The upcoming eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf is set to receive a significant update between late 2023 and early 2024. This redesign is expected to be one of the last before the model transitions to an electric vehicle (EV).
New spy shots have emerged, showcasing development vehicles being tested in Europe. Based on these images, our artists have created a rendering that provides an idea of how the updated Golf may look.
Alpina, a German automobile manufacturer known for its luxurious interiors and bespoke craftsmanship, will produce less than 6000 cars before BMW takes over in 2026. The future of Alpina after the transition remains uncertain, as it is unclear whether the mechanical excellence for which the company is renowned will continue to be prioritized over profits.
Out of the limited production run, only a small number will be the B5 super-saloon model. Based on the outgoing M550i, the B5 is a performance-focused car that embodies Alpina’s philosophy of being incredibly fast yet understated. It is a flagship model for the brand.
The current model of the B5 is a perfect blend of a supercar’s speed and a limousine’s comfort. While it may not handle like BMW’s M5, it offers excellent body control, adjustability, and precise steering. This makes it an exceptional choice for all types of driving.
Now, Alpina introduces the B5 GT, which builds upon the strengths of the regular B5 while adding some extra features. This special model serves as a final tribute to Alpina’s involvement with the G30 5 Series and the culmination of six decades of building cars based on BMW platforms.
Only 250 units of the B5 GT will be produced, primarily in Touring estate form, and all of them have already been sold. Deliveries are scheduled to start later this year, but customers who have selected the full Lavalina leather interior may have to wait until the end of 2024, as Alpina’s meticulous craftsmanship takes time.
Mechanically, the B5 GT is mostly similar to the previous B5, which is no longer available. However, it features a new intake and some electronic enhancements that increase the power output of the twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine from 612bhp to 625bhp. This makes it the most powerful car in Alpina’s history, with an official top speed of 205mph, although unofficially it can reach 220mph.
But what truly sets this car apart is its astonishing mid-range performance, especially in real-world driving situations. The torque output is exceptional, with the B5 GT producing 13% more torque than the M5 CS. With 627lb ft available from 3500rpm, it rivals the power of Aston Martin’s recent DBS 770 Ultimate.
The Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator share many similarities. The 2024 Wrangler has already unveiled its refreshed appearance, and now it’s the Gladiator’s turn. While the changes are minimal, the recent spy shots reveal that Jeep has not tried to keep them a secret, as there is no camouflage visible anywhere.
This includes the interior as well. Previous spy shots of the Gladiator showed the exterior design, but the dash and center touchscreen were covered, concealing any changes. Although we don’t get an up-close look here, a glimpse through the passenger window of this white Jeep reveals all we need to know. The screen is definitely larger, and there are no visible climate vents next to it.
If the Gladiator follows the 2024 Wrangler’s interior upgrades, we can expect a new 12.3-inch center screen. In order to make room for it on the existing dash, the iconic round climate vents on both sides have been removed. Instead, rectangular vents are now positioned directly below the screen. However, the center stack of tactile controls remains the same. The center console also remains unchanged, but there are some minor trim changes on the passenger side of the dash and the driver instrument cluster, bringing a sense of rectangular symmetry to the entire panel. Nevertheless, round climate vents can still be found at the corners.
In addition to the visual changes, it is likely that the Gladiator will receive tech upgrades, including the latest Uconnect 5 software. It would also make sense for Jeep to add the Trails Offroad guide, which is available on the Wrangler. And while we’re discussing unseen upgrades, the 2024 Gladiator might also share the Wrangler’s upgraded Dana 44 HD Full Float rear axle on Rubicon trims.
The partnership between Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta and Austrian manufacturer KTM has been a widely discussed topic in recent months. With seemingly differing viewpoints from both the KTM and MV Agusta sides, one thing is for sure: KTM has a lot more involvement in the brand than ever before. Feel free to read more about it below.
In the North American market, KTM has taken over the distribution of MV Agusta’s motorcycles. The distribution agreement covers Canada and Mexico as well, and will certainly prove to be a step in the right direction for MV Agusta, who until now, had a very limited dealership network in the region.
If we look at the Asian market, meanwhile, the same is true. Out of all the European manufacturers, MV Agusta’s presence is very limited, with owners of bikes from the brand having to travel pretty far just to get to a nearby dealership for parts and service. Over in Japan, this could soon change, as KTM Japan has announced that it will start handling MV Agusta’s distribution starting August 1, 2023.
According to an article by Japanese motorcycling publication Young Machine, KTM’s move to distribute MV Agusta’s motorcycles is in line with the “global strategic partnership” between Pierer Mobility and MV Agusta. That said, the company assures current MV Agusta owners that support for their motorcycles will continue, and that the standard warranty of MV Agusta’s bikes sold before the turnover will be preserved.
As the partnership progresses, it’s hoped that the availability of MV Agusta motorcycles in the region would improve by a sizeable margin. Along with this news, we previously reported that MV Agusta was revamping its historic factory in Italy. Given KTM’s involvement in the distribution of the brand, chances the Italian company will have many more touch points than ever before, and so production capabilities need to be bolstered to account for this.
The Oceanco Project H superyacht is a stunning creation that may appear to be a new build, with its newly-designed interior, modern exterior, and compliance with IMO Tier III standards. However, it is actually a renovation of a massive vessel that has been completely transformed into the pinnacle of luxury seafaring for the present and future.
The superyacht, measuring a staggering 344 feet, underwent a renovation with a contemporary exterior and an interior that were both redesigned by the renowned Reymond Langton Design studio. One of the remarkable aspects of this revived yacht is its commitment to sustainability, despite not being a newly-constructed vessel. This is of utmost importance in a time when sustainability is a paramount concern for yacht owners. The improvements made to an existing vessel can have just as much, if not more, positive impact than creating a new sustainable build. Therefore, the past should not be overlooked when it comes to shaping the future of luxury superyachts.
5 Photos
Typically, when we hear about a drag race between an electric car and a gas-powered car, we expect the electric car to be a Tesla. But in this case, it’s an all-Ford showdown. In the video provided above, a Ford Mustang Mach-E electric crossover takes on a Mustang and an Explorer SUV, both powered by gasoline.
The specific variant of the Mustang Mach-E used in the drag race is unclear. The video doesn’t mention any details about it, but based on its 18-inch Carbonized Gray Aluminum wheels, it appears to be a base version. However, we don’t know if it’s rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The rear-wheel drive Mach-E with the standard range battery pack produces 266 horsepower, while the all-wheel drive version increases the output to 311 hp. Torque is rated at 317 pound-feet (430 Newton-meters) for the rear-wheel drive and 427 lb-ft (580 Nm) for the all-wheel drive (these figures are for the 72-kilowatt-hour battery pack, according to Ford).
The rear-wheel drive Mustang Mach-E has a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 6.3 seconds. Now let’s see how the other two vehicles, the Mustang GT and the Explorer, compare to Ford’s all-electric crossover.
The previous-generation Mustang GT is equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces anywhere from 435 hp to 460 hp, depending on the model year. Ford claimed the Mustang GT could go from 0-60 mph in under four seconds in 2018, which is significantly faster than the electric Mustang Mach-E on paper.
The Explorer, which has a stealthy, police-car appearance, appears to be a fifth-generation 2013 Explorer Sport based on its wheels. This version came with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine rated at 365 hp and 350 lb-ft (470 Nm) of torque, capable of achieving a 0-60 mph sprint in 5.7 seconds.
However, drag racing performance can sometimes differ from what is expected based on numbers alone. To see how these three vehicles perform on the drag strip, watch the video provided above and share your thoughts in the comments section below.
The ID.7 is the first electric model from Volkswagen for the upper mid-sized class. With a range of up to 700 kilometres (WLTP), the Volkswagen limousine is an efficiency champion. In addition to a new drive generation, sophisticated aerodynamics contribute to the ID.7’s long ranges. The aerodynamically favourable basic form, low drag coefficient (Cd value) of 0.23 and frontal area of 2.46 m² are the result of close cooperation between the Design and Development departments.
With limousines like the ID.7, the body shape accounts for about 50 per cent of the Cd value. The wheels and tyres influence about 30 per cent, the underfloor 10 per cent, and the functional openings through which air flows to the radiators in the vehicle front end, for example, also 10 per cent. The fact that the new ID.7 is the most aerodynamic ID. model so far can be seen at first glance when looking at the silhouette of the vehicle, which is almost five metres long. Volkswagen designer Daniel Scharfschwerdt says: “When designing the ID.7, there was a greater focus on aerodynamics than for practically any other model. This can be seen in the low front end, the flowing transition into the bonnet, and the fast windscreen. The coupé-like roof form and the tapering rear end are also designed for ideal aerodynamic performance.”
Even in the early stages of product development, intensive work was carried out on the exterior design, as well as on the underbody, wheels and other fine details. The prerequisite for optimal results is close collaboration between developers and designers. Stephan Lansmann, project engineer responsible for ID.7 aerodynamics: “We strive for ideal solutions in an iterative process, which includes regular consultation between the Development and Design departments. There are many small steps here that pay off in the end. Numerous computer simulations for flow calculation are complemented by tests in a wind tunnel as part of this process.”
The aerodynamic strengths of the ID.7
The ID.7 has an almost completely closed underbody. This is supplemented by newly developed wheel spoilers on the front wheels. These guide the air along the wheels under the vehicle with minimum turbulence. Air curtains at the sides of the front bumper direct the air around the vehicles front end with minimum loss. The flared side sills prevent the air from flowing into the underbody area and shield the rear tyres from air flowing onto them. In addition, small spoilers and trim panels guide the flow of air on the underbody.
“On electric vehicles, the wheels make a greater contribution to good aerodynamics, and we therefore focused on them in particular,” says Lansmann. “When designing the wheel rims, the primary focus was on the aerodynamics, which we also had to match to the cooling requirements of the brakes,” explains the expert. “The resultant wheel rims are more closed and therefore have especially good aerodynamic properties.” Flow simulations were also used when designing the tyre contours. This meant it was already possible to optimise variants with less good aerodynamic characteristics during the concept phase.
Other areas were also taken into account in the holistic aerodynamic development process. These include the functional openings at the front, for example, through which air flows to the radiators in the vehicle front end. In the ID.7, the air flow is actively controlled by a radiator roller blind in order to reduce the drag. The electrically operated roller blind opens only when targeted cooling of the power units and battery is required. At the rear, aerodynamic efficiency is ensured by the ideally shaped tailgate and the design of the diffuser and side separation edges.
From computer to wind tunnel
The initial focus is on computer simulations. “Work only takes place virtually in the first year of development, with updates about every two weeks,” says Lansmann. The design team supplies CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. Several thousand processors then calculate the air flow values, also for numerous details like the flush-recessed door handles and the aerodynamically designed mirrors of the ID.7. “We go into the wind tunnel only when the design is stable. That can take a good one and a half years from the start of development,” says the development engineer.
The team used Volkswagen clay models in the original size of the ID.7 in the wind tunnel. The new findings are implemented on the model using a milling cutter with millimetre precision – for example, in the event of changes to the rear and to the separation edges. With the help of the prototype parts from the 3D printer, Stephan Lansmann’s team tested numerous variants – also for the aerodynamically shaped exterior mirrors, for example. On the ID.7, this process allowed them to optimise the upper and lower mirror housing sections and mirror base to achieve a lower drag coefficient with outstanding aerodynamic properties. The result of this detailed work is a Cd value of 0.23, the best drag coefficient of the entire Volkswagen ID. family.
Between 2007 and 2021, the Volkswagen Golf held the top spot as Europe’s best-selling car for 14 years. Last year, however, the compact hatchback and wagon duo failed to make it to the podium, taking fifth place behind the Peugeot 208, Dacia Sandero, VW T-Roc, and the Fiat/Abarth 500, with only 177,203 units sold, following a 14% drop in sales. The Toyota Yaris is catching up with it as well.
In an effort to revive its sales, VW announced that it would refresh the Golf the same year it gave the similar mechanically Skoda Octavia the same treatment. The nine-generation Golf will be exclusively electric, so this might be the last mechanical update. An unofficial rendering was released to show prospective changes to the car.
According to Volkswagen’s teaser images, the 2024 Golf will have redesigned headlights and vertical slats in the bumper. The eHybrid version seen in testing was fitted with a charging port on the driver’s side, which has been excluded from this rendering, which depicts the non-PHEV version. The R-Line version of the five-door hatch in the rendering also includes subtle taillight adjustments.
As expected from a German carmaker, styling tweaks will be minimal. VW typically makes subtle modifications during a vehicle’s life cycle, unlike Hyundai and Kia, which make more significant changes. Although this rendering focuses on the exterior, we expect some cabin updates as well.
Based on a prototype seen previously, the Golf facelift will have a larger touchscreen, which could be the same 15-inch unit found on the ID.7. The larger display is larger than the ID.3’s 12-inch screen, which we saw in the prototype. VW has announced a “qualify offensive” and intends to remove touch-sensitive buttons from the steering wheel in response to criticism from customers.
We anticipate cleaner engines to comply with Euro 7 regulations, which will take effect in July 2025, leading to changes in exhaust brakes and tires, among other things, as part of broader efforts to minimize the harmful impact of vehicles. According to VW, Euro 7 would increase the pricing of ICE cars, to the point where they may be removed from the product range altogether, leaving room for the exclusively electric Golf 9. As a result, the Polo is becoming obsolete.
The global automotive industry can change dramatically from one country to another. Between 80 and 90 million new cars are sold every year in the 195 countries of the world. More than half of these cars (54 percent) are located in Asia, as is the majority of the world’s population (59 percent). Other regions such as the United States and Canada account for only 5 percent of the world’s population, but 19 percent of vehicle sales.
The industry has many faces depending on where you are. Some are quite developed in terms of technology. Other countries are lagging behind in terms of regulations and the importance of the sector within the GDP.
The European Union and the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Korea, and China are very well positioned. They have a strong regulatory, trade, tax, manufacturing, and R&D structure. That’s why almost all the new cars that are presented come from these markets.
Both automakers and consumers can take advantage of the best conditions to sell, buy, and drive cars. The authorities are moving in harmony with the industry to improve development and innovation, although in Europe, the 2035 lawsuit is now holding court.
The Stellantis Factory In Tychy, Poland
Behind these markets are countries working hard to become attractive for foreign investment. India, Southeast Asia, North Africa, South Africa, and some Latin American markets are improving their automotive landscape by introducing more efficient and flexible regulations and making it easier for automakers to invest.
However, there are still issues related to import taxation and population income that make it difficult for developed economies to keep pace. Brazil, for example, has a strong manufacturing hub, but is unable to adopt the latest technologies because most consumers cannot afford them. However, India is close when it comes to regulations.
The BMW Rosslyn Plant In South Africa
Countries with the poorest automotive industries are usually those isolated in terms of trade, or where local production is nearly impossible due to lack of infrastructure and support from local authorities.
This is the case of Iran, for example. Its economy is largely blocked by international sanctions which make it almost impossible to import new and competitive cars at competitive prices. It is also very difficult to produce locally due to a lack of components and access to international technology. All cars produced in Iran today are rebadged older-tech models no longer produced in Western economies.
A large part of the African continent is also experiencing great difficulties. The heavy presence of used car imports puts new cars in a very difficult position, considering the very low income of the population. Most Africans cannot afford a new vehicle. The result? The streets are filled with polluting cars and old technology.
Russia is also heading towards a difficult situation. As Western automakers have abandoned this market after the invasion of Ukraine, local production is shrinking to a handful of small companies that lack the technology to compete in global markets.
AVTOVAZ Plant In Russia
Furthermore, it is slowly becoming a satellite market for Chinese manufacturers, which means that consumers will not have much choice in the foreseeable future.
The author of the article, Felipe Munoz, is an Automotive Industry Specialist at JATO Dynamics.
Encounters between vehicles and wildlife seldom end well, but this video at least offers a happy ending for flesh and blood creatures. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the interior of this third-generation Toyota RAV4, in which a young black bear took up unintended residence for a few hours. And it wasn’t for a nap.
Recently shared on YouTube through ViralHog, the incident took place in rural Virginia on June 6. According to the video description, the vehicle owner headed out around 10:00 AM local time and, upon approach, noticed the airbags were deployed and the windshield was cracked. That’s when the bear was spotted inside, lunging towards the window. We imagine that was quite a horror-movie moment, but thanks to a Facebook post from Mindy Maine, we don’t need to imagine. In a word, yikes.
For reasons that should be plainly obvious, nobody went inside or even opened a door. Instead, authorities were notified and a conservation police officer showed up in about 90 minutes to help out. Rather smartly, a rope was tied to the door handle so it could be opened from the safety of another vehicle. After a few moments, the bear hopped out and scampered away, looking none the worse for wear. It’s unclear exactly how long the creature had been inside; comments on the video say the SUV had been unlocked and the bear entered at some point through the night.
The Facebook photos show the RAV4 essentially gutted on the inside. The dash was torn apart, headliner ripped down, seats shredded, all in addition to the smashed windshield and deployed airbags. Presumably, the bear had been in there for quite some time and was antsy to get away. Per the Facebook post, the vehicle was written off as a total loss by insurance.
This certainly isn’t the first time we’ve seen bears inside vehicles. Lest we forget the brave woman using her authoritative mom voice to chase a bear out of a GMC Sierra Denali, but is that a smart way to deal with bears? We checked in with the state of Colorado, where bears are certainly plentiful.
The best defense is to keep bears out in the first place, which means always locking the doors. They’re smart enough to use door handles, and if there’s some tasty food inside, bears can smell it. Don’t keep food in the car, or if you’re camping, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) recommends storing it in bear-proof lockers well away from cars and tents.
If a bear is already on-site (or any dangerous, wild animal for that matter) it’s best to contact authorities first. If there’s an immediate threat, CPW advises people to not turn and run. Make loud noises, wave your arms, anything to make yourself look big and scary. Bears generally don’t consider humans as food sources, but a bag of chips inside an unlocked pickup truck is a midnight snack just waiting to happen.
As we move into the summer months, bears will be extremely active. Stay safe out there, everyone.
