motoring news Bahrainthismonth.com November 2023 65 KIA REVEALS EV5 AND TWO CONCEPT MODELS AT KIA EV DAY Kia Corporation has unveiled three new small- to medium-sized electric models at the brand’s annual Kia EV Day in Korea, reaffirming its ambitious global strategy to lead and accelerate the ‘EV revolution’. KIA illustrated how it is now broadening its model line-up further with three new small- to mediumsized electric models. The presentation featured the debut of the EV5, a compact electric SUV for millennial families, as well as the introduction of two concept models. The Kia Concept EV3 aims to deliver the Kia EV9’s benefits in a compact SUV, while the Kia Concept EV4 reimagines electric sedans with a striking design. Kia also announced its plan to develop a wide-ranging EV line-up priced from USD30,000 to USD80,000, featuring existing models such as the EV6 and EV9, as well as future offerings tailored for the popular B- and C-segments. The brand aims to introduce smaller EVs like the EV5, EV4, and EV3, with prices ranging from USD35,000 to USD50,000, to accelerate the widespread adoption of EVs. The brand revealed its goal to achieve an annual sales target of one million electric vehicles by 2026 and increase it to 1.6 million units per year by 2030. UAE’S ASPIRE UNVEILS ‘AUTONOMOUS’ DALLARA SUPER FORMULA CAR ASTON MARTIN ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAMME AWARDED MILLIONS IN FUNDING Aston Martin’s high-performance electrification strategy has been awarded GBP9 million of government funding through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC), further supplementing the research and development of Aston Martin’s innovative modular battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform. Awarded following a competitive process, the government grant will support the development of Aston Martin’s luxury BEV platform and enable a route to net-zero, including investment in vehicle light weighting, a digital toolchain and electrification training. The innovative British ultra-luxury manufacturer is making a GBP2 billion commitment to advanced technologies over the next five years, with its investment phasing from internal combustion engine (ICE) to BEV technology. Project ELEVATION, a six-partner collaborative research and development project, will address the technical challenges of developing a lightweight, 800V traction battery pack and twin front electric drive unit (EDU) into a modular BEV platform with a bandwidth from supercar to SUV. In 2024 the company will deliver its first plug-in hybrid – the mid-engine supercar, Valhalla, while in 2025 the first all-electric Aston Martin is set to be launched. By 2026 all new Aston Martin model lines will feature an electrified powertrain option, with the long-term objective for its core range to be fully electrified by 2030. ASPIRE has announced details of its highly anticipated Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, A2RL, at GITEX Global 2023 – the world’s premier technology event. A2RL unveiled a model of the first ever autonomised Dallara Super Formula, SF23, released earlier this year. This cutting-edge marvel, capable of sensing its environment and operating without human involvement, is set to transform racing with a monumental inaugural race scheduled for 28 April 2024, at the iconic Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Circuit. A first-of-its-kind for the region, A2RL integrates artificial intelligence (AI), autonomy, and extreme sports to push the boundaries of future mobility. The event is being spotlighted as the largest autonomous racing league in the world, showcasing autonomous car races, drone races, and dune buggy races. Ten elite teams from universities and research institutions internationally have confirmed their participation in the autonomous car race and will vie for a prize purse of USD2.25 million. Participating teams will each have exclusive access to a brand new Dallara Super Formula SF23 car, which has been autonomised specifically for A2RL. The car is manufactured from sustainable bio-composite materials, weighs 690 kgs, and is currently the fastest open-wheel race car in the world after Formula One, reaching maximum speeds of 300 km/h. ASPIRE is the driving force behind grand challenges and global competitions for Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC).
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