Electric automobiles are perceived as heavy, huge, and boring machines targeted on sustainability. The prevailing stereotype means that electric vehicles lack the fun and pleasure that comes with conventional sports activities automobiles. However, the Carice TC2, an electrical sports activities automobile hailing from the Netherlands, shatters these preconceptions. Weighing in at a mere 1,300 kilos (590 kilograms) in base type, the TC2 proves that driving pleasure and environmental consciousness can coexist.
That area of interest machine is featured in one in every of Fully Charged’s newest episodes on YouTube, and the design attracts inspiration from iconic sports activities automobiles of the previous, notably the basic Porsche 550 Spyder. However, what units the TC2 aside is that it’s not a restomod or a package automobile – this electrical sports activities automobile is meticulously designed and constructed from the bottom up, embodying a fusion of basic aesthetics and trendy ingenuity.
Beneath the modern exterior lies an electrical powertrain. You’re in all probability anticipating huge quantities of energy to wheels, however the fact is that the TC2 has a rear-mounted electrical motor with simply 56 horsepower. A 31.5-kilowatt-hour battery pack offers electrical vitality, which is sufficient for a variety of as much as 186 miles on a single cost.
There’s no energy steering, no ABS, no brake help of any sort, no traction management, and no beeping security programs. 0-60 time? No one actually cares for the reason that TC2 is extra in regards to the pure pleasure of driving a light-weight and nimble sports activities automobile. Let’s simply say it’s fast sufficient to make you giggle.
Lexus, the luxury focused subsidiary of the Japanese automaker, Toyota, unveiled the all-new Lexus LM luxury MPV at the Shanghai Auto Show 2023. Lexus has long been a pioneer in the automotive industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of luxury and innovation. With its commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences, the brand has developed a diverse portfolio of vehicles that cater to a wide range of preferences and lifestyles.
The first-generation Lexus LM, introduced in 2019, garnered considerable acclaim for its refined design, spacious interior, and advanced technology. Recognizing the growing demand for chauffeur-driven luxury MPVs in Asia and beyond, Lexus embarked on a journey to elevate the LM to new heights, reintroducing it as a hybrid vehicle. The all-new Lexus LM represents a complete reimagination of the luxury MPV concept.
Lexus has built big, luxurious cars over the years, none of which come close to matching the opulence of the Lexus LM
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from the websites of Lexus, Modellista and Toyota.
The Lexus LM Is A Fusion Of Sophistication And Functionality
The Lexus LM’s exterior design embodies the concept of “Dignified Elegance” with its unique blend of sophisticated style and functional purpose. The LM’s front fascia captures attention with its evolution of the Lexus signature Spindle Grille. The grille’s intricate mesh pattern is seamlessly integrated into the surrounding body panels, creating a unified and aerodynamic design.
Sharp, L-shaped headlights flank the grille, extending far into the fenders. Beneath the headlights, a sculpted bumper houses fog lights and air intakes. The LM’s side profile exudes elegance with its flowing lines and uninterrupted curves.
Lexus LM Dimensions
Length
201.8 inches
Width
74.4 inches
Height
77.0 inches
Wheelbase
118.1 inches
(Specs sourced from Toyota)
Elegance And Spaciousness In Harmony
Lexus
The long wheelbase provides ample space for the spacious cabin while also contributing to the vehicle’s smooth ride. The large windows are accentuated by a low beltline. The LM’s rear end is as distinctive as its front, the rear taillights, featuring Lexus’s signature L-shaped motif, stretch across the width of the vehicle, emphasizing the LM’s wide stance. The LM is available in a range of exterior colors including Black, White, Beige, and Red each complements its design.
The LM Can Morph To Be More Stylish, Courtesy Of Modellista
Toyota Modellista
As is the culture for Lexus and Toyota models available for the auto market in Japan, the LM gets a styling kit from Toyota’s Modellista division. It includes a front lip spoiler, a rear bumper spoiler, side skirts, a chrome garnish for the front and rear, and side garnishes for the front end forward the air intakes. 19-inch alloy wheels complete the exterior appearance, while a lacquered panel is fitted to the interior partition to complete the kit.
The LF-ZC and LF-ZL concepts offer a sneak peek of the tech-forward electric future of Lexus.
This Lexus Offers A Relaxing, Lounge-Like Environment
The interior of the Lexus LM is designed to be a relaxing, lounge-like environment. The spacious interior features expansive trim and overhead consoles throughout the cabin, while the clean-cut rectangular door trim is finished with a subtle pattern. The interior colors are also designed to create a sophisticated contemporary feel, with Solis White featuring copper accents on the surroundings, while Black features gray tone gradations throughout.
A Symphony Of Comfort And Luxury
Lexus
The Lexus Tazuna Cockpit concept, with its simple instrument panel and console helps to reduce clutter and distraction. The rear seats are designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing experience for all passengers. The rear seats, available in six- and seven-seat configurations, are designed to provide passengers with a sense of relaxation.
The expansive overhead consoles and side window graphics create a personal feel for all occupants. The indirect lighting, available in 64 customizable colors, adds a touch of luxury and ambiance to the cabin.
The Revuelto, Lamborghini’s latest offering, goes beyond performance improvements. It also aims to enhance the overall driving experience. Let’s start with the scissor doors, which still swing open to the sky as expected. Lamborghini has made them more accessible by pulling in the side sills, reducing the stretch needed to get into the seat. Once inside, you’ll notice increased headroom, addressing a previous issue for taller individuals, particularly when wearing a helmet.
The Revuelto features a one-inch higher roof, providing sufficient space for comfort on the track.
The interior is not only more spacious but also more exquisite, boasting a new level of design and attention to detail that surpasses Lamborghini’s previous offerings. The integration of advanced technology is also noteworthy, including a triple-display layout. The main interface is an 8.4-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen that allows you to control most functions. Moreover, it supports wireless connectivity with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Adjacent to it is another display for the passenger, and on the left side, there is a fully digital 12.3-inch gauge cluster.
An interesting feature is the interconnectedness of all three displays, allowing for the sharing of visual widgets. For instance, you can showcase the amount of G-force the car is generating through the corners on the central display, and with a simple flick of your fingers, it can be transferred to the passenger display. Similarly, you can view the car’s active safety system status on the gauge cluster by flicking it to the left.
Furthermore, the Revuelto is equipped with an active safety system, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
The focus in the Volkswagen world may currently be on electric models, but the combustion-powered Atlas and its smaller sibling, the Atlas Cross Sport, are still in the spotlight. According to a report from Automotive News, these vehicles could continue to be combustion-powered in their next generation, which may be just a few years away.
Automotive News states that Volkswagen is planning to introduce redesigned versions of the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport for the year 2026. It’s unclear whether this timeframe refers to the debut or the actual release date of the vehicles. Additionally, the report does not mention the source of this information. We reached out to VW for further clarification and will update as soon as we receive additional information.
“Our focus is on the GTI itself, not just a model. What makes the GTI an icon? What can we add to it? The ID 2 aligns perfectly with the GTI; it’s stable, likable, and has that secret ingredient. These are the three elements we identified in our design to regain our status as a beloved brand. We made it approachable and friendly, which holds significant power. It’s not excessively aggressive. With a Golf GTI, you never feel embarrassed. In some hot hatches, there are certain situations where you might feel embarrassed. This is about ‘unpimping’ my ride, not a boy racer car.”
What does ‘stable’ mean in terms of design?
“It refers to something that appears strong and not flat. The original Beetle had specific shapes to provide stability to the sheet metal. Stability can encompass various aspects, but essentially, it means not looking like it’s about to topple over. That’s why we have a robust C-post to make it exude strength and stability.”
Which models will be part of the GTI range in the ID era?
“We won’t saturate the market with the GTI; that could jeopardize its appeal. Some segments might be better suited for other options. We’ll start with the lower hot hatch segment.”
What about the R brand? And GTX?
“Compared to the R brand, the GTI is more practical and caters to the real world rather than the track. In the EV world, R will undoubtedly have a future. The R brand is more focused on record-breaking and cars meant for the Nurburgring. On the other hand, the GTX will cover specific segments and feature four-wheel drive capabilities. The ID GTI we’re working on is front-wheel drive, keeping it true to the GTI’s heritage.”
What price range are you targeting for the ID 2 GTI?
“We can’t disclose that information at the moment. However, for the ID 2, our aim is to offer it for €25,000. Nothing else in the market will provide the same value at this price point. Similar to how we convinced people with a more affordable car like the Mk1 GTI, our focus is on creating an approachable vehicle that resonates with the masses.”
Is it more enjoyable to work on small cars compared to big cars?
“I had a great time at Bentley! I thoroughly enjoyed the work we did there. The Batur project was simply amazing, and it was completed in a relatively short time. I truly cherished that experience. However, I also find immense satisfaction in the work we’re doing now. My time at Bentley taught me a lot about brands and their essence. Within a year, Bentley created the Queen’s car and won Le Mans. The strength of Bentley is truly remarkable. I came to VW with the hope of achieving something similar, blending emotions with practicality.”
A new online automotive auction destination called Sotheby’s Motorsport has been launched, with a focus on 21st-century sports, exotic, and luxury vehicles priced from over $100,000 to approximately $1,000,000.
The joint venture between RM Sotheby’s and Motorsport Network aims to provide a high-touch experience for users in the growing online car auction sector.
RM Sotheby’s is the world’s largest auction house by total sales, known for selling rare, desirable, and highly-collectable cars through live auctions and bespoke online sales. Motorsport Network is a globally recognized voice for motorsport, with a range of popular publications and websites.
The partnership between the two leading firms aims to combine the best aspects of live in-person and online auctions, offering both buyers and sellers a trusted, high-touch experience for successful transactions.
Sotheby’s Motorsport focuses on providing a luxury experience in the high-end automotive market, which accounts for $20 billion in annual sales in the United States. By offering superior service, confidence, and client satisfaction, the platform aims to serve this untapped market. Chip Perry, Chief Executive Officer of Sotheby’s Motorsport, stated that the platform will ensure white-glove service from start to finish, providing a curated selection of vehicles and a seamless transaction process.
Sotheby’s Motorsport offers unedited high-resolution images, driving videos, and comprehensive inspections for each listing. It also features a Proxy Bidding feature, which allows bidders to set a maximum bid and win the auction without being present at the close.
For sellers, Sotheby’s Motorsport provides a comprehensive white-glove service, taking care of all aspects of the listing process, including photography, videography, inspections, and legal documentation. The platform ensures that all bidders are securely vetted in advance to ensure a smooth transaction.
The inaugural auctions for Sotheby’s Motorsport will take place during Monterey Car Week, with bidding opening on August 15 and concluding on August 22. The platform is currently available to buyers globally and sellers with vehicles registered in the United States, with plans for international expansion in the future.
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