Kia e-Soul: the details of the electric crossover | Geneva Motor Show 2019

KIA e-Soul

Previewed at the Geneva Motor Show in conjunction with the mysterious Kia electric concept , the third generation of the Kia Soul compact crossover will be marketed in the old one only in the electric version e-Soul .

Buyers will be able to choose between two different battery pack cuts (39 kWh and 64 kWh) with a powertrain that therefore derives from the one already used on Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro ( HERE our video preview of Kia e-Niro ). Compared to the previous Soul EV, performance (395 Nm of torque) improved by 39%, but also increased autonomy, thanks to the new generation lithium polymer batteries, optimized in energy density (250 Wh / kg, or 25 % more than the current).

On the 64 kWh version the engine develops 150 kW of power (204 hp), while the declared autonomy is 452 km (combined cycle WLTP). All with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 7.6 seconds. On the other side, on the 39 kWh variant, the engine delivers 100 kW (136 hp) and the range drops to 277 km . The torque value of 395 Nm is unchanged. Charging takes place at 80% in 42 minutes , thanks to the quick charger with CCS Combo standard that can support powers up to 100 kW .

e-Soul is proposing an advanced energy recovery system for energy coming from cooling systems (energy to be reused, for example for the heat pump). An "intelligent" heat pump that can choose to send air flows only to the driver when only his presence in the car is detected.

e-Soul is also equipped as standard with the regenerative braking system of Kia , driven by steering-wheel levers, the same principle that we also find on Hyundai Kona Electric, further developed. The driver can in fact choose between five levels of regenerative braking (none, from 1 to 3, or 'single pedal' mode). In single-pedal mode, the driver can completely stop the car by simply releasing the accelerator pedal.

Read more >>

Honda e-Prototype: the retro-style electric sedan in Geneva Motor Show 2019

Honda Concept 2019

Countdown to the big news at Honda at the Geneva Motor Show 2019 : the Japanese company has released the first official images of Honda e-Prototype , the prototype that anticipates the electric compact size sedan and the retro style whose production will start in the second half of 2019 . Derived from the Urban EV Concept of 2017 that has been appreciated by the public and critics for its design vaguely inspired by the compact Japanese (but also European) of the 80s, this model is an integral part of the European electrification strategy of Honda .

Honda e-Prototype 2019

Developed with a hatchback body, Honda e-Prototype offers a continuous, clean and regular surface, characterized by pull-out door handles, compact cameras replacing the traditional side mirrors and black panels with concave surface that incorporate the characteristic circular optical assemblies. LED . Simple shapes and essential details draw what Honda defines the "human face" of the car.

Added to this are interesting proportions , with large convex wheel arches, long wheelbase and reduced overhangs, elements due to the use of the new EV platform developed specifically to accommodate an electric powertrain. A powertrain designed for a purely urban use, with an autonomy of over 200 km and a fast charging system capable of providing 80% of autonomy in 30 minutes . Urban yes, but also fun, given the rear wheel drive .

Honda Concept Interior 2019

And then there are the interiors , even more minimalist than the exterior without foregoing the contents: the melange cladding (material typically used for the furnishing of homes) are the background to an on-board system composed of a panel of 3 screens without apparent continuity solution, intended for instrumentation, infotainment and the electrical system. Honda promises "new generation digital controls" , able to facilitate the management of the many onboard functions.

The space on board is made more usable by the completely flat floor (both for the front and rear passengers), while the functionality is ensured by the presence of two additional displays (at the ends of the dashboard) on which images from external cameras are projected.

Honda Interior Technology

Read more >>

Bentley Bentayga Speed: the 635 hp SUV W12 in Geneva

At the Geneva Motor Show 2019 Bentley presents Bentayga Speed , the most powerful version that completes the British luxury SUV range. Under the bonnet the W12 typical of the best performing Bentley, on the other hand stands out the distinctive style, for an even more exclusive model compared to the versions with V8 engine , plug-in hybrid and Diesel .

Compared to the 608 hp delivered by the current W12 variant , the 6-liter twin - turbo Bentley Bentayga Speed ​​reaches a maximum power of 635 hp , while the maximum torque developed remains at the remarkable value of 900 Nm . Sufficient numbers to further raise the bar of the maximum speed, which from 301 km / h passes to 306 km / h, and the 0-100, which goes from 4.1 to 3.9 seconds.

The 8-speed automatic transmission remains in conjunction with permanent four-wheel drive . These elements, together with the suspension and the Bentley Dynamic Ride system , respond differently when the Sport driving mode is set , updated for a more engaging experience (there are also the Comfort, the Bentley and the Custom).

Present the Bentley Dynamic Ride , the first active roll control technology in the world to use a 48V electronic system . A system that counteracts the lateral forces that generate rolling in the corners and ensures maximum grip of the tires. The braking system, which benefits from the largest and most powerful carboceramic disks ever fitted on a Bentley, is also unparalleled: maximum braking torque of 6,000 Nm, resistance to temperatures up to 1,000 ° C and -20 kg of mass compared to cast iron brakes.

The imposing design of Bentley Bentayga is further enhanced by the aesthetic appearance of the Speed ​​variant , with the body's lower body color , the splitters in the front and rear bumpers in the same color and a new large rear spoiler. The dark honeycomb grid on the bumper and radiator is also unusual.

The stylistic endowment of Bentley Bentayga Speed ​​also completes the 22-inch alloy wheels available in 3 finishes: silver, dark tint or black (the latter reserved for the Specification Black package). Finally, scattered along the body we find the Speed ​​badges.

The interior of the Bentley Bentayga Speed are "the quintessence of modern British design". Set up at the Crewe site in England, they use the Alcantara fabric (previously used on the more performing models such as the Continental Supersports), as an alternative to the more classic leather.

Do not miss the characteristic swooshes around the door and handle, on the edge of the seat and back padding and on the lower console. The diamond quilting is evident on the padding of the seats, on the upper part of the backrest, on the door panels and on the rear panel of the four-seater models instead of five. Further exclusive details are the Speed ​​logo with invisible stitching or contrasting the base of the headrest . Finally, the Speed ​​metal emblem embellishes the passenger side dashboard, while an illuminated slogan with the word Speed ​​welcomes passengers in the passenger compartment.

Read more >>