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    Explosive sports feeling ! Honda’s new “Infinite Fit” is on sale! Introduced in China for about 1.9 million yen .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Bursting with sportiness! Honda’s new “”Mugen Fit”” launched! Launched in China at approx. 1.9 million yen

    Exclusive interior and exterior parts
    　On April 29, 2022, Honda’s Chinese joint venture, Guangqi Honda Automobile, began selling the Mugen Fit, a new sporty model of the Chinese-spec Fit.

    Too much aero! The “”Mugen Fit”” is a new sporty model of the “”Fit”” for Chinese specifications. Honda’s “”Mugen Fit”” in 21 images

    Mugen Fit”” by Guangqi Honda Automobile

    　Honda has a joint venture company in China called “”Dongfeng Honda Automobile”” with Guangqi Honda Automobile.

    　Guangqi Honda Automobile sells the Chinese version of the Fit, while Dongfeng Honda Automobile handles the Fit’s sister model, the Life.

    　Incidentally, Guangqi Honda Automobile explains that the Fit has a total of more than 1.3 million users in China. This means that the Fit is loved by many users.

    　The Mugen Fit is equipped with various aero parts from Mugen, an after-sports brand specializing in Honda.

    　The front spoiler and silver front grille give the car a face with a strong presence, and the rear spoiler also has a flashy design.

    　The design is slightly different from the Mugen accessories for the Fit sold in Japan, with a style that emphasizes fearlessness. Dark-colored sporty aluminum wheels have also been installed.

    　On the interior, red and silver exclusive plates are placed on the instrument panel to create a special atmosphere.

    　The price of the Mugen Fit is 97,000 yuan (approximately 1.9 million yen).

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

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    “Gundam-like bZ4X” and “Japanese-style ariya” design different new SUV tastes! What is everyone interested in?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “The “”Gundam-like bZ4X”” and the “”Japanese-style Ariya”” are two new SUVs with different designs, and people have different tastes! What do people like about the new SUVs?

    Three New SUVs, What’s Your Preferred Design?
    　In 2022, there was big news for domestic SUVs. That is the introduction of new SUV-type EVs from Toyota and Subaru.
    　
    　In March of the same year, Nissan’s SUV-type EV “”Ariya”” began to be delivered to customers, and the three vehicles are now competing on the same playing field.
    　
    　In this context, how do users compare the three vehicles? In this issue, we will focus on the design.

    [Image] There are all kinds of face preferences! Which face do you like? Japanese style or novelty… See the new SUV designs in action!

    Can’t you say “”Gundam look””? Is the design of the new bZ4X novel? What are the repercussions of each?

    　On April 12, 2022, Toyota will successively unveil the new bZ4X and the new Soltera on April 14 of the same month, which will go on sale on May 12 (the new bZ4X will only be available in the Subs KINTO).

    　The new bZ4X/new Solterra were jointly developed by the two companies and are dedicated EV models that are packed with their respective know-how.

    　On social networking sites, there are many comments of anticipation for these two vehicles, such as “”bZ4X looks promising if it has this kind of performance in an SUV,”” and “”I like the design of Solterra a lot, I want one! I want it!”” and “”I like the design of Solterra, I want it!

    　The Nissan “”Ariya”” is a model that makes use of Nissan’s know-how cultivated with the “”LEAF”” and other models.

    　In Japan, Nissan announced the “”Ariya limited,”” a special limited edition model exclusively for the Japanese market, on June 4, 2021, and started taking pre-orders on the same day.

    　As of April 2021, in addition to the limited version, orders for the regular version are also being accepted.

    　So, what are people saying about the design of these three cars?

    　Some of the comments on social networking sites are: “”bZ4X looks like a Toyota car, which is a good point for users,”” “”I prefer the design of Sortera,”” “”I still like the design and texture of Ariya,”” “”Ariya has an elegant Japanese design, while bZ4X looks like a Gundam and has a futuristic feel,”” “”Ariya has a more modern look. It is interesting to see such completely different design philosophies even from the same Japanese automaker.

    　The exterior of the new bZ4X is characterized by the expression of BEV’s uniqueness, with aerodynamic items woven into the corners that differ from the center emphasis theme symbolizing the radiator used in conventional cars, and a bumper shape that is thin at the top and bottom.

    　The exterior of the new Solterra features a front face with a hexagonal motif. Other features include a body with a horizontal axis running through it and dynamic fenders that protrude from the inside, giving it a powerful SUV-like appearance.

    　The Ariya, on the other hand, is characterized by the Kumiko, a traditional Japanese geometric pattern expressed three-dimensionally on the shield, and the large L-shaped sequential blinkers on the front part show its presence.

    　In addition, the interior of the bZ4X has been the subject of many comments on social networking sites, with some saying, “”I like the simplicity of the bZ4X’s interior,”” others saying, “”The interior of the Soltera was cool, like a spaceship,”” and still others saying, “”The Arya is the best in terms of interior design.

    　In response to the users’ reaction to the Ariya, which can already be seen in person at special exhibits and Nissan Galleries (Ginza and Yokohama) throughout Japan, a Nissan dealership had the following to say.

    The exterior of the Ariya’s design has been well received, but we have been particularly impressed with the quality of the interior.

    　In particular, the door panels, the foot lighting, and the electrostatic switches on the instrument panel give the impression of high quality and advanced design.

    * * * *

    　On the other hand, the new bZ4X and the new Solterra have not had as many opportunities to be seen by the general public as the Ariya at this time, but as more exhibition events are held in the future, the response is expected to grow.

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    4.15 million yen difference ! Even though it is the same Toyota “Alphard”! Attention is the luxury of the “second row seat”? Compare 4 types with great differences!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “4,150,000 yen difference! Even though they are the same Toyota “”Alphard””! Is the focus of attention on the luxury of the “”2nd row seats””? Comparison of 4 types with big difference!

    Too big a price difference! The Difference Was in the Second Row Seats
    　The Toyota “”Alphard”” is a minivan with a three-row seating layout for multiple passengers.
    　
    　The interior layout can be classified into four variations depending on the second-row seats.
    　
    　Let’s take a look at the four seat types available in the Alphard and explain them in order.
    Too luxurious! Compare the interior photos of Toyota’s Alphard by type

    　The Alphard’s price (including consumption tax) ranges from 3,597,000 yen to 7,752,000 yen.

    　The price difference between the basic grade and the highest grade amounts to approximately 4,150,000 yen, boasting an extremely wide grade lineup.

    　The most significant difference between the two grades is in the four types of second-row seats.

    　The first seat type is the “”6:4 split tip-up seat,”” which is the only 8-seat version.

    　The second row seats are bench type with seating for three.

    　It is available in the basic grade “”X,”” which can be purchased starting at 3,597,000 yen, and the “”S”” model equipped with special aero parts.

    　This specification also contributes to expanding the cargo space by tipping up (lifting up) the seat surface when sliding it forward.

    　The second is the “”Relaxed Captain’s Seat.

    　This is a 7-seater specification with independent left and right captain seats in the second row.

    　These seats are available on the 7-seater X and S models, as well as the special edition S “”TYPE GOLD III”” model.

    　The third is the “”Executive Power Seat.

    　As you can see from the word “”power,”” the reclining and ottoman seats are upgraded to electric power.

    　The seats also feature synthetic leather upholstery, large headrests with adjustable angles, and large armrests with cup holders and pockets.

    　As the name implies, this is a high-end specification with a more “”executive”” atmosphere, and is equipped in the high-end GF, G F package, SC, SR C package, and S C package grades.

    　The fourth seat type is the Executive Lounge Seat.

    　These special seats are available only in the Alphard’s top grade “”Executive Lounge”” (7,269,000 to 7,599,000 yen) and “”Executive Lounge S”” (7,752,000 to 7,752,000 yen).

    　At first glance, the seats look similar to the Executive Power Seats, but are upholstered in soft-touch premium nappa genuine leather.

    　The seats are heated and ventilated, and the power ottoman has an additional extend/retract function, and the power recline has a memory and reset function.

    　The seat is also equipped with a retractable table, centralized control switches with retractable armrests, cell phone and file holders, and other functional features that are appropriate for the highest grade.

    * * *

    　The current (third generation) Toyota Alphard was introduced in 2015. Seven years after its debut, it still boasts strong popularity.

    　One of the reasons for its longstanding popularity is its high-end tailoring, which no other minivan can match.

    　On April 27, 2022, a new special edition model “”S “”TYPE GOLD III”” with enhanced interior and exterior quality was introduced.

    　This is an evolution of the previously available special edition “”S “”TYPE GOLD II””.

    　The price is set at a more affordable level (4,306,000 yen to 5,154,400 yen) compared to the higher grade, apparently aiming to further increase sales.

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    The “Mini Alphard” specification of the new “Atrai” is amazing! SUVs with amazing faces are also appearing one after another !? In a sense, the Alphardization will not stop?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “The “”mini-Alphard”” version of the new “”Atley”” is amazing! SUVs with amazing faces are also appearing one after another! In a sense, the Alphard-ization of the car is unstoppable?

    Toyota’s “”Alphard”” is not the only car… recently introduced with a face design with presence and a sense of luxury
    　The Toyota “”Alphard”” is a representative example of the Japanese manufacturer’s model lineup with a face design that has a strong presence.
    　
    　Its powerful design and high-class interior and exterior make it very popular in Japan and other parts of Asia as well.
    　
    　So, what are some of the new models that have recently appeared on the market with a face design that has a presence comparable to that of the Alphard?

    The presence of an Alphard? The powerful face of the new Orafacial Atlay SUV is awesome!
    Like a “”mini Alphard,”” the “”Atrei Premium Ver.”” based on Daihatsu’s new Atrei.

    　Some people have described the “”ora ora face”” or the “”tough face”” of the new Daihatsu Atlet based on the new Atlet as “”a miniature Ford””.
    　
    　In recent years, some high wagon models in the minicar category have adopted a design that can be described as “”orahora”” face with a strong presence.

    　Examples include the Honda N-BOX Custom, Suzuki Spacia Custom, Daihatsu Tanto Custom, and Nissan Luke’s Highway Star.

    　Among them, Daihatsu will showcase the “”Atley Premium ver (concept model)”” based on the RS grade of the new “”Atley”” at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022. based on the RS grade of the new “”Atley”” was unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022.

    　This Atley evolves the world view of the base new Atley by adopting exclusive premium-feeling interior and exterior parts, dampers, and other features.

    　The exterior features a two-tone body color of white with a blacked-out roof. The face design features the original front bumper/grille (with LED daylights), rear skirts, and side stone guards with an expanded area of black.

    　Other. A black roof-end spoiler, inner headlamps, and genuine leather-like seat covers in the interior were incorporated to create a premium world view.

    　On social networking sites, there were comments such as “”It’s good looking and different from the Tanto Custom,”” “”The new Atrei Premium Ver. is so cool,”” “”This is going to be my Agari’s car. It’s going to be this,”” “”It looks like a mini Alphard,”” and “”A geeky face on a mini car, huh?

    　Another powerful and premium face design that has recently appeared is the new CX-60 crossover SUV, which Mazda unveiled for the first time in the world on April 7, 2022, as the first of a new generation of large product lines.

    　The exterior of the new CX-60 combines intelligence and elegance through the latest “”KODO – Soul of Motion”” design based on the Japanese “”ma”” concept.

    　In particular, the front grille is larger and thicker than that of the CX-5 and CX and the CX-60, giving it a face with a strong presence.

    　On social networking sites, there are comments about the new CX-60, such as “”CX-60 is so cool,”” “”CX-60 is so handsome,”” “”It looks more luxurious,”” and “”I never thought I’d see a car like this from Japan. I never thought I would see a car like this from Japan,”” and so on.

    　According to Mazda, the new CX-60 is a model refined by “”Less is more – subtractive beauty”” and will be proposed as a new standard for SUVs.

    　The new CX-60 is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in early fall of 2022.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

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    Pro shop is a candidate from the beginning … Toyota Alphard Part 1 .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “A Pro Shop is a Candidate from the Start…Toyota Alphard Part 1 [Car Audio Newcomer]

    Mr. Iwamoto, who used to be a customization enthusiast, became fascinated with audio cars when he heard one, and started setting up the audio system in his new Alphard. He decided to order everything from system consultation to installation and sound tuning at Sound Station Quantum in Ibaraki Prefecture.

    After listening to the store’s audio car
    He was amazed at the spatial expression and decided to install it in his car.
    Mr. Iwamoto used to be a sedan enthusiast who was passionate about various customizations. In particular, for a while, he was a master of suspension customization. He also started working on exterior customization and often visited custom stores in the area where he lived at the time.

    I wasn’t really interested in audio at the time, but I saw a car with an audio system installed at one of the custom stores I visited, and I had a chance to listen to it, and it made a big impact on me.

    Mr. Iwamoto had been enthusiastic about the custom suspension and exterior, but when he heard an audio car with a high-level audio system, he experienced a sensation he had never experienced before.

    I had experienced almost only stock audio systems, but the sound was completely different from anything I had ever heard before. What surprised me the most was that I could hear the music three-dimensionally in the space inside the car. I thought it was amazing. This experience made me realize that someday I would like to build a high-level audio system myself.

    Later, the owner moved to Ibaraki Prefecture, where he began a full-fledged search for an audio store.

    I wanted to have it installed at a specialty audio store, not a mass retailer. I believe that a specialty store has high technical capabilities, and in the case of audio, they are also experts in sound production. Therefore, from the beginning, I only considered pro stores as candidates. So I started looking for a store not too far from my house.

    After consulting with the store, he decided on the system before the car was delivered to the store.
    However, his car was stolen shortly after installation.
    When he was looking for an audio specialist to install audio equipment in his car, he found a colleague who had installed a security system at his company. When Mr. Iwamoto heard from his colleague that the store he requested was a trustworthy store that also did audio systems, he searched for it on the Web.

    I found the store to be clean and the pits to be very organized. I had a good feeling about it, so I decided to visit the shop. That was the Quantum I asked for this time.

    Not long after that, Mr. Iwamoto went to Quantum. At the time, his current vehicle, an Alphard, had not yet been delivered, and he thought his main concern was to consult with Quantum about a system he planned to install in the future.

    I had signed a contract for the Alphard, but it hadn’t been delivered yet, so I thought it would be a little while before I could install it,”” he said. I was planning to install the audio system when the Alphard was delivered, so I went to the store thinking it would be just a quick talk at first.

    However, when he went to the store, Mr. Iwamoto talked about the audio system in depth, building up a sense of trust in the store. The conversation proceeded smoothly, and even the system for the Alphard was decided before the car was delivered.

    We decided on the Carrozzeria Cyber X for the navigation system,”” said Iwamoto. For speakers, we decided on Focal K2 Power speakers, and decided on a front two-way system with the navigation system’s built-in amplifier.

    Once the car was delivered in this manner, installation began on the Alphard as planned, and the car was delivered shortly after. However, a major incident occurred soon after. Mr. Iwamoto’s beloved Alphard was stolen shortly after the audio system was installed.

    For a while, he had to put up with the sound of the stock audio system.
    But he decided to install a new audio system on a budget.
    He bought his favorite car and installed the audio system with his best effort. Iwamoto was at a loss when his beloved car was stolen, but he was able to buy a new car with his insurance.

    I managed to get the car back, but I couldn’t afford the audio system, so I gave up on it,”” he said. I had to put up with the sound of the display audio system and the factory speakers. But once I had experienced Cyber X and Focal speakers, I wasn’t satisfied with the sound. It kind of sounded like I was listening with poor-performing earphones, and I wanted to do something about it.””

    The owner put up with it for a while, but when he couldn’t take it any longer, he finally succeeded in raising the budget for the audio system by making various efforts. He also wanted to upgrade his system from the previous one, so he started consulting with Quantum again.

    I decided to upgrade the system a little more, not the same system anyway. So we decided to use the same Focal K2 power series for the front speakers, but with the 3-way KX3. We also decided to add a Helix P-SIX DSP amplifier. For the head unit, we decided to use a Cyber Navi.””

    Alphard’s system was quickly upgraded with the addition of a 3-way system and a high-quality DSP amplifier. Despite the tragedy of the theft, the team was able to overcome the financial hurdle and obtain the system they wanted.

    I especially liked the high sound quality of the DSP amp and the ability to input the USB connection from my Walkman directly. I also like the fact that the system is capable of high-resolution playback.

    Mr. Iwamoto has now installed a high-quality system in his second Alphard. He waited for the installation to be completed, filled with anticipation for the high sound quality of his beloved car. After overcoming the tragedy of the car being stolen, Mr. Iwamoto’s car was finally installed. Check out the second part of this article for his impressions of the completed installation.

    Yasuhiro Tsuchida｜Writer
    After working as an engineer related to digital audio, Mr. Tsuchida switched careers to become an editor at a publishing company. He worked in the editorial departments of motorcycle and 4WD magazines. After becoming independent, he has been involved in writing for car audio, cars, wristwatches, mono-related, interior, and outdoor-related magazines, and was also contracted to serve as editor-in-chief of a car audio magazine. Currently, he is still active in writing mainly for car audio magazines.”

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    Powerful high ace steel wheel “DAYTONA-RS NEO” to be released

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “DAYTONA-RS NEO Steel Wheels for the Powerful Hiace to be Released on Monday, May 2, 2022 at 18:30

    Steel wheel for DAYTONA-RS NEO Hiace
    Ace, which develops the Hiace custom brand “”Roadster,”” will release the newly designed steel wheel “”DAYTONA-RS NEO”” on May 10.

    The standard Daytona design wheel “”DAYTONA-RS”” has undergone a significant evolution. The overwhelming deep concave and extremely greedy big holes are the highlight. The overflow-designed disc makes the rim size seem an inch larger. The neostyling of steel wheels was pursued to have an absolute presence while blending in naturally with vehicles in the field.

    Size is 16″” x 6.5J +38/P.C.D. 139.7/6 holes. Price (per wheel) is 13,200 yen for black and 14,300 yen for chrome.”

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    Will Toyota’s new “Hiace Wagon” super-luxury specification exceed 4.5 million yen ! What is the whole picture of the “strongest specification” with extreme comfort?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “DAYTONA-RS NEO Steel Wheels for the Powerful Hiace to be Released on Monday, May 2, 2022 at 18:30

    Steel wheel for DAYTONA-RS NEO Hiace
    Ace, which develops the Hiace custom brand “”Roadster,”” will release the newly designed steel wheel “”DAYTONA-RS NEO”” on May 10.

    The standard Daytona design wheel “”DAYTONA-RS”” has undergone a significant evolution. The overwhelming deep concave and extremely greedy big holes are the highlight. The overflow-designed disc makes the rim size seem an inch larger. The neostyling of steel wheels was pursued to have an absolute presence while blending in naturally with vehicles in the field.

    Size is 16″” x 6.5J +38/P.C.D. 139.7/6 holes. Price (per wheel) is 13,200 yen for black and 14,300 yen for chrome.”

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    KINTO monthly usage fee starts from 88,220 yen, Toyota “bZ4X” application acceptance starts on May 12 .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “KINTO Monthly Fee Starting at 88,220 yen, Toyota “”bZ4X”” Application to Begin May 12, 2022, Monday, May 2, 2022, 3:30 p.m.

    bZ4X exclusive planToyota bZ4X Z (Black x Precious Metal) Toyota bZ4X Z (Interior color: Light Gray)
    Toyota Motor Corporation and KINTO have decided on a monthly subscription fee for the new “”bZ4X”” EV to be offered as a subscription service to individuals, and will begin accepting applications for 3,000 vehicles for delivery by the end of the year on May 12 at noon on the website or through dealerships.

    The monthly fee for the KINTO “”bZ4X Exclusive Plan”” starts at 88,220 yen for the first four years of the maximum 10-year contract period when the CEV (Clean Energy Vehicle) subsidy is applied. A separate application fee of 770,000 yen is required. Some local governments offer subsidies, which may further reduce the monthly fee.

    After the fifth year, the CEV subsidy is no longer applied, but the monthly fee is reduced in stages each year: 75,460 yen in the fifth year, 70,070 yen in the sixth year, 64,680 yen in the seventh year, 59,290 yen in the eighth year, 53,900 yen in the ninth year, and 48,510 yen in the tenth year. The longer the car is driven, the more reasonable the price becomes, and with no mid-term cancellation fee, the program supports a flexible car life. The total monthly fee for 10 years is 9,637,320 yen without subsidy, and 8,697,480 yen with only the CEV subsidy.

    Under the bZ4X Exclusive Plan, in addition to automobile insurance, automobile tax, vehicle inspection, maintenance, and other expenses, the monthly fee also includes a warranty on battery performance (10 years, 200,000 km/70% battery capacity) during the contract period and the cost of using connected services.”

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    Genuine replacement steering for GR Yaris … TOM ’S carbon steering

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “TOM’S Carbon Steering Wheel, a factory-installed replacement for the GR Yaris, will be available at Toyota dealers, TOM’S parts dealers and TOM’S online store nationwide from May. TOM’S parts dealers nationwide and TOM’S online shop.

    Customized New Product Information May 1, 2022 (Sun.)
    TOM’S Carbon Steering, a factory-installed replacement steering wheel for the GR Yaris, is now on sale from May at Toyota dealers nationwide, TOM’S parts dealers and TOM’S online store. Part numbers can also be ordered through the Toyota dealer distribution system “”ai21.

    The “”TOM’S Carbon Steering Wheel”” combines real carbon and high-grade nappa leather to create a sporty and elegant atmosphere. The grip is made of perforated leather and has a gun grip shape, making the steering wheel comfortable to the driver’s hand and ensuring a pleasant driving experience.

    TOM’S carbon fiber steering wheel [45100-TPA16]
    Price: 82,500 yen (including tax)
    Weight: approx. 3.0 kg
    Size: Outer diameter 355Φ
    Matching model: TOYOTA GR YARIS 4WD (RZ High P 1st, RZ High P, RZ 1st, RZ, RC) / 2WD (RS)
    Steering center adjustment is required after installation.
    Steering control switch and horn pad are not included in this product. This product is to be transferred from the factory steering wheel.”

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    A close-up of the interior of Audi’s new EV “Q6 e-tron”! Is the protruding screen real?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “A fierce look at the interior of Audi’s new Q6 e-tron EV! Is the protruding screen real? “”Sunday, May 1, 2022 08:00 AM

    Audi is currently developing a new full-electric crossover SUV, the Q6 e-tron, and for the first time the cameras of the scoop site Spyder7 have captured the interior of the latest prototype.

    The prototype caught cannot be seen with the satin silver grille in its closed state. However, the shape of the corner air intakes can be seen, the two-stage split headlight design, and the wide air intakes under the bumper are clearly visible.

    At the rear, part of the LED taillights are exposed, while slim strip lights are likely to be placed between them.

    The interior is partially hidden by a cover, but a screen protruding from the dashboard can be seen. The e-tron GT and Q4 e-tron have infotainment screens in the dashboard, and while the possibility of differentiation cannot be ruled out, the thick bezel and other features suggest that this is not the final component. Also behind the steering wheel is an evolved digital instrument cluster.

    The Q6 e-tron uses the “”PPE”” architecture. It will be shared with the upcoming Audi A6 e-tron sedan and the new-generation Porsche Macan EV. The body size will be similar to that of the ICE-equipped Q5, but thanks to the smart packaging offered by PPE, the interior is expected to be on the same level as the Q7, which is one class higher.

    The EV specs are expected to be available in single-motor and dual-motor versions, with a total system output of 476 hp. There are also rumors of a more powerful model, the Q6 e-tron RS, which will hit a maximum output of 600ps and a maximum torque of 830Nm.

    The Q6 e-tron is scheduled to be launched in 2023, and will have its world premiere by the end of 2022 as a higher-end model of the Q4 e-tron launched last April and a lower-end model of the “”e-tron”” (possibly renamed to Q8 e-tron).

    The company plans to offer 20 EVs by 2025, and the Q6 e-tron will be one of them.”