Tag Archives: Automotive

This 3D-Printed city car is AI-assisted emotional companion for city rides

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Automatic transmission cars were good, self-driving EVs even better, and now ones that can console you on a bad mood day are god sent. Yes, this is the future of mobility that’s upon us and the Robo-EV by PIX Moving Team is the living example.

The micro car envisioned for choked city mobility is completely 3D-printed out in one piece making it structurally strong and easy to manufacture for commercial use. The Switzerland-based company has crafted a prototype of this bold vision and we are impressed.

Designer: PIX Moving Team

The real-time manufacturing processes employed in manufacturing this four-wheeler make way for complex component manufacturing, ease of customization, and of course modularity of use. There are other benefits as well including lightweight yet robust chassis and frame. The team used basalt composite to make the suspension ultra-reliable minus any bells or whistles. Even the wheel arches are made from 3D-printed metal.

Its real USP lies in the smart technology embedded on the inside. Robo-EV comes with an AI system that can detect the mood and tone of the driver in real-time. Based on the data, the intelligent car can provide emotional support via its large language model. The interaction can be two-way as the car’s voice system also functions as a voice assistant. In a way, you won’t need a buddy on long trips when you’ll be driving this Swiss EV on the roads.

Robo-EV touts regenerative braking adding to its reserve of battery power, and extending the total range. PIX Moving Team tested the two-seater vehicle on the road and the results have not yet been shared with media houses. The electric vehicle of the future is targeted primarily towards ridesharing and public transport domains. More than that it gives a clear vision of what the future of city transportation will be like.

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Modellista brings insane overlanding capabilities to Land Cruiser 2025 that’s dressed to impress

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At SEMA 2024 the newly launched Toyota Land Cruiser 2025 model saw a chunky makeover thanks to the in-house bred Japanese aftermarket company Modellista, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation. The Overland Vision Concept is one of the prototypes shown off by Toyota at the automotive mecca.

The vehicle is modded to bring extreme overlanding capability to the otherwise benign Land Cruiser. According to Modellista their core vision behind this design is to explore the potential of the brand in the U.S. If they intend on achieving what they’ve set their eyes on, the ultra-rugged Land Cruiser model will be a reality in the future pitted against the futuristic Cybertruck.

Designer: Modellista

This concept is a heavily armored vehicle that made heads turn at the SEMA show for its Cyberpunk look and bold character. It comes with an array of inclusions like aggressive off-road tires, lower body panels, fender flares, skid plates, a lift kit, headlight protection, side-carrying containers, a roof-mounted tent and a centrally mounted ladder. The aftermarket specialist made judicious use of amber green LED lights and a full-width light bar above the grille. These green LED accents extend to the whole front fascia and rear section to lend the ride an intimidating persona.

Overland Vision Concept has brush wires all around to protect against dents and scratches from exposure to the tough off-roading adventures, a dystopian future, or an apocalyptic warzone. Modellista has given the grille a good treatment of the TOYOTA logo with the Land Cruser branding below the bumper. The vehicle carries a two-tone theme in black and silver spilling over to the dark black tinted windows which make it a good candidate for a VVIP entourage.

It’ll be exciting to see how American adventure lovers see this lucrative Overlander pitted against the likes of the Ford F150 Raptor, Land Rover Defender, Jeep Gladiator, or Toyota Tacoma!

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Kia unveils off-road capable EV concepts high on customization and spirit of adventure

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This year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas saw its share of plug-in concepts, and Kia outshone them all. Known to be one of the biggest automotive ensembles when it comes to trending aftermarket modifications, the show saw the unveiling of the KIA Design Center America (KDCA) designed pair of all-electric concepts tailored for off-road adventures.

One of them is the EV9 ADVNTR Concept SUV based on Kia’s three-row electric EV9 SUV that debuted last year. This one looks much closer to a production-ready version, has to be said. The second one is the PV5 WKNDR concept EV Van built on the brand’s Purpose Beyond Vehicles more commonly known as PBVs. According to the design team, these two custom lifestyle vehicles “intrinsically blend form and function into machines designed for responsible engagement with nature.” Although none of these concepts is slated for a production run yet, we can expect more to transpire in a couple of year’s time.

Designer: Kia

The beefed-up variant of the EV9 SUV is 3 inches higher and comes with adventure and off-roading grade inclusions such as an improved roof rack for hauling adventure gear or pitching a bespoke roof-mounted tent, reinforced rocker panels for underbody protection, rugged tires for maximum traction, custom front and rear facias for assistance in approach and departure angles. When it’s time to set up camp for the night, the vehicle is your comfy mobile campsite.

PV5 WKNDR is more oriented towards longer stays away from home. The EV is well-equipped for wild overlanding adventures away from habitation. The vehicle can make your unknown adventure possible for weeks or even months in a single go. Kia labels the modular interior of the WKNDR as a Swiss army knife on wheels. The off-road capable vehicle comes with a pop-up camper, mobile kitchen, air compressor for filling up tires or inflating mattress, front-mounted winch, and loads of innovative storage solutions to stash all your essentials. One that we like in particular is the kitchen-style slide-out system that stores loads of things without taking up any interior space. It also comes with solar panels on top and innovative hydro turbine wheels to recharge the batteries.

 

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Blackird demonstrator may show the future of flying cars

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If you think that we’re still decades away from having flying cars traversing the atmosphere, you’ve probably not kept up with the latest news in aviation. While we still probably won’t see any by next year, there are a lot of companies working on testing out their respective technologies when it comes to developing electric flying vehicles. An Austrian startup is looking at letting a demonstrator fly by next year.

Designer: CycloTech

CycloTech is developing the Blackbird demonstrator that will be using a new propulsion system that will hopefully revolutionize how we will be looking at the potential of flying cars. The CycloRotor technology is the only system right now that can control the thrust vector in a full circular path (360°). This means it can brake and stop in mid-air, which will eventually be important when our airspace becomes busy.

The six 7th generation CycloRotors that will be part of the demonstrator will be able to do vertical take-off and landing and also have control in all directions. It will even be able to do parallel parking and mid-air braking/deceleration. Passengers will be able travel comfortably as the flight path and aircraft orientation will give them a stable flight even if they may encounter turbulence.

As a nervous flyer, I probably will not be falling in line to try this out when it will become commercially available. There are still a lot of safety issues that they will have to overcome but having six CycloRotors in the flying car may be a step towards safety as it can ensure the vehicle will continue to fly in case there’s an engine failure. They’re already looking at the first quarter of 2025 for the first flight of the electrically powered demonstrator. It looks nothing like what they’re envisioning the eventual flying car to be like though. For now, the demonstrator looks like a drone but eventually we’ll get the Jetsons-like flying cars of our dreams.

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Nissan’s Frontier TARMAC Concept: A 440 Horsepower Muscle Truck Built for the Track

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The Nissan Frontier TARMAC concept isn’t here to haul lumber or rocks. This one’s about making a statement. Designed by Nissan Motorsports (NISMO), Forsberg Racing, and Nissan Design America, this bold concept takes the classic work truck idea and supercharges it—literally and figuratively. Think of it as a track-ready muscle truck, complete with a 3.8-liter V6 that churns out a hefty 440 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. And if you’re already picturing burnouts, you’ll be glad to know that a custom handbrake was added just for that purpose.

Designer: Chris Forsberg & Nissan

This is no standard Frontier, not by a mile. The Frontier TARMAC’s heart is a supercharged engine with carbon fiber accents that reflect its performance-driven personality. The NISMO air intake and performance exhaust deliver power on demand, while custom NISMO brakes ensure it can actually stop when it needs to. This setup isn’t just about big numbers; it’s about delivering a refined level of control that’s engineered for precision on the track.

The Frontier TARMAC’s Afterburn Orange paint—a new hue for the 2025 Frontier lineup—brings a bold aesthetic that turns heads. Carbon fiber fender flares add to the truck’s aggressive stance, giving it a sleek but dominant appearance. Those wide carbon fiber accents aren’t just for show either; they’re there to add strength and reduce weight. And then there are the wheels—custom 20-inch NISMO wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan tires—adding yet another layer of performance and visual appeal. From top to bottom, the Frontier TARMAC looks ready to handle the asphalt with all the confidence of a sports car.

If you’re wondering how they pulled off that low-riding look, the answer is in the suspension. This truck sits improbably low, thanks to a prototype NISMO coil-over setup in the front, with a rear flip kit and C-notch to make sure it stays close to the ground without compromising structural integrity. This custom suspension, paired with those beefy tires, gives the truck a “slammed” stance, as described by Chris Forsberg himself. Just one look tells you this vehicle isn’t meant for off-road adventuring—think racetrack, not mountain trails.

Inside, the TARMAC concept doesn’t skimp on comfort or style. You’ll find Recaro seats that offer the perfect balance of support and sportiness, making every drive feel like a track day. The carbon fiber steering wheel and handbrake, both track-inspired, give drivers full control, emphasizing that this truck is built for those who value a more hands-on driving experience. Nissan clearly wasn’t aiming for “rugged” here—this is all about precision and speed.

Even though the Nissan Frontier TARMAC is just a concept, it’s a fascinating nod to the muscle truck era, when power and performance were the only metrics that mattered. Nissan is showing off the TARMAC at SEMA this year, where it’s sharing the spotlight with other concepts like the “Project Trailgater” for tailgating fans, and the Kicks Beach Patrol for coastal explorers. Each concept represents a different aspect of Nissan’s vision for the future, but the Frontier TARMAC is easily one of the standouts.

For anyone who’s ever wanted a pickup with muscle car roots, the Frontier TARMAC might be exactly the kind of “truck fantasy” they didn’t know they needed. It’s the answer to a question nobody asked: What if a work truck had a double life as a track star? In the end, the Nissan Frontier TARMAC might be one for the show floor, but it’s proof that Nissan isn’t afraid to play around with tradition and take its designs into bold new territory.

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Maserati Biturbo-Shamal restomod reincarnates the 90s Italian coupe into a desirable hunk

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Maserati Biturbo-Shamal was one of Maserati’s finest creations when it was released in the 90s. Co-designed by Marcello Gandini, the performance grand tourer fitted with a V8 engine only sold a limited edition of 369 units. Now, Automobili Modena has brought back the sharp Italian classic as a restomod version.

Dubbed MA-01 Biturbo-Shamal Restomod, the car retains the bodywork’s angular, sharp flowing lines, right from the front grille to the LED light clusters on the rear. Eye-pleasing muscle is added in the form of wheel arches, high tail, fixed wing, smoothness of the flanks, and beefy exhausts (two on each side) bulging from the valence.

Designer: Modena Automobili

Lucky ones who own the original Shamal, and ones who are motorheads will instantly recognize the semblance of grille design, center pillar, and Trident on the rear pillars and door handles. The facelift comes in the shape of a more aggressive frontal stance, bigger air intakes, side skirtings and sharper wheel arches. Of them all, the LED light pack and the large spoiler give it a sportier look. The lightweight body features steel and carbon fiber make. Integrated into the frame is an exposed carbon central pillar that doubles as a rollbar for protection.

Although not many details of the interior have been shared, it will likely have an oval digital instrument cluster just like the original. Other details about the innards are left out for now to everyone’s imagination. Under the hood is where most of the work has been invested in. Gone is the original Maserati Biturbo Shamal’s 326-hp 3.2-liter V8 replaced by the modern Maserati Ghibli S’ twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. The engine is custom-tuned to generate more power in coordination with a Ghibli S’ eight-speed ZF gearbox that’s capable of gear shifting in a mere 150 milliseconds. More internal components push the twin-turbo V6’s capability to generate 500hp. In the end, the Shamal hits a top speed of 177 mph and goes from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds.

The ambitious Modena Automobili Project is only going to take shape as 33 limited edition units. Priced at approximately 638,000 the Maserati Biturbo-Shamal restomod will go up for sale in Spring of 2025, so better mark your calendars.

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DAB Motors’ DeLorean themed e-bike transports you Back To The Future

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DAB Motors has rapidly evolved into a niche electric motorbike company that values its French roots. Having numerous takers for their DAB 1α, the outfit has created bold iterations of the acclaimed bike first as a Paris Olympics-themed ride, and more recently as an eye-popping transparent e-bike inspired by the retro gaming consoles.

Just when we thought the French motorhead studio would take a breather, there’s another surprise that’ll garner many more fanatics for the DAB 1α. Draped in a stainless steel body frame, this DeLorean DMC-12-inspired motorbike carries the industrial design influence of a café racer, and of course the retro charm of the timeless DeLorean!

Designer: DAB Motors Custom Studio

November 5 is chosen as the release of this two-wheeler, since this is the day depicted in the flick when time travel was first tested. The custom motorbike is flush with every possible element of the Back to the Future movie and DMC-12’s visual aesthetics. The CNC-machined rims and the vents are classic DeLorean with an ‘OUTTATIME’ license plate taking you back in time. The speedometer on this one-off DAB 1α is capped at 88 mph, exactly the speed for future time travel shown in the movie. A dummy flux capacitor built into the chassis gives it a pure industrial look, elevating its retro charm. To extend the realism, this DAB 1α is paired with a classic skateboard and P-cap, both in peppy colors.

As Simon Dabadie, founder of DAB Motors rightly puts it, “Growing up in the ’90s, cinema introduced me to icons that shaped my imagination. The DeLorean DMC-12, for example, stood out as more than a car — it was a vision of bold design and innovation.” We second that completely as DeLorean has been more than just another classic car that’s admired for a design way ahead of its time. He further adds, “This new bike is an ideal canvas to showcase DAB Motors’ commitment to creativity and craftsmanship, blending technical skill with bold, boundary-pushing design. Just as the DMC-12 redefined automotive aesthetics, this model captures DAB’s innovative spirit, honoring the future shaped by past icons.”

If you are already having daydreams of buying this Back to the Future-inspired bike and parking it alongside your prized DeLorean, hold your horses as it is limited to just one piece. The next best option is to go for the regular DAB 1α and get a trusted auto tuner shop to get the DeLorean-inspired look.

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Man rides homebuilt amphibious canoe on water and land across the width of Scotland

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British adventurer Ben Kilner ‘on a mission to inspire’ a generation ‘to make, restore & explore,’ is known for hitting the waters in his self-made, inspiring pedal boats. He navigated the length of the River Thames on his homebuilt canoe in 2022, and for this year, he has gone one up. He pedaled his upgraded version of his amphibious vehicle – part boat part trike – across the width of Scotland and rode it back on land to the point where he started.

The canoe Kilner made for the first water expedition comprised a pedal-propulsion system in the rear that mimicked a duck’s feet to effectively allow the boat to maneuver the waters. The new amphibious creation, called the Wee Han, retains this duck-foot pedal approach but brings it further up to the middle – one on either side – from the rear and attaches bike aesthetics to the canoe to make it one successful way to explore the land and water.

Designer: Ben Kilner

Wee Han which made the incredible journey possible is made of a wooden frame with a nylon skin canoe holding it firm. It features a 24-speed drivetrain and transitions seamlessly from paddling on the water to cycling with bike wheels for land travel. For the latter, it features a tricycle platform made from parts of a go-cart and BMX.

Kilner duck-paddled the Wee Han from Fort William on the west coast of Scotland to the east coast through the 97 km long Great Glen Canoe Trail. On the way back, he peddled his amphibious canoe 126 km back to Fort William on land, completing 222 km of travel on water and land in one crafted vehicle. The entire trip – one way on water and the other side on land – took Kilner about 10 days. He camped the entire time and had himself and his supplies on board include food he prepared on the way.

Besides being an eventful journey filled with hiccups, breakdowns and treacherous times both on water and land, this was a fundraising effort from Kilner. The cross-Scotland trip was meant to raise aid for A Leg to Stand up: a not-for-profit organization working toward providing prosthetic limbs to children with mobility issues in developing countries. The impact of Kilner was such throughout that he was able to raise upward of $4,800 in charity through his sponsors.

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Hyundai Unveils Stunning Hydrogen-powered INITIUM FCEV With Over 400-Mile Range

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Hyundai has made a bold statement in hydrogen mobility with its latest concept car, the INITIUM, an FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicle) designed to blend style, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology. If you’re wondering how this vehicle differs from the EVs and hybrids saturating the market, it’s all in the fuel cell—a technology that converts hydrogen into electricity with zero emissions. Pioneering the company’s new “Art of Steel” design language along with its cutting-edge hydrogen fuel-cell tech, the INITIUM is set to make its first debut next month at the Los Angeles Auto Show, with the promise of 403 miles worth of range (650km) thanks to a 201 horsepower motor. Hyundai’s also slated to reveal their latest Ioniq 6 at the LA Auto Show with the aforementioned “Art of Steel” design language.

Designer: Hyundai

A Design that Stands Out

With the INITIUM, Hyundai introduces its new “Art of Steel” design language, a style that emphasizes strength and functionality. The car’s exterior is punctuated by bold lines and a robust frame that’s both stylish and practical for city and off-road adventures alike. The large 21-inch wheels do more than just look good—they add stability and performance versatility, helping the INITIUM transition smoothly across different terrains.

Inside, Hyundai goes big on comfort. The spacious interior includes an expansive second-row living space, which is a thoughtful touch for families or anyone who values roominess on the road. The design and layout cater to daily commuters and long-distance travelers alike, with enough space for gear, groceries, and friends.

Performance that Doesn’t Compromise

Under the hood, Hyundai equips the INITIUM with a motor capable of 150 kW output, promising serious power without compromising its eco-friendly ambitions. The INITIUM’s fuel cell system is engineered to give drivers over 403 miles (650 kilometers) of range on a single fill-up. This range is significant, especially in the context of today’s hydrogen infrastructure limitations, where finding a refueling station can be challenging. Hyundai tackles this with an FCEV-specific route planner designed to guide drivers to the nearest hydrogen stations, offering reassurance for longer journeys.

Notably, the fuel cell technology in the INITIUM allows it to serve as a mobile power source through a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature. This means you could potentially power household appliances or even a campsite setup, a handy feature that adds an extra layer of versatility to the car’s utility.

Tackling Hydrogen’s Biggest Challenge: Infrastructure

Perhaps the biggest hurdle for hydrogen-powered vehicles has been limited fueling infrastructure, but Hyundai has a solution. The INITIUM comes with an FCEV-specific route planner, a navigation tool designed to help drivers find hydrogen stations along their route. This feature addresses the “range anxiety” that can come with hydrogen fuel, making longer journeys more feasible and accessible for new FCEV drivers.

Through its HTWO brand (pronounced H Two and standing for “Hydrogen for Humanity”), the company is working to build the hydrogen supply chain to support future FCEVs. By focusing on the production and distribution of hydrogen, Hyundai aims to ensure that vehicles like the INITIUM are not just concept marvels but practical solutions for sustainable mobility, accessible to a broader market over time.

Safety and Practicality Combined

Equipped with a multi-skeleton structure and nine airbags, the INITIUM is built to protect its occupants from all angles. Hyundai prioritizes both active and passive safety, showcasing its dedication to producing a car that can confidently protect passengers, even in unpredictable situations.

These advanced safety features align with Hyundai’s broader R&D goals of pushing safety tech across all their vehicle models. With the INITIUM, Hyundai is setting a new standard for safety in FCEVs, reassuring drivers that being eco-friendly does not mean compromising on passenger protection.

What’s Next for the INITIUM?

The INITIUM concept will be unveiled at auto shows in Los Angeles and Guangzhou, giving the public a first look at this next-generation vehicle before its expected production release in 2025. Hyundai hasn’t revealed pricing yet, but given its stated goal of making hydrogen mobility more accessible, the production model is likely to be competitively priced.

Hyundai’s ambitious hydrogen plans are a promising sign for an industry in need of sustainable solutions. The INITIUM’s practical design, extended range, and advanced tech hint at what hydrogen vehicles could offer in the near future. For those looking forward to a cleaner driving experience without sacrificing range or power, Hyundai’s INITIUM concept might just be the perfect ride.

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TAG Heuer’s New Carrera x Senna Edition Combines Luxury and Legacy for the Ultimate F1 Watch

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The new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna is as much a watch as it is a celebration of Ayrton Senna’s enduring legacy in Formula 1. With only 500 pieces available, TAG Heuer has pulled out all the stops to create a timepiece that merges high-end design, cutting-edge mechanics, and a rich sense of history. Crafted from lightweight grade-2 titanium, this Carrera model is bold yet comfortable, setting a durable stage for some impressive features that pay tribute to the iconic Brazilian driver’s career and style, timed perfectly around Netflix’s upcoming documentary on the racing legend.

Designer: Tag Heuer

Fans of Senna will immediately spot the references to his racing persona in the watch’s aesthetic. The 44mm case is framed by a sleek carbon bezel engraved with Senna’s name, and its tachymeter scale is a playful nod to F1 speed, allowing measurements up to 400 km/h. The dial is where things get even more interesting: a yellow sub-dial at the nine o’clock position not only provides functional contrast but also recalls Senna’s racing colors. Paired with a blue rubber strap and accented in green, the color scheme echoes Senna’s legendary racing livery while maintaining the watch’s modern, sleek appearance.

Inside, TAG Heuer has equipped the watch with its top-tier Calibre TH20-09 movement, a tourbillon that promises both accuracy and sophistication. A tourbillon isn’t just a showpiece; it’s a mechanism that compensates for gravitational errors in timekeeping, making this model as precise as it is visually compelling. The movement delivers 65 hours of power reserve, allowing users the luxury of taking it off for a couple of days without resetting the time. This blend of practical power and refined engineering is a perfect tribute to Senna’s relentless pursuit of perfection.

Turning the watch over, owners will find another personal touch: a sapphire crystal case back engraved with Senna’s image, showing him in his helmet. It’s a nod to the Brazilian driver’s legendary presence on the track, adding an intimate connection for those who wear it. The Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna also offers 100 meters of water resistance, making it ready for a variety of real-world conditions beyond the racetrack. This is not just a display piece—it’s designed for active use while preserving its commemorative value.

To coincide with the watch’s release, TAG Heuer timed this launch to match a Netflix series on Senna, hoping to captivate both long-time fans and newer followers of his legacy. Priced at $37,900, the Carrera Tourbillon is undoubtedly an investment, but for fans and watch collectors, it represents something beyond luxury. It’s a way to own a part of the legend’s story, embodied in a timepiece that’s built with the same intensity and focus Senna brought to the sport.

For those who seek not only a high-performing watch but also a connection to one of motorsport’s greatest icons, the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Senna offers just that—a bridge between high watchmaking and the thrilling legacy of Formula 1.

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