BMW - Repair and Service Redwood City - 2023 BMW iX1 spy shots: Redesigned X1 crossover to offer electric option - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

 

 

BMW is developing a redesigned X1 compact crossover and the latest prototype is for a battery-electric version.

BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse confirmed plans for an electric X1 last summer, as well as an electric 5-Series. The electric X1 should be called an iX1, following the naming practice established by the iX3, the electric version of the X3 currently on sale overseas.

 We know the prototype is for an electric vehicle because of the “Electric Test Vehicle” stickers it wears. This is a requirement for EV prototypes testing in Europe, where this prototype was spotted. We can also see that the grille is sealed off for improved aerodynamic efficiency, and there is an obvious lack of exhaust tips at the rear.

The platform of the redesigned X1 is BMW Group's latest front-wheel-drive architecture designed for compact cars, known as FAAR. The platform made its debut in 2019 in a redesigned 1-Series hatchback sold overseas and has since appeared in the 2-Series Gran Coupe we receive here.

2023 BMW iX1 spy shots - Photo credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

 

The FAAR platform is an update of the UKL platform underpinning the current X1. The biggest change is the option for battery-electric powertrains.

It isn't clear what powertrains BMW has in store for the iX1. It's likely there will be a base option with a single electric motor and a more potent option with two motors forming an all-wheel-drive system. Expect a range of at least 250 miles for all variants.

BMW's redesigned X1 is expected to go on sale in 2022 as a 2023 model. The iX1 should arrive about the same time.

It's one of 13 electric vehicles the BMW Group will have in its lineup by the end of 2023. Others include the Mini Cooper SE, the aforementioned iX3, and the new i4 and iX that are being launched for the 2022 model year. Yet more in the works include electric versions of the 3-Series, 5-Series and 7-Series. An electric 1-Series is also rumored.

 

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1131244_2023-bmw-ix1-spy-shots

 

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com

 

 

Range Rover - Repair and Service Redwood City - Lunaz returns with EV conversion for first-gen Range Rover - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

 

 

A number of companies have started offering restored versions of the original Land Rover Range Rover, including Land Rover itself. The latest comes from a company called Lunaz, albeit with a twist.

Based in Silverstone, United Kingdom, Lunaz specializes in converting classic British cars to run on battery-electric power. In its portfolio already are the 1953 Jaguar XK120, 1961 Bentley S3 Continental Flying Spur, and 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom and Silver Cloud. Now we can add the original Range Rover to the list.

The original Range Rover, often referred to as a Range Rover Classic, was built from 1969 right up until the mid-1990s. For its EV conversion, Lunaz starts with an exhaustive inspection that includes weighing each corner of the vehicle to understand the original weight distribution right down to the gram. This information is then used to determine powertrain packaging and chassis setup so that the EV conversion is as dynamically similar to the original as possible.

Lunaz hasn't revealed any specifics on the powertrain it uses, but we can imagine the Range Rover's boxy shape won't be good for range.

Land Rover Range Rover Classic EV conversion by Lunaz

 

Beyond the mechanical bits, Lunaz also fully restores the Range Rover and adds modern niceties like GPS, WiFi, and climate control. All the new features are integrated with the original interior details to keep things looking original.

Buyers will be able to choose between Town and Country specifications. For the Town specification, the focus is more on increased comfort, especially for rear-seat occupants. The Country specification is for those owners who enjoy heading off-road. In this case, the vehicle is equipped with four-wheel drive and modern suspension.

Lunaz is also offering an open-top body style just like the Range Rover that featured in 1983 James Bond film “Octopussy.” At least one customer in Europe has already ordered this option.

Pricing for the electric Range Rover from Lunaz starts at 245,000 British pounds (approximately $329,000). While that's certainly steep for an old Range Rover, even one running on electricity, Lunaz has a long list of customers lined up. The company said the initial run is for 50 vehicles and the first of these will be delivered next summer. As a result of all the demand, Lunaz needed to double its number of engineers, designers and technicians in 2020 and expects a further doubling in 2021.

 

 source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1130592_lunaz-returns-with-ev-conversion-for-first-gen-range-rover

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com