Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveils Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow to mark the end of production of one of the most transformative motor cars in the marque’s history. This Bespoke masterpiece, limited to just 12 examples worldwide, is also the last V12 coupé Rolls-Royce will ever make as it embarks on its bold new electric era and all 12 cars have already been allocated to clients around the world. While delivery of both Wraith and Dawn commissions to the United States concluded in 2022, these twelve commissions have already found homes in other countries across the globe.
WRAITH: A CULTURAL ICON
Launched in 2013, Wraith is one of the most important and influential models ever designed and built at Goodwood. More performance-focused than its predecessors Phantom and Ghost, Wraith fundamentally altered perceptions of Rolls-Royce and brought new, younger customer groups to the brand for the first time. Its wider cultural significance is underlined by countless references to the Wraith in music, cinema, art, and fashion.
THE V12 CONNECTION
Wraith’s dramatic ‘fastback’ silhouette signaled the motor car’s dynamic intent, which was further amplified in 2016, with the introduction of Black Badge Wraith: a potent, subversive, and even more powerful expression of this transformative motor car, offering some of the highest levels of performance ever achieved by a V12-powered Rolls-Royce.
When considering how best to mark the end of the Wraith era, Goodwood’s designers and engineers took inspiration for the Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow Collection from an equally significant V12 in Rolls-Royce‘s long and storied legacy. In 1938, Captain George Eyston – whose bold, brave endeavors encapsulate the Black Badge spirit – set a world land speed record of 357.497 mph (575.335 km/h) with Thunderbolt, a seven-ton, eight-wheeled leviathan equipped with two Rolls-Royce V12 ‘R’ Series aero engines.
Thunderbolt’s record attempts took place on the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Against the glare of the brilliant white surface, and under a blazing desert sun, the reflections from the car’s polished aluminum body made it almost impossible to tell precisely when it passed the timing equipment. Eyston’s simple but ingenious solution was to paint a large black arrow on the car’s sides, incorporating a yellow central circle motif that could be seen clearly even at high speed. This is what gives today’s Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow Collection both its name and unique historical context.
V12 LEGACY FASCIA
To commemorate Rolls-Royce’s last-ever V12 coupé, the marque’s Bespoke Collective of designers, craftspeople, and engineers collaborated to create a unique artwork for Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow’s fascia. The intricate, tactile design skillfully depicts the contemporary V12 engine in Wraith. In keeping with the Black Badge family’s noir ambience, the highly complex design – itself the product of two months of development – is engraved in a single sheet of black-coated aluminum to reveal the gleaming metal beneath, providing a bold visual link to Thunderbolt’s polished aluminum body.
RECORD CONSTELLATION
Given Thunderbolt’s record-breaking status, it is only fitting that Black Arrow incorporates a record of its own. Casting a dramatic night’s-sky ambience over the interior suite, Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow’s Bespoke Starlight Headliner incorporates 2,117 fiber-optic ‘stars’ – the greatest number ever seen in a Rolls-Royce motor car. All individually arranged by hand, the ‘stars’ depict the Milky Way as seen from vast open spaces, and the constellations precisely as they would have appeared over the Salt Flats in Utah on 16 September 1938, the date of Eyston’s final, immutable record.
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow released via 360 MAGAZINE. Rolls-Royce Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow released via 360 MAGAZINE.
ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE PROTOTYPE TESTING, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGRABIES
“Spectre has already secured its place as the most anticipated Rolls-Royce in history. This remarkable and transformative motor car represents the beginning of the marque’s bold electric era as well as our unquestionable technological leadership of the super-luxury space. Equally, this vast, ambitious and demanding testing process symbolises our promise to ensure Spectre is undoubtedly a Rolls-Royce first. A profound aspect of our approach to this precious brand is to inspire greatness in everything we do and with Spectre, we are elevating the automotive experience to unparalleled heights, creating a new benchmark of distinction. It is the fulfilment of this promise that underpins the marque’s ongoing success and drives our constant focus to meet, and exceed, the expectations of our discerning clients.” Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE: HOT WEATHER TESTING
Spectre, Rolls-Royce’s genre-defining all-electric super coupé, has now covered almost two million kilometres as it completes the third phase of the most rigorous testing programme ever devised in the marque’s 118-year history. This has already surpassed every Rolls-Royce testing programme before it – and it is still far from over.
Spectre is currently undergoing extreme hot weather tests in two locations in South Africa: Augrabies in the Northern Cape; and Franschhoek, the ‘French Corner’ in the Western Cape winelands. The stable yet contrasting climates provide some of the finest summer-weather driving in the world, with dry and extremely hot conditions in the north and more humid, Mediterranean-style, conditions in the south. At its hottest, temperatures can exceed 50°C, while the southern region hosts a great variety of surfaces and terrains, including twisting country roads replete with gravel, dust and dirt. Truly testing conditions, by any measure.
During this stage, engineers are observing and refining every system, hardware item and software protocol that has been developed over the course of almost two million kilometres of continuous testing. Only through such painstaking assessments can Rolls-Royce’s technical experts achieve the exacting levels of ride refinement that are so central to the experience beloved by clients, and successfully translate the marque’s defining ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ to the new all-electric paradigm.
Throughout Spectre’s testing, each of the motor car’s 25,000 separate performance-related functions have been meticulously tailored to deliver a quintessentially Rolls-Royce experience. The refinements being made now follow the principles of ‘marginal gains’, in which individual, very small and incremental adjustments cumulatively produce a significant overall improvement. Though widely used and proven in elite sport and high-level business, this theory is being used during Spectre testing to an unprecedented extent, as part of the wider validation process characterised internally as the Rolls-Royce Finishing School.
Examples of the meticulous attention-to-detail that Spectre prototypes are being subjected to are manifold but often impossible to quantify, as they represent the judgement and instinct of the marque’s peerless and long-standing engineering elite. For example, over 1500 hours have already been dedicated to finessing the car’s regenerative braking to ensure it feels effortless but present. Data-logging equipment processes sensor inputs generated by this braking force, to ensure that adjustments do not compromise the overall serenity of Spectre under any driving conditions. However, it is only the experience and judgement of long-standing Rolls-Royce engineers that can ensure the motor car will, when testing is completed, meet the inimitable standards required to deliver an elevated expression of the Rolls-Royce experience.
Similarly, anti-roll stabilisation is being tuned to reflect the dynamic promise of Spectre’s dramatic super-coupé design while still delivering on the marque’s hallmark ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ qualities. In South Africa, this testing has specific significance as high temperatures can alter the hardness of rubber suspension components, providing a parameter that is bookended by the results of extreme cold weather testing.
This exhaustive approach has also been applied to ensuring the correct colour-quality and brightness for the theatre of light that is prompted by opening Spectre’s coach door. To ensure a sense of harmony in the cabin, whatever the external light conditions, all internal illuminations, including the marque’s celebrated Bespoke Starlight Headliner, instrument cluster and SPIRIT interface, must be perfectly coordinated. This requires detailed analysis of a global range of sunlight exposure and types, to ensure consistency of colour-quality wherever in the world Spectre is.
As the car approaches the later phases of its exhaustive testing programme, further adjustments will be made to sealing materials to deliver Rolls-Royce’s famed aero-acoustic performance. This process is essential because rubber sealing materials perform differently through the spectrum of temperatures. For example, during Spectre’s testing phase at Arjeplog in Sweden, seals hardened in sub-zero temperatures. Conversely, in South Africa, Rolls-Royce engineers will be assessing the acoustic performance of seals softened in hotter conditions. Their work is therefore to find optimum balance to ensure the cabin is insulated in all extremes of climate.
In South Africa and throughout the remaining programme, the audio system will also be tuned and finessed to achieve fractional gains in the quality of the sound offered through Spectre’s 17 speakers. Following initial testing and calibration in a laboratory setting, the system is now being tested exhaustively in real-world conditions. A specially curated playlist presenting a wide range of genres to represent a full spectrum of sonic requirements is used.
This commitment to ensuring perfect acoustic performance extends to the key functions of the motor car. Indeed, even the speed at which the self-closing coach doors shut is being scrutinised to ensure that the perfect level of positive noise is generated upon closure.
ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE: TESTING BACKGROUND
Ahead of the first cars being delivered to clients, scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2023, Spectre has undergone exhaustive trials designed to replicate almost 400 years of normal use, in some of the most extreme conditions on Earth. In total, the car will cover more than 2.5 million kilometres – the equivalent of circumnavigating the globe 62 times.
Testing began in the winter of 2021 at a special testing facility in Arjeplog, Sweden, just 55 kilometres from the Arctic Circle. In temperatures of -40°C, Rolls-Royce engineers examined and refined every aspect of Spectre’s performance and handling in snow and ice, and any effects of prolonged extreme cold on the motor car’s batteries and other electronic systems.
With this examination successfully completed, Spectre then spent the summer of 2022 in the sunnier, but no less exacting climes of the French Riviera and around the Côte d’Azur. This included testing at the historic Autodrome de Miramas proving ground, a former Grand Prix circuit that now provides over 60 kilometres of closed routes and 20 state-of-the-art test track environments. The majority of the testing, however, was conducted in the Provençal countryside, assessing Spectre’s capabilities under real-world conditions in an area where many production cars are likely to spend their lives.
Rolls-Royce Spectre all-electric prototype testing in South Africa via 360 MAGAZINE.
Range Rover announced a three-year partnership with Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah and the opening of Range Rover House Park City, a premier alpine luxury destination. These announcements are a continuation of the Range Rover brand’s modern luxury strategy.
The partnership with Deer Valley Resort designates Range Rover as the “Official Luxury Vehicle of Deer Valley Resort,” beginning today, February 14, 2023. The brand will enhance the resort’s renowned guest experiences through preferred parking access, complimentary in-town transportation for lodging guests and curated ski package.
Range Rover House is a global series of premiere luxury venues offering Range Rover owners with exclusive curated experiences and hospitality. Range Rover House Park City will be located on Main Street, Park City, and is open by invitation exclusively to owners of all Range Rover brand vehicles beginning today, Tuesday, February 14 through Sunday, February 26, 2023.
Full story on the Ranger Rover partnership with Deer Valley Resort here.
Full story on the Range Rover House Park City here.
Rolls-Royce’s unprecedented success comes as, in January 2023, the company marks the 20th anniversary of the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood. Its transformation – from offering a single model, Phantom, and building just one motor car a day – to today’s record figures is the result of a long-term strategy based on sustainable growth, careful management and planning, and the successful reinvention of the brand.
The past decade, in particular, has seen Rolls‑Royce consciously refine and rejuvenate its brand and product portfolio to reflect its clients’ changing requirements, tastes, and demographics while retaining its innate exclusivity and rarity. As both a true luxury house and an innovative, engineering-led company, Rolls‑Royce represents, as it always has, the very highest levels of craftsmanship, technology, luxury and creativity.
Rolls-Royce celebrates the first 20 years of production at its Goodwood manufacturing centre
A story of continuous progress and evolution, told through 20 individual models
Each created and handmade at the Home of Rolls-Royce since 2003
Includes EX experimental cars, which revived a naming convention last seen in the 1950s
Describes an arc of technical innovation and responses to changing client requirements
Leads to the new all-electric era ushered in by the Rolls-Royce Spectre
1. Phantom, 2003 The original ‘Goodwood Phantom’ was the seventh generation to wear what is now the longest-established nameplate in automotive history. With its marriage of technology, comfort, performance, and the signature ‘Magic Carpet Ride’, it set a new standard for every model that has followed.
2. 100EX, 2004 Produced to mark the centenary of the first meeting between Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, this was the first Experimental Car produced by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars under BMW Group ownership. Powered by an extraordinary 9-litre V16 engine, it was never intended for production but was the direct forebear for what would become the celebrated Phantom Drophead Coupé.
3. Phantom Extended, 2005 Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2005, Phantom Extended was 250 mm (9.8 in) longer than the ‘standard’ Phantom. This created additional legroom in the rear cabin, making this model especially popular with clients who prefer to be chauffeur-driven.
4. 101EX, 2006 Like 100EX, this experimental prototype was built on a shortened version of Phantom’s aluminium space frame, with the body panels constructed in carbon-fibre composite. It would find enduring life and global fame in its eventual production guise as Phantom Coupé, powered by the iconic 6.75-litre V12 engine.
5. Phantom Drophead Coupé, 2007 One of the most sought-after models ever produced at Goodwood, the Phantom Drophead Coupé stunned the world on its debut. With distinctive styling derived from 100EX (see above), its defining feature is the interior wood veneering that flows around the cabin into the teak tonneau cover, inspired by a racing yacht deck.
6. Phantom Coupé, 2008 With its pillarless construction, this was a true hardtop two-door coupé – the first Rolls-Royce of its type to be produced in more than two decades. Like its drophead sibling, Phantom Coupé incorporated many of the design features and construction techniques developed on the experimental 101EX.
7. 200EX, 2009 Presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009, 200EX was the experimental car that responded to client feedback for a more approachable and driver-orientated Rolls-Royce.
8. Ghost, 2010 Designed for a new generation of ascendent Rolls-Royce clients, Ghost immediately won praise for its simple, contemporary design and effortless, dynamic performance. To date it is the most commercially successful model in Rolls-Royce history.
9. 102EX, 2011 Known as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE), this one-off electric prototype version of Phantom began Rolls-Royce’s exploration into suitable technology to power future generations of its motor cars.
10. Ghost Extended, 2011 Responding to feedback from clients who prefer to be chauffeur-driven, Rolls-Royce introduced an extended version of Ghost, offering additional space and comfort for rear-seat passengers while maintaining the motor car’s more focused driving characteristics.
11. Wraith, 2013 The fastback Wraith was intended as the ultimate gran turismo; a car that embodied the bold, pioneering spirit, sense of adventure and love of speed that inspired the marque’s co-founder, The Hon Charles Stewart Rolls.
12. Dawn, 2016 The definitive super-luxury four-seater convertible, Dawn, was designed to enable four adults to travel sociably together in complete comfort. The roof is a design and engineering masterpiece: dubbed ‘the Silent Ballet’ the mechanism operates in complete silence in just 22 seconds, and at cruising speeds of up to 50km/h; with the roof closed, the interior is as silent as a Rolls-Royce Wraith.
13. Black Badge Wraith and Black Badge Ghost, 2016 The Black Badge family introduced the world to the marque’s enfants terribles, subverting perceptions of what a Rolls-Royce ‘should’ be. These variants are more powerful and specifically engineered to deliver an even more direct, engaging driving experience, while still offering near-limitless opportunities for Bespoke personalisation.The result was an even more agile and involving motoring experience, without compromising the intrinsic elements of the effortless Rolls-Royce ‘Magic Carpet Ride’.
14. 103EX, 2016 Perhaps the most radical experimental car ever produced at Goodwood, Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100, codenamed 103EX, presented the marque’s uncompromised view of the future of luxury mobility. Fully electric, with a completely autonomous drive and enhanced artificial intelligence, it made an unequivocal statement about Rolls-Royce’s future direction, both in terms of electric power and effortless, highly personalised travel.
15. ‘Sweptail’, 2017 Rolls-Royce revived the art of coachbuilding with the magnificent ‘Sweptail’, described at the time as ‘automotive Haute Couture’. Inspired by coachbuilt Rolls-Royces and racing yachts of the 1920s and 30s, this unique two-seat coupé featured a panoramic glass roof and a pair of attaché cases concealed behind the coach doors.
16 Phantom 8, 2017 No nameplate occupies a more revered place in the pantheon of great cars and indeed, luxury goods as Phantom. The task to re-invent it for a bold, new era was therefore approached with exquisite care. The result was a Phantom that responded to the changing sensibilities of a new generation whilst maintaining the iconic presence that ensures its ongoing status as the “Best Car in the World”.
17. Cullinan, 2018 Cullinan is truly the ‘Rolls-Royce of SUVs’, designed and built to take younger, successful high-net-worth individuals to the ends of the Earth in ultimate comfort. With its ‘effortless, everywhere’ capabilities, endless Bespoke possibilities, and unique lifestyle features – including the Recreation Module – it has become one of the most desirable luxury goods on the planet.
18. Black Badge Cullinan, 2019 Cullinan revelled in its new, darker persona, which included a more powerful 6.7-litre V12 engine, black 22-inch forged alloy wheels, Pantheon grille and Spirit of Ecstasy mascot, plus the first painted brake callipers ever fitted to a factory-delivered Rolls-Royce.
19. New Ghost, 2020 When it came to present a new Ghost, Rolls-Royce responded to the requirement from a new ascendent generation of successful women and men for a motor car, perfectly aligned with new codes of luxury. The result is an aesthetic that prioritises minimalist design and celebrates material substance. The motor car was also engineered to possess an engaging and dynamic character with no compromise to the serenity and comfort in the rear suite.
20. Boat Tail, 2021 The Boat Tail commissions took Rolls-Royce Coachbuild into new realms of complexity and audacity, in a demanding technical and creative project that lasted almost four years. A genuine objet d’art, this entirely handcrafted motor car demonstrated the marque’s commitment to coachbuilding as a central part of its future direction and strategy.
About Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BMW Group and is a completely separate company from Rolls-Royce plc, the manufacturer of aircraft engines and propulsion systems. 2,500 skilled men and women are employed at the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ head office and manufacturing plant at Goodwood, West Sussex, the only place in the world where the company’s super-luxury motor cars are hand-built.
WOLTERS KLUWER FOURTH QUARTER AUTO FINANCE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION INDEX SHOWS ADDITIONAL DIGITAL ASSET & WORKFLOW ADOPTION FOR AUTO AND SECURITIZATION MARKETS
Auto Lenders and Securitization Providers Continued Their Adoption of Digital Assets & Workflows in 2022, But Industry Headwinds Could Slow Adoption Rate in 2023
Wolters Kluwer, a global leader in professional information, software solutions and services, announced fourth quarter and end-of-year results and analysis from its Auto Finance Digital Transformation Index, a key resource that tracks the rate at which auto dealers, service providers and lenders are seeing growth in the evolution from paper-based finance back-office processes to digital. Click here to see the complete data report.
According to the Index, auto dealers, service providers and lenders showed a digital adoption growth rate of 56% over the last twelve months dating back to the fourth quarter of 2021. That rate of adoption is significant considering that the U.S. auto industry saw 2022 new sales reach just 13.7 million on the year, the lowest annual total in more than a decade and an 8% decline from the previous year. For more complete context, annual sales had crested above 17 million for the five-year period prior to 2020, when Covid-19 impacted the industry.
“The continued macroeconomic impact in auto purchases is having an effect on the Index’s rate of adoption measure and overall eContract volume, but year-over-year digital adoption still remains steady and positive,” said Tim Yalich, Head of Auto Strategy for Wolters Kluwer. “In looking ahead to 2023 early estimates from analyst firms are pointing to a slight increase in sales activity, but we believe companies throughout the industry are realizing the value and benefit digital resources, assets and processes are injecting into operational efficiencies, regulatory compliance needs, and overall profit preservation.”
Digital Adoption in Securitization Markets
Wolters Kluwer is also offering in this report a spotlight on digital asset and workflow adoption in the securitization markets. As a way of contextual analysis, and based on an analysis of data from Wolters Kluwer, this digital adoption rate has increased 36% over the last five years. While the adoption rate is expected to drag in 2023 based on the challenging automotive market conditions, the ongoing upward trend of securitizations suggests that the trust in digital loan origination and management is well established in the secondary market, with companies realizing efficiency gains in the pooling, auditing, collateralization, and the execution of security exchanges using digital assets.
According to industry data, auto ABS totaled $110 billion in 2022, down 16.7% from the previous year. Industry observers expect auto-specific ABS to remain relatively flat in 2023. Despite this pause in further volume growth, a recent Wolters Kluwer survey revealed that roughly 82% of lender executives said they have plans to digitize more of their securitization processes, paperwork and workflows during 2023.
To learn more and to access additional data insights from the Wolters Kluwer Auto Finance Digital Transformation Index, click here.
About Wolters Kluwer
Wolters Kluwer (WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the health, tax & accounting, governance, risk & compliance, and legal & regulatory sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services.
Genesis Motor and High Line Winter Lights presentation via 360 MAGAZINE.
Comes to Life at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show
Digitization has always been a keystone of BMW’s engineering and technology philosophies, emphasizing the sustainability and human connection of mobility. Thus, as we move into a future ripe with alternative realities and artificial intelligence, the German automaker has innovated a Consumer Electronics Show (CES) car of the future that is fully connected, fully digitized, and fully electric. In proper fashion, BMW invited us to its hometown of Munich to witness the vehicle in person ahead of the 2023 CES debut in Las Vegas.
In Germany, BMW’s entire product planning team was on-hand for demonstrations and presentations of the i Vision Dee’s superlative capabilities. Aptly named Dee, which stands for Digital Emotional Experience, the seamless and authenticity of the vehicle’s DNA is its greatest asset. BMW vehicles are becoming more intelligent but with human interactions in a natural way. Highlighted by its digital soul, Dee becomes your road mate as she blends emotions and strong bonds between her “machine state” and “human state.” Dee engages all five senses and combines digital and analog references to help you become a better driver. Theoretically anyway. However, you can choose not to use her advancements.
Fast forward to CES 2023 to revel in BMW’s unveiling of the i Vision to an energetic crowd of forward thinkers and AI enthusiasts. They were equally immersed in Dee, who bridges the real and virtual worlds and provides a glimpse of what the “Ultimate Digital Driving Machine” might look like in the future. Some of her highlights include real-time visualization of your social media platforms, responsiveness to your inquiries, tint-capable side windows to create a holistic experience through graphic pictures and avatars, information projected on the windshield, and the use of digital ink to change exterior messaging. When you first approach, the future car employs a wide range of sensors to start communicating while providing feedback to your inquisitions. Also, she can visually express various moods such as wonderment, delight, or approval. Are you ready for BMW i Vision Dee to integrate with your driving world?
“With the BMW i Vision Dee, we are showing what is possible when hardware and software are combined. This allows us to exploit the full potential of digitalization to transform the car into an intelligent companion. That is the future for automotive manufacturers – and for BMW, also: the fusion of the virtual experience with genuine driving pleasure,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.
From a design perspective, Dee is quite fascinating, simple in nature, and reductive in physical features. Built with less complexity, she is presented with a nostalgic frontend from the 60s, utilizes no side mirrors, and sits wide and confident. The headlights and closed BMW kidney grille form a common phygital icon (fusion of physical and digital) on a uniform surface, which can change expressions using E Ink technology. The design team looked at classic BMW vehicles for references since familiarity and strong heritage build trust. Inside, the clean and flush cockpit is just as reductive as the exterior and commingles the BMW Mixed Reality Slider with the advanced Head-up Display (HUD) for the digital highlights and central operating controls. BMW says that using shy-tech sensors (touch) on the instrument panel allows the driver to determine the amount of digital content they want to see on the HUD. The systems feature four levels, from analog to augmented reality to an entirely virtual world.
Based on the images, you may wonder what is going on with the color schemes. Let me introduce you to the world premiere of full-color E Ink technology. I was astounded in Germany when modern-day artisans demonstrated the fully variable, multi-hued, and individually configurable exterior utilizing up to 32 color choices. The process includes ePaper film layered on the BMW i Vision, which in turn features 240 E Ink body segments to create endless pattern and color possibilities. And of course, the process is all digital to allow drivers to personalize their selections based on moments and moods. Today you may want to ride out in Jamaican flag colors; tomorrow may represent the World Cup champs from Argentina.
“A BMW lives by its unparalleled digital performance. BMW i Vision Dee is about perfect integration of virtual and physical experiences. Whoever excels at integrating the customer’s digital worlds into the vehicle at all levels will master the future of car-building,” said Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development.
A ceremonious beginning and ending in Las Vegas left us all with vicarious premonitions of what possibilities the future holds. New experiences for you and your friends beyond reality have come to fruition by way of Dee if you desire her advanced digital potentials. The BMW i Vision Dee is your portal into a virtual ecosphere with fresh lifestyle facets to simplify mobility through AI when merged with real driving encounters. As Jimmy Hendrix would say, “Are You Experienced?”
Verge Motorcycles launches new high-performance model at CES in Las Vegas – highly anticipated Verge electric motorcycles are now available for preliminary reservations in the US
The new Verge TS Ultra model is one of the most advanced electric motorcycles of all time. Preliminary reservations are now being taken so US fans can be contacted as soon as US sales begin. Verge announced the start of series production of their other models, the Verge TS and Verge TS Pro, for select European markets in November.
Verge Motorcycles announced it will start sales in select US states during 2023. By making a preliminary reservation, US fans can indicate their interest to be contacted when sales of the long-awaited electric motorcycles begin in the US.
Verge is known for its unique design and innovative integration of the rim motor inside the rear wheel. This groundbreaking technology enables a larger battery, longer range and stunning performance. In addition, the center of gravity is lower, which provides a better riding experience compared to traditional electric motorcycles.
“We are currently working on entering the US market in select states and hope to start sales and deliveries in 2023. We see a lot of potential in the market, and the wait of bike enthusiasts will soon be rewarded with even more powerful and futuristic electric motorcycles,” says Tuomo Lehtimäki, CEO of Verge Motorcycles.
New TS Ultra model redefines performance standard for electric motorcycles
Verge Motorcycles is leading the way to the future of electric riding. The new Verge TS Ultra revealed at CES, the world’s largest annual consumer technology trade show, is a high-performance model designed from the ground up with electric drive in mind. The Verge TS and Verge TS Pro models already represent unprecedented innovation, but the performance of the new Ultra model is even more exceptional with its range of up to 233 miles and fast charging time of 25 minutes. With its 201 HP power output, the bike accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds.
Verge TS Ultra
Torque 1 200 Nm Power output 201 HP / 150 kW Top speed 124 mph
0-60 mph 2.5 sec Charging time 25 min Range up to 233 mi
Verge TS Pro
Torque 1 000 Nm Power output 102 kW Top speed 124 mph
0-60 mph 3.5 sec Charging time 35 min Range up to 217 mi
Verge TS
Torque 700 Nm Power output 80 kW Top speed 112 mph
0-60 mph 4.5 sec Charging time 55 min Range up to 155 mi
Verge Motorcycles develops and manufactures the world’s most advanced electric superbike. With its patented motor technology and innovative design, Verge challenges conventional ways of thinking with the clear goal of creating the world’s best electric motorcycle from the ground up – not a motorcycle that looks like yesterday, but a motorcycle that feels like the future.
The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover P530 First Edition is a clear definition of a successful product and one of the most stunning vehicles on the market, attracting the attention of car enthusiasts as well as the general public. This new British SUV model showcases non-hybrid and new hybrid engines with adopted rear-wheel steering and new accommodative seven-occupant seating. The P530 provides a range of customizations for customers including notable options between short and long wheelbases, luxury and comfortable amenities, and a split rear tailgate.
Design
The first edition of this enhanced Rover was designed for both a breathtaking melding of function and design that reconstructs the previous models. Lead designer, Gerry McGovern, and his team reimagined an icon. Gerry and the team indeed successfully crafted a remarkable fifth-generation Range Rover P530 and arrived at classic sleek, pared-down elegance. Imagine 23-inch veers uniquely filling the arcs and “the hidden” vertical rear light. Check out the vertical taillights that appear when illuminated that indeed make a difference for the rear. The switchgear is more upscale, sleeker, and softer than previous models. For the first time, the first edition Range Rover has an additional third-row feature that expands the previous linear design, making the interior a show stunner.
Most importantly, short and long-wheel-based designs have a choice of four, five, or seven-seat interiors. The P530 comes with an engine capacity of 4.4 liters with a V8 Twin –Turbo petrol design, automatic transmission of eight-speed, drivetrain equipped with intelligent all-wheel intelligent driveline dynamics, a classic exterior color sunset gold satin, interior trim fitted with perlino semi-aniline leather, and Pirelli-285/40 R23 A/S tires. The new model is also equipped with an electrified powertrain that provides PHEV that conjoins the advanced Ingenium petrol engine with a 105kW electric motor, empowering the car to function as a full petrol engine or electric vehicle when necessary. Engine includes an intercooler and twin-turbocharged DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection engine with a displacement of 268 in3, 4395 cm3, power of 523 hp @ 6000 rpm and Torque: 553 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm.
Technology
This First Edition tech advancements include the finest materials to craft a conducive haven for all passengers, making each journey a memorable and wonderful experience. Talk about the works – a steering wheel modernized with electric power-assisted steering, rack, and pinion all-wheel steering, a 13.1-inch Pivi pro touchscreen designed as an instructions center platform, hard buttons for HVAC, and rotary controllers. Driven modes and off-road functions like crawl control, hill descent, and low range provide flexibility for any driving occasion. Additionally, the SUV has Android Auto and wireless Apple Car play, Meridian sound, improved seats, and Alexa voice control. Meridian sound comes with the third-generation dynamic noise dissolution system, which displays engine sounds transmitted to the cabin, tire noise, and wheel vibration for a full sensory trip. The engine sound transmitter generates a canceling signal and includes a duo of 60 mm breadth speakers fixed on the head support of the four main passengers’ seats for a beautifully personalized ride. The new model standard wheelbase is equipped with front and rear suspension. The front suspension has a double wishbone with a virtual swivel axis and split a lower arm, electronic air suspension. To contrast, the rear suspension has five-link axles, electronic air, and suspension.
Performance
The 2022 P530 was crafted with peerless refinement and effortless performance. It has an inclusive line-up of unconventional 6 and 8-container drivelines, either an advanced chargeable turbo of 4.4L “hot-vee” V8 thrusting out 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft or mild-hybrid chargeable turbo of 3.0L straight-six making 406 lb-ft of torque and 395 ponies. There’s even a straight 6-cylinder with an advanced 48v mild hybrid Ingenium petrol and diesel engine with a 39.2kWh battery operated containing lithium-ion, which has a 105 kW electric motor integrated with transmission and a usable capacity of 31.8kWh. The recent model’s performance on the road is smooth and delivers seamless wafting, which separates it from the previous models. To top it off, it can blend serene road trip rides with enhanced body control. On the pavement, the P530 will hover over broken pavements, melting large suspension movements and neutralizing small ones to shake down the needle of the chassis briefly. It provides electrified performance with a comprehensive line-up of advanced powertrains that brings new levels of capability to Land Rover‘s flagship SUV and efficiency compared to past fleets.
Bolster an electrified performance with two new Extended-Range plug-in hybrid electric vehicle powertrains providing up to 113km/70 miles of EV range and extraordinary efficiency. The vehicle has two main charging options: a DC rapid charger, which provides an efficiency of 0-80 % in under an hour, and an AC home charger which provides an efficiency of 0-100% in five hours. Notably, the extended Range PHEV uses three driving modes: save mode, EV mode, and hybrid mode. Save mode preserves the battery level to be used later while hybrid mode optimizes energy efficiency between petrol and electric power.
Additional features
Advanced rear-wheel steering has improved tighter turning stability above 50km/h which can reduce its turning circle. Touch control makes shifting from the second-row seat to the third-row seat easy; all you have to do is tap the touch control to activate the rear sliding and tipping forward function. Generally, there’s advanced, responsible and sustainable interior options. The interior offers customers a more comprehensive range of finishes and materials, such as innovative tactile Ultra fabrics and textiles. The new model SWB and LWB have new auto-folding load space covers behind the first, second, and third rows with a sheathable design that moves back when the upper tailgate is unlocked. The load space provides a more spacious load area for the convenience of the customers.
To add, it comes with unique technical specifications of HF 523, a torque lb-ft 553, top speed of 155 mph. The P530 is available in a Sunset Gold Satin finish and offers various exterior colors. Other features entail a tailgate events suite with leather cushions, wireless device charging with a phone signal booster, blind spot assist, traffic sign recognition, and an adaptive speed limiter.
Target Audience/ Pricing
In short, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover P530 First Edition is a perfect match for someone who is looking for luxurious amenities and willing to incur extra 100,000 dollars for a unique Range Rover experience. Due to its improved occupant capacity, the automobile caters to individuals with large families looking for spacious load space areas and additional seating.
The Range Rover P530 First Edition is your option if you want something more exclusive and pricey. The model’s price depends on customers’ preference; a standard wheelbase will cost you approximately $263,700 – $333,410.
Check out The 2022 Range Rover P530 First Edition Here
2022 Range Rover P530 First Edition activation in meatpacking district via 360 MAGAZINE.
2022 Range Rover P530 First Edition activation in meatpacking district via 360 MAGAZINE.
2022 Range Rover P530 First Edition activation in meatpacking district via 360 MAGAZINE.
2022 Range Rover P530 First Edition activation in meatpacking district via 360 MAGAZINE.
2022 Range Rover P530 First Edition activation in meatpacking district via 360 MAGAZINE.
2022 Range Rover P530 First Edition activation in meatpacking district via 360 MAGAZINE.
In its fifth generation, the original hybrid boss redefines sustainability with style and grace in large part because of its lower center of gravity and longer wheelbase.
Even in its prime, the 2023 Toyota Prius paints the perfect picture at a precise price. With six USB-C, wireless Apple CarPlay × Android Auto in tandem with 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, it is probably the most attentive as well as an intuitive vehicle in its category.
2023 Toyota Prius first drive via Kathy Dyess and 360 MAGAZINE. 360 MAGAZINE reviews the 2023 Toyota Prius. Photo: Kathy Dyess
The cockpit is more contemporary than its predecessor: digital cluster above the steering wheel, 12.5″ multimedia display, and overall functional design.
Arriving at 57 mpg with a bigger 2.0 L in-line engine offering 60% more power, the vehicle has more torque, thanks to the constantly changing E-CVT. Dial in different distributions for a stiffer steering alongside AWD is more than conducive for pinching into corners.
With UFOish skin and tons of trailing technology, perhaps this is the Gen Z dream car?!
Ergonomics, coupled with an eco-architectural skeleton, it will no longer be alien to an urban environment.
The Legacy Continues
When the Toyota Prius made its groundbreaking debut in 2000, it changed the automotive industry forever. The high-tech sedan ushered in a new generation of vehicles that combined an electric motor with a high-efficiency engine. That unmatched legacy continues with the recent reveals of the all-new 2023 Prius and 2023 Prius Prime.
As the most fuel-efficient Prius to date, the 2023 Prius has a EPA-estimated 57 miles per gallon combined fuel economy rating (LE FWD model), bringing accessible electrification to drivers everywhere. The 2023 Prius Prime also adds to the innovative nameplate. Now after a decade in production, this plug-in hybrid model continues to offer customers the flexibility of getting around town on zero-emission battery power or hybrid mode for fuel-efficient road tripping. What’s more, it also offers extra performance and technology, enhancing an already enticing package.
Without question, both the 2023 Prius and 2023 Prius Prime are key vehicles in Toyota’s diverse electrified portfolio as the company works to achieve carbon neutrality. Available in a variety of grades to complement customers’ personal tastes and lifestyles, both vehicles are ready to uphold Prius’ legacy as a respected and sought-after global nameplate.
Read on to learn about the top five things that make the 2023 Prius and 2023 Prius Prime innovative additions to the eco-sensitive Prius family.
Modern and Mindful Design
Built on the second-generation TNGA-C platform, both vehicles offer a low center of gravity and increased rigidity compared to the previous generations. The result? A wider stance and lower driving position that feels nimble yet comfortable. The 2023 Prius will be available in LE, XLE and Limited grades, and the 2023 Prius Prime will be available in SE, XSE and XSE Premium grades, respectively. No matter the grade, they all provide a smooth ride.
The attractive features don’t stop there. Both vehicles’ exteriors boast modern, polished designs. Each possesses a piercing silhouette with sporty yet sleek exterior styling. With an aerodynamic flair, the 2023 Prius and Prius Prime feature a roofline 2 inches lower compared to the prior generation for a more athletic look. The vehicles are 1 inch longer and nearly 1 inch wider in the rear, adding to the aesthetic appeal.
For both the 2023 Prius and Prius Prime, the position of the battery is also optimized, with placement under the rear seat for enhanced luggage capacity.
The Prius Prime also blends its cool aesthetic with a bit of star-powered tech: a solar roof. This on-board charging feature uses roof-mounted solar panels to recharge the Prius Prime’s battery when parked. The panels deliver supplemental power to accessory functions, like air conditioning, when driving. A clever design conceals the electrodes for a seamless, glossy appearance.
Premium Performance
Drivers can expect enhanced acceleration and effortless handling when they get behind the wheel of both the 2023 Prius and 2023 Prius Prime. Both have larger 2.0L engines and newly developed lithium-ion batteries. New for 2023 Prius, the battery pack is smaller and lighter and achieves a 15% increase in output compared to the previous-generation nickel metal battery.
The 2023 Prius Prime’s battery has been improved as well. The new, larger lithium-ion battery is projected an all-electric estimated range increase of more than 50% over the previous estimated range of 25 miles. The EPA figures are expected to be available in Spring 2023.
Superb dynamic performance is a key benefit of the 2023 Prius all-wheel-drive (AWD)-equipped vehicles due to the capable Electronic On-Demand AWD system. It uses a motor to drive the rear wheels, enabling stable driving performance when starting off and when driving on slippery road surfaces such as snow. What’s more, the 2023 Prius has three drive modes: NORMAL, ECO and SPORT. In ECO mode, the drive force response to accelerator operation is suppressed slightly to modulate the throttle and enhance fuel economy. In POWER mode or SPORT mode, the drive force in the low to mid-accelerator operation is increased to help enhance throttle responsiveness.
Top-Notch Tech Capabilities
The 2023 Prius and 2023 Prius Prime are designed and equipped with the tools to make life easier and more convenient — thanks to the available 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system feature. The drivers of both vehicles will also have the opportunity to access a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features. The system is capable of Over-the-Air (OTA) updates to keep things up-to-date.
Users can interact with the system through intuitive touch and voice activation controls. With the available Connected Service Drive Connect, drivers and passengers have access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. With Intelligent Assistant, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awaken the system for voice-activated commands to search for directions, find points of interest (POI), adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more — all hands-free.
To sonically elevate the journey, the eight-speaker JBL® Premium Audio system comes standard only on the 2023 Prius Limited grade and the 2023 Prius Prime XSE Premium grade. With the use of Clari-Fi® technology, the system is also able to breathe life into compressed digital music formats, enhancing the audio experience.
Safety and Convenience Features
Safety is one of Toyota’s priorities. The Toyota Safety Sense generation, TSS 3.0, which comes standard, helps the 2023 Prius and 2023 Prius Prime uphold those high-quality standards. This suite offers an array of active safety systems that include the existing systems available on the prior generation Prius; but they also include some additional enhancements and capabilities, all of which are designed to help keep drivers, passengers and pedestrians safe.
To help drivers prevent collisions, the Safety Sense comes with Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. The system is designed to detect preceding vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists while providing audio and visual alerts. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) is a feature that works in collaboration with the Pre-Collision system. It can help detect and warn drivers of vehicles that are approaching or positioned near or in adjacent lanes.
Another noteworthy feature is the Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which adds a fourth following distance setting to the previously available three. Enhanced vehicle detection allows for the ability to detect more than one preceding vehicle, as well as vehicles in adjacent lanes. This is designed to help the system provide smoother, more natural speed adjustments, especially when the driver changes lanes.
There have also been enhancements to Lane Tracing Assist. This system now helps provide more space between vehicles being passed by cars in adjacent lanes. It works by offsetting the vehicles’ driving paths with minor steering adjustments while helping to keep the vehicle within its lane.
Another feature that’s been enhanced is Road Sign Assist. It has expanded sign detection capabilities that now include certain intersection signs and warning signs, like pedestrian crossings.
Proactive Driving Assist is new to Prius and the Toyota Safety Sense suite of technologies. When system operating conditions are met, the vehicle’s camera and radar are designed to provide gentle braking into curves or braking and steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert is designed to help detect vehicles that are approaching from either side while pulling out and alerting drivers with a visual and audible warning.
Collectively, all these features and amenities work to help create a dynamic driving experience that’s stylish, convenient and, most importantly, designed to help with safety.
As Toyota continues its commitment to finding highly efficient and zero emission solutions that fit customers lifestyles across the U.S., the 2023 Toyota Prius and 2023 Prius Prime will be a part of a lineup that looks to move “beyond zero.” As a symbol of that commitment, the 2023 Prius will be the first Toyota vehicle to wear a new “Beyond Zero” badge, a global effort to achieve carbon neutrality in Toyota products, manufacturing and beyond.
For more information on the Prius and Prius Prime, please see the vehicle press kits.
‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion’ reflects the latest couture trends and showcases infinite Bespoke possibilities
Comprises two prêt-à-porter collections: bold Re-Belle, inspired by colour block, and Fu‑Shion, bringing function and fashion together
Starlight Tailgate – all-new Bespoke feature extending the magical celestial ambience beyond the interior of the motor car
Matching Luggage Collection designed to complement each of the interior themes
The House of Rolls-Royce reveals ‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion,’ comprised of two prêt-à-porter collections– the bold Re‑Belle and striking Fu-Shion. These exquisite ‘objects of desire’ by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective take inspiration from vibrant hues and textures seen in the world of high fashion, reflecting the eclectic tastes and lifestyle of the luxury clientele.
As works of art in their own right, ‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion’ will be unveiled to luxury connoisseurs and patrons of the brand at Art Basel in Miami this evening.
‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion’ brings out the multifarious character of the luxury SUV and its Black Badge alter ego. We drew inspiration from the world of or patrons – individuals with eclectic tastes who define trends and influence current movements in the fields of art, fashion and design,” says Celina Mettang, Bespoke Colour and Material Designer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “They defy boundaries, challenge conventions, and are bold in their expression of individuality. Reflective of their tastes, our ‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion’ models are designed as statement pieces, perfectly tailored to suit the lifestyles of our clients.”
‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion’ Re-Belle is the ultimate statement piece, reflecting contemporary colour blocking trends with its vivid hues and playful combination of textures. A splash of colour in the interior with Peony Pinkor Lime Green accents provides an irresistible contrast to the Arctic White or Cashmere Grey leather trim.
The fascia is finished with extraordinarily detailed handwoven stainless-steel fabric, evocative of metallic apparel seen on this year’s catwalks. Delicate thread with a diameter as fine as 0.45 mm creates an intricate texture, which catches the light beautifully as the vehicle is in motion. Re-Belle collection is offered in Lime Green, Gunmetal, Wildberry, or Arctic White exterior colors, available depending on the selected interior.
Unleashing the daring Black Badge personality, ‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion’ Fu-Shion reinterprets high fashion with a utilitarian edge. Reminiscent of the Spring/Summer 2023 prêt‑à-porter collections, embellished with functional elements evocative of street wear, Fu‑Shion showcases Cullinan’s personality – the pinnacle of luxury, effortless everywhere.
or Fu-Shion, designers created two interior styles: an eye-catching combination of Military Green, Navy Blue, and Mandarin or a blend of Arctic White and Cashmere Grey leather with Forge Yellow accents. Depending on the interior palette, ‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion’ Fu-Shion can be commissioned in one of four exterior colors: Military Green, Burnout grey, Forge Yellow or Tempest Grey.
For ‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion’, designers created the all-new Starlight Tailgate – a stunning feature which extends the magical, celestial ambience of the Starlight Headliner beyond the interior.
This Bespoke feature takes more than 22 hours to manufacture and includes 192 softly illuminated stars incorporated into the perforated leather.
The Starlight Tailgate is complemented by the Viewing Suite, creating a perfect setting to enjoy the enchanting beauty of a starry night, anywhere and everywhere.
A further innovation is to be found on the lower part of the fascia, which introduces a coloured Piano veneer for the first time: Cashmere Grey for Re‑Belle and Navy Blue for Fu-Shion. This glossy finish acts as a unifying element, bringing yet more depth to the interior.
For travel in ultimate style, ‘Cullinan – Inspired by Fashion’ is available with matching luggage sets designed to complement each of the four interior themes. The collection is comprised of the following: 24-hour Weekender, 48-hour Weekender, Holdall, Tote Bag, and Organizer Pouch, offered individually or as a five-piece set.
