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Motorsport

Chevrolet Camaro Sales Increase by 110% in Q2 2023, Almost Matches Mustang

The competition between Detroit muscle cars for sales dominance is coming to an end, but the Camaro is determined to go out with a bang. While it will be discontinued at the end of the year without a clear successor, the Camaro has made significant strides in narrowing the gap with its rivals. For years, it has lagged behind the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang in sales, but now the margin is surprisingly close.

Just how close are we talking? In the period from April to June, Chevrolet sold 9,557 new Camaros. Although it remains in third place, it’s worth noting that Ford sold just 10,760 Mustangs during the same period. This is the smallest gap we’ve seen between these two rivals in a long time, and the sales trends are favoring the Camaro. Compared to the previous quarter, the Chevy has seen a remarkable 110% increase in sales, while the Mustang has dipped by 2.2%. If this pattern continues, Chevrolet may surpass Ford before bidding farewell to its beloved Camaro.

2024 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Garage 56 Edition

Even the Dodge Challenger, which has dominated the pony car segment as Detroit’s best-selling car for the last two years, is not performing as well as the Camaro. Dodge technically outsold Ford and Chevrolet with 12,904 Challengers, but that still represents an 11% decrease from the previous year. Overall, Challenger sales are down 5% compared to last year and it’s currently narrowly trailing the Mustang for the top spot.

Vehicle Q2 2023 Sales Q2 YoY Change YTD 2023 Sales YoY Change %
Ford Mustang 10,760 -2.2 percent 25,471 -2.9 percent
Dodge Challenger 12,904 -11 percent 24,275 -5 percent
Chevrolet Camaro 9,957 + 110.3 percent 17,337 + 54 percent

Granted, the Camaro had a poor sales year in 2022, but so did the Mustang. 2022 was Ford’s worst year for pony car sales ever, but the introduction of a new generation could reverse this trend. The 2024 Mustang, unveiled last September, will be available for sale later this year with more power from its standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and 5.0-liter V8 engines.

Meanwhile, Chevrolet is offering a Collector’s Edition package for various Camaro trims as production winds down. The Dodge Challenger is also available in multiple special edition trims to commemorate the end of its production.

For more discussions on the history of Ford and other brands, check out this special episode of Motor1.com’s Rambling About Cars podcast, available below.

Motorsport

2024 Skoda Kodiaq Interior Partially Exposed In Fresh Spy Shots

Recently, Skoda revealed some important technical details about the new Kodiaq. Now, our spies have managed to get a sneak peek inside the cabin of the Czechia’s Volkswagen Tiguan. The photos show a large infotainment display sticking out from the dashboard, with no conventional controls around it except for an on/off button below in the center.

The central air vents, which used to flank the touchscreen, have been repositioned by Skoda below the display. There is a piece of cloth on the center console, which raises speculations about separate controls for the climate settings instead of having to adjust everything through the infotainment system. Additionally, keen-eyed readers will notice that the gear selector has been moved to a stalk on the steering wheel, creating more space between the seats for additional storage.


News

Japan’s Cullinan Killer: Rumored Toyota Century SUV Now Confirmed

These days, almost everything in the automotive industry needs to be a crossover or an SUV in order to stay relevant. However, there seems to be no end in sight to the demand for SUVs and crossovers. During the unveiling of the new Toyota Alphard luxury minivan, a rumor that has been circulating for quite some time was confirmed—a Century SUV. This means that Toyota is officially creating an SUV version of its iconic full-size luxury sedan. Toyota’s Chief Branding officer, Simon Humphries, stated that the Century offers the ultimate Chauffeur experience and it will have to evolve. He also mentioned that more details will be shared later in the year about this new addition to Toyota’s chauffeur series.

The Century is a full-size flagship luxury sedan made by Toyota, and it is exclusive to the Japanese market. It is often compared to models like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Rolls-Royce Phantom. It is highly sought after by Japanese VIPs and high-profile businessmen. The current generation Century has been on sale since 2018 and is built on the rear-wheel drive N platform. The Century SUV will most likely debut before a next-generation Century sedan appears.

What We Wish The Century SUV Will Be

As Toyota’s flagship SUV, we hope that the Century SUV will be the epitome of Japanese prestige and luxury. It should not be based on a front-wheel drive architecture like many other Lexus and Toyota crossover SUVs. There are two possible routes for Toyota to take. The first is to utilize the TNGA-F platform, which would allow the SUV to have off-roading capabilities like the Lexus LX 600. The second option, and the one we prefer, is to use the TNGA-L platform, which is already used in the Lexus LS and LC. This platform offers high levels of comfort and on-road performance.

What Could It Look Like?

The Century SUV will likely resemble an SUV version of the Century sedan. However, it will not simply be a rugged version of the sedan. Toyota will combine vintage design elements with modern aesthetics, just like they did with the current Century sedan. The interior will follow a similar theme, with vintage and modern elements blended together. Rear seat comfort will be a highlight, with the possibility of an optional two-seater configuration.

Hybrid Propulsion As Standard

The Century SUV will most likely feature a hybrid electric drivetrain. It could either use a V-8 hybrid engine, similar to the one in the current Century sedan, or a V-6 hybrid engine used in the Lexus LS and LC. Both options offer a combination of power and fuel efficiency. There is also a possibility that Toyota will develop a completely new powertrain for the Century SUV.

How Much Would A Century SUV Cost?

In Japan, the current Toyota Century sedan has a base price of ¥20,080,000 ($140,000), making it more expensive than any Lexus or Toyota vehicle. The Century SUV will likely be even more expensive, possibly reaching the $200,000 mark. The limited production run and hand-built assembly process of the Century sedan contribute to its exclusivity and high price. It remains to be seen if the world is ready to pay nearly $200,000 for a Toyota SUV.

News

Kia design boss: “the post-SUV is coming”

In recent months, many brands have suggested that the traditional SUV’s days may be numbered. These upright, two-box vehicles, favored by regular drivers but often criticized by car enthusiasts, are facing reconsideration due to the increasing importance placed on aerodynamic efficiency and sustainability. Despite this, the demand for SUVs remains high.

Kia’s design chief, Karim Habib, is open to exploring new possibilities: “We will try different things,” he says. “I believe there are more efficient ways to utilize space.” With the elimination of the transmission tunnel and engine bay on the horizon, interior design can take a completely new direction. In the near future, cars no longer need to be the same size and shape to provide comparable utility and comfort.

“I personally believe that you can create really cool vans,” Habib remarks. He offers the rakish Carnival, not available in the UK, as an example of a “cool” and “desirable” take on the traditional MPV. Meanwhile, Habib emphasizes that technological progress must be evident in SUVs for them to survive. It’s not about the specific typology, but rather, what it represents.

Kia’s design lessons from Land Rover

While it may seem unthinkable, Kia finds design inspiration from Land Rover. Habib points out the EV9’s simplistic lines and minimalist details as evidence. “There’s something really nice about these authentic, honest, boxy SUVs,” he states. Habib admires the enduring appeal of the Land Rover Defender, both old and new, for its cool factor.

BMW

Ryder Cup “Inside the ropes” with the BMW 7 Series: All matches can be watched live on the BMW Theatre Screen.

+++ 100 days until the first tee shot at the 44th Ryder Cup in Rome +++ Worldwide Partner BMW facilitates exclusive live broadcasts in the car for their customers +++ World premiere on the BMW Theatre Screen and the BMW Curved Display in the BMW 7 Series ++ Offering available in many other BMW models +++

Munich. It is exactly 100 days until the first tee shot at the Ryder Cup in Rome (ITA) on Friday 29th September, in the prestigious team competition between the best golfers of hosts Europe and those of the United States. Customers of Worldwide Partner BMW who own a BMW 7 Series will now have the opportunity to follow every stroke and decision live. The Ryder Cup in-car app enables passengers in the second row to enjoy this sporting highlight on the BMW Theatre Screen. The live broadcasts and other on-demand content can also be accessed on the BMW Curved Display in the front row when the car is stationary. The free offer will be available in many markets around the globe* and also in many other BMW models**.

“The Ryder Cup is associated with unique emotions and great prestige – there is no other golfing event like it,” says Stefan Ponikva, Vice President BMW Brand Communication and Brand Experience. “The same is true of BMW vehicles, particularly the BMW 7 Series. The exclusive opportunity to combine sheer driving pleasure with the emotions of the Ryder Cup combines all this with the BMW Group’s aspiration to rethink the digital experience both inside and outside the car and to create innovative worlds of experience.”

Established in 1927, the biennial competition pits 12 of the top professional golfers from the United States and Europe against each other in a head-to-head match play competition and has become one of the world’s greatest sporting events, captivating an audience of millions around the globe.

“We want to bring the excitement of golf’s greatest team contest to as many people as possible and this new agreement will help us do just that, giving BMW drivers around the globe the chance to stay up to date with all the action in Rome, wherever they are,” said European team Captain Luke Donald during a press conference held at Golfclub München Eichenried today to mark the 100-day milestone. The iconic DP World Tour tournament, the BMW International Open, is being held there for the 34th time this week.

The BMW Theatre Screen transforms the rear of the new BMW 7 Series into an exclusive private cinema. The large 31.3-inch display offers first-class entertainment with Amazon Fire TV built-in, with the addition of the Ryder Cup in September and October. Since April 2023, Bundesliga content can also be streamed via the BMW Bundesliga In-Car App, which is in the Fire TV app store. Thanks to the on-board 5G-enabled antenna system, customers benefit from the best-possible streaming speeds.

For safety reasons, the BMW Curved Display is unable to play premium sport content while driving. However, streaming is possible for rear-seat passengers while the vehicle is on the move.

* All global markets excluding the UK, Ireland, North America and Mexico.

** Ex factory: BMW 7 Series, BMW iX, BMW i4 produced after 07/23; BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X7, BMW XM, BMW X5 M, BMW X6 M produced after 08/23. Other BMW models from the mid-range and luxury segments will follow in stages. Updating to BMW Operating System 8.5 via Remote Software Upgrade will be offered in the future for the following vehicles: BMW 7 Series produced after 07/22; BMW iX produced after 03/23; BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X7, BMW XM, BMW X5 M, BMW X6 M produced after 04/23.

BMW i7 xDrive60.
Power consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 19,6 – 18,4 kWh/100 km,
Electric range: 591 – 625 km (367 – 388 miles) in WLTP cycle

Gaming, News

Warning: Final Fantasy 16 Spoilers May Be Spreading on Social Media

Regrettably, it’s not uncommon to see major spoilers for video game storylines circulating online just before the game’s release. A similar incident occurred in late October 2022 when Sony alerted “God of War” fans about significant “Ragnarok” spoilers making their rounds online. Despite Sony’s attempts to contain the leaks, once something is released on the internet, it’s nearly impossible to retract. In that particular case, it was discovered that a retailer had started selling physical copies of the game a few weeks before its official launch date. As a result, it’s highly likely that “Final Fantasy 16” leaks may also surface before its release.

Currently, “Final Fantasy 16” can be preordered from the game’s official website, the PlayStation Store, and Amazon. Initially, the game will only be available on the PS5 as a timed exclusive, but it will eventually become available on other platforms for those who prefer to wait. According to one of the teaser trailers, the game will launch on platforms other than the PS5 on December 31, 2023.

Motorsport

Next-Gen BMW M5 Looks Aggressive In Rendering Based On Recent Spy Shots

The next-generation BMW M5 is still under development, as the latest spy shots from a couple of days ago still show a heavily camouflaged sedan doing the rounds at the Nurburgring.

However, that hasn’t stopped internet-famous car designer X-Tomi from imagining what the next iteration of BMW’s performance sedan could look like, taking inspiration from the images we published as the work week drew to a close.

With styling cues borrowed from the X5 M and X6 M, X-Tomi’s rendering shows a bright red M5 sitting on signature black M wheels and wearing an X-shaped front end that incorporates a black grille with a red outline.

The hood looks very similar to that used on the M4 coupe and the sensor for the radar-guided cruise control sits in the lower part of the front bumper, which is a much better placement than BMW used on the regular 5 Series, where there was an attempt to integrate it in the double-kidney grille, but it’s hard not to notice it once you get a glimpse of it.

The front fenders are also wider than on the run-of-the-mill 5 Series, which is to be expected, considering the M5 will most certainly have wider wheels, as well as beefier brakes.

 

With this being a fan rendering, some unknowns remain, such as the powertrain that will motivate the seventh-generation BMW M5. Currently, the Bavarian performance sedan is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet (750 Newton-meters) of torque in Competition trim.

Rumors say that the next-generation M5 will use the hybrid setup of the XM SUV, so a twin-turbo V8 and a single electric motor that make a combined 644 hp and 590 lb-ft in the base variant and 738 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque in the XM Red Label.

This information hasn’t been confirmed, but we’re pretty sure that BMW will try to one-up the current-gen M5, as well as the electric i5 M60 which packs a dual-motor setup making 590 hp and 549 lb-ft.

As always, we’d like to know what you think about this, so head over to the comments section below to give us your thoughts.