July 2020

Ground-breaking tattooed Lexus UX offers the chance to 'Ink Big'

(July 27, 2020) Fine craftsmanship and traditional Japanese artistry collided when Lexus commissioned the world’s first tattooed car. Enlisting leading London tattoo artist Claudia De Sabe to design and create this one-of-a-kind art piece, the brand chose the UX compact SUV to be her canvas. The all-white 2020 Lexus UX offered the perfect backdrop for bringing to life De Sabe’s vibrant ground-breaking design. Her first time tattooing something other than the human body, the Italian-born artist was up for the challenge of inking metal.

Dark Shadow Edition — The darker, more mysterious side of BMW X-7

(July 26, 2020) WOODCLIFF LAKE , N.J.  — BMW has announced a very limited edition X7 for those seeking a darker and more mysterious side to their 7-passenger Sports Activity Vehicle. The 2021 X7 Dark Shadow Edition will be built at Plant Spartanburg, S.C.,  BMW Group’s largest global production plant, starting this August for worldwide markets and in the fourth quarter for the U.S. Only 600 vehicles will be built for customers around the world with approximately 75 units reserved for the U.S.

Harley-Davidson — This year, we’re doing our part by rallying through riding

(July 25, 2020) Rallying and riding together has always been part of who we are. During this unprecedented time, the choices we make about how and where we gather and ride are very important. The COVID-19 pandemic is making an impact on events globally, including the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Aug. 7-16.

FCA, Waymo expand autonomous driving technology partnership

(July 24, 2020) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — FCA and Waymo have announced that they have taken the next significant steps in the expansion of their autonomous driving technology partnership. Waymo will now work exclusively with FCA as its preferred partner for the development and testing of class 1-3 light commercial vehicles for goods movement for commercial delivery customers, including Waymo Via.

Reproduction Bugatti Baby going into series production

(July 25, 2020) MOLSHEIM, France — At the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, Bugatti announced its 110th birthday present to itself, the reimagining of the original Bugatti Baby. And now the brand has to announced the completion of the design and testing phase, the car has gone into series production and clients will be soon be taking delivery of the very first cars. Developed in partnership with The Little Car Company, the Baby II has been described by those who have had the opportunity to drive it as ‘more of an unruly teenager than a Baby.

Volkswagen brings additional partners to industrial cloud

(July 24, 2020) WOLFSBURG, Germany — Volkswagen, together with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and integration partner Siemens, is opening up the Industrial Cloud to other manufacturing and technology companies. New partner companies will be able to connect with Volkswagen plants and to contribute their own software applications for optimizing production processes to the Industrial Cloud. This way, a rapidly growing range of industrial software applications for Volkswagen’s plants will be created.

2021 Hyundai Sonata adds 19-inch wheels, Pirelli P Zero tires

(July 24, 2020) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Following a complete redesign in 2020, the 2021 Sonata model line features available 19-inch wheels and tires, Safe Exit Warning and a six-way power passenger seat on the Limited trim. The 2021 Sonata goes on sale in August.   

The 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 R19 Pirelli P Zero tires are now standard on the turbocharged SEL Plus trim. P-Zero All Season tires are for driving enthusiasts who want a combination of a performance appearance, responsive handling and durability along with all-season traction, including in light snow.  

Vile thoughts from the left seat

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DRIVER'S SIDE DIATRIBE
By Al Vinikour 

In case any of you were concerned about my running out of driving-related things to hate…fear not. As long as there are traffic jams and people who insist on ruining my life by constantly making me slow down so they can make turns —– mostly like they’re dragging a 53’ Dorsey Trailer — there will always be moments for me to ponder my disdain for life as I know it.