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Celebrating Pride Month: Toyota Employees Reflect on Their Experiences

Toyota provides a welcoming space for everyone, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community. Spectrum is a business partnering group (BPG) at Toyota where LGBTQ+ employees can embrace their identity, discuss relevant issues, and find support.

In honor of Pride Month, we are featuring the perspectives of three Spectrum members. They will share what pride means to them, why they joined the BPG, and how it feels to work for a company that is committed to diversity and inclusion.

Family Ties

Jose Melendez, a body weld team leader at Toyota Mississippi, joined Spectrum to show respect and support for his daughter, Katherine, who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. He attends every Spectrum event to demonstrate his solidarity.

Melendez is proud to work at Toyota because it fosters an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and given opportunities to grow. He feels included and appreciates that Toyota prioritizes his safety.

His advice to those considering joining a BPG like Spectrum is to be open-minded and accepting, recognizing that everyone has the right to be their authentic self.

Limitless Possibilities

Sabrina Williams, a quality team leader at Toyota Indiana, sees Pride Month as a time to reflect on the progress made toward equality and celebrate individualism. They emphasize the importance of self-affirmation, self-acceptance, and visibility within the LGBTQ+ community.

Williams has been involved with Spectrum since their first meeting and now serves as the chair of the Toyota Indiana chapter. They appreciate that Toyota celebrates and supports their LGBTQ+ identity through BPG involvement and inclusive policies that create a safe space for all employees.

Like Melendez, Williams believes that Toyota provides opportunities for success and supports employees’ drive for advancement. They feel that being part of a BPG like Spectrum allows employees to bring their authentic selves to work and fosters a sense of belonging and community.

Williams takes pride in the support they receive as a leader within Spectrum, enabling them to pursue ideas that promote inclusivity in the workplace.

Embracing the Unexpected

Lauren Warner, a productivity analyst at Toyota Motor North America (TMNA), didn’t anticipate working at multiple locations when she joined the company five and a half years ago. Nevertheless, Warner embraces the unexpected and appreciates the variety that comes with working at Toyota.

In addition to her role as a productivity analyst, Warner is the chair of Spectrum’s Plano chapter. She credits her team for keeping the BPG running smoothly and effectively.

Spectrum held a Progress Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on June 1, marking an important milestone in recognizing and celebrating inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community. Warner mentions that at the Dallas Pride festival and parade, they showcased cars painted in the colors of the Progress Pride Flag. Lunch-and-learn sessions are planned throughout the year to provide informational and educational opportunities for everyone.

Overall, Toyota employees in Spectrum find pride in working for a company that prioritizes diversity, inclusion, and the well-being of its employees.

News

From the motorsport archive: on this day in 1937

In 1937, the Bugatti Type 57, driven by Jean-Pierre Wimille and Robert Benoist, ended Italy’s dry spell in the Le Mans 24 Hours race. This victory marked the first time in 11 years that a non-French car emerged as the winner of the endurance race.

Wimille and Benoist, who were not the favorites to win, piloted the Type 57 grand tourer, which was nicknamed ‘The Tank’ due to its new streamlined body design. The Alfa Romeo 8C, driven by Raymond Sommer and Giovanni Battista Guidotti, was initially expected to secure victory.

Throughout the race, the Bugatti, Alfa Romeo, and other competitors like Talbot and Delahaye engaged in an intense battle for the lead position. However, a tragic incident occurred when the 8C was involved in a fatal six-car pile-up, forcing it out of the race. Undeterred by the chaos, newcomer Wimille continued to perform exceptionally well and took the lead.

Despite facing challenges such as passing slower cars, a thunderstorm, and navigating through heavy mist during the night, Wimille maintained his position at the front while his competitors gradually dropped out of the race. Eventually, by 3 pm, Wimille and Benoist broke the distance record with an hour left to go. Only 17 out of the 49 participating cars finished the race, making it one of the most dramatic and challenging Le Mans races in history. The #2 Bugatti crossed the finish line seven laps ahead of its closest competitor.

First Drive

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio 2023 first drive

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio super saloon has received positive reviews since its launch in 2016. It was a much-awaited performance car from the Italian brand that could compete with the best in its class. The car’s rear-driven handling, compactness on the road, and powerful Ferrari-derived V6 engine were widely recognized.

Alfa Romeo has taken a unique approach in the performance car market by making the car simpler to make it better. The Quadrifoglio version receives the same updates as the regular Giulia, including new headlights, a new radiator grille, new digital instruments, and an updated infotainment system. Additionally, the engine power has been increased to 514bhp, and the suspension and driveline have been recalibrated to give the car a ‘mini-GTA feel’ according to Alfa performance engineering lead Domenico Bagnasco.

The ‘100 Anniversario’ version of the car celebrates the centenary of Alfa’s green cloverleaf iconography and features gold-edged badging and detailing. Only 100 units will be produced for the global market, and all are already sold in the UK.

To address the previous issues with on-track performance and handling, Alfa has made significant changes to the car’s mechanical specifications. The electronically controlled ‘eDiff’ has been replaced with a more conventional mechanical limited-slip differential. Other changes include increased anti-roll bar stiffness on both axles and firmer calibration of the electronic dampers at their firmest setting. These changes improve the rear axle’s response and consistency in limit handling with the ESC switched off.

The Giulia still maintains its appealing low driving position, well-designed cockpit and controls, and a sense of agility on the road. Despite the ‘mini-GTA’ billing, the car doesn’t feel overly aggressive. The ride and damper calibration are comfortable in the ‘natural’ driving mode, the steering is light but direct, and the engine and gearbox are generally smooth in normal traffic.

News

Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster pick-up to Debut at Goodwood

Ineos has announced that the long-awaited pick-up version of the Grenadier will be showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month. The vehicle, known as the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster, will be introduced alongside Ineos’ hydrogen-powered Grenadier, and will participate in the event’s famous hill climb.

Previously, the pick-up model was spotted during testing in extreme winter conditions on icy roads.

If you want to learn more about the Goodwood Festival of Speed, click here to read our preview.

Autocar confirmed last year that the Grenadier’s lineup will expand with the addition of a pick-up truck. The recent sighting of the pick-up without a camouflage wrap and fitted with chunky all-terrain tires has fueled speculation that it will possess similar off-road capabilities as its SUV-styled sibling.

During previous public road testing, the Grenadier pick-up did not feature a conventional load bed at the rear. This suggests that the commercial version of the Grenadier may offer various devices and storage compartments to cater to different applications, similar to its predecessor, the previous-generation Defender 130 pick-up.

The Grenadier pick-up will likely compete with popular trucks such as the Toyota Hilux and Volkswagen Amarok, both of which are expected to be updated using similar foundations next year. While Land Rover has not yet confirmed an open-backed version of the current Defender, they have hinted at the possibility, suggesting it would likely be a popular choice.

It is highly likely that the pick-up will follow the SUV’s engine options, which include six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines from BMW with outputs of 283bhp and 250bhp respectively. The addition of a pick-up bed may result in slight performance improvements and enhanced off-road capabilities due to a decrease in rear weight.

Inside, the Grenadier pick-up is expected to have a more utilitarian focus to support the demanding workload of a 4×4 pick-up. While the standard car prioritizes durability with features like drain holes in the floor and stain-resistant materials, the pick-up variant may be offered at a lower price point with fewer features and luxurious touches.

News

First drive: 2023 Skoda Kodiaq prototype review

Even popular movie trilogies, like The Godfather and The Dark Knight, often lose steam by the third installment.

However, Skoda SUVs defy this trend. The Czech automaker released a successful three-part series, starting with the impressive Skoda Kodiaq, followed by the highly popular Skoda Karoq and Kamiq. Now, Skoda is returning to where it all began with a new Kodiaq set to arrive in the first quarter of 2024.

The second-generation large SUV will continue to share components with other Volkswagen Group models, including the new VW Tiguan, which we have already tested in prototype form. Pricing, trim levels, and equipment details will be confirmed later this year. The lineup will include a standard Kodiaq and a sportier SportLine version, with most models featuring seven seats. Additionally, a hotter Skoda Kodiaq vRS version is expected to join the range about a year later.

At launch, the new Kodiaq will offer two petrol and two diesel engine options. As 97% of Kodiaq buyers opted for the smooth-shifting DSG gearbox, all engines will come with it as standard.

The entry-level petrol variant is a 148bhp 1.5-liter engine featuring the latest Evo2 mild-hybrid technology. It is quieter and has smoother transitions to its fuel-saving two-cylinder mode. While not particularly spirited, its performance is adequate for everyday errands. Alternatively, there is a more powerful 201bhp 2.0-liter TSI petrol option available.

The entry-level diesel variant is a 148bhp 2.0-liter engine with strong low-end power, making it ideal for carrying a fully loaded Kodiaq. It may be a bit overkill for primarily city driving, but it excels on cross-country journeys.

The top-tier diesel variant is a 190bhp engine. Although it feels less lively and revs slower, it produces less diesel noise in the cabin. Furthermore, it is the only Kodiaq variant that comes with seven seats and four-wheel drive.

News

New 2024 Ferrari SF90 XX: A Powerful Racer for the Road

The 2024 Ferrari SF90 XX is a plug-in hybrid flagship that incorporates all the technical features typically found in a track-only XX car, according to Enrico Galliera, the marketing and commercial head of Ferrari. The car includes the lightest seats ever fitted in a Ferrari, resulting in a 10kg weight reduction compared to the conventional SF90 Stradale. The SF90 XX Spider weighs 1660kg.

Ferrari hasn’t revealed the lap time achieved by the SF90 XX around Fiorano, but Galliera stated that the performance improvement compared to the regular SF90 is substantial. As a result, Ferrari plans to hold a dedicated announcement event later this year. The regular SF90 currently holds the record for road cars at the circuit, completing a lap in 1:19.00.

The starting price for the SF90 XX was €770,000 (£660,000) for the Stradale coupe and €850,000 (£730,000) for the Spider. However, all 1398 units (799 Stradales and 599 Spiders) have already been sold to Ferrari’s most loyal clients. Deliveries of the Stradale will begin in the second quarter of 2024, followed by the Spider in the final quarter of next year.

SF90 XX: A Surprise Addition

Ferrari originally did not plan to develop a more focused version of the SF90, as they believed they had already pushed the limits of available technology during its development. According to Galliera, it typically takes a year to develop a new product, and the same was true for this car.

He stated, “The project was even more complex than usual because when we conceived the SF90, we didn’t anticipate creating an evolution of it. That’s why we call it a supercar. Normally, a supercar aims to achieve the highest level of technology at that moment. Thus, improving the SF90 further, considering its existing performance, was not an easy task. So, essentially, it took the same amount of time, but the effort was tremendous.”

Featured

Hublot Introduces Its New MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Only Watch

Hublot’s MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Only Watch is a unique piece that combines Haute Horlogerie and Haute Joaillerie. This luxurious timepiece draws inspiration from the iconic smiling flower, a central motif in the works of renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. Murakami has been a friend of Hublot since 2020 and has collaborated with the brand on limited-edition series. However, the MP-15 Tourbillon surpasses its predecessors with its one-of-a-kind nature, featuring Hublot’s first-ever central tourbillon. To enhance its appeal, the watch is adorned with 12 gemstone-set petals, meticulously embellished with over 444 precisely-set gemstones, giving it a vibrant and joyful aesthetic.

The central tourbillon represents Hublot’s commitment to high-end watchmaking and Murakami’s world of artistic creativity. It symbolizes the heart of the wearer and serves as a beacon of hope for those battling Duchenne’s disease. The watch’s intricate design, crafted under Murakami’s vision, features a co-axial construction centered around a flying tourbillon. The indices on the watch dial are luminescent and reflect the vivid colors of the 2023 edition of Hublot for Only Watch. With a remarkable 150-hour power reserve and a case back made entirely from sapphire, this one-of-a-kind Hublot MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Only Watch will be auctioned off for charity at the Only Watch event on November 5th.

 
Featured

TECHART Elevates The Assetto Corsa Experience With The GTstreetR

TECHART, a well-known name in the field of automotive customization, has introduced a meticulously crafted virtual version of the iconic GTstreet R based on the Porsche 911 Turbo S for the popular racing simulator, Assetto Corsa. The release of the TECHART GTstreet R car modification is a significant milestone, providing players with an incredibly realistic experience with the TECHART car and taking their virtual driving experience to new heights.

The TECHART GTstreet R mod is available as a free download on TECHART’s dedicated GTstreet R microsite (https://gtstreetr.techart.de/en) and showcases exceptional precision and attention to detail. Every aspect of the original individualization program has been meticulously recreated, capturing the essence of the GTstreet R with extraordinary authenticity. From the curves, lines, and contours of the GTstreet R body kit to the luxurious materials and refined interior finishes, the virtual vehicle model brings an unparalleled level of realism to the racing simulation.

Immersing players in a world of adrenaline-pumping speed and unmatched performance, the TECHART GTstreet R car mod in Assetto Corsa features extended physics that closely replicate the astounding characteristics of the original vehicle. With a jaw-dropping 800 horsepower, 700 lb/ft of torque, and a top speed exceeding 217 mph, players can experience a true-to-life driving experience like never before. Every aspect, including acceleration, handling, braking, and active aerodynamics, has been finely tuned to provide an immersive and exhilarating journey, guaranteeing hours of excitement and enjoyment.

TECHART goes beyond extraordinary realism by offering players an extensive range of GTstreet R configurations inspired by the limited edition real counterparts, which are now sold out. Sim racers can choose from captivating color variations and select forged or visible carbon fiber finishes, allowing them to personalize their vehicle and make a bold statement on the virtual track.

With its exceptional level of detail, astonishing performance, and a wide range of customization options, this car mod promises an unparalleled virtual driving experience. With this new mod, players can take to the virtual track in the rare, sold-out, and simply incredible TECHART GTstreetR, an opportunity not to be missed.

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Featured

Heritage Cars Has FIVE Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Editions For Sale

Porsche’s limited-production 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, released in 2021, pays homage to the brand’s iconic heritage and celebrates its timeless design. This exclusive 911 model captures the essence of Porsche’s enduring appeal for passionate enthusiasts and collectors. With only 992 chassis of the special edition 911 Targa 4S allocated to Porsche dealerships worldwide, this commemorative car proves to be a highly sought-after collectible, with all units sold to the most celebrated Porsche owners. Heritage Cars, an automotive professional, proudly presents five stunning examples of the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition in its inventory of vehicles.

Each of the five collector-grade Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition cars features the same eye-catching Cherry Metallic finish as the official launch spec. Heritage Cars’ lineup includes #00, #11, #50, #69, and one without a designated number, with personalized start number decals from the factory. Inside, every example showcases the same Bordeaux Red and Atacama Beige leather interior. The special edition 911 Targa 4S is powered by a twin-turbocharged boxer six-cylinder engine, which provides 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. It features an 8-speed PDK transmission paired with Porsche’s technical four-wheel-drive system, enabling a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds. Heritage Cars’ inventory includes all the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Editions for sale.

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Featured

Mercedes-Benz Unveils Elemental Fragrances: Land, Sea, And Air

Mercedes-Benz has introduced a new collection of eaux de parfum called Land, Sea, and Air. These fragrances were created by renowned French perfumer Anne Flipo in partnership with INCC Parfums. They embody the iconic Mercedes-Benz symbol, representing mobility across land, ocean, and sky. The fragrances can be purchased individually or as a set, with each one capturing a unique elemental essence. The bottles themselves are designed to form the signature Mercedes-Benz star and are made from recycled aluminum and glass. They also feature a refillable pump system to reduce waste. The packaging is environmentally conscious as well, made from renewable energy, recyclable, and biodegradable materials, including up to 10% seaweed. The set of fragrances even comes in a luxurious leather pouch made from upcycled waste leather from Mercedes-Benz S-Class interiors. This collection embodies sustainable luxury and combines innovation, luxury, and environmental responsibility.

If you are interested in purchasing a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, you can browse the available models for sale on duPont REGISTRY.

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