EV, News

Audi RS Q e-tron

From Audi’s racing department, comes information about testing the electric racing prototype that will participate in the new class (T1-E) at the next edition of the Dakar Rally. It is an Audi RS Q e-tron which will be driven by Stéphane Peterhansel, Carlos Sainz and Mattias Ekström.

The first test 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) RS Q e-tron spent on hard roads in Spain. After that, the team continued the two-week testing in the deserts of Morocco, in the conditions of sandstorms and extremely high air temperatures.

Andreas Roos, responsible for the racing activities of Audi Sport said: “We do not expect the high temperatures that greeted us in Morocco at the rally, but we consciously exposed the car to the most extreme conditions to find out what impact it will have on the powertrains and batteries. We are on the right track, but the optimization work is not over yet. “

The Audi RS Q e-tron will be powered by two electric motors, used in Formula E, which will deliver a combined 671 hp. The engines will be powered by a 52 kWh battery that will be charged by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine from DTM.

The Dakar Rally will be held in the deserts of Saudi Arabia from January 2 to 14, 2022.

Source: Audi

Future, News

CityAirbus is a new generation of fully electric flying taxi

When we say Airbus we all think of airplanes. However, this company has never hidden its ambitions to produce flying taxis. Since noise is likely to be a big problem as the number of aircraft increases, Airbus is already offering solutions and setting standards with a new generation of flying taxis, CityAirbus.

The fully electric CityAirbus, with vertical take-off and landing capabilities, has been in development since 2015. The primary goal of the aircraft is to avoid ground traffic, and it is designed for personal use. The previous version looks like a futuristic helicopter.

CityAirbus has fixed wings and a V-shaped tail, and is powered by eight propellers. Although the specifications have not been revealed, the new spacecraft offers enough space for four people and will allow a range of about 80 km. The maximum speed that the flying EV will reach is 75 mph (120 km / h). Airbus claims that the noise will be less than 65 decibels during the flight, or less than 70 decibels during the landing, which is less compared to a vacuum cleaner.

So far, 242 tests have been performed on the ground and in the air, as well as 1,000 kilometers covered with the previous version. Based on previous knowledge and experience, a new generation of CityAirbus was presented, whose first flight is expected in 2023, and obtaining a certificate in 2025.

Source: Airbus

News, Tuning

Brabus 900 Rocket Edition based on the AMG GLE 63S Coupe

A new beast called the 900 Rocket Edition has emerged from Brabus’ workshop. It is a crossover based on the AMG GLE 63S Coupe.

Brabus has improved the exterior with carbon components, as well as 24-inch forged wheels. There are also carbon aero discs, while the interior is upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara with contrasting red stitching. Many inscriptions can be seen inside, on the seat headers, floor mats and sills.

Brabus has equipped the car with a biturbo 4.5-liter V8 engine that has larger forged pistons, a crankshaft and longer forged connecting rods. New turbochargers with a larger compressor unit and reinforced axial bearings have also been installed. The upgraded fuel pump is more powerful and efficient, and the larger downpipe connects to a stainless steel exhaust system that has titanium and carbon fiber finishes.

Unlike the AMG GLE 63S Coupe, which is powered by a 3,982 cm³ engine, the BRABUS 900 Rocket Edition has a biturbo 4.5-liter V8 engine with 900 hp (662 kW). That’s enough power for a powerful crossover to reach 62 mph in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 205 mph (300 km / h).

The car will be made in 25 copies and will be sold at a price of 381,245.00 EUR.

Source: Brabus

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