Car Design News looks at some of the design stories that may have gone under the radar over the past week. Read on for the latest from Renault, Jidu and more…
Things usually wind down around the festive period. But try telling the automotive world that. Here are some of the things you may have missed.
Renault 5 Turbo 3E
The Renault 5 success story continues. Having already won multiple awards as both a concept and production model – including in the latest edition of Car Design Review – the electric revamp will soon be offered in ‘turbo’ guise. Yes, that suffix is a little bit silly given the powertrain, but it is a nod to two iconic variants of the 5 from the 1980s. This promises to be quite the experience, with rear-wheel drive, 500bhp and 0-100kph in around 3.5 seconds.
Full story here.
Changan SUVs
The automaker’s sub-brand has two new SUVs to show off. Overseen by global design boss Klaus Zyciora, the NEVO C798 is a mid-size SUV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, while the Deepal S09 (shown in blue below) is a little larger. Both carry similar looks, although differentiated more obviously at the rear with separate light signatures. Zyciora describes the S09 as “elegant and timeless.”
Struggles at Ji Yue?
The joint venture between Geely and Baidu is reportedly in financial strife, seeking new funds and “restructuring” the workforce. Recent footage shared on social media appeared to show CEO Xia Yiping swarmed by employees seeking clarity on when they would be paid.
Baidu’s operating income for Q3 2024 was flat compared to the prior quarter, but year-over-year income is up 6%. Geely’s Q3 2024 report shows profits are up 28.5% from the same period last year, although down 14.7% compared to Q2 this year. Ji Yue, formerly Jidu, was formed only in 2021. It is unclear whether Ji Yue’s issues reflect market competition in China, waning interest in intelligent vehicles or simply the product offering.
Read more here.
A green Nilu
If you ever wondered how co-founder Inna Selipanov would spec a Nilu27, your prayers have been answered. This will surely be an addition to the Make Green Great Again movement.
Mercedes-AMG testing continues
We learned of the first AMG-built SUV a little while ago, and the prototype cold-weather testing. “This is an important milestone,” Mercedes says.
Full release here.
Boreham Motorworks
New images show the reimagined first-generation Ford Escort RS from British developer Boreham Motorworks. It promises to be a screamer, quite literally, revving to 10,000rpm. Crikey.
Full release here.
Rolls-Royce Cameo
And finally, a stocking filler for this week’s round-up (and perhaps an actual stocking filler for some enthusiasts). Cameo is a miniature sculpture that aims to celebrate the brand’s earlier open-top models. Fans of self-assembly will be pleased with the selection of individual components that need to be put together. There are even self-levelling centre caps.
Full release here.
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