Tag Archives: Former

Cars

Toyota’s 2025 4Runner Is Finally Here: Official Details And Specs Revealed

The two greatest questions stay: worth, and reliability. The former might be confirmed nearer to the 2025 4Runner’s arrival in U.S. dealerships in fall of this 12 months. Given the brand new high-end trim choices, and superior options made out there, it is doubtless that you’ll spend a complete lot extra on a brand new 4Runner than you used to have the ability to.

Reliability, in the meantime, might take a while to shake out. Toyota is providing a 36 month/36,000 mile fundamental new car guarantee, whereas the powertrain will get 60,000 mile protection. Any hybrid-related elements are lined for 8 years/100,000 miles — other than the hybrid battery which is roofed for 10 years/150,000 miles. ToyotaCare, masking factory-scheduled upkeep for the primary two years or 25,000 miles, can be included.

2025 4Runner TRD ProToyota

A cynic may say that Toyota could not please everybody with the brand new 4Runner. Long-time followers might nicely discover the brand new SUV too tech-forward, however the automaker undoubtedly wanted to embrace that if it needed to seize a slice of the brand new truck viewers. How nicely it succeeded at that stability, we’ll discover out later this 12 months.

Motorsport

The New Kia K4 Makes Design Its Forte

Forget what you realize in regards to the former Kia Forte, as a result of this definitely is not it. Its substitute is a vastly totally different automotive—at the very least visually. Specifics on efficiency have not been launched. Kia has shared full photos of its new compact sedan earlier than it debuts publicly on March 27 on the New York Auto Show.

While magnificence could also be within the eye of the beholder, there isn’t any denying that the brand new K4 seems attention-grabbing. We can (most likely) additionally agree it makes the outdated Forte (aka Cerato) appear outdated. That rear pillar from the teasers nonetheless seems quite awkward, however Kia is understood for doing issues in a different way when it comes to styling.

2025 Kia K4

The exterior styling resembles the smaller K3, which supersedes the Rio, however not within the United States the place Kia is phasing out its entry-level sedan. The new K4 seems to be bigger than the Forte it replaces, and whereas it has a rakish roofline, it is nonetheless a sedan with a standard trunk lid. The handles for the rear doorways have been included into the pillar the place the quarter glass is considerably bigger than what the Forte had. The rear doorways additionally appear longer, suggesting the K4 is a much bigger automotive.

This teal inside additionally represents a radical change because the 2025 K4 is the most recent Kia to obtain a dual-screen setup. You nonetheless have loads of old-school controls to regulate the local weather settings and the quantity, together with shortcuts for navigation, media, and different often-used capabilities. Above the door deal with on the motive force’s facet are buttons for the heated and ventilated entrance seat in addition to the heated steering wheel. The entrance passenger additionally has a three-stage heated and ventilated seat.

2025 Kia K4
2025 Kia K4

The 2025 Kia K4 seems to have a head-up show, loads of USB ports, a 12V 180W socket, and a drive mode button on the steering wheel. This teal upholstery is known as Slate Green, however the compact sedan can also be going to be supplied with Canyon Brown, Onyx Black, and Medium Gray interiors. If you wish to rely much less on the touchscreen, there is a rotary controller under the show.

The K4 ought to go on sale later this yr within the United States after it debuts subsequent week on the 2024 New York Auto Show.

Motorsport

Fiat Outsold All The Other Stellantis Brands In 2023, Again

Fiat could also be a shadow of its former self in Europe and almost absent within the US nevertheless it’s printing cash in different elements of the world. 2023 marked the third 12 months in a row when it outsold all the opposite automakers a part of the Stellantis mum or dad firm. As a refresher, the results of the FCA-PSA merger finalized in early 2021 is an automotive juggernaut with no fewer than 14 manufacturers.

The Italian marque is joyful to report demand went up by 12 p.c in comparison with 2022, reaching 1.35 million gross sales. Fiat’s market share at house in Italy was solely 12.8 p.c in 2023, or 11.1 p.c if we solely embody passenger vehicles. Other areas contributed to the gross sales progress. The model’s market share in Turkey was 15.7 p.c final 12 months when 21.8 p.c of latest automobile patrons in Brazil acquired a Fiat.


Motorsport

Donald Trump’s Lamborghini Diablo VT Just Sold For $1.1 Million

A custom-pained Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster ordered new by former President Donald Trump offered on Saturday at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale public sale for $1.1 million, making it one of the invaluable Diablos on the planet.

Trump ordered this Diablo VT Roadster new in 1997, selecting to have it painted within the Blu Le Mans paint colour you see right here. That colour wasn’t out there for ’97, however in line with Barrett-Jackson, Trump had a particular relationship with Lamborghini and received the colour authorized. That means that is the one 1997 Diablo VT Roadster painted on this colour, making it a real one-of-one. 

 

In addition to the colour, the Diablo VT Roadster was additional personalized by Lamborghini for Trump with a particular plaque put in on the door that reads “Donald Trump 1997 Diablo,” in line with Barrett-Jackson. The 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V12 making 492 hp remained unchanged, able to catapulting the mid-engine supercar to a high velocity of 202 mph. 

Trump offered the automobile in the summertime of 2002, however that is not the place the story ends. It was spotted for sale on eBay again in 2016, listed by an proprietor that reportedly purchased the automobile in 2005. It’s unclear if the Lamborghini has modified possession since then up till now.

Barrett-Jackson says the sale of Trump’s former Diablo marks a world document for Diablo public sale costs. Diablo VT Roadsters in related situation with out the celeb connection are routinely bid to round half the value of this one (or much less), going by recent Bring A Trailer auction results:

screenshot of recent auction results for the Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster on Bring A Trailer

Despite its provenance, this Diablo VT Roadster did not sit undriven for the primary half of its life. When it was listed on the market in 2016 on eBay it had 14,655 miles on the clock. Sadly whoever acquired the automobile did not drive it a lot; when it crossed Barrett-Jackson’s public sale block on Saturday the odometer learn simply 15,431 miles. Hopefully the brand new proprietor places some miles on the clock and enjoys this automobile to the fullest.


News

2024 CES present report: all the newest automobiles revealed

BMW and Mercedes-Benz had a presence at CES, too, the latter including more and more extra options to its infotainment software program and the previous largely the identical with the added improvement of some augmented-reality glasses you can put on whereas driving to see issues like navigation instructions projected into your sight view forward. It’s intelligent stuff, but BMW’s assertion that such glasses shall be as ubiquitous as smartphones sooner or later felt a little bit of a leap. Google Glass, anybody?

Other automotive manufacturers at CES included Vinfast, which introduced an electrical pick-up truck idea, and Xpeng, which learn the CES room extra by making a six-wheeled off-roader that may additionally fly – clearly.

Yet most of the greater tales at CES lie in these sensors and working methods, from the likes of Mobileye and Luminar. Their work is not glamorous however gives the know-how that permits for developments, significantly in autonomous driving, which are of far larger significance than whether or not a automotive ever takes off.

The world of automotive is altering, massively and rapidly, and nowhere extra so is that clear than at CES.

Afeela saloon idea

Afeela concept on stage at CES 2024

Sony and Honda’s three way partnership introduced an up to date model of its Afeela saloon idea, revealing minor styling tweaks. The side-view cameras have been changed with typical mirrors, for instance, and the entrance and rear ends have been tweaked to present a extra angular look. Technical specs had been additionally confirmed, with the EV internet hosting a 241bhp motor on every axle and a 91kWh battery able to recharging at charges of as much as 150kW. 

The manufacturing automotive can even profit from a variety of high-profile partnerships from the world of know-how. Polyphony Digital, developer of the Gran Turismo video video games, will present its experience with simulations to assist develop the automotive, whereas Microsoft’s OpenAI service will underpin the on-board digital assistant.

Honda 0 Series ideas

Honda Zero concepts at CES

Honda has utterly rethought its strategy to EV improvement with a brand new pair of ideas. Efficiency, engagement and practicality are the priorities for its subsequent era of worldwide fashions, that are promised to reach in Europe in 2026.

News

Dennis, Horner and Duke of Richmond named in honours record

Former McLaren Formula 1 boss Ron Dennis has been knighted in King Charles III’s newest New Years Honours record.

The mastermind behind a number of titles has been given the honour for his providers to business and charity.

Current Red Bull Boss Christian Horner, who had beforehand been made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2013 following Red Bull successful 4 consecutive constructors championship titles from 2010-2013, has been elevated to the standing of Commander of the Order for his providers to motor racing.

While the eleventh Duke of Richmond, Charles Gordon-Lennox, has additionally been named as a CBE for his providers to heritage, sport and charity. He orchestrated the reinvention of the Goodwood Estate when he based the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 1993.

Dennis has acquired the nod by way of his present work at Podium Analytics, a non-governmental organisation devoted to lowering harm in sport; and at Tommy’s, a charity that helps younger mother and father by way of problems and loss in being pregnant.

He is presently a non-executive director on the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. He had beforehand been recognised with a CBE in 2000 for his contribution to motor racing.

During his 35-year stint on the Woking based mostly workforce he oversaw a number of title wins and labored with drivers similar to Lewis Hamilton, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. He had varied roles throughout the firm earlier than leaving in 2017.

Horner: grateful and honoured

Speaking after the announcement, Christian Horner stated:  “It was an surprising distinction a decade in the past to be introduced with an OBE and to obtain this second award, a CBE, is one for which I’m massively grateful and deeply honoured.

“It is a superb privilege to steer and work alongside such an exceptional Team as Oracle Red Bull Racing and in addition to work in an business that contributes a lot to the United Kingdom’s economic system.

“I am enormously proud of what we have achieved with Red Bull in Formula 1 and in the wider high technology arena, and I am hugely honoured to be recognised for that effort.”

2023’s season noticed Red Bull dominate the game, with the Milton Keynes-based workforce successful the constructors title, and its drivers, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, taking first and second place respectively.

Cars

2025 Toyota Crown Signia SUV: A Hybrid Crossover with Stunning Features

There are only two options available: XLE and Limited. The XLE includes 19-inch machine-finished alloy wheels, 8-way power-adjustable heated front seats with fabric and SofTex finish, and a heated leather steering wheel. It also comes with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, a Qi wireless phone charger, five USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system.

Infotainment systemChris Davies/SlashGear

On the other hand, the 2025 Crown Signia SUV Limited comes with a fixed glass panoramic roof, 21-inch dark gray alloy wheels, and leather seating surfaces. The front seats are ventilated, while the rear seats are heated. Additionally, it features an 11-speaker JBL audio system, a digital rearview mirror, front and rear parking assistance with auto-brake, rain-sensing wipers, and Digital Key (with subscription).

Fold-out trunk extensionChris Davies/SlashGear

The rear 60/40 bench can be folded flat, and extension panels fold out from the seatbacks to create a 6.5-foot-long cargo space. Both options include a power liftgate with hands-free operation, and an AT&T-powered 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot is available.

Motorsport

Take a Tour of the New Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale Supercar with its Designer

In this video from the Harry’s Garage YouTube channel, Harry Metcalfe, a former editor of UK’s Evo magazine, gets an exclusive tour of the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale with Design Project Manager Alessandro Maccolini.

Metcalfe starts the tour by showcasing the original 33 Stradale, of which only 18 were made. Although the company originally intended to produce 50 examples, only 18 were ever manufactured. These iconic cars featured a 2.0-liter V8 engine that produced maximum power at 8,800 rpm, and it was positioned behind the driver’s head. It is worth noting that some variants of the original 33 Stradale had different styling, such as single or stacked headlights.


Motorsport

Army Truck Transformed into Off-Road Camper with Ikea Interior for $105K

This article showcases a 1998 Stewart & Stevenson M1079 military truck that has been converted into a robust motorhome with ample space to accommodate a motorcycle. The owner invested approximately $105,000 in creating this mobile tiny home.

The conversion process took place in the driveway of the house that Apollo, the owner, was renting at the time. He dedicated 468 hours of labor over 36 days to complete the project.

The M1079 belongs to the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) used by the military, specifically in the van variant. It is equipped with a Caterpillar turbodiesel inline-six engine and an Allison transmission. In its original configuration, the truck’s top speed is about 52 miles per hour. However, Apollo modified the gearing and differentials to achieve a more comfortable cruising speed of 60 mph. This adjustment allows for a fuel economy of approximately 8.5 miles per gallon.

Externally, Apollo decided to retain the truck’s stock appearance, with the addition of some storage boxes on the exterior. The roof houses solar panels and a Honda generator.

A pleasant surprise is unveiled when opening the rear door, revealing the presence of Apollo’s KTM Super Adventure R motorcycle. A winch and a complex ramp system enable him to load and unload the bike effortlessly.

The interior of the truck cabin is kept simple, predominantly furnished with Ikea gear. The kitchenette features a small sink, a compact fridge, and an induction cooktop. The desk and dual-monitor work area are nearly the same size as the cooking space. To meet his liquid requirements, Apollo installed a 65-gallon fresh water tank and a six-gallon water heater.

Apollo constructed a customized shower stall using aluminum materials and also added a cassette toilet.

To optimize space, the bed is mounted on an elevator system, allowing the mattress to be lowered from the ceiling when it’s time to sleep.

Apollo’s next project involves building another custom RV, this time with six-wheel drive and even more living space to ensure maximum comfort.

Motorsport

Porsche North America’s New CEO Comes From BMW, Starts In November

Porsche has announced that Timo Resch, currently the vice president of customer, brand, and sales at BMW M, will be taking over as the CEO of Porsche Cars North America starting in November 2023. This comes after former CEO Kjell Gruner resigned in July.

Although Resch is currently working at BMW, he actually started his career at Porsche back in 1995 and has experience working with Porsche North America in the past. Transitioning to the top spot at Porsche will not be unfamiliar territory for him.

save over $3,400 on average off MSRP* on a new Porsche Cayenne

Resch’s official title will be president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. Currently, the leadership responsibilities are being shared by Executive Vice Presidents Thierry Kartochian and Joe Lawrence. Kartochian is the chief financial officer, while Lawrence serves as the chief operating officer. They have been helming Porsche North America since Gruner’s departure in July.

No official reason was given for Gruner’s resignation, but he recently joined EV automaker Rivian as the chief commercial officer and president of business growth. Gruner had served as the CEO of Porsche North America for over two years, taking on the role in 2020 after being the vice president since 2010.