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News

Suzuki and SkyDrive Collaborate to Produce Flying Cars in Japan

In 2022, SkyDrive, a company specializing in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) machines, partnered with Suzuki to develop flying cars for the Japanese market. The goal was to have the first vehicles operational by 2025. Now, the two companies have officially signed an agreement to manufacture these flying cars, with production set to begin in spring 2024. The new version of the SkyDrive vehicle will have a three-person capacity, accommodating a pilot and two passengers, unlike the previous version which could only accommodate a pilot and a single passenger. The dimensions of the car will increase slightly to 43 feet long, 43 feet wide, and 10 feet high, including rotors.

In terms of specifications, the maximum takeoff weight has increased from 2,400 pounds to 3,100 pounds, while the maximum cruise speed is approximately 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) or 54 knots. The operational flight range has also increased to approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) compared to the previous range of 5 to 10 kilometers (3 to 6.2 miles). The powertrain of SkyDrive’s eVTOL is battery electric, and the vehicle will be constructed using a combination of composites and aluminum alloys. Production will take place at a Suzuki facility in Shizuoka, Japan.

SkyDrive’s Airworthiness Certification Plans

SkyDrive aims to obtain airworthiness certification for its eVTOL by 2025. The company plans to showcase its flying car at the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka after receiving the certification. Following that, SkyDrive will seek type approval certification to begin mass production for the Japanese market in 2026. In addition to the Japanese market, SkyDrive also has plans to enter the US market and obtain certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration. The company intends to establish a base in South Carolina for its US operations due to the state’s significant presence in the commercial and military aviation industries.

The journey towards achieving these goals may not be direct, but SkyDrive remains committed to making progress in the field of eVTOL technology. The company will continue to provide updates on its developments and advancements in the coming years.

Featured

Mansory’s New Lamborghini Urus Gleams In Gold

Mansory is a renowned aftermarket firm that specializes in customizing the most luxurious and powerful automobiles in the world. With its iconic Venatus body kit and unique wheel designs for the Urus, Mansory has made the Super SUV an extraordinary standout among exotic and luxury cars. And now, they have taken it a step further with their latest creation.

This latest Mansory Venatus Lamborghini Urus is truly a gilded creation, with its entire exterior finished in gold, specifically Bronzo Zante. One of its most striking features is the inclusion of Mansory’s new FD.15 wheels, which are the pinnacle of design at an impressive 24-inch diameter. Opening the doors reveals a lavish white leather interior, while under the hood, the engine has been boosted to a whopping 900 horsepower. With its immense power, distinct appearance, and head-turning configuration, this Mansory rendition of the Lamborghini Urus showcases the remarkable abilities of Mansory.

View All Lamborghini Urus For Sale

 
News

How Nio’s brand-building strategy extends beyond automotive

NIO at Shanghai Autoshow

Nio has a dedicated app that is as much about building loyalty as selling cars

Your wallet or smartphone is likely to be filled with various loyalty cards and apps that offer rewards for purchasing different products. However, Chinese firm Nio is taking this concept beyond retail and applying it to the automotive industry. While most car companies have apps that provide sales information or allow consumers to control their vehicles, Nio’s app focuses on building loyalty and creating a social media network for its customers. Nio currently has hundreds of thousands of car sales, but its app boasts 2.3 million registered users, with around 240,000 active users each day. The app has facilitated the sharing of 20 million posts, showcasing its success in creating a dedicated community of Nio enthusiasts.

Nio’s brand-building efforts extend beyond its app as well. The company organizes events, such as camping trips, for its loyal customers who sign up for these experiences through the app. These events serve as an opportunity for Nio owners to connect with like-minded individuals and share their enthusiasm for the brand. Nio also collaborates with its users through a partner program, where discounts are offered to other app users. The focus on user satisfaction is a key aspect of Nio’s strategy, as the company believes that existing owners are their best ambassadors.

In addition to building a community through its app and events, Nio has created physical spaces called Nio Houses. These establishments not only showcase Nio cars but also feature coffee shops where customers can purchase Nio-branded drinks and snacks using either cash or Nio points. Nio points can be earned by participating in Nio events, posting on the app, or buying Nio products. Speaking of products, Nio has developed a brand called Nio Life, which offers a wide range of merchandise across different categories, including homeware, fashion, and food.

Nio’s commitment to community-building is evident in its formation of a user advisory board consisting of company representatives and elected owners. This board helps guide the company’s efforts, including charitable initiatives supported by the dividends from the shares donated by Nio’s founder. Despite its success in China, the question remains: will Nio’s unique approach to brand-building translate to other markets, particularly Europe? Nio is expanding into various European countries, including the UK, and believes that the trust and loyalty it has fostered with its users can be replicated elsewhere.

BMW

Second Place Finish for BMW M Hybrid V8 in Dramatic IMSA Race at Watkins Glen

The BMW M Team RLL came close to securing their first victory with the BMW M Hybrid V8 at the 6-hour race of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in Watkins Glen, USA. However, in a thrilling final phase, Connor De Phillippi, who was leading the race, lost time while lapping and had to settle for second place, behind the Porsche #6. Nonetheless, it was still a fantastic result for the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8, driven by De Phillippi and Nick Yelloly. The LMDh prototype demonstrated its potential to win the race on its own merits. In the GTD class, Paul Miller Racing secured a podium finish with the BMW M4 GT3 after a remarkable comeback.

In the GTP class, the two BMW M Hybrid V8 cars started the race from fifth and seventh positions due to the cancellation of qualifying caused by heavy rain. Unfortunately, in the very first turn, Augusto Farfus lost control of the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 and crashed into the barriers, resulting in significant damage that prevented the car from being repaired during the race. Farfus and his teammate Philipp Eng were forced to retire early.

During the first hour of the race, De Phillippi collided with a spinning Cadillac, damaging the front of the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8, which had to be replaced. However, De Phillippi and Yelloly managed to fight their way back from the back of the GTP field with a strong pace and took the lead in the final hour of the race. Only in the last few minutes, as they encountered heavy traffic with lapped cars, did De Phillippi’s lead diminish. With just five minutes to go, he conceded to the charging Porsche. Despite missing out on victory, the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8 crew achieved their third podium finish of the season.

In the GTD class, Paul Miller Racing made an impressive comeback. After facing early technical issues with the #1 BMW M4 GT3, drivers Madison Snow, Bryan Sellers, and Corey Lewis fell three laps behind. However, they strategically utilized the yellow flag periods to make up the deficit and eventually finished in second place on the podium. In the GTD-PRO class, Bill Auberlen, Chandler Hull, and John Edwards were involved in a rollover incident five minutes before the end of the race. Luckily, Auberlen emerged uninjured. The incident led to a final yellow flag period that determined the outcome of the race. In the GTD class, the #96 BMW M4 GT3 driven by Robby Foley, Patrick Gallagher, and Michael Dinan finished in 13th place.

Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, expressed his excitement about the battle for the lead and congratulated the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8 team on their fantastic podium finish. Brandon Fry, Vice President of IMSA Operations and Technical Director BMW M Team RLL, noted that the team showed great potential to fight for wins and podium finishes this season with the BMW M Hybrid V8. Connor De Phillippi, who finished in second place, expressed his frustration at losing the victory so close to the finish but remained optimistic about the team’s progress and future success. Nick Yelloly, also finishing in second place, was pleased with the podium result and believed it boded well for the rest of the season. Augusto Farfus took responsibility for the accident and apologized to his teammate and the team.