Groupe Renault has launched a new brand called Mobilize as part of its restructured business. Mobilize lines up alongside the Renault, Alpine and Dacia brands as a new urban-focused mobility provider, with car-sharing, pay-as-you-go usage and sustainable motoring being at its forefront.  Key to the establishment of the new brand will be a car sharing initiative built around four new purpose made vehicles - one of which has been previewed in concept form.  SEE MORE Official: Renault 5 reborn as compact EV due on sale by 2025 The Mobilize EZ-1 prototype is a spiritual successor to the Renault Twizy. A compact, two-seat electric vehicle with a 1+1 seating arrangement, it’s designed for shared use. Users will only pay for what they use, graded either by mileage or drive-time. It comes with keyless access, and interacts with drivers and users via a smartphone app.  The EZ-1 is only 2.3 metres long and features a large glass canopy. It is made with 95 per cent recycled materials and similarly it will be 95 per cent recyclable at the end of its lifespan, claims Renault. Mobilize EZ-1 - side Mobilize EZ-1 - detail Mobilize EZ-1 - rear Mobilize EZ-1 - rear Mobilize EZ-1 - app Mobilize EZ-1 - front Mobilize EZ-1 - side Mobilize EZ-1 - full front Technical specifications have not been announced, but the EZ-1 makes use of a battery swap system rather than relying on recharging infrastructure.  Alongside the EZ-1, Mobilize promises numerous other models for its car-sharing service, all fully electric and built on a modular platform, with modular body-configurations too. Alongside the EZ-1 will be a second car-sharing vehicle, while the brand also promises a ride-hailing service and a last-mile delivery vehicle based on the EZ-1 as well.  Mobilize will be responsible for developing new charging technology and services for the entire Renault group. It is developing a charging pass for Renault customers, allowing them to easily locate a charging point and pay using a single Europe-wide accepted method. The company will also expand into the energy storage industry, using recycled batteries from Renault electric vehicles.  What do you think of the Mobilize EZ-1? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section...

Pictures of the new Mobilize EZ-1 concept

AC launched the reborn Cobra 378 continuation back in 2018 – and now the company has built a more powerful, supercharged variant. It’s called the Superblower and it’s available to order in the UK now, through Boss Motor Company in Buckinghamshire, with prices starting from £129,500. Like the standard AC Cobra 378, the Superblower is powered by a 6.2-litre V8 engine – although purists will no doubt be disappointed to hear that the unit was sourced from GM rather than Ford. Power rises from 430bhp to 580bhp thanks to the new supercharger and, like the standard model, power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. SEE MORE New AC Cobra 378 review It’s bodywork is a faithful recreation of the classic Cobra’s – and it’s propped up by a remanufactured version of the original car’s round-tube ladder frame chassis. AC has also made an attempt to make this continuation model easier to drive, fitting modern multi-link suspension, coil-over shock absorbers and servo assisted disc brakes. Other modern conveniences include limited-slip differential, front and rear anti-roll bars and an aluminium radiator with an electric cooling fan – all of which should help to manage the extra performance from the new engine. Standard exterior equipment includes a pair of chrome roll-over hoops and a set of period accurate 16-inch centre lock alloy wheels, while the painted stripes on the pictured car can be added for an extra £1,500. Just in case the driver accidentally gets caught in a storm, AC also supplies a removable hood, a tonneau cover and detachable side screens. The Superblower’s cabin has been upholstered in black leather and features a pair of period-inspired bucket seats, a three-spoke aluminium steering wheel, classic white-on-black gauges and deep pile carpets. Unlike its grandfather, it also gets air conditioning and a demister for the front windscreen. AC’s new Cobra 378 Superblower joins a growing range of reborn Cobra continuation models, which currently includes a 350bhp 2.3-litre option, a standard 6.2-litre V8 variant and a limited edition pure-electric model, with a maximum range of 150 miles. What do you make of the AC Cobra 378 Superblower? Let us know in the comments section below…

Pictures of Dacia Bigster concept unveiled

Dacia has pulled the wraps off a new concept car called the Bigster. It previews a new 4.6-metre long SUV that will serve as “a larger, more capable vehicle at the cost buyers would expect from the segment below,” according to the company.  The Dacia Bigster is designed to sit above the current Duster in the firm’s line-up as a “future figurehead of the Dacia range.” It sticks with the Duster’s no-nonsense approach to design; boxy proportions, rugged body cladding and bold surfacing clearly hint at the Bigster’s robust approach - the exterior panels have even been made from raw recycled plastics.  SEE MORE Restructured Renault, Dacia and Alpine brands to launch into new segments  The front end features a new interpretation of Dacia’s Y-shaped headlamp signature, which is expected to be rolled out across all new Dacia products. Dacia Bigster - rear Dacia Bigster - rear Dacia Bigster - grille Dacia Bigster - window Dacia Bigster - front The SUV will be one of three new Dacias launched by 2025, while the company has also confirmed that it will be compatible with “alternative energy” as well as “hybrid” engines. As Dacia looks to streamline its production process, the Bigster will also sit on the firm’s highly-flexible CMF-B platform that also underpins the new Sandero hatchback.  Dacia and Lada team up  As part of Group Renault’s wider strategy shift, Dacia and Lada will team up to create a new business with aim of improving efficiencies and expanding into new car markets.   “Dacia will stay Dacia, always offering a trustworthy, authentic, best-value-for-money proposition to smart buyers,” explained Denis Le Vot, CEO Dacia and Lada brands.  “With the creation of the Dacia-Lada business unit, we’ll leverage to the full the CMF-B modular platform, boost our efficiency and further increase our products’ competitiveness, quality and attractiveness. We’ll have everything we need to bring the brands to higher lands, with the Bigster Concept leading the way.”  The two companies will work together on engineering and manufacturing, although it’s unlikely any Lada-badged products will ever make it to the UK market. Check out our review of the Dacia Duster here...