Danny LaPorte, riding for Honda, led Team USA to victory at the challenging Lommel sand track in Belgium for the 1981 Trophee des Nations. Team USA, consisting of LaPorte, O’Mara, Hansen, and Sun, surpassed expectations as LaPorte, who had experience riding in deep sand tracks in Coachella Valley, was the top-placing American. The team won the 250cc Trophee des Nations with ease. In the following week, they achieved similar results at the MX des Nations in Germany, kickstarting a victorious streak that lasted for years!
Here are the results for the Lommel Trophee des Nations:
Overall Individual top-5
1. André Vromans (Belgium/Yamaha) 1-1
2. Danny LaPorte (USA/Honda) 3-2
3. Johnny O’Mara (USA/Honda) 2-3
4. Kees Van Der Ven ((Netherlands/) 6-4
5. Hank Van Mierlo (Netherlands/) 5-5
Trophy (top-6)
1. USA (LaPorte, O’Mara, Sun, Hansen) 20 points
2. Belgium (Vromans, Everts, Velkeneers, Geboers) 37
3. Netherlands (Ven Der Ven, Rond, Van Mierlo, Wilken) 52
4. Luxembourg (Martens, Van Velthoven, Van Gijsegem, Sterckx) 73
5. Sweden (Carlqvist, Nyberg, Hansen, Carlsson) 92
6. West Germany (Dieffenbach, Maish, Dreshler, Toffen) 96
Update: Mazda has introduced a destination charge of $1,375 ($1,420 in Alaska) for the 2024 CX-5. We have updated the pricing in our headline to include this mandatory charge. In the article, the pricing does not include the destination charge for better comparison with the 2023 model year. Mazda has announced price increases for the 2024 CX-5 lineup, with significant changes to the entry-level trim. Unfortunately, the base 2.5 S trim is no longer available, resulting in a substantial price increase for the base model. However, if you were interested in a turbocharged model, there are now more trim options available at a relatively smaller price increase. Let’s start with the bad news. Mazda has discontinued the base 2.5 S trim, making the 2.5 S Select the new entry-level CX-5. Starting at $29,300, the 2.5 S Select is $2,600 more expensive than the 2023 CX-5 2.5 S. However, the Select trim offers additional features, such as heated front seats (with power adjustment for the driver), a six-speaker stereo, and Mazda’s i-Stop automatic engine start/stop system, which improves fuel efficiency with an EPA combined fuel mileage estimate of 28 mpg. In comparison to the previous year, the 2.5 S Select has seen an $800 price increase, which is more manageable than the $2,600 jump. The other trims of the CX-5 also experience similar price increases, but the 2.5 Turbo trim has been entirely replaced. It has been replaced by the new Carbon Turbo, which is now the most affordable way to get a boosted CX-5. The Carbon Turbo has a $150 increase over the previous trim and offers two new exterior colors, Platinum Quartz or Zircon Sand Metallic, with various black accents. For the 2024 model year, Mazda introduces the Turbo Premium trim, which is positioned between the Carbon Turbo and the range-topping Turbo Signature. The Turbo Premium trim combines sport and luxury features, with a predominantly black trim. The Turbo Signature trim, priced at $40,600, offers more silver and aluminum accents. The Turbo Premium comes at $37,800, which is only $800 more than the Carbon Turbo and considerably less expensive than the Turbo Signature, which has increased by $950 from 2023. Here’s a complete list of the 2024 CX-5 trims and their prices, along with the 2023 pricing for comparison. Please note that these figures do not include Mazda’s mandatory $1,375 destination charge. In addition to the aforementioned changes, the 2.5 S Select now includes i-Stop and the 2.5 S Carbon Edition trims have two front USB ports added to the Bose stereo. The 2.5 S Premium Plus trims come with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, as well as wireless phone charging. All 2024 Mazda CX-5 trims will be available for sale in the fall. Citroën has introduced e-ROUTES by Free2move Charge, a new app that assists drivers of ë-C4 and ë-C4 X in planning their journeys seamlessly. This trip planner utilises real-time data from the vehicle and charging points along the selected route. The e-ROUTES app will be available exclusively as a smartphone app from October and is currently accessible through the Citroën CONNECT PLUS Pack. With e-ROUTES, drivers receive real-time navigation assistance and optimized trip suggestions based on live vehicle data and the availability of nearby charging stations. Developed by Stellantis, the parent company of Citroën, the e-ROUTES app incorporates: The ë-C4 and ë-C4 X, with a choice of two battery sizes and a WLTP range of up to 260 miles, provide comfort, efficiency, and meet the daily needs of most drivers. e-ROUTES serves as an ideal companion for easily managing journeys that require recharging. The e-ROUTES app features a user-friendly design and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To access e-ROUTES services, customers can use their MyCitroën account through the smartphone app or the car’s touchscreen via mirroring. Currently, e-ROUTES is part of the CONNECT PLUS Pack at no additional cost for 12 months for all new ë-C4 and ë-C4 X buyers. The smartphone app version will be available from October 2023. For more information about Citroën’s electric range, visit: https://www.citroen.co.uk/
Tesla has launched a new feature called Charge on Solar that addresses a common criticism faced by electric vehicles regarding the source of their power. This feature allows Tesla owners to charge their vehicles using excess solar energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing carbon emissions. Charge on Solar is not only a sustainable way for Tesla owners to charge their cars, but it also contributes to the wider adoption of renewable energy for transportation. Currently, this feature is only available in North America (the U.S. and Canada), and there is no information about its availability in other markets. However, it is likely that Tesla is actively working to make this feature available in Europe and other regions. While there are no indications of extending these benefits to non-Tesla electric vehicles, Tesla has previously shown openness in sharing access to their proprietary North American Charging Standard (NACS) with other EV manufacturers. Lexus has been a leader in the affordable and reliable luxury segment for over three decades with its phenomenal Lexus LS. However, the technology and features in flagship luxury cars have improved since then, and the LS is no longer the only alternative in this space. Genesis, a brand that has been around for less than two decades, is aiming to dethrone Lexus. The new G90 flagship luxury sedan is positioned to be the vehicle for that task. Now in its second generation, the G90 has improved on everything that made the first car good and offers even more features that rival the LS. The Genesis G90 may be a new name in the luxury segment, but it is quickly becoming one of the best alternatives for an affordable luxury sedan. The G90 features a stunning design that clearly communicates its intention to be a comfortable and luxurious vehicle. The dual LED strips in the front and the simple mesh chrome grille exude opulence. On the other hand, Lexus maintains its design language with the spindle grille, which gives the LS a sporty look. The G90 also incorporates unique design elements, such as LED strips on the front fenders and flush door handles. It comes with 20-inch wheels, while the LS has 19-inch wheels. In terms of dimensions, the G90 is slightly longer, wider, and heavier than the LS. The rear ends of both vehicles have distinct designs, with the G90 featuring integrated light bars in its tail lights. When it comes to interior space, the G90 offers more room than the LS, with 109.2 cubic feet compared to the LS’s 97.6 cubic feet. The G90’s interior exudes luxury with a simple dashboard design, sleek AC vents, and high-quality materials like leather, wood, aluminum, and glass finishes. The LS also has a sophisticated interior with swooping lines, leather surfaces, and wood trim. Both the G90 and the LS come with a wide range of features, including heated and cooled seats, power-adjustable seats, heated steering wheels, memory seats, Apple CarPlay, keyless entry, and start-stop functionality. The G90 features a 23-speaker Bang and Olufsen 3D premium audio system, while the LS is equipped with a Mark Levinson unit, also with a 23-speaker system. Under the hood, both the G90 and the LS are equipped with twin-turbo V-6 engines. The G90 produces 375 horsepower, while the LS produces 416 horsepower. Both vehicles offer hybrid engine options as well. The G90 is all-wheel drive only, while the LS offers the option of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Genesis G90 is the superior luxury car compared to the Lexus LS. Its design is sophisticated, and it incorporates the latest features and gimmicks found in more expensive luxury cars. The interior is simple yet luxurious, offering ultimate comfort to its occupants. While the LS is also a good-looking car, it has a busier and sportier design. The G90 has a higher starting price, but it remains around the $100,000 mark, while the LS can easily exceed that once you opt for the hybrid option. Ultimately, the G90 surpasses the LS in being a true luxury car. Back in July 1994, Roger DeCoster, who was in charge of Dirt Bike Magazine’s testing department, had the opportunity to test the 1979 Yamaha OW40, which was the bike that Bob Hannah raced. This bike, owned by Terry Good of the International MX Museum, is considered one of the greatest works Yamahas of its time. In the July 1994 issue of Dirt Bike, Roger shared his experience riding the bike. In his interview, Roger expressed his interest in understanding the competition during the late ’70s and how Yamaha’s works rear suspension was superior to the Suzukis and Honda bikes he had previously ridden. He believed that the Yamahas had an overall advantage, especially in the 500 class. After 15 years, Roger finally had the chance to ride the OW40. Despite the muddy conditions at RedBud in Michigan, he described the bike’s rear suspension as forgiving and better than some modern bikes. He noted that the bike had a sharp midrange hit that was challenging to control, but when on the powerband, it accelerated as hard as a modern 250 MXer. However, he felt that the handling of the bike felt old, with the front end having too much rake and the handlebar placed too far rearward. Contrary to his expectations, Roger found the fork to be soft, which he attributed to the rider position being farther to the rear. He concluded that the bike, while very good, would not be competitive in today’s motocross. He also acknowledged that the bike’s success was not just due to its excellence but also Bob Hannah’s exceptional riding skills. During his exploration of Dirt Bike Magazine’s archives, the author came across a photo of the 1981 Suzuki RM125, a production bike that significantly influenced the 125 two-stroke class. The RM125 revolutionized the class and set the standard for the next 30 years. Prior to the RM125, the 125 class and motocross in general were evolving rapidly. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki were introducing new advancements each year. However, the 1981 Suzuki RM125 stood out with its liquid-cooling system, vertically mounted rear shock, and performance in local and professional motocross competitions. The RM125 outperformed its competitors and paved the way for future advancements in two-stroke technology. Although Suzuki’s dominance in the 125 class was short-lived, the impact of the RM125 was significant. It influenced the development of power valve technology and rear suspension design. Despite being surpassed by newer motocross technology, the RM125’s contribution in shaping the future of motocross cannot be undermined. The author also stumbled upon an issue of Dirt Wheels featuring Bob Hannah on the cover riding an ATV in 1986, a nostalgic moment for motocross enthusiasts. The Southwick motocross event is happening this weekend! The author provides details on how to watch the event and lists the broadcast team, including Jason Weigandt, Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, and more. The event will be televised on Peacock and NBC. BMW has unveiled its 2024 Adventure models, including the R1250GS and G310GS. The G310GS starts at an MSRP of $5,695, while the R1250GS Adventure is priced at $20,745. The bikes come in various colors and feature different options and packages. Changes to the standard equipment include the addition of Intelligent Emergency Call on the R1250GS Adventure. That’s all for now, see you next week! Volkswagen has partnered with ZAG and Mediawan Kids & Family to bring fully electric vehicles to the upcoming animated family movie “Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie”. Nelly Kennedy, Volkswagen CMO, said the collaboration was a perfect match, where the movie’s beloved characters will experience their adventures with different fully electric cars of Volkswagen ID family. The blockbuster is expected to play in more than 100 markets globally, after the global success of “Miraculous” series, which has become a pop culture phenomenon in over 130 countries with more than 33 billion views on YouTube and number one TV-rankings in many countries. The movie, launching on July 5th, 2023 in theaters globally and July 28th, 2023, on streaming platform Netflix, will integrate fully electric vehicles in a meaningful way into the storyline. Two city cars with a futuristic look will be attributed to the main heroes: Cat Noir with the ID.4 and Ladybug with a concept car electric Beetle. The ID. Vizzon will be associated with the successful stylist Gabriel Agreste, and the iconic Volkswagen ID. Buzz will be Tom’s bakery delivery vehicle. Speaking on the collaboration, Kennedy said it was an important element of the realignment of the brand and marketing activities of Volkswagen, which includes other successful partnerships in the past few months such as Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania,” and Disney’s Obi-Wan-Kenobi, Andor, and “Mandalorian.” The partnership also aligns with Volkswagen’s commitment to becoming climate-neutral by 2050 and its plan to launch ten new all-electric models until 2026, including the already presented ID.3, ID.7 and ID. Buzz. The producers of the film, Aton Soumache and Emmanuel Jacomet, and director Jérémy Zag said they had a lot of fun adapting the iconic vehicles of the Volkswagen brand in the Miraculous universe and seamlessly integrating them into the film and the Parisian settings. They added Ladybug and Cat Noir represent the new generation, and the vehicles in the film embody modernity.
BelgiumbrutalchargeDannyHondaLaPorteLommelmountedTeamUSA’s
2024 Mazda CX-5 Starting Price Increases to $30,675, Carbon Turbo Costs $38,375 [UPDATE]
2024 Mazda CX-5 Trim
2024 Price
2023 Price
YoY Increase
CX-5 2.5 S Select
$29,300
$28,500
$800
CX-5 2.5 S Preferred
$30,650
$30,190
$460
CX-5 2.5 S Carbon Edition
$31,950
$31,100
$850
CX-5 2.5 S Premium
$33,900
$33,000
$900
CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus
$36,500
$35,500
$1,000
CX-5 2.5 Carbon Turbo
$37,000
$36,850 (2.5 Turbo)
$150
CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
$37,800
N/A
N/A
CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature
$40,600
$39,650
$950
CITROËN UNVEILS E-ROUTES APP THAT USES REAL-TIME DATA TO OPTIMISE ROUTE PLANNING FOR EV DRIVERS
Tesla Introduces ‘Charge On Solar’ Option for Environmentally Friendly EV Charging
The New King Of Affordable Flagship Luxury Sedans: Genesis G90
WHEN DECOSTER RODE HANNAH’S WORKS YAMAHA: THE WRAP
1981 SUZUKI RM125
SPEAKING OF BOB …
THE ‘WICK!
2024 BMW ADVENTURE MODELS ANNOUNCED
Miraculous superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir team up with fully electric Volkswagen
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