All posts by Francis Mitterrand

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric N Line

After a long period of testing, Hyundai has finally premiered its first BEV to receive the N Line treatment, the Hyundai Kona Electric N Line. Production for the European market starts in February, and the first deliveries are expected in a few months.

The sporty car received new side skirts, gloss black side mirror housings, new front and rear bumpers, and new 19-inch wheels as part of the N Line program. There’s no split roof spoiler at the rear, which was seen on a prototype last month, but hopes remain that it will be available as an option.

The dark interior of the car is decorated with subtle red lighting, on the dashboard and doors, comfortable seats that provide enough space for five passengers. Three red lines and an “N” logo are embroidered on the backrest of the front seats. European buyers can choose leather and Eco Alcantara seats (optional) with the more expensive N Line S equipment package, which offers a Bose premium sound system with seven speakers and subwoofers, full-length LED lighting, LED headlights and a safety and driver assistance system.

When it comes to the powertrain, the most powerful version will be powered by an electric motor with 201 hp (150 kW), combined with a 64.8 kWh battery pack.

Source: Hyundai

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Nissan X-Trail Mountain Rescue

Japanese car manufacturer Nissan has released official images of a vehicle created specifically for mountain rescue services, the X-Trail Mountain Rescue concept. The car is based on the fourth-generation compact crossover SUV Nissan X-Trail, which premiered in 2021.

Compared to the standard model, this car is equipped with LED indicators, a bespoke roof rack for evacuation stretcher and snow shovels, extended fenders, a winch, and tracks for better grip on snow and thanks to which the car has 23 cm ground clearance. It is painted red with gray and yellow details.

Inside, the front passenger and rear seats were removed and an emergency rescue stretcher was installed. At the rear, there is a seat mounted behind the driver’s seat positioned in the opposite direction so that the doctor has easier access to the injured. The vehicle comes equipped with Garmin GPS as well as Motorola stations.

When it comes to the powertrain, the X-Trail Mountain Rescue will be available as a 2wd with 204 hp (150 kW) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm) of torque. It will reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8 seconds with a top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph). The e-4ORCE 4wd version is powered by two electric motors with 213 hp (157 kW) and 387 lb-ft (525 Nm) of torque. It reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7 seconds with a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-kEJcd2hFw

Source: Nissan

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Valiance Convertible is a Land Rover Defender 90 with a soft top

In 1983, Land Rover began the production of a car that gained a worldwide reputation for ruggedness and versatility, the Land Rover Defender. It was offered in several versions, of which only the 90, 110 and 130 are now on offer. All of them come with a hard top, but the Dutch tuner, Heritage Customs, decided to present the Valiance Convertible with a folding soft top, based on the Defender 90.

This car is finished in Sunbeam yellow but will also be available in every color scheme. It is equipped with a rollcage according to FIA standards to make the Defender stronger and safer, unique decals and emblems, and 22″ or 20″ wheels wrapped in AT3 tires. This is the second time that the tuner presents a conversion of this model, considering that a slightly different project was presented almost a year ago.

Inside, the seats are upholstered with leather that covers the dashboard, steering wheel, armrests, and rear seats. The dashboard has 3D details made of aluminium, and a closer look reveals that the car also has an optional central front seat.

When it comes to the powertrain, the tuner hasn’t said anything about the changes. Land Rover Defender 90 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 393 hp (293 kW) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. It reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in six seconds with a top speed of 129 mph (208 km/h).

Each car will go through several stages that include deposit payment, digital sketches based on the customer’s requirements and personal wishes, complete disassembly donor car, cutting and reinforcement of the body, painting, upholstering new interior, testing and test mileage, payment and hand over of the car.

Those who want the Valiance Convertible must order it and wait at least three months, and it will cost them 82,500 euros.

Source: Heritage Customs

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