Category Archives: News

News

Fiat Ends Production of Grey-Coloured Cars to Emphasize Joy and Optimism

As part of its effort to position itself as a “brand of joy, colours, and optimism,” Fiat has decided to stop producing cars painted in grey, despite it being the most popular car colour in the UK. The change will begin with the release of the 600, Fiat’s answer to the Jeep Avenger, which will be available for sale later this year. The new strategy aims to give Fiat’s cars a distinctive character in their respective markets and provide the company with a competitive advantage.

Grey has traditionally been the preferred colour choice among UK customers, with over a quarter of new cars sold in the country last year being grey. Fiat’s CEO, Olivier Francois, explained that the decision to eliminate grey cars is intended to reinforce the brand’s leadership in joy, colours, and optimism. The change aligns with the company’s vision of conveying the values of “dolce vita” and the Italian DNA embodied by the brand.

In conjunction with the elimination of grey cars, Fiat has introduced a new tagline: “Italy. The land of colours. Fiat. The brand of colours.”

Fiat’s current lineup includes five models: the 500, electric 500, 500X, Panda, and Tipo. All of these models are now available in white, orange, red, blue, green, gold, and black, with each colour named after Italian landscapes.

This decision follows a series of changes made by Fiat as it transitions to becoming an all-electric car manufacturer by 2030. The company will continue producing small cars and has plans to introduce five new models within the next five years, in addition to its existing electric Fiat 500. Furthermore, Fiat is developing a range of models based on the 2019 Centoventi electric concept, which may see the revival of the Panda nameplate.

News

New 2024 Skoda Kodiaq gains hybrid power and overhauled interior

Skoda has announced the details of the upcoming version of its largest SUV, the new Skoda Kodiaq. The SUV will be fully revealed in the autumn and will be available for sale in early 2024. The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq offers more interior space, introduces electrified powertrains, and incorporates various new interior technologies. Skoda provided a sneak peek of the model through a camouflaged prototype.

The new Kodiaq will be offered with two petrol and two diesel engines, ranging in power from 147bhp to 201bhp. All-wheel drive will be available on top models. Additionally, the Kodiaq will now feature hybrid power for the first time. The electrified range includes a 147bhp 1.5-litre TSI mild-hybrid petrol engine and a 201bhp plug-in hybrid as the top of the range option. The plug-in hybrid model utilizes a 25.7kWh battery, enabling it to achieve a range of over 62 miles on electric power alone. Charging can be done at speeds of up to 50kW.

All engine options are paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission, except for the plug-in hybrid model, which comes with a six-speed DSG. The Kodiaq will also undergo an exterior redesign, with the new SUV being 61mm longer than its predecessor. This increase in length allows for a boot space of 910 litres in the five-seat version, while the seven-seat version offers between 340 to 845 litres depending on the seating configuration.

In terms of the interior, the Kodiaq has undergone a significant overhaul. The gear lever has been relocated to the steering column for the first time, and a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen has been installed. The rear now features a new storage compartment with cupholders and a touchscreen display cleaner, and the driver’s door houses Skoda’s signature umbrella.

Klaus Zellmer, Skoda chairman, expressed his confidence in the new Kodiaq, stating, “The Kodiaq has been an absolute success for Skoda ever since its launch in 2016, when it kick-started our SUV campaign.”

Gaming

Best Nintendo Switch Games Released In 2023 So Far

Although “Nuclear Blaze” is not a new game, it was originally released on PC in 2021. However, it recently became available on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 in April 2023, making it the first time it’s playable on consoles. Developed by Deepnight Games, this 2D action-adventure game puts players in the role of a lone firefighter who investigates a series of fires at a secret military base. The gameplay involves using a hose to extinguish fires and navigating through the base in a side-scrolling Metroidvania style, avoiding potential threats along the way.

A crucial element in “Nuclear Blaze” is managing the expanding flames. If the fire gets out of control, it becomes nearly impossible to progress through the level. Additionally, players must carefully manage their water supply, which can only be replenished at specific points. This creates a dilemma where every move must be considered for safety.

The standout aspect of “Nuclear Blaze” is its captivating story. As players advance in the game, they slowly uncover the nature of the military base and the origin of the fire. Rescuing survivors and finding notes reveal the truth of what occurred. With a relatively short playtime, an excellent soundtrack, and various difficulty options, “Nuclear Blaze” offers an enjoyable gaming experience for players of all ages.

Gaming

Understanding How Nintendo Switch’s Controllers Track Movement

The Joy-Cons, the controllers for the Nintendo Switch, come with a range of features that enable them to track movement. One of these features is motion controls, which should ring a bell if you remember the success of the motion-sensing Wii Remote from the Nintendo Wii era. The Joy-Cons possess similar technology but in a more advanced form.

The motion control setup of the Joy-Cons consists of two primary components: the gyro sensor and the accelerometer. The gyro sensor measures the orientation of the controller, such as whether it is being held vertically, horizontally, or upside-down. On the other hand, the accelerometer detects physical movement. It captures the speed and intensity of your movements as you wiggle, swing, or sway the controller. By combining the data from the gyro sensor and the accelerometer, a Joy-Con can determine when it is being swung, the direction of the swing, and the force applied. Each Joy-Con has its own set of these systems, allowing them to detect motion independently of each other.

In addition to motion input, it’s worth mentioning the Joy-Cons’ HD rumble feature. This technology enables the controllers to provide subtle and customized haptic feedback based on the events happening in a game. Alongside the movement-detection systems, this means that if you were to swing a Joy-Con like a sword, the HD rumble would make it feel as though it were actually colliding with a hard surface.

Technology

Illuminating The History Behind America’s Power Grid: A Marvel Of Engineering

When it comes to the electricity grid, the focus is often on the massive construction projects and the impressive figures of homes powered and carbon reduction metrics for renewable energy. However, there is a crucial but often overlooked part of the U.S. power grid: its defensive capabilities and the people who guard it.

The responsibility of protecting the power grid is immense. Natural disasters can cause power outages that leave homes and families vulnerable for days or even weeks. While efforts are made to restore power after a system failure, the primary role of energy defense and recovery is to guard against potential attacks. Similar to how the military and intelligence organizations defend the country from threats, there are public servants dedicated to safeguarding the power grid from possible incursions.

In 2015, a testing team, working in collaboration with authorities, managed to gain control of north Seattle’s electrical systems within just 22 minutes. Throughout history, power system sabotage has been a tactic employed in both covert and overt battle strategies. For as long as electricity has supported populations and militaries, it has been targeted. Ukraine, for example, has accused Russia of hacking its power grid, and during the 2006 invasion of Lebanon, Israeli air assets targeted power stations, bridges, and other infrastructure to disrupt the country’s electricity supply.

Technology

iOS 17: Why You Should Wait Before Installing the Developer Beta

When it comes to beta software, bugs are expected. The whole purpose of a beta version is for users to discover and report issues, helping the company refine the software. While many bugs are small and get fixed quickly, there’s always the possibility of major ones. And for iPhone users, these major bugs can include battery drain, dropped calls, app crashes, unreliable Wi-Fi connection, and other bothersome problems.

If you own multiple iPhones, installing iOS 17 won’t be a big deal. You can simply install it on a device you don’t use daily. However, if you only have one iPhone that you heavily rely on for calls and daily tasks, installing the iOS 17 developer beta is a big risk. A serious bug could make your phone difficult or even impossible to use until Apple releases a fix. This fix could take several days, depending on the problem’s urgency and priority.

If you’re eager to test iOS 17 but don’t want to take such a risk, it’s best to wait for the iOS 17 public beta. This version will likely have resolved most of the major problems. Although you might still encounter some issues, they probably won’t be as severe. However, it’s important to remember that betas should never be installed on your primary devices. As advised by Apple, you should “install only on devices and systems that you’re prepared to erase if necessary.”

News

The GPX Demon GR200R Da Corsa 2: A Small and Aggressive Sportbike

GPX, a motorcycle manufacturer based in Thailand, offers an interesting range of motorcycles. Their models are predominantly small-displacement commuter bikes masquerading as sporty or retro motorcycles. For instance, the GPX Legend 250 takes design cues from classic roadsters, while the Demon is a compact superbike.

The brand’s popularity is growing due to its ability to combine the reliability of a commuter bike with the style of a sporty or retro machine. Recognizing this, GPX has released a limited edition of the Demon GR200R sportbike in the Malaysian market. This little sportbike aims to compete with the Yamaha YZF-R15, Honda CBR150R, and even the KTM RC 200. Let’s examine it closely.

The GPX Demon GR200R Da Corsa 2 Is An Aggressive Little Sportbike

The sportbike clearly draws inspiration from the styling of liter-class superbikes from well-known manufacturers. The front end resembles the Yamaha YZF-R1, while the fairings bear similarities to the BMW S 1000 RR. Additionally, the bike’s proportions are designed for shorter riders, with a low seat height and short wheelbase. This makes it accessible to a wider range of riders and easier to navigate through congested city streets. In Asian cities, motorcyclists spend a significant amount of time maneuvering between cars in heavy traffic, making the Demon GR200R Da Corsa 2 a practical choice.

In Malaysia, the limited edition GPX Demon GR200R Da Corsa 2 is priced at RM 12,588 (approximately $2,691 USD), undercutting its mainstream competitors. The KTM RC 200 is priced at RM 15,888 ($3,397 USD), and the Yamaha YZF-R15M at RM 14,998 ($3,206 USD). Despite its lower price, the Demon GR200R offers similar performance thanks to its 198cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine. Equipped with a new four-valve cylinder head, this limited edition sports bike produces 19.1 horsepower and 12 pound-feet of torque.

The GR200R features standard components such as a chain-driven six-speed manual transmission, inverted front fork, YSS rear monoshock, and front and rear disc brakes. Riders can stay informed with the full color TFT instrument cluster, while the road ahead is illuminated by full-LED lights.

The GPX Demon GR200R Da Corsa 2 Is An Aggressive Little Sportbike

The limited edition model sets itself apart with a map of the Mugello Circuit on the tank and a choice of three sporty colors: Daytona Black, Da Corsa Blue, and Racing Grey. These colors give the sportbike a supersport-inspired aesthetic.

News

Yamaha Cancels NEO’s Launch Plans In Inda, Developing New Platform Instead

In April, 2023, Yamaha introduced the NEO’s electric scooter for the European market. This scooter was designed to provide convenient urban mobility and was classified as an electric moped. Unlike motorcycles, the NEO’s did not require a motorcycle license but could be ridden with a standard car or B license.

Initially, there were plans to launch the Yamaha NEO’s in India, which has the largest motorcycle market in Asia and is known for its innovation in electric mobility. However, the Indian government recently reduced subsidies for electric vehicles, causing prices to increase for end users. This made the NEO’s too expensive to be competitive in the Indian market, leading Yamaha to reconsider its launch plans.

Eishin Chihana, chairman of Yamaha India, explained that Indian consumers have different needs and preferences when it comes to electric vehicles. While economic value is a major motivation for purchasing electric vehicles in India due to high fuel prices, Yamaha customers also value style, performance, and aspiration. As a result, Yamaha decided to develop a new platform specifically tailored for the Indian market that would offer an exciting, stylish, and sporty scooter.

By localizing production and optimizing the model’s performance, Yamaha aims to reduce costs and better meet the needs of the Indian market. The development of this new platform has been underway for some time, and the company expects the model to be unveiled within the next two to three years.

Yamaha faces tough competition in India’s electric scooter market, which includes impressive offerings such as the Ola Electric S1 and Ather 450 X. These scooters offer excellent range, performance, and features at an affordable price, making them popular among commuters and enthusiasts.

News

Tamburini Celebrates 100 Years Of The Italian Air Force With F43 Centenario

The Italian Air Force will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023, and the newly established Massimo Tamburini brand has introduced its first motorcycle to commemorate this occasion. While Massimo Tamburini himself passed away in 2014, his son, Andrea, is now designing motorcycles and related accessories to continue his father’s moto design legacy.

The Massimo Tamburini F43 Centenario is a highly limited edition bike, with only one unit being produced to honor the Italian Air Force. This bike is based on the MV Agusta F4, and although complete specifications are not yet available, it is known that carbon fiber plays a significant role in its construction.

The Moto Club Massimo Tamburini will auction off this singular F43 Centenario to support a worthy cause, the Italian Association for Cancer Research (AIRC). If you wish to learn more about AIRC or support them, we will include a link to their website in our sources.


Massimo Tamburini F43 Centenario - Italian Air Force 2

30 Photos

This release comes just six months after the unveiling of the Tamburini Corse F43 Tributo in December 2022. At the time of the announcement, five different variants were planned, with Tamburini Corse producing only five of each variant for the public.

One notable difference with the F43 Centenario, aside from its exclusive production of only one unit, is the matching helmet that can be seen in the photos. Designed by Andrea Tamburini, the hand-painted Arai RX-7V Evo perfectly complements the F43 Centenario.

While Tamburini Corse has not yet updated its website with information about this bike, they have been consistently sharing photos from the official unveiling in mid-June 2023 on their active social media accounts. For more details about this bike and its upcoming auction, you can contact Tamburini Corse at info@tamburinicorse.com. The limited-edition Arai RX-7V Evo helmet, which is sold separately, is also available for purchase through Tamburini Corse. For any inquiries, you can use the provided email address to get in touch.