Car news, 17 Sept ’24: Ford Ranger PHEV and new Stormtrak variant revealed, Leapmotor C10 SUV local lineup confirmed, and more
Olek Novak
Contributor
Every important car news story breaking today, in one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Tuesday 17 September 2024. Notably in car news today: Ford has released more details of its forthcoming plug-in hybrid Ranger ute that includes a new Stormtrak variant, and electric upstart Leapmotor’s two-variant C10 SUV lineup firmed up for Aussie brand launch.
Ford has shared further information on the much-anticipated plug-in hybrid electric version of its top-selling Ranger.
The PHEV made its debut to the global public at the IAA Transportation show in Germany, with the brand confirming that the plug-in hybrid powertrain option will be available on Wildtrak, Sport and XLT grades, as well as a PHEV-exclusive Stormtraklaunch edition that will features bespoke styling, additional features and unique finishes.
Ford will debut a new PHEV-exclusive Ranger Stormtrak variant (pictured)
Unlike its Thailand-made petrol and diesel-powered siblings, the PHEV Ranger will be manufactured in South Africa and feature a 2.3-litre turbo-charged petrol four-cylinder mated with a 75kW electric motor and 11.9kWh usable battery, promising a targeted ~45km electric-only driving range.
Combined power outputs have not yet been announced for the variant, with initial deliveries expected to take place in 2025.
Leapmotor C10 electric SUV local lineup revealed
Details of the new Leapmotor C10 electric midsize SUV range, due to launch the brand locally Down Under by year’s end, have surfaced days before the newcomer’s official unveiling.
Leapmotor, partially owned by Stellantis, will launch two C10 variants initially: the entry-level Style and the higher-grade Design. The former brings dual digital instrumentation and fixed glass roof, while the latter adds upgrades such as ‘silicone leather’ seat trim and 20-inch alloy wheels.
The Leapmotor C10 is due to launch locally by year’s end
Both variants fit a common 160kW single-motor rear-drive powertrain, using a 69.9kWh battery and a peak range claim of up to 420 kilometres WLTP.
While pricing is yet to be confirmed for the C10 lineup, it’s expected that the latest Chinese-sourced electric newcomer to the Aussie market will undercut the likes of the popular Tesla Model Y when it launches in Q4. Stay tuned for our full walkround coverage this Thursday.
Could Kia’s next EVs include a Stinger replacement?
Kia could be planning to further expand its electric vehicle range with a new entry-level citycar to replace the Picanto, and a high-performance Stinger-like sedan on the consideration list too, according to an overseas report.
European publication Autocar reports new insights from Kia presidentHo-sung Song in which he states that a new brand-building halo model like the Stinger “is under study”.
Could the Kia Stinger make a return as a high-performance electric car?
While Ho-sung was clear that a Stinger-like electric vehicle is under consideration, he also reportedly saidthat an electric city car successor to the Picanto small car is the “next target” in Kia’s expanding EV range – likely to be called EV1, based on Kia’s current nomenclature.
However, Ho-sing was transparent about the “difficulty” in building an affordable city electric car and stated that while demand for EVs in Europe may appear “sluggish”, that he “does not worry long term” about EV uptake which he sees as “getting stronger”as an overall trend.
Chinese battery giant debuts breakthrough battery tech – report
CATL, world’s largest EV battery maker, has revealed potentially game-changing new battery technology that could filter its way down to electric vehicles, according to an overseas report.
A report from Car News China states that the new Tianxing-B new battery has been made especially for electric buses and has the “highest density in the bus industry”, according to CATL.
Brands such as Geely (Riddara RD6 pictured) already use CATL technology
Significantly, the new battery is said to have a service life of 15 years and 1.5 million kilometres, with a 10 year or one million kilometre warranty.
This compares to standard warranties on EV batteries which generally come in at eight years and 160,000km.
GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4T PHEV 2024 reviewed
Chasing Cars contributor Iain Curry’s review of the 2024 GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4T PHEV was published, taking a look at the plug-in hybrid electric version of the Chinese brand’s big daddy pick-up.
The Cannon Alpha is a newcomer to the Aussie market, having been offered only in petrol-electric hybrid and diesel forms to date, but now a PHEV variant promises 110 kilometres of electric-only driving range.
Curry was able to take this model for a spin on and off road in a Chinese left-hook version of the new PHEV ute, a vehicle that could take on the likes of the forthcoming BYD Shark and Ford Ranger plug-in pickups.
Our test car is the ultimate XSR grade, a trim currently not offered in the Aussie diesel and self-charging hybrid Cannon Alpha lineup; packing 300kW and 750Nm of combined petrol-electric output.
