Meet the Rolls-Royce Droptail Arcadia, the third of 4 commissions deliberate for the opulent, ultra-exclusive roadster. The firm reserves a few of its most intricate coachbuilding for these fashions, and this one options a unprecedented mixture of bespoke touches.
Arcadia refers to a location in Greek mythology that is speculated to symbolize heaven on earth. The purchaser specified this Droptail as a serene area that will supply a spot to loosen up after a day of enterprise.
Musk and Peter Thiel (one of many founders of PayPal) had been on their technique to meet with enterprise capitalist Mike Moritz to hunt funding in PayPal when Musk crashed the F1 on a Palo Alto street.
As he advised Pando Daily, “We’re driving up Sand Hill Road, and I didn’t really know how to drive the McLaren.” Thiel requested Musk what the automotive was able to, to which Musk cheekily responded, “Watch this.” Musk mentioned he then floored it and instantly misplaced management of the 640-horsepower beast, crashing it into an embankment. All of the glass within the automotive was shattered, and it suffered intensive physique harm, however luckily, neither man was injured.
Musk did not have insurance coverage on the automotive, nevertheless, and in the end needed to restore it out of pocket. He stored the F1 till 2007, and this previous summer time, the automotive was displayed on the Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England. However, the crash did irreparable harm to Musk and Thiel’s enterprise relationship. In his e-book “The Contrarian: Peter Thiel and Silicon Valley’s Pursuit of Power,” creator Max Chafkin wrote, “The experience shook Thiel, who came to see Musk as reckless” (by way of Business Insider).
Meeting the world’s fastest electric car, the Rimac Nevera, at a charging post in Milton Keynes may not seem like the most obvious location. However, with the car’s chief engineer and limited time together, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore how this hypercar performs as an everyday sports car on the road.
The Croatian creation is required in pristine condition tomorrow at the Salon Privé concours in London, where potential buyers can admire and potentially order one. So, before that, we’ll hit the road and experience what it’s like to drive this car under normal conditions.
For me, this aspect is just as important as its impressive top speed of 258mph. I’m not claiming to be completely accustomed to 1877bhp hypercars, but the traditional question of “how fast can it go?” is not as relevant today. Discovering the top speed of even modest sports cars is now reserved for manufacturer test drivers or those serving time in prison.
As we make our way through the picturesque areas of Bedfordshire, passing towns, villages, and suburban buses, and eventually reaching the narrow, winding, and poorly surfaced B-roads typical of the British driving experience, Matija Renić, the chief engineer, jokes about forgetting his pace notes. It’s a humorous reminder of the daunting task of driving a 1.99-meter-wide, £2.4 million hypercar that aims to go from 0 to 62mph in just 1.95 seconds.
Fortunately, Renić assures me that the Nevera is not a one-trick pony. With its four electric independent motors, nearly 2000 horsepower, and impressive torque, he claims that it’s both interesting and entertaining to drive, even on challenging roads like these.
I contemplate the significance of this statement. Renić explains, “It was one of the main goals for us. Many people in the company are enthusiasts about petrol-powered cars, or ‘gearheads’ as some would say. Our aim was to create an electric car that is engaging and fun to drive. Ultimately, it’s a driver’s car.”
Munich. MINI is introducing its new MINI family with the campaign slogan “Nice to Meet You Again,” celebrating the launch of the new all-electric MINI Cooper and the new MINI Countryman. The global campaign, which includes digital, TVC, print, OOH, and social media, presents a fresh visual identity for MINI. It was created by the MINI creative team in Munich and the marketing agency Anomaly.
The MINI brand has been an automotive legend that has inspired generations with its joy, unconventional approach, and innovative ideas. The new MINI family was unveiled in September 2023, featuring innovative technology, MINI’s signature driving experience, distinctive design, a new digital interface, and a commitment to becoming a fully electric brand by 2030.
The new MINI Cooper Electric combines emission-free mobility with the exhilarating feeling of driving a go-kart. As a reinvented icon with a new drivetrain, the new Cooper E and SE models stay true to their roots and retain classic design features.
The new MINI Countryman, the largest model in the MINI lineup, offers versatility and power. With its range of powertrains, it is suitable for both urban driving and more challenging terrains.
Sebastian Beuchel, Head of MINI Marketing & Brand Management, expresses that the campaign’s visually striking and distinctive language attracts attention and sets MINI apart. The “Nice to Meet You Again” campaign leverages digital platforms to engage with the MINI community through personalized content. Collaboration with agency partners Anomaly and Media Monks enables MINI to showcase the DNA of the new MINI family in a unique and emotional way, reflecting the spirit of innovation and courage seen in the new MINI models.
“Nice to Meet You Again” serves as the introduction to the new MINI edition, while “Big Love” concludes the campaign. The all-electric MINI Cooper is showcased in a stylish and charming world, while the new MINI Countryman appears more adventurous and inquisitive.
The campaign uses an extreme fisheye effect to emphasize the sensual, individual, and playful nature of the new MINI family. The Technotronics classic “Pump Up The Jam” remix complements the presentation of new features in the MINI Cooper and MINI Countryman.
The recurring circular shape in the campaign draws inspiration from iconic MINI design elements, and the color scheme incorporates bold color blocking techniques. With over 1000 assets, the campaign establishes a fresh and distinctive visual language for the MINI brand.
Fuel consumption, CO2 emission figures, and power consumption are measured using the required methods according to Regulation VO (EC) 2007/715 as amended. These figures pertain to vehicles in the German automotive market. The NEDC figures account for differences in wheel and tire size, while the WLTP figures consider the effects of optional equipment. For vehicles newly approved since January 1, 2021, official specifications are available only according to WLTP. Starting from January 1, 2023, EU Regulation 2022/195 will no longer include NEDC values in the EC certificates of conformity.
All figures are calculated based on the new WLTP test cycle, and NEDC figures have been adjusted to the relevant NEDC measurement method where applicable. WLTP values serve as the basis for assessing taxes and other vehicle-related duties based on CO2 emissions and, if applicable, for vehicle-specific subsidies. Additional information on the WLTP and NEDC measurement procedures can be found at www.bmw.de/wltp.
For the official fuel consumption figures, CO2 emissions, and specific information of new cars, please refer to the “Manual on the fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and power consumption of new cars.” This manual is available free of charge at sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen, and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.
MINI Cooper SE (electricity consumption combined: 14.7 – 14.1 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km).
MINI Countryman SE ALL4 (electricity consumption combined: 18,5 – 17,0 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km).
*All specified technical data are preliminary.
If you meet certain criteria, such as owning a game for less than two weeks and not having downloaded or played it, you can request a refund for PS5 games on the PlayStation Store. However, even if you have played the game, you can still try for a refund, although it’s less likely that you’ll get your money back. It’s important to note that meeting the criteria does not guarantee a refund. If you’re ready to begin the refund process, follow these steps:
1. Log in to your PlayStation account on the official PlayStation Store website.
2. Go to the “Help” section and select “Contact Us.”
3. Choose the option for “Refunds” and select “Begin the refund process.”
4. Fill out the necessary information, including the game title, date of purchase, and reason for the refund request.
5. Submit the refund request and wait for a response from PlayStation support. They will review your request and decide whether or not to grant a refund.
It’s important to manage your expectations when it comes to refunds from PlayStation. While they famously offered refunds for “Cyberpunk 2077” when the game was removed from the store, this situation is not the norm. PlayStation is known for being one of the more challenging platforms to obtain a refund from. If you’re using the refund process as a way to test out a game before committing to it, be aware that obtaining a refund may not be easy.
If the game you purchased has widespread issues on the PS5 and is known to have trouble running, you may have a better chance at getting a refund. If a refund is granted, the money will be returned to your original payment method if possible; otherwise, it will be added to your PlayStation wallet.
The Hercules 20V 1/2 inch impact driver offers impressive performance specifications that not only meet but also exceed those of similar tools from other popular brands. It delivers 1,400 ft. lbs of bolt breakaway torque and up to 900 ft. lbs of fastening torque. In a real-world test conducted by the Torque Test Channel, the Hercules outperformed models from Bauer, Milwaukee, and Kobalt, achieving 179 ft. lbs in the channel’s 5-second tightening test.
In a test conducted by Toolhead147 using a 1″ spade bit, the Hercules impact driver proved its power by breaking the bit at the shank. This showcases the Hercules’ capability of handling tough jobs effectively. Additionally, Shop Tool Reviews tested the 1/4″ hex drive version of the Hercules impact driver and found that it can loosen fasteners with an astonishing 450 ft-lbs, surpassing the manufacturer’s specifications.
While it will take years of real-world use to fully determine if Hercules tools can compete with renowned brands such as DeWalt and Milwaukee, the Harbor Freight line, including the Hercules tools, appears to be a strong competitor in the market.
The All-New 2024 Toyota Tacoma is designed to meet most off-road driving requirements, but off-roading is inherently dangerous and may result in personal injury or vehicle damage. Toyota encourages responsible operation to help protect you, your vehicle and the environment.
For 50 years, the Calty Design Research studio at Toyota has been providing innovative vehicle designs for the Toyota and Lexus brands. According to Adam Rabinowitz, the exterior chief designer of the all-new 2024 Tacoma, the next-generation truck is another great product designed by the team.
“Usually, in the push and pull between design and engineering, there are compromises,” Rabinowitz says. “The standard definition of compromise is that no one comes away happy. But with this Tacoma, we are all very happy with the end result.”
The Calty Design Research is Toyota’s North American-based design studio. Originally established in California in 1973, Toyota opened another location in Michigan in 2003. Today, Calty has over 100 employees across the two studios, with the California studio focusing on future innovation and creativity, and the Ann Arbor location focused on production design development for North America.
“As a chief exterior designer, my purpose is to support a fantastic team so we produce a great product,” he says. “A key part of that is to put in place enough guardrails to make sure everyone is going down the same road. Yet at the same time, you need to give everyone the flexibility they need to create the best product possible.”
In his nearly 14 years with Calty in Ann Arbor, Rabinowitz is a part of a team that has worked on the brand’s “four brothers”: Tundra, Tacoma, 4Runner and Sequoia, as well as other iconic vehicles. The new truck has a clear family resemblance, sharing design cues with its “brothers,” while still being uniquely Tacoma.
“There is a pressure to live up to the Tacoma’s tremendous history,” he says. “We’re talking about the number one seller in the segment for seemingly forever. Those are some big shoes to fill. It has definitely been a stressful journey to get here, but we believe we have hit a home run.”
Bringing Design to Life
Inspired by Baja trucks that race in the desert, the 2024 Tacoma has an authentic off-road feel, featuring an ultra-rugged stance, high lift, and big tires.
“I look at this Tacoma and I think, ‘We got everything.’ So, I’m anticipating a lot of positive feedback,” Rabinowitz added.
Customers were at the forefront of the overall design of the 2024 iteration. The Calty team knew Tacoma drivers typically modify their vehicles, so accessories played a big role in the design process. Rabinowitz says it was extremely important that the truck was “accessory-ready,” so the team co-developed many of the Genuine Toyota accessories for drivers to make the trucks their own.
“Seeing someone interact with what you have dedicated years to develop is a really great feeling,” he says.
The Importance of Collaboration
Throughout the development process, Rabinowitz says it was important for his designers at Calty to work closely with every team that touched the all-new Tacoma, including the entire CAD [computer-aided design] staff, clay modelers, and the research and development engineers.
“Collaboration was critical,” he says. “What engineering came up with, and what we ran with, was the concept of a ‘badass adventure machine.’ When we first heard that, we said, ‘Well, we can work with that!’ And we did.”
With a project of this complexity, Rabinowitz says that he felt very supported by the chief engineer, Sheldon Brown, because there was mutual respect between the two teams.
“Sheldon often said, ‘Styling sells our trucks.’ And we looked at his group and said, ‘Well, capability is what makes our trucks great.’ It really was a case where everyone got what they wanted,” Rabinowitz says. “When I look at this Tacoma, I see a ton of successful battles where both teams won.”
Audi has temporarily removed the S4 and S5 models from sale in the UK due to high demand and the need to fulfill existing orders. The models can still be purchased from stock, but they are no longer available on Audi’s website. It is unclear when they will be back on sale. The current A4 and A5 models are set to be replaced next year, and it is uncertain if the S4 and S5 will return before the new models are introduced. However, customers can still order the RS4 Avant, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S6, and S7 saloons. Between January and June 2023, Audi sold a total of 198 S4 and S4 Avant models, as well as 178 S5 Coupes and S5 Sportbacks in the UK. It is uncertain if the 2024 models will use the same 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. Currently, BMW has also axed all diesel variants of the 4 Series. As part of Audi’s new naming strategy, the next-generation A4 will carry the A5 name into production, and an electric equivalent called the A4 E-tron will also be available. The fate of the successor to the current A5 model is unclear. The S4 Avant and S5 were initially launched in 2017 with a 3.0-litre petrol V6 engine and later facelifted in 2019 to include a twin-scroll turbocharged diesel engine option.
The AIM EV Sport 01 is a new all-electric sports car concept that will be showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed later this month. AIM, a Japanese engineering company founded in 1998, specializes in automotive design and technology.
This will be AIM’s first-ever concept vehicle, and it has received positive feedback since its initial unveiling in April in Japan. AIM is currently testing and evaluating the vehicle, with potential plans for a limited series production run.
The EV Sport 01 features a dual-motor, rear-wheel-drive configuration with two APM200 electric motors producing a combined 483 horsepower and a maximum torque of 545 pound-feet. The motors are controlled by an advanced torque vectoring system, and the inverter has an input rating of 720V and an output of 380 kW.
With a curb weight of just 3,141 pounds, the two-seat coupe is relatively lightweight. It is powered by a laminate rechargeable lithium battery with a capacity of 81 kilowatt-hours, allowing for an estimated driving range of 186 miles. Although AIM has not provided specific performance details, the car’s low weight, aerodynamic shape, and decent power suggest it will offer respectable performance.
The AIM EV Sport 01 has a length of 153.5 inches, making it comparable to a subcompact car. However, it is wider at 74.8 inches and lower at 47.2 inches. The car features a multi-tubular aluminum frame chassis and a double-wishbone front and rear suspension system.
The body panels are constructed from a carbon fiber laminate structure, and the interior is made entirely of carbon fiber. The EV Sport 01 Concept rides on 20-inch wheels with 235/35 ZR20 tires at the front and 275/30 ZR20 rear tires.
The design of the AIM EV Sport 01 was led by SN Design Platform, a company headed by Shiro Nakamura, the former chief designer at Nissan. Nakamura aimed to create a car that embodies the spirit of great sports cars from the past, with a simple, clean design that exudes dynamism and elegance.
The AIM EV Sport 01 will be making timed runs at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place from July 13-16. It will be part of the “First Glance” category, showcasing the future of automotive design and technology.
It may seem like Zuckerberg was joking when he expressed his willingness to meet Musk in a physical fight. However, it seems that the creator of Facebook is serious about the mano-e-mano encounter. “The story speaks for itself,” a spokesperson from Meta told The Verge. This would be the first time that Zuckerberg has shown an aggressive side. In contrast, Musk has playfully teased his fellow billionaire on multiple occasions in the past. For instance, he recently tweeted that Zuckerberg’s knowledge of AI is limited.
Of course, the apparent animosity between them will truly escalate when billions of dollars are involved. Musk spent $44 billion to acquire Twitter and reportedly reduced its valuation by half in less than a year. On the other hand, Zuckerberg is focused on developing a Twitter competitor using the foundation of Instagram. This new platform will prioritize text-based communication instead of photo and video sharing. From a fighter’s perspective, things seem unclear.
Zuckerberg has considerable skills in jiu-jitsu, while there is no information about Musk’s fighting abilities. Zuckerberg is also known for his endurance challenges. However, Musk is visibly taller, standing at around 6 feet, compared to Zuckerberg’s reported height of 5 feet, 7 inches. The difference in weight and arm reach could play a significant role in the fight. But one can only speculate about the outcome if these two were to truly face each other.
