Tag Archives: corner

Motorsport

This Special Volkswagen Badge Keeps Kangaroos Away

Although April 1 is true across the nook, the RooBadge is as actual because it will get. While fashionable automotive badges incorporate all kinds of radars and sensors, this Volkswagen emblem is completely different. It has built-in directional audio system that emit a rigorously chosen beam of sound to maintain kangaroos away. It serves as an audio-based deterrent and it is being developed for all automobiles, not simply VWs.

As you might need guess, the RooBadge (“Roo” is the shortened type of “kangaroo” in Australian English) has been developed Down Under. VW joined forces with kangaroo behaviorists from the University of Melbourne to study extra concerning the cute mammal belonging to the marsupial household. Australian wildlife rescue group Wires is lending a serving to hand by offering real-time information about the place kangaroos are situated all through the continent.


Motorsport

Game-Changing Saudi Arabia Venue Set To “Push The Boundaries” Of Motorsport

The first nook climbs 20 tales excessive, the principle straight races alongside a rollercoaster and the format that mixes road and circuit sections that may be prolonged into one of many world’s longest racetracks.

The Speed Park Track in Qiddiya City, simply exterior Riyadh, has been designed by legendary F1 designer Hermann Tilke, with former F1 driver Alexander Wurz offering his driver’s eye view on its format. The workforce behind the venue additionally labored with builders of the all-new metropolis to seamlessly combine it with the city leisure precincts that encompass it.

Now beneath improvement, the venue is aiming to host a variety of top-level motorsports sooner or later and Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, mentioned its improvement will “bring us a step closer to positioning Qiddiya City at the center of global motorsport.”

He defined: “The observe shall be able to host globally famend racing occasions that enchantment to all kinds of audiences. Overlooked by the formidable Tuwaiq Mountains in Qiddiya City, it will likely be surrounded by adrenaline-fueled points of interest, experiences, and occasions, offering a completely immersive expertise that transcends past racing.

“The speed park track will be seamlessly blended in its environment and the very fabric of the city, with competitors taking turn one above a music venue, and racing Six Flag’s Falcon’s Flight, complete with retail, dining and hospitality offerings that ensure a unique experience for visitors where sports, entertainment and culture collide.”

The observe design blends the perfect of each sorts of racing, with a road part that runs by way of the town’s modern structure and a devoted quick and open circuit part that speeds previous leisure, hospitality, and leisure locations together with a water park and a theme park.

The observe options “The Blade,” a high-speed nook that may rise and fall by a large 108 meters (20 tales).

Aldawood mentioned: “What truly sets the Speed Park Track apart is its ability to welcome a wide array of motorsports events. From the iconic ‘Blade’ towering above a music venue to street sections running through cultural neighbourhoods, it will be setting the gold standard for the industry, redefining the world of motorsports for competitors and spectators alike.”

Speed Park Track

The viewing expertise shall be fairly distinctive too, as typical grandstands shall be ditched in favor of elevated terraces. The thought? The peak permits the viewing areas to be positioned far nearer to the observe, creating a number of vantage factors proper on the sting of the racing motion and delivering a brand new kind of immersive expertise to motorsport followers.

The observe makes the many of the 100m+ elevation beneficial properties, too, with the promise of a variety of various viewpoints in and round its complete size.

Aldawood explains: “It’s not just a venue; it’s the culmination of our efforts to position Qiddiya City at the center of global motorsport. Our vision for the track extends beyond the thrill of racing – spectators will get to witness one of the most elevated and immersive race experiences in the world, reinventing the sport as we know it.”

The designers have adopted current traits of mixing racetracks and leisure venues – which proved extraordinarily standard in Miami and Las Vegas – however this time they’re extra linked than ever, as your complete metropolis is at present beneath development and the circuit has been built-in inside densely developed city leisure precincts, proper from the beginning.

The “Blade” flip is ready to develop into legendary, actually climbing on high of a reside music venue, whereas one other part sees the observe positioned completely to provide drivers the distinctive probability to check their high velocity in opposition to the world’s tallest rollercoaster, Falcon’s Flight, which is a part of the neighboring Six Flags Qiddiya City venue.

Aldawood added: “Our aim is to provide an unparalleled immersive experience that fans far and wide can enjoy. Coupled with its state-of-the-art technology, the track’s unique versatility will ensure spectators can be treated with a ground-breaking motorsport experience unlike any other. This will allow visitors to enjoy complementary offerings on-site and extend their visit beyond the racing experience.”

ToyotaUk

Test Your Knowledge of the 2024 Toyota GR Supra

The 2024 Toyota GR Supra is bound to show heads at each nook for extra causes than one. For starters, the hanging colours accessible throughout all grades, together with the 45th anniversary version colour, will seize consideration on the street — full cease. And that’s simply the outside.

What’s extra, the GR Supra boasts highly effective, high-performance, progressive design and dynamic dealing with — splendid for sports-car lovers and those that possess a real ardour for driving.

With the GR Supra accessible in both a 2.0-liter or 3.0-liter turbocharged-engine, prospects can select their most well-liked energy. These options and extra are what make the automobile a standout within the lengthy legacy of Toyota’s sports activities automobile.

Test (or enhance) your information of this attention-grabbing automobile with this enjoyable quiz:

With GR Supra’s turbocharged powerplant, spectacular dealing with, and racing-inspired inside, drivers can get able to expertise pure driving pleasure at each flip.

Originally printed February 1, 2024

Motorsport

The New BMW M5 Touring Is Santa’s Gift To Wagon Lovers

With the vacations proper across the nook, BMW M took to Instagram to tease the brand new M5 Touring in entrance of the Christmas tree. The high-performance wagon ditches its earlier camo for wrapping paper and a giant gold bow as a substitute. A festive video can be popping out right this moment on YouTube.

The BMW M5 Touring is among the rarest vehicles the M division has ever constructed. The E34 was assembled in solely 891 models whereas the E61 was restricted to 1,025 models. Both had been fairly particular as the previous got here at a time when sports activities wagons had been a rarity whereas the latter had a V10 engine with Formula 1 DNA. The G99 will not be almost as unique however it’s additionally going to be an fascinating automotive by portraying a V8 wagon within the age of downsizing and SUVs.

Unlike its predecessor, subsequent 12 months’s M5 Touring has probability of making it to the United States, if studies are to be believed. In addition, BMW M certainly needs to lure prospects that may in any other case purchase an Audi RS6 Avant or a Mercedes-AMG E63 Estate.

The M5 Sedan (G90) along with its wagon counterpart would be the solely 5 Series fashions to maintain the V8. Under the hood, BMW M is putting in a twin-turbo 4.4-liter engine. However, the eight-cylinder mill will not be on their own since it’ll be part of forces with an electrical motor. The plug-in hybrid setup is estimated to push out a mixed 700+ horsepower, greater than the usual XM however lower than the XM Label.

Considering BMW has but to disclose the common 5 Series Touring, the new M variant is unlikely to debut anytime quickly. The commonplace wagon will premiere early in 2024 along with the totally electrical i5 (together with i5 M60) whereas the M5 Touring goes to interrupt cowl later within the 12 months.

Prepare to pay a not-so-small fortune for the reason that speedy property goes to value properly over $100,000. The previous-generation M5 Sedan began at $107,900 for the 2023 mannequin 12 months, and the brand new one is unquestionably going to be dearer. 

News

10 Japanese Imports That Aren’t Hondas Or Toyota’s, Ranked By Power Output

When you stand on any corner and watch the traffic pass by, it will become evident that most cars in the United States are made by Toyota or Honda. This isn’t just anecdotal evidence, as both Toyota and Honda are among the top four car brands in America. Ford and Chevy round out the list, but their strength relies on truck sales. It’s fair to say that the Japanese brands dominate the car segment.

Toyota and Honda are incredibly successful because they make solid, reliable cars that appeal to the car-buying public, but there are other Japanese imports that are equally impressive. Subaru, Mazda, and Nissan make great vehicles as well, but there are other amazing rides from across the Pacific that may have been forgotten. At some point, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, and Suzuki all sold fantastic rides in the States. Even Daihatsu had a brief stint in the American market.

It’s important to remember that Nissan used to be Datsun and brought their popular Z-cars to our shores for generations. Japanese imports are as much a part of American car culture as Ford, GM, and Mopar. This is not to say that American cars aren’t great, but there’s plenty of room and love for the great cars that have defined our lives. While Toyota and Honda are the top dogs of Japanese imports, they aren’t the only ones to make iconic rides for the U.S. market.

The 20 Most Important Classic Japanese Cars

To provide the most up-to-date and accurate information, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and authoritative sources, including Automobile Catalog, Fastest Laps, and ConceptCarz. In the interest of fairness and history, these imports have been ranked in chronological order from the least powerful model to the most powerful.

10 1968 Subaru 360

Power: 25 Horsepower

Red Subaru 360
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The 1968 Subaru 360 may be considered a great Japanese import despite its diminutive size. Weighing under 1,000 pounds, this sub-sub-compact had impressive gas mileage of 66 miles per gallon, although it wasn’t designed to survive a crash due to not adhering to U.S. highway safety regulations.

Performance Specifications

Engine

423cc inline-two cylinder

Transmission

Three-speed manual

Horsepower

25HP

Torque

25 pound-feet

Driveline

Rear-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

37.0 seconds

Top Speed

60 mph

(Data was collected from Conceptcarz)

Notably, in 1968, businessman Malcolm Bricklin imported 10,000 Subaru 360 cars despite the absence of a market for such vehicles in the U.S. This move was akin to his introduction of the Yugo to America. Despite the lack of market appeal, the Subaru 360 was sold for an MSRP of $1,300.

  • Malcolm Bricklin founded Subaru America
  • MSRP for a 1968 Subaru 360 was $1,300

9 1985 Suzuki Samurai

Power: 63 Horsepower

Red Suzuki Samurai
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In 1985, the Suzuki Samurai was introduced to the U.S. market. Although it faced allegations of being prone to rolling over, the allegations were later refuted in a Suzuki lawsuit. Consumer Reports had to admit that the car was safe during normal operations. Despite this, the allegations tarnished the image of this fun, quirky off-road vehicle.

Performance Specifications

Engine

1.3-liter I-4

Transmission

Five-speed manual

Horsepower

63HP

Torque

73 pound-feet

Driveline

Four-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

16.9 seconds

Top Speed

79 mph

(Data was collected from Automobile Catalog)

During its time in the U.S. market, the Suzuki Samurai garnered attention from various groups, including zombie apocalypse survivors, Power Rangers, and even Scooby Doo. It also outsold the Jeep Wrangler upon its introduction in the U.S., but its image was ultimately marred by safety concerns, leading to a decline in sales.

  • Known popularly as the Jimny in the rest of the world
  • A dedicated fan base remains hopeful for the rebirth of the Jimny in the U.S.

8 1978 Subaru Brat

Power: 67 Horsepower

Rear shot of 1982 Subaru BRAT
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The Subaru Brat, popularly known as a “Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter,” was introduced in the U.S. as a compact coupe utility that competed with the Ford Ranchero and Chevrolet El Camino. It was best known for its unique feature: rear jump seats in the truck bed.

Performance Specifications

Engine

1.6-liter H-4

Transmission

Three-speed automatic

Horsepower

67HP

Torque

81 pound-feet of torque

Driveline

Four-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

15.6 seconds

Top Speed

82 mph

(Data was collected from Automobile Catalog)

The Subaru Brat’s unique ability to avoid the “Chicken Tax” on imported pickups by installing rear jump seats contributed to its appeal in the U.S. market. The model gained popularity and eventually became a cult hit, selling over 100,000 units in the U.S. between 1978 and 1987.

  • A popular choice for President Ronald Reagan, who utilized it on his ranch
  • Featured in the Burt Reynolds movie Hooper

Suzuki Samurai: History, Generations, And Everything We Know

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7 1979 Mazda RX-7

Power: 100 Horsepower

Black Mazda RX-7
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The 1979 Mazda RX-7 was a game changer in the North American sports car market, being lightweight, fast, and affordable. It was much cheaper than its closest rival, the 1979 Porsche 928, making it an attractive option.

Performance Specifications

Engine

1146cc twin-rotor

Transmission

Four-speed manual

Horsepower

100HP

Torque

105 pound-feet
Motorsport

Toyota Crown SUV Confirmed For US, Debuts November 14 At LA Auto Show

The 2023 LA Auto Show is quickly approaching, and Toyota has confirmed that they will be unveiling a new SUV. On November 14, you will have the opportunity to see the Toyota Crown SUV. A teaser image has been released, revealing the upper portion of the rear hatch, confirming that it is indeed a Toyota Crown. Exciting stuff, right?

Let’s delve into some additional details about this upcoming model. Previously, Toyota released a teaser on October 24, showcasing the lower portion of the SUV’s backside with an HEV AWD badge. This signifies the presence of a hybrid powertrain, which is expected to be the same as the one offered on the Crown sedan sold in the US. This powertrain includes a 2.5L four-cylinder engine or a 2.4L turbocharged engine, both paired with two electric motors. The turbo version is capable of producing 340 horsepower, while the 2.5L engine offers an electric-only range of 38 miles.

Toyota Crown Estate
Toyota Crown Estate
Toyota Crown Estate

Now, let’s not forget that although only one Toyota Crown is currently available in the US, Toyota offers a range of Crown models in Japan. The SUV being revealed at the LA Auto Show is likely to be the Crown Estate. However, despite its name, it is not a station wagon but an SUV with sleek lines and a flat roof. It does have some resemblance to a traditional station wagon but with increased ground clearance. Nonetheless, Toyota categorizes it as an SUV, and so will we.

It’s important to note that the assumption is based on the vehicle being unveiled at the LA Auto Show being the Crown Estate previously revealed for the Japanese market. The teaser image showcases lights and a rear hatch that are identical to the gold Estate, except for the absence of a rear window wiper. Interestingly, the recently revealed Crown Sport does have a wiper, but its liftgate design is completely different.

Will Toyota surprise us with anything regarding the Crown SUV in the US? Find out on November 16 during the official debut, where all your questions will be answered.

News

Stylmartin To Dazzle With New Models For 2024 At EICMA

With EICMA just around the corner, the industry is abuzz with new releases and innovations. We’ve talked about exciting new products from multiple brands such as MV Agusta and Husqvarna, however, it isn’t just motorcycle manufacturers who are set to put up a show in the expo. Indeed, EICMA is just as much about gear and accessories as it is about the bikes themselves, so expect some of the biggest brands to showcase their innovations, too.

Stylmartin To Dazzle With New Models For 2024 At EICMA

Speaking of gear, Stylmartin, a popular Italian brand specializing in motorcycle-specific boots and sneakers, has confirmed its attendance at EICMA and will be showcasing its 2024 collection. The brand states that it has a wide range of new footwear to debut, including new releases in both WP and Air versions. For starters, it says that it will be launching a new colorway of the iconic Iron WP sneaker, as well as introducing the new Zed trainers. Both of these new models are protective and stylish, utilizing a high-traction Michelin sole and D3O inserts for top-notch safety.

Next up, for the 2024 model-year, Stylmartin will be launching the Piper sneakers in two versions – WP and Air. The WP version features a waterproof membrane for all-weather riding, while the Air version features water-repellent leather with fabric parts for extra breathability in warm weather. Like the models before it, the Piper also features a Michelin sole, ensuring optimal traction on all surfaces.

For the urban rider, the Atom Evo is designed to combine comfort, safety, and style in a versatile design that’s ideal for the urban jungle. It features a water-repellent outer constructed with breathable mesh fabric and greased leather inserts for abrasion resistance. Lateral reflex inserts provide extra safety, protecting the foot from impact and twisting forces in the event of a crash.

Among the returning models for 2024 is the Vertigo, a riding shoe inspired by the world of outdoor exploration. Apart from being protective on the bike, the Vertigo is designed with versatility in mind, providing all-terrain walking stability with the technical features and safety technology of a motorcycle-specific shoe. It will be available in both WP and Air versions.

Stylmartin’s display will be located at Stand M39, Hall 15, at EICMA, which is scheduled to run from November 7 to 12, 2023.

Stylmartin To Dazzle With New Models For 2024 At EICMA
Stylmartin To Dazzle With New Models For 2024 At EICMA
Motorsport

Hear Chevy Corvette ZR1 Engine Idle In Spy Video At Gas Station

Many people hesitate to buy performance cars because there always seems to be a new version just around the corner. However, that hasn’t stopped enthusiasts from getting their hands on the latest models. Chevrolet is now gearing up to launch another variant of its mid-engined Corvette supercar, possibly the ZR1, following the release of the Z06 and E-Ray. A recent spy video shows a camouflaged prototype, captured at a gas station in Colorado.

The vertically-shot walkaround video provides a glimpse of the test vehicle, which remains heavily disguised. The engine’s soundtrack suggests that it features the same 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 engine found in the Z06. To recap, the regular Stingray and the electrified E-Ray both come equipped with a pushrod 6.2-liter V8 engine positioned behind the seats.


News

Reggie Jackson’s 1990 Yamaha FZR-R 750 OW01 And FZR400 Are Up For Sale

The 2023 Mecum Monterey auction is approaching, taking place from August 17 to 19. Mecum auctions are known for featuring a range of collector cars and bikes, and this year is no exception. Two Yamaha FZRs that belonged to baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson will be up for auction as a pair. Jackson had an impressive career, playing 2,820 games, achieving 2,548 hits, 563 home runs, and 1,702 RBIs. He was a five-time World Series champion and a 14-time American League All-Star. In 1993, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Aside from his baseball career, Jackson has been a motorcycle enthusiast since the 1960s. Although his career commitments limited his time for riding, he eventually pursued his passion for motorcycles after retiring from baseball.


Reggie Jackson's 1990 Yamaha FZR400 - Right Side

15 Photos

A fascinating piece from a 1990 issue of Cycle World delves into Jackson’s love for sportbikes, detailing his journey from being interested in motorcycles in the ’60s to his passion for improving his riding skills. He started riding Harleys on weekends from 1982 to 1988, but his interest shifted to sportbikes after being overtaken by a fast rider while driving his Porsche. He soon purchased a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10, which suited his tall frame and bodybuilding habit due to its speed.

Now, let’s talk about the two 1990 Yamaha FZRs up for auction at Mecum Monterey 2023. Individually, these bikes are highly sought after by enthusiasts, but together, they are a remarkable pair. The first bike is a Japanese-market 1990 Yamaha FZR400 RR-SP, equipped with an aluminum Deltabox frame (rather than steel) and a carbon fiber exhaust. It has only traveled 251 kilometers (156 miles) since new and produced a claimed 66 horsepower.

The second bike is even rarer. It is a 1990 Yamaha FZR-R 750 0W01, one of only about 500 produced and sold worldwide. This legendary sportbike is one of the few with a horn, turn signals, and a taillight for street use. The odometer on this Japanese-market example reads a mere 3,246 kilometers (2,017 miles).

Both of these exceptional Yamaha motorcycles have been owned by Reggie Jackson since they were new. Yamaha reportedly gifted them to him as a token of appreciation for promotional work he did at the time. The bikes are listed together as Lot F14 at Mecum Monterey 2023 and are expected to fetch between $70,000 and $90,000. If you want to see more photos or find out more information or bid on these bikes, please check the link in the Sources section.

Motorsport

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Production Is Now Underway, Arrival at Dealerships Imminent

As summer draws to a close, Toyota has made a strategic move to dominate the SUV market news. The debut of the Grand Highlander may have taken place earlier this year, but its production has finally started at Toyota’s large manufacturing plant in southern Indiana. Barring any unforeseen complications, this new three-row SUV will be available at dealerships within a few weeks.

The timing of this announcement is rather intriguing, especially considering the highly anticipated recent debut of the new Toyota Land Cruiser, which occurred less than 24 hours ago as of the publication of this article on August 2. There is a certain symmetry in this news, even though these SUVs share the Toyota badge, as they represent two distinct interpretations of the segment. While the Grand Highlander aims to transport up to eight individuals comfortably, while still offering some off-road capability, the new Land Cruiser boasts a five-passenger configuration and prioritizes handling rugged terrains.