Bentley is embracing diversity and inclusion through its newest art car. As part of their Beyond100 strategy to become the most diverse luxury automaker, Bentley has unveiled the “Belonging” Bentayga, a stunning creation that promotes these values.
To bring the “Belonging” Bentayga to life, Bentley enlisted the help of British architectural artist Stephen Wiltshire. Wiltshire meticulously hand-painted the Alpine Green Bentayga, adorning it with 29 renowned landmarks and skylines from around the world. The masterpiece includes iconic destinations such as New York, London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Venice, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and also features individuals representing different cultures and nationalities. Each side of the SUV displays landmarks from a distinct continent.
1The Tesla Model X Is Blazingly Fast – 0 to 60 MPH In 3.8 Seconds
Tesla
Tesla makes boring cars fast. Yes, it doesn’t have the grunt of a diesel, but it certainly does its job extremely well. The Standard and Long Range variants make a massive 670 horsepower. All the variants are insanely quick, where the Standard and Long Range showcasing a zero to 60 mph time of 3.8 seconds. Such performance figures can be found in performance cars which are at least double or triple its cost.
Tesla Model X Specs
Motor Setup
Dual motor All-wheel Drive
Horsepower
670 horsepower
Torque
723 pound-feet
0-60 mph
3.8 seconds
Top Speed
155 mph
The Tesla Model X is by far the best example of when speed meets economy. The Model X isn’t just about speed though, as the Model X boasts an impressive 103 MPGe among other electric SUVs. The Model X offers both crazy speed and efficiency, which pretty much everyone wants these days on the performance front.
2The 17-inch Display Is One Of The Largest In The Segment
Tesla
Once you enter the Model X, you’ll be astounded by the lack of any buttons. All the controls of the car lie in the ginormous 17-inch display. The large infotainment screen can also be used for anything from gaming to the usual music, indulging in readily available content, and almost anything else you desire.
The screen is no longer in a portrait orientation and is instead placed in a landscape orientation found in the likes of the Model 3 and Model Y. The user interface has been revamped, bringing a lot of quality-of-life improvements such as dragging windows to rearrange them, a button to access recent apps, and a swipe-to-close feature.
The Tesla Model X is known for its iconic falcon wing doors. These doors open upwards not outwards, which provides better access to the rear row. These doors have multiple joints that make it possible for easy ingress and egress in tight spots.
The falcon wing doors also have sensors to detect obstacles in order to prevent accidental hits. These doors add a certain futuristic look to the car which makes it stand out from the other vehicles wherever you go, while also providing a sense of exclusivity and luxury. The flacon wings complement its aerodynamic and sleek exterior. The simplistic design also reduces wind resistance, which further improves the vehicle’s efficiency and range.
4The 2023 Tesla Model X Offers A Range Of 348 Miles
Tesla
The Tesla Model X can easily be said to be a technological marvel in the world of electric vehicle technology. The Model X has an impressive range of 348 miles, which is a major achievement as range anxiety is a major issue for anyone owning or looking to own an electric vehicle.
The range of an electric vehicle boils down to the efficiency of the electric motor, the capacity of the battery pack, and the vehicle weight. Driving conditions, weather, and speed are also important aspects. Tesla’s research into these factors paid off in the case of the Model X, as there is a large battery pack coupled with an extremely efficient motor, along with using features such as regenerative braking and battery preconditioning to mitigate a lot of issues that could be caused by driving style.
The Tesla Model X boasts an impressive towing capacity for an electric luxury SUV. The Model X has a towing package that allows the owner to tow a trailer with the car. The capacity of the car is 5,000 pounds, with the hitch receiver designed to support vertical loads of up to 120 pounds. This is a great addition to the vehicle as one could always help others in distress on the road.
6The Tesla Model X Has A Minimalist Cabin
Tesla
Tesla has been making its cars with a minimalist design philosophy for years. The Tesla Model X is no different, with its minimalist design being a key selling point. The car interior also follows the minimalist design philosophy, where you won’t be able to find even a single button. This makes it feel very uncluttered and easy to use. All the necessary and important controls are present in the huge 17-inch screen in the middle. The lack of buttons and knobs makes the driving experience more enjoyable and intuitive.
There was a time when the Model X was the pinnacle of electric vehicle technology, with little to no competition. Eight years is a long time in the electric vehicle industry, though, and the latest electric competitors have shown the cracks in Tesla’s seams. The Model X is now priced at $79,990 after a recent price slash, putting it in the same bracket as the Rivian R1S.
Neither the cheapest nor the costliest offering in the luxury electric SUV segment, there are no redeemable points to the Model X. The technology offered by Tesla does not negate the lack of quality materials used, whereas competitors in the segment offer much more features, premium ambiance, or at times both, justifying the six-figure price tag.
8No Dearth Of Cargo Space In Here
Tesla
The Tesla Model X boasts a humongous storage capacity, rivaling many bigger vehicles. It has around 37 cubic feet of cargo space and can be expanded to 85 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This much space is almost unheard of for both electric vehicles and luxury SUVs. There also is an additional 6.5 cubic feet trunk at the front, which further adds to the already ginormous storage capacity.
The Tesla Model X is quite an advanced vehicle, not only because of its electric drives and battery management systems, but also because of automotive firsts, such as the ‘Smart Summon’ feature. The feature essentially makes it so that the car can be summoned remotely to your position via the Tesla mobile app.
Another feature is the panoramic windshield present, which is a marvel in modern engineering and design. This glass stretches from the front to the middle of the car. This beautiful windshield provides a beautiful view of the surroundings and makes the cabin feel more spacious. The seating configurations of the Model X are also to be highlighted, with an option of six and seven-seat configurations where the second-row seats can be individually adjusted, providing ample legroom and top comfort.
10It Comes With The Company’s Infamous Autopilot
Tesla
The Tesla Model X is filled to the brim with the latest safety features. These can be accessed through the Safety and Security section in the car’s touchscreen. The Model X has active safety features such as collision-avoidance systems and automatic emergency braking systems, ‘Sentry mode’ which basically monitors any activity around the car when parked and locked. There also exists a feature called ‘PIN to drive’ which essentially starts the car via a PIN code that we commonly use to access our mobile phones.
One of the biggest features of the Model X is the autopilot mode, which, as the name suggests, drives the car for the driver under certain conditions. There are a multitude of sensors and cameras all over the car, which process important data and pass it through the computing unit present in the vehicle. The Autopilot isn’t perfect, however, with a lot of controversy surrounding it. In fact, with time Tesla’s Autopilot appears to have relinquished its former glory to more aggressive competitors. Some issues revolve around times when certain models crashed into stationary emergency vehicles, “phantom braking” allegations, complaints that the Autopilot straight-up refuses to work, and failure to properly navigate around obstacles and construction zones.
The Concept CLA Class is Mercedes’ big debut this year at the 2023 IAA Munich, but the company’s CEO took the stage to make another major announcement. Ola Källenius confirmed reports of a smaller G-Class being in development. While the top brass was talking about the downsized off-roader, a design sketch of a boxy SUV was shown in the background. The 54-year-old described it as a “Little G,” adding it’s going to be fully electric.
The Swedish exec refrained from revealing when the downsized G-Class will hit the market, but since there’s only a sketch for the time being, it’s likely at least a couple of years away. Ola Källenius admitted it’s not going to be an easy task since the newcomer has “some very big shoes to fill.” The three-pointed star “fully understands the responsibility this entails,” adding it’ll be “instantly recognizable.” We’re being told the “Little G” is going to be fun to drive on and off-road.
In 2005, Ford released a new GT supercar to celebrate its 24 Hours of Le Mans victories in the 1960s and the company’s centennial anniversary. These cars were produced in limited quantities, making them rare and valuable. That’s why it’s particularly satisfying to see this Ford GT receiving the care it deserves in a video on Ammo NYC’s YouTube channel.
This 2005 Ford GT, which is white with blue stripes, was left outside after its owner unexpectedly passed away. Despite only having 2,500 miles on the odometer, exposure to the elements has caused the paint to weather and leaves to accumulate in every nook and cranny. To add to the problem, there are signs of a mouse infestation.
Most Ford GTs lead pampered lives, stored in garages and showcased at car events. According to Hagerty, these cars are worth between $380,000 to $430,000 in good to excellent condition, with exceptionally pristine examples fetching up to $500,000. The son of the deceased GT owner plans to have it cleaned and serviced before listing it for sale on Cars & Bids.
The restoration process begins with vacuuming the front trunk (frunk), followed by power washing the frunk, engine bay, and exterior of the Ford GT. It’s astonishing to see the amount of dirt and debris that has accumulated in this car. While the surface may have appeared cleaner than the 1980s Chevrolet Camaro mentioned in the video, the frunk, engine compartment, and undercarriage are in much worse condition. Without going into too much detail, they resemble a forest floor rather than the underside of a car.
After countless hours of cleaning, scrubbing, and detailing, the Ford GT has been restored to an almost-new condition. Before listing it for sale on Cars & Bids, Doug DeMuro, who owns a Ford GT himself, visits the Ammo NYC shop and takes the car for a test drive.
DeMuro, who drives his own Ford GT on a daily basis, has accumulated 41,000 miles without encountering any issues. Despite being tall, he finds the car comfortable to drive. However, he dislikes the doors, which he claims can be hazardous, and the seats, which could be more comfortable.
The company strengthens its focus on software and AI development to support Toyota’s electrified mobility goals
PLANO, Texas (August 2, 2023) – Toyota Connected North America (TCNA) has announced changes to its executive leadership team in order to solidify its position as a hub for data and software innovation within Toyota. TCNA is renowned for its development and operation of Toyota Motor North America’s (TMNA) in-house telematics service provider, collaborating with TMNA and other Toyota companies worldwide to deliver data-driven services that enhance the driving experience for millions of customers of Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
As Toyota continues to transform its vehicles to be more connected and electrified, TCNA aims to offer services that align with Toyota’s global objective of becoming the preferred choice for consumers in the electrified mobility sector.
The following changes are effective immediately:
Christopher Yang has been promoted to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TCNA. He will report to Keiji Yamamoto, the President of Toyota Connected Corporation. Yang previously served as TCNA’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). In addition to his new role, Yang will continue in his current responsibilities as the Group Vice President of Business Development and Deputy General Counsel of Toyota Legal One at TMNA.
James George has been appointed as the new Senior Vice President and COO of TCNA, taking over Yang’s previous position. George will also join TCNA’s board of directors and will report to Christopher Yang. He will continue his existing responsibilities as the General Manager of EV Charging Solutions within the Business Development division at TMNA.
Kohta Arai, who currently leads global operations at TCNA, has been appointed as the Chief Liaison Officer of TCNA. Arai will report to Chris Yang and will be responsible for fostering collaboration between TCNA and other Toyota entities worldwide. Arai will continue in his role as the Head of Global Operations in Business Development at TMNA.
Nilay Davé will retain his position as General Counsel and will continue to oversee the legal teams at TCNA. Davé has also been appointed as the Chief Compliance Officer. In addition, he will continue his role as the leader of TMNA Legal’s technology transaction team.
The former President and CEO of TCNA, Steve Basra, left the company on June 30th, 2023.
In Season 12’s Episode 8 of Shark Tank, Brake Free was introduced by two of its founders, Henry Li and Alex Arkhangelskiy. The other three co-founders, Ian Dunn, Trevor Leger, and Johan Boot, were absent from the episode. Arkhangelskiy started the pitch by highlighting the excitement of riding motorcycles while also acknowledging the inherent danger. He mentioned that he and his partners created Brake Free because they have families and are concerned about safety. The “Shark Tank” investors were initially impressed, but had reservations about Brake Free’s request for $200,000 in funding in exchange for a 10% equity stake in the company.
The “Shark Tank” investors quickly acknowledged that Brake Free was a great idea and inquired about its functionality and whether it had a patent. The Brake Free presenters explained that the device costs $169.99, uses smartphone-like sensors to track movement, and has a patent. However, Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, and Lori Greiner declined the opportunity to invest in Brake Free, leaving the presenters disappointed. Luckily, Robert Herjavec was willing to provide the requested $200,000, but he wanted a 20% equity stake. Mark Cuban also expressed interest in the company, leading to a partnership between Herjavec and Cuban. Brake Free ultimately accepted the deal for $200,000 with a 20% equity stake.
The iPod, Apple’s iconic portable music player, holds a significant place in the company’s history. Unfortunately, Apple announced in 2022 that it was discontinued. The iPod lineup underwent various transformations, starting from the pocket-sized iPod Classic with a click wheel, and concluding with the iPod Touch.
The rise of smartphones — particularly the iPhone, with its enhanced functionalities and integrated music capabilities — contributed to the decline in demand for standalone portable music players like the iPod. Despite its discontinuation, there are compelling reasons why the iPod should have stuck around.
It provided a dedicated music experience that catered specifically to music enthusiasts. Its iconic design, featuring the click wheel and sleek aesthetics, made it a highly desirable and user-friendly device. The iPod allowed users to carry thousands of songs in a compact device, providing unparalleled freedom and convenience. It really did revolutionize music portability and consumption, setting the stage for the digital music era — but many would want it back just for the looks and design.
Besides allowing users to carry extensive music libraries with them, the iPod’s significant storage capacity appealed to individuals who preferred to own their music, as well as provided offline access to their favorite tracks during a time when smartphones weren’t as prevalent. Integrating music functionalities into data-powered smartphones, and the rise of music streaming services, may have rendered large storage capacities less relevant for some users. However, the iPod remained valuable for some audiophiles, especially for others in areas with limited internet access.
Introduced over a year ago, the Mazda CX-60 became the first model in the company’s new era of rear-wheel drive vehicles. Featuring a fresh architecture and new engine options, including a powerful inline-six diesel engine, this family-friendly SUV is not available for purchase in the United States. However, its larger three-row sibling, the Mazda CX-90, is offered on this side of the Atlantic. Initial impressions of both models have been overwhelmingly positive, and now it’s time to see how the CX-60 performs in the moose test.
Recently, our colleagues at km77.com put the CX-60 to the test, evaluating its agility by maneuvering it around cones. The version tested was equipped with the inline-six diesel engine. In Europe, this powertrain boasts a displacement of 3.3 liters and delivers an impressive 254 horsepower. The six-cylinder engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard. Mazda aims for the CX-60 to rival the mid-size crossover offerings from renowned German brands, such as the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and BMW X3.
The production of the Ford Fiesta, one of the most popular supermini cars, is coming to an end today, Friday 7th July. This decision was made by Ford late last year and marks the conclusion of 47 years and eight generations of the Fiesta.
Two final Fiestas will be kept by Ford. One will be added to the company’s international heritage fleet located in Cologne, Germany, where the model was manufactured. The other will join the UK heritage fleet.
The reason for axing the Fiesta is to create space in the factory for the production of the upcoming Ford Explorer electric SUV. Martin Sander, the general manager of Ford Model E Europe, stated in December 2022 that the brand needed the space for construction as the Cologne plant is being transformed into a fully battery-electric facility.
“We decided to build our first high-volume electric vehicle here in Cologne,” said Sander. “There comes the point where we need the space for construction, because we are turning the Fiesta plant into a fully battery-electric plant. This is why we had to make a decision that we have to stop Fiesta production.”
The Cologne EV centre, which is Ford’s first carbon-neutral factory, officially opened on 12th June.
The Ford Fiesta has consistently been one of the top 10 best-selling cars in the UK since its launch in 1976. It even held the top spot from 2009 to 2020, making it the car with the longest consecutive years on top. However, in 2021, the Fiesta dropped out of the top 10 due to disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The shortage of semiconductors resulted in a six-month backlog for the supermini, leading Ford to pause Fiesta orders in June 2022.
The production of the Ford Fiesta will officially come to a close on July 7th, marking the end of a 47-year-long journey that spanned eight generations of the popular supermini, according to Autocar.
Following the discontinuation of the Fiesta, Ford will keep the final two models. One will join the company’s international heritage fleet, housed at the Cologne plant in Germany where the model was manufactured, while the other will be part of the UK heritage fleet.
The decision to axe the Fiesta was made to free up space in the factory for the production of the upcoming Ford Explorer electric SUV, as Martin Sander, general manager of Ford Model E Europe, explained to Autocar back in December 2022.
Sander stated, “We decided to build our first high-volume electric vehicle here in Cologne. There comes the point where we need the space for construction because we are turning the Fiesta plant into a fully battery-electric plant. This is why we had to make the decision to stop Fiesta production.”
On June 12th, Ford officially opened its Cologne EV Centre, which is the brand’s first carbon-neutral factory.
The Ford Fiesta has been a consistent presence on the UK’s list of top 10 best-selling cars since its launch in 1976. It held the top spot from 2009 to 2020, the longest consecutive run in history. However, the Fiesta dropped out of the top 10 in 2021 due to supply chain disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. This forced many manufacturers, including Ford, to prioritize parts for more profitable crossovers and SUVs. Ford paused Fiesta orders in June 2022 due to semiconductor shortages, resulting in a six-month backlog for the supermini.
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