Chasing the cat
Great Wall Motors, the company behind the Ora Funky Cat EV we tested earlier in the year, is launching a new saloon, pictured, to rival Tesla’s Model 3.
The newcomer, unveiled at the Paris motor show last week, features a 395bhp powertrain and a range of up to 300 miles. Yet to be given a name, it should be in the UK next year.
Funky Cat sets a good precedent on that front and I hope the new saloon doesn’t disappoint.
■ From this week Skoda will offer a new colour on the flagship models in its Superb, Kodiaq and Octavia ranges. Called Royal Green it’s been launched to celebrate King Charles III’s Coronation.
Apparently the King has visited the Czech Republic on many occasions – and in the early 90s he collaborated with the then president Vaclav Havel on projects to restore buildings in Praque’s Old Town. ■ A firm specialising in electrifying classic cars such as Land Rover Defenders and E-Type Jaguars has developed a drop-in package for the classic Mini that can be fitted by any qualified mechanic.
Electrogenic’s kit costs £15,000 plus VAT and features a 60bhp electric motor and battery pack that are bolted to a subframe. The original subframe, engine and transmission is taken out and replaced with the firm’s assembly.
The maximum range is 80 miles but a longer range version, which features an auxiliary battery pack fitted in the boot, will also be offered. ■ Jaguar Land Rover is fitting its supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine into the largest Defender it makes, the 130 model.
The 493bhp engine is already used in the Defender 90 and 110 and also the Jaguar F-Type sports car that ends production soon. The new Defender 130 V8 will go head to head with Mercedes-AMG’s G63 and other super SUVs.
Yours for £116,845.