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Car review

Vauxhall Corsa Electric

The new Vauxhall Corsa Electric has undergone an impressive facelift, making it one of the best looking superminis available in the UK. Its sleek design, featuring new LED lights and stylish ‘Corsa’ lettering at the rear, has had a significant impact with minimal changes. The update also introduces the Graphite Grey color, which will soon be available throughout the lineup, complementing the black Vizor.

Compared to its fifth-generation predecessor, the sixth-generation Corsa has undergone noticeable changes in its shape. It is now shorter in length but lower in roofline by almost 50mm. These adjustments give the Corsa a smaller and more refined appearance.

One of the highlights of the new Corsa Electric is its weight reduction, thanks to the PSA Group’s Common Module Platform. This lightweight platform enables the petrol-engined models to weigh less than a tonne. However, due to the 50kWh and 51kWh drive batteries and heavy control electronics of the Corsa Electric, it is heavier, with a claimed kerbweight starting from 1469kg. Despite this, it is still lighter than a Honda e and a Mazda MX-30 but heavier than a Mini Electric.

The weight of the Corsa Electric is partially attributed to its stiffer body structure and the arrangement of its lithium-ion battery in a sideways “H” shape under the front and rear seats. This configuration lowers the car’s center of gravity by 57mm compared to the regular Corsa. However, even with this significant improvement, the addition of half a tonne of ballast can sometimes offset the benefits of a lower center of gravity.

The Corsa Electric stands out in terms of electric range, offering a competitive 51kWh of electricity storage and an estimated range of up to 246 miles on the WLTP Combined cycle.

Long-range models of the Corsa Electric are equipped with Stellantis’ new front-mounted, AC synchronous electric motor, producing 156bhp. This motor is also used in the Vauxhall Astra and will be featured in the updated Peugeot e-208. Smaller battery models retain the previous car’s 134bhp motor, and both versions deliver 92lb ft of torque. The front axle consists of MacPherson struts, while the rear features a torsion beam and Panhard link to enhance wheel stability during cornering.

The facelifted Corsa Electric now offers three trim levels, down from four. The entry-level Design specification is followed by GS and the range-topping Ultimate. Most trim levels come with a 7.0in digital instrument display and a 10.0in infotainment screen, except for the Electric’s Design trim, which features a 7.0in screen. The petrol-powered Corsa’s Design spec is equipped with a smaller 3.5in digital display. Standard features across the range include 17in alloy wheels and Vauxhall’s adaptive ‘matrix LED’ headlights. The top-level trim offers additional amenities such as heated sports seats, a reversing camera, and tinted windows.

NewsNew

The Weekly Feed: Classic Hannah, Wild Enduro GP Video Recap, Hot New Products

Bob Hannah battling with Pierre Karsmakers at the 1976 Sears Point Trans AMA race. Killer pic from Mark Kiel

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Godspeed Jeff Alessi

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Dag, these World Enduro guys rail!

Rekluse launches their latest auto clutch technology, EXP 4.0, offering enhanced power delivery, improved durability, and better control. EXP 4.0 is highly responsive with reduced resistance in engagement, and it allows for easy tuning with different weights and springs. Rekluse also offers upgrade kits for riders who already have EXP 3.0. They have two options, the Rekluse RadiusX and RadiusCX auto clutch systems, both featuring EXP 4.0 technology. Check Rekluse’s website for more information.

Check out Rekluse.com for more information.

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Polisport introduces their new Replica Plastic Kits for Beta RR 2T/4T 23-24 Enduro models. These kits include headlight mask, front fender, rear fender, radiator scoops, side panels, and fork guards, all available in various colors. They also offer radiator scoops in the same colors as the plastic kits, completing the look of the Beta models. For more details, visit polisport.com.

Visit polisport.com for more information.

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The GasGas ECC E-Bike is now available with three different models, ECC 6, ECC 5, and ECC 4. All three models feature a carbon frame, 29″ wheels, and a tuned SRAM Eagle Powertrain Drive Unit with a 600Wh battery. The ECC 6 and ECC 5 are equipped with DVO powered by WP suspension, while the ECC 4 comes with RockShox suspension. Each model has its own technical highlights and color options. For more information, visit the GasGas website.

GasGas ECC E-Bike – Check out the models on the GasGas website.

This was my second race on the Kolbe Can-Am 370 Qualifier in 1979. I had joined the UEA Enduro club and was wearing their colors at this District 37 Enduro. Two weeks earlier, I had broken my ring finger at a desert enduro and had to have it cut off. After that, I stopped wearing my wedding ring while racing.

Motorsport

Red Bull and AlphaTauri F1 drivers have fun racing Honda kei trucks in exciting challenges

Red Bull and AlphaTauri, the two sibling teams in Formula 1, are not just competing on the race track. They have been participating in the (Un)Serious Race Series on YouTube. In the latest episode, Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Yuki Tsunoda, and Liam Lawson raced tiny Honda kei trucks through a series of thrilling challenges at Tokyo’s Ariake Stadium prior to the Japanese Grand Prix.

The first challenge was a reversing competition, which was won by AlphaTauri’s Tsunoda. Perez, driving the Honda truck for Red Bull, had some difficulty with the parallel parking part of the challenge.

These small trucks from Japan gained popularity as work vehicles due to their ability to navigate narrow roads and dense urban areas. Their compact size and practical design made them highly maneuverable, as showcased in the second challenge – navigating an obstacle course blindfolded.

Verstappen and Lawson wore blindfolds while Perez and Tsunoda gave them directions. The drivers had to pilot the trucks without losing any of the stacked boxes in the truck bed, which proved to be a challenge for Lawson. He pressed too hard on the gas while crossing the finish line, causing several boxes to fall off and earning him time penalties, similar to F1. On the other hand, Red Bull completed the course without losing any boxes.

AlphaTauri won the oversized bowling challenge, while Red Bull finished first in the final race. During the last race, Lawson slid across the truck’s interior, accidentally shifting into neutral and causing them to lose.

This was the third round of Red Bull’s (Un)Serious Race Series. Prior to the Miami Grand Prix, Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo engaged in a head-to-head mini jet boat battle, which Tsunoda won. He also claimed another victory before the Austrian Grand Prix. In another event, Tsunoda and Verstappen raced monster trucks.

Verstappen took his kei-truck victory and used it as momentum to win the Japanese Grand Prix. His first-place finish secured enough points for Red Bull to win the F1 Constructors’ Championship for the second consecutive year. Red Bull has twice as many points as Mercedes – 623 to 305.

Unfortunately, teammate Perez did not have the same luck in the race, retiring due to car damage and receiving two penalties.

AlphaTauri, Red Bull’s sister team, finished the race in the middle of the pack. Lawson finished 11th, ahead of Tsunoda in 12th place. The team currently sits at the bottom of the constructors’ championship with five points.