Driving Safety for Two: Toyota’s Innovative Quest to Secure Pregnant Passengers

Toyota

In late 2022, a team of four women and one man at Toyota posed a seemingly straightforward yet crucial question: How can we ensure seat belt safety for pregnant women? The realization that expectant mothers often feel insecure with the current seat belt designs sparked a simple yet powerful idea.

Juliana Said, a body design engineer at Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) R&D, expressed surprise at the widespread misconception that seat belts might not be safe for pregnant women. Some were even avoiding using them. The team set out to debunk this myth and explore ways to enhance seat belt designs for expectant mothers.

However, their journey faced unexpected challenges. Limited research on seat belt effectiveness for pregnant women and a market flooded with untested safety devices complicated matters. The most significant hurdle, though, was the entrenched belief that seat belts could harm a fetus during a crash, leading some expectant mothers to drive without belting up.

Contrary to popular belief, properly worn seat belts are safe for pregnant women, offering better crash outcomes than going unbelted. To address these issues, Said and her team collaborated with Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The CSRC, in turn, partnered with the University of British Columbia, utilizing a specialized MRI machine to map anatomies in a seating position.

While statistics show that belted pregnant women fare better in crashes, the lack of standardized tools for assessing pregnant occupant safety prompted the CSRC to create a three-dimensional model of pregnant bodies. This model, derived from UBC’s MRI-generated data, aims to provide insights into different body shapes, sizes, and pregnancy phases.

This research aligns with Toyota’s THUMS digital crash injury model, a virtual crash-test dummy developed through extensive research on human tissue reactions to crash forces. The collaboration with UBC uses a unique MRI method to create digital representations of pregnant drivers, shedding light on how seat belts interact with bones and internal organs.

Peter Cripton, director of the Orthopedic and Injury Biomechanics Group at UBC, emphasized the exciting collaboration with Toyota, noting that the published data will benefit not only Toyota but also the broader injury biomechanics research community.

Beyond enhancing vehicle safety, the research may address the efficacy of third-party devices for pregnant women, such as seat cushions, specialized lap belts, and metal shields. With better information, including virtual pregnant crash-test dummies, researchers aim to draw more informed conclusions about the compatibility and safety of these devices with various car models.

Juliana Said emphasized the importance of research in evaluating such products, stating that what may seem obvious might not be compatible with the intricacies of a particular car’s design. Toyota’s commitment to safety extends not only to its products but also to contributing valuable research findings to benefit the broader automotive safety landscape.

Courtesy : https://pressroom.toyota.com

Lamborghini Accelerates Into the Metaverse: Unveiling the Lanzador Lab on Roblox for a Thrilling Virtual Journey

Lamborghini

Automobili Lamborghini introduces Lamborghini Lanzador Lab, an immersive virtual experience on the Roblox platform, offering over 70 million daily-active users an exclusive opportunity to explore the cutting-edge design and technology of the upcoming Lanzador, the brand’s all-electric Ultra GT. This unique 3D experience, set years before the Lanzador hits the streets in reality, allows users to engage with Lamborghini’s innovation and style in the metaverse.

Christian Mastro, Marketing Director of Automobili Lamborghini, expresses excitement about presenting the Lanzador on Roblox, emphasizing the global audience engagement and the chance to experience the electric engine’s power. This collaboration underscores Lamborghini’s commitment to reaching a new generation of fans and showcasing leadership in both the digital and physical realms.

Beyond traditional gaming, Lamborghini’s immersive experience on Roblox creates a virtual 3D space for users to explore the Lanzador’s performance, learn about the brand’s rich history and design DNA, and engage in various activities. Users can visit a virtual replica of the Automobili Lamborghini museum, customize their own digital Lanzador through the Ad Personam personalization program, and compete in virtual racing time trials with their customized cars.

Mitja Borkert, Design Director of Automobili Lamborghini, appreciates the exposure of the Lanzador Design Lab and the brand’s design language within the Roblox experience, reaching an even younger generation.

The experience extends to offering Lamborghini-branded digital items and accessories for users to acquire, including a racing helmet, backpack, beanies, hats, and a limited-edition Automobili Lamborghini Bull Head for ultra-Lamborghini fans. Only three of these luxury items will be available for sale, each priced at 1.5 million Robux (Roblox’s digital currency). The three buyers will also receive a VIP experience, including a tour of the Museo Automobili Lamborghini and the Ad Personam Studio at the Lamborghini headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy.

With the fastest-growing age group on Roblox being 17-24 years old, Automobili Lamborghini aims to engage with a dynamic and diverse audience, showcasing its commitment to innovation and the future of digital luxury. Roblox’s extensive global reach across 180 countries provides a platform for Lamborghini to authentically connect with fans worldwide, offering an immersive Automobili Lamborghini experience in the metaverse.

Courtesy : https://media.lamborghini.com/

Marjan van Aubel’s ‘8 Minutes and 20 Seconds’ Illuminates ICA Miami’s Sculpture Garden

MarjanvanMiami

Lexus has introduced “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds,” a captivating installation by Dutch solar designer Marjan van Aubel, now showcased in the sculpture garden at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami). This vibrant solar sculpture reimagines the Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst (LF-ZC) concept car through the lens of van Aubel’s solar cell artistry. The installation, named after the time it takes sunlight to reach Earth, marks van Aubel’s debut public project in Miami and was brought to life in collaboration with spatial and experience design firm Random Studio.

Crafted using Organic Photovoltaics (OPV), “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds” transforms the LF-ZC into a graphic pattern design, reflecting the concept car’s true-to-size representation. The installation responds to viewers’ presence, activating light patterns and ripples as they move around, offering an interactive experience. At intervals, the sculpture comes alive with cascading light and a synchronized melody, mirroring the dynamics of a moving car. Throughout the day, the solar-powered sculpture absorbs energy, storing it in batteries to sustain its captivating displays.

The ambient melody emitted by the installation harmonizes with the environment, featuring warm string instruments, soft piano, and chimes, occasionally enriched with birdsong and bamboo notes—a nod to the LF-ZC’s original bamboo interior. On display until December 17th, “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds” is part of Lexus’ ongoing partnership with ICA Miami, aiming to inspire visitors during Miami Art & Design Week.

Renowned for her advocacy of sustainability in art and design, van Aubel previously mentored winners of the 2023 Lexus Design Award. The LF-ZC concept car, the inspiration behind the installation, embodies Lexus’s commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainable design. Marjan van Aubel expressed her joy in bringing the LF-ZC concept car to life and narrating a new story of generating energy beautifully through this partnership.

ICA Miami, dedicated to environmental sustainability, welcomes van Aubel’s work as a significant step in advancing innovative sustainable design, emphasizing the global drive for contemporary ecological solutions. In conjunction with the installation, Lexus will host the Lexus Art Series: Art and Innovation talks with Whitewall, featuring insightful discussions on light’s power in reimagining systems and design’s role in the public arena.

Courtesy : https://global.toyota

Renault 5 E-Tech Electric: A Retro-Futuristic Icon Reimagined for the Electric Age

Renault 5 E-Tech Electric

Renault is set to make a groundbreaking debut at the Geneva International Motor Show on February 26, unveiling the highly anticipated Renault 5 E-Tech Electric. This cutting-edge model will feature two battery options, including a 52 kWh variant offering an impressive range of up to 400 km according to WLTP standards.

As part of the pre-launch excitement, a teaser campaign targeting the general public will be unveiled next month, providing a sneak peek into the design details of the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric. Enthusiasts and fans can join the R5 R Pass program, an exclusive initiative available in seven European countries. This membership allows individuals to place their orders ahead of the general public, securing their spot as one of the first to receive this innovative electric vehicle.

Renault’s CEO, Fabrice Cambolive, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is a cult icon redesigned for the modern age. We pulled out all the stops for this engaging car, designed and built in France. With its cheerful design and new-generation technologies, it’s out to make electric vehicles more affordable in Europe.”

Offering a glimpse into the production model, Renault shared exclusive images that pay homage to the iconic Renault 5, blending nostalgia with modern electric innovation. Some highlighted design elements include:

Headlights: The distinctive headlights, a hallmark of the Renault 5, make a strong visual statement, featuring a unique center mark resembling the human eye’s pupil. This design pays homage to a 1972 advertisement, infusing the modern R5 with a human-like expression.

Charge Indicator Light on the Bonnet: Replacing the traditional air intake on the bonnet, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric incorporates a charge indicator light that forms the iconic number “5” when the vehicle is fully charged. This functional and fun feature serves as both a futuristic design element and a practical indicator of the battery’s charge status.

Wheel Arches: The wheel arches contribute to a more robust stance, giving the R5 a compact yet assertive presence on the road. The graphic design emphasizes a unique and instantly recognizable personality, reminiscent of the iconic R5 Turbo.

Rear Lights: Vertical rear lights play a dual role, extending the side panel while enhancing the car’s aerodynamic performance by minimizing air turbulence.

In a forward-thinking move, Renault has initiated an extensive teaser campaign titled “R5VOLUTION IS BACK,” starting three months ahead of the official reveal. This campaign celebrates the iconic Renault 5’s return, aligning with contemporary themes such as the energy transition and a focus on energy efficiency.

The teaser campaign showcases the first iconic features of the vehicle’s exterior design, featuring the iconic “5” logo in three vibrant colors: yellow, blue, and green. Accompanying the concealed vehicle is a QR code linked to the renault.fr/r5 website, providing additional insights into the future vehicle and introducing the special R5 R Pass for early orders.

To complement the teaser campaign, a global TV commercial will be aired, featuring a sneak peek of the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric’s design set to Daft Punk’s “Instant Crush.” The campaign aims to build anticipation leading up to the 2024 reveal.

Renault has introduced the R5 R Pass program, allowing future customers to secure early access to the new electric vehicle. R5 R Pass holders can place orders 10 days before the general public, ensuring a priority spot in the production line at the ElectriCity plant in Douai, France. Program participants will receive a scale model of the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric post-reveal, along with exclusive access to content and events related to the vehicle.

The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, set to launch in 2024, redefines the city car with its compact 3.92m length. It boasts a 52 kWh battery providing a range of up to 400 km WLTP, making it suitable for both urban and suburban driving. The vehicle introduces advanced technologies, including Renault’s official avatar “reno,” offering a unique digital experience. Additionally, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric will be the first production vehicle featuring V2G (vehicle-to-grid) technology, allowing drivers to supply energy back to the grid and potentially save on charging costs.

With an entry-level price of around €25,000, comparable to B-segment hybrids, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric promises an affordable yet innovative electric driving experience. The global unveiling is scheduled for February 26 at the Geneva International Motor Show.

Courtesy : https://media.renault.com

Rolls-Royce Ghost: A Symphony of Elegance, Innovation, and Bespoke Luxury

Rolls-Royce-Ghost

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled the first Ghost at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, targeting a clientele seeking a more understated expression of Rolls-Royce perfection. The Ghost Extended variant followed in 2011, with an updated Series II Ghost at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show and the debut of the first Black Badge Ghost two years later.

The first-generation Ghost, spanning a decade until 2019, became the company’s most successful product, solidifying Rolls-Royce’s global luxury brand status. The present Ghost, launched in 2020, shares its Architecture of Luxury spaceframe with flagship models like Phantom, Cullinan, and Spectre, and includes Ghost Extended and Black Badge Ghost variants introduced in 2021.

Ghost Philosophy and Positioning

Ghost embodies reduction, minimalism, and simplicity, offering a blank canvas for Bespoke commissions. This approach caters to a new generation of luxury consumers rejecting extravagance for substance. Tailored for a younger demographic, often self-made and self-reliant, Ghost prioritizes driving experience and dynamics.

Current Ghost Model

Ghost’s simplicity belies its technological prowess, featuring LED and laser headlights, alertness assistant, a four-camera system, active cruise control, and more. Built on Rolls-Royce’s proprietary Architecture of Luxury spaceframe, Ghost boasts all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, and a Planar Suspension System for the hallmark ‘magic carpet ride.’ Its 6.75-Litre Twin-Turbocharged V12 engine ensures dynamic performance.

Engineering

The aluminium spaceframe, all-aluminium bodyshell, and innovative Planar Suspension System contribute to Ghost’s superior acoustics and optimal weight distribution. The 6.75-Litre V12 engine, combined with the Planar Suspension System, delivers an unparalleled driving experience. The Effortless Doors and Micro-Environment Purification System enhance comfort and luxury.

Acoustics

Ghost applies Rolls-Royce’s Formula for Serenity, focusing on the Architecture of Luxury’s acoustic qualities. The interior features 100kg of acoustic material, ensuring a calm, serene environment. Ghost exhibits a subtle ‘whisper,’ a soft undertone achieved by tuning each component to share a common resonant frequency.

Exterior

Defined by minimalism and purity, Ghost’s exterior features sharp lines, an assertive front end, and a near-square rear light graphic. The deliberately neutral upper section balances the driver-oriented and chauffeur-driven aspects.

Interior

The interior continues the minimalist principles of the exterior, offering a relaxing refuge and maximizing the impact of Bespoke color personalization. Specially developed wood veneers, an Illuminated Fascia, and a Bespoke Audio system highlight the meticulous attention to detail.

Bespoke Features

Ghost’s Illuminated Fascia and Bespoke Audio system showcase Rolls-Royce’s commitment to exquisite craftsmanship. The Illuminated Fascia includes an ethereal glowing Ghost nameplate surrounded by ‘stars,’ while the Bespoke Audio system transforms the car into a subwoofer, creating an exceptional sound stage.

Perfection, Evolved

The current Ghost model, retaining only the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot and concealed umbrellas from its predecessor, encapsulates Rolls-Royce’s brand values. It is a minimalist yet highly complex product perfectly in harmony with evolving client needs.

Courtesy : https://www.press.rolls-roycemotorcars.com