Ford Enters 2024 Dakar Rally with New Ranger Raptor T1+

Ford is set to make its mark in the intense world of rally racing with the new Ford Ranger Raptor T1+. The Dakar Rally, known for its demanding off-road stages, is a highly respected event in the rally racing community. Winning the rally can earn a driver, car, or manufacturer a prestigious place in rally history. Ford aims to achieve this distinction with its latest Raptor machine, the Ford Ranger Raptor.

The Ford Ranger Raptor is known for its increased power and performance, with the Raptor name being synonymous with high-performance off-road capabilities. In line with this, Ford has developed the Ford Ranger Raptor T1+ specifically designed to compete for victory at the 2024 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.

The Dakar Rally presents a new frontier for Ford Performance, who have already achieved victories at renowned racing venues such as Le Mans, Monaco, and Daytona. By entering the Dakar Rally, Ford not only aims to win in the T1+ category but also to gather valuable knowledge and information that can be used for future rally efforts and the development of production performance off-roaders.

The Ranger Raptor T1+ is based on the previous generation Ranger and is equipped with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. Before participating in the Dakar Rally, it will compete in the Baja España Aragón and the Rally du Maroc. In preparation for the 2025 Dakar Rally, Ford Performance and M-Sport plan to create a custom-built Ranger Raptor T1+ that adheres to the category’s regulations.

Ford’s decision to venture into the Dakar Rally is an exciting announcement that showcases the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries in the racing world.

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The 2024 Discovery Sport Features a Curved Touchscreen and More

Jaguar Land Rover has recently announced ambitious plans for the future, which includes the restructuring of its brands. As a result, the Land Rover brand has been split into three brands: Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery. The new Discovery Sport has been refreshed for this new era, featuring a redesigned interior, advanced technology, and improvements to its versatility and drivability.

The new Discovery Sport is equipped with the celebrated Pivi Pro entertainment system, which can be accessed through an 11.4-inch floating, curved touchscreen. With just two taps from the Home screen, users can access 90% of the system’s functions. The car also comes standard with integration with Amazon Alexa and Wireless Apple CarPlay, as well as Android Auto. It also features wireless device charging, USB-C charging in the rear seats, and a Cabin Air Purification Plus system to ensure clean air inside the car.

In terms of drivability, the new Discovery Sport is equipped with 3D surround cameras and ClearSight Ground View, which allows drivers to see what is underneath the vehicle. The SUV is available for configuration and ordering now, starting at $48,900 in the United States. This marks the beginning of a new era for all of Land Rover’s new brands.

Hublot Launches The New Big Bang UNICO Magic Gold, Limited To 200

Hublot’s Big Bang Collection continues to evolve with new designs and materials, making it the luxury Swiss watchmaker’s most popular model. To celebrate the 18th anniversary of the Big Bang, Hublot has released the new Big Bang UNICO Full Magic Gold. This 44mm watch features Hublot’s scratch-resistant Magic Gold construction with a “sandwich” design. The skeletonized dial design highlights the craftsmanship of Hublot’s watchmakers, displaying Arabic numerals and skeleton Big Bang hands.

The Big Bang Unico Full Magic Gold is powered by the thinner and more precise in-house HUB1280 self-winding chronograph movement. A sapphire crystal backcase allows a secondary view of the movement in action, with each piece engraved with its specific production number. The Big Bang UNICO comes with a comfortable black structure-line rubber strap. This limited edition watch is only available in 200 pieces and is priced at $38,800.

duPont REGISTRY No. 458 – July 2023​

Are you OK? I just want to check after yet another American automotive icon has succumbed to the current trend (no pun intended) of electrification. First it was the Mustang spawning the all-electric Mach-E, and now the legendary Corvette has fallen prey to Edison’s creation. We’ve hardly had time to adjust to the Corvette moving its engine behind the seats, and here comes electrification to traumatize us all over again. Meet the new Corvette E-Ray. How are you taking it?

We jest, of course. Change is generally good, even though its approach and arrival can be jarring. The Corvette E-Ray, though, softens the blow by improving on just about everything a purely gas-powered Corvette can do. That’s why it’s our cover car this month.

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To be clear, the Corvette E-Ray hasn’t added electrons for the sake of fuel efficiency. While it is a traditional hybrid like your parents’ Prius, the E-Ray still sports the standard Corvette’s 6.2-liter V8 making 495 horsepower. An electric motor, though, has been added to the front axle that produces 160 hp. Fed by a relatively small 1.9-kilowatt-hour battery, the hybrid powertrain generates a combined 665 horsepower. Did you notice this Corvette has power going to both its axles? That makes it the first Corvette with all-wheel drive ever produced. Take a breath. Mid-engine, hybrid, and all-wheel drive. The Corvette E-Ray violates just about every tenet we thought we knew about this car. At least it’s not an SUV.

There’s a lot more to learn about the new Corvette E-Ray, so skip ahead to page 12 where we take our time breaking down how groundbreaking it really is. Coincidentally, we’ve got the Corvette’s historic nemesis in this month’s issue, as well. The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS slots between the 911 S and 911 Turbo. Think of it as stronger than an S but not as over-the-top as the Turbo. Fortunately, both the PDK automatic and a seven-speed manual are still available. Jump to page 22 to find out which one we tested for you.

If the Corvette E-Ray and 911 Carrera GTS are too mainstream for you, check out our review of the 60th Anniversary Cunningham Corvette on page 34. It commemorates the three-car team of modified Corvettes that Briggs Cunningham brought to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1960. Cunningham’s campaign back then was successful; car #3 finished first in its class and 8th overall.

Today’s 60th Anniversary Cunningham Corvette starts as a fully loaded 3LT model with Z51 suspension and brakes, 8-speed DCT transaxle, and GT2 sport seats. Then Lingenfelter, perhaps the most accomplished Corvette tuner of all time, lays its hands upon the LT2 V8 until it’s making over 600 naturally aspirated horsepower. Only 60 copies of the Cunningham Corvette will be made, which makes it rarer than any E-Ray or 911 GTS.

Specialty Vehicle Engineering makes similarly special versions of popular General Motors products. The company is probably best known for its modern-day Yenko Camaros and supercharger packages for GM trucks and SUVs. Did you know the company was born in 1970 from the founder’s background in drag racing? Learn more about this special tuner in our exclusive interview with its founder on page 42.

This month’s issue is packed with so much more, including our update on how America and F1 are getting along (spoiler: swimmingly) and some amazing watch coverage that includes Panerai’s Navy Seal line and a list of timepieces that inspire us. So welcome to summer and let’s get started.

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Rare 7-Speed Manual 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic For Sale

Porsche has a rich history of producing some of the world’s most coveted high-performance luxury cars for 75 years, and the iconic 911 model has been a part of that legacy for 60 years. To commemorate these two significant milestones, Porsche introduced special edition cars that pay homage to its history. One such model is the Porsche 911 Sport Classic, which follows in the footsteps of the 2010 997-generation 911 Sport Classic. This car celebrates various moments in the history of the 911, including the exceptional qualities of the current generation. It combines a powerful engine with a 7-speed manual transmission, a favorite among purists, and features a ducktail spoiler for a touch of old-school aerodynamics. The duPont REGISTRY Magazine recognized the historical significance of this car and featured it on the cover of their September 2022 issue.

The Porsche 911 Sport Classic is a highly sought-after collector’s car or a dream come true for any 911 enthusiast. One such example is currently for sale at HGreg Lux in Pompano Beach, Florida. This exquisite car stands out with its Fuchs-style rims and racing stripes that evoke a retro-inspired aura. It is finished in the elegant Sport Grey Metallic paint. Inside, the interior showcases a fusion of modern 911 design with retro elements. The open-pore wood trim pays homage to previous models, while the green backlit gauges add a touch of nostalgia. The leather upholstery beautifully complements the Pepita houndstooth fabric, yet another nod to classic 911s. With its complete package, the Porsche 911 Sport Classic captures the essence of what makes the 911 legendary and highly respected. It is a must-have for any Porsche enthusiast or avid car collector. Click below to view the price and listing.

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Tesla to Exhibit at 2023 Shenzhen Auto Show, Possible Debut of Updated Model 3

Tesla will once again participate in a Chinese auto show following the eventful start of the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show. The prominent American electric vehicle manufacturer will attend the 2023 Shenzhen Auto Show on June 16, with rumors suggesting that the highly anticipated refreshed Model 3 might take center stage.

In recent times, auto shows have lost some of their allure among carmakers, and the global pandemic has delivered a significant blow to what was once a prime occasion for introducing new… (continue reading…)

Bianchi Unveils their Highly Aerodynamic Bicycles for the Public: Introducing the “Aerovolution”

“I’m telling you; it effortlessly slices through strong winds.” “What does that mean?” “It means that this bike has undergone rigorous testing and has been ridden by top experts to ensure its unbeatable performance. Do you get it?”

Ladies and gentlemen, the exchange above pertains to one of Bianchi’s newest bicycle collections, the Oltre, which the renowned company has recently introduced. In summary, it’s about…

BMW Recalls iX Vehicles Due to Unintended Cruise Control Activation

BMW has announced a safety recall for the iX, an all-electric utility vehicle. A total of 11,180 units are being called back to address the issue of unintended cruise control activation. To resolve this problem, a software update will be provided.
In late 2022, BMW started taking this issue seriously after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received reports of unintended cruise control activation in the iX vehicles. As a result, the German automaker is taking proactive measures by issuing this recall.
The iX is built on a unique platform called the Cluster Architecture, developed specifically for this electric model. However, despite the advanced technology, it appears that there is a flaw in the cruise control system that causes it to engage unintentionally.
Owners of the affected iX vehicles will be notified by BMW and instructed to take their cars to authorized service centers for the necessary software update. This update is designed to prevent the cruise control from activating unintentionally, enhancing the safety of the vehicle and its occupants.
The recall serves as a reminder that even with cutting-edge technology, automakers must ensure that all safety systems are thoroughly tested to avoid any potential hazards. BMW is committed to addressing this issue promptly and efficiently to maintain the trust and satisfaction of its customers.
To learn more about this recall, you can continue reading here.

Mysterious 1964 Ford Mustang Spent Almost 50 Years in the Woods, Is Now a Sad Sight

Keeping a classic car in a barn is not ideal if you want to keep it in good condition for years to come. However, it is still a better choice than abandoning it in the woods, where it is exposed to the harsh elements. Unfortunately, this 1964 Ford Mustang was left in the woods for a staggering 48 years, resulting in extensive rust and damage.

According to a recent article on Autoevolution, the once beautiful Mustang is now a sad sight to behold. Left to deteriorate with no protection, the car has become a rusty bucket of bolts.

It is crucial to provide proper care and shelter for classic cars to preserve their beauty and functionality. The extreme weather conditions in the woods have taken a toll on this unfortunate Mustang, leaving it in an unrecognizable state.

Classic car enthusiasts and collectors understand the importance of regular maintenance and storage in safe environments. Unfortunately, this 1964 Ford Mustang fell victim to neglect and now serves as a reminder of the consequences of improper car care.