Fast Lane: All-electric Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6

PHOTOS: MERCEDES, KIA, DAVID TING

All-electric Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6

Daimler has shown that a luxe barge like the Maybach can be sexy. Its Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 (above), a luxury-class 2+2 coupe concept, is futuristic and retro- looking at the same time.

The car measures 5.7m long and 2.1m wide, and is designed as an electric carriage with an output of 550kW and a range of more than 500km.

Propulsion comes from four compact permanent magnet synchronous motors driving all four wheels. It will demolish the century sprint in under four seconds, but its top speed is electronically limited to 250kmh. The batteries can be charged up for 100km in five minutes. They can be charged wirelessly too.


World's first variable- compression engine

Infiniti, Nissan's luxury brand, will present a variable compression turbocharged (VC-T) four-cylinder engine at the Paris Motor Show on Sept 29.

The world's first production- ready variable compression ratio engine, it is said to be more efficient than a turbodiesel.

The engine, which has taken more than 20 years to develop, is able to vary its compression by raising or lowering its piston reach.

As a consequence, the displacement of the engine changes and the compression ratio can vary anywhere between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency).


Mazda RX-9 by 2020

Mazda is likely to roll out a successor to the RX-8 and RX-7 by 2020. The so-called RX-9 is said to be a 400bhp rotary engine-powered two-seater coupe weighing less than 1,300kg. Design-wise, it is said to look like an edgier version of Mazda's 2015 RX-Vision concept car (above).


New Kia Rio to be unveiled at Paris Motor Show

The new fourth-generation Kia Rio (above) will make its world premiere on Sept 29 at the Paris Motor Show.

The car was styled at Kia's design centres in Germany and California, United States, in collaboration with the company's main design centre in Namyang, South Korea.

Straight lines and smooth surfacing give the car a distinctive new character, while a longer front overhang and bonnet, longer wheelbase, and upright C-pillar give it a confident and balanced appearance.

The car promises lots of practicality and safety, as well as the latest connectivity features.

The Rio is Kia's best-selling global model, with more than 473,000 sold around the world last year. There is, however, still no word on whether the new model will arrive in Singapore.

Christopher Tan

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 27, 2016, with the headline Fast Lane: All-electric Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 . Subscribe