the end of the Audi R8, the Rosatom battery and other industry events – Autoreview

2024-03-25 20:02:17

Production of supercars ceased Audi R8. The latest model to leave the Audi Böllinger Höfe plant in Heilbronn, Germany is the bright yellow Audi R8 Performance quattro coupe with a V10 engine producing 620 hp. The production of mid-engine cars was supposed to end last year, but it was extended until March. The R8 model was the smallest in the Audi range: for example, only 1,591 copies were sold last year. The Audi R8 will not have an heir – at least, such a car does not appear in the company’s immediate plans.

And mid-engined sports cars Porsche 718 (Cayman and Boxster) are leaving the European market early. The reason is the same as the first generation Macan: these age models do not comply with the new European Union cybersecurity rules, which come into force on July 1, 2024. Updating the electronics will turn out to be too complicated and costly, so the cars will simply be removed from the local market, although the new electric Porsche 718 will only be released in 2025. An exception is made only for extreme versions of the Cayman GT4 RS and Boxster RS ​​Spyder. Outside Europe, the Porsche 718 will remain in service for now.

The debut of the coupe-shaped crossover is scheduled for March 27 Citroen Basalt. This model is being prepared for the markets of India and South America, but in fact will be a variation of the local budget cross-hatchback Citroen C3. Basalt will differ from the original by an increased rear overhang, an angled rear window and a sloping roof. There are no plans for such a Citroen to appear in Europe.

No sooner had the petrol Fiat 500 of the previous generation left the assembly line of the plant in the Polish city of Tychy than a replacement had already been found. According to the agency Reutersalready this spring the assembly of Chinese electric vehicles will be organized at the same enterprise Leap engine T03. Thus, information regarding the intention of the Stellantis concern to establish the production and sale of Chinese electric vehicles in Europe is confirmed. For this purpose, back in October 2023, a 21% stake in the Chinese company Leapmotor was purchased. Its junior model T03 is a 3.6 m long hatchback with a 109 hp engine. and a rated power reserve of 280 km. According to the plan, its price in Europe should not exceed 20 thousand euros.

Toyota patented the appearance of an unusual minivan in Japan. It was first unveiled last fall at the Tokyo Motor Show, but in the form of the Toyota X-Van Gear concept car. That show car is prepared for tourism and expeditions, so from the outside it looks like a brutal SUV. Judging by the patent, Toyota is considering mass production of such a minivan. The overall dimensions of the proposed new product have also become known: length – 4695 mm, width – 1820 mm, height – 1855 mm.

After six years at Bentley, its CEO Adrian Hallmark leaves his post. It is stated that this decision was made “on its own initiative and mutual agreement.” Hallmark himself said that it was time for new challenges, which he would find at Aston Martin. This is the third change of leadership in four years for the English supercar manufacturer. Adrian Hallmark will take up his new position only on October 1, 2024, and until then the current head of the company, Amedeo Felisa, will transfer the affairs to him. The main task of the new director will be to move the Aston Martin brand into the ultra-luxury segment.

Company Hyundai ready for the introduction of the recently announced tough economic regulations in the United States. The local subsidiary announced that the new legislation will not change Hyundai’s strategy in North America. The manufacturer intends to maintain the range of hybrid and even purely gasoline cars, along with the development of electric ones. According to the company’s plan, by 2030, from 45 to 55% of sales should come from electric vehicles, and in addition, the emphasis is on rechargeable hybrids in mass segments.

Brand Forthing, part of the Dongfeng concern, entered the Russian market a year ago and until recently imported cars directly from China. However, at the end of February, the start of local assembly in Kaliningrad was announced and localization and adaptation to Russian conditions were promised. Today, the distributor of the Forthing brand, Ixen, announced the imminent appearance of the Forthing T5 Evo crossover (pictured) with an all-wheel drive version with a clutch on the rear axle. This modification was created specifically for Russia, because there are no T5 Evo crossovers with four driven wheels even in China.

Corporation Rosatom presented a universal traction battery suitable for installation on electric cars or trucks. Depending on the type of vehicle, the universal battery can be combined into an array of up to 16 pieces. According to the developers, this will cover up to 80% of the needs of the Russian traction battery market. One universal battery has a capacity of 42.6 kWh, it is made using Li-NMC (lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt) technology with an energy density of 260 Wh/kg. The declared temperature range is from –40°C to +40°C. By the end of 2024, Rosatom plans to complete the cycle of factory sea trials as part of vehicles.

Also today we talked regarding Nissan’s strategy, the BAIC X75 crossover and the problems of the Fisker Ocean electric car.

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