Get your motor going; the hottest new vehicles for 2018
We’ve been looking at the most anticipated vehicles that are due to be released in 2018. Which one could you imagine taking out for a spin?
The first of three all-electric SUVs that Audi will launch by 2020, the Audi A6 e-tron’s battery technology can handle a 300-mile-plus range. Filling another gap in its SUV range early next year, the car will break new ground as it’ll be a fully electric rival to the Tesla Model X. Featuring a triple electric motor set up to produce 496bhp, it gives a claimed 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds. Of more interest is the lithium-ion battery pack. On a full charge, this should provide the e-tron with a 311-mile range.
Renaut Master ZE
Following after the Nissan e-NV200, Iveco Daily Electric and Renaut’s own Kangoo ZE, The Master ZE is a larger van that was announced in early 2017. Claiming ranges of 124 miles, it comes in three variants that carry up to 1,100kg. ZE stands for Zero Emissions, and it’s the first confirmed large electric van for sale in the UK, although Volkswagen’s e-Crafter and Mercedez-Benz’s electric van will be following later.
Lexus LS
The Lexus LS went on sale in America nearly 30 years ago, establishing itself as a pinnacle of luxury and quality. The 2018 LS is stronger, prioritising craftsmanship and technology, and an identity separating the car from the competition, while keeping a careful eye on value. The new LS is based on the GA-L platform that underpins the company’s swooping LC coupe, stretched in every direction over the previous-generation model. It’s also an impressive 90kg lighter, despite being a larger car. Two versions will be available: the LS 500h hybrid combines a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with two electric motors, while the LC 500 uses a 409bhp 3.5-litre V6.
LDV G10 2018
LDV returned to the world of van market last year after a seven-year absence. While today, LDVs are built in China and imported into the UK, their V80 large panel van will be joined by another vehicle, the medium-sized G10, next year.
One of the best selling cars of all time is getting another revamp in 2018 , hoping to build on its success. With the increased acceptance of battery-powered cars Nissan have redesigned, with a low, sleek profile that gives it an aerodynamic look Nissan are being more daring with the new Leaf’s looks, and adding a lot of tech. The new Leaf features ProPILOT driver assist, which uses systems that eventually will lead to autonomous operation, and also the ‘e-Pedal’, which Nissan claims allows the driver to only use the accelerator, as taking your foot off this will slow the car to a complete stop, charging the batteries in the process. The new Leaf can go 150 miles between charges with 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque from its new e-powertrain. Energy is stored in a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.