Tag Archives: unveiling

News

Ferrari 812 alternative to be revealed with V12 energy on Friday

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Ferrari has previewed a brand new V12 supercar forward of a full unveiling on Friday, 3 May. 

The new mannequin is anticipated to be the newest entrant into the model’s flagship grand tourer line, taking over the mantle from the 812 Superfast, which has been in manufacturing for seven years. 

The Italian marque has posted a bit of archive footage to X, through which its founder Enzo Ferrari celebrates the trademark soundtrack of his 12-cylinder engine. 

“One day [celebrated Austrian orchestra conductor] Herbert von Karajan said to me: ‘Listening to your 12-cylinder brings forth a harmony that no maestro will ever be able to interpret’,” Enzo recollects.

This is adopted by a blurred movie of the brand new automobile accelerating away from the digital camera, accompanied by an unmistakable 12-cylinder roar. Listen to it under.

Another clip offers a quick have a look at what seems to be a rear decklid, earlier than confirming the wraps will come off at 1am British time tomorrow.

Ferrari is marking its seventieth anniversary within the US at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix, so it is doubtless the brand new automobile’s reveal will type a part of these celebrations. 

Spotted on quite a few events testing in Italy – initially dressed as a Roma however extra lately carrying production-spec bodywork – Ferrari’s new grand tourer is ready to pack greater than 800bhp from the newest iteration of Maranello’s atmo 12-pot. 

The Italian agency has lengthy been vocal about keeping its 12-cylinder engine alive for its flagship automobiles, deploying it most lately within the Daytona SP3 supercar and Purosangue SUV, even because it ramps up its electrification initiative with the 296 and SF90 hybrids, and its first pure EV, due in 2025. 

Speaking to Autocar beforehand, Ferrari head of design Flavio Manzoni mentioned: “I personally imagine we’ve to combat for this engine. From a know-how standpoint, it’s not probably the most environment friendly. 

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BYD confirms Shark identify for first plug-in hybrid pick-up

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BYD has confirmed that its first pick-up truck will probably be known as the Shark, forward of its unveiling on the Beijing motor show.

The Chinese large introduced the truck will introduce a brand new plug-in hybrid powertrain known as DMO (dual-mode off-road) that is stated to optimise off-road efficiency.

It has but to verify technical specs for the powertrain, nevertheless it’s anticipated to supply four-wheel drive and efficiency aggressive with pure-ICE rivals such because the Toyota Hilux. 

For reference, BYD’s present DM-i PHEV powertrain (used within the Seal U SUV) encompasses a 106bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine, a 194bhp electrical motor and an 18.3kWh battery pack. 

BYD has but to verify whether or not the Shark can even be supplied with a battery-electric powertrain.

Camouflaged pictures of the Shark affirm that it will likely be out there within the standard double-cab bodystyle and sport powerful, slab-sided styling.

It has a full-length LED gentle bar up entrance, with a wraparound lighting signature harking back to that on the Ford Ranger.

BYD Shark camouflaged front quarter

Inside, it’s anticipated to function the identical 15.6in infotainment touchscreen as within the BYD Atto 3, Dolphin and Seal electrical vehicles, which is able to rotating to show in both portrait or panorama orientations.

The Shark will probably be unveiled in full on the Beijing present later this week and is anticipated to reach in UK showrooms early subsequent 12 months.

Should that show the case, BYD may have stolen a march on the electrified pick-up market within the UK. There are presently no PHEV pick-ups on sale right here, though a Ranger PHEV is slated to reach at across the similar time because the Shark.

The solely electrical pick-up presently out there within the UK, the Maxus T90EV, is restricted by its rear-driven powertrain and 220-mile vary.

Motorsport

The New Rivian R2 Gets A Kitchen And A Rooftop Tent

Rivian delivered an sudden one-two punch yesterday on the unveiling of the R2 the place it took everybody unexpectedly with the even smaller R3. However, the primary order of enterprise is to kick off deliveries of its long-awaited Tesla Model Y rival, however that will not occur till the primary half of 2026. When it does finally hit the streets, the R2 will likely be suitable with a collection of nifty equipment.

Much like the larger R1T pickup and R1S SUV, the newest entry in Rivian’s rising lineup caters to outdoorsy folks with a bunch of non-compulsory goodies. For instance, the Travel Kitchen bundles a water tank, a cooler, an induction cooktop with extra storage and even a cookware set. Rivian will throw in some hanging lights for while you’re cooking at evening in the course of nowhere.


BMW

FIA WEC: The BMW M Hybrid V8 Art Car will bear the beginning quantity 20 on the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Munich. The countdown for the revealing of the twentieth BMW Art Car is underway. On twenty first May, the BMW M Hybrid V8, designed by artist Julie Mehretu and set to compete on the 24 Hours of Le Mans on fifteenth/sixteenth June, will probably be introduced on the Centre Pompidou in Paris, France. The artist is already offering glimpses into her work. Additionally, it’s now confirmed that the Art Car will carry the beginning quantity 20 and will probably be pushed by Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), Robin Frijns (NED), and René Rast (GER).

 

The #20 BMW M Hybrid V8 would be the first Art Car for the reason that 2017 season, the place the BMW M6 GTLM designed by John Baldessari raced on the 24 Hours of Daytona (USA), adopted by the digital BMW M6 GT3 Art Car by Cao Fei on the FIA GT World Cup in Macau (CHN). In the previous, essentially the most well-known BMW Art Cars have participated in Le Mans: in 1975, Alexander Calder’s BMW 3.0 CSL, in 1976, Frank Stella’s BMW 3.0 CSL, in 1977, Roy Lichtenstein’s BMW 320i Turbo, in 1979, Andy Warhol’s BMW M1, in 1999, Jenny Holzer’s BMW V12 LMR, and in 2010, Jeff Koons’ BMW M3 GT2. This illustrious assortment is now enriched by Julie Mehretu’s BMW M Hybrid V8.

Fusion of picture motif and racing automotive creates artwork on wheels.

For the design of the twentieth BMW Art Car, Mehretu makes use of the color and type vocabulary of an current large-format portray from a more moderen collection of works: obscured images, dotted grids, neon-coloured spray paint and Mehretu’s iconic gestural markings give her design an summary visible type. She transfers the ensuing picture motif as a high-resolution {photograph} onto the automobile’s contours utilizing a 3D mapping approach. This creates the distinctive creative foiling with which the BMW M Hybrid V8 will compete within the Le Mans race.

For the primary time, Mehretu is working with BMW on a three-dimensional format. The interaction of the surfaces and geometry of the automobile creates a remix of components of her portray and opens up new views for the artist in her inventive course of. In accordance with the laws of the FIA, the 3D model of the art work can solely be utilized to the BMW M Hybrid V8 with a movie wrap. For this, Mehretu is working carefully with the German Race Spirit group led by Manuel Eberl and Gertraud Brenninger to design the twentieth BMW Art Car. Race Spirit was already concerned in realising the design created by Jeff Koons for the seventeenth BMW Art Car.

Quotes on the twentieth BMW Art Car.

Julie Mehretu: “It wasn’t until after going to the 24 Hours race in Daytona last year that the idea of how to approach the BMW Art Car really crystallised. I was thinking about Frank Stella’s grid and how this could also be a shout-out to former BMW Art Car artists. And I kept thinking of this painting in my studio that I had just finished and the model of the Art Car was in my studio and I thought maybe we can try to have the car move through this painting. The creative play of what you can do in this new three-dimensional space and how many imaginations and inventions are played out to build it is highly instructive. It is not just the car itself but the designers and their deliberations as well as and foremost the drivers and their desires and aspirations which make it become this place of dreams where painting, conceptual art, aerodynamics, speed and aesthetics can participate.”

Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH: “The prospect of competing in a BMW Art Car at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is an additional incentive for the entire M Motorsport team to prepare the BMW M Hybrid V8 as perfectly as possible for this big stage. In the 100th year of the race’s existence and 25 years after BMW’s last victory at Le Mans, winning there with a BMW Art Car would be the greatest possible success for all of us.”

Sheldon van der Linde: “I’m a big fan of the art that the BMW Art Cars represent. I still remember seeing the last Art Car, driven by Augusto Farfus in Macau in 2017. I’m proud to now be part of an Art Car crew myself. I haven’t seen the design yet, but I’m extremely curious and confident it will look really cool. For us, it’s something special to be even more in the spotlight at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as if that wasn’t already the case at such a big event.”

Robin Frijns: “It’s the primary time in my profession that I’m driving a automotive with a particular design. That it is going to be one of many well-known BMW Art Cars is incredible. With such a automotive, we’ll stand out from the remainder of the sphere in Le Mans and appeal to consideration from each the media and followers. I’m positive we’ll have an action-packed week in Le Mans. Our objective is to be aggressive with the BMW M Hybrid V8 Art Car and obtain a great outcome.”

René Rast: “It’s a great honour to drive a BMW Art Car and thus become part of a very special story. As drivers, we will undoubtedly be more in the media spotlight than usual. I am very much looking forward to being a part of it.”

 

ToyotaUk

All-New Toyota Prius/Prius Prime Wins 2024 North American Car of the Year Award

PONTIAC, Mich., Jan. 8, 2024 – Since the revealing and subsequent launch, the all-new Toyota Prius/Prius Prime has earned excessive reward and accolades all through the auto trade. The car accountable for beginning the hybrid revolution practically 25 years in the past earned some of the coveted awards within the automotive sector – the 2024 North American Car of the Year.

The 2024 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year™ (NACTOY) award winners have been introduced at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, throughout a Jan. 4 press convention co-hosted by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) and Automotive Press Association (APA). The NACTOY awards are voted on by a big, impartial jury of automotive journalists from the United States and Canada.

Leading as much as the occasion, the Toyota Prius/Prius Prime was a finalist within the Car of the Year class, together with the Honda Accord and Hyundai Ioniq 6. Scott Neiheisel, normal supervisor of the Cincinnati gross sales area, and Roseanne Larsen, assistant normal supervisor in Cincinnati, have been readily available to obtain the enduring NACTOY trophy, on behalf of Toyota.

At Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) headquarters, in Plano, information of the celebrated award unfold shortly, because it marked the second time Prius had earned North American Car of the Year honors. Back in 2004, the second-generation Prius was named NACTOY Car of the Year.

“We are thrilled the NACTOY jurors agree that the all-new Prius and Prius Prime are exceptional vehicles. The unique combination of sexy styling and industry leading efficiency put Prius in a league all its own.” Said Mike Tripp, group vp, Toyota Marketing. “After nearly 25 years, Prius continues to leave its mark on the world and offers customers a great option to reduce their carbon emissions.”

Throughout the judging course of, the Prius/Prius Prime earned the admiration of most of the journalist-jurors. Frequent compliments revolved round look and gas financial system.

“The Toyota Prius and Prius Prime are not just handsomely styled hatchbacks, they represent the future of the automobile by blending traditional internal combustion with electric drivetrains,” stated veteran journalist Matt DeLorenzo. “Of particular note is the plug-in version which offers more than 40 miles of pure electric range, allowing most owners to skip regular gas station visits.”

The NACTOY Car of the Year Award represents one of many 17 trade awards earned by Prius/Prius Prime the previous few months.

About North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year™

The awards are supposed to acknowledge probably the most excellent new automobiles of the yr. These automobiles are benchmarks of their segments based mostly on elements together with innovation, design, security, dealing with, driver satisfaction, person expertise and worth. The group provides out three awards. They are: “North American Car of the Year™,” “North American Truck of the Year™,” and the “North American Utility Vehicle of the Year™.” The awards are distinctive as a result of they’re given by an impartial jury of automotive journalists from the United States and Canada as an alternative of by a single publication, web site, radio or tv station.

Featured

Weekly Wrap-up: Everything Important In The Car World That Happened This Week

Apart from the revealing of the facelifted Sonet, the final week additionally witnessed some main security information

Weekly Wrapup

We have witnessed plenty of essential occasions this yr within the four-wheeler business however because the yr nears the top, the prevalence of main information declines. While the beginning of this week didn’t have a lot occurring, because the week progressed, the business gave us some essential information together with the revealing of a facelifted subcompact SUV, and trace of an essential security replace coming to a Tata SUV. Here is all the things essential that occurred this week:

Kia Sonet Facelift Unveiled

Facelifted Kia Sonet

After seeing it in a number of spy pictures, we obtained our correct have a look at the facelifted Kia Sonet within the final week. The subcompact SUV gets major design changes, some tweaks contained in the cabin, new comfort options, and a diesel-manual choice as properly. However, the most important change got here in security because it obtained 6 normal airbags and 10 ADAS (superior driver help programs) options.

Tata Punch To Get Better Safety Equipment

Tata Punch Bharat NCAP Crash Test

The Tata Punch is already a 5-star rated automotive, a ranking which it obtained from Global NCAP again in 2021. However, it nonetheless solely comes with twin entrance airbags. Recently, the web site of Bharat NCAP went dwell with photographs of some automobiles being crash examined, and one of them was the Tata Punch which was seen with each aspect and curtain airbags, hinting {that a} security replace is coming quickly.

Made-in-India 5-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny Launched In Australia

Suzuki Jimny XL

After the launch of the 5-door Maruti Jimny in India, the carmaker began exporting it to worldwide markets, and the made-in-India 5-door Jimny has been launched in Australia as Suzuki Jimny XL. The Australian-spec offroader will get some unique color choices, barely totally different powertrain outputs and even an enormous security tech over the India-spec mannequin.

Mahindra Scorpio N Performs Poorly In Australian NCAP

Mahindra Scorpio N ANCAP crash test

The Mahindra Scorpio N was not too long ago crash examined at Australia NCAP (ANCAP), the outcomes of which got here out this week. The rugged SUV, which has a 5-star crash check security ranking from Global NCAP, scored 0 stars in Australian NCAP, because of the absence of superior driver help programs (ADAS).

Land Rover Range Rover Electric Waitlist Opens

Land Rover Range Rover Electric Alloy Wheels

Land Rover is likely one of the carmakers who haven’t entered the EV area but, however the model has been engaged on an all-electric model of its standard Range Rover luxurious SUV. This week, Land Rover opened the waitlist of the Range Rover Electric, and gave us a glimpse of its design together with another essential particulars.

NewsNew

Monster Energy Triumph Revealed as Title Sponsor for Triumph MX2 Team

New images of Triumph’s new motocross bike have been unveiled, showcasing the partnership with global energy drink and lifestyle brand Monster Energy. Triumph Racing is excited to announce a two-year partnership with Monster Energy, which will see the energy drink company become the title sponsor of the Triumph MX2 team. As Triumph prepares to make its debut in the 2024 FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship, this collaboration will elevate the visibility of Triumph Racing in the motocross racing world.

The team, now known as Monster Energy Triumph Racing, will be managed by the highly respected duo of Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni and Vincent Bereni, who have a successful track record of guiding riders to victories in the FIM Motocross World Championship. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Triumph’s racing history, as they enter the MX2 World Championship for the first time ever.

With the 2024 season fast approaching, Thierry and Vince are channeling their passion and technical expertise into Monster Energy Triumph Racing. They are working closely with Triumph engineers from the UK headquarters in Hinckley and the US racing team to develop the MX2 race bike. The team’s race bike features the #25 of test rider Clément Desalle, symbolizing the start of a new chapter for Triumph in racing.

Triumph’s Chief Product Officer, Steve Sargent, expressed his excitement about partnering with Monster Energy, stating that the competitive nature of the FIM MX2 World Championship will be a challenge, but having a long-standing partner like Monster Energy gives them confidence. The new MX2 race bike signifies a proud moment for Triumph Racing, and they look forward to an exhilarating 2024 season and beyond.

Aaron Nixon O’Neill, the Monster Energy Director of 2 Wheel Motorsports, also expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership and the upcoming season. He commended Triumph Racing for their dedication in a highly competitive sport and expressed his excitement to see the team on the racetrack.

Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni, the Monster Energy Triumph Racing Team Owner, expressed his excitement about the partnership and the brand new 250cc motorcycle from Triumph. He emphasized the importance of Monster Energy’s understanding of the sport and their global recognition as a brand. This partnership represents a proud moment for Triumph Racing as they unveil the team name and race bike livery.

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.

BMW

Proactive Care – the digital concierge for BMW Customer Service.

The BMW Group is introducing Proactive Care, a new customer service offering driven by data and AI. This innovative solution enables vehicles to identify and anticipate service requirements, allowing for proactive solutions and enhancing the customer experience. The initial applications for existing and upcoming vehicle generations are already live, with continuous improvements and additional functionalities planned for the future.

BMW vehicles have been sending service-related data directly to BMW dealers for several years, facilitating targeted interaction between customers and dealers. With Proactive Care, BMW takes the initiative by reaching out to customers rather than the other way around. The portfolio of dealer service requirements is continuously expanded and, where applicable, integrated with the advantages of artificial intelligence. This development represents the next stage in the evolution of connected vehicles and customer service.

Proactive Care provides various benefits when servicing is required. Through data analysis and the recording of customer preferences, the system enables digital tire diagnosis, fault message identification, and custom proposals for solutions. Depending on the situation, customers are notified via the My BMW app, in-car notifications, email, their preferred dealer, or a telephone call from Roadside Assistance. Proactive Care ensures a long-term improvement in customer service, from self-help suggestions (such as solving problems via a Remote Software Upgrade) to flexible support for guaranteed mobility, and even guidance on the right dealer within the global network if a workshop visit is necessary. The system also offers options like online appointment scheduling and personalized service videos with online payment handling.

Proactive Care is available worldwide for all BMW models with BMW Operating System 7 or later (as of version 07/2019). To access this service, customers need an active BMW ConnectedDrive contract and must register their vehicle in the My BMW app or My BMW portal using their BMW ID and contact details.* By accepting the Privacy Policy, enabling push notifications in the app, and consenting to be contacted by BMW AG or their BMW Service Partner, customers can ensure data collection for Proactive Care. The service always provides transparent information about the work carried out, associated costs, and the expected completion time.

Data protection and transparency are fundamental principles for BMW. The company places great importance on the confidentiality and integrity of personal data, and prioritizes data protection and security. BMW adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation and national laws, such as the German Federal Data Protection Act, collecting data intelligently and for specific purposes. This commitment extends to systems installed in vehicles.

With Proactive Care, BMW offers a revolutionary service experience that emphasizes customer satisfaction as a central focus.

*The available service scope of “Proactive Care” may vary depending on the country of delivery.

News

How Toyota is bringing the hydrogen Hilux to life

Toyota has made significant progress in the development of hydrogen propulsion with the introduction of a prototype Toyota Hilux fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).

While the first FCEV from Toyota was a car (the Toyota Mirai, launched in 2014 and now in its second generation), commercial vehicles are better suited for this technology due to their need for faster refuelling and longer range compared to battery-powered vehicles.

The FCEV pick-up truck from Toyota has a simulated range of 365 miles and a refuelling time similar to that of a diesel vehicle. The project was funded, developed, and delivered in the UK at Toyota’s Burnaston plant in just 12 months.

Toyota has not disclosed the weight or payload of the Hilux FCEV until the development is completed, and it will also announce whether it will go into production.

Development

A team of engineers from Toyota and experts from Ricardo, European Thermodynamics, D2H Advanced Technologies, and Thatcham Research modified 10 Hilux development vehicles to accommodate the Mirai’s powertrain and fuelling system.

While one of the vehicles has undergone crash testing, the others are undergoing on-road development before being placed with potential customers, including emergency services.

Despite the presence of native FCEV truck manufacturers like Tevva and Hydrogen Vehicle Systems and the availability of FCEV cars such as the Mirai and Hyundai Nexo, the adoption of hydrogen technology in the UK has been relatively slow.

Converting the Hilux into a hydrogen vehicle

Externally, the new FCEV looks identical to a regular 2.4-liter diesel Hilux. However, opening the bonnet reveals the fuel cell stack sourced from the Mirai.

Behind the cab bulkhead, there is a reinforced metal box housing a battery similar in size to a hybrid car’s. This accounts for approximately 20% of the deck’s total area, but Toyota mentioned that it could be placed under the rear seats in regular models. Underneath this box, there are three large cylinders, each storing 2.6kg of hydrogen (a typical FCEV car consumes 1kg of hydrogen per day, costing around £15), and towards the rear is an electric motor sourced from the Mirai.