If you’re bummed out about not being able to attend this year’s UEFA Champions League Final, yet you’ve got a Nissan Leaf parked in your driveway and you live in Portugal, of course, then you might be in for a treat.
The Japanese carmaker will be setting up a drive-in cinema at a secret location for Sunday’s big game, with 50 selected Leaf owners in attendance (each can bring one guest).
The owner of the 5,000th Leaf sold in Portugal will also attend the event, as well as Portuguese soccer legend Nuno Gomes, who will join an exclusive meet-and-greet.
These select fans will also have access to the UEFA Champions League trophy for an exclusive photo opportunity, before it is taken to the Estadio Da Luz – all this with necessary hygiene measures already in place.
“For six seasons now, we have been electrifying the UEFA Champions League Final,” said Nissan Europe exec Gareth Dunsmore. “This year, we felt even more motivated to add to the excitement of the event.”
“Nothing can recreate the excitement of being in the stadium, but we hope we can give our LEAF owners the next best thing.”
Aside from hosting this exclusive watch party, Nissan will also be parading the previously-mentioned trophy in the streets of Lisbon aboard the Leaf NISMO RC performance car. Furthermore, this will be the first major event to feature Nissan’s new brand logo, unveiled a few weeks back alongside the Ariya EV crossover.
The 2020 UEFA Champions League Final will be disputed between FC Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain FC.
Rather surprisingly, the company announced that the MX-30 compact SUV will debut in Japan this fall with a mild-hybrid powertrain dubbed e-Skyactiv G. The new addition to the lineup combines the Skyactiv-G 2.0 direct-injection naturally aspirated gasoline engine with the M Hybrid mild-hybrid system.
Thanks to the assistance provided by the small electric motor and battery, Mazda promises a quiet and smooth start as well as “high-quality drive feel” and excellent fuel efficiency. No specifications have been revealed yet but we can expect a similar setup to the 24-volt Skyactiv-G 2.0 M Hybrid powertrain offered on the Mazda3 and CX-30 in Europe.
On said models, Mazda offers two mild-hybrid systems based on the 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol unit delivering 122 PS (120 HP) and 150 PS (148 HP), respectively. We’re inclined to believe Japan’s MX-30 e-Skyactiv G model will get the more powerful variant.
The photos of the MX-30 mild-hybrid released by Mazda don’t reveal any visible exterior and interior changes over the EV, bar the ‘e-Skyactiv G’ badging on the tailgate. As for the all-electric MX-30, the carmaker says it is scheduled to begin leasing sales before the end of the year in Japan, joining the mild-hybrid variant. Pricing and specifications of both MX-30 variants will be announced closer to launch.
As a reminder, the Euro-spec MX-30 EV is powered by a 35.5 kWh battery enabling a driving range of around 124 miles (200 km) on the WLTP cycle. The battery feeds electricity to a front-mounted electric motor delivering 141 HP (143 PS) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque to the front axle.
Here’s an extremely interesting Porsche family feud: a drag race between the 918 Spyder hybrid supercar and the Taycan Turbo S electric executive saloon.
Not long ago, we would have had no problem in guessing the winner, considering that both are stock, as no family car could have been quicker than a hybrid hypercar. Nonetheless, things have drastically changed over last few years to the point where it could really be anyone’s game in a quarter-mile race.
In the case of the Taycan, we are talking about a seriously fast machine that needs only 2.6 seconds to sprint to 60 mph (96 km/h) from a standstill, and can keep pushing up to 161 mph (260 km/h). The two electric motors develop a total system output of 750 HP and 774 lb-ft (1,050 Nm) of torque, and with the 93.4 kWh lithium-ion battery fully charged, which is mounted between the two axles for optimum weight distribution, it has an EPA-rated range of 192 miles (309 km/h).
Being almost 10 times pricier than the Taycan Turbo S, the 918 Spyder is a bit faster to 60 mph (96 km/h), and has a significantly higher top speed of 214 mph (344 km/h). It uses a 4.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine and two electric motors, which are good for a total of 875 HP and 944 lb-ft (1,280 Nm).
Now, it does seem like the 918 has a slight advantage over the Taycan – plus, it is significantly lighter. On the other side, the Taycan Turbo S’ instant and constant electric torque makes it a ferocious performer, but is that enough to help it beat the mighty 918?
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Slowly but surely, Kia’s electric vehicle onslaught is gaining momentum with a myriad of new electrified models to debut within the coming years. One of these is a crossover that straddles the line between traditional SUV and a liftback codenamed CV.
While the CV’s nomenclature is yet to be confirmed, spy photos indicate it shares styling elements from both the Kia Futuron and Imagine concepts that debuted at last year’s China International Import Expo and Geneva Motor Show respectively. Now, let’s take an illustrated preview at what to expect based on the prototypes we’ve seen on the road.
A Futuristic New Direction
Kia used both concept models as a statement of intent for future vehicles; emphasizing sporty and elegant design, coupled with a new interpretation of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille. The production series CV is the first model to showcase this new design language with a striking, wedge-shaped body.
Frontal styling, for instance, features full-width LED lighting, dynamic lower graphic and a sculptured, clamshell hood. Sleek blacked-out a-pillars exude a floating-roof effect, and the belt-line raises towards the rear, putting further emphasis on its low and lean stance.
The most dramatic view comes from the rear; its styling is dominated by super-slim LED taillights that frame the upper arch of the hatch, featuring an illuminated fin pattern that could have come from some futuristic type of cooktop stove.
Platform & Powertrain
Like the Hyundai’s upcoming electric 45 CUV and Prophecy sedan, the CV utilises the automaker’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), that will also underpin several new electric vehicles set to appear soon.
Kia gave us a futuristic glimpse of its EV plans with last year’s Imagine (above) and Futuron (below) conceptsThe Futuron Concept is 4,850 mm (190.9-in) long, 1,550 mm (61-in) high with a generous 3,000 mm (118.1-in) wheelbase.
While power and torque outputs are an unknown quantity, the dedicated EV will have a driving range of up to 310 miles (500km) and will offer blistering quick DC fasting-charging of under 20 minutes. If the upcoming Hyundai 45 BEV is anything to go by, expect an SK innovation-supplied battery pack in the 75-100 kWh bracket, coupled with a potent dual-motor setup.
A Roomy Place To Be
While we’ve yet to lay eyes on the interior, the CV will offer a spacious layout aided by a flat, skateboard-style floor. A large digital screen will combine both instrument cluster and infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, WiFi connectivity, and a surround-view monitor.
Full autonomous driving is still some way off for the CV. However, from launch, you can be rest assured driver-assist technology will feature autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic assist, lane-keeping aid, safe exit assist and rear occupant alert.
Prototypes of the Kia CV have already been spotted on the road, some even being tested alongside Teslas
Rivals & Reveal
Kia’s new pure-electric halo car will have plenty of competitors when it lands in the market next year, either as a 2021MY or 2022MY, though two models immediately stand out; the Tesla Model 3 and the Polestar 2 – Especially the latter, seems like one of the closest matches right now with the information we have in our hands.
The 2022 Nissan Ariya is finally here and if looks alone are anything to go by, it has certainly been worth the wait.
Nissan will sell the all-electric in four different powertrain flavors. Sitting at the base of the range will be a rear-wheel drive variant with a 65 kWh battery pack and producing a total of 215 hp and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque. Nissan quotes a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 99 mph (160 km/h). Range is quoted at 280 miles (450 km) based on Japanese testing.
Sitting above this variant will be another two-wheel drive model albeit with a larger 90 kWh battery and now pumping out 239 hp and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm). This variant hits 62 mph in 7.6 seconds, has the same 99 mph top speed as the base variant, and can travel up to 379 miles (610 km) on a single charge.
Two all-wheel drive models will also be offered. The first uses a 65 kWh battery as well as two electric motors making for a combined 335 hp and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm) of torque. Naught to 62 mph is quoted at 5.4 seconds while the top speed sits at 124 mph (200 km/h). Range sits at 267 miles (430 km). Last but not least is a flagship all-wheel drive Ariya with a 90 kWh battery, a total of 389 hp and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque, a 0-62 mph time of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 124 mph. This variant is good for 360 miles (580 km) of range on a charge.
Nissan’s designers have kept true to the concept that first previewed the Ariya and welcomed in a new design philosophy for the brand known as ‘Timeless Japanese Futurism’. Found up front is a large 3D-effect shield grille while sitting on the fascia is Nissan’s new logo. Elsewhere, the SUV includes available 19- and 20-inch aluminum wheels. Key aspects of design at the rear include a steeply raked C-pillar and the one-piece light bar.
Things are particularly interesting in the cabin that “is more akin to a sleek café lounge on a starship, evoking performance and intrigue, than to a traditional automotive cabin,” according to the company. With that in mind, there is a flat floor and a dashboard that looks as though it is floating between the A-pillars. Included within that dashboard is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment system that supports over-the-air updates.
Perhaps even more intriguing than the screens are the almost total lack of physical buttons. Rather than traditional buttons and dials being used to control the climate control, there are instead touch buttons neatly incorporated into the wood-like trim on the dashboard. When not in use they are almost invisible but when the car is switched on, they are illuminated. Similar touch buttons can be found on the center console to adjust the drive mode and other functions.
Nissan has equipped the Ariya with its latest ProPILOT 2.0 advanced driver assistance system, as well as ProPILOT Remote Park. The first ProPILOT package was a hands-on assistance system that kept drivers centered in their lane while also navigating stop-and-go highway traffic but ProPILOT 2.0 expands on that by allowing attentive drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel in certain conditions. Making up the system are seven cameras, five millimeter-wave radars and 12 ultrasonic sonar sensors.
Deliveries of the Nissan Ariya will kick off in Japan in mid-2021 with prices starting at 5 million yen (~$46,000). It will land in Europe, North America, and China by the end of 2021.
Nissan is only a few days away from presenting the Ariya, a compact electric crossover that will take on the likes of the Tesla Model Y and other vehicles in the segment.
The model will be officially unveiled during an online event scheduled for July 15, but until we will finally see it in all its glory, the Japanese automaker continues to tease it. The latest clip shows two Ariya vehicles testing on snow and ice, perhaps close to the Arctic Circle, and on the road, in a warmer environment.
Announced last year’s Tokyo Motor Show by the striking looking Ariya Concept, the production model will look similar, boasting a nearly identically shaped grille with two LED strips on each side acting as the daytime running lights and slim LED headlights.
Even the cutouts in the bumper mirror the looks of the show car, and further behind, we can see that Nissan has chosen to keep the plastic cladding around the wheel arches and on the side skirts.
Expected to launch in Japan first, with other markets to follow, including China, Europe and eventually the United States, the Ariya will feature a zero-emission powertrain featuring two electric motors, one on each axle. For now, specific details remain unknown.
It will also get the company’s ProPilot 2.0 semi-autonomous driving system, which will aid drivers on their daily commutes by allowing the car to take control of the steering, brakes and throttle on the highway.
The Tesla Model 3 Performance has been on the market for quite some time now but only recently did Rory Reid from AutoTrader have the opportunity to drive it. Like most reviewers, including ourselves, he was left very impressed.
Many electric cars currently on the market are far from what you’d describe as ‘fun’ or ‘entertaining’. In fact, the majority of them are fairly boring city cars. On the other hand, the Model 3 Performance is a vehicle that even the most traditional of car enthusiasts can have fun behind the wheel of.
One of the great advantages that the Model 3 Performance has over many other vehicles on the market lies in its configurability provided by the dual electric motors. When we drove the car, we absolutely loved flinging it through corners in Track mode, feeling the power being shuffled between the wheels depending on where the grip was needed.
Since then, Tesla has updated the driving modes on its baby sedan and now allows owners to specify exactly where you want the power sent. For example, you can decide to have all the power sent to the front wheels or all the power sent to the rear wheels. Want 15 per cent of the power sent to the front and the rest to the rear? That’s also possible. In fact, any combination in-between is available (in increments of 5, e.g. 35/65 front/rear, 45/55 front/rear). Drivers can also toggle how much stability assist they want.
So, was Reid won over by the top version of Tesla’s entry-level saloon? Watch the video right below and find out.
