Hybrid, News

OPEL ASTRA – NEW GENERATION OF PHEV MODELS

From Opel comes an improved version of the eighth generation Astra and will be offered with diesel and gasoline engines with two plug-in hybrid options.

The new Astra will use the platform recently introduced on the third generation Peugeot 308. Larger in size than its predecessor, the new Astra has a 13 mm longer wheelbase. The old grille was replaced with a black plate. New LED headlights have also been installed, which can be upgraded to Vauxhall’s Intellilux items.

Inside, the cabin has been redesigned. On the dashboard, there is a large central touch screen through which most functions are performed, while some controls are kept under the touch screen and on the steering wheel. Thanks to the increase in size, the car also has a larger trunk volume, which now stands at 422 liters.

The new Astra will be offered with petrol and diesel engines, and customers will be able to count on two “plug in” hybrid options. The petrol 1.2 Turbo engine will produce 110 hp or 130 hp, while the diesel 1.2 four-cylinder engine will deliver 130 hp.

PHEV options come with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 150 hp or 180 hp combined with a 110 hp electric motor. The electric motor is powered by a 12.4 kWh lithium ion battery that provides a range of 31 miles. Thanks to the 7.4 kW charger, the battery can be charged in less than two hours.

Source: Autocar

News

BMW X5 and X6 Black Vermilion – Limited Edition

For the end of the year, BMW has prepared special editions of the X5 and X6 Black Vermilion models. With this limited series, BMW seeks to increase customer interest in both the European and American markets.

At the front is a grille with red vertical bars, while the body is painted in Frozen Black Metallic. Both models come with 22-inch wheels and specially designed red M Sport brake calipers, adjustable suspension and M Sport exhaust system.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in black leather with contrasting red stitching. There’s also a heated leather steering wheel, Edition logo on the cup holders, Harman Kardon audio system, front and rear floor mats finished in red.

Only the X5 Black Vermilio xDrive40i model will be offered in the US market. 350 copies of this model will be produced for U.S. market at a price of $ 82,300 plus $ 995 (destination), and production is expected to begin in late 2021.

At the beginning of August, the first copies are expected on the European market at a price of € 93,200 for the X5 and € 100,700 for the X6 models.

Source: BMW

Hybrid, News

The Porsche 911 Hybrid should hit the market in 2023

The famous German car company Porsche is working hard on a hybrid version of its most famous model, which has been hiding behind the number 911 for decades. The car should arrive on the market in 2023.

After the electrified Porsche Taycan is accepted by customers, surpassing the 718 and 992 Series in sales, it is no longer a secret that the 911 will get its hybrid version.

In support of these claims are the facts that when presenting the current generation of the 911 (992), Porsche introduced a platform adapted to accommodate a hybrid system with batteries and an electric motor. The car is supposed to use a 400-volt battery unlike the Porsche Taycan which uses an 800 volt battery, and should be equipped with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is also used in the Panamera.

Recently, images leaked showing a test prototype of the 911, on the Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack, with a yellow sticker required during testing of hybrid models.

The specifications of the hybrid 911 are not known at this time, but some suggest that they should be better than what the 911 Turbo S has to offer.

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