Tag Archives: 1999

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JEREMY MCGRATH AND THE SUPERCROSS-ONLY CONTRACT–CLASSIC DECOSTER

In 1999, Jeremy McGrath already had extra Supercross wins than anybody else, and he wasn’t even near being carried out–in Supercross. His outside profession was drawing to a detailed. This prompted Roger DeCoster to invest on the ramifications of the Supercross specialists of the long run. Here’s what he mentioned within the August, 1999 situation of Dirt Bike.

Jeremy McGrath simply isn’t regular. If  he retains going at this fee, he could have extra profession supercross wins than the subsequent ten guys put collectively. It’s unimaginable to provide you with a report he hasn’t damaged on the earth of Supercross. Having a recognizable famous person in our sport is nice. But this can be a little ridiculous. Riders are negotiating their contracts based mostly on how shut behind McGrath they keep. And if he’s getting any slower with age, frankly, I can’t inform. Of course, if somebody needs to be this dominant, I’m glad it’s Jeremy. He has work ethic, he’s good with followers, he has some stage of non-public integrity. On high of that, Jeremy is likely to be one of many causes that we’re doing so effectively. There are extra spectators watching MX than ever earlier than, and bike gross sales are up at each stage. Face it, there are quite a lot of children on the market who need to be identical to Jeremy. 

Having mentioned all that, I have to level out that he has put our sport on a really harmful course. I’m referring to his supercross-only contract. He rode the primary outside nationwide at Glen Helen just because it’s near house. After that, his season is formally over. In order to earn his pay, he doesn’t must swing a leg over a bike till the 12 months 2000. Sure, McGrath is in a singular bargaining place. He’s the highest man, so his backers must associate with something he says. But use your creativeness for a second and take into consideration the precedent he has set. 

  • In the brief run, promoters will need to have extra Supercrosses. If you need to have the highest rider, you’ll be able to’t do it by holding a National. 
  • Fans who need to see the highest rider within the nation can’t do it by shopping for a ticket for a nationwide. They have to attend for subsequent 12 months’s Supercross. 
  • Even the opposite riders will endure from not having McGrath round. They can be taught rather a lot from watching him on the observe and within the pits. Remember; he nonetheless needs to be thought of the very best American outside rider as effectively. 
  • In the long term, it begins a ball rolling that may proceed lengthy after Jeremy is gone. 
  • If extra riders are profitable on this  sort of specialization, then finally  there may very well be two utterly completely different: units of riders, virtually like highway racers and motocrossers. 
  • Factory groups will then must divide their sources between a Supercross group and a nationwide group.  
  • Eventually, there could be date conflicts between Supercrosses and nationals. If they use two completely different units of riders, then why not? 
  • Nationals will inevitably lose status. They have already got, to some extent. Outdoor racing might finally maintain the place that four-stroke racing or Arenacross at present holds. That will imply fewer MX tracks for all of us to journey, 12 months spherical. 
  • The stage of driving capability will in all probability drop, even in supercross. Without the outside races to maintain them in form, riders will develop into much less match. We in all probability gained’t discover it till European riders begin beating us increasingly usually. Supercross is extra of a psychological train, requiring eager steadiness, timing and nerve. Fitness is a key ingredient, however not practically to the extent of out of doors racing. 

A Supercross-only profession definitely sounds interesting. You don’t must work all 12 months lengthy. You don’t have to coach as onerous. You don’t have to remain in crummy motels in the midst of nowhere. You don’t must stand up early and stand in some dusty, sizzling discipline from 7:00 a.m. till darkish. You get to remain close to the stadium in a pleasant resort. Right now, the Supercross-only rider may very well be carried out along with his season in 4 months, then play for half a 12 months. He can in all probability get critical about coaching within the final two months earlier than the season picks up once more. And think about this: Right now everyone seems to be watching us. There are some crucial individuals within the discipline of automobile racing who’re impressed with our sport. I lately had an opportunity to fulfill with a few of them, and I used to be shocked on the respect that they had for us. They see us as powerful guys in a troublesome sport the place the quickest man normally wins. Motocross and even Supercross aren’t simply “shows” the place the outcomes are dictated by politics and cash. That alone needs to be sufficient purpose to ensure we don’t lose our greatest property. 

I’m not saying that Jeremy McGrath doesn’t deserve particular therapy. He does. How can we disregard the desires of somebody who has gained extra races than anybody else and been so good with the followers and to our sport? I’d don’t have any drawback if the AMA made a rule that as a way to have the identical alternative, a rider wants to attain at the very least 60 or 70 wins. That ought to slim the sphere of would-be supercross-only riders! 

Frankly, proper now we are able to’t afford to deal with anybody else this fashion. Even although the game of Supercross is raking in extra money than ever earlier than, 90 % of the price of racing is being fronted by the 4 Japanese producers. They can’t afford to double their group dimension. Yes, the riders and the groups do want extra day without work (one week between the top of the supercross sequence and the beginning of the outside isn’t fairly sufficient). But taking half the 12 months off and neglecting the nationals isn’t the reply. 

If there are going to be modifications, I’d wish to see a return of the Grand National Number One. Remember that? It mixed supercross and outside factors, and David Bailey carried the plate the final time it was used (1983). Riders may not be so desperate to journey Supercross provided that it meant letting another person carry a number-one plate, one that may be much more prestigious than the Supercross one. So how frightened am I? After saying all this, how possible do I feel it’s that the Supercross-only contract would be the wave of the long run? Do I feel that we’re heading inevitably towards all of the dangerous issues I’ve listed above? 

No. I don’t see something like this coming for a very long time. In all honesty, I gained’t begin worrying till there’s one other McGrath. And that is likely to be some time. 

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1999, WHEN KTM GOT SERIOUS ABOUT FOUR-STROKES: THE WEEKLY FEED

Back in 1999, KTM was a two-stroke firm. The LC4 was a playbike that had been hammered right into a racing function by just a few passionate engineers, riders and mechanics, but it surely was dated and the arrival of the Yamaha YZ400F compelled KTM to behave shortly. The fast answer was to purchase Husaberg and use that firm’s know-how to jump-start a brand new program of Racing Four-Strokes (appropriately named the “RFS” engines). In 1999, KTM raced the World Enduro Championship on prototype four-strokes and gained the 400 class, Then they invited Dirt Bike to the positioning of the ultimate spherical to experience the prototypes. Here is what we mentioned within the October, 1999 situation.

Fabio Farioli was one of many racer/growth riders on the RFS program.

Of all the brand new four-strokes on the horizon, from the mysterious rumored Honda to the spacey new Cannondale, solely the KTM will come into the world with assured success. How?
Before the primary one rolls off the meeting line, earlier than the primary vendor sells one, it already shall be a world champion. The growth for the brand new bike was completed in European races and within the course of, Giovanni Sala gained the 400cc Enduro championship, wrapping it up on the ultimate spherical in Dvur Kralove, Czechoslovakia. The day after that occurred, the world-traveling editorial workers of Dirt Bike confirmed up in Dvur Kralove (pronounced with nice problem) to experience Sala’s preproduction 400 EXC, in addition to Kari Tiainen’s 520cc model. The racing season was completed, so that they figured regardless of how badly we bent up the bike, it wouldn’t matter. Naturally, we abused the privilege as a lot as potential.


The bikes we rode have been the enduro variations. The motocrossers have been being developed underneath a special program with Peter Johansson and Shayne King nonetheless within the thick of the GP wars. The bikes are moist sump (oil carried within the case) six-speeds with a single chain-driven overhead cam, four-valves and electrical beginning. If that sounds very Husaberg-like, then you definitely win the house model of our new Technical Word Association Jeopardy. KTM engineers took a detailed have a look at the Husaberg motor earlier than beginning. In reality, for the primary few races, the bikes truly used Husaberg heads. Other concepts have been taken from Japan. The drive chain is on the left facet. And the bike could have just about the identical carburetor that got here inventory on the 1999 Yamaha YZ400, electronically wired right into a Kokusan ignition. Like the YZ, the KTM’s throttle opening helps decide ignition timing. KTM doesn’t thoughts sourcing components from Japan–the Austrian engineers complain that it takes a very long time to have something custom-designed by the Japanese, however when it’s lastly finished, it’s proper the primary time. A few attention-grabbing notes: The new four-stroke motor is definitely somewhat narrower than the prevailing KTM two-stroke motor. That’s spectacular, contemplating it has an additional gear set inside (no less than within the enduro model. The motocrosser shall be a four-speed with out electrical beginning). The motor is wedged into the prevailing KTM two-stroke chassis with as few adjustments as potential. The engine has two header pipes, each exiting between wishbone downtubes and main again to an extremely quiet muffler. The bike is somewhat taller from the pegs to the seat than the two-stroke-that’s effective for riders of medium peak, as a result of some thought-about the prevailing KTM driving place to be somewhat cramped.
Now for the Big Number. According to KTM engineers (these are the blokes who use actual numbers, versus the advertising and marketing guys, who use Monopoly numbers), the enduro bike with full lights, electrical starter and kickstand, in both 400 or 520 model, will weigh 115 kilos. Multiply that by 2.2 on the Dirt Bike calculator and also you get 253 kilos, or about as a lot as a Yamaha YZ400 motocrosser.

The 400 and the 520 have been just about an identical from outward look.

Unfortunately, Czech customs wouldn’t let the fabulously correct Dirt Bike atomic scale into the nation. But we imagine the burden determine. Sure, it has an electrical starter and a battery, however the Yamaha has an additional cam, a counterbalancer and a motor that’s bodily about 20 % bigger. When you elevate the KTM off the stand, it feels about as heavy because it ought to really feel. When you get on board, it feels as slim and small because it ought to really feel, if it have been a two-stroke.
Forget all of the shallow-end-first enterprise; we rode the 520 first. It’s quick. Way quick. If you recognize what a Husaberg 501 motor seems like, then you definitely’ve bought a lot of the image. The KTM has that very same low-end snap adopted by a protracted, arduous pull. It’s not as a lot of a revver as both a Yamaha or a Husaberg, however that’s effective. By the time you get to the upper revs, you don’t need any extra. The motor is tremendous responsive. You don’t have to attend round for it to lumber up to the mark like older KTM four-strokes. When you open the throttle, issues occur quick, extra like a Yamaha. And it’s making all this energy with a full-enduro muffler. We can solely guess what the MX model shall be like.
Is it too quick? That is dependent upon what you intend to do with it. In actually tight woods, it is perhaps a handful. But the bike feels so mild, it’s arduous to get into an excessive amount of bother. It actually does deal with identical to a KTM two-stroke. These days, that’s arduous to beat. KTM misplaced the funky Euro-bike really feel years in the past. You can bounce off a Japanese bike onto the 520 and really feel proper at dwelling. The suspension on our take a look at bike was nice. Actually, we rode two totally different 520s: Kari Tiainen’s and Fabio Farioli’s. Both bikes had WP inverted forks and PDS no-linkage rear suspension, however they have been arrange for these specific riders. Tiainen’s was softer than Farioli’s, however chances are high that the manufacturing model shall be softer nonetheless. The race bikes additionally had some impractical touches like super-short-life fork seals that don’t have any friction, however solely final a day or so. They have been actually plush however have been weeping by the top of the take a look at session.·

The manufacturing variations of KTM’s new four-strokes arrived in 2000. They had electrical begin, which finally caught on with different producers, however it will take 10 years.

After driving the massive bike, the 400 felt precisely such as you would anticipate. It’s a mellow 520. That means it’s simpler to experience and extra enjoyable within the tight stuff. It clearly isn’t as quick because the 520 (thank goodness), but it surely’s simply as responsive. Again, it’s arduous to not make comparisons to a Husaberg. We know, that doesn’t do 99.9 % of the world at massive a lot good. But the remaining 0.1 % of you’ll discover the bike’s descendancy from a ‘Berg 400 right away. For the rest of you, the power is a cross between Yamaha WR400 and Honda XR400. The bike doesn’t rev as excessive as a Yamaha, and it makes most of its energy proper within the center. We would guess that in a turn-to-turn drag race with an unplugged WR, the KTM may lose just a bit floor. But it’s a must to do not forget that an unplugged WR is simply that: unplugged and tremendous loud. If you managed to get the Yamaha right down to the identical noise degree because the KTM, it will be extra equal. And should you left the inventory plug within the WR pipe, the KTM would stroll away.
Is there something that wasn’t excellent throughout our transient take a look at experience? Tiainen’s bike had a slight carburetion glitch–the bike would hiccup on jumps. It may need been the results of an exhaust leak. Remember, it had been raced in a world championship enduro around the day earlier than. Farioli’s bike was effective. All the bikes appeared to run somewhat sizzling, which is typical of wet-sump motors. But after hours of driving on a sizzling day, not one of the machines steamed or boiled. Not that we didn’t attempt.

KTM nonetheless produced the LC4 in 1999. It was an honest bike with 10 years of refinement, but it surely was no racer. Lance Smail and Tom Moen bought one to carry out in Supercross, but it surely was no straightforward activity.

… there’s nonetheless that magic button. Electric starters on dust bikes have been round lengthy sufficient now that they’re no danger anymore. We’ve by no means had a failure that’s extra critical than a lifeless battery. Just to say we did, we began the 520 with the kickstarter as soon as. It fired proper up. KTM engineers say that the battery and the starter value about 15 kilos. On any four-stroke, that’s weight effectively spent. No matter how easy the drill is, there are riders who won’t ever grasp the artwork of kickstarting a thumper. Even they, nevertheless, can push a button. Will the manufacturing variations be nearly as good because the race hikes that we rode? Will the bikes acquire weight within the course of? Will the bikes be nearly as good on American soil as they have been in Czecho? We’ll have to attend just a few months to seek out out. KTM is now transferring into a brand new 80,000 square-foot manufacturing facility and the four-strokes will begin rolling off that meeting line in December. We’re not scared, although. If the true issues are half nearly as good because the bikes we rode, we’re going to have a enjoyable 12 months.

REMEMBER THIS ONE?

While we have been trying again at 1999, we got here throughout Jeremy’s tribute to the Austin Powers film sequence. Awesome.

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BMW

Statement Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, BMW Group Annual Conference 2024

Statement Part I – Vision Neue Klasse X

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In 1999 — 25 years in the past — BMW offered the primary X5, and with it established the sporty SAV section. Since then, the X Family has been a pillar of the BMW model, with round 12 million X autos bought worldwide. Today, the X household covers all buyer needs on this section — from the premium compact class with the X1 to the luxurious class with the X7 and XM.

Now, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X appears forward to the way forward for BMW and a very new technology of BMW X fashions. This future doesn’t begin on some far-off date – it begins subsequent yr, after we flip imaginative and prescient right into a actuality that our clients can expertise for themselves.

Last yr, we offered the BMW Vision Neue Klasse on the IAA Mobility, an outlook of what a sporty sedan from the NEUE KLASSE might appear like. Because we aren’t simply ramping-up e-mobility in area of interest fashions – however in our most profitable, highest-volume segments.

From 2025 on, we anticipate demand for all-electric autos to extend considerably. That is exactly after we will probably be releasing the NEUE KLASSE onto the market. The NEUE KLASSE represents a begin into a very new mannequin technology. It is redefining the BMW model. With the NEUE KLASSE, we’re taking BMW into the long run:
in design, expertise and the philosophy of the model.

For the primary time, we’re showcasing the systematic implementation of the automotive {industry}’s three main areas of future mobility mixed. This means: electrical, absolutely digital, and with a transparent give attention to sustainability. We have considerably improved every of those elements.

Take the sixth technology of our battery cells, which we are going to use for the primary time within the NEUE KLASSE: Quantum leaps in vitality density will present our clients 30 per cent extra vary and 30 per cent quicker charging. The potential of digitalization can be skilled within the NEUE KLASSE in completely new methods. This is made potential by 4 utterly new digital management models. Each one comes with computing energy that’s as much as ten occasions quicker than present methods.

Our utterly redesigned iDrive redefines the interface between people and machines. At the identical time, we’re additionally making spectacular advances within the area of sustainability.

We are turning all of the dials. In this manner, we will considerably cut back our merchandise’ carbon footprint and transfer even nearer to round use of uncooked supplies. We are sticking to this path – additionally as a result of our clients anticipate it from us.

And a very powerful factor is: These developments don’t simply profit the NEUE KLASSE, they profit all future BMW fashions.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

All of this exhibits that: With the NEUE KLASSE, we aren’t simply opening the following chapter within the historical past of mobility – we’re writing an entire new e-book: More Sheer Driving Pleasure. More digital experiences.

More sustainability.

In different phrases: More BMW than ever earlier than.

Statement Part II – company messages

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

You definitely couldn’t ask for extra BMW or extra future! With the NEUE KLASSE, we’re rethinking particular person mobility from the bottom up. And what’s extra constant than to use this new method to every little thing that defines the core of the BMW model?

First of all, that refers back to the BMW X philosophy embodied by the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X. But sportiness can be on the coronary heart of each BMW. And it’s this attribute that the BMW Vision Neue Klasse utterly reimagines in a sporty sedan.

Today, you possibly can see each Vision Vehicles collectively on one stage for the primary time. On the one hand, it exhibits how constant the NEUE KLASSE is – by way of design, expertise and the related parameters for sustainability. On the opposite, it demonstrates how broad the NEUE KLASSE is. Here, you possibly can see the 2 bookends of what we will think about. But there’s nonetheless loads of room for different fashions and improvements in-between.

I can promise you at the moment that: We will probably be taking each of those Vision Vehicles from the stage to the roads in a really comparable type very quickly. At least six completely different NEUE KLASSE fashions will probably be launched within the first 24 months following the beginning of manufacturing. I name this an unprecedented and extremely bold timeline. But if anybody can do it, then it’s us at BMW.

The NEUE KLASSE will considerably speed up our ramp-up of e-mobility as soon as once more. But BEVs – together with our fashions within the higher premium and luxurious section – are already our largest development drivers. Last yr, we bought greater than 375,000 all-electric autos.

This yr, as soon as once more, our fully-electric autos ought to see important double-digit development.

We will quickly have bought multiple million BEVs worldwide. Including plug-in hybrids, we already handed the milestone of two million electrified autos. Plug-in hybrids are particularly common with our European clients. That is among the explanation why it solely took us simply over two years to double our general xEV deliveries from one to 2 million.

For the BMW Group general, we’re anticipating a slight enhance in gross sales in 2024. The basis for that is our big selection of drive applied sciences, all of which we’re systematically additional creating.

In this manner, we will guarantee we all the time supply the correct services on the proper time.

This additionally considerably reduces our carbon footprint. At the top of 2023, we outperformed the CO2 restrict set for us by the European Union by greater than 20 %. This exhibits that our technique not solely displays buyer necessities, but in addition ensures efficient CO2 discount. Climate safety can’t be achieved efficiently if it doesn’t take buyer wants into consideration. It simply does not work. That is why we consider a complete evaluation of CO2 fleet laws within the EU is important. Regulatory frameworks that ignore buyer wants and market realities can’t be profitable.

Especially, if they’re unable to create the required situations for different applied sciences. Then, they solely present goals however exclude potential options. By the top of this yr, we may have greater than 15 fully-electric fashions in our line-up – from MINI, BMW and
Rolls-Royce in addition to BMW Motorrad.

No matter if on two wheels or on 4 wheels – we all the time supply the very best of every little thing. As promised, we provide at the least one all-electric mannequin for each model in addition to in each one in every of our core segments. This dynamism is mirrored in our share of the worldwide BEV market: At 4.1 %, it’s already considerably larger than our share of the entire international market, which is at 3.3 %.

We nonetheless anticipate half our deliveries to be all-electric earlier than 2030. However, development in BEVs worldwide is just not linear. That was all the time clear to us. Development is risky and market-specific, on account of a number of elements. We stay as versatile as potential – that has been our technique for years and we’ve got mirrored that effectively in our architectures. We proceed to prudently steer our BEV ramp-up consistent with differentiated demand in international areas. And we’ve got been profitable.

For us, you will need to all the time keep a sensible view of the event of e-mobility. BEV development doesn’t profit from a purely ideological method, however from long-term planning and constant implementation of objectives. That is why we’re creating the best-possible situations for this in our manufacturing community and provide chain – on a world scale.

The first manufacturing autos of the NEUE KLASSE will begin rolling off the road at our new Plant Debrecen within the second half of 2025. That is the place the primary SAV mannequin on our new fully-electric structure will probably be launched. The sporty sedan, however, will ramp up from 2026 at our Plant Munich, which we’re at the moment gearing up for the beginning of manufacturing.

Every second BMW produced at Plant Munich is already absolutely electrical at the moment. From late 2027 onwards, our greater than 100-year-old important plant will completely construct electrical autos. We may even be manufacturing the NEUE KLASSE at our vegetation in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and Shenyang, China. This completely demonstrates: Whether at a greenfield website or a standard location, whether or not in Europe, Asia or the Americas – we’re mastering the complexity and main all our manufacturing websites into the long run.

As , to grasp e-mobility you want highly effective batteries.

We have made it our mission to grasp each side of battery cells – from cell composition and cell format, all the best way to industrial manufacturing.

We are capable of recreate your complete course of at our Battery Cell Competence Centre in Munich and the Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre in Parsdorf in Bavaria.

We are additionally making use of our native for native precept to cell manufacturing for our batteries. Facilities will probably be situated in direct proximity to our car vegetation. This has led us to construct our personal manufacturing amenities for Gen5, as we at the moment are doing in Thailand, and for the sixth technology of BMW high-voltage batteries in Hungary, the US, Mexico and China. This ensures brief transport distances and secures our provide towards unexpected occasions across the globe.

From 2026, Gen6 batteries for our vegetation in Bavaria will come from our new location in Irlbach-Straßkirchen. Establishing an industrial website like that is not a simple course of – particularly in Germany. We sought frank and open dialogue with residents within the early levels and defined the sustainable design and benefits of our location in Lower Bavaria to them.

This is how we construct belief. We are very happy that residents voted strongly in assist of our new website. We see this as affirmation of our efforts. The way forward for e-mobility additionally entails integrating autos into the facility grid: With the NEUE KLASSE, we’re introducing bi-directional charging, which we’ve got already examined extensively. Our clients can feed electrical vitality saved within the car again into their very own home, electrical units like your e-bike or the general public energy grid: This lowers electrical energy prices and helps stabilise networks.

As you possibly can see: With the NEUE KLASSE, we’re taking mobility to a brand new stage and, on the similar time, changing into a wholly new firm.

All BMW fashions will profit from the improvements of the NEUE KLASSE.

That means: In the close to future, you’ll recognise the NEUE KLASSE in each BMW.

Our BMW Motorrad model is effectively on its approach to emission-free mobility in city areas. I wish to experience a motorcycle myself, each time I’ve the time. So, I’m delighted that we’re launching many new fashions this yr. Three of them stand out significantly:

Here, you possibly can see the brand new CE02.

It is the second fully-electric mannequin after the CE04, standing subsequent to it, which is the undisputed market chief in its section. There is one thing particular in regards to the new CE02 that makes it significantly interesting to younger folks: In Germany and different international locations, you solely must be 15 to experience it.

The M 1000 XR is already the second M bike mannequin.
There are additionally a variety of followers eagerly awaiting the R 1300 GS Adventure. A complete providing on two wheels: Whatever clients are in search of, they’ll discover it at BMW Motorrad.

Just like BMW Motorrad, our MINI model has a passionate fan group across the globe. With our NEW MINI Famliy we’re taking the model into a brand new dimension. Just because the NEUE KLASSE is doing for the BMW model.

Now, MINI is gearing up for a world premiere: the Aceman.

This would be the third member of the NEW MINI Family and the primary MINI we’re providing completely as an all-electric car. Even if it’s nonetheless camouflaged — I can promise you: It is unmistakeably a MINI – in and out: signature design, go-kart feeling and digitally in tune with the occasions. And all this mixed with a minimal ecological footprint. That describes not solely the Aceman, however your complete New MINI household.

The Aceman fills the hole between the Cooper and the Countryman, which has grown considerably larger. The all-new Countryman has been effectively obtained – whether or not with a combustion engine or all-electric. And the all-new Cooper, which will probably be out there beginning in May, is already bought out for the following 4 months.

Our NEW MINI household will probably be constructed at our Spotlight three way partnership in China; in Oxford, UK, and, for the primary time, in Germany, at Plant Leipzig. In the second half of the yr, we are going to launch the all-new MINI Convertible which many followers are eagerly ready for.

Together with the 5-door MINI Cooper, our NEW MINI household will then be full. And now let’s bounce from one finish of our portfolio to the opposite. From the MINI typical Go-Kart-Feeling to our ultra-luxury marque.

Spectre* is the primary battery-electric Rolls-Royce mannequin to hit the showrooms. With its all-electric drive practice we’re bringing the driving expertise at Rolls-Royce to an entire new stage: that feels easy identical to a magic carpet experience.

We have by no means had so many pre-orders for a Rolls-Royce mannequin. This exhibits that our unique clients acknowledge how completely Rolls-Royce and electrification match collectively. Rolls-Royce is an unparalleled success story. Our luxurious model, with its distinctive product portfolio, has by no means been as sturdy and as differentiated as it’s at the moment. And let’s not overlook the numerous contribution margin it earns for the corporate.

And, now, Ladies and Gentlemen, as promised:

the brand new BMW 5 Series Touring!

BMW is the place Touring meets e-drive: No one else on this section has a car like this on supply. The i5* Touring will probably be out there from May. It delivers an electrical vary of over 500 kilometres and is particularly common in Europe.

The 5 Series Sedan and the i5 may even be out there completely in China with an extended wheelbase. Both will probably be constructed at BMW Brilliance Plant Dadong.

Our high-performance model BMW M additionally presents a technological spectrum: With the i4 M50*, the i5 M60* and the i7 M70* we’ve got
three all-electric fashions on supply. And by the best way, the all-electric i4 M50 is but once more our best-selling M mannequin.

This yr, followers can particularly sit up for the brand new version of the M5 – first, as a sedan, and later, additionally as a Touring. Both M variants include a powerful partially electrified drive practice. With the BMW M hybrid system, they’re able to drive greater than 70 kilometres on electrical energy alone.

Our plug-in hybrids stay an essential factor of our drivetrain portfolio. Why? Because they supply a lift to e-mobility that shouldn’t be underestimated. Many clients uncover and are available to understand the benefits of electrical driving on this manner.

The 5 Series and the 5 Series Touring are concrete examples of how BMW is implementing quite a lot of drivetrains to satisfy very numerous buyer wants.

All of that is based mostly on our versatile structure, which allows us to cowl your complete spectrum: from highly effective BEVs to good plug-in-hybrids to extremely environment friendly combustion engines and high-performance M fashions.

The success of this method has been mirrored in our key figures for a number of years — in gross sales and revenue margins. With our broad technological method we’re already considering one step forward: We have been testing the BMW iX5 Hydrogen* in chosen international locations underneath on a regular basis situations since final yr.

Our pilot fleet’s world tour has raised consciousness of the position hydrogen can play within the vitality transition – not only for mobility, however industry-wide. Our autos carried out effectively underneath varied local weather and site visitors situations, and the general public response has been overwhelmingly optimistic.

This was no shock to us, since hydrogen gasoline cell drivetrains mix the very best of each worlds: the benefits of an emission-free e-drive with the quick refuelling individuals are used to. That’s why we see hydrogen as a further different drive expertise that would make a variety of sense within the mid to long run.

For us, our aspiration to be sturdy tomorrow means being already sturdy at the moment.

This is particularly true of the brand new version of our best-selling X mannequin, the BMW X3, which will probably be launched later this yr. The new X3 will probably be out there with a selection of extremely environment friendly combustion engines or as a plug-in hybrid.

At the identical time, we’re making ready for the following main leap: The NEUE KLASSE is constructed on a separate new structure – already tailor-made at the moment to the electrical autos of tomorrow. This allows us to make the very best use of economies of scale as demand for electrical fashions grows.

Vehicle architectures are essential, however they aren’t the decisive lever – that might be our expertise clusters. They allow improvements and technological advances to be scaled effectively throughout all architectures. Behind it is a modular precept that enables us to roll out applied sciences to completely different car ideas and segments.

This ensures that the improvements of the NEUE KLASSE will profit your complete BMW mannequin line-up within the coming years.

We don’t divide our merchandise into “old” and “new”, however all the time supply our clients the newest expertise – whatever the car’s powertrain.

We are utilizing the NEUE KLASSE as our innovation and expertise booster for your complete portfolio and for all main future mobility subjects that we implement in our autos, together with design.

The NEUE KLASSE is our impulse, initiator and enabler to roll out new applied sciences over the following few years. As you possibly can see: We will proceed to serve all markets based on their wants, offering prime merchandise in all segments. The full vary of 4 drive applied sciences, no matter which structure they’re constructed on, is only one side right here.

The BMW Group is a tech firm. The means to handle this complexity, to orchestrate, scale and additional develop applied sciences is among the BMW Group’s biggest strengths and a novel promoting level. With this in thoughts, we provide our clients the very best, coherent general bundle. That is our aspiration and our purpose. It may even be a very powerful secret ingredient in our firm’s success.

We already showcase our revolutionary energy in automated driving with fashions just like the BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series. The new BMW 5 Series is the primary automobile in Germany accepted for partially automated driving at as much as 130 km/h on motorways. A very new function is the Active Lane Change Assistant with eye affirmation. The driver merely glances briefly within the exterior mirror and the automobile modifications lanes.

Starting in March 2024, our clients will have the ability to expertise Level 3 extremely automated driving within the BMW 7 Series. This means you possibly can let go of the wheel and briefly flip your consideration to one thing else.

Your 7 Series takes care of pace and distance management all
by itself, in addition to lane monitoring.

The steps to automated driving is among the three important tales on the web model of the “BMW Group Report 2023”. I invite you to click on by means of our on-line report. Our award-winning on-line Report will as soon as once more offer you a compact overview of every little thing we’re engaged on. You can expertise what strikes us and also you check out our interactive KPI calculator. Just just like the title says:
Driving the NEXT ERA.

Our spectacular Vision Vehicles present the path by which we’re taking mobility, consistent with the key subjects of the long run. The most essential side for our clients is: What does it really feel like on the street?

In the Board of Management, we already obtained to drive a pre-series mannequin of the NEUE KLASSE. We all agree that: It is Sheer Driving Pleasure at an entire new stage. This is one thing solely we will do! It is often BMW.

Lots of people speak about transformation. That is when one factor replaces one other. But, in our {industry}, it’s extra a case of issues taking place on the similar time: Parallel approaches that also unmistakably transfer us forwards. That is why the BMW Group is dedicated to steady and simultaneous progress – by means of daring leaps in innovation and accountable motion.

And that brings us full circle:

Strong at the moment – and powerful tomorrow.

Thank you!

News

The 90s Superbike That Could Destroy Supercars

Summary

  • The 1999 Suzuki Hayabusa was the quickest bike of the twentieth century, reaching a prime velocity of 194 MPH.
  • The Hayabusa’s design was unconventional however optimized for velocity, with a bulbous fairing that decreased drag.
  • Despite its velocity, the Hayabusa was additionally versatile and dependable, making it a novel hyperbike that might be used for sports activities touring.

Suzuki referred to as it the world’s first “Ultimate Sport” bike, and right now, we name it the world’s first hyperbike. But this specimen goes by many names within the wild: recreation changer, icon, legend, piss missile, and even a sports activities tourer. It’s none aside from the 1999 Suzuki GSX-R1300R Hayabusa, the quickest bike of the twentieth century. Whether you hate it or adore it, you’ll be able to’t deny that this beast made an impression on you.

When it was launched, the Hayabusa instantly received acclaim and have become the quickest bike, topping out at 194 MPH, obliterating every other production motorcycle built before it. And in contrast to different superbikes, the Hayabusa wasn’t a race reproduction or a GP bike with license plates. This one was purpose-built to be not solely the quickest manufacturing bike but additionally versatile, snug, and dependable. The Hayabusa is an instance the place engineering and design can come collectively to create magic (and beat all superbikes and a few supercars alongside the best way).

In order to provide the most recent and correct data potential, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Suzuki and different authoritative sources, together with Motorcycle Magazine, Motorcycle News, Cycle World, Zero to 60 Times, and Ultimate Specs.

Suzuki Hayabusa riding shot

Related

10 Things That Make The Suzuki Hayabusa An Iconic Motorcycle

After 24 years in manufacturing, the Suzuki Hayabusa continues to be in a category of its personal

Performance: Over-Engineered Perfection On Two Wheels

Top Speed: 194 MPH

One take a look at Hayabusa’s spec sheet, and also you’ll discover that it wasn’t something outstanding, per se, even for the 90s. The bike had a traditional transverse-mounted inline-four engine, a fringe body, and USD forks — issues that had been current on many different superbikes of the time. The design wasn’t even something to put in writing house about. Yet, it set a precedent so nice, that it’s simple to check with the Busa because the world’s first hyperbike, and right here’s why.

Engineering At Its Finest Without Any Innovations

Starting with the engine, the Busa featured a liquid-cooled inline-four engine with sixteen valves and DOHC. While this wasn’t something particular, it nonetheless produced record-breaking horsepower figures on the crankshaft. This was potential because of two causes: RAM air consumption that pressured air into the engine and the biggest displacement for sports activities bikes on the time. The Hayabusa is what you should utilize to point out somebody that there’s no alternative for displacement (though trendy bikes just like the H2 have disproved that!).

The energy supply was brutal, but it felt acquainted when you had ridden different Suzukis of the time. This halo bike was as Suzuki as a Suzuki may get within the 90s. The power delivery was raw and linear, however the distinction was how a lot horsepower it was delivering on the pavement. The Busa flew via its fifth gear like most different bikes did in third. Immaculate energy.

The engine was additionally fairly over-engineered for the time. Despite being the quickest two-wheeled missile on the street, the engine was not too confused, and you could possibly all the time squeeze out extra energy. Slap a turbo or an ECU replace, and you could possibly push the Hayabusa to 300 to 500 horsepower. No wonder Turbo-Busas are so common these days — the engine simply doesn’t wish to break underneath stress.

When A Conventional Chassis Is Good Enough

The Hayabusa featured a traditional twin-beam body with absolutely adjustable USD forks and specially-made Bridgestone tires. And for the reason that engine was so clean, due to a gear-driven counterbalancer, Suzuki may solidly mount it to the body, including extra body rigidity. The outcome was a hunky bike that danced within the corners, albeit like a chubby dancer. The Hayabusa shocked everybody with its composed dealing with traits.

1999 Suzuki Hayabusa Engine And Chassis Specifications

Engine Type

Four-stroke, inline-four, liquid-cooled, DOHC

Displacement

1,298cc

Bore x Stroke

81.0 mm x 63.0 mm

Max Power

172.60 HP @ 9,800 RPM

Max Torque

101.93 LB-FT @ 7,000 RPM

Frame Type

Aluminum twin-spar

Curb Weight

474 kilos

Fuel Consumption

35 MPG

(Specs sourced from Suzuki and Motorcycle News)

Kawasaki Ninja H2

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A Missile-Like Design That Divided People Just Like A Real Missile

1999 Suzuki Hayabusa
Mecum 

When it was launched, the Hayabusa drew flack for the design. It was ugly at first sight, however little did bikers know the way lovely the bike carried out on the street. And that’s the factor that bikers nonetheless overlook in regards to the Busa. It’s not ugly, it’s presupposed to appear to be that. The bulbous, curvy fairings made the bike slice via the air like a bullet — no shock right here, the Busa was designed in a wind tunnel.

Koji Yoshiura, Hayabusa Designer

“To create a somewhat grotesque design and create a strong initial impact… The mission was to create a totally new styling that will not be out of date within a few years, and a styling that will be the Face of Suzuki.”

Fun Fact: Yoshiura additionally designed the Bandit 400, RF600R, TL1000S, and SV650.

Everything got here collectively to make the Hayabusa the quickest bike of the twentieth century. But it wasn’t good. The brakes had been spongy and pale rapidly, and at full lean, the fairings and engine covers would scrape the tarmac. Yet, you’d be dumbfounded on the gracefulness of the bike.

Suzuki Hayabusa Design Highlights

  • The RAM air ducts and the drooping, rounded nostril squeezed the entrance finish for much less drag
  • The slim frontal space meant the headlight needed to be stacked with a excessive beam behind a single lens
  • The low and lengthy design opened up the rider triangle, making certain higher consolation
  • The pillion seat cowl was made like a hump to cut back drag produced by the rider underneath full tuck

Faster And Faster Until The Busa Overtakes Most Things With Wheels

Drag-ready Gen-1 Suzuki Hayabusa
Wikimedia Commons

When the bike was first revealed, it didn’t win many hearts, however onlookers had no thought they had been wanting on the quickest bike of the time. Once reviewers rode the bike, the Busa took the world by storm. In some ways, the 1999 Suzuki GSX-1300R Hayabusa was the world’s first hyperbike.

Here’s a enjoyable truth: Hayabusa is Japanese for peregrine falcon, a fowl that’s identified for its vertical dive of as much as 202 MPH — it’s the quickest fowl. And guess what the falcon preys on — blackbirds, just like the Hayabusa preyed on the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird. The Hayabusa beat the then-fastest motorcycle by a 10 MPH margin — no different manufacturing bike had ever crushed the highest velocity file by such a margin.

The Bulbous Falcon Didn’t Spare Supercars Either

The Hayabusa was so quick that even some 90s supercars seemed slow in front of it. With its beneficiant energy supply and acceleration, the Hayabusa in its inventory kind was able to overtaking many supercars of the time, together with Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Imagine spending six figures within the 90s solely to be overtaken by somebody carrying shorts, a tank prime, and flip-flops.

Suzuki Hayabusa In Comparison With The Honda Blackbird And Nineties Supercars

Specs

Suzuki Hayabusa

Honda Super Blackbird

Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion

Acura NSX

Engine

1,298cc inline-four

1,135cc inline-four

3,164cc boxer six

2,977cc/3,179cc V6

Max Power

172.60 HP @ 9,800 RPM

164 HP

536 HP @ 7,000 RPM

290 HP (3.2 L mannequin)

Top Speed

194 MPH

180 MPH

193 MPH

168 MPH

0 to 60 MPH

2.47 seconds

2.77 seconds

3.5 seconds

4.8 seconds

1/4 Mile Acceleration

9.7 seconds

10.3 seconds

11 seconds

13.2 seconds

(Specs sourced from Suzuki, Motorcycle News, Cycle World, Zero to 60 Times, and Ultimate Specs)

But It Was A Hyperbike For The Streets And The Long Haul

First-gen Suzuki Hayabusa
Wikimedia Commons

Some folks elevate their eyebrows when we refer to the Hayabusa as a sports tourer, but it surely’s true. The Busa has all the time been a flexible bike, regardless of being constructed for prime velocity. Unlike its rivals, the Busa didn’t really feel like a superbike on steroids; it was a one-of-a-kind bike. As Jay Koblenz of Motorcycle News Magazine put it, “The Hayabusa is Speed in all its glory. But speed is not all the Hayabusa is.”

The plentiful energy and a slick gearbox made the bike a lot simpler to journey in your alternative of substances for any velocity with out lacking out on acceleration; the engine was additionally as dependable as any Suzuki of the time. Suzuki didn’t low cost out on practicality, both. The Hayabusa got here with bungee twine hooks, underneath seat storage, a hinged gas tank, and an enormous windscreen. You may even buy an elective heart stand for it!

2024 Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary

Related

Suzuki Hayabusa – 25 Years Of The Most Iconic World’s Fastest Motorcycle

From beating its Japanese contemporaries to breaching the 300kmph mark, the Hayabusa has loads of accolades. Let’s examine them out

A Legacy To Last As Long As Motorcycles Do

Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R
Mecum.com

With the Hayabusa got here backlash from European regulators, who threatened an import ban on Japanese bikes. This led to a casual Gentlemen’s Agreement between European and Japanese producers to hurry lock their bikes at 186 MPH. The Speed Wars ended; even the post-2000 Hayabusa didn’t cross the 186 MPH mark. Even right now, most bikes, besides a number of outliers just like the MV Agusta F4 R 312, are capped at 186 MPH.

The Hayabusa was updated twice, and is now in its third technology. Both up to date fashions retained the appeal of the gen-one Busa. The design continues to be bulbous, and the ability supply continues to be linear but searing on the prime finish. The Hayabusa might now not be the quickest bike on the street, but it surely’s simply probably the most influential bike of contemporary occasions.

There’s just one downside with the Hayabusa, and that flaw is the time at which it was born. A world of rules and emission norms — possibly, the world may by no means be prepared for the Hayabusa. But the Hayabusa will all the time stand prepared so that you can swing your leg over and take it as quick as you’ll be able to. And when you’re within the temper, even tour on it.

Modern Motorcycles Faster Than The Suzuki Hayabusa

  • Kawasaki Ninja H2R: 249 MPH
  • Ducati Panigale V4 R: 208 MPH
  • Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory: 199 MPH
  • BMW M 1000 RR: 195 MPH
  • MV Agusta F4 R 312: 194 MPH
Cars

Everything To Know About The SN95 Mustang

The SN95 noticed an enormous design revamp in 1999, when it adopted Ford’s New Edge design language. Freelance journalist William Diem, who coated Ford’s new design transfer for The New York Times in 1998, described this new look as “a combination of straight lines, curves, and planes.” On the Mustang, this translated to extra outlined strains, angles, and crisper edges, making the automobile aggressive and meaner however engaging and trendy.

While the inside did not change a lot, the New Edge Mustang’s exterior noticed peculiar modifications, like its new hood, which you could possibly see with or with out hood scoops. The headlights have been additionally refreshed right into a single-piece meeting. Along the perimeters, sharp strains and a fake aspect scoop echoed the aggressive entrance styling, a nod to the design of the older fourth-gen fashions. The rear additionally underwent a big makeover, transitioning from a rounded to a boxier bumper and updating the taillights to the long-lasting tri-bar vertical rectangular format.

Ford reserved the foglights on the grill solely for fashions aside from the V6, and that did not change for the New Edge. However, in celebration of the Mustang’s Thirty fifth anniversary, each the V6 and GT Mustangs have been adorned with a commemorative Thirty fifth-anniversary badge on the fender, marking a big milestone in Mustang historical past.

Motorsport

Watch the Dyno Test of a Classic Air-Cooled VW Beetle with a Supercharger

The original Volkswagen Beetle, although it came fourth in the 1999 Car of the Century competition, is considered one of the most influential cars in history. With over 21 million units produced between 1938 and 2003, it was incredibly popular. It’s no surprise that Beetle enthusiasts still exist today and find different ways to customize their cars.

In the United Kingdom, there’s a group of people who enjoy installing superchargers on the Beetle’s air-cooled engines. They have a dedicated YouTube channel called “Kompressor Haus / VW Aircooled Superchargers,” which explores the technical aspects of fitting a Beetle engine with a supercharger. Their latest video features a supercharged Beetle going on a dyno run to demonstrate its significant power gains.

Before we dive into the dyno test, let’s talk about the modifications made to this Beetle. The engine has been upgraded from the original 1,600cc to 1,641cc, a common modification among Beetle enthusiasts. The car also has an upgraded carburetor setup and other minor tweaks that result in an additional 50 horsepower.

Now, let’s discuss the supercharger kit used in this Beetle. The kit is called the “Kompressor Haus Ultimate kit” and includes an AMR500 supercharger connected to a genuine Weber DCOE 40 carburetor with an MST serpentine pulley system. To support this kit, the car is equipped with an electric fuel pump and a crankcase oil breather. The kit costs $2,250 (1,750 British pounds) and promises to almost double the factory power of the Beetle.

But does it really deliver on its promise? The video takes us to the dynamometer where the supercharged Beetle undergoes a test to measure its engine power. The final numbers are impressive – 100.1 horsepower and 126.9 pound-feet of torque at the crank.

News

Suzuki Introduces a Special 25th Anniversary Edition of the Hayabusa Motorcycle

In 1999, Suzuki launched one of the most iconic motorcycles in pop culture. Known as the Suzuki Hayabusa, it was designed to be the fastest production motorcycle in the world. The Hayabusa quickly achieved this goal and became a symbol of high-performance motorcycle culture. It gained popularity among young motorcyclists and even found its place on bedroom walls.

Although it no longer holds the title of the fastest motorcycle in the world, the Suzuki Hayabusa remains a formidable powerhouse in terms of sheer speed. It boasts a 1,340cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, inline-four engine that produces an impressive 187 horsepower. The Hayabusa is also equipped with advanced electronic rider aids, including a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) that enables features like cornering ABS and traction control.

Suzuki Unveils Limited 25th Anniversary Edition Hayabusa
The limited 25th Anniversary Edition Hayabusa. Source: RideApart

Over the past 25 years, Suzuki has produced over 200,000 units of the Hayabusa, solidifying its position as a symbol of technological excellence. To celebrate the motorcycle’s anniversary, Suzuki has released a special limited-edition version of the Hayabusa.

One notable feature of the 25th Anniversary Hayabusa is its exclusive color scheme. It combines orange and black, paying homage to previous generations of this superbike. The graphics on the motorcycle also showcase the Hayabusa branding, with engravings on the muffler and chain. Furthermore, the fuel tank prominently displays a 25th Anniversary emblem and a 3D Suzuki emblem. To enhance its sporty appearance, the limited-edition Hayabusa comes with a seat cowl instead of a pillion seat.

As of now, Suzuki has yet to announce the pricing and availability details for the 25th Anniversary Hayabusa. For more information about this motorcycle, as well as the rest of Suzuki’s lineup for 2023 and 2024, it is recommended to contact your local Suzuki dealership or visit Suzuki Global’s official website.

Motorsport

Watch 2023 Audi TT RS Drag Race Against Every Previous TT Generation

The Audi TT is widely regarded as an iconic car. When it first debuted in 1999 (2000 for the US), the TT captured attention with its Bauhaus-inspired design, which set it apart from the Volkswagen Golf it was based on. Over time, the TT gained popularity as a sporty coupe, and its performance capabilities became a significant part of its story.

The first generation of the TT included two impressive trim levels. In 2003, Audi introduced a 3.2-liter VR6 engine paired with a groundbreaking dual-clutch DSG transmission. Then, in 2005, the TT Quattro Sport model was introduced, featuring aggressive bodywork and a powerful 240-horsepower version of the regular car’s 1.8-liter turbo four engine (unavailable in the US). Moving on to the second generation, the Audi TT RS made its debut in 2009, boasting a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five engine generating 350 hp. It offered a six-speed manual and a seven-speed DSG transmission.