Latest news with #SeriesII


NZ Autocar
05-08-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
2025 Hyundai Tuscon Hybrid N-Line Limited Review
Hyundai has launched a face-lifted Tucson, Series II. And it's a really good, practical, well built medium SUV, with lots of sensible ideas. Only two things dull the sheen. Tucson features typical exterior and interior updates – new grille, headlights, screens, and a gear selector now sited on the right side of the steering column. The more important news is its fresh hybrid powertrain. This comprises a 132kW/264Nm 1.6T engine that works alongside a 44kW/264Nm motor powered by a 1.5kWh lithium-ion battery. The system total is 172kW and 367Nm, with overall fuel use a rightcar-verified 5.9L/100km (134g/km). Which isn't bad, a little above rival RAV4's 5.3 figure. We managed 6.0 on the open road, and you'd doubtless do better in town where it has more potential to EV. Head down any hill and mostly it switches to EV mode and it can maintain that on the flat for a bit as well. It can tow too, up to 1900kg braked. And range with a full 52L tank is roughly 800km if you can hit the mean combined fuel use figure. A six-speed auto handles the output, with paddles that alternate between shifting gears and changing levels of recuperation. Cunning, though a good auto doesn't really need paddles. That said, this one only has six-speeds. Yes, you're thinking, but this is just a medium SUV and with the added motivation of electrification it doesn't really need any more gears. That's true in part but then this range-topping N Line Limited model isn't exactly any ordinary medium SUV on account of it costing $71,990 plus ORCs. Holy moly, that's a lot of moola, you're probably also thinking. Cos we were…until you consider how much gear this has on board. Aside from AWD for a spot of soft-roading (snow, mud and sand drive modes) this has a mesmerising level of spec. It gets a unique grille, aerodynamic accents and larger alloy wheels on the outside. Inside, there's Alcantara and leather trim, a panoramic sunroof, HUD, bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen with surround-view monitor and Bose audio. The 'sports' seats themselves, well, they're heated and vented, and feature power operation. There's also a powered tailgate, adaptive cruise control with stop and go and wireless mobile phone hook-up and charging. Divesting all control to the central touchscreen and ridding the cabin of buttons may save money for car makers but it drives owners to distraction, literally. It was top of the list of gripes in a recent UK Driver Power survey. However, some do it better than others, and Tucson is amongst the more sensible offerings here, despite it being absolutely loaded with convenience and safety gear. Right down to ambient lighting and USB charge ports. But it bongs and chirps and bleeps at you too much so best to turn off the annoyances before setting out. In Tucson that's quite easy. A star button brings up the driver assist menu, where you can quickly cull the overspeed warning and the lane keeping assist. That takes all of 10sec. A pity you have to do it each time but. Then go to the HVAC screen and dial up the heated wheel and heated seats. No submenus needed. Or if it's summer, seat ventilation. Then you can set off. Likely as not it will start out in EV mode. Which is nice if you're setting out really early, not waking the rest of the family. Also clever is the Qi charger that has a trio of green lights to tell you when the phone is fully charged. There are a lot of oddments areas too, like where the shifter used to be, most of them rubber lined. And there's really rather a lot of room in this, thanks to a 75mm stretch in wheelbase. It's slightly longer overall too at 4650mm, up by 20mm. Certainly enough for three decent sized bods in the back, helped by only a hint of a floor hump. Activate the fifth door and there's plenty of room for whathaveyou, our golf clubs fitting diagonally with enough room left for the trundler, no worries. And the floor pulls out for ease of cleaning. Capacity is rated at 582L-1903L. Dynamically, this is just what you'd expect of something with decent rubber, AWD and fully independent suspension all round. It keeps up with sedans no trouble, especially if they're busy comfort braking into bends. And all the while the ride is only ever controlled and cosseting, as are the seats. So I guess with this N-Line range topper, you're paying for all the extras. Without the AWD, the entry-level Hybrid Active kicks off at $54,990. If that blows the budget, there's always the naturally aspirated 115kW/192Nm 2.0 model at $45k. And there are four hybrids in between the base and top models. If there's one other little fly in the ointment, it's the fact that Kia has its Sportage range which, to my mind, looks smarter. Not that Tucson doesn't; that's personal. Where there was formerly just a single FWD Sportage hybrid now all but one model has the hybrid powertrain. Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Hybrid N-Line Limited AWD $71,990 / 5.9L/100km / 134g/km 0-100 km/h 8.4s Engine 1598cc / IL4 T/DI Max power 134kW Max torque 264Nm Motor 44kW / 264Nm System Total 172kW / 367Nm Transmission 6-speed auto, AWD Weight (claimed) 1755kg

Miami Herald
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Urban Automotive unveils customized Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II at Goodwood
Urban Automotive, the British luxury car modifier known for its carbon-fiber body kits for high-end models, has put its spin on the refreshed Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II. This updated version of Rolls' only SUV, marked by a new front fascia with prominent vertical LED daytime running lights, is already proving popular with tuners, but Urban Automotive aims to distinguish itself with what it calls "OEM+" standards of build quality. The Cullinan Series II "Redefined by Urban" will initially be offered in the United Kingdom with a starting price of 449,995 British pounds ($609,842 at current exchange rates), and production at the company's facility in Milton Keynes (also home of the Red Bull Racing F1 team). But Urban's expansion into the U.S. with a dedicated facility means these modifications could soon be available to customers on this side of the Atlantic as well. What customers get for that considerable chunk of change is a full carbon-fiber body kit, including a new front bumper, two-piece splitter, fender flares, sill extensions, a rear bumper with diffuser and anodized aluminum exhaust finishers, and a pair of spoilers. The package also includes 24-inch Urban-Vossen forged wheels. "We felt the Series II model needed a more aggressive look and some Urban enhancements to its design," Urban Automotive founder Simon Dearn said in a statement. Dearn pointed out the DRLs, which extend down nearly to the bottom of the front bumper. That fits with Urban's "OEM+" ethos, as it largely follows the stock styling. So do the vertical bars in the front bumper's air intakes, which match the grille. But the look is also indeed more aggressive than stock. It's unlikely that Rolls-Royce would produce anything with such prominent fender flares, and the quad exhaust tips and rear diffuser are markers of performance not normally associated with Rolls. Speaking of performance, Urban didn't discuss any modifications to the Cullinan's twin-turbocharged 6.7-liter V12, which makes up to 591 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque in Series II Black Badge models. Just last week, Urban Automotive announced the opening of a dedicated Americas division, anchored by a new warehouse and distribution facility in Phoenix, Arizona. The company previously relied on Tennessee-based Milltek Corp. for U.S. distribution. Urban has said that running its own facility is intended to reduce delivery times, improve customer service, and build more relationships with dealers and car builders in the U.S. Founded in 2014, Urban reported a 173% year-over-year increase in overseas sales in 2023, helping to justify its U.S. expansion. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC announces first close of ABSL Structured Opportunities Fund Series 2
Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC has announced the first close of its Structured Opportunities Fund – Series II, a Category II Alternative Investment Fund ( AIF ), raising Rs 700 crore, including co-investments. The fund aims to raise Rs 1,250 crore with a greenshoe option of an additional Rs 1,250 crore, aiming for a total possible mobilization of Rs 2,500 crore. The fund, managed by Amit Kansal, Head Alternate Investments – Fixed Income, focuses on performing credit opportunities, offering bespoke capital solutions across growth, strategic, and opportunistic requirements. Also Read | Mutual fund SIP guide: How to invest for the rest of 2025 Best MF to invest Looking for the best mutual funds to invest? Here are our recommendations. View Details » by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elin Nordegren Show Off Her Huge Size In New Vacation Photos 33 Bridges Undo With an emphasis on structured credit transactions for mid-to-large corporates in asset-heavy sectors like manufacturing, infrastructure and industrials, the fund seeks to build a diversified portfolio of 10–12 investments targeting mid-teens internal rate of return ( IRR ) range, a press release said. Leveraging the extensive experience in the credit space and a robust governance framework, the fund has already deployed part of the committed capital across select opportunities in sectors such as chemicals, auto and financials. These deals are backed by well-established sponsor groups and feature strong collateral and cash flow profiles, aligning with the fund's 4C investment philosophy – Character, Capacity, Collateral and Cashflows, the release said. Live Events 'The successful first close of our Structured Opportunities Fund – Series II is a strong endorsement of the trust placed in us by investors seeking attractive risk adjusted returns in the private credit space. This maiden strategy is a natural extension of our deep investment expertise across sectors and our long-standing ecosystem relationships,' said A. Balasubramanian, Managing Director & CEO, Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC. Also Read | Mazagon Dock and Radico Khaitan among 19 stocks which are upgraded in H2 CY25 'With flexible drawdown structures to navigate market volatility, we have garnered strong traction across a broad investor base including institutional investors, HNIs, UHNIs and family offices and remain confident in our ability to unlock meaningful value while supporting the next wave of corporate growth,' he added.


Hindustan Times
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Classic Jaguar E-Type reimagined with V12 engine and subtle modern features. Check details
ECD's take combines pieces from throughout the E-Type's heritage: a Series I body shell, sitting atop a Series II chassis, and brought to life by the Series III's heart Notify me The Jaguar E-Type has been a long-time icon of automotive design — a beacon of British performance and style. Introduced in 1961, it awed fans with its racing heritage and chiseled silhouette. But although purists loved its inline-six powerplant, some could never help but wonder how it might have performed with a V12 in the engine compartment. That dream has been revitalised by ECD Automotive Design with a unique Jaguar E-Type GTO that honors its heritage while leveraging contemporary engineering. Jaguar E-Type GTO : Design Reimagined yet unmistakably timeless, this new E-Type proudly displays its heritage. Immersed in a bespoke hue of Metallic British Racing Green, the coupe's swooping hood, low-slung stance, and elegant curves recall the golden era of sports cars. ECD's take combines pieces from throughout the E-Type's heritage: a Series I body shell, sitting atop a Series II chassis, and brought to life by the Series III's heart — all melded together into one unified automotive work of art. Also Read : Jaguar I-Pace electric luxury SUV delisted from India website The level of detail is high as well. Chrome trim, flush-mount panels, and period-correct 15-inch Turrino Wire Wheels shod with Pirelli rubber give the car a stance that is authentic to its heritage. Jaguar E-Type GTO : Features The interior of the car marries vintage design with tasteful modern refinements. The seating has an iconic 1960s design vocabulary but it's trimmed in modern Spinneybeck Lucente Hercules leather. The dash has brushed aluminum, toggle switches, and custom designed vintage gauges. Even though the styling is nostalgically inspired, it has modern features like heated seats, Bluetooth, USB ports, and automatic lights. It all exists in a manner that maintains the overall cabin configuration within the parameters of the period it looks to recreate. A removable hardtop increases versatility, with the vehicle being able to be driven as either a coupe or a convertible. Also Read : Upcoming Jaguar four door EV GT spied again. Here's what to expect Jaguar E-Type GTO: Specifications Powering the Jaguar E-Type GTO is a rebuilt Jaguar V12 engine, refurbished by Team CJ in Texas. It is estimated to develop 400 bhp and coupled with a bespoke fuel injection and cooling system designed by ECD. The restomod also features an overhauled suspension configuration with complete adjustability, a faster steering ratio, and four-piston front and six-piston rear upgraded brakes to enhance performance and control. The specialized cradle chassis and axle configuration were required to accommodate the Series III engine into the Series I body as a sign of how much emphasis the project placed on mixing components from disparate versions of the E-Type while maintaining mechanical compatibility. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 15 Jun 2025, 09:36 AM IST

Miami Herald
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Ultra-Rare BMW 507 For Sale With Eye-Popping Pricetag
You can never go wrong with a vintage BMW. The German automaker's classic examples have a special way of combining slim bodylines and a svelte silhouette with sheer, menacing performance under the hood. This 1959 BMW 5078 Series II on Bring a Trailer is a perfect example of what I mean. When US importer Max Hoffman suggested that BMW design as mid-level sports car for the North American market, BMW replied with the 507. Featuring hand-built aluminum bodywork styled by Albrecht von Goertz, the 507 debuted in 1955 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City before entering production in late 1956. In 1957, the Series II debuted with a smaller fuel tank relocated from behind the seats to inside the trunk to prevent fumes from entering the cabin. This particular example, Chassis 70185, is one of only 252 built during the model's three years of production and was completed on October 6, 1958 as a Feather White car before being delivered new on October 31, 1958, to Autohaus H. Bäte KG in Hannover, Germany. The car reportedly underwent a refurbishment around 2012 that included a repaint in its current shade of Coral Red and a refinishing of its hardtop in an ivory color. The 507 was then acquired in 2022 by German specialists Arthur Bechtel Classic Motors, who re-trimmed the interior in tan leather. What sets this particular BMW 507 apart from others is its ivory hardtop that can be installed when the beige convertible top is not in use. Hardtops were optional equipment at the time and were hand-built to fit each car's hand-built bodywork, making them particularly rare and special accessories to own. Under the hood is a 3,168cc V8 with an aluminum block and cylinder heads as well as twin Zenith carburetors mated to a four-speed manual transmission. This 507 sits on 16" Rudge wheels wrapped in 6.00-16 Michelin Pilote X tires with Dunlop front disc and rear drum brakes behind them. The cabin still wears its tan leather and sports a contrasting ivory steering wheel and shift knob alongside a Becker Mexico radio. The odometer shows around 33,000 kilometers (~21,000 miles), with 25 of those being added by the current owner. The auction ends in 9 days with a current bid of $1,000,000, so it's unlikely that you and I will be able to afford such a beauty. Considering that it was purchased from a collection by its current owner in January 2025 and they only added 25 miles since, this poor thing suffers from a severe lack of being driven. This isn't an uncommon occurence with cars of this rarity and value, but it's also not an excuse. I won't go on a tangent about why driving your cars is the right thing to do, but I sure hope that the new owner feels the same way. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.