It’s the 4th iteration of Audi’s ongoing ‘sphere’ concepts and serves as concept studies for future Audi EV models. Unlike the first 3 concept designs, the Activesphere is built from the ground up to be an offroading active mobility monster and combines loads of Audi’s modern and futuristic design languages.

A sportback-esque design with a tapered roofline morphs with large SUV underpinnings, and the fastback-looking tailgate actually folds away to reveal a large open cargo space, which Audi calls the “active back”. In the demo, a pair of bicycles can be seen fitted to the back.

A motorised panel separates the rear seating area from the cargo space when it is exposed so that the cabin remains insulated.

Even though this is a more rugged vehicle, Audi has still added tons of visual details to maintain the brand’s premium appeal. Various surfaces around the cabin are fitted with glass, and this “seems to dissolve the boundary between the natural world and the interior when the Activesphere is in off-road mode.” According to Audi at least.

Speaking of off-road, going off the beaten path is one of the Activesphere’s unique selling points. Large 22-inch wheels with chunky 285/55 tyres ensure it’ll probably never get stuck wherever it goes.

If the going gets really tough, air suspension can increase total ground clearance by up to 40mm. And of course, all-wheel-drive or Quattro is standard, with an electric motor on each axle.

The Activesphere concept is built using Premium Platform Electric (PPE), a platform exclusively designed for battery electric drive systems. Developed in conjunction with Porsche, the PPE is the world’s first platform designed to accommodate a large demographic of EV models.

In total, both motors produce a peak output of 436bhp (325kW) and 720Nm of torque. This is all attached to a 100kWh lithium-ion battery, and thanks to 800-volt architecture, the Activesphere do fast charging at up to 270kW.

Inside, one might look like he or she is having a dose of virtual reality. That’s because the Activesphere is the first concept to offer mixed reality headsets for driver operations. Audi dubbs this the “Audi Dimension”, and it hopes to harmonise both the real and virtual world.

Wearing these headsets would reveal augmented reality fixtures and surfaces that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. If the user wishes to interact with the content or the various systems, gesture controls are on hand. Virtual indications and real-time updates, such as map projections or traffic updates, can potentially improve ergonomics and driving experiences too.

The headsets are not only limited to within the confines of the car. Owners can take them out and use them for various needs outside of the vehicle, such as navigation while outdoors.

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Toyota made a big splash at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, revealing a whole host of new cars and technologies. Exhibits like the 24-hour Le Mans winning car and the new 2024 Prius are cool and all, but what really stole the show was this special debut revealed by none other than Toyota president Akio Toyoda himself.

Keen Initial D fans will instantly recognise the pair of AE86 Corollas, with one in Trueno guise and the other a Levin. What’s so special about these two cars you might ask? Well, the pair were showcased with brand new hydrogen fuel cell and electric powertrains, a game-changer for the automotive industry.

Electric powerplant

The electric powertrain Levin, dubbed the AE86 BEV Concept, borrows a roster of parts from other Toyota models. An electric motor from Toyota’s Tundra Hybrid, a lithium-ion battery pack from the new Prius plug-in hybrid, and other parts from the Toyota and Lexus hybrid range. 

Sugar, spice, and everything nice.

Delivering tofu in silence

The other AE86, based on the Trueno body style and dubbed the AE86 H2 concept, feels more at home with the general petrolhead, The car still retains its legendary 4A-GE heart, a real gem of the retro JDM world.

But, what’s really amazing is the fact that instead of petrol, the engine has been retrofitted to burn hydrogen, with the hydrogen being supplied from a Toyota Mirai tank at the back.

Nostalgia meets technology

Toyota really knows how to make us automotive enthusiasts happy, and both cars retain their original factory looks on the inside. They even have fully-functional manual transmissions complete with three pedals, although there isn’t mention of how this manual system actually works. Roll cages, bucket seats made from recycled materials, plus other retro trinkets in the cabin, and it’s almost like this rolled off the factory floor in the 80s.

Unfortunately, Toyota has not disclosed other details of the cars, which probably means mass production of these concept cars is an unlikely outcome. However, these show that Toyota is capable of producing fun cars with sustainable powertrains, and these proofs of concept restore faith in what is effectively a sea of boring EVs.

Mr Toyoda himself mentioned that achieving total carbon neutrality cannot be done just by simply depending on new electric vehicles. The total percentage of BEVs on the roads today only accounts for roughly 1/20 of the total number of vehicles worldwide today, and this number won’t increase that quickly.

Mr Toyoda finishes off by saying that these AE86s can be potential options for owners in the future, being able to swap out their traditional powertrains should stricter government laws about fossil fuels get enacted.

Carbon-neutral power sources without sacrificing driving fun. Way to go Toyota!

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Better still, Singapore will be a key part of this new development. Renowned french tyre company Michelin is testing this new prototype technology locally, in partnership with DHL Express.

One of the biggest woes of motoring in Singapore is getting an unlucky puncture due to loose or sharp objects on the road. Unnecessary punctures can even lead to scenarios such as losing control of the vehicle or having to stop by the road shoulder due to a flat tyre.

Michelin, which aims to start marketing these futuristic puncture-proof tyres in 2024, is confident that motorists who use such tyres in the near future need not worry about these potential road hazards.

A teaser image of prototype tyres was shared on Facebook, fitted to a DHL Express delivery van. From the image, we can see that the tyres are puncture-proof because they are made with a grooved structure with slits running from the centre to the outer tyre wall, and do not use air to form their general structure.

This isn’t the first time Michelin has leaked prototypes of such tyres. Back in 2019, Michelin debuted a similar prototype tyre at a trade event in Montreal, Canada. Since then, Michelin must have tested these new compounds in various real-life conditions, and in different parts of the world during its development.

To make these tyres more environmentally friendly too, Michelin also said it will begin using recycled plastic materials in its new tyres starting in 2024. The biggest advantage these tyres have is that without the worry of punctures, these tyres can be used to their maximum lifespan, increasing overall longevity.

Michelin even conducted research between 2012 and 2015 and found that 20 per cent of all tyres scrapped annually were those that unfortunately fell ill to punctures or had uneven wear due to incorrect air pressure figures. 

So, would you make the switch to these new tyres? 

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(Photo Credits: The Straits Times)

Cycle & Carriage Kia officially lifted the covers off its highly anticipated EV6 earlier today. The Korean marque claims its new EV can charge faster than a Tesla, and go further than a Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Two variants of Kia’s latest EV will be coming to the Singapore market. Prospective buyers will be able to choose between the single-motor Standard trim or the punchier dual-motor extended-range GT-Line.

Suave Looks

One major reason why the EV6 was so highly anticipated was its looks. Voluptuous contours result in a visually pleasing package, and details like curved taillights and flared arches make it stand out from the crowd.

Although, the EV6 does present a unique body style, with something of a toss-up between an SUV and a fastback coupe. Even the charging port is tucked away beneath a sleek panel concealed in the rear fascia. 

Pick Your Poison

With the Standard trim, buyers can expect a total output of 170 bhp accompanied by 350 Nm of torque, while its GT-Line sibling pushes performance to 325 bhp with a beefy 605 Nm of torque. This enables the GT-Line to conquer the century sprint in just 5.2 seconds, as opposed to the Standard which does the same test in a respectable 8.5 seconds.

Another key advantage the EV6 possesses is its range. The Standard, even without an extended battery, is capable of covering 394 kilometres with its 58 kWh pack, enough for a journey from Singapore to Genting Highlands! Spring for the larger 77.4 kWh battery in the GT-Line, and the maximum range increases to 506 kilometres.

Buyers do not have to worry about long charging times too, as the EV6 boasts a smart regenerative braking system and 800 V ultra-fast charging capability with zero emissions. Essentially, plug the EV6 into a quick charger, and the battery can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. Neat!

Better yet, the EV6 also features Vehicle-2-Load (V2L) capabilities up to a maximum of 3.6 kW, allowing it to supply power to various electrical appliances.

Roomy Tech Cabin

The EV6 is constructed with Kia’s latest Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), a unified platform designed to seamlessly adapt to various types of vehicle categories. What this translates to is an abundance of cabin space in the EV6 for all occupants.

In line with the push for more eco-friendly solutions with EVs, Kia has opted to upholster the EV6 with a lush blend of refined suede and vegan leather. This is complemented by a medley of recycled PETs & plastics for inserts such as the door pockets, dashboard and even floor mats. 

Kia hasn’t skimped on the latest technologies either, giving the EV6 dual panoramic 12.3-inch curved displays that offer an immersive driving experience. While driving, the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) provides drivers with an abundance of safety features.

One notable feature is the new Remote Smart Parking Assist, debuting for the first time in the EV6. 

Availability

At the time of writing, prices start at S$253,999 for the Standard and S$288,999 for the GT-Line (inclusive of COE). This puts it within striking distance of rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and the Polestar 2, providing prospective EV buyers with a new enticing option.

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BeyonCa is exciting news for Singapore, as the new EV brand is founded by one of our own. BeyonCa’s founder is Singaporean Soh Weiming, an auto industry stalwart who built his reputation turning around car companies in China. At the age of 30, he brought Mercedes-Benz into China. He later joined Volkswagen China, spending 16 years with the German auto manufacturer.

Mr Soh is concurrently the CEO of Renault China. Its executive team comprises a team of premium car industry veterans, as well as technology experts from consumer electronics and Internet companies. The company has set up an office in Singapore with plans for a local R&D hub in future and has the backing of China’s Dongfeng Group and other international investors. 

Already in the works in their proposed first model, the new BeyonCa GT Opus 1. It’s built from the ground up as an “out of this world” premium EV experience, and BeyonCa is confident it can stand toe to toe with other current generation high-end EVs already on the market. 

A sleek facade and sharp contours define the GT Opus 1, with doing away with side mirrors in what we presume is to decrease overall drag. These mirrors are instead replaced by small cameras which are mounted at the top of the front doors.

BeyonCa claims that all exterior body parts have a maximum tolerance of just +/-0.3mm, and the entire body has joint and protrusion tolerances of just +/- 0.5mm. A Sport variant of the Opus is rumoured to be in the works as well.

Interestingly, the driver of the Opus will be supported by an AI-based smart cockpit that monitors his or her health status in real time. This will be combined with the world’s first in-cabin cloud doctor service. Only time will tell how efficient this system is, but it is apparently designed to protect drivers from the consequences of abnormal health conditions.

Tying in with the smart cockpit, BeyonCa is also appointing an in-house Chief Health Officer, Dr Tim Guo. Dr Guo will supervise a team of “cloud doctors” and study medical use cases to benefit future car users. Drive a car and get a medical diagnosis too? Interesting. 

BeyonCa is expecting to roll out its first mass-produced car model in 2024, in line with projected future demand for premium smart EVs both in Asia and globally. 

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Škoda is expanding its RS family to include another EV model. It’s (creatively) dubbed the Enyaq iV RS, and just like its coupe sibling, the Czech carmaker has opted for a dual motor all-wheel drive setup with a total power output of 220 kW (299 PS) and 460 Nm of instant torque.

Interestingly enough, this makes both RS versions of the Enyaq iV family the most powerful models currently in Škoda’s lineup.

Sporty Goodness

In true Skoda RS fashion, the Enyaq RS has been bestowed RS-specific design elements, including large 20 or 21-inch alloy rims. Sports suspension drops the overall height by 15mm, giving it a more aggressive stance. Other RS-specific trinkets include gloss black finishes on various parts of the car. Skoda’s ‘Crystal Face’ grille makes yet another appearance, consisting of 131 LEDs embedded into the grille, flanked by Matrix LED headlights.

In case you want everyone to know you’re driving the top rung of the Skoda family, RS badges are generously adorned all over the car. To top it off, an RS-exclusive Mamba Green colour will also be offered.

The RS goodies continue on the inside, with dashboard and door trims covered in a carbon-fibre look, complementing aluminium pedals. Suede microfibre sports seats come as standard and feature an embroidered RS logo. Owners are also given a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an upgrade exclusive to the RS-trim model.

With technology being the main focus of the new model, Škoda assures that the Enyaq’s software will always be up to date thanks to a permanent online connection via an integrated eSIM, allowing drivers to download updates over the air. The Internet connection can support numerous functions too, including remote controls for battery charging, and real-time traffic updates.

Besides its sporty look and dynamic handling, the Enyaq RS offers a generous amount of space for up to five people. 585 litres of boot space are available, which can be expanded up to 1,710 litres by folding down the rear seats.

RS Blood

The Škoda Enyaq iV RS is based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electrification (MEB) platform. Benefitting from a dual motor all-wheel drive system, the car churns out 220 kW and a 460Nm of torque. Boasting a decent top speed of 180 km/h, it is 20 km/h faster than regular ENYAQ iV models and can clock the century sprint in 6.5 seconds.

Its 82 kWh battery, high energy efficiency and drag coefficient of 0.265 give the model a maximum range of over 500 kilometres (WLTP). Thanks to a maximum charging power of 135 kW, the ENYAQ RS’s lithium-ion high-voltage battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 36 minutes at fast-charging stations.

A new function, dubbed ‘Plug & Charge’, makes charging seamless at suitable charging points stored in the Skoda PowerPass app. An owner would just need to connect the charging cable, and the vehicle is automatically identified at the charging point. The subsequent charging session is then billed automatically.

The model has seen major success in Europe since its inception in 2021. Hopefully, we will be able to catch a glimpse of this on our roads very soon.

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