First Drive

Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor RWD 2023 first drive

During the UK launch of the Polestar 2, the Polestar team mentioned that they don’t typically do facelifts. Instead, they focus on subtle model-year updates and keeping their cars fresh through over-the-air updates. For 2023, the visual changes are minimal, with the fake grille now serving as the SmartZone for the driver assistance systems. Additionally, new wheel designs have been introduced, with the 20-inch option receiving positive reviews.

For the 2023 model, the main changes aim to reduce the Polestar 2’s energy consumption. Similar to the Volvo XC40 and Volvo C40 Recharge, the Polestar 2 now features a more efficient inverter and motor, which are mounted at the rear and power the rear wheels instead of the front. This change also brings a significant increase in power, with the long-range, single-motor version upgraded from 228bhp to 295bhp and capable of rapid charging at 205kW.

Consequently, the Polestar 2 has achieved a more favorable WLTP energy consumption figure of 4.2mpkWh, surpassing Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 streamliner, despite its less aerodynamic shape. Additionally, with a larger battery capacity and improved efficiency, the official range has increased to 406 miles, outperforming the Hyundai, Tesla Model 3 Long Range, and BMW i4 eDrive40.

Returning versions of the Polestar 2 include the Standard Range, Long Range Dual Motor, and Performance Pack, all benefiting from enhanced efficiency and more power. It’s worth noting that the entry-level car now claims a range of 331 miles, potentially making it the most appealing option in the lineup.

Two main questions arise from these updates: can the revised Polestar 2 deliver on its range claims in real-world conditions, and does the rear-wheel drive configuration make it more enjoyable to drive?

In terms of the first question, it’s important to acknowledge that no EV can fully match its laboratory claims, including the Polestar 2. However, after driving the car on various road types in mild conditions, it achieved an indicated energy consumption of 3.4mpkWh, translating to a range of 267 miles. This performance is comparable to the Ioniq 6, demonstrating a commendable result.

Car review

Kia EV9

When you approach the EV9 for the first time, the first thing that catches your attention is its fresh and appealing new styling. It has a modern front panel, sleek headlights, cladding along the body sides, and a simple tailgate design. Although it’s long and boxy, it’s a unique car that doesn’t deter new arrivals.

Similar to its smaller sibling, the Kia EV6, the EV9 is built on the Hyundai Group’s EV-specific Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). It shares many hardware components with the EV6, including its independent multi-link suspension and powertrain. The EV9 is available in both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions.

The base models of the EV9 have a 200bhp motor that sends 258lb ft of torque exclusively to the rear axle. This allows the car to accelerate from 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds. The 4×4 version incorporates two motors of equal power (189bhp each) mounted at the front and rear, giving the car a total of 378bhp and a 0-62mph time of 6.0 seconds. With an additional over-the-air software update, torque can be boosted from an impressive 442lb ft to 515lb ft, reducing the 0-60mph time by 0.7 seconds.

The EV9’s controls are smooth and responsive, making you forget that it’s an electric vehicle. It offers a quiet motor and a range of nearly 300 miles, depending on your driving style. The car’s motion is controlled using a small switchblock on the right side of the steering column, and there are additional buttons on the steering wheel for various functions, including an easy one-touch operation to disable the lane-keeping assistance. Similar to other Hyundai and Kia EVs, the regenerative braking can be adjusted using steering wheel paddles.

This test car is a mid-range version meant for the domestic market, so it lacks some of the features of a high-spec UK EV9 and only has one motor. The braking is powerful and easy to control, and the steering feels most natural in Normal driving mode (Sport and Eco modes are also available). The controls have a smooth, frictionless feel akin to well-known brands like BMW and Porsche. This demonstrates the relentless pursuit of greatness by Kia.

Featured

Hurley Haywood & Porsche’s Taycan Cross Turismo Take On Pikes Peak

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is one of the most trying, storied, and respected automotive challenges, testing the performance limits of cars and drivers alike, which is why Porsche decided to test its most powerful Taycan Cross Turismo model at the legendary venue, with the help of a racing legend. Driver Hurley Haywood took the electric Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo on an electrifying exhibition run up Pikes Peak, a demonstration highlighting both the technology’s power and the event’s enduring tradition of bringing top-tier drivers and automotive innovation to the forefront.

As a five-time winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona, three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and two-time winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring, Haywood is no stranger to the challenges of the racetrack. Even still, taking on Pikes Peak was a first for him. The Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo took the thin air of the high altitudes in stride, demonstrating its impressive capability and resilience. Haywood was amazed, stating, “I was not getting close to what the car was capable of, but it was a lot of fun and required some recalibration on my part.” An important advantage of electric vehicles in places like Pikes Peak is that they don’t suffer from the performance reduction usually associated with conventional engines at high altitudes.

The Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo was not only reliable but nimble. Haywood noticed the utility of the rear-axle steering as it smoothly navigated through the notorious tight switchbacks of the climb. The Taycan Cross Turismo itself is no newcomer to Pikes Peak, one of America’s highest drivable points. Previously, it completed a record-breaking 1,400-mile journey from one of the lowest points in the U.S.—the bottom of a mine—to the top of Pikes Peak. This stunning feat set a Guinness World Record for the greatest altitude change by an electric car.

The 2023 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb reaffirmed its long-standing tradition of attracting world-class drivers and showcasing the latest breakthroughs in the automotive world. Hurley Haywood’s memorable run with the Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo exemplifies the event’s premise, proving that innovation and tradition create amazing moments and push the automotive industry forward as a whole.

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Featured

Bowers & Wilkins Unveils Superior 800 Series Signature Loudspeakers

Renowned for its state-of-the-art audio technology, Bowers & Wilkins introduces the latest members of its prestigious Signature series: the 801 D4 Signature and 805 D4 Signature. The new offerings underscore the brand’s passion for superior quality, tracing back to the original Silver Signature loudspeaker, a tribute to founder John Bowers.

The 801 D4 Signature, the larger model, boasts the iconic Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Dome tweeter and Continuum™ Cone FST™ midrange drive unit. It integrates powerful twin 250mm Aerofoil Cone bass drivers and an aluminum top plate, designed to significantly reduce unwanted resonance. The updated port output and crossover further amplify the already excellent performance of the 801 D4, elevating its midrange transparency and bass accuracy.

In the compact category, the 805 D4 Signature sets new standards with its upgraded crossover and bass/midrange motor system. It ensures cleaner midrange delivery and extended bass, while mechanical revisions to its aluminum top plate mitigate unwanted noise and vibration. Exclusivity is celebrated with two unique finishes: Midnight Blue Metallic, reminiscent of the iconic Nautilus loudspeaker, and a lavish California Burl Gloss wood veneer, sourced sustainably from Italian specialist, ALPI.

Bowers & Wilkins remains committed to providing the truest listening experience. The new 800 Series Signature loudspeakers, available from 28th June, proudly continue this mission. Shop the all-new Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond Loudspeaker Collection by clicking the link below.

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Featured

Ferrari Teases a New Car to be Unveiled June 29

As one of the most beloved and aspirational automakers in the world, any announcement from Ferrari is highly anticipated. With recent changes in its design language and approach to luxury and performance-focused innovation, Ferrari always keeps its fans on their toes when it comes to what’s next. In a recent Instagram post, Ferrari shared close-up teaser images of a new car that has yet to be officially revealed. The caption indicates that the big news will be unveiled tomorrow, June 29, at 12 noon CEST.

One of the standout images is a beautiful carbon fiber spoiler, suggesting that this new car will offer unrivaled performance and exceptional on-track capabilities. It represents a modern evolution of Ferrari’s racing heritage, which put the brand on the map more than three quarters of a century ago. While Ferrari has recently introduced vehicles like the Purosangue, showcasing their ability to create stunning four-door cars, and the Roma Spider, establishing their expertise in crafting beautiful open-top vehicles, this new Ferrari model pays homage to the manufacturer’s renowned racing roots. Fans of Ferrari’s rich racing history will undoubtedly be excited when the car is finally unveiled.

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Cars

2024 Jeep Wrangler First Drive: Exploring the 392 To 4xe

When I arrived at the Rock Bowl in Sand Hollow State Park, I was immediately struck by the breathtaking orange-red rock formations scattered throughout the area, as well as the numerous Jeeps parked in various adventurous positions. After a brief discussion about the correct pronunciation of the “Willys” trim level (pronounced either as it is spelled or as “Willis”), the event began (Jeep states that both pronunciations are acceptable).

Jeep aims to improve upon previous versions of the Wrangler with this new generation. Their goals include increasing ride comfort, offering more off-road options, providing side-curtain airbags, and keeping the price point reasonable for base trims (the starting price for the base-model two-door sport is $31,895).

However, the company also wanted to preserve the iconic “Jeep-ness” that made the vehicle famous. Options such as a six-speed manual transmission, the distinctive brick-like shape, easy removal of doors, and the ability to tackle sand, mud, and rocks are still available.

Technology

Popular Free Channels Every Roku Streaming Stick User Should Install

Tubi provides a wide range of free TV shows and movies, including both new releases and classics. Although you will encounter advertisements at regular intervals, the extensive content library makes it worth it. Tubi offers a diverse selection of options, from the original “Transformers: Generation 1” to the former HBO Max series “Lovecraft Country.”

The occasional ads can be a bit distracting, but they are similar to what you experience when watching cable television. Tubi claims that ads typically appear every 15 minutes. While it may be perfect for TV show enthusiasts, watching a movie on Tubi can be slightly bothersome due to the interruptions. In addition to TV shows and movies, Tubi also features a limited selection of live TV channels, including local news and a few sports channels. Considering its vast content library, Tubi is considered one of the top streaming services available, which explains its increasing popularity year after year.

Gaming, News

Sony Accidentally Exposes the Budgets of Major PlayStation Games

Sony has inadvertently disclosed the financial impact that Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard would have on its business. The company filed paperwork with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to demonstrate how the acquisition would affect Sony’s finances. The argument was that Sony would experience significant revenue declines as a result of the popular “Call of Duty” franchise becoming an Xbox exclusive.

An analysis of the redacted paperwork by The Verge revealed that “Call of Duty” games generated approximately $800 million for PlayStation in the United States in 2021. While the exact global figure cannot be confirmed, the document suggests that the franchise could be worth over $1.5 billion worldwide for PlayStation. Furthermore, the document appears to disclose that the value of the franchise itself for Sony is $13.9 billion or more.

Currently, only one more “Call of Duty” game is planned to be released on both PlayStation and Xbox, and Sony claims that one million players exclusively play the franchise’s releases. The future of the hearing is uncertain since the paperwork and related exhibits were removed after their discovery.

Gaming

Top Xbox Games Released in 2023

In 2023, EA brought back the popular “Dead Space” franchise with a remake of the 2008 game that started it all. This survival horror game, developed by Motive Studio, was released in January for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Like the original, players take on the role of Isaac Clarke, an engineer who finds himself trapped on a ship where the crew is being killed by terrifying creatures called Necromorphs. As one of the few survivors, Clarke must use his engineering tools to fight back against the Necromorphs.

The “Dead Space” remake offers a number of improvements over the original game. One notable change is that Clarke is no longer a silent protagonist and is more involved in the story through cutscenes. Another welcome improvement is that weapons can now be unlocked more easily, as they no longer need to be purchased after finding a blueprint. Additionally, the newly added peeling system allows for more gruesome and visually impressive ways to destroy Necromorphs.

With its impressive visuals, improved gameplay mechanics, and updated narrative, this version of “Dead Space” is considered the definitive way to experience the game and learn the story behind one of EA’s most successful recent series.

News, Technology

The Vatican’s Plan to Ensure Responsible AI

The Vatican has released a handbook titled “Ethics In The Age Of Disruptive Technologies” (ITEC handbook), which outlines its principles for responsible AI. To develop these principles, the Vatican drew inspiration from the AI principles of Microsoft, Google, and IBM. While Google collaborated with the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics to draft its AI principles, it has also faced notable controversies related to AI technology.

The ITEC principles emphasize that AI should uphold human dignity and rights, empower individuals instead of oppressing them, and promote overall human well-being. These principles also advocate for justice, accessibility, diversity, and equity at every stage of AI development. Additionally, the handbook highlights the responsibility to protect the Earth’s biodiversity and consider climate impacts, as the planet belongs to all forms of life.

Accountability is a crucial aspect of the ITEC principles and covers users, corporations, and development. Transparency and oversight are essential in the development of AI models to address concerns of data privacy and copyright infringement. Notably, the handbook mentions the Getty lawsuit against Stability AI and artists’ worries about potential AI replacements as examples. The authors of the handbook acknowledge that some principles may conflict with one another, and in such cases, the well-being of humanity should take precedence.