Tag Archives: Angeles

BMW

Art meets innovation: The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA.

Munich/Los Angeles. The BMW Group presents a fusion of artwork and innovation on the Frieze Los Angeles artwork honest within the type of the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA. The one-of-a-kind automobile combines colour-change know-how developed by BMW with the inventive language of South African artist Esther Mahlangu. The designer piece, with sections of hooked up movie that may be electronically animated, embodies the most recent improvement in colour-change know-how for automobile surfaces in cooperation with E Ink. The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA celebrates its world premiere on the honest opening on 29 February. The up to date tribute recollects the BMW Art Car designed by Mahlangu in 1991. “The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA honours the history of the BMW brand and continues the story of our global cultural engagement in a unique way. It combines art and design through progressive technology. Here, technology itself becomes art,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design.

In 1991, Mahlangu designed the twelfth BMW Art Car, primarily based on a BMW 525i – changing into the primary girl and first African artist to take action. “Her art inspired me years ago, back when the concept of colour change on a car was just an idea in my head,” says Stella Clarke, Research Engineer Open Innovations on the BMW Group. „Now, with the ability to realise this concept, and work with Esther Mahlangu, is completely surreal.” The 88-year-old artist’s signature colors and geometric patterns are good for bringing the progressive Flow know-how to life within the BMW i5. The versatility of the electrophoretic color modifications makes the fully-electric sedan a dynamic murals. “It is fascinating to me to see how modern technology can expand my art and make it accessible to a completely new audience,” says Mahlangu.

Mahlangu’s artwork meets cutting-edge know-how.
In the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA, which is called after Mahlangu’s first son, sections of movie that may be electronically animated are utilized, with two strips every throughout the roof, bonnet and rear part, in addition to the automobile’s sides. Like an e-book reader, there are a number of million microcapsules in every E Ink movie. The construction and association of the color particles they comprise will be modified by making use of an electrical voltage. This permits the everyday colors and patterns of Mahlangu’s artwork to be generated in continually altering compositions.

The animations are additionally accompanied by an equally extraordinary sound, specifically composed by Renzo Vitale, the BMW Group’s Creative Director, Sound, for the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA. To mix the soundscape of the BMW model with that of the South African Ndebele tradition, Vitale used sequences from Mahlangu’s voice, in addition to the sound of the feather brushes she used for portray. These had been mixed with sounds produced by the color pencils employed within the BMW design studio and the acoustic sign heard as suggestions when working the BMW i5’s contact show. This created a sound combine that begins off softly originally of every color change and will increase in depth because the animation progresses.

To precisely recreate each element of the advanced ornamentation, the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA has been fitted with 1,349 sections of movie, every of which will be individually managed. The laser reducing course of used to trim the movie and the digital management design had been developed in partnership with E Ink. The adaptation of the know-how for curved surfaces, in addition to the programmed animations, are all BMW Group in-house developments.

Overall, colour-change know-how is creating quickly. The BMW iX Flow that includes E Ink offered in 2022 had the flexibility to change from white to black on the push of a button. This was adopted only one 12 months later by the primary multi-coloured implementation. The 240 sections of movie utilized to BMW i Vision Dee had been capable of show as much as 32 colors. This newest section of improvement now allows much more colors and patterns. At the identical time, the sections of the movie are extra strong – which may make potential future sequence manufacturing simpler. However, in the intervening time, the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA will stay considered one of a form.

Tribute to a pioneering artist and her work.
As a globally revered artist, Esther Mahlangu is understood for her Ndebele work, whose ornamentation initially symbolised main occasions or festive events. Mahlangu separated the designs from their authentic that means and transferred them for the primary time to canvas, carpets and on a regular basis objects, thus preserving them for the long run. The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA is now reinterpreting this inventive language.

In presenting this designer automotive at Frieze Los Angeles, BMW continues its long-standing cooperation with the famend artwork honest. At the identical time, the BMW Art Car that shaped the idea for this tribute will even be on show in South Africa for the primary time in over 30 years as a part of the exhibition hosted by the Iziko Museums of South Africa and the BMW Group in Cape Town “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective. The exhibition, which runs till 11 August 2024, honours the life’s work of considered one of South Africa’s most influential artists and cultural ambassadors.

In Los Angeles, BMW will as soon as once more be presenting Frieze Music in collaboration with Frieze. Since 2019, the joint initiative between the 2 companions has introduced collectively a big group of musicians on the intersection of music and artwork. The occasion’s return to Los Angeles might be celebrated on 29 February with a stay efficiency by Sudan Archives on the Hammer Museum.

If you will have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Steven Woerns
Press spokesperson, BMW Group Design
Telephone: +49-151-601-16992
Email: Steven.Woerns@bmw.com

Prof. Dr. Thomas Girst
Head of BMW Group Cultural Engagement
Telephone: +49-89-382-24753
Email: Thomas.Girst@bmwgroup.com

BMW i5 eDrive40:
Power consumption mixed in WLTP cycle: 18.9 – 15.9 kWh/100 km
Electric vary in WLTP cycle: 497 – 582 km

Motorsport

2024 NACTOY: These Are The Finalists

In a recent announcement at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the pool of 52 candidates for the 2024 North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards has been narrowed down to nine finalists. These finalists consist of three cars, three trucks, and three utility vehicles, selected after being identified at the Detroit Auto Show in September. The final selection was made after the vehicles underwent a series of evaluations and test-drives at NACTOY’s Fall Comparison Drive in October. The winners will be revealed on January 4, 2024, at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac.

Here are the finalists for this year’s contest:

It’s worth noting that five out of the nine finalists are fully electric vehicles, continuing the trend from the previous year when six EVs were also among the finalists.

NACTOY President Jeff Gilbert highlighted the significant presence of electric vehicles and the variety within the group, including a large work truck, a hybrid, and a family sedan. He emphasized the importance of electric vehicles for carmakers and the expanding choices available to consumers.

In September, NACTOY initially unveiled a list of candidates for the 2024 awards during a press conference at the Huntington Place Convention Center in Detroit. The process resulted in a total of 10 cars, 5 trucks, and 10 SUVs being recognized as the “Best of 2024”.

ToyotaUk

Toyota Prius Receives Top Honors as the 2024 MotorTrend Car of the Year

LOS ANGELES, Calif (Nov. 16, 2023) – Toyota’s 2024 Prius won the 2024 Car of the Year title at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, marking the second time the Prius has received this honor, the first being in 2004. The Toyota Camry also won in 2007.

Twenty-three years ago, the Prius made history as the first production hybrid car in the world, revolutionizing the automotive industry by combining an electric motor with a high-efficiency engine, providing greater distance with less gas. Now, over two decades later, the Prius has been recognized once again as MotorTrend’s Car of the Year.

MotorTrend Group head of editorial, Ed Loh, praised the new Prius model for capturing the judges’ hearts and minds with its attractive design, engaging performance, efficiency, safety, and affordability. He mentioned that Toyota made the Prius hybrid the perfect car for the current automotive landscape, earning the 2024 Car of the Year award.

The new-generation Prius features sporty exterior styling, a sleek silhouette, and up to an EPA-estimated 57 MPG combined. The vehicle is available in LE, XLE, or Limited grades, offering options and technology like the Toyota Audio Multimedia Audio system and comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. It is powered by the fifth generation Toyota Hybrid System and a 2.0L engine, delivering an output of 194 horsepower on the FWD drive model. The output climbs to 196 HP for models equipped with the available Electronic On-Demand AWD system.

David Christ, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, expressed delight in Prius’ recognition, stating that the vehicle has evolved from being the first hybrid car to becoming legendary. He also emphasized Toyota’s commitment to offering mobility products that fit customers’ lifestyles.

The 2024 Toyota Prius competed against other top contenders in MotorTrend’s annual evaluation of vehicles debuting for the 2024 model year, undergoing rigorous testing to determine the winner.

The 2024 Toyota Prius is currently available at Toyota U.S. Dealers.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been deeply ingrained in U.S. culture for over 65 years, committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through its Toyota and Lexus brands and nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs over 49,000 people in the U.S., contributing to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 million cars and trucks at nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With the largest number of electrified vehicles on the road, Toyota currently offers 26 electrified options.

Under its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has pledged $110 million to create innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved and diverse communities near the company’s 14 U.S. operating sites.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Motorsport

The Polestar 5 Looks Gorgeous, Doesn’t Have A Rear Window

The first-ever Polestar Day event took place in Los Angeles and featured all of the company’s models for the first time. Attendees had the opportunity to test drive the 2024 Polestar 2 and experience ride-alongs in the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 prototypes driven by the company’s engineers and experts. The conceptual Polestar 6, set to be an electric roadster in the future, was also on display. However, the spotlight was on the Polestar 5, which was revealed without any camouflage.

This unveiling has been highly anticipated, especially since the Precept concept gave a first look at the Porsche Taycan rival back in February 2020. Over the past four years, the Volvo subsidiary has teased the car with camouflaged prototypes, including a disguised vehicle that took on the famous Goodwood hill earlier this year. Now, the camouflage has been removed, but the car won’t be available for purchase until 2025.


ToyotaUk

HUF X TRD Collaborates on Toyota-Inspired Collection with Tech and ‘70s Graphics

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 7, 2023) – Toyota has long been at the forefront of motorsport technology and culture, pushing the boundaries of design, engineering, and terrain since the 1950s. Now, Toyota Racing Development (TRD), Toyota’s factory-backed racing division, has teamed up with HUF to create the new HUF × TRD line of officially licensed products. This collaboration takes inspiration from a bygone era, bringing archival colors, graphics, and designs from Toyota’s history to modern silhouettes and styles that are inspired by off-road adventures and made for the streets.

In addition to the apparel and accessories collection, HUF has also worked with Toyota to create a custom 2023 HUF x TRD Pro Tundra. This special edition vehicle features hand-drawn illustrations reminiscent of old-school sketchbooks, workwear and mechanic styles, and under-the-hood schematics.

The HUF × TRD collection combines tech art and vintage merch design with modern workwear materials such as polar fleece and jacquard Sherpa. Classic tees, hoodies, and crewnecks are given vintage-inspired colors and ‘70s graphics. The collection is set to be released on November 9th, 2023 and will be available for purchase on HUF’s website, flagship stores, and select HUF retailers.

Collection Highlights: HUF TRD Global Racing Jacket, Schematic Double Knee Pant, TRD Work Jacket, HUF TRD Racing Sweater, Off Road Rug

HUF X TRD PRODUCT IMAGERY: HERE

HUF X TRD LOOKBOOK IMAGERY: HERE

For sample requests or more information, please contact Shana Nogoy at [email protected]

About HUF

Founded in 2002 by professional skateboarder Keith Hufnagel, HUF is a Los Angeles-based manufacturer of premium footwear and apparel designed for contemporary skateboarding and lifestyle. The brand draws inspiration from Keith’s experiences as a skateboarder, and its clean and classic aesthetic incorporates a diverse range of cultural influences and ideas. From its humble beginnings as a small boutique in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District, HUF has grown to become one of the most well-known skateboard and lifestyle brands in the world. HUF not only represents a refined and forward-thinking skateboard brand, but also serves as a source of inspiration for individuals who identify with various countercultures.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been an integral part of North America’s cultural fabric for over 65 years. The company is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through its Toyota and Lexus brands, as well as its extensive network of dealerships numbering over 1,800. Toyota employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks across its 13 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin manufacturing automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With the largest fleet of electrified vehicles on the road among automakers, Toyota currently offers 26 electrified options.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Motorsport

Stellantis Cancels SEMA, LA Auto Show Appearances, Blames The UAW Strike

Stellantis has decided not to participate in this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show and SEMA Show due to increasing costs associated with the ongoing UAW strike. This announcement comes shortly after the company’s decision not to attend CES 2024.

The cancellation includes Stellantis’ Mopar display at SEMA, which was originally planned. It is unclear whether the vehicles that were supposed to be showcased with Mopar accessories will be revealed in the future. The company will share its plans at a later time.

There have been rumors that Stellantis might sell its North American headquarters, technical center, and 17 other facilities. In its latest counteroffer to the UAW, Stellantis requested the exclusive right to sell these facilities, giving the company flexibility regarding its campus in the future.

The UAW strike against General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis began on September 4, marking a historic event for the labor organization. Since then, the strike has expanded to target the automakers’ most profitable plants and products.

Last week, the UAW escalated its actions by striking at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant, where the Ford F-Series Super Duty, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator are produced. Ford responded by calling the UAW’s move “grossly irresponsible.”

UAW President Shawn Fain indicated that the strike would enter a more aggressive phase. Currently, about 34,000 union members are on strike, and an update on the negotiations is expected on Friday.

Stellantis is the only automaker to announce the cancellation of its plans to attend these shows. The LA Auto Show will open to the public on November 17, while the 2023 SEMA Show will begin on Halloween with a display of vehicles featuring various aftermarket parts and accessories.

Image: Mopar and Jeep at the 2019 SEMA Show

Motorsport

Alleged Thief Surrenders to Police in Embarrassing Incident After High-Speed Car Chase

An alleged criminal in Los Angeles experienced an embarrassing turn of events following a high-speed chase in the city. As the suspect attempted to exit the vehicle through the driver’s window, he became stuck in traffic and his pants fell around his knees. To free himself, he had to perform a somersault out of the stopped sedan.

According to KTLA, the chase began at around 3:00 PM local time and the driver started exiting the vehicle at approximately 4:15 PM. It took law enforcement several more minutes to apprehend the suspect.

Reports from Fox 11 suggest that the driver was suspected of armed robbery and had allegedly stolen the car involved in the chase. The vehicle appeared to be a 2013-2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, based on its general appearance and taillight design. Additionally, the driver had a colorful flag or banner protruding from the sunroof.

During the pursuit, the driver allegedly threw a firearm out of the vehicle. According to Fox 11, the police also confiscated a second gun.

As the chase neared its end, the driver reached congested Crenshaw Boulevard. In an attempt to bypass the traffic, the alleged criminal drove onto the sidewalk. However, due to the heavy traffic, a person in a pickup truck successfully blocked the Mercedes, enabling the police to apprehend the suspect.

Here, the Mercedes driver encountered his embarrassing moment. Instead of opening the driver’s door and exiting the vehicle, he tried to climb out of the window, which was significantly smaller. In the process, his pants got caught, causing them to fall to his knees as he crawled out of the car, as seen in the video.

There were no reported injuries during the chase. In some videos, it appears that the driver collided with a silver Nissan, while a bystander driving a silver truck rammed into the alleged stolen Mercedes, forcing the vehicle to stop.

Featured

2023 Los Angeles Auto Show Gears Up For Record-Breaking Attendance

The Los Angeles Auto Show is preparing to be the must-attend event of the year for car enthusiasts, aiming to make its 2023 edition the most dynamic yet. Taking place from November 17-26 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the show is offering more than ever before. Manufacturers like Acura, Aston Martin, and Ford will have larger booths, and there will be a diverse range of electric, hybrid, and gas-powered vehicles available for test drives, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

The LA Auto Show, which dates back to 1907, is a celebration of the longstanding love affair that West Coast citizens have with automobiles. This year, the show will showcase technological innovation and act as a marketplace where active vehicle shoppers, automotive enthusiasts, and families can connect. Brands ranging from mainstream to luxury, such as Hyundai and Porsche, are eager to engage with show-goers through various exhibits, activations, and “ride & drive” opportunities.

With the introduction of Electric Avenue, a new outdoor test track, in addition to several indoor driving experiences, the 2023 LA Auto Show will allow an unprecedented number of visitors to participate in ride & drives throughout the 10-day extravaganza. The industry’s support for this year’s show is overwhelming and solidifies California’s leadership in both the U.S. and global automotive markets, particularly in electric vehicle adoption.

Prior to the main event, AutoMobility LA is scheduled for November 16 and will provide media exclusive access to model debuts, press conferences, and panels, further enhancing the already packed event schedule. The event will also shine a spotlight on emerging brands and startups. Ticket prices range from $8-100, with various VIP options available, making the 2023 LA Auto Show an unmissable event for car aficionados of all kinds. Make sure to mark your calendars for the return of the coveted Los Angeles Auto Show.

Lamborghini

Automobili Lamborghini Renews Collaboration with Ubisoft

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.