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Custom ZEM hybrid vehicle able to capture CO2 from the air as it drives
Researchers from the Eindhoven University of Technology have created a zero-emissions car that captures CO2 from the air while driving down the road. The Zero Emission Mobility (ZEM) car prototype from the TU/ecomotive student team uses carbon capture devices to collect CO2 through a filter.
ZEM was first introduced this year, with the research team saying it's a proof-of-concept car, but there is potential the filter capacity could one day increase. Over 20,000 travel miles in a year, ZEM can capture 2 kilograms of CO2. Although it might seem trivial, if the filter has a modular design, it could be more widely implemented.
As CNET learned: "When these filters can be made modularly, they can be implemented into every type of vehicle, every type of transportation."
PlayStation software unit sales hit 5.82 billion across all generations
Total PlayStation game unit software sales have broken 5.8 billion across all Sony PlayStation hardware generations.
Sony's latest Q2 earnings report refreshes all of PlayStation's key metrics including revenues, hardware shipments, and software. Today we'll be taking a closer look at software shipments across both physical and digital channels.
According to data published by Sony and compiled by us, total PlayStation software units have reached 5.827 billion across all video game hardware generations from the PSP to the PlayStation 5. Oddly enough, Sony does not publish PlayStation Vita software sales, so this figure is actually higher.
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is a 700 HP V8 engine that is 'absolute overkill'
The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is the most powerful version of the Raptor, and the US automaker designed it for high-performance off-roading. Now in its third generation, each Raptor model has been designed to be able to hit the trails or desert straight out of the dealership showroom.
The F-150 Raptor R has 700 hp and can generate 640 lb-ft of torque, which provides a significant 250 hp and 120 lb-ft improvements on the standard model.
The 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine also has a long-travel suspension designed to help drivers successfully navigate trails and other off-road environments. The powerful engine was first introduced in the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 - but some modifications were made to ensure off-road performance.
From PS1 to PS5, total PlayStation console and handheld sales hit 579 million
From the original PlayStation to the new-gen PlayStation 5, Sony's total video game hardware has shipped over 579 million units worldwide.
According to the latest figures from Sony's Q2 2022 earnings brief, total cumulative PlayStation hardware shipments have reached 579.1 million across all console generations and handhelds. The data include an estimated 16 million PlayStation Vita shipments and confirmed data directly from Sony.
The numbers reflect the generational shift from the 2013 PlayStation 4 to the 2020 PlayStation 5. The PS4, which has capped out at 117.2 million shipments (Sony no longer reports PS4 shipment data), is handing off the baton to the newer PS5, which has now reached 25 million units shipped.
Benteler hopes Holon can lead to a fully electric autonomous people mover
Benteler recently announced it has established the Holon brand, as the company pushes forward to embrace an increasingly electric future. These types of vehicles have potential at airports, office campuses, schools, and other locations with high levels of foot traffic.
Holon uses its autonomous experience and aims to transition that into efficient mobility solutions. One example is the electric autonomous people mover concept shown off in 2021. The people mover is built on the Benteler electric drive system that provides autonomous driving and battery pack modules designed for fast charging and extended life.
Intel's Mobileye will develop self-driving software for the mover, with mobility provider Beep developing mobility service OS solutions.
Hyundai isn't only interested in vehicles, as the company also likes the skies
Korean automaker Hyundai isn't only interested in developing new cars in an increasingly electric vehicle market - the company's Supernal unit hopes to develop electric-based aviation solutions. Hyundai wants to fully design its own vehicle and is working with Hyundai's partners to help assist in their future projects.
Earlier in the year, Supernal unveiled an initial electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, which the company hopes can be commercially launched in 2028. The five-seat cabin concept is actively looking for methods to integrate automotive capabilities for use in advanced air mobility.
Supernal has recently made a couple of announcements, finding new partners to help Hyundai develop something other than consumer cars. Supernal and Honeywell recently announced a partnership to use the Honeywell Anthem flight deck for the eVTOL - a custom cloud-based cockpit system. Anthem's software design has a noticeable focus on providing connectivity and autonomy.
2023 BMW i7 electric car offers 7 Series luxury in a fully-electric model
The 2023 BMW i7 xDrive60 is an all-electric luxury sedan from the German automaker, showing it can transition luxury cars from traditional gas engines. The i7 stands out because it's the first electric BMW 7 Series car model - and BMW was sure to pack the car full of features.
The i7 has 536 horsepower with 549 lb-ft of torque and can accelerate 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The battery range reaches up to 318 miles, with up to 80 miles of range time after just 10 minutes of charging. The top speed is 130 to 149 mph and can accelerate from 0-100 mph in 9 seconds.
The i7 battery pack can use 101.7 kWh from the total 105.7 kWh total capacity output.
Interested buyers will have to wait a couple years for the GMC Hummer EV Pickup
GMC said its Hummer EV pickup and SUV models are sold out for at least a couple of years, with a full reservation list. Once known for its gas-guzzling nature, the new Hummer EV line has brought great attention to a new generation of electric-powered driving.
There are currently 90,000 reservations for both the Hummer EV Pickup and Hummer EV SUV models - and is no longer accepting additional reservations. Even people on the reservation list might wait past 2024 before they receive a delivery. The Hummer EV production is on hold at the moment, with GM preparing the plant to prepare to hopefully ramp up production.
GMC brand chief Duncan Aldred said the automaker had 65,000 reservations in March - and admitted back then that some of the customers wouldn't be delivered until 2024 - and then the reservations kept on arriving.
Mini Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 has a limited 'Untamed Edition' plug-in hybrid
Automaker Mini has unveiled the Untamed Edition of its Mini Cooper SE Countryman ALL4, which features a sleek Nanuq White paint finish and underlines.
The all-wheel-drive vehicle supports just over 31 miles in the electric range - with MINI hoping the Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 provides a sporty driving style in urban environments.
The Cooper SE ALL4 can fit 5 adults in the twin-power turbo 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder direct-injection engine. It features 221 horsepower - 134 hp from the direct-injected engine and 87 hp from the electric motor - with 284 lb-ft of torque.
Mitsubishi will open up US sales of Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
Japanese automaker Mitsubishi has started sales for the 2023 Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a crossover SUV available in North America. The car starts with a $39,845 price tag for US and Canadian auto buyers can purchase now - and sales open up in Puerto Rico next month.
The car was designed on the authentic and majestic "I-Fu-Do-Do" product concept, with chassis, body, and powertrain changes.
The 2023 Outlander PHEV is a seven-passenger vehicle that can drive 38 miles in all-electric range, with upwards of 420 miles total range. Drivers can recharge 80% of their battery via a fast charger in just 38 minutes.
Volkswagen shows off 350 horsepower Jetta GLI Performance Concept car
German automaker Volkswagen unveiled the Jetta GLI Performance concept vehicle during the SEMA Show trade show in Las Vegas. The widebody kit is a little bit larger than stock and helps the racecar more effectively help hot air escape while on the racetrack. Other customizations make the concept stand out compared to stock models, though wouldn't be very practical as an everyday driver.
The GLI Performance concept has 350 horsepower and 372 lb-ft of torque, which is significantly higher than the stock 228 hp and 258 lb-ft specs. Drivers have a six-speed manual transmission to control the heavily modified car with a custom tuning package.
Tuner specialists RacingLine made the engine modifications, and the concept was developed at the Volkswagen Innovation and Engineering Center California location. RacingLine added a six-piston forged caliper big brake kit that runs 15-inch diameter carbon-ceramic disc brakes.
Continue reading: Volkswagen shows off 350 horsepower Jetta GLI Performance Concept car (full post)
Despite massive PlayStation Plus loss, Sony's network services are stable
Sony was just hit with the largest PlayStation Plus subscriber loss across the PS4 and PS5 generation, but its Network Services revenues are are stable.
PlayStation's major metrics are have slid downward throughout Q2 as pandemic highs start to ease. PlayStation's total monthly active users are down to 102 million, the lowest Q2 since 2019, microtransaction revenues are down 20% to $1.36 billion, total revenues dropped by 11% to $5.2 billion, operating income slide 59% to $304 million, and overall game unit sales and total video game revenues were down 18% and 14% respectively.
On the subscription front, Sony lost 1.9 million PlayStation Plus subscribers throughout July - September 2022. This is the largest loss in many years, but data shows that spending is still high among the current subscribers.
PlayStation Plus loses 1.9 million subscribers, 55% of players don't subscribe
PlayStation Plus loses nearly 2 million subscribers during a critical expansion point for the popular subscription service.
Back in June, Sony combined PlayStation Now and PlayStation Plus together in a value-oriented mega service. The new PlayStation Plus has three tiers, Essential, Extra, and Premium, all of which offer distinct advantages--Premium, for example, is quite expensive at $119 per year but will eventually offer access to over 700 games across six generations of PlayStation consoles.
Unfortunately for Sony, the PlayStation Plus revamp has not gained traction. Instead of gaining new subscribers, Sony actually lost 1.9 million users in the quarterly period shortly after the new service launch. This represents the largest subscriber loss since 2018. PlayStation Plus subscribers went from 47.3 million at the end of June to 45.4 million subscribers at the end of September. PS Plus subscribers have reverted to pre-pandemic levels and are currently the lowest they have been since Q4 2019.
BMW showed off its new M2 Coupe that was enhanced by the M Mixed Reality tech
BMW demonstrated its M2 Coupe paired with its M Mixed Reality technology platform during the Web Summit 2022 event in Lisbon, Portugal. Virtual reality and mixed reality technologies help power the platform, with the virtual and physical worlds meeting together.
Using the MR platform let participants wear a Varjo XR-3 VR headset to control the M2 on a virtual racetrack - while physically in an empty lot. The immersive in-car experience allows drivers to see their hands, the steering wheel, and the car's dashboard directly in front. The coupe essentially becomes the controller, with BMW thanking gaming partners like Epic.
Driver head movement is tracked by a dashboard-mounted camera facing inside the car. People that tested the system said it was able to track with very little lag, as the headset is connected to a computer located in the trunk.
Elden Ring boosts Kadokawa's gaming operating profit by 1,100%
Elden Ring's massive worldwide success has sparked astronomical growth for FromSoftware parent company Kadokawa Group.
With over 16 million units sold across all platforms, Elden Ring is an outstanding smash-hit sensation that could end up being the best-selling game of 2022. The game's incredible performance has helped spike both sales and operating profit of FromSoftware's owner, the Kadokawa Group.
According to Kadowkawa's latest earnings briefing, the company saw net sales rise to 17.137 billion yen ($116.892 million based on current conversions), up 255% over the last six months. Operating profit skyrocketed by over 1110% to 7.592 billion yen ($51.785 million) from the year-ago earnings of 623 million yen.
Continue reading: Elden Ring boosts Kadokawa's gaming operating profit by 1,100% (full post)
PlayStation Plus, Switch Online, and Game Pass need to get more creative
All subscriptions succeed or fail based on the value they offer, but video game subscriptions have a unique opportunity to provide value in creative ways.
Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft are doing great things with their respective game subscriptions. Sony's PlayStation Plus offers three separate tiers of across a vast library of titles, Nintendo Switch Online is essentially a vault of nostalgia that contains a dearth of beloved old-school video games, and Game Pass is arguably the best per-dollar value with over 400 games across PC and console. There's just a little something missing: Creativity.
These subscriptions offer value across a wide spectrum of gaming content but there's more ways to provide value outside of a massive games library. The games themselves might be unique, but there's not a lot of things that set these subscriptions apart in terms of form and function. The basics are the same across all three: Pay a monthly fee to play X amount of games.
Volkswagen Group pauses Twitter advertising as turbulence continues
The German Volkswagen Group has confirmed it is pausing advertising on Twitter and has urged its own brands to see what happens with Elon Musk's turbulent takeover of Twitter. Major companies that advertised on Twitter are sorting out what they want to do now that Musk is in control - and automakers could be jumping ship.
Here is what Volkswagen told Reuters: "We are closely monitoring the situation and will decide about next steps depending on its evolvement."
As part of the Volkswagen group, brands such as Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Ducati could also see their ads temporarily vanish from Twitter. General Motors moved quickly to pause Twitter advertising, with the company taking a wait-and-see approach.
Continue reading: Volkswagen Group pauses Twitter advertising as turbulence continues (full post)
Mercedes-Benz should unveil the Concept EQT Marco Polo in early December
German automaker Mercedes-Benz is working on the Concept EQT Marco Polo, an electric micro-camper design. The EQT Marco Polo has a "flexible" bed and kitchen and provides a comprehensive vehicle catering to campers and people on the move. Owners can remove the module and the EQT is right back to normal as an EV van.
Information such as electric powertrain details wasn't released and should be announced during the December 2 event. However, it'll include a slide-out bed, a modular kitchen with a single-burner stove, and a central fridge. A 15-liter fridge box is included to keep a small number of perishables cool. There is built-in storage space to hold kitchen items and utensils with a rear bench that can be used as a table for indoor dining.
Mercedes introduced its first pop-top camper van in the U.S. market in early 2020 and remains committed to catering to a niche market of consumers. Camper vans aren't very fuel efficient, but Mercedes hopes an electric concept might be more appealing.
Even Dodge doesn't know if a gas-powered Charger will be released after EV model
The upcoming electric Dodge Charger generation will be able to support an internal combustion engine, though it's unknown what that means today. Understanding it's time to carve out its niche in the electric market, Dodge hopes vehicles such as the Charger Daytona SRT will make muscle car drivers think about battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) with a new appreciation.
The STLA Large electric platform is designed to provide up to 500 miles of range with models supporting front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive propulsion support. The charging is marketed with 20 miles per minute fast charging. Interestingly, STLA Large is a multi-energy platform able to support, electric, hybrid, or gasoline drivetrains - so that could mean an easier swap to a gas Charger one day.
Just because it could fit doesn't mean Dodge is going to switch back and forth, as Dodge CEO Timothy Kuniskis said during a recent media call:
Nissan Z GT4 450-hp race car unveiled, designed for amateurs and pros alike
During the 2022 SEMA Show, the Nissan Z GT4 racecar was unveiled, designed for both amateur and professional racecar drivers.
The car weighs just over 3,000 pounds and measures 172 inches in length and 73 inches in width - with an engine able to generate 450 horsepower and 443 ft-lb of engine torque. The street-legal car also shares the same twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 but has scaled back output by 50 horsepower compared to the race version.
The front grill has a mesh design, and two cooling vents are spotted on the front of the Z GT4 car. Nissan stripped down the interior to reduce weight and included a different body kit to improve aerodynamics.






















