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Nissan will launch 30 new models by 2026

Two weeks ago Nissan revealed the new generation of 2+2 sports car, the Nissan GT-R (model code: R35). This is the last edition of this model, which arrived on the market 17 years ago. Now, as part of “The Arc” business plan, Nissan will launch 30 new models over the next two years.

Nissan’s goal is to sell one million cars a year, and that should be helped by 30 new cars, 14 of which will be powered by a gasoline engine. Also, the intention is to reduce the production costs of next-generation electric vehicles by more than 25 percent, in order to cope with the increasing pressure of cars coming from the neighboring country (China).

The new generation will consist of an electric crossover as the successor to the Leaf model, the next-gen Micra based on the R5 platform, the all-electric Juke and the recently introduced Kicks. Also, the arrival of several SUVs, minivans, mid-sized pickups, as well as a number of Infiniti models is expected. It is realistic to expect a new generation of the Patrol model as a rival to the Land Cruiser, a renewed Qashqai for the European market, the upcoming minivan Elgrand for the Japanese market and a new version of the Skyline.

Also, Nissan plans to increase its investment in electric cars by 70% in the coming years, which will cover the entire range of segments with 34 new cars. As a result, 40 percent of Nissan’s fleet will be electric by 2026 and 60 percent by 2030.

Nissan will develop the electric vehicles in groups using modular manufacturing techniques and shorter development cycles with the aim of reducing costs by 30 percent compared to the current model, the Nissan Ariya.

Source: Nissan

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Nissan will launch 30 new models by 2026
Tuning

Manhart CRE 700 based on Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance

In 2023, Mercedes introduced a new generation of C-Class that no longer uses a V8 but a more powerful plug-in hybrid four-cylinder engine, without a distinctive sound, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance. It is an impressive car with racing technology that the German tuner Manhart took to a higher level with the project called MANHART CRE 700.

The CRE 700 is painted black, which is standard for most Manhart projects, with a wide gray and thin red stripe running from the front fascia over the hood and roof to the rear. It is equipped with Manhart lowering springs by H&R that lower the body by approximately 20 millimeters, new exhaust system with sports downpipe, MHtronic module, 300-cell catalytic converters, 20″ rims with red details wrapped in 265/35 ZR20 ront and 275/35 ZR20 rear Michelin tires.

Inside, the interior of the standard C 63 S E Performance is retained. The dark cabin is still adorned with sports seats, red seat belts and carbon fiber accents.

When it comes to the powertrain, the CRE 700 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor for a total of 725 hp (541 kW) and 826 lb-ft (1,120 Nm) of torque. That’s more than the 671 hp (500 kW) and 752 lb-ft (1,020 Nm) of torque available in the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance. Power is sent to all wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Manhart could continue to work on the plug-in hybrid model and potentially expand the range of tuning options in the future, of course, depending on demand.

Source: Manhart

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News

Americans want EVs under $50,000

Are ICE cars losing the battle with electric cars or do they still have a chance to survive? According to a survey in the United States, almost 3/4 of Americans said that they plan to buy an all-electric car in the future, and several factors will be decisive: performance, range and lower price.

Currently, the price of electric cars is on the rise, and the demands and expectations of customers are increasing. According to BCG, only 12 percent of customers are satisfied with their electric cars, and it is estimated that this will increase to 30 percent when the next-gen EVs arrive. Buyers want a vehicle that costs under $50k, has a range of 350 miles (563 km) and can be charged in 20 minutes, and there are few cars that can currently meet these requirements. One of them is the Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE RWD Long Range.

New production methods accompanied by new innovations are predicted to bring prices down in the coming years, which will make the production of EVs cheaper than the production of ICE cars. This is based on the gigacasting process, in which, with the help of a huge press, large parts of the body are cast in one piece, instead of using dozens of welds and fasteners. Tesla was the first to use this method of producing components, and the fact that thanks to this method the Tesla Model Y was produced in 10 hours, instead of the 30 hours required for the production of the VW ID.3, shows how much of a difference it makes.

However, this method will increase the cost of car maintenance and repair. By 2027, the average cost of repairing an EV’s body and battery after a car accident is predicted to be 30 percent more expensive. This could mean the end of every damaged car, as it will be more profitable for owners to buy a new one than to repair a damaged vehicle.

Most manufacturers will have no problem meeting customer demands when it comes to range, but charging the battery in 25 minutes is more realistic than the expected 20 minutes. On the other hand, the price will be the biggest problem. Production costs do not depend only on the manufacturer but on global problems that are currently affecting all industries.

Source: BCG

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