Motorsport

Maserati GT2: A Race Car with Power and Style

The Maserati GT2, a stunning race car, is set to make its grand entrance at the 24 Hours of Spa in Belgium. This new single-seater machine has been specifically designed to meet GT2 regulations and takes heavy inspiration from the road-going MC20 supercar. Its debut will take place during the final rounds of the Fanatec GT European Series, with plans for a full racing season in 2024.

Similar to its street-legal counterpart, the GT2 is powered by Maserati’s in-house Nettuno V6 engine. Starting next year, Maserati will no longer rely on Ferrari engines, as their current agreement comes to an end. Under the hood of the GT2 lies a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine, producing a robust 621 horsepower (463 kilowatts) at 7,500 RPM, along with a peak torque of 730 Newton-meters (538 pound-feet) attainable at 3,000 RPM. If these figures sound familiar, it’s because they match those of the MC20 supercar.


Motorsport

2025 BMW M5 Exclusive Rendering Tries To Predict The Hybrid Super Sedan

The upcoming BMW M5 is expected to be a plug-in hybrid model, combining a brawny V8 engine with electric power. While the current BMW 5 Series lineup does not include an M550i version, the M division is planning to release the new M5 next year. Our exclusive rendering, based on the internal codename “G90,” gives a sneak peek at what the hybrid super sedan might look like by removing the camouflage seen on previous prototypes.

BMW has already provided a glimpse of the next-generation M5’s design with the reveal of the M Performance model, called the i5 M60. The company has also announced that the distinct kidney grille design found on the i5 M60 will carry over to the M5, although it remains to be seen if there will be any modifications. Unlike the current M5 F90, which features vertical slats on the grille, the new model will adopt horizontal bars, similar to the design seen on the latest M2, X5 M, X6 M, and the XM.


Motorsport

Aston Martin Plans to Release Four Electric Vehicles That Will Not Replace Existing Internal Combustion Engine Models

Aston Martin’s previous attempts at electric vehicles, the Rapide E and Lagonda Vision Concept, were cancelled. However, the company is now more determined than ever to sell zero-emission cars and has improved financially due to significant investments. To prepare for their electric future, Aston Martin has partnered with Lucid.

In an announcement earlier this week, it was revealed that future electric vehicles will utilize electric motors and battery modules from Lucid. Aston Martin’s chairman, Lawrence Stroll, stated that the company has plans to introduce four electric vehicles in the next few years. The first one is expected to be released in 2025 and is likely to be a coupe-styled SUV, although details are scarce.

It is important to note that these upcoming electric vehicles will be in addition to Aston Martin’s current lineup and will not replace existing internal combustion engine models.

Motorsport

BMW M Hybrid V8 With Naked Carbon Body Is Automotive Nudity At Its Finest

In 1975, the famous artist Alexander Calder transformed the 3.0 CSL (E9) into BMW’s first Art Car. Now, in 2023, BMW has announced that work has begun on the 20th vehicle to receive this special artistic treatment. Most of the previous Art Cars have been based on race cars, and the upcoming creation is no different, as the canvas for this project is the M Hybrid V8. The talented Ethiopian-born artist Julie Mehretu will have the honor of creating the next official Art Car.

But before that happens, the M Hybrid V8 has been unveiled at the Guggenheim Museum in New York in all its naked glory, without any paint. It is rare to see a race car with a fully exposed carbon fiber body, which makes it even more intriguing, especially considering the distinctive silhouette of BMW’s LMDh contender. This car is already competing in IMSA, where it recently secured its first victory, and it will also participate in the WEC next year, including the iconic Le Mans race. In 2024, BMW’s motorsport division will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the V12 LMR’s triumph at Circuit de la Sarthe.


BMW

BMW Motorrad model update measures for model year 2024.

Munich. Various model refinement measures will once again be included in the BMW Motorrad program for model year 2024. The models can be ordered in the new configurations from all BMW Motorrad partners from August 2024.

As a cross-model change, the Intelligent Emergency Call is available from the factory as an option for the following models and series in the markets of the USA and Canada with model year 2024:

  • R 1250x (US).
  • CE 04 (US).
  • K 1600x (US).
  • S 1000x (US).
  • R 18x (US).

BMW G 310 R.

  • Version Sport: New color Racingblue met. Polarwhite uni / Racingblue met. no longer available.
  • Version Sport: Front Wheel Cover, Radiator Cover, Fuel Tank Cover, Rear Cover Racingblue met. / Front Cover, Badge Holder, Polarwhite uni / Main-/Rearframe Racingred uni / Red Wheels.
  • Version Passion: New color Granitgrey met. Racingred uni no longer available.
  • Version Passion: Front Cover, Badge Holder Granitgrey met. / Front Wheel Cover, Radiator Cover, Fuel Tank Cover Cosmic Black uni / Main-/Rearframe Racingred uni / Red Wheels.

BMW G 310 GS.

  • Version Rallye: new color Racingred uni. Kalamata-darkgold met. no longer available. Front Wheel Cover, Main-/Rearframe Middle Fuel Tank Cover Racingred uni Fuel Tank Cover Le/Ri Black uni mat.

BMW G 310 RR.

  • Version Basic: Cosmic Black uni 2. Cosmic Black uni no longer available.
  • New: Main-/Rearframe in Racingred uni, new large „RR“TapeStyle.

BMW F 900 R.

  • Version Basic: New color Racingred uni. Blackstorm met. no longer available.
  • Version Triple Black: New color Blackstorm met 2. Style Exclusive / Bluestone met. no longer available.
  • Version Version Basic and Triple Black: Side Panels Blackstorm met. / Front Wheel Cover, Middle Cover Fuel Tank Mineralgrey met. mat / Seat Black / Engine Avus Black met. mat / Wheels Night Black uni / Fork Tube Black.
  • Version Sport: New color Lightwihite uni. Lightwhite uni / Racingblue met. no longer available.
  • Version Sport: Front Wheel Cover, Side Panels Lightwhite uni / Middle Cover Fuel Tank, Radiator Cover, Engine Spoiler Racingblue met. / Seat Black / Engine Avus Black met. mat / Wheels Night Black uni / Fork Tube Gold.

BMW F 900 XR.

  • Version Basic: Lightwhite uni 2. Lightwhite uni no longer available.
  • Version Triple Black: Blackstorm met 2. Black: Blackstorm met. No longer available.
  • Version Sport: Racingblue met 2. Racingblue met. No longer available.
  • New: Front Wheel Cover, Side Panels Lightwhite uni Radiator-/Middle Cover Fuel Tank Mineralgrey met. mat / Engine Avus Black met. mat Wheels Night Black uni / Fork Tube Black

BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL.

  • Intelligent emergency call (ECALL) for USA and Canada.
  • Option 719 “HAVANNA” Meteoric Dust 2 met.
  • Variant Extension incl. Option 719 Seat Saddle Brown, incl. Option 719 Forged Wheels Classic.

BMW R 1250 RT.

  • Intelligent emergency call (ECALL) for USA and Canada.
  • Version Basic: new color Alpine White uni 3 with large new tape „RT“ on side panels. Lightwhite uni no longer available.
  • Version Sport: Racingblue met 2 with new Tape / Knee Cover, Front Panel, Middle Fuel Tank Cover mineralgrey met. Racingblue met. No longer available.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure.

  • Intelligent emergency call (ECALL) for USA and Canada.
  • New color Racingblue met., Rallye Lightwhite uni no longer (all available.
  • Front Wheel Cover, Fuel Tank Cover Racingblue met. / Golden Wheels.

BMW R 18 / R 18 Classic.

  • New color Blackstorm met. / Vitage (Additional). Marsred met. no longer available.
  • Front/Rear Wheel Cover, Fuel Tank, Sidepanels Blackstorm met. / Seat Black / Powertrain Silver / Exhaust Fishtail Chrome.
  • Option 719 “OLIVINE”: New color Velvet Green met., Mineral White met. no longer available.
  • Option 719 “OLIVINE” incl. Option 719 Seat Black incl. Option 719 Wheels Icon incl. Option 719 Design Package Aero Black Option 719 Fuel Tank Badge, Badges Airbox R18 with Option 719 Black Powertrain.
  • Only R 18 Classic: Option 719 “MOONSTONE” new color Mineral White met. incl. Option 719 Seat Black incl. Option 719 Wheels Aero incl. Option 719 Design Package Aero Option 719 Fuel Tank Badge, Badges Airbox R18 with Option 719.

BMW R 18 B.

  • New color Racingblue met. (Aditional).
  • Option 719 “BLACK PEARL”: New color Blackstorm met. 2. Option 719 Galaxy Dust met. / Titan Silver met. and Mineral White met. no longer available.
  • Option 719 “BLACK PEARL”: incl. Option 719 Design Package Aero Black Option 719 Fuel Fuel Tank Badge, Lettering Case Clip incl. OE Blacked-Out / Exhaust Black Chrom Black Powertrain.

BMW R 18 Transcontinental.

  • New color Racingblue met. (Aditional). Gravityblue met. no longer available.
  • Option 719 “MOON STONE”: New color Mineral White met. / Meteoric Dust Gold. Galaxy Dust met. / Titan Silver met, no longer available.
  • Option 719 “MOON STONE”: incl. Option 719 Seat Black incl. Option 719 Wheels Aero incl. Option 719 Design Package Aero Option 719 Fuel Tank Badge, Lettering Case Clip.

BMW C 400 X.

  • Version Passion: new color Racingred uni. Granitgrey met. no longer available. Seat Black / grey, Side Panels Racingred uni, Middle Cover and Battery Cover Granitgrey met.

BMW C 400 GT.

  • Version Exclusive new color Imperialblue met. Callistogrey met. no longer available. Seat Black, Side Panels Imperialblue met., Middle Cover and Battery Cover darkgrey met. mat.

BMW CE 04.

  • Version Avantgarde: new color Imperial Blue met., Magellan Grey met. no longer available.
  • Seat Black / Orange, Windschild Orange.

For further press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad rider equipment, please visit the BMW Group PressClub at www.press.bmwgroup.com.

In case of queries please contact:

Gerhard Lindner, BMW Motorrad Communication

Telephone: +49-151-601-53472, gerhard.la.lindner@bmw.de

Tim Diehl-Thiele, Head of Communications BMW Motorrad

Telephone: +49-151-601-57505, Tim.Diehl-Thiele@bmw.de

Jens Lemon, Head of Communications MINI and BMW Motorrad

Telephone: +49-151-601-23635, Jens.Lemon@bmw.de

Internet: www.press.bmw.de

E-mail: presse@bmw.de

Volkswagen

Preserving memory and promoting prevention: Volkswagen apprentices visit “Flashes of Memory” exhibition in Berlin

Volkswagen is recognizing the exceptional achievements of 46 talented apprentices from 39 facilities in 19 countries. As part of this recognition, the winners of the “Best Apprentice Award” were given the opportunity to visit the exhibition “Flashes of Memory: Photography during the Holocaust” in Berlin. The exhibition is supported by Volkswagen and aligns with the company’s commitment to remembrance. The apprentices from the Wolfsburg region will also have the chance to visit the exhibition at the Museum für Fotografie in the near future.

During their visit to the museum, the group of apprentices participated in a guided tour of photographs and films that were captured during the Holocaust. These visual documents provide different perspectives of both the perpetrators and the victims, highlighting the importance of understanding the context behind the images. Another group of apprentices will have the opportunity to visit the exhibition in July. Many of these young individuals are currently undergoing apprenticeships at Volkswagen facilities in and around Wolfsburg, and some have already volunteered at the memorial site of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a former concentration and extermination camp.

Gunnar Kilian, Member of the Board of Volkswagen AG for Human Resources and member of the Foundation Council of the International Youth Meeting Center in Auschwitz, emphasizes the significance of preserving the memory of the Holocaust: “The exhibition ‘Flashes of Memory’ plays a vital role in Volkswagen’s commitment to honoring the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. It allows people to learn about this dark chapter in German history and serves as a reminder for future generations. Our apprentices will gain personal insights into the lives of people during that time and become ambassadors for a culture of remembrance that encompasses our responsibility in how we live together today and in the future.”

Dieter Landenberger, Head of Volkswagen Heritage Communications, welcomed the apprentices in Berlin and explained the importance of Volkswagen’s corporate culture of remembrance. For over 30 years, the Volkswagen Group has been collaborating with the International Auschwitz Committee and encouraging apprentices to volunteer in the preservation of the Auschwitz memorial site.

Daniela Cavallo, Chairwoman of the Group Works Council, expressed Volkswagen’s commitment to remembrance and responsibility: “Remembrance and responsibility are fundamental to Volkswagen’s corporate culture. We are incredibly proud of our young apprentices and their dedication to the memorial work at Auschwitz. Holocaust survivors frequently express their appreciation for the commitment shown by our young people. This commitment will always be a top priority for Volkswagen.”

The Volkswagen Group is a partner in the education program for the exhibition “Flashes of Memory: Photography during the Holocaust.” The exhibition has been on display at the Museum für Fotografie in Berlin since March 24, 2023. It features personal photographs from the Holocaust era and provides critical interpretations of their impact. Following its presentation at the World Holocaust Remembrance Center Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, the exhibition is now available at an international museum outside of Israel for the first time.

Volkswagen

“Unboxing” in Salzgitter: Prime Minister Stephan Weil Opens First Industrial Machine for Future Gigafactory

A significant milestone has been reached for the Salzgitter Gigafactory as Prime Minister Stephan Weil of Lower Saxony unveils the first industrial machine for the cell factory. The machine, which measures around 10 x 3 meters, marks the beginning of a new construction phase. The ramp-up of the machine and equipment park will now commence, with over 2,500 standard containers needed solely for equipment delivery. The Volkswagen Group’s battery company, PowerCo, is on schedule for its first mega project, and battery cell production at the Salzgitter site will commence in 2025.

Prime Minister Weil visited Salzgitter as part of his two-day summer tour focused on energy in Lower Saxony. The Gigafactory is regarded as an industrial symbol in Germany and a showcase for Lower Saxony as a location. Additionally, the Gigafactory leads the way in sustainability by relying on renewable energy and implementing innovative production processes like dry coating, which can reduce energy usage by up to 30 percent in the future.

Weil explained, “Volkswagen’s decision to construct the first gigafactory for battery cell production in Lower Saxony was courageous and wise. The pandemic has shown us the importance of being self-reliant in crucial areas of production, particularly regarding the battery, which is an essential component of electric vehicles. We must ensure that Germany remains a hub for battery cell production in the face of high energy costs.”

Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board Member Group Technology, stated, “A year ago, this area was just an open field, but now we are already setting up the first high-tech machines. This demonstrates the speed at which we are executing our plans. PowerCo is well on its way to becoming a global player in the battery industry, potentially serving as a new, future-proof powerhouse for Lower Saxony and Germany.”

The Gigafactory Salzgitter covers an area of approximately 2 million square meters, equivalent to around 280 football fields, making it one of the largest construction projects in Lower Saxony. In total, three PowerCo sites are under construction, including Salzgitter, Valencia, and St. Thomas, Canada. These factories combined will have a total capacity of up to 200 gigawatt hours per year, enough to power over 2 million electric cars.

PowerCo: Attracting Battery Experts

PowerCo is becoming a draw for battery experts. By July 1, 2023, the battery company is expected to employ its one-thousandth employee. By the end of the year, the workforce is projected to grow to up to 1,500. The average age of employees is currently 38, and more than a quarter come from international backgrounds. PowerCo also boasts a higher-than-average female representation of over 30 percent compared to the rest of the industry.

PowerCo CEO Frank Blome stated, “We are building an exceptional team. One year after its establishment, PowerCo has become an attractive destination for experienced battery specialists, who are highly sought-after worldwide. Simultaneously, we are actively training and qualifying our Group employees. In times of skilled labor shortages, this gives us a clear competitive advantage.”

VolvoCars

Volvo Cars appoints new global Head of Marketing

Gretchen Saegh-Fleming has been selected to lead Volvo Cars’ global marketing team, starting from July 3rd. Her role will involve contributing to the company’s growth and strengthening the emotional connection between Volvo Cars and consumers. Additionally, she will play a crucial part in supporting the company’s efforts to expand its online business and establish direct consumer relations.

Gretchen comes to Volvo Cars after serving as the Chief Commercial Officer at connected fitness company Hydrow. Prior to that, she spent eight years at L’Oreal, where she held various executive positions, the most recent being the leader of the marketing function in the US. During her time at L’Oreal, Gretchen contributed to the brand’s growth through the implementation of new marketing strategies, acceleration of digital innovation, and establishment of strategic partnerships across their wide range of iconic brands.

Björn Annwall, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy CEO of Volvo Cars, expresses confidence in Gretchen’s appointment, stating, “Gretchen is a results-driven and digital-first business leader with an impressive track record, and I feel confident that this will be a great match.”

Gretchen’s professional history includes successful contributions to business growth and profit improvement at companies such as General Electric and web startups. She is an accomplished marketing leader, recognized for her expertise in accelerating e-commerce, and a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion.

Björn adds, “With her extensive experience in leading marketing teams and developing direct-to-consumer businesses, Gretchen will play a vital role in growing our brand and attracting more fans to Volvo Cars as we progress in our journey towards full electrification.”

Gretchen joins Volvo Cars during a transformative period for the company, marked by changes in their product offerings, sales strategies, and distribution channels. This transformation is vital to the long-term ambitions and growth of the company.

Volvo Cars plans to achieve full electrification by 2030, introduce new methods of accessing their vehicles, provide a seamless online and in-store retail experience, and establish closer relationships with their expanding consumer base worldwide.

Gretchen expresses her enthusiasm for joining Volvo Cars, stating, “I’m truly thrilled to be joining Volvo Cars! Our family has been a customer of the brand for many years, and I now look forward to meeting my new colleagues across the world. Together, as one global marketing team, we will help position the company for a profitable, successful, and exciting future.”

Gretchen will be based at Volvo Cars’ US headquarters in Mahwah, New Jersey. She will report directly to Björn Annwall and become a member of the Group Management Team (GMT).

ToyotaUk

Toyota Motor North America Announces Executive Changes

PLANO, Texas (June 30, 2023) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today announced executive changes designed to drive continued growth, advance its commitment to vehicle electrification and building where it sells, and prepare for the future of mobility. The following Research & Development, Manufacturing and Product Support changes are effective July 3, 2023.

Promotions:

Mike Sweers, senior vice president, Product Development Office and Global Truck executive chief engineer, has been promoted to executive vice president, Toyota Motor North America, Research & Development (TMNA R&D) and chief technology officer. Sweers will be responsible for North American vehicle research and development. He is also appointed to the TMNA North American Executive Committee. Sweers assumes the core responsibilities previously held by Shinichi Yasui as the head of R&D and who recently became Chief Project Leader, Hydrogen Factory, at Toyota Motor Corporation.

Susan Elkington, president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), has been promoted to senior vice president, Electric Vehicle Supply. In this newly created role, Susan will be responsible for accelerating the company’s electrified transformation, with a focus on battery and electric vehicle production and supply strategy. Elkington will report to Takefumi Shiga, executive vice president, Engineering and Manufacturing, TMNA.

Kerry Creech, vice president, Manufacturing, TMMK, has been promoted to president, TMMK. In this role, Kerry will oversee Toyota’s largest plant in the world as it prepares for future BEV production. Creech will report to Elkington.

New Assignments:

Chris Nielsen, executive vice president, Product Support and chief quality officer, TMNA, and member of the TMNA North American Executive Committee, assumes additional responsibility for North American purchasing and supplier development. Robert Young, group vice president, Purchasing Supplier Development, will report to Nielsen.

Norm Bafunno, senior vice president, Unit Manufacturing and Engineering, assumes the title of Senior Manufacturing Executive. In this expanded role, he will advise Shiga, helping lead the company’s manufacturing transformation strategy while continuing his responsibilities overseeing all North American unit plants. Bafunno will continue to report to Shiga.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships. 

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 22 electrified options.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

TMNA R&D

For more than 50 years, Toyota Motor North America Research & Development (TMNA R&D) has led engineering for several of the best-selling Toyota vehicles on U.S. roads. Teams are now creating both next-generation vehicles and new and advanced mobility concepts that can better move people, goods and information. Toyota’s innovation has produced more patents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office than any other automaker for the past 9 consecutive years (3,056 in 2022). Centered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, TMNA R&D is pursuing Toyota’s mission to “Produce Happiness for All” by making life safer, easier and more enjoyable. Globally, Toyota spends approximately $1 million per hour on R&D to ensure that Toyota rapidly and continuously develops cutting-edge, high-quality, and appealing vehicles.

ToyotaUk

Toyota Quarterly Supplement for Takata Recalls Second Quarter 2023

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