PORSCHE 911 CARRERA GTS
The Performance Hybrid We Never Knew We Needed
Images © PORSCHE AG
Hold on to your driving gloves, petrolheads, because Porsche has finally entered the hybrid arena with the latest iteration of their iconic 911 series, the all-new 911 Carrera GTS. This isn’t just any ordinary hybrid, mind you. It’s a T-Hybrid, which, in Porsche parlance, means it’s more about turning heads with its performance than about hugging trees. And let’s be honest, who buys a Porsche 911 for its fuel economy anyway?
ELECTRIFYING PERFORMANCE
The new 911 Carrera GTS is powered by a 3.6-liter boxer engine paired with a lightweight performance hybrid system.
The secret sauce here is the electric turbocharger that uses an 11 kW electric motor to spool up instantly, eliminating the dreaded turbo lag and ensuring the power is always right there, ready to be unleashed. It’s like giving the car a shot of adrenaline every time you hit the accelerator.
The 400-volt electric powertrain also includes a permanent magnet synchronous motor integrated into the new, more powerful eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK). Even at idle speed, it supports the boxer engine with extra drive torque of up to 150 Nm and provides a power boost of up to 40 kW. Both electric motors draw their energy from a small 1.9 kWh high-voltage battery, approximately the size and weight of a conventional 12-volt starter battery. Porsche has also installed a lightweight lithium-ion battery for the 12-volt on-board electrical system.
With a combined power output of 398 kW and a meaty 610 Nm of torque, this machine catapults from zero to 100 km/h in a blistering 3.0 seconds. That’s right, you’ll be pinned to your seat in less time than it takes to say “auf wiedersehen.”
NOT JUST A PRETTY FACE
The 911 Carrera GTS sports a refined exterior that’s both aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior. With new model-specific bumpers and adaptive cooling flaps, this car isn’t just cutting through the air; it’s orchestrating it. The sleek new light signature with matrix LED headlights and a redesigned rear light strip add a modern touch to its timeless silhouette.
Inside, the fully digital instrument cluster features a 12.6″ curved display with up to seven customisable views, including a classic mode that pays homage to the traditional five-dial design. The cockpit is driver-focused, with essential controls arranged around the steering wheel, ensuring your attention is always where it belongs – on the road.
The new 911 Carrera GTS can be ordered now as a Coupé or Cabriolet with rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, or the Targa body variant, which is exclusively offered with all-wheel-drive.
HANDLES LIKE A DREAM
The Carrera GTS is as nimble as ever, thanks partly to the new rear-axle steering, which now comes standard. This feature enhances stability at high speeds and makes tight cornering a breeze, reducing the turning circle to make city driving less of a chore.
The sports suspension with variable dampers (PASM) and a lowered ride height ensure that the GTS stays glued to the road, providing that quintessential Porsche handling. Coupled with the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) system, which now integrates with the hybrid’s high-voltage system, the GTS delivers a comfortable and thrilling ride.
A NOD TO THE FUTURE
While the hybrid system does its part to marginally improve fuel consumption and reduce emissions, let’s not kid ourselves. This car is about performance, first and foremost. Porsche’s decision to use a mild hybrid system rather than a full plug-in or all-electric setup shows a careful balancing act. It’s a nod to the future of motoring without alienating the brand’s hardcore enthusiasts who relish the roar of a traditional flat-six.
In essence, the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS is the hybrid we didn’t know we needed. It’s a masterclass in blending old-school performance with new-age tech, creating a car that’s not just faster but also smarter. This is hybrid technology done the Porsche way, and it’s nothing short of spectacular.
KIA EV3
Redefining Compact SUVs
Image © KIA
Kia has unveiled its latest electric marvel, the EV3, poised to revolutionise the compact SUV segment with technology and design inspired by the acclaimed EV9. The EV3 boasts a striking, dynamic exterior and a versatile, spacious interior designed for ultimate comfort and functionality. With a best-in-class driving range of 600 km and rapid charging capabilities (10 to 80% in just 31 minutes), the EV3 addresses common EV concerns, making it an attractive option for those buyers who have been clamouring for a more affordable compact EV.
Underpinned by Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, the EV3 blends nature-inspired aesthetics with modern functionality, featuring bold lines and innovative use of space. Inside, a near-30″ widescreen display and ultra-comfortable seating ensure a luxurious experience. Sustainable materials, like recycled PET fabrics, highlight Kia’s commitment to eco-friendliness.
The EV3’s advanced drivetrain, available with 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh battery options, ensures impressive performance with a zero to 100 km/h time of 7.5 seconds. Safety and convenience are enhanced with state-of-the-art features such as Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS), Remote Smart Parking Assist, and a new i-Pedal regenerative braking system for one-pedal driving.
Innovative connectivity is at the heart of the EV3, offering Kia’s Premium Streaming service and an AI Assistant for an immersive, personalised in-car experience. The EV3 also introduces Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, allowing users to power external devices.
The Kia EV3 is set to launch in Korea in July 2024 and in Europe later in the year.
NILU27
Visionary Hypercar by Sasha Selipanov
Image © NILU
The NILU hypercar, the brainchild of Sasha Selipanov, is set to debut at Pebble Beach during Monterey Car Week in August. The Nilu27 brand’s inaugural creation, the V12-powered NILU hypercar, promises to be a breathtaking fusion of beauty and raw performance.
Sasha Selipanov, renowned for his work on the Lamborghini Huracán, Bugatti Chiron, and Koenigsegg Gemera, brings his two-decade-long expertise to Nilu27. His vision is to rekindle the emotional essence of sports cars, focusing on visceral engagement rather than technological over-saturation. The NILU hypercar, featuring a naturally aspirated engine, aims to deliver an authentic analogue driving experience that stimulates the senses.
Inna Selipanov, with her extensive marketing and business development experience, complements Sasha’s design prowess. Their collaboration, rooted in their dynamic work history at Genesis and Koenigsegg, sets the stage for a brand that promises to disrupt the automotive industry with its unique approach.
The NILU hypercar will be unveiled to industry insiders in Los Angeles in early August before its public debut at Pebble Beach on August 15. Following this, it will be showcased at various events, culminating at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Founded in 2024, Nilu27 aims to produce quintessential sports cars that celebrate the sensory elements of driving. By sometimes stepping away from technology, Nilu27 aims to build cars for true enthusiasts, promising vehicles that are as emotionally engaging as they are visually stunning.
Report by WILHELM LOOTS
