The 190mph Lagonda Taraf supersaloon was launched in Europe at the 2015 Geneva motor show with a price of $1million excl. taxes.
Likely fewer than 60 built; the last-ever petrol engined Lagonda motor car; the spiritual heir to the famously William Towns-designed four-door Lagonda ‘Wedge’ of the 1980s.
Left-hand-drive 2016 Lagonda Taraf, with only 150km covered from new, now available at Nicholas Mee & Co’s Hertfordshire showroom.
The Lagonda company was founded in 1906. It has always produced small numbers of expensive sports, saloon and racing cars, winning the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1935. Famous patrons include H.R.H. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Lagonda has been owned by Aston Martin since 1947, when purchased by David Brown Industries.
IN DETAIL
The Lagonda Taraf – the name implies ‘ultimate luxury’ in Arabic – was revealed to a select number of VIP customers in a private room at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show.
It had already been shown to a few chosen Middle East clients the previous November, a customer base with great enthusiasm for the marque, one which always held the futuristic and angular 1980s William Towns-drawn saloon in high regard.
The Taraf’s modern design was executed by a team at Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters led by Marek Reichman. They used the company’s flexible VH architecture as a foundation on which to create an elegant four-door: a luxury hi-performance supersaloon in the grand manner, capable of over 190mph thanks to its powerful 540bhp, 5.9-litre Aston Martin V12 engine. Like its coupé relations, the Taraf is clothed with carbonfibre-reinforced body panels for strength and lightness. The latest car’s sophisticated lines from Reichman’s team made saloons from Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Mercedes-Maybach seem almost staid by comparison. On the open road, the Taraf’s overall performance would have left them wanting.
Aston Martin’s initial intention with the Taraf was to solely serve the Middle Eastern market, but such was the VIP customers’ enthusiastic reception in Geneva that the company decided to make it available worldwide. At launch, it was priced at $1million in North America and €1million in Europe. All prices excluded local taxes and duties. Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd assured potential customers that the new car would be limited in production; no more than 200 would be made. In the event, most sources state fewer than half that number were built and sold.
The opportunities to own a Taraf are limited, particularly in the United Kingdom. Until now.
Internationally recognised Aston Martin specialist Nicholas Mee & Co has an immaculate example available at its base in Hertfordshire, close to Central London and the UK motorway network. The left-hand-drive car was built in 2016 and is finished in a stunning Onyx Black with a Winter Wheat and Obsidian Black, Caithness-grade hide interior. The lucky driver and three passengers can listen to music via the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound for Aston Martin 1000W audio system or enjoy the unique melody of the smooth and powerful V12 engine. Those in the roomy rear compartment have the opportunity of watching their favourite movies on high-quality rear screens. The ultra-rare car has covered only 150km from new.
“I remember the impact the William Towns Lagondas had in the 1970s and ’80s,” says managing director Nicholas Mee, who ran AML’s sales operation in London’s West End in those days.
“The original Towns-designed ‘Wedge’-shaped Lagonda generated amazing publicity and there was a three-year waiting list for the futuristic car. When first shown to the press in 1977 it was, literally, headline news in the national daily newspapers. Those cars proved a great sales success for Aston Martin Lagonda at a crucial time. There’s no doubt that the Taraf embodies the overall appeal of the older car, while being a modern-day product from Aston Martin’s Gaydon studios: fast, beautifully built and with a restrained and timeless appeal. Collectors of modern classics looking for exclusivity cannot ignore the rarity factor and that the Taraf will be the last petrol-engined Lagonda.
“People ask me to define a ‘future classic’. Well, the Lagonda Taraf is a pretty good place to start.”
For further information, please contact: Neal Garrard Director, Nicholas Mee & Co Ltd +44 (0) 20 3757 0974 or +44 7718 340811 neal@nicholasmee.co.uk
Lotus is working with a renowned British music producer, inspired by the engine note of the iconic Type 49, to develop a range of sounds for the all-electric Evija hypercar.
Patrick Patrikios has written and produced for Olly Murs, Sia, Britney Spears, Pixie Lott and numerous other world-famous stars. He was Brit Award-nominated in 2018 for his collaboration with Little Mix, and the tracks he’s worked on have been streamed more than a billion times.
“We wanted to create a soundscape for the Evija that was recognisably and distinctively Lotus,” said Patrick. “I sat with the development team at Hethel and discussed what that should be. We wanted something intrinsically connected to Lotus so we could set an audio blueprint for its future electric cars.”
Patrick loved the idea of using a famous Lotus as a starting point, and what better example than the Type 49 – one of the most iconic race cars of all time.
He explained: “There’s a purity to that V8, a raw edge and an emotion that stirs something in your soul, just like the best songs.”
The process began with the recording of a Type 49, which Patrick fed into his computer. In digitally manipulating the sound he and the Lotus team realised that slowing the engine note down created a similar frequency to the natural driving sound produced by the Evija’s advanced all-electric drivetrain.
“I adjusted the replay speeds and digital filtering of the Type 49 to generate a soundscape for the Evija – it was a very organic process,” said Patrick. “We all wanted something to spark an emotional connection between car and driver. Sound is hugely influential when it comes to creating and forming emotions, to enrich that bond that’s such a critical part of the Lotus experience.”
Patrick concluded: “I love that the sound from one of the most iconic Lotus race cars of all time has been the inspiration for its newest. There’s a symmetry to it which is beautiful.”
Welshman Patrick has been a Lotus fan since childhood thanks to his car-loving father. An Evora driver, he splits his time between Los Angeles and the UK. His body of work includes Hollywood movie soundtracks as well as songs from internationally renowned recording artists.
Patrick’s primary task was to craft the Evija’s external noise as it begins to deliver its immense ‘0-186mph (300km/h) in under nine seconds’ acceleration. However, using the Evija soundscape he created, he has also developed chimes and tones for everything from the activation of the indicators to the seatbelt warning.
Few race cars from any motorsport brand are as celebrated as the Lotus Type 49. It won on its first Formula 1 outing, the 1967 Dutch Grand Prix, with legendary driver Jim Clark at the wheel, and a Type 49 was on pole position at every race for the rest of the season. The following year Graham Hill won the F1 Drivers’ Championship in a Type 49.
Only 12 examples were ever made, and the car will be forever associated with two world debuts. The Type 49 was the first to use the all-new Lotus-developed Cosworth-Ford DFV engine that would dominate the Formula 1 grid for more than a decade, and it also marked the first appearance of the iconic red, white and gold colours of Lotus sponsor Gold Leaf, one of the most recognisable motorsport liveries of all time.
The MC20 has never previously been seen unleashing its power on low-grip surfaces.
The new Maserati super sports car is currently engaged in a series of reliability tests (on road and track, in various driving conditions) and intensive cold-weather trials on the snow-covered roads of the Valtellina and at the Ghiacciodromo Livigno (Sondrio), Italy’s most notable snow and ice circuit.
During its cold-weather mission, the super sports car was tested to evaluate engine cold starting, the low-temperature performance of its elastic components and the car’s handling on cold and low-grip asphalt surfaces. The tests were also performed to verify correct functioning of the Climate Control System in cold conditions as well as tests conducted on the battery, suspensions and brakes.
The extreme conditions have not stopped the new MC20; in fact, they have enhanced the opposing personalities of this car, born from the Brand’s racing DNA but designed for series production.
Hyundai Motor UK has announced the pricing and specification of the All New TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid, the latest addition to the lauded All New TUCSON line up.
With the addition of a plug-in hybrid powertrain, Hyundai’s best-selling SUV now offers the widest range of electrified powertrains in its class. Already seen in All New TUCSON, the 1.6-litre T-GDi Smartstream engine is paired with a 66.9 kW electric motor and a 13.8 kWh lithium polymer battery. Combined, the petrol engine and electric motor deliver 265 PS maximum power and 350 Nm maximum torque, with an electric only range of up to 50km*1.
In addition to styling and equipment shared with the rest of the range, All New TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid brings a number of technical changes for this powertrain, including active aerodynamics with an Active Air Flap that adjusts air intake depending on the engine coolant temperature, vehicle speed, and more, in order to minimise air resistance and maximise fuel efficiency. 4WD comes standard on the All New TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid, with Hyundai HTRAC four-wheel drive technology and a Terrain Mode selector for safe driving on challenging terrain. HTRAC can variably distribute driving power to the front and rear wheels depending on traction conditions and the driving state, while the Terrain Mode selector will optimise power, torque and braking depending on the road conditions.
Two trims are available, Premium and Ultimate, which aligns with the trims available on the Hybrid variants. Priced from £39,330, the Tucson Premium Plug-in Hybrid specification highlights include 18” alloy wheels, LED front and rear lights, 10.25″ touchscreen satellite navigation with Bluelink® connected car services and a 10.25″ driver’s supervision instrument cluster. Ultimate specification is from £42,030 and adds 19” wheels, leather seat facings, panoramic glass sunroof and smart electric tailgate. The optional Tech Pack is available on Ultimate models and includes electronically controlled suspension, remote smart park assist, blind spot view monitor, around view monitor and parking collision avoidance assist
Ashley Andrew, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor UK said “All New Tucson has received a tremendous reception from both customers and industry alike and it has quickly become a focus for the brand with its combination of styling, chassis dynamics and electrified hybrid powertrains. The launch of TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid will further grow its popularity, particularly within the key fleet markets with its combination of high standard specifications, zero emissions capability and low BIK. TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid is an important player for Hyundai in our environmental commitments and the on-going drive to lower the emissions of our vehicles.”
All New TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid models come with Hyundai’s industry leading 5 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty, 8 year 100,000 mile High Voltage Battery Warranty, Roadside Assistance package, 5 Year Annual Health Check, and 12 Year Anti Corrosion Warranty.
The latest generation of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars will be factory-equipped with Multimatic DSSV dampers
Multiple championship-winning spool valve damping technology to benefit all new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars
Multimatic’s commitment to the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup programme extends to having its junior driver, Seb Priaulx, continue his development in a Kelly-Moss Racing entered 911 GT3 Cup in the 2021 Porsche Carrera Cup North America
Multimatic has been chosen by Porsche to supply the spec damper for the new 2021, Porsche 992-based, 911 GT3 Cup car.
Multimatic DSSVTM dampers are used by many of the world’s top race teams, including 40% of the 2021 Formula 1TM grid.
Multimatic DSSV dampers have been the choice of championship-winning teams across a wide spectrum of race categories for almost two decades. From Formula 1 and Formula E to top-level GT and sportscar racing, many of the single-seater formulae, as well as grass roots racing, being the spec damper for the Mazda MX5 Cup.
Red Bull Racing took all of its Formula 1 World Championship victories using Multimatic dampers. The Ford GT won the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans on Multimatic DSSV and the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo that smashed the Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record was running on Multimatic DSSV. The Mazda RT24-P will soon return to the notoriously bumpy Sebring Raceway, where in 2020, Multimatic DSSV helped the car to ride the bumps all the way to overall victory in the famous 12-hour race.
Now, every new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car, competing in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and numerous national Carrera Cups will benefit from the very same Multimatic DSSV technology.
DSSV is a totally unique approach to providing high-fidelity hydraulic damping using precision spool valve technology that results in unprecedented predictability, accuracy and repeatability. The inherently superior frequency response of the spool valve provides outstanding transient characteristics, its turbulent flow regime minimises temperature effects and the basic architecture of the damper eliminates cavitation, enabling low charge pressures.
Raj Nair, Multimatic President & COO, said: “Multimatic continues to develop our unique damper technologies and we’ve always believed that there’s no better proving ground than motorsports. Within motorsports it’s well known that the Porsche Carrera Cup is the premier one-make race series in the world and we’re happy to see the series expand to North America. We’re proud that Multimatic DSSV dampers have been selected for the 911 GT3 Cup car and we look forward to our continued partnership with Porsche.”
The #15 Kelly-Moss Racing entry, driven by Seb Priaulx in Porsche Carrera Cup North America will carry Multimatic DSSV branding in celebration of the new relationship. As the Multimatic Motorsports junior driver is moving-up through successively more difficult challenges it became an obvious choice to have him demonstrate his talents in the world’s most competitive one-make, one-driver, sprint racing championship, while also underlining Multimatic’s commitment to the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup programme.
Larry Holt, Executive Vice President – Multimatic Special Vehicle Operations, said: “We had a number of potential programmes that we were looking at for Seb this year but have chosen to have him compete in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America as a show of support during our first year as a supplier to the series. It is also a great way for Seb to show us what he’s got, running against some outstanding talent in identical equipment, without the complexities of second drivers, pit stops or strategy. We have chosen a top team in Kelly Moss Racing and will leave him in their capable hands as we concentrate on our other programmes.”
First EV to use Kia’s dedicated EV platform (E-GMP) and first to use Kia’s new EV nomenclature
Distinctive silhouette displays sharp lines and high-tech details
Kia reveals new naming strategy for upcoming dedicated battery electric vehicles
Kia Corporation has revealed the first official images of the ‘EV6’ – its first dedicated Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) built on the company’s new EV platform (Electric-Global Modular Platform, or E-GMP).
EV6 is also the first of Kia’s next-generation BEVs to be developed under a new design philosophy that embodies Kia’s shifting focus towards electrification.
“EV6 is the embodiment of both our brand purpose, ‘Movement that inspires’, and our new design philosophy. It has been designed to inspire every journey by offering an instinctive and natural experience that improves the daily lives of our customers, and provide user ownership that is simple, intuitive and integrated.” said Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center. “Our aim is to design the physical experience of our brand and to create bold, original and inventive electric vehicles.”
Kia’s new naming strategy for upcoming dedicated BEVs As part of the company’s brand transition, Kia’s new dedicated battery electric vehicles will be named according to a new naming strategy. The new approach brings simplicity and consistency to Kia’s EV nomenclature across all global markets.
All of Kia’s new dedicated BEVs will start with the prefix ‘EV’ which makes it easy for consumers to understand which of Kia’s products are fully electric. This is followed by a number which corresponds to the car’s position in the line-up.
Designed and engineered to embody Kia’s new brand slogan, ‘Movement that inspires’, EV6 will make its world premiere during the first quarter of 2021.
Distinctive, modern SUV with striking, new front grille and LED headlights
Revamped rear with new LED lights
Spacious and impressive interior with new, full digital cluster, new centre and overhead consoles
Uprated, more powerful engine
New eight-speed automatic transmission with ergonomic gear shift lever
Even better handling with upgraded European suspension package and new trailer sway control
Boasts the latest in automotive safety and infotainment technologies
Overall, an excellent value proposition with generous specification
Comprehensive 7-year/150,000-mile warranty
SsangYong Motors UK is delighted to introduce the new 21-model year SsangYong Rexton into the UK market.
The Rexton facelift boasts a new look front end and a revamped rear but retains the qualities, space, all the capabilities of a traditional SUV. Rexton pairs a revamped exterior with a new, stylish interior, whilst still boasting advanced safety and infotainment technologies. This model-year brings changes to its drivetrain too – with a more powerful engine and the introduction of a new 8-speed automatic transmission. All wrapped up with a comprehensive and market-leading 7-year/ 150,000-mile warranty.
From every aspect, the 21-model year Rexton has an eye-catching design, with a powerful, sturdy stance that serves as a solid foundation for its superior ride and handling dynamics. Inside, the Rexton impresses even further with a new digital cluster, driver assistance technologies, safety features and multimedia packages. Engineered for an active lifestyle, new Rexton exceeds expectations by delivering spacious comfort, practical go-anywhere ability, and superior safety. And as you’d expect from a company that has over 65 years of experience, SsangYong’s new Rexton is a magnificently muscular thing.
DRIVING PERFORMANCE The Rexton powertrain employs a newly uprated 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine manufactured by SsangYong, which now delivers maximum power of 202PS and maximum torque of 441Nm. This highly efficient, extremely quiet, e-XDi 220 engine delivers progressive acceleration from a standing start, and strong low-end torque – typical of a SsangYong power unit. It achieves a CO2 emission level of 225 (WLTP), economy of up to 32.9 mpg on a combined cycle (WLTP) and achieves 0-62mph in 11.9 seconds.
Rexton is now equipped with an all-new 8-speed FR-type automatic transmission produced by Hyundai Transys – also supplied to Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia. Its improved weight and efficiency delivers a smooth sophisticated response and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), thanks to wider gear ratios and a pendulum damper. It has an advanced shift-by-wire (SBW) system by which the transmission modes are engaged/changed through electronic controls without any mechanical linkage between the gear shifting lever and the transmission.
4WD SYSTEM Rexton is an all-wheel drive offering superior driving stability across all types of terrain. It has a proven, go anywhere, selectable 4-wheel drive system. The vehicles 4-wheel drive system draws on SsangYong’s years of experience in 4-wheel drive technology. For better efficiency and greater fuel economy, the car features part time 4-wheel drive with power delivered permanently to the rear wheels. Drive to the front wheels can be selected electronically with either high ratio, or low ratio chosen as and when the off-road conditions become more demanding.
TOWING ABILITY Ideal for those wishing to tow a double horsebox, large caravan, or commercial trailer, the Rexton has a strong ladder chassis providing a substantial towing platform – a mighty towing capacity of 3,500kg, and a kerb weight of 2180 Kg, particularly important for anyone towing a heavy caravan. Rexton now also boasts Trailer Sway Control (TSC) which improves driving stability by detecting and automatically stabilising yaw movement and sway of the trailer mounted to the vehicle.
MULTIMEDIA The Rexton doesn’t just offer real advances on-road and off-road, it also offers them on-screen. There is a choice of two advanced infotainment systems depending on trim level – both include DAB radio, excellent connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto for device mirroring, a rear-view reversing camera, and displayed on an 8.0” screen (Ventura) or in HD on a wide 9.2” screen including TomTom navigation on Ultimate models.
SAFETY The Rexton is one of the strongest and safest vehicles in its class. It’s built on a high-strength body-on-frame construction and features a comprehensive suite of the latest electronic safety aids. It has extremely strong foundations – its body-on-frame construction is built using 1.5Gpa ultra-strength steel – a world first. In fact, 81.7% of the steel plate in the car’s body uses high-strength, high-density, high-tensile steel. This provides superb rigidity and protection in a collision to maximise the safe space within the cabin.
NVH Rexton’s NVH levels are much improved over its predecessors, due to its stiffer body, improved aerodynamics to reduce wind noise, better engine isolation by means of hydraulic engine mounts and improved cabin sealing. Advanced tools and technologies have been applied to Rexton to suppress NVH and it now boasts some of the lowest NVH levels in its class. Its cabin noise at idle is just 44.0dB and its chassis vibration at idle is 95.0Hz.
THE LINE UP The SsangYong Rexton is extremely well equipped and comes with generous levels of equipment as standard. Adorned with at new striking and defined front styling concept, the D-segment vehicle seats 7 passengers with plenty of cargo space and the versatility that you would expect from a modern SUV. There are now two trim levels to choose from – the newly named Ventura, which replaces the ELX, and the high-spec Ultimate. Sharing the same body style and powertrain, the key specification differences are as follows:
REXTON VENTURA The Rexton Ventura, which comes with auto transmission only, has seven seats, new design 18” diamond cut alloy wheels, LED headlamps, 12.3” full digital console, dual zone climate control, 8” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto. It has power assisted steering, a heated leather steering wheel as well as power adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, TPU faux-leather upholstery, front and rear parking sensors and rear-view camera. Safety kit includes 9 airbags, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Safety Distance Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Front Vehicle Start Warning, Speed Limit Warning, Smart High Beam and Trailer Sway Control.
REXTON ULTIMATE Step up to the Rexton Ultimate, also with automatic transmission and seven seats, new design 18” alloy diamond cut alloys, LED headlights, LED fog lights, 9” HD audio screen with TomTom navigation, interior mood lighting, stainless steel door finishes, rear view camera with 3D 360 monitoring system, Lane Change Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power seats, and ‘smart’ electronic tailgate.
PRICING
ELX
Ultimate
2.2 Diesel
2.2 Diesel
Auto
Auto
4WD
4WD
£37,995
£40,665
VIEW FROM THE TOP Commenting on new model year Rexton, Kevin Griffin, managing director of SsangYong Motors UK said: “Back in 2017, SsangYong set new standards for value-priced large SUVs, with the launch of new Rexton. The updated 21-model year Rexton is further evidence of the brand’s re-generation and I believe that it demonstrates the rapid progress being made as a specialist producer of 4×4 pick-ups and SUVs. The Rexton is distinctive and stylish and boasts an array of advanced safety and infotainment technologies as well a large spacious cabin and cargo area.”
“SsangYong is Korea’s third largest SUV brand and has nearly seventy years-experience of making refreshingly different cars. Along the way, we have learnt a thing or two about what customers really need. So instead of wasting money on marketing gimmicks or add-ons, we offer a full range of truly refined & high-spec SUV’s that absolutely deliver on the road.”
“Our ‘badge’ may be less well known, but what SsangYong lacks in current recognition, we more than make up for with cars that offer huge value without ever feeling compromised. We also have so much faith in our build quality, that we offer a full 7-year/150,000-mile warranty so customers can be confident that they have made the right choice when it comes to the things that really matter.
We are sure that in Rexton we have a vehicle that has the potential to upstage some much bigger names in the marketplace, particularly with our value for money proposition.”
Volvo Cars is introducing a range of upgrades to its iconic XC60 mid-size SUV, including the addition of the company’s new Android-powered infotainment system with Google apps and services built in, making the Volvo best-seller smarter than ever before.
The intuitive, next-generation infotainment system offers customers unprecedented personalisation and unparalleled connectivity, which is further enhanced through the introduction of a brand-new Digital Services package.
The centrepiece of the Digital Services package is access to Google apps and services*, which offer hands-free help with Google Assistant, best-in-class navigation through Google Maps and a broad offer of native in-car apps via Google Play.
By signing up for a Digital Services package, customers will gain access to all services and features offered in the package. All hardware needed to run the services already exists in the car, and all data required is included in the package**.
Volvo Car Group is the first company to team up with Google on integrating an infotainment system powered by Android with Google apps and services built in, and after years of close development between the two companies, the fully electric XC40 Recharge became the first Volvo car to carry the system.
This makes the XC60 the next step in a continuing roll out of Android-powered infotainment systems in Volvo cars, further improving the consistently popular SUV.
For more than a decade, the XC60 has been ever present in the top tier of one of the most competitive segments in the market. It has been Volvo Cars’ top seller since 2009, and up until 2020, it has reached more than 1.68 million*** units sold worldwide.
In 2020 alone, the XC60 reached almost 200,000 units sold and accounted for nearly 29 per cent of Volvo Cars’ total sales. In terms of market share, it was the most popular car in the European mid-size premium SUV segment and took its place in the top five in the same segment globally.
With a World Car of the Year title in 2018 as one of its most prominent achievements, the XC60 has been lauded with global awards over the past decade, in categories ranging from design to safety.
In terms of safety upgrades, the XC60 now comes equipped with Volvo Cars’ latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) sensor platform, a modern, scalable active safety system that consists of an array of radars, cameras and ultrasonic sensors.
This platform enables the development and deployment of active safety systems in the XC60, such as the detection of other road users, and automatic braking and collision avoidance. It also allows for gentle driver support from standstill up to highway speeds, through the Pilot Assist function.
While major changes take place deep inside the XC60, the company’s designers have also made a number of subtle refinements to the exterior design, including a new grille, new front bumpers, and new exterior colour and wheel options.
New interior materials, including luxurious leather-free options as well as the availability of the City Weave textile upholstery, offer further possibilities for personalisation.
The updated XC60 will go into production at the end of May. First UK deliveries are expected in June. UK pricing and specification details will be announced shortly.
*Features and services in the Digital Services package vary, depending on market region. Read more about the Digital Services package by following this link.
**Depending on market. For more details, follow the link above.
***Global retail sales numbers for XC60 generation I and II combined, from January 2009 to December 2020.
Google, Android, Google Play and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC.
Interior preview of Audi’s new fully electric compact SUV reveals innovative design and technology and an abundance of space
Compact e-model exceeds the class benchmark for interior space
Augmented reality head-up display as pioneering display technology
New steering wheel generation with touch operation, MMI display with a diagonal of up to 11.6 inches
Ahead of its time technologically and ahead of its class in terms of interior space, the forthcoming fully electric Audi Q4 e-tron will offer a driving environment that perfectly embodies Vorsprung durch Technik.
Sophisticated features including a pioneering augmented reality head-up display and touch-sensitive steering wheel control functionality are complemented in the all-new compact SUV by a level of space that far exceeds the current benchmark in the segment. Its interior is in fact more closely comparable to models from the classes above.
“Full electrification at Audi has so far been confined to the upper reaches of the range in our larger e-tron SUVs and e-tron GT grand tourers, so the launch of the Q4 e-tron into the core compact SUV segment will mark the point at which its influence really begins to radiate,” says Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle. “The Q4 carries the now familiar e-tron SUV’s DNA as the world’s best-selling German premium BEV into the class, and this preview confirms some fundamentally outstanding qualities that begin to paint a picture of a car that has every chance of decisively building on that success.”
New and cleverly configured: the packaging Standing 1,613 millimetres high, with a length of 4,590 millimetres and a width of 1,865 millimetres, the Q4 e-tron belongs at the upper end of the compact SUV segment where its exterior dimensions are concerned. Its modular electric drive system (MEB) architecture permits exceptionally space efficient packaging. This is clearly demonstrated by its combination of a short front overhang measuring just 86 centimetres and a generous wheelbase length of 2.76 metres, which surpasses SUV equivalents from the class above. Such dimensions favour the interior of the car, which at 1.83 metres in length, is similar in scale to a luxury class SUV.
Welcome aboard: comfortable entry, generously spacious Comfort has been prioritised right from the point at which the driver and up to four passengers open the doors of the new forthcoming Audi Q4 e-tron. They open wide to reveal high-mounted, easily accessible seats and generous space, made possible in part by the fact that the electric drive concept enables the centre tunnel to be replaced by a considerably less intrusive flat step. The seats in the second row are mounted almost seven centimetres higher than those at the front, while still offering plenty of headroom, and the quantity of knee room is positively luxurious. When it comes to spaciousness, the compact electric SUV from Audi outshines its direct competitors in the premium segment.
A wealth of storage compartments: 24.8-litre volume and ergonomic bottle storage The Audi Q4 e-tron has been conceived as a true all-rounder fit for everyday life and leisure and perfectly capable of fulfilling the role of a household’s main car. Its luggage compartment provides a very competitive 520 litres of space, or 1,490 litres when the split backrests are fully folded, and its capacity for stowage of belongings that need to fall more easily to hand in the cabin is equally impressive, with 24.8 litres of available volume including the glove compartment. The centre console integrates two cup holders, a 4.4-litre stowage compartment with a cover, two (or four as an option) USB type-C sockets, and the Audi phone box wireless smartphone charging module where this is fitted. All four door trims feature holders for bottles of up to one litre in capacity which are located far up in the front section of the armrest and are therefore very easy to reach. The upper bottle holders were developed in close cooperation between designers and engineers; finding a spot for them in the limited door space was a real challenge.
Fully digital at four levels: the operating concept In common with the majority of Audi models, the Q4 e-tron will deliver its infotainment via a fully digital operating and display concept based around a central MMI touch display offering natural language voice control, complemented by the Audi virtual cockpit. And for the first time, this configuration will be available in the UK in conjunction with the option of an augmented reality head-up display – a new pioneering piece of technology.
A new dimension: the augmented reality head-up display With the augmented reality head-up display in the Q4 e-tron, Audi is taking a huge step forward in display technology. It projects important information onto the windscreen on two separate levels – a status section and an augmented reality (AR) section. Key information and symbols from specific assistance systems and from the navigation module are visually superimposed on the ‘real life’ area to which they specifically relate as content of the AR section and displayed dynamically. They appear to be floating at a physical distance of roughly ten metres from the driver, and depending on the situation can even appear considerably further ahead in some cases. The driver can understand the displays very quickly without being confused or distracted by them, and they are extremely helpful in poor visibility conditions.
The field of view for the AR content from the driver’s perspective corresponds to a diagonal of around 70 inches. Below it is a flat near-field area window, known as the status section. It displays the speed driven and the traffic signs as well as the assist system and navigation symbols as static displays that appear to be floating roughly three metres ahead of the driver.
The heart of the system: the picture generation unit The technical heart of the augmented reality head-up display is the picture generation unit (PGU), which is located deep inside the instrument panel. A particularly bright LCD directs the light beams it generates onto two level mirrors, and special optical components separate the portions for the near-field and distant areas. The level mirrors direct the beams onto a large concave mirror that can be adjusted electrically. From there, they reach the windscreen, which reflects them into what is known as the eyebox, and thus into the driver’s eyes. At an apparent distance of ten metres, or even further away depending on the situation, the driver sees the symbols just as clearly as their real-life environment.
Predictive picture generator: the AR Creator What is known as the AR Creator serves as the mastermind and picture generator on the software side. It is a processing unit in the modular infotainment platform (MIB 3) that is comprised of multiple individual modules. The AR Creator renders the display symbols at a rate of 60 frames per second and adapts them to the geometry of the projection optics. At the same time, it calculates their location in relation to the environment, on which it obtains information via the raw data of the front camera, the radar sensor, and the GPS navigation. Its software consists of roughly 600,000 lines of programming code, around 50 percent more than the entire control system of the first version of the Space Shuttle.
While performing its computing work, the AR Creator takes into account that there are always a few fractions of a second between the identification of an object by the sensors and the output of the graphic content. During these brief time windows, the Q4 e-tron can change its position considerably, be it due to braking or a pothole. Multiple computations are performed continuously to ensure that the display in the eyebox does not jump into the wrong position.
One of them takes place in the camera software. For another, the AR Creator uses the most recent data to make a predictive calculation of the car’s continued forward movement. In a further computation, it estimates the vertical movement on the basis of data supplied by the camera, the radar, the sensors of the stabilisation control (ESC), and the height sensor system of the suspension with damper control (optional). These insights are incorporated into the “shake compensation,” which takes place a few milliseconds before the picture is displayed to prevent any disruptive shaking of the display.
Navigation: the drone flies ahead The augmented reality head-up display demonstrates its strengths in a particularly impressive way in the context of navigation. On the road, what is known as the drone – a floating arrow – shows the next point of action on the route. It is dynamic: When approaching an intersection, for example, the floating arrow first announces the turning manoeuvre before an animated arrow steers the driver onto the road with precision. If the route then continues straight ahead, the drone flies ahead and disappears in order to then reappear with sufficient time before the next point of action. The distance to the turning point is displayed in metres in the lower window of the near-field area.
If adaptive cruise assist, which keeps the car in the centre of the lane, is installed and active, the augmented reality head-up display assists with visual hints. As soon as the Audi Q4 e-tron approaches a lane marking without the turn signal having been activated, the lane departure warning superimposes a red line on the real-life lane marking. Another example is in relation to a vehicle driving in front: If it is active, the car is marked on the display with a coloured stripe – this allows the driver to understand the status of the adaptive cruise assist or adaptive cruise control without being distracted. A red marking and a warning symbol appear if the adaptive cruise assist prompts the driver to verify that they are paying attention.
Three variants: the digital cockpit The digital instrument cluster has a 10.25-inch diagonal and is operated via the multifunction steering wheel. The power meter, which is located next to the speedometer on the display, summarises all important information on the Q4 e-tron’s status, from the output and the state of charge of the battery to the active recuperation profile. The Audi virtual cockpit which will be standard for all UK models integrates the navigation map and infotainment control and can be switched between two views. In some versions, and in the technology package that will be optionally available, it will feature as the Audi virtual cockpit plus, offering “classic,” “sport,” and “e-tron” layouts, where the power meter plays the main part. Many displays can be configured freely via the MMI here.
Up to 11.6-inch diagonal: the central MMI touch display The MMI touch display with acoustic feedback has a 10.1-inch diagonal and a resolution of 1,540 x 720 pixels. It is used to control the infotainment system, including the standard MMI Navigation Plus, as well as a number of comfort functions. In addition, it allows text input in handwriting. An expanded 11.6-inch version with a resolution of 1,764 x 824 pixels will also be available at the end of the year, and is notable as the largest display in the Audi portfolio to date.
Good understanding: voice control The natural-language voice control, which is activated with the keywords “Hey Audi,” is the third control level in the Audi Q4 e-tron. It understands many entries and requests in everyday language, for example “Where is the nearest charging station?” If MMI Navigation Plus is on board, it performs an online comparison in many cases.
Progressive and airy: the interior design The new era of technology into which Audi has entered is also reflected in the interior design of the Q4 e-tron. The elegant and progressive lines of the instrument panel enhance the sense of space and the cockpit with its markedly three-dimensional design underscores the absolutely contemporary feel.
In the Audi Q4 e-tron, the operating and display units take on the function of design elements more than ever. The digital instrument for the driver appears to be a separate entity embedded between two sections of the dashboard, while the central MMI touch display, which appears clean and light, occupies the space in front of the longer section. It is tilted toward the driver and well placed for ergonomic accessibility.
A slim inlay, which is known as the tech layer, connects the display with the instrument panel and will be available in a wide choice of finishes, including a technical hybrid fabric made partially from recycled material that will be reserved for S line models and offered shortly after the market launch.
Depending on version, the other contours of the instrument panel, which are known as accent surfaces, are designed in various silver and grey tones to match the inlay. The most striking of these contours runs across horizontally, dividing the instrument panel into two zones, and is decorated with a distinctive e-tron badge. Immediately below it, also facing the driver, lies the operating unit for climate control. Below it, a large operating panel with a black-panel look extends into the space. It holds the compact shifter for selecting the gears, a capacitive rotary volume control, the start/stop button, the hazard warning light switch, and the Audi drive select button. In addition, there are buttons for further functions that are designed as seamless touch surfaces in a black-panel look and backlit with white light.
The future in our hands: steering wheels with touch operation The steering wheels in the Audi Q4 e-tron also give a nod to the future of mobility. With their double-spoke design, they belong to a new generation. The Four Rings on the impact absorber feature a flat design, and the bottom spoke bears the e-tron logo. The upper spokes feature touch surfaces in a black-panel look whose functional areas are also backlit to indicate the respective active buttons. Slight protrusions separate them from each other, thereby making them easier to use, and the buttons provide soft haptic feedback when pressed. As on a smartphone, there are not only touch gestures but also swipe gestures, for example for scrolling through lists.
The steering wheels are available in different versions. The top-of-the-range is flattened at both the top and bottom, making the interior ambiance seem even more futuristic. It features paddles for coasting recuperation and a two-part trim on the spokes, and is optionally available with heating.
Excellent safety: the front seats Heated front sport seats with electrically adjustable lumbar support will be standard for UK Q4 e-tron models, and represent the state of the art in terms of safety technology. In the event of a side impact, what is known as the centre airbag unfolds from the right-hand bolster of the driver’s seat in addition to the side airbags to ensure that the driver and front passenger do not collide with one another. Electric adjustment will also feature as standard or optionally depending on version.
Dinamica and Pulse: seat upholstery made with recycled polyester Among the many high quality materials and lustrous finishes available either as standard or optionally for the Q4 e-tron will be upholstery choices in either premium fine Nappa leather or combinations of leather and artificial leather or artificial leather and the microfibre material Dinamica. This looks and feels like suede but is made of 45 percent recycled polyester from various sources, including textiles and PET bottles.
Another particularly environmentally focused upholstery option will be reserved for S line models. It combines artificial leather with Pulse cloth, which is produced using a textile partly consisting of repurposed PET bottles. Up to 50 percent of the textile is derived from the bottles, which are transformed into yarn in an elaborate procedure that yields the same quality standards in terms of look and feel as conventional textile upholstery. A new lease of live is given to 26 1.5-litre plastic bottles to create a set of seats with this upholstery for the Q4 e-tron.
Audi goes electric: the Q4 e-tron launches into a dynamic market segment The electric offensive at Audi continues to gather momentum. The Q4 e-tron follows the larger Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback models, as well as the e-tron GT four-door coupé. As a new entrant into the particularly popular and fast-growing compact SUV class it will play a key part in the brand’s electrification strategy, offering Audi customers the opportunity to make the transition to electric premium mobility at an attractive price.
Showcase video of the PETRONAS Yamaha SRT YZR-M1s that Franco Morbidelli and Valentino Rossi will ride in 2021.
This season sees MotoGP Vice Champion Franco Morbidelli, who begins his third year with PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team, joined by fellow Italian Valentino Rossi – widely considered to be the Greatest Of All Time.
The pair will compete the 2021 MotoGP season aboard a pair of Yamaha YZR-M1 machines, which were unveiled during the Official Team Presentation on March 1 on the Malaysian squad’s social media channels. With this bike, the Malaysian squad achieved 6 wins in 2020, more than any other team in the championship.
Following on from the launch, the studio video showcase of the 2021 PETRONAS Yamaha SRT YZR-M1 is now available on YouTube and social media team channels.
The next outing for Morbidelli, Rossi and the Yamaha YZR-M1 will be tomorrow, when the pre-season Qatar Test resumes at Losail International Circuit.
