Category Archives: Hybrid

2025 Kaiyi Kunlun X7 iHD

September 22, 2024 Francis Mitterrand

The new Chinese car manufacturer Kaiyi Auto is coming to the European market and at the beginning of September they presented their three cars e-Qute 02, X3 Pro EV and Kunlun X7 iHD, from which the company has the highest expectations.

The story of Kaiyi Auto began four years ago as a brand of the Cowin Auto company, with a focus on two markets, Asia and Europe, but with a plan to expand to other markets as well. Cowin Auto was founded in 2014, focused on young people, with a 51 percent ownership share of the company Yibin Automobile Industry and a 49 percent share of the Chinese and global giant Chery Automobile.

The more luxurious Kaiyi Kunlun X7 iHD is a modern design SUV with a Chinese style interior. 4.74 meters long with a wheelbase of 2.82 meters and comes with 5 and 7 seats. The car’s cabin is equipped with a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel and a 14.6-inch central control screen, as well as ambient lighting.

When it comes to the powertrain, the X7 iHD is powered by a 1.5T gasoline engine combined with two electric motors for a total output of 338 hp (248 kW) and 386 lb-ft (523 Nm) of torque, mated to a DHT dual-clutch transmission. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.7 seconds, and the 22.48 kWh CATL lithium-iron-phosphate battery provides an electric range of 150 km, or a total range of 1,200 km according to the Chinese CLTC standard.

Kaiyi Auto hopes that the car will attract a large number of buyers with its price, which should be less than 20,000 euros. On the Chinese market, the X7 iHD costs 99,000 yuan (about 12,900 euros).

Source: Cowin Auto

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Hybrid

The new Bentley Continental GT Speed is powered by a Hybrid V8

June 29, 2024 Francis Mitterrand

After Bentley recently stopped offering its most powerful 6.0-L W12 engine, and replaced it with a plug-in hybrid system with a 4.0-L V8 engine that powers the Continental GT Speed.

The redesigned Continental GT is the first Bentley model that, in the Speed version, is powered by a 4.0-L biturbo V8 engine in combination with an electric motor supported by 25.9 kWh batteries that, due to the distribution of mass by axles (49:51), are located in the rear of the luxurious four-seater. The car is available as a Coupé and Cabrio version, and Bentley says that the batteries ensure an electric range of up to 80 kilometers (WLTP) and a speed of 130 km/h.

Talking about the design, the new Continental GT is inspired by the Bacalar and Batur models, but this time there are no twin headlight housings that have graced Bentley cars for years.

When it comes to the powertrain, the new 4.0-L biturbo V8 engine combined with an electric motor delivers a total of 790 hp (589 kW) and 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT Speed Coupé reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph). The GTC Speed has an electronically limited top speed of 285 km/h (177 mph).

Production will begin in Q4 2024, and the first deliveries are expected by the end of the year.

Source: Bentley

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Hybrid

2025 BMW M5

June 28, 2024 Francis Mitterrand

After the recently introduced BMW X3 (G45), the Bavarian manufacturer has now revealed a new generation of high-performance sedans, the BMW M5. It is the most powerful M5 ever, but also much heavier than its predecessor.

The new M5 has retained its distinctive design, but is slightly wider than its predecessor. Buyers can now choose between 20 and 21-inch wheels with 410mm front and 400mm rear disc brakes, while optional carbon-ceramic brakes come with 420mm front discs and six-piston calipers.

Most of the changes were under the bonnet, which is a 4.4-L biturbo V8 engine combined with an electric motor with a total output of 727 hp (542 kW) and 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. That’s enough power for the car (500 kg heavier than its predecessor) to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 305 km/h (190 mph). It is equipped with a 14.8 kWh battery that enables an electric range of up to 40 kilometers.

In addition to the three standard modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus), drivers will now be able to choose two optional work programs (Dynamic and Dynamic Plus) with which the hybrid M5 shows all its capabilities. By activating them, the driver can choose to transfer all the power to the rear axle only, with the assistance of an electronically controlled limited differential lock. There is also the possibility of individual adjustment of the suspension, brakes, steering system, gearbox and drivetrain.

When it comes to price, the new BMW M5 starts at 144,000 euros in Germany.

Source: BMW

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