Tag Archives: Automotive

Electric SV Rover hypertruck is a Land Rover on steroids that’ll also get V8-powered variant

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When a four-wheeler has taken 14 years of rigorous design and development, it is bound to be impressive. Meet the SV Rover by California-based firm with a positive history of pushing the boundaries when it comes to building performance vehicles having a silhouette of iconic rides that generations adore.

The SV Rover is a spitting image of the classic Land Rover Defender 90 in form but underneath it packs a powerful electric drivetrain that’s tailored for any kind of harsh terrain. The inspiration for this hypertruck – the Defender 90 – was introduced to the world as a Baja truck but later on, Land Rover morphed it into a street legal hypertruck.

Designer: Scarbo Vintage

According to CEO Joe Scarbo, the SV Rover is a perfect amalgam of “off-road power, maneuverability and capability.” He adds that the electric performance vehicle is a classic British four-wheeler at heart with the muscle and technology of American vehicles. Thus, making this an ideal four-wheeled heavyweight you can bank on for a sublime driving experience, “beyond anything this side of a trophy truck.”  The nostalgic form of the truck is complemented by the choice of taking home either the all-electric version delivering over 1,000hp (from the 750kW and 75 kWh battery) or the mid-engine supercharged V8 engine. The EV version will come mated with eight-speed automatic paddle shifters.

Both these variants will have high-speed desert racing and low-speed technical off-roading features. Also, they’ll come with massive wheel arches, 40-inch tires on 20-inch forged wheels, pushrod suspension with air ride for height adjustable control, front & rear differential and classic contoured LED headlights. On the inside, the electric Hypertruck gets a 12.8-inch infotainment and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Comfort is not a concern with the bucket seats, and the Alcantara interior honed by the billet aluminum accents gives it a contemporary yet stylish character.

Other features include a push-button start, power windows, automatic climate control and power door locks. Although Scarbo Vintage has not revealed any official pricing it is rumored to start at $1.5 million with the option to go custom crazy for build-on order freedom. The question is how it’ll stack up against the Rivian R1T and the Cybertruck with a starting price of $90,000 and $61,000 respectively. Of, course Scarbo is confident they are offering something better to charge that exorbitant amount of cash. Also, there’s word yet on the slated launch date, so we have our hawk eyes set on that information.

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This ultra-luxurious superyacht boasts a lower level deck with panoramic glass walls

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Superyachts at their core are synonymous with supreme luxury and a lifestyle that is all about living life large. Mostly privately owned by the filthy rich, these high-end vessels are loaded with extravagant amenities, helipads, multiple decks, and lavish accommodations for the guests and crew.

While you expect all these luxuries and tons more in a superyacht, rarely does one come across a vessel that’s a notch superior to the rest. Meet The Arc, is a concept yacht designed keeping in mind the demanding comforts and keen eye for design of the wealthy individuals.

Designer: Ali Cam

The superyacht is highlighted by the organic contours that contrast with the sharp edges. It’s like a hypercar of the yacht world with regard to luxury and comfort. There are three levels on the vessel each serving its purpose for the occasion. The most eye-popping of them all is the lower deck that in part houses the individual rooms and the hue deck with transparent glass facades on both sides. This matte black section is the place to enjoy your evening meals and a drink.

The second level is an open deck area for engaging with the open seas and lounging in the warmth of the sun. The secondary sail of the vessel is pinned on the front to prevent any obstruction of the open views. The rear section has an enclosed lounging section if you like things to be muted down. Move to the top level of the superyacht and you are welcomed by the open swimming pool and relaxing area. The main sail of The Arc sits at a pivot point right in the middle of the lounging area which is a clever design inclusion for conversation starters.

The design theme of the superyacht is a flowing Sierra of black and titanium grey that brings a sense of luxury and speed into one. I love the lower level deck that gives open views of the seas while protecting one from the elements because the weather is not always bright and sunny!

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The Tesla Cybertruck just encountered one enemy it can’t defeat… Rust.

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Representational Image via Midjourney

As multiple users are pointing out on internet forums, the vastly popular pickup truck from Tesla has seemingly met its one foe. While the car can apparently beat pretty much any odds, deflecting bullets and being able to overtake a Porsche 911 while towing another Porsche 911, it does have one rather unfortunate flaw. It catches rust.

Users have begun pointing out that the Cybertruck’s ultra-powerful exterior (which can take on a Tommy gun) can’t withstand inclement weather, causing spots of rust on the surface. Images circulating on the CybertruckOwnersClub website show the exterior exhibiting signs of rust spotting after just 2 days of driving in the rain. California has been experiencing record-breaking torrential rainfall over the past few weeks, and apparently, the bulletproof exterior of the EV wasn’t up to the task. The images show spotting on Sacramento-based truck-owner Max’s Cybertruck.

Image Credits: CybertruckOwnersClub Forum

There is, however, a lot of speculation of whether this is rust, or ‘rail dust’. A lot of cars experience a similar spotting phenomenon when transported by trains. Metal specks from the train wheels fly off while the train’s in motion, landing on horizontal surfaces of the car. These specks then begin rusting, causing a similar spotting on cars.

The problem lies with inconsistency, as not everyone seems to be facing the same problem immediately (given that everyone’s also experiencing different weather). If indeed this is a sign of rusting, only time will tell if that may prove to be a problem for all Cybertrucks in the future. Specifically, it is essential to promptly remove contaminants like oil and acidic substances, including tar and bird droppings, using a solvent that contains alcohol. Following this initial cleaning step, it is advisable to wash the area with either pure water or soap that has been balanced for pH levels. Such cleansing practices are recommended after every long ride (which not many people are keen about since the Cybertruck was touted as an incredibly robust vehicle). Users, however, are recommending NOT using Windex to clean the car, since it contains ammonia that may actually cause or accelerate rusting. Some users have reported signs of success using Bar Keepers Friend.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more information.

Representational Image via Midjourney

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Aston Martin officially unveils track-special Vantage GT3 for its 2024 racing calendar

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Aston Martin chose the present day to reveal three of its new car models designed for three different platforms. Yes, the new generation of the Vantage is here alongside the GT3 version of the road racer and of course, the brand new AMR24 F1 that’ll hit the paddock for the 2024 Formula-1 season.

Our focus however is set on the Vantage GT3 that briefly made its debut in Daytona last month. The official reveal of the race track-oriented car developed in collaboration between Aston Martin Racing (AMR) and Aston Martin Performance Technologies (AMPT) happened today, and it replaces the outgoing Vantage GT3 that debuted in 2018. The latest version comes with an upgraded chassis, improved aerodynamics, and obvious cosmetic changes – making it more appealing.

Designer: Aston Martin

The striking GT3 has a very attractive nose section highlighted by the fender-mounted headlights. It gets even more boxy with the fenders having integrated louvers and a massive wing complemented by the new diffuser. The circuit-oriented car gets the same aluminum chassis as its road-legal counterpart. Every mechanical part is covered by carbon fiber panels, lending the performance vehicle a good balance of power-to-weight ratio.

GT3 also gets the same twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 as the more toned-down Vantage but the unit is tweaked to comply with the FIA GT3 class regulations. Suspension on this one is majorly improved from the last model to give it better handling characteristics. This results in way better driving dynamics of the GT3 for professional and novice drivers as well. Also, the British marque promises the car has more stable braking and wears its tires more evenly.

According to Gustavo Betelli Racing Head of Performance at Aston Martin, the new GT3 is adapt for any “circuit, on any tire, and with any driver.” As we saw during the 24 Hours of Daytona the three Vantage GT3’s seemed like a complete package on the track. The number of cars in this lineup will be produced to a limited number of 30 by the end of season 2024.

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Pagani Huayra R Evo with pop-out roof panels is optimized for performance and safety

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Pagani has unveiled its latest open-top hypercar, which pushes the boundaries of both performance and design. The latest Huayra R Evo derives inspiration from the IndyCar and the iconic Le Mans performance cars that are built for endurance to the limits. The long-tail form is influenced in particular by the Huayra R, since Horacio Pagani got majorly attracted to the single-seater’s design during the Formula Indy race in Nashville.

Horacio couldn’t help but appreciate the aeroscreens, the protective polycarbonate surfaces that replace the two roof panels for an immersive connection to the outside while experiencing the sweet rumble of the engine in the ears. From that moment on the idea of creating a beautiful, strong and harmonious car sprouted. The result, this descendant of the Huayra R took two years to complete.

Designer: Pagani

At its heart, the Electrified R Evo is powered by the Pagani 6.0-liter V12-R Evo engine, capable of generating 900 hp (at 8,750 rpm and 567 lb-ft torque). That extra power is delivered from the trumpet design for the camshafts, intake manifold and modified exhaust system. Now that level of performance on paper should rival the gasoline-powered icons of endurance racing. The six-speed sequential gearbox weighing just 176 pounds (designed in collaboration with HWA AG), 280/680 R19 Pirelli P Zero Slick tires at the front and 345/725 R20 at the rear, helical springs, electronically controlled shock absorbers, heave damper and double-wishbone suspension further optimizes handling.

The race-ready electric Pagani can hit a top speed of 218 miles per hour and is equally capable when it comes to the stopping power, courtesy of the new CCM-R self-ventilated carbon ceramic brakes and bespoke racing pads. Increased downforce of 45 percent can be attributed to the four inches extended front splitter (with integrated ductwork cooling system support), 7/5-inches longer rear, central stabilizing fin and the rear wing of course. The open-top configuration further adds a boost of 5 percent better downforce. The result is that Huyara R Evo generates more downforce than its 2,337 weight at 199 mph which is utterly impressive.

On the inside, the hypercar is snug in fireproof material with a six-point harness system and the carbon-fiber headrests with lateral protection pay an ode to safety. Pagani will give the buyers the option for left or right-hand drive configuration which is expected from the ultra-proactive client-oriented Italian marquee.

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This Alternate-universe Cadillac Concept is just unsettlingly beautiful

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They say car aesthetics evolved to keep up with our abilities to bend and shape metal. Cars in older days were boxy because we couldn’t manipulate metal sheets into 3D curves and contours. As soon as that happened, the retro-style boxy cars went the way of the dodo, giving rise to more aerodynamic, curvilinear silhouettes… but what if, in an alternate reality, the old aesthetic just stuck around? We moved onto futuristic-looking LED headlights and cyberpunk metallic gloss/matte paint-jobs… but the shell of our vehicles still retained their retro charm. Meet Hexaleaf, a concept car (and brand) from Ukrainian concept artist Andrii Snitsar. Created as a part of another project, Snitsar decided to share the Hexaleaf as an independent project on his Artstation, highlight its retro-inspired cyberpunk beauty.

Designer: Andrii Snitsar

Snitsar’s Hexaleaf somehow simultaneously looks retro as well as futuristic – think DeLorean but a lot classier. The straight lines and lack of organic curves are almost caricature-ish, but look wonderful on the car. See the cutout on the fender for the wheels and you’ll know what I mean. Snitsar is almost ridiculing the notion of car design by giving the wheels an almost SIM-card-shaped cutout (OCD-people beware). It looks eye-catching, to say the least, and brings more attention to the shiny wheel rims. The car also opts for a highly unusual front bumper, looking more like a metal bumper guard than the bumper itself. It lines up perfectly with those gorgeous headlights that feel like a luxury car from the 50s was given a facelift worthy of the year 2050.

The Hexaleaf logo features prominently on the roof – an odd choice. It can even be seen on the hood, which is where car logos are most commonly found.

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly the design language that’s on display with the Hexaleaf, but there’s a strong interplay between old-fashioned and futuristic. The car’s shape, just on face value, is a hat-tip to the cars of the mid-60s, with those vertical headlights adding a distinct retro flavor (think Deville, GTO, Galaxie, or even the Eldorado). That flat-panel windshield is a throwback to an even older time when triplex glass couldn’t be bent into shape, giving the Hexaleaf an undeniable blast-from-the-past appeal. The use of chrome, for some reason, feels both retro and modern, evoking the simultaneous emotions of the DeLorean and the Cybertruck.

The rear highlights dual exhausts and a set of three-ring LED tail-lights, hidden behind a transparent facade (so the back is completely flat, coming to life only when the lights shine through. It’s surprising there’s no electric power train on this one (you’ll even see the gasoline inlet beside the taillight), but then again, the fact that it runs on fuel kinda does give it the pure American muscle vibe that I personally love.

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The 1,642 piece LEGO Mercedes-AMG W14 E Performance will arrive in March 2024

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LEGO Technic has found a deep-rooted fancy for motorsports lately with the release of the McLaren F1 MP4 Ayrton Senna LEGO set and Speed Champions 2023 McLaren. Now the group has revealed the Mercedes-AMG W14 E Performance and a smaller pull-back version. The scaled replica of Lewis Hamilton’s 2023 Mercedes-AMG W14 F1 car is highly intricate and one to get for Formula-1 fans who follow the sport passionately.

The seven-time world champion sparked the interest of audiences worldwide with his domination at the pinnacle of motorsports for nearly a decade. This has earned the team millions of fans who come to witness the driving craft of Lewis and his machine. Sadly the team has tumbled from the top spot as Red Bull hit back with a flurry of wins but that doesn’t take anything away from the champion and his glory years. This LEGO set celebrates that winning spree and domination etched forever in the hearts of Mercedes fans.

Designer: LEGO Group

LEGO Technic is expanding its ever-growing collection of motorsports replicas with the Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance LEGO set. The 1/8 scale model can be built piece by piece from the individual 1,642 LEGO bricks to form the W14 measuring 13 cm tall, 63cm long and 26 cm wide. Symbolized by the black color to keep the carbon parts from being painted to reduce that minuscule amount of weight, the F1 car is crafted to the most fine details.

The see-through V6 engine has moving piston parts, a working steering wheel, suspensions, differential, slick tires (without the Pirelli branding) and a DRS rear wing to complete the build. The original livery in the form of stickers has been replicated on the bodywork, making it a very inviting final form if you love the Silver Arrows for what they are.

The LEGO set will be released on March 1, 2024, for interested buyers and I’m sure there will be many takers. Also, LEGO will release a smaller version for kids in a pull-back form to have maximum fun.

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Hotel on Wheels: Vision Pullman Express redefines luxury travel honed by Level 5 Autonomy

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Traveling luxuriously in modern times is synonymous with names like the Maybach S Class, Rolls Royce Ghost, Porsche Panamera and Bentley Continental GT. Such is the lure of luxury that once you get a taste of it, you never want to go back. The same holds for the future where clean energy vehicles will overtake their gasoline-powered counterparts.

Even at that time luxury will be at the forefront for those who can afford to own. The Hotel on Wheels: Vision Pullman Express culminates from that inner desire for comfortable mobility for a premium experience. The concept vehicle designed by Arya Kani holds merit for short-term travelers as well as those who prefer more adventurous escapades wrapped in the best luxury available.

Designer: Arya Kani

The car is equipped with level 5 autonomy, dripping with utmost comfort and flexible options for traveling while working or resting. There are swappable seats, dedicated sections for rest and work for professional travelers. The buck doesn’t stop at that as there are options for flexible drop-offs, mobile bot room service and even the option to hop on one of the integrated micro-mobility scooters and bikes. Yes, these micro vehicles are housed within the huge Hotel on Wheels which justifies its name threefold.

Since we are more levied towards the design aspect let’s throw some light on the semi-flat front cabin contrasted by the elegant rear section. The front grille bears the Mercedes-Benz influence with the apparent logo muting any inquisitiveness. The daylight opening with the semi-flat glass and a front seat row seems out of place but has a valid purpose. The wavey exterior is inspired by the West Coast of the United States for that cool overall vibe.

On the inside, the car has an airy large glass roof for maximum natural light to seep in. Comfort and functionality are given precedence here with dual zones for seating and dining. There are adjustable rising seats to enjoy the panoramic view outside, whether parked or traveling. For the more flamboyant type, there is the lookout bar with the perfect ambiance for weekend fun. The interior can be turned into a private oasis with the push of a button to reduce the natural light coming in which comes in handy for the summers too.

This concept sees Mercedes-Benz and Belmond Group join forces to plug this huge gap in the futuristic vehicle market that concentrates solely on clean energy and minimalism. The designers envision a future where people will be able to rent out such vehicles for a quality-of-life experience amidst the choking strains of going minimalistic. The premium urban travel-themed aura of the vehicle will be 100 percent tailored to the needs of discerning travelers.

The choice of the two brands to develop this EV concept seems logical since Mercedes-Benz and Belmond Group have evolving businesses in travel and mobility. Take, for example, the Mercedes Sprinter and Orient Express trains by Belmond.

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Hunting blind specialist designs HitchHiker, an affordable way to go camping around the year

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Pickup campers, trailers, and pop-up tents all have one thing in common; they persuade an enthusiast to step out of their driving seat over into the camper of choice filled with most essential amenities for a few days on the road. In the list of exceptional options popping up by the day, a hunting blind manufacturer is putting the tried and tested high density EPE foam material into creating the HitchHiker.

HitchHiker is what its name portrays; a tiny camping solution that rides on the back of your truck or trailer to give you a well-insulated, ultra-lightweight sleeping pod to curl into when the sun goes down. This pick-up camper, as you would have realized, is not the usual one to hitch behind your truck, in fact, the 190-pound fully insulated, hard-walled bare-bones sleeper camper is made to be carried along for an overlanding experience.

Designer: Tusca Outdoors

Pennsylvania-based mobile shelter manufacturer, Tusca Outdoors, has designed the simple HitchHiker with one motive: to let the enthusiasts retire in it after a long day’s drive. The camper doesn’t intend to include a kitchen or a washing setup or a pop-out skylight – it ideally is an all-weather enclosed camper with a lockable single entry. Owning to its bare-bone construction and single-point simplicity, it is very affordably priced at $2,750.

The construction is ultra-insulated. The company notes it can be heated with body heat even in sub-zero temperatures. Even though it has an electric port on the outside, you can use it to connect an electric or propane heater. For the adventurer, the HitchHiker then does function as a teardrop camper in all four seasons. Measuring 90-inch by 58-inch, the camper is ultra-compact and can fit onto the bed of a 5×8 utility trailer. It can be secured on the pick-up bed with accompanying 2-inch ratchet straps.

As far as features of the HitchHiker interior go, it is made to accommodate a full-size bed (available separately), which can sleep up to two adults comfortably. To ensure the interior is fresh and lighted, the HitchHiker has been fashioned with screened windows on both sides and even has small vents to maintain ventilation when the windows are closed.

What really makes this portable camping pod a good company is the convenience with which you can haul it. With two people, you can pick and set it up on the truck bed or trailer. And when you want to use it as a toy hauler, HitchHiker can be used on a larger trailer (larger than a 5×8). You can station the camper right in front and have the ATV or a bike behind it. IF the HitchHiker gets you excited, Tusca is showing it at the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Plan a trip this week!

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Lightweight and sleek Gocycle cargo e-bike fold down for hassle-free transportation

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Gocycle is pretty adept at making electric bikes showcasing a sleek, exotic design. Taking their innovation further, they’ve revealed the lightweight Gocycle CXI Family Cargo Bicycle that carries forward the core values of lightweight and portability for people who were always turned off by cumbersome cargo bikes.

The company has added the CXi lineup of cargo e-bikes that come with core patented innovations including side-mounted Pitstopwheels, F1-inspired monocoque chassis, internal cabling and Cleandrive drivetrain. There are two e-bikes, CXi and CX+ which are more or less the same, with the differentiator being the newly designed FloFit Handlebar in the latter.

Designer: Gocycle

The CXi’s patent-pending handlebar permits adjustments for reach height, multiple hand positioning, fingertip controls and grip angle to toggle the upright or forward stance. Other than that the signature Gocycle styling is evident with an appealing design that has no visual presence of chains, spokes, wires or gears. Some are engineered into oblivion, while others are cleverly hidden behind engineered shrouds and custom-built frames. The 51 lb bike folds down to a transportable size of 46.5 x 15.75 x 30.75 inches which makes it highly practical for diverse needs.

Combining the performance front, the cargo bikes are built on the hydro-formed 6061 T6 front frame and carbon fiber rear frame. This time around Gocycle is calling it the WingPillar Frame which can haul a load of up to 480 lb. The MIK-compatible rear rack does all the heavy lifting with space for accessories and seating. There’s the 500-W front hub motor that provides smooth pedal assistance of 20 mph courtesy of the five-speed Shimano Nexus geared hub. On a single charge, the 375-Wh battery is good for a range of 50 miles.

The two models will arrive in a choice of six colors with the CXi priced at $6,999 and the CX+ coming in at $7,999. Deliveries are scheduled for September and pre-orders are live now for a refundable deposit of $499.

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