Motor1.com regularly shares spy shots of upcoming vehicles, often on a daily basis. If you want to stay up-to-date on the latest developments, here is a list of all the vehicles that have been spotted in the past week.
According to Audi’s new naming system, the A4 will now be known as the A5. These spy shots capture the production-ready version of the A5 Sportback variant.
Stephen King, the iconic horror writer, has astounded us with his imaginative and spine-chilling stories. From man-eating clowns to murderous machines, he has mastered the art of terrifying his readers. Surprisingly, one of his most famous works, “Misery,” is also one of his most grounded.
Released in 1990, “Misery” revolves around a renowned author who becomes disenchanted with his current book series and plans to kill off his main character in his upcoming manuscript. However, after a car accident, he finds himself under the care of a devoted fan, who happens to be a young woman. When she discovers his manuscript, things take a dark and twisted turn. If you have ever feared stalkers or imprisonment, “Misery” is bound to intensify those phobias. As they say, fame comes with a price.
During a presentation by Toyota BEV Factory president, Takero Kato, various updates were discussed, including the introduction of a simulated manual transmission. Kato covered a range of topics, from advancements in the production lines for Toyota’s electric vehicles to software enhancements aimed at making the cars more intelligent and efficient. Particularly notable was the discussion on an improved battery that could provide an impressive range of 1000 km (approximately 621 miles) for Toyota’s electric cars. With the U.S. government and auto industry transitioning away from fossil fuel-powered vehicles, Toyota is fully committed to producing electric vehicles and has set ambitious goals of selling 1.5 million units by 2026 and an additional two million by 2030.
Toyota is not the only automaker increasing its electric vehicle production. It is also not the sole company recognizing that EV drivers may long for the experience of a manual clutch. Other automakers, such as Dodge and Hyundai, have plans to implement simulated manual transmissions in their electric vehicles as well. Swedish company Koenigsegg has even developed a nine-speed, seven-clutch gearbox capable of mimicking a six-speed transmission. It remains uncertain whether these simulated systems will also include the possibility of stalling. Drivers may have to wait until 2026, when they release their virtual clutch too quickly, to find out.
Kia and Hyundai plan to invest $18 billion in becoming fully electric vehicle manufacturers by the end of the decade. As part of this transformation, the South Korean automakers will develop a new electric vehicle architecture capable of accommodating one of the largest batteries in the industry. The first production model to utilize this platform will be a Kia-branded sedan.
According to a report from ET News, this upcoming vehicle is internally named GT1 and is expected to be positioned in the mid-size segment, potentially as a spiritual successor to the Stinger. The report suggests that it will belong to the E-segment according to European classification, which means it could be slightly larger than the current Stinger in terms of size.
Watching Matt Walksler get his hands on a new-to-him piece of ultra-rare American motorcycle history is almost as exciting as new bike day. Walksler is known for his vast realm of knowledge in his area of expertise, making his unboxing videos even more enjoyable to watch. In this video, he explores a 1942-ish Harley-Davidson TT racer which the Museum received about six months ago. Walksler believes it is an ultra-rare 80 cubic inch version of the typical 45 cubic inch race bikes at the time.
The excitement begins as Walksler takes a quick walk around the bike in its complete form, noting the racing features such as a set of Flanders racing bars, a TT racing seat, and a short oil tank for racing which ultimately allows for better ground clearance and better cornering on a TT bike. The engine cases, although dirty and grimy, give no indication of the fascinating details on the inside that Walksler is about to share.
Assisted by a colleague, Walksler delves deeper into the bike, showing off the polished connecting rods, ported cylinders, and shortened three-ring pistons. He points out that everything inside the engine case has been lightened in the interest of going faster, from lightened flywheels to gears with holes drilled out to add lightness. However, Walksler also acknowledges that everything done to improve the bike’s speed is what people typically did in the early days of racing. They didn’t have the knowledge that we have now, making it all the more fascinating today.
Wheels Through Time plans to restore and fire up the bike in their next video. Stay tuned.
New vehicles are higher than ever earlier than. The insane competitors amongst producers results in vehicles which might be getting more and more extra aggressive. Two of the most recent and best additions to the market embrace the Tacoma TRD Pro and the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. Both these vehicles compete throughout the similar mid-sized desert bashing and off-roading area of interest. Therefore, it might solely make sense to place them head-to-head.
The Tacoma has lengthy been one of the best vendor within the mid-size pickup truck market, and it’s apparent that Toyota has made an enormous effort in guaranteeing that the brand new truck continues the legacy. But is the hassle sufficient? In some areas, the ZR2 Bison might need the higher hand and will give the Tacoma a run for its cash. Let’s take a look.
The new Tacoma follows the present international automobile pattern which includes downsized and turbocharged engines that scale back emissions. However, along with that, the upper trim ranges of the Tacoma with the TRD Pro included, additionally pair up a hybrid system. The hybrid system and the two.4 liter turbocharged four-cylinder collectively produce an output of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque.
On the opposite hand, the Colorado ZR2 Bison features a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with no hybrid choice obtainable. This setup is nice for 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. As you possibly can see, the Tacoma has a slight benefit each in torque and horsepower. Also, one may argue that its hybrid system is extra futureproof as its decrease emissions might allow it to remain on the highway for longer.
However, there is likely to be an issue right here. You see, one of many Tacoma’s greatest promoting factors is its reliability. The outgoing model featured a naturally aspirated V6 that was just about unkillable because of its simplicity. The new smaller turbo unit and the hybrid system may not be as dependable each when in comparison with the outdated mannequin but additionally to the Colorado ZR2 because the Chevrolet doesn’t have costly batteries in its drivetrain.
The Tacoma TRD Pro now encompasses a coil-sprung rear finish which when in comparison with leaf springs affords higher articulation, higher journey high quality, and higher response over high-speed off-roading. That being mentioned, the Bison ZR2 makes up for its lack of coils with hydraulic bump stops.
The suspension system within the Tacoma TRD Pro is made by Fox Shocks. Specifically, it’s the QS3 variant that’s used for off-road automobiles. The ZR2 Bison makes use of Multimatic spool valve dampers but additionally options hydraulic bump stops. The leaf-sprung rear finish of the Bison is likely to be a drawback; nonetheless, the hydraulic bump stops will give it the flexibility to dampen huge impacts with extra composure.
That being mentioned, the bump stops alone aren’t the explanation why the Chevrolet may have the higher hand off-road. The Bison comes commonplace with 35-inch tires wrapped round bead-lock succesful wheels. Front and rear lockers come as commonplace. The Tacoma TRD Pro solely options 33s and only a rear locker. Sure, the Toyota makes use of an aggressive traction management which can deal with the open entrance diff; nonetheless, it received’t be as efficient as a correct diff locker.
The 35-inch tires give the Chevrolet the flexibility to roll over huge obstacles extra simply. Furthermore, they add a clearance profit which is clear when taking a look on the off-road angles of each automobiles. The Tacoma Trd Pro affords a 33.8-degree method, 23.5-degree breakover, and 25.7-degree departure angle whereas the ZR2 Bison encompasses a 38.2-degree method, 26-degree departure, and 26.9-degree breakover angle. It is price mentioning that each vehicles have in depth underbody safety in case the above angles aren’t sufficient.
With these specs in thoughts, it’s protected to say that the ZR2 Bison may have the higher hand when the going will get robust despite the fact that it nonetheless encompasses a leaf-sprung rear finish.
Toyota has achieved an incredible job with the inside of the TRD Pro Tacoma. Aside from the nice design, the TRD Pro additionally encompasses a 14-inch infotainment display that takes care of most features. Thankfully, continuously used features like quantity controls are nonetheless on bodily dials. However, what really sets the interior of the Tacoma TRD Pro apart are its seats.
Aside from the nice pink leather-based and camo graphics, these seats are additionally geared up with shocks that act like a gimbal isolating the driving force from vibrations and actions whereas driving. You wouldn’t anticipate an organization to pay a lot consideration to seat design, however Toyota did, and it has actually grabbed the eye of potential patrons.
The ZR2 Bison’s inside can also be an excellent place to be however isn’t fairly on the degree of the Tacoma. The infotainment system here’s a smaller 11.3-inch unit and the final look inside isn’t as butch and utilitarian.
Protecting the outside of an off-roader is essential if you need your panels to remain straight. This appears to be an space Chevrolet has paid nice consideration to because the ZR2 Bison affords rock sliders, and metal entrance and rear bumpers. The entrance bumper is winch appropriate whereas the rear affords nook safety in case you run out of departure angle.
The TRD Pro does characteristic a metal rear bumper with increased corners for extra clearance; nonetheless, its entrance bumper isn’t as robust and it lacks facet safety. Worth noting is the truth that if you wish to add a winch, the Tacoma would require an aftermarket bumper whereas the ZR2 Bison will have the ability to settle for it with out making any adjustments.
Deciding which truck to purchase principally relies on your wants. It is protected to say that if you need essentially the most succesful off-roader then the ZR2 Bison wins the battle. It affords extra clearance, bigger tires, and one extra locker. That being mentioned, the Tacoma’s coil-sprung rear finish and over-engineered entrance seats will definitely present higher journey high quality, each on and off-road.
Furthermore, the Tacoma TRD Pro has the upper hand in energy and is likely to be cheaper to run (when it comes to fuel and emissions) as a result of hybrid system. This makes it the only option for an all-around nice day by day driver and weekend journey truck.
So, merely put, if you’ll be tackling robust trails each weekend go for the Chevy. If you’ll principally use the truck as a day by day driver with off-road journeys that shall be on the better facet, get the Tacoma. Obviously, the Tacoma can also be nice off-road, but it surely’s not fairly on the degree of the ZR2 Bison.
Aston Martin Lagonda’s success has relied heavily on its collaboration with Mercedes. In addition to being a key technical partner, Mercedes also holds a significant share in the company and has expressed interest in increasing its stake to 20% by 2023. According to Roberto Fedeli, the Chief Technical Officer at Gaydon, Aston Martin would be in trouble without Mercedes’ support, particularly when it comes to complying with the stringent Euro 7 emissions regulations.
But working with Mercedes goes beyond just providing engines for Aston Martin. The collaboration also includes using Mercedes’ electrical architecture as the base for integration of new components, such as in the upcoming DB12 model.
The Grand Highlander offers more space than the regular Highlander while being way more affordable than the larger Sequoia. The regular Toyota Highlander is an excellent SUV, but has always been criticized for its cramped third row. The Grand is almost a completely different SUV built on the same platform, offering more space, refinement, and high-end features.
The Grand is 6.5 inches longer than the standard Highlander with a 4.0-inch longer wheelbase, 5.5 inches of increased legroom, two inches of shoulder room, and an inch of headroom. The additional space is packed with modern technology and comfort to make it more appealing to large families, but there are some excellent options out there.
The Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum is the highest trim of the model, which comes with a whole load of extra features plus options. This is saying a lot, since the Grand Highlander comes standard with a bunch of nifty features. Toyota’s build page is live and we looked at how much the highest trim with all the best options will cost you.
The only engine option for the Hybrid MAX Platinum is the 2.4-turbo four-cylinder paired with a hybrid system to produce a combined total of 362 horsepower and 400 pound feet of torque. This makes it one of the most powerful mid-size SUVs ever made by Toyota. The only available transmission is a 6-Speed automatic with AWD as standard.
The Hybrid MAX Platinum has the most limited mileage of all three variants at 27 MPG, while the hybrid 2.5 powertrain is the efficiency leader at a whopping 38 MPG, according to Toyota. The Hybrid MAX Platinum is the variant with the maximum towing capacity of 5000, with the lower variants being limited to 3500 pounds.
The next option you get to pick is the color, the Grand comes with seven colors to pick from, Celestial Silver, Midnight Black, Coastal Cream, Storm Cloud, and Blueprint with two of the colors – Ruby Flare Pearl and the Wind Chill Pearl costing $425 more.
We chose the Wind Chill Pearl. The Hybrid MAX Platinum also gives you the interior trim option of a gorgeous brown Portobello Leather and Ultrasuede. The other two interior options are standard for all the other variants, Black Leather with Ultrasuede and Light Grey with Ultrasuede. The Hybrid MAX Platinum does not get the option for the bench seats in the back.
The Hybrid MAX Platinum trim comes with heated and ventilated seats in the second row in addition to the front row. It also comes with panoramic glass moon roof as standard. Other features which distinguish this trim are a high definition HUD display, 360-degree camera view, digital rearview mirror, paddle shifters, and puddle lamps. The SUV also features Traffic Jam Assist (which requires a Drive Connect subscription or trial).
The interiors of the Grand Highlander are the most spacious in its class, with all the modern creature comforts and room to fit fully grown seven or eight adults, based on if you have selected the option for second-row captain seats.
All preliminary reviews coming in about the Grand seem to confirm that the third row is not just for children, but can actually fit 8 full-grown adults quite comfortably. The Grand offers 33.5 inches of legroom in the third row, which is the same as the Sequoia and considerably more than some of its competitors like the Honda Pilot (31.9 inches) and the Mazda CX-90 (30.4 inches).
With the second and third-row seats folded, the Grand Highlander offers up to 97.5 cubic feet of space, which is also the most when compared to its competitors. Clearly, Toyota had large families in mind when they designed this SUV, and it shows. The interior is filled with seven USB charging points along with two 120V outlets – one in the second row and one in the boot area, three zone climate control with separate climate control for the second row, and a bevy of storage space options for cups and smart devices.
All trims also come standard with second-row retractable window sunshades. You also have the option for a panoramic sunroof for all three trims. The driver gets a ten-way adjustable seat, access to a 12.3 touch screen and a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster. Both the front seats across all trims get heated and ventilated seats, with the same options available for the second row on higher trims. Another new feature offered is the power tailgate, which can be operated with a foot sensor below the rear fender as long as the key fob is in your pocket.
There are 13 interior accessories which can be added to improve your Highlander MAX Hybrid Platinum. For an additional $499 Toyota has an Integrated Dashcam which captures video, images, sound, and location data. It records upon ignition or on impact when parked or while in motion. We also added the All-Weather Floor Liners, which added $228 to the cost, the alternate to this are Carpet Floor Mats which also cost $228.
There is also the option for a Cargo Net-Envelope for $75, which is used to secure luggage to the cargo area. For $75 more, Toyota provides an Emergency Assistance Kit which consists of stainless steel pocket tools like pliers, screwdrivers, and wire cutters, emergency blanket, flashlight, work gloves, automotive-grade hose tape, tire gauge, bungee cord, shop towel, tether strap and jumper cables. Additionally, customers can opt for Illuminated Cargo and Door Sills for 345 each, which are made from brushed metal to protect these areas from scuffing and also look cool.
Some more optional extras include a Logo Side Puddle Lamp is available for $175, Universal Tablet Holder for $99, Quick Charger Cable Package for $70, First Aid Kit for $25, Cup Coin Holder/Ashtray for $29, and Key Glove for $20. The Grand Highlander also comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 which comprises a suite of the latest safety technology like Proactive Driving Assist, and Pre-Collision System designed to assist drivers and keep families safe.
All of these additional options and delivery, with processing and handling costs of $1,335 bring the cost of the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum to $61,870. This is a competitive price in this category, with other contenders like the Mazda CX-90 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L also priced at the $60,000 mark.
The Grand Highlander 2024 is going to be hitting dealerships in July and looks to be a strong contender in the mid-size SUV space. It looks like Toyota is prepared to arrive strong with an excellent, feature rich premium SUV which is a great alternative to the regular Highlander. The regular Highlander will also still be available, for families looking for lesser space at a more practical price point.
Motor1.com puts up spy shots of upcoming vehicles practically every day and sometimes more often than that. If you want to stay on the cutting edge of what’s on the way check out this list of all of the glimpses of development vehicles from the past week.
The updated BMW 1 Series boasts a new front fascia with a large, trapezoidal grille with triangle-shaped air openings at the sides. This one has quad exhausts at the back, indicating it’s a higher-spec, sporty trim.
BMW stunned the crowds with its environmentally-conscious luxury, innovative mobility on water, and electrifying action at the Cannes Film Festival. As the Official Partner of the event, BMW offered guests, VIPs, and festival participants a fleet of over 200 fully-electric cars. The most powerful of these vehicles was the brand new BMW i7 M70 xDrive, the lead actor in BMW Films’ latest creation debuted at the festival. The shuttle service that took the attendees around the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès allowed them to experience a locally emission-free premium ride in a sophisticated BMW.
BMW partnered with boat maker TYDE to showcase The ICON, a watercraft that has revolutionized the approach to environment-friendly marine mobility through its electric propulsion system. The craft boasts hydrofoils that maintain a top speed of 30 knots (55 km/h) and a range of more than 50 nautical miles. With its elegant design and soundless movement through water, it was a popular attraction among the festival-goers. The ICON focuses on modern urban lifestyles and can be further personalized by customers for use in both the private and commercial sectors.
Bollywood royalty such as Pom Klementieff and Uma Thurman graced the world premier of BMW Films’ “The Calm.” The seven-minute spy thriller features the BMW i7 M70 xDrive in a dramatic car chase scene. Attendees got to watch the film from the comfort of the luxurious rear compartment of the BMW i7 while viewing it on the BMW Theatre Screen. After the event, viewers who missed the in-car screening experience were able to see “The Calm” on the BMW YouTube channel.
BMW i7 M70 xDrive: Electric power consumption in kWh/100 km combined: 23.8 – 20.8, WLTP.
