A new electric hypercar is set to become a production model, after decades of development since its original concept.
The Dendrobium Automotive D-1 was originally conceived by Singapore-based Vanda Electrics in the mid-’90s, and has most recently been shown in its latest concept form at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.
The target specs of the D-1 are set to make it worthy of the hypercar badge, too. A total output of 1340kW+ and torque set at the 2000Nm mark means even 1975kg should move pretty quickly.
CEO of Dendrobium Automotive Nigel Gordon-Stewart has formerly been involved with businesses such as Lamborghini as marketing director, Lotus Group as associate director to the board, and is arguably best known for marketing the McLaren F1.
“Dendrobium Automotive is one of the most exciting businesses I’ve ever been involved with,” Gordon-Stewart says.
“Using the very latest technology we are developing what will be the most impressive all-electric hypercar.
“We are designing our own in-house all-electric power train and we plan to use our own power storage cells moving to solid state as and when the technology is reliable and financially viable.
“We are developing unique cabling and connector systems as well as our own complete vehicle integration and ADAS hardware and software.
“From a technical perspective, the D-1 will be a British engineering tour-de-force.”
Standing in its way when it comes to outright electric performance is Rimac, creators of the Rimac C Two and Concept One hypercars, whichclaim to hit 100km/h in around 2 seconds and 2.5 seconds respectively.
The Holden Commodore looks like it might remain the car of choice for South Australian police, but not in the traditional sense.
The new euro-sourced ZB Commodore is being trialled by SAPol, along with the Kia Sorrento, to determine what might replace the current fleet of vehicles.
At the same time, SAPol is testing a different look for its cars, with a colour scheme to signify the car’s designation.
Silver coloured Commodores will be trialled for general traffic duties; white Commodores will be trialled for general duties.
The black Commodores will be trialled across the state as special traffic fleets.
SA Police assistant commissioner Peter Harvey says the car’s safety is a key issue in the decision-making process.
“SAPol has now identified two motor vehicles which we are trialling for a range of duties including frontline operational response,” Harvey says.
“The trialling of the Kia Sorrento continues and today we have added the new imported Holden ZB Commodore to that.
“This ZB Commodore has more active safety features than the previous VF Commodore.With that – it should be of great appeal to our frontline officers.
“The trial of both types of vehicles is important as SAPol continues to grow and expands its overall fleet to provide the best possible fit for purpose vehicles.
“The new police markings have a greater visibility to motorists, especially at night, due to the high visibility stripes.”
With the ZB Commodore, South Australia’s officers will be outgunned when compared to the recently-added Kia Stingers and Chrysler SRTs utilised in East Coast states.
WHAT IS IT?
Kia’s midsize SUV, and a commercially crucial model for the Korean automaker that it says boasts impressively broad appeal.
WHY WE’RE TESTING IT
With so many new entrants lobbing into the Aussie market since the current-generation Sportage first launched back in 2016, Kia has gifted the Sportage a facelift. Beyond some new body plastics there are also meaningful upgrades to the suspension, driveline and in-cabin fit-out, all of which have a positive impact on the Sportage’s appeal.
MAIN RIVALS
Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Touareg, Peugeot 3008, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota RAV4.
THE WHEELS VERDICT
This is a case of incremental improvements done right. The changes are subtle from the outside but provide genuine lifts in liveability and driveability once you hop behind the wheel. The only downside is some upward movement in pricing.
PLUS: Suspension compliance, solid handling, slick infotainment upgrade MINUS: Price hikes, limp petrol 2.0-litre, AWD petrol option is expensive
THE WHEELS REVIEW
PROBLEMS with the outgoing Sportage were few and far between, but Kia admits there was one concerning issue with its mid-size SUV: it wasn’t popular enough with men.
Ergo, it’s applied one of the most subtle facelifts to its two year-old Sportage in a bid to impart some masculine charm. Air dams enlarge, bumper contours become sharper and wheel designs get more extroverted, but there are no sheetmetal alterations. To the layman, the differences will be pretty hard to spot. Do they result in a more gender-neutral look? To be honest, the pre-update Sportage wasn’t overtly feminine to begin with.
Good thing there are more meaningful differences under the skin. In the cabin there’s a new infotainment package with one of the slickest, nicest-feeling, and fast-reacting touchscreens in the segment. Measuring 7.0-inch across in the base Si grade and growing to 8.0-inch in all other variants, the menus are intuitive to navigate and responses to fingertip inputs are virtually smartphone-like, with barely any lag. There’s no integrated sat-nav on the Si, but the standard inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay across the range is a neat workaround for that.
An electric park brake is added from SLi grade and up, bringing with it a reshaped and less cluttered centre console, but the rest of the interior is virtually untouched. Same comfy front seats, spacious (albeit flat-cushioned) rear seats, same generous 466-litre seats-up cargo capacity.
The 2.0-litre diesel option gains an eight-speed automatic that brings a 0.4L/100km reduction in combined fuel consumption (taking the oil-burner down to 6.4L/100km), however the two petrol options – a 114kW 2.0-litre and 135kW 2.4-litre, both atmo – are unchanged, and so are their six-speed automatics.
And that’s a little bit of a shame, because our main criticism of the Sportage line-up concerns the lack of refinement and economy in the range’s mainstay motor, the 2.0-litre petrol. Its corporate cousin the Hyundai Tucson has moved to a direct-injected 2.0L with more power and torque, but the Sportage continues to live in the past.
Thankfully, the chassis has moved forward with this update. Kia Australia has had another crack at a localised suspension tune, and managed to impart an impressive level of compliance to the Sportage’s already-competent underpinnings without sacrificing its sharp handling. In fact, with a slightly faster rack ratio than before, the MY18 Sportage is genuinely enjoyable to throw down a twisty road.
If there’s one blot on the updated Sportage’s scorecard, it’s in the column marked ‘pricing’. AEB is now standard on all variants and so is lane-keep assist, but tweaks to the car’s spec levels see four-figure price rises across the board. The biggest mover is the SLi diesel, which jumps $2500, while even the base Si rises by $1000. It’s still a sharp buy, but just not as much of a bargain as it used to be.
The updated Sportage might look like ‘business as usual’ from the outside, but it’s a different story from the driver’s seat, the experience of which goes a long way toward justifying a higher price of entry.
SPECS
Model: 2018 Kia Sportage SLi petrol Engine: 1999cc 4cyl , dohc, 16v Max Power: 114kW @ 6200rpm Max Torque: 192Nm @ 4000rpm Transmission: 6-speed automatic Weight: 1532kg 0-100km/h: 10.4 seconds Price: $36,790 On sale: Now
Last time HSV got its hands on a dual-cab ute, it wasn’t anything like the Colorado SportsCat. But, like the SportsCat, it wasn’t particularly fast, or sporty.
It was the HSV Avalanche, an AWD dual-cab with a 5.7litre LS1 V8 up front, pumping 270kW and 475Nm via an auto gearbox.
This all sounds great, but as MOTOR’s Dave Morley once put it: “it was fat.”
“At 2026kg it definitely weighed too much – and that hurt everything from pace to fuel economy.”
So why, we wonder, has an unloved Aussie ute from the early 2000s ended up in a completely unlikely part of the world – Japan?
It turns out a company called Ace Auto Japan imports a little bit of everything into the small island nation, from premium Germans to outright raucous Aussies.
A photo posted on the company’s Facebook page revealed the Avalanche nestled amongst the likes of a Merc G-Wagon, a Dodge Challenger SRT, and a Porsche Boxster.
We checked the website listings and there it was, ‘2005 Holden HSV Avalanche 4WD’.
It’s got 64,000 kays on the clock and is priced at ￥2.5 million, which translates to about $30,300 Aussie dollarydoos.
Back when the Avalanche was revealed, HSV’s press release made some less-than-riveting claims about its performance.
“With an estimated 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 6.5 seconds and a standing 400-metre time of 14.6 seconds, the XUV is the undisputed number one in the crewcab performance stakes.”
We’d probably rather one of the other cars pictured in that line up, thanks.
A total of 44 unique limited edition Audi R8 V10s are set to be built for dedicated customers.
Each car will feature a full kit of Audi Sport ‘Performance Parts’ to increase attributes like aerodynamic performance and downforce, as well as reduce weight.
The cars themselves don’t receive any changes to the R8’s atmo V10 ‘Plus’ drivetrain, which puts out 449kW and 560Nm, but Audi says the exterior upgrades do affect the R8’s performance.
“Proof that performance isn’t purely a function of power output will be delivered to dramatic effect through motorsport-proven enhancements that significantly increase downforce and further pare back weight.”
The aero kit featuring the rear wing, side skirts, elements behind the rear wheel arches, deeper splitters, and canards, is all comprised of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), minimising weight without sacrificing integrity.
At 330km/h, the R8 generates 250kg of downforce, over 100kg more than the standard R8 V10 Plus.
Its 20-inch multi-spoke black wheels also save 8kg of unspring mass, while Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres provide grip and ceramic brake discs (with titanium backing plate) pitch in for stopping power.
Inside, R8 bucket seats in perforated Nappa leather and a long list of included options feature, while the Sport contour steering wheel should be familiar to those who’ve driven ‘RS’ cars in the past.
Kia Australia has announced pricing and specifications for its freshly-updated Sportage mid-size SUV range, with the 2018 model now more feature-rich and boasting a newer locally-developed suspension tune. It’s not simply a case of tweaked bumper plastics – though it receives attention in that area too.
A new variant has also been added to the lineup, with the previously petrol-only Si Premium grade now receiving a diesel AWD option. The rest of the range remains in place, however no variant has escaped the update without undergoing a price rise.
Price increases range from $1000 for the entry-level Si petrol (now $29,990) to $2500 for the SLi diesel (now retailing at $42,190). They’re sizable increases, however Kia is banking that improvements to standard specification – especially in the area of safety – will offset the price hike.
Features
Previously only available on higher-spec models, autonomous emergency braking (which detects and reacts to pedestrians as well as vehicles) is now standard range-wide. It’s joined by lane keep assist and a driver fatigue warning, as well as a self-dimming rear view mirror, rain-sensing wipers and high beam assist.
Illuminated vanity mirrors were previously omitted from the base Si but they’ve been added in for 2018, along with a new 17-inch alloy wheel design and dual-zone climate control. In the base Si, the infotainment touchscreen still measures 7 inches across, but now boasts a faster-responding screen and updated software for enhanced usability.
All other variants score a bigger and flashier 8-inch display, also with new graphics and smartphone-like screen response, along with a premium 8-speaker audio (rather than the Si’s 6 speakers), digital radio and built-in satellite navigation. No matter what screen is equipped, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay phone mirroring is standard.
Stepping up to the Si Premium also nets 18-inch alloys with a new spoke design, as well as front parking sensors and LED daytime running lamps.
In addition to the above, new features for the SLi grade includes an electronic parking brake (which also brings a reprofiled centre console), adding to the leather upholstery, power-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless ignition, privacy glass and LED tail lamps already offered on that variant.
Meanwhile, the flagship GT-Line brings LED headlamps for the first time along with active cruise control, fleshing out a spec sheet that already boasts mod-cons like a powered tailgate, panoramic glass sunroof, parking assist, blind spot monitoring, heated and cooled seats, and a wireless phone charger.
For all models, the Sportage’s front and rear bumpers have been reshaped to bring a more assertive look to its tail and snout, while on the inside the changes are more subtle. Besides the new infotainment package and handbrake-less centre console of the SLi and GT-Line, there’s just some minor tweaks to the steering wheel trim to separate it from the outgoing model.
The big news under the bonnet is the addition of an eight-speed automatic for diesel-powered Sportages, which sees a 0.4L/100km reduction in average fuel consumption that takes it down to a miserly 6.4L/100km figure. That’s despite there being no changes to the 2.0-litre diesel’s 136kW/400Nm outputs, and which also remains an AWD-only driveline.
On the petrol front there are no changes to outputs, fuel consumption or gearbox offerings. A 114kW/192Nm 2.0-litre petrol remains the mainstay motor and takes power to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic, while a 135kW/237Nm 2.4-litre petrol continues to be exclusive to the GT-Line grade and drives all four wheels through a six-speed auto. Kia Australia says it won’t budge from its strategy of limiting an AWD petrol configuration to the expensive GT-Line variant.
Chassis updates have also been applied, with minor geometry alterations for the rear suspension and new bushing and bearing kinematics at both front and rear delivering better compliance, vibration isolation and handling. Kia’s local tuning department has also fettled the suspension settings for Australian conditions once more, using a unique combination of spring rates, swaybars and damper valving.
The updated Sportage’s steering ratio is also slightly tighter than before, with other hardware changes to the rack hardware delivering greater precision to steering feel.
Pricing
The updated Sportage is now on sale, with retail pricing as follows and price movement noted. National drive-away pricing has been applied to the Si Premium grade as well, and is listed in brackets:
- Kia Sportage Si petrol – $29,990 +$1000
- Kia Sportage Si diesel – $35,390 +$1400
- Kia Sportage Si Premium petrol – +$1300 ($31,990 drive-away)
- Kia Sportage Si Premium diesel – $37,690, new variant ($37,390 drive-away)
- Kia Sportage SLi petrol -$36,790 +$2100
- Kia Sportage SLi diesel – $42,190 +$2500
- Kia Sportage GT-Line petrol – $44,790 +$1300
- Kia Sportage GT-Line diesel – $47,690 +$1700
AUSTRALIA has asserted itself as home to one of the world’s hungriest ultra-luxury car fan bases, with the first local Rolls-Royce’s new Cullinan SUV ordered from the company’s money-no-object Bespoke atelier.
According to the iconic British car maker, the first Australian order rolled in as the northern hemisphere slept, immediately following the confirmation that Rolls would join the luxo SUV revolution with its own offering.
“The day we announced Cullinan … not only did we receive our first order in Australia, but it was our first Bespoke order as well, which proves to us that customers had been sitting and waiting,” said Rolls-Royce Asia Pacific sales managed Ian Grant.
Rolls-Royce has previously indicated its strategy to attract both a younger audience and a more even spread of male and female buyers – an ambition that the Cullinan appears to be capable of bringing to fruition.
Not only is the company’s first SUV bringing in more first-time Rolls buyers under 40, but the first Australian to sign on the line was female. It follows an order of the company’s special Black Badge models in New Zealand that confirms more women are leaning toward the two Rs.
“You can head down some very interesting discussions when you come to the male/female divide when it comes to motoring, but our first Wraith Black Badge order came from a female in New Zealand,” said Grant. “To have the same feedback through Cullinan was terrific.”
In addition to the new audience, Grant confirmed existing owners were taking just as much interest in the Cullinan, which will be joining some garages as the “second or third Rolls-Royce” for well-heeled Rolls customers.
Grant would not indicate how many local orders had been placed, but confirmed Australian customers would be waiting nine to 12 months for their Cullinan, while bespoke versions could take closer to two years to arrive.
The latest addition to the Rolls-Royce line-up costs $685,000, though it is highly unlikely any customer will be avoiding the options list and taking home a ‘standard’ version.
It joins the range alongside the Phantom flagship sedan, more affordable Ghost sedan, Wraith coupe and drop-head equivalent Dawn.
Renault has quietly announced through their website that the Zoe electric vehicle is now available to environmentally-conscious private buyers priced from $51,990. Previously only available to fleet buyers (most notably Melbourne Water and Ausgrid), the Zoe will be available from a select few Renault dealerships from this week.
The Zoe will be offered in two specifications, the Zoe Life and the Zoe Intens, pitched at drive away prices of $51,990 and $54,540 respectively.
The Zoe Life will only come in white and features a dark grey cloth interior, climate control air conditioning, a 7.0-inch R-LINK touchscreen with DAB. The upspec Intens will receive rear parking sensors and camera, 16-inch ‘Black Shadow’ alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers and leather steering wheel and gear shifter in addition.
Opting for the Intens will allow you to choose between an additional five metallic colours including Intense Red, Titanium Grey, Lightning Blue, Frost White and Diamond Black.
Both feature up to 300km of real-world range from a 41kWh battery which produces 68kW and 220Nm. The claimed 0-100km/h time is a leisurely 14.5 seconds and top speed is 130km/h, so it won’t get bullied on any of our freeways.
Renault backs its new Z.E. 40 battery with a five year, 100,000 kilometre warranty while the rest of the car has a three-year unlimited kilometre warranty. Renault also provides up to four years of roadside assist.
The Zoe will plug into a variety of Type 2 chargers and with a three-phase ZE-Ready charging station you’ll get your EV charged from empty in three to four hours.
2018 Renault Zoe pricing
- Zoe Life – $51,990 drive away
- Zoe Intens – $54,540 drive away
If the several reports of blistering timed laps of the camouflaged Lamborghini Aventador SVJ are true, Porsche should be worried about its 911 GT2 RS Nürburgring lap record.
Expected to break cover (or at least be officially announced) later this year, the Lamborghini Super Veloce Jota (see end of article for an explanation of the badge name) has been spied lapping the Green Hell regularly of late, and rumours are flying.
But one relatively well-founded rumour is that Lamborghini is trying to take back the production car lap record, which was taken from it by Porsche’s 911 GT2 RS late last year.
YouTuber and apparent Nürburgring regular Misha Charoudin has claimed the SVJ will likely snatch the record back based on some rough timing he carried out while watching a development session.
With a slightly altered track straight due to the nature of the industrial testing use, he clocked the Aventador SVJ at 6 minutes and 54 seconds.
If the SVJ loses several seconds due to the cones on the track, its time could be well within reach of the GT2 RS’s 6:47.3 lap record.
Lamborghini previously held the record for a Nürburgring production car lap with its Huracán Performante, which ran the 20.8km track in 6:52.
What’s in a name?
The SVJ badge has been around since the Lamborghini Miura, though its usage very limited.
It began with the FIA ‘Appendix J’ regulations for racecars, which came into play in 1965. Lamborghini built a Miura called the ‘Jota’ to fit within these rules. ‘Jota’ is the Spanish word for the letter J.
Since then, the Miura, Diablo, and now Aventador have all featured a very limited edition Jota.
BMW is not alone in having difficulty assessing quite how quickly electric vehicles will attain mainstream popularity.
Its i3 has represented a modest success but it pioneered a hedge in offering both a true EV version and one with a range-extending internal combustion engine as backup. Munich now plans to engineer every mainstream model with the capacity to support both EV and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. True EV-specific models, such as the forthcoming iNext will remain niche models.
The reason for this slight equivocality to the EV market is due to the fact that the company has little idea where EV popularity will be in five or ten years.
In March, BMW CEO Harald Kruger stated that the company would not mass produce electric cars before 2020 because current technology was not profitable enough to scale up for volume production.
The uncertainty around battery-powered production was underscored this week when Oliver Zipse, BMW’s board member for production, told Car and Driver magazine, “We assume that, by the year 2025, something between 15 and 25 percent of the cars we make will have electric drivetrains, but it could be 40 percent, or it could be only 10 percent.”
Taking that statement at face value, the company appears to have little idea how as much as thirty percent of its potential output could be powered in just seven years’ time. Hence the flexibility in the production of the new Fifth Generation vehicle platforms.
The US and Australia have traditionally been poor adopters of electric vehicles, due to issues of scale, fossil fuel pricing and legacy tastes.
China is a different matter altogether and is looking to leapfrog the intermediate stage of plug-in hybrids to stream full electric cars as quickly as possible.
This two-speed demand creates a challenging production quandary for Zipse and one that he acknowledged will “inevitably lead to either underutilization or overutilization, and in extremes [would] mean that we cannot fulfil market demands.”
