The partnership between British motorcycle maker Triumph and Indian motorcycle maker Bajaj has finally produced its first results. Triumph Motorcycles has officially announced its first two TR-series motorcycles, made in cooperation with Bajaj Motorcycles. These motorcycles are powered by a 400cc single-cylinder TR engine and draw styling cues from other Triumph models.
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2024 Triumph Speed 400 Engine
The 2024 Triumph Speed 400 is equipped with a new liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 398cc single-cylinder TR-series engine. It produces 39.5 brake horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 27.6 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox.
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
The Speed 400 features an all-new hybrid spine and perimeter frame design made from tubular steel. It has a pair of 43mm upside-down Big Piston Forks in the front and a remote preload adjustable monoshock in the rear. The bike is equipped with ABS, stainless steel brake lines, and 17-inch cast aluminum alloy wheels with Metzeler Sportec M9RR tires.
Dimensions
The 2024 Triumph Speed 400 has a 54.2-inch wheelbase, 24.6-degree rake, and 4-inch trail. It has a fuel capacity of 3.43 gallons and a claimed curb weight of 375 pounds.
Rider Aids and Technology
The Speed 400 is equipped with ride-by-wire throttle, switchable traction control, ABS, and a torque-assist clutch. It has an analogue speedometer with an integrated LCD screen and a USB-C charging port.
Other Features
The 2024 Triumph Speed 400 has full LED lighting, integrated front and rear lights (in applicable markets), separate turn signals (in markets with regulations), a steering lock, immobilizer, and a transponder chip in the key for added security.
Pricing, Availability, And Colors
The 2024 Triumph Speed 400 comes in three two-tone paint schemes: Carnival Red, Caspian Blue, or Phantom Black. It will be available in various markets worldwide, starting with India in July 2023. Pricing will be announced upon availability, and the bike is expected to be available in Q1 of 2024.
When it comes to fashion, street-oriented riding gear often takes inspiration from the world of skating. This is especially true for shoes, pants, and jackets, where motorcycle-certified gear has a casual and laid-back style similar to skateboarding. Motorcycle sneakers, in particular, have a mid-cut design, a flat sole, and a lace-up closure.
However, it’s important to note that motorcycle sneakers are constructed to higher standards and come with necessary safety features for certification. Dutch motorcycle gear and equipment brand REV’IT! is known for its sporty gear for the street and track, as well as its touring and adventure-ready apparel. With the introduction of the REV’IT! Kick riding sneakers, the brand expands its range of street gear.
The REV’IT! Kick sneakers take design cues from skating shoes. From a distance, they may be mistaken for shoes from Vans’ collection. However, upon closer inspection, it’s evident that these casual shoes offer serious protection. The Kick features an oiled and waxed suede exterior, providing both street aesthetic and abrasion resistance. The interior boasts an OrthoLite X40 Hybrid insole made of recycled fibers.
The Kick’s heel and toe areas are reinforced for durability, while REV’IT!’s proprietary Seesoft protectors are inserted in the ankle and malleolus regions to prevent injuries in case of accidents. The sneakers have a standard lace-up closure with the laces conveniently tucked under the tongue to avoid entanglement with the bike’s controls. With these features, the REV’IT! Kick sneakers meet the PPE certification standards set by EN13634.
The REV’IT! Kick is available in two colors: black with a white sole and green with a khaki sole. Sizes range from 39 to 47, and the sneakers retail for 159.99 Euros, or approximately $175 USD.
If you enjoy unboxing videos, you’ll definitely want to check out this one. It features the unboxing of a new 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R, a special edition bike developed by Ducati for the World SuperBike Championship.
The Panigale V4 R is the most extreme variation in the Panigale V4 lineup and is designed for racing. It boasts up to 240.5 horsepower in its racing configuration, but for EURO 5 compliance, the power is limited to 218 horsepower. With a racing exhaust, it can reach up to 237 horsepower.
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The Panigale V4 R features various engine enhancements, including new camshafts, pistons with DLC coating, and new connecting rods. It also comes with lightweight titanium and carbon parts. Unlike the standard Panigale, the V4 R is a limited-production model designed for homologation purposes.
The unboxing process is relatively simple, with the front wheel attached during shipping and the rear securely fastened with brackets, a bolt, and a rod. Only 500 units of this special edition Panigale were produced.
The partnership between Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta and Austrian manufacturer KTM has been a widely discussed topic in recent months. With seemingly differing viewpoints from both the KTM and MV Agusta sides, one thing is for sure: KTM has a lot more involvement in the brand than ever before. Feel free to read more about it below.
In the North American market, KTM has taken over the distribution of MV Agusta’s motorcycles. The distribution agreement covers Canada and Mexico as well, and will certainly prove to be a step in the right direction for MV Agusta, who until now, had a very limited dealership network in the region.
If we look at the Asian market, meanwhile, the same is true. Out of all the European manufacturers, MV Agusta’s presence is very limited, with owners of bikes from the brand having to travel pretty far just to get to a nearby dealership for parts and service. Over in Japan, this could soon change, as KTM Japan has announced that it will start handling MV Agusta’s distribution starting August 1, 2023.
According to an article by Japanese motorcycling publication Young Machine, KTM’s move to distribute MV Agusta’s motorcycles is in line with the “global strategic partnership” between Pierer Mobility and MV Agusta. That said, the company assures current MV Agusta owners that support for their motorcycles will continue, and that the standard warranty of MV Agusta’s bikes sold before the turnover will be preserved.
As the partnership progresses, it’s hoped that the availability of MV Agusta motorcycles in the region would improve by a sizeable margin. Along with this news, we previously reported that MV Agusta was revamping its historic factory in Italy. Given KTM’s involvement in the distribution of the brand, chances the Italian company will have many more touch points than ever before, and so production capabilities need to be bolstered to account for this.
On this week’s Two-Stroke Tuesday we take another look with some unseen photos of a very unique Yamaha YZ345 built by fabricator Howard Jenkins of MotoFab Industries located in central California. Could you imagine a YZ250 two-stroke engine dropping right into a newer Yamaha four-stroke chassis without any major frame modifications? Well, it might just be possible! The topic in our 2-Stroke History section this week is Suzuki’s RM250 and could it be the best used bike ever. Don’t miss our Behind The Build of Mike Browns FXR/Rockstar Yamaha YZ250 at the bottom of this post!
So what if we told you a Yamaha YZ250 two-stroke engine would fit into newer four-stroke chassis without cutting huge sections of the frame away? True story Howard Jenkins CEO of MotoFab Industries in central California had a customer that really wanted to make this bike a reality and he was excited about the challenge of creating something truly different.
This is our first build with the 345 kit the MotoFab crew has done and are excited to feel it put power to the ground. Eddie Saunders (ESR) designs and manufactures the entire cylinder kit in house except for the casting which he has casted in California. The most unique aspect to the cylinder is the power valve design. The main exhaust port actuation is driven by exhaust pressure and can be adjusted to fasten or slow its operation based on the spring tension. The two exhaust side ports are open all the time with no actuation at all.
With more than a year of development the MotoFab intake for the YZ345 has been finalized. This one piece carbon fiber system utilizes the stock air box placement providing a larger volume of air in the system before being restricted by the air filter and is giving better performance on the bottom end. The system has a rubber grommet that presses into the opening of the part at the carburetor that allows for the OEM air boot clamp to make the seal. At the other end it’s connected to the intake boot with a small section on silicone turbo hose that gives the system the ability to flex. Attachment is made to the sub-frame with molded carbon tab at both sides of the subframe.
This YZ345 has a unique wide ratio transmission setup featuring YZ 1st and 2nd gears and WR 3rd, 4th, and 5th. The WR 1st gear the MotoFab crew felt was too low and love the combination of YZ 2nd and WR3rd because the YZ 2nd and WR 3rd are more closely geared than the stock setup from either the YZ or the WR and give a great combination for woods or trail riding.
With Yamaha focusing so much on centralizing mass for the four-stroke version the MotoFab crew positioned the YZ250 two-stroke engine as low as we could in the chassis wanting to keep the weight low. With the much shorter 2-stroke engine and forward facing cylinder, the motor weight in the bike is lower and further forward. They hope it gives the bike a more “planted and stable” feel.
2-STROKE HISTORY
The story of the Suzuki RM250 isn’t just about a single motorcycle. It’s about a dynasty of bikes, championships and riders that goes back to a glorious era in the history of motocross. Click the image below for the full story!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR FULL STORY
2-STROKE BEHIND THE BUILD
Mike Brown has raced at the highest level of motocross, Supercross and off-road for factory-level teams during a career that has spanned over three decades. The 47-year-old racer is no longer competing to put food on the table, but is now doing selected events for Yamaha, FXR and Rockstar Energy just for fun. Click the image below for the full story!
There is a common belief that in Formula One, it is the car and not the driver that determines the winner. People think that the technology of the car overshadows the skill of the driver. However, this assessment is unfair, as it ignores one crucial fact – F1 drivers are incredibly talented and can excel in driving any vehicle.
To prove this point, Red Bull, the owner of the Red Bull and Alpha Tauri F1 teams, organized a challenge between two-time world champion Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda using monster trucks. An F1 car, with its low center of gravity, weighs around 800 kilograms (1,760 pounds) and is powered by a small 1.6-liter engine that produces approximately 1,000 horsepower. It relies on aerodynamics for speed and can accelerate from 0 to 100 mph and back to 0 in less than five seconds.
In comparison, a monster truck has a very high center of gravity, making it susceptible to tipping over. Its large V8 engine generates about 500 horsepower, and each wheel weighs around 700 kilograms (1,540 pounds). Yes, you read that right – each wheel weighs slightly less than a modern F1 car.
Unlike F1 cars, monster trucks do not prioritize aerodynamics; instead, they rely on grabbing air when launching or jumping over obstacles. Both Verstappen and Tsunoda were surprised by how loud the trucks were, how bumpy the ride was, and the amount of dirt that sprayed into the cab as they raced around the track at the bottom of the Erzberg Mine in Austria.
Right from the start, Tsunoda demonstrated his speed, skillfully maneuvering the blue and white Ram truck around the course in 58.3 seconds. It was an impressive time, but Verstappen proved to be even faster, completing a lap in just over 55 seconds. Regardless of the vehicle – whether it’s an F1 car, monster truck, or a Honda HR-V – the two-time world champion consistently showcases his remarkable speed.
In addition to their dominance in the F1 world, Red Bull is also a master of social media publicity. Their YouTube channel features various extreme sports and puts their F1 drivers in captivating situations, such as off-roading an F1 car in Australia to herd cattle or commuting from New York to Miami.
Nissan is currently looking into claims that its CEO, Makoto Uchida, conducted surveillance on Ashwani Gupta, the company’s departing Chief Operating Officer (COO). Hari Nada, a senior adviser for Nissan, has alleged that Uchida was attempting to gather information to remove Gupta, whom Uchida saw as an obstacle to reaching a new agreement with Renault.
The allegations of surveillance were first reported by the Financial Times and were brought to light by Nada in a letter dated April 19, addressed to the independent directors on Nissan’s board. Reuters, who also obtained a copy of the letter, states that Nada mentions Uchida monitoring Gupta for a “long period of time.” The letter also reveals tensions within Nissan’s senior management regarding the relationship with Renault and concerns about intellectual property transfers.
Gupta, who became COO of Nissan in 2019, had raised questions about the terms of the revised agreement with Renault. Uchida, seeking to finalize the deal, reportedly placed Gupta under surveillance in an attempt to gather information that could be used against him. Gupta announced his departure earlier this month. Previously, Gupta played a crucial role in Nissan’s efforts to streamline its operations and was seen as a potential candidate for the CEO position.
When asked for a comment on the investigation, a spokesperson for Nissan stated, “Independent third parties have been retained to verify facts and carry out appropriate actions.” Nissan neither confirmed nor denied the surveillance allegations and did not provide details about the individuals conducting the investigation. The company also declined to provide further comments on the matter.
Ashwani Gupta’s departure from Nissan raises concerns about the future leadership of the company and its alliance with Renault. The accusations of surveillance and internal disagreements further contribute to the perceived instability within Nissan. The company intends to disclose details of its leadership changes in an upcoming announcement to shed light on the direction it plans to take.
This scandal comes at a time when Nissan is already dealing with the aftermath of a tumultuous period involving its former CEO, Carlos Ghosn. Ghosn was previously accused of concealing income and faced other financial charges five years ago. He was placed under house arrest in Japan but managed to escape to Lebanon with the assistance of a private security firm by hiding in an instrument box. Currently, Interpol has issued a red notice for his arrest.
Compared to their European counterparts, American sports cars have always seemed to be a step behind the refined sports cars across the pond. But in recent years, that stereotype seemed to have changed with a few choice sports cars like the Chevrolet Corvette, and to a certain degree, the Dodge Viper. But they were still behind in terms of interior materials and technology.
The C8 Corvette broke the internet after its release and is no doubt the hottest car to hit the sports car market in recent times. It was set up for ultimate success from on-set with its new mid-engine layout, exotic looks, updated interior and technology, superb handling, and affordable price. It was so good that MotorTrend named it their Car of the Year which is no easy feat. But the Corvette isn’t the only one making a buzz.
The Lotus Emira looks like a sportscar that costs way above its current price. It is all new and features many new updates never found in past Lotus vehicles. You even have two engine and transmission options. It is the most important car in the brand’s history as it aims to be a more mainstream car than a niche vehicle.
The Emira is no doubt one of the most gorgeous sports cars under $100,000. It takes design cues from the multimillion dollar Electric Evija Hypercar, so you get Hypercar looks for Sports car money. You also see a lot of similarities in design with McLaren and Ferrari especially with air intakes behind the doors. It has smooth bodywork with flowing lines that exude class and sophistication. The Emira wears its look so well that you would always take a second look when you walk away from it.
The C8 on the other hand hasn’t failed to remind us of its American roots, it may have gone mid-engine but it is more edgy than ever. Its face has so many sharp edges similar to what a Lamborghini would have but it may look better with fewer straight lines. The door to the rear seems to have been designed separately from the front.
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A front 3/4 shot of a 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Coupe
Its big intakes tease us of what lurks in its engine bay and give it a muscular stance. At the rear things seems to fall apart a bit, unless you opt for the Z51 package which comes with a rear spoiler the car looks incomplete. Don’t even mention those exhaust tips, they don’t look good on this car and many owners have swapped them with circular tips that look much better.Both vehicles also allow you to see the engine bay which is a trademark among supercars. Chevy does score some points for being able to take the roof off.
The Corvette Has The Better Engine But The Emira Is More Engaging
Lotus
Six-speed manual gear shifter in the Lotus Emira
This isn’t just because the Corvette has a V-8 and the Lotus makes use of a V-6, the V-8 has character which the V-6 just can’t seem to match. Once the C8 starts up the soundtrack reminds you that you have a powerful motor sitting behind your head. It is also much quicker than the Emira with a claimed 60 MPH Time of 3.0 seconds.
Testing has shown them regularly at 2.8 seconds, the Emira would be destroyed in a drag race. But speed isn’t all there is to it, the DCT transmission also adds to the excitement of the V-8 soundtrack. Downshifts are especially crisp with this engine, each shift produces a rumble that the Emira’s V-6 just can’t make.
Engine Specifications
C8 Corvette
Lotus Emira V-6
Lotus Emira i4
Manufacturer
General Motors
Toyota
AMG
Engine
NA V-8
Supercharged V-6
Turbo inline four
Displacement
6.2 liters
3.5 liters
2.0 liters
Power
490 horsepower
400 horsepower
360 horsepower
Torque
495 pound-feet
310 pound-feet
310 pound-feet
Acceleration (0-60)
2.8 seconds
4.3 seconds
4.2 seconds
Top Speed
194 MPH
180 MPH
176 MPH
Transmission
Eight-speed DCT
Six speed manual/auto
Eight-speed DCT
Layout
Mid-engine RWD
Mid-engine RWD
Mid-engine RWD
Handling has always been the reason you bought a Lotus, speed was secondary. But Lotus has at least given buyers a few choices, a supercharged V-6 Toyota and a turbocharged inline-four from Mercedes AMG. You get a six-speed manual and automatic with the V-6 but the turbo-four is DCT only, but both have similar acceleration times of 4.3 and 4.2 seconds respectively. No matter your powertrain choice you still get a responsive and dynamic chassis that will keep up with Corvette, especially on twisty roads.
Interior shot of a white interior in the C8 Corvette spyder
Both cars have come a long way from their predecessors with cheap plastic in Corvettes and sparse interior for Lotus. The C8 and Emira have updated and better-looking interiors with nice materials like leather and Alcantara with various color finishes. Both have fully digital instrument clusters which are configurable, the lotus display is slightly bigger at 12.3 inches while the C8 makes do with just 12 inches. The Emira also has the C8 beat with its center screen at 10.25 against just 8 inches with both offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other infotainment features.
Despite sharing similarities in interior features, the Corvette is a nicer place to spend time. Lotus may have updated its interior but it is still sparse and has fewer gimmicks than the Chevy. The quality, feel, and layout of the C8’s interior are much better than the Emira. Simplicity is seen all over the Emira’s interior which has a lot to do with the Lotus DNA but The C8 has taken it a step further.
Lotus
Interior shot of the 2023 Lotus Emira V-6
You get better leather materials stretching the full length of the interior, brighter colors, a clearer display, and quirky square steering. Lotus has retained a nice feature found in its manual cars, a mesh in the center console which exposes the gear linkage. This allows you to see the shift action work which is so cool and is a feature you find in cars like Pagani and Spyker.
Daily driving a sports car has been made much easier with new technologies at our disposal. Breaking the norm for Lotus, the Emira has features like auto emergency brakes, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control. These were never found on previous Lotus products because of their focus on being lightweight. They’ve managed to add all these without adding much weight to the vehicle while the Corvette weighs much more.
Dimensions
C8 Corvette
Lotus Emira
Wheelbase
107.2 inches
101.3 inches
Length
182.3 inches
173.7 inches
Weight
3647–3913 pounds
3175 pounds
The C8 Corvette also gets these features but with added blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Both cars have ample luggage capacity at the rear despite their mid-engine layout which can fit sizable luggage for short trips. But unlike most mid-engine cars the Emira doesn’t have a frunk (front trunk), the ‘Vette beats it in this aspect being able to carry more luggage.
Since both cars aren’t that big and wide, they are easy to maneuver around town. The smaller Lotus may find this task easier. GM’s latest Magneride suspension is so good and gives the car the ability to stiffen the suspension depending on each mode. Most owners have reported that this makes big changes in suspension compliance. On the other hand, in keeping with the Lotus ethos you have a choice of a sport or touring chassis from the factory. Once chosen you can’t make changes so you need to make a sacrifice.
Front 3/4 view of red Chevrolet Corvette Z51 and rear 3/4 view of Chevrolet Corvette Stingray parked.
With a starting price of $60,000, the C8 Corvette is the performance bargain of the century. Realistically, this is with no options which is impossible, but a well-optioned C8 will cost under $90,000. It’s a lot of money but also a lot of car for what you get but in comparison, an Emira has a starting price of $77,000. First edition models of the Emira cost around $94,000, in this regard they are similarly priced vehicles.
Choosing between both cars may seem a bit easier than you think. Lotus and Corvettes may not have been directly cross-shopped in the past but they now will. The buyer’s mindset will ultimately determine the purchase. The C8 Corvette offers a lot more in terms of performance and overall sports car value beyond what the Emira offers. But the Emira has evolved into an everyday sports car with better amenities while retaining the characteristics of a Lotus. But the ‘Vette has gotten a head-start and the Lotus has to play catchup.
The 2024 X1 M35i xDrive by BMW is the latest version of their entry-level SUV, boasting a powerful 2.0-liter engine. With its aggressive look and hardware upgrades, this SUV delivers exceptional performance on the road. Excitingly, it will also be the first BMW product to feature the new iDrive 9 infotainment system, set to go on sale in the United States in October of this year.
Built on the reports from last summer, the new X1 M35i xDrive does indeed come with a more robust version of BMW’s 2.0-liter engine. Upgrades such as a reinforced crankshaft, an optimized oil supply system, and main bearing shells and caps borrowed from BMW’s six-cylinder engines contribute to the increased power output. The improved engine now produces an impressive 312 horsepower between 5,750 and 6,500 rpm, with a peak torque of 295 pound-feet available from 2,000 to 4,500 rpm. This represents a significant boost compared to the base model’s 241 horsepower.
These days, almost everything in the automotive industry needs to be a crossover or an SUV in order to stay relevant. However, there seems to be no end in sight to the demand for SUVs and crossovers. During the unveiling of the new Toyota Alphard luxury minivan, a rumor that has been circulating for quite some time was confirmed—a Century SUV. This means that Toyota is officially creating an SUV version of its iconic full-size luxury sedan. Toyota’s Chief Branding officer, Simon Humphries, stated that the Century offers the ultimate Chauffeur experience and it will have to evolve. He also mentioned that more details will be shared later in the year about this new addition to Toyota’s chauffeur series.
The Century is a full-size flagship luxury sedan made by Toyota, and it is exclusive to the Japanese market. It is often compared to models like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Rolls-Royce Phantom. It is highly sought after by Japanese VIPs and high-profile businessmen. The current generation Century has been on sale since 2018 and is built on the rear-wheel drive N platform. The Century SUV will most likely debut before a next-generation Century sedan appears.
What We Wish The Century SUV Will Be
As Toyota’s flagship SUV, we hope that the Century SUV will be the epitome of Japanese prestige and luxury. It should not be based on a front-wheel drive architecture like many other Lexus and Toyota crossover SUVs. There are two possible routes for Toyota to take. The first is to utilize the TNGA-F platform, which would allow the SUV to have off-roading capabilities like the Lexus LX 600. The second option, and the one we prefer, is to use the TNGA-L platform, which is already used in the Lexus LS and LC. This platform offers high levels of comfort and on-road performance.
What Could It Look Like?
The Century SUV will likely resemble an SUV version of the Century sedan. However, it will not simply be a rugged version of the sedan. Toyota will combine vintage design elements with modern aesthetics, just like they did with the current Century sedan. The interior will follow a similar theme, with vintage and modern elements blended together. Rear seat comfort will be a highlight, with the possibility of an optional two-seater configuration.
Hybrid Propulsion As Standard
The Century SUV will most likely feature a hybrid electric drivetrain. It could either use a V-8 hybrid engine, similar to the one in the current Century sedan, or a V-6 hybrid engine used in the Lexus LS and LC. Both options offer a combination of power and fuel efficiency. There is also a possibility that Toyota will develop a completely new powertrain for the Century SUV.
How Much Would A Century SUV Cost?
In Japan, the current Toyota Century sedan has a base price of ¥20,080,000 ($140,000), making it more expensive than any Lexus or Toyota vehicle. The Century SUV will likely be even more expensive, possibly reaching the $200,000 mark. The limited production run and hand-built assembly process of the Century sedan contribute to its exclusivity and high price. It remains to be seen if the world is ready to pay nearly $200,000 for a Toyota SUV.
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