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Update: Added 21 additional spy photos to a new photo gallery showing C8 Corvette ZR1 prototypes in action at the Nurburgring.

The next-generation Chevrolet Corvette in ZR1 trim hasn’t exactly been a secret so far. We’ve already seen several heavily camouflaged prototypes testing in different locations around the United States. However, it seems that the automaker is now moving the development to the Old Continent. At least two different prototypes were recently caught testing on the famous Nurburgring race track.

Mercedes-Benz USA is collaborating with ESPN to create a mobile podcast studio inside a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van. This collaboration is part of their new docu-series called Sprinter Labs, which aims to showcase the transformation of an ordinary Sprinter Van into a customized dream machine. The series, hosted by ESPN’s Jen Lada and Mercedes-Benz Vans’ Iain Forsyth, will unveil the entire process of this remarkable transformation in four episodes.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, reimagined by Matthews Specialty Vehicles, is a state-of-the-art mobile college football tailgating sensation. It features Wi-Fi broadcasting capabilities, high-end sound and camera systems, LED lighting, a smart screen, and a solar-powered charging station. The exterior of the van also includes a branded wrap, TV screens, and a sports ticker for an enhanced tailgating experience.

With the launch of Sprinter Labs, Mercedes-Benz continues to redefine what a commercial vehicle can be. The first episode of the docu-series, highlighting the collaboration with ESPN, will premiere on September 7th. If you’re interested in purchasing a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van, you can find all available options on duPont REGISTRY.

Mobility for everyone: Volkswagen is showing its extensive current and future product range at the IAA Mobility
Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars: “Whether electric, combustion engine or hybrid vehicles, it will be possible to see the complete range of our new brand orientation.”
World premiere of the ID. GTI Concept: the emotive GTI label is being transported into the electric future
An accessible brand: in the Open Space on the Odeonsplatz, Volkswagen will engage in discussions with visitors

The Volkswagen brand is giving its electric offensive an additional boost: by 2027, Europe’s largest automotive manufacturer will launch eleven new all-electric models and thus offer the widest electric vehicle range of all manufacturers – from a compact car priced as less than 25,000 euros through to a family saloon. In the future, there will also be sporty and emotive GTI versions of selected models from the all-electric ID. family. The ID. GTI Concept show car presented for the first time at the IAA Mobility in Munich provides a concrete insight into how Volkswagen will transport the iconic GTI label into the electric future. At the international motor show, the new orientation of the brand will be visible in all areas for the first time. Alongside electric vehicles such as the ID. GTI Concept, ID.4, ID.5 and new ID.7, Volkswagen will also continue to offer efficient combustion engine vehicles such as the new generations of the Passat and the Tiguan In the Open Space on the Odeonsplatz, Volkswagen will also show itself as an approachable brand that is looking to engage in discussions with visitors.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, says: “We have realigned Volkswagen over the course of recent months. Our actions are always focused on the question of what customers expect from us. The complete range of our new orientation will be visible for the first time at the IAA Mobility. Volkswagen is delivering what customers want: whether electric, combustion engine or hybrid vehicles – all our new models impress with enjoyable efficiency, intuitive operation and high quality that is evident in all areas. In this way, we are meeting our promise of once more focusing completely on customer needs.”

Thomas Schäfer, CEO Volkswagen Brand and the new ID. GTI Concept.

Even faster pace in electric mobility. Volkswagen will launch eleven new electric models by 2027. Presales of the ID.7, the first all-electric Volkswagen saloon with a spacious interior and ranges up to 700 kilometres, started just a few days ago. With the ID. GTI Concept show car at the IAA Mobility, Volkswagen is demonstrating for the first time how the GTI label will be transported into the age of electric mobility. The production version of the vehicle based on the modular electric drive (MEB) platform is scheduled to hit the roads in 2027. “The perfect combination of driving pleasure and everyday usability – that is what the three letters GTI have meant for decades,” says Schäfer. With the ID. GTI Concept, we are taking the GTI DNA into the electric age. It remains sporty, iconic, technologically progressive and accessible, but now with a new interpretation for tomorrow’s world: electric, fully connected and extremely emotive. Here, driving pleasure and sustainability are a perfect match. This means GTI has a future – for our brand and for the fans. A Volkswagen sports car for the electric age that is suitable for everyday driving: 100 per cent electric – 100 per cent emotion.”

You can find a detailed press kit for the ID. GTI Concept under this link

Focus on core models. By 2033 at the latest, Volkswagen will produce only electric vehicles in Europe. Until then, efficient combustion engine vehicles will continue to play an important part in the product range. In future, Volkswagen will concentrate above all on its successful core models such as the Golf, T-Roc, Passat and Tiguan. At the IAA Mobility, visitors can take a closer look at the new generations of the Passat and the Tiguan. There will also be plug-in hybrid versions of these two models based on the successful modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform. These will offer an electric range of around 100 km and allow DC fast charging with a charging capacity of up to 50 kW. “With the new Tiguan and the new Passat, we are bringing the MQB to our customers in the best possible way. We are making the final generation of our combustion engine models better than ever before,” says Schäfer.

You can find a detailed press kit for the new Passat under this link

The new Passat Variant

Revamped brand DNA and extended product features. Over the course of recent weeks and months, the company has driven forward the implementation of its ACCELERATE strategy. With realigned model planning and a clear customer focus, Volkswagen wants to become a love brand. This includes offering affordable mobility products for everyone. In 2026, the ID. 2all – an electric car for less than 25,000 euros – will extend the brand portfolio in the entry-level segment.

The design language is also new at Volkswagen and is based on the pillars of stability, likeability and excitement. In the vehicle interior, it focuses on a high-quality appearance and an intuitive user experience typical for the brand. In the area of software and infotainment, Volkswagen is introducing enhanced features in all models, including the intelligent IDA voice assistant, larger displays and features-on-demand services for functions such as navigation.

An accessible brand. With the Open Space at the Odeonsplatz in the centre of Munich, Volkswagen is creating a place for interesting encounters and dialogue. Up to and including Sunday, 10 September, visitors can enjoy a varied programme including living room concerts by Ian Hooper and Loraine. There will also be panel discussions under the motto #OneFuture dealing mainly with social topics. On Tuesday, Imelda Labbé, Member of the Board of Management for Sales, Marketing and After Sales, will welcome multiple Paralympics gold medallist Verena Bentele to discuss diversity and inclusion with her and other guests. Inclusion plays an important part in all Volkswagen’s activities at the IAA. Both the exhibition stand and the Open Space are accessible for wheelchair users. A sign language interpreter will be present at all events in the Open Space, and special stand tours will also be offered for blind persons. “The Open Space is an example of how we put diversity and inclusion into practice at Volkswagen. As our name already says, we are a brand for all people. It must therefore be our aim to eliminate as many barriers as possible so that we can engage in discussions with as many people as possible. Only in this way can we find out what our customers want from us in areas such as vehicle design and operation,” says Labbé.

You can find a detailed press kit on the subject of #OneFuture under this link

Open, inclusive, accessible: Volkswagen encourages dialogue at IAA MOBILITY

In the heart of Munich’s city centre: Volkswagen’s Open Space.

Lamborghini has unveiled its first electric vehicle, the four-seat Lanzador GT concept. The company’s CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, stated that the concept was designed to start conversations about the brand’s move into electric vehicles. Emphasizing the importance of “emotion,” Winkelmann mentioned that there are two types of performance: the quantitative aspects such as acceleration and top speed, and the emotional aspects like sound and overall driving experience.

Regarding the sound of the Lanzador under acceleration, Winkelmann stated that Lamborghini is exploring different possibilities. One option is to have no sound, which he doesn’t believe is the direction the company will take. The other options are creating a fake sound or amplifying the existing sound. Lamborghini has not provided detailed technical specifications for the Lanzador but hinted at its performance potential. When asked about the range, Winkelmann mentioned that a lot of research is needed to find the right balance between design, performance, and range. While it’s too early to provide a specific number, he believes a range of around 300 miles will be necessary by 2028. However, he emphasized that the dynamic character of the production version of the Lanzador will be a key differentiator compared to other electric sports cars.

Ford is working on a revised version of the popular F-150 truck, and now we have confirmation of its official debut. During Ford’s second-quarter earnings conference call, CEO Jim Farley announced that the 2024 F-150 will be unveiled at the 2023 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in early September.

While no specific details were provided about the changes, Farley hinted that they would go beyond just cosmetic updates.

“We plan to introduce … an all-new F-150 and F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid at the Detroit show in September,” Farley stated during the conference call.

It’s worth noting that it is unusual to use the phrase “all-new” for a truck that is not very old. The current-generation F-150 was launched in 2020 as a 2021 model, featuring a conservative exterior design, an updated interior, and the introduction of the hybrid model. Given that F-150 sales are already surpassing the overall pickup truck market by a significant margin, a complete overhaul for the 2024 model year seems unlikely.

Update: Toyota has released seven additional teaser images showcasing the exterior details, as well as a glimpse of the center console. One notable feature is the four-wheel-drive toggle switch, similar to the Lexus GX, suggesting that the new Land Cruiser will have all-wheel drive at all times.

Toyota is once again building excitement for its new Land Cruiser with another teaser that pays homage to the past. Fortunately, the latest image of the upcoming off-roader provides a close look at the front fascia and other features, without the use of silhouettes.

Shown alongside a Land Cruiser FJ62, it is evident that the new model, which is likely to debut for the 2025 model year, draws inspiration from its 1980s predecessor. The rectangular headlight array flanks an egg-crate grille, with the brand name “TOYOTA” replacing the oval emblem at the center. Additionally, the front fenders have a pleasingly blocky design, while the hood wrapping onto the bodysides adds a modern touch.

The robust front bumper deviates from the retro theme, as expected due to modern crash standards. The new Land Cruiser features a thick, contrast-color center section, and although the lower front end is not fully visible, the bumper appears to be positioned relatively high to preserve approach angles. A glimpse of a skid plate can also be seen in the middle.

This teaser allows for clear differentiation between the Toyota Land Cruiser and its Lexus GX counterpart. As seen in the previous teaser, the Land Cruiser’s upkicked beltline and upright windshield suggest that the two models will likely share a platform and body structure. However, the Toyota’s blockier front end is better suited for its intended audience, in contrast to the angular headlights and spindle-motif grille found on the Lexus.

For more information, such as dimensions and powertrain specifications, we will have to wait until Toyota unveils the 2025 Land Cruiser. However, we can look to its GX cousin for some insights. The GX features a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine with an impressive output of 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It also comes equipped with full-time four-wheel drive, a Torsen center differential, and a selectable low range for off-road adventures.

For more Land Cruiser content, be sure to check out Motor1’s “Rambling About Cars” podcast, available below.

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Mini has unveiled the new cabin of the Cooper, showcasing the start-up animation for the infotainment system. The design takes inspiration from the original Mini but incorporates modern elements.

The dashboard of the new Cooper has been significantly simplified compared to the previous model. Gone are the traditional instruments behind the steering wheel, now replaced with a head-up display. The centerpiece of the dash is a round screen that combines the speedometer and infotainment functions. Physical controls are housed in an oval-shaped panel below the screen.

The new steering wheel features thicker grips at the 2 and 10 o’clock positions. The multi-function buttons are more prominent as well.

The dash is covered in fabric with a gray gradient pattern on the driver’s side that transitions into a houndstooth pattern on the other end. HVAC vents are housed in a narrow slit.

When the Mini starts, ambient lighting illuminates the lower portion of the dashboard. The screen displays the brand emblem, followed by teal and yellow balls swirling before launching the main display.

Caterham has released a new teaser for the Project V EV, giving us a glimpse of the vehicle’s rear. The British automaker has also shared a short video showing a bit more of the body. The Project V will make its debut on July 12 and will be on display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, starting on July 13.

The rear of the Project V features prominent oval-shaped taillights, while the roof has a rounded shape. When viewed from the side, the vehicle has arching fenders, and the front nose has large inlets in the lower corners. However, the teaser image only reveals the horizontal running lights, and the main lamps are not visible.

Based on the teasers, it appears that the Project V is a two-seater, and the rear seat might be cramped if it exists at all. Unfortunately, there are no images or videos showcasing the cabin or dashboard layout.

The look of the Project V was created by Italdesign. Unlike Caterham’s classic Seven models, this one features an actual roof, and the brand claims that it showcases their new styling language.

Caterham has not yet disclosed any mechanical details about the Project V, except to mention that it features a fully electric powertrain. Given the brand’s reputation for building lightweight vehicles, it remains to be seen whether the EV can maintain the low mass seen in their previous offerings.

After its debut at Goodwood, the exact date of the start of Project V deliveries is still unknown. Additionally, the price of the model has yet to be revealed.

Caterham began teasing the Project V shortly after unveiling the EV Seven, a one-off proof of concept. The EV Seven is equipped with an electric motor producing 240 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. With this power, it can reach 60 miles per hour in just 4.0 seconds. Impressively, the EV Seven weighs only 154 pounds more than the existing combustion-powered Seven 485.

In April 2023, Caterham began moving to a new 54,000-square-foot headquarters in Dartford, Kent, England. This new facility brings together all production, engineering, motorsport, and commercial employees under one roof. The company aims to increase production by 50 percent, to around 750 cars per year.

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Tag Archives: showing

Chevy Corvette ZR1 Drops Heavy Camo As Development Moves To Nurburgring [UPDATE]

Mercedes-Benz & ESPN Team Up To Revolutionize Mobile Podcast Studios

Sporty, electric, emotive: Volkswagen presents the ID. GTI Concept show car

Four-seat Lamborghini Lanzador GT concept is brand’s first EV

2024 Ford F-150 to Debut at Detroit Auto Show in September

New Toyota Land Cruiser is Teased with Classic FJ62 Design Cues [UPDATE]

New Mini Cooper Cabin Revealed: Minimal Design, Massive Round Screen

Caterham Project V Teases Rear Ahead Of July 12 Debut

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