The Big Show: EYES OF THE AUTO WORLD FOCUS ON SHANGHAI AND NEW YORK
It was a big month for motor shows in April, with both the U.S. and China vying to be the centre of attention with the New York International Auto Show taking place from April 19-28 and the Auto Shanghai Show taking place from April 16-25.
Both are amongst the world’s biggest shows and there were plenty of concepts and near-ready production cars revealed at both events.
Here are a few of the interesting vehicles spotted at the shows – and there are more dotted throughout this month’s issue of Motor Trader.
AIWAYS U7 ION EV CONCEPT (SHANGHAI)
AIWAYS, the Shanghai-based personal mobility provider, unveiled the U7 ion at Auto Shanghai 2019 today. The U7 follows the introduction of its production-ready U5 mid-size SUV into Europe at the Geneva International Motor Show in March.
An intriguing vehicle, the U7 leans heavily into the use of artificial intelligence and includes an integrated self-learning robot mounted to a rail in the roof of the car’s cabin that can automatically move around the vehicle’s interior. Aiways says the robot offers on-board sound recognition and passenger identification amongst other features
The U7 ion is equipped with 12 high definition screens, including a smart dashboard touchscreen integrated into the vehicle’s steering wheel to provide key information to the driver. There’s also a smart mobile console, which includes a touchscreen as well as table, refrigerator, air purifier and hot and cold cup holders that can be directed around the cabin.
ASTON MARTON RAPID E (SHANGHAI)
Aston Martin Lagonda revealed the final production-ready version of the Rapide E – its first all-electric production car – at Shanghai.
Powered by an 800V electrical architecture battery – encased in carbon fibre and Kevlar– with a 65kWh installed capacity, the system powers two rear mounted electric motors producing a combined output of just over 600hp and a 950Nm of torque.
Claimed range is over 320km, while charging rate is 300km per hour using a 400V 50kW charger. However, the Rapide E’s high-voltage battery system enables faster charging of 500km of range per hour, using an 800V outlet delivering 100kW or higher.
Top speed for Rapide E is 250km/h, with a sub-4.0 second 0-100km/h.
A special edition with a production run strictly limited to 155 units, Rapide E has been developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering.
KARMA REVERO GT (SHANGHAI)
Southern California-based Karma Automotive’s Revero GT uses a BMW TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder in-line engine to power an on-board electric generator.
The BMW engine supports a high-voltage NMC lithium-ion battery pack and a new, transversely mounted, twin-motor rear drive module (RDM).
The new tech delivers 536hp and improves 0-100km/h performance to about 4.5 seconds.
The rather stunning-looking Revero GT will be available for sale during the second half of this year according to Karma.
VW I.D. ROOMZZ (SHANGHAI)
The I.D Roomzz is the latest member of VW’s I.D. electric vehicle brand.
Able to drive at Level 4 autonomy – essentially with no human input required – when the Roomzz is in fully automatic mode, the individual seats can be rotated inward by 25 degrees for a more lounge-like atmosphere on board. Access to the interior comes from a set of sliding doors.
There’s a digital cockpit consisting of a full glass-front panel and the interior uses renewable raw materials.
With its 82-kWh battery, the I.D. Roomzz boasts a range of up to 475km. VW says the vehicle can be recharged to 80 per cent of capacity in about half an hour via a fast charging system with 150 kW (DC).
Two electric motors drive both axles with a system output of 300hp, and the Roomzz can accelerate to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and reach top speeds of up to 180 km/h (electronically regulated).
MULLEN QIANTU K50 (NEW YORK)
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Qiantu has partnered with U.S. company Mullen technologies to homologate, assemble and sell the K50 in the North America.
The K50 EV has dual-motors, one at the front axle and one at the rear, with three driving modes – adaptive, sport, and boost – and is capable of 0-100km/h in a little over four seconds with a top speed of 200km/h (limited) and a range of approximately 400km.
There are some high-tech features to the K50, including an in-car solar energy air circulation system, a suite of safety technologies, carbon-fibre body panels, a rechargeable energy storage system, dynamic torque vector distribution, and a 15.6-inch HD central control display that integrates vehicle settings, air conditioning system control, third-party APP integration, car-phone interconnection, audio-visual system and other functions.
HYUNDAI SONATA 2020 (NEW YORK)
Hyundai introduced its all-new 2020 Sonata at the New York Show.
The eighth-generation Sonata showcases Hyundai’s new design language, and it looks very good indeed.
The interior is just as spiffy.
A slim dashboard features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which is customizable to suit different driving modes and preferences. At the centre of the dashboard, a large, 10.25-inch HD screen for audio-video and navigation (AVN) functions. This screen can also accommodate a split-screen function that allows audio and navigation to be displayed simultaneously.
There’s also a 12-speaker Bose sound system and passengers benefit from a comprehensive nine-airbag set-up and a sophisticated Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).
Power comes from either a 2.5 GDI or a 1.6 T GDI engine, both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Other features include a high-speed wireless smartphone charging pad with cooling fan, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Text-to- Speech via Bluetooth, and heated and ventilated front seats.
The new Sonata also supports the Hyundai Digital Key via a dedicated smartphone app.
SUBARU OUTBACK 2020 (NEW YORK)
Subaru debuted its sixth-generation, 2020 Outback SUV in New York.
Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the Outback will be available in Base, Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT and Touring XT models.
The 2020 Outback comes with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Active Torque Vectoring, Vehicle Dynamics Control, X-MODE with Hill Descent Control, and Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.
The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology includes Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring. There’s also DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, LED Steering Responsive Headlamps, Reverse Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and EyeSight Assist Monitor with head-up display.
There’s also Front View Monitor which captures images within the driver’s blind spots in front of the vehicle and displays a 180-degree view on the 11.6-inch display.
Engine line-up includes a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, and a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Boxer.
Starlink In-Vehicle Technology offers an integrated cockpit experience by allowing the driver to control entertainment and vehicle settings through a large touchscreen display.
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2020 (NEW YORK)
The fourth-generation Highlander (aka Kluger), has a new look and comes built on the ‘Toyota New Global Architecture’. This new foundation will, says Toyota, enable ‘greater capability, comfort and safety’.
There’ll be a choice between a V6 or hybrid powertrain, and Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 comes standard on all models offering features that include:
- Pre-collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Full-speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Automatic High Beam
- Lane Tracing Assist
Five grades will be available – L, LE, XLE Limited and top-of-the-line Platinum.
The 3.5-litre V6 model offers 295hp and there’s an available towing package enabling a 2260kg towing capacity. That package includes a heavy-duty radiator with engine cooler and improved fan performance. Trailer Sway Control uses the Vehicle Stability Control to help control unwanted trailer movement.
VW ATLAS BASECAMP CONCEPT (NEW YORK)
While VW seems to be concentrating an awful lot on its EV strategy, it still finds time to look at other concepts, and the Atlas Basecamp Concept is one that should appeal to the outdoors folk.
Using a Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium as the canvas, the Basecamp Concept comes with a 3.6-litre VR6 making 276hp, an eight-speed transmission, and 4Motion all-wheel drive with Drive Mode Selection. The concept sits on a set of fifteen52 Traverse MX Concept wheels wrapped in 265/70R17 all-terrain tyres.
Additional accessories on the Atlas Basecamp include a custom body kit, an H&R lift kit with coil over springs that raise the ride height approximately 1.5 inches, a Front Runner Slimline II roof rack system with bike holders, off-road LED light bars on the front and rear, as well as protective interior add-ons from Volkswagen Accessories.
The Basecamp Concept was shown with an off-road capable HIVE EX compact expedition trailer. The tow-behind camper is equipped with a queen-size bed, pull-out canopy, and kitchenette complete with a stove, a sink, and a refrigerator/ freezer combo that can operate on an optional 12-volt battery. Other integrated features include a self-contained water tank, propane tank, portable toilet, hot shower, and removable levelling jacks.
Source: Motor Trader E-Magazine (May 2019)
14 May 2019
