Tag Archives: action

News

Insta360 Has Two New Action Cameras To Document Your Travels

Chances are that a good chunk of you have a trusty action camera you carry around with you as you ride. If you’re like me, it’s always mounted on your helmet, even if you’re not recording a particular ride. For the longest time, the action cam scene was dominated by the likes of GoPro, but now, Insta360 has emerged as a formidable, value-driven player.

Insta360’s unique approach and easy editing software are among the reasons for the brand’s rapid rise to fame. Capitalizing on today’s social media generation, it offers quick and easy editing that can quickly be uploaded to TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook with the tap of a button. That being said, if you’re eyeing to purchase a new action cam, don’t miss out on Insta360’s newest offerings, the Ace and Ace Pro.

Insta360 Has Two New Action Cameras To Document Your Travels

The new Ace and Ace Pro are built atop the same foundations, but the Ace Pro takes things up a notch. Both cameras feature a rectangular body with a 2.4-inch flip-out touchscreen. Being action cameras, they need to be rugged and durable, so Insta360 says that they’re water resistant up to 10 meters, but an optional Dive Kit boosts this to 60 meters. They also make use of a nifty magnetic mounting system for accessories, so it should be easy for you to configure your camera of choice, even with gloves on.

When it comes to technology, the Ace Pro action camera has been developed in partnership with renowned camera manufacturer Leica, and features sensors from Leica with a 16-millimeter focal length. It’s in these sensors that the Ace and Ace Pro are differentiated, with the standard Ace sporting a ½-inch sensor with f/2.4 aperture, and the Ace Pro getting the Leica 1/1.3-inch sensor with f/2.6 aperture. The Ace shoots at 6K at 30 fps, while the Ace Pro boosts this to a cinematic 8K at 24 fps. They both support 4K at 120 fps.

Further enhancing the user experience is an AI processor that offers features such as AI Highlights, AI Wrap, and AI Selfie Stick Eraser. Other features include slow motion video capture, starlapse, timeshift, as well as multiple customizable features accessible via the settings menu. The Ace and Ace Pro can also capture static images with a 48-megapixel camera. There’s also gesture and voice control functionality for a more seamless experience.

The new Insta360 Ace and Ace Pro are also differentiated by their batteries. The standard Ace gets a 1,700mAh battery with 15W fast charging, while the Pro version gets a 1,650mAh battery with 30W fast charging. In terms of pricing, the Ace retails for $449.99 USD, and the Ace Pro is slightly more expensive at $546.99 USD. This price can easily climb as you add on accessories, all of which can be seen in Insta360’s official website.

Motorsport

Fast & Furious 9 Makers Fined $1M After Stuntman Suffered Brain Damage From Fall

The Fast and Furious series is well-known for its action-packed car scenes and intense fights. Creating these scenes requires the expertise of a team of stunt performers, but accidents can happen. The production company responsible for F9: The Fast Saga has been fined around $1 million (800,000 pounds) following a severe injury during the film’s production.

In July 2019, while filming in Leavesden, England, stuntman Joe Watts sustained a skull fracture and brain damage after falling 26 feet (8 meters) onto concrete. The accident occurred when Watts’ safety line detached during a scene where he was thrown off a balcony and missed the crash mat.

Although the stunt was successful during the first take, the line detached during the second take, and it was discovered that no one had checked the safety cable between the attempts. The court case concluded that there was no system in place to verify that the connection was properly secured and tightened. Additionally, it was found that the production failed to extend the necessary crash matting to reduce the impact of an accidental fall after changes were made to the set and the sequence of the stunt.

The judge presiding over the case emphasized that Watts was “fortunate to be alive.”

F9 generated $726,229,501 in worldwide box office revenue, as reported by Box Office Mojo. This means that the fine for Watts’ injury amounts to approximately 0.14 percent of the film’s total earnings.

The next installment in the franchise, Fast X, is expected to be released on April 4, 2025. It concluded with a cliffhanger, leaving the fates of some characters uncertain and promising the return of major protagonists from previous films. There are also potential plans for more movies in the franchise in the future.

Motorsport

The World War II Jeep Featured in ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and ‘Band of Brothers’ Is Up for Auction

The Willy Jeep, known as the workhorse of World War II, is set to be auctioned next month with an interesting backstory. This particular 1944 Willys Jeep comes from TLO Film Services, a company that has been supplying vehicles for movie and TV productions since 1962. The records show that this Jeep has been used in notable productions like ‘Saving Private Ryan’, ‘Band of Brothers’, ‘Pennyworth’, and more.

TLO Film Services acquired the Willys in January 1996, and according to the listing, it had three previous registered owners. The Jeep was first registered in the UK in 1977. In February 2023, the vehicle received a complete rebuild of its original engine, and it currently has 25,975 miles on the odometer. Considering its age, the left-hand-drive military vehicle looks impressive, finished in Olive Drab paint.

It’s not uncommon for movie cars to end up in the hands of private collectors. We’ve seen examples like Wayne’s World’s 1976 AMC Pacer and the only surviving W Motors Lykan HyperSport stunt car from ‘Furious 7’ being auctioned in the past.

The live auction for the 1944 Willy Jeep will take place during the NEC Classic Motor Show Sale 2023 in England on Sunday, November 11. This date is significant as it aligns with Veterans Day in the US and Remembrance Day in the UK and other nations. The guide price for the vehicle is set at 18,000 to 22,000 pounds ($21,900 to $26,785), making it more affordable than the 2024 Jeep Wrangler, although it doesn’t come with as many features.

If you’re interested, you can check out the full listing, including a gallery of images, at the source link below.

Motorsport

Ram TRX Shorty Takes on Off-Road Drag Race With Polaris UTV

The Ram 1500 TRX is known for its powerful performance, and it’s not just limited to drag races. This beast of a truck can handle high speeds, jumps, and corners on various surfaces. In this video, it faces a tough off-road challenge, but this particular TRX has a few tricks up its sleeve.

Unlike a regular TRX, this modified version has been shortened, giving it a two-door configuration and a shorter wheelbase. Under the hood, it features the stock supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The performance truck also boasts impressive suspension travel, with 12 inches at the front and 13 inches at the back. Additionally, this shortened truck is around 800 pounds lighter than the original, which weighs nearly 6,400 lbs.


Motorsport

Chevy Corvette ZR1 Drops Heavy Camo As Development Moves To Nurburgring [UPDATE]

Update: Added 21 additional spy photos to a new photo gallery showing C8 Corvette ZR1 prototypes in action at the Nurburgring.

The next-generation Chevrolet Corvette in ZR1 trim hasn’t exactly been a secret so far. We’ve already seen several heavily camouflaged prototypes testing in different locations around the United States. However, it seems that the automaker is now moving the development to the Old Continent. At least two different prototypes were recently caught testing on the famous Nurburgring race track.


BMW

BMW Motorrad Motorsport enters the final third of the 2023 WorldSBK season at Magny-Cours.

After a summer break for a few weeks, BMW Motorrad Motorsport returns to action this weekend, as the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) enters the final third of the season. From 8th to 10th September, Magny-Cours (FRA) will host the ninth of this season’s twelve events. Last week, the two BMW teams and four BMW Motorrad factory riders attended two days of testing at MotorLand Aragón (ESP), in preparation for this season’s final push.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport, the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, with riders Scott Redding (GBR) and Michael van der Mark (NED), and the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team with Loris Baz (FRA) and Garrett Gerloff (USA) used the two-day test in the north of Spain to work on improvements to the chassis and electronics on the BMW M 1000 RR.

Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, located roughly 250 kilometres south of the French capital Paris, has proved to be a happy hunting ground for BMW Motorrad Motorsport in the past. Last year, Redding finished runner-up in the Saturday race to claim his best result of the season. Local favourite Baz was also in contention for a spot on the podium in 2022.

After Magny-Cours, the season concludes with a further three rounds at MotorLand Aragón (ESP / 22nd to 24th September), Portimão (POR / 29th September to 1st October), and Jerez de la Frontera (ESP / 27th to 29th October).

Quotes ahead of the Magny-Cours round.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “We are looking forward to getting going again after the summer break. The Aragón test was productive and we made some important findings with both our teams and the four riders ahead of the final phase of the season. We now travel to Magny-Cours well prepared. The circuit is very varied and the layout is a technically demanding mix of very fast straights and tight hairpins. We have fond memories of Magny-Cours, including those from last year. Everyone is working hard to make sure that we are competitive there again this year, and that we have a say in the battle at the front of the field.”

Garrett Gerloff, #31 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team: “I’m looking forward to Magny-Cours as it’s a track that BMW had success on in the past. I am feeling good on the bike lately. We had a pretty good test at Aragón. We learned a lot of things there that we can hopefully also apply to Magny-Cours. Let’s see what the weather looks like, because there it’s always a bit of a guess, but as a team we are ready to have the best weekend possible.”

Scott Redding, #45 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “I’m looking forward to Magny-Cours. It’s obviously a race track where we felt good last year and it’s a circuit that I like. Coming back from a positive test at Aragón I look forward to it. The weather’s looking pretty hot which we don’t normally have at Magny-Cours so I’m looking forward to a good weekend.”

Michael van der Mark, #60 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “I am happy to be finally racing again. I’m looking forward to it. Most was nice but I know that I am a lot fitter and stronger now. We had two nice days of testing at Aragón so I think that we are ready. Magny-Cours is one of my favourite tracks, I really enjoy riding there so I cannot wait to go out this weekend and start my second part of the season.”

Loris Baz, #76 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team: “It was a big break, but I kept myself busy. We did the IDM round and then I had a lot of things to do at home. That was followed by the test at Aragón. It was a test where we were trying to be back at the right pace. There were some setup ideas that we tried for the rest of the season. I’m looking forward to the home round now, of course. It’s always nice to ride at home and we will try to continue with the form we had at Imola and Most, which was quite good. I’ll try to score as many points as possible for the rest of the season. We’ll do our best as always and hopefully have some fun.”

Track Facts Magny-Cours.

Circuit length

4.411 km – clockwise

Corners

17 – 9 right-handers, 8 left-handers

Pole position

Right

Longest straight

Approx. 900 metres (‘Golf’)

Grip level

Medium

Track layout

Some sweeping turns, some stop-and-go passages, fast changes of direction

Strain on brakes

Relatively high

Amount at full throttle

32 % respectively 31 seconds

Top speed / lowest speed

295 km/h / 46 km/h

Best overtaking opportunity

T5

Key factors

High speed through the corners, stability, good delay on entry into turns, wide range of performance
Cars

The Top 10 Motorcycle Stunts in Movies

In the movie “Knight and Day” released in 2010, Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz showcased their comedic skills in an action-packed summer blockbuster. In one exciting scene, the unlikely pair of spies find themselves riding a Ducati Hypermotard motorcycle, being chased through the streets of Seville, Spain. The scene also features footage shot during the annual Running of the Bulls in Cadiz.

It seems that having a motorcycle in his films has become a trademark for Tom Cruise. This fun and thrilling sequence in “Knight and Day” is reminiscent of the high-speed chase in “Tomorrow Never Dies,” where the passenger sits backwards on the fuel tank and shoots at the enemy. In “Knight and Day,” the motorcycle sequence ends with a perfectly timed stunt involving jumps, wheelies, and maneuvering between two trams, all while being surrounded by stampeding bulls in a bullring.

Although “Knight and Day” did not spawn any sequels, the standalone motorcycle chase scene remains an impressive and well-executed performance. Tom Cruise has already been involved in various action-packed projects, such as the ongoing “Mission: Impossible” franchise, and creating a sequel may have diluted his star power. Nevertheless, the motorcycle chase in “Knight and Day” stands out as an ambitious and skillful stunt, especially considering the added challenge of having a passenger on the bike.

Featured

Bharat New Car Assessment Program Is Finally Here!


The Indian government will put the new Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP) into action on October 1, 2023

India has introduced the Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Program), its own institution for conducting crash tests of cars sold in the country. The purpose is to assign safety ratings to these cars. The initiative was announced by Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

Need Of Bharat NCAP

The Bharat NCAP aligns with internationally recognized crash-testing agencies like the Global NCAP, Euro NCAP, Australian NCAP, and Latin NCAP.

Mahindra Scorpio N Global NCAP

Conducting crash tests locally will reduce the expenses for carmakers, who would otherwise have to send their cars to global players for testing. It was revealed during the Bharat NCAP presentation that international testing costs around Rs 2.5 crore, whereas opting for the Bharat NCAP could bring the cost down to Rs 60 lakh. The crash-test ratings provided by Bharat NCAP will specifically cater to the India-spec models, helping Indian consumers make more informed purchasing decisions.

The need for enhanced safety measures is driven by the high number of road accident fatalities in India each year. Additionally, as part of India’s long-term plan to become a developed nation, higher motor speeds are expected. Therefore, vehicles need to meet safety standards to ensure the well-being of passengers. Moreover, high-performing models that meet stringent safety tests can have expanded export potential in global markets.

Also See: Here Is A Closer Look At The Production-ready Mahindra BE.05 Under Wraps

What Tests Will Be Conducted?

The Bharat NCAP will conduct various crash tests similar to Global NCAP and other established authorities. These tests include frontal offset, side impact, and side pole impact tests.

Kia Carens crash-tested

The frontal offset test will be conducted at 64kmph, while the side impact and side pole impact tests will be performed at 50kmph and 29kmph, respectively. The test score will take into account the structural integrity of the vehicle as well as the safety assist technologies available.

The details of the tests and the expected performance standards are specified in the AIS-197, which will determine the final score assigned to a car by Bharat NCAP.

Rating System

Global NCAP To Start Crash Tests In India By End Of 2023

All tested cars will receive ratings for adult occupant protection (AOP) and child occupant protection (COP) based on the following parameters:

AOP

COP

Star rating

Score

Star rating

Score

5 stars

27

5 stars

41

4 stars

22

4 stars

35

3 stars

16

3 stars

27

2 stars

10

2 stars

18

1 star

4

1 star

9

Only cars that score three stars or higher will be subjected to the pole side impact test.

What Cars Will Be Tested?

The Bharat NCAP will conduct crash tests voluntarily. Any vehicle falling under the M1 category (capable of seating up to eight occupants in addition to the driver) and weighing less than 3.5 tonnes or 3500kg will be eligible for testing.

It’ll Be Harder To Get A 5-Star GNCAP Crash Test Rating From July 2022

The base variant of popular models (defined as cars that have sold 30,000 units in the previous calendar year) with basic safety equipment will be tested. However, carmakers can request the Bharat NCAP to test an updated version if they intend to replace the selected model with a newer one soon.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) can also recommend models falling under the Bharat NCAP’s protocols based on market feedback and analysis. Additionally, if deemed necessary for public safety, the Government of India can request the authority to select a specific variant for assessment.

Also Read: 6 Electric Cars That Have Made 2023 Greener So Far

Bharat NCAP To Be In Action Soon

The Indian crash-testing authority will begin operations on October 1, 2023.

Cars

The 10 Most Impressive Car Stunts in Movies

When you consider how intricate and precise modern action movie productions are, it’s incredible to think about how the original “Gone in 60 Seconds” was made. The film was created by H.B. Halicki, a junkyard owner from Long Beach, California. With a simple script and a cast of non-professionals, including friends and family, this movie delivers an astonishing amount of automotive mayhem. The 40-minute chase sequence alone involved wrecking 93 cars, making it one of the longest chase scenes in film history. Although it was a low-budget production, “Gone in 60 Seconds” became a blockbuster hit and captivated audiences with its sheer madness.

Among the numerous memorable moments in Halicki’s film, one particular stunt stands out. At the end of the epic chase, the film’s iconic car, a 1973 Ford Mustang named “Eleanor,” performs a breathtaking jump. Without the aid of pistons, boosters, or CGI, Eleanor soars 128 feet and reaches a height of 30 feet. Halicki, who not only directed and produced the movie but also starred in it and did most of the driving, was the one behind the wheel for this jaw-dropping jump. However, it came at a cost as he compressed 10 vertebrae while executing the stunt.

NewsNew

2023 LORETTA LYNN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP, WEDNESDAY

Wednesday marked the second day of racing at the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship. The day started with 22 more motos across different classes. The morning session wrapped up the remaining opening motos from the 36 classes, while the afternoon saw the start of the second motos. The competition was intense, and several riders impressed with strong performances.

Moto 1: 250 Pro Sport

In the 250 Pro Sport category, Daxton Bennick from Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing grabbed attention after his dominant performance in Open Pro Sport the previous day. However, he faced tough competition from riders like Julien Beaumer from KTM Orange Brigade, Evan Ferry and Mark Fineis from GASGAS, Avery Long from Rock River Yamaha, and Gavin Towers from NSA Yamaha Amateur Factory Team.

Towers took an early lead in the race with the STACYC Holeshot aboard his Yamaha but was soon passed by Beaumer. Trevin Nelson from Muc-Off/FXR/ClubMX Yamaha and Brad West on a Yamaha followed behind. Fineis made an impressive charge through the field to secure a podium position. In the end, Beaumer took first place, Fineis finished second, and Towers settled for third.

Moto 1: Schoolboy 2 (12-17) B/C

In the Schoolboy 2 category, Casey Cochran from Rockstar Energy Husqvarna was a rider to watch after winning in 250 B on the first day. Other notable riders in this class included Drew Adams from Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green and Logan Best from NSA Yamaha Amateur Factory Team. Krystian Janik and Enzo Temmerman, both from Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green, were also in the mix.

Janik took the early lead with the STACYC Holeshot, followed by Temmerman. Best made a move to take the lead, but Cochran quickly worked his way to the front of the pack. Cochran maintained his lead to win the moto, with Best finishing in second and Janik in third.

Moto 1: Schoolboy 1 (12-17) B/C

In the Schoolboy 1 category, Tiger Wood from GASGAS Amateur Team continued to impress after his victory in 125 Jr. (12-17) B/C on Tuesday. Wood took an early lead with the STACYC Holeshot, followed by Owen Covell on a Husqvarna and Klark Robbins on a KTM. Wood extended his lead and secured his second win of the championship, while Landon Hartz from EBR Performance/Altus Motorsports Yamaha finished in second and Carter Malcolm from GASGAS took third.

Moto 1: Supermini 1 (12-15) & Supermini 2 (13-16)

The Supermini 1 and Supermini 2 classes were packed with talent, including Seth Dennis from KTM Orange Brigade, Deacon Denno on a Husqvarna, and Landen Gordon from Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green. Dennis dominated the Supermini 1 moto, taking an early lead and maintaining a considerable gap between him and the rest of the field. Denno finished in second, and Gordon made an impressive comeback from a 28th place start to claim third.

In the Supermini 2 moto, Gordon redeemed himself after a mishap earlier in the day. He battled his way to the front, passing KTM rider Canyon Richards for the lead. Gordon eventually took the win, followed by Richards in second and Cole Timboe, also on a KTM, in third.

Moto 2: Open Pro Sport

The highlight of the afternoon was the return of Open Pro Sport, where Daxton Bennick aimed to continue his winning streak. Bennick secured the holeshot and held onto the lead throughout the moto. Julien Beaumer, fresh off his victory in the 250 Pro Sport race, charged through the field to finish in second. Gavin Towers maintained his strong performance and secured another podium finish in third.

Moto 2: Senior (40+)

In the Senior class, Mike Brown and Jeff Emig were the center of attention once again. Brown, looking for redemption after a mishap in the previous race, took the lead early on and never looked back. Emig, starting in fifth, steadily made his way through the field, eventually finishing in second. Robert Fitch impressed with a strong third-place finish.

Overall, it was an exciting day of racing at the 2023 Loretta Lynn Amateur Championship. The riders showcased their skills and determination as they battled for top positions in their respective classes.