The CEO of Volkswagen, Thomas Schäfer, has made it clear that there will be no revival of the Beetle in the electric age. In an interview with Autocar, Schäfer explained that while some of the brand’s nameplates will continue to be important, it is crucial to focus on the future rather than the past.
Recently, there has been much speculation about the future of Volkswagen’s longest-running nameplates. Schäfer had previously indicated that the Golf and GTI would likely continue in an all-electric lineup. Now, he has suggested that other iconic names are expected to make the transition from combustion to electric power.
Speaking to Autocar during a pre-production test drive for the upcoming third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan, Schäfer emphasized the value of current model names. He questioned why Volkswagen would discard names that have been successful and highly invested in, such as the Golf and Tiguan.
When discussing the criteria for an electric revival of a nameplate, Schäfer highlighted the global significance of the model. He stated that there are only a few truly iconic and globally recognized Volkswagen names, like the Golf and Tiguan. Names such as Scirocco and Arteon are unlikely to be revived. This naming philosophy is currently being finalized by the company.
As for the Volkswagen Beetle, Schäfer ruled out its return based on this strict criteria. He explained that certain vehicles, like the Beetle and the Scirocco, have had their time and it wouldn’t make sense to bring them back. Schäfer emphasized the need to invest in the best possible places, considering the costs associated with balancing different technologies.
The “Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy” on iPhone is a collection that includes three classic games: “Grand Theft Auto 3,” “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City,” and “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.” Despite being originally released in the early 2000s for the PS2 and Xbox, these games still offer an impressive experience on the small screen.
With hundreds of hours of gameplay combined, players, both new and returning, can dive into the vast open worlds of these games. While there are some references linking the stories, you have the freedom to play them in any order you prefer. “San Andreas” introduces a unique feature that allows you to customize the main character’s stats, which is not available in “Vice City” and “GTA 3.” Starting with the latest entry and going backward might result in missing out on this customization aspect. For a thorough understanding of the series’ evolution in 3D, it is recommended to start with “GTA 3,” followed by “Vice City,” and then conclude with “San Andreas.”
The USS Cutlass, a submarine that set sail from Pearl Harbor a few years after the devastating 1941 attack on the United States that initiated World War II, had a unique history. Despite its deployment to Japanese waters, the Cutlass never engaged in any battles. Surprisingly, it arrived near Japan only one day after the Japanese surrender in 1945. For a little over a month, the Cutlass conducted patrols in the area before returning to Pearl Harbor and eventually relocating to the east coast of the United States. Afterwards, in 1949, the Cutlass played a crucial role as the test submarine for Operation Rainbow. This operation aimed to assess the visibility of color schemes on submarines as these vessels started to dive to deeper depths than ever before.
Following this period, the Cutlass primarily embarked on journeys within the Western Hemisphere before making a trip to Europe in 1953. Until its retirement from the military, the Cutlass was engaged in patrols, exercises, and anti-submarine warfare training. Eventually, almost 30 years after its launch, the submarine was decommissioned and sold to Taiwan.
In the second half of 2023, car enthusiasts can look forward to the launch of more than five brand new cars. From electric vehicles to facelifts, here are the top 10 upcoming car models:
Kia Seltos Facelift
The Kia Seltos compact SUV is getting a major update after four years. It will feature refreshed exterior and interior designs, along with new features like dual 10.25-inch screens, a panoramic sunroof, and radar-based ADAS technology.
Maruti Invicto
The Maruti Invicto MPV, launching on July 6, is the brand’s most expensive model. It is a rebadged version of the Toyota Innova Hycross with minor styling tweaks. The Invicto comes with a 2-liter petrol engine and strong hybrid technology.
Hyundai Exter
The Hyundai Exter is an entry-level SUV and a competitor to the Tata Punch. It will be available in manual and AMT transmissions, with a CNG version also offered. The Exter will feature an electric sunroof, an 8-inch touchscreen system, and six airbags.
Honda Elevate
The Honda Elevate is a compact SUV powered by a petrol engine. It will feature an electric sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen system, and ADAS technology.
Citroen C3 Aircross
The Citroen C3 Aircross is a three-row SUV priced competitively against the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Honda Elevate. It will have a 110PS 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine and offer a 10-inch touchscreen system, dual airbags, and TPMS.
Hyundai i20 Facelift
A facelifted version of the Hyundai i20 hatchback is expected soon. It will sport a refreshed exterior design, and the interior will see minimal changes. The powertrain options will remain the same.
Force Gurkha 5-Door
The five-door version of the Force Gurkha is likely to be available for sale in the next six months. It will have the same engine as the three-door version but with a stretched rear profile.
BYD Seal
The BYD Seal is an electric sedan with a large 82.5kWh battery pack that claims a range of up to 700 kilometers. It offers features such as a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, and radar-based ADAS.
Tata Punch EV
The Tata Punch is not only getting a CNG version but an electric version as well. It will feature multiple battery packs, offering a claimed range of up to 350 kilometers.
Nissan X-Trail
The Nissan X-Trail is a full-size SUV that is expected to launch towards the end of this year. It will be a rival to the Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster, featuring a 1.5-liter mild-hybrid turbo-petrol engine or a strong hybrid powertrain.
The updated version of the Kia Seltos compact SUV for India will debut in India on July 4
The launch of the facelifted Kia Seltos is approaching, as the compact SUV is finally receiving its biggest update in four years. Its exterior styling was recently leaked, and we also got a glimpse of its interior through some spy shots.
When the Seltos debuted the Kia brand in India in 2019, it was one of the most feature-rich compact SUVs in its segment. However, over the years, the competition has caught up and surpassed it in some areas. To regain its status as a standout SUV, the Seltos is finally getting five much-needed upgrades in the form of a facelift:
Panoramic Sunroof
The facelifted version is finally getting a panoramic sunroof, a feature that is seen in most of its rivals. The Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, MG Astor, and Toyota Hyryder, all offer this feature. The addition of a panoramic sunroof will enhance the premium and airy appeal of the cabin.
The updated Seltos will come equipped with more advanced technology and increased safety with the presence of ADAS features. The radar-based safety technology will take care of the SUV’s active safety, including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance assist, and blind-spot monitoring. While this won’t make it the first in the segment to offer these features, it will put it ahead of some key competitors.
A Digital Instrument Cluster
Unlike the outgoing Seltos that uses a twin-pod analogue console, the facelifted version will feature a digital driver’s display. It will be part of the dual integrated 10.25-inch displays, which will house the instrument panel and a touchscreen infotainment system.
A Redesigned Cabin
Although feature-laden, the cabin of the Seltos was starting to become outdated in terms of design. The updated Seltos will come with a redesigned interior featuring a new dashboard layout, refreshed AC vents, a more premium climate control panel, and even a new seat upholstery design. This will once again make the Seltos a standout and one of the most modern offerings in its segment.
It will also receive minor cosmetic tweaks to the exterior design to give it a sharp and fresh look while still being recognizable as a Kia Seltos.
Performance Upgrade
When it was launched, the Seltos was one of the most powerful compact SUVs with its 140PS 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine. However, with the entry of the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun, it lost that title. With the facelift, the Seltos will regain its title as it will be powered by the Carens’ 160PS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. Another standout feature will be the option for iMT (manual without a clutch pedal), along with the now commonplace 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic).
QJ Motor, a Chinese motorcycle company under the Qianjiang group, is known for its aggressive expansion in the motorcycle market. The brand has recently launched several models, particularly in the middleweight sportbike, naked, and adventure segments. It is evident that QJ Motor is determined to continue its growth.
In the United States, you may be familiar with Benelli, an Italian brand that is now owned by the same parent company as QJ Motor. With strong connections to automotive industry giants like Geely and Volvo, it is not surprising that QJ Motor is able to produce a large number of motorcycles. Continuing its focus on the middleweight sportbike segment, QJ Motor is developing a new model called the SRK 800 RR. Although this bike has not yet gone into production, multiple sources have confirmed that it is ready and will initially be available in China.
The SRK 800 RR builds upon QJ Motor’s existing SR models, such as the SRK 400 RR with a twin-cylinder engine and the SRK 600 RR with an inline-four engine. The SRK 800 RR introduces a brand-new engine with a displacement of 778cc and features an inline-four-cylinder configuration producing 102 horsepower. It is important to note that this bike is not intended to be a revival of the 750cc supersports category. Instead, its performance is similar to that of middleweight sport-touring motorcycles. The engine reportedly shares similarities with the Honda CBR650R, which is a common practice among Chinese manufacturers.
In terms of weight, the SRK 800 RR is not particularly lightweight, weighing in at 207 kilograms. It has the same wheelbase as the CBR650R, measuring 1,450 millimeters. The bike is equipped with inverted front forks, a rear monoshock, and dual disc brakes at the front with a single disc at the rear. Bosch ABS is expected to be standard. One distinguishing feature of the SRK 800 RR is its fairing-mounted winglets.
Supermotos are probably one of the greatest things the human race ever invented. Take an incredibly fun-to-ride motocross bike and put some road tires on it, so you can ride it on the street. Even better, put some slick racing tires on it and race these pieces of motorcycle art around a small track. Since 2003, and AMA’s first-ever Supermoto Championship, their popularity only grew. So if you are looking for your next bike, besides buying a superbike or a supernaked, why not give a supermoto a chance? And when it comes to supermoto bikes, one name sure stands out, those three magical letters… KTM!
The KTM 450 SMR – Built To Dominate The Race-Track
KTM
Photo of a KTM 450 SMR doing a wheelie on a race-track
One of the best things, besides Arnold of course, that has ever come out of Austria. The KTM’s supermoto line, and the 450 SMR that was imagined as the ultimate track-day weapon. Without a doubt, this machine is just way too tempting to be overlooked, and for 2024, it’s getting even more addictive.
There are plenty of upgrades for the new 450 SMR, so let’s start with everyone’s favorite part. The engine. It is a one-cylinder four-stroke 449.9 cc engine that makes an impressive 63 horsepower. KTM swears that its new single-overhead-camshaft engine continues to be one of the most insane and perfectly executed mechanical gems. Going down the same line as their motocross and hard-enduro/dual-sport line-up, the 450 SMR’s engine was lightened (now weighs only 59 lbs) and pushed towards the center of the bike for better handling and anti-squat behavior.
How did they get a lightweight engine capable of pushing 63 horsepower? With the new cylinder head. Shorter and lighter with a more compact profile. Next was the new ultra-light crankshaft to offer more performance, better response when you twist the throttle, and to keep any pesky vibrations to a minimum. The housing for the crankshaft was made through a high-pressure die-cast process to get thinner and more durable walls. The slipper clutch is from Suter Racing and offers rear stability when you slam on the brakes in the middle of an apex.
The light-weight exhaust is a compact two-piece header that can easily be removed without messing around with the rear shocks. But, things get even better at the exhaust department. You can also order, from the KTM’s power parts list, an Akrapovič ‘Evolution Line’ exhaust. Made from light-weight, high-grade titanium, and 1,9lbs lighter than the stock one.
The frame was made to provide flexibility while keeping it solid length-wise. The sub-frame was made from reinforced aluminum and polyamide for increased durability and flexibility. The swing-arm was also made to be as light as possible, therefore aluminum was used to make it.
The suspension on the 450 SMR is top-of-the-line, specifically made for supermoto bikes. The front fork is a 48 mm air-sprung WP XACT that uses AER technology (basically a capsuled air spring and a pressurized oil chamber). It is easily adjustable through a single air-pressure valve. The rear shock is also WP XACT, and can be easily tuned without the need for tools. Wheels are light-weight Alpina, 16.5 at the front and 17 inches at the rear, and they come dressed in Metzeler’s Racetec K1 supermoto tires. To stop this bad boy is a job for Brembo brakes. A four-piston radially mounted caliper with a 310 mm disc at the front and a one-piston caliper with a 220 mm disc at the rear.
The high-tech stuff is also quite interesting. You get to choose between two engine maps. The first map gives you easily controllable, tamed power delivery. The second map will give you more of a no-holds-barred, anything-goes approach to power output (you were warned). Another cool feature is the easily de/activated quick-shifter that allows you to shift into higher gears without squeezing the clutch, but only from second to fifth gear. To keep you safe when things get slippery is what the traction control is for. If the revs jump too fast, the onboard computer sees that as a loss of grip and cuts down the power to the rear wheel. What kind of street rocket would the 450 SMR be without the launch control? Just press the traction control and quick-shifter button together for this to activate. All of these nice-to-have gadgets come with a base price of $11,999.
The Blue And White Option
Husqvarna
A studio photo of a Husqvarna FS 450 for 2024
The biggest competitor to KTM for the wildest bike is, who else but the KTM-owned Husqvarna. Both of their line-ups for 2024 seem to be aiming at each other’s throats. In the world of off-road bikes, this is the best news someone can hope for. Husqvarna’s FS 450 for 2024 seems more than upgraded and ready to take on the KTM’s 450 SMR.
Although the spec sheet reads the same, a keen motorcycle fan knows that the bike, and the company that makes it, is more than just a list of parts. Husqvarna and KTM do not make the same motorcycles. They are however, in this case, equally priced.
Riding on the street and riding on the track require different gear to optimize performance and protection. French brand Ixon has released its newest race-spec gloves called the Vortex GL, designed with technology from MotoGP. These gloves are favored by top racers like Alexi Espargaro, Miguel Oliveira, and Takaaki Nakagami.
The Vortex GL gloves have a full gauntlet design suitable for the track and are designed to keep hands cool in hot weather. They feature lightweight and durable goatskin panels that offer excellent tactile response. The gloves have pre-shaped hand construction to reduce fatigue and accelerate the break-in process. They also have ventilation through perforations in the leather and an internal mesh lining with moisture-wicking properties.
In terms of safety, the Vortex GL gloves have top-shelf features including reinforced leather on the palm, aramid fiber reinforcements at the back of the hand and fingers, a TPR palm slider, and extra TPR protection on the cuff. The joints and fingers have overmolded reinforcements with ventilation for added comfort. These gloves are certified under the EN13594:2015 Level 1KP standard for personal protective equipment.
The Vortex GL gloves provide comfort with a partially elastic Velcro tab on the wrist, a double-Velcro system to tighten the cuff, and a pull-on tab for easy wearing. The index finger even has a tactile insert for using touchscreen devices. These gloves are available in three colors – black, black/white, black/white/red, and sizes ranging from XS to 3XL. The retail price is 259.90 Euros or about $284 USD.
Competition is inherent to the automotive industry. As Henry Ford once said, “Auto racing began five minutes after the second car was built,” and that really tells you all you need to know about the world of sports cars. But what does a car need to be dubbed the “best sports car”? Is it exclusivity, craftsmanship, significance, or style? We like to believe it’s all of those and more.
Picking a single vehicle as the best sports car is a difficult task, as personal preferences vary. However, the last 25 years have produced a diverse range of significant sports cars that have earned their place on any list. Whether you agree with the ranking or not, these 15 models have strong credentials to be called the best sports cars from the last 25 years.
So, let’s take a closer look at these amazing sports cars:
The Honda S2000 may not be the fastest car on this list, but it holds a special place among sports cars. While it may lack the outright performance of some of the others, it is always regarded as one of the best sports cars ever made. The S2000 was designed to be a practical sports car for everyday driving, and it succeeded in achieving that goal.
The Honda S2000 has a 5.4-second 0 to 60 mph time, a top speed of 151 mph, a curb weight of 2,833 pounds, and a 236-horsepower
Although it may look like a BMW R 100 RS, this motorcycle is actually a Suzuki 650 Burgman that has been customized to resemble the iconic BMW model. The creator, Thomas Janotta, has named it the “Suzuki R 65 Burgman RS,” a unique and intriguing addition to the world of custom replicas.
Based in the Swabian town of Beilstein, Janotta is a man of many talents, including optician, watchmaker, goldsmith, and inventor. Alongside this motorcycle project, he has also worked on several other creations in his garage.
Opinions are divided when it comes to this homage to the BMW R 100 RS. Some people find it cool, while others question the reasoning behind it. This is understandable because the Suzuki Burgman is quite different from the R 100 RS.
Janotta was drawn to the Suzuki 650 Burgman due to its impressive reputation. He initially wanted to use it as a towing vehicle for a racing kneeler team. However, certain obstacles prevented him from pursuing that idea.
He purchased the 650 Burgman for a mere 600 EUR. The affordable price was due to the previous owner falling off the scooter at a slow speed and deciding to sell it. Janotta then acquired the damaged bike and brought it into his garage.
As a BMW enthusiast, Janotta decided to give the Burgman a makeover with a 1981 R 100 RS fairing. After obtaining a gas tank, side covers, and a seat from the R 100 RS, Janotta successfully transformed the top half of the bike to resemble the BMW model.
However, fitting the fairing onto the scooter was not a straightforward process. It required custom brackets and adaptors to be created and installed. Additionally, since the Burgman lacked boxer heads, Janotta had to cover the air-cooling holes with sheet metal cladding taken from a Volkswagen Transporter.
In addition to the absence of a boxer engine, the modified Burgman features 15-inch front wheels. Other modifications include an access pipe for the integrated 18-liter fuel tank, a special gas pump for the Burgman’s engine, a slightly widened and shortened RS seat, and a relocated air filter now placed inside the tank. Janotta also added an R 100 GS handlebar to enhance the Burgman’s overall appearance.
What makes this custom build even more impressive is that it is compliant with TÜV regulations. With the original headlights, taillights, indicators, drivetrain, and chassis of the Burgman intact, it is roadworthy and ready for registration. The only non-original accessory is an approved muffler. However, the shortened rear end no longer accommodates two passengers.
All in all, the entire project cost 2,200 EUR (approximately $2,400 USD), covering the bike, parts, and metallic gold paint. It was a budget-friendly endeavor. For more details about the build, Motorrad’s article on the bike provides further insights.
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