Tag Archives: Mimbolovenews

Hyundai Teases The Fully Electric Ioniq 7 Large SUV

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Shortly after Hyundai announced their carbon-neutrality goals at the 2021 IAA Motor Show, the company dropped an offifical teaser of the fully electric Ioniq range, including a large SUV concept which previews the upcoming Ioniq 7.

The Ioniq 7 is expected to arrive in the US in 2024, joining the already available Ioniq 5 hatchback and the upcoming Ioniq 6 sedan which will premiere in 2022. The teaser includes the 2020 Prophecy concept which is a preview of the aforementioned Ioniq 6 and this large SUV.

See Also: Hyundai Confirms Specs For Ioniq 6 Sedan And Ioniq 7 SUV

Despite its imposing dimensions, the Ioniq 7 appears to have an aerodynamic silhouette thanks to the high ranked windscreen and the sloping roofline, while surfacing is on par with Hyundai’s latest design language. The model gets a grille-less look with a full-width horizontal LED bar and vertical LED units on the bumper. The squared wheelarches are filled with futuristic large-diameter rims that are probably going to be replaced by a more conventional wheel\tire combination in the production model.

See Also: Hyundai Wants Zero Emission Vehicles To Account For 80% Of Global Sales By 2040, Carbon Neutral By 2045

All of Hyundai’s Ioniq vehicles will ride on the dedicated E-GMP platform. A stretched version will appear on the Ioniq 7 allowing for three rows of seats inside the cabin, with six or seven seats. The long wheelbase also means there is room for a large battery pack. Indeed, Hyundai has confirmed that their large electric SUV will use the new SK Innovation batteries with a capacity of 100 kWh and 800-volt technology, offering a range of more than 483 km (300 miles). The company also revealed that the AWD version of the Ioniq 7 will use a dual-motor setup with a combined output of 308 hp (230 kW / 313 PS).

As the flagship of the Ioniq range, equipment is expected to include all of Hyundai’s latest ADAS systems including the Highway Driving Pilot which offers Level 3 autonomy. Given its size and market placement, the SUV could also get the air suspension and four-wheel steering from the upcoming 2022 Genesis G90, as reported by The Korean Blog, together with features like mirror-replacing cameras and a solar roof.

We expect to learn more information on Hyundai’s fully electric 7-seater SUV in the coming months with the reveal of the concept car that will closely preview the production version which will arrive in 2024.

Manhart Is Offering A Tuned Tesla Model 3 Performance With 543 HP And A Grille Decal For $90k

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German tuner Manhart is known for tuning performance models most often from BMW and MINI, occasionally from Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, or Lamborghini, and more rarely from Land Rover and Toyota. However, they recently decided it was time to move on to the electric era by tuning a Tesla Model 3. Besides the visual modifications, the fully electric sedan got a lowered suspension and a soft power boost. The tuned car is offered by Manhart for €74,900 which, at current exchange rates, translates to $88,768.

Manhart chose the flagship Tesla Model 3 Performance as a base for their tuning package. The German tuner added a set of red and grey stripe decals on the bonnet, trunk, and above the side sills, with matching red accents on the mirrors. While those look sporty enough, Manhart added another one on the front bumper with a honeycomb pattern resembling a grille.

See Also: Manhart’s MH3 600 Is A BMW M3 Competition With A Lick Of Gold And 626 HP

At the front, there is also a bumper extension made of carbon fiber. Thankfully Manhart didn’t complete the look with fake exhaust pipes like other tuners have done in the past. Finally, the windows are tinted for extra privacy and to hide the completely stock and minimalist Tesla interior, although Manhart is offering tuning options for those who are interested.

The TM3 700, as they call it, is also fitted with 21-inch Baracuda wheels finished in platinum grey, shod in 235/30 R21 tires. The wheels give the Model 3 a powerful stance, especially when combined with the lowered suspension, courtesy of H&R springs for improved handling.

See Also: This Tesla Model 3 Is So Good At Faking It, Sounds Like A V12 Lamborghini

Manhart also developed the MHTronik Powerbox that extracts more juice from the dual motors of the already quite powerful Tesla Model 3 Performance. As a result, the electric powertrain produces a combined 543 hp (405 kW / 550 PS) and 720 Nm (531 lb-ft) of torque transmitted to all four wheels. This is a healthy hp 37 hp (27 kW / 37 PS) and 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) boost over the stock model and we guess the effects in performance would be noticeable. As for the battery, the TME 720 uses the stock 82 kWh lithium-ion unit.

See Also: Manhart Gives New VW Golf GTI 286 HP And A Rolls-Royce-Like Starry Sky Headliner

Given that the stock Tesla Model 3 Performance costs €54,990 ($65,162) in Europe, the €74,900 ($88,768) Manhart is asking for the TM3 700 represents a €20k premium, which is quite a lot for the extent of the upgrades. However, the rarity of the vehicle might be attractive to those who want to stand out from the crowd.

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Is The 2022 Genesis G80 Sport Really Sportier Than The Standard Model?

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The 2022 Genesis G80 Sport has recently been unveiled for the South Korean market and before it launches in other markets, Asian Petrolhead on YouTube recently had the opportunity to put it to the test.

Shoppers in Korea can purchase the G80 Sport with the same array of engines as the standard model. That means it can be ordered with either a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder, a 2.5-liter turbocharged petrol four-cylinder, or a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged petrol V6. The example featured in this video was the flagship V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft (530 Nm).

Read More: 2022 Genesis G80 Sport Showcased And Detailed In South Korea

After heading out onto the highway, the reviewer slots the car into its Sport+ driving mode and is very impressed with how quickly and aggressively the transmission shifts through the gears. He says it has a similarly aggressive feeling to the dual-clutch of the facelifted i30 N. He is also impressed with how the car handles high-speed jaunts along the highway.

Another big update made to the G80 Sport is the inclusion of a firmer suspension and a rear-wheel steering system. This steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front ones at speeds of up to 37 mph (60 km/h), helping to improve maneuverability, a feature that’s very welcome on a big luxury sedan like the G80. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels to improve stability.

Genesis has also made some styling tweaks to the car. These include a distinctive dark chrome grille and a revised front bumper with new air intakes, as well as unique 20-inch wheels.

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Cadillac Won’t Make An Estate Version Of The CT5-V Blackwing, But You Can Have This CTS-V Wagon Instead

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As impressive as the new Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is, we think the fact that it isn’t available as a wagon is a pity. Fortunately, anyone wanting a high-performance Cadillac combined with the practicality of a wagon can buy something like this on the used car market.

The Cadillac CTS-V Wagon you’re looking at is a 2013 model and while that means it has some outdated technology compared to the CT5-V Blackwing, it still offers heaps of power. In fact, this particular example has been extensively modified and dyno graphs included in the Bring a Trailer listing confirm it has 781 hp at the rear wheels and 750 lb-ft (1,016 Nm) of torque.

Upgrades made to the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 include an Airaid intake system, American Racing long-tube headers, GM Performance three-bolt cam gear, BTR Stage 3 camshaft, BTR timing chain, BTR valve springs with titanium retainers, BTR trunnion kit, a D3 Crank-mount boost pulley kit, Innovators West lower balance, new spark plug wires, ported throttle body, aftermarket fuel pumps, new fuel injectors, and the ability to run on E85.

Watch Also: This Cadillac CTS-V Wagon Is So Powerful And So Fast It Needs A Parachute To Stop

The exterior of the car is clad in Black Diamond Tricoat paint and it has been upgraded with a carbon fiber splitter and carbon hood. It also sits on 20-inch wheels from Vossen with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.

As with any CTS-V Wagon, the cabin is comfortable for a family and includes heated and ventilated Recaro front seats clad in Ebony leather. The cabin also features dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, navigation, and a custom Audison audio system with a 1,000-watt amplifier.

The listing confirms the car has only been driven 26,000 miles (~41,800 km) and since Cadillac won’t make a CT5-V Blackwing Wagon, this remains the next best thing.

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Dacia Sandero Beats VW Golf To Become Europe’s Best Seller In July

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In a surprising turn of events, the Dacia Sandero has been crowned Europe’s best-selling car for July 2021, beating the VW Golf in its own game. The Romanian budget-friendly supermini sold 20,446 units in July, proving to be quite popular with European buyers and reaching the top spot for the first time ever.

In total, the European market fell by 24 percent last month with 967,830 sales according to JATO, following four months of growth. For comparison, Europe had 1.27 million sales in July 2020 and 1.32 million sales in July 2019 before the pandemic. Most automakers and markets saw a great decline in the new car registrations, not only because of the pandemic but also due to the shortage of semiconductors affecting the availability. Still, 2021 sales for the first seven months of the year are 24 percent higher than the same period of 2020.

Read Also: Toyota Sold Its 50 Millionth Corolla This Summer After 12 Generations And 55 Years

The third generation of the Sandero was officially revealed last year together with the Sandero Stepway and Logan siblings. Unlike its predecessors who were built in dated underpinnings, the new model is based on the latest CMF-B platform by Renault Group. Still, it is one of the cheapest models in the B-Segment.

Whilst looking fairly modern and offering adequate space for its segment, the cheap price does come at a cost, since the Sandero only managed to grab a two-star safety rating by Euro-NCAP, mostly due to pedestrian protection and standard ADAS equipment. Additionally, the cheapest variant is not equipped with an infotainment touchscreen, offering a smartphone dock instead.

Read Also: Despite What Euro NCAP Says, The Dacia Sandero Could Be One Of The Safest Cars On Sale, And Here’s Why

Despite losing the top spot, Volkswagen is the brand with the most cars in the top-10 thanks to the Golf (19,425 units) in second place, the Polo (17,343 units) in fourth, the T-Roc (16,494 units) in fifth, and the T-Cross (14,170 units) in seventh place. It remains Europe’s best-selling brand despite a 19 percent drop.

July’s best-seller list also includes the Toyota Yaris (18,858 units) who came third, the Hyundai Tucson (14,883 units) in sixth place, the Dacia Duster (13,329 units) in eighth place, the Ford Puma (13,283 units) in ninth place, and the rival Peugeot 2008 (13,134 units) in 10th place. As we can see, six out of 10 best-selling cars were SUVs, three were B-Segment superminis and only one was a C-Segment hatchback.

Volkswagen tops the charts in electric vehicles with the ID.3 (5,433 units) remaining the best-selling BEV, ahead of the Renault Zoe (3,976), the Kia Niro EV (3.953 units), and other rivals. In PHEVs, the Ford Kuga (4,247) came first, followed by the Peugeot 3008 (3.039 units) and the Volvo XC40 (2,931).

Combined sales of BEV and PHEV models in July were 160,646 units, accounting for 17 percent of all car sales. While this is impressive, Automotive News Europe reports that it wasn’t enough to surpass diesel car’s 22 percent share, with gasoline vehicles still the most popular option with a conquering 59 percent share.

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Opel Rocks-e Is A Rebadged Version Of The Tiny Citroën Ami EV

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Say hello to the Opel Rocks-e, a rebadged version of the Citroën Ami that in the European Union is classified as a quadricycle rather than a car.

The tiny four-wheeler is powered by a 5.5-kWh battery pack and has a single electric motor pumping out a mere 8 hp. Obviously, it isn’t fast but as it cannot weigh more than 425 kg (937 lbs) excluding its batteries under EU rules, the tiny electric motor is enough to propel it to 28 mph (45 km/h), enough for some inner-city driving. It also has a respectable WLTP range of 47 miles (75 km).

Read Also: Citroen’s My Ami Cargo Could Be The Cutest Electric Delivery Vehicle

The Opel Rocks-e is just 2.41 meters (7.9 feet) long and retains pretty much all of the same body parts as the Ami, meaning it looks exactly the same, except for the badges. As such, it features large headlights and secondary lights just below the windshield. It also sits on compact 14-inch wheels and has been presented here in a two-tone shade of silver and black.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Rocks-e, as well as the Citroën Ami, is the fact that the doors open in opposite directions. It also has interchangeable body panels.

The interior is largely identical to the Ami and includes a tiny digital instrument cluster, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, climate control, a USB port, a cupholder, some storage cubbies, and two simple seats. It’s not what you’d call luxurious and could be better described as ‘fit-for-purpose’.

European sales of the Opel Rocks-e will initially kick off in Germany this fall, where it will be offered in base, Klub, and TeKno trim levels, before it arrives in other markets next year.

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An Unfinished Lamborghini Diablo Replica Is One Way To Blow $30,000

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The internet loves to make fun of Lamborghini replicas but to be fair, while most don’t make any sense whatsoever, there are a few that look decent for their price. Although we often come across finished examples of replicas based on quite humble underpinnings, we found a different kind of kit on a Facebook marketplace ad.

This 1998 Lamborghini Diablo replica not only is pretty expensive, but it also requires a lot of time, effort and money from the prospective buyer in order to become roadworthy.

The project car is based on a custom tubular chassis that is claimed to be compatible with a mid-mounted BMW V12 engine which sounds like a good choice for a replica – on paper, of course, until you enter the wonderful world of maintaining and troubleshooting 1990s German engineering. The powertrain doesn’t come with the chassis so whoever buys this thing will have to not only source one but also find out if it fits by themselves.

Read Also: Honda Civic Tries Hard To Pass For A Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

Despite not having an engine, the vehicle comes with a number of mechanical components including Corvette C5 suspension arms, Corvette C7 rear brakes, Chevrolet Camaro electric power steering rack, an Alfa Romeo steering column, Subaru pedal set, and an supposedly, an Aventador-sourced drive-by-wire gas pedal.

Due to the fact that this replica is not based on an existing car’s chassis, its body panels are said to be precise copies of the original in terms of shape and size. According to the listing, all panels are included besides the front trunk. In fact, the front fenders made of carbon fiber come from an original Diablo, as are the Nissan-sourced headlights. There are also some parts from FGP including a Diablo GTR bonnet and side sills, plus an interior kit mimicking the design of the original – minus the seats and the upholstery, though…

See Also: This Lamborghini Diablo Roadster Replica was Once a Proud Porsche Boxster

You can tell for yourself that the car needs tons of parts and even more work to put it all together. The seller is asking for $30,000, which sounds like too much for a vehicle in this condition, but he is also open to offers. For anyone that is interested, the body is located in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

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2022 Genesis GV60 EV Revealed, First Verdict On The Wagoneer, And Nissan Delivers A Sucker Punch To The Supra: Your Morning Brief

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Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…

Dealers Are Reviving Mask Rules And Considering Mandating Vaccines For Employees As Covid Returns To Showrooms

With covid cases on the rise, some dealers are reinstating face mask rules, with the Delta variant spooking many business owners. Some are also requiring all new recruits to be double vaccinated, as well as one dealership owner going as far as to offer vaccinated members of the public a prize of $1000!.


2022 Jeep Wagoneer And Grand Wagoneer Reviews Are Here, And They Look Promising

The first round of reviews for the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer has been released. And it seems that the response is overwhelmingly positive, with the two models from Jeep likened to luxury rivals such as the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Not only has Jeep designed a suitably imposing entrant, but the interior quality and the choice of powertrains also seem to make it a compelling option in the segment.


How Nissan’s Z Screws Toyota’s GR Supra By Offering More Power Than The 3.0 For Less Than The 2.0

The value proposition that was the A90 Toyota Supra is being called into question thanks to the new 2023 Nissan Z Coupe. That’s because the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 Z Coupe is touted as being cheaper than even the 2.0-liter inline-4 Supra. And that’s not all. The Z makes more power than both versions of the Supra, and that’s before we even think about the possibility of a potentially lower-priced NA Nissan Z.


Two Senators Accuse Tesla Of Misleading Customers With Self-Driving Features, Request FTC Probe

Tesla’s self-driving tech has long been the center of debate when it comes to just how accurate its descriptions are. Now, two U.S. senators have sent a letter to the Chair of the Federal Trade Commission asking the organization to investigate Tesla for what they allege are deceptive business practices. The allegations are leveled at Tesla’s use of the names “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving.” They say that by using these terms, the EV-maker is deceiving owners into thinking the vehicle can do more than it was designed to.


2022 Genesis GV60 Electric Crossover Is Here And We’re Intrigued

The Genesis GV60 will be the very first dedicated EV from the Korean luxury offshoot. It’s based on the E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform) also used by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, and has some interesting design features, such as a striking rear window, leading into a coupe-like roofline, retractable door handles, and cameras in place of mirrors. No technical or price details have been released as yet, but are expected in the coming months.


2022 Kia Sorento Turbo PHEV Arrives In America As The Most Efficient Model In The Range

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Kia’s Sorento lineup has been enhanced with the introduction of a plug-in hybrid to the range. The PHEV variant is distinguished from the rest of the range by the charging port located at the rear quarter panel and the eco/plug-in badge on the tailgate. The hybrid powertrain features a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, plus a 90 hp (66.9 kW / 91 PS) electric motor, and a 13.8 kWh battery. The combined power output is 261 hp (195 kW / 265 PS) which powers all four wheels. It’s good enough for an electric-only range of 32 miles (52 km), while the targeted combined economy rating is rated at 79 MPGe (2.97 lt/100 km).


2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV Officially Offers 33 Miles Of Electric Range

In more Korean PHEV news, Hyundai has equipped the 2022 Tucson PHEV with the same 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor as in the Sorento above. It produces the same 261 hp (195 kW / 265 PS) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque, while Hyundai expects it would return an estimated 70 MPGe and be able to travel up to 28 miles (45km) on electric power. Pricing hasn’t yet been announced, but it should be eligible for a $6,587 federal tax credit.


Video Shows Why You Don’t Steal A Car From A UFC Fighter

UFC welterweight Jordan Williams stopped to grab something from a store, and in the process left his car on. As Williams was in the store, a would-be thief saw the running vehicle and thought he’d make a quick getaway. Shortly after the man gets inside the car, Williams exits and runs over to the vehicle. Needless to say, the attempted robbery didn’t go as planned, with Williams swiftly getting his car back.


What Else Is Making The News


Twitter Uses Thanks Musk For Following Her, He Unfollows 

A Twitter user was humbled and perhaps surprised when she found billionaire Elon Musk had followed her account. She felt the need to publically thank the sometimes controversial personality on Twitter. Sadly for her, it turned out to be an accidental follow from Musk, who promptly reversed his actions.


Apple, Google, And Samsung Announce Plans For Smartphone Vaccine Proof 

As the Delta variant of Covid-19 continues to spread, smartphone makers have recently announced plans to introduce a feature that can implement a scannable QR code that can tell if a user has been vaccinated or not reports NBC News. 

QOTD: With Which Brand Should Jaguar Work With For Its Next-Gen Electric Cars?

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Like many automakers, Jaguar’s plans for the future include a move to pure electric propulsion. The company has said, though, it’s looking for partners to help it in its shift from gas to electric. So, we ask what company’s EV platform would make the best platform for Jag’s upcoming EVs?

The good news for the British brand is that there’s no shortage of luxury automakers investing heavily in new electric platforms for it to partner with. Given the expense of designing and making a whole new electric platform, there will undoubtedly be plenty looking to sell their platform to other automakers to make a quick buck.

The Volkswagen Group has already started sharing its electric platform with Ford and Jaguar specifically name-checked Bentley and Porsche when it outlined its new plan, both of which are heavily invested in going electric.

Read Also: Jaguar’s Reinvention As A Super Luxury EV Brand Will Bring Bentley And Porsche Price Levels

Both BMW and Mercedes are also in the midst of unveiling new all-electric vehicles, making them an attractive option worthy of Jaguar’s ambitions.

If the brand is willing to take a gamble on the platform, it could tie itself to Stellantis, which just announced to release eight new models on its STLA platform by 2026 (that’s not quite Jag’s timeline, but indulge me). The owner of a few Italian luxury brands, the platform should be capable of providing Jag with the luxury it’s looking for along with a dynamic flair that it’s known for.

Richard Truett, over at Automotive News, meanwhile, argued that Cadillac would be a perfect brand to buy a platform from. Indeed, the Celestiq and the Lyriq do look like they will be stunners.

Who do you think the brand should partner with to make its credible EVs?

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz First Reviews In And Here’s What They’re Saying

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Back in April, Hyundai introduced the Santa Cruz, a Tucson-based unibody pickup truck. Since then, we’ve seen a few walkarounds in a studio environment, but now, the real-world reviews have arrived.

The Santa Cruz is offered with a choice between naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants of the same 2.5L inline-four. The naturally aspirated version makes 191 hp (194 PS / 142 kW) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque, while the turbocharged version makes 281 hp (285 PS / 210 kW) and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm) of torque.

Read More: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Is Half Tucson SUV, Half Small Pickup Truck

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FWD is standard with AWD as an option, but all Santa Cruz models send their power to the wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Depending on trim, you can haul up to 1,500 lb (680 kg) and tow up to 5,000 lb (2,268 kg). As for pricing, after destination charges, it ranges from $25,175 for the base SE with FWD and the naturally aspirated engine all the way up to $41,500 for the range-topping Limited with AWD and the turbocharged engine.

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The general consensus across all the reviews seems to be that the Santa Cruz is the perfect truck for non-truck people. It’s for people who like their SUV, but also want an open bed. One thing that was pointed out in almost every review was that thanks to its unibody platform, not only does it drive like a car, but a well-sorted one at that.

Finally, another thing touched on in quite a few of the reviews is that this truck will have to watch out for the Ford Maverick, which offers similar capabilities at a comparable (and in some cases lower) price point.

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