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Business Times
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Times
Richard Mille's RM 43-01 is a fusion of performance with purpose
[SINGAPORE] Picture this: You're admiring a Ferrari engine bay, marvelling at the intricate dance of precision-engineered components working in perfect harmony. Now imagine that same engineering philosophy shrunk down to fit on your wrist. That's exactly what happens when Richard Mille and Ferrari join forces. Their latest collaboration, the RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari, isn't just a timepiece – it's a mechanical dialogue between two houses defined by their obsession with performance, precision and bold design. The watch is the second chapter in a partnership that was established in 2021, and which resulted in the RM UP-01 Ultraflat Ferrari – a watch just 1.75 mm thick – being unveiled the following year. The 'gentleman driver' version of the RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari in microblasted and polished Grade 5 titanium. PHOTO: RICHARD MILLE The new watch will be available in two distinct personalities, as Richard Mille's casing technical director, Julien Boillat, puts it: there is the 'gentleman driver' version in microblasted and polished Grade 5 titanium with a Carbon TPT (a lightweight and durable thin-ply composite used exclusively for Richard Mille) caseband, as well as the 'high-octane' Carbon TPT variant for those who prefer their luxury with more attitude. Both are limited to 75 pieces each. What makes this collaboration fascinating isn't just the prestige factor. Ferrari's Centro Stile design team didn't just slap their logo on an existing watch. Instead, they worked alongside Richard Mille's engineers for two years, influencing everything from the angular crown, sculpted pushers and strap, which echoes the patterning of the Purosangue's interior. Even the hands take their cues from Ferrari's design language. Every curve, surface and treatment serves a dual purpose – stylistic and functional. The rear of the calibre reveals a titanium plate engraved with the Prancing Horse emblem, its form echoing the design of the 499P's rear wing. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up The 'high octane' Carbon TPT version of the RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari. PHOTO: RICHARD MILLE The dial, open-worked and three-dimensional, offers a clear view of the split-seconds chronograph's mechanical choreography and the off-centre tourbillon escapement. An innovative active seconds display – its rotating blades read off a 12-second scale – adds an element of kinetic energy to the dial. The torque and function indicators echo a high-performance instrument cluster; much like a Ferrari dashboard, the layout is always technical but yet highly legible. Pushers are dynamic, case flanks are detailed with angular ridges, and golden socket-head screws contrast with blackened bridgework – a visual reference to the tension and complexity of engine blocks and crankcases. The calibre houses a tourbillon and a split-seconds chronograph, all supported by a skeletonised titanium baseplate with bridges in both titanium and Carbon TPT. PHOTO: RICHARD MILLE Technically, the RM 43-01 is among the most complex watches the maison has ever produced. The calibre – developed over three years in collaboration with Audemars Piguet Le Locle – houses a tourbillon and a split-seconds chronograph, all supported by a skeletonised titanium baseplate with bridges in both titanium and Carbon TPT. It delivers a 70-hour power reserve. Throughout the development, material selection and engineering decisions were guided by the same principles that shape Ferrari's most demanding prototypes: performance, durability and visual coherence. Every element has undergone rigorous testing, simulation and structural optimisation. The result is a watch that pushes the envelope in both watchmaking and design – proof that mechanical complexity and aesthetic sophistication aren't mutually exclusive. Richard Mille's RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari watches, worn by Scuderia Ferrari. PHOTO: RICHARD MILLE The RM 43-01 doesn't just attract attention – it earns it through detail, proportion and purpose. Whether at the races or on your wrist, the watch is a wearable celebration of two brands that refuse to compromise on performance. Call it a statement of synergy: where form follows function, and both speak fluently in the language of speed. Just like admiring that Ferrari engine bay, the RM 43-01 reminds us that sometimes the most beautiful things are the ones engineered to perfection.
Top Gear
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
What does McLaren P1 designer Frank Stephenson make of the Alfa 33 Stradale?
Opinion The designer talks Top Gear through Alfa's stunning new supercar. Hot, or not? Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Frank Stephenson is a car designer with more hits than the Beatles, including the Escort RS Cossie, first BMW Mini, Maser MC12, numerous Ferraris and the McLaren P1. These days he runs his own consultancy – Frank Stephenson Design. Here he shares his views on Alfa's new 33 Stradale with Top Gear It takes a lot of courage to go out and redesign a true icon of automotive design. The original 33 Stradale is widely considered the Mona Lisa, so any attempt to reinterpret the iconic shape into a modern package is no mean feat. Advertisement - Page continues below But my goodness, the team at Alfa's Centro Stile have made a heck of a job of it. It's easily one of the most stunning releases of the past few years, but still not perfect. I feel it misses the ultimate mark because of a few critical design choices. You might like In some areas, the details appear overly complicated – the side intake, the edgy bonnet, the fussy rear end. The OG 33 is one of the most pure and simple forms in automotive history, an ode to beauty in its most stripped-back form. We're talking about a £1.7 million supercar here, so sadly only a select few will be able to buy one. But that's the beauty of good design - we all get to enjoy it so long as owners use them in the wild and don't lock them away forever. Advertisement - Page continues below Room for improvement then, but still a smoking hot effort from Alfa. Very complex surface treatment. The front graphic is a fantastic modernisation of the original. Thinner A-pillar to reduce visual weight? Black mirror cap to blend into glass area? Rounder, more organically shaped headlights? Intake design is much more aggressive than the original! Rear plate position could be lowered to make it less of a focal point. Overcomplicated design [bottom half of rear light signature]! Reflector position is too generic. Not enough for this surface [rear three quarter carbon to side of wheel arch] Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. The proportions are not as unique as the original 33. The rear is much higher! Verdict: HOT
Economic Key
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Economic Key
FIAT Professional Launches TRIS: The First Three-Wheeled Electric Vehicle for Sustainable Urban Last-Mile Delivery
• TRIS will be a game-changer for B2B micromobility in MEA, addressing business mobility needs and offering a tool for economic empowerment and social inclusion. FIAT continues its journey toward sustainable mobility with the launch of TRIS, a groundbreaking three-wheeled electric vehicle. As FIAT's first-ever 3-wheel model, TRIS expands the FIAT Professional family with a new versatile vehicle available in three configurations: chassis-cabin, flatbed, and pick-up. It has been designed to meet the needs of micro transportation, merging iconic Italian design, affordability, and versatility into an easy-to-use, zero-emissions business solution. FIAT Professional has strategically positioned TRIS to play a pivotal role in its global expansion, particularly in the Africa & Middle East region. Olivier Francois, FIAT CEO, and Stellantis Global Chief Marketing Officer commented: 'TRIS is more than just a new vehicle—it's a breakthrough in how we think about urban mobility. Born from Italian creativity at the Centro Stile and engineered for the realities of daily life. As cities grow and the need for clean, accessible transport becomes more urgent, we saw an opportunity to offer something radically simple and profoundly useful. TRIS answers that call—providing independent workers, small businesses, and underserved communities with a cost-effective, zero-emissions tool to move forward. With its debut in the Middle East and Africa, TRIS is set to transform last-mile mobility and open new doors to economic empowerment and social inclusion. And we believe its potential goes far beyond—Europe may be next, because this kind of smart, sustainable solution speaks a universal language.' The name 'TRIS' draws inspiration from the vehicle's three wheels, its modular design, and its signature three-light LED arrangement. The name's simplicity ensures easy pronunciation across multiple languages, allowing it to resonate with diverse global audiences. By combining sustainability, affordability, and practicality, TRIS is a smart business solution designed to meet the challenges of modern mobility while staying true to FIAT Professional's legacy of innovation and excellence. As a versatile business vehicle, TRIS is designed to serve a wide range of professional applications, from urban logistics and last-mile delivery to mobile businesses and essential transportation services. The vehicle's compact dimensions, electric powertrain, and adaptable design make it an ideal solution for congested city environments and fast-growing areas with developing economies. Manufactured in Morocco, TRIS will be introduced in the main markets across the MEA region, demonstrating FIAT Professional's commitment to mobility for all. It offers a flexible and scalable solution: its affordability, ease of use, and low running costs make it an inclusive vehicle – breaking down traditional barriers to new vehicle ownership. By offering leasing and lease-to-own options, it empowers a broader spectrum of users, from local entrepreneurs to economy workers. Samir Cherfan, Chief Operating Officer of Stellantis for the Middle East and Africa region, said: Faced with the rapid growth in mobility needs in the MEA region, Stellantis continues its commitment to the micromobility sector. Guided by our ambition to drive change, we are strengthening our investments in this sector, which is no longer limited to moving people: it is a powerful driver of inclusion and local economic growth. From last-mile delivery to digital platform services, micromobility supports entrepreneurs, boosts logistics, and strengthens communities, both in dynamic cities and underserved rural areas. As the MEA region's urban population grows by 3% annually, micromobility offers a scalable and sustainable solution to growing congestion and transport deficits. With TRIS, we are making a real impact: a reliable, adaptable, and affordable vehicle designed to meet the region's evolving urban and peri-urban mobility needs. TRIS Highlights: Compact, Capable, and Connected At the heart of TRIS lies a deep commitment to efficiency. Its modular configuration, available as 3 versions, Flat Bed, Pick-Up and Chassis-Cabin, ensures maximum flexibility to cater to the diverse needs of professionals. The Pick-Up version is the ready-to-work solution ideal for transporting diverse goods such as fruit, sand, or furniture. The Flat Bed and Chassis-Cabin versions offer the perfect base for custom upfits—any specialized solution developed in collaboration with FIAT Professional's certified partners or directly by customers. The vehicle's layout prioritizes driver-centric ergonomics and spaciousness, providing ample room in all directions for better comfort, even during long shifts; its design prioritizes ease of use, making it simple to drive with no clutch or gearbox, while its integrated charging capability allows seamless recharging with a built-in 220V plug, eliminating the need for an external charger. Designed with durability in mind, it also features a robust chassis engineered for long-term performance—mirroring the structural sturdiness found in passenger cars. Its chassis and tubular structure are protected from corrosion with an automotive-grade zinc coating, ensuring lasting reliability even in demanding working conditions. One of the key strengths of TRIS is its outstanding versatility. The vehicle is engineered to support a broad range of professional applications, including last-mile delivery, on-site services, and urban logistics. Its compact size—just 3.17 meters in length—combined with a tight 3.05-meter turning radius allows it to navigate narrow city streets with ease. The cargo area is also spacious, offering approximately 2.25 square meters of load space and the ability to accommodate a standard euro pallet. It also boasts a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 1,025 kg and an RCE-homologated payload capacity of maximum 540 kg. TRIS is equipped with a range of advanced features: a modern 5.7-inches digital cluster displays essential driving information, including distance-to-empty and battery level. Power accessibility is also a priority, with a USB-C plug and a 12V socket ensuring that devices can be charged on the go. The vehicle's LED lighting system, featuring FIAT's new signature pixel design, provides excellent visibility while reinforcing its distinctive styling. TRIS meets European homologation standards, incorporating three-point seat belts (compliant with EU safety regulations), front LED lighting with ignition-activated low beams, a reverse buzzer, and a washer tank. The lithium battery, with a capacity of 6.9 kWh, provides a homologated range of 90 km (WMTC), ensuring sufficient autonomy for daily professional use across various urban and suburban settings. Notably, this is the same robust and proven battery technology used in the Fiat Topolino, now adapted to meet the specific demands of professional use, whose real-world performance has already been validated by vehicles in circulation. Charging is designed to be hassle-free and convenient. Thanks to its integrated smart charging system, TRIS can be charged from 0 to 80% in just 3.5 hours, reaching the complete recharge in 4 hours and 40 minutes, using a standard domestic plug. This allows professionals to easily charge their vehicle overnight or between shifts, ensuring maximum uptime and efficiency for daily operations. The vehicle's drivetrain has been carefully designed to balance performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Powered by a 48-volt electric motor delivering 9 kW (peak power) and a maximum torque of 45 Nm, TRIS is capable of reaching a top speed of 45 km/h. Stability is ensured by its optimized design, which includes a wide track rear axle, enlarged wheelbase and 12-inch tires, making it well-suited for both urban and rural environments. Further developments will follow, as TRIS – like other FIAT Professional vehicles – will offer connected services as Fleet management or vehicle tracking. TRIS is designed with a strong focus on driver comfort, recognizing the importance of ergonomics in professional vehicles. The spacious cabin allows easy entry and exit, reducing fatigue during frequent stops. The ergonomic driving position is tailored for long working hours, enhancing overall comfort. Practicality is also key, with multiple storage compartments, including a closed glove box on the dashboard for a total of 3-liters and additional storage nets as accessories. Accessory range developed with FIAT Centro Stile and Mopar also includes a robust protective floor mat. TRIS represents a true breakthrough in the three-wheeler world: its bold, contemporary design is unlike anything else on the road, standing out with its distinctive LED front face, harmonious proportions, and expressive Italian aesthetic. More than just functional, TRIS tells a story of transformation—bringing character, confidence, and credibility to the professional e-mobility space. تم نسخ الرابط
TimesLIVE
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Everything you need to know about the new Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid
Fiat's new Grande Punto has been launched as a hybrid. The funky new model that made its international Debut in June 2024 is available in multiple powertrains, including full electric derivatives launched earlier in the year. The company also revealed a new Grande Panda 4x4 concept model during the hybrid media drive, with exclusive details of dark red livery and an all-terrain drivetrain. The newly debuted hybrid drivetrain is a front-wheel drive with a new 83kW turbocharged three-cylinder 1.2 l engine paired with a 21kW electric motor and a 48V lithium-ion battery. An eDCT six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, regenerative braking and driving modes of e-launch, e-creeping and e-parking are available. The company doesn't share fuel consumption averages at this stage. Designed in Italy at the Centro Stile in Turin, the modern interpretation of the iconic Panda is a cool urban car that measures 3.99m in length. The car sits on the Stellantis 'Smart Car' platform, a flexible, multi-energy architecture designed to offer a wide range of cost-effective electric vehicles to compete with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. It has enough room to carry five passengers and a 412 l boot. Smart storage solutions totalling 16 l to store loose items is integrated in the cabin. The exterior cues of a wedge-like profile are enhanced by retro PXL LED headlamps, cube-like taillights and blacked-out pillars. Details such as 3D-branded 'Panda' lettering on the doors and 'Fiat' on the rear, a lenticular C-pillar graphic, and glossy black bezel are further stylistic touches. Bright exterior colours finish the fun driving vibe, while a choice of trims — Pop, Icon and La Prima — offer customer personalisation. The Blu Tasmania colour scheme with bright yellow accents on the dashboard, infotainment area and as seat stitching energises the cabin. Amenities include air-conditioning, digital clusters, electric parking brake, smartphone station, navigation, front parking sensors, rearview camera and wireless charging, depending on the model. Three customisable upgrade packs including Tech, Style and Winter are also available. They introduce further items such as automatic climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels, roof bars, privacy glass, skid plates, heated seats, steering wheel and windshield. The range-topping La Prima trim combines all packages, along with 17-inch alloy wheels, premium interior finishes, including BAMBOX Bamboo Fiber Tex that contains 33% of the natural fibres for the dashboard. Recycled beverage cartons are repurposed as blue plastic with a shimmering aluminium finish as touch point finishers. Safety is taken care of by a comprehensive ADAS suite including cruise control, speed limiter, active safety brake, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning and open-door alerts. The La Prima trim boasts front sensors and a rearview camera. Connectivity is supported with wireless smartphone mirroring, multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. The initial Fiat Panda model debuted in 1980, and SA welcomed the second-generation car in 2003. Stellantis SA confirms it has no plans to introduce the new Grande Panda models to this market, but the hybrid pricing starts at €19,000 (R386,000) for European customers.
Motor 1
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Separating From Pininfarina Was 'Difficult,' Says Ferrari Design Head
Back in 2013, Ferrari made the decision to split with longtime external design firm Pininfarina. The move was surprising, given the decades of collaboration and legendary products from the brands. In the years since, Ferrari has grown its own design center, Centro Stile, into a hub for the brand. In an interview with Motor1 , design boss Flavio Manzoni reveals how the split went down, and how Ferrari evolved in a post-Pininfarina environment. Though the last Pininfarina-designed Ferrari, the F12berlinetta , didn't end production until 2017, it was during the development of the LaFerrari when the company decided to part ways with Pininfarina. Manzoni told Motor1 both his internal team and Pininfarina were tasked with presenting a design pitch for the car, with upper management to pick which they preferred. Management picked Manzoni's design, marking the end of Pininfarina-badged Ferraris. Flavio Manzoni, head designer for Ferrari. Photo by: Getty Images "At the beginning it was very, very tough for [Pininfarina] because after more than 60 years of collaboration they had to accept the idea that Ferrari wanted to create [its] in-house design center," Manzoni told Motor1 . "But it was also necessary, because Ferrari was the only car manufacturer in the world without any internal design center, which [was] a bit strange, and also risky." The decision wasn't influenced by opinions in design alone. The very act of building a modern performance car forced Ferrari to take a hard look at the way it designed vehicles. "The other problem was that the level of technical complexity of the cars was increasing a lot," Manzoni said. "So it was necessary to work as a team with synergy, not with the designers working somewhere else and with engineers in Maranello. "The presence of the design center in the in the factory is really important because there are meetings everyday with engineers, aerodynamicists, economists, etc. to converge, step by step, on the best shape possible, considering the incredible performance and objectives that a new Ferrari has to have." Manzoni has been with Ferrari since 2010, responsible for leading the company's in-house design studio since its inception. But once Pininfarina stepped aside, even he was nervous to take on the immense task of designing all future Ferraris. "The beginning was difficult, a lot of pressure," he told Motor1 . The 2025 Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider, a Manzoni-designed creation. Photo by: Ferrari His hard work has paid off, obviously. Since Ferrari went public in 2015, it's grown to nearly nine times its IPO value. The company sells more cars than ever, thanks in part to the Purosangue , its first SUV, released in 2023. The Italian carmaker is also planning to release its first electric vehicle in 2026 . While Manzoni didn't share specifics, he expressed excitement towards working with new technology. "Any project is a challenge," Manzoni said. "Every time there is an opportunity to work on a new technology—for example, all the hybrid Ferraris are new in terms of layout of the components—we had an opportunity to make something different. There's always an opportunity to promote innovation and progress." More on Ferrari Ferrari Is Taking the Memorabilia Market Into Its Own Hands The Ferrari Purosangue Has Magic Suspension. Here's How It Works Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
