Tag Archives: premiere

Motorsport

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Special Edition Commemorates Carrera Panamericana Race Car

Porsche unveiled a special edition 718 Cayman GT4 RS at the Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca in California during the Rennsport Reunion 7 event. Produced in collaboration with TAG Heuer, only two of these track-focused road cars will ever be made. The purpose of this special edition is to celebrate the 550 Coupe’s participation in the 1953 Carrera Panamericana.

About a year ago, Porsche introduced the one-off 911 S Cabriolet Panamericana Special, which marked their initial entrance into the Carrera Panamericana in 1952 with the 356 S Cabriolet. The new special edition is based on the highest-performing Cayman variant and will be driven by racing driver, actor, and TAG Heuer brand ambassador Patrick Dempsey in this month’s 2023 edition of the Carrera Panamericana.


BMW

MINI Countryman E Makes North American Debut in New York

New York. Following its recent unveiling at the IAA Mobility 2023, the new all-electric MINI Countryman has now made its first appearance in New York. The event took place during the panel discussion “Driving Forward: The Transforming of Future Mobility,” which was organized by URBAN-X, the startup accelerator established by MINI, as part of Climate Week NYC.

During the event, the all-electric MINI Countryman made its North American debut, offering locally emission-free electric mobility while maintaining the brand’s signature driving pleasure. With an increased electric range of up to 462 km*, as well as more interior space, the new MINI Countryman E encourages excursions beyond the city limits. It combines a distinctive design, advanced drive technology, and an immersive digital experience.

The introduction of the new MINI Countryman Electric is a significant milestone for MINI as it works towards becoming an all-electric brand by 2030. The focus is on achieving locally emission-free electromobility while prioritizing environmental sustainability throughout the production process. This includes using recycled polyester for interior surfaces and producing light alloy cast wheels using up to 70 percent secondary aluminum.

The panel discussion, “Driving Forward: The Transforming of Future Mobility,” brought together representatives from the startup ecosystem, automotive industry, and urban planning field to discuss present challenges and potential solutions for transforming urban mobility in the coming years.

MINI established URBAN-X in 2016, and since then, more than 70 startups from various countries have participated in its programs. The 13th cohort, consisting of six urbantech startups focused on developing climate-friendly solutions, began in early September.

BMW

All roads lead to Rome driving a BMW: Ryder Cup live broadcast in the BMW i7 and other models.

+++ World premiere at the 44th Ryder Cup +++ Worldwide Partner BMW enables exclusive live in-car broadcasts* +++ Premium experience on the BMW Theatre Screen in the new BMW 7 Series ++ Offering extended to the USA, Canada and Mexico and available in a total of 67 markets ** +++

Munich. The sporting world’s attention will be on Italy next week as the 44th Ryder Cup takes place (25th September to 1st October, Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Rome). The tournament features a unique clash between the best golfers from Europe (host) and the defending champions, the USA. Passengers in BMW cars* can experience the action of the Ryder Cup, no matter where they are. As a Worldwide Partner, BMW will stream every stroke and the associated emotions of this legendary golf competition directly to their cars. This is a historic first for the Ryder Cup.

Customers of the new BMW 7 Series in particular will feel like they are at the heart of the action on the fairways and greens. The Ryder Cup in-car app allows passengers in the second row to watch the tournament on the BMW Theatre Screen. This 31-inch panoramic display, with 8K resolution and a 32:9 format, extends down from the roof lining, turning the rear of the new BMW 7 Series into an exclusive private cinema on wheels. With the onboard 5G-enabled antenna system, BMW customers benefit from the best streaming speeds.

“The Ryder Cup is associated with unique emotions and great prestige – there is no other golfing event like it,” says Stefan Ponikva, Vice President BMW Brand Communication and Brand Experience. “The same is true of BMW vehicles, particularly the BMW 7 Series. The exclusive opportunity to combine sheer driving pleasure with the emotions of the Ryder Cup combines all this with the BMW Group’s aspiration to rethink the digital experience both inside and outside the car and to create innovative worlds of experience.”

The free live broadcasts and a wide range of on-demand content can also be viewed on the front-row BMW Curved Display when the vehicle is stationary. However, for safety reasons, premium sport content cannot be played while driving. Rear-seat passengers can still stream the Ryder Cup on the BMW Theatre Screen while the vehicle is in motion.

The Ryder Cup, which was established in 1927, is a biennial competition where 12 top professional golfers from the United States and Europe compete in a head-to-head match play format. It has become one of the world’s greatest sporting events, captivating millions around the globe. BMW has been involved in the Ryder Cup since 2006 and, for the second time, is assuming the role of Worldwide Partner.

As part of their involvement, BMW is providing a fleet of fully-electric vehicles for the golf and event teams, contributing to the smooth operation of the Ryder Cup. This fleet consists of 180 vehicles, including numerous BMW i7 models, allowing players seated in the rear to get in the mood for their matches or relive the highlights.

* Abu Dhabi, Albania, Austria, Australia, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dubai, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, Ukraine, USA.

** BMW 7 Series (G70), BMW iX produced after 03/23, BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X7 (produced after 04/23, BMW XM (after 08/23).

BMW

THE NEUE NEW: BMW accompanies the departure into a new era with an emotionally engaging multi-channel campaign.

Munich. The world premiere of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse marks a new beginning for the BMW brand, one characterised by a completely fresh way of thinking and approach. THE NEUE NEW is the title of the multi-channel campaign accompanying the Bavarian premium carmaker’s ongoing process of transformation. The campaign’s storytelling captures the central areas of action contained within this transformation and brings an unusual angle to the idea of “the new”.

The campaign THE NEUE NEW – developed and implemented by the agency THE GAME created specially for the BMW Group and the BMW brand – explains in an authentic and accessible way what underpins the “NEU” of the forthcoming NEUE KLASSE. The use of the German word for “new” references the name of this new-generation model series and has an effective and memorable impact in non-German-speaking markets around the world as well as at home. At the same time, the campaign shines the spotlight on the brand promise “Freude forever.” and opens a window to BMW as a future-facing brand focused on meeting peoples’ needs.

“THE NEUE NEW represents our journey into a completely new era of mobility, in which we are putting people front and centre. And its visual implementation is likewise very authentic, accessible and human,” says Jens Thiemer, Senior Vice President Customer and BMW Brand. “The campaign provides an initial example of how we are also employing innovative communication approaches to drive forward the transformation process BMW is currently navigating.”

THE NEUE NEW tells the story of the transformation alongside the key future-focused fields the BMW Group has set itself: the ideal of a circular economy as a progressive mindset geared towards preserving resources; digitalisation focused on identifying and meeting peoples’ needs; and a commitment to electrification with the aim of making the driving pleasure for which the brand is renowned something future generations can also experience.

As a central hub in which these three elements converge, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse embodies a fresh departure fuelled by optimism for the future. Recalling the “mk1” Neue Klasse, which revolutionised the brand’s product range in the 1960s, the storytelling approach is deliberately playing on the German “Neue” in non-German-speaking markets as well as at home and, in so doing, redefining the idea of “the new” itself.

The BMW Vision Neue Klasse shows us here and now how Sheer Driving Pleasure will be interpreted in the years ahead. At its heart is the design language of “intelligent reduction to the essentials”. Meanwhile, the latest generation of BMW iDrive delivers a digital, immersive user experience in which the driver takes centre stage. Every aspect of the development process took sustainability and efficiency as the guiding themes.

THE NEUE NEW: 360-degree campaign follows a “social first” approach.

The campaign strategically orchestrated by THE GAME feeds all the main touchpoints of the various target groups. Alongside various influencer collaborations, the campaign focuses primarily on the brand’s social media channels. A filter for Instagram and Snapchat developed specially for the campaign also allows the BMW Vision Neue Klasse to inspire its audience within an augmented reality experience.

The 360-degree approach of THE NEUE NEW allows it to make a mark with out-of-home activities and double-page spreads in print media, too. The campaign is supported by other measures on BMW channels such as the My BMW App, the brand’s homepage and FREUDE.FOREVER magazine. THE MARCOM ENGINE was responsible for the media planning across all channels and touchpoints.

During the IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich, the campaign also becomes a physical experience. The concept behind the show stand for the BMW Group’s Open Space at Max-Joseph-Platz was the work of creative consultancy Meiré and Meiré. The installation for the BMW Vision Neue Klasse followed THE NEUE NEW campaign approach and was accompanied by communications input from Cologne-based creative agency Elastique, and the key opinion leader & talent agency Pacific took care of the on-site support programme.

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1LTr6frDS4

Motorsport

Hyundai Santa Fe XRT Concept Debuts As Rugged Take On New SUV

Hyundai has unveiled the Santa Fe XRT Concept, which enhances the standard model with a range of equipment for outdoor adventures.

The new Hyundai Santa Fe features a boxy exterior design that gives it a more chiseled appearance compared to previous generations.

Hyundai Santa Fe (2023) new pictures

The XRT Concept is described by Hyundai as “a concept model tailored to cater [to] diverse needs of outdoor enthusiasts.” It is based on the Calligraphy trim level and incorporates various additions, such as a roof rack with a spare tire, a rear ladder, and a small storage case at the rear side. The customized SUV also features more rugged tires and black five-spoke wheels.

Unfortunately, Hyundai has not provided any images or details about the XRT’s interior. It remains unclear whether there are any modifications inside to complement the rugged exterior components.

It is also unknown whether Hyundai intends to offer the XRT parts as factory accessories or if they are purely for display purposes on this vehicle.

The new Santa Fe is available in the United States with two powertrain options. One is a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The other choice is a hybrid-assisted turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 178 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine enables the Santa Fe to accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 8.0 seconds, with a top speed of 131 mph. The hybrid 1.6-liter achieves 0-62 mph in 9.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 118 mph.

The full details of the Santa Fe for the US market will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, including a comprehensive presentation, executive interviews, and related information, according to a Hyundai spokesperson.

Motorsport

Toyota FJ Cruiser Revival Teased During 2024 Land Cruiser Debut

During the debut event for the Land Cruiser 250, Toyota briefly showcased the silhouette of what appears to be a Century SUV. Additionally, two unknown SUVs were previewed at the end of the event. While details about these vehicles were not provided, Toyota’s Chief Branding Officer hinted at new and exciting paths for the future of cars. The automaker aims to keep the Land Cruiser nameplate relevant by implementing “carbon neutral approaches” and making the vehicle more affordable and accessible worldwide.

Toyota SUVs teaser (modified)

Considering the familiar boxy shape of the left SUV silhouette, it is possible that Toyota is teasing the revival of the FJ Cruiser, this time in an electric form. Toyota had previously hinted at the return of the FJ Cruiser in late 2021 with the Compact Cruiser concept. However, it is essential to note that this potential resurrection contradicts a prior report claiming that Toyota had halted the development of an electric second-generation FJ Cruiser model. It is possible that plans have changed since then.

The FJ Cruiser was discontinued in the United States after the 2014 model year, but production continued until December 2022. Toyota manufactured the model for nearly 17 years before ending production with a Final Edition limited to 1,000 units for the Middle East.

DSAutomobile

DS AUTOMOBILES REVISES DS 7 LINE-UP

  • DS 7 La Première available for a limited time only ahead of new line-up from September 2023
  • DS 7 will be available in Performance Line+, Rivoli and Opera trim
  • The DS 7 Esprit de Voyage collection is also available, inspired by the fashion industry and world of haute-couture with its light interiors, exclusive finishes and technology
  • Customers purchasing a DS 7 Esprit de Voyage can take advantage of limited-time offer of an upgraded FOCAL sound system
  • To find out more about DS 7, visit www.dsautomobiles.co.uk

DS Automobiles has announced changes to the DS 7 trim line-up. The DS 7 La Première, the limited launch edition, will only be available for a limited time until the end of July.

The La Première models include 21-inch ‘Brooklyn’ diamond-cut alloy wheels, a 360-Vision Reversing camera, DS NIGHT VISION, an electric tailgate with hands-free access, and a FOCAL Electra® HiFi system with a 515-watt amplifier, 14 speakers, and an 8-inch subwoofer.

The updated trim line-up for the DS 7 will consist of three options: Performance Line+, Rivoli, and Opera trim. It will be available with a Plug-in Hybrid powertrain or a 1.5-litre BlueHDI diesel engine. Additionally, the new Esprit de Voyage collection will be offered for the DS 7.

The Esprit de Voyage collection enhances the Rivoli trim with exclusive light leather interior and an improved standard specification. It features Pearl Grey grained leather seats and nappa leather interior with heat embossing. The DS 7 Esprit de Voyage also includes heated, massaging, and ventilated front seats, aluminium pedals, PolyAmbient interior lighting, acoustic laminated side windows, and a power tailgate with hands-free access.

Customers who purchase a DS 7 Esprit de Voyage can also enjoy a limited-time offer to upgrade their FOCAL HiFi system by quoting FOCAL23. The upgraded system includes a 515-watt amplifier, 14 speakers, and an 8-inch subwoofer.

For more information on the DS 7, to find the nearest DS retailer, or to buy online, please visit www.dsautomobiles.co.uk.

BMW

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2023: MINI Showcases Exciting New Models in the UK

Goodwood. MINI gave attendees of the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2023 a glimpse into the future with the debut of the all-electric MINI Concept Aceman. Visitors were also treated to the limited-edition MINI Cooper SE Convertible, offering electrified open-air driving fun. The festival, which took place in West Sussex, celebrated its thirtieth anniversary as a premier motorsport event. MINI showcased its diverse product portfolio at the festival, including the MINI JCW 1to6 Edition, MINI Concept Aceman, and the strictly limited MINI Cooper SE Convertible.

MINI Thrills at the Hillclimb. The Goodwood Festival of Speed is famous for its close proximity to the public and the exhilarating Hillclimb race past Goodwood House. This unique opportunity allows automotive enthusiasts to witness iconic vehicles and drivers up close. Taking center stage was the MINI John Cooper Works 1to6 Edition, making its British motorsport debut on the challenging Hillclimb. Limited to 999 units, this special edition pays homage to the brand’s motorsport heritage and offers thrilling driving dynamics. Charlie Cooper, grandson of legendary racing car engineer John Cooper, drove the edition car up the track. The Goodwood Hillclimb is considered a demanding benchmark for manufacturers to showcase their vehicles’ performance and the skills of their drivers.

A Sneak Peek into the Future. The MINI Concept Aceman, a concept car showcasing the future of the MINI family, made its UK debut at the festival. This electric vehicle beautifully demonstrated the upcoming designs, interiors, and electric performance of MINI cars.

Limited Edition MINI Cooper SE Convertible at Electric Avenue. In the Electric Avenue section of the festival, visitors had the opportunity to experience the first all-electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible. This limited edition vehicle, with only 150 units available in the UK, showcased the benefits of electric mobility. It is the world’s first emission-free premium convertible in the small car segment and represents the next-generation of all-electric MINI models. With a range of 201 kilometers according to the WLTP test cycle, it makes a significant contribution to the transition to electric vehicles.

After four exhilarating days, both visitors and participants are eagerly anticipating the automotive innovations that will be showcased at next year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Motorsport

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: A Powerful Electric Car with 641 HP and Simulated Eight-Speed Gearbox

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has made its official debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. This new model represents N’s first foray into the world of high-performance electric cars, and it won’t be their last. Hyundai has big plans for its N sub-brand and sees the hot Ioniq 5 as the first step in its electrification strategy.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is equipped with two electric motors, resulting in a total output of 600 horsepower (448 kilowatts) and 545 pound-feet (740 Newton-meters) of torque. It’s worth noting that these numbers may change slightly before production begins. However, with the N Grin Boost function engaged, the power increases to an impressive 641 hp (478 kW) and 567 lb-ft (770 Nm) of torque. The N Grin Boost function is a temporary boost that lasts for 10 seconds.


Motorsport

2024 Volkswagen Passat: A Sneak Peek at the Upcoming Wagon-Only Model

The ninth-generation Volkswagen Passat is set to make its debut later this year, but with a significant change in its lineup. The popular midsize family car will only be available as a wagon. The German automaker has now offered a detailed preview of the redesigned model, which will be one of the first VW models to utilize the MQB Evo platform, alongside the 2024 Tiguan. These two vehicles will share many of the same components.

With a length of 4917 millimeters (193.5 inches), the new Passat Variant will be 144 mm (5.6 in) longer than its predecessor. This elongation mainly comes from a 50 mm (1.96 in) increase in the wheelbase, stretching it to 2841 mm (111.8 in). The width has also grown by 20 mm (0.7 in) to 1852 mm (72.9 in), while the height has seen a slight rise of 7 mm (0.2 in) to 1482 mm (58.3 in).