’s seating area is set in Pinegrove Green, a complement to the Inje Green exterior.
The contrasting Monterey Gold around the driver’s seat—a colour inspired by the scenery along the Northern California coast—alludes to the yellow flowers and golden sand found in the region.
New sound architecture In addition, Genesis is exploring the future of audio experiences through a new sound architecture. This blends technology and art while highlighting the brand’s attention to detail. In collaboration with sound mater Guk-il Yu, the head of Metal Sound Design (a company that specializes in high-performance speakers), the X Speedium Coupe features strategically-placed speakers to fill the interior with rich sound.
Tweeters, mid-range speakers, woofers and sub-woofer are strategically positioned to provide the finest staging sound experience. The aluminium tweeters, which emit high-pitched sounds, were flawlessly crafted with a precision milling method to optimize acoustic performance.
Driver-focused cockpit The driver-focused cockpit has a curved OLED display that visualizes the heritage of high-performance cars. The cluster’s GUI includes a centre-mounted motor output indicator designed in a ‘newtro’ (new+retro) style – a stark contrast to the RPM gauges found in cars with combustion engines.
The vertical display on the right side of the driver’s seat features an integrated touch display with an optimized UI design. The display includes the start button as well as the multimedia and vehicle control functions.
Craftsmanship in the details The X Speedium Coupe’s cargo area has X straps on top of the loading space, a detail inspired by the brand’s unique G-Matrix Pattern, a design feature derived from the Genesis Mint Concept.
Another noteworthy detail is the leather; the material itself as well as its application. The quilted pattern on the leather seats and the door trim gives the impression of a classic sportscar. Meanwhile, the steering wheel features cut-off leather that were salvaged from re-purposed car seat materials and woven together.
Eco-friendly leather Two types of leather were used in the interior: vegetable-tanned leather and an innovative new breathable grain leather. The vegetable-tanned leather is treated with plant-derived substances – such as citrus fruits and mimosa – and processed without chromium.
Compared to ordinary leather, the breathable grain leather used in the upper part of the cabin requires less water and lower levels of chemicals to manufacture. The threads used in the finishing process are made from repurposed plastic, adding to the material’s durability and water resistance factors.
According to Donckerwolke, the X Speedium Coupe challenges the status quo of a defined car type. “This car is an open-door moment in Genesis’ journey towards our future EV design. This is not a showcar… it’s a look into our design processes as we explore ideas for the next wave of EVs, one that incorporates Genesis’ DNA,” he said but clarified that it is also not a conventional concept car that previews plans for the production line-up.
Buses in Malaysia used to have an image that was not environment-friendly with black smoke often coming from their exhausts. Over the years, as stricter regulations were introduced to reduce exhaust emissions, this changed significantly and these public transport vehicles today run much cleaner than before.
MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd (MAN Malaysia), which has helped to put more environment-friendly buses on our roads, hopes to go further by offering its electric bus. The company hopes to start taking orders for the MAN e-chassis as soon as possible.
The zero-emission electric MAN Lion’s City E.
MAN, which has its headquarters in Germany, has been successful in developing electro-mobility solutions for the public transport sector such as the MAN Lion’s City E. Already in actual inner-city service in several European cities, the Lion’s City E has proven that it can be used for long-distance transport too.
In the Electrifying Europe Tour from April 29 to May 8, 2022, MAN’s electric bus covered some 2,500 kms from Munich in Germany to Limerick in Ireland, an impressive demonstration of its capabilities and reliability.
Challenges to electrification However, MAN Malaysia Managing Director, Andrew O’Brooks, said the introduction of the e-chassis is also dependent on the development of the EV-charging infrastructure. Formidable challenges need to be overcome before the new e-chassis could become a viable offering in the Malaysian market. We hope this will be the primary focus of the Malaysian authorities,” he said.
Explaining the challenges, he said that in Malaysia, a petroleum-producing country with relatively low prices at the pumps, there are few incentives to go electric on a major scale. Secondly, despite the Malaysian government’s commitment to achieve carbon-neutral status by 2050 at the earliest, the actual steps and implementation process remain unclear with few incentives for consumers to invest in electric public service vehicles (PSVs).
He also noted that the investment and development of charging stations and relevant infrastructure are perhaps the biggest obstacles to bringing the e-chassis or import e-buses in completely built-up (CBU) form into Malaysia.
Euro 5 engines standard for full range MAN Malaysia is among the companies that has helped to put more environment-friendly buses on our roads. It is the first vehicle manufacturer in Malaysia to offer Euro 5 turbodiesel engines as standard across its entire truck range, meaning that the engines run on fuel with exceptionally low sulphur content. [Click here to read more about Euro 5 diesel]
Speaking at MAN BAGUS, an annual gathering for key players from the bus industry at its Serendah local assembly plant, MAN Malaysia Managing Director, Andrew O’Brooks, announced that the company plans to introduce a low-emission Euro 5 engine as an option in 2023 to help bus operators reduce their carbon footprint.
Mr. O’Brooks expressed confidence that bus operators in Malaysia would have the foresight to join the sustainability journey like many of their counterparts in the transport and logistics sector that did not hesitate to add the New MAN Truck Generation with Euro 5 engines as standard to their fleet.
“I believe that many will see the benefits of investing in a more sustainable, fuel efficient and low-emission vehicle for their fleets. With road transportation being a major contributor of emissions, all of us must do our part in helping reduce the industry’s carbon footprint if Malaysia if it is to achieve carbon neutral status by 2050,” he said.
“These are ground-breaking moves by MAN Malaysia as we continue to offer environment-friendly options to the transport industry as we lead the drive towards carbon neutral status for Malaysia by 2050. The introduction of Euro 5 engines and e-chassis will certainly differentiate MAN Bus offerings, which are already renowned for their quality, reliability, versatility and flexibility,” he added.
Dodge, an American brand in the Stellantis Group, knows that going electric is not an option but something which has to happen. Over its 122 years of existence, Dodge has had a wide variety of vehicles although in the 21st century, its line-up has shrunk and it is better known for its musclecars especially the Dodge Charger, which Torreto (Vin Diesel) used in various Fast & Furious movies.
Moving into the electric age, Dodge wants to maintain its performance image so unlike other manufacturers which have been giving previews of sleek, efficient EVs with a focus on range, the carmaker has been working on an electric musclecar.
The Charger Daytona SRT Concept shows how the company will shape its future musclecar. It retains the sporty styling cues of Dodge musclecars and is said to also go like one, but it runs on electricity instead of high-octane petrol.
The 2-door concept’s exterior styling incorporates subtle Dodge heritage cues that are reminiscent of the iconic 1968 Charger, with the vertical grille details adding texture. The patent-pending R-Wing redefines the typical Dodge front end, maintaining the characteristically blunt Dodge profile while developing a more aerodynamic vehicle.
The R-Wing, which pays homage to the original Charger Daytona, allows air to flow through the front opening, enhancing downforce. Incorporated into this functional performance bonnet, the R-Wing delivers an aerodynamically improved pass-through design. Carbonfibre intakes tucked into both sides of the front and rear lower fascias provide an air curtain to assist in exceeding aerodynamic performance targets.
Giving the concept the ‘Daytona SRT’ name carries with it great performance expectations because it recalls the famed Charger Daytona model that was the first vehicle to break 320 km/h on a NASCAR track in 1970.
This performance will be delivered by a new propulsion system that Dodge calls ‘Banshee’. Its 800V system will give performance levels faster than the Hellcat. Unlike typical EVs, the eRupt multi-speed transmission for the concept car has electro-mechanical shifting with distinctive shift points. All-wheel drive provides stability and grip as well as all-weather capability.
The Charger Daytona SRT Concept also boasts a PowerShot push-to-pass feature. Activated by the push of a button on the steering wheel, this feature creates a boosted output (figures are not given) that quickens acceleration for brief periods.
While quietness is used as a selling point of EVs, Dodge has given this electric musclecar the sort of sound that will be missed in future. It’s 126 dB roar comparable to that of the SRT Hellcat, generated through a new, patent-pending Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system (yes, an exhaust on an EV).
The industry-first Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust works by generating sound through an amplifier and tuning chamber located at the rear of the vehicle. So far, enthusiasts have had mixed feelings about this special feature, some finding it weird as they know it is artificially created. Torreto would probably not appreciate it, even if the performance is as strong as his Charger.
The interior is modern, lightweight and athletic, providing a driver-centric cockpit with all essentials cohesively packaged. The 12.3-inch centre screen is the largest ever fitted in a Dodge vehicle, complemented by a 16-inch curved instrument. An 8×3-inch H ead-up Display puts additional information ahead of the driver on the windscreen.
The slim, instrument panel (IP) and mid-bolster in Ultraviolet colour with blue and silver accent stitching feature a ‘waterline’ that extends cross-car. The upper IP is a step higher, an elevation change that creates a sculptural surface floating above the cluster. The Ultraviolet colour also touches multiple interior surfaces, such as the console, doors and seats, creating a halo that works with the Attitude Adjustment Lighting to enhance shadows and highlights.
A parametric texture unites the interior and provides a connection to the exterior by continuing the inspiration of the 1968 Charger grille detail on the inside. The parametric pattern adds fluidity and sculpture, spanning from the IP to door appliques, beneath the console and continuing to the rear armrests and rear console.
Circuit-like graphics originate on the carbonfibre floor and are strategically placed to surround occupants, flowing under the seats, moving to the centre console and dashboard, and coming back to the driver, a subtle detail that acts as a circuit board, connecting one to another The.centre console includes a unique jet-fighter-inspired cap that flips up to allow engagement of the start button and a pistol-grip shifter design inspired by the past,
The concept seats are lightweight, race-inspired and slim in design, with an insert that features an abstract, perforated pattern of the Fratzog logo. The unique pattern fades out as it travels down the seat and reappears as it flows toward the centre of the seatbacks. The upper seatbacks feature openings and seat bolsters that provide an airy, race-oriented feel, while holding occupants.
“The Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept exists because performance made us do it,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand CEO – Stellantis. “Dodge is about muscle, attitude and performance, and the brand carries that chip on its shoulder and into the EV segment through a concept loaded with patents, innovations, and performance features that embody the electrified muscle of tomorrow.”
ZEEKR, a brand in the Geely group dedicated to EVs, has set two new Guinness World Records for electric cars – one for the fastest drift and the other for the fastest through a slalom. The records were achieved less than a year since the brand started delivering cars to customers in China.
The fastest EV drift requires the vehicle to achieve greater than 160 km/h and the 001 model was able to reach a maximum speed of 207.996 km/h. The EV has a high-performance dual electric drive powertrain which generates instantaneous torque of up to 7,680 Nm. It is capable of going from standstill to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.
Of course, when you hit such a high speed and put the car sideways, superior control is needed and ZEEKR says that the 001’s high-performance chassis suspension system maximizes body stability so the driver can maintain consistent and precise drifting right on the edge of the performance envelope.
For the second record, the 001 weaved between 50 cones equally spaced and completed the course, without touching or knocking any down, in 49.05 seconds. The stability and precision were maximized by the electric 4-wheel drive, with the intelligent power distribution and the balance between the front and rear wheels allowing the 001 to switch directions qucikly as it travelled at high speed around each cone .
The records were set recently under the supervision of an adjudicator from the Guinness World Records organization at the CATARC proving ground in China.
Acura, Honda’s brand of premium models mainly sold in North America, is transitioning to a new design language and a preview of this is given in the Precision EV Concept unveiled in California this week. This is the brand’s third design concept since 2016.
Created by the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, the SUV concept model showcases a future vision of electrified vehicles with distinct manual and full driving automation experiences. Its design focuses on performance through design, with inspiration drawn from luxury Italian powerboats.
A special feature is the theatrical lighting approach that previews an electrified powertrain through a dramatic illuminated evolution of Acura’s Diamond Pentagon grille, Chicane DRL signature and new ‘Particle Glitch’ lighting on the front and rear facias.
Dual driving modes Inspired by the cockpit of a Formula 1 racing car are the low-slung driving position, high-performance driver sightlines and a 2-grip yoke-style steering wheel. The interior space of the Precision EV concept features dual experiences – an Instinctive Drive mode for the performance experience and a calming Spiritual Lounge mode during autonomous operation.
The Instinctive Drive mode elevates the dynamic connection with the car with racing-style digital instrumentation and invigorating red ambient and pipe lighting. In Spiritual Lounge mode, the steering wheel retracts and as it does so, the cabin transforms into a warm, calming experience with soothing scents and restful ‘underwater’ animated projection so the driver and occupants can relax and recharge.
The SUV cabin is crafted with sustainable, environmentally-responsible materials creating premium, unique finishes including marbled recycled plastic trim and 100% biomass leather. All the aluminium used, as well as the dimensional green cast acrylic that forms the steering wheel secondary controls, were made from recycled materials. Milled FSC certified wood, harvested from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits, adds warmth and a connection to nature.
Next-generation HMI The Precision EV Concept also previews the next generation of Acura HMI (Human-Machine Interface) with an intuitive and easy to use hyper-wide, curved transparent display and haptic touch response. ‘Particle Glitch’ boot-up graphics mirror the signature exterior detail, visually harmonizing the experience.
“As the definition of premium and performance evolves to include the application of sustainable materials, we are looking at new and innovative material technologies to inspire our customers while both reducing our carbon footprint and enabling the Acura brand to reshape the perception of quality,” said Gypsy Modina, Principal Designer – colour, materials and finish..
“The Precision EV Concept is a look into our future direction and continues the Acura Precision Crafted Performance design language with a modern expression of performance” said Dave Marek, Acura Executive Creative Director. “The Acura Precision EV Concept will be our ‘North Star’ as we move into an exciting electrified future, and you will see these design cues translate over to future production models.”
Proton will begin selling its first electric vehicle (EV) from Q4 of 2023 via its marketing arm, Proton Edar, which has been appointed as the importer, distributor, and dealer for smart New Energy Vehicles (NEV). Besides the Malaysian market, Proton Edar will also be handling the brand in Thailand (from 2024).
The EV is the newsmart #1 (referred to as ‘hashtag 1’) which was launched in April this year. The smart #1 is the first product of a joint venture company, smart Automobile Company Ltd. which was established by Mercedes-Benz AG and the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group in 2019. It is a ‘descendant’ of the original smart company which started in the 1990s as a low-cost concept of Nicolas Hayek, creator of the Smart watches.
The EV will not be in Proton showrooms and there will be separate outlets dedicated to the brand. Expect a different, more digital environment at these outlets as they will be modelled along the same concept as smart outlets in other markets. Whether aftersales support will be shared with Proton or be separate is something being studied at the moment although it may be better to have dedicated facilities. Just because EVs are electric vehicles doesn’t mean that the ‘wireman’ at the workshop will be qualified to handle them!
As the brand image is youthful and ‘lifestyle’, the smart #1 is targeted at younger customers. However, the smart #1 is a premium product and its price would therefore be unlikely to be under RM150,000 with the present tax exemptions. This would make it difficult for young customers in Malaysia to afford but according to Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar and Deputy CEO of Proton Holdings Berhad, there is a segment of young and affluent customers whom the company expects will be interested in such a product.
The marketing of smart EVs is seen as the first phase of collaboration between Proton and smart and could possibly see other ventures. The company will also be looking at EV models for other segments, although these could come from other brands in the Geely group (eg Emgrand and Zeekr). This is one of the advantages Proton has by being part of such a large group as it has access to models and technology which can be adapted for its products.
Certainly, it will provide Proton with useful experience and insights into selling and servicing EVs to Malaysians in preparation for its own electrified products in future. In fact, the carmaker has already established a New Energy Vehicle division to look into all aspects of the future business.
Well aware of the issue of ‘range anxiety’ and access to recharging facilities, Proton Edar will also be looking at ways to develop its own recharging network as well as public facilities. Additionally, there is also the possibility of a mobile recharging service which could be offered in rural areas where the recharging network might not cover adequately.
Initially, the annual volume is expected to be 800 to 1,000 units in Malaysia, with a forecast of 10,000 units by 2027. Bookings might be accepted from May next year as the first shipment of cars is expected during the second quarter.
