motoring news June 2022 73 www.bahrainthismonth.com The Ferrari SP48 Unica, the latest addition to the Prancing Horse’s One-Off series, was recently unveiled, joining the most exclusive group in Maranello’s entire production: unique, absolutely bespoke cars crafted to the specifications of a single client and designed as a clear expression of their own individual requirements. The SP48 Unica, designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre under the direction of Flavio Manzoni, Chief Design Officer, is a two-seater sports berlinetta developed on the F8 Tributo platform. Its taut lines and aggressive stance make it instantly recognisable with respect to the original model, and it is unmistakable too, thanks to its arrow-shaped front profile. Central to achieving this effect was the redesign of the headlights and the subsequent relocation of the brake air intakes. A pivotal aspect of the design of this unique new car is the extensive use of procedural-parametric modelling techniques and 3D prototyping (additive manufacturing) which enabled the Ferrari Styling Centre designers and Maranello’s engineers to completely redesign the front grille and engine air intakes. This advanced production process resulted in perfect 3D grilles that seem carved from a solid volume creating a sense of seamless continuity and dynamic fluidity. Theeba Motorsport has announced its formation and entry onto motor racing’s GT3 world stage with a mission that extends beyond the track. Founded by Saudi Arabia’s first female racing driver, Reema Juffali, the team will improve Saudi access, participation and representation in the motorsport industry. Since becoming the first female Saudi racing driver, Reema has forged a reputation as a role model to many and will continue to make waves in the next chapter of her career as she seeks to spark further change. Theeba Motorsport will provide a platform and space for Saudis to learn about and participate in motorsport through a variety of engineering, mechanical and commercial internship and apprenticeship programmes. It is the team’s ambition and intention to one day compete at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours under a Saudi Arabian licence. The team will take its first competitive steps in 2022 by contesting the International GT Open Championship – one of Europe’s highest tiers of GT3 racing. Reema will participate in all remaining races in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO and will be partnered by long-time friend, driver coach and renowned GT ace, Adam Christodoulou. Hyundai Motor Company has launched a global manifesto campaign called ‘Innovation Begins, from Very Human Things’ to share its vision for self-driving robotaxis. Motional, the global leader in driverless technology, will work in partnership with ride-hailing services to deploy the Level 4 autonomous vehicles across major U.S. cities starting in 2023. The all-electric IONIQ 5-based robotaxi, which was first unveiled at 2021 IAA Mobility is an SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicle that can safely operate without a driver. To make the robotaxi a reality, Hyundai partnered with Motional, to equip the award-winning IONIQ 5 with an array of hardware and software to provide safe and secure driverless operation. Hyundai and Motional plan to begin transporting public passengers in the IONIQ 5 robotaxi in 2023, starting in Las Vegas and then expanding to major cities in the US and globally. The company’s aim for the robotaxi is to go fully autonomous while retaining a humanistic touch. This narrative is depicted through two videos of the recently launched campaign which emphasise the humanistic qualities of robotaxis, showing how they adopt safe driving behaviors and care for passengers. DRIVING AN INTEREST A NEW ONE-OFF FROM MARANELLO A VISION FOR SELFDRIVING Mercedes-Benz thrust itself into the future when it launched the luxury saloon EQS and the sporty executive saloon EQE, the marque’s entry into the all-electric upper market segment. Now the brand is preparing to launch the third model to share architecture in this series, the EQS SUV. The model offers plenty of space, comfort and connectivity for up to seven passengers in its avant-garde, luxurious interior. Thanks to powerful electric motors, responsive 4MATIC all-wheel drive and an intelligent OFFROAD driving mode, the EQS SUV is also capable of tackling light terrain with ease. The EQS Saloon is the current aerodynamics world champion for production cars, with a smooth underbody and efficiency. All EQS SUVs have an electric drive train on the rear axle, and the versions with 4MATIC also have aneATS on the front axle, showing a major step towards zero-emission mobility. Finally, in addition to the Dynamic Select driving modes Eco, Sport, Comfort and Individual, the 4MATIC versions feature Offroad. MERCEDES WELCOMES NEW ERA
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