Tag Archives: reached

Motorsport

SUVs Take Over Half of European Sales for the First Time Ever

In the first half of the year, crossovers and SUVs achieved a significant milestone in Europe by accounting for over 50% of total new vehicle sales, marking the first time this has ever happened. Their market share grew to 51%, a notable increase from the 48% they held in the first half of 2022. Data from market researcher Dataforce reveals that SUV deliveries experienced a 23% growth, reaching a total of 3.37 million units.

Among the top 10 most popular SUVs in the first half of 2023, the Tesla Model Y secured the first position with 138,152 units, which is an impressive 207% more than the same period last year. The Volkswagen T-Roc was the only other SUV to surpass the 100,000 sales mark, with a total of 104,465 units, showing a 32% increase. Toyota came close to joining the six-figure club with the Yaris Cross, which sold 96,849 units, representing a 49% growth.


Featured

Rolls-Royce Adds A One-Off Audemars Piguet To The La Rose Noire Droptail

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has reached new heights of luxury with the unveiling of the Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail, a coach-built masterpiece that beautifully blends elegance and exclusivity. The one-of-a-kind creation was presented to its lucky new owner at a private event near Pebble Beach, California. At the heart of La Rose Noire’s allure is a specially commissioned timepiece by Audemars Piguet. This 43mm Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date is a true work of art, driven by the unique self-winding Calibre 4407 movement. It features a flyback chronograph, split-seconds mechanism, and color design that mirrors the car’s aesthetics.

What sets this collaboration apart is the client’s request to have the timepiece integrated into the car itself, yet removable for personal wear. Through meticulous engineering, Rolls-Royce created a powered clasp mechanism that presents the watch at the push of a button. Once removed, an elegant titanium openworked blank head watch and hand-sculpted white-gold coin with a rose engraving take its place. The addition of a soft leather pouch in the door panniers for housing the strap and blank head watch completes this extraordinary package. With the La Rose Noire Droptail, Rolls-Royce and Audemars Piguet have forged a partnership that symbolizes the pinnacle of automotive and horological craftsmanship. View all Rolls-Royce models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below.

View All Rolls-Royce For Sale

 
Cars, News

Tesla Under Investigation in California for Autopilot Complaints

Tesla is facing a new investigation in California regarding complaints about its Autopilot system. The investigation, conducted by the California Attorney General’s office, includes contacting the driver who filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as well as reaching out to a former Tesla employee who has expressed concerns about Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) in public comments. The duration of the investigation is uncertain, but it is reported to be ongoing, with the driver contacted in the second quarter of this year and the former employee contacted recently.

This is not the first time Tesla has faced such actions in California. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has been investigating the company’s Autopilot technology for years and accused it of deceptive marketing practices in 2022. Additionally, in January 2023, a senior Tesla engineer alleged in a lawsuit that a promotional video for Autopilot, published in October 2016, was staged. The engineer claimed that the Tesla was not actually driving autonomously but following a pre-programmed route. This testimony was given in relation to a lawsuit filed against Tesla over a fatal car crash in 2018.

Motorsport

Comparing Supercars in a Drag Race: Ferrari 296 GTB, McLaren 765LT, and Porsche 911 GT2 RS

The world of supercars has an array of options for every taste. From big naturally aspirated engines to smaller turbocharged ones, and even the inclusion of electric support or fully electric machines. Regardless of the concept, as long as the supercar provides top-notch performance, it’s worth considering.

If you’re currently in the market for a new supercar or sports car, then this drag race comparison can assist you in your decision-making process. It pits three different supercars against each other. But, before you hit that play button, let’s take a look at the factory numbers of the Ferrari 296 GTB, McLaren 765LT, and Porsche 911 GT2 RS, listed below.