Lars Korinth has been announced as the new Head of Investor Relations in the Volkswagen Group, starting in autumn 2023. He will be taking over from Julian Krell, who will be leaving the company on June 30, 2023, by his own request. Korinth is already familiar with the company, as he previously worked as a Senior Investor Relations Manager at Volkswagen and most recently as the Head of Investor Relations at TRATON SE. In his new role, Korinth will be reporting to Rolf Woller, the Head of Group Treasury and Investor Relations.
Rolf Woller, the Head of Treasury and Investor Relations, commented on the appointment, stating, “The Volkswagen Group is currently undergoing a critical phase of transformation. In 2023, our main focus is on implementing our strategic goals. With his extensive knowledge of different industrial sectors, including the energy industry and banking sector, Lars Korinth, a former equity analyst, brings valuable expertise. I believe he will work closely with the team to create significant momentum.” Lars Korinth will be succeeding Julian Krell as the Head of Investor Relations at the Volkswagen Group, while Rolf Woller will temporarily assume the additional role until Korinth takes over.
Lars Korinth has a degree in banking business administration and has previously held various roles as an equity analyst and Investor Relations Manager. During his time at Volkswagen, he served as the Senior Investor Relations Manager for four years. He also led the Investor Relations department at Henkel, a consumer and industrial goods group, for over four years until early 2022. Most recently, Korinth served as the Head of Investor Relations at TRATON SE, a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, which is a prominent global truck manufacturer known for its brands Scania, MAN, Navistar, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus.
Mercedes is set to release the new E-Class Estate this autumn, featuring increased rear passenger space, enhanced technology, and a range of third-party apps. The new model will be sold alongside the Mercedes E-Class Saloon, which was unveiled earlier this year. Compared to its predecessor, the E-Class Estate is 28mm wider and has a 22mm longer wheelbase of 2961mm.
One of the standout features of the E-Class Estate is its spaciousness. With 615 litres of cargo space, it falls just short of the Volvo V90’s 650 litres and surpasses the Audi A6 Avant’s 586 litres. Folding down the seats allows for a maximum storage capacity of 1830 litres. The plug-in hybrid models offer 460 litres of boot space, which expands to 1675 litres when the seats are folded due to the battery placement.
In terms of design, the E-Class Estate has received a refresh, featuring gloss black elements inspired by the all-electric EQS model range. The new model also boasts a sleeker roofline and a black panel that stretches from the radiator to the headlights.
Continuing the technology-focused approach, Mercedes has equipped the E-Class Estate with the latest generation of its MBUX infotainment system. This system includes features such as augmented reality, voice assistant, and online music streaming. In addition, a suite of digital apps like TikTok, Angry Birds, and Zoom is available. An AI system is present as well, learning the driver’s habits and suggesting relevant functions.
As for autonomous capabilities, the E-Class Estate offers level-four driverless tech with an optional driverless valet parking function, previously exclusive to the S-Class. This feature will be available in markets like Germany, where it is permitted by law.
The new E-Class Estate will initially offer a range of longitudinally mounted four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, all with 48V mild-hybrid electrification. The power outputs range from 194bhp to 375bhp, and all engines come with a nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard. Furthermore, a plug-in hybrid variant will be available, featuring a 24.1kWh battery that offers up to 62 miles of electric-only range.
For improved ride comfort, the estate comes with single-chamber air suspension at the rear as standard, with the option to upgrade to the Airmatic system with adjustable damping. The E-Class Estate has a towing capacity of up to 2.1 tonnes.
Chinese car manufacturer BYD has released the pricing details for its new compact car, the BYD Dolphin, which will be available for purchase in the UK later this year.
The base model of the BYD Dolphin will start at €29,990 in mainland Europe, which roughly translates to £26,000 in the UK. The car will be offered in four different trim levels: Active, Boost, Comfort, and Design.
The Active and Boost trims come equipped with a 44.9kWh battery. The Active model offers 93bhp with a range of around 211 miles, while the Boost model provides a performance upgrade to 178bhp but sacrifices range, offering 188 miles.
The Comfort and range-topping Design models feature a larger 60.4kWh battery, providing a range of 265 miles. These models also come with a more powerful 201bhp electric motor and 228lb ft of torque. The car can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in approximately 7.0 seconds.
The BYD Dolphin can charge at speeds of up to 88kW in its highest specification, allowing the battery to reach 80% capacity in about 29 minutes. The car also offers four driving modes: Sport, Normal, Economy, and Snow.
Standard equipment includes a rotating 12.3-inch touchscreen, a heat pump, and a suite of safety features such as emergency braking, traffic alerts, lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera. The Comfort model adds additional features such as a panoramic sunroof, a vehicle-to-load power strip, rear privacy glass, and wireless phone charging. The starting price for the Comfort model is €37,690 (£32,387).
The BYD Dolphin will be available in a variety of exterior finishes, including optional dual-tone paint and a panoramic glass roof. BYD aims to position itself as a semi-premium brand, competing with companies like Kia and Hyundai. The car has a length of 4290mm, placing it between the Peugeot e-208 and Volkswagen ID3 in terms of size. It is based on the same e-Platform 3.0 as the BYD Atto 3 family hatchback, which was launched in the UK earlier this year.
The updated version of the compact SUV will be available for purchase in July
The facelifted Kia Seltos has been spotted without any camouflage for the first time. The compact SUV was introduced in 2019 and this will be its first major update since its launch. It is expected to be available for purchase in July. So, here are the five main things that we noticed in the facelifted version:
New Front Profile
The new Seltos will feature a refreshed front profile, starting with a new and larger grille. It will have new LED headlights and sleeker daytime running lights (DRLs), integrated into the grille. The redesigned bumper appears busier and more aggressive. The fog lamps, styled like stacked ice cubes, have been retained but their housing has been redesigned along with the bumper.
No Changes To The Side Profile
The side profile remains largely unchanged, except for some modifications to the door cladding. Surprisingly, the alloy wheels are the same as those seen on the X-Line variants. This particular model appears to be a higher-end variant, as indicated by the presence of chrome door handles.
More Stylish Rear Profile
The changes to the rear profile are more significant compared to the front. The boot shape has been modified to give it a more aggressive appearance. The facelifted model will feature new LED tail lamps connected by a illuminated strip. The redesigned bumpers will now house the reverse lights as well. The dual faux exhausts are now more prominent than in the current version, contributing to the sportier look.
We already knew that it would be equipped with radar-based Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology, and the latest spy shot confirms this. The vehicle seen in the picture is a production-ready model featuring a rectangular-shaped radar on the front bumper. It will be the second compact SUV to offer this safety feature, following the MG Astor. The ADAS suite is expected to include blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist.
Refreshed Interior
The spy shots only offer a glimpse of the interior. The facelifted model is expected to feature a refreshed interior design with a new layout similar to the international model. The global-spec model boasts a new dual-layer, all-black theme with new switches and dual-integrated 10.25-inch displays, including a digital driver’s display and touchscreen infotainment system.
In terms of powertrains, it is likely to continue with the same 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. The discontinued 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine will be replaced by a new 160PS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. All engine options will be available with an automatic transmission, as before.
We expect the Kia Seltos facelift to have a starting price of around Rs 10.5 lakh (ex-showroom). It will continue to compete against the MG Astor, Hyundai Creta, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Citroen C3 Aircross, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
The Maruti Invicto will be the most expensive car from Maruti, with a starting price of around Rs 19 lakh (ex-showroom)
Booking for the Maruti Invicto can now be made for Rs 25,000 at Nexa dealerships.
The Maruti Invicto is a rebadged version of the Innova Hycross, but with some exterior design changes.
The Maruti Invicto will come equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen, ventilated front seats, dual-zone AC, a 360-degree camera, and ADAS.
The car will be powered by the Innova Hycross’s 2-litre petrol engine with the option of a strong hybrid variant.
The expected starting price for the Maruti Invicto is around Rs 19 lakh (ex-showroom).
You can now book the Maruti Invicto MPV for Rs 25,000 before its launch on July 5. It will be available at Nexa dealerships and will be the most expensive car from Maruti so far.
(Toyota Innova Hycross Picture Used For Reference)
The Maruti Invicto is essentially a rebadged version of the Toyota Innova Hycross, which is part of the Toyota-Suzuki global partnership. Like other cars in this partnership, such as the Grand Vitara/Hyryder and Glanza/Baleno, the Invicto will have some exterior design differences compared to the Hycross.
Based on the Innova Hycross, the Maruti Invicto will have a luxurious and premium interior. It will feature a panoramic sunroof, digital driver’s display, ventilated front seats, dual-zone AC, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Safety will be enhanced with up to six airbags, a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, and radar-based ADAS technology.
The Maruti Invicto will use the same powertrain as the Innova Hycross, which is a 2-litre petrol engine with the option of hybridization. The strong hybrid powertrain delivers up to 186PS of power and has a claimed efficiency of up to 23.24kmpl. Similar figures can be expected for the Maruti Invicto as well.
The Innova Hycross is priced from Rs 18.55 lakh to Rs 29.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The Maruti Invicto is expected to have a slightly higher starting price of around Rs 19 lakh. While there won’t be any direct competition, the Invicto will be positioned as a more premium alternative to the Kia Carens.
The upcoming new model of the Hyundai Santa Fe is expected to have a radical redesign compared to its current version. Despite being covered in heavy camouflage, it is clear that the midsize SUV will adopt a boxy shape, providing a roomier interior. The windows appear to be generous, suggesting that the fifth-generation model will be longer, wider, and taller.
Our spy photographers were able to get a close look at a prototype, which showcased its unique “H” daytime running lights that also function as turn signals. The Hyundai test vehicle seemed to have the complete production body, as evident from the cutouts in the camouflage for the front parking sensors, as well as the camera and radar located above and below the license plate, respectively.
Few names in the automotive world are as everlasting as Toyota. Wherever you go in the world, you will find vehicles produced by the legendary Japanese automaker. Founded by Kiichiro Toyoda in 1937, Toyota now operates in more than 170 countries worldwide and produces the highest-selling vehicle in a number of them.
While most people know Toyota for making passenger cars such as the Toyota Corolla and Camry and trucks such as the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra, Toyota has also made great strides in the luxury and sports car segments. True automotive enthusiasts recognize the pedigree Toyota has, and sports cars made by Toyota have a worldwide fanbase.
These vehicles are some of the most unique in the world because they combine two things: the reliability and accessibility that Toyota is known for, and the exhilarating performance and driving experience craved by enthusiasts. Factor in the sleek Japanese looks and styling cues, and you get a guaranteed recipe for success.
From the affordable GR86 to the fan-favorite Supra to the exotic Lexus LFA, Toyota has a wide-ranging portfolio of sports cars that caters to different tastes and preferences. Here are 10 things you should know about sports cars made by Toyota!
This one is a no-brainer: Toyota makes some of the most reliable vehicles in the world. Toyota’s commitment to reliability isn’t just limited to mass-produced vehicles like the Corolla, Camry, and Tacoma, though, as it stretches across its entire lineup of sports cars. Robust construction and well-engineered drivetrains are hallmarks of Toyota vehicles and its sports cars are the perfect embodiment of these two things as well.
Out of the current lineup, the Toyota GR86 is the prime example of this since it inherits Toyota’s engineering ethos and delivers a well-rounded package that is as accessible and reliable as it is fun and thrilling to drive. Toyota sports cars allow drivers to enjoy high-performance experiences without disturbing their peace of mind, and that’s where their greatest strength lies.
9Sports Cars Designed For Bleeding-Edge Performance
Toyota
2023 Toyota GR Supra in motion
No sports car is complete without exhilarating performance. While looking cool on the road is part of the appeal, it is imperative for a sports car to be as fast as possible. Fortunately, Toyota knows this and has even created a dedicated performance department dubbed Toyota Gazoo Racing. The GR sub-brand takes part in endurance and rally races and the expertise developed there is carried over to sports cars as part of Toyota’s lineup.
Cars such as the Toyota 86 and the Supra now come with the GR branding. The purpose of this department is to deliver cutting-edge performance by pushing the boundaries of speed, handling, and intelligent design. The current-generation Supra is a result of this relentless pursuit of excellence and has produced some amazing performance numbers.
8They Deliver Balanced Handling
Toyota
A front 3/4 action shot of a Toyota GR86 driving on the track
A high-performing sports car isn’t supposed to just go fast in a straight line. It is supposed to gracefully glide around corners, hugs the road when needed, and still be capable of tearing across it when you put your foot down. Toyota’s sports cars are renowned for their handling, delivering a harmonious balance between raw acceleration and grip that unfolds like a mechanical symphony at the hands of the right driver.
Toyota is known to meticulously fine-tune the suspension, chassis, and weight distribution of its sports cars to find this optimal balance. Whether it’s the GR86 with its razor-sharp handling or the GR Supra with its driver-friendly design, delivering an immersive and engaging driving experience is in the DNA of sports cars made by Toyota.
Unlike exotic sports cars brands like Lamborghini, Ferrari, or Aston Martin, the value of a Toyota doesn’t come from the brand name or badge. It comes from the driving experience it provides. Toyota’s sports cars are designed to be as accessible and driver-focused as possible, prioritizing the needs of the person behind the wheel more than anything else.
The cockpit usually has a no-nonsense design philosophy and the potential for modification is immense. The fourth-generation Toyota Supra is a fan-favorite when it comes to after-market builds, with some of them pushing more than 2000 horsepower. The resurrected current-generation Supra hasn’t been modified to that extent yet, but it is already setting some records.
6They Feature Sleek and Aerodynamic Styling
Toyota
Front and side shot of a silver 2003 Toyota Celica
In order to maximize the potential of every design, both in terms of aesthetics and efficiency, Toyota is known to carefully place each design element to optimize airflow and enhance performance. While functionality is very much the focus in most designs, the sweeping curves and aggressive lines on models like the old Cellica give Toyota’s sports cars a commanding and immediately recognizable presence on the road.
Aerodynamic features such as spoilers and diffusers are heavily involved in the design to improve downforce and stability at high speeds, and this results in some menacing-looking vehicles. Toyota’s commitment to sleek and aerodynamic styling is evident in its sports cars and ensures that they look as fast as they drive.
5They Are Equipped With Advanced Technology
Lexus
A studio shot of the front end of a 2011 Lexus LFA
Sports cars are engineering and technological marvels, and Toyota leaves no stone unturned to ensure its sports cars are equipped with the latest advances in automotive technology. From innovative driver-assistance features to the latest infotainment systems, these cars offer a unique blend of safety, convenience, and performance.
The technology isn’t just limited to big screens or safety features, though, since Toyota also equips its cars with advanced mechanical features adaptive suspensions, and innovative chassis construction. The iconic Lexus LFA, made by Toyota’s luxury sub-brand Lexus, is the perfect example of this. The LFA was ahead of its time when it comes to sports car tech, including a unique chassis composed of an aeronautical-grade carbon fiber-reinforced polymer monocoque that allowed for an extremely lightweight construction.
A shot of the 1991 Toyota Soarer engine bay with the 1JZ-GTE’s
If there is one thing that Toyota is known for apart from reliability, it’s efficiency. And we don’t just mean the ridiculous MPG figures delivered by hybrids such as the Toyota Prius. Toyota’s sports cars also have engines optimized for efficiency and squeeze out every last drop of potential from the fuel you put in them. Think of the highly tunable 1JZ and 2JZ engines from the 90s. In fact, the Mk4 Supra is a tuner’s wet dream.
Out of the current lineup of Toyota sports cars, the GR86 has a combined fuel economy rating of 22 MPG, the GR Corolla has a rating of 24 MPG and the GR Supra has a rating of 28 MPG for the base 2.0-liter version. Through continuous research and development, Toyota has produced remarkably efficient engines and these numbers are a testament to its commitment to efficiency in all types of vehicles.
3Many Of Them Have Track-Ready Versions
Toyota
A 2020 Toyota Supra GT4 on a track
The road is where you see most Toyotas, but Toyota has a rich motorsports history ranging from F1 to endurance championships. This racing pedigree is carried over to track-focused versions of Toyota’s sports car. The Supra A91-CF Edition, for example, was launched in 2021 as a track-ready version of the fifth-generation Supra.
It features a new carbon-fiber body kit and special-edition wheels and even came with a one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association. The race-only version of the Supra is called the Supra GT4 and it recently received a refresh for the 2023 season. The GR86 has also received similar treatment with Toyota unveiling a track-focused GR86 Special Edition in 2022 along with a race-only version named the GR86 Cup.
2They Are Designed To Be Fun And Engaging To Drive
Toyota
The interior of a 2023 Toyota GR Supra with a manual transmission.
Sports cars made by Toyota deliver value in a lot of ways, but the driving experience is at the very core of them. Designed to be as accessible as possible but still have enough depth to appeal to enthusiasts, these cars are renowned for the refined driving experience they provide. The current-generation Supra is known as a driver’s car and has received glowing reviews for its responsive handling and impressive performance capabilities.
It doesn’t offer the most luxurious or spacious cockpit, but everything is optimized to deliver the best possible driving experience. The Lexus LFA, a showcase of Toyota’s engineering prowess, came with a naturally-aspirated V-10 and is widely recognized as one of the best-sounding cars ever. There are few things in life as joyous as the growl of a powerful engine as you put your foot down, and Toyota knows how to deliver that.
Toyota is not a brand that takes pleasure in breaking the bank and the prices of its sports cars reflect that. Out of the current lineup, the GR86 starts at $28,400, the GR Corolla starts at $35,900 and the GR Supra starts at $44,640. If you opt for the most powerful 3.0-liter Supra that produces 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, it will set you back around $57,000.
These cars are not the most luxurious sports cars out there, nor are they as exotic as some of their European rivals, but they thrive at what they are meant to do. If you are looking for a sports car that can deliver all the thrills while still being affordable, you might want to visit your nearest Toyota dealer.
Squarespace has announced its plan to purchase the assets of Google Domains, making it the new marketplace for almost 10 million domains previously associated with Google’s short-lived venture. To address concerns about domain renewal, Squarespace guarantees that it will honor the existing renewal prices for Google Domains customers for at least 12 months after the transaction is complete.
Both companies claim that the process of transferring domains will be smooth, although this is usually not the case. It is uncertain whether Squarespace will increase prices or promote its website-building services after the 12-month period of honoring renewal rates.
Nevertheless, this acquisition presents a significant business opportunity for Squarespace. According to the company’s announcement, it will be the exclusive domain marketplace for individuals seeking a domain with a minimum three-year subscription to Google Workspace. Squarespace, known for its website-building platform, also offers domain name registration services. For current Google Domains customers, no immediate action is required. Squarespace allows users to transfer their website to its platform and move their custom domain from one site to another, as long as it is hosted on Squarespace servers.
The Maruti Invicto’s features list will include some new comfort, convenience and safety equipment borrowed from its premium partner
Until early 2022, most Maruti cars were lacking the modern tech offered by their competitors. This changed with the facelifted Maruti Baleno, which introduced some first-time features and was further improved with the Grand Vitara. Now, with the Toyota Innova Hycross-based Maruti Invicto launching on July 5, we have compiled a list of the 10 features that will debut for the marque:
A 10-inch Touchscreen
The Invicto will come with a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, an upgrade from the current 7-inch unit.
Powered Driver Seat With Memory
The Invicto will feature an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory function, similar to the Toyota Innova Hycross.
The Invicto will offer ottoman seats in the captain seat specification, providing increased legroom and reclining options.
18-inch Alloy Wheels
The Invicto will come with 18-inch alloy wheels, the largest offered by Maruti from the factory.
Electronic Parking Brake
The Invicto will introduce an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, providing convenience during city driving.
Powered Tailgate
The Invicto will feature a powered tailgate, adding convenience to the lineup.
ADAS
The Invicto will debut with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane keep assist.
The Invicto will come with USB Type-C charging ports and rear sunshades as additional convenience features.
Note: While these features are provided from the factory in the case of the Toyota Innova Hycross and the Maruti Invicto, they can also be added as aftermarket accessories.
Which of these features would you like to see in future Maruti cars? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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.
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