Earlier this month, a rumor leaked an upcoming deal between MediaTek and NVIDIA. Naturally, mixing the two companies brings to mind a chipset with gaming capabilities. Apparently, such a powerful chipset is still some ways away. Today, MediaTek has confirmed that it has indeed inked a partnership with NVIDIA — but not for PC or laptop chips.

Announced during COMPUTEX, the new partnership will take both brands into the realm of automotive hardware. Specifically, it will create “a complete range of in-vehicle AI cabin solutions for the next generation of software-defined vehicles.”

Plus, it isn’t just about graphics. Though the chipset will incorporate NVIDIA’s graphics hardware, it will also use NVIDIA AI to seamlessly connect GPUs with CPUs. As a result, the solution can run NVIDIA DRIVE OS, DRIVE IX, CUDA, and TensorRT software in the same system. It will provide advanced graphics capabilities, AI safety, and security features.

Prior to the partnership, MediaTek already offers the Dimensity Auto platform for automotive solutions. Now, an infusion of NVIDIA will bring the company up to speed with modern standards and needs.

Neither MediaTek nor NVIDIA have confirmed an upcoming product yet. Whatever both companies are brewing will take some time before it reaches modern cars.

SEE ALSO: MediaTek reportedly partners with Nvidia for gaming chips

Ford Philippines has just unveiled the Next-Generation Ford Ranger Raptor, taking off-road capability to the next level.

The pickup truck was built for true enthusiasts and was designed and engineered by Ford Performance. New upgrades present a reliable, powerful, and efficient powertrain accompanied by smart technologies and advanced safety features.

Efficient powertrain

The Next-Gen Raptor prides itself on a full-time 4-wheel drive system with the option to switch to rear-wheel drive, along with a rear locking differential, underbody protection, and aggressive approach and departure angles.

It’s equipped with 2.5-inch FOX shocks with position-sensitive damping technology that provides higher damping forces at full jounce and rebound to enable better off-road capabilities. Wheel travel is also increased along with outstanding bump absorption to deliver supreme stability and comfort on all terrains.

Moreover, it’s equipped with a Trail Control System made for off-road. Speed can be set to control the throttle and braking functions so that drivers can concentrate entirely on steering through challenging terrains — rocky trails, muddy tracks, and steep inclines included.

The Next-Gen Raptor has a 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel Engine mated with the 10-speed automatic transmission with e-Shifter, producing 210PS max power and 500Nm max torque. It’s equipped with seven driving modes (Normal, Sport, Slippery, Rock Crawl, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Baja), which are calibrated to have an effect on all aspects of the vehicle: traction control, engine, transmission calibration, and more.

Designed with purpose

All this power is housed inside a bold and aggressive exterior. The Next-Gen Raptor’s exterior is cut from its first generation, showcasing the Ford DNA through a tough, athletic look. Its bold stance evokes power and strength through its increased track and flared wheel arches.

It has an attention-grabbing front with its unmistakable Ford look on its Matrix headlights with C-clamp daytime running lights and bigger FORD lettering. Furthermore, its 17-inch alloy wheels with BF Goodrich K02 high performance make it muscular. The all-terrain tires are designed for aggressive traction for on and off-road adventures.

Like its exteriors, the interiors of the Next-Gen Raptor were designed with a purpose. It has a sports steering wheel with a centered Raptor logo, durable materials all throughout, and Code Orange stitching on the instrument panel, trim, and seats that get cozier when the Raptor’s ambient lighting is turned on at night.

The cabin also features jet fighter-inspired sports seats both in the front and rear with prominent bolstering making the ride comfortable and supportive.

Technology all-over

Like other Next-Gen Ford vehicles, the new Raptor prides itself on seamless integration and enhanced functionality. It has a large, 12-inch digital instrumental cluster exhibiting speedometer, tachometer, animated drive mode selection, and gauges.

There’s also a 12-inch portrait touchscreen center display utilizing Ford’s cutting-edge SYNC4A system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities.

The Next-Gen Raptor is also equipped with advanced safety technology such as a 360-degree camera with a Split-View display, Active Park Assist 2.0, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Assist with Forward Collision Warning, Evastive Steer Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Auto High Beam, Post Impact Braking, Blind Spot Information System, and more.

It’s also equipped with FordPass, enabling remote features using only a smartphone.

Price and availability

The Next-Gen Raptor is now available across Ford dealers nationwide with a starting price of PhP 2,339,000. It comes with a 5-year warranty, and will be available in five colors: Arctic White, Absolute Black, Blue Lightning, Conquer Grey, and Code Orange (additional PhP 15,000).

It’s available for reservation on Ford’s Online Reservation Portal. For more info, click here.

Visit the Ford website or your nearest Ford dealership for more details.

The Toyota Camry has long enjoyed the reputation of being a reliable and comfortable car from when it hit the road 40 years ago. With its sleek and sporty appeal, matched with an exceptional powertrain, what’s not to love?

Families looking for a comfortable ride won’t be disappointed by the spacious interior and advanced features. Car geeks, on the other hand, know this to be one of the best-selling vehicles, and a sensible choice if you’re particular about aesthetics and power.

As a nameplate that consistently ranks among the top midsize sedans in the country, you already know that it is anything but boring!

Such a dreamboat

We had the opportunity to take the Toyota Camry Hybrid Electric Vehicle out for a spin in the metro. Aside from turning heads wherever we headed, we experienced firsthand how our ride offered the best of both worlds in terms of efficiency, and luxury.

I only had one thing to say as soon as the Camry was brought into the garage. “Wow.”

The executive sedan practically demanded attention with its exterior that gives the right mix of sportiness and elegance. It doesn’t fall short in terms of aesthetics, but how about the driving experience?

Sitting in the driver’s seat, I clicked the push start button long enough to see the ready indicators come on, only to be met by pin-drop silence. I had to open the door to get some kind of confirmation, even the tiniest bit of noise, that it was already running.

Later on, I would find that the quiet drive promise still stayed true, no matter if I was cruising the wide open road, or idling in and ranting my way out of the city’s standstill traffic.

Fit for the strong, independent you

There are different Drive Mode functions that you can use. As for me, I opted for Normal, the standard condition, which is just fine for casual driving.

My itinerary for that day consisted of brunch and catching up with some friends. Before full-on jamming to Taylor Swift with the car’s 9-speaker JBL sound system, I dolled up for a bit, the sassy female in me grateful for the illuminated vanity mirror on my side of the car.

I headed to the restaurant I was scheduled to for brunch feeling carefree and relaxed, never mind the plate ending in 3 even while I was out on a Tuesday. Hybrid vehicles enjoy full exemption from coding anyway!

There was this one traffic enforcer who was about to apprehend me but waved me off as soon as I briefly explained that I was driving a hybrid vehicle. Gotta love the perk, no?

That’s what you’ll enjoy on a daily basis if you invest in a car that’s better for the environment.

For Toyota, hybrid models wear the blue-tinted logo for easy distinction.

There’s comfort in navigating the hellish metro

After brunch, I continued with my drive around the city. As far as comfort is concerned, there are no issues. I also appreciate how the sedan excels in fuel efficiency, owing to its hybrid nature that intelligently switches on gas and electric power.

It self-charges for maximum fuel mileage every time you hit the brakes (regenerative braking), so you don’t have to worry about scouring the town for charging stations or even gassing up too often! Just think about all the savings you’ll get.

I picked up my friend MJ after realizing I shouldn’t keep this spaciousness and comfort all to myself. The Camry already treated me to a smooth and quiet drive on the road before, so it doesn’t hurt to chill and just enjoy iced cold strawberry acai refreshers inside the car.

We opted to use the sunroof so we could turn the natural warm sunlight into our selfie light, occasionally giving in to our vanities, while watching athletes run around the obstacle park, and admiring an iconic bridge.

Ending the day with a coffee run, and two Pasig-Antipolo back-and-forth trips later, I now get why the Toyota Camry Hybrid Electric Vehicle positioned itself as the new standard that transcends style and purpose.

Is this your CarMatch?

I was on the road for most of the day, but I wasn’t fatigued while driving the Camry. As someone who’s used to cruising the roads with SUVs, I appreciate how I felt so well-connected to the road with this sedan. It’s quite more stable, and I can just imagine happily using this at highway speed!

Not to mention, the enhanced Toyota Safety Sense System helped me with blind spots and rear cross-traffic and gave me a panoramic view monitor. While I took pride in my driving skills, the advanced technology was still very much welcome to keep me on track!

If you’re all about supporting the cause for a greener environment without sacrificing efficiency and luxury from your car, then you might just enjoy driving the Toyota Camry Hybrid Electric Vehicle. I know I did.

Visit any Toyota dealership near you to learn more about the Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicle lineup. For more information, visit https://toyota.com.ph/hybrid.

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