Motorsport

2024 Renault Rafale Coupe-SUV Debuts With 300 Horsepower

Renault has introduced the new Rafale, a D-segment coupe-style sport utility vehicle (SUV) that embraces the brand’s new design language. The Rafale features a fresh front grille design and new matrix LED light signature, similar to the recently facelifted 2024 Clio.

The Rafale is larger than its predecessor, the Arkana, and is the brand’s first model to fully embrace the coupe-SUV body style in the mainstream market. While it may not match the practicality of traditionally styled SUVs due to its sloping roofline, the Rafale still offers a generous cargo capacity of 530 liters (18.7 cubic feet) with the rear seats in place.

In terms of trim options, the Rafale is available in a flagship Esprit Alpine trim, which is also offered for the Espace model. It shares its 2.74-meter (107.8-inch) wheelbase with the Espace.


Motorsport

Porsche 911 Limo Built For One Lap of America Is A Camper You Can Race

It’s amazing what can be turned into a camper with a little creativity. Whether it’s a school bus, commercial van, station wagon, or even a regular car, anything is possible. And once again, we have an example to prove it – a vintage air-cooled 1974 Porsche 911 Targa that has been converted into a camper and recently listed on Craigslist.

This unique vehicle is being advertised as a 1974 Porsche 911 Targa limousine. Originally, it included a bed and a small vanity with a sink and cabinet space. Despite its rough appearance, the seller claims that it is in good condition with no rust and features a Porsche 959 body kit. The car and bodywork were professionally modified by a custom coach builder on the east coast, using two 1974 911 Targas.


Motorsport

What’s Causing the Delay in New Car Deliveries? It’s a Railway Shortage, Not Semiconductor Delays

The auto industry is facing a new obstacle as a scarcity of railroad cars is resulting in delays in delivering new vehicles. Due to this shortage, approximately 70,000 new vehicles are stranded across the country, unable to reach dealerships. Concerned about this issue, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the auto industry’s lobbying group, has requested the intervention of the US Surface Transportation Board.

This scarcity of rail cars is particularly troubling because freight rail typically transports nearly 75 percent of new vehicles and handles 1.8 million carloads of auto parts annually. The backlog of finished vehicles is disrupting the automotive supply chain, which is still recovering from the shortage of semiconductor chips. The delays in delivering vehicles are significantly impacting suppliers, employees, and the overall US economy.

The problem revolves around the shortage of autoracks, specialized rail cars that carry vehicles. Rail transport is preferred over carrier trucks due to lower costs and faster delivery times. An autorack rail car can transport 12 to 18 vehicles, compared to a truck hauler that can only carry a maximum of seven to eight vehicles.

The scarcity of rail cars is a complex issue due to the extensive rail network in North America and the complexities of rail shipping. Rail shipping involves multiple destinations and routes, making it a challenging puzzle to coordinate. Autoracks are part of a shared pool administered by a company called TTX. Manufacturing new autoracks takes two to three years, making it a non-quick fix.

The problem originates from a combination of factors. One notable factor is that the rebound in new-vehicle production after the semiconductor chip shortage has exceeded most railroads’ forecasts. Additional issues have arisen due to changes in supply chain patterns, such as redirecting vehicles through west coast ports instead of the east coast, resulting in longer rail car journeys than anticipated.

Meanwhile, several automakers are still dealing with the aftermath of the microchip shortage. Volkswagen stated earlier this year that the chip scarcity will continue to affect car sales in 2023. Automakers like Cadillac, Ford, and Genesis have also mentioned that the shortage has forced them to limit or exclude popular features on certain vehicles.

Motorsport

Mercedes-AMG SLS Black Series Reaches 190 MPH on Autobahn

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, released in 2010, was praised by Jeremy Clarkson as “the greatest car in the world.” However, it was known for being a little tricky to handle around corners as the rear would often slide out. In 2013, Mercedes introduced the SLS AMG Black Series, which Clarkson described as a “serious car” with no sense of humor.

The Black Series is equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 622 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch sports transmission. The transmission is mounted lower than in the standard SLS AMG for improved center of gravity.

Weight reduction was achieved through the use of carbon fiber in the body panels, mechanical components, and space frame. The Black Series weighs 3,415 pounds, which is 154 pounds lighter than the standard model. Other weight-saving measures include a titanium exhaust and a lithium-ion starter battery.

The specifications claim a 0-62 mph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph. To see if these numbers hold up, there is a video embedded at the top of the page where a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series is tested on the unrestricted Autobahn by AutoTopNL.

Car enthusiasts will find the video exhilarating. Feel free to watch it and share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Motorsport

Mustang Mach-E Goes Head-to-Head with Mustang GT and Explorer SUV at Drag Strip

Typically, when we hear about a drag race between an electric car and a gas-powered car, we expect the electric car to be a Tesla. But in this case, it’s an all-Ford showdown. In the video provided above, a Ford Mustang Mach-E electric crossover takes on a Mustang and an Explorer SUV, both powered by gasoline.

The specific variant of the Mustang Mach-E used in the drag race is unclear. The video doesn’t mention any details about it, but based on its 18-inch Carbonized Gray Aluminum wheels, it appears to be a base version. However, we don’t know if it’s rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The rear-wheel drive Mach-E with the standard range battery pack produces 266 horsepower, while the all-wheel drive version increases the output to 311 hp. Torque is rated at 317 pound-feet (430 Newton-meters) for the rear-wheel drive and 427 lb-ft (580 Nm) for the all-wheel drive (these figures are for the 72-kilowatt-hour battery pack, according to Ford).

The rear-wheel drive Mustang Mach-E has a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 6.3 seconds. Now let’s see how the other two vehicles, the Mustang GT and the Explorer, compare to Ford’s all-electric crossover.

The previous-generation Mustang GT is equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces anywhere from 435 hp to 460 hp, depending on the model year. Ford claimed the Mustang GT could go from 0-60 mph in under four seconds in 2018, which is significantly faster than the electric Mustang Mach-E on paper.

The Explorer, which has a stealthy, police-car appearance, appears to be a fifth-generation 2013 Explorer Sport based on its wheels. This version came with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine rated at 365 hp and 350 lb-ft (470 Nm) of torque, capable of achieving a 0-60 mph sprint in 5.7 seconds.

However, drag racing performance can sometimes differ from what is expected based on numbers alone. To see how these three vehicles perform on the drag strip, watch the video provided above and share your thoughts in the comments section below.

BMW

24H SPA EWC Motos: BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team Claims Another Podium at Spa-Francorchamps

The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team had a successful home race at Spa-Francorchamps, as they finished on the podium once again. After 24 hours of intense racing, Markus Reiterberger, Ilya Mikhalchik, and Jérémy Guarnoni secured third place with their BMW M 1000 RR at the 24H SPA EWC Motos, the second round of the 2023 FIM Endurance World Championship. This follows their previous third-place finish at the opening race weekend in Le Mans. The team is currently ranked third in the Team world championship standings, 33 points behind the leaders.

In the qualifying sessions, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team showed strong performance, securing second place on the grid. However, they faced challenges during the race, with safety car phases causing them to lose time after pit stops. Despite this setback, the team consistently battled their way back through the field, eventually climbing to fourth place. They maintained this position throughout the night, delivering good lap times and efficient fuel consumption. With three and a half hours remaining, they inherited third place when the Suzuki team ahead of them encountered technical issues. The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team successfully defended their position until the end, even in the face of rain in the closing stages of the race.

The Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, fresh from their victory in the Superstock class at the season-opener in Le Mans, also had a promising start at Spa-Francorchamps. However, they faced a setback when forced into the garage due to a technical issue. Despite efforts to repair the bike, they eventually had to retire from the race during the night.

The private BMW Team LRP Poland, racing with the BMW S 1000 RR, experienced various issues throughout the race but managed to push through and reach the finish line after 24 hours of racing.

The next race, the 8 Hours of Suzuka in Japan, will take place on August 6th.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director, Marc Bongers, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s third-place finish, noting the unfortunate situations caused by safety car periods. He praised the team’s performance, emphasizing their ability to fight back and the reliability of the motorcycle. Bongers acknowledged the need to improve their speed to reach the top position and shared disappointment for the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team’s inability to finish the race due to technical problems.

Werner Daemen, Team Manager of the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, described the race as hectic, highlighting their bad luck with safety car periods in the beginning. However, he commended the impressive performance of the riders and mechanics and expressed gratitude to BMW for providing a reliable bike for the 24 hours. Daemen emphasized the team’s focus on the upcoming race in Japan and their aim to achieve another strong result.

Markus Reiterberger, one of the riders, reflected on their second-place qualification and the challenges faced during the race. He mentioned struggling with grip in high temperatures but remained error-free throughout the race, eventually securing third place. Reiterberger expressed gratitude to the team and acknowledged the tough and long race they had completed on the podium.

Ilya Mikhalchik, another team member, expressed happiness with their overall speed during the race, despite losing time due to safety car pit lane exits. He praised the team for avoiding mistakes and looked forward to a good position in the upcoming race in Japan.

Jérémy Guarnoni, also a part of the team, celebrated the second consecutive podium finish but acknowledged their lack of luck with the safety car, causing them to lose contact with the front riders. Nonetheless, Guarnoni expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and the speed of his teammates.

Featured

Graham Rahal Performance Reveals Porsche Carrera GT Recommission Project #02

Introduced in 2004, the Porsche Carrera GT has left a lasting impact on the automotive industry and is considered one of the iconic supercars in its class. To preserve its legacy, Graham Rahal Performance offers a specialized recommissioning service called the GRP Porsche Carrera GT Recommission Project. This project allows owners to customize their Carrera GTs even after almost 20 years since they were first produced. Graham Rahal Performance is excited to announce GRP Project Recommission #02, which features a stunning Signal Orange Porsche Carrera GT.

The Porsche Carrera GT in this project boasts a vibrant Signal Orange finish, which is inspired by a Porsche Singer and perfectly replicates the unique shade found on the handbuilt 911. As part of the customization process, GRP Project Recommission #02 includes upgraded HRE performance wheels with silver and black center locks. Additionally, the Porsche carbon ceramic brake calipers have been paint-matched to complement the new exterior color of the Carrera GT.

Inside the Carrera GT, the design pays tribute to early Porsche interiors with its jaw-dropping plaid-style cabin. The outer portion of the Porsche sports bucket seats features black leather with signal orange contrast stitching, while the center inserts showcase a stunning signal orange, grey, and black cross-woven plaid design. Subtle hints of vibrant orange stitching tastefully accentuate the driver-focused interior while maintaining a factory appearance for the majority.

Comparing the Carrera GT and the 911 Singer side by side, it is evident that Porsche is committed to pushing the boundaries of performance and paying tribute to the innovative models that paved the way. The GRP Porsche Carrera GT Recommission Project by Graham Rahal Performance breathes new life into this automotive icon and preserves one of Porsche’s greatest sports cars. To browse all Graham Rahal Performance inventory available for sale, click the link below.

View All Graham Rahal Performance Inventory


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Featured

The Grand Tour Praises The New Praga Bohema Hypercar

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, known for their car expertise and strong opinions, have featured the new Praga Bohema hypercar on their show, The Grand Tour: Eurocrash. James May had the opportunity to test drive the Bohema and described its acceleration and power as “enormous,” its steering as “incredible,” and overall referred to it as a “wonderful” car. Clarkson also praised the Bohema, calling it a “very impressive piece of engineering.”

The production of roadgoing Bohema hypercars is about to begin, with a price tag of approximately $1.4 million and a limited production run of only 89 units. With its remarkable performance, design, and engineering, the Praga Bohema is expected to create a sensation in the automotive world.

If you’re interested in purchasing exotic cars, you can view all exotic cars for sale.

Featured

Why Bentley Mulliner Created The New de Havilland Collection

Bentley has a long history of producing luxurious performance cars. Recently, the brand celebrated the grand opening of its new showroom, Bentley Hatfield, in the United Kingdom. The showroom is operated by H.R. Owen and is located on the site of the former de Havilland factory, which manufactured British aircraft. This brings together two iconic names with a shared history.

Many de Havilland aircraft were powered by Merlin engines manufactured at Bentley’s Crewe facility. To commemorate the opening of the new facility at the former de Havilland factory, Bentley collaborated with its Mulliner bespoke division to create a special collection of cars called the de Havilland Collection. This collection includes the Continental GT S and GTC S, the Flying Spur S, and the Bentayga S. These cars draw inspiration from historic de Havilland aircraft, such as the Comet Racer.

The cars in the de Havilland Collection feature Tornado Red accents, reminiscent of the Comet Racer’s red paint, which it wore when it won the 1934 England-Australia air race. The interior of the cars also pays tribute to de Havilland, with a split configuration featuring Hotspur and Beluga leather, Mulliner White piping, a chrome pinstripe, and de Havilland commemorative details. This collection is not only a celebration of the new Bentley showroom, but also the reunion of two iconic British names in engineering and transportation.

For those interested in purchasing a Bentley, there are many options available. Visit the link below to view all the Bentleys for sale:

View All Bentleys For Sale


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Gaming

Is It Safe to Leave Your Steam Deck Plugged In Overnight?

Valve, the company behind Steam Deck, has not provided any clear guidelines on whether it is safe to leave the device plugged in overnight. However, users on the Steam Deck forums generally advise against making it a habit.

Similar to other portable electronic devices, the Steam Deck’s battery charging process involves reaching 100% charge and then internally disconnecting the power cable. The connection remains disabled until the battery percentage drops to 90%, after which the charging process restarts. Keeping the Steam Deck plugged in like this for prolonged periods, such as overnight, leads to repeated charging and discharging cycles. This can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the battery, reducing its overall lifespan.

The battery usage will vary based on your activities with the Steam Deck. If you are actively using it while plugged in, the console will draw power from the outlet, and the battery will not be affected. However, if you plan to leave the console unused for several days, it is recommended to unplug it and completely power it down. If you intend to use your Steam Deck continuously for multiple days, it is advisable to leave it in sleep mode overnight. Although it may lose some charge, you can easily recharge it while using it.

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