Latest news with #electricpowertrain
Auto Express
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
BMW i4 gets improved efficiency, plus new top-spec M60 trim
BMW has announced a series of updates for its i4 EV, bringing better efficiency and therefore improved range for the standard eDrive35 and 40 models, plus a higher-performing M60 version at the top of the range. Changes to the standard models introduce new silicon carbide semiconductor components in the electric powertrain. These reduce energy consumption by 4.5 per cent, which – on paper at least – increases the range by up to 13 miles depending on the specification, bringing a figure of up to 380 miles for the eDrive40 and 319 miles for the eDrive35. At the other end of the i4 line-up, the new M60 model boasts a fresh electric powertrain that produces 592bhp, an increase of 55bhp over the previous M50. Not only is this model significantly more powerful than a current BMW M4 Competition, it has as much power as the previous-generation M5. Advertisement - Article continues below BMW quotes a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds for the M60, 0.2 seconds faster than the M50, while the new edition shares the old model's top speed of 139mph. There's also some changes to the battery pack, which is now rated at 81.1kWh net. This lifts the range to 338 miles with the smallest wheels fitted. However, if this model follows our experience with the previous-generation car, this number can dive rather quickly if you take advantage of the i4's considerable performance. There's also been a number of other updates across the entire BMW line-up, including the ability to use your phone as a digital key on most new models. The BMW Operating System 9 has also been comprehensively updated, introducing a more effective voice assistant. Want the latest car news in your inbox? Sign up to the free Auto Express email newsletter... Find a car with the experts It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA Mike Rutherford thinks Jaguar's 'Reimagine' strategy will result in the company exploring further opportunities in the USA Slow death of the manual car revealed in exclusive new data Slow death of the manual car revealed in exclusive new data There are now very few manual cars available to buy, a trend that's been exacerbated by the rise of EVs Car Deal of the Day: Nissan's X-Trail is a do-it-all seven-seat hybrid SUV for only £235 a month Car Deal of the Day: Nissan's X-Trail is a do-it-all seven-seat hybrid SUV for only £235 a month If the Qashqai is too small for you, then the larger X-Trail is a fine alternative. It's our Deal of the Day for 25 May
Forbes
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Test-Driving The Everrati Porsche 911 – Is This The Californian Dream?
From the outside, you wouldn't know this 911 doesn't have an engine There's a quiet and, some might argue, blasphemous revolution happening. Right before our eyes, beloved classic cars like the Porsche 911 are being reimagined with electric powertrains. We've seen this with numerous restomods where classic vehicles are restored and modernized with new tech but Everrati is resolute it's not a restomodder. Unlike others that build new or keep the body and move it onto a skateboard chassis to make EV conversions easier, Everrati has developed its equipment to suit the original bones. This cleverly means the car can retain its classic status while gaining a new lease of life as an electric runaround. When we look at modern electric passenger cars, despite their perceived value for money, they're often dull and uninspiring. Most lack any form of personality which is why the market is crying out for genuinely impressive EVs with an encouraging amount of character. If you can detach yourself from the idea of a Porsche 911 without an engine for long enough, you might be pleasantly surprised. Everrati prides itself on keeping the originality of the vehicle Everrati's 911 feels strangely familiar once you curb the instinct to reach for the gearstick to change gear. Remarkably, none of the Porsche's sports car prowess is lost in the conversion. The steering is still appropriately weighted and eager to communicate the road surface through the wheel. Braking feels solid and there's no doubt the car will respond in the way you're hoping it will. It doesn't take long before you start to forget the fact the car used to be accompanied by a burbling soundtrack. The electric underpinnings matched with the 911's sporty suspension and iconic design make it a match made in car heaven for Californian road trips in the summertime. With the new powertrain it's capable of the 0 to 60 mph sprint in under four seconds. Since battery space is restricted to keep everything within the original design, the 62kWh battery offers a limited range of around 200 miles. Power is rated at 500 bhp and 500 Nm of torque, a significant jump compared to an original gas-powered 911. The interior is tastefully refreshed with splashes of modern tech Owners are free to keep the interior as original or modern as they prefer. The example I drove was sympathetically modernised with small digital screens to deliver information. Beautifully integrated into the dash, Everrati has recreated original-style dials tailored to the EV-related details. Since the 911 retains much of its classic styling, the small modernisations don't feel like and intrusion but instead enhance its usability as an every day car. The upgrade includes navigation, DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay. The heating and air conditioning system is also given an overhaul to make it more enjoyable to drive in hot summers and cold winters. The 911 is an iconic car that can now live on in an environmentally-friendly way. Since every project is unique, it's hard to offer price guidance on Everrati's Porsche 911. To begin with, the cost of the project will vary depending on whether you presently own a 911 donor car. Aside from the EV conversion, Everrati also offers a range of customisation options from interior fit outs to new tech and paintwork. With an unlimited budget, the only constraint is your imagination. The Everrati Porsche 911 is offered alongside the brand's other solutions for Series 1 and 2 Land Rovers, the Mercedes-Benz SL and Ford GT40. As the battery architecture is designed specially around the vehicle's existing chassis, Everrati has created the right package for a limited number of iconic models.
