BMW President Oliver Zipse believes that the hydrogen market is a few years behind electric power, but that it will soon become a major player in the fuel that powers cars.

The fact is that the Bavarian company has turned to electrification, that more and more vehicles with the "i" badge, but also that BMW has made a promise that half of the new cars of this brand will be electric by 2030, however, the president of this company believes that hydrogen will become the most desirable source of driving power for a car.

Oliver Zipse told reporters that the hydrogen market is a few years behind electricity, but will soon become a major player. "After the electric car, which has been around for about 10 years and is growing fast, the next trend will be hydrogen. "When it becomes more flexible, hydrogen will become the most modern fuel," Zipse said in an interview with Bloomberg.

BMW is one of the few manufacturers to develop a hydrogen-powered car in the 21st century, and recently announced the iX5, a hydrogen-powered X5 SUV that will go into production at the end of this year. In addition to the Bavarian company, Mercedes, Honda and Toyota also dealt with hydrogen as a fuel, and the Japanese couple officially offered fuel cell vehicles a few years ago.

However, as for BMW's hydrogen ambitions, they are not limited to the BMW brand and could extend to other brands within the BMW Group. The night before the unveiling of the new electric Rolls-Royce, the head of the British luxury marque, Torsten Muller-Otvos, said the idea of ​​a hydrogen-powered Rolls-Royce was "right on".
"Using hydrogen? Why not? I wouldn't rule that option out. There is a belief within the group that this may be the long-term future," said Muller-Otvos.

As Auto Klub reports, Oliver Zipse still thinks that there is no energy source so perfect that all others should be ignored. So electricity makes more sense in urban areas in developed countries where there is easy access to charging infrastructure, while hydrogen might be better in other situations.

"It's a dangerous thing to say that in the UK around 2030 or in the UK and Europe in 2035 there should be only one powertrain." For customers, for industry, for employment, for the climate, from any angle you look at it, it's a dangerous road," Zipse said in an interview with Bloomberg.

Mazda has joined the manufacturers that offer a large SUV according to European standards, or a medium SUV according to American standards. In Leverkusen, we tested the most powerful version, which is also the most powerful production Mazda of all time.

In recent years, it has been obvious that Mazda is aiming for the premium segment and it has really become that, not only in terms of luxury, quality of finish, rich equipment, but also in terms of technology.

It is famous for technical solutions that defy general trends; then when everyone was pushing for downsizing, Mazda was increasing engine displacement.

Today, everyone is following in the footsteps of Mazda's engineers, while they prepare a concept in their laboratories that seriously disturbs other premium manufacturers.

The new issue of Auto magazine is on sale, read the driving impressions of the latest car models.

To show us what it's all about, Mazda invited us to its European headquarters in Leverkusen.

In the parking lot, we were greeted by a large number of copies of the latest model - the Mazda CX-60.

Before the ride, we were given a short presentation where we were introduced to the technology. It is definitely clear that this is a premium approach.

Mazda has developed a completely new mechanical platform for this model with a longitudinally mounted engine and primarily rear-wheel drive.

Of course, four-wheel drive versions are also available. The show of power does not end there.

For this platform, including the Mazda CX-60, engines of large volume are provided! It will be a three-liter e-Skyactiv X gasoline and a 3.3-liter e-Skyactiv D diesel.

Both have six cylinders and mild hybrid technology with a voltage of 48 volts.

While the specifications for the petrol are not yet known, they are for the diesel. It will have two power levels. The weaker one, of 200 HP, will have rear drive, while the more powerful one of 254 "horses" will be available exclusively with four-wheel drive.

The specialties don't end there either; all of these engines will have an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission without a torque converter.

What Mazda has prepared for a short press trial is the CX-60 with a plug-in hybrid combination of a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine with 191 hp and an electric motor with 175 hp.

The total power of the system is 327 "horses", making it the most powerful serial Mazda of all time.

Immediately after the presentation, we get into the car. More precisely, we climb into it, since it is quite high.

This is now the brand's largest SUV model in Europe. The Mazda CX-60 is positioned above the Mazda CX-5 in terms of its dimensions, which can be felt not only in terms of length, but also width.

This is perhaps most easily visible in the really wide central ridge between the driver and front passenger, while the passengers in the front seats have 44 mm more shoulder room and those in the back even 50 mm more.

Speaking of the difference in dimensions, it should also be said that in the rear, the Mazda CX-60 is larger than the CX-5, so the tailgate is 35 mm wider.

The trunk offers 570 liters of volume, which is more than enough for large amounts of luggage.

The cabin is definitely premium quality; there are upholstered surfaces everywhere, including those lined with real wood, with plenty of interestingly textured materials, especially on the dashboard.

The fineness of detail and finish also leaves the highest impression.

Already the settings of the driver's position let us know that the technology is at the top level; as with some German brands, the driver's height is entered here, and the sensors do the rest of the work and adjust the ideal position of the seat, steering wheel, mirrors and head-up display according to eye height.

We immediately connect the phone; this is the first Mazda with wireless Android Auto connectivity.

Larger dimensions are particularly noticeable in city driving, and the camera and parking systems are very helpful when maneuvering.

Plag-in hybrid, weighing about two tons, does not feel quite at home on uneven city roads, due to the wheels with low-profile tires with a diameter of 20 inches, due to the suspension, which does not have adaptive shock absorbers zera a bit harder than we would expect.

The steering is surprisingly direct for an SUV, which is especially noticeable when you get out onto a winding country road or highway. This is very important, especially considering the maximum 327 "horses" available to the driver.

Precisely because of the powerful engines but also the elevated concept, Mazda has developed a new torque vectoring system.

At no point does the "nose" or rear end feel like it's running away, even when accelerating in a corner.

Moreover, the trajectory in the curve is corrected by the imperceptible activation of the brake at a certain wheel, which the driver does not notice at all, but seriously affects the stability.

It can be said that this is a great combination of SUV, sports and environmental vehicle. Power is transmitted to all four wheels, but the rear drive is primary.

Only if the need arises, up to 50 percent is transferred to the front axle.

This applies to all modes, from purely electric to classic, when the SUS engine is activated.

Considering that we are driving cars that are practically test series, a slight jerk is felt for a moment when changing the mode, i.e. when switching from purely electric to gasoline and vice versa.

In general, it is very quiet in the cabin due to the excellent sound insulation, and the silence can only be disturbed by the high-quality sound system of the Bose brand, with well-designed acoustics.

The test route was short, so we didn't have the opportunity to make sure of the real range on electricity alone, especially since we drove mostly on local roads.

Mazda promises up to 68 kilometers in the city and 63 on the highway, which is not exactly a top result, but for most buyers it is quite enough for everyday driving.

Otherwise, the electric motor is in the gearbox, so the complete construction is very compact.

In order to lower the center of gravity, the batteries are embedded in the floor. All this affected the driving characteristics.

Apart from highways with a speed limit of 100 km/h, the real testing ground for the Mazda CX-60 is the "autobahn".

You guessed it, we were looking forward to the section with no speed limit. Although they are very short due to the large crowd, they are quite enough to push the hybrid drive to its limit.

Full gas and four-cylinder gasoline in combination with an electric motor give their maximum. Only now, the petrol can be heard more clearly, and with a rather powerful sound, which is usually not the case with hybrids.

It was relatively imperceptible until the throttle was "pathosed", but now... You can simply feel the imposing power that accelerates the over two-ton car to "hundred" in just 5.8 seconds.

The fact that it accelerates strongly up to the electronically limited 200 km/h, and then suddenly stops, like when you set the speed limiter, shows how powerful the system is.

This is not so bad, most have started to limit the speed to 180 km/h...

Until the big six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines arrive, the plug-in hybrid is the only and at the same time the most powerful and fastest option.

Whichever option you choose, low registration costs await you, given that there is no tax on the use of motor vehicles for hybrids, even if they are light hybrids.

In any case, Mazda has definitely provided its customers with maximum comfort, practically at the level offered by the famous German trio, and at really affordable prices.

It is not yet known how much it will cost here, but it is certain that it will be cheaper than in Germany, where it will cost from 47,390 euros.

Electric up to 140 km/h

Considering that it is a plug-in hybrid, the Mazda CX-60 allows driving only on electricity with a range of 68 kilometers in the city cycle according to the WLTP standard, i.e. 63 kilometers on local roads.

Of course, if you drive 140 km/h, which is the maximum on electricity, the range will be somewhat less.

The first model on a new mechanical platform

The Mazda CX-60 is just the first model on the new platform with a longitudinally mounted engine and primarily rear-wheel drive.

A longer Mazda CX-80 with seven seats is expected soon, but also other surprise models.

Fast charging

Like most plug-in hybrids, the CX-60 allows charging at 11 kW chargers with a power of up to 7.2 kW.

A completely empty battery is charged to 100 percent in two hours and 20 minutes, which is quite enough to fill up a good part of the capacity while you are shopping.

Charging takes longer on the home Shuko socket in the garage, but it is certain that it can be charged during the night.

By the way, the maximum range of 63, that is, 68 kilometers of electric range in the city is included in the average gasoline consumption, hence the declared 1.5 liters per 100 kilometers.

Specific gearbox

Mazda has developed a specific eight-speed automatic transmission specifically for this platform that is characterized by the absence of a torque converter.

However, its mode of operation is similar - it changes gears via planetary gears and a multi-plate clutch, but it does not have converter hydraulics as an input clutch, but a multi-plate clutch in combination with an integrated electric motor and generator performs this function.

By replacing the torque converter with a clutch, torque is transmitted directly, similar to a manual transmission. In addition, friction transmission and clutch cooling have evolved to smooth start-up and high efficiency were achieved.

The Mazda CX-60's hybrid powertrain enables the independent combination of gasoline and electric motor power.

For example, when driving on electricity, the gear change is gently felt, just like when driving on gasoline, or with the help of both engines at the same time.

Such a solution enables a great saving in space.

Specifications

• Mazda CX-60 E-Skyactiv PHEV AWD
• Engine: 4 cylinders, longitudinally mounted
• Volume: 2488 ccm
• Power: 141 kW (191 hp) at 6000 rpm
• Max. about. torque: 261 Nm at 4000 rpm
• Electric power engine: 129 kW (175 HP) at 5500 rpm
• Max. about. torque el. engine: 270 Nm
• Total system power: 241 kW (327 hp) at 6000 rpm
• Max. about. system torque: 500 Nm at 4000 rpm
• Battery: Li-Ion, 17.8 kWh
• Battery mass: 176 kg
• Battery voltage: 355 V
• Gearbox: automatic, 8 degrees
• Dimensions (L/W/H): 4745/1890/1685 mm
• Intermediate shaft. distance: 2870 mm
• Trunk: 570/1726 l
• Tank: 50 l Weight: 2055 kg
• Max. speed: 200 km/h
• Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.8 l/100 km
• Combined consumption: 1.5 l/100 km
• CO2 emission: 33 g/km
• Electric range: 68 km city, 63 km outside the city

Rolls-Royce is taking its ultimate-luxury ethos to a new realm with the all-electric 2024 Spectre coupe. James Bond probably wouldn't toast the new model with one of his shaken-not-stirred signature martinis given his history of battling the international crime organization known as Spectre. But he might want to drive the regal new coupe nonetheless. The Spectre rides on the same platform as the Phantom sedan and Cullinan SUV but is propelled by a fully electric powertrain consisting of two electric motors that pump out a combined 577 horsepower. The driving range is estimated to be around 260 miles per charge, which does not place the Spectre among the long-range EV cohort with less-expensive rivals such as the Tesla Model S and the Lucid Motors Air. But buyers with the $400,000 or so available to buy a Spectre aren't likely to road trip when their private jet is always standing ready at a nearby airfield. The Spectre is Rolls-Royce's first in a series of EVs, and the company says that its gasoline-powered models will be phased out of the lineup and replaced entirely with EVs by 2030.

What's New for 2024?

The Spectre is a new addition to the Rolls-Royce lineup and its first customers can expect to take delivery by the end of 2023.

Rolls-Royce hasn't released much information about the Spectre yet, including its price tag. We expect to see classic Rolls-Royce features and options on the new coupe, including a series of highly-customizable packages offered through the company’s Bespoke design service.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

All Spectres will come with a dual-motor electric powertrain with 577 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. Rolls-Royce says that's enough to move the 6559-pound coupe to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. You may scoff at that estimate and point to the Tesla Model S Plaid that hit 60 mph in 2.1 seconds in our testing, but we'd be quick to remind you that Rolls-Royce's brand ethos is more about quiet cruising than mind-bending performance. Rolls-Royce has installed adaptive suspension to ensure an appropriately isolated ride, and the engineers also made room for a massive amount of sound-deadening material that Rolls says will ensure the cabin remains whisper quiet.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Rolls-Royce hasn't said how large the Spectre's battery is but it's estimating a driving range of about 260 miles per charge. DC fast-charging should be possible, but we'd guess that most Spectre buyers will have a charging system installed at their estates so they aren't forced to wait around in the parking lot of a Walmart like the rest of us.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Spectre's cabin offers space for four with bucket seats in both rows. Anyone who's familiar with Rolls-Royce's current interior design will find a similarly sybaritic one here, although the company has added several design features that are unique to Spectre. For example, in addition to the brand's signature starry-night headliner, the Spectre's door panels rock a similar twinkle with tiny LED lights sparkling in the area surrounding the armrests. We don't yet know all the details or have a list of options and features but the Spectre should be available with a seemingly endless array of personalization options and material choices.

Source: caranddriver.com

The Specter luxury coupe marked the British prestige brand's entry into the electric race.

Rolls-Royce's entry into the electric car market works in its own way. They can simply afford it, that is, they can be sure that they will easily extract a few hundred thousand euros from their fans for a huge electric coupe weighing less than three tons.

Specifically, the Specter weighs 2,975 kg, making it one of the heaviest production cars on the market right now. Of course, the Specter is not a small car, so the distance between the axles is as much as 3,210 mm.

The supporting structure is aluminum, but the burden of the huge battery cannot be hidden.

The 700 kg battery is a nice ballast in the floor of the vehicle, and with a capacity of more than 100 kWh, it enables a solid driving autonomy of 520 km, according to WLTP.

The electric drive produces 585 hp and 900 Nm, which apparently in RR they consider sufficient to satisfy the appetite of future owners, but also some basic standards of the brand.

After all, the company is no stranger to electricity because Charles Rawls was thinking about an electric car more than 120 years ago. In 1900, he bought an electric vehicle and was mesmerized by the feeling of driving without noise, vibration and stench.

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On paper, it reaches 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, but that really matters less in a car of this caliber.

Yes, the Specter is fast, but it should be experienced more like a road version of a luxury yacht, just as the rear of the car suggests.

Equipped with "Magic carpet ride" chassis and Planar suspension, the Specter will ride the mountain roads between Nice and St. Tropez like on rails.

It is not surprising that it was precisely on those roads that he performed the final tests and fine-tuning of the prototype before the start of production.

No need to waste words on the design. Suffice it to say - a pure classic, but also a never-wider LED-illuminated front fascia.

And yes, the lights are double, where the daytime ones are extremely thin, and the main ones are hidden under them. It's a recipe recently introduced by BMW and it didn't go over well with critics. It will probably pass here.

BMW customers are still looking for manual transmissions on the forums.

Manual gearboxes are slowly giving way to automatics. They are more comfortable and faster for drivers, and today they are at such a level of development that they do not increase fuel consumption.

CarBuzz was at the BMW M Festival at the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit in South Africa where he spoke with the head of the BMW M division, Frank van Mel. One of the key questions was how long will manual transmissions be available in BMW models?

"Unfortunately, the manual transmission is not so widespread anymore. It is more important in certain segments, namely the M2 and M3 models, as well as the M4. We continue to offer manual transmissions for those cars and those versions will be sold until the end of this decade," he said. van Mel.

Timo Resch, vice president of customer, brand and sales for BMW M, added that the company is monitoring the activities of customers who are petitioning online and voting, mostly asking for BMW to keep the manual transmission.

Resch said the engineers asked why anyone would need a manual transmission when automatics are faster, but then the marketing department simply told them: the fans demanded it.

In M models, the manual gearbox is still "living", but in other, more conventional models, it is increasingly giving way to automatics.

The Mercedes EQE SUV is a versatile alternative to the EQE business sedan.

Like the Mercedes EQE sedan, the new electric SUV is available with the basic innovations of the EQS model and at the same time is more dynamic than the EQS SUV model.

Mercedes says that the EQE SUV is one of the most spacious representatives of its class. Still, with a 3,030 mm wheelbase that's nine centimeters shorter than the sedan, it's more compact than the EQE sedan.

As the fourth model, following the EQS and EQE sedans, as well as the EQS SUV, the EQE SUV uses a new mechanical platform designed for three-pointed star electric vehicles.

The modular drive concept enables the EQE SUV to offer a wide range of maximum total power outputs from 215 to 300 kW. Depending on the equipment and configuration of the vehicle, the European variants of the vehicle can have a WLTP autonomy of up to 590 kilometers.

In the EQE SUV, the lithium-ion battery consists of ten modules. In certain cases, the company's innovative battery management software can be updated over-the-air (OTA).

The current generation of driving assistance systems includes a number of functions that support the driver.

General standard equipment on the EQE SUV includes ATTENTION ASSIST, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Parking Package with reversing camera and Speed ​​Limit Assist. System status and activity are shown full-screen on the driver assistance display.

Additional options are available in the Assistance package, as well as in the Driving Assistance Plus package.

The mechanical basis of the new EQE SUV consists of a four-link suspension at the front and a multi-link independent suspension at the rear.

Due to the relatively short wheelbase of 3,030 millimeters and the appropriate suspension settings, Mercedes claims that the car is particularly nimble and manageable even with the basic setup.

AIRMATIC air suspension with ADS+ continuously adjustable damping is available as an optional extra. To increase the ground clearance, the vehicle level can be raised by up to 30 millimeters.

In addition to the DINAMIC SELECT programs ECO, COMFORT, SPORT and INDIVIDUAL, EQE SUV models with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system also have an OFFROAD program for off-road driving.

A rear axle steering system with a maximum steering angle of 10 degrees is available as an option.

MBUX Hyperscreen on demand

With customizable software, the MBUX display and operating system make personalized suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions. The highlight of the interior is the optional MBUX Hyperscreen.

With the MBUX Hyperscreen, the three displays merge almost seamlessly to create a screen range over 141 centimeters wide.

The front passenger in the EQE SUV has the option of a 12.3-inch OLED display with its own user interface.

The system uses intelligent camera-based blocking logic that recognizes whether the driver is looking towards the passenger display. If this is the case, the system automatically dims the dynamic content for security reasons.

Smart route planning

When it comes to navigation with "electric intelligence", the name says it all. Because based on numerous factors, it plans the fastest and most convenient route including charging stations.

It also reacts dynamically to traffic jams or a change in driving style, for example.

Navigation with electric intelligence is smart; calculates estimated charging costs per charging stop. In addition, the user can individually edit the planned routes.

Planned routes can be individually edited by adding desired charging stations along the route or excluding suggested charging stations.

Heat pump as standard

The Mercedes EQE SUV has a sophisticated thermal architecture with a heat pump as standard. This makes the system work very efficiently: excess heat from the electric drive (inverter and electric motor) as well as high-voltage batteries that would otherwise be released into the environment can be used to heat the interior.

This drastically reduces battery consumption for the heating system, thus increasing the range.

Another useful and efficient function is air conditioning control before departure. The THERMATIC automatic climate control system with two climate zones is standard in the vehicle, while THERMOTRONIC with four zones is available as an option.

Adjusted charging tariffs

From June 2022, Mercedes me Charge offers three new charging tariffs in Europe that are tailored to individual driving performance.

"Mercedes me Charge S" for occasional charging, "Mercedes me Charge M" for normal charging and "Mercedes me Charge L" for frequent charging.

With the introduction of a new, transparent tariff system, fixed prices that are valid regardless of the operator are partially available to customers. With the Plug & Charge function, the EQE SUV can also be easily charged.

Lots of high-tech features

The DIGITAL LIGHT headlight technology (special equipment) enables innovative functions, such as the projection of auxiliary markings or warning symbols onto the road.

Another highlight of the equipment is the ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL Plus. The HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter cleans the incoming outdoor air at a very high level of filtration. ENERGIZING COMFORT connects the various comfort systems in the vehicle.

Individual ENERGIZING COMFORT programs allow a special program for good mood depending on the mood or needs of the user. This improves physical comfort and performance while driving and during breaks.

The Dolby Atmos sound format raises the audio experience in the EQE SUV to a new level, according to Mercedes.

The proportions of the EQE SUV combine function and aesthetics with the sporty character of an SUV.

Wheels in sizes from 19 to 22 inches are mounted flush with the outer edge of the body.

The EQE SUV shares some aerodynamic measures with models from the same family. The chassis with numerous aerodynamic details plays a central role in the very good drag value Cd of 0.25, which is achieved despite the large cargo volume and short rear overhang.

But the dimensional concept with the flat windshield, broad roofline and recesses were also important factors.

High level of passive safety

The principles of Integral Safety apply regardless of the type of drive system. Like all other Mercedes Benz models, the EQE SUV therefore has a rigid passenger compartment, special deformation zones and state-of-the-art restraint systems.

The European version of the EQE SUV can detect whether the rear seats are actually occupied. If the passenger in the back is not wearing a seat belt, the driver receives a special warning. The so-called passenger presence reminder can indicate children in the back of the vehicle.

In vehicles for Europe, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada, this system is fitted as standard.

Motorization

Mercedes will initially offer three versions of the EQE SUV.

The basic EQE 350+ with rear-wheel drive and a single electric motor of 292 HP (215 kW) develops 565 Nm of reverse torque.

It is followed by the EQE 350 4Matic with 4-wheel drive and two electric motors. It is interesting that the total power is the same as in the rear-wheel drive model (292 hp), but the maximum torque is higher thanks to the additional electric motor and is 765 Nm.

At the top of the range is the EQE 500 4Matic, also with all-wheel drive and two electric motors. The total power of this version is 408 hp (300 kW) and the torque is 858 Nm.

CO2-neutral production as part of eco-balance

Production of the EQE SUV will begin in December at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (USA).

A battery plant in nearby Bibb County supplies batteries for this model as well as the EQS SUV.

As of this year, all Mercedes-Benz passenger car and van plants worldwide have achieved CO2 neutral production as part of their environmental balance – including the two Mercedes plants in Alabama.

Hurricane Ian created numerous problems in Florida, and firefighters in this American state became aware of the danger posed by submerged electric cars.

Numerous electric vehicles were under water during the hurricane, and the batteries that were soaked could soon catch fire, so the owners of such cars were warned of the danger of fire.

Jimmy Patronis, Florida's chief financial officer and state fire marshal, posted the warning on Twitter, noting that the first cases had occurred, some of which he had personally witnessed. He also posted a video of when firefighters tried to put out a fire on a Tesla Model X that caught fire in the middle of the street. One of the onlookers said that they poured more than 5,500 liters of water on the Tesla, but the car was still smoking.

Extinguishing a battery fire requires special training and understanding of electric vehicles, and a fire can last several days even with the intervention of firefighters. According to a recent study by AutoInsuranceEZ, hybrid vehicles are actually more susceptible to fires than electric vehicles, but the bigger problem is that the fire itself is extremely difficult to put out. Due to corrosion in the cells of the lithium-ion battery, the electric car can emit smoke and flames for a long time, even after being submerged in water.

As Index.hr writes, considering that Florida has the second largest number of electric vehicles in the USA (behind California), Florida is becoming aware of this problem. At the end of last year, around 100,000 electric vehicles were registered in this federal state.