2019 has been the year filled with surprises and several high tech innovations; ranging from performance cars, SUV’s, Supercars, Hybrids, Electric vehicles and much more. This year several brands part took into transitioning over from conventional gasoline powered engines to the Electric Vehicle (EV) segment, giving us a glimpse what future looks like. With several players in the market, technology is improving by the hour and automotive brands are doing their best to stay on top.
2021 Tesla Cybertruck
Elon Musk, Tesla Motors CEO, performed an opening with the grand introduction of Tesla’s new pickup called Cybertruck this year at the LA Auto Show. This inauguration caught the interest of the electric vehicle enthusiasts since it was the first unconventional looking truck introduced by Tesla. While the windows were smashed during the launch event, Tesla insist calling this an armored vehicle, as per them it is currently the most advanced utility vehicles ever built. Upon launch of the Cybertruck, the audience has been split with two reactions, either an “Eww” or a “Wow.” The response is justified since the vehicle resembles a Lego car, but at the end of the day, the vehicle leaves zero carbon print and has the state of the art technology within it. Not much has been revealed about this geometry shaped vehicle. In fact, it does not even have a headlamp, instead they are replaced with LED lights. The front does not even feature a grille as the other models, keeping it simple. This vehicle operating on a single motor can achieve 400 km of range with a fully charged battery. The Cybertruck is not your casual SUV; it weighs about 3,500 pounds and has a towing capacity of 7,500-pounds. The dual-motor option pushes those limits by going 0 to 100 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds. The starting price of a single-engine will cost AED 146,553, and the double engine will cost AED 183,284.2021 FORD MUSTANG MACH-E
Ford Mustang has decided to take a big leap by jumping into the electric vehicle segment, acknowledging that the market is headed towards the electrical sector. Launched at Detroit Auto Show, Ford wanted to tame the pony by manufacturing the Mach-E. Ford not only need to lives up to its name but also maintain its reputation in the market as well. This is the first electric vehicle introduced by Ford; hence it is running with high expectations. The specs of this vehicle are going make it less expensive as compared to the conventional Mustang. The engine powering through a rear-wheel-drive setting, the vehicle has a charge of 75.5-kilowatt per hour battery that can cover a distance of 370 km on a single charge. This car would be competing with the Tesla Y model. A much powerful option is also available, which has a charge of 98.8-kWh battery that can drive up to a 480 km range. The power produced by this pony is immense, 459 horsepower with 612 pound-feet of torque. The Mach-E will officially be launched in 2020 with a price tag of AED 161,613 although since it has several options, it can reach AED 222,000. The Mach-E has a feature that allows owners to connect their Bluetooth smartphone to unlock their vehicle, start it, and drive it. Furthermore, all this is done without using a key. Add in wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and you have full access to the Mach-E and smartphone connectivity without ever needing actually to touch your phone.2020 AUDI e-TRON SPORTBACK
Audi e-Tron SUV, which had a successful launch at the start of this year, decided to come back with e-Tron Sportback edition. This new electronic vehicle was launched at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This edition’s shape is more aerodynamic, providing an overall range of 445 km. The vehicle has two electric motors that deliver a combined output of 402 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The engine is said to push a 0 to 100 km in 5.3 seconds with a top speed to 200 mph. The vehicle can be cranked to a sport mode, which will deliver torque to 489 lb-ft as compared to a 413 lb-ft on the standard model. Audi has decided to replace the old fashion side mirror to the state of the arc by installing high-definition cameras to reduce friction. These cameras will capture a wider angle and present detail information on an OLED screen inside the vehicle to avoid curb collision while parking and much more. Overall, it is an excellent SUV with a price tag of approximately AED 294,000.VW ID. SPACE VIZZION
Volkswagen’s ID. SPACE VIZZION is a wagon version of the all-electric ID. Vizzion and yes, it has a period in the name. The Space Vizzion concept was revealed at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show. Like the original Vizzion, the Space Vizzion Edition is based on a matrix motor called modular electric drive. The design seems like a fusion between a sports car and an SUV. The wagon is said to have an 82-kWh battery pack that will travel an estimated 480 km. This has set an all-time high benchmark for all the electric vehicles to come. The horsepower of this vehicle is equivalent to about 340 horses when configured with its 4Motion all-wheel drivetrain. The Space Vizzion’s exterior has a boat-like design that is wide, which makes the vehicle aerodynamic having just a drag co-efficient of 0.24. The interior of the car has several lighting effects when it’s powered on and off. It has an intricate design along with a 15.6-inch touchscreen that is placed right in the middle of the cockpit. The material used inside this vehicle is made from an eco-friendly material called AppleSkin. The price of the car is not yet revealed, but shall be soon.2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER
Two decades ago, Land Rover had decided to stop the production of the Defender from its sport-utility vehicle lineup, leaving a gap in its lineage. This year at Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2019, Land Rover decided to unveil the all-new 2020 Defender globally. It had also made its first appearance in North American at the Los Angeles Motor Show. Its boxy shape and retro design combined with a sophisticated finish make the Defender look unique. The new Defender has two options: a two-door 90 and a four-door 110. These two models are very different from each other such as the wheelbase and the interiors. But, every model features all-wheel drive and locking differentials for treacherous terrain. It is powered by either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with an eight-speed transmission or a Jaguar Land Rover 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that will use a mild hybrid system to improve fuel efficiency. A hybrid will soon join the lineup among these options. Apart from two options, within these options, the Defender has multiple trims, which include the base, S, SE, and HSE. The most premium option is line X, and limited-run First Edition will also be available. Specific options such as the Adventure pack or the Explorer pack can further customize based on the buyer’s lifestyle. The large four-door 110 will available coming spring, and the two-door 90 will follow later in the summer. Price starts around $51,000.2020 MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS GP
The Mini John Cooper Works GP is the fastest Cooper to date. The two-seater front-wheel-drive based on the Mini three-door is built for the racing enthusiasts. The vehicle is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-boosted engine paired with an eight-speed sports transmission. The car can push a 0 to 100 km in 5.2 seconds with 306 horsepower (an additional 75 horsepower than the standard JCW model). This vehicle can hit a top speed off 265 km/h and 450 Newton-meters of torque. Being a GP vehicle, it features a premium performance braking system; a rigid body structure makes it more aerodynamic; the turbocharged engine is tweaked; free-flowing exhaust and suspension connections are much stiffer. Exterior styling includes a roof spoiler, front and rear aprons, and flared carbon wheel arch covers. The GP model has been limited to a production of 3,000 models.2021 TOYOTA RAV4 PRIME
Toyota redesigned its fifth-generation RAV4 2019 model with an appealing design. The vehicle is not only redesigned its exterior but has the most powerful engine ever made in the RAV4 lineups. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is a compact SUV providing power off 176-horsepower. An Electronic all-wheel-drive system is also available in hybrid version. The powertrain will deliver a combined 302 horsepower( an additional 83 horsepower than the current RAV4 —and travel 62 km on battery power alone). The engine delivers a top speed of 0 to 100 km in 5.8 seconds. Since it has an electronic system, the response to the acceleration is immediate. The available steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters help put this power directly into your hands, delivering even more exhilaration every time you get behind the wheel. The RAV4 Prime will be available in two sporty trims: SE and XSE. They are further amplifying RAV4 Prime’s style color choices available in the two-tone roof and the new-to-model Supersonic Red color. Hence the car will always make a bold statement. The RAV4 Prime will go on sale this summer. Pricing has yet to be announced.2020 LINCOLN CORSAIR GRAND TOURING
The Lincoln Corsair is the smallest hybrid SUV in the luxury brand lineup, the powertrain option that offers a 40 km range on battery alone. The plug-in option is the second to be added to the lineup behind the Aviator Grand Touring. The Corsair uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with two electric motors and an electric all-wheel-drive system that delivers a combined output of 266 horsepower. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) sends power to the ground, and all-wheel drive is standard. There are five standard drive modes on the Grand Touring: Normal, Conserve, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. Two additional modes—Preserve EV and Pure EV—help the driver toggle in and out of battery mode to either re-charge or keep it running on electric power only. If more power is needed, the gas engine kicks in to provide additional power. The Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring will go on sale next summer.2021 ASTON MARTIN DBX
Aston Martin revealed its first SUV, the DBX, after a century of manufacturing performance-oriented sports cars and grand tourers. The DBX will offer buyers a combination of sportscar driving characteristics and off-road capability. The British based company plans to capitalize on the hugely popular crossover market and to compete with legendary brands such as Lamborghini with its wild Urus SUV. It will be powered by a 4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that delivers 542 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The engine will power through a 0 to 100 km time in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 290 km/hr. The powertrain features a cylinder deactivation system that will enhance fuel economy. The all-wheel drivetrain has active central differential and an electronic rear limited-slip differential for extra control in varying conditions. A hybrid model will eventually follow, and an all-electric version is expected much further down the road. The DBX also has flexible cargo space with a capacity of 22.3 cubic feet of trunk space behind the second row. With the rear folded, storage expands to 54 cubic feet. The starting price of this vehicle is approximately AED 694,000.2020 CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY CONVERTIBLE
The hardtop convertible model of the new Chevrolet mid-engine Corvette Stingray upon launch immediately stole the spotlight of the LA Convention Center. It earned itself the 2020 10 best cars award. The eighth-generation Corvette (known as C8) now boasts an engine behind the passenger cabin, just like the best brands out there such as Porsche, Ferrari, and McLaren but at many thousands of dollars less. Its two-piece hardtop can be activated at up to 50 km/hr and retract in as few as 16 seconds thanks to six electric motors. The convertible is powered by a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine that delivers 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission for super-fast shifting and superior power transfer. The top speed of 0 to 100 km was clocked at 2.8 seconds. The starting price of this vehicle is approximately AED 220,000.-
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