The popular Renault Scenic is set to make a comeback in Europe, this time as an electric vehicle (EV) with the upcoming E-Tech model. Recently, spy shots of the car’s development have emerged, offering a first glimpse of its design.
In an effort to conceal the exterior features, Renault’s engineering team has covered the car with a camouflage wrap and used blocky panels to distort its appearance. Despite this, we can see that the Scenic E-Tech sports a sleek front end with a trapezoidal inlet positioned in the lower section. The headlights are thin and neatly frame the hood.
The updated Hyundai Tucson is creating a lot of buzz as the company keeps it heavily camouflaged during this test session. The prototype of the refreshed South Korean model was recently spotted in the Austrian Alps, towing a small trailer.
Due to the thick disguise, it’s hard to make out any changes to the exterior. However, a sneak peek of a new grille can be seen at the front. While the overall shape remains the same, there seems to be a new grille pattern. As for the headlights, it’s difficult to confirm if any tweaks have been made.
Porsche is refreshing their entire 911 lineup, and that includes the popular GT3 model. A new spy video captures the GT3 as it laps the famous Nürburgring track and cruises on the nearby roads.
From the license plates seen in the video, it appears that there are multiple cars being tested. Some of these vehicles have lower inlets that resemble the current GT3, while others have concealed panels in that area (as shown below). The dual outlets at the front of the car remain the same.
A brand-new original docuseries coming to HBO titled Downey’s Dream Cars will follow award-winning actor and producer Robert Downey Jr. as he chooses six cars from his impressive car collection and transforms them into eco-friendly vehicles. Robert Downey Jr. has enlisted the help of inventors, visionaries, and futurists to help guide the process of converting classic and unique cars into the future of conservation by reducing the carbon footprint each of them will inevitably leave on the planet.
The HBO Original is set to premiere Thursday, June 22 on Max, HBO’s streaming service (formerly known as HBOMAX). Downey’s Dream Cars is set to premiere on Discovery+ in the UK on Thursday, June 22 as well. The six-episode docuseries will show every subsequent Thursday after the premiere on June 22nd, meaning all episodes will be available for viewing on and after July 6th.
Aside from the trailer, which features a mid-1960s Corvette Stingray Convertible, 5th-Generation El Camino, Buick Riviera GS, and a classic Volkswagen Bus, little is known about which cars RDJ will choose to modernize, though it is no secret that he has quite the car collection, so whichever cars he decides to feature will likely be unique in some way.
Among the previously mentioned cars featured in the trailer, including a Corvette Stingray convertible, Buick Riviera, Chevrolet El Camino, and Volkswagen Bus, Robert Downey Jr. has upwards of nine other vehicles in his personal collection alone, and some fans and insiders believe there to be more.
Those confirmed to be in RDJ’s collection include a 1974 BMW 3.0 CS coupe modified by SpeedKore, a Ferrari California T Drop Top, and his rumored favorite, the 2009 Audi R8 Spyder. It’s reported that the Audi R8 Spyder is the same one Robert Downey drove in the 2008 Iron Man film.
Cars Included In Robert Downey Jr.’s Collection:
1970 Mustang Fastback
Nissan GT-R
Bentley Continental
1974 BMW 3.0 CS Coupe
Ferrari California T
2009 Audi R8 Spyder
Audi
A front 3/4 shot of a 2008 Audi R8
It’s not hard to see why the 2009 Audi R8 Spyder is RDJ’s favorite, it is a stunning car inside and out, and that’s before mentioning the punch it packs under the hood. The 2009 R8 Spyder starts at around $131,950, a hefty price tag for most casual car enthusiasts, but not for Iron Man. Featuring a 32-valve 4.2-liter DOHC V-8, the six-speed manual R8 Spyder makes 420 horsepower and can accelerate to 60 MPH in only 4.3 seconds. The EPA reports 15 combined MPG, with the 2009 Audi R8 Spyder getting 13 city and 20 highway MPG.
Though Robert Downey Jr. is a self-proclaimed “gearhead”, he is an internationally recognized and awarded actor, known most famously for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the superhero Iron Man, whose real name is Tony Stark in the movie. In reality, RDJ’s real-life story isn’t far off from the fictional hero he portrays on-screen, minus the iron suit.
The son of an actor famous in his own era, Robert Downey Jr.’s early acting career was met with critical and commercial success, no doubt attributed to his upbringing in Hollywood. With prestigious awards under his belt including the BAFTA award for his role as the title character in “Chaplin”, for which he also received an Academy Award nomination, and a Golden Globe for his role in the popular 90’s sitcom “Ally McBeal”, Robert Downey Jr. made an impact on popular culture at a young age.
He began to face numerous highly publicized personal problems, and inevitably took a much-needed break from the limelight, during which period RDJ had time to reflect on his choices, as well as his future. Robert Downey Jr. had a resurgence in popularity in 2008 when he starred in the first Iron Man film, which became a box office success, skyrocketing not only Robert Downey Jr.’s career but the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well, as RDJ has starred in ten MCU films including the Iron Man Collection and The Avengers films.
That same year, Robert Downey Jr. earned a spot among Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world, and from 2013-2015 Robert was named the highest-paid actor in Hollywood by Forbes Magazine. Around that time, he won his second Golden Globe for his role as the title character in Guy Ritchie’s “Sherlock Holmes”.
Robert soon began a non-profit organization called The Footprint Coalition, which aims to reduce carbon footprints around the world using advanced technology. This organization promotes technologies that protect the environment, such as a French insect farming startup called “Ynsect”, a bio-based alternative to plastics manufacturer RWDC, and bamboo toilet paper manufacturers Cloud Paper.
More recently, RDJ has teamed up with Sec. Jennifer M. Granholm and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), as an official member of The Clean Energy Corps, an initiative by the Department of Energy to reduce America’s carbon dependency. The Clean Energy Corps will help deploy the DOE’s transformative $62-billion investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to meet the nation’s goal of a carbon-free power sector by 2035, and a decarbonized society by 2050.
Robert Downey Jr.’s conservation efforts have not gone unnoticed, as his induction into the Clean Energy Corps is only the most recent of his efforts to combat a carbon-dependent future, as his investments in clean-energy initiatives, as well as future technologies that positively impact the planet reach far across the globe. With his new docuseries coming to MAX, he plans on showcasing some young talented futurists on his journey to bring classic cars into the future, while preserving the past.
This goes hand-in-hand with the person RDJ has become, it’s not about forgetting the past in exchange for a bright and shiny future, it’s about respecting the past and acknowledging the ever-present reminders that we can do better as a society without sacrificing everything we know. It’s about the redeeming qualities, not only of a man but of a car as well. If one can update themselves and adapt to the fluctuations of time, why can’t a classic car?
This has to be one of the points that has car fans, as well as Robert Downey Jr. fans most excited about Downey’s Dream Cars. In that same vein, car fans are beginning to speculate on which of RDJ’s unique cars will receive the eco-upgrades, with many die-hard classic car fans frowning at the idea of converting a classic Buick Riviera or Corvette Stingray into a hybrid. No matter what side of the debate you find yourself on, there’s no doubt we’ll all find ourselves tuning in on Thursday, June 22 to catch the premiere of Downey’s Dream Cars.
Audi of America has announced the changes that will be coming to its 2024 models. One of the major improvements is that all of the brand’s SUVs will now come standard with adaptive cruise control or adaptive cruise assist.
Starting this summer, models equipped with the MIB 3 software suite will have access to a new in-vehicle app store. Most versions of the A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q8, and E-tron GT will support this functionality. The app offerings will include popular platforms such as Spotify, TikTok, Yelp, Webex by Cisco, and The Weather Channel. Audi also plans to develop its own proprietary apps.
A refreshed version of the Ford Explorer is on its way, and recent spy photos give us a glimpse of the new model without any camouflage. This unofficial debut of the 2024 Explorer is a big reveal ahead of its official introduction.
So, what can we see in the photos? The new front design shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Ford introduced a new Explorer for the Chinese market last year with a similar grille. However, the grille on the 2024 Explorer is now larger and rectangular in shape. The headlights are slightly slimmer and positioned at the top. Interestingly, the lower part of the front fascia on this particular Explorer is different from its Chinese counterpart. It is believed to be specific to a certain trim level, possibly the ST-Line version, according to insider sources.
The BMW M Team RLL and its BMW M Hybrid V8 racing cars are well prepared for the upcoming race at Watkins Glen. The Six Hours of The Glen is the fifth round of the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the third endurance race of the season. The team has already achieved two podium finishes with the new BMW M Hybrid V8 in the GTP class at Sebring and Long Beach, and they are hoping for more success at Watkins Glen.
The number 25 car will be driven by Connor De Phillippi and Nick Yelloly, while Augusto Farfus and Philipp Eng will share duties in the number 24 BMW M Hybrid V8. A recent two-day test at Watkins Glen resulted in the engineering staff and drivers being eager to return for the six-hour race. The team also finished their preparations with pit stop practice at their new headquarters in Indiana. Prior to switching to the GTP class this year, BMW M Team RLL had achieved six podium finishes at the Watkins Glen Six Hour race with BMW M’s GT class cars, including a victory in 2017.
In addition to the BMW M Hybrid V8, there will be three BMW M4 GT3 entries in the GTD and GTD Pro classes. Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow continue to lead the GTD class points with the number 1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3. Turner Motorsport will bring the number 96 BMW M4 GT3 for Michael Dinan, Robby Foley, and Patrick Gallagher, as well as the number 97 GTD Pro entry for Bill Auberlen, Chandler Hull, and John Edwards. In the last IMSA endurance race, the Twelve Hours of Sebring, the two BMW GTD entries of Paul Miller Racing and Turner Motorsport finished first and second respectively.
The race at Watkins Glen will start at 10:40 local time on Sunday, June 25th.
Here are some quotes ahead of the Watkins Glen race:
Bobby Rahal (BMW M Team RLL Team Principal): “I think everyone knows what I think of Watkins Glen. It is one of those historic challenging circuits that separates the men from the boys. In fact, I had my first Formula One race there in 1978. Our BMW team has had reasonably good success there. This year, with the GTP cars, it should be a very exciting weekend for the fans.”
Connor De Phillippi (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “Watkins Glen is one of my top favorites on our IMSA calendar. The combination of speed and grip allows us to really unleash the potential of these GTP cars. With that said, it’s typically the hottest and most physical track on the schedule, so all of us will need to bring our A-game for the six-hour event. I’m excited to get on track and feel we have what it takes to battle for our first victory.”
Nick Yelloly (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “Back at another USA classic event! Looking forward to getting in again at Watkins Glen, having had my first experience of the track a few weeks ago I can see what the hype was about. The high speed flowing nature of the track is a joy to drive.”
Philipp Eng (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I’m really looking forward to Watkins Glen. It’s a track that demands everything from a driver. We were there recently for testing, and we’re on a very good path. The car felt great, and driving the BMW M Hybrid V8 on this track is incredibly enjoyable. The team has done a fantastic job, and I hope we can secure another podium for the team, as well as the first one of the season for Augusto and myself.”
Augusto Farfus (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “Our test at Watkins Glen went very well. The high speed and high grip of the circuit suits our BMW M Hybrid V8.”
Some pets love coming along for the ride so why not help make a vehicle as cozy and safe as can be for the family’s favorite fur baby? In celebration of National Pet Parents Day, here are some tips and accessories for owners to keep in mind to help pets enjoy their time in the family Lexus ride.
Lexus is offering Kurgo® pet product accessories to provide a variety of pet accessories that make traveling with your fur baby more comfortable and secure.
Safety
To help secure a safe backseat boundary, there is a Kurgo® Backseat Barrier. The barrier attaches to the backs of the front seats to help keep that furry precious cargo where they belong in the rear seat area. Rest assured that the mesh top allows pets to keep their owners within viewing distance.
Kurgo® Back Seat Barrier
The Kurgo® Heather Booster Seat provides a cozy seat for a pet to stay tethered in and away from the driver’s lap while still being able to keep a lookout during the ride. The booster seat installs easily, collapses for convenient storage, and the integrated tether can be attached to the dog’s harness to be used with a vehicle seatbelt.
Kurgo® Heather Booster Seat
Interior Protection from Drool, Dander and Scratchy Paws
Sometimes curious pets can cause drool and paw-scratch damage in a vehicle. In that case, reach for the Kurgo® Wander Bench Seat Cover to help protect your vehicle interior from scratching and other damage. The seat cover is simple to install with top, middle, rear and under seat attachments to help keep it from slipping off. Plus, the handy pockets are perfect for storing treats and toys.
Kurgo Back Seat Barrier + Bench Seat Cover available for Lexus models
Vehicle seats can also be magnets for hair, dander, dirt and other grimy unintended gifts from furry friends. Choose from the cargo cape or hammock product options to help keep things clean. The design and functionality of the cover accessory options provide secure attachment mechanisms, can accommodate 50/50 seat splits, and continued usage of seatbelts.
Staying Healthy and Hydrated
Road trips aren’t complete without snacks and refreshments. Luckily, the Lexus pet products include options to keep four-legged passengers hydrated and fed.
The Collaps a Bowl’s compact design makes it easy to fit in vehicle storage compartments (or anywhere else that’s handy) and holds 24 ounces of water or food. For solid-food nibbles, there’s the Collaps a Bowl Kibble Carrier to hold pet treats and snacks.
The Kurgo® Gourd Water Bottle and Bowl is perfect for those who want to pack light. The top slides open and has a plastic cup that snaps onto the bottom allowing owners to drink from the top and pets to drink from the bottom. Everybody’s happy and hydrated!
There’s no need to leave furry companions at home. With the proper pet accessories for comfort and security, the next road trip can be easier — and mess-free. Happy travels to everyone along for the ride, including the beloved pet!
To learn more about Lexus Accessory Pet Products, go to lexus.com/accessories or contact your local Lexus dealer.
Disclaimer: Accessories shown are not designed, manufactured or evaluated by Lexus. Installation may impact your vehicle’s warranty. The accessories shown are not warranted by Lexus and Lexus disclaims all liability therefor. For information on the applicable third-party warranty, go to https://www.kurgo.com/lifetime-warranty.
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