Car news

Seventh gen Mustang launched

FORD HAS REVEALED THE ALL-NEW MUSTANG WHICH FEATURES A RE-DESIGNED DIGITAL COCKPIT, A NEW V8 ENGINE AND REFRESHED STYLING.

“Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal combustion vehicles,” said Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley. “Ford, however, is turbocharging its ICE growth plan, adding connected technology, opinionated derivatives, and hybrid options to our most profitable and popular cars — all in the Ford Blue family — on top of investing $50 billion in electric vehicles through 2026.”

Ford has sold more than 10-million-plus cars with a Mustang badge in 58 years of continuous production. Since the last all-new Mustang was introduced in 2014, Mustang has been the world’s best-selling sports coupe every year since. Mustang chief nameplate engineer Ed Krenz said the new car was the most athletic and confidenceinspiring Mustang to drive yet, having upgraded hardware, software and tuning — plus a new Gen IV 5.0-litre V8 engine.

“Whether driving an automatic or manual transmission, thanks to Drive Modes combined with fine-tuned digital engine, suspension and steering controls, we’re now able to give drivers peak performance everywhere, from their favourite roads to their local track.”

Up to six interactive and customisable drive modes optimise performance capabilities across a variety of driving conditions: Normal, Sport, Slippery, Drag, Track 2 and a customisable setting with multiple available profiles, tailored to individual driver preferences.

A new instrument panel can be customised to display different designs as can the new drive mode-dependent display clusters.

“We’re taking advantage of every pixel,” said Craig Sandvig, Ford Mustang interaction design manager. “We can be creative in showing necessary driving information and give the driver control of selecting colours, classic Mustang gauges or even a ‘calm’ screen where only minimal details are displayed.”

This digital instrument cluster flows seamlessly into a 13.2-inch Sync 4 centre stack behind the same piece of integrated glass, angled towards the driver.

Most noticeable is the removal of Mustang’s traditional double-brow upper dashboard, making way for a flowing, glass-clad open centre stack, packed with technology.

Ford says the seventh-generation Mustang has the most technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit of any Mustang to date.

“We knew what customers wanted and designed the most digital Mustang ever while retaining the all-important driver-focused cockpit,” said Ricardo Garcia, Ford interior design manager. “Removing some of these physical buttons, such as radio and climate control, and integrating them into a digital display was popular in research with Millennials, Gen-Z and traditional Mustang drivers alike.”

Driving responsiveness has been enhanced by reduced compliance from steering wheel to tyre, while a quicker steering ratio enhances the new car’s cornering dynamics.

The GT comes with a choice of Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. A standard Performance Pack includes 19-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip differential, 19inch Brembo brakes and an ‘Active Valve Exhaust’ that delivers adjustable engine sounds to suit the driving scenario. Optional MagneRide active suspension monitors conditions one thousand times per second and uses an electronically-controlled fluid to match damping resistance to the road conditions.

Behind the wheel, overhead USB ports installed above the cockpit are conveniently placed for track camera devices, preventing wires from draping across the cabin.

Outside, the low, horizontal brow across the front of the signature three-section bonnet aligns with new LED headlamps, reflecting the original 1960s design and is optimised for pedestrian protection. Its shortened rear overhang also recalls the first-generation, while the widened rear haunches point to the power over the wheels in later Mustang fashion.

For the first time, each model in the all-new Mustang line-up carries its own unique front end, allowing customers to choose the look that best suits their own personalities.

Under the bonnet a new engine cover, black tower-to-tower strut brace, redesigned badging and neater wire, fuel, and brake line routings all contribute towards an improved aesthetic around

the heart of the Mustang. Animated welcome lighting and Mustang-unique welcome screens also greet the customer on approach to the vehicle.

The all-new Mustang launches with 12 colour options including three new shades: Eye-catching Blue Ember, Vapor Blue and Yellow Splash. Customers can also choose from black or red Brembo brake calliper colour options, all featuring the Mustang logo, plus a choice of two new 19-inch alloy wheel designs.

The seventh-generation coupe and convertible come equipped with next-generation Ford driver assistance features including speed sign recognition, intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, lane centering assist, evasive steer assist and reverse brake assist. Another key feature is active pothole mitigation, which continually monitors suspension, body, steering and braking input and adjusts suspension response accordingly. Stolen Vehicle Services — a Fordpass function providing 24-hour support in the event of theft — is also new to this Mustang.

Debuting alongside the new Mustang GT is the Mustang Dark Horse, the foundation for the brand’s motorsport efforts, which delivers the most track-

focussed precision of any Mustang to date.

It features a higher output version of the all-new Gen IV V8 engine with new camshafts and unique Mustang Dark Horse tuning, with a dual throttlebody intake design. The Dark Horse comes standard with a unique six-speed Tremec manual transmission with 3D-printed titanium shift ball or Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

The Mustang Dark Horse also comes with an auxiliary engine oil cooler, a transmission oil cooler on the auto, a lighter radiator with greater heat soak rejection, plus more powerful cooling fans, and a rear axle cooler and a Torsen limited-slip differential.

It has unique chassis tuning, larger rear antiroll bars and heavy-duty front dampers, 19-inch Brembo front fixed-piston brakes with larger rotors, strut tower brace, rear K-brace, staggered fitting wheels (19 x 9-inch front and 19 x 9.5-inch rear wheels), plus Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires. MagneRide active suspension comes as standard for optimised performance in road and track conditions.

An electronic drift brake brings new technology to the racetrack, unlocking the rear-wheel drive drifting capability of Mustang with the visual appeal and functionality of a traditional, mechanical handbrake. The Performance Electronic Parking Brake is engineered for both novice drivers to learn and improve their drift skills and providing expert drivers with a competition-ready system.

The introduction of Mustang Dark Horse sets the foundation for Mustangs that will compete globally in a variety of series, including GT3, GT4 and NASCAR.

Moke makes a comeback

WHAT USED TO BE THE MINI MOKE, A DERIVATION OF THE ORIGINAL MINI, HAS BEEN BORN AGAIN AS THE ALL-ELECTRIC MOKE.

Moke International, a company registered in England, acquired the marque from Casti S.p.A. The Moke is an electric-powered, re-engineered version of the iconic Mini Moke that became the darling of the denizens of the French Riviera and the Caribbean. It was driven by The Beatles, Bridget Bardot, and James Bond. Moke International updated the Mini Moke by integrating up-to-date driving technologies, including electric power, building them at its 500,000 sq ft factory in Northamptonshire, England.

Moke says it is the first ‘heritage’ brand to go fully electric. While still gearing up to deliver vehicles, Moke has announced an agreement to sell up to 100 per cent of its shareholdings to EV Technology Group (EVTG).

Moke says it will benefit from EVTG’s engineering and design expertise, priming it to expand into global markets.

In a cash and stock transaction valued at $55.1 million, EVTG will own approximately 65 per cent of Moke International with an option to acquire up to 100 per cent of the remaining shares. EVTG was established last year and the deal represents EVTG’s first full purchase of a well-known automotive brand in line with its strategy of reinventing brands through electrification.

Wouter Witvoet, CEO of EV Technology Group, said: “This exciting investment is extremely close to my heart. I first became interested in Moke International when I tried to rent a Moke in the South of France. I quickly discovered the joy of driving this vehicle in beautiful locales — but also the commercial opportunity to reimagine Moke as a global brand.”

Money for old rope

NEUE KLASSE BMWS DUE TO BE LAUNCHED FROM 2025 ONWARDS WILL FEATURE TRIM PARTS MADE FROM AROUND 30 PER CENT RECYCLED FISHING NETS AND ROPES. THIS RAW MATERIAL IS PROACTIVELY SOURCED AT PORTS ALL AROUND THE WORLD TO HELP AVOID IT BEING DISCARDED IN THE SEA.

In an exclusive recycling process, waste material from the maritime industry is used to produce trim parts suitable for the exterior and interior of future vehicles. The resulting components have an approximately 25 per cent lower carbon footprint than their counterparts made from conventionally manufactured plastics.

Recycled nylon waste already forms the basis for a synthetic yarn used in floor mats in the BMW iX and the new BMW X1. This material, known as Econyl, is also made from discarded fishing nets as well as residual waste from plastics production.

Now, in cooperation with Danish company Plastix, the BMW group is taking the recycling of maritime plastic waste a step further, moving on from producing fibres to the injection moulding process for the first time. After separation, fishing nets and ropes are turned into plastic granules that can include up to 30 per cent maritime plastic waste.

The injection moulding process produces trim parts that will be used in both non-visible and visible areas of the exterior and interior of the Neue Klasse models from 2025. The BMW Group intends to increase the proportion of secondary materials used in its new vehicle thermoplastics from around 20 per cent to an average of 40 per cent by 2030.

Making floor mats from a ‘mono-material’ also avoids mixing materials which makes them harder to recycle. As a result, the BMW Group saves around 23,000 tonnes of CO2 and an additional 1600 tonnes of waste every year, as the recycled floor mats and waste material can be reused within the production process.

BMW and Mini models to get vegan interiors

THE BMW GROUP PLANS TO LAUNCH ITS FIRST VEHICLES FEATURING COMPLETELY VEGAN INTERIORS IN 2023. THIS IS MADE POSSIBLE PRIMARILY THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE MATERIALS WITH LEATHER-LIKE PROPERTIES.

While leather-like materials have been available before, they didn’t meet BMW’s expectations for feel, premium appearance and wear resistance, especially in steering wheel cover materials. BMW expects the demand for vegan and leather-free interiors to increase in the US, China and Europe.

The reduction of CO2 emissions over the entire life cycle of a vehicle is another key goal and replacing raw materials of animal origin makes a significant contribution to increasing sustainability in vehicle production. The introduction of a new steering wheel material will reduce raw materials of animal origin to less than one per cent in the respective BMW and MINI vehicles, mainly waxy substances such as gelatine in protective coatings, lanolin in paints, tallow as an additive in elastomers and beeswax as a flux for paints.

The new steering wheel surface material reduces CO2 emissions along the value chain by around 85 per cent compared to leather. Around 80 per cent of those emissions were in the form of methane gas from cattle rearing; the remaining 20 per cent is used in energy and sweater intensive processing of the cowhide.

As well as replacing raw materials of animal origin with bio-based or vegan materials, using these alternatives also results in a significant reduction in CO2.

The BMW Group is also working with startup companies to develop other innovative bio-based materials. Deserttex, for example, is made from pulverised cactus fibres with a bio-based polyurethane matrix. Another new fabric, Miriam, which has the potential to mimic all the properties of traditional leather, is 100 per cent bio-based and petroleum-free. Compared to the synthetic leathers previously used, these result in around 45 per cent lower CO2 emissions.

Dampers get smarter still

The Ferrari Active Suspension Technology (F.A.S.T.) just introduced on the Ferrari Purosangue is enabled by a new world first damper design.

Multimatic’s ‘TrueActive’ spool valve (TASV) damper is the first to integrate an electric motor directly coupled to the damper rod which enables driver inputs to supplement passive suspension spring and spool valve damping forces.

This parallel force actuation is capable of moving the vehicle body and suspension independent of road inputs.

Multimatic says TASV Dampers maximise the cornering performance, stability and ride control envelope by truly controlling the suspension proactively by taking account of driver inputs, instead of solely reacting to vehicle motions or road inputs like conventional or previous adaptive damper systems.

The Multimatic TrueActive Spool Valve (TASV) damper system is debuting on the Ferrari Purosangue, which Ferrari is branding as ‘Ferrari Active Suspension Technology (F.A.S.T.) system enabled by Multimatic TASV technology’.

All passive and adaptive dampers are reactive elements, designed to absorb energy imparted by the road surface and g-forces resulting from driver inputs. They reactively control suspension movements and tyre forces. The Multimatic TASV Damper technology has redefined the role of dampers, transforming the suspension into an active system capable of exerting enough force to move the entire vehicle body in anticipation of a road disturbance or driving manoeuvre to achieve optimal handling performance and ride comfort in all conditions.

This also eliminates the need for any anti-roll devices and additional mechanisms for dynamic ride height and rate adjustment. It can also control vehicle wheel motions with more authority and at higher frequencies than current adaptive or semiactive suspension systems.

TASV Dampers use a unique liquid cooled 48V three-phase brushless electric motor to deliver supplemental force through a bespoke twin-lead ball screw and gearbox assembly into the damper shaft. The system is designed to minimise package space, weight, and rotational inertia.

“This technology makes it possible to continuously control the vehicle body to achieve targeted vertical, roll and pitch dynamics at any speed,” said Michael Guttilla, Multimatic vice president of engineering. “For example, the system can actively lower the vehicle’s centre of gravity and control pitch and roll stiffness under acceleration, braking and cornering to maximise traction and dynamically optimise under/oversteer handling balance. It can also optimise tire contact with the road as the vehicle drives over rough surfaces, delivering exceptional ride quality and stability.”

Grid overload? EVs to the rescue

A COMMON COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST EVS IS THAT THE ELECTRICITY NETWORK WON’T BE ABLE TO COPE. A UK STUDY SHOWS HOW THEY CAN ACTUALLY BENEFIT THE GRID, AND CUT POWER COSTS.

The increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs) is putting more pressure on electricity networks, but a trial set up in Milton Keynes in England has found that this stress can be alleviated by the use of new charging technologies. What’s more, drivers using vehicle to grid chargers may be able to reduce their charging costs — in some cases to zero.

The findings are from the Domestic Energy Balancing EV Charging project, delivered by CrowdCharge on behalf of Milton Keynes Council.

Vehicle to grid (V2G) chargers channel energy between the grid and the user’s home and vehicle, and back again — importing and exporting energy based on the demands of the energy network. This means that vehicles can be charged when prices are low and they can send power back to the grid when demand is high, while keeping enough for the needs of the driver.

Electric vehicle drivers in Milton Keynes trialled smart chargers and V2G chargers over the period of a year. The project also involved households that had solar PV panels installed.

The trial showed that the combination of different technologies has the potential for EVs to reduce the load on the electricity grid when used in conjunction with a smart charger and battery energy management platform.

The project also showed the potential for the technology to save EV owners money on energy costs. By the end of the trial, charge cycles for some participants were at least 40 per cent cheaper than unmanaged charging.

Also, participants with V2G chargers were sometimes able to reduce their charging costs to zero by charging at cheap times and then using the car’s charge to power their homes at expensive times. In total, participants saved a combined £2242 (NZ$4317) during the trial — an average of £15 (NZ$29) per user per month.

Participants were able to regularly reduce the carbon emissions of their charging by at least 25 per cent. Those with V2G technology were sometimes able to charge with zero emissions during periods when they could use 100 per cent renewable energy, and discharge at periods of high carbon intensity.

The traditional evening peak of demand therefore disappeared for these V2G users as they were running their homes from their cars during this peak time, therefore reducing the strain on the grid.

Mike Potter, CEO of CrowdCharge, adds: “We’ve shown that different technologies can help prevent local electricity networks being overloaded, but the key is the intelligent management of such technologies. Successfully integrating these systems can mean that electric vehicle drivers can benefit from greener energy as well as energy cost savings.”