A Porsche with leadership qualities: When the distinctively designed Taycan pulls out of the pit lane and onto the racetrack in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, it will quickly take the lead. Porsche’s first all-electric sports car is the new safety car in the innovative electric racing series this season. The vehicle will celebrate its racetrack debut at the opening round of the Formula E season on 28/29 January in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.
Designed to be more than just the Formula E safety car, the Porsche Tycan Turbo S` striking paintwork flies the colours of all eleven teams competing in the Championship, as well as the colours of the FIA and Formula E. It symbolizes the commitment of everyone involved in Formula E and the common path towards the future of all-electric motor racing.
At the same time, it gives a visual expression of social values such as diversity and community. The number 22 acknowledges the performance of the 22 drivers who contest the series this season.
Thanks to its driveability and safety as well as its output of up to 560 kW (761 PS), the high performance Taycan Turbo S is a very good choice in the critical role of a safety car in the only all-electric motorsport World Championship, racing in the heart of iconic world cities including London, Mexico City, New York City, Berlin, Monaco and Seoul. With Launch Control, the flagship model of the Taycan range accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 260 km/h.
More Porsche news soon, last but not least about its Museum… Stay tuned!
Much more than a racing car, the PEUGEOT 9×8 has grown to become already an iconic object, an aesthetic and technical revolution, an ultimate design adventure.
The reason is simple: For the PEUGEOT 9X8 Hybrid Hypercar, the styling was not only dictated by the necessity to obtain maximum performance. Peugeot wanted it also to be a design object. Therefore, engineers and designers worked closely together to achieve a convergence between style and technology to create a competition vehicle. “The level of discussion was absolutely unprecedented,” said Matthias Hossann, PEUGEOT Style Director. “We had contact with the PEUGEOT Sport team and really worked hand in hand with them.”
Supercar photographer Agnieszka Doroszewiczphotographed the car in brutalist architecture…
A competition between the designers…
“To identify the theme for our future racing car, we first launched a competition between the designers. We received a lot of entries because this project sparked tremendous enthusiasm, with the prospect of one day seeing our creation compete against the world’s most prestigious brands on the most mythical circuits.”
Matthias Hossann continued: “Once the theme was chosen with the help of the PEUGEOT Sport engineers, we got to work together. Guided by performance that was never compromised, and under innovative regulations, the engineers left as much leeway as possible to give the designers the freedom of creativity to develop the design of the Hypercar. The PEUGEOT 9X8 was born along with the DNA of the new Hypercar Regulations (LMH) sought after by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the organizer of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, and presents the basic features of a PEUGEOT. This car will be a milestone in the history of Endurance racing.”
The cabin echoes the brand’s signature i-Cockpit concept…
Another distinctive sign of PEUGEOT’s expertise and style is evident in the 9X8’s interior, which is based on the brand’s signature i-Cockpit concept. As with a series model project, the care for the interior design was matched only by the high demands placed on the exterior: the driver and fans in front of their screens should feel like they are inside a PEUGEOT, beyond any shadow of a doubt. In addition, the entire cockpit of the PEUGEOT 9X8 has been designed to offer the driver the highest degree of ergonomics and intuition.
A photo session before the endurance racing season…
PEUGEOT Design Director Matthias Hossann has placed it in brutalist architecture before starting the Endurance races in 2022. This was an opportunity for fashion and supercar photographer Agnieszka Doroszewicz to play with the light and contrasts of the concrete.
Her photos are a metaphor for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a mythical race in which the light changes as the hours pass. We show you the stunning photos here, of indeed a beautiful racing car…
Amidst the Supercar Story exhibit at Autoworld, D’Ieteren presented the brands it imports in Belgium, with Rimac as a newcomer…
The famous Belgian firm D’Ieteren, which has a unique and rich history, mainly but not exclusively in the automotive world, looks back at a very good year for its three luxury brands, and adds another one… Rimac.
The Flying Spur Hybrid reveals its electrified nature by a blue colored radiator mascotte…
But let’s start our overview here with Bentley. Your servant has always been very fond of these cars, and vividly remembers a drive in the Mulsanne Bentley from the D’Ieteren headquarters in Brussels to Le Mans, to attend the 24 h race there. This unique experience was further enhanced by the invitation by D’Ieteren to attend the race in the Bentley hospitality room above the Bentley pit stand. Sweet and precious memories…
Your servant was unfortunately medically advised not to attend the press conference at Autoworld in the light of the present pandemic, but thanks to the excellent D’Ieteren PR department, last but not least PR Managers Bernard Van Bellingen and Jean-Marc Ponteville, there is, dear reader, more than enough info material available to present all the news in detail to you.
A Bentley remains a Bentley, even when only judging it by its dashboard instruments…
Bentley took advantage of the sensational Supercar Story exhibit at Autoworld to delight fans and enthusiasts of exceptional cars. The Continental GT Speed Cabriolet has been on display since the opening of the show on December 17 last. Over 40 exceptional cars from the history of the automotive industry accompanied the Flying Spur Hybrid at the Autoworld venue. Among these were the Flying Spur V8, the Continental GT Speed Convertible and the Bentley Continental GT3-R. The selection of Bentley models on display showcases the strongest product portfolio in the history of the brand whilst cementing the role of Bentley in automotive history.
The Flying Spur Hybrid made its debut…
But in a surprising move, at the initiative of its headquarters in Crewe, this collection has been joined by two additional models: the Flying Spur Hybrid, which is having its European premiere there, as well as the very first Flying Spur to leave the factory in 2003 with the number 1 stamped on its chassis.
“The Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid that we can admire at Autoworld until January 23, is the model that has traveled 733 kilometers through Iceland with electricity generated from geothermal sources and biofuel. Because, indeed, our engines are already compatible with 100% renewable synthetic fuels ,” said David Favest, Bentley General Manager.
Combined with electricity from natural sources, this biofuel can reduce CO2 emissions from well to wheel by 45%. In electric mode, the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid can travel 40 kilometers. We will come back with a detailed review of this formidable car.
Towards carbon neutrality
Bentley’s ambitious Beyond100 strategy…
Indeed, “the world’s best luxury sedan”, as Bentley calls it, goes green: the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid is another step in Bentley’s “Beyond100” strategy. Its goal is to be carbon neutral from start to finish by 2030. On its journey, it will see the entire Bentley range having an electrified drivetrain option by 2024 and the brands first BEV in 2025.
In that respect, the dealership Bentley Brussels is setting a good example with its power supply on solar panels. But that’s not all: in 2021 Bentley Brussels also installed three beehives on its site in Drogenbos.
David Favest explains: “The surrounding site, which is owned by D’Ieteren, is a Natura 2000 site. In this zone we are recolonizing Belgian Black Bees (Apis Mellifera Mellifera), the purest breed of the Belgian bees on the brink of extinction; we aim to have 30,000 bees in three hives over a three-year period.”
We would also like to remind you that last summer Bentley Motors entered into a partnership with The Macallan, the prestigious Scottish producer of Scotch whiskey and alcohol-free thanks. Both companies want to develop a number of experiments together for a more sustainable future.
More sales and more customization
2021 was a remarkably successful year for Bentley with 109 registrations. But with the foreign registrations added, the order book is more representative: together with Lamborghini, a total of 250 vehicles last year. In Belgium, Bentley’s registrations grew by 9%, orders even by 70%!
In the total luxury market (more than 450 hp), Bentley and Lamborghini have a market share of 22.2%, while the D’Ieteren group (Porsche, Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini) even approaches a share of almost 45%!
“Last year we also observed a strong evolution in spending on bespoke customization,” continues David Favest. “The Bentley customer currently spends an average of €42,000, excluding taxes, on the Mulliner program. That’s almost €20,000 more than before.”
The health crisis has led us to create new services for our customers, such as the #One2OneXperience. This allows them to configure their car from home in a paperless manner. This experience is only available in the company of a vendor who provides remote access to the world’s most powerful configurators, storing more than 1.7 million images per model in ultra-high resolution. “To develop this service, we upgraded our entire IT system with twice the bandwidth for Teams. This increases the degree of personalization by 10 billion possible combinations,” explains David Favest.
If the customer wishes to complete the configuration at the dealer, we offer him or her a private appointment, with a prepared test vehicle also available. The dealerships of Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti Brussels are currently only open by appointment.
As a result of its bees conservation programme, Bentley even produces honey…
The #One2OneXperience service also includes after-sales service. This makes it possible to collect or deliver a vehicle for maintenance where the customer wishes, either via closed transport or with a driver.
These new services, launched during the health crisis to limit contacts, have increased the satisfaction rate to over 90%!
Of course, news will follow about Lamborghini, Bugatti and a new fully electric supercar brand: Rimac.
Having made its world debut already last November, it was presented this week in Belgium. Subaru wants it to be, well, a true Subaru. This means that the SOLTERRA (from the latin Sol = soil, and Terra = earth) has been built as an authentic SUV, and provides the value of “enjoyment and peace of mind” – as Subaru puts it – that Subaru have cultivated over many years.
The e-SUBARU Global Platform…
Using the know-how cultivated with the highly recognized Subaru Global Platform, Subaru has jointly developed the e-Subaru Global Platform together with Toyota Motor Corporation as a BEV-dedicated platform.
The e-Subaru Global Platform enables a driving experience with superior driving dynamics, that brings high stability and handling linearly responds to driver’s steering operation, says Subaru.
High capacity battery packs are placed under the floor as it is a BEV, and by utilizing that battery as a part of the structure, a low center of gravity and high body strength and rigidity are realized.
An AWD System with two motors…
The SOLTERRA has adopted a new system that drives the front and rear wheels with separate motors. Taking advantage of the expertise in AWD technology precisely controlling the four tires that SUBARU has accumulated over many years, the agile response of the electric motors and the flexible driving force distribution between front and rear, SOLTERRA offers a driving with confidence.
Like the other SUBARU SUV models, SOLTERRA features the X-MODE AWD control system that enhances the sense of security on rough roads. By adding the new Grip Control function, which enables the vehicle to run at a constant speed while stabilizing the vehicle even on rough roads, the all-terrain capability is further improved.
Developed together with Toyota…
The SOLTERRA is the vehicle which takes an important role for SUBARU.
The vehicle has been jointly-developed by Toyota and SUBARU, which entered into a new business and capital alliance in September 2019. They brought together technologies and knowledge’s that are expertise of each under the slogan “Let’s make ever-better cars together” and the engineers of both companies developed it together “while engaging in a friendly rivalry” according to Subaru.
The launch of the SOLTERRA will start by the middle of 2022 in the markets including Japan, the United States, Canada, Europe and China.
We hardly can wait to sit behind the wheel of one!
Subaru announces the availability of the Forester MY22. The versatile, compact SUV with standard four-wheel drive is not only getting a makeover, it now comes with an improved suspension, even more comfort, and the latest generation EyeSight safety system.
Bolder looks…
The front bumper was redesigned with a new grille, a revised design for the headlamps and fog lamps The new fog lamp housings (in chrome or black, depending on the trim level) are better integrated with the contours of the bumper and give the Forester extra character.
At the rear only some subtle changes were made to the rear bumper protection. The roof rails will now be given a silver color and the Premium version will be fitted with new 18-inch rims. Finally, the consumer can choose from three additional colours, namely Autumn Green Metallic, Cascade Green Silica and Brilliant Bronze Metallic.
Focus on safety and comfort…
The Forester now has the latest generation EyeSight that was previously introduced on the new Outback. Thanks to Subaru’s stereo camera collision prevention system, the Forester now has a wider viewing angle (almost double) and new image recognition software along with a number of safety features, including some new functions: Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering function, Autonomous Emergency Steering, Lane Departure Prevention including recognition of dividing lines such as grass or road edges, Preceding Vehicle Adaptive Steering Control (following the center line of the vehicle in front of the vehicle in the lane) and Pre-Collision Braking System with comprehensive support for collision avoidance at intersections.
For even more comfort, the suspension has been further optimized, making rides even more comfortable in all conditions and on any surface. The possibilities of the X-MODE were also further refined. Once X-MODE is activated, it will automatically go into standby mode from 40 km/h and will automatically reactivate once the vehicle speed drops below 35 km/h.
Airco Gesture Control
From the Luxury version, an Airco Gesture Control is also added. Via two simple hand movements that are registered via the Driver Monitoring System, the driver can quickly and safely adjust the temperature of the air conditioning system to the desired temperature. This way the driver will not be distracted by pressing the buttons and/or looking at the screen.
The Forester MY22 is available immediately from all dealers in the Subaru network from €35,995 (€34,805 in Lux)
More news very soon to be expected, last but not least Subaru’s First Global All-Electric Vehicle SOLTERRA!
The new C5 pleases with a unique experience of on-board peace of mind, and the C5 Aircross adds to this a new attitude, expressing greater strength and more refinement. A benchmark in terms of comfort and modularity, especially in its plug-in hybrid version, C5 Aircross has now been redesigned to be more mature.
C5 Aircross introduces a new design language at the front, with curves giving way to more structured lines. This makeover of the front end gives a more vertical and modern face, a hi-tech and distinguished look which reinforces the perception of width and the character of a safe and imposing vehicle.
The move upmarket is also illustrated by a three-dimensional light signature at the rear, new 18” diamond-cut alloy wheel and new, more elegant and distinctive customization options. Inside, the new design of the 10” touchscreen and centre console reinforce the character of the passenger compartment.
Honouring its benchmark status for on-board comfort, the C5 Aircross offers Citroën Advanced Comfort® suspension, new Citroën Advanced Comfort® seats, already present on C4 and C5 X, space and modularity and driver assistance technologies such as Highway Driver Assist.
A NEW 10” TOUCHSCREEN
C5 Aircross gets a new 10” touchscreen that appears to float on the dashboard. This new, larger screen improves ergonomics by offering direct-access climate controls and a higher reading that allows you to keep your eyes on the road. The vents are now located below the screen and have been modernised with a new sharp, horizontal design. The new 10” touchscreen will be fitted to the petrol and diesel versions with navigation, and from the Feel version for hybrids.
In addition, the fully customisable 12”3 digital display provides all essential and customisable information directly in the driver’s eye-line: navigation map report, information on active driver-assistance systems, information on the operating status of the hybrid engine, etc. – ensuring that the driver’s eyes stay on the road for completely safe driving.
PLUG-IN HYBRID: A SMOOTH EXPERIENCE
The offer of a plug-in hybrid engine for mid-range versions further enhances on-board well-being, thanks to the benefits of electric driving for daily journeys up to 55 km and unlimited driving range for long journeys using the petrol engine.
The plug-in-hybrid motorisation allows a driving in silence and absence of vibrations in electric mode up to 135 km/h, offers an instant availability of 320 Nm of torque, ensuring permanent user comfort by guaranteeing dynamic pick-up at all times. With zero CO2 emissions it gives the freedom to access urban areas where petrol and diesel vehicles are banned.
Users of the C5 Aircross Plug-In Hybrid also benefit from a range of services to facilitate charging: with management either directly in the vehicle or from their smartphone, as well as the possibility of programming charging times. Charging is fast, with a full charge completed in less than two hours on a Wall-box.
We are keen to see the car in the flesh soon and gather driving impressions!
The gracious EV6 announces a new design and styling era for Kia
A strong wind of superb design is blowing through the model range of Kia, and the same is true for Hyundai. Indeed, their new designs are stunning, and therefore it is no surprise that they win international accolades.
Kia received two prestigious design awards for two of its latest models: the Kia EV6 electric crossover and the fourth-generation Kia Carnival MPV. They were awarded top awards in the “Transport” category in the annual GOOD DESIGN Awards.
Sleek and well balanced…
The EV6’s bold conceptual style encompasses Kia’s acclaimed new design philosophy, ‘Opposites United’, which draws inspiration from the contrasts of nature and humanity.
The all-new EV6 is Kia’s first battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) and the first Kia to be based on the brand’s new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), with a driving range of 528 kilometers in real-world conditions and combines this with ultra-fast charging speeds.
Key exterior highlights include the sleek daytime running lights that are part of the ‘Digital Tiger Face’, a contemporary and aerodynamic side profile and the bold crossover silhouette. The interior benefits from the E-GMP platform, which enables a high-tech, spacious and inviting environment.
The Kia Carnival also earned accolades…
Karim Habib, Head of the Kia Design Center said: “These GOOD DESIGN Awards confirm the approach we have taken with the style of the Kia EV6 and Kia Carnival and pay tribute to the combined efforts of our talented international design team. It was really a pivotal year for us. We have launched our brand new design philosophy ‘Opposites United’, which is already transforming our cars today, and we are committed to ensuring that Kia continues to push the boundaries of car design.”
We are keen to drive the EV6 this year, and are looking forward to more elegant creations from their design tables…
The Qashqai is a very important car for Nissan, and it enters now its third generation. Consequently, the engineers and designers pulled all the stops. Keeping the car very recognisable as a Qashqai, the designers gave the car nevertheless a contemporary look with headlights stretching all to the sides, emphasising the familiar “V” pattern on the grille, putting some clean, sharp styling accents on the sides, and finishing it all in a very well proportioned rear end.
The suspension has also been redesigned and the drivetrains have been reworked too. You will not see a Diesel engine anymore in this Qashqai, only 1,3 liter petrol engines with mild electrification, awaiting a full hybrid version around the middle of this year.
We found this latest generation Qashqai elegant, refined, and convincing with nice upmarket touches, just read on…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Gained in panache and elegance, but not so much in size…
The new Qashqai grew hardly bigger: it grew only 3,5 cm longer and a good 3 cm larger. But the wheelbase gained some 2 centimeters, which gives you more legroom in the rear. As we said, the elegant presence and stylish proportions of the car have been greatly improved. Luggage space varies between 436 and 504 liters, depending how you use the boot panels, which can make a level luggage floor,or not. Indeed, two panels are available to make a continuous flat floor, and these panels can also be used to divide up the luggage space to prevent things from sliding around. Nissan also lowered the luggage floor for easier loading.
Interior and dashboard with premium touches…
Instrumentation is fully digital in the top equipment version we tested, and the design of the dash with its curvacious stitched leather surfaces is decidedly elegant and upmarket. Also the seats in our test car had a premium look and feel with their nice stitching on the seat cushions and backrests.
One finds quite improved soft padding and materials in the dashboard and interior, and one is happy to see a good array of knobs, which make this Qashqai intuitive to use.
Indeed, the heating/ventilation can still be set with thse classic knobs, and below the touchscreen one finds a nice array of knobs too. Also the tactile feeling of these knobs and functions, indeed everything you feel and press, feels solid and well finished.
The infotainment system coming with the higher equipment levels is outstanding, also the digital instruments read well and are elegant. What to think of the 9 inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, etc. There are also two sorts of USB ports for connectivity, USB C-type and the classic ones, and these are provided in the front as well as in the back.
The Qashqai has practical touches too: the rear doors open to almost 90 degrees actually, which is excellent for loading baby seats, toddlers…
We also liked very much the very legible head up display, and many will also appreciate that Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa can be connected to the Nissan system.
Map information can now also be updated “Over the Air”. Of course, all the usual assistance systems are on board. It even uses map information in the cruise control modus, and will slow you down in bends…
Smooth 1,3 litre petrol engines.
There are no diesel engines available anymore for the new Qashqai. Only supersmooth 1,3 litre petrol engines, developing 140 or 158 HP. Both engines are assisted by an integrated starter generator. The Qashqai is therefore a mild hybrid so to say. The Qashqai cannot move on pure electric power, but its engine is assisted by the starter/generator motor, and one feels clearly the extra push when driving away from standstill.
Only the 158 HP engine is offered when you opt for the X-Tronic automatic transmission. This is a CVT type box, but its artificial seven gears prevent the engine from revving too high under full throttle. Even under spirited driving, the Qashqai remains quiet and subdued. The electronic motor assistance sets in harmoniously from standstill, by the way. The drivetrain is very refined indeed, enhancing the premium feel of this Qashqai.
The revised suspension also pleased us. Comfortable, it coped quite well with uneven urban pavés, staying still a bit firm at slower speeds, but for an SUV quite comfortable nonetheless. The steering is light and also now more direct. This Qashqai is even more relaxing to drive than its predecessor.
Good performance
Performance is smooth and leaves nothing to be desired. 0 to 100 km/h is absolved in 9,2 seconds and top speed is 199 km/h. Driving leisurely with this 1468 kg Qashqai will let you reach consumption levels between 6 and 7 liters, but as soon as you move with more zest, the consumption goes up by one liter. According to WLTP norm, the average consumption is 6,4 liter/100 km.
Full hybrid “E-Power”fro the Qashqai will be expected around the middle of this year. Then a 154 HP 1,5 litre petrol engine will be coupled to a quite zesty 140 kW electric motor. The front wheels will exclusively be driven by this electric motor, the petrol engine will only generate the electricity.
This will allow the petrol engine to operate always in ideal conditions, and the Qashqai will accelerate and have the pleasant responsiveness of a “pure” EV. We will be keen to drive this car as soon as it arrives, of course…
Conclusion
The Qashqai has decidedly carved a nice niche for itself in the European compact SUV market. The third generation is even more mature, stylish and refined. The finish and the equipment in the higher level versions is decidedly upmarket, the infotainment is lavish and future proof. The Qashqai is comfortable, practical and also a lively performer, relaxing to drive and supersmooth. All the good qualities of a bestseller, which it will continue to be…
Some more BMW news: the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer had its physical world premiere for the general public at the Belgian BMW dealers. It is the first time that a new BMW model has been launched so soon after the physical world premiere – in Belgium too! – can be viewed at any BMW dealer. For this stunt, 67 cars from the very first production from the factory in Leipzig, Germany, were taken to Belgian dealers in secret, where they will be unveiled today as part of the BMW Salon, which will take place at the dealers this year.
The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is BMW’s brand new asset in the smaller front-wheel drive segment. The predecessor of this sporty all-rounder convinced more than 400,000 customers. The new model, which features mild hybrid (48v) technology as standard for the first time in this class, stands out for its extensive connectivity and its unique interior space with the large curved display that we recognize from the latest electric flagships BMW iX and BMW i4.
PEUGEOT is accelerating its electrification and, starting in January 2022 in Europe, focusing its People Mover offer – embodied by the compact Rifter and the medium Traveller/Expert Combi – solely on purely electric vehicles.
Linda JACKSON, CEO of the PEUGEOT Brand, commented: “PEUGEOT is already at the spearhead of electric mobility: 75% of our passenger cars and 100% of our commercial vehicles are already available with an electrified powertrain. In 2021, every sixth vehicle sold by PEUGEOT in Europe was electrified and, in November, this reached one electrified PEUGEOT vehicle out of every five sold.
With room for 5 or up to 7 passengers, the PEUGEOT e-Rifter is fitted with a 100 kW/136 hp electric motor and a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery allowing a range of 280 km (according to the WLTP cycle).
As for the PEUGEOT e-Traveller, it is available in three body lengths and with a choice of two batteries of 50 and 75 kWh which power the 100 kW/136 hp electric motor, making it possible to transport up to 9 persons in great comfort with a range of up to 330 km (75 kWh battery, WLTP cycle).
For customers needing a simpler People Mover with similar capacity, the PEUGEOT e-Expert makes shared electric mobility even more accessible. To enable faster shuttle rotations or to ease longer distance travelling, the 50 kWh battery of all PEUGEOT people movers can be charged to 80% in only 30 minutes at a public DC fast charging station.
At PEUGEOT, electrification takes the shape of both plug-in hybrid technology – in the SUV 3008 or the top of the line 508 sedan and SW – and pure battery-based set-ups – like in the e-Rifter and e-Traveller, but also in the e-208 and e-2008.
The new 308, just being launched in the market, will be the first PEUGEOT to display the full scope of electrified technologies: plug-in hybrid versions, already available from launch, and full-electric battery versions coming as early as 2023 for both body styles: the sedan and the SW.
More Peugeot news soon… We are keen to test several Peugeot’s this year!
Autoprova - for the Connaisseur 