Latest news with #automotiveinnovation
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
World's THINNEST car measuring just 19in wide that's skinnier than a motorbike is unveiled… & it works if you can fit in
THE world's thinnest car has been unveiled, measuring up at just 19 inches wide - making it more narrow than a motorbike. Shocking footage showed the unprecedented vehicle being driven around town slowly by its creator as stunned bystanders walked alongside it. 3 3 3 The model - which is the same width as a standard pillow - and has been dubbed Panda for one for its tiny capacity. The light blue car almost appears like a 2D cartoon due to how astonishingly thin it is. It has just one headlight at the front, and what appear to be two tiny indicator lights to either side of it. The car does, however, have four wheels - despite how narrow its body is. The vehicle measures at just a third of the width of the Panda 141, the first rendition of the iconic car, and around a quarter of the new Grande Panda. Its wheels are also extremely thin - but are no match for the incredibly tiny interior. Inside the record-breaking car there is one front seat, but behind that is an extra back seat which could bring the bizarre car's total seat count to two. There is only one door for the driver though, so anyone wanting to squeeze in the back will have to enter through the front door and climb in the rear. The back seat would probably be big enough to only hold a child, and not another full-sized adult. A black Fiat steering wheel sits ahead of the driving seat, while the car also features wind-down windows. The car also has two poking out wing mirrors - which probably account for nearly a third of the car's total width. Dubai billionaire businessman slammed for gifting baby daughter £500,000 bright pink Rolls Royce for her first birthday In the viral video of the car, its owner jibed that his mum had put his car in the wash, causing it to shrink. He said of his groundbreaking motor: "Look at this perfection." But he proceeded to give tour of the incredible car with chairs the size of skis, a minuscule ventilation unit and a boot the width of a small microwave. Unfortunately, the car cannot reach very high speeds - possibly due to its small electric engine. Although its inventor did take the car for a ride to prove that it actually works, its top acceleration is limited. Marazzi said: "Obviously it works, electrically it goes forward, backward, steers, brakes. Does everything." It was unveiled as part of Panda a Pandino, the seventh rendition of the event which celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Fiat Panda from June 19 to 22. Fiat Panda enthusiasts from Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland and Portugal came to Pandino in Italy to participate and display variations of the model. The mechanic who built the one-of-a-kind car is named Andrea Marazzi - who has created oher "extreme" models like this in the past. One viewer commented on his YouTube video, calling the car a "work of art".
Zawya
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
OMODA&JAECOO accelerates global presence with high-impact brand campaign at Dubai International Airport
Dubai, UAE, Massive Media: OMODA&JAECOO, one of the world's fastest-growing smart mobility and technology brands, has made a bold statement in the UAE by taking over Dubai International Airport — one of the busiest and most luxurious air hubs globally — with a premium branding and advertising campaign. The campaign marks a major milestone in the company's rapid international expansion and underlines its strategic commitment to the UAE and wider Middle East region. In just two years, OMODA&JAECOO has entered 41 global markets and surpassed 540,000 units in cumulative sales, positioning itself as the fastest-growing new auto player in the world. The brand's latest move in Dubai demonstrates its ambition to engage with high-value international audiences, business travellers, and local consumers in one of the world's most influential transit locations. Iconic Visibility at Dubai International Airport With its brand name now prominently displayed across key touchpoints in Dubai International Airport — from digital billboards to premium signage — OMODA&JAECOO is capitalizing on the airport's unparalleled footfall and prestige. This visual takeover not only elevates brand visibility but reinforces its image as a premium, forward-looking automotive innovator. Dubai International Airport, known as a global gateway for luxury and innovation, provides the ideal platform for OMODA&JAECOO to connect with trend-conscious, tech-savvy, and high-net-worth individuals. Strengthening Presence in the UAE and Middle East OMODA & JAECOO's participation at DXB is a key milestone in the brand's strategic expansion across the Middle East. Officially launched in the UAE in February 2025, OMODA & JAECOO's local subsidiary now serves as the central hub for the entire Middle East and GCC region. This strong foundation allows the brand to tailor its products and services to the unique needs of regional customers, providing them with a personalized and enhanced ownership experience. 'We're excited to see our footprint in the UAE grow, with showrooms already established in Deira Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and the recently opened location in Fujairah. With further expansions underway, we look forward to opening new showrooms in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi later this year, underscoring our long-term commitment to the market,' said Shawn Xu, Chief Executive Officer of OMODA & JAECOO Automobile International. 'To better serve our customers, we've also launched a state-of-the-art, 12,000 sqm integrated spare parts centre— the largest of its kind among Chinese auto brands in the region. This facility ensures a 100% parts fulfilment rate and a 24-hour supply of urgent components (VOR), significantly enhancing the quality of our after-sales service.' Driving Innovation and Lifestyle Transformation As part of its UAE growth strategy, OMODA&JAECOO is preparing to introduce its new JAECOO J5 — a premium outdoor light off-road SUV designed for both adventure seekers and pet-friendly lifestyles. Alongside the J5, the upcoming launch of the OMODA C7, a next-generation NEOCrossover, is expected to further strengthen the brand's appeal among the UAE's young, urban, and environmentally aware consumers. A Born-Global Brand with UAE at Its Core 'Dubai and the UAE represent the future of mobility — innovative, premium, and connected,' said Shawn Xu. 'Our brand campaign at Dubai International Airport isn't just about visibility. It's about aligning with the UAE's forward-thinking vision and delivering high-value experiences for the region's most discerning drivers.' With more than 300 showrooms across Europe, a record 370% year-on-year growth in NEV sales, and a rapid expansion into Latin America and Asia, OMODA&JAECOO is not just building a global footprint — it's setting new benchmarks for speed, scale, and strategic market engagement. And with Dubai International Airport as its new global branding stage, the company's UAE journey is only just beginning. About OMODA&JAECOO OMODA & JAECOO is a next-generation automotive brand under Chery International, committed to reshaping the future of intelligent and sustainable mobility. With a design philosophy rooted in innovation, personalization, and co-creation, the brand caters to global consumers who seek individuality, connectivity, and freedom. OMODA focuses on futuristic, tech-forward urban vehicles, while JAECOO specializes in premium, off-road-inspired SUVs that harmonize rugged performance with refined aesthetics. Together, OMODA & JAECOO is pioneering a new global ecosystem of lifestyle mobility, offering smart, safe, and stylish solutions for modern explorers. The product line-up includes OMODA C5, JAECOO J7, JAECOO J8, and the upcoming OMODA C7, and JAECOO J5, along with the upcoming SHS models. As part of its long-term commitment, OMODA & JAECOO has established a 12,000 sqm spare parts distribution centre in JAFZA, the largest Chinese automotive parts hub in the Middle East. This facility enhances regional logistics and aftersales support. Additionally, through its strategic partnership with Maersk, OMODA & JAECOO have further strengthened their logistics and aftersales operations in the UAE, ensuring 100% spare parts availability and rapid delivery within 24 and 48 hours. In the UAE, Autorun, MAHY Khoory Automotive and Galadari are the official distributors of OMODA & JAECOO, in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates respective, thus ensuring seamless market entry and premium customer experience.
Geeky Gadgets
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Geeky Gadgets
Porsche 963 RSP: Race Car for the Road?
The Porsche 963 RSP is a remarkable one-off creation that seamlessly merges the worlds of track-dominating race cars and road-legal vehicles. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Porsche 917 and its daring road journey half a century ago, the 963 RSP stands as a testament to Porsche's rich racing heritage and unparalleled engineering expertise. This groundbreaking vehicle is the result of a collaborative effort between Porsche AG, Porsche Penske Motorsport, and the renowned Roger Penske, showcasing the pinnacle of automotive innovation. The 963 RSP masterfully combines innovative technology with nostalgic design elements, creating a unique driving experience that pays homage to Porsche's illustrious past while embracing the future of performance engineering. Design and Engineering Excellence The Porsche 963 RSP is a true masterpiece of design and engineering, setting itself apart from its competition-focused counterparts. The exterior of the vehicle is adorned in a stunning Martini Silver paint scheme, reminiscent of the legendary 917's iconic appearance. The bodywork, crafted from ultra-lightweight carbon fiber and Kevlar®, has been carefully designed to incorporate distinctive features such as unique fender vents and a bespoke enamel Porsche badge. These elements not only enhance the car's aerodynamic performance but also add to its visual allure. Stepping inside the 963 RSP, one is greeted by an interior that seamlessly blends luxury and functionality. The cabin is appointed with a harmonious combination of tan leather and Alcantara, offering a level of comfort and refinement rarely found in race cars. Every detail, from the innovative 3D-printed cup holder to the air-conditioned carbon seat, has been carefully crafted to enhance the driver's experience behind the wheel. The attention to detail and the use of premium materials throughout the interior showcase Porsche's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and driver-centric design. Exclusive Showcase and Limited Availability The Porsche 963 RSP is a true collector's dream, with its exclusivity and rarity adding to its allure. As a one-of-a-kind creation, the 963 RSP is not part of Porsche's regular model lineup and is not available for purchase. Instead, this extraordinary vehicle will be showcased at prestigious automotive events around the world, captivating enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Attendees of the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans and the esteemed Goodwood Festival of Speed will have the opportunity to witness the 963 RSP in all its glory, as it takes center stage among the world's most celebrated automobiles. Following its public appearances, the Porsche 963 RSP will make its way back to Stuttgart, where it will find a permanent home at the esteemed Porsche Museum. This decision underscores the vehicle's significance as a testament to Porsche's engineering prowess and its status as a true automotive icon. Visitors to the museum will have the chance to admire the 963 RSP up close, marveling at its unique design elements and appreciating the meticulous craftsmanship that went into its creation. Cutting-Edge Technology and Performance Under the hood, the Porsche 963 RSP is powered by a formidable 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, capable of delivering approximately 680 horsepower. This potent powerplant is complemented by a sophisticated hybrid system, featuring an 800-volt electrical architecture and a 1.35 kWh battery. The integration of hybrid technology not only enhances the vehicle's performance but also demonstrates Porsche's commitment to sustainable and efficient power delivery. The 963 RSP's performance is further enhanced by its advanced transmission, a sequential seven-speed gearbox supplied by Xtrac. This state-of-the-art transmission ensures seamless and precise gear changes, allowing the driver to harness the full potential of the engine. The vehicle rides on forged OZ racing wheels, wrapped in Michelin rain-spec tires, providing exceptional grip and handling in various weather conditions. A Tribute to Porsche's Racing Heritage For automotive enthusiasts captivated by the Porsche 963 RSP, exploring the rich history of Porsche's racing endeavors is an enticing prospect. The vehicle's design and engineering draw heavily from the legendary Porsche 917, a race car that dominated the motorsport scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The 917's audacious road journey, undertaken 50 years ago, serves as the inspiration behind the 963 RSP's creation, highlighting Porsche's long-standing tradition of pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automotive engineering. Delving into Porsche's hybrid technology advancements is another area of interest for those fascinated by the 963 RSP. Porsche has been at the forefront of hybrid technology in motorsport, with their success in endurance racing serving as a testament to their expertise in this field. The 963 RSP's hybrid system showcases the latest advancements in electric power integration, offering a glimpse into the future of high-performance vehicles. For those intrigued by the engineering behind endurance race cars, the Porsche 963 RSP serves as a prime example of the innovative technology and meticulous design that goes into creating these purpose-built machines. From the lightweight materials used in its construction to the advanced aerodynamics and powertrain technologies, the 963 RSP embodies the pinnacle of motorsport engineering. A Glimpse into the Future of Performance The Porsche 963 RSP is more than just a one-off creation; it represents a bold step into the future of performance vehicles. By seamlessly blending race-proven technology with road-going comfort and refinement, the 963 RSP showcases the potential for high-performance automobiles to transcend the boundaries between track and street. As automotive enthusiasts continue to seek out vehicles that offer uncompromising performance, innovative technology, and exclusive design, the Porsche 963 RSP stands as a beacon of inspiration. Its creation demonstrates the endless possibilities that arise when passion, innovation, and engineering excellence converge. While the 963 RSP may not be available for purchase, its impact on the automotive world is undeniable. It serves as a testament to Porsche's unwavering commitment to pushing the limits of what is possible in automotive design and engineering. As the brand continues to innovate and evolve, the legacy of the 963 RSP will undoubtedly influence future generations of high-performance vehicles, both on and off the track. In conclusion, the Porsche 963 RSP is a remarkable achievement that showcases the very best of Porsche's engineering prowess and racing heritage. Its unique blend of nostalgic design elements, innovative technology, and uncompromising performance makes it a true icon in the world of automotive excellence. As enthusiasts continue to marvel at this extraordinary creation, the Porsche 963 RSP will forever stand as a symbol of the brand's relentless pursuit of perfection and its ability to create vehicles that captivate the hearts and minds of car lovers around the world. Source Porsche Filed Under: Auto News, Gadgets News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Forbes
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
China Poses ‘Existential Threat,' Engineering Company Executive Says
A Chinese-made BYD Shark hybrid truck on display outside a Society Automotive Analysts event on ... More Thursday in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Traditional automakers face an 'existential threat' from China's auto industry which is moving faster to design vehicles and reduce costs, an executive of an engineering services company said Thursday. 'They can change incredibly fast," said Terry J. Woychowski, president, automotive of Caresoft Global, a Michigan-based engineering services company. Caresoft analyzes vehicles for customers, including automakers and suppliers. Chinese automakers can develop new models in 14 to 18 months compared with 36 to 48 months for traditional automakers, Woychowski said. Such traditional auto companies are 'three to five years behind from a technology standpoint,' he said. Chinese automakers are using artificial intelligence extensively during design, according to a Caresoft slide that accompanied the talk. The executive spoke at a Society of Automotive Analysts event. It was held at an Auburn Hills, Michigan, regional office of Nanterre, France-based automotive supplier Forvia. Outside the Forvia building, Caresoft had two vehicles on display that it acquired from Chinese automaker BYD. One was an electric vehicle car. The other was a hybrid BYD Shark truck, which has an electric powertrain and a 1.5-liter engine to ensure the vehicle's battery remains charged. Caresoft has a technical center in Livonia, Michigan, a Detroit suburb, where it analyzes such vehicles. Woychowski is a former General Motors Co. executive who has spent 47 years in the auto industry. Chinese and traditional automakers are 'talking different languages,' Woychowski said. Established automakers emphasize the time a model can go from 0 to 60 mph and horsepower and torque, he said. Chinese automakers emphasize technology and connectivity, where vehicles can connect to the internet or other cars and trucks, the Caresoft executive said. In China, automakers and suppliers have a more cooperative relationship while traditional automakers are often more confrontational with suppliers, he said. BYD, the largest automaker in China has 'vertical integration we haven't seen since the days of Henry Ford,' including in-house battery production, Woychowski said. Traditional automakers need to revamp their operations, the executive said. 'We need to do it quickly,' he said. 'The only strategic advantage you can have at the end of the day is speed. We have work to do.' Thursday's event also had a series of roundtable discussions. The subject of China's auto industry came up again. 'We're going to have to change our mindset,' Scott Cieslak, chief commercial officer of Detroit Manufacturing Systems, said. 'We're playing from behind.' Chinese automakers are likely to produce vehicles in countries near the U.S., said Tu Le, founder of Sino Auto Insights, a consulting firm. 'The Chinese are surrounding us,' he said. In April, he said at an Automotive Press Association webinar that auto dealers from Canada attended this year's Auto Shanghai Show expressing interest in in Chinese vehicles. 'You don't think they'll be manufacturing north of the border?' he said Thursday at the SAA event. 'That's the reality.'
Motor Trend
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
The Era of Cars Running a Single Computer and Operating System Is Here
Is China really 'there' already, producing cars with centralized computers and a hypervisor? Coming out of CES 2025 earlier this year, we covered a Snapdragon innovation Qualcomm was pitching to automakers, capable of running an entire car on a single chip. Now we just returned from China where we drove a similar system by Chinese EV maker Nio—which designed, developed, and manufactured its own chip in-house, along with the software that runs on it. 0:00 / 0:00 See All 5 Photos Chinese Smart-EV startup Nio's Shenji NX9031 Chip--the world's first Automotive 5nm chip. How are these newish Chinese car companies (Xpeng has designed its own chip, too) able to pull this off? By prioritizing digital development. Nio's engineering workforce of between 10 and 11,000 engineers is split about 70/30 between software versus other branches of engineering, so they do their own electrical architecture, for example, while leaving some hardware-based tasks such as suspension design and development to third parties. Tesla's engineering mix is similar in scope to Nio's, but most legacy automakers reverse those percentages. See All 5 Photos Nio SkyOS Operating System Schematic SkyOS The name may conjure frightening references to SkyNet from the Terminator movies, but this comprehensive vehicular operating system is designed to oversee all systems onboard Nio's entire range of cars—from its simple, compact Firefly EV to the all-singing, all-active-suspension-dancing Nio ET9. We asked whether there was a measurable difference in the number of lines of code or the computing power between a Firefly application and ET9 and were told that no, one SkyOS system fits all. There will simply be fewer features on some models, all connected via an ethernet backbone. A huge benefit touted for SkyOS is its extremely low latency (response time), which is said to be far less than a millisecond. That's considerably quicker than competing Linux systems, and drivers can appreciate such an improvement in latency through touchscreen responses and shorter ABS stopping distances. See All 5 Photos Nvidia's Orin chip has been one of the auto industry's top-performing chips. Nvidia Orin or Shenji NX9031? SkyOS is designed to run on various chipsets, so cars demanding fewer features can utilize less expensive existing chips, while full-featured cars like the ET9 get Nio's new Shenji NX9031—hailed as the automotive world's first production 5nm chip. (Note: 5nm is simply a chip-marketing term that refers to the next step in the evolution of transistor density—the gates are not physically 5 nm apart, but the chip houses more than 50 billion transistors.) Billed primarily as an autonomous driving enabler, the chip reportedly possesses at least double the processing power of two Nvidia Orin chips with a pixel processing capacity of 6.5GB/s and a response time of less than 5 ms, yet it draws considerably less power than an equivalent Nvidia array. Such processing power improves things like the vision systems' ability to recognize objects in low light and for AI personal assistants like Nio's NOMI to process large-language models. See All 5 Photos Schematic comparing and contrasting domain-based versus zonal electrical architecture. Isn't Rivian Basically Right There Too? Close. Rivian's electrical architecture is in the vanguard of American manufacturers, but its system still largely qualifies as zonal, in which various zones aggregate signals from nearby sensors and send them (via simpler communications) to the central computer. Rivian runs an OS from QNX Blackberry. Nio employs zones, as well, but generally fewer of them. Low-feature-set cars like the Firefly might employ one or two zones while a fancy ET9 needs four. What About Tesla? The other vanguard player in America's SDV universe is Tesla, which still employs considerably more than a handful of zones in its more centralized zonal architecture. It also runs open-source software (OSS) such as Linux, GNU toolchain, and other community-based projects such as Ubuntu. SkyOS is Also Open Source Perhaps a future Tesla may leverage Nio's SkyOS, which the company has announced it has made 'open source.' What does that mean? Mostly the software development community is free to look under the hood and develop products and apps to run on the SkyOS system. This is the main motivation for Nio making the software opens source: to improve the user experience with more potential over-the-air updatable features and Easter eggs developed out-of-house. (For reference, Android is open source, while Apple's iOS is not.) Might Americans Ever Experience SkyOS? Barring outright bans on Chinese software, there's every possibility that, say, a domestic or European automaker could leverage Nio's open-source software. Perhaps that possibility is highest with McLaren, which has a technology sharing agreement with Nio. It would certainly seem wise to leverage the development expense of those NX9031 chips by selling them to other automakers, but a lot of strategic calculus goes into making any such decision.
