The struggle in Vietnam would see the deployment of America’s most superior tank but: the M48 Patton. The Patton was a part of a large Army tank modernization challenge to confront Soviet tanks extra successfully (in any case, it was additionally the Cold War). The M48 was armed with a 90mm most important gun and .30 and .50 caliber machine weapons. The tank was wrapped in armor that ranged from 120mm thick within the entrance to 44mm within the rear and will obtain a prime velocity of 30 mph. The U.S. would deploy the primary M48s to Vietnam in March 1965 at Da Nang with over 600 finally discovering their method to the struggle.
The M48 Patton and all of its variants weren’t alone in Vietnam. Though not a tank, the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) was the counterpart to the M48 and a necessity for U.S. troops within the struggle. Developed within the Nineteen Fifties, the M113 had mild armor of between 12mm and 38mm thick with a .50 caliber Browning machine gun. It was manned by a crew of two and will transport as much as 11 troopers. The APC would first arrive in Vietnam in 1962 with many variations showing throughout its service to fill varied wants. These included the addition of M60 machine weapons, flamethrowers, and even Vulcan 20mm Gatling weapons.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a surprising automobile; it’s certainly one of America’s first supercars, and it has a lot to like about it. The screaming V-8 engine’s chilly startup will get up neighbors two blocks away, it’s a worthy every day driver, and it’s a monster on the monitor. Few sports activities automobiles come near the high-performance and versatility of this one. This automobile provides efficiency that’s on par with the likes of the Ferrari 296 GTB and the Porsche Cayman GT 4. The mid-engine Corvette Z06 produces a staggering 670 horsepower and 460 pounds-feet of torque with a high pace of 189 MPH.
Unfortunately for the Corvette, it has many rivals, not solely on 4 wheels, but in addition within the two-wheeled world. This automobile is a milestone in American automotive historical past, and when it goes in opposition to sports activities bikes, it turns into a milestone on the highway — fairly actually — as some sports activities bikes trip previous it as if it is at a standstill. These ten bikes provide distinctive efficiency that provides them an edge over the Corvette, and every will outrun a Corvette. Of course, many different superbikes are faster, together with the Aprilia RSV4 Xtrenta and Superleggera V4, however nobody has been courageous (or wealthy) sufficient to check their 0 to 60 MPH but.
Superbikes are all about energy and efficiency, and these are probably the most highly effective cash should buy
In order to provide the most recent and correct info potential, the information used to compile this text was sourced from producers and different authoritative sources, together with Motorcyclenews.com, Motortrend.com, Fastestlaps.com, and Cycleworld.com. The bikes chosen for this record have been ranked primarily based on their 0 to 60 MPH occasions, from slowest to quickest.
102023 MV Agusta Superveloce 800 S
0 to 60 MPH: 3 Seconds
MV Agusta
The MV Agusta Superveloce 800 S is a beautiful approach to go quicker than the Corvette — so long as you understand how to shift proper for the perfect 0 to 60 MPH time. This neo-retro supersport from the Italian agency is a wonderful road-going sports activities bike with loads of mid-range torque.
The bike can also be supposed to supply a cushty (for a supersport) using place. The Superveloce S additionally comes with options like a quick-shift system, Marocchi/Sachs suspension, and Brembo M4.30 Stylema calipers. If fashion is what you need, that is the bike to go.
Performance Specifications
Top Speed
140.1 MPH
Engine
798cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-triple
Frame
ALS metal tubular trellis
Max Power Output
153 horsepower @ 13,250 RPM
Max Torque Output
64.90 pounds-feet @ 10,100 RPM
(Specs sourced from MV Agusta)
92023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
0 to 60 MPH: 2.9 Seconds
Kawasaki
The Kawasaki ZX-10R is likely one of the best methods of going actually quick. The bike catches pace like a trooper catching squids on Groms, and in contrast to some liter-class rivals, this superbike turns into corners like a supersport. Of course, you must respect the grunt — this isn’t a bike for novices and even some intermediate riders.
Coming to the design, the ZX-10R appears to be like lots higher in particular person than it does in a picture, and riding it is stratospherically better than taking a look at it. It can outrun many sports activities automobiles, together with the Corvette, and even beat them at top-speed runs.
Performance Specifications
Top Speed
186 MPH
Engine
998cc, inline-four, DOHC, inline-four
Frame
Aluminum perimeter
Max Power Output
200 horsepower
Max Torque Output
85 pounds-feet
(Specs sourced from Kawasaki and Motorcyclenews.com)
82023 Ducati Panigale V4 R
0 to 60 MPH: 2.9 Seconds
Ducati
The Ducati Panigale V4 R is the homologation special Ducati that not solely comes with a a lot greater price ticket however race-spec elements, together with useful winglets, carbon fiber panels, a high-revving V4 engine, and top-spec Ohlins suspension. This is the bike that may have you ever maintain onto your life because it accelerates previous a Corvette.
When braking, maintain on tight as a result of the brakes on this bike are a few of the greatest. The ravishing design can also be made higher with the uncovered gasoline tank, shark gills on the aspect fairings, and a menacing face.
Performance Specifications
Top Speed
190 MPH
Engine
998cc Desmosedici Stradale 90-degree V4 with desmodromic timing
Frame
Aluminum alloy entrance body
Max Power Output
237 horsepower @ 15,500 RPM with full racing exhaust
Max Torque Output
87 pounds-feet @ 12,250 RPM with full racing exhaust
(Specs sourced from Ducati and Motorcyclenews.com)
These bikes will make you’re feeling like a badass on the monitor
72024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R
0 to 60 MPH: 2.85 Seconds
Kawasaki
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R is a hyperbike that doubles up as a sports activities tourer — it’s rattling good at it — but it surely was designed to tackle the mighty Hayabusa. As a end result, this Ninja is just as fast as a Busa and far faster than most automobiles and bikes, together with the Corvette.
However, the bike will not be fairly to take a look at, however the identical giant design provides it snug ergonomics and stability at excessive speeds. While the bike will not be designed particularly for corners, it is going to nonetheless satiate your knee-dragging thirst on weekends.
Performance Specifications
Top Speed
186 MPH
Engine
1,441cc, liquid-cooled, inline-four
Frame
Aluminum monocoque
Max Power Output
208 horsepower
Max Torque Output
113 pounds-feet
(Specs sourced from Kawasaki and Motorcyclenews.com)
As good because the Ninja ZX-14R could also be, it can’t beat the Hayabusa — the latter will not be solely simply as quick however will get many different issues proper. Despite being large, the Busa appears to be like proportionate and handles marginally higher. Yes, the third-gen is not as raw because the first-gen, however that doesn’t imply it’s a slouch.
Put it in opposition to a Corvette and all the driving force will see is your Hayabusa’s tail lights — not like they’re exhausting to overlook. And whenever you’re not racing Corvettes, you possibly can even take this bike on a cross-country trip — it’s fantastically snug.
One of the unlikely contenders on this record is the Suzuki GSX-R750, a rare kind of supersport that Suzuki has still kept alive. We are glad about it. The 750 Gixxer has misplaced the fanfare it as soon as did, particularly when it kickstarted the supersport section again in 1985, but it surely nonetheless retains the attraction of older Gixxers — name it ugly and outdated, it’s nonetheless fairly. This bike has greater than sufficient usable energy whereas dealing with like a 600 supersport, and in some ways, it’s the right candy spot between a nimble supersport and a radically quick superbike.
Giving powerful competitors to the Superveloce S when it comes to design is the Ducati 1198 S, a surprising superbike you could stare at for hours on finish. But when you swing your leg over it, it’ll be exhausting to get off.
The big-bore V-twin engine blasts a soundtrack that’s addicting, and the bike has a personality that makes you wish to go quicker and quicker — good luck, Corvette — and it finds itself residence on fast-flowing corners. Take your time to tune within the adjustable suspension and electronics to your riding style and this can change into a motorcycle you’ll wish to maintain on to and hand all the way down to your children.
Performance Specifications
Top Speed
185 MPH
Engine
1,198cc Desmosedici 90-degree V-twin
Frame
Tubular metal trellis
Max Power Output
168 horsepower
Max Torque Output
97 pounds-feet
Quarter Mile Time
9.75 seconds
(Specs sourced from Motorcyclenews.com)
32017 Aprilia RSV4 RR
0 to 60 MPH: 2.7 Seconds
Aprilia
Current-gen Aprilia RSV4 have come a great distance because the three-eyed predecessors, however have misplaced a little bit of grunt. Hence, we’ve picked the 2018 RSV4 RR, one of many liveliest superbikes you possibly can trip. The RSV4 platform is already extremely succesful, and the using expertise can solely be described as intoxicating.
Yes, the RR is a less expensive RSV4 variant, in comparison with the APRC, however its dealing with gained’t make you miss Ohlins suspension and carbon wheels except you push the bike to its limits. For most bikers, the RSV4 RR is still a close-to-deathwish superbike that may induce a lot adrenaline it would fear your smartwatch.
Performance Specifications
Top Speed
190 MPH
Engine
1,000cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, V4
Frame
Aluminum twin beam
Max Power Output
198 horsepower @ 13,000 RPM
Max Torque Output
85 pounds-feet @ 10,500 RPM
Quarter Mile Time
10 seconds @ 148.5 MPH
(Specs sourced from Fastestlaps.com)
22019 Yamaha R1M
0 to 60 MPH: 2.6 Seconds
Yamaha
The Yamaha R1M is a circuit-focused bike that’s virtually as fast as a WSBK superbike. So, the Corvette has no probability in opposition to it. Most bikes and automobiles don’t maintain a candle to the R1M concerning efficiency and dealing with. The R1M’s greatest improve is the Ohlins digital semi-active suspension setup that’s way more constant underneath exhausting use, however the brakes might make you want for extra chunk at excessive speeds.
The engine is a magnificence, too; it produces a seemingly countless pour of energy whereas sounding like a monster from hell. The uncovered carbon panels make the bike look edgy, too — basic Yamaha styling.
Performance Specifications
Top Speed
183 MPH
Engine
998cc CP4 inline-four
Frame
Deltabox diamond body
Max Power Output
198 horsepower
Max Torque Output
83 pounds-feet
Quarter Mile Time
9.8 seconds @ 149.9 MPH
(Specs sourced from Motortrend and Fastestlaps.com)
Reports of the supersport class’s demise have been significantly exaggerated
12023 Kawasaki Ninja H2
0 to 60 MPH: 2.6 Seconds
Kawasaki
If your aim is to beat Corvettes together with 99% supercars and superbikes, you must choose the Ninja H2. This supercharged beast is a horror guide on two wheels, and it’s not a sluggish burner in any respect. Give it somewhat juice and the bike blasts forward, pushing your butt proper in opposition to the rear cowl, whereas making you query your life selections.
It’s one of many quickest issues on earth, and in its H2R variant, it may well even outpace a Formula 1 automobile. The bike isn’t any joke, and in case you assume you’ve obtained the abilities and confidence to trip it, by no means miss an opportunity. The expertise might be one thing you’ll keep in mind for the remainder of your life.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing North America’s (TGRNA) Toyota GR Cup Race Series Featuring the GR86 Completes 14 Events at Seven Prestigious Circuits
LAS VEGAS (Oct. 31, 2023) – The Toyota GR Cup Race Series wrapped up the 2023 season with Tyler Gonzales of Copeland Motorsports locking in the points championship and taking the top spot on the podium. He was joined by TechSport Racing teammates Gresham Wagner and Spike Kohlbecker in second and third place, respectively.
Toyota Gazoo Racing North America’s (TGRNA) GR Cup Series provides amateur drivers and teams the opportunity to compete at some of the most iconic racing venues in North America while providing Toyota engineers with real world data to support the design of future vehicles. The inaugural Toyota GR Cup season proved a huge success by any measure.
“This series exceeded all of our expectations,” said Nick Miller, manager Motorsports Special Projects at Toyota Motor North America. “We set an internal goal of 20 cars at the first race and managed to finish the season with 31 drivers on-grid. The racing provided some real excitement with great wheel-to-wheel racing action,” Miller said.
The GR86 Cup Car on display at SEMA is based on the track-inspired engineering found in every Toyota GR sports car. While all GR86 Cup race cars are modified for competition, all began as production models shipped directly from the factory in Japan to TGRNA’s facility in North Carolina for race upfit. GR Cup Car bodies remain largely the same as any street-going GR86 but are made race-ready with a handful of modifications for increased performance.
Starting with its outward appearance, the GR86 benefits from aerodynamic enhancements in the form of custom bodywork by Stratasys®, a TGRNA-designed splitter, a carbon fiber rear wing, and a few other exterior tweaks. Inside the cabin, a roll cage lends to chassis stiffness for improved handling while providing the driver with a fortified cockpit, while OMP® safety equipment positions the driver securely behind the wheel. The chassis is then lowered with TGRNA-designed suspension components to ensure even sharper handling, while fuel capacity is increased with the addition of a 22-gallon fuel cell.
Improving driveline performance started with a motorsports-oriented ECU, courtesy of a Bosch®. Spent gasses leave the engine through a custom, higher flowing Borla® exhaust. A SADEV® 6-speed sequential transmission transforms torque at the crankshaft into forward motion, while large-diameter Alcon® brakes help to rein in speed. Together, these components were selected to level the field, limit set-up variability, and maintain as much series consistency as possible.
“We take an engineered vehicle designed to spec for the road and then apply our resources to make it race ready,” said TRD executive commercial director, Jack Irving. “It’s a marketing effort for us. It’s a development opportunity for drivers. We’re supporting grassroots racing. There’s big value in it, and there’s a lot of responsibility with that too,” Irving said.
The series presents a possible next leap in the performance-driving progression for GR owners who take advantage of the complimentary one-year National Auto Sport Association® (NASA) membership that comes with the purchase of any GR sports car. The program also includes one complimentary track day at a NASA High Performance Driving Event, giving GR owners performance driving experiences under the tutelage of expert instructors.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season and beyond, Toyota has set a goal of turning Gazoo Racing into the premier performance brand in the United States within a decade, and the Toyota GR Cup is a big part of that thrust. For 2024, the GR Cup series will continue to include 14 events at seven prestigious American racetracks. Kicking off in April at Sonoma Raceway®, the series continues on with races at Sebring International Raceway, the Circuit of the Americas, Virginia International Raceway, Road America, the newly added Barber Motorsports Park, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway®.
“We should start our first race next season with about 40 cars on-grid, the most we’ve ever had. We’re excited to welcome even more drivers into the GR Cup fold, and know the racing is going to be even more epic than before,” Miller said.
The GR86 Cup car is featured in the Toyota 2023 SEMA Show exhibit (Central Hall, Booth No. 22200) at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Oct 31 – Nov 3, 2023.
The GR86 Cup car is a specially built race car for use only on closed courses. The GR86 Cup car is not certified to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and is illegal to drive on public roads.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 26 electrified options.
Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed $110 million to create innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved and diverse communities near the company’s 14 U.S. operating sites.
Piaggio Group Americas has submitted a safety recall report to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for certain 2023 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello and V100 Mandello Aviazione Navale motorcycles. The recall is due to a rear shock absorber that could break, potentially leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
This recall only affects certain V100 Mandello and V100 Mandello Aviazione Navale motorcycles that use a specific run of Kayaba suspension components. The V100 Mandello S, which uses Öhlins suspension components, is not affected.
About 260 bikes in the US may be involved in this recall, representing one percent of the population. Of these, 76 have been sold to customers and 184 are currently in dealer inventory across the country. The affected bikes were produced between October 28, 2022, and July 14, 2023. The affected VINs range from ZGUMGUA09PM000002 to ZGUMGUA09PM000212 and are not sequential.
The issue with the affected motorcycles is that the Kayaba rear shock absorbers did not meet the established standards and were supplied missing one or both bushings. This non-conformity could cause the rear shock absorber to turn at an angle in its mounting point, becoming rigid and potentially breaking at the lower shock mount.
Two cases of this failure have been reported in the Italian market so far, with one occurring on July 7, 2023, and the second on July 27, 2023. After investigating and identifying the problem, Piaggio presented an update campaign plan on August 4, 2023.
To address this issue, Piaggio will conduct a safety recall of motorcycles within the affected VIN range. Owners will be instructed to take their bikes to authorized Moto Guzzi dealers for a complete inspection of the rear shock absorber. If a rear shock absorber is found to be missing one or both bushings, the mechanics will replace the entire shock absorber with a correctly outfitted unit. This service will be provided to affected owners free of charge.
Piaggio plans to notify dealers and owners on August 22, 2023. Owners can contact Piaggio customer service at 1-212-380-4433 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). Additional information is available at www.nhtsa.gov, and the NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 23V-572.
During last year’s Monterey Car Week, Maserati Americas CEO Bill Peffer hosted a roundtable discussion in which he spoke about the carmaker’s focus on quality and how it planned to work itself back into being an industry leader. At the time, the covers had just fallen off the MC20 Cielo, the Grecale wasn’t yet on sale, and the GranTurismo was merely a prototype.
Flash forward almost exactly a year, and those three models have become the brand’s core lineup as the Ghibli, Levante, and Quattroporte slowly go out of production following a few special editions. To see how Maserati is doing in 2023, we sat down again with Peffer to discuss sales figures, electrification, and the carmaker’s long-term commitment to its dealer network.
Some responses have been edited for clarity.
Today, Maserati sits in a pretty good place. Its sales figures have continued to grow year over year, and the Italian marque hopes the Grecale will propel it further forward. Peffer unsurprisingly confirmed that the brand’s latest crossover has already become its best-selling product, with sales starting in January.
The buyer demographic has changed as a result. Previously, most Maserati customers were men, according to Peffer. The Grecale balanced things with a more equal split between men and women. This new customer base is younger than in previous years and mainly comes from other luxury car brands.
“We’re conquesting. In the past we relied on our sedan ownerbase to resubscribe them to our new products. Over 70 percent of Grecale buyers are new to the brand. This is good because we can now build our ownership base.”
Peffer added that when surveyed, these new customers noted liking the Grecale’s styling and tech but were also influenced by its exclusivity. Maserati has always been a boutique manufacturer, but now it can leverage the Trident being a rare sight as a selling point.
“That product [Grecale] competes in a big space, and it unlocks out ability to invest in supercars like the GT and the MC20. This Netuno technology, this engine we started off with in the MC20 can be found in the GT and Grecale because of its packaging. We’ve committed to full electric versions as well so we’re one of the few brands making these dual investments.”
The first of this new line of electric vehicles will be the GranTurismo Folgore, scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in the coming months. The Grecale will follow closely after, with the electrified MC20 being the final one to be introduced. Maserati’s goal in the efforts is that by offering dual powertrain versions of its cars, it can compete with larger brands like Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz despite offering just one mass-market product.
“What’s cool about that is that most of the competition works off of a skateboard. Our car [GT] is already well balanced because it has that compact packaging for the Netuno engine where it sits behind the front axle. It’s a front-mid ship. In the electric version, we wanted to maintain the piller of performance as it pertains to acceleration, handling, and top speed. So we built a battery pack which is in a “T” formation which you sit around. We can package that battery so it allows for a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, which is actually better than the gas car.”
Along with continuing to offer internal combustion cars for long-time fans of the brand. Maserati has leaned into further personalizing its vehicles with its in-house Fuoriserie customization program. This allows customers to configure their cars in ways not typically offered in the standard options list. Peffer explained that the brand started with a small run of 25 MC20s finished in Digital Mint, a matte blue resembling a Tiffany blue, which sold instantly and is now expanding with more one-off creations.
Given that Maserati is currently in a very forward-looking position, the question arose of whether the Italian carmaker planned to continue selling vehicles through the traditional business model. Could Maserati go direct to consumers?
“We are firmly committed to the dealership model. Through our partners, we know that we can provide an experience which is what an electric car customer demands. How do we make sure the customer’s experience is exclusively Maserati? We do that with updaded spaces, configuration rooms and the general vibe and openness so you don’t end up feeling smothered when you walk into the dealership. The only brand’s that I’m aware of that have gone direct are ones that have been established in the last few years building a certain type of car, so we have no plans to do that.”
Aside from these efforts in the consumer space, Maserati is also investing heavily in motorsport. Whether it be its involvement in Formula E or the recent unveiling of its GT2 racer, the Italian carmaker is making a comeback on all fronts. During this year’s Monterey Car Week, it plans to unveil its latest seven-figure creation, the MCXtrema, a limited MC20-based racecar.
Although a year passed since our first conversation with Peffer about Maserati’s future, it seems the brand’s turnaround is off to a promising start. The next stage will likely involve seeing how well its current and growing customer base warms up to its new range of electric vehicles in the coming months.
PLANO, Texas (August 1, 2023) – Toyota Gazoo Racing North America’s GR Cup Series is embracing technology to strengthen the connection between drivers and fans. With the help of Toyota Connected North America (TCNA), a software and data services company, the GR Cup Series has introduced personalized digital trophies that use polygon blockchain technology to showcase driver statistics, podium finishes, finishing position, and lap times. These digital trophies can be easily shared and are updated after every race weekend.
“With the GR Cup Series, we have an opportunity to incorporate technologies that will enhance the experience for our drivers and enable them to engage more effectively with racing fans,” said Jack Irving, executive commercial director, TRD. “Blockchain technology allows us to create a permanent digital record of drivers’ achievements, which they can share with their friends, family, and fans. It also opens new avenues for introducing our partners to race fans.”
The advantage of blockchain records is that they are non-fungible and provide an accurate representation of each driver’s performance after every race weekend. As drivers prepare for the upcoming Big Machine Music City Grand Prix in Nashville, they can easily access their accomplishments from the first three GR Cup weekends at Sonoma Raceway, Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, and Virginia International Raceway.
“We wanted to redefine the driver experience in the GR Cup Series, and the digital trophy program allows us to achieve that goal,” said Tim Muttitt, TCNA technical program manager. “By utilizing blockchain technology, we can ensure authenticity and focus on showcasing the driver’s talent. This unique technology gives drivers greater visibility.”
The GR Cup Series, currently in its inaugural season, is sanctioned by SRO and provides drivers and teams with the opportunity to compete at renowned racing venues in North America. This single-make series features the Toyota GR86 and consists of a total of 14 races, including double-headers at iconic tracks such as COTA, Virginia International Raceway, Road America, Sebring International Raceway, and the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
All GR86 Cup race cars start out as stock vehicles and are then modified for competition at the GR Garage, TRD’s state-of-the-art facility in Mooresville, North Carolina. At GR Garage, each GR86 is equipped with Bosch® engine management, a custom Borla® exhaust, SADEV® 6-speed sequential transmission, Alcon® brakes, adjustable JRI Shocks®, OMP® safety equipment, roll cage, carbon fiber rear wing, 22-gallon fuel cell, TRD-designed MacPherson struts, Stratasys® custom bodywork, a TRD-designed splitter, and more.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Kjell Gruner, the former CEO of Porsche Cars North America, is expected to join electric vehicle startup Rivian in an undisclosed role, as reported by Automotive News Europe.
Last week, Gruner left Porsche USA “at his own request” after holding the position for less than three years. During his tenure, he successfully navigated the German sports car manufacturer’s American business through the pandemic and positioned the brand for a record-breaking year in terms of sales. Dealers are projected to sell 80,000 units next year, representing a nearly 15 percent increase compared to 2022.
Prior to his role as CEO in the United States, Gruner served as the vice president of marketing for the parent company Porsche AG starting in 2010. He also held the position of director of strategy at Mercedes-Benz Cars before that.
The Ford GT is a legendary supercar that represents American automotive excellence. Its historic victory at the 1966 Le Mans race was a milestone for American supercars. Today, the Ford GT continues to be a symbol of innovation, performance, and design. Chicago Motor Cars, the luxury automotive specialists, are proud to offer this stunning 2021 Ford GT with a unique Miami Blue finish from Porsche.
The Miami Blue paint is an exclusive upgrade option that comes with a $30,000 price tag. To protect the paint, the car is also equipped with a full paint protection film. The build includes Ford’s factory exterior carbon fiber package and aftermarket 20/21-inch silver HRE wheels that beautifully complement the vibrant blue paint.
Inside the Ford GT, the focus is on simplicity and elegance. The black leather and Alcantara interior features carbon sports bucket seats with the “GT” logo embroidered on the headrests. The driver-centric cabin keeps the controls relatively hidden, allowing the driver to fully experience the Ford GT on and off the track.
The Ford GT is powered by a 3.5-liter Twin-Turbo 6-Cylinder Ecoboost engine that delivers over 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. It is equipped with a sophisticated 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.0 seconds. With a top speed of 216 mph, the Ford GT is a true track performer. This rare 2021 Ford GT is currently available for sale at Chicago Motor Cars.
To view the price and listing for this unique Ford GT, click on the link below:
Cody Webb, America’s top talent in Extreme enduro, recently competed in the 2023 Red Bull Erzbergrodeo. After enduring injuries that interrupted his quest to reach the top step of the podium, Webb returned to the Iron Giant in good health and finished 10th. In a post-race interview with DB’s Travis Fant, he discussed his preparation, travel challenges, and his performance at the event.
Cody Webb performs during the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo 2023 in Eisenerz, Austria on June 11, 2023 // Philip Platzer / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202306110675 // Usage for editorial use only //
DB: Cody, your usual training is already intense, but is there anything specific you do to prepare for a race like Erzberg?
CODY WEBB: “It’s obviously different from any other race. It is the hardest one-day race in the world. I really try to focus on challenging terrains like old pilings or big messed up rock gardens. I want to test myself without relying on a pre-built line. I have to admit, it has been a while since I last finished the race with a strong effort. Some of the sections can be scary.”
DB: Talk about the challenges of traveling as an American and dealing with time changes and jet lag for an event like Erzberg.
WEBB: “Yeah, traveling that far is definitely not easy. Being a family man now, it’s harder to leave than before. As soon as I arrived there, I tried to adjust as quickly as possible. You have to force yourself to acclimate. This year was different because they made it illegal to walk the course before the race. It’s strange because the mine there offers tours, and almost every top rider was there practicing on sections of the course. It definitely pays off to have that extra time to familiarize yourself with the event. Unfortunately, I didn’t have that luxury this year due to my racing schedule in the States.”
Cody Webb of the United States seen during the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo at the Erzberg in Eisenerz, Austria on June 10, 2023. // Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202306100279 // Usage for editorial use only //
DB: Your teammate Cooper Abbott joined you. Did you provide any advice to your first-timer teammate?
WEBB: “I tried to give him a heads up. I told him to be cautious and brace himself for the rocks and roost coming out of the mine. This place has the worst roost, small rocks that leave welts on your body. I advised Cooper to focus on making it out of the first hills going out of the mine, as losing ground there can be costly. I also warned him about one of the scariest downhills, Carls diner. I told him to start slow to avoid any mishaps at the bottom.”
DB: How do you maintain a decent pace throughout such a long race without exhausting yourself early on?
WEBB: “This year was different for me because I wasn’t battling for the lead like in previous years. Hence, I didn’t experience the crazy arm pump and had to stop to let it subside. I started the race at a more relaxed pace and gradually positioned myself well. However, there are always unexpected scenarios. Early on, I was around 6th place behind Johnny Walker, but I got stuck with Andrea Verona, and other riders started passing me. I panicked a bit and lost some valuable positions. Considering my recent injuries, my ultimate goal was to finish the race. So, I played it smart, conserved energy in the beginning, took fewer risks, and had enough left in the tank towards the end to secure a good position.”
DB: You were the top American to finish. It’s quite a statement, considering your injuries and the fact that you conserved energy in some sections.
WEBB: “In the past, I’ve finished on the podium, but now I know where I stand. I can compete with all the guys in the top 10. If things go right, I can make it happen. Last year, around the same time, I had a wrist injury, the same one Phil Nicoletti had. I wasn’t even sure if I would race professionally again. I took some anti-inflammatory medication before the race to manage the pain. After Carls diner, the painkillers started wearing off, and I just needed to push through. I know I’m not at 100%, but I’m doing my best to prolong my career.”
Cody Webb of the United States and Taddy Blazusiak of Poland seen during the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo at the Erzberg in Eisenerz, Austria on June 10, 2023. // Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202306100272 // Usage for editorial use only //
DB: You often ride the two-stroke. Is it an advantage at Erzberg, and would you ever consider racing on a four-stroke?
WEBB: “Erzberg would definitely be challenging on a four-stroke. A four-stroke feels heavier at the front end, especially on a downhill like Carls diner. The weights of two-strokes and four-strokes are similar now, but their feel is very different. In rock gardens, which are abundant in the early stages of the race, a four-stroke might perform better. However, in later stages like Motorex Highway, a two-stroke would be more suitable. I’ve ridden the SE300 for fun in hard enduro events, and the heat coming off a four-stroke is intense. The clutches get hotter, and the bike overall runs much hotter. At Carls diner, the sun beats down on you, and the hot air from the bike’s fan blows on you. Riding a two-stroke in such conditions makes a notable difference since the bike doesn’t run as hot. Plus, if something goes wrong, you can still ride a “blown-up” two-stroke to some extent. It’s harder to destroy a two-stroke and get stranded compared to a four-stroke.”
DB: Are there any specific adjustments you make to your bike for a race like Erzberg?
WEBB: “In this race, there’s a different format compared to the US hard enduro series. Since it’s part of the FIM, no outside assistance is allowed whatsoever. At the pits, we weren’t even allowed to get anything. We had to run levers inside the air-box, zip-tied a shifter inside the frame, and carried minimal tools on the bike just in case. I wasn’t even allowed to swap my USWE water pack, although I could replace the bladder. They are extremely strict about no outside assistance at Erzberg. It’s truly a man-and-machine challenge.”
DB: We follow you on Instagram and have had the privilege of filming with you in NorCal. We’ve seen you tackle tough rides alone. Are these experiences preparing you mentally for events like Erzberg?
WEBB: Cody laughs, “Yeah, definitely. I always ride with a backpack and snacks because you never know what could happen out there, and I don’t want to be stranded overnight. Erzberg is incredible. There are sections on the course that I wouldn’t usually practice alone due to the risks involved. Yet, during the race, I have to face them on my own.”
DB: Now that Erzberg is behind you, what’s next on your agenda?
WEBB: “I’m looking forward to the final round of the US Hard Enduro series in two weeks. It’s one of our best races at a ski resort. After that, I’ll start preparing for the EnduroCross series and see what I can achieve there!”
DB: Thank you, Cody, for sharing your insights and letting us pick your brain a bit.
