News

Audi is seriously considering the SUV Q9

It has been rumored for many years that Audi could produce the Q9 SUV, and according to the latest information, it could happen soon. This could fit into the plans of the German company, which previously announced that it will introduce several new models in the next two years, and the Q9 could be one of them.

“Yes, of course. If you look at our volume compared to other brands, you will see that we are not in some segments unlike them,” said Managing Director of Audi Australia Jeff Mannering.

He also said the name sounds good, and if it goes into production, it should represent the top of the range. It would be significantly larger than the Q7 model, with a focus on comfort and luxury for passengers. The current Q7 offers three rows of seats, but it is far from competing with Mercedes and BMW models when it comes to luxury. Thus, the new SUV would be Audi’s response to the competition.

When it comes to the powertrain, it is not known whether the Q9 will be fully electric or powered by an internal combustion engine, but if we remember that Audi plans to produce only EVs from 2026, electric motors are a closer option. However, we should not forget that the VW Group has a number of ICE options such as V6 diesel and gasoline, as well as twin-turbo V8 engines for potential S and RS versions.

Source: Audi

EV

Mullen Five RS is a powerful crossover with 1,000 HP

Mullen Five RS is the new super powerful car from Mullen Automotive presented at CES (January 9 – 12) in Las Vegas. The car is based on the Mullen Five crossover and develops more than 1,000 hp.

The car is not only designed to be super powerful and fast, but also has great handling. It is powered by two electric motors with a total power of 1,000 hp (746 kW), paired with a two-speed transmission. That’s plenty of power to propel the car to 60 mph in 2 seconds with a top speed in excess of 200 mph (322 km/h).

It is equipped with a 100 kWh battery and uses an 800-volt architecture, and the company says that the battery can be charged from 0 to 80 percent in just 21 minutes via a DC fast charger. Assuming Mullen can live up to his promises, this car could pose a serious challenge to Tesla’s Model X Plaid in the race of acceleration.

It’s mounted on 21- or 22-inch wheels behind carbon ceramic Brembo brakes with six- and four-piston calipers. Ultra-Performance Race Track Mode adjusts throttle mapping, drivetrain, cooling, suspension stiffness and steering feel.

The luxurious interior with orange ambient lighting is equipped with sports seats upholstered in Nubuck leather and Alcantara, carbon details on the doors and massive screens for the cluster and infotainment system. There is also a third screen in front of the passenger that shows speed and other information, but also an AI Persona assistant that can recognize faces. It offers space for four passengers, but the luggage space is smaller compared to competing Tesla models.

The first copies should reach their owners in early 2025, and the price is currently unknown.

Source: Mullen

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Mullen Five RS is a powerful crossover with 1,000 HP
News

New Škoda cars will be equipped with ChatGPT

Since its appearance, artificial intelligence is expanding its use especially in the automotive industry. Thus, more and more car manufacturers are integrating artificial intelligence into their multimedia system. One of them, Škoda, announced that starting this year all their new models will have the integration of a digital assistant with artificial intelligence ChatGPT.

Digital assistant Laura will be equipped with artificial intelligence and will be able to talk to users. This new feature is powered by Cerence Chat Pro from technology partner Cerence Inc., offering a unique automotive integration of ChatGPT. Of course, ChatGPT will also have certain restrictions when it comes to car data or user personal data. All interaction with the digital assistant will be deleted immediately after processing, and if the system cannot answer the question, it will be forwarded to AI ChatGPT.

The first models to be equipped with this option will be the Enyaq, the new Kodiaq and Superb, as well as the Octavia facelift that was announced a few days ago.

The car was announced with a short video that doesn’t reveal much, but some changes can be seen compared to the current model, such as the new design of the front daytime running lights, a slightly redesigned grille and a new bumper design. A small redesign of the rear part is also expected, which was announced in the previously published spy photos.

There will be changes in the car’s interior as well, and this primarily refers to the new infotainment screen that will be integrated in all Volkswagen Group cars.

Source: Škoda

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