To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Fiat Panda 4×4’s debut in June 1983, Niels van Roij Design presents a restomod project that pays tribute to what is considered to be the world’s first small, transverse-engined production car with all-wheel drive. This project, in collaboration with Kaeve Cars, is called the Panda 4×4 Piccolo Lusso, and while it may not look drastically different from the original car, almost every component has been rebuilt or redesigned.
The exterior of the Piccolo Lusso features a unique Azzurro Blu paint finish, reminiscent of the beautiful azure waters that surround Italy’s picturesque coasts. Inside, the cabin is adorned with luxurious Mediterranean leather upholstery, exuding warmth and sophistication. The designer studio has paid homage to the iconic boxy silhouette of the Italian classic by using cloth upholstery on the seat hearts and rear bench centers.
CFMoto, a Chinese motorcycle brand, has made its debut in the international market by launching its new naked sport bike, the 450 NK, in the Philippines. This model has gained significant popularity in China since its release in June 2023, and now it is being introduced to the Philippine market as a replacement for the popular 400 NK.
The 450 NK is a major upgrade in terms of style, performance, and generation compared to its predecessor in the Southeast Asian region. CFMoto Philippines, in partnership with MotoStrada, is also promoting this launch event as a “Global Launch” for the brand.
Prior to the 450 NK, CFMoto had been selling its 400 NK and 650 NK models in the Philippines. However, with the introduction of the 800 NK, the brand expressed its commitment to advancing the NK lineup to the next level.
The new naked sport bike, based on the 450 SR (also known as the 450 SS outside of China), shares its engine, geometry, and frame with the sport bike. It directly competes with Japanese rivals like the Kawasaki Z400, Honda CB500F, and the KTM 390 Duke. CFMoto aims to establish itself as a strong competitor in this segment.
Compared to its bigger brother, the 800 NK, the design of the 450 NK is reminiscent. It features a new headlight, aggressive fairings, a bold color scheme, and a similar tail concept to the 300 and 450 SS models. The overall design of the 450 NK has been proportionally adjusted to match its smaller size.
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The 450 NK shares a parallel-twin engine with its larger sibling, the 800 NK, which delivers impressive power and performance. It is equipped with a 270-degree crankshaft and can generate 46.9 horsepower and 39 Newton meters of torque, complying with the European A2 license restriction. The engine has a displacement of 449cc and is paired with a six-speed transmission featuring a slipper clutch.
In terms of dimensions, the 450 NK measures 2,000mm in length, 810mm in width, and 1,130mm in height. It has a short wheelbase of 1,370mm, providing agile handling. The seat height is set at a rider-friendly 31.2 inches (795mm). The bike weighs 165kg (363.7 pounds) and is equipped with CST CM-S1 sport tires, with a 110/70/R17 front tire and a 150/60/R17 rear tire.
For suspension, the 450 NK is equipped with KYB upside-down telescopic forks at the front and a central mono-shock at the rear. Braking is ensured by a 320mm single disc with a J.Juan four-piston caliper upfront and a 220mm single disc with a single-piston caliper at the rear. The motorcycle also features standard anti-lock brakes and traction control for enhanced safety.
CFMoto offers the 450 NK in three color options: Zephyr Blue, Nebula Black, and Nebula White. The price for this model in the Philippines is 262,800 PHP, which is approximately $4,650 USD.
According to a report from Automotive News, Toyota is considering the possibility of creating a small pickup truck based on the Corolla family of models. The idea of a Corolla-based pickup truck first emerged when an independent artist used Photoshop to create a rendering of the compact crossover as a pickup truck. Now, it seems that this concept might actually become a reality.
While the project is still in its early stages, Automotive News mentions that the appearance of the pickup truck is a work in progress. Even if the project is approved, it is not expected to go on sale until 2027. This indicates that the vehicle will likely be based on the next-generation Corolla, rather than the current model.
The potential Corolla pickup truck would be positioned below the Hilux in Toyota’s lineup and would compete with models like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. Like those trucks, it would have a unibody construction instead of a traditional ladder frame. The report suggests that the pickup would be manufactured in Mississippi, alongside the regular Corolla, while the Corolla Cross is produced in Alabama at the new factory shared with Mazda.
During the debut event for the Land Cruiser 250, Toyota briefly showcased the silhouette of what appears to be a Century SUV. Additionally, two unknown SUVs were previewed at the end of the event. While details about these vehicles were not provided, Toyota’s Chief Branding Officer hinted at new and exciting paths for the future of cars. The automaker aims to keep the Land Cruiser nameplate relevant by implementing “carbon neutral approaches” and making the vehicle more affordable and accessible worldwide.
Considering the familiar boxy shape of the left SUV silhouette, it is possible that Toyota is teasing the revival of the FJ Cruiser, this time in an electric form. Toyota had previously hinted at the return of the FJ Cruiser in late 2021 with the Compact Cruiser concept. However, it is essential to note that this potential resurrection contradicts a prior report claiming that Toyota had halted the development of an electric second-generation FJ Cruiser model. It is possible that plans have changed since then.
The FJ Cruiser was discontinued in the United States after the 2014 model year, but production continued until December 2022. Toyota manufactured the model for nearly 17 years before ending production with a Final Edition limited to 1,000 units for the Middle East.
June Marks the 10th Straight Month of Year-Over-Year Gains
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total July sales of 30,629 vehicles, an increase of 30.9 percent compared to July 2022. Year-to-date sales totaled 214,412 vehicles; an increase of 29 percent compared to the same time last year. With 25 selling days in July, compared to 26 the year prior, the company posted an increase of 36.2 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis.
CPO sales totaled 5,563 vehicles in July, an increase of 48 percent compared to July 2022.
Sales Highlights
2nd best July sales since 1993 with 30,629 vehicles sold.
Best-ever July sales of CX-50 with 4,234 vehicles sold.
Best-ever July sales of CX-30 with 7,221 vehicles sold.
Best-ever sales of CX-90 with 2,929 vehicles sold.
Mazda Canada, Inc., (MCI) reported July sales of 4,598 vehicles, an increase of 13.5 percent compared to July last year. Year-to-date sales totaled 32,863 vehicles; an increase of 8.2 percent compared to the same time last year.
Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported July sales of 6,286 vehicles, an increase of 47 percent compared to last year. Year-to-date sales totaled 40,811 vehicles; an increase of 96 percent compared to the same time last year.
Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts, and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at News.MazdaUSA.com.
While diesel car sales in Europe have been declining, Germany still maintains a strong market for new diesel vehicles. In fact, over 18 percent of all deliveries from January to June this year were diesel cars. It is this market demand that drives tuning companies like Manhart to develop high-performance diesel vehicles.
The Manhart MH3 400d is the latest offering from the company, based on the BMW 3 Series in M340d form. This sedan (also available as a station wagon) is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo diesel engine. In its stock configuration, it already boasts an impressive output of 335 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque between 1,750 and 2,250 rpm. Power is delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
The BMW X1, introduced in June last year, will soon have a stylish sibling – the 2024 X2. Currently in development on the same platform as the X1, a prototype of the crossover was recently spotted testing in Munich, Germany. The test car had less camouflage than previous models, which allowed our friends at Kolesa.ru to create these exclusive and highly accurate renderings of the new X2.
Similar to the first-generation X2, the new crossover will have a front fascia resembling that of the X1, but with unique elements specific to the even-numbered model. The kidney grilles, for example, have a different shape with a middle section that extends towards the bumper. The renderings also suggest a vastly different bumper design with diagonal slats and large side air openings, giving the X2 a more aggressive appearance compared to the X1.
The rear design is harder to predict. Kolesa.ru proposes a design reminiscent of the current X4, featuring large C-shaped taillights with sharp elements that extend into the boot lid. The rear bumper follows a similar styling to the X1 but with more prominent and aggressive aero elements, including a center diffuser. However, the most significant difference from the new X1 will be the roofline, which will transform from the boxy shape of the X1 to a gently sloped profile in the X2.
Although the X2 and X1 will have distinct visual differences, they will share the same underpinnings. Both models will be built on BMW’s FAAR platform and will offer three- and four-cylinder engines. There is also a potential for an all-electric version. The range-topping combustion-powered model will likely be available in M35i or M40i trims and will be equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces over 300 horsepower, powering all four wheels.
Volvo Cars announced that it experienced a 33% growth in global sales in June compared to the same month last year. The boost in sales can be attributed to the company’s fully electric cars, which recorded a fourfold increase compared to last year. The figures for June 2022 were also affected by production constraints stemming from supply chain issues.
During the first half of this year, Volvo Cars sold a total of 341,691 vehicles, reflecting a 17% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
The Recharge line-up of chargeable models, which consists of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, saw a remarkable surge of 129% in June. These models accounted for 37% of all Volvo car sales worldwide during the month, with fully electric cars making up 14% of the total.
In Europe, sales grew by an impressive 70% compared to last year, reaching 27,196 cars. Recharge models held a 58% share of overall sales in the region. For the first six months of this year, European sales increased by 23% to 146,943 cars.
In the United States, Volvo Cars sold 12,933 vehicles in June, marking a 53% increase compared to last year. Sales of Recharge models grew by 79% and accounted for 29% of the total sales. Overall sales in the US for the first half of 2023 amounted to 59,750, an 18% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
In China, sales reached 15,405 cars, which is a 7% decrease from the same month last year. Recharge models represented 8% of the total sales in China.
The top-selling model in June was the Volvo XC60, with 21,053 cars sold (compared to 18,275 units in 2022), followed by the XC40 with total sales of 18,170 cars (compared to 10,194 units in 2022) and the XC90 with 9,895 cars sold (compared to 9,949 units in 2022).
In June, the Corsa Electric was the best-selling Small Electric Car (Electric B-Hatch) according to SMMT
The Mokka Electric topped the sales charts in the Small Electric SUV (Electric B-SUV) category for the month
The Astra Plug-in Hybrid was the third-best selling plug-in hybrid model in the UK in June
Vauxhall plans to be an electric-only manufacturer by 2028, seven years ahead of the UK Government deadline
According to the latest new car registration figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Vauxhall’s electric car range continues to perform well in the UK new car sales charts.
In June, the Corsa Electric was the best-selling Small Electric Car (Electric B-Hatch) with 262 units sold. Additionally, the Mokka Electric led the sales in the Small Electric SUV (Electric B-SUV) category, with 1136 units sold. In the Small Car (B-Hatch) segment, petrol variants of the Corsa also topped the charts, making the Corsa the third-best selling car in June with 4146 registrations, and the second-best selling car so far this year.
The Astra Plug-in Hybrid was also a top contender, ranking as the third-best selling plug-in hybrid in the UK in June, with 76 registrations for the month.
Vauxhall has committed to transitioning into an electric-only brand by 2028, which is seven years ahead of the UK Government’s deadline.
James Taylor, Managing Director of Vauxhall, expressed satisfaction with the performance of their models in the sales charts and praised the range of electrified vehicles offered by the company.
June Marks the Ninth Straight Month of Year- Over-Year Gains
IRVINE, Calif., July 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total June sales of 29,786 vehicles, an increase of 96.9 percent compared to June 2022. Year-to-date sales totaled 183,783 vehicles; an increase of 28.7 percent compared to the same time last year. With 26 selling days in June, compared to the same the year prior, the company posted an increase of 96.9 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis.
CPO sales totaled 5,219 vehicles in June, an increase of 27 percent compared to June 2022.
Sales Highlights
2nd best June sales since 1995 with 29,786 vehicles sold.
Best-ever June sales of CX-50 with 3,532 vehicles sold.
Best-ever June sales of CX-30 with 6,612 vehicles sold.
Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported June sales of 5,539 vehicles, an increase of 123 percent compared to last year. Year-to-date sales totaled 34,525 vehicles; an increase of 109 percent compared to the same time last year.
Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts, and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at News.MazdaUSA.com.
