Electric Cars

Red Bull's RB17 hypercar, unburdened by conventional road-car mandates, presented a unique canvas for automotive engineering. Breaking free from typical constraints, the development team aimed to craft a vehicle that epitomized pure performance and driver engagement, rather than adhering to existing regulations. The vehicle's dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed served as a platform for Cosworth's Managing Director, Bruce Wood, to elucidate the detailed considerations that led to the RB17's exceptional V10 powerplant.

The path to the RB17's engine was a comprehensive exploratory journey, ultimately culminating in the selection of a bespoke 4.5-liter naturally aspirated V10. This custom-engineered Cosworth unit boasts an astounding 15,000 rpm redline, delivering an impressive 1,200 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque. Wood emphasized that the absence of restrictive regulations, often a guiding force in engine design, paradoxically made the decision-making process more intricate. The team rigorously evaluated various engine configurations, including V6 turbos and V12s, through extensive analysis to determine the optimal balance of power, responsiveness, and driver connection. The natural aspiration of the V10 emerged as the superior choice, celebrated for its immediate throttle response and the iconic auditory experience reminiscent of a bygone era in Formula 1.

Cosworth’s engineering prowess was central to realizing the V10’s full potential, ensuring it was not only powerful but also practical for its intended use. While Formula 1 engines from the V10 era reached higher revs, adapting this technology for a customer-owned track car required reimagining aspects like piston clearances and cold-start protocols to maintain usability without compromising the high-revving nature. A critical innovation was the adoption of pneumatic valve springs, a technology traditionally reserved for elite racing, to safely achieve the 15,000 rpm target. Furthermore, a strong emphasis was placed on the engine's longevity, contrasting with the limited lifespans of racing power units. The RB17's V10 is engineered for thousands of kilometers before major servicing, highlighting a blend of extreme performance with practical durability. The close collaboration between Red Bull and Cosworth, particularly in integrating the engine within the vehicle's tight chassis, underscored the meticulous and iterative design process required to harmonize every component for peak performance.

Ultimately, the RB17 is a testament to unbridled engineering ambition and a commitment to creating an unparalleled driving experience. The hypercar's most remarkable attribute transcends mere technical specifications; it lies in its ability to deliver an exceptionally intuitive and engaging connection with the driver on the track. This dedication to driver feel and emotional resonance, combined with cutting-edge design and robust construction, positions the RB17 as a symbol of automotive excellence, pushing the boundaries of what is possible when innovation meets passion.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles explored the integration of a range-extending gasoline engine into the ID. Buzz electric minivan, aiming to alleviate range concerns and boost its appeal, particularly in the American market. However, this concept was ultimately abandoned due to significant packaging limitations imposed by the MEB platform, which was specifically engineered for purely battery-electric powertrains.

Volkswagen's ID. Buzz: A Look into the Range Extender Consideration

In a recent development, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles confirmed that the possibility of equipping the ID. Buzz, their retro-styled electric minivan, with a range-extending gasoline engine was indeed investigated. This exploration was primarily driven by a desire to address the issue of range anxiety, a significant factor influencing electric vehicle adoption, especially in the United States.

Despite its global success, with 60,700 units sold worldwide in 2025 and a doubling of demand compared to the previous year, the ID. Buzz faced challenges in the American market. With only 6,140 units sold in the US, Volkswagen made the unexpected decision to discontinue the 2026 model year, clearing out existing inventory before reintroducing the ID. Buzz in 2027. The modest 234-mile range of the rear-wheel-drive model, coupled with a starting price of $61,545, contributed to its lukewarm reception.

Stefan Mecha, the head of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, revealed in an interview with an Australian publication, GoAuto, that engineers encountered insurmountable packaging constraints. The ID. Buzz's compact front overhang simply did not offer sufficient space for a combustion engine, as the underlying MEB platform was conceived exclusively for battery-electric vehicle architecture. This platform is currently utilized by over 20 different models, encompassing not only Volkswagen Group products but also vehicles like the Ford Explorer and Capri.

While a range-extending ID. Buzz is not currently in the cards, the broader Volkswagen Group is actively pursuing extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) technology for other markets. For instance, the ID. Era 9X, a large six-seat SUV co-developed with SAIC, was recently launched in China, featuring a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that acts as a generator to recharge the battery. Additionally, Volkswagen's new Scout brand plans to introduce range-extending versions of its Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck in the United States starting in 2027. Furthermore, Bloomberg reported last year that the Volkswagen Group is contemplating range extenders for both European and American markets. This aligns with the development of the SSP platform, expected to eventually replace all current electric platforms and potentially debut in an Audi model by 2028, with Porsche and Skoda models to follow. This new platform is designed to accommodate combustion engines solely functioning as generators.

The decision to halt the range-extending ID. Buzz highlights the intricate balance automotive manufacturers must strike between innovation, market demands, and engineering realities. While the desire to alleviate range anxiety in a critical market like the US is understandable, the fundamental design of electric vehicle platforms can impose significant limitations. The future success of electric vehicles, particularly in diverse markets, may hinge on the flexible development of platforms that can adapt to evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. The continued exploration of range-extending solutions by the Volkswagen Group for other models and platforms demonstrates a commitment to offering varied powertrain options to a wider consumer base, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be universally effective in the transition to electric mobility.