Concept Cars which made it to production

Some of the best concept cars of all times that saw the light of day

Concept cars are alluring. They not only give us a sneak-peek of the future of car brands, but they even give designers the very opportunity to unleash their creativity, giving us some jaw-dropping automotive marvels. Due to the countless and never ending regulations, however, production models often look significantly different than the prototypes we spot at car shows.

That said, every now and then we witness concepts that actually come true with a design very close or sometimes identical to the intended. Hereès a list of 10 well known concept cars that made their way into reality.

FORD GT / 2002 FORD GT-40 CONCEPT

The Ford GT-40 has been a legendary piece of machinery. It was intentionally built to defeat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. And it did defeat Ferrari, taking four wins consecutively.

Ford took almost fifty years to revive the legend until finally, in 2002 it managed to do so. That year, at the Detroit Auto Show (USA), Ford came up with a modern supercar killer. Design-wise, the 2002 GT-40 Concept was an exact copy of the original 1960s legendary model. In 2003 production version dropped the “40” from its name.

LEXUS LC / 2012 LC-LF CONCEPT

Toyota and Lexus rarely get a car that closely resembles the concept because of the over-dramatic lookers they are portrayed to be. When Lexus introduced its future production of a gran-tourer made on the 2012 LF-LC, people were shocked.

Instead of going for a more covert look, Lexus simply copied the concept car into production, as it was. The production vehicle ended up looking incredibly magnificent and sophisticated that it was often compared to cars like the Aston Martin DB-11. And don’t forget the amazing 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V-8 with 470 horsepower. Pure symphony!

AUDI R8 / 2003 AUDI LE MANS QUATTRO CONCEPT

Things started changing in the mid-2000s, after Audi announced that they were going to bring a mid-engine sports car. . It was meant to commemorate the manufacturer’s 3 consecutive wins in the world endurance race. Its study led to the creation of the Audi R8, which looked exactly the same. It even retained the Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

DODGE VIPER / 1989 DODGE VIPER CONCEPT

Back in the 1980s, Bob Lutz, Lee Iacocca, and later Carol Shelby had collaborated in order to produce what is known as one of the most brutal American sports cars ever conceived – the Dodge Viper. The primary idea was to capture the spirit of the Shelby Cobra and recreate it using the 90s technology. Big engine, manual gearbox, and lightweight.

A stunning roadster was unveiled at the 1989 Detroit Auto Show. This concept featured a 5.9-liter V-8, as the V-10 was still under development. It would have eventually evolved into the first generation of the Dodge Viper RT-10, while retaining all the original design elements.

PORSCHE BOXSTER / 1993 BOXSTER CONCEPT

Despite all its colorful portfolio, Porsche wasn’t doing so great back in the 1990s. Even with the brand having the rear-engined 911 and front-engine 944, 928, and 968 models, they fell short of a compact mid-engine model. The Boxster Concept was introduced back in 1993, and despite its modern design, it called back to the 550 Spyder.

The production version which followed adopted the design of the concept, without any significant changes. Its name “Boxster” came from the boxer engine in the car, and the fact it was a roadster. The “Baby Porsche” name came in the nick of time.

LEXUS LFA / 2005 LFA CONCEPT

Probably the modern-day supercar that took the longest time into development. Toyota wanted to tighten the pants in the racing segment when Lexus stepped up to the challenge. A special team of engineers was hand-picked and a unique facility was created, where this exceptional car would be produced. Its prototypes were also spotted testing as early as in 2005.

Mid-way through its development process, it was decided that the chassis had to be carbon fiber and not aluminum. Regardless of which, what came up was a Japanese supercar like no one had seen before. Although the concept was radical, the production spec LFA looked even better, while retaining the same futuristic design language. Adding to that, its 552-horsepower naturally-aspirated high-revving V-10 engine is the talk of legends.

CHEVROLET CAMARO / 2006 CAMARO CONCEPT

In the early 2000s, American manufacturers had started implementing the retro-futuristic design ideology, and to recreate the 1960s glory of the muscle car era. Most stunning concept car was the 2006 Camaro. Both exterior and interior were incredible and it was an obvious throwback to the 1960s classic scene. The car also got fame as it was also featured in the 2007 Transformers movie and instantly became recognizable as the yellow “Bumblebee”.

Luckily, they settled to have the design as it was for the production version. The design of the fifth-gen Camaro became so popular that even a couple of tuning companies offered to bring back some of its elements from the concept as we know of. It included the exhaust tip, which mimicked the shape of the taillights. Even the production model also kept the engine – a 6.0-liter V-8, later replaced by a 6.2-liter.

ACURA NSX / 2012 NSX CONCEPT

The 2012 NSX Concept might not have been far from Honda’s original perception of a successor to its original 1990s sports car, but there is no denying the fact that it looks amazing. The production-spec vehicle looked exactly the same as the 2012 concept car. Featuring Acura’s SH-AWD system and a 3.5-liter V-6 which all-together with 3 electric motors produces 573 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque (645 Nm). All of this was mated to a nine-speed dual-clutch-automatic.

JAGUAR F-TYPE / 2011 C-X16 CONCEPT

The Coventry-based(UK) British carmaker is known for its heritage and clinching on to its legendary history. However, Jaguar started getting bolder and dynamic around the late 2000s and started giving us some bold Bond-like styling and more modern day technology. One of the cars which was ideated, came as the C-X16 Concept. This, when Jaguar also decided to make a spiritual successor to one of their most iconic car which was the 1960’s E-type.

Although the clamshell front hood was dropped, the car screamed modern-day E-Type from every angle. Luckily, the exact same design, courtesy of Ian Callum, made it into production, making the F-type one of the most gorgeous looking cars of our time.

NISSAN GTR / 2005 GTR PROTO

In 2005 one thing was certain that a new Godzilla was on its way. At that time, the Tokyo Motor Show unveiled the GTR Prototype which showed the potential futuristic design of the Supercar slayer. The design was nothing less than groundbreaking, as it was a long too far away from the boxy forms of the older R34. At the same time, the concept retained the signature for the model four’s twin round tail lights setup, which in one form or another were featured on all generations before it. The design was more functional than radical, although it still gave the car immense dynamic presence. With the exception of two small vents on the front bumper, which were connected to the headlights via carbon-fiber trim pieces, the production version R35 looked identical to the concept.

Bugatti Centodieci About to Enter Production

Over 50,000 Kilometers Covered in Endurance Testing

The second modern coach built model from Bugatti pays homage to the definitive super sports car of the 1990s: the EB110. A performance package the world had never seen before, the EB110 features a 3.5-liter V12 engine with four turbochargers producing up to 610 PS, linked to an all-wheel-drive system and a carbon-fiber monocoque.

Just ten Bugatti Centodieci cars will be built, yet the French luxury car manufacturer is putting the very same energy into developing and testing them as it devotes to its ‘series products’, such as the Bugatti Chiron. Bugatti’s customers expect nothing less. After all, coach built models are the most exclusive the brand has to offer, with limited production units and extraordinary design featuring individual dynamic setups.

Over the course of many months, Bugatti test drivers and engineers gather technical data and gain valuable experience at high-speed, on handling routes and circuits, on highways and in city traffic – all of which is shared with the technical development department at Bugatti Engineering for meticulous evaluation. The production-based prototype of the Centodieci completed over 50,000 test kilometers in total upon its return from Nardò in the Puglia region of southern Italy, following final endurance testing.

The white prototype completes lap by lap for hour after hour, kilometer after kilometer. Three drivers rotate to examine all functions of the Centodieci, registering and logging every minor anomaly. They drive day and night on different track profiles and across every speed range, from stop-and-go pace to top speed. Endurance testing requires drivers to possess outstanding technical knowledge, maximum concentration, and sensitivity, as well as precise mastery of the vehicle. Even after hours on the high-speed track, they must be able to perceive the slightest of atypical noises, movements, and irregularities. Everything is inspected one final time: driving on different surfaces – both wet and dry – testing every little steering movement, braking, acceleration, cornering load, and functionality of the driver assistance systems.

“With its high-speed circuit and handling course, the Nardò test center provides the ideal conditions for intensive endurance tests,” says Steffen Leicht – the man responsible for endurance testing at Bugatti. The 12.6-kilometer-long circular track with a diameter of four kilometers is considered the fastest automotive circuit in the world – perfect for the 380 km/h Centodieci. The 6.2 kilometer-long handling course on the inner section permits checks at the highest load levels and with longitudinal and transverse dynamics. The over 70 hectare-large site at Nardò provides 70 kilometers of roads with different surfaces, enabling extensive testing and inspection of all vehicle components.

The Centodieci covers up to 1,200 kilometers each day, interrupted only by technical checks, refueling, and driver changes. Throughout the entire time, Bugatti’s engineers analyze the engine and vehicle data and make adjustments where necessary. “We assess every element on the vehicle one last time, paying particular attention to functionality and durability before the first Centodieci cars go into production,” explains Carl Heilenkötter – project manager responsible for one-off and few-off projects at Bugatti. All components must interact perfectly with one another and be capable of withstanding any kind of overloading. They must also harmonize in a stable and safe manner even when subjected to the most severe handling situations.

Bugatti has subjected its products to the highest quality standards for more than 100 years, and the marque continues to adhere to these standards up to this day. As such, the Centodieci will guarantee its owner a unique driving experience 100 years from now. To achieve this level of quality, Bugatti goes well beyond the legal and expected requirements.

“The Centodieci is deliberately driven to its limits in order to guarantee reliable handling at the highest level, even in extreme situations. Even though most cars never enter this range, it is nonetheless tested. This is the philosophy of the brand and that is why we put such a huge amount of effort into all this testing. Bugatti is committed to the highest quality standards, durability, and customer satisfaction,” says Carl Heilenkötter. The endurance tests in Nardò represent the final act of the extensive trials.

As soon as the final assessment has been completed, the first of the highly exclusive vehicles – each with a starting price of eight million euros – enters into production. In the Molsheim Atelier, Alsace, the Centodieci will be built with the same diligence taken by the engineers during the development phase. All ten cars are set to be delivered to their owners this year.

Mini Remastered Marshall Edition by David Brown Automotive

Mastering the art of perfection

David Brown Automotive has recently given an enticing glimpse of its upcoming, limited run version of Mini Remastered, produced in collaboration with another iconic British brand, Marshall Amplification.

The special variant of David Brown Automotive’s popular reimagined classic Mini has been conceived to mark a momentous achievement in Marshall’s storied history – their 60^th anniversary.

In addition to the complete restoration and enhancement applied to all Mini Remastered models, Mini Remastered Marshall Edition will present a number of new Marshall audio features, developed in collaboration between the vehicle engineers and the artisan technicians at David Brown Automotive, and the expert engineering team at Marshall Amplification. With its comprehensively upgraded speaker system and an array of other Marshall Amplification audio enhancements, Mini Remastered Marshall Edition will pack a serious, modern & sonic punch.

For each Mini Remastered Marshall Edition sold, David Brown Automotive and Marshall Amplification will make a charitable donation to the Music Trust Venue, which is working to help get the UK’s independent music scene back on its feet after the disruption of the pandemic.

About David Brown Automotive

David Brown Automotive was started in 2013 by British businessman, David Brown and was born out of his admiration for iconic classic cars and passion for hand craftsmanship combined with state-of-the-art engineering. He believes that cars should not only be beautifully designed and crafted but also usable and reliable.

The company is based in an 18,000 sq ft build facility in Silverstone, with a showroom in St John’s Wood, London, and a worldwide distribution and service network.

Its current model line-up includes Speedback GT, Speedback Silverstone Edition, Mini Remastered and the recently-launched, Mini Remastered, Oselli Edition.

About Marshall Amplification

Marshall Amplification has a vibrant and dynamic history within the music industry and is celebrated by some of the greatest artists in the world. Catapulted from humble beginnings in Hanwell, London, Marshall is now a global brand achieving manufacturing excellence. Creativity and innovation are at the heart of the business and every product they create. With 60 years of music experience, Marshall continue to push the boundaries of possibility for the musicians of the future.

About Music Venue Trust

Music Venue Trust, founded in 2014, is a registered charity that seeks to preserve, secure and improve the UK’s network of small to medium scale, mostly independently run, music venues. We have a long term plan to protect that live music network which includes, where necessary, taking into charitable ownership freehold properties so they can be removed from commercial pressures and leased back to passionate music professionals to continue their operation.

Website: www.davidbrownautomotive.com

KIA EV9 – ALL ELECTRIC SUV CONCEPT

THE KIA CONCEPT EV9

KIA’S ALL-ELECTRIC SUV CONCEPT TAKES CENTER STAGE AT AUTOMOBILITY LA

Having just recently launched the EV6 to great international acclaim and appreciation, Kia Corporation has stunned onlookers at the AutoMobility LA event with the reveal of its all-electric SUV concept, the Kia Concept EV9.

It is the clearest signal yet from Kia as to what might turn out to be the next addition to its new-generation EV lineup. The Concept EV9 epitomizes the brand’s recent leadership in designing and developing desirable, high-tech, zero-emissions vehicles. Just like the EV6, the Concept EV9 is known as a dedicated EV from Kia, having been carefully developed and optimized on the company’s advanced Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).

The Kia Concept EV9 embodies Kia’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions, having recently showcased the company’s future vision at the ‘Kia Sustainability Movement’ digital presentation. The design of the vehicle was inspired by nature and uses up-cycled materials developed from waste deposited into the fragile marine ecosystem.

The SUV even offers striking visual aesthetics. Thanks to Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy.The Kia design team was especially influenced by the ‘Bold for Nature’ pillar of “Opposites United”. This has helped the all-electric SUV concept to take on an iconic and bold form, meshing logical and emotional qualities with playful, rugged features and styling cues.

Kia Concept EV9’s extensive list of tech capabilities and all-round flexibility ensures that it always feels at home even when tackling traffic in densely populated urban areas; at the same time, it even offers families the freedom to experience leisure pursuits away from city vicinity.

The shape of things to come

It blends a stunning exterior profile with modern and sleek interior space which is influenced with state-of-the-art technology. The incredible aesthetics of the Kia Concept EV9 – both inside and out – have been carefully honed from “Opposites United”, Kia’s new design philosophy.

Taking inspiration from the ‘Bold for Nature’ design pillar of Opposites United, the Concept EV9 embodies an adventurous, recreational and outgoing form with its chiseled upright stance. From the outside, such proportions highlight a three-row SUV footprint, hence signifying a vehicle which is highly capable, practical and ready for action all the time. From the side, this modern looking angular profile gives the all-electric SUV a unique and distinctive silhouette that is deeply rooted in the new design language.

A low gravity side body creates maximum and instant impact with the sharp crystalline contoured fenders that sit high up on the vehicle. The low side body profiling effect makes the fender volumes of the Concept EV9 pop out, resulting in a butch SUV stance.

Concept EV9 measures 4,930mm in length, 2,055mm in width and 1,790mm of height. It boasts a wheelbase of 3,100mm. The concept also combines its stunning SUV form with state-of-the-art engineering. The all-electric SUV delivers driving range of up to 300 miles. It also features next-generation ultra-fast charging technology with a 350kW charger which allows its advanced battery electric powertrain to juice up from 10% to 80% charge in just 20-30 minutes.

Contrasting with its muscular on-road presence, soft and welcoming volumes across the body of the Concept EV9 are offset with sharp and neatly edged elements. Solid rock geometry is expressed through a sophisticated design distribution of mass, while the volume of the soft fuselage cabin has been made to feel welcoming and approachable.

Tiger Face goes digital

Kia’s iconic Tiger Face has been reinterpreted for the BEVs and is showcased on the Kia Concept EV9.

The new BEV-focused grille houses an intricate star cloud pattern display that is completely hidden behind the body panel of the Concept EV9 when not in use. This stylish light-show further highlights the high-tech nature of the all-electric SUV while still paying homage to the natural world. Sequential patterns create a ‘welcome light’ for the driver and also function to appropriately position lights during driving. The star cloud pattern inspired the Kia design team to create standout vertical Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) for both the front and rear of the car, in-turn creating a unique signature look from start to finish.

Enhancing aero efficiency are retractable roof rails that close inward into the roof of the Concept EV9 when not in use, creating smooth airflow over the vehicle. When needed, the roof rails can be raised by a simple touch of a button, further emphasizing the all-action and all-go nature of the Concept EV9. A next-gen camera monitoring system that replaces the conventional wing mirrors further improves aerodynamic properties while also enhancing the spatial awareness of the driver.

Natural light

At the rear of the Concept EV9 is a compelling yet beatifically delicate triangular d-pillar treatment that acts as a visual focal point and resonates with the SUV’s angular design elements. The innovative d-pillar design also creates a unique Daylight Opening (DLO) signature.

The machined 22-inch wheels further add to the geometric appearance and robust nature of the Concept EV9. A triangular aero design piece controls the airflow around the wheel and creates a visual contrast to the circular nature of the wheel to fully express the Opposites United design philosophy, making sure a balance in harmony extends into every element and section.

To stay in tune with the environment – and tapping back into the ‘Bold for Nature’ design pillar – the Concept EV9 has an all-encompassing DLO panoramic sky roof. This not only offers passengers relaxing views from above but also opens the potential for positive impact on wellness and mood.

The beautifully sleek glass structure creates a direct connection to the outside environment, be that sunshine flooding into the cabin on a blue-sky day, the tranquil sound of rain during a weekend drive in autumn or the calming feel of the luminous glow of moonlight and the stars on a cloudless evening.

Transformative interior space

Against a wellbeing, wellness and mindfulness backdrop, the Concept EV9 has been carefully crafted to offer the driver and passengers a transformative interior space as the journey experience evolves.

Mirroring the exterior design, the interior of the Concept EV9 has also been greatly influenced by the ‘Bold for Nature’ design pillar of Opposites United.

Inside the all-electric SUV is a design undertaking that integrates the qualities of nature, movement and stillness as part of a scenic, first-class lounge. The panoramic roof, with its sky-gazing views, further adds to the sense of lightness and being in contact with the environment.

An interactive 27-inch ultra-wide display connects the Concept EV9 from the real-world to the virtual one, while serving as the nerve center for all driver and passenger requirements, including media, climate control and comfort functionality features.

This sense of ‘tomorrow’ extends from the visionary interior design and into the steering wheel. The automotive industry today treats the steering wheel like a separate product – a total standalone subsystem; the Concept EV9, however, takes a radically different approach in which the pop-up steering pad is an extension of – and integrated and harmonized within – the interior space.

Innovative interior modes when not moving

The interior of the Concept EV9 explores new perspectives as the journey experience evolves. The all-electric SUV has three forward-thinking interior modes that capture different journey situations and requirements. Active Mode is when the Concept EV9 is on the move, making sure the driver and passengers have an optimal driving experience from within the all-electric SUV. The two other modes relate to when the Concept EV9 is not moving.

Pause Mode modifies the interior space to be more akin to a first-class lounge, giving occupants the opportunity to directly interact with each other while benefiting from the light streaming in from the wide panoramic roof. In this mode, the seats switch around to enable occupants seated in the first-row and third-row to face each other. The second-row seats fold down and become a table, completing the first-class lounge arrangement.

The second stationary mode is Enjoy Mode, which opens the interior into a downtime breakout space by turning around the three-row seat configuration. In this mode, the tailgate opens, giving all occupants the opportunity to connect with the outside environment and gaze ahead and beyond the vehicle while sitting comfortable inside the all-electric SUV.

Inspired by water

The Concept EV9 features a design inspired by taking note of the simplicity and perfection of nature, and how it contrasts and works together in perfect harmony. In this respect, the Concept EV9 took further inspiration from the ‘Water Element’ of Opposites United, taking on characteristics that relate to serenity, calmness and wellbeing. For example, the exterior color mimics the expansive depth of the ocean; this is then balanced by a soothing and clear blue sky that radiates throughout the interior.

The ‘Water Element’ ethos also came to the fore when the Kia design team was looking at sustainable and ecological materials for use in the Concept EV9. Recycled fishnets have been used to help create the flooring of the vehicle and seating fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles and recycled wool fibers. Also, vegan leather, which is far more ethical and sustainable compared to conventional animal leather, was used throughout the interior space. Kia plans to gradually reduce the use of animal leather in all its vehicles.

Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider

Kia recently announced its corporate vision to become a “Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider,” along with the intention to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the company’s value chain by 2045 at the ‘Kia Sustainability Movement’ event on November 11. The three-pillared carbon neutrality goal consists of commitments to “Sustainable Mobility,” “Sustainable Planet” and “Sustainable Energy”. The strategy encompasses processes from logistics, vehicle production, vehicle use and the disposal of waste. The Concept EV9 embodies an important part of this strategy as the next possible addition to Kia’s high-tech BEV line-up.

LOTUS ELETRE | The first electric hyper-SUV

The Eletre is a new icon from Lotus. It is the latest in a long line of Lotus road cars whose name begins with the letter “E”, which means ‘Coming to Life’ in some Eastern European languages. It’s an appropriate link as the Eletre marks the start of a new chapter in the history of Lotus – the first accessible EV and the first SUV.

The ongoing transformation of Lotus to a truly global performance car brand has reached its most significant milestone yet.

The all-new and all-electric Lotus Eletre is a striking and progressive Hyper-SUV – the first of a new breed of pure electric SUVs. It takes the Lotus DNA from more than 70 years of sports car design and engineering, evolving them into a desirable all-new lifestyle car for the next generation of Lotus customers.

The company’s famed expertise in the fields of ride and handling, steering, and optimized aerodynamics has been carefully and respectfully evolved. The Eletre takes the heart and soul of the latest Lotus sports car – the Emira – and the extreme aero performance of the all-electric Evija hypercar and reinterprets them as a Hyper-SUV.

Known only two days ago by its Lotus codename, Type 132, the Eletre is a globally relevant product, a shining halo of sustainable mobility for a worldwide audience. Embodying emotion, intelligence and prestige, it extends the reach of the Lotus name, badge and renowned driver engagement to a new audience.

A bold new dimension to the Lotus performance car portfolio, the Eletre delivers many firsts for Lotus – the first five-door production car, the first model outside sports car segments, the first lifestyle EV, the most ‘connected’ Lotus ever. And yet it remains an actual Lotus, a beautiful car ‘carved by air’, packed with pioneering technology, sporting performance and simplicity of purpose, designed and developed by a passionate global team. The Lotus Eletre is alive with character and personality.

The Eletre is 4WD, has a battery capacity that’s over 100kWh and with power from 600hp. A 350kW charger will deliver a 400km (248 miles) range in just 20 minutes. The car’s target maximum WLTP driving range is c.600km (c.373 miles). It also comes with the ability as standard to accept 22kW AC charging which, where available, reduces the time plugged in.

Technology includes the most advanced active aerodynamics package on any production SUV, and intelligent driving technologies such as the world’s first deployable Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system in a production car. Add in a dynamic walk-up sequence that delivers a moment of theatre every time the driver approaches the car, and it’s clear the Eletre is making a simple statement – this is Lotus reinvented, the birth of a new icon into the Lotus stable.

The immersive experience with the Lotus Eletre begins before the driver has reached the car. Pressing the button on the key or smartphone app activates a unique moment of theatre in the automotive world. The car’s exterior lights run through a short sequence, the active front grille ‘breathes’, and the illuminated flush door handles deploy. The experience is repeated inside the car as the door closes behind the occupant.

The infotainment experience in the Eletre sets new standards in the automotive world, with pioneering and innovative use of intelligent technologies. The result is an intuitive and seamless connected experience. It is a collaboration between the design team in Warwickshire and the Lotus team in China, who have huge experience in the fields of User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX).

The Eletre is the first in a new range of premium lifestyle performance electric vehicles to be built at an all-new state-of-the-art production facility in Wuhan, China. The car has been ‘Born British, Raised Globally’, with design led by the UK, supported by collaborative work with teams in China, Sweden and Germany. The overall exterior and interior design has been led by an international team based at the Lotus Tech Creative Centre (LTCC) in Warwickshire, UK.

The Eletre is built on Lotus’ all-new and highly versatile Electric Premium Architecture (EPA). The low-to-the-ground design means outstanding handling, and the EPA can easily adapt to accommodate C+ to E+ vehicle class battery sizes, motors, component layouts and intelligent driving technologies.

The platform will be the basis for an all-new range of premium lifestyle performance electric vehicles from Lotus. Led by the Eletre, these cars will catapult Lotus into a new era of higher retail volumes and significant revenues.

Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars, commented: “The Eletre is a bold and revolutionary new car, delivering on our commitment to move Lotus into completely new automotive segments as we widen our global appeal and accessibility. This is a momentous point in our history and a clear signal of our ongoing desire to transform our business. It is a true Lotus, and we’re confident it will delight performance car customers and offer a distinct alternative to the segment’s established players. The Eletre has the soul of a Lotus and the usability of an SUV. Alongside the Emira sports car, this is the perfect two-car garage from Lotus.”

Qingfeng Feng, CEO, Group Lotus, added: “The Eletre, our Hyper-SUV, is a new performance car from an iconic performance car brand and it will appeal to independent-minded and adventurous driving enthusiasts – those who love the thrill of driving. It is a unique combination of beautiful design, exceptional dynamic performance and everyday usability, for those who dare to look beyond the conventional, and marks a turning point for our business and brand.”

He added: “While the worldwide critical acclaim for the Emira has reaffirmed Lotus’ position as a respected sports car marque, the Eletre will make Lotus accessible to a whole new audience. It is a compelling alternative for those who desire a true driver’s car but whose lifestyle demands something more practical than a traditional sports car. And it is only the start for Lotus – there is much more to come.”

Kia Carens

Kia Carens : Introduction

Is it from a different world?

All new design ideology can be seen on the Kia Carens

The Indian buyer’s growing obsession for SUV’s has flooded the market with 6 and 7 seater family haulers. With almost every automaker in the country trying to cater and please the big fat Indian families with their offerings, Kia isn’t falling back.

To bridge this segment’s gap, Kia unveiled its new three-row offering for the Indian market, the Carens, in December last year. The Carens made its global debut in India, and incidentally, the country will also be its sole manufacturing hub for both domestic and export purposes.

The wrap around tail lights look upmarket

The Kia Carens is based on a stretched platform of the Creta/Seltos, similar to the Hyundai Alcazar. Dimensionally, the Carens measures 4,540mm in length, 1,800mm in width, 1,700mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,780mm.

Now if you compare it to the Seltos, the Carens is 225mm longer and 80mm taller, while the wheelbase is 160mm longer. The Carens also fares brownie points as it is longer, wider and taller than even the Alcazar, that measures 4,500mm in length, 1,790mm in width, 1,675mm in height. Even the wheelbase is greater than the Alcazar’s 2,760mm. In fact, the Carens has the longest wheelbase in this segment, which is 30mm longer than the Toyota Innova Crsyta too, although the Toyota is longer when it comes to overall length. The dimensions certainly point to a spacious interior.

Kia Carens: Exterior design

What’s it like to look from the outside?

Kia is calling the design ideology as coming together of 2 different worlds apart. And it actually makes sense as Kia is neither placing it as an MPV, nor as an SUV, but what exactly are they categorizing it? A recreational vehicle.

The Kia Carens has a very distinctively striking presence to say the least. It has the proportions of an MPV, but also gets several styling elements to make it look like an SUV. Starting up front, the front facia is characterized by a striking split-LED headlamp assembly and a sealed off grille that is housed within a contrasting gloss piano back trim. The signature Kia tiger nose grille has moved down to the lower lip of the bumper giving space for a new chrome garnish. The grille even features some gnarled effects and 3D patterns on the brushed silver insert for some added bling. Down below, the front bumper is more sedately styled, although the gaping central air intake does add some character. In fact, Kia’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ motif is now featured on the bumper and not on the grille, although very subtly.

The LED DRLS are said to be inspired by constellations and hence a unique futuristic design adorns the front. I wonder how many stars it would pack inside. The crown jeweled LED headlamps are sleek and futuristic with the three slot design even carried in the LED fog-lamps which lend a distinctive visual edge through sleek and avant-garde design.

Move to the side and it has a very MPV’ish silhouette. Generous amount of chrome has been used to fancy the Indian buyers. A chrome strip running all the way from the front window sill and wrapping around at the third quarter glass sections lends it an upmarket appearance. Though the R16 crystal cut alloy wheels have a nice design, they look a tad bit small considering the proportions of this car. In my opinion, a size up would definitely make a huge difference.

From the side profile, the Carens shows resemblance to the Seltos until the front doors, though the rear doors are much longer and it also gets a larger rear quarter window area. Strong character lines that start from the headlamps, blend into the doors and then emerge at the rear to meet the tail-lamps. At the rear, the Carens gets a pair of wrap-around LED tail-lamps which look like they have been borrowed from the Sonet. The rear windshield can be seen slightly raked and also houses an integrated spoiler. Akin to the front, the rear bumper is also aggressively styled with chrome garnish inserts. The raised ground clearance and the upright stance due body cladding all around lends it a pretty masculine look.

Kia Carens: Interior design

How does it feel from the inside?

In its typical fashion, the interior of the Kia Carens is very well laid with premium-looking materials and a well appointed dashboard. Use of multiple colors for the interior trim like Triton navy and Sahel beige, makes the cabin feel dramatic and lively to sit inside. A big slab of piano black is thrown onto the dash with gnarled effects and a brushed metal strip flows down below. Something which might bother the consumers is that the dash might pick up dust and fingerprints pretty easily and it would be a hassle to maintain it clean and shining bright.

Notice the different color interior trims which jazz up the cabin

The interior also has a clean, layered effect with everything positioned for better reach. The infotainment system is neatly integrated in the dash. Giving it a premium touch. There’s even some fine detailing on the dashboard trim and on the door panels, adding some jazz to the interior.

Below the top-half, the AC vents have been integrated seamlessly along the width of the interior. The AC control unit gets a feather-touch panel with toggle switches for operating the climate controls, with the ambient lighting panel underlining all of this.

Ventilated seats and different driving modes for the AT variant.

The 64 color options for the ambient light makes the cabin feel more upmarket and lends the Carens a premium feel inside. The center console is short and stubby and features additional controls for seat ventilation, drive modes, etc. The Carens will be available in both 6- and 7-seat configurations, with the former getting captain seats for the second row.

The touchscreen in fluid and well responsive to use

Generous amount of cubby spaces in all the nooks and corners allows for ample storage of nick-nacks. Infact, all the doors get 3 bottle holders and small pockets to keep phones or other stuff. The front doors even have dedicated slots for keeping umbrellas during the rainy season.

Now you don’t have a panoramic sunroof because of the roof mounted AC vents for the 2nd and 3rd row, but you do get a single unit sunroof , just in case!

The second row boss seat features a one-touch tumble down function for easy ingress and egress to the third row. A fold up table and an air purifying module are housed behind the front seats. All in all you get 6 USB (5 C-type) ports to charge your devices.

Captain seats for the second row makes the cabin feel more roomier

Considering the sheer size of the Kia Carens, stepping in and out is not much of a hassle and hence, it will be comfortable even for senior citizens in your family. The seats though are a bit on the narrower side, but provide good under thigh support for easing the longer journeys.

Third row seats are considerably more comfortable

Now the extended wheelbase makes enough room even for the third row and for sure it is one of the best in its segment. Not just kids, but even average sized adults won’t be complaining much about the space at the back.

Notice the gnarled effects on the piano black trim

Kia Carens: Features

What all tech does it pack?

This being a Kia, the equipment list is long and is a big highlight of the Carens. Top-spec variants of the Carens are equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Kia’s UVO connect. The touch is fluid and well responsive. It also gets a fully digital instrument cluster, an eight-speaker Bose sound system and a multi-function steering wheel with buttons for audio controls, voice commands and calling, similar to the one seen on the Sonet and Seltos.

The air purifying module behind the driver seat

Notably, the Carens also gets roof-mounted AC vents to aid cooling at the rear, which rules out the possibility of a panoramic sunroof. There is a single unit sunroof for the fancy purpose though. Other highlights on the Carens include a 64-color ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, seat-back table with cup holder, electrically powered, one-touch tumble down feature for the second row (first in segment feature) and an air purifier. Kia has particularly stressed on safety features with the Carens as all models get six airbags, ABS, ESC, hill-start assist, disc brakes at all four ends, TPMS and rear parking sensors as standard across all variants.

Kia Carens: Engine and Gearbox options

How well does it drive?

Under the hood, the Carens gets the option of two petrol engines and a diesel engine. The first is a 115 hp, 144 Nm, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which is solely offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 140hp, 242 Nm, 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine comes mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT gearbox.

Lastly, the diesel engine is a 1.5-litre unit which produces 115 hp and 250 Nm of peak torque. It can be opted in either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. These engine-gearbox combinations are the same as the ones that are offered in the Kia Seltos.

The overall drive is pliant and poised. The engine is never in a hurry and delivers a linear performance across the gear ratio range. It feels plush and sturdy at high speeds. Something worth pointing out are the well damped suspensions which can gulp in all the major potholes of city driving and the raised ground clearance allows the vehicle to glide over rough terrain patches.

Safety Features

Dual front Airbags as standard across all variant

ABS & EBD

Front and Reverse Parking Sensors with camera

Seat belt reminder

High speed alert

Hill start assist

Hill Descent control

Electronic Stability control

Front seatbelt pretensioners

Rear disk breaks

Impact sensing auto door unlock

Side and curtain airbags

Tire pressure monitoring system

ISOFIX

Anti theft alarm

Rear wiper and defogger

Rain sensing vipers

Auto headlamps

Kia Connect mobile app.

Functional features

50:50 Third row split

2nd and 3rd row AC vents

Height adjustable drivers seats

2nd row slide and recline

5x USB C-type ports

Ambient lights

Electric second row tumble

Front and rear armrests

3rd row recline

Ventilated front seats

Automatic climate control

LED DRL’s and headlamps

Wireless phone charger

Android Auto and Apple Car-play

Cooled cup-holders

Rear door sun shade

Cruise Control with steering mounted buttons

Push button start stop

To watch the complete first drive review, click here.

Beginner’s guide to car audio systems

Introduction

Good sound or good music has the ability to delight your soul. A good audio system in your car is pure eargasm while on the move. If you’re new to the world of car audio systems, check out our article on how the in-car infotainment system evolved with time here and they seem to have become more sophisticated with each passing year.

Almost everyone has different opinions on car audio systems, and some people love the look of their factory stereo. If you have a late model car with an integrated infotainment system, upgrading the stereo can be difficult. In either case, there are several ways to improve a factory sound system.

One interesting thing about upgrading your car audio is that there’s no right way or wrong way to go about it, in fact, the best thing about upgrading factory audio systems is that almost any component you replace will at least represent a marginal improvement.

The guide to “car audio” starts with an understanding of what each component contributes to the overall audio experience you have. But it’s important to be able to identify the pitfalls that you notice in your car audio, then know the right fix for each problem.

However, no matter how many complexities arise in the technological aspect, a car audio system only has three basic components. So if you’re considering upgrading your car’s audio system, keep in mind that the components listed below are the ones you must include.

If you are going by the budget-conscious piecemeal route, then you must plan on how you want the final system to look and sound like. If you do that, you’ll end up with components that work pretty well together.

There are many options when you build a car infotainment system from the ground up, so people who have never performed this task may shy away from that sort of drastic change.

Now, if you dive in, consider the types of features you want your car to sound like.

If you’re working on a tight budget, you can do some things to improve the sound quality. You can even replace components one at a time, depending on what your speculated budget permits, and eventually, you’ll have a completely custom car sound system.

Know the main components!

Head Units

This is the brain behind everything. In the beginning, head units were simply radio tuners which, as time went by, became proficient in providing audio signals from cassette tapes and CD players. In the modern-day vehicles, the head unit is often integrated into its entire “infotainment system”, which is the central console that also often houses climate controls and provides navigation.

Today, most head units have USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, etc to connect other devices and play digital music, built-in satellite and Internet capabilities, and whatnot.

Now it is entirely up to you what you want in your car.

Either way, we advise you to end up with a head unit that is capable of powering the speakers. You can also go for a head unit with pre-amp outputs and an amplifier capable of fully powering the speakers.

Speakers

It’s an old rule of thumb, but it remains true: even the best car stereo won’t sound great on lousy speakers. If your car’s stock car audio system shows distortion, lacks clarity during high-frequency ranges, and blasts hollow bass notes, you may improve the sound system in your vehicle with a worthwhile speaker upgrade.

If your car only has two or four-speaker slots, they are probably coaxial speakers, which means a single speaker head features both the woofer and a tweeter. The easiest way to replace them is with better coaxial speakers, preferably made with more superior materials.

A decent set of front speakers might only set you back less than ten grand. Component speakers provide even better sound, but that’s a complicated upgrade that’s better paired with a new car stereo.

Discrete speaker components sound even better because the tweeters and woofers operate separately, producing greater sound clarity. But this upgrade often requires cutting new speaker mounts, complex rewiring, and other actions best performed by a technician, an experienced installer of sound systems for cars.

At least four speakers make up most car audio systems, although you can play with various configurations that will allow you to add more.

There are several types of speakers, including coaxial, component, and subwoofers. A coaxial speaker is one unit that houses both the tweeter, which takes care of the treble or higher range notes and the woofer, which deals with the Bass or the lower to mid-range frequencies. On the other hand, component speakers are simply a set of speakers that separate the woofer and the tweeters. Subwoofers, meanwhile, are designed to reproduce Bass and sub-bass that is typically lower than what a woofer can generate.

More often than not, car owners prefer upgrading the speakers that come with their car because its sound quality is often poor. Go for speakers that are constructed better and are usually made of cloth and foam. Some excellent speakers have rubber, metal, silk, and other synthetic materials. Car owners can enjoy full-bodied Bass, pristine sound in high-frequency ranges, and a lack of distortion with these speakers.

Amplifiers

Turning up the volume.

If you’re concerned about high volume, an amplifier is still an essential component you need to add to your system. You’ll probably need an amp with speaker-level inputs if you’re leaving the factory stereo in place, but some premium factory fitted head units come with line-level outputs.

It’s easy to overpower the speakers when you add a powerful amplifier to a factory sound system. With that in mind, consider upgrading the speakers first if you want to crank up the volume all the way blasting out of the windows.

As mentioned above, the speakers receive the audio signal from the amplifier and serve as the output devices that in turn convert the electrical energy of that signal into sound.

Despite what we said above about having great speakers, it’s also quite true that great speakers only sound as good as their amplifier. You may get an uplift in quality with new speakers alone. Still, discrete car audio systems will require more sophisticated amplifiers that can output to multiple, distinct speaker channels. A good amp can output well to tweeters and woofers, for example, and even subwoofers, for that matter.

An amplifier does precisely what its name implies; it takes the audio signal that the head unit sends out and amplifies it on its way to the speakers. Not only does an amplifier increase the power of that audio signal from the head unit, but it also improves the quality of the sound. With speakers hooked up to an amplifier, you should be able to turn up the volume without it producing crackling sounds and distorting the audio quality. The sound is cleaner, more unmistakable, all making your listening experience much much better.

Not all amplifiers are created equal, though, so you can vastly improve your car audio by simply upgrading your amplifier to superior ones.

Adding more Bass

If the only thing you’re missing is Bass, add a subwoofer to your factory system in either of the two ways:

Add an amplifier and a subwoofer.
Add a powered subwoofer. Subwoofer in a car trunk

Powered subwoofers are a more straightforward proposition, but adding an amplifier and a subwoofer allows you more flexibility. Either way, a subwoofer is the best way to get that bass thumping.

If you want to go by the easiest way to add more bass to your car audio system, a powered amplifier with speaker-level inputs is the way to go. These units combine an amplifier and a subwoofer into one unit, and they can be hooked up to any factory or aftermarket head unit.

Doing it right

The most important thing to look for is a good wiring harness specifically designed for your vehicle requirements. This harness plugs into the factory wiring, so you won’t have to cut into any of your car stereo system wires and mess up with the electricals.

Some of these wiring harnesses are even designed to plug into a new head unit altogether, which means there’s no wiring involved at all. This is the easiest way to install a new head unit, and it ensures that you can pop the factory stereo back to stock any time you want.

What Does Your System Lack?

While many other components can affect the overall audio quality, those are the top three pieces of every car audio system. Now, consider the fact that your vehicle’s sound isn’t up to your expectations. What complaints do you have?

Your Speakers Buzz

Factory-installed speakers aren’t of the best quality, but you can easily upgrade to an aftermarket set that provides a broader range of sound. If you want an upgrade, particularly in the speaker department, install a separate woofer and tweeters along with component speakers for a good midrange sound.

There Is Not Enough Power

If the sound quality simply feels like it could need more “oomph”, your amplifier is likely the culprit in this scenario. Since it delivers more power to your new speakers, you should get more clarity without any kind of distortion.

There Isn’t Enough Detail.

If you’re a music-head audiophile, you know that layers of audio are very much essential to the full sound experience. An upgraded head unit could help enhance your jazz or classical listening, taking your hearing experience to another level.

Evaluating Your Car Audio System

If your car stereo sounds OK to you, that’s exactly what all the OEMs are looking for. Even factory-installed premium sound systems usually aren’t up to mark. So how can you tell if your factory audio needs a little tender loving care?

Here’s a test that anyone can do:

Sit in your car and close all the doors and windows.

Play your favourite music and turn up the volume.

Don’t be afraid to go higher than you usually would, but try avoiding blasting the sound and go blow-out-your-eardrums high.

Listen to the music and start noticing the drawbacks.

If you need to turn up the treble due to lack of clarity, that’s something that a speaker upgrade can fix.

If you turn up the bass figure, you have the Bass sounding hollow or empty, that’s also something an upgrade can fix.

If the music sounds distorted when the volume is up really high, that’s another thing you can take care of with a bit of tinkering with the amplifying system mentioned.

So, where do you start from? There are different ways to dig into a factory sound system upgrade. Answering a handful of questions can set you on the right path:

How important is your budget? Do you have much money to spend on upgrades?
Do you want to improve the sound while keeping your factory stereo?
Would you instead ditch the factory stereo and start fresh?
How important is Bass?
Do you like listening to your music loud?

You might be surprised at how the simple act of pondering those five questions sets you on the road to building a great car audio system.

Formula E and FIA introduce ‘Gen3’ racing car

The pinnacle of performance, efficiency and sustainability

About Formula E and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship

It is the world’s only all-electric FIA World Championship and the only sport to be certified net zero carbon emission since its inception. ABB FIA Formula E World Championship brings in dramatic racing to the heart of some of the world’s most iconic cities providing an elite motorsport platform for the world’s leading automotive manufacturers to accelerate electric vehicle innovation and development.

Everyone associated with it, be it the teams, manufacturers, partners or broadcasters, are all passionate for the sport with the belief in its potential to create a better future of electric mobility.

www.FIAFormulaE.com

Formula E and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) have shared a sneak peek into the third-generation all-electric Formula E racing car that will race in Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

The Gen3 was described by FIA President Jean Todt as: “a machine created at the intersection of high performance, efficiency and sustainability.”

The Gen3 was presented to an exclusive group of Formula E manufacturers, teams, drivers and partners in Valencia, Spain, where pre-season testing is underway for Season 8 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, which begins in January next year.

While Formula E manufacturers are all set to take delivery of Gen3 cars in spring 2022 following further intensive development testing on and off the track, the briefing in Valencia disclosed a series of design, performance and sustainability innovations incorporated in the Gen3 car:

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship creates an environment where high-performance co-exists with utmost sustainability. Leading experts in sustainability at the FIA and Formula E worked closely with engineers throughout the development process to ensure sustainability in high performance racing cars.

The Gen3 will be net-zero carbon, maintaining the Championship’s status as the first sport to be certified as net-zero carbon footprint since inception.
All the carbon fiber broken parts will be recycled by an innovative process from the aviation and aerospace industry into new fibers which can be used in other applications.
This pioneering process will deliver 26% sustainable materials into the composition of tyres.
The Gen3 is powered by electric motors that are substantially more efficient than ICEs as they can convert over 90% of the electrical energy into mechanical energy compared to approx 40% in high efficiency ICEs.
Series of industry-leading design, production and technological innovations in Formula E’s fastest, lightest, most powerful and efficient racing car ever
Third generation of Formula E racing car, the Gen3, sets the benchmark for sustainable high performance racing cars
Design inspired by the aero-efficient delta wing of a fighter jet and optimized for street racing.
The world’s most efficient racing car – at least 40% of the energy used within a race will be produced by regenerative braking during the race.
The first formula car with both front and rear powertrains: a new front powertrain adds 250kW to the 350kW at the rear, more than doubling the regenerative capability of the current Gen2 to a total of 600kW.
The first formula car that will not feature rear hydraulic brakes due to the addition of the front powertrain and its regenerative capability.
An electric motor delivering up to 350kw of power (470BHP), capable of a top speed of 200mph (320 km/h), with a power-to-weight ratio that is twice as efficient as an equivalent 470BHP internal combustion engine (ICE).
Lighter and smaller than the Gen2 to enable faster, more agile wheel-to-wheel racing.

Official Interviews :

Jean Todt, FIA President, said:

“The new Gen3 Formula E single-seater is a car created at the intersection of high performance, efficiency and sustainability. The work accomplished by the FIA’s teams together with Formula E, since the launch of the discipline eight seasons ago, tirelessly seek to drive innovation and further the development of sustainable mobility. I have no doubt that this new single-seater will elevate Formula E to the next level.”

Jamie Reigle, Formula E CEO, said:

“In designing the Gen3 car, we set out to demonstrate that high performance, efficiency and sustainability can co-exist without compromise. Together with the FIA, we have built the world’s most efficient and sustainable high performance race car.

“The Gen3 is our fastest, lightest, most powerful and efficient racing car yet. It is a creature designed for its habitat: racing on city streets in wheel-to-wheel combat. We look forward to witnessing it inspire and excite the next generation of motorsport fans in cities around the world from Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.”

Formula E launches a new short-form episodic documentary series, Formula E: Unplugged, with all episodes free to view on Formula E’s YouTube and Facebook pages –

https://bit.ly/FormulaEUnpluggedPlaylist

The 15-episode x 15-minute series takes viewers through Season 7 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, revealing what it takes to deliver international motorsport against the backdrop of challenges imposed by the global pandemic

Viewers will see how drivers, engineers, team crews and executives are pushed to the limit in Formula E’s first season operating as an official motorsport FIA World Championship. From the season opener in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia to the climax in Berlin via Rome, Valencia, Monaco, Puebla (Mexico), New York and London, the Formula E: Unplugged cameras capture the triumphs and challenges of life in the Formula E paddock.

Season 7 the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship attracted record-breaking international TV audiences for the live race broadcasts. Formula E: Unplugged delivers a new perspective with original content from the garages and driver interviews in addition to racing action.

Formula E: Unplugged offers an honest and unfiltered look behind the scenes at Formula E during its first campaign as an FIA World Championship. It’s about the people who make up our sport, with a spotlight on their stories from a unique season in motorsport.

Whether viewers are long-time fans of Formula E, motorsport followers curious about electric racing, or simply intrigued to find out more about our world, Formula E: Unplugged will offer a new perspective on our teams and drivers as they navigate the season on and off the track.

Season 8 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship begins in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, on January 28 and 29 and will feature 16 races in 12 iconic world cities including Jakarta, Vancouver, Mexico City and London before concluding in Seoul, South Korea in August.

The ultimate celebrity seduction – Range Rover Sport SVR

Range Rover Sport SVR

The Performance British SUV gets a new attire.

With the Indian market currently obsessed with SUVs, no carmaker is leaving the stones unturned to attract buyers to their park. Fast performance road monsters are the favourite choice for many celebrities and wealthy folks out there. With the recent outburst of super-fast goliaths like the Audi RS Q8, BMW X5M, the AMG’s from Benz and Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo, JLR isn’t falling back. And to bridge this gap and to make others feel shy, the Range Rover Sport SVR is here to give a good game to the rest of the lot at this price range.

So, how much does this thing cost? A wee more than 2.19 Crore. And for that whopping amount, what do you get? A five-litre supercharged V-8 petrol engine that produces 567bhp of power and 700Nm torque and can accelerate from 0-100 kph in 4.5 seconds. That’s quite a bit for a luxury SUV.

The SVR is the most powerful Range Rover you can opt for. Designed, engineered and developed by JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations, the luxury performance SUV is hand-finished in Coventry, UK.

How different is it from the regular Range Rover Sport SVR, you ask?

For starters, the chassis bespoke enhancements, the SVR delivers more dynamic handling without compromising traditional Range Rover comfort or all-terrain capability.

The brilliantly engineered design of the vehicle ensures a controlled pitch under heavy acceleration and braking, and the damping hardware is tuned to provide exceptional turn-in, mid-corner grip and body control.

Styling on the outside of the Range Rover SVR?

The redesigned front bumper design lends the Range Rover Sport SVR an aggressive appearance, with the massive vents designed to improve brake cooling and gulp and squish the air through its turbos. The performance brake pads and discs provide enhanced performance at higher temperatures, ensuring the braking system is more resistant to fade during dynamic driving.

Body-coloured detailing along with blacked-out accents all across the body adorns and gives it a distinctive look you cannot mistake it for anything else. At the rear end, an SVR badge also helps to identify the SVR. A contrasting black roof gives it an even sportier stance.

How’s it like from the inside?

The lightweight SVR Performance seats create an athletic silhouette and provide exceptional comfort on long journeys. Finished in high-quality perforated Windsor leather, the SVR Performance seats reflect the SVR’s status as the ultimate high-performance luxury SUV. Seat backs finished in satin black with an embossed SVR logo on the headrests also deliver heightened exclusivity. The supportive seats also create more rear legroom and the impression of a cosseting four-seat interior while retaining flexible five-seat capability. The dual-tone tan leather coupled with sporty carbon fibre trims, gives it an uber-luxury cum sporty feel.

Continuing the high-performance theme, sound quality comes from a 19-speaker Meridian Surround Sound System, which combines 825 watts, a dual-channel subwoofer and Trifield technology for a thrilling personal sound experience in every seat.

Rohit Suri, President and Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India, said, “ Range Rover SVR redefines & further elevates performance and luxury in an SUV by leveraging the best of bespoke British design and engineering. I am sure that Range Rover Sport SUV enthusiasts and fans will simply love this latest offering combining formidable British engineering craftsmanship with high end and refined luxury. ”

All in all , a complete package to get the celebrity horses running.

Two-Stroke vs Four-Stroke Engine

The two-stroke and the four-stroke engine

Massive transformations have taken place in automotive engines in the past few decades, but the two main internal combustion engine designs remain the 2-stroke and the 4-stroke. While we reckon that you’ve at least heard these terms before, do you really know the difference between them? How do they work, and which is better? Read on to know more!

How Does a Combustion Engine Work, and What Is a “Stroke” Anyways?

In order to understand how different these two engines are, you need to first understand the basics of how an engine works. Combustion, also known as the process of burning fuel, is the underlying chemical process involving releasing energy from the mixture of air & fuel. In an internal combustion engine (ICE), the ignition and combustion of the fuel occur within the engine itself. The engine then partially converts this energy from the combustion to work up. The engine consists of a fixed cylinder and a moving piston. The expanding combustion gases push the piston, which in turn rotates the crankshaft. Ultimately, through a system of gears in the powertrain, this motion drives the vehicle’s wheels. A stroke is when the piston moves up & down to complete a revolution. This revolution or the combustion cycle is the complete process in which fuel & air is mixed and sucked in the piston chamber, ignited and expelling exhaust gases. This process takes place in four different steps mainly-

Intake: When the piston moves down the cylinder, it allows a mixture of fuel and air into the combustion chamber.

Compression: When the piston moves back up the cylinder, the intake valve is closed to compress the gasses within.

Combustion: A spark from the spark plug ignites this mixture.

Exhaust: When the piston goes back up the cylinder and the exhaust valve is opened, the combusted gases are released via the exhaust.

Two-stroke vs four-stroke

The Difference between a 2-stroke and a 4-stroke engine is how quickly this combustion cycle process takes place, based on the number of times the piston moves up and down during each cycle.

In a 2-stroke engine, the entire combustion cycle is completed within a single piston stroke: a compression stroke followed by the combustion of the compressed fuel. During the return stroke, the exhaust is let out, and a fresh fuel mixture enters the cylinder. The spark plugs fire once every single revolution, and power is produced once every 2-strokes of the piston. It has one revolution of the crankshaft during one power stroke, and due to the larger power-to-weight ratio, it generates higher torque as compared to four-stroke engines. It uses ports for fuel’s outlet and inlet, and is usually less efficient and produces more smoke. Two-stroke engines also require more lubricating oil to be pre-mixed in with the fuel, as it burns with it.

In a 4-stroke engine, the piston completes 2-strokes during each revolution: one compression stroke and one exhaust stroke, each being followed by a return stroke which means it has two revolutions of the crankshaft during each power stroke. The spark plugs fire only once every other revolution, and power is produced every 4-strokes of the piston. Compared to the ports used in two-stroke engines, the four-stroke engine uses valves for the inlet and outlet of fuel, resulting in higher thermal efficiency while generating less torque. It is more efficient in burning the fuel, it emits less smoke and has comparatively less wear & tear of the parts. These engines also do not require pre-mixing of fuel and oil, as they have a separate compartment for the oil.

So, which is ‘better and which one to choose?

Here are a few of the pros and cons of both engine designs:

As far as efficiency goes, the 4-stroke certainly ranks up the chart due to the fact that fuel is consumed once every four strokes.
Four-stroke engines are heavier due to more components & can weigh up to 50% more than a comparable 2stroke engine, adding a lot of difference to the overall riding dynamics of the vehicle.
Typically, a 2-stroke engine creates more torque at a higher RPM, while a 4-stroke engine creates a higher torque at a lower RPM.
BRRRAAAAPPPPP!!! The 4-stroke engine is also much quieter; a 2-stroke engine is significantly louder and has a distinctive, high-pitched “buzzing” sound.
Because 2-stroke engines are designed to run at a higher RPM, they also tend to wear out faster; a 4-stroke engine is generally more durable in comparison. That being said, 2-stroke engines are more powerful as the initial torque can blow the mind away!
Two-stroke engines are of much simpler design as compared to the complexity of four-stroke engines, making them easier to fix. They do not have valves but rather ports. Four-stroke engines have more parts; therefore, they are more expensive, and the maintenance costs more.
Two-stroke engines require pre-mixing of oil and fuel, while the 4-strokes do not.
Four-strokes are more environmentally friendly; in a 2-stroke engine, burnt oil is also released into the air with the exhaust.
So which is better and which one to prefer completely depends on the application and preference of usage. Two-stroke engines are typically found in smaller applications such as remote-controlled cars, lawnmowers & tools like chainsaws, boat motors and dirt bikes. Four-stroke engines are found in anything from go-karts, sportbikes right up to the typical internal combustion engine in your cars. It’s up to you to decide which engine you prefer and for what purpose.