Tag Archives: company’s

News

Alfa Romeo Milano: electrical SUV named forward of April reveal

Alfa Romeo has named its new small SUV the Milano, as a tribute to the corporate’s Italian residence metropolis, and confirmed it can reveal the automotive in April subsequent yr. 

The new crossover – which appeared for the primary time in leaked pictures not too long ago – takes Alfa Romeo again into the B-segment for the primary time for the reason that Mito supermini retired in 2019 and would be the model’s first electric car to succeed in showrooms.

Alfa Romeo has confirmed that the Milano shall be bought with pure-electric and mild-hybrid powertrains, however solely the EV is at the moment deliberate to return to the UK. 

In reference to widespread latest experiences that the automotive can be known as Brennero, Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato informed reporters: “As a matter of respect for our history, the SUV will not be named Brennero, as I have read on social media. I told you two years ago that it would not be Brennero.”

The title Milano – final used within the Nineteen Eighties for the US-market model of the 75 saloon – was chosen to stress “the connection between the car and the roots of Alfa Romeo”, Imparato mentioned. 

Measuring round 4.1m lengthy and 1.8m broad, the brand new Volvo EX30 rival will share the E-CMP platform with the Jeep Avenger, alongside which it will likely be inbuilt Tychy, Poland. 

Alfa Romeo Milano side leak

Powertrain particulars stay unconfirmed, however the Milano is about to make use of a 54kWh battery for a variety of round 250 miles. 

The electrical Milano shall be four-wheel-drive, Imparato confirmed, suggesting it will likely be the primary E-CMP-based automotive so as to add a second motor on the rear axle. 

Jeep has additionally confirmed a four-wheel-drive model of the Avenger, however whereas that shall be conceived with an emphasis on off-road capacity, the Milano will use a 4WD format to present the automotive distinctive and fascinating dealing with traits, according to Alfa’s dynamic remit.    

Autocar requested Imparato how the corporate will guarantee the brand new Milano will really feel like an Alfa Romeo, regardless of its volume-oriented positioning and shared underpinnings. 

News, Smartphones

Beeper Mini’s iMessage For Android Offline For Some As Apple Reportedly Pulls The Plug

The extent of the Beeper Mini outage is unclear. In response to the corporate’s put up on X in regards to the ongoing points, customers gave conflicting studies relating to their potential to make use of the service, however it seems that a few of these customers aren’t utilizing Beeper Mini, however moderately Beeper Cloud, which makes use of a unique methodology of accessing iMessage. Internally at SlashGear, some workers are experiencing the reported Beeper Mini outage whereas others stay ready to make use of the service.

According to a press release obtained by TechCrunch from Beeper CEO Eric Migicovsky, “all data indicates” that the outage is the results of Apple discovering a strategy to lower Beeper Mini off from its companies. Apple, which has lengthy seen iMessage as a powerful type of platform lock-in for iOS, has probably been working to unplug Beeper Mini from iMessage for the reason that service went stay. Cutting the Android app off on Friday may additionally have been a strategic play since Beeper workers will now must scramble because the weekend begins in the event that they hope to engineer a brand new strategy to maintain the service operating.

Apple has introduced RCS chat support for iPhone shall be coming at a while in 2024, however as of now, Beeper Mini was the one method for Android customers to ship wealthy messages and high-resolution media to iPhone customers with no third-party service like WhatsApp.

Motorsport

Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Truck Coming To US Early 2024

The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster double cab pickup truck is currently being manufactured at the Ineos facility in Hambach, France. The first shipments of this truck for the United States are expected to be sent early next year, shortly after the initial deliveries of the Grenadier SUVs to North American customers. The truck will first be available to clients in Europe, with customers in Asia Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East receiving shipments soon after.

Named after the senior military officer responsible for supply and distribution, the five-seat double cab Quartermaster was developed simultaneously with the Grenadier Station Wagon. Both vehicles are manufactured on the same production line in Hambach, a facility that Ineos acquired from Mercedes-Benz in January 2021. This factory was previously used by Daimler to produce Smart cars.


News

Double The Triple: Zontes Unveils Two Triple-Powered Motorcycles

Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Zontes has been in the game for a while now, mostly focusing on smaller displacement bikes ranging from 125cc to 350cc. I’ve had the chance to ride some of their bikes as the brand had a presence in my home country, the Philippines.

In recent months, Zontes has grabbed attention with the development of a new engine, which has taken the brand’s performance to new levels. We’ve previously discussed a new three-cylinder engine from the brand, and now, Zontes has revealed two concepts featuring this engine. Zontes enters the popular midsize motorcycle segments with the new ZT 703 F adventure-tourer and the ZT 703 RR sportbike. Let’s dive into the details.

Double The Triple: Zontes Unveils Two Triple-Powered Motorcycles

Both models feature a new aluminum frame and swingarm designed to provide rigidity and stability while keeping the bikes’ weight low. The models are equipped with the same 699cc three-cylinder engine, each receiving different tuning for their specific riding styles. The ZT 703 F delivers 85 Newton-meters of torque at 7,200 rpm and 100 horsepower at 9,000 rpm. On the other hand, the ZT 703 RR produces 110 horsepower at 11,000 rpm and 75 Nm of torque at 8,600 rpm.

As for the bikes’ designs, Zontes has followed the rulebook with the ZT 703 F featuring adventure styling with a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel, suggesting it’s ready for off-road adventures. It also comes with angular bodywork, full LED lights, and a tall windscreen for added wind protection on long highway rides. Meanwhile, the ZT 703 RR has a sportier stance, rolling on 120 front and 180 rear 17-inch tires with low-slung clip-ons and raised rearsets for an aggressive seating position.

Double The Triple: Zontes Unveils Two Triple-Powered Motorcycles

It’ll be interesting to see how these new models stack up against more established players in the market. Many riders consider three-cylinder engines to be the sweet spot between the torque of a twin and the linear power of an inline-four. The increasing number of triples on the market shows that others share the same sentiment. Zontes’ new models are expected to be priced more affordably than their mainstream counterparts.

Motorsport

Porsche Turbo Models Now Get A New Badge So They Look Even More Special

Porsche quietly updated its iconic crest in June to celebrate the company’s 75th anniversary. Now, Turbo models will come with a special badge in a new Turbonite finish, crafted by experts from the Porsche Color & Trim division, adding an extra touch of exclusivity.

The same team responsible for Porsche’s body colors and the Paint-To-Sample (PTS) program will use Turbonite for more than just the badge. Turbo models will also feature rear lettering and side window borders with the unique Turbonite finish, known as the Daylight Opening (DLO).

Porsche Turbonite Trim For Turbo Models

Depending on the Turbo model chosen, the Turbonite finish will also be applied to the aero blades, wheel spokes, and front apron inlays. The front crest and alloys will be given the same distinctive appearance to complete the exterior makeover. Inside, the steering wheel badge and various elements such as buttons, belt straps, and trim strips will also receive the Turbonite treatment.

Customers opting for a powerful Turbo model with a black interior will have the option to have contrasting Turbonite accents on the seat yarn, door cards, instrument panel, and floor mats.

The highly anticipated third-generation Panamera is set to debut on November 24, promising the Turbo treatment from day one. Porsche has already announced a Turbo E-Hybrid model with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine and an electric motor delivering around 650 horsepower.

Porsche Turbonite Trim For Turbo Models

This powerful sedan will be capable of reaching 62 mph in an estimated 2.9 seconds, with power delivered to both axles through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The electric motor will be powered by a 25.9-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, offering an estimated electric range of 25 miles for the large PHEV Panamera, which is projected to weigh around 5,380 pounds.

Porsche revealed these details when we had the chance to drive a prototype of the new Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid. A more potent S version is expected to arrive later in the model’s lifecycle, following the footsteps of the 729-hp hybrid V8 available for the latest Cayenne.

RollsRoyce

A GRAND SUCCESSION: FROM CLAUDE JOHNSON TO TORSTEN MÜLLER-ÖTVÖS

  • Rolls-Royce Motor Cars reflects on the lasting influence of the company’s first chief executive, Claude Goodman Johnson (24 October 1864 – 11 April 1926)
  • A gifted publicist and marketer who became known as ‘the hyphen in Rolls-Royce’
  • Managed the company from 1906 until his death 20 years later
  • Retiring in November 2023 after almost 14 years, Torsten Müller-Ötvös is the longest-serving CEO of the modern era, and second only to Johnson in time at the head of the marque
  • Continued a long line of influential Rolls-Royce CEOs who shaped both the company and the wider automotive and luxury industries during their tenure

 
 “Though perhaps less familiar in the public mind, Claude Johnson is probably the most important and influential figure in the annals of Rolls-Royce apart from the founders themselves. As we mark the retirement of Torsten Müller-Ötvös after almost 14 years as our Chief Executive Officer, this seemed the ideal moment to shine a light on the only person in the marque’s history to have held the top job for longer. A larger-than-life character, Johnson was evidently a force to be reckoned with; it was his energy, enthusiasm, vision and dedication that made Rolls-Royce a household name around the world. Even today, he’s still known as ‘the hyphen in Rolls-Royce’ – a fitting tribute to a truly remarkable man.”
 Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations and Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

A BIG PERSONALITY

When the Hon Charles Stewart Rolls first met Henry Royce in Manchester on 4 May 1904, the first person he shared the news with was his business partner, Claude Johnson.

Johnson, a large-framed, extroverted man 13 years older than Rolls, initially ran scientific and trade exhibitions in his career, then served as the first Secretary of the Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland for six years before joining C S Rolls & Co in 1903.

At the fledgling Rolls-Royce company, Johnson brought in much-needed commercial acumen and financial backing, leveraging his talent for marketing and organization.

MAKING HIS MARK

Johnson, in 1906, became the first Commercial Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Limited, excelling in sales and marketing. He convinced Royce to focus on a single model, the 40/50 H.P., which he named the Silver Ghost. He also persuaded Royce to supply every car with an official mascot, leading to the enduring symbol, the Spirit of Ecstasy.


A FRIEND INDEED

During Royce’s health struggles in 1911, Johnson took him on a rejuvenating road trip through Europe to Egypt, and bought land in the South of France for Royce’s new home in Le Canadel, near Nice.


‘THE HYPHEN IN ROLLS-ROYCE’

Johnson continued leading Rolls-Royce until his death in 1926 at 61, marking him as the company’s longest-serving chief executive. His influence on the brand was far-reaching, profound, and lasting, earning him the moniker ‘the hyphen in Rolls-Royce’.


WORTHY SUCCESSORS

The executive title at Rolls-Royce changed over time, following Johnson’s role as Commercial Managing Director. Notable successors include Ernest Hives and Dr Frederick Llewellyn Smith.


DRIVEN TO SUCCEED

Ernest Hives, who started as Charles Rolls’ chauffeur, played a pivotal role in the development of Rolls-Royce’s aero engines and automotive products, eventually becoming Managing Director and later Chairman until his retirement in 1957.

A COMPLETE CHANGE

Dr Frederick Llewellyn Smith led the transformation of Rolls-Royce’s Crewe factory from producing wartime Merlin aero engines to civilian car production. His visionary leadership resulted in the production of innovative models like the Silver Dawn, Silver Cloud, and Silver Shadow, before retiring in 1967 as Chairman.

INTO THE MODERN ERA

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, as CEO since 2010, has overseen the complete transformation of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars during his almost 14-year tenure. His leadership introduced various new models, an expansion in Bespoke offerings, and the launch of the first all-electric Rolls-Royce, Spectre in 2022. His successor, starting from November 30, 2023, is Chris Brownridge, former CEO of BMW UK.

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.


News, Wearables

Fitbit Mobile App and User Accounts Experience Major Outage

Fitbit, the popular fitness tracking company, is currently facing a major outage that is impacting its mobile app and user accounts. Fitbit Support tweeted about the issue on X, stating that their technical teams are actively working to resolve the problem. However, the exact cause of the outage and its full scope are not yet known. The Fitbit website also acknowledged the outage and provided a similar message.

The issues began around 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time, and some users have reported regaining access to the app since then. However, they have noticed discrepancies in their data. Some users claim that the app is displaying incorrect figures, while others have reported missing activity data from the period during the outage.

This is not the first time Fitbit users have experienced a major service outage. The previous one occurred in March 2023, primarily impacting the company’s iOS app. Prior to that, in February, there was a similar problem with Fitbit’s mobile platform, which took several hours to resolve. Fitbit did not provide specific details about the causes of these previous outages, and it is likely that we may not receive a detailed explanation for the current disruption in October 2023.

Motorsport

New Rolls-Royce Teaser Suggests A Bespoke Ghost Will Debut Tomorrow

Rolls-Royce is known for creating something special, and tomorrow, we will get to see their craftsmanship in full display as they tease the arrival of a “celestial phenomenon.”

In the teaser image, we see a silhouette of the new creation with the sun peeking out from behind it, and it appears to be a Ghost. While the details are not clear, it resembles the Ghost with its distinct features.

 

It is unclear whether this new creation will be part of a new line of cars or a bespoke, one-off design. Rolls-Royce is known for embracing car customization, offering buyers a wide range of choices in colors, materials, and finishes through its Bespoke Collective and commissioned builds. It is their specialty.

Earlier this year, Rolls-Royce revealed a one-off Ghost that celebrated the city of Manchester. This special edition car featured a bespoke motif of the Manchester Bee, a symbol associated with the city.

The company’s Bespoke Collective, comprised of skilled artisans, designers, and engineers, works closely with clients to create unique cars tailored to their individual specifications.

This is not the first time Rolls-Royce has found inspiration from celestial elements. In 2021, they introduced the Phantom Tempus Collection, which incorporated pulsar stars into its design. The car featured a unique dashboard made from a single billet of aluminum and a glove compartment plaque with an Albert Einstein quote.

Earlier this year, Rolls-Royce unveiled a pair of bespoke Ghosts alongside two Spectre EVs. The second-generation Ghost, introduced in 2020, boasts a powerful twin-turbocharged V12 engine.

Tune in tomorrow to learn all about Rolls-Royce’s “celestial phenomenon.” The unveiling is scheduled for Wednesday, October 11th, at 8 AM ET (1 PM BST).

Motorsport

BMW Boss Oliver Zipse To Continue as CEO Until 2026

BMW has announced that Oliver Zipse will remain as the Chairman of the Board of Management (CEO) until 2026. Zipse joined the executive levels of the company in 2015 and became Chairman in August 2019.

In a press release, Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of BMW, praised Zipse’s leadership and his successful navigation of challenging times. Martin Kimmich, Chairman of the General Works Council of BMW, emphasized the positive cooperation between the Board of Management and the Works Council and expressed confidence that this collaboration would continue during Zipse’s reappointment.

Under Zipse’s leadership, BMW has significantly expanded its electric vehicle lineup, offering fully electric models across most of its core vehicle segments. This strategic move aligns with the global trend toward sustainable mobility, as stated in the press release. Furthermore, BMW has begun development of the Neue Klasse, the next generation of BMW models, with production scheduled to start in 2025. The company has not yet set a specific date to end sales of combustion-powered cars.

Zipse has dedicated his entire professional career to BMW. He joined the company in 1991 and has held various leadership positions since then. In 2019, he assumed the role of CEO at BMW.