Posts tagged with "car enthusiasts"

EVERRATI’S GT40 & LAND ROVER PASS SAFETY TESTING

EVERRATI’S GT40 AND LAND ROVER PASS VIGOROUS R100.01 ELECTRICAL SAFETY TESTING

Everrati’s electric GT40 and Land Rover ‘Series’ pass UN-ECE R100.01 testing for safety requirements related to electric powertrains
GT40 R100.01 testing carried out at HORIBA MIRA’s world-leading facilities
Land Rover Series IIA testing carried out by the Netherlands Vehicle Authority – RDW
Results further validate Everrati’s OEM-grade design, engineering and quality, and underline how the company is continuing to raise the bar for electrified classics

Everrati Automotive Limited (Everrati), the leading global technology company specialising in the redefining and futureproofing of automotive icons, has announced that both its electric GT40 and Land Rover Series have passed electric vehicle safety testing for their state-of-the-art electric powertrains.

The achievement demonstrates Everrati’s OEM-grade engineering, design, and quality processes, as well as its leadership and commitment to battery safety and standards.

UNECE R100.01 is a vehicle safety standard devised to test electric vehicle powertrains to ensure that they are safe for use. The testing involves a vigorous assessment of the electrical safety of the High Voltage components installed within a vehicle, and includes protection against electric shock, protection against direct and indirect contact, isolation resistance testing and overall vehicle safety.

As part of the GT40’s battery safety and validation process, the car recently passed R100.01 testing at HORIBA MIRA’s world-leading facilities in Warwickshire, UK. Featuring a state-of-the-art proprietary EV powertrain with a power-dense 62.5kWh lithium-ion battery and sector-leading 700V architecture generating up to 800bhp and 800Nm of torque and 0-60mph time of 3.5 seconds, it represents the pinnacle of redefined EV supercar performance and technology.

Meanwhile, Everrati’s redefined Land Rover Series IIA, which is available in the UK already, passed UN-ECE R100.01 testing at the Netherlands Vehicle Authority – RDW. Fully satisfying its testing, it is now approved for sale in the Netherlands where customer deliveries have already begun.

The advanced EV powertrain featured in the Series IIA has a range of up to 150 miles, combined with regenerative braking, AC and DC fast charging capability. With a 60kWh battery and 150bhp and 300Nm from its electric motors, it offers both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes.

Justin Lunny, Founder and CEO of Everrati comments: “The achievement of our Land Rover Series IIA and GT40 in attaining compliance to the vigorous UNECE R100.01 electrical safety testing is a testament to Everrati’s OEM-grade engineering, design, and quality processes, which continues to raise the benchmark for the standards of electrified classics.

“Every Everrati product is the result of the most robust vehicle development and the attention to detail from our team of highly-skilled specialists. Both the GT40 and Series IIA, like all of our models, represent the very best in electrified icons and underline how we are continuing to set new standards in this rapidly growing sector.”

Headquartered in Oxford, UK, Everrati joined forces with Superformance in July last year with the mission of precision re-engineering the legendary Le Mans-winning car with a custom-designed electric drivetrain for a zero-emissions future. Superformance, based in Jupiter, Florida, is a global leader in the manufacture of 1960s-era continuation component sports cars and produces a rolling chassis for the GT40 built under license. As a result, it is the world’s only GT40 EV listed in the official Shelby Registry.

About Everrati

Everrati was founded in 2019 by British entrepreneur Justin Lunny and long-term automotive specialist Nick Williams. Both car enthusiasts from an early age, they became increasingly conscious of the wider impact combustion engines have on the environment. Everrati was launched with the vision of restoring iconic models from an earlier era and converting them to electric propulsion. Everrati’s model line-up consists of electric versions of the Porsche 911 (964) Coupe, Targa, Cabriolet in Pure, Signature, and Gulf Signature Editions, Land Rover Series IIA, GT40 in partnership with Superformance including officially licenced Gulf Edition and Mercedes-Benz W113 SL ‘Pagoda’. Everrati designs, develops and builds its cars from a bespoke facility in Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire.

Everrati restores and modifies existing classic and iconic cars for its customers to enable them to be used and enjoyed in a low carbon world. Everrati does not manufacture vehicles. Everrati is not sponsored, associated, approved, endorsed, nor, in any way, affiliated with the manufacturers of the cars they restore. All brand names, logos and crests along with any other products mentioned are the trademarks of their respective holders. Any mention of trademarked names or other marks is for purpose of reference only.

2023 LEXUS RX

Listen to MacKenzie Richter, Lexus Product Marketing chat w/ Vaughn on 360 MAG Apple/Spotify podcast about 2023 Lexus RX HERE.

360 MAGAZINE had an intimate driving commitment at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara with one of the top-selling vehicles in the Lexus fleet. Although 2023 Lexus RX pricing was not announced, exterior colors, trim and powertrains were readily available for testing. After five generations, performance, style and innovation have intermingled in the luxury of the new age with this hot stepper. All in all, we strongly believe the RX F SPORT is the heavyweight candidate for this reboot.

Design

The silhouette of the RX has been redesigned with stylish and sporty lines. To many, at first glance, it is a lean and agile approach. Ready to pounce. Suitable with a grill brooch coupled with jewel headlamps and taillights. The cabin is also marked by embossed patterns on the door panels and headrests of top-of-the-range models. Race-inspired red bucket seats with bespoke like black side panels. Ambient lighting is also available in different models in a variety of color combinations.

Technology

14-inch infotainment screen effortlessly placed on the dashboard for easy use of the driver’s control. This season, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are wireless, making it more intuitive and fluid. Wireless charging stations are larger for the next generation of phablets, in particular the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and Z Fold4 flagships. Not forgetting, the inside has USB-C ports sprinkled throughout. Sure, you can head nod to Drake‘s Sticky with its optional Mark Levinson signature speaker set.

Performance

Larger calipers signify better braking. Rear wheel steering is a must-have, especially for parallel parking, snaking roads and u-turns. The ability to displace torque in different ratios also allows the riders to push outside of its previous capabilities. 21″ wheels in tandem with low profile Michelin tire add much needed traction for various terrains. Offered power plants are as follows: RX350 has a 2.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged pushing 275 HP; RX350h possess a 2.4L 4-cylinder with AWD as well as CVT produces 246 HP and RX500h F SPORT matches electric alongside of 2.4L turbocharged to produce 367 HP. Adaptive cruise controls, lane departure paired with civilian detection – excellent for the increase of low-stanched fat tire e-bikes in cities. Just because they have pedals, doesn’t mean they can’t excel beyond 50+ mph.

In short, the Lexus RX cocoon has become a magnificent butterfly with the RX500 F SPORT variant. It literally floats, moves easily within tight spaces, and is sure to cause a stir with transcultural youth. Lastly, a two-row, five-seater SUV with muscles and brains that can survive a hectic Gen Z household.

2023 Lexus RX car review by Vaughn Lowery inside 360 MAGAZINE

2023 Lexus RX auto review by Vaughn Lowery inside 360 Magazine

Watch me drive HERE.

Article + Photo: Vaughn Lowery

MASERATI’S GRECALE SUV

Maserati’s Grecale SUV is making its dynamic debut at the Goodwood’s Festival of Speed, taking on the famous hill climb in the First Glance Run.

During the event and alongside Maserati’s global brand ambassador David Beckham, Grecale is being put to the test on the 1.16-mile course. The MC20, which had its UK dynamic showcase at last year’s Festival of Speed, also makes an appearance on the hill climb route, and is joined by the latest model in the range, the new Maserati MC20 Cielo Spyder.

For the remainder of the Festival, the MC20 and the Grecale, in the Trofeo version, will be thrilling spectators twice a day on the Goodwood hill climb and will be on display in the Supercar Paddock and the First Glance Paddock, respectively.

More on Grecale:

The new Grecale is the “everyday exceptional” SUV, incorporating the thrill of luxury and pure innovation
It’s available in three versions: GT, powered by a four-cylinder mild hybrid engine capable of delivering 300 hp; Modena, with a four-cylinder 330-hp mild hybrid engine; and Trofeo, powered by a high-performance 530-hp petrol V6 based on the MC20 Nettuno engine
It is the Trofeo version that will be showing off its driving prowess to onlookers as it tackles the hill climb

More on the MC20 Coupe and Cielo Spyder

Launched in May 2022, the MC20 Cielo weighs just 65kg more than the coupé and features an innovative retractable glass roof
The state-of-the-art electrochromic (smart glass) window can instantly be transformed from clear to opaque at the touch of a button on the central screen, courtesy of Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) technology
The roof is also best-in-class in terms of thermal insulation and an opening and closing speed of just 12 seconds
Both models are paired with the powerful F1-derived V6 Nettuno engine, which ensures an exceptional power to weight ratio and jaw-dropping acceleration and top speed, with the coupe achieving 0-62mph in approximately 3.0 seconds

TYLER HENRI GELB

CREATING EXCLUSIVITY

Tyler Gelb, who graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Economics, worked as a financial analyst for the multinational company Sony between 2010 and 2011. In 2019, to assemble the most exclusive luxury eyewear collection available in the world, the Monaco Series, Tyler became the founder and designer of his international brand, T HENRI, which specializes in limited-batch collectible eyewear productions handmade in Sabae, Japan.

By keeping the key brand message “Handmade and done the old-fashioned way” in mind, T HENRI commits to creating heritage pieces through sustainable materials. The company currently presents in 15 countries and has gained recognition with the American magazine Forbes. Meanwhile, the excellent marketing team has made the brand successful in different parts of the United States and the world, such as the Netherlands or Liverpool (UK).

Listen to Tyler Gelb’s full conversation with Vaughn on the 360 MAG Podcast HERE.

In 2020, during the pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease, Tyler decided to further accelerate the brand growth by designing something more exclusive than his competitors, especially to take advantage of the Caviar model, which is priced at almost 2K today. This unique collection includes three models: Corsa, Hydra, and Evo. One of the most notable designs of the collection is the adjustable nose pads which are made in premium quality minerals and could make users feel comfortable by adapting to the size of different noses. The sales that Tyler achieves with this product are high and very successful.

Tyler adds that he wants to continue to maintain “a unique look that’s hard to come by about our product.” The designer is now creating a kind of high-end line. He and his team will start launching and photographing their campaigns with their grand premiere in September of 14 new models. These beta-titanium made frames are featured with aerodynamic characteristics from those high-performance cars. They are plated in various shades with 18-karat white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. At the same time, to make the designs ergonomic, Tyler adds that the collections of T HENRI are returning to the colors radar blue and GO yellow as these tones give an exquisite and attractive result. The concept that he wants to carry forward with future productions would be limited to 99th percentile color combinations which would keep the products distinct.

“Cars and watches are one of the biggest inspirations for me,” Tyler says. As a big fan of cars, Tyler is always galvanized by car brands such as Rolls-Royce for small accessories and Lamborghini for an attractive design. After being inspired by the world’s most talented independent brands, Tyler has created a new limitless eyewear collection, Continental, set in a boxy British Grand Tourer adapted on a high-speed, long-distance circuit. Each setting is electroplated with 1 micron of 18 karat gold, which produces a refined, exclusive, and polished shine.

As an eco and user-friendly brand, T HENRI takes the overall environmental impact and usability under consideration during the manufacturing process. The frames will always be kept as “sort of an organic look rich with color,” with being made in hypoallergenic cotton for human skin.

Tyler mentions that the 2023 collection is already finished and will start with the 2024 one soon. By utilizing titanium as the new material for future collections, He maintains the idea that he is working on is way ahead to ensure all the designs are done right, as well as control material cost.

LUXURY EXCLUSIVITY

Tyler’s concept as an entrepreneur is to “further differentiate our product”. Although art and design have a lot in common for him, both concepts have aesthetic purposes and contain the power to distinguish him from other brands. To preserve the exclusivity of the brand, Tyler made each limited production has only 50 pieces per style, and the color combination is laser-bonded and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity with the designated production number. Tyler emphasizes that those exclusive pieces are gone and will never be produced again once a color combination is sold out.

As the launch of the new eyewear campaign approaches in September, T HENRI aims to start including a list of celebrities in their eyewear content, as the brand label.

The company president’s Philosophy is to “believe in yourself” and be risky because “the risk you are taking is on yourself, you have much more control, so I have been able to be riskier.” Tyler states that “I assume and am able to control it and mitigate it instead of putting it in someone else’s hands. It’s a beautiful thing once it reaches a tipping point, but you just have to endure it until you get there.”

The collection that T HENRI represents is the pinnacle of refined luxury and innovative construction practices.

Article:

Andrea Esteban, Vaughn Lowery

Resources:

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Vinay Shahani

Vice President – Head of Marketing at Lexus, Toyota Motor North America

*Listen to Vinay Shahani’s full conversation with Vaughn Lowery on the 360 MAG Podcast HERE.

As a crowded child growing up in and around Detroit, Vinay Shahani was exposed to the motor industry at a very young age. He started working at the Ford Motor Company when his father (of Sindhi descent) emigrated from India to the United States in the 1960s. Vinay became a car lover under the influence of his father: “He was in the car business, and I was also in the car business because I was his son, and I loved that.” Once he moved to Michigan, Vinay earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Manufacturing Systems Engineering from Stanford University. Currently, Vinay lives in the Dallas area.

Vinay is Vice President of Marketing for Lexus, a Japanese high-end car brand created by Toyota Inc., a position he has held since January 2021. He is responsible for Lexus’ marketing activities, including advertising campaigns, media and digital, product marketing and lifecycle management, auto shows, incentive and experiential marketing, and motorsports. He creates a “speak up” environment to make the opinions of all members of his team visible (agency partners and internal staff). Identifying social and commercial values helps expand the brand to various groups of consumers who may not align with the preferences of the Asian population, such as Walton Isaacson (black, Hispanic, and LGBTIQ community) and the IW group.

In addition, he oversees motorsports, engagement marketing, car shows, and other consumer events throughout the United States. Vasser Sullivan is a race team, with worldwide competitors such as Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, that Lexus empowers with some of the best drivers – “We definitely want to win, and we have a winning team.” Meanwhile, Lexus also helps improve consumers’ skills in car track by providing the opportunity to study professionally at Performance Driving School.

Since the brand is determined to treat consumers as valued guests, one of Vinay’s top initiatives iis Lexus Hospitality, as it is inspired by the Japanese spirit of hospitality and is committed to providing excellence in customer service.

Another dimension within the marketing field is monitoring and analyzing the results after experimenting with the Lexus IS 500 model and the Lexus RC F Track Edition.

Under the massive influence of the metaverse today, Vinay mentions that Lexus is creating its own Mark Netscape plus Upstream to figure out what the role of Lexus is as a brand in the metaverse. In addition, they are in talks with global partners like Lexus International to find out what is being sought out in Japan while identifying markets in the US, Canada, and Great Britain. Based on the diverse target audience of Lexus in the United States, Vinay seeks to use digital media and the National Brand Day to show brand culture and emotion, even

creating a TikTok account to get closer to younger audiences.

As a high environment-friendly brand, by 2035, Vinay plans for Lexus to be a ‘global 100% battery electric’ vehicle brand to reduce fossil fuel consumption and emissions. With these measures, it’s great to see the carbon footprint will be reduced thanks to the company’s shift.

Finally, Vinay adds that “it is important that we know who we are as a brand from a strategic perspective.” With this, they are trying to add attractive and technological accessories to their vehicles that give the driver great confidence in the handling and control of their car. “Maintaining a love for performance cars gets your heart rate up, it excites you, and that’s something we definitely want to associate with different brands.”

Article:

Andrea Esteban, Vaughn Lowery, Krishan Narsinghani, Armon Hayes

Resources:

Lexus & Toyota Motor North America

Links to the 2023 product announcements: Toyota New Product Showcase and

Lexus New Product Showcase

RZ images can be found within the 2023 Lexus RZ album on this page.

Link to each brand’s Livestream press conference:

Toyota | Lexus

Link to Toyota Connected ‘Cabin Awareness’ Concept press release

Links to the final PDFs of the speaker support slides for each presentation:

Toyota , Lexus × Sequoia First Drive

Follow Vinay Shahani: Instagram | LinkedIn

Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II

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“Phantom occupies an unrivalled position at the very apex of the luxury world. As our pinnacle product, it represents the very best of Rolls-Royce design, engineering and craftsmanship – a perfect blend of vision, creativity, the finest materials, skill, patience and precision. With Phantom Series II, we have retained and carefully protected everything our clients’ love about this superlative and luxurious item; subtle, yet meaningful enhancements reflect their evolving tastes and requirements.

“Phantom has always been viewed as the ‘best car in the world’: our Bespoke capabilities mean that, for our clients, it can be the best car for their world, too.”

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Rolls-Royce products enjoy an expansive lifetime, ultimately becoming timeless expressions of good taste, beauty and luxurious perfection. Phantom occupies a unique, pinnacle position in this regard, being revered for its timeless elegance.

The eighth-generation of Phantom was presented in 2017. In creating the new expression, Rolls-Royce designers and engineers have been guided by the requests of clients, who have implored Rolls-Royce not to make any major changes to an already iconic motor car. In answer to these client demands, only the lightest of design touches, embellishments, and adaptations have been incorporated. Indeed, it is not about what should be changed, but in fact, what should be preserved and protected.

A NEW EXPRESSION

The most obvious and important feature to be retained is Phantom’s commanding presence, enhanced by a new polished horizontal line between the daytime running lights above the Pantheon Grille.

A subtle geometric change to the Pantheon Grille makes the ‘RR’ Badge of Honour and Spirit of Ecstasy mascot more prominent

The grille itself is now illuminated, a feature debuted and popularised in Ghost.

The headlights are graced with intricate laser-cut bezel starlights, creating a visual connection with the Starlight Headliner inside.

The silhouette preserves the elegant key lines running from the Spirit of Ecstasy to the tapering rear tail.

The side profile is enhanced with a suite of new wheels. A 3D, milled, stainless steel wheel with triangular facets, a truly elegant disc wheel, recalling the romance of 1920’s Rolls-Royce motor cars produced in both polished stainless steel and black lacquer

Phantom’s sumptuous interior remains almost unaltered: the steering wheel has been made slightly thicker, providing a more connected and immediate point of contact for the owner-driver.

Phantom attracts an elite stratum of clients. Phantom attracts the most ambitious and challenging Bespoke commissions ever undertaken by Rolls-Royce.

There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ Phantom client. Spanning the ‘poles of luxury’, they may be ever-younger or older, modern or traditional, self-made or from long-established wealth.

Their commissions reflect a full spectrum of interests and influences.

The eighth-generation Phantom has been designed to offer a ‘blank canvas’ for Bespoke personalisation.

“The subtle changes we have made for the new Phantom Series II have all been minutely considered and meticulously executed. As Sir Henry Royce himself said: ‘Small things make perfection, but perfection is no small thing’,” Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

PHANTOM PLATINO: THE RETURN OF FINE TEXTILES

To mark the introduction of Phantom Series II and to illustrate Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke capability, the marque has created a new Bespoke masterpiece, Phantom Platino, named after the silver-white finish of the coveted and precious metal, platinum.

Phantom Platino continues Rolls-Royce’s exploration into fabric interiors, a story which began in 2015 with the launch of Serenity, a truly Bespoke Phantom with a hand-painted, hand-embroidered silk interior.

Heralding the next step in this significant journey, Phantom Platino introduces materials other than leather, an area of exploration for Rolls-Royce and a move that demonstrates a greater acceptance of alternative interior upholsteries.

GR COROLLA UNVEILED

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Toyota newly announced the release of their showstopping 2023 GR Corolla, a hot hatch model perfect for drivers in search of a stylish yet high-performance vehicle. 360 Magazine had the opportunity to attend the official vehicle reveal in Long Beach, California to soak up the opulence of the new style.

360, too, sat down with Thomas Sondej and Paul Hogard from Toyota to chat about what went into the planning and design process for such an elevated model on 360’s very own podcast, 360 MAG: A No-Nonsense Conversation.

The reveal of the brand new 2023 GR Corolla launched on March 31, where 360 was invited to attend the Toyota Performance Vehicle Reveal and Dinner. On-site, prototypes of the two grades of the GR Corolla were shown off and tested to reveal a few of the vehicle’s capabilities.

Beautifully designed, the space emulated the rich supersonic red and sleek silver aspects showcased in the new Toyota styles. Lights sparkled over the GR Corolla as it drifted and drove for the audience to awe in the model’s glory.

During 360 MAG: A No-Nonsense Conversation, 360’s President Vaughn Lowery and Creative Director Armon Hayes conversed on-site at Thunder Studios located in Long Beach with Sondej and Hogard to discuss all things Toyota GR Corolla.

Sondej works in the product education/marketing department, while Hogard specializes in product PR for Toyota. Lowery and Hayes learned that this specific, advanced hot hatch model has been in the works for quite some time, dating all the way back to 2018.

The 2023 GR Corolla was designed to appeal to a well-versed demographic. Allowing for a heightened driving experience with customizable design features, the GR Corolla appeals to several ages and aesthetic points of views. The high-performance aspects of the vehicle were constructed with a specific person in mind, though: adrenaline junkies. If you enjoy partaking in heart pumping activities like skateboarding or sky diving in your free time, the GR Corolla was crafted with the thrill seekers in mind.

Equipped with manual transmission, the hot hatch is built with a 1.6 L turbo engine that generates a whopping 300 horsepower. The GR force system of the GR Corolla allows for a selection of three settings of torque. You can switch from 60/40 for everyday driving, to 30/70 while traveling down windy roads, or to the 50/50 track utilized for needed stability when moving through snow/gravel.

A well-versed model, the GR Corolla allows for differing customizability’s to match your desired aesthetic. Between the two grades of core and circuit, there is a selection of colors to choose from ranging from red, white, black and silver. With impeccable styling showcased through the eye-catching exterior, the GR Corolla reminds us of top high-performance vehicles across the globe, guaranteed to match your vibes.

Some of the most noteworthy and unique elements of the hot hatch stem from its interior. Inside, the GR Corolla sports a Toyota multi-media system that is entirely touch screen while allowing for great device connectivity. The system allows utilization of your favorite methods like Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa, but you’ll be stunned with your very own “Ask Toyota” functionality. You can easily ask your Toyota a question by stating, “Hey Toyota,” and the car will be there to assist.

The climate of the inside of the car can, too, be controlled through the touch screen or “Ask Toyota” feature. Showing off a fully digital interior system, the speedometer display is also digitized, and shifts design format depending on the selected drive mode. That’s right, as you switch from sport, normal and eco functions, the color/design of the digital dashboard changes also.

Crafted out of the Toyota GR Factory in Japan, the GR Corolla was created with a hand-built approach to ensure the finest quality for consumers. Guaranteeing a modern build and design methodology for the latest hot hatch from Toyota, you’ll want to get your hands on the GR Corolla when it drops later this year.

Toyota GR Corolla Reveal Event via Vaughn Lowery and Armon Hayes for use by 360 Magazine

Article: McKinley Franklin, Armon Hayes, Vaughn Lowery

POLESTAR 2 ANNOUNCED

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Polestar, the electric performance car brand from Sweden, today announced the extended range, lower pricing, and bespoke configuration for the model year 2022 Polestar 2. The addition of a new single motor powertrain makes the vehicle more accessible than ever before, while simultaneously offering the greatest range of a Polestar 2 to date. Also new for 2022 is an optional heat pump, which is designed to extend the vehicle’s range up to an additional 10 percent under certain climate conditions.

The new Polestar 2 Long range Single motor offers the lowest price and longest range in the lineup, with an estimated range of 265 miles* and a starting price of $45,900 USD, or as low as $34,900 after qualified federal, state, and utility incentives**. Customers can also add on the available Plus and Pilot Packs to enhance the specification of their vehicle. Deliveries are expected to begin at the end of 2021.

The Polestar 2 Long range Dual motor is now available for bespoke configuration, allowing customers flexibility to order a car which best suits their lifestyle. Starting at $49,900, or as low as $38,900 after qualifying incentives**, the Long range Dual motor Polestar 2 has 408 hp and an EPA range of 249 miles – an increase of 16 miles over the 2021 car’s range. As with the single-motor Polestar 2, Plus and Pilot Packs are available to order. The dual-motor Polestar 2 also can be ordered with a Performance Pack for increased driver focus, and deliveries are expected to begin in October of 2021.

“We are excited to introduce the expanded Polestar 2 range, which offers an ideal configuration for every lifestyle,” said Gregor Hembrough, Head of Polestar in North America. “As we roll the brand out to 20 new US markets this year, we have the product, pricing and convenience to place Polestar at the top of consumer shopping lists.”

These new variants can be ordered with three optional packs that allow for a streamlined experience. These include:

The Plus Pack ($4,000) debuts a mechanical heat pump, which is designed to extend the vehicle’s range by up to 10% under certain conditions. The heat pump is complemented by a full-length panoramic glass roof, a premium interior featuring a Harman Kardon audio system, WeaveTech vegan upholstery, and high-level interior illumination. For those living in cold weather locales, the package offers a “must have” combination of comfort and range preservation.
The Pilot Pack ($3,200) offers enhanced safety and driver assistance features, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Pilot Assist, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^TM), Cross Traffic Alert, along with a 360-degree surround view camera and all-round parking sensors, plus more advanced safety features.
The Performance Pack ($5,000) features adjustable Öhlins suspension dampers supporting the front and rear forged 20-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, Continental sport tires, and Polestar’s signature ‘Swedish gold’ aesthetic details. (Only available on Polestar 2 Long range Dual motor.)

Additional single options include a ventilated Nappa leather interior ($4,000), 20” wheels with unique spoke pattern ($1,200), a semi-electric tow bar ($1,200) and metallic paint ($1,200).

All versions of the Polestar 2 feature the world debut of Google’s Android Automotive OS native infotainment system with key features such as Google Assistant and Google Maps built-in.

The Polestar 2 is available for online ordering at Polestar.com, and test drives can be scheduled via Polestar.com/test-drive. For those shopping now, Polestar 2 inventory available for fast delivery can be viewed at Polestar.com/us/preconfigured-cars. For customers who prefer a physical car buying experience, Polestar is rapidly expanding its network of retail “Spaces” throughout the United States, with 25 showrooms planned to be open by the end of 2021. Each of these Spaces host Polestar Specialists who can answer questions, schedule test drives and assist with the digital ordering process.

About Polestar

Polestar is the independent Swedish premium electric performance car brand founded by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding. Established in 2017, Polestar enjoys specific technological and engineering synergies with Volvo Cars and benefits from significant economies of scale as a result. The company is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, and its vehicles are available and on the road in thirteen global markets across Europe, North America and China. In 2021, Polestar is expanding into five new markets in the Asia Pacific region.

In the US, the local Polestar office is located in the New York metro area, in Mahwah, New Jersey. Polestar Spaces have been opened in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, and Denver, Colorado, with more to follow in Atlanta, Boston, Central and Southern New Jersey, Connecticut, Dallas, Detroit, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Orange County, Calif., Seattle, South Florida and Washington D.C.

Polestar produces two electric performance cars. Polestar 1 is a low-volume electric performance hybrid GT with a carbon fiber body, 619 hp, 738 lb-ft of torque, and an MPGe of 60 miles – the longest of any hybrid car in the world. The Polestar 2 electric performance fastback is the company’s first fully electric, high volume car. The Polestar 2 model range includes two variants featuring a 78 kWh battery paired with dual- and single motor powertrains. The Polestar 2 Long range Dual-motor has an output of 408 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque.

In the future, the Polestar 3 electric performance SUV will join the portfolio, as well as the Precept – a design study vehicle released in 2020 that is slated for future production. Precept showcases the brand’s future vision in terms of sustainability, digital technology and design. In April 2021, Polestar announced a goal of creating a truly climate-neutral car by 2030 without carbon offsetting through tree-planting.

Photo via Donny Nordlicht of Polestar for use by 360 Magazine

Speedway Motors Promotes New Executives

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Speedway Motors, a manufacturer, retailer and distributor of high-quality automotive parts and racing products, announced four recent promotions within the company.

For more information about career opportunities at Speedway Motors visit their website. For previous news about Speedway Motors, check here.

Over the past year, we’ve experienced unprecedented growth, said Betsy Grindlay, Director of Marketing and People Operations. As we continue to add new products and new retail and distribution centers, these promotions will help position us to meet customer demand by getting products on shelves quickly, providing a good customer experience online or through our customer experience center and delivering orders quickly, efficiently and without any hassles.

Richard Thomas has been promoted to Director of Operations at Speedway Motors. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Arts from Ohio State University and two master’s degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He held various leadership roles in the Navy before joining the Speedway Motors team in 2018. As Director of Operations, Thomas will oversee Speedway Motors’ warehouse capabilities including Neb., Ariz. and W. VA., engineering teams and IT teams. He will oversee about 200 employees, so having a strong communicator really mattered to us. Thomas started in the compliance department paying attention to regulatory compliance including the California Air Resources Board (CARB). He has done an excellent job communicating those restrictions to our internal departments and customers, Grindlay added. With the growth we’ve see in the past year-and-a-half, I think he’s going to set us on a path to continue that into the future, helping make sure we give our customers the best experience possible. To learn more about Speedway Motors, check out their website here.

Andrew Boellstorff has been promoted to Director of Digital Product and Technology. Boellstorff holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and master’s from Wichita State University. Boellstorff has over 15 years of experience in various management and leadership roles. Prior to joining the Speedway Motors team in 2018, he held positions at GT Exhaust, EMIT Technologies, Nebraska Book Company, Inc. and Spreetail. Andrew has been integral in the structural improvement of our website, improving the experience and making online purchasing even easier for our customers, Grindlay said. In this new role, he’ll be overseeing all aspects of development and analytics in addition to continuing to ensure our customers have an industry-leading experience.

Brandon Bisch has been promoted to Director of Ecommerce. Bisch holds degrees from the University of Southern Indiana and Nebraska Wesleyan University. He joined the team at Speedway Motors in 2005 and has held various roles from customer care and quality to Marketplaces Manager. Most recently, Bisch served as the business unit manager of the Ecommerce team. Bisch has a thorough understanding of our customers’ journey due to his extensive experience at Speedway Motors, Grindlay added. This year, he and his teams have been a major factor for the unprecedented growth of the web business unit.

Kaitlin Mathison has been promoted to Director of Marketplaces. A graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Mathison joined the Speedway Motors team in 2015. Previously the business unit manager, Mathison lead the Marketplaces team to achieve incredible growth year-over-year. In her new role, she will take full responsibility and accountability for the entirety of Speedway Motors presence on eBay, Walmart and Amazon. Mathison brings an energetic diligence to this role. Every project she tackles, she hits the ground running. Grindlay said. Watching her take over our marketplaces business has been extraordinary. She’s a hard worker, and at the helm of this incredible team, they will continue to do amazing things to make it easier to get product in the hands of people building their dreams.

About Speedway Motors Inc

Speedway Motors is a manufacturer, retailer and distributor of high-quality automotive parts and racing products. Since 1952, Speedway Motors has been committed to providing a broad selection of high-quality, affordable automotive parts – delivered quickly, efficiently and without any hassles. Their products and expert advice are available to customers by calling 1-(800)-979-0122, online or at retail stores in Lincoln, Neb. and Tolleson, Ariz.

Hot Wheels Legends Tour

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The Hot Wheels Legends Tour Kicks Off First North American Stop

Live Virtual Event on April 29

Presented by Mobil 1 and in partnership with throtl, premiere car culture livestream will take place on the Hot Wheels Facebook page and on throtl YouTube channel beginning at 5:00 p.m. PDT on Thursday, April 29
Hundreds of custom car creations have been submitted
The winner will go on to compete for the chance to become the next Hot Wheels Garage of Legends inductee and have their custom car creation immortalized as a 1:64 Hot Wheels diecast toy

On Thursday, April 29, the global hunt for the 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour winner continues with the first North American stop. Now in its fourth year, the world’s largest traveling car show resumes as a live virtual event that will take place on the Hot Wheels Facebook page and throtl YouTube channel beginning at 5:00 p.m. PDT. Hundreds of cars have been submitted by custom car builders across the United States and Canada, all competing to become the next Hot Wheels Garage of Legends inductee and have their ride turned into a Hot Wheels die-cast vehicle that will be sold–and played with by kids of all ages–around the world.

To watch this premiere automotive livestream event which will bring together every part of car culture, visit the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Facebook page or the throtl YouTube channel.

The 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour is bigger than ever with stops spanning 13 countries and 5 continents. Presented by Mobil 1 and sponsored by Dynacraft and Milestone S.r.l., the first North American event continues this year’s first virtual stops in New Zealand (April 15) and Australia (April 22). Judging will take place live throughout the virtual event by known auto enthusiast personalities, including automotive YouTube sensation and builder TJ Hunt, throtl co-founder Mickey Andrade, motorsports ambassador Jarod DeAnda and top motorsports athlete Collete Davis, as well as Bryan Benedict, Director of Hot Wheels Die-Cast Design, Ted Wu, Global Head of Hot Wheels Design and Mobil 1 special guest and professional drifter, Ryan Tuerck.

“While we look forward to the Hot Wheels Legends Tour returning to in-person events, the virtual contest format has created opportunities for more fans across the United States and Canada to share their passion projects,” said Ted Wu, Global Head of Hot Wheels Design at Mattel. “With so many submissions already in North America and immensely popular events in Australia and New Zealand earlier this month, we’re confident this year’s competition will be fierce.”

Dates for future stops will be announced soon, and fans may register or learn more about the Hot Wheels Legends Tour by visiting Hot Wheels. Livestreams will be available to view on the Hot Wheels Facebook page, on Walmart and through automotive media partners in specific countries. Live events will be returning to U.S.-based Walmart stores this summer.

For further information and to register for an upcoming event, please visit the Hot Wheels website.