All posts by Francis Mitterrand

EV

2025 VW ID.7 GTX Tourer

Last month, Volkswagen premiered its first all-electric station wagon, the VW ID.7 Tourer, and now the German manufacturer is launching its most powerful station wagon ever, the ID.7 GTX Tourer.

Many must be wondering why VW is introducing a new version of the Tourer in such a short time? What makes GTX special? Well, there are a few differences in design but the biggest difference is in power. The GTX Tourer is powered by two electric motors with 340 hp, making it the most powerful all-electric wagon. It is equipped with an 86 kWh lithium-ion battery that, thanks to the fast charger, charges from 10 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes.

The ID.7 GTX Tourer received a new honeycomb front fascia and light graphics, high-gloss black detailing, a redesigned rear diffuser, new GTX lettering and customizable 3D LED taillights that include an illuminated Volkswagen logo, and new standard 20-inch wheels, (21- inch is an option). It is equipped with a sporty progressive steering system, more powerful anti-roll bars and an optional adaptive chassis control system. Buyers will be able to order the car in Glacier White Metallic, Scale Silver Metallic, Grenadilla Black Metallic and Moonstone Grey.

Inside, the sports seats are upholstered in a combination of fabric and ArtVelours Eco microfleece with red thread and red GTC lettering. Customers can optionally choose the Interior Plus package, which includes ergoActive heated front seats adjustable in 12 directions, which have a memory function and a Harman Kardon sound system with a power of 700W. There is also a panoramic roof, AR head-up display, IDA voice assistance with integrated ChatGPT technology, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems. The offer includes the optional Park Assist Plus system, which brings automatic parking, Connected Travel Assist with Lane Assist system, adaptive cruise control, Emergency Assist system, but also a system of autonomous braking in emergency situations and a system of dynamic display of traffic signs.

The VW ID.7 GTX Tourer will be available from spring, and the price is currently unknown.

Source: VW

Gallery:

2025 VW ID.7 GTX Tourer
EV

2025 VW ID.3 GTX Performance

At the end of January, the head of Volkswagen design, Andreas Mind, published sketches of the revised Golf Mk8, which will undergo a redesign in all versions (basic, GTI and R). And while we wait for its official debut, the German manufacturer introduced the all-electric VW ID.3 GTX Performance.

The car will be offered in two options, GTX and GTX Performance. The GTX Performance is powered by Volkswagen’s most powerful electric motor with 326 hp (243 kW) and 402 lb-ft (545 Nm) of torque, which is enough power to push the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. This makes it the fastest ID.3 model, even faster than the Tesla Model 3 (6.1 seconds). The top speed that GTX Performance reaches is 200 km/h (124 mph).

The ID.3 GTX is powered by an electric motor, which is installed in the ID.4 (two-wheel drive), with 286 hp (213 kW) enough to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6 seconds. This means that it is more powerful than the recently refreshed g GTI, which has 266 hp. Both new versions use a single-speed gearbox.

Both versions come with a revised suspension, but the GTX Performance goes a step further thanks to standard DCC adaptive dampers that provide more comfort and body control than the GTX. Also, they are equipped with a 79 kWh battery, which enables a range of up to 600 km and can be charged with a power of 175 kW.

Speaking of design, Volkswagen doesn’t seem to have put too much effort into this model. Redesigned front bumper, black mirrors, details on the roof and a new set of 20-inch five-spoke Skagen rims, a new black rear diffuser, trick LED taillights (optional LED Matrix), and GTX badge instead of ID.3, are just some of the design solutions.

The interior of the car is enriched with sports seats with GTX logo, red stitching, chrome GTX lettering on the sports steering wheel, a 12.9-inch screen with a redesigned menu and illuminated sliders for heating, a Wellness application that allows adjusting the lighting, air conditioning, sound system, and a voice assistant. powered by ChatGPT technology. Also, those who want more will be able to choose ErgoActive performance seats with integrated headrests, electrically adjustable.

Source: VW

Gallery:

2025 VW ID.3 GTX Performance
News

Chery is considering building a plant in Italy

European manufacturers are still struggling with Chinese car manufacturers, who are trying to conquer the European market in different ways, so the European Union introduced additional tariffs on vehicles from China. However, Chinese companies seem to have a “plan B”, building plants in Europe. After the Chinese car manufacturer BYD announced that it is building its plant in Hungary, another Chinese company (Chery) could follow the same path, but in Italy.

Currently, Stellantis is the only major car manufacturer in Italy and the new Italian government is trying to increase production by introducing another manufacturer, the Chinese company Chery. According to official information, the government is considering offering the Chinese manufacturer to build a plant in Italy, in order to increase the annual production of cars to over one million. Italy currently produces 800,000 cars a year.

Building a plant in Europe would be a good strategic decision that would allow Chinese companies to avoid obstacles when it comes to additional taxes or potential quotas that the EU could impose on vehicles imported from China. Obviously, Italy is the ideal place for that. According to Italian Industry Minister Adolfo Urso, over the past year the government has been talking to several manufacturers, including Tesla. The government’s goal is to increase production by an additional 300,000 cars per year.

Chery is the fifth largest Chinese car manufacturer with 1,881,316 vehicles sold in 2023. In the next two years, the company will launch three new SUV models with different power options, primarily intended for European customers. “Expectations are high and sales in Europe should be high enough to support the construction of the plant,” said Chery Europe Managing Director Jochen Tueting.

Source: Reuters