Tag Archives: actual

Motorsport

It’s Official, The 2025 Golf GTI And Golf R Won’t Have Manuals

Volkswagen introduced a camouflaged 2025 Golf GTI to CES in Las Vegas final month, however the actual reveal came about weeks later in Europe. While the US-spec mannequin remains to be a no-show, a thinly disguised prototype attended the F.A.T. Ice Race Aspen in Carbondale, Colorado. We requested VW of America about what the long run has in tow for the quintessential scorching hatch.

Confirming our worst fears, the six-speed handbook gearbox disappears after the 2024 mannequin 12 months. In an e-mail to Motor1, Volkswagen of America Product Communications Specialist Jerohn Anderson stated: “I can inform you that the manual transmission will not be available after MY2024 for Golf GTI and Golf R.”

2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI facelift (European model)

Some studies instructed VW might need a change of coronary heart attributable to extra relaxed Euro 7 rules, however the Euro-spec Golf GTI debuted with a DSG solely. Consequently, its American cousin can be shedding the stick. The GTI 380 special edition marked the tip of the highway for the three-pedal Golf within the United States.

And there is a motive why the Euro 7 customary would impression the American model. US gross sales of the Golf GTI with a handbook accounted for less than about 5 % of complete quantity in 2023. Since the majority of gross sales got here from different markets, preserving the third pedal in North America simply wasn’t well worth the problem. Although the Euro 7 laws has been relaxed because the preliminary proposal, the change did not occur quickly sufficient to maintain the handbook. The Golf Mk8.5 had already been largely (if not solely) developed.

While the Golf R wasn’t provided with a handbook transmission in Europe, Americans may row their very own gears. However, the all-wheel-drive flagship will even be offered strictly with the automated from the 2025 mannequin 12 months on. It does not imply the handbook is totally lifeless within the Golf 8, although, since some markets are getting cheaper variations with 1.5 TSI gasoline and a couple of.0 TDI diesel engines mixed with a clutch pedal.

Losing the handbook goes to be an enormous disappointment for fans enthusiastic about shopping for a GTI or an R. At the start of the 12 months, we requested VW how many individuals acquired the efficiency hatch with three pedals in 2023. The take rate for the GTI was 50 percent whereas the R was intently behind, at 40 %, the identical as for the Jetta GLI.

In associated information, we additionally requested VoA whether or not the 2025 Golf GTI will obtain the facility bump of the revised mannequin offered on the Old Continent. Jerohn Anderson refused to verify whether or not the US-spec variant will achieve these 20 further ponies, which might convey the tally to 261 hp.

2025 Volkswagen Golf R with camouflage

2025 VW Golf R

2025 Volkswagen Golf R with camouflage

2025 VW Golf R

VW has but to disclose the revised Golf R. It had a camouflaged automotive on the Ice Race within the Austrian metropolis of Zell am See on the finish of January. The world premiere will occur someday this summer time. VW has but to say whether or not Europe will get one other Golf R wagon. Spy pictures point out the long-roof model will soldier on.

It’s additionally unclear if the range-topper will get extra energy. The 2023 Golf R333 and the 20 Years Edition from a 12 months earlier than each had 328 hp in Europe. If VW needs to unlock that further muscle for the common Golf R, it could convey a bump in output of 13 hp.

These would be the remaining GTI and R updates within the combustion engine period since VW will exchange the eighth-generation Golf with an all-electric mannequin. Hot variations carrying these well-known suffixes will dwell within the electrical period. VW has already trademarked a revised “GTI” logo with a thunderbolt changing the final letter.

Featured

Planning To Decorate Your Car This Christmas? Here Are Some Tips On How To Do It Safely

From an internet of LED lights draped in your automotive, to an precise ornamental tree on the roof, be sure you have fun responsibly

Christmas decorations for cars

The vacation season brings a singular alternative to unfold cheer in numerous methods, and for some that features the participation of their automotive as effectively. Transforming your car right into a cellular celebration of the Christmas spirit could be a pleasant expertise. However, it is essential to stability creativity with security to make sure that your festive spirit does not compromise highway security or trigger unintentional harm to your automotive.

The Joy of Decorating Your Car for Christmas

Decorating your automotive for Christmas isn’t just about including a festive contact; it is about sharing the enjoyment of the season wherever you go. Whether it is driving by way of your neighborhood or just parked at your office, a well-decorated automotive can convey smiles and unfold vacation cheer.

Importance of Balancing Creativity with Safety

While adorning, it is important to contemplate the protection of your self, passengers, and different highway customers. Here are some ideas in regards to the kinds of strategies you possibly can try to the varied precautions you possibly can take with every of them:

Festive Light Display

LED light decorations for a car

Using LED lights to create a festive define in your automotive may be mesmerizing. Opt for colourful, battery-operated LED lights to stipulate your car, including a glowing contact to its look.

Safety Tips:

  • Ensure the lights are securely hooked up, use lights that do not impede the motive force’s view, and select energy-efficient choices to keep away from draining the automotive’s battery.

  • Use automotive-safe tape or clips to connect the lights. Ensure they’re firmly in place to forestall them from falling off whereas driving.

  • Do not place lights close to the motive force’s line of sight. The brightness shouldn’t be distracting to the motive force or different highway customers.

Holiday-Themed Car Magnets

Magnet decorations for Christmas

Removable holiday-themed magnets can add a playful and festive contact with out the permanence of different decorations.

Safety Tips: 

  • Choose high-quality magnets which might be robust sufficient to remain put however received’t harm the automotive’s paint.

  • Place magnets on flat, clean areas of the automotive. Avoid putting them on curved surfaces the place they may simply come off. If that have been to occur whereas driving, it might be hazardous to different highway customers.

Wreath on the Grille

Christmas wreath on a car

A basic Christmas wreath on the entrance grille brings a standard festive spirit to your car.

Safety Tips: 

  • Secure the wreath effectively, making certain it doesn’t impede airflow to the engine and is created from weather-durable supplies.

  • Use artificial supplies as they’re extra sturdy and fewer prone to shed components.

  • Use sturdy ties or automotive-grade fasteners. Regularly test that the wreath is securely hooked up.

  • Choose a wreath that’s proportional to the scale of the grille to keep away from obstructing headlights or security sensors.

Window Decals and Paint

Christmas stickers and decals

Festive decals and short-term paint on automotive home windows provide a artistic option to show vacation spirit.

Safety Tips: 

  • Apply decorations solely on rear home windows (not the rear windscreen) to keep up visibility and use supplies which might be simply detachable with out residue.

  • Check native legal guidelines relating to window decorations, as some areas have restrictions on window obstructions.

  • Decals shouldn’t be flashy or luminescent as they may distract different drivers, particularly at night time.

A Roof-Top Christmas Scene

Christmas decorations on car roof

Creating a mini Christmas scene (lookup diorama) in your automotive’s roof may be an attention grabbing show. One can connect a light-weight Christmas tree and embody components like a Santa Claus and reindeers.

Safety Tips: 

  • Ensure the decorations are light-weight. Heavy objects can have an effect on car dealing with.

  • Consider the aerodynamic influence. Bulky decorations can improve drag and gasoline consumption.

  • Use robust, secure ties or straps to safe the show that would depart no residue when eliminated. Regularly test that it stays safe.

  • Be conscious of the full peak of the automotive with the rooftop ornament, particularly when passing below low overhangs or bridges.

Also learn: Top 10 Cars With Ambient Lighting Priced Under Rs 20 Lakh

General Safety Considerations for Car Decorations

In addition to particular ideas for every thought, keep in mind these common security concerns:

  • Legal Compliance: Always adhere to native visitors legal guidelines and rules.

  • Protect the Paintwork: Take measures to forestall scratches, like utilizing a ceramic coating or paint safety movie.

  • Visibility and Distraction: Avoid decorations that would distract drivers or block visibility.

  • Reflective and Non-Obstructive: Decorations shouldn’t obscure the automotive’s lights, quantity plates, or driver’s visibility.

  • Regular Checks: Regularly examine all decorations to make sure they continue to be securely hooked up and in good situation.

  • Don’t Be Loud: Avoid decorations that create noise, as they could be a distraction.

  • Emergency Situations: Ensure decorations don’t block entry to emergency instruments like hearth extinguishers, first help kits, or emergency exits.

Related: Explore the full range of CarDekho services

Celebrating with Safety and Style

Incorporating security into your festive automotive decorations ensures that you would be able to have fun the vacation season joyfully with out compromising security. By following the following tips and concepts, you possibly can creatively embellish your automotive and unfold vacation cheer, all whereas making certain the protection of everybody on the highway.

Consoles, News

Atari is Releasing a Long-Lost Console Game that Resurfaced after 30 Years

Atari is coming out with “Save Mary,” the latest addition to their limited-edition Atari XP series featuring actual 2600 cartridges. These cartridges are newly produced in the United States using high-quality materials and rigorous manufacturing standards. Although “Save Mary” isn’t the first game to be rescued from the pile of cancelled late-stage 2600 games, it follows the release of “Mr. Run and Jump” earlier this year.

The gameplay of “Save Mary” revolves around constructing a platform for the character Mary to escape a flooding canyon. The game was highly anticipated during its development and even received praise from Atari founder Nolan Bushnell in a 1989 interview with Atarian, an Atari-focused magazine.

In the interview, Bushnell mentioned, “Then there’s one called ‘Saving [sic] Mary’ which I really like. It is the first game in which you rely on construction rather than destruction to save the princess. You build towers at the base of a river gorge to keep Mary out of the water, which is constantly rising. You have an unlimited supply of building materials, but you can lose a life by either squashing Mary with a piece of building material or building so slowly that you fail to get her out of the water and she drowns. The guilt you feel is tremendous.”

Interestingly, “Save Mary” has been available to the public as a ROM dump for many years since prototype cartridges were discovered in 1997.

Motorsport

RC Rock Crawlers Covered In Mud Look Like The Real Deal

Remote control (RC) cars are miniature versions of actual vehicles that provide automotive fun on a smaller scale. A video showcases the impressive off-road capabilities of these pint-sized machines during an off-road event.

At first glance, it’s hard to distinguish these RC models from the real ones. The video starts with a Jeep Commanche crawling over rocks and wood beams. There’s also a Traxxas Sport pickup truck and an original Land Rover Range Rover, both covered in dirt and mud, just like their full-sized counterparts.

The highlight of the video is a Lada Niva RC SUV maneuvering through various terrains, equipped with recovery boards and miniature off-road gear on the roof. The driver skillfully controls the tiny vehicle, navigating a narrow path on wood beams and conquering large, loose rocks. The suspension articulation and the tires struggling for grip are clearly visible, demonstrating the impressive performance of these RC rock crawlers. And unlike a real SUV, if the miniature Niva tips over, it’s as simple as picking it up and continuing the off-roading adventure.

After showcasing the Niva, the video features other vehicles, including several Land Rover Defenders and Jeep Wranglers. One of the Defenders even has fake exhaust pipes producing smoke, adding to the scale realism. There’s even a Jeep Wrangler with an action figure seated in the driver’s seat, adding a touch of playfulness to the off-road experience.

RC enthusiasts have a wide range of off-road-ready vehicles to choose from, although they can be quite expensive. For example, a previous video covered a five-axle low-loader semi-trailer RC model with a price tag of approximately $6,000. Similarly, there are options like the Kabolite Liebherr 350 excavator priced at around $3,450 or the LESU Liebherr loader costing about $2,885.

Other options for RC enthusiasts include models like the three-axle, six-wheeled Unimog, although it’s worth noting that some offerings may have been discontinued by the manufacturers.

Technology

Why Apple’s First Laptop Was A Terrible Failure

Apple’s first laptop, the Macintosh Portable, had a similar software to the Macintosh II, with a faster 16 MHz 68000 CPU. Although it received positive reviews, the Portable failed due to several reasons.

Firstly, the Portable was extremely heavy, weighing around 16 pounds. This made it inconvenient to carry around and defeated the purpose of a portable device. Additionally, the battery life suffered due to the introduction of backlit displays in later models.

Furthermore, the Portable’s exorbitant price range of $6,500 to $7,000, adjusted for inflation, made it unaffordable for most consumers. This high price tag was a major deterrent to potential buyers.

It’s no surprise that the Macintosh Portable failed to sell as well as Apple’s desktop computers at that time. Thankfully, Apple made significant progress towards their current line of successful MacBooks with the introduction of the PowerBook in 1991.

Image: Wojciech Pędzich via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY 4.0

NewsNew

HOW FAST ARE THEY? MR. KNOW-IT-ALL

Dear Mr. Know-It-All,

What is the actual top speed of a modern 450 motocross bike? I’ve read on websites and YouTube comments claiming a KTM 450SXF is capable of 123 mph in stock form. I can’t see that being possible, as these bikes are geared to race on an MX or SX track, not drag raced. Could you please clarify?
Ken
via [email protected]

Well, Ken, while I don’t have the exact numbers, around the 120-mph mark is in the hunt for a top-speed run on a properly geared 450. The real issue comes with the gearing, setup and traction. About 10 years ago we were out with Robby Bell, who was testing his Precision Concepts KX450 for an upcoming Baja race. He and his mechanics had a radar gun and shot Robby, who was doing flat out in fifth-gear runs on a very long dirt road that had a slight rise going one of the directions. After a dozen runs, with each stint pushing the 103–104-mph mark, one of the tuners gave Robby a backpack full of rocks. His next run was 4 or 5 mph quicker both ways. I was informed that the rear tire was actually spinning rather than gripping at over 100 mph. The additional weight put more load on the rear tire, enhancing the grip, and therefore the top speed improved.

If you don’t mind displaying your ignorance for the world to see, who are we to deny the opportunity? Send evidence of your failures to [email protected] or Mr. Know-It-All
Dirt Bike P.O. Box 957
Valencia, CA 91380-9057

Click Here for more Mr. Know-It-All.