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<br /><ul><li>Nubia launches the cheapest gaming phone in the Indian market so far, Red Magic 3, at ₹35,999.<br /></li><li>The new smartphone will go against the ASUS ROG phone and the Black Shark 2.</li><li>This is the phone manufacturing industry's latest attempt to crack the gaming phone market.</li></ul><br />It's the year of gaming phones, or rather the return of the gaming phones, as Nubia launched the Red Magic 3 in India on Monday within a month of its unveiling in China. <br /><br />It's the second 'gaming' smartphone to launch in India in 2019 and, on paper, the phone sounds no less than a laptop.<br /><br />The new smartphone has tailored itself for the gaming experience offering users 8GB RAM with 128GB storage at ₹35,999 and an even larger 12GB RAM with 256GB of storage at ₹46,999. <br /><br />It has a 'Game Space' launcher where gamers can adjust the fan speed, control the RGB lighting and monitor most aspects that have a bearing on one's gaming experience.<br /><br />Nubia's new device may be a 'gaming' smartphone but it tries to offer a wholesome smartphone. The company's equipped the Red Magic 3 with a 48-megapixel rear camera, a 16-megapixel front camera and a massive 5,000mAh battery — which should charge relatively quickly since the phone comes equipped with 27W charger.<br /><br />It should be noted that the device massively undercuts the ASUS ROG phone launched last year at ₹69,999 and even the Black Shark 2 that costs ₹39,999 but offers up 6GB RAM.<br /><br />If the company didn't launch the <keyword id="7477171" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="nubia-red-magic-3">Nubia Red Magic 3</keyword> as a 'gaming' smartphone, it would make good competition for the 'affordable' flagship devices like Oppo Reno, Honor 20 and the One Plus 7 Pro. <br /><br /><strong>The year of gaming smartphones<br /></strong><br />The ASUS ROG phone was the first gaming smartphone to launch in India and while the device garned appreciation from gamers, the phone peaked before it could reach its full potential in the market. Razer and Xiaomi also had their gaming smartphones up and running by then — just not in the country. <br /><br />Nubia also tried its hand of launching a gaming smartphone in India late last year. But the Nubia Red Magic, launched on December 20, didn't make much of an impact.<br /><br />Last month, Black Shark 2 made its way into the Indian market. While most people believe its a Xiaomi device, Black Shark is only backed by Xiaomi but is its own entity. <br /><br />The gaming phone market is a hard nut to crack. Nokia's N-Gage series back 2002 is a prime example of how the leading phone manufacturer in the 2G era couldn't find the right equation to make it work. Nokia only sold three million units of the N-Gage units, which was only half of the company's initial sales target.<br /><br /><strong>The rise of the gaming smartphone<br /></strong><br />It's no secret that mobile gaming is no longer a niche but it is something that every smartphone user indulges in when they're bored. And, as games have gotten better over the years, so have the devices indicating that gaming has become a critical part of the smartphone experience. <br /><br />Until 2016, the games market was dominated by PC games. But, in 2018, mobile gaming shot up — in what is called the 'post Fornite era' — to account for more than 50% of the revenue according to the <a href="https://newzoo.com/insights/articles/global-games-market-reaches-137-9-billion-in-2018-mobile-games-take-half/">Global Games Market Report</a>. <br /><br /><strong>Going up against the personal computer<br /></strong><br />As more people began to adjust their buying habits to account for their gaming habits, mobile device manufacturers started raising the bar to rival the PC experience.<br /><br />The Nubia Red Magic 3, for instance, has the usual fan cooling system but it's supported by a liquid cooling system and dynamic heat vents — just like a laptop. <br /><br />Of course, the screen will always been smaller on a smartphone even if Nubia's 6.65-inch OLED display is considered to be on the larger side for smartphones. But, the phone's 90Hz screen refresh rate — how often the screen can refresh itself per second — is something that sets it apart from most devices in the market. A better refresh rate means that you game will have less lag and jitters.<br /><br />Mobile gaming is no longer a 'niche' but the opportunity of catering the the 1 billion gamers out there that are only growing in number. The paradigm shift is big enough for a major player — Samsung — to be pushed to make a phone that will have <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/samsung-galaxy-s10-x-samsungs-first-5g-phone-with-1tb-of-storage/articleshow/67550236.cms">12GB RAM and 1TB storage to back it up.</a><br /><br /><br />

Xiaomi, Razer and ASUS are up against Nubia's cheapest gaming phone of 2019

<br /><ul><li>The Indian government wants WhatsApp to have the capability to trace messages back to their origins. </li><li>Facebook just unveiled its new cryptocurrency, Libra, to the rest of the world. </li><li>Cognizant, a global tech company, just acquired its first company under the new leadership of its CEO, Brian Humphries. </li><li>Microsoft has brought out transliteration keyboards in 10 Indian languages as a part of its May 2019 update of Windows 10.</li><li>Nubia's new phone, the Red Magic 3, is the cheapest gaming smartphone to launch in India yet. </li><li>TikTok has brought out a new safety feature will let users log out of their devices if their computer or phones is stolen or lost.</li><li>India's second mission to the moon, Chandrayaan-2, is set to break new records </li><li>Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio scores another win against Vodafone Idea and Airtel with a fine of ₹30.5 billion.</li></ul><br />This Tech Insider’s daily dose of <keyword id="35609" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="tech-news">tech news</keyword> — everything that’s happening in tech that you need to know about today from Business Insider and its partner publications:<br /><br /><br /><br />

Today's tech wrap: Breaking WhatsApp's encryption, Facebook's cryptocurrency unveiled and India's cheapest gaming phone

I tried the ZTE Red Magic 5G, a phone made for gamers — its fast screen refresh rate makes playing action-packed games a joy, but it's not without weaknesses

<ul><li><keyword id="215177" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="vivo" source="Orion">Vivo</keyword> has introduced V27 Pro as its latest mid-range offering in India.</li><li>The device features, MediaTek Dimensity 8200 and 66W fast charging.</li><li>The smartphone will go on sale by 6 March on Flipkart and offline and online Vivo stores.</li></ul>Vivo has launched the new V27 Pro in India, which is the latest in company’s popular mid range V-series smartphones smartphone. The device boasts a stunning design and a unique color-changing back, in addition to delivering impressive camera performance, as expected from Vivo’s V-series. However, the question remains: will these features be enough to justify the phone's price tag? To address this concern, Vivo has aimed to offer a well-balanced combination of hardware and software in all aspects.<br /><br />Furthermore, the <keyword id="16414258" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vivo-V27-Pro" source="Orion">Vivo V27 Pro</keyword> offers numerous improvements over its predecessor, which we will explore in-depth in this review. So, without further delay, let's dive in.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Price and availability" comment="subhead" text="Price and availability"><span data-til="noop">Price and availability</span></cmsannotation><br />The Vivo V27 Pro comes in two variants - first has 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, with a price tag of ₹37,999. The second version has 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, available at ₹39,999. Meanwhile, the top-end variant, 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is available for ₹42,999. The pre-booking of the device starts today, 1 March 2023 and it will be available for purchase from 6 March 2023. <br /><br />The Vivo V27 Pro is available for purchase on Flipkart, Vivo's direct-to-consumer website, as well as in offline stores.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Spec sheet" comment="subhead" text="Spec sheet"><span data-til="noop">Spec sheet<br /></span></cmsannotation><br /><table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;" class="redcator-table-advance"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Vivo V27 Pro: Specification<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8200<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Display: 6.78-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">RAM &amp; ROM: 8GB+128GB | 12GB+256GB<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Battery: 4600mAh | 66W Fast charging<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Colour: Noble Black, Magic Blue<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">OS: Android 13 &amp; Funtouch OS 13<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Camera: Front 50MP AF / Rear 50MP Sony IMX766V OIS + 8MP wide-angle + 2MP macro<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Weight: 182g<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Size: 164.1*74.8*7.36 mm<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody></table><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Design" comment="subhead" text="Design"><span data-til="noop">Design</span></cmsannotation><br />    <div type="image" title="Vivo V27 Pro" msid="98339410" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Dimensions of Vivo V27 Pro&amp;lt;span class=&amp;quot;redactor-invisible-space&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />Weighing in at just 182g, the Vivo V27 Pro is a relatively lightweight phone, which may be attractive to those seeking an alternative to the many larger smartphones in its price range. Its dimensions of 164.1*74.8*7.36 mm also make it a relatively slim device compared to its competitors. The phone has a USB-C port, volume rocker, and power button on its right edge, but it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which may disappoint fans of wired headphones. All the buttons are easily accessible, and we found it comfortable to operate the phone with one hand.<br /><br />The phone's glass coating covers the display and rear, while the rear is protected by ‘Fluorite AG' glass. This gives the device a sleek look and premium feel, although it may not be as durable as an aluminium frame phone against drops and impacts.<br /><br />The back of the phone features an elegant looking rectangular camera module housing the three cameras. The protrution is lesser than we typically see on camera phones, with minimal wobbling when kept on its back.<br /><br />The Vivo V27 Pro is available in two colors: Noble Black, a light pearlescent shade, and Magic Blue – the color shown in this review – which appears to be a navy-blue hue. Regardless of the color chosen, this phone boasts an attractive design.<br />    <div type="image" title="Vivo V27 Pro" msid="98339432" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Rear look of Vivo V27 Pro&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>    <div type="image" title="Vivo V27 Pro" msid="98339462" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Color changing back panel of V27 Pro&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />I'd like to highlight the AG glass on the back of the phone, which Vivo is heavily promoting for its color-changing properties. The idea is straightforward - the glass reflects different colors depending on the lighting conditions. However, I had only noticed the color change once under direct sunlight when it turned into a thick dark blue shade that didn't particularly appeal to me.<br /><br />The textured AG glass on the back makes it easy to grip though. Although it is not my usual recommendation, using the V27 Pro without a cover can be enjoyable.<br /><br />Although the smartphone has an impressive design and aesthetic appeal, it lacks certain certifications typically expected in modern devices. For instance, it lacks an official IP rating, making it vulnerable to water damage. Another issue that concerns me is the absence of protection on the back, as the glass may not withstand a severe impact.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Display" comment="subhead" text="Display"><span data-til="noop">Display</span></cmsannotation><br />    <div type="image" title="Vivo V27 Pro" msid="98341469" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Display of Vivo V27 Pro &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />This is one of the prettiest displays I have seen on a mid-ranger lately. The panel measures 6.78 inches and features a gentle 3D `curve at the edges, with a small cut-out for the front-facing camera located at the top. The bezels surrounding the screen are also thin which looks good. In terms of technical specifications, the AMOLED display offers a resolution of 2400×1080 (FHD+). <br /><br />At first, I noticed that the colours on the curved panel appeared somewhat dull with the default settings. However, after tweaking the display settings, I discovered the ideal balance to suit my personal preference. From that point on, the curved panel delivered sharp, accurate, and vivid colours. <br /><br />The display is capable of a peak refresh rate of 120Hz and includes an adaptive refresh rate feature called Smart Switch. This feature automatically adjusts the screen refresh rate between 60Hz and 120Hz based on the content being viewed. However, the implementation of this feature is not always consistent. <br /><br />I would recommend sticking with the 120Hz setting for the best experience. While it may consume more battery power, it's worth for the overall smoothness and reliability, especially when gaming. I've extensively tested the V27 Pro while gaming and the display have been dependable so far. <br /><br />The display is also compatible with HDR10+ content on Netflix. I watched a few movies and TV series and was thoroughly impressed. The display produced excellent clarity, and I could distinguish crisp details. The brightness levels were also aptly adjusted outdoors, and the display remained readable unless the sun was directly overhead.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Stereo speakers missing" comment="subhead" text="Stereo speakers missing"><span data-til="noop">Stereo speakers missing</span></cmsannotation><br />It would have been great if Vivo had included speakers that matched the quality of the display. However, the V27 Pro only has a loud, bottom-firing speaker, which doesn't do justice to the display's capabilities. Like most bottom-firing speakers, your hand can easily block it. Looks like Vivo has cut some corners to keep the price low by not providing a dual speaker setup on the device.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Vivo V27 Pro: Software" comment="subhead" text="Vivo V27 Pro: Software"><span data-til="noop">Vivo V27 Pro: Software</span></cmsannotation><br />The Vivo V27 Pro comes with Android 13 and Vivo’s Funtouch OS 13 skin, and my initial experience with the UI has been positive. Despite some bloatware that can be uninstalled, the software feels clean and smooth to navigate, especially with the high display refresh rate. One standout feature of Funtouch is horizontal-screen functionality, allowing you to scroll through menus for certain productivity and business functions. Additionally, the customizable dynamic effects, such as changing animations or ambient light effects, are cool additions.<br /><br />The device's OS offers impressive levels of customization, with options to change themes, app icon sizes, text sizes, and animations. The widgets available are well-executed with Android 13. <br /><br />The game space is another useful addition with features such as a voice changer, screenshot shortcut, and performance modes to enhance the gaming experience.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Vivo V27 Pro: Performance &amp; specs" comment="subhead" text="Vivo V27 Pro: Performance &amp; specs"><span data-til="noop">Vivo V27 Pro: Performance &amp; specs</span></cmsannotation><br />The Vivo V27 Pro comes equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 chipset, the same SoC we have seen on the iQOO Neo 7. The chipset is paired with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of internal storage. <br /><br />In terms of performance, the V27 Pro has enough power to handle demanding tasks such as gaming and multitasking. During my gaming session, which involved playing COD: Mobile and Asphalt 9: Legends with maximum graphics settings, the device performed well. I did not experience any lag or frame drops that could ruin the gaming experience. The device was very responsive and connected to the servers instantly. The heat management was promising even after prolonged gaming sessions.<br />    <div type="image" title="Vivo V27 Pro" msid="98341603" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;COD on Vivo V27 Pro&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />The RAM management on the device is decent, and the 12GB RAM can hold lightweight apps like web browsers and social media apps such as Instagram or Facebook for a long time. The device can hold heavier apps like COD: Mobile halfway. However, with the onboard RAM expansion of 8GB, which adds to the system storage, the performance with heavier apps improved considerably. If you are into gaming, I recommend keeping the RAM extension on.<br /><br />Upon launching a game, the device automatically triggers its Ultra Gaming mode, providing the user with various performance options. Additionally, this mode includes various features such as screen recording, a voice changer, call blocking, and more.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Camera" comment="subhead" text="Camera"><span data-til="noop">Camera</span></cmsannotation><br />The Vivo V27 Pro has four cameras, three at the back and one at the front. The primary rear camera boasts a 50MP Sony IMX766V lens, and I found its performance impressive. The photos were vibrant and captured with plenty of detail. The Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) integrated into the lens was highly effective at minimizing the impact of shaky hands on the image. Then there is an 8MP ultra-wide sensor and a 2MP macro sensor.<br />    <div type="image" title="Vivo V27 Pro" msid="98341486" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Shot on 50MP&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />The device offers up to 10x zoom, but the results are good; up to 5x zoom as 10x will fail to capture details. Also, when switching from the primary camera to the ultra-wide-angle camera, you will undoubtedly notice a significant change in color tone.<br />    <div type="image" title="Vivo V27 Pro" msid="98341502" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Shot on V27 Pro&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />The natural light portraits captured by the Vivo V27 Pro are truly stunning. The edge detection is excellent. When using HDR mode, I did observe warmer tones in the images, particularly with red hues in the frame. <br />    <div type="image" title="Vivo V27 Pro" msid="98341548" hostid="261"></div><br />The 2MP macro camera on the Vivo V27 Pro captures decent photos, it requires adequate lighting for optimal results. But to get the best out of the macro camera, you must keep the subject and camera extremely steady to achieve a clear and focused shot.<br />    <div type="image" title="Vivo V27 Pro" msid="98341509" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Shot on Macro mode&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>    <div type="image" title="Vivo V27 Pro" msid="98341516" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Shot on Vivo V27 Pro macro mode&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />The 50MP front-facing camera on the Vivo V27 Pro leaves some room for improvement, as it tends to overexpose images and produce colors that look a bit unnatural. However, you may find it appealing if you prefer enhanced skin tones and a smoother appearance.<br />    <div type="image" title="Vivo V27 Pro" msid="98341524" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Shot on Vivo V27 Pro night mode&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>    <div type="image" title="Vivo V27 Pro" msid="98341530" hostid="261"></div><br />Regarding video performance, the Vivo V27 Pro does not fail to impress. Its camera can record 4K videos at both 30 and 60 fps, and the hybrid image stabilization system is noticeable when there are quick changes in camera angles. There is minimal shaking, and the lens focuses quickly. <br /><br />The device features a dedicated vlog mode, allowing you to play with both front and back cameras simultaneously. Other features like live photos and AI enhancements are additional perks that will likely appeal to most consumers.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Battery life" comment="subhead" text="Battery life"><span data-til="noop">Battery life</span></cmsannotation><br />Compared to many of its premium competitors, such as the IQOO Neo 7 and OPPO Reno8 T 5G, the Vivo V27 Pro features a relatively small battery with a capacity of 4600mAh. I used it throughout the day for tasks like texting, and music streaming, it made it through until bedtime with some juice left. <br /><br />However, with more demanding use like playing games, taking photos, using social media, and more, I experienced battery anxiety, and the device didn’t last a day. The device comes with 66W fast charging capability that charges the device in 45 minutes from 0 to 100% with an active internet connection.<br /><br />Similar to other phones, the Vivo V27 Pro features a battery-saving mode that conserves power by disabling background syncing, restricting data usage, and enabling dark mode, among other things. This feature guarantees that the phone can last for an entire day. However, if you are a heavy phone user, this phone may not fit you best.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Verdict" comment="subhead" text="Verdict"><span data-til="noop">Verdict</span></cmsannotation><br />Having used the Vivo V27 Pro, it's evident that the phone can be a suitable choice for those seeking a device priced below ₹40,000, particularly camera enthusiasts, gamers, or users who like a slim and light phone. While it's a good option for its price, if you prioritize the best camera or user interface experience, you might want to explore other options like the iQOO Neo 7 or OPPO Reno8 T.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Buy it if" comment="subhead" text="Buy it if"><span data-til="noop">Buy it if</span></cmsannotation><br />The Vivo V27 Pro remains a compelling option as it is available at a reasonable discount. Not all smartphones in this price range are currently available at a hefty discount. Additionally, compared to many other Android user interfaces, Vivo's Funtouch is minimalistic and doesn't come with unnecessary pre-installed software and some extra features that we found useful.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Don't buy it if" comment="subhead" text="Don't buy it if"><span data-til="noop">Don't buy it if</span></cmsannotation><br />You can find smartphones with similar specs at a lower price if you do some research. But you might have to compromise on some things like the design or camera.<br /><br />SEE ALSO:<br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/explained-apples-clean-energy-charging-for-iphone-that-sets-a-new-standard-for-sustainability/articleshow/98331359.cms">Explained: Apple's Clean Energy Charging for iPhone that sets a new standard for sustainability</a><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/windows-11-update-introduces-ai-powered-bing-to-the-taskbar-and-phone-link-for-ios/articleshow/98331220.cms">Windows 11 update introduces AI-Powered Bing to the taskbar and Phone Link for iOS</a><br />

Vivo V27 Pro Review: Capable camera performance in a sleek form factor

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The <keyword id="3058000" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Land-Rover-Defender">Land Rover Defender</keyword> is a popular off-roading vehicle that's gained a cult-like following over the years.</li><li>Companies like <keyword id="10405640" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="twisted-automotive">Twisted Automotive</keyword> reconstruct <keyword id="77523" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Defender">Defender</keyword>s to be highly customized and luxurious for today's top Defender fans and collectors.</li><li>The <keyword id="10405641" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="twisted-na-v8-90">Twisted NA-V8 90</keyword> is based on a Defender 90 but has a V8 from a Corvette and a starting price of $250,000.</li></ul><p>The road in front of me straightened out, so I thought "What the hell" and floored the gas pedal.</p><p>A banshee-like V8 scream filled the cabin. The steering wheel shuddered in my hand with each violent upshift, the front wheels squirreling for traction as the entire truck leaned back from the force of the acceleration. Not long after, I braked, not wanting to get pulled over.</p><p>The walkie-talkie in the cupholder crackled. "<em>That's</em> what I'm talking about!" the <a href="https://www.twistedautomotive.com/en-US/">Twisted Automotive</a> rep, driving in the lead car I was following, crowed excitedly. </p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_OEM1" height="1875" width="2500" msid="79647621" hostid="261"></div>I was behind the wheel of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/twisted-na-v8-is-a-land-rover-defender-with-a-corvette-v8-engine-2020-7">Twisted's North America V8 90</a> - or NA-V8 90 - which, to the untrained eye, looks just like a vintage Land Rover Defender 90: a square, two-door truck that wouldn't be out of place on someone's farm. <p>But looks can be deceiving. The NA-V8 90 is <em>so</em> not a run-of-the-mill vintage Defender.</p><h2><strong>What is old is new</strong></h2><p>Explaining the <keyword id="10405642" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="twisted-na-v8">Twisted NA-V8</keyword> 90 is where things get interesting. Think of it as a 25-year-old, brand-new car. I know this sounds oxymoronic. </p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_OEM12" height="1875" width="2500" msid="79647623" hostid="261"></div>All of the <em>parts</em> are new, see. The body panels and the chassis - before <keyword id="2229550" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="twisted">Twisted</keyword> added extra sub-bracing to protect it from twisting - are brand new, but they're built from the original Land Rover blueprints and specifications.<p>After Land Rover ceased production of the Defender, it sold the rights and tooling to other OEM suppliers so that they could continue making Defender parts. Because of that, companies such as Twisted can source those parts and build new Defenders to their original dimensions. </p><p>So from the outside, NA-V8 90's shape is all original. But that's where the similarities end. </p><h2><strong><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_OEM20" height="1667" width="2500" msid="79647625" hostid="261"></div>Details and safety ratings: Corvette heart</strong></h2><p>No original Defender ever came with a Chevrolet Corvette's 6.2-liter, naturally aspirated LT1 V8 engine and a General Motors-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. (A five-speed manual transmission is also an option.)</p><p>On top of that, Twisted upgrades and modifies the internals, brakes, suspension, and electronics. It gives its trucks a customized suspension system, big and heavy-duty brakes, heavy-duty differentials, and a switchable exhaust that alternates between Loud and Not Quite As Loud. </p><p>Inside, you get <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/twisted-na-v8-is-a-land-rover-defender-with-a-corvette-v8-engine-2020-7#and-a-whole-suite-of-convenience-features-like-cruise-control-parking-sensors-and-wide-angle-exterior-cameras-13">a whole suite of convenience features</a> like parking sensors, wide-angle exterior cameras, and cruise control. </p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_OEM26" height="1717" width="2500" msid="79647627" hostid="261"></div>The truck puts down 455 horsepower, but should the customer want it, the supercharged LT4 V8 out of the C7 Corvette Z06 and Cadillac CTS-V is also available. That motor offers a claimed 650 horsepower. <p>I drove Twisted's demo vehicle that's based off a Defender 90. It had two front doors and a swing-out style rear door for trunk and second-row access. The second row of seats were sort of like two stadium-mounted jump seats - they were positioned so that you'd be able to look over the driver's shoulder.</p><p>The demo car, according to Twisted, averages 20 mpg. Since the NA-V8 90 is based on a classic Defender, a Twisted rep said it has not been crash-tested because "all crash testing is specific to the OEM." (It should be noted that crash safety has improved greatly in the past 10 years, let alone 25, so driving around in a 1990s-spec Defender with a modern Corvette engine is done at your own risk.)</p><h2><strong><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_OEM28" height="1667" width="2500" msid="79647631" hostid="261"></div>What stands out: V8 magic</strong></h2><p>Within five minutes of driving the thing, I could already tell the NA-V8 90 is a hoot. I had sort of hoped the demo car would have a manual, but after I got moving, I realized it didn't really matter - that eight-speed automatic is clever enough on its own.</p><p>I attributed much of that to the LT1 V8. Happily, I was informed the demo car was tuned to have a claimed 525 horsepower instead of the standard 455.</p><p>V8s in luxurious grand-tourers are meant to be smooth and quiet. V8s from muscle cars are supposed to be loud, screamy, and violent. Since the demo car had only one exhaust setting - loud - the noise part was taken care of. </p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_KL_6" height="1667" width="2500" msid="79647633" hostid="261"></div>Thanks to the way the engine is tuned, you want to floor the NA-V8 90 everywhere. Feel the wheel twitch in your hands. Scatter flocks of geese. Make children cry. Cackle diabolically. <p>The steering is not <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/2020-lotus-evora-gt-review-price-specs-horsepower-sports-car-2020-9">your Lotus-esque, nearly psychic feedback</a>; it's not so tightly tuned that a millimeter of input results in the most microscopic steering response. You won't feel turn-in happen until you've started turning the wheel further from the center position than in a regular car, but you get used to it almost immediately. Then it just becomes a matter of aiming the V8 cannon. </p><p>Part of Twisted's whole appeal is how utterly customizable its products are. The Twisted rep brought along a book of leather trim options to show me, featuring every color on the visual spectrum - or at least most of them. </p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_OEM30" height="1667" width="2500" msid="79647634" hostid="261"></div>The interior of the demo vehicle was fitted pretty much from floor to ceiling in soft quilted leather. The leather itself was black, but the green contrast stitching that matched the exterior paint made me feel like I was driving in "<a href="https://screenrant.com/matrix-green-color-change-netflix-original/">The Matrix</a>."<p>Sitting in the NA-V8 90 makes you feel like you're a head taller than everything else on the road. You see easily over most other cars, and visibility - owing to the fact that the greenhouse is basically box-shaped - is great. </p><p>If the world ended tomorrow, I know which car I'd want by my side.</p><h2><strong><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_OEM6" height="3750" width="2500" msid="79647635" hostid="261"></div>What falls short: Narrow</strong></h2><p>A narrow interior, distinctive of the original Defenders, carries over. When driving a tall SUV, I'm accustomed to roomier interiors, so the NA-V8 90 might take some getting used to for some. </p><p>I found the seat adjustments difficult to reach and hit my left elbow on the door a lot when cutting the steering wheel in either direction. The pedals are also rather close together, but I have small feet and this was no issue for me. </p><p>But there's plenty of headroom, so taller customers won't have to worry about driving with their necks bent.</p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_KL_5" height="1667" width="2500" msid="79647637" hostid="261"></div>The narrowness makes sense; the original Defender wasn't meant for wide and sweeping American roads, it was designed for the English countryside. <a href="https://jalopnik.com/driving-in-england-took-years-off-my-life-1787698238">Have you seen what they think is a "two-way street" over there?</a> It's the equivalent of, like, a little, one-way dirt path here. <p>Some might think the NA-V8 90's narrowness is a drawback; I say it's charismatic. I think most cars today are far too wide for their own good. The front row of <a href="https://jalopnik.com/the-2019-lincoln-navigator-is-a-glorious-return-to-amer-1837718657">the new Lincoln Navigator</a> is palatial. I had to really stretch to reach the radio controls.</p><p>A narrow but tall car is a fun new thing to experience. Everything is within reach and you feel like you can place the NA-V8 90 a little more easily around double-parked cars.</p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_KL_8" height="3750" width="2500" msid="79647639" hostid="261"></div>The rear stadium seats are a fun idea, and for a 5-foot-3 person, they were fine to sit in. But anyone taller might have trouble. Most realistically, the NA-V8 90 is for a two-person household with maybe a big dog.<h2><strong>Against competitors? It ain't no G-Wagen</strong></h2><p>It's clear what the Twisted NA-V8 90 is aimed at: the Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen. Rugged, square, with big wheels, big power, and customization options fit for a king, the NA-V8 90 is an alternative to the G-Wagen - which, depending on where you live, might very well be a dime a dozen. </p><p>The NA-V8 90 is certainly priced appropriately. Each one starts at $250,000 and it only goes up from there, depending on how customized you want yours to be. Each one is built to order, Tom Maxwell, Twisted's CEO, told us in a recent call.</p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_KL_11" height="1667" width="2500" msid="79647641" hostid="261"></div>Conversely, a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen starts at <a href="https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/build/g-class/suv/g550w4?category=summary">$130,900 for the G 550</a> and <a href="https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/build/g-class/suv/g63w4?category=summary">$156,450 for the AMG G 63</a>. Maxwell said he charges people $250,000 for one of his products because they're buying a process.<p>"I don't want to sell a soulless black [Defender] 110 that nobody has had involvement in," he said. "You're buying a process, stitch colors, leathers, et cetera. It's a custom car built around you."</p><p>Uniqueness, it seems, is the selling point. I suppose if I were to drop a quarter of a million dollars on a car, I certainly wouldn't want it to look like my neighbor's.</p><h2><strong><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_KL_7" height="1667" width="2500" msid="79647643" hostid="261"></div>Our impressions: Full of personality</strong></h2><p>I've driven a restored vintage Defender before and I didn't much care for it. Once the novelty of <em>Oh, wow! I'm driving a vintage Defender! </em>wore off, the old truck was rattly, slow, uncomfortable, and definitely not worth the mounds of praise heaped upon it. I have, however, seen countless Defender masochists insist that the awfulness is the point.</p><p>Maxwell said his company isn't in the business of restoration or resto-modding; they're about reconstruction. Apart from the identity of the Defender - which is narrow, has iconic boxy looks, and can be off-roaded - the thing is a fresh take on Defender ownership for today's luxury buyer. Thus, the "Defenderisms" that plague the original models - for those who aren't Defender masochists - are absent. </p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_KL_9" height="1667" width="2500" msid="79647644" hostid="261"></div>That does not mean the Twisted is without charm. Unlike a modern car that's easy enough to drive with one finger and rarely has any personality, the NA-V8 90 takes some time to learn and pilot. <p>The thin-spoke steering wheel takes effort to turn. The brakes don't bite immediately but they work really well once you learn to use them. There's a little lean in the suspension if you take a corner quickly, but you don't feel afraid that you'll tip over. Mostly, you're reminded that you're driving a tall SUV. </p><p>The NA-V8 90 isn't one of those SUVs that tries to pretend to be a sports car, despite its Corvette heart. Though, of course, it's faster than any original Defender could ever be. </p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_OEM4" height="1731" width="2500" msid="79647647" hostid="261"></div>But as for the slower, around-town stuff? It does that perfectly, too. As a commuter, the NA-V8 90 putters along quietly and agreeably, handling roundabouts, sitting in traffic, and waiting at red lights as well as any luxury SUV. Each time that you remember how much power is on tap beneath your right foot is a blessing.<p>As a cohesive package, the Twisted NA-V8 90 is a pretty good one. It certainly feels like a sum of all of its parts. Not one aspect of it feels like it's too modern or incongruent compared to the rest of it. It doesn't drive like a crappy old truck someone pulled out of a bog two months ago. But it doesn't drive like a modern car, either. </p><p>If character is a currency, then the NA-V8 90 is wealthy with it. A contemporary interpretation of a truck that dates back to at least the '90s, it's pleasantly contradicted with a high-quality interior and all of today's creature comforts. And because it lacks old age and general mechanical crotchetiness, it also won't leave you stranded when it arbitrarily refuses to start up one day.</p><div type="image" title="Twisted NA V8_KL_12" height="1667" width="2500" msid="79647653" hostid="261"></div>For the buyer who loves the Defender aesthetic but wants a working car, this ain't a bad solution. Just have your checkbook ready.

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