Motorsport

2023 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb: Watch the Livestream Here

Are you ready for the 101st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2023? This renowned event takes place on the famous Colorado mountain and offers a thrilling race experience like no other. And the best part is, you can watch all the action unfold live right here! The livestream will begin on Sunday, June 25 at 9:00 AM Eastern / 6:00 AM Pacific.

What makes Pikes Peak so special? Well, for starters, drivers have to navigate through a challenging 12.4-mile rally stage, which features a staggering 156 turns. Missing any of these turns can have serious consequences, as they can lead to dangerous drops down the side of the mountain. But that’s not all. Over the course of the climb, drivers will ascend almost one mile in elevation. The race starts at 9,390 feet and finishes at an impressive 14,115 feet. This means that they can encounter drastically different weather conditions throughout the course. Additionally, tuning a high-performance engine to handle such a significant change in elevation poses a unique challenge for the drivers.

Acura NSX Type S Active Aero Study Pikes Peak
Ford SuperVan 4.2
2023 Alpine A110 Pikes Peak
Acura NSX Type S Active Aero Study Pikes Peak

Similar to the famous Nurburgring, Pikes Peak has become a coveted trophy for automakers aiming to set record times. In 2022, Porsche achieved a production-car record with a stock 911 Turbo S completing the climb in an impressive 9 minutes 53.5 seconds. However, there was some controversy surrounding this achievement, as it wasn’t done during the actual race. Due to unfavorable weather conditions in June, Porsche took advantage of a rule change that allowed an official run outside the racing venue. They returned in September and shattered the previous record by nearly 30 seconds.

In addition to Porsche, Lamborghini also made history at the 2022 event by setting the record for the fastest production SUV. Their Urus achieved a time of 10 minutes 32 seconds during the race, although the news was only released in August.

For the upcoming 2023 edition, several automakers are set to participate and make their mark. Acura will be showcasing various vehicles, while Alpine has a special A110 prepared for the challenge. Ford is planning to impress with their electric SuperVan 4.2, which boasts a staggering 1,400 horsepower. Additionally, all eyes will be on the Block family as Lucy competes in the Unlimited class, driving a Sierra Echo Block Edition powered by Hypercraft, in honor of Ken Block – Lucy’s husband and Lia’s father – who tragically passed away earlier this year. Speaking of Lia, she will be driving the 1,400-hp Hoonipigasus Porsche 911 in an exhibition run to pay tribute to her late father. Although Lia won’t make an official timed pass, her presence adds an emotional touch to the event.

Don’t miss out on any of the thrilling moments during the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb! The livestream will begin at 9:00 AM Eastern, with the first run expected to start half an hour later. The event will continue until 4:00 PM, and we will provide you with the complete livestream coverage.

Motorsport

Toyota Supra Drag Racing Challenger Hellcat Puts Up A Good Fight

The Toyota Supra has always been popular among JDM enthusiasts, despite some reservations about the latest generation being based on the BMW Z4 and not being built in Japan. On the other hand, the Dodge Challenger, particularly in Hellcat trim, is considered the embodiment of modern American muscle cars. The video showcased at the top of this page demonstrates a modern showdown between domestic and import vehicles, reminiscent of the battles between previous-gen A80 Supra, Dodge Viper, and Ford Mustang SVT Cobra in the past.

The video features two races, each featuring a modern Supra and a modern Challenger Hellcat. At first glance, it may seem like the American car would easily outperform the Toyota, given its specifications.

The Hellcat is equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces an impressive 717 horsepower, sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its weight of 5,450 pounds (2,472 kg), the saying “there’s no replacement for displacement” holds true for this car.

On the other hand, the Supra is available in the United States with two engine options: a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 hp, and a more powerful 3.0-liter inline-six engine generating 382 hp. Although this is nearly half of what the Hellcat offers, the Supra is lighter at 4,001 lbs (1,814 kg).

It is unclear whether the cars in the video are stock or modified. However, it is possible that the outcome of the races could have been different if the drivers had been more cautious during the launch.

What are your thoughts on this modern domestic versus import battle? Share your opinions in the comments section below.

Motorsport

BFP Ford F-150 Delivers Retro 1980s Styling For an Additional $12,995

The Ohio-based Beechmont Ford Performance (BFP) dealer is bringing back the retro-inspired Ford F-150 for the 2023 model year. This time, the truck offers two power options and a lot of 1980s nostalgia with its two-tone paint job and abundance of chrome, setting it apart from modern vehicles.

We first got a taste of the retrolicious pickup in 2019 when we had the opportunity to drive BFP’s creation. Then, in 2021, the Ford dealer applied its rad styling pack to the brand-new 14th generation of the F-150.

Now, BFP is introducing a new version of the nostalgia-filled pack for the 2023 Ford pickup, which is available with the renowned 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine. This time, the pack offers two power levels: the base variant delivers 400 horsepower, while the second option boosts the output to 700 hp with the help of a Ford Performance supercharged Coyote V8 motor.


BMW

Exciting Final Day at the 34th BMW International Open: Joost Luiten in the Lead with a Pack of Competitors Close Behind

On “Moving Day,” Joost Luiten from the Netherlands takes the lead at -14. Max Schmitt is the top German player at -8. The third round witnesses the tournament’s 50th eagle hit by Jamie Donaldson, and the tee times for the final round are set.

The leaderboard is dominated by Joost Luiten and Daan Huizing, both from the Netherlands. Luiten leads at -14, followed by Huizing at -11. Edoardo Molinari from Italy, Thriston Lawrence from South Africa, and Daniel Hillier from New Zealand are tied for third at -10. Luiten secured the lead with an impressive round of -7, the lowest of the tournament. Huizing, Molinari, Lawrence, Max Kieffer from Germany, and Matthieu Pavon from France, all at -7, sit at ninth place with just one shot more than Luiten’s round on Saturday.

Luiten, at 37 years old, showcased his skill in front of the 14,000 spectators at Golfclub München Eichenried. He did not drop a single shot on Saturday and heads into the final day with a three-shot lead, aiming for his first title since 2018. Luiten expressed his excitement for events like the BMW International Open, stating the need for such tournaments in Europe. He remains focused and aims to deliver shots similar to those on Saturday.

Max Schmitt is the highest-ranked German player at -8, tied in sixth place with Sami Välimäki from Finland and Rikuya Hoshino from Japan. With one round to go, the 25-year-old remains a contender for his first title on the DP World Tour. Schmitt expressed his joy at being part of the special BMW International Open, especially since his first participation as an amateur. He plans to stick to his “passive aggressive” strategy and concentrate on his own game on the final day.

Max Kieffer climbed up the leaderboard with an excellent round, landing him in a tie for ninth place at -7. He harbors the dream of becoming the second German winner of the BMW International Open, after Martin Kaymer’s victory in 2008. However, Marcel Siem’s third round did not fare well, as he experienced a triple bogey on the 18th after finding the water twice.

In the morning, Connor Syme achieved the third hole-in-one of the tournament on the second hole. This adds to the aces achieved by Takumi Kanaya and Joost Luiten in the previous rounds. Three out of the four par 3 holes on the Championship Course have witnessed a hole-in-one, leaving only the 17th where the first fully-electric BMW i5 is up for grabs for the first player to ace it.

Jamie Donaldson from Wales recorded the 50th eagle of the tournament in today’s round. Each eagle hit results in a donation of 1,000 Euro to the “JOBLINGE” and “Kick ins Leben” organizations as a gesture of recognition for their partnership with the BMW Group in promoting fair opportunities and educational equality.

The final round of the BMW International Open starts at 07:15 on Sunday at Golfclub München Eichenried. The PDF document containing the tee times provides an overview of all the groups and their schedule.

For the latest scores, more information about the BMW International Open, and a livestream, visit www.bmw-golfsport.com.

BMW

BMW International Open Players’ Night: Cheers!

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PressClub Global · Article.

Sat Jun 24 12:54:16 CEST 2023 Press Release

There is one established tradition at the BMW International Open, the likes of which you won’t find at any other tournament on the DP World Tour: Friday evening ends in style with the Players’ Night. The pros and other invited guests enjoyed a rustic Bavarian evening at popular Munich club P1.

Dressed in lederhosen and dirndls, the stars and their partners relaxed in Bavarian comfort and took on traditional challenges like the “Hau den Lukas” test of strength. A Players’ Night would not be a Players’ Night without the traditional tapping of the barrel. This honour went to European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald (ENG) and Marcel Siem (GER), who grew up in Munich.

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BMW Group Streaming

THE NEW BMW i5.

Munich. Here you can see the webcast of the Digital World Premiere of the new BMW i5.

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CO2 emission information.

Fuel consumption, CO2 emission figures and power consumption were measured using the methods required according to Regulation VO (EC) 2007/715 as amended. They refer to vehicles on the automotive market in Germany. For ranges, the NEDC figures take into account differences in the selected wheel and tyre size, while the WLTP figures take into account the effects of any optional equipment.

All figures are already calculated on the basis of the new WLTP test cycle. NEDC values listed have been calculated back to the NEDC measurement procedure where applicable. WLTP values are used as a basis for the definition of taxes and other vehicle-related levies that are (also) based on CO2 emissions and, where applicable, for the purposes of vehicle- specific subsidies. Further information on the WLTP and NEDC measurement procedures is also available at bmw.de/wltp.

For further details of the official fuel consumption figures and official specific CO2 emissions of new cars, please refer to the following web site www.dat.de.

News

Volkswagen plans to release affordable electric ‘ID 1’ hatch for under £17,000

Volkswagen is moving forward with the development of an electric hatchback called the ‘ID 1’, which is expected to be priced at under £17,000. This is part of a larger effort by car manufacturers to produce affordable electric models.

The ID 1 will serve as a successor to the e-Up city car and will offer a combination of compact design and simple technology.

It will be built on a new electric platform that will also be used for similar models by Volkswagen’s sister brands Cupra and Skoda. The ID 1 will be positioned below the production version of the recently unveiled ID 2all concept, which is expected to be priced at around £22,500.

Volkswagen Group’s chief financial officer, Arno Antlitz, believes that the company can achieve this price point for electric cars, thanks to advancements in battery materials and production methods.

“We’re confident that we can achieve that price point,” he said. “There are many technological innovations on the horizon. This car will feature the first in-house battery cells from our Valencia plant. We’re expanding our production capacity, which will allow us to achieve better economies of scale.

“We’ve also seen a decrease in raw material costs. For example, the cost of lithium and nickel has come down. So we’re confident that we can reach our target of €25,000 [£22,500] and still maintain a decent profit margin.”

While Antlitz’s comments specifically refer to the production feasibility of the ID 2, these developments could also have significant implications for the rumored ID 1.

Specific details about the architecture of the ID 1 have not been revealed yet, but it will be a separate platform from the MEB Entry platform that will be shared by the ID 2, Cupra Raval, and Skoda’s compact crossover. These models will all be manufactured in Spain starting from 2025.

The Volkswagen Group will develop the new platform, with Skoda playing a key role, and it will be designed for vehicles with interior space similar to that of the VW Polo.

News

2026 Bentley EV to Feature Hands-Off Driving Technology

Bentley’s CEO, Adrian Hallmark, has confirmed that the company’s first electric car, set to be released in 2026, will be equipped with hands-free driving capabilities.

The upcoming electric vehicle, to be revealed in 2025, will be built on the new Performance Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, which was developed in collaboration with Audi and Porsche. It will also utilize the Volkswagen Group’s 1.2 software, enabling hands-free driving.

Hallmark verified that Bentley will incorporate Mobileye’s SuperVision technology, which has recently been approved for use in the Porsche e-Macan. This technology utilizes 11 cameras, Mobileye’s EyeQ5 chip, and crowd-sourced high-definition maps to enable hands-off, eyes-on level two-plus autonomy.

Initially, the Bentley EV will offer partial hands-off driving on motorways and automated parking, with full autonomous capabilities to follow at a later stage, according to Hallmark’s statement to Autocar magazine.

Mobileye claims that SuperVision enables level three autonomy, allowing for hands-free and eyes-off driving on motorways.

The Bentley EV, along with the Porsche e-Macan and Audi Q6 E-tron, has experienced delays due to the sluggish development of the 1.2 software within the Volkswagen Group.

The final approval process for the 1.2 software, which is intended for premium vehicles within the group, is currently being overseen by Peter Bosch, former Bentley manufacturing head and current head of the Cariad software unit.

The PPE electric architecture, as stated by Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume, will allow for power outputs of up to 939bhp, revealing the potential performance that can be expected from the Bentley EV.

Hallmark has previously mentioned that the electric vehicle will be an incremental addition to the existing Bentley lineup. He expressed the company’s intention to not only introduce an EV but also to carve out a new segment in the market.

Bentley has announced its plans to launch five new electric cars within a span of five years, starting with the groundbreaking model in 2025.

Car review

Human Horizons HiPhi X: A Closer Look

The Human Horizons HiPhi X boasts impressive digital screens, although they were not fully operational during our test drive. Once they are up and running, they are expected to provide a rich digital experience.

The central infotainment console is complex, similar to a Tesla, as it integrates most secondary systems and adjustment functions. From adjusting door mirrors to controlling ventilation settings, everything is done through the touchscreen menu.

Initially, it may seem overwhelming and potentially distracting. However, with time, users will become familiar with which functions can be adjusted while driving and which need to be set before departure.

One positive aspect is that the large display for the front passenger is designed not to distract the driver. It also has the option to be turned off when not in use.

The HiPhi X offers generous space in the first and second rows, while the third row is suitable for adults of average height and below. The overall space is in line with other vehicles in its class.

When it comes to material quality, the HiPhi X may not match the standards of brands like Audi or Range Rover. Nevertheless, considering this is Human Horizons’ first production car developed in just three and a half years, it is an impressive achievement.

The front seats are comfortable and adjustable, and the driving position is more semi-recumbent than upright, giving a unique feel.

The only downside is the limited rearward visibility, which can be improved by relying on the rear-view camera. Fortunately, most owners of this type of vehicle would likely be comfortable using the camera.

Similar to the HiPhi Z, the HiPhi X offers a refined and comfortable driving experience. Despite its size, it handles well on the road and benefits from modern suspension and steering technology. While it may not be an exciting drive, it does a great job of maintaining comfort for the occupants.

Car review

Human Horizons HiPhi Z

hiphi z review 2023

The Human Horizons HiPhi Z is a five-meter long, all-electric, four-door shooting brake GT. It boasts 663bhp of power, an electric range of nearly 350 miles (WLTP certified), and a unique design inspired by Japanese manga and BMW i-brand. The car also pays tribute to the digital technology that Human Horizons believes to be the future of mobility.

The design of the HiPhi Z is quite unconventional, with flashing LED light strips and bulky sensors covering the exterior. It stands out among other electric vehicle (EV) makers who often rely on a more conventional design. Although it may not be as visually appealing as other models like the Porsche Taycan, the HiPhi Z definitely grabs attention.

Inside the car, the digital technology is even more prominent. The car features a motorized door for entry and a slightly high driving position. While the headroom may be tight by luxury car standards, the second row offers ample space for adult passengers. The materials used in the cabin are of high quality, surpassing Tesla at a similar stage of development. The overall ambience is rich and inviting.

One of the main highlights of the cabin is the 15.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system called the HiPhi Bot. It is mounted on a robotized arm, capable of automatically pivoting towards the driver or the front passenger based on their gaze. The system is highly responsive and clear, although the pivot mounting is seen as more of a gimmick than a practical addition. The HiPhi Z caters to those who enjoy the latest mobile phones with large screens and fancy cameras, or those who own the largest OLED TVs for their living rooms.

News

New 2023 Peugeot 508 facelift priced from £34,020 in the UK

The recently launched Peugeot 508 has been made available for purchase in the UK, featuring a fresh design update and updated powertrain options, starting at a price of £34,020.

The latest version of the 508 introduces an updated version of Peugeot’s distinctive sabre-tooth lighting system, featuring a three-spoke “claw” design.

A new grille, reminiscent of the Peugeot 408, completes the front-end design update, showcasing gloss and textured black elements, as well as the new Peugeot emblem.

This extensive design overhaul aims to prolong the lifespan of the R83-generation model, which was first introduced in 2018.

Both the saloon and SW estate variants of the 508 have a width of 1.86m. The saloon has a length of 4.75m, while the estate measures 4.79m. The saloon offers a luggage capacity of 487 litres, which can be expanded to 1537 litres with the rear seats folded. The estate, on the other hand, provides 530 litres of space, expandable to 1780 litres.

New Peugeot 508 interior

The interior of the 508 is equipped with many of the advanced technologies found throughout the Peugeot lineup. It boasts a redesigned dashboard and centre console, as well as a 10.0in central infotainment display combined with Peugeot’s 12.0in i-Cockpit system and a compact steering wheel.

In addition to features like voice recognition, sat-nav, a motorised boot, two USB sockets, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 508 also benefits from a night vision camera capable of detecting cyclists, animals, and pedestrians.

The 508 is loaded with a wide range of assistance features, including level two semi-autonomous capability, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane assist, parking sensors, a reversing camera, and automatic high beam.

The 508’s lineup has been streamlined to three options – the entry-level Allure, GT, and performance-focused Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE) – available with petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

Peugeot’s entry-level option, also found in the smaller 308 and 408 models, offers a three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol PureTech engine producing 130bhp. Additionally, a 130bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine is also available.