Latest news with #MHEV
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Iconic car firm brings back ‘legendary' SUV with a twist making it ‘smoother, more comfortable & perfect for off-road'
New technology used to create the perfect off-road SUV NEW LOOK Iconic car firm brings back 'legendary' SUV with a twist making it 'smoother, more comfortable & perfect for off-road' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A JAPANESE manufacturer is set to launch a hybrid version of one of their legendary models, offering a smoother, more comfortable ride with a 48V mild-hybrid system. Toyota have shared plans for its new electric Land Cruiser, which is set to compete with rival off-road motors. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Toyota have revealed plans for the new electric Land Cruiser Credit: Jayson Fong 4 The SUV is ideal for off-roading, being able to wade through up to 700mm of water Credit: Jayson Fong According to Autocar, the SUV uses the same electrified diesel powertrain as the mild-hybrid Hilux, combining a 2.8 litre four-pot with an electric motor-generator and a 48V battery. Toyota said: 'The benefits include a smoother, quieter and more responsive engine stop-start system and smooth, linear and powerful acceleration from start-off.' The manufacturer continued by explaining that this set-up takes up less room than the full-hybrid arrangement seen in their other models, meaning neither the Land Cruiser's bodywork nor drivetrain needed significant modification. They added: 'The system in no way compromises the Land Cruiser's ability to operate in extreme conditions and rough terrain. 'The all-new Land Cruiser combines the model's long-established strengths of quality, durability and reliability with new technologies. "Built on a new Toyota Global Architecture body-on-frame platform, it has even greater strength to tackle challenging conditions while delivering composed, reassuring on-road behaviour." It also emphasised that the high-mounted and waterproofed motor-generator means it can still wade through water up to 700mm deep, making the SUV ideal for off-roading. The motor recuperates energy under deceleration to charge the 48V battery, which can then supplement the engine under acceleration and power the stop-start system. According to Toyota, this results in smoother acceleration, improved efficiency and enhanced ability to tackle off-road obstacles. While prices are yet to be confirmed, the first examples are reportedly due at the end of the year. Toyota explained that all Land Cruiser models will use the new MHEV powertrain in the UK, including the freshly revealed Land Cruiser Commercial. I restored a classic car I found at a scrapyard – now it's award-winning The new motor will initially use the non-electrified version of the diesel powertrain and is differentiated from the passenger car only by the absence of rear seats to make way for a 2000-litre load bay. The Land Cruiser is set to rival the Land Rover Discovery Commercial, which is set to hit the market in August with a starting price of £52,729.17. Toyota has also recently hinted that it is finally bringing the long anticipated GR Corolla to the UK. The motor is reportedly expected to go into production next year at the manufacturer's Derbyshire plant, in a bid to satisfy lengthy wait lists. 4 The car will offer an alternative to the Land Rover Discovery Commercial Credit: Jayson Fong
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Iconic car firm brings back ‘legendary' SUV with a twist making it ‘smoother, more comfortable & perfect for off-road'
A JAPANESE manufacturer is set to launch a hybrid version of one of their legendary models, offering a smoother, more comfortable ride with a 48V mild-hybrid system. 4 Toyota have revealed plans for the new electric Land Cruiser Credit: Jayson Fong 4 The SUV is ideal for off-roading, being able to wade through up to 700mm of water Credit: Jayson Fong According to Toyota said: 'The benefits include a smoother, quieter and more responsive engine stop-start system and smooth, linear and powerful acceleration from start-off.' The manufacturer continued by explaining that this set-up takes up less room than the full-hybrid arrangement seen in their other models, meaning neither the Land Cruiser's bodywork nor drivetrain needed significant modification. They added: 'The system in no way compromises the Land Cruiser's ability to operate in Motors news 'The all-new Land Cruiser combines the model's long-established strengths of quality, durability and reliability with new technologies. "Built on a new Toyota Global Architecture body-on-frame platform, it has even greater strength to tackle challenging conditions while delivering composed, reassuring on-road behaviour." It also emphasised that the high-mounted and waterproofed motor-generator means it can still wade through water up to 700mm deep, making the SUV ideal for off-roading. The motor recuperates energy under deceleration to charge the 48V battery, which can then supplement the engine under acceleration and power the stop-start system. Most read in Motors According to Toyota, this results in smoother acceleration, improved efficiency and enhanced ability to tackle off-road obstacles. While prices are yet to be confirmed, the first examples are reportedly due at the end of the year. Toyota explained that all Land Cruiser models will use the new MHEV powertrain in the UK, including the freshly revealed Land Cruiser Commercial. I restored a classic car I found at a scrapyard – now it's award-winning The new motor will initially use the non-electrified version of the diesel powertrain and is differentiated from the passenger car only by the absence of rear seats to make way for a 2000-litre load bay. The Land Cruiser is set to rival the Toyota has also recently hinted that it is finally bringing the long anticipated The motor is reportedly expected to go into production next year at the manufacturer's Derbyshire plant, in a bid to satisfy lengthy wait lists. 4 The car will offer an alternative to the Land Rover Discovery Commercial Credit: Jayson Fong 4 Prices are yet to be confirmed Credit: Jayson Fong
Top Gear
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Skoda Superb Estate - long-term review - Report No:3 2025
But the 2.0-litre diesel suits this work. It's been refined and sorted for years. It might only have 190bhp (193PS in European), but there's 295lb ft of torque (400Nm) on offer between 1,750 and 3,250rpm, which is exactly where you need it. A 0-62mph time of 7.6 seconds is in the sweet spot of fast enough, and although a top speed of 142mph is largely irrelevant, it means that a continental cruise on an Autobahn or 80mph Autoroute will be easy pickings. A fact reinforced by 57mpg if you're doing UK 70mph speeds. The Superb is supposed to get 47mpg combined, but in a big turn up for the books, and a devastating indictment of my grandparent-style driving, I'm actually getting over 50. I don't really use Sport mode and have a habit of clicking the car into Eco for the 50mpg per tank extra that it provides. Sorry, but when you pay for your own diesel… It's funny, but when you actually look forward to doing a bit of driving or using a car to its fullest, you know something's going well. And yes, I'm fully aware that constantly singing the praises of a 2.0-litre diesel estate car is a bit dull, but age is knowing what's good and caring less about what's supposed to be cool. Although saying that in a world of MHEVs and hybrids, electric SUVs and small-capacity turbo engines is lauding what appears to be a throwback. The seven-speed auto works very well, sorting gears with minimum fuss, even if it's not the absolute last word in deftness on the odd upchange. You can use the paddles - which I do on the odd cross country lope - but really, it's more about sitting back and letting the car take the strain. And again, the four-wheel drive system only kicks in with any authority when the front wheels have raised concerns, be that off-road or on. Saying that, I've been consistently surprised that the Superb can find a bit of grip on a wet grass field without any trouble. If you're on-road, you'll find that the whole thing is stable and consistent, but tends towards early onset understeer and a gentle kind washing out, like it's forgotten where the apex of a corner once was. Nothing to be concerned about, but the racier humans in the office would call it boring. Boring is good - boring is what you want on late night drives in the rain. Interestingly, the 'progressive dynamic steering' seems to blend very nicely - you rarely notice much difference unless you concentrate. There's enough feel at speed and no muscle required when parking, so something's right. There's a slight raised eyebrow at the ride at times, mind. We've got this car on the smaller wheels and Pirelli Sotto Zero winter tyres - and yes, I'll run them in warmer weather and don't care - so there's a touch more sidewall. But get a big enough pothole or series of lateral ridges and you'll still get a proper jiggle from the suspension. More a commentary on my local roads, but it's wise to note that this isn't limo-like at all times. It does stay level and true no matter what's in the back though, and I've had it absolutely stuffed full of gear thanks to university-bound spawn. Have to say though, it's the little things. The multiple hooks in the boot, plus 12-volt charging points both sides, the ability to drop the rear seats from the boot via the levers in the same panel. The actual spare wheel. The extra nets for stowage. The little umbrella in the door cubby, the centre console that houses a sunglasses holder and screen wiping block, the clear tag in the windscreen that holds a parking ticket. The fact that you can switch off the speed limit warning bongs and lane-keep assist quickly and easily through the steering wheel clickwheel. The fact that the LED Matrix lights on the L&K are absolutely spot-on, and the CarPlay/Android is wireless and automatic. There are 5 USB-C ports in the cabin, and the voice control actually works. It's a good basic car with attention to detail that makes it a great one.
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Plug-In Hybrid EVs have proven a worldwide mobility solution instead of an interim technology
The year 2024 marked some significant developments for the EV industry. Growth continued with sales of plug-in vehicles increasing by 26% YoY (year on year) to a total of 17.2 million and an increased global market share of 22%. Of this volume, 63% comprised Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), with the balance of 37% being Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). This share grew from 31% in 2023, following YoY PHEV growth of 53% vs just 14% for BEVs. This trend contradicts previous industry assumptions that view hybrids as merely an interim solution in the transition from internal combustion engines (ICE) to BEV adoption, suggesting that the current overall BEV offering is not appealing to motorists to the extent as much as originally forecast. Those switching from an ICE vehicle to a PHEV in preference to a BEV, will have their own reasons for doing so, but these will likely include concerns over vehicle pricing, charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and resale value. The same BEV market growth forecast formed the basis of vehicle manufacturers' planning regarding future products, manufacturing facilities and development expenditure. Many planned to phase out ICE vehicles by 2030, had moved development resources away from ICE powertrains and towards new BEV line-ups on dedicated platforms, while building new BEV-dedicated manufacturing facilities, or converting existing facilities. The past year has seen numerous announcements revising these plans in line with the change in customer demand. These include extended life cycles for some existing ICE models, the inclusion of PHEV derivatives in models originally intended to be BEV-only, and resumption of ICE development, including optimisation for use in PHEV drivetrains. In addition, the launches of some planned BEV models, as well as the dedicated facilities for their production, have been delayed. As indicated by their naming, all hybrid vehicles feature both an ICE and electric motor(s). The way these complement one other determines their categorisation as mild hybrid (MHEV), hybrid (HEV) or PHEV. Each of these categories provides a different solution in terms of performance, fuel consumption, driving range and cost. The entry point to vehicle electrification is the MHEV, an ICE vehicle fitted with a Belt Driven Starter Generator (BSG) or an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), powered by a compact 48 V battery. In addition to acting as a powerful starter, it provides an additional 10-15 kW to the ICE under high load conditions. Charged primarily by regenerative braking, the battery can also be utilised to drive ancillaries such as power steering, to further reduce engine load. The system has become popular with European manufacturers seeking a cost-effective means of reducing vehicle emissions, while Toyota recently introduced it on some Hilux derivatives, providing benefits in performance, along with reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. The next step up in electrification is the HEV, in which the ICE and electric motor(s), are usually combined in a series-parallel hybrid configuration. Here the ICE drives a generator which powers an electric motor. This, in turn, drives the wheels (series) but is capable of driving the wheels directly in certain driving conditions (parallel). The driving experience is like a conventional ICE vehicle, the power management controller engaging the electric motor to assist during acceleration when ICE consumption is at its worst, but allowing ICE-only operation at steady speeds when it is at its most efficient. The small battery is both cost-effective and has adequate capacity in this application, as it is quickly and frequently recharged by the ICE and regenerative braking. Originally popularised by the Toyota Prius and certain Honda models, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid models are primarily responsible for the significant growth of HEVs in the SA market, providing cost effective fuel consumption and emission reduction benefits. In addition to charging via regenerative braking or the ICE driving a generator, PHEVs can be plugged in to the mains supply network and their traction batteries charged via an onboard charger. However, their recent popularity has seen the emergence of different PHEVs types, each with their own characteristics and benefits. Related: All of the CAR Magazine Top 12 Best Used Buys for 2025 The most common are PHEV derivatives included in predominantly ICE model ranges. Battery capacities are smaller than equivalent BEVs, usually in the 10-20 kWh range, and typically provide EV-mode ranges of 45 – 90 km, adequate for most daily commutes. Coupled with overnight charging, this battery capacity is sufficient to permit EV mode commuting in urban areas where tailpipe emissions have the most impact on human health, while overall driving range is better than their ICE equivalents. Most current PHEVs offer AC charging, either via a normal electric socket or via a home or public fast charger. Owing to the small battery size, this will prove adequate for most owners, however, those motorists requiring frequent public fast charging might prefer a model capable of DC fast charging. An interesting new development, mainly in China, has been the emergence of longer-range PHEVs with larger batteries. These can extend the EV-only range to around 200 km, reducing the necessity for frequent charging. Overall driving ranges are also increased to 1 000 km or more. Incorporating the electric motor also provides a significant performance boost, but where this is not required, the ICE is downsized for further improved fuel efficiency. Typically, the electric motor is fitted between the ICE and transmission, coupled via an automated clutch, allowing series-parallel hybrid operation. However, the electric motor is sometimes mounted on the undriven axle, providing AWD capability as an added benefit. Technically, these PHEV drivetrains are relatively straightforward, and the challenge is ensuring smooth driveability through seamless transition between the two power sources at all speeds, throttle openings, and load conditions. Related: 2025 Toyota GR Yaris Pricing Unearthed In an interesting development, BYD has become the tenth manufacturer to enter the SA PHEV market with the launch of its Shark 4×4 Double Cab. It features a 1.5T ICE primarily used to charge the 29.6 kWh battery powering front and rear electric motors, but also capable of driving the front wheels directly at higher speeds. Expected combined outputs of 320 kW and 650 N.m will make it SA's most powerful bakkie, with an impressive range of 840 km. In addition to these mainstream PHEVs, the technology is increasingly being used in supercars, covered in detail in the December 2024 issue. The focus in these applications is purely on maintaining performance when using a smaller ICE, the motor providing additional power and torque. In some cases, additional electric motor(s) are incorporated on the front axle, providing 4WD and torque vectoring to improve traction and handling. A reduction in emissions and the ability to cover short distances in EV mode are added benefits. A recent trend has been renewed interest in Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREV), as initially seen in BMW's i3 REx model which used a 650 cc motorcycle engine to power a generator, charge the battery, and extend vehicle range. While technically series hybrid PHEVs, they differ from ICE-derived PHEVs in that they are derived from BEVs, with an ICE only working to charge the battery and not drive the wheels directly. Initial interest is coming from US full-size pick-up and SUV manufacturers, where BEVs, despite 130 kWh batteries weighing 800 kg or more, do not provide sufficient range, particularly when towing. RAM has already announced the 1500 Ramcharger, which utilises a relatively small 92 kWh battery to power its front and rear 250 kW electric motors. EV-only range is 225 km but with additional charging provided by the familiar Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 this increases to 1 100 km. Hyundai also recently confirmed an EREV version of its Ioniq 9 BEV; a large SUV due in select markets next year, describing the technology as a bridge between ICE and EV. Other than being built on EV platforms, where production volumes are possibly falling short of original forecasts, costs are contained by fitting a smaller battery to offset the cost of the ICE generator. As it doesn't drive the vehicle directly, the ICE can also be managed to run at its most efficient engine speed, or linked to vehicle speed, making it sound and feel 'normal' to the driver. The upturn in worldwide PHEV sales combined with the increase in models offered, and new developments such as long-range PHEVs and EREVs, confirm their growing appeal to consumers. Pricing is slightly lower than BEVs, smaller batteries offsetting the additional ICE cost, but the real benefit is useable EV driving without range anxiety. With BEV prices slowly falling and ranges expanding, their appeal may be relatively short-lived in markets where BEVs are already well established. However, in markets with large travelling distances and less-developed charging infrastructure, PHEVs could provide an extended transition from ICE vehicles to BEVs. Find the full feature in the May 2025 issue of CAR Magazine. Browse thousands of new and used cars here with CARmag. The post PHEVs Have Proven a Worldwide Mobility Solution Instead of an Interim Technology appeared first on CAR Magazine.
India Today
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
New Range Rover Evoque Autobiography launched at Rs 69.50 lakh
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has launched the new the Range Rover Evoque Autobiography today, priced at Rs 69.50 lakh (ex-showroom).PowertrainThe Range Rover Evoque Autobiography comes in two mild-hybrid variants, the P250 petrol producing 247bhp and 365Nm of torque and D200 diesel generating 201bhp and 430Nm of torque. Both engines feature Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology for improved efficiency and smoother designThe Evoque Autobiography boasts a bold, sophisticated exterior with exclusive features like a sliding panoramic roof, Pixel LED headlights with signature DRLs, and 19-inch alloy wheels with Burnished Copper accents. The contrast Black or Corinthian Bronze roof adds a dynamic touch, while the powered tailgate enhances convenience. These design elements reinforce the SUV's premium appeal while maintaining Range Rover's iconic Inside, the cabin comes with full extended leather upholstery and Suedecloth headlining. Comfort is prioritised with heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and 14-way electrically adjustable front seats. The Shadow Grey Ash veneer, configurable ambient lighting, and two-zone climate control further elevate the driving experience. A ClearSight rear-view mirror ensures optimal visibility in all Evoque Autobiography comes equipped with 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system with connected car tech and a Meridian Surround Sound System for immersive audio. Practical touches include wireless charging and an interactive driver new Range Rover Evoque Autobiography is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including an intrusion sensor, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), locking wheel nuts, cruise control with a speed limiter, Driver Condition Monitor, and front and rear parking Amba, Managing Director of JLR India, said, "The New Range Rover Evoque Autobiography is more than just a vehicle; it's a sanctuary on wheels. With seamless connectivity, a serene cabin environment, and exceptional craftsmanship, it redefines what our discerning customers can expect from a compact luxury SUV.'The new Evoque Autobiography is now available for booking across dealerships in to Auto Today Magazine
