Tag Archives: York

Motorsport

The Kia K9 Luxury Sedan Looks Even Sharper for 2025

Kia launched the second-generation K900 on the 2018 New York Auto Show however the full-size sedan lived a brief life within the United States the place it was discontinued simply three years later. The firm’s flagship continues to be on sale in different markets although, together with at dwelling in South Korea the place it is often known as the K9.

After getting a major facelift in 2021, the stately saloon is receiving yet one more nip and tuck. But this time round, the modifications aren’t as important. Kia is simply tweaking the entrance grille with horizontal slats changing the previous V-shaped parts. The 2025 K9 additionally will get newly designed 19-inch wheels and a contemporary Pebble Gray physique colour. Inside, the luxury cabin can now be had with new themes reminiscent of Martian Brown or Misty Gray.

2025 Kia K9

“After Blow” know-how is added and its position is to dry condensation that kinds whereas utilizing the air con to stop disagreeable odors. After the engine has been off for about half an hour, After Blow is mechanically activated for 10 minutes to dry the air flow ducts to keep away from mould progress. A battery sensor ensures the system is not turned on when the automotive’s battery is working low. In addition, the operate stays disabled when the surface temperature is low and likewise when the AC system has not been utilized in a very long time.

Other modifications introduced by the 2025 Kia K9 embody a massaging entrance passenger seat, USB-C ports entrance and rear, and even a fireplace extinguisher. There’s now extra customary gear than earlier than whereas higher-end trim ranges additionally include some goodies that have been beforehand supplied as optionally available options.

2025 Kia K9
2025 Kia K9

Kia will proceed to promote its range-topping mannequin with rear- and all-wheel drive together with a turbocharged 3.3-liter and naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V-6 engines. The large 5.0-liter V-8 NA mill was axed a number of years in the past. Prices begin on the equal of $43,800 and attain $64,200.

Motorsport

Genesis Is Interested In Racing, But Doesn’t Have Any Plans Yet

This week, on the event of the New York Auto Show, Genesis made its efficiency ambitions clear. The model debuted its “Magma” project, a coming collection of sporty fashions to sit at the top their respective model lines. Surprisingly, Genesis has additionally introduced on six-time Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx as an official marketing consultant and model ambassador. 

In a presentation at a pre-Auto Show occasion Monday, Icxk talked about desirous to be a part of a “winning team,” and Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke instructed these gathered to not simply fasten their seatbelts, however racing harnesses too. It’s arduous to not learn this not simply as Genesis desirous to get into efficiency vehicles, however racing too. Combine that with the brand’s increased presence in the Gran Turismo series, and you’ll see the place that is presumably going.

Unfortunately, there’s nothing on the horizon now. “Racing is interesting,” Donckerwolke instructed Motor1 on the Auto Show flooring Wednesday. “We have to find the right moment as well because today, racing with the instability of the regulations, you can’t bet on that, because with electrification all the motorsport regulations are changing. So we have to wait a little bit.”

So it is undoubtedly on the radar, if not one thing we will count on in two or three years. As for Icxk, Donckerwolke mentioned he is “bringing another dimension to the group. It’s a support for the Magma program.”

Earlier within the week, Icxk instructed Motor1 he determined to begin working with Genesis after an eye-opening journey to Korea on Doncerwolke’s invite. “I had the option to chose either to stay in the past, or come in the future and live with some people who are at the present and in the future,” he mentioned. “So it’s just a fantastic option.”

But for now, he isn’t like a Niki Lauda for Mercedes or Helmut Marko for Red Bull sort. At least, not but.

Motorsport

The New Kia K4 Is Bigger Than the Forte and Has Two Engine Options

Kia introduced the K4 last week, exhibiting its exterior and never a lot else. But on the 2024 New York Auto Show, Kia is spilling a few of the beans in regards to the 2025 K4 sedan, which fits on sale within the United States later this yr.

The K4 will arrive with two powertrain choices. The commonplace mill is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147-horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque and pairs with a repeatedly variable transmission.

2025 Kia K4 Rear 3/4

The non-compulsory engine is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder. It 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque whereas paired with an eight-speed automated transmission with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. If we’re fortunate, a GT mannequin might debut down the road with much more energy; the earlier Forte GT had 201 hp. 

The firm’s fourth-generation compact sedan replaces the Forte—nevertheless it’s even greater than the outgoing sedan. Kia says the K4 is the most important compact sedan in its section, measuring 185.4 inches lengthy and 72.8 inches broad. It’s actually greater than the Forte, which was 182.7 and 70.9 inches, respectively.

Inside, the additional size and width translate into 38.0 inches of rear legroom and 37.3 inches of rear headroom. The sedan additionally has 14.6 cubic ft of trunk house.

Kia will supply the K4 in 5 trims: LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line, and GT-Line Turbo. Inside, 30 inches of display dominate the dashboard, with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto commonplace. Over-the-air updates and Kia’s Digital Key 2.0 with Ultra Wideband are additionally accessible.

2025 Kia K4 Interior
2025 Kia K4 Rear

A Medium Gray inside is obtainable on the LX, LSX, and EX. Slate Green can also be an possibility on the EX trim, whereas the GT-Line will get Onyx and Off-White interiors. The GT-Line fashions characteristic heated entrance seats, however air flow and the motive force’s seat reminiscence operate are non-compulsory. A Harman Kardon audio can also be an accessible improve.

The K4 adopts daring styling with a fastback roof styling that the corporate calls its “Opposites United” design path. It has a large stance accented by commonplace vertical LED headlights and taillights that take inspiration from the EV9. Kia even hid the rear door handles within the C-pillar.

The GT-Line stands out with distinctive entrance and rear fascias with gloss-black accents, 18-inch alloy wheels, a satin chrome beltline, and gloss-black mirror caps, window trim, and facet sills. The GT-Line Turbo will get much more visible goodies like LED projection headlights, LED fog lights, and distinctive wheels. Both GT trims have multi-link rear suspensions.

2025 Kia K4 Rear

Kia additionally retains K4 occupants secure by together with a ton of normal security options. Rear facet airbags at the moment are commonplace, and the checklist of kit contains lane-keep help, ahead collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and extra. Kia can even supply extra security options like upgraded ahead collision warning on the GT-Line Turbo mannequin.

One factor that is still a thriller is the K4’s beginning worth. The 2024 Kia Forte begins at $19,990, with the $1,155 vacation spot cost. It’ll doubtless tick upward a number of thousand {dollars}, nevertheless it’ll need to undercut the K5, which begins at $26,745 for 2024. Kia says it’ll launch pricing particulars and its exact arrival date nearer to when it’s on sale. The 2025 Kia K4 attain sellers within the second half of 2024.

Motorsport

Genesis Doesn’t Want Magma to be ‘Hardcore’ Like M and AMG

At an occasion on the eve of the New York International Auto Show, Genesis launched what it’s calling its Magma project. The G80 Magma Special is a limited-production sedan for the Middle East, and shortly, we’ll see the GV60 Magma, a warmer model of the brand’s small EV crossover.

But don’t name Magma a sub-brand within the mildew of BMW M or Mercedes-AMG—Genesis desires to do one thing totally different right here. 

“We don’t want to create a hardcore product that will be a disconnect from the other Genesis product,” Luc Donckerwolke, Genesis Chief Creative Officer, tells Motor1. “It’s an evolution, an extrapolation of the Genesis product.”

A Genesis Magma automotive, Donckerwolke says, received’t be a track-car first, highway car-second. The concept is to create extra of a high-performance GT automotive to take a seat atop the lineup. More energy, wider tracks, greater brakes, distinctive inside trim—together with some snazzy Recaro buckets—however nothing excessive. (Except for the vivid Magma Orange bodywork, maybe.) 

Genesis GV60 Magma

“It’s a bit like wearing a fur coat inside out,” Donckerwolke says. “It’s about creating a vehicle that has the qualities you know, the initiated know, but you don’t want to brag. The car has a certain aesthetical quality that’s designed to be for performance. And that should be a symbol of the capabilities of the car.”

Genesis is clearly a challenger to the luxury-car institution, nevertheless it’s consciously totally different from Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and the remaining. That’s true of its upcoming efficiency fashions 

“The obvious way would be to basically do something which is disconnected to the [Genesis] brand,” Donckerwolke says. “We have just started this brand. We will not just now make a 90-degree curve and do something different… The Magma program is—and this is why it is not a sub-brand—is just an extension of the brand. It basically is not trying to be something else.”

Genesis G80 Magma Special

That mentioned, Donckerwolke confirmed to Motor1 that there’s a devoted engineering group for the Magma automobiles. He also told our colleagues at InsideEVs that the GV60 Magma will use loads of the identical {hardware} as the brand new Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, however received’t be a easy rebody. It shall be tuned in another way, to raised slot in with how Genesis conceives its high-performance automobiles. Still, it is going to have “hundreds” extra horsepower than the 429-hp GV60 Performance. 

Genesis didn’t present a manufacturing timeline for the GV60 Magma, however in a presentation, Donckerwolke mentioned the automotive is coming “soon.” The idea proven on the New York occasion regarded principally manufacturing prepared, although. Genesis has achieved a wonderful job creating a reputable luxury-car challenger, and we’re very curious to see what its Magma automobiles shall be like. Based on seems alone, the Korean model might need yet one more winner. 

Motorsport

Genesis Has a New Performance Sub-Brand Called Magma

Genesis is rolling into the 2024 New York Auto Show with some sizzling information. We imply that figuratively after all, with a contact of pun included as a result of there is a new efficiency sub-brand from the South Korean firm referred to as Magma. And based mostly on what we see of this very orange GV60, we would say good issues are coming.

If you are experiencing Deja Vu proper now, it is as a result of we noticed the identical shade of orange virtually a yr in the past. Genesis rolled into New York with a GV80 Coupe concept after which adopted it up later in 2023 with the G80 you see under. Called the G80 Magma Special, it is already in manufacturing in restricted numbers, although just for clients within the Middle East.

Genesis G80 Magma Special
Genesis Magma
Genesis GV60 Magma Concept

New to the scene is the GV60 Magma Concept, unveiled at the moment forward of the 2024 New York Auto Show and likewise destined for manufacturing. It will not be region-limited, although right now Genesis would not have a lot in the best way of manufacturing data. Nor do we’ve particulars on efficiency upgrades for the electrical crossover, however we do know it can have an improved battery sending energy to tweaked motors.

To take advantage of what we assume is a energetic energy improve, the GV60 Magma Concept sits a bit decrease and rides on a wider stance. It wears a revised entrance fascia with a wider air consumption, designed to not feed a hungry engine however to chill down batteries, brakes, and motors. There are three holes punched into the fascia above the consumption for extra cooling, and air curtains are designed to extend the GV60’s effectivity by the wind.

Adding to the large stance are bigger fenders, and the idea rides on 21-inch wheels with built-in aero discs designed to each cool the brakes, and additional help in effectivity. Up prime, roof fins carry out extra aerodynamic trickery, channeling air to the GV60’s rear wing for higher downforce. Inside, the leather-based inside will get extra magma touches with orange distinction stitching and body-colored seatbacks.

Genesis Magma

“Genesis Magma presents an exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of performance and luxury for new interpretations in high-performance vehicles, with the ultimate goal of developing models exclusive to Genesis,” stated Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke. “The brand will continue to reveal experimental concepts with careful consideration of both technological and aesthetic elements. While speed and performance are important, the Genesis Magma program will look beyond, prioritizing the driving experience to kindle the joy of sporty driving with effortless comfort.”

As for when patrons can pattern that mix of consolation and efficiency within the GV60, Donckerwolke advised reporters it might arrive “very soon” however did not elaborate additional. For now, the GV60 Magma Concept together with the G80 Magma Special, and the lately revealed Neolun Concept can be on show on the 2024 New York Auto Show beginning on March 29.

Motorsport

The New Hyundai Santa Cruz might be Even More Capable

The 2024 New York Auto Show kicks off subsequent week, and Hyundai might be there with one thing new. Making a worldwide debut alongside the recently refreshed Tucson would be the 2025 Santa Cruz, up to date with contemporary styling and “improved capability.”

That’s precisely what Hyundai says in a brief press launch for its presence on the Big Apple’s huge present. Specifics of those capabilities are as but unknown, although Hyundai’s announcement mentions a revamped inside with higher ergonomics and a brand new infotainment system. On the surface, the Santa Cruz will shed a few of its street-truck persona with rugged-themed design tweaks. You can anticipate extra standard-issue driver-assist programs, too.

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Teaser

Two teaser photographs include Hyundai’s announcement. A sketch featured on the high of this submit exhibits the pickup from the again, carrying a brand new rear fascia with bigger nook cutouts and trim extending additional up the edges. It appears correctly broad, although being a sketch the proportions are possible exaggerated.

A second picture (additionally above) is a close-up of the brand new Santa Cruz grille, the place we see the blade designs of the earlier mannequin changed with rectangular cutouts. This appears just like the not too long ago up to date Tucson, bringing the fashions extra in keeping with Hyundai’s present design path.

It’s value noting that Hyundai particularly identifies each 2025 Santa Cruz teaser photographs as being the rugged-themed XRT trim. Debuting last July, XRT provides daring plastic fender flares, aspect steps, door trim, and a blackout therapy to the truck. Mechanicals stay the identical, being the 281-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine related to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox driving all 4 wheels.

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT

Could Hyundai’s point out of additional functionality level to the brand new XRT trim getting some correct off-road upgrades? It’s no secret that the Ford Maverick—the one Santa Cruz competitor within the small truck phase—is positively killing it in gross sales. The Maverick brandishes a extra conventional truck form with an obtainable FX4 package deal that provides useful bits like skid plates and all-terrain tires. Bolting up some additional elements to a Santa Cruz XRT looks as if a logical step, however alas, we cannot know for certain till the covers are lifted in New York.

That occurs on March 27. We could have particulars for the brand new Santa Cruz and all of the debuts on the 2024 New York Auto Show proper right here at Motor1.

BMW

“BRIDGE. Educating young people for tomorrow, today”: BMW Group and UNICEF announce global partnership. The long-term collaboration will help equip young people with skills and knowledge to succeed in the future world of work.

Munich/New York. Today, on World Children’s Day, the BMW Group and UNICEF are announcing their long-term partnership under the slogan “BRIDGE. Educating young people for tomorrow, today.”

The partnership will contribute to UNICEF’s global aim to reach 10 million children and young people each year through education. The BMW Group’s long-term support, with an initial commitment over seven years, will help provide science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education and skills development to children and young people in Africa, Asia and Central and South America. 

STEM-related jobs are the engine of global economic growth, yet millions of these jobs are projected to go unfilled due to a gap in skills. The problem is more acute in low- and middle-income countries and much more prevalent among girls and women. Today, women constitute a minority in both STEM education and careers, representing only 28 per cent of engineering graduates, 22 per cent of artificial intelligence workers and less than one third of tech sector employees globally.

“Young people around the world have the power and creativity to influence societies for the better,” says Georg Graf Waldersee, Chairman of the Board at UNICEF Germany. “We need to empower and support them so they can become the innovators and change makers of tomorrow. Because sustainable transformation and the path to a fairer, safer world begin where young minds come together and discover their potential – in classrooms or working labs. We are proud and grateful that the BMW Group is accompanying and supporting us on this journey as a strong private sector partner.”

“At the BMW Group, we believe that education is the engine that drives the development of our society,” states Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management at BMW AG, People and Real Estate, Labour Relations Director. “With UNICEF, we have a long-standing partner at our side who shares this opinion. Therefore, I am beyond delighted that we are joining forces with our global collaboration over the long term from now on. Together, we will bridge the gap between schooling and working life as well as enable the transfer of knowledge.” 

Ilka Horstmeier continues: “With our multinational workforce on five continents, we consider ourselves as a true corporate citizen. It is not only important for us to be engaged on a global level, but also on a local one. That’s why, together with UNICEF, we get involved at the BMW Group sites worldwide. Additionally, it is great that we can give our diverse network of stakeholders the chance to engage and participate in the partnership to ensure basic education for children in crisis situations.”

Following the launch of the collaboration between the BMW Group and UNICEF in South Africa in 2023, the partnership will be expanded in 2024 to Brazil, China, India, Mexico and Thailand – all of which have programme needs and have BMW Group presence. The collaboration will support programmes ranging from providing laboratory equipment to developing a customized teacher training curriculum, and from mentorships to job-shadowing. With this in mind, the BMW Group is not only providing financial support amounting to two million euros each year until 2030, but also contributing its own expertise and network. 

In addition, in 2024, the BMW Group will join forces with its global network of affiliates and with the involvement of stakeholders to raise funds to support the UNICEF’s work in emergencies and protracted crisis thereby ensuring continuity of children’s learning in safe environments.

For further information, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications
Milena Pighi
Spokesperson Corporate Citizenship
Email: milena.pa.pighi@bmw.de
Telephone: +49-89-382-66563

Bernd Eckstein
Head of Communications Human Resources, Working Environment, Real Estate, Corporate Citizenship
Email: bernd.eckstein@bmw.de
Telephone: +49-89-382-59490

Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.com
Email: presse@bmwgroup.com

UNICEF
Laila Ali
UNICEF Geneva
Email: laali@unicef.org
Telephone: + 41 76 784 65 32

Motorsport

Motorsport Network Appoints Mike Spinelli, Travis Okulski As Group Editorial Leaders

NEW YORK, Nov. 1, 2023 – Motorsport Network, the leading independent global motorsports and automotive digital media platform, today announced the hiring of Mike Spinelli as Head of Content and Travis Okulski as Editorial Director, Automotive.

Spinelli will work on brand extensions across Motorsport Network‘s portfolio, including Motorsport.com and Autosport, while Okulski will focus on Motor1, InsideEVs, and RideApart. Both hires are part of GMF Capital’s recent acquisition and investment in Motorsport Network to expand the presence and scope of these titles.

Redaktionsleiter der Motorsport Network Group

Mike Spinelli

Spinelli brings more than two decades of automotive and motorsports media experience to the role. He was the founding editor of Jalopnik, Editor-in-Chief of 0-60 magazine, and co-founder of the /DRIVE YouTube channel, as well as a writer, producer, and host of automotive videos on YouTube and cable TV, including the show /DRIVE on NBC Sports. Most recently, he was a writer and story editor for the IMSA GTP docuseries, Win the Weekend.

“I’m truly energized by the entire Motorsport Network team,” Spinelli said. “We have a once-in-a-career opportunity to revitalize the mission of motorsports and automotive media while sharing our access, knowledge, and obsessions with a dynamic and expanding community of fans and enthusiasts. It’s a thrilling time to cover this particular surface area of sports and technology.”

Motorsport Network Group Editorial Leaders

Travis Okulski

Okulski has spent the last decade in automotive media. He started Business Insider’s automotive coverage and had stints as Editor-in-Chief at both Jalopnik and Road & Track, where he oversaw a total revamp of America’s longest-running sports car magazine. Most recently, he was Road & Track’s Editor-at-Large, focusing on print and web feature stories.

“I’m stoked for the opportunity to join Motorsport Network and lead such highly regarded titles,” said Okulski. “I’m looking forward to growing and developing these brands into must-read destinations for longtime and brand new car enthusiasts alike as well as creating valuable resources for car shoppers.”

About Motorsport Network:
With more than 40 million monthly users and an active social media community of more than 15 million followers, Motorsport Network is the world’s largest independent motorsports and automotive media platform. Its nearly 50 digital flagships include prominent automotive brands Motor1.com, InsideEVs, and RideApart, as well as leading racing portals such as Motorsport.com, Autosport, Motorsport-Total, and GPOne.

BMW

MINI Countryman E Makes North American Debut in New York

New York. Following its recent unveiling at the IAA Mobility 2023, the new all-electric MINI Countryman has now made its first appearance in New York. The event took place during the panel discussion “Driving Forward: The Transforming of Future Mobility,” which was organized by URBAN-X, the startup accelerator established by MINI, as part of Climate Week NYC.

During the event, the all-electric MINI Countryman made its North American debut, offering locally emission-free electric mobility while maintaining the brand’s signature driving pleasure. With an increased electric range of up to 462 km*, as well as more interior space, the new MINI Countryman E encourages excursions beyond the city limits. It combines a distinctive design, advanced drive technology, and an immersive digital experience.

The introduction of the new MINI Countryman Electric is a significant milestone for MINI as it works towards becoming an all-electric brand by 2030. The focus is on achieving locally emission-free electromobility while prioritizing environmental sustainability throughout the production process. This includes using recycled polyester for interior surfaces and producing light alloy cast wheels using up to 70 percent secondary aluminum.

The panel discussion, “Driving Forward: The Transforming of Future Mobility,” brought together representatives from the startup ecosystem, automotive industry, and urban planning field to discuss present challenges and potential solutions for transforming urban mobility in the coming years.

MINI established URBAN-X in 2016, and since then, more than 70 startups from various countries have participated in its programs. The 13th cohort, consisting of six urbantech startups focused on developing climate-friendly solutions, began in early September.

Motorsport

Motorsport Network Hires Patrick George as Editor in Chief of InsideEVs, US

NEW YORK, September 19, 2023 – Motorsport Network, a leading global digital media platform in motorsport and automotive, has announced the appointment of Patrick George as Editor in Chief for the US branch of its brand InsideEVs.com.

George brings over 20 years of media industry experience to InsideEVs. Previously, he served as the longest-serving Editor in Chief of Jalopnik and Editorial Director at Recurrent Ventures, overseeing websites such as The Drive and Task & Purpose. His writing has been featured in The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, The Verge, and other publications. More recently, George co-wrote, co-hosted, and produced Vox Media’s “Land of Giants” podcast, which explored the rise of Tesla and the future of electric vehicles.

“I am delighted to welcome Patrick George to the Motorsport Network family as the leader of InsideEVs,” said Seyth Miersma, Editorial Director, USA Automotive at Motorsport Network. “His exceptional news sense, track record for building media brands, and understanding of the future of electrified transportation make him the ideal fit for this role.”

InsideEVs, established in 2012, is one of the oldest and largest electric vehicle websites globally. It extensively covers sustainable mobility and technology, publishing news, reviews, features, and original videos.

“InsideEVs has been reporting on the electrified revolution from the very beginning, and I am incredibly excited to lead the publication as this technology becomes mainstream,” George mentioned. “The zero-emission, digital transformation of the car industry is currently the most captivating and significant story in the world. I am eager to assist Motorsport Network in expanding its coverage of this crucial topic and aiding drivers worldwide in understanding the profound changes that await them.”

About Motorsport Network:

With over 40 million monthly unique users and a social media community of over 15 million followers, Motorsport Network stands as the world’s largest independent motorsport and automotive media platform. Its nearly 50 flagship digital properties include renowned automotive industry brands such as Motor1.com, InsideEVs, RideApart, as well as leading racing properties like Motorsport.com, Autosport, Motorsport-Total, and GPOne.