Category: Lifestyle

Carscoops 

The longer and more practical 5-door version of the Suzuki Jimny which is exclusively produced at the Gurugram plant in India, will be exported to Japan sometime in the future, as revealed by a high-ranking official.

Japanese customers currently have access only to the locally-produced 3-door version of the Jimny, in narrow-body kei-car and standard Sierra specification. However, CV Raman, Chief Technology Officer of Maruti Suzuki, recently confirmed to Autocar India that the 5-door Jimny “will also be launched in Japan, but in some time”, hinting at an expanded lineup for the JDM-spec model.

During the launch of the new bodystyle variant in early 2023, Suzuki announced plans to offer it in global markets including India, Africa, and Latin America, but it seems that more regions are being considered given the public’s positive reaction.

More: Suzuki Jimny 5-Door Debuts Adding Extra Practicality Into The Mix

With a length of 3,985 mm (156.9 inches), the 5-door Jimny is 340 mm (13.4 inches) longer than the global-spec 3-door model, due to the stretched wheelbase resulting in a more spacious cabin. Despite the extra weight, the Indian-spec 5-door Jimny comes fitted with the naturally aspirated 1.5-liter petrol engine producing the same 103 hp (77 kW / 105 PS) and 134 Nm (99 lb-ft) of torque.

The Clock Is Ticking For An Update

The fourth-gen Jimny was originally introduced in 2018, so it is about time for Suzuki to introduce a facelift for the popular off-roader as early as next year. In January 2023, the automaker announced a fully electric Jimny for Europe, with the official teaser showing an illuminated grille and new LED graphics. Reading between the lines, the forthcoming debut of the EV could coincide with a mid-lifecycle update for the ICE-powered Jimny that is being sold all over the world. Given that the 3-door and 5-door models share most of their body panels, the facelift could potentially be applied to both versions at the same time.

As for the powertrains, besides the EV, chances are that Suzuki will expand the Jimny’s lineup with a hybrid version, at least for markets where electrification is quite important. Japan is one of those cases, with Suzuki’s local range set to comprise 20% EVs and 80% Hybrids by 2030. The automaker’s plans for Europe have the opposite ratio with a target mix of 80% EVs and 20% Hybrids by 2030.

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Carscoops 

Toyota has yet to present a zero-emission version of the Land Cruiser, but independent companies have already done EV conversions based on older generations of the popular SUV. A great example is the pictured Land Cruiser 60 Series from the ’80s which was meticulously restored and converted to electric power by two Japanese companies.

Hiratsuka-based Tonox specializes in bodywork, while Flex – known for its Renoca series of reverse restomod bodykits – has plenty of experience when it comes to Land Cruiser sales. Their first joint electromod project will be presented at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo next week. However, the companies have already published a great deal of photos highlighting every step of the restoration process.

More: Renoca’s Retro-Flavored Toyota Land Cruisers Look Awesome

Photos: Tonox, Renoca

The donor vehicle was in a pretty bad shape, with rust eating away its bodywork and chassis. Skilled technicians stripped away every single component, fixing all the bad spots and replacing what was beyond saving. The ladder frame chassis and leaf spring suspension were re-painted, as with the bodywork. The end result stays true to the classic looks of the J60, as the exterior modifications were limited to a new pair of LED headlights, shiny chrome bits on the grille and bumpers, plus a set of Renoca’s retro-flavored alloy wheels shod in fresh all-terrain tires.

What is even more important than the impressive restoration work is the fact that the old combustion engine was removed from the vehicle, with a new electric motor taking its place under the bonnet, together with the vehicle control unit. The battery pack was mounted in a special casing under the cargo area, while additional batteries could be mounted in other places inside the vehicle, further expanding the driving range potential of the EV.

As exhibited in one of the official videos, the EV retains the selectable 4WD system, with the electric motor sending power to either the rear or to all four wheels. Tonox and Flex didn’t announce the technical specifications of the zero-emisson Toyota Land Cruiser 60 Series, but we hope we will learn more about it at the Japan Mobility Show, including the power output, range, and performance figures.

The goal of the project was to show that the life of an older vehicle can be significantly expanded by restoring it and adding a quiet, zero-emission powertrain. In this way, it can be passed on to the next generations, while retaining the classic looks of the original. It is safe to assume that Tonox and Flex will continue the partnership, undertaking similar electromod projects in the future.

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Carscoops 

This is the fourth concept that Nissan is bringing to the Japan Mobility Show next week and like the other three, it has a sharp and radical design and has been designed to cater to a very specific niche.

According to Nissan, the new Hyper Punk Concept has been conceived for content creators, influencers, artists, and those who embrace style and innovation. Those are Nissan’s words, by the way. As is fitting for a vehicle targeting these types of buyers, the Hyper Punk has a dramatic shape dominated by polygonal surfaces and a color-shifting silver paint scheme.

Read: Nissan Hyper Tourer Concept Is The Electric Minivan Of The Future

Despite being electric, the Hyper Punk has quite an expressive face thanks to intricate LED daytime running lights made up of dozens of little triangles in the corners of the bumper. It then features LED lights running vertically over the front wheel arches and has a hood clad in black. A set of 23-inch wheels are also featured and have illuminated triangular elements, adding to the bold look.

The interior is just as intriguing as the exterior. It rocks a number of origami-styled elements and incorporates cameras that capture the scenery around the car and use AI to convert this to manga-style scenery and graphic patterns on the cabin’s three-screen display. Nissan adds that the cabin has been designed as a mobile creative studio that also provides seamless internet connectivity and biosensors in the headrests to detect the driver’s mood. The concept can then adjust the music and lighting to boost the driver’s energy and creativity, or so Nissan claims.

As with the other concept vehicles Nissan is bringing to the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, the Hyper Punk is built around an electric architecture that includes a Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) system. This creation will also join the other three and become available on Fortnite from October 25.

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Carscoops 

A Georgia man claims that Carvana sold him a stolen truck, which he apparently drove for a year before the police confiscated it. Carvana now asserts that both the company and the man were victims of a complex scheme. While this may be accurate, it’s worth noting that Carvana has encountered similar issues in the past.

Back in September of this year, Tony Williams took to Facebook to share his predicament. He wrote that his Ram 1500 Big Horn had been impounded due to a duplicate title issue, and he placed the blame squarely on Carvana. While his hope might have been to keep the truck at the time, that dream is long since gone.

A report from WPXI confirmed that Williams did everything right. He had a Carfax, he titled the vehicle, and had a normal plate on it. Despite that, the Ram 1500 had two different VIN numbers on it. The one on the dash was a counterfeit that matched a totally different truck in a different state.

More: Police Arrest Four Juveniles Going 115 MPH In Stolen Hyundai For TikTok Clout

The police identified the authentic VIN under the hood and proceeded to seize the truck from Williams. Carvana says that it’s a victim too though. In a statement to WPXI it said: “In this unusual case, Carvana and our customer were victims of a sophisticated criminal act. Customer experience is our top priority, and we are taking steps to make it right in this rare instance while staying aggressive in our efforts to protect future customers against bad actors.”

Earlier this year, in March, we reported on a similar incident involving Carvana where they sold a man a stolen Maserati. Strangely, the buyer only discovered the issue three months after the purchase when a service center detected the problem. The question arises: if a shop can identify these issues, why does Carvana encounter difficulties in doing so?

It’s worth noting that in both cases Carvana gave back the purchase price of the vehicle to each former owner. Nevertheless, there are real questions that go unanswered about the dealer.

According to the used-car sales platform, the very first part of their “150-point inspection” is verifying that the vehicle has the correct VIN plate and anti-theft labels. In the case of the RAM, a literal peek at the plate under the hood would’ve revealed the truth in what could’ve been less than a two-minute job.

Image Credit: Tony Williams

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Carscoops 

The Hyundai Palisade range has just been updated for the 2024 model year in Australia. Changes are minor, but prospective customers will be pleased to know that some new features have been added and a new trim level introduced.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade range now consists of the Elite, Calligraphy, and Calligraphy Black Ink. Alterations made to the entry-level Elite are small but it does now include deluxe alloy scuff plates, a Melange knit headliner, acoustic front windows, an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat, heated steering wheel, faux wooden inserts, and a carpet mat in the cargo area. Prices for the 2024 Palisade Elite start at AU$66,800 ($42,458) with the 3.8-liter GDi petrol engine and AU$70,800 ($45,000) for the 2.2-liter CRDi turbocharged four-cylinder diesel.

Sitting in the middle of the range is the Palisade Calligraphy. This trim level replaces the Highlander and is also offered with the 3.8-liter petrol engine and the 2.2-liter turbo-diesel, priced from AU$75,900 ($48,242) and AU$79,900 ($50,784) respectively. It benefits from a host of upgrades over the Elite and includes more safety and driver-assistance functions, Nappa leather-appointed seats, a suede headliner, and a 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat. Inclusions over the old Highlander include hydrophobic front door glass, acoustic and laminated rear door glass, and touch controls for the air conditioning.

Read: Certain 2024 Hyundai Palisades May Not Detect A Front Passenger

New for the 2024 model year is the Calligraphy Black Ink. This version rocks all the same features as the standard Calligraphy but has dark tinting on the front grille, front and rear skid plate, bumper, and the lower door garnish. It also rocks gloss black roof rails, gloss black 20-inch wheels, black badges, tinted taillights, black suede seats, and a black suede headliner.

Prices for the 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink start at AU$76,900 ($48,889) for the 3.8-liter petrol and AU$80,900 ($51,432) for the 2.2-liter turbo-diesel.

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Carscoops 

Tesla’s revenues and profits declined in Q3 as the car manufacturer produced and delivered fewer vehicles than it did in the second quarter.

Financial results published by Tesla reveal that its total automotive revenues fell from $21.26 billion in Q2 to $19.65 billion in Q3. However, automotive revenues are up 5% from Q3 2022 when they reached $18.69 billion. When factoring in revenues from Tesla’s energy generation and storage businesses, as well as services and other revenue, they topped out at $23.35 billion, down from the $24.92 billion of Q2 2023 but greater than the $21.45 billion of Q3 2022.

Tesla’s operating margin has also taken a hit, falling to 7.6% in Q3 having been 9.6% in Q2 and 17.2% in Q3 2022. Total gross profit has also dropped to $4.17 billion. This represents a fall from the $4.53 billion of Q2 and is down a significant 22% from the $5.38 billion of Q3 2022.

The electric car manufacturer notes that its operating income was primarily impacted by an increase in operating expenses due to the Cybertruck, AI, and other research and development projects, the cost of production ramp and idle costs related to factory upgrades, the price cuts made across its range of models, and currency fluctuations.

Read: Tesla Production And Delivery Figures Fall In Q3, Prompting Share Price Drop

Elsewhere, Tesla has revealed that its revenues from regulatory credits jumped to $554 million in the quarter and that its cash, cash equivalents, and investments soared from $3 billion to $26.1 billion. The company also reduced the cost of goods sold per vehicle to around $37,500 and says it has implemented factory upgrades to allow for greater cost reductions.

Tesla continues to lead the EV race but China’s BYD is snapping at its heels. In the third quarter, BYD sold 431,603 battery-electric vehicles, just a few thousand less than the 435,059 that were sold by Tesla. In addition, BYD’s profits for the first nine months of 2023 are expected to jump between 120-140%, and third-quarter net profit could double thanks to its growing sales and improved margins.

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Carscoops 

The BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric delivery vehicle is being transformed into an electric RV by a startup called Grounded.

Dubbed the G2, the model costs $195,000 and looks every bit like a delivery vehicle. However, there are a handful of changes including ghastly badging and rooftop-mounted solar panels that have a capacity of up to 640 watts.

While the G2 won’t win any beauty contests, the interior is the star of the show as it has 615 square feet (57.1 square meters) of living space as well as a modular design. As the company explained, buyers can select from a library of modules and choose the location of each. The modules are mounted on rails and this enables owners to add or remove them as desired.

More: Mercedes Showcases Facelifted V-Class Marco Polo, Electric RVs Coming Soon

This is an interesting idea and Grounded showed an assortment of different beds, multiple seating setups, and a dinette – among other things. While your imagination can run wild, the company said options include a queen bed and seating for up to seven. Customers can also get Starlink internet connectivity, a “dry-flush” toilet, and a kitchen with a sink, induction stove, and fridge/freezer.

The powertrain carries over from the Zevo 600 and this means the G2 has all-wheel drive as well as a 165 kWh battery pack that provides over 250 miles (402 km) of range. That being said, Grounded adds an additional 10 kWh battery to power the interior. It can be charged from the vehicle’s battery as well as the solar panels.

Grounded CEO Sam Shapiro said, “We’ve designed the G2 to be as flexible as possible, and our truly modular interior delivers on the promise of a continually upgradable RV interior. Over time, as your life changes and your use cases change, the vehicle can change with you.”

Deliveries are slated to begin this month and the company is accepting orders for a refundable deposit of $1,000.

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The Points Guy 

After doubling service between Miami and Orlando on Oct. 9, Brightline introduced three new passes for frequent travel across its South Florida stations in Orlando, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami.

The cost of the pass is divided by the total number of rides. Brightline’s All-Station Share Pass is available for purchase starting at $1,199 for rides for 90 days, along with two cheaper monthly passes for $399 and $229.

Deal basics

BRIGHTLINE

Train: Brightline
Routes: From Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Aventura and Boca Raton, Florida, to Orlando International Airport (MCO), depending on the pass
How to book: Online through Brightline or the Brightline app
Travel dates: Tickets are available to book travel one year in advance

All-Station Shared Pass ($1,199)

The All-Station Shared Pass is designed for repeat travel between Orlando and Brightline’s other stations. It eliminates peak fares and starts at $1,199 for Smart fares. You can use the pass for 12 rides across a 90-day period, making each ride roughly $99. The pass ensures consistent fare rates without blackout dates and can be shared among friends and family.

“The All-Station Shared Pass is designed for guests who plan to travel frequently between South Florida and Orlando and want ultimate flexibility to book trips on demand with consistent fare rates and no unexpected fees or blackout dates,” Barbara Drahl, senior vice president of marketing and commercial strategy at Brightline, said in a statement. “The pass can be shared to book rides for friends, family and colleagues, putting guests in control to embark on adventures, business meetings, and cherished family getaways with ease.”

SoFlo Solo Pass ($399)

One of two monthly passes, the SoFlo Solo Pass, starts at $399 for economy service. The pass gets you 40 rides across 30 days, with fares starting at $10 per ride without blackout dates for travel between all South Florida stations, excluding Orlando. SoFlo Solo Passes can be auto-renewed monthly at a 15% discount and include food and beverage discounts on board.

SoFlo Shared Pass ($229)

The cheapest monthly pass option for travel between all South Florida stations, excluding Orlando, is the SoFlo Shared Pass, which starts at $229 for economy fares and also includes predictable pricing. Passes can be used for 12 rides in 30 days at $19 per ride.

Rides pricing

Regular pricing for Brightline rides starts at $79 for adults and $39 for children for Smart fares, while Premium fares, which include first-class seats, lounge access and free snacks and drinks in a reserved trail car, start at $149.

All fares include complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, leather seats and multiple power and USB outlets.

Maximize your purchase

Be sure to use a credit card that earns bonus points on travel, such as:

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: 2 miles per dollar spent on everyday purchases
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: 2 points per dollar spent on all travel purchases
American Express® Green Card: 3 points per dollar spent on travel

The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Bottom line

CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

These passes are an opportunity for frequent Brightline travelers to save some money. Depending on the pass you choose and how frequently you use Brightline, you could save between $10 and $99 per ride.

Related reading: 

I was on the 1st Brightline train to Orlando — here’s what it was like
Brightline unveils new Orlando Airport train station
1st look inside Brightline’s $100 million train maintenance facility in Orlando

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Carscoops 

A South African tuner has just launched a striking upgrade package for the Nissan Patrol known as the Black Hawk. This special Patrol has been brought to life by BB Motorsport and will be available through its dealerships across the country. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that it will be sold in other regions.

Few would deny that as standard, the current-generation Nissan Patrol makes quite a bold statement on the road with its imposing stature and naturally aspirated V8 engine. However, a standard Patrol looks dull compared to the Black Hawk that’s immediately distinguishable thanks to a gloss black grille with a very intriguing and imposing shape.

BB Motorsport has then created a custom bumper for the Patrol that rocks new air intakes and gloss black shrouds. A gloss black splitter has also been added to the front. The tuner has then equipped its creation with a set of gloss black 22-inch wheels and flared wheel arches, ensuring that there is no mistaking a Patrol Black Hawk from a run-of-the-mill Patrol.

A host of modifications have also been made to the rear of the Patrol. The most obvious is a bulbous new bumper with a gloss black splitter and diffuser. The rooftop spoiler has also been extended. Then there’s the engine.

The 5.6-liter naturally-aspirated V8 is good for 399 hp (298 kW) and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm) of torque out of the box. Not satisfied with those figures, BB Motorsport has added a supercharger to the V8, so it now pumps out 531 hp (396 kW) and 569 lb-ft (772 Nm).

Read: 2023 Nissan Patrol Warrior Unlocks V8 Growl And Serious Off-Road Credentials

Found within the cabin are all the standard features you would expect from a new Patrol. These include a Bose sound system, 8-inch entertainment screens with headphones for second-row passengers, intelligent cruise control, a 360-degree camera, forward collision warning, and both heated and ventilated front seats. Cars.co.za adds that the Patrol Black Hawk also retains all of the standard model’s off-road features, although it’s unlikely that buyers will ever make use of them.

The price of a Nissan Patrol Black Hawk from BB Motorsport is a cool 2.2 million rand or around $117,000.

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