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Rolls-Royce Unveils Spectre Semaphore: A Bespoke Masterpiece for Monterey Car Week

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled a truly unique creation, the Spectre Semaphore, a one-of-a-kind bespoke commission set to make its global debut in the US at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, on August 16, 2024, during Monterey Car Week. This exceptional edition of the Rolls-Royce Spectre epitomises the brand’s evolving luxury standards, tailored for its discerning and youthful clientele.

The Spectre Semaphore stands out with its striking exterior, finished in a custom Bespoke Semaphore Yellow. This vibrant solid colour, which lends its name to the commission, is further enhanced by an exclusive bonnet artwork titled ‘Marbled Paint Spill’. This intricate design pays homage to the diverse beauty of California, capturing elements from the sunlit Southern coast to the silver-topped eastern mountains.

Rolls-Royce’s skilled artisans dedicated over 160 hours to perfecting this unique graphic, applying silver lacquer and multiple layers of clear coat to achieve a flawless finish.

The bold yellow theme continues inside the Spectre Semaphore. The cabin features a blend of Bespoke Lemon Yellow and Citrine Yellow, complemented by Grace White and Slate Grey hues. This vivid colour scheme is highlighted by Lemon Yellow stitching throughout the interior, including the seats, Starlight doors, and instrument panel.

Incorporating the latest in digital Bespoke technology, the SPIRIT operating system’s dials have been customised to match the vehicle’s color palette, showcasing Rolls-Royce’s commitment to personalised luxury.

The interior also features a high-polish Bespoke painted wood set in Cashmere Grey, imbued with silver mica flakes that sparkle under direct light, enhancing the car’s contemporary design.

Only one Rolls-Royce Spectre Semaphore will be produced, underscoring its exclusivity. It will be showcased at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, marking a highlight of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ participation in Monterey Car Week 2024.

Proton Poised for Major Global Expansion with UK Market Reentry and New Export Ventures

Proton is preparing for a significant expansion of its global export operations, including a strategic return to the UK market, according to sources close to CEO Li Chunrong. The move will also target new right-hand-drive markets in Asia, South Africa, as well as a reentry into Australia and New Zealand.

This global push is closely linked to Proton’s development of the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility under construction. The AHTV represents a substantial investment from Geely and Malaysian industrial conglomerate DRB-HICOM Berhad, aimed at bolstering Proton’s production capacity and global sales potential.

Strategic Investments and New Facilities

The AHTV, with a reported investment of up to £7.9 billion, will significantly enhance Proton’s manufacturing capabilities. This facility is expected to play a crucial role in Proton’s strategy to re-enter previously exited markets and explore new ones. The investment is part of a broader effort to revitalise Proton’s global footprint, which had previously seen the brand selling models in the UK from 1989 until 2014.

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Mercedes-Benz Gains Approval to Test Level 4 Autonomous Vehicles in Beijing

Mercedes-Benz has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first foreign automaker authorised to test Level 4 autonomous vehicles in China. The approval, granted by Chinese authorities, marks a crucial step in the development and deployment of self-driving technology.

Level 4 autonomy indicates that a vehicle can operate independently without human intervention under certain conditions. This capability is exemplified by robotaxi services such as Alphabet’s Waymo One and Baidu’s Apollo Go. Mercedes-Benz’s autonomous vehicles will undergo a series of tests in Beijing, including parking, reversing, and navigating complex traffic scenarios, such as making U-turns and turning left in busy intersections.

Testing Scope and Future Applications

The trials will focus on assessing the vehicle’s performance in real-world conditions, which include high-density traffic and varied driving environments. While the primary aim is to refine the technology for private car use, Mercedes-Benz is also considering potential applications for a robotaxi service or licensing the technology to other companies.

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New Hypercar In Town: The Nilu – V12, Over 1,000hp and 7-Speed Manual Transmission

Sasha Selipanov, the acclaimed designer behind the Bugatti Chiron and Koenigsegg Gemera, has officially launched his own hypercar, the Nilu. This marks a significant milestone for Selipanov, who recently established his design consultancy, Hardline27, and his hypercar brand, Nilu27, in collaboration with his wife, Inna.

Selipanov’s career includes stints at major automotive brands such as Volkswagen Group, where he was instrumental in designing the Bugatti Chiron and Lamborghini Huracán, and Genesis, where he contributed to the Essentia and Mint concepts. At Koenigsegg, he was the head of design responsible for the Gemera and CC850. Now, he turns his expertise to creating his own high-performance vehicles.

A Modern Take on Classic Racing

The Nilu is a pure, V12-powered track car with a road-going version that is also in development. Designed to offer an unfiltered driving experience, it eschews modern conveniences in favour of a design that pays homage to classic Le Mans endurance racers.

The Nilu features a bespoke carbon-fibre monocoque passenger cell, supported by aluminium-alloy tubular subframes at both the front and rear. Selipanov opted for these skeletal tubular subframes instead of composite materials to enhance access to key components and improve cooling efficiency.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the hood, the Nilu boasts a 6.5-litre V12 engine developed by Hartley Engines, a renowned New Zealand engine builder. Paired with a 7-speed manual transmission, the powertrain is expected to deliver over 1,000hp. Selipanov aims for the Nilu to be the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated car without any electrification. The engine features a “hot-V” design, placing the exhaust system between the cylinder banks, and includes fully exposed 12-into-1 exhaust headers, which Selipanov refers to as the “Snake Pit.”

Design and Interior

Access to the cabin is provided by gullwing doors, and inside, the Nilu features two low-mounted sports seats and an H-pattern shifter with an exposed mechanism. The interior is minimalist, with traditional dials and billet-machined controls, and devoid of digital screens, except for a digital rearview mirror. The steering wheel is also stripped of any controls to ensure an undistracted driving experience.

Limited Production and Future Plans

The Nilu will be privately showcased to prospective buyers at an event in Los Angeles before making its formal debut at the 2024 Monterey Car Week. Initially, Nilu27 plans to produce just 15 examples of the Nilu, with the first cars being built by California’s Aria Group. The company intends to establish its own production facility overseas in the future.

Additionally, a road-going version of the Nilu is in development, with plans to produce 54 units, four of which will feature unique designs that will further evolve the brand’s design language.

Nissan Unveils Innovative Thermal “Cool Paint” to Combat Vehicle Heat

Thermal paint coatings are commonly used in commercial buildings to reflect solar energy and keep interiors cool. However, adapting these coatings for automotive use presents unique challenges due to the need for light, thin, and durable finishes. Nissan is addressing these challenges with its new “cool paint,” designed specifically for vehicles.

Overview of Nissan’s Cool Paint

Nissan’s cool paint is a white paint that reflects solar energy, aiming to reduce interior temperatures and air conditioning use. This is particularly beneficial for electric vehicles (EVs), where air conditioning is a significant energy drain. Nissan has tested this paint on service vans at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and recorded a 9°F (5°C) lower interior temperature compared to standard-painted vehicles.

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Significant Profit Decline Among Major European Car Manufacturers for the First Half of 2024

Five of Europe’s largest car manufacturers recently reported a significant decline in profits for the first half of 2024. This drop is attributed to several key factors, including weak demand for electric vehicles (EVs), cost competition from Chinese manufacturers, and rising research and development (R&D) expenses.

Volkswagen Faces Major Challenges

Volkswagen’s CEO, Oliver Blume, highlighted rising costs and lower factory utilisation during a recent earnings conference. Blume stated, “We have made all the necessary technical decisions. We have implemented the relevant organisational measures. Now, our primary focus is on costs, costs, and costs.”

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BMW Expands X3 Range with New Extended-Wheelbase Models for China

BMW is launching a new iteration of its popular X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) exclusively for the Chinese market, featuring a longer wheelbase and enhanced interior comfort. This new version, the BMW X3 25L xDrive and BMW X3 30L xDrive, marks the brand’s commitment to catering specifically to the preferences of Chinese consumers.

The extended wheelbase of the new X3 models, increased by 110mm to 2,975mm, significantly enhances rear-seat legroom, providing a more comfortable experience for passengers. The updated BMW X3 boasts an exterior length of 4,865mm and a width of 1,920mm, making it the largest in its competitive segment. The new design incorporates the brand’s latest styling cues with a sleek roofline and modern proportions that reflect BMW’s current design language.

Inside, the BMW X3 offers a luxurious environment with the latest BMW iDrive system based on the BMW Operating System 9. This system includes digital services tailored specifically for the Chinese market. The interior features a BMW Curved Display, BMW Interaction Bar, and a steering wheel with a flattened lower rim. High-quality materials, such as Veganza sports seats and optional “Crafted Clarity” glass applications, contribute to a premium feel. The panoramic glass roof with optional Skylounge lighting adds to the ambience, providing a sophisticated touch to the vehicle’s interior.

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Volkswagen Aims to Redefine Hot Hatch Fun with Electric GTI

Volkswagen is setting high expectations for its upcoming electric GTI, promising a driving experience that could surpass that of its internal combustion engine (ICE) predecessors. VW CEO Thomas Schäfer recently shared that the electric GTI, inspired by the ID. GTI Concept, will feature an advanced chassis and suspension designed to make it “even more exciting to experience and drive” than any previous GTI model.

The assertion that an electric vehicle (EV) could be more thrilling than traditional GTIs is met with both intrigue and skepticism. Historically, the GTI has not relied solely on sheer power; instead, it has earned its reputation through exceptional handling and dynamic driving characteristics, as seen in models like the Mk7 GTI. Even without the iconic VR6 engine present in many of its iterations, the GTI’s performance credentials have remained strong.

Volkswagen is not new to the challenge of marrying performance with innovation. The company’s approach with the electric GTI involves leveraging EV technology to enhance driving dynamics. According to VW’s R&D boss, Kai Grünitz, the objective is to create an EV with “an agile steering feel and a very smooth way of driving it through curves.” Grünitz emphasises the desire to maintain the GTI’s hallmark agility and road feedback, aiming for a vehicle that is “fast but smooth.”

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Ferrari Discontinues SF90 Stradale and 812 GTS

Ferrari has announced the discontinuation of the SF90 Stradale and the open-top 812 GTS as part of its Q2 2024 financial results. The decision marks the end of the line for these models after nearly half a decade of sales, reflecting the marque’s strategic adjustments in response to changing market dynamics and sales performance.

Despite a 2.7 per cent increase in overall shipments year-on-year, Ferrari reported a decline in sales for several models, including the Roma coupe and 812 Competizione, as they approach the end of their lifecycles. The SF90 Stradale and 812 GTS, which were introduced five years ago, will be phased out. This move comes amidst a slight decline in hybrid vehicle sales, with Ferrari seeing a shift back towards internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in Q2.

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Study Shows That Tesla Owners are Switching Back to ICE Cars

A recent study has unveiled a significant trend among Tesla owners in 2024 which is that the majority have opted to abandon their electric vehicles (EVs) in favour of combustion engine models. According to the study, only 32% of Tesla owners chose to remain with electric vehicles, while the majority made the switch to traditional combustion engines or other hybrid options.

Specifically, 51% of Tesla owners have transitioned to pure internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, 10% have moved to hybrid models, and 6% have opted for plug-in hybrids. These findings align with a recent McKinsey & Co. survey, which indicated that nearly half (46%) of EV owners in the U.S. are likely to revert to combustion-powered vehicles for their next purchase.

Despite this trend appearing alarming, the situation represents a notable improvement from previous years. In 2020, a significant 76% of Tesla owners abandoned their EVs for internal combustion engine vehicles, with only 9% choosing other electric models. Since then, the numbers have shown a steady decline in the rate of EV abandonment.

Tesla owners have historically demonstrated a strong tendency to exit the EV market. However, the gradual improvement in retention rates suggests that owning an electric vehicle in North America may be becoming less challenging. Still, the current figures indicate that substantial advancements are needed to make EV ownership more appealing to a wider audience.

Another key observation is that an increasing number of former Tesla owners are now purchasing electric vehicles from legacy automakers. This shift is not unexpected, given Tesla’s evolution from an EV pioneer to competing against a growing array of mainstream manufacturers in the electric vehicle segment.

Hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have not gained substantial traction as alternatives to Teslas. While these vehicle types are becoming more popular among new car buyers, they appear less attractive to those who have previously owned electric vehicles. Notably, the proportion of Tesla owners switching to PHEVs is higher than the overall PHEV market rate, likely due to their previous experience with EV charging challenges.

The data highlights both the progress and ongoing challenges in the electric vehicle market, emphasising the need for continued innovation and improvement to retain and attract EV buyers.

BMW’s Automated Driving In-Plant System Moves Closer to Full Implementation

  • 03/12/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Mercedes Envisions Revolutionary Mid-Mounted Brakes for Electric Vehicles

  • 03/12/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Volkswagen Faces Challenges Amid Revamp of EV Lineup and Strategy Shift

  • 03/12/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Stellantis Unveils STLA Frame Platform for Future SUVs and Trucks

  • 03/12/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Mazda Prepares to Revive EV Ambitions with New SUV in 2027

  • 03/12/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Jaguar’s Bold New Era: Introducing the Type 00

  • 03/12/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Nissan Debuts the New Serena MPV at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2024

  • 03/12/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares Resigns Amid Mounting Challenges

  • 02/12/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Volkswagen and Rivian Partner to Bring an Electric Golf Back to Life

  • 02/12/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Toyota Supra A90 Final Edition: Celebrating a Legacy of Performance Excellence

  • 29/11/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash
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