Month: May 2024

May 07

ROLLS-ROYCE CULLINAN SERIES II: The Evolution of the First Ultra-Luxury SUV

“When Cullinan debuted in 2018, it redefined super-luxury motoring, enabling Rolls-Royce clients to experience the brand’s hallmark magic carpet ride on all terrains and in every corner of the world. In the six years since, Cullinan has had an extraordinary impact on our brand, attracting entirely new groups of clients to Rolls-Royce and profoundly altering perceptions of what a Rolls-Royce motor car is, means, and can be to its owner. Cullinan Series II has been created to build on that success. By integrating new technologies, meticulously considered design updates, and innovative opportunities for self-expression through Bespoke, we retain everything our clients love about this motor car yet ensure that Cullinan will transcend the SUV genre – and automotive space – for many years to come.”- Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

The original Cullinan, launched in 2018, was the original super-luxury SUV. Rugged yet refined, Its success exceeded Rolls-Royce’s most ambitious expectations, and today Cullinan is the most requested Rolls-Royce in the marque’s portfolio.

Given Cullinan’s success and positive reception from clients around the world, shaping a new expression of Cullinan was undertaken with meticulous care. Rolls-Royce designers, engineers, and craftspeople drew on half a decade of detailed client feedback, the brand’s intelligence gathering, and a raft of new technologies to advance Cullinan. In its new guise, which represents the most extensive Series II development in Rolls-Royce history, it responds to changing codes of luxury and evolving usage patterns while remaining true to the essential qualities that underpin Cullinan’s unprecedented popularity.

Commanding the Urban Space

Since the first client deliveries, Cullinan fulfilled its purpose as a vehicle capable of taking its owner into locations never previously explored in a Rolls-Royce, and its versatility and ease of use also made Cullinan a daily driver for many owners. Additionally, numerous clients have told Rolls-Royce that no other car offers the same effortless performance as Cullinan’s 6.75-liter V12 engine. These were all significant considerations in conceiving Cullinan Series II.

It was noted by the marque’s intelligence specialists that an increasing number of Rolls-Royce clients were concentrated in urban areas as Cullinan increasingly serves as a super-luxury product in which clients wish to be seen and project their unique style and personalities. Specialists also observed a shift towards owners driving their motor cars themselves. When Cullinan was first launched, less than 70% were self-driven: today, almost every Cullinan is driven by its owner, with less than 10% of clients retaining the services of a chauffeur. Much of this change can be attributed to a fall in the average age of Rolls-Royce clients from 56 in 2010 to just 43 today.

Cullinan Series II Exterior

“Since the launch of the first Goodwood-built Rolls-Royce, designers have taken great care to give every model its own distinctive aesthetic universe. Each is based on detailed insights gathered directly from our clients before the motor car is conceived, and throughout its life. Cullinan Series II is born of this approach: more energetic, focussed, and expressive, in line with the priorities of today’s super-luxury consumers. In its new guise, Cullinan Series II remains effortless, everywhere – faithful to the principles and retaining the qualities that have made this motor car so successful. At the same time, it represents genuine progress and development, based on an evolved appreciation of luxury that adds statement and flourish to Cullinan’s original form.”- Anders Warming, Design Director, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

An increasingly urban focus, a youthful cadre of clients, and a decisive shift towards self-driving defines the surface treatment and detail of Cullinan Series II’s exterior. A key theme is verticality, which recalls illuminated skyscrapers in the megacities where Cullinan is increasingly at home. This is most apparent in the new lamp treatment, where tall daytime running light graphics ensure Cullinan Series II is easily identified, day and night.

Up front, Cullinan Series II is composed of simple feature lines and crisp edges; with an emphasis on clean, monolithic surfaces that amplify the motor car’s generous proportions and presence. The bumper lines form a shallow ‘V’ from the lowest point of the daytime running lights to the motor car’s center point, recalling the sharp bow lines of modern sports yachts. Underneath, new air intakes angle outwards assertively, visually lowering the motor car when viewed head-on.

The centerpiece is the illuminated “Pantheon” grille. This is the first time Cullinan has been provisioned with an illuminated grille, further refreshed with a lower leading edge. It also incorporates a new polished horizontal ‘horizon line’ between the daytime running lights, providing a clear visual link to the marque’s pinnacle product, Phantom Series II.

The Cullinan Series II profile reveals further changes to the surfacing. While the front fenders retain their sheer, vertical lines, the marque’s designers added a restrained yet precise feature line leading from the taillight forward to the center of the floating ‘RR’ center caps on the rear wheel.

At the rear, the exhaust treatment of Cullinan Series II is a bold statement of power, as each surround is presented in mirror-finish stainless steel, cleanly integrated, and visually flush to the body. Changes at the rear conclude with a brushed stainless-steel protective plate running between the exhausts, which flows underneath the motor car.

Resolving this younger and more expressive evolution of Cullinan’s styling are upsized 23-inch wheels — the first time that 23-inch wheels have been made available for Cullinan.

Cullinan Series II Interior

Reflecting many clients’ desires for bolder forms of self-expression, innovative decoration, and detail have been added throughout the interior of Cullinan Series II. The most substantive change to the motor car’s geometry is the pillar-to-pillar glass-panel fascia in the upper portion of the dashboard – an elegant and versatile design element that stages both digital and physical craftsmanship.

The gauge cluster panel in front of the driver and the new, permanently visible Central Information Display in the center of the fascia are redesigned to form a stage for the advanced SPIRIT operating system. This digital interface was first introduced on the all-electric Spectre; Cullinan Series II marks the first application of SPIRIT in a V12-powered Rolls-Royce. It also presents opportunities for Bespoke personalization to extend from the physical to the digital world — clients can tailor the color of the instrument dials to complement the motor car’s interior palette or exterior finish.

SPIRIT also sees Whispers, the Rolls-Royce private members application, integrated into Cullinan. Clients can send destinations directly to their motor car, view Cullinan’s location remotely, and manage vehicle locking through the app.

Connectivity has been refined throughout the motor car, especially for those in the rear of Cullinan Series II. Clients can connect up to two streaming devices to the rear screens, which now incorporate a Bespoke interface for streaming car management and seating functions such as massage, heating, and cooling.

The installation of internet connectivity allows clients to enjoy a WiFi hotspot connection and independent streaming for each screen. In a Cullinan first, Bluetooth headphones of any type can be paired with the rear seat infotainment system, or clients can enjoy the marque’s exceptional 18-speaker Bespoke Audio system, which benefits from the latest generation 18-channel 1400-watt amplifier. Cullinan Series II retains the brand’s celebrated speaker architecture wherein cavities within the motor car’s aluminum sill sections are used as resonance chambers for low-frequency speakers, effectively transforming the entire motor car into a subwoofer.

Directly in front of the passenger is an Illuminated Fascia panel — a remarkable expression of modern craft that debuted with Ghost before appearing in Spectre and now, for the first time, is available within the Cullinan family. In this guise, it features an illuminated Cullinan wordmark and a unique Cityscape graphic inspired by the skyscrapers of the world’s megacities at night. This is created using 7,000 graphical elements printed on multiple layers of robust security glass, each a slightly different shade of grey to create the perception of depth. In addition to this prêt-à-porter design, clients are also able to create their own Illuminated Fascia motif in collaboration with the marque’s Bespoke designers.

Alongside the Central Information Display on the passenger side of the fascia is the new Spirit of Ecstasy Clock Cabinet. This unique inset vitrine displays both an analog timepiece and an up-lit Spirit of Ecstasy figurine.

Cullinan Series II: An Evolved Material Palette

To acknowledge Cullinan’s ability – and the desire of many clients – to escape into nature at will, the interior is comprised of a palette inspired by botanicals. Cullinan Series II introduces Grey Stained Ash, a richly-grained natural open-pore wood with a delicate shimmer. All of the logs of this species are individually selected, and veneer ‘leaves’ are subsequently stained by hand and elevated with the addition of microscopic metallic particles, which creates the unique effect – a process that took more than four years of development.

Cullinan Series II also continues Rolls-Royce’s exploration of textiles with a new fabric made using natural bamboo fibers, named Duality Twill. The use of this material was inspired by the extensive bamboo grove in the Jardin Botanique du Rayol on the Côte d’Azur, which neighbors Sir Henry Royce’s former winter home, Villa Mimosa. Members of the design team visited the gardens during a research excursion where they were inspired to develop a material made with the plant, which has grown in the grounds of the Jardin for more than a century and would have been observed by Sir Henry Royce himself.

This intricately embroidered textile was developed for more than a year in collaboration with a master weaver who has now joined Rolls-Royce full-time to oversee this complex process, which takes place at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood. A full Duality Twill interior can incorporate up to 2.2 million stitches, and 11 miles of thread, and is the product of 20 hours of construction. To ensure uniformity in the pattern, each piece is individually crafted before being cut using a specially developed laser that seals the material’s edge and mitigates individual threads becoming loose. The base twill textile is available in three colors – Lilac, Chocolate, and Black – and clients can select from 51 different thread colors.

Cullinan Series II integrates another new contemporary craft technique developed by the marque’s artisans; Placed Perforation is the practice of creating artwork through tiny perforations in the leather. Available for the first time on a series model with Cullinan Series II, designers created a pattern, inspired by the constantly changing shapes and shadows of the clouds over the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, comprising 107,000 0.8- and 1.2-millimeter perforations. A single craftsperson checks each perforation to ensure absolute uniformity.

Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan Series II: The Alter Ego, Evolved

Stay tuned to this space for a preview of Cullinan Series II’s alter ego, Black Badge Cullinan Series II.

Black Badge Cullinan Series II, an evolved, more visceral expression of Rolls-Royce, caters to a select subset of Rolls-Royce clients with specific tastes and priorities; offers unique Black Badge exterior coachwork and interior details developed for Series II; and features a more overt and expressive application of contemporary materials and technologies.

Black Badge Cullinan Series II
May 07

Exploring Acura’s First EV: The Powerful and Advanced ZDX Type S

Unveiling Acura’s Most Potent SUV

Acura has introduced its most powerful SUV to date with the ZDX Type S, boasting nearly 500 horsepower and an impressive 544 pound-feet of torque. This electric vehicle not only surpasses the hybrid NSX Type S supercar in torque but also outshines luxury EVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 and Audi SQ8 e-tron in terms of horsepower. Built in collaboration with General Motors, the ZDX Type S is a testament to Acura’s commitment to electrification.

Innovative Collaboration and Design

The ZDX, developed alongside GM engineers, draws power from a 102-kWh GM Ultium battery pack, sharing components with Cadillac’s Lyriq and Chevrolet’s Blazer EV. The vehicle’s exterior dimensions mirror those of the Lyriq, highlighting the influence of GM’s design and engineering expertise. This partnership between an American and a Japanese automaker has resulted in a unique blend of innovation and performance, evident in the ZDX’s capabilities.

Performance and Range Options

The ZDX offers both single and dual-motor configurations, with the rear-wheel-drive model delivering an EPA-estimated range of 313 miles. A DC fast-charging station can add up to 81 miles of range in about 10 minutes, reaching 80 percent charge in just over 40 minutes. While the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version offers slightly less range, the Type S model achieves 278 miles before needing a recharge, balancing power and efficiency.

Compared to rivals from Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis, the ZDX may take longer to charge but compensates with greater range and power. The vehicle is also equipped with an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, marking Acura’s first use of this high-end sound system, commonly found in luxury brands like Lamborghini and Bentley. This addition ensures a premium in-car experience, perfect for enjoying tracks like Eddie Grant’s “Electric Avenue.”

interior of car with red seats
The ZDX Type S is the most powerful SUV Acura has ever made. Image: Acura

Leveraging GM’s Expertise for Economies of Scale

GM has supplied the battery, frame, suspension, chassis, powertrain, and electrical architecture for the ZDX, while Acura focused on the design and build above the chassis. This collaboration has allowed both automakers to leverage their strengths, providing a cost-effective and efficient production process. Notably, the ZDX retains GM’s one-pedal driving feature, praised by Acura’s development team for its seamless functionality.

Future Prospects and Technological Innovations

Looking ahead, Acura’s first foray into the EV market with the ZDX sets a strong foundation, though the brand has no plans to return to hybrid technology. Instead, Acura aims to explore solid-state batteries and hydrogen-powered vehicles in collaboration with GM. These advancements signify Acura’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation and sustainability.

The ZDX qualifies for the federal $7,500 tax credit, bringing its starting price to $57,500. With additional options like the striking Double Apex Blue Pearl color, Acura’s EV offers a blend of performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology that positions it as a formidable contender in the electric vehicle market.

May 01

The Zeekr MIX Is Not The Next Waymo Self Driving EV

The Geely SEA-M platform used on this car will be used for Waymo’s Robotaxi.

Out of all the dubious self-driving tech startups and software, Waymo’s pulled ahead of the pack as one of the few that work. If you’ve been to San Fransisco, you’d probably recognize the slow-selling Jaguar I-Pace models decked out in cyberpunk-esque growths on the body that run the Lidar and Radar units that let Waymo’s cars drive themselves. Of course, those growths aren’t all that attractive. And why the hell would a self-driving car need a steering wheel anyway? To surmount these problems, Waymo partnered with Zeekr for a steering-wheel-less self-driving car previewed at the LA Auto Show, officially called the Zeekr M-Vision.

极氪MIX-左车头俯45度

Geely and Zeekr say that the Vision M prototypes are in Waymo’s hands, but we haven’t seen them used on roads even two years later. But, at this year’s Auto China 2024 (Beijing Auto Show), Zeekr unveiled a thinly veiled concept car that looks pretty close in concept to Waymo’s purpose-built vehicle – the Zeekr Mix. Is this the actual production model of Waymo’s self-driving cab? Well, no, not quite, according to Zeekr.

Zeekr Has Global Aspirations

Zeekr plans to expand to more than 50 more markets around the world this year. The U.S. and Canada may not be part of them, but the brand has collaborated with Waymo for its self-driving autonomous driving concept. Zeekr’s parent company, Geely, owns controlling stakes in Polestar and Volvo.

It’s hard to ignore what we see in reality, no? Like the Vision M, the Zeekr MIX is a short, five-passenger MPV-like vehicle. It has integrated the structural portions of the B-pillars into its sliding doors, allowing for a pillar-less walkthrough design when both doors are open. It’s got narrow frame rails that increase the turning circle. It has a steer-by-wire that Zeekr says “allows for variable steering ratios and the potential to decouple steering wheel for future high-level intelligent driving.” There’s also a Lidar unit on the roof – come on, Zeekr, we all have eyes – this is Waymo’s new self-driving car, right?

架构+上车身+车门+轮廓

Zeekr’s representatives insisted that despite what we’ve seen on the turntable in hall E1 at The New China International Exhibition Center, the Mix differs from the M Vision. However, the brand did admit that the two cars share a lot under the skin, and the Vice President of Geely Design, Stefan Sielaff, understood why some might think this. The similarities are striking, and both use a variant of the Geely SEA platform that underpins vehicles like the Polestar, called SEA-M. The SEA-M platform includes all the aforementioned provisions and alterations to the standard SEA platform to make the Mix’s people-first interior possible.

架构透视+外轮廓

“The M-Vision was developed with Waymo; we innovated and tailor fit the platform [with the] bare necessities for robotaxis, the [needs of] which are definitely different for private users,” said Sielaff during a Zeekr roundtable event at Auto China 2024. “It can be used for commuting, but also be used as a sort of living room, used when you go out. It’s a completely different user case, so we need a completely different design for this market,” he continued.

It’s true, the M-Vision’s interior is very spartan and hard, no doubt due to the fact it needs to be a serviceable taxicab meant to see oodles of passengers in its theoretical service. The Mix, like other Zeekr vehicles, is downright lush in its appearance.

极氪MIX内饰-2

“The Mix is a bit more of an unconventional product; it’s more of an iPod on wheels, a kind of lifestyle capsule,” said Sielaff. “The main focus is families,” he continued. Thus, many features are incorporated that are supposed to transform into a sort of living room on wheels. The front and rear seats can completely face each other, and the interior is full of the usual assortment of screens found in the interior.

The Zeekr Mix probably won’t make it out of China, but the SEA-M platform will. Zeekr says it was designed to fit a multitude of utility-oriented solutions, whether that’s a commercial vehicle, robotaxi, or something else. Curiously, the brand says that vehicles on the platform would qualify for a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

极氪MIX-隐藏B柱对开门-2

I couldn’t get too close to the Mix; Zeekr claims this is still a concept for now. Sielaff and the rest of the Zeekr crew said the production model would look pretty much the same as what we’ve already seen.

May 01

Kids on Bus OK, SUV Driver Hurt in North Peru Crash

It sure could have been a lot worse. Nevertheless, when a school bus is involved in a crash, worries abound.

Wednesday afternoon just after 3:00, crews responded to the area of Route 251 and May Road in Peru. That’s where a Ford Escape had just collided with a school bus carrying passengers.

The kids were reported to be OK. The driver of the SUV was the only person injured, and was transported to a hospital.

May Road was closed temporarily following the accident. WLPO was at the scene and reported the Ford had been hauled away, and officials were preparing to re-open the road, within 45 minutes of the first dispatch call.

May 01

4 students involved in Peru bus crash

A school bus was involved in a collision reported at 3:05 p.m. Wednesday on May Road east of Route 251 in Peru. None of the four students on board nor the bus driver were injured, Peru Police Chief Sarah Raymond said.

May Road was closed to through traffic by police at the Airport Road. The crash site was on May Road, just east of the QuikTrip.

The crash appeared to involve an Illinois Central School Bus with minor damage to the rear, however, a silver sport utility vehicle had heavy front-end damage and was placed on a flatbed truck to be towed. The driver of the SUV had a head injury, but the severity of it was unknown, Raymond said. The driver was alert and conscious, Raymond said.

Peru firefighters walk past an Illinois Central School bus that was involved in a crash Wednesday, May 1, 2024, that occurred just after 3 p.m. in front of the entrance on May Road in Peru.

May 01

2 die, 5 injured in crash of SUV, pickup on rural Hendricks County crossroads

Two adults died, another was in critical condition, and four more people were hospitalized after an SUV and a pickup crashed Wednesday morning at a rural crossroads in southern Hendricks County, the sheriff’s office says.

The names of the people in the crash were not shared in a news release issued Wednesday afternoon from the sheriff’s office.

Hendricks County deputies were sent about 7:35 a.m. Wednesday to the intersection of South County Road 0 and County Road 900 South. That’s north of the unincorporated community of Hazelwood, which is about 10 miles south of downtown Danville, the Hendricks County seat.

Deputies arrived to find two severely damaged vehicles: a black Chevrolet Traverse SUV that carried four adults, and a black GMC Sierra pickup that carried an adult and two children.

Investigators think the the SUV was eastbound on County Road 900 South when it disregarded a stop sign at South County Road 0. The SUV hit the pickup that was northbound on South County Road 0. Investigators also believe the SUV’s excessive speed may have contributed to the crash.

Two passengers in the SUV died in the crash. Another passenger from the SUV was in critical condition at an area hospital, the release said. The SUV driver was stable when taken to an area hospital.

The driver and two children in the pickup also were stable when taken to an area hospital, the sheriff’s office says.

Toxicology results were pending. No criminal charges have been filed as of Wednesday afternoon.

May 01

InsideEVs Enhances Reader Experience with Daily Newsletter ‘The Update

Longtime readers of InsideEVs have hopefully noticed quite a few changes here over the past few months. We’ve added new team members, doubled down on original reporting, broadened our focus on electric vehicle newcomers and the broader tech space, and even retooled how our car reviews work. In other words, we’ve been quite busy, especially since all of that has happened in a world that simply refuses to give us a slow news day.

Now, we’re working to bring all of that back to your inbox every single weekday.

I’m pleased to announce that the once-weekly InsideEVs email newsletter, which we hit pause on several months ago, is back in Monday-Friday form. It even has a new name: The Update, since, you know, you’re getting it over the air.

To get it, all you have to do is sign up below. And you should, because that way you get our top stories delivered right to your desktop, mobile phone, Mercedes Hyperscreen or other preferred means of viewing the internet.

If you’re already signed up from the old era, great! You should start getting these again starting today. Check your spam folders if you don’t, and make sure you put us on your approved sender list on whatever mail platform you prefer.

We have more to come on the newsletter front soon, including turning our morning Critical Materials roundup into an a.m. email digest as well, and possibly even breaking news alerts.

What do you want to see from us there? What would make your InsideEVs reading experience even better? Let us know in the comments, but above all, thanks for tuning in.

May 01

Lamborghini Urus SE: A Luxury Sports SUV With Hybrid Superpowers

When Lamborghini first introduced the Urus SUV, critics were skeptical. It was seen more as a trend than a legitimate performance car. Little did they know how popular this sporty, compact V8-powered SUV with 657 hp would prove: In 2023, after just six years, the Urus accounted for 60% of Lamborghini’s sales, selling more than 6,000 units.

Last week, Lamborghini introduced a redesign of the Urus that’s intended to continue the trend. The redesigned Urus is designated “SE:” “S” indicates the S trim of the SUV and “E” designates the addition of a plug-in electric power train. The idea behind this technology is to boost the performance of the gas engine with a jolt of electricity.

The Urus SE plug-in hybrid electric adds a 25.9 kWh electric system to the V8 engine of the S model, taking the SUV’s horsepower from 657 to 789. And its $258,000 starting price is about a $23,000 premium over the S model (but still less than the Performante, priced at about $260,000, which generates 657 hp and has enhanced suspension and other race-capable features).

And then, the Urus SE holds a little secret: Among its 11 drive modes is Max Performance, a launch mode that sends all 789 hp instantly to the wheels for a 20-second blast of power.

I got a peek at the Urus SE in New York at Club Lamborghini, the brand’s dedicated space in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. And I was able to climb in and experience the entire car, powered but not drivable, to see what this special SUV is all about.

Electric Driving When You Want, Electric Boost When You Need It

The Urus SE hybrid gives drivers a choice in how they use the battery electric power. Some may appreciate that electric driving—the Urus SE has an all-electric range of about 35 miles—reduces the conspicuousness of this car. This will no doubt be an advantage late at night or on quiet neighborhood streets.

But drivers who are after all the power the hybrid powertrain can produce will enjoy getting to know the Urus SE’s 11 drive modes.

Yes, 11 drive modes. They are found on two drive mode selectors: one on the left of the red aluminum framed start button and one on the right. The left drive mode selector offers Lamborghini’s standard drive modes—Strada, or street; Sport and Corso, or track. Urus offers three additional modes that allow drivers to take advantage of Urus’ higher ground clearance and all wheel drive: Sabbia (sand), Terra (off road) and Neve (snow).

The hybrid gear selector on the right of the start button adds four more: With Strada mode selected, EV mode can be used for all electric driving; tap hybrid mode for combined gas and electric or tap recharge to reduce electric output and charge the battery. Or, put the left mode selector into Corso and tap Performance mode on the right. This will maximize the electric boost of the hybrid system.

Max Performance Is A 20-Second Blast Of Wow

Performance mode is Lamborghini’s launch control system, a favorite of electric car engineers who have found that the technology easily mimics more complicated launch control systems designed for drag racing in cars such as the Mustang GT and the Dodge Challenger Demon. When Max Performance is selected, a countdown clock pops up on the driver display giving the driver 20 seconds of instant 789 hp.

If the process is too much manage on a sporty drive, there’s a small button on the lower right side of the steering wheel with a stopwatch icon; just tap that and instantly the system switches to Max Performance mode. The driver can simply floor the accelerator for what promises to be quite the thrill.

A Redesign That Offers More To Love

The redesign of the Urus isn’t simply about added power; it has subtle new details inside and out, too. On the exterior, the Urus SE has a new hood line that draws on the design of the Lamborghini Revuelto, the brand’s first plug-in electric hybrid, as well as new headlights and lower air intake vents. On the rear, there’s a new diffuser that incorporates the brand’s heritage hexagonal design language and frames the iconic Y design tail lamps.

Inside, the Urus continues its “jet cockpit” design with control panels under the screen that hold toggle switches for Ego (eco mode), traction control and window defrosters. Taking a few cues from sister SUVs, Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q8, there is a larger multimedia screen and more conveniences, including electric performance monitoring. All drive modes can be selected on the multimedia screen, too.

A second screen below the multimedia screen holds climate controls; it is now a bit larger, too.

The interior is finished in a combination of black leather with orange accents, carbon fiber and microsuede, the ideal upholstery to keep driver and passengers from sliding around on the drive. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is wrapped in microsuede giving the driver optimal grip.

The front seats have adjustable side bolsters to further keep driver and passenger from moving around. And they feature heating, cooling and massage, an important stress-reducer after a long day on the track.

The Urus SE comfortably seats 4 or 5 passengers. Rear seat passengers will be able to sit back in leather and microsuede bucket seats and have climate controls, air vents, USB-C ports and an arm rest with cup holders that pulls down from the center of the seat back. A panoramic sunroof spans the cabin, and a nicely sized cargo area under the hatch thoughtfully includes a cargo management system to ensure groceries or luggage are secure during the drive.

Luxurious Design, But A Subtle Nod To Urus SE’s Power

The Urus SE will make its way to dealers by the end of the year, though it’s available for pre-order right now. The model we toured featured all the luxury details a buyer would expect, and was shown in one of two new paint colors: a bright orange metallic—orange being an iconic luxury signaler—called Arancio Egon. The other new color is called Bianco Sapphirus, a sparkly metallic white.

The name Lamborghini, spelled out across the lift gate in gloss black in the brand’s iconic cursive, sits just under the rear spoiler. But the Urus name and SE designation are absent. The model’s name is only found subtly spelled out on the lower rocker panel near the rear wheels. This, and a quiet electric drive, are the only external indicators that this is the most powerful Lamborghini Urus on the road.

May 01

Land Rover’s Defender 130 Outbound: Combining Toughness with Urban Sophistication

Unveiling the 2024 Defender: Where Rugged Meets Refined

The 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound seamlessly bridges the gap between America’s rugged farmlands and sleek city streets. This model is not just another luxury SUV; it’s a bold statement of adventure and elegance, designed to captivate both traditionalists and modern explorers. Powered by a 500PS supercharged V8 engine, the Defender 130 Outbound accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in a swift 5.7 seconds.

Power and Versatility

We tested the 300PS version, but the 500PS variant truly shines with its mix of comfort and performance. With up to 88.8 cubic feet of cargo space, it’s perfect for both work and play, handling all your equipment effortlessly. The optional Satin Protective Film and Shadow Atlas Matt finish ensure the vehicle remains resilient against harsh outdoor conditions while maintaining a stylish look.

Interior Excellence and Features

The Defender 130 Outbound’s interior is a blend of comfort and practicality. It offers options from luxurious Windsor leather to durable Resist fabric interiors, all in a sophisticated Ebony finish. Features like durable rubber floor matting and a new cargo net keep your gear secure no matter the terrain.

Superior Capability and Luxury

The Defender’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and Terrain Response 2® systems deliver unmatched performance on any landscape. With Electronic Air Suspension and Adaptive Dynamics as standard, the vehicle can wade through water up to 900mm deep and tow up to 3,000kg, making it both a luxurious SUV and a robust workhorse. While some may feel these modern enhancements deviate from its rugged roots, they signify a forward-looking approach that integrates tradition with luxury.

A New Era of Adventure

Land Rover’s latest models, including the Defender 130 Outbound and the potent V8 variant, along with the heritage-inspired County Exterior Pack for the Defender 110, highlight the brand’s vision of combining adventure with luxury. These new offerings mark a significant moment for the Defender line, providing more choices and elevated experiences for those who seek extraordinary journeys.

For those eager to embark on unique adventures in style, the new Defender lineup promises exceptional experiences. Land Rover is not just pushing boundaries; it’s redefining them. Whether navigating rugged trails or cruising urban streets, the Defender 130 Outbound ensures every journey is both luxurious and memorable.

May 01

How Much Does It Cost To Ship a Car in 2024?

Shipping a car can be an effective way to send your car across the country without trailering it.

Ok, so you’re moving in 2024. That’s great! However, you have a couple of cars and don’t want to make multiple trips or rent a trailer. How much does it cost to ship a car, truck, or SUV in 2024? Is it worth the expense?

Depending on where you’re sending it, it could cost between $500 and $2,500 to ship a car in 2024

The national average cost to ship a car in the United States is around $1,150. However, that figure depends on factors like distance, vehicle type, shipping method, and price per mile. Fortunately, there’s plenty of competition among shippers, so owners can ship their cars for as little as $0.60 per mile.

While that may seem like a significant expense to contend with, it could be worth it. For starters, shippers can collect your vehicle, drop it off at an address across the country, and insure it against damages while in transit. That’s good news for owners looking to ship collectible or valuable vehicles like classic cars.

Teslas on a being shipped on a car transporter.
Teslas on a truck | Sundry Photography via iStock

Understandably, though, not every type of vehicle demands the same price to ship. For instance, Forbes reports that prices can often vary between $150 and $250 depending on vehicle type. However, at an average shipping cost of around $1,050 and $2,450, shipping a full-size pickup truck could realistically cost around $550 more to ship than a sedan.

Still, getting your vehicle sent directly to your destination could be worth the extra spending. A move is expensive and difficult enough without the hassle of renting a car trailer, loading your vehicle, and moving it cross-country. However, attaching a trailer with your vehicle to your rented moving truck or full-size pickup truck is much more affordable than commissioning a shipper.