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News

Best of a dying breed: Ford, Lexus and Jaguar V8 showdown

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The walkers, cyclists and various day-tripping guests of the Peak District shouldn’t have any bother listening to us coming.

It’s an early July day in the course of the working week (and, sure, this does depend as work, though I by no means stop to be amazed about that), so I’m not too sorry to interrupt their peace.

I’m, in spite of everything, solely taking advantage of the chance whereas I can. Soon sufficient, the vacationers can have nothing to detract from their leisure however electrical motor whine and cattle flatulence (be careful, Daisy: you are subsequent).

In entrance of us is a barely combined trio of vehicles that you just won’t have anticipated to seem collectively in the identical group take a look at. But since they have been chosen by destiny and happenstance, not by me, they’re what they’re. Specifically, they’re the final three front-engined, rear-wheel-drive, V8-powered sports activities vehicles left on sale within the UK.

From the late Fifties proper the best way by means of to the rise of the reasonably priced mid-engined sports activities automotive within the Nineties, this was the way it was completed.

Plonk a robust V8 engine longways within the entrance of your light-weight chassis, sending its drive to the axle on the again, after which work on the finer engineering particulars later.

It was a confirmed profitable recipe that produced sports activities vehicles as completely different because the AC Cobra, Chevrolet Corvette, TVR Griffith, Porsche 928, Jaguar XK and Aston Martin Vantage V8, together with a terrific many extra that you just would possibly loosely have described as reasonably priced of their day.

Today’s diverse band, amongst them a sporty luxurious GT, an ageing British sports activities automotive and a much-celebrated legend of American muscle, is what stays to symbolize one of the crucial fashionable mechanical layouts that the sports activities automotive market has ever identified.

A Ford Mustang GT can nonetheless be snaffled up for lower than £50,000. The Lexus LC500 has simply been taken off sale within the UK, though should you’re content material with a base mannequin, you would possibly simply safe one used for a whisker beneath £100,000.

And the Jaguar F-Type, additionally now retired, beforehand break up the distinction on worth between the opposite two, and nearly meets our qualification standards in as a lot because the mid-range P450 model has just one pushed axle.

So which of those three is the very best tribute to a basic mechanical recipe? Which must you seize, should you’re so inclined, and treasure for so long as the world will permit? And which is able to we miss essentially the most?

Engines

A V8 engine within the entrance of a useable, reasonably priced, highly effective sports activities automotive simply makes good sense when you consider it. Yes, they burn hydrocarbons – various hydrocarbons, clearly, and should subsequently be wiped from the face of the planet as rapidly as potential, in accordance with good outdated public opinion. 

Motorsport

Ferrari Faces Lawsuit Over Failing to Fix Brake Defect After Recalls

A Ferrari proprietor has sued the automaker in US District Court for failing to restore a brake defect correctly. The lawsuit alleges that the automaker may solely present “an interim” repair for the issue that now leaves house owners to drive unsafe vehicles.

Iliya Nechev purchased his 2010 458 Italia in 2020 and says he skilled brake points from day one. The lawsuit describes one incident the place Nechev tried to navigate a 90-degree flip whereas driving downhill, however the automobile wouldn’t decelerate when he pressed the brakes. A Ferrari seller informed him that that was “normal,” in response to the submitting.

Ferrari initially issued a voluntary recall in October 2021 for the 458 Italia, 458 Speciale (pictured above), 458 Speciale Aperta, 458 Spider, 488 GTB, and 488 Spider. The firm found that brake fluid may leak out of the system and trigger a partial or full lack of braking energy, however on the time, Ferrari did not know the cause of the problem.

The firm issued a second recall in mid-2022 for a lack of brake perform that affected more than 23,000 cars relationship again to the 2005 mannequin 12 months. Ferrari had found that the fluid reservoir cap on the affected autos won’t have been correctly venting. This may trigger a vacuum contained in the reservoir, resulting in a leak.

Ferrari fastened the problem with a brand new reservoir cap and up to date software program. The recall affected all the things from the 612 Scaglietti to the Roma however didn’t embody the 458 or 488 lineups from the sooner recall.

Nechev’s lawsuit alleges Ferrari may have solely fastened the problem by changing the grasp cylinder. It additionally says Ferrari failed to tell prospects concerning the extent of the brake defect.

A Ferrari spokesperson gave the next assertion to Motor1 when reached for remark:

“The safety and well-being of our clients is our highest priority. We operate according to stringent safety and security guidelines to ensure that our vehicles always respect homologation specifications.”

BMW

New Designworks studio in Shanghai: Inspiration for new design ideas from China, for China – and the world.

Munich/Shanghai. The BMW Group’s Designworks innovation studio has a new location in the West Bund district of China’s economic hub of Shanghai. In West Bund, the city’s flourishing arts, culture and business district, the design team has their finger on the pulse, enabling them to develop new design ideas for both the BMW Group and other clients.

Studio opening accompanied by Art & Design talk with Cao Fei and Jessica Zhang.
The official inauguration of the new studio will take place during the West Bund Art & Design Fair Shanghai, which runs from 9-12 November 2023. As a long-standing partner, BMW Group will present the talk “Art & Design: Co-Creation x Technology”. Participants will include multimedia artist Cao Fei, director of the Today Art Museum Beijing, Jessica Zhang, and head of Designworks, Holger Hampf. During the panel discussion, emerging talents Liu Xin and Fei Jun will also present their BMW inspired collaboration evolving around hyper-emotive technology experiences.

The BMW Group talk is part of the official West Bund Art & Design debate series and will take place on Friday, 10 November 2023, from 5-6 p.m. in the West Bund Dome.

Impactful collaboration and global idea-sharing at R&D centre
At the new site in West Bund, which is surrounded by countless cultural institutions, about 50 creatives find an exceptionally creative working environment. At the same time, they are in constant contact with the BMW Group design team at corporate headquarters and the other Designworks studios in Munich and Los Angeles. “With the Designworks studio in Shanghai, we are turning the eyes and ears of the BMW Group towards Asia,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. “Here, we can create ground-breaking innovations that are not only important for the Chinese market, but also benefit products in the global market as a whole.” The aim is to create human-centred design innovations to meet the specific needs of customers in China and across the wider Asian region. The new Designworks studio is an integral part of the BMW Group’s Research and Development Centre in Shanghai. Pooling design and development expertise at one location speeds up and improves interdisciplinary exchange throughout the entire product creation process: from the early phases of design, all the way to production.

Insights into culture, tradition and customer wants in China.
Through Designworks Shanghai, the BMW Group gains valuable knowledge of the country’s culture and tradition. The studio provides assessments of the latest social, design-relevant phenomena and people’s changing needs, with regard to aesthetics, lifestyle and technology. “The market for car design in China has been growing disproportionately and at a breathtaking pace for several years. We are positioning ourselves to reflect this: Our Designworks team in Asia has also developed rapidly over the past ten years,” said Holger Hampf, head of Designworks. “Together with the studios in Munich and Los Angeles, Designworks is in an ideal position to constantly inspire the BMW Group and our external clients with innovative new ideas,” Hampf continued.

Design innovations for China and the BMW Group worldwide.
The influence of the design studio in China is also recognisable in the model variant of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan developed exclusively for the Chinese market. For the first time, the new BMW 5 Series for China not only comes with a longer wheelbase, creating a more spacious rear compartment, but also with proportions that are specifically designed with Chinese customers in mind. Its profile is reminiscent of a Gran Coupé. Exclusive design elements also give the vehicle a luxurious, thoroughly modern character and a strong presence. Key design elements will also be developed locally at Designworks for the future models of the NEUE KLASSE in China.

The question of how future customers define premium quality is of particular significance to the BMW Group. The “Designworkers” are gaining specific insights into the Asian region and translating them into concrete product ideas. In the field of colour and material design, the team is combining traditional craftsmanship with visionary materials to create a new and sustainable interpretation of quality at the highest level. For example, in cooperation with BMW Group Design and local Chinese tech startups, Designworks is reinterpreting traditional Chinese handicrafts such as ZhangRong velvet, Song brocade and lacquer with contemporary aesthetics for possible use in series production. Sustainable processes paired with natural and recycled materials are creating a new sense of wellbeing due to novel optical and haptic impressions.

Creative output from Designworks Shanghai is also valuable for the BMW Group’s digital experience: from visualisation of BMW IPA (Intelligent Personal Assistant), to the creation of the all new MINI digital companion, “SPIKE” and special Festival Modes– artistic animations played on the Control Display of current BMW models to celebrate special occasions.

Inspiration through cross-industry partnerships.
As at other Designworks locations, the creative minds at the Shanghai studio do not work exclusively for the BMW Group and its brands. They are also commissioned, in parallel, by a large number of clients from other industries. This gives Designworks a unique outside-in perspective that enables it to enrich BMW Group design time and again with inspiring and innovative design ideas.

In collaboration with CRRC, the world’s largest rolling stock manufacturer, the Designworks team in Shanghai designed both the exterior and interior of a new generation of high-speed trains. Designworks also recently developed the future positioning and product design for Chinese e-bike manufacturer Yadea. For luxury kitchen manufacturer Fotile, the team created an end-to-end customer experience for their smart-home household appliances.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Michaela Martinus
Press spokesperson, Designworks
Telephone: +49-160-96 31 3773
Email: Michaela.Martinus@bmwgroup.com

Steven Woerns
Press spokesperson, BMW Group Design
Telephone: +49-151-601-16992
Email: Steven.Woerns@bmw.com

Prof Thomas Girst
Head of Cultural Engagement
Telephone: +49-89 382 24753
Email: Thomas.Girst@bmwgroup.com

Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.com
Email: presse@bmw.de

About Designworks

Designworks is the BMW Group’s innovation studio and a global creative consultancy at the intersection of design, technology and innovation. The “Architects of Future” focus on mobility, product and digital life design, as well as strategic design consulting.

The formerly independent creative studio was taken over by the BMW Group in 1995. Designworks acts as a driving force for all brands of the parent company and as an innovation driver for a large number of clients from a wide range of industries, such as IT and consumer electronics, aviation technology, the medical and environmental sectors, and the lifestyle and sports industries. The studio was founded in 1972 in Malibu, California by Chuck Pelly. Holger Hampf has been at the helm of the consulting agency since 2017.

BMW Group Cultural Engagement

Why culture? Why not! Culture is knowledge, a sanctuary of beauty and depth, of meaning and peace. An inspiring escape. Tranquil at best, even unsettling sometimes. As a corporate citizen, the BMW Group takes social responsibility seriously, as part of which it has been involved in hundreds of cultural initiatives worldwide for over half a century, both in the arts, music & sound, architecture, as well as in design. As a long-term partner, creative freedom is key – and as essential for groundbreaking works as it is for major innovations within a business enterprise like ours.

The BMW Group’s Cultural Engagement, with exclusive updates and deeper insights into its global initiatives can be followed on Instagram at @BMWGroupCulture.

Further information: www.bmwgroup.com/culture and www.bmwgroup.com/overview
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BMW-Group-Culture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroupculture/
@BMWGroupCulture
#BMWGroupCulture
#drivenbydiversity

ToyotaUk

Longo Toyota Auctions Limited Edition 2023 GR Corolla MORIZO Edition for Charity

The virtual auction will benefit the El Monte City School District, El Monte Union High School District and Vision To Learn organization

EL MONTE, Calif. (Oct. 13, 2023) – Longo Toyota, the world’s largest Toyota dealership, is auctioning a 2023 Toyota GR Corolla MORIZO this month and donating all its proceeds to the El Monte Schools and Vision To Learn. Toyota only produced 200 units of this limited-edition performance GR Corolla and Longo Toyota will auction badge no. #001, as designated by Toyota. The auction will take place virtually, Oct. 18-24, and the winning bidder will be announced on Oct. 24. Additionally, the final bid will be matched and donated to the charities.

The dealership is collaborating with digital auction platform Bring a Trailer (BaT) to list the vehicle for auction. BaT will also donate their buyer fee to the participating charities following the auction. The GR Corolla will be delivered cost-free to the winning bidder anywhere in the continental U.S. by RunBuggy, a car transportation technology platform.

“Longo Toyota has long been a proud supporter of our community and we are thrilled we can put 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this monumental vehicle back into the community to serve our students in El Monte,” said Doug Eroh, president and general manager of Longo Toyota. “We can’t wait to share more about the GR Corolla MORIZO Edition with automotive enthusiasts and showcase the power and performance behind this very limited-edition vehicle.”

El Monte City School District and El Monte Union High School District serve approximately 15,000 students across TK-12 public schools. The student population is incredibly diverse in El Monte, representing more than 20 different language backgrounds in the eastern part of Los Angeles County.

Funds allocated to El Monte City School District will help create STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) labs and makerspaces at each of the district’s schools. These dedicated STEAM spaces will provide students with experiential learning through hands-on activities focused on design, audiovisual components, coding, and much more.

“Educating students does not start or end in the classroom. It takes a community to mentor young scholars and one of our goals is to cultivate relationships to provide the best opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Maribel Garcia, superintendent of El Monte City School District. “With our Longo Toyota partnership and the proceeds from their auction, we can continue to empower our students to tap into their interests and showcase the importance of community support in local education.”

El Monte Union High School District will utilize a portion of the proceeds from the auction towards supporting a transportation career technical education program that gives students hands-on automotive industry experience. Training includes vehicle diagnostic testing, brake system adjustments, and electronic computer component testing.

“Our partnership with Longo Toyota serves as fuel that propels our students toward a future filled with possibilities,” said Dr. Edward Zuniga, superintendent of El Monte Union High School District. ” We are proud to have a partnership with Longo Toyota that allows us to provide our students with the skills and resources they need to reach academic and personal achievements. Together, we are paving a path for our students to be successful in high school and their post-secondary endeavors.”

Additional proceeds will go toward supporting local efforts from Vision To Learn, a nonprofit organization that provides vision screenings, eye exams, and glasses at no charge to students from low-income communities throughout the U.S. Vision To Learn was founded in Los Angeles more than a decade ago and now serves students in dozens of communities, including East Los Angeles County.

“Our mission at Vision to Learn is to make sure every child in every school, everywhere in the country, has the glasses they need to succeed in school and in life,” said Austin Beutner, founder and chairman of Vision to Learn. “We’re grateful to the team at Longo Toyota for their support of Vision to Learn and the children in El Monte Public Schools.”

The first-ever GR Corolla debuted successfully in 2022, followed by the introduction of the GR Corolla MORIZO Edition that same year. Developed by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, this special edition model boasts exclusive specs and a dynamic design. The MORIZO Edition was named for Akio Toyoda, a GR Master Driver and chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation’s board of directors, and designed to meet specifications desired by Toyoda himself, with tight handling, a high power-to-weight ratio, and a highly rigid body.

To learn more about the auction please visit www.longotoyota.com/morizo-auction.html

About Longo Toyota

Longo Toyota was founded in 1967 in El Monte, CA and has been the number one volume Toyota dealership in the USA for 56 consecutive years. Longo operates on over 50 acres and has 550 team members who collectively speak over 40 languages and dialects. Longo continues to grow, innovate and achieve industry leading sales and guest satisfaction results every year.

Science, Technology

The Negative Impact of Military SONAR on Marine Life

In 2015, the U.S. District Court concluded that the Navy’s War Games in Southern California and Hawaii were in violation of laws meant to protect whales and dolphins. The court found that the high-intensity sonar exercises and underwater detonations involved in the military’s five-year plan were causing disruptions in feeding, communication, and mating behaviors of marine animals. As a result of this ruling, the U.S. Navy had to scale back its SONAR testing activities and take steps to protect marine life in collaboration with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).

Three years later, the U.S. Department of Defense published a document called the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing, which highlighted the measures taken by the Navy to mitigate harm to marine animals. Some of these measures include having lookouts stationed and designating areas to protect seafloor resources like coral reefs, artificial reefs, and live hard bottoms. The document also emphasizes the importance of adhering to rules such as ceasing activities if a marine mammal or sea turtle is spotted and avoiding specific areas during certain times of the year.

Unfortunately, as of now, SONAR remains an integral part of naval military operations until a better alternative for navigation is invented. However, by implementing legislation and increasing knowledge about the seafloor, military units can minimize the potential damage caused by SONAR technology. Over time, it is hoped that advancements in technology will lead to the development of more efficient and less disruptive methods of underwater navigation.

Gaming, News

FTC Will Appeal Court Ruling On Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Acquisition

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced its intention to appeal a court ruling regarding Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The decision to appeal was revealed in a legal document filed with the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California on July 12. The FTC did not provide any additional information about its appeal.

This appeal comes at an unfortunate time as the deal must be completed by its deadline on July 18. If the deadline passes while the legal issues are unresolved, it remains to be seen whether the two companies will reach an agreement to extend it or if either of them will choose to abandon the acquisition altogether.

Microsoft wasted no time in stating that it will challenge the appeal once more information is available from the FTC. Brad Smith, the company’s president, expressed disappointment in the FTC’s decision to pursue a weak case and confirmed Microsoft’s opposition to any further efforts to delay the progress of the acquisition.