Tag Archives: announced

Motorsport

Honda Announces New Jet For 2028 That Can Fly Non-Stop Across The US

The HondaJet began deliveries in 2015, and now Honda announced a significant expansion to the range by introducing a new, larger aircraft in 2028. The plane maker doesn’t yet have a name for the new offering, but it’s targeting the ability to fly non-stop across the United States.

The new plane will be a production version of the HondaJet 2600 Concept (pictured below) from 2021. The company will sell the larger aircraft alongside the existing HondaJet Elite II. Like other offerings, Honda mounts the engines on pylons above each wing, which is an unconventional design for business jets.

HondaJet 2600 Concept Flying Front

Honda intends the new jet to have 20 percent better fuel efficiency than other planes in this segment. It would have 40 percent better economy over larger, medium-sized business jets.

The plane can over 2,625 nautical miles (3,021 miles) with four passengers and a pilot on board. This is significantly more than the HondaJet Elite II that can go 1,547 nautical miles (1,780 miles) in the same configuration.

The upcoming jet would fit up to 11 occupants, and a single pilot can fly it. In comparison, the HondaJet Elite II fits seven or eight, depending on the configuration.

The aircraft would cruise at 450 knots (518 miles per hour) and an altitude as high as 47,000 feet. The HondaJet Elite II cruises at 422 knots (486 mph) at up to 43,000 feet.

“The new aircraft will surpass the performance, comfort, and efficiency of typical light jets by providing a medium-sized jet experience,” the Honda Aircraft Company said in the announcement.

The table below shows what we know about Honda’s new plane and compares the specs to the HondaJet Elite II:

  Upcoming Honda Aircraft HondaJet Elite II
Engine Williams International FJ44-4C GE Honda HF120
Avionics Garmin G3000 Garmin G3000
Passenger Capacity

1 Pilot, 10 Passengers

2 Pilots, 9 Passengers

1 Pilot, 6 Passengers

2 Pilots, 5 Passengers

OR

1 Pilot, 7 Passengers

2 Pilots, 6 Passengers
Range With Pilot And Four Passengers 3,021 Miles 1,780 Miles
Maximum Cruising Speed 518 MPH 486 MPH
Maximum Cruising Altitude 47,000 Feet 43,000 Feet

The HondaJet 2600 Concept debuted in Las Vegas in 2021. Even then, the company touted the aircraft’s ability to perform non-stop, coast-to-coast flights. The business also projected 120 cubic feet of baggage capacity versus 62 feet from the HondaJet Elite II.

The video below is from the 2600 Concept’s debut and provides a glimpse at the interior.

Motorsport

Volkswagen Arteon Is No Longer Available as Volkswagen Implements New Profitability Plan

Volkswagen is implementing a new plan to increase profitability, which unfortunately includes discontinuing certain lower-volume models like the Arteon.

The specific details regarding other low-selling models that will be affected were not disclosed, but the company specifically mentioned the Arteon. The decision to discontinue the Arteon is not surprising, considering that its sales have seen a significant decline of almost 69% in 2022, with only 1,742 units sold in the US. This is a negligible number compared to Volkswagen’s total sales of over 301,000 vehicles in the same period. Although there was a notable increase in Arteon sales during the first quarter of 2023, with over 1,000% growth, this was based on a relatively small number of units sold, just 528.


Featured

The 2024 Discovery Sport Features a Curved Touchscreen and More

Jaguar Land Rover has recently announced ambitious plans for the future, which includes the restructuring of its brands. As a result, the Land Rover brand has been split into three brands: Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery. The new Discovery Sport has been refreshed for this new era, featuring a redesigned interior, advanced technology, and improvements to its versatility and drivability.

The new Discovery Sport is equipped with the celebrated Pivi Pro entertainment system, which can be accessed through an 11.4-inch floating, curved touchscreen. With just two taps from the Home screen, users can access 90% of the system’s functions. The car also comes standard with integration with Amazon Alexa and Wireless Apple CarPlay, as well as Android Auto. It also features wireless device charging, USB-C charging in the rear seats, and a Cabin Air Purification Plus system to ensure clean air inside the car.

In terms of drivability, the new Discovery Sport is equipped with 3D surround cameras and ClearSight Ground View, which allows drivers to see what is underneath the vehicle. The SUV is available for configuration and ordering now, starting at $48,900 in the United States. This marks the beginning of a new era for all of Land Rover’s new brands.

Motorsport

2024 Honda CR-V: Introducing the New Hybrid Sport-L Trim

Honda has expanded the 2024 CR-V lineup with the all-new hybrid Sport-L trim. With front- and all-wheel drive options available, the CR-V Sport-L fits in between the EX-L and Sport Touring models. The automaker has also revealed the pricing for the entire range, with the new starting cost being $1,090 higher than the 2023 model. Interested buyers can get their hands on the 2024 CR-V starting from June 14.

If you’re looking for a vehicle that combines affordability with top-of-the-line features, the 2024 Honda CR-V Sport-L is an excellent choice. With its advanced hybrid powertrain and enhanced interior, it offers the perfect balance of performance and comfort. Made to cater to the needs of a variety of drivers, it provides a smooth and efficient ride, regardless of the terrain and weather conditions you may encounter on the road ahead.


NewsNew

2024 BETA 300RX TWO-STROKE MX BIKE ANNOUNCED

Beta has just announced the 2024 300RX two-stroke motocross bike. This is the third year of production for this bike, and there have been hints that it will soon be joined by a four-stroke motocross bike. Benny Bloss recently signed a two-year contract with Beta to race the 2024 and 2025 Supercross seasons on the 450RX. The official two-stroke press release follows.

Beta USA is proud to release details of their 2024 300 RX model designed for Motocross. Since releasing this model in 2021 to the USA only, the bike has gained popularity worldwide. Being a limited production model means only a select few have had the opportunity to own and ride one.

The 300 RX is a moto bike like no other, with features such as a two-position MAP ignition and an adjustable power valve that works independently from the MAP switch that allows riders and racers to create a power delivery that can be altered as much as thirty percent! Add to this electric start, Kayaba (KYB) suspension front and rear, and a look that can only come from Italian designers, the 300 RX is a bike to add to your collection.

Other features include a 19” rear wheel, six-position handlebar adjustment (front to back), Silicone cooling hoses, plated exhaust pipe, billet aluminum chain adjuster blocks, an oil filler plug, push button seat removal with a quick access air filter, gripper seat cover, and a dual material rear sprocket for more durability. The idea behind all of these top-shelf components is simple, to allow the rider to focus on the ride without the need to add parts after their purchase.

Beta engineers worked for more than two years to develop the 300’s power delivery to ensure the right amount of power was obtained. A Keihin 38mm carburetor along with the V-Force Reeds ensured no gaps or stumbles in the power delivery. Finished off with a six-speed transmission with a hydraulic clutch makes the perfect combination for moto and even off-road racing.

The chassis is complemented with Nissin brakes front and rear mated to Galfer wave-style brake rotors for one of the most progressive braking packages in the industry. New colors and updated graphics complete the package for 2024. Every 300 RX comes with an Acerbis matching Moto stand.

Beta recommends reaching out to your local Beta dealer to secure a new 300 RX as the production is limited.

Notable features of the 300 RX:

» Tires: Michelin Starcross tires are perfect for all-around moto performance.

» Suspension: Kayaba (KYB) rear shock with matching closed-cartridge 48mm front fork with internal valving exclusive to the RX

» Billet Aluminum Foot Pegs: extra wide with stainless steel gripper pins provide the rider with a strong, yet light platform.

» Fuel Tank: Translucent for easy viewing of fuel level

» Triple Clamps: machined clamps with top clamp providing the rider with six handlebar positions

» Electric Start: including a lithium battery and the ability to install a backup kick starter for those racing off-road.

» Rear Sprocket with Anodized Aluminum Core and Steel Teeth by ZF: the light weight of aluminum with the added wear from the steel outer ring. This sprocket is sold as an accessory on most models however comes standard with each RX.

» Seat/Air Filter: gripper seat cover, push button release system, no need for tools to change out the air filter

» Anodized Black Shift Lever and Rear Brake Pedal: a nice added touch to the RX.

» Chain Tensioners in Red Billet Aluminum.

» Blue Excel Wheels: for a striking look and quality performance.

KYB suspension

Michelin Tires & ZF Anodized Aluminum Core/Steel Teeth Sprocket

Pricing: $9,399.00

*plus a $489.00 destination fee. Not included are professional dealer setup, taxes, license, or other required fees.

Availability: September

Motorsport

Watch Audi TT RS Roadster Hit Its 173-MPH Top Speed In Autobahn Run

It wasn’t much of a shock when Audi announced that the TT was dead after 2023 in the US. The brand’s boss suggested in 2019 that the two-door model’s future was already in doubt. The car retains the original’s sporty quirkiness and packs quite the performance punch as it prepares to leave the automotive stage. A new video captures the Audi TT RS Roadster reaching its top speed on the German Autobahn.

The Audi TT RS Roadster uses the brand’s turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five engine. It makes 400 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque that is pumped to all four wheels. The convertible can reach 62 miles per hour in just 3.9 seconds. It has an official top speed of 155 miles per hour but an option can increase that to 173 mph. However, the video shows the speedometer reading a bit more than that – 290 kph, which is 180 mph.


RollsRoyce

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS ANNOUNCES NEW REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR GREATER CHINA

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced that Anthony Zhao has been appointed Regional Director for Greater China, transitioning into the role on 1 June 2023.

As one of the world’s leading luxury markets, China is of crucial strategic significance for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Known for its young and eclectic luxury clientele, China is expected to become the marque’s largest market in the next few years.

Anthony Zhao has extensive knowledge and experience in China, particularly in the South of the country, which is renowned as a global hub for luxury. Anthony has a deep understanding of the region and the ultra-high-net-worth Chinese luxury consumers, whose unique tastes and appetite for highly bespoke products attract them to Rolls-Royce’s model range. With a strong client focus, he brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having achieved significant success in a range of senior management positions within the industry, including over the last seven years as Head of Sales, South Region, BMW Brilliance Automotive.

Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, Director of Sales and Brand for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said, “I am delighted to welcome Anthony Zhao to the Rolls-Royce team as Regional Director for Greater China. He has an outstanding track record, and his broad experience in the vitally important Chinese market means he is ideally suited to this position. I worked closely with Anthony during my own time working in China and he greatly impressed me with his capabilities. Greater China plays a crucial strategic role in Rolls-Royce’s global success, and I look forward to working with Anthony to build on our strong position in the region.”

Leon Li, previously Regional Director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Greater China, has left the company in order to pursue other business interests.

FiatUk

NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM ANNOUNCED TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR ABARTH, FIAT AND FIAT PROFESSIONAL

18 January 2023: Fiat has announced changes to its UK management team, with Damien Dally being appointed Managing Director for the UK operations of Abarth, Fiat and Fiat Professional, with immediate effect. He will join Marketing Director Giuseppe Cava and Sales Director Iain Brown on the management team. 

 

Dally has worked for FCA – and subsequently Stellantis – for 21 years and has a wide breadth of knowledge and experience across all of the brands within the group. His tenure includes a stint in Italy as Head of Commercial Development – Jeep brand EMEA and Management of the Fiat Chrysler International Sales Operations.  He is renowned for his passion for driving results alongside his strong sales and marketing background gained both in the UK and Europe. Dally will report to Paul Willcox, Senior Vice President and Group Managing Director, Stellantis UK. 

 

Cava joined the group in June 2018 covering several roles in the Product Marketing team and leading the division as Head of Product, before moving to the Marketing Director role for Fiat and Abarth in February 2022 where he remains.  Cava holds a double master’s degree in management from two leading universities in Germany and Italy as well as a Masters in Global Marketing & Made in Italy. Cava will report into Damien Dally, Managing Director. 

 

Sales Director Brown has an abundance of sales and automotive experience, having first joined Fiat as Zone Sales Manager in 2008. During his tenure, he has held various roles with the Stellantis brands, including Regional Sales Manager and National Sales Operation Manager. In his latter role, from 2019, Brown was Head of Customer Experience and Quality for Abarth, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Fiat Professional and Jeep. 

 

Richard Chamberlain continues his role as Director of Commercial Vehicles for Stellantis UK.

 

On his appointment, Dally, said: “This is a huge honour for me to take over these iconic brands with incredible pasts, but equally as exciting futures. In the all-electric Fiat 500 we truly have an electric car that is widely lauded by media and consumers alike. In addition, the Abarth 500e has just been revealed and will be on sale later in the year while e-Ducato and e-Scudo offer a diverse portfolio for van drivers. It really couldn’t be a more exciting time to be working on these brands.”

 

Senior Vice President and Group Managing Director, Stellantis UK , Paul Willcox said: “I am delighted to congratulate Damien on his new appointment as Managing Director for the UK operations of Abarth, Fiat and Fiat Professional. His 21 years’ experience within the business and deep understanding of the individual brands will help guide the business towards its successful emission free future.” 

 

For further information, please contact Kate Oyler, Head of PR, Abarth, Fiat and Fiat Professional, kate.oyler@stellantis.com or 07796 447124.