Tag Archives: testing
The Mercedes-Benz EQC is Nearly Ready for Production
The Mercedes-Benz EQC is not having a time-off anytime soon. After enduring a harsh winter testing in Sweden, the standalone, all-electric sport utility vehicle is now being tested in the Iberian Peninsula. The test is to ensure that Mercedes is on schedule for the planned production of the unit.
According to the Global Media Site of Daimler, the EQC withstood its earlier winter testing under minus 35 degrees Celsius. This time, it is being evaluated in the very hot temperatures of the Iberian region that can go up to 50 degrees Celsius.
The rigorous summer testing aims to see the effects of extreme heat to the key components of the electric vehicle, particularly to its battery, air conditioning unit and control units. Those are in addition to the assessment of the effects of hot climate to the driving dynamics and interior comfort of the SUV.
Key Challenges Faced by the Mercedes-Benz EQC
One key challenge that Mercedes wishes to address is the cooling system of the EQC’s battery pack. Under a very cold climate, the battery only loses some of its power. However, in extreme heat, the unit risks sustaining damage.
Aside from the cooling system, the luxury car maker also wants to know how the charging system of the auto will react to the scorching weather. The process will involve completely emptying the charge of the battery too in order to further assess the effects.
Next, the test will reveal if the indicated time for pre-climatization of the EQC’s cabin is sufficient. The Mercedes engineers will pay special attention as well to the result of the punishing heat to the vehicle’s air conditioning compressor.
Lastly, the summer trials will show where fine dust tends to build-up within the components of the EV.
Mercedes-Benz EQC Official Photos
The official photos of the Mercedes-Benz EQC show the EV wrapped in heavy camouflage, which hides its key styling features. Based on the photos, the production version of the SUV does not look so different from its concept version though.
Bugatti Chiron Caught Testing in Nurburgring
The Bugatti Chiron is all about power. That is the reason why the hypercar does not come cheap. With a $3 million price tag, the vehicle packs a mean engine. Recently, it was spotted while being tested in Nurburgring.
The Chiron is already being delivered to customers. So it is quite unusual to see it doing rounds in the endurance track. Normally, vehicles being driven in Nurburgring are those that are yet to be sold. Does this mean that we will see updates in the auto?
The Chiron carries an 8.0-liter W16 engine with quad turbocharger. The unit produces a mind-blowing 1,500 hp and 1,180 lb-ft of torque. The output is distributed by a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with manual mode. The configuration allows the vehicle to run from zero to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds and achieve a top speed of 261 mph.
The passenger of the Chiron in the video appears to be holding a laptop. That is strange since we already have the official figures of the hypercar’s performance.
It is possible that Bugatti might be developing a special edition of the Chiron. It should be noted that the Veyron had taken that direction numerous times in the past. One of the special edition models produced under the range was the 268 mph Super Sport model that got the distinction of being the fastest production car in the world.
If that is true, the updates in the auto will likely be in the power only as everything in the spied hypercar’s exterior looks the same as the existing model of the Chiron.
According to Road and Track, they already tried reaching Bugatti for comments about the car in the video. The company is yet to respond to their inquiry.
Video
Check out the latest video of the super quick Bugatti Chiron in the Nurburgring circuit: