Nürburg – MINI fans and motorsport followers are eagerly awaiting the debut of the extremely anticipated New MINI John Cooper Works. It is ready to make its first look at this yr’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring, one of many hardest endurance races on the earth, difficult drivers and groups to beat the long-lasting Nürburgring-Nordschleife over a grueling, day-long battle of velocity, talent, and reliability.
The new petrol-powered MINI John Cooper Works, cloaked in a bespoke camouflage designed by the MINI Design Team, pays homage to the long-lasting pink and white coloration schemes used for traditional Minis in motorsports within the Sixties.
Celebrating its world premiere in fall 2024, the New MINI John Cooper Works marks a major milestone in MINI’s dedication to innovation and heritage. In a daring transfer, the brand new MINI John Cooper Works lineup, developed to push the boundaries of velocity and agility, will probably be obtainable in each petrol and all-electric variations.
In a nod to Mini’s historic victory of the Mini Cooper S on the 1964 Rallye Monte Carlo 60 years in the past, the racecar includes a distinctive “37” brand, commemorating this milestone achievement. This emblem serves as a homage to MINI’s wealthy motorsport custom.
The New MINI John Cooper Works #317 will probably be entered by the non-public racing staff from Nürburg, Bulldog Racing, and will probably be competing within the SP 3T class.
Dubbed “MINI John Cooper Works PRO”, the MINI Twin-Power Turbo racecar represents the proper fusion of MINI’s iconic design and reliability and Bulldog Racing’s track-tested experience.
The second entry would be the beloved black MINI John Cooper Works #474 guide transmission, which showcased its prowess by securing a podium end ultimately yr’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring, proving its mettle in opposition to fierce competitors within the VT-2 class, cementing its standing as a formidable contender in endurance racing.
As anticipation builds for its debut, MINI followers and automotive fans alike can anticipate an unforgettable showcase of the New MINI John Cooper Works capabilities at this yr’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring from June 1st to June 2nd 2024.
The NTSB is awaiting additional interviews and paperwork whereas it continues to evaluate the broken left MED plug that the company obtained from an individual’s yard after it fell from the Boeing 737 Max airplane. However, the MED plug itself was intact and appeared to have been assembled with correct engineering tips. In the wake of the preliminary investigation, Boeing has additionally issued an official assertion, admitting that it’s accountable for the occasions that led to Boeing’s 737 Max flights being grounded.
“An event like this must not happen on an airplane that leaves our factory. We simply must do better for our customers and their passengers,” Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun mentioned. To be certain that no related accidents occur sooner or later, Boeing says it has began checking the door plug meeting and related elements extra rigorously at its suppliers’ factories and at Boeing’s manufacturing facility. Additionally, the corporate says it has put in indicators and made acceptable guidelines to maintain monitor of when the door plug is opened or taken off within the manufacturing facility, ensuring it is put again and checked earlier than the aircraft is distributed out.
Notably, the corporate says it’s opening its facility for all prospects to conduct their very own impartial evaluations of the 737 sequence airplanes. Additionally, the corporate says it’s tightening the inspection norms throughout the provision chain and in addition putting in an impartial evaluation to look into the protection and high quality administration pipeline by vetted specialists for all industrial Boeing airplanes. Boeing now has a protracted approach to go at instilling buyer religion in its flights, particularly as a result of many vacationers at the moment are excluding the Boeing 737 Max 9 airplanes from their journey plans.
If you’ve been eagerly awaiting BMW’s launch of the new 2024 R 12 and R 12 nineT, your day has finally arrived. Both the cruiser and the roadster have the same brand new 1,170cc air and oil cooled boxer engine as their hearts. Like most families tend to do, they have both similarities and differences between them, so let’s take a closer look.
Engine
Both the 2024 BMW R 12 and R 12 nineT share the same dual overhead cam, air and oil cooled 1,170cc boxer engine. Bore and stroke are 101.0mm by 73.0mm, and the compression ratio is 12.0 to one.
The engine is tuned slightly differently to suit each bike’s needs. On the R 12, it makes a claimed 95 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 81 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm. For the R 12 nineT’s purposes, it makes a claimed 109 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 85 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm. On both the R 12 and the R 12 nineT, it’s mated to a six-speed gearbox and uses a shaft final drive.
On both the R 12 and the R 12 nineT, the airbox has now been relocated to sit under the seat.
Chassis
The frame on the new R 12 family is a steel trellis bridge design, with a bolt-on rear subframe. Suspension consists of an upside-down 45mm telescopic front fork that offers rebound and compression adjustability on the R 12 nineT. In the rear, you’ll find an aluminum Paralever swingarm with a central shock and rebound damping adjustability.
In the braking department, you’ll find a pair of radially mounted four-piston fixed calipers up front that grab a pair of 310mm floating brake discs. The rear brake setup involves a two-piston floating caliper and a single 265mm brake disc.
Both the R 12 and the R 12 nineT get a pair of cast aluminum alloy wheels, but they’re sized differently to suit each application. On the R 12, you’ll find a 19-inch front and a 16-inch rear wheel. On the R 12 nineT, you’ll find a pair of 17-inch wheels at both ends.
Dimensions
As you might expect, the dimensions differ slightly between the R 12 and R 12 nineT. Here are those differences, side by side.
2024 BMW R 12
2024 BMW R 12 nineT
Wheelbase
59.8 inches
59.5 inches
Caster
5.2 inches
4.4 inches
Rake
29.3 degrees
27.7 degrees
Length
86.6 inches
83.9 inches
Width
32.7 inches
34.3 inches
Seat height
29.7 inches
31.3 inches
DIN unladen weight
500 pounds
485 pounds
Fuel capacity
3.7 gallons
4.2 gallons
Electronics and Rider Aids
Both the 2024 BMW R 12 and R 12 nineT feature a round analog gauge shape, as befits each of their personalities. The R 12 gets a single round gauge (speedometer only; no tachometer), while the R 12 nineT gets a double round gauge setup (because a roadster demands a tach). BMW notes that an accessory second gauge is available for the R 12 as an option.
A digital display option is also available to replace the round gauges on either the R 12 or R 12 nineT with a 3.5-inch micro TFT display, which includes a feature that BMW calls “Pure ride mode.” If you’re the type of person who doesn’t like having a whole bunch of extra information that you don’t need cluttering up your dash, then you’ll appreciate the simplicity of only displaying the speed, ride mode, and which gear you’re in.
Both the R 12 and R 12 nineT feature ride modes, but once again, they differ from one another. The R 12 nineT gets Rain, Road, and Dynamic modes, while the R 12 gets Rock and Roll modes instead. Dynamic Traction Control and Engine Drag Torque Control both come standard across the R 12 range.
Additional Features
Keyless ride is now a standard feature on the 2024 R 12 and R 12 nineT. They also both come with USB-C and 12V sockets, LED lighting all around, and BMW’s Intelligent Emergency Call feature.
BMW Connected Ride control is an available option, which lets you connect your smartphone to your R 12 or R 12 nineT via Bluetooth. Additional optional equipment includes Headlight Pro, Hill Start Assist Pro, and Shift Assistant Pro.
Colors, Pricing, and Availability
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Both the R 12 and the R 12 nineT will come in your choice of three color options in the North American market.
The 2024 BMW R 12 will be available in Blackstorm Metallic (standard), Aventurine Red Metallic (optional), or Option 719 “Thorium” in Avus Silver Metallic (optional).
If the 2024 BMW R 12 nineT is more your speed, the color options are Blackstorm Metallic (standard), San Remo Green Metallic (optional), or Option 719 “Aluminum” in brushed aluminum and Night Black (optional).
As with all BMW Motorrad offerings, a vast array of OEM parts, accessories, and options are available straight from the factory to kit your R 12 or R 12 nineT out the way you want.
Pricing has not yet been announced for the 2024 BMW R 12 and R 12 nineT, and will be announced closer to their launch dates according to BMW North America. Both bikes are expected to launch in the US sometime in Q1 of 2024.
What do you think of the new 2024 BMW R 12 and R 12 nineT? Are they everything you’d hoped? What do you like? What would you change? Let us know in the comments.
Le Castellet. BMW Motorrad Motorsport is eagerly awaiting the thrilling season finale of the 2023 FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) this coming weekend (14th to 17th September). The world championship title will be decided at the 24-hour Bol d’Or race at Le Castellet (FRA). Werner Daemen’s (BEL) BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is in third place overall as they head to the South of France, making them one of the main players in the race for the title. In the Superstock class, Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team is also in a promising position.
The factory riders Markus Reiterberger (GER), Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR), and Jérémy Guarnoni (FRA) on the #37 BMW M 1000 RR of BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team started the season with two podium positions. They finished both the 24-hour race at Le Mans (FRA) and the one at Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) in third place. At the Suzuka 8-hour race, the team finished in an excellent sixth place, making them the best European team.
In the world championship standings, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is in third place going into the finale, trailing the leaders by just 38 points. The number of points awarded at the Bol d’Or will be multiplied by a factor of 1.5. This means that the winning team will receive 60 points, and there will be 49.5 points for second place and 42 points for third place. In addition, further points will be awarded to the best teams in the interim standings after eight and 16 hours. There will also be points for the top positions in qualifying.
BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team used the private day of testing at Le Castellet on Tuesday to make their final preparations for the finale. In addition to regular riders Reiterberger, Mikhalchik, and Guarnoni, BMW Motorrad WorldSBK factory rider Loris Baz (FRA) will also be at the Bol d’Or as the fourth rider.
In the Superstock class of the FIM Endurance World Cup, the new Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team with the #9 BMW M 1000 RR had a perfect start to their maiden season when Kenny Foray (FRA), Jan Bühn (GER), and Loïc Arbel (FRA) won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Going into the finale, the team, managed by Arnaud Sassone (FRA), which is collaborating with Werner Daemen’s company Motorcycle Racing Parts and with BMW Motorrad Motorsport, is in fourth place in the Superstock class. They are just 16 points off first place. The fourth rider in this team at the Bol d’Or is Nelson Major (FRA), the newly crowned champion of the French European Bikes Championship.
The first qualifying sessions get underway late afternoon on Thursday, followed by the second round of qualifying on Friday morning. The 86th edition of the Bol d’Or gets underway at 15:00 CEST on Saturday 16th September. The race will finish 24 hours later. In addition to BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, the privateer BMW teams LRP Poland, TONE RT SYNCEDGE 4413 BMW, and Seigneur Motorsport Team Mont Blanc will also be contesting the Bol d’Or.
Quotes ahead of the Bol d’Or.
Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “We are full of confidence as we eagerly await the season finale. We did some testing recently and had some strong performances. We are very well prepared, and I am convinced that we have the pace to win the Bol d’Or. But it is a 24-hour race, and we know that anything can happen. There are a lot of points up for grabs, and we are 38 points behind the leader. Can we win the world championship? We have to try to win, and then we will also need a bit of luck in terms of the results of the other teams. But I am feeling confident.”
Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “The test day was really good. Our riders rode very well. We made some changes to prepare for qualifying and the lap times are looking strong. At the test, there were no transponders but I am sure that we are within the top three. Our riders are quite happy. Of course, we still have some things on the list where we can further improve. That’s our homework now and then we are ready for the qualifying and the race.”
Markus Reiterberger: “We enter the final race of the season highly motivated. The track is a high-speed circuit, which should suit our bike. We have a powerful engine and good aerodynamics, which worked in our favor last year when we secured the pole position. Our recent test here was also quite promising. We were able to further optimize our bike, experimented a lot, and will continue working to get the best package for the weekend. We still have a chance to become world champions. Our goal is to secure the pole position and, in the race, at least make it to the podium, but preferably take the victory. However, endurance races are always unique, and the track is demanding on both the machine and the rider. Many things can happen, but we are hopeful for a successful race and bringing the title home for BMW.”
Ilya Mikhalchik: “I am looking forward to the race. The feeling on test day was quite good. The bike worked well, and the performance of the tires was also not bad. Overall, all was good, all riders have been fast. Now we just have to find something extra to be more constant in the race. We just want to do our best in the final race, we try to fight until the end and to see where we can finish and what we can do.”
Jérémy Guarnoni: “This weekend will be really important for us. We have two goals: we want to win the race, and if we are successful, we probably can be world champions. So it’s only about going full gas all week and in the race and to have clean and trouble-free 24 hours.”
Loris Baz: “I am really happy to be here at the Bol d’Or and help the guys. I would have come here anyway to visit and support my friend Jérémy and the entire BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. Now it’s great to do some laps. The people know how much I like endurance and how important it is for French people. It’s really cool to be here.”
Arnaud Sassone, Team Manager Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team: “We are feeling confident. We have everything in place. We know that the motorcycle is the most powerful bike in the field, and our riders are in top form. If we put in the same level of performance as we have thus far, we have a chance of getting the win at Le Castellet. Everything else depends on how our direct rivals perform.”
Finding an organ donor can be a challenging and lengthy process for the 100,000 Americans awaiting a kidney transplant. It is often difficult to find a close match among family members, let alone friends and neighbors. However, in a remarkable turn of events, a Nissan employee with kidney failure found his perfect match at work – his best friend.
In 2017, Josh Bredeson, a dealer technician at Landers McClarty Nissan in Huntsville, Alabama, initially believed he had the flu. However, a visit to urgent care revealed that he was actually suffering from kidney failure at the age of 39. Despite his diagnosis, Bredeson went on to win the US portion of the 2018 Nissan International Service Technical Excellence Contest (NISTEC), making him the highest-ranked dealer tech in the country. This achievement led to a promotion in 2021, and he began working at the dealer technical support center at the Nissan Smyrna Manufacturing Plant in Smyrna, Tennessee.
By a stroke of luck, Bredeson’s best friend, Josh Shaffer, also worked as a data analyst at the Smyrna plant. The plant previously produced the 720 pickup and currently manufactures the popular Rogue and Pathfinder models. Shaffer took on this role shortly after Bredeson’s promotion.
Although Bredeson’s new desk job was less physically demanding than his previous position, his kidney disease continued to progress. By March 2022, his kidneys were functioning at only 20 percent, and he was placed on the transplant list. In the first month, eight close friends and family members underwent blood tests to determine if they were a match.
Among the potential donors was Shaffer, who, along with the others, underwent a series of tests at the Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. These tests included ultrasounds, X-rays, a CT scan, an EKG, and a four-hour blood draw. The results determined that Shaffer was the best candidate to donate a kidney, and he immediately agreed to do so.
On January 4, 2023, both Shaffer and Bredeson arrived at the Vanderbilt Medical Center for the life-saving surgery. Shaffer went first to have one of his kidneys removed and prepared for transplantation. Two hours later, Bredeson had his kidney transplant. Both operations were successful, and Shaffer was discharged two days later, followed by Bredeson a day after.
The transplant was a success, and six months later, Shaffer was doing well while Bredeson’s kidney function had improved to 70 percent with no signs of rejection or damage. The two individuals are using their experience to shed light on the estimated 37 million Americans with kidney disease, of whom 90 percent may be unaware of their condition.
“Hopefully, this is a story that will reach someone who may be suffering but doesn’t know why,” Bredeson said. “Maybe this will inspire someone to get checked or become a donor.”
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