All posts by Francis Mitterrand

EV

2026 Kia EV4: Stylish Electric Hatch and Saloon Set to Shake Up the Segment

Kia is gearing up to expand its electric ambitions with the arrival of the EV4, a striking new model that brings a fresh edge to the compact EV market. Closely resembling the concept that turned heads in 2023, the production EV4 remains faithful in design and shares its architecture with the recently unveiled EV3 hatchback.

Offered in both hatchback and saloon body styles, the EV4 covers a broad spectrum of buyers. The hatchback version is roughly the same size as the Hyundai Kona Electric, while the saloon stretches out to a length that surpasses the Tesla Model 3, thanks to its extended rear overhang.

In Europe, the EV4 will primarily be sold as a hatchback, where it is poised to take on rivals like the Citroën ë-C4, Volkswagen ID.3, and Volvo EX40. With sharp styling, solid range figures, and a tech-laden cabin, Kia is clearly aiming for a strong foothold in this competitive segment.

Both body styles come with a single front-mounted motor producing 201 hp, good for a 0–62mph sprint in the mid-7-second range, depending on battery and trim level. Performance enthusiasts won’t be left out, either—Kia has confirmed that all of its EVs are in line for hot GT variants, so expect a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive GT version of the EV4 with enough punch to rival the MG 4 EV XPower.

As for range, the entry-level EV4 is fitted with a 58.3kWh battery, which offers up to 273 miles on a single charge in hatchback form. Step up to the 81.4kWh battery, and the hatchback’s range extends to an impressive 388 miles. Charging is swift, too: a 10–80% top-up takes at least 29 minutes for the smaller pack and 31 minutes for the larger.

Inside, the EV4 shares its high-tech interior with the EV3, boasting a sleek 30-inch dashboard screen. This includes two 12.3-inch displays—one for infotainment, one for the instrument cluster—split by a 5.3-inch climate control panel. Notably, the EV4 will be the first Kia to support in-car entertainment apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube, hinting at a more leisure-oriented EV experience.

While full pricing details for the EV4 saloon are still under wraps, it’s expected to launch in the UK after the hatchback. That’s due to a difference in manufacturing: the hatch will be built in Slovakia, while the saloon will be produced in Korea, Kia’s home market.

With its combination of sleek design, generous range, and tech-rich interior, the Kia EV4 is shaping up to be a serious player in the electric C-segment. Watch this space.

Source: KIA

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2026 Kia EV4: Stylish Electric Hatch and Saloon Set to Shake Up the Segment
Motorsport

Ferrari 499P Ready for São Paulo Showdown

A legendary venue steeped in motorsport heritage, São Paulo’s Interlagos circuit is gearing up to host the fifth round of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Returning to Brazil, Ferrari will once again unleash the 499P Hypercars, aiming to capitalize on the valuable data and insights gained during last year’s visit to this unique and technically demanding track.

Miguel Molina, part of the driving trio behind the No. 50 Ferrari 499P alongside Antonio Fuoco and Nicklas Nielsen, emphasized the importance of experience at this particular venue. “We return to Interlagos for the second time with our 499Ps, and the experience gained last year will be useful for this race,” noted the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans winner.

At just 4.309 kilometers in length and comprising 15 corners—ten of which are left-handers—Interlagos stands out as the shortest circuit on the WEC calendar. But what it lacks in length, it makes up for with complexity. The track’s iconic and compact layout, especially in sectors two and three, demands not only mechanical grip and car balance but also precise traffic management—critical in multi-class endurance racing.

“The main straight is one of the few areas where overtaking is relatively straightforward,” explained Molina. The stretch launches cars into the legendary “Senna S,” a complex combination of corners that immediately challenges braking stability and throttle control. This section leads into Turn 3, a high-speed corner taken flat-out, which flows into a secondary straight—another prime opportunity to overtake, particularly under hard braking into Turn 4.

Sector two introduces a new rhythm altogether. “Turn 5 is one of the fastest on the circuit but also extremely slippery,” Molina said. “It requires absolute concentration to maintain the right line.” From there, the track becomes more technical and slower-paced. Cornering becomes more intricate, and the margin for error shrinks. Managing tire wear and braking efficiency is key, especially through Turn 8, the slowest corner of the circuit, which ironically offers a strategic overtaking spot—particularly when lapping GT traffic.

The final sector presents a different challenge altogether. Drivers must navigate a sequence of bends leading into the famous uphill run to the finish line. “It’s vital to approach the uphill run to the finish as cleanly as possible,” Molina added. “Choosing the perfect line is essential to avoid losing valuable tenths and to complete the lap with a strong reference time.”

As Ferrari prepares for another showdown in São Paulo, the focus is on precision, patience, and performance. With minimal overtaking zones and high demands on car control, Interlagos promises to deliver another strategic and thrilling chapter in the 2025 WEC season.

Source: Ferrari

News

Lada Niva Evolves: Sport Turbo Version Ready for Competition

In a world of ever-evolving SUVs and crossovers, the Lada Niva remains a symbol of unpretentious, go-anywhere capability. Since 1977, the rugged Russian off-roader has stayed true to its utilitarian roots, winning hearts not with luxury or technology, but with sheer mechanical grit. Now, the legend takes its biggest evolutionary leap yet: meet the Lada Niva Sport Turbo—a purpose-built rally weapon prepared to tackle some of the harshest terrain on Earth.

This isn’t just a facelift or a factory tune-up. The Niva Sport Turbo is a thorough reengineering of the classic 4×4, designed specifically for competition. Its first major test? The grueling Silk Way Rally, covering over 5,000 kilometers of unforgiving terrain from Irkutsk to Gorno-Altaisk in Russia, running from July 12 to 22.

Extreme Makeover, Niva Edition

At a glance, the Sport Turbo still wears its Niva heritage proudly, but every inch has been dialed up for the demands of rally racing. The front and rear fenders are significantly widened to accommodate enlarged wheel arch cutouts. Steel bumpers—slim, purposeful, and designed for quick tire access—replace the stock units. Up top, a roof-mounted snorkel and sunroof enhance airflow and cooling, while Lexan side windows and extra LED lighting add to the competition-ready setup.

The off-road stance is nothing short of commanding. Thanks to a newly extended wheelbase of 2,550 mm and a track width of 1,680 mm, the Niva looks more planted than ever. Ground clearance has been pushed to a towering 350 mm, giving it a towering posture that screams capability.

Stripped Down, Built Up

Inside, the transformation is just as radical. Gone is the familiar, utilitarian cabin of the standard Niva. In its place: two race-spec sport seats, a full roll cage, a reinforced fuel tank, and a digital navigation system. The rear bench has been eliminated entirely, saving weight and streamlining the cabin for competition use.

Turbocharged Power for the Desert

The biggest departure from tradition lies under the hood. Powering the Sport Turbo is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that belts out 280 horsepower and 340 Nm of torque—more than double the output of the production Niva Sport. All that muscle is delivered to all four wheels via a 6-speed sequential gearbox with a center differential lock, ensuring optimal traction in the worst conditions.

The chassis has received a full motorsport-grade upgrade: independent suspension at all four corners with dual shock absorbers per wheel, and a serious brake setup featuring 302 mm discs and four-piston calipers. This isn’t just a Niva with stickers—this is a rally machine through and through.

A New Chapter in Lada’s Rally Legacy

The Lada Niva has long enjoyed cult status among off-roaders and rally enthusiasts, known for punching far above its weight in events like the Dakar Rally. The Sport Turbo aims to carry that legacy forward, now entering the Raid Sport class, a step above the T2 category of its predecessor. It’s an ambitious move by Lada and its motorsport partners, signaling a renewed commitment to competitive rallying.

Whether it can take on the modern rally elite remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: the Lada Niva Sport Turbo is not just a nostalgic tribute—it’s a bold, turbocharged step into the future of off-road racing.

source: Lada

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Lada Niva Evolves: Sport Turbo Version Ready for Competition