Ferrari has created a new track car based on its Le Mans-winning 499P racer, called the 499P Modificata. Although Ferrari has not provided specific performance figures, racing driver Antonio Fuoco achieved a top speed of 213mph during testing of the 499P, and it is expected that the more powerful Modificata version will at least match this figure.
One of the major challenges for Ferrari was to engineer the powertrain of the 499P Modificata in a way that makes it accessible to less experienced customers. The engine mapping has been fine-tuned to ensure that torque can be easily managed, even at the car’s limit.
The torque output has not been disclosed by Ferrari, but it has been revealed that the electric motor produces 132lb ft and in the 296 GT3 model, the V6 engine produces 525lb ft. Therefore, the combined torque output of the two power sources in the Modificata could be around 660lb ft.
Ferrari paid significant attention to the development of bespoke Pirelli tires for the Modificata. The tires were designed to prioritize vehicle dynamics and powertrain delivery management, making them suitable for long, continuous runs. They feature a bespoke tread pattern and are easier to manage during warm-up.
The Modificata does not need to adhere to homologation requirements, which means it is not subject to Balance of Performance constraints. This allowed Ferrari to make the car “more accessible” for less experienced drivers, primarily through aerodynamic enhancements.
Olivier Beretta, the ambassador driver for Ferrari, expressed surprise at how well the Modificata performed, especially considering the extent to which Ferrari pushed its limits.
Automaker marks major milestone with $100,000 in community donations
SAN ANTONIO (Oct. 25, 2023) – Toyota Texas has been a leader in advanced manufacturing, innovation, and community engagement for the past two decades. To celebrate their 20th anniversary of assembling trucks and SUVs in Texas, community leaders gathered to honor the history and future of Toyota Texas. The San Antonio plant is the only location in the world where the Tundra and Sequoia are produced on the same assembly line.
“When we started building this facility 20 years ago, we made a promise to be the best company in town, and I believe we have delivered on that promise,” said Kevin Voelkel, the group vice president of North American truck manufacturing and president of Toyota Texas. “Our team has grown from 1,200 to over 3,800 employees, and we have continuously invested in this plant. But our commitment goes beyond creating jobs; we genuinely care about our neighbors and strive to make this community a better place.”
To celebrate their 20th anniversary, Toyota Texas donated a total of $100,000 to two organizations:
The Institute for School & Community Partnerships at Texas A&M University San Antonio supports students through innovative practices, research, and equitable policies to help them succeed. The donation will be used to enhance STEM education in local school districts, providing programs like makerspace areas and STEM labs to expose students to opportunities in San Antonio.
The 100 Club of San Antonio supports law enforcement and firefighting in Bexar County, Texas. The funds will be used for training, equipment, survivor support, and the First Responder Fund.
Since its establishment in 2003, Toyota Texas has produced over 3 million trucks and SUVs and donated over $50 million to local non-profit organizations.
“Congratulations to Toyota for 20 years of success and innovation in Texas,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Through its production facility in San Antonio, Toyota has proudly carried the ‘Made in Texas’ brand by manufacturing top-quality trucks and SUVs. They have brought thousands of high-paying jobs and contributed to the economy of Texas. Toyota’s investments in Bexar County, from law enforcement to higher education, have created invaluable community partnerships and opportunities for Texans to thrive. I look forward to the continued partnership between Texas and Toyota as we build a brighter economic future for everyone in Texas.”
“Toyota Texas has exceeded expectations and consistently demonstrated their leadership and commitment to our community over the past 20 years. San Antonio is honored to have one of the best corporate partnerships in the country as the home of the Tundra and Sequoia, and we eagerly anticipate the next 20 years,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg.
“On behalf of Bexar County, I want to congratulate Toyota Texas for its tremendous growth over the past two decades. They have more than tripled their workforce and produced millions of top-of-the-line trucks and SUVs. Toyota Texas has become an invaluable community partner, improving the quality of life for children and families. We are grateful for their contributions,” said Judge Peter Sakai.
Established in 2003 and starting production in 2006, Toyota Texas represents a $4.2 billion investment in the Lone Star State. To witness the collaborative efforts of people and machines in exclusively building the Tundra and Sequoia at Toyota Texas, visitors can book a free plant tour at tourtoyota.com.
Last week, I attended Sherco’s 2024 dealer meeting in San Antonio, Texas. It was an amazing opportunity to hang out with Gary Hazel, Pat Smage, Cooper Abbott, and Cody Webb, and check out the 2024 models. We then had the chance to ride the bikes at Zars Ranch, a private riding area outside of San Antonio. Here’s what I learned:
SHERCO 500 DUAL-SPORT
Cody Webb rode the 500 dual-sport like it was a trials bike.
The Sherco 500SEF Dual-Sport is now approved by the DOT, EPA, and CARB, making it legal in all 50 states. This is a surprise because the U.S. homologation process is typically lengthy and costly. Sherco managed to keep this a secret, and they now join KTM, Husqvarna, Beta, and Honda as one of the few manufacturers committed to producing a fully legal dirt bike. The 500SEF is based on the 500SEF off-road bike that Grant Baylor used to win the 2020 National Enduro Championship. The Sherco 500 is the most powerful dual-sport 500 available, with excellent low-end power and substantial mid-range performance. It offers a smooth ride with no intense power surge at high rpm. The fuel delivery is clean, and the bike doesn’t stall, even when Cody Webb rode it over logs and rocks at low idle. More details will be available in the November print edition of Dirt Bike.
SHERCO 500SMF SUPERMOTO
2024 Sherco 500SMF
Sherco went through the extensive homologation process again with the 500SMF Supermoto, which shares the same motor as the dual-sport version. The main differences are the wheels and brakes, targeting street-bike canyon racing. The front wheel features a 3.5 x 17-inch black rim with a 120/70 Michelin tire, and the rear has a 5 x 17-inch rim with a Michelin 150/60 tire. The front brake boasts a massive 320mm rotor.
125 DUAL-SPORT AND SUPERMOTO
2024 Sherco 125 Dual-Sport
Sherco recognizes the need to explore new markets to compete with the Austrian models. That’s why they invested in the homologation process for two street-legal 125 four-strokes. The 125SEF Dual-Sport and the 125SMF Supermoto are unique options in the U.S. market, featuring fuel-injected single overhead cam engines with six-speed transmissions. Although not particularly fast, their target price is under $5000.
300 AND 250 TWO-STROKES
2024 Sherco 300SE
The two-stroke enduro bikes are always highly anticipated by dirt bike enthusiasts, and Sherco understands this. The 2024 models of the 250SE and 300SE have minimal changes, including a new LED headlight, updates to the wheels, clutch cover, and swingarm. It’s hard to choose a favorite when riding both the 250 and the 300 back to back. Both offer excellent low rpm performance and similar peak power output. The 250 has a more aggressive feel but requires more shifting, while the 300 provides an effortless ride. We are excited to get our hands on these bikes in the DB shop.
250 AND 300 FOUR-STROKES
Hey, that’s me on the 2024 Sherco 250SEF! Photo by Andrew at Winpics.
Sherco made significant changes to the 250 and 300 four-stroke enduro motors for 2024, although these changes may not be obvious externally. The center cases and head are new, and there are updates to the valves, valve springs, and the addition of a transmission sensor for different maps per gear. On the trail, the 250 has improved throttle response and more power, making it feel snappier. The small Sherco four-strokes have always delivered power suitable for off-road riding, without the intense hits of motocross bikes. The 2024 models offer even more power without sacrificing their smooth characteristics.
450 AND 500 FOUR-STROKES
2024 Sherco 500SEF, off-road version
The 500SEF off-road bike shares similarities with the 500 dual-sport, but without the homologation restrictions. It lacks DOT equipment, airbox restrictors, and exhaust catalysts. It also features a functional map switch. For those interested in racing without the need for a license plate, the large Sherco models are the way to go. They offer ample power but aren’t designed as motocross bikes. The power delivery is smooth, and the suspension provides a comfortable ride. The only difference between the 450SEF and 500SEF models is a 3mm bore size.
SHERCO TRIALS
Pat Smage recently won his 14th National Trials Championship using the brand-new fuel-injected STR300 bike. This was a bold move considering the bike was still in development, and mapping adjustments had to be made between rounds. Sherco has been working on fuel-injected two-strokes for more than five years, initially focusing on the enduro line. The technology has now reached a competitive level. While I didn’t have a chance to ride the trials bike, Pat Smage is absolutely in love with it.
We traveled to San Antonio, Texas for the 2024 Sherco dealers meeting. To our surprise, the Sherco team unveiled a brand new 500cc Dual-Sport motorcycle that had received approval from the DOT, EPA, and CARB. This means that the bike is now legal in all 50 states. It’s quite unexpected because obtaining homologation in the U.S. is usually a difficult and costly process. Sherco managed to keep this development a secret, and now they have joined the ranks of KTM, Husqvarna, Beta, and Honda as one of the few manufacturers committed to producing a dirt bike that is 100 percent street-legal. We were fortunate enough to witness the bike in action during our first ride, where Cody Webb showcased its impressive capabilities.
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