Colorful Automotive World

The regular reports from world producers confirm that the automotive industry is still sufficiently vivid.

New arrivals not only in electric cars but also in cars with classic combustion power units prove these trends. We are introducing some news from both camps.

GTD Label

The Ford Mustang GTD is set to hit the road in 2024 in a limited edition. It is a muscle with a 5.2 V8 turbocharged engine (588 kW/800 hp). Due to the ideal weight distribution, the gearbox has been moved to the back. The chassis can be adjusted (reduced by 40 mm on the circuit), and at the same time, the suspension stiffness can be changed. The price tag of this sporting glamour is tentatively set at $300,000.

Celebrating Classic

Porsche celebrates the 911’s sixtieth anniversary with an S/T designation. It combines an atmospheric 4-litre six-cylinder (386 kW/525 hp) with a manual transmission. On request, a starting number from 0 to 99 can appear on the door. The lightweight Porsche 911 S/T (1380 kg) is primarily focused on driving pleasure. The price tag reaches about 292,000 euros. The retro Heritage Design Package costs an extra 17,500 euros.

Electric Car Number 5

In China, Kia has unveiled a compact (4615 x 1875 and 1715 mm; wheelbase 2700 mm) electric SUV model called EV5, offering a five-seat layout. As we learned during the Kia EV Day conference in October, it is expected to become part of European markets in the future. After a positive decision, we expect to learn the technical specifications for Europe. For now, we offer a look at the new model.

Compact Hybrid Crossover

Lexus wants to boost its sales in Europe through a luxury compact hybrid. Lexus LBX. Built on the Lexus GA-B platform, it uses a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and an electric motor for propulsion. The system output is 100 kW (136 hp), the torque is 185 Nm. The urban crossover has a curb weight of 1280 kg, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 170 km/h. The all-wheel drive alternative has an additional electric motor at the rear.

Electric “Lambo”

We can look into the further electrification of the Lamborghini brand through the Lanzador concept. The 2+2 Gran Turismo crossover won’t go into production until 2028. The all-wheel drive system with two electric motors has a power of 986 kW (1341 hp). Technological highlights include the possibility of adjusting the aerodynamics, various driving modes of the Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDIV), active transmission of torque to the rear axle, air suspension, or a steered rear axle.

Fresh Wind

The ninth-generation Volkswagen Passat will come only as a station wagon (I. Q/2024). It has significantly improved to a length of 4917 mm (+144 mm), added width of 1852 mm (+20 mm), and a wheelbase of 2841 mm (+50 mm). The luggage compartment also increased to 690 l (+40 l). The primary power unit is the new 1.5 eTSI mild hybrid (110 kW/150 hp; 250 Nm). Additional options will be available – two plug-in hybrid (eHybrid) alternatives, two 2.0 TSI versions, and three power options at 2.0 TDI. The 7-speed DSG transmission is the standard, and the 4Motion drive is the standard for the most powerful petrol and diesel versions.

Text: Peter Stano, photo: Ford, Porsche, Kia, Lexus, Lamborghini, Volkswagen, newspress.co.uk