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What if, to promote its electrification strategy with a top-of-the-range model, Peugeot launched a large 100% electric sedan? This is what the independent designer Carlos Munoz Mardones, based in Milan, Italy, imagined. Transposing certain past and current aesthetic codes of the lion brand, he imagined an heiress of the 607 who would not be called 608 but 605 Presence, because mainly inspired by the road that covered Peugeot’s offer in the 1990s.

The great Peugeot of the future?

The designer took the alignment of the 605’s beltline and lights as a starting point. But the proportions have been revised to stick to the electric motor, with in particular a hood and a short front overhang made possible by the absence of a heat engine at the front.

These elements, combined with steeply sloping windshield pillars and a steep stern highlighted by a diffuser, add dynamism to the vehicle. This aggressiveness is highlighted by the oblique fold that runs through the sidewalls and by the generous diameter of the solid rims. The front is resolutely sporty with small sunken lights on either side of a thin grille and a shield sculpted by multiple air intakes. The design of the roof, trunk and taillights draws its inspiration from the Peugeot e-Legend concept car of 2018. At the same time, we find a kinship with the current 508. The roof is fully glazed, cameras take the place of exterior mirrors, and the windows that act as touch screens are not cut by any door jamb.

Peugeot’s new badge is presented here in a copper tint reminiscent of some of the constructor’s concept cars as well as the metal commonly used to conduct electricity. We find this finish on the interior of the steering wheel, while a black screen goes around the minimalist interior. Some woodwork emphasizes that this is a high-end vehicle.

A realistic mechanical solution

The Peugeot 605 Presence was designed with a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery placed under the floor to power two electric motors, each being placed on an axle to provide the car with all-wheel drive. The backlit charging hatch, on the right front fender, accommodates the control of a personal assistant. The 605 Presence is the pure product of a designer’s imagination, but Carlos Munoz Mardones, who previously presented his vision for a Citroën SM of the future, is currently looking for an internship. Will he catch the attention of the pundits of the Stellantis group? To be continued.

Source : Behance

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What will the next Audi A4 look like? The premium sedan and station wagon segment of the D segment is no longer as buoyant as before, eaten away by the rise of SUVs. However, it is still as competitive as ever, and the renewal of the BMW 3 Series and then Mercedes C-Class has given the A4, launched in 2015, a serious blow of old age. Audi intends to react with a next generation with an assertive design.

The style bet for the Audi A4

The next A4 should focus on an even more aggressive style to stand out. It should take some elements of the latest concept cars from Audi, such as the A6 e-tron, namely: a lowered and widened grille, but also refined front lights and positioned lower than currently. The upper front part could therefore display a smoother appearance, while on the shields and the sides the reliefs should remain numerous. The evolution should be even more important in the cockpit, where many buttons should disappear in favor of more and larger screens, complemented by black lacquered surfaces. Compared to Audi’s released over the past three years, the A4 is already showing its age in terms of interior presentation despite the 2019 restyling.

Forward towards electrification

The range of the future Audi A4 should be largely electrified and count several plug-in hybrid versions. According to some rumors, this would notably be the case with the upcoming RS4. In parallel with these versions – still equipped with a thermal engine and based on an evolution of the MLB architecture of the current model – Audi could offer a 100% electric A4 e-tron based on the PPE platform jointly developed by Audi. and Porsche. This strategy would help Audi to make its transition to a “zero emission” range. The firm intends to market its latest thermal model in 2026 and only offer electric power from 2033. The next Audi A4 is expected in 2023.

TO READ. All new Audi until 2024

Source : motor.es

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Succeeding in 2004 to a somewhat falote A4 B6, the B7 recovers the main technical lines, platform PL46 included. This is not a defect, on the contrary, because running gears, for example, prove to be refined. In fact, there is a double triangulation at the front and superimposed quadrilaterals at the back. But on the B7, everything has been revised and refined, including the look, sharpened by the team of designers led by Walter de Silva, author at Alfa Romeo of the 156.

Above all, the B7 marks the return to the range Audi A4 of the sporty RS4 version, which skipped the B5 generation. If, on the B4, it admitted a twin-turbo V6 under its hood, this time it relies on an atmospheric V8. And not just any. This 4.2 l, derived from the one fitted in the S4 B6, has been completely revised to operate at very high speed, while adopting direct injection. Result, a power of 420 hp at 7,800 rpm, and a red zone pushed back to 8,250 rpm.

It is combined with a 6 manual gearbox, a very rare combo. The whole thing is completed by an all-wheel drive equipped with a Torsen central differential distributing the torque from 430 Nm to 60% on the rear. Of course, the running gear has been adapted: widened tracks (requiring the wings to be inflated), DRC controlled shock absorbers using an X-shaped hydraulic circuit, 19-inch rims, brakes equipped with 8-piston calipers at the front from the Lamborghini Gallardo… Audi didn’t skimp! Presented at the end of 2005, the RS4 is billed at € 76,000 (current € 90,600 according to INSEE), a high price therefore, but which assumes full equipment: dual-zone car air conditioning, sound system, electrically adjustable leather seats, xenon headlamps … In spring 2006, the RS4 was available as an Avant station wagon as well as a convertible, before leaving the scene in early 2008, without modification. 14,351 units of this version of the A4 were manufactured (54% of sedans), a nice score given the short production time!

How much does it cost ?

There are RS4 sedans in good condition from € 18,000. At this price, they have an enormous mileage, well exceeding the 200,000 mark. It is not a problem if the maintenance has been scrupulous. At 200,000 km, the threshold is set at € 20,000, then at € 25,000 if the totalizer is around 150,000 km. At 100,000 km, count rather € 30,000, while for an additional € 8,000, you can access a car of less than 50,000 km. For their part, station wagons require an additional € 3,000, like convertibles.

Which version to choose?

This is a matter of personal preference since the choice is only about the type of bodywork. Obviously, if you are looking for the optimal price / performance ratio, the sedan is essential.

Les versions collector

All, from where they are in perfect condition, a fortiori with low mileage. Nevertheless, representing only 12% of production, the convertible seems more collectable than the others.

What to watch out for?

Mechanically, the RS4 is very solid, provided it has been impeccably maintained. Its weaknesses are superficial: coils failing after 100,000 km, clogging of the valves, or even a clogged oil vapor recycling system, which happens especially when the engine is not used enough. This results in blue smoke from the exhaust, leaving fear of the worst when it is not. A cleaning is enough, which takes a lot of time however. No particular concern either on the gearbox side, while the clutch easily holds up to 130,000 km.

The only really annoying concern is with the shocks which tend to leak. Operating in pairs (the left front is connected to the right rear, the left rear works with the right front) therefore change in pairs, the ideal being to renew all four simultaneously, which amounts to more than 2 000 €. Also pay attention to the condition of the brake discs, given their high price (€ 350 per minimum).

Driving

I’ve never been a fan of the RS4 line, but I have to recognize the elegance and craftsmanship of the dashboard. Nice driving position, very pleasant seat and now good: you can start. The hoarse and refined sound of the V8 gently invades the cockpit, and very quickly, the suspension manifests itself in a certain flexibility benefiting comfort. The steering, a little too light for my taste, however, goes well with the excellent gearbox control. On the road, the damping allows the car to harmonize with the asphalt instead of jerking as the next generation RS4 will do.

The result is a very homogeneous behavior even on very degraded pavement, where, in curves, the front axle proves to be biting. Suddenly, we switch to Sport mode, we attack harder and harder, and we realize that in addition to its excellent braking, not only the RS4 is resistant to understeer, but in addition, the rear is place when desired. Very pleasant … But less than this tudieu of engine! He is the masterpiece of the RS4. Supple and soft at low revs, it pushes very hard in the middle of the tachometer then rushes like a savage screaming at 8,250 rpm from the switch. A delight. This is not paid for by excessive consumption, since it revolves around 12 l / 100 km in quiet use.

L’alternative youngtimer

Audi RS4 B5 (2000-2001)

The 1st RS4, that’s it. Its centerpiece, already, is its engine prepared by Cosworth, then owned by Audi. This 2.7 l V6 has two turbos to develop some 380 hp and 440 Nm. Superb performance! It is expressed through a 6 manual gearbox and an all-wheel drive with a Torsen central differential, all resulting in a 0 to 100 km / h executed in 4.9 s. Smoking! Unfortunately, while it is very efficient, this RS4 does not benefit from a fun road behavior, dominated as it is by understeer. A beautiful machine nonetheless, sold around 200 units in France. From € 27,000.

Audi RS4 B7 (2006), technical sheet

• Engine: 8-cylinder V, 4,163 cc
• Power supply: direct injection
• Suspension: double wishbone, coil springs, piloted damping, anti-roll bar (front); double trapezoids, coil springs, piloted damping, anti-roll bar (AR)
• Transmission: 6 manual gearbox, all-wheel drive
• Power: 420 hp at 7,800 rpm
• Torque: 430 Nm at 5,500 rpm
• Weight: 1645 kg
• Maximum speed: 250 km / h (manufacturer data)
• 0 to 100 km / h: 4.8 seconds (manufacturer data)

> To find Audi RS4 B7 advertisements, go to the website of The Central.

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The Volkswagen Group has never succeeded in breaking into the Indian market, which could well be the “China” of tomorrow. In an attempt to compete with the arch-domineering Asian manufacturers, VAG has decided to send Skoda in the lead. Mlada Boleslav’s brand was quick to launch its first specific products. So, after the small Kushaq crossover, it’s Slavia’s turn to see the light of day. A very European sounding name which will not however see the light of day on the Old Continent, since it will be reserved for India.

Skoda is quick to use the terms “top-of-the-range sedan” and “huge potential” for what at first glance looks like a mini Octavia. But the comparison ends there, since the two do not share the same bottom: the Slavia is built on a basis of MQB-A0 (Scala, VW Polo and T-Cross, Seat Ibiza …).

4.54 meters long (14 cm shorter than an Octavia), the Slavia offers a generous trunk of over 500 liters, LED lights and digital instrumentation. We are therefore far from the stripped-down model for emerging markets, especially since the range of mechanicals consists of the TSI 115 hp and the four-cylinder TSI 150 hp, in manual or DSG gearbox.

Those who could see it as an elegant sedan more accessible than the Octavia will be disappointed: it will not be sold in Western Europe.

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Give a backpacker look to a classic model? The recipe is nothing new. Appearing in the 1990s, the pioneers of the genre are called Audi A6 Allroad, Volvo V70 Cross Country or Subaru Outback. If the Japanese also existed in the form of a four-door, it is with a silhouette of station wagon that these three have imposed themselves. However, Fiat preferred to retain the basis of the five-door sedan for the Cross variant of its compact Tipo, launched during the restyling at the end of 2020. At least initially. In recent days, prototypes of a slightly raised station wagon have indeed been photographed on the road. Everything therefore suggests that the Station Wagon version will soon be able to play the adventurous side in its turn, with commercialization expected in the first half of 2022.

A rival for the Ford Focus Active

The Italian will not however be the only one to offer this double offer in the category. At Ford, the Focus Active, just restyled, also offers these two types of bodywork. But the Tipo Cross SW will have the merit of being more affordable than its rival, failing to offer such a wide range of engines. The look will be very close to our illustration. Compared to the conventional station wagon, black plastic protections should appear at the bottom of the doors and around the wheel arches. The shields will also be redesigned, like those of the Tipo Cross sedan, and the ground clearance will increase by a handful of centimeters.

A question of look above all

It would be better, however, to avoid going too far from the asphalt: unlike the pioneers mentioned above, here, only the front wheels will be driving. The mechanics will also be familiar, with a modest 100hp 1.0 GSE three-cylinder turbo as the sole petrol engine and a single 130hp 1.6 MJT diesel. The Tipo Cross Station Wagon will therefore rely above all on its adventurous look trendy enough to seduce … and to forget an additional cost of a few hundred euros compared to the conventional station wagon. But in the lower category, the Dacia Sandero Stepway has proven that many buyers are willing to make that financial effort if the style appeals to them.

Source : Motor.es

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