The first Hyundai Exter model to start series production is completed in the new khaki exterior paint option
Hyundai is now accepting bookings for the Exter for Rs 11,000.
The micro SUV will be launched on July 10.
The exterior features include H-shaped elements in the headlights and taillights, as well as roof rails.
It comes with a sunroof and digitized driver display compared to the Grand i10 Nios.
It shares the same petrol and CNG powertrains as the Grand i10 Nios.
Prices are expected to start from Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Hyundai Exter has taken a step closer to its launch as it enters series production at the carmaker’s manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. The first model produced is finished in the unique khaki color option. Hyundai is already accepting bookings for the micro SUV for Rs 11,000. Here’s everything you need to know about the Hyundai SUV:
A Bold Design
The Exter will be Hyundai’s new entry-level SUV. It has a bold look and features a typical boxy appearance, characterized by chunky wheel arches, body cladding, and roof rails. Other distinctive exterior elements include H-shaped LED DRLs and taillights, large skid plates, and chrome surround for the projector headlights.
Equipment Onboard
Hyundai has revealed some notable features of the Exter, such as a dual-camera dashcam, cruise control, an 8-inch touchscreen, digitized driver display, single-pane sunroof, and wireless phone charging.
The Exter’s safety features include six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill assist, 3-point seatbelts, seatbelt reminders for all seats, and a reversing camera.
Powertrains On Offer
Since it is based on the same platform as the Grand i10 Nios, it shares its powertrains with the latter. It is equipped with a 1.2-liter petrol engine (83PS/114Nm) paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or an AMT. The same engine will also be offered with an optional CNG kit, mated to the 5-speed manual transmission only.
The Exter will be available for sale on July 10, with prices expected to start from Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete with the Tata Punch, Citroen C3, and Maruti Fronx, while also taking on the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite.
It is the first production car to sport the French carmaker’s new design language
The Renault Rafale marks the start of a new era for the French carmaker as its international flagship offering. This petrol hybrid SUV gets its name from Caudron-Renault Rafale, a monoplane which set a speed record in 1934 by flying at 445kmph. The coupe-styled Rafale SUV comes loaded with tech and here are its top five highlights:
Hybrid Powertrains
The Renault Rafale has been unveiled with a petrol hybrid powertrain which gets a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine (130PS/205Nm) that comes with two electric motors and an automatic gearbox. The main electric motor is powered by a 2kWh battery pack that generates 50PS/205Nm and the secondary motor has an output of 25PS/50Nm which is used to start the engine and power the gear changes. With this setup, the Rafale gets a combined power output of 200PS and claims a driving range of 1,100 km on a full tank.
The carmaker also announced that it will also bring a more powerful 300PS version of the Rafale later which will get an electric motor on the rear axle to make it a four-wheel drive SUV. This version will also come with a plug-in hybrid powertrain for increased economy and might also offer an EV-only range.
Sporty Seats With An Illuminated Logo
Inside the upmarket cabin of the top-spec Alpine variant of the Renault Rafale, you’ll see sporty gray and blue seats finished with both leather and fabric. These seats are made from 61 percent recycled Alcantara. But the highlight of these seats is an illuminated logo for the old Renault performance brand, Alpine, placed below the headrests. These logos light up and can change colour based on the car settings, something that we’ve seen in a car for the first time.
Moving Front Grille
Another cool feature this car has is its moving radiator grille which is made of small diamond-shaped elements, resembling the carmaker’s logo. Unlike the active grille seen in some luxury brands, there are no mechanical parts in the grille that will help it move. Instead, these small diamonds are placed in such a way that it creates an optical illusion and appears to move depending on the angle you are looking at it from.
A Glass Roof With Different Shades
The Rafale gets a big panoramic glass roof which from the outside looks no different than a glass roof in any mass market car. But it offers a feature which takes the use of a glass roof to the next level. This smart glass roof has nine sequential darkening elements that can be controlled via google assistant. It comes with four modes: all light, all dark, dark in front with light in rear and light in front with dark in the rear.
Multi-purpose Rear Armrest
Apart from performance, Renault has also focused on comfort and convenience for its passengers with the Rafale. One such example of this is the rear seat armrest which offers a lot of functionality. Other than having the basics of an armrest like two cupholders and space to rest your arms, it also gets two USB ports to charge your devices, space for tables and smartphones and two screen stands that fold out for you to rest your media devices at your preferred angle.
This degree of functionality is something usually found only in luxury vehicles. While the Rafale does not offer these comforts wrapped in exquisite materials or with fancy screens, the fold-out design of the rear armrest to expand its use is certainly distinctive.
The Renault Rafale will launch in the international market in 2024 and as of now, it is unlikely that this product will hit the shores of India. Let us know which of these features you found interesting and if you would want to see this car on Indian roads.
A confirmed reliable BMW insider has revealed that starting with August 2024 production, the BMW M2 engine will jump up to 475 horsepower from the current 453 horsepower for the 2025 M2 model. This would put it above the current base M3’s 473 horsepower, although BMW enthusiasts predict the M3 and M4 may also receive a power bump as well. User “Ynguldyn” on Bimmerpost.com, the source of these updates, wants to make it clear that the model in question is not the CS or Competition package.
This news came as a bit of a shock to the BMW community on Bimmerpost.com, as talks of selling began to swirl between current M2 owners in the comments section. Regardless of the buzz, collectors and BMW enthusiasts will have to wait until August 2024 to get their hands on the juiced-up M2, which is also reported as featuring new wheel options and some cosmetic changes. The 2024 M2 competition package release date is not yet specified.
Though “ynguldyn” is a reliable source, BMW is known for its ever-evolving perspective on performance, as they have been among the top of their class since the early days of the manufacturer.
2023 BMW M2 Promises An Engaging Experience
BMW
2023 BMW M2 Coupe going sideways around a test track
Currently, the BMW packs a powerful companion to its line-up with the M2 variant. Powering the performance-inspired model is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six that makes 453 horsepower, which is 20 horses shy of the base M3 model. All M2 models are rear-wheel drive and offer the option between a six-speed manual transmission, or an eight-speed automatic transmission, though elite drivers have praised the responsive eight-speed manual for combining driver assist features with manual control, making for an exciting driving experience.
The EPA reports a combined mileage of 19 MPG, with the 2023 BMW M2 getting 16 city and 24 highway MPG. The 3.0-liter inline-six is the same engine found in the M3 and M4 models, though it puts out slightly fewer horsepower, making 406 pound-feet of torque with a top speed of 155 MPH.
Car And Driver’s test runs with the M2 report the sportscar was able to achieve 60 MPH in 3.5-seconds and was able to reach 100 MPH in 9.0 seconds. The M2 completed a quarter-mile in 12.1 seconds. Those looking to raise the top speed of their M2 can upgrade to the M Drivers Package, which will allow you to achieve an eye-watering 177 MPH, impressive for any luxury performance coupe.
2023 BMW M2 Performance Specs
0-60
3.6-seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH
Curb Weight
3750-pounds
Horsepower
453
Torque
406 pound-feet
Layout
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive Four-passenger, 2-door coupe
With or without the M Drivers Package, the M2 features special M tuning and suspension and performance-inspired chassis equipment that makes it the quickest 2-Series tested, according to Car And Driver.
BMW is a well-known luxury and performance car manufacturer, with many iconic models to its name. Whether on the track or on the streets, BMW is a name synonymous with style and speed. The current 2023 M2 model starts at $63,195 and though it shares many of the same features as the previous model M2, the 2023 model cranks up the performance and technology to ensure the BMW M2 keeps evolving.
With advanced voice recognition technology, the 2023 M2 feels like the car of the future, especially when you consider all the driver assist features that come standard on this sportscar, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, standard lane-departure warnings, and for a little extra on the price tag, advanced stop-and-go assist is an optional upgrade, though it is important to note that the advanced stop-and-go features are only available for the eight-speed automatic transmission M2 models.
Notable Driver Assist Features
Standard Navigation
Auto Emergency-Braking
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional Stop-And-Go Cruise Functionality
(note: Stop-and-Go functionality is only for automatic M2 models.)
A Driver-Focused Cockpit Remains The Hallmark Of The BMW M2
BMW
A shot of the cabin in a BMW M2
The M2 features the same interior layout as the regular 2-Series coupe, with plentiful driver and front passenger space, while those located in the rear seats may feel a bit cramped. The design of the M2 remains sporty, as the seats are more reminiscent of racing seats.
The dash is now digitalized, featuring a wide 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel displaying gauges and everything else one would need to know about their vehicle, standard navigation, and optional head-up display. The big digital display behind the steering wheel seamlessly blends into an even bigger 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment interface that powers BMW’s latest iDrive8 operating system. The M2 features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities and optional 5G connectivity.
The optional carbon-fiber package adds carbon-fiber elements to the interior of the M2, as well as swaps out the standard seats for more aggressive bucket seats, which reduce total weight by 24 pounds. The upgraded racing seats and carbon fiber add to the track sensibilities BMW is known for, as their past M variations have amplified the performance offered in the base 2-Series models.
2023 BMW M2 with the M Performance Parts does not only look stunning but can lure customers to opt for it, since the standard look is a bit controversial
The 2024 BMW M2 is set to release in the Fall of 2023 and is estimated to start at around $62,000, on par with past M2’s MSRP upon release, if not a few grand less. With many of the same features as the current 2023 model. Since the M2 received a redesign in 2022, many are speculating that not much will change in the 2-Series’ cosmetics, though big things are peeking over the horizon.
Though no rumors of the 2024 M2 Competition have surfaced yet, BMW enthusiasts are already predicting a significant bump in horses, narrowing the gap in horsepower between the M2 and M4. With competition ranging from Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz to McLaren and Porsche, BMW will no doubt seek to produce high-performing vehicles that rank among the best of the best.
PowerCo SE is planning to introduce a completely new manufacturing process in its battery cell production plants in Europe and Northern America. The new technology will significantly boost efficiency and sustainability in volume battery cell production. A subsidiary of Volkswagen Group and based in Salzgitter, Niedersachsen, the battery company aims to industrialize the so-called Dry Coating procedure. The technology allows a decrease in energy consumption of about 30 percent, internal tests have already proven successful. Together with German printing machine specialist Koenig & Bauer AG, PowerCo will further develop and industrialize the Dry Coating procedure.
Thomas Schmall, Group Board Member for Technology at Volkswagen AG and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of PowerCo SE, said, “Technologies like Dry Coating showcase PowerCo’s technological prowess. We have the necessary know-how and the right experts to take cell production to a new level and offer significant cost advantages to our customers. Our objective is to establish an industrial production of sustainable and affordable batteries.”
To achieve this goal, PowerCo and Koenig & Bauer have signed a Joint Development Agreement. Together they will develop a roller press for powder coating electrodes at a large industrial scale. The Dry Coating procedure allows manufacturing electrodes without wet-coating and subsequently drying them at high costs. With the new procedure, the most energy-intensive part of cell manufacturing and the use of chemical solvents are no longer required. PowerCo is already testing and optimizing the technology in a pilot line in one of its laboratories in Northern Germany. As a printing specialist, Koenig & Bauer will develop a machine for the industrial powder coating.
According to PowerCo estimates, the new technology has the potential of saving about 30 percent of energy as well as 15 percent of required floor space, resulting in saving hundreds of millions of Euros each year. Frank Blome, CEO of PowerCo SE, stated, “What the solid-state cell is to the product, Dry Coating is to production – a real game changer. If scaled successfully, it will give us a unique position on the market and definite competitive advantages.”
Powder instead of Slurry: Specifics of the Dry Coating Procedure
The electrodes (cathode and anode) are the “centerpiece” of the battery cell, defining energy density and battery performance. In modern industrial electrode production, the battery materials are mixed with additives and liquid solvents to form a slurry. Afterwards, they are coated onto foils of copper or aluminum, then dried and calendered.
PowerCo’s Dry Coating procedure allows for calendering the powdery basic materials directly onto the foil, similar to a printing procedure. As a result, two of the four process steps in electrode manufacturing become obsolete. The powder coating can be applied onto the foil in an extremely fine and even manner, resulting in a layer that is about as thin as a hair. This guarantees excellent spatial energy density and a long life cycle, while improving the fast-charging ability of the battery.
Breakthrough for Green Batteries
The new technology reduces the required floor space by 15 percent, which has an enormous saving potential. Per building block of a regular Gigafactory with a production capacity of 20 GWh, four parallel coating and drying lines can be saved, equaling an area of 7,000 square meters. As a result, the exterior length of the plant can be reduced by about 100 meters. Not having to operate the energy-intensive drying furnaces and suction systems will save energy equivalent to the annual consumption of 40,000 private households.
Furthermore, the use of chemical solvents that have to be laboriously recycled at high energy costs in silo-like towers outside the plants is no longer necessary.
Koenig & Bauer: Leading Printing Press Manufacturer Worldwide
As the oldest manufacturer of printing presses in the world, Koenig & Bauer offers the industry’s largest product portfolio. The core competency of our partner is the manufacturing of technologically innovative and cost-efficient printing systems. The new processing technology is expected to exit the development stage at the end of 2024. For the time after, exclusive rights have been agreed upon. The contractual details are confidential, and separate agreements have also been made. The estimated start of production is 2026/2027. PowerCo’s Chief Operation Officer Sebastian Wolf stated, “Our plants are designed for quick and easy retrofits. In total, we have anticipated about 30 foreseeable innovations in products and production, so we are able to adjust our plants to all relevant new processes as soon as they enter the market.”
The game changer in battery cell production: Dry Coating
The Toyota Sequoia has been in production for over two decades, and the third-generation model was unveiled in 2022. The new Sequoia has been completely redesigned with the new TNGA platform used by the new Lexus LX600, Toyota Tundra, and Toyota Land Cruiser.
The flagship model in the Toyota lineup is the Sequoia Capstone, which is currently the most expensive new Toyota on sale today. Let’s see what Toyota has done to their most luxurious offering yet.
What Is The Toyota Sequoia Capstone Edition?
Toyota
A front 3/4 shot of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone
The Capstone trim is the most luxurious version of the new Toyota Sequoia. It is the most expensive new Toyota you can buy, with a starting price of $78,460 and can go as high as $83,000 fully equipped.
The Capstone exterior features lots of chrome on the grill, bumper, mirrors, door handles, window trim, and roof rails. It also has power running boards, big 22-inch wheels, and Capstone logos on the front doors.
The Capstone Has A More Luxurious Interior
Toyota
Interior shot of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone with ambient lighting
The Sequoia Capstone has a more luxurious two-tone semi-aniline leather interior. It also features Dark American walnut wood-grain trim with backlit “CAPSTONE” on the passenger dashboard. The center console has wood trim, and there is a 14-inch center touchscreen with a 14-speaker JBL sound system.
The front and rear seats are heated and ventilated, and the interior is quieter thanks to the new double-pane acoustic glass. The Capstone also comes with a full panoramic roof and exclusive Capstone floor mats.
In the second row, you have captain’s chairs as standard, and you can easily access the third row from the second row. The third row can be folded down for more cargo space.
Twin Turbo Hybrid V-6
Toyota
Twin Turbo hybrid V-6 in the Toyota Sequoia Capstone
The Capstone is powered by a 3.4-liter twin-turbo hybrid V-6 engine that produces 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The Capstone has a maximum towing capacity of 9,000 pounds and offers great fuel economy at around 20 MPG combined.
The Capstone also comes with active dampers and optional rear leveling air suspension to enhance the ride quality.
Is The Capstone Worth It?
Toyota
Rear 3/4 view of a pearl white 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone
The Sequoia Capstone offers exclusive features and improvements over other trims, making it a great choice for those seeking luxury. However, it may fall short in terms of offering true luxury compared to its competitors. Nevertheless, it combines Toyota’s reliability, three-row seating, and massive towing capacity, making it a compelling option for buyers in search of a luxurious SUV.
Believe it or not, the outgoing Lexus GX had been in production for 14 years which is a long time. This may come as a surprise with the previous SUV receiving so many updates, but it was fundamentally the same vehicle from 2009.
The third generation GX was just unveiled, and it is an all-new vehicle built from the ground up. There have been significant changes made to make the GX competitive in today’s market. From a new platform and engine to better technology and safety features, the GX is setting up to be one of the best new vehicles in its segment. This GX may be around for a long time since Lexus/Toyota doesn’t introduce new models so often. Let’s take a look at what we get with this new model compared to the old one.
The new GX rides on an all-new TNGA-F platform introduced on the current LX600 and Toyota Land Cruiser. This is the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) that will be used on all upcoming Lexus/Toyota models. It is still a body-on-frame chassis but it is lighter, stronger, and still maintains its off-road capability.
New double wishbone suspension is used in the front with independent multilink rear suspension. Gone is the old hydraulic unit which is now replaced with Electronic Power Steering. These changes help improve on-road handling and off-road capabilities. Towing capacity has also increased with a max capacity of up to 8,000 pounds, the old GX had a max towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.
A New Rugged Design
Lexus
A front-facing shot of the 2024 Lexus GX and 2023 Lexus GX
Without a doubt, you can tell this is a different vehicle from its exterior design. While the outgoing SUV was getting more aggressive with its facelifts, the initial platform could only allow for limited changes. The new GX has become very boxy and aggressive, it looks like a merger between a G-Wagon, Jeep Wrangler, and the Land Rover Defender.
The aforementioned SUVs look great since they’ve had the same shape since inception and have aged very well. This is a good thing as we expect the GX to be around for a long time and will probably age well too. Its new muscular look also makes it imposing and emphasizes its off-road capabilities. No one will make any mistake about the intent of this car.
Despite its rugged look, there are many modern design elements in the new GX. While the spindle grill is still huge, it has been raised slightly with a shorter front overhang to improve front clearance. The triple-beam LED Headlamp is also integrated seamlessly into the grill giving it a cleaner look. The overall width of the vehicle has also increased by 3.74 inches to achieve a more stable stance. Its wheelbase is now 2.36 inches longer than the previous vehicle which means a bit more room inside the cabin.
Lexus
Rear 3/4 shot of the 2024 Lexus GX Premium
Adding to the boxy stance of the GX are 32-inch tires with the option of either 20 or 22-inch wheels which will complement the aggressive looks very well. Although they may be bigger, the designs of these new wheels look very similar to the ones used on the previous-gen, but those only went up to 20 inches. There are eleven exterior colors available but are dependent on the Premium, Luxury, or Overtrail trims.
At the rear, there’s nothing much to talk about except that it looks taller since the tailgate is completely flat. Light bars are the new trend and the new GX has a full-width rear tail light. Due to customer feedback, the new GX now has a pop-out window, power liftgate, and kick sensor for ease of use especially when your hands are full.
But this engine seems to be detuned for this application as it makes 400 horsepower in the LX 600 but maintains the same torque figure. The transmission is also a new ten-speed automatic sending power to a standard full-time four-wheel drive system.
Fuel economy would also improve with this new GX since the old V-8 model was a gas guzzler at 15/19 MPG city/highway. The new GX will offer an estimated 17 mpg combined. Lexus has also announced that there will be a hybrid model to join the lineup later which will further increase fuel economy.
Updated Lexus Interior And Features
Lexus
Interior shot of the 2024 Lexus GX dashboard
Despite looking like a bully on the outside, let’s not forget the GX is a luxury vehicle and has a new interior with updated features for added safety and comfort. Right in front of the driver is a new 12.3-inch full gauge cluster. The all-new instrument panel is now lower which makes the controls easy to reach.
A new 14-inch center touchscreen is now standard with physical climate control knobs, the outgoing GX only had a 10.3-inch center screen. It’s also equipped with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto where the previous-gen used a wire. You still get a gear selector stick with a knob to switch between different drive modes.
Lexus
Interior of a 2024 Lexus GX Premium
Three-row seating is still available with the option of captain’s chairs or bench seat configuration in the second row. Getting into the third row is also made easier with a one-motion tumble system. Six illuminated charging ports are available throughout the interior with a wireless charging pad in the center console and 12 cupholders.
Music lovers will be treated to crisp music from the optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system, but the 10-speaker surround system comes as standard. Additional options include Heads Up Display, Traffic Jam Assist, and a digital key that can be given to friends and family to access your car through their smartphones. Equipped with Lexus Safety System+, new active safety systems include Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist.
Front 3/4 shot of the 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail on a hill
Just like Toyota has the TRD and TRD Pro trim, the new GX has a new Overtrail and Overtrail+ trim which adds some off-road features to the GX. The GX is the first vehicle to receive this trim as part of the “Overtrail Project” which will appear on other vehicles. Lexus also plans to sell factory parts and accessories as well as off-road experiences to support this trim. Black roofs are available with four exterior colors to create a two-tone effect.
33-inch all-terrain tires are standard with 18-inch wheels, black over fenders instead of body-colored, and aluminum skid plate as standard. These are only available on the Overtrail and Overtrail+ trim. Off-road systems include Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Downhill Assist, and 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor systems which are standard on the GX Overtrail. You also get an Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for improved wheel articulation and an E-locking rear differential exclusively on the Overtrail for maximum traction.
The old GX has been a favorite for people who wanted a rugged Luxury SUV with off-road capabilities. Its old V-8 may be gone, but the new V-6 offers more torque necessary for towing and better fuel economy. The new GX offers a completely new design with a new powertrain and a host of new technology and safety features. It has been improved in every aspect and is already a better vehicle than the old one. Lexus doesn’t change cars often, but when they do, they do a great job.
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