The VR6 engine debuted at the 1991 Geneva Motor Show in the third-generation Golf and has since been installed in 1.87 million cars. 34 years later, it has come to an end. This was confirmed by Andreas G. Schleith, PR manager for Volkswagen passenger cars on his LinkedIn profile.
Over time, the VR6 engine has powered numerous models, including the Passat, Corrado, Touareg, Phaeton, Transporter, Sharan, CC or Beetle, but also cars from other brands in the Volkswagen Group such as the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, Seat Leon and Škoda Superb. Even Mercedes-Benz has used this engine in its Vito model, with certain modifications.
Since 2010, the VR6 engine has only powered cars produced for the North American and Chinese markets, as it has stopped being installed in new cars in Europe due to stricter environmental standards.
After being launched in China this summer, the Zeekr 7X will soon be available to European customers. It is a rival to the Tesla Model Y and the most affordable Chinese SUV, and in Europe it will be offered in the Dutch market.
Zeekr is part of Geely Automobile Holdings, and currently offers several of its cars on the European market such as Zeekr 001, Zeekr 001 FR and Zeekr 007. The Zeekr 7X has a slightly different style from other cars within the group, with a sophisticated interior, thanks to the subdued ambient lighting, but also the amount of natural light that comes through the huge panoramic roof. Customers can optionally get active air suspension with continuous damping control, heated and air-conditioned front seats with massage function, which are included in the Comfort package and are only available in the top version. It offers plenty of space for passengers as well as luggage (539 liters + 66 liters in the front).
When it comes to the powertrain, the base Zeekr 7X is powered by a single electric motor with 412 hp (307 kW). It is equipped with a 75 kWh battery that provides a range of 480 kilometers and can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 13 minutes. Customers can also choose a Long Range version with a single motor and a 100 kWh battery that provides a range of a respectable 615 kilometers and can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 16 minutes.
The most powerful Performance version is powered by two electric motors with a total power of 639 hp (476 kW). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds, and is equipped with a 100 kWh battery that provides a range of 543 kilometers and can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 16 minutes.
Speaking of price, the Zeekr 7X costs between 52,990 and 62,990 euros on the Dutch market.
As announced in September, Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot officially enables autonomous driving at 95 km/h. It is the fastest certified SAE Level 3 autonomous driving system for production vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz cars have become the fastest cars in the world homologated with a level 3 autonomous driving system. “With the help of this system, our customers can use their time more efficiently. Mercedes-Benz is once again setting standards in the industry and is constantly paving the way for autonomous driving.” said Markus Schafer, member of the Board of Management of the Mercedes-Benz Group.
Drive Pilot is available as an option for the S-Class and EQS and costs 5,950 euros including tax. Cars equipped with the system will receive the upgrade for free via Over-the-Air Update or during a service visit. No hardware changes are required.
Mercedes’ autonomous system has a redundant architecture that includes electronics, steering and brakes. All key functions are secured in case of failure. If the driver does not take control for any reason, Drive Pilot will automatically stop the vehicle and activate the warning lights.
