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Car review

BMW X6 M Competition

The facelifted X6 and X5 have had fairly the inside makeover – not completely for the higher, we should say – and most of these modifications have come to the M variations as effectively.

Nearly the entire dashboard was binned and changed in an effort to accommodate BMW’s Curved Display, which is a mix of a 12.3in digital gauge cluster and a 14.9in multimedia display. Between them, they’ve usurped many of the pre-facelift X5’s sprint buttons.

Gone are the bodily local weather controls and numbered shortcut buttons. Thankfully, the centre console retains a good choice, in addition to the rotary cursor controller. The local weather controls are completely on the display, however you should open a menu to get to the heated seats and steering wheel.

We are additionally no huge followers of BMW’s digital gauge cluster, which has loads of whizzy graphics however lacks readability and straightforward configurability. While most digital gauge clusters allow you to show, for instance, the navigation and journey laptop at the identical time, BMW’s doesn’t and makes it arduous to scroll between completely different choices.

BMW hasn’t simply plonked an unlimited display on high of the previous sprint, although. It has additionally redesigned the air vents and the trim. Where the previous automotive had an ornamental trim strip working in entrance of the passenger, there may be now additionally a clear plastic bar with some light-up M graphics. It appears contemporary and trendy, however to the eyes of some testers, a little bit low cost and cheesy too.

That was about the one factor that felt low cost inside our £147,605 check automotive, the place there may be a lot of actual, gentle leather-based and actual, chilly steel. Most of the cabin appointments are shared with the usual X6 and X5, with a couple of exceptions. The X6’s door playing cards are a contact extra ornate than the X5’s and improve the sporty vibe. While facelifted non-M fashions swap their drive selector lever for a a lot much less tactile toggle, the X6 M retains a stubby lever that may be pushed forwards and backwards for the guide mode.

M fashions even have a pair of ‘M Multifunction seats’ with an built-in headrest and extra aggressive bolstering than the usual variations.

The house on provide is pretty typical of an SUV of this sort. Rear leg room is ample, whereas rear head room and rearward visibility are barely affected by the sloping roofline. However, you’re unlikely to be deterred when you like this automotive’s specific fashion, as even adults can journey within the rear in consolation.

Infotainment

BMW’s iDrive was the benchmark for multimedia methods, with logical menus, clear graphics and a plethora of shortcut buttons. In the most recent era, iDrive 8, the local weather controls have moved onto the display, and the menus have turn out to be rather more sophisticated because of a big quantity of apps clogging up the principle display.

Things do get higher with familiarity, it’s attainable to outline some shortcuts and, fortunately, the rotary controller with a choice of buttons stays current and proper. Still, it’s a step again in contrast with the pre-facelift X6.

As earlier than, the built-in navigation is great and reacts to visitors very effectively, and the Bowers & Wilkins hi-fi is highly effective and clear. Mind you, it must be, given how a lot highway noise it’s tasked with overpowering. Wireless telephone mirroring is built-in effectively, and we discovered the BMW smartphone app helpful for checking the automotive’s standing and sending locations to the navigation.

Car review

Ford Puma

The Puma’s powertrain has a downsized, turbo three-pot able to shutting off completely when the automobile’s coasting; of deactivating a cylinder when working lean; and of utilizing on a 15bhp, 37lb ft electrical motor to spice up total effectivity, outright efficiency or drivability. It works rather well 99% of the time to hide the technical complexity wanted to realize all that.

It hauls the automobile alongside from lowish revs with spectacular responsiveness and a pleasingly accessible sense of oomph. Perhaps extra importantly, it solely means that you can develop into conscious of the complexity of its working transient in probably the most fleeting moments – generally with a touch of inconsistency in its braking response when you occur to knock the automobile out of substances early when decelerating, or with a barely abrupt take-up of drive simply as you tip into the accelerator pedal. These are issues you’d be more likely to develop into acutely aware of provided that you had been anticipating them, although.

Considering how a lot it plainly does to spice up low-rev torque, saving you from in any other case needed gearchanges, the mild-hybrid system provides way more to the automobile’s total drivability than it detracts.

On a moist check day, the Puma took a two-way common of 10.0sec to hit 60mph from relaxation, a reasonably sturdy if not distinctive displaying. But the truth that it was virtually 7.0sec (or about 40%) faster accelerating from 30mph to 70mph in fourth gear than the 1.0-litre turbocharged Juke we examined beforehand illustrates the distinction made by Ford’s hybrid system.

When pulling from low engine speeds in larger gears, you possibly can really feel the torque it contributes fairly clearly – and, when you watch the tacho needle, you can too really feel the purpose within the rev vary (simply above 4000rpm) when the electrical motor has to change off.

The automobile has a healthy-feeling outright efficiency stage for blended street driving and a brief, nice, well-defined gearshift motion. It’s clean sufficient and as highly effective and steady because it must be, below braking, though it’s simpler to evaluate your preliminary pedal inputs when you’ve realized to squeeze the center pedal solely after you’ve already chosen a decrease gear.

It’s finest to not downshift in the midst of a deceleration section the place you possibly can keep away from it, since doing so interferes barely with the regenerative braking you get from the hybrid system and spoils the preliminary braking response slightly.

The automated gearbox fails to stay as much as the engine. In regular mode, it’s a lot too keen to vary up and too reluctant to kick down, which blunts efficiency if you most want it. Sport mode has the other downside; too wanting to go down by the gears somewhat than let the engine rev by the mid-range. The ‘manual’ mode helps with the timing of gearchanges, however doesn’t like to carry onto your chosen ratio below full energy.

Ford Puma assisted driving notes

The entry-level Titanium Puma has autonomous emergency braking, typical cruise management and lane-keeping help. An non-obligatory Driver Assistance pack brings blindspot warning, cross-traffic alert and visitors jam help methods, amongst others, and provides ‘intelligent’ distance-keeping performance to the cruise management.

The methods are usually tuned in order to be fairly discreet however can, most often, be adjusted for sensitivity and, in some circumstances, deactivated fully. Even in its most delicate setting, the lane-keeping help retains the motive force engaged. However, it didn’t all the time detect the bounds of a motorway lane by roadworks or in unhealthy climate.

It is ready to constantly recognise posted velocity limits and provided a rushing warning however couldn’t adapt the automobile’s set cruise management velocity mechanically. Still, for a £25k automobile, the Puma’s assisted driving performance is pretty intensive and spectacular.

News

What is the battery lifetime of an electrical automobile?

For many automobile homeowners, the EV represents a wholly new approach of driving and brings with it many queries and considerations. 

Obviously vary anxiousness nonetheless dominates the electrification dialog, however for a lot of there are additionally query marks over the lifetime of the battery that powers these hi-tech machines.  Wherever you look, there are tales suggesting that the costly lithium ion batteries can fail after a comparatively brief house of time, leaving the proprietor both going through a hefty invoice for a substitute or considering reducing their losses on a automobile that’s in any other case nugatory as a result of it actually doesn’t work.

And it’s not onerous to see the place these rumours and anecdotes come from, as a result of our in depth expertise of  cell phones, tablets and laptop computer computer systems has proven many who, even over a comparatively brief time frame, the batteries powering them can shortly lose effectivity, ensuing within the want for extra frequent charging. In excessive circumstances the degradation is so extreme the gadget received’t even fire-up until it’s completely on cost, which is clearly no use for an EV.

So, how dangerous is the issue actually? Well the excellent news is that EV batteries are harder than you’d suppose. In truth, the extra electrical automobiles which can be on the market and the longer they’re run for, the extra proof is produced to point out that the facility pack will typically final the lifetime of the automobile. Better nonetheless, there are many suggestions and methods you’ll be able to comply with to verify your automobile’s batteries will survive higher than most.

Electric automobile battery life

1charger

Okay, so the reality is that batteries degrade over time and with use, which means they develop into much less environment friendly as they age and, in the end, within the case of EVs the vary of your automobile will scale back. There’s additionally no denying that battery know-how doesn’t come low cost, and may the cells ever want substitute then it’s fairly probably that they’ll price extra to swap than the automobile is now price – which is why we have a tendency to exchange cell phones of their entirety slightly than substitute the battery pack. 

Yet it’s not all dangerous information, as a result of there are methods to extend the lifespan of your automobile’s battery, retaining it more healthy and extra environment friendly for longer. More importantly, whereas efficiency might degrade over time, in the end the cells ought to nonetheless be offering at the very least 70 % of their capability even after 200,000 miles, which is the kind of mileage that few automobiles ever attain, whether or not they’re ICE or EV. 

As an instance, a variety of Tesla Model S taxis working from Gatwick airport racked up over 300,000 miles every over three years, with all retaining at the very least 82 % of their batteries’ well being.

Why does an electrical automobile battery lose cost or degrade?

Continual advances in battery know-how imply that points surrounding degradation of efficiency are being diminished on a regular basis. However, even the newest lithium-ion cells aren’t utterly resistant to dropping efficiency over time, with a variety of elements taking part in a job. 

Motorsport

Here’s The Audi Q6 E-Tron Electric SUV Without Any Camouflage

Here’s a enjoyable truth: Audi has been selling a Q6 for greater than a yr, however solely in China. An totally completely different Q6 will go world in 2024 when Audi introduces this Q6 E-Tron. Completely electrical and using on the PPE platform co-developed with Porsche, the EV has been noticed with none camouflage.

Eagle-eyed readers will discover we’re coping with two prototypes. One is the conventionally formed Q6 E-Tron whereas the opposite is the coupe-styled Q6 E-Tron Sportback with its sloping roofline. These are production-ready prototypes with all the ultimate bits in place, revealing 99 % of the outside design. As a part of the tie-up with Audi, Porsche can have its very personal model by rolling out a next-generation, electric-only Macan in 2024.


News, Technology

OpenAI In Talks To Bring Back Sam Altman Just Days After Firing Him

OpenAI’s board is seeking to bring back Sam Altman, possibly due to pressure from key investors like Microsoft, Thrive Capital, Khosla Ventures, Sequoia, and Tiger Global. According to Bloomberg, Altman is discussing plans for a new company with Brockman and other AI researchers in his camp, as reported by Forbes.

Internal sources cited by Forbes indicate that the situation could escalate, with measures such as widespread uprising by senior researchers, withholding of cloud computing credits from Microsoft, and the looming threat of a lawsuit. This potential Altman homecoming would bring about a major change in the leadership of OpenAI, with speculation that members of the current board may step down soon, as mentioned by Bloomberg. Additionally, Microsoft’s Nadella has reportedly pledged his support for Altman’s future endeavors. However, OpenAI and its lead investors, including Microsoft, have yet to make any public statements regarding the push to reinstate Altman.

News

Limited-run Porsche 911 GT3 is firm’s hottest track car yet

The Porsche 911 GT3, a limited-run model, is the company’s most powerful track car to date. The car features bespoke bodywork, including a stretched wheelbase, widened wheel arches, and lowered springs with new 18in BBS alloys.

Constructed entirely from carbon fiber, the body design incorporates aero-optimized fins and larger air intakes on the front wheel arches to enhance track performance. The traditional exterior mirrors have been replaced with electronic screens connected to three cameras mounted on the body.

Inspired by Porsche’s racing heritage, the rear of the car features design elements reminiscent of past models. The rear wing, inspired by the Daytona-winning Brumos Porsche 935/77, spans the width of the bumper. The vertical spoiler supports draw influence from the Porsche 962 Le Mans racer. Weight reduction measures include the absence of grille covers and certain panels, leaving components like the exhaust exposed.

The interior also focuses on weight-saving measures by removing the front and rear passenger seats and the air conditioning system. Additional features include a model-specific plaque, monitors replacing the door mirrors, customizable ambient lighting, and an FIA-spec roll cage.

The Porsche 911 GT3 comes in a choice of seven colors, including brand new options like Star Ruby, Signal Orange, and Agate Grey Metallic.

Motorsport

Porsche 911 GTS Facelift Spied Exercising Hybrid Powertrain In Germany

There is some uncertainty about whether this is an updated Porsche 911 GTS. While it features center-lock wheels and lacks the side intakes of the Turbo, it also does not have the hood and front fascia of the 911 GT3, which are unique to those models. Unless Porsche is introducing center-lock wheels to another vehicle, it is likely the GTS.

Another interesting aspect of these spy photos is the round yellow sticker on the back window, indicating that this 911 is a hybrid. This means it will have more power than the standard GTS, which already boasts 473 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine. The exact power output of the hybrid version remains a mystery, as Porsche has not provided any details yet. Sources suggest that it will not be a plug-in hybrid like the Panamera, which can produce over 700 horsepower and run on electric power alone. Instead, the hybrid system in the 911 GTS facelift will likely focus more on performance rather than efficiency.


News

Industry demands EV grants to stimulate demand for ZEV mandate

However, six months later, the grant was completely withdrawn by the government, citing the “success in the electric car revolution” as the reason for cancellation.

In his testimony to the inquiry, Taylor highlighted the challenge faced by manufacturers in ensuring that “there is sufficient market demand to achieve these targets as a whole.”

Vauxhall Mokka side static charging

“We don’t want to force people to own an electric car,” he stated.

“This once again emphasizes the need for improving the charging infrastructure and the overall cost of owning an electric vehicle. Particularly, incentives are necessary for private retail customers in the small and family car segment to facilitate the transition and reduce the cost of ownership,” he added.

A study conducted by Auto Trader, a car sales platform, in April, revealed that the number of enquiries about new electric cars sent to retailers had declined by 65% compared to the previous year, after the grant was withdrawn. At that time, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for only 9% of all new car enquiries, a significant decrease from the previous year.

However, despite the decline in enquiries, sales of BEVs continue to rise. In the first half of 2023, 152,968 new electric cars were sold in the UK, representing a 32.7% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) in July.

Featured

RM Sotheby’s Schumacher Automobilia Auction Surpasses $2.6 Million

RM Sotheby’s organized an online event featuring memorabilia from the illustrious career of seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher. The auction garnered significant attention due to the growing global interest in Formula 1 and its legendary figures. The highlight of the auction was the helmets worn by Schumacher, with each selling for over $100,000. The event also showcased items autographed by other Formula 1 legends, including Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, which added to the appeal for collectors and fans alike.

The numbers from the auction are impressive: the total sales reached $2,604,876, surpassing the pre-auction high estimate of $1,791,850 by a remarkable 68.8%. Notably, 94 out of the 159 lots sold for prices higher than their projected values, demonstrating the strong demand for these collectibles. Bidders from 35 different countries participated in the auction, and an astonishing 64% of them were first-time participants in this type of event.

  • 2003 Michael Schumacher Schuberth Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Helmet – $120,000
  • 2004 Michael Schumacher Schuberth Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Helmet – $109,200
  • 2001 Michael Schumacher Schuberth Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Helmet – $109,200
  • 2001 Michael Schumacher Schuberth Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Helmet – $98,400
  • 2002 Michael Schumacher Schuberth Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Helmet – $97,200
  • 2002 Michael Schumacher Schuberth Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Helmet – $87,600
  • 2002 Michael Schumacher Schuberth Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Helmet – $87,600
  • 2001 Michael Schumacher Schuberth Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Helmet – $85,200
  • 1994 Michael Schumacher Bell Benetton Formula 1 Helmet – $79,200
  • 2003 Michael Schumacher Scuderia Ferrari OMP Formula 1 Signed Racing Suit – $78,000

This remarkable event solidifies the lasting legacy of figures like Michael Schumacher in the Formula 1 world and the increasing interest in racing memorabilia as an investment and means of preserving history. With no reserves on any items, the auction served as a litmus test for the real-world value of these artifacts, and the results were conclusive. It is a victory for both RM Sotheby’s and the growing community of Formula 1 collectors. To see all the current RM Sotheby’s inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY, click the link below.

View All RM Sotheby’s Inventory

Motorsport

Tiny Camper Somehow Fits Kitchen, Bed, Bathroom In 1,000-Pound Trailer

This custom-built, ultra-tiny camper trailer is truly remarkable. Despite weighing only 1,060 pounds, it manages to incorporate a modest bed, a kitchen, a stand-up shower, a portable toilet, air conditioning, and even a small external “garage.” Priced at $3,700, this could possibly be the smallest full-service camper ever seen.

We stumbled upon this listing in the Ohio RV & Campers Buy Sell Trade Facebook group, and it immediately caught our attention. The seller was kind enough to share numerous photos and additional information about the camper, including details about the clever stand-up shower. The shower curtain is stored in a waterproof bin that also serves as a bench next to the sofa. The sofa, in turn, can be folded down into a twin-sized bed. Adjacent to the shower is the kitchen, which features a small sink and a countertop long enough to accommodate a small stove. There is also a dorm-sized refrigerator underneath the counter, and a conveniently placed towel rack on the front wall.

Tiny Camper Interior
Tiny Camper Interior

The kitchen counter extends all the way to the back of the camper, allowing for additional storage bins between the fridge and the wall. Despite the sofa/bed occupying most of the remaining space, there is storage available at the front with shelves. Storage can also be found under the sofa, and an air conditioner is mounted high on the front wall for cooling. The camper includes a stowaway table for meals, and a portable toilet is provided for convenience.

The current owner, in a message to Motor1.com, revealed that they did not build the camper themselves but have information about the project. The walls are constructed with double sheets of plywood, insulation in between, and painter’s fabric on the exterior, creating a cozy and waterproof trailer. For ventilation, there are manual-crank windows and a roof-mounted skylight. A water tank is mounted beneath the sink, and at the front of the trailer, there is a mini-garage housing a battery for power and additional storage. The camper is equipped with a 1,000-watt inverter and can also be plugged in.