• Tesla has revealed the New Tesla Model 3. 

    With an exterior facelift and additional range, Tesla says the new model “brings more refinement, comfort and premiumness - inside and out - while staying true to its sleek, uncluttered design aesthetic.”

    Although the New Model 3 uses the same battery as the previous models, a lower drag coefficient has boosted the range – The RWD version can now do up to 319 miles (up from 305 miles) and the Long Range version now offering up to 391 miles (up from 374 miles). Figures from the Performance model are yet to be revealed.

    New interior materials and a new steering wheel are accompanied by new acoustic glass and quitter tyres, as well as other sound-deadening measures to improve on interior comfort.

    The New Tesla Model 3 is will go on sale in early 2024 with prices yet to be revealed.

     
  • MINI have unveiled the New MINI Cooper Electric at the IAAA International Motor Show in Munich this week.

    “With its electric drive and purist design, the new MINI Cooper is a perfect fit for an urban lifestyle. In the fifth generation of the MINI Cooper, we combine the traditional MINI DNA with innovative, future-oriented technology while enabling locally emission-free driving fun that is typical of MINI,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI.

    “Inspired by our history, we have developed our own new design language, defining our DNA. We call it ‘Charismatic Simplicity’. The idea behind it is a design that gives each new MINI model a strong, individual character and is characterized by a clear, reduced design language intuitively focused on the essentials of the brand.” says Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design.

    With a completely new powertrain, the new MINI Cooper Electric is available in two variants: E and SE. The Cooper E hosts a high-voltage battery with 40.7 kWh of capacity which provides up to 190 miles of electric range according to the WLTP test cycle. A 135 kW/184 hp electric motor generates a torque of 290 Nm and accelerates the vehicle from 0 to 62mph in 7.3 seconds.

    With an output of 160 kW/218 hp, the Cooper SE sprints from 0 to 62mph in 6.7 seconds with a maximum torque of 330 Nm, with the calculated range increasing to a maximum of 250 miles thanks to a battery capacity of 54.2 kWh.

    Three trim levels are available alongside these two output levels in the UK – Classic, Exclusive and Sport – the new MINI Cooper Electric is priced from £30,000 OTR, with first customer deliveries taking place in spring 2024.

     
  • Mini also unveiled the new MINI Countryman, which is offered for the first time with a choice of fully electric or combustion powertrains.

    Now in its third generation, the largest member of the MINI family has grown in stature, gaining six centimetres in height and 13 centimetres in length. The first all-electric MINI Countryman marks a pivotal step on MINI’s journey towards becoming an all-electric brand.

    “With the all-electric MINI Countryman, the largest model in the new MINI vehicle family takes the brand into an era of locally emission-free electric mobility. The first MINI to be manufactured in Germany also offers the highest possible level of environmental compatibility in production. Its versatility and powerful electric drive make it the perfect companion in the city as well as for adventures beyond,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI.

    The first all-electric MINI Countryman features a completely new powertrain and is available in two variants: Countryman E and Countryman SE ALL4 with an increased power output, two electric motors and all-wheel drive.

    The Countryman E hosts a high-voltage battery with 64.7 kWh capacity, which provides up to 287 miles of electric range according to the WLTP test cycle. A 150 kW/204 hp electric motor generates a torque of 250 Nm, propelling the vehicle from 0 - 62mph in 8.6 seconds, continuing to a top speed of 105mph.

    The new MINI Countryman is also available with innovative and efficient petrol engines, offered as Countryman C with front-wheel drive, Countryman S ALL4 and an increased output JCW model with all-wheel drive.

    Customers in the UK have the choice of three trims: Classic, Exclusive and Sport. The new MINI Countryman is priced from £28,500 RRP, with first deliveries taking place in February 2024.