Citroen launches radical all-electric e-C4 X

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June 29, 2022

Citroen has revealed the all-new, all-electric, e-C4 X at a special event in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Described as combining fastback styling with SUV practicality and four-door finesse, the e-C4 X has been developed in response to customer demand.

Vincent Cobée, Citroen CEO, says the new model is aimed at those who want “an affordable, responsible and elegant alternative to the mass of hatchback and SUV offerings”.

Challenging the market norms

Sharing a platform with the C4 hatchback, the new e-C4 X slots into the range below the larger C5 X. Although radical-looking, the bold shape is aerodynamically efficient, recording a 0.29 Cd drag coefficient.

Citroën Design Director, Pierre Leclercq, said that the e-C4 X is “unmistakably Citroen at the front, but as you come around the car you can see that its silhouette is very different – much more dynamic and exciting”.

The flowing roofline disguises the traditional saloon-style boot, which sees a small lip spoiler integrated into it.

A raised ride height gives the e-C4 X an SUV-like driving position, with matt black lower panels emphasising the additional ground clearance. In terms of style, the Renault Arkana is likely to be its biggest competitor.

Potential electric range of 224 miles

Whilst certain markets will receive the option of a petrol or diesel C4 X, the UK will only see the electric e-C4 X on offer. Powering it will be a 100kW electric motor.

With Sport Mode engaged, this should result in a 0-62mph time of 9.7 seconds, along with potential top speed of 93mph.

Only one size of lithium-ion battery will be available, with a 50kW capacity. Citroen claims that this should deliver an official range of up to 224 miles when fully charged.

The 400v battery system allows the use of 100kW rapid charging devices, said to replenish the e-C4 X to 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes. Using a wallbox should see a full charge take 7.5 hours, although this can be reduced to 5 hours with the optional 11kW on-board charger.

Citroen will offer a ‘one-stop shop’ for EV wallbox installation, and allow charging of the e-C4 X to be controlled through the MyCitroen app.

Riding on a magic carpet

Compared to the radical exterior, on the inside the e-C4 X appears somewhat more conventional. A 10-inch multimedia display dominates the centre console, with storage space and multiple USB sockets found lower down.

Citroen is particularly proud of the e-C4 X’s rear seats, boasting of 198mm knee room and a reclined 27-degree backrest. It promises that three adults will be able to sit side-by-side across the rear bench, too.

The use of Advanced Comfort seats, featuring 15mm thickened foam, is said to give the impression of ‘sitting in a snug armchair’.

Aiding this is the use of Citroen’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension system. This uses hydraulic bump stops to help smooth out road imperfections, resulting in the company’s acclaimed “magic carpet ride” effect.

Additional junk in the trunk

The e-C4 X’s boot has a 510-litre capacity, with additional storage underneath for the electric charging cable. The rear seat backrests fold for larger items, with a ski hatch also included.

Final UK specifications for the new e-C4 X are yet to be confirmed by Citroen, with pricing also currently unannounced.

Production is scheduled to start soon at the Stellantis Villaverde manufacturing facility in Madrid, Spain, with sales beginning in autumn 2022.

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American Mini buyers are being sent giant jigsaw puzzles

By

John Redfern

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June 29, 2022

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American Mini customers who are waiting on delivery of their new car are receiving gigantic jigsaw puzzles to complete.

Select customers on the Mini USA waiting list will receive life-size puzzles, with others getting a regular-sized jigsaw. All the puzzles feature images of Mini’s current product range.

Mini USA’s new campaign is officially titled: ‘The We’re Working Hard To Get You Your Car, Waiting Is The Worst, In The Meantime Happy Puzzling, Mini Puzzle’.

Or the ‘Not So Mini’ puzzle, for short…

Solving a production puzzle

Mini aims to help keep customers engaged while they wait, and acknowledges the global supply chain issues that face the automotive industry.

The ongoing shortage of semiconductors has affected almost all car manufacturers, leading to substantial delays on deliveries. The war in Ukraine has caused shortages of some key components, too.

Earlier this year, Mini opted to stop production of vehicles fitted with manual gearboxes. Other drivetrain and engine options are also unavailable for order at present, plus there are restrictions on trim levels.

Typical delivery times for a new Mini are now six to nine months, or longer for electric and plug-in hybrid versions.

Mini time at home

Mini USA wants future owners to find a way to participate in the Mini community, even without their new car. Its various social media channels will feature customers completing their life-size puzzles.

“People buy a Mini because of its cheeky and fun-to-drive spirit, so we wanted to give owners something fun to do while they wait to get behind the wheel of their new Mini,” said Rah Mahtani, communications manager at Mini USA.

“The ‘Not So Mini’ puzzle is one of the ways we are showing the Mini community our appreciation as owners wait for their new vehicles. Owners and their families can enjoy building and displaying their puzzles, showcasing Mini’s iconic design, right in their home garages or living rooms.”

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Mighty 702hp Ram 1500 TRX pickup heads to Australia in right-hand drive

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John Redfern

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June 27, 2022

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The world’s most powerful production pickup truck is now on sale in Australia. And it’s available in right-hand drive.

Described as the ‘apex predator of the truck world’, the Ram 1500 TRX is designed to offer huge performance both on and off the road.

Launching the 1500 TRX Down Under marks the culmination of a seven-year project. This has seen 13,000 Ram trucks remanufactured in right-hand drive for Australian customers.

Muscled-up pickup truck

Powering the TRX is a 6.2-litre supercharged Hemi V8, as found in the tyre-shredding Dodge Hellcat muscle car range. It generates a huge 702hp and 651lb ft of torque, pushing this truck into supercar territory.

Even in a vehicle as large and heavy as the Ram 1500, this results in a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds. Top speed is, perhaps sensibly, limited to 118mph.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, along with all-wheel drive that incorporates launch control. The TRX is also equipped with ‘Jump Detection’, which realises when the pickup is in the air. It then modifies engine torque and suspension settings for an optimal landing.

Bilstein Blackhawk e2 adaptive suspension dampers help create the 295mm ground clearance, as do huge 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory All-Terrain tyres.

Wanted Down Under

Each TRX comes fitted with leather sports seats, a 12-inch multimedia touchscreen and a 7.0-inch digital dashboard. Special displays can show off-road mode data, along with recording 0-62mph runs and G-force levels.

Turning the TRX into a right-hand-drive machine requires some 600 new parts, all locally sourced in Australia.

“When we first started this brand in Australia, people said it couldn’t be done,” said Jeff Barber, national manager of Ram Trucks Australia.

“Our robust planning, development, remanufacturing and testing programme, in conjunction with our local and global partners at Stellantis Ram Trucks International, has produced a range of vehicles that have successfully built-up strong demand for full-size pick-up trucks in Australia and New Zealand.”

Australian apex predator

Opting for such a hugely powerful pickup, with an official conversion to right-hand drive, does not come cheap.

Prices for the Ram 1500 TRX start at $199,950 (£113,000), with the only option being a panoramic sunroof for $10,000 (£5,600).

We suspect the Outback and sand dunes of Australia will make the perfect playground for such a capable performance truck.

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Towing a caravan, trailer or another car safely: what you need to know

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Motoring Research team

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June 26, 2022

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There are around 4,000 incidents a year on UK roads that involve cars towing a trailer, according to Highways England.

Drivers are advised to ensure they have the correct licence and insurance to tow, as well as checking the vehicle is connected correctly and the load is secure.

Here, we detail the essential safety checks you should make before towing a caravan, trailer or horsebox, followed by those for towing another car.

‘Preventable mistakes’

Many towing incidents and accidents are caused by preventable mistakes, says Highways England. These include:

A poorly loaded trailer
An overloaded trailer
Insufficient nose weight
A load too heavy for the car’s towing capacity
Driving too fast for the conditions
Serious crosswinds

Highways England’s strategic road safety lead, Stuart Lovatt, said: “Thankfully incidents are very rare, but now is the time to remind motorists of the need to make sure you have carried out proper checks and have loaded the trailer or vehicle correctly.

“We have all sorts travelling on our network including horseboxes, trailer tents and leisure vehicles such as boats and caravans. Our message is really simple, check it before towing it so that everyone gets home safe and well.”

Top tips: how to tow a trailer

Using advice from Highways England, here are some easy-to-follow tips for towing a trailer:

Reduce the risk of inherent instability. Make sure the outfit is properly matched (i.e. a car suitable for the caravan or trailer load) and that the trailer is correctly loaded, including sufficient nose weight.
Choose a car and caravan/trailer with stability aids. Don’t rely on them to correct an inherently unstable outfit. However, they will make a safe outfit safer still.
Drive within the speed limits for towing. This is 60mph on a motorway unless signs state slower. Take particular care when going downhill and/or overtaking to ensure that speed does not build up excessively.
Reduce speed if conditions are not favourable. For example, if there are crosswinds or heavy rain.
Keep clear of large vehicles. When passing or being passed by large vehicles such as HGVs, maximise the separation between them and the caravan/trailer by using the available lane width (with due regard for vehicles in other lanes).
Drive for stability. If instability occurs, do not brake, but instead ease off the accelerator and allow your speed to drop. Let the steering wheel twitch and do not try to steer against the motion of the car. Also, do not try to accelerate to ‘pull the outfit straight’. This is likely to result in instability at an even greater speed.
Check the causes of instability. Following an instability scare, check all possible contributory factors and address them if possible. Next time, you might not be so lucky.

Top tips: how to tow a car

The above advice also applies to towing a car. However, there are some additional factors to take into account. With help from LeaseCar UK, here are our tips for towing another vehicle:

Use an ‘On tow’ sign. This must be placed in the back window of the vehicle being towed to make other road users aware.
Use the right rope or bar. The towing rope or bar used must meet the weight limit of the vehicle being towed. Before attaching the rope/bar, ensure that it has no defects. In order to attach it, you will also need two towing eyes, which are metal hooks located below the car’s bumper.
Mind the gap. When the vehicle is being towed with just a rope or bar, the maximum distance between the two cars is 4.5 metres. There is no minimum distance, but there must be enough space to avoid any accidental damage (e.g. when braking).
Switch on the ignition. The ignition of the car being towed should be switched on in order to disable the steering wheel lock. This applies even if the car’s battery is flat. Remember to be careful with vehicles that have power steering, as it will be harder to turn the steering wheel.
Leave the gearbox in neutral. Cars should be left in neutral when being towed. This is so that the wheels can move freely. If the car is left in gear, the wheels won’t turn properly and this could cause damage to the engine. Also, remember to take the handbrake off before you start.
Give signals. As well as using indicators and hazard lights, adopting a hand gesture or a horn signal will help the driver behind know when you’re about to come to a stop.
Steady as you go. For the driver who is towing, accelerating slowly is important to avoid sudden jolts for the driver behind – and prevent damage to the towing rope or bar. Equally, take corners more slowly and wider than usual. This will allow the car behind adequate space and ensure it isn’t drifting into another lane.
Keep the tension up. The driver who is being towed must keep an eye on the rope at all times. If the rope begins to slacken, gently apply the brakes to reintroduce some tension. Again, this will stop any uncomfortable jolts and snags.
Automatic and electric cars. Drivers should tow with caution when it comes to automatic or electric vehicles. Electric cars, for example, do not have a neutral position, so when the wheels are turning they are still connected to the motor, which could cause lasting damage. Most breakdown firms use a low-loader lorry to recover EVs. Automatic cars have a similar problem as some cannot assume a neutral position when the car is turned off. If in doubt, refer to the car’s manual.

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Limited edition Alpine A110 Tour de Corse 75 revealed at Goodwood

By

John Redfern

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June 23, 2022

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Alpine will launch a limited-edition version of its A110 sports car at this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The Tour de Corse 75 pays tribute to the original Alpine A110 Berlinette rally car, which claimed a hard-fought second place in the 1975 Tour de Corse rally.

Only 150 examples of the special new Alpine will be produced, with just five cars earmarked for UK customers.

Flashback to 1975

A bold yellow exterior features black and white decals, inspired by the classic 1975 rally car. The roof and bonnet of the Tour de Corse 75 are finished in black, with a subtle number ‘7’ visible on the rear.

A set of 18-inch gloss-white Grand Prix wheels and orange Brembo brake calipers help complete the makeover.

On the inside, Alpine has fitted a pair of motorsport-style Sabelt bucket seats, embroidered with ‘Tour de Corse 75’ text. To gain the full rally experience, buyers can specify racing harnesses.

Alpine’s new multimedia system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, is included as standard. Each car will have a numbered dashboard plaque, indicating which of the 150 examples it is.

Take a first glance at Goodwood

Customers interested in one of the five UK cars can register their interest now, with prices set to start from £66,855.

The A110 Tour de Corse 75 will make several runs up the Goodwood Festival of Speed hillclimb, demonstrating the potential of its 300hp mid-mounted engine. Between runs, the car will be on show in the First Glance paddock.

The original Alpine A110 Berlinette, which inspired the new special edition car, will also be on show at Goodwood.

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One-off McLaren Artura celebrates women engineers at Goodwood

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John Redfern

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June 23, 2022

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McLaren has unveiled a special one-off Artura supercar, designed to highlight International Women in Engineering Day.

The car’s unique design celebrates one year of McLaren’s partnership with children’s rights charity, Plan International.

Guests attending the Goodwood Festival of Speed will be able to see the custom Artura as part of McLaren’s public display.

The search for female role models

McLaren has also published details of a survey, undertaken by Plan International, examining the attitudes of schoolgirls to engineering careers.

Some 61 percent of those surveyed said they wanted to see more female engineering role models.

A considerable 75 percent of schoolgirls said they are interested in pursuing a science, technology, engineering and maths-based (STEM) career.

However, nearly a quarter (24 percent) said they worry about being good enough to study STEM subjects.

Workshops for future STEM stars

Plan International and McLaren aim to tackle the barriers highlighted in the recent research, and do more to promote STEM careers to girls. McLaren has pledged to host skills-based educational workshops for 1,000 girls by 2025.

The first of these sessions was hosted by McLaren’s Ella Podmore. Having previously completed a degree in materials engineering, Ella joined McLaren as an intern engineer in 2016.

In 2021, Ella was crowned the 2021 Young Woman Engineer of the Year by the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Last year also saw another of McLaren’s female employees, Rachel Brown, provide the inspiration for a Lego mini-figure. As principal development engineer for the Ultimate Series of cars, her miniature recreation was included with the Lego Speed Champions McLaren Elva.

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Polestar 5 GT targets Porsche Taycan-beating 884hp

By

Richard Aucock

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June 23, 2022

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Polestar has revealed that its new four-door electric GT car, the Polestar 5, has a power target of 884hp – a figure well in excess of even the most powerful Porsche Taycan EV, the Turbo S.

Polestar’s rival to the Taycan will also boast an 800V architecture, delivering ultra-fast charging to those who make the most of its mighty power output.

Seen in action for the first time in public this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Polestar 5 is being run up the Goodwood hill twice daily in the First Glance group.

This is a very public teaser ahead of its full launch in 2024.

New benchmark

Jorg Brandscheid, Polestar CTO and head of R&D, said: “The new powertrain we are working on will set a new brand benchmark in our high-performing cars.

“Combining strong electric motor engineering ability with advances in light-weight platform technology is leading to truly stunning driver’s cars.”

It is being developed by a British-led team here in the UK. Head of Polestar UK R&D Pete Allen said it is “shaping up to be a superb four-door GT and a true Polestar.

“The platform combines low-volume performance car attributes with modern technological advances to bring light-weight, high-rigidity sports car chassis technology into mass production.”

Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath is calling the Polestar 5 “a company-defining project”.

In a novel approach, Polestar is tracking the development of the Polestar 5, the production version of 2020’s Precept concept, in a YouTube documentary series.

Ahead of the Polestar 5’s launch, the firm will launch the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 electric SUVs – both described as “pure Polestars”.

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How Hot Wheels could transform your car into a die-cast model

By

John Redfern

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June 22, 2022

0

Hot Wheels could make your car into a special die-cast model, creating an instant miniature icon.

The 2022 Hot Wheels Legends Tour spans 14 countries across the world, with the overall winning vehicle transformed into a toy.

This year will put extra pressure on enthusiasts from the UK, as last year’s winning car hailed from Somerset.

Performance, authenticity and ‘garage spirit’

Hot Wheels is asking owners of unique and interesting cars to put forward their life-sized vehicle for the 2022 Legends Tour.

Enthusiasts simply need to upload a short video to the Hot Wheels website, along with a brief explanation about their car. Entries close on 31 August 2022.

Ten contenders will selected, then assembled before a live studio audience in October.

A new UK judging panel will be responsible for assessing the 10 finalists, looking for a car that embodies Hot Wheels performance, authenticity and ‘garage spirit’. The panel includes Helen Stanley and Jonny Smith, alongside renowned car designer Ian Callum CBE.

Twice the chance to win

This year sees entrants have a double chance at seeing their car made into a die-cast model. Along with the overall winner, the judges will pick a regional Fan Favourite to become a 1:64 miniature, too.

Last year, Lee Johnstone’s Volvo P1800 Gasser (pictured above) won the UK leg of the competition, before going on to be crowned the global champion.

“I never imagined that we would win, but it’s been amazing to be part of the design process and meet the team that is responsible for creating the toy cars that fans of any age love,” said Johnstone.

“You just can’t beat that thrill of seeing your car scaled down in the Hot Wheels pack. I’d urge anyone to enter just to share that moment. It’s unforgettable!”

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Dacia launches 3D augmented reality app to visualise your new car

By

John Redfern

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June 20, 2022

0

Following the launch of Dacia’s new corporate identity, the Romanian car company has released an augmented reality (AR) app.

Available for a range of smartphones and tablet devices, it lets customers visualise how a new Dacia looks in virtual 3D.

The app works in up to life-size 1:1 scale, helping drivers see how a Dacia could literally fit into their lives.

Experience a virtual Dacia

Customers can use the augmented reality app to place a virtual Dacia anywhere they want. Dacia says this could be in their garage, a car park, or even ‘the great outdoors’.

Along with the ability to view the exterior of new Dacia models, the AR app lets drivers examine the interior in detail. This includes use of Dacia’s new ‘link’ badge for good measure.

The updated Dacia range will be on display at the 2022 Paris Motor Show in October, before vehicles arrive in dealerships.

Sales staff can also make use of the AR app, demonstrating different trim levels to interested customers.

Simplified trim levels

Dacia is also updating the names of its various trim levels. The new range starts with the Essential grade, offering low-price entry-level motoring. This is followed by Expression, with Journey as the new range-topping trim option.

Customers can download the Dacia AR app for free via the Apple or Google Play app stores now.

Dacia is the latest car manufacturer to offer an augmented reality app, following Porsche and Bentley.

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Vauxhall marks 40 years of superminis with Corsa-e Anniversary Edition

By

Richard Aucock

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June 20, 2022

0

Vauxhall is celebrating 40 years of the Corsa and Nova supermini line with a new tartan-infused pure electric Corsa-e Anniversary Edition.

Limited to 1,000 units, the special Corsa-e comes in custom Record Red paint – and, inside, has tartan upholstery inspired by the 1980s Nova SR.

In a novel touch, each Anniversary Edition also comes with a box of collectors’ socks featuring both classic and modern versions of the Vauxhall tartan.

Available to order exclusively online, the Corsa-e Anniversary Edition costs £31,000.

Heritage-inspired colour

Vauxhall says the Record Red paint is inspired by the original Nova’s Carmine Red hue.

The Corsa-e Anniversary Edition gets a black grille, black front and rear Vauxhall Griffin logos and black ‘Corsa’ lettering on the bootlid, a feature also seen on the new Astra.

The 17-inch wheels are gloss black with matt grey inserts.

Inside, there’s a black dashboard strip and numbered plate to mark its limited edition status.

Based on the GS Line variant, standard equipment also includes heated front seats and steering wheel, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment and a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster.

The 136hp electric motor is combined with a 50kWh battery, giving a driving range of up to 222 miles.

100kW rapid charging is standard, for an 80 percent charge in 30 minutes.