Monthly Archives: November 2021

Car News

Nissan Ambition 2030 plans 23 electrified models in 5 years

The Nissan Next strategy announced a year and a half ago was short-term, and now a new plan called Nissan Ambition 2030 is ready for implementation. Its main goal is to increase the share of electrified models (electric vehicles and hybrids) in the sales structure to 50% by 2030 (including the subsidiary brand Infiniti ). And in the next five years, Nissan will invest 2 trillion yen ($ 17.6 billion) in the development of the electric range.

Nissan Ambition 2030

Europe should become a stronghold of electromobility for Nissan: by 2026 the company expects to increase the share of electric trains and hybrids to 75% of total sales. For comparison: in Japan this figure will be only 55%, and in China – 40%. In the US, Nissan expects to increase the share of clean electric vehicles to 40% by 2030.

By 2026, the global production of traction batteries for Nissan should reach 52 GWh, and in 2030 this figure will already be 130 GWh. At the same time, in 2028 the company expects to introduce solid-state batteries, which will reduce the unit price to $ 75 per kWh with the prospect of further reduction to $ 65. At the same time, electric cars should be equal in cost to gasoline cars. Test production of solid-state batteries at the new plant in Yokohama should begin as early as 2024. Finally, Nissan plans to invest $ 176 million in charging infrastructure by 2026, and the company’s long-term operating profit should exceed 5% (versus 1.5% in the current fiscal year).

As part of the Nissan Ambition 2030 strategy, 15 new electric models and eight hybrid models will be unveiled. What kind of cars will they be? An idea of ​​them is given by four concept cars, declassified at the same time as the strategy itself. Although “in the flesh” has been implemented so far only one of them – the SUV Nissan Chill-Out (in the title photo).

This is the same crossover, the teaser of which was shown back in the summer along with the development plan for the British plant. It is speculated to be the younger brother of the Nissan Ariya SUV , built on the same CMF-EV platform with the new e-4orce electric setup. Nissan Chill-Out has a spacious and comfortable cabin and autopilot. The planned production volume of the future British crossover is 100 thousand cars per year, but the exact date of entry to the market has not been named.

Three other concepts so far exist only in the form of computer renders, and their purpose is only to show the general direction of the company’s development. They all have e-4orce motors and compact solid state batteries. The Nissan Max-Out is a compact roadster with a low center of gravity and driver chassis.

The Nissan Surf-Out pickup has a large ground clearance, and there is no partition between the cab and the cargo platform, which allows you to transport especially long items. Finally, the Nissan Hang-Out crossover is adapted for forays into nature: its interior has ample transformation possibilities to create a cozy room or sleeping bag.

In addition, all concepts have autopilot: Nissan expects 2.5 million vehicles to be equipped with the ProPilot proprietary system by 2026 And from 2030, all new models will have lidar on board.

Car News

New generation 2022 Suzuki Alto: first photos published

Suzuki has released the first images of the new 2022 Alto hatchback for the Japanese market. This will be the ninth generation of the Alto model, produced since 1979. There is still very little information about the car, but already from the pictures it is clear that the Alto will noticeably lose its originality.

2022 Suzuki Alto

The current 2014 hatchback is inspired by the old Suzuki. The angular body, the characteristic slots on the blank panel between the headlights, the beveled window sill line, the taillights located on the bumper – all these are references to the models of the seventies and eighties. The new car has only hints of this image, such as the frowning of the headlights and the clipped corners of the windows in the rear doors.

The body has become more rounded, the windshield is installed more vertically, the height is increased by 50 mm (up to 1525 mm). The length (3395 mm) and width (1475 mm), of course, will not change, because they have already reached the legal limits for kei cars. The interior height has increased by 45 mm, but its length has decreased by 25 mm. So far, these are all published characteristics.

The Alto will be a “mild” hybrid with a starter-generator and a compact battery, and will be equipped with an electronic Safety Support complex, which includes automatic braking and lane-keeping systems. The new hatchback will be fully declassified by the end of the year.

Car News

New 2022 Kia Niro brings rugged 4×4 looks and all-new interior

The second generation model retained the same format. The new 2022 Kia Niro is the same crossover, albeit with a slightly modified appearance. In order to make it “fashionable” the chief designer Karim Habib had to work hard.

2022 Kia Niro

It was based on the Kia HabaNiro concept presented several years ago . The second generation Niro borrowed the running lights and taillight boomerangs from him. The rear roof pillars are deaf, the model of the previous generation had windows in their place.

Inside – a two-spoke steering wheel, climate control panel with touch buttons and a gearshift washer. On the front panel there is a block of two displays. Recyclable materials prevail in the finish of the crossover. Recycled wallpaper was used for the ceiling, and eucalyptus leaves were used for the seat upholstery.

And if everything is clear with the exterior and interior of the car, then there is no information about the technical part. The crossover will be offered as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric car. The electric version differs from the other two by the presence of a charging port on the front.

If we talk about innovations, then the hybrids have a Greenzone Drive Mode. It is interesting in that while driving, the car itself switches to electric traction in green areas. The navigator helps to determine the location for the transition.

The Kia Niro will go on sale in 2022. In this case, the hybrid versions will appear first. Following them in the second quarter of next year, buyers will be offered an electric car. At the same time, more details about the new products will appear, including their cost.

Car News

New 2022 Suzuki S-Cross Revealed With Rugged Styling

All-new 2022 Suzuki S-CROSS premiered today worldwide. The S-CROSS is the newest model in the brand’s all-wheel-drive crossover lineup and combines bold crossover styling with the comfort of a city car. The Car meets high environmental standards and is equipped with modern safety features that work in conjunction with the latest online monitoring system Suzuki Connect. In addition, as part of its green technology development program for the European market, Suzuki also announced that it will expand its hybrid model lineup from next year.

2022 Suzuki S-Cross

Bold design from every angle accentuates the crossover style. The large piano lacquer grille, distinctive, sharp LED headlights with high-performance LEDs, square wheel arches at the front and rear, together with crisp silver accents at the front and rear convey the aggressive off-road character of the vehicle.

Suzuki S-CROSS can be equipped with a 1.4-liter BOOSTERJET turbo engine with direct injection and 48V SHVS mild hybrid system, which provides high efficiency and power.

Suzuki’s hybrid system combines a newly developed gasoline engine paired with an electric motor generator unit (Motor Generator Unit MGU). This bundle provides both conventional hybrid driving mode and EV-mode driving solely due to the traction of an electric motor to ensure the lowest possible fuel consumption.

ALLGRIP SELECT 4×4 all-wheel drive technology, a new 9-inch touch-screen infotainment system and a host of advanced safety systems give you a sense of fun and confidence while driving.

The interior has a three-dimensional design that matches the character of the crossover. The spacious cabin can comfortably accommodate 5 adults, and the cargo compartment has a capacity of 430 liters, which is enough to support a variety of activities and trips to nature. The sliding panoramic sunroof enhances the driving experience and pleasure.

At the world premiere, President Toshihiro Suzuki proudly stated, “In Europe, all of our passenger cars are mild hybrids and we will expand and improve our hybrid line-up next year with a new strong hybrid. In the second half of 2022, the all-new S-CROSS will also offer a strong hybrid and Suzuki Connect service.

The Suzuki S-CROSS will be built at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary and sold in Latin America, Oceania and Asia, with sales in Europe starting at the end of the year.

Car News

2022 Toyota Venza – New Look in China

The current Toyota Venza debuted in 2020 and is the American version of the Toyota Harrier crossover . And at the Guangzhou Auto Show, a slightly different 2022 Toyota Venza debuted. This option is intended for the PRC market and has its own interesting features. First of all, a different facial expression. The front fairing with a deaf insert between the headlights and the forward “nose” made the SUV look like a Toyota GR Supra sports car.

2022 Toyota Venza

The redesign is needed so that buyers can differentiate between the Harrier and Venza crossovers, as both cars will be on sale in China. And if the 2022 Toyota Harrier produced by the FAW-Toyota joint venture outwardly hardly differs from its global counterparts, then the Venza model produced by the “competing” GAC-Toyota plant has acquired a more sporty image here.

However, the interior of the two cars is exactly the same. But the Chinese couple acquired virtual instruments (with a 12.3-inch screen), which are offered for the richest configuration, while in Japan and America, the Harrier / Venza has only analog scales with a central screen. Plus, another climate control panel is installed, into which a small screen is embedded to display the operating mode.

The set of power units is like in Japan. The base Harrier and Venza in the PRC are equipped with an aspirated 2.0 (171hp) and a Direct Shift CVT variator, which has a “mechanical” first gear for starting off. Such cars are exclusively front-wheel drive. An alternative is a hybrid system consisting of a 2.5 engine (178 hp), an electric motor (120 hp) and an electromechanical variator, and for a surcharge there will also be an E-Four all-wheel drive with an additional electric motor on the rear axle (54 hp)Peak output is traditionally much lower than the sum of the power of all motors and is limited by electronics.

If the Toyota Harrier in China costs from 33,100 to 46,600 dollars and has already appeared on sale, then the Toyota Venza will arrive in time by the very end of the year and will be slightly more expensive: from 34,400 to 48,500 dollars.

Car News

New 2022 Ford Ranger arrives with new look and engine options

The new generation of the 2022 Ford Ranger frame pickup has replaced the T6, which has been on the market for over 10 years. The manufacturer has carried out extensive work on the seventh generation of the Ford Ranger. As a result, the model turned out to be bright and technological, borrowing some features from the Maverick and F-150.

2022 Ford Ranger

The new Ford Ranger 2022 is based on an upgraded platform. The distance between the axles has increased by 50 mm to 3276 mm. The track of the front and rear wheels has also increased by 50 mm. Thanks to these changes, the interior has become more spacious and the platform is more spacious. The design of the Ford Ranger is completely new. It features a massive honeycomb grille, C-shaped headlights with integrated LED DRLs, beefy front and rear bumpers, and a sculpted bonnet.

The front double-wishbone suspension with springs is the same, and the rear continuous axle is modernized: there are still springs, but the shock absorbers are now located not on the inside, but on the outside of the frame side members. Together with other minor improvements, this has improved the comfort and handling of the pickup.

While the new Ranger is presented only with “one-and-a-half” and two-row cabins, but there will also be a working single-row version. The practicality of the cargo compartment has been improved: there are now more power elements for securing the cargo, steps are cut behind the rear wheels, the tailgate is reinforced, and a 400-watt household outlet is offered for an extra charge. The body, extended by 50 mm, now accommodates a standard cargo pallet.

The interior of the Ford Ranger 2022 features a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster and SYNC4 infotainment system with a 12-inch portrait screen.

There are more storage spaces in the cabin: pockets in the doors are enlarged, a platform at the center console is equipped, an additional upper glove box is organized. In addition, the Ford Ranger has acquired modern electronic assistants: all-round cameras, adaptive cruise control and a road sign reading system. The range includes configurations XL, XLS, XLT, Sport and Wildtrak.

The engine range includes three units. The base is a 3.0-liter V6 engine. It will join the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which is available with one or two turbochargers. An option with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder petrol engine is also offered. The new Ranger will be available with three different gearboxes, namely a six-speed manual and a six- or ten-speed automatic.

The new Ford Ranger will be produced in Thailand and South Africa, but the start of sales even in key markets will not take place until mid-2022.

Car News

New 2022 Ford Equator Sport Debuts With 1.5 L Turbo Petrol Engine

The auto show in Guangzhou (China) continues to delight with novelties from global automakers. Ford did not stand aside and brought its new product to the exhibition – the 2022 Ford Equator Sport crossover.

2022 Ford Equator Sport

Despite the familiar name, this model has nothing to do with the three-row Equator introduced in March this year. The novelty was developed in conjunction with the Chinese company Jiangling Motors, which is a longtime partner of the American brand. The new car is based on a different platform, and its wheelbase reaches 2,765 mm, which is 140 mm shorter than that of the model of the same name. The novelty is addressed to buyers from the Middle Kingdom.

At the same time, the crossovers are very similar in appearance, as they are made in the same design language of the brand. The Equator Sport gets a similar grille, slim LED headlights with C-shaped DRLs, a beefy bonnet and a heavily sloping rear windshield. The side profile looks athletic with wide wheel arches and plastic cladding. But the taillights were deprived of the LED strip that unites them. The car is driving on 20-inch wheels.

The interior of the model is designed for five people, while the larger crossover can accommodate up to seven passengers. The equipment of the models has something in common. The novelty also received a digital instrument panel and a multimedia system. But the finish looks more budgetary. The Chinese crossover is powered by a new 1.5-liter turbo engine with 170 hp and 260 Nm of torque. It is paired with an automatic transmission. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 180 km / h.

Car News

New 2022 Mitsubishi Airtrek Electric Crossover Debuts With Bold Styling

Externally, the new Mitsubishi Airtrek stands out with its attractive and somewhat unique design. In the front of the car, there are plates imitating a radiator grill. Chromed inserts on the sides of it form a recognizable brand “X”. The “fanged” front optics complements the picture.

Mitsubishi Airtrek

From the related GAC Aion V, the new crossover has retractable door handles. Inside, there is a digital instrument panel and a large multimedia touchscreen. In addition, Mitsubishi Airtrek has a redesigned front fascia and center tunnel.

The dimensions of the new Airtrek differ slightly from the Aion V. With a wheelbase of 2830 mm, the model reaches 4630 mm in length, 1920 mm in width, and 1728 mm in height.

Currently , Mitsubishi has not released a detailed specification of the electric motor Airtrek out now. But stated that the electric motor and drive unit were developed as one. The Aion V Plus has electric motor outputs ranging from 218 horsepower to 260 horsepower (HP), so Mitsubishi’s Airtrek is expected to be a inevitable number from now on.

while the Airtrek’s battery is installed under the car to lower the center of gravity. as well as helping to distribute the weight front and back perfectly The battery has a capacity of 70 kWh and can drive approximately 520 kilometers per charge (according to the Chinese CTLC standard).

The new Mitsubishi Airtrek 2022 will be available again in the first half of 2022.

Car News

SKODA SLAVIA MAKES GLOBAL DEBUT IN INDIA AHEAD OF LAUNCH IN EARLY 2022

Skoda has unveiled the new Slavia sedan, developed as part of the India 2.0 strategy: it will be assembled in India (with a declared level of localization of 95 percent) and sold in other developing countries – which ones are not reported. So far, an option has been presented for the Indian market: in the model lineup of the brand, Skoda Slavia will replace another budget sedan, the Rapid model, and will go to local dealers in the first quarter of 2022.

SKODA SLAVIA

Slavia was not designed from scratch: they took the Volkswagen Virtus from four years ago, which is sold in Brazil, as a basis, and developed a design in the modern style of the Czech brand, as a result of which Slavia acquired the features of a new generation Fabia. The model is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform with a semi-independent rear suspension, and in terms of dimensions the four-door exceeds the first generation Octavia: the length is more than 4.54 meters, and the wheelbase is 2.65 meters. The trunk volume is 521 liters.

In the Slavia salon, the features of the current Fabia are also traced – the architecture of the front panel, the same copper accents, round air vents, the same virtual “tidy” and a display-tablet of a multimedia system with a diagonal of up to 10 inches. Also for the top-end Slavia there is a rear-view camera, climate control with a touchscreen control panel, a sunroof and front seat ventilation. Basic versions are equipped with simpler: an analogue instrument panel, air conditioning and a seven-inch screen of the infotainment system.

In India, the model will be offered with two motors to choose from: 1.0 TSI with 115 horsepower and 1.5 TSI, which develops 150 horsepower. In the first case, the engine is paired with a “mechanics” or a six-speed automatic, and in the second – with the same manual transmission or a seven-speed “robot” DSG.

Prices for the model have not yet been announced, but it is known that its main competitors in India will be Honda City and Hyundai Verna.

Car News

Hyundai Seven concept previews all-electric Ioniq 7 SUV

An international auto show has opened in Los Angeles, the highlight of Hyundai Motor’s exposition is the conceptual electric crossover Ioniq 7. The future production model of the same name will repeat the design of this show car by 60-70%.

Ioniq 7

Like the Kia EV9 presented at the same exhibition , the Ionic 7 is built on an extended version of the E-GMP platform , created specifically for electric vehicles. And on Hyundai it is “stretched” even more: if the EV9 has a distance between the wheel axles of 3100 mm, then the Ioniq 7 has it – 3200 mm (more than the long – wheelbase Mercedes-Benz S-Class !). The overall length of the car exceeds five meters, the exact parameter is not reported. 

EV9 has a deliberately brutal masculine style, Ioniq 7, on the contrary, is made “asexual” – a two-volume body, but at the same time subordinate to the requirements of streamlining by forms. Laconic lines, clean surfaces. Of the interesting details – pixel LED headlights and lanterns, flowing into the panoramic roof with a huge area of ​​”lobovik”, as well as covering almost the entire tailgate rear window. 

The car has four doors, not five. The rear is only on the starboard side, and it opens against the course, on the left there is one huge driver’s side.

The salon has a cozy, almost homely atmosphere. There is no steering wheel, as conceived by the developers, the autopilot is fully responsible for control. The front luxury seats have a swivel mechanism, and the rear passengers have a corner sofa installed on the left side. The upholstery is made of wear-resistant cloth with a pockmarked texture. Of course, such an unexpected layout of the cabin will not go into the series – just Hyundai shows what ample opportunities the coming full automation of car control promises: after all, if you leave the process at the mercy of error-free electronics, you can relax – you don’t have to sit tightly fastened in the seats in the direction of travel. 

The Koreans do not report the technical characteristics of the Ioniq 7 Concept, and they are not important, because this is just a demonstration full-size model without deep technical elaboration. However, it is argued that the estimated range of the crossover on a single charge reaches 483 km. The electrical system is rechargeable from ultra-fast charging stations, which can replenish 10% to 80% of battery power in just 20 minutes.

The production version of the Ioniq 7 will be released in 2024 or 2025. Naturally, with great simplifications regarding the ideas inherent in the show car and with a traditional steering wheel.