2024-03-13 19:07:51
Legendary car designer died today in Italy Marcello Gandini. He was 85 years old. His career began at Bertone in the first half of the sixties, and Lamborghini supercars made Gandini famous throughout the world: he worked on the appearance of the Miura (pictured), Countach, Espada, Jarama, Urraco models. He is also the author of the five BMW E12, Citroen BX and other production cars, the Renault Magnum truck, and a huge number of spectacular concept cars. In the last twenty years, Marcello Gandini did almost no auto design, but worked in other fields (architecture, industrial design) and continued to consult for other companies.
At the brand’s headquarters Mini Serial production of the new generation F66 three-door Mini Cooper hatchbacks began in Oxford, England. This is the base model, which will later be joined by a five-door and a convertible. Since 2001, when the first Mini of the new generation entered the market, more than 4.4 million cars have been produced at the Oxford plant. In parallel with the production of the new family, the enterprise is being modernized to produce electric vehicles: two new models should hit the assembly line in 2026.
Skoda published a new teaser of the future compact electric crossover. This time the interior design sketch is shown. A large media system screen, a two-spoke steering wheel, a shelf instead of a center console and contour lighting will not surprise anyone, but the return of physical buttons was a pleasant surprise. Presumably, this electric car will be called Skoda Elroq. More detailed information is promised this Friday, March 15, when Skoda holds its annual press conference.
Brand Cadillac has hit hard on electrification, intending to transfer its entire model range to battery traction in the coming years. And yet this is not a reason to abandon fast cars with the letter V: a concept of a powerful electric car called Opulent Velocity has been announced. Today, before the 12 Hours of Sebring marathon, a video teaser was published. The fact is that 20 years ago, just before this endurance race, the first car of the V-family was presented – it was the Cadillac CTS-V sedan.
The possible incursion of Chinese electric vehicles into Western markets remains a hotly debated topic. But the head of the company Mercedes-Benz Ola Källenius spoke in an unexpected way. He proposes not to increase, but to reduce to a minimum import duties on electric vehicles produced in China! Källenius justifies such extraordinary measures by healthy competition and market mechanisms for improving products. However, it is possible that the Mercedes boss simply does not see Chinese cars as real competitors.
Companies Subaru and Aisin agreed to jointly develop eAxle universal traction modules for future electric vehicles. The module will include an electric motor, gearbox, inverter and control unit. Production of the eAxle joint units should begin by the end of this decade, they will be installed on electric Subaru models.
Financially struggling car plant Moskvich is looking for a second production partner. According to the publication RBC, negotiations are currently underway with several Chinese companies, some of which are not even present on the Russian market yet. Moskvich needed new models for assembly due to low demand for existing cars. In 2023, 31 thousand cars were produced, but only 15.3 thousand units were sold. In the meantime, Moskvich is forced to reduce prices for its products in order to increase demand. For example, the 2023 Moskvich 3 petrol crossover fell in price by a third: now prices start at 1 million 590 thousand rubles.
UAZ is preparing to resume production of Hunters and “loaves” performed by Expedition. Such cars are already equipped at the factory with a winch, power protection for the underbody and sills, a rear differential lock, “evil” tires and other off-road accessories. Factory execution will allow customers to do without registering changes in the design of all-terrain vehicles, as in the case of self-installation of such equipment. The cars should go on sale by the end of spring.
AVTOVAZ and PFC CSKA signed a cooperation agreement, within the framework of which cross-promotional campaigns will be carried out. For example, Lada cars will be displayed in the bowl of the VEB Arena stadium, and AVTOVAZ advertising materials will be shown on its screens.
Also today we talked about the Zeekr Mix crossover, Xcite X-Cross 7, Mini Aceman and Volkswagen ID.Unyx crossovers.
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