All issues thought-about, each Craftsman and DeWalt’s pricing convey them nearer to a funds model, however that does not imply they lack in high quality. If you evaluate related instruments, just like the corded energy drills, you may see costs are very related. At Ace Hardware, the Craftsman corded drill prices $59, whereas DeWalt’s runs you $74.99. The worth distinction is made up by DeWalt’s possibility being eight amps whereas the Craftsman is seven. Both drills ought to work largely the identical, and there isn’t any going incorrect with both when you’re attempting to remain inside that worth vary. You would possibly assume having the identical producers means they will share equipment like batteries, however that isn’t the case.
What units the manufacturers aside outdoors of worth is the world they usually goal. Craftsman has made a reputation for itself within the automotive sector, whereas DeWalt has good choices obtainable for DIYers, like drills and saws. That doesn’t suggest you will not discover the identical instruments from each manufacturers, however you would possibly end up gravitating towards a sure title relying on what you are on the lookout for. User critiques are often good to have a look at within the funds worth vary as they provide you a glimpse of what to anticipate out of your buy.
The Ducati 916 is taken into account one of the vital vital bikes ever constructed and set the template for Ducati sports activities bikes.
The 916 was a difficult bike to journey and was bred for racing, however its esthetics and recent concepts made it legendary.
The design of the 916 was influenced by the Ducati 851, the collaboration of engineers Massimo Bordi and Massimo Tamburini, and the Honda NR750.
The Ducati Monster M900, a Galluzi masterpiece, could have saved Ducati from going underneath, however one which set the tempo for contemporary Ducati bikes was the venerable 916. It set the template for Ducati sports activities bikes that adopted, and in some ways, the 916 could as nicely be a very powerful Ducati ever constructed.
The 916 wasn’t essentially the most highly effective or the lightest motorbike of the time, and driving it was a ache within the butt — actually — because it was bred for race, not street use. But you’d be mendacity to your self should you thought the 916 wasn’t attractive. The bike was born out of recent concepts, a quest to compete with Japanese sports activities bikes, and two automotive geniuses, Massimo Bordi and Massimo Tamburini — each coincidentally sharing the identical first identify.
This legendary motorbike went on to turn into the face of the Nineteen Nineties sports activities bikes, influenced numerous imitators, none of which ever got here shut, and have become a cultural icon even exterior the motorcycling world. It is fingers down one of the most important motorcycles ever built.
Ducati’s obtained a stacked portfolio, and listed below are the ten fashions that it is advisable take note of
To provide the newest and correct data attainable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Ducati and Honda, and different authoritative sources, together with Motorcyclenews.com, Cycle News, San Francisco Museum of Modern Arts, and Motorcycle Specs.
The Birth Of The Ducati 916: 851 And Paso
Production Years: 1994 to 1998
The story begins approach again with the Ducati 851, which featured Bordi’s new Desmoquattro engine. In 1985, Ducati was purchased by Cagiva, and a part of the bailout deal known as for a direct modernization of the model’s fleet to compete with its Japanese rivals. Part of the transfer included updating the facility trains, and much to Fabio Taglioni’s dissatisfaction, the Castiglioni brothers noticed potential in Massimo Bordi’s school thesis — a four-valve Desmodromic L-twin.
Bordi’s Desmoquattro Engine
Before the 851, Ducati sports activities bikes used Fabio Taglioni’s bevel-driven Desmodromic L-twins, however they have been falling out of vogue by the early 80s. And what have you learnt, Bordi, who was an engineer in Taglioni’s staff, had already designed a four-valve Desmodromic cylinder head as a thesis mission ten years prior for his school thesis. This development was closely influenced by the Cosworth F1 engine.
Bordi’s thesis got here to realization in 1986 when Ducati used a prototype top-end built-up on Pantah circumstances within the Bol d’Or race. The prototype bike failed to complete, because of damaged conrods, however Bordi nonetheless noticed its potential in racing, particularly contemplating that the European and American championships allowed a most of 1,000cc V-twin displacement.
The subsequent time the four-valve engine was utilized in racing, it had an 851cc displacement and 115 horsepower on faucet, and it was raced by Marco Lucchinelli at the 1987 Battle of the Twins, Daytona. He gained the race, cementing Bordi’s four-valve engine as the following neatest thing for Ducati.
This led to the manufacturing of the 1987 Ducati 851. From 1987 to 1993, the 851 platform would bring some of essentially the most legendary sports activities bikes ever, just like the Tricolor, 851 SP1, 851 SP2, and 851 SPS. The bike was later upgraded to 888, which spawned the likes of 888 SPS, 888 SP4, and 888 SP5. When Bordi was entrusted to supply the engine for the 916, he reworked the engine to suit Tamburini’s imaginative and prescient.
Desmoquattro Transition from 851/888 to 916
The stroke was elevated by 66mm with 94mm pistons
The pistons have been mated to Pankl H-section conrods that have been much like these on the 888 SP
The bike featured a Weber gas injection system with 50mm throttle our bodies and a ram air consumption
The bike featured Ducati’s first digital gas injection system
(Specifications sourced from Ducati and Motorcycle Specs)
A Bold Move By Castiglioni Brothers
The 851 and 888 bikes have been thoroughbred observe weapons, however Castiglioni felt that the bikes have been held again by their design. Despite a wonderful efficiency, they regarded like knock-off variations of their Japanese rivals. Here got here the second transfer to modernize Ducati bikes — they made a bold move to hire Massimo Tamburini, who put the “ta” in Bimota.
Tamburini had already designed bikes for Cagiva and Ducati, with the Paso being his first Ducati motorbike. The Ducati Paso was recognized for its sleek styling and perfectly balanced chassis, and it was about as fashionable as a motorcycle may get on the time. It by no means obtained as fashionable because the 916, however the motorbike helped Tamburini acquire some insights into aerodynamics, design, and driving expertise.
Here are the most effective Ducati’s that merely outshine the remainder of their respective segments
Achieving The Elusive 50-50 Weight Distribution
Ducati
In 1990, Tamburini started designing the Ducati 916, which harnessed the 851 underpinnings and his classes from the Paso. At first, the model contemplated utilizing a twin-spar or even an aluminum frame, however Bordi beneficial that they keep on with a tubular metal trellis, a Ducati trademark, and Tamburini agreed.
So, Tamburini picked a body he had designed in 1981 for the Ducati TT2, however he needed to rework the body for street use and guarantee it was long-lasting. It additionally needed to be Ducati’s completely balanced chassis with the shortest-ever wheelbase. That’s a tall order already. The largest problem with the body was becoming the L-twin Desmoquattro engine.
It was huge, and its decrease cylinder would push the entrance wheel away from the bike’s heart of gravity (CG). And not like the Paso, the 916 didn’t have the posh of utilizing the very outdated 16” wheels and tires that may’ve introduced the entrance finish nearer to the bike’s CG. So, he took to the drawing room and set the wheelbase to 55.5 inches, and labored his approach to determine find out how to match the engine in that body with out compromising the wheelbase or steering dynamics.
Chassis Updates For The Ducati 916
The engine was rotated 3-degrees downward
An excessive front-end geometry was used with a 23.5-degree rake that would scale back the horizontal wheel recession underneath full fork compression
The battery was put aside within the entrance cylinder to convey the burden distribution nearer to 50-50
To avert twitchy throttle response because of the quick wheelbase, the triple clamp was offset by 30mm for a 92.3mm path
The chassis was paired with a compact tank that may naturally put the rider’s weight on the entrance
As a outcome, the Ducati 916 had a wheelbase 20mm shorter than that of the 888 and had the right weight distribution of 50-50.
Things flip loopy and wild when these Ducati bikes hit the observe.
Fairings Designed By The Wind And Rain With A Touch Of Honda
Ducati
The Ducati 916’s design is all about its fairings, however the place do we start? The 916 is maybe the sexiest motorbike ever constructed, with MV Agusta F4 giving it a run for its horsepower. Well, we’ll start with the fairing aerodynamics.
Fairing Aerodynamics
Tamburini was obsessive concerning the fairing design, like a mad scientist engaged on his subsequent invention. And the outcomes paid off. During the 4 years of improvement, Tamburini labored on and examined a minimum of three 916 prototypes with a jeweler’s lupe precision and a spotlight to element.
Obviously, a sports activities bike has fairings in order that it will probably minimize by air effectively, and for the reason that 916 was slated to take Japanese bikes head-on with out having comparable energy figures on faucet, aerodynamics was key. And to try it out, Tamburini as soon as rode a prototype motorbike in pouring rain.
After an hour, he returned, fully drenched, and sharply ordered his staff to go away the motorbike untouched till it had dried fully. Then, he carefully studied the streaming marks left by the rain on the physique panels to search for any undesirable turbulence. There’s no alternative for nature, is there? Caroll Shelby and Ken Miles would agree as they used yarn to check the aerodynamics of their GT40 prototypes.
The NR750 Influence
As unique because the Ducati 916 was on the time, Tamburini freely admitted that he took a whole lot of inspiration from the Honda NR750, which was showcased on the EICMA Show in 1992. He was so awestruck by the NR750 that he tossed the primary 916 design and went again to the drafting board.
The 916 borrowed many design cues from the Honda NR750, essentially the most distinguished of which was the single-sided swingarm. The determination to go together with such a swingarm was to facilitate fast wheel modifications throughout endurance races. Unfortunately, Honda held the patent for the single-sided swingarm, so Tamburini and Bordi needed to work by the authorized maze to design it for the 916. And bear in mind, there was no CAD on the time, so it was designed with a slide rule and a pencil!
Fun Fact: The forged aluminum single-sided swingarm was paired with a pushrod suspension linkage with spherical bearings, which was created by Claudio Domenicali, the present CEO of Ducati.
The second most distinguished characteristic that the 916 borrowed from the NR750 was the under-seat exhaust. Until Tamburini noticed the NR750 at EICMA, he was experimenting with side-mounted exhausts that have been much like these on the 888, however the under-seat mufflers clicked higher. They didn’t intrude with the design and the driving expertise.
Finally, the 916 borrowed the dual squinty headlights from the NR750, and in accordance with Tamburini, designing the headlights was essentially the most troublesome a part of the design course of. He needed the lights to make a creative impression on the onlooker, and his design staff needed to work on numerous iterations earlier than the ultimate design was authorised.
Massimo Tamburini
It was such a battle! I went to an organization and requested them to design the lights, however they stated it was inconceivable. I stored hammering on at them, and by the tip, they have been so sick of me that they agreed to do it so long as I finished bothering them.
The Feminine Shape Of The 916
Fairings sculpted by rain and wind, polished by Tamburini’s genius, and impressed by the NRy750 — the Ducati 916 was prepared, and it was a ravishing motorbike to behold. It had a swooping and curving esthetic, not like the boxy and edgy Japanese sports activities bikes. According to Tamburini, the 916 resembles the type of a girl when seen from above.
Massimo Tamburini
I made a decision to not comply with the identical route because the Japanese on the time. They had huge motors and large bikes; I needed a classical Italian bike — little, compact, straightforward to journey quick, and attractive. The 916 has the type of a girl when seen from above — that is no coincidence — if you find yourself sitting on the bike the easiest way to take a seat on it’s like being on a girl.
While the assertion could have aged like milk, the 916 design has aged just like the most interesting wine proper out of Jesus’ hand. At the time of its launch, most publishers known as it the prettiest motorbike on the market. And in 2014, the 916 was awarded the Most Beautiful Bike of the Last 50 Years by Motorcycle News Magazine, 2014.
Ducati has taken it up a notch with the Panigale V4 R, and so far as we’re involved it is the most effective Italian motorbike available on the market.
The Ducati 916 Legacy And Cultural Impact
Ducati
The Ducati 916 was not like something you may purchase on the time. It was quick, straightforward to journey, immensely agile, and exact, and whereas it wasn’t as highly effective as its Japanese rivals, it was a breath of recent air that feels recent even at this time. It dealt with so nicely and regarded so attractive, the Desmoquattro engine didn’t want to supply essentially the most horsepower.
The Ducati 916 was good then, and it’s good now, and it has solely gotten higher with age. This wasn’t simply one other crimson Duc, it was a breakthrough motorbike that stands as a logo of mechanical artwork, transcending boundaries and cultures.
Heck, it even turned a vogue icon and was the most recent factor to be on within the celeb world. Everyone from Ayrton Senna (who even got a 916 named after him) to Ewan McGregor had a 916, and others needed to pose with it. It was even featured in motion pictures like The Matrix Reloaded (Ducati 996), No Way Back, and Speed 2: Cruise Control. And it was critically acclaimed within the artwork world, too. In 1998, the motorbike was featured at The Art of the Motorcycle exhibition on the Guggenheim Museum, NY, and it is still on display at the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco.
Weirdly, the Ducati 999 could not have been so criticized if it didn’t comply with the 916. It was a better bike to ride in every regard and was an arguably fairly motorbike, nevertheless it may by no means reside as much as the 916 hype.
Zero Motorcycles is taken into account as one of many pioneers within the electric motorcycle business. First opening its doorways in 2006, it’s probably that again then, Zero wasn’t anticipating that it will growth into the electrical motorbike big it’s immediately. With headquarters all throughout the globe, the California-based e-moto innovator exhibits no indicators of slowing down. In truth, it’s fostering peace of thoughts amongst would-be consumers by providing a five-year, limitless mileage guarantee.
As reported by our mates at The PACK, all Zero Motorcycles bought in Europe from the 2024 model-year onwards will include an ordinary five-year guarantee, “regardless of the number of kilometers ridden.” Needless to say, this can be a enormous reassurance from the electrical motorbike firm, particularly in a time whereby EVs – particularly the two-wheeled kind – have gotten increasingly more common.
Prior to rolling out the five-year guarantee on its bikes, Zero already had fairly a powerful assure on its merchandise. In truth, its ZForce ZF battery, the battery pack used to energy its electrical bikes, carried a powerful five-year guarantee. Other parts such because the motor, controller, body, suspension, and wheels, had a limited-kilometer two-year guarantee. This time round, nevertheless, the entire bikes’ parts can have a uniform five-year guarantee. Now, Zero Motorcycles understands that not everybody retains their bikes for a length of 5 years, and so the guarantee is transferable to a brand new proprietor, ought to the bike be bought inside a five-year timeframe.
Specific to the European market, the Zurich Insurance Group subsidiary Real Garant Zurich is the corporate behind the brand new 5 12 months assure program. Through its partnership with Zero Motorcycles, it’s in a position to provide such a complete assure at no further value to the tip customers. Even higher but, some 2023 fashions bought by way of Zero’s approved dealership community can also be eligible for this system.
In the identical report by The PACK, Zero Motorcycles EMEA vice chairman and director Umberto Uccelli acknowledged, “We are privileged to partner with a trusted and respected company like Real Garant Zurich. Extending the warranty period to five years demonstrates our confidence in the quality and reliability of our motorcycles to our customers.”
Zero Motorcycles is considered by many as one of the pioneers in the electric mobility space. Established in a time when electric motorcycles were still very far from the mainstream, Zero Motorcycles was very much into e-mobility long before it was considered cool. These days, the brand shows no signs of slowing down.
At EICMA 2023, Zero rolled out a slew of updates to its models. This time around, the company has announced that it aims to run for the prestigious Maudes Trophy. The endurance ride is a rigorous 1,300-mile route that will test not only the dependability and performance of the motorcycles, but the resilience and grit of the riders piloting them. With a history spanning a century, the Maudes Trophy is awarded to motorcycle manufacturers who can complete the grueling route.
Electric vehicles aren’t usually associated with long-haul journeys, as they require frequent stops to charge, and aren’t exactly efficient when it comes to long distance traveling on the highway. That being said, Zero wants to push the envelope when it comes to EV capabilities, as it’s the first electric vehicle manufacturer to vie for the prestigious Maudes Trophy.
Here, the Zero DSR/X will be used, of which two bikes will be piloted by a total of six riders led by Craig Carey-Clinch of the National Motorcyclists Council. The route will cover Land’s End, Lowestoft, Edinburg, and Holyhead, and will conclude in Liverpool. Throughout the course of the journey, the endurance of both the bikes and the riders will be tested with two-hour stints in all sorts of weather conditions.
In the official press release of the Auto Cycle Union, Dale Robinson, Zero Motorcycles UK Country Manager stated, “When the opportunity presented itself to take on this challenge we couldn’t say no. It’s going to be really demanding on the riders, but they’re all very motivated to hopefully put their names into the history books. We’re really looking forward to showing what electric motorcycles can do and to break some of those stereotypes which still surround EVs. It feels really fitting that, 100 years after the trophy was first awarded, we make our own attempt with the new generation of fully electric motorcycles.”
Meanwhile, Matthey Wear, General Secretary of the ACU stated, “This very prestigious trophy has been awarded to many manufacturers and this exciting challenge with electric bikes brings a new and modern twist. The challenge also pushes the development of electric bikes and the impact this has environmentally in a new era of motorcycling. It is great that the National Motorcyclists Council is taking such an interest in this, and that Craig Carey-Clinch the Executive Director is one of the key riders in the challenge.”
Indeed, embarking on a journey like this, and on electric motorcycles at that, is no mean feat. A lot of UK-based partners have expressed support for Zero’s ambition to garner the Maudes Trophy, with big names like Lexham, Pirelly, and Moto Novo sponsoring the EV manufacturer’s run. The team is set to depart Land’s End next Wednesday, November 29, 2023, so let’s wish them luck as they try to set a milestone in the EV world.
VMoto is known for being a leader in the electric mobility industry. The company, based in Australia and China, offers a wide range of electric two-wheelers to meet the diverse needs of commuters and enthusiasts. At EICMA 2023, the company introduced its latest innovation, the CPx Explorer.
The “adventure scooter” segment has been gaining popularity in recent years, with more manufacturers entering the space. Honda led the way in 2016 with the X-ADV, and since then, many other manufacturers have followed suit. With the rise of electric motorcycles, electric two-wheelers are now following the trend of their internal-combustion counterparts. As a result, the new VMoto CPx Explorer is one of the earliest electric adventure scooters.
Based on the APD Concept developed in collaboration with renowned design house Pininfarina, the CPx Explorer represents a significant advancement for VMoto. The scooter boasts distinctive LED lights, angular bodywork, and a tall windscreen for enhanced rider comfort. While maintaining its scooter identity, the CPx also includes convenient features such as a flat floorboard and a built-in rear luggage rack.
In terms of performance, the new VMoto CPx Explorer is equipped with an eight-kilowatt electric motor producing approximately 11 horsepower, which allows it to reach a top speed of around 65 miles per hour, making it suitable for urban use and occasional trips outside the city. The battery provides a single-charge range of about 100 kilometers (62 miles), according to VMoto.
It’s exciting to see VMoto introduce a more adventurous platform with the new CPx Explorer. Based on the proven CPx Pro, it is likely that the Explorer will be just as reliable and durable. After all, the CPx Pro set a Guinness World Record by covering 1,932 kilometers (1,200 miles) in 24 hours at the Tazio Nuvolari circuit in Italy. VMoto has yet to announce specific pricing and availability for the new scooter. Those interested in being among the first to own this new model should contact their nearest VMoto dealer for more information.
Synthetic fuels, such as e-fuels, biofuels, and solar fuels, are being considered as substitutes for fossil fuels and electric vehicles in the automotive industry.
E-fuels, produced through electrolysis, are seen as a favorable option to preserve internal combustion engines, but they are not yet produced at scale and face challenges in meeting current demand.
Biofuels, including ethanol and biodiesel, offer cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels but have drawbacks such as lower energy efficiency and higher costs. Solar fuels, while holding potential, lack the technological means and financial backing to become widely adopted.
Synthetic fuels (or synfuels) are liquid or gaseous fuels that are practically similar to fossil fuels in everything but the way they’re produced. While conventional fossil fuels come from the process of organic matter being turned into coal, natural gas or oil, underground, over millions of years, synthetic fuels are produced artificially by replicating these natural processes, using renewable sources such as water, biomass, and carbon dioxide.
As the political demands for a carbon-neutral future (and mass electrification) get more persistent, many purists in the automotive industry keep clamoring for synthetic fuels to take over as a substitute for both fossil fuels and electric vehicles. Such is the case for Ferrari and Porsche, which are both heavily invested in e-fuels, a type of synfuel produced through electrolysis and seen as a suitable alternative to electric batteries. It is easy, at face value at least, to make a case for such an approach.
After all, synthetic fuels are what we call “drop-in” fuels. This means they are compatible with our internal combustion engines, and perfectly adaptable to the 168,000 gas-stations currently operating in the United States. On top of presenting a simpler option, they are also more eco-friendly than fossil fuels. Today, synfuels can be divided into three different types: e-fuels, biofuels, and solar fuels.
The information in this article was compiled from reputable sources, including: Porsche, Reuters, Car And Driver, Autocar and Research Gate,
E-Fuels: Here To Preserve The Internal Combustion Engine
Porsche
This is perhaps the most widely discussed type of synfuels right now. Electric fuels are produced from hydrogen, which is separated from water via a process known as electrolysis. This is in turn achieved using renewable electricity, which comes from wind and solar power plants.The hydrogen is synthesized into a liquid fuel using CO2 that has been taken from the atmosphere. This power-to-liquid modus operandi is known as the Fischer-Tropsch process.
Porsche Is Paving The Way
As electric vehicles have gained prominence, many experts and enthusiasts have gotten increasingly interested in e-fuels. While some see them as a threat to EVs, and a possible saving grace for internal combustion engines, others consider them to be in a losing battle against the inexorable rise of BEVs.
In any case, the EU announced in March that some cars that are solely powered by e-fuels would be allowed to remain on sale after the 2035 ban on internal combustion engines. When asked about the decision, Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna described it as a favorable turn of events.
“This is very good for us because you can run a thermal [combustion] car with fuel that is neutral, because you take the CO2 from the atmosphere and you merge it with other things. So I think that the two are very much compatible, and this is a reinforcement of our strategy, if you want.”
The strategy referred to by Vigna is one that includes various powertrains, which, to the delight of petrolheads, also includes internal combustion engines, as well as hybrids and EVs.
The Future Of Electric Fuels Is Still In Limbo
The proclivity towards electric fuels can be partly attributed to the fact that they represent a viable way to preserve internal combustion engines in the years to come. Moreover, they also allow countries with abundant amounts of solar and wind power to utilize and convert their natural resources into an alternative type of fuel that would diminish their dependence on foreign and local oil.
On the flip side, they also happen to be less efficient than electric batteries, and are only able to retain roughly 16 percent to 48 percent of the energy used. This means that their electricity generation requirements are two to ten times higher than their BEV counterparts, according to a study published by the Nature Climate Change in May 2021.
E-Fuels Won’t Replace EVs, But They Could Gain Momentum
Under the present conditions, it seems rather unlikely that e-fuels can become cheap and abundant early enough to replace fossil fuels on a broad scale. The study published by the Nature Climate Change journal strongly asserts that e-fuels cannot override the “urgent need for broad electrification”, and deems them unlikely to help reach the 2030 climate target. However, the research paper also judges e-fuels as likely to become a competitive option as technological advancements help reduce their processing costs over the years.
Biofuels: Liquid Fuels Derived From Organic Matter
The source of biofuels, known as biomass, refers to trees, energy crops, agricultural residue, and food and waste residues. Biofuels themselves are divided into two different types: Ethanol, and biodiesel. Unlike the other types of synfuels, both are widely found in commercial vehicles.
Ethanol Comes In Many Forms And Shapes
Ethanol is mostly made from plant starches and sugars, and it is even used as a blending agent in gasoline to increase octane and cut down emissions. It is conventionally used in the form of E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) and E15 (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline). Some vehicles known as “flexible fuel vehicles” are designed to run on an E85 formula (a gasoline-ethanol combo consisting of 51-83% ethanol.) The latter was in fact offered on the Bentley Continental GT back in 2010.
The Cons Of Ethanol
While ethanol is a cleaner and cheaper alternative that can contribute additional torque and horsepower, it nonetheless comes with a particular set of issues that have played a role in reducing its spread. The problems with ethanol notably are the following:
It is more susceptible to dirt absorption
Dirt absorption can in turn damage the engine and result in hefty repair costs.
It can also require 1.5 times more to generate the same amount of energy compared to normal fossil-fuels.
It offers fewer miles per gallon than normal gas.
Biodiesel: A Biofuel Combining Vegetable Oils And Diesel Fuel
This one is rarely used in its pure form, but rather blended with fossil fuel. The most common biodiesel blend is B20 (from 6 to 20% percent biodiesel combined with petroleum diesel.), while the B5 formula (5% biodiesel) is also commonly found in fleet vehicles. In the United States, it is mainly sourced from soybean oil, as well as algae, granola, and animal tallow.
The Pros And Cons Of Biodesel
Aside from helping reduce a country’s dependence on foreign oil, biodiesel-powered vehicles can also be 30% more efficient than petroleum-based diesel engines. Furthermore, biodiesel is also higher in lubricity than normal diesel, which consequently reduces the wear and tear on the internal combustion engine. This, however, can also work as a double-edged sword and result in fuel filter clogs. On top of that, biodiesel can also be more difficult to store, due to its vegetable-based source products.
As a result, it needs to be kept at the right temperature, as excessive heat and cold can significantly damage it. What is also worth noting is the fact that it is 1.5 times more expensive, which is part of why it hasn’t taken off as a more popular option. But still, biodesels are still used in a wide variety of vehicles, including:
This is the least known form of synthetic fuel, as well as the least popular in the automotive industry. As a matter of fact, it has yet to receive considerable interest from any manufacturer, as its development keeps stagnating at the infancy level.
Solar Fuels Are More Versatile And Convenient
As indicated by their name, solar fuels are made from substances like water and carbon dioxide using sunlight energy. Solar fuels can come in many forms, such as:
Kerosene
Gasoline
Diesel methanol
Hydrogen
Synthetic crude oil
On paper, they would help make up for the intermittent availability of solar power, which has made the latter more expensive and difficult to harness on a grid-scale level. Furthermore, solar fuel would also provide an abundant source of liquid fuels to properly supply heavy-duty vehicles, ships, and aircraft, particularly in developing countries.
For Now, They Remain Overlooked By The Industry
While solar fuels are filled with potential, in theory at least, they still lack the technological means and financial backing to pick up the way biofuels and e-fuels have. This can be partly attributed to their costly nature. Under present conditions, making hydrogen from sunlight would turn out to be ten times more expensive than producing hydrogen using fossil fuels. This causes the need for more advanced technology that would cheapen the processing expenses.
Unfortunately, there is no clear indication that such progress would be feasible within the proper time frame. In the meantime, other alternatives are growing at a much faster pace. It will thus be interesting to see if solar fuels will ever gain the backing and momentum needed to ever become a fixture in the industry.
The Jaguar E-Type is often regarded as one of the most stunning cars ever created, alongside the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing and the Lamborghini Miura. However, the version showcased at the 2023 SEMA show in Las Vegas is far from ordinary. Designed by DevSpeed Motorsports, this modified E-Type, displayed at Eneos’ booth, has sparked controversy.
As purists may cringe at the thought, this 1969 XKE 2+2 is powered by a 2JZ-GTE engine sourced from a Toyota Supra. To boost its performance, it features a Borg Warner EFR 8474 turbocharger. The power is then transmitted through a five-speed ZF manual gearbox borrowed from a BMW M3 E36.
To enhance its braking capabilities, the front brakes were taken from a 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (C5), while the rear brakes were sourced from a 2010 BMW 5 Series Sedan (535i, E60). The vehicle is equipped with 17-inch Rotiform two-piece wheels paired with Bridgestone Potenza tires measuring 225/45 R17 at the front and 255/40 R17 at the rear. The car also boasts other components from the BMW 5 Series, including the rear subframe assembly and differential.
In order to accommodate the larger tires, the E-Type underwent 3D-printed fender flares that were reinforced with carbon fiber. This modified E-Type features various aftermarket parts, such as a custom front suspension, Silvers coilovers, a DevSpeed roll cage, an OMP steering wheel, Tillett seats with Schroth harnesses, and an OBP pedal box and foot panels.
This unique E-Type is being touted as a “hot rod for the street and track” by its creators. It will be on display at SEMA 2023 until November 3, so make sure to check it out.
Despite hydrogen being seen by many as an unprofitable and dead-end investment, some automakers believe it could be an alternative to battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs) in the quest for a carbon-neutral era. BMW and its partner Toyota are strong believers in hydrogen fuel cell cars, with Toyota taking a unique approach by using hydrogen to power an internal combustion engine.
Toyota has already tested prototypes of its GR Yaris and GR Corolla hot hatches, which have been modified to run on hydrogen, during various races. Earlier this year, Toyota joined forces with domestic partners Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki to develop hydrogen-burning combustion engines for “small mobility.” The result of this collaboration is set to be unveiled next week at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show—a mockup of an off-roader that will compete in the grueling 2024 Dakar Rally.
This off-roader, known as the “HySE-X1,” is powered by a supercharged inline-four engine with a 1.0-liter displacement. Although the power output is unspecified, the vehicle weighs about 3,306 pounds (1,500 kilograms). The HySE-X1 measures 139 inches (3530 millimeters) in length, 81.5 inches (2070 mm) in width, and 67 inches (1700 mm) in height, according to Toyota and Honda.
The vehicle, which gets its name from “Hydrogen Small Mobility & Engine” technology, is based on a chassis developed by Belgium-based Overdrive Racing. Several modifications have been made to the chassis to accommodate the hydrogen fuel tank and fuel supply system.
The HySE-X1 will participate in the “Mission 1000” Challenge in Saudi Arabia from January 5 to 19, 2024. This program aims to promote and test energy-efficient powertrains, whether hydrogen, electric, or biofuel. While it is more of a testing opportunity for cars, bikes, and trucks initially, the organizers eventually hope to turn “Mission 1000” into an actual race.
It’s worth mentioning that hydrogen-burning combustion engines have been around for quite some time. One notable example is the BMW Hydrogen 7 (E65), produced in the mid-2000s, which featured a V12 engine capable of running on both hydrogen and gasoline. However, it never reached mass production, with only 100 units manufactured and distributed to select individuals for testing and raising awareness about hydrogen-burning combustion engines.
In 2023, BMW introduced the iX5 experimental prototypes, which ditched the internal combustion engine in favor of a fuel cell hydrogen setup.
Supermotos are considered by some as the most fun you can have on two wheels. These hooligan machines, essentially dirtbikes equipped with road tires, are capable of doing some of the most insane things on two wheels, provided they’re in the control of capable hands. That being said, powerful supermotors like the GasGas EC 300 are among the best in the industry – but can they be made even better and more fun?
Sib Mustard, a German bike builder with a penchant for supermotos certainly thinks so. Having created quite the following from his custom sumo builds, Sib, with more than 160,000 followers on Instagram, operates a shop called Haisl in Upper Palatinate. His latest creation is based on a 2021 GasGas EC 300, and it goes without saying that it’s one of the wildest custom supermotos out there. Sib has taken the bike to the extreme by doubling its engine capacity while retaining the bike’s lightweight construction.
Out of the factory, the GasGas EC 300 pumps out about 50 horsepower and weighs in at just over 100 kilograms. That’s already quite the impressive power-to-weight ratio. However, Sib decided that that simply wasn’t enough. He got a racing engine from Austrian engine supplier Rübig, a brand well known in the region for its high-performance racing engines for both cars and motorcycles. Gone was the 300cc motor, and in went a whopping 699cc, two-stroke, water-cooled, single-cylinder engine. Rocking a 100 mm bore and 89 mm stroke, this engine produces 84 horsepower out of the box. The bike was then dubbed the “Megasgas EC 700.”
How high does the mileage on a bike need to be for it to be considered high-mileage? Is it 20,000 miles, 50,000 miles, or maybe even 100,000 miles? The answer depends on various factors such as the type of bike, how it has been ridden, and its maintenance record. Some people would prefer a 60,000-mile Yamaha Tracer that has been ridden on the street over a 3,000-mile Ducati Panigale that has only been used on the track.
Speaking of track use, what if a 2001 Honda VFR800 with 100,000 miles is given to a professional racer – and not just any professional racer. For those familiar with the notorious Isle of Man TT, the name John McGuinness would ring a bell. McGuinness is an English motorcycle racer who is considered one of the legends of the TT and one of the best on the road racing circuit. With 23 wins at the IOMTT and sitting in 3rd place on the all-time win list, it is clear that McGuinness is an exceptional rider.
2001 Honda VFR 800
This is exactly what UK’s Bennets BikeSocial did to celebrate their 2001 Honda VFR800 reaching 100,000 miles on the odometer. Typically, when a bike reaches this mileage, it would be considered for replacement or at least an engine overhaul. However, in this case, the 2001 VFR800 was bought for just $639 and despite its high mileage, the valve clearances were adjusted before it was handed over to McGuinness.
To bid farewell to the bike, John McGuinness took it to the Snetterton Circuit – a request made by Bennets BikeSocial’s Consumer Editor, John Milbank, to ride it hard and flat out. Onboard footage shows McGuinness riding the VFR800 aggressively, with the sound of the Honda V4 engine revving in the background. The video also captures the bike overtaking a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R and a track-prepped BMW S 1000 RR on multiple corners.
During its prime, the VFR800 produced 110 horsepower and 60 pound-feet of torque. However, it is unclear whether the age and reported lack of maintenance have affected its performance. Nevertheless, the 500-pound VFR800 performed flawlessly on the track.
After the ride, McGuinness praised the bike and mentioned that it is capable of long-distance trips in its current condition. What’s more impressive is McGuinness’ mastery over a bike that he rode for the first time. Data from the Sizzap tracker installed on the bike showed the consistency of McGuinness’ top speed and average speed throughout the track. The old VFR800 consistently reached a top speed of 132 miles per hour on multiple laps – a remarkable feat for a bike of its age.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
