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Technology

The Rise in Popularity of Old Record Players

There are a few main factors driving the resurgence of record players: sound quality, cyclical trends, and nostalgia. A study published by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) revealed that most record player purchasers were born between 1997 and 2012, making Gen Z the primary audience for the vinyl revival. According to Northwestern University’s Nu Science Magazine, younger generations are drawn to “vintage” trends as a way to experience a sense of nostalgia that they may feel disconnected from. This makes sense in the context of record players, as vinyl had largely disappeared by the time millennials and Gen Z came of age.

The rediscovery and reapplication of older technologies in a modern context is not a new phenomenon. Fashion curator Michelle Finamore discusses how recycled trends have been a common practice since the 17th century. This romanticizing of past eras can be seen in various industries, including entertainment and automobiles. It seems natural for us to view and incorporate certain elements from unfamiliar time periods. The resurgence of vinyl records and record players serves as evidence of this phenomenon.

Motorsport

Get Your Hands on This Custom Military-Inspired Mercedes, Including a Fake Machine Gun

If the iconic movie character Mad Max were to drive a Mercedes instead of “the last of the V8 interceptors,” he would surely choose the unique ‘Benz that Greg Rogers is currently selling. This one-of-a-kind vehicle features an ML430 chassis with a 300E body on top. Known as the ME43, this eye-catching creation is currently available on Facebook Marketplace for $4,500 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Rogers, a Mercedes expert with 37 years of experience, used to own and operate his own shop until his retirement in August. The idea for this extraordinary build came to him when he had a 300E with a faulty engine but a well-maintained interior, as well as a wrecked ML430. Remarkably, the wheelbases of both vehicles were similar enough to allow for their successful combination.


Cars

2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV First Drive: Enhancing Performance

The AMG EQE SUV maintains the tradition of concealing its enhanced performance, with only a few distinct features setting it apart from the standard EQE SUV.

Since the EQE SUV is an electric vehicle, it doesn’t have a traditional grille. However, it does have vertical bars in the area where the grille would be, giving the impression of a chrome growth medium between the headlights. This design choice aims to maintain consistency with gasoline-powered AMG models, which feature functional grilles with similar vertical bars.

In terms of appearance, the AMG-specific front splitter and rear diffuser are the main distinguishing factors, although they are only noticeable when compared to the standard EQE SUV. Depending on the chosen wheel design (AMG models offer 21-inch or 22-inch wheels, which are optional on the base EQE SUV), the gold AMG brake calipers may be visible, providing a better indication of the car’s performance than the slightly modified bodywork.

The overall body shape of the EQE SUV was primarily designed to minimize aerodynamic drag, an essential consideration for electric vehicles to maximize their range. While it is not clear whether the AMG modifications have improved the standard EQE SUV’s impressive drag coefficient of 0.25, the emphasis on aerodynamics does not result in the most aesthetically pleasing shape. In the color white, it resembles an asymmetrical dollop of whipped cream.

Motorsport

Discontinued Land Cruiser, Fiat 500, Other Zombie Cars Sold In Q2 2023

As we move into the second half of 2023, automakers are releasing sales data for the first two quarters. One interesting trend that continues is the sales of models that have been discontinued for two or three years. Toyota, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and other manufacturers are still reporting sales of these “zombie cars” in their sales reports.

In the last three months, Toyota managed to sell two Avalon sedans. This is surprising considering that the model was last produced in 2022 and is no longer available in the US market. The decline in sales can be attributed to changing consumer preferences for crossovers and SUVs. Despite Toyota releasing a new generation of the sedan in 2019, sales failed to improve and eventually led to the discontinuation of the model.


Motorsport

VW Group CEO Acknowledges Audi’s Lagging Position Compared to Competitors, Software Problems to Blame

The CEO of Volkswagen Group, Oliver Blume, has admitted that Audi is falling behind its rivals, with software issues being identified as the main culprit. In order to address this issue, the automaker will accelerate the development of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) for the luxury brand.

Blume made this statement about Audi’s current standing during the company’s Capital Markets Day. He specifically mentioned, “We have encountered significant software problems that have caused delays in the launch of our exciting electric products,” as reported by Automotive News Europe.


Motorsport

2024 Toyota Supra And GR86 Honor MkIV, Initial D With New Special Editions

The Toyota GR86 and GR Supra are two sports cars with a long history. The Supra nameplate has been around since the 1980s, and the iconic fourth generation from the mid-90s is especially beloved by enthusiasts. The GR86 owes its existence to the Sprinter/Corolla AE86, even though the two cars don’t technically share a name. Now, both cars are getting special edition packages for 2024 that pay homage to their heritage.

The Supra’s 45th Anniversary Edition trim celebrates the nameplate as a whole, but also specifically references the MkIV Supra with certain unique features. The Mikan Blast paint job, which translates to orange in Japanese (referring to the fruit, not the color), is a subtle nod to the MkIV. It’s similar to the Plasma Orange Edition released overseas, and although Toyota hasn’t confirmed it, the designers likely took inspiration from Paul Walker’s Supra in The Fast And The Furious.

2024 Toyota Supra 45th Anniversary Edition

2024 Toyota Supra 45th Anniversary Edition

2024 Toyota Supra 45th Anniversary Edition

In addition to the orange paint, the Supra 45th Anniversary Edition also features black 19-inch wheels, a black graphics package along the door panels, and a gloss black adjustable rear wing. The rear wing is another subtle reference to the MkIV Supra, even though it’s smaller in size compared to the original.

The 45th Anniversary Edition package is available for the Supra 3.0 Premium grade, with either the eight-speed automatic or the six-speed manual transmission. The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine remains unchanged, delivering 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque.

The Toyota GR86 Trueno Edition pays tribute to the original Sprinter Trueno – also known as the AE86 – which gained fame through its appearance in the anime Initial D. The GR86 Trueno Edition features a black-and-white, two-tone look reminiscent of the original, along with new 18-inch wheels, “Trueno” badges on the front and rear bumpers, and a matte black graphics package on the door panels and hood.

2024 Toyota GR86 Trueno Edition

2024 Toyota GR86 Trueno Edition

2024 Toyota GR86 Trueno Edition

Unlike the Supra, the GR86 Trueno Edition also receives some performance upgrades. The Performance Pack, which debuts for 2024, includes upgraded Sachs dampers and Brembo brakes. This pack comes standard on the Trueno Edition, but owners of 2022 and 2023 GR86 models can also retrofit the option onto their cars.

For added safety, the 2024 GR86 with a manual transmission comes equipped with the new Active Safety Suite, which includes features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and high-beam headlight assist.

Both the Supra 45th Anniversary Edition and the GR86 Trueno Edition will be produced in limited quantities. Toyota plans to build just 900 examples of the Supra, with half in Mikan Orange and the other half in Absolute Zero white. There will be even fewer GR86 Trueno Editions, with only 860 examples available. These special edition sports cars are set to be released in winter, but pricing details have not been announced yet.

Cars

This Kia Cabin Feature Is Ingenious and Other Automakers Should Imitate

Kia has developed a clever approach for its USB ports, positioning them just behind the side bolsters of the front seats. This strategy offers several advantages. Firstly, it eliminates the need to search low down for the USB ports, which can be particularly challenging if someone is sitting in the middle seat of the second row. It also eliminates the hassle of navigating a cable between knees when connecting devices.

If there are no passengers in the back of the car, the USB ports in the seats become even more easily accessible for those in the front. There is no need to climb halfway into the rear or search blindly for a USB port. For example, in the Niro Hybrid, the front seat occupants can effortlessly access a total of five USB ports, with a mix of USB-A and USB-C options. This ample connectivity should be sufficient to keep most devices charged.

While it’s not a definitive reason to purchase a Kia, the automotive industry is highly competitive. Paying attention to small details like this can significantly enhance the overall experience of owning a vehicle. These thoughtful features are worth celebrating, especially if they contribute to a more enjoyable journey without the age-old question of “are we there yet?”

Featured

Tata Nexon Continues to Lead Subcompact SUV Sales in May 2023, Outperforming Maruti Brezza


Hyundai Venue follows closely behind, lagging by a few thousand units

In May 2023, the subcompact SUV market witnessed relatively stable demand, with a total of over 55,000 units sold. While some models experienced growth, others faced a decline. The Maruti Brezza saw the most significant gains, whereas the Kia Sonet suffered a notable loss. Meanwhile, the Tata Nexon maintained its position at the top of the list.

Here’s a breakdown of the subcompact SUV sales in May 2023, according to each model:

Sub-compact SUVs & crossovers

May 2023

April 2023

MoM Growth

Market share current(%)

Market share (% last year)

YoY mkt share (%)

Average sales (6 months)

Tata Nexon

14423

15002

-3.85

25.87

29.55

-3.68

14529

Maruti Brezza

13398

11836

13.19

24.03

20.85

3.18

13456

Hyundai Venue

10213

10324

-1.07

18.32

16.78

1.54

10018

Kia Sonet

8251

9744

-15.32

14.8

15.97

-1.17

8521

Mahindra XUV300

5125

5062

1.24

9.19

10.15

-0.96

5024

Nissan Magnite

2618

2617

0.03

4.69

3.88

0.81

2547

Renault Kiger

1713

1162

47.41

3.07

2.79

0.28

1677

Total

55741

55747

-0.01

99.97

Key Takeaways

Tata Nexon

  • Despite a month-on-month (MoM) decline of nearly 4 percent, Tata Nexon continues to lead the sales chart with over 14,000 units sold in May 2023. It’s important to note that these figures include the sales of Nexon EV Prime and Nexon EV Max.

Maruti Brezza

Hyundai Venue

  • The demand for the Hyundai Venue remained stable, making it the only subcompact SUV, apart from Nexon and Brezza, to surpass the 10,000 units mark in May 2023.

Also See: Here’s A Detailed Look At The Interior And Features Of Hyundai Exter

  • Kia Sonet experienced a significant MoM decline of over 15 percent in May 2023 sales, resulting in a drop of nearly 1,500 units.

Mahindra XUV300

Also See: Facelifted Mahindra XUV300 Caught On Camera Again Revealing Two New Details

Renault Kiger

  • Despite a notable MoM sales growth of over 45 percent, the Kiger remains the lowest-selling subcompact SUV in May 2023, with fewer than 2,000 units sold.

Read More on : Nexon AMT

Motorsport

Hyundai Ioniq 7: A New Seven-Passenger SUV with Interesting Details

In North America, three-row passenger SUVs are a hot commodity. As one of the most sought-after segments behind pickup trucks, almost every manufacturer either sells such a vehicle today or is actively working on one. Hyundai’s Palisade is its current offering, but it will soon be joined by an all-electric Ioniq 7.

The Ioniq 7 is based on the Kia EV9, which also benefits from the enlarged E-GMP platform. It will be the third-row crossover that anchors the Korean automaker’s electric SUV lineup. From its spy photos, it bears a strong resemblance to its Kia cousin and the renderings we saw last year. The body and roofline are similar to those of the EV9, but the front and rear fascias are concealed, indicating a different design.


Lexus

A NEW ERA OF THREE-ROW LUXURY: THE FIRST-EVER LEXUS TX

  • Spacious third-row legroom and generous cargo space of 20.1 cubic-feet behind the third row
  • Two electrified powertrain options: a Plug-in Hybrid combined with a powerful V6 engine, and a high-performance 2.4L turbocharged hybrid available exclusively as F SPORT Performance
  • Enhanced Lexus Driving Signature fundamentals provide a smooth and exhilarating drive
  • First Lexus vehicle to be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana
  • Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 and Lexus Interface Multimedia System with standard 14-inch touchscreen
  • New Lexus Unified Spindle design prioritizes aerodynamic handling and vehicle stability

AUSTIN, Texas (June 8, 2023) – Passengers have grown accustomed to battling for the best seats. Lexus ends that now with a new three-row vehicle, making every seat the best seat. Today, Lexus has ushered in a new era of luxury with the global reveal of the first-ever TX, a vehicle made specifically for the North American market.

With increasing demand for a three-row SUV that offers substantial space and seating, Lexus rose to the challenge to round out its vehicle offerings and create a sense of luxury that will satisfy and delight the diversifying needs of its guests.

“It’s only human to want the best seat in the house. And it’s only Lexus to make every seat the best seat,” said Dejuan Ross, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “This is a pivotal moment for our brand, creating an elegant and indulgent vehicle experience for every single passenger. TX prioritizes comfort in every row and embodies our steadfast commitment to electrification, technology, performance and design.”

The 2024 Lexus TX provides a serene interior space with a comfortable, quiet in-cabin atmosphere, confident driving, and a spacious luggage compartment – even at full occupancy. Through safety and technology features and powerful performance from a diverse mix of powertrains, TX provides excitement for the driver and an enjoyable ride for up to seven people.

Following the release of the NX, LX and RX, TX continues the next chapter of Lexus SUVs with evolved Lexus Driving Signature fundamentals. TX has been specifically tuned to provide a smooth, yet exhilarating drive, in every row, without compromising the luxury features Lexus guests enjoy.

TX will be exclusively assembled by Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI), and is the first Lexus vehicle to be assembled there.

Practical Elegance and Design

While pursuing a unique three-row SUV silhouette, TX adopts Lexus’ current design language and adds eye-catching and unique design elements.

For the TX, Lexus Design set out to prioritize aerodynamic performance. The result not only enhanced efficiency and handling stability, but also led to the creation of the new Lexus “Unified Spindle,” which incorporates Lexus early design language. The headlights are linked by a narrow aperture that runs beneath the leading edge of the hood, under which a low-set grille forms a seamless spindle shape. This sleek front-end was designed to enhance aerodynamic handling and provides both a sense of mass and cooling performance.

The 2024 TX will be offered in four grades: Standard, Premium, Luxury and F SPORT Performance.

The vehicle’s driving performance is realized through a wide, grounded stance accented by 20-inch wheels for standard, Premium and Luxury grades. For those who want a more powerful look, 22-inch wheels are available for the TX 350 Luxury grade and come standard on the 550h+. The 500h F SPORT Performance also rides on standard 22-inch wheels that sport an exclusive design.

From the back, the TX includes a slim signature L-shaped light bar lamp that mirrors the modern and resolute impression in the front to create a powerful silhouette. The cabin silhouette with its blacked out rear pillar and arrow-shaped ornamentation provides a sleek and refined design.

The 2024 TX will be offered in seven exterior color options depending on grade: Cloudburst Gray, Wind Chill Pearl, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, Nightfall Mica, Incognito and Celestial Silver Metallic.

Inside, the TX’s driver-focused cockpit design and available 12.3 multi-information display enable a deeper connection to instill confidence and control in the driver. Opening the door with just a touch of the Digital Latch, TX welcomes passengers with available multi-colored illumination accents and door trim options. Driver controls like the available head-up display (HUD) enables smooth line of sight to minimize driver distraction. Lexus Interface comes standard on the TX with a 14-inch Multimedia Touchscreen Display, which provides easy-to-use controls and clear information to the driver and front-seat passengers. The 2024 TX also comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay® Integration and Android Auto® compatibility. Available with all powertrains, the 21-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System is tuned for the TX cabin to deliver high-quality sound.

Comprehensive utility and usability are provided in every row to ensure all guests travel with comfort and convenience. All rows have accessible storage. Throughout the vehicle, seven charging/communication ports and three power outlets enable passengers to use their smartphone or tablet at any point during their journey. The cupholders, which can hold various sizes of cups and bottles, are removable to accommodate diverse usage styles.

In the front seats, a dual-opening console lid provides the driver and front-seat passenger with the ability to open the left and right sides independently. The second row, depending on grade, is available in two configurations: captain’s chairs or a 60:40 split-folding bench. Access to the third row is made easier with a slide assist walk-in mechanism. With a press of the switch on the seat shoulder, the seat tilts forward and the slide assist spring slides and folds the second-row seats.

In addition, TX offers storage areas throughout the cabin, including an available center console for the second row when equipped with captain chairs. This removable semi-console box can be used to store small items or a digital device such as a tablet. It can also accommodate cups or bottles by installing the removable cupholders. For passengers with an active, on-the-go lifestyle, TX has ample cargo capacity with room for seven carryon suitcases in the rear of the vehicle. When the third-row seats are folded down, cargo capacity increases to 57.4 cubic feet. When both the second and third row are folded down, cargo capacity increases to 97 cubic feet.

The TX does more than provide a way of traveling to a destination. It ensures the journey itself is enjoyable through serene cabin quietness. TX employs high-damping door and roof mastic seals and an increased silencer material under the rear cargo and floor area to help soften rear seat noise vibration.

The 2024 TX will be offered in three interior color options depending on grade: Peppercorn, Birch and Black.

The GA-K Platform

The TX is the latest Lexus SUV to adopt the GA-K platform, which offers a low center of gravity and optimal weight distribution. To improve performance and comfort for a three-row SUV, enhancements were made to strengthen the TX’s body rigidity and minimize noise, vibration, and harshness. TX also inherits the Lexus Driving Signature fundamentals and elevates them to the next level.

For TX, welds and adhesives are included to increase the vehicle’s joint strength and rigidity through the main framework components of the chassis. In addition, the steering system and rear section were also strengthened. Along with the introduction of the rear multi-link suspension design and widened front and rear tracks, these enhancements enable the vehicle to provide the driver with an engaging experience through a direct connection to the road through the tires, precise steering and a confident brake feel.

A Powertrain for Everyone

The all-new vehicle will be offered in three powertrain options to help meet the diverse needs and lifestyles of guests. These include two electrified units, a Lexus-first 3.5L V6 plug-in hybrid and a high-performance 2.4L turbocharged hybrid powertrain that reduce carbon emissions and help the brand’s progress toward its vision of a carbon-neutral society.

The TX 350 (FWD/AWD) offers a responsive 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 engine for an elegant and refined driving performance, as seen on the RX and NX.

The TX 500h (DIRECT4 AWD only) offers a 2.4L turbocharged Parallel Hybrid system and is available exclusively as F SPORT Performance. This system, first introduced on the 2023 RX, is combined with DIRECT4 and Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS), which offers responsive maneuverability and enhanced vehicle stability. Previously seen on the 2023 RX and 2023 RZ, DIRECT4 is Lexus’ exclusive all-wheel drive technology that provides instant electric control to all four wheels to transform dynamic performance, working instantaneously according to driving conditions and driver intentions. During higher speed maneuvers, DRS enables the rear wheels to turn in the same direction as the front wheels to give clear, stable turning response. At slower speed, the rear wheels can seamlessly turn in the opposite direction as the front wheels for low-speed maneuverability.

The TX 550h+ (DIRECT4 AWD only) plug-in hybrid vehicle offers a Lexus-first, combining a powerful 3.5L V6 engine with DIRECT4. Guests will experience a distinctive driving experience with serene quietness, smooth acceleration, and a manufacturer projected estimated EV range rating of 33 miles. This is the first Lexus PHEV assembled in North America and this powertrain will be available at a later date.

Technology and Convenience Features with All Passengers in Mind

With Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 standard on 2024 TX models, drivers and passengers will enjoy added peace of mind.

The comprehensive suite of active safety equipment provides the brand’s highest level of driver support with features such as Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Proactive Driving Assist (PDA). These technologies are designed to help, for example, alert the driver of a pedestrian or vehicle in front of the vehicle or maintain a preset speed or following distance from a vehicle ahead.

Available Advanced Park aids in supporting safe and secure perpendicular parking/exiting and parallel parking/exiting. In addition, with an active Drive Connect trial or subscription, available Traffic Jam Assist is designed to monitor surrounding traffic in condensed, low-speed driving situations on limited access roadways and automatically move forward and brake as needed to keep a set following distance behind the preceding vehicle.

The 2024 TX 350 and 500h are expected to go on sale this fall. The 2024 TX 550h+ is expected to go on sale at a later date.

2024 TX Preliminary Specifications