PORSCHE MISSION X: The Future of Hypercars
Porsche’s relentless pursuit of excellence in hybrid technology reached its zenith with the iconic 918 Spyder hybrid electric car. In 2013, this groundbreaker shattered expectations, becoming the first road-approved vehicle to conquer the treacherous Nürburgring Nordschleife in a mind-blowing 6 minutes and 57 seconds. Now, Porsche is poised to redefine the limits of e-performance once again, this time with a full-electric car.
Introducing Mission X, a breathtaking concept study that reimagines the hypercar with a high-performance electric powertrain.
With Its sleek, sculpted lines, the Mission X defies convention, proving that a hypercar can be a work of art without sacrificing its aggressive nature. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Porsche 917 racing car, the Le Mans-style doors open with awe-inspiring flair, gracefully revealing the heart of this technological marvel. And at the core of the Mission X lies an engineering masterpiece: a centrally positioned battery nestled behind the seats. This groundbreaking ‘e-core layout’ places the mass in perfect equilibrium, ensuring unrivalled agility and razor-sharp handling.
Embarking on this audacious journey, Porsche revealed its bold vision for the Mission X:
- Conquer the Nürburgring Nordschleife and claim the throne as the fastest road-legal car ever.
- Achieve an unprecedented power-to-weight ratio, delivering sheer exhilaration with every rev of the engine.
- Harness unprecedented downforce, outperforming even the legendary 911 GT3 RS.
- Recharge at an astonishing pace, with a charging capacity that leaves the competition in the dust, nearly doubling that of the awe-inspiring Taycan Turbo S.
VOLVO PARTNERS WITH TESLA
Volvo Cars has reached an agreement with Tesla, making it the first European carmaker to gain access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As part of Volvo’s commitment to becoming a fully electric car manufacturer by 2030, future Volvo models, starting from 2025, will come equipped with Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging port. Volvo’s announcement coincides with a similar announcement from Polestar, and comes just weeks after similar collaboration agreements by Ford, General Motors, Rivian, and a host of other charging networks in North America.
This partnership unlocks 12,000 fast-charge points within the Tesla Supercharger network to Volvo drivers, with the number expected to increase as Tesla expands its network further. In addition to these new charging options, Volvo drivers will also retain access to tens of thousands of existing fast-charge points throughout North America.
Current owners of Volvo’s electric models, such as the XC40, C40 Recharge, and recently revealed EX30 and EX90, will be able to locate charging stations through the Volvo Cars app, and can expect to use the Tesla Supercharger network with an adapter starting from the first half of 2024.
Future Volvo models equipped with the NACS charge port will no longer come standard with the Combined Charging System (CCS) charge port, but will have access to an adapter provided by Volvo Cars.
To facilitate charging, Volvo Cars offers a user-friendly experience through their app, allowing drivers to find public charging stations, check real-time availability, and conveniently pay for their charging sessions through a single interface.
NE FIAT TOPOLINO: Electrifying Cities with Charm
Get ready to fall head over heels for the cutest addition to the urban mobility scene – the new Fiat Topolino. This charming quadricycle is here to lead the way in sustainable urban mobility, injecting a fresh dose of style and eco-consciousness into city streets. As the iconic nameplate that once revolutionised mobility for the people, the Topolino is back, but this time in an all-electric form that captures the spirit of the beloved Fiat 500.
Embracing Fiat’s signature dolce vita lifestyle and Italian flair. The Topolino is not just a vehicle; it’s a symbol of joy, optimism, and pure fun. Designed to bring smiles and create a new generation of car enthusiasts, the Topolino is the epitome of cool, catering to a broad audience that includes young urban drivers and small families.
With its irresistible design transcending generations, the Topolino will make even the youngest hearts skip a beat, reigniting the love affair with cars. But the Topolino is not just about looks and charm. It plays a crucial role in promoting electric mobility in cities, taking a socially active stance to create a personal mobility solution for the entire family.
So, get ready to embrace the enchantment of the new Fiat Topolino. It’s the perfect fusion of style, sustainability, and Italian craftsmanship, setting the stage for a vibrant and eco-conscious urban lifestyle. With the Topolino leading the way, we can imagine cities becoming a playground of electrifying charm.
LEXUS RZ450e: Electrifying Excellence
Lexus is again pushing the boundaries of luxury and performance with the highly anticipated launch of its all-new RZ battery-electric SUV, marking the next chapter of the “Lexus Electrified” vision. The RZ 450e represents a significant leap forward for Lexus, as it becomes its first battery-electric vehicle built on a dedicated electric platform, representing the perfect fusion of Lexus’ signature luxury and dynamic performance.
In what is sure to be exciting news for all South Africans, the RZ is set to hit the local market in the first quarter of 2024. With model grades yet to be confirmed, Lexus has confirmed that the RZ will be fitted with a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery to enable a driving range of over 400 km. With an impressive 230 kW of power and 435 Nm of instant torque, allowing it to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds, this all-wheel drive SUV boasts a top speed of 160 km/h, making it perfect for both city cruising and adventurous road trips.
The RZ’s introduction represents a significant milestone in Lexus’ commitment to offering a fully electrified range of vehicles by 2030. As part of its “Lexus Electrified” vision, the brand plans to introduce over ten new electrified vehicles by 2025. By 2030, Lexus aims to have a complete line-up of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in all categories. By 2035, the brand strives to achieve global sales of 100% BEVs, contributing to the realisation of a carbon-neutral society.
