World Car Blog

World Car Blog

Mercedes-AMG GT63 E-Performance
The car will be part of the AMG E-Performance strategy, and according to some information, it will carry the designation Mercedes-AMG GT63 E-Performance (some sources mentioned the name Mercedes-AMG GT 73e).

Either way, it’s a Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe that got a Plug-In Hybrid drivetrain with a combination of a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo petrol, electric motor, lithium-ion batteries and all-wheel drive.

The propulsion system will have a combined disposal of up to 600 kW / 816 hp and 1001 Nm, and acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour (96 km / h) should be less than three seconds.

It has not been announced yet how much autonomy there will be in Electric mode, but earlier announcements mention 50-60 km.

This model will, among other things, have a refined aero body kit, lighter wheels, as well as "V8 Biturbo E-Performance" markings.

The driver will be able to choose between five driving modes: Electric, Comfort, Sport, Sport +, Race and Individual.

After the premiere on September 1, this car will be exhibited at the Munich Motor Show (September 7-12).

Monday, 30 August 2021 06:38

Kia Niro for 2022

Kia Niro

The Kia Niro, a second-generation compact crossover, will be produced as a mild and plug-in hybrid and electric, with a range of more than 300 miles (483 km)
One of the foundations of Kia's success is the compact crossover, which has sold more than a million copies since 2016. The second-generation model, expected in early 2022, introduces radically improved design.

The new ‘look’ of the front grille will become a trademark for all new Kia models, and the fluid body introduces, for the crossover, exceptional aerodynamics, with an air resistance coefficient of 0.27. Increasing the share of high-strength (HTS) and ultra-high-strength steels (UHTS) and composite materials in critical places will enable a weight reduction of 70 kg and an increase in strength.

Kia Niro will be produced as a mild, plug-in hybrid and electric e-Niro, which will combine a 4-cylinder turbo gasoline engine 1.6 T-GDi and an electric motor up to 150 kW and in the electric version will have a range of more than 300 miles (marketing important for the English and American markets)

Toyota Yaris
* Toyota Motor Europe (TME) continues strong penetration with 598,888 vehicles sold in the first half of 2021, recording a record market share of 6.6 percent

* Best sales in the first half of 2007 due to high demand for Toyota and Lexus hybrid models

* Toyota retained its second place in Europe with a great placement, during this calendar year

"Demand remains at a high level and we have already revised our sales plan for 2021 to 1.15 million vehicles. We also have a record number of orders of around 200,000, but we are not immune to the supply disruption challenges facing the entire auto industry. "Our multi-technological approach to electrification, on the road to zero emissions, has enabled us to consistently meet customer requirements and exceed our CO2 emissions targets in the EU."

Matt Harrison, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe

Toyota RAV4


The effect of brands

Toyota recorded sales volume increased by + 42% to 559,718 in the first six months, with a market share of 6.2%, an increase of + 0.4% over last year in passenger cars. The best-selling models include the Yaris, Corolla line and RAV4 and account for 61% of total sales, with a share of hybrid versions of 64%. Toyota’s total hybrid volume increased by + 64% year-on-year to 326,420 and accounts for 58% of total sales. Demand for the new RAV4 PHEV and Mirai FCEV continues to grow, and Toyota’s global introduction of its electric concept vehicle bZ4X D-SUV signals further expansion of the brand’s BEV line.

Lexus sold 39,170 vehicles in the first six months, an increase of + 32% over last year. Total European hybrid sales were 62%, while in Western Europe it rose to as much as 93%. Its RX, NX, UX, GX and LX SUV lines accounted for 84% of total sales with a 60% SUV hybrid drivetrain. The highest sales growth compared to last year was achieved by UX (+ 55%) and ES (+ 51%). Sales of the first all-electric UX 300e vehicle, which began earlier this year, now account for over 10% of total UX model sales.

TME sale Jan- Jun 2021:

· Total: 598,888 (+ 41%)

· Market share: 6.6% (+ 0.5%)

· Total Hybrid: 350,753 (+ 61%)

· Hybrid mix: Western Europe: 70% - Eastern Europe *: 27% - TTL: 59%

Toyota Jan- Jun 2021:

· Toyota sales: 559,718 (+ 42%)

· Best-selling models: Yaris (118,258); Corolla Range (114,841); RAV4 (88,963)

· Best-selling hybrids: Yaris Hybrid (92,979); Corolla Hybrid Range (89,130); Toyota C-HR Hybrid (66,875)

· Total Hybrid: 326,420 (+ 64%)

· Hybrid mix: Western Europe: 69% - Eastern Europe *: 27% - TTL: 58%

Lexus Jan- Jun 2021:

· Lexus sales: 39,170 (+ 32%)

· Bestsellers: UX Range (10,658): NX Range (10,606); RX Range (9,182);

· Best-selling hybrids: UX Hybrid (9,083); NX Hybrid (7,645); RX Hybrid (3,050)

· Total Hybrid: 24,333 (+ 30%)

· Hybrid mix: Western Europe: 93% - Eastern Europe *: 8% - TTL: 62%

* Toyota Motor Europe is in charge of Western, Central and Eastern European countries, including Turkey and Russia, as well as Israel, along with some Central Asian markets (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan).

In addition to the medium and large Sprinter and Vito vans, Mercedes has been present in the small van class with the Citan model for many years. The new Citan, in addition to numerous improvements, will also be the last to be powered by internal combustion engines, because all future development will be available exclusively with electric drive. The new Citan will arrive in Serbia at the end of this year.


The design of the new Mercedes-Benz Citano is characterized by unusual stylish elements for a small van. The hips and edges around the wheels are highlighted, and the front has got a face that is now in line with other new models from Mercedes-Benz.


Citan has compact external dimensions (length: 4,498 mm), but with a generous amount of space inside. It will be presented on the market as Panel Ven (Van) and Tourer.


Later there will be more variants with a long wheelbase, as well as the Mixto version. But even in the short wheelbase variant (2,716 mm), the Citan offers much more space compared to the previous model - for example, on a van, the length of the luggage space is 3.05 meters (with a flexible partition wall).
The capacity of the Citan Van is up to 2.9 m3, according to the VDA standard. The two euro palaces intersect one after the other in the luggage compartment. Traction capacity is 1.5 tons.

Sliding doors are a practical feature, especially in narrow parking spaces. The new Citan is available with a maximum of two sliding doors. They offer a wide opening on both sides of the vehicle measuring 615 millimeters. The height of the boot opening is 1,059 mm.


And at the rear, the luggage compartment is easily accessible: the loading sill in the Van variant is at a height of 59 cm.


Meanwhile, the two parts of the rear door can be locked at an angle of 90 degrees and can even be moved 180 degrees towards the sides of the vehicle. The door is asymmetrical, with the left door being higher and must be opened first. Optionally, the van can also be ordered with a rear door with heated windows and a windscreen wiper. On request, available with a tailgate that equally contains these two pieces of equipment. 
The Tourer variant already comes standard with a rear door with a window. Alternatively, it is available with the rear door closed. The rear bench can be folded in a ratio of 1/3 to 2/3. Versatile storage space and compartments make everyday use of the Citan easier.

Engines on offer

At launch, the new Citan's engine range consists of three 1.5 diesel engines and two 1.3 petrol models. Gasoline variants will be offered with 102 and 131 hp, and diesel with 75, 96 and 116 hp. In addition to the six-speed manual transmission, the most powerful diesel and petrol models are also available with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) 2.
The electric eCitan will be introduced in the second half of 2022. This variant of the model will expand the portfolio of commercially powered electric vehicles, along with eVit and eSprinter. The range is expected to be around 285 km according to the WLTP methodology.

Like its big brother Sprinter, the new Citan can optionally be equipped with an MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). Also, there are many state-of-the-art assistance systems.

 


In addition to the legally required ABS and ESP systems, the new Citan models are also equipped with Hill Start Assist, Crosswind Assist, Attention Assist and Mercedes-Benz Emergency calls in standard equipment. The assistance systems on the Citan Tourer model are even more extensive: in this model, Active Brake Assist, Actrive Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Speed ​​Limit Assist with traffic sign detection are standard equipment to provide additional assistance to the driver.

The price of the new Citan will be known when this model arrives on the Serbian market at the end of the year. For now, only approximate prices have been published in Germany, which are slightly above 20,000 euros.

Although Mercedes is one of the smallest SUV models in terms of dimensions, the GLB brings convenience for the whole family. The version we tested with the 200d designation provides enviable comfort, decent performance and moderate consumption.

The Mercedes GLB, which is produced in Mexico, is mounted on the MFA2 platform that it shares with the A-Class, but which has been slightly extended to provide a greater wheelbase.

With a spacing of 2,829 mm between the two axles, it brings much more cabin space than the competition, including the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Although it has a length of 4,634 mm, which places it between the GLA and GLC models, the modern platform has enabled the engineers of the German company to install a third row of seats, which is available as an option.

Third row - only for children

Technically, an adult can be placed on the seat in the third row, but the approach itself is complicated, despite the fact that the second row can be moved by 14 cm. The shape of the body itself allows enough space for the head, even for adults of average height.

However, the position of the legs is quite unnatural, and when we take into account the fact that there is not much space for the knees, we come to the conclusion that the third row is designed primarily for children. As for the trunk, it is practically unusable when the third row of seats is in function, but when they fold, you get 565 liters of space.

G-Class in small

In terms of design, the Mercedes GLB is more about the past than the future, because its body shape resembles the legendary G-Class.

The robust shape along with the modern elements of the German company's design vocabulary make this model very attractive. Unlike most modern SUV models, it does not try to look sporty, but emphasizes practicality and usability.

Range of 1,000 km

Although it looks bulky, the Mercedes GLB 200d weighs only 1,600 kg, which in combination with the diesel engine makes it quite efficient in terms of consumption.

On the open road, we recorded a figure of about 5 liters, and if we take into account the fact that the volume of the tank is 52 liters, in principle, it is possible to cross 1,000 km without refueling. The eight-speed transmission allows similar consumption when driving at 130 km / h, while in urban conditions GLB consumed between 7 and 8 liters of diesel.

Premium interior quality

As might be expected from Mercedes, the GLB also got a modern MBUX multimedia system, with two 10-inch screens. As we are used to with other models of the German company, both screens are operated very simply, and the easiest way is through the touch buttons on the steering wheel.

The options of the MBUX system can also be controlled via the touch surface located between the seats, by voice, but also via the screen itself. As for the finishing, it is at the highest level. The upper part of the cabin is lined with quality materials, but there is still some harder plastic under the center console. The seats are very comfortable, hold the body well in curves and do not tire at all during longer trips.

Harmony of engine and transmission

The tested model marked GLB 200d was powered by a two-liter diesel engine with 150 hp and 320 Nm of maximum torque, which is available from 1,400 rpm.
This means that power is never lacking, and by depressing the accelerator pedal, the eight-speed automatic transmission finds the speed you need very quickly. From standstill to 100 km / h the Mercedes GLB 200d accelerates in about 9 seconds, while the top speed is 204 km / h. However, it should be noted that the transmission at lower speeds can be confused when changing gears.

Comfort ahead of dynamism

The diesel unit in the tested model transmitted power to the front axle, which will probably be the choice of most customers. Although the Mercedes GLB is robust in appearance, it is not designed to have the function of an off-road vehicle, but all-wheel drive is available as an option.
As a real family vehicle should be, it is very comfortable on the road, the suspension is a bit softer, so when driving dynamically around curves, the body tilts slightly.

Which version to choose?

For fans of sporty driving, the GLB 35 AMG is also available, which is more tuned, while the tested GLB 200d is still more intended for safe and comfortable transport from point A to point B. For those for whom 150 horsepower is not enough, there is a more powerful version of the same units with 40 hp more.

A 1.3-liter petrol engine is also available, coming with 136 hp and 163 hp. The starting price for the Mercedes GLB is 44,134 euros, while for the tested model with a slightly better equipment package, it is necessary to set aside 52,492 euros.

Tuesday, 24 August 2021 06:51

Maserati Ghibli will retire in 2023

The Italian luxury sedan is in the late part of its career.

Maserati announced that Ghibli will leave the stage in 2023 and bow to the audience. There are no plans for a new generation, nor for a direct successor. Moreover, Maserati expects that the future Grecale SUV model will be enough to cover all ambitions in the D segment.

The brand from Modena obviously has full confidence in the future Grecale. They point out that this SUV will be able to carry a large terrain on its shoulders. Moreover, journalists from the Apennine Peninsula write that Grecale could be Maserati's bestseller.

The Italian brand presented the latest addition to the Ghibli range in August last year. It is a potent Trofeo variant that uses 8 units originating from the famous Ferrari. It is a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 powertrain. This engine delivers 580 hp and 740 Nm, which gives the Maserati sedan a top speed of as much as 326 km / h.

Thus, the sedan from Modena will have a ten-year-long career, as it debuted in 2013 at the Shanghai Motor Show. This is also the third, and some say the last, Maserati model called Ghibli. First, it was the legendary fastback from the sixties, and the label returned in the early nineties in the form of a two-door coupe.

According to unofficial data, Maserati Ghibli collected slightly less than 20,600 registrations in Europe from the beginning of his career in 2013 until 2019.

Every car can be redesigned to run on electricity, even the legendary Lada Niva. The famous SUV has been sold since the first day with basically the same engine, which has been modernized several times. About 80 horses were pulled from the 1.7 liter volume and thus fully satisfies all aspects of off-road riding. Almost everything, because those who want to join the electrification trend are certainly not satisfied with this option. That is why the German company offered a version of the electric Niva, which is probably the cheapest electric model on the market.

Thus, after the diesel version, most often at home, the Lada Niva now got an electric variant. It is offered by the German start-up Schmid GmbH, and the electric package is named Elantria, writes Index.hr.

As you can see in the photos, the electric Niva differs visually from the standard only in that there are no pipes in the exhaust system. Under the hood is an electric motor that uses existing mechanics and drives all four wheels. It develops a minimum of more power than a regular Niva, or 88 hp.

The electric set also includes a LiFePO4 lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 30 kWh, which is positioned on the former location of the fuel tank. The range is, depending on the driving style, from 130 to 300 km. The manufacturer guarantees 80% of the battery capacity after 9,000 charge cycles or 450,000 km, which is significantly more than what the Nivas go through in practice.

Of the interesting details, we point out that the drive of this Niva can, if necessary, work as a power generator and drive other devices. It has a 220V socket and power up to 2 kW.

And finally the price. The set will cost you 2,800 euros, and there is also a new electric Niva on offer with a price of 19,900 euros.

If you take into account the price of fuel and consumption, and put it in relation to the cost of electric drive, this conversion literally pays off after a year and a half, or rather after less than 25,000 km. After all, if you take into account the price of a solid used copy and processing, you come to the amount that is by far the cheapest electric option on the market.

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