All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

Toyota Supra has reached its end

At the beginning of 2024, BMW announced that it plans to stop producing the two-seater Z4, also known as the E85 in roadster form and E86 in coupé form. Now it appears that another manufacturer is retiring its sports car and grand tourer in 2026. It is the Toyota Supra, which was launched on the market by the Japanese manufacturer in 1978.

The reasons for this decision are the problems of the company Magna Steyr, which produces both sports cars in Austria. According to reports, this company is laying off 500 employees from the plant in Graz because the production of several models has either already ended or will soon end. Models like the BMW Seres 5 or the Fisker Ocean were also produced in this facility.

Toyota did not comment on this information, but Auto News investigated and found that the Supra could indeed end its life journey. “We’ve partnered with BMW and it’s been successful. We’re looking at what’s going to happen in the future. If we’re going to produce something, we’re going to figure out how to do it,” said Toyota North America Vice President Dave Christ.

Dave Christ did not specify whether production will be moved to another facility. However, the first option would be more likely because in the first three months of 2024, Toyota sold only 484 units of this model, which is a drop of 44.4 percent compared to the same period in 2023 (871 units).

Source: Auto News

EV

2025 Avatr 07

In the summer of 2023, the Chinese company Avatr Technology presented the fully electric coupe-limousine Avatr 12, and now the mid-size SUV Avatr 07 is coming to the market. The car was developed in cooperation with battery provider CATL, as a rival to the Tesla Model Y, and will cost between $28,900 and $49,200.

The design of the Avatr 07 model is very similar to another crossover, the Avatr 11. It is 4,825 mm long, 1,980 mm wide and 1,620 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,940 mm. This makes it 75 mm longer, 59 mm wider and 4 mm lower than its competitor Tesla Model Y. At the front, attention is drawn to the LED daytime running lights that run down the hood to the black grille, while the rear is very similar to the Avatr 11 and 12 models, with small window and thin LED lights. Customers can choose between traditional side mirrors and cameras.

The Avatr 07 will be sold as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), but also as an electric model with extended range. The basic BEV is powered by a single electric engine on the rear axle with 343 hp (256 kW), and Avtr plans to offer a version with two electric motors with a total power of 598 hp (446 kW). The range-extended version will be powered by a 1.5-liter engine combined with an electric motor on the rear axle for a total output of 470 hp (350 kW). There will also be a four-wheel drive version with 492 hp (367 kW) and an electric range of 178 kilometers.

Source: Avatr Technology

Gallery:

2025 Avatr 07
News

VW is developing a new EV that will cost up to 20,000 euros

Demand for electric cars is on the rise, but rising prices could affect demand in the near future, so manufacturers are scrambling to prepare in advance and offer cheaper options. VW has decided to launch a new EV at an affordable price of around 20,000 euros by 2027.

For now, there is no official information about the car, but the teaser reveals that it is a futuristic-looking hatchback, which will only be available to European customers. “Generations of people associate the strong brands of the Volkswagen Group with their first car, as well as with affordable mobility. As a group with strong brands, we continue this social responsibility. That is why I am very pleased that we will launch a future-oriented project. It is the entry of electric mobility from Europe for Europe,” said Oliver Blume, director of the Volkswagen Group.

It should be noted that Volkswagen has been thinking about offering compact and affordable electric vehicles for some time. “For electromobility to become widespread, attractive vehicles are needed, especially in the entry-level segment. Our brand promises that electromobility is for everyone. Despite the attractive price, our electric cars will set standards in the entry-level segment in terms of technology, design, quality and user experience,” said brand director Thomas Schäfer.

Volkswagen is currently developing several electric city cars, which will reach the market by the end of next year. All of them will be produced in Spain and will cost less than 25,000 euros.

Source: Volkswagen