Tag Archives: refresh

Porsche Rolls Out the Next Generation Hi-Po Cayenne GTS to Set Some New Benchmarks

The Porsche Cayenne underwent a midcycle refresh simply final 12 months with the bottom mannequin, the S E-Hybrid, the Cayenne S, the Turbo, and Turbo E-Hybrid being the primary to launch. But if anybody seen, the performance-oriented GTS was absent from the preliminary reveal. Given it is a staple of the Cayenne lineup and Porsche vehicles usually, there wasn’t an opportunity in hell that the Zuffenhausen-based automaker was going to overlook about it and thus, it was solely a matter of time till the Cayenne GTS made its debut. And that point is now because the German luxurious sports activities carmaker simply formally revealed the up to date 2025 Cayenne GTS.

Like Cayenne GTS’s of generations previous, the GTS retains its spot within the Cayenne lineup as an upper-mid-level spec variant, slotting above the S mannequin and below the Turbo GT. If you are new to the world of Porsche Cayennes, consider the GTS as being considerably just like an equal BMW M Sport, Mercedes-AMG Sport, or Audi S-Line mannequin, or the cheaper, half-baked, however nonetheless excellent variations of the full-fledged efficiency variations. In the Cayenne’s case, the Turbo GT is the efficiency vary topper.

As such, the Cayenne GTS’s tools roster displays its mid-upper tier placement within the vary. The specs embrace the identical twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 because the earlier mannequin, although with output upped by 40 horses and 30 torques for a grand whole of 493 horsepower and 487 pound-feet, performance-tuned suspension from the Turbo S, extra aggressive exterior and inside appointments, and naturally, the next worth than the bottom mannequin or mid-range S out of the gas-only variations.

Related

2024 Porsche Cayenne: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

Look previous the refined exterior styling tweaks and the Cayenne receives some vital tech upgrades for 2024, together with the return of the V8

The 2025 Cayenne DTS Is Still Not Shy About Being Able to Go Fast

Second to the top-spec Turbo GT, the GTS definitely is and by no means was shy about pace. This time round, Porsche claims a 0-60 time of simply 4.2 seconds, versus the previous mannequin’s 4.5, and a prime monitor pace of 171 MPH.

Though going quick in a straight line is not the Cayenne GTS’s solely occasion piece, as Porsche proved what’s potential in terms of bending the legal guidelines of physics and making a two-plus ton luxurious SUV carry out and deal with like a heavyweight sports activities automotive. That’s all due to the Cayenne GTS’s commonplace PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) adaptive damper system, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus for the differentials, and a decrease journey top than different air suspension-equipped Cayennes. Making it much more again street prepared is Porsche’s non-compulsory superior Dynamic Chassis Control energetic roll bar stabilization system, which improves physique management much more.

Should one wish to get essentially the most dealing with efficiency out of a Cayenne GTS proper off of the manufacturing unit meeting line, one can go for a coupe with the Lightweight Sport Package that might scale back weight by as much as 55 kilos.

Sporty Appointments, Taycan-Inspired Interior

2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS (16)
Porsche AG

Appearance sensible, essentially the most notable variations, like earlier Cayenne GTS fashions, embrace a redesigned entrance fascia with bigger consumption vents, shadow-black headlights, and crimson brake calipers, decrease aspect skirts, and window surrounds, rocker panels, and entrance bumper inserts painted in high-gloss black, in addition to bigger exhaust pipes, compliments of the usual Sport Exhaust System—the latter of which are actually painted darkish bronze as a substitute of black. And it is all completed with new 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels in anthracite gray.

Like different variants based mostly on the facelifted 2023 Cayenne, the GTS inherits the identical Taycan-inspired inside with its piano black finishes, large built-in infotainment display screen, and minimal heart console-placed button array. Though like the outside, the inside receives a spread of sporty appointments bespoke to the GTS mannequin comparable to plentiful use of Porsche’s Race Tex faux-leather on the heated GT Sport steering wheel, the armrests, foor panels, and roofliner. Though additional customization is on the market with the extra GTS inside packages.

Should you wish to scoop up the newest and biggest 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS, you may should set a aspect a pleasant lump sum of $129,500, earlier than taxes, registration, charges, and vacation spot with seller arrivals starting in fall of this 12 months.

Audi A3 facelift brings new inside and ramped up S3

The Audi A3 has adopted its Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia platformmates in receiving a wide-reaching refresh for 2024, with a recent inside, trick new lights and a extra highly effective S3 among the many headlines.

Offered within the UK in each Sportback and saloon types, the revamped A3 will initially go on sale with a alternative of two powertrains: the 35 TFSI 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol and the 35 TDI 2.0-litre diesel.

Both models provide an unchanged 148bhp. A revamped plug-in hybrid is among the many different engine choices that might be launched later this 12 months.

The focus of a comparatively refined exterior makeover has been to make the automobile look extra dynamic. There is a revamped, wider hexagonal grille on the entrance, with the Audi rings now protruding from the highest quite than being built-in into the center. 

The entrance additionally options new aspect air intakes and a reshaped spoiler, designed to make the automobile seem decrease. 

At the again, there’s a new bumper and diffuser unit, which is impressed by that on the legendary RS2 Avant, says Audi.

The daytime operating lights now function 4 completely different ‘signatures’ that customers can change between to individualise their automobile’s look.

Each signature has its personal distinctive graphic when the automobile is locked or unlocked. Inside, there was a concentrate on including further commonplace equipment and digital know-how.

All trim ranges now function Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument show and a three-spoke steering wheel. The redesigned centre console now consists of an armrest as commonplace and a smaller gear selector for the automated ’field.

The design of the air vents has additionally been revamped. In addition, Audi has revised the usual inside lighting, together with backlit doorways and contour lights within the centre console and cupholders.

There is a brand new optionally available stereo system too, with a Sonos unit changing the B&O system beforehand featured.

The revamped A3 additionally incorporates a new model of Audi’s infotainment system, operating on the ten.1in central show.

Audi will provide a number of features on demand in sure markets, together with the power so as to add adaptive cruise management, high-beam help and two-zone air con.

The 35 TFSI Sportback might be priced at €35,650 (£30,500) in Germany, with the saloon costing an additional €800 (£690). UK pricing has but to be finalised.

A revised model of the recent Audi S3 will observe later this 12 months, that includes an upgraded 2.0-litre engine – with a hefty bump in energy to 329bhp – and the torque splitter system beforehand supplied on the RS3

The 2025 BMW M440i Gets 386 HP And Laser Lighting

BMW is updating the 4 Series coupe and convertible for 2025. The mid-cycle refresh contains a number of minor styling updates, bringing larger costs throughout the lineup.

Exterior styling tweaks embody new headlight internals with the low- and high-beam lights utilizing a single LED module. Laserlight taillights are commonplace on the M440i and non-obligatory on the 430i with the Shadowline Package. The upgraded items characteristic glass fiber bundles illuminated by laser diodes.

2024 Kia Sonet: Worth The Wait Or Do Its Rivals Offer A Better Deal?

The Kia Sonet, with the midlife refresh, is promising to be a a lot better package deal than earlier than. But does it imply it’s best to anticipate its launch or decide considered one of its rivals as an alternative?

After being launched within the Indian market in 2020, the Kia Sonet, is ready to be refreshed quickly after being unveiled not too long ago. Bookings for the Sonet facelift are open with all particulars besides the worth already identified to us. By now, you should have already seen our in depth protection on all the pieces that’s necessary to know concerning the new Sonet. That raises the query: Is it value ready for or must you decide considered one of its rivals? Time to seek out out:

Model

Prices (ex-showroom Delhi)

2024 Kia Sonet

Rs 8 lakh onwards (anticipated)

Tata Nexon

Rs 8.10 lakh to Rs 15.50 lakh

Hyundai Venue

Rs 7.89 lakh to Rs 13.48 lakh

Maruti Brezza

Rs 8.29 lakh to Rs 14.14 lakh

Maruti Fronx

Rs 7.46 lakh to Rs 13.13 lakh

Renault Kiger

Rs 6.50 lakh to Rs 11.23 lakh

Nissan Magnite

Rs 6 lakh to Rs 11.02 lakh

Mahindra XUV300

Rs 7.99 lakh to Rs 14.76 lakh

New Tata Nexon: BUY For Looks, Powertrains, And Good Features

Tata Nexon

The Tata Nexon was not too long ago launched in a facelifted avatar, which gave it a sharper design language and a better-looking cabin. While it continued with each the petrol and diesel engines because the pre-facelift mannequin, Tata now even provides a 7-speed DCT possibility within the combine. Not solely that, the sub-4m SUV additionally acquired many new options together with a much bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen system, a ten.25-inch digital driver’s show, a 360-degree digicam and 6 airbags as customary. That mentioned, the Nexon falls behind the 2024 Sonet in the case of newest security tech and high quality points.

Hyundai Venue: BUY For A Similar Package With The Hyundai Badge

Hyundai Venue

If you consider premium SUVs within the sub-4m class, it’s seemingly that your decide might be both the Kia Sonet or the Hyundai Venue. Both SUVs are primarily based on the identical platform and provide a really comparable expertise, be it when it comes to powertrains or characteristic set. The Venue will get nearly the identical engine-gearbox combos because the Sonet (save for the diesel-auto) however misses out on just a few options together with a 360-degree digicam, ventilated seats, and greater 10.25-inch shows.

Maruti Brezza: BUY For Space, A Larger Petrol Engine And A Wide Service Network

Maruti Brezza

One of the preferred names within the sub-4m SUV area has been the Maruti Brezza. The second-generation of the SUV was launched in 2022 and it’s extra spacious than the Kia Sonet. It has a pair extra benefits over the Kia SUV within the type of a bigger (however not punchy) 1.5-litre petrol engine possibility and Maruti’s pan-India service community. That mentioned, the Brezza lacks within the high quality division, options on provide and even the choice of a diesel engine.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Popular Cars On CarDekho In 2023 (As Searched By You)

Maruti Fronx: BUY For Looks And A Potent Turbo Engine

Maruti Fronx

In 2023, Maruti launched a Baleno-based crossover sub-4m SUV named the ‘Fronx.’ The Maruti Fronx serves as a extra stylised various to the boxy Brezza. It is an SUV-coupe choice to the Kia Sonet as effectively whereas additionally providing a stronger turbo-petrol unit. That mentioned, the Fronx additionally falls brief on the identical parameters because the Brezza when in comparison with the Kia SUV, with out the benefit of the additional cabin area both.

Renault Kiger/Nissan Magnite: BUY For Affordability, Decent Features, And Petrol Powertrains

The Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite are essentially the most reasonably priced sub-4m SUVs in the marketplace in the present day, whereas packing comparable cabin area and a few premium options like their costlier rivals. These embrace cruise management, 8-inch digital driver’s show, and even a 360-degree digicam (Nissan Magnite solely). The two petrol-only SUVs get a selection of naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines together with each guide and computerized choices for every.

Mahindra XUV300: BUY For Space And A Diesel Engine Option

Mahindra XUV300

Since 2019, the Mahindra XUV300 has been a beneficial selection for consumers searching for a sub-4m SUV with a diesel engine. It acquired many segment-leading options from the time it was launched and remains to be one of many few fashions in its phase to supply a selection of a diesel powertrain. It’s necessary to notice that the facelifted Mahindra XUV300 is because of debut quickly and is anticipated to be launched in 2024. So, until you’re getting an important take care of massive reductions on the outgoing XUV300, we’d suggest you anticipate the brand new one to reach.

Also Check Out: These Were Your Favourite (Most Watched) CarDekho Videos Of 2023

2024 Kia Sonet: HOLD For Sharper Looks, More Features And A Range Of Powertrains

2024 Kia Sonet

The Kia Sonet was at all times a well-rounded providing ever since its market introduction in 2020. With the facelift, the carmaker has solely sweetened the deal by giving it a a lot sharper design together with an excellent longer record of options. These embrace the ten.25-inch digital driver’s show, a 360-degree digicam, 4-way powered driver seat and ADAS. While it is going to proceed to be supplied with each petrol and diesel engines as earlier than, Kia has additionally determined to convey again the diesel-manual combo which was changed with the diesel-iMT (guide with out the clutch pedal) possibility.

Let us know whether or not you’ll anticipate the brand new Kia Sonet or do you intend to purchase considered one of its aforementioned rivals as an alternative within the feedback.

Read More on : Sonet Automatic

With 720 HP, The Ford F-150 Raptor R Is Now More Powerful Than The Ram TRX

Ford has given its best-selling automobile with a gentle refresh for the 2024 mannequin yr. The F-150’s face is extra sq., and on the again, some trim ranges get the trick Pro Access Tailgate. But you do not care about that. You care about horsepower, and now we lastly have the ultimate piece of the 2024 F-150 puzzle. 720 of them, really.

That’s what you will get underneath the hood of the most recent Raptor R, which wants no introduction as Ford’s high-speed off-road rig. It has 20 hp greater than the outgoing mannequin, and 18 hp greater than the 2024 Ram TRX, which retires this year together with its 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V8. Whether Ford’s energy improve is said to the Ram’s departure, we do not know. But the timing is handy, because it ensures the TRX is not going to go down in historical past as probably the most highly effective gas-powered pickup truck of all time.

2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R

How does Ford get the additional oomph from the Raptor’s supercharged 5.2-liter V8? The official press launch highlights a brand new engine calibration and “reduced air inlet losses,” which Ford additional explains as modifications to the hood and physique close-out panel for extra airflow to the air filter. The result’s the aforementioned 720 hp and a wider torque curve, although peak torque stays the identical at 640 pound-feet.

Of course, the engine is a spinoff of the 5.2-liter mill utilized in the latest Mustang Shelby GT500, the place it made 760 hp. When the V8-powered Raptor R debuted in 2022 with 700 hp, Ford stated the engine was retuned with improved low-end energy for higher use in a truck software. The trade-off was peak output, however now it appears Ford engineers have discovered some center floor.

As with different F-150s, you will establish the 2024 Raptor R primarily by the brand new headlights with daytime LEDs forming a half-square across the exterior edge. You will not discover something new inside, save for a heads-up show that is optionally available for the primary time within the F-150 household. Raptors journey on new dual-valve Fox shocks, but when a $110,000 pickup is not your jam, less-expensive F-150s now have a standard-issue 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 making 325 hp.

AMD’s New Ryzen 8040 Series Laptop Chips Put The Focus On AI

AMD’s laptop computer APU line bought a refresh on Wednesday within the type of the Ryzen 8040 sequence, and no less than going by the announcement, AI is the precedence and major dividing line from the earlier 7040 sequence. “We continue to deliver high performance and power-efficient NPUs with Ryzen AI technology to reimagine the PC,” stated Jack Huynh, SVP and GM of AMD computing and graphics, in a press launch. “The increased AI capabilities of the 8040 series will now handle larger models to enable the next phase of AI user experiences.”

On paper, the brand new APUs learn as similar to the 7040 sequence, with the 8040 sequence that includes Zen 4 CPUs and RDNA 3 GPUs made utilizing the identical 4nm course of as its predecessor sequence. The 8040 model of the AI-centric neural processing unit, or NPU, is, in accordance with what AMD told Ars Technica, roughly 1.4x sooner than its 7040 counterpart, however AMD additionally conceded to Ars that this was primarily a byproduct of elevated clock speeds. AMD Technical Marketing Manager Donny Woligroski additionally advised Ars that firmware and driver tweaks ought to be a key differentiator in producing a “real generational improvement,” as nicely.

“It’s been unimaginable to see AMD and Microsoft’s lengthy partnership transferring into the following wave of know-how, bringing AI innovation to our shared clients,” Pavan Davuluri, CVP Windows + Devices, Microsoft, added in AMD’s press launch. “We’re so excited to see Ryzen 8040 Series processor-powered devices come to life in the Windows ecosystem and can’t wait to see what developers and customers do with all of this innovation.”

Full lineup of AMD’s cellular APU SKUs

According to the press launch, the brand new lineup of APUs consists of the next 9 SKUs:

  • AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS (8 cores/16 threads, as much as 5.2 GHz enhance/4.0 GHz base CPU frequency, 24MB cache, 45W TDP)
  • AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS (8 cores/16 threads, as much as 5.1 GHz enhance/3.8 GHz base CPU frequency, 24MB cache, 45W TDP)
  • AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS (8 cores/16 threads, as much as 5.1 GHz enhance/3.3 GHz base CPU frequency, 24MB cache, 28W TDP)
  • AMD Ryzen 7 8840U (8 cores/16 threads, as much as 5.1 GHz enhance/3.3 GHz base CPU frequency, 24MB cache, 28W TDP)
  • AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS (6 cores/12 threads, as much as 5.0 GHz enhance/4.3 GHz base CPU frequency, 22MB cache, 45W TDP)
  • AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS (6 cores/12 threads, as much as 4.9 GHz enhance/3.5 GHz base CPU frequency, 22MB cache, 28W TDP)
  • AMD Ryzen 5 8640U (6 cores/12 threads, as much as 4.9 GHz enhance/3.5 GHz base CPU frequency, 22MB cache, 28W TDP)
  • AMD Ryzen 5 8540U (6 cores/12 threads, as much as 4.9 GHz enhance/3.2 GHz base CPU frequency, 22MB cache, 28W TDP)
  • AMD Ryzen 3 8440U (4 cores/8 threads, as much as 4.7 GHz enhance/3.0 GHz base CPU frequency, 12MB cache, 28W TDP)

All however the final two will embrace the NPU for AI acceleration. Notebooks containing the brand new 8040 sequence APUs will ship in Q1 2024 from, in accordance with the press launch, Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Razer.

Kia Sonet Facelift: Here’s What To Expect


The Kia Sonet is getting its first proper mid-life refresh with most of the changes focused around its exterior design and feature list

Kia Sonet facelift

The Kia Sonet facelift has just been teased for the first time ahead of its India debut. It’s the first thorough update for the SUV since it went on sale back in 2020, which marked Kia’s entry into the sub-4m space. Here’s what you can expect from the updated Kia SUV:

Design Revisions Inside And Out

Based on the previous spy shots and the official teaser, Kia has made most of the revisions to the SUV’s exterior. These include an updated grille, fresh LED headlights with longer fang-shaped LED DRLs, and a restyled front bumper housing sleek LED fog lamps.

Its profile will only see one big change in the form of a different alloy wheel design. At the back, we are expecting the 2024 Kia Sonet to have a connected LED taillight setup same as the new Kia Seltos, and a refreshed bumper.

The only big changes expected on the inside are a new climate control panel and revised upholstery. Its recent teaser confirmed the 2024 Sonet will be fitted with the same 10.25-inch touchscreen system as the outgoing model.

Tech On Board

Kia Sonet facelift 10.25-inch touchscreen

Kia is expected to offer the new Sonet with a 360-degree camera and a semi-digital driver’s display. The existing model’s equipment such as the wireless phone charging, single-pane sunroof, ventilated front seats, and cruise control will likely be carried forward.

The sub-4m SUV’s safety kit will likely comprise six airbags (as standard), front and rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, and even advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Changes Under Its Hood?

The facelifted Sonet won’t get any changes under the hood over the outgoing model. Its engine-gearbox options will include:

Specification

1.2-litre Petrol

1-litre Turbo-petrol

1.5-litre Diesel

Power

83 PS

120 PS

116 PS

Torque

115 Nm

172 Nm

250 Nm

Transmission

5-speed MT

6-speed iMT, 7-speed DCT

6-speed iMT, 6-speed AT

We would like to note that there were unconfirmed reports that Kia could bring back a conventional manual transmission option for the diesel engine to replace the iMT (manual without clutch pedal) option. If you are considering a new sub-compact SUV with a diesel-manual option, we would recommend waiting to see if Kia does make that change with the facelifted Sonet.

Competition Check

Kia’s updated SUV will continue to be a part of the crowded sub-4m SUV space, hence rivaling the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger and the Maruti Fronx crossover.

Also Read: The Last 3 New Cars That You Will See In 2023: An Electrified Lambo And Two Small SUVs

Expected Prices And Launch Timeline

Kia Sonet facelift teased

We expect the Kia Sonet facelift to go on sale sometime in early 2024. Its prices are likely to start from Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards.

Would you be waiting for the new Sonet or are you looking at one of its rivals? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Read More on : Sonet Automatic

The 2024 Acura TLX $4,950 More Expensive Than The Previous Model

Acura revealed the 2024 TLX earlier this month. The mid-cycle refresh brought minor styling updates, a simplified trim structure, and a quieter cabin. The sedan will be available at dealerships with a starting price of $46,195, including destination and handling fees. This marks a $4,950 increase from last year’s TLX, although the 2024 model year comes with more standard equipment.

The Technology package is now standard on all base models, whereas it was a $4,000 upgrade last year. Consequently, even the base TLX now includes 19-inch wheels, Milano leather seats, ambient LED cabin lighting, and an ELS Studio premium audio system. As part of the refresh, the sedan also receives two new USB ports for rear passengers, thicker carpets, a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a larger infotainment screen.

2024 Acura TLX Type S Exterior Front View
  Price
2024 Acura TLX w/Technology Package $46,195
2024 Acura TLX A-Spec $51,195
2024 Acura TLX Type S $58,195

The 2024 TLC A-Spec starts at $51,195 and includes new split-spoke 19-inch wheels, dual round exhaust pipes, and a gloss black rear spoiler. New wheel insulators, B-pillar insulators, and door insulators contribute to a quieter interior.

The range-topping model, the TLX Type S, starts at $58,195. It features improved throttle response in Sport+ mode, a 10.5-inch head-up display, and a surround-view camera. In the design department, it boasts a new diamond pentagon grille mesh, 20-inch black wheels, an exclusive front splitter, a new rear diffuser, and quad exhaust pipes at the back.

BMW Is Updating the Design of the M3 Touring

Recent spy shots reveal that the BMW M3 Touring is undergoing a styling refresh. The wagon model is now covered in camouflage at the front as BMW gives the M3 lineup a mid-cycle makeover.

The front bumper and part of the hood of the M3 Touring are still camouflaged, suggesting that there might not be any visible design changes. However, BMW plans to update the car’s headlight graphics. As for the rear, there seem to be no significant design modifications, as BMW didn’t bother concealing it.