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2024 VW Golf R

Ten days ago we saw the sketches of the redesigned VW Golf Mk8 and now we have the first official photos of the new generation of the most powerful version of this model, the VW Golf R. Of course, something remained hidden under the blue foil, to save it for the premiere that will happen in the summer .

For now, there are not many details about the car, but some information suggests that the difference in power between the GTI and R models has been reduced. The new generation Golf GTI now has 265 hp, which is 20 hp more than its predecessor, while the new Golf R will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 315 hp (235 kW) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. It will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. Power is sent to all wheels via a DSG automatic gearbox.

When it comes to the design, what can be noticed at first glance is that there have been subtle changes, but it is still the recognizable Golf R. The design of the front bumper has been changed and now includes a centrally positioned radar, which is not the case with the current model. There are also lowered suspension, blue LED light strip between the headlights, LED tail lights, four exhaust pipes, a rear diffuser and 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior is minimalistic with lots of blue stitching, sports seats, few buttons and some fiddly details.

Europeans also have a more powerful Golf R 333 model, as well as a Golf R station wagon, unlike buyers in North America. R 333 is powered by a 2.0L gasoline engine with 333 hp (245 kW) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. That’s enough power to push the car to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).

Source: VW

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A black box will be mandatory in all new cars sold in the EU

When we say “Black box” or data recorder (a device that records data with a specific algorithm), the first thing that comes to mind is airplanes, and of course they are mandatory in all aircraft. However, from the summer of 2024, they will be mandatory in all new cars sold in the EU.

Traffic accidents also have financial consequences for the people involved in them, and it is often difficult to decide who caused the accident. That’s why the EU passed a regulation that all new cars (class M1 – up to eight seats) must have an EDR (Event Data Recorder) built in, like N1 class vehicles, including pickups and vans whose weight does not exceed 3,500 kilograms. This decision applies to all 27 EU members (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands , Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden).

According to European Commission documentation, EDR records data on the speed, braking, position and tilt of the car on the road, as well as how safety systems react. The device will record these parameters in a short period of time, five seconds before and 0.3 seconds after the impact. Of course, the data must be recorded with high precision and ensure its persistence. In addition, the device analyzes whether the emergency call system has been activated. It is known that the eCall system has become mandatory in the EU since April 2018.

The EDR will be built into the airbag control unit and cannot be turned off. Activates automatically when seat belt pretensioners and airbags deploy. In addition, it starts recording when the vehicle’s active hood pops up or when there is a lateral or longitudinal speed change of more than 8 km/h within 0.15 seconds.

All data stored by the EDR belong to the owner of the vehicle and will only be available to the competent authorities to assist in the reconstruction of the accident. The device works on the principle of a closed loop, and the data is collected anonymously to prevent manipulation if it falls into the wrong hands. The last four digits of the vehicle’s VIN number are not stored, nor are any other types of data that would reveal the identity of the owner.

Source: Reuters

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Honda is developing an all-electric sports car

At the recent 2024 CES in Las Vegas, Honda unveiled two electric concepts showing that it is trying to catch up with the competition that is making big strides towards full electrification. Also, Honda is interested in developing a sports car that should represent the beginning of the electric era of the Japanese manufacturer.

In an interview with Autocar, CEO of Honda Toshihiro Mibe said that the company is developing a sports car that will be the leader of electrification and a key part of the 0 Series, which will appear on the market in the next two years. This car will serve as the flagship model of the 0 Series and will combine technical innovation along with maximizing interior space, reducing battery weight and increasing efficiency, all for a better driving experience, with a focus on the driver.

There isn’t much information about Honda’s new electric sports car so far, but what we do know so far, thanks to speculation, is that it will have a low forward cabin profile, a minimalist interior design, a lighter and thinner battery, while the motors, inverters and transmission will be integrated. into a compact unit in order to optimize the interior space.

Also, Mibe pointed out that Honda is conducting a detailed analysis of the current electric sports car market, without specifying competitors.

Source: Autocar

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