2024 will be a decisive year for HONGQI, a Chinese brand you’ve probably never heard of, but one that is making waves in the global luxury electric car market.

With its innovative models and technological advancements, HONGQI has caught attention at prestigious international events, shining a spotlight on its ambitions. But what makes this brand so special? Let’s take a closer look.

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Electric technology designed to impress

HONGQI made a big impression this year with two flagship models: the EH7 sedan and the EHS7 SUV, both unveiled at the renowned Goodwood Festival of Speed. These vehicles, built on the TianGong electric platform, boast impressive performance. With a range of up to 400 miles for the EH7 and 370 miles for the EHS7, they easily meet the needs of modern drivers. Their main highlight? Ultra-fast charging technology that can take the battery from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes. It’s a real game changer for electric mobility. But HONGQI doesn’t stop there. The TianGong platform stands out for its ability to operate efficiently even in extreme conditions, such as cold climates. This is a significant breakthrough, especially for regions where low temperatures can strain batteries.

Design and quality tailored to Western tastes

HONGQI’s efforts to appeal to an international audience are clear. Its models have been praised at prestigious auto shows like Automechanika in Frankfurt and the Paris Motor Show. Critics have highlighted the subtle blend of Asian luxury and European aesthetics, which greatly appeal to Americans. For instance, the EHS7 has been described as “designed for the Western market” with attention to detail and impeccable engineering. Meanwhile, the EH7’s combination of comfort, impressive range, and understated luxury has won over both experts and users. What sets HONGQI apart even more is its collaboration with iconic brands like SCABAL, a well-known name in the luxury industry. This partnership symbolizes the perfect union between Chinese craftsmanship and European standards. HONGQI has successfully established its image as a “new global luxury” brand, combining innovation and refinement.

Clear ambitions for the future

While 2024 marks its international breakthrough, HONGQI doesn’t plan to stop there. The brand aims to launch ten new models in Europe over the next five years, further expanding its lineup. This commitment shows how determined HONGQI is to meet the demands of an increasingly discerning global market. At the same time, the brand is focusing on sustainability. Its goal is clear: to develop electric mobility solutions that combine performance, comfort, and environmental responsibility. With investments in innovative technology platforms and a commitment to continuous improvement, HONGQI aims to become a key player in the luxury mobility market.

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This article explores the impressive performance of HONGQI’s EH7 and EHS7 models, their enthusiastic reception on the international stage, and the brand’s strategic ambitions for the future. With vehicles that blend innovation, luxury, and sustainability, HONGQI seems ready to redefine the standards of the luxury electric car market.

Sources & images: © HONGQI Auto

Among ambitious projects and legal battles, De Tomaso Automobili, the most American of Italian automakers, is trying to reaffirm its identity as a manufacturer of exceptional cars.

The Italian brand, known for iconic models like the Pantera, has embarked on a bold renaissance with the P72, a hypercar that promises to captivate car enthusiasts. But behind this venture lies a complex story, blending legal conflicts and artistic aspirations.

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An ambitious revival

De Tomaso Automobili, founded in 1959 by Argentine driver Alejandro de Tomaso, has never been afraid to push boundaries. After years of silence, the brand returned to the spotlight in 2019, thanks to Norman Choi, who had already made his mark with Apollo Automobil. This revival took shape with the P72, a hypercar that pays tribute to the 1965 P70 while combining retro elegance with modern technology. Personally, I think it resembles the Ferrari 330 P4, a winner at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This project is built on a unique philosophy: returning to the essence of driving. The P72 focuses on analog sensations, extreme attention to detail, and artisanal craftsmanship, much like Gordon Murray’s models or Pagani’s creations. The first models are set to be delivered in 2025, and De Tomaso is already planning to expand its lineup with other creations like the P900.

A legal battle in the background

Despite the excitement surrounding its vehicles, De Tomaso is facing accusations from a former consultant. In March 2024, the company firmly denied these allegations, calling them “baseless.” By November, it had asked a court to dismiss the claims while filing counter-lawsuits for breach of trust and unjust enrichment. This conflict has undoubtedly affected the brand’s public image but has not slowed its ambitions. De Tomaso emphasizes the integrity and transparency of its practices while highlighting the contributions of its teams to the realization of complex projects like the P72. The company aims to turn this challenging period into an opportunity to reaffirm its values.

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A future shaped by art and innovation

Despite the hurdles, De Tomaso remains focused on its goal: reinventing luxury automobiles by blending timeless design with performance. The P72 is not just a car but an artistic statement. It symbolizes an era when automobiles were works of art rather than mere modes of transport. De Tomaso aims to compete with well-established brands like Pagani and Koenigsegg in the handcrafted hypercar segment, prioritizing driving pleasure and performance. As the first customers eagerly await their models in 2025, the brand hopes this hypercar will become a symbol of its rebirth. De Tomaso seeks not only to win the hearts of enthusiasts but also to establish itself as a benchmark in the world of exclusive hypercars, blending heritage with modernity.

This article explores De Tomaso’s challenging journey, marked by legal battles and artistic ambitions. The brand is betting everything on the P72 to make its comeback and reaffirm its identity in a constantly evolving automotive world.

Source & images: © De Tomaso Automobili

While Porsche was a pioneer with the Taycan in 2019, the automaker seems to be slowing down its transition to electric vehicles.

Far from its original goal of 80% electric models sold by 2030, the brand is rethinking its strategy by giving new life to its combustion and hybrid models. But what is really happening in Zuffenhausen, the factory that produces most of Porsche’s models?

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When sportiness and electric don’t mix

Porsche, renowned for its driving performance, is facing a major challenge: replicating the unique driving experience of its combustion cars in electric models. This is especially evident with the upcoming electric 718, initially planned for 2025. The issue? The battery, too heavy and restrictive, limits the sportiness that Porsche fans crave. Disagreements between Porsche and its battery supplier, Valmet Automotive, aren’t helping. Porsche, demanding costly adjustments to improve performance, is reluctant to pay. The result: delays in the project, which could even lead to an extended lifecycle for the combustion versions of the 718 Cayman and Boxster. This cautious decision makes sense since a poorly received electric model could damage Porsche’s image, especially as its core audience, passionate about combustion engines, is already struggling to say goodbye to non-electrified models.

A change of course on multiple fronts

It’s not just the 718 that’s affected. Porsche is considering significant changes for other iconic models as well. Take the Cayenne, for instance: initially, a simple platform update was planned, but the automaker is now considering an entirely new development. Why? Because the electric version of the SUV, expected in 2026, could be delayed by several years. Even the Panamera, slated to be replaced after 2030, could stick around longer. Porsche seems to favor combustion and hybrid versions in response to slowing electric vehicle sales in Europe. For key markets like China and the United States, the automaker is considering more competitive combustion options to counter local electric vehicles that are much cheaper.

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The price war and buyer expectations

This strategic shift also stems from economic reasons. High-end electric vehicles are in direct competition with local models, particularly Chinese ones, that are significantly cheaper. For example, in China, a combustion Porsche sells for about $90,000, compared to $50,000 for a comparable local electric vehicle. Porsche might have better chances by engaging in a price war with combustion models rather than with electric ones. Another observation: buyer priorities have shifted. Pure performance, once essential, is now secondary to features like connectivity and practicality. Porsche will need to adapt to stay competitive while avoiding falling too far behind on electric vehicles, seen as the inevitable future of mobility. But given the current market and the hesitation of major automakers, one might wonder if 100% electric is still as inevitable as it once seemed.

This article explores how Porsche is adjusting its strategy in response to the technical and economic challenges of its new fully electric models. Between extending combustion models and revising plans for its SUVs and sedans, the brand is striving to maintain its DNA while adapting to a rapidly changing market.

What happens when one of the most luxurious cars in the world doesn’t have a spot for your favorite drink? A Bugatti Chiron Super Sport owner faced this dilemma, and her solution made the entire internet smile.

Shannon Ralston, a Texas businesswoman, spilled a can of Red Bull on the seat of her hypercar. Instead of just cleaning it up and moving on, she posted a video on Instagram, directly asking Bugatti to design a custom cup holder for her. To everyone’s surprise, the French automaker accepted the challenge, thanks to the magic of the internet.

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Bugatti takes on the cup holder challenge

A Bugatti Chiron Super Sport is a masterpiece on four wheels: blistering speed, flawless design, and jaw-dropping luxury for the modest price of $5 million. But as surprising as it may seem, it doesn’t have a place to hold a simple can. Shannon reached out to Frank Heyl, Bugatti’s design director, explaining her issue via social media—she wanted a custom cup holder as a Christmas gift. Just a few days later, Heyl responded with a video, announcing that he had taken on the challenge. The solution? A double cup holder specifically designed to fit into the car’s door pocket. A true technical feat… for an everyday convenience!

 

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Une publication partagée par Shannon Ralston (@sweet4shannon)

A custom piece worthy of a work of art

The cup holder designed by Bugatti is far from a cheap piece of plastic. It was created to hold both a water bottle and a Red Bull can while perfectly matching the Chiron’s aesthetics. To make it even more personalized, it features Shannon’s car’s white and pink color scheme and has her name engraved on it. Before being finalized, the prototype will be 3D-printed and sent to Shannon in early January. If she approves it, Bugatti will likely produce a definitive version using prestigious materials like carbon fiber. The cost? It’s unknown, but for a Chiron owner, such details are rarely a concern, even if it means spending a few thousand dollars.

 

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Une publication partagée par Frank Heyl (@frank.heyl)

A request that makes people smile, but raises questions

On social media, this initiative naturally sparked mixed reactions, blending humor and fascination. Some joked about comparing their “normal” car’s comfort to that of a Bugatti. “This is why I drive a 2013 Kia Optima,” quipped one user. Others pointed out the irony of needing a custom design for something as ordinary as a can. This anecdote also raises an interesting question: why doesn’t a car as exceptional as the Chiron come with practical everyday solutions from the start? Perhaps this episode will encourage Bugatti to include cup holders in its future models, like the upcoming Tourbillon. But with Bugatti, even the simplest accessories become high-end engineering marvels.

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This article explores how a simple request on Instagram led Bugatti to design a custom cup holder for a client, showcasing how the brand remains attentive to its customers—even for unexpected demands.

Image: © Bugatti