The super crossover **Aston Martin DBX707** has a new special edition called the AMR24, named following the Formula 1 factory team’s racing car. Although there are no technical modifications, the DBX707 AMR24 perfectly mimics the racing car’s livery with its green Podium body color and bright lemon accents. Buyers also have the option of black, white, or silver trim. Completing the look are 23-inch wheels. The special edition’s interior also features yellow stitching.
Texas-based Hennessey Performance has opted for a unique way to say goodbye to the Hemi V8 engine in its Ram 1500 pickup. The model, dubbed the **Hennessey Mammoth 400**, is based on the pre-restyling Ram. It features exterior styling inspired by the Dodge Viper supercar. The pickup boasts a modified suspension with Fox shock absorbers, 22-inch wheels, and a carbon fiber body kit. Although the modifications to the V8 5.7 engine are modest, the power has increased from 401 to 426 hp. A total of 250 units of this car will be produced.
The Chinese joint venture **FAW-Volkswagen** has manufactured its 28 millionth car. This milestone was achieved by the new Volkswagen Magotan sedan, representing the closest relative of the European Passat. This joint venture was one of the pioneers in the development of the Chinese automobile market, having started production in 1991. As a result, FAW-Volkswagen currently holds the top spot in passenger car production volume in China.
According to JATO Dynamics, models from China have already captured 19% of the European **electric vehicle** market, compared to 13% the previous year. However, sales of all battery-powered cars in Europe have decreased by 11% compared to May last year. This decline has led the European Commission to consider implementing additional import duties on Chinese electric cars.
Interestingly, in the US market, sales of the **Toyota GR86** sports car have soared by 41.9% in the first half of the year (7,467 cars), while sales of the **Subaru BRZ** have dropped by 43.7% (1,414 units). This contrasting sales dynamic is surprising considering that buyers of these cars are typically automotive enthusiasts and aware of their identical nature. However, Subaru has provided an explanation: production priority was given to the Forester model, resulting in a reduced output for the BRZ coupe.
The **Renault** group plans to reduce the cost of producing electric vehicles by mass-producing lithium iron phosphate batteries. Based on manufacturer calculations, these batteries are 20% cheaper than the currently used lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide batteries (both of which are lithium-ion), while being suitable for small and compact electric vehicles. CATL (China) and LG Energy Solution (Korea) have been selected as suppliers for Renault. Potential duties pose no hurdle, as CATL has a plant in Hungary, and LG Energy Solution has a plant in Slovakia.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade and representatives of the Russian auto industry are discussing the creation of a universal **modular platform** for C, D, and E-class vehicles. This platform is intended to expedite the development time of new models, increase production volumes, and maximize the utilization of component supplier production capacity. The development of this domestic modular platform will cost approximately 180 billion rubles.
Other topics discussed today included the Land Rover Defender Octa SUV, the Hongqi HS5 crossover, the Stelato S9 sedan, new Geely batteries, and the most reliable three-year-old cars in the US.
Automotive News Digest: DBX707 AMR24, Hennessey Mammoth 400, and More
Aston Martin DBX707 AMR24: A Formula 1-Inspired Special Edition
Aston Martin has unveiled a special edition of its high-performance DBX707 crossover, dubbed the AMR24. This limited-edition model pays homage to the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1 team’s racing car. While there are no mechanical upgrades, the DBX707 AMR24 boasts a striking livery that mirrors the racing car’s color scheme. It features a vibrant Podium Green body color accentuated by bright lemon accents, reminiscent of the Aston Martin F1 car. However, buyers can opt for alternative decor options in black, white, or silver. Completing the sporty look are 23-inch wheels. Inside, the special edition receives a touch of flair with yellow stitching throughout the cabin.
Hennessey Mammoth 400: A Viper-Inspired Ram 1500
Texas-based performance tuner Hennessey has crafted a unique farewell tribute to the Hemi V8 engine with its latest creation, the Mammoth 400. Based on the pre-restyled Ram 1500 pickup, the Mammoth 400 sports a distinct exterior inspired by the iconic Dodge Viper supercar. The pickup receives a comprehensive makeover, featuring a modified suspension with Fox shock absorbers, 22-inch wheels, and a carbon fiber body kit. However, the engine modifications to the V8 5.7-liter powerplant are modest, boosting power from 401 hp to 426 hp. Hennessey plans to produce only 250 units of this limited-edition pickup.
FAW-Volkswagen Celebrates 28 Millionth Vehicle
The Chinese joint venture FAW-Volkswagen has achieved a significant milestone, producing its 28 millionth vehicle. The milestone car was the latest Volkswagen Magotan sedan, closely related to the European Passat. This joint venture holds a prominent position in the Chinese automotive market, having commenced production in 1991 and currently holds the top spot in the nation’s passenger car production volume.
Chinese EVs Gaining Ground in Europe
According to JATO Dynamics, Chinese electric vehicles are rapidly gaining market share in Europe. They now represent 19% of the European EV market, up from 13% the previous year. However, overall EV sales in Europe experienced a dip of 11% compared to May 2022. This trend has led the European Commission to consider imposing additional import duties on Chinese electric cars.
Toyota GR86 Soaring, Subaru BRZ Sales Dipping
In the US market, the Toyota GR86 sports car has experienced a significant surge in sales, climbing 41.9% to 7,467 units in the first half of 2023. On the other hand, sales of its twin, the Subaru BRZ, have declined by 43.7% to 1,414 units in the same period. This contrasting sales performance is surprising, considering that both models are essentially identical. Subaru attributes the decline to prioritizing production of the Forester model, leading to a reduction in BRZ production.
Renault Embraces Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries for EVs
Renault is taking steps to reduce the cost of producing electric vehicles by transitioning to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. These batteries, which are said to be 20% cheaper than the currently used lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) batteries, are seen as suitable for smaller and more compact electric vehicles. Renault has selected Chinese company CATL and Korean manufacturer LG Energy Solution as suppliers for these LFP batteries. Potential tariffs are not a concern, as both suppliers have manufacturing facilities in Europe.
Russia Plans Universal Modular Platform for Passenger Cars
The Ministry of Industry and Trade, along with representatives from the Russian automotive industry, are in talks to develop a universal modular platform for passenger cars in the C, D, and E segments. The government aims to utilize this platform to expedite the development of new models, boost production volumes, and enhance the utilization of component suppliers’ capacities. The development of a domestic modular platform is estimated to cost approximately 180 billion rubles.
Other Notable Automotive News
- Land Rover Defender Octa SUV: The Defender Octa is a unique, eight-wheeled, off-road capable variant of the Land Rover Defender that combines the ruggedness of the original model with the ability to tackle extreme terrain.
- Hongqi HS5 Crossover: This stylish crossover from the Chinese brand Hongqi offers a blend of luxury, technology, and performance.
- Stelato S9 Sedan: The Stelato S9 is a high-performance electric sedan that promises blistering acceleration and cutting-edge technology.
- Geely Batteries: The Chinese automaker Geely is investing heavily in battery technology, with plans for new battery plants and partnerships that will propel its electric vehicle ambitions.
- Most Reliable Three-Year-Old Cars in the US: Recent reliability studies have identified the most reliable three-year-old vehicles sold in the US. These findings provide valuable insights for car buyers looking for dependable used cars.
