Fast Lane: Audi's new EV, Citroen unveils new flagship

Audi is fast growing its electric range, with the unveiling of the Q4 Sportback e-tron. PHOTO: AUDI
Bentley says its latest Continental GT Speed Convertible is the most driver-focused topless car it has made. PHOTO: BENTLEY

Audi launches another electric model

Audi is fast growing its electric range, with the unveiling of the Q4 Sportback e-tron.

With a range of up to 506km, the compact crossover comes with two battery sizes: 52kWh and 77kWh, with 100kW and 125kW charging capacities. Fast charging can restore 128km of range in just 10 minutes.

Power ranges from an entry-level 125kW and mid-range 150kW with single rear-mounted motor, to a 220kW twin-motor all-wheel-drive.

On-board features include augmented reality technology, steering wheel with touch operation, a largest-ever 11.6-inch infotainment screen and Sonos hi-fi system.

Volvo Cars to use chips from gaming giant Nvidia

Starting next year, Volvo Cars will use a new generation of high-powered chips from Nvidia Corp to enable more autonomous driving functions in future vehicles.

Reuters reported that Volvo is among established carmakers that are putting digital processing power ahead of horsepower as they try to catch up with Tesla.

Nvidia, a maker of high-powered chips for gaming and data-processing centres, has benefited from the computing power race.

Chief executive Jensen Huang told investors on Monday (April 12) that the company expects to generate US$8 billion (S$10.7 billion) in revenue over the next six years from sales of its Nvidia Drive automotive systems.

0-100kmh in 3.7 seconds in topless Bentley

Bentley says its latest Continental GT Speed Convertible is the most driver-focused topless car it has made. It boasts an advanced chassis with four new technologies, all-wheel steering and an electronic rear differential.

Stopping power comes from carbon ceramic brakes. Its turbocharged 6 litre W12 engine delivers 650bhp and 900Nm, allowing the car, which wears 22-inch wheels, to hit 100kmh in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 335kmh.

Mid-sized crossover now a Citroen flagship

The car comes with active suspension, a lounge-like cabin with Advanced Comfort seats and a 545-litre boot. PHOTO: CITROËN

Citroen has unveiled its new C5 X flagship, which is available with both plug-in hybrid and petrol powertrains.

The car comes with active suspension, a lounge-like cabin with Advanced Comfort seats and a 545-litre boot.

Measuring 4,805mm long, 1,865mm wide and 1,485mm tall (not tall at all for a crossover), it has an average wheelbase of 2,785mm.

Cullinan can be configured with motorised drawer beneath boot floor

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan can now be fitted with a motorised drawer cassette designed to fit securely into its luggage compartment floor.

At the touch of a button, the module slides open to reveal equipment, accessories and paraphernalia customised by the owner.

It provides 48 litres of storage space, which can fit equipment for activites such as fly fishing, rock climbing, snowboarding, kite-boarding and base-jumping. This does not compromise boot space.

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan can now be fitted with a motorised drawer cassette designed to fit securely into its luggage compartment floor. PHOTO: ROLLS-ROYCE

Bentley makes foray into luxury apartments

Bentley Motors will launch the world's first Bentley-branded residences in Sunny Isles Beach, Miami.

Designed by world-renowned architectural firm Sieger Suarez Architects and top American property developer Dezer Development, the luxury residential tower will be built to suit luxury car owners.

Each residence will include an in-unit multi-car garage and a patented car elevator. The tower will also offer uninterrupted views of the ocean.

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