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Tesla cuts Supercharger membership price for different EVs

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Tesla has lowered the price of its membership scheme that offers drivers of different electrical automobiles discounted entry to the Supercharger network.

Under the membership programme, drivers of non-Tesla electric cars pays a month-to-month price that permits them to cost their car utilizing the Supercharger community on the identical discounted price that Tesla house owners obtain.

The scheme beforehand price £10.99 per 30 days, however Tesla has now lowered that to £8.99 whereas additionally introducing a £90 annual membership possibility. The membership programme is run by means of the Tesla app, which can also be required to entry the agency’s V3 chargers. The newer V4 chargers additionally settle for contactless funds.

Tesla makes use of a variable-rate pricing technique, so the price of charging for each Tesla house owners/members and non-members varies by the situation and the time of day – however typically members will save round 10p per kWh.

For instance, between 8.00am and midnight, charging on the Tottenham Hale Supercharger web site in London presently prices 47p per kWh for Tesla house owners and members, and 63p per kWh for non-members.

Tesla presently operates 140 Supercharger websites, with a complete of greater than 1400 chargers, within the UK and Ireland. At current, 42 of these websites are open to non-Tesla EVs, with 477 chargers that settle for CCS connections.

The membership scheme additionally works throughout Europe, so subscribers will be capable to get discounted charging at suitable Supercharger areas on the continent.

Motorsport

The Rich Get Richer: Rolls-Royce Had Record Sales In 2023

Riding in a Rolls-Royce provides off an plain air of wealth and luxurious, and extra individuals than ever earlier than apparently need to give off that vibe. The model reported its greatest gross sales ever in 2023, delivering 6,032 autos through the 12 months. This narrowly beat the 6,021 deliveries in 2022.

Unlike many different automakers, Rolls-Royce doesn’t escape gross sales numbers by mannequin. The firm mentioned solely that the Cullinan SUV was its best-selling automobile in 2023, identical to final 12 months. The Ghost was in second place.

The United States was Rolls-Royce’s largest market on the planet in 2023, with China following behind in second place. The luxurious automaker additionally tallied document gross sales in Europe and the Asia-Pacific areas.

Part of the explanation many of us purchase a Rolls-Royce is to really feel particular. Every purchaser this 12 months took benefit of the corporate’s Bespoke personalization program that lets prospects tailor the machines to their private type, in accordance with the corporate.

Some people went really wild with the customization. The Phantom Syntopia featured a hidden scent-release mechanism within the headrests. The Cullinan Black Badge Blue Shadow had a headliner with an embroidered scene of the moon’s floor surrounded by 1,183 twinkling fiber-optic stars. The Pearl Cullinan’s distinctive ornament included a cabin with 1,351 items of inlaid mom of pearl. Those are only a few examples.

Rolls-Royce had a couple of shakeups in its lineup final 12 months. The firm discontinued the Wraith coupe and Dawn convertible in 2023. It additionally added the Spectre EV to the lineup and delivered the primary instance to a buyer within the fall. The firm has already racked up sufficient orders to maintain manufacturing of the electrical mannequin going into 2025.


Motorsport

Suzuki’s New Off-Roader Is the Most Adorable Concept You’ll See At The Tokyo Auto Salon

The Tokyo Auto Salon provides Japanese automakers and tuners a spot to point out off their wildest wares. Suzuki is bringing a tiny, rugged off-road idea referred to as the Super Carry Mountain Trail to the occasion, and we’re already in love with it.

In a translation of Suzuki’s announcement, the corporate calls the Mountain Trail idea: “A car for active adults to enjoy the mountains in a stoic manner, it expresses a new worldview of commercial vehicles that can be used not only for business but also for fun.”

Suzuki Super Carry For Tokyo Auto Salon

Suzuki Super Carry For Tokyo Auto Salon

Suzuki Super Carry For Tokyo Auto Salon

Suzuki Super Carry

The Super Carry is an prolonged cab model of the usual Suzuki Carry. While the corporate would not but listing all the modifications for the Mountain Trail, simply it reveals off lots of the revisions. 

The mini truck positive factors a entrance skid plate with restoration hooks and a lightweight bar above the windshield. It additionally seems to be to have just a little winch. The customary doorways are gone, with tubular items of their place. Inside, there are sport seats with harnesses. An exterior roll cage features a storage rack on the roof. There’s solely a glimpse of the rear, however a gasoline can and spare tire are seen. Plus, the experience peak is perhaps a bit taller than inventory.

Even if there aren’t any drivetrain modifications to the idea, the Super Carry is out there with sufficient equipment to maximize off-road traction. Buyers can get it with a part-time four-wheel drive system with high- and low-gearing settings. There’s additionally a locking differential in case issues get actually slippery.

The common Super Carry is just not a very highly effective machine, although. It comes with a naturally aspirated 658-cc three-cylinder engine making 50 horsepower and 44 lb-ft of torque. So, whilst you would possibly have the ability to go off-road, do not count on to journey in a short time.

This yr’s Tokyo Auto Salon runs from January 12 through 14. We hope to get extra data and photos of the Super Carry Mountain Trail idea then. It’s hauling some gear within the again that we won’t get take a look at. 

Motorsport

Buy The Scale Model Ferrari Used to Develop The FXX-Ok Evo’s Aerodynamics

Collecting scale fashions offers many automotive fanatics a approach to personal their dream machines in a extra inexpensive and space-efficient manner. This Ferrari FXX-K Evo just isn’t your typical mannequin. This is the very scale mannequin utilized by Ferrari for wind tunnel testing the limited-run, track-only hypercar. RM Sotheby’s estimates the shapely sculpture may deliver $310,000 to $355,000 at public sale in Paris on January 31.

This FXX-Ok Evo is 1:2 scale, which means it is half the scale of the particular automotive. No home windows or doorways exist, and the outside is partially uncovered carbon fiber. You cannot drive it, clearly. But this sculpture may make fairly the dialog piece in a big assortment. 


Motorsport

The Adorable Honda E Is Dead

Honda is ending manufacturing of the e subsequent month, and Toyota Japan offers the Crown a particular version with an all-matte end.

This is AM Drive, Motor1’s each day take a look at the information you want earlier than you get in your automobile.

Honda e Axed

Raise your hand if you happen to noticed this coming. Honda’s trendy electrical commuter will quickly be a factor of the previous. With an inflow of shiny new hybrids and EVs carrying the H badge, the diminutive hatchback is being retired. A message posted on the corporate’s web site in Japan says manufacturing is coming to an finish in January 2024.

The retro-styled automobile had two main weaknesses from day one: value and vary. Indeed, the Honda e has a WLTP ranking of as much as 137 miles relying on the trim stage and wheel dimension. In France, the Advance model begins at a steep €42,100. The lovely EV was by no means a robust vendor, so its demise is not stunning. It had a brief run of solely three years.

The Toyota Crown Gets Matte Paint From The Factory


Volkswagen

ID.3 successfully completes 100,000 km test by German ADAC

The ID.3, Volkswagen’s electric vehicle, has received a positive evaluation from the German ADAC, the largest automobile association in Europe. The engineers at the Test and Technology Center in Landsberg am Lech have driven over 100,000 kilometers to thoroughly test the vehicle. The key finding is that the high-voltage battery still maintains a net capacity of 93 percent. The tested model, ID.3 Pro S with a 77 kWh net battery energy content, comes with a guarantee from Volkswagen that the battery will retain at least 70 percent of its original net capacity after eight years or 160,000 kilometers of use.

The ADAC testers did not hold back in subjecting the ID.3 to various battery usage scenarios. To expedite reaching the 100,000 km mark, the vehicle was often charged to 100 percent at fast charging stations. Additionally, contrary to the recommended practice, the vehicle was left fully charged for several days while waiting for the next test drive.

This endurance test is the first of its kind for a vehicle in the ID. family. The ID.3 was regularly inspected by engineers at the Landsberg am Lech Test and Technical Center in between drives. The ADAC evaluated the vehicle based on eight main criteria and over 300 sub-criteria, including technology, safety, handling, ease of operation, and environmental impact.

The ADAC strongly advises customers to install software updates. During the endurance test, the ID.3 received multiple software updates, which not only resolved various bugs but also improved charging power up to 170 kW. Furthermore, the updates had a positive impact on consumption and range. Specifically, the new software significantly improved power consumption in short distances and winter temperatures ranging from 0 to 5°C.

The ADAC testers also praised the intelligent Electric Vehicle Route Planner, which was added to the ID.3 through a software update. This feature plans charging stops based on the fastest route to the destination, considering factors such as battery charge level, traffic conditions, and forecasts. The charging stops are dynamically evaluated based on charging pillar performance. As a result, the route planner may recommend two shorter charging stops with higher power instead of one long stop with lower power.

For more information and test data, visit: https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/autokatalog/autotest/vw-id3-dauertest/

Featured

2023 Tata Harrier Facelift First Teaser Out, Bookings Open On October 6


The teaser provides a sneak peek of the upcoming Tata Harrier facelift, showcasing its split LED headlight setup and elongated LED DRL strip

  • The Tata Harrier is set to receive its first major refresh since its launch in 2019.

  • Bookings for the Harrier facelift will start on October 6.

  • Expected updates include new alloy wheels, dynamic turn indicators, and connected LED taillights.

  • The cabin might feature a larger touchscreen and a 2-spoke steering wheel.

  • Potential features could include ventilated front seats, digital driver’s display, and ADAS.

  • Both petrol and diesel engine options are likely to be offered.

  • The Harrier facelift could be launched in November, with prices starting from Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Tata Harrier facelift is scheduled for its debut soon. The automaker has released the first teaser of the updated SUV, along with the announcement that bookings will open from October 6.

A post shared by Tata Harrier Official (@tataharrier)

Details Seen In The Teaser

The teaser video provides a quick glimpse of the facelifted SUV’s front fascia. It reveals the updated split LED headlight setup, redesigned grille and indicators, and a new LED DRL strip running across the bonnet. These changes are in line with the updates made to the new Tata Nexon and Tata Nexon EV.

Although the teaser did not showcase the side profile or rear of the vehicle, previous sightings of test mules confirmed the presence of new alloy wheels, dynamic turn indicators, and connected LED taillights.

Expect Cabin Updates

Tata Harrier cabin

While the teaser did not provide a glimpse of the new Harrier’s cabin, it is expected to receive a revamp. Possible changes may include a redesigned dashboard and a new 2-spoke steering wheel featuring the backlit Tata logo.

New features that are likely to be offered include a larger touchscreen system, a fully digital driver’s display, ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, auto climate control, and cruise control.

Passenger safety may be enhanced with six airbags, electronic stability program (ESP), a 360-degree camera, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Also Check Out: Tata Punch EV Spied Again, Revealing Fresh New Details

Petrol Powertrain Option

The Tata Harrier facelift is expected to come with a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (170PS/280Nm). It is likely to be offered with manual and DCT automatic transmissions.

The existing 2.0-litre diesel engine (170PS/350Nm) is expected to continue and will be available with both 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options.

Expected Launch Date

The facelifted Harrier is anticipated to be launched in November 2023. It is expected to be priced slightly higher than the current model, which ranges from Rs 15.20 lakh to Rs 24.27 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The Tata Harrier facelift will compete against the Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector, Jeep Compass, and the higher variants of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.

Read More on: Tata Harrier diesel

VauxhallUk

FIRST GLIMPSE OF STUNNING NEW VAUXHALL EXPERIMENTAL

  • Forward looking: Vauxhall Experimental gives an insight into the future of the brand
  • Attention to detail: Flush body surfacing, aero-efficiency and resource-conserving

After revealing the name of its upcoming concept car as the Vauxhall Experimental just last week, the British brand has now offered a tantalizing preview of the design study by releasing first images of the vehicle. The photographs reveal the extreme precision and high attention to detail of the Vauxhall Experimental, which will show the future of the Vauxhall brand with its more technical and extreme interpretation of the Bold and Pure design philosophy.

“The Vauxhall Experimental marks the start of a new chapter for our brand. It was designed to provide a tangible vision of where the Vauxhall brand is heading. We will be revealing more details soon – so stay tuned,” said Mark Adams, Vice-President, Design, Vauxhall.

One of the most eye-catching features teased by the images is the further development of the Compass, the guiding element of Vauxhall’s design philosophy. The illuminated Vauxhall Griffin sits confidently at the center of the compass in a new iteration of the Vauxhall Vizor, the brand’s characteristic front fascia and technology hub. It is flanked by the elongated wing signature lighting on the horizontal axis while the illuminated center crease adds further drama. A distinctive red-light graphic on flush body surfacing, devoid of unnecessary shut lines, suggests the repetition of the compass at the rear of the Vauxhall Experimental.

Elsewhere, aerodynamic efficiency has long been a hallmark of Vauxhall passenger cars and the vane-like construction of the eye-catching wheels indicate that the Vauxhall Experimental will also share this attribute. The futuristic cues are continued on the interior with the profiled seat structure hinting at a sustainable, resource-conserving approach to the ergonomic seats that are typical for Vauxhall vehicles.

The Vauxhall Experimental will celebrate its world premiere at this year’s IAA Mobility in Munich (5 to 10 September 2023).

-ENDS-

Featured

Maruti Invicto’s Latest Teaser Gives Official Glimpse Of Interior Details


The teaser showcases ventilated seats, and also gives the first official look at the new grille

  • The bookings for the Invicto are already underway, and it can only be booked in a single fully loaded trim.

  • It will be powered by a 2-litre petrol engine with strong hybrid tech, which has an output of 186PS and 206Nm.

  • To get a 10-inch touchscreen system, dual-zone AC, 360-degree camera, and ADAS.

  • The teaser also confirms the ventilated seat feature for the front seats.

  • It is expected to be priced at around Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom).

Maruti Invicto will go on sale in India on July 5, and ahead of that, the carmaker has released a new teaser of the MPV showcasing a few more details. The Invicto is based on the Toyota Innova Hycross and will be offered with the petrol-hybrid powertrain option. Bookings are already underway for a token amount of Rs 25,000.

New Details Seen

The Invicto’s latest teaser clearly shows the split chrome grille and LED headlamps, which we had previously seen through spy shots. We also get a glimpse of its interior, with a close look at the leatherette front seats. In the video, you can also spot the button for the ventilated seat function.

At the end, the video reveals the overall silhouette of the Maruti Invicto, which bears a close resemblance to the Innova Hycross. Like other shared models between the two, the main exterior design changes are typically focused on the front and rear.

Any changes to the cabin?

Based on the Innova Hycross, the Invicto will likely have a similar dashboard layout, but gets a different shade of upholstery. The teaser hints at a dark finish unlike the brown upholstery in the Toyota MPV. It will most likely come with the same amenities too, such as a panoramic sunroof, digital driver’s display, dual-zone AC, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment. The safety will be ensured by advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), six airbags and a 360-degree camera.

Some of these features are first for a Maruti Suzuki product in India, as detailed in this article.

Same Strong-Hybrid Powertrain

Toyota Innova Hycross strong-hybrid powertrain

It recently came to light that the Maruti Invicto will be offered in a single fully-loaded variant at launch. It will be powered by the 2-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain which has a combined output of 186PS and 206Nm, mated with an e-CVT automatic transmission. Toyota’s more affordable petrol-only engine option may not be offered at launch.

Expected Price & Rivals

Since the Maruti Invicto will be offered in a single fully loaded variant at launch, it is expected to be priced at Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom). It will directly rival the Toyota Innova Hycross, while being a premium alternative to the Kia Carens.

ToyotaUk

Toyota Research Institute Unveils New Generative AI Technique for Vehicle Design

New Technique Gives Designers Added Capabilities by Incorporating Engineering Constraints Into Generative AI Models

LOS ALTOS, Calif. (June 20, 2023) – Toyota Research Institute (TRI) today unveiled a generative artificial intelligence (AI) technique to amplify vehicle designers. Currently, designers can leverage publicly available text-to-image generative AI tools as an early step in their creative process. With TRI’s new technique, designers can add initial design sketches and engineering constraints into this process, cutting down the iterations needed to reconcile design and engineering considerations.

“Generative AI tools are often used as inspiration for designers, but cannot handle the complex engineering and safety considerations that go into actual car design,” said Avinash Balachandran, director of TRI’s Human Interactive Driving (HID) Division, whose team worked on the technology. “This technique combines Toyota’s traditional engineering strengths with the state-of-the-art capabilities of modern generative AI.”

TRI researchers released two papers describing how the technique incorporates precise engineering constraints into the design process. Constraints like drag (which affects fuel efficiency) and chassis dimensions like ride height and cabin dimensions (which affect handling, ergonomics, and safety) can now be implicitly incorporated into the generative AI process. The team tied principles from optimization theory, used extensively for computer-aided engineering, to text-to-image-based generative AI. The resulting algorithm allows the designer to optimize engineering constraints while maintaining their text-based stylistic prompts to the generative AI process.

The new generative AI technique optimizes aerodynamic drag in successive iterations based on parameter inputs from the designer.

As an example, a designer can request, via text prompt, a suite of designs based on an initial prototype sketch with specific stylistic properties like “sleek,” “SUV-like,” and “modern” while also optimizing a quantitative performance metric. In the research paper, the team focused specifically on aerodynamic drag. The approach can also optimize any other performance metrics or constraints inferred from a design image.

“TRI is harnessing the creative power of AI to amplify automobile designers and engineers,” said Charlene Wu, senior director of TRI’s Human-Centered AI (HCAI) Division, whose team collaborated with the Human Interactive Driving team on this project.

Vehicle design sketch incorporating the results of TRI’s new generative AI + optimization technique (courtesy of XD : Experimental Design Studio of Toyota).

By incorporating engineering constraints directly into the design process, this tool could also help Toyota design electrified vehicles more quickly and efficiently.

“Reducing drag is critical for improving the aerodynamics of BEVs to maximize their range,” said Takero Kato, BEV factory president, Toyota Motor Corporation.

For more technical details on this new technique, refer to the following two papers, available at:

Interpreting and Improving Diffusion Models Using the Euclidean Distance Function, F. Permenter, C. Yuan, 2023.

Drag-guided diffusion models for vehicle image generation, N. Arechiga, F. Permenter, B. Song, C. Yuan, 2023.

 About Toyota Research Institute

Toyota Research Institute (TRI) conducts research to amplify human ability, focusing on making our lives safer and more sustainable. Led by Dr. Gill Pratt, TRI’s team of researchers develop technologies to advance energy and materials, human-centered artificial intelligence, human interactive driving, machine learning, and robotics. Established in 2015, TRI has offices in Los Altos, California, and Cambridge, Massachusetts. For more information about TRI, please visit http://tri.global.