Global News Archives

The New BMW M2 has an Extra 20hp and New Shiny Silver Wheels!

BMW has unveiled the latest updates for its high-performance M2, showcasing significant power enhancements, striking design updates, and innovative new features.

Performance Upgrades

The new BMW M2 now boasts an additional 20hp, bringing the high-revving six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology to an impressive 480hp. The peak torque remains at 550Nm, but this figure rises to 600Nm with the standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. Enhanced accelerator mapping and response in all drive modes enable more rapid reactions. Consequently, the 0 to 100km/h acceleration time is now just 4.0 seconds with the standard transmission and 4.2 seconds with the optional six-speed manual gearbox.

Design Enhancements

M-specific design features geared towards optimising cooling and aerodynamic balance accentuate the car’s aggressive stance. A large horizontal BMW kidney grille and a three-section split lower air intake optimise cooling for the powertrain components and brakes. Model-specific LED headlights positioned towards the outer edges of the front end, featuring single circular units for both low and high beams, pay homage to the classic BMW 02 models. Available options include Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Selective Beam and M lights Shadowline with dark inlays.

The new BMW M2 is fitted as standard with M light-alloy wheels in a double-spoke design with a Jet Black finish, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear. A new addition to the options list includes M light-alloy wheels in a Silver finish, which can be combined with track tyres if the optional M Race Track package is specified.

Interior and Technology

The most important interface between the driver and car, the steering wheel, has been newly designed, bringing a fresh look to the interior. The standard-fitted M leather steering wheel now has a flat-bottomed rim, a red center marker, gearshift paddles, and the two M buttons for selecting individually configured vehicle setups, all contributing to an intense racing car feel. An M Alcantara steering wheel with an optional heating function is also available.

Optional M Sport seats in Vernasca leather now come in a red/black bi-colour variant. Additionally, weight-minimized M Carbon bucket seats, previously only available with the M Race Track package, can now be ordered separately.

The cockpit features a fully digital screen grouping, made up of a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display, running on the latest BMW Operating System 8.5. The functions of the climate control system are now operated digitally, accessible via touch using a special menu option in the lower area of the control display or by voice command through the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

Exterior Paint Options

Customers can order their new BMW M2 in a choice of three solid colours, five metallic shades, and six BMW Individual paint finishes. The expanded range includes the new Sao Paulo Yellow solid, Fire Red metallic, Portimao Blue metallic, and Skyscraper Grey metallic variants. Additionally, the selection of BMW Individual paint finishes for the new BMW M2 now also features Java Green, Voodoo Blue, Grigio Telesto, and Twilight Purple.

BMW’s latest updates ensure the new M2 not only delivers superior performance but also stands out with its bold design and advanced features, reaffirming its position as a leader in the high-performance compact segment.

New Mini Cooper 5 Door Joins the Mini Family with 204hp

A few months after the introduction of the new Mini Cooper 3 Door, the five-door version has been added to the lineup. The Mini Cooper 5 Door promises the brand’s trademark driving enjoyment, additional space, and unique functionality, combining traditional and modern styling with innovative assistance systems.

With dimensions of 4,036mm in length, 1,744mm in width, and 1,464mm in height, the new model maintains a compact footprint while maximising interior space for five passengers. The wheelbase is 72mm longer, and the body is 172mm longer than the 3-door variant, enhancing comfort and space for occupants. The design features short overhangs, clear surfaces, and distinctive accents, giving the car its characteristic Mini charm.

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Apple Unveils Enhanced CarPlay with Deeper Vehicle Integration

Apple has announced significant updates to its CarPlay system, slated for release later this year. The latest iteration will offer automotive manufacturers the opportunity to seamlessly integrate vehicle functionalities into Apple’s software, promising a more immersive and brand-consistent experience.

During the recent World Wide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple elaborated on the design and features of the next-generation CarPlay. The updated system will allow vehicle interior designers to craft custom graphics, logos, and instrument cluster layouts that align with their brand’s identity.

Key enhancements include a host of new applications aimed at expanding vehicle control capabilities within the CarPlay ecosystem. Drivers will now be able to adjust settings such as drive modes and assistance features directly from a dedicated app in CarPlay. The familiar home screen will also be upgraded to include climate control buttons and temperature shortcuts.

Electric vehicle owners will benefit from pop-up notifications providing charge status and remaining charge times. The updated CarPlay will also support integration with rear-facing cameras and other park assist features.

Although an exact release date has not been confirmed, Apple emphasised that the new CarPlay will render content from both iPhones and the vehicle itself, ensuring a seamless display of information across multiple driver screens in modern cars.

The level of vehicle data integrated into CarPlay will vary based on the information automakers are willing to share with Apple. Therefore, the user experience will differ depending on the vehicle brand. Aston Martin and Porsche have already showcased previews of the enhanced CarPlay in their upcoming models, suggesting these brands may be among the first to feature the new system.

Nissan Motor Aims to Cut EV Costs with Innovative Motor Magnet

Nissan Motor is working towards significantly reducing the cost of electric vehicles (EVs) by developing a new motor magnet made from inexpensive materials. This initiative is a part of their strategy to make EV manufacturing costs comparable to petrol vehicles by fiscal year 2030, ending March 2031. Achieving this goal would require a 30% reduction in EV production costs.

The recently developed magnet utilises a samarium-iron rare-earth alloy. Unlike traditional EV motors, which use neodymium magnets enhanced with dysprosium and terbium for heat resistance, Nissan’s magnet eliminates the need for these rare and supply-risk-prone materials. Neodymium and dysprosium primarily come from China, which has previously restricted rare-earth exports to Japan, highlighting a significant supply-chain risk.

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Elon Musk: No Model Y Refresh Expected in 2024

In a recent statement, Tesla CEO Elon Musk declared that the electric vehicle giant would not introduce a refreshed Model Y in 2024, postponing a potential growth catalyst until the following year at the earliest.

Responding to inquiries on his social platform X regarding rumours of an updated Model Y set for release in July, Musk firmly stated, “No Model Y ‘refresh’ is coming out this year.”

Musk emphasised Tesla’s commitment to continual improvement, noting, “I should note that Tesla continuously improves its cars, so even a car that is 6 months newer will be a little better.”

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McLaren’s New Strategy: Embracing SUVs to Drive Financial Recovery

Amidst challenging financial conditions and under fresh ownership and leadership, McLaren, the iconic British supercar maker, is striving to turn around its financial performance. The company recently disclosed significant losses totalling £873 million attributed to slow sales and reduced revenue.

Strategic Shift to Address Financial Challenges

To tackle these financial issues, McLaren is changing its strategy from the one set by its former leadership. The new plan involves entering the more profitable SUV market, a segment already popular among competitors. McLaren’s new CEO, Michael Leiters, has hinted at this shift by referring to the upcoming model as a “shared performance vehicle” (SPV), with a focus on performance.

Leiters explained that to unlock our full potential as a company, they believe there is a second stage. They aim to expand their lineup beyond the segment we currently occupy. They call this ‘shared performance,’ because it allows more people to experience McLaren performance.

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The Legendary Porsche 930 TAG Turbo Returns with Enhanced Performance

One of the most enigmatic cars in Porsche’s storied history is the 930 TAG Turbo. Long shrouded in mystery, the existence of the Formula 1-engined 911 was for decades, considered a mere rumour. However, the legend is real, and now, it’s making a powerful comeback with even more performance than before.

The original Porsche 930 TAG Turbo originated in the 1980s as a result of McLaren’s Formula 1 team collaboration with Porsche. McLaren, seeking to compete with Renault’s potent turbo engines, partnered with Porsche to develop a unique 1.5-litre twin-turbo V6, a departure from Porsche’s typical engine designs. This TAG-funded and branded engine required a test platform, which became the 911 Turbo, thus creating the 930 TAG Turbo.

In recent years, McLaren’s partner, Lanzante, renowned for their Le Mans victory with the F1 GTR, acquired the remaining TAG Turbo engines. They decided to expand the 930 TAG Turbo’s legacy into a limited production run. This newest version, rebranded as the TAG Championship, is set to debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Cosworth, in collaboration with Lanzante, has reworked the Grand Prix-used F1 engines to enhance drivability on the road. The engines now feature new internals, improved cooling systems, and modern titanium turbochargers. The result is a significant power boost from 503hp to 625hp, with the engines capable of revving up to 10,250 rpm. This formidable powertrain is paired with a modified six-speed manual transmission from a Porsche 993, featuring unique gear ratios, enabling the car to exceed a top speed of 321km/h.

The TAG Championship boasts extensive use of carbon fiber in its construction, resulting in a stripped-down interior that includes a roll cage and Recaro bucket seats. These modifications have reduced the car’s dry weight by over 400kg, bringing it down to a mere 920kg, significantly enhancing its performance.

In terms of aesthetics, the TAG Championship pays homage to its racing heritage with styling cues inspired by the McLaren MP4/2. It features wheels and a steering wheel that echo the design of the iconic Formula 1 car, and its livery is modelled after the helmet of Alain Prost, who won the drivers’ championship in 1985.

Only three of these extraordinary cars will be produced, each celebrating one of the three TAG Championship wins. Given their exclusivity and heritage, it’s no surprise that these magnificent machines are likely already spoken for.

Volkswagen Reallocates Funds to ICE Engine Development Amid Continued Commitment to Electrification

Volkswagen has announced a significant shift in its electrification strategy, redirecting a portion of its EV-designated funds towards the development of petrol engines. Arno Antlitz, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, revealed that Volkswagen will allocate approximately $65 billion to ensure its combustion-engine cars remain competitive.

Despite acknowledging that electric vehicles (EVs) represent the future, Antlitz emphasised that traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) technology still has a crucial role. This adjustment marks a departure from Volkswagen’s earlier commitments, including its stated goal to sell EVs in Europe by 2033 exclusively. The company had previously projected that EVs would comprise 80 per cent of its global sales by the end of the decade.

The implications of this strategic shift for Volkswagen’s model lineup in the United States remain uncertain. However, it is anticipated that the U.S. market may see an increase in hybrid models alongside existing petrol-engine vehicles like the GTI. Volkswagen’s ID electric vehicles, particularly the ID.4, have faced lukewarm market reception in the U.S., potentially influencing this reallocation of resources.

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Mini Expands All-Electric Lineup with New Countryman E

Mini is broadening its all-electric vehicle portfolio with the introduction of the new Mini Countryman E. With increased dimensions, the latest Countryman model offers a spacious and family-friendly design. It measures 13cm longer and eight centimetres taller than its predecessor, providing more interior room and enhanced storage capacity. The luggage compartment, with a maximum volume of 1,450 litres, easily accommodates bulky items when the rear seats are folded down. The model’s 202 mm ground clearance ensures a comfortable ride on uneven roads.

Customisable and Stylish Trims

The Mini Countryman E comes in four new vehicle trims, allowing for extensive personalization of both exterior and interior elements. The Favoured Trim highlights brand-typical design features in Vibrant Silver, and buyers can opt for a contrasting roof and mirror caps in the same colour. The model’s clear and streamlined surfaces are accentuated in the striking Blazing Blue shade. Inside, the Favoured Trim includes comfortable sports seats and a newly designed sports steering wheel featuring a textile strap instead of the traditional six o’clock spoke.

Enhanced Performance and Agility

The Countryman E is powered by a 204hp electric motor, delivering 250Nm of torque. This enables the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 170km/h. The continuous acceleration of the electric motor enhances agility, emphasizing Mini’s signature go-kart feel. The vehicle’s battery, with an energy content of 66.45 kWh, supports DC fast charging up to 130 kW, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in just 29 minutes. The model boasts a range of up to 462km in the WLTP test cycle.

Modern and Aerodynamic Design

The new exterior design of the Mini Countryman E accentuates its off-road character. Short overhangs, a short bonnet, and a long wheelbase create a dynamic and agile appearance. The redesigned octagonal front grille and distinctive LED headlamps enhance the vehicle’s modern look. Optional light signatures for the front and rear lights allow for further customization. The slightly curved roof seamlessly connects to the redesigned C-pillar, adding sporty accents, while the distinctive Mini rim designs are available in sizes ranging from 17 to 21 inches.

Spacious and High-Tech Interior

The new Mini Countryman E offers nearly three centimeters of additional width in the shoulder and elbow areas, providing more space and comfort for the driver and passengers. The dashboard features a two-tone textile cover extending into the door panels, while the central round OLED display with a 240 mm diameter and high-quality glass surface controls all infotainment and assistance systems. The new Mini Operating System 9, accessible via touch or voice control, enhances user interaction. The Mini Experience Modes offer an immersive driving experience, and the panoramic glass roof brings natural light into the spacious interior.

Advanced Assistance Systems

The Mini Countryman E includes innovative assistance systems for improved comfort and safety. The optional Driving Assistant Professional enables partially automated Level 2 driving on motorway-like routes, allowing the driver to take hands off the steering wheel at speeds up to 60km/h while remaining alert. This system can identify necessary gaps in traffic for lane changes and adjusts the vehicle’s speed for optimal assisted lane changes.

Mini’s latest offering, the Countryman E, exemplifies the brand’s commitment to combining style, performance, and advanced technology in an all-electric package, making it an ideal choice for families and eco-conscious drivers alike.

China Approves Testing of Level 3 Autonomous Vehicles on Public Roads

In a significant move for the future of autonomous driving, China has granted nine companies the green light to begin testing Level 3 autonomous driving systems on public roads. This approval comes approximately eight months after the Chinese government issued guidelines for the nationwide initiative and started accepting applications from firms interested in testing their self-driving technologies.

The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has confirmed that Nio, BYD, Changan Auto, GAC, SAIC, BAIC BluePark, China FAW Group, SAIC Hongyan, and Yutong Bus have received approval to test their autonomous vehicles on restricted roads. These tests will allow drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel, marking a significant step towards the deployment of Level 3 semi-autonomous vehicles in China.

While Level 3 autonomous vehicles are not yet commercially available in China, these tests are expected to pave the way for the introduction of such systems for individual buyers and fleet operators. Currently, at least 10 car manufacturers in China, including Huawei and Xpeng, sell vehicles equipped with Level 2 systems.

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Global News

The New BMW M2 has an Extra 20hp and New Shiny Silver Wheels!

New Mini Cooper 5 Door Joins the Mini Family with 204hp

Apple Unveils Enhanced CarPlay with Deeper Vehicle Integration

Nissan Motor Aims to Cut EV Costs with Innovative Motor Magnet

Elon Musk: No Model Y Refresh Expected in 2024

McLaren’s New Strategy: Embracing SUVs to Drive Financial Recovery

The Legendary Porsche 930 TAG Turbo Returns with Enhanced Performance

Volkswagen Reallocates Funds to ICE Engine Development Amid Continued Commitment to Electrification

Mini Expands All-Electric Lineup with New Countryman E

Customisable and Stylish Trims

Enhanced Performance and Agility

Modern and Aerodynamic Design

Spacious and High-Tech Interior

Advanced Assistance Systems

China Approves Testing of Level 3 Autonomous Vehicles on Public Roads

Nissan Unveils the 2024 Z Heritage Edition to Celebrate 55 Years of Sports Car Legacy

Suzuki Motor to Develop Self-Driving Minicars for Rural Japan

Mini Countryman D: The Versatile Addition to the Mini Family

Bentley’s Mulliner Unveils Limited-Edition Bentayga SUVs Inspired by Extraordinary Journeys

Elon Musk Teases New Tesla Models Amid Stagnating Sales

Jaguar Concludes F-Type Production with Heritage Collection Addition

The End of an Era: Porsche 718 to Go Fully Electric by 2025

Smart #5: The Production-Ready All-Electric SUV Unveiled with Over 600hp!

Alfa Romeo Unveils Pricing and Specs for First Fully Electric Model, the Junior

BMW Unveils Upgraded 2 Series Coupé: More Power, Enhanced Design, and Digital Innovation

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