Tag Archives: companies

Motorsport

Mercedes-Benz, ESPN Collaborate on Custom Sprinter Van for Tailgating and Podcasting

Mercedes-Benz and ESPN have joined forces to create a mobile podcast studio in a specially designed van called Sprinter Labs, accompanied by a video docuseries. The van will travel to college football games throughout the year, with the first episode of the docuseries set to premiere on September 7.

The outfitting of the van is described by Mercedes-Benz as “the best or nothing.” It starts with a 170-inch wheelbase, all-wheel-drive Sprinter Cargo. ESPN wanted a versatile space that could serve as a studio and engage with fans. The interior design is understated, featuring dark lighting, quilted wall fabric, and an illuminated shelf to showcase football helmets. Additionally, red LED ambient lighting enhances the overall atmosphere of the van.


Motorsport

Porsche 911 GT3 RS And BMW M3 CS Drag Race Is Surprisingly Close

The ongoing rivalry between Porsche and BMW never fails to capture our attention. These two German automakers produce some of the most impressive high-performance vehicles available, and it’s always fascinating to see how they stack up against each other on a drag strip. In a recent adrenaline-pumping showdown, two of their hottest and most powerful sports cars met on the track.

The latest video from Carwow, which you can watch above, pits the Porsche 911 GT3 RS against the BMW M3 CS. While these two cars differ in various aspects, their track performance turns out to be remarkably similar, resulting in an incredibly tight race. Now, let’s take a closer look at the numbers.


Motorsport

Bentley Used Biofuel In Its Cars At Goodwood, No Engine Mods Required

Bentley has recently joined the ranks of companies exploring sustainable fuel alternatives. At this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, the luxury automaker showcased six vehicles that successfully completed 32 hill climb runs using biofuel.

No modifications were necessary for Bentley’s vehicles to run on biofuel, as it can directly replace regular gasoline. This includes the 1920 EXP2, the oldest surviving model in the company’s lineup.


Technology

5 Of The Best Bluetooth Headsets For Your Motorcycle Helmet

One of the top companies producing Bluetooth headsets for motorcycle helmets, along with other tech gear for riders, such as cameras and smart helmets, is Sena. Sena offers several Bluetooth headsets at different price points, each with its own set of features, advantages, and disadvantages. Choosing the right one for you is essential, but rest assured, there isn’t a bad option among them. If budget isn’t a concern, the premium Sena 50S is an excellent choice; however, it comes with a price tag of $360. For those wanting a headset that is nearly as good but more affordable, the Sena 10R is the way to go.

The Sena 10R stands out with its ultra-slim design, providing both comfort and aesthetics when attached to your helmet. While it may not be the best music player available, it offers crystal-clear audio for communication and utilizes efficient noise-cancellation technology to eliminate background sounds. Additionally, it features Bluetooth 4.1 and its intercom function can support communication between up to four riders at distances of up to 900 meters.

One drawback is its battery life, which lasts up to 10 hours of talk time before requiring a recharge. This may be slightly disappointing considering the headset’s price range. The Sena 10R is priced at $239 on Amazon, making it less expensive than the premium Sena 50S but pricier than many other headsets. However, considering its features, the Sena 10R offers great value for the price.

News

Electric Chrysler 300 Successor: Everything You Can Expect

The fate of legacy automakers often seems grim as they become relics of the past. Brands like Pontiac and Buick have faded away in North America, but Chrysler has found hope in electrification. Under the Stellantis umbrella, Chrysler plans to go all-electric by 2028. The company has already introduced an electric car concept called the Airflow and is expected to release its first EV in 2025. There are even rumors that the Chrysler 300 will be part of this electrification project.

The Chrysler 300, known as Walter White’s car and a symbol of middle-class luxury, will have its final year as a gas-powered vehicle in 2023 before making a comeback as an EV. It is unclear whether the EV version will retain the same design or undergo changes, which leaves room for speculation.

What If The Chrysler 300 EV Was Just The Airflow Concept All Along?

While it may seem unlikely, it’s not far-fetched to think that the Airflow Concept could become the Chrysler 300 EV. The Airflow Concept is not scheduled for production, so it could easily be rebranded as the 300 EV. Additionally, the current consumer preference for crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks suggests that Chrysler might opt for a different body style for the 300 EV to appeal to a wider market. The success of electric crossovers like the Ford F-150 and Tesla Model Y indicates that the Airflow, with its crossover design, could compete in the same space. The Airflow Concept takes its name from a previous Chrysler icon, but beyond that, the EV version may bring new innovations.

The Airflow Concept features modern LED headlights, a sporty grille, and a sleek roof design. It has a dual motor setup for all-wheel drive and generates a combined 402 horsepower (300 kW). The estimated range is around 400 miles, which would make it one of the most efficient EVs available. Whether the Airflow Concept becomes the Chrysler 300 EV or not, the concept remains an important component in the brand’s move towards electrification.

The Chrysler 300c Is Back For One Last Ride

2023 Chrysler 300C RWD Specs

Engine

6.4 Liter, V-8

Power Output

485 horsepower, 475 pound-feet of torque

Drivertrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Transmission

8-speed Automatic

Acceleration (0-60mph)

4.3 seconds

The 2023 Chrysler 300 will be the last gas-powered version of the car. The 300c variant will be equipped with a 6.4-liter V8 engine producing 485 horsepower, allowing it to reach 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds. The top-of-the-trim 300c version will feature adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes, a premium cabin with carbon fiber accents, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon Audio System, and black leather seats. The 300s version, starting at a lower price, will have a 3.6-liter V6 engine, while the Touring L and Touring versions offer softer suspensions and more affordable prices. However, the interior design of the 300 models has not aged well and lacks a modern feel.

Chrysler Is Not Selling So Well Anymore

Currently, Chrysler only offers three vehicles: the 300, a dying sedan, and the Pacifica, a minivan available in both ICE and hybrid options. While transitioning to electric vehicles is a step in the right direction, Chrysler needs more innovative ideas to avoid becoming obsolete. The Airflow Concept and the possible 300 EV prototype are good starting points, but they lack the unique appeal that made Chrysler’s previous models stand out. To boost sales, Chrysler’s CEO, Chris Fuell, aims to bring “accessible innovation” to the brand, positioning it as a premium option for the middle class. Only time will tell if these efforts will be successful.

Motorsport

UPS Drivers to Finally Have Air Conditioning in Delivery Trucks

United Parcel Service (UPS), one of the world’s largest shipping companies, has announced that it will provide air conditioning in its delivery trucks. This decision comes after discussions with team leaders to address the needs of workers on the road.

However, not all UPS delivery trucks will have air conditioning. The agreement with the Teamsters, the labor union representing UPS employees, states that all newly purchased small package delivery vehicles in the United States will come with air conditioning starting from January 1st of next year. These new vehicles will be allocated to the hottest regions of the country where it is feasible.

For the remaining vehicles without air conditioning, UPS plans to install cabin fans within 30 days of contract ratification, and an additional fan by June 1st of next year. In addition, the company will also install exhaust heat shields to minimize heat conduction from the engine into the floor of the vehicle, which is expected to lower the cabin temperature by up to 17 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another measure agreed upon by UPS and the Teamsters is the addition of a forced-air induction system to bring fresh air from the front of the vehicle into the cargo area. This feature will be included in the production of new delivery vehicles and retrofitted to existing vehicles within 18 months of contract ratification.

UPS expressed their commitment to employee safety and comfort, stating, “We have always remained open to solutions that keep our employees safe on hot days…the new solutions we’ve agreed to will improve airflow, temperature, and comfort for our employees.”

Technology

Why Heat Waves Can Cause Power Outages (And What You Can Do About It)

Utility companies are well-prepared for heat waves and try to meet the increased energy demands that come with them. So, if your utility company is asking you to reduce your electricity usage, it’s for a good reason. Although it may not be ideal, it’s better to turn off your A/C than to lose power completely. If you find yourself in a power outage during a heat wave, there are several things you can do to stay cool. These include increasing ventilation in your home, using battery-powered fans and other devices, and being prepared with generators. Many of these preparations can be done while the power is still on and you are being asked to conserve energy.

Another way to address power outages during heat waves is to voice your concerns to your government representatives and utility companies. Request an increased use of solar and wind energy to supplement your grid’s capacity, as well as the implementation of smart grid technology. Smart grids, especially a unified national Smart Grid, help make energy distribution more efficient and enables the grid to better handle sudden surges in energy demand. This is achieved through automatic computerized adjustments as well as by empowering workers to manually address stress on the grid. Throttling power and using real-time, GPS-synchronized data to make informed decisions about energy distribution are some of the methods employed.

Considering that climate change will lead to more frequent and more intense heat waves, it is crucial to expedite the implementation of smart grid technology. By advocating for your representatives and power company to adapt to this technology and take more assertive action against climate change, you can contribute to preventing future blackouts.

Motorsport

Kia Stinger EV Successor Coming In 2025 With 600+ HP: Report

Kia and Hyundai plan to invest $18 billion in becoming fully electric vehicle manufacturers by the end of the decade. As part of this transformation, the South Korean automakers will develop a new electric vehicle architecture capable of accommodating one of the largest batteries in the industry. The first production model to utilize this platform will be a Kia-branded sedan.

According to a report from ET News, this upcoming vehicle is internally named GT1 and is expected to be positioned in the mid-size segment, potentially as a spiritual successor to the Stinger. The report suggests that it will belong to the E-segment according to European classification, which means it could be slightly larger than the current Stinger in terms of size.