A trademark filing presented to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) suggests that Meta’s “X” design is a modified version consisting of two arrows. One arrow is blue and the other is white, and they face each other to form the letter X. In contrast, Twitter’s logo features a single line crossed by two parallel lines creating the silhouette of an “X.” The differences between the logos are apparent, even in terms of their background colors.
The potential legal dispute lies in the types of services the logo is meant to represent. Meta’s patent filing indicates that the logo could be used for various purposes such as game content, digital media, images, music, audio, video, movies, and animations. While this appears to cover a vast range of products, it’s the following sections that may lead to contention.
Meta states that the “X” logo could also be utilized for online social networking services, including facilitating social introductions or interactions among individuals. In simpler terms, it could be used for typical social media platforms like X, Threads, Instagram, and TikTok. Moreover, the trademark’s status is currently listed as “Active,” granting Meta the freedom to implement it for its own products whenever it deems fit. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that Meta does not exclusively own the rights to the letter X itself.
Before installing the macOS Sonoma public beta, you need to check if your computer is compatible. The software is compatible with MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini models from 2018 or newer. iMac Pros must be from 2017 or later, and iMacs or Mac Pros from 2019. For Mac Studio, the minimum requirement is a 2022 model. Once you’ve confirmed compatibility, follow these steps to install the public beta:
Click “Download the macOS Public Beta Access Utility.”
Once the .DMG file is downloaded, run the .PKG file in the image.
If you haven’t made a Time Machine backup, this is a good opportunity to do so (optional).
If System Preferences doesn’t open automatically, open it and click on Software Update.
If the download is not immediately available, you will receive a notification when it is. After the download finishes (which may take a while), click “Upgrade Now” and follow the provided instructions.
If you have previously signed up for a macOS public beta, you can skip most of these steps. Simply go to the top-right corner of the Apple Beta webpage, click “Enroll Your Devices,” then click on Software Update, followed by Upgrade Now. Follow the steps provided by Apple to complete the installation.
Motocross had been exclusive territory to 2-stroke motorcycles much before the 1950s. In 1952, an individual European Championship that allowed the use of 500cc engine displacements was set up by the FIM and would, later on, be upgraded to World Championship status in 1957. However, in 1963, a significant moment in motocross history occurred that allowed 250cc 2-stroke moto-crossers to compete in the 500cc category fielded with 4-strokers.
Fast-forward to the early nineties in a competition of changing rules, the AMA, relaxed its rules that allowed 450cc 4-strokes to compete in the same class as the 250cc 2-strokes. Yamaha took advantage of the rule and developed the Yamaha YZ400F specifically for the category giving it a 5-valve head, liquid cooling, and a 12.5:1 compression ratio. In 1997, with the introduction of the YZ400M, Doug Henry rode it to victory at the Las Vegas Supercross, a first for a 4-stroker in an AMA event, and Yamaha has not looked back since then. With the introduction of the Yamaha YZ450F in 2003, and in its 13th generation, the Yamahahas clinched just about every major FIM Motocross and US Supercross title there is to win with 2-stroke and 4-stroke technology, ever since they won their first World Motocross Championship 50 years ago. Having put all their focus on the new 2023 Yamaha YZ450F, Yamaha has developed a motocross machine that is not only lighter, faster, and easier to ride but has been designed to live up to its heritage.
A left hand-side view of the Yamaha’s YZ450F’s engine
Yamaha has redesigned the YZ450F’s engine which has remained unchanged since the introduction of the original reversed-head layout in 2010. With the usual head layout reversed instead of exhaust cams facing the engine forward, Yamaha’s tricks-in-the-bag has enabled them to keep the bulk of the YZS450F’s air-box, fuel tank, exhaust, and the slanting rear cylinder towards the bike’s center of mass. With a lighter and more durable engine designed to linearly deliver more output with better drivability, the Yamaha YZ450F is easy to ride throughout the rev range.
9Redesigned Piston And Crankshaft
Yamaha
A Yamaha YZ450F’s piston and crankshaft.
The YZ450F gets a newly designed piston and an optimized combustion chamber thanks to the reversed-head layout, as well as a lighter cylinder block that changes its power characteristics in the powerband to an extra 500 revs. The new engine is also equipped with a low-friction camshaft chain, re-designed crank and connecting rod assembly, lighter plain bearings, and a new balancer weight and hollow balancer shaft that negates out any engine vibrations
8Improved Air-Intake And Routing With Vortex Airbox
The YZ450F has a newly routed air-intake path between the fuel tank, frame, seat, and side panels that prevent the ingression of water, dust, and mud from entering the air-box. For 2023, YZ450F also gets a newly designed airbox that separates incoming dust centrifugally before reaching a new round three-dimensional air filter.
With the YZ450F’s power up 5%, the transmission has had to be redesigned to compensate for this increase. The distance between the new transmission’s drive shafts has been widened, while each gear’s diameter has been increased to reduce weight and increase the overall strength of the 5-speed gear-box.
The clutch previously a two-piece steel aluminum component (coil spring) is now replaced with a light-weight one-piece steel clutch with disc springs. The 450F’s new clutch is 0.75 kg lighter, and slimmer providing a more direct feel and lighter pull at the clutch.
6Redesigned Aluminum Frame
Yamaha
A right hand-side view of the Yamaha YZ450F frame.
The 2023 Yamaha YZ450F’s aluminum beam frame has been improved to feel lighter while providing agility and stability at the same time. Yamaha’s engineers have relocated the joint between the tank rails and head pipe, which is now 15mm lower than its predecessor while the downtube, cross tube, and swingarm pivot area have been stiffened ensuring a high level of stability and precise cornering. The YZ450F’s chassis which originally had an 8mm aluminum front engine mount utilizing three through bolts, now gets a 4mm thick steel mount with one bolt.
5Next Generation Bodywork
Yamaha
A right hand-side view of a Yamaha YZ450F.
Every exterior panel of the Yamaha YZ450F has been redesigned to provide a slimmer body, making it more compact and sleek while allowing the rider to rapidly shift body weight. Because of the elimination of the front air-ducts, thanks to the newly routed air supply path, this has allowed more compact shrouds with a width reduction of 50mm to be fitted, as well as a narrower new fuel tank that makes the center section of the YZ450F slimmer. The YZ450F also gets a compact fender with a shorter rear fender to match, making the YZ’s overall length appear shorter.
4Improved Ergonomics
Yamaha
A view of the Yamaha YZ450F’s ergonomics.
The Yamaha YZ450F’s riding ergonomics, i.e., the connection between the seat, handlebars, and foot-rests has been revised to accommodate varying physiques. The seat height has been increased by 5mm while making the seat surface flatter and the rounded profiles of the left and right seat edges have been contoured better making lateral movement easier and more comfortable. The footrests are 5mm lower giving 10mm of more legroom (taking the seat changes into account) for taller riders while a 4-position adjustable rubber-mounted handlebar can be moved according to the size of the rider to provide a more neutral riding position.
The Yamaha YZ450F’s KYB suspension valving has been upgraded to absorb high and low-speed bumps by simply hand-tweaking the adjustable compression damping adjuster which in turn has helped with the 450F’s cornering precision and straight-line stability. For more information on suspension setup, the rider can also access information and recommendations on suspension settings via the Power Tuner app on his or her smartphone.
2An advanced Launch Control System
Yamaha
Launch Control button on the Yamaha YZ450F.
The YZ450F now has the ability to gain the holeshot at full throttle, thanks to a new Rev Limit feature in the Launch Control System that can set a maximum rpm between 6000 and 11,000 rpm in 500rpm increments. The Rev Limit feature automatically disengages once the LCS recognizes that the start has been completed and the bike has reached 3rd gear.
1Power Tuner App
Yamaha
A rider making engine adjustments via the Power Tuner app.
The Power Tuner app has been updated in an intuitive way that makes it easier to understand and use while selecting different levels of power, traction, and launch control just by scrolling a slider horizontally from Smooth through Aggressive – of course, this is only possible once the rider has downloaded the app and paired his phone to the YZ450F. Additional functions also include RPM, fuel consumption, a lap timer, speed, battery voltage, and a host of other data. An FAQ section also provides a guide on how to maximize the suspension setup. The Power Tuner app can be downloaded from Google Play or the Apple Store, depending on the rider’s smartphone’s operating system.
The updated Kia Seltos looks more aggressive and includes new premium features inside and out
After a long wait, the facelifted version of the Kia Seltos for the Indian market has been revealed. Pre-orders for the SUV will begin on July 14, and we can expect the launch in mid-August 2023. With this update, the Seltos has received several design and feature upgrades to match the increasing competition.
In this article, we will explore the exterior and interior of the updated SUV through a gallery of images:
Front
The front of the Seltos has undergone changes while still retaining its recognizable design. The facelift includes a wider and larger grille with a honeycomb pattern and LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that extend to the center of the grille.
Kia has equipped the facelifted Seltos with updated LED headlights featuring “heartbeat” DRLs and dynamic turn indicators placed below the main lighting setup.
The lower section of the front now features a revised bumper with angular fog lamp housings for the GT Line and X-Line variants. The Tech Line variants have a simpler fog lamp housing. Additionally, Kia is offering a 4-piece LED fog lamp setup instead of the previous 3-part unit. The front bumper also includes a silver skid plate and an advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) radar.
Side
The side profile of the Seltos remains familiar, with the inclusion of stylish dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels seen in the X-Line trim now available for the GT Line variants as well.
The most significant update to the rear of the SUV is the new connected LED taillight setup. The Seltos now features either the “GT” or “7DCT” badge on the bottom right side of the tailgate, which varies depending on the chosen variant.
Another notable change is the sporty dual tip exhaust setup exclusive to the GT Line and X-Line variants. It is expected to produce a distinct exhaust note.
Cabin
The facelifted Seltos now offers a black and brown interior theme, while the black and grey theme is retained for the GT Line variants. The cabin inserts and the finish for the leatherette seats vary depending on the chosen variant and include brown, black, and green shades.
The updated dashboard and console feature slimmer central air conditioning vents and a revised climate control panel to accommodate the new dual-zone AC system. It also incorporates dual 10.25-inch integrated displays, one for infotainment and the other for instrumentation.
Both front seats now have ventilation functionality, and the driver’s seat offers an 8-way power adjustment function.
One of the most anticipated updates is the addition of a panoramic sunroof, which enhances the overall cabin experience but may slightly affect rear headroom. The rear of the Seltos features 3-point seatbelts (recently added to the existing model a few months ago) and adjustable headrests for all passengers.
The facelifted Seltos is available with three engine options, each paired with a manual or automatic gearbox:
Specification
1.5-litre N.A. Petrol
1.5-litre Turbo-petrol
1.5-litre Diesel
Power
115PS
160PS
116PS
Torque
144Nm
253Nm
250Nm
Transmission
6-speed MT/ CVT
6-speed iMT/ 7-speed DCT
6-speed iMT/ 6-speed AT
Kia is expected to launch the facelifted Seltos soon, and we will have the opportunity to experience the car before that. Stay tuned to CarDekho for our in-depth review of the updated Kia SUV.
Are electric vehicle (EV) tyres different from regular tyres? Can any tyre work for an EV? Many drivers may prioritize the cheapest option, disregarding the evidence that premium tyres outperform super-cheap unknown brands in terms of grip, handling, braking distance, comfort, noise, economy, wet performance, and wear rate.
However, fitting a tyre that is not specifically designed for an EV can lead to costly mistakes. So, why are tyres engineered differently for EVs compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) cars? There are four main reasons.
Firstly, EVs weigh significantly more due to battery weight. For example, the entry-level Volkswagen ID 3 weighs almost 30% more than the conventional Volkswagen Golf equivalent.
Additionally, torque plays a crucial role. Electric drive motors deliver high torque instantly, even in ordinary EVs, which can potentially result in increased tyre wear.
Noise is another important factor. The quiet drivetrain of an EV makes road and wind noise more noticeable, even during acceleration or cruising at high speeds.
Finally, there is the aspect of economy and rolling resistance. While rolling resistance affects both ICE cars and EVs, a 10% increase in rolling resistance during a 200-mile drive is more noticeable to an EV driver.
Tyre manufacturers address the added weight of EVs by enhancing the load-bearing capacity of the tyre carcass. This involves reinforcing sidewall construction and using tougher rubber materials.
In 2021, Continental introduced the first tyre with a load rating of HL (‘High Load’, with a load index of 825kg), while an ICE car of the same size may have a rating of SL (a load index of 94kg).
Continental also developed a new compound called Green Chili 2.0 for its EcoContact 6 tyre. This compound consumes less energy when deformed (while rolling) and reduces energy consumption by 15% compared to its predecessor. Other tyre manufacturers have also developed lower-rolling-resistance compounds.
The tread design, distribution on the road surface, internal belt design, and the bead that grips the wheel rim all impact rolling resistance. These factors are crucial considerations for engineers when developing tyres for heavier and torquey EVs.
Tread block widths are already varied randomly to minimize droning noise, and their design is now under increased scrutiny. Foam layers on the inside of the tread help absorb noise from vibration. Continental refers to its polyurethane foam as ContiSilent, which reduces road noise by 9dBA.
In a few cities, the strong-hybrid MPV can make you wait over a year before delivery
The Toyota Innova Hycross entered the Indian market last year as a more premium MPV than the Innova Crysta. Both MPVs have different underpinnings, their own sets of powertrains on offer, and distinct designs. While the diesel-only Crysta remains popular and attracts a somewhat high waiting period, the better-equipped Hycross with its petrol and hybrid powertrains is commanding delivery times of over a year this July.
For reference, the Toyota Innova Hycross is priced from Rs 18.55 lakh to Rs 29.99 lakh, while the Innova Crysta’s price ranges between Rs 19.99 lakh and Rs 25.43 lakh (both ex-showroom, Delhi).
In recent years, Ferrari has shown that its iconic red color is not the only option for its cars. Collectors now have the opportunity to add Ferraris in various colors to their garages. One of the models that exemplifies this new approach is the SF90, a hybrid all-wheel drive supercar that outperforms even the LaFerrari on the Fiorano Circuit.
Available for sale at Porsche Woodland Hills, this particular Ferrari SF90 Stradale stands out with its Grigio Ingrid exterior paintwork and a stunning Iroko-finished interior. What sets this car apart is the extensive use of carbon fiber options, totaling an impressive $200,000 worth of upgrades, including the wheels. Despite its unique specifications, this SF90 Stradale maintains a timeless and elegant look that would complement any collection.
If you’re interested, you can view the price and listing here.
Skoda unveiled the Kodiaq in September 2016 as a larger version of the Volkswagen Tiguan. In April 2021, the spacious SUV received a facelift. Now, in June 2023, we’re getting a sneak peek at its successor before the official reveal in the fall. The second-generation model will have an evolutionary design, with no major changes in appearance or specifications.
Although the car is partially camouflaged, the disguise is thin enough to give us a clear view of the exterior design. The 2024 Kodiaq will maintain its recognizable look and will not adopt the Modern Solid design language that Skoda has teased for its upcoming EVs. The familiar double headlight design specific to SUVs will be retained, along with the wide corporate grille. If they are genuine, the vertical air curtains in the front bumper will improve aerodynamics by directing the airflow.
Before the Mustang Shelby GT500 was revived in 2007, Ford sent its New Edge Mustang Cobra out with a bang. The 2003-2004 Cobras, equipped with a factory Eaton supercharger, were known as the “Terminator” and were highly regarded for their power and performance in the muscle car world.
This recent dyno video showcases the powerful nature of the Terminator Cobra. Despite only having a few minor bolt-ons, such as a pulley swap for the supercharger and an upgraded exhaust system, this 20-year-old Mustang managed to produce 498 horsepower at the wheels.
When factoring in the average driveline loss of 15 percent, this translates to around 590 horsepower at the engine, significantly more than Ford’s stock rating of 390 horsepower. It’s no surprise that Cobra owners quickly realized the underrated potential of the supercharged 4.6-liter engine.
Aside from its impressive performance, this particular 2004 Cobra stands out due to its rarity. With a production run of only 3,768 units, and just 299 painted in Screaming Yellow, it’s a special find for enthusiasts. The Screaming Yellow color option was exclusive to the Cobra and the SVT Focus, making it even more unique.
The New Edge-era Cobras, including the 2003-2004 models, were also notable for being the first Mustangs to feature independent rear suspension. This upgrade greatly improved the ride quality and handling characteristics of the pony car.
As a result of their power, performance, rarity, and modern-classic status, well-preserved examples of the 2003-2004 Cobras can command prices of around $50,000 in today’s market.
When natural disasters occur, Team Rubicon, an organization led by veterans, mobilizes to assist affected communities worldwide. In a generous gesture, Ford has donated 17 vehicles and contributed $2.5 million to this cause. These vehicles include the F-150 XL PowerBoost hybrid, F-350 Super Duty trucks equipped with Ford’s 2.0-kW Pro Power Onboard system, F-150 Lightning Pro trucks, and Broncos with the Sasquatch package to access remote areas.
Overall, Ford and its charitable Ford Fund group have invested $5.8 million in Team Rubicon, establishing the initiative named “Team Rubicon Powered By Ford”. This collaboration will enable Team Rubicon volunteers to carry out their crucial work effectively.
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