In Australia, automobile followers had been anticipating the return of the Holden Monaro in 2001. This sporty, two-door coupe was manufactured by the Aussie GM division and was produced till 2005. In truth, the “Land Down Under” skilled its personal golden period for small block efficiency autos, and you will not imagine a few of the coolest Australian muscle cars ever built.
Back within the U.S., across the early 2000s, the general public skilled renewed pleasure for efficiency muscle vehicles, and GM automakers seemed to rapidly capitalize on the renewed recognition. Bob Lutz, former GM President, did not initially have an acceptable platform to deliver the GTO again till he realized that the Holden Monaro could possibly be rebranded a GTO stateside.
Following some hiccups with importing the Monaro into the U.S., the GTO was lastly unveiled in 2004. Some changes had been required to cross U.S. rules, comparable to relocating the gasoline tank to the trunk for collision requirements.
Barcelona. Following the season opener in Australia, the FIM Superbike World Championship has returned to Europe. Next weekend (twenty second to twenty fourth March), BMW Motorrad Motorsport is gearing up for the second racing occasion of the 12 months on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (ESP). There, the 4 manufacturing facility riders and the 2 groups, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team, purpose to proceed the constructive momentum from Phillip Island (AUS).
In February, Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR) clinched his first podium as a BMW Motorrad WorldSBK manufacturing facility rider by ending third within the Superpole Race there. The BMW M 1000 RR was within the main group in each session, and Michael van der Mark (NED), Garrett Gerloff (USA) and Scott Redding (GBR) ensured that every one manufacturing facility riders had been represented within the prime ten within the races.
To put together for the Barcelona racing weekend, each groups, together with the 4 riders, performed a two-day check on the similar venue final week. The BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Test Team was additionally current to help the 2 groups of their preparations.
Quotes forward of the Barcelona spherical.
Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “The results from the season opener in Australia give us a lot of momentum heading into the second race weekend in Barcelona. Of course, Phillip Island is a very unique track, and now the deck is being reshuffled. However, also the insights from the Barcelona test last week have left us feeling optimistic. There we were able to see the pace of our BMW M 1000 RR again. Now, the challenge is to convert this into corresponding results during the race weekend. Qualifying forms the crucial foundation for the races, and our goal is to secure strong starting positions with all four riders. If the race pace also is strong, this is the base for successful races in this extremely competitive field. In the past, Barcelona hasn’t necessarily been one of the tracks that suit us best, but we have worked hard and approach the weekend with confidence.”
Garrett Gerloff (#31 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team): “I’m really looking forward to this weekend in Barcelona. It’s a track that I really enjoy and where I’ve had success in the past so I can’t wait to get there and seeing if we can have a really good weekend. The BMW M 1000 RR felt good at the test and there are still a couple of things that I want to improve but all in all I think we have a strong package and I’m looking forward to starting the weekend.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (#54 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “I think it will not be an easy race weekend for me because we need further improve tyre life but the test was also very positive, we also worked on race pace and that was very good. We are still not at really 100 per cent but I am learning the bike every day and we are improving. My general feeling is not bad. This race weekend will be very important for me. I try to make it to the podium and my big target is to win the race because I never won at Catalunya before. I hope we will win this weekend, I will try to do my best.”
Scott Redding (#45 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team): “The Barcelona weekend will be an interesting one. We know that it’s not one of our stronger circuits on the calendar. Obviously having a test last week we were able to work on the bike set-up, trying to improve our weak points which is always good. Everyone is working super hard to do the best that we can. The race weekend is always different so we need to see with track conditions and weather. Hopefully we can have some better results than at Phillip Island, trying to get back on track and keep improving.”
Michael van der Mark (#60 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “It’s nice to go out on track and have another race weekend. It’s good that we had a test there last week and I think we are quite ready for the race weekend. We have a good base, we just have to work on details. Barcelona circuit is a fantastic race track. I think one of the key things to work on is to get a full race distance out of the tyres, mainly the front. It will be interesting but I’m looking forward to it. I had a good feeling at the test and also in Australia, we have seen how strong we can be. I can’t wait to race again and to fight for the best positions.”
The 1970 Ford XY Falcon GT, found after being stored in a garage for nearly 50 years, sold for $152,000 at auction. This specific model is a rare find, with only about 1,500 units produced. It features a shaker hood scoop, a factory manual transmission, a factory sunroof, and the original 351 cubic-inch (5.8-liter) V8 engine with 300 horsepower. The car, despite being covered in dust and dirt, attracted a high selling price.
The early example of the XY Falcon may have served as a field evaluation vehicle for Ford. The vehicle’s history includes being in the possession of Ford for the first year after its manufacture, then being sold to a Ford employee. Subsequently, it was acquired by its most recent owner, who stored it under a house in 1979 after changing jobs and getting a company car, leading to it being forgotten for decades.
During its time in storage, the exterior of the Falcon sustained damage to the passenger rear door, with subsequent rust spots appearing. However, the interior remains in good condition despite being dirty, and the original jack is still in the trunk. The odometer reads 65,278 miles, but the engine’s condition is unknown.
The XY Falcon is highly coveted among muscle car enthusiasts in Australia and has gained global attention. Its increasing popularity is reflected in the substantial prices collectors are willing to pay for these rare finds. For instance, a 1971 XY Falcon GTHO variant was auctioned for over $1 million, demonstrating the high demand and value placed on these classic cars.
We’ve been envious of Australia ever since Toyota decided to keep the Land Cruiser 70 Series on sale into 2024. The venerable off-roader, which turns 40 next year, has also recently been introduced at home in Japan. We’ve seen the 70 Series in five-door SUV and pickup truck formats, but the one we really like is now going on sale in the United Arab Emirates. Yes, it’s the “shorty” three-door SUV variant.
This is technically a Land Cruiser 71 with a wheelbase of 91.0 inches (2310 mm) or 16.5 in (420 mm) less than its five-door sibling. Despite its age, it has been updated by Toyota throughout the years, and this latest version has modern goodies varying from LED headlights to a 9.0-inch infotainment system. While some countries deem it unsafe by 2024 standards, it does have dual front airbags, lane departure alert, ABS, brake assist, and even a pre-collision system.
Although some of us weren’t even born when the go-anywhere SUV originally went on sale, Toyota has kept the platform up to date. In the UAE, the “shorty” Land Cruiser has a hill-start assist, a tire pressure warning system, and daytime running lights. Amenities include power windows, central door locking, a driver’s digital display, and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. Heck, there’s even support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
At the heart of the “new” three-door Land Cruiser is a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V6 gasoline engine producing 228 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Output from that engine is delivered to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox. It rides on 16-inch alloys with 265/70 R16 tires and comes with a 23.7-gallon fuel tank.
Toyota is charging 169,900 AED, which works out to a little over $46,000 at current exchange rates. Customers can pick from four colors (silver, beige, white, and gray) while the interior is offered exclusively with five seats and a tan finish with synthetic leather upholstery. Ordering the Land Cruiser 71 today in the UAE means you’ll have to wait until the end of February 2024 to take delivery.
Prior to its official debut on October 7, details about the 2024 Subaru WRX TR have leaked from Australia. The Drive obtained this information from government paperwork filed in the country.
In the Australian market, the WRX TR shares a front end with the standard model and features a tall wing attached to the trunk lid. The lower fascia has a red lamp at its center.
The WRX TR rides on 19-inch wheels with an asymmetrical spoke design and a gunmetal finish. The tires are 245/35 R19 Bridgestone Potenza S007 rubber. Red Brembo brake calipers can be seen behind the wheels, and the ventilated discs measure 13.39 inches (340 millimeters) in the front and 12.83 inches (326 mm) at the back. By comparison, the standard WRX has stoppers measuring 12.4 inches at the front and either 11.4 inches or 11.8 inches at the rear, depending on the options chosen.
According to the leaked information, there are no suspension modifications, and the WRX TR does not feature the adaptive dampers from the range-topping GT trim.
The previously teased Recaro seats are reportedly the only revision to the interior.
According to the leaked filing, the WRX TR will continue to use the existing WRX’s turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine that produces 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This model will only be available with a six-speed manual transmission, as the CVT is not an option for this trim.
The leaked information suggests that the WRX TR has a weight of 3,349 pounds (1,519 kilograms). In comparison, a base trim WRX with a six-speed manual in the US weighs 3,297 pounds. The Premium trim weighs 3,324 pounds, and the Limited trim weighs 3,397 pounds.
The WRX TR will make its debut at Subiefest Florida on October 7, where it will be unveiled by Travis Pastrana and Bucky Lasek. The exact release date for the model is still unknown.
Pricing for the WRX TR also remains a mystery. As a point of comparison, the WRX Limited grade with a manual gearbox starts at $38,515 after the $1,020 destination fee.
Last week’s episode of Rambling About Cars included a discussion on the initial WRX TR teaser:
In 2013, Ford Australia made the announcement that the Barra, along with the two cars it powered – Ford’s Falcon and Territory – were running out of time. By the autumn of 2016, the Barra was discontinued. Ford Australia President Bob Graziano cited high labor costs as the reason for this decision in a press statement. He mentioned that their costs were double that of Europe and nearly four times Ford in Asia. Graziano also noted that their locally-made products were unprofitable while their imported products were profitable.
In contrast to Toyota’s globally sold 2JZ inline-six-cylinder engine, the Barra was exclusively produced for the Australian and New Zealand markets. Therefore, support for these powerful engines is primarily available in that region. Not only is there a wide range of performance parts in the aftermarket, but there are also conversion kits available to install the Barra engine in various vehicles, including those made by General Motors subsidiary, Holden.
With the addition of a larger turbocharger and a customized tuning program, the Barra can be easily upgraded to generate up to 800 horsepower, using its stock internal components. By using stronger forged internal parts, the performance potential becomes limitless. Recently, Australian drag racer Maria Passo achieved a striking 2,048 horsepower from a Barra engine in her street-legal Ford Falcon XR6, utilizing methanol as fuel.
Interestingly, Ford Australia attempted to capitalize on the significant hype surrounding the Barra engine by marketing a V8 engine that was part of the same family. However, since there was nothing particularly exceptional about the 5.4-liter V8 engine manufactured in Canada, and due to potentially higher annual registration fees for eight-cylinder engines in Australia, the Barra V8 failed to gain traction.
The 2024 Harley-Davidson X350 and X500 models are set to launch in Australia. These small-displacement machines, built by QJ-motors, first appeared in China earlier in 2023 and are now ready to enter other markets where small- and mid-displacement motorcycles are popular.
It’s important to note that these models should not be confused with the Bajaj-built Harley-Davidson X440, which was launched in India in July 2023. While Harley-Davidson India has a section on its website dedicated to the “Harley-Davidson X” category, only the X440 is currently listed.
The X350 and X500 have not yet been launched in the Chinese market, as of September 1, 2023. However, H-D Australia has a “Harley-Davidson X” category on its website, which includes the X350 and X500 models.
Now, let’s take a look at what to expect from the X350 and X500, which are scheduled to be available in Australian dealerships in December 2023.
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2024 Harley-Davidson X350 Specs
The X350 is equipped with a liquid-cooled, 353cc parallel twin engine that produces a claimed 36 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 31 newton-meters of torque at 7,000 rpm. It comes with a six-speed gearbox.
For suspension, there is a 41mm upside-down fork with rebound adjustability in the front, and an oil and gas rear shock with rebound and preload adjustability. The X350 features 17-inch cast aluminum wheels with Maxxis Supermaxx ST tires, and LED lighting throughout.
The wheelbase is 1,410 millimeters, the rake is 24.8 degrees, and the trail is 140mm. The seat height is 777mm, and the curb weight is 195 kilograms.
2024 Harley-Davidson X500 Specs
The X500 is powered by a liquid-cooled, 400cc parallel twin engine that produces a claimed 47 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 46 newton-meters of torque at 6,000 rpm. It also has a six-speed gearbox.
Similar to the X350, the X500 features a 50mm upside-down front fork with rebound adjustability and an oil and gas rear shock with rebound and preload adjustability. It rides on 17-inch cast aluminum wheels with Maxxis Supermaxx ST tires and comes with LED lighting.
The wheelbase is 1,485mm, the rake is 24.5 degrees, and the trail is 100.4mm. The seat height is 820mm, and the curb weight is listed at 208 kg.
Colors, Availability, and Pricing
Both the 2024 Harley-Davidson X350 and X500 will be available in Australia starting from December 2023. The color options at launch include Dramatic Black, Dynamic Orange, Supersonic Silver, and Pearl White.
The X350 starts at $8,495 Australian, which is approximately $5,492 USD. On the other hand, the X500 starts at $11,495 Australian, which is about $7,418 USD. Both models fall into Australia’s Learner-Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS).
Earthcruiser Australia has recently converted a Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Series into a 6X6 camper, specifically designed for off-road adventures. This unique vehicle, known as the Extreme 330 6×6, was created upon the request of a customer who has previously purchased other vehicles from the company.
The Extreme 330 6×6 features numerous upgrades to ensure optimal performance in rugged terrains. Earthcruiser has installed portal axles, which enhance ground clearance, and differential locks across all three axles. The middle axle also has a steering function, improving the vehicle’s handling capabilities. Additionally, a central tire inflation system allows for remote inflation of the tires while driving. This system can even adjust the tire pressures based on the vehicle’s speed using GPS speed sensing.
Australia has implemented new legislation requiring special U Class driver’s licenses for those operating high-performance vehicles. This move aims to enhance road safety and regulate sports cars and supercars, which are known for their powerful engines and high performance. The South Australian Government has announced that approximately 270 drivers in the state must obtain the new U Class license by December 1, 2024. To qualify for this license, individuals will need to complete an online training course tailored to high-powered vehicles. The course, set to be released next year, will cover risk awareness, the use of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and the safe operation of performance cars. The new law includes all vehicles with a power-to-weight ratio equal to or exceeding 276 kilowatts per tonne. The legislation also includes measures to prevent the disabling of automated assist systems in performance vehicles to ensure important safety features remain operational. In addition, drivers who engage the sport mode of their supercars within built-up areas and cause fatalities or serious harm will face charges for an “aggravated offense.” However, there are exceptions to these rules. The aim of this legislation is to find a balance between preserving the excitement of driving high-performance vehicles and ensuring public safety.
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