Category: Lifestyle

Carscoops 

A series of images and details have surfaced online of the latest vehicle being readied by GAC’s Aion brand in China. The eye-catching SUV is known as the Hyper HT and is tipped to be unveiled next month, shortly before pre-orders commence.

Images published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) reveal that the Hyper HT is 4,935 mm (194.2 inches) long, 1,920 mm (75.5 inches) wide, and stands 1,700 mm (66.9 inches) tall. It sits on a 2,935 mm (115.5-inch) wheelbase and compared to the Hyper GT unveiled by Aion in December last year and the Hyper SSR presented earlier this month, has a relatively restrained design.

The front of the Hyper HT has headlights somewhat similar in shape to those of the Hyper GT sedan but they are slightly more bulbous. The lack of a front grille and the simple presence of two small vertical air curtains and a narrow central intake does mean the SUV looks too generic, something that cannot be said of the Hyper SSR electric sports car.

Read: GAC Aion Hyper SSR Electric Supercar Costs A Fraction Of The $2M Rimac Nevera At $176,000

The party piece of the Hyper HT’s design is the implementation of gullwing doors at the rear, much like the Tesla Model X. Visible at the rear are simple LED taillights connected by a light bar. Other noteworthy design elements of Aion’s new electric SUV are the frameless doors, 19-inch and 20-inch wheels, a panoramic glass roof, and cameras on the front fenders.

Car News China reports that the Chinese brand will offer the SUV with three different LiDAR options used by an advanced driver assistance system. MIIT documents reveal that the Aion Hyper HT is powered by an electric motor delivering 335 hp (250 kW) and 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) of torque. That should be good enough to propel it to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.8 seconds. The size of the battery pack is unclear but it is reportedly a ternary lithium pack that gives the SUV up to 373 miles (600 km) of range on a single charge.

While the MIIT has not published photos of the SUV’s interior, local spy shots reveal it will have a flat-bottom and flat-top steering wheel, a large Tesla-style infotainment screen, a small instrument cluster for the driver, and wireless smartphone charging pads on the center console.

Read More 

Carscoops 

If you’ve got a good engine, you might as well find as many ways to use it as possible. Fresh off its starring roles in the GR Yaris and the GR Corolla, Toyota’s wild G16E-GTS three-cylinder turbocharged engine could potentially find its way into the revival of the much-loved and missed, mid-engine MR2.

Rumors of the MR2’s much-anticipated comeback have been circulating for what feels like an eternity. Most recently, reports even suggested that Toyota might be in the process of developing a mid-engine micro sports car powered by a 1.0-liter Suzuki engine.

While this sounds like a rival to the Daihatsu Copen — which, incidentally, is set to re-emerge as a conceptual rival to the Mazda MX-5 at the Japan Mobility Show later this month — a new report from Best Car gives new life to the rumors surrounding a proper followup for the MR2. In this case, a “reliable source” told the Japanese publication that the vehicle will be powered exclusively by an internal combustion engine, not a hybrid, as has been suggested for the smaller mid-engine vehicle mentioned earlier.

Read: Toyota’s Rumored Mid-Engined Hybrid Sports Car Could Be Built With Suzuki And Daihatsu

The 3-cylinder turbo engine is currently used in the GR Corolla and GR Yaris

Toyota’s 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine makes 300 hp (224 kW/304 PS) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque in the GR Corolla, which would be plenty for a small, mid-engine sports car. Unlike the hatchbacks, it is suggested that the engine would exclusively power the MR2’s rear wheels.

Although speculations about the return of the MR2 may appear overly optimistic, they aren’t entirely unfounded. In 2021, Toyota unveiled an impressive looking concept featuring GR badging, showcasing the distinctive proportions reminiscent of a mid-engine sports car.

Illustrations Carscoops

Automakers, particularly those from Japan, are also cashing on the wave of ’90s nostalgia. Acura recently resurrected the Integra nameplate, while Toyota revived the Supra, proving that there is an appetite for retro sports cars among millennials who have some money to spend.

Limited to Japan only?

However, unlike those vehicles, the magazine suggests that the MR2 may have a limited release exclusively in the Japanese market—though this information should be taken with a grain of salt. If Toyota is indeed planning to revive this iconic nameplate, restricting it to Japanese enthusiasts alone would not only be a cruel blow to fans in other parts of the world, but also present a significant financial challenge, given the global demand it could potentially generate.

Note: The illustrations in this story are not officially endorsed by Toyota.

Three generations of the Toyota MR2 built from 1984 to 2007

Read More 

Carscoops 

Few would argue that the new-age Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is a fantastic-looking car. However, renowned automotive designer Frank Stephenson, known for his work on vehicles like the Maserati MC12, has some qualms about the design and has set out to make the new car look even better. His creation is absolutely masterful.

The new 33 Stradale pays homage to the original and while it does a good job of combining that car’s elegance with the modern sportiness and aggressiveness that Alfa Romeo wanted to achieve, Stephenson thinks some of the design elements are a little too overt.

The changes he has made to it start at the front end where the LED headlight graphics have been slightly enlarged and the hood replaced with a simpler one but for the most part, he has changed little at the front. The more significant changes have been made to the side of the 33 Stradale.

Read: The 33 Stradale Is Alfa’s Chance To Even The Score After Maserati Stole The 8C

For starters, the shape of the front fenders is different and the side windows have also been tweaked. Stephenson notes that on the original 33 Stradale, the side windows had a slight downward gradient while those of the new car are more horizontal. He prefers the original design and has implemented it perfectly in the new car. The biggest change then comes with the side air intakes.

Unlike the subtle side vents of the original that Stephenson compares to a small scar on the face of a beautiful Italian woman, the vents on the new car are way too big and have a superfluous carbon fiber element that reminds him of a ship’s anchor. With a much smaller intake like the original, the design of the new car looks that much more cohesive.

The rear has also been altered. The rear window slopes down more aggressively, meaning the rear sits lower and appears slimmer. Stephenson has also modified the shape of the diffuser to make it a little more subtle while still retaining plenty of carbon fiber goodness.

What do you think of Stephenson’s redesigned Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale? Let us know in the comments section below.

Read More 

Carscoops 

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Energy challenged Volvo Trucks to design a tractor trailer that was 100 percent more efficient than a baseline, equivalent vehicle. Today, the automaker announced that not only has it achieved that goal, it has surpassed it.

The automaker claims that, thanks to aerodynamic and material improvements, its SuperTruck 2 is 134 percent more efficient than an equivalent tractor trailer from 2009, which it chose as its baseline.

“Partnering with the DOE for the SuperTruck program provides an exciting opportunity to push the technology envelope to see what’s technically possible for heavy-duty transportation,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. “We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of our advanced engineering team who worked on SuperTruck 2.”

Read: Jay Leno Hauls Tesla Semi With Tesla Semi During Full Tour And Walkthrough

Volvo says that much of the efficiency gains made by the SuperTruck 2 come from its improved aerodynamics. It describes the cab as being perfectly wedge shapes, with a wraparound windshield. In addition, the fairings and the boat tail on the trailer help it create 50 percent less drag than the automaker’s 2009 baseline truck.

However, the way it cuts through the wind isn’t the only reason it’s more efficient. Volvo also lightened the truck by using things like a composite driveshaft and reducing the number of axles as compared to other American trucks. The cab is also just shorter than others, meaning that less material has to be used in its construction.

Volvo really thought about the project holistically, too. In addition to being more efficient on the road, SuperTruck 2 also has a 48-volt mild hybrid system that acts as a generator with an integrated starter. That allows drivers to run all of their comfort features without having to idle the engine for long periods of time.

Although this was designed purely as a concept, Volvo says that the lessons it learned during the development process are already being put into its production trucks. In addition, it says that it wanted the efficiency gains of this project to be tested in the real world, not just the wind tunnel.

“The project team deliberately focused on driving in real world conditions for testing,” said Voorhoeve. “Data wasn’t just gathered in a lab or on flat, empty roads with optimal conditions and a light load. Instead, our SuperTruck 2 was tested in real-world scenarios on roads with traffic and elevation changes with a GCVW of 65,000 lbs.”

Volvo plans to show the SuperTruck 2 to the public for the first time at the American Trucking Associations’ 2023 Management Conference & Exhibition, which takes place from October 14-17 in Austin, Texas.

On top of the SuperTruck 2, it also plans to show the all-electric VNR Electric 6×2 Day Cab Tractor, which has up to 275 miles (442 km) of range, thanks to a 565 kWh battery. Its electric motor can also kick out 455 hp (339 kW/461 PS) and 4,051 lb-ft (5,492 Nm) of torque.

Read More 

Carscoops 

A nearly-twenty minute police pursuit resulted in no arrests but a great deal of risk in Arkansas in late September. Dashcam video shows the entire interaction and the numerous times that the rider, police, and bystanders were at risk of serious harm. The incident calls into question the tactics used throughout the pursuit.

Right off the bat let’s be clear that criminals who flee from police aren’t the good guys. Many times it’s their actions that endanger the public and it’s that risk to public safety that has led some police to engage in dangerous tactics to stop chases as quickly as possible. Other departments go with a less direct approach.

It’s clear which side of the coin the Arkansas State Police fall on though. In the following video, we see Trooper Matthew Walker speed along residential streets in an effort to catch up to the suspected speeder. As he initially closes the gap the rider speeds off and Walker engages his lights and sirens as the pursuit begins.

More: Arkansas Police Pit Harley-Davidson And Send It Into The Air

As they close the gap around roundabouts it seems as though the motorcycle rider isn’t all that familiar with the bike. He sticks his foot out on the inside of the turn almost as though it’s a dirt bike and he’s trying to stay up. The concern of the officers for this member of the public is on clear display as we hear one say “Lay that bike down bitch.”

Lay the bike down he does not though and the pursuit continues onto the highway. There, Officer Walker speeds past a number of bystanders on both the left and right of the cruiser at 140 mph (225 km/h) and faster. At one point in a curve, it sounds like he says “Come on dude let me hit you,” to the rider just ahead of him.

After no less than 19 minutes of pursuing the suspect, the rider crashes the bike in the center median of the highway. The officers don’t notice the crash until they’ve passed the rider so they turn around and drive in the median to continue the chase. By the time they catch up, the rider is already across the opposing side of the highway and running into the woods.

Six minutes of searching on foot were all these troopers could stand it seems though as they give up and come back empty-handed. The question is whether or not all of that high-speed highway driving amongst innocent bystanders was worth the inherent risk posed to the public.

It’s worth noting that Arkansas State Police officers aren’t required to use their lights and sirens at all times. That’s true too of cases like this one where the officer in question speeds past traffic in a 35 mph (56 km/h) zone at 80 mph (129 km/h) without any warning signs. Whether or not that’s “safe” is above our pay grade.

Image Credit: Police Pursuits

Read More 

The Points Guy 

Good news if you need to book some flights on Southwest Airlines as Costco shoppers can save $70 on upcoming Southwest Airlines flights by purchasing a $500 Southwest gift card for $429.99 through Oct. 13 while supplies last.

Deal basics

COSTCO.COM

Airline: Southwest
How to book: Purchase the eGift Card through Costco
Travel dates: N/A
Book by: Oct. 13 or while supplies last

Costco users can purchase a $500 Southwest Airlines eGift Card for $430, for $70 savings. Gift cards can be used to book Southwest travel online, in person or via phone for all Southwest flights. Gift cards are restricted to two per purchase and are nonrefundable. Plus, these do not expire.

Maximize your purchase

Use the Chase Freedom (no longer available to new applicants) or Chase Freedom Flex℠ to earn 5% back (or 5 points per dollar) on wholesale club spending, including Costco, as a bonus spending category through Dec. 31 (up to $1,500 in combined purchases when you activate). Because the Flex is not a Visa, it’s not accepted at Costco stores but is accepted on the Costco website. The Freedom card, however, is a Visa and is accepted at both physical locations and on the website.

Or use the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for 2% back on whole club spending, up to $2,500 spent on combined purchases every quarter (then 1%) or the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi for 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com.

The information for the Chase Freedom 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

You can purchase $500 Southwest gift cards for $430 through Oct. 13 or while supplies last. This is an opportunity to save $70 on Southwest flights and potentially earn bonus points on top of that by using the right credit card.

Related reading:

Chase Freedom rotating quarterly categories: How to activate and full offer history
Costco Anywhere Visa Card review: A great option for Costco lovers
The 5 best Visa cards for Costco purchases
Book by Thursday: Southwest fall and winter fares as low as $49 one-way
I flew to Atlanta for the day to earn a 2-month Southwest Companion Pass — here’s why (and how it went)

Read More 

Carscoops 

For the first time, Hyundai is set to manufacture vehicles for an outside brand on contract, reaching an agreement with BAIC to build EVs for the Arcfox brand.

The brand’s vehicles will be produced by Beijing Hyundai Motor Co, the joint venture the South Korean firm has had with BAIC since 2002. Production will be handled by the company’s facility in Chongqing, China, and current reports indicate that Beijing Hyundai will also oversee the design and quality control of the vehicles.

The deal is considered an important move by Hyundai to increase its footprint in the increasingly competitive Chinese market. At one stage, Hyundai accounted for 7% of all new car sales in China but its market share fell to less than 1% last year selling just 254,000 vehicles. It posted an operating loss of $598 million in China through 2022.

Read: Polestones 01 Is China’s Answer To The Lexus GX And Land Rover Defender

“The cooperation suggests Hyundai has yet to give up the Chinese market,” a source told The Korea Economic Daily. “Hyundai is trying to rebuild a bridgehead for expansion in the country by establishing an EV production line.”

It is unclear which Arcfox models Hyundai will produce at its joint venture factory. One of them will probably be the sleek Alpha-S sedan. The car was first introduced in 2021 and relies heavily on Huawei technology. A host of other vehicles have been unveiled by Arcfox since, including the Alpha-T SUV and most recently, the Arcfox Kaola, conceived as an MPV for young women with children.

Production of the oddly-spelt Kaola started earlier this year and deliveries will begin shortly. All variants are powered by a single electric motor at the front axle that produces 163 hp while power is sourced from a 58.86 kWh battery pack from CATL.

It is reported that Hyundai had planned to launch its Ioniq models in China but has since decided against doing so, believing it stands little chance to compete with local rivals.

Read More 

Carscoops 

Note: This article features an M3 EV rendering from CarScoops that has not been endorsed by BMW.

If the idea of the next-generation BMW M3 hitting the market with four electric motors delivering upwards of 1,341 hp (1,000 kW) wasn’t enough to get you excited about the M division’s EV future, then perhaps the idea of a rear-wheel drive-only electric M3 will do the trick.

BMW has made no secret of the fact that the M3 will change dramatically in the EV era. The carmaker has shown it testing a quad-motor prototype on a handful of occasions and last month, BMW M chief executive Frank van Meel suggested that the new M3, based on the firm’s Neue Klasse platform, could deliver a 1,341 hp kick to the competition.

While speaking with Ars Technica in Lisbon, Portugal recently, van Meel added that the carmaker is also pondering the idea of a model with a rear-wheel drive layout and twin electric motors. While the boss of BMW M divulged few other details about this potential variant, such a version of the next-gen M3 could be ideal for customers focused more on handling dynamics than the straight-line speed provided by a quad-motor setup driving all four wheels.

Read: Electric 2027 BMW M3 Neue Klasse Confirmed, Will Coexist With ICE Version

BMW’s quad-motor M3 EV prototype

Interestingly, BMW isn’t yet ready to turn its back on the ICE-powered M3. While discussing the electric model that could arrive as soon as 2027, van Meel said that the current car’s S58 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder will be made Euro 7-compliant, ensuring that it can still be used and sold alongside the electric alternative.

“It’s a nice engine, we will certainly make this Euro 7-capable and other things, so it’s going to happen. We will not have two different classes – there will be co-existence of the solutions in the market, which is necessary,” BMW’s product development chief, Frank Weber, noted.

BMW is preparing to launch its first Neue Klasse-based model in 2025. This new model will take the form of a 3-Series-sized sedan and be followed up by five further vehicles that BMW will introduce by 2027.  

BMW’s quad-motor M3 EV prototype

Read More 

Carscoops 

More details on the Kia EV5 were revealed during the company’s first annual EV Day, with confirmation of powertrain specifics, and that the mid-sized SUV will be appearing in markets outside of China. The Korean automaker also revealed that a hot EV5 GT is on the horizon too.

First shown to the public at the Chengdu Motor Show in China in August, the EV5 is the third offering in Kia’s all-electric lineup. It sits below the EV6 and borrows heavily styling-wise from its bigger brother, the EV9.

The EV5 will initially be offered in China, with a global rollout later on. The Chinese-market EV5 will be produced domestically and will be available to customers in three variations: Standard, Long-Range, and Long-Range AWD. The global model, produced in Korea, will also get the same variation titles, but with differing specifications.

More: Kia EV3 Concept Is A ‘Baby’ EV9, While EV4 Sedan Eyes The Tesla Model 3

In China, the Standard model will have a 64 kWh battery pack coupled with a 160 kW (218 PS / 215 hp) motor to deliver a range of 530 km (360 miles) on the optimistic China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle. The Standard model for global markets will feature a smaller 58 kWh battery, but will also have the same 160 kW (218 PS / 215 hp) motor driving the front wheels.

The 160 kW (218 PS / 215 hp) motor also features on both Chinese and global market long-range models of the EV5 too, the only difference being battery size. Chinese consumers will get an 88 kWh battery for a CLTC range of 720 km (447 miles). The rest of the world makes do with a slightly smaller 81 kWh battery pack, with range estimates to be announced later.

Related: 2025 Kia EV5 Compact Electric SUV Debuts In China As A Global Model

For both Chinese- and Korean-built EV5s, the Long Range AWD EV5 will add a secondary 70 kW (95 PS / 94 hp) motor to drive the rear axle. However, the Chinese model has a combined output of 5kW (6.8 PS / 6.7 hp) greater than the rest of the world, with 230 kW (313 PS / 308 hp) quoted, versus the 225 kW (306 PS / 302 hp) of the global model. Kia also mentions that the China-made EV5 will have the ability to DC fast charge from 30 to 80 percent in 27 minutes.

All EV5s will feature a heat pump as found in the EV6, while so-called one-pedal driving can be achieved with Kia’s i-Pedal system.

Inside the cabin, the 2025 Kia EV5 will feature the brand’s latest interface applied to all screens for seamless connectivity. Two 12.3-inch screens take care of the cluster and infotainment system, while a separate 5.0-inch climate control display is also present.

A hot “GT” version of the Kia EV5 is also in the works, although Kia did not confirm a timeframe for release, nor did it hint at specs or market availability.

Read More