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Straits Times
a day ago
- Automotive
- Straits Times
What's in a fob? The surprising complexity of designing car keys
The key fob for Bentley vehicles is likened to a business card for the luxury car brand. With 905 horsepower and a 0-100kmh sprint time under three seconds, the Lotus Eletre is more powerful than a Lamborghini Huracan and faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera. The US $230,000 (S$296,000) sport utility vehicle (SUV) is also the foundation of Lotus' plan to electrify its line-up. So, designing the right key fob for it was… well, key. It is an interesting subject – the fob. The way a consumer first interacts with a car is also one of the least relevant details of the driving experience. Yet, it serves as a handshake: A good design will communicate brand values, even status. A lot more thought goes into creating a fob than drivers may realise. 'We didn't want an over-featured key that becomes a big, bulky thing,' says Mr Mat Hill, head of interior design at Lotus. BMW's oversized 'display key' from 2015 was a cautionary tale: A US$670 option with so many functions that it required a touchscreen, the gadget was discontinued in 2022 because of low consumer interest. 'It's not about technology for technology's sake,' Mr Hill says. 'It's about, 'Does it actually make my life better?' ' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 30% of aviation jobs could be redesigned due to AI, automation; $200m fund to support workers: CAAS Singapore Residents in South West District get help to improve employability, find career opportunities Singapore Alleged Kpod peddler filmed trying to flee raid in Bishan charged with 6 offences Singapore UOB awarded $17.7m in civil suit against Lippo Marina Collection over inflated housing loans Life Kinokuniya opens third bookstore in Raffles City, weeks ahead of schedule Business DBS shares rally to a new record as STI clocks yet another high Singapore 5 foreigners charged over scheme to deliberately get arrested in S'pore to sell sex drugs Asia Lightning strikes kill 33 people in eastern India For the Eletre, designers spent six months developing a smooth ceramic fob that resembles a guitar pick, also the shape of the Lotus logo. The grey device has one button, which locks and unlocks the vehicle. They nicknamed it 'the pebble'. It is ingeniously simple, handsome and – crucially, at less than 7.6cm across – small. 'If you've got a nice suit on, it doesn't spoil the line when it's in your pocket,' Mr Hill says. That less-is-more sensibility is a rarity in the automotive world. Fobs can now start a car as you approach; unlock the front door (and rear, separately, if you want); open the boot to varying heights; adjust the temperature; tell you if the windows are up; and give you the battery life and fuel range. With the rise of push-button ignitions, fobs are also functionally the keys too. Things have come a long way since Cadillac introduced a radio-based keyless entry for the Allante in the 1980s. A modern fob generally consists of an electronic circuit board, a battery and a switch pack that receives signals from sensors. Sometimes, a metal emergency key is hidden inside. The key fob of the BMW 750Li xDrive (2015) came with a display. PHOTO: BMW The design can speak volumes. Porsche 911 fobs evoke the silhouette of the cars themselves. So do the soft lines of the Mercedes-Benz smart keys that unlock E-classes. Volvo's rectangular fobs recall the brand's historically brick-shaped fleet. And at Audi, Ford, Subaru and Toyota, they have merged into a softly rounded coffin-like shape. Still, others denote serious status, such as the ovoid disks from Bentley. The company spent two years and €1.5 million (S$2.37 million) developing the Continental GT's fob to feel like the interior of the car. The key has a knurling pattern along its edges, just like the interior controls, and shiny chrome accents. 'We see the key fob like a business card for Bentley,' says Mr Darren Day, head of interior design. The brand's 'B' badging went on the top of the key because that is how people see it when it is left on a table or a bar. 'It's that first impression,' he adds. A key that does not match the excellence of the vehicle works against it. In 2025 , when Cadillac premiered its Rolls-Royce competitor, the US$360,000 Celestiq, it included the same plastic fob found across the General Motors line-up, albeit in a leather sheath with stitches like a baseball mitt. Compared with the slinky lines of the hatchback itself, it was woefully incongruous. Conversely, while the credit card-like 'keys' for Rivian Automotive's R1T and Tesla's Cybertruck may repel Luddites, they match the high-tech feel of those electric vehicles. They also signal an inflection point. 'In the future, the key fob will be obsolete,' says Ms Rebecca Lindland, managing director of automotive at Allison Worldwide, a marketing consulting firm. Hyundai put fingerprint sensors in its SUVs as far back as 2019, while Ford is developing facial recognition. Ms Lindland operates her Alfa Romeo Stelvio almost exclusively via the smartphone app. 'The whole ecosystem needs to feel like an extension of my phone,' she says. A low battery does not faze her the way losing an actual key does. It is always easier, quicker and cheaper to charge a dead mobile phone than to order a new fob. 'At least with the app, there's a support system,' Ms Lindland says. In fact, Lotus' Mr Hill says half of Eletre buyers do not even care how cool the pebble looks. 'Early adopters are heavy users of the app,' he says. 'A key can be a nuisance.' His father-in-law, however, still wants to feel something in his pocket when he leaves the car. 'It's that bit of cognitive recognition,' Mr Hill says. And the pebble holds one clear advantage over his phone: With its tough ceramic shell, it will fare better if he drops it. Bloomberg
The Star
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Boarding pass may hold key to unlock campaign's grand prize of luxury car
The 'Licence to Win' campaign is a partnership between MAHB, Eraman and Traveloka. This year's campaign will run from July 21 to Dec 31. PRIZES await lucky travellers as Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) launches the 2025 edition of its 'Licence to Win' (LTW) shopping campaign. Running from July 21 to Dec 31, this year's campaign 'Own the Dream' will turn every boarding pass into a lucky draw ticket. Among the many rewards in store will be the grand prize of a red Porsche 911 Carrera. The 2025 LTW follows past successful campaigns featuring luxury supercars that included the McLaren 570S Coupé in 2019. The LTW campaign is a partnership between MAHB, Malaysia's leading duty-free retailer Eraman and South-East Asia's top travel platform Traveloka. The campaign aims to redefine airport guests' experiences by blending premium retail with extraordinary rewards. Local celebrities and influencers attended this year's edition launch that was held at Sepang International Circuit in Selangor. Among them were Awal Ashaari, Scha Alyahya, Daiyan Trisha, Amelia Henderson and Uyaina Arshad. MAHB commercial services senior general manager Hani Ezra Hussin highlighted the 2025 campaign's goal to create experiences that went beyond the routine. 'We are making this campaign more engaging, inclusive and rewarding for every traveller across every airport. 'Our strategy is more than just the revitalisation of Kuala Lumpur International Airport; it's about raising the bar across our entire network. 'That is why LTW is a cornerstone of our efforts to connect with travellers and shoppers. 'It reflects how we are reshaping the airport retail experience, making every transaction a touchpoint and every moment an opportunity to connect with guests,' she said. This year's campaign promises to be more inclusive, ensuring every traveller has a chance to win prizes. The campaign features a lower entry threshold, a larger prize pool and new partner rewards tailored to diverse traveller preferences. The minimum spend for the 2025 campaign entry is now just RM100. Travellers can dine to their heart's content since the airports' food and beverage (F&B) segment has seen an impressive 58% sales growth since 2019. There are over 500 dining as well as retail outlets across the Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu international airports to choose from. In addition to the grand prize, shoppers at other MAHB international airports also stand a chance to win a sleek BMW R1300GS motorbike. A selection of duty-free products awaits travellers too, as Eraman recently brought in new stores such as Charlotte Tilbury, Xerjoff and Penhaligon's. The retailer has also refurbished its outlets offering the latest fashion, premium fragrances, chocolates and fine liquor. Meanwhile, Traveloka offers exclusive travel vouchers covering flights, hotels and travel activities. These offer passengers a chance at dream holidays in Switzerland, Australia and Japan. With over 140 million app downloads and more than 40 million monthly active users, Traveloka presents an integrated range of products that include flights, hotels and travel activities. For more information, visit or follow @shopmyairports on Instagram and Facebook.
Irish Daily Mirror
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Conor McGregor shows off €250,000 'new whip' for fiancée Dee Devlin
Conor McGregor has shown off the €250,000 Porsche he gave fiancee Dee Devlin with the pair and family currently holidaying abroad in the sun. The McGregor family are making full use of the summer holidays with the couple of three kids spending time off the Spanish coast. And McGregor showed off the 'new whip' that Dee Devlin is driving around with the mother of three driving a Porsche 911 Carrera. Depending on the specs, the Porsche can range between roughly €120,000 and €300,000. Devlin and daughter Croia can be seen in the car with the pair revealing they are going to get their nails done before McGregor tells her to 'drive safe' and 'have fun'. McGregor has made headlines recently after footage emerged appearing to show him throwing punches inside an Ibiza nightclub. Last week, The Sun released footage that allegedly showed McGregor appearing to peer down to address an unidentified man in the middle of the dancefloor. Merely moments later, the 36-year-old Irishman appears to throw two punches. The partygoer hit the deck, and onlookers have since come forward to recount their version of the alleged incident. One individual - who saw the whole thing - claimed there did not appear to be any consequences for the former dual-weight UFC champion. "Clearly something's been said to annoy him and he's reacted very badly. The guy seemed to fall to the floor, and his mates came to pick him up and get him away," he told The Sun. "There [didn't appear to be any] consequences for Conor." Another said: "About five people fell to the floor as the guy stumbled back. It was a bit like bowling pins, but the guy was really shaken." They added: "About a minute later, the bouncers came and got him on the back and took him out of the club, because he had annoyed Conor. It was right before close anyway. There was no messing around; they just removed him. Conor left through the garden a bit later; he didn't look very happy."
New York Post
25-06-2025
- New York Post
Wife who orchestrated porn-star lover to murder her celebrity hairstylist husband learns her fate: ‘Driven by greed and lust'
The wife of a celebrity hairstylist was slapped with the maximum sentence on Monday after she was found guilty of getting her porn-star lover to murder the stylist for a $1.6 million life insurance policy. Mom of two Monica Sementilli, 53, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in Los Angeles after jurors convicted her of murdering her husband, Fabio Sementilli, in 2017 at their posh home in Woodland Hills, Calif., ABC 7 reported. Sementilli 'was the mastermind in this conspiracy to commit murder,' LA County Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Coen said — mocking the idea that her porn-star lover Robert Baker, 49, had the 'intelligence to plan such a brutal, well-thought-out slaughter.' 'Defendant was the prime mover in this execution of a human being and consequently I am utilizing my discretion to impose the more serious of the sentences,' the judge said, rejecting the defense team's request for a 'lesser term of 25 years to life in prison.' 4 Monica Sementilli is seen crying in court after being sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. CNS Sementilli had wanted to score $1.6 million in Fabio's life insurance funds while avoiding a divorce, prosecutors had told her trial. It was a 'completely senseless murder driven by the defendant's greed and her lust,' Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman said during sentencing. 'Without her and her plotting, her planning the murder of her husband, he would be alive today,' she said. 'She and her lover showed Fabio Sementilli no mercy. She's not deserving of any mercy of this court.' Baker, a sex offender and former porn star, testified that the mother of two had nothing to do with the plot to kill her husband. 'I murdered him because I wanted her,' Baker told the court. 4 Robert Baker testified at her trial that the mother of two had nothing to do with the plot to kill her husband. LAPD Baker fatally stabbed Fabio in his neck and torso on his back patio on Jan. 23, 2017, as a third accomplice, former Oregon parole officer Christopher Austin, held him down. After the slashing, Baker took off in Fabio Sementilli's black 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera, which was found abandoned miles away from the luxury home. Sementilli and the couple's daughter, Isabella, found his body minutes later. Austin, 39, said Sementilli didn't take part in the killing but claimed that she left the door unlocked for them. 4 Fabio Sementilli and Monica Sementilli. Facebook/Fabio Sementilli Baker confessed to his crime of passion, pleaded no contest in July 2023 to murder and conspiracy to commit murder, and is serving life without the possibility of parole, while Austin was slapped with a 16-year sentence. Two of Fabio's sisters also urged the judge to impose the maximum sentence, as they gave their victim impact statements, telling the court their brother's murder was 'an unimaginable betrayal.' 4 Monica Sementilli was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in Los Angeles after jurors convicted her of murdering her husband, Fabio Sementilli, at their posh Woodland Hills, Calif., home in 2017 to gain his $1.6 million life insurance policy. Facebook/Fabio Sementilli 'Only a demon could orchestrate the murder of a loving husband and savagely time it so her own daughter would come home to find her father's lifeless body lying in a pool of blood,' Loretta Picillo said, according to ABC 7. The couple's youngest daughter, Isabella, said she hopes 'justice will prevail over time.' Shortly after Sementilli was sentenced, the family released a statement saying they have 'unwavering love, support and belief in her innocence.' 'We remain steadfast in our commitment to proving her innocence and bringing the truth to light. This is not the end of her story. We will exhaust every legal avenue available to ensure that justice is truly served,' her family said in the statement, according to ABC 7. Fabio's work was featured on networks like TLC, and he was the vice president of education for Wella, the Salon Professional Division of P&G, before he died. The beloved hairstylist's client list included Jennifer Lopez, Russell Crowe, Jackie Chan and Jennifer Love Hewitt, among other Hollywood's finest, according to ABC.
News18
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- News18
Watch: Tripti Dimri's Porsche 911 Carrera Worth Rs 2.11 Cr Becomes Talk Of Town
Last Updated: The Porsche 911 is considered one of the most powerful offerings from the brand. It is available in engine options ranging from 981 to 3996 cc. The Bollywood actor Tripti Dimri, who won millions of hearts with her acting skills in the movie Animal, hit the headlines for her luxurious lifestyle. Recently, the actor was seen flaunting her tech-loaded set of wheels, Porsche 911 Carrera, which comes at the starting price of 2.11 Cr while the top model goes up to Rs 4.26 Crore (all ex-showroom). The footage of Dimri also went viral on the internet, where she was seen waiting for someone or posing for paparazzi while her sports car passed by after dropping her. In the video, the model was seen in impressive blue colour, flaunting its eye-catching alloy wheels. Social Media Reaction Ever since the video was shared on the internet, it has received a massive viewership in no time. Her fans also bombarded the comment section with a lot of messages. While some praised her choice of wheels, some insisted that she post her video while driving her sports car. Engine and Specs Those who are not aware, the Porsche 911 is considered one of the most powerful offerings from the brand in the 2-seater coupe and convertible segment. It has been offered in a total of 8 variants with 15 colour options. It is available in engine options ranging from 981 to 3996 cc, and comes with only an automatic transmission. First Published:
