Monthly Archives: September 2018
Mercedes-Benz EQC Electric Car To Be Revealed on September 4 at 6PM UK Time
Mercedes-Benz is set to unveil its highly-anticipated Mercedes-Benz EQC all-electric car in a grand event in Stockholm at 6PM UK time on Tuesday. Though it won’t go on sale until next year, the German automaker is hoping to wow the industry with its foray into the all-electric realm.
The EQC is a battery electric operated vehicle that signals the first model from EQ, Daimler-owned Mercedes’ new product and technology brand. The company has not released full images of the production version of the vehicle ahead of the launch. There are a number of concepts released in the past and several teaser images that led us to believe this is a medium-sized SUV with coupe-like styling.
Mercedes first unveiled the EQC all-electric car as a concept in a technology forum at the Paris motor show almost two years ago. Back then, the German brand said that the EQC will feature a 70kWh lithium-ion battery pack that provides a range in excess of 300 miles.
As with electric cars, the competition begins from the range capacity. The EQC with its 300-mile-plus range would put it in the competition of Elon Musk’s Tesla.
In a teaser trailer, the EQC was shown to have a rear light signature that looks like a folded staple with the front one looking like a slightly open staple. The EQC seems to have borrowed elements from the GLC at the rear.
The side profile, on the other hand, looks like a large bulky SUV with a conventional shape that could make it a rival for cars like the Tesla Model X.
The car’s large proportions and the fact that the battery will be mounted on the floor will give it plenty of room in the cabin for at least five passengers. Based on the trailer, the interior will include the new MBUX display and infotainment system.
2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Now Has More Capabilities
The current-generation Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has received very good reviews from critics and car enthusiasts alike. It was efficient, functional, fun to drive, and a relatively affordable plug-in hybrid, midsize, crossover option. For the 2019 model-year, on its home market in Japan, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is receiving a slew of updates—more electric power, a bigger gas engine, a bigger battery, better suspension, two new drive modes, and a number of design tweaks.
The car’s battery capacity has been increased to 13.8 kWh from 12 kWh. That will allow the car’s electric driving range to power to 40.4 miles from the regular 37.8 miles. There is also a boost in power coming from the rear electric motor/generator, and the gas engines increase its displacement from 2.0 liter to 2.4 liters.
There are new driving modes for this model—the Sport and Snow modes. Its 4WD Lock has also been adjusted to enable the better handling of poor road surfaces. This means the midsize crossover will be more than capable to handle off-road conditions.
To do this, the Japanese automaker must fit the Outlander PHEV with larger front and rear dampers with a new type of damper valve. For better steering feel and response, it will also come packed with a faster steering ratio and retuned electric power steering control.
For the exterior, the Outlander PHEV is now fitted with full LED headlights, an updated grille in front, and a new rear spoiler that improves aerodynamics and gives the midsize crossover a sportier look.
The cabin’s seats get leather wrapping with a diamond-quilt pattern. The door trim follows the same design. The front seats have been reshaped for added support.
These updates will likely make Mitsubishi’s midsize crossover more attractive for those looking for functionality and design. These updates are being offered to its Japanese market for now, but we think it’s more than likely we’ll see them in US soil.
4 Important Things To Know About The 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista Spider
The 488 Pista Spider is the 50th drop-top model built by Ferrari since 1947. Making its global debut at the Pebble Beach show in California, the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider is officially replacing the 458 SpecialeAperta in the lineup. It is also the first of its kind to have a turbocharged engine under the hood.
Exterior
Just like its sibling, the 458 SpecialeAperta, the Pista Spider has a spanking new front bumper that includes an F1-inspired S-duct and splitter design borrowed from the 488 GTE race cars. There are also similar changes to the side skirts and the rear fender outlets. The skirts are wider and sportier while the vents have a larger lower section that feeds more air into the engine.
Completing the overall look of the drop-top convertible is the diamond-finish, 20–inch wheels in 10-spoke design. Drivers can also opt for one-piece carbon-fiber wheels that are 20-percent lighter than the regular wheels.
Interior
The cabin is very similar to the coupe, except that it has unlimited headroom because of the drop-top. It’s finished in all black but you can customize it in bright colors, though that would be expensive.
The dashboard is the same as the one found in the regular 488, though there’s the “488 Pista” badge on the passenger side that separates this from any regular 488. It is the center console that received more revisions as the “R,” “Auto,” and “Launch” is now placed toward the right, closer to the passenger section. The console is made of carbon fiber, which is an upgrade from the aluminum material used on the regular 488.
Drivetrain
The Ferrari 488 Pista Spider is fitted with the same twin-turbo 3.9-liter V-8 that debuted in the 488 but upgraded to deliver more power. It can now make a whopping 710 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. That’s a 50-horsepower and seven-pound-foot increase over the standard 488 GTB.
Price
We don’t have information about the pricing, but we expect the Pista drop-top to start from $350,000.
