Tag Archives: secondgeneration

News

New 2024 BMW X2 ready for reveal with 260-mile electric option

The second-generation BMW X2 is preparing for its upcoming reveal with a fresh new look. Previews indicate that it will feature a sleek roofline and a larger grille, giving it a complete design transformation resembling the ‘baby’ X6.

BMW design boss, Domagoj Dukec, released a teaser video showcasing the new X2 ahead of its unveiling in the coming weeks. The new model will have a more coupé-like appearance, inspired by its larger siblings, the BMW X4 and BMW X6.

The teaser also reveals an expanded grille, bringing the X2 in line with the rest of BMW’s SUV range. The headlights will have a unique LED light signature and resemble the X1 model.

The redesign confirms the X2’s position as the stylish counterpart to the BMW X1, similar to how the X4 complements the X3 and the X6 complements the X5. Furthermore, like its straight-backed sibling, the X2 is expected to have identical technical specifications.

As a result, it is anticipated that the X2 will offer various petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrain options, with outputs ranging from 168bhp to 322bhp. Additionally, it has been announced that the revamped SUV will be available with an all-electric powertrain for the first time.

The new electric variant, the BMW iX2, will compete with models such as the Volkswagen ID 5 and Volvo C40. It will feature the iX1’s twin-motor setup, producing 308bhp, enabling it to reach 0-62mph in approximately 5.6 seconds. The electric SUV will have a range of 260 miles thanks to its 64.7kWh battery, which can charge at speeds up to 130kW.

Bmw x2 m35i spies driviing rear

The high-performance BMW X2 M35i is expected to make a comeback, having recently been spotted testing at the Nürburgring. It can be distinguished from its less powerful counterparts by its quad-exit exhausts and will rival the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 with its 296bhp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, enabling it to go from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds.

Motorsport

2024 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Starts at $35,615, Up $450 From 2023

The 2024 version of the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) is now priced at $35,615, which is $450 higher than the 2023 model. This follows the debut of the second-generation Niro in 2023, which includes hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full electric powertrain options.

Trim Level 2024 Model Price (Including $1,325 Destination Fee) 2023 Model Price (Including $1,325 Destination Fee) Price Difference
EX $35,615 $35,165 $450
SX Touring $41,365 $40,915 $450

In addition to the price increase, the Fire Orange Metallic exterior color has been removed from the Niro PHEV. Kia offers several options for customization:

Option Price
EX Cold Weather Package $600
SX Touring Cold Weather Package $500
Aurora Black Pearl Paint $395
Snow White Pearl Paint $395
Runway Red Paint $395
Black C-Pillar Trim $195

Motorsport

Next-Gen Nissan Armada: More Power and Rugged Looks, Says Dealer

The second-generation Nissan Armada made its debut at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. However, the SUV’s underlying structure dates back to the Y62 Patrol, which was introduced in 2010. Clearly, a new model is long overdue. Fortunately, it seems that the world premiere of the next-gen Armada is looming closer. As reported by Automotive News, a fully redesigned model was showcased at the annual dealer conference held in Las Vegas.

One attendee claims that the new Armada will be larger and boast a more rugged appearance. It is said to feature restyled headlights and taillights, along with a completely new interior that includes upgraded materials, larger screens, and modern safety and driver assistance systems. The source even goes as far as saying that it will have a “Range-Rover-like” feel, although it is worth noting that the recently teased Infiniti QX80 will likely offer a more luxurious experience than its Nissan counterpart.


Technology

The Best Labor Day Deals On Apple Products

All Apple AirPods are currently on sale on Amazon. The second-generation AirPods can be purchased for $100. Additionally, the second-generation AirPods Pro and the third-generation AirPods are currently 12 percent off. These wireless Bluetooth earbuds offer more features compared to the second-generation AirPods, including noise-canceling technology and spatial audio. All AirPods come with a carrying case for charging and storing the earbuds.

In addition, the over-ear AirPods Max are currently 13 percent off, priced at $477. These headphones provide similar features to the third-generation AirPods and have a battery life of 20 hours. If you prefer wired headphones, you can get the classic Apple EarPods at a 41 percent discount.

If you don’t already own an Apple Watch, now is a great time to get one at a discount. The Apple Watch Series 8 is currently 18 percent off, reduced from $400 to $330. This price applies to the Midnight, Silver, and Starlight color options. With a size of 41mm, this smartwatch offers GPS technology, a fitness tracker, and a retina display. It is also water resistant up to 50 meters and has a battery life of 18 hours.

If you are interested in any of these deals, it is recommended to place your order as soon as possible, as they may sell out before the holiday arrives.

Featured

Lotus Keeps British Cycling On Track With Its New Olympic bike

Lotus has partnered with the Great Britain Cycling Team (GBCT), Hope Technology, and Renishaw to develop the second-generation Hope-Lotus track bike. The aim is to enhance performance at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Building on the success of the Tokyo 2020 model, which won seven Olympic medals, the new bike has been redesigned by Lotus and GBCT to improve aerodynamic efficiency.

Key to the bike’s design is the wide-element fork, inspired by fighter jets and patented by Lotus. This fork reduces drag and improves airflow around the rider. It is made from high-grade carbon fiber, the same material used in the Lotus Evija hypercar, ensuring both lightness and optimum aerodynamics.

To ensure maximum performance, Lotus conducted over 150 hours of wind tunnel testing and used advanced fluid dynamics simulation.

The partnership between Lotus and GBCT has a history of producing innovative and groundbreaking bikes, including the Lotus sports bikes and the iconic Lotus type 108.

If you’re interested in purchasing a Lotus model, you can view all available options on the duPont REGISTRY website.

Motorsport

Chevrolet Corvette Roadsters Discovered in a Barn and Brought into the Sunlight

The Chevrolet Corvette has a rich history and has captivated car enthusiasts since its introduction in 1953. The first and second-generation models, known as C1 and C2, respectively, have become iconic and highly prized by collectors. With prices exceeding $100,000 for pristine examples, the discovery of these classic cars hidden away in a barn holds a special allure.

This video, posted by Colture on his YouTube channel, documents the extraction of two Corvette models. The first part of the video takes us on a tour of the property, showcasing multiple Corvettes left abandoned outside and inside a barn. Among the finds is a 1961 or 1962 race car.

The first car extracted is a C1 Corvette, produced between 1958 and 1960. However, due to missing exterior components such as the chrome accents, headlamps, bumpers, and grille, it is challenging to determine its exact year or color. Despite these missing parts, the car appears to be in solid condition and worthy of restoration. Additionally, it comes with an original removable hardtop, which was designed to enhance the driving experience of the C1 Corvette throughout the year.

Using a John Deere tractor, a winch, and some assistance, the C1 Corvette is successfully loaded onto a flatbed trailer. The second car is a C2 roadster, also equipped with a hardtop. Extracting this vehicle proves to be more challenging as the rear wheels are locked, and the engine is merely resting on top of the front suspension, placing pressure on the steering rack and preventing the front wheels from turning.

After considerable effort, the C2 Corvette roadster is finally brought into the daylight and loaded onto a trailer. Covered in dirt and bird droppings, the car undergoes a pressure wash, revealing its original blue paint. Although it appears darker than the popular Nassau Blue, it resembles Laguna Blue.

Enthusiasts speculate about potential engine swaps for the C2 Corvette, should the current engine be unsalvageable. While a modern LS motor is a popular choice, some have even seen C2 Corvettes converted to electric power or fitted with a Lamborghini V10 engine.

Motorsport

BMW M140i effortlessly reaches speeds of 155+ MPH on the Autobahn

The BMW 1 Series, specifically the second-generation F20 (five-door) and F21 (three-door), was in production from 2011 to 2019. This version was the brand’s most recent rear-wheel-drive hatchback and offered six-cylinder engine options. The M140i, which was introduced in 2016 during the facelift, remains a top-performing hot hatch even by today’s standards.

Interestingly, the latest third-generation 1 Series (F40) doesn’t offer a powertrain that matches the performance of the M140i. It’s worth noting that the M140i features BMW’s renowned B58 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine, delivering an impressive 335 horsepower (250 kilowatts) at 5,500 rpm and 369 pound-feet (500 Newton-meters) of torque between 1,520 and 4,500 rpm. In comparison, the most powerful third-gen model offers a 2.0-liter turbo engine with 302 hp (225 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque.


Featured

2024 Skoda Kodiaq Engine And Gearbox Details Revealed


The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq will be offered globally with both petrol and diesel engines, along with a plug-in hybrid as well

2024 Skoda Kodiaq

  • Skoda will globally debut the second-gen Kodiaq soon.

  • Powertrain options include 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 2-litre diesel engines.

  • To be provided with both front-wheel-drive and AWD drivetrains.

  • Will get a plug-in hybrid option for the first time with a claimed EV-only range of 100km.

  • Features on board include a 12.9-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display.

  • India launch expected in 2024; to command a premium over the existing model.

The Skoda Kodiaq will soon be globally introduced in its second-generation avatar, and the carmaker has already been releasing important details about the SUV. The latest update reveals the powertrain details of the new Kodiaq, along with some of the key features. Let’s take a look:

Petrol, PHEV And Diesel Engine Options

Skoda will continue to offer the global-spec Kodiaq with both petrol and diesel engines, as well as a plug-in hybrid version. Here’s a look at the specifications:

Specification

1.5-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid

2-litre turbo-petrol

2-litre diesel

2-litre diesel

1.5-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid

Power

150PS

204PS

150PS

193PS

204PS

Transmission

7-speed DSG

7-speed DSG

7-speed DSG

7-speed DSG

6-speed DSG

Drivetrain

FWD

AWD

FWD

AWD

FWD

2024 Skoda Kodiaq

  • The Kodiaq will be offered in a plug-in hybrid version for the first time.

  • It will have a 25.7kWh battery pack, which will allow for an electric range of up to 100km, and will also support DC fast charging of up to 50kW.

  • Skoda India has decided not to include diesel powertrains in the second-gen India-spec Kodiaq.

A Brief Overview Of The Design

2024 Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda has released more images of the second-gen Kodiaq still covered in camouflage. From what we can see, the new model’s design is more of an evolution rather than a complete overhaul. The SUV retains the same butterfly-shaped grille (albeit slightly larger), LED headlights with integrated LED DRLs, and a redesigned front bumper with the ADAS radar in the center.

2024 Skoda Kodiaq side

In profile, the SUV looks similar to the current model, except for the longer wheelbase and new alloy wheels. Notable features at the rear include sharper LED taillights and a raked windshield.

Also Read: Get Ready To Pay Increasingly Higher Tolls Each Year

Here are the dimensions:

Dimensions

2024 Skoda Kodiaq

Length

4758mm

Width

1864mm

Height

1657mm

Wheelbase

2791mm

The SUV is 61mm longer than the current-gen model and has a luggage capacity of up to 910 litres (depending on the chosen variant). It will be available in both 5- and 7-seater layouts.

What Tech Does It Get?

2024 Skoda Kodiaq

Although Skoda hasn’t revealed all the features of the new Kodiaq, it has announced some key equipment. This includes a touchscreen unit measuring up to 12.9 inches, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, an optional heads-up display, and remote parking assist. Among the new features will be a cooled, dual phone box in the second row for charging two smartphones simultaneously at 15W. It will also have a cleaner for the touchscreen displays, and the umbrella and ice-scraper will be made from sustainable materials.

Also Read: These Are The 10 Upcoming Car Launches In The Second Half Of 2023

India Launch Details

2024 Skoda Kodiaq rear

Skoda may bring the second-gen Kodiaq to India next year with a significant price increase compared to the current model (which is priced between Rs 37.99 lakh and Rs 41.39 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi). The new Skoda Kodiaq will continue to compete against the MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, and Toyota Fortuner.

Read More on : Skoda Kodiaq Automatic

Motorsport

Buick Unveils 2024 Envision with Avenir Trim and Super Cruise

Buick has released a preview of the updated version of its Envision model, three years after it launched the second generation in the US. The facelifted car has already been seen in China, where it was showcased via publication by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology as part of the homologation process. The US version is being revealed in the luxury Avenir trim, which will feature bigger wheels, a different front grille pattern, and orange side markers. The latest model features a redesigned front fascia, inspired by the Wildcat concept, and substantial changes to the overall design. The 2024 Envision will introduce Super Cruise, which will work on more than 400,000 miles of road, making it the first Buick model to offer this feature.

2024 Buick Envision

The Envision will have hands-free capabilities and a cabin with a luxurious feel, with plenty of leather, nice stitching, memory seats, and an upgraded steering wheel to accommodate the self-driving system. The facelift features a dashboard with merged displays similar to other car models launched recently. The instrument cluster and infotainment displays have merged into one unit with a 19-inch screen that boasts eight inches for the driver’s display and 11 inches for the touchscreen.

Although this is just a preview, Buick has confirmed that the updated Envision will be the third of five new models to be launched in the US by 2024. With the crossover registering its best half-year sales results, it is on target to generate record deliveries in 2023.

In contrast to the US, Buick sedans remain popular in China, with the Verano, LaCrosse, Regal, Excelle, GL6, and GL8 being offered.