Tag Archives: Design

What Does Santa Drive?

Santa Claus after a night of hard work.

Sure, you might think that dear old Santa Claus is just some jolly gift giver. But look closer, and it’s hard not to be impressed.

This is a guy who runs a major distribution operation at the North Pole, a privately held enterprise that procures goods year ‘round, listens to customers and fulfills their requests in one short night. And you thought Amazon Prime was quick? Yeah, right.

And just try parallel parking eight reindeer and a sleigh without any automated driver assist systems. Good luck. 

But it begs the question, what does this much beloved, highly placed, international executive drive? No one really knows, but here are some possibilities.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer - by castle
The new Grand Wagoneer is powered by a 6.4-liter V-8 putting out 471 horsepower, making it a great daily driver

Jeep Grand Wagoneer: Given Santa’s advancing years, his comfort is a priority. But there’s work to be done, so ol’ Saint Nick needs a lot of utility and the ability to go anywhere at any time no matter what the weather. Few vehicles do it as well as the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, especially on unimproved roads.

Santa values the Grand Wagoneer’s Quadra-Drive II with active low range, rear electronic limited slip differential, terrain management system, its 48:1 crawl ratio, and ability to ford up to 24 inches of water yet tow 10,000 pounds. Yet its cabin possesses artisan-levels of craftsmanship, something unexpected yet welcome.

But it’s more than capability or its opulent interior. This is one high-tech sled, with a full 45 inches of video screens on the instrument panel. And having such a large vehicle at the North Pole is comforting when driving in bleak weather and Rudolph is playing reindeer games.

Ford F-150 hybrid powering Texas home 2020
The Ford F-150 Hybrid is good source of power should it go out at the North Pole.

Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid: Eight reindeer eating lots of Reindeer Chow leads to a lot of — ahem — mess to clean up. A pickup makes for the perfect polar workhorse, especially the 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid.

Its twin-turbocharged and intercooled 3.5-liter overhead-cam V-6 mated to an electric motor that generates 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque and returns an EPA-rated of 24 mpg. And it can tow 12,700 pounds, enough to haul a trailer with all eight reindeer and their chow. It also boasts an integrated generator, with 7.2 kilowatts of power, enough to help power key appliances when the power goes out.

And when Santa needs his truck to be his office, there’s a 400-watt outlet for running office equipment, and a center armrest that converts to a flat work surface, with a storage bin beneath it large to hang file folders. And the front seats fold flat to create a bed that’s perfect for the quick nap away from Mrs. Claus. Ho, ho, ho. 

The new Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid can travel up to 30 miles in electric-only mode, and carry a whole pack of elves.

Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid: When you need to move a mess of elves, few vehicles can handle it with the aplomb of the 2022 Chrysler. Sure, Santa needs a minivan to schlep his staff, and the Pacifica proves the ideal solution. There’s more legroom than many full-size SUVs, and abundant cargo space.

To keep them all occupied, there’s Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and for 2022, Amazon Fire TV streaming for rear-seat passengers. Powering the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is the corporate 3.6-liter double-overhead cam V-6, albeit modified for hybrid duties, working in concert with two electric motors to deliver 260 horsepower to the front wheels.

It run 33 miles solely on electric power, enough to quickly pop across town. And the EPA says that you can save $800 annually in fuel costs compared to the standard Pacifica minivan.

Mrs. Claus loves the Genesis GV80’s understated opulence

Genesis GV80: The lavish GV80 is an all-new model for Genesis, one that guarantees Santa’s other half will be wearing the latest in bold automotive fashion, and enjoy the latest in seamless technology including all-wheel drive.

Mrs. Claus loves the extensive suite of driver-assistance safety features and helpful technology such as the head-up display and a huge 14.5-inch touchscreen. The quilted leather upholstery, and rear seats that adjust with heated and cooled cushions seem positively lavish.

And when it comes to indulgence, the same can be said of its performance, thanks to its 375-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6. It’s a sweet ride for the missus.

Mercedes-Maybach S 680: A night on the town calls for a righteous ride, one that’s appropriate of Santa’s station. Is there another executive shuttle to match the technology, ability and finely crafted interior of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class? The Maybach trim level turns up the luxury to 11, while retaining the sort of convenience features essential to older drivers.

When all the gifts have been delivered, and every stocking stuffed, Santa enjoys a good rip behind the wheel of the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

One such feature, Night View Assist Plus, ensures the driver doesn’t hit any wildlife. ANd its quilted leather and hushed ambience, makes every ride a special occasion. And let’s not forget its 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12; it propels this massive Merc to 60 in just 4.4 seconds. And considering how much Santa has given others, this bit of indulgence is worth it.

Mazda MX-5 Miata: The stockings are stuffed, the presents placed under the tree, and now it’s Miller time. Even Santa needs to let his hair down to enjoy a few ho, ho, hos in warm weather.

You can almost see him zipping around Palm Springs in the Mazda MX-5 Miata. It’s a modern-day classic with great looks, light weight and crisp handling.

First Look: 2022 Rolls Royce Ghost Black Badge

Who would have thought you could make the Rolls-Royce Ghost look so sinister?

Rolls-Royce revealed a new addition to the Rolls-Royce Ghost line-up in Miami Thursday — the Black Badge — during a North America dealer meeting that saw about 100 retailers meet with the automaker’s top executives. 

The automaker revealed the new model to dealers at the Mad nightclub in the hip and trendy Wynnewood section of Miami, and will do the same for customers later this week.

“We just felt this was very Black Badge,” said Richard Carter, director of communications for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “It’s very, noir; It’s very alternative; and that’s the essence of Black Badge.”

The Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge expands a line-up that began with the Wraith coupe, followed by the Phantom sedan in 2016, the Dawn cabriolet in 2017 and the Cullinan SUV in 2019. The murdered-out Black Badge models now account for more than 27% of Rolls-Royce sales worldwide, including 40% of Cullinan sales.

The darker side of opulence

To realize the Ghost Black Badge’s menacing demeanor, the company uses 100 pounds of the industry’s darkest black paint. The Spirit of Ecstasy and Pantheon Grille are darkened using a chrome electrolyte applied during chrome plating. The new model wears exclusive 21-inch wheels with as many as 44 layers of carbon fiber.

The 2022 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge can be had in more that 44,000 different hues, although most Black Badge customers choose black.

As you’d expect, interior components are darkened including air vents and the wood veneer, along with Black Badge badging and other unique interior touches, although clients are free to specify any number of colors and trim to be used on the car’s interior.

Engineers also contributed, fitting larger air springs to alleviate body roll during assertive cornering. There’s also roughly 29 additional horsepower and a revised transmission to make the Black Badge a bit more athletic. They also reduced brake pedal travel.

A quick turn behind the wheel of pre-production prototypes revealed a car that can be driven more aggressively than your average Ghost. Grip is impressive while cornering, staying firmly planted despite some noticeable body roll. Body motions never become excessive, and rebound over bumps is very well controlled. Yet its agility doesn’t come at the expense of the brand’s legendary comfort.

An idea born in Beverly Hills

The idea of Black Badge occurred in 2014 in Beverly Hills.

“This whole notion of the alter ego of Rolls Royce, the slightly noir, naughty, edgy side of Rolls Royce is something that we were thinking about. We were looking at ways and means of lowering the age profile of our brand,” Carter said.

The Pantheon Grille and Spirit of Ecstasy also receive the Black Badge treatment.

At the time, the brand had one model, the Phantom, and an average buyer’s age of 57. “We were selling one model to a dying set of customers, and there was no future in that,” he said.

At the time, the company was about to release the first-generation Ghost, followed by its two-door spinoff, the Wraith, both of which would attract younger buyers. But the company needed more. They were searching for an idea, but hadn’t settled on anything yet.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, chief executive officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, was waiting for a car to pick him up at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills when a murdered-out Phantom Coupe pulled up. Ötvös was stunned, and asked the owner why he modified his Phantom.

“He told me over the weekend, that he wants to be a different kind of character,” Ötvös said. “For some of the week, he is friendly and nice. But over the weekend, he wants to be something different. He enjoyed playing a different role; how he was dressed, looked and talked.” 

A couple weeks later, Ötvös had similar experiences particularly in the United States, particularly in California. This led to the creation of Black Badge at a time where murdered-out cars weren’t mainstream.

A surprising success

The Ghost Black Badge is revealed for the first time at the Mad nightclub in Miami.

Initially, executives expected Black Badge models to have a 10%-15% take rate. But they were mistaken. It turned out to be a stunning success, with a far higher take rate. Currently, Black Badge represents 40% of Cullinan sales. Black Badge, along with new models like Ghost, Wraith and Cullinan, have brought the average Rolls-Royce buyer’s age down to 43, quite a large drop in a little less than a decade. 

“We are even younger than Mini as a brand in the BMW Group,” Ötvös said, who then explained that the type of wealthy car buyer has changed. 

“When you look into ultra-high net worth individuals, those people who are our target group worldwide, they became younger and younger over time because the way to generate wealth is very, very different from what it used to be 15-to-20 years ago.”

Rolls-Royce sees its Black Badge line as one that appeals to iconoclasts, a type of buyer that the brand has always attracted, particularly during the pre-World War II years, when all coachwork was custom built.

“Black Badge was the most instrumental piece we had in an all-new brand strategy to massively decrease the average age and illuminate the brand in a significant way,” Ötvös said. 

Mission accomplished.

Audi’s Grandsphere Concept is a “Private Jet for the Road”

The new Grandsphere is the second of three futuristic concept vehicles Audi is introducing as a way to examine the massive transformation it sees coming as automakers combine cutting edge technology with more traditional luxury features.

Audi Grandsphere concept side
The second of three “Sphere” concepts from Audi, the Grandsphere will go on public display next week at the Munich Motor Show.

The all-electric, fully autonomous Audi Grandsphere can be seen as a four-wheeled luxury jet or, if you prefer, a “first class lounge” on wheels. While the Audi concept is part of a long history of fantasy-in-chrome show cars, the automaker contends it shouldn’t be dismissed outright.

“The technologies and design features assembled in it are expected to turn up again in future Audi series,” the automaker said in a statement released ahead of next week’s Munich Motor Show where the show car will be officially unveiled. “The Audi Grandsphere concept illustrates the brand’s claim that it is becoming a trendsetter at the top of the automotive industry for technological transformation and completely new, holistic mobility offerings.”

Second of three

From a design perspective, the Grandsphere is a bit less radical of a departure than the earlier Skysphere which had the ability to stretch its length by nearly a foot, transforming itself from a sporty grand tourer into a mobile living room. The Grandsphere measures 17.6 feet, nose-to-tail, and vaguely resembles a stretched version of Audi’s current A7 line.

Audi Grandsphere concept rear
Audi describe’s the Grandsphere as a “private jet on wheels.”

The technology built into the Audi Grandsphere falls roughly into three distinct categories. To start with, the show vehicle uses an all-electric drivetrain pairing twin motors — one on each axle — to produce 711 horsepower and 686 pound-feet of torque. According to Audi, that would permit a launch from 0-100 kmh, or 62 mph, in about 4.2 seconds.

Range is 750 kilometers, or 466 miles, using a 120 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. The system operates at 800 volts and can draw up to 270 kW from a Level 3 quick charger, letting it go from a 5 to 80% state-of-charge in just 25 minutes. In 10 minutes, it would yield another 300 km, or about 186 miles.

“Its range and charging speed can keep pace with those of combustion engines, making it the perfect universal car for everyday needs,” Audi claims.

Driving on its own

The Gransphere, meanwhile, features Level 4 autonomy. That’s not quite go-anywhere, anytime capability but could allow a driver to effectively hand off control on most roads and under most weather conditions.

Audi Grandsphere concept steering wheel
The concept uses an all-electric drivetrain pairing twin motors — one on each axle — to produce 711 horsepower and 686 pound-feet of torque.

When that were to happen, the concept could be transformed into a mobile lounge, with business jet roominess and seats that could recline or even swivel.

“In level 4 driving, the steering wheel and pedals disappear and the front area of the cabin becomes actual free space in all its breadth, with a perfect view through the large front and side windows, as well as maximum possibilities for movement,” Audi explained.

And this is where the third level of technology comes into play, the interior becoming a showcase of smart functions.

Sitting back and enjoying the ride

“The driver and passenger positions are automatically detected and an array of personal comfort features — such as the climate control settings and the seats — are adjusted for the individual seats,” noted the Audi statement. “At the same time, the infotainment system accesses the passengers’ most recently used services and seamlessly resumes them inside the car. For instance, a video that a passenger was streaming on a tablet is automatically played back over the display surface in the Audi Grandsphere.”

Audi Grandsphere concept interior w:o steering wheel
The concept could be transformed into a mobile lounge, with business jet roominess and seats that could recline or even swivel.

Numerous surfaces, in fact, double as video displays. And while it’s not quite up to Star Trek tech, there’s even what Audi calls a “holoride” system using VR, or virtual reality, glasses stored in pockets on the doors.

There’s actually a fourth level of technology built into Grandsphere, an active suspension system that uses sensors to not only respond to road surfaces but also predict how to respond before the concept hits a bump or pothole.

“That makes it possible to actively control the state of the chassis and therefore significantly reduce pitching and plunging when accelerating or braking,” the automaker said. “Thanks to the front camera, which recognizes unevenness, the adjustments happen predictively. The navigation system’s topographical data are also used to integrate curve radii, gradients, and inclines into the system’s projection.”

While Audi says the Grandsphere is a concept vehicle, it contends it will serve to influence future models it is working on.

Next up is the Audi Urbansphere. Set to debut sometime in 2022, that concept will show the sort of design and technologies the automaker believes will find a place in future products targeted for application in the crowded cities of tomorrow.

A New Interior for an Iconic Mercedes-Benz Model

Having first divulged the redesigned 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL’s architecture in May, Mercedes-Benz revealed another piece of the product puzzle Tuesday, unveiling the SL’s new cabin, even as test mule photos have already appeared online.

The new Mercedes-AMG SL’s center console.

“This roadster has stood for automotive fascination and desire for decades,” said Gorden Wagener Chief Design Officer Daimler Group. He characterizes the new SL’s interior as, “a great opportunity and challenge for design, because every designer wants to create icons. The result is a revolutionary interior experience caught between digital and analog luxury.”

More space for passengers

For the first time since the 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL R 129 model, the SL boasts a 2+2 seating configuration finished in single- or two-tone Nappa Leather, Nappa Leather with the now-ubiquitous diamond stitching, or a mix of Nappa Leather with Dinamica Race microfiber and contrasting topstitching in yellow or red. The last is, perhaps, the most ecologically sensitive choice, as Dinamica is an Italian-produced recycled microfiber made from polyester fibers and plastic bottles. 

While the addition of rear seats suggests the new model has a more spacious usable cabin, Mercedes-Benz did not provide any specifications. 

A far more refined interior

The new SL boasts a 2+2 seating configuration.

The new instrument panel is anchored by a center-mounted 11.9-inch center-mounted multimedia touchscreen alongside a 12.3-inch high-resolution LCD instrument cluster.

The screen’s massive vertical orientation is a switch from the horizontal one used previously. It’s framed in a gently sinuous motif that envelopes the touchscreen and flows into the center console, offsetting the screen’s rectilinear form.

Mercedes-AMG’s signature air-conditioning vents used in the AMG GT dot the instrument panel, which has a far more integrated appearance, wrapping seamlessly into the doors, unlike the 2021 SL. The design’s finesse possesses an artistry clearly lacking in the previous model, which looked as if an engineer, not a designer, had cobbled together the interior.

The new instrument panel is anchored by a center-mounted 11.9-inch center-mounted multimedia touchscreen.

Technology

For many drivers, the performance of a vehicle’s infotainment system is as important as the car’s overall performance. In the SL’s case, the touchscreen uses the latest-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience software, while the instrument cluster can be customized. A head-up display is optional, and can be personalized to match the instrument cluster’s appearance. Further technology details were not disclosed.

New ways to achieve old objectives

The new interior resides in a vehicle that adheres to the original SL’s goal of being Super Leicht, or Super Light. Engineers are using aluminum, steel, magnesium and composites to shed weight from the vehicle, with its spaceframe weighing in at 595 pounds.

“Compared to the previous model series, the torsional stiffness of the bodyshell structure increased by 18 percent. The transverse rigidity is 50% higher than that of the AMG GT Roadster, while the longitudinal rigidity is 40% higher,” said Jochen Hermann, chief technical officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The first-generation 300 SL roadster interior.

A model steeped in history

The company is calling the 2022 SL a “reinterpretation” of the original coupe from 1954. 

The SL’s life began as a racecar, one built with an innovative spaceframe design to keep weight down. Debuting at 1952 Mille Miglia, the 300 SL came in second, going on to win races at the Nürburgring, Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana.

Its success caught the attention of Mercedes-Benz importer Max Hoffman, who asked Daimler-Benz to make a production version of the 300 SL race car. Debuting at the 1954 New York Auto Show, it featured roof-hinged gullwing doors and thick door sills, as the race car’s space frame design dictated using non-traditional doors.

The new 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL’s interior.

Its design would be built for three years until it was modified into a roadster, beginning the iconic car’s long history.

Mercedes-Benz is looking to reconnect the new model’s aura with that of its long-ago forbearer in the eyes of customers. “The new SL is the rebirth of an icon for the modern era,” said Philipp Schiemer, chairman of the Board of Management at Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Given consumers declining appetite for coupes and roadsters, fielding a new SL is imperative. Having sold 7,007 units when last redesigned in 2013, last year, the SL found a mere 1,784 buyers, down nearly 75 percent. 

Time will tell if even the best that Mercedes-Benz has to offer is enough to entice buyers to once again consider an SL. 

2022 Mercedes-AMG SL ­— Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a new Mercedes SL coming out?

There’s an all-new redesigned SL-Class debuting for 2022 after a short hiatus. Expect to see it in showrooms by the end of the year.

How much will the 2022 Mercedes SL cost?

Pricing has not been announced, but its closest competitor is the BMW 8 Series Convertible which starts at $94,400.

What does SL mean on a Mercedes-Benz?

SL is an abbreviation from the German term Super-Leicht, or Super Light, and derives from the construction method used on the first SL, built in 1954.

2022 BMW 2 Series Coupes Coming Soon

BMW 2 Series coupes

The 2022 BMW 2 Series coupes are on their way. Dynamic testing, drivetrain, and suspension tuning on the two-door compact are nearing conclusion. Production begins in the late summer of 2021.

BMW 2 Series coupesThe new BMW 2 Series is being described as more nimble, agile, and powerful than previous models.

Tuning and testing at Nurburgring’s Nordschleife and on public roads around Munich, the new 2’s drivability is key.

BMW 2 Series coupes

The 230i and M240i AWD will be the first out of the gate, with the 230i xDrive and M240i to follow.

The M240i xDrive has a 3.0 liter, inline 6-cylinder TwinPower turbo under hood, producing 382 horsepower. Backed up by a standard 8-speed sport Steptronic automatic, alas there’s no mention of a manual transmission option.

xDrive AWD systems have an M sport rear differential to add traction and stability while accelerating, according to BMW.

BMW 2 Series coupes

There’s a front lip spoiler, splitter, air curtains, deflectors, and underfloor covers for the fuel tank and rear differential. BMW attributes a 50-percent reduction in front-end lift to the aerodynamic package.

Twelve percent more torsionally rigid than its predecessor, BMW has also increased front and rear tracks to add rigidity.

BMW 2 Series coupes

New shocks enhance ride comfort, while better responding to road conditions. The optional Adaptive M suspension adds electronically-controlled shocks with settings that are more dynamic or comfort-oriented.

Improved road feel comes from new, stiffer front axle support bearings. Another option, variable sports steering, reduces steering effort while improving driving feel.

Meanwhile, the 2 Series is out there killing cones in pursuit of fine-tuning the suspension. We’ve not yet reached the point of cone conservation.

[Images: BMW]

Land Rover Defender of the Faith

Defender

The Land Rover Defender, absent from the U.S. for a quarter of a century, has made its return in both a 90 and 110 super size. Available from 296 HP mild to 518 HP wild, there’s one available in just about any configuration you’d want.

Defender

Looking at Land Rover’s current availabilities, their locator tells us that despite the just-right size of the 90, you couldn’t get a ’21 model in anything but a 110. Should my fortunes or luck change, the 2022 Defender 90 most appealing to me would be the 90 V8, that .44 magnum of an SUV closest to what I’d consider the classic Defender. Perhaps it’s the 5.0-liter, supercharged V8, with its 518 HP and 461 lb-ft. of torque that tempts me, or its the shape of the 90 that’s vaguely reminiscent of the 1979 Stage 1 Defender V8 that captivated me upon its arrival at Four Wheeler magazine, where I sold ad space.

Defender

Maybe it was riding in the Defender 90 that the late Eddie Van Halen drove everywhere, despite having more vehicles than his nearly full-time mechanic, Bill Smulo, could handle. With plenty of room for guitar cases and small amplifiers, it was nearly ideal. The 3.9-liter V8 that came in the Defender of the early ’90s was no comparison to the blown big block in Eddie’s ’55 Chevy, but the Vortech supercharger that Smulo installed on the Defender did make it a decent runner up Mulholland Drive.

Defender

0-60 in 4.9 seconds, with a top speed of 149 MPH, those are the numbers reported by Land Rover for the Defender 90 V8. Yes, there are other models available, such as the X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE, and top-of-the range Carpathian Edition, all trim levels to me, and reasons why the MSRP will swell to beyond what it costs to import and restore an original Defender. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Land Rover noted all the companies in the U.S. that are scouring the earth for Defenders that can be brought into the country, and once restored or modified, resell them for six-figure sums.

Defender

The height of personalization, different accessory packs as Land Rover refers to them, are supposedly purchased by a great many Land Rover customers. Having not been among that rare breed, I should have to take Land Rover’s word for it and assume they are correct in their assertion as to how many packs are sold to their well-heeled clientele. You should also know that the touchscreen has grown by over 60 percent, from a 10-inch display to an optional 11.4-inches, with Pivi Pro infotainment availability. We are now all well aware that watching something on the screen, or attending to it in any way while driving, is an absolute no-no, one that might lead to an unfortunate accident like the one sustained by golfing legend Tiger Woods, although at this time we’ve not heard the cause of that incident.

Defender

Suspension tuning with revised spring and damper rates, and a new electronic active rear differential to deliver greater agility and handling, the Defender V8 is said to have heightened body control. A Defender V8-exclusive Terrain Response system will enhance the performance of the Defender, and provide a new level of driver appeal, according to Land Rover. What is undeniable is the look of the 22-inch alloy wheels in a dark gray powder coat, Continental Cross Contact tires, and the Xenon Blue-painted brake calipers. Yeah, we like the new 2022 Defender V8.

[Images: Land Rover]