NEWS

Polestar's first performance SUV debuts soon

Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car company, has announced that the world premiere of its next car, the Polestar 3 electric performance SUV, will be in October 2022.

Polestar 3 is the company’s first SUV, and the launch of the car marks Polestar’s entrance into one of the highest margin and growth segments in the automotive industry, particularly in the United States.

Polestar 3 will, over time, offer autonomous highway piloting powered by the best-in-class LiDAR sensor from Luminar and centralised NVIDIA computing power. At launch, Polestar 3 will feature a dual-motor drivetrain and a large battery, with a range target of over 370 miles (WLTP).

The confirmation of the world premiere comes with a new film and a first undisguised image of the car. Customers can expect to order Polestar 3 in initial launch markets from the day of the premiere. Production is expected to begin in early 2023, and Polestar 3 will be manufactured in the United States and China.

Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO says “Polestar 3 is the SUV for the electric age. Our design identity evolves with this high-end large luxury EV, with a strong, individual brand character. With this car, we bring the ‘sport’ back to the SUV, staying true to our performance roots.

This is a major milestone for our company, one that boosts our growth trajectory and takes us into our next phase.”

Polestar plans to launch a new car every year for the next three years, starting with Polestar 3, and aims to enter at least 30 global markets by the end of 2023.

Apollo Tyres brings all-terrain Vredestein Pinza to Europe

Apollo Tyres is launching its first dedicated all-terrain tyre: the Vredestein Pinza, which is the result of the most ambitious product-specific R&D project in the brand’s 113 year history.

The Pinza has been tested in challenging all-weather conditions, both on and off-road, in North America, Finland, South Africa and the Middle East, and has been designed to be the most capable off-road Vredestein tyre ever, while at the same time offering superior standards of on-road grip, traction, rolling resistance and refinement. The result is the best balance of on and off road capabilities of any allterrain tyre on the market.

Bold claims indeed!

The tyre was launched in the USA in 2021 and has quickly established itself as one of the most highly rated products in the competitive all-terrain segment. It is one of only four all-terrain tyres to be recommended by the highly reputed independent testing agency, Consumer Reports.

Particularly well suited to 4x4s, pick-ups, and SUVs that venture off road, the Pinza is available to customers from August, in 24 dimensions and with more size options to follow later.

The tread on the Pinza features a distinctive 4 groove herringbone pattern and fulldepth interlocking sipes that offer excellent grip on all surfaces, including mud, sand, ice and snow, while minimising on road noise. A robust three-pitched shoulder features aggressive ‘biting’ edges to further aid loose-surface grip, and twisted ‘stone ejectors’ have been incorporated into the tread to help clear debris.

The new Pinza features a three-ply triplex casing for enhanced durability, while a unique sidewall design extends the aggressive tread pattern for a rugged aesthetic befitting a tyre in this category, as well as providing enhanced protection from rocks and ruts.

Multi-pitch technology and broad tread blocks help to minimise noise and maximise steering precision, and the use of a fifth-generation polymer compound and deep sipes ensure outstanding grip in all conditions.

Underlining its all-weather credentials and further differentiating it from many other products in the all-terrain segment, the Pinza has secured ‘3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake’ certification, signifying that it delivers superior standards of grip and traction on snow and icy surfaces.

The Pinza will be offered in two types of construction: ‘P’ and ‘LT’. The more aggressive ‘LT’ tyre pattern is suited for working vehicles that are primarily used on more demanding off-road terrain.

The ‘P’ variant features a more road-biased design, making it ideal for fitment to passenger vehicles.

Both versions are highly capable off-road, enabling users to feel safe and secure across on all surfaces, year-round.

Smart technology for the 2023 Toyota Highlander

Highlander, Toyota’s largest hybrid electric SUV, is to get a more connected and personalised user experience for the 2023 model.

It is the latest model to adopt the new Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia system, which introduces a 12.3” touch screen highdefinition display, and added functionality including cloud-based navigation with realtime information on road events and an on-board voice agent.

The cloud navigation can be accessed without having to pair a smartphone and with no additional data costs; the new Highlander is sold with an inclusive 4 year data plan that also covers convenient, overthe-air system updates. It also provides an embedded navigation system which allows routes to be planned when and where connection to the cloud is not available. This also provides 3D city mapping, road sign recognition and fixed speed camera location information. After 4 years I assume there will be an additional cost.

The system also enables useful remote functions, including locking and unlocking of the doors and operation of the hazard lights to help locate the car in a busy car park. They allow wireless smartphone connection via Apple CarPlay, plus wired connection to use the Android Auto system. All Highlander models now come with a wireless charging tray, relocated in the front console for easier use.

The driver’s instrument display has undergone a full redesign with the introduction of a new 12.3” digital combimeter that provides easy-to-read information and intuitive operation. Also new for 2023 are 20” gloss black alloy wheels.

Launched in the UK in 2021, Highlander has a flexible 7 seat interior and intelligent allwheel drive (AWD-i) performance.

The sale date for the 2023 Highlander will be announced later, but we'll let you know when we know.