The 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R Roars with 720 Horsepower

Ford F-150

The 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R emerges as the apex predator, redefining off-road prowess with a mighty 5.2-liter supercharged V8, now boasting an impressive 720 horsepower and 640 lb.-ft. of torque. This marks a substantial 20 horsepower increase, achieved through enhanced air inlet efficiency and a finely tuned calibration, resulting in a broader and more powerful torque curve.

From its humble beginnings 14 years ago, when the first F-150 Raptor debuted with 310 horsepower, and later 411 horsepower from a 6.2-liter V8, the Raptor’s evolution has been relentless. Today, the 2024 Raptor R continues its legacy, setting new standards in high-performance, off-road excellence. With a vision inspired by Baja desert racing trophy trucks, it delivers unparalleled power, durability, and an unrivaled connection to the spirit of off-road adventure.

Courtesy : https://media.ford.com

McLaren GTS: The Ultimate Fusion of Supercar Performance and Everyday Luxury

McLaren GTS

McLaren proudly unveils the all-new GTS, a remarkable addition to the McLaren lineup that seamlessly replaces the GT. This super-lightweight masterpiece is meticulously engineered to captivate drivers who crave the dynamic prowess and exhilaration of a McLaren, coupled with the comfort, refinement, and spaciousness ideal for both daily commutes and extended journeys.

Key Highlights:

  1. Supercar Dynamics Meets Daily Comfort:
    • The GTS is designed to deliver unparalleled McLaren driving dynamics and performance alongside practicality and refinement for everyday use.
  2. Carbon Fiber Excellence:
    • Built on McLaren’s distinctive carbon fiber monocoque chassis, the GTS embraces a philosophy of super-lightweight engineering.
  3. Powerful Twin-Turbocharged V8 Engine:
    • The 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine now generates an impressive 635PS, an increase of 15PS from the GT.
  4. Outstanding Power-to-Weight Ratio:
    • Weighing just 1,520kg (DIN), the GTS boasts a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 418PS-per-tonne.
  5. Exceptional Acceleration:
    • Acceleration from 0-200km/h (0-124mph) is now quicker than the GT at 8.9 seconds, with 0-100km/h (0-62mph) achieved in a mere 3.2 seconds.
  6. Innovative Carbon Fiber Construction:
    • The GTS features a roof panel made from recycled carbon fiber, contributing to its low weight and center of gravity.
  7. Adaptive Suspension and Precision Steering:
    • Intelligent adaptive suspension, standard carbon ceramic brakes, and precise steering with unmatched feel combine for pure driving enjoyment.
  8. Enhanced Exterior Design:
    • The GTS boasts an assertive appearance with updated front and rear elements finished in gloss black.
  9. Personalization Options:
    • New color choices, including ‘Lava Grey,’ and a unique ‘Turbine’ forged alloy wheel, offer personalized styling.
  10. Luxurious Interior:
    • Choose from upgraded interior upholsteries, including Softgrain Aniline Leather seats with a double-piping pattern and new contrast stitching.
  11. Practical Luggage Space:
    • The GTS stands out as the most practical new supercar, offering a spacious luggage capacity of 570 liters.
  12. Cutting-Edge Technology:
    • The GTS comes equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, a 7-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, and optional Bowers & Wilkins premium audio.
  13. Extended Warranty and Service Plan:
    • The GTS includes a standard three-year vehicle warranty, with additional options for extended warranties and servicing plans.
  14. Availability:
    • The new GTS is available for order now, with deliveries expected in 2024.

Experience the pinnacle of automotive excellence with the McLaren GTS, where supercar performance seamlessly meets everyday luxury.

Courtesy : https://cars.mclaren.press

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