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Toyota unwraps family-focused bZ3X at Beijing motor present

Toyota has unveiled a brand new electric SUV, dubbed the bZ3X, on the Beijing motor show.

A blocky five-seater developed in collaboration with Toyota’s Chinese three way partnership associate, GAC, it is stated to prioritise inside area and luxury.

Its minimalist inside relegates most controls to a big infotainment touchscreen, in step with the Chinese market’s urge for food for uncluttered interiors and digital performance.

Toyota claims that the bZ3X gives “the latest driver assistance systems”, though it has but to make clear what degree of help is obtainable by the automotive.

Similarly, it has but to element technical specs for the SUV.

Toyota bZ3X interior

Toyota’s different electric cars – the bZ4X and Chinese-market bZ3 saloon, which makes use of batteries equipped by BYD – are each primarily based on the e-TNGA platform, suggesting this is most certainly the platform underpinning the bZ3X. This hasn’t been confirmed, nevertheless.

The bZ3X was unveiled at Beijing alongside the bZ3C, a fastback model of the saloon of the identical title. 

The SUV is anticipated to make use of the identical BYD-sourced lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack because the saloon, which yields a variety of round 372 miles.

That is thanks partially to the saloon’s low drag coefficient of 0.22Cd, a product of aerodynamically pleasant cues equivalent to flush door handles and numerous air channels round its exterior. 

Both the bZ3C and bZ3X will go on sale in China subsequent 12 months, and an organization spokesperson informed Autocar that the latter is at present present process a “detailed evaluation” forward of a possible European launch.

New entry-level Mercedes-AMG GT 43 will get 416bhp four-pot

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled an entry-level model of its GT sports activities automobile, dubbed the GT 43, which is alleged to supply better agility.

It swaps the GT 63’s snarling 577bhp 4.0-litre V8 for the mild-hybrid 2.0-litre turbo four-pot from the AMG A45, which places out 416bhp and 369lb ft. 

As within the GT 63, energy is transmitted by means of Mercedes’ nine-speed automated gearbox, however solely to the rear wheels, relatively than all 4. 

These adjustments make the GT 43 considerably lighter total, weighing in at 1775kg, relatively than the 1895kg of the GT 63.

They additionally convey a extra “favourable weight distribution”, in keeping with Mercedes. For reference, the GT 63’s mass is proportioned 54% over the entrance finish and 46% over the rear.

However, in addition they hamper the coupé’s straight-line velocity, with the GT 43 cracking the 0-62mph dash in 4.6sec – slower than the GT 63 by 1.4sec.

Mercedes-AMG GT 43 engine bay

As such, Mercedes is positioning the GT 43 as essentially the most agile automobile within the GT line-up, with AMG CEO Michael Scheibe promising it “will put a smile on your face on winding roads”.

Rear-wheel steering, which prompts at speeds as much as 62mph to assist cornering functionality, can be out there as an non-obligatory further.

The GT 43 is in any other case mechanically similar to its thrustier sibling, with the identical five-link entrance and rear suspension set-up that pairs conventional metal springs with adaptive twin-valve dampers.

It’s visually distinguished by much less aggressive styling, with a smaller entrance grille and a reprofiled entrance bumper reflecting its entry-level positioning. The wheel arches are additionally narrower than on the V8 automobile, and tucked beneath them are 19in wheels, relatively than 20in ones.

Mercedes-AMG GT 43 rear quarter tracking

Radical Honda EV saloon is 90% prepared for manufacturing in 2026

Honda’s radical new Saloon idea, which serves to preview a line of revolutionary new EVs dubbed the 0 Series, is 90% prepared for manufacturing in 2026.

At its unveiling at CES in Las Vegas, bosses confirmed that the ultimate automotive is designed, and testing of the manufacturing automotive is now underneath approach at Honda’s US headquarters, forward of an anticipated reveal in 2025.

It would be the first in Honda’s new 0 Series electrical automotive line-up. Representing a ground-up overhaul of the Japanese model’s strategy to electric car improvement and majoring on effectivity, engagement, spaciousness and autonomy, the brand new fashions will likely be offered in international markets together with Europe, following a launch within the US.

Honda’s European boss, Katsuhisa Okuda, stated the 0 Series is about “creating outstanding projects from zero, unconstrained by existing assumptions”.

With this new line of EVs, Honda is “going back to the starting point of Honda as an auto maker and creating new EVs from zero”, therefore the 0 Series identify.

It confirmed two ideas previewing this new household at CES in Las Vegas: a rakish, low-slung flagship merely named the Saloon and the bigger Space-Hub, a flexibility-focused people-mover that blends parts of SUVs and MPVs. The bigger Space Hub idea has not been confirmed for manufacturing; a smaller, equally conceived SUV is inbound as a part of the 0 Series, nonetheless, which follows related rules.

The Saloon, in the meantime, will “90% keep this appearance”, confirmed designer Toshinobu Minami, including that it’ll lose a few of the idea’s extra outlandish options for manufacturing, together with the gullwing doorways.

The high-definition digital show on the entrance finish may make it to showrooms,  he added, however he stated Honda is evaluating “what would be good to display”. “We don’t want it to be solely for display,” he added.

It may additionally take an precise identify, quite than a numerical or alphabetical designation like e:NY1, into manufacturing. “It’s something we are thinking about and having lots of difficulty with.”

MBP Targets Beginner Segment With N250 And N300 Naked Bikes

In 2022, a brand new bike model with Italian origins was launched. Dubbed MBP, or Moto Bologna Passione, the model was based by Keeway Motor Group, a sub-brand underneath the Chinese bike large, Qianjiang (also referred to as QJ Motor). In EICMA 2022, the model showcased quite a lot of spectacular fashions just like the T1002V, this time round, it’s focusing on the newbie section with the discharge of two bare streetfighters.

The two fashions are the N250 and N300, that are practically equivalent by way of styling, however carry slight variations by way of efficiency and tools. That mentioned, it’s greater than doubtless that these two fashions gained’t be bought in the identical markets. My guess is that the N250 shall be bought in Europe in accordance to A2 licensing requirements, whereas the N300 will make its solution to the Asian market to compete with bikes from the likes of KTM, Kawasaki, and Bajaj.

MBP Targets Beginner Segment With N250 And N300 Naked Bikes

Whatever the case could also be, it’s clear that MBP desires to introduce a spread of accessible fashions for novice riders, and the brand new N collection clearly follows a tried and examined components. From a styling perspective, they’re hardly unique, making use of an uncovered trellis body design and angular bodywork we first noticed on a sure Austrian naked bike means again in 2013. Up entrance, we discover an fascinating LED headlight with a single, centrally mounted bulb and a DRL on the backside.

The bikes sport some fairly respectable underpinnings regardless of their entry-level standing. A set of KYB inverted forks handles entrance suspension duties, whereas a KYB monoshock supplies preload adjustability. As for brakes, entrance and rear discs with dual-channel ABS convey the bike to a cease. Like most bare bikes of this sort, the MBP N250 and N300 roll on 17-inch wheels back and front. MBP goes for a premium feel and look with full-LED lighting throughout, in addition to a full-color, five-inch TFT show and backlit controls.

MBP Targets Beginner Segment With N250 And N300 Naked Bikes
MBP Targets Beginner Segment With N250 And N300 Naked Bikes

When it involves efficiency, the N250 and N300 are barely completely different , however each are powered by single-cylinder engines. The smaller N250 will get a 249cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected unit with 26.5 horsepower and 22 Nm (16.3 pound-feet) of torque, and guarantees a prime velocity of 128 kilometers per hour (round 80 miles an hour). Meanwhile, the N300 dials efficiency up a tad with its 298cc thumper pumping out 29.5 ponies and 27 Nm (19.9 pound-feet) of torque. Subsequently, prime velocity is larger at 139 kilometers per hour (87 miles per hour).

Both bikes tip the scales at a really approachable dry weight of 145 kilograms, or about 320 kilos. Now, MBP hasn’t offered us with the bike’s moist weight, however we are able to add about 30 to 40 kilos to account for oil, gasoline, and different fluids, and we’d nonetheless have a reasonably light-weight, beginner-friendly machine.

MBP Targets Beginner Segment With N250 And N300 Naked Bikes

As of this writing, pricing and availability info on MBP’s new bare streetfighters has but to be introduced. Nevertheless, chances are high these bikes shall be launched within the European and Asian markets first, earlier than ever even being teased within the US market.

Tesla Cybertruck Shows The Urus Who’s Boss In A Drag Race

The Tesla Cybertruck has lastly arrived, and with it comes the tri-motor variant dubbed “Cyberbeast.” It’s now been pitted towards one of many quickest-accelerating SUVs cash should purchase, the Lamborghini Urus. The EV vs ICE showdown was orchestrated in Texas on the Gigafactory on a freshly paved street.

The two dueled on the similar location the place the Cybertruck obliterated the GMC Hummer. Whether we’re speaking in regards to the drag or rolling races, the end result was just about the identical in all situations. Tesla’s workhorse gained each single battle with out breaking a sweat, regardless of weighing a whopping 6,843 kilos. Lamborghini’s LM002 religious successor was no Caterham both, tipping the scales at 4,848 kilos, however nonetheless quite a bit lighter than the ultra-angular truck.

The New Twin-Turbo Hurricane Straight-Six Engine Will Have Over 520 HP, Replacing the Hellcat

In March 2022, Stellantis announced a new twin-turbo, inline-six engine called the “Hurricane” as a replacement for the HEMI V8. This engine comes in two versions: a Standard Output (SO) with over 400 horsepower and a High Output (HO) with more than 500 hp. But it seems there’s an even more powerful variant in development.

During a recent conference in Detroit, Stellantis discussed its plans for further electrification while also mentioning ongoing investments in internal combustion engines. Michael Bly, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Propulsion Systems, confirmed that a more powerful version of the Hurricane engine is in the works, although specific details have not been released yet.

According to insider information reported by Automotive News, the high-performance variant of the Hurricane engine is expected to produce around 520 hp, making it even more potent than the current HO version. If Stellantis decides to continue producing gasoline-powered muscle cars like the Charger, it’s possible that this top-tier Hurricane engine will find its way under the hood.

In addition to the six-cylinder Hurricane engine, Stellantis also has plans for smaller variants. Bly revealed that a downsized four-cylinder version with a 2.0-liter displacement is in the pipeline. Furthermore, a three-cylinder engine derived from an existing European model is also on the agenda. Stellantis already offers a turbocharged 1.2-liter PureTech engine for various models in Europe, ranging from small cars like the Peugeot 208 to larger vehicles like the 508 midsize sedan/wagon.

Despite the introduction of the Hurricane engine, Stellantis has no plans to replace its Pentastar V6. Bly emphasized that the company will continue investing in this engine since it is known for its quality, reliability, and affordability. However, he did mention that the V6 will be electrified in the near future, aligning with Stellantis’ commitment to embracing electrification across its vehicle lineup.

What An Electric Acura NSX Needs To Corner The Electric Supercar Market

In August, Acura debuted a brand-new concept car and dubbed it an “electrifying design study with thrilling performance proportions.” The future car, the Honda-owned company said, would help steer Acura toward its zero-emission future. It isn’t difficult to deduce what hovers on the horizon is an all-electric sports car. The brief sneak peek at the sleek and futuristic step forward looked a whole lot like Acura’s famed NSX.

Acura’s NSX stunned the auto world when it hit the market in the late 1980s in its first iteration. The car, inspired by Formula 1 tech and tested by motorsport legends, left its mark by offering one of the fastest drives on the Japanese Domestic Market. The second iteration’s latest launch included a decent performance at a steep price compared to rivals. With 2022 Acura NSX reviews in mind, there are a few things an electric version could improve on to revive the NSX’s reputation.

Related: 10 Electric Sports Cars We Can’t Wait To Drive In The Future

A High Top Speed Is The Key To Break Records

A front shot of a silver 2022 Acura NSX Type S driving on track
Acura

The hybrid 2022 Acura NSX reached a top speed of 191 MPH. The beloved car’s reaction time is quicker than some competitors, but not by much. The 2022 model has an acceleration rate of 2.9 seconds from 0 to 60 MPH. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT, in comparison, is said to reach 60 MPH in just under three seconds and the 2021 version hits a high speed of 202 MPH.

The second-generation of the NSX failed to live up to expectations for many. Although it had fast speed — both in acceleration and top speed — its competitors also had those exact numbers, if not better ones. With a previously stellar reputation synonymous with speed, the NSX’s name took a bit of a beating. Just now announcing the manufacturer’s first series of electric vehicles, Honda is a bit behind when it comes to introducing the latest and greatest in electric technology. That doesn’t mean it can’t repair the NSX’s fleeting reputation all while trying its hand at leading the electrification of the auto industry.

Once holding the title as the quickest car on the Japanese auto market in the 1990s, the early models of the sports car set the bar high. With its aerodynamic body, the NSX-like concept from Acura looks promising for performance. If it wants to stand out among the top-performing track cars today, though, it must not trade speed in for sustainability.

Related: 10 EVs That Can Outrun The World’s Best Supercars

The Electric NSX Needs A Competitive Price Tag

Acura Performance Electric Vision Concept
Acura

One of the biggest complaints from recent NSX models was the hefty price tag attached. The 2022 hybrid sports car came in at $171,495. Competitors, however, had similar price tags with both better stats and a luxury name attached. If an electric NSX wants a leg up on luxury names like McLaren, Mercedes, and Audi, a reasonable price is a necessity. The 2023 Audi R8, for example, starts at $161,395 and offers around the same acceleration time and a higher top speed.

How the 2022 Acura NSX’s Price Compared To Rivals

Model

2022 Acura NSX

2021 Mercedes-AMG GT

2023 Audi R8

Price

$171,495

$119,650

$161,395

Horsepower

600 horsepower

577 horsepower

562 horsepower

Torque

495 pound-feet

516 pound-feet

406 pound-feet

Top Speed

191 MPH

202 MPH

200-204 MPH

Acceleration

2.9 seconds

2.9 seconds

3.4-3.5 seconds

The electric car market has a range of prices. However, the electric sports car sector ranges from $45,000 to upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not soaring above the one million mark. The 2024 Rimac Nevera, for example, starts at a whopping $2,200,000. With this broad range in price and performance, an electric Acura NSX has some breathing room for pricing. That being said, there has been a significant push to bring down the cost of electric vehicles — and that isn’t just limited to everyday drives. The rumors swirling about a $25,000 Tesla would shake up everything previously assumed about the market. Although not built for peak performance, the potential for a Tesla in the affordable electric vehicle space means the value of luxury names may be reevaluated. Acura must situate an all-electric sports car strategically for it to fly off the shelves.

Related: How Electric Sports Cars Will Change The Automotive Landscape

A V-6 Sound Is Necessary To Satisfy Auto Aficionados

Acura Performance Electric Vision Concept
Acura

The 2022 Acura NSX had a hybrid powertrain going for it. That characteristic sound, however, will be missed in an all-electric version. While drivers of the 2022 model could switch back and forth — minimizing the sound in residential areas and ramping it up on the racetrack — an all-electric powertrain wouldn’t offer that loud roar.

Electric vehicle technology has thankfully evolved to suit all types of automotive enthusiasts, including those with a love for a blaring motor. Cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT come with added artificial noise to keep the tradition and driving experience alive. While non-auto fans may have raised an eyebrow at the addition, or even deemed it contradictory, it ultimately widens the reach of the electric vehicle industry. Traditionalists have long debated how the rapid electrification of the market will impact the engines of the past. Now, it seems the best of both worlds are at play.

Related: 10 Electric Cars We’ll Take Over A Lamborghini Any Day

It Needs To Boast At Least 300 Miles Of Range

Acura Performance Electric Vision Concept
Acura

While speed is a priority, electric vehicles available today don’t skimp on driving range. The 2024 Audi e-tron GT hits 240 miles. Although the GT is equipped with less speed than most EV sports cars, it also offers a less flashy price, starting at $107,995. In a similar vein, the Taycan was Porsche’s first luxury sports car to go all-electric. While the Taycan may perform well — featuring a 2.4-second 0-60 MPH acceleration rate — its biggest downfall was the 225 miles of range. With longevity giants like the Lucid Air — offering a groundbreaking 516 miles of range while still revving up to 60 MPH in three seconds — on the market, an all-electric Acura has to hit a sweet spot in top speed, acceleration, and range. A 300-mile range at the minimum would set an EV NSX up for success.

Acura’s first all-electric SUV is available starting in 2024. The ZDX is expected to run a total of 325 miles and fall within the $60,000 to $70,000 price range. The EV SUV debuted at Monterey Car Week along with the possible NSX concept design. The fleet of electric cars reflects not only Acura’s plans for the future, but the auto industry as a whole. More and more manufacturers have set lofty goals for going all green, or totally carbon-neutral by a range of dates: 2028 for some, 2030 for most, and 2035 for others. Acura fits right into Honda’s plans to sell only electric vehicles by a later date: 2040.

While that date may seem far off, it also will offer the automotive brand to experiment with the latest in electric vehicle technology and create a balance of pace, performance, price, and perseverance. Hopefully, the newest all-electric sports car to come off the factory line strikes that balance. With its sparkly display of unveiling the car concept at Car Week, Acura ushered in a new future for the brand — one that is sleek, speedy, and sustainable. As more details trickle out of Acura, gear heads wait in anticipation for what is likely a bright and eco future.

Your iPhone Is Vulnerable to a New iMessage Hack – Steps to Protect Your Device

A new exploit, known as BLASTPASS, has been discovered by Citizen Lab, involving the use of iMessage accounts to send malicious image files. In response, Apple has released an iPhone update, iOS 16.6.1, to address this vulnerability. To safeguard your device, follow these steps: Go to Settings → General → Software Update and run the software update as soon as possible.

For added protection, Apple has also released updates for iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. It is recommended to install these updates urgently.

Apple has acknowledged the severity of the exploit, stating that the processing of a manipulated image could result in arbitrary code execution. They are aware of reports of active exploitation. In response, Apple has addressed the buffer overflow issue in ImageIO with improved memory handling. Additionally, a similar issue in Wallet has been resolved with enhanced logic.

While the majority of users are unlikely to be targeted by NSO Group clients, it is advisable to take precautions. Citizen Lab suggests activating the iPhone’s “Lockdown Mode,” which offers resistance against Pegasus-style mercenary malware attacks. To enable this feature, follow these steps: Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Security → Lockdown Mode → Turn On Lockdown Mode → Turn On Lockdown Mode (again) → Turn On & Restart. After entering your device passcode, the mode will be activated.

Fisker confirms a high-performance version of the Pear EV

Fisker, the American EV start-up, has officially announced the development of a high-performance variant of its electric hatchback, the Fisker Pear. This version, known as the Pear Extreme, is expected to deliver impressive performance due to its dual-motor, four-wheel-drive powertrain.

Although specific performance targets have not been confirmed by Fisker, it is highly anticipated that the Pear Extreme will significantly improve on the regular Pear’s claimed 0-60mph sprint time of 6.3 seconds.

For comparison, Fisker’s larger SUV model, the Fisker Ocean Extreme, features a total power output of 564bhp and 544lb ft, thanks to a 275bhp motor on each axle. This allows the 2434kg SUV to accelerate from 0-60mph in an impressive 4.0 seconds.

Industry experts at Autocar believe that the Pear Extreme will be positioned as a direct competitor to the £36,495 MG 4 XPower. The MG model is equipped with a dual-motor powertrain capable of delivering 429bhp, enabling it to sprint from 0-60mph in just 3.7 seconds. This makes it faster than the entry-level Porsche Taycan and on par with the Taycan GTS.

The Pear Extreme is also expected to feature a larger battery than the regular Pear, which currently offers a claimed range of 348 miles. However, the increased power and performance of the high-performance model may result in a reduced range compared to the standard variant.

Additionally, high-end versions of the Pear will include a solar-panelled roof, similar to the Fisker Ocean, enabling passive charging to extend the range. On the other hand, the cheapest variant of the Pear will come with a smaller battery pack, offering a claimed range of 198 miles.

Fisker predicts that the entry-level variant, a rear-wheel-drive model, will be the most popular option. It will be priced from $29,900 in the US (before incentives), approximately £23,500. However, the UK price is expected to be slightly higher due to local taxes and shipping costs from the factory in Ohio, US, operated by Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn.

Fisker Inc founder, Henrik Fisker, believes that in the next two years, people will realize that they do not necessarily need long-range capabilities, especially if they have a second car. He cites the slow sales of cars with 100- to 150-mile ranges as proof of this changing mindset.