New TRACK BEASTBMW as one of the manufacturers participating in the race through the BMW M Motorsport Team at the end of July last year announced that they would return to racing in Europe starting in 2024 with one of their newest flagship racing cars named BMW M Hybrid V8.
The BMW M Hybrid V8 racer had debut at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles, and the automaker also announced the driver lineup for the 2023 IMSA season. (Picture from: Carscoops)
As quoted of Carscoops, the LMDh racing car is planned to take part in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) racing series. This new racing car has dimensions of about 5,100 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width, and height of 1,060 mm, with a wheelbase of 3,148 mm. It is said also that without fuel and driver, the BMW M Hybrid V8 weighs at least 1,030 kg.
The BMW M Hybrid V8 racer has huge kidney grilles along with a livery that includes the BMW Motorsport department’s famous red, blue and violet color scheme. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Furthermore, if you look at the design, this LMDh racing car has a wide body with LED model headlights, as well as the stop lamp. Uniquely, the driver is positioned in the middle, and behind there is a large wing (including fins). If you pay close attention, the size of the kidney grille is larger than that of the BMW M3 / M4 model.
The BMW M Hybrid V8 racer uses a hybrid drivetrain consisting of a turbocharged V8 engine coded P66/3, coupled with Bosch's electric motors. (Picture from: Carscoops)
In order to support its appearance as flagship racing car, the BMW M Hybrid V8 gets a special racing camouflage livery with an abstract appearance, a combination of white and black base colors, coupled with 3 typical M colors namely light blue, dark blue and red.
The BMW M Hybrid V8 racer's hybrid drivetrain which can be driven up to 8,200 rpm, so it can generate power up to 640 hp and maximum torque of 650 Nm. (Picture from: Carscoops)
As its propulsion, the BMW M Hybrid V8 uses a hybrid drivetrain consisting of a turbocharged V8 engine coded P66/3, coupled with Bosch's electric motors. As for the resource, it uses a battery system developed by Williams Advanced Engineering. By relying on its hybrid drivetrain which can be driven up to 8,200 rpm, so it can generate power up to 640 hp and maximum torque of 650 Nm.
Later, the BMW M Hybrid V8 will face tough competition in endurance racing against its rivals, such the Porsche 963, Acura ARX-06, and Cadillac Grand Touring Prototype Hypercar. And in January 2023, the BMW M Hybrid V8 ahead its race debut. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BMW GROUP | CARSCOOPS ]
New EV As we previously discussed some time ago, the Japanese electronics giant, Sony looks very serious in developing electric cars. The results can be seen in recent years that the Japanese company has shown several electric car prototypes at several world-renowned automotive exhibitions, such as the Sony Vision-S at the 2020 CES, and the Sony Vision-S 02 at the 2022 CES.
Sony in collaborating with Honda by forming a joint venture called Sony Honda Mobility to produced a new Afeela electric car. (Picture from: Carscoops)
And now, Sony is collaborating with its compatriot automotive giant, Honda by forming a joint venture called Sony Honda Mobility. The result is a new electric car called Afeela which carries the Qualcomm's advanced technology. Well, due to the company wanted to become an EV player in the future, this sedan-type collaborative-result prototype will take advantage of extensive entertainment contents.
Sony
Honda Mobility launched its new electric car called Afeela which
carries the Qualcomm's advanced technology at the 2023 Consumer
Electronics Show (CES). (Picture from: Carscoops)
Furthermore, the Afeela made its debut at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), at the time Sony Honda Mobility announced that the car would be marketed immediately with pre-orders scheduled to begin in the first half of 2025, while sales starting in the same year. However, deliveries are not scheduled in North America to begin until spring 2026.
The SHM Afeela electric sedan model sports a bland, yet curvaceous front end with sleek headlamps and a distinctive "media bar". (Picture from: GearJunkie)
The company didn't go into specifics further, but said the Afeela name was chosen due to it expressed the 'feel' that is center of the mobility experience considered by Sony Honda Mobility. As quoted of Carscoops, the Afeela prototype has dimensions of 4,895 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width and 1,460 mm in height with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm.
The cabin is high-tech and features a large display that spans the width of the interior. (Picture from: Carscoops)
That means the Afeela is slightly smaller than the Mercedes EQE has a length of 4,994 mm and 3,119 mm wheelbase. On the other hand, the Afeela has a sleek design and looks much more production-ready than the previous Sony Vision-S prototype that have launched at the CES expo three years ago.
The SHM Afeela high-tech battery-electric vehicles will go into production in 2025. (Picture from: BeritaBaru)
Judging by its looks, this Afeela electric sedan model sports a bland, yet curvaceous front end with sleek headlamps and a distinctive "media bar". Sony Honda Mobility said they envision the media bar will have a variety of display possibilities that will be driven by various partners and creators. The company went on to say the car's minimal decorative lines and shapes are reminiscent of a spaceship.
Unfortunately, the company does not provide yet any technical details related to Afeela electric motor. Nonetheless, the company confirmed the prototype has all-wheel drive and that implies a dual-motor setup. Neither is its range yet known, but one of the interior images shows a range of 234 miles (377 km) with about 75-80% charge remaining.😎 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SHM | CARSCOOPS | GEARJUNKIE ]
EV LinesMercedes-Benz, as one of the world's most leading automotive manufacturers from Germany, is known for its highly qualified car production lines. And one of the newest production lines was the Mercedes-Benz EQ Series, which was launched by those German car brand to answer the world's current trend of electric-powered vehicles.
Here they are the Mercedes-Benz EQ Series line ups that were introduced by those famous German automaker since 2020. (Picture from: Destefani.net)
Well, the Mercedes-Benz EQ Series had starting with the EQ Concept model was firstly introduced at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. And then in 2020, the German auto brand began introducing the mass production version of the Mercedes-Benz EQ Series.
All the EQ Series had starting with the Mercedes-Benz EQ Concept was firstly introduced at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. (Picture from: Trussty-Jasmine)
Then what are the Mercedes-Benz EQ Series line ups that were recently introduced by those famous German automaker? See more below!
1. 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQA
Mercedes-Benz has many SUV models, and for its electric vehicles lineup, one of which is the Mercedes-Benz EQA. This car also knew as the Mercedes-Benz's smallest electric SUV, and has appearance similar to the GLA-Class model. The EQA powered by a compact engine produces power up to 188 hp for the Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) variant.
The Mercedes-Benz EQA is available in two drive variants, namely Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD). (Picture from: Caricos)
If You though the performance number above was nothing special. Relax, the EQA also comes with an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variant whose power reaches 268 hp. This EQA AWD variant is capable to accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 8.9 seconds, not an impressive number but sufficient for daily needs. And with a single fully battery charges, the EQA can cover a distance of up to 400 km.
For the infotainment, the EQA got the Mercedes-Benz MBUX system which allows the driver to set several vehicle (standard) features via voice commands. The price range for the Mercedes-Benz EQA in the United States market is US $57,000 or Rp. 800 million. In this segment, it would became one of serious rivals for the Tesla's SUV models such as Model 3 and Model Y.
2. 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB
The Mercedes-Benz EQB can be said to be the electric version of the GLB-Class because it has a similar design base. It having power up to 221 hp, the EQB can cover a distance of up to 400 km on one single battery charges, and is enough to accommodate driving needs in the city.
The Mercedes-Benz EQB can cover a distance of 400 km on a single full battery charged. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)
By using the same chassis and components as the EQA doesn't limit the EQB. When you bought an this EQB model, you can expect the same cabin as the standard GLB-Class model. As it comes with three rows of passengers which are quite spacious, of course the EQB will be the choice of a family electric car.
The Mercedes-Benz EQB is marketed in two variants, namely, EQB250 and EQB350 of course with more power. For the United States market, the EQB is estimated to be priced at a similar price to the EQA models, namely, US $57,000 or Rp. 800 million. And the Mercedes-Benz EQB's rivals in the SUV segment are the recently introduced Tesla Model Y and Audi e-tron.
3. 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC
If there is a question about which Mercedes-Benz EQ Series was introduced and marketed for the first time, and the answer is the Mercedes-Benz EQC. It having attracted attention when it appeared in several drama scenes of 'Start-Up' some time ago, it turns out that the EQC is rated by automotive activists as one of the most 'proper' electric cars at the moment.
The Mercedes-Benz EQC is rated by automotive activists as one of the most 'proper' electric cars. (Picture from: TopGear)
Even though it uses the 'C' appendage and is based on the Mercedes-Benz GLC, in fact the EQC appears with a much different look, such as has a more modern look with a lower line pull, makes the EQC appear more dynamic compared to the GLC standard models.
Meanwhile its electric motors capable to deliver 402 hp of power and 760 Nm of torque to all wheels, it also makes this Mercedes-Benz medium SUV accelerate from zero to 100 kph in just 4.8 seconds. Unfortunately, the EQC is not as frugal as its rivals in terms of mileage, namely the Tesla Model X, which records 480 km on a single charge. The Mercedes-Benz EQC is priced at US $68,895 or approx of Rp. 965 million.
4. 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQE
If some of the previous Mercedes-Benz models targeted the middle market segment, like the E-Class, but the Mercedes-Benz EQE was made for a higher market segment. While being in the E-Class family doesn't necessarily mean that the EQE has the exact same design. The Mercedes-Benz EQE looks more dynamic and modern than the more classic E-Class. Keeping with the premium class interior and features that add comfort, the EQE will be the most eye-catching electric-powered sedan.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE looks more dynamic and modern than the more classic E-Class. (Picture from: Autocar)
Unfortunately, Mercedes-Benz has not released official specifications for the EQE, but it is estimated that for the United States market, this electric sedan will be priced at US $ 65,000 or approx of Rp. 917 million for the lowest variant.
5. 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS
Of course, Mercedes-Benz has not forgotten one of the sedan legends in its newest line of electric models, the Mercedes-Benz EQS. While being in the S-Class family certainly makes the EQS have more features and technology than other Mercedes-Benz models. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz EQS offers the EQS450+ variant with 329 hp power and rear-wheel drive, as well as the EQS580 4MATIC which has up to 516 hp power and all-wheel drive or AWD.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS offers the EQS450+ variant with 329 hp power and rear-wheel drive, as well as the EQS580 4MATIC which has up to 516 hp power and all-wheel drive or AWD. (Picture from: CNET)
In the highest variant, the largest Mercedes-Benz electric-powered sedan can go from zero to 100 kph in just 4.1 seconds, that's such an impressive numbers for a big luxury sedan. Well with all the facilities and features equivalent to the S-Class models, the Mercedes-Benz EQS is priced at US $96,000 or approx Rp.1.4 billion in the United States market.
6. 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQV
Who has thought of making an electric-powered van? Yes, Mercedes-Benz. Well, this German automaker seeing the van as a quite popular model, that's makes it even more confident to introduce the Mercedes-Benz EQV, which is in the same family as the V-Class.
The Mercedes-Benz EQV capable to charge from 0-80% is claimed only take 45 minutes by using 110 kW DC fast charging. (Picture from: Mercedes-Benz)
The Mercedes-Benz EQV electric motor capable to produce 201 hp of power and 362 Nm of torque. Mercedes-Benz claims that its electric-powered van can travel up to 482 km on a single charge. Even charging from 0-80% is claimed only take 45 minutes by using 110 kW DC fast charging.
In our opinion (maybe you too), the Mercedes-Benz EQV is an attractive choice for the commercial transportation business, and in the United States market this EQV model priced at US $76,000 or equivalent to Rp.1.1 billion.
Well, the world's oldest car manufacturer from Germany has entered a new green era offered better quality of life, through all those Mercedes-Benz EQ Series above proves their seriousness in the development of environmentally friendly renewable energy and technology. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MERCEDES-BENZ | IDN-TMES | DESTEFANI.NET ]
Special ONES The Italian premium car manufacturer headquartered in Maranello, Ferrari through its special division has again launched a special roadster named Ferrari SP51, it is a one-off built supercar, that is based on the 812 GTS and is created for the company’s unnamed Taiwanese customer.
The Ferrari SP51 is one-of-a-kind two-seater roadster built based on the 812 GTS for the Ferrari’s loyal unnamed customer from Taiwan. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
As a one-of-a-kind car model, the Ferrari SP51 is characterized by an exclusive design made as commisoned by the client who will become the car owner. Overall, the manufacturing process for this exclusive car model took about 2 years and during that time, the client was also involved in assessing the design and verification phases.
The Ferrari SP51 was specifically designed and built by the prancing horse's special division, Ferrari Centro Stile led by Flavio Manzoni. (Picture from: Carscoops)
As previously mentioned, this one-of-a-kind car model built based on the Ferrari 812 GTS inheriting also its layout, chassis and engine. Furthermore, the Ferrari SP51 was specifically designed and built by the prancing horse's special division, Ferrari Centro Stile led by Flavio Manzoni. In appearance, this one-of-a-kind car model has a muscular body design mostly made of carbon fiber, including several parts in the interior.
The Ferrari SP51 was took about 2 years in making and during that time, the client was also involved in assessing the design and verification phases. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Then there is a special trim on the hood with the presence of two dynamically framed air inlets. Furthermore, the car exterior is got the finishing touches of three layered of special red color called Rosso Passionale, with a blue and white stripe was inspired by the legendary 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spyder.
The Ferrari SP51 has a muscular body design mostly made of carbon fiber, including several parts in the interior. (Picture from: Otomotif-Tempo)
At the front of the car features specially designed and iconic headlights, the alloy wheels which each spoke feature a diamond-cut finish and these wheels are specially designed for cars that have a carbon fiber wing profile.
The Ferrari SP51 has several white embroidered details, including for the car name, which is found under the car's seat. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
While at the rear, it is dominated by curved shapes coupled with a brake light inserted under the spoiler. Right behind the cabin there are two flying buttresses, combined with two air holes made of carbon fiber. Then there also an extend carbon fiber wing, whose profile folds over the struts.
The
Ferrari SP51 has several white embroidered details, including for the Prancing Horse emblem, which is found on head rests. (Picture from: Carscoops)
And in the cabin there are also white and blue stripes (what it looks like to continue similar stripes from its exterior) in between the two seats. Meanwhile, the door panels, underside of the dash and side of the seats are given blue Kvadrat fabric inserts with white cross stitching. There's glossy carbon fiber trim is used throughout the interior to match Nero Momo Opaco elements. Then there are also several white embroidered details, including for the car name and The Prancing Horse emblem, which is found under the car's seats and head rests.
The Ferrari SP51 got the finishing touches of three layered of special red color called Rosso Passionale, with a blue and white stripe. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
Remarkably, the Ferrari SP51 aerodynamics development is carried out specifically because it requires a very precise grinding process by involving computer simulations known as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to determine fluid flow patterns.
The white and blue stripes looks like continues to the Ferrari SP51's interior, in between the
two seats. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Furthermore, its dynamic testing was carried out in the wind tunnel to ensure that the overall design goals were achieved which included not only comfort in the cabin, but also the noise threshold and wind flow generated by the car while on driving.
The Ferrari SP51 is powered by a 6.5 liter V12 engine taken from the 812 GTS which is claimed to be capable of spewing peak power of up to 789 hp. (Picture from: Otomotif-Tempo)
Like other Ferrari one-off models, the car engine has not been touched by any modifications. This one-off model still carries a 6.5 liter V12 engine taken from the 812 GTS which is claimed to be capable of spewing peak power of up to 789 hp.
As we all know, the one-off Ferrari SP51 was specially designed for one of company's loyal customers in Taiwan, who is also a prominent collector of Ferrari. This one-of-a-kind car model is also the first V12 front-engined roadster successful produced by the Maranello-based automaker in 50 years.
Unfortunately, the Italian premium automaker did not give any details regarding to the prices of this one-of-a-kind car model which should be paid by the Taiwanese unnamed customer.😀 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI | CARSCOOPS | ]
New STYLE As we all knew, the Bentley Motors Limited was became a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group since 1998, and this Crewe-based car manufacturer is indeed very attached to the production of luxury, sophisticated and elegant cars through its special division Mulliner.
The Bentley Mulliner Batur carries a sleek hard top coupe model with a new and minimalist design language that will define Bentley's style in the upcoming car models. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
Recently the British company launched a new car named the Bentley Mulliner Batur is built by the company's personal commissioning division, It can be easily guessed that the name of this car was inspired by the natural beauty of Lake Batur covering an area of 16 km2 located in Kintamani, Bali. And from its appearance, this Bentley Mulliner Batur carries a sleek hard top coupe model with a new and minimalist design language that will define Bentley's style in the upcoming car models.
One of Bentley Mulliner Batur sketches from the lead designer Hoe young Hwang. (Picture from: Carscoops on Facebooks)
As can be seen, Batur eliminated Bentley's old design language in a number of ways. Such as the discrete round headlights are gone, and the coupe now features sleek triple-beam headlights with LED accents that project towards the front fenders. Meanwhile the new grille looks evolutionary with aggressive bumper details underneath.
The Bentley Mulliner Batur is eliminated Bentley's old design language in a number of ways, such as the discrete round headlights replaced with sleek triple-beam headlights with LED accents. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
As the latest coachbuilt vehicle created by Mulliner, the Bentley Batur is said to have a very powerful engine as the latest and greatest incarnation of the Bentley W12 with a power output of around 740 PS. For drivers, this is a thrilling car that surpasses even the extreme performance of the Bentley Bacalar sports car.
The Bentley Mulliner Batur is said to have a very powerful engine as the latest and greatest incarnation of the Bentley W12 with a power output of around 740 PS. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
Besides revealed to overview of the Bentley vehicles in the future, the Mulliner Batur said to be the brand's strongest model. Meanwhile for production of the latest Bentley Mulliner Batur is limited to 18 units only, each unit will be designed by the owner so that they can determine the color and finish of almost every car's surface.
The Bentley Mulliner Batur's interior is not as dramatic as its exterior, the cabin maintains a Bentley identity with the latest materials tailored to the tastes of each customer. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
On the exterior there is a traditional Mulliner color palette as well as completely bespoke options. There are even hand-painted graphics. Buyers of this limited edition car can also choose between a light, dark, satin, gloss, or titanium brightwork exterior.
The Bentley Mulliner Batur is produced in limited numbers of 18 units only, each unit will be designed by the owner so that they can determine the color and finish of almost every car's surface. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
"After the customer has designed their-owned ideal vehicle, it will be handcrafted over several months by Mulliner. If all goes according to the plan, first deliveries will occur in mid-2023," as quoted of Bentley's press release on Tuesday, August 23, 2022.
According to Bentley, the launch of the Batur is an important moment for both Mulliner and Bentley. The Bentley Mulliner Batur reflects the future of Bentley's design vision offering a sleeker, more minimal and more focused interpretation of automotive luxury. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BENTLEY MOTORS | ID.MOTOR1 ]
NEW Beast As we all know, Kronref & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen (KTM) AG. is an Austrian automotive manufacturer which is actually more famous in the production of motorcycles, which is currently being pave the way to be a high-performance car manufacturer.
The first KTM's high-performance sports car named KTM X-Bow GT-XR officially released on September 2022. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Well, recently in September 2022, the Austrian automotive manufacturer launched a high-performance car called the KTM X-Bow GT-XR, that's said to be the first sports car has been launched by the Mattighofen-based manufacturer since 2008.
As quoted of Carscoops, the X-Bow GT-XR has very similar appearance to KTM's GTX and GT2 racing cars in terms of exterior. To continue the predecessors success, now the X-Bow GT-XR is ready to try out the circuit.
The KTM X-Bow GT-XR carries a low-slung coupe model featured with a unique canopy door, which is operated electronically and soft-close to access its cabin. (Picture from: Carscoops)
And if we look further at its appearance, the KTM X-Bow GT-XR uses a monocoque of carbon fiber body built on a high-strength steel tubing chassis. Thus, it weighs only 1,250 kg and a weight distribution of 44:56 front/rear. Uniquely, the KTM-made sports car carries a low-slung coupe model featured with a unique canopy door, which is operated electronically and soft-close to access its cabin.
Regarding performance, the first production sportscar of KTM is powered by an Audi 5-cylinder inline turbocharged engine with a capacity of 2,500 with a power output of up to 493 hp at 6,350 rpm, and a torque of 581 Nm at 5,500 rpm. The engine is combined with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission system.
The KTM X-Bow GT-XR has a dashboard arrangement that looks very sporty with the Formula-1 like steering wheel. (Picture from: Carscoops)
The power generated is channeled to the rear wheels with the help of a limited slip differential. So no wonder if the GT-XR can go up to 100 kph in 3.4 seconds, while the maximum speed is claimed to be 280 kph. Even though KTM prioritizes the car using on the track, the Austrian manufacturer claims this GT-XR is suitable for daily driving.
The KTM X-Bow GT-XR is powered by an Audi 5-cylinder inline turbocharged engine with a capacity of 2,500 with a power output of up to 493 hp at 6,350 rpm, and a torque of 581 Nm at 5,500 rpm. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Meanwhile, on the legs, this KTM sportscar used the OZ Racing rims with a size of 19 inches in front, and used 20 inches in rear, wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires sized 235/35 R19 and 295/35 R20 rear. For its driving convenience and safety, the X-Bow GT-XR also supported with the Sachs suspension system that can adjust the height of the car.
The KTM X-Bow GT-XR can go up from zero to 100 kph only in 3.4 seconds, while the maximum speed is claimed to be 280 kph. (Picture from: Carscoops)
As you can see inside, the KTM X-Bow GT-XR has a dashboard arrangement that looks very sporty with the Formula-1 like steering wheel. Then the racing nuance is increasingly felt in the cabin by the using of bucket model seats combined with a four-points seat belt to ensure safety while on driving.
Well, then the Mattighoffen, Austria based automotive manufacturer also said that it would produce the KTM X-Bow GT-XR in a limited numbers, namely only 100 units which reportedly will be sold starting at around €284,900 (approx Rp. 4.28 billion). Is anyone interested in owning this sports car? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KTM | CARSCOOPS | GETJERRY ]
Later, the BMW M Hybrid V8 will face tough competition in endurance racing against its rivals, such the Porsche 963, Acura ARX-06, and Cadillac Grand Touring Prototype Hypercar. And in January 2023, the BMW M Hybrid V8 ahead its race debut. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BMW GROUP | CARSCOOPS ]
