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2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

In a few days, Toyota will present the new generation of its Land Cruiser SUV, and predictions have already begun as to what it might look like. The automotive magazine Kolesa has published its renderings based on available photos.

The new generation is inspired by the FJ62 model from the late eighties of the last century. The new Land Cruiser has a slightly different front end with rectangular headlights and simple side fenders, the windows look big and there’s a prominent roof rack.

The interior is still unknown. Only one photo has surfaced showing a toggle switch to select between high and low gears and a medium setting for the H4L, presumably referring to high gears with a locked differential.

When it comes to the powertrain, there is no information there either. There are many speculations, and some say that it will be based on Toyota’s GA-F platform (body-on-frame). The same platform is used by the Lexus GX, which is powered by a 3.4-liter V6 twin-turbo engine with 349 hp (257 kW) and 479 lb-ft (649 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission with a Torsen limited-slip differential.

Source: Kolesa

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BMW built a test site worth 300 million euros

BMW is one of the companies that works extensively on the electrification of its cars but also on the development of autonomous driving, and their new investment worth 300 million euros is a new test site for the development of autonomous driving and parking technologies.

This is not the first test site for autonomous driving that BMW has built. The German car manufacturer owns four other test sites in Aschheim, Munich, Miramas (France) and Arjeplog (Sweden). The test site is 600 hectares in size and allows BMW to test all kinds of different driving conditions such as those in the city, the countryside and the highway.

So far, BMW’s self-driving prototypes have covered about 70,000 kilometers including high-speed maneuvers on highways, braking tests, stops at traffic lights, and other tests. All test vehicles have drive-by-wire technology, which allows for perfectly consistent pedal control. When brake tests are performed, the vehicles are moved slightly to ensure that the results are not affected by small pieces of tire that may be left on the road.

The training ground is equipped with an advanced water management system that collects rainwater and uses it for on-track needs. Also, care was taken of the animal world by installing a control system for the amphibians that live in this area, which allows them to cross safely.

Source: BMW

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BMW built a test site worth 300 million euros
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2024 Mitsubishi L200

The Japanese car manufacturer Mitsubishi presented the new generation of the L200 model. It is a mid-sized pickup, known in other markets as the Triton, whose first generation appeared on the market four and a half decades ago.

After a decade since the fifth generation appeared, the new L200 brings a complete redesign under the slogan “Power for Adventure”, and the Mitsubishi Ralliart department also participated in the development of this car. It received a new chassis adapted to the larger body with a 60% increase in torsional stiffness. The suspension is also unique, and the Super Select 4WD-II system comes with an upgraded seven driving modes for different surfaces (normal, eco, gravel, snow, mud, sand and rocks) for better performance on and especially off-road. There is also a new front fascia, but also significant improvements in safety and comfort.

The L200 is powered by a 2.4L turbo-diesel with 150 hp (110 kW) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm) of torque. There will be two more versions with 183 hp (135 kW) and 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) of torque and the most powerful version with 204 hp (150 kW) and 347 lb-ft (470 Nm) of torque. All versions will be equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with sports mode or a manual transmission, also with six speeds, but with a shift-by-wire system that allows for easy shifting and reduced engine vibrations.

Inside, the cabin has been completely redesigned, but the analog gauges have been retained. In the central part of the dashboard, there is a touch screen under which there are buttons for AC. The car is equipped with USB A plus C ports, and a wireless phone charger.

Source: Mitsubishi

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2024 Mitsubishi L200

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