The Green Off-Roader Rivians R1S electric SUV unveiled

Posted on November 28, 2018 by OffTheClothBoff Gallery Reply

Rivian R1S electric SUV unveiled

Electric car start-up Rivian has revealed its second model, the R1S. The seven-seat SUV follows the reveal earlier this week of the R1T pick-up truck, with models due for a public debut at the LA motor show.

Rivian is hoping to have the kind of impact Tesla has made in shaking up the established automotive set and believes it has found a niche with the creation of go-anywhere electric vehicles.

The R1T and R1S, the first and second in a series of models eventually planned, are built on a bespoke electric ‘skateboard’ chassis, that’s modular and can be used on all different types and sizes of vehicles. The initial pair are closely related, the chief difference being a slightly shorter wheelbase in the R1S. The R1S is 5040mm long, making it Range Rover-sized, while the 5465mm-long R1-T is marginally longer than the Mercedes-Benz X-Class.

In both cars the lithium-ion battery pack is mounted in the floor, and in the in the R1T is good for a 230-mile range in its standard 105kWh capacity, 300-mile range in a 130kWh capacity, or up to 400 miles with the 180kWh ‘mega pack’. In the R1S, the same battery packs are offered with figures of 240, 310 and 420 miles respectively.

The two models share their drivetrains, too. Four electric motors, one for each wheel, give the electric models four-wheel drive. Each motor produces 197bhp (total combined figures through the gearbox are 754bhp and 826lb ft in the 135kWh version), which allows for prodigious performance. It’s claimed both vehicles can crack 0-60mph in just 3.0sec, and 0-100mph in less than 7.0sec in the 135kWh versions.

Double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension features, alongside air springs and adaptive dampers. Rivian claims the electric drivetrain and chassis set-up allows for both impressive on-road performance and handling and precise off-road control that surpasses any existing mechanical solutions off the asphalt. Its flat floor is also reinforced with carbonfibre and Kevlar to protect the battery pack, while both models get five-star crash test safety ratings in the US.

A distinctive front-end exterior design appears on both cars, while the spacious interiors get premium but durable materials that are easy to clean, in keeping with the cars’ off-road lifestyle brief. Two screens feature inside, that run Rivian’s own software and graphics.

There are packs of novel hidden features and clever solutions in both models, including a 330-litre front storage under the nose, and in the truck a full width storage hole that runs between the rear doors and rear wheels that’s good for housing golf clubs.

Rivian, first formed in 2009, is looking to do things differently to other start-ups by having its entire business plan and funding in place before going public with its intentions, and even then keeping targets conservative.

Company founder and CEO, RJ Scaringe, has already gone through two stillborn versions of the R1T to get to this third, production-ready version.

The US-based company is backed by investors from the Middle East, and employs some 560 people worldwide. It’s design and engineering centre is based in Plymouth, Michigan and other key sites include a battery development facility in Irvine, California. It has opened an advanced engineering centre in Chertsey, Surrey, too.

Manufacturing will take place at an old Mitsubishi plant in Illinois, which Rivian purchased for $16 million (£12.5m) last year. This has a capacity of up to 350,000 units per year.

Rivian’s initial ambitions are much lower than that initially, with plans to be selling some 50-60,000 of its premium electric off-roaders by 2025/26. It does however plan to offer its electric skateboard chassis to other companies, either car makers or indeed any brand looking to launch an electric car, so long as their products do not compete with Rivian’s own. The R1T will go into production in late 2020 with the R1S in early 2021, the former prices from around $70,000 (£55,000). Right-hand drive production for the UK will follow around a year later.

The R1T will go into production in late 2020, with the R1S following in early 2021. Prices for the former will start from $61,500 after federal tax rebates (£48,000), with Rivian accepting refundable $1000 pre-order deposits now. Right-hand drive production for the UK will follow around a year later.

Deliveries of electric pickup truck scheduled to begin late in 2020.

Won the lotto ?, The Lamborghini SUV Is Coming In 2018

Posted on October 21, 2017 by OffTheClothBoff Gallery Reply

Described by company boss Stefano Domenicali as “a super sports car inside an SUV”,

Lamborghini’s controversial re-entry into the SUV market is fast approaching its launch date, but this is our closest look yet at the Urus and the 600bhp+ SUV looks to be a few steps closer to production than the test mules our spy snappers have previously caught setting hot laps at the Nurburgring racetrack.

we can see that the Lamborghini Urus will retain much of the sharp, angular design language of the original 2012 Beijing show concept and Lambo’s current supercars. With a low, coupe-like roofline and steeply rising shoulders it’s unlikely to be as practical as most SUVs, but it certainly looks distinctive.

Earlier this year bosses told us here at OffTheClothBoff that the Urus will cost from around £180,000 when it goes on sale by the end of the year, and it’s set to produce over 600bhp and 800Nm of torque from a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.

Power will be transmitted via a dual-clutch gearbox and four-wheel drive. The Urus will also feature a similar electronic four-wheel-steering system to the new Aventador S, with electronic dampers as well. Further down the line, Lamborghini will offer the SUV with the option of a plug-in hybrid powertrain, too. This will be the Italian brand’s first foray into the world of electrification.

When Lamborghini pulled the sheet off the Aventador SV in Geneva earlier this year, I had a chance to sit down with the company’s President and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann. I was expecting him to play coy about the potential for a Lamborghini SUV, but I was surprised to hear what I interpreted as a bit of frustration with the Volkswagen-Audi parent company in dragging their feet on approving the Urus concept for production. Winkelmann spent a fair bit of time emphasizing how the supercar market is stagnating, and how a third model, especially an SUV, would give them a play in a growing segment

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2018 RANGE ROVER VELAR

Posted on September 16, 2017 by OffTheClothBoff Gallery Reply

2018 RANGE ROVER VELAR

The all-new 2018 Range Rover Velar has been revealed, filling the space between the smaller Evoque and larger Sport in the British marque’s line-up, and will land in Australia later this year, in the Summer.

Pitched as the “avant garde Range Rover“, the Velar is claimed to offer new levels of refinement and technology for the brand, and is set to go on sale in Europe later this year.

When the Velar goes on sale in Australia, pricing will range from $70,300 to $135,400 before on-road costs. A special ‘First Edition’ variant will also be offered at launch, priced from $167,600 – again before on-road costs are applied.

Although full Australian details are still to be revealed, headline features in the Velar include the debut of the new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with two high-definition 10-inch touchscreens, along with Matrix Laser-LED headlights, Jaguar and Aston Martin-esque flush deployable door handles, and a minimalistic design approach.

The Velar is also the most aerodynamic Land Rover product ever, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.32. In order to achieve this, Range Rover has applied numerous techniques throughout the body to reduce drag, including specially-designed air channels in the rear spoiler that also help to cut the accumulation of dirt on the rear screen.

Despite its style-focused and aerodynamic design, the Velar still has all-round practicality like its stablemates.

Behind the second row of seating is a 558-litre boot, while a 2874mm wheelbase – about the same as the Mercedes-Benz GLC – helps provide plenty of space for rear-seat occupants. Depending on model, the Velar also features a towing capacity of up to 2500kg.

The Velar comes with the company’s renowned Terrain Response 2 system with switchable modes for different low-traction surfaces, along with offering All Terrain Progress Control, Low Traction Launch, Hill Descent Control and Gradient Release Control systems.

Models fitted with the standard coil-sprung suspension feature a class-leading 213mm of ground clearance, increasing to 251mm with air suspension (standard on V6 models, optional on higher-output four-cylinder models), along with a class-leading wading depth of 600mm (650mm with air suspension).

At speeds above 105km/h, the air suspension lowers the ride height by 10mm to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, the Auto Access Height function lowers the suspension by 40mm when the car is turned off – allowing for easier access in and out of the vehicle.

Under the bonnet six engines are offered, including a mix of four- and six-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel units. All are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission sending drive to all-four wheels.

Two versions of the 2.0-litre ‘Ingenium‘ turbo-diesels will be available, in 132kW/430Nm and 177kW/500Nm tunes.

A 2.0-litre Ingenium turbo petrol will also be offered, producing 184kW of power and 365Nm of torque, propelling the luxury SUV from 0-100km/h in just 6.7 seconds.

Range Rover says an even more powerful 221kW/400Nm version will join the range not long after launch.

Meanwhile, a V6 turbo-diesel and supercharged V6 petrol will sit atop the range, the former producing 221kW of power and a meaty 700Nm of torque, capable for sprinting from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds.

The 280kW/450Nm petrol shared with numerous Jaguar performance models sees the Velar dash from 0-100km/h in a spritely 5.7 seconds.

The Range Rover Velar also offers an array of technology highlights, some being firsts for the British marque.

As mentioned before, the Velar will debut the company’s new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, which includes two configurable high-definition 10-inch touchscreens stacked at the centre of the dashboard.

Featuring a quad-core Intel processor, 60GB solid-state drive and 4G internet connectivity, the new-generation infotainment system offers a number of services and functions including online search for fuel stations, real-time traffic updates, Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote app compatibility.

The upper screen is divided into three menus for navigation, media and phone. It recognises swipe and pinch gestures much like a smartphone or tablet screen for navigating between menus and zooming in on maps.

Meanwhile, the lower screen is reserved for the climate control and Terrain Response functions, along with controls for the optional massage and ventilated seats.

The screens are complemented by to two rotary controllers that are configurable to perform different functions including climate control temperature, massage seat settings or the Terrain Response system – essentially a physical version of the touchscreen.

Between the two larger dials is a smaller one for controlling the vehicle’s audio system.

Capacitive switches sit below the screens to control maximum air conditioning and defrost settings, along with stability control and hill descent control systems.

Four audio systems are offered, including a 23-speaker 1600W Meridian sound system with three-dimensional sound-processing technology.

Customers can also specify the rear entertainment system, which adds two independent 8.0-inch high-definition displays featuring USB 3.0 ports along with HDMI connectors.

Numerous driver assistance systems will be offered, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, lane keep assist, driver condition monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree parking camera, park assist, semi-autonomous tow assist, and trailer hitch assist.

Four LED headlight designs will be available, including segment-first Matrix-Laser LED headlights, which have a range of up to 550m and feature animated direction indicators. LED technology is also used for the Velar’s fog lights and tail-lights.

Will Bugatti Be Next To Join The Exotic SUV Craze?

Posted on September 15, 2017 by OffTheClothBoff Gallery 2

Will Bugatti Be Next To Join The Exotic SUV Craze?

If you had told us a decade or two ago that exotic automakers would be breaking into the SUV market with six-figure luxury crossovers, we might very well have laughed in your face. But now we’re looking at a reality where the likes of Aston Martin, Maserati, and Lamborghini are launching ever-pricier and more exotic crossovers – as are Bentley and Rolls-Royce. So who’s next?

Probably not Bugatti, if we’re to be honest about it. Though the Alsatian automaker has toyed with the idea of a four-door sedan with concepts as recent as the Galibier, the only vehicles it has actually produced in the past few quarter-century since its revival have been two-door, two-seat, mid-engined supercars – each with four turbochargers, double-digit cylinder-counts, stratospheric output levels, and even higher price tags.

If Bugatti were to get in on this particular territory, though, the result might very well look something along these lines. Brought to us by Peisert Design, this rendering envisions a sport-ute called the Bugatti Megalon – a name that sounds about right, but borrows from a fictional, fighting giant insect monster (not a pre-war grand prix driver). It’s based on the Bentley Bentayga, but with design cues obviously inspired by the Chiron. And though the borrowed proportions might suggest otherwise, Jan Peisert tells us that he envisions the engine sitting in the back.

As unlikely as it might seem, it wouldn’t be the first time that Bugatti would stick its neck out beyond the realm of two-door sports cars. Back in Ettore’s day, the original company delved into everything from trains to aircraft. The founder left “the world’s fastest lorries,” as he famously called them, to his rivals at Bentley. But now that the two are so closely linked (even presided over by the same CEO), it would only be fittingly ironic for Bugatti to follow suit with a million-dollar, thousand-horsepower sport-ute – and upstage its British counterpart in the process.