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Motorsport

Future Toyota Vehicles Could Incorporate AI in Design Process

In 2023, artificial intelligence has become a widely discussed topic, with many industries exploring the potential of machine learning technologies for problem-solving. The automotive industry is no exception, as numerous companies have already integrated AI into various tasks within their research and development divisions. Toyota is now joining this trend by announcing its research on AI-based car design, leveraging its generative artificial intelligence technique developed by the Toyota Research Institute (TRI).

For those concerned, rest assured that your next Tacoma truck will not have an entirely AI-designed exterior. Instead, Toyota aims to utilize this technology during the early stages of the design process, where multiple iterations of a project are necessary for engineering considerations. In other words, if the automaker decides to create a new large two-door coupe, it can request AI to generate a range of initial designs based on specific parameters. The rendering displayed at the top of this article serves as an example, as it was created by artificial intelligence.


Motorsport

New Renault Master Spied With Less Camouflage And Combustion Engine

The next-generation Renault Master has been in development for several months and two prototypes have already been spotted during the early testing phase. Recent shots of the French company’s workhorse reveal that progress has been made. Additionally, the van has now been relocated to southern Europe for hot weather testing.

For those unfamiliar, the Master is Renault’s largest light commercial vehicle. It has been in production in its current form since 2010 and has also been available under the badges of Nissan, Opel, and Vauxhall. The brand-new successor is currently undergoing early evaluations on European roads. The vehicle appears to feature a production body, although the lights may still be placeholders. It’s worth noting that the Renault Master is not sold in the United States, but it has been available in South America with local production in Brazil.


Cars, News

Hacker Claims Tesla Full Self-Driving Has Secret ‘Elon Mode’

According to a hacker named GreenTheOnly, there may be a secret setting in Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system called ‘Elon Mode.’ While this hasn’t been officially confirmed, GreenTheOnly’s observations suggest that the alleged mode has some promising features. They note the absence of frequent reminders while driving for 600 miles in busy traffic and mention progress in detecting debris. However, they also point out that the alleged mode is still a work in progress, experiencing unexpected lane changes and a relatively slow driving speed as issues.

Considering the current state of development, it’s likely that even if Elon Mode is being worked on, it will take some time before it becomes available to FSD drivers, if it ever does. Nonetheless, it’s encouraging to see Tesla addressing the nagging problem that users have complained about as a distraction from the road. However, the concern of random and unprompted lane switches, which poses serious risks for drivers using an already controversial system, is still being addressed. It remains to be seen if Elon Mode will be confirmed and released, but it would be wise to keep it as an internal codename.

Motorsport

Mercedes-AMG G63 Transforms into an Extended and Lifted Overlanding Truck

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class hasn’t been a popular choice for overlanding camper equipment, until now. Pit26 Motorsports, a distributor of suspension and performance parts for the G-Class in the US, has recognized the great potential of the boxy SUV and created an overlanding machine based on the range-topping AMG G63 version.

This particular vehicle, built for a client with a passion for outdoor living and exploring, takes the form of a pickup truck with extra space for overlanding gear. The wheelbase has been extended by nearly 20 inches, and the suspension with portal axles has been lifted by about 5.9 inches.


Technology

The 10 Oldest Aircraft That Are Still In Service Today

Despite the availability of newer aircraft models, there are still some airlines that choose to keep their older planes in service. One example is Nolinor Aviation, a carrier based in Canada.

Nolinor Aviation specializes in chartered flights and has the capability to transport passengers and cargo, including petroleum, to various destinations in North America and Europe. They often fly to remote and challenging locations, particularly in the northern parts of Canada. This is where their old Boeing 737-200 planes come in handy.

Currently, Nolinor Aviation operates the two oldest 737-200 airframes still in use. These planes were produced in 1974 and 1975. As long as it remains a practical and cost-effective option for the carrier, there is no immediate plan to replace these aircraft.

Featured

Kia Seltos Facelift Spotted Uncovered; 5 Key Observations


The updated version of the compact SUV will be available for purchase in July

The facelifted Kia Seltos has been spotted without any camouflage for the first time. The compact SUV was introduced in 2019 and this will be its first major update since its launch. It is expected to be available for purchase in July. So, here are the five main things that we noticed in the facelifted version:

New Front Profile

The new Seltos will feature a refreshed front profile, starting with a new and larger grille. It will have new LED headlights and sleeker daytime running lights (DRLs), integrated into the grille. The redesigned bumper appears busier and more aggressive. The fog lamps, styled like stacked ice cubes, have been retained but their housing has been redesigned along with the bumper.

No Changes To The Side Profile

The side profile remains largely unchanged, except for some modifications to the door cladding. Surprisingly, the alloy wheels are the same as those seen on the X-Line variants. This particular model appears to be a higher-end variant, as indicated by the presence of chrome door handles. 

More Stylish Rear Profile

The changes to the rear profile are more significant compared to the front. The boot shape has been modified to give it a more aggressive appearance. The facelifted model will feature new LED tail lamps connected by a illuminated strip. The redesigned bumpers will now house the reverse lights as well. The dual faux exhausts are now more prominent than in the current version, contributing to the sportier look. 

Also Read: Defence Personnel Can Now Buy Kia Cars Through Military, Navy, And Airforce Canteens

ADAS!

We already knew that it would be equipped with radar-based Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology, and the latest spy shot confirms this. The vehicle seen in the picture is a production-ready model featuring a rectangular-shaped radar on the front bumper. It will be the second compact SUV to offer this safety feature, following the MG Astor. The ADAS suite is expected to include blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. 

Refreshed Interior

The spy shots only offer a glimpse of the interior. The facelifted model is expected to feature a refreshed interior design with a new layout similar to the international model. The global-spec model boasts a new dual-layer, all-black theme with new switches and dual-integrated 10.25-inch displays, including a digital driver’s display and touchscreen infotainment system. 

In terms of powertrains, it is likely to continue with the same 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. The discontinued 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine will be replaced by a new 160PS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. All engine options will be available with an automatic transmission, as before. 

Also Read: Facelifted Kia Sonet Makes Spy Debut; India Launch In 2024

We expect the Kia Seltos facelift to have a starting price of around Rs 10.5 lakh (ex-showroom). It will continue to compete against the MG Astor, Hyundai Creta, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Citroen C3 Aircross, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.

Image Source

Read More on : Seltos diesel

News

Watch: Riding Through The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast In British Columbia

The Motorcycle Travel Channel has been on a road trip for almost two months, starting from Arizona and now reaching British Columbia. This is the 29th episode of the series, but the 21st episode is particularly interesting as it showcases a variety of things to see and do.

It took 21 episodes for the channel to reach British Columbia, and in the latest video, episode 29, the host, Sterling, is close to completing his trip. Currently in Arizona, the exploration of British Columbia is captivating and definitely worth watching.

Sterling’s videos on his BMW motorcycle are filled with breathtaking scenery, highlighting the natural beauty that Canada has to offer. While camping has been a major part of the trip, Sterling has also enjoyed the hospitality of inns and small hotels along the way.

Episode 21 of the series shows some unfortunate mishaps with Sterling’s equipment, such as a pannier and a monopod getting damaged due to an unplanned tip-over. However, these incidents have only emphasized the theme of “minimalism” that Sterling has embraced throughout his journey.

The video showcases stunning shots of the Fraser River and takes viewers on a journey through the Fishing Highway (Highway 24), which is connected to various lakes. Overall, the rest of the video provides a visual treat for adventure enthusiasts.

The remainder of the video continues to impress with stunning visuals. To catch up on the series, check out the latest upload from the Motorcycle Travel Channel on YouTube. Sterling is now back in Arizona, concluding an amazing trip that spanned thousands of miles, required hundreds of liters of fuel, and offered countless breathtaking sights.

NewsNew

HERITAGE HUSKY TX300 PROJECT

We have been working with Dick Wilk for a long time. He is an experienced desert racer turned tuner and suspension specialist known for building powerful machines and improving their suspension. Recently, Dick brought us his latest creation based on the Husqvarna TX300. He was amazed by the stock engine, calling it the best 300 engine he has ever worked with. Despite his passion for modifying engines, he decided to leave this one stock, an unusual choice for him.

In addition to the engine, Dick put a lot of effort into upgrading the suspension. He installed his Hybrid AER kit on the air fork, which includes new valving and a spring setup. The goal was to improve versatility, provide a more comfortable ride, and achieve better balance. As for the shock, he made modifications to enhance traction, improve performance in rough terrain, and make the bike suitable for both desert racing and woods riding.

Dick has a special fondness for Husqvarna motorcycles, having raced them since the early 1980s. So, for his personal machine, he chose graphics that embrace the “Heritage” look. He also installed special wheels, made comfort updates, and added features to enhance high-speed handling and off-road protection. Let’s take a closer look at his modified Husqvarna TX300, the modifications he made, and the reasons behind them.

• Dick opted for a Scalvini cone pipe and silencer to handle the exhaust system of the TX300.

• Being an avid Husqvarna fan, he loved the “Heritage” look of the TX300. Decal Works took care of the graphics while Tusk rotors were added. The bike received black hubs with gold rims, Dunlop tires, and Nitromousse foam inserts in both wheels.

• For off-road riding, Dick installed a Seat Concepts Comfort saddle to provide better feel and traction while riding. The comfort shape of the seat maintains a similar contour to the stock seat at the front, allowing the rider’s legs to remain close together. Towards the middle, the seat tapers out to distribute the rider’s weight over a larger area. The Element cover of the seat features four traction ribs.

Custom gold/black wheels, Dunlop MX33 tires, a Primary drive chain and sprockets, Flexx bars, and a Scotts steering damper enhance Dick’s TX300.

The rear end of the bike underwent significant changes to match the performance of the Hybrid forks. A stiffer spring was installed for a 200-pound rider, and the valving was adjusted to provide smoother action, improved rebound, and increased resistance to bottoming out. The new no-tools adjusters made testing easier, although the rebound adjustment was a bit challenging. Nitromousse foam tubes were added inside the Dunlop MX33 tires, and the bike also received Tusk discs, sprockets, and a gold O-ring chain. The stock white plastic was replaced with OEM white plastic covered with graphics designed by Dicks Racing and produced by Decal Works. Additionally, a P3 carbon fiber skid plate with a linkage guard replaced the stock plastic skid plate.

Dick chose Flexx handlebars and a Scotts steering damper mounted on a BRP mount for improved feel, comfort, and stability. He also addressed the vulnerability of the radiator hose located between the frame and exhaust pipe. To prevent potential damage from rocks or debris, he added a tidy-white plastic splitloom protector.

Dicks Racing has been refining the AER forks since their introduction in 2017. Dick’s Hybrid system incorporates a new cartridge that accepts a spring while still utilizing the AER cartridge at a significantly reduced pressure (140psi down to 55psi). This eliminates the initial harshness caused by the excessive AER pressure. The Hybrid system retains the lightweight, progressive, and adjustable characteristics of the AER forks while providing a plush, controlled, and capable performance on big hits. STR also developed special push-button bleeders to complete the package.

Dick Wilk was impressed by the response and strength of the new powerplant. The throttle-body injection system and the electronically controlled power valve have greatly improved the powerband compared to the previous generation. The only modification he made to the engine was adding a Scalvini cone pipe and silencer. Most of his development time was spent on suspension tuning. The all-new frame required new settings to achieve the desired results. Both the front and rear suspension needed adjustments to provide better performance in rocky sections while maintaining proper support through whoops and G-outs.

Motorsport

Brabus Mercedes-AMG C63 With 600 HP Roars on the Autobahn

Brabus, a renowned tuner of Mercedes vehicles, has showcased its expertise in a new Autobahn video. The spotlight is on the 2015 AMG C63 with Brabus upgrades, which comes incredibly close to reaching its top speed.

The stock version of the 2015 AMG C63 S is equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 500 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque. Although this is plenty of power for most drivers, Brabus takes it up a notch with an upgrade that pumps out 600 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, transmitted to the rear wheels.

In the video, the C63 attempts to hit its top speed of 184 mph, but traffic conditions hamper its efforts. Nevertheless, the C63 manages an impressive speed of around 177 mph (285 kph), a testament to its performance capabilities.

Brabus offers a range of additional upgrades to complement its tunes. These include options to swap out the exhaust, install new wheels, add adjustable springs, and enhance the exterior with carbon-fiber accents. The tuner caters to various models and customer preferences, allowing for customization of horsepower levels.

In addition to its Mercedes upgrades, Brabus has diversified its offerings with a unique bundle, priced at $1.51 million. This bundle includes a Brabus 800-tuned G63 with 789 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, a boat with 900 hp, and a matching watch. The Brabus Shadow 900 Stealth Green Signature Edition sports boat is equipped with two 4.6-liter V8 Mercury Marine 450R engines, enabling it to reach speeds of over 69 mph (60 knots).

Another recent introduction from Brabus is the AMG GT63 S E Performance upgrade, which brings an extraordinary level of power. This plug-in hybrid boasts a combined output of 930 hp and 1,143 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to achieve a blistering acceleration of 0-62 mph in just 2.8 seconds. Although the 2015 AMG C63 is slightly slower, requiring 3.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, it still delivers impressive performance.

Citreon

CITROËN WINS SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE PRIZE AT AUTO TRADER NEW CAR AWARDS 2023

  • Citroën has been awarded the Sustainability Initiative prize at the 7th annual Auto Trader New Car Awards.
  • The Sustainability Initiative category is judged by independent experts from the Carbon Literacy Project.
  • The judges praised Citroën’s commitment to sustainability, which includes educating its staff on sustainability and environmental issues and ensuring sustainability is incorporated into business decisions.

Citroën has been named the winner of the Sustainability Initiative category at the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2023. The judges commended Citroën’s active involvement in the Carbon Literacy Project, as well as the innovative Ami 100% Electric quadricycle and Oli concept vehicle.

The Oli concept vehicle, introduced by Citroën last year, is made from 100% recycled materials and features a 40kWh battery with a range of 248 miles (WLTP). Oli’s parts can be reused and recycled throughout its lifespan. The seats are constructed simply and use 80% fewer parts than usual. The body panels are made from an innovative corrugated honeycomb recycled cardboard reinforced with polyurethane resin, making them as strong as conventional panels but 50% lighter. The development of Oli focused on simplicity and reduced weight, resulting in a smaller battery and fewer resources required to travel the same distance.

The Citroën Ami 100% Electric is a modern mobility solution and a sustainable response to environmental challenges in cities. The Ami 100% Electric produces zero emissions and has a 5.5kWh battery that can be fully charged in just four hours, providing a range of up to 46 miles (WLTP). There is also the option of the My Ami Cargo, which has a payload of up to 140kg, a maximum load capacity of 400 litres, and a tight 7.20m turning circle, making it ideal for businesses in urban areas.

Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Auto Trader, said that creating repairable, reusable, and recyclable products is crucial for decarbonizing the automotive industry, and Citroën has demonstrated this with the Ami and Oli. The judges were impressed with Citroën’s commitment to sustainability, which includes educating staff on sustainability and environmental issues and ensuring this commitment is reflected in all business decisions.

Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, commented that the company’s commitment to sustainability has been recognized at the Auto Trader New Car Awards. Citroën believes that the future of efficient and sustainable urban mobility lies in doing things differently, as shown by the Oli and Ami 100% Electric.

In the Auto Trader Awards, 20 out of the 23 categories were determined by 220,000 UK car owners who shared their thoughts and opinions on the cars they own. However, the Sustainability Initiative award was judged by independent experts from the Carbon Literacy Project, an organization that promotes understanding and action on climate change.

For more information on the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2023, visit: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/new/awards