by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- Hyundai’s first uncrewed ultimate mobility vehicle (UMV) concept is revealed today as TIGER, which stands for transforming intelligent ground excursion robot.
- TIGER is intended to carry payloads over remote and inaccessible terrain and designed to operate as a four-wheel drive vehicle or a four-legged walking machine.
- The vehicle is being developed by Hyundai Motor Group’s New Horizons Studio in partnership with Autodesk and Sundberg-Ferar.
- New Horizons Studio is developing multiple technologies for innovative vehicle platforms.
Hyundai Motor Group has revealed TIGER (Transforming Intelligent Ground Excursion Robot), the company’s second Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV) and the first designed to be uncrewed.
The transforming intelligent ground excursion robot is designed to carry various types of payload while traveling over challenging terrain.
TIGER is being developed by Hyundai Motor Group’s New Horizons Studio, headquartered in Mountain View, California. The studio was established in late 2020 to develop UMVs drawing on research and innovation leadership from Silicon Valley and other innovation hubs.
“Vehicles like TIGER, and the technologies underpinning it, give us an opportunity to push our imaginations,” said Dr. John Suh, Head of New Horizons Studio. “We are constantly looking at ways to rethink vehicle design and development and re-define the future of transportation and mobility.”
Concept vehicle showcases capability across remote and inaccessible terrain
TIGER’s exceptional capabilities are designed to function as a mobile scientific exploration platform in extreme, remote locations. Based on a modular platform architecture, its features include a sophisticated leg and wheel locomotion system, 360-degree directional control, and a range of sensors for remote observation. It is also intended to connect to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which can fully charge and deliver TIGER to inaccessible locations.
A large load bay housed within its body means TIGER can carry goods for delivery, or be deployed to deliver aid packages in emergency situations. Leg-wheel articulation enables TIGER to tackle a range of extreme situations while keeping payloads more level than a typical ground vehicle.
With its legs retracted, TIGER drives like an all-wheel drive vehicle and is in its most efficient mode because it moves by rolling traction. But when the vehicle gets stuck or needs to travel over terrain that is difficult or impassable for wheels alone, it uses its walking ability to get unstuck or more easily travel over that terrain. This was a feature previously seen in Elevate, Hyundai Motor Group’s first-ever UMV concept with moveable legs, which debuted at the 2019 Consumer Electronic Show (CES).
Like Elevate, Hyundai’s other transforming four leg-wheel ground vehicle, TIGER shares similar characteristics such as its legs and wheels. The difference between Elevate and TIGER is that, while the former can carry passengers, the latter is uncrewed. Both TIGER and Elevate blend robotic and wheeled locomotion technologies, allowing them to traverse terrain beyond the limitations of even the most capable off-road vehicle.
First version designed in Silicon Valley with global development partnerships
The first version of TIGER is X-1 (the X stands for experimental) and brings together a wide-range of technological and design expertise. The project is being led by Hyundai Motor Group’s New Horizons Studio, while working in close partnership with Autodesk, a leading engineering design software company.
“Working closely with the team at Hyundai on the TIGER X-1 vehicle, using advanced technology such as generative design to push the boundaries of increasing strength while reducing weight in transportation, is exactly what we mean when we talk about creating the new possible,” said Srinath Jonnalagadda, Vice President of Business Strategy for Design and Manufacturing at Autodesk. “New design, engineering and manufacturing techniques enabled by Autodesk Fusion 360 help today’s modern, collaborative teams get to production faster and more efficiently.”
TIGER X-1 fuses Autodesk’s generative design capabilities with Hyundai’s growing R&D capabilities in mobility. The teams have been working together to create a lightweight but incredibly strong structure, with the legs and certain chassis elements created using carbon fiber composite additive printing.
Collaborating with external concept design experts Sundberg-Ferar, New Horizons Studio has been developing TIGER X-1 to deliver and retrieve critical payloads across rugged terrain. These capabilities make the concept vehicle ideal for 360-degree surface evaluation, in areas struck by natural disaster, while tackling challenging terrain, or even exploring the surface of another moon or planet.
“While developing TIGER with New Horizons Studio, the team at Sundberg-Ferar was looking to create a robot that maximized the efficiency of wheeled motion with the articulation of a quadruped to expand the possibility of reaching more remote locations,” said David Byron, Manager of Design and Innovation Strategy at Sundberg-Ferar. “TIGER is a modular platform design allowing different bodies to be attached to the chassis for unique applications such as cargo delivery or surveillance in locations not suitable for humans.”
New Horizons Studio – home to Hyundai Motor Group UMV development
New Horizons Studio, headquartered in Mountain View, California, develops vehicles with unprecedented mobility. Products from the studio target users with a need for travel and mobility across unconventional and off-road terrains, including places that cannot be reached by conventional wheeled vehicles. UMVs developed by New Horizons Studio can be subject to more challenging applications and environments, and adaptable to changing conditions.
New Horizons Studio has been focused on developing technologies to enable concept vehicles such as TIGER. These technologies include wheel-leg locomotion, high-performance materials and structures, high-performance power systems, chassis and body systems, virtual development and evaluation systems, and human-centered design and systems. Each of these represents significant technical progress that can be applied to any vehicle and will speed the development of advanced mobility solutions.
New Horizons Studio furthers Hyundai Motor Group’s vision to shape the future of mobility and brings onboard forward-thinking, innovative leadership from Silicon Valley and other innovation hubs. UMV concepts in development do not rely solely on wheels and are expected to address challenging driving situations – for example, a car with robotic legs could save lives as the first responder in natural disasters; or people without access to a curb ramp could hail a car to walk up to their front door, level itself and allow wheelchairs to roll in.
Using a combination of robotics and wheeled locomotion technology, Elevate, TIGER and other vehicles by New Horizons Studio are expected to redefine vehicular mobility.
The showcase video of TIGER X-1 is available at Group’s official YouTube channel.
About Sundberg-Ferar
Sundberg-Ferar, born in Detroit, in 1934 is a product innovation studio and we exist to help our customers uniquely differentiate their products, services and experiences increasing their profit margins, market share, and ultimately advancing strong and sustainable brands. Sundberg-Ferar’s innovation process cross-references multiple user experiences, cross pollinate multiple industry categories, study competitors’ vulnerabilities to reveal uncontested white market spaces for our clients in the consumer products, commercial equipments and new-mobility domains. More details on www.sundbergferar.com and to chat, drop a line at hello@sundbergferar.com.
About Autodesk
At Autodesk, we exist to turn ideas into new realities that shape a thriving future. Our software and services harness emerging technologies—such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), artificial intelligence, generative design, and robotics—that give companies and individuals the power to work more quickly, effectively, and sustainably throughout the entire project lifecycle. For more information visit autodesk.com or follow @autodesk.
About New Horizons Studio
New Horizons Studio builds vehicles to wander with unprecedented mobility, using a combination of robotics and wheeled locomotion technology. The products target customers who have a need for travel in unconventional and off-road terrain, including places where vehicles have never roamed before. These vehicles are subject to more challenging applications and environments, adaptable to changing conditions. New Horizons Studio furthers Hyundai Motor Group’s vision to shape the future of mobility and onboard forward-thinking, innovative leadership from Silicon Valley and other innovation hubs.
About Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel, and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT, and service.
With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group’s mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication and the will to take on any challenges, we strive to create a better future for all.
More information about Hyundai Motor Group, please see: www.hyundaimotorgroup.com
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- New Combo-e Life arrives with a zero emissions range of up to 174 miles in WLTP testing
- Available in Medium and XL variants, with five or seven seats
- Supports up to 100kW rapid charging, with an 80% charge taking just 30 minutes
- Up to 2,693 litres of boot space with three ISOFIX child seat points
- Rated to tow up to 750kg and available with trailer stability control
- Class-leading levels of safety technology and driver aids
- Arriving in showrooms this autumn
Vauxhall has released first images of the new Combo-e Life, a fully electric variant of its award-winning Combo Life van – giving families and fleets a practical, zero-emissions, choice on their next vehicle.
With a range of up to 174 miles in WLTP testing from a single charge, the new Combo-e Life is available in two sizes, a Medium and a longer XL variant, with Medium models available in five and seven seat configurations and XL vehicles offered exclusively with seven seats. The new Combo-e Life also supports up to 100kW rapid charging, with an 80% charge taking just 30 minutes. The new model will be arriving in showrooms later this autumn.
Electric Performance: Ideal for short and long journeys
The new Combo-e Life features a 50kWh lithium-ion battery and a 100kW (136PS) electric motor capable of up to 260Nm of torque. The Combo-e Life can accelerate from 0-60mph in 11.2 seconds.
Drivers have access to a sophisticated two-mode regenerative braking system, with ‘B’ mode increasing the regenerative braking for maximum energy recovery.
The 50kWh battery is made up of 216 cells and 18 modules and is packaged under the floor between the front and rear axles, resulting in no compromise in boot space or interior room compared to the petrol and diesel Combo Life variants. The battery placement also ensures the new Combo-e Life is stable on motorways and when cornering.
Under WLTP testing, the Combo-e Life is capable of up to 174-miles from a single charge and supports a number of charging solutions. It can be fully charged via a three-pin domestic plug, a Wallbox charger or up to 100kW rapid charging via public charging stations. All Combo-e Life variants come standard with a single-phase 7.4kW on-board charger, with an optional three-phase 11kW charger also available. A full charge via 100kW rapid charging can be completed in just 30 minutes.
Practicality and Versatility: Ideal for families and businesses
The new Combo-e Life is available in two sizes, Medium and XL variants. Medium variants measure 4.40 metres long and are available in five or seven-seat configurations. Larger XL variants measure 4.75 metres long and are exclusively offered with seven seats.
Medium variants with five seats feature up to 597 litres of boot space, extending up to 2,126 litres of space with the rear row folded. XL variants come with 850 litres of space, and up to 2,693 litres with the rear rows folded. In addition, the front passenger seat can be fully folded extending the length of the load area so that even large items, such as surfboards can be carried inside the Combo-e Life.
For improved versatility, the new Combo-e Life is also rated to tow up to 750kg and comes with trailer stability technology that reduces vehicle speed when it detects the trailer swerving.
The second rows for both Medium and XL variants is available with either three individually folding seats or with a 60/40 split (a 35/30/35 split is also available as an option).
In both cases, each individual seat has its own ISOFIX child seat bracket, allowing owners to fit three child seats next to each other.
For improved natural light, the new Combo-e Life is available with an electronically controlled panoramic roof. The panoramic roof also adds an extra overhead storage compartment with an additional 36-litres of space and comes with LED roof lights.
Infotainment and Driver Aids:Improved entertainment and safety
All Combo-e Life models come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, and are available with Vauxhall’s Multimedia Navi Pro system featuring a large 8.0-inch touchscreen with live traffic updates.
To ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and other road users, the new Combo-e Life is available with a number of class-leading driver aids and safety features, including; forward collision alert with pedestrian protection, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, driver drowsiness alert, traffic sign recognition, and hill descent control. Drivers can also opt for the Surround Rear Vision camera that gives a 180-degree view of the rear of the car when reversing.
Intelligrip electronic traction control improves traction in adverse driving conditions by allowing the driver to modulate the traction control to suit the road conditions. Drivers can choose between Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand modes for optimal grip.
Connected e-Services: Remote access and features
To ensure the new Combo-e Life is easy to live with, it features the latest in Vauxhall’s connected features. With VauxhallConnect, drivers have access to a number of features including live traffic updates when on the move, vehicle information and charge status displayed, while in the event of an accident the e-Call technology will automatically alert emergency services. Drivers can also plot a route using the navigation, with charging points visible on the map.
The MyVauxhall smartphone app lets drivers use their phone to check the vehicle’s charge status and even programme delayed charging to take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- Leading UK market experts reveal impact of Brexit
- All sectors report increased paperwork, cost, and logistics
- Vehicle movements from the UK now require a Carnet and 40% (of vehicle value) bond to be presented at the border
- 20% VAT payable on cars purchased in Europe and imported to the UK
- New rules remain unclear, claim UK classic car businesses
- Despite early problems, market remains upbeat and undeterred
- The full report can be read here
Hagerty monitors the global classic car market providing insight to the car community and media alike.
John Mayhead, Head of UK Valuations, has recently appeared in a number of interviews across BBC TV and radio discussing the impact Brexit has had on the classic car market and shares his thoughts in Hagerty UK’s latest market report.
At 11 pm on December 31st, 2020 the United Kingdom ended the transition period from membership in the European Union and began trading under terms agreed with the EU just a few days before. The result has been increased red tape and a fair amount of confusion. After years of speculating about the potential impact of Brexit on the UK classic and collector car world, we are now experiencing it first-hand.
Any new system was always going to cause confusion at first, and Britain’s new relationship with the EU comes with a raft of new bureaucracy where almost none previously existed.
“We could plan for a no-deal, as we knew what that would look like’ said Peter Bonham Christie, founder of Straight Eight Logistics, one of the UK’s top historic vehicle transport firms “but we only found out what was in the treaty a week before we had to put it into practice, and now about 90 percent of my working life is spent working with the customs agency.”
Every vehicle movement from the UK now requires an ATA Carnet. An Access/Temporary Access Carnet is like a passport for goods, a bond that guarantees that your items won’t disappear after they enter the country. While an ATA costs just a few hundred pounds, a returnable bond payment of 40 per cent of vehicle value also has to be presented. Even if the value of a car is only £10,000, the bond is £4000; for a £1m vehicle it is £400,000.
Newly introduced costs and paperwork are also affecting British exporters. Julian Majzub of classic-specialist manufacturer Blockley Tyres told Hagerty “The paperwork, aggravation, increase in costs, real delays and inconvenience to customers will impact us. Obviously, we’ll make the best of it, but I’ve now got quite a heavy monkey to carry on my back that my competitors don’t.”
Dealers serving the enthusiast market have not been greatly affected: It’s a quiet time of the year for classic sales, and British buyers tend to favour right-hand drive cars from the home market. For those selling more expensive cars though, things are different.
“Our business is very international,” said leading collector car dealer Max Girado “The new rules are quite draconian, and everyone is getting used to them. With time we will all adapt, but from a business perspective, Brexit has not helped us in any way.”
Dealers of more modern collectable cars have their own specific issue—the addition of a 20 percent value-added tax (VAT) to the import of used cars from Europe that are less than 30 years-old. “This is a real problem,” said Edward Lovett, leading dealer, and founder of Collecting Cars. “A buyer searching for a rarer modern performance model might typically have looked in Europe. Now that comes with a hefty additional cost.”
UK-based auction houses have historically held sales all over Europe and also welcomed EU-consigned cars to British auctions. Now cars (and their sales rostrums, speakers, and other paraphernalia) will have to be temporarily imported, with all the extra paperwork that entails. But, have sales been affected? Mark Perkins, founder and managing director of Historics auction house set an optimistic tone when asked about its Monaco sale scheduled for 23rd April. “Significant collector car consignments have already been sourced from UK vendors, together with serious consignment interest received at our UK and European offices by non-UK domiciled vendors. Three months before the sale, it’s too early to comment meaningfully on bidder registration but that again will give us some useful insights into UK/International buying patterns.”
Many in the industry claim the rules aren’t clear. Whether UK historic vehicles are still exempt from EU low-emission zone regulations, whether spares can be boxed together under one carnet, and what happens to them if they’re used rather than new; the answers are impossible to find in official literature and will only be discovered later, as the rules are tested. However, the current COVID crisis could be unexpectedly acting in the industry’s favour as lockdown has given breathing space to many as they investigate how it all works.
Some within the industry fear that COVID could be shrouding the true depth of the crisis. “How much of the downturn we have yet to feel is COVID and how much is Brexit?” asks Julian Majzub. “The British Government say everything is down to COVID, but when the country comes off furlough in June, we’ll see the state of things and where unemployment really is.”
John Mayhead, Head of UK Valuations, concluded “It’s a fair prediction to say that summer 2021 may be a watershed for the UK historic vehicle community. What effect this may have on the average enthusiast is yet to be seen, but most seem determined to work around the problems and get back to normal as soon as possible. The UK has always been a mainstay of the classic car industry and it seems our industry is determined to succeed; whatever barriers are put in front of them.“
The full report, including detailed quotes from industry experts, can be read here.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- Shadow Edition for MINI Clubman and MINI Countryman: exclusive to UK.
- Midnight Black exterior body colour, with Shadow graphics, logos and an exclusive bonnet design.
- Available on Cooper, Cooper S and All4 Plug-In Hybrid engine variants.
- Available to order now, priced from £26,805 RRP, with customer deliveries in April.
MINI announces the new Shadow Edition for the MINI Clubman and MINI Countryman, designed exclusively for the UK market.
The MINI Shadow Edition includes a higher standard specification across both models, as well as edition-exclusive bonnet design and decals.
The new Shadow Edition has Midnight Black Metallic exterior body paint, with contrasting Silver roof and mirror caps and a Piano Black exterior, creating a dramatic and streamlined look.
Customers can choose between the Cooper and Cooper S engines, in both manual and automatic transmission, with the All4 Plug-in Hybrid also available on MINI Countryman.
Based on the Sport trim level, the Shadow Edition exterior features include 19” John Cooper Works Circuit Spoke alloy wheels, John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit including John Cooper Works spoiler, and LED front and rear lights.
The special edition has a graphic on the bonnet and the A-panel, while the lower roof features the Shadow logo. Black roof rails are offered as standard to customers selecting the MINI Countryman, and as an option for those choosing MINI Clubman.
Inside, the Shadow Edition has Anthracite headlining and a Piano Black trim and both the dash trim and tread plates also feature additional graphics. The model also has John Cooper Works sport seats and a sports leather steering wheel with contrast stitching in Chili Red.
Continuing the high standard specification, the Shadow Edition comes equipped with the new 5.5-inch Digital Display Cockpit, Bluetooth with USB audio, Rear Park Distance Control, Interior Lights Pack and MINI Driving Modes, allowing drivers to switch between Sport, Mid and Green settings.
The MINI Excitement Pack, including MINI logo projection and LED mood lighting, and Navigation Pack, offering an 8.8-inch display with MINI Navigation, Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI), Apple CarPlay and Intelligent Emergency Calling, both come as standard. Comfort Pack, Comfort Plus Pack and Navigation Plus Pack, which includes Wireless Charging and Head Up Display, are optional.
The MINI Shadow Edition is available to order now from retailers nationwide, with first customer deliveries in April 2021. Prices start from £26,805 RRP for the MINI Clubman and £28,755 RRP for the MINI Countryman. For more information visit www.mini.co.uk.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- Five Aston Martin Vantage GT3s to fight for Asian Le Mans Series GT title
- Full weight of Aston Martin Racing to support partners through 2021
- Aston Martin works drivers integrated into partner race programmes
- Factory technical hub to provide maximum always-on engineering support
The 2021 international GT racing season marks a new chapter in the history of Aston Martin Racing.
Engaging the full weight of its world championship-winning experience and pedigree on its Vantage GT customer programmes this year, Aston Martin aims to build on the 26 titles the car delivered in 2020, with an extensive and wide-ranging race programme that spans the full spectrum of the GT racing ecosystem.
An ever-expanding number of partner Vantage GT3 and GT4 teams are poised to contest more than 20 major international series globally this season, and they do so with access to an unprecedented level of support from the British luxury sportscar manufacturers’ racing factory. A significant number of engineers and technicians responsible for winning the 2019/20 GT FIA World Endurance Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ championship titles have been deployed to assist key partners, including those participating in this weekend’s opening rounds of the Asian Le Mans Series in Dubai.
Moreover, in a time when the Covid-19 pandemic has necessarily restricted international travel, AMR has moved to minimise this disruption for its teams by creating a world-class strategic and engineering support hub, led by AMR Head of Performance Gustavo Beteli and his team, operated in real-time out of Aston Martin Racing’s headquarters in Banbury.
“We are still able to fully support our customers, wherever they are racing in the world,” said Beteli, “as was the case in Daytona recently. In many of these cases we are using the remote-support hub, where we are able to collect live data from the cars, timing and keep a direct link with the teams to be able to provide the best service and guidance possible.”
Partner teams will also be able to call on the use of an extensive and decorated list of works drivers to support their line-ups in 2021. The roll of honours includes world champions Nicki Thiim (DK), Marco Sørensen (DK), 24 Hours of Le Mans class winners Darren Turner (GB), Jonny Adam (GB), Maxime Martin (BE) Charlie Eastwood (IE), as well as rising star and former British GT4 champion Ross Gunn (GB). Aston Martin Racing Driver Academy winners Valentin Hasse-Clot (FR) and Tom Canning (GB) will also integrate into race programmes with partner teams in 2021.
While the US endurance racing season may have already begun with the Rolex 24 featuring strong showings from Heart of Racing and TF Sport two weeks ago, the two-round, four-race Asian Le Mans Series provides another starting gun for the international calendar.
The opening double-header, at the Dubai Autodrome, features no less than five examples of the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 – a car which shares the same design principals and philosophy as the world championship-winning GTE and is in contention for its first Asian LMS title thanks to several strong team and driver line-ups.
Japanese squad D’station Racing, which is also making the step up to the FIA WEC this season, will field the #77 car for team owner Satoshi Hoshino (JP), Tomonobu Fujii (JP), and Tom Gamble (GB). Meanwhile, reigning GT World Challenge Pro-Am champion Alexander West (SE), leads a two-car Garage 59 assault alongside #88 co-drivers Martin, and Hasse-Clot. Yuki Nemoto (JP), Mike Benham (GB) and Marvin Kirchhöfer (DE) will drive the sister #89 Vantage GT3. Meanwhile, TF Sport returns to action with two exciting line-ups; John Hartshorne (GB), will share the #95 with Ollie Hancock (GB) and team regular Eastwood (IE), while Oman Racing with TF and Ahmad Al Harthy (OM), Canning (GB) and Adam (GB) will race the #97 car.
David King, President of Aston Martin Racing, said: “This exceptionally strong Asian Le Mans Series entry is a clear message of intent from Aston Martin Racing and defines our objectives for 2021. This year is about our partners and their continued success, and through them we intend to demonstrate why Vantage is an excellent platform to build an international GT campaign on. From WEC and IMSA, through the full spectrum of international and domestic GT3 and GT4 series, we expect to see Aston Martins racing and winning. Our clear aim is to build on the excellent tally of 26 championships titles in 2020.”
The Asian Le Mans Series will be contested over two consecutive weekends, with the first two four-hours races taking place in Dubai on Saturday, 13 February at 1415 (+4 hours GMT) and Sunday 14 February at 1245 (+4 hours GMT). The final two rounds will take place at the Yas Marina Grand Prix circuit in Abu Dhabi on Friday 19 February and Saturday 20 February.
Free practice begins on Thursday, preceded by two days of testing with GT class qualifying for Round 1 taking place on Friday 12 February at 0955 (+4 Hours GMT).
