Category: Lifestyle

Porsche Vision Gran Turismo: a stunning virtual racing bolide…

Posted in Automobilia, Car Events, Car News, Design, Fashion, Lifestyle, Sports and RacingLeave a comment

This time we are entering the fascinating world of gaming. Did you know for instance that Gran Turismo™ is a video game developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc? It was launched in Japan first in 1997, and is now regarded as the best and most authentic driving simulator due to true-to-life graphics, authentic physics technology and careful attention to detail. Addictive it must be. Your servant was decades ago already crazy about the first versions of flight simulator. Imagine this…

The news is that Porsche and the Japanese video game development studio Polyphony Digital Inc., present a spectacular virtual vehicle concept. Porsche has been a partner of Polyphony already a few years now.

Indeed, the ‘Gran Turismo’ game series has featured Porsche sports cars since 2017, most recently the Taycan Turbo S. For the launch of the game’s seventh edition, Porsche has, for the first time, developed a vehicle purely for the virtual world. The Porsche Vision Gran Turismo is the sports car manufacturer’s first concept study created specifically for use in a computer game. It will be available exclusively in Gran Turismo 7, which will be released on 4 March 2022 for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

Exciting freedom for Porsche designers…

By partnering with Polyphony Digital, Porsche is not only demonstrating its special visionary approach, but is once again also demonstrating the high level of expertise among its designers. Freed from the constraints of developing models for series production, they were able to put their own ideas for a Gran Turismo concept car into practice.

“A vehicle designed purely for the virtual world opens up exciting possibilities for us that are otherwise heavily regimented in a regular design process for a series production car,” says Michael Mauer, Vice President Style Porsche. “Projects such as the Porsche Vision Gran Turismo are particularly valuable for us in the creative process. Further developing our clearly defined Porsche Design DNA and exchanging with designers from other industries is an important part of our work.”

The Vision Gran Turismo indeed features future-oriented versions of familiar Porsche design elements. The concept car exhibits the brand’s typical proportions with a sporty height-to-width ratio, a low-set bonnet and very pronounced wings. The lights in the purist front and the integrated air intakes create a visual link to the design language of the Taycan – a nod to the car’s purely electric drive.

The rear is adorned with a markedly narrow light strip – a further development of the light signature that is familiar from the 911 and Taycan models. The clear emphasis of the brand identity continues in the interior, with the curved hologram display, tailored to the driver, which appears to float above the steering wheel. The low seating position underscores the car’s dynamic feel. The realistic surface appearances in the interior also play a major role. “We spent a long time considering the right material design consisting of carbon and titanium. The aim was to reduce weight while increasing performance,” says Markus Auerbach, Head of Interior Design at Porsche. “In addition, sustainable aspects also play a role in forward-looking projects. For example, we only used entirely vegan materials in the concept car.”

“The appeal of a Porsche comes from its purist design,” says Kazunori Yamauchi, President, Polyphony Digital. “And in terms of engineering expertise, both we and Porsche follow the same perfectionist philosophy. We share the same passion for racing and are looking to the future of the car.”

In addition to purely design-related themes, there are also new functions that contribute to a strong sports car feeling, with players experiencing haptic feedback via the controller, which mimics the feel of the steering wheel. This fast and direct feedback is reminiscent of a real racing car.

Strategic for Porsche…

Expanding its gaming activities also has strategic significance for Porsche. “We can engage young and digital target groups in the place where their automotive dreams are born: the world of gaming,” says Robert Ader, Vice President Marketing at Porsche AG. “The partnership with Polyphony Digital and ‘Gran Turismo’ is a perfect fit for Porsche, because motorsport – whether real or virtual – is part of our DNA.” The integration of the first Porsche sports car developed purely for the virtual space is an important milestone in the strategic partnership between Porsche and Polyphony Digital Inc.

Actually, Porsche has been cooperating with various companies from the gaming industry for several years and these activities are now an integral part of the marketing mix. The overriding goal is to create a lasting brand experience…

We show you the photos here… and I look forward to a Polyphony Gaming experience!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

The DS 9 E-Tense gets an increased e-range and extra power…

Posted in Automobilia, Car News, Car technology, Design, Lifestyle, New ModelsLeave a comment

Continuing its electrification strategy which was already established when the brand was founded in 2014, DS Automobiles is continuing its energy transition with the launch of a new plug-in hybrid package for the flagship DS 9. We will drive the new DS9 for you mid January, and we are certainly looking forward to it!

The DS 9 E-TENSE 250 features a 200 hp 4-cylinder PureTech engine, accompanied by an 80 kW (110 hp) electric motor. A new 15.6 kWh (total capacity) battery, with an unchanged number of cells, delivers up to 70 kilometers on the WLTP city cycle (EAER City) or 61 kilometers on the WLTP combined cycle with an unchanged vehicle weight. The 7.4 kW on-board charger allows charging from 0-100% in merely 2 hours and 23 minutes.

CO2 emissions drop to merely 26 g/km, with a certified fuel consumption of 1.1 litres/100 km according to the WLTP combined cycle.

Performance leaves nothing to be desired: top speed of the DS 9 E-TENSE 250 is electronically limited to 240 km/h, with the possibility of reaching 135 km/h on electric drive only.

The DS 9 E-TENSE 250 costs €55,990 (incl. VAT) in Belgium in its PERFORMANCE LINE + version and €59,990 (incl. VAT) in Belgium in its RIVOLI + version.

More on this stylish flagship DS9 here below. Just read further!  

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Refinement for the eye and touch… in different equipment levels

As its top of the range model, the DS9 stands out, as you could expect, in sheer refinement.

The DS 9 PERFORMANCE LINE + has chrome front door badges with the DS PERFORMANCE LINE logo, DS WINGS and a chrome boot lid. The radiator grille in brilliant black is topped off by the DS PERFORMANCE LINE emblem. The 19″ aluminum MONACO Black wheels are enhanced up by a Carmine wheel core.

In the interior, one finds mixed Alcantara®/black leather seats with Carmine and gold stitching complementing the Alcantara® center console and dashboard.

On the dashboard, your eyes rest on a DS PERFORMANCE LINE badge executed in turned aluminum.

A crystal insert on the control panel below the central screen adds a further touch of sophistication. The multifunction steering wheel is crafted in perforated full-grain leather with a leather-wrapped airbag cushion and handmade Carmine and Gold stitching.

The DS 9 RIVOLI + is inspired by the Tuileries district and combines noble materials with high-quality diamond-shaped decorations. Three different interiors are offered: Basalt Black in grained leather or OPERA with a choice of two shades of Nappa leather, highlighted by Ruby Red or Black strap-on seats.

The elegance of the OPERA version is illustrated by the use of nappa leather on the seats, rear seat, center console, door panels and upholstered instrument panel.

A high-quality rear center armrest and adjustable Lounge headrests complete the comfort package for the rear seats.

The nobility of materials sooths your senses with an all-leather steering wheel, smooth leather-covered gear knob, leather-wrapped grab handles, aluminum accents on the pedals and center console, Alcantara® headliner, sun visor and parcel shelf, and haute-couture-inspired mother-of-pearl stitching.

Building on the research carried out since the brand’s inception, acoustic insulation is also further enhanced.

Acoustic and laminated glazing is combined with a state of the art welded body which dampens vibrations. You can also enjoy the sound of a 515 W FOCAL Electra® Hi-Fi system, developed especially for the DS 9, with stainless steel tweeter grilles beneath the fourteen speakers, ideally placed throughout the cabin for an auditorium-like audio experience.

Behind the wheel, you are safely assisted by the latest tech…

The DS 9 benefits from the advanced technologies that make the other models in the DS range so outstanding. With DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION, a camera at the top of the windshield scans the road, while four position sensors and three accelerometers record all movements and transmit the information to a computer that can react to each wheel individually to improve safety, comfort and ease of use.

With DS DRIVE ASSIST, the DS 9 allows its driver to enjoy a level 2 semi-autonomous driving behavior.

The speed is controlled according to the environment in which the DS 9 is driven. The system uses sensors to precisely position the car in its lane of the driver’s choice by acting on the steering. DS DRIVE ASSIST can be used at speeds of up to 180 km/h and controls speed and trajectory under the driver’s supervision to ensure comfort and peace of mind.

The speed is controlled by an adaptive controller, which makes it possible to manage the driving conditions in traffic jams: the car restarts automatically after a stop of less than three seconds. If the car is stationary for a longer period of time, the DS 9 is restarted in traffic with a simple push of a button or a touch on the accelerator pedal.

DS DRIVE ASSIST’s on-board camera detects solid and broken lines. While driving, it constantly analyzes the image and deciphers situations. It keeps the vehicle in its lane, or even in the part of the lane desired by the driver. If the driver prefers to regain control of the steering, he or she cancels the correction by holding the steering wheel firmly. The change is also interrupted when the direction indicators are activated. The system can be activated from 30 km/h.

When parking, the DS PARK PILOT function detects parking spaces when driving at a speed of up to 30 km/h. The driver then indicates on the touchscreen that he or she wants to park in a stroke or a slot. Then there’s only one thing to do: press the Park button and wait for the technology to work. Acceleration, braking and steering are controlled automatically. DS PARK PILOT also makes it possible to leave a parking space.

On long journeys, DS SAFETY combines a series of key functions: DS NIGHT VISION, DS DRIVER ATTENTION MONITORING, DS ACTIVE LED VISION, blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, comprehensive traffic sign recognition and active lane departure warning.

DS NIGHT VISION offers an exceptional view of the road at night. The infrared camera, located in the radiator grille, detects pedestrians, cyclists and animals on the road up to 150 meters away. The driver sees the scene of the accident on the large digital handset, with hazards displayed in yellow and then red depending on the degree of hazard. He can then respond.

DS DRIVER ATTENTION MONITORING uses an infrared camera on the top of the steering column and a camera on the top of the windshield to continuously monitor the driver’s eyes for fatigue (blinking), face (direction of gaze) and head movement for distractions, as well as the trajectory of the driver. car on the road, especially driver anomalies or steering inputs. For example, it can identify any drop in vigilance due to an anomaly in any of the factors – blinking, non-linear and erratic movements – and automatically trigger an audible and visual alarm on the central screen, day and night.

In addition to the visual pleasure provided by the modules that light up and rotate 180° at the counter, the DS ACTIVE LED VISION can be adapted in width and reach to the driving conditions and the speed of the car. Different lighting modes are automatically activated: Parking, Town Beam (increased beam from the third second of driving), Country Beam (focused on the front from 50 km/h), Motorway Beam (increased range from 110 km/h), Adverse Weather (activated when the windscreen wipers are on, increased module power and reduced high beam intensity) and High Beam (maximum illumination combined with automatic high beam switching). The “revolving headlamps” function completes the offer. By illuminating the road better and further, or with a wider beam of light, the driver – and the passengers – gain in safety.

Needless to say that we are looking forward to sample driving impressions of this new version of this refined “grande routière”, and as said, we can tell you already that we will drive the new DS9 for you mid January, so stay tuned on these columns!

We will unveil also soon some more Citroën news, a bigger range for the ë-C4 and Citroën informs its B2C and B2B clients to make still better use if their plug-in hybrid C5 aircross…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

The new Abarth ‘Collectors’ Edition’, the 695 Esseesse, enters the Belux market…

Posted in Automobilia, Car News, Lifestyle, New ModelsLeave a comment

We are and have always been admirers of Abarths, we just love their panache and are always keen to drive them. Abarth engineers are making the iconic 695 ever faster and more attractive, and indeed, here is some good news.   

The brand with the Scorpion launched a new “Collectors’ Edition”: the Abarth 695 Esseesse, a name that has its roots well anchored in the history of the brand and refers directly to the early days when the tuning kits of the 1960s of Carlo Abarth made his fortune and established him as the inventor of tuning for production cars.

Produced in a limited edition of just 1,390 units, it is split up into a black 695 “Nero Scorpione” version and a further 695 coloured in a “Grigio Campovolo”.

The Abarth team of engineers and designers were inspired by the 1964 “500”model, the “Cinquino”, transformed into the 695 Esseesse, with a displacement increased to 690 cc and 38 hp to reach 140 km/h, designed for everyday use as well as a sporty city car, and produced in a limited edition of just 1000 units. The model was distinguished by its specific badges with the monogram “SS” in capital letters on the hood and “esse” in small letters on the dashboard.

Still faster and more agile..

When designing the new Abarth 695 Esseesse, the aim was to further improve performance in terms of acceleration and handling. The research therefore focused on weight reduction, a different balance and attention to aerodynamics. The new 695 Esseesse is not only characterized by an aesthetic aspect, but the new aluminum bonnet with double curvature reduces the weight by 25% compared to a normal bonnet. In combination with the application of the Akrapovič exhaust system and other efficient modifications, the overall weight of the car has been reduced by 10 kg compared to an Abarth 595 Competizione. But there is more: at the rear one finds a ‘Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile’. All these elements are not only enhancing the style, but have also led to better performance, for example in the 400 m standing start, where the 695 Esseesse manages to improve by 1/10 of a second compared to the Competizione version.

The best performing Abarth in the range…

Available only as a saloon, the new Abarth 695 Esseesse immediately impresses with its new aluminum bonnet and rear spoiler, reminiscent of the racing world and the storied history of the Scorpio brand. At full inclination (60°) and a speed of 200 km/h, the ‘Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile’ – adjustable from 0 to 60° – increases the aerodynamic force by up to 42 kg, resulting in greater stability when cornering and a greater responsiveness in mixed sections. In combination with the aluminum bonnet, this translates into lower weight, better cornering performance and better acceleration performance. In short, the new Abarth 695 Esseesse ‘Collector’s Edition’ is the fastest in the range.

The exterior styling is further enhanced with elements inspired by both past and present, which make the 695 Esseesse resolutely exclusive, such as the white inserts on the front and rear bumpers, the mirror caps and the side decals. The 17″ wheels with red hub caps, red Brembo brake calipers, 695 logo on the side and 695 Esseesse badge on the rear are also white. Striking are the two titanium Akrapovič exhausts, conveying a marvelous sound, a backdrop for unique driving pleasure.

Exclusive interior

The new Abarth 695 Esseesse also shows its exclusivity in the cabin: the seats are marked with “one of 695” on the headrest, while the new 695 Esseesse “Collectors’ Edition” has numbered seats for the first time. For each of the two body colors there is a Sabelt seat with stitching in the same color as the body. Note also the red seat belts and the white backs of the front seats. Personalization also continues with the dashboard panel covered in Alcantara®, where the laser-cut letters “695 esseesse” stands out in the lower right corner. And to add to the racing spirit, there is a carbon fiber gear lever, and also carbon pedals and steering wheel inserts.

Engines and technical specifications

The new 695 Esseesse is equipped with the 1.4 T-jet engine, which delivers 180 hp and 250 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, and offers a top speed of 225 km/h (with the spoiler set at 0°) and acceleration from 0 to 0. 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds. It covers the 400 meters from a standstill in 15.1 seconds. There are Koni FSD shock absorbers on both axles and red Brembo 4-piston calipers at the front and self-ventilated 305/240 mm discs at the rear.

The transmission is manual, but an Abarth sequential robotic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters is available on request. Finally, in terms of technology and connectivity, the Abarth 695 Esseesse is equipped with the Uconnect infotainment system with navigation, a 7″ touchscreen with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ compatibility and DAB digital radio.

The new 695 Esseesse is now available at the Belgian and Luxembourg dealers of the Scorpion brand… let the pleasure begin! Needless to say, we are very keen to lay our hands on one…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

BMW presents the Concept M: a bold new vehicle concept…

Posted in Automobilia, Car Events, Car News, Car presentations, Car Shows, Car technology, Concept Cars, Design, Future car technology, Lifestyle, New Models, prototypesLeave a comment

We will be driving the coming month the stylish M4 Coupé, and we are looking forward to it. But in the meantime, we show you here some (very) interesting news from BMW, which is a harbinger of stylish things for the brand to come…

At Art Basel’s 2021 Miami Beach show, BMW M GmbH is presenting an expressive new vehicle concept on the global stage. The BMW Concept XM looks ahead to the most powerful BMW M car ever to go into series production, which is set to begin at the end of next year.

The BMW Concept XM provides a first glimpse of the new front-end design for BMW’s forthcoming luxury-class models. It will also introduce its audience to a highly progressive and distinctive take on BMW X model design and an all-new form of luxury and sense of space for the interior.

The series-production model – the BMW XM – will be built from the end of 2022 at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA, the most important sales market for the new high-performance car. BMW M will therefore be introducing its first standalone vehicle since the legendary BMW M1 in the year it celebrates its 50th anniversary.  The BMW XM will be available in plug-in hybrid form only and exclusively as an M model.

The bold exterior styling of the Concept XM reflects the car’s exceptional performance attributes: dynamism, agility and precision, plus an all-electric range of up to 80 km. The newly developed M Hybrid drive system in the BMW Concept XM brings together a V8 engine and a high-performance electric motor to develop maximum output of 550 kW/750 hp and peak torque of 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft). The first electrified vehicle from BMW M GmbH in the high-performance segment is therefore pointing the way for the future of the brand.

BMW M goes its own way in the luxury segment…

The BMW Concept XM sees BMW M GmbH forging a distinctive path in the luxury segment. The car’s exterior majors on presence and extrovert appeal. Inside the car, a special take on the driver-focused cockpit typical for the M models meets an all-new rear compartment design: high-comfort seats and an illuminated, sculptural headliner add panache.

“The design of the BMW Concept XM is an extravagant statement by BMW M in the heart of the luxury segment,” says Domagoj Dukec, Head of BMW Design. “It has a unique identity and embodies an expressive lifestyle like no other model in the BMW line-up.”

The front end: progressive design for maximum presence.

The BMW Concept XM debuts the new, progressive front-end design for BMW’s luxury-class models, a version of which will be seen for the first time in 2022 as part of the BMW model offensive in the luxury segment. The headlights have been split into two separate modules. The horizontal kidney grille sits between the headlights and tapers towards the outer edges, producing a near-octagonal outline that emphasises the front end’s character. The black kidney grille elements are enclosed within an intricate surround and appear almost to be floating freely within a High-gloss Black surface. The new XM logo in the kidney grille and the large air intakes hint at the power of the V8 engine, which teams up with the electric motor to form the M Hybrid system.

M-specific details point to compromise-free performance.

The glasshouse of the BMW Concept XM rises up vertically, accentuating the front end’s imposing feel. The colour of the roof contrasts with the black finish of the A-pillars. The windscreen seems to have an even heavier rake as a result, injecting modern dynamism into the front end. Slim LED searchlights have been incorporated into the roof above the A-pillars.

The powerful and heavily contoured proportions of the BMW Concept XM highlight the car’s identity and draw the eye to the coupé-like character of the body. The visually striking front end, long bonnet and stretched, sloping roofline present a characterful two-box design with a distinctive outline.

The two-tone paint finish of the BMW Concept XM further accentuates its lines: the upper section is in matt gold-bronze, while the lower section sports the Space Grey metallic shade. Below the window graphic, a broad, High-gloss Black line – the “black belt” – separates the two exterior colours. The charging flap rearwards of the front-left wheel is a reminder of the M Hybrid drive system at work.

The rear : bold stature

The design of the rear end likewise accentuates the car’s powerful stance, and the BMW Concept XM cuts a low and sporty figure from this angle. The BMW logo is laser-etched into the window below each of the two cant rails. This is a stylistic reference to the BMW M1, to date the only example of a standalone model developed exclusively by BMW M GmbH.

The interior design – high performance and extrovert luxury.

Inside the BMW Concept XM, the driver will find a distinctive M interpretation of driver-focused cockpit design. The lines and surface design of the instrument panel, centre console, door trim and seats give the ambience in the front compartment a progressive feel with their powerful geometry and high-quality materials. Brown, vintage-look leather, copper and carbon fibre create a bridge between luxury and motor sport. A bold trim element provides clear visual separation between the driver’s area and the other sections of the car.

The new BMW Curved Display screen grouping creates a neat balance between traditional driver focus and modern digitality. Red accents on the steering wheel and centre console are M-specific references to the car’s sporting DNA. A trio of vertical elements presented in the three colours of the BMW M brand logo form the heart of the centre console.

Spacious and luxurious: the M Lounge.

The unwavering driver focus of the front compartment contrasts with the extravagant and luxurious lounge-like ambience in the rear of the BMW Concept XM. Special materials, visually powerful surfaces and expressive details turn the rear seats into the unique M Lounge, black-tinted rear side windows underscoring the abiding sense of privacy here. While warm brown leather dominates the cockpit, the rear is decked out in the rich colour shade Petrol. The large rear seat bench with its deep seat recesses forms an inviting space to relax. Only the diamond-shaped area of the head restraints – which provides the supporting function familiar from BMW M Sport seats in other models – is leather-trimmed.

Illuminated and sculptural: the  headliner .

The visual highlight of the cabin is its headliner with a three-dimensional prism structure. A combination of indirect and direct lighting produces a relief-like structure. The ambient lighting can be activated in the three BMW M colours.

BMW Curved Display with M-specific user interface.

Based on the latest generation of BMW iDrive, the M-specific version of the control/operation system translates the high-performance character of the BMW Concept XM into the digital world. Showcased in the familiar three M colours, it visualises the modes of the hybrid drive system as well as the pure-electric driving mode with captivating aesthetic appeal.

Stay tuned on these pages!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

A bigger autonomy for the DS3 Crossback E-Tense

Posted in Automobilia, Car News, Car presentations, Car technology, E-mobility R &D and solutions, LifestyleLeave a comment

Early next year we will drive for you the DS4 and the DS9, and we are looking forward to have a taste of French refinement, elegance and panache.

But did you know that thanks to an electrification strategy pursued since its inception, DS Automobiles is the multi-energy brand with the lowest average CO2 emissions in Europe?

Indeed, it registered 100.2 grams CO2 per kilometer per vehicle in the first half of 2021 according to the WLTP cycle. Not surprisingly, as its production mix of electrified cars exceeds a third. This strategy is now only gaining momentum: from 2024, all new DS Automobiles models will be 100% electric only.

The first 100% electric model in the DS range is continuously under further development. The DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE, on the market since 2019, now has a range of 340 kilometers according to the combined WLTP cycle, an increase of almost 7%.

During development, the focus has always lied on improving the practical use of the DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE. In particular, the heat pump has been improved through the use of a humidity sensor to improve efficiency. The heat pump, supplied as standard, produces heat by compression to generate warm air. This significantly reduces the need for E-energy.

As a result of continuous development and ongoing discussions with the Formula E championship team, supported by DS Performance, the transmission ratio has also been optimized to improve the efficiency of the DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE.

The hand stitched steering wheel upholstery stands out in an interior full of French panache…

Greater autonomy in real-world use is also achieved through the use of new 17″ class A tires developed by Continental. The Continental EcoContact 6 Q is available in 215/60 R17 96H and has a new high-tech silica compound to improve rolling resistance. improve and reduce noise emissions.

In Belgium, the DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE is available from €38,400 (incl. VAT) with a 100 kW (DC) and 11 kW (AC) charger.

More DS news soon on these pages! Stay tuned!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Five world premieres at Porsche…

Posted in Automobilia, Car News, Car presentations, Car Shows, Design, Lifestyle, New ModelsLeave a comment
The 718 Cayman GT4 RS and 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport

Indeed, there is no Motor Show in Brussels this year. But in the showrooms, there is no lack of news. Also from one of the most iconic sports car manufacturers around: Porsche. Your servant had a good taste of these unique cars in his early days as a (test) driver. Just look at my report in these columns “Some early photos from my automotive beginnings”, where I am to be seen behind the wheel of a 914-6 VW Porsche, or an early 911… Just klick on the link here: https://autoprova.be/2021/03/27/some-early-photos-from-my-automotive-beginnings/

Needless to say that we want to repeat the experience, and collect for you some driving impressions of their latest products. In the meantime, we will present Porsche news on a very regular basis in the future!

Just read on here…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

A three lane future for Porsche…

Porsche is seen cruising into the future in three lanes: alongside exhilarating petrol engines and powerful plug-in hybrids, electric powertrains form the third pillar of the powertrain strategy.

This diversity was clearly seen on display at the LA Auto Show. In total, Porsche exhibits there five world premieres. In addition to the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS – the highlight of the motor show – the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, the Taycan GTS, the Taycan GTS Sport Turismo and the Panamera Platinum Edition are making their first appearances.

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the new flagship model in the 718 family. On the Nürburgring Nordschleife, it outpaced its sibling, the 718 Cayman GT4, by more than 23 seconds with a time of 7:04.511 minutes on the 20.6 km version of the circuit.

The heart of this sports car is the 368 kW (500 PS) naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine. The maximum torque is 450 Nm. The low-ratio Porsche dual clutch transmission (PDK) underpins the incredible acceleration. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 315 km/h.

In Belgium, the new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS can now be ordered at a base price of 153.065 euros (including 21 per cent VAT).

At the same time, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport racing version will celebrate its premiere in Los Angeles. From 2022, the customer sports car will be launched in multiple national and international racing series.

Truly electrifying: Taycan GTS and Taycan GTS Sport Turismo

With a range of up to 504 km, based on WLTP figures, the new Taycan GTS is the first of the model series to hit the 500-km mark. The new GTS is the sporty all-rounder of the model range. With up to 440 kW (598 PS) of overboost when using Launch Control, its power is impressive to say the least…

The third body variant of the first all-electric Porsche model series is the Taycan GTS Sport Turismo. The newcomer shares its silhouette and rearward-sloping roof line with the Taycan Cross Turismo. It ps practical too: the luggage compartment offers more than 1,200 litres of load capacity under the tailgate.

Both model variants will roll out to dealers in spring 2022. Further engine options for the Sport Turismo will follow soon!

Elegance with the Panamera Platinum Edition

The new Panamera Platinum Edition combines elegant, sporty design and high-quality equipment at an attractive price.

The exterior is characterised by accents in Satin Gloss Platinum. These can be found on the air outlet trims, the PORSCHE logo, the model designation and the standard 21-inch exclusive Design Sport wheels. The side window trims and the sports tailpipes are finished in High-Gloss Black to match. The interior is up to the mark with 14-way electrically adjustable comfort seats, the Black décor made of brushed aluminium and the door sill guards with the Platinum Edition logo. This extensive list of standard equipment also includes LED main headlights with matrix beam including PDLS Plus, adaptive air suspension including PASM, a BOSE® Surround Sound System and much more.

Depending on the market, the Platinum Edition is available as the Panamera, Panamera 4 and Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. The first models will be delivered to customers beginning 2022.

More news (and driving impressions) soon!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

The next-generation Ford Ranger delivers…again

Posted in Automobilia, Car News, Car presentations, Lifestyle, New ModelsLeave a comment

At my recent visit to the Ford Europe proving ground in Lommel I got a taste of Ford cars, and I must admit that I was very impressed by their excellent dynamic qualities. A good reason to take a closer look at their products and what Ford is up to lately.

Today they announced the following generation of their evergreen in the pick-up scene, the Ranger. In fact, Ford engineers and designers teamed up with customers around the world to create a pick-up they can rely on for work, family and play. They changed the exterior design and designed a more high-tech, inviting interior.

The design features a defined new grille, and signature C‑clamp headlight treatment at the front while we also see bolder wheel arches which gives Ranger a sure-footed stance. For the first time, Ford Ranger offers matrix LED headlights.

Beneath the new bodywork is an upgraded chassis riding on a wheelbase 50 mm longer and a track 50 mm wider than the prior Ranger.

New powertrain choices

Customers wanted a choice of more power and torque for towing heavy loads and extreme off‑roading, so the team added Ford’s proven 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel and developed it for the Ranger.

The next-gen Ranger will also come with a choice of proven Single-Turbo and Bi-Turbo 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder diesels.

Improved ride and handling

To develop the ride and handling expected of a truck customer’s use for a wide range of work, family and play – engineers focused on the fundamentals.

Engineers moved the front wheels forward by 50 mm for a better approach angle and outboard for better off-road articulation, both of which improve the off‑roading experience. They also shifted the rear suspension dampers outboard of the frame rails to give drivers and passengers a better ride both on- and off‑road, no matter if they’re carrying heavy cargo for work, or just taking the family out for dinner.

Customers will have a choice of two four-wheel drive systems – an electronic shift-on-the-fly system, or an advanced new full-time four-wheel drive system with a reassuring set-and-forget mode, designed for capability when and where customers need it. Off-road recovery is made easier with prominent dual recovery hooks in the front bumper.

Customer-focused interior

Customers wanted a flexible, modern cockpit that caters to both work and family duties. So, Ranger needs to serve as both a workspace and a haven, providing smart and connected features with more comfort and storage options than ever before.

The heart of the Ranger’s connective experience is the large 10.1-inch or 12-inch touchscreen in the centre stack. It complements the fully digital instrument panel.

Many of the traditional driving mode controls have been moved from the dash and centre console to their own dedicated display on the SYNC™ screen. With one button press, drivers can go to Ranger’s dedicated screen for all off-road and drive modes where they can monitor the driveline, steering angle, vehicle pitch and roll angles and other controls.

Better access…

Ford designers created an integrated side-step behind the rear tyres of the next‑generation Ranger, to create a strong, more stable way for them to access the box.

Additional thoughtful, customer-focused touches include a new, tough plastic-moulded bedliner that helps protect both the truck bed from scratches and owners’ knees from kneeling on a steel truck bed.

Durable, flexible load box caps around the sides of the box and across the tailgate conceal structural attachment points for canopies and other aftermarket accessories.

In addition, Ranger offers a new cargo management system designed with dividers to hold various sized items – like timber or toolboxes.

Accessories to help you personalize your Ranger…

Customers in Europe will be able to personalise their next-gen Ranger from launch with a range of over 150 fully factory‑backed work, urban and adventure accessories.

Order books for next-generation Ranger will open in Europe in late 2022 for customer delivery in early 2023. The current Ranger is Europe’s pick-up segment leader and recently set a new September year-to-date sales record of 45,539 units, with market share of 39.9 per cent.

 We just let you look at the photos for now…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We drove the Audi Q4 40 e-tron: stylish and dynamic…

Posted in Automobilia, Car News, Car presentations, Car production and factories, Car technology, Car Tests, E-mobility R &D and solutions, Lifestyle, New ModelsLeave a comment

Audi has ambitious plans for further electrification: in 2025, it will have not less than 20 pure EV’s in its model range. Besides the big Audi e-tron Quattro and its Sportback version and the stunning e-tron GT, another pure EV joins the party: the compact SUV Q4, which is also available right away in a stylish Sportback version.

The Q4 comes in two battery and power versions. The base model is the Q4 35 with a 55 kWh battery. Its range is said to be 350 kilometers and it has a 125 kW/170 HP motor driving the rear wheels. We tested for you the Q4 40 which has the 77 kWh battery and the 150 kW/204 HP motor we also find in the VW ID.4.

The Q4 is built… in the VW factory in Zwickau, where also the ID.3 and ID.4 are rolling off the production lines. Only logical if one knows that the Q4 runs on the same MEB platform as the two Volkswagens.

So the Q4 is a dressed up VW? Not at all, the Audi engineers and designers have succeeded in giving the Q4 its unmistakable premium character and Audi identity.

Just read further…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Stylish

The bodywork of the Q4 breathes the timeless Audi styling language, with very good proportions throughout. The front end grille betrays its “pure” EV character, as it is closed. Indeed, electric motors need a lot less cooling.

The dashboard and cabin breathe Audi panache: the instrumentation is directed towards the driver here, rather untypical for a SUV. Bravo for Audi, and they did also very well with the instrument layout: two large dials are seen in front of you, on the digital display which is almost equally as large as the central touchscreen.

The ventilation commands are thankfully also on a separate panel with extra knobs, and also the audio volume knobs are of the rotating touch type as found on the early Apple I pods.

When you opt for the MMI package, you can also enjoy an augmented reality head up display. Our test car came with it and we liked it very much.

In the posh “S line” equipment level of our test car the seat upholstery with its typical cross stitched patters was very pleasing to the eye, and the seats are also very comfortable indeed.

While we are talking about the cabin, we can mention here that also the Q4 offers plenty of room, also for its rear passengers, taking advantage of the good qualities of the MEB platform. This SUV is certainly not compact here…

There is also plenty of room for storage in the interior, a good 24,8 liters. On the central console between the two front seats you have already 4,4 liters at your disposal.

Luggage space is more than adequate with 520 liters, with both rear backrests down you have a maximum of 1490 liters at your disposal, when you use the available space up to the roof.

The charging cables are neatly tucked away under the luggage floor. Only a bit cumbersome to reach them when the boot is fully loaded when on holiday. For the rest of the year it’s very fine.

Dynamic and smooth…

Let’s get behind the wheel now and start driving. As an EV befits, this Audi is again supersmooth. It is “Zen” driving all the way. EV’s are just a delight to drive in town, with their feline power delivery. 310 Nm of torque is at your disposal, always. It makes this Audi beautifully agile and nimble in dense traffic. Stop and go traffic is now for you an ideal moment to relax behind the wheel, and enjoy the beautiful sound coming from the Sonos system we had in our test car.

Performance is of course excellent, with a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 8,5 seconds. Top speed is limited to 160 km/h, as in the ID.4.

German Autobahn aficionados would like this to be more, but then we would not speak of a useable range anymore.

When it comes to range, your driving style is here of paramount importance. You see it clearly on the photo showing the instrumentation: when collecting our test car, we drove it gently to the motorway, where we drove a constant 95 km/h, just a bit faster than the trucks, to reach our photo spot. Consumption was then a very reasonable 15,2 kWh/100 km, over 19,6 km at an average speed of 42 km/h.

A cold start in the morning, with heater full ablaze and just some slow stop and go traffic paints another picture. There the consumption over 5,4 km was a whopping 43,6 kWh. The following photo tells the story.

When we take the WLTP consumption as the norm, being 19,3 kWh, then the effective range would be 530 km. In practice, you can expect a useable range of a good 400 km.

There are different driving modes on the Audi, one of them being the “Range” mode. It limits power and sets a maximum speed of 90 km/h.

Charging at the home wallbox is possible up to 11 kWh, and on public charging points you can “fast charge” your Audi at not less than 125 kWh. Then it takes only 10 minutes to add an extra of 130 km to your range.

Practice in our country is of course rather different to say the least. 98 % of our existing condominium and apartment buildings have NO wallbox provisions in their underground garages, not even electricity sockets in many cases, limiting possibilities of enjoying EV propulsion greatly.

My nearest public charging point is about 1 kilometre away, and this is not a “fast” charging point. Allowed time for charging is also limited to 3,5 hours. Belgian municipalities – at least those near Antwerp – have still to wake up to reality that the charging points have TWO sockets and can actually charge two cars simultaneously. The square they paint on the pavement actually is clearly meant for ONE car. Users of the charging point are so kind and gentlemen-like to ignore this, so your servant could charge the Q4 too, as the following photo shows, which leaves one certainly perplex…

Driving the Q4 to Knokke, we found no unoccupied charging points within a reasonable walking distance from the place we stayed, so the next day we used the “Range” Driving mode to get us home again. It was a magnificent and leisurely drive…

Car manufacturers are certainly not to blame here. Their products increasingly offer useable ranges, and we could easily plan a longer route on the Audi, where the touchscreen clearly indicated which charging points en route we could use, how long we had to charge, which were open, etc.

Of course, providers are working hard to change the situation. At the moment of writing, IONITY is invetsing 700 million € for 5.000 extra HPC charging points in Europe.  

Comfortable and agile

Besides room of its occupants, the Audi Q4 also offers a genuinely comfortable ride and steering is also precise and engaging. Audi’s are build to deliver driving pleasure, and this is also found in this Q4. A well balanced car, certainly making the very best of what the MEB platform has to offer. The same goes for the brakes, which can be well dosed to come to a smooth stop.

We also mention here the “coasting function”. When one hasn’t chosen the “B” mode, the Audi will just coast along when you lift the throttle, and this adds greatly to the “Zen” driving pleasure, once you have mastered the art of anticipative driving.

Of course you can recuperate energy when decelerating, or you can leave everything to the wisdom of this Q4. Indeed, you can put the Predictive Energy Assistant at work, which will interpret road signs and navigation data. Then the system will calculate for you continuously the right balance between sailing and energy recuperation, no less!

Conclusion

Audi has succeeded in designing and building a magnificent compact EV on the MEB platform. A car with impeccable finish, oozing with style, panache, good comfort and handling, very good range and performance, and on top of all that roomy too.

Of course this has a price tag, but it is a timelessly styled premium car, one of the very best which ever rolled of VW production lines.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We drove the Citroën ë-Berlingo: a refined space cruiser…

Posted in Automobilia, Car Events, Car manufacturers strategy, Car News, Car presentations, Car technology, E-mobility R &D and solutions, Lifestyle, New ModelsLeave a comment
We drove the ë-Berlingo in the scenic surroundings of the Domaine des Maffliers, near Paris…

Electrification is now also expanding to commercial vehicles and popular minivans and family carriers like the Berlingo. We sat for a few hours behind the wheel of this spacious and endearing Citroën to enjoy all the delicious “Zen” refinements brought by electric propulsion, which totally transformed the driving experience of this Berlingo.

The Citroën PR and marketing team had carefully chosen a very scenic route around and in the woods of the Domaine des Maffliers, in the neighborhood of Paris. An excellent environment to get a taste the velvety power of its electric motor, to enjoy the seating and suspension comfort of this Berlingo.

We first tested the M version, which is 4,4 meters short, and thereafter the 4,75 meter “long” version. Suspension comfort and handling is virtually the same in both versions, and the EV drivetrain is identical. But then even more space is to be found in the “long” version, which can seat comfortably up to seven people.

Along the scenic villages near Paris with the “long” version…

A smooth performer…

The silence and utter smoothness of the electric motor totally transforms the driving experience. With its very comfortable suspension, one has the distinct feeling of sitting behind the wheel of a top class limousine, helped by the comfortable central armrest which supports your right arm and elbow, which has the only task to select the proper driving mode on the central selector.

But let us first tell you a bit more about the drivetrain. Citroën selected a 100 kW or 136 HP electric motor, fed by a 50 kW/h battery. Torque is sufficiently ample with 280 Nm. Top speed is limited to 135 km/h.

The driver has the choice between three driving modes, activated with a special so-called ë-toggle.

Comfortable simplicity: ë-toggle on the right for the drive modes, selector in the middle for reverse and drive, knobs for “P” and “B” to the left…

First, there is the so-called Normal mode, where the motor develops 80 kW/210 Nm, striking a good compromise between performance and economy. Then comes the Eco mode, with 60 kW/180 Nm, still quite sufficient in terms of liveliness we found, which gets you further on a full charge. According to WLTP, the range is then a good 280 kilometers. You also have to settle for reduced heating or airco power, but this remains still within comfortable limits. Finally there is the power mode, where the full 100 kW is at your disposal. Interesting of course when the Berlingo is heavily loaded, and/or you are driving in hilly or mountainous areas.

Simplicity is truth…

Of course there is also a “B” knob on the centre console, which lets you recuperate energy when you lift the throttle, and gives that “one pedal” driving opportunity when you adopt an anticipatory driving style, which you learn soon enough…

Spacious…

The battery pack sits snugly on the floor of the Berlingo, so the charging volume is not impaired at all. The M version has 775 liters luggage space, the XL version in 5 seat configuration brings this to a whopping 1050 liters.

The ë-Berlingo proudly wears its badge…

The cabin boasts a further 167 liters of storage space, so this Berlingo makes you truly feel at home. This is a car which makes family life really easy…

… and easy charging

The practicality of a fully fledged EV stands or falls with the charging facilities, and we all know that the public charging situation in Belgium is nothing short of abysmal. Home or office charging is the answer for the time being, and here Citroën offers for its Berlingo plenty of opportunities.

Home charging can be done with the so-called Mode 2 cable, which is compatible with an 8A and/or 16 Amp socket. For fast chargers, both public or private, one needs an optional Mode 3 cable. This allows you to charge from 0 to 100 % in 7,5 hours if you have a single phase 7,5 kW wallbox. This is reduced to 5 hours if you have a three phase 11 kW wallbox.

Super fast charging is possible at public charging points up to 100 kW, and there one needs a mode 4 cable which is integrated in the charger. It then takes merely 30 minutes to charge the 50 kW battery up to 80 %.

The Berlingo leaves you the choice between three connected packages, connect assist, connect nav and connect play.

In the basic assist package you can get connected with a call center in case of emergency or accident, and via the My Citroën App you can be informed about range, charging status, mileage, next service, etc.

In the nav package, you can use voice command/recognition for interaction with the phone, navigation and radio functions. TomTomTraffic displays for you the best route under up to date traffic conditions.

The connect play feature sports Mirror Screen technology, compatible with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto.

Conclusion

Electrification is not an empty word at Citroën anymore…

The electric propulsion completely transforms the driving experience with this Berlingo, and this refined upper class panache makes this family friendly space car even more endearing and desirable. But not only for the family man. Every craftsman or public/private services worker/small entrepreneur who works in urban spaces will just love this EV version, which will be a soothing companion in his daily work life. After a stint behind the wheel, you will indeed wonder how we fared for decades without this full EV enjoyment and “Zen” progress…

Note that at this Citroën ë-experience day we also drove the full EV version of the C4. More about our driving impressions soon…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We drove the Volkswagen ID.4 Pro: the electric crossover-SUV for the world…

Posted in Car manufacturers strategy, Car News, Car presentations, Car safety, Car technology, Car Tests, Design, E-mobility R &D and solutions, LifestyleLeave a comment

With this ID.4, Volkswagen is taking another bold step forward: it is building an SUV which will be offered worldwide, notably built and sold in China, the US and Europe. For us here, it is produced in Zwickau. It is the second model to use the celebrated MEB platform, the EV platform which is also sold to Ford. The car embodies a quite important if not formidable step for VW, where every aspect of this car has to please many customers, all over our globe.

We drove the so-called “Pro” version, with the 77 kW battery, about 500 km range, 204 HP or 150 kW, and lively performance. It certainly did please us, and this pleasant impression got better the longer we drove it. Just read on…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Friendly and harmonious looks

Stylists of a world car have no easy task. It looks that they have succeeded though. Just know that the ID.4 has recently been singled out for the “2021 World Car of the Year” award. When we approached the ID.4 and walked around it, our eyes meet iconic, timeless and pleasing shapes. Lines and contours with character, evoking exactly what this car wants to be: a family-friendly roomy SUV, which will accompany its owner with style for years to come. The rounded styling language is never aggressive, the front end is clean, not without elegance, has a timeless touch. The proportions are well chosen, look just right from every angle, also the big wheels with their aerodynamic alloys add panache to this SUV. We took some photos close to the runway of Zaventem airport, so the flatness of the empty landscape adds to the clean lines of this ID.4.

The same simplicity and clean lines are found in the interior and the dashboard layout and instrumentation. It is very similar to the ID.3, with an instrument cluster forming one unit with steering column and steering wheel, and a large touch screen in the centre of the dashboard. Its driver assistance and infotainment system is everything you could wish for. Of course you have to familiarize yourself with its controls, so we suggest you to read the instruction book carefully.

Reading the instructions is the proper thing to do when you buy a car of this refinement, engineering excellence and build quality. It is by the way ALWAYS the thing to do when you purchase any car, actually. Also, remember, there is YouTube. Many VW car dealers have a film made for you, so-called instruction films, where you can see and hear the workings of every accessory and functionality.

In our test car, suffice to say the diagonal size of the touch display was 10 inches, and it is good to know that natural voice control with an online connection and the ID. Light come as standard. You will not read any critique here about the workings of any of the functions of the ID.4, it takes getting used to, and even a week can be too short for this to have everything intuitively in its fingers.

I always keep in mind that the owner or user of this car will be behind the wheel of this VW for months, if not years, and will have familiarized him (her) with every function, that is if he (she) was not too lazy to read about it in the manual or try it out. I mentioned ID. Light. It is a light strip below the windscreen, and tells you when to take a left or right turn, when it has understood a voice message from you, after you said first “Hello ID.” Indeed, the future has arrived in this car.

The driver uses the central display to manage the telephone system, navigation system, entertainment functions, assist systems and the vehicle setup. Sliders for volume and temperature adjustment are located below the display. Clean and purposeful.

Daily life with the ID.4 has become simple. Just step in, push the brake pedal and select “D”. Off you go. On the right side of the steering column is a big switch which you have to turn towards or from you, to select D, B or Reverse. At the end of this switch us a big knob “P”. Just push it and the parking brake is on.

With “D” you drive normally, with “B” the electric motor regenerates energy when you lift the throttle. It will decelerate the car of course. When you are a master in anticipative driving, remain in “D”, you can coast then almost forever. Using kinetic energy by just coasting is still the most efficient, albeit the most difficult thing to do as you have REALLY to anticipate traffic situations.

“Zen” driving…

The biggest advantage of EV’s, I find personally, is their supersmooth progress. Gone is the so disturbing jerkiness of sticky transmissions and unwilling cold engines. So the ID.4 is also a very soothing vehicle. Silent, vibrationless, with smooth feline power thanks to its impressive torque. 310 Nm if it. Good enough to take this rather heavy ID.4  from standstill to a speed of 100 km/h in 8,5 seconds. Almost pushing your back firmly in the seat. Almost, but remember, this is meant to be a family car. Top speed is limited to 160 km/h. It is also a towing vehicle. Up to 1,000 kg in our test car’s configuration.

The suspension is rather firm, but not uncomfortable. The laws of physics command some firmness as there is a good 500 kg of batteries in the platform underneath the seats. The electric 150 kW motor sits above the rear axle and drives the rear wheels. The advantage is that it allows a small turning circle of just 10.2 metres. Rear wheel drive then, but do not expect to make any power slides. Steering is precise and handling is quite good, even on the rather sporting side.

The WLTP range with the 77 kW battery is according to the manufacturer up to 522 km. There is no secret. Using kW/h costs range. If you cruise at say 85 km/h on the motorway (the truck drivers won’t like this and disturb your “Zen” progress) everything is fine. In winter, and/or when driving faster, the practical range can be estimated as being a good 360-380 kilometers, which is still quite OK. At a DC quick-charging station, the ID.4 with its 77 kWh battery and a charging capacity of 125 kW can be recharged ready for the next 320 km in around 30 minutes (according to WLTP).

Roomy

The VW engineers and stylists have kept one thing firmly in mind: this is a family SUV. So indeed, it offers room which is actually that of a SUV which belongs to a class higher. Ample legroom in the rear, (similar to the Tiguan Allspace), three passengers can sit easily, and even tall drivers do not touch the roof when they put their seat in the highest position. Need we say more? Suffice to say that the wheelbase is a good 2766 millimeters.

The ID.4 has also lots of room in the front centre console, as there is no gearchange lever to disturb things. The luggage space is also impressive: 543 litres of luggage, a figure that increases to 1,575 litres after folding down the backrests (loaded to roof height).

And comfortably equipped

Standard features in all ID.4 models include the ten-colour ambient lighting, the speed limiter and Air Care Climatronic. This is coupled with an electric stationary air conditioning system, which can also be activated when the car is not charging from the mains power grid. Life is good with the ID.4.

All nine ID.4 models are equipped with the Discover Pro navigation system and 10-inch display as standard. All models above the ID.4 City and ID.4 Life come with the Infotainment package. (We tested the “Pro” version.) Its highlights include the Comfort mobile phone interface, which is able to connect a smartphone to the vehicle’s electronic system and charge it inductively. The standard App-Connect function enables media to be streamed via a smartphone, which can be embedded in its native environment using Android Auto, Apple Car Play and Mirror Link. In the Infotainment Plus package (which comes with the ID.4 Tech and ID.4 Max), the navigation system has a 12-inch display.

The ID.4 is equipped with the lane keeping system Lane Assist as standard. Front Assist monitors the area in front of the vehicle and responds with warnings and braking interventions to warn the driver of impending collisions with other road users. The acoustic Park Distance Control function is able to avoid parking collisions or reduce the level of damage using the automatic manoeuvre braking function. The speed limiter is also included in the ID.4’s standard equipment.

Another technology that every ID.4 has on board is called Car2X, which allows the car to exchange information about local hazards with other vehicles and the traffic infrastructure – via the wireless standard WLAN p. The maximum distance here is 800 metres, with warning transmission taking only milliseconds. Car2X is currently active from a speed of 80 km/h, but is also intended to improve safety and traffic flow in urban traffic in the future.

Conclusion

A very able, roomy and stylish compact SUV and a marvelous EV, that’s what this ID.4 essentially is. It is a true Volkswagen, setting standards in timeless modernity, embodying purposeful and clever engineering.

Add to this the know-how of a world manufacturer, the vast dealer network, you will agree that this new generation VW EV have a lot going for it. It ranks already in some countries where the charging infrastructure is decent among the bestsellers, so this ID.4 has a bright future ahead, electrifying the world…

Hans Knol ten Bensel