Hybrid, News

KIA Sportage made only for the European market

South Korean car manufacturer KIA has introduced the fifth generation of the Sportage model. It is a model made only for the European market, which has not happened in the last 28 years.

The new generation Sportage was developed on the Hyundai Motor Group platform. The platform was used to develop the already presented model for the South Korean and American markets, with a larger wheelbase of 108.4 inches (2,755 mm).

The European model comes with a smaller wheelbase of 105.51 inches (2,680 mm) and will be offered in two hybrid versions (hybrid and plug-in hybrid) as well as petrol and diesel versions. All versions are equipped with a start-stop system as standard in cooperation with Kia’s ADAS technology. KIA will not offer an electric version due to the fact that the Sportage is similar in size to the upcoming all-electric EV6 crossover.

The new Sportage is equipped with a distinctive front grille, a radiator grille with a hexagonal pattern, the rear bumper has been redesigned, and the GT-Line equipment also offers a black roof as a contrast.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in black leather with white stitching and GT-Line lettering embroidered on the seat, there are also a multifunction steering wheel and carbon fiber decorations on the dashboard.

Source: KIA

Hybrid, News

The most powerful production Mercedes AMG ever

The first plug-in hybrid Mercedes-AMG enters series production as the most powerful production Mercedes AMG ever. It is the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance that will debut at the IAA Show in Munich next week.

Thanks to a special powertrain, the E Performance model transfers AMG DNA of driving performance into an electrified future. The car combines top performance and impressive driving dynamics.

The new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance is powered by a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine with an electric motor. The total power of the car is an impressive 831 hp (620 kW) and 1,032 lb-ft (1,400 Nm) of torque. The battery, which powers the electric motor, is specially designed for fast delivery and energy consumption, but not for range. The high-performance battery has a capacity of 6.1 kWh with a continuous power supply of 70 kW and a short-term power supply of 150 kW for 10 seconds.

Not only is it the most powerful production AMG, but it is also the fastest Mercedes AMG. Thanks to its impressive performance, it reaches 62 mph in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 196 mph (315 km / h), which is better than the GT Black Series Coupe.

The exterior of the car has not changed much compared to other models. Some of the new additions are a charging port located on the rear bumper under the taillights, as well as a new set of 20-inch and 21-inch wheels, while the interior is identical to other GT models.

Source: Mercedes

EV, News

From 2024, DS Automobiles will only produce electric vehicles

DS Automobiles started producing electric cars in 2019. From 2024, the company decided to switch to the production of fully electric vehicles.

According to the company, an electric version of the DS 4 model should be introduced soon, which would increase the offer of electric models. After that, a new design will be presented which will mean the launch of the first fully electric project from Stellantis based on the STLA Medium platform.

The new model will use modern technology and will offer functions that will perfectly suit DS customers. DS director Beatrice Foucher said: “The automotive industry is changing widely and rapidly. As a pioneer, DS Automobiles anticipated this move so electrification is at the heart of our strategy.” She also said that the company decided to speed up the development of electric vehicles, which would create a new 100 percent electric travel art, desirable in terms of entertainment, quality and performance.

Models based on the STLA Medium platform will be between 4,200 and 5,000 mm long. It will use batteries with a capacity between 87 and 104 kWh, which will produce enough power for the car to cover a range of 434 miles (700 km).

Source: DS Automobiles

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