Tag Archives: century

Technology

The History Of Presidential Aircraft From Roosevelt To Biden

As the 20th century began, a new era was also dawning in mankind’s history. In 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved an incredible feat that would have a profound impact on humanity for years to come – they successfully flew their flying machine.

This groundbreaking accomplishment made the dream of soaring through the sky a reality, and it was only a matter of time before the President of the United States recognized its significance. Nearly ten years after the Wright brothers’ historic flight, former President Theodore Roosevelt became the first sitting President to experience air travel.

In 1910, Roosevelt, who had been out of office for over a year, took a flight over a crowd at a county fair in St. Louis, Missouri. While seemingly unremarkable, this marked the first instance of a President traveling by air. The flight was piloted by Archibald Hoxsey using a Wright Flyer, an early type of airplane developed by the Wright Brothers. The Wright Flyer originated from the Wright Brothers’ experiments with gliders, which they later modified with a propulsion system.

Following President Roosevelt’s flight, presidential aviation did not gain much momentum for the next two decades. Although Theodore Roosevelt was the first President to venture into the sky, it was Franklin Delano Roosevelt, his distant cousin, who was in office when presidential air travel as we know it today truly began.

Motorsport

Toyota Chairman Believes $167K Century SUV Will Appeal to Younger Buyers

Last month, Toyota surprised everyone by transforming the Century into an SUV and adding it to their lineup alongside the traditional sedan. The price of this SUV is about $167,000, and it is currently only available in Japan, where you can buy a Land Cruiser 300 for as low as $34,000. Despite the high price tag, the chairman of the company believes that the high-riding Century SUV will attract younger customers.

In an article published by the official magazine of Toyota, called the Toyota Times, Akio Toyoda stated that the Century SUV “will also appeal to younger people” and to those “who previously felt that a Century sedan was not for them.” Toyoda, who had previously served as the company’s president and CEO, emphasized that this new flagship model represents “the top premium, chauffeur-driven car not just within Toyota but in Japan as a whole.”


News

2023 Moto Guzzi Open House At Mandello Del Lario Was A Huge Success

Moto Guzzi, the oldest European motorcycle manufacturer in continuous production since 1921, recently held its Open House event at Mandello del Lario. Over 35,000 Moto Guzzi enthusiasts from around the world attended the event to celebrate the brand’s rich history and be a part of the global Moto Guzzi family.

The Open House event allowed attendees to witness the bike and engine assembly lines in operation at the Mandello facility and explore the historic Wind Tunnel, which played a crucial role in the development of Moto Guzzi’s legendary 8-cylinder 500 bike and contributed to the brand’s impressive track record of 14 world championships.

The Moto Guzzi Village, brought to life by event partner Virgin Radio, served as the hub of the festivities. The village featured DJ Ringo and a lineup of guests who shared captivating stories of races, journeys, and adventures. Attendees also had the opportunity to test ride a variety of Moto Guzzi models, including the classic V7, the original V9, the versatile V85 TT, and the recently premiered V100 Mandello.

During the Open House, Moto Guzzi showcased its latest addition, the V7 Stone Corsa, and also embraced the cause of charity fundraising. Moto Guzzi donated a special version of the V7 Stone 75° Oro Olimpico to Moto Guzzi Canottieri, a rowing club, which will be auctioned off to support rowing activities for young individuals and disabled adults.

Overall, the 2023 Moto Guzzi Open House At Mandello Del Lario was a resounding success, attracting thousands of passionate Moto Guzzi enthusiasts and creating an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie.

News

Toyota introduces £135k luxury SUV to compete with Bentley Bentayga

The Toyota Century SUV has been unveiled as a £135,000 4×4 designed specifically for chauffeur driving. The vehicle features imposing proportions and a range of technological upgrades.

The Century has been designed with squared-off proportions, taking inspiration from a loom shuttle. It boasts smooth surfacing and chamfered corners, giving it a broad-shoulder look similar to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The front and rear lights of the SUV are split into four individual units, further enhancing its presence on the road.

Inside, the Century offers luxurious touches such as a refreshment function, fully reclining rear seats, rear TV screens, a passenger-separating fridge, and a stereo system developed in collaboration with a musical instrument manufacturer to create a live performance-like experience for passengers.

Compared to the saloon version, the Century has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 2950mm, making it 140mm shorter. It is also around 40mm shorter than the Range Rover.

The Century has been developed with special features for chauffeurs and passengers. The rear doors open to a 75-degree angle, and the cabin floor is completely flat. The vehicle also features retractable power steps.

For those who prefer driving, the Century SUV is equipped with a large centrally-mounted infotainment display borrowed from Lexus, digital dials, and ambient lighting in the door cards.

The vehicle is powered by a 3.5-litre plug-in hybrid V6 engine that is also used in the upcoming Lexus TX. It has four-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability in urban areas. Additionally, the Century offers a ‘Rear Comfort’ mode, which minimizes jolts and excessive braking from the driver to provide a more comfortable ride for rear passengers.

Motorsport

1997 Toyota Century V12 Owner Shows Why It’s Japan’s Rolls-Royce

Before the new Toyota Century was a beefy SUV, it was an ultra-luxury car-based limo. Actually, it’s still available as a stately four-door sedan, but you need to step back to the previous Century for arguably the coolest of them all.

In this case, previous century refers to time as well as Toyota’s second-generation luxo-barge. In 1997, the G50 Century debuted with fresh (if boxy) styling and something not seen in Japan either before or since – a V12 engine. Specifically, it was a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated engine that, per Japan’s infamous gentleman’s agreement, had a rating of 276 horsepower. In markets outside the country, however, 295 hp was mentioned. Either way, it had more than enough power to send this sizable sedan down the road.

 

Instagrammer Diivinemedia bought this particular Century a year ago, basically as soon as it was eligible for import under the US 25-year rule. In his care, he added a Junction Produce body kit to give the sedan a bit more attitude, and the suspension obviously isn’t stock. It’s an air ride setup borrowing components from the Lexus LS400, and while the wheels are also factory, they’ve been modified to feature spinning center caps.

Moving inside, the reclining rear seats with massage functions don’t look out of place in 2023, so you can imagine how they were received in 1997. The curtains for the side and rear windows are also factory items, and on the back window, they’re power-operated.

1997 Toyota Century

According to the owner, the modest build on this Century took only a few months. The car presently has 54,000 miles, and with it being a rare machine in its home market, it’s extremely rare on streets in the US.

Still, at least these cars are available to those in the States who want one. The 2023 Toyota Century SUV unveiled on September 6 is basically a Japanese-market Rolls-Royce Cullinan, rocking a four-seat layout with reclining rear thrones that are isolated from the cargo area by a divider. This helps ensure the cabin is as quiet as possible, and when it’s time to step out, passengers have powered steps and a choice of standard or sliding doors to use. It will not be available in North America, but if it were, the starting price would be somewhere around $170,000.

Check out the Motor1 Podcast Rambling About Cars for more on the new Toyota Century SUV and other automotive news, available below.

Featured

Mercedes-AMG Presents Its Luxurious THRILL Fragrance Collection

Mercedes-AMG, renowned for over half a century for its relentless pursuit of top performance and luxury, is making an unexpected yet captivating pivot into the world of fragrances. Collaborating with French master perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin, the brand presents THRILL, a perfume trilogy that transforms AMG’s core tenets, technology, luxury, and passion, into sensory experiences.

The SILVER THRILL perfume is a concoction of bergamot, amber wood, and patchouli, simulating the paradox of fire under ice, capturing the technological prowess of AMG. On the other hand, BLACK THRILL exudes opulence and freedom with a blend of tonka beans, leather, and clary sage, spiked with a zesty tangerine note. Last but not least, RED THRILL encapsulates the brand’s fiery passion through a spicy medley of vanilla and cardamom, softened by the luxurious essence of the iris flower.

These scents come in striking metal bottles, crafted from recycled glass and aluminum, encapsulating the essence of Mercedes-AMG’s engine ingenuity and exhilarating driving experience. The flacons are refillable, sticking to a sustainable ethos. Born in Grasse, the birthplace of modern perfumery, Fabrice Pellegrin is no stranger to the art of fragrance making, making him the ideal partner for Mercedes-AMG. The all-new THRILL Collection from Mercedes-AMG x Fabrice Pellegrin is currently available at parfums.mercedes-benz.com. View all Mercedes-Benz models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below.

View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale

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Motorsport

Watch the Dyno Test of a Classic Air-Cooled VW Beetle with a Supercharger

The original Volkswagen Beetle, although it came fourth in the 1999 Car of the Century competition, is considered one of the most influential cars in history. With over 21 million units produced between 1938 and 2003, it was incredibly popular. It’s no surprise that Beetle enthusiasts still exist today and find different ways to customize their cars.

In the United Kingdom, there’s a group of people who enjoy installing superchargers on the Beetle’s air-cooled engines. They have a dedicated YouTube channel called “Kompressor Haus / VW Aircooled Superchargers,” which explores the technical aspects of fitting a Beetle engine with a supercharger. Their latest video features a supercharged Beetle going on a dyno run to demonstrate its significant power gains.

Before we dive into the dyno test, let’s talk about the modifications made to this Beetle. The engine has been upgraded from the original 1,600cc to 1,641cc, a common modification among Beetle enthusiasts. The car also has an upgraded carburetor setup and other minor tweaks that result in an additional 50 horsepower.

Now, let’s discuss the supercharger kit used in this Beetle. The kit is called the “Kompressor Haus Ultimate kit” and includes an AMR500 supercharger connected to a genuine Weber DCOE 40 carburetor with an MST serpentine pulley system. To support this kit, the car is equipped with an electric fuel pump and a crankcase oil breather. The kit costs $2,250 (1,750 British pounds) and promises to almost double the factory power of the Beetle.

But does it really deliver on its promise? The video takes us to the dynamometer where the supercharged Beetle undergoes a test to measure its engine power. The final numbers are impressive – 100.1 horsepower and 126.9 pound-feet of torque at the crank.

Motorsport

Aston Martin Valour Revealed: A V12-Powered Manual Throwback

Aston Martin has unveiled a new V12-powered supercar called the Valour to celebrate its 110th anniversary. Limited to just 110 units worldwide, the Valour features a retro design and a manual gearbox, making it “the last of an era.”

Taking inspiration from the iconic V8 Vantage of the 1970s and 1980s, the Valour incorporates retro design cues such as a clamshell hood with a “horseshoe” vent and rounded headlights. The front fascia has a distinctive look that blends old and new elements.

Aston Martin Valour

The rear of the Valour features horizontal “light blade” taillights and a large embedded spoiler, further emphasizing the retro design. The car comes with 21-inch lightweight forged alloy honeycomb wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires. Buyers have the option to choose from 21 standard exterior colors or explore the Q by Aston Martin color palette for more unique finishes, such as exposed carbon fiber.

The interior of the Valour is equally extravagant. Aston Martin designers have combined classic woolen tweed, reminiscent of the 1959 Le Mans-winning DBR1, with modern carbon fiber accents and lightweight seats. The rounded wooden shift knob adds to the retro charm.

Powering the Valour is a front-mounted, twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 engine that generates 705 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a bespoke six-speed manual transmission and a mechanical limited-slip differential, much like the Aston Martin Victor.

Aston Martin Valour
Aston Martin Valour

However, the Valour is not just about power and a manual gearbox. It features a unique suspension system, different from other Aston Martins, that includes adaptive dampers and anti-roll bars specifically tuned to match the V12’s power output. Additionally, the Valour is equipped with extra bracing in the front and rear, improving torsional and lateral stiffness, as well as carbon ceramic brakes. The front brakes are six-piston, 16.0-inch carbon ceramic rotors, while the rear brakes are four-piston, 14.0-inch rotors. Switching to carbon ceramics reduces the car’s weight by 50.7 pounds compared to standard steel brakes.

Aston Martin has not disclosed the pricing details for the Valour, but given its limited production run, it is likely that all 110 units have already been spoken for. Production of the Valour will begin in the third quarter of 2023 at Aston Martin’s Gaydon Headquarters, with the first deliveries expected later this year.

News

Archive special: The Birth of the Ford Fiesta

The final production of the Ford Fiesta is happening today at Ford’s factory in Cologne, marking the end of almost 50 years of production.

The history of the Ford Fiesta goes back further than you might think. Ford had never entered the ‘mini’ car market in Europe before. Instead, in 1958, they chose to follow up the Anglia with another family car – the Cortina. This decision was based on the belief that the Cortina would be a more successful venture. This belief was supported by a thorough examination of Austin’s new Mini in 1959.

However, as the Mini became a huge success and gained competition from the Hillman Imp and Fiat 127, Ford decided to reconsider their approach.

This led to the creation of a prototype that gained initial approval from management in 1970. Following that, Ford’s global empire split the project into different branches.

One of the most successful branches was the design house Ghia in Italy. They showcased the advantages of front-wheel drive (FWD). Soon after, in September 1972, Ford allocated $1 billion for ‘Project Bobcat’ – despite boss Henry Ford II still holding the belief that small cars only generated small profits. (This disproves the notion that the Fiesta was solely a response to the 1973 oil crisis.)

End of an era: The Ford Fiesta story

Recognizing the importance of meeting consumer demands, Ford conducted an extensive market research project. The project was one of the most expensive at the time and involved randomly selecting drivers from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain to evaluate various prototypes.

The research revealed that the Fiesta was the perfect size for all countries and that FWD was highly preferred. Further research in 1973 showed that the car should be a hatchback, as hatchbacks were increasingly popular due to their added practicality compared to sedans.

Additionally, research conducted in San Francisco indicated that Americans also showed interest in the car, which led to plans for US sales. As a result, production expanded beyond Cologne, Saarlouis, and a newly built factory in Valencia, to include Dagenham as well.