Tag Archive for: auto

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Maserati returns to the field at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters

Maserati returns to the field at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters

Modena, February 2023 – The time has come for a new meet on clay in the Principality of Monaco, where the biggest names in world tennis will be coming together with the House of the Trident’s most elegant and iconic models. For the second year running, Maserati is taking to the courts at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, as the tournament’s main sponsor and official car.
Maserati is combining its values of style, competitiveness and sporting passion with an event that for over a century – in the magnificent setting of the Principality of Monaco – has brought together the quintessence of all things unique, from performance to the most refined luxury.

Maserati GranTurismo Folgore. Roaring in California

Maserati GranTurismo Folgore. Roaring in California

Competitive impetus has always been a major factor in the soul of Maserati, the ideal ally when it comes to the highest levels in the world of sport. It is perfect to represent the timeless appeal of one of the most enthralling disciplines, which shares the same values of excellence, tenacity and dedication with the Italian brand.

The renewal of the winning partnership between Maserati and the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters will result in the opportunity to write a new chapter of love for sport, for an international audience. A recurring feature of the Trident’s narrative, its cars at the forefront of design and technology will star on the roads of the Principality – as impeccable ambassadors of one of the most exclusive events in the world – to epitomise the DNA of the Modena-based manufacturer.

Maserati MC20 Cielo

Maserati MC20 Cielo

The first European event in the ATP Tour Masters 1000 series will enliven the stands from 8 to 16 April, when the biggest names in the tennis firmament will be ready to compete for one of the most coveted titles in the season. Throughout the tournament, the players and guests will be travelling aboard the Maserati fleet, to take part in style, even off the court.

Maserati S.p.A.
Maserati produces a complete range of unique cars, immediately recognisable for their extraordinary personality. Thanks to their style, technology and innately exclusive character, they delight the most discerning, demanding tastes and have always been a benchmark for the global automotive industry. A tradition of successful cars, each of them redefining what makes an Italian sports car in terms of design, performance, comfort, elegance and safety, currently available in more than seventy markets internationally. The ambassadors of this heritage are the Quattroporte flagship, the Ghibli sports sedan and the Levante – the first SUV made by Maserati, all models characterised by the use of the highest quality materials and excellent technical solutions. The Ghibli and Levante are now also available in hybrid versions and are the first electrified cars from the Trident brand. A complete range, equipped with 4-cylinder hybrid V6 and V8 petrol engines, with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive. The Trofeo Collection, comprising Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante, equipped with the powerful 580- hp V8 engine, embodies the performance DNA of the Trident brand. The top of the range is the MC20 super sports car, powered by the ground-breaking Nettuno V6 engine, incorporating F1-derived technologies available in the power unit of a standard production car for the first time.

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THE CARRERA COLLECTION - JULY 2023
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RM Sotheby,s | The Carrera Collection July 2023

THE CARRERA COLLECTION

JULY 2023
Comprising a total of nearly 90 sports cars across a diverse list of marques, the common thread that unites The Carrera Collection is its impressive diversity. An almost encyclopedic selection of Porsche sports cars represents the majority of the models, including early 356 examples, top-of-the-line 928 grand tourers, as well as multiple generations of the legendary 911 sports coupe. The collection also includes a variety of desirable modern classics from marques including Alfa Romeo, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Alpina, and Chevrolet. Notably, every car in the collection will be offered without reserve.

The Carrera Collection will be offered across two sales, one in Switzerland and the other in Italy. More details will be announced very soon, and we encourage you to register for an RM Sotheby’s account for the latest updates.

AUCTION DETAILS

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New and all-electric Lotus Eletre is a striking and progressive Hyper SUV

LOTUS ELETRE SUV

CARVED BY AIR

The all-new and all-electric Lotus Eletre is a striking and progressive Hyper SUV. It takes the core principles and Lotus DNA from more than 70 years of sports car design and engineering, evolving them into a desirable all-new lifestyle car. Eletre has an elegant and exotic look with active aerodynamics and a dramatic porous design. The use of pioneering sustainable materials gives a new level of premium for every journey.

370

160

2.90

REDEFINES AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATION

STUNNING PERFORMANCE, EVERYDAY

A true Lotus experience. Optimal structural rigidity and active dynamics, combined with a perfect blend of high power and torque, provide the kind of performance that is expected from a Lotus. With powerful electric motors and a low centre of gravity, this new icon makes ordinary driving, extra.

CUTTING-EDGE INTELLIGENCE

The world’s first deployable LiDAR system and advanced autonomous driving capabilities make this the most technically advanced Lotus, ever. Eletre is the first global SUV with 800V architecture, providing exceptional range and charging options, meaning less time plugged in and more time driving.
The deployable sensors are hidden when not required, ensuring the car’s striking design shines through and only emerging from the top of the windscreen, the top of the rear glass, and from the front wheel arches as required.

Add in a dynamic walk-up sequence, advanced interface and heads-up display, Eletre makes the everyday special.

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THE PAGANI HUAYRA R
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THE PAGANI HUAYRA R

THE PAGANI HUAYRA R

SCULPTED IN PERFORMANCE

  • The most extreme Pagani Hypercar made exclusively for use on the track
  • The new Pagani V12-R, the exclusive beating heart of the Huayra R
  • A naturally aspirated V12 generating 850 HP output and 750 Nm of torque
  • Maximum track performance up to the red line of 9000 rpm
  • A laboratory car that incorporates the technology of future Pagani models
  • Celebration of performance, technology and art applied to a track car
  • The pinnacle of Pagani Automobili technological development, packed into just 1,050 kg
  • Safety at the highest standards
  • Arte in Pista: a new, exclusive chapter of tailor-made customer experiences
  • Limited to just 30 examples
  • Base price: EUR 2.6 million + TAX

San Cesario Sul Panaro, 18 March 2021 – On the wings of a wind that blows ever-stronger, the Huayra R is released to express its full character in total freedom. Pure, passionate, mighty and captivating. It knows no limits.

The new track-focused Hypercar from Pagani combines the highest level of automotive engineering and aerodynamic know-how with unprecedented aesthetic sensitivity in an exercise of style that represents the full expression of Pagani Automobili’s technological development.

Legend meets passion

What is freedom, if not the courage to dream and choose to surpass oneself and one’s limits, the need to express an emotion that refuses to be constrained? A concept that by its very nature escapes definition and labels, but which has always deeply moved the human spirit and determined its needs and intuitions.

The profound need for creative freedom at the heart of the Huayra R is embodied by the clean lines and timeless appeal of the Le Mans and World Sports-Prototype Championship cars of the 1960s and 1970s. Symbols of freedom par excellence and protagonists of an era of motorsport that was synonymous with battles and tension, tears and triumphs, ecstasy and sweat; endurance races that turned drivers into heroes and sensational cars into eternal legends. This concept of freedom and purity inspires the bold lines of the Huayra R, a quintessential celebration of performance, technology and art applied to a track car.

“ Today’s racing cars are focused exclusively on aerodynamics and are largely the product of the wind tunnel. In the 60s and 70s, however, the cars were very fast, certainly dangerous, but beautiful. Prototype sports cars like the Ferrari P4 or the Ford GT40, or the Le Mans cars, had extremely attractive lines, which are still a huge source of inspiration for our cars today. The Porsche 917 is my favourite, with its romantic yet bold shape, which gives the impression of a very fast car. It is beautiful, elegant and timeless. From this desire for freedom, and from the experience of the Zonda R and the cars of the past, came the idea of the Huayra R, like a breath of fresh air.” Horacio Pagani

The Huayra R is a celebration of passion – an extreme, untamed car, developed free from rules except for safety, with the sole aim of offering uncompromising performance. But first and foremost, it was designed to excite.

From tradition to innovation 

“Creativity is the result of curiosity and the quest for something that does not exist.”

Taking up increasingly demanding challenges in order to define new goals and pushing new boundaries to test one’s ability has been in the DNA of Pagani Automobili from the very start. This is what happened towards the end of the 2000s when an exciting new project landed on the Atelier’s doorstep and triggered an unprecedented journey of research to create the first Pagani track car, a car that Horacio Pagani thought should incorporate the best racing technology of the time, combined with the beauty and attention to detail typical of all of the brand’s creations.
The Zonda R, created with cutting-edge materials derived from the aerospace industry and from F1, was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 2009 where, under its refined, but bare natural carbon fiber surface, it embodied the pinnacle of Pagani Automobili technological development, combined with unprecedented attention to aesthetics for a track car. Offering a driving experience and performance simply impossible on the road, the Zonda R demonstrated its full potential, attaining major milestones on the world’s most prestigious circuits and was celebrated on many covers of the main magazines of that time.

Deeply inspired by its racing predecessors, after more than ten years, the Huayra R is reintroducing that same bold and audacious essence, once again combining maximum technical refinement and attention to detail, in a car of outstanding personality that incorporates the technology of Pagani cars of the future. And like all the creations of the Atelier, it is made to measure.

“In 2008 we were working on the Huayra, a very challenging and demanding project from an engineering and stylistic point of view. After so many years, I felt an overwhelming desire for freedom and that’s how the Zonda R came about, a track car free from constraints and regulations. Beautiful, high-performing and safe. The Huayra R, just like the Zonda R, is the freest, most extreme and performance-oriented Pagani car of all time.” Horacio Pagani

Engine – The Pagani V12-R

Much more than an intellectual exercise, the Huayra R is a car packed with innovative solutions developed to achieve maximum performance and is the result of 100% dedicated engineering know-how. The project was not based on any production model, which allowed development targets for each individual component to be raised significantly, forcing the team in San Cesario Sul Panaro to tackle a number of technical challenges. First and foremost, the development of the most powerful, naturally aspirated internal combustion engine in the history of the Atelier.

The Pagani V12-R – the beating heart of the Huayra R – is a 12-cylinder, 6-litre, naturally aspirated racing engine, designed from the ground up in partnership with HWA AG specifically to meet the Atelier’s need to equip its new creation with the lightest, most powerful and efficient track-ready V12 ever created. This need emerged to address the strong desire of Pagani’s customers, who dreamed of an incredibly powerful high-performance, naturally aspirated V12 engine for their new projects.

“The new engine had to have the charm, romance, sound and simplicity of the F1 engines of the 1980s, while incorporating state-of-the-art technology available today.” Horacio Pagani

Equipped with the latest technology derived from the world of racing, the new powertrain delivers 850 hp (625 kW) at 8250 rpm and maximum torque of 750 Nm – already available from 5500 to 8300 rpm – while the 200 bar direct injection system optimises performance by ensuring maximum efficiency in terms of thermodynamics and autonomy.

The Huayra R was created to offer the ultimate experience for anyone who wants to enjoy peak performance on the track up to the red line of 9000 rpm. For the engineers at HWA AG and Pagani, this objective meant not only focusing on increased power as a key element of research, but also prioritizing lightness. This challenge was embraced by Affalterbach engineers without hesitation and after more than two years of design and development, the powerful Pagani V12-R tipped the scales at a total weight of 198 kg (436 lbs), placing it at the top of its category.

Attached to the central monocoque, with which it forms a structural element capable of supporting the transmission system and the chrome-molybdenum alloy steel subframes, the new engine is exceptionally efficient and easy to run, with service cycles only every 10,000 km.

Transmission

The cutting-edge components especially created for the Huayra R include the brand new six-speed sequential gearbox which has been designed, along with the Huayra R’s engine, in collaboration with HWA AG to complete a tailor-made powertrain.

Driven by a 3 sintered metal disc racing clutch, the new non synchronized dog ring gearbox guarantees 95% friction efficiency, offers maximum shift precision, extremely reduced shift times and a total weight of just 80 kg (176 lb). Securely attached to the monocoque as well as the engine, contributing to the overall rigidity of the chassis and withstanding heavy dynamic loads, the complete transmission system is designed to integrate structurally with the entire suspension unit through dedicated attachment points in order to maximise the architectural efficiency of the car.

Exhaust System

The result of meticulous acoustic and technical planning and extensive research of materials, geometries and sound design, the new exhaust system developed specifically for the Huayra R guarantees rapid and effective evacuation of exhaust gases, allowing the Pagani V12-R to deliver all of its incredible power, while ensuring minimum back pressure. Made from Inconel 625/718 alloy, with tubes one-third the thickness of those normally used in road car equipment, and coated in ceramic to protect the engine bay and ensure better heat dissipation directly to the outside, the entire system boasts an extremely lightweight construction, developed not only to guarantee maximum aerodynamic performance, but also to give the Huayra R’s occupants an unprecedented acoustic experience. The soundtrack of this racing thoroughbred is indeed pure emotion, thanks to the unique design of the manifolds and tailpipes, with identical length exhaust pipes for all twelve cylinders allowing the V12-R to roar like a F1 car of the past. The car is also equipped with mufflers that can be fitted as required, ensuring that noise emissions are reduced to within the FIA limit of 110 decibels for noise restricted tracks.

Chassis and Materials 

The Huayra R’s monocoque is the result of specifically dedicated development to guarantee its occupants the total involvement and driving experience of an authentic racing car.

HWA’s vast experience in fine-tuning and production of racing cars and components, together with Pagani Automobili’s 30 years of know-how in the development of advanced composite materials, made it possible to apply structural principles and innovative engineering solutions from the world of motorsport to the Huayra R chassis to produce a safe structure suitable for track use.

Manufactured using the latest composite technologies developed by the Atelier, such as Carbo-Titanium HP62-G2 and Carbo-Triax HP62, the new monocoque incorporates the seats fully, guaranteeing maximum protection together with specific shock-absorption side structures and the roll-bar, while maintaining easy access to the cockpit. The front frames, made of chrome-molybdenum alloy steel, benefit from the development experience and crash tests carried out to fine-tune the Huayra project, while also being designed specifically for the track. The rear frame, in conjunction with the powertrain unit, forms an integrated structure with the monocoque, helping to maximise the mechanical properties of the chassis, resulting in a 51% increase in flexural rigidity and 16% increase in torsional rigidity compared to the road version.

The combination of new structural principles and materials specially developed for the Huayra R design, together with the resulting enhancement of the mechanical properties of the structure, means that the new car tips the scales at a dry weight of 1,050 kg..

Safety

The comfort and performance of a sports car only acquire value when combined with an environment that offers maximum protection. This is an aspect on which the team in San Cesario Sul Panaro never compromises and which is a fundamental and indispensable part of every project undertaken by the Atelier. Careful design and meticulous research conducted on the materials, bodywork and roll bar structure were central to the development of the Huayra R in order to give customers not only the most thrilling track driving experience, but above all, to provide a safe car that meets the most stringent FIA requirements for GT vehicles.

The heavy-duty safety cage integrated into the central monocoque incorporates special absorption structures, made from composite materials, at the front, sides and rear of the car which are specifically designed to absorb kinetic energy in the event of impact or rollover.
Inside the passenger compartment, the extinguishing system is activated automatically in the event of a fire, while the seats, which are fully integrated into the carbon monocoque, are equipped with six-point safety belts and covered in Nomex flame retardant material. The special Ener-Core EC 50, FIA approved foam padding ensures an optimal driving position, adapting perfectly to the body shape of the occupants, while the carbon fibre headrests are also fitted with dedicated lateral protection.

Aerodynamics

For Pagani Automobili, building complex cars, rich with technological and innovative solutions requires not only brilliant minds, but true artists. For the skilled craftsmen involved in the development of the Huayra R, this mission entailed intense study and research to combine the most technical and performance aspects with the utmost formal elegance.

Every line and surface of the Huayra R is, in fact, designed to generate maximum aerodynamic load, with an initial development target of 1000 kg of downforce at 320 km/h (2204 lb at 199 mph) and a ground clearance that allows maximum aerodynamic performance to be achieved, guaranteeing safe and predictable behaviour under all conditions. An ambitious goal, but one that was quickly achieved with excellent results right from the first aerodynamic tests, during which the car showed great stability and balance in line with the set target of 46%-54% downforce distribution throughout the entire speed envelope, while maintaining reduced sensitivity to ground clearance.

An exciting result, although not enough to win the full approval of the team led by Horacio Pagani, who wanted a more sinuous and captivating aesthetic treatment for the Huayra R; a design even more focused on emotion. For this reason, further research was undertaken on the design and stylistic elements of the car, which led the design team to a curious and unexpected discovery: as the aesthetics of the car changed, performance and aerodynamic efficiency improved, demonstrating the importance, in every aspect of design, of the quest for beauty interpreted as the most perfect union of form and function.

Contributing to reliable performance of the car, there are two new side air intakes at the front to ensure maximum cooling efficiency for the front wheel braking system, as well as channelling the outgoing airflow towards the side of the car, minimising turbulence and helping to generate maximum downforce.
Ensuring adequate cooling of the powerful engine required relentless work on the radiator and internal fluid dynamics, while new wing profiles were introduced on the front bonnet to improve air extraction speed and create greater stability at the front. New air vents above the wheel arch and the generous side outlet allow even more effective channelling of air to flow to the rear aerodynamic appendages.

The new roof scoop, with its integrated centre fin, guarantees maximum intake efficiency for the Pagani V12-R. The flat bottom, in combination with the rear diffuser and the distinctive wing, help to generate maximum downforce.

Suspension

The sophistication of the suspension system of Pagani cars has always been a source of pride for the Atelier. The result of more than 30 years of research and development, this technical and technological prowess, subject to incessant experimentation, found an important test bed with the Zonda R. This led to the definition of highly innovative technical solutions that would soon afterwards equip the Huayra Coupé. Similarly, the new kinematics and sophisticated geometry of the suspension unit developed specifically for the Huayra R are the result of one of the most intense design and experimental phases ever experienced by the Atelier, and represent the future of Pagani Automobili on the track.

With suspension made of forged aluminium alloy, independent double wishbone with helical springs and electronically controlled active shock absorbers, the entire configuration of the new system with rigid mounting points, not only allows all the power and the extraordinary torque of the Pagani V12-R to be transferred to the ground, but also offers unprecedented driving precision. In fact, the Huayra R’s advanced and refined elasto-kinematics allow for greater camber recovery and optimised dynamic bump steer correction to guarantee ideal grip for the slick tyres in every situation and allow the driver to attack the ups and downs of Eau Rouge without losing a single millisecond.

Interconnected with the active aerodynamic system, the active suspension ensures that the Huayra R responds appropriately in all conditions, allowing perfect balance when entering and exiting corners and maximum stability when braking, for precise and always predictable behaviour.

Brakes

There is a long-standing relationship between Pagani Automobili and Brembo, which has always focused on equipping Pagani Hypercars with state-of-the-art braking systems to ensure maximum performance, perfectly integrated design, safety and unprecedented lightness.

The Huayra R boasts world-class braking power thanks to the brand new CCM-R self-ventilated carbon-ceramic discs coupled with racing pads. Specially developed to allow the new car to exploit the best available technology, the new CCM-Rs have significant advantages in terms of thermal conductivity and maximum braking power, typical of carbon used in competitions. Characteristics that allow for greater rigidity and lower operating temperatures in extreme track use while, at the same time, helping to extend the life cycle of the system.

Tyres and wheels

With its unparalleled experience in motorsport, international GT3 and single-make championships, and a glorious racing past and present rooted in the famous victory in the very first F1 race at Silverstone in May 1950, Pirelli has dedicated the last 110 years of its history to developing the best racing tyre technology to enhance the performance of the world’s best sports cars.

The long process of research and development carried out in partnership with Pagani Automobili resulted in a slick version of the P Zero tyres that offers maximum precision and a feeling of total control even to the non-professional driver, ensuring exceptional braking behaviour and optimal traction.

With standard sizes dictated by the world of racing, to ensure the greatest advantage in terms of cost and availability for customers, this P Zero slick version will benefit from all future Pirelli developments on motorsport tyres that can be fitted on the car without any problem. Available in Dry and Wet versions, specially designed to allow the Huayra R to attack the tarmac in all conditions, Pirelli’s new tyre is designed to provide the grip needed to allow pin-point precision on every curve.

The monolithic rims, custom-designed in conjunction with APP Tech and forged from aluminium alloy, were designed to achieve maximum lightness in 19 inches.

The interior – One with the Driver

Inside the Huayra R, every detail is designed for all-round involvement and maximum adrenaline, for a raw, thrilling and unfiltered driving experience.

All essential controls, such as traction control, ABS map selection, radio communication and other important functions are immediately available on the quick-release, height and length adjustable steering wheel, which can be pulled out for easy access to the cockpit. The gearshift paddles are mounted at the rear of the steering wheel.

Secondary controls such as lights, engine maps, suspension maps and brake balance selector are available on the centre console. A high resolution, fully customizable, motorsport dashboard display feeds the driver with the necessary information to  monitor the status of the vehicle. The onboard telemetry logs all vehicle data, enabling the driver and pit crew to analyze performance, find the perfect vehicle settings for any given track, and monitor the vehicle.

To perfectly match the driver’s ergonomics, the adjustable pedal set has been custom-designed in partnership with AP Racing exclusively for the Huayra R and incorporates the principles of lightness and style that are at the essence of this car. Crafted with the quality of finish and aesthetic attention typical of all the Atelier’s creations, the Huayra R’s cockpit cannot fail to impress thanks to the meticulous design of every screw, lever and surface, making its extraordinary concentration of speed-focused technology an ideal driving environment, tailor-made for each driver.

Arte in Pista

An essential part of the Pagani experience are the meet-ups and shared moments dedicated to the members of the exclusive family of customers, eager to participate in the different events organised by the brand each year on four different continents to offer an experience of full immersion in the Pagani world. These started with the Pagani Raduno, a highly personalised event, and now an established tradition in the history of the Atelier. For more than 16 years, the various editions of this event have combined days of driving along iconic routes and breathtaking landscapes, with unique lifestyle experiences, often ending with an entire day dedicated to top performance on the world’s most prestigious circuits.

With Arte In Pista (“art on the track”), the Pagani Atelier seeks to take the experience to a new level, offering a calendar packed with personalised events that will allow Huayra R owners to enjoy the full excitement of driving a Pagani Hypercar, pushing it to its maximum performance, with the dedicated assistance of the Pagani Team and the support of professional drivers. From individual track days at internationally renowned circuits to group events, tailor-made for customers in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East: each occasion combines moments of leisure in beautiful locations with the raw excitement of driving one’s own Pagani on the track.
“A car sculpted in performance. Not just a track car, but a very intimate club of true adrenaline seekers.” Horacio Pagani

– TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS –
ENGINE: Pagani V12-R – 6.0 litres – naturally aspirated 12-cylinder V
POWER: 850 HP (625 kW) at 8250 rpm
TORQUE: 750 Nm from 5500 to 8300 rpm
TRANSMISSION: Rear-wheel Drive
GEARBOX: 6-speed sequential, non-synchronized dog ring gearbox
BRAKES: Brembo CCM-R ventilated discs: Front 410×38 mm with monolithic
6-piston calipers; Rear 390×34 mm with monolithic 6-piston calipers
WHEELS: APP forged monolithic aluminum alloy: Front 19 inches;
Rear 19 inches
TYRES: Pirelli P Zero slick version – Dry and Wet: Front 275/675 R19; Rear 325/705 R19
SUSPENSION: Forged aluminum alloy independent double wishbone with helical springs and
electronically controlled shock absorbers
CHASSIS: Monocoque in Pagani Carbo-Titanium HP62 G2 and Carbo-Triax HP62 with front
and rear tubular subframes in CrMo alloy steel
DRY WEIGHT: 1050 Kg (2314 lb)

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Audi skysphere concept – The future is wide open 2021

Audi skysphere concept (2021)

Audi has unveiled the first member of a new family of concept vehicles, a spectacular roadster. Audi skysphere concept is the name of the electric-powered, two-door convertible whose lines lead directly to the Audi design of tomorrow. With it, the brand is illustrating its vision for the progressive luxury segment of the future, in which the interior becomes an interactive space and the vehicle a platform for captivating experiences. This is being made possible thanks to autonomous driving, a revolutionary redesign of the interior, and a seamless digital ecosystem.

The Audi skysphere concept shows how the brand is redefining luxury in the future – it’s no longer just about driving. The concept car was designed with the clear objective of offering its occupants captivating and world-class experiences.

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Colour: Stage Light

To give passengers the maximum amount of freedom, the Audi skysphere concept was designed for two different driving experiences: a grand touring experience and a sports experience. This makes use of a spectacular technical detail – the variable wheelbase. Electric motors and a sophisticated mechanism with body and frame components that slide into one another make it possible to vary the wheelbase itself and the exterior length of the car by 250 millimeters. At the same time, the vehicle’s ground clearance is adjusted by 10 millimeters to enhance comfort and driving dynamics.

With the touch of button, the driver can take advantage of their freedom and choose their own driving experience– either they pilot their 4.94-meter-long e-roadster themselves in “Sports” mode with a reduced wheelbase, while the rear-wheel steering ensures that the vehicle remains extremely agile despite its dimensions. Or they can choose to be chauffeured around in a 5.19-meter GT in the autonomous “Grand Touring” driving mode while enjoying the sky and the scenery, maximum legroom, and the services offered by a seamlessly integrated digital ecosystem.

In this mode, the steering wheel and pedals move into an invisible area; the feeling of space in the concept car opens up completely new realms of possibility for such a sporty convertible. Meanwhile, the Audi skysphere automatically keeps an eye on the road and traffic with its sensor system and drives the occupants safely to their destination.

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Colour: Stage Light

Similar to how the interior design offers a new, contemporary interpretation of luxury, digitization and the ecosystem open up unprecedented levels of freedom and worlds of experience for the vehicle’s passengers. Thanks to Audi’s own services and the ability to integrate digital services, the possibilities are nearly endless. In addition, the passengers can share their experience on the road with friends via social media, with images of the interior and the surrounding area. The vehicle also takes care of everyday tasks that go beyond the ride itself. For example, the autonomous Audi skysphere concept picks up its passengers with information about their current destination and independently handles parking and charging.

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Colour: Stage Light

Audi skysphere to be unveiled on its home turf in California

The Audi skysphere concept will make its public debut on August 13, 2021, as part of Monterey Car Week – on the legendary fairways of the Pebble Beach golf course. This means the vehicle’s unveiling in California is taking place more or less on its home turf. This is because the concept car was conceived and designed at the Audi Design Studio in Malibu, just a stone’s throw away from the Pacific Coast Highway, the legendary coastal road that connects the suburbs of Los Angeles with northern California. Studio manager Gael Buzyn and his team are the creative minds behind the project. A legendary classic model from the company’s own history – the Horch 853 roadster – served as the inspiration for the new groundbreaking model. The impressive convertible, which is also around 5.20 meters in length, was not only the definition of modern luxury in the 1930s, but also won the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach in 2009.

But the visual inspiration from its predecessor is limited to the concept car’s dimensions and typical proportions with a rather compact cabin and long front end. A look under the hood of the Horch reveals an imposing straight-eight engine with a displacement of 5 liters. The Audi skysphere, on the other hand, mainly has electric drive components between the front axle and the windshield, such as the charger and the DC/DC converter, plus the actuators and electronic and mechanical components for the adaptive wheelbase. It also features a spacious trunk filled with two golf bags specially designed for the concept car.

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Colour: Stage Light

The drive system: 465 kW of power

“New technologies like electrification, digitalization, and autonomous driving gave us the opportunity to create an experience that goes way beyond the one that typical roadsters offer today,” said design project manager Gael Buzyn.

An electric motor positioned on the powered rear axle is responsible for delivering power to the wheels of the Audi skysphere. A total of 465 kilowatts of power and 750 Newton meters of torque have an easy time with the roadster, which only weighs around 1,800 kilograms. The weight distribution of around 60 percent on the powered rear axle results in ample traction and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just four seconds, if required.

The Audi skysphere’s battery modules are primarily positioned behind the cabin – an ideal configuration for the vehicle’s center of gravity and agility. Further modules can be found between the seats in the center tunnel of the skysphere interior – another position chosen in favor of vehicle dynamics. The battery’s capacity is expected to be more than 80 kWh, giving the car a range of more than 500 kilometers according to the WLTP standard, at least in the economical GT mode.

Static photo,
Colour: Stage Light

The chassis: rear-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension

The vehicle features double wishbone axles in the front and the rear. The upper and lower wishbones are forged or cast from aluminum. Steering takes place via a steer-by-wire system that controls both the front and the rear wheels. Because the system is not mechanically connected to the front axle, the driver can select different steering ratios and steering settings – all at the touch of a button. This allows the steering to be adjusted from extremely direct to comfortable, but also from high self-aligning forces to minimal self-aligning forces, for example when parking. The rear-axle steering and adaptive wheelbase also contribute to the car’s small turning radius.

A long-established Audi chassis technology ensures that the suspension delivers the necessary level of versatility – the latest evolutionary stage of Audi’s adaptive air suspension has been implemented in the concept car and features three independent air chambers to provide a comfortable base suspension. Individual chambers can be deactivated for a more sporty ride with fast acceleration. The result is that the characteristic curve of the spring becomes more progressive, reducing roll and pitch to a minimum. Lowering the body by 10 mm reduces aerodynamic drag – particularly relevant when driving long distances.

The Audi skysphere’s active suspension plays a key role in the versatility of the car’s handling characteristics. When simply coasting along, the individual wheels are selectively raised or lowered to compensate for unevenness and undulations in the road surface – the result of a symbiosis between the navigation system’s digital predictions and the active chassis’ sophisticated control and actuation systems. Mounted on aerodynamically styled 23-inch alloy rims, the 285/30 tires strike a perfect balance between suitability for long-distance trips thanks to minimal rolling resistance and a sporty, active driving style with high longitudinal and lateral acceleration.

Design Sketch

The exterior: reverence without retro

When it comes to their footprint – 5.23 meters in length versus 5.19; a width of 1.85 versus 2.00 meters – it is easy to see the similarity between the legendary Horch 853 convertible and the Audi skysphere. A striking difference, on the other hand, can be found in their height – the legendary Horch, with its iconic design, towered up to 1.77 meters depending on the body shape, while its autonomous descendant, the Audi skysphere, ducks down to the road in Sport mode at 1.23 meters flat, with an optimized center of gravity and aerodynamics. The concept car pays its respects to the classic model without merely remaining a retro imitation.

After all, apart from its dimensions, it’s the lines that make a real difference. With its wide curved and flared wheel arches typical of the brand, the skysphere emphasizes the wide track – a visible indication of its dynamic talents. Viewed from the side, the proportions are impressive with a long hood and – especially at the front – a short overhang. The surfaces of the wheel arches and front hood are organically curved. The rear end was developed in a wind tunnel and combines elements of a speedster and a shooting brake with large glass surfaces in a traditional streamlined design. Two overnight bags designed specifically for the Audi skysphere find space under the glass, and are held in place with straps that are stretched in a crosswise pattern.

The front end – although no longer serving as a radiator grill – clearly features the brand’s typical Singleframe and the three-dimensionally designed, illuminated emblem with the four rings. The entire Singleframe and also the adjacent surfaces on the sides are designed with white LED elements to literally act as a stage for visual effects – both functional effects as well as moving welcome sequences when the vehicle is opened and closed.

Detail

Gentle dimming and a structured, rhythmically pulsating light produce an elegant effect. The daytime running lights in the side front sections, in turn, give the lighting units a resolute, focused “gaze.” If the wheelbase is changed, the LEDs in the front and rear display a specially composed dynamic sequence.

The rear end is also dominated by a digitally controlled LED surface that extends across the entire width of the vehicle. Countless red LEDs are scattered like rubies across the vertical rear surface. Reflections create dynamic lighting and shadow effects when the lighting units are switched on and off.

Upon changing the wheelbase and thus the operating mode from GT to Sport, the light signature also changes and sends a clear indication of the changed character of the Audi skysphere concept, particularly in the area around the Singleframe.

A characteristic feature of the side view are the rocker panels, which seem to protrude into the rear wheel arch – a necessary feature when varying the wheelbase actually pushes it backwards. The rocker panel is attached to the front end of the car, and as it moves, the panel also slides to the rear under the fixed door. In the process, the wheelbase is reduced from the standard size of an A8 L to the significantly more compact size of the curve-compatible Audi RS 5 – 25 centimeters make all the difference. And not just technically, but also visually and, above all, in terms of the driving experience.

There’s no doubt that the Audi skysphere concept has two personalities – a GT and a luxury sports car. The key differences, however, can only be enjoyed in the interior, because here, behind the rear-hinged and wide-opening doors, the Audi skysphere offers highly contrasting experiences.

The interior: two spheres of experience in one

When it comes to the three upcoming concept cars Audi skysphere, Audi grandsphere, and Audi urbansphere, the brand is placing the space that surrounds the passengers (“sphere”) and which becomes an experience for them – the interior – at the center of its designs. This is because all three vehicles are designed for level 4 autonomous driving – meaning that in certain defined road and traffic situations, the driver can delegate complete responsibility to the car and no longer has to intervene.

As a result, control elements such as the steering wheel and pedals can be swiveled into an invisible position and thereby completely removed from the interior. And passengers, including the one in the front left seat, can enjoy a new form of freedom – the freedom to relax in the open air, enjoy the scenery and the wind, or interact with the Internet and the world thanks to the connection with the digital ecosystem in the Audi skysphere.

Free of controls, the interior appears as a light, spacious environment, inspired in many areas by the Art Deco universe. The comfortable seats boast the visual elegance of designer furnishings, yet they fulfill the functions of an car seat in driving mode without any compromises – side support and safety features are part of the package. They are upholstered in sustainably produced microfiber fabric and, thanks to their variable position in the interior, offer the kind of freedom to move and legroom that can otherwise only be experienced when flying first class on an airplane. Environmentally certified eucalyptus wood and synthetically produced imitation leather are other sustainably manufactured materials that contribute to creating an unparalleled experience in the vehicle’s interior.

Should the Audi skysphere concept be used in driver-operated mode, then the interior transforms into an ergonomically perfect driving machine cockpit. Together with the chassis and body, the instrument panel and the monitor panel on the center console also move to the rear. The driver finds all the controls, including the steering wheel and pedals, in the position that best suits them.

Large touch monitor surfaces – 1415 mm wide, 180 mm high – on the dashboard and in the upper area of the center console are used to operate the vehicle and infotainment systems. In Grand Touring mode, this can be used to display content from the Internet, video conferences, or streamed movies. Small touch panels in the doors are used to operate the air conditioning.

A high-quality sound system – befitting of this luxury convertible – delivers concert hall audio quality even when the vehicle is in motion. The speakers are hidden behind the door panels; a few more in the rear interior wall even produce surround sound. The shape of the headrests prevents turbulence and also annoying wind noise.

The vehicle experience: luxury without limits

Audi skysphere, Audi grandsphere, and, coming in 2022, Audi urbansphere are the three concept cars that the brand with the four rings is using to showcase its vision of progressive luxury. In the process, Audi is creating a vehicle experience that goes far beyond the purpose of merely spending time in a car to get from point A to point B, and even far beyond the driving experience itself.

These concept cars feature a new design that ultimately reimagines the interior, the passenger compartment, as the center of the vehicle and no longer subordinates the passenger experience to the requirements of the technology. This is reflected in the variable layout of the interior, the disappearance of the controls, and the sheer expanse of the cabin. In Grand Touring mode, this not only allows both passengers to enjoy a smooth and pleasant journey, but also combines it with new service offerings. These can be used to access a variety of service options related to the current trip – such as designing a spectacular scenic route, as well as restaurant or hotel options.

Customized infotainment options are also available, such as linking the on-board streaming service to music and video providers used at home. And in a further step, Audi also aims to provide personalized and exclusive options for users of its luxury cars in the future – such as concerts, cultural events, or even sporting events that are only available upon special invitation. In this way, a vehicle like the Audi skysphere concept will become a platform for experiences that expand horizons beyond the mere ride in just a few years.

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BMW Black Vermilion
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BMW X5 Edition Black Vermilion Combine a high level of comfort and luxury

Individual aura, impressive presence: BMW X5 and BMW X6 limited editions Black Vermilion plus BMW X7 limited edition in Frozen Black metallic.

BMW X5, BMW X6 and BMW X7 combine a high level of comfort and luxury, supreme performance and pronounced dynamic handling capabilities with an equally dynamic, elegant and unmistakably distinctive design. New highlights are the BMW X5 and BMW X6 Black Vermilion editions featuring exclusive equipment details. The BMW X7 edition in Frozen Black metallic combines impressive options into an exclusive package.

Munich. As spearheads of the BMW X model range, the BMW X5, BMW X6 and BMW X7 impress with a high level of comfort and luxury, supreme performance and pronounced dynamic handling capabilities. The two Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) and the Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) combine these attributes with an equally dynamic, elegant and unmistakably distinctive design. New highlights are the BMW X5 and BMW X6 Black Vermilion editions featuring exclusive equipment details. The BMW X7 edition in Frozen Black metallic combines impressive options into an exclusive package.

In 2020 alone and with almost 250,000 units sold worldwide, the SAV/SAC trio from Spartanburg, USA, contributed decisively towards the success of the BMW brand. Around every eighth newly delivered BMW model was a BMW X5, X6 or X7.

All three edition models go on sale with all engines available for each of their original models. They can be ordered with immediate effect, with the market launch beginning in August 2021. Prices in Germany start at 93,200 Euros for the BMW X5 Black Vermilion, 100,700 Euros for the BMW X6 Black Vermilion and 108,700 Euros for the BMW X7 in Frozen Black metallic (each including 19% sales tax).

Particularly striking: BMW X5 and X6 Black Vermilion edition.
The central focus of the Black Vermilion edition is the interplay between the colours black and red. For example, the BMW double kidney grille with model-specific red bars creates an effective contrast to the BMW Individual special paint finish Frozen Black metallic. On the BMW X6 Black Vermilion this visual highlight is expressed in a particularly impressive way in combination with its kidney grille Iconic Glow. The M headlights Shadow Line with BMW laser light, including accented lighting with blue X signature, complete the distinctive look of the front end. Moreover, on the exterior, the M Sport Package emphasises the dynamic character of the BMW X5 and X6 Black Vermilion editions. It comprises, among other things, specific front and rear aprons as well as the M high-gloss Shadow Line with extended options. Behind the Orbit Grey matt, 22-inch, double-spoke 742 M light alloy wheels with mixed tyres designed exclusively for these edition models, red high-gloss M Sport brake callipers stand out as a striking visual highlight.

In the interior of the BMW X5 and BMW X6 Black Vermilion editions the M Alcantara Anthracite roof liner provides for an exceptionally sophisticated ambience. A finely crafted Edition logo on the cupholder cover in BMW Individual black piano finish emphasises the limited model’s exclusiveness. The glass application Crafted Clarity on the iDrive Controller, the automatic gear selector and Start/Stop button, as well as the BMW Individual precious wood interior trim Fineline Black with aluminium inlays provide additional sophisticated accents. Driver and front seat passenger travel in comfort seats offering a multitude of adjustment options. The BMW Individual full leather trim Merino Black is additionally enhanced by edition-specific red contrast stitching for both the driver’s seat and front passenger seat. Inside the BMW X5 Black Vermilion, the red accents are also to be found on the rear seats. Likewise, the edging on both the front and rear floor mats is finished in red. Sun-protective glass with more deeply tinted rear windows beyond the B-pillar enhances passenger privacy whilst blending in harmoniously with the sporty and dynamic exterior design.

BMW X7 edition in Frozen Black metallic – individual and expressive.
Like the Black Vermilion editions, the new BMW X7 edition also has the BMW Individual special paint finish Frozen Black metallic, dispensing, however, with details in contrasting colour. The BMW M Sport brake callipers of the edition-specific, 22-inch BMW Individual Y-spoke 758 I alloy wheels in Orbit Grey matt are finished in high gloss black. Combined with the M Sport Package and the M High Gloss Shadow Line with extended options, it is this colour restraint in particular that make the 5.15-metre long and over 2-metre wide seven-seater look even more impressive. The interior of the BMW X7 edition in Frozen Black metallic provides for an elegantly discreet atmosphere thanks to the M Alcantara Anthracite roof liner, the glass application Crafted Clarity and sun-protection glass.

CO2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION.

BMW X5:
Combined fuel consumption: 12.3–1.2 l/100 km (WLTP), 10.9–1,6 l/100 km (NEDC); CO2: 281–27 g/km (WLTP), 251–37 g/km (NEFZ).

BMW X6:
Combined fuel consumption: 12.0–6.6 l/100 km (WLTP), 10.8–5,7 l/100 km (NEDC); CO2: 275–172 g/km (WLTP), 249–149 g/km (NEFZ).

BMW X7:
Combined fuel consumption: 12.8–7.7 l/100 km (WLTP), 11.2–6,4 l/100 km (NEDC); CO2: 292–202 g/km (WLTP), 258–167 g/km (NEFZ).

ARTICLE OFFLINE ATTACHMENTS.

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MARC PHILIPP GEMBALLA GOES INTERGALACTIC WITH THE ALL-NEW MARSIEN: THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE SUPERCAR

MARC PHILIPP GEMBALLA GOES INTERGALACTIC WITH THE ALL-NEW MARSIEN:
THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE SUPERCAR

Full reveal, specification and images of young entrepreneur Marc Philipp Gemballa’s first completely bespoke production-ready off-road capable supercar, named MARSIEN


• Inspired by the legendary Paris Dakar rally era, the MARSIEN enables the ultimate driving experience for both on and of road use, creating a completely new supercar segment
• The vehicle has been developed in collaboration with internationally-renown automotive partners including performance exhaust manufacturer Akrapovič, suspension pioneer KW Automotive and Porsche engine specialist RUF Automobile
• MARSIEN, formerly known as ‘Project Sandbox’, perfectly blends all the comforts of a modern-day supercar with incomparable off-road capabilities
• A flawless combination of futuristic yet timeless design and cutting-edge technology
• Watch the launch film at marcphilippgemballa.com/launchfilm
• Download the high-resolution gallery of images here Leonberg, 14th July 2021: Today, Marc Philipp Gemballa has revealed its off-road capable, bespoke supercar to the world and confirmed its production name: MARSIEN.  With his newly founded company MARC PHILIPP GEMBALLA GmbH (not associated in any form with Gemballa GmbH), the 27-year-old entrepreneur and son of late Uwe Gemballa has launched his very first production ready supercar named MARSIEN starting a new era in 2021.

A NEW ERA BEGINS
Growing up in an environment where building the fastest and most powerful production car on the planet and setting the next world record on the Nürburgring was key, now over a decade down the road, the market has changed radically. Marc Philipp believes the horsepower game is over, that tuning is done by the OEMs themselves and that the market is constantly being flooded with an
influx of new supercars with brandishing hyped horsepower figures. Marc Philipp realised, when aiming to build a successful company for the future and not just toss the next imitator product
onto the market, he needed to come up with something very special for his clients.

AN ENTIRELY NEW CONCEPT – DEFINING A NEW SUPERCAR SEGMENT
Inspired by the legendary Paris Dakar rally era and more than two years of intense design and engineering development has resulted in the young entrepreneur’s first project: an ultramodern
yet timeless looking supercar.

The new concept of the vehicle forms a hybrid between a modern-day supercar with all its comfort and day-to-day practicality combined with off-road capabilities enabling the ultimate
driving experience for both on and off-road with the latest technologies.


BASED ON THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY

Looking for the latest cutting-edge platform featuring state-of-the-art technology for their first project and with the need of the base vehicle to be equipped with a modern and sophisticated all-wheel drive system to master the intense challenges in the off-road terrain, the all-new

Porsche 992 Turbo S

provided the perfect base to realise the young entrepreneur’s vision. © MARC PHILIPP GEMBALLA GmbH / Oskar Bakke & Victor Goico
Manufactured in Germany, tested in the sand dunes of the Arabian desert and available to clients worldwide, production is limited to just 40 units with more than half of the small series production sold prior to launch.


THE NAME – MARSIEN © MARC PHILIPP GEMBALLA GmbH / Oskar Bakke & Victor Goico
With its outstanding design, cutting-edge technology and strong performance, the name of the vehicle needed the right moniker to capture its unique qualities and reflect the characteristics and
DNA of the vehicle.

During the intense test phase in the beautiful Al Faya desert, the development team was amazed by the stunning red desert sand in combination with the sharp fossil rocks and mountain
backdrops shaping the landscape of the desert making it very special and unlike any other. “We felt like as if we were in an entirely different universe,” says Marc Philipp Gemballa. The Al Faya
desert located in the emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates has been famous ever since for its unique and extremely red desert sand and Mars-like environment visually. “Since it looked
and felt like we were on Mars paired with the futuristic design and the vehicle’s off-road capabilities, we couldn’t think of a more fitting name for our first project.” The name ‘MARSIEN’was born – derived from the French word ‘Martian’ or ‘from Mars’.

© MARC PHILIPP GEMBALLA GmbH / Oskar Bakke & Victor Goico The MARSIEN features a full carbon fibre body. All exterior components are produced in pure carbon fibre, exclusively designed for performance, light weight and cooling. Each body panel is manufactured by a leading German carbon fibre specialist who also supplies leading OEM supercar manufacturers and several leading Formula one teams. For the design, Marc Philipp Gemballa left nothing to chance and brought on board designer and Porsche aficionado Alan Derosier, known for his stunning Porsche 908 design study, who has been responsible for the ultra-modern yet timeless looking design of the MARSIEN. His artistry can be found in every smooth curve and sophisticated lines of the MARSIEN’s spectacular and timeless design.

Besides the full carbon fibre body, the exterior features functional design upgrades such as a completely bespoke taillight. Featuring the latest LED technology, the rear light has been
developed together with light specialist GERG Lighthouse, enabling a completely holistic design appearance of the MARSIEN. The shape of the MARSIEN had to prove its aerodynamic efficiency and undergo intensive CFD

(Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis. A development effort that is crucial for optimum driving dynamics at all speeds, efficiency, and maximum safety. A task which has been accomplished by
engineering partner KLK, who has gained expertise in developing aerodynamics for LMP1, Formula E, and Formula One racing teams for over 20 years. The MARSIEN is currently undergoing full road homologation process by renown and certified German technical service provider FAKT, who has been integrally involved in the development of the body. Marc Philipp Gemballa’s technical team are working hand in hand with FAKT to ensure the vehicle successfully passes the relevant crash tests required for approval and road homologation in Europe (including Switzerland), Middle East, the USA, as well as other major global markets in the future.

The MARSIEN’s rear design features a completely new developed and bespoke taillight The exterior paint is applied by a state-of-the-art and certified paint shop via a team that is able
to fulfil the most daring customer colour requests. The launch vehicle has been painted in an elaborate tripe layer pearl white with special metallic flakes and received additional protection
through a ceramic coating.

Combined with the standard exposed carbon fibre components such as the front splitter with side flaps, side sills, wing mirrors, the air intakes and outtakes, decklid as well as the exhaust frame
and rear diffuser with rear flaps; the conversion has been created to take a sophisticated and overall dynamic appearance. There is also the offer a fully exposed carbon fibre body on request
as part of its special options list. For the ones this is not enough, there is also the option to have a fully exposed carbon fibre body.

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2022 The Kia Carnival High Limousine Luxury Minivan

2022 The Kia Carnival High Limousine Luxury Minivan

The Korean brand has shown this special high-end version of its large minivan with luxurious reclining seats and even a television

Kia is bringing British and German levels of luxury to the minivan segment with the Carnival Hi Limousine. Kia opens up the interior by removing the third-row bench and a raised ceiling that contains ambient lighting. Heavy curtains protect passengers from prying eyes, while an interior curtain separates the driver and passenger compartments. The centerpiece of the Hi Limousine is the rear seats, featuring a deep recline, footrests, fold-out trays, and a touchscreen controller, wrapped in premium quilted leather. A bulkhead container offers shoe storage and another highlight — an automatic foot massager. Those looking for Kia’s luxury minivan experience outside of Korea will be disappointed, especially with the van’s attractive pricing.

The Kia Carnival Hi-Limousine, based on the automaker’s redesigned Carnival minivan revealed this summer, arrived earlier this month sporting a high roof and fancy second-row seats. A new video from the Asian Petrolhead YouTube channel gets up close with the seven-seat people mover. The video highlights the fancy amenities Kia added to the vehicle while commenting on its comfort in both the second- and third-row seats.

The Carnival Hi-Limousine’s stand-out feature is its second-row captain chairs and Kia’s “Premium Relaxation Seat” that can recline for maximum comfort, which includes a leg rest, too. Added creature comforts include the 21.5-inch monitor that allows for onboard entertainment through either a USB or HDMI port. Second-row passengers are also treated to heated-and-cooled cup holders and an air purifier to keep the inside feeling fresh for those longer trips.

Gallery: 2021 Kia Carnival / Sedona Hi Limousine

The high roof houses a large overhead LED light and hidden mood lighting. However, one of the neatest lighting elements is the pop-out adjustable reading lights that emerge from around the roof. The high roof also makes the third-row seats a bit more usable, providing more headroom for passengers; however, a lack of legroom is remains an issue as this is still a minivan, or “Grand Utility Vehicle” as Kia coined it. The minivan feel is also present in some of the interior materials. The lower part of the doors and pillars are plastic, though those are not places passengers regularly touch.

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ICONA AND JD UNVEIL A CO-BRANDING PROJECT AT AUTO SHANGHAI 2019

Shanghai, 16 April 2019 – ICONA Design Group unveiled today the world premiere of an innovative transportation vehicle co-branded with JD (NASDAQ: JD), one of China’s largest e-commerce companies.

This project marks a milestone in the growth of the young Italian design company which has attended all Auto Shanghai shows since its foundation in 2010.
ICONA makes its appearance at Auto Shanghai with three creations,

ICONA AUTO SHANGHAI 2019

ICONA AUTO SHANGHAI 2019

• The world premiere of ICONA & JinDong Co-Branding Project, a completely new autonomous logistics vehicle dedicated to the transportation of goods.
• The Space-pod, a small autonomous robot designed by ICONA for the Chinese leading e-commerce platform for service company Meituan (HKG:3690) which will make its Chinese premiere. The Space-pod was first shown at CES in Las Vegas in January 2019.
• The ICONA Nucleus, shown for the first time in the most advanced and fastest-growing city in the world, will surprise and inspire experts and enthusiasts as has already happened in Geneva, Beijing, Los Angeles, Paris and Monaco.

WORLD PREMIERE
ICONA AND JD UNVEIL A CO-BRANDING PROJECT AT AUTO SHANGHAI 2019

Teresio Gigi Gaudio, Chairman & CEO of ICONA Design, says: « ICONA partners with innovative, fast-growing companies which reshape our daily experience of consumer goods delivery and mobility. The ICONA Nucleus, the Space-pod for Meituan and the third vehicle for JD are three faces of the same revolutionary approach to urban movement and transportation of people and goods. »

ICONA AUTO SHANGHAI 2019

ICONA AUTO SHANGHAI 2019

JinDong (JD) Autonomous Logistic vehicle is a running prototype. Samuel Chuffart, VP & Global Design Director of ICONA, says: “This vehicle, designed by ICONA and realized with Chery and other partners for JD, is intended to operate within JD’s premises and cover the distance from JD warehouses to JD delivery stations and JD terminal delivery robots. The design is approachable, not intimidating. Its light communication signature faces outwards rather than forwards: the intention is to provide an immediate and intuitive connection for the user and for people adjacent to the vehicle. The streamlined surfaces and a solid double-face silhouette underline the full versatility of this vehicle, so simple in its look and so rich in its performance.”

In the future a vehicle like this could be used on campuses, in industrial parks and other controlled private and public areas, and potentially also (after tomorrow) on public roads, starting with those roads with dedicated lanes.
Since Geneva 2018, ICONA’s flagship project has been the highly acclaimed Icona Nucleus. “It is a concept vehicle” comments Chuffart, “that embodies ICONA’s vision for the mobility of after tomorrow, anticipating the redefinition of automobile architecture with full autonomous driving technology on an electric hydrogen powered platform.”
ICONA Nucleus has been awarded twice by the German Council for Design (Passenger Cars and Universal Design) and has inspired many other futuristic concept vehicles already presented to the market.

ICONA AUTO SHANGHAI 2019

ICONA AUTO SHANGHAI 2019

With these two other autonomous driving vehicles, ICONA strengthens its ties to future mobility, looking beyond traditional people transportation and opening its design research to new dimensions. « Our three studios in Turin, Shanghai and Los Angeles » says Gaudio, « are pushing to the limits the boundaries of innovation, with tangible benefits for all our clients. »
JinDong (JD) Autonomous Logistic Vehicle – Technical specifications
Length 3171 mm; width 1647 mm, height 1927 mm

ICONA

Founded in 2010, Icona has its roots in the city of Turin, Italy, where many globally recognized automotive-related facilities are concentrated, including design studios, manufacturers, universities and research centers. The Icona group has a partnership with sector leaders Tecnocad Progetti and Cecomp which ensures a solid base for development projects carried out for its clients, with know-how that covers the entire process, from management to styling, and from engineering to prototyping and production. Tecnocad and Cecomp are also two shareholders of Icona along with Teresio Gigi Gaudio, Chairman and CEO. The Icona Group has more than 130 designers, modelers, engineers and project managers from 21 different countries, with offices in Shanghai and Los Angeles in addition to their Turin headquarters. In 2018 Icona’s revenue exceeded 23 million Euros, a 28% increase over 2017.

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