Tag Archives: flagship

Mazda Might Be Planning Its First Carbon Fiber Chassis

Mazda likes to save lots of weight wherever it will probably. Its flagship sports activities automotive, the MX-5 Miata, weighs beneath 2,400 kilos because of a method of shaving off the grams wherever potential. Eventually, extra elementary adjustments need to occur although, and it appears the Japanese automaker is wanting into new supplies for a potential upcoming product. 

A patent granted to the automaker just some days in the past goes into element in regards to the strategies and processes it will use to construct such a car. It doesn’t describe a particular automotive past the truth that it’ll have four doors. Sadly, this does not seem like a sports activities automotive if the automaker decides to supply it. Based on the included artwork, it might be a sedan.

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Patent artwork is not at all times consultant of a possible product, however the textual content of the doc does describe 4 doorways.

Mazda is probably going wanting into this know-how to shed weight within the period of electrification. Other patents printed just lately by the automaker point out it is laborious at work creating more hybrids and full EVs, each of that are sometimes heavier than pure ICE automobiles. One strategy to combat this additional mass is by eradicating it from the next-heaviest a part of the automotive after the drivetrain, the physique and chassis. 

The automaker appears notably serious about crossing carbon fiber laminations in several instructions to create what it calls a “quasi-isotropic” materials, aka one that’s robust in each route load is utilized to it. It not solely defines how it will create this materials but in addition lays out a number of profiles it will use for various elements of the automotive. The roof-supporting pillars, body rails, and crash bumpers are all proven to have completely different cross-sections.

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With carbon weaves in several instructions, Mazda hopes to create a composite that is robust in a number of axes.

Based on the authorized particulars of the doc, Mazda is not going to be alone in growing this chassis. The patent was assigned to each the Japanese automaker in addition to the Nippon Steel Chemical & Material Co., Ltd. In different phrases, it is working with a associate who has expertise growing carbon fiber buildings. 

Needless to say, we do not know when or if a carbon-chassis Mazda will ever hit the streets, nevertheless it’s at all times fascinating to search out out what an enthusiast-focused automaker like Mazda is researching behind the scenes. It might be at some point quickly that Mazda sells a hybrid or electrical sedan that, because of a carbon body, is significantly lighter than its competitors. We’ll simply have to attend and see.

 

DS to launch high-riding electrical luxurious saloon

DS is making ready to launch a model new flagship electric car to start a brand new period of it promoting solely plug-in hybrids and EVs.

Spotted winter testing forward of its launch in early 2025, the DS 9 substitute wears a high-riding fastback physique, just like fellow Stellantis model Peugeot’s new e-3008 crossover.

Its roofline is extra rakish than that of the future-looking Aero Sport Lounge concept, which was described by DS design chief Thierry Métroz as “a prelude to our next creations” and a “manifesto” for extra sustainable luxurious automobiles.

It’s anticipated to be the primary of two new DS fashions getting into manufacturing at Stellantis’s manufacturing facility in Melfi, Italy, 2025 and will likely be twinned with the successor to the Vauxhall Insignia.

All fashions being produced at Melfi will use the STLA Medium platform, which made its debut beneath the e-3008. This supplies a powerful trace on the specs of the brand new DS EV.

The platform is for automobiles between 4.3m and 4.9m lengthy, which means it may underpin the replacements for each mannequin within the DS line-up bar the DS 3, which must use the STLA Small structure.

DS EV prototype front

STLA Medium permits for EV energy outputs between 215bhp and 382bhp, utilising both a single motor mounted on the entrance or a motor on every axle (offering four-wheel drive).

Currently it presents battery capacities of as much as 98kWh, yielding as much as 435 miles of vary. The e-3008 additionally presents a 73kWh (usable capability) pack that delivers 326 miles between fees.

However, these figures are topic to alter, as power density improves with developments equivalent to new battery chemistries.

Energy effectivity, somewhat than outright efficiency, will likely be the precedence for the brand new DS.

Former DS CEO Béatrice Foucher beforehand informed Autocar that the silhouette of this subsequent mannequin, hanging a compromise between a hatchback and an SUV, was meant to “provide the best energy management”.

10 Sci-Fi Mechs We’d Love To Test Drive

“Gurren Lagann” is arguably the craziest mecha anime ever created. The present’s flagship robotic, Gurren Lagann, makes use of drills to assault, combines with and empowers different robots, and defies physics on an hourly foundation. However, as highly effective as Gurren Lagann can get, its evil counterpart Lazengann is arguably cooler.

Lazengann is the antithesis of Gurren Lagann, as befitting the mech of the present’s first major antagonist. Whereas Gurren Lagann is cumbersome and ostentatious,  Lazengann is glossy, slender, and sinister. To put it one other method, Gurren Lagann appears cool as a result of the mech works exhausting at it, whereas Lazengann appears cool with out even making an attempt.

While appearances play an enormous half in our desire for Lazengann over Gurren Lagann, the true deciding issue is the gulf between capabilities. Technically talking, each mechs have the identical talent units, however Lazengann edges Gurren Lagann out in velocity, sturdiness, and magnificence. Both can sprout drills throughout their our bodies, and Gurren Lagann combines them into one nice huge giga drill, which — thoughts you — continues to be superior. 

Lazengann, nonetheless, wins as a result of it makes use of these like whips. Ergo, Lazengann channels the present’s spirit of prioritizing human willpower and bullheadedness over logic and physics much more than Gurren Lagann. So sure, utilizing a drill like a drill is superior, however utilizing a drill like a lathe is much more superior, particularly when it’s accompanied by one of the best songs within the present.

Acclaimed Singer And Bollywood Icon Shaan Makes An Electrifying Purchase: A Mercedes-Benz EQS 580

This flagship electrical sedan from Mercedes-Benz affords an ARAI-claimed vary of 857 km and nonetheless packs over 500 PS of energy

Singer Shaan Buys A Mercedes-Benz EQS 580

Shaan Mukherjee, a well-liked singer greatest recognized for his songs featured in main Bollywood hits, has made an enormous buy just lately. Mercedes-Benz shared on their social media that Shaan has purchased the German model’s flagship luxurious EV in India, the Mercedes-Benz EQS 580.

A post shared by Mercedes-Benz Auto Hangar India Pvt Ltd (@autohangar)

 

Shaan’s EQS sports activities the Sodalite Blue Metallic paint, and whereas we will’t see the interiors clearly, the sedan appears to have the Neva gray leather-based seats, which can probably be paired with a Balao brown upholstery shade. Here is extra details about the electrical Mercedes sedan.

Powertrain

Mercedes-Benz EQS 580

The EQS 580 comes with a 107.8 kWh battery pack paired with twin electrical motors in an all-wheel-drive setup. Together, these electrical motors churn out 523 PS and 855 Nm, which is sufficient to let this luxurious sedan attain 100 kmph from standstill in lower than 5 seconds.

Also Read: 2024 Bharat Mobility Expo: Mercedes-Benz EQG Concept Makes India Debut

The EQS 580 comes with an ARAI-claimed vary of 857 km whereas the WLTP vary of round 600 km is extra probably in the true world. Its large battery pack might be juiced up from 10 to 80 p.c in simply half-hour, utilizing a 200 kW DC quick charger.

Features & Safety

Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 Cabin

As the electrical equal to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the EQS 580 is very outfitted. It contains a 56-inch MBUX hyperscreen that consists of a digital driver’s show, an infotainment touchscreen, and a entrance passenger show. It additionally affords multi-zone local weather management, ventilated seats, ambient lighting, a 15-speaker 710 W Burmester sound system, and powered seats with therapeutic massage perform.

Also Read: 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe Launched, Priced At Rs 1.85 Crore

For security, the electrical sedan affords 9 airbags, ABS with EBD, digital stability management (ESC), tyre stress monitoring system (TPMS), and a bunch of ADAS (superior driver help system) options equivalent to brake help, lane departure warning, driver consideration help, steering help, and adaptive cruise management. 

Price & Rivals

Mercedes-Benz EQS 580

The Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC is priced at Rs 1.62 crore (ex-showroom), and it’s a rival to the likes of BMW i7, Audi RS e-tron and Porsche Taycan.

Read More on : EQS Automatic

Shoei’s Race-Ready X-Fifteen Now Comes In A Marquez Thai GP Edition

Shoei‘s flagship racing helmet, the X-Fourteen, garnered international acclaim due to its distinctive aerodynamic efficiency. Worn by among the world’s prime racers together with Marc Marquez, the X-Fourteen is without doubt one of the most sought-after lids within the sport and efficiency class, and for good purpose. It’s designed for racing, so it is decked out in all of the important security and luxury options you can think about. 

With all of the tech that is been stuffed into this helmet, it is arduous to think about how Shoei might make it even higher. Well apparently it has, or so it claims with the brand new X-Fifteen, the religious successor to the X-Fourteen. Indeed, we have talked about this new helmet in nice element prior to now, however in case you missed out on all of the specs and options, let’s gloss over them rapidly. 

Shoei's Race-Ready X-Fifteen Now Comes In A Marquez Thai GP Edition

The X-Fifteen race-replica helmet options many of the styling parts present in Marc Marquez’s helmet throughout the Thai spherical of the 2023 MotoGP.

Shoei’s racing line of helmets is all about aero, and the X-Fifteen is the embodiment of this. Through intensive wind tunnel testing, Shoei managed to cut back raise by 1.6 p.c and drag by 6.1 p.c in comparison with the X-Fourteen. This signifies that the helmet guarantees steady aerodynamic efficiency at speeds in extra of 350 kilometers per hour (219 miles per hour). While aero is unquestionably a significant side of any racing helmet, so too is consolation. The X-Fifteen guarantees ample air flow by way of strain evaluation testing.

The new lid is claimed to have an air route that is 1.5 instances deeper than its predecessor, which implies it is higher at conserving your head cool as you slice by way of the air. Meanwhile, a rear stabilizer tunnel with an outlet just under the spoiler pulls sizzling air out of the helmet, all whereas offering enhanced stability at excessive speeds. On the within of the helmet, Shoei has built-in enhanced cut up middle pads for an adjustable match. There’s additionally an expanded cheek pad space for a comfortable match at excessive speeds. Lastly, the X-Fifteen integrates a center-lock CWR-F2R defend full with an anti-fog visor for clear imaginative and prescient in all climate circumstances. 

Shoei's Race-Ready X-Fifteen Now Comes In A Marquez Thai GP Edition

The X-Fifteen race-replica helmet options many of the styling parts present in Marc Marquez’s helmet throughout the Thai spherical of the 2023 MotoGP.

Indeed the X-Fifteen goals to be a jack of all trades in the case of racing lids, and so Shoei has made it suitable with hydration techniques for longer touring rides and endurance races. There’s a port on the chin of the helmet that means that you can set up a suitable hydration gadget. Like earlier than, Shoei integrates an emergency helmet removing system for added security within the unlikely occasion of an accident. 

For 2024, Shoei has launched a particular version X-Fifteen impressed by Marc Marquez’s Thai GP helmet. Simply dubbed the X-Fifteen Marquez Thai, the restricted version helmet will probably be on supply in Japan for a restricted time solely: from April to June 2024. It carries fairly a hefty price ticket of 96,800 yen, or about $656 USD. For reference, the usual X-Fifteen carries an MSRP of 77,000 yen ($522 USD) in Japan. Over within the US, the Shoei X-Fifteen has a instructed retail value beginning at $899 USD.

Toyota Electric Vehicles Lineup: Everything New For 2024

Although Toyota solely has the bZ4X and the Mirai as its flagship electrical automobiles for the 2024 lineup, Toyota’s commitment to sustainable mobility cannot be underestimated. The firm has a litany of hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles just like the Prius Prime and the RAV4 Prime to cushion its transition to full-electric know-how whereas engaged on groundbreaking technology like the 745-mile solid-state battery.

The bZ4X is a completely electrical SUV and Toyota’s first battery-electric vehicle. In addition to zero emissions, it boasts superior know-how, and a spacious and versatile inside that shuts your eyes to any shortcomings that make it apparent as Toyota’s foray into the electrical SUV section.

There can also be the Mirai, which is a succesful hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. It showcases Toyota’s dedication to progressive different fuels. The Mirai affords a powerful driving vary that rivals the most important names within the EV business, just like the Lucid and Tesla, in addition to luxurious options that set a brand new normal for eco-friendly automobiles. It’s designed with a glossy and aerodynamic design that enhances its cutting-edge developments in hydrogen fuel-cell know-how, making it extra environment friendly and increasing its driving vary.

While the bZ4X and the Mirai are Toyota’s first electrical car choices, the model invested $35 billion in December 2021, a part of which was aimed toward producing 30 electrical automobiles by 2030.

In order to provide the most recent and correct data doable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from Toyota’s car web sites and the EPA.

Related

Toyota Hybrid And Electric Cars: Past, Present, And Future

For a few years now, Toyota has been one of many prime automakers relating to hybrids, and here is what its hybrid and electrical journey has been like.

2024 Toyota bZ4X: What’s New?

Elemental Silver Metallic Toyota bZ4X Limited FWD front-quarter
Toyota

The Toyota bZ4X affords a mix of consolation and know-how. It is Toyota’s first foray into the electric vehicle market. It’s fitted with a panoramic fixed-glass roof with an influence sunshade. The XLE trim options fabric-trimmed seats, whereas the Limited trim affords SofTex-trimmed seats, each with embossed polygonal-design seat inserts, and an eight-way power-adjustable perform within the driver’s seat. A top-mount Multi-Information Display and a seven-inch instrument cluster that prioritizes connectivity and a cushty driving expertise.

New Model Highlights

A Toyota bZ4X parked at an EVgo charging station
Toyota
  • Faster DC fast-charging in all weathers, courtesy of a revised battery-temperature administration system.
  • A 12 months of EVgo charging is obtainable.
  • An influence driver’s seat and an influence liftgate come new on the bottom XLE trim.

Related

Why The Toyota BZ4X Is Just The First Chapter Of Toyota Electric SUVs

Delve into how the BZ4X heralds Toyota’s foray into electrical SUVs, crafting the blueprint for a lineup of eco-conscious automobiles.

Powertrain And Specs

Toyota bZ4X
Toyota

In the usual configuration, the Toyota bZ4X is fitted as a single-motor front-wheel drive mannequin which encompasses a front-mounted AC synchronous electrical motor that delivers 201 horsepower and 196 pound-feet of torque. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration is non-compulsory. It incorporates entrance and rear-axle-mounted electrical motors, producing a mixed 214 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque.

Performance Specifications

Single-motor FWD

Dual-motor AWD

Electric Motor

150 kW

80 kW entrance/80 kW rear

Power Output

201 HP

214 HP

Electric Range

252 miles (XLE)/242 miles (Limited)

228 miles (XLE)/222 miles (Limited)

Charging Time

7.5 kW in 9.5 hrs/150 kW in 30 minutes

7.5 kW in 9.5 hrs/150 kW in 30 minutes

(Data was collected from Toyota and the EPA)

Equipped with a 71.4 kWh battery in an structure with a complete voltage of 355 Volts, in the perfect circumstances, the bZ4X achieves an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 252 miles. It helps AC Level-2 charging and takes about 9.5 hours to succeed in full battery capability from a low cost. With DC Fast Charging, it will probably replenish the battery to 80 % in half-hour underneath very best circumstances, at a pace of 150 KW and above.

Trims Comparison

Toyota bZ4X
Toyota

The two bZ4X trims have base MSRPs which can be $4,110 aside. The XLE trim starts at $43,070 whereas the Limited trim begins at $47,180. The XLE trim’s electrical vary exhibits higher effectivity, with its front-wheel-drive system able to a 252-mile vary, and the optional all-wheel-drive configuration offering 228 miles of electric range. In comparability, the Limited trim which prioritizes luxurious and premium options is capable of traveling 242 and 222 miles of range in the front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations respectively. The XLE trim is supplied with 18-inch alloy wheels in comparison with the 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels of the Limited trim.

Trim Features

XLE trim

Limited trim

Electric Range

252 miles (RWD)/228 miles (AWD)

242 miles (RWD)/222 miles (AWD)

Energy Efficiency

119 MPGe (RWD)/104 MPGe (AWD)

114 MPGe (RWD)/102 MPGe (AWD)

Manufacturer-estimated Interior Volume

123.0 cu-ft

121.5 cu-ft (with JBL audio system)

Cargo Volume Behind Front Seat

56.9 cu-ft

55.0 cu-ft (with JBL audio system)

Curb Weight

4,266 lbs

4,398 lbs

(Data was collected from Toyota and the EPA)

Bi-LED projector headlights on the XLE trim are swapped for multi-LED projector headlights within the Limited trim, and the 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system that works with a regular six-speaker configuration is swapped for a high-quality nine-speaker JBL Premium Audio system with subwoofer and amplifier. This high-quality audio system causes a discount in cargo quantity within the Limited trim because it drops from 27.7 cubic-feet to 25.8 cubic-feet. XLE trim patrons can get an improve to heated entrance seats, however the Limited trim patrons get this and ventilated entrance seats as normal.

Related

Every Toyota Hybrid SUV Ranked By Fuel Efficiency

Toyota has launched a lot of hybrid SUVs over time, Here’s how all of them stack up in opposition to one another by way of gas effectivity.

2024 Toyota bZ4X: Pros And Cons

White And Silver Toyota bZ4X
Toyota

Pros

  • It has a excessive EPA-estimated effectivity ranking.
  • It is Toyota’s first battery-electric car and a ok entry into the business.

Cons

  • It is dearer than opponents just like the Kia Niro EV and the Volkswagen ID.4
  • The energy output of its all-wheel drive configuration is rather a lot lower than its opponents.
  • It has a decrease all-electric vary than its opponents.

2024 Toyota Mirai: What’s New?

An action shot of the Toyota Mirai
Toyota

The Toyota Mirai represents a daring leap into the fuel-cell hydrogen know-how in its second era. Due to the restricted nature of hydrogen gas stations, this distinctive car is offered solely in southern California. It boasts an aerodynamic coupe-like design and an upscale cabin, with its refueling time one in every of its most spectacular options, taking just five minutes from empty to completely full. It is priced at $49,500 MSRP, and it comes with normal 19-inch alloy wheels, with the choice to improve to 20-inch tremendous chrome-finished aluminum alloy wheels.

The inside is supplied with superior Toyota know-how, together with Toyota’s progressive Human Machine Interface with a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen that makes use of sight, contact, and voice activation. There’s additionally a colour Head-Up Display, Panoramic View Monitor, and a digital rearview mirror with HomeLink to additional improve the driving expertise. Qi-Wireless charging can also be out there with 4 USB ports.

Related

Toyota’s “Hydrogen Sharing Network” Could Make Refuelling Your Hydrogen-powered Car A Whole Lot Easier

Thanks to current patent filings, we have realized what Toyota has in retailer with its “Hydrogen Sharing Network”, and it might be an amazing transfer.

New Model Highlights

Red Toyota Mirai
Toyota pressroom
  • Toyota has upgraded the protection system from Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ to three.0.
  • 20-inch chrome wheels which have been solely out there within the Limited trim at the moment are out there within the XLE trim.

Powertrain And Specs

White Toyota Mirai
Toyota

The Toyota Mirai is Toyota’s means of redefining the idea of eco-friendly driving utilizing the revolutionary hydrogen fuel-cell know-how. It is supplied with a single-permanent magnet AC synchronous electrical motor that generates 182 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. This works with a 310.8-volt 1.24-kWh lithium-ion battery. This powertrain is able to 0-60 mph acceleration in 9.2 seconds.

Performance Specifications

Layout

Single-motor RWD

Electric Motor

136 kW

Power Output

182 HP

Hydrogen Tank

12.3 lbs

Fuel-Cell Capacity

128 kW

Overall Range

402 miles

(Data was collected from Toyota)

It’s designed with a rear-wheel-drive system and mixed with its multi-link entrance and rear suspension, it produces a spirited, easy, and fascinating driving expertise. The fuel-cell system makes use of a 12.3-pound hydrogen tank, and a 142.2-liter 128-kW gas cell comprising 330 cells to provide a range of up to 402 miles and an effectivity ranking of 74 MPGe.

Related

Why The Rise Of Hydrogen Vehicles Is Inevitable

Hydrogen can energy future electrical automobiles and, with a comparatively easy conversion can cut back emissions of our present inner combustion automobiles

Trims Comparison

Interior of the Toyota Mirai
Toyota

The Toyota Mirai affords the identical two distinct trims because the bZ4X, every delivering a novel stability of luxurious and know-how. The XLE trim starts at $49,500, and gives as much as 402 miles of vary, at a gas effectivity of 74 MPGe. The Limited trim will get a 45-mile drop and successful in effectivity to 65 MPGe. Both trims are geared up with a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system and JBL Premium Audio with 14 audio system, which can supply all occupants a classy driving expertise.

Trim Features

XLE trim

Limited trim

Leather tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Leather tilt/telescopic steering wheel with reminiscence and audio controls

Eight-inch colour gauge cluster

12.3-inch colour gauge cluster

Heated SofTex-trimmed entrance seats

Heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed perforated entrance and rear seats

Active Sound Control

(Data was collected from Toyota)

In distinction, the Limited trim, priced at $66,000, options luxurious enhancements. These embody a twin fastened Panoramic View Moonroof and Color Head-Up Display which are not out there on the XLE trim. The XLE’s dual-zone computerized local weather management system has been upgraded to three-zone computerized local weather management within the Limited trim, including opulence and luxury. The Limited trim additionally affords a rear touchscreen management panel, and a 12.3-inch colour gauge cluster, 4.3 inches bigger than the gauge cluster within the XLE trim.

2024 Toyota Mirai: Pros & Cons

Toyota Mirai Refuelling
Toyota

The 2024 Toyota Mirai will supply solely southern California residents an eco-friendly hydrogen fuel-cell know-how different to conventional gas-powered automobiles and even battery-electric automobiles, with a powerful driving vary, luxurious options, and limited charging infrastructure.

Pros

  • The third-longest driving vary of electrical automobiles, behind solely the Lucid Air and Tesla Model S.
  • It can recharge from empty to utterly full in 5 minutes.
  • Premium luxurious at a less expensive beginning value than its opponents.

Cons

  • Higher preliminary value in comparison with conventional gasoline automobiles.
  • Limited hydrogen infrastructure for refueling.
  • The energy output and efficiency are rather a lot lower than what’s provided by its opponents.

Will Samsung’s New Galaxy Ring Finally Make Smart Rings Take Off?

Samsung used this identical Unpacked occasion to point out off its latest Galaxy flagship, the Galaxy S24 series. The firm’s flagship telephones have confirmed very talked-about through the years, and that reputation paved the way in which for the opposite shopper tech devices supplied by the corporate: its smartwatches, after all, in addition to its Galaxy Buds earbuds. Going all-in on one firm’s ecosystem is interesting for a lot of causes, together with improved interoperability between units from the identical firm and entry to particular options that will not be obtainable to those that deliver different corporations’ units into the combination. 

Apple continues to be the chief in terms of walled gardens, however each Samsung and Google have taken loads of notes. While it is questionable whether or not a sensible ring launched impartial of any wider ecosystem would obtain runaway success — the Oura continues to be unknown to the common shopper — its place as the most recent darling inside Samsung’s wider catalog might give it the sort of enhance the good ring business as a complete requires. 

After all, when you already personal a Samsung smartphone, a Samsung smartwatch, and Samsung earbuds, why not toss a Samsung good ring into the combination? Especially if the South Korean firm ensures there are distinctive options that incentivize taking that leap, although we’ll have to attend to search out out whether or not that is the case. If Samsung sees sufficient success with its personal effort, it is all however assured that different corporations will comply with swimsuit in hopes of piggybacking off that achievement.

This Toyota Century Convertible SUV Was Made To Move Sumo Wrestlers

Since 1967, the Century has been Toyota’s flagship luxurious automobile, eclipsing even Lexus fashions. Traditionally a dignified sedan, a big transformation occurred final 12 months with the introduction of an SUV. This mannequin is obtainable in varied configurations, together with a high-performance GRMN model and one that includes sliding rear doorways. However, probably the most unconventional variant is a convertible.

Teased through the world premiere of the usual Century SUV final September, this distinctive convertible is now a actuality. Notably, it retains the rear doorways, a characteristic absent in probably the most well-known convertible SUV – the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. The fastened metallic roof has been changed, and the rear pillars eliminated. Although there could be a cloth high on the again, no pictures can be found with the roof within the upright place.

You’d anticipate the peculiar automobile to indicate up on the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon amongst different modified vehicles however its premiere came about at a special location in Japan. The nation’s sumo affiliation and Toyota organized a devoted occasion for the Century SUV Convertible. It’ll be used as a parade automotive by the Japan Sumo Association, which is able to have a good time its centenary subsequent 12 months. The preliminary plan was to make use of a Crown however committee member Sho Miyagino requested to have Toyota’s final flagship mannequin as an alternative.

Toyota has already declared that the brand new Century SUV Convertible serves as a canvas for prosperous clients. These people have the chance to request personalised, one-of-a-kind variations of the automobile, permitting the automaker to tailor the SUV to the precise preferences and needs of every rich buyer. And sure, a cabrio is among the potential conversions.

It’s not low-cost by any stretch of the creativeness since the usual mannequin begins from 25,000,000 yen, so about $171,000 at present trade charges. It’s much more costly than the Century sedan ($137,000) and prices roughly 5 occasions greater than a base Land Cruiser 300.

CES 2024 Innovation Spotlight: Brane Audio’s Brane X

Sometimes, a beforehand unknown firm makes an enormous splash at CES with a brand new flagship product, and this 12 months, that occurs to be the case with Brane Audio. The sound know-how firm, based in 2015, confirmed off its Brane X Portable Smart Speaker — a strong (and expensive) speaker that provides unprecedented energy for such a small machine. 

That’s on account of an progressive proprietary characteristic often called a Repel-Attract Driver (RAD): RAD makes use of magnets to change air strain throughout the speaker and push out a formidable quantity of air (i.e. low bass frequencies), regardless of the speaker’s small dimension with an 8-inch subwoofer.

As Joe Pinkerton, co-founder and CEO at Brane Audio, explained to TechCrunch, “We developed a new way of making audio. Specifically, we have a novel subwoofer … It is a factor of roughly 100 times more efficient in the subwoofer range. That enables us to make it a tenth of the size and draw a tenth of the power.”

In addition to being smaller and extra power-efficient, the transportable speaker can final 12 hours earlier than it wants its battery recharged, and has one pair of tweeters and one pair of mid-range audio system for stereo playback. It additionally comes geared up with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and is appropriate with Amazon Alexa and Spotify. The speaker has an IP57 ranking, so it is waterproof and dustproof, making it a super companion for the poolside.

The Brane X Smart Speaker is obtainable now for buy and prices $599.99.

Volvo ES90 electrical saloon due for 2024 reveal

The Volvo S90 saloon is anticipated to get replaced with a brand new electrical flagship launching in 2025, prone to be referred to as the ES90.

Known internally on the Swedish automotive maker underneath the codename V551, manufacturing is about to happen at a manufacturing unit owned and operated by Volvo’s mother or father firm Geely in China, as revealed in {a photograph} and specs leaked by the corporate’s board.

{A photograph} printed to Volvo‘s worker intranet reveals members of Volvo’s manufacturing crew in Zhejiang huddled round indicators that learn “Volvo Cars V551 First VP Car Celebration” and “Confidential Top Secret”. The reference to VP stands for ‘Verification Prototype’.

The electrical Audi A6BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE rival is totally obscured from view, forward of an anticipated unveiling within the coming months. 

The luxurious four-door is anticipated to be primarily based on Volvo’s SPA2 platform – the identical construction that underpins the brand new EX90 SUV and its Polestar 4 sibling. It accommodates electrical drivetrains working at both 400 or 800 volts.

Specifications leaked by Volvo recommend the ES90 will probably be bought with the selection of each single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor four-wheel drive.

It can be mentioned to make use of a 111 kWh battery (107 kWh usable) delivering 600km (373 miles) of vary together with the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive drivetrain.

According to Volvo, the ES90 measures 4999mm in size, 1547mm in peak and 1945mm in width, making it 61mm shorter, 32mm increased and 45mm wider than the BMW i5. It additionally receives a wheelbase that’s 105mm longer than its German rival at 3100mm.

Development of the ES90 is known to have been partly carried out together with Geely’s new Galaxy E8 saloon and Zeekr 7 saloon – the latter of which boasts as much as 637bhp and a variety of 478 miles on the Chinese CLTC check cycle in range-topping dual-motor four-wheel drive specification.

While early hypothesis advised the ES90 may share its platform with the lately unveiled Polestar 5, it’s understood the brand new bonded aluminum construction is taken into account too costly for the value level and anticipated manufacturing volumes of the brand new Volvo saloon, which is deliberate to be provided in all of its present international markets. 

Details of Volvo’s new electrical S90 come after it phased out all estate and saloon models in the UK market, citing a lot increased demand for SUVs. As a outcome, it stays unclear if the model will deliver its Audi A6 rival right here.

The ES90 will probably be Volvo’s fourth bespoke electrical automotive, becoming a member of the EX30 crossover, EX90 SUV and EM90 MPV. An electric successor to the XC60 is due in 2025, however no plans have but been revealed for an electrical alternative for the S60 and V60.