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  • Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution Coupe

    Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer, and high-performance vehicle creator, has unveiled a new, lighter-weight, track-focused version of the Hennessey Venom F5 that has been comprehensively re-engineered for increased agility, uncompromised handling, and high downforce. The new Venom F5 Revolution Coupe is an apex predator on a racing circuit – it is the most powerful and visceral pure-combustion hypercar in the world.

    The Venom F5 Revolution Coupe is based on the Hennessey Venom F5 Coupe – the two share nearly identical DNA – yet distinguishing the Revolution Coupe from its sibling are its comprehensively reworked aerodynamics, suspension, engine cooling, and digital telemetry. The engineering team also focused on reducing mass. Thanks to a systematic focus on weight reduction, the race-honed model tips the scales below 3,000 pounds – it is the lightest Venom F5 model.

    Honed by Chief Engineer John ‘Heinrocket’ Heinricy, the Revolution capitalizes on every bit of his 38 years of performance car development with GM and his exemplary racing career – Heinricy has more than 240 professional races under his belt, including 35 grueling 24-hour races and multiple race/championship wins (he also holds three FIA Speed Records and has over 1,000 laps of the Nürburgring to his name).

    John ‘Heinrocket’ Heinricy, chief engineer: “I led engineering on some of the most extreme cars to come out of GM, including the Corvette Z06 and Cadillac CTS-V, but nothing compares to designing, developing, and refining a race car for the road like the Venom F5 Revolution. From the outset, we designed the Venom F5 hypercar to be ultra-light and monstrously powerful, with dynamics to match. So, taking these ingredients and adding track-focused aerodynamics, suspension, and gearing, enabled us to create a machine that is the ultimate visceral and emotional driving experience.”

    Mirroring all other Venom F5 models, mid-mounted in the carbon-fiber monocoque chassis is Hennessey’s celebrated twin-turbocharged, 6.6-liter, ‘Fury’ V8 engine rated at an astonishing 1,817 bhp. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a robust automated single-clutch gearbox calibrated for competitive use. With such low mass, the Venom F5 Revolution Coupe promises phenomenal acceleration. Carbon-ceramic brakes are fitted as standard and feature muti-piston calipers, ensuring fade-free stopping power on the road or circuit.

    Most visible to passers-by is the Revolution Coupe’s full-width rear-mounted carbon fiber wing. The adjustable appendage (that allows the owner to adjust the angle of attack through a range of degrees) is fitted with end plates that stop the high-pressure air on top of the wing from spilling underneath – increasing downforce without extending the width of the wing. The end plates also generate vortexes that guide airflow and improve aerodynamics and stability. As a result, the rear wing delivers more than 800 pounds of downforce at 186 mph (300 km/h) and over 1,400 pounds of downforce at 249 mph (400 km/h).

    A significantly larger front splitter, crafted from carbon fiber, complements the rear-mounted wing and rear diffuser. The front splitter prevents air from flowing under the F5 Revolution Coupe, which creates a low-pressure vortex beneath the vehicle (aiding downforce). At the same time, the extended rear diffuser guides air out from the hypercar’s smooth underbelly. Dive planes, positioned on the front fascia in front of the wheels, aggressively channel airflow to shift the aerodynamic balance forward – adding grip to improve turn-in. In addition, the Revolution features a new roof-mounted central air scoop that delivers fresh cool air to the F5’s engine bay, which effectively helps lower component temperatures.

    The double-wishbone suspension, with more aggressive alignment settings, is fitted with adjustable dampers that may be calibrated trackside with simple tools – thus optimizing the suspension system for the particular road course, racing circuit, or track. In addition, new forged alloy wheels present a larger contact patch for improved cornering grip and enhanced braking. Lastly, Venom F5 Revolution owners are offered a digital on-board track telemetry system capable of measuring an array of data points. These include lap times, splits, cornering G-forces, and more. The system allows the driver to monitor the telemetry in real time, or the data may be saved for later analysis or archiving.

    John Hennessey, company founder and CEO: “The new Venom F5 Revolution Coupe combines our outstanding 1,817 bhp V8 ‘Fury’ combustion engine with our lightest and most capable chassis. The hypercar, which is astoundingly fast, is at home on a racing circuit where utmost handling is paramount – it offers the nimbleness of a fighter jet, yet with a powerplant like a Saturn V rocket!”

    The Revolution Coupe is the third model to join the Venom F5 family. Each of the 1,817 bhp variants shares the same decathlete mission – uncompromised acceleration, braking, and handling – yet all have been individually engineered for a specific mission. The F5 Coupe targets ultimate top speed, while the open-roof F5 Roadster delivers the most visceral experience. The new F5 Revolution Coupe dials track performance to an entirely new level.

    The new Venom F5 Revolution Coupe will make its global debut at the Miami Motorcar Cavalcade Concours d’Elegance on January 15, 2023. Priced at $2.7 million and limited to just 24 units, exclusivity is a given in advance of the official release, many of the Revolution models have already been sold to passionate hypercar fans.

  • Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV

    Making its European debut at the Brussels Motor Show today, the unique Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV series plug-in hybrid joins the pure electric Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv in Mazda’s electrified line-up.

    The Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is a series plug-in hybrid that offers the same customer values as the pure electric Mazda MX-30, while simultaneously offering new ways of using a car as a battery electric vehicle. With a 17.8KWh battery, the R-EV has a 53-mile pure electric range, and using Mazda’s unique rotary engine technology, the all-new 830cc single-rotor petrol engine acts as a generator to enable longer distance drives without range or charging anxiety. With no mechanical connection between the engine and the wheels, the rotary unit simply acts as a generator, ensuring the MX-30 R-EV always drives via the electric motor to deliver a seamless EV driving experience.

    With more than half a century of expertise in the development of rotary engines, Mazda selected the rotary powerplant for this application due to its unique ability to produce the required output from a small, light and easily packaged unit. The rotary engine is placed neatly alongside the generator and high-output motor in the engine bay. The combination of the 17.8kw battery and 50-litre fuel tank create a unique series plug-in hybrid with a flexible total range of over 400 miles, while a WLTP CO2 output of just 21g/km ensures class-leading environmental performance.

    Compatibility with both AC charging and rapid DC charging is another benefit, meaning 3-phase AC charging takes around 50mins, while for maximum customer flexibility, DC rapid charging can be completed in around 25 minutes. The Mazda MX-30 R-EV has three drive-modes to suit different driving situations: Normal, EV and Charge, and thanks to a 125kw/170ps output, it delivers slightly better acceleration performance than the 145ps fully electric MX-30 .

    Available to order now, for UK arrival in the summer, the Mazda e-Skyactiv R-EV is offered in the same highly specified grades as the all-electric e-Skyactiv MX-30: Prime-Lime, Exclusive-Line and Makoto – while bespoke to the R-EV, the range is topped by the Edition R. Revealed on the Brussels Motor Show stand, this limited edition launch model has stand out features inside and out, and is offered exclusively in the unique colour combination of Jet Black with Maroon Rouge side pillars and a black roof.

    With the R moniker standing for return, just 400 Edition R models will come to the UK to celebrate the return of the rotary engine. The Maroon Rouge colour accent pays homage to the roof colour of the Mazda R360 – Mazda’s first passenger car. Inside, the front seat headrests are embossed with the rotary symbol and Edition R name, while the mats feature the rotary badge and a single white line of 2.6mm stitching matching the width of the rotor apex seal grooves. The same nod to the rotor apex seals can be found on the sculpted sides of the key, which also features horizontal sides that curve at the same angle as the sides of the rotor.

    All versions of the Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV feature a rotor badge on the front wings and an e-Skyactiv R-EV badge on the tailgate. Unique wheels differentiate the R-EV: Prime-Line with a dark grey finish and Exclusive-Line, Makoto and Edition R a black diamond cut finish. With the MX-30 range starting at £31,250 – Prime-Line and Exclusive-Line R-EV models are priced identically to the BEV version, giving customers ease of choice with price parity. Makoto R-EV models demand a small £450 price premium over the pure electric version and at the top of the MX-30 range is the R-EV only Edition R – priced at £37,950 it is limited to just 400 examples in the UK.

    Between the launch of the Mazda Cosmo in 1967 and production of the RX-8 ending in 2012, Mazda mass-produced more than 2 million rotary engines. Adapted to meet the needs of our times the rotary engine is now back being used as a power generator rather than a drive unit. The new 8C rotary engine is a 830cc single rotor with a 120mm rotor radius and 76mm rotor width, its compact size enables coaxial placement and integration with the electric motor, decelerator and generator to achieve a unit with an overall width of less than 840mm, allowing it to fit under the bonnet without changes to the MX-30 body frame.

    Thanks to the use of aluminum the engine is over 15kg lighter than the twin-rotor Renesis engine used in the RX-8. The use of direct fuel injection reduces emissions and increases fuel economy, while the engine also features an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system to improve efficiency at low rpm and low load running. With a 50-litre fuel tank the rotary generator allows for long-distance travel without the need for regular fuel station stops.

    A 17.8kwh battery was chosen to ensure a enough capacity for a 53-mile electric-only driving range while at the same time considering the environmental impact of the battery over the entire vehicle life cycle. The MX-30 R-EV’s high output 122kw/166ps electric motor can produce up to 260Nm of torque, while the new R-EV retains the same relaxed, accurate and engaging driving experience as the pure-electric MX-30.

    The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV features three driving modes: Normal, EV and Charge, however the choice of mode does not affect maximum vehicle speed. Normal mode delivers electric drive as long as there’s enough battery charge. If more power is required than the battery level can deliver – for example, when accelerating – the rotary engine generator will activate based on the degree of accelerator opening and supply the battery with more power. Thus the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV delivers outstanding acceleration performance and ensures drivers can always enjoy the car.

    Drivers can turn EV mode on when they want to stay in electric drive for as long as possible. This mode will ensure the vehicle uses electric drive exclusively until the battery is completely drained. It should, however, be noted that if the driver needs to accelerate suddenly and purposefully depresses the accelerator pedal significantly beyond a certain point (equivalent to the kickdown switch function on a standard automatic transmission vehicle), the rotary engine will activate and generate the power needed for the car to accelerate as powerfully as possible.

    Charge mode can be used to safeguard the necessary amount of battery for situations such as the need to save zero emissions running for particular urban environments, additionally drivers have the option of setting the amount of battery charge they want to reserve in increments of 10%. The generator will activate when battery charge drops below the specified reserve level, charge the battery to the set level, and maintain that level of charge. Once battery charge is above the set level, the car will operate in the equivalent to Normal mode until the battery depletes to the specified level. It will then use the rotary engine generator to keep the battery at that level.

    Commenting on the reveal of the Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director, Mazda Motors UK, said: I’m really excited about the new MX-30 R-EV joining our electrified line-up in the UK this summer. A great example of Mazda’s challenger spirit, thanks to its unique technological approach, it’s a car that’s the perfect solution for customers who want an electric car for everyday usage but the flexibility to undertake longer journeys without the reliance on charging infrastructure. With the option to choose either the pure electric MX-30 or the new R-EV version depending on their needs, our customers now have even more choice.

    Adding, “whichever version they choose they get the same seamless electric drive experience, engaging handling and first-class cabin, which features unique materials and premium design. It’s the latest example of how Mazda’s Multi Solution Approach ensures we have cars to suit all our customer’s needs by improving environmental performance with a combination of electrification and clever internal combustion engine technologies”.

  • Nissan GT-R

    GT-R, the pinnacle of Nissan high-performance engineering, thrillingly combines a high horsepower engine with impressive handling and useful technology for everyday driving. For the 2024 model year, GT-R is even more exciting with in-depth enhancements to its aerodynamic performance, the return of a special trim and revised available packages.

    The 2024 Nissan GT-R is offered in three grades, starting with GT-R Premium and T-spec® with 565 horsepower, providing a tantalizing option for those seeking a super sports car. The 600-horsepower GT-R NISMO offers an even more exceptional level of performance, with engineering drawn directly from motorsports applications.

    The 2024 Nissan GT-R arrives at select Canada Nissan dealers this spring (NISMO arrives in summer).

    A relentless approach to performance

    All 2024 Nissan GT-R grades are extensively revised to increase downforce and reduce drag, helping provide confident, responsive handling, representing Nissan’s continued iterative enhancements to GT-R. The enhancements include redesigned front and rear fascias, optimized bumper sides, revised grille shapes and reshaped rear wings, further increasing the car’s impressive aerodynamic performance.

    Demonstrating the team’s attention to every detail, engineers even closely scrutinized the mesh used in the front grille and employed a thinner mesh to further enhance cooling and reduce drag. Impressively, GT-R’s drag coefficient is unchanged at 0.26 Cd despite the increase in downforce.

    On GT-R NISMO, a new rear wing design sits atop dramatic, swan neck-style supports. With an almost 10% larger surface area, the wing’s curvature has been specifically designed to optimize drag and downforce. The team also revised GT-R NISMO’s front lip, rear diffuser and canards.

    Special editions and heritage colours

    The GT-R T-spec returns for the 2024 model year and builds upon the already capable Premium with many visual and mechanical enhancements, including GT-R NISMO carbon-ceramic brakes, a gold-painted version of the NISMO’s RAYS® 20-inch forged wheels, NISMO-tuned Vehicle Dynamic Control and wider front fenders. Visually, T-spec wears special badging inside and out, a dark Mori Green upholstery colour and a combination of semi-aniline and suede upholstery for the front seats.

    Most exciting of all, the T-spec is available in two exclusive colours that appeal to GT-R enthusiasts by resurrecting two of the nameplate’s most iconic paint colours. The first is Millennium Jade, which pays homage to one of the rarest GT-Rs ever, the R34 GT-R V-Spec II Nür. The second T-spec-exclusive paint is Midnight Purple, a modern interpretation of the Midnight Purple III colour made famous on the R34 GT-R V-Spec.

    Newly available on GT-R NISMO is a NISMO Appearance Package, which includes an exclusive, red-accented version of the car’s RAYS forged 20-inch wheels, a unique clear coat applied to the carbon fiber hood and an exclusive engine cover design. GT-R NISMO also offers a new NISMO-exclusive paint colour: Stealth Gray.

    Engineered for performance

    The 2024 Nissan GT-R uses a 3.8-liter V6, 24-valve, twin-turbocharged engine that is hand-assembled by takumi technicians. The engine, which was refined for the 2020 model year, is rated at 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque, and features a standard titanium exhaust system.

    GT-R channels its power through a standard ATTESA ET-S all-wheel-drive system that can vary its front-to-rear torque split, depending on driving scenario, for peak driving feel and performance. The standard 6-speed dual-clutch transaxle is rear-mounted to optimize vehicle weight distribution, and offers aggressive downshifts as well as steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual control.

    GT-R’s dynamic ride and handling is brought to life thanks to the expertly tuned independent double wishbone front and independent multi-link rear suspensions. Standard Bilstein® DampTronic shock absorbers offer three driver-selectable settings for GT-R’s suspension: Normal, Comfort and R. These three modes allow the driver to combine varying levels of driving comfort with the sport-like responsive handling that GT-R is known for. The engine, transmission and suspension’s settings are controlled by large, tactile switches located on the car’s center console.

    In GT-R Premium, braking is provided by a Nissan and Brembo® jointly developed braking system with six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers. Lightweight RAYS® 20-inch wheels shod with Dunlop high-performance summer tires connect GT-R with the road.

    GT-R T-spec uses Brembo® brakes with enlarged, carbon-ceramic rotors from the GT-R NISMO, along with a gold-painted version of NISMO’s RAYS wheels wearing Dunlop® SP Sport Maxx GT600 ultra-high-performance run-flat tires with a NISMO-specific compound.

    Refined interior appointments

    The inside of GT-R welcomes occupants with a “horizontal-flow” dashboard design swathed in Nappa leather appointments, and seats designed to be lightweight.

    GT-R T-spec elevates the car’s interior design with an exclusive dark Mori Green upholstery throughout, with a combination semi-aniline and suede treatment for the front seats. Unique logos on the console and kick plates further identify the T-spec. GT-R T-spec adds several unique visual touches to the car’s exterior, including T-spec emblems on the trunk.

    The standard NissanConnect® infotainment system with 8-inch multi-touch display features Apple CarPlay®, Nissan navigation system, Bluetooth®, HD Radio, SiriusXM® Radio, SiriusXM® Traffic, and SiriusXM® Travel Link™ (weather, fuel prices, movie listings, stock info and sports).

    The display also has GT-R-specific, customizable data pages showing key vehicle data, including details like coolant and oil temperature, transmission gear selection, g-forces, turbocharger boost and even a stopwatch for lap timing.

    GT-R further accommodates drivers with premium convenience features including a Bose® 11-speaker audio system, Active Noise Cancellation, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and front and rear parking sensors.

    NISMO: Elevated, motorsports-derived performance

    For drivers seeking an even greater level of capability, the GT-R NISMO – its name derived from NISsan MOtorsports International Co. – is a more extreme version of the GT-R.

    In addition to aerodynamic revisions, the 2024 GT-R NISMO benefits from a front limited-slip differential for the first time. The differential helps improve the driving experience, ensuring GT-R faithfully follows the driver’s inputs and exemplifies the NISMO team’s approach to iterative enhancements that continually build upon GT-R’s capabilities.

    The GT-R NISMO was extensively enhanced for the 2020 model year with new turbochargers taken from the GT3 racecar, enhanced transmission shift control, lighter components, enhanced body bonding to increase torsional rigidity, reduced overall mass, and upgrades to the brakes, wheels and tires. Compared to GT-R Premium, it also has an increased use of lightweight carbon fiber components and increased horsepower.

    The GT-R NISMO is rated for 600 hp and 481 lb-ft of torque, with significantly enhanced engine responsiveness.

    Complementing NISMO’s improved power and grip are Brembo® brakes with enlarged, carbon-ceramic rotors measuring 16.1 inches in the front and 15.3 inches at the rear. The rotors themselves save 36 pounds of weight, while the high-strength calipers and high-friction brake pads contribute to a firmer brake pedal feeling.

    NISMO-exclusive bodywork helps provide increased component cooling while also improving aerodynamic downforce. The roof is made from carbon fiber to reduce weight and lower the car’s center of gravity, paying dividends in terms of handling. Additional NISMO-exclusive carbon fiber body panels include front and rear fascias, trunk lid, race-inspired rear wing, side sill covers, hood and outside mirror housings.

    Inside, GT-R NISMO includes interior enhancements include Recaro® seats with synthetic suede inserts, red stitching and an Alcantara-appointed steering wheel with a red top stripe.

  • Honda Jazz

    Honda is increasing the appeal of its Jazz line-up with revisions across all grades and the addition of a new Advance Sport grade; offered with exclusive styling details inside and out.

    The refreshed Jazz range also features a revised e:HEV hybrid powertrain that improves driveability, adds power and a towing capacity, without impacting CO2 or fuel efficiency.

    Evolved exterior and interior design

    Elegance and Advance grades feature a new, more defined grille design as well as a darker headlight insert. More sculpted bumpers front and rear are complimented by textured lower sections to give the Jazz a more purposeful appearance. Revised colours for the Advance’s alloy wheel design rounds out the exterior changes for Jazz.

    The Jazz Crosstar also features several exterior revisions that heighten its tougher, more adventurous appearance. The more defined grille features a pronounced honeycomb design and is paired with revised bumpers, which feature silver inserts designed to look like underbody protection, and new, matching side skirts. Rounding out the revisions are a new finish for the alloy wheels, and the introduction of a new exterior colour: Fjord Mist blue.

    Inside, Elegance and Advance grades feature revisions to the colour, material and finish choices, whilst the Crosstar’s interior features new seat upholstery as well as revisions to the dash and door cards along with a new trim finish for the dashboard, centre console, and minimalist two-spoke steering wheel.

    All-new Advance Sport grade

    The new stand-out Advance Sport grade – available in a new exclusive paint finish, Urban Grey – incorporates a unique finish to the front bumper design, a sporty lattice grille as well as gloss black wing mirrors and unique 16” alloy wheels to broaden the appeal of the Jazz e:HEV.

    Inside, the Advance Sport benefits from grade-specific enhancements that increase the premium sporty feel of the latest Jazz e:HEV. The seats are finished in a unique combination upholstery of black synthetic suede and grey synthetic leather whilst a new three spoke wheel, central armrest and door cards are detailed with a contrasting yellow stitch.

    Increased e:HEV hybrid performance

    The refreshed Jazz e:HEV retains Honda’s responsive and highly efficient advanced hybrid technology. The latest generation e:HEV powertrain comprises two electric motors, an economical petrol engine, automatic transmission and three intelligent driving modes to deliver high levels of real-world efficiency and refinement.

    Revisions to all aspects of the e:HEV system have seen efficiency, driveability and output increased. The electric drive motor has seen a 10 kW (14 PS) increase, taking its total output to 90 kW (122 PS), and the generator motor has also seen an 8 kW increase in power, taking it to a peak of 78 kW (106 PS). The 1.5-litre port-injection petrol engine has gained 7 kW to now produce a maximum of 79 kW (107 PS). Torque remains at 131 Nm.  Honda’s fuel-efficient hybrid system produces CO2 emission from 102g/km, with the Advance Sport grade from 105 g/KM.

    Honda’s automatic transmission in the Jazz e:HEV has also been revised to improve smoothness and driveability to deliver a more engaging driving experience. Crosstar, Elegance and Advance grades feature a new acceleration response concept to increase the sensory feeling of acceleration. To further differentiate the Advance Sport from the rest of the range, the throttle pedal map has been revised to deliver increased driving power and improve response characteristics. In addition, the linear shift control has been revised to give the petrol engine a new, higher shift point of 6,300rpm.

    To capitalize on the powertrain revisions, the Advance Sport benefits from several changes to its suspension set-up. The front spring rate has been decreased by 8% – with the rear increased by 20%. This revised front to rear stiffness balance has reduced longitudinal forces for a more focused, dynamic drive. New stiffer dampers have also been added for increased traction and cornering speed.

    Introduction of towing capacity

    Following customer feedback, the requirement for towing ability has been added, making the Jazz e:HEV even more versatile. All models can tow a competitive 500kg, accommodating small trailers or  bike carriers.

    Clever packaging retains unrivalled space

    New Jazz retains class-leading levels of interior space that have proven to be the hallmark of previous generations. Key to maximising cabin room is the positioning of the fuel tank in the centre of the chassis beneath the front seats, which is unique in this class.

    This enables the Jazz to retain the exceptionally versatile rear Magic Seats that offer both “fold-flat” or “flip-up” seat flexibility, depending on cargo space required.

    Honda SENSING provides comprehensive safety package

    To complete the strong package of the new Jazz, Honda provides some of the most comprehensive advanced safety features and driver aids in its class.

    Utilizing a wider angle, higher-definition camera enables improved awareness of vehicle surroundings, including recognition of verges without kerbs or roadside markings, whilst the active safety systems have been revised to reduce their intrusion on everyday driving.

    The Traffic Jam Assist function, now upgraded to feature steering support from 0 km/h, reduces the burden on the driver when driving in traffic and heightens its already impressive crash protection.

    These advanced driver assistance systems compliment the standard ten airbags, including front occupant knee and front centre airbags. The latest Jazz and Jazz Crosstar will carry the same active safety technologies and driver aids that were awarded the maximum five-star rating in 2020 Euro NCAP safety tests.

    Sales of the new Honda Jazz and Jazz Crosstar for European markets are set to start early 2023.

     

  • Suzuki eVX Concept

    World premiere of Suzuki’s EV concept model eVX has been made at the Maruti Suzuki Pavilion at Auto Expo 2023, which is held in the suburbs of Delhi, India from 11 January 2023.

    The eVX is an all-electric concept SUV derived out of Suzuki’s first global strategic EV. It is scheduled to be introduced to the market by 2025. Suzuki offers SUV models such as the Grand Vitara and S-CROSS in various countries around the world. The eVX is a BEV model that combines Suzuki’s strong 4×4 DNA with the advanced features of the latest BEVs. The exterior is designed to be instantly recognizable as a Suzuki SUV. In addition, it aims to carry forward the brand’s 4×4 legacy into the new electric era to deliver a true Suzuki SUV driving experience.

    In a press briefing at Auto Expo 2023, President Suzuki said, “I am delighted to unveil the eVX, our first global strategic EV. At the Suzuki Group, addressing global warming is a priority. We are promoting a range of global measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Suzuki will continue providing valuable products to our customers around the world by optimizing them for the way different people live and drive.”

    Specifications

    Overall Length 4,300mm x Width 1,800mm x Height 1,600mm
    Battery capacity: 60kWh
    Range: 550km (measured in modified Indian driving cycle (MIDC))

  • Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Motorsport Collectors Edition

    To mark the end of the 2022 Formula 1 season, Mercedes-AMG is presenting a special model of the SL 63 (combined fuel consumption: 13.2–12.8 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 300‑291 g/km)1. It reflects the look of the Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E PERFORMANCE racing car. The colour graduation from high-tech silver metallic to obsidian black metallic is inspired by the model from the top class of motorsport. The same is true of the star pattern on the vehicle flanks and the PETRONAS-coloured contrasts: these can be found on the front apron, side sill panels and rear diffuser. Added to this are 21-inch AMG 10-twin-spoke forged wheels in a matt black finish with PETRONAS-coloured rim flanges. The electric soft top is in black.

    The AMG Aerodynamics package not only dramatises the appearance: larger flics on the front and rear apron, the larger rear diffuser and the active profile in the underbody improve the aerodynamic properties. The same applies to the downforce and aerodynamic drag. This all brings advantages for the driving characteristics at high speeds and for improved efficiency.

    The AMG Night package and the AMG Night package II enhance the visual appearance of the “Motorsport Collectors Edition”. With the AMG Night package, selected exterior features are finished in high‑gloss black: the front splitter, side sill panels, mirror caps and the decorative trim in the rear diffuser. Added to this are darkened exhaust tailpipes. The AMG Night package II adds further features in black chrome, including the radiator grille, typography and Mercedes star at the rear. In addition, the interior components of the headlamps and rear lights are darkened. The brake callipers of the AMG high-performance composite brake system are also painted black. The AMG fuel filler cap in silver chrome with “AMG” lettering also emphasises the special status of the edition.

    The standard AMG Performance seats are available with two upholsteries: in black nappa leather/MICROCUT microfibre with red topstitching and embossed AMG emblem in the head restraints, or in black nappa leather/MICROCUT microfibre with yellow topstitching and embossed AMG emblem in the head restraints. The AMG carbon-fibre trim harmonises with the heated AMG Performance steering wheel with carbon-fibre rim.

    The Burmester® high end 3D surround sound system, ambient lighting, the MBUX Interior Assistant, the Driving Assistance package and the head-up display are included as standard in this very extensively equipped special model. AMG TRACK PACE provides support with a wide range of data when driving on the racetrack. The Load Compartment package increases everyday practicality, while the illuminated AMG door sill panels welcome passengers with the AMG logo.

    To protect the valuable edition model it is equipped with GUARD 360o. In addition, every customer receives a customised AMG indoor car cover with logo. With its breathable outer skin made of tear-resistant synthetic fabric and an anti-static inner lining of woven flannel, this protects the vehicle from dust and scratches in the garage.

  • BMW i Vision Dee Concept

    The BMW Group is sharing its vision of the future digital experience, both inside and outside the vehicle, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023 in Las Vegas. BMW i Vision Dee is the futuristic mid-size sedan with a new and pared-down design language. The name “Dee” stands for Digital Emotional Experience – and that is precisely its aim: to create an even stronger bond between people and their cars going forward. Future digital functions will go far beyond the level of voice control and driver assistance systems we are familiar with today. The BMW Head-Up-Display extends across the full width of the windscreen, providing a glimpse of the next vehicle generation. From 2025 onwards, this innovation will be available in the models of the NEUE KLASSE. The BMW Group has also refined its use of colour-change technology. Having unveiled the BMW iX Flow Featuring E Ink, with the ability to change from black to white, at the last CES, BMW i Vision Dee can now curate its exterior in up to 32 colours.

    “With the BMW i Vision Dee, we are showcasing what is possible when hardware and software merge. In this way, we are able to exploit the full potential of digitalisation to transform the car into an intelligent companion. That is the future for automotive manufacturers – and, also, for BMW: the fusion of the virtual experience with genuine driving pleasure,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW

    AG. “At the same time, BMW i Vision Dee is another step on the road to the NEUE KLASSE. With this vision, we are looking far into the future and underlining the tremendous importance of digitalisation for our upcoming product generations.”

    With its intelligent, almost human capabilities, BMW i Vision Dee accompanies drivers not only through real-life situations on the roads, but also in their digital environment.

    “A BMW lives by its unparalleled digital performance. BMW i Vision Dee is about perfect integration of virtual and physical experiences,” said Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “Whoever excels at integrating the customer’s everyday digital worlds into the vehicle at all levels will succeed in mastering the future of car-building.”

    BMW Mixed Reality Slider: into the virtual world in five steps

    The BMW Mixed Reality Slider, in combination with the advanced Head-up Display, is the digital highlight and central operating control of BMW i Vision Dee. Using shy-tech sensors on the instrument panel, drivers can decide for themselves how much digital content they want to see on the advanced Head-Up Display. The five-step selection ranges from analogue, to driving-related information, to the contents of the communications system, to augmented-reality projection, right up to entry into virtual worlds. In parallel, dimmable windows can also be used to gradually fade out reality. Mixed reality can be experienced in BMW i Vision Dee in an immersive way that engages different senses without requiring any additional tools, creating a new dimension of driving pleasure for the user.

    Advanced BMW Head-Up-Display: in NEUE KLASSE from 2025

    The BMW Group is known in the automotive sector as a trailblazer for the Head-Up-Display and has systematically refined this technology over the past two decades. In BMW i Vision Dee, projection across the entire width of the windscreen allows information to be displayed on the largest possible surface – which only becomes recognisable as a display once it is activated. In this way, the BMW Group demonstrates the huge potential of projection technology and BMW i Vision Dee visualises how a advanced Head-Up-Display could also be utilised in the future for the display and operating concept. The standard-production version of the BMW Head-up-

    Display extending across the full width of the windscreen will be used in the models of the NEUE KLASSE from 2025 onwards.

    Welcome scenario with voice and phygital icons

    The digital experience already begins outside the vehicle, with a personalised welcome scenario that combines graphical elements, light and sound effects. Natural language serves as the simplest, most intuitive form of interaction, enabling perfect understanding between humans and their vehicles. The headlights and the closed BMW kidney grille also form a common phygital (fusion of physical and digital) icon on a uniform surface, allowing the vehicle to produce different facial expressions. This means BMW i Vision Dee can talk to people and, at the same time, express moods such as joy, astonishment or approval visually. BMW i Vision Dee can also project an image of the driver’s avatar onto the side window to further personalise the welcome scenario.

     

    World premiere for full-colour E Ink technology

    Following the spectacular debut of the BMW iX Flow Featuring E Ink at CES 2022, the BMW Group is now unveiling a full-colour version of the E Ink technology in BMW i Vision Dee that will be used as the outer skin of the vehicle for the first time worldwide.

    BMW i Vision Dee, rather than simply alternating between black and white, now showcases a multi-coloured, fully variable and individually configurable exterior. An ePaper film from the BMW Group’s cooperation partner, E Ink, is applied to the body to create this magical display of colour. Up to 32 colours can be displayed.

    The body surface of the BMW i Vision Dee is divided into 240 E Ink segments, each of which is controlled individually. This allows an almost infinite variety of patterns to be generated and varied within seconds. The laser cutting process used to trim the films and the electronic control design were developed in partnership with E Ink. The adaptation of this technology for curved surfaces and the programming of the animations were developed by BMW Group’s in-house engineers – enabling a form of customisation that is unique throught the automotive sector worldwide.

    Reductive design – inside and out

    The design of BMW i Vision Dee has been deliberately pared down to focus attention on the digital experience and the DNA of the BMW brand. The exterior is defined by the classic three-box sedan design that forms the core of the BMW brand. Traditional design elements, like the BMW kidney grille, twin circular headlights and the Hofmeister kink, are reimagined, with phygital icons replacing analogue elements. This gives BMW i Vision Dee its own digital, but human, character.

    Inside, digitalisation goes hand in hand with reductive use of materials, operating controls and displays to ensure nothing distracts from the digital experience and the new feeling of enhanced driving pleasure. The unconventional design of the steering wheel, with its central vertical spoke, creates touchpoints that come to life when approached or touched and can be operated by moving the thumb. These phygital touchpoints control selection of the content projected onto the windscreen and, together with the Head-Up Display, thus support the principle of “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road”.

    “With BMW i Vision Dee, we are showing how the car can be seamlessly integrated into your digital life and become a trusty companion. The vehicle itself becomes your portal to the digital world – with the driver always in control,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. “Implemented the right way, technology will create worthwhile experiences, make you a better driver and simply bring humans and machines closer together.”

    Another milestone on the road to the NEUE KLASSE

    The future of the BMW Group is electric, circular and digital. BMW i Vision Dee represents the digital aspect of this trio and will be another milestone on the road to the next vehicle generation, the NEUE KLASSE. The BMW Group will provide further insights and glimpses of the revolutionary vehicle concept of the NEUE KLASSE over the course of 2023.

  • Peugeot Inception Concept

    Peugeot has unveiled the INCEPTION CONCEPT, heralding a new era for the brand and embodying its vision for future electric vehicles.

    Featuring a revolutionary exterior and interior design, including the next-generation Peugeot i-Cockpit® and innovative Hypersquare control system with steer-by-wire technology, the INCEPTION CONCEPT will inspire Peugeot’s future products from 2025, with the goal of bringing most of its innovations to production.

    Based on the STLA Large platform, the fully electric INCEPTION CONCEPT is powered by a 100kWh battery providing a range of 497 miles. With two electric motors, the INCEPTION CONCEPT produces almost 680hp and accelerates from 0-62mph in under three seconds. The model also features 800V technology, enabling it to add 93 miles of range in just five minutes, and is capable of wireless induction charging.

    Linda Jackson, CEO of the Peugeot brand, said: “Peugeot is committed to the electrification of its range. In 2023, our entire line-up will be electrified and in the next two years, five new 100% electric models will be launched. Our ambition is simple: to make Peugeot the leading electric brand in Europe by 2030. This objective and ambitious vision pave the way for a radical transformation for the brand, as represented by the INCEPTION CONCEPT.”

    Design

    The Peugeot INCEPTION CONCEPT introduces a new, simpler and more refined design language for the brand, which will be introduced on future models from 2025. At the front, it features an all-new light signature incorporating Peugeot distinctive claw design, which is merged with the front grille to create a single object that also houses the sensors. This is made up of a single piece of glass with the logo in the centre, magnified by the 3D luminescent effect.

    A TECH BAR runs horizontally through the door layer. This flush screen emits different messages to the outside of the car when the driver and passengers approach it. The artificial intelligence equipped on the Peugeot INCEPTION CONCEPT makes it possible to recognise the driver in order to set up the comfort settings (seat posture, temperature, driving mode and multimedia preferences) desired by each occupant. In addition, the TECH BAR also displays the battery charge level and houses many sensors and radars, leaving the bodywork completely smooth.

    The INCEPTION CONCEPT’s bold design incorporates 7.25m2 of glazing to create a glass capsule for the passenger compartment that plunges to the driver and front passenger’s feet. All the glazing (windscreen, side windows and quarter windows) is made from glass designed for architecture. Adapted to the Peugeot INCEPTION CONCEPT, it retains its exceptional thermal qualities and benefits from a multi-chrome treatment (treatment with metal oxides), a process initially used for the visors of astronauts’ helmets by NASA.

    Completing the car’s unique design is an exclusive body colour, which highlights the shapes in the bodywork and interacts, like the glazing, by tinting according to the external environment. The paint is single-coated, meaning far less energy is consumed during its application.

    ‘BEV-by-design’ platform

    The INCEPTION CONCEPT has been given the silhouette of a low (1.34m) and efficient saloon and is 5m in length. It is based on the STLA Large platform, one of four future Stellantis Group “BEV-by-design” platforms. The arrival of this new range of platforms from 2023 will revolutionise the Peugeots of tomorrow. Specifically created for electrification, they offer major differences in terms of architecture which enabled designers to completely reshape the Peugeot INCEPTION CONCEPT’s passenger compartment.

    The new “BEV-by-design” native electric platforms will also introduce technological modules powered by artificial intelligence: STLA Brain, STLA SmartCockpit and STLA AutoDrive. Like the INCEPTION CONCEPT, future Peugeot models will be equipped with STLA Brain artificial intelligence and will be fully connected.

    Powertrain

    The 100% electric Peugeot INCEPTION CONCEPT is equipped with 800V technology. Its 100kWh battery enables it to travel 497 miles on a single charge, with extremely low consumption of just 12.5kWh per 100 km. The INCEPTION CONCEPT is capable of adding 19 miles of range in one minute, or 93 miles in five minutes, and can also be recharged wirelessly by induction.

    Two compact electric motors, one at the front, the other at the rear, make the Peugeot INCEPTION CONCEPT a four-wheel drive vehicle. The combined power is close to 680hp (500kW), enabling it to accelerate from 0-62mph in under three seconds.

    Next-generation i-Cockpit®

    With its new Hypersquare control system, the Peugeot INCEPTION CONCEPT offers an agile driving experience and an all-new, more intuitive i-Cockpit®. Inspired by video games, the Hypersquare control system does away with the conventional steering wheel in favour of digital electric controls and steer-by-wire technology.

    The centre of the Hypersquare is a tablet-type screen dedicated to the distribution of control information. The pictograms for the different features (air conditioning, radio volume, ADAS etc.) are displayed on the two side panels to facilitate access to the chosen control. The latter is located inside the circular recesses and can be accessed by moving the thumb only, without taking your hands off the steering control.

    The next generation i-Cockpit also includes the Stellantis STLA SmartCockpit technology platform and STLA AutoDrive, enabling Level 4 autonomous driving. When driving is delegated, Hypersquare retracts and a large panoramic screen slides out from the floor to offer a new passenger compartment experience.

    Peugeot’s goal is to introduce the Hypersquare on a next generation vehicle in the range before the end of the decade.

    Interior

    The Peugeot INCEPTION CONCEPT features a minimal cockpit dedicated to the driver alone, which does without a dashboard, crossbar and the bulkhead, providing a completely open view of the road.

    Sustainable ‘moulded textiles’ are also used throughout the interior. Scraps of 100% polyester fabric from the design centre’s prototyping workshops or from suppliers are re-used to make load-bearing or trim parts. The seats are covered with a velvet made from 100% recycled polyester, which extends onto the floor and features 3D patterns to act as a floor mat.

    Electrification strategy

    The Peugeot INCEPTION CONCEPT is a showcase of the new techniques Peugeot will introduce to reduce its carbon footprint by more than 50% by 2030 in Europe and to become fully Carbon Net Zero by 2038.

    Over the next two years, Peugeot will launch five new 100% electric models and by 2030, all Peugeot cars sold in Europe will be electric.

  • Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept

    The Ram Truck brand introduced a visionary road map today at CES 2023 with its Ram 1500 Revolution Battery-electric Vehicle (BEV) Concept, which provides a glimpse into the future and demonstrates how the industry’s leading truck brand will once again redefine the pickup truck segment. The leading-edge Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept showcases a truckload of innovative features that will be seen in future Ram trucks and in particular on Ram’s electrification journey.

    Ram will differentiate itself by offering a portfolio of fully electrified solutions to better meet customer needs, including a segment-redefining Ram 1500 BEV in 2024. The entire Ram lineup will offer electrified solutions with disruptive, leading-edge advanced technology in the years to come. The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept establishes how Ram will push past competitors’ future EV offerings.

    “The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept is our clearest signal yet that we’re on the precipice of something extraordinary at Ram and points directly to where we’re going on our electrified journey,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram brand CEO – Stellantis. “At Ram, we’ve redefined what pickup trucks can be, and we will do so again by pushing past what competitors are offering by delivering the best electric pickups on the market.”

    The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept is part of Ram’s significant contribution to Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan to lead the way the world moves by delivering innovative, clean, safe and affordable mobility solutions.

    “The Ram Revolution represents several important things to the Ram brand,” Koval added. “Of course, it’s our new Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept that serves as a roadmap to our electrified future. Yet Ram Revolution is also our philosophy as we redefine the pickup segment, with a steady drumbeat of announcements and initiatives as we embark on our electrified journey.”

    Ram is committed to innovation and powertrain leadership with a lineup that consists of anything and everything truck buyers want and need, meeting real-world demands. Today, Ram offers the most fuel-efficient 4x4s and the quickest, fastest and most powerful pickup truck straight from the factory.

    Ram will once again redefine the pickup truck segment with its revolutionary Ram 1500 BEV production model in 2024. It will be the leader in a combination of areas customers care about the most: range, towing, payload and charge time. More news on the production version will be available in the coming months.

    Pioneering design establishes the vision for Ram’s electrified future

    The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept provides a stunning vision of the ultimate pickup truck as part of the future of Ram trucks. Ram’s exterior design team set out to revolutionize the pickup truck segment by creating an ultra-modern concept that exudes heroic strength, maintains its purpose and is environmentally responsible.

    The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept features an exterior design that is strikingly “brutiful” – brutal yet beautiful. An animated and modernized “R-A-M” badge adorns the all-new face of Ram, which features a fully animated LED “tuning fork” design. The doors have been reimagined in a grand saloon-style opening that showcases a cavernous occupant space without a B-pillar. Bright LED lights have been cleverly integrated into the front bumper flares and advancements in lighting are highlighted by fully animated LED taillamps and badging. Building on Ram’s reputation as North America’s off-road and performance truck leader, the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept features an integrated fascia design with a skid plate and new pivoting tow hooks that can sit flush.

    Innovative features are thoughtfully integrated throughout and include a new powered frunk with one-touch open-and-close functionality that adds capability and storage. Other powered features, including a powered charge-port door situated on the driver’s side front quarter panel, a powered tailgate, flush-mounted door handles, powered side steps and a powered rear step with active diffuser, round out the extensive list of powered features.

    The concept features revolutionary side-view mirrors that are smaller, more lightweight and use 3D printed materials for optimal aerodynamics and reduced drag. The side-view mirrors use a digital camera to capture the truck’s surroundings, allowing for a smaller physical size.

    The charge port illuminates and blinks while charging. An audible sound will signal it’s plugged in and charging has begun. The charge port features Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging on the top half and DC fast charging on the bottom half of the charger.

    Recognizable Ram design cues with added capability include a power multifunction tailgate and a larger RamBox. The acute hourglass body design and fender wells clear 35-inch tires with a new unique design. The 1500 Revolution BEV Concept features self-leveling capability and rides on 24-inch wheels with center caps that light up and stay in place.

    These new proportions are achieved courtesy of the innovative STLA Frame EV platform on which the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept is built. New intelligent safety systems and smaller, more powerful electric motors afforded the design team the ability to shift the cabin forward and increase cabin length. The 1500 Revolution BEV Concept features a cabin that is four inches longer than today’s production truck for increased room and comfort while the bed length remains the same.

    New interior boasts sustainable materials with never-before-seen levels of flexibility, comfort and innovation

    Known as a “one space environment,” the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept uses one continuous space front to back that enables several different interior configurations. The “one space environment” theme is bolstered by a new interior layout that offers even more flexibility with room to configure a workspace or for your next adventure.

    A significantly more spacious interior and greater cabin length are the result of a new architecture while the battery’s size allows for more cargo volume. Ram Track, Ram’s rail attachment/floor track system, provides cabin flexibility for the seats and console, as well as usable tie-downs or other storage potential. Ram Track is also incorporated in the frunk, as well as the bed, allowing for true flexibility from front to back.

    Nearly 50 years ago, the club cab was introduced with second-row seating. Half a century later, Ram continues to build on these industry-shaping features with the 1500 BEV Concept ushering in a new feature: third-row jump seats. The powered mid-gate features mounted jump seats with a removable lower section for placement in the bed or outside the vehicle. The mid-gate with powered glass enables a pass-through (and into the frunk) that can fit objects up to 18-ft. long with the tailgate closed.

    Seating and console flexibility was a focus with the center console’s ability to be removed for even more space. If desired, the center console armrest individually converts to a workstation surface. Combined with mid-gate and jump-seat options, the 1500 Revolution BEV Concept offers multiple flexible seating configurations. Lightweight seats feature integrated seatbelts, grab handles and speakers with the ability to fold flat along with extended recline, work, conference modes and deploying the jump seats. Vastly more interior volume benefits second-row and third-row jump seat passengers who enjoy limo-like space.

    The “tuning fork” design is present inside the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept, stretching the length of the dashboard and continuing a theme line to the mid-gate. A full touchscreen display comprised of two screens offers up to 28 inches of screen space as the centerpiece of an interior loaded with advanced technology. The lower display has three different positions depending on the task at hand – minimal view, extended view and full screen view – and can be removed and used in different areas of the truck. The upper screen can also slide on the Ram rail attachment system.

    The rearview mirror combines leading-edge technology to improve safety and convenience. Significantly smaller than traditional truck mirrors without compromising effectiveness, the rearview mirror is packed with a range of sophisticated technologies, including a smart backup camera with 360-degree views, speakers, and receivers compatible with voice assistants, such as Alexa and Siri.

    When in reverse, the camera stitches together images from various other cameras around the truck, providing the driver with a 360-degree view on the interior digital screens. This allows the driver to see their surroundings with greater clarity, helping to avoid accidents and improve safety, especially when backing up to a trailer. The mirror also includes a supplementary backup flood lamp that provides additional visibility when reversing the truck, which is especially useful in low light conditions. In addition to the backup camera, the rearview mirror also communicates with biometric cameras that observe the truck’s environment as it approaches objects and as it’s being approached.

    Digital side-view mirrors and augmented reality (AR) head-up display (HUD) highlight the onboard advanced technology.

    A flat-top and bottom collapsible steering wheel offers enhanced hand grips with capacitive controls, digital screens and a lit “RAM” badge. Tactile swiping technology enables occupants to configure the sun visors or the entire electro-chromatic roof with the ability to adjust the opaqueness. The full glass roof with electro-chromatic panels and integrated roof rails features ambient lightning that’s operated through the overhead console.

    Sustainability was a key focus during development of the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept with unique and resourceful materials seen throughout the interior as a result. Examples include Greyslate Nanostone veneer that is resilient and lightweight and Apple leather, a bi-product from the apple industry that is naturally animal and cruelty free. The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept also features a uniquely textured floor that is composed of recycled rubber and cork particles that enhance durability and functionality.

    Ram’s design team wanted to showcase ideas that deliver every passenger an individualized and personalized experience that seamlessly connects them with their digital lives, as well as the other passengers. Artificial intelligence and the autonomy to enable users to work and play from anywhere were also focal points.

    Redefining pickup truck ownership again with leading-edge technology, connectivity and convenience

    The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept provides a glimpse into leading-edge technology, a fully connected customer experience, and advanced mobility features that deliver confidence for hardworking people every day, no matter their line of work.

    The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept delivers seamless connectivity to transform the experience for the driver and passengers. The concept creates a connected hub that brings a consumer’s digital lifestyle into the vehicle, using advanced technology to create a customized space for each occupant.

    Some unique technology features on the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept include:

    • Vehicle Personal Assistant – Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered virtual assistant that enhances in-vehicle and exterior interaction with users. A 3D Ram avatar acts as the vehicle’s face, responding to various voice commands from users. Additionally, voice control enables the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept to follow commands from the owner while they’re outside the vehicle, such as close the windows, play music, take a picture, and “follow me” with Shadow Mode
      • Shadow Mode – Allows the vehicle to automatically follow driver walking ahead of the vehicle. This voice-activated feature can be useful in situations where the driver needs to move a short distance and doesn’t want to get back in the truck, such as when picking up tools or equipment from a job site. The truck will follow the driver at a safe distance, using sensors and camera technology to navigate around obstacles. This innovation increases efficiency, making the job easier and more convenient
    • My Day – Intelligent trip planning based on users’ schedules and preferences to provide suggestions at right time and right location
    • Cabin Mode – Cabin Modes are “one button” settings that adjust multiple aspects of the cabin experience at once, based on the use case. They include options such as Productivity Mode, Social Mode, Party Mode, Relax Mode and user-created modes. Adjustments include interior lighting, seat position and orientation, window and skylight opacity, vehicle suspension, sound zones and display content
    • Advanced Augmented Reality (AR) Heads-up Display (HUD) – This feature combines AR HUD and advanced camera and sensor technology to provide enhanced driving assistance. See-through vision uses camera and sensor technology to create an experience that allows the driver to see objects outside of their normal view on the AR HUD. The AR HUD can also display information
    • Intelligent storage app – Mobile application that helps users measure objects to determine if they can be transported with their vehicle. To obtain an object’s dimensions, users can scan the product’s barcode or use a built-in AR camera measuring tool. The mobile app will show users how the object can best be positioned in their vehicle, and internal and external cabin projectors assist by displaying guides on the target storage location
    • Adjustable and removable lower display – Used as a tablet, passenger display, truck bed workstation, vehicle control or video game controller, the two 14.2-inch displays can be combined to provide a larger viewing area
    • Smart Home Control – User can control their smart home from the infotainment screen, adjusting devices such as lights, cameras, thermostats and sound systems
    • Advanced camera and sensor system – Multiple cameras and sensors works together to enhance the driving experience and provide additional functions, such as 3D capture, biometric identity recognition, and 360 photo and video capture
    • Exterior projector – Multiple built-in projectors provide an efficient way to visually communicate information to the user. The projectors also double as a mobile movie theater, allowing the owner to have movie night anytime, anywhere
    • Autonomous capabilities – In Level 3+ autonomous mode, the vehicle retracts the steering wheel to provide additional space for the driver. Interior lights, the AR HUD, smarts seats and the steering wheel work together to provide next-level situational awareness to the driver

    Battery-electric power unlocks new levels of capability and performance

    The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept features all-wheel-drive capability and is powered by two electric drive module (EDMs), which are positioned toward the front and rear of the vehicle, maximizing interior space and enabling the cavernous frunk. Designed to accommodate larger capacity EDMs, the Ram 1500 BEV Concept offers the potential for future high-performance applications.

    The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept can add up to 100 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes with 800-volt DC fast charging at up to 350 kW.

    As part of the Ram brand’s focus on providing consumers a growing and vast array of leading-edge advanced technology, Ram is showcasing a new inductive robot charger – or Ram Charger – at CES 2023, that will make home charging as easy as possible. It detects the vehicle’s presence and its charging needs, and automatically moves into position and aligns itself under the vehicle. Smart-charge capability will allow charging during off-peak time, providing more convenience and peace-of-mind for our customers.

    The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept features four-wheel steering with up to 15 degrees of articulation and is designed to offer greater vehicle maneuverability while parking at low speed, on tight off-road trails, and increases the vehicle’s steering response at high speeds.

    Based on the company’s STLA Frame platform, the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept features a body-on-frame design that incorporates the battery pack efficiently.

    Adjustable air suspension enables three different modes: ingress/egress, aero, off-road.

  • Bugatti Chiron Profilee

    The Bugatti Chiron Profilée is an automotive solitaire. A one-of-a-kind member of the Chiron line-up envisioned as a less radical interpretation of the Pur Sport, it is unique in character, in design and in its details. With all build slots for the Chiron spoken for, the auction of the Profilée in Paris on 1 February 2023 is the sole opportunity to acquire one of the final W16-powered Bugatti creations directly from the Molsheim Atelier.

    With the reveal of the Chiron Pur Sport in 2020, the world was shown the most extreme personality of the Chiron family yet. With a six-foot-wide fixed rear wing, shorter gear ratios, advanced magnesium wheels and a raft of other innovations, the Pur Sport was designed for corners. It would sell out quickly, but some customers had asked if a Chiron model could be made that would integrate aspects of its character, while maintaining the timeless elegance of models like the Chiron or the Chiron Sport. It was here that the Chiron Profilée was born.

    Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, said: “Taking customer wishes to explore a less radical version of the Pur Sport seriously into consideration, we started with the design and development of the Chiron Profilée in Autumn 2020. By the time we saw the pre-series vehicle coming out of production, all Chiron slots limited to just 500 were assigned for. But we knew that what we had created was too beautiful to be hidden away. It is – in every sense – a unique piece in Bugatti’s history and a true collector’s item. And we wanted to give a fair chance to any devotee of the Bugatti brand to acquire this unique car, so we decided to partner with RM Sotheby’s to auction it.”

    It’s rare for manufacturers to spend the time and effort to bring a car to full production specification when they know only one can ever be produced. But the Profilée has been fully developed, tested and has passed each of the high-quality standards that Bugatti applies to all of its cars, allowing it to acquire a single type of approval for Europe.

    The Profilée is a bespoke design featuring a sweeping fixed tail at the rear, which carries out two crucial functions. Firstly, the wing ensures stability and control right up to the Profilée’s 380 km/h top speed by increasing downforce over the rear axle, and secondly, it uses negative pressure to suck hot air out of the engine compartment via two interior tunnels in the high-temperature carbon wing. Air flows both over the top of the wing to generate downforce, but also under the wing to draw air from the engine compartment.

    Frank Heyl, Deputy Design Director at Bugatti Automobiles, said: “With the wishes of the customer in mind, we incorporated an elegant, fixed sweeping tail that is both aerodynamically and thermodynamically optimized for the incomparable performance available to the Chiron Profilée’s owner, while keeping the graceful and timeless shape of the original Chiron. The name Profilée takes inspiration from one of Jean Bugatti’s first creations – the Type 46, which also carried that elegant flick in the tail.

    At the front of this unique hyper sports car, the Profilée was given wider air inlets and an enlarged Bugatti horseshoe grille to help funnel more cooling air into the radiators. A revised front splitter works in tandem with a sculpted underbody to further increase downforce and maximize airflow. As with any Bugatti, the mastery of airflow for both cooling, drag reduction and downforce is fundamental in delivering the extraordinary performance that has become a hallmark of modern Bugatti cars.

    In character, the Profilée maintains much of the purity of the Pur Sport; designed for lateral grip and ultimate acceleration. It is powered by the same 1,500 PS development of the Bugatti W16 engine, with 15 per cent shorter transmission ratios than the Chiron Sport. The Profilée accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.3 seconds and up to 200 km/h in 5.5 seconds. It has a top speed of 380 km/h compared with the Chiron Pur Sport’s 350 km/h.

    Chassis tuning includes a change in the camber angles of the wheels on the front and rear axles and harder springs with a front-heavy balance. The springs are ten per cent stiffer compared with the Chiron Sport and the rear axle carries 50 per cent more negative camber, offering improved grip in bends, without forfeiting any driving comfort. It is a blend of the best characteristics of the Pur Sport with a beautiful, elegant design.

    The Profilée is presented in a primary color of Argent Atlantique, exclusively developed for this car. No other Chiron model has been configured in this shade. The lower part of the car is finished in exposed carbon fiber, tinted in the existing Bugatti color of Bleu Royal Carbon. The wheels are – again – unique, especially designed, manufactured and tested for the Profilée, and finished in a shade of Le Patron, created to match the carbon tint of the lower half of the body. Polished aluminum elements reflect the famous shape of the Bugatti horseshoe grille.

    The interior of the Profilée is familiar to Chiron owners, finished by hand at Bugatti’s Atelier in Molsheim. Designed around authentic and high-quality materials, such as leather, carbon or solid aluminum, each component is worked and refined by hand for hours. The design itself follows a philosophy of defined minimalism, reducing each component to its simplest and most beautiful form.

    However, the Profilée becomes the first Chiron fitted with a woven leather finish in the interior, applied to the dashboard, door panels and center console. In total, more than 2,500 meters of leather strips are used to create this complex and beautiful finish. The Profilée is equipped with comfort seats finished in Gris Rafale and Deep Blue leather, featuring the quilting pattern, ‘air parade’. A black anodized frame inlay in the center console features the Profilée signature; one final unique touch applied to this special creation.

  • 2023 Radical SR3 XXR

    2023 Radical SR3 XXR - Front Angle

    Radical Motorsport has recently unveiled its latest model, the SR3 XXR, with an aim to improve its features for better usability, durability, and performance. The prototype-style sports racing car has proven to be successful, and the UK-based motorsport firm intends to enhance its attributes further while keeping the essence of its predecessors. Presently, the SR3 has dominated the majority of the grids in the 12 Radical Cup championships, with an estimated 1,500 units sold globally. The upgraded version of the model has been developed with the objective of providing a more thrilling experience to the drivers with the power to last longer, more agility, and speed.

    One of the significant modifications made is the inclusion of a new engine from in-house Radical Performance Engines, delivering 232 bhp, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of over 350 hp per tonne. The lightweight car, equipped with an all-new 1,500 cc unit, runs on biofuel, making it the first Radical car with this feature. Moreover, the SR3 XXR has been designed to be more agile on tracks, especially in pit lane stages, saving valuable time without penalizing speeding with the inclusion of a new pit limiter. The LMP-inspired central tail ‘shark fin’ also provides remarkable aerodynamic improvements to mid-corner stability. The car’s durability and aerodynamics on the track are expected to improve significantly, with the addition of carbon fibre splitter and rear diffuser as an option.

    Radical SR3 XXR (2023) - Side

    The CEO of Radical Motorsport, Joe Anwyll, stated that they make racers, a fact that can be confirmed by the new SR3 XXR. The vehicle was developed with valuable inputs from dealer partners, current and previous customers, and listening to their experiences. Listening to their feedback, the company included a pit limiter that eliminates the chance of being punished for speeding through the pit lane and a new cooling setup that reduces warmup time.

    The engineers at Radical Motorsport utilized their new technical partnership for the SR3 XXR with AP Racing, which has contributed to an upgraded braking system for improved performance through a reduction in unsprung mass and improved pedal feel. The Radical Cup UK Champion, James Pinkerton, stated that the SR3’s handling is renowned as a masterpiece, and the team took the approach of evolutionary improvements across multiple areas. The team scrutinized every system to see where improvements could be made, while staying true to the SR3 formula, incorporating the Generation 5 RPE engine, which is undoubtedly the star of the show. Additionally, the sidepod profile from the SR10 was carried over to improve airflow and reduce turbulent drag.

    Radical SR3 XXR 2023 - Rear Angle

  • Mini Cooper S Convertible Seaside Edition

    To mark the 30th anniversary of the Convertible, MINI has launched a brand-new MINI Convertible Seaside Edition, including 18” Pulse Spoke two-tone wheels, edition exclusive Caribbean Aqua exterior paint and unique graphics.

    The Seaside Edition is offered with a Cooper S petrol engine (combined fuel consumption: 6.9 – 6.5 l/62 miles; combined CO2 emissions: 157 – 148 g/km according to WLTP), providing a 2.0-litre, 131 kW/178 hp power unit with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology and offering acceleration from 0-62mph in just 7.2 seconds.

    With first deliveries from March 2023, the Seaside Edition features double decorative stripes in white running across the side doors to the rear of the vehicle, while a unique 30 motif graphic on the front apron and wheel caps refers to the model’s anniversary. The side scuttle features discreet graphic numbers in light and dark blue, while the rear features exclusive ‘Seaside’ lettering in orange.

    Inside the model, decorative trim stripes can be found on the front dashboard in edition-specific design, along with the ‘30’ graphic badge on the floor mat, steering wheel, and vehicle key.

    The MINI Convertible pairs the inimitable spirit of the original Hatch with the excitement of a soft top, with a fresh exterior look, 8.8” high-resolution, full colour display screen, Premium Plus pack and MINI driving modes.

    The new MINI Convertible Seaside Edition is available to order from retailers nationwide now, priced at £34,500 OTR.