The next generation cls that people are talking about has also started mule testing, but its name will change somewhat.
Mercedes-Benz CLS/CLE coupe
The originator of the modern four-door coupe has another life
Those who like this unique model should rejoice: the first mule car of the next generation Mercedes-Benz CLS (a test car "grafted" from old and new parts) has already begun testing and was quickly photographed by alert photographers. At present, the next generation of Mercedes-Benz E-Class cars has begun to test with their own "real body", and the cls, a variant car on the same platform, is expected to be equipped with its own body in the summer.
Some time ago, there was a rumor in the industry that the CLS series would be terminated, so how to explain the spy photos of the test cars in front of us? In fact, it is very simple, that is, when this model comes out, it will no longer be called CLS, but will come as a model in the CLE-level family. Like BMW's competitive models, the CLE-class category will also include coupés and roadsters.
Several models of the CLE class are expected to begin to debut in the second half of this year and officially launch next year. In fact, this new series shoulders the responsibility of replacing the C and E class variants, and the dimensions are closer to the mid-size car. Compared to the positioning of the current CLS between the E-Class and the S-Class, the next-generation model looks a little lower in spec – but as long as it exists, what does it matter?
smart #1
The small electric SUV enters the final stages of testing
At the beginning of 2020, Mercedes-Benz and Geely each invested 2.7 billion yuan to establish a smart brand joint venture, with its global headquarters in Ningbo, Zhejiang. Now, two years later, the new smart, which has become half a Chinese brand, has finally come to fruition. We used to think it was called smart #1的纯电动SUV将在4月底的北京车展上正式亮相, but the latest news is that it will launch in Berlin on April 7.
The spy photos we got came from northern Sweden, and its design style is completely different from before, it can be said that it is a bit like a hybrid of MINI COUNTRYMAN and Mercedes-Benz GLB, as well as adding some features of Opel Adam. We also found two slightly different test cars, one of which looked more sporty, with red brake calipers suggesting that this could be a high-performance Bosu version.
In smart #1的开发过程中, Mercedes-Benz is mainly responsible for its styling design, while Geely is mainly responsible for engineering design. The car uses Geely's SEA Haohan pure electric platform, thus creating a fairly spacious seating space in the body of less than 4.3 meters long, making the brand's practicality and comfort reach an unprecedented height. Considering that the release is imminent, smart #1的其它细节我们就先不妄加猜测了.
Minor makeover OF THE BMW 3 Series Station Wagon
The German police can't wait to place an order
A few days ago, BMW just released a small modification of the Chinese pure electric 3 series called i3, and the fuel version of the 3 series is about to usher in an upgrade. The little rover we photographed with the Fuel 3 Series — or the LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) as BMW used to do it — really made our espionage photographer nervous because it was a police car!
However, this also shows from the side that the new 3 series has entered the mass production stage, and the purpose of the test should be to verify whether the supporting police equipment is working properly, and how much impact the increased weight will have. We also boldly speculate that the police version of the new 3 series may be slightly more powerful than the civilian version, and the chassis is also harder.
Ford Toureo Connect plug-in mix
Vans should also be high-tech
The Touareg Connect, also known as the Transit Connect, is a compact van owned by Ford and is the little brother of Touraeo/Transit, but the relationship between the two is not very technical. The current third-generation Toureo Connect, which officially went on sale in Europe in October last year, has nothing to do with The Toroy or any other Ford, because under its Ford coat is actually a Volkswagen Kaidi.
The car is an early product of a strategic partnership between Volkswagen and Ford in 2020, and the latest spy photos suggest it will take a step forward in electrification. As can be seen from these photos, the test car has a charging port on the left front wing, which is also the habitual position of Volkswagen. If you look closely, we can still see the word "Caddy" on the back of the car.
The compact van, built on the MQB platform, is expected to feature a plug-in hybrid system from the Golf, which includes a 1.4 TSI engine and an electric motor with 110 horsepower. In the Golf eHybrid, the powertrain delivers a total power of 204 horsepower and achieves a pure electric range of 64 km. If the battery pack remains the same, the range will be somewhat reduced on the larger and heavier Caddy/Toureo Connect. But in short, the plug-in hybrid system is indeed a very practical power solution for vans that need to be heavily loaded and travel through the city.
Dongfeng Peugeot's new sedan
The main sports style, positioned in the compact level
The last set of spy photos came from China, which is a new compact sedan from Dongfeng Peugeot. From the picture, the overall proportion of this new car is similar to the current 408, but the roof pressure is more obvious and more dynamic.
With a similar silhouette and proportions, there's reason to believe that the car will still be based on PSA's (Stellantis) EMP 2 platform. In addition to the existing 1.2T and 1.6T engines, the plug-in and hybrid system that has been applied to the 508L and 4008 also has the opportunity to be adopted by this model. The car is expected to be officially unveiled this year.
The author of this article is Kick Car Gang Alai