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Red Edition Focus RS to be launched soon

Ford has decided to introduce a limited edition Focus RS just in time for the holidays. Called the RS Red Edition, with just 300 examples salted for production, will feature a Race Red exterior, grey brake calipers, black cast alloy wheels as well as contrasting black roof, door mirrors and rear spoiler.

Like the special edition RS, this one also gets a front mechanical Quaife limited-slip differential (LSD). This clever tech provides the car with better traction to the wheel that needs it most. As such, during hard cornering, the Focus RS will be able to deliver impressive levels of grip and stability.

“The Focus RS Edition represents accessible performance at its finest”, said Andy Barratt, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain. “As RS production nears its end, we wanted to celebrate with a limited run of cars for those who want to stand out as an RS fan.”

The car is available to order now at Ford dealerships but its production will only begin in February of 2018. As such, this jolly red Focus RS won’t be rolling out in time for this Christmas but we are sure many enthusiasts wouldn’t mind the wait.

In general, the latest Focus RS is a technological masterpiece, it crams sports car-like performance into a compact package. Powered by a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, all-wheel-drive and a Limited Slip Differential, it’s a hot hatch that can give certain supercars a run for their money.

Top 10 list of appreciating classics

Ever thought of buying a car for investment purposes? Most naysayers will have you believe that purchasing a vehicle with the sole intention of selling it on for a profit, is a waste of time. But in actual fact, not only is that possible, but certain enthusiasts have managed to turn the idea into a profitable business.

The key is to purchase a vehicle that has a certain value, the same value that may appreciate overtime. This depends on certain factors that include rarity, desirability and driving enjoyment. This is what hpi, a UK based automotive data company plans on accomplishing. They have listed 10 classic cars that may increase in value in the not so distant future.

Motoring expert Clive Owen has shortlisted these cars based on the following criteria: cheap to acquire, are holding their values and could potentially become future collectors’ items. The list of said vehicles are:

Vauxhall VX 220
Peugeot 205 GTi
Audi TT MKI 3.2
BMW Z3
Citroen C6
Rover Mini
Alfa Romeo GTV
Nissan Cube
Mazda RX8

Regarding the topic, Owen said, “Classic cars have shot up in value over the last few years and in many cases represent a great investment opportunity. Classics in particular are snapped up by collectors and enthusiasts, so prices are constantly on the rise.”

He added, “The trick is how best to spot trends before they take place and maybe even try to redefine what is actually recognized as a classic. Future classics don’t necessarily have to be decades old, luxurious or expensive to begin with.”

Apart from vehicular investment advice, hpi also offers online vehicle evaluations services allowing consumers the ability to buy and sell cars with confidence. Adding to that, it also provides potential buyers with ownership costs over a vehicle’s lifespan and precise depreciation figures.

VW says AI no threat to mankind

The advancement in autonomous tech have lead many automakers to create their own in-house data centres filled with powerful computers. That said, we shouldn’t expect a Skynet-like artificial intelligence (AI) revolution in the near future – atleast that’s what Prof. Dr. Patrick van der Smagt, Head of AI Research at the VW’s Data Lab says.

The centre is currently working on machine learning, enabling programs to link data, analyze interconnections and make predictions. But the company’s long term plan is to invest time and energy into neural networking. Through this, they will be able to make use of probability theory.

VW will have the ability to enable algorithms to learn by always independently taking the optimum decision from the mathematical point of view in real-time. Evidently, this is a far-cry from the robotic apocalypse movies like ‘The Terminator’ would have us believe about artificial intelligence.

Van Dee Smart says that its human nature that we subconsciously attribute human behavior or even consciousness to systems such as this. But the reality of it is, the algorithm learns by examining the intended data by utilising the laws of mathematical probability. In layman’s terms, computers will become increasingly better at mathematics.

One of Data Labs’ missions is to explore the possibilities of independent learning algorithms. This is because the technology has a wide array of applications including helping skilled workers control complex logistics and production processes even more effectively.

So, will there be an android uprising in the near future? According to VW, that won’t be possible. All AI systems are capable of at the moment, is examining data, and making computational predictions to shorten and simplify processes.

Morgan sign partnership for new EV

Morgan Motor Company, an automaker best known for producing classic three-wheeled vehicles, has entered into a technical partnership with Frazer-Nash Energy Systems. The move is a nod to the impending release of the company’s new EV.

Called the EV3, the vehicle which was first revealed in 2016, will be the British automaker’s first model that will feature an all-electric drivetrain. Despite this, the car still retains familiar design cues seen on previous generation cars.

Unlike most automakers, Morgan’s design inspiration comes from 1930s Aero-engine race cars, classic motorcycles and 1950s fantasy automatons. The EV3 combines this vintage tubular styling with new technology to deliver a raw driving experience and traditional British craftsmanship.

Regarding the tie-up, Steve Morris, Managing Director of Morgan Motor Company, said, “We are delighted to announce our technical partnership with Frazer-Nash Energy Systems as we enter this exciting phase of EV3 production.”

He added, “We have been working closely on optimizing the EV3’s architecture in every way to develop a car which will offer proven reliability range and cooling performance, combined with the pure driving experience that is expected of every hand-crafted Morgan.”

As a result of the partnership with Frazer-Nash Energy Systems, Morgan will be able to utilize certain technologies that will allow further development of the EV3. It will come with all-new, more robust architecture, greater levels of torque, a stiffer chassis and under-slung battery.

Enclosed within the tubular space frame chassis sits a 21 KWh Lithium Battery and a liquid-cooled 34.8kW (41.8kW peak) motor that drives the rear wheel. On a full charge, the EV3 will be able to travel a full 193km without needing a recharge. This, the automaker says will be enough to allow for the kind of driving pleasure that is absent in the EV industry.

The Morgan EV3 is expected to enter production in 2018 and thanks to Frazer-Nash Energy Systems, will have greater performance and rapid charging technology. Once launched, the EV3 will be part of a niche market, offering enthusiasts unrivaled driving enjoyment.

New Chevy Silverado is mean and tough

Chevrolet has updated its Silverado pick-up truck, making it tougher and more masculine than before. Completely new from the ground up, higher grade alloy has been used in the roll-formed, high-strength-steel bed floor, contributing to a bed that is more functional and lighter.

This manufacturing process and the idea of combining several metals, have been adopted for the construction of other parts of this truck as well. As a result, the new Silverado is significantly lighter than the outgoing one, but with no reduction in toughness.

Performance has been bumped up too, and when combined with the Z71 package, enables the truck to go just about anywhere. Adding to that, with the new vehicle, Chevrolet is offering a plethora of options that include engine/transmission combinations, tech and others.

The 2019 Silverado builds upon the modern design advances in Chevrolet’s history of industry-leading pick-up designs. Its current truck is a culmination of decades of experience from developing models such as the Advance Design trucks of the 1950s and the C/K series of the 1960s.

According to the automaker, this new 2019 Silverado will make its public debut in January 2018 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.The event will coincide with the the fact its been 100 years since the first Chevy trucks were delivered to customers.

Genesis opens Connected Store

Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury sub-brand has collaborated with WIRED to open a store that showcases the connected capabilities of the G80 Sport. Located in Manhattan, New York, the store will remain open till the 22nd of December where, visitors will be able to enjoy demonstrations of the G80 model line’s connected technology and other connected products.

The store has two activation areas, each having a Google Home or an iPad Pro, which guests may use to interact with the G80’s standard Genesis Connected Services technology. Users will be able to use these devices to experience various features of the car. Travel destinations via GPS can be beamed straight to the infotainment system.

Other more sophisticated tasks such as remote engine starting, adjusting the climate control, can be can be executed just as easily. That said, these features won’t be on display at the indoor store, but they exemplify Genesis’ experience in developing the latest tech for customers.

Speaking of the new store, WIRED’s Jason Tanz, and Genesis’ brand ambassador, Wesley Chan, Managing Director at Felicis Ventures, and previously a General Partner at Google Ventures, hosted an invitation-only event, discussing “The Future of Our Connected World” and a tour of the store on Wednesday, December 13.

The launch of the WIRED Store marks Genesis’ second such partnership following a store that was opened in California. Through such efforts, the automaker wants the general public to be well versed with it’s range of tech and the roles they play in making customers lives more convenient.

Piston.my

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Red Edition Focus RS to be launched soon

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