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Cars

Are Lexus And Toyota Engines Made In The Same Factory?

April 28, 2024 David Leave a comment

Lexus and Toyota previously shared a very cozy relationship. However, Lexus operates with more autonomy from Toyota these days, with the company now reportedly running many of its own design, engineering, and manufacturing facilities. Despite the autonomy, it’s commonly understood that Lexus and Toyota still share production facilities in Japan and the United States. That fact ensures some of their engines are still made within the same factory walls.

Indeed, in a recent publication detailing Lexus’ history, MotorTrend proclaimed in no unsure phrases that Toyota truly makes Lexus engines. Given the automotive big’s parentage over the posh model, it is exhausting to argue the purpose, although the article additionally factors out that the shared lineage is an enormous a part of why Lexus engines have generally proven more endurable and reliable than many different manufacturers within the luxurious automotive discipline.

From a design and efficiency standpoint, auto fans can agree that — other than a shared platform or two — Toyota and Lexus autos haven’t got a lot in widespread. In all frankness, the posh model bests fashions manufactured by its mum or dad firm from the bottom up, fronting a polish and craftsmanship that its extra sensible counterpart won’t ever have the ability to match. Of course, Lexus’ high-end worth level additionally ensures the autos are not often, if ever, in direct competitors with these made by their mum or dad firm as a result of, regardless of the saying, you’ll be able to completely put a worth on luxurious.

Featured

Audi Q6 e-tron Unveiled: All-new Electric SUV With Up To 625 Km Range, New Interior

March 20, 2024 Prafful Singh

The Audi Q6 e-tron is the EV based mostly on the shared platform with Porsche and contains a 94.9 kWh battery pack

The new Q8 e-tron, Audi’s latest electrical SUV, slots beneath the Q8 e-tron in its international EV lineup.
Makes international debut in two variants: Q6 e-tron quattro and SQ6 e-tron.
Gets an all-new cabin structure with curved built-in screens on the sprint and a devoted touchscreen for the entrance passenger.
Offered with a 94.9 kWh battery pack having a WLTP-claimed vary of as much as 625 km.
India launch attainable in 2025; costs for the totally loaded quattro model might begin from Rs 80 lakh (ex-showroom).

Audi has simply taken the wraps off an all-new electric offering and it’s known as the Audi Q6 e-tron. It is predicated on the Volkswagen Group’s new PPE (Premium Platform Electric) structure, and will likely be positioned beneath the Q8 e-tron within the luxurious marque’s lineup.

A Real Looker

The Q6 e-tron has an aggressive face due to the chunky grille and break up lighting setup with the LED DRLs positioned within the higher portion of the fascia. Customers also can personalise the headlight setup on their Q6 e-tron by opting from eight lighting signatures for the Matrix LED items.

From the edges, the Q6 e-tron has the acquainted silhouette of Audi SUVs and it has been supplied with a dapper set of alloy wheels. Moving to the rear, it will get linked OLED taillights having six OLED panels, that includes a complete of 360 segments to generate a brand new animation each 10 milliseconds. Audi has additionally made the rear lighting piece extra purposeful as it could actively talk with the automobiles following the Q6 e-tron. It will notify the automobile tailing the Audi EV a couple of sure site visitors situation or accidents forward by exhibiting key warning symbols.

The Q6 e-tron has been unveiled alongside its barely sportier sibling, the SQ6 e-tron, which will get blacked-out particulars and totally different alloy wheels.

As the primary Audi mannequin based mostly on the brand new PPE platform, right here’s how its dimensions evaluate to the model’s present flagship EV SUV:

Dimension	Audi Q6 e-tron	Audi Q8 e-tron



















Length	4771 mm	4915 mm



















Width	1993 mm	1976 mm



















Height	1648 mm	1632 mm



















Wheelbase	2899 mm	2928 mm

Although the Q6 e-tron is wider and taller than the Q8 e-tron, the latter has its benefit when it comes to total size and the longer wheelbase on provide. Thanks to the extra footprint, the Q8 e-tron additionally has additional legroom contained in the cabin.

All-new Audi Interior

As a brand new addition to the household, the Q6 e-tron brings with it the brand new design language for Audi interiors which will likely be seen on future fashions as effectively. You can discover that almost all of the dashboard is all-digital now, with curved dual-integrated screens for the motive force and central display screen. It nonetheless has three screens on provide – an 11.9-inch digital driver show, an enormous 14.5-inch infotainment unit and a ten.9-inch show for the co-passenger. There is not a touchscreen interface within the console completely for local weather controls, which have been moved as much as the central show solely. The co-passenger display screen has ‘Active Privacy Mode’, which helps in stopping distractions to the motive force.

The Q6 e-tron additionally will get an elective augmented reality-based heads-up show to indicate data akin to pace, site visitors indicators, and navigation symbols. Audi has additionally improved its voice assistant, which is called ‘Audi Assistant’ by integrating Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to understand over 800 voice instructions. It learns constantly based mostly on person behaviour and thus offers help to the particular person driving.

There’s additionally a light-weight bar alongside the highest of the dashboard, spanning from the left entrance door to the suitable one. It has three features, beginning with a welcome perform and signifies when the automobile is locked/unlocked. Secondly, it additionally displays the dynamic flip indicator lights however with out instantly changing the normal indicator signages within the digital cluster. Lastly, it additionally reveals the cost degree and the charging course of.

Other gear on board consists of an 830W 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, a 360-degree digital camera, wi-fi telephone charging, and a set of superior driver help techniques (ADAS).

While the Q6 e-tron usually has a darker cabin, it nonetheless has a dual-tone theme with chrome accents however the SQ6 e-tron has an all-black cabin.

Also Check Out: Tata Punch EV Window-breaker, WPL Cricketer Ellyse Perry, Gifted The Same Broken Glass

Details Of Its Electric Powertrains

Audi is providing the global-spec Q6 e-tron in two variants at first: Q6 e-tron quattro and SQ6 e-tron, their specs detailed beneath.

Specification	Q6 e-tron quattro	SQ6 e-tron



















Battery Pack	94.9 kWh	94.9 kWh



















No. of electrical motors	2	2



















WLTP-claimed Range	625 km	598 km



















0-100 kmph	5.9 seconds	4.3 seconds

While each have an all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup, Audi will likely be introducing rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variations of the EV afterward, relying in the marketplace. There can even be a RWD Q6 e-tron having a smaller 83 kWh battery pack that will likely be unveiled at a later date.

The 100 kWh battery unit (complete capability), with 800-volt electrical structure to help quick charging of as much as 270 kW, will be juiced up from 10 to 80 p.c in simply 21 minutes. Audi is providing it with an on-board 11 kW AC charger as normal that may totally energy up the battery in a single day. The German carmaker can even offer a sooner 22 kW AC charging choice to its clients at a later stage.

There can also be a intelligent new fast-charging possibility for stations that solely help 400-volt know-how. In such a situation, the Q6 e-tron makes use of financial institution charging, which divides the 800-volt battery setup into two batteries having equal voltages, for parallel charging with as much as 150 kW. Depending on the state of cost, each halves of the battery are first equalised after which charged concurrently. This know-how is very like what’s seen on trendy smartphones that includes bigger batteries with the intention to guarantee their environment friendly operation and scale back possibilities of battery injury.

Also Read: Tesla India Launch Timeline Accelerates With New EV Policy For Reduced Import Tariffs

Expected India Launch And Price

Although the Audi Q6 e-tron has solely been formally confirmed for Germany and another European markets for now, we consider will probably be India-bound someday in 2025, together with the SQ6 e-tron. Expect the totally loaded quattro model to have a beginning value of Rs 80 lakh (ex-showroom). It will likely be a premium different to the likes of the Volvo C40 Recharge, Kia EV6, and Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Kia Seltos Facelift Garners 1 Lakh Bookings, 80,000 Choose The Sunroof Variants

February 7, 2024 Prafful Singh

Kia has obtained a mean of 13,500 Seltos bookings since July 2023

Kia has shared some fascinating insights concerning its bookings milestone for the brand new Seltos.
80 % of Seltos consumers are going for higher-spec variants (HTK+ onwards)
58 % of the overall bookings are for the petrol trims of the Kia Seltos, whereas almost 50 % are selecting the automated variants.
When it involves security, 40 % consumers are choosing ADAS-equipped variants of the Kia Seltos.

The Kia Seltos bought a significant facelift in July 2023, with which it not solely bought a contemporary design, but in addition bought new options, improved security, and the choice of a brand new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. Now the overall bookings for the Kia Seltos has crossed the one lakh mark since its launch. On a mean, the facelifted Seltos obtained 13,500 bookings each month throughout this era.

80 Percent Buyers Prefer Higher-spec Variants

According to Kia, 80 % of Seltos consumers desire the better-equipped variants (HTK+ onwards), additionally selecting the SUV variants fitted with the panoramic sunroof. One of the large characteristic updates with the facelift was the introduction of superior driver help methods (ADAS) and Kia has revealed that over 40 % of latest Seltos consumers need this security characteristic.

Also Check Out: Hyundai Creta Facelift Bags Over 51,000 Bookings In A Month

High Demand For Automatic Variants

The Kia Seltos is accessible with three engine choices: 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) petrol, 1.5-litre diesel and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol. All three get the selection of an automated transmission and in response to Kia, almost 50 % of all bookings for the brand new Seltos have been for the automated transmission choices. It has additionally been revealed that there’s nonetheless a excessive demand for the diesel powered choice, which accounts for 42 % of the overall bookings to date.

Features & Safety

Kia has outfitted the Seltos with premium options like twin 10.25-inch shows (digital driver’s show and touchscreen infotainment), dual-zone local weather management, and a panoramic sunroof. It additionally will get an air air purifier, ambient lighting, heads-up show, and ventilated entrance seats.

In phrases of security, the Seltos comes with six airbags, digital stability management (ESC), a tyre strain monitoring system (TPMS), a 360-degree digital camera and superior driver help methods (ADAS) like lane preserve help, ahead collision warning, and adaptive cruise management.

Powertrain Details

The engine-wise specs and transmission choices have been detailed under:

Engine	1.5-litre NA Petrol	1.5-litre Turbo-petrol	1.5-litre diesel
Power	115 PS	160 PS	116 PS
Torque	144 Nm	253 Nm	250 Nm
Transmission	6-speed MT / CVT	6-speed iMT / 7-speed DCT	6-speed MT / 6-speed iMT / 6-speed AT

In January 2024, Kia launched the choice of a 6-speed guide transmission with the diesel engine of the Seltos. It is the one SUV in its phase to supply the choice of an iMT setup (guide with out clutch pedal).

Price Range & Rivals

The Kia Seltos is priced between Rs 10.90 lakh and Rs 20.30 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The compact SUV rivals the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Honda Elevate, MG Astor, and Citroen C3 Aircross.

Here’s Your First Official Look At The 600-HP Jeep Wagoneer S

January 31, 2024 Prafful Singh

Jeep is sharing some contemporary particulars on its forthcoming electrical SUV. The firm on Tuesday shared the primary official photographs of the electrical SUV recognized merely because the Wagoneer S. We hope you want digital shows and touch-sensitive controls, as a result of this factor has a lot of them.

We rely 4 screens on the sprint of the Wagoneer S, going by inside images launched by Jeep. There’s the driving force show display that, on this configuration, is not displaying pace however a navigation route on highways close to Detroit. In the middle, there’s an infotainment display that is dedicated to entertaining passengers. For causes we do not perceive, it is displaying old-school degree meters whereas taking part in Nick Mulvey’s Moment of Surrender. We additionally see contact settings for heated seats on the middle display.

Below that could be a smaller display that seems devoted to creature comforts. Aside from controlling local weather capabilities, we see massaging seat controls and defrost settings. There’s additionally an choice to show the display off, which implies there could possibly be some supplemental tactile controls for common-use gadgets positioned elsewhere. But based mostly on what we see between these two inside images, working the electrical Wagoneer’s techniques will largely be a touch-sensitive affair. That consists of the passenger show, which may apparently be used to look at motion pictures or different leisure actions not obtainable to the driving force.

There’s a lot to imagine at this level, as Jeep did not present any concrete particulars to accompany the brand new images. We do know a number of issues, although. A 19-speaker McIntosh sound system might be provided within the “tech-focused interior.” A dual-pane panoramic moonroof might be customary, and Jeep tells us it is going to have a selected Selec-Terrain system with numerous drive modes.

Long-Term Review

Lexus RZ 2024 long-term take a look at

January 27, 2024 David

The many journeys that now we have already shared have all been a breeze. It actually is a automobile made for relaxed travelling, and I’ve began to select up on the numerous issues that Lexus has accomplished to make that so.

This consists of the quietest windscreen washer motor you’ve ever heard (actually, it’s creepily muted) and home windows that drop and not using a trace of noise. They actually are luxurious ranges of element, even past what you’ll count on from a £74k automobile – one thing I didn’t assume I’d say.

Its deep seats add one other degree of plushness that I’ve not skilled in one thing costing lower than £100k. The £135k Range Rover P440e Autobiography, one other on our long-term fleet, involves thoughts. These seats even have inside followers to maintain your again sweat-free – a pleasing addition on a summer season’s day.

Speaking of the Range Rover, the RZ’s 14in infotainment touchscreen additionally wouldn’t look misplaced in a automobile of that high quality, though it’s not as slick as the very best of them. It’s not unhealthy by any means, simply not as user-friendly because it may very well be. I discover myself at all times switching to Android Auto now, particularly for navigation.

What is nice, although, is how the RZ is to drive, which once more provides to its ‘get you there relaxed’ mantra. It rides quietly and in supple vogue and has a satisfying heft to its steering that speaks of loads of dynamic fine-tuning, which Lexus is thought for.

In tight areas, comparable to automobile parks, it behaves like a a lot smaller automobile, having a improbable turning circle, due to its four-wheel steering.

For these this automobile now, from late 2024 the RZ may also be out there with Lexus’s steer-by-wire system, One Motion Grip, full with a yoke rather than a steering wheel. No, this isn’t a gimmick: as we stated in our first evaluate of the RZ, it’s really fairly good and really exact, a lot so to full a full lock in simply 150deg.

Anyway, again to our automobile, and with all good issues, there are, nevertheless, some drawbacks. As I discussed in my first report, the overly delicate lively security techniques are a little bit of an annoyance.

Motorsport

Someone Should Put This 0.0175-Liter Four-Cylinder And Its Manual Gearbox In A Power Wheels

January 3, 2024 Prafful Singh

We’ve seen a lot of small-scale engines shared by JohnnyQ90 on YouTube, however this one is totally different. That’s as a result of there’s an honest-to-goodness three-speed guide gearbox connected to the again, and we would like it.

This setup makes use of three ahead speeds in addition to a reverse gear, operated by friction clutches. It’s all contained in an aluminum housing that is 3D printed, and kit modifications are carried out by two connections on the highest of the gearbox. The lever closest to the engine selects ahead, impartial, or reverse, whereas the opposite lever goes by first, second, and third. They are operated by two servos; a 3rd servo controls the engine’s throttle.

Toggle switches on the controller function the transmission, with throttle enter managed by a squeeze set off. The setup is demonstrated on a easy base the place the engine and transmission are linked to a spinning weight, which locations simply sufficient drag on the powertrain to listen to the revs climb by the gears and totally different charges. It all appears to operate effectively, even dealing with full-throttle gear modifications with none obvious points. Whether that is the case after 5 years or 60,000 miles, nonetheless, stays to be seen.

As with different JohnnyQ90 movies, the eye to element within the building of those small mills is astounding. The clip opens with the creation of a smaller pulley to get extra strain from the water pump, and aspect panels on the oil pan are changed with glass so we will see the crankshaft in motion. And the sound is not dangerous, both.

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The video description features a hyperlink to purchase the three-speed stick, displaying a price ticket of $439.99. It’s additionally supplied as a bundle with the engine (a 17.5-cc four-cylinder) for a price of $1,291.97. All we’d like is a 1:8 scale Honda S2000, and our radio-controlled desires could be full.

Motorsport

In Tragic Twist Of Fate, It’s Toyota Parts Giving This Lotus Electrical Problems

January 3, 2024 Prafful Singh

A standard perspective shared amongst lovers about fashionable Lotus autos is that whereas the British-built components could break usually, the Toyota-supplied components are dependable. This video documenting the issues of a 2013 Evora exhibits that generally even the Toyota components could cause points.

This Evora got here into the Car Wizard’s store as a result of the automated transmission was popping out of drugs and into impartial whereas on the transfer. It’s value noting that this Lotus’s mid-mounted engine and gearbox are generally discovered in lots of Toyota merchandise from the period. In reality, the 3.5-liter Toyota 2GR-FE V6 is one thing you’d discover within the Camry, Avalon, Sienna, and extra autos from the mid-2000s via the 2010s. Later Evora variants use a supercharged model of this powerplant, just like the 410-horsepower GT410 version pictured beneath.

Featured

“`html Toyota’s Version Of The Maruti Fronx Is Likely To Launch Before April 2024

November 18, 2023 Prafful Singh

It will be the sixth shared model from the Maruti-Toyota partnership in India

The first news about Fronx getting a Toyota version broke in July 2023.
It is expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2024 and will become the fifth shared model on sale in India.
Expected to be differentiated by changes to front fascia and cabin colors.
Likely to get the exact same feature list and engine-transmission combinations as the Fronx.
Toyota-badged Fronx could be priced from Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom).

The next offering for the Indian car market from the partnership between Toyota and Maruti Suzuki is set to be another SUV-like model. Toyota is working on its own version of the Maruti Fronx and some sources have hinted that it is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2024, could be by March at the latest.

Changes To Expect

Based on the other shared models between Maruti and Toyota, we can expect the reworked Fronx to be differentiated by a redesigned grille and front bumper. It could also get a different color scheme for the cabin while the design stays identical to that of the Fronx, as seen with the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder.

Identical Feature List

Like other shared models between Maruti and Toyota, the Toyota-badged Fronx is expected to get the exact same list of features and comforts as the Maruti offering. This includes a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, 360-degree camera, LED lighting all around, auto AC, a wireless phone charger and up to 6 airbags.

Toyota Goes Turbocharged

The rebadged version of the Maruti Fronx will get the same engine and transmission options too. It is available with a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine (90 PS/ 113 Nm) for the lower variants, mated to either a 5-speed MT or 5-speed AMT. The other option, offered with the fully-loaded variants, is a 1-litre turbocharged petrol engine (100 PS/ 148 Nm) with choice of a 5-speed MT or 6-speed AT. This could be the first Toyota-badged model in India with a turbo-petrol engine.

The Fronx also gets the choice of CNG with the 1.2-litre petrol engine, only offered with a 5-speed MT.

Why Make A Toyota Fronx?

Following the success of the Toyota Hyryder, and with no plans to reintroduce a rebadged Maruti Brezza, Toyota does need a stake in the sub-4m SUV space. Since the Fronx is based on the Baleno hatchback, also sold as the Toyota Glanza, this crossover SUV offering becomes a promising candidate for the Japanese moniker to increase its overall market share.

Price and Rivals

The Toyota-badged Maruti Fronx is expected to be priced from Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete with subcompact SUVs like the Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Maruti Brezza, and Hyundai Venue.

Also Read: Made-in-India Jimny 5-door Hits South African Streets

Here’s Your First Look at the New Corvette Racing Z06 GT3.R

November 15, 2023 Prafful Singh

Pratt Miller Motorsports on Tuesday shared images of the Corvette race car that will compete in the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar championship, giving us our first look at the iconic yellow livery that will once again grace race tracks across America next year.

Although this Z06 GT3.R may appear similar to the Corvette from the 2023 season, significant changes have been made behind the scenes. The Corvette Racing factory program ended at the end of the season and will be replaced by a Pratt Miller-run program from 2024 onwards. The Z06 GT3.R will still compete in GTD Pro, and it will have a similar group of four full-time drivers: Nicky Catsburg, Antonio Garcia, Tommy Milner, and Alexander Sims.

The team, named Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports, will still receive factory support, though it is likely that discussions between the team and Chevy will be reduced compared to previous years. It is uncertain what impact this will have on the relationship between the road and race cars as the season progresses. Like before, the Z06 GT3.R will feature a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-plane-crank V-8 derived from the Z06 road car.

Mark Stielow, GM Motorsports Engineering Competition director, said earlier this year, “The Corvette Z06 GT3.R breaks new ground for Chevrolet and the Corvette Racing program. This customer-focused race car leverages learnings from throughout Corvette Racing’s lengthy and successful history, plus the expertise of our Corvette production design, engineering and powertrain teams.”

The new Z06 GT3.R will make its racing debut at the 2024 Rolex 24 At Daytona, IMSA’s season-opening event.

Technology

How To Share A Photo Album On iPhone

August 5, 2023 David

When you create a shared album on your iPhone, you have complete control over all the activities that take place in that album. You can delete any media or comment added by a subscriber, and any edits you make to the photos in the album will be reflected on all contributors’ devices. However, subscribers have the ability to delete their own media or comments, and any media they have saved or downloaded to their devices will remain unaffected.

It’s important to note that you can only upload pictures to the shared album from your Photos Library, and they must be in one of the following formats: HEIF, JPEG, RAW, PNG, GIF, or TIFF. For videos, shared albums support file formats like HEVC, MP4, QuickTime, MPEG-4, and H.264, with a maximum length of 15 minutes.

That’s all there is to it! Shared Albums provide a convenient and efficient way to privately share a large number of photos. Now you know how to take advantage of this feature. In addition to photo-sharing, you can also use iCloud to back up your photos and access them from an iPad or Mac, or restore them in case of device loss or damage. If you want to learn more about accessing your iCloud photos, you can check out this article.

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