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Motorsport

New BMW M4 CS to Arrive at Dealerships in Mid-2024, Positioned Below M4 CSL: Report

According to a recent report, BMW is set to expand its M4 lineup next year. The automaker plans to introduce the M4 CS, which will fill the gap between the standard model and the more intense CSL variant.

Franciscus van Meel, the CEO of BMW M, stated in an interview with Autocar that the M4 CS is scheduled to reach dealers in mid-2024. However, this is not the only update planned for BMW’s M lineup next year. The brand will also launch updated versions of the M3, M4, and even the M5, including the M5 Touring wagon.


News, Smartphones

Understanding Grade 5 Titanium: Why Apple Opted for It in the iPhone 15 Pro

Grade 5 titanium, also known as the ‘workhorse’ grade of titanium, is highly regarded for its exceptional tensile strength. It is the most widely used type of titanium and accounts for about half of the global titanium production. This versatile material finds applications in various industries, including medicine, maritime, aerospace, and chemical processing. Moreover, it has been utilized in sporting equipment and aircraft turbines among other things.

At an event, Yang revealed that Grade 5 titanium is “an alloy with even higher tensile strength than pure titanium. It is typically used in applications where strength, formability, and weight balance are crucial. Interestingly, this is the same alloy deployed in the Mars Rover.” Its usage in collecting samples on Mars speaks volumes about the material. Furthermore, Yang discussed how this alloy possesses one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios among all metals.

This is likely the primary reason behind Apple’s choice. Grade 5 titanium offers strength and lightweight properties, enabling the tech giant to design the iPhone 15 Pro with a slimmer, lighter, and more durable framework. Thanks to this alloy, the new smartphone features a compact profile without compromising structural integrity. Additionally, it reduces the overall weight of the device while maintaining the same screen size.

Cars

Did Ford Eliminate the V8 Engine Option for the F-150?

According to a press release, the new F-150 model comes equipped with a 5.0 all-aluminum block and heads, capable of running on E85 fuel for increased flexibility. However, Ford has not yet disclosed the power figures for either the 5.0 engine or the supercharged engine that will feature in the upcoming Raptor R. These details are anticipated to be revealed shortly before the truck is released to the public or during the launch, expected in early next year.

To provide a comparison, the current F-150 model offers a 5.0 V8 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. This particular engine is standard in the King Ranch and Platinum trims. On the other hand, the current F-150 Raptor R is equipped with a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine that boasts an impressive 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque. It is known for its energetic performance, resembling a guitar solo and the effect of excessive consumption of cheap energy drinks. The Ford F-series lineup has been in existence since 1948 and has consistently included a V8 engine option. Ford has no plans to deviate from this tradition even after 75 years.

News, Smartphones

Your iPhone Is Vulnerable to a New iMessage Hack – Steps to Protect Your Device

A new exploit, known as BLASTPASS, has been discovered by Citizen Lab, involving the use of iMessage accounts to send malicious image files. In response, Apple has released an iPhone update, iOS 16.6.1, to address this vulnerability. To safeguard your device, follow these steps: Go to Settings → General → Software Update and run the software update as soon as possible.

For added protection, Apple has also released updates for iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. It is recommended to install these updates urgently.

Apple has acknowledged the severity of the exploit, stating that the processing of a manipulated image could result in arbitrary code execution. They are aware of reports of active exploitation. In response, Apple has addressed the buffer overflow issue in ImageIO with improved memory handling. Additionally, a similar issue in Wallet has been resolved with enhanced logic.

While the majority of users are unlikely to be targeted by NSO Group clients, it is advisable to take precautions. Citizen Lab suggests activating the iPhone’s “Lockdown Mode,” which offers resistance against Pegasus-style mercenary malware attacks. To enable this feature, follow these steps: Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Security → Lockdown Mode → Turn On Lockdown Mode → Turn On Lockdown Mode (again) → Turn On & Restart. After entering your device passcode, the mode will be activated.

Motorsport

Mini Boss Confirms The End of Manual Gearboxes: Report

The Mini brand will no longer offer manual gearboxes in its future products, according to Mini’s brand boss, Stefanie Wurst, in an interview with Top Gear. Additionally, Mini has plans to enter the electric vehicle racing scene.

Regarding future combustion-powered models, Wurst stated, “We won’t have a manual unfortunately.” Mini unveiled the electric variants of the new Cooper and Countryman models at the IAA Mobility show in Munich.

Details about the new combustion-powered models from Mini have been kept under wraps. However, it has been reported that all models will incorporate mild-hybrid technology to improve emissions.

Wurst expressed confidence in the decision to venture into motorsport, saying, “I think meeting Charlie [Cooper, grandson of John Cooper] made me confident about continuing with motorsport. So, we plan to go with him into electric motorsport as well.”

She also acknowledged the challenges of electric motorsport, noting that not all new forms of it have been successful. She mentioned the importance of finding the right platform and stated, “We’ll see what evolves and plan to join something.”


News

Kia EV5: A Bold Electric Family SUV for 2024

Kia has officially revealed the EV5, an electric family SUV with unique design features. The set-back D-pillars highlight the spaciousness of the rear seat and boot, while the rear wing enhances aerodynamic efficiency and represents the groundbreaking nature of the vehicle.

The EV5’s interior has been specifically designed for millennial households, who view the interior of their EV SUV as an additional living space, rather than just a place to travel from A to B. The dashboard, steering wheel, and infotainment suite closely resemble those found in the EV9. The driver display and central touchscreen are housed in a wraparound digital panel, and core functions retain physical buttons and switches. After launch, the EV5 will receive over-the-air system updates, allowing owners to activate features as needed.

Although exact dimensions have not yet been revealed, the EV5 offers a spacious cabin compared to traditional cars. Notable features include 64-colour ambient lighting with a dimming function, easy-access infotainment and climate controls, and a wide range of upholstery options in terms of colors, patterns, and materials.

The EV5 no longer features the concept’s swiveling seats or reverse-opening rear doors. However, it does have a bench-style front seat arrangement with the passenger’s seat base extending over the center console, replacing a traditional armrest. It’s important to note that there is no third seatbelt in the front.

Cars, News

Elon Musk Provides Updates on Cybertruck Production and Demand

The Cybertruck, Tesla’s highly anticipated electric truck, has garnered nearly 1.9 million reservations, according to data from a crowd-sourced tracker. However, with Tesla currently planning to produce 375,000 Cybertrucks per year, it could take over five years for the most recent batch of reservations to be fulfilled. Nevertheless, Tesla aims to increase production figures in the coming quarters to meet the high demand. During a recent investor call, Elon Musk expressed his excitement over the overwhelming demand, stating that it is beyond expectations. Analysts even project that Tesla will surpass 10 million deliveries by 2030 and triple its stock price by then.

In the meantime, for those who have not reserved a Cybertruck yet, booking one might seem uncertain. The unique design and promised high performance and advanced technology of the electric truck have received mixed reviews. Originally, Tesla had set a base price of $39,900 for the rear-wheel-drive model with a range of around 250 miles, with the price increasing to $69,900 for the all-wheel-drive trim that offers over 500 miles on a single charge. However, Tesla has removed all information about trims and pricing from its official website. Musk has hinted that the final price will be higher due to the challenges of the new manufacturing method associated with the Cybertruck. Some analysts estimate the sticker price to be close to $50,000.

Cars, News

This Amazing Droptail Roadster Redefines Minimalism with Rolls-Royce Style

The automaker introduces La Rose Noire, a stunning roadster featuring a deep red paint color named True Love. It took an incredible 150 layers to achieve the perfect shade. Inside, the vehicle boasts 1,603 hand-inlaid wood pieces, adding a touch of elegance. However, the true masterpiece of La Rose Noire is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch, which alone costs around $200,000.

Rolls-Royce

Equipped with 22-inch wheels painted in a color named Mystery, La Rose Noire flaunts the iconic rear-hinged doors commonly found in Rolls-Royce models. The exact price of the Droptail remains undisclosed. However, considering the limited production of only four units and the inclusion of a $200,000 watch, affordability is not a trait associated with this vehicle. It seems that only those with royal associations may have the chance to own one. To put it in perspective, the previous car in the Coachbuild series, the Boat Tail, had an estimated cost of $25 million.

Rolls-Royce Droptail dashboardRolls-Royce

Despite its exorbitant price, the Droptail represents Rolls-Royce’s display of self-control by producing an ultra-exclusive car. It goes beyond being a luxury vehicle and enters the realm of extraordinary.

Cars, News

Hackers Discover Method to Unlock Expensive Tesla Features without Payment

According to a recent report, hackers have found a new exploit that allows them to unlock expensive features in Tesla electric vehicles (EVs) without actually paying for them. This exploit could potentially even enable hackers to activate the self-driving feature, which costs $15,000, in regions where it is locked out. However, the researchers who discovered the exploit have not attempted this themselves. The vulnerability affecting the software capabilities of the EVs is actually hardware-based, meaning that Tesla cannot simply patch it through software updates. The researchers mentioned that fixing the vulnerability would require Tesla to replace the affected hardware. When approached for comment on the exploit, Tesla did not respond to TechCrunch’s request.

This is not the first time that hackers have targeted Tesla vehicles. However, the consequences of this new exploit are more far-reaching compared to previous hacks. Previous hacks included a targeted takeover of a specific Model S car, shutting down a Model S using a connected laptop, and rooting the Model 3 to run Ubuntu on it, among other modifications with varying intentions. Tesla endeavors to monitor such hacking attempts closely. In fact, a Tesla driver in 2014 was contacted by the Tesla service center after using an exploit to install Firefox on the dashboard display of their Model S. The company does not take hacking attempts lightly.

Cars, News

Tesla Under Investigation by NHTSA for Steering Issues

Tesla is once again facing scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this time for steering issues. According to the NHTSA’s investigation overview, drivers have been receiving messages indicating reduced or disabled power steering assist. Complaints have included incidents where restarting the car only partially restored steering capability, or drivers needed to make multiple attempts. One complaint even reported a situation where the steering felt stuck, causing the car to slide off the road and crash into a tree. Additionally, Tesla’s lane assistance and emergency features were said to have malfunctioned in this particular incident. Other cases described the steering wheel becoming overly stiff or completely locked.

While some Tesla owners have been able to regain full or partial steering functionality through restarts or multiple on-off attempts, many are concerned about the risk of being stranded in a sensitive traffic or highway situation. This poses not only a safety concern for themselves, but also for other vehicles around them. This is not the first time Tesla has faced steering-related issues with their electric SUV. In June 2023, a batch of Model Y cars were recalled due to steering wheel problems. Three months prior to that, the NHTSA launched an investigation into reports of steering wheels actually falling off while driving, affecting approximately 120,000 Model Y cars from the 2023 cycle.