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Opinion

Could retro French headlights remedy a evident subject?

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I’m happy to see the government is to look into the issue of headlight brightness and glare – let’s hope they squint a bit – following a current RAC survey that discovered a lot of drivers thought dazzling was an issue.

There could, although, not be a fast legislative repair. The Department for Transport has already been speaking to a United Nations professional group on car lighting – who knew? – however proposals to introduce automated beam alignment, which might decrease beams as vehicles go over hills and the like, gained’t come into play till 2027.

And even then? Well, I’ve pushed quite a lot of vehicles with probably the most superior ‘intelligent’ lighting on sale, which robotically aligns the beam or limits the areas lit by excessive beam, and nonetheless discovered oncoming drivers flashed me as a result of they have been being dazzled. As in lots of circumstances of legislated know-how, a few of it isn’t as much as the job.

No, what we may do with is an answer, and sharpish. Some vehicles retain a change to decrease the beams in case you’re carrying a load within the again, however it’s an more and more small variety of them. In the overwhelming majority of latest vehicles, there’s not lots you are able to do about your personal glare.

It’s not like you possibly can take aside a £1500 unit with 1200 LEDs, every with the ability of the solar, to exchange the bulbs both.

Fortunately, the French used to have the right resolution, which you’ll bear in mind in the event you took a vacation there earlier than the Nineties since you’ll have needed to decide up a bit pot of yellow paint to daub in your headlights to provide them an acceptable glow.

An article I discovered means that transferring from white gentle onto a extra yellowy a part of the spectrum has an extended wavelength, which is sort of good for seeing it, and it displays much less off of water.

But additionally, conveniently, that daubing your headlights with a bit yellow pot of paint would, naturally, scale back the brightness as certain as letting them grow to be ever extra filthy. Limited analysis means that as long as each side of the automobile have an identical hue, MOT testers would give it a nod.

Now, I haven’t absolutely investigated the scientific rigour of this characteristic and given it may imply new Alpine A110s operating round in French blue and with yellow headlights, and that after each third automobile wash we’ll be refreshing the yellow tint to make it really feel like setting off on a Eighties driving vacation, I’m not about to. But past the jokes, may there not be one thing in it?

Lexus

LEXUS AND WORLD SURF LEAGUE DRIVE INNOVATION AND PERFORMANCE WITH NEW PARTNERSHIP

OAHU, Hawaii (Jan. 23, 2024) – Lexus and the World Surf League (WSL) are happy to announce their new partnership forward of the 2024 WSL Championship Tour season. Lexus joins the WSL’s Championship Tour (CT), the best degree of aggressive browsing, because the Title Partner of the Lexus Pipe Pro, and an official automotive companion of the Sunset Pro. The main luxurious model may also be a part of as an official companion of the annual WSL Awards, celebrating surfers’ distinctive achievements from the 2023 season.

“We’re thrilled to have Lexus fuel our 2024 kickoff as our Title Partner!” mentioned Cherie Cohen, WSL chief income officer. “This isn’t just a sponsorship; this is a shared commitment to the pursuit of perfection and celebration of excellence. The combination of rugged capability and luxury in the all-new GX is sure to resonate with our fans and athletes.”

In this partnership, Lexus will introduce its newest car, the 2024 Lexus GX 550, via participating on-site activations all through the WSL’s Hawaii competitions from January 29 via February 22, 2024. In collaboration with Complex Networks, followers can have the chance to discover the car via on-beach shows, offering an up-close have a look at the cutting-edge design options that outline the Lexus model.

“Both Lexus and World Surf League celebrate innovation and performance at the highest levels within their respective fields,” mentioned Greg Kitzens, normal supervisor, Lexus Marketing. “We look forward to showcasing the latest in our lineup, the Lexus GX, while celebrating the sport’s elite athletes and dedicated fans who share Lexus’ passion for amazing experiences.”

Lexus and Complex may also curate an elevated eating expertise on the Lexus Pipe Pro for VIPs and athletes to focus on and have a good time the culinary experience and mastery of native cooks. Complex and First We Feast may also highlight the expertise on its social channels all through the 2024 kickoff.

“As the premier voice of youth culture, we’re excited to partner with Lexus to amplify the growth and popularity of surfing among young and diverse fans,” mentioned Kirsten Atkinson, Complex VP of Brand Partnerships. “As we continue to see a cultural shift in the sport, it’s important for us to continue highlighting key players and provide our global community with unparalleled access to tentpole moments.”

Also becoming a member of as a key companion for the Lexus Pipe Pro might be YETI. The WSL and YETI are proud to proceed their second 12 months of partnership after a really profitable first season. YETI will kick off its 2024 partnership with an elevated place because the Presenting companion of the celebrated Pipe Pro. YETI might be activating onsite at ʻEhukai Beach Park, providing customized engraving with proceeds benefiting the Mauka to Makai Makaha Foundation. In addition, YETI might be selling the Lexus Pipeline Pro Presented by YETI of their new flagship Honolulu retailer, providing official merchandise in help of their WSL CT Athlete, John John Florence.

Florence Marine X and Vissla are the official attire companions of the Lexus Pipe Pro. Each model will usher in a brand new period of partnership via their North Shore examined and confirmed attire all through the Pipe window and past. Other valued model companions of this occasion embody Apple Watch, Red Bull, Shiseido, EventBrite, 805 Beer, Cup Noodles, Bonsoy, Pacifco, Mananalu Water, Surfline, and Pura Vida.

The 2024 WSL Championship Tour season begins on January 29, 2024 with the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI. Fans can watch all of the motion LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL’s YouTube channel, and the free WSL app. Also, verify native listings for protection from the WSL’s broadcast companions.

For extra data, please go to WorldSurfLeague.com.

About Lexus 
Lexus’ ardour for courageous design, imaginative know-how, and exhilarating efficiency permits the posh life-style model to create superb experiences for its prospects. Lexus started its journey in 1989 with two luxurious sedans and a dedication to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to satisfy the wants of world luxurious prospects in additional than 90 nations. In the United States, Lexus automobiles are offered via 245 sellers providing a full lineup of luxurious automobiles. With eight fashions incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the posh hybrid chief. Lexus additionally affords 9 F SPORT fashions, one F efficiency mannequin and one F mannequin. Lexus is dedicated to being a visionary model that anticipates the long run for luxurious prospects.

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About the WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) is the worldwide house of aggressive browsing, crowning World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s greatest browsing. The WSL oversees browsing’s world aggressive panorama and units the usual for elite efficiency in essentially the most dynamic enjoying discipline in all of sports activities. With a agency dedication to its values, the WSL prioritizes the safety of the ocean, equality, and the game’s wealthy heritage, whereas championing development and innovation.

For extra data, please go to WorldSurfLeague.com.

BMW

BMW celebrates creative journey of Esther Mahlangu. Debuting in Cape Town, the Retrospective Exhibition showcases Esther Mahlangu’s lifework, that includes the artist’s BMW Art Car as a central exhibition piece.

Munich/Cape Town. The Iziko Museums of South Africa and BMW are happy to announce “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective. The exhibition, curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, highlights Esther Mahlangu’s over 50-year lengthy profession and her meteoric rise as a up to date artist, incomes her international acclaim. The retrospective will likely be on view at Iziko Museums of South Africa from February 18 till August 11, 2024. From there it is going to start its international tour, stopping first on the Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, earlier than transferring to the United States in early 2026.

BMW is proud to help this landmark exhibition which honours the expertise of Esther Mahlangu and celebrates a shared historical past of collaboration. Included on this exhibition will likely be Mahlangu’s BMW 525i Art Car, returning to South Africa for the primary time in over 30 years. Mahlangu turned the primary African and girl to color a BMW Art Car in 1991. This collaboration marked a major second within the artwork world, mixing African artwork with up to date automotive design.

“Painting has always been a part of me. I cannot separate it from myself, and neither would I want to. I look forward to sharing my practice and long and colourful story with you on my upcoming Retrospective Exhibition”, says Esther Mahlangu.

Through the language of color and kind, the exhibition charts Mahlangu’s contribution to up to date artwork near seven a long time. More than 100 artworks have been gathered from international collections. They have been positioned alongside historic images and a brief movie. This numerous assortment from Mahlangu’s expansive oeuvre which options in “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective, will supply a complete but intimate perception into her huge and vibrant profession.

“Mahlangu’s journey is a testament to passion, innovation, and resilience”, Curator Nontobeko Ntombela remarks. Continuing, “The retrospective pays homage to Esther Mahlangu’s unique approach to art, which intersects African cultures with modernity and the contemporary. The exhibition celebrates Mahlangu’s voice, agency, and pioneering spirit, symbolizing her self-enunciation, self-determination and creativity”, she says.

The retrospective is a landmark achievement for South African artwork. It acknowledges Mahlangu as one of many few South African artists who’ve had the chance to current a Retrospective Exhibition in world-renowned museums. Of the exhibition, Dr Bongani Ndhlovu, Acting CEO, Iziko Museums of South Africa, says: “Iziko Museums is honored to celebrate the living legend, Dr Esther Mahlangu, and to host this colossal showcase where creativity, culture, and aesthetics are fused.” He continues, “Dr. Mahlangu is a living symbol of triumph against adversity. Her approach to art has inspired generations and is a re-affirmation of calls for Africa-centred innovations.”

“The BMW Group’s commitment to this exhibition is a testament to our respect and admiration for Dr Esther Mahlangu’s pioneering spirit and remarkable contribution to the world of art. This exhibition not only celebrates the incredible journey and legacy of Mam’ Esther but also symbolizes a cherished collaboration that dates back over three decades. We are especially excited about the return of the BMW Art Car to South African soil – a significant symbol of our shared history and appreciation for art that transcends boundaries”, says Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa.

The BMW Group’s Cultural Engagement, with unique updates and deeper insights into its international initiatives might be adopted on Instagram at @BMWGroupCulture.

“Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective
February 18 – August 11, 2024
Iziko South African National Gallery
Government Avenue, Company’s Garden, Cape Town, South Africa

NewsNew

SUZUKI ANNOUNCES 2024 MX & SX TEAMS

PRESS RELEASE: Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) is happy to call its riders for the upcoming 2024 Supermotocross season. The HEP Motorsports and BARX Suzuki groups arrive again to characterize Suzuki with robust returning expertise together with promising new recruits. The Pipes Motorsports Group’s twin staff effort will once more compete within the 450-class championship. The 2024 Toyota Redlands BARX Suzuki squad will area a stable lineup of 5 riders competing for motion throughout each 250 and 450 courses.

For 2024, HEP Motorsports returns with two squads beneath the HEP cover: Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki and Twisted Tea Suzuki Presented by Progressive Insurance.

The 2024 Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki staff options elite rider Ken Roczen (94) competing on the confirmed Suzuki RM-Z450. Roczen had an especially profitable season in 2023 in his return to Suzuki; earned an emotional win on the Indy Supercross and captured a number of podium finishes all through 2023. Roczen’s clever, technical driving type and stable performances resulted in a robust second-place end within the 2023 Supermotocross Championship, and tied for third place within the 2023 Supercross season. Roczen was additionally topped the general winner of the MXGP class on the MX of Nations in France and capped off the season because the 2023 World Supercross Champion.

“I am excited to be back for 2024 with the Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki Team. We have built a great foundation, and I am eager to continue to try and put our Suzuki on the podium. The team and I are very motivated!” stated Roczen.

Ken Roczen (94) is able to prolong his 2023 momentum into continued robust 2024 success.

HEP Motorsports’ Twisted Tea Suzuki Presented by Progressive Insurance effort continues in 2024 with veteran riders, crowd favourite Kyle Chisholm (11) from Clearwater, FL, and established professional Shane McElrath (12)  who hails from Canton, NC.

 

With low season coaching persevering with, Kyle Chisholm (11) brings his setup experience to the 2024 Supermotocross World Championship.

In 2023, Chisholm introduced stable competitors and race bike set-up expertise to the HEP staff whereas additionally racing to seventeenth within the 2023 Supermotocross World Championship. Chisholm earned constant finishes throughout the supercross and motocross segments of the season. His testing and growth abilities behind the scenes have been a key aspect to the HEP staff’s 2023 success. With Chisholm’s intensive background in each SX and MX, Chisholm’s behind-the-scenes work, and insights can be instrumental to the HEP staff’s continued development.

“I’m looking forward to the 2024 season with the team. This will be my second year with the team, and I am pleased with all the progress made in 2023 with the RM-Z450 and with the team as a whole. Everyone worked great together, and we are looking to build on that and be even better in 2024. The team is working extremely hard, and we have such a good starting place, I feel we are going to do great things. I am looking forward to the season and having fun and more success with the team,” acknowledged Chisholm.

Shane McElrath (12) eagerly preps for the Supermotocross World Championship at Anaheim 1.

Alongside Chisholm, the staff fields Shane McElrath who returns for 2024 and additional augments the staff’s 450-class effort to guide the RM Army. A two-time 250 West sequence championship runner-up, McElrath is anticipating making severe strides in 2024.

“I’m excited to be back with the Twisted Tea Progressive Suzuki Team for the full 2024 season, and am looking forward to continuing to grow and build off of everything learned last season. It’s a strong team, a really good group of people with a lot of experience; so I’m looking to apply their wealth of knowledge this year. I think that will do a lot for me and I’m eager to go racing. We’ll see you all in Anaheim!” stated McElrath.

Pipes Motorsports Group Team Principle, Dustin Pipes echoes his riders’ enthusiasm for the upcoming season. “I am genuinely excited for the 2024 season. The team is working extremely hard in preparation for the season ahead, and we are optimistic to see how it pays off. We have a great group returning with Ken, Shane, and Kyle where we hope to build on the continuity achieved during last season. All our athletes represent the team to the highest standard, and I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys to race with,” commented Pipes.

Respected chief Larry Brooks will proceed as HEP’s staff supervisor, and Brooks anticipates continued robust outcomes from each squads. “We are anxious for this upcoming season and motivated for another successful year! We have been working hard this off-season to come into Anaheim 1 ready to race. It’s great to have Ken, Kyle, and Shane return for another season. We made a lot of progress in 2023. We’re looking to continue building in 2024. Ken is coming off a great off-season, winning the World Supercross Championship. Kyle and Shane both had strong off-seasons. A lot of work goes into racing. I look forward to seeing it play out come January 6th at Angel Stadium!” acknowledged Brooks.

The 2024 HEP Motorsports staff’s Suzuki RM-Z450s are prepared for 2024.

Toyota Redlands BARX Suzuki Team

For 2024, Toyota Redlands BARX Suzuki will primarily race the sharp-handling Suzuki RM-Z250s whereas additionally fielding one rider within the 450 class with the Suzuki RM-Z450. BARX will area a staff of 5 younger rivals with numerous, progressive backgrounds in a number of SX and MX sequence. Each has the identical want and goal of placing BARX Suzuki on the rostrum in 2024.

Toyota Redlands BARX Suzuki will area up-and-coming rider Preston Boespflug (128), a fierce, younger competitor climbing up the SMX ranks. From the aptly named Battle Ground, WA, Boespflug carded a promising sixth place within the 250 All-Stars fundamental occasion on the 2023 SMX World Championship finale. Boespflug brings his robust work ethic and a targeted, aggressive spirit to the BARX squad. He will acquire priceless expertise competing within the first spherical of the Supercross Futures at Anaheim 2 earlier than shifting to contest the 250 East sequence in 2024, his first full SMX season as a professional.

“I’m incredibly excited to start my rookie season on a solid bike. The Suzuki RM-Z250 has been great this preseason and my team has been behind me each step of the way!” exclaimed Boespflug.

Preston Boespflug (128) appears to make an impression with Toyota Redlands BARX Suzuki in his first professional season.

Former nationwide French 250-class phenom, Anthony Bourdon (945) appears to switch his world expertise to SMX success for BARX in 2024.

Another substantial addition to the 2024 BARX staff is Anthony Bourdon (945), the seven-year professional and the 2020 French Elite nationwide MX2 champion. Hailing from the browsing hotbed of Europe- Seignosse, France, Bourdon has been a stable and classy SX2 competitor on the world stage, with a robust general podium outcome on the 2023 Paris Supercross together with a fundamental occasion win; Bourdon joins BARX to deliver his ample driving abilities to SMX on the Suzuki RM-Z250.

“I am incredibly happy to race in the US riding with Suzuki. I began my career racing a Suzuki RM85, and I have great memories of the bike; so I am excited to ride again with Suzuki. Coming to the US to ride Supercross is the dream of any Supercross rider, and I am glad Toyota Redlands BARX Suzuki and Myron gave me this opportunity. I had a good 2023 season, and I feel great mentally and physically. I will give my absolute best to put the yellow bike on the podium. Let’s keep training and see you at A1,” stated Bourdon.

Max Miller (87) joins BARX to problem for the 250 West sequence crown.

Another stable rider for the 2024 BARX squad is Max Miller (87) from Springfield, OR additionally competing within the 250 West sequence. An established professional in his fourth season, Miller brings stable SX expertise to the BARX staff for 2024. Returning to the BARX fold for 2024 is Alpine, CA racer Dilan Schwartz (40). Schwartz returns having earned top-15 leads to the ultra-competitive class in 2023 and can journey the 250 East sequence.

Dilan Schwartz (40) returns to BARX Suzuki for 250 East racing in 2024.

Derek Drake (52) heads up BARX’s 450-class SMX effort for 2024.

Riding for BARX’s 2024 450-class effort, is San Luis Obispo, CA’s Derek Drake (52). Drake will race the Suzuki RM-Z450 and proceed to point out the unimaginable velocity displayed throughout choose motocross races final 12 months. Named the 2018 AMA Horizon Award winner, and beginning his fifth 12 months as a professional, Drake earned a number of top-twelve leads to the 250 West class in 2023.

“I am looking forward to the RM-Z450 this season, this will be a whole new challenge for me that I’m incredibly excited about. We also have some new personnel this year that I enjoy working with so it will be a great year!” stated Drake.

Toyota Redlands BARX Suzuki is prepared for the 2024 season.

Also supported by Toyota Redlands BARX Suzuki within the 250 class are three up-and-coming beginner riders, every with stable momentum as they strategy the professional sport and acquire priceless expertise in opposition to the game’s finest. Nathan Abbott from Simi Valley CA,  Cole Timboe from  Calimesa, CA, and Leo Tucker from East Dubuque, IL be part of the BARX squad. With extra help from Suzuki seller Simi Valley Cycles, these BARX beginner riders will acquire stable expertise all through the 2024 Supermotocross season.

For 2024 Toyota Redlands BARX Suzuki can be managed by James Coy. Coy brings a stable staff administration background in addition to robust beginner rider growth expertise gained over the past decade. Coy seeks to deliver BARX collectively as an actual pressure in each SMX courses whereas persevering with to develop younger riders into important rivals.

“I am thrilled about this new challenge, I eagerly anticipate contributing to the success of the Toyota Redlands BARX Suzuki team throughout the 2024 Supermotocross season,” claimed Coy.

Suzuki is happy to race with BARX within the 2024 Supermotocross World Championship and anticipates seeing your complete RM Army on the venues and tracks all through 2024.

The 2024 Supermotocross season kicks off as soon as extra at Angel Stadium on January sixth, 2024, at Angel Stadium for Anaheim 1.

ToyotaUk

Toyota Financial Services Announces Executive Changes

PLANO, Texas (Dec. 13, 2023) – Toyota Financial Services (TFS) is happy to announce the next govt adjustments, efficient January 2, 2024:

Scott Cooke, presently TFS senior vp and chief monetary officer, is promoted to Toyota Financial Services president and CEO.

As chief monetary officer, Cooke has been chargeable for the general monetary administration of Toyota Financial Services, main the features of TFS accounting, TFS finance, TFS and Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) treasury, and TFS competitiveness and mergers & acquisitions. He serves on the board of administrators of Toyota Motor Credit Corporation, the Toyota Financial Services International Corporation administration committee, and acts because the chief monetary officer for the TFS Americas Oceania Region.

“I look forward to continuing the TFS tradition of providing the best possible service to consumers and dealers,” mentioned Cooke. “Toyota Financial Services’ role has always been to deliver top-tier experiences that keep consumers loyal to our brands and their originating dealer in a way that supports manufacturer and dealer profitability. TFS also provides a stable source of funding for customers and dealers during good and challenging economic conditions. We fully intend to continue this strategy by providing innovative solutions that meet rapidly evolving customer preferences and needs.”

Cooke, who joined Toyota in 2003, has held management roles in treasury, enterprise intelligence, analytics, finance, danger, seller credit score, and technique. In addition to his vary of positions at TFS, Cooke served as company supervisor of product planning for Toyota Motor North America.

Cooke earned his Bachelor of Science diploma in Finance and MBA from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, and is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

“Scott is the ideal leader to succeed me in this role. He brings unparalleled knowledge of the TFS organization based on his decades with the company in positions both here and at Toyota Motor North America,” mentioned Mark Templin, present TFS president and CEO.

Templin continues to information a number of Toyota enterprise operations across the globe. He assumes the title of chairman of the board of Toyota Motor Credit Corporation, and retains the titles of chairman of the board of Toyota Financial Savings Bank, CEO of the TFS Americas Oceania Region, CEO of Toyota Insurance Management Solutions, and director and group chief working officer of Toyota Financial Services Corporation (TFSC) in Japan.

James Schofield, TFS group vp of finance, treasury, competitiveness, mergers and acquisitions, is promoted to TFS group vp and chief monetary officer. Schofield is well known as a considerate and efficient chief who has elevated the TFS finance, treasury, and competitiveness features to new heights. He joined the corporate in 2021, bringing a wealth of information about monetary providers finest practices gleaned from earlier roles at Lloyds Banking Group and JP Morgan Chase. Schofield is a graduate of Oxford University in Oxford, England.

About Toyota Financial Services 

Toyota Financial Services (TFS) is the model for finance and associated merchandise for Toyota within the United States, providing retail auto financing and leasing by Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC) and Toyota Lease Trust. TFS additionally presents automobile and fee safety merchandise by Toyota Motor Insurance Services (TMIS). The firm providers Lexus sellers and prospects utilizing the Lexus Financial Services model.

As of March 31, 2023, TFS employed roughly 3,800 workforce members nationwide, and had belongings totaling over $137 billion. It is a part of a worldwide community of complete monetary providers supplied by Toyota Financial Services Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation.

We announce materials monetary info utilizing the investor relations part of our web site (www.toyotafinancial.com) and SEC filings. We use these channels, press releases, and social media to speak about our firm, our providers and different points. While not all info we put up on social media is of a fabric nature, some info might be materials. Therefore, we encourage these eager about our firm to overview our messages on Twitter at www.twitter.com/toyotafinancial and posts on Facebook at www.facebook.com/toyotafinancial/.

Featured

Cunningham Automotive Announces Supercharged Briggs Edition C8 Corvette

Cunningham Automotive is excited to commemorate the Briggs Edition 100th Anniversary by introducing their new Supercharged Briggs Edition C-8 Corvette, boasting 700 horsepower.

A limited production of just 100 of these special Anniversary Corvettes will be available. Each vehicle will be numbered to represent the Briggs Edition 100th Anniversary and registered in the Cunningham Registry.

The Briggs Edition is the epitome of world-class performance. This modern supercar features a Lingenfelter/Magnuson 700 horsepower Supercharged 6.2L LT2 engine capable of achieving a quarter-mile time of 10.6 seconds.

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Building upon the success of the sold-out Cunningham C-8, the Supercharged Briggs Edition offers even greater speed and power, along with enhanced and updated aerodynamics to fully utilize its increased power. It represents the highest level of performance for the LT2 Corvette.

Antonio Pierce, CEO of Cunningham Automotive, stated that “a new fully flat front aerodynamic undertray significantly improves high-speed stability and the front splitter, which provides three times more stability at high speeds. In addition, the optional deployable Active Wing (Patent Pending) further enhances stability.”

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The Supercharged Briggs Edition C-8 Corvette upholds the esteemed championship legacy of Briggs Cunningham. Pierce mentioned that enhancements include “an Alcon brake package to provide the most aggressive braking capabilities for the C-8. Additional visual features include a patent-pending HTC supercharger viewing window, an optional Whaletail Spoiler with an integrated Active Rear Wing, Cunningham HRE forged aluminum and carbon fiber wheels, and optional Cunningham Competition Race Colors. It’s a fusion of Corvette dominance and Cunningham style.”

Reservations for the Briggs Edition 100th Anniversary Corvette can be made by visiting the official Cunningham Automotive website.

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Volkswagen

Sound in the Garden: Volkswagen partners with concert series at Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin

The Volkswagen Group is pleased to support the concert series called “Sound in the Garden”. These events will take place in the Sculpture Garden of the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin. The series will run until September 2023 and includes four free concerts. This program extends the Volkswagen Group ART4ALL visitor program, which provides free access to exhibitions at Neue Nationalgalerie.

Yesterday, MARYAM.fyi, a German-Iranian musician, performed the first concert of the series. She presented her music, which is influenced by indie pop elements.

“Sound in the Garden” is part of the Volkswagen Group ART4ALL visitor program, developed in collaboration with Volkswagen and Nationalgalerie – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. This program aims to make culture and the arts accessible to a large audience. Every Thursday between 4 and 8 p.m., visitors can enjoy free access to Neue Nationalgalerie’s exhibitions and collections.

This year’s edition of “Sound in the Garden” marks the return of this concert series. In 2022, museum director Klaus Biesenbach launched the live program, inspired by the “Jazz in the Garden” concerts held at Neue Nationalgalerie in the 1970s and 1980s. The current program is supported by Volkswagen Group Fellow Jorgina Stamogianni.

Klaus Biesenbach, Director of the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin, said, “With ‘Summer in the Garden,’ I would like to continue to create an inspiring concert culture in the sculpture gardens of the Neue Nationalgalerie Berlin and the Museum of Modern Art. The wonderful atmosphere at the opening event last night confirmed our purpose. With Volkswagen as our partner, we can offer free admission to this program, in line with the motto ‘Culture for All’.”

Benita von Maltzahn, Director Global Cultural Engagement at Volkswagen Group, said, “The Berlin home of Neue Nationalgalerie is a truly unique museum location. Since its reopening, it has become even more fascinating to explore the architecture and exhibitions. Through our partnership with Nationalgalerie – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, we are committed to enabling the widest possible audience to engage with culture and the arts. Supporting the concerts in the Sculpture Garden allows guests to enjoy music and visit the museum for free as part of the Volkswagen Group ART4ALL program. We want even more people to feel welcome to experience modern art along with new sounds.”

The Volkswagen Group has a long-standing partnership with Nationalgalerie – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, highlighting its commitment to being a trusted partner in cultural projects and institutions. Through this partnership, Volkswagen helps its partners reach a large audience with creative works and promotes the ideas and perspectives of a wide range of artists. Bringing art and people together fosters an open-minded and far-reaching exchange of views, which is crucial for meaningful discussions and mutual understanding in our society.

For more information about “Sound in the Garden” and specific concert details, please visit: https://www.smb.museum/en/events/event-series/sound-in-the-garden-2023/

Opinion

Volkswagen Beetle fans, no need to worry: it won’t be making a comeback

As someone who absolutely loves the classic Volkswagen Beetle and owns one, I’m actually glad to hear that the Beetle won’t be returning anytime soon.

Don’t get me wrong, I think the Volkswagen ID Buzz is great. It pays homage to the original Beetle while incorporating modern electric vehicle design. But it’s comforting to know that Volkswagen’s plans don’t solely revolve around reviving retro cars.

Volkswagen CEO rules out Beetle revival as retro is “a dead end”

This is partly because it means Volkswagen won’t have to deal with the inevitable backlash on social media. Whenever a “spiritual successor” to a beloved 60s or 70s icon is announced, keyboard warriors are quick to criticize, claiming it’s nothing like the original and questioning its authenticity.

If you need proof of this, just look at the recent reaction to Ford’s plan to revive the Capri as an electric five-door crossover based on a Volkswagen architecture. It wasn’t exactly well-received.

But it’s also a relief because capturing the essence of the original Beetle would be extremely difficult in today’s world. We’ve already seen this with the two Golf-based Beetles that Volkswagen launched after the original’s discontinuation, which didn’t receive the warmest of receptions.

The MEB platform would make it easier to create a modern Beetle that is true to its roots: rear-wheel drive, flat floor, front trunk, and so on. However, the Beetle is a name that is synonymous with no-frills family transportation, durability, dependability, and above all, charm.

It’s hard to imagine any new electric vehicle, no matter how compact, well-designed, or competitively priced, embodying those same values.

Take a look at the Fiat 500 and Mini Electric, for example. These are luxury products that only loosely pay tribute to their 1950s predecessors (both of which were rivals to the Beetle back in the day). While they are beautifully engineered and visually appealing, what has truly garnered praise is their departure from the utilitarian principles that defined their original counterparts.

Volkswagen is indeed working on an affordable and cheerful electric city car for families. However, it will be a modern and stylish replacement for the Polo, rather than a retro-inspired Beetle. This is good news for those who value substance over style. It allows Volkswagen to embrace its bold electric future while keeping the long and fascinating Beetle legacy as a chapter in its history, rather than a burden.