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Porsche 718 Spyder

Since the early 1960s, Porsche continued to expand the successful concept of the legendary 550 Spyder and its successor models. The design language of the 718 RS 60 Spyder was influenced by its function. And exactly this design language can be seen now in the new 718 Spyder.

Its clearly defined shape with the typical Porsche sweep tells the headwind what it has to do: create optimum tyre contact pressure. The highly distinctive front spoiler lip with an additional spoiler in front of the wheel arches reduces the aerodynamic lift on the front axle. The central air intake in the front apron also optimises the aerodynamics and channels the air stream up through the air outlet in front of the front lid.

Even the underside of the front spoiler lip has been aerodynamically optimised. Air curtains in the front apron minimise the air turbulence created on the wheels and therefore minimise drag by releasing the inflowing air precisely in front of the wheels from the wheel arches.

The large air intakes with air intake grilles ensure a high cooling capacity. Thanks to the new honeycomb structure of the grilles, these are even more aerodynamically efficient than in previous models.The typical 718 lines on the doors direct air to the side air intakes. These supply the midmounted engine with fresh air, ensuring that it is efficiently ventilated – if it gets hot.

The design is additionally rounded off by the 20-inch alloys set deeply in the wheel housing that give the performance of the new 718 Spyder a greater contact area with the road, thanks to the sports tyres.

The rear end of the new 718 shows how perfect irrationality can be. The distinctive rear spoiler between the tinted taillights emphasises the performance-oriented design. At speeds in excess of 120km/h it automatically extends – and reduces lift for more driving stability. The dynamic slope of the rear end is made up of the diffuser and the new, concise sports exhaust system. Its two black sports tailpipes are separated further and create the unfiltered sound that, every now and then, silences reason.

The Sports seats Plus with raised side bolster offer secure hold, even during dynamic cornering manoeuvres. A small exception to the prevailing purism: the headrests are embroidered with the ‘Spyder’ logo. The seat centres in Alcantara® evoke motorsport emotions every time you take your seat. Alcantara® is also used on the door pulls, armrests, steering wheel and gear lever. It offers optimal grip and enhances the sporty appeal of the 718 Spyder. The puristic door pull loops also enhance the impression. The predominant colour: black. The only exceptions: the needles on the round instruments are white. The decorative trims on the dashboard and centre console have a paint finish in the exterior colour.

The 718 Spyder has a six-cylinder 4.0-liter engine with 420 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Accelerates from 0-60 in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 187 mph.

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Lotus SUV

The Chinese company Geely wants Lotus to be the leading brand of luxury cars, and an electric SUV currently codenamed Lambda should help. This SUV will appear in 2022 and will have a fully electric drivetrain instead of the hybrid one mentioned earlier. Production will take place in China where there is still a high demand for premium electric vehicles.

The project was started by former Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales, and the SUV was first talked about in 2016. At the time, high-performance hybrid drive, such as that used by Geely’s Polestar and Volvo brands, was being considered.

However, the electric car market was much less mature at the time than it is today, especially in China where more than 1.2 million electric cars were sold last year. Also, incentives encourage people to buy electric cars, so Geely’s move is understandable and for Lotus SUVs, instead of a hybrid, they choose a fully electric drive.

The goal is to triple sales in the next few years, from 1,500 to 5,000 cars a year. The first big step in sales growth is the new Esprit. A new hybrid sports car with a V6 engine coming in next year.

Due to the fact that the Lotus base in Hethel, Norfolk, is being renovated, the SUV could be produced there because the annual production capacity is 10,000 cars, but the base will still be reserved for the sports car.

Geely will produce the SUV at a recently built plant in Wuhan, China, which cost a billion pounds. This plant can produce 150,000 cars a year. Most of this will be Geely’s products for the domestic market. Also, part of the factory will produce a Lotus SUV. Experts from Hethel are in charge of the development of the chassis and drive, with the experience gained during the development of the Evia electric hypercar.

The base model will develop 600 hp thanks to two electric motors. The most powerful version will deliver 750 hp. That should be enough to make the Lotus SUV a competitor to the Model X. And other future high-performance electric SUVs as well. The range should be about 580 km.

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McLaren 720S

McLaren 720S is a car that pushes the limits of possibilities. To sit behind the wheel of a McLaren 720S is to rediscover the true meaning of engagement between driver and car.

The architecture, the all-round visibility and the complex shape just wouldn’t be possible with aluminium or any other metal. Carbon fibre delivers this with all the advantages of strength and weight in a structure that nobody else offers. Which is precisely why a carbon fibre monocoque has been at the heart of every McLaren. In the 720S, the traditional metal superstructure of the car with carbon fiber makes one shell… Monocage II. Exceptional structural rigidity helps to keep driver and passenger safe. And allows for slimmer pillars – enhancing cockpit space and visibility. While the lowered centre of gravity breathes new life into every element of driving dynamics.

Its powerful simplicity has resulted in truly iconic car designs. A legacy into which the 720S Coupe now takes its place. As soon as air hits the car, every curve and channel is designed to use it to enhance performance. As efficiently as possible. Hidden ducts within the headlights guide air to cool the engine. Fast flowing air is directed around the windscreen and into channels concealed within the doors.

Sit behind the wheel of the 720S Coupe and it feels as if the car was built with you already in place. That’s because everything about this stunning interior is focused on the driver. From the touch of the materials. To the ergonomic design of the driver interfaces. There’s supreme quality and comfort in every detail. Controls are carefully angled and positioned for easy reach with minimum distraction. It’s an interior crafted around you. Allowing full commitment to an exhilarating drive. You can also choose finishing options to suit your personal tastes.

The 720S specification features two-tone colour combinations in Alcantara® or Nappa leather, plus machined and anodised aluminium switches. 720S Luxury envelops the cabin in highest-quality leather – with iridium brightwork and electricallyoperated and heated seats as standard. Then there’s the 720S Performance specification, which evokes the high energy and power of the track. Alcantara® features throughout, with carbon and dark technical finishes creating a moody interior.

The new M840T McLaren engine is a 4.0-litre V8 unit with twin scroll turbochargers for enhanced response. It’s always ready to give more – devouring road and track with ravenous appetite. Once you’re behind the wheel, all those inspired improvements – like a new intake manifold and stiffer, lighter crankshaft – mesh into a brilliant beating heart. There’s 720PS and 770Nm of torque behind you. Touch the pedal and you’ll feel the instant response from the engine at work. The new engine is also positioned as low as possible between the front and rear axles – increasing the car’s handling prowess, and its luggage capacity. The McLaren 720S accelerates from 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 212 mph.

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