Electric Cars

The Skoda Peaq 90, a seven-seat electric SUV, has recently demonstrated an impressive long-distance capability, traversing 582 miles on a single charge. This feat, meticulously overseen by TÜV SÜD, establishes a new benchmark for range among seven-seat electric SUVs. Despite the vehicle's official WLTP rating of 402 miles, this extended journey showcases its potential for exceptional efficiency under optimized conditions, sparking broader conversations about real-world electric vehicle performance.

This extraordinary journey was undertaken by two Skoda employees, who drove the Peaq 90 from Mladá Boleslav in the Czech Republic to Zandvoort on the Dutch coast without a single stop for recharging. The vehicle, a production-spec model, maintained an average energy consumption of merely 9.2 kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers. This consumption rate is remarkably low, roughly half of what a typical three-row electric SUV would consume even under gentle driving. The Peaq 90 achieved this with its 91 kWh battery, of which 86 kWh was usable, nearly depleting its charge by the journey's end.

The meticulous planning for efficiency involved maintaining low speeds and prioritizing driving tactics that maximized the vehicle's range, a technique known as hypermiling. Such strategies have previously allowed other Skoda models, like the Superb, to achieve fuel efficiency records. The oversight by TÜV SÜD, a reputable German technical services organization, lends significant credibility to this achievement, moving it beyond a mere marketing claim.

However, it is crucial to recognize that these results were obtained under highly controlled conditions, which do not necessarily reflect typical daily usage. Factors such as high-speed driving, extensive use of climate control, and carrying heavy loads, all commonly encountered by families, can significantly reduce an electric vehicle's actual range. For instance, competing three-row electric SUVs in the US market, such as the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, offer EPA-rated ranges in the low to mid-300-mile bracket, while the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV typically tops out around 317 miles. These figures highlight the substantial difference between hypermiling records and everyday performance.

The Skoda Peaq is not currently available in the US, but it has garnered considerable interest in Europe, with orders reportedly reaching high four-figure numbers. The Peaq 90 model is priced starting at approximately 1,150,000 Czech korunas, which translates to about $55,100.

The demonstration of the Skoda Peaq 90's extensive range, while impressive, underscores a common characteristic of electric vehicle performance claims. Achieved under highly controlled and optimized conditions, such feats reveal the vehicle's technical capabilities but also highlight the variance between laboratory-tested ranges and what drivers experience in their daily commutes. This record serves as a testament to the engineering potential of the Peaq 90, indicating what is achievable when efficiency is the primary goal, rather than representing typical user experience. It reinforces the understanding that real-world range for electric vehicles can fluctuate significantly based on driving habits and environmental factors.

Bristol Cars, a name synonymous with bespoke British automotive engineering, is staging an unexpected return to the luxury car market. This revival centers on the completion of its revered Fighter supercar, a model that once defined the marque's final production era. The initiative breathes new life into a narrative previously left unfinished, promising a unique blend of heritage and high performance.

The announcement marks the re-emergence of the Bristol Fighter after a 15-year hiatus. The plan involves meticulously assembling five new vehicles utilizing original, previously unbuilt chassis, coupled with authentic components and engineering specifications. This meticulous approach ensures that each new Fighter remains true to its original design and performance ethos. The reintroduction of this iconic model was ceremoniously presented at Salon Privé, held at Blenheim Palace, an event that also commemorated Bristol's 80-year legacy in the automotive industry.

The heart of the Bristol Fighter remains its formidable naturally aspirated 8.0-liter V10 engine. This powerhouse is capable of generating an impressive 525 horsepower in its standard configuration, with an even more potent 600-horsepower version also available. Such robust specifications enable the vehicle to achieve a targeted top speed of 210 mph. The Fighter, first launched in the early 2000s, was celebrated for its distinctive low-slung, aerodynamically tapered body and its striking vertically opening doors. It was the last model produced by Bristol before the company ceased manufacturing in 2011.

The resurrected Fighter aims to strike an exceptional balance between raw supercar exhilaration and the refined comfort expected of a grand-touring automobile. This duality makes it ideal for both thrilling drives and extended journeys. The limited production run of these five Fighters underscores their exclusivity and appeal to collectors and enthusiasts alike. Each unit will be individually crafted, allowing future owners the unique opportunity to customize their vehicle, with options for both right-hand and left-hand drive configurations. The pricing, reflective of its bespoke nature, will be provided upon request. Production will take place in the United Kingdom, facilitated by a specialized partner in low-volume manufacturing.

This ambitious return is spearheaded by Paul King, the current owner and director of Bristol Cars, alongside Richard Hackett, who now serves as chairman and previously maintained close ties with Tony Crook, a pivotal figure in the Fighter's historical development. Their joint endeavor emphasizes a strong commitment to preserving and continuing the brand's rich heritage. Bristol Cars, originally established in 1945 as a division of the Bristol Aeroplane Company, has always been characterized by its low production volumes, innovative technical solutions, and a design philosophy deeply rooted in aviation. Following its bankruptcy in 2011 and an unsuccessful attempt to relaunch with the Bullet model in 2016, the brand is now seeking to redefine its future by honoring its past, completing an automotive chapter that had been left open.