All posts by Francis Mitterrand

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2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5

In 2021, Hyundai unveiled a fully electric crossover inspired by the original Hyundai Pony, the Ioniq 5. Three years later, a redesigned version of this model arrived on the market.

At first glance, the distinctive design has been retained with new front and rear bumpers, a wider front air intake, a 50 mm extended rear spoiler, and a special body kit decorated with several N Line badges. The front bumper has bright wings inspired by the Ioniq 5 N, and there are also body-colored fenders, a changed design of the sills, and a new set of aerodynamic 20-inch wheels.

Hyundai engineers equipped the car with a stiffer body, better shock absorbers for greater comfort, reduced vibrations on the steering wheel, reinforced rear wheels and undercarriage. Door and B-pillar reinforcements improve side impact protection in combination with side airbags in the second row of seats.

Inside, a new steering wheel, sports seats, metal pedals, a black headliner, new dashboard details, red thread and several N Line badges adorn the interior of the car. New buttons have been added to the center console to control functions such as seat heating and cooling, steering wheel heating, parking assist system and other functions. There is also a new generation Connected car Navigation Cockpit infotainment system compatible with wireless over-the-air software upgrades.

When it comes to the powertrain, Hyundai hasn’t mentioned any changes. The car is equipped with an 84 kWh battery, which should provide a longer range compared to the previous 77.4 kWh battery, which enables a range of 488 km EPA, or 507 km WLTP.

Source: Hyundai

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2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5
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50,000 orders for the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric

At the end of January, Renault premiered the electric version of the model that was the best-selling model in France in the 80s, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric. Interest in this car is high, as Renault has so far received 50,000 requests.

The car will be produced at the ElectriCity factories in northern France. With regard to the new electric models, Renault was particularly concerned with the strategy of concentrating the supply chain in one region in order to gain an advantage in terms of logistics and delivery speed. Renault is also building a Gigafactory in northern France with AESC Envision, which is expected to be operational from 2025.

Renault 5 E-Tech Electric has a retro-futuristic design that gives it a modern look while still remaining tied to its roots. The design of the front lights and vertical rear lights pay homage to the legendary Renault 5, just like the pronounced wheel arches. The rear door handles are integrated into the base of the C-pillars to create the illusion of a three-door body like the original. It is equipped with a multi-link rear independent suspension, a heat pump for quick heating of the interior and a system for recuperating energy by braking, which is used to charge the battery.

Inside, the vertical stitching on the dash and ventilation openings in the shape of a rectangle are reminiscent of the original. There is also a 7.0- or 10.0-inch screen of the digital instrument cluster depending on the version, and a 10.0-inch screen of the infotainment system. Although it is a small car, the capacity of the luggage compartment is 326 liters. It is larger than the Twingo, but smaller than the Clio, and is the first model based on the AmpR Small platform previously known as the CMF-B EV.

The car will be equipped with two types of batteries. The 1,350 kg version with a 40 kWh battery is powered by a single electric motor with 95 hp (71 kW) and 159 lb-ft (215 Nm) of torque or 120 hp (89 kW) and 166 lb-ft (225 Nm) of torque, while the version with a 52 kWh battery is powered by a single electric motor with 150 hp (110 kW) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque. It reaches 62 mph in 7.5 seconds with a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph) and a range of 400 km.

The order book will be opened in May, and the price will be around 25,000 euros.

Source: Renault

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50,000 orders for the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric
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WRC brings back pure ICEs to Rally1

In 2022, the WRC allowed the use of hybrid cars in Rally1, but it seems that this will not last long. According to the latest information, the World Rally Championship is returning to internal combustion engines with a focus on e-fuels or hydrogen to reduce costs.

This decision applies to the Rally1 class, and all cars will use only sustainable fuels, without the use of electric motors. Thanks to this change, the cars will be lighter. “The current Rally1 car continues to be the WRC’s flagship in 2025 and 2026, but with modifications that will reduce costs and performance. These changes include the removal of the plug-in hybrid drivetrain, and performance will be compensated by a reduction in overall mass,” it said. from the FIA.

The new regulations, which will apply from 2026, will limit the differences between teams so that cars will be limited to around 330 hp (246 kW), will use the same safety cell to reduce cost and complexity, and each car will be priced limited to 400,000 euros.

This does not mean the complete elimination of electromotors from the WRC as the FIA is currently working on creating a category for electric cars only.

Source: Autocar, Photo: FIA