Daily Archives: July 17, 2019
Daimler Plans to Drop the Mercedes-Benz X-Class Pickup from the Production Line
Daimler AG, the parent of Mercedes-Benz , earlier warned investors about a slump in its profits in 2019. As a way to prevent further losses, the company is planning to focus on its key products and drop some of its underperforming models in the market. With the low sales of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class, it has become a target in the automaker’s streamlining efforts.
The future of the X-Class now looks bleak despite the warm welcome it received from critics during its unveiling. Based on a report by Automotive News Europe , the Mercedes pickup truck has been struggling in the market. Only 16,700 units were delivered to customers since its rollout in dealerships. The figures also failed to generate enough income for the luxury brand. As a result, insiders revealed that the production of the model might be halted by its maker soon.
Another key issue in the X-Class is its pricing. The pickup’s starting price is at €37,294, and the V6-equipped variant begins at €48,790. The numbers are way too steep compared to its competitors such as the Volkswagen Amarok, Ford Ranger and even the Nissan Navara, which it shares a platform with.
The X-Class recalls plaguing Mercedes could play a role in the axing of the pickup too. The first was a software problem in the tire monitoring system of the auto. The next involved the braking system of the vehicle.
Although the information is yet to be confirmed, the problems surrounding the Renault Nissan Alliance partnership with Daimler could also be put into the table during the evaluation process. Previously, the same source claimed that Ola Källenius, the new CEO of Daimler, no longer plans to renew the said cooperation. Instead, he plans on focusing on the company’s partnership with rival BMW.
Mercedes was keen on expanding the X-Class range by introducing a V6-powered version of the unit. A V8-engined variant was put into consideration as well. However, with the unfortunate developments surrounding the product, all plans might be scrapped for good.
2020 Lotus Evija to Rival the Fastest Cars in the World
Lotus just gave us a preview of an all-new supercar called the Evija. The Lotus Evija is set to equal, or even surpass, the records of the fastest production cars in the world with its mind-blowing features. We were told that it will have an all-electric powertrain with nearly 2,000 hp.
The released specs of the upcoming Evija are just too good to be true. However, the recent advancements in automotive technology and the feats achieved by its competitors may just turn Lotus’ claims into a reality.
Power
Lotus said that the Evija will be powered by four electric motors distributed to each wheel in an all-wheel-drive system. The total output of the units is targeted to reach 1,973 hp with 1,700 Nm torque.
The setup promises acceleration from 0-62 mph in less than three seconds while a 0-186 mph run can be achieved in under nine seconds. Meanwhile, the top speed of the vehicle is estimated to go over 200 mph. The numbers make the supercar a worthy adversary to the likes of the Koenigsegg Agera RS, Bugatti Chiron, Ferrari SF90, Tesla Model S P100D, and the Porsche 918 Spyder.
The Evija uses a 2,000 kW battery that can be charged using a 350 kW charger in just 18 minutes. That is enough for a 250-mile drive in its fully-charged state.
Design
The Evija follows the sharp design of modern hypercars. It features sculpted side panels, huge air intakes, sharp nose, and large rear wing to enable smooth airflow. The concept car shows a two-tone design with metallic/silver paint finish as well as blacked-out roofing and glass. In addition, it has vertical headlamps and unique trapezoidal taillights.
Upon entering its doors that open upwards, the interior reveals racing-inspired bucket seats, race car steering wheel complete with buttons and switches, digital display on the driver’s direct line of sight, and a central instrument cluster rigged with buttons.
Pricing and Availability
The Lotus Evija’s pricing starts at £1.5 million ($1.86 million). The production of the car will begin in 2020, and only 130 samples of it will be available in the market. Buyers who wish to reserve a production slot will have to shell out a £250,000 ($310,000) refundable deposit.
