Tag Archives: announcement

News

New Volvo EM90: A Shocking Electric Luxury MPV

Volvo has made a stunning announcement that it will be launching a luxury electric MPV in China.

Named the EM90, a single overhead image of the vehicle has been revealed, with a full reveal scheduled for November 12th. On the same day, pre-orders will become available as well.

The EM90 is expected to offer the ambience of a “Scandinavian living room on the move,” drawing inspiration from Volvo’s new minimalist and technologically advanced cabin designs featured in the Volvo EX30 and EX90 SUVs, which focus on space, comfort, and connectivity.

While Volvo hasn’t provided any specific details, the company stated, “The new EM90 doesn’t just enable you to travel from point A to point B. It creates space for your life.”

Volvo further added, “Envision a mobile space where you can truly be yourself. A place where you can connect with loved ones, create, relax, work, or simply think.”

Although not officially confirmed, it is anticipated that the EM90 will be closely related to Zeekr’s new 009, a luxurious six-seat MPV with impressive performance and striking design. The 009 shares the Geely Group SEA platform with Volvo’s EX30, as well as the new Smart #1 and other Chinese-market EVs from Geely-owned brands.

However, it remains to be seen whether the EM90 will boast similar performance figures as the 009. The 009 claims a range of 511 miles from its 140kWh battery and can supposedly accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds, despite its hefty weight of nearly three tonnes.

Significantly, the 009 was designed in Gothenburg, Sweden, at Geely’s new global design center, under the guidance of former Bentley design boss Stefan Sielaff. It is unclear if the EM90 was also designed in parallel.

The EM90 will be the first MPV to bear the Volvo emblem. Moreover, it will be the first non-SUV model introduced by Volvo since the launch of the latest-generation S60 saloon in 2019.

In the UK, Volvo made headlines recently when it ceased the sale of all saloon and estate cars, opting to focus on crossovers and SUVs due to their higher demand. Consequently, it is highly unlikely that the EM90 will be available in the UK.

Motorsport

Porsche 914 Restomod: A $444,000 Carbon Fiber Beauty

After three long years, Fifteen Eleven Design is proud to unveil the final production version of its Porsche 914 restomod. This custom sports car pays tribute to one of the less popular models in Porsche’s history. The restoration firm is now taking orders for this stunning vehicle.

The project, which was first announced in 2021, features a mid-engined, Targa-topped roadster design based on the Porsche Cayman S. Powering this beauty is a reengineered 3.8-liter flat-six engine, delivering an impressive 380-400 horsepower. Upgrades include reinforced internals, forged pistons, and a Life Racing ECU, resulting in more than triple the performance of the original stock 914. This powerhouse is paired with a six-speed manual transmission.


News

2024 Ducati SuperSport 950 Family Is Growing, Say CARB Certification Docs

In August, motorcycle manufacturers usually start announcing their new models for the following year. This year is no exception, with 2023 already seeing some model announcements. During this time, motorcycle enthusiasts eagerly await the big new bike announcements leading up to EICMA in November.

While we wait for these announcements, one way to gather clues about upcoming models is by examining official documents, such as the Executive Orders issued by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB is responsible for setting vehicle emissions standards in California, and vehicles sold in the state must adhere to these standards. Generally, if a vehicle meets CARB’s standards, it can be sold throughout the rest of the US as well.

It is rare for a model to be exclusively released in the US, so information found in CARB documents can be relevant globally. This makes exploring these documents useful for anyone interested in uncovering details about new motorcycle models, regardless of their location.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the 2024 Ducati SuperSport. CARB documents are usually organized by engine and model family, making them a valuable source of information. For the 2023 models, Ducati listed two Supersport 950 models: the Supersport 950 and the SuperSport 950 S.

However, the CARB filing for the 2024 SuperSport family reveals two additional model designations that have not been seen before. In addition to the existing listings for “Ducati Supersport,” “Ducati SuperSport S,” “SuperSport 950,” and what appears to be a typo with “SuperSpotr 950 S,” there are intriguing listings for “Ducati SuperSport S T” and “Ducati SuperSport T.”

If we examine Ducati’s current lineup, we can see that they offer a wide variety of models targeting different types of riders. They have the Panigale family, DesertX, Diavel V4, XDiavel, Hypermotard family, Monster family, Streetfighter family, Multistrada family, and Scrambler family. However, there is currently no strong Touring or Sport Touring option. This suggests that Ducati may be looking to fill this gap in its lineup with the new models indicated in the CARB documents. The “T” in the model designations could stand for “Touring” or “Turismo.”

As of today, August 21, 2023, we have most of Ducati’s 2024 World Première calendar to look forward to, starting in September. Unlike the 2023 calendar, Ducati has chosen not to give teaser titles to each Episode, making it challenging to connect the CARB information with specific announcements this season. Nevertheless, we eagerly await the upcoming changes and what they will bring.

Featured

Two Unique Lamborghini Supercars Spotted Outside The Sant’Agata Factory

While Lamborghini is looking towards the future with their upcoming electrified V12 Revuelto, they still have some surprises for us. Recently, automotive YouTuber Varryx captured footage of two mysterious Lamborghini models outside the company’s headquarters in Sant’Agata, Bolognese. These one-off supercars represent the brand’s V12 heritage and are believed to be the Invencible Coupé and Auténtica Roadster.

Lamborghini Centro Stile, the brand’s design studio, worked closely with the owners to create these bespoke vehicles. Although most of the body design is hidden under camouflage wraps, some key features are noticeable, including Sián-style taillights and an engine cover inspired by the Sesto Elemento. These unique models also introduce some new elements to Lamborghini, such as a fixed swan neck rear wing. The drive-by clips suggest that Invencible and Auténtica pay homage to Lamborghini’s iconic V12 engine.

As we look forward to the future of Lamborghini with models like the Revuelto, we now have even more to anticipate with the introduction of Invencible and Auténtica. To see all the current Lamborghini models available for sale, visit duPont REGISTRY.

Motorsport

New Kia K3 Compact Sedan Revealed, Could Preview Forte Successor

Update: A Kia spokesperson responded to our inquiry about the K3, saying “Kia US has made no official announcement regarding K3 and has no further comment at this time.”

Kia’s small car lineup in the US has been limited to the Forte and Rio models since they were introduced in the mid-2000s. However, Kia has now unveiled a new small sedan called the K3 for the Mexico market. With Kia renaming and refreshing its US lineup, there is speculation that the K3 could potentially replace both the Forte and Rio models.

In terms of size, the K3 sits between the subcompact Rio and the compact Forte. It measures 178.9 inches in length, making it larger than the Rio (172.6 inches) but slightly smaller than the Forte (182.7 inches). The K3 also offers 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to the Rio sedan’s 13.4 cubic feet and the Forte’s 15.3 cubic feet.

If the new Kia K3 looks familiar, it’s because it shares several design elements with the larger K5 sedan. The headlights framed by Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille and the full-width taillight bar on the rear are reminiscent of the K5. Additionally, the K3 has a “fastback-style” silhouette similar to the K5 and the EV6 electric vehicle.

The interior of the K3 aligns with the rest of Kia’s lineup. It features a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster screen and a 10.3-inch touchscreen that are integrated under a single piece of glass extending from the driver’s side to the center console. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included as standard.

Powering the K3 are two engine options: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and a more powerful 2.0-liter option. The smaller engine produces 122 horsepower, while the larger 2.0-liter engine, exclusive to the GT-Line trim, delivers 150 horsepower. The 1.6-liter engine is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, while the 2.0-liter engine is paired with a six-speed manual exclusively.

The K3 was initially unveiled in Mexico, where it will be manufactured. However, it remains unclear whether the small sedan will be officially introduced as a replacement for the Forte in the US. Given that Kia has rebranded the Forte as the K3 in markets outside of the US and has recently renamed the Optima as the K5, it wouldn’t be surprising if the K3 eventually makes its way to the US under the same name. More information is expected to be released by Kia in the coming months.

Technology

The Costly Consequences of Elon Musk’s Twitter Rebrand

The announcement of the “X” rebranding has led to a series of setbacks and issues in a surprisingly short period of time. Yaccarino’s vague explanation that the rebranding will be powered by artificial intelligence received criticism, with some comparing it to the story of the “Emperor’s New Clothes,” suggesting that the statements lacked substance.

Almost immediately, problems related to the rebranding started to arise. The San Francisco Police Department intervened and stopped contractors from removing the Twitter signage outside their headquarters due to the absence of permits or requests. This lack of planning posed a safety risk to people passing by. It remains unclear when the removal process will resume.

However, perhaps the most significant issue is the fact that Musk or X Corp. did not trademark the name “X,” despite Musk’s known interest in it. Ironically, it appears that Meta has a trademark for a product called “X,” as indicated in their patent filing for “online social networking services.” These obstacles put the value and positive reputation of the Twitter brand at risk.

Steve Susi, a brand communication expert from Siegel & Gale, explained to Bloomberg, “It took more than 15 years to build that level of global equity, so losing the Twitter brand name would be a significant financial blow.”

Motorsport

Toyota Gives Sneak Peek of 2025 Land Cruiser and its FJ40 Ancestor

In a recent social media announcement, Toyota hinted at the return of the Land Cruiser to the US market. Now, the automaker has released teaser images of an unnamed mid-size, off-road SUV. Although Toyota has not officially confirmed that these images depict the upcoming Land Cruiser, the mention of 65 years of off-road history suggests that it could be the case. Considering that the iconic FJ40 was introduced in 1960, it is likely that the new Land Cruiser will be a 2025 model.

Interestingly, the 2025 Land Cruiser for the US market will have a different appearance compared to the globally debuted 2022 model, known as the 300-Series. This is because the US version of the legendary off-roader is expected to share its platform with the 2024 Lexus GX 550, which is the luxury brand’s newly redesigned mid-size SUV. It is worth noting that the Land Cruiser Prado, which has a similar heritage to the GX, was recently teased for the European market. As a result, it is highly likely that the US-market Land Cruiser will be nearly identical to the European version.

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Teaser Brightened

The teaser images reveal some key features of the new Land Cruiser. It shares the upkicked beltline with the GX, which enhances off-road visibility and maneuverability. The Land Cruiser also has a tall stance and a relatively short wheelbase. However, there are some design elements unique to Toyota. The front end of the 2025 Land Cruiser features a separate bumper, unlike the integrated grille-bumper combination found on the GX. Additionally, the Land Cruiser lacks the roof spoiler present on its Lexus counterpart, giving it a more retro look. By brightening the image, you can also see that the Land Cruiser has large, square taillights and a chunky grille. It is possible that the Land Cruiser does not have rocker steps in order to improve clearance over rocks.


News

The CFMoto 800NK is Now Available for Sale in the Philippines

CFMoto Philippines has made a significant announcement on its social media pages regarding the launch of its groundbreaking naked bike, the 800NK. This new model for the country is based on the 800 platform and comes with an incredibly attractive price tag of 458,000 PHP, which is approximately $8,200 USD.

The NK series has been in CFMoto’s lineup for some time now, and prior to its international announcement, the largest bike in the NK line was a 650cc model. Following the global unveiling, the 800NK became the most powerful bike in the NK series, and now, with the official announcement from the country’s distributor, it’s also the most exciting NK model to date.

The CFMoto 800 NK shares its engine with the KTM 790 Duke, which is also manufactured locally in the Philippines. These two models are expected to compete for dominance in the Southeast Asian market in the near future. While many comparisons will be drawn, there are both similarities and differences worth noting after experiencing both bikes in person.

CFMoto Philippines 800 NK Announcement

First and foremost, the frame on the 800NK is a bit different. Although it uses the same LC8C engine, the frame built around it has some variation. The swingarm, for instance, is not the open-lattice design found on KTM bikes; instead, it features an aluminum swingarm that is shorter compared to Team Orange’s rendition. The 800NK has a wheelbase of 1,465 millimeters, while the KTM 790 Duke measures at 1,475 millimeters. This means that the 800NK will provide a more agile and nimble riding experience, although its rake is less aggressive than its Austrian counterpart.

As for engine specifications, the 800NK is powered by the same motor as the KTM, but the CFMoto has made slight adjustments. The model produces 94 horsepower and 81 Nm of torque, which is slightly lower compared to when the 790 Duke was first launched in 2017 with 105 horsepower. The decrease in power figures is mainly due to emissions regulations, as KTM also experienced a reduction in power when it released the Euro 5-compliant version of the 790 Duke.

The bike also features fully-adjustable separate function forks and pre-load on the suspension front, 17-inch wheels with Maxxis tires, 320mm brake discs in the front, and a 260mm disc at the rear with J.Juan calipers. It also comes with dual-channel ABS as standard.


CFMOTO 800 NK Philippines

13 Photos

The weight of the 800NK is only 189 kilograms or 416 pounds, and its seat height is an accommodating 795 millimeters or 31.2 inches.

The NK also boasts an interesting tech package. While it lacks the KTM’s six-axis inertial measurement unit, it compensates with a larger gauge cluster and keyless ignition. The bike also offers ride modes, including Rain, Street, and Sport.

Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of the CFMoto 800NK is its launch price of P488,000, or about $8,750 USD. This special sales price places the bike in an extremely competitive position in the market.

NewsNew

ZACH OSBORNE SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON OFF-ROAD RACING

Zach Osborne, a well-known motocross and supercross rider, recently made the decision to try his hand at off-road racing. Unfortunately, he was sidelined with an elbow injury shortly after joining the Am-Pro Yamaha team for the GNCC XC1 Pro class. In a recent interview with Dirt Bike’s Travis Fant, Osborne gave an update on his recovery and discussed his experiences in off-road racing.

In his early days racing for Geico Honda, Osborne had already dabbled in off-road racing. He competed in a few GNCCs and the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in 2013 and 2014. When asked about his experience at the ISDE, Osborne mentioned that he raced alongside notable riders like Mike Brown, Kailub Russell, Thad Duvall, Kurt Caselli, and Charlie Mullins.

Osborne revealed that off-road racing was always part of his long-term plan, even during his successful motocross career. He seized the opportunity to switch to off-road racing when it came along, despite facing challenges and setbacks. He acknowledged that the level of competition and the sport itself had evolved significantly in the past decade, but he was determined to succeed.

In terms of training, Osborne made adjustments to focus on zone training and working in mid-heart-rate zones. He mentioned that his training intensity is now consistent across all aspects, including riding and supplemental training. Although he has reduced the number of riding days per week, the hours spent on the road bike and dirt bike have increased.

When asked about the differences between motocross and off-road racing, Osborne mentioned that he hadn’t had much opportunity to ride off-road tracks due to his injury. However, he did have a chance to experience the challenging Penton section of the GNCC, which involved riding rocks, roots, and managing difficult terrain. He acknowledged that there was a learning curve but expressed confidence in his ability to adapt and improve.

As the reigning 2020 Pro Motocross Champion, Osborne acknowledged that he might have a target on his back in the GNCC. He understood that competitors would want to beat him and recognized the elevated level of competition in off-road racing.

One significant difference Osborne noticed between supercross and off-road racing was the atmosphere. Off-road events were more laid-back and less corporate-driven. He appreciated the grassroots nature of off-road racing and the passion that riders had for the sport.

In terms of bike setup, Osborne mentioned that he now runs hand guards for off-road racing, something he hadn’t used in motocross or supercross. His bike is also set up softer for the rougher off-road terrain. He emphasized the durability of the off-road bikes and the focus on longevity rather than short bursts of performance.

Osborne shared that many racers and people in the sport thought he was crazy for transitioning from supercross to off-road racing. However, he believed it was the right decision for him and his wife. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity and the support from his team.

Regarding his recovery and plans for the summer break, Osborne mentioned that he had suffered a leg injury in a recent crash. Due to the extent of the injury and overall soreness, he decided to take some time to heal and come back stronger. He mentioned his intention to participate in local races and events during the summer break to regain his momentum and ride competitively again.

Although Osborne has considered racing on the West Coast, he admitted that the high speeds and the skill level of the riders in races like WORCS (World Off Road Championship Series) were not suitable for him at the moment.

When asked about his thoughts on two-stroke bikes, Osborne admitted he wasn’t a big fan and preferred the performance of four-stroke bikes. He mentioned that his current Yamaha YZ250F was one of his favorite bikes, and he believed that the advantages of riding a two-stroke in the GNCC were minimal.

Osborne’s down-to-earth and media-friendly nature was also discussed in the interview. He believed in reciprocating the time and effort people put into him and had respect for those working in different disciplines and making a living. Osborne expressed gratitude for the opportunities in his career and hoped to be a positive influence for future riders looking to transition from supercross to off-road racing.

The interview concluded with Osborne expressing his enthusiasm for returning to racing and making his mark in the GNCC. He emphasized his determination to succeed and pave the way for others in the sport.

News

Toni Elias Retires From Racing—What’s subsequent?

Former MotoGP race winner and Moto2 champion, Toni Elias, made an announcement on reside TV, stating that he will probably be retiring from the game. The resolution got here after he secured a fifth-place end within the Road America Superbike race final Sunday, June  4, 2023.

Elias, who has a formidable file of 17 grand prix victories throughout numerous lessons together with 125cc, 250cc, Moto2, and Racing, is greatest remembered for his beautiful overcome Valentino Rossi within the 2006 Estoril race. This victory marked Elias’ first premier-class rostrum and was the final MotoGP win by a satellite tv for pc rider till Jack Miller’s triumph at Assen in 2016.

Although Elias achieved a number of podium finishes within the subsequent years, he struggled to safe additional wins throughout his time within the revised 800cc MotoGP class. He then transitioned to the newly fashioned Moto2 class in 2010 and clinched the championship title in its inaugural season whereas using for Gresini.

Following his Moto2 success, Elias returned to MotoGP with LCR Honda however did not make a big impression. He spent the following three seasons accepting momentary MotoGP rides in between his Moto2 commitments. However, the Spaniard skilled a exceptional resurgence in his racing profession when he moved to the United States in 2016. He made a victorious debut in MotoAmerica and went on to say the championship title within the following season.

Elias continued to compete in MotoAmerica, ending because the championship runner-up in 2018 and 2019 whereas using for Suzuki. His last full marketing campaign passed off in 2020. Subsequently, Elias made sporadic appearances in races earlier than signing with Team Hammer/Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki for the 2023 season.

Following his fifth-place end within the latest race, Elias made a reside tv announcement that it marked his “final dance.” Expressing his gratitude, he thanked Chris Ulrich, John Ulrich, Team Hammer, and all those that had supported and helped him all through his profession. Elias acknowledged that his return to racing didn’t meet his expectations and concluded by expressing his appreciation for the pleasurable moments in his last race.

“Today was my final dance, my final race,” acknowledged Elias in an interview. 

 

Toni Elias’ retirement marks the top of an illustrious profession that noticed him compete on the highest degree of motorbike racing and go away an enduring impression on the game. Fans and fellow riders alike will undoubtedly keep in mind his fierce battles on the observe and his important contributions to the MotoGP and Moto2 championships. 

Now the true query is, what’s subsequent for Elias? It’s probably that Elias may have time to dedicate to his faculty based mostly in California but in addition spend quite a lot of his free time along with his spouse and three children.