Palm Springs. In the center of the desert and extremely cool — that is Palm Springs. Countless date palms, scorching springs and turquoise-blue swimming swimming pools with views of the encircling peaks of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation Park make this place a well-tempered wellness oasis. From October to May, a lightweight breeze from the canyons carries a nice cooling breeze to the sunlit metropolis streets. Numerous cafés, bars and resorts invite you to benefit from the incomparable local weather and the freedom-loving ambiance. That’s how laissez-faire goes in American.
What could possibly be higher than opening the electrical tender high in a sporty-elegant MINI Cooper S convertible (gasoline consumption mixed in l/100 km: 6.6-6.2 (WLTP)/CO2 emissions mixed in g/km: 151-141 in response to WLTP). All it takes is eighteen seconds at a velocity of as much as 30 km/h. The wind is blowing in your hair and the standard MINI open-air go-kart feeling will increase the sensation of freedom when driving south on Palm Canyon Drive.
Between swimming pools and palms. As early because the Nineteen Thirties, Palm Springs was thought-about a retreat for Hollywood stars within the desert. Here, far-off from the curious eyes of the paparazzi, they have been capable of chill out in a pleasantly dry local weather with views of the spectacular panorama. It’s no marvel that the biggest variety of mid-century fashionable structure and design classics on the planet is situated right here.
Even right now, fashionable villas in expansive bungalow type characterize the picture of Palm Springs. With its elegant gear, the MINI Cooper S Convertible is an ideal match for the dignified backdrop of town. The incomparable look of the convertible is additional emphasised by the unique encompass of the radiator grille and the entrance and back lights in high-gloss piano black.
“The Movie Colony” is situated not removed from downtown. It’s not with out purpose that the district bears its identify. The historic villas of quite a few Hollywood stars are situated right here, together with Walt Disney, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Leonardo di Caprio and Elizabeth Taylor. They all appreciated the discreet and carefree ambiance on the swimming pools and below the palm timber, that are consistently swinging within the wind. The all-round view from the MINI Cooper S Convertible not solely gives an unobstructed view of the subtly designed mid-century structure as you drive previous. Right behind, rugged mountain ranges rise on the horizon round Downtown Palm Springs and contribute to the valley’s distinctive ambiance.
From right here, a breezy journey alongside Indian Canyon Drive takes you to the Palm Springs Art Museum and its vital assortment after simply a short while. With over 12,000 fashionable artworks and a singular assortment of works of structure and design, it stands for the varied tradition of Palm Springs.
A inexperienced oasis below the open sky. After so many cultural impressions, it’s time for a brief break. Thanks to quick overhangs and compact outer dimensions, the MINI Cooper S Convertible matches simply into one of many common parking areas within the shade. Fortunately, the unparalleled open-air feeling in Palm Springs is retained even outdoors the Convertible. Because not solely the climate, but additionally the various culinary scene in Palm Springs invitations you to take pleasure in one of many many terraces or in one of many typical poolside cafés. The fashionable Californian bistro Lulu’s is centrally situated between the principle roads in downtown Palm Springs and is a favourite for lovers of prolonged brunches. From sandwiches and contemporary salads to French-inspired delicacies, you will discover the whole lot you need right here.
After the cease, the journey continues in direction of the nationwide park. The tall date palms line the road and supply cooling shade. They are the calming trademark of the subtle metropolis and create a deep inexperienced distinction to the wild mountain panorama that surrounds Palm Springs. In the late nineteenth century, palm timber have been imported from the Middle East. Since then, they’ve been producing candy dates right here below excellent weather conditions, that are used to organize scrumptious shakes in lots of bars within the metropolis.
MINI Cooper S Convertible: driving pleasure with unobstructed all-round visibility. On the curved path to the west, the route repeatedly gives fascinating views of the quite a few canyons. The automated sports activities transmission of the MINI Cooper S convertible additionally enhances snug open-air driving pleasure. And with 178 hp, the automobile accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, making the path to the Tahquitz Canyon on the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains quick. Just a couple of minutes from Palm Springs metropolis heart, alongside a gorgeous climbing path, you will discover historical rock carvings of the Cahuilla natives and a powerful 30-meter excessive waterfall. This proximity to nature makes Palm Springs so enticing for a lot of guests and allows various, energetic sightseeing.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway rewards you with a very spectacular all-round view of the rugged mountain panorama and into town. Over a size of 4 kilometers, the cable automotive provides breathtaking views of the Chino Canyon. A particular spotlight is the rotating gondola, which rotates round its personal axis as soon as through the journey. Once on the nearly 2,600 meter excessive summit, guests can expertise their white marvel through the winter months, as a result of there may be common snow on this heigh within the San Jacinto Mountains — whereas the palm paradise within the valley is only a quick open-air journey away.
Traditionally, there’s no center floor on this planet of dual-sport bikes. It’s a realm occupied both by half-liter heavyweights or by bumper-rack campground transportation. So, why has the Husqvarna FE350s turn into a dual-sport mainstay? Simple, it’s probably not a dual-sport bike. Yes, it’s absolutely street-legal and passes all of the obligatory tools exams, however that’s only a entrance. No one ever bought an FE350s for its road capabilities. It’s a pure-blooded dust bike to the core. As lengthy as that getting into, you’ll be nice. For 2024, the FE350s has undergone its first main remake in years. It has a redesigned body, a reconfigured motor and new bodywork. The suspension is new and rather more intently associated to the FC350 motocross bike. The new FE350s has extra racing in its blood than ever earlier than.
Husqvarna’s dual-sport bikes keep a better value than comparable KTMs. The FE350s sells for $12,599.
THE MAKEOVER CONTINUES
In 2022, Husqvarna put the wheels in movement for an entire makeover of each mannequin in its lineup. That began with the 2022 Rockstar Editions, and now with the 2024 FE350s, it’s full. The 350 really received a extra in depth listing of recent components than a lot of the others, beginning with a extra compact motor. The bore and stroke are unchanged, however the compression ratio is barely decrease. Every gear within the 6-speed gearbox is totally different, in addition to the first and remaining ratios. The general gear ratios are nonetheless much like these of the earlier mannequin; though, in case you’re tremendous delicate, you may discover that the hole from second to 3rd is tighter and sixth is barely decrease. The clutch is new, too, but it surely’s nonetheless the DDS design with a Belleville spring and hydraulic actuation. Those hydraulics are nonetheless made by Braktec.
If you need to journey a nationwide enduro with a dual-sport bike, the FE350s is a superb place to start out.
The body makeover is just about equivalent to what the motocross bikes received final 12 months. Unlike KTM’s dual-sport bikes, which use PDS no-link suspension, the Husky makes use of a linkage-driven design that’s, once more, identical to the motocross bikes. There are additionally modifications to engine place and body rigidity that observe the course set by Husky’s motocross bikes. Even the fork comes from the motocross world. The Xplor fork isn’t any extra for this mannequin and is changed by a brand new model of the WP Xact fork. In this incarnation, the Xact fork has two coil springs; the fixed consideration required by the air forks used for MX was deemed inappropriate for a dual-sport utility.
There are, after all, main variations in setup between the MX and dual-sport fashions. The FE350s’s suspension and energy supply are a lot softer. In each instances, that’s applicable given the FE’s function as an off-road bike relatively than a racer. In the motor division, Husqvarna additionally needed to bounce via formidable hoops to get via the assorted exams for emissions and noise. There’s a reed valve within the consumption boot, and the exhaust system may be very restrictive. The mapping may be very lean, and there’s no map change on the handlebar. The accepted map is what it’s. Even the tires have been chosen with sound stage in thoughts. The Continental TKC80s have little or no rolling noise.
LET’S RIDE
To confess, we didn’t journey this bike with the inventory tires. We had loads of expertise with the Contis on the KTM 500EXC examined on this concern. They really are 50/50 road versus dust, and we did most of our testing within the dust. We put in full knobbies with rim locks, and we have been delighted that we might go anyplace and do something that probably the most severe dust bikes might do.
The most putting facet of the Husky 350 is how mild it feels. On our scale, it’s 248 kilos with out gas. It really gained 3 kilos since final 12 months, however you’d by no means understand it. The 350 handles like a Husky TE150. You can toss it round and usually manhandle it at any pace. This goes to additional show what we’ve got mentioned many times about horsepower being the sworn enemy of dealing with. Half the rationale the FE350s handles so effectively is as a result of it makes unremarkable peak energy. It handles like a 150 as a result of it makes solely a bit of extra energy than a 150. To be truthful, the 350 is way much less demanding to journey. It carries its peak energy without end—from about 6,000 rpm to 11,000 rpm. A small-bore two-stroke hits its peak and instantly indicators off. That’s what makes the 350 so good as an off-road bike. It’s preposterously straightforward to journey. The energy is at all times there whenever you want it. Less displacement means much less engine braking, too, so the FE350s is much less jerky than the massive bikes.
The 2024 motor gained energy throughout the board, but it surely’s nonetheless not particularly quick. You can’t count on an excessive amount of extra from a motorcycle this quiet.
Like any licensed dual-sport bike, the mapping is lean and the exhaust be aware is ultra-quiet. Husqvarna did a great job of constructing it work throughout the required parameters, but it surely’s delicately balanced. The bike takes a very long time to heat up and may, every so often, flame out. The smaller-displacement motor makes this a lot much less of a problem than it’s with a 500, however you continue to must be conscious of utilizing an excessive amount of throttle too immediately.
All of Husqvarna’s off-road and dual-sport bikes use Braktec hydraulics. That consists of the brakes.
Also, like some other dual-sport bike, it’s tough to search around for extra energy. Changes to the airbox or exhaust will throw that delicate gas mapping out of whack. Flame-outs, stalls and hesitations will turn into the norm. There are a number of methods to handle this, however all will make the bike a closed-course competitors bike within the eyes of the federal government. JD Jetting has the best and most reasonably priced answer with its piggyback fuel-injection tuners. They promote for about $250 and will let you make modifications to the combination. Coober, Athena/GET and Vortex all have extra refined techniques that permit modifications to the combination and ignition mapping, largely within the $800 vary. The guys at Slavens Racing, Twisted Development and Taco Moto all have some experience on this matter, and might be glad to supply recommendation.
The Continental TKC80 tires really are 50/50 road versus dust. Most riders will need full knobs.
FRAMED AGAIN
Husqvarna has a philosophy of providing one body with only a few alterations for just about all its dust bikes. This era of the FE350s body, as we talked about, was first seen on the 2022 Rockstar Edition. It was thought-about to be a bit of stiff, even by motocross requirements, so the 2024 Rockstar Edition has a new-generation body already—one which’s rather less inflexible in sure planes of movement.
The 2024 Husqvarna dual-sport and off-road bikes have simply gotten on the identical web page because the 2022 Rockstar Edition, so it’s unlikely that they’ll change any time quickly. That’s okay. The points that the motocross guys confronted are utterly totally different from these skilled by dual-sport riders. The suspension for the FE350s is a lot softer that body flex performs a far lesser function. Having mentioned that, the FE’s suspension is stiffer than it was final 12 months. The rear shock went up from a 42 N/mm spring fee to 45. In entrance, the springs are unchanged, however the fork is now a closed-cartridge system with rather more exact valving. It rides greater in its journey and has much less dive. Overall, the brand new suspension setup repositions the bike as a extra severe off-road machine. The proven fact that it has linkage as a substitute of PDS like KTM’s dual-sport bikes provides it much more of a MX-like disposition. PDS guys will proceed to be steadfast of their resolve that the linkage-less design is best for tight terrain and has an enormous benefit in floor clearance. All true, however the Husky’s design feels extra standard and secure at pace. It’s a debate that may go on without end in off-road circles.
When you sum all of it up, there’s little question that the 2024 Husky FE350s is extra dirt-oriented than ever. Beyond that, it’s aimed toward extra aggressive, extra hard-core riders this 12 months. That’s nice with us. This is a motorcycle that sells for $12,599. It can be mindless to spend that form of cash to journey across the neighborhood or campground. The FE350s is a state-of-the-art dust bike. The proven fact that it may possibly have a license plate is only a bonus.
Electric hybrid vehicles have surged in recognition as a center floor between conventional combustion-engine autos and absolutely electrical vehicles. This younger however controversial powertrain system was initially launched to the mainstream market within the late Nineties with the launch of fashions just like the original Toyota Prius. Since then, hybrid vehicles have drastically advanced when it comes to know-how and design. Their enchancment and the rising price of gas has resulted in a big rise in recognition, along with rising environmental consciousness and a need to shift in the direction of extra sustainable private and public mobility choices.
More American shoppers have gotten comfy with electrical automobile possession, however there may be nonetheless a number of apprehension contemplating how younger the know-how is when in comparison with standard ICE programs. A hybrid automobile is a superb proposition for many who don’t need to dive into full EV ownership, however there are nonetheless some mechanical components that it’s essential to perceive earlier than contemplating one. Thankfully, the programs aren’t too advanced and really simple to get the gist of.
These are one of the best new hybrid autos for getting nice gas mileage out of each gallon.
In order to provide the most recent and correct data attainable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with U.S. Department of Energy, Top Gear, and the Institute For Energy Research.
Basic Mechanics Of Electric Hybrid Cars
Gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles mix a traditional inside combustion engine with an electrical motor and a supplementary battery. This dual-powertrain system has important efficiency advantages, however the principle objective of a hybrid system is to reinforce gas effectivity and tailpipe emissions with out compromising usability, practicality, or performance. The electrical motor additionally acts as a necessary supplementary powertrain by helping the engine throughout acceleration and equipment adjustments, thus lowering the ICE’s workload and gas consumption.
Some hybrid vehicles characteristic revolutionary regenerative braking, which is crucial for the general driving expertise. This system actively recovers the kinetic vitality from braking that standard automobile programs usually lose. It captures this vitality and converts it into electrical vitality, thereby extending the automobile’s total vary. The regenerative course of is essential for conserving vitality and increasing vary, making hybrids a extra environment friendly and environmentally pleasant possibility within the automotive world.
Power Source Management
Porsche
Power supply administration includes a complicated computerized mechanism that analyzes a number of driving situations and parameters. This system actively recovers the kinetic vitality from braking that standard automobile programs usually lose. It captures this vitality and converts it into electrical vitality, thereby extending the automobile’s total vary. This dynamic switching functionality is vital to sustaining optimum gas effectivity and lowering emissions.
The Fundamentals Of Power Source Management
Hybrid vehicles make the most of each an inside combustion engine and an electrical motor, providing a flexible method to energy administration.
The laptop system mechanically switches between the engine and electrical motor primarily based on driving situations, optimizing effectivity.
Regenerative captures kinetic vitality throughout braking, changing it into electrical vitality to recharge the battery.
Hybrids considerably scale back gas consumption in comparison with standard autos by effectively managing energy sources.
Smart energy supply administration in hybrids results in decrease greenhouse fuel emissions, contributing to a cleaner atmosphere.
Hybrids are designed to take care of optimum battery cost ranges, making certain constant efficiency and increasing the electrical motor’s usability.
Power supply administration normally dictates the electrical motor to run throughout low-speed and stop-and-go driving eventualities. The system leverages the motor’s effectivity and low-end torque in such situations, the place an ICE could also be much less efficient. The combustion engine covers excessive speeds and demanding driving conditions. It is in your individual greatest pursuits to learn the ICE and EV crossover points of your hybrid car to get one of the best effectivity returns in the long term. This clever interaction between the 2 energy sources ends in a seamless driving expertise, whereas additionally conservatively utilizing assets and minimizing the environmental footprint of the automobile.
Energy Regeneration And Storage
Honda
For essentially the most half, a hybrid automobile’s battery sources vitality from the ICE throughout cruising speeds or when the engine’s load is mild. In these cases, the ICE generates extra energy, which it then transfers to the battery system. The battery maintains an optimum cost degree throughout these cases in order that it might energy the electrical motor when wanted.PHEVs have the additional advantage of charging through an exterior energy supply, enabling the battery to be charged immediately from {the electrical} grid. Larger battery packs generally give PHEVs better range and consumption .Few hybrid fashions combine photo voltaic charging programs, such as the Toyota Prius Prime and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Solar panels are normally mounted on the roof of the automobile to collect photo voltaic vitality. This know-how presents a supplementary cost moderately than a main supply as a result of its output is extraordinarily restricted. Regardless, it’s a important step in the direction of renewable automotive vitality sources.
Hybrids are proving to be extra fascinating than EVs and ICEs when it comes to resale, and here is why that is the case.
Types Of Hybrid Systems
Kia
Manufacturers create varied hybrid programs catering to completely different client calls for. These embody sequence, parallel, and series-parallel drivetrains, with every instance serving distinct functions. The selection of a specific hybrid system is dependent upon your required efficiency traits, effectivity objectives, and monetary issues.
Series hybrids characteristic combustion engine turbines to run the electrical motor, which is good for predominantly city settings with frequent stop-and-go visitors. Parallel hybrids use the engine and electrical motor in conjunction to immediately drive the wheels. This is well-suited for higher-speed driving, because it aptly balances energy and gas effectivity.
Series-parallel hybrids, like the Toyota Prius, provide one of the best of each worlds by intelligently switching between modes to optimize efficiency and effectivity throughout various driving eventualities. Having the selection of various hybrid choices available in the market is a vital facet for shoppers.
Urban drivers will favor sequence hybrids for his or her effectivity in metropolis visitors and decrease reliance on inside combustion know-how. Long-distance drivers are more likely to go for parallel hybrids as a result of they carry out higher on highways and at greater speeds. Diverse hybrid programs allow producers to fulfill varied regulatory requirements and environmental objectives throughout completely different areas.
Series Hybrid System
Mazda
Series hybrid programs place many of the driving accountability on the electrical motor. The inside combustion engine acts as considerably of a spread extender moderately than a way of propulsion. Examples of this system are the Mazda MX-30 R-EV and the BMW i3 REx.
The ICE is extra of a generator that produces electrical energy to cost the battery or immediately energy the electrical motor as soon as the battery has fully depleted. Series hybrids excel in city driving environments with frequent stops and begins. However, they generally get unfavorable reviews as a result of they will have important limitations if you must traverse highways.
Series Hybrid System Functions
The electrical motor is the first supply of energy for driving the wheels, with the interior combustion engine indirectly linked to the drivetrain.
The combustion engine operates a generator to supply electrical energy, both charging the battery or powering the electrical motor.
This system is especially environment friendly in city driving situations with frequent stops and begins.
The engine in a sequence hybrid is used primarily for producing electrical energy, which may result in diminished put on and elevated engine life.
Series hybrids provide a smoother journey as a result of constant energy supply from the electrical motor.
These vehicles can function longer on electrical energy alone, lowering gas consumption and emissions, particularly in metropolis driving eventualities.
Operating totally on electrical energy implies that sequence hybrid vehicles translate into superb gas returns. The system is extra environment friendly and produces much less tailpipe emissions at decrease speeds and through idling. The ICE solely operates throughout sustained driving in order that the battery stays adequately charged. Series hybrids reduce the reliance on fuel combustion engines, resulting in decrease gas consumption and diminished emissions.
Parallel Hybrid System
Kia
The parallel hybrid system is the extra frequent and well-known method to hybrid automobile design. This system powers the wheels utilizing the interior combustion engine, electrical motor, or each. The ICE and the electrical motor are generally linked to the automobile’s transmission, in order that the whole propulsion system can work concurrently or independently to drive the wheels.
Parallel Hybrid System Functions
The inside combustion engine and the electrical motor are linked to the transmission and may energy the automobile both independently or concurrently.
This system permits for better flexibility in switching between the engine and electrical motor, optimizing gas effectivity and efficiency.
The combustion engine in parallel hybrids can immediately drive the automobile’s wheels.
Parallel hybrids are environment friendly in quite a lot of driving situations, together with each metropolis and freeway driving.
Parallel hybrids make the most of regenerative braking to recharge the battery, enhancing total vitality effectivity.
The design of parallel hybrids is mostly easier and could be lighter than sequence or series-parallel programs, doubtlessly resulting in price and effectivity advantages.
Parallel hybrids have one of the best flexibility, as they’re appropriate for a variety of driving situations. They excel at low velocity driving or in stop-and-go visitors, as a result of the drivetrain can run independently on electrical energy to attenuate gas consumption and carbon emissions. The engine assumes command at higher speeds or more demanding driving events, akin to throughout overtaking or traversing inclines. Both motors work collectively to providing a mix of energy and effectivity in particular cases.
Series-parallel hybrids mix options of each sequence and parallel programs. In this case, the drivetrain switches between or concurrently makes use of the combustion engine and electrical motor for optimum effectivity and efficiency throughout a variety of driving situations.
From vary reliability to price cuts, plug-in hybrid electrical autos provide a inexperienced center floor for many who do not need to decide to a full BEV.
Environmental Impact
Toyota
Hybrid vehicles have a massively helpful impact on global environmental conditions because of their considerably diminished reliance on fossil fuels. This is an enormous motive why the drivetrain is changing into such a preferred selection within the international automobile market. Hybrids leverage electrical energy to engineer considerably decrease ranges of pollutant emissions in comparison with inside combustion vehicles. This is feasible because of the pretty apparent however advanced mixture of fuel- and electric-driven motors that obtain higher gas effectivity and decrease carbon fuel emissions.
Hybrids can radically drive local weather change ahead and enhance air high quality in dense city areas. They additionally function on electrical energy alone for brief distances, to additional decrease their environmental footprint.
Of course, we won’t deny the unfavorable results of hybrid vehicles, because the powertrain is a double-edged sword. Lithium, cobalt, and nickel are important for hybrid automobile batteries, however mining for these supplies ends in important environmental harm, together with habitat destruction, water air pollution, and greenhouse fuel emissions.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Porsche
Hybrid vehicles play a pivotal role in reducing carbon footprints by merging the effectivity of electrical motors with the vary of standard inside combustion engines. This mixture ends in considerably decrease gas consumption in comparison with conventional gasoline-powered autos, immediately resulting in a discount in carbon dioxide emissions, a main driver of worldwide warming.
The electrical motor in hybrids is best in city driving situations, the place it might function solely on electrical energy for brief distances, eliminating tailpipe emissions totally throughout these durations. Additionally, the regenerative braking system in these autos captures vitality that may in any other case be misplaced, additional enhancing their effectivity and lowering the necessity for frequent recharging or refueling.
Moreover, the environmental affect of hybrid autos extends past simply the operational part. The rising shift in the direction of hybrid autos encourages the automotive trade to spend money on extra sustainable and cleaner applied sciences, step by step lowering reliance on fossil fuels. This shift not solely contributes to a decrease carbon footprint for particular person autos but additionally propels the whole transportation sector in the direction of a extra environmentally sustainable future.
Synthetic fuels are being proposed as a means to combat this, however broad-scale manufacturing simply is not as sensible or possible. As hybrid know-how evolves, with enhancements in battery effectivity and decreased manufacturing emissions, we anticipate the general carbon footprint of hybrid autos to decrease even additional, reinforcing their essential function within the international effort to fight local weather change.
The Dangers Of Hybrid Battery Mining
Porsche
The mining processes required for producing hybrid automobile batteries have appreciable environmental and humanitarian impacts. Manufacturers need to downscale this by focusing on solid-state technology, however we might solely see this launched to the market in one other 5 years, not less than. Extracting battery minerals typically results in important panorama disruption, together with deforestation and soil erosion, which may have lasting results on native ecosystems.
South America is normally the go-to spot for lithium, whereas Central Africa is in style for extracting cobalt. Large-scale mining operations in these areas have led to water air pollution and shortage that may take a few years of conservation to replenish. This negatively impacts native communities and wildlife, along with air and noise air pollution, additional degrading the atmosphere.
The carbon footprint related to the mining and processing of these minerals is substantial. Extracting and refining valuable metals is an energy-intensive activity that always depends on fossil fuels. In most circumstances, this emits considerably extra greenhouse gases than a fleet of ICE vehicles.
Current battery manufacturing contrasts the environmentally pleasant picture of hybrid autos and poses a problem within the international effort to scale back carbon emissions, but latest years have seen some noteworthy enhancements. The environmental price of mining these crucial minerals highlights the necessity for extra sustainable and moral mining practices and the event of different battery applied sciences which are much less dangerous to the planet.
It has premiered as a 6-seater offering with a lounge-like experience for the middle row
Volvo EM90 is the Swedish brand’s entry into the luxury MPV segment.
It comes with lounge seats in the middle row that offer massage function and built-in tables.
Gets a 15.8-inch roof-mounted display and a large panoramic sunroof too.
The EM90 uses a 116 kWh battery pack and a single electric motor for a claimed range of over 700 km (CLTC).
Will launch in China first and could come to India by 2025.
The luxury MPV market has been gaining popularity in various markets across the globe, especially across Asia. As such, the space sees the entry of an iconic brand with the debut of the Volvo EM90 which will first go on sale in China.
Exterior Styling
The Volvo EM90 features a blend of typical boxy MPV proportions with the Swedish carmaker’s stylish details. Its front end is immediately recognisable as a Volvo thanks to the Thor’s Hammer headlamps while it has a particularly large closed-off grille that also features an illuminated logo.
From the side, it has a stylish and no-nonsense design with blacked-out pillars and large glass surfaces. It rides on 19- or 20-inch wheels and gets sliding rear doors.
However, the rear design seems most unique for the EM90 which sports a new take on the vertical taillamps that extend both above and below the base of the rear windscreen. Their positioning accentuates the MPV’s width with the middle horizontal section featuring a chrome accent.
A Comfortable Interior
Volvo has designed the China-ready EM90 to be able to cater to both family and executive purposes in the same form factor. While a 6-seater, it gets lounge seats in the middle row with powered adjustment, massage function, heating, and ventilation, and built-in tables.
The middle-row occupants get further treated by the large panoramic sunroof, and a roof-mounted 15.6-inch screen that can fold down and is tilt adjustable to suit your viewing angle. Controls for the rear windows, blinds, and individual climate zones can be found on the door, likely operated by touch, including a small TFT display.
For the driver, the Volvo EM90 has a simple and minimalist dashboard with just the two displays and no control panel in the middle. There’s a widescreen unit for the digital driver’s display and a large 15.4-inch touchscreen for the infotainment and various other car functions. It comes with connected car technology, of course, and a 21-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
Meanwhile, the center console at armrest height connecting all the way to the dash creates zonal separation for the front passengers as well. It also houses the beautifully crafted drive-selector with the glass finish, cupholders, and a wireless charging pad.
While details for the third row are limited, it should be easy to access thanks to the wide opening of the sliding doors and the range of adjustment for the middle-row seats. Given the tall design of the EM90, it should also offer ample headroom for the last row.
Powertrain Details
The Volvo EM90 is based on a new platform and houses a 116 kWh battery that powers a single electric motor rated at 272 PS. As per the carmaker, that’s good enough for a 0-100 kmph sprint in 8.3 seconds. Since the electric MPV is making its market debut in China, the claimed range of 738 km is as per the CLTC (China Light duty vehicle Test Cycle). Also, the EM90 can support ultra-fast charging in order to top the battery from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes.
Will It Come To India?
Even though Volvo has not officially confirmed which markets will be getting the new EM90 premium electric MPV, we feel confident that India is on the list. The success of the Toyota Vellfire suggests there is a demand for luxury MPVs that offer a more comfortable lounge experience than any other body type. However, the pure-electric nature could delay its market entry to 2025 as Volvo is more likely to bring the EX90 electric SUV to India first.
In the third quarter of 2023, Ferrari achieved a significant milestone by selling more hybrid cars than gasoline cars. This surprising information was revealed in an official document presented to investors, providing an overview of Ferrari’s performance from July to September. During this period, Ferrari delivered a total of 3,188 cars, which is an increase of 271 cars compared to the same period in 2022.
Out of the total volume, 51.3 percent of cars sold were hybrids, while only 48.7 percent were pure gasoline cars. In its product portfolio for Q3 2023, Ferrari offered nine models with internal combustion engines (ICEs) and four hybrid models. It’s worth mentioning that Ferrari’s first all-electric model is expected to be available in 2025. However, in the third quarter, the demand was mainly driven by the 296 and SF90 lineups, which both feature plug-in hybrid powertrains. These are Ferrari’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), unlike the LaFerrari, which did not have a charging port. Nonetheless, the LaFerrari’s main battery could still be charged using a battery tender.
If you’re looking for a snow blower that strikes a balance between affordability and quality, the Toro Power Clear is a great choice. Priced at $749, this electric snow blower eliminates the need for a gas can. The Power Clear has a runtime of up to 45 minutes, allowing you to finish clearing snow before the battery runs out. Although its 21-inch clearing width is slightly smaller compared to other options, its lower price compensates for it.
This blower can remove up to nine inches of snow at a time, making it reliable even after a heavy snowfall. Additionally, it includes LED lights on the handle, providing better visibility during nighttime use. Being electric, it operates more quietly than gas-powered alternatives, making it suitable for early morning or late night snow clearing tasks.
In August, motorcycle manufacturers usually start announcing their new models for the following year. This year is no exception, with 2023 already seeing some model announcements. During this time, motorcycle enthusiasts eagerly await the big new bike announcements leading up to EICMA in November.
While we wait for these announcements, one way to gather clues about upcoming models is by examining official documents, such as the Executive Orders issued by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB is responsible for setting vehicle emissions standards in California, and vehicles sold in the state must adhere to these standards. Generally, if a vehicle meets CARB’s standards, it can be sold throughout the rest of the US as well.
It is rare for a model to be exclusively released in the US, so information found in CARB documents can be relevant globally. This makes exploring these documents useful for anyone interested in uncovering details about new motorcycle models, regardless of their location.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the 2024 Ducati SuperSport. CARB documents are usually organized by engine and model family, making them a valuable source of information. For the 2023 models, Ducati listed two Supersport 950 models: the Supersport 950 and the SuperSport 950 S.
However, the CARB filing for the 2024 SuperSport family reveals two additional model designations that have not been seen before. In addition to the existing listings for “Ducati Supersport,” “Ducati SuperSport S,” “SuperSport 950,” and what appears to be a typo with “SuperSpotr 950 S,” there are intriguing listings for “Ducati SuperSport S T” and “Ducati SuperSport T.”
If we examine Ducati’s current lineup, we can see that they offer a wide variety of models targeting different types of riders. They have the Panigale family, DesertX, Diavel V4, XDiavel, Hypermotard family, Monster family, Streetfighter family, Multistrada family, and Scrambler family. However, there is currently no strong Touring or Sport Touring option. This suggests that Ducati may be looking to fill this gap in its lineup with the new models indicated in the CARB documents. The “T” in the model designations could stand for “Touring” or “Turismo.”
As of today, August 21, 2023, we have most of Ducati’s 2024 World Première calendar to look forward to, starting in September. Unlike the 2023 calendar, Ducati has chosen not to give teaser titles to each Episode, making it challenging to connect the CARB information with specific announcements this season. Nevertheless, we eagerly await the upcoming changes and what they will bring.
In the recent Initial Quality Study conducted by J.D. Power, Jeep has been ranked in the middle regarding reliability of brand-new cars. However, there is a popular belief that the company’s latest models are not as reliable as one would hope for.
Due to this perception, the person featured in the video was hesitant to purchase a Jeep, fearing that it would frequently require repairs. However, their spouse had a different opinion, resulting in the acquisition of a vibrant orange 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited.
This American off-roader, produced in October 2018, remained unsold at the dealership until September 2019. Humorously, it was believed that no one desired a Jeep that could be spotted from space by satellites. Ultimately, the vehicle ended up in the possession of the video presenter’s wife, who has not experienced any significant issues while driving it for over 40,000 miles. On average, she adds approximately 10,000 miles to the odometer every year.
Porsche CEO Oliver Blume decided to experience this year’s Le Mans race firsthand, but he didn’t opt for luxury accommodations. Instead, he parked his black 911 Turbo S at the Porsche Employee Camp and stayed in a rooftop tent with his wife for two nights.
The rooftop tent, introduced by Porsche less than a year ago, is an all-season accessory that can comfortably accommodate two adults. It features an integrated polyfoam mattress, two side windows with insect screens, and a skylight for ventilation and views. The tent also proudly displays Porsche branding and a mountain silhouette motif inside. It was designed, developed, and produced by Porsche’s original accessories and upgrades division, Porsche Tequipment.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Middle East & Africa and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dubai, AGMC join apiculturists, naturalists and conservationists around the world in observing World Bee Day
Over 60 schoolchildren have visited the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Apiary in Dubai this year, learning about the critical role bees play in our lives
“As pollinators for numerous flowering plants, bees are absolutely critical to biodiversity and human food production. World Bee Day is a reminder that conserving and protecting these fascinating and incredibly important species is of the utmost importance. We’re delighted to mark World Bee Day this year at our wonderful Dubai Apiary, which has welcomed over 60 of the city’s brightest young minds to immerse themselves in the magical world of bees and aid us in our mission to raise awareness of the threats facing these amazing creatures.” César Habib, Regional Director,Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Middle East & Africa
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Middle East & Africa, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dubai, AGMC, marked World Bee Day on Saturday 20 May 2023 with a unique educational event. A group of 19 students of different ages from local schools visited the magnificent Rolls-Royce Apiary, nestled within the lush grounds of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, where they took part in a variety of bee-related activities.
After an introduction and Q&A session, the students toured the apiary, observing the different stages of the bees’ lifecycle, and learning about the role of the ‘Emirati Queen’ bee as the centre of hive society, and the importance of pollination. They also discovered how the apiary’s six hives were designed and built specifically to withstand Dubai’s climate. Equipped with their new knowledge, the students were then enlisted as junior beekeepers and put to work extracting honey, then learning how to identify ‘real’ honey from counterfeit product during a special tasting. The students also made seed bombs, an ingenious and effective method of sowing wildflowers and other plants which serve as a fundamental source of sustenance for bees.
The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Apiary in Dubai was established on World Bee Day in 2021. It’s modelled on the highly successful apiary at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, England, where six palatial hives have sustained a colony of over 250,000 European honey bees since 2017. Over 60 local schoolchildren have visited the Dubai Apiary to date in 2023.
As important pollinators for the majority of the world’s wild flowering plant species and more than 75% of global food crops, bees play a fundamental role in biodiversity, healthy ecosystems and food security. However, their populations have declined globally over recent decades due to changes in farming practices and land-use, habitat loss, pesticides and rising temperatures linked to climate change. To raise awareness of the importance of bees and the threats they face, the UN designated 20 May as World Bee Day, encouraging the world to protect these pollinators and their habitats.
THE ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS DUBAI APIARY
Like the original at the Home of Rolls-Royce, the Dubai Apiary comprises of six hives named ‘Phantom’, ‘Ghost’, ‘Wraith’, ‘Dawn’, ‘Cullinan’, and ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’. Made from cedar, and painted white to withstand the city’s high temperatures and humidity levels, the Apiary is home to some 60,000 bees, and six ‘Emirati Queens’, generously provided by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and carefully tended by experts from The Beekeepers Foundation, UAE.
Since its launch, which coincided with the World Bee Day on 20 May 2021, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Middle East & Africa and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dubai (AGMC) have been actively involved in helping to educate the public about the importance of these remarkable creatures in our ecosystem.
“The Rolls-Royce Apiary is a project that is very close to my heart and incredibly important to all of us at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Middle East & Africa, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, AGMC. Under the supervision of the Beekeepers Foundation in Dubai, the Apiary serves as a refuge to help bees and other pollinator species to thrive, and to see the Apiary not only educate but inspire bright and curious minds is something that we are very proud of. I would like to thank all the volunteers, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club for their exceptional dedication and support with our Apiary initiative.” Rami Joudi, Regional PR & Communications Manager, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Middle East & Africa
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