Posts tagged with "all-wheel-drive"

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Toyota is expanding the Corolla Cross family by adding a healthy helping of performance and efficiency to an already incredible package. Based on the ever-popular Corolla sedan, the all-new 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid made its U.S. debut to provide even more options for entry SUV customers. The all-new 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid, along with the gas model launched in 2021, will be assembled in the U.S. at the new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama – a brand new facility that will have the capacity to roll out up to 150,000 Corolla Cross vehicles per year.

Available exclusively with all-wheel drive (AWD), the Corolla Cross Hybrid maximizes the inherent potential of the high-strength TNGA-C platform, enabling the all-new model to achieve high-quality performance, a comfortable ride, and outstanding spaciousness. What’s more, the surprising cargo capacity gives it the versatility to accommodate life’s adventures.

With the new Fifth Generation Toyota Hybrid System under the hood, coupled with the Electronic All-Wheel Drive system that’s new to the Corolla nameplate, the new Corolla Cross Hybrid offers increased power and fuel economy. With 194 horsepower and an 8.0 second 0-60 time, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is fun to drive while having an impressive manufacturer-estimated 37 combined miles per gallon for all grades.

The 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid will be available in three new grades: S, SE, and XSE, as well as the familiar LE and XLE grades. The S and SE grades come standard with 17-inch Alloy wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen, a sport-tuned suspension, LED head and tail lamps, and smart key access. The SE grade adds privacy glass, roof rails, and paddle shifters – not to mention standard Blind-Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA). When moving up to the XSE grade, the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s sportiest offering builds on the features of the SE and gains standard 18-inch Alloy wheels, premium LED headlamps, taillamps, fog lamps, Softex-trimmed seats with the addition of heated front seats, and a power driver’s seat.

For exterior color options for SE and XSE grades, the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid will be available in four two-tone combinations: Sonic Silver/ Black Roof, Barcelona Red/ Black Roof, Blue Crush Metallic/ Black Roof, and Acidic Blast/ Black Roof (all-new color). Additionally, Corolla Cross Hybrid will be available in Wind Chill Pearl ($425 extra-color cost), Sonic Silver Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Barcelona Red Metallic, Cypress, and Blue Crush Metallic.

Inside, Corolla Cross’ spacious interior offers many of the same desirable features as its sedan and hatchback siblings. In higher grades, the all-new model can be outfitted with a power moonroof, as well as either single- or dual-zone automatic climate control, with all grades featuring standard heating and air conditioning vents for rear-seat passengers.

For interior color options, the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid is offered in LE: Fabric-trimmed seats in Light Gray and Black, XLE: SofTex®-trimmed seats in Macadamia/Mocha or Black, S: Fabric-trimmed seats in Black/Gray, SE: Fabric-trimmed seats in Black/Gray or Black/Blue, and XSE: SofTex®-trimmed seats in Black or Black/Blue.

The all-new Corolla Cross Hybrid is sporty by nature, representing the perfect next step for this model line. From an engineering perspective, it offers an approachable exterior as well as a higher line-of-sight thanks to the revised TNGA-C platform. For the Sport grades, the Corolla Cross Hybrid offers eye-catching details that set it apart from its gas sibling, such as unique front and rear styling. It’s available with two-toned paint and available 18-inch alloy wheels… with sporty looks that are destined to stand out… But we couldn’t stop there.

Standard across all Corolla Cross grades for 2023 is the new Toyota Multimedia System, Wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and added USB-C charge ports to keep all your devices ready for action.

Thanks to the Toyota Audio Multimedia system designed and engineered by Toyota’s Texas-based Connected Technologies team, Corolla Cross drivers will be at the ready thanks to a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features, including being Over-the-Air (OTA) updatable. Users can interact with the system through intuitive touch and voice activation controls. With the available Connected Service Drive Connect trial or subscription, 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. Cloud Navigation, the available onboard navigation solution, utilizes the cloud to download the latest available map, traffic, and routing information. To ensure users have the most up-to-date search capabilities, POI search is provided by Google Points-of-Interest data. Destination Assist also gives access to 24/7 live agent assistance to locate the next destination.

The new Toyota Audio Multimedia allows for dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. With further connectivity, the Corolla Cross has an available Wi-Fi Connect subscription that offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices – turning the Corolla Cross into an AT&T Hotspot. Adding to the already robust offering of audio playback ability with HD Radio®, USB data, and a SiriusXM® Platinum Plan 3-month trial subscription, a Wi-Fi Connect trial or subscription also enables the new Integrated Streaming feature, providing customers the ability to link their separate Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle for onboard control.

In addition to collision protection provided by the TNGA-C platform, all 2023 Corolla Cross models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota’s suite of active safety systems, which includes enhancements made possible by system sensors with improved detection capability. The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection is also capable of detecting motorcyclists in certain conditions. When making a turn or approaching an intersection, the system is designed to detect forward or laterally approaching oncoming vehicles and provides audio/visual alerts and automatic braking in certain conditions. Improved lane recognition delivers a refined performance of Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist.

Corolla Cross will be equipped with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist is designed to notify the driver via audible and visual alerts and slight steering force if it senses the vehicle is leaving the lane without engaging a turn signal. When DRCC is set and engaged, Lane Tracing Assist uses visible lane markers or a preceding vehicle to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.

Automatic High Beams are designed to detect preceding or oncoming vehicles and automatically switch between high beam and low beam headlights. Road Sign Assist is designed to recognize certain road sign information using a forward-facing camera and display them on the multi-information display (MID).

Toyota’s Rear Seat Reminder comes standard on all grades. The feature can note whether a rear door was opened within 10 minutes of the vehicle being turned on, or at any time after the vehicle has been turned on, with a reminder message in the instrument cluster after the engine is turned off, accompanied by multi tone chimes.

In addition to the TSS 3.0 system, other standard safety features include Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), which is designed to help detect and warn you of vehicles approaching or positioned in the adjacent lanes, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) for added peace of mind by helping to detect vehicles approaching from either side while backing out and alerting you with a visual and audible warning. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) also comes standard.

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against perforation from corrosion for 60 months with no mileage limitation. Hybrid-related components that require repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first from the original date of first use when sold as new. The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferable across the ownership.

The 2023 Corolla Cross also comes with ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance, for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 2 years of Roadside Assistance, unlimited mileage.

2023 LEXUS RZ

‘With flying colors, the most aesthetically gifted electric vehicle of its category.’ – 360

The latest in Lexus’ electrified vehicle lineup was on display at the 2022 Electrify Expo this past June 3-5. The event, which features the newest electric vehicles, bikes, motorcycles and more, was the first time consumers can see the all-new battery electric 2023 Lexus RZ 450e in person alongside the all-new 2022 Lexus NX 450h+.

Taking Luxury All-Electric

As Lexus’ first global battery electric vehicle (BEV) model, the all-new 2023 Lexus RZ 450e embodies the unique Lexus vehicle design and driving experience made available through advanced, electrified technology. The utilization of a BEV-specific platform (e-TNGA), as well as a lightweight and highly rigid body, has enhanced the fundamental performance of the vehicle by achieving optimal weight distribution through ideal placement of the battery and motor. In addition, the DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system and the adoption of a new steering control and available Steer by Wire system (at a future date) enable vehicle control that is more true to the driver’s intention. The Lexus RZ’s exterior design expresses the seamless acceleration and dynamic torque-filled performance specific to BEVs, ushering in a new Lexus aesthetic and establishing a new design direction for BEV offerings. The RZ uses the latest Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including standard Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Emergency Driving Stop System. The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e is expected to go on sale towards the end of 2022.

Lexus’ Popular Crossover Adds Plug-In Option

As the first PHEV in the Lexus lineup, the 2022 Lexus NX 450h+ sets the stage for the next chapter of the Lexus brand. The NX 450h+ has an EPA-estimated 36-mile range on electric power only, made possible by the newly developed, high-capacity lithium-ion battery. The system achieves the EV output equivalent to a 2.0-liter engine for an EPA-estimated combined 84 MPGe. The all-new NX is longer, and taller for more passenger and cargo space and features the model’s all-new Lexus Interface multimedia system, with available 14-inch touchscreen.

In addition to the two vehicles, the Lexus display will include two vehicle charging units, with Lexus product specialists providing demonstrations and answering questions from attendees; graphic walls with information about the Lexus RZ, roadmap of the future, and Lexus’ approach to electrification; and a fun, branded photo backdrop.

The 2022 Electrify Expo will make additional stops in Seattle, Austin, Miami and New York throughout the year – bringing the Lexus RZ and Lexus NX PHEV to a city near you. For more information, click HERE.

Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 244 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers eight F SPORT models, one F performance model and one F model. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

Jaguar XF Chases Across London

Leave a reply

JAGUAR XF EMBARKS ON A THRILLING CHASE ACROSS LONDON TO CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF NO TIME TO DIE

The hottest ticket in town: Jaguar Racing’s Mitch Evans embarks on a race across London to be amongst the first to see the eagerly anticipated James Bond film, No Time To Die, released in the UK on September 30, 2021

The thrill of the chase: Behind the wheel of Jaguar’s latest XF Saloon, Evans is pursued across the British capital by renowned free runner and Parkour athlete Lynn Jung

Serenity in the city: The XFs luxurious cabin featuring Active Noise Cancellation and Cabin Air Ionisation technology provides a tranquil sanctuary for Mitch Evans as Lynn tackles the busy streets on foot

Agility and composure: Jaguar’s all-wheel-drive system with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics, and lightweight aluminum-intensive architecture deliver exceptional handling and agility together with the outstanding ride, comfort, and refinement for the drive across town

No Time To Die XF film debut: Two Jaguar XFs make their Bond debut in No Time To Die

Watch the Jaguar London chase film here

To mark the eagerly anticipated release of No Time To Die, Jaguar’s latest XF Saloon found itself involved in a thrilling chase across London, as Jaguar Racing’s Formula E driver Mitch Evans aimed to be amongst the very first to see the film.

The action is set against some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks including the Shard, Tower Bridge, City Hall, and Millennium Bridge. Mitch, who is at the wheel of the Santorini Black XF R-Dynamic HSE, is unaware he is being pursued by free runner and Parkour athlete Lynn Jung. The reason for their chase? He has unwittingly dropped his tickets to the screening and Lynn is determined to ensure his wait to see No Time To Die is over.

The six-mile chase starts in Laffone Street, close to Tower Bridge, and weaves its way across the city with Lynn running, jumping, and somersaulting in pursuit of Mitch, who is enjoying the XF’s luxury, comfort, and serenity thanks to its Active Noise Cancellation and Cabin Air Ionisation technology. Distanced from the noise and chaos of the city around him, Mitch focuses on the drive, making the most of the XF’s precise, intuitive steering – and the responsive, refined performance of its 300PS Ingenium engine. The action concludes in London’s famous Baker Street, where the tickets are returned in spectacular style, allowing Mitch to finally enjoy No Time to Die.

Throughout the race across town, 007 fans will spot a few familiar faces along the route, including a bullet-holed XF from No Time to Die as well as notable Jaguar models that appeared in past films, including the C-X75 from Spectre (2015) and the XKR Convertible from Die Another Day (2002).

Anna Gallagher, Jaguar Brand Director, said:

“The Jaguar XF is a car designed to tackle any journey with an unrivaled balance of luxury, comfort, and refinement. Whether it’s a high-speed pursuit through twisting streets and piazzas of Matera where the car filmed its No Time To Die chase sequences or the bustling streets of London – the XF really is a car for every occasion”.

Watch the Jaguar London chase film here

The Jaguar XF saloon is priced from £33,975 in the UK. To configure and order yours online or book a test drive, visit here

2021 Land Rover Defender

Leave a reply

Craftsmanship with Capability

By Emily Bunn x Vaughn Lowery

Reimagined after 70 years of innovation and improvement, the newest model of Land Rover’s Defender 110 honors the company’s history of creating safe and reliable vehicles, with a new-found attention to detail and design for the 21st century.

At CES 2021, Chief Design Officer of Land Rover, Gerry McGovern, spoke about the Defender 110 and said,

“The new Defender is respectful of its past but is not harnessed by it …. This is a new Defender for a New Age. Its unique personality is accentuated by its distinctive silhouette and optimum proportions, which make it both highly desirable and seriously capable – a visually compelling 4×4 that wears its design and engineering integrity with uncompromised commitment.”

Whether you’re off-roading, looking to pick up some necessary lockdown supplies, or traveling to see friends and family, the Defender promises to get you to your destination safely. Here at 360 Magazine, we recently took the luxurious yet rambunctious 2021 Land Rover Defender for a test drive, and were impressed by the car’s capabilities and curb appeal. We took the vehicle out for a spin to retrieve must needed supplies from various retailers including Home Depot, PetSmart, and Michael’s Art Supplies, shoot emerging recording artist LaJUNE, and pop in on my son and mother after they recovered from COVID-19 for some much needed fun. During all of these getaways, the Defender’s breaks dug deep into the asphalt at stop signs and hugged tight corners. All of the passengers felt safe and secure in the vehicle which operated with control and ease throughout all of our adventures.

Other recently released vehicles– such as the Mercedes Benz G Class, Toyota 4Runner, and Jeep Grand Cherokee– all pale in comparison to the Defender’s sleek design and driving capability, crafted with commitment to your safety and pleasure.

Design

The Defender’s doesn’t put style over substance as its incredible capabilities match its dazzling curb appeal. Immediately upon viewing the available Indus Silver, Gondwana Stone, or Pangea Green paint jobs shine with a glimmer of affluence and sophistication and compliment the vehicle’s constructivist, modular interior. A magnesium cross bar beam has been installed both for its reductive design and durability that it grants to the vehicle’s body. Beautiful alpine lights in the rear of the vehicle allow for an open-air design from floor to roof. The large panoramic sunroof in the car cabin makes the vehicle feel even more spacious by letting in even more light.

Additionally, the second row of origami seats can fold down to allow even more room inside the car cabin. With these seats folded down, the Defender 110 offers a total storage capacity of 78.8 cubic feet, or 36.2 cubic feet with the second row of seats positioned upright. Deep pockets on the back doors, baskets on the side doors, and a lockable 1.5-gallon glove box each allow for easy access to storage inside the vehicle.

Designed to maximize storage, users can lift up the floor to reveal a hidden storage bin equipped with a tool kit. In the trunk, a clip-in, textured floor design designed for rugged use covers the floor and the backs of all of the seats. This load space lets users transport the treasures and grit of your outdoor adventures, and can be hosed off or machined washed once arrived at your destination.

As you’re cruising down the road, the car’s all terrain, blackout tires will transport you on a smooth ride to any destination you can dream of, and in case of emergency, a full-size spare tire is mounted on the rear of the vehicle. The wheels come in several available sizes (in): 18 x 8.0, 18 x 8.0, 20 x 8.5, 22 x 9.0. Additionally, the rear of the vehicle possesses advanced tow assist and an ultra-strong tow hitch receiver with a maximum towing capacity of 8,201 lbs.

Technology

The new Land Rover Defender 110 offers the world’s first dual-modem, dual eSIM design, manufactured to enhance efficiency and function. Furnished with the Pivi Pro infotainment system in the vehicle’s dashboard, the system alerts drivers with Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) updates, and lets users stream music and operate applications with CloudCar technology. CloudCar technology allows for drivers to safely and seamlessly incorporate their digital lives into their driving– drivers can dial into meetings, store calendar invites, and stream music services like Spotify, TuneIn, and Deezer with ease.

Further, a 10-inch high-resolution touchscreen allows drivers precise control over the vehicle with a digital speedometer display. Everything a driver needs to adjust is easily accessible. Other capabilities include driver assist, advanced off road, and standard off road standard packs. This model also offers Bluetooth, Android audio, and Apple CarPlay, so you can stay connected with those you hold close, no matter how far away they are.

And if you are embarking on an ambitious road trip to see your far-away family? The Defender 110 offers six standard speakers, or an optional Meridian sound system with subwoofers, so you can keep the beats bumping. Wherever you go, Smart Voice Guidance technology will optimize routing to get you to your destination most efficiently.

The Defender is equipped with AC power, so you can power accessories (such as a cooler) from remote locations. Wherever you go, the advanced technology and luxurious experience of driving of Land Rover Defender 110 stays with you.

Performance

Equipped with all-wheel drive, this off-road vehicle can handle all landscapes. The Defender’s auto-functionally Terrain Response 2 and ClearSight Ground View technologies can recognize different types of outdoors terrain and adjust the vehicle accordingly. Whether you are driving through the desert or tundra, the Defender promises the same deluxe driving experience. With a built-in hydraulics system, the Defender is able to be raised or lowered over whatever external grit you encounter, protecting the vehicle and its occupants against a single scratch. The Defender’s Response 2 technology grants intelligent off-road technology to drivers, optimizing traction in various outdoors environments.

Beneath the hood, the Defender is equipped with both dual turbocharged and supercharged Inline 6 engines, and a 48-volt hybrid system. The Defender offers a permanent magnet electric motor. With such a powerful system, the Defender can put out 396 peak horsepower at 5,500rpm, and 406 pound-feet of torque at 2,000-5,000rpm. The vehicle also boasts an 8-speed automatic transmission and dual-range gearbox. The fuel economy of the Defender is also impressive, with 1t MPG in the city, or 20 MGP on the highway. The 2021 Land Rover Defender is expedition ready wherever you wish to go, while assuring that safety and comfort come along for the ride.

Safety

Engineered without compromise, the Defender commits to the utmost safety of its users. Land Rover’s 2021 Defender comes with driver assist, which includes emergency braking, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, cruise control, speed limiter functions, driver condition monitors, and front and rear parking aids. The vehicle’s 3D Surround Camera system, developed with Bosch, is equipped with four wide-angle HD Cameras that provide a 190-degree field of view– a 50-degree wider field of vision when compared to traditional rear-view mirrors. This system includes a 3G bits/s video backbone and 14 ultrasonic sensors, which makes backing up into the smallest of spots effortless. Even if your trunk is full, the Defender is equipped with a digital rear-view mirror for increased visibility.

Best of all seat pretensions and front-impact, side-impact, and overhead airbags have been installed to protect passenger’s heads and torsos in case of a crash. To further ensure the safety of its occupants, the Defender protects its passengers with a security system designed to anticipate and detect unwanted vehicle intrusion.

Ergonomics x Additional Features

At a modest MSRP of $62,250, the Defender offers luxury and sophistication to anyone ready to get behind its wheel. Upon purchase, there are four optional accessories packs that allow users to specifically tailor their Defender experience: the Explorer Pack, Adventure Pack, Country Pack, or Urban Pack. The Land Rover Defender 110 drives users to experience new landscapes of life, during a time while everyone else is staying inside. Accoutered with a pop-up roof tent accessory, the Defender is ready to travel with you wherever you go, whether it be on an outdoors expedition or just a short trip to the grocery store.

The Land Rover Defender 110 model will be released for sale in the U.S. in early 2021.

PRE-ORDER NOW

LAND ROVER LAUNCHES ‘DEFENDER ABOVE & BEYOND SERVICE AWARDS’ TO HONOR U.S. ORGANIZATIONS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITY

Reflecting the seven decades of Land Rover, U.S. non-profits will be awarded a customized Land Rover Defender to empower them to further their efforts in helping those around them
Through July 27, 2021, Land Rover will be accepting video nominations here for organizations making a difference
Organizations must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3)¹non-profits whose efforts fall within the seven categories outlined in the program
For information and rules³on the ‘Defender Above & Beyond Service Awards,’ please visit Land Rover’s website or follow @LandRoverUSA on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter

Across seven decades, Land Rover vehicles have earned a unique place in the hearts of humanitarian agencies across the world. The Defender continues this legacy and maintains its standing as a vehicle purpose-built for service. Inspired by the endless acts of service across the U.S. from extraordinary citizens this past year, Land Rover announced the launch of the ‘Defender Above & Beyond Service Awards’ to celebrate U.S.-based charitable organizations that are making a positive impact in their local community. To honor the 70-year history of the brand, Land Rover will award a specially outfitted Defender to seven organizations to help further their charitable efforts.

Organizations must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3)¹ non-profits whose efforts fall within the seven categories below:

Search and Rescue
Coastal and Marine Conservation
Animal Welfare
First Responders
Environmental
Urban Improvement
Fire Services

Entrants can nominate a non-profit charity or non-profits can nominate themselves here by filling out the entry form and submitting an up to three-minute video that shares what your charity is about, how it addresses a need in your community and how the Land Rover Defender will help to further your effort.

Starting with Search and Rescue and Coastal and Marine Conservation, Land Rover will call for entries through Wednesday, April 7, 2021 before opening submissions for the next categories. Once selected by a panel of qualified judges, finalists’ videos will be posted on their website for public voting before submissions for the next categories take place. All winners will be announced on September 2, 2021. To view submission deadlines for each category, please visit their website.

“Defender vehicles have been used for various humanitarian causes around the world for decades and with its recent return to the U.S., we wanted to expand on that legacy with ‘The Defender Above & Beyond Service Awards’ and celebrate organizations that know the value of community and drive to do great things with them,” said Joe Eberhardt, President & CEO, Jaguar Land Rover North America. “Over this past year, we have been inspired by the endless acts of service from people who embody the Above and Beyond spirit of Land Rover, and we’re excited to reward these individuals with new customized Defender vehicles so they can continue to help those around them.”

With a nod to the historic Land Rover Defender, the New Defender is the toughest and most capable Land Rover vehicle yet, combining a new body structure with all-new technologies and legendary engineering to create a Defender fit for the 21^st century. The 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 is on sale now in the U.S. and is priced from $50,500², the Defender 90 body style is also on sale now in the U.S. and priced from $46,100². Configure your Defender on their website.

For information on the Land Rover ‘Defender Above & Beyond Service Awards’, please visit Land Rover’s website or follow them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Organizations must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in one of the seven (7) Categories specified, be approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt, charitable organization as of March 9, 2021, and maintain its tax-exempt status (i.e., good standing) until the end of the Contest Period. The 501(c)(3) must be a public charity or a private operating foundation, but not a private foundation.
All prices shown are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes $1,350 destination and delivery, tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for details.
Information, submission deadlines, rules on the ‘Defender Above & Beyond Service Awards,’ can be found here.

Rolls-Royce Reveals New Ghost

Leave a reply

By Cassandra Yany

Rolls-Royce revealed the design for its New Ghost on Tuesday. CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös described the Ghost as “the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet.” The first Goodwood Ghost, released in 2009, was the company’s most successful product in its 116-year history.

The automobile company released the launch film in which Müller-Ötvös shares the importance of refinement and simplicity in producing the new Ghost. The six-minute video showcases the appearance of the car, highlighting the small, unique details. Müller-Ötvös said that a client-first approach played a huge role in the car’s conception.

A team of specialists, engineers and craftspeople used research of Ghost clients’ interests, opinions and taste patterns to develop a new model that meets the preferences of these drivers. The style of the Ghost was created using the ‘Post Opulence’ philosophy, which designer Henry Cloke says is “about simplicity. [It’s] about something that doesn’t shout at you, but it whispers.”

The new Ghost has been termed “future-focused with a minimal aesthetic.” Engineers worked to combine dynamic highlights from the portfolio of numerous types of cars into one vehicle. It was formulated to remove as much energy transfer as possible from the road into the body of the car to create a smooth ride. The car was built with sound absorbing materials to reduce the level of noise inside the car. A soft undertone was created for the driver and passengers to hear a single, subtle note while on the road. Media screens fold out from behind the driver’s and passenger’s seats, providing entertainment for those sitting in the back seats.

Behind the grill of the car are lights that provide a subtle glow below the Rolls-Royce logo, between the “laser” headlights. The interior contains wood accents, and was intended to promote a relaxing and serene driving experience. The dashboard features hundreds of illuminated stars surrounding the Ghost nameplate, and the headliner is adorned with star-like lights.

The new Ghost has all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering, and was constructed to drive easy, regardless of road conditions. It was built on Rolls-Royce aluminum spaceframe architecture, which was adapted to make way for advances in this model. The Planar system increases agility through three elements:

The Wishbone Damper unit above the front suspension assembly creates a secure and effortless ride.
The Flagbearer system uses cameras to read the road and prepare the suspension system for any upcoming changes in the road surface.
Last, the Satellite Aided Transmission uses GPS data to pre-select the optimum gear for approaching corners.

The new Ghost is equipped with a 6.75-litre, twin-turbo V12 engine. The doors open and close electrically for an easy entrance and exit. Engineering Lead, Jonathan Simms, said the team “pushed [their] architecture even further and created a car even more dynamic, even more luxurious and, most of all, even more effortlessly usable.”

Additionally, Rolls-Royce released a podcast series explaining the aesthetic and engineering of the new Ghost. The sleek, luxury car is expected to retail around $322,500, with the first deliveries anticipated for early next year.

Vaughn lowery, 360 magazine, rolls-royce, new ghost

I-PACE SUV REVEALED

Leave a reply

Today, the Jaguar I-PACE, the first all-electric production vehicle from the Jaguar brand, has been unveiled to the world in a live webcast. Clean, smart and offering a wealth of driver assistance features, the Jaguar I-PACE delivers sports car performance, artificial intelligence (AI) enabled technologies and five-seat SUV practicality.

British comedian and actor, Jack Whitehall, self-proclaimed EV enthusiast and TV presenter Jonny Smith and American tech guru iJustine, hosted a special live show as the first I-PACE rolled off the production line in at the Jaguar Land Rover manufacturing facility in Graz, Austria, where the car will be built.

When it came to explaining the technology behind I-PACE, host comedian Jack Whitehall enlisted the help of the Jaguar brand’s newest vehicle experts, nine year olds Lola and Hudson.

A documentary, titled ‘Fully Charged’ aired at the end of the webcast, giving a behind-the-scenes insight into the creators of the Jaguar I-PACE.

Designed and engineered in the UK, the I-PACE will be built in Graz, Austria, as part of Jaguar Land Rover’s manufacturing partnership with Magna Steyr. It joins the growing family of Jaguar SUVs, alongside the all-new E-PACE and multiple award-winning F-PACE.

“We set out with a clean sheet approach to harness new battery electric technology with an architecture engineered from the outset to optimize EV performance, aerodynamics and interior space. The result is the I-PACE – a true Jaguar and a truly driver-focused EV,” said Ian Hoban, Jaguar Vehicle Line Director.

ELECTRIC

With a 432 pouch cell, 90kWh, lithium-ion battery pack, the I-PACE delivers an estimated range of 240 miles². Owners will be able to achieve a 0-80 percent battery charge in around 40 minutes using publicly available 100kW DC rapid charging facilities³. Home charging with a 230V/32A AC wall box (7kW) will achieve the same state of charge (0-80 percent) in just over ten hours – ideal for overnight charging³.

A suite of smart range-optimizing technologies includes a battery pre-conditioning system which allows the vehicle to warm or cool its battery, and cabin, to an optimal temperature while plugged in to power. By allowing the vehicle to do this while still connected to power, the system reduces the need for the vehicle to tap into its driving range to reach optimal operating temperature.

PERFORMANCE

Two Jaguar-designed concentric electric motors – which feature driveshafts passing through the motors themselves for compactness – are placed at each axle, producing exceptional performance and all-wheel drive, multi-surface traction.

The high torque density and high-energy efficiency characteristics of the motors combine to deliver sports car performance, launching the I-PACE from a standing start to 60mph in 4.5 seconds¹. This instantaneous performance is matched with exceptional ride comfort and engaging driving dynamics Jaguar customers have come to expect.

The aluminum architecture uses advanced riveting and bonding technology to deliver a light, stiff body structure. Together with the structural battery pack, it has a torsional rigidity of 36kNm/degree – the highest of any current Jaguar vehicle.

The battery is placed centrally between the two axles, and as low as possible with a seal between the housing and the underfloor. This location enables a 50:50 weight distribution and a low center of gravity. Together with the advanced double wishbone front and an Integral Link rear suspension with standard Active Air Suspension and optional configurable Adaptive Dynamics, this packaging delivers agile handling and outstanding ride comfort.

DESIGN

The Jaguar I-PACE is designed and engineered to take full advantage of its smart electric powertrain, maximizing the potential of packaging benefits EVs inherently bring.

Its sleek, coupe-like silhouette was influenced by the Jaguar C-X75 supercar concept; drawing inspiration for its short, low hood, aero-enhanced roof design and curved rear window from the concept. This cab-forward design contrasts with its squared-off rear, helping reduce the coefficient of drag to just 0.29Cd. To optimize the balance between cooling and aerodynamics, the I-PACE relies on Active Vanes in the grille which open when cooling is required and close when not needed; redirecting air through the integral hood scoop, further smoothing airflow around the vehicle.

Inside, customers will experience a spacious cabin highlighted by the Jaguar brand’s exquisite attention to detail and sophisticated materials – including the option of a premium textile Kvadrat interior.

Although classed as a mid-sized SUV by its physical footprint, the cab forward design and packaging of the EV powertrain mean the I-PACE offers interior space comparable to a larger vehicle. The I-PACE affords a rear legroom space of 35.0-in (890mm) and a useful 0.43- cu. ft. (12.3-liter) central storage compartment in a space that would ordinarily by occupied by a transmission tunnel in a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. Also in the rear, tablet and laptop storage can be found beneath the seats; while the rear luggage compartment behind those seats offers a 25.3 cu. ft. capacity, a generous 51.0 cu. ft. is available with the second row seats folded flat.

CONNECTED-CAR TECHNOLOGY

The Jaguar I-PACE introduces the Jaguar InControl® Touch Pro Duo™ infotainment system to Jaguar. First debuting on the Range Rover Velar and later on the 2018 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, Touch Pro Duo relies on a pair of innovative touchscreens which work in conjunction with capacitive sensors and tactile physical controls, to make the new system intuitive to use⁶.

A new EV navigation system built into Touch Pro Duo calculates personalized range and charging status to assist with driver confidence. To gather this data, the Touch Pro Duo system analyzes the topography of the selected route to the destination and aggregates that information with insights from previous journeys, including individual driving styles.

The advanced system uses ‘Smart Settings’ technology – driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms – to identify individual driver preferences, and then tailors the vehicle’s driving and interior settings accordingly.

The I-PACE will also launch an Amazon Alexa Skill linked to the Jaguar InControl Remote App. Owners will be able to ask an Alexa-enabled device for information such as “Is my car locked?,” “What is the charging level?,” and “Do I have enough range to get to work?” among other things.

To ensure customers always have access to the latest infotainment, telematics and battery energy control software, the I-PACE will also be the first Jaguar to provide Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) updates.

In the U.S. the I-PACE will be available in the second half of 2018.

All-Electric Jaguar

Leave a reply

On Thursday 1st March, Jaguar will livestream the global premiere of its first electric vehicle (EV), the I-PACE at 18:00 GMT.

The I-PACE is Jaguar’s newest member of the PACE family and is the EV drivers have been waiting for, delivering sustainable sports car performance, all-wheel-drive agility and five-seat SUV practicality.

The I-PACE will be capable of rapid charging from zero to 80 per cent in 85 minutes* and has been rigorously tested across extremes of terrain and temperatures from -40°C to 40°C.