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Volkswagen

Major improve for the ID.3: pre-sales launch with Pro S mannequin

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Volkswagen is launching the brand new ID.3 with an intensive improve. The subsequent software program and infotainment technology and the improved working idea at the moment are additionally coming into Volkswagen’s electrical compact class. The augmented actuality head-up show has been enhanced, a model new Wellness App and non-compulsory premium sound system from Harman Kardon have been added. With the improved drivetrain, the ID.3 Pro S’s output will increase to as much as 170 kW. Pre-sales for the Pro S mannequin (5 seater) with a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery (web) at the moment are open; additional variants will probably be out there to order shortly.

Imelda Labbé, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management liable for Sales, Marketing and After Sales: “The ID.3 Pro S represents the consistent further development of our product portfolio based on the needs of our customers. For example, the model now has an improved e-route planner and the option of preconditioning the battery. These are functions that have already been very well received by drivers of the other ID. models.”

New infotainment system and ChatGPT. The cockpit panorama within the ID.3 product line now has a brand new design. The latest-generation infotainment system includes a bigger touchscreen (diagonal: 32.8 cm/12.9 inches) and a brand new, intuitive menu construction. The multifunction steering wheel has additionally been enhanced, permitting for simplified and extra intuitive operation. The driving mode selector has been faraway from the housing for the Digital Cockpit and designed as a separate steering column swap – like within the ID.7, for instance. Now illuminated and ergonomically designed, the contact sliders are situated below the Infotainment system show and are used to regulate the inside temperatures and quantity. The new IDA voice assistant might be operated with pure language. It not solely permits a variety of automobile capabilities to be managed, but additionally solutions questions by accessing on-line databases akin to Wikipedia. Another new characteristic is the combination of synthetic intelligence (AI) via ChatGPT.

Stronger and extra environment friendly motor. The ID.3 will probably be outfitted with enhanced model of the earlier electrical motor, which not solely impresses with extra energy but additionally with economical consumption. In the German market, the ID.3 Pro S now delivers 170 kW as customary, whereas clients in different markets can determine after buy whether or not they wish to enhance the fundamental output from 150 kW to 170 kW by way of function-on-demand. This “power-on-demand” choice is new for Volkswagen and one other element in its improvement of digital enterprise fashions. Increasing the facility to 170 kW improves 0 to 100 km/h acceleration to 7.1 seconds. The mixed WLTP vary for the ID.3 Pro S reaches as much as 559 kilometres.

Faster charging on the go. When out and about, an progressive charging and thermal administration operate makes positive the battery is pre-conditioned forward of the subsequent DC charging cease. This implies that the ID.3 Pro S is provided with vitality as rapidly as potential on lengthy distances. The battery is heated to the optimum temperature in order that it may be charged with a most output of as much as 175 kW. This permits the charging time to be decreased by a number of minutes, notably in winter. When route steerage by the navigation system with the improved Electric Vehicle Route Planner is lively, pre-conditioning is began mechanically on the way in which to the subsequent quick-charging station. Without lively route steerage, the operate can be manually activated utilizing the charging menu within the infotainment system. Practical: routes with as much as 10 charging stops and 10 stopovers might be deliberate on a smartphone or on the internet portal after which transferred to the Infotainment system.

Assistants on board as customary. The ID.3 Pro S already has a variety of recent help techniques on board. These embody Adaptive Cruise Control ACC, Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) with pedestrian and bicycle owner monitoring, lane maintaining system Lane Assist, oncoming automobile braking when turning operate and Dynamic Road Sign Display. Also included as customary: the Car2X site visitors hazard alert operate. The system helps the motive force by offering info on what is going on on the street and is subsequently capable of give an early warning of conditions akin to roadworks, accidents, the tip of site visitors queues or emergency autos.

New and enhanced techniques. Equipment choices embody progressive techniques akin to enhanced Travel Assist with swarm knowledge utilisation. This permits assisted longitudinal and lateral steerage over your complete pace vary in addition to assisted lane altering on motorways. Park Assist Plus and the reminiscence operate for the system (computerized execution of a saved parking manoeuvre over a distance of as much as 50 metres) can be found as non-compulsory gear. Park Assist Plus has been expanded to incorporate a distant operate for distant parking functionality by way of smartphone app. The exit warning system is a brand new addition to the ID.3 product line: as an extension of the Side Assist lane change system. Within the system limits, it may well forestall one of many doorways from being opened if a automobile approaches from behind. The system points an acoustic and visible warning and, within the occasion of acute hazard, briefly prevents the door(s) in query from being opened.

Innovative Wellness App. The Wellness App is a brand new characteristic, developed for elevated well-being whereas driving or throughout breaks. In the ID.3 Pro S, the app makes use of options akin to background lighting, sound and air con for this. The following wellness modes will probably be out there within the launch section: Fresh Up, Calm Down and Power Break. The modes can be customised: a Spotify playlist can be utilized as an alternative of the pre-programmed sound, for instance.

New sound system. The ID.3 Pro S has acquired yet one more spotlight within the type of the non-compulsory 480-watt sound system from audio specialist Harman Kardon. The 12-channel sound system gives 4 preconfigured sound settings: Pure (impartial studio sound), Relax (simple listening), Speech (deal with spoken phrases) and Vibrant (dynamic stay sound). The sound can be individually adjusted in keeping with private style by way of an equalizer.

Technology

The Major Tech Themes To Look Out For At MWC 2024

The theme of 5G and Beyond seeks to discover what precisely we will do with this improved framework, in addition to what may come subsequent. Topics of dialogue embrace strengthening the connection additional with end-to-end AI integration, new communication codecs afforded by improved connectivity like holograms and gesture recognition, and the burgeoning seeds of a 6G future. This know-how is evolving quick and there is motive to be excited, although there can even be discussions on the significance of endurance and examine to get the very best end result on our technological funding.

The theme of Connecting Everything, equally, is discovering new methods to broaden the prevailing community of interconnected gadgets, and by extension, folks. IoT-powered appliances have served as place to begin, however to actually join the world, the planet’s networking superpowers, together with satellite tv for pc, fiber optic, and extra have to band collectively and discover a widespread connection. By making quicker, extra adaptable connections, it’ll foster an excellent higher setting of innovation.

News

New Aston Martin Vantage brings 656bhp V8 and new inside

The aluminium chassis has been extensively revised as properly, within the identify of improved rigidity and engagement. The entrance cross-member has been moved rearwards to make the entrance suspension mounting factors extra inflexible, for instance, and the brand new engine bay brace is each lighter and stiffer.

Aston additionally claims the rear finish is as much as 29% stiffer below load, courtesy of added reinforcements and new below trays, and says that total the enhancements will enhance dealing with stability, driver suggestions and refinement.

Aston Martin Vantage rear quarter

Just as important are the brand new adaptive dampers, which have a a lot larger capacity to distribute power throughout the chassis and thus present “an immense range of control and speed of response”. Aston additionally touts the advantages of the ‘non-isolated’ steering column, basically that means the rubber has been faraway from the reference to the steering rack to provide a extra “direct and uncorrupted” response to steering inputs.

Rounding off the chassis overhaul are new – and bespoke – Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres, wrapped round staggered-width, 21in cast alloy wheels, which have been designed to “remove every gram of excess mass without compromising strength or aesthetics”.

All of those revisions are supported by an overhauled dynamics controller that measures motion throughout six dimensions – surge, heave, sway, roll, pitch and yaw – and reacts accordingly. The charge of intervention, says Aston, is now “always perfectly judged”.

Motorsport

2024 Hyundai Elantra N Finally Looks Good, Starts At $34,850

Hyundai is giving the Elantra N a slew of updates for the 2024 mannequin 12 months. In addition to the brand new and improved entrance fascia, our favourite inexpensive sport sedan has been handled to quite a few mechanical upgrades to enhance dealing with and enhance enjoyable. Now, we all know how a lot it will price: $34,850, together with vacation spot. 

The worth represents simply an $835 enhance over final 12 months’s Elantra N, inserting the automotive in a candy spot throughout the extremely aggressive inexpensive efficiency area of interest. It’s barely costlier than direct opposition the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Subaru WRX, however undercuts vehicles just like the Toyota GR Corolla and the Honda Civic Type R.

Car Price (Including Destination)
2024 Honda Civic Si $30,195
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI $33,190
2024 Subaru WRX $33,855
2024 Hyundai Elantra N $34,850
2024 Toyota GR Corolla $37,595
2024 Honda Civic Type R $45,890

As at all times, the Elantra N delivers spectacular worth for cash. And for simply $835 additional you get loads of upgrades.

The largest change comes proper up entrance. There’s a brand new bumper design and new headlights that, to our eyes, look far improved over the earlier mannequin. The fascia routes air extra effectively to the radiator and to the braking system to enhance cooling and preserve constant braking efficiency. There’s additionally thermal safety for the brake strains to maintain the fluid from overheating.

Working via the automotive, Hyundai has up to date the steering system with higher tolerances and a brand new common be a part of to extend precision and really feel. There are additionally new motor mounts to scale back vibrations. Further down you may discover urethane bushings for the rear suspension mounting factors. The adjustable dampers, steering system, and stability management system have been retuned to compensate for the modifications.


Car review

Toyota Yaris

Toyota claims to have improved visibility by setting the instrument panel decrease and pulling the A-pillars additional again relative to the motive force. 

We really feel the general efficacy of those measures is marginal the place the view ahead is worried, however the Yaris actually does really feel spacious from inside – a minimum of for front-seat occupants, who are actually set 21mm decrease than the earlier era automotive.

The driver additionally advantages from adjustment for attain in addition to rake within the steering column, so it’s simple to discover a comfy and supportive place. The leather-trimmed steering wheel is especially good to carry, too, and wouldn’t even really feel misplaced in, say, the GR Toyota Supra.

In design phrases, Toyota has partly reinstated the playful environment the Yaris was as soon as identified for – the ‘binocular’ dial association throughout the instrument binnacle and curvaceous dashboard moulding are two apparent examples – nevertheless it has additionally injected some class into the cabin. 

It isn’t troublesome to search out laborious plastics (not least on the cheap-feeling door handles) however attention-grabbing materials, softer plastics and rubberised surfaces have been deployed among the many numerous surfaces and storage cubbies.

The basic curvature of the dashboard and door panels can be pleasing and is a departure from extra staid European rivals – the just lately rejuvenated French manufacturers however. Broadly talking, perceived high quality has additionally improved, in step with the twelfth-generation Toyota’s bigger hatchback, the Toyota Corolla.

Although the Volkswagen Polo and Mini are unlikely to really feel too threatened by the Yaris’ type, it would do sufficient to attract envious glances from drivers of the Ford Fiesta. 

But regardless of all this, and the outside progress spurt, the Yaris is much less spectacular by way of back-seat and baggage area. 

The Volkswagen Polo and Renault Clio do notably higher in each areas and in goal phrases, and the Yaris really has a touch much less roomy boot than its predecessor.

Toyota does a minimum of match a variable-height boot flooring, which is helpful on these events when most capaciousness isn’t required and the scale of the loading lip will be decreased.

Toyota Yaris infotainment and sat-nav

The Yaris launched with the Toyota Touch 2, the model’s touchscreen infotainment system, however the measurement of the display differs relying on which specification stage you select. 

Cars with the Icon trim made use of a extra dated 7.0in show, whereas the remainder of the Yaris line-up advantages from an 8.0in touchscreen, excluding the top-of-the-range Excel mannequin, which will get a much bigger 9.0in system. 

Perhaps crucial factor you might want to know concerning the infotainment system within the Yaris is that each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration come as normal. 

And, frankly, house owners are more likely to depend on these functions closely, not solely as a result of there exists no navigation provision with the essential system but additionally as a result of Toyota’s system of menus will be awkward to make use of, with small graphics and a few latency. 

Certainly, options such because the programs fitted within the Mini and Volkswagen Polo are significantly slicker. There are additionally USB ports and, on UK automobiles, standard-fit reversing cameras, albeit of low decision.

In phrases of {hardware}, the entry-level Yaris Icon makes use of a central 7.0in touchscreen, though our Design check automotive advantages from an 8.0in show. There are additionally USB ports and, on UK automobiles, standard-fit reversing cameras, albeit of low decision.

In 2024, all Yaris fashions will obtain an improve on this respect, gaining a way more trendy 9.5in touchscreen with crisper graphics and smoother operation. The highest trim ranges will get a ten.5in show. 

Cars

Big Block: How Ford’s 385 Engine Series Evolved Over Its Lifetime

Ford improved the engine a number of occasions over its virtually three a long time of manufacturing. It launched the 460 cubic-inch (7.5-liter) model in 1972, which was bought alongside the 429 for a time earlier than the latter was phased out. Electronic gasoline injection (EFI) was added to the 385 in 1988; an intensive modernization of the unit, which was extra environment friendly and polluted much less after this main improve.

The 385 wasn’t meant as a efficiency engine, no less than not at first, however after Ford used one in NASCAR, the broader public began to understand this huge block’s efficiency potential. Upgraded variations of the engine discovered their manner below the hood of efficiency Fords, like the Mustang Boss 429 Super Cobra Jet, which had round 370 horsepower due to using a singular consumption manifold specifically designed to work with a Holley four-barrel carburetor, cast pistons, a stable lifter camshaft, and ram air induction.

This was essentially the most potent highway utility for the 385, however in racing, it was pushed even additional. The 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra, constructed to run within the NASCAR Grand National sequence, featured the identical engine because the Super Cobra Jet, however with extra energy given its racing tuning.

For truck purposes, the 385 was tuned to favor torque over energy. In the F-600 and F-700 medium-duty pickups, the 429 cubic-inch unit was used between 1977 and 1991, and it served as an alternative choice to the usual engine, which was an 8.2-liter V8 turbodiesel referred to as the “Fuel Pincher.”

News

2024 Toyota Tacoma Towing And Payload Capacity

Summary

  • The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is built to enhance on-road and off-road capability. It comes with improved towing and payload capacities, making it suitable for a wide range of customers.
  • The new Tacoma has a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds with the base i-Force engine, while the i-Force max hybrid engine can tow up to 6,000 pounds and offers better fuel efficiency.
  • Compared to its predecessor, the new Tacoma boasts improved power, torque, and fuel efficiency, and almost matches the highest available towing capacity from the previous generation V-6 engine.

Toyota unveiled the fourth generation Tacoma in May 2023. As the 2024 model, it continues Toyota’s tradition of producing the best-selling mid-size truck in its class for the past 18 years. The new Tacoma is designed to provide superior on-road and off-road capabilities compared to previous generations, and it incorporates new technology to aid in maneuvering the truck and trailer.

The new Toyota Tacoma is constructed on a new platform featuring a lighter aluminum upper body, high-strength steel, and laser welds. These changes have significantly improved the truck’s capability. Toyota aims to maintain the Tacoma’s position as the top-selling midsize truck. In this article, we will delve into the towing and payload capabilities of the new Tacoma, its enhancements over the outgoing model, and its competitive standing.

Designed for demanding off-road conditions, the Tacoma prioritizes truck performance, efficiency, and comfort, complemented by available multi-link rear suspension. These updates are expected to help the 2024 model maintain its leadership in the midsize truck segment.

To ensure accurate information, the data used in this article was sourced from various manufacturers’ websites and other authoritative sources, including MotorTrend.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity

The new Tacoma is based on Toyota’s TNGA-F global platform, which it shares with the Toyota Sequoia and Tundra. This body-on-frame setup is beneficial for off-roading and towing. The Tacoma is equipped with new inline-four turbo engines, available with an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. These enhancements enable the Tacoma to achieve a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

Engine Choices And Towing Capacity

The new Tacoma offers two engine options: the base i-Force engine and the top-tier i-Force max hybrid engine. The maximum towing capacity of the Tacoma is 6,500 pounds, available in specific trims. Toyota’s range-topping i-Force max engine in the new Tacoma can tow up to 6,000 pounds, focusing on improved efficiency. This may not surpass competitors like the 2024 Ford Ranger that can tow up to 7,500 pounds, but the Tacoma’s towing capacity of 6,000-6,500 pounds allows for towing trailers, campers, motorcycles, boats, and jet skis with ease.

Toyota Tacoma Engine Specifications

Name

i-Force

i-Force Max

Engine

Inline-four turbo

Inline-four turbo hybrid

Displacement

2.4 liters

2.4 liters

Power

278 horsepower

326 horsepower

Torque

317 pound-feet

465 pound-feet

Transmission

Eight-Speed auto/Six-Speed manual

Eight-Speed auto/Six-Speed manual

Max Towing capacity

6,500 pounds

6,000 pounds

(Source: Toyota)

2024 Toyota Tacoma Payload

2024 Toyota Tacoma
Toyota

The 2024 Tacoma comes in various configurations, including a four-door double cab and a two-door XtraCab, with either a five or six-foot bed. The XtraCab and 6-foot bed versions are available on a few trims, such as SR, SR5, and TRD PreRunner, prioritizing utility. The TRD Pro trim, on the other hand, competes with models like the Ford Ranger Raptor. Toyota claims a maximum payload capacity of 1,710 pounds for the i-FORCE Max Models, slightly exceeding the previous model’s max payload capacity of 1,685 pounds.

Towing And Payload Capacities Of Different Tacoma Trims

2024 Toyota Tacoma lineup
Toyota 

The Tacoma offers a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and a max payload of 1,710 pounds. However, the 6,500 pounds towing capability is only available on trims equipped with the i-Force engine, as the i-Force max hybrid engine drops to a maximum of 6,000 pounds. The table below lists the various trims and their maximum towing capacity.

Trims And Towing Capacities

Trim

Engine

Max Towing

SR

i-Force

6,500 pounds

SR5

i-Force

6,500 pounds

TRD PreRunner

i-Force

6,500 pounds

TRD Sport

i-Force/i-Force Max

6,000 pounds

TRD Off-Road

i-Force/i-Force Max

6,000 pounds

Limited

i-Force/i-Force Max

6,000 pounds

Trail Hunter

i-Force Max

6,000 pounds

TRD Pro

i-Force Max

6,000 pounds

(Source: Toyota)

The standard towing capacity should satisfy several tasks and provide the versatility desired by new Tacoma owners.

Towing Capacity Compared To The Previous Generation

Improvements over the previous generation are evident in the latest Tacoma. The base engine matches the power of the outgoing range-topping V-6 and boasts even more torque.

Alternatively, the i-Force max hybrid engine, with more power and torque than the old V-6 and current 2.7-liter turbo ICE, offers better fuel efficiency. Compared to the last model, the new Tacoma excels in towing, with the previous truck’s standard towing capacity of 3,500 pounds surpassed. The old model’s maximum towing capacity reaches 6,800 pounds with a slightly inferior max payload of 1,685 pounds, outperforming new Tacoma’s maximum towing by 300 pounds, but only available in one trim – the 4×2 access cab with the V-6 and six-foot bed.

Towing Assistance Features

Enhancing the towing experience, the 2024 Tacoma comes with a new suite of assistance features. These features simplify movement and maneuverability, especially when towing a trailer. Notable towing assistance features in the Toyota Tacoma include:

  • Trailer brake controller: Monitors and identifies blind spots for the truck and trailer.
  • Trailer backup guide: Assists in maneuvering the truck and trailer.
  • 360-degree camera: Offers a top-down 360-degree view to aid visibility, accompanied by a digital display mirror.
  • Straight Path Assist: Aids the truck and trailer in backing up in a straight line.

Comparison Between Other Trucks In This Segment

Rear 3/4 view of a 2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited
Motorsport

Here’s Everything You Get In The Base 2024 Toyota Tacoma

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is out, and it has some major upgrades compared to its predecessor. One of the major improvements is the new powertrain, a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four engine that comes as standard even on the base SR trim level.

During a test drive of the new Tacoma, we found that even the base-model SR looks the part with its 228-hp turbo four engine. The truck is well-equipped despite its $32,995 starting price.

One of the Tacoma’s key strengths is its comprehensive suite of active safety and driver assistance technology called Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. This includes features like forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure prevention, as well as adaptive cruise control, lane tracing, and automatic high beams.

The Tacoma SR also comes with an 8.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and pushbutton start. In a surprising move, the extended cab Tacoma no longer has a rear seat or clamshell half-doors, making it a strict two-seater. The cargo area now includes a lockable cargo bin and open storage.

The Tacoma SR is also available in a four-door Double Cab configuration, with both body styles offering four-wheel drive. The most expensive configuration of the Tacoma SR costs $38,395. If you prefer a stripped-down workhorse, the Toyota IMV 0 might be more up your alley.

Overall, the base 2024 Toyota Tacoma offers several improvements and a decent set of features, making it a competitive option in its category.