William Maley

The Geneva Motor Show saw Mercedes introduce their new AMG GT 4-Door and BMW revealing their M8 Gran Coupe concept. We still find ourselves scratching our heads as to why these vehicles exist in the first place, but a new Bloomberg report explains an interesting reason as to why automakers are building them. These high-performance models with high price-tags will help generate the cash needed to develop electric vehicles. BMW for example is in the midst of its largest rollout of new models and variants. Most of them will be higher-margin to help get more cash into their coffers. "The market for high-end, high-performance four-door coupes will get significantly more crowded," said Tim Urquhart, an automotive analyst with market researcher IHS Markit. "They are high-value models aimed at boosting margins and brand prestige" and have proved "popular with sports- and supercar owners who need a four-door when they start a family." It doesn't hurt that four-door coupes are easy to develop since they share platforms and engines with regular sedans. All that's needed is a sleek body. Source: Bloomberg via Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Jaguar has revealed the pricing for the upcoming I-Pace EV and it significantly undercuts the Tesla Model X. A base model I-Pace will set you back $70,495 with destination and not including the various federal and state incentives. This is about $10,000 less than the base Model X 75D, although the Model X is slightly bigger than the I-Pace. For that price, you get a 90-kWh battery pack providing an estimated range of 240 miles. This feeds two electric motors that provide a total output of 394 horsepower and 512 pound-feet of torque. Using a 100-kW DC fast charger will give the battery an 80 percent charge in 40 minutes. This increases 10.1 hours when using a 230-volt, 32-amp Level 2 home charger. Jaguar has been taking orders for the I-Pace since the first of this month and deliveries are expected to begin in the second half of 2018. Source: Jaguar Press Release is on Page 2 U.S. PRICING ANNOUNCED FOR JAGUAR I-PACE All-electric Jaguar I-PACE priced from $69,500 (1) in the U.S. Equipped with a 90kWh battery, the I-PACE delivers an estimated range of up to 240 miles (2) Owners can achieve 80 percent battery charge from empty in approximately 40 minutes using 100kW DC fast chargers (3) 0-80 percent charge at home using a 230V AC wall box can be achieved in just over 10 hours (3) U.S. customer deliveries to begin during the second half of 2018 Since the debut of the Jaguar I-PACE Concept, U.S. customers have been registering their interest to purchase the new Jaguar I-PACE at www.jaguarusa.com As of March 1, Jaguar retailers have been able to place customer orders for the new I-PACE Jaguar I-PACE to make its North American debut at the 2018 New York International Auto Show (MAHWAH, N.J.) – March 6, 2018: Following its public debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, today Jaguar announced U.S. pricing for the 2019 Jaguar I-PACE. Priced from $69,500 before federal and local government incentives1, the Jaguar I-PACE establishes a new mid-size premium battery electric vehicle (BEV) segment. “With the debut of the Jaguar I-PACE, Jaguar in the U.S. is officially in the luxury electric vehicle business and our retailers and customers are placing orders,” said Joe Eberhardt, President and CEO of Jaguar Land Rover North America. “In partnership with our retailers who are investing in new facilities and EV infrastructure, we have a proactive market strategy led by very competitive pricing and the Jaguar EliteCare electric vehicle ownership package. We think the entire journey of buying, owning and driving an I-PACE will be one our customers will love for life.” Featuring a 90kWh battery, the I-PACE delivers an estimated range of up to 240 miles and 0-60mph acceleration in as little as 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 124mph2,4. I-PACE owners will have the convenience of using both AC and DC power to charge their vehicle; with 0-80 percent charge achievable in approximately 40 minutes using a 100kW public fast charger, or just over 10 hours using a 230V/32amp charger3. Estimated Charging Times3: 0 – 80% Charge 0 – 100% Charge AC Charge Time - Domestic 7kW – (Single Phase, 230V/32A) Approx. 10.1 hrs Approx. 12.6 hrs DC Charge Time - Commercial 50kW Approx. 85 mins DC Charge Time - Commercial 100kW Approx. 40 mins CHARGING AT HOME In-home charging is facilitated by the vehicle’s 7kW on-board charger and a Mode 2 universal cable which will ship with the vehicle as standard. Using the mode 2 charger, I-PACE customers will be able to charge via a domestic 110V or 230V wall socket. Customers may also chose to have a Level 2, 230V/32amp charger installed inside or outside of their home. To help Jaguar customers have home chargers installed, Jaguar Land Rover will be developing a nationwide network of certified independent electricians, which will be the subject of a future announcement. RETAILER NETWORK AND INVESTMENTS In conjunction with the expansion of the Jaguar and Land Rover model lineups, including its first electrified vehicles, Jaguar and Land Rover retailers have committed to invest $1.5B on new facilities and enhanced owner experiences over the next 5 years in North America. The new retail facility design standard to be adopted by retailers nationwide creates modern dual branded retail environments. There are 207 total dealerships in the United States, including 166 Jaguar franchises. In the lead up to the start of sales for I-PACE later this year, retailers have also heavily invested in the training of their sales and service personnel to better understand the EV market; concerns owners may have throughout the purchase process; the intricacies on how to repair these vehicles and how to do so safely. Jaguar & Land Rover retailers have already begun installation of electric vehicle charging equipment, getting ready to sell and service Jaguar and Land Rover electrified vehicles when they go on sale beginning in the second half of 2018. View full article

Chevrolet had a range of medium-duty trucks (class 4, 5, and 6) known as TopKick up until a decade ago. But today at NTEA The Work Truck Show, Chevrolet is coming back to the segment with a familiar name - Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD. The overall shape is similar to the Silverado HD, but the medium-duty trucks get a large grille and broad fenders. The models will only be built as chassis cabs with the choice of a regular or crew cab. Under the hood is a 6.6L Duramax turbodiesel V8 paired with an Allison transmission. Power figures stand at 350 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque. Before anyone asks, this is slightly different than the Duramax found in the Silverado 2500 and 3500HDs. This is due to the engine being tuned more for heavy grunt work such as delivering lumber or steel. Medium-duty trucks also have more stringent emission regulations. Chevrolet will be offering two and four-wheel drive. Chevrolet highlighted a few items that are said to make the Silverado medium duty a bit easier to live with. The front wheels can be turned to an angle of 50 degrees to not only allow for better maneuverability, but allows for easier access to the engine when servicing. The doors are inset and come tripled seal to cut down on noise and vibration. An optional rear air suspension to help smooth out the ride. Various tech features such as Bluetooth, 4G LTE with wi-fi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatability; and wireless phone charging will be available. Order guides for the new Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD will come out this spring, with pricing to follow in the summer. As for production, that will kick off sometime late this year. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 CHEVROLET UNVEILS THE 2019 SILVERADO 4500HD, 5500HD AND 6500HD AT NTEA THE WORK TRUCK SHOW All-New Silverado conventional cabs will be the most customer-focused medium-duty trucks of any major competitor Easy to upfit: Clean, one-piece straight frame rails, seven Cab-to-Axle options Easy to drive: Excellent maneuverability, factory air suspension Easy to service: Lightweight clamshell hood allows "walk up" access to engine INDIANAPOLIS —Chevrolet revealed its first-ever Silverado Class 4, 5 and 6 chassis cab trucks today at NTEA The Work Truck Show – three supremely capable conventional cab models will be the most customer-focused trucks of any major competitor. “Chevy’s designers and engineers were obsessed with making this Silverado the most customer-focused medium duty truck of any major competitor,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president, GM Fleet. “By customer-focused, I mean work-ready trucks that are easy to upfit, easy to drive, easy to service and easy to own.” The Trucks Dealers, Customers and Upfitters Asked For The input of fleet managers, truck drivers, upfitters, technicians and Chevrolet dealers drove the development of the new Silverados. “It’s not just numbers on a spec sheet that make us different and better,” said John Schwegman, director of Commercial Product and Medium Duty at GM Fleet. “These new Silverados are designed to solve the most common upfit and ownership challenges fleets have with many of today’s medium duty trucks.” Challenge The Silverado Solution Cost and complexity of upfits: Frames that rust; rivets, brackets and fluid lines that interfere with body mounting. A factory-painted frame with one-piece frame rails, smooth, unobstructed top sections, and through-the-frame fuel fill lines. Frame compromises: Frame rails that are too short behind the rear axle to accommodate longer cargo boxes without extensions and reinforcements. Seven Cab-to-Axle (CA) options ranging from 60 to 162-inches, along with five unique axle-to-back-of-frame (AF) lengths sized in 8-inch increments. Service obstacles: Hood designs that force technicians to use ladders or remove vehicle components to access under-hood components for maintenance and repair. A lightweight, front-hinged “clamshell” hood that, combined with a 50-degree wheel cut, allows easy “walk up” access to under-hood components. Difficult to drive: Poor downward perspective for the driver, along with poor low-speed maneuverability due to narrow wheel cuts, and wide turning radiuses. A precisely crafted and contoured hood optimizes the driver’s perspective of the road. Maneuverability is excellent thanks to up to 50-degree wheel cuts. Noise, Vibration and Harshness: The need to retrofit aftermarket air suspensions to improve ride; loud, uncomfortable cabins. An available, factory-installed rear air suspension, not on Ford and Ram; triple-sealed, inset doors to help reduce wind and road noise; huck bolts used throughout the frame for superior clamping force. DEF tank placement: Poorly-placed and marked diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tanks that can lead to refueling errors. The DEF tank is conveniently located on the passenger side of the truck – the opposite side of the fuel fill. Proven Power The Silverado will be available in 2WD and 4WD and will be powered by a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine with 350 horsepower and 700 lb.-ft. of torque and Allison transmissions with a Power Take Off (PTO) option. “When you consider all of the flexibility, capability and durability we have engineered into the Silverado, along with the proven power of Allison transmissions and the Duramax diesel engine, we have a medium duty truck line that will appeal to both Chevrolet loyalists and competitive owners alike,” said Schwegman. The Most Connected Medium Duty Truck The Silverado will also be the most connected commercial truck available, thanks to options that include OnStar and Commercial Link, a built-in 4GLTE Wi-Fi hotspot (paid data plan required), wireless cellphone charging, Bluetooth and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Production and Ordering Production of the new Silverado begins in late 2018. Order guides will be available this spring and pricing will be announced this summer. More than 400 commercially-focused Chevrolet dealers are expected to carry the new Silverado line. View full article

Volkswagen has been gung-ho on electric vehicles ever since it was revealed that it used illegal software on diesel vehicles to pass emission tests. The company recently unveiled plans to invest $82.5 billion into electric vehicles over the next five years. So it seems bizarre for Volkswagen's CEO to make this comment at the Geneva Motor Show. “Diesel will see a renaissance in the not-too-distant future because people who drove diesels will realize that it was a very comfortable drive concept. Once the knowledge that diesels are eco-friendly firms up in people’s minds, then for me there’s no reason not to buy one,” said Matthias Mueller. *record scratch* Yes, Volkswagen's CEO sees diesel making a comeback. This is somewhat hard to believe as stronger CO2 emission regulations from the European Union start to go into effect. Various countries and cities are planning to ban diesel vehicles in an effort to cut down on pollution. But Muller sees diesel as a way to meet emission standards until electric vehicles are more viable. “The rules of the game in the EU in relation to climate protection and emissions goals on CO2 are so challenging that governments cannot do without diesel. We’re doing everything to avoid” coming up short, but “if there’s less diesel, then getting to that goal just gets tougher.” But ultimately, it will come down to consumers. Already, sales of diesel vehicles in Germany have dropped by a third. With bans looming and resale values taking a dive, consumers may look elsewhere. “At the end of the day, consumers have the final world. We have a very clear strategy in terms of multi-energy platforms, which means we can assemble on the same assembly line petrol cars, diesel cars, electric-powered cars,” said Carlos Tavares, CEO of PSA Group. Source: Bloomberg View full article

This is a bit of a surprise. Porsche rolled out a new Mission E concept called the Mission E Cross Turismo. While Porsche describes this as a crossover, we would say its a lifted wagon like an Audi Allroad. Design is a mashup of the Mission E in the front and Panamera Sport Turismo for the rest. Various bits of body cladding line the lower part of the concept. A set of five-spoke wheels finished in blue are wrapped in chunky 275/40R-20 tires. The interior features a number of touchscreens that control various functions of the vehicle, along with seating for up to four people. One clever trick is a camera in the interior rearview mirror that tracks driver’s and the front passenger’s eyes, and will display pertinent information from the main infotainment screen in the direction that either person is looking. Electric motors mounted on each axle provide 590 horsepower and all-wheel drive. Porsche says the Mission E Cross Turismo can reach 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 155. No mention of range, but Porsche says the concept can get an 80 percent charge in 15 minutes when using the 800-Volt charging system. Source: Porsche Press Release is on Page 2 Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo Debuts Concept study of the first Porsche "Cross-Utility Vehicle" celebrates its world premiere Atlanta, Georgia. The presentation of the Mission E Cross Turismo from Porsche at the Geneva Motor Show is a concept study of an electrically-powered “Cross-Utility Vehicle.” Designed for individuals with an active lifestyle, the demand-controlled all-wheel drive easily handles varied weather conditions for practical year-round use. The interior offers plenty of cargo space while an exterior mounting system offers a solution for larger items like surfboards or bicycles. The four-seater features an emotional design with striking off-road elements as well as a new display and control concept with touchscreens and eye tracking. The concept vehicle, which is 194.8 inches long, uses 800-volt fast-charging and can also be charged via induction or a charging dock and integrates seamlessly with a Porsche home energy management system. The road-ready Mission E Cross Turismo is a continuation of the Mission E study that Porsche presented at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) in 2015. The design: Unmistakable Porsche DNA With a low hood between powerfully curved fenders, the front of the Mission E Cross Turismo has ties to the Porsche 911. The vertical air intakes at the front, known as “air curtains,” provide one of the striking design features. Matrix Design LED headlights represent another style highlight. The typical Porsche four-point daytime running lights have been developed into narrow, three-dimensional glass elements. Embedded in four floating fenders, these lights also feature the new four-point turn signal. Off-road design elements include rugged wheel arches and door sills, a striking front spoiler and rear fascia, and a ground clearance indicative of the ability to travel on and off paved roads. The flyline is marked by a sporty roofline that tapers towards the rear, echoing the Panamera Sport Turismo. The dynamic design of the side windows is typical of Porsche style. The broad fenders and three-dimensional sidewalls with air outlets behind the front wheels reinforce the sporty crossover character of the 78.3-inch-wide concept vehicle. Distinctive side skirts with an off-road look and 20-inch wheels with 275/40 R 20 tires are among the vehicle's other defining features. With its exclusive Light Grey Metallic paint, the study is also immediately recognizable as a Porsche from the back. In addition to the flow-through roof spoiler, the vehicle also features a full-length light strip. The Porsche lettering illuminated in white is embedded in a three-dimensional cover with a circuit path graphic. The “E” in the “Porsche” lettering pulsates when the vehicle is charging, and the circuit paths illuminate, giving customers a tangible sense of the energy flow. The large panoramic glass roof extending from the windshield to the tailgate delivers a generous feeling of spaciousness. The versatility: Equipped for all mobility needs The Mission E Cross Turismo gives an insight into how a series-production Turismo variant with cross-utility attributes suitable in equal measure for traveling, everyday life, and adventure could look. The 55.9-inch-tall four-seat concept is designed to be versatile. For example, a hatch is integrated into the backrests of the two individual seats in the rear to make loading long objects like skis easier. The backrests themselves can also fold. In the luggage compartment, there is a rail system with adjustable and removable belts to stow objects quickly and securely. The interior: Visible lightweight structures The interior features a new interpretation of classic Porsche elements for the digital age. For example, the instrument panel emphasizes the width of the vehicle with a wing-shaped top and bottom section. The dashboard has a clear horizontal arrangement with a wide display for the driver and front passenger. The free-standing instrument cluster is curved and angled towards the driver and consists of three circular display fields, digitally displayed on TFT screens. The center console between the front seats rises in the direction of the dashboard. The design elements in the interior also include visible lightweight structures, such as the dashboard and the sporty seats reminiscent of bucket-type racing seats, which feature illuminated Porsche lettering. The door panels have 3D elements with a structured surface. Anodized trim pieces in Nordic Blue around the air vents and the window switches provide a contrast to the black Aniline leather and Light Grey two-tone interior. Ambient cabin lighting further compliments all of the design elements. The powertrain: Sporty e-performance in excess of 600 hp Two synchronous electric motors with a system output of over 600 hp (440 kW) accelerate the Mission E Cross Turismo to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 3.5 seconds and to 200 kmh (124 mph) in under twelve seconds. This performance is in addition to a continuous power level that allows for multiple launches in succession without losing performance, which is unprecedented among electric vehicles. Demand-controlled all-wheel drive with Porsche Torque Vectoring, which automatically distributes torque to the individual wheels, transfers the power to the road. The chassis: Adaptive air suspension for comfort and agility All-wheel steering contributes to the exemplary agility and stability of the Mission E Cross Turismo, while the adaptive air suspension allows an increased clearance of up to 1.86 inches (50 mm). Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) is another feature available on board. This system provides active roll stabilization and prevents lateral inclination of the vehicle when cornering. It also helps reduce lateral instability over bumpy terrain. The display and control concept: A unique user experience A highlight of the Mission E Cross Turismo is a new display and control concept. Intuitive operation and information such as the head-up display optimally positioned in the driver’s field of vision enhance the driving experience. And thanks to the new connectivity solutions, the vehicle can also be perfectly integrated into a digital lifestyle. The result is a unique user experience. There are many important display and control options. Driver display with eye tracking: The instrument cluster is comprised of virtual fields. These are assigned to the categories of Porsche Connect, Performance, Drive, Energy, and Sport Chrono. Using a camera in the interior mirror, the eye-tracking system can recognize where the driver is looking. The displays that the driver is interested in are then moved to the foreground, while the others are reduced into the background accordingly as a result of looking away from them. The displays are operated using smart-touch controls on the steering wheel. Passenger display: This screen extends over the entire width of the passenger side. The passenger can operate various apps via eye tracking and touch technology, allowing access to functions like media, navigation, climate control, and contacts. Touch control: a field in the center console features detailed information menus. Small touchscreens: These screens are situated in the multifunctional window panels (for seat adjustment and seat comfort functions) as well as in the finless air vents on the right and left of the dashboard. By swiping left and right on these touchscreens, the ventilation strength can be adjusted. The “smart cabin” approach simplifies operation. The vehicle settings, interior climate, and ambient lighting are all automatically adjusted to the wishes of the occupants and the respective driving situation. The driver can also access a variety of information and adjust settings away from the vehicle: Customization options from the air-conditioning system to navigation can be set in advance via a tablet, smartphone, or smartwatch. The “DestinationsApp:” A personal travel assistant Porsche Connect already offers more than 20 digital services and apps. In the Mission E Cross Turismo, Porsche is adding another called the “DestinationsApp,” which demonstrates additional benefits the digital platform could offer in the near future. Using this app, a weekend trip can be planned quickly and easily in just a few steps on a smartphone. The app suggests travel destinations, enables reservations to be made quickly and effortlessly, and handles route planning. The driver can even tailor the chassis of the Mission E Cross Turismo to the selected route via the “DestinationsApp,” as well as choosing the most suitable music, climate control, and ambient lighting for the journey. Charging: Fast and effortless The 800-volt architecture in the vehicle ensures that the lithium-ion battery is charged for an NEDC range of approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) in around 15 minutes. The concept vehicle allows flexible charging both on the move and at home, and is compatible with the fast-charging network that is being established on European roads as part of the IONITY joint venture. At home or the workplace, the Mission E Cross Turismo can be charged via induction technology, and at home with a charging dock that can work in conjunction with the Porsche home energy management system. The latter option can be combined with the home’s own photovoltaic system to recharge using solar energy. Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo Technical Information Propulsion Two permanently excited synchronous motors Electric Motor Output 600 hp / 440 kW Drive Type Demand-Controlled All-Wheel Drive Acceleration (0-100 kmh) 3.5 seconds Acceleration (0-200 kmh) < 12 seconds Length 194.8 inches Width 78.3 inches Vehicle Height 55.9 inches Wheel size 20 inch Tire size 274/40 R20 View full article