Monthly Archives: March 2022

Car News

New 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV hybrid revealed for Europe

2022 Honda Civic e:HEV:-The eleventh-generation Civic debuted in the US almost a year ago and has only just made it to Europe. Now he is a guest here: last year, Honda closed factories in the UK and Turkey, where Civics were made for the European market, and completely switched to imports. The new Civic will be delivered here from Japan, and the range is reduced to a minimum. Europeans are offered only a hatchback – and only in the new hybrid version of e: HEV, the debut of which is timed to coincide with the entry into the local market.

2022 Honda Civic e:HEV

The electrification of the European range of Honda began a few years ago. The Jazz , HR-V and CR-V models are already sold only in hybrid versions in the local market, so the new Honda Civic only continued this trend. Its hybrid e:HEV system is designed in the same way as other gasoline-electric models of the company, and can operate in both serial and parallel modes.

Under the hood is a new-generation 2.0-liter naturally aspirated direct-injection engine that operates on the Atkinson economy cycle and has a high (though not a record) thermal efficiency of 41%. And two electric motors work with it. One is connected to the internal combustion engine and operates in generator mode, and the second rotates the front wheels. Its return is 184 hp. and 315 Nm.

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Most of the time, such a hybrid moves on electric traction: the internal combustion engine drives only the generator to charge the lithium-ion traction battery). But at high speed, when the efficiency of the electric motor drops, the clutch connects the gasoline engine directly to the wheels. There is no gearbox here. The average fuel consumption should be less than 5 l/100 km on the WLTP cycle. Driving electronics have Eco, Normal, Sport and customizable Individual modes.

Otherwise, the Honda Civic e:HEV for Europe is almost no different from petrol hatchbacks for other markets. It has a wheelbase of 2735 mm (35 mm more than the previous model ) and a chassis with a multi-link rear suspension, and the fifth door is made of composites (with a steel frame), which reduced its weight by 20% compared to the previous model and make the hinges more compact by adding headroom for the rear passengers.

And the main feature of the hybrid in the cabin is a push-button transmission control panel instead of the usual lever. The European Civic has virtual instruments on a 10.2-inch display (optional in other markets). There are two options for the media system – with a touchscreen of seven or nine inches. The Honda Sensing complex is included in the basic package, which includes an automatic braking system, adaptive cruise control and other assistants.

Sales of hatchbacks of the new generation will begin in Europe in the fall. Prices have not yet been announced, but it is clear that the hybrid will be significantly more expensive than the previous petrol model, which now costs from 21,300 euros. Even a more compact Honda Jazz with a hybrid system is priced at a minimum of 22,850 euros. According to the company’s plan, the Civic Type-R hot hatch, the new generation of which will be released this year, will remain the only purely gasoline model in the European range.

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New 2022 Honda HR-V launched in Indonesia – four variants

2022 Honda HR-V:-The third-generation Honda HR-V crossover debuted a year ago and has only been offered in two versions so far. The first has an aspirated 1.5 (118 hp) with a CVT, the second has an e:HEV hybrid unit with a peak power of 131 hp. Moreover, in the markets of Europe or Thailand, the hybrid turned out to be uncontested. But the global gamut is expanding.

2022 Honda HR-V

Firstly, the Honda HR-V RS SUV with a 1.5 turbo engine, which produces 177 hp, debuted in Indonesia. and 240 Nm. This version has a CVT, front-wheel drive and a semi-independent suspension, so you should not consider it fully “charged”. Although the “ereska” looks more aggressive than a standard crossover: of the features are lining around the perimeter of the body, another radiator grille and two exhaust pipes.

Secondly, a purely electric version is on the way. In China, it was shown last fall , and in two versions at once: the Honda e: NS1 model will be produced by the Dongfeng-Honda joint venture, and the Honda e: NP1 will be put on the assembly line of the GAC-Honda enterprise. Between themselves, they differ only in decor, the technique is the same. 182 hp electric motor installed on the front axle, the estimated range on one charge is about 500 km. These electric vehicles will enter the Chinese market in the second half of the year.

And now Honda has announced that the same battery-powered crossover is coming to Europe. A pre-production car called Honda e:Ny1 is shown in the renders, and it almost does not differ from Chinese crossovers. There is no detailed information, but the technique is likely to be the same as in China. The market debut will take place only in 2023.

Finally, another Honda HR-V is coming soon, this time for the US market. It will be a completely different crossover – larger, with a different body and original design. The first teasers appeared back in January, now the image of the taillight has been published and the premiere date has been announced – April 4th. And subsequently such a crossover (or its variety) will appear in Europe! Here Honda announced the C-Class SUV with e:HEV hybrid system, which will hit the market in 2023. Although the name for it will have to come up with a different one.

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All-new 2022 Maserati Grecale SUV has finally arrived

2022 Maserati Grecale SUV

:-This car was announced in the fall of 2020, and its premiere was supposed to take place a year ago. The event was postponed twice, but now the Maserati Grecale crossover is still declassified. It is named after the wind in the Mediterranean, and in the table of ranks is a step below the Levante model.

However, in reality, Grecale is only slightly more compact than its older brother: the length is 4846 mm versus 5003 mm. In width, the newcomer is inferior to the Levante by only 20 mm (1948 mm for the basic version), and only 9 mm (1670 mm) in height. That is, Grecale is noticeably larger than its main competitor Porsche Macan (4681 mm in length).

Family design elements are carefully preserved: the oval mouth of the front air intake, the low nose of the hood and the air duct openings in the front fenders. And the shape of the rear lights, as planned, should be reminiscent of the 1998 Maserati 3200 GT sports car. You can choose from 19″, 20″ or 21″ wheels.

It is based on the Giorgio platform, on which the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio models are based , but there are important differences. And this is not only a stretched wheelbase: 2901 mm versus 2818 mm for the Stelvio. The Maserati crossover is offered not only with a basic spring suspension, but also as an option – with three-chamber air struts, which give a ground clearance range of 65 mm. Front – double wishbones, rear – multi-link.

The original scale includes three versions. All of them have an eight-speed automatic ZF and all-wheel drive with a front axle coupling, and the driveshaft is made of carbon fiber. The base Maserati Grecale GT is a “mild” hybrid that has a two-liter “four” with a combined boost (turbocharger and electric supercharger) and a 48-volt starter-alternator (belt driven). Recoil – 300 hp and 450 Nm. Such a crossover can accelerate to “hundreds” in 5.6 seconds, the maximum speed is 240 km/h.

The second version is called Grecale Modena and differs only in increased up to 330 hp. power and self-blocking on the rear axle. Even the torque is the same 450 Nm. Acceleration time to 100 km / h is reduced to 5.3 s. The curb weight of the four-cylinder modifications is 1870 and 1895 kg, respectively.

At the top of the range is the Maserati Grecale Trofeo crossover (yellow car in the pictures), which can be distinguished by a more aggressive body kit. Under its hood is a Nettuno series V6 3.0 biturbo engine , which debuted on the Maserati MC20 supercar . Although for the SUV the return is reduced to 530 hp. and 620 Nm. Such a Grecale does not have an electric add-on, but it is equipped with air suspension, and another bonus is an electronically controlled rear differential. Curb weight – 2027 kg, maximum speed – 285 km / h, acceleration to “hundreds” – in 3.8 s.

All versions of the Grecale have a VDCM (Vehicle Dynamic Control Module) driving system that provides Comfort, GT, Sport and Off-Road modes by default. The latter involves an increase in ground clearance by 30 mm for cars with air suspension. The “hot” Grecale Trofeo also has the most extreme Corsa preset with launch control. The selector on the steering wheel is responsible for switching modes.

Interior – with four screens on the front panel. The 12.3-inch passive instrument screen has three display modes (four for the Trofeo version). The center console has two touch screens. The top one at 12.3 inches is the Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) media system with the Android OS shell. And the lower 8.8-inch screen is responsible for climate control and other “comfortable” settings.

The clock on the top of the front panel is digital (a first for Maserati): in addition to the usual dial, this screen can display a compass, a chronometer and an acceleration indicator, as well as visualize a voice assistant. In addition, there is a separate 6.5-inch screen in the back row (for the third climate control zone), and for a fee, a head-up display in front of the driver is offered.

For interior decoration used natural leather, wood veneer and carbon fiber. Among the options are a panoramic roof, an audio system from the Italian company Sonus Faber (14 or 21 speakers), a car park and a second-level autopilot, that is, adaptive cruise control operating at speeds up to 210 km / h. Trunk volume is 535 liters for mild hybrids (with a battery in the rear overhang) and 570 liters for the Trofeo version.

And Grecale will be Maserati’s first electric car! True, it will happen only in a year. But the battery version of the Grecale Folgore has already been shown in photographs, and key parameters have been made public. The crossover will have a 400-volt electrical system and a battery with a capacity of 105 kWh, and the torque of the electric motors will reach 800 Nm.

The Maserati Grecale will be produced at the same plant of the Stellantis concern in Cassino, where the Alfas are made: 800 million euros have been invested in its modernization. Sales will begin in the second half of the year.

The Maserati Grecale will be produced at the same plant of the Stellantis concern in Cassino, where the Alfas are made: 800 million euros have been invested in its modernization. Sales will begin in the second half of the year. Prices start from 71,500 euros for the basic version of the GT. Modena costs from 82 thousand, and Trofeo – from 111 thousand euros. According to the plan by 2025, two crossovers (Grecale and Levante) should account for three-quarters of Maserati’s sales.

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New 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander – facelifted MPV launched in Thailand

2022 Mitsubishi Xpander:- Mitsubishi Xpander 2022 New Minor Change It was officially revealed for the first time at the Bangkok International Motor Show 2022, while the selling price will be announced again in April 2022.

2022 Mitsubishi Xpander

New Mitsubishi Xpander 2022 Minor Change It was first revealed in Thailand after it was launched in Indonesia earlier. Comes with a new front design, Advanced Dynamic Shield, T-shaped headlights, T-shaped LED taillights for the front, new 3D design rear bumper skid plates and 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels.

The suspension of the new Mitsubishi Xpander 2022 has been increased by 15 mm, resulting in a ground clearance of 220 mm, equivalent to that of an SUV. Support driving on various road conditions better.

The interior of the cabin is designed with a new horizontal Axis console panel that gives a feeling of spaciousness. Decorated with two-tone brown-black colors, a new sports steering wheel, a new design of heat-resistant seats (Heat Guard), armrests and door panels decorated with real seams, USB-A and USB-C ports for the seats. 2nd row with 12 Volt power outlets on the third row of seats, digital automatic air conditioning with Max Cool function, electric handbrake with Auto Brake Hold, air conditioning system for rear passengers And a 9-inch touch screen supports Apple CarPlay, etc.

Mitsubishi hasn’t revealed the engine details of the new Minor Change Xpander. But indicated that there was a shift to an automatic transmission Eco-Dynamic CVT that reduces fuel consumption and increases the smoothness of gear changes. The front suspension is reinforced with a stabilizer bar and choke bar for added strength. and enlarge the rear shock absorber to increase the softness.

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New 2023 Ford Explorer for China : restyling and special version of Warrior

2023 Ford Explorer :- In America , the current generation Ford Explorer debuted three years ago, and the time for a planned restyling has not yet come. But the update was carried out in China! The Explorers have been produced here since 2020 by the Changan Ford joint venture, and so far, locally made crossovers have not had so many differences from their American counterparts. Now the Chinese Ford Explorer has found its face Literally.

2023 Ford Explorer

It has a wider grille, a new bumper with vertical “fangs” around the edges, and different headlights. At the same time, it cannot be said that the updated crossover began to look more attractive than the original. The stern has also been redone: here, too, new optics (now with additional sections on the fifth door), other bumpers and exhaust pipes. Among the options, as before, there is a two-tone body color.

The interior has also been updated. Instead of a vertical media system tablet, a wide horizontal screen with 4K resolution is installed, like the latest Ford Evos and Mondeo models . For this, the front panel had to be completely redone, although the instrument display is still recessed under the visor. The central tunnel is intact, and only a small remote control with the most important keys remains from the console.

The updated Explorer will retain the current 2.3 turbo engine (276 hp) and a ten-speed automatic in China. And yet, according to preliminary information, the range will still be replenished by the base two-liter turbo four with a capacity of about 220 hp, which was announced two years ago, but has not yet appeared on serial crossovers. The public display of the updated Explorer will take place in April at the Beijing Motor Show, sales will begin by summer.

In the meantime, along with the restyled model, the Ford Explorer Warrior, created on the basis of the pre-reform crossover, is presented in China. According to official information, this special version is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the model, although the first Explorer debuted in the US in 1990. It doesn’t seem to matter to China.

The Warrior has copious red décor, a steel roof rack and optional retractable footpegs. Contrasting inserts in the cabin are also promised, but there are no technical changes. 600 of these crossovers will be produced at a price of 53 thousand dollars, and they are about to go on sale.

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New 2022 BMW i7: 600bhp EV luxury saloon coming on 20 April

2022 BMW i7:- BMW has confirmed! Prepare to launch the new BMW i7 and BMW 7 Series together this April.

BMW has released a teaser, confirming the launch of the BMW i7 , a fully electric luxury sedan, along with the next-generation BMW 7 Series . which is the most powerful model together in April.

2022 BMW i7

The new BMW 7 Series will continue to be built on the CLAR platform in addition to conventional engine power, and will also introduce a plug-in hybrid system and another set of new technologies. This includes Level 3 automated driving technology.

The BMW i7 will be based on the fifth-generation eDrive system and is expected to share power units with the BMW iX to power the xDrive40, xDrive50 and M60. Official power consumption data is: 19.7-18.9kWh/100 km and a maximum running distance of 580-610 km/charge, according to WLTP standards.

As the manufacturer claims the BMW i7 is the most powerful model in the BMW 7 Series , it is expected to exceed 602 hp and compete with the Mercedes-EQS .

The teaser image shows that the new BMW 7 Series will come with a large double kidney grille. and modular headlight design.

According to the official reveal, the new BMW i7 will come with Exclusive Crystal Glass DRL and distinctive grille lighting effects.

Interior innovation focuses on creating a new user experience with My Modes and the latest iDrive operating system. My Modes allows passengers to precisely adjust their driving characteristics and interior environment.

Additionally, the LED lighting of the newly developed Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof can be individually adjusted. Add a spacious and luxurious atmosphere to the new car. And rear-seat passengers can also enjoy a new entertainment system available from the factory in a 31-inch 8K resolution “TV” for a unique cinematic experience in the backseat.

However, we will have more details soon. which the team will report to friends in the next report.

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The 2023 Maserati GranTurismo Will Be Fully Electric

2023 Maserati GranTurismo :- Last summer, Maserati already published photos of the future GranTurismo coupe in camouflage, but we have not yet seen a production car. Its debut has been delayed again: according to new information, the second generation GranTurismo will hit the market only in 2023. But, in addition to gasoline cars, there will be an electric version in the range. It is with the GranTurismo coupe that the company will begin to form a battery range called Folgore (Italian for “thunderbolt”).

2023 Maserati GranTurismo

In the new pictures, the future electric car is shown with a much more modest camouflage, which already allows you to evaluate the proportions and body shapes. As expected, the GranTurismo retains its recognizable silhouette, but the headlights and taillights are smaller and the front air intake is now oval. According to preliminary information, the electric version will have an 800-volt battery and three electric motors with a capacity of 1200 hp. This coupe can accelerate to “hundreds” in less than three seconds, the maximum speed is more than 300 km/h.

The second generation Maserati GranTurismo will be produced at the Fiat Mirafiori plant in Turin (the Levante crossovers are now made there), although the first generation cars were produced in Modena. According to the plan, the Folgore electric range will expand rapidly: in the same 2023, an electric version of the Maserati Grecale crossover will appear , followed by the Maserati MC20 battery supercar and new generations of Quattroporte and Levante models by the end of 2025. By 2030, Maserati is expected to switch completely to electric vehicles.

By the way, at the same time as the “electric” announcement, the results of the last year were summed up. The main thing is that the company showed revenue of 2.02 billion euros. In 2021, 24,269 Maserati cars were sold, which is 41% more than in quarantine 2020, but still half as much as in the most successful 2017, when 51,500 cars were sold.

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Audi A6 Avant e-tron concept shows wagons still have a beautiful future

Almost a year ago, the concept liftback Audi A6 e-tron was presented in China , and even then the developers said that it was 95% consistent with the future production electric car. It looks like they weren’t lying. Because now a similar station wagon Audi A6 Avant e-tron has debuted in Europe, which generally repeats last year’s concept and is even closer to the conveyor.

Audi A6 Avant e-tron

Apart from the decorative “fangs” on the bumper and the fake pattern in place of the radiator grille, the front end of the body of the new station wagon is exactly the same as last year’s liftback. The plastic sidewalls and the general design idea of ​​the stern are the same: despite the conceptual status, the two cars are indeed widely unified.

Compared to the current Audi A6 Avant station wagon, the new concept is noticeably wider: 1960 mm instead of 1886 mm. But the difference in length (4960 mm) and height (1440 mm) is negligible. The electric station wagon has 22-inch wheels and cameras instead of rear-view mirrors. The drag coefficient Cd is 0.24 versus 0.22 for last year’s liftback.

Matrix headlights can “draw” navigation clues on the roadway or project an image onto the garage wall, even video games, but simple ones, because the image will be monochrome. Rear lights on organic light emitting diodes (OLED) also allow you to flexibly change the luminous pattern. Alas, images of the interior, just as there were no a year ago, have not appeared now.

The upcoming electric “six” will be the first model on the new PPE (Premium Platform Electric) modular platform. The Volkswagen concern is developing it without reference to existing cars and will use it for large and expensive electric vehicles. This architecture has an 800-volt electrical system and options for rear or all-wheel drive.

The Audi A6 Avant e-tron station wagon is equipped with two electric motors (one on each axle) with a total output of 476 hp. and 800 Nm. Acceleration to 100 km / h takes “less than four seconds.” But in the serial range there will be less powerful models, gaining a “hundred” in about seven seconds. Station wagon suspension – pneumatic.

The capacity of the traction battery is 100 kWh, the declared mileage without recharging is more than 700 km in the WLTP cycle. The station wagon can be connected to DC charging terminals up to 270 kW. In this case, in just ten minutes it will be possible to replenish the charge for a run of 300 km, and charging from 5 to 80% will take 25 minutes.

As previously announced, the production Audi A6 e-tron will hit the market in 2023. The camouflaged prototypes have already been tested, and they show that production cars will have traditional door handles, conventional mirrors and a slightly different configuration of double-deck headlights. Cars will be produced both in Germany and in China (at the facilities of the FAW-Audi joint venture).

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New 2023 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Revealed with 690 HP under the Hood

In general, from the point of view of tradition, the “correct Aston Martin” should have a V8 engine. But for the most prestigious and expensive models, the company has been using V12 engines of its own design since 2001. Alas, the era of such cars is coming to an end, and the 2023 Aston Martin V12 Vantage presented today is announced as the last model with a V12 engine.

2023 Aston Martin V12 Vantage

This is an extreme version of the already existing “junior” Vantage model , which in the basic version is equipped with an AMG V8 biturbo engine. A similar modification was in the range of the previous generation, but then buyers could choose between aspirated V8 and V12. The new Aston Martin V12 Vantage is equipped with a 5.2 biturbo engine of its own design, like in older models DB11 and DBS .

For the Aston Martin V12 Vantage coupe, this engine is tuned to deliver 700 hp. and 753 Nm, although this is not the limit and the DBS model has even higher figures. The main thing is that the characteristics of the eight-cylinder Vantage model (510 hp, 685 Nm) are noticeably blocked. The eight-speed “automatic” ZF was reconfigured, a limited-slip differential was installed as standard, and the steering gear was recalibrated.

The body has been significantly redrawn: the front fenders, bumper, hood and sill plates are made of carbon fiber, the rear bumper is made of lightweight composite. Additional amplifiers front and rear, coupled with a “stretch” between the rear suspension struts, made it possible to increase body rigidity by 8%. To cool the large motor, the area of ​​the front air intake is increased by 25%. The new aerodynamic body kit generates downforce equivalent to 204 kg (at top speed). However, you can opt out of the rear wing when ordering.

The track has been increased by 40 mm, the adaptive suspension has been redone: the springs have become 50% stiffer at the front and 40% at the rear. The front stabilizer is now also 5% stiffer, but the rear stabilizer, on the contrary, has become 40% more pliable. Already “in the base” Aston Martin V12 Vantage has carbon-ceramic brakes, which are 23 kg lighter than steel ones. The front axle has 410 mm discs and six-piston mechanisms, while the rear axle has 360 mm discs and four-piston mechanisms.

Finally, the V12 coupe has a compact 12-volt battery and a lightweight exhaust system (minus 7.2 kg compared to the standard one). But even with all the above measures, the supercar turned out to be heavy: the curb weight is 1795 kg versus 1685 kg for the base coupe with a V8 engine. It is not surprising that the gain in dynamics is barely noticeable: the acceleration time to “hundreds” is 3.5 s instead of 3.6 s, and the maximum speed is 322 km/h against 314 km/h.

However, the status of the V12 engine in this case is more significant than any numbers. Not surprisingly, the entire run of 333 Aston Martin V12 Vantages was sold out shortly after the announcement last December. Deliveries of client machines will begin in the second quarter of this year.

There will indeed be no new 12-cylinder Astons, but this does not mean the end of production of the existing DB11 and DBS models. Aston Martin CEO Tobias Moers recently clarified that V12 cars will continue to be produced as long as economy permits. Even large – scale modernization is expected . The introduction of the Euro 7 standard is tentatively scheduled for 2025, and this year is likely to be the last for Aston’s V12 engine.

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New 2022 Toyota Glanza Facelift launched

Three years ago, the Indian hatchback Toyota Glanza was the first badge-engineered model created under an agreement between Suzuki and Toyota. Moreover, Glanza became the best-selling Toyota in this country: 26 thousand cars last year. This cannot be compared with the result of the original model Maruti Suzuki Baleno (172 thousand units per year), but the experiment was recognized as successful and will continue. Following the updated Baleno , a restyled 2022 toyota glanza is also presented in India.

2022 Toyota Glanza

Previously, the hatchback under the Toyota brand differed from the donor Suzuki only in the grille and emblems. Now the difference is more noticeable. The updated Toyota Glanza has the original filling of the headlights (with LED strips of running lights), a different front bumper with chrome brackets in the style of real Toyota, as well as other wheels. In a word, it will become a little more difficult to confuse these cars in the stream.

Otherwise, Glanza is still identical to Baleno – now in a modernized form. Five-doors with a length of 3990 mm are offered in India with a four-cylinder aspirated 1.2 (90 hp), a choice of a five-speed “mechanics” or a simple “robot” AMT with one clutch, although there used to be a variator. Export cars will be equipped with 1.5 engines with a power of 105 hp.

It is important that Toyota revised the market positioning of its model. If before Glanza was offered only in two rich trim levels at prices starting at $10,100, now simpler options have appeared in the range (only four trim levels to choose from). Therefore, the starting price is now comparable to Baleno: from $8,400. The updated Toyota Glanza will be on sale before the end of March.