Ford Mustang assessment

With greater than ten million bought throughout a manufacturing run stretching greater than 60 years, the Ford Mustang had a agency spot in standard tradition. Which means nearly everybody has their very own thought about what they suppose it must be. 

Whether it’s a Boulevard cruiser, one thing to lazily rumble its approach down a motorway or to easily wake the neighbours of a Sunday morning, it most likely is to me what it is not to you. But there has at all times been one fixed: it is one of many least expensive methods to bag your self a brand new V8 coupe.

This S650 era is not any totally different, with costs ranging from £55,725 for the bottom GT mannequin. That’s £10,105 lower than the BMW M2 and £19,399 lower than the Porsche Cayman GTS. Even the extra highly effective Dark Horse variant – from £67,995 – is properly priced contemplating it has an additional 7bhp and a collection of track-oriented upgrades.

Ford hopes this, and the very fact it’s now solely obtainable with a V8, will proceed the horse automotive’s evergreen enchantment amongst loyal prospects, whereas additionally serving to it to draw contemporary, youthful patrons.

To enchantment to the latter, that is essentially the most tech-rich Mustang there has ever been – coming with twice the computing energy of the final one, a drift-inducing digital handbrake, the flexibility to obtain over-the-air software program updates and alter its digital screens (as much as 13.2in in dimension) to a retro Nineteen Seventies look. 

You can consider the S650, then, as extra a comprehensively and technologically overhauled piece of American muscle that pulls on six generations of expertise in attempting to be one of the best of the breed. That final half is the important thing bit, as a result of it is what we will discover out.

Honda primes radical saloon to rival Tesla Model 3 by 2030

Honda is engaged on a Tesla Model 3-rivalling saloon as considered one of seven radical new electrical automobiles it’ll carry to market by 2030. 

The saloon is a part of the agency’s new 0 Series, which represents a complete reset of how Honda develops EVs. The seven 0 Series automobiles will prioritise weight discount and aerodynamic efficiency and stand out for “the joy of driving”, the corporate mentioned.

Honda is growing the fashions with a “thin” ethos, minimising the variety of components utilized in every mannequin and adopting light-weight aluminium chassis constructions. Those chassis will ultimately be die-casted – a way pioneered by the Tesla Model Y – to scale back half complexity, and due to this fact weight and prices.

The agency additionally hailed the event work enabled by its line-up of hybrids, such because the Civic, in decreasing the burden of its next-generation electrical powertrains. These ‘e-axles’ will comprise a motor, inverter and gearbox inside a single unit, offering a claimed weight saving of round 100kg in contrast with Honda’s current EVs.

The firm added that its EVs can have all-wheel drive, suggesting that every mannequin will use a pair of e-axles. 

Heavy parts similar to the facility unit and battery will likely be mounted low and centrally, Honda mentioned, which signifies that the automobiles will use a skateboard platform. This can have a lowered ground thickness, additional saving weight and offering a extra sporting driving place.

Honda Zero Saloon concept – side

Complexity will likely be additional lowered by the deployment of a central laptop, fairly than the array of chips deployed on extra typical automobiles. The 0 Series’s methods will likely be managed by this ‘mind’, decreasing prices and enhancing the velocity of digital capabilities.

This extra highly effective laptop {hardware} may also allow level-three assisted driving know-how, by which the automobile takes full management in restricted circumstances, similar to a site visitors jam in clear climate. 

Exclusive ‘Mythos’ Mercedes-AMG SL Speedster coming quickly

AMG plans to launch a brand new speedster variant of its seventh-generation SL as a part of a sequence of restricted quantity Mythos fashions, in response to Mercedes-Benz insiders.

The secret open-top automotive is deliberate to be proven to chose clients in an occasion deliberate to happen at Mercedes’ Centre of Excellence in Sindelfingen, Germany, between 6 and eight June previous to being taken public later this yr and deliveries beginning in 2025.

Invitations to the preview occasion describe the SL speedster as an “open vehicle concept with an extremely low silhouette, without a roof or windscreen, and featuring a motorsport halo roll protection system and requiring the use of a helmet for a high-speed driving experience”.

An earlier teaser picture of the two-seater revealed that it receives altered physique styling with distinguished domes behind every of the entrance seats.

The house reserved for the rear seat on normal variations of the SL is predicted for use to accommodate the rollover safety measures.

Technical particulars of the brand new AMG are but to be revealed, however Autocar has been advised the limited-volume SL relies on the SL 63 4Matic+ with a 577bhp twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine and a completely variable four-wheel drive system.

First hinted to by Mercedes chairman Ola Källenius on the firm’s annual common assembly in 2022, the Mythos sequence is deliberate to incorporate a sequence of limited-volume Benz, AMG and Maybach fashions.

Together with the SL speedster, Mercedes-AMG is thought to be engaged on a SL Maybach, a photograph of which was uploaded to Instagram by Mercedes design boss Gorden Wagener in 2022.

The picture confirmed a two-tone SL altered with a Maybach-inspired grille that includes vertical chrome components and a hood with Maybach logos.

The restricted quantity Mythos automobiles are deliberate to go one step past Mercedes’ Manufaktur programme with even better scope for automobile personalisation.

Smart #1 recall anticipated as harmful seatbelt fault discovered

Thousands of Smart #1 EVs may very well be recalled attributable to a fault whereby the rear passenger’s seatbelt could unbuckle throughout a high-speed manoeuvre.

Discovered by Finnish automotive journal Tekniikan Maailma (TM), the fault happens when three passengers are seated within the rear of the automotive. When a high-speed evasion motion is made, the central passenger’s belt lock pushes down on a aspect passenger’s lock, unlocking it.

This fault occurred throughout a number of high-speed swerve exams on a #1. The subsequent day, it was repeated with one other #1 at a unique location, and the issue occured once more. All vehicles have been travelling at round 45mph.

TM has labelled the problem as a “dangerous design flaw”, warning: ”Until the fault is mounted, it isn’t secure to hold three passengers within the again seat of the Smart.”

TM added that the #1’s again seat with the present belt association “is not suitable for three passengers” and questioned how Smart had not found the fault itself.

One clarification was the usage of crash take a look at dummies, moderately than people in a real-life state of affairs.

The subject, as illustrated by Tekniikan Maailma

Smart has confirmed to TM that it is investigating the problem.

Smart informed TM: “We take this matter with our principal very significantly. Our principal has already began his personal investigations, and we’ll inform you about them and the measures as quickly as doable.”

In an announcement equipped to Autocar, Smart mentioned: “Smart is aware of the questions raised by Tekniikan Maailma during their testing, and is treating them with the utmost urgency. Ensuring the safety of our customers and all road users is our number one priority, with our models having been awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating, passing some of the world’s most demanding safety tests in the process. Our internal R&D experts are now conducting a comprehensive investigation of the matter.”

New BYD e6 MPV set for UK launch with 258-mile vary

BYD has quietly added a brand new electrical MPV to its UK line-up, which appears to be like to tempt taxi drivers with greater than 250 miles of vary and a capacious cabin.

Autocar has discovered official UK specs for the second-generation e6, a five-seat MPV based mostly on the Chinese-market Song Max. Although BYD refused to offer extra particulars, a launch right here is anticipated to be imminent.

The unique BYD e6 was the Chinese agency’s debut mannequin within the UK, arriving in 2013, when the model was little-known and EV expertise was nonetheless in its nascence. 

Sold in low volumes, primarily to taxi corporations, it had a real-world vary of round 140 miles and efficiency that in contrast favourably with different early EVs and ICE alternate options. However, priced at £47,000 (equal to £67,000 right this moment), it was far dearer than the likes of the Nissan Leaf and Vauxhall Ampera and was pulled from the UK after only a 12 months.

The sleeker second-generation e6, touchdown in 2021, is expounded to its predecessor in identify solely. It’s already bought in different right-hand-drive markets, together with Australia, the place it is priced roughly in step with the MG ZS EV, suggesting a UK worth within the low-£30,000s is feasible.

At 4695mm lengthy, with a wheelbase of 2800mm, the e6 is barely bigger than Stellantis’s small-van-based MPVs (the Citroën Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Toyota Proace and Vauxhall Combo) however smaller than the likes of the Volkswagen ID Buzz and Lexus LM.

Equipped with a chunky 71.7Wh battery, it is able to a aggressive 258 miles per cost on the WLTP take a look at cycle. However, it has a most charging velocity of simply 60kW so wants 90 minutes to get from 0-80% on a Type 2 quick charger. 

A single motor on the entrance axle makes 94bhp, taking the e6 from 0-62mph in 18.0sec.

Bolstering the automobile’s attraction with city-based taxi drivers can be its capacious, flat-floored cabin, 580-litre boot and 11.2-metre turning circle – the latter roughly in step with the Volkswagen Golf

Mazda CX-5 Earns Top Rating in IIHS’s Newest Crash Test

WASHINGTON, May 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) introduced the 2023-2024 Mazda CX-5 earned the best ranking of their latest crash check.

2024 Mazda CX-5

IIHS lately up to date its reasonable entrance overlap crash check, the place 40 % of the motive force aspect entrance finish of a automobile impacts a stationary barrier at 40 mph. The forces on this check are much like these in a frontal offset crash between two autos.

In IIHS’s authentic model of this check, solely a driver dummy was used. In 2022, to handle the necessity for higher rear occupant safety, a second dummy was added within the second-row seat behind the motive force. The up to date analysis incorporates superior standards centered on stopping accidents to rear-seat occupants.

Along with most autos initially evaluated on this new, difficult check, the 2021-2022 mannequin 12 months Mazda CX-5 acquired a poor ranking. Dedicated to steady security developments and listening to data-driven steering from valued companions like IIHS, Mazda shortly made enhancements. Rear seat belt pretensioners and cargo limiters have been added not simply to Mazda’s CX-5, however to all new Mazda autos, serving to to cut back forces to belted rear occupants within the occasion of a crash.

As a consequence, the 2023-2024 mannequin 12 months CX-5 has now earned a very good ranking within the IIHS up to date reasonable entrance overlap check. 2024 mannequin 12 months Mazda3 Sedan and Hatchback, CX-30, CX-90, and 2023-2024 mannequin 12 months CX-50 earned the identical prime, good ranking on this check earlier this 12 months. 

“Mazda is proud to make these improvements to better protect our customers and their passengers,” mentioned Mazda North American President and CEO Tom Donnelly. “We will continue to listen, learn, and evolve, as we execute our safety vision for zero fatalities by 2040.”

To be taught extra about superior security at Mazda, please go to the MazdaUSA.com web site –  https://www.mazdausa.com/why-mazda/safety.

The IIHS is an impartial, non-governmental safety-testing group, funded by the insurance coverage business. For extra data, go to https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks.

About Mazda North American Operations

Proudly based in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a historical past of subtle craftsmanship and innovation, and a objective to complement life-in-motion for these it serves. By placing people on the middle of the whole lot it does, Mazda aspires to create uplifting experiences with our autos and for folks. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the gross sales, advertising, components and customer support assist of Mazda autos in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia by way of roughly 795 sellers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For extra data on Mazda autos, together with images and B-roll, please go to the net Mazda media middle at information.mazdausa.com. 

Follow @MazdaUSA on social media: FacebookInstagramXYouTube, and Threads

Everything To Know About The GM 6.6 Liter LBZ V8 Duramax Turbo Diesel Engine

Despite resembling the 2004-2005 LLY technology Duramax by way of its general design and building, the LBZ is a considerably improved engine. Strength was by no means actually a difficulty for earlier Duramax engines, however as horsepower and torque figures continued to climb, GM fortified the LBZ to higher deal with excessive forces. The engine block was fortified utilizing a thicker casting with extra essential bearing webbing and improved cylinder bore energy. GM additionally beefed up different essential internals, together with new and improved cast metal connecting rods.

The gas system was one other essential facet of enchancment, with the LBZ receiving a number of new gas system elements. While the common-rail gas system and high-pressure gas injectors had been a supply of subject for the older LLY engine, the system was overhauled for the LBZ. GM elevated the utmost gas strain from 23,000 psi to over 26,000 psi and up to date the Bosch gas injectors to a extra environment friendly 7-hole design.

GM additionally made some vital revisions to the turbo association to enhance reliability and effectivity. The LBZ acquired revised low-compression pistons, which decreased the possibilities of engine-damaging detonation occasions and elevated reliability general. GM additionally revised the LBZ’s turbo inlet manifold to a extra free-flowing design, reducing exhaust gasoline temperatures and delivering higher turbo responsiveness. To tie all of it collectively, GM launched a brand new 32-bit E35 engine management module, which extra successfully managed gas circulation and turbo parameters.

As a results of the entire upgrades in comparison with the earlier technology LLY Duramax, the 2006 LBZ Duramax was the most reliable, environment friendly, and best-performing turbo diesel engine that GM created to that time.

Can Two People Ride On A Harley-Davidson Iron 883?

The Iron 883 is designed to seat one. It does not come inventory with a passenger seat or pegs for a second particular person to place their toes on. It has an 86″ size with a forward-heavy design. This makes it an ungainly bike for taking a passenger.

That mentioned, it’s technically doable. You can always customize your motorcycle to make it match two. There are aftermarket choices accessible for including a passenger seat and pegs. The 883cc Evolution engine can also be sturdy sufficient to bear an inexpensive quantity of weight and nonetheless get first rate acceleration. Even so, the expertise may be lower than supreme.

One Reddit user started a thread asking riders who had modified their Iron 883 bikes into two-seaters how comfy the expertise was. Several riders reported that that they had transformed their bikes, and the general consensus was that the expertise was underwhelming and rather less secure than you desire to. One reported that you simply most likely have to get new shocks as a result of “the stock shorties are kidney beaters.” But even then, his passenger reported that she felt a lot safer and extra comfy on a much bigger bike. Most of those Redditers additionally talked about that the Iron 883 felt squirrely and struggled to rise up to increased speeds when driving with a second particular person. So whereas it’s doable, you’d most likely be higher off getting a bigger Harley in order for you a motorcycle that is made to hold a couple of particular person.

Differences Between MiG 31 & MiG 35 Fighter Jets

There are a number of notable key variations between the MiG-31 and MiG-35. Some are apparent and relate to the quantity produced. More than 500 MiG-31s have been produced, whereas half a dozen MiG-35s at present fly for Russia. Outside of numbers, velocity is an apparent distinction between the 2 plane. The MiG-31 is significantly quicker than its successor, which continues to be an admittedly quick plane.

Altitude is one other metric that units the 2 plane aside, because the MiG-31 can fly at almost twice the altitude of the MiG-35. Granted, this functionality is not a part of the MiG-31’s normal flight operations, however the means to cruise at extremely excessive altitudes stays through its service ceiling of 67,000 toes. You start to see the variations favor the MiG-35 while you have a look at points of its avionics and electronics. Specifically, the MiG-35 has an improved radar system.

The MiG-35 options an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, making it the primary Russian fighter outfitted with an AESA radar. Conversely, the MiG-31’s radar, which has been upgraded since its introduction, is not as succesful as its successor’s system. Other points like armament and protection capabilities are comparable, so while you add all of it up, the MiG-31 is arguably the higher fighter for its velocity, ceiling, and operational historical past, which the MiG-35 lacks as a result of its minimal efficiency historical past and low manufacturing numbers.

Why Is Honda Discontinuing Lawn Mowers Moving Forward? Here’s What We Know

Honda is not the primary, and certain is not the final, to finish manufacturing on gas-powered garden mowers, however that does not imply it is leaving the garden care trade totally. Profits and client preferences clearly show that battery-powered tools is the longer term, and Honda’s following swimsuit with the transition.

When Honda initially introduced the discontinuation of its gas-powered mowers, there was no phrase whether or not electrical ones had been within the firm’s future. However, as soon as it wrapped up manufacturing in late 2023, the corporate unveiled a new autonomous work mower. The Honda Autonomous Work Mower (AWM) is the corporate’s first battery-powered electrical garden mower. It options zero-turn driving and futuristic studying capabilities. When in guide mode, the AWM capabilities like some other battery-powered garden mower, however it additionally learns your mowing routes. Then, in autonomous mode, it might recreate these patterns to chop the grass simply as you’d.

At the time of this writing, Honda hasn’t revealed plans to make different battery-powered ride-on garden mowers, however that appears inevitable. It already has the Izy-Ons, a line of electrical push mowers, for individuals who do not wish to wait (or cannot afford) the AWM. The firm desires to realize carbon neutrality for all merchandise by 2050, and discontinuing gas-powered garden mowers takes a big step in the direction of that aim.