The iconic SL nameplate is back for some top-down motoring in style, that too in a performance-spec AMG avatar
The Mercedes-AMG SL 55 Roadster has been launched in India at a price of Rs 2.35 crore (ex-showroom, pan India). The SL nameplate was last available in India in 2012, and now the sixth-generation model is making a comeback. The company has also started taking orders for the two-door SL cabriolet in India after a gap of almost 11 years.
Mercedes’ Only Two-Door Cabriolet
The AMG SL 55 Roadster is only the second convertible from Affalterbach to be available in India, following the E-Class cabriolet. The latest SL 55 features smooth and curvaceous lines, in line with Mercedes’ current design language. It has a distinctive slatted AMG-exclusive grille with sharp LED taillights, giving it a focused and performance-oriented appearance.
The roadster is equipped with 21-inch AMG-spec alloy wheels and high-performance tires. It comes with a soft-top that can be electronically stored away in just 15 seconds at speeds of up to 60kmph. The front of the car has an elongated profile, while the rear is stubby, contributing to its aggressive look with sleek tail lamp design and quad exhausts.
A Luxurious Cabin
Similar to other Mercedes-AMG models, the SL 55 combines luxury with a sporty touch. It features a chunky three-spoke AMG steering wheel with heating function, sporty aluminum pedals, turbine-inspired AC vents, carbon fiber inserts on the center console, and optional Nappa leather seat upholstery. The SL sports a 2+2 seating configuration, which is typical of luxury sports coupes.
Packed with Features
The SL 55 Roadster is equipped with a range of features including a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, powered front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, dual-zone climate control, and 64-color ambient lighting. The centerpiece is a portrait-styled 11.9-inch touchscreen MBUX-powered infotainment system with a 1220W 17-speaker Burmester sound system and wireless charging. Safety features include blind spot assist, surround view system, parking assist, eight airbags, ESP, and optional radar-based ADAS. The car also offers a usable boot with 240 liters of storage, enough for a couple of travel bags or even a golf bag.
A Handcrafted V8 Under The Hood!
The Mercedes-AMG SL 55 is powered by the brand’s signature hand-built 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. With an output of 476PS and 700Nm of torque, the engine propels the car from 0 to 100kmph in just 3.9 seconds. The transmission duties are handled by a 9-speed MCT automatic unit.
The car comes with Mercedes’ 4MATIC+ (AWD) drivetrain with rear-wheel steering and rear limited-slip differential as standard, ensuring excellent grip and stability during high-speed cornering. It also features an active suspension system with dynamic abilities, offering a choice of driving experiences from comfort to dynamic. Additionally, it can raise the car’s clearance by 30mm to tackle uneven terrains.
Rivalry
With its price, the AMG SL 55 directly competes with the lower variants of the Porsche 911 Cabriolet, which are similarly priced. Although open-top motoring is still not widely practiced in India, cars like the SL are likely to encourage more demand for cabriolets in the country.
The compact SUV is set to receive its first major update in four years
The new Seltos will feature a redesigned interior with a new climate control panel and dual-zone AC.
It is expected to come with dual-integrated 10.25-inch displays for the touchscreen system and instrument cluster.
The Seltos will be the second compact SUV to have radar-based ADAS technology.
It will be equipped with a new and more powerful 160PS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, available with manual and automatic transmissions.
Prices are expected to start from around Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom).
The facelifted Kia Seltos has been spotted once again, giving us a glimpse of its interior. While we can’t see the entire dashboard, the climate control panel is clearly visible, showcasing an important new feature.
The spy shot reveals a new climate control panel with new switches. The presence of the SYNC button and temperature control buttons on either side of the panel suggests that the Seltos facelift will offer dual-zone climate control. Additionally, you can also spot the audio controls, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera switch on the buttons surrounding the drive selector of the automatic variant seen in the spy images.
This new climate control panel looks premium compared to that of the current Seltos. However, it is not the same as the one seen in the global facelift. The central AC vents have also been redesigned, resembling the globally available Seltos, indicating a possible update to the dashboard that includes an integrated dual-screen setup with 10.25-inch displays for the infotainment system and instrument cluster.
Similar to the current version, the facelifted Kia Seltos appears to have a dual-tone black and beige interior. This might be one of the regular variants, while the top-spec GT line trim could retain its all-black theme. In terms of safety, the presence of radar-based ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) technology will enhance the overall safety features of the car.
Aside from the interior, the exterior design of the Seltos will also receive updates. Recent leaked spy shots suggest that the front and rear profiles of the SUV will be more stylish. The overall silhouette remains the same, but new single-tone alloy wheels can be seen.
The powertrain options for the facelifted Kia Seltos will remain unchanged, with the 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines being retained. The 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine has been discontinued and will be replaced by a more powerful 160PS 1.5-litre unit, similar to the one offered with the Carens. All three engines will be available with automatic transmission options.
The updated design of the Toyota Vellfire makes it easier to distinguish from its more premium sibling, the Alphard
The new Toyota Vellfire has made its international debut with updated looks and overall improvements. Given the luxury MPV is also on sale in India and enjoys a fair bit of popularity, we expect the 2024 Vellfire to make its way to our shores too. So let’s find out what the new Vellfire gets over the current version available in India.
Sporty Exterior Design
The 2024 Vellfire gets a massive front grille which looks similar to the one on the latest Toyota Land Cruiser. The headlight and DRL setup is combined and sleeker than the India-spec model’s separate units. The 2024 version also gets massive air dams which house the fog lamps.
On the sides, the new Vellfire gets a more curvy design with a Z-shaped element on the B-pillar. The 19-inch alloy wheels on the updated version come in a black shade with fewer spokes compared to the 17-inch silver alloys we get here.
The rear end now gets a flatter design and the tail lamps are reshaped and extended to the side profile. This tail lamp setup also gets a thin connecting element housing the Toyota logo, with ‘Vellfire’ badge below. Overall, Toyota has intentionally made the Vellfire MPV look more dynamic while the more premium Alphard stands out as the formal choice.
The changes to the cabin, especially the cockpit, are significant. It gets a cleaner layout that wraps around the occupants with brown leather upholstery. The 2024 Vellfire gets a new steering wheel, a bigger touchscreen infotainment system and a fully digital driver’s display, over the older India-spec Vellfire.
The climate and audio controls have been moved to the infotainment system and the start/stop button which in the India-spec model is on the right side closer to the door has been moved to the left top behind the steering wheel. The design of the AC vents is also different and the centre AV vents are now positioned horizontally.
Rear Seat Experience
The Vellfire, as a luxury MPV, is known for its rear seat experience, and since the previous version was already very spacious and equipped with a lot of features, the 2024 model doesn’t get many visually notable upgrades. In both versions, you get powered second-row seats with a powered ottoman and ample space. Both also get the option of rear seat entertainment screens and chauffeur controls.
But in the 2024 Vellfire, keeping rear seat comfort in mind, the space for the second and third row has been increased by 5mm and 10mm, respectively. The design of the second-row headrests is now different and the second-row passengers now get small displays on their armrests for controls. The rear seat AC vents’ housing is also bigger and stretches to the third row. Also, unlike the India-spec model, all rear AC vents in the 2024 Vellfire are placed inside the climate control unit housed in the roof.
There is a change in the powertrain as well. The updated Vellfire comes with two engine options: a new 2.4-litre turbo petrol engine with an 8-speed automatic, and a 2.5-litre petrol hybrid engine with an eCVT gearbox. Both get the option of all-wheel drive as well as front-wheel drive systems.
The Vellfire we currently have in India only gets the 2.5-litre petrol hybrid unit with an e-CVT transmission in a four-wheel drivetrain.
Enhanced Safety
While the India-spec model already comes equipped with a host of safety features like seven airbags, brake assist, vehicle stability control (VSC), hill start assist, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and a 360-degree camera, the 2024 Vellfire brings more safety to this list with the addition of driver assistant features like remote parking, lane keep assist, steering assist, and radar-based cruise control.
These were just some of the key differences in the new Toyota Vellfire over the previous version which is currently available in India. When brought here, it would likely be priced at around Rs 1 crore given the current model is priced at Rs 96.55 lakh (ex-showroom).
Remember Velocifero? We last heard from the Italian electric motorcycle startup in October 2022, ahead of its planned launch of the Jump model at EICMA in November of that year. Now that it’s June 2023, it seems that the firm has something completely different up its sleeve, that it’s hoping to impress the world by accomplishing.
So far, 2023 is proving to be a year for world record attempts on two wheels—and even if it’s a little bit new to the game, Velocifero wants in on the action. On June 30, 2023, the electric motorcycle company will make its first world record speed attempt on a prototype electric scooter at the world-famous Monza circuit in Italy.
Velocifero’s electric prototype machine has so far not been revealed, although the company claims that it makes the equivalent of about 200 horsepower. Timekeepers from the Italian Motorcycle Federation will be on hand for the occasion, keeping careful track of things like top speed, flying kilometer top speed, zero to 100 kilometer per hour (or 62 mile per hour) acceleration, and so on.
But Wait, Who’s Riding the Velocifero Prototype?
Here’s where it gets interesting. See, the pilot of the as-yet unseen Velocifero electric scooter prototype is Alexander Tartarini, who is also one of the folks behind the Velocifero brand. If you’re thinking that his name sounds a little bit familiar, you may be thinking of his dad, Leopoldo.
For Italian motorcycle history nerds, the name Leopoldo Tartarini should ring several bells, and do so extremely loudly. Born in Bologna in August 1932, his father was a racer—and like father, like son, from an early age. In fact, Leopoldo started racing as a kid in smaller categories, just so he could get his international racing license and go on to compete in more major events as he aged into them.
Leopoldo Tartarini went on to a successful professional racing career with the likes of Benelli and Ducati. Unfortunately, in 1955, his promising racing career was ended after a serious crash during the Motogiro d’Italia while riding for Ducati, which nearly resulted in paralysis of both legs. The recovery was long, but he did eventually go on to walk again, even after doctors had believed it wasn’t possible. However, his racing career was over, and he was unable to pass the Italian Motorcycling Federation’s health tests to compete.
Just because he couldn’t compete didn’t mean that he couldn’t ride, however, and he was also still under contract to Ducati. Thus, he decided to ride around the world on a Ducati as a promotional exercise, along with his friend Giorgio Monetti. That groundbreaking trip, in turn, led Tartarini to decide to become a manufacturer himself. He founded the firm Italammezeta in 1960—which eventually went on to become Italjet.
You can take a racer off the roster, but you can’t stop them from wanting to compete. Since Tartarini also had a mind for promotion and publicity, in 1969, he put all three of those things together and went to Monza to break some World Speed Records of his own with “a three-wheeled cycle car …powered by a liquid-cooled CZ 250 engine.”
Back to 2023, and Alexander Tartarini, one of Leopoldo’s sons. Just as his dad attempted those speed records at Monza with his three-wheeled prototype machine some 54 years ago, Alexander will be doing the same thing with his electric Velocifero scooter prototype. What’s more, since it’s 2023 and not 1969, Velocifero will be livestreaming this world record attempt directly from Monza on its webpage, which we’ll link in our Sources.
The event is scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. Central European Summer Time (CEST) on June 30, 2023, which is 5 a.m. Eastern. We’ll include a link in our Sources if you want to watch what happens and also see the new prototype scooter in action.
If you’ve been wanting a Honda CB750 K0 Sandcast, there’s one for sale in San Bruno, California. This 1969 CB750 Sandcast was restored in 1998 and the current seller acquired it in 2022. The bike is nonoperational and registered as such in California. It has only 248 miles on the odometer, with the total mileage unknown. The bike is being offered at no reserve.
The standout feature of this bike is its 736cc single overhead cam inline four-cylinder engine, which has a uniquely textured engine case due to the sandcasting method used by Honda on approximately 7,400 bikes. Later versions of the CB750s used die casting instead of sandcasting.
17Photos
This 1969 CB750 has been refinished in red with gold and black details and hand-painted pinstripe work on the tank. The tank has also been replaced. Chrome accents complement the restoration and give the bike a complete and correct look. The seller mentions that all the parts used in the restoration are new old stock, with no reproduction parts used. The frame was treated and painted to match Honda’s original specifications.
Before the bike is sold, the front brake caliper and carburetors were rebuilt. Other work done includes an engine compression check, replacement of engine cover gaskets, points, points plate, and condensers. However, there are no videos available showing the bike running, only high-quality photos.
This listing is available on Bring a Trailer with no reserve. As of June 22, 2023, the current bid is $16,000. The auction will end on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at 1:22 p.m. Eastern Time.
Privately owned race team DC Racing has achieved the goal of receiving full-factory support from Sherco for the 2023 season and beyond. This achievement is the result of years of hard work and support from team owner Dallas Chidester and his trucking company, Chidester Transportation.
Mason Ottersberg, the current AMA West Coast Hare Scramble 250 Pro-class champion, has been a member of the DC Racing family for two years. In the upcoming 2023 season, he will be competing on a Sherco 250SE in various West Coast-based off-road series. We spoke with Dallas and the DC Racing team to learn more about Ottersberg’s race machine.
The Scoop Ottersberg is one of four riders on the DC Racing team who will be riding the Sherco 250SE. The team, based in Arizona, is focused on developing the best setup for the bike. Ottersberg’s experience in various off-road disciplines has been instrumental in setting up the new Sherco. As the first professional-level team to compete on Sherco SE models in the faster West Coast-style off-road racing series, the team had to start from scratch when it came to setup.
Precision Concepts, a prominent player in off-road racing, handled Ottersberg’s suspension needs. Team manager Scott Perkins explained, “Mason prefers a progressive suspension setting, with a softer overall feel that tightens up towards the end of the stroke. We worked with Bob Bell from Precision Concepts to find a comfortable base setting that we can fine-tune throughout the season for different types of events.”
The team will be participating in the entire AMA West Coast Hare Scrambles series, as well as select AMA National Hare & Hound and National Grand Prix Championship events. Therefore, ensuring that Mason is comfortable with a general setting is crucial.
Considering that Ottersberg will be on the bike for a minimum of 60 minutes in each race, rider comfort is of utmost importance. His bike is equipped with 12-degree low-bend Flexx handlebars, customizable elastomer grips, non-breakable levers, a smoother-pulling throttle, and a switch for on-the-fly adjustability options.
DC Racing Sherco 250
Like most race bikes, the DC Racing Sherco 250SE has undergone performance upgrades. The engine modifications are conducted by the Factory 1 Sherco crew and Race Tech’s engine department to increase midrange and top-end power. Rocket Exhaust, a reputable company that now operates under new ownership in Arizona, worked closely with the DC Racing team to develop the race team systems for the bike. The team has seen success early in the season, thanks to the high-quality Sherco 250 systems.
Other performance enhancements for the engine include Rekluse clutch components, Moto Center AZ high-pressure radiator hoses, and custom-programmed mapping. Protection is another vital aspect the team has focused on, with the use of a Reflex hand-guard system, full-coverage skid plate, rear chainguide, radiator guards, shark fins, fork lug guards, swingarm guards, and a foam-insert system called Mousse Balls to prevent flat tires.
DC Racing Team Sponsor List:
Sherco USA, FXR, A’ME Grips, Antigravity Batteries, ASV Inventions, BRP, Bulletproof Designs, DDC Racing, EPIC Garage Designs, Fasst Company, FunnelWeb Filter, GPR Stabilizer, G2 Ergonomics, Innteck USA, IWC Motorsports Tire Pros, Kenda, Matrix Concepts, Maxima USA, Modified Machine Works, MotoSeat, Mr. Wolf Solve, Precision Concepts, P3 Carbon, RAD Custom Graphics, Rekluse Motorsports, Reflex Racing, RK Excel, Rocket Exhaust, SKF Group, SXSlideplate, TrueWerk, Works Connection, Moto Center
With Sherco USA expanding their efforts beyond the successful FactoryOne Sherco Hard Enduro team and venturing into the West Coast off-road racing series with DC Racing, it’s no surprise that Mason Ottersberg and his DC Sherco have been achieving podium finishes. It seems only a matter of time before they secure a win.
Rocket Exhaust is under new ownership and working closely with the DC Racing Sherco team.
The SXS skid plate provides full coverage protection.
GPR’s Version 5 stabilizer and Fasst Company Flexx bars provide rider comfort at high speeds.
The initial engine performance package specifications are provided by the FactoryOne Sherco crew and performed by the Race Tech engine department.
Finally, KTM has announced a special edition model called the 2024 KTM 300 XC-W “HARDENDURO” for the Extreme Enduro crowd. This model comes with a range of upgrades taken directly from the KTM Hard Parts catalog. These bikes will be available at dealerships in July. Below is the official information and images from KTM:
KTM, with its long history of success in the toughest hard enduro races and the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, has now introduced the dedicated HARDENDURO model to its outstanding 2024 KTM XC-W range.
Celebrating the most challenging hard enduro races in the world, KTM has unveiled the 2024 KTM 300 XC-W HARDENDURO, which sits at the top of the KTM Enduro model range.
Using the all-new 2024 KTM 300 XC-W as a foundation, the KTM 300 XC-W HARDENDURO has been engineered with input from top racers who take on the most extreme terrains on the planet. This ensures that the bike is the best READY TO RACE Enduro machine available, straight from the dealership.
Developed through races like Red Bull Romaniacs, Erzbergrodeo, Tennessee Knockout, and Outliers, the 2024 KTM 300 XC-W HARDENDURO is specifically designed to take on rugged terrains. It comes equipped with various special protection parts, including closed handguards, clutch slave cylinder protection, composite skid plate, and brake disc guards, making it capable of handling the most extreme racing scenarios imaginable.
In addition to a new frame, closed-cartridge suspension, refined bodywork, and industry-leading TBI technology, the 2024 KTM 300 XC-W HARDENDURO features the following additional parts:
New, model-specific graphics
Orange frame
HARDENDURO bar pad
Soft, gray ODI lock-on grips
Ribbed diamante factory seat
Map-selection switch
Factory frame protector set
Factory wheelset, featuring black D.I.D rims, black spokes, orange-anodized hubs, and orange-anodized nipples
Wrap-around handguards
Radiator fan
Orange-anodized CNC-machined triple clamps
Composite skid plate
Floating front brake disc with composite front brake disc guard
Solid rear brake disc, with safety wire and orange rear brake disc guard
Orange Supersprox stealth rear sprocket
Orange-anodized oil plug
Orange-anodized clutch slave cylinder protection
Front and rear pull straps
The brand-new 2024 KTM 300 XC-W HARDENDURO will be available at authorized KTM dealerships starting from July.
A brand-new original docuseries coming to HBO titled Downey’s Dream Cars will follow award-winning actor and producer Robert Downey Jr. as he chooses six cars from his impressive car collection and transforms them into eco-friendly vehicles. Robert Downey Jr. has enlisted the help of inventors, visionaries, and futurists to help guide the process of converting classic and unique cars into the future of conservation by reducing the carbon footprint each of them will inevitably leave on the planet.
The HBO Original is set to premiere Thursday, June 22 on Max, HBO’s streaming service (formerly known as HBOMAX). Downey’s Dream Cars is set to premiere on Discovery+ in the UK on Thursday, June 22 as well. The six-episode docuseries will show every subsequent Thursday after the premiere on June 22nd, meaning all episodes will be available for viewing on and after July 6th.
Aside from the trailer, which features a mid-1960s Corvette Stingray Convertible, 5th-Generation El Camino, Buick Riviera GS, and a classic Volkswagen Bus, little is known about which cars RDJ will choose to modernize, though it is no secret that he has quite the car collection, so whichever cars he decides to feature will likely be unique in some way.
Among the previously mentioned cars featured in the trailer, including a Corvette Stingray convertible, Buick Riviera, Chevrolet El Camino, and Volkswagen Bus, Robert Downey Jr. has upwards of nine other vehicles in his personal collection alone, and some fans and insiders believe there to be more.
Those confirmed to be in RDJ’s collection include a 1974 BMW 3.0 CS coupe modified by SpeedKore, a Ferrari California T Drop Top, and his rumored favorite, the 2009 Audi R8 Spyder. It’s reported that the Audi R8 Spyder is the same one Robert Downey drove in the 2008 Iron Man film.
Cars Included In Robert Downey Jr.’s Collection:
1970 Mustang Fastback
Nissan GT-R
Bentley Continental
1974 BMW 3.0 CS Coupe
Ferrari California T
2009 Audi R8 Spyder
Audi
A front 3/4 shot of a 2008 Audi R8
It’s not hard to see why the 2009 Audi R8 Spyder is RDJ’s favorite, it is a stunning car inside and out, and that’s before mentioning the punch it packs under the hood. The 2009 R8 Spyder starts at around $131,950, a hefty price tag for most casual car enthusiasts, but not for Iron Man. Featuring a 32-valve 4.2-liter DOHC V-8, the six-speed manual R8 Spyder makes 420 horsepower and can accelerate to 60 MPH in only 4.3 seconds. The EPA reports 15 combined MPG, with the 2009 Audi R8 Spyder getting 13 city and 20 highway MPG.
Though Robert Downey Jr. is a self-proclaimed “gearhead”, he is an internationally recognized and awarded actor, known most famously for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the superhero Iron Man, whose real name is Tony Stark in the movie. In reality, RDJ’s real-life story isn’t far off from the fictional hero he portrays on-screen, minus the iron suit.
The son of an actor famous in his own era, Robert Downey Jr.’s early acting career was met with critical and commercial success, no doubt attributed to his upbringing in Hollywood. With prestigious awards under his belt including the BAFTA award for his role as the title character in “Chaplin”, for which he also received an Academy Award nomination, and a Golden Globe for his role in the popular 90’s sitcom “Ally McBeal”, Robert Downey Jr. made an impact on popular culture at a young age.
He began to face numerous highly publicized personal problems, and inevitably took a much-needed break from the limelight, during which period RDJ had time to reflect on his choices, as well as his future. Robert Downey Jr. had a resurgence in popularity in 2008 when he starred in the first Iron Man film, which became a box office success, skyrocketing not only Robert Downey Jr.’s career but the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well, as RDJ has starred in ten MCU films including the Iron Man Collection and The Avengers films.
That same year, Robert Downey Jr. earned a spot among Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world, and from 2013-2015 Robert was named the highest-paid actor in Hollywood by Forbes Magazine. Around that time, he won his second Golden Globe for his role as the title character in Guy Ritchie’s “Sherlock Holmes”.
Robert soon began a non-profit organization called The Footprint Coalition, which aims to reduce carbon footprints around the world using advanced technology. This organization promotes technologies that protect the environment, such as a French insect farming startup called “Ynsect”, a bio-based alternative to plastics manufacturer RWDC, and bamboo toilet paper manufacturers Cloud Paper.
More recently, RDJ has teamed up with Sec. Jennifer M. Granholm and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), as an official member of The Clean Energy Corps, an initiative by the Department of Energy to reduce America’s carbon dependency. The Clean Energy Corps will help deploy the DOE’s transformative $62-billion investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to meet the nation’s goal of a carbon-free power sector by 2035, and a decarbonized society by 2050.
Robert Downey Jr.’s conservation efforts have not gone unnoticed, as his induction into the Clean Energy Corps is only the most recent of his efforts to combat a carbon-dependent future, as his investments in clean-energy initiatives, as well as future technologies that positively impact the planet reach far across the globe. With his new docuseries coming to MAX, he plans on showcasing some young talented futurists on his journey to bring classic cars into the future, while preserving the past.
This goes hand-in-hand with the person RDJ has become, it’s not about forgetting the past in exchange for a bright and shiny future, it’s about respecting the past and acknowledging the ever-present reminders that we can do better as a society without sacrificing everything we know. It’s about the redeeming qualities, not only of a man but of a car as well. If one can update themselves and adapt to the fluctuations of time, why can’t a classic car?
This has to be one of the points that has car fans, as well as Robert Downey Jr. fans most excited about Downey’s Dream Cars. In that same vein, car fans are beginning to speculate on which of RDJ’s unique cars will receive the eco-upgrades, with many die-hard classic car fans frowning at the idea of converting a classic Buick Riviera or Corvette Stingray into a hybrid. No matter what side of the debate you find yourself on, there’s no doubt we’ll all find ourselves tuning in on Thursday, June 22 to catch the premiere of Downey’s Dream Cars.
General Motors (GM) is committed to revolutionizing all of its brands towards electric vehicles (EVs). By 2030, GM plans to make Cadillac an all-exclusive EV brand. Cadillac aims to compete head-to-head with Tesla, the EV market leader, and wants to change the game. To target different segments, Cadillac will release the Lyriq to compete with the Tesla Model Y and the Celestiq to compete with the Rolls-Royce Spectre. This bold move by Cadillac will certainly catch the attention of other giants in the industry such as Ford, Nissan, Tesla, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley.
Cadillac Has The Might To Take On Both Tesla And Rolls-Royce
Cadillac
Front three quarter shot of Cadillac Lyriq parked outside of a buidling
The Lyriq is Cadillac’s first electric vehicle that will compete with the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Polestar 3. This SUV features an all-wheel-drive version with a range of 307 miles, 500 horsepower, and 450 pound-feet of torque. The Lyriq offers a 33-inch diagonal screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The base model starts at $58,000 and the top-of-the-line model costs over $70,000.
Cadillac Lyriq Sport Specs
Electric Motor
Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup
Horsepower
500 horses
Range
450 pound-feet
Electric Range
307 miles
Price
$74,590
The Celestiq is a luxurious sedan that will rival brands like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Mercedes. This sedan offers 600 horsepower, a 300-mile range, and can go from 0 to 60 MPH in 3.8 seconds. The Celestiq is expected to cost around $300,000.
Cadillac Celestiq Specs
Electric Motor
Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup
Horsepower
600 horses
Range
640 pound-feet
Electric Range
300 miles (est.)
Price
$300,000
Cadillac also has plans for the Escalade IQ, a three-row electric SUV expected to start at over $100,000.
The Cutting-Edge Ultium Platform: The Secret Ingredient To Potential Success
General Motors
Wide shot of three battery skateboards built using the Ultium platform
The Ultium platform, developed in collaboration between General Motors and LG, is the key to Cadillac’s potential success. The platform’s design allows for efficient packaging of batteries, maximizing space and power. It also incorporates advanced chemistry that reduces cobalt usage by 70 percent and extends battery life. With the Ultium platform, Cadillac’s vehicles can easily achieve the industry-standard 300-mile range.
GM’s Undivided Attention To Make Cadillac An Exclusive EV Brand
Cadillac
2024 Cadillac Celestiq interior shot
GM is fully committed to making Cadillac an exclusive EV brand. The company has divested from money-losing projects like its European brands, Opel and Vauxhall, to focus on investing in the future of its own brands, especially electric vehicles. GM plans to invest over $81 million in the Celestiq project alone, demonstrating its seriousness about Cadillac’s electrification. Cadillac aims to have a fully electric lineup by 2030, but it will have to convince current Escalade owners to upgrade to its electric version. In addition to electrification, Cadillac has set a goal to run its operations in the United States on 100 percent renewable energy by 2025, showcasing its commitment to sustainability.
Cadillac
A rear 3/4 view of Cadillac Celestiq on a plateau overlooking mountains in the background
Only time will tell if Cadillac can successfully challenge automotive giants like Tesla and Rolls-Royce. However, their transition to electric vehicles is a necessary step in the industry, and Cadillac seems to be moving in the right direction. One potential challenge for Cadillac could be the production capacity of the Ultium platform’s batteries. Overcoming this challenge and ensuring a sufficient supply of batteries will be crucial for the success of Cadillac’s EV lineup and to compete with Tesla and other automakers.
# Mazda MX-5 Miata Electric: Everything We Know So Far
The Mazda MX-5 Miata has long been known as a lightweight, affordable, and two-seater sports car. It was first revealed in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show and quickly gained popularity for its timeless design and sleek silhouette. The fourth generation of the MX-5 debuted in 2014 and has been praised for its technical prowess and nimble handling. However, with the automotive industry shifting towards electric vehicles due to stricter emissions regulations, there have been speculations about the future of the MX-5. Mazda recently announced its plans to transition to full electrification by 2030, raising questions about the fate of the iconic sports car. While there is still limited information about the upcoming Mazda MX-5 Miata Electric, it is expected to be worth the wait.
## Mazda Commits To The Original MX-5 Design
Mazda plans to electrify its entire lineup by 2030, with 25% of its models being fully battery-electric. The challenge for the Mazda MX-5 Miata, and other small roadsters, is adding weight while maintaining its inherent lightness. Batteries add significant weight, so a hybrid setup is the most likely outcome. This setup allows the car to maintain its portability without sacrificing acceleration. Mazda’s current powertrain portfolio includes mild hybrid and 48-volt versions, which are expected to be used in the MX-5 Electric. Mazda assures customers that despite the changes, the essence of the MX-5 Miata will remain the same – a lightweight, affordable, and open two-seater sports car.
## Mazda Is Investing In Miata Electric For More Features
Mazda has announced a $10.6 billion investment plan for speedy electrification. A video released by Mazda provides clues about the features of the upcoming MX-5. The video showcases a hardtop coupé body style with Lamborghini-style scissor doors, hinting at the new Miata design. The model’s chassis also includes a space for a longitudinally mounted motor, a feature not commonly seen in electric cars. Mazda has also revealed other electric vehicles in its lineup, including a petrol range extender version of the MX-30 and a follow-up to the CX-60 called the CX-80. Mazda plans to introduce a new hybrid system and additional battery-electric vehicles between 2025 and 2027.
## The Mazda Miata Electric Will Be Affordable
The Mazda MX-5 Miata Electric aims to be an affordable option among electric roadsters. While other upcoming electric sports cars like the MG Cyberster and the Porsche 718 Cayman are expected to be more expensive, Mazda plans to offer a compelling driving experience at a fraction of the cost. Mazda has previous experience with electric vehicles, having released the MX-30 R-EV earlier this year. The company has taken customer feedback into account and aims to improve upon previous models. Despite the challenges and competition, Mazda is committed to producing a high-quality electric MX-5.
## What Does The Future Hold For Mazda MX-5 Miata?
Mazda’s strategy revolves around delivering multiple solutions tailored to customer needs and local driving conditions. The company aims to embrace both hybrid and electric technology to make its mark in the evolving automotive industry. The reveal of the electric MX-5 by Mazda is highly anticipated by enthusiasts. With a goal of complete electrification by 2030, Mazda has time to perfect this project while maintaining its reputation for enthusiastic driving pleasure. Fans hope to see an ambitious product that combines Mazda’s classic design with the benefits of battery technology, creating the ultimate sports car. Only time will tell what the future holds for this iconic legacy.
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