Latest news with #ZF
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
JAC T9 Hunter 4x4 Special Edition celebrates record-breaking endurance run
JAC Motors has unveiled the new T9 Hunter 4x4 Special Edition, after the Chinese carmaker's record-breaking performance in a recent 24-hour Endurance Challenge. During the event, held at Gerotek Testing Facilities in Pretoria, Gauteng, a T9 2.0L CTi covered 4,084km in 24 hours at an average speed of 170.1km/h. This feat surpassed a 15-year-old commercial vehicle record set by the Isuzu KB300 TDi in 2010, which managed 4,063km at an average speed of 169.3km/h. To commemorate the achievement, JAC is producing 24 unique T9 Hunters in 4x4 configuration. Each will be individually numbered and fitted with enhanced performance and exclusive comfort features. Under the bonnet is a 2.0l four-cylinder turbodiesel engine delivering 144kW and 487Nm, paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission that drives all four wheels. Pricing and detailed specifications will be announced in due course.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Power boost for JAC T9 Hunter Special Edition models
Limited-run double cab will see the turbodiesel engine's power go up from 125 to 144kW. JAC Motors has introduced a T9 Hunter 4×4 Special Edition derivative to celebrate the company's recent record-breaking endurance challenge achievements. The Chinese manufacturer ran an off-the-showroom-floor JAC T9 2.0L CTi double cab around the Gerotek High Speed Oval flat-out for 24 hours. And in doing so, the JAC T9 broke some long-standing records set by the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu KB. The JAC T9 covered a full 4 084km during 24 hours at an average speed of 170.1km/h. Individually numbered 'To celebrate this record-breaking victory, we are producing 24 uniquely branded JAC T9 Hunters that will feature enhanced performance and exclusive comfort features,' says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa. ALSO READ: JAC T9 shows Chinese bakkies can threaten Hilux and Ranger 'These bakkies will be individually numbered from one to 24 to forever commemorate the impressive milestone that was achieved.' Special edition bakkies are nothing new to South Africa. In fact, almost every manufacturer offers them at some, or other, stage of their products' lifecycle. And I don't have to tell you; they sell like hot cakes. Power bump for JAC T9 Hunter Put a Legend badge on a Hilux, like the soon to be launched Toyota Legend 55. Bring out a Ford Ranger Stormtrak or Thunder, or Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme and the dealers can't enough of them. So, we think the 24 JAC T9 Hunter 4×4 double cabs are going to be snapped up almost immediately despite no pricing being available yet. In standard trim, the JAC T9 delivers 125kW of power and 410Nm of torque. But in the special edition JAC T9 Hunter, the power quoted is up to 144kW and 487Nm. The same 2.0-litre intercooled turbodiesel powertrain is used, as is the tried and tested 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. This is also not the end of the performance offerings from JAC. The second half of 2025 will be a busy time for the company, starting with the launch of their exciting JAC T9 PHEV. As reported in March, the JAC T9 PHEV will be the second plug-in hybrid bakkie to launch locally after the BYD Shark. ALSO READ: Opposition tracker engaged as JAC T9 Hunter pricing emerges Bring on the power game The JAC T9 PHEV swaps-out its current 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine for a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol combined with a 31.2 kWh battery. This battery will power two electric motors. A 150kW/300Nm unit on the front axle and a 150kW/340 Nm unit on the rear axle. The combined output for the JAC T9 PHEV is quoted at 290kW and 670Nm. As to be expected, there are all sorts of expectations that just like the BYD Shark, the JAC T9 PHEV indeed has the goonies to take on the Ford Ranger Raptor on the drag strip. Watch this space!
NZ Autocar
3 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Is America running into trouble over its trade war with China?
China is tightening its export controls over rare-earth materials crucial to car manufacture. This has left component and vehicle makers scrambling. Go Auto reports that the rare-earth elements situation could become more important than the semi-conductor shortage of 2021-2023. US-based Automotive News suggests that the fate of automakers' assembly lines is in the hands of a small team of Chinese bureaucrats. That's because China controls up to 70 per cent of global rare-earth mining and 85 per cent of refining capacity. It is also responsible for producing around 90 per cent of rare-earth metal alloys and magnet production. And it has limited supply amid an ongoing trade war with the United States. An EV uses around half a kilogramme of rare-earth elements and the average ICE vehicle half that. These components are key to electric motors, oil pumps, speakers, and a range of sensors and solenoids. Production of vehicles outside of China may be severely curtailed if the shortage continues. And the shortage will also impact many other sectors of the economy for they are found in a range of consumer products. Already, Ford suggests that rare-earth materials and components are taking longer than usual to pass through China's approval process. The company had to idle its Chicago Assembly plant for a week recently. It couldn't get rare-earth metals used to make brake boosters. At best, it is taking more time for the approvals to go through. And that means car companies are facing increased shipment costs. According to China's Ministry of Commerce, the export permit approval process relies upon three senior officials. A spokesperson from European powerhouse, ZF, said the rare-earths issue could cause new-vehicle production to drop in the second half of this year. As an aside, ZF has developed an electric motor with magnetic components that use no rare earth elements. Brazil, the US and Australia, amongst others, are also involved in mining and processing of rare earth elements. All are working to increase output to cover the shortfall.
Otago Daily Times
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Otago Daily Times
M5 legend blends old and new
ROAD TEST It's a new era, and this is no error. That's the message from BMW on why it has chosen to configure the latest version of a famous performance weapon, the M5, with plug-in hybrid power. As much as the fanbase might have mixed views about why this super sedan had to change, they can be reassured of one factor. That for all the new degree of good electric brings out, this machine is still fabulously bad. Yes, you might think the engine — still a V8, mind — sounds a bit flat and reckon that the car, as a whole, is right at the outer edge in terms of complexity. On the other hand, the M5 remains a technical titan and still has a full out "driver's car" feel. And there's definite wonderment from discovering that, yes, it can actually be economical (for an M5). Plus it looks fantastic, not least in the test car's surely high-fuss Frozen Gray paint. This latest M5 is a fascinating blend of old and new. V8 petrol is all about thunderous, thumping thrust ... but historically is never great for thrift. And, in respect to emissions? Don't even go there. Electric delivers power aplenty, but is often damned for lacking soul. Plus, the harder you go, the faster it depletes. If full-on is your driving style, even the biggest batteries struggle to meet demand. For 40 years, since the original E28 version was launched using the 3.5-litre straight-six engine from the BMW M1, the M5 has ruled the high-performance sedan world by drawing energy from petrol alone. Yet it quite simply cannot survive in the here-and-now without heading down a different path. The beating heart of the beast offers familiarity with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine that on its own musters up to 436kW of power and 750Nm of torque, the latter from just 1800rpm. The trick this time round is that it operates in conjunction with a 145kW and 280Nm electric motor mounted inside the car's ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox. Maximum power and torque figures when the petrol engine and electric motor are operating in full accord are 535kW and 1000Nm. As much as keeping the serious petrol engine and adding serious electric involvement, with plug-in recharging, is a new turn, at least there are still eight cylinders for a car that otherwise continues very much as it always has, on its own terms, laying down its own "supercar in a sedan body" lore. With its electric motor powered by an 18.6kWh battery, this M5 can purportedly run for close to 70km on electricity alone, tipping a useful wink to eco awareness. The primary point of the electric assistance, though, is to make the M5 even faster, even more accelerative and even more stomping than before. Fully unleashed it is breathtakingly brutal, yet at the same time as it claims a 0-100kmh sprint time of 3.5secs, BMW can also "hand on heart" say the M5 is capable of returning a fuel consumption of 1.7 litres per 100km. The smaller print with this figure from the official WLTP test, is that to stand any chance of seeing it involves keeping its battery topped up all the time and adhering very strictly to the testing protocol. Not likely? In which case, the more relevant count might be the depleted battery consumption figure, of 10.3 litres per 100km. I saw something near that on test. I also saw old historic habit, with instant return results in the 20s. Well, it's an M5. Driving it for reasonable distance at relevant speeds in pure electric was always possible during the whole week of test, all the same. It all comes down to how well you acquaint yourself with the car's operating options. As simple as it is to set up shortcuts to allow it to be either an angel or a demon at the press of a button, it is nonetheless a highly complex car. There are so many permutations. As much as the M5 is very obviously a hotted-up version of the brand's regular 5-Series/i5, it nonetheless presents as something far more special; a precise and involving weapon. With the cabin, the performance thematic demands a red engine stop-start button, and BMW M Sport red, blue and purple flashes everywhere you look, from the touchscreen to the fabric of the seatbelts to the little illuminated logos inset into the front bucket seats. Being an M it also gets carbon-fibre galore. The cabin proper is roomy and comfortable; anyone brave enough to ride along in this rocket will find decent head and legroom in the back. Overall quality is extremely good. The big feature is of course that massive, curved twin-screen digital layout atop the dashboard — 31cm for the instrument display, and 38cm for the infotainment screen. M5s are not in any way "soft" cars, but the ride is very firm. On the move, jolting means the click-wheel "iDrive" controller is your go-to. Try stabbing at a screen and the chance of hitting the wrong prompts is high. The car's M-ness in respect to operability means it has paddle shifters in carbon fibre, M1 and M2 memory buttons on the steering wheels and buttons on the centre console that trigger "road", "sport" and "race" modes. The first two are legitimate for public environs. The latter really not. Fiddling with the driving modes also changes the suspension firmness, the steering weight, the throttle response, and whether you want extra snappy responses from the eight-speed automatic gearbox. On top of this, you can sort the instruments in multiple ways, all with M-specific graphics and details. I also set up the memory buttons for two extremes of operability; the first was basically tailored towards as extreme performance as I dared — so, basically, a lot of settings in sport and sport plus — and the latter was for relaxed hybrid-rich driving mode, which of course is the new territory. As new as an M5 with ability to run wholly in electric is, even when it is pulling fully or mainly from the battery, it still feels brisker than any everyday EV. The only commonality is that it is totally quiet. I found I could escape our sub-division wholly in electric mode and then involve the engine coming up to the 100kmh sector our lane feeds into. You would wonder if this might be a bit of a stress for the engine, not least given this would be an engagement coming at the start of day, but BMW's engineers have clearly thought about that and refined the drivetrain accordingly so that the engine isn't rudely awakened from dormancy. Even then, the engagement is pretty seamless; you are more aware of the engine's background roar as it awakens rather than any jolting as two become one. Once the engine warms, it is even smoother. The engineering is pretty amazing, really. Another neat tweak is that it will pre-position in a gear to allow it to deliver a punch of 450Nm of torque for brief periods, if that is all you want. You can also charge the battery pack as you drive. That's worth considering because the car can only charge at up to 7kW on AC power, it takes hours to replenish. In briefing for the M5, M boss Franciscus van Meel admitted a multitude of options were considered — including smaller engines with fewer cylinders and a non-plug-in hybrid system — before concluding the V8 was integral to the appeal of the car and that a useful electric range was desirable in Europe especially. The challenge from then was to make the hybrid system powerful enough, and the chassis of the M5 competent enough, to overcome the significant weight gain of a plug-in hybrid system — some 500kg. The car's mass is significant at 2510kg. That's a full-on SUV count for a four-door sedan, whose heritage has been built on not just massive "kapow", but also scalpel-sharp handling and precision. Conceivably, the kilo count is why it has so much wallop, but to be fair, the car carries its tonnage really well. Yes, there are occasions when you are aware of it being a giant paperweight, but unlike the heavier-again XM, it escapes feeling ponderous and, when driving hard, it still feels fleet and intuitive. The mass is only really noticeable when braking hard and, even then, the car keeps very good balance and turn-in. What you become grateful for is how well planted and resolutely stable it feels. Even when surfaces are poor and the ride is set to the almost circuit-tuned sport plus mode it doesn't jump around. Fans of predecessor M5s will be pleased the V8 is still able to sound off loudly, with a satisfying snarl at lower revolutions, but be disappointed it lacks the jagged chatter of the old mill. They could well also need convincing about why a car that was complex enough in previous forms is much, much more so now. Even so, the M5 is a legend. There's nothing to say this one is not worthy of the badge. AT A GLANCE BMW M5 Overall rating: ★★★★★ Design and styling: ★★★★ Interior: ★★★★★ Performance: ★★★★★ Ride and handling: ★★★★ Safety: ★★★★★ Environmental: ★★★★ SPECIFICATIONS: Price: $244,900 ($254,600 as tested with BMW individual paint $7100, trailer tow hitch $2600). Powertrain: 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 and electric motor, maximum combined power 550kW, maximum combined torque 1000Nm. Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive with 2WD option. Safety rating: Five-star Ancap. Wheels and tyres: Alloy wheels, 285/40 R20 front, 295/40 R21 rear tyres. Fuel and economy: Premium unleaded fuel, 1.7L/100km on WLTP3 cycle (10.3L/100km on petrol alone), tank capacity 68 litres. Emissions: 38g per kilometre on combined cycle. Dimensions: Length, 5096mm; width, 1970mm; height, 1510mm. By Richard Bosselman
The Advertiser
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
BMW X5 to gain range-extender EV option
The next-generation BMW X5 will have the option of an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain as this drivetrain type continues to gain popularity, especially in China. EREVs have gained popularity there as they allow for primarily EV operation during regular commutes, and freedom from range anxiety and worrying about charging infrastructure during road trips. According to Autocar, BMW is working with transmission specialist ZF on a range-extender setup for the new X5 large SUV with a target total range of over 965km (600 miles). Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Given the upcoming second-generation X7 will once again be closely related to the new X5, it's no surprise BMW would also add a range-extender option to its flagship SUV. The Bavarian automaker is also reportedly considering adding range-extender drivetrain options for the current X3 mid-size SUV. The next-generation X5 and X7, as well as the existing X3, are all based on BMW's CLAR architecture, which supports mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines, as well as traditional plug-in hybrid, and pure EV drivetrains. If this report proves to be true, it will be the first time we've seen a range-extender option in a BMW since the demise of the i3 tall-boy hatchback (below). In all i3 variants an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack was solely responsible for driving the wheels. For the now-discontinued REx (range-extender) variants, a 0.65-litre two-cylinder petrol engine making just 25kW and fed a small 9L fuel tank were added to the vehicle. Whenever the i3 REx's battery ran low or hit a preset level, the little motorcycle-sourced engine would sputter to life and recharge the traction battery. It's unclear what type of engine BMW is considering for the X5 range-extender. We also don't know whether the range-extender option will be offered in addition to or as a replacement for the X5's plug-in hybrid setup. In a traditional plug-in hybrid drivetrain, both the electric motor can drive the wheels by itself or in tandem with the petrol engine. The sixth-generation X5 was last spotted by our spy photography agency back in June 2024. From those photos we can see it has a nose heavily inspired by the Vision Neue Klasse X, which has angled headlights and slim double-kidney grilles. With the i3 REx no longer available and the Mazda MX-30 R-EV never sold here, the Leapmotor C10 'REEV' is the only range-extender vehicle currently offered in Australia, although Nissan's X-Trail and Qashqai e-Power variants are also technically EREVs. But a range of automakers are planning new EREVs, including Ford, Mazda, BYD, Genesis, Ram and Deepal. MORE: Everything BMW X5 Content originally sourced from: The next-generation BMW X5 will have the option of an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain as this drivetrain type continues to gain popularity, especially in China. EREVs have gained popularity there as they allow for primarily EV operation during regular commutes, and freedom from range anxiety and worrying about charging infrastructure during road trips. According to Autocar, BMW is working with transmission specialist ZF on a range-extender setup for the new X5 large SUV with a target total range of over 965km (600 miles). Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Given the upcoming second-generation X7 will once again be closely related to the new X5, it's no surprise BMW would also add a range-extender option to its flagship SUV. The Bavarian automaker is also reportedly considering adding range-extender drivetrain options for the current X3 mid-size SUV. The next-generation X5 and X7, as well as the existing X3, are all based on BMW's CLAR architecture, which supports mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines, as well as traditional plug-in hybrid, and pure EV drivetrains. If this report proves to be true, it will be the first time we've seen a range-extender option in a BMW since the demise of the i3 tall-boy hatchback (below). In all i3 variants an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack was solely responsible for driving the wheels. For the now-discontinued REx (range-extender) variants, a 0.65-litre two-cylinder petrol engine making just 25kW and fed a small 9L fuel tank were added to the vehicle. Whenever the i3 REx's battery ran low or hit a preset level, the little motorcycle-sourced engine would sputter to life and recharge the traction battery. It's unclear what type of engine BMW is considering for the X5 range-extender. We also don't know whether the range-extender option will be offered in addition to or as a replacement for the X5's plug-in hybrid setup. In a traditional plug-in hybrid drivetrain, both the electric motor can drive the wheels by itself or in tandem with the petrol engine. The sixth-generation X5 was last spotted by our spy photography agency back in June 2024. From those photos we can see it has a nose heavily inspired by the Vision Neue Klasse X, which has angled headlights and slim double-kidney grilles. With the i3 REx no longer available and the Mazda MX-30 R-EV never sold here, the Leapmotor C10 'REEV' is the only range-extender vehicle currently offered in Australia, although Nissan's X-Trail and Qashqai e-Power variants are also technically EREVs. But a range of automakers are planning new EREVs, including Ford, Mazda, BYD, Genesis, Ram and Deepal. MORE: Everything BMW X5 Content originally sourced from: The next-generation BMW X5 will have the option of an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain as this drivetrain type continues to gain popularity, especially in China. EREVs have gained popularity there as they allow for primarily EV operation during regular commutes, and freedom from range anxiety and worrying about charging infrastructure during road trips. According to Autocar, BMW is working with transmission specialist ZF on a range-extender setup for the new X5 large SUV with a target total range of over 965km (600 miles). Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Given the upcoming second-generation X7 will once again be closely related to the new X5, it's no surprise BMW would also add a range-extender option to its flagship SUV. The Bavarian automaker is also reportedly considering adding range-extender drivetrain options for the current X3 mid-size SUV. The next-generation X5 and X7, as well as the existing X3, are all based on BMW's CLAR architecture, which supports mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines, as well as traditional plug-in hybrid, and pure EV drivetrains. If this report proves to be true, it will be the first time we've seen a range-extender option in a BMW since the demise of the i3 tall-boy hatchback (below). In all i3 variants an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack was solely responsible for driving the wheels. For the now-discontinued REx (range-extender) variants, a 0.65-litre two-cylinder petrol engine making just 25kW and fed a small 9L fuel tank were added to the vehicle. Whenever the i3 REx's battery ran low or hit a preset level, the little motorcycle-sourced engine would sputter to life and recharge the traction battery. It's unclear what type of engine BMW is considering for the X5 range-extender. We also don't know whether the range-extender option will be offered in addition to or as a replacement for the X5's plug-in hybrid setup. In a traditional plug-in hybrid drivetrain, both the electric motor can drive the wheels by itself or in tandem with the petrol engine. The sixth-generation X5 was last spotted by our spy photography agency back in June 2024. From those photos we can see it has a nose heavily inspired by the Vision Neue Klasse X, which has angled headlights and slim double-kidney grilles. With the i3 REx no longer available and the Mazda MX-30 R-EV never sold here, the Leapmotor C10 'REEV' is the only range-extender vehicle currently offered in Australia, although Nissan's X-Trail and Qashqai e-Power variants are also technically EREVs. But a range of automakers are planning new EREVs, including Ford, Mazda, BYD, Genesis, Ram and Deepal. MORE: Everything BMW X5 Content originally sourced from: The next-generation BMW X5 will have the option of an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain as this drivetrain type continues to gain popularity, especially in China. EREVs have gained popularity there as they allow for primarily EV operation during regular commutes, and freedom from range anxiety and worrying about charging infrastructure during road trips. According to Autocar, BMW is working with transmission specialist ZF on a range-extender setup for the new X5 large SUV with a target total range of over 965km (600 miles). Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Given the upcoming second-generation X7 will once again be closely related to the new X5, it's no surprise BMW would also add a range-extender option to its flagship SUV. The Bavarian automaker is also reportedly considering adding range-extender drivetrain options for the current X3 mid-size SUV. The next-generation X5 and X7, as well as the existing X3, are all based on BMW's CLAR architecture, which supports mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines, as well as traditional plug-in hybrid, and pure EV drivetrains. If this report proves to be true, it will be the first time we've seen a range-extender option in a BMW since the demise of the i3 tall-boy hatchback (below). In all i3 variants an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack was solely responsible for driving the wheels. For the now-discontinued REx (range-extender) variants, a 0.65-litre two-cylinder petrol engine making just 25kW and fed a small 9L fuel tank were added to the vehicle. Whenever the i3 REx's battery ran low or hit a preset level, the little motorcycle-sourced engine would sputter to life and recharge the traction battery. It's unclear what type of engine BMW is considering for the X5 range-extender. We also don't know whether the range-extender option will be offered in addition to or as a replacement for the X5's plug-in hybrid setup. In a traditional plug-in hybrid drivetrain, both the electric motor can drive the wheels by itself or in tandem with the petrol engine. The sixth-generation X5 was last spotted by our spy photography agency back in June 2024. From those photos we can see it has a nose heavily inspired by the Vision Neue Klasse X, which has angled headlights and slim double-kidney grilles. With the i3 REx no longer available and the Mazda MX-30 R-EV never sold here, the Leapmotor C10 'REEV' is the only range-extender vehicle currently offered in Australia, although Nissan's X-Trail and Qashqai e-Power variants are also technically EREVs. But a range of automakers are planning new EREVs, including Ford, Mazda, BYD, Genesis, Ram and Deepal. MORE: Everything BMW X5 Content originally sourced from:
