Tag Archives: promises

Watch Mercedes Drift The Electric G-Class on a Frozen Lake

Mercedes-Benz guarantees the forthcoming EQG—often known as the electrical G-Class—is a correct off-roader. There’s little purpose to doubt the declare provided that it appears to be like nearly precisely just like the ICE mannequin. With every wheel getting its personal motor, the electrical model might be extra succesful, with the power to drag off stationary tank turns. Those particular person motors are additionally good for getting comfortably sideways do you have to stumble upon a frozen lake in Sweden.

In this new video from Mercedes-Benz, CEO Ola Källenius journeyed to his house nation for an electrical G analysis, demonstrating the G-Class’s capabilities at a winter testing middle arrange by the corporate. There, he tackles a slalom and skidpad, the place the SUV appears composed, regardless of all of the snow and ice.

The actual motion comes on the skidpad, the place Källenius explains how the person motors can vector the EQG to maintain it underneath management when slip is detected. Even when goading it into vital oversteer, issues seem calm within the cockpit. After an acceleration take a look at on ice (which Mercedes says takes “just a few seconds”) Källenius jumps into extra sideways enjoyable. It’s unclear if stability techniques are adjusted and even disabled for this portion of the video, however the huge G has no downside sustaining loads of reverse lock.

The video concludes with a brief path journey off the lake, the place we get a couple of technical teasers. The electrical G-Class has a 32-degree method angle and a 35-degree departure angle, barely higher than the present mannequin. There’s 9.8 inches of floor clearance too, additionally a couple of tenths higher versus the ICE model.

It’s been a minute since Mercedes first floated the electrical G-Class with the EQG idea. Thankfully the manufacturing mannequin will debut this year, although a particular timeframe hasn’t been shared. Until then, anticipate a couple of extra teasers main as much as the official reveal.

Why Chapman Bespoke is true for the occasions

Last week, Lotus introduced a brand new programme known as Chapman Bespoke. It guarantees to supply higher personalisation and distinctive choices, proper as much as the manufacturing of one-off automobiles, in your Lotus.

What would Colin Chapman, Lotus’s founder, after whom the scheme is called and whose signature adorns its badge, have thought?

No thought. Never met the bloke. One of my least favorite phrases in motoring hackery is “so and so (company founder] would have approved”.

It’s often proclaimed definitively on the finish of an article to point out {that a} automotive is a real thoroughbred and that it is match to put on the title.

But truthfully, how are we to know what WO Bentley or Charles Rolls of Rolls-Royce would significantly have thought concerning the automobiles that come out of their firm’s respective factories right now?

Big cliché. Silly phrase. I’ve vowed by no means to make use of it so, apart from the events the place I most likely have already got, by no means will.

Anyway, famously, Chapman stated issues about simplifying automobiles and including lightness, which is definitely one thing he did on automobiles made for and derived from racing, just like the Lotus (now Caterham) 7, which was a path adopted by the Lotus Elise after his dying.

And on condition that he sketched out his first automobiles by hand and constructed them a lot the identical method, Lotus thinks he would have been into this Bespoke thought. Chapman was additionally partial, like most entrepreneurs, to creating a couple of quid.

Allowing any individual to color their Lotus the identical color as their favorite nail polish and ending the inside with gazelle disguise in the event that they’re ready to pay handsomely for the privilege (Bentley makes a median of £34,000 per automotive from its Mulliner programme) sounds just like the kind of factor that he may need been completely high-quality with too.

BMW iX5 Hydrogen: All You Need to Know

The future of mobility is rapidly approaching, promising fast refueling, prioritized performance, and zero emissions. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are gaining popularity, and BMW is one of the automakers at the forefront of this movement.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is scheduled to be one of three hydrogen-powered vehicles released by BMW dealerships in 2024. This sustainable SUV concept aims to revolutionize electric mobility while offering exceptional performance. As companies, cities, and countries strive to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the coming decades, a variety of renewable energy sources are required. Hydrogen plays a crucial role in this future.

About 100 BMW iX5 Hydrogen test models have been produced and rolled out in recent months to showcase the brand’s vision for the future. The expected features of the iX5 suggest that hydrogen-powered vehicles may offer advantages that even current electric vehicles, including BMW’s EV lineup, cannot provide.

The information in this article is based on sources like BMW, Car and Driver, Global Market Insights, SAE, and the International Energy Agency.

Related: Why A Hydrogen Fuel Cell Pickup Truck Is The Need Of The Hour

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen Refuels In Just Four Minutes

BMW iX5 Hydrogen in white
BMW

One notable advantage of hydrogen vehicles is their quick refueling time. Hydrogen refueling typically takes only three to five minutes, and the BMW iX5 Hydrogen promises a four-minute refueling time—similar to or even faster than refueling a gas-powered car at a gas pump.

However, the limited availability of hydrogen refueling stations remains a major challenge. Unlike gas stations or electric charging stations, hydrogen fueling stations are still scarce.

Over 400 Horses At Your Disposal

In addition to its fast refueling time, the iX5 Hydrogen boasts impressive performance. It combines fifth-generation fuel cell technology with an electric motor, providing 401 horsepower and 524 pound-feet of torque.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just six seconds and has a top speed of 115 mph. The vehicle is equipped with a 400-volt battery located above its hydrogen-powered motor. In terms of range, it offers approximately 313 miles, which is comparable to top-ranked electric vehicles like the Tesla Model Y and the Rivian R1T.

BMW iX5 Hydrogen Technical Specifications

Layout

Dual hydrogen fuel cells with a single electric motor

Horsepower

401 horsepower

Torque

524 pound-feet

Range

313 miles

0-60 MPH

6.0 seconds

Top Speed

115 MPH

Price

TBA

(Specs sourced from BMW and Car and Driver)

Hydrogen’s availability and infrastructure play a significant role in realizing a carbon-neutral future. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen’s quick refueling, impressive range, and smooth driving experience make it a compelling alternative for fans of internal combustion engines.

Related: Why Now Is The Time To Invest In A Hydrogen Car

BMW has committed to achieving carbon-neutral status for its brand by 2050 at the latest. As deadlines for all-electric and zero-emissions fleets approach, various technological innovations and fuel sources are necessary to achieve these environmentally conscious goals.

BMW Is Committed To Hydrogen Tech

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is part of the brand’s collaboration with the United Nations’ “Race To Zero” initiative, which includes responsible sourcing of materials. Hydrogen vehicles require fewer raw materials in production and engineering compared to electric vehicles.

While the percentage of electric vehicles on the road has increased significantly in recent years, they still account for only 14% of total vehicles as of 2022, according to the International Energy Agency. This percentage is expected to increase by 4% by the end of 2023. Therefore, there is still a large market share dominated by high-emission gas-powered vehicles. Hydrogen technology has the potential to fill this gap.

As investors recognize the potential, the availability of hydrogen technology is expected to grow significantly. Global Market Insights projects that the current market value of the hydrogen vehicle sector, currently at $2.8 billion, will reach $33.2 billion by 2032.

Related: Why Hydrogen Cars Have A Bright Future

The iX5 Takes Inspiration From BMW’s EV and Gas-Powered Lineup

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen draws inspiration from the electric iX while also comparing favorably to both BMW’s electric and gas-powered vehicle lineup. For instance, the iX5 is expected to outperform some of BMW’s all-electric vehicles in terms of specifications. The BMW i4 has a range of 307 miles, starting at 227 miles, and the i5 offers a range of only 295 miles.

Moreover, the iX5 Hydrogen shares similarities with the all-electric BMW iX SUV. While offering similar torque, the iX has more power with 516 horsepower and quicker acceleration of two seconds. However, the iX5 has a slightly better range at 311 miles and a top speed of 124 mph. Additionally, the iX5 Hydrogen has the advantage of significantly shorter charging time compared to the iX, which requires 11 hours to charge using a level two charger.

Not Mighty Fast, But the iX5 Is No Slouch Either

The iX5 Hydrogen is also competitive with gas-powered BMW models. For example, the BMW X1 has a similar 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.2 seconds, but it has a combined city and highway fuel economy of 23 MPG. The estimated horsepower of the 2024 X1 is lower than that of the iX5 at about 312 horsepower.

BMW strikes a balance with the iX5 by leveraging its existing models. Rather than creating a completely new product, BMW builds on what it does best, resulting in the iX5 Hydrogen outperforming both electric and gas models. This hydrogen-powered vehicle could convince traditionalists of internal combustion engines to embrace eco-friendly alternatives.

Toyota And SEMA 2023: Track or Trail, Your Thrill Awaits

With its Largest SEMA Show Presence to Date, Toyota Promises Adventure On or Off the Beaten Path

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 31, 2023) – Toyota is making its return to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show this fall with a new, multi-brand environment based on the theme of “Track or Trail, Your Thrill Awaits”.

Toyota’s display at the Las Vegas Convention Center (Central Hall, Booth No. 22200) will feature its largest commitment to SEMA yet, with a showcase of 19 vehicles. The display will include one-of-a-kind specialty builds, vehicles from the Associated Accessories Program (AAP), the all-new Land Cruiser, the all-new Tacoma, the new GR Family of Special Edition vehicles, and various other production cars. Fans of GR, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter will be thrilled with the offerings.

According to Mike Tripp, group vice president of Toyota Marketing, the “Track or Trail, Your Thrill Awaits” theme highlights Toyota’s dedication to performance and adventure, whether on pavement or off-road. Tripp added, “Our constant goal is to be the first company customers think about when seeking on-track performance or off-road adventure.”

The impressive display at SEMA this year will feature several large brand interest sections, each capable of being its standalone show. Some highlights include a four-car Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) display, a TRD exhibit with a full-motion simulator experience, an expansive AAP Meeting Space, and a significant overlanding presence with live demonstrations of Toyota’s Wireless Trailer Camera System. The layout and theme are designed to captivate anyone who enjoys customizing their Toyota vehicles.

In addition to showcasing their vehicles, Toyota will also unveil its TRD Performance Package at SEMA. This package, available in early 2024 to current generation Tundra buyers, allows customers to enhance the power and torque of their trucks without voiding the warranty.

Tripp expressed excitement about the upcoming SEMA show and the opportunity to showcase Toyota’s impressive lineup of vehicles. He said, “This year, we’ll go from track to trail, tapping into the excitement of our GR sports cars, the range of our TRD Pro trucks, and now our new Trailhunter grade and all-new 2024 Tacoma. And let’s not forget the return of the legendary Land Cruiser to the US. It’s going to be a tour-de-force of styling and performance this year, and we can’t wait to show the SEMA crowd what the Toyota team has cooked up!”

Among the special builds that Toyota will be presenting at SEMA are the FJ Bruiser, FJ Retro Cruiser, Tacoma X-Runner Concept, and The Blue Beetle Tacoma. The display will also include various production vehicles and demonstrations, such as the GR 86 Trueno Special Edition, GR Supra 45th Anniversary Edition, GR Corolla Circuit Edition, GR Cup Series GR86, Tundra TRD Performance Package, TRD Pro Time Attack – IsoDynamic Performance Seat Simulator, Wireless Trailer Camera on the 2024 Sequoia Platinum i-FORCE MAX Hybrid, 2024 Toyota Tacoma SR5, Tacoma Trailhunter, Tacoma TRD Pro, Tacoma TRD Off-Road, Land Cruiser 1958, Land Cruiser First Edition, 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum, and 2023 Toyota 4Runner 4×4 TRD Off-Road Premium.

The SEMA show will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from October 31 to November 3, 2023.

Please note that the vehicles shown at the event are special project prototype vehicles and may not be street legal. These vehicles are modified with parts and accessories not available from Toyota, which may void the vehicle’s warranty and impact performance and safety.

Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV Launched At Rs 1.39 Crore


The EQE electric SUV arrives in a single fully loaded variant and promises a claimed range of up to 550km

  • The EQE SUV uses a 90.56kWh battery pack, mated to an all-wheel drive (AWD) drivetrain.
  • It churns out 408PS and 858Nm, and has a claimed top-speed of 210kmph.
  • Inside, the EQE electric SUV features a 56-inch MBUX hyperscreen setup.
  • Safety features include nine airbags, 360-degree camera with transparent bonnet feature and Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
  • It comes with a battery warranty of 10 years, which is the highest offered on an EV by any manufacturer.

Mercedes-Benz EQE electric SUV has arrived on our shores as the brand’s third all-electric offering, following the EQB 3-row electric SUV and EQS electric sedan. It is available in a single fully loaded variant – the EQE 500 4MATIC – for an introductory price of Rs 1.39 crore (ex-showroom pan India). Let’s explore what Mercedes’ new electric SUV has to offer.

Recognisable EQ Design

The design of the Mercedes-Benz EQE electric SUV embraces the latest EQ styling cues seen on other electric offerings from the German carmaker. Up front, there’s a connected LED strip, and a prominent black grille with a star-like pattern with the Mercedes logo at its centre. This closed grille merges with the sleek looking LED headlights, and below there’s a closed off air dam as well.

The electric SUV has a sleek profile with an aerodynamically sloping roofline and minimal creases. The EQE electric SUV gets flush-fitting door handles, and aerodynamically optimised 21-inch alloy wheels. Additionally, cladding runs around the wheel arches, enhancing the overall SUV appeal of the EQE. At the rear of the EQE electric SUV, you’ll immediately notice the modernistic execution of the connected LED tail lamp setup, another design element shared with other EQ models.

Also Read: 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Launched – 5 Things You Need To Know

Inside The EQE SUV

Similar to the exterior, the interior of the Mercedes EQE SUV follows the same design pattern seen on other electric Mercedes models. The main highlight of the cabin is the 56-inch MBUX Hyperscreen setup, which includes a digital driver’s display, a central infotainment display, and a front passenger display. Other notable features of the cabin include a 15-speaker 750W Burmester sound system with Dolby Atmos, active ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and four-zone climate control.

Safety is ensured by nine airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), and a 360-degree camera with transparent bonnet feature. The electric SUV also features advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and parking assist. It also comes with a Pre-safe feature that shifts the passengers in the middle of the cabin during an emergency situation, to prevent major injuries during a crash.

Also Read: 

Powertrain Options

The EQE electric SUV comes with a 90.56kWh battery pack, and the specifications have been detailed below.

Variant

EQE 500 4MATIC

Battery

90.56kWh

Drivetrain

AWD

Power/Torque

408PS/ 858Nm

Claimed Range (WLTP)

Up to 550km

Acceleration 0-100 (kmph)

4.9 seconds

The EQE electric SUV supports two charging options: an 11 kW AC and a 170kW DC fast charging. The latter can replenish the EQE’s battery from 10 to 100 percent in over 30 minutes. For the asking price, Mercedes-Benz will also install a wallbox charger at a location of the buyer’s choosing (home/office) for charging convenience. Furthermore, Mercedes also has over 140 charging stations across the country that can offer 60kW DC Fast charging or 180kW DC Ultra-fast charging.

As a highly equipped luxury SUV, the EQE also comes with AIRMATIC active suspension for improved ride quality which can also increase ground clearance by 25mm. 

Mercedes-Benz is offering a 10 year battery warranty with the EQE, which is the highest warranty period offered on an EV by any manufacturer. Also, the service interval for the EQE electric SUV is 2 years/30,000km which is not as frequent as any combustion engine model that usually requires a service every year due to the higher number of moving parts and fluids. 

Rivals

The Mercedes-Benz EQE electric SUV arrives as a pricier alternative to the likes of Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX, and Jaguar I-Pace.

Read More on : Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV Automatic

Fairphone 5: A Phone Built to Last for Years

The Fairphone 5 is not your average smartphone. It is designed with repairability and long lifespan in mind. What sets it apart is the company’s commitment to using fair and recycled materials. According to Fairphone, the phone is made up of “70% fair focus or recycled materials.”

Let’s take a closer look at some of the sustainable features of the Fairphone 5. The battery, for instance, is made with “fair lithium and fairtrade gold in the supply chain and impact cobalt credits.” The company also ensures a living wage bonus and a commitment to high standards of CO2 reduction and social auditing from their battery supplier. In addition, the battery frame is made from 75% post-consumer recycled plastics. Even the solder paste is 100% recycled tin. Furthermore, 80% of the steel and nickel alloy in the battery is recycled.

Worker treatment is another important aspect for Fairphone. The company emphasizes that their main supplier meets the strictest standards for safe and decent working conditions (SA8000& ISO45001). One of their key focuses is providing living wages to increase income for workers. They also aim to strengthen worker voice and representation, along with ensuring health and safety measures.

If you’re interested in purchasing the Fairphone 5, it is currently available for pre-order from the manufacturer’s website for €699.00.

Razer Kishi V2 Pro Controller For Android Arrives With Xbox Variant

Razer has introduced the Kishi V2 Pro Controller for Android, which comes with an Xbox variant. The controller boasts universal compatibility for phones of all sizes, thanks to its extendable bridge feature. It also includes passthrough charging and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which makes sense considering its connection to the phone is through the USB or Lightning port.

The Xbox Edition version of the controller is specifically designed for subscribers of Xbox Game Pass. This is because Microsoft’s cloud-based game streaming platform enables users to play major titles on less capable devices, like smartphones.

Prior to this release, the Pro version of the Kishi controller was only available with the Razer Edge, which is the company’s handheld gaming console similar to the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch.

The Android version of the Xbox Edition controller is priced at $149.99, while the iPhone version is listed at $119.99. The non-Xbox version of the Pro controller for Android, which does not feature the Xbox button, is $20 cheaper.

Silverstone Museum in the UK Introduces Professional-Grade Racing Simulators

The Silverstone Museum in the United Kingdom has partnered with Radical Motorsport to bring an exciting experience to avid gamers and racing enthusiasts. The museum has recently unveiled a cutting-edge simulator suite, made possible by the support of the renowned British race car manufacturer. These simulators have been built to meet professional standards and are the centerpiece of the museum’s exclusive domain.

Visitors to the museum can now immerse themselves in wheel-to-wheel duels on some of the world’s most famous racetracks, thanks to the advanced simulation technology developed by Digital Motorsports. Radical Motorsport will prominently display one of their race cars within the sim space, allowing visitors to take control of the Radical SR3 XXR vehicle through the racing simulators. This partnership between Radical Motorsport and the Silverstone Museum is set to last for three years.

Lamborghini Teases Something “Truly Thrilling” For August 18 Debut

Lamborghini has a teaser photo for a vehicle debuting on August 18. The text of the Instagram post promises: “Something new and truly thrilling is about to be unveiled.​”

The Italian automaker previously announced it was debuting an electric vehicle concept sometime during Monterey Car Week. August 18 falls into this timeframe, so the evidence points to this being our first look at the EV.

 

The teaser image provides a good look at the vehicle’s silhouette and beltline. The lines are smooth from what we can discern. However, the greenhouse has sharper points at the front and rear. These factors might hint at the EV concept mixing the brand’s familiar angular styling elements with the softer shapes that we commonly see on electric vehicles for improving the drag coefficient.

Lamborghini described this concept as the “first prototype of our fourth series production car” in the previous announcement.

In July 2023, Lamborghini confirmed that its first EV would be a 2+2 grand tourer. Company CEO Stephan Winkelmann said the vehicle would be “much more daily usable” than the Huracan replacement or new Revuelto. It’s also not an SUV.

This new teaser doesn’t provide enough detail to identify the vehicle’s proportions. We can’t tell whether this concept would be big enough to have rear seats like the planned production version.

Mechanical specifics aren’t available for the Lamborghini EV. Winkelmann confirms it shares components with other Volkswagen Group vehicles. There’s precedent for this for the automaker. For example, the Urus shares a platform with products like the Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga, and Porsche Cayenne.

Lamborghini hasn’t sold a 2+2 grand tourer for decades. There was the 400 GT 2+2, Islero, Urraco, and the Espada, which lasted until the late 1970s.

More EVs are on the horizon for Lamborghini. The company plans for the second-gen Urus to be available solely with an electric powertrain. Expect to see it in 2029.