Tag Archives: class

Motorsport

One Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion Escaped The Museum

The Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion has its roots in the mid-1990s when the FIA introduced the GT1 class for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In response, the German automaker decided to create a road-legal version of its 911 GT1 race car, giving birth to the Strassenversion (German for “street version”). Around 20 of these cars were assembled, and one is on display at Porsche’s museum in Stuttgart.

Recently, a video was released by Porsche on YouTube showing the 911 GT1 Strassenversion “dreaming” of going for a drive in the mountains. The footage has a strong Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed vibe and depicts the car’s desire to be driven. In the video, a museum employee notices the car’s unusual behavior and smiles.

The 911 GT1 Strassenversion is no ordinary Porsche. It features a potent 3.2-liter, twin-turbocharged flat-six engine producing around 537 horsepower. This, combined with a six-speed manual transmission, enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 3.5 seconds, a competitive feat even by today’s standards.

Despite its race-focused exterior, the interior of the 911 GT1 Strassenversion is surprisingly well-appointed, featuring leather upholstery, air conditioning, and other comforts, making it suitable for road use.

With only 20 units ever built, it’s a rare treat to see one of the most capable Porsches of the 1990s in action. Whether the mountain road footage is real or just CGI, it adds a romantic touch reminiscent of the 1990s themselves.

Car review

Review of the Used Ford Fiesta 2008-2017

When it comes to the Ford Fiesta, there is a question of whether perception or reality matters more in its class. Do you value a dull interior made from high-quality materials, or do you prefer a car that impresses everyone who opens its doors? Ford has clearly chosen the latter option.

Even today, the interior design of the Fiesta still looks stylish and fresh. This is true for both the basic models and the more luxurious ones. The interior is full of interesting curves and swoops, with very few straight lines or flat surfaces.

However, it’s important to note that not all of the materials used in the interior live up to their appearance. While some are as good as they seem, others are not. The silvery metal finishes, for example, are not actually metal, and the plastics below the driver’s eye line are hard, coarse, and cheap.

The cabin also has some ergonomic issues. While the center stack looks stylish and well-arranged, it can be difficult to correlate its functions with those displayed on the small LCD display above.

There are different trim levels available for the Fiesta, including the entry-level Zetec models which come with features like 15-inch alloys, DAB radio, a 4.2-inch screen infotainment system, a heated front windscreen, air conditioning, and hill start assist. The Zetec Colour Editions feature a Candy Blue Fiesta with a white roof, or vice versa.

The mid-range ST-Line replaces the Zetec S models and is available in both three-door and five-door versions. It includes an ST-styled body kit, sports suspension, pedals, and a large rear spoiler. The Titanium models offer more luxury equipment, such as climate control, cruise control, lumbar support, velour floor mats, and a Sony DAB stereo.

The range-topping Titanium X models focus on safety features, including a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, and keyless entry and start. The sportier ST models are available in four trims – ST-1, ST-2, ST-3, and ST200.

The entry-level trim has Recaro seats and 17-inch alloys, while the ST-3 is the only 178bhp model that comes with standard features like sat-nav, cruise control, auto wipers and lights, and climate control. The ST200 is the only model with the 197bhp 1.6-litre Ecoboost engine and features a unique paint job, Recaro seats, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

In other more important areas, the Fiesta’s quality engineering shines through. The driving position is excellent, thanks to a height-adjustable seat and a steering wheel that moves in multiple directions. The dials are also easy to read, although some may not like their design.

However, if you need more space, consider buying a second-hand B-Max instead. While the Fiesta offers rear doors, the rear legroom and headroom are quite limited, even by class standards. The boot size, on the other hand, is sufficient for most everyday needs.

Cars

F-150 Vs F-250: Big Differences To Know Before You Buy

Despite its size and practicality, the Ford F-150 is classed as a “light-duty” half-ton class truck. This isn’t a label Ford slapped on there; it’s actually a government specification. The F-150’s gross vehicle weight rating is under 8,500 pounds, hence its designation. The F-250, on the other hand, is above that threshold and classed as a three-quarter ton, heavy-duty truck.

The differences go far beyond classification. The F-150 is far more practical for everyday life and can provide a more comfortable and stable ride at highway speeds. It’s also smaller and less of a pain to drive around cities. Although fuel economy is probably low on the list of priorities for truck owners, it is more efficient than the F-250. The smaller truck is packing some variety of eco-boost V6, while the F-250 will likely have a large V8 PowerStroke engine.

At the top end, the F250 has a 6.7-liter engine capable of producing 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-foot of torque. The best an F-150 can manage is a high-output eco boost that can almost match the horsepower of the F-250 but only packs around half the torque.

Where the F-250 excels is on the job. It is a larger vehicle with more torque, horsepower, and robust suspension. As a result, it can tow more and handle a larger payload than its little brother. F-150 owners know their vehicle is pretty handy when it comes to hauling and carrying things — so the F-250 is likely overkill for the majority of drivers.

Motorsport

Mercedes “Little G” Teased For The First Time

The Concept CLA Class is Mercedes’ big debut this year at the 2023 IAA Munich, but the company’s CEO took the stage to make another major announcement. Ola Källenius confirmed reports of a smaller G-Class being in development. While the top brass was talking about the downsized off-roader, a design sketch of a boxy SUV was shown in the background. The 54-year-old described it as a “Little G,” adding it’s going to be fully electric.

The Swedish exec refrained from revealing when the downsized G-Class will hit the market, but since there’s only a sketch for the time being, it’s likely at least a couple of years away. Ola Källenius admitted it’s not going to be an easy task since the newcomer has “some very big shoes to fill.” The three-pointed star “fully understands the responsibility this entails,” adding it’ll be “instantly recognizable.” We’re being told the “Little G” is going to be fun to drive on and off-road.


Motorsport

Toyota Expects 27 MPG Combined for 2024 Land Cruiser

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is predicted to become the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class, with an estimated combined fuel economy of 27 miles per gallon, as stated on the official US website of the Japanese company.

According to TFLTruck, the Land Cruiser has a higher combined MPG compared to most of its competitors, including the Ford Bronco Badlands, Land Rover Defender, and even the plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler 4xe when considering only the gasoline part of the powertrain.

The 2024 Land Cruiser is powered by a hybrid drivetrain that combines a 2.4-liter inline-4 combustion engine with an electric motor mounted within the eight-speed automatic gearbox. It is built on the same TNGA-F platform as the Lexus GX.

With a total of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, the inline-4 engine is expected to provide impressive performance. However, its estimated fuel economy is the standout feature at the moment.

The Ford Bronco Badlands equipped with a 4-cylinder 2.3-liter engine has an EPA-rated combined fuel economy of 17 MPG, while the Land Rover Defender 110 with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine achieves 18 MPG combined, according to the EPA. Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler 4xe has an EPA-rated fuel economy of 20 MPG when considering only the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, and a combined economy of 49 MPGe with a full battery.

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Source: Fueleconomy.gov

Furthermore, the Toyota Tacoma, which shares the same TNGA-F platform with the new Land Cruiser, has an EPA-rated combined fuel economy of 20 MPG with a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine.

In Europe and Australia, the recently unveiled Land Cruiser will be offered with a 2.8-liter diesel engine producing 201 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, a turbocharged 2.4-liter gasoline unit with 278 horsepower and 316 pound-feet of torque will be available in Western and Eastern Europe, while a naturally aspirated 2.7-liter gasoline engine rated at 161 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque will be offered in Japan and Eastern Europe. However, the fuel efficiency ratings for these powertrains have not been announced, so it remains to be seen how they compare to the US-bound 2.4-liter hybrid combination.

It also remains to be seen how the manufacturer estimate will align with the official EPA rating for the North American market. Nevertheless, it appears that Toyota has a winner on its hands, at least in terms of MPG.

We would like to hear your thoughts on this, so please share them in the comments section below.

Technology

Discovering the Secrets of the USS Zumwalt, the Largest Destroyer Ever Built

The USS Zumwalt, the flagship of the advanced Zumwalt class of destroyers, has received a new designation, breaking away from the previous naming conventions. The previous class of destroyers, known as the Arleigh Burke class, ended with DDG 139. However, the USS Zumwalt brings a significant advancement in naval capabilities, with improvements in its designation, mission capabilities, and equipment.

The Zumwalt class, including the DDG-1000 and other vessels, is designed as versatile ships capable of carrying out various missions. Unlike its predecessor, the Arleigh Burke class, the Zumwalt class is significantly larger and equipped with enhanced armaments. However, these advancements also come with a higher price tag. Building a new and untested combat ship involves pioneering new components and designs, which can lead to higher initial expenses. However, as shipyards like Bath Iron Works adapt and streamline their processes, future iterations are expected to become more cost-effective.

Originally, more Zumwalt class ships were planned, but due to budget constraints, only three were ordered, and the rest were canceled. The USS Zumwalt represents a promising step towards the future of naval warfare, boasting unparalleled capabilities. However, thorough testing and refinement are needed to ensure its operational effectiveness.

Technology

10 Of The Oldest Military Submarines Still In Service Today

The Type 091, also known as the Han class, was developed during China’s Chairman Mao’s rule in the late 1950s. However, it took over two decades for the first submarine to be launched. The goal was to create a nuclear attack submarine that could rival those of the Soviet Union and the West during the Cold War. However, at that time, there were doubts about its technological capabilities, particularly in terms of meeting thermal performance and sound reduction standards, which are crucial for a submarine’s security as sonar detection is a significant threat.

On paper, the Type 091 was impressive, measuring 98 meters in length, 10 meters in diameter, and capable of reaching a top speed of 25 knots. Its pressurized water reactor was a technological triumph for China during that era, and advanced sonar, reconnaissance, and sound detection equipment were developed without any assistance from the West. For Chairman Mao, it must have been a significant achievement and a demonstration of China’s emerging global power.

A total of five Type 091 submarines were built, with three still in active service. These submarines have the capability to launch various torpedoes, including NATO variants, as China adopted standard calibers. They are also equipped with surface-launched anti-ship cruise missiles, which have a range of 42 kilometers and can reach a top speed of Mach 0.9. Despite undergoing upgrades, these submarines have been reported to experience radiation leakage and continue to have significant noise levels, according to the U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence.

[Featured image via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | Public domain]

Motorsport

Ford Mustang GT3 Debuts Ahead Of Competing At Le Mans In 2024

The FIA GT3 racing class regulations allow for modifying a sports car for taking it racing. Now, the Ford Mustang GT3 debuts at Le Mans ahead of competing in the famous 24-hour race in 2024.

The Mustang GT3 uses the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse as a starting point. The body features a more prominent front splitter and canards in the corners. Additional lights are on the outer sections of the grille. The hood gains a pair of massive outlets.


Volkswagen

First preview of the new ID.7 GTX: a long-distance limousine with more power and all-wheel drive

Three weeks ago, Volkswagen presented the new ID.7 as an all-electric limousine for the upper mid-size class. The most dynamic model variant will now follow in late summer with the world premiere of the ID.7 GTX. Equipped with the latest drive generation of the ID. models, the dual-motor all-wheel drive system and a host of sporty design elements, the long-distance limousine is a high-performance model. The launch of the new GTX model is planned for the IAA Mobility in Munich (5–10 September 2023).

Black and red stand for GTX. In the interior, details such as the red GTX contrast stitching on the seats, dash panel and doors emphasise the sportiness of the model. The exterior design, on the other hand, is characterised by black gloss elements. Together with the standard black roof paint finish and the darkened windows, these features ensure that the upcoming ID.7 GTX will also enjoy a powerful and distinctive appearance.

GTX – fine-tuned for efficiency and driving pleasure. Like on the previous GTX models ID.4 and ID.5, the vehicle dynamics manager is responsible for intelligent control of the dual-motor all-wheel drive system in the ID.7 GTX. This software, developed in-house by Volkswagen, always aims to achieve the optimum combination of efficiency, dynamics and driving stability. The vehicle dynamics manager controls not only the powertrain, but also all braking, steering and chassis control systems, depending on the selected driving profile. The limousine’s running gear and steering have been fundamentally enhanced on the basis of the modular electric drive (MEB) platform and offer a large bandwidth between comfort and sportiness thanks to the possibility of driving profile selection. This underlines the ID.7 GTX’s status as the flagship model in the ID. family.

GTX as a formula for success. The sporty GTX brand with its all-electric performance models has been part of Volkswagen’s portfolio for two years now. The dynamic vehicles combine electric mobility, sustainability and intelligent sportiness. Their sporty design also emphasises the special character and recognition value of the high-quality GTX models.