Tag Archives: Korea

Motorsport

The Car Scene In North Korea Is Endlessly Fascinating

North Korea and the Western world aren’t pals. Sanctions limit the kind of items the Asian nation can get from the surface world. But that does not preserve every thing out. A video revealed to YouTube earlier this month by a former North Korean exhibits a number of automobiles that should not be there, making for a deeply fascinating have a look at the automobile scene within the dictator-led nation.

The video shot from a bicycle because it rides across the capital metropolis of Pyongyang. Shooting video like a TikTook influencer would not have gone over effectively with the federal government, so do not anticipate glorious manufacturing high quality. Nevertheless, the recording exhibits off plenty of fashions offered by automakers that haven’t any official presence within the nation.

Many of North Korea’s imported autos arrive through dubious channels, usually by way of China and different pleasant nations. Not many individuals personal automobiles in North Korea, with strolling and bicycling being most residents’ major modes of transportation. Vehicle possession is commonly reserved for prestigious members of society.

However, the video exhibits a couple of luxurious autos cruising the broad, Brutalist streets. There are a number of older Mercedes-Benz automobiles, together with W123- and W124-generation automobiles. Toyota is one other fashionable model, with a first-generation Highlander highlighted early within the video. A 3rd-generation Lexus LX exhibits up towards the top simply earlier than what seemed like a US-market Audi Q7 cruises previous the digital camera.

It’s unclear when Jaka Parker, the video’s authentic writer, captured this footage. It seems to have been shot in secret, and it is possible a couple of years outdated. Still, it is good to know there are car-spotting alternatives in a spot as walled-off as North Korea.

Motorsport

2025 Genesis G80 And G80 Sport Get A Huge 27-Inch Screen

Genesis is already giving the G80 a mid-cycle facelift. The BMW 5 Series rival Korea has been round for about three years and goes via a nip and tuck. While the modifications on the skin are refined, the cabin will get a extra complete revision.

Starting with the outside, each the usual G80 and the G80 Sport have redesigned grilles and new headlights with micro lenses. The entrance bumpers have been redesigned, and even the conventional mannequin appears to be like a tad sportier now. The sole picture displaying the again of the essential G80 reveals a modified rear apron. It appears to be like as if the taillights have contemporary graphics however nothing to put in writing dwelling about.


Motorsport

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Is Officially Going Racing

Hyundai held its N Festival in South Korea final evening to have fun its racing achievements in 2023. But there was a shock. Hyundai revealed idea photos of the Ioniq 5 eN1 Cup race automotive together with some juicy technical specs, with the purpose to complete growth work in February 2024.

Featuring an aggressive physique package with large air intakes, a big diffuser, and a rear wing, the Ioniq 5 eN1 Cup sits on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 280/680 R18 slick tires. It will get a stiffer suspension setup decreasing the journey peak by as a lot as 2.8 inches. Stopping energy is provided by six-piston entrance and four-piston rear brake calipers, and to rapidly raise the automotive, it has an air jack. Hyundai can be giving it a six-point, FIA-compliant roll cage, and upgraded battery safety.

 

The greatest change would be the weight reduction, which estimated to be as a lot as 551 kilos (250 kilograms). Full particulars have but to be disclosed for the reason that Ioniq 5 eN1 Cup remains to be being developed, however we do know the facet and rear glass is being changed with polycarbonate. We nonetheless do not understand how a lot the street-legal Ioniq 5 N weighs, however it’s estimated to tip the scales at 4,650 lbs (2,109 kg). 

Additional {hardware} modifications embody an adjustable suspension with spherical-joint pillowball mounts to stiffen the reference to the chassis. It additionally has disconnectors in case the battery runs too scorching. Each crew that can race the Ioniq 5 eN1 Cup may have its personal pretend engine sound. In addition, the drivers shall be allowed to simulate gear modifications through the use of the N E-Shift operate, which mimics the conduct of an eight-speed dual-clutch automated transmission.

The Ioniq 5 eN1 Cup is extra than simply for present since it will truly go racing. If every little thing goes in accordance with plan, it will hit the observe as early as May 2024 in what Hyundai refers to as Korea’s first one-make EV competitors.

Motorsport

The 2024 Kia Sorento Refresh Doesn’t Reach the US

Kia introduced an updated version of the Sorento in South Korea in July, featuring a revamped front and interior. The expectation was for this revised model to be available in North America for the 2024 model year, but it seems that won’t happen until the following year. The 2024 Sorento for the United States has been unveiled, and it’s essentially the same as the pre-facelift version.

The South Korean automaker has acknowledged that there are only minimal changes for the new model year. Interestingly, the official press photos of the 2024 Sorento show a Runway Red example of the SUV, even though this color is no longer an option for the Sorento Hybrid or PHEV. Instead, a new Gravity Blue color with a Navy interior, featuring special perforated leather seats and a hint of blue on the steering wheel, has taken its place. Additionally, models that previously had a black headliner now come with a new gray headliner. All in all, not much to get excited about.


BMW

Market launch of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan and the first BMW i5. BMW 5 Series Touring available from spring 2024 with identical range of drives.

Munich. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan and the first BMW i5 Sedan, which were initially launched in South Korea, are now being introduced to dealers in other markets. Customers in Germany will receive their first vehicles starting from October 21, 2023. The launch in other European countries will also take place on the same day. The new edition of the BMW 5 Series will make its road debut in the USA on October 28, 2023, and will be available in global markets by November 25, 2023.

The eighth generation of the BMW 5 Series Sedan will now be available as an all-electric BMW i5. The high demand for this particular model variant, indicated by pre-orders, will further support BMW’s efforts to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. Customers can choose from two variants of the BMW i5, offering different power outputs and ranges. The BMW i5 eDrive40 Sedan has an output of up to 250 kW/340 hp and a range of 498 to 582 kilometers, while the top model, BMW i5 M60 xDrive Sedan, boasts up to 442 kW/601 hp and a range of 455 to 516 kilometers.

In addition to the electric models, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan showcases its progressive nature with innovative digital services, such as in-car gaming and audio/video streaming. The sedan also features advanced driver assistance systems, including the Highway Assistant, which allows drivers in Germany to temporarily remove their hands from the steering wheel at speeds of up to 130 km/h, provided they remain attentive to the road conditions and are ready to take control when needed. Another notable feature is the Automatic Lane Change function, which activates a lane change with just a glance in the exterior mirror.

The world premiere of the new BMW 5 Series Touring is scheduled for spring 2024. This second body variant of the BMW 5 Series Sedan will offer the same range of drives, including efficient combustion engines with mild hybrid technology, plug-in hybrid systems, and all-electric drive. The BMW 5 Series Touring aims to provide a combination of sporty elegance, functionality, and emission-free driving experience, catering to European, Japanese, and Taiwanese automotive markets.

BMW i5 eDrive40:
Power consumption combined: 18.9 – 15.9 kWh/100 km (WLTP)
Electric range: 498 – 582 km (WLTP)

BMW i5 M60 xDrive:
Power consumption combined: 20.6 – 18.2 kWh/100 km (WLTP)
Electric range: 455 – 516 km (WLTP)

Motorsport

Genesis G70 Will Not Continue Beyond the First Generation: Report

According to a report from Korea JoongAng Daily, the Genesis G70 will not be receiving another generation. Weak sales have been cited as the reason behind this decision. It’s worth noting that the sedan recently underwent a refresh for the 2022 model year in the United States.

An inside source revealed to Korea Joongang Daily, “Recently, there was an official announcement within the company that it officially halted the development of RN2, a project name for the next G70.”