The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro now offers an exclusive Terra color option. This new addition joins the existing nine color choices available for the truck’s lineup.
Terra is a unique blend of brown and rusty red shades, creating a distinctive appearance. The fender flares, roof, grille, mirror caps, and hood scoop of the Tacoma TRD Pro are all black, contributing to a darker overall aesthetic.
In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Porsche has bestowed upon itself a very special gift. The automaker unveiled the Mission X concept at its Museum in Zuffenhausen earlier this month—an all-electric hypercar that aims to become the fastest production vehicle to ever lap the Nurburgring. However, there is much more to this vehicle than just record-breaking ambitions, and a new video by TopGear provides us with all the details.
Our colleagues from TopGear were provided with the opportunity to spend some time with the Mission X in a location near Paris, France, free from any interruptions. Let’s begin with the major news—the likelihood of an official production version. Although Porsche has yet to officially confirm it, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume hinted at the strong possibility of a production decision being made within the next month, stating that there are “good opportunities.”
The world of Japanese tuning is expansive, and it’s not uncommon for Toyota to offer Gazoo Racing appearance packages for cars like the Prius and some minivans straight from the factory. Therefore, it’s no surprise that a domestic tuner has taken on the task of modifying the new Crown. Tom’s has customized the vehicle, starting by lowering the suspension to bring it closer to the ground.
This modification significantly changes the appearance of the car and aligns it more closely with the Crown Sedan that Toyota plans to release later this year in Japan. In addition to the suspension adjustment, Tom’s has added a substantial front spoiler lip, chunkier side skirts, and a sporty diffuser. However, the rear of the vehicle raises some questions. The quad exhaust tips and large wing may seem excessive.
PowerCo SE is planning to introduce a completely new manufacturing process in its battery cell production plants in Europe and Northern America. The new technology will significantly boost efficiency and sustainability in volume battery cell production. A subsidiary of Volkswagen Group and based in Salzgitter, Niedersachsen, the battery company aims to industrialize the so-called Dry Coating procedure. The technology allows a decrease in energy consumption of about 30 percent, internal tests have already proven successful. Together with German printing machine specialist Koenig & Bauer AG, PowerCo will further develop and industrialize the Dry Coating procedure.
Thomas Schmall, Group Board Member for Technology at Volkswagen AG and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of PowerCo SE, said, “Technologies like Dry Coating showcase PowerCo’s technological prowess. We have the necessary know-how and the right experts to take cell production to a new level and offer significant cost advantages to our customers. Our objective is to establish an industrial production of sustainable and affordable batteries.”
To achieve this goal, PowerCo and Koenig & Bauer have signed a Joint Development Agreement. Together they will develop a roller press for powder coating electrodes at a large industrial scale. The Dry Coating procedure allows manufacturing electrodes without wet-coating and subsequently drying them at high costs. With the new procedure, the most energy-intensive part of cell manufacturing and the use of chemical solvents are no longer required. PowerCo is already testing and optimizing the technology in a pilot line in one of its laboratories in Northern Germany. As a printing specialist, Koenig & Bauer will develop a machine for the industrial powder coating.
According to PowerCo estimates, the new technology has the potential of saving about 30 percent of energy as well as 15 percent of required floor space, resulting in saving hundreds of millions of Euros each year. Frank Blome, CEO of PowerCo SE, stated, “What the solid-state cell is to the product, Dry Coating is to production – a real game changer. If scaled successfully, it will give us a unique position on the market and definite competitive advantages.”
Powder instead of Slurry: Specifics of the Dry Coating Procedure
The electrodes (cathode and anode) are the “centerpiece” of the battery cell, defining energy density and battery performance. In modern industrial electrode production, the battery materials are mixed with additives and liquid solvents to form a slurry. Afterwards, they are coated onto foils of copper or aluminum, then dried and calendered.
PowerCo’s Dry Coating procedure allows for calendering the powdery basic materials directly onto the foil, similar to a printing procedure. As a result, two of the four process steps in electrode manufacturing become obsolete. The powder coating can be applied onto the foil in an extremely fine and even manner, resulting in a layer that is about as thin as a hair. This guarantees excellent spatial energy density and a long life cycle, while improving the fast-charging ability of the battery.
Breakthrough for Green Batteries
The new technology reduces the required floor space by 15 percent, which has an enormous saving potential. Per building block of a regular Gigafactory with a production capacity of 20 GWh, four parallel coating and drying lines can be saved, equaling an area of 7,000 square meters. As a result, the exterior length of the plant can be reduced by about 100 meters. Not having to operate the energy-intensive drying furnaces and suction systems will save energy equivalent to the annual consumption of 40,000 private households.
Furthermore, the use of chemical solvents that have to be laboriously recycled at high energy costs in silo-like towers outside the plants is no longer necessary.
Koenig & Bauer: Leading Printing Press Manufacturer Worldwide
As the oldest manufacturer of printing presses in the world, Koenig & Bauer offers the industry’s largest product portfolio. The core competency of our partner is the manufacturing of technologically innovative and cost-efficient printing systems. The new processing technology is expected to exit the development stage at the end of 2024. For the time after, exclusive rights have been agreed upon. The contractual details are confidential, and separate agreements have also been made. The estimated start of production is 2026/2027. PowerCo’s Chief Operation Officer Sebastian Wolf stated, “Our plants are designed for quick and easy retrofits. In total, we have anticipated about 30 foreseeable innovations in products and production, so we are able to adjust our plants to all relevant new processes as soon as they enter the market.”
The game changer in battery cell production: Dry Coating
Color has a powerful impact on our emotions and perceptions. In the world of automotive design, color plays a vital role in conveying a vehicle’s identity and appeal. For Toyota’s Calty Design Research team, the development of a signature color for the TRD Pro series is a testament to their artistic vision and commitment to innovation. Let’s take a closer look at the captivating story behind the TRD Pro color for the 2024 model year – Terra.
The Genesis of Calty Design Research
In 1973, Shoichiro Toyoda established Calty Design Research, the first major automotive design studio by a Japanese automaker in North America. This demonstrated Toyota’s recognition of the importance of design in shaping the future of mobility. With locations in Newport Beach, California, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, Calty has been at the forefront of Toyota’s design revolution, leaving its mark on numerous models produced by Toyota.
Color selection for the TRD Pro series involves a team effort that includes collaboration with various departments such as planning, marketing, engineering, and manufacturing. Sellene Lee, CMF senior lead designer at Calty’s Newport Beach location, describes it as a fun challenge to find a color that aligns with everyone’s vision.
The Art of Selecting the Annual TRD Pro Color
Each year, Calty’s team takes on the exciting challenge of developing a new TRD Pro color. This exclusive color is available only on select TRD Pro series vehicles and embodies their unique blend of power, toughness, and style. The selection process involves ensuring that the chosen color looks good on all four models (Tundra, Sequoia, 4Runner, and Tacoma). It’s a complex process that involves analyzing market trends, understanding consumer insights, and letting creativity flow. Past TRD Pro colors include Quicksand in 2016, Voodoo Blue in 2019, and Lime Rush in 2022.
Once a color is chosen, the real challenge begins – perfecting the science behind the paint. Factors like temperature, humidity, and equipment can affect the color outcome, so it’s essential to ensure that the final color matches the initial intention. Sometimes, it takes several attempts to fine-tune the color to achieve the desired result.
The most recent TRD Pro series color, Solar Octane, is a vibrant orange inspired by a bright sunbeam. The color incorporates a dash of pearl for a captivating effect in sunlight, reflecting Toyota’s commitment to design excellence.
The TRD Pro Color Odyssey Continues
The future of the TRD Pro color palette is as exciting as its past. Calty and Toyota are always listening to customers and using their insights to fuel creative inspiration. The TRD Pro series colors symbolize the vehicles’ exceptional off-road capabilities, durability, and spirit of adventure. Each model year, a new color tells a unique story, carrying forward Calty’s legacy of exceptional design. Benjamin Jimenez, general manager of Calty in Ann Arbor, teases that customers can expect the unexpected as they look forward to the colors of the future.
PLANO, Texas (June 15, 2023) – Toyota is recalling a specific group of Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles in the U.S. This recall affects approximately 300 vehicles.
The issue with these vehicles is that the lug nuts may have been tightened insufficiently. As a result, the lug nuts may become loose and detach, potentially causing a wheel to come off while driving with low mileage. This poses a significant risk of losing control of the vehicle and increases the chances of a crash. It is crucial that owners of these vehicles refrain from driving them until the necessary repairs have been made.
To address the issue, Toyota dealers will inspect the lug nuts of the affected vehicles and tighten them to the correct specifications. If any damaged components are found, they will be replaced free of charge for the owners.
Starting from June 15, 2023, Toyota will inform the owners of the affected vehicles about the recall through various communication channels.
Please note that the information regarding automotive recalls, such as the list of affected vehicles, is accurate as of the date of filing and may be subject to changes. To check if your vehicle is part of this safety recall, you can visit Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information.
If you have any additional questions, you can contact the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331 for assistance with Toyota vehicles.
Citroën has been named the winner of the Sustainability Initiative category at the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2023. The judges commended Citroën’s active involvement in the Carbon Literacy Project, as well as the innovative Ami 100% Electric quadricycle and Oli concept vehicle.
The Oli concept vehicle, introduced by Citroën last year, is made from 100% recycled materials and features a 40kWh battery with a range of 248 miles (WLTP). Oli’s parts can be reused and recycled throughout its lifespan. The seats are constructed simply and use 80% fewer parts than usual. The body panels are made from an innovative corrugated honeycomb recycled cardboard reinforced with polyurethane resin, making them as strong as conventional panels but 50% lighter. The development of Oli focused on simplicity and reduced weight, resulting in a smaller battery and fewer resources required to travel the same distance.
The Citroën Ami 100% Electric is a modern mobility solution and a sustainable response to environmental challenges in cities. The Ami 100% Electric produces zero emissions and has a 5.5kWh battery that can be fully charged in just four hours, providing a range of up to 46 miles (WLTP). There is also the option of the My Ami Cargo, which has a payload of up to 140kg, a maximum load capacity of 400 litres, and a tight 7.20m turning circle, making it ideal for businesses in urban areas.
Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Auto Trader, said that creating repairable, reusable, and recyclable products is crucial for decarbonizing the automotive industry, and Citroën has demonstrated this with the Ami and Oli. The judges were impressed with Citroën’s commitment to sustainability, which includes educating staff on sustainability and environmental issues and ensuring this commitment is reflected in all business decisions.
Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, commented that the company’s commitment to sustainability has been recognized at the Auto Trader New Car Awards. Citroën believes that the future of efficient and sustainable urban mobility lies in doing things differently, as shown by the Oli and Ami 100% Electric.
In the Auto Trader Awards, 20 out of the 23 categories were determined by 220,000 UK car owners who shared their thoughts and opinions on the cars they own. However, the Sustainability Initiative award was judged by independent experts from the Carbon Literacy Project, an organization that promotes understanding and action on climate change.
For more information on the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2023, visit: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/new/awards
On display at Ubisoft Forward Live in Los Angeles: the new hero car Lamborghini Revuelto
Sant’Agata Bolognese/Los Angeles, CA – June 15, 2023 – Automobili Lamborghini has announced the renewal of its partnership with Ubisoft at the Ubisoft Forward Live event in Los Angeles. They unveiled the Lamborghini Revuelto as a featured vehicle in the upcoming game The Crew™ Motor Fest.
During the event, media and digital creators had the opportunity to see the Lamborghini Revuelto on display, showcasing the hero car of the next chapter in The Crew™ series. The game, called The Crew™ Motorfest, offers a brand-new action driving experience set on the beautiful island of O’ahu, Hawaii.
The focus of the game is on Playlists, which are short thematic campaigns that provide exciting driving moments. Each playlist immerses players in a different car culture universe, offering dedicated races, themed events, and unique challenges.
Attendees at the event had the chance to be the first to experience The Crew™ Motorfest and even participate in an in-game race event using the Lamborghini Revuelto. Additionally, a playlist dedicated to Automobili Lamborghini was created, allowing players to explore the brand’s evolution from the 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV to their latest offering, the new Revuelto, which is the first HPEV plug-in hybrid V12 super sports car.
The Crew™ Motorfest will be released worldwide on September 14, 2023, and is available for pre-order from the Ubisoft Store and Epic Games Store. The game will be playable on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, and can also be accessed through the Ubisoft+ subscription on PC and Amazon Luna*.
[1] The vehicle showcased is not yet available for sale and is not subject to Directive 1999/94/EC. Fuel consumption and emissions data are still in the approval stage.
Artificial intelligence has become a hot topic lately, with language models and other tools emerging that possess the remarkable ability to perform various tasks for users. Mercedes-Benz, a pioneering car manufacturer, recognizes the potential of current artificial intelligence technology and has started integrating it into its vehicles to enhance the driving experience.
By integrating ChatGPT into its “Hey Mercedes” voice control feature in the MBUX system, the vehicles can now move beyond providing predefined responses and instead adapt to natural language and conversation. This allows them to provide intuitive responses, suggestions, and solutions in an unprecedented manner, for which ChatGPT is highly regarded.
This integration enhances the system’s usability and value, allowing drivers to maintain focus and attention while simply conversing with an incredibly intelligent system. As technologies like electrification and AI usage become priorities for Mercedes-Benz and many other manufacturers in their journey towards the future, the integration of ChatGPT in the MBUX system represents a significant step forward.
Google Bard surpasses ChatGPT in multiple aspects. Unlike ChatGPT, which only accepts written prompts, Google Bard supports both written and spoken inputs. With its microphone access feature, users can interact with the AI chatbot using their voice. By simply clicking on the microphone icon, users can speak their prompts, watch Bard transcribe it, and receive a response. This feature makes Google Bard more inclusive and user-friendly, especially for individuals who are unable to physically use a mouse and keyboard.
Google Bard allows users to utilize audio inputs similar to text prompts. Instead of typing a request, users can comfortably communicate with Bard through speech. Whether it’s inquiring about recent news, requesting a Facebook caption for a store anniversary, having it generate code for a Raspberry Pi project, or even translating languages, Bard’s audio prompts prove to be highly advantageous. While it currently supports only three languages (U.S. English, Korean, and Japanese) at the moment, the developers are actively working on expanding the language options, providing users with the possibility of utilizing additional languages in the future.
