Toyota recently showcased the IMV 0 concept. The small entry-level pickup truck is now launched in Thailand as the Toyota Hilux Champ. As reported earlier, the Hilux Champ is offered with various customisation options. In fact, there are two wheelbase options on offer, along with three engine choices. It sits below the Hilux, as a more affordable product to enjoy the Hilux legacy. However, the Hilux Champ’s key highlight remains its modification potential. Toyota claims that except for the mechanicals and select body panels, the remaining part of the truck can be customised via third-party modifiers. Toyota Hilux Champ Price In Thailand, the Toyota Hilux Champ pickup truck is launched at a starting price of TBH 459,000, which in Indian Rupee is Rs 10.91 lakh. The prices go up to TBH 577,000 (Rs 13.71 lakh). Bookings for the truck are already open, and it will be produced at the brand’s Samrong facility in Thailand. Toyota Hilux Champ Design The Hilux Champ has not changed much in comparison to the IMV 0 concept. On the front it gets a chunky bumper and a prominent grille, all finished in black. It has a single-cab layout and a long deck. The design is utilitarian in every sense. However, Toyota is offering the option of modifications for the Hilux Champ, as it can be converted into a food truck, camper, or RV. On the inside, it gets a purpose-built dashboard with a rugged appeal. There’s no provision for an infotainment unit, and the steering wheel is free of any button, whatsoever. Toyota Hilux Champ Specs Starting with engine options, there are three of them - 2.4L diesel, 2.0L petrol and 2.7L petrol. The diesel is good at pushing out 150 Hp/400 Nm and the 2.0L NA petrol develops 130 Hp/183. Lastly, the 2.7L NA petrol churns out 166 Hp/245 Nm. Transmission options include a 5-speed MT and 6-speed AT. Toyota Hilux Champ Dimensions
The Toyota Hilux Champ gets two wheelbase options - 2.75 metres and 3.08 metres. The truck is 1.8 metres tall and wide. The SWB version measures 4.9 metres in length, while the LWB trim measures 5.3 metres long. The ground clearance stands at 180 mm. Toyota Hilux Champ-Based Mini Fortuner SUV Reports suggest that Toyota is also developing a new SUV on the IMV platform, which will be smaller than the Fortuner. It will possess similar offroading credentials, and it could possibly be making its way to our shores.
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EV prices may be a concern to customers, particularly coupled with high interest rates. Though its Model Y was a bestseller this year, Tesla did report slower sales in its third quarter. It’s also been discounting its models this year, and recently announced even more price cuts—increasing competition with other automakers. (Its Model 3, though, is soon set to lose its incentives.) While there are tax credits available for many electric vehicles, those credits are expected to become easier to get in 2024, thanks to a Department of Treasury proposal that would let customers get those tax breaks—up to $7,500 for new EVs and $4,000 for used ones—at the point of sale.
Did you bought an 'environmental diesel' ten years ago, you bought a car that met the wishes of politicians. The powerful car industry had gone along with politics and allowed itself to be gagged by them, so diesels neatly rolled off the production line that emit a maximum of 110 grams of CO2 per kilometer. If they emitted 111 grams, unfortunately, then a completely unsellable model... unless of course the software was tampered with. The latter was an emergency measure by the car industry to avoid being financially lynched by consumers who only wanted additional tax-friendly 'environmental diesels'. These 'environmental diesels' have now largely left the country, after all, a private individual cannot afford diesel because the road tax on these extremely climate-friendly cars is unaffordable. And so they disappeared to the Eastern Europe or Africa, after all, everyone wants an environmental diesel there, right? When hybrid cars were introduced, office clerks flocked to the tax-friendly hybrid. The fact that the much too heavy Mitsubishi Outlander only gurgled away gasoline to propel this colossus did not bother any official at the Tax Authorities
Policy officials in Brussels and at town halls in the Netherlands continue to fantasize about it. Zero-emission cities, for example. Can someone explain to such an uneducated civil servant that it is not zero-emission, such a 100 percent electric car? The citizens do understand it. Or what about a total ban on the sale of combustion engines in 2035? That is complete madness because the electricity grid is already completely overloaded in the Netherlands with 5 percent electric cars. The citizen understands it, but the policy official still does not. They continue to shoot down everything that moves from the town halls.
Those who have now woken up are the car manufacturers themselves and the consumers. Because a car that depreciates 70 to 80 percent in 5 years is also unsellable when new, despite all the tax benefits for the office clerk. And the banks have their fingers fist deep in the leasing companies, who now run the risk. And so major car manufacturers are now turning against politics and giving them a big middle finger, they no longer believe in it. Volkswagen sees the mood, Mercedes now understands it, Ford understands it and Fiat also understands it. When will the (policy) officials understand it? The automotive industry has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous automobile manufacturers throughout history. Some companies leave an indelible mark with their innovative designs and engineering prowess. Among those unique and distinctive brands, Kellison Cars occupies a significant place. Renowned for their cutting-edge designs and customization options, Kellison Cars enjoyed a brief but impactful existence, leaving a lasting legacy in the automotive world.
The Origins of Kellison Cars: Kellison Cars was founded in the mid-1950s by a talented engineer and visionary, Jim Kellison. Inspired by the burgeoning sports car market, Kellison set out to create high-performance vehicles that combined speed, style, and affordability. His passion for engineering excellence and a keen eye for design led him to produce some of the most iconic sports cars of the era. Innovative Design: One of the distinguishing features of Kellison Cars was their innovative and striking designs. Kellison's vehicles featured sleek lines, aerodynamic contours, and distinctive body shapes that stood out from the crowd. These design elements were not just for aesthetic appeal but also enhanced the car's performance and handling capabilities. Customization Options: Kellison Cars gained popularity for their extensive customization options, allowing customers to tailor their vehicles according to their preferences. From engine choices to body modifications, Kellison provided a platform for car enthusiasts to create their dream machines. This flexibility set Kellison Cars apart from many other manufacturers and attracted a devoted following. Performance and Engineering Excellence: Beyond their eye-catching appearances, Kellison Cars were renowned for their outstanding performance. The company utilized lightweight fiberglass bodies, contributing to improved speed and fuel efficiency. Additionally, Kellison Cars often incorporated powerful engines and advanced suspension systems, ensuring a thrilling driving experience. Racing Success: Kellison Cars' dedication to high-performance design did not go unnoticed in the world of motorsports. Many Kellison models participated in various racing competitions, showcasing their capabilities and bringing recognition to the brand. The success of Kellison race cars demonstrated the engineering prowess and performance potential of their vehicles. Influence and Legacy: Although Kellison Cars had a relatively short lifespan, the brand left an indelible impact on the automotive industry. Many Kellison designs and concepts inspired future generations of sports cars. The company's innovative approach to customization and performance continues to influence modern automobile manufacturers, shaping the development of sports and racing vehicles. Collectibility and Enthusiast Community: Today, Kellison Cars enjoy a cult-like status among car collectors and enthusiasts. The rarity of these vehicles and their historical significance make them highly sought-after by collectors around the world. The strong enthusiast community surrounding Kellison Cars keeps the legacy alive through events, restorations, and preservation efforts. Kellison Cars embodied the spirit of innovation and customization, combining style with high-performance engineering. Despite their relatively short existence, Kellison Cars made a lasting impact on the automotive world. Their iconic designs, dedication to performance, and influence on future generations of sports cars ensure that the name Kellison remains etched in automotive history as a symbol of innovation, creativity, and driving excitement. Going green and adopting environmentally friendly practices are important steps towards sustainability and mitigating climate change. However, it is true that some aspects of going green can have potential toxic costs. Here are a few examples:
It is crucial to acknowledge these toxic costs and strive for sustainable solutions that minimize or eliminate such risks. Constant research and development are essential to improve the environmental performance of green technologies and ensure that they are produced and disposed of responsibly. The Mini EV Yep is a true testament to the innovative strides made in the realm of electric vehicles. With its compact size and impressive features, it offers a unique and refreshing take on urban mobility. As a proud owner of the Yep, I can confidently say that it has exceeded my expectations in multiple aspects.
First and foremost, the Mini EV Yep's design is nothing short of delightful. Its small footprint makes it ideal for maneuvering through crowded city streets and tight parking spaces. The sleek curves and modern aesthetic give it an attractive and stylish appeal. It's a head-turner wherever it goes, and I've received numerous compliments on its charming exterior. Despite its compact size, the Yep doesn't compromise on interior comfort. The cabin is surprisingly spacious, providing ample legroom and headspace for both the driver and passengers. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making longer journeys a breeze. The overall build quality is impressive, with a solid and sturdy feel that belies its small stature. One of the most impressive features of the Mini EV Yep is its range. Despite its diminutive size, it boasts an impressive electric range that has proven more than sufficient for my daily commutes and errands. The lithium-ion battery pack delivers reliable performance and can be easily charged at home or at public charging stations. The regenerative braking system further enhances efficiency, allowing for maximum utilization of energy. Driving the Yep is an absolute pleasure. Its nimble handling and responsive steering make it an agile companion in congested city traffic. The instant torque provided by the electric motor ensures swift acceleration, allowing for quick maneuvers when needed. It's an absolute joy to zip around town in the Yep, effortlessly navigating through tight turns and narrow streets. In terms of technology and connectivity, the Mini EV Yep doesn't disappoint. The infotainment system is intuitive and user-friendly, providing access to various entertainment and navigation features. Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports allow for seamless integration with smartphones and other devices. The Yep also offers a range of driver-assist features, including parking sensors and a rearview camera, making parking and maneuvering easier and safer. While the Mini EV Yep is undoubtedly a remarkable vehicle, it's essential to note its limitations. Due to its compact size, storage space is somewhat limited, making it less suitable for long trips or carrying bulky items. Additionally, the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is still developing in many regions, which can occasionally pose a challenge for extended journeys. Overall, the Mini EV Yep is an outstanding choice for urban dwellers seeking a compact and eco-friendly vehicle. Its charming design, impressive range, and agile performance make it a standout in its class. With its affordability and low running costs, it's a practical and environmentally conscious choice for daily commuting. If you're in the market for a small electric vehicle that doesn't compromise on style or functionality, the Mini EV Yep is definitely worth considering.
In the realm of classic automobiles, the Crosley CC Convertible stands as a symbol of timeless elegance and vintage charm. Revered for its compact design and distinctive features, the Crosley CC Convertible brings forth a nostalgic aura while incorporating modern conveniences. This essay delves into the unique characteristics and enduring appeal of the Crosley CC Convertible, shedding light on its legacy and capturing the hearts of automotive enthusiasts.
A Glimpse into the Past: The Crosley CC Convertible pays homage to an era when automobiles were defined by their simplicity and functionality. Produced by the Crosley Corporation in the mid-20th century, this compact convertible was designed to offer an affordable and efficient mode of transportation. Its compact size, rounded contours, and minimalist aesthetic were a departure from the larger, more extravagant cars of its time. The Crosley CC Convertible embraced practicality while exuding a charm that resonated with a generation. Distinctive Design and Craftsmanship: The Crosley CC Convertible's design reflects the spirit of its era. Its compact body, adorned with chrome accents and streamlined curves, creates a visual appeal that captures the attention of onlookers. The folding soft-top roof adds a touch of versatility, allowing drivers to experience the joy of open-air motoring on sunny days. Despite its modest dimensions, the Crosley CC Convertible's interior offers surprising comfort and well-appointed details, showcasing the brand's commitment to craftsmanship. Efficiency and Performance: While the Crosley CC Convertible may not boast the power of modern sports cars, its lightweight construction and efficient engine were ahead of their time. Equipped with a modest yet reliable powertrain, this convertible delivers a nimble and enjoyable driving experience. The Crosley CC Convertible was designed for efficiency, making it an ideal choice for urban commutes or leisurely drives along scenic routes. Its handling characteristics and compact size allow for agile maneuverability, further enhancing the driving pleasure. Preserving the Legacy: In an era of advanced automotive technology, the Crosley CC Convertible stands as a testament to the enduring allure of vintage cars. Classic car enthusiasts and collectors embrace the Crosley CC Convertible for its rarity and historical significance. Numerous enthusiasts have taken up the responsibility of restoring and maintaining these iconic vehicles, ensuring that the legacy of the Crosley CC Convertible lives on for future generations to appreciate and admire. Community and Camaraderie: Owning a Crosley CC Convertible goes beyond the mere possession of a vintage automobile. It grants entry into a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for classic cars and the preservation of automotive history. Owners of the Crosley CC Convertible often come together at vintage car shows, exhibitions, and rallies, creating an environment where stories are shared, knowledge is exchanged, and friendships are formed. The Crosley CC Convertible serves as a catalyst for camaraderie among enthusiasts, fostering a sense of belonging and shared admiration for these automotive icons. Conclusion: The Crosley CC Convertible encapsulates the essence of a bygone era, where simplicity, elegance, and affordability coexisted. Its distinctive design, efficient performance, and enduring appeal have secured its place in automotive history. As vintage car enthusiasts continue to restore, cherish, and showcase these iconic vehicles, the Crosley CC Convertible serves as a nostalgic reminder of a simpler time, evoking a sense of wonder and capturing the hearts of those who appreciate the fusion of classic charm and modern allure. Chinese carmakers sold 1.76 million vehicles in foreign countries in the first five months of 2023, marking growth of 81.5% compared to the same period last year, according to statistics from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM).
Industry experts highlighted that the Chinese vehicle market has begun to accelerate since April, but cautioned that challenges remain for carmakers to achieve sales growth for the entire year. Statistics released by the CAAM on Friday showed that passenger vehicles accounted for the majority of exports from China. From January to the end of May, sales increased by 96.6% and totaled 1.46 million units. Meanwhile, exports of commercial cars amounted to 291,000 units, marking growth of 30.9%. Exports of new energy vehicles – including electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen vehicles – increased by half to 457,000 units in the first five months of the year. The CAAM noted that the year-on-year growth rates are mostly attributed to lower comparative bases in 2022, which resulted from the considerable impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on production and sales. Car sales in China totaled 26.86 million units in 2022, marking modest growth of 2.1% compared to the previous year. Vehicle sales and production began to bounce back in June 2022, following Covid-19 outbreaks which effectively disrupted supply chains for almost two months and led to a shortage of components across the country, especially in Shanghai, which faced the most severe lockdowns. Chinese auto makers have embarked on a major expansion in the Russian market and are expected to reach a 60% share of total sales this year, the newspaper Izvestia reported on Monday, citing car-dealer chain Autodom.
According to the report, in the first half of 2022 the share of Chinese car brands in the Russian market stood at 3.7%, a figure that rose to almost 33% in the second half. Overall car sales in Russia last year decreased by 58.8% to 687,000 units, the Association of European Businesses (AEB) calculated. Chery, Haval and Geely were named the most popular Chinese car brands in Russia. Their share in the country’s market will continue to grow in 2023, according to the CEO of Autodom Andrey Olkhovsky. Meanwhile, the Association of Russian Automobile Dealers told Izvestia that it expects around 785,000 new car sales in Russia this year, of which at least 250,000 (32%) will be Chinese made. According to market expert Viktor Kondrashin, the lack of competition leads to an increase in prices for models such as Geely and Haval. He told the newspaper that “new models of Chinese crossovers currently cost the same as Volvo or Skoda two years ago.” .Kondrashin believes that domestic car prices could moderate when deliveries of automobiles from Iran start to arrive. The popularity of Chinese automobiles in Russia has been rising amid the exodus of European, American, and Japanese brands. Many automakers found it difficult to continue operations in the country due to logistical disruptions resulting from Western sanctions, particularly after deliveries of cars and spare parts to Russia were stopped. Elon Musk’s electric carmaker Tesla plans to begin mass production of its Cybertruck at the end of 2023, Reuters reported this week, citing sources. The electric pickup was first unveiled back in 2019, with production initially scheduled to start in late 2021. However, it has since been pushed back three times for various reasons.
The Cybertruck has become something of a legend among Tesla fans over the past three years, despite the fact that neither the approximate cost of the final production version nor the exact characteristics of the vehicle have been unveiled. In 2019, the initial price was to be under $40,000, but Tesla has subsequently hiked prices across its lineup. According to the report, several hundred thousand buyers have so far paid $100 to reserve a Cybertruck, but the company hasn’t disclosed the exact amount of orders. Tesla shut down pre-orders outside North America this past May, with Musk saying the company had “more orders of the first Cybertrucks than we could possibly fulfill for three years after the start of production.” Last month, Tesla reported that it was working on preparing its plant in Austin, Texas, to start producing the new model. Rimac, the Croatian electric hypercar manufacturer, has delivered its first production Nevera to a customer – none other than German-Finnish former Formula 1 driver Nico Rosberg. In a video uploaded to Mr Rosberg’s YouTube channel, we can see this Nevera is blacked-out apart from the shiny aluminium wheels, and is referred to as ‘#001’. Technically there is an earlier Nevera production model referred to a ‘#000’ that’s finished in a Callisto Green exterior paint and will remain in the possession of Bugatti Rimac as demonstrator and marketing car. As previously detailed, Rimac only intends to produce 150 examples of the Nevera in total and they’re already sold out. Each example will be tested and signed off by company founder Mate Rimac before final delivery. When there were still examples of the Rimac Nevera available to purchase, prices started from €2 million ($A2.94 million). At this stage, Rimac has indicated it will ramp up production of the hand-built Nevera to up to 50 units per year. Powered by a quad-electric motor setup, the Rimac Nevera produces an other-worldly 1427kW of power and 2360Nm of torque. This is mated to a 120kWh lithium-manganese-nickel battery, designed in-house by Rimac, that’s positioned along the car’s centre tunnel. The Croatian hypercar manufacturer claims the Nevera can do the 0-100km/h sprint in an insane 1.85 seconds and has a top speed of 412km/h. It also claims the Nevera has a range of 547km according to WLTP testing. During the YouTube video, Mr Rimac said that there are 14 cameras around the Nevera so it can record footage itself without the need for mounting GoPros. The footage can apparently be viewed and downloaded from a companion phone app. In addition, Mr Rimac said the company is still working on an autonomous track driving feature that will come in a future software update. Mr Rimac said the feature is currently still in development, but is now just as fast around as the company’s test drivers. The Bugatti Rimac CEO also repeated some previously-reported statements about the next Bugatti hypercar, saying it will have a “very interesting internal-combustion engine” and be “heavily electrified”. Mr Rimac also said the Chiron successor is going to be the “opposite of what you expect”, and Mr Rosberg alluded to it being similar to the Mercedes-AMG One in a short, off-the-cuff remark. In addition to developing and now producing the Nevera, Rimac Group, which encompasses the Bugatti Rimac joint venture and the Rimac Technology electric vehicle (EV) division, is currently in the process of constructing its new €200 million ($A293.95 million) headquarters in Zagreb, Croatia.
Dubbed the Rimac Campus, it’ll serve as the company’s international research and development (R&D) and production base for all future Rimac products, including the current Nevera and its key components. The company has broken ground and the headquarters should be completed in 2023. The decision to remove Tesla from the S&P 500 ESG Index earlier this year seems out of tune with the thinking of many. The world’s largest maker of electric cars is a crucial enabler of a shift away from fossil fuels, yet S&P Dow Jones Indices excluded Tesla from the benchmark index over, among other factors, the company’s labour rights record and lack of a low carbon strategy.
Tesla board member Hiromichi Mizuno, a Japanese champion of sustainable investment, said that current ESG ratings give too much weight to negative impacts and not enough to positive. There may be some truth here, but it is also clear that a single, data-driven ESG index cannot be everything at once. At a minimum, there should be two distinct ratings: one to reflect a company’s positive impacts and another its negative externalities. Attempting to capture both in one score dilutes the informational value of the final rating: the positives and negatives inevitably cancel each other out, resulting in a rating that fails to represent either and can’t be relied upon to guide capital allocation decisions. One option is to focus the ESG (environmental, social and governance) rating on the negative externalities while using the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDG) framework to assess which business activities are critical to addressing challenges like climate change. Tesla, for example, would have a high SDG score because its revenue comes from selling electric vehicles and other green tech products, which are important in the push to reach net zero carbon emissions. If an investor’s goal is to allocate capital for climate solutions, then the SDG rating should be the driver. If the goal is to invest in companies that behave in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, then the ESG rating should dominate. In practice, the two could be used together. There are technical reasons current ESG ratings don’t fully capture a company’s level of sustainability. One reason is that ratings providers often combine varying environmental, social and governance scores into a headline rating. This approach works better the closer it gets to either end of ESG spectrum. For example, a very high ESG rating usually indicates that a company is performing well across all three pillars. For most companies that fall in the middle, however, the headline ESG rating could be misleading. A company with poor environmental practices could still be included if its environmental score is sufficiently smoothed out by an above-average performance in social and governance terms. This explains why fossil fuel companies with little interest in the energy transition may have an unexpectedly high ESG score, even as a company like Tesla falls down the rankings – and why investors need to pay close attention to ESG fund holdings. It also matters whether companies are scored on a relative or absolute basis. In this scenario, a company that performs poorly on ESG on an absolute basis could get a top rating because its peers are doing even worse. At a portfolio level, such an approach can be meaningless. A portfolio of best-in-class coal mining companies, for example, could appear to be doing better on ESG than one of average finance companies. Scientists at Japan’s RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) say they have developed a way to create artificial neural networks that learn to recognize objects faster and more accurately. Andrea Benucci, team leader at RIKEN CBS’s Laboratory for Neural Circuits and Behavior, has published a study in the scientific journal PLOS Computational Biology, which focuses on all the unnoticed eye movements that we make, and shows that they serve a vital purpose in allowing us to stably recognize objects. These findings can be applied to machine vision, for example, making it easier for self-driving cars to learn how to recognize important features on the road.
Despite making constant head and eye movements throughout the day, objects in the world do not blur or become unrecognizable, even though the physical information hitting our retinas changes constantly. What likely makes this perceptual stability possible are neural copies of the movement commands. These copies are sent throughout the brain each time we move and are thought to allow the brain to account for our own movements and keep our perception stable. In addition to stable perception, evidence suggests that eye movements, and their motor copies, might also help us to stably recognize objects in the world, but how this happens remains a mystery. Benucci developed a convolutional neural network (CNN) that offers a solution to this problem. The CNN was designed to optimize the classification of objects in a visual scene while the eyes are moving. First, the network was trained to classify 60,000 black-and-white images into 10 categories. Although it performed well on these images, when tested with shifted images that mimicked naturally altered visual input that would occur when the eyes move, performance dropped drastically to chance level. However, classification improved significantly after training the network with shifted images, as long as the direction and size of the eye movements that resulted in the shift were also included. In particular, adding the eye movements and their motor copies to the network model allowed the system to better cope with visual noise in the images. “This advancement will help avoid dangerous mistakes in machine vision,” says Benucci. “With more efficient and robust machine vision, it is less likely that pixel alterations—also known as ‘adversarial attacks’—will cause, for example, self-driving cars to label a stop sign as a light pole, or military drones to misclassify a hospital building as an enemy target.” Bringing these results to real world machine vision is not as difficult as it seems. Benucci explains, “The benefits of mimicking eye movements and their efferent copies implies that ‘forcing’ a machine-vision sensor to have controlled types of movements, while informing the vision network in charge of processing the associated images about the self-generated movements, would make machine vision more robust, and akin to what is experienced in human vision.” The next step in this research will involve collaboration with colleagues working with neuromorphic technologies. The idea is to implement actual silicon-based circuits based on the principles highlighted in this study and test whether they improve machine-vision capabilities in real-world applications. A 1955 Mercedes-Benz, one of only two of its kind, was auctioned off earlier this month (May 20, 2022) for a whopping €135 million (US$143 million), making it the most expensive car ever sold, RM Sotheby's announced Thursday. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut was sold to a private collector, the classic car auction company said in a statement, fetching almost triple the previous record price for a car, which was set in 2018 by a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO that went for over $48 million. The invitation-only auction took place on May 5 at the MercedesBenz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, the auction house said, adding that the vehicle's high price places it in the "top 10 most valuable items ever sold at auction in any collecting category". According to an AFP ranking of artworks sold at auction in recent years, the 300 SLR ranks sixth or seventh, with the all-time record being held by Leonardo da Vinci's "Salvator Mundi", which sold in November 2017 for $450.3 million.
The car is one of just two prototypes built by the Mercedes-Benz racing department and is named after its creator and chief engineer, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, according to RM Sotheby's. "The private buyer has agreed that the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe will remain accessible for public display on special occasions, while the second original 300 SLR Coupe remains in company ownership and will continue to be displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart," the auction company added. According to RM Sotheby's and press reports, the 300 SLR, recognisable by its unusual lines and butterfly doors, was modelled on the W196 R Grand Prix race car, which won two Formula 1 world championships in 1954 and 1955 with Italian Juan Manuel Fangio in the driver's seat. But in June 1955, tragedy struck the Mercedes-Benz team, when at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, a crash of one of its 300 SLR vehicles killed French driver Pierre Levegh and 83 spectators. That tragedy -- the deadliest in the history of motor racing -- forced the company to withdraw from the sport for years. RM Sotheby's said the proceeds from the auction will be used to establish a worldwide Mercedes-Benz Fund that will fund environmental science and decarbonisation research. |
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