Tag Archives: blockbuster

After six years, and blockbuster sales amounting to two million units sold globally, Tesla has given the Model 3 a new lease of life with aesthetic enhancements, more range, and feature upgrades. Following a fanatical public discourse around numerous spy shots and speculations, the new Model 3 could be one of the most anticipated electric vehicles of the year.

The refreshed Model 3, which was apparently internally codenamed Project Highland, is more chiseled, flaunts a redesigned front and rear end and gets a new interior. Tesla said it has improved its aerodynamics to extract more range and to reduce drag and wind noise. For now, the updates have come only to the European rear-wheel-drive and long-range (LR) versions.

Sleeker Design

The front end is edgier than before with cleaner character lines, a redesigned headlamp housing, and new signature LED daytime running lights. The crease at the edge of the hood that previously tapered off under the headlamps is now much sharper and extends to the fenders.

The silhouette remains identical, while the rear end features prominent wraparound C-shaped taillights, with Tesla now spelled out between the lights, replacing the logo. The multi-spoke wheel design is also new. The brand is adding two new colors, Ultra Red and Stealth Gray.

The dimensions remain largely the same, but the Model 3 is now longer by an inch, measuring 185.8 inches (4,720 millimeters), while it is one-tenth of an inch shorter in height at 56.7 inches (1,441 mm). Ground clearance on the other hand is negligibly reduced from 5.5 inches (140 mm) to 5.4 inches (138 mm), as per the spec sheet.

Longer Range

The estimated WLTP range for the updated RWD Model 3 with 18-inch wheels is 344 miles (554 kilometers), while the LR variant is good for 421 miles (678 km). That’s roughly an 11 to 12 percent increase from the current models’ WLTP range of 305 and 374 miles, respectively. Note that the EPA figures will vary significantly for the US-spec electric sedan.

With the optional 19-inch “Nova” wheels, the RWD Model 3 will go 319 miles (513 km) on a single charge on the WLTP cycle, while the LR version is rated for 391 miles (629 km). Performance figures appear to have remained the same, with a 0-62 mile-per-hour time of 6.1 seconds for the RWD model, and 4.4 seconds for the LR all-wheel-drive variant.

The new RWD version (19-inch rims) consumes 13.2 kilowatt hours for every 62 miles (100 km) on the European test cycle, while the LR uses 14.0 kWh for the same distance.

More Features

The Model 3 interior now appears more lounge-like. It features a wraparound design, with an “enveloping architecture” featuring aluminum and fabric materials. The new ambient lighting covers the entire cabin. The brand claimed that the cabin is quieter thanks to acoustic glass and improved soundproofing materials.

There’s more digital real estate inside. The 15.4-inch central screen is the same size but features slimmer bezels for a more usable screen area. There’s also a new 8.0-inch rear display with integrated climate, ventilation, and infotainment controls. Tesla has replaced the column-mounted levers with steering-mounted controls, like the Model S and Model X.

LR model customers will now enjoy music from 17 speakers, three more than before, with two subwoofers and two amplifiers. The RWD will get nine speakers, one subwoofer, and one amplifier. Tesla is also claiming a more powerful microphone to improve call quality.

Availability

Deliveries of the updated Model 3 will begin in late October in Europe and the Middle East. We’re expecting Tesla to announce details about the North American model and its availability soon.

Several reports indicate that production of the refreshed Model 3 is already underway at Gigafactory Shanghai, which is the largest producer of Tesla EVs, and a global export hub. The North American version will likely be US-made, at the brand’s Fremont facility in California where test mules have been spied on several times.

Along with the new Model 3 launch, the Cybertruck delivery event is also imminent. Leave your thoughts about the refreshed Model 3 in the comments. Do the upgrades align with your expectations?

Motorsport

Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Celebrate Jurassic Park’s 30th Anniversary

August 4, 2023 Prafful Singh

Jeep is joining in the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the blockbuster film Jurassic Park by offering a limited-run sticker package inspired by the Wrangler YJ Sahara that appeared in the movie. The sticker package is available in two versions, with only 100 units produced for each version. The first package is priced at $550 and includes various graphics for doors, hood, swing gate handle, fender vents, and shifter insert. The second package, priced at $650, includes everything in the first package plus a textured Grassy Island transfer case shifter insert. These sticker packs are compatible with the Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4xe, and Gladiator models. However, the swing gate handle graphics are not available for the Gladiator. Interested buyers can purchase these sticker packs from Jeep Graphic Studio.

In addition to the sticker package, Jeep has recently unveiled a redesigned Wrangler for the 2024 model year, as it faces competition from the Ford Bronco. The new Wrangler features a smaller grille, improved engine cooling, and the option of an 8,000-pound factory-installed Warn winch. Despite the competition, Wrangler sales are currently surpassing Bronco sales. The redesigned Wrangler is equipped with a 12.3-inch center touchscreen and the latest Uconnect 5 system across all trim levels. The dashboard has been redesigned to accommodate the larger screen. The powertrain lineup remains unchanged.

Furthermore, the updates on the Wrangler will also be applied to the Gladiator for the 2024 model year. Spy photos have revealed the new face and updated interior of the Gladiator, and Jeep is expected to officially unveil the updated model before the end of the year.

Motorsport

Meet Mirage, The Rare Porsche 911 from Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

June 22, 2023 Prafful Singh

The latest Transformers movie is here in time for the summer blockbuster season. Titled “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” it is in theaters now to take audiences on an adventure set in the 1990s. It also introduces a new faction of Transformers called the Maximals and features the Autobots, with a Porsche 911 Carrera named Mirage taking a central role.

More specifically, Mirage is a 964 series Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 when in car form, a particularly rare model that is an unusual choice to base a hero on. However, according to Oliver Hoffmann, Head of Marketing Communications at Porsche AG, the Carrera RS 3.8 is perfect because of Mirage’s character traits, describing him as “A tough character with a good heart and a bit of a rebellious streak now and again.”

Porsche only built 55 units of the Carrera RS 3.8, which are highly valuable today. Five picture cars were built to look like the original car to avoid the risk of damage and fulfill specific functions. One car was modified to go backward at high speed, while another was prepared for stunt sequences. Additional cars were built for close-ups or scenes involving the actors interacting with the car.

The only area where a real Carrera RS 3.8 was used is sound design. “It was important to us to represent the sound of the 911 model depicted in the film,” said Ayesha Coker, Vice President of Marketing of Porsche Cars North America. “It was extremely ambitious due to the number of cars needed from a limited production 911, but we are thrilled with the result and hope audiences are too.”

What makes “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” unique is the level of involvement the production team had with Porsche, which was very hands-on with the development of Mirage. According to Irene Trachtenberg, SVP of Worldwide Marketing Partnerships at Paramount, that partnership “brought our Autobot Mirage to life in a most unique, iconic, and unforgettable way.”

As for Porsche, it has been actively promoting the movie on its YouTube site and through social media. The automaker is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and has been very active in sponsoring exhibits and releasing videos to commemorate the milestone.

Automoto Hub