Porsche - The Psychology of Driving
Professor Lynne Pearce has spent more than 20 years writing about driving. Her headline-hitting research is based on one simple question: what do we think about when we're behind the wheel?
The Volvo XC40 equipped with mechanical all-wheel drive combines best possible traction with high efficiency. In this concept, the mild hybrid engine is also installed at the front and acts directly on the front axle via the transmission, while the rear wheels are driven via a mechanical connection to the rear axle and an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. If, for example, individual wheels lose grip on a snow-slippery road, the system directs drive power to the wheels with the best traction to stabilize the vehicle and ensure it can continue driving safely. In this way, up to 50 percent of the drive torque can be sent quickly and continuously to the rear wheels. In addition, the all-wheel drive is active even when the vehicle is stationary to allow it to move off without losing traction. Under normal conditions, on a dry road, on the other hand, the vehicle is almost exclusively front-wheel drive to save fuel.
Professor Lynne Pearce has spent more than 20 years writing about driving. Her headline-hitting research is based on one simple question: what do we think about when we're behind the wheel?
Just a few months after the launch of the EQS, Mercedes-EQ is already presenting the next model based on the electric architecture developed specifically for electric vehicles, the new EQE. The sporty business saloon offers all the essential functions of the EQS in a slightly more compact format. At market launch, the model range initially comprises two variants: the EQE 350 with 215 kW, as well as another model. Performance variants with around 500 kW are being planned. Production of the EQE takes place at two locations of the Mercedes-Benz Cars global production network: at the German Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen for the global market and at the German-Chinese joint venture BBAC in Beijing for the local market. Compared to the luxury liner EQS, the EQE is even more streamlined, with a slightly shorter wheelbase, shorter overhangs and more recessed flanks - it carries the concept of the business saloon into the future. Sensual Purity is reflected in generously modelled surfaces, reduced joints and seamless transitions (seamless design). The overhangs and the front end are kept short, the rear provides the dynamic accent with a sharp rear spoiler. Flush with the outer edge of the body, the 19- to 21-inch wheels, together with a pronounced muscular shoulder section, give the EQE an athletic character. In the outer dimensions, the EQE is comparable to the CLS. Like the latter, it has a fixed rear window and a boot lid. The interior dimensions even clearly exceed those of today's E-Class (213 model series), e.g. the shoulder room in the front (plus 27 mm) or the interior length (plus 80 mm).
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is getting a big brother: the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The new top model of the 718 family is well prepared for its world premiere in November. During final testing and evaluation drives, the first 718 to carry the RS badge has impressively demonstrated its dynamic potential both on twisty mountain roads and on the racetrack. Brand ambassador and development driver Jörg Bergmeister has lapped the 20.832-kilometre Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit in a lightly disguised production car in 7:09.300 minutes. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS completed the shorter 20.6 km lap, which had previously served as the benchmark, in 7:04.511 minutes – 23.6 seconds faster than its little brother, the 718 Cayman GT4. To protect the driver, the mid-engined sports car was equipped with a racing seat. The tyres fitted to the car were Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R, which will be optionally available. A notary confirmed the standard condition and weight of the car.
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