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      Porsche Taycan 4S gets a 12% range increase for 2021, report says – Roadshow

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      The Taycan is closing the range gap a little at a time, a new report says.
      Porsche
      Porsche’s Taycan EV is a towering achievement, particularly when you consider it’s the company’s first effort at a ground-up EV design. It’s got a lot of excellent qualities, but one area of criticism that many potential customers can’t seem to let go of is its relatively low EPA-certified range.Well, now, according to a report published Thursday by InsideEVs, things are looking a little rosier on the range front. By that, I mean that the EPA-certified range estimate for the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S is up around 12% over the 2020 model. That means that it’s good for either 199 or 227 miles, depending on which battery you opt for.

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      Now, to those used to seeing Tesla range estimates, that’s probably not all that impressive, but according to real-world test results published by the likes of Car & Driver and Edmunds, there isn’t as much difference as you might think. This slight range boost should further close that gap, making the Taycan an even more appealing prospect to luxury EV buyers.It’s hard to say what exactly changed to make the Taycan’s range estimate improve. The EPA test is the same, and to our knowledge, the vehicle’s hardware is unchanged as well. This leaves software efficiencies, but Porsche didn’t immediately respond to our request for clarification.

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      Volkswagen reveals details on EV flagship: Project Trinity – Roadshow

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      What’s under the sheet?
      Volkswagen
      Although Volkswagen is laser-focused on bringing affordable electric cars to buyers, the German brand also wants to flex its EV authority in the near future with what it calls Project Trinity. On Wednesday, Volkswagen’s CEO Ralf Brandstaetter said in a LinkedIn post Project Trinity will arrive with three main elements, as its name implies.One, the VW brand will usher in a new EV platform with Trinity. Secondly, the brand promised Level 2 partially automated driving assistance, like something similar to General Motors’ Super Cruise technology. Thirdly, VW promises to build the EV with a “radically new production approach.” These three pillars will headline the brand’s technological innovation and “democratize” autonomous driving. Although the vehicle will launch with Level 2 assist systems, VW said it will have everything it needs for true Level 4 autonomous driving. We’ve heard that promise before from other automakers, and it hasn’t exactly panned out yet, keep in mind.

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      Volkswagen didn’t immediately return Roadshow’s request for comment on Trinity, but signs point to this vehicle as the brand’s own version of the previously announced Landjet project. Volkswagen Group, which oversees the VW brand and many more, plans for an ultra-luxurious and cutting-edge EV for Audi, Bentley and Porsche under the Landjet codename. According to past reports, Landjet will arrive at Audi first, with Bentley and Porsche versions to follow. It’s not clear how much Trinity will share with Landjet, if they do hold connections, or when we’ll see VW’s new brainchild. We honestly don’t even know what kind of vehicle we’ll eventually see; the jury’s out on whether VW Group has a big ol’ SUV planned, or some sort of low-slung flagship sedan.In the meantime, VW will continue to support the ID 3 in Europe and prepare for ID 4 production to begin in multiple parts of the world, including here in the US.
      2021 Volkswagen ID 4 aims to electrify America later this year
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      The base Porsche Taycan has rear-wheel drive and an $81,250 price tag – Roadshow

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      Frozen Berry Metallic is good, you guys.
      Porsche
      Porsche’s newest Taycan is also its least expensive. Officially joining Porsche’s US lineup on Tuesday, the entry-level EV — simply called Taycan — slots below the 4S, Turbo and Turbo S models, priced from $81,250 (including $1,350 for destination and excluding federal and local tax credits).The big thing that separates this Taycan from its siblings is its rear-wheel-drive architecture. While the 4S, Turbo and Turbo S models have a dual-motor setup allowing for through-the-road all-wheel drive, the base Taycan has just one electric motor mounted at the rear axle. Powered by a 79.2-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, this motor produces 321 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque in its standard tune. With launch control activated — part of the optional Sport Chrono pack — those numbers increase to 402 hp and 254 lb-ft while running overboost.For an additional $5,780, buyers can opt for the Performance Battery Plus specification, which upgrades the battery to a 93.4-kWh unit. This means there’s 375 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque available at all times, and as much as 469 hp and 263 lb-ft while running launch control.

      Interestingly, regardless of battery size and motor output, Porsche quotes a 5.1-second 0-to-60-mph time for the base Taycan. For comparison, the Taycan 4S will do the same run in 3.8 seconds, while the Turbo and Turbo S cut that time down to 3.0 and 2.6 seconds, respectively. Top speed for the Taycan is 143 mph, compared to 155 mph for the 4S and 161 mph for the Turbo and Turbo S.One big advantage of the Taycan’s single-motor setup is its lower curb weight. At its lightest, the standard Taycan tips the scales at 4,566 pounds — a 205-pound reduction from the 4S. Adding the larger battery pack brings that base weight up to 4,742 pounds.No matter the battery size, Porsche says the Taycan can go from a 5% state of charge to 80% in just over 20 minutes when connected to a high-speed DC fast-charger. EPA-estimated range figures aren’t yet available, but don’t expect any Tesla-beating specs. The Taycan 4S with the larger battery is only rated at 203 miles, though we’ve found it very easy to exceed the EPA numbers. For the 2021 model year, Porsche expanded its partnership with Electrify America to streamline the charging process.The base Taycan comes standard with 19-inch wheels, but you can option 20s or 21s if you wish.
      Porsche
      Pretty much all of the standard Taycan’s chassis hardware is shared with the 4S. Both cars have 14.2-inch front and 14.1-inch rear brakes, though the 4S’ are painted red, compared to black on the base car. Those brakes are set behind standard 19-inch wheels, wrapped in 225/55-series front and 275/45-series rear summer tires. As with other Taycan variants, Porsche’s surface-coated and carbon-ceramic brakes are optional, as are 20- and 21-inch wheels.Everything else carries over from the other Taycan models, including Porsche’s latest and greatest infotainment tech with over-the-air updates, Apple CarPlay compatibility and in-car subscriptions. Niceties like a 19.2-kW onboard charger, head-up display and upgraded audio systems are available, as are a whole bunch of interior and exterior color options, including the fantastic Frozen Berry Metallic you see here. More pink Porsches, please.The rear-drive Taycan went on sale in China a while ago, and Porsche recently used one to set a Guinness World Record for longest drift with an electric vehicle. If you feel like trying to break that record yourself (don’t), base Taycans are available to order at US dealers now.
      2020 Porsche Taycan 4S does the electric slide in Finland
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      2022 Chevy Bolt EUV teased again ahead of Feb. 14 debut – Roadshow

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      The EUV will be larger than the standard Bolt hatchback.
      Chevrolet
      Chevrolet released a new teaser video for its Bolt EUV on Monday, giving us our best look yet at the electric crossover ahead of its debut next month. Chevy previously said the Bolt EUV would debut in February alongside a refreshed version of the smaller Bolt EV hatchback, but Monday’s teaser video now confirms the specific date: Feb. 14. (Happy Valentine’s Day, y’all.)The EUV will be quite a bit larger than the Bolt EV that’s currently on sale. It’ll have a lot in common with the Buick Velite 7 that debuted last year, save for some Chevy-specific design tweaks. As you can see in the teaser video, the Bolt EUV will have slim and stylish LED taillights.
      We’ve already seen a number of Bolt EUV teasers, including shadowy looks at the interior and headlights. Chevrolet also showed off the EUV’s steering wheel and gauge cluster during CES 2021, reconfirming that this electric crossover will have General Motors’ Super Cruise hands-free highway driving assist technology.When the Bolt EUV and Bolt EV debut on Feb. 14, they’ll do so in conjunction with Walt Disney World. It’s unclear exactly what Chevy has in store, the company only saying the reveal will “show how magic can take place when the imagination is electrified.” Alright.In addition to the Bolt EUV and Bolt EV, General Motors has a whole mess of electric cars coming over the next couple of years. Chevy has an electric truck in the pipeline, as does GMC with the new Hummer EV. Cadillac has its Lyriq crossover and Celestiq sedan in the works, too, and that’s only the beginning.

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      Renault Kiger LED DRLs Teased – New Electric Car Prototype Unveiled

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      2021 Renault Kiger SUV – Teaser
      Along with teasing the upcoming Kiger small SUV in production spec form, Renault has also revealed their new electric car prototype

      With global debut set for 28th Jan 2021, the new Renault Kiger has now been officially teased in production ready form. From the teaser image, it is clear that the production ready Kiger carries the LED DRL and projector headlamps from the concept which was revealed back in November.
      Kiger Debut
      With compact and subcompact SUVs being highly popular in the Indian markets, automakers are heralding in various models in this segment. Kiger will be based on the same platform as the Magnite, which has met huge sales success in India.
      The Renault Kiger and the Nissan Magnite will be produced at the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s production base in Oragadam, Tamil Nadu. The Kiger will enter the sub 4 meter segment wherein it will take on the Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, etc in terms of competition.
      Renault 5 Electric Car
      Renault has unveiled its upcoming retro-styled electric car called ‘5’. Renault 5 Prototype Electric Car gives a look into the future small EV from Renault, which is set to go on sale by the middle of this decade. The car takes its design and styling cues from the R5 hatchback which was in production from 1972 to 1996. It is among the fourteen new models which are expected to hit showrooms by 2025.
      Renault 5 Prototype carries numerous references to the original model including the R5 Turbo versions and cult classic Supercinq albeit in a modern touch
      Seven of these fourteen models are going to be fully electric vehicles. The new concept blends with its namesake’s boxy proportions with a modern and contemporary design which includes high-tech displays, LED lighting signatures and sculpted side surfaces expected out of a modern car.
      Exterior Design Highlights
      Upfront, the B-segment concept car features LED headlight clusters flanked by the French brand’s diamond-shaped emblem with no radiator grille. It gets a clean front bumper which features thin square-shaped LED DRLs and ‘RENAULT’ in bold lettering.
      The bonnet air intake is neatly hidden with a charging hatch on the company’s logo on the front nose. The small impression of the French flag on its rearview mirrors shows its nationalistic pride.
      Renault 5 Prototype Electric Car
      At rear, the LED taillights feature aero flaps with an illuminated reflector strip running around the roof lining to the A-pillars which seem to pay tribute to Renault 5 models of the 1980s. Side profile’s centre of attraction are the large alloy wheels wrapped in Continental tyres.
      Overall, the concept’s design looks very clean and simple yet feels a modernised version of the original R5 with references such as boxy wheel arches, flat sides and a tilted C-pillar. There is also a nod to the original ‘5’ with impressions on its wheels, rear logo and side grid.
      Renault 5 Prototype Electric Car
      Other Details
      Details are very sparse at the moment with the automaker yet to reveal its expected specifications or even its interior images. All we know is that it will be based on a modular EV architecture that has been developed by Renault and its alliance partners Nissan and Mitsubishi. Dubbed as CMF-EV, this platform will underpin most small and medium-sized cars from the alliance brands, for instance, the upcoming Nissan Ariya crossover.
      While no definite timeline has been set for its production to commence, new Renault 5 Concept could replace the highly successful Zoe EV as the brand’s compact electric hatchback. The carmaker has also announced that its performance range of cars which will carry the nametag of Alpine, will be an all-electric range of cars and the 5 Prototype could very well be part of this lineup. More

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      MG To Launch New Electric Car Under Rs 20 L – Working On Battery Tech For 500 kms Range

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      MG Marvel at Delhi Auto Expo. Image for reference.
      MG Motor is currently chalking out plans to develop a battery assembly facility in India

      With growing advancement in electric vehicle (EV) technology in India, automobile manufacturers are racing towards development of cost-effective and economical electric mobility. At this point in time, such options are very limited in the Indian market, especially in the passenger vehicle segment.
      With Nexon EV being the most economical of the limited options, it has unsurprisingly led the sales volume chart in EV segment. However, manufacturers are looking to build more affordable models in the coming future with improved accessibility. Recently, MG Motor has revealed their plans to introduce an EV that would cost less than Rs 20 lakh.
      This development has been confirmed by Rajeev Chaba, President and Managing Director, MG Motor India, in an interaction with Economic Times. He further informed that this new electric car will be coming out sometime next year and the company has started working on building a battery assembly facility in the country which could bring down the cost of batteries.
      New Battery Assembly Facility in India
      Currently, details of this facility are being worked on which will provide batteries for the upcoming EV. As per an initial estimate, it will require an investment of around Rs 4,000 crore. This new facility will also help MG develop a much improved battery technology that can deliver a single-charge range of around 500 km.
      Existing MG ZS Electric
      This new technology is expected to feature in production-spec electric cars in 18 months. Furthermore, it has been reported that this technology is currently being evaluated under various climate conditions and terrains.
      As per directives and guidelines set by the government of India, electric mobility seems to be future of the automotive industry in the country. This fact was acknowledged by Chaba during the interaction.
      This development comes at a time when Tesla Inc. has just announced its entry in India with its headquarter set up in Bangalore. As per reports, the Karnataka Government has allotted few acres of land to the American company in Tumkur, on the outskirts of Bengaluru to set up a R&D facility.
      New MG Electric Car
      MG Motor currently has only one electric car offering in the form of ZS EV which registered sales for 1,142 units in 2020. This accounts for 25 percent of total electric vehicles sold in India last year. The company intends to double this volume to around 2,500 units in 2021. Chaba further added that MG has received over 200 bookings for the electric crossover in December 2020. ZS EV is locally assembled in India with components brought in as CKD units.
      ZS EV is powered by a 44.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack paired to an electric motor which produces an output of 143 PS and 353 Nm of peak torque. It offers a claimed range of 340 km at a single charge. Its current prices start at Rs. 20.88 lakh for the base trim and go up to Rs. 23.58 lakh for the fully loaded trim (both prices are ex-showroom).
      It is not clear what this new sub Rs 20 lakh car from MG will be. It could be a new variant of the ZS electric itself, which is already on sale in India. With advanced battery tech, higher localization it is quite possible MG manages to increase the range of their ZS EV, and at the same time reduce its cost.
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