All posts by M.K.

Euro NCAP has tested new models for 2021

The European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) tested the 01 hybrid and NIO electric ES8, two Chinese models, which received all five stars in the test.

“The wave of new Chinese-made electric vehicles in Europe is underway with new models launched by BYD, XPeng, DFSK, Seres, etc. Unfortunately, many of them are still not so transparent to European consumers when it comes to safety Lynk & Co and NIO, however, show that the label “Made in China” is no longer a derogatory term when it comes to car safety.Here we have two new cars, both Chinese development, which are extremely “They show well in our tests. It is clear that all manufacturers know that Euro NCAP will adhere to high standards if they want to sell cars in Europe and are satisfied that they are willing to invest to get the best safety ratings, ”said Euro NCAP Secretary General Michiel van Ratingen.

Lynk & Co is a brand that is new to Europe, and the Model 01 uses a “family” connection with the Geely brand to take over the base with the Volvo XC40. The results of the EuroNCAP test are impressive. The hybrid / plug-in hybrid small SUV withstands shocks well, but highlights its 96 percent score for adult occupant protection, including maximum side impact score. This, as well as a whole host of active safety features, help it secure a five-star rating.

The second tested Chinese car is the NIO ES8. Its European journey, this all-electric car with 6 or 7 seats, began in Norway. In testing, he achieved enviable results in the field of active safety. He scored 92 points on the Safety Assist test. Its autonomous emergency braking system has achieved particularly good results.

Other test models also achieved good test results, such as the Toyota Mirai with hydrogen fuel cell propulsion, the all-electric Audi Q4 e-tron with the best safety results, the Subaru Outback with ICE and the Ford Kuga PHEV.

BMW M4 Competition with M Performance improvements

This year’s IIA in Munich brought us a lot of excitement and technological innovation, but also a special edition of the BMW M4 Competition with M Performance improvements.

At first glance, the body color attracts the most attention. The show model is in Mint Green with 20 inch wheels. 130 colors and body shades with eight wheel colors are available as an option. The M Performance brought some new carbon fiber parts such as a front splitter, a redesigned rear bumper, a large rear wing and a new exhaust system.

Inside, there are reinforced sports M Carbon Bucket Seats upholstered in a combination of black and white leather. The seats provide better support in aggressive turns and corners, and the M Performance logo is on the header. On the dashboard there is a display that projects crucial driving info. There are a pair of red buttons on the steering wheel with thick frames for adjustable M driving modes.

The BMW M4 Competition is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 503 hp (370 kW) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque. Accelerates to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph (250 km / h) which with the optional M Driver’s Package can increase to 180 mph (290 km / h). Power is transmitted to all wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Source: BMW

Renault 5 Prototype

After half a century, the time has come for Renault to introduce a new generation of Renault 5, called the Renault 5 Prototype. The presentation took place at the Munich Motor Show when it was said that the Prototype would go into production in 2024.

It all started back in 1972 when Renault introduced the first Renault 5 model. The task of the engineers was to develop a car that would cover the space created between the 4 and the Citroen 2CV. The car was the best-selling model in France until 1980 when Renault expanded its offering in this class.

Paying tribute to the legendary “5”, Renault has shown a willingness to bring electric cars closer to a wide range of European customers. This is exactly the role of the compact city car Renault 5 Prototype.

“I know from experience that reinventing a cult products lights a fire under the whole brand. This is a cult vehicle at a price many can afford. And this is only the beginning for the whole Renault brand, ”said Renault CEO Luca de Meo.

The original design has been retained, inspired by the world of electronics and sports. It will be equipped with a 40 kWh battery developed by Envision AESC in Douai, which should use the same charging system as the Mégane. The range of the car is currently unknown.

The fully electric car with a yellow body attracts attention at first sight. It is built on the CMF-BEV platform for small electric cars, making the Renault 5 a car at an affordable price. That would mean the Renault 5 Prototype would cost between $ 23,500 and $ 29,500.

Source: Renault