Tag Archives: presentation

Motorsport

Watch the 2025 Infiniti QX80 Reveal Here: Livestream

Update: Infiniti has introduced 2025 QX80 particulars forward of the livestream presentation. You can test it out in our QX80 debut submit, however keep tuned for the dwell video reveal at 7:00 PM Eastern.

Infiniti has been flying beneath the radar for some time, however Nissan’s premium marque is able to bounce again with the all-new QX80. The range-topping SUV will break cowl immediately throughout a livestreamed occasion organized on the Edge outside sky deck at Hudson Yards in New York City. The luxobarge is related for international markets as properly because it previews the next-generation Patrol (Armada within the United States).

Infiniti had an unusually lengthy teaser marketing campaign within the lead-up to immediately’s premiere. We’re not simply speaking about design particulars but additionally technical specs. For instance, the brand new QX80 has already been confirmed with a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 making 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. That’ll give it a pleasant bump of fifty hp and 103 lb-ft over the outgoing mannequin fitted with the naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V-8.


Motorsport

Bill Ford States that the UAW Strike in Kentucky Harms Thousands of Americans

Bill Ford, the Executive Chair of Ford Motor Company, addressed the United Auto Workers (UAW) union at the Rouge Visitor Center in Dearborn, Michigan. He called on his UAW colleagues to accept the automaker’s deal and put an end to the ongoing dispute. Ford’s remarks were in response to UAW President Shawn Fain’s complaints about Ford’s proposal.

In his speech, Ford emphasized the negative impact of the UAW expanding the strike to the Kentucky Truck Plant. He stated that shutting down the plant immediately harms thousands of workers, suppliers, dealers, and the communities relying on those local economies.

Ford highlighted that the company has offered a contract that goes above and beyond the requirements of the previous UAW agreement. He claimed that the proposed deal would make Ford’s manufacturing workers the highest-paid in the world.

On the other hand, UAW President Fain stated that Ford had presented the union with the same offer as two weeks prior, which the UAW found unacceptable and rejected. This rejection led to the expansion of the strike to the Kentucky Truck Plant.

The Kentucky plant is Ford’s largest factory, generating $25 million in revenue annually. It produces the F-Series Super Duty, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator and employs 8,700 UAW members.

During his speech, Fain criticized Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, and urged him to use the company’s resources to meet the union’s demands. Fain pointed out the compensation gap between a top executive like Farley and workers.

For reference, Bill Ford’s annual income was $17.3 million in 2022 and $18.7 million in 2021, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Fain also mentioned that the union plans to be more aggressive in the future by providing short notice before expanding the strike to additional factories.

Motorsport

Toyota FJ Cruiser Reboot To Get Gasoline And Hybrid Power: Report

According to a report, Toyota is planning to revive the FJ Cruiser with gasoline and hybrid powertrain options. The revival of the popular SUV was hinted at during the 2024 Land Cruiser presentation, where two shadowy silhouettes of unknown SUVs were shown. One of them strongly resembled an FJ Cruiser. In addition, a trademark for the name “Land Hopper” was recently filed in Japan, further suggesting the upcoming release of a compact off-roader.

Best Car magazine in Japan claims that a smaller Land Cruiser model will be launched, positioned below the existing 250 and 300 models. It is expected to have similar styling to the larger models and be roughly the same size as the Corolla Cross, a compact crossover measuring 176.1 inches long, 71.9 inches wide, and 64.9 inches tall. While the Corolla Cross has a unibody construction, the Land Hopper is rumored to ride on a body-on-frame platform based on the shortened GA-F architecture borrowed from the 250 and 300 models.

However, the most intriguing information from the report is about the powertrain options. Contrary to expectations of an all-electric drivetrain, Toyota is allegedly planning to offer the Land Hopper with gasoline and hybrid powertrains. This comes as a surprise, considering that the Compact Cruiser concept unveiled in late 2021 was an electric vehicle.

According to Best Car magazine, while an electric variant might be introduced in a few years, the initial versions of the Land Hopper will be available with gasoline and hybrid options. The publication suggests that the Land Hopper could borrow its powertrains from the Corolla Cross, such as the 1.8-liter gasoline and hybrid setups, or from the larger RAV4, which offers a 2.0-liter gasoline and 2.5-liter hybrid configuration.


Cars, News

Toyota’s New EVs Will Feature Simulated Manual Transmission and the Possibility of Stalling

During a presentation by Toyota BEV Factory president, Takero Kato, various updates were discussed, including the introduction of a simulated manual transmission. Kato covered a range of topics, from advancements in the production lines for Toyota’s electric vehicles to software enhancements aimed at making the cars more intelligent and efficient. Particularly notable was the discussion on an improved battery that could provide an impressive range of 1000 km (approximately 621 miles) for Toyota’s electric cars. With the U.S. government and auto industry transitioning away from fossil fuel-powered vehicles, Toyota is fully committed to producing electric vehicles and has set ambitious goals of selling 1.5 million units by 2026 and an additional two million by 2030.

Toyota is not the only automaker increasing its electric vehicle production. It is also not the sole company recognizing that EV drivers may long for the experience of a manual clutch. Other automakers, such as Dodge and Hyundai, have plans to implement simulated manual transmissions in their electric vehicles as well. Swedish company Koenigsegg has even developed a nine-speed, seven-clutch gearbox capable of mimicking a six-speed transmission. It remains uncertain whether these simulated systems will also include the possibility of stalling. Drivers may have to wait until 2026, when they release their virtual clutch too quickly, to find out.