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Source: https://www.motor1.com/news/678620/ds-3-spied-sporty-wheels-brakes/ DS Automobiles launched the updated DS 3 last year, improving the powertrain. However, new spy shots show the automaker isn’t finished with the model. The pictures captured a sportier version of the electric crossover high-altitude testing in Europe. Judging from the camouflage, DS isn’t making significant styling changes, with the bulk of the updates at the front. The electric crossover will feature a new grille design that should coincide with other changes to the face. DS extended the chrome accents under the headlights and hid the central lower bumper opening. The crossover lacks camouflage across the rest of its body, as it doesn’t appear DS will make any big styling changes elsewhere. The only other indicators this DS 3 E-Tense differs from the standard model are its larger brake discs, red calipers, and wider wheels. It appears the crossover wears Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires measuring 275/45 and mounted on 20-inch rims, but the photos are a bit blurry. It’s unclear what kind of powertrain upgrades DS will make to the model. The automaker updated it in 2022, giving the vehicle a more powerful 156-horsepower electric motor that makes 191 pound-feet of torque. The crossover also received a new, larger 54.0-kilowatt-hour battery (50.8 kWh is useable) that delivers up to 250 miles of range on the WLTP standard. The sportier DS 3 E-Tense should arrive with more power and a larger battery to compensate for that increased energy usage. The spy photos don’t show off the car’s cabin, but there shouldn’t be any significant changes inside. The model could receive unique branding, software with new graphics, and bespoke trim pieces. DS Automobiles previewed its future interiors in June, but we don’t expect that kind of radical change in the DS 3 yet. We don’t know when the automaker could reveal the new DS 3 E-Tense variant. The French brand announced a few years ago that it would become a completely electric brand starting in 2024, and adding a sporty EV would undoubtedly help spice up the lineup at a very competitive time in the industry. The camouflage isn’t particularly thick or concealing, but it could be a while before DS pulls off the cover. We wouldn’t be shocked if it didn’t debut until sometime early next year, but we also wouldn’t mind being surprised before the end of 2023.

[extract] Following the footsteps of Ford, Citroen has recently introduced its new PureTech family of three-cylinder petrol engine with capacity of 1.0-litres and 1.2-litres. Unlike Ford's EcoBoost, Citroen's power plants are naturally-aspirated and hence they produce a more modest output ranging from 68bhp to 82bhp. These new range of engines will be fitted on the C3, DS3 and C-Elys

[extract] In March this year, Peugeot showcased a concept version of the 208 GTI at the Geneva Motor Show. The car was heavily inspired by the legendary 205 GTi of the 1980s and early 1990s. After receiving some positive reactions towards it, Peugeot has decided to give the 208 GTi the go-ahead for production. The production version of the car will be shown off at the Paris Motor Show this year in September. Power will come from Peugeot S.A.

It's confirmed. Cars, or more specifically hatchbacks are getting their design cues from sneakers or basketball shoes. Kia recently decided to unveil the Track'star Concept car at the upcoming Chicago Motor Show and that blunt front end, a steeply raked windscreen and chopped off rear hatchback coupled with a funky, garish, bright, shocking, loud (your choice) colour scheme and a basketball high-cut sneaker is what it reminds me of. It's true. Just take a look at the photo of a basketball sneaker above and you can see the comparison. it has the same lines - snub front, the steep shoelace eyelet tabs and that bright colour scheme is exactly like the Kia Track'star above. And then you realise that this must be extremely correct as Kia named the car Track'star. There is a shoe based theme going on here. But one must note that I think the first sneaker-like hot hatch isn't the Kia Track'star mentioned above. That falls to the Citroen DS3 Racing. The DS3 Racing really went the sports shoe way first. Take a look at the colour scheme and the very 'in-your-face' graphics and decals on the roof and just in front of the rear arches. Even Clarkson (yes, that chap from TopGear) mentioned that the Citroen was like a pair of Air Jordans. One might also argue that the BMW Mini Cooper S is the first sneaker car. But I have to say that it isn't as e with even the one with the Union Jack pattern on the roof (or whatever pattern) is actually similar to the original from the 1960s. The high-cut colourful basketball sneaker like the one popularised by Michael Jordan or Michael J. Fox in Back To The Future wasn't invented yet. So it is this new crop of cars that have actually made the sports sneaker-hot hatch styling come to fruit. What next for the future of car design? I actually have no idea but the future looks bright and very sports shoe-like for the moment.

[extract] The Citro