Tag Archives: radically

Motorsport

New Movie Focuses On Group B Rally’s Most Epic Battle

Audi radically altered the course of stage rally with the introduction of its Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Anyone with a modicum of motorsports information is aware of this, however the story of Lancia’s final stand in opposition to the AWD revolution is not fairly as widespread. A brand new film hitting theaters in January may change that, and admittedly, we hope it is pretty much as good as this trailer makes it out to be.

Titled Race for Glory: Audi vs. Lancia, the film chronicles the battle between Lancia and Audi within the 1983 World Rally Championship. This was only one 12 months into the notorious Group B period, and Audi was the producer to beat with its Quattro A1. Lancia debuted the 037 a 12 months prior because the successor to the legendary Stratos, although it retained a rear-wheel-drive format. At the time it was seen as non-competitive versus the AWD Audi, however we all know how that story ended. Spoiler alert: Lancia gained the producer’s title that 12 months.


News

Electric Toyota Land Cruiser: A Luxurious Reinvention

The Toyota Land Cruiser is set to undergo a radical transformation for the electric era, as evidenced by a stunning new concept that will be showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show. Known as the Land Cruiser Se, this futuristic SUV with three rows of seats will be one of the highlights on Toyota’s stand in Tokyo, along with the highly anticipated FT-SE sports car and FT-3E crossover.

The design of the concept represents a departure from the traditional Land Cruiser, which is known for its ruggedness. The production version of the Land Cruiser, scheduled for release in early 2024, will retain its ladder chassis and combustion power, but will also feature a retro look inspired by older Land Cruisers. In contrast, the new concept emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency and incorporates Toyota’s modern design language.

With its sleek roofline, angled bonnet, and sculpted sides, the concept showcases a more contemporary aesthetic. The slimline wraparound light bars, rear-view cameras, and low-profile tires suggest a focus on luxury.

Electric Toyota Land Cruiser concept drives through a city

There are stylistic similarities between the Land Cruiser Se and the FT-3E SUV concept unveiled last week, such as the creased haunches, kinked window line, and contrasting lower trim. This suggests that the two may share styling cues, interior arrangements, and performance statistics, making them technical siblings.

Toyota’s Tokyo Motor Show stand will also highlight the brand’s future lineup of electric cars, set to launch from 2026. The Land Cruiser Se, FT-SE, and FT-3E are expected to evolve into production models as part of this electric vehicle range. Toyota has previously mentioned that its next-generation cars will have slimmer battery packs, resulting in increased interior space and improved aerodynamics, while still offering an impressive range of 621 miles thanks to advanced lithium-ion technology.

Motorsport

2024 Hyundai Sonata Debuts For North America With AWD, But Not On N Line

Hyundai has unveiled the redesigned 2024 Sonata for the North American market, and it comes with a notable feature. Buyers in this region now have the option to choose all-wheel drive, a first for the Sonata. This resolves the speculation that began with the spy photos of Sonata AWD, which we captured a while ago. The all-wheel drive system, known as HTRAC (Hyundai TRACtion), is similar to the one found in Hyundai SUVs. It actively distributes power between the front and rear wheels according to the conditions. While those residing in colder climates may appreciate the enhanced grip of all-wheel drive, those expecting a sporty Sonata N Line AWD or a hybrid option will be disappointed. Currently, all-wheel drive is only available with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.