BMW

BMW Motorrad presents BMW Motorrad MetaRide.

The new BMW CE 02 is an electric eParkourer that is aimed at young people. It offers a new way of accessing the world of BMW Motorrad. To allow people to experience the CE 02 up close, BMW Motorrad has created the BMW Motorrad MetaRide, a digital brand space of virtual reality. In the MetaRide, motorcycle fans can ride and experience the CE 02 in the form of an avatar, similar to physical reality. It also serves as a platform for fans to connect with the BMW Motorrad brand. The virtual environment in the MetaRide will resemble the real world, and there are various activities to enjoy, such as virtual test rides, playing basketball, collecting tokens, and earning virtual clothing for your avatar. The virtual brand space will be expanded to include other BMW Motorrad products in the future.

The world premiere of the BMW CE 02 was partly held in the BMW Motorrad MetaRide and in the real world during the Pure&Crafted Festival in Berlin. The virtual and real worlds interacted with each other during the premiere. To access the BMW Motorrad MetaRide, you can visit the BMW Motorrad website, the BMW Motorrad social media channels, or directly through the Spatial Metaverse platform. There are also specific links available for direct access to the virtual world.

The virtual BMW Motorrad products showcased in the MetaRide are protected against imitation, similar to their physical counterparts. BMW AG has extended trademark protection to cover virtual goods, including virtual vehicles and virtual clothing.

For press material on BMW motorcycles and rider equipment, please visit the BMW Group PressClub website. If you have any queries, you can contact Dominik Schaidnagel, Spokesperson BMW Motorrad, or Tim Diehl-Thiele, Head of Communications BMW Motorrad.

The BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles, with brands including BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad. It also offers premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group has production sites worldwide and a global sales network. In 2022, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger vehicles and over 202,000 motorcycles. The company focuses on long-term thinking and responsible action, with sustainability and efficient resource management as central pillars of its strategic direction.

For more information, please visit the BMW Group website or follow their social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Motorsport

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe Spotted in Spy Video Wearing Camouflage

The Mercedes-AMG GLC is a high-performance version of the Mercedes-Benz GLC, characterized by its increased power and aggressive design. The coupe variant of this compact SUV combines sporty fastback styling with the performance of an AMG C Class, giving it a distinctive appearance. The latest iteration of the GLC Coupe is expected to be released later this year and has recently been spotted multiple times in public.

Recent sightings include spy photographs of a camouflaged GLC 43 Coupe near the AMG headquarters in January, as well as more recent photos of the GLC 63 Coupe in April, featuring minimal coverings on the front and rear fascias. These sightings have prompted the release of various renderings, including ones from Kolesa.ru. Additionally, walkoARTvideos has now shared a video showcasing the upcoming GLC Coupe.


Motorsport

Watch And Listen As A 33-Year Old Audi 200 I5 Turbo Dominates the Autobahn

In 1990, Audi was facing declining sales and an outdated product line. An unfounded sudden acceleration scandal had damaged the brand’s reputation, resulting in a 50% drop in US sales since 1985. Audi was on the verge of withdrawing from the North American market, similar to Alfa Romeo and Peugeot. However, they decided to focus on their strengths.

Unlike Alfa Romeo and Peugeot, Audi had two advantages: its turbocharged inline-five-cylinder engine and Quattro all-wheel drive system. These technologies were introduced in the 1980s with the original Ur Quattro and the Sport Quattro S1, a powerful rally car. By incorporating the turbo five-cylinder and Quattro AWD into the mild-mannered 200 model, Audi began to regain its prominence.

In its stock form, the 1990 Audi 200 Quattro produced 217 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque from its turbocharged inline-five engine. However, the owner of the metallic brown sedan featured in this video claims that it has been modified to produce 480 horsepower. They describe the car as a “grandpa on steroids” as it takes to the autobahn for a top-speed run.

The distinct growl of the five-cylinder engine fills the air as it idles. Unlike the smoothness of an inline-six engine, the five-cylinder emits a rougher, bear-like sound, conveying both anger and eagerness to accelerate. The car wastes no time in reaching high speeds on the autobahn.

At 5,000 rpm and 180 kph (approximately 112 mph), the Audi 200 maintains a steady course in the left lane. The resonance of the inline-five is reminiscent of Lamborghini Huracan and Audi R8, both equipped with V10 engines that share the uneven pulses of the five-cylinder. As the turbo boost kicks in, the car gains momentum and races towards its 7,000 rpm redline, leaving caution behind.

During the video, the Audi 200 reaches a top speed of 240 kph (approximately 150 mph) before the driver encounters traffic and exercises self-preservation. For comparison, a new Audi S6, considered the modern equivalent of the 200, has a claimed top speed of 155 mph. However, while the Audi S6 may offer a safer and more comfortable driving experience, it lacks the raw excitement provided by the modified Audi 200 as it conquers the autobahn.

Motorsport

Pirelli Introduces New P Zero Trofeo RS as its Best Road Tire for High Performance

Pirelli has unveiled the P Zero Trofeo RS, the latest iteration of its high-performance semi-slick tire. This tire was specifically developed at the request of Pagani Automobili for its Utopia model and is expected to be offered as original equipment for sports cars and supercars.

The P Zero Trofeo RS is a technical advancement of the P Zero Trofeo R, utilizing improved materials for the tread compound. Pirelli claims that it belongs to a new generation of semi-slick tires that deliver superior performance and consistency on dry surfaces. It offers longer-lasting grip for increased speed and safety during track sessions. Additionally, as an OE tire, it provides adequate safety on asphalt, even in slightly wet conditions.

Pirelli utilized new technology and expertise gained from its involvement in top-level motorsports to meet the requirements of auto manufacturers like Pagani. As a result, the P Zero Trofeo RS features a multi-compound tread, allowing customization to match the characteristics of different vehicles. This ensures that the tire complements the car’s specific tread pattern compounds from Pirelli’s Prestige catalog.

An additional innovation employed by Pirelli is Virtual Geometry Development. This approach enabled Pirelli engineers to evaluate numerous profiles and footprints through virtual modeling. Coupled with the multi-compound tread, it maximized the precision of the P Zero Trofeo RS and improved responsiveness to driver inputs.

Extensive application of Virtual Geometry Development was carried out for the Pagani Utopia prior to on-track testing of the first prototype vehicles. This development focused on optimizing the contact patch for ultimate grip and control. Compared to the originally requested P Zero Corsa tires, the P Zero Trofeo RS enhances the Utopia’s performance in extreme driving conditions while also improving ease and predictability on the road without compromising the driver’s experience.

Aside from the Pagani Utopia, the new P Zero Trofeo RS tires are also available as original equipment on the Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Pirelli plans to offer them as a future aftermarket option for various high-performance vehicles, including those produced by Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini.

Motorsport

Young Driver Involved in Slowest Rollover Crash in History After Hitting a Pothole

We have all been in that situation: learning how to drive with a parent or someone else in the passenger seat, providing instructions that will stay with us for the rest of our driving lives. Sometimes, it goes smoothly, but other times, mistakes happen, and there is little the passenger can do, especially if the teenager is driving a car without dual controls.

Such an incident occurred in a video captured in Bloomington, Indiana, where a young man was being taught how to drive on country lanes by his father. The father remained calm and gave instructions, but at one point, they encountered a massive pothole in the middle of an intersection. The teenager tried to avoid it, but due to his lack of experience with the pedals and steering wheel, he was unable to correct the steering in time. As a result, the car ended up climbing a retaining wall on the right side of the road.

Despite the low speed, the car ended up rolling over on its side, breaking a window and abruptly ending the driving lesson. Although the language may have changed during the incident, both individuals remained calm. Fortunately, it appears that both the father and the son escaped the crash without any injuries.

It is essential to remember that while car crashes can be entertaining in some contexts, the most crucial outcome is that everyone involved remains safe. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of personal safety.

Feel free to share your thoughts on this incident in the comments section below.

Motorsport

Mazda RX-7 Banned from Nurburgring for Being Too Loud

The Mazda RX-7, specifically the third-generation model, is highly regarded in the car community. Released in 1992, this Japanese sports car impressed enthusiasts with its tiny 1.3-liter twin-rotor Wankel engine, which produced an impressive 252 horsepower.

With its light weight of around 2,700 pounds (1,224 kilograms) and its potential for modifications, the RX-7 became a favorite among tuners and has managed to compete with more modern rivals even today, 31 years after its debut. A video featured on this page showcases a slightly modified RX-7 being driven by YouTuber Misha Charoudin at the famous Nurburgring, demonstrating the car’s capabilities.

The car features stock brakes and semi-slick tires from Zeknova, a Japanese brand, mounted on Volk TE 37 forged aluminum wheels. The engine is also a stock two-rotor Wankel, which has been rebuilt and equipped with a single turbocharger conversion, replacing the original sequential twin-turbo setup. Although not as extreme as a 12-rotor engine, the modified motor produces around 400 horsepower, which is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. The car does not have traction control or ABS, and the suspension has undergone minimal upgrades, such as stronger bushings.

The performance of the RX-7 is remarkable. Once the turbo spools up around 4,500 rpm, the tachometer and speedometer soar rapidly. In fact, the car is so fast that the original speed gauge, which goes up to 180 kilometers per hour (111 miles per hour), is inadequate for the car’s top speed. During the run, the orange needle on the gauge surpasses the maximum limit multiple times, highlighting the impressive performance of this 28-year-old vehicle.

In a race against various cars from BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and others, the lightly modified RX-7 outperforms most competitors. However, a yellow Peugeot 307 manages to stay ahead for a while, and a Porsche 911 and Cayman effortlessly overtake the RX-7.

Misha Charoudin completes a single lap in the RX-7, and by the end, the brakes are noticeably strained, making a second lap unwise. Additionally, the car’s loud exhaust sound during full acceleration means it would not have been permitted for another run anyway. According to Nurburgring rules, the static noise level of a car must not exceed 95 decibels, while the drive-by noise limit is set at 130 dB. It is likely that the RX-7 exceeded these noise limits.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the performance and experience of the Mazda RX-7 at the Nurburgring by leaving comments below the video.

News

Singer to Showcase 690bhp DLS Restomod at Goodwood

Restomod company Singer is set to unveil its new DLS at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. The DLS, made with a carbon fiber body, is a tribute to the Porsche 934/5 endurance racer from the 1970s that won six out of eight races in the 1977 SCCA Trans-Am series.

Two cars will be showcased at Goodwood and Car Week in California, one in Blood Orange and the other in Moet Blanc. The Blood Orange DLS, expected to be at Goodwood, is built specifically for the track with an adjustable rear wing and front splitter. On the other hand, the second car is designed for road use, featuring a rear ducktail spoiler and a milder front bumper. Customers can choose either configuration when ordering.

The DLS, based on the 964-generation 911 sports car, incorporates insights from two previous Singer projects, the Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (DLS) and the Turbo Study. Its aerodynamically optimized bodywork is designed to cool the already powerful engine. It features a central front intake, a vented bonnet, and intakes on the rear fender. Naca ducts in the body enhance the braking and turbocharger cooling.

Under the hood, the DLS boasts a 3.8-liter flat-six engine with two electric wastegate-equipped turbochargers and air-to-water cooling. The engine achieves a remarkable 690bhp with a redline of 9000rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

Car review

Tesla Model S Plaid

The Tesla Model S Plaid is an impressive electric vehicle in terms of its drivetrain engineering. It can go from 0 to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds, although not quite as fast as Tesla’s claimed time of 2.1 seconds. The car’s efficiency is also noteworthy, with a 3.3 miles per kilowatt-hour rating, resulting in a range of 373 miles. Furthermore, the Model S Plaid can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 29 minutes.

Tesla has prioritized the drivetrain and the 17-inch touchscreen in the Model S Plaid. However, there are some aspects where compromises have been made. The interior, for example, used to have a less luxurious and more basic feel to it. Although it still falls short of the indulgence of a Porsche, it has improved and now offers better materials and a more practical design. The interior is minimalist, with Tesla even removing the column stalks for the wipers, indicators, and drive selector. Surprisingly, most people don’t miss those stalks, but some may feel that traditional controls could provide a slightly better user experience.

One area where the Tesla Model S Plaid falls short compared to the Porsche Taycan is in terms of chassis and refinement. The car is quite noisy on the motorway, and while the ride is satisfactory, it’s not exceptional. There are also noticeable low-level vibrations through the steering wheel, making it less enjoyable to explore the car’s handling capabilities.

One of the biggest issues with the Model S Plaid is its steering. While the round wheel (instead of the controversial yoke) is well-weighted and has a self-centering feature, it doesn’t provide much feedback about the level of grip. Despite having torque vectoring capabilities, the car doesn’t make you feel the effects of it significantly.

When pushed to its limits, the front of the Model S Plaid tends to understeer, even with the stability control system actively intervening. Overall, the car’s size and weight distribution can make it feel less confident on winding roads.

News

Archive special: The Birth of the Ford Fiesta

The final production of the Ford Fiesta is happening today at Ford’s factory in Cologne, marking the end of almost 50 years of production.

The history of the Ford Fiesta goes back further than you might think. Ford had never entered the ‘mini’ car market in Europe before. Instead, in 1958, they chose to follow up the Anglia with another family car – the Cortina. This decision was based on the belief that the Cortina would be a more successful venture. This belief was supported by a thorough examination of Austin’s new Mini in 1959.

However, as the Mini became a huge success and gained competition from the Hillman Imp and Fiat 127, Ford decided to reconsider their approach.

This led to the creation of a prototype that gained initial approval from management in 1970. Following that, Ford’s global empire split the project into different branches.

One of the most successful branches was the design house Ghia in Italy. They showcased the advantages of front-wheel drive (FWD). Soon after, in September 1972, Ford allocated $1 billion for ‘Project Bobcat’ – despite boss Henry Ford II still holding the belief that small cars only generated small profits. (This disproves the notion that the Fiesta was solely a response to the 1973 oil crisis.)

End of an era: The Ford Fiesta story

Recognizing the importance of meeting consumer demands, Ford conducted an extensive market research project. The project was one of the most expensive at the time and involved randomly selecting drivers from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain to evaluate various prototypes.

The research revealed that the Fiesta was the perfect size for all countries and that FWD was highly preferred. Further research in 1973 showed that the car should be a hatchback, as hatchbacks were increasingly popular due to their added practicality compared to sedans.

Additionally, research conducted in San Francisco indicated that Americans also showed interest in the car, which led to plans for US sales. As a result, production expanded beyond Cologne, Saarlouis, and a newly built factory in Valencia, to include Dagenham as well.

News

Toyota GR ‘critical’ for revitalizing Corolla and Prius models

The Toyota GR will play a crucial role in reinvigorating the reputation of its long-standing models, including the Prius and Corolla, according to Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda in an interview with Autocar.

Toyoda emphasized the power of motorsport in enhancing desirability and profitability. He specifically mentioned the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition, a special edition Prius inspired by racing and designed to commemorate the hybrid technology that helped the car win five races between 2018 and 2022.

Toyoda explained how the Prius became an iconic nameplate by pioneering hybrid technology and breaking the mold of traditional class segments. However, to approach the Prius from a different angle, Toyota decided to create a motorsport-inspired version of the vehicle.

A similar approach applies to the Corolla. While many people associate it with a mass-produced sedan loved by the public, Toyoda drove a hydrogen engine-powered Corolla at Le Mans. Additionally, the GR Corolla is priced significantly higher than the standard model, adding a new level of appeal to the nameplate.

The GR branding has the potential to push up the price of these vehicles and bring a fresh attractiveness to these long-standing models, according to Toyoda. Essentially, Toyota’s strategy involves rebranding these popular vehicles.

The Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition is 90mm longer, 50mm wider, and sits 30mm lower than the standard model. It also features widened front and rear tracks by 40mm. The edition showcases mini-inverters mounted directly onto the electric motor, as well as silicon carbide semiconductors and improved cooling.