Tag Archives: developed

News

Skoda Enyaq Mk2 Expected in 2028 with 12-Minute Charging

The upcoming Skoda Enyaq Mk2 will feature several technical advancements, including a new ‘Unified’ battery structure developed in-house. This battery structure will be utilized across most VW Group model lines, resulting in cost savings through economies of scale.

While specific details regarding capacities and ranges have yet to be confirmed, early reports suggest that the Enyaq Mk2 will have 800V compatibility. This will allow for a significantly improved charging time, with estimates suggesting a 10-80% charge in as little as 12 minutes on average. In comparison, the current Enyaq takes around 35 minutes to charge.

VW Group CEO Oliver Blume has expressed optimism regarding this new modular approach, as it will enable a higher percentage of components to be shared between cars and brands. This scalability is expected to contribute to cost parity between electric vehicles based on the SSP platform and traditional combustion cars.

As a result, it is reasonable to anticipate a decrease in price for the next Enyaq, potentially positioning it at a similar price point as the five-seat Kodiaq. Additionally, the Enyaq Mk2 will introduce a new software stack, denoted as 2.0. This upgraded software will enhance usability and functionality, with features such as hands-free driving up to level four.

Q&A with Klaus Zellmer, Skoda CEO

Klaus zellmer

Will the new Kodiaq be as popular as the last one?

“We’re hopeful that the new Kodiaq will surpass the popularity of its predecessor. However, the current landscape is different from 2016. We are introducing battery-electric vehicles, increasing complexity, offering subsidies, and providing tax advantages. The success of the new Kodiaq will depend on how these factors play out. The plug-in hybrid version with an EV range of 100km [62 miles] has the potential to attract customers who may have range anxiety and are not fully convinced about battery-electric vehicles due to their long-distance travel requirements.”

Is Skoda targeting premium players with its high-end cars?

“While it is not our explicit objective, we strive to evolve with the market and meet our customers’ expectations for haptics, quality, functionality, and intuitive design like the ‘smart dials.’ Ultimately, our focus is on providing value for money. Skoda has always emphasized offering a lot of value for a reasonable price, rather than solely being the cheapest option.”

ToyotaUk

Career Readiness Programs Help Prepare Toyota’s Future Manufacturing Workforce

In order to foster innovation, Toyota has developed and partnered with various workforce programs to ensure that future employees are well-prepared for success, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

Getting a Jump Start
To engage and prepare the next generation for careers in advanced manufacturing and other fields, it is important to start early.

Toyota continues to partner with the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME), an organization of employers who collectively support and participate in advanced manufacturing career pathways. This includes the Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program, a five-semester manufacturing degree that combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience at Toyota facilities across the U.S.

Toyota has also introduced the 4T Academy, a national high school program that provides juniors and seniors with an innovative education experience combining hands-on learning with on-the-job training at Toyota.

Jon Adams, principal at Gibson Southern High School, praised the 4T program: “The real-world experience our students have been fortunate to receive is world-class and will better prepare them for a successful future. We are excited about our partnership with Toyota Indiana and look forward to continuing the 4T program for many years.”

Students like Katrina Shipley and Trey Lancaster have found the program beneficial, with Shipley expressing her excitement about becoming an engineer and Lancaster enjoying the opportunity to learn about electricity and Toyota’s operations.

Accelerating Careers
After high school, it is a great time to generate interest in manufacturing among young adults. The AMT program offers a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on experience at Toyota, and students graduate with a two-year degree in advanced manufacturing automation technology. This program combines a cutting-edge curriculum with paid work experience at a leading global manufacturing company.

Que Chandler, a second-year AMT student, expressed his satisfaction with the program: “It has been a wonderful place to work and has allowed me the opportunity to learn more about the industrial maintenance field, troubleshooting, communication, and expressing my ideas. The AMT program is a fantastic job opportunity giving future maintenance technicians hands-on, real-world experience.”

Driving Local Partnerships
Toyota initiated the AMT program in 2005, and since then, many other businesses and organizations have partnered with schools to adapt the curriculum.

While the AMT program is a national initiative, Toyota also collaborates with local educational organizations near its manufacturing facilities.

Toyota Mississippi
Toyota Mississippi recently collaborated with Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid South to host a career speaker series on-site. Over 400 local 9th-grade students attended the 3-day event, where they listened to various Toyota employees speak about different careers available at the auto-manufacturing facility. The students also had the opportunity to tour the facility and witness the production of the Toyota Corolla.

Leigh Mansberg, president of Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South, emphasized the importance of community partnerships in children’s education: “Children can’t become what they can’t see, and our partnership with Toyota makes bright futures possible for every child.”

Toyota West Virginia
To ensure that the future workforce is skilled and passionate about innovation, Toyota West Virginia organized its first Women Exploring Toyota career event. This event aimed to introduce women from Putnam County and the surrounding region to the employment opportunities available at the plant. Attendees had the chance to participate in hands-on demonstrations, meet leaders from various plant departments, and learn about the wide range of jobs in advanced manufacturing. They also took guided tours of the plant and engaged in skills challenges.

David Rosier, president of Toyota West Virginia, highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusivity: “Advanced manufacturing is bright, fast-paced and a place where motivated people can truly build a career. This event allowed us to showcase the amazing opportunities at our plant, and it was an honor to welcome so many for the evening.”

Featured

New Google Maps Update Will Help You Plan Your Trips In A Better Way


One of the new features has been developed to help EV owners get more details of nearby charging stations including charging speeds, charger types, etc

Google Maps features update

Google has made navigating with smartphones easier through its Maps app, and it continues to update the app with new features to make traveling within and between cities more convenient. Google has recently announced some updates for the app:

Detailed Status Of Nearby EV Chargers

EV charging station

This update is beneficial for the growing number of electric car owners. Google Maps now provides detailed information about EV chargers, including compatibility, charging speed, and station availability. It can also indicate the last time a charger was used to counter the problem of non-functional stations. This feature is especially valuable for planning long electric vehicle road trips. Google utilized its knowledge from cars with Google built-in, such as Volvo models, to develop this update.

Immersive View

Google Maps' Immersive View for routes

In May 2023, Google announced the Immersive View for routes feature for its Maps app. By using AI technology to combine multiple perspectives from Google Street View and aerial images, Google has created an immersive, real-world view of its maps. This feature allows users to experience their routes from a live, on-the-ground perspective, including real-time information on traffic, weather, and roadblocks.

A More Detailed Map View

Google Maps detailed view

Google Maps will offer a more comprehensive map view for enhanced road navigation. This includes more realistic representations of buildings and roads, making it easier to reach your destination. It also provides a more detailed depiction of exits from expressways and highways. These subtle improvements aim to simplify your travel experience.

  • Check out the right car insurance plan for your vehicle here.

Find More With Google Lens

With this update, Google has integrated its Lens feature into Maps, making it easier to discover new locations. Powered by AI, Lens allows users to uncover both famous landmarks and hidden gems. This innovative tool provides comprehensive details about a place before you decide to visit, making it particularly valuable for travelers looking to explore new destinations.

These are some of the highlighted features that will be available on Google Maps first in international markets before reaching India. Which new or improved feature interests you the most, and which one would you like to see first on Google Maps in India? Share your answers in the comments section.

Also Read: Google Completes 25 Years: Here’s How It Shaped Modern Cars And Our Driving Experiences

Featured

Renault Kardian Unveiled: Here Are 5 Things You Should Know


The Renault Kardian marks the debut of the carmaker’s new modular platform as well as a freshly developed 1-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with a 6-speed DCT

Renault Kardian

The Renault Kardian is a new SUV from Renault for certain markets outside of Europe, including Latin America. It was unveiled at Renault‘s press conference in Rio de Janeiro. Here are 5 things you should know about the Renault SUV:

Based On New Modular Platform

Renault Kardian platform

Renault has announced a new modular platform for 4 different global markets, including Latin America and India. The Renault Kardian is the first model based on this new architecture, which supports cars measuring between 4 and 5 metres in length. The Kardian measures 4120mm in length, 2025mm in width (including ORVMs), 1596mm in height (including roof rails), and has a 2604mm long wheelbase. It has a ground clearance of 209mm.

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Design Details Inside And Out

Renault Kardian front

The Renault Kardian has a sharp fascia with all-LED headlights and a grille with multiple rhombuses resembling the Renault badge. Its LED DRLs resemble the Hammer-style headlights seen on Volvo cars. The bumper houses a large air dam, a silver skid plate, front parking sensors, fog lamps, and the radar for the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

The SUV has pronounced functional roof rails, 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, and a floating roof-like effect on its profile. At the back, it has C-shaped LED taillights similar to the Renault Kiger, and a chunky bumper with a silver skid plate.

The Kardian features an all-black cabin theme with silver accents on the steering wheel, AC vents, and center console. It has a gloss-black insert on the dashboard, which runs the width of the dashboard and houses all the AC vents. The SUV has fabric upholstery with contrast orange stitching on the door pads, front center armrest, and seats, which have the Renault logo embossed on them. It also has a modern joystick-styled gear selector, similar to the one seen on Citroen eC3 and C5 Aircross.

Also Check Out: Shraddha Kapoor Picks A Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica, Anubhav Singh Bassi Gets A New Range Rover Sport

Could Inspire The Renault Kiger Facelift

Renault Kiger

These design changes could inspire the look of the facelifted Renault Kiger in the future. Renault might take design cues from the Kardian’s exterior and interior while updating the Kiger.

Features And Safety

Renault Kardian 7-inch digital driver's display

The Renault Kardian is equipped with a 7-inch digital driver’s display, an 8-inch touchscreen system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 8-color ambient lighting, paddle shifters, wireless phone charging, and auto AC. It also has a total of 4 USB ports (2 at the front and 2 at the rear).

Renault Kardian 6 airbags

For safety, the Kardian comes with 6 airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), an electronic parking brake, and a 360-degree camera. It also includes 13 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features, such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and front collision warning.

Also Read: 7 Cars With Wireless Phone Charging Under Rs 10 Lakh In India

A Brand New Powertrain

The Renault Kardian introduces a new powertrain to Renault’s lineup. It features a new 1-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with direct injection, producing 120PS and 220Nm of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), which is a first for Renault in Latin America. The Kardian has 3 driving modes: Eco, Sport, and MySense.

While the Kardian may not be available in India, Renault plans to bring the third-generation Duster to the country in the coming years. Stay tuned for the upcoming reveal of the new Duster.

Car review

Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is the successor to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid. It is available in both standard and coupe body styles and offers impressive performance and an improved electric range.

For those looking for a more dynamic driving experience, there is an optional GT package. This package includes lightweight components that were originally developed for the now-discontinued Cayenne Turbo GT Coupe.

The new Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is powered by a heavily revised 4.0-liter V8 petrol engine. With upgrades such as new single-scroll turbochargers, electric wastegates, a 350-bar fuel injection system, and a two-stage variable valve lift system, the engine produces 591bhp and 590lb ft of torque.

In addition to the petrol engine, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid features a brand new disc-shaped synchronous electric motor. This motor is integrated into an eight-speed automatic gearbox and delivers 174bhp and 331lb ft of torque, which is 40bhp and 37lb ft more than the previous Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid.

Combined, these two power sources offer a total output of up to 730bhp and 700lb ft of torque, making the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid the most powerful Cayenne model to date. However, with a kerb weight of 2495kg, it is also one of the heaviest SUVs in its class.

The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid features a specially programmed four-wheel drive system with torque vectoring. The power and torque are predominantly distributed to the rear wheels, thanks to the weight of the lithium-ion battery located underneath the rear luggage compartment. The SUV offers five driving modes: Off-Road, E-Power, Hybrid, Sport, and Sport Plus.

Porsche has equipped the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid with a new 25.9kWh battery, providing 8kWh more capacity than previous Cayenne plug-in hybrid models. This larger battery enables an electric range of up to 45 miles on the WLTP test cycle.

Featured

TiHAN IIT Hyderabad Deploys Driverless Electric Shuttles On Campus


These shuttles were developed from scratch as part of the autonomous mobility research conducted by the TiHAN (Technology innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation) centre

IIT Hyderabad Autonomous Driving Shuttle

Driverless cars have become a popular topic since Tesla introduced the hands-free driving capabilities of its electric cars in the USA. Many global brands are also working on developing their own autonomous driving technologies. In India, various carmakers and tech start-ups are working towards the same goal.

Also Read: Kia Will Make Global Quality EVs In India, To Also Set Up EV-exclusive Stores Here

Among them is IIT Hyderabad, where the university’s TiHAN centre has developed driverless electric shuttles. These shuttles utilize LiDAR-based navigation and are equipped with GPS, which can be used to summon them through a mobile app. Currently, these shuttles are being used within the campus by students and faculty members for transportation. In the future, they will also serve as a source of data collection for driverless cars.

Leading The Research Into Driverless Possibilities

IIT Hyderabad TiHAN Centre

TiHAN IIT Hyderabad is one of the leading centres for developing autonomous mobility tech in the country. It has a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NATRAX (National Automotive Test Tracks) to collaborate on autonomous navigation testing facilities and related upskilling of human resources.

Why Is Autonomous Driving Technology Important?

IIT Hyderabad Autonomous Driving Shuttle

There are two main reasons for developing driverless technology: convenience and improved safety. Let’s discuss the convenience aspect first. Commuting is a major task in urban life, made even more tiresome by traffic congestion. Autonomous driving capabilities will free people from this chore, making commuting more productive and relaxing. It will also reduce dependency for individuals who cannot drive, such as children or elderly family members.

The second reason is safety. Driverless cars are expected to help reduce accidents. These cars will utilize driver assistance features like ADAS, which have already proven helpful in accident prevention. With more driverless cars on the roads, improved communication and coordinated driving can be achieved, resulting in a significant impact on safety and a decrease in the number of incidents, once the technology is fully developed.

IIT Hyderabad Autonomous Driving Shuttle

Autonomous driving technology faces unique challenges on Indian roadways, but we are already witnessing some benefits. More mass-market cars now come equipped with ADAS to enhance safety and convenience on expressways. While autonomous tech may not completely replace traditional driving, it is only a matter of time before its implementation for the overall benefit of all stakeholders in relevant use cases. To achieve this, the real-world data collected by various brands and research centers over time will be instrumental in effective implementation.

Motorsport

BMW XM Moose Test Proves The Super SUV Doesn’t Like Corners

BMW introduced the XM as the second model fully developed by the M division. With its large size, heavy build, and immense power, the SUV has shown impressive speed on straight highway sections. However, its cornering capabilities have come under scrutiny.

After the crash at Pikes Peak during an attempt to surpass the Lamborghini Urus’ record, there were doubts about the XM’s cornering design. Nevertheless, giving it another chance, the super SUV underwent testing on the Nurburgring during development. A new video from km77.com provides insights into its performance in the moose test. The Spanish colleagues who conducted the test discovered that the XM is not particularly slow, but it also isn’t exceptional.


Technology

How The UH-60 Black Hawk Has Survived In The U.S. Army For Over 40 Years

The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, developed by Sikorsky Aircraft, has been an integral part of the U.S. Army for more than four decades. The company, founded by Igor Sikorsky, a pioneer in helicopter technology, introduced the Black Hawk as a response to the Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System contest initiated by the military. The goal of the contest was to introduce a new helicopter to the force.

During the contest, the military specified that the aircraft should be able to travel at a speed of 320 kilometers per hour while carrying 3150 kilograms of cargo. Sikorsky presented its plan for the Black Hawk in 1972, and it entered service in 1979, becoming a world-renowned helicopter.

Helicopters had already proven their value during the Vietnam War, where they were able to transport infantry to and from the battlefield in challenging terrains that traditional planes couldn’t navigate. They played a crucial role in reaching troops in inaccessible areas, significantly enhancing the effectiveness and reach of the fighting forces.

With the introduction of the Black Hawk, the capacities of helicopters expanded even further. The early versions of the Black Hawk were equipped with M60 machine guns, indicating that the helicopter was not just a passive transporter. Its versatility was demonstrated during the non-combat evacuation of Operation Urgent Fury in 1983 by the 158th Aviation Battalion.

Featured

Lamborghini Westlake Client Takes His New Huracán Sterrato Off-Road

Developed to showcase the off-road potential behind high-performance Italian supercars, the Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato continues its uprise as the brand’s first rally-focused production car. While the automotive world and Lamborghini enthusiasts have waited in anticipation for the Huracán Sterrato to hit public roads, collectors and owners are starting to take delivery of their dream specs. The team at O’Gara Coach x Lamborghini Westlake took to its Instagram page to show some client appreciation to Bill Waesche, who recently visited the California dealership to pick up his new Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato finished in matte Arancio Livrea with contrasting black off-road components.

Safely secured in Bill’s possession, it’s only right that his adventure-ready Lamborghini’s first drive takes place in a remote location with plenty of dirt and twists. With extra ride height clearance, all-terrain tires, protective fender flares, and rally LEDs, the West Coast trails stand no chance against Lamborghini and its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. Under the hood of the Huracán Sterrato lies Lamborghini’s roaring 5.2-liter V10 engine, capable of pumping out a jaw-dropping 640 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. This beast is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, enabling the Sterrato to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just about 3 seconds. View all Lamborghini Westlake inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below.

View All Lamborghini Westlake Inventory

 
Cars

Enzo: The History Behind One Of Ferrari’s Greatest Cars

Ferrari’s limited-run halo cars started with the 288 GTO, originally designed for Group B racing. Although Group B was canceled, the overwhelming demand for the car led Ferrari to produce a road-going version. The next halo car in Ferrari’s lineup was the F40, created to commemorate the brand’s 40th anniversary and was the last car personally supervised by Enzo Ferrari before his death.

Following the F40, Ferrari introduced the F50. While it sold out its limited run of 349 units, it was considered a misstep due to its racing influences from Formula 1 instead of rallying, making it a challenging car to drive. Additionally, it faced tough competition from the McLaren F1, widely regarded as the best road car ever made. In recent years, the F50 has regained popularity, leading to increased prices. However, during the development of the Enzo, it was seen as somewhat disappointing. Ferrari had to create a car worthy of the founder’s name and prove their prowess in road car development compared to McLaren and Porsche.