Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar1 – Electric Off-Road Excellence and Distinctive Design

Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar

Embark on an electrifying adventure with the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar1, a unique blend of off-road prowess and distinctive design inspired by the legendary RS Q e-tron from the Dakar Rally. Elevating off-road capability with a 31mm raised ground clearance, this exclusive SUV features General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires for enhanced acceleration and braking on diverse surfaces.

Based on the Q8 advanced 55 e-tron quattro, the Dakar1 edition boasts a 106 kWh net battery, delivering 300 kW in boost mode with a torque of 664 Nm. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, it offers a range of up to 487 kilometers. The SUV’s off-road optimization includes a wading depth of 300 mm and a revised air suspension control strategy.

The exterior design is a testament to sporty off-road aesthetics, available in Siam Beige metallic, Mythos Black metallic, and Magnetic Gray. The distinctive features include widened wheel arch trims, projection lights, and LED displays projecting “edition Dakar” when the door opens. Optionally, a decal package inspired by the RS Q e-tron adds a touch of exclusivity, limited to 99 units.

The interior boasts Matrix LED headlights, S line interior, and a suite of premium features. Standard equipment includes tinted sun visors, sporty seats in Dinamica microfiber, a multifunction sport leather steering wheel, and decorative inlays in brushed matte aluminum. The head-up display, MMI operating system, and ambient lighting contribute to a high-tech driving experience.

Loaded with practicality, the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar1 includes the City and Tour assistance packages, a roof rack, and a storage and luggage compartment package. The vehicle is equipped with General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires and comes with an additional set of summer tires.

The optional ambient light package plus, four-zone automatic air conditioning, and the Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System enhance the interior experience. Virtual side mirrors with cameras, available as an option, reduce the vehicle’s width and improve visibility in challenging off-road conditions.

In summary, the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar1 is not just an SUV; it’s a bold statement of electrified adventure, combining cutting-edge technology with rugged off-road capability and a design that pays homage to the Dakar Rally heritage.

Courtesy : https://www.audi-mediacenter.com

Opel’s Electrifying Roadmap: Highlights from IAA Mobility, Pioneering EVs, and a Glimpse into the Future

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In 2023, Opel marks a significant milestone in its electrification journey with 15 already electrified models under its Blitz brand. The latest additions include the Opel Corsa Electric, Astra Electric, and Astra Sports Tourer Electric. Notably, the Astra Sports Tourer Electric stands out as one of the first all-electric estates in the market.

Opel made waves at the IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich with three world premieres, including the Opel Experimental—a visionary concept offering insights into the brand’s future. The event also featured the dynamic third season of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe,” the world’s first electric one-make rally cup, highlighting Opel’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Opel’s LCV lineup saw a refreshing update with the introduction of the new Opel Combo, Vivaro, and Movano, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to electrification in both passenger and commercial vehicles.

Opel CEO Florian Huettl expressed the brand’s commitment to making mobility electric, easy, and exciting. The electrification journey continues in 2024, coinciding with Opel’s celebration of 125 years of automobile production. The brand aims to have at least one battery-electric variant in each carline, reinforcing its commitment to driving the change towards electromobility.

Overall, Opel’s electrification strategy positions it as a forward-thinking and dynamic player in the evolving automotive landscape, combining innovation with sustainability for a thrilling driving experience.

Courtesy : https://www.media.stellantis.com

Milano, the Sport Urban Vehicle, Sparks a Historic Return to the B-Segment!

alfa-romeo-milano

Alfa Romeo has chosen a name deeply rooted in its historical ties for the brand’s inaugural Sport Urban Vehicle, which will also feature a 100% electric version. Named Milano as an homage to its hometown, the vehicle pays tribute to the city’s role as a global ambassador of Made in Italy, a hub for design, a symbol of innovation and sustainability, and a leader in the automotive transition to electric power.

Since its inception in 1910, the Alfa Romeo logo has prominently featured the Cross, a historic symbol of Milan, and the Biscione serpent, the emblem of the noble Visconti family. For over 60 years, from 1910 to 1972, the city’s name was an integral part of the logo.

The Alfa Romeo Milano is set to be unveiled to the international press in April 2024, right in the heart of Milan. This milestone marks Alfa Romeo’s foray into the B-segment, the largest segment in Europe, with a vehicle that encapsulates the brand’s essence of noble Italian sportiness. The 100% electric Sport Urban Vehicle aims to welcome both loyal Alfisti and a broader audience eagerly anticipating the brand’s return to this segment.

Jean-Philippe Imparato, Alfa Romeo CEO, stated, “With the arrival of Milano in 2024, Alfa Romeo completes a lineup capable of meeting the desires of all our enthusiasts and much more. Milano is intended as a symbolic ‘welcome back’ to all our Alfisti fans.”

The choice of the name “Milano” is deeply rooted in the brand’s history, as reflected in its emblem since 1910. Milan, known as a symbol of modernity, innovation, and sustainability, serves as an ideal starting point for Alfa Romeo’s new chapter, reinterpreting sportiness in the 21st century and exporting Italian values worldwide.

Reflecting on the brand’s journey since the founding of Stellantis in 2021, Alfa Romeo has maintained a solid and disciplined product plan, transitioning to electric power while achieving global recognition for quality. The “From 0 to 0” product plan aims to transform the lineup from zero electrified vehicles in 2021 to a fully zero-emission lineup by 2027.

The brand’s commercial performance in 2023 showcases robust growth, with a 34% increase compared to 2022 in the year-to-date figures up to November. Notably, Alfa Romeo has achieved substantial growth in Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and the India Asia Pacific region.

The history of Milan is intricately woven into the Alfa Romeo logo, symbolizing the brand’s roots and evolution over the years. From the incorporation of the Milanese symbols in 1910 to the various changes in design, the logo has stood as a testament to Alfa Romeo’s identity and heritage.

As the brand looks forward to the future, the Milano Sport Urban Vehicle represents a significant milestone in Alfa Romeo’s transition to electric power, aligning with its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the enduring spirit of Italian sportiness.

Courtesy : https://www.media.stellantis.com

Porsche’s Taycan Pre-Series Electrifies Nürburgring with a 26-Second Record Smash!

porsche_Taycan Pre-Series

Porsche development driver Lars Kern has set a remarkable new record at the Nürburgring, achieving a lap time of 7:07.55 minutes in a pre-series Taycan. This official time is an impressive 26 seconds faster than his previous record in a Taycan Turbo S Sport sedan with the performance package back in August 2022.

Kevin Giek, the head of the model line, expressed the significance of this achievement, stating, “Twenty-six seconds is half an eternity in motorsport. Lars’ lap time of 7:07.55 minutes on the Nordschleife is sensational, putting the Taycan in the same league as electric hypercars. And the impressive thing about it is that over several laps, Lars clocked almost exactly the same time.”

Kern, driving the pre-series Taycan, shared, “I pushed as hard as I could, but that was really all I could do.” The Nürburgring-Nordschleife was exclusively available for Kern’s fast laps on the day of the record attempt. For safety reasons, the test car was equipped with the legally prescribed roll cage and racing bucket seats.

Compared to the 2022 record in a Taycan Turbo S, the pre-series car demonstrated significant improvements, reaching a speed that was 25 km/h faster heading into the Schwedenkreuz. The performance leap on the 20.8 km course in Germany’s Eifel region is emphasized by the fact that, during his 2022 record drive, Kern would have only just approached the entrance to the Nordschleife by the time he crossed the finish line this time.

An onboard video of the complete lap is scheduled to be published in mid-March, allowing enthusiasts to witness the electrifying evolution of the Taycan at the Nürburgring.

Courtesy : https://newsroom.porsche.com

Supernal’s Soaring Revelation: Unveiling the Future of Air Mobility at CES 2024

Hyundai_eVTOL

Supernal’s Grand Reveal: Unveiling the Future of Air Mobility at CES 2024

Following its debut at CES 2020, Supernal, Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Air Mobility company, is set to make a triumphant return to the show. This time, they’re ready to showcase their revolutionary eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle) product concept and more. Creating a captivating “vertiport” exhibition at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s West Hall entrance, Supernal invites attendees to step into the future of transportation:

  • Witness the unveiling of the company’s cutting-edge vehicle product concept.
  • Experience a thrilling flight simulation over the city of LA.
  • Explore potential flight networks and the vision of future “mobility hubs” for seamless travel journeys.

Event Highlights:

1. Press Conference:

  • Date: Tuesday, January 9
  • Time: 11:00 a.m. PST
  • Limited capacity; RSVP recommended

2. Media and Influencer Open House:

  • Date: Tuesday, January 9
  • Time: 5:00 p.m. PST
  • Limited capacity; RSVP recommended

Featured Speakers:

  • Jaiwon Shin, CEO of Supernal and President of Hyundai Motor Group
  • Ben Diachun, Chief Technology Officer of Supernal
  • Luc Donckerwolke, President and Chief Design Officer of Hyundai Motor Group

Event Location:

  • Supernal “Vertiport” in Diamond parking lot, situated in front of the West Hall entrance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

About Supernal: Supernal (Su·per·nal) is an Advanced Air Mobility company leading the development of an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle and the ground-to-air ecosystem to support this emerging industry. As part of Hyundai Motor Group, Supernal leverages world-class manufacturing, automation, supply chain, and R&D expertise to make this innovative transportation option widely accessible in the coming decades. Their approach prioritizes building the right product and market before being the first to market. Get ready for a groundbreaking glimpse into the future at CES 2024.

Courtesy : https://www.hyundainews.com