The fall in the automotive industry tends to be colorful, like leaves on trees. Even in this period, products created in the design departments are being harvested.
Recently, the automotive industry was spiced up with the presentation of specific news and studies that confirm the diversity in the field and show what the philosophy of individual car manufacturers will be. As usual, today we are going to lift the imaginary veil.
The One and Only
The Ferrari SP-8 roadster will remain the one and only produced; the Italian brand made it for a wealthy owner from Taiwan. For the designers from the Ferrari Styling Centre, the F8 Spider became the basis. Still, it underwent extensive stylistic interventions that touched the exterior body panels, light graphics, or wheels reminding of the famous F40. The drive unit has not changed; the 3.9 V8 aggregate charged with two turbines has enough power (522 kW/710 hp; 770 Nm) and will certainly caress the owner’s sports soul with a rich soundtrack.
A Glimpse into the Future
The fact that the Italian brand Lancia wants to revive past successes is reflected in the Lancia Pu + Ra HPE model. The distinctive crossover is electric; its stylistics are connected into triangles and circles. According to stylists, it is clean and simple (hence the designation Pu + Ra). HPE stands for High-Performance Electric. The range of an electric car should reach 700 km on a single charge of the battery. Three serial models, which will come between 2024 and 2028, will contribute to the brand’s resurrection.
Elegance and Dynamics
Before the official world premiere, Škoda Auto first published a sketch of the exterior. The flagship Skoda Superb in the fourth generation brings a new stylistic language Modern Solid. It embodies dynamic proportions, redesigned Matrix-LED headlights, and rear lights with crystalline elements.
The novelty offers a more spacious and comfortable interior space in the liftback and station wagon. Customers will be able to choose from six interior variants, six engines (including a plug-in hybrid), all-wheel drive, and premium Laurin & Klement equipment.
Mobility of Tomorrow
Mazda presented an interesting Iconic SP at the Japan Mobility Show. Its “specialty” is electric motors providing the drive, but the power source should be a small two-rotor Wankel. Hydrogen or other ecological fuels should be used to ensure environmental protection. The sporty style coupe with electric hybrid drive is 416 cm long, slightly larger than the iconic Mazda MX-5. Whether it will be its successor will be revealed only in the future.
Spring 2024 Arrival
The BMW brand introduced the second generation of the X2, which will come to market in March next year. It offers the following powertrains: two petrol (X2 sDrive20i and X2 M35i xDrive), diesel (sDrive18d), and later the first electric (iX2 xDrive 30). The top offer of the X2 M35i xDrive is powered by a motor with a maximum power of 221 kW (300 hp) and a torque of 400 Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 s, and the maximum speed is 250 km/h. The initial electric alternative of the iX xDrive 30 provides 230 kW (313 hp) and 494 Nm of torque, with a range of approx. 450 km.
Text: Peter Stano, photo: Ferrari, Lancia, Škoda Auto, Mazda, BMW, newspress.co.uk
