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In the last article, we took a look at how Porsche put its pre-series Taycan through gruelling and rigorous tests in different climatic conditions. Thing is, they weren't done yet. During an initial range test from Los Angeles to San Diego and back, pre-series models demonstrated their further improved efficiency. The all-electric sports cars covered up to 587 kilometres on one battery charge on public roads.
Happenings

Real-World Range of New Porsche Taycan Is Impressive

IN Impressive, Los Angeles, New, Porsche, Porsche taycan, Pre-series, Range, Range-testing, Real-world, San Diego, Taycan, Taycan’s, Was done

Range-testing was done with four pre-series Taycan models between Los Angeles and San Diego.


Electric Vehicles (EVs) are undoubtedly the future for the automobile – at least for the next decade anyways, until governments and manufacturers come around to e-fuels… However until then, if or when, the car industry is firmly committed to producing EVs. Like everyone else, I’m all for anything that is an improvement over whatever it replaces and so EVs ticks almost all the boxes. One very big box that remains unchecked, however, is the business of charging. If you are an apartment dweller like me, who doesn’t have regular access to a personal wall box or is using your EV for a road trip, then you’ll know that you have to set up an account with the charging provider, and store your credit card number. And since there are several operators, it would be prudent to hold several accounts to minimize the chances of not being able to charge your EV when need to. Oh, on road trips, charging stops have to be planned lest you be stranded with a dead EV. Compare this with the convenience of refuelling conventional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars. The drive down the I-5 to Los Angeles takes you through one of the most uninhabited places in California. Yet, you could still find a gas station with no more than 25 miles between them. You can drive up to any station, use any method of payment, including cash – imagine that, fill up and be on your way for the next 400 miles or so. All in 10 minutes or less. While EV charging technology is getting faster, and over time will be more common, the business of paying for the charge is ridiculously complicated to paying at the pump. No amount needed, just hand over your money and go. How is this progress? Okay, I’m sure someone is working on making EV charging more convenient. Wake me up when September ends. Testing the hybrid theory Until charging an EV becomes as convenient as refuelling, perhaps hybrid cars will be relevant in the sense that they offer all the advantages of an EV without the drawbacks. This proved to be the case when I drove a 2023 BMW 330e from Los Gatos to Los Angeles. The car was chosen on the assumption that its 107hp electric motor would be sufficient for pottering around the city while the 181hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine would have the legs to handle the endless stretches of Interstate Freeways without breaking a sweat. Working in tandem with the electric motor, there’s a combined output of 288hp and 310Nm at its driver’s disposal. Over 300 miles or so of interstate driving, the motor, along with regenerative inertia and braking would have plenty of time to charge up the batteries so I essentially could cruise in the city.
New

2023 BMW 330e xDrive: The Really Easy e

IN BMW, 330e

A drive from Silicon Valley to Los Angeles shows why plug-in hybrids still make sense in a growing EV world.


Less than a week ago, burnpavement.com speculated that an off-road variant of the Porsche 911 was in the works when it announced that a pair of 911 prototypes successfully scaled the World’s Tallest Volcano in Chile, South America. Today, the first images of what will be launched as the Porsche 911 Dakar next week at the Los Angeles Auto Show have been released. The name is a nod to the German sports car maker’s success in the Dakar Rally of 1986 where it entered the legendary 959.
Happenings

Off-road Porsche 911 confirmed: We were right!

IN Porsche, 911, Dakar, Los Angeles, Auto, Show, Reveal, Debut

Porsche 911 Dakar confirmed ahead of its Los Angeles Auto Show debut next week.


With McLaren’s thirty years’ experience working with carbonfibre (first carbonfibre chassis in Formula One and first all carbon-bodied road car, the F1), it comes as no surprise that the P1 is entirely constructed from the black weave — right down to its central load-bearing structure, the MonoCage tub. And since carbonfibre is moulded, the body panels could be shaped in far more complex and extreme ways than if they were made of steel or aluminium. Indeed, it is a real treat to witness and examine the P1 in the flesh, where you can’t help but marvel at how sculpted the car looks. Pictures alone do not do it justice.
Happenings

McLaren P1 Makes Southeast Asian Debut

IN McLaren, P1, Wearnes, McLaren Automotive, Hypercar, F1

Singapore is the first stop for the P1 as it makes its way around the region


Inside, it features a large multifunction display which sits in the center panel that shows navigation, car audio and vehicle information. Touch panels have been used on the D-shaped steering wheel as well as elsewhere, negating the need for buttons. You might notice that there are no side mirrors, that's due to the “EyeSight” system that relays video to a monitor on the dash, fed from its stereo cameras mounted high up on the door line.
Happenings

Subarus From The Future!

IN Subaru, Impreza, Boxer, Sports, Car, Concept, Geneva, 2011

While it was first unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Subaru Impreza Concept has made another appearance at Geneva, alongside Subaru's new Boxer Sports Car concept.


“This is a great day for Saab,” said Jonsson. “The arrival of the 9-4X is another important step in the fulfillment of our business plan. This sporty and distinctive product will significantly broaden the appeal of our brand and give us access to an important new vehicle segment that is still growing, particularly in the United States.” Featuring Saab’s advanced XWD all-wheel-drive system and adaptive chassis control, the 9-4X goes on sale in the United States in May, with sales in Europe and other world markets scheduled to begin from August. It is expected to arrive in Singapore in the last quarter of 2011.
Happenings

First Saab 9-4X Rolls Off Production Line

IN Saab, 9-4X

The first Saab 9-4X crossover to be commercially produced has now rolled off the assembly line at the Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.


Happenings

Volvo Air Motion

IN Volvo, Air Motion

Imagine a vehicle lighter than a F1 race car. Experiencing the adrenaline rush of carving through the canyons with up to three friends and not using a drop of gasoline...



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