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Why The Supermarine Spitfire Was One Of The Most Innovative WW2 Jets

In the early 1930s, the Air Ministry issued a specification called F7/30, which called for the development of a fighter aircraft that combined heavy firepower with speed. The goal was to have a fighter that could fly at 250 miles per hour and carry four guns.

Vickers Supermarine initially failed to meet this specification, but after several prototypes and improvements, including the use of Rolls-Royce’s PV-XII V12 engine, the Supermarine Spitfire started to take shape. The first prototype, named K5054, took to the skies in March 1936, and further developments made it even more impressive. The final version of the Spitfire surpassed the initial requirements, with a top speed of 348 mph and eight Browning guns.

The Spitfire proved to be a formidable aircraft and a powerful weapon. It outperformed other fighter planes of its time, including its British counterpart, the Hawker Hurricane. Historian Paul Beaver described the Spitfire as having a certain mystique, with troops often claiming to have been defeated by a Spitfire even if it was actually a Hurricane. The unique and innovative design of the Spitfire played a significant role in securing its place in aviation history.

Zeekr X

The interior of the Zeekr X follows the BYD philosophy of covering everything in synthetic leather to create a premium look. While it’s an improvement over hard plastic, it may lean towards kitsch and might not age well. However, there are some unique details such as vertical bars of mood lighting, rounded window switches, and an innovative multilevel center console with a fold-out cupholder and roller shutter.

As is often the case with Chinese cars, the Zeekr X prioritizes rear legroom over boot space. Nonetheless, the boot space is still adequate, measuring at 362 liters. Zeekr has also done away with physical buttons in favor of a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, heavily inspired by Tesla’s system. While the touchscreen is responsive, it can feel a bit overwhelming, with some menus not functioning intuitively.

Thankfully, the Zeekr X offers integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are well-integrated into the system. The driving position is crossover-appropriate, providing a tall-ish viewpoint. However, the seats, although generally comfortable, have aggressive lumbar support that can be uncomfortable, even when set to the lowest setting.

Related: 2025 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28: Everything We Know So Far

Summary

  • The highly anticipated 2025 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is the final gas-powered muscle car, blending nostalgia with modern advancements.
  • Rumored to have a 5.5-liter V-8 engine with 670 horsepower, the Camaro Z/28 offers both power and control with a manual transmission option.
  • The Z/28 may feature design cues from its predecessors while incorporating functional aerodynamic changes, focusing on weight savings for optimal performance on the racetrack. Its possible arrival as the last Camaro aligns with Chevrolet’s shift towards electrification.

As we enter a new era in automotive history, gasoline-powered titans are beginning to fade away, representing an evolutionary shift in muscle car culture. For Chevrolet, a brand with a rich heritage, it’s time for a grand finale with the Camaro lineage: the highly anticipated 2025 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. The Camaro represents more than just metal and rubber, it embodies a cultural sentiment. Its fierce rivalry with the Mustang has sparked endless debates, but as rumors circulate within the auto community, this might be the end of those age-old arguments.

Going back to its roots in 1966 when the Z/28 first roared onto the Trans Am series racetracks, the badge has come to symbolize performance finesse. However, with the automotive world shifting towards efficiency, Chevrolet, like many other automakers, is pivoting towards the future. While some muscle car icons like the Dodge Charger have taken their final bow, brands like Ford are still embracing the power of raw performance, pushing the boundaries of contemporary performance standards. In the midst of this whirlwind of change, the Camaro Z/28 aims to bridge the gap between rich legacies and promising visions of the future, offering an exciting ride that combines nostalgia with modern marvels.

Related: Our Exclusive Rendering Exposes The 2025 Chevy Camaro Z/28 In All Its Glory

A Thunderous Farewell To Gasoline Power

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Chevrolet

There is immense anticipation for the arrival of the 2025 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. Built on GM’s revered alpha platform, which forms the foundation of the sixth-generation Camaro lineage, this upcoming icon is the subject of strong rumors.

The heart of this beast lies in its potential powertrain, the LT6. Borrowed from the 2023 Corvette Z06, this naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V-8 engine is expected to unleash a mighty 670 horsepower. However, there might be a slight adjustment for the Camaro, with rumors suggesting a toned-down version with 650 horsepower. For those who prefer manual transmissions, envision a 600-horsepower LT6 paired with a tactile six-speed stick shift, a combination that promises the perfect balance of power and control.

But it’s not just about raw power. In homage to its 2014-2015 predecessor, which borrowed an engine from the C6 Corvette, the Z/28 is expected to echo that sentiment by using the LT6 engine from the Corvette Z06. Furthermore, we can expect a focus on agility. Picture a vehicle lighter than the ZL1 by over 300 pounds, achieved through the extensive use of carbon fiber, a minimalist approach to soundproofing, and the removal of the rear seats.

2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Vs 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Vs 2025 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

Specifications Comparison

Feature/Specification

LS7 (2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28)

LT6 (2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06)

2025 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 (Estimations)

Engine Code

LS7

LT6

LT6

Model

2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

2025 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

Size & Configuration

7.0-liter Naturally Aspirated V8

5.5-liter Naturally Aspirated V8

5.5-liter Naturally Aspirated V8

Layout

Front-Engine Rear-Wheel-Drive

Mid-Engine Rear-Wheel-Drive

Front-Engine Rear-Wheel-Drive

Transmission

6-Speed Manual

8-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic

6-Speed Manual or 8-Speed Automatic

Power

505 hp

670 hp

650-660 horsepower

Torque

481 lb-ft

460 lb-ft

450-470 pound-feet

0-60 MPH

4.0 Seconds

2.6 Seconds

2.8-3.0 Seconds

Top Speed

190 MPH

189 MPH

190-195 MPH

The spirit of the racetrack will be embedded in the Z/28’s DNA. With features like race-focused suspension, Multimatic’s spool-valve dampers, and the powerful stopping power of Brembo’s carbon-ceramic brakes, this Camaro is predicted to provide unmatched grip and handling. However, amidst the excitement, there’s a hint of melancholy, as the Z/28 may mark the end of the era of internal combustion Camaros. If this is the case, it promises to be a breathtaking finale.

Related: 2025 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28: Everything We Know So Far

The Camaro Z/28’s Evolutionary Journey

2014 and 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Chevrolet

The Camaro has consistently been one of Chevrolet’s most iconic vehicles, blending performance with style. The highly anticipated Camaro Z/28 aims to take this legacy to new heights, combining the best attributes of its predecessors while setting new standards in design and efficiency. Taking inspiration from the 2012 Camaro ZL1, the previous-generation Z/28 avoided flashy aerodynamic changes. Instead, it featured a wider wheel arch to accommodate broader tires, a subtle spoiler, and a streamlined front without fog lights.

However, the upcoming Z/28 seems poised to carve its own path. It is believed to embrace design cues from the Camaro ZL1 1LE trim, indicating a more aggressive aerodynamic package. These changes aren’t just for aesthetics; they serve a functional purpose. Expect a larger front splitter, front dive planes, and a lighter carbon hood. These additions aim to give the Z/28 an edge on the racetrack, optimizing grip and handling for sharp turns and high speeds.

Weight reduction is at the core of the Z/28’s evolution. The previous generation took inspiration from brands like Porsche, with Chevrolet focusing on stripping down unnecessary elements for optimal performance. This included a lighter battery, the removal of a radio, sporty Recaro seats, and minimal soundproofing, allowing drivers to truly feel the engine’s pulse.

Red 2025 Chevy Camaro Z/28 render
TopSpeed

The rendered image of the new Z/28 by TopSpeed captures attention immediately. From its bold front end with sleek LED lights to its vented hood, it promises both raw power and refined craftsmanship. The blacked-out elements, extending from the grille to the diffuser, contribute to its dual-tone personality. The rear, while maintaining traditional Camaro design cues, features contemporary accents, including a rear lip spoiler that enhances both aesthetics and aerodynamics.

The renderings also suggest the presence of large performance wheels, possibly with red-accented brake calipers, reinforcing the car’s sporty character. Through this visual masterpiece, Chevrolet appears poised to offer a treat for the eyes and the soul alike.

Related: The History And Evolution Of The Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

The 2025 Camaro Z/28’s Anticipated Arrival

2025 CAMARO Z28
Top Speed

As the sun sets on the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro in 2024, Chevrolet has one final surprise up its sleeve: the powerful Z/28. While rumors of its arrival have circulated before, it’s important to approach the news with caution until an official announcement is made. If this high-octane Z/28 does see the light of day, it would serve as the swan song for the Camaro, aligning with the legacy of the model. However, Chevrolet’s aggressive push towards electrification raises questions about whether financial constraints might halt the development of the Z/28. If everything aligns and this track monster becomes a reality, production numbers are expected to be limited, with a price range of $75,000 to $80,000 per vehicle.

While Chevrolet remains tight-lipped about this grand finale, it is clear that the iconic Camaro is transitioning into an electrified future post-2024. Fans and enthusiasts hope that this potential Z/28 track machine will serve as a fitting farewell to the gas-powered era, setting the stage for its electric successor.

Meet ‘Risky’ Phil, the UK’s leading anti-ULEZ campaigner

Phil Elliott, also known as ‘the cat herder’, is a person who brings together individuals with different goals but who share a common objective. As the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London was imminent, Phil Elliott, the founder of UK Unites, a campaign group with 3000 members, was busy organizing protests against the ULEZ expansion from his Lincolnshire home.

A few days prior to this, I met Elliott at Rykas cafe in Surrey, a popular spot for bikers. Instead of the usual small groups of bikers, I was surprised to see a large gathering in front of an old London bus. Banners and signs on the bus read messages like ‘Stop ULEZ’, ‘Stop Khan’, ‘No 2 ULEZ’, and ‘Our Roads, Our Freedom’.

There were also 12 vans with political slogans parked around the bike park. One van had a coffin on its roof with the name ‘Khan’ on it, along with an image of a missile and a message for Sadiq Khan and the BBC from anti-ULEZ groups. At the back of the bus, a group of speakers addressed the crowd. Howard Cox, Reform UK’s candidate for London mayor, expressed his commitment to making London the most motorcycle-friendly city, and Lembit Öpik, former Liberal Democrat MP and spokesperson for the Motorcycle Action Group, criticized Khan and the ULEZ expansion.

The crowd cheered as Öpik suggested that it may be up to the thousands gathered there to stop Khan. The crowd’s enthusiasm stemmed from the fact that bikes must meet Euro 3 emissions regulations, in force since 2007, to avoid a £12.50 charge for entering London (petrol cars must meet at least Euro 4, in force since 2005, and diesel cars Euro 6, in force since 2015).

Bus with Motorcycle Action Group banner

The Maserati Levante, Audi RS Q8 and Range Rover Sport Are Alternatives To The Mercedes G Wagen

The Mercedes G-Wagen, or G-Class as it’s known, is a popular mid-sized luxury SUV that offers iconic style, off-road capabilities, and luxurious features. However, many owners rarely use it for its intended purpose. If you’re looking for alternative luxury SUVs that offer similar performance, features, and a sense of luxury without breaking the bank, there are several options available. Let’s take a look at three SUVs that can compete with the Mercedes G-Wagen.

Updated on September 11, 2023: This list has been updated with the latest information.

Audi RS Q8

For Those Who Want Something Sleeker Than A Mercedes G-Wagen

silver 2023 Audi RSQ8

The Audi RS Q8 is a great alternative to the Mercedes G-Wagen for those who want a premium SUV with comparable performance and features at a lower cost. It offers a sleek design, a user-friendly interface, and advanced technology. The RS Q8 comes with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, 591 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Inside, it features luxurious amenities like four-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and leather seats.

Maserati Levante

The Mercedes G-Wagen’s Suave Italian Alternative

An elevated front 3/4 shot of Maserati Levante Trofeo parked

The Maserati Levante is another excellent alternative to the Mercedes G-Wagen, offering a dynamic driving experience and Italian elegance at a more affordable price. It comes with a 3.0-liter V6 engine, 345 horsepower, four-wheel drive, and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Levante’s exterior design is sporty and opulent, with a signature Maserati grille. Inside, it features leather seats, an 8.4-inch touchscreen entertainment system, and modern safety systems.

Range Rover Sport

Stiff Upper Lip Of The Brutishness Of RR Taking Of The Mercedes G-Wagen

Range Rover Sport P440e

The Range Rover Sport is a fantastic alternative for those seeking a high-end SUV with comparable off-road capabilities and upscale features at a more reasonable price than the Mercedes G-Wagen. It comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, 355 horsepower, four-wheel drive, and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Range Rover Sport offers exceptional off-road performance with features like Terrain Response and Hill Descent Control. Inside, it offers leather seats, a 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment system, and advanced safety systems.

Or Should You Buy The Mercedes G-Wagen?

Black Mercedes G-Wagen
rebinworkshop / Shutterstock

The Mercedes G-Wagen is a luxurious SUV that offers off-road capabilities, powerful performance, and a comfortable ride. It comes with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, 416 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The G-Wagen also features a lowered center of gravity and improved suspension for better handling. It offers a range of luxury features and advanced safety systems.

Ultimately, the Audi RS Q8, Maserati Levante, and Range Rover Sport provide alternatives to the Mercedes G-Wagen that offer a balance of luxury, performance, and off-road capabilities at a lower price point. Each SUV has its own unique features and appeal, allowing you to choose one that best suits your needs and preferences.

2024 Ram 1500 TRX Final Edition: Special Colors and Price

The 2024 Ram 1500 TRX Final Edition is the latest model from Stellantis, but it’s not a Dodge. This muscle truck, equipped with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, marks the end of the line for this particular version. With a limited production of only 4,000 units, each vehicle is priced at $119,620 (excluding the $1,995 destination fee).

Interestingly, Ram has chosen not to modify the TRX’s powertrain. The supercharged V8 engine delivers an impressive 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration-wise, it can reach 60 miles per hour in just 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 118 mph.

Dodge Durango Hellcat Takes On Tesla Model Y Performance In All-American Drag Race

The Dodge Durango and the Tesla Model Y may not be direct competitors, but they do share some similarities. They are both SUVs/crossovers made in America and have the option of three rows of seating. However, their differences are significant.

In its SRT Hellcat trim, the Dodge Durango is powered by a massive 6.2-liter V8 engine, delivering 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. On the other hand, the Tesla Model Y Performance is propelled by an electric dual-motor setup, offering a silent and efficient ride.

The Durango is a heavy SUV, weighing in at 5,567 pounds, while the Model Y weighs 4,419 pounds. In terms of pricing, the Model Y Performance starts at $54,490, while the larger Durango SRT Hellcat has a base price of $93,605.

To compare their performance, Edmunds conducted a U-drag race between the two vehicles. In the race, they covered a quarter mile straight, then braked, turned around, and raced back down the quarter mile in the opposite direction. The video of the race showed that both cars accelerated from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4 seconds. The Durango completed the quarter mile in 12.4 seconds, slightly ahead of the Tesla’s 12.5 seconds.

This race demonstrates that despite their differences on paper, the Durango and Model Y are closely matched in terms of performance. Check out the video to see the outcome of this exciting all-American drag race.

Why Go90 Was One Of Verizon’s Biggest Failures

In a Q3 2015 investor call, Fran Shammo, a Verizon executive, mentioned that they had not yet started marketing go90. He stated, “Keep in mind we are 20 days into this. We actually haven’t done any advertising or promotion activity around this product. So, for the early stages, we are seeing very good platform stability. We are seeing very encouraging feedback. And of course, we’re looking at specific metrics like viewership, site revisits, and popularity of new shows.”

However, this doesn’t mean they weren’t planning to advertise. According to a report by the New York Post, Verizon had allocated $80 million for marketing the new streaming service.

“go90’s architect,” Brian Angiolet, expressed enthusiasm for the service in a press release, stating, “Brilliant coders and engineers and awesome content partners have invested an incredible amount of work and have taken care to create a video experience that until now has been missing for millennial and Gen Z viewers. go90 bridges the content divide between traditional and digital distributors, along with established and emerging creators.”

But there wasn’t anything particularly unique about go90. The only standout feature mentioned in the press release was the ability for users to “cut & share your favorite clips via text (SMS), email, Facebook and Twitter.” It’s worth noting that YouTube didn’t introduce its own clipping feature until July 2021, almost six years later.

Overall, the marketing copy for go90 seemed forced and trying too hard to be “hip.” For example, it encouraged users to “join or create your own ‘Crew’ to connect and share your interests with friends and other fans.”

New Honda Forza 750 Colors Are Incoming for 2024

The Honda Forza 750 touring scooter will receive new colors for the 2024 model year. While the final price has yet to be announced, it seems that 2024 will be a vibrant year for this model in Honda’s lineup.

In 2022, the Forza 750 received a minor update, and now Honda is introducing new colors for the largest Forza in their lineup. The new color options include Matte Jeans Blue Metallic, Candy Chromosphere Red, and a “special edition” Matte Black Metallic with gold wheels. These colors join the existing Iridium Gray Metallic in Honda’s color lineup.

No changes have been made to the scooter’s mechanics. It will still be powered by a 745cc parallel-twin engine paired with a dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The Forza produces up to 58.6 horsepower and about 50 foot-pounds of torque. It also comes standard with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), or traction control. The scooter shares the same internals as the Honda X-ADV 750, which also received a new color announcement for 2024.

The Iridium Gray Metallic color option remains mostly unchanged, with a slight update to the graphite shade for previously black-colored parts.

The 2024 Forza will retain the same chassis as its previous editions and will be joined by its more adventurous sibling. It features a tubular steel frame, inverted fork, and rear mono-shock with the Honda Pro-Link system. The scooter will also come equipped with the same brakes, technology, and other features found in previous model years of the Forza.

As of now, Honda has not released the official price for the 2024 Forza. However, it is expected to launch around the same time as the updated 2024 X-ADV, which is slated for autumn or the third quarter of 2024.