All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

Volkswagen ID.3 Retains 91% Battery Capacity After 160,000 km Endurance Test

In a landmark assessment of long-term EV durability, Germany’s ADAC has completed a rigorous four-year endurance test of the Volkswagen ID.3 — and the results are a major win for the electric mobility movement. After covering more than 160,000 kilometres under demanding conditions, the ID.3 Pro S retained an impressive 91% of its original battery capacity, far exceeding expectations.

Tested at the ADAC’s Test and Technology Centre in Landsberg am Lech, the ID.3 Pro S — equipped with a 77 kWh battery — was subjected to an aggressive usage profile designed to accelerate battery wear. Over 40% of its charging sessions used DC fast chargers, and the vehicle was often left fully charged for days at a time, both conditions known to stress lithium-ion cells. Despite this, the ID.3’s battery degradation remained minimal.

Martin Sander, Volkswagen Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales, commented on the results: “A high battery capacity of over 90 per cent after 160,000 kilometres confirms that our ID. models are also very attractive as used cars and continue to meet the requirements of our customers.”

Notably, this was the first endurance test conducted by the ADAC on a member of Volkswagen’s all-electric ID. family. Between test drives, engineers frequently inspected the car’s battery health, chassis, and software performance — areas that could show early signs of wear in EVs subjected to extreme usage.

Volkswagen’s commitment to over-the-air updates also played a pivotal role in the ID.3’s performance. Throughout the test, the vehicle received several software upgrades, including the Electric Vehicle Route Planner. This intelligent feature calculates the most efficient charging stops on long routes, considering traffic and energy usage forecasts. Other updates improved power consumption, especially during short trips and colder weather conditions — a critical factor for European buyers facing winter range anxiety.

Beyond the battery, the ID.3’s mechanical integrity also stood strong. ADAC engineers reported that the chassis, axles, and steering remained in solid condition, with no major faults or weaknesses despite the high mileage.

For consumers still wary of the longevity of electric vehicles, the ID.3’s performance is a reassuring data point. Volkswagen backs the battery of every ID.3 with a guarantee of at least 70% capacity after eight years or 160,000 kilometres — a threshold the tested vehicle surpassed with ease.

ADAC’s recommendation is clear: keep your software up to date to enjoy the full potential of your EV. And if you’re in the market for a used electric car, the ID.3 might just be one of the most reliable choices out there.

Source: Volkswagen

News

Lynk & Co 02 Crushes Euro NCAP Tests with Historic Safety Score

In a fiercely competitive compact SUV segment, where innovation often battles with practicality, the Lynk & Co 02 has just redefined what it means to lead—with safety. The Swedish-Chinese automaker’s latest offering has achieved the highest Euro NCAP rating ever recorded for a compact SUV under the current evaluation cycle, establishing itself as the safest vehicle in its class tested in 2025.

This remarkable achievement comes as no surprise to those familiar with Lynk & Co’s DNA, which blends Volvo’s safety heritage with a bold, tech-driven identity. The 02, now recently launched in markets like Croatia, doesn’t just promise sustainability and style—it delivers class-leading protection for everyone inside and around it.

A Record-Breaking Performance

Tested under Euro NCAP’s rigorous 2025 criteria, the Lynk & Co 02 earned near-flawless scores across the board:

  • Adult Occupant Protection: 90%
  • Child Occupant Protection: 87%
  • Vulnerable Road Users (pedestrians, cyclists): 83%
  • Safety Assist Systems: 89%

It’s that final figure—89% for Safety Assistance—that truly sets the 02 apart. This is not only the highest score ever recorded in the category under the current Euro NCAP protocols but a milestone for compact SUVs altogether.

David Green, Vice President of Product & Strategy at Lynk & Co International, puts it succinctly:

“Achieving the highest Euro NCAP rating ever recorded for a compact SUV is a signal of where we’re headed. As we continue to grow our portfolio, this recognition reinforces our commitment to building vehicles that are not only innovative and sustainable but also among the safest on the road.”

Safety at the Core

Since its inception, Lynk & Co has positioned itself as a brand that doesn’t follow trends—it sets them. The 02 is a clear example of this philosophy in motion. Built on the same platform and development ethos as the Lynk & Co 01 plug-in hybrid (which also boasts a full 5-star Euro NCAP rating), the 02 channels Volvo’s storied safety expertise into a more urban, youthful package.

The collaboration between Lynk & Co and Volvo—both under the Geely umbrella—has proven to be more than just a branding exercise. It’s a technical alliance that’s yielding tangible, real-world results. The 02’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), active safety features, and structural integrity are not just engineered—they’re human-centric.

“For Lynk & Co, this recognition affirms the value of creating cars with integrity and putting real experiences at the heart of what matters most,” said Green. “It’s not just about performance or technology—it’s about peace of mind.”

Electric Power with a Purpose

While much of the buzz surrounding the 02 is centered on its safety performance, it’s worth noting that the model also represents Lynk & Co’s push toward electrification. The electric version—already gaining traction in European markets—offers not only solid range and charging capabilities but also the reassurance of a vehicle engineered for real-world protection.

Whether you’re navigating dense urban environments or stretching its legs on the open road, the Lynk & Co 02’s combination of active and passive safety measures ensures that both occupants and pedestrians are in good hands.

Looking Ahead

In a world increasingly saturated with SUVs vying for attention through flashy screens and superficial tech, the Lynk & Co 02 proves that substance still matters. Its record-setting safety performance doesn’t just reflect well on the model—it sets a challenge for the entire industry.

With the 01 and 02 both setting high safety standards and showcasing Lynk & Co’s unique approach to automotive design, the brand is carving out a niche where innovation, sustainability, and protection go hand in hand.

The Lynk & Co 02 isn’t just the safest compact SUV of 2025—it’s a blueprint for the future of the segment.

Source: Lynk & Co

NEW CARS

Lamborghini Unleashes the Temerario GT3: A Bold New Chapter in GT Racing

Lamborghini has taken a decisive leap forward in its motorsport journey with the unveiling of the Temerario GT3, the marque’s first-ever race car derived directly from its latest road-going supercar, the Temerario. With its global debut scheduled for the 2026 racing season, the Temerario GT3 signals a new era for Lamborghini Squadra Corse, emphasizing a deeper, more strategic integration between road and race car development.

This is not just another GT3 contender—this is Lamborghini’s clearest declaration yet of its motorsport ambitions. Entirely designed, engineered, and built at the company’s Sant’Agata Bolognese headquarters, the Temerario GT3 sets a new benchmark for the brand’s racing division.

Born to Race: A Purpose-Built GT3 From Day One

Unlike previous GT3 entries from Lamborghini, the Temerario GT3 wasn’t an afterthought—it was part of the plan from the very beginning. The road car was conceived with motorsport adaptation in mind, allowing Lamborghini’s engineers to strategically embed racing DNA into the car’s core architecture. As a result, the transition from showroom to pit lane has been seamless, efficient, and highly intentional.

“The Temerario GT3 is the first racing derivative of the Temerario project, further emphasizing Lamborghini’s strong commitment to motorsport as a key tool for promoting our brand,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Lamborghini. “It will set a benchmark for its competitors, just as the road-going Temerario has.”

Light, Strong, and Smart: Chassis & Bodywork Engineering

At the heart of the Temerario GT3 is a heavily reworked aluminum spaceframe chassis, derived from the road version but optimized for racing. Both front and rear subframes have been simplified for rapid removal during pit stops—vital in the heat of endurance competition. The hybrid component mounts from the road car have been stripped away, and a full FIA-compliant roll cage has been integrated for safety and stiffness.

The carbon composite bodywork, designed collaboratively by Lamborghini Centro Stile and Squadra Corse, serves multiple roles: reducing weight, enhancing aerodynamics, and ensuring quick disassembly for service. New airflow designs improve cooling across the board—from brakes to turbochargers—while contributing to greater downforce and aerodynamic balance.

The Beating Heart: A Revamped V8 for Racing

Under the rear clamshell lies a reworked 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, derived from the road-going Temerario but fully recalibrated for GT3 competition. With the hybrid system removed to comply with GT3 regulations, Lamborghini engineers have re-optimized the turbochargers and cooling systems, targeting consistent performance over endurance stints.

The engine—featuring a flat-plane crankshaft and titanium connecting rods—delivers around 550 hp (subject to balance of performance), and is paired with a bespoke six-speed transverse gearbox and Capristo-developed exhaust system. The result? A race car that not only goes fast but sounds the part.

Suspension, Wheels, and Tires: Performance With Precision

The Temerario GT3 rides on a longer wheelbase and wider track compared to its predecessor, improving cornering stability and tire performance. A highlight of the new suspension setup is the adoption of six-way KW dampers, the same supplier involved in Lamborghini’s SC63 LMDh hypercar project.

With 18-inch forged wheels from Ronal AG and a fully adjustable hydraulic steering rack, the car is engineered to be adaptable across the broad spectrum of GT3 championships. Setup changes are made easier through simplified mounting solutions, with a focus on real-world usability for customer teams.

Driver-Centric Interior: Purpose-Built, Track-Tuned

The cockpit has been crafted with direct input from Lamborghini’s factory drivers Marco Mapelli and Andrea Caldarelli, resulting in an ergonomically refined, intuitive race environment. An all-new steering wheel, revised switchgear, and enhanced data-logging systems ensure that both amateur and professional drivers are equipped with top-tier tools to perform at their best.

Custom-developed software, optimized specifically for the Temerario GT3, manages the car’s electronic systems to deliver consistent and predictable feedback—regardless of whether it’s night racing at Spa or navigating a rainy stint at Nürburgring.

Ready for the World Stage

While the Temerario GT3 is aimed squarely at the global customer racing market, Lamborghini has its sights set on a broader legacy. The car will debut at the 2026 Sebring 12 Hours, marking the start of a new chapter in Lamborghini’s GT3 journey. It also represents a significant evolution from the outgoing Huracán GT3, which racked up 96 titles and more than 200 units sold over its career.

“The car operates in a slightly different area of the performance window compared to its predecessor,” said Rouven Mohr, Lamborghini Chief Technical Officer. “We are confident it will be competitive in terms of lap time, while also being rewarding to drive in a wide range of conditions.”

As Lamborghini prepares to wind down support for the Huracán, the Temerario GT3 steps confidently into the spotlight—more powerful, more refined, and more race-ready than anything the brand has ever built for GT competition.

Source: Lamborghini