Latest news with #performance
CBS News
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Inclusive theater program in Queens spotlights adults with disabilities
Queens theater program gives adults with disabilities a chance to shine Queens theater program gives adults with disabilities a chance to shine Queens theater program gives adults with disabilities a chance to shine A Queens theater program is bringing big energy and even bigger heart to the stage as adults with disabilities dazzle with talent, teamwork and a whole lot of joy. QCP Players Program celebrating debut performance A red dress and a sparkly headband are all it takes to transform Queens native Tyaisha Blake-Lochard into the Roald Dahl character Veruca Salt. She's keeping her composure before the big performance of "Willy Wonka" at Queens Centers for Progress (QCP), an organization that provides resources and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. "I'm just a little nervous, but I'm hanging in there," she said. "We know that they feel like an actor in a Broadway show feels on their opening day," QCP executive director Terri Ross said. The show marks a debut for the QCP Players Program, a partnership with inclusive performing arts nonprofit AhHa!Broadway. Participants are not only performers but also set painters, stage crew and ushers. Maurice Agard, who plays the title role, looks forward to seeing his parents in the audience. "They're going to love it," he said. "They have blossomed" Over 12 weeks of rehearsals, organizers have witnessed improvements in focus, energy, creativity and collaboration. "They have blossomed. They have become more animated, and also have become more closer with working together with other people because they realize it's part of a team," adult day services director Josie Davide said. "Literally, like, between goosebumps and tears sitting here watching them. It's just heartwarming," QCP director of development Wendy Gennaro said. Davide is eager to share the group's talent and joy with audiences. "I want them to see that people with disabilities can do whatever they put their mind to," she said. You can email Elle with Queens story ideas by CLICKING HERE.
Car and Driver
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Mercedes-AMG to Drop Four-Cylinder for Inline-Sixes and V-8s
Mercedes-AMG is preparing to phase out the plug-in hybrid powertrain that uses the M139 2.0-liter inline-four engine. Acknowledging that the four-cylinder "failed to resonate" with customers, the automaker's performance division will move forward with inline-six and V-8 engines. The four-cylinder PHEV setup is currently found in the C63 sedan and the GLC63 crossover, but has faced criticism from fans of the V-8 engines found in previous iterations of these AMG models. Mercedes-AMG is transitioning away from the four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain and back towards the inline-six and V-8 powertrains more traditionally associated with the brand. That isn't to say that AMG had a change of heart concerning the merits of the four-cylinder powertrain, but rather that the automaker is responding to customer criticisms. "Technically, the four-cylinder is one of the most advanced drivetrains available in a production car. It's also right up there on performance. But despite this, it failed to resonate with our traditional customers. We've recognized that," a source at Mercedes told Autocar. The report says that the 671-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain will be phased out of the current C63 and GLC63 models, and that the M139 turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine could also be dropped from other AMG models such as the SL43 in favor of an inline-six. We also know that AMG is moving forward with a new-generation V-8 engine, which will be used in 48-volt hybrid and plug-in hybrid applications. C/D also spoke with AMG chief Michael Schiebe at the reveal of the AMG GT XX electric concept car. Although Schiebe would not confirm the demise of the four-cylinder hybrid setup, when asked about this powertrain he said, "we need to cater to the demands of customers." He emphasized a "two pillar" strategy for AMG going forward, including the continuation of combustion engines such as the new V-8 and the new electric platform called that will underpin the production version of the XX concept sports sedan and an electric SUV variant to follow. AMG Hybrids Are Here to Stay Although the four-cylinder may be on its way out, Schiebe did say AMG remains committed to plug-in hybrids. "There are a lot of advantages of combining electric motors with combustion engines," Schiebe said. "We want to offer different kinds of drivetrain opportunities on the combustion side to our customers, so they can choose for whatever purpose they want to use the car." Mercedes-AMG M139 four-cylinder in the AMG C63 S E Performance Much of the criticism of the C63 and GLC63's powertrain was focused on the lackluster sound when compared with the symphony of a V-8. The M139 drew our ire for sounding "reedy" and "buzzy" in our test of the current C63. The C63's hybrid system also brings the car's curb weight up to nearly 5000 pounds, meaning it didn't provide a meaningful performance boost over its V-8 predecessor despite offering significantly more horsepower. Not long after the debut of the C63, which arrived in the U.S. for the 2024 model year, there were murmurs about the V-8 returning to this model as soon as 2026. AMG wouldn't confirm exactly when the four-cylinder will be phased out, telling Autocar that it will remain in production for the time being before "eventually" being replaced. Jack Fitzgerald Associate News Editor Jack Fitzgerald's love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn't afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. Read full bio Joey Capparella Deputy Editor, Rankings Content Despite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City. Read full bio
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Nissan Armada Nismo gets performance makeover
A family-moving SUV just got a performance makeover. The internet doesn't appear sold. Nissan is rolling out a sport-tuned version of its high-rolling, three-row Armada SUV, a near-luxury set of wheels that already starts at $60,000. The new trim is called the Armada Nismo — it's set to hit dealerships lots this fall. It's also hugely important for an automaker that recently posted flagging sales and a CEO change . The standard Armada got a full redesign for this year, swapping its aging V8 engine for a more efficient and powerful V6. The style reboot features a boxier look with width-spanning LED taillights, extra chrome, and a plush seven- or eight-seat interior. Now, Nissan is cranking up the attitude. The Nismo trim adds red interior and exterior accents, reworked lower body panels, and a squatter stance. Under the hood, the Nismo gets a 35-horsepower bump and tweaked valves that deepen the exhaust sounds — but only if you spring for premium fuel. 'Armada NISMO expands the Armada family to connect with drivers who share a passion for excitement, performance, and bold, sports-inspired design,' a product spokesperson told While Nissan hasn't revealed pricing yet, current Armada trims range from $59,000 to $82,000. That positions the Nismo squarely in the territory of premium family SUVs — a growing, lucrative market segment in the US, where large vehicles continue to dominate new car sales. But the launch comes at a tricky time for the automaker. Nissan has faced shrinking profits, leadership shakeups, and ongoing headwinds from President Donald Trump's 25 percent automotive tariffs — a policy that affects models like the Japan-produced Armada . Nissan has been in big trouble for months. In November, executives at the company warned the automaker only had '12 months' of cash on hand to survive . Its financial position comes after turmoil in the C-suite. Carlos Ghosn, the former CEO who helped revive the company in the 2000s, was arrested in 2018 by authorities in Tokyo. They believed the executive misused company assets. Ghosn was flown out of the country in a plane's cargo in 2019. He has remained in Lebanon since. In his absence, the company had an aging portfolio with old transmission technology. The cars were built at dozens of factories around the world, leaving the company extremely susceptible to global onshoring trends. A leadership vacuum appeared at the company after his legal turmoils. Makoto Uchida, a Japanese executive, took over, but was ousted after six years. Ivan Espinosa took over as top boss earlier this year. Despite selling the fifth-most cars in the US last year, Moody's, a credit agency, downranked Nissan to 'junk' status earlier this year .
Geeky Gadgets
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Geeky Gadgets
The Electric Future of Mercedes AMG: GT XX Concept Breaks Cover with 1,360 HP
The Mercedes AMG Concept GT XX is a groundbreaking electric vehicle that showcases the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and technology. This sleek four-door coupé is powered by three state-of-the-art axial flux motors, which collectively deliver an astounding peak output of over 1,000 kW (1,360 hp). The innovative axial flux motor technology, developed through a collaboration between Mercedes AMG and YASA, offers unparalleled power density, compactness, and efficiency, setting a new standard for electric drivetrains in the automotive industry. In addition to its innovative propulsion system, the Concept GT XX features an innovative high-voltage battery system with direct-cooled cylindrical cells. This advanced battery design ensures sustained high performance, rapid energy absorption, and exceptionally fast charging capabilities. With just a five-minute charge, the vehicle can recover enough energy to provide approximately 400 kilometers of driving range (based on the WLTP standard), redefining convenience and practicality in the realm of electric mobility. A Glimpse into the Future of AMG While the Mercedes AMG Concept GT XX is currently a concept vehicle, it serves as a preview of the brand's future direction in the high-performance electric vehicle segment. The innovative technologies showcased in this concept car are set to enter series production in 2026, signaling a significant shift in AMG's approach to performance engineering. Although pricing details for the production model have not yet been disclosed, it is expected to cater to the premium sports car market, offering a compelling blend of innovative technology, luxurious amenities, and unrivaled performance. The availability of the production version of the Concept GT XX will likely coincide with the expansion of Mercedes-Benz's high-performance charging network. This strategic move will ensure that customers can fully leverage the vehicle's rapid charging capabilities, making long-distance travel more convenient and accessible than ever before. A Showcase of Cutting-Edge Technology Beyond its innovative drivetrain and battery technology, the Mercedes AMG Concept GT XX introduces a host of other groundbreaking innovations. The vehicle features luminescent paintwork, which enhances nighttime visibility and adds a futuristic touch to its already striking design. The headlights incorporate integrated speakers, allowing for unique sound emission and creating an immersive sensory experience for both the driver and onlookers. At the rear of the vehicle, a 3D-pixel MBUX Fluid Light Panel provides real-time communication capabilities, allowing the car to display dynamic messages and graphics. This feature not only enhances the vehicle's visual appeal but also opens up new possibilities for interactive communication between the car and its surroundings. Inside the cabin, the Concept GT XX showcases a purist cockpit design, featuring dual LCD displays that provide essential information to the driver. The interior also incorporates innovative materials, such as LABFIBER, a biotechnology-based leather alternative derived from recycled racing tires. This sustainable approach to material selection reflects Mercedes AMG's commitment to reducing its environmental impact without compromising on quality or performance. Pricing and Availability While the Mercedes AMG Concept GT XX is currently a concept vehicle, its innovative technologies are set to enter series production in 2026. Pricing details for the production model have not yet been disclosed, but it is expected to cater to the premium sports car market. Availability will likely coincide with the expansion of Mercedes-Benz's high-performance charging network, ensuring customers can fully leverage the vehicle's rapid charging capabilities. Specifications Powertrain: Three axial flux motors delivering over 1,000 kW (>1,360 hp) peak output Three axial flux motors delivering over 1,000 kW (>1,360 hp) peak output Battery: High-voltage system with direct-cooled cylindrical cells High-voltage system with direct-cooled cylindrical cells Charging: 400 km range (WLTP) in approximately 5 minutes 400 km range (WLTP) in approximately 5 minutes Top Speed: Over 360 km/h Over 360 km/h Drivetrain: AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive Aerodynamics: Drag coefficient of cd=0.198 Drag coefficient of cd=0.198 Interior: Purist cockpit with dual LCD displays and innovative LABFIBER materials Purist cockpit with dual LCD displays and innovative LABFIBER materials Wheels: 21-inch active Aero Wheels with moving aero-blades Pushing the Boundaries of Performance and Design The Mercedes AMG Concept GT XX is a testament to the brand's relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. With its innovative drivetrain technology, advanced battery system, and host of groundbreaking features, this concept car sets the stage for the next generation of electric sports cars. For enthusiasts and industry observers alike, the Concept GT XX offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of electric mobility. It demonstrates how performance, sustainability, and innovative design can coexist harmoniously, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of high-performance electric vehicles. As Mercedes AMG continues to refine and develop the technologies showcased in the Concept GT XX, it is clear that the brand is poised to redefine the electric sports car segment. With its unwavering commitment to innovation, performance, and sustainability, Mercedes AMG is set to shape the future of the automotive industry, one groundbreaking vehicle at a time. Source Mercedes Benz Filed Under: Auto 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.
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lola Young puts on a VERY racy display in an underboob-flashing monokini before Glastonbury set - after Lorde sent fans into a frenzy by stripping off during surprise show
Lola Young put on a very racy display as she posed in the back of a motor on her way to perform at Glastonbury. Donning a short red skirt and an incredibly skimpy zebra-coloured monokini, the British singer, 24, sent supporters into a frenzy with the slew of snaps. Flashing underboob with the look, Lola pouted for the series of photos. She also sent temperatures soaring from beneath the camera, showing off her enviable curves while perched in the back of her tour bus. Lola captioned the sexy slew: ' coachella saw me (almost) throw up.. @glastofest what are you gonna get?' Lola is scheduled to hit the Woodsies stage at 4.30pm, just hours after Lorde sent Glastonbury-goers wild with a surprise set on the same stage. The performance came on the same day the New Zealander, 28, dropped supporters jaws after unveiling the cover of her new vinyl. Thousands of fans flocked to the Woodsies stage after rumours of a set from the Royals hitmaker spread around Worthy Farm. Such was the excitement that bosses announced the stage had temporarily closed due to overcrowding shortly before her set began. The singer - who previously graced The Pyramid stage in 2022 - performed all of her biggest hits from Ribs to Green Light, as well as a rendition of her new album. Wearing her jet black hair down, the 28-year-old sported an all-white look for the occasion consisting of a pair of straight leg jeans and a plain T-shirt. While belting out her lyrics, Lorde put her abs on full display as she lifted her T-shirt up to reveal her bra. She later stripped out of the T-shirt, laying bare her impressive figure and sending thousands of supporters wild. 'Moooorning', she greeted the crowd, 'this is sick'. And it seems her performance didn't disappoint, with a host of festival-goers taking to X to praise the popstar. Supporters described the show as 'out of this world', 'utterly euphoric' and 'brilliant'. Friday at the famous old festival will also see Lola Young, Loyle Carner, PinkPantheress and a host of other artists take to the stage before The 1975 close out the night on the Pyramid stage. Lorde's surprise set - which saw her perform a host of tunes from her new album Virgin - comes on the same day she left fans in shock after revealing the cover of her new vinyl. The singer had already raised eyebrows with the project's main artwork, which features an x-ray of her pelvis - inter-uterine device included. The show came on the same day the New Zealand singer dropped supporters jaws after unveiling the cover of her new vinyl However, the vinyl for Virgin - Lorde's fourth studio album and first since 2021's Solar Power - is even more explicit and features what appears to be her genitals beneath a pair of see-through plastic pants. Taking to social media to express their shock, some fans worried about their family members potentially seeing the NSFW cover. They shared on X/ Twitter: 'So the new Lorde vinyl just got delivered. I was not prepared for the insert'; 'lorde really got her cat out like that on her vinyl huh?'; 'My Lorde vinyl is getting delivered to my parent's house I'm scared [sic].' Others added: 'when you open your Virgin vinyl and see lordussy'; 'should've stayed curious abt the lorde vinyl'. However, not everyone was so critical of the vinyl's artwork and others described it as 'beautiful' and far from being shocking. 'A lot of you are being very weird about the lorde vinyl cover… who tf cares if her lordeussy was out. It's just a body.'; 'Wait... Is this the new album art from Lorde that everyone is talking about? It's a beautiful photo, and the entire vinyl package is, too, but come on, it barely shows anything. No need for all the discourse. 90's Madonna would kill you all [sic].' Others said that the reaction to the vinyl was so extreme that they expected it to be a lot more explicit than it actually is. 'I really thought the lorde vinyl insert would be a lot worse than people are saying it is, you guys are kinda dramatic.' The new album features several singles, including Man of the Year, which has already proven to be a viral hit. Lorde described her latest album as 'gender broadening' and said it was inspired by her own 'coming into masculinity'. The star, who uses she/her pronouns, told Rolling Stone that she is 'in the middle, gender-wise'. Elaborating further to fellow singer Chappell Roan, Lorde said of her gender: 'I'm a woman except for the days when I'm a man.' Lorde previously shocked fans when she debuted her new album artwork and its sexually suggestive title. The jaw-dropping cover was an X-ray of what appeared to be her pelvic area, with her hip bones, belt buckle, and zipper visible. But it was one particular detail in the X-ray that got fans talking - a T-shaped object that appeared to be an IUD (intrauterine device), a type of birth control that is placed in the uterus. On her website, she claimed the album was written '100%' in blood. The singer had already raised eyebrows with her latest album's main artwork, which features an x-ray of her pelvis - inter-uterine device included Lorde said she was both 'proud and scared' of the upcoming project in an email sent to fans. 'The colour of the album is clear. Like bathwater, windows, ice, spit. Full transparency. 'The language is plain and unsentimental. The sounds are the same wherever possible. 'I was trying to see myself, all the way through. I was trying to make a document that reflected my femininity: raw, primal, innocent, elegant, openhearted, spiritual, masc. 'I'm proud and scared of this album. There's nowhere to hide. I believe the putting the deepest parts of ourselves to music is what sets us free.' Lorde is one of the highest-selling New Zealand singers of all time and her 2013 song Royals reached number one in America, eventually being certified 14 times platinum.
