Posts tagged with "Kimatni D. Rawlins"

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV via 360 MAGAZINE.

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Epicly Talented and Sporty Family SUV

It was an insightful media trip to Franklin, Tennessee, to visit with product planners, communications professionals, and Mitsubishi Motors engineers for a deeper understanding of the newly released 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The sporty and family SUV PHEV, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle,/ has a combined driving range of 420 miles. If you decide to cruise around town in EV mode only, the battery affords the Outlander 38 all-electric miles. The Japanese seven-seat, three-row SUV is a winner for consumers looking for a crossover utility blessed with talent, sporty styling, rugged capabilities, and extended range. 

From the time the reimagined gasoline model hit the scene last year, the company’s 330 dealer partners across the United States have been engaged and selling Outlanders like holiday cupcakes. We are not sure why Mitsubishi took so long to reinvigorate the product, but they are no longer a forgotten brand. Of course progress must continue to take over the consciousness of auto buyers since Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota come to mind in the value SUV market. Nevertheless, Mitsubishi is aware of its disposition and attacking the airwaves with product announcements and marketing campaigns to win over potential new buyers. Furthermore, if an all-electric vehicle is not in your foreseeable future, a PHEV may be perfect for your lifestyle in preparation for the impending mobility shift.

“Since its launch in March 2022, the gasoline version of the all-new Outlander has been a homerun, setting sales records monthly even in the face of global supply challenges,” said Mark Chaffin, MMNA president and CEO. “When sales begin in the U.S., the 2023 Outlander PHEV will take its place as the flagship of the Mitsubishi fleet. It is the most advanced and best-equipped vehicle we have ever sold, and it is the perfect blend of quiet and clean electric motoring with the range and ease of refueling of a gasoline-powered vehicle.”

The latest third-generation Outlander is larger, wider, more authentic, and more resilient than the model it replaces. With a solid and rigid physique and dazzling 20” two-tone alloy rims, the SUV is embraced by stellar visualization that translates to one of the most stylish SUVs on the market. According to Mitsubishi, the design ethos manifested from the phrase “I-Fu-Do-Do,” which equates to “authentic and majestic” in Japanese. Before this model, I had never considered an Outlander because it did not speak to me or offer any substantial benefits to my lifestyle. Well, now it does with a chiseled body, aggressive “Dynamic Shield” grille, tall robotic headlamps, a power liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, and an impressively curated interior that immediately caught my attention. 

Mitsubishi’s Global Warning plan will help establish a sustainable society by reducing the CO2 emissions of its new vehicles by 40% by 2030, with PHEVs as the focal point. The long-term goal is to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint by 2050. Thus, this platform is not new to the brand as they first experimented with electrification in 1971 with the MINICA EV and also sold a prior Outlander PHEV in other countries. The current 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV features a new generation of the Mitsubishi twin-motor 4WD PHEV system with more power produced from the front (114-horsepower) and rear (134-horsepower) motors that pair with a 20 kWh large capacity 350v lithium-ion drive battery. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder MIVEC gas engine (132 horsepower) remains and pairs with a larger plastic-sealed gas tank (from 11.9 gallons to 14.8 gallons), reducing the vehicle’s weight and allowing for more fuel. The combined powertrain produces 248-horsepower, 332 lb/ft torque, and 64 MPGe. On the road, the Outlander PHEV is smooth, quick, and never felt underpowered. Additionally, the vehicle will always seek the electric motors as the first power source. Overall, the Outlander PHEV weighs 440 pounds more than the Outlander ICE (Internal Combustion Engine). 

Regarding charging, the port is located on the Outlander PHEV’s rear passenger side. It will take 6.5 hours to charge the battery using a 240v level-2 charger and 38 minutes through level 3 DC fast charging up to 80%. The SUV features an EV button with four modes: Normal, Charge, Save, and EV mode. Then there is the Innovative Pedal which allows the driver to use one pedal for acceleration and braking for most driving scenarios. 

Inside the PHEV I enjoyed the double-pained windows for noise reduction, genuine aluminum trim, multi-view cameras, smartphone wireless charging, window shades, 100v AC power sources, physical knobs on the 9″ touchscreen infotainment system, dynamic navigation graphics, and the impressive 9-speaker Bose premium sound system. However,  Mitsubishi needs to increase the size of the infotainment system since 9″ is small by today’s standards. In the rear, the third row folds out from the floor, but its use is for emergencies or small kids since long hauls would be uncomfortable. The high-quality cabin is spacious, and the softer materials add a flare of elegance. I also relished the massaging feature on the sporty seats. 

On the road, the PHEV’s Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) offers superior gripping and agility capabilities. The dual-motor arrangement uses the rear motor to drive the rear axle and up-front employs the gas engine and motor to drive the front axle. This combo brings extra confidence behind the wheel, especially during high-speed turns which I experienced at a small racetrack in TN. The Outlander PHEV shifts dramatically from right to left with aplomb when an explosive maneuver is required. S-AWC has been upgraded with seven drive modes to tackle adverse weather or venture effortlessly through muddy terrain as I also experienced in a mud pit at the track. S-AWC simultaneously provided excellent handling performance, stability performance, and traction performance. The modes include Normal, Eco, Gravel, Power, Snow, Tarmac, and Mud. 

With no federal incentives available, the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV costs approximately $8,000 more than the ICE Outlander. Prices fluctuate from $39,845 for an SE model to $49,995 for the 40th Anniversary Edition. Safety abounds with packages like Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Attention Alert, Automatic High Beam, and Hill Descent Control, to name a few. Lastly, Mitsubishi offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty. Not bad for a vehicle that will be good to you in almost every department. 

Tags: 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander, 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Hybrid Mitsubishi Outlander, Mitsubishi Super All-wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel-drive system, I-Fu-Do-Do, Mitsubishi MI-PILOT Assist, Mitsubishi Motors, Mitsubishi cars, Mitsubishi SUVs, Mitsubishi Motors Mark Chaffin president/CEO, Jeremy Barnes, Japanese cars, Japanese SUVs, SUVs from Japan, three-row SUVs, Family SUVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, Mitsubishi Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system, Kimatni Rawlins, 

Article: Kimatni D. Rawlins 

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV via 360 MAGAZINE.
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV via 360 MAGAZINE.
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV via 360 MAGAZINE.
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV via 360 MAGAZINE.
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV via 360 MAGAZINE.
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV via 360 MAGAZINE.

2023 Range Rover Sport

Welcome to the artistic landscapes, vintage tapas cuisine, cultural energy, and trendy fashion of Madrid, the Spanish capital known for its constellation of renaissance and contemporary art, elegant boulevards, and expansive royal landmarks. Whether you are visiting the historic city with family, friends, or a spouse, make sure to do so with keys in hand to an all-new 2023 Range Rover Sport. Likewise, my memorable time here was constituted by a global test drive experience of the newfangled British SUV while seeking out passionate activities to fulfill my adventurous spirit. 

Embarking from Virginia, the journey transitioned from Washington Dulles International Airport to Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport through a direct 6.5-hour business class flight on United Airlines. After landing in the morning, please make your way into Centro Madrid in the back seat of the New Range Rover Sport luxury chariot and its plush cabin. The mobile lounge will softly sound you to sleep for a 45-minute nap before arriving at The Madrid EDITION, your innovatively-designed hotel accommodations during the European vacation. Before checking in, take a quick walking tour to enjoy the lively scenes and local energy to increase blood flow after the long flight. Next, seek a café for tea, fruit, and pastries while admiring Madrid’s sunny blue skies, eclectic neighborhoods, and historic buildings. Afterward, your beautifully-appointed apartment-styled suite will be ready to refresh, rest, and regroup. 

Wake up to the vivacious echos of Spanish conversations and laughter, which will entice you to join the fanfare as you walk through one of the city’s most famous sites, Puerta de Sol, a busy and scenic square in the heart of the Spanish capital. Shopping is omnipresent, as well as restaurants, pubs, and lounges as you prepare for the next day of exploration. Of course the nightlife is active almost every evening, therefore be sure to conserve energy. Next, head to Casa de Valencia to satisfy your soul with the symbolic and authentic Valencian rice dish paella. Oh wow, you will eat until the sun rises if given a chance!

After a deep sleep, wake up revitalized for your drive to the countryside in the 2023 Range Rover Sport First Edition P530 V8, the lynchpin of four powertrain choices for the stately SUV. But first, hit the state-of-the-art gym for an immersive physical workout since it features every piece of equipment required to complete rejuvenation. Next up is drive time. Land Rover is proud of its dynamic British aesthetics and design philosophies thanks to the genius of Chief Creative Officer Gerry McGovern, who embodied the new Sport with intelligent controls, technological aggression, modish materials, and sustainable Ultrafabrics. En route to Soto de Mozanaque in Alcobendas, Madrid, my drive partner and I chose a Firenze Red Range Rover Sport First Edition glorified by a contrasting black roof and imperial 23” 10-spoke Gloss Black rims. Tucked in 285/45 R23 Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires, the larger co-engineered rubber keeps the vehicle grounded and fills up the wheel wells nicely for greater definition. The A-pillar, window frames, grille, badges, rear diffuser, and tailgate spoiler are also blacked out.  

The SUV is enthusiastically agile, powerful, and ultra-quiet inside and out until you floor it as the seductive growl emanating from the quad pipes takes precedence. With a 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine and 523-horsepower, 4.3-second 0-to-60 mph acceleration is immediately at your disposal from every gear of the 8-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, the picturesque roads outside the city were dignified by the First Edition’s All-Wheel Steering, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, Dynamic Launch Mode, Dynamic Air Suspension, Dynamics Response Pro, and an Electric Active Differential. Essentially, it felt like the Range Rover Sport was piloting itself. 

Upon arrival to the majestic lands and countryside retreat of Soto de Mozanaque, owned by the Duke of Alburuqrque D. Juan Miguel Osorio Bertrán de Lis., we relaxed, inhaled the purified rural air, and ate a delectable vegano lunch. Visions of freeness came to mind while admiring the postcard panoramas of the garden and manicured lawn. With roots dating back to 1731, the wedding and corporate event space was originally built as a pleasure palace and hunting lodge. Its Soto Mozanaque golf course is equally lobbying to become a Rider Cup location. While here, media guests could reveal the exalted interior of the Range Rover Sport First Edition, which features reductive design pieces, a 29-speaker 1,430-watt Meridian Signature audio system, 22-way adjustable and massaging seats, forged carbon fiber trim, and a middle console cooler. Advanced tech is provided by a Cabin Air Purification Pro (CAPP), the dramatically improved 13.1” in-house engineered Pivi Pro Infotainment system, 3D Surround Camera, a ClearSight rearview mirror, and 60 Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) updates. SOTA should alleviate some of the previous Land Rover quality issues and save owners from visiting a dealership. CAPP minimizes odors, bacteria, and allergens such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus utilizing PM2.5 filtration and nanoe X technology.

Once a few hours of meditation passed, our next leg directed us towards Madrid’s famed Golden Triangle of Art, such as the renowned Museo Del Prado (Prado Museum), Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (Reina Sofía National Art Centre), and Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza (Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum). My focus was Prado since it’s regarded as one of the best in the world for original paintings. The museum director set up a private tour for us to witness the magical illustrations of Francisco José de Goya, the highly-regarded Spanish romantic and prolific printmaker. Another collector’s item on display is the Adoration of the Magi by Hans Memling. Painted around 1479, Prado Museum acquired the oil on panel triptych in 1847. My time here was full of cultural expressions through these pristine art pieces. As well, the Prado Museum’s restoration lab highlights and corrects original works dating from 1881 when Picasso was born.

After a long and fascinating day it was time to return to the white-themed décor of The Madrid EDITION for a tranquil spa treatment, decompression in my fabulous suite, and socializing in the urbane lobby before venturing to dinner at Restaurante Amazonico. This Amazon-themed establishment was buzzing with vitality from the spirited hosts, upbeat DJ, and delicious Asian, Mediterranean, and Brazilian dishes. Our small group had a wonderful evening that flew by quickly due to the vibrant atmosphere. I believe I spent more time dancing in my seat than I did eating. And yes, I patiently awaited another night of beauty sleep in my quarters. The following day, rise to a wonderful Spanish breakfast before a morning walk to integrate with locals as they hustle to work. Then pull up a table at any of the hundreds of cafes at your disposal to people watch.

For the remainder of my stay, I focused on inner city happenings while cruising the Madrid streets and heading an hour North of Madrid to off-road around the grounds of Hotel Caserío Aldeallana in a 2023 Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE P400. The boutique hacienda features hundreds of acres, a courtyard, a chapel, and a historical 5-bedroom home to go along with the quaint guest rooms for those looking for weekend getaways with Mother Nature. I didn’t visit the property overnight, but I went for lunch and to witness the all-terrain capabilities of the Range Rover Sport. The plug-in hybrid features a 3-liter V6 engine with 434-horsepower and an electric motor good for 48 EPA-estimated electric miles. A full electric Range Rover is coming in 2024. 

“The exceptional New Range Rover Sport sets new standards as the ultimate sporting luxury SUV, building on seventeen years of unique customer appeal,” said Thierry Bolloré, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land Rover. “It is the latest embodiment of our vision to create the world’s most desirable modern luxury vehicles, effortlessly blending new levels of sustainability with the signature qualities that have made Range Rover Sport so popular.”

The PHEV derivative — riding on road tires — had no qualms traversing through deep trenches, around boulders, up steep hills, and descending as the SUV crept down slopes without the need for the driver to brake. We also demonstrated the capabilities of the new Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control and All-Wheel Steering with 7.3-degrees of rear turning to showcase the SUV’s nimbleness. Vivid cameras show actual views so you can position the Rover properly during specific maneuvers and Adaptive Dynamics and Terrain Response 2 adjust the vehicle to various road surfaces and conditions depending on its needs. Finally, after soiling the Rover with dirt and mud it was time to return to the city with Sport mode engaged to manipulate the ZF transmission utilizing the paddle shifters. 

We headed to the Mercado de San Miguel back in town for various delicacies. Spanish gastronomy is presented in the historic building housing the food market through 20 stalls delivering tastes from all over Spain from Galicia to the Basque Country. Before leaving Madrid I similarly visited a theatre show, passed through one of an array of local parks, enthusiastically shopped including an outing to timepiece retailer Antigua Relojeria SA, and celebrated American Football wins at Sports Pub Madrid. 

Starting at $83,000 in the US, the 2023 Range Rover Sport presents its loyal following with sophisticated luxury, electrifying power, focused refinement, and seamless technology. And what better way to nomadically explore the beauty of Madrid, Spain than with Britain’s most refined next-level SUV? It’s quite fitting for all of your exploratory endeavors. Therefore, build the newest member of your family HERE. 

Kimatni Rawlins in Madrid for 2023 Range Rover Sport via 360 MAGAZINE.
Kimatni D. Rawlins in Madrid for 2023 Range Rover Sport press drive via 360 MAGAZINE.

Article: Kimatni D. Rawlins, AutomotiveRhythms.com

General Motors teams with Black Automotive Media Group for The Driving Force Internship Program at HBCU via 360 MAGAZINE

GM × BAMG – TDF

General Motors [GM] and Black Automotive Media Group [BAMG] Internship Returns for Year Two with Clark Atlanta University – Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Across Automotive Media

The Driving Force [TDF] internship program provides HBCU students with multimedia career development, enhancing the automobile industry’s diversity, equity and inclusion.

A unique internship was created in 2020 and is now returning for fall 2022 between the Department of Mass Media Arts at Clark Atlanta University, automobile manufacturer General Motors, and the Black Automotive Media Group.

Dubbed The Driving Force (TDF), the 10-week internship is designed for students interested in covering the automobile industry; and incorporates instruction in editorial content, video content production, and social media outreach, augmented by GM executive presentations.

TDF evolved following discussions between automakers and BAMG related to increased diversity, equity and inclusion for Black media in the automotive sphere. These efforts have created additional opportunities to help prepare the next generation of automotive media professionals.

TDF is led by respected automotive media experts Kimatni D. Rawlins, BAMG founder and publisher of Automotive Rhythms Communications; Greg Morrison of Bumper2Bumpertv; and other key journalists and publishers including Marcus Amick and Teia B. Collier.

“The goal of TDF is to extend educational opportunities to HBCU students who may not be aware of the myriad media paths in automotive communications … My automotive journalism career began with an internship with a major auto manufacturer, so I am thankful for the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience, and the experiences of fellow BAMG members with Clark Atlanta interns,” said Rawlins.

Supported by General Motors, the TDF internship, kicking off September 28th, is designed to highlight career opportunities as journalists, videographers, photographers, publicists, marketers, and digital and social media pundits covering the auto industry. Participants will showcase their work on various platforms at the end of the internship, and will also liaise with GM communications executives, designers, and product planners through a series of presentations and interviews.

“We are excited to enter into a second year of partnership with BAMG to support the amazing students of  Clark Atlanta University,” said Michelle Malcho, vice president Product and Brand Communications, General Motors. “We look forward to learning together and helping to prepare them for exciting careers in communications and journalism.”

TDF’s mission parallels that of the Department of Mass Media Arts at Clark Atlanta University, which provides students with rigorous academic and professional training, complemented by a strong liberal arts education.

“We continue to move with momentum to ensure our scholars at Clark Atlanta University have access to a world-class education and that mission includes offering initiatives that focus on technology and enhancing their analytical thinking skills,” said Clark Atlanta University president, George T. French, Jr., Ph.D. “We want our students to exercise their creativity, be competitive in the world of technology and be included in the technology career pipeline. Initiatives such as this bring them one step closer to that goal.”

Clark Atlanta student, Joshua Paul Williams was a participant in the inaugural TDF session. “The business experience I inherited from participating in The Driving Force Multimedia Internship was far more than I could have imagined,” said Williams. “The program focused on individually developing each student’s communications and networking skills which has given me lifelong connections, practical lessons, and an expanded perspective.”

ABOUT GENERAL MOTORS

Based in Detroit, General Motors is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which powers everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found HERE.

ABOUT CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY

Established in 1988 by the historic consolidation of Atlanta University (1865) and Clark College (1869), Clark Atlanta University continues a 152-year legacy rooted in African-American tradition and focused on the future. Through global innovation, transformative educational experiences, and high-value engagement, CAU cultivates lifted lives that transform the world. To learn more about Clark Atlanta University, visit HERE.

ABOUT BLACK AUTOMOTIVE MEDIA GROUP

BAMG is a distinguished group of Black reporters, publishers, writers, and entrepreneurs representing over 100 years of combined experience in automotive journalism within radio, television, print, experiential marketing, and social media. BAMG members either work for or own various automotive media platforms targeting diverse audiences. BAMG’s primary objective is to bring equity and equality to Black professionals who work in and around the automotive industry. For additional details regarding The Driving Force HBCU internship program, please go HERE.