Just whenever you thought Toyota’s jacked-up Crown could not get any weirder, right here comes the Landscape. It’s the identify of a brand new particular version for the Japanese market the place the mannequin is bought because the Crown Crossover. Targeting outdoorsy individuals, the off-road variant has a 1.0-inch enhance in floor clearance for more durable terrain.
Toyota fitted the Crown Crossover Landscape with 18-inch two-tone wheels wrapped in 245/60 R18 all-terrain tires, and there are even contrasting pink mud flaps behind them. The further cladding across the wheel arches has a matte end and we’re being instructed these over-fenders are painted by hand. Another improve is on the again the place there is a towing hitch for hauling as much as 1,653 kilos.
Golf carts aren’t precisely vehicles, however we could not resist speaking in regards to the Yamaha Drive H2. It’s an idea based mostly on the present Drive2 Concierge 4 golf cart, however with an fascinating powertrain. It’s being touted as being the world’s first golf cart to have an inside combustion engine feeding on hydrogen.
Introduced this week on the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, the Drive H2 is supplied with a pair of high-pressure hydrogen tanks, every able to holding 25 liters of gasoline. One is situated beneath the motive force’s seat, and the opposite is mounted on the again of the rear seat. The thought behind this idea is to display {that a} typical engine can live on whilst firms push towards decarbonization.
Just whenever you thought the top-of-the-range Super Duke couldn’t get extra highly effective, quicker or extra technological, KTM raises its sport and declares the 2024 1390 Super Duke to switch the 1290 Super Duke. Since 2005, the Super Duke household has dominated the bare sports activities bike class and the corporate’s involvement in MotoGP since 2017 has enabled the corporate to develop each chassis, engine and digital know-how that has solely benefited its street bikes. The new 1390 Super Duke will get all-new bodywork, a decrease profile, extra compact packaging, downforce-inducing winglets, the newest WP semi-active suspension and an additional dose of uncooked energy in what’s an evolution of the mannequin, relatively than a revolution.
The battle of the tremendous bare section simply received extra fascinating
In order to provide the latest and correct info doable, the knowledge on this story has been sourced straight from KTM’s media web site, and different respected sources, together with www.motorcyclenews.com, and motorcyclespecs.co.za.
10KTM Super Duke: A Brief History
Iconic Motorbike Auctions
The Super Duke story began in 2005, when KTM announced the 990 Super Duke, powered by a 75°, 999cc V-Twin engine, producing 120 horsepower and 73 pounds-feet of torque. Over the following eight years, this was steadily revised and improved after which, in 2013, KTM changed the 990 Super Duke with the 1290 Super Duke (solely the V-Twin-engined fashions have been referred to as Super Duke, whereas the single-cylinder and parallel twin-engined fashions have been referred to as merely Duke).
The 1290 Super Duke was developed over the following 10 years into one of the crucial potent bare sports activities bikes of its time, with ever extra energy and digital sophistication and a fame as a motorbike that took no prisoners. Now, for 2024, KTM has introduced the 1390 Super Duke, to switch the 1290 mannequin, and the 1390 Super Duke R Evo sits on the high of the KTM vary. And the Duke 990 is making a comeback.
9The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Gets A Bigger Engine
KISKA GmbH through KTM
Just as the 1290 Super Duke’s engine was actually 1,301cc, so the 2024 1390 Super Duke R Evo isn’t 1,390cc however has an precise displacement of 1,350 cc. That’s solely 49 cc greater than the 1290 Super Duke R Evo, nevertheless it offers larger energy and torque figures: 187.7 horsepower (7.7 horsepower greater than the 1290 Super Duke R Evo) and 106.9 pounds-feet of torque (3.9 pounds-feet extra).
The engine’s displacement has been enlarged because of a brand new bore dimension of 110mm, up from 108mm. Also, the brand new engine positive factors variable valve timing courtesy of a cam shift system, much like the BMW Shiftcam system, giving a broader unfold of energy and torque throughout the rev vary.
Engine Specifications
Configuration
Four-stroke, 75° V-Twin, DOHC, Variable Valve System
Displacement
1,350cc
Bore and Stroke
110x71mm
Power
187.7 horsepower
Torque
106.9 kilos ft
8The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Gets More Tech
Rudi Schedl through KTM
As it’s changing into extra frequent today throughout the motorcycling spectrum, the ABS and traction management on the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo are lean-sensitive. There are three using/energy modes as normal: Rain, Street and Sport, whereas Performance and Track are two extra and non-compulsory modes.
If pulling wheelies is your factor, then the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo has a system that allows five different angles of front wheel lift, from 0.36° to a show-boating 22.25° and, in case you’re feeling significantly courageous (or silly!), it may be turned off altogether. There is tire-pressure monitoring and engine brake management, with 5 ranges of adjustment.
Is Team Orange’s new Super Duke feisty sufficient to tackle (and beat) Team Blue’s MT-10? Find out right here!
7The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Gets Semi-Active Suspension
Rudi Schedl through KTM
One distinction between the ‘base’ 1390 Super Duke and the ‘Evo’ mannequin is the adoption of WP semi-active suspension on the latter mannequin. An thought first launched for 2022 on the 1290 model, for 2024 the idea has developed – now that includes WP’s third era of digital suspension know-how, which is alleged to cater for on a regular basis consolation using to focused track day antics. Removing the necessity to get your palms soiled with instruments, the bike’s onboard Suspension Control Unit (SCU) makes use of magnetic valves to regulate the damping charges throughout your using, primarily based on info relayed from stroke sensors and the IMU.
Settings will be chosen via the TFT sprint, with the bike coming with 5 damping modes as normal, plus a further ‘Track’ and ‘Pro’ possibility whenever you buy the Suspension Pro pack, which additionally unlocks three auto-leveling settings, which alter the preload mechanically primarily based on the load of the rider to create one among three preset geometries. As earlier than, you additionally get an Anti-Dive setting on the entrance forks, which retains every part stiff below laborious braking.
The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Dimensions
Wheelbase
Not listed
Steering Head Angle
65.3°
Seat Height
32.9 inches
Ground Clearance
5.9 inches
Weight (Dry)
440.9 kilos
Fuel Capacity
4.6 gallons
6The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Is Also Great For Shorter Riders
Rudi Schedl
When Harley-Davidson launched the Pan America adventure bike, one characteristic that stood out was the self-lowering rear suspension when the bike got here to a standstill, addressing one of many largest obstacles to possession for shorter riders. It was apparent that Harley’s rivals would develop their very own model of the system, however no-one thought it will be helpful on a unadorned sports activities bike.
2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Highlights
It’s essentially the most highly effective bare KTM but
It contains a new instrument cluster and up to date suspensions
It has a 4.6 gallon gas tank
Various adjustability choices for shifting and braking controls, engine brake and anti-wheelie
MotoGP has modified all that, with a ride-height system on the rear that lowers the rear of the bike out of corners, serving to acceleration. With extra weight on the again finish, it’s stated that acceleration of the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo might additional enhance off the road – not that earlier generations of the Super Duke household ever suffered from this! Of course, a side-benefit is that shorter riders received’t be postpone the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo via not with the ability to get their ft on the bottom at a standstill.
52024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Factory Start System
Rudi Schedl through KTM
This suspension-lowering system known as Factory Start, nevertheless it isn’t linked to Launch Control. Factory Start will deactivate and return the rear shock preload to regular when the bike’s pace reaches 18 MPH and transmission is in 4th gear or larger, or when the bike’s pace reaches 18 mph and the throttle is closed, or when the bike’s pace reaches 18 MPH and the lean angle is larger than 30°, or when the Rider switches trip mode.
Once deactivated, the preload will return to the beforehand chosen Preload Adjuster mode within the sprint. If that each one sounds difficult, the truth that the bike itself will resolve when it’s each activated and deactivated means the rider can largely overlook about it and focus on the following nook entry and exit, with the reassurance that lean sensitive ABS is there too in case the rider must shave off some pace mid-corner.
KTM has joined palms with American tech big Sibros to unlock some notable options
4The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Looks Even More Aggressive But Weighs More
Rudi Schedl through KTM
It’s not a wholesale redesign, however KTM has revamped the design of the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo, one way or the other making it look much more aggressive and daring than ever earlier than. If the brilliant KTM orange paint isn’t sufficient (an all-black end can be accessible), the gas tank (now 4.6 gallon capability, up from 4.2 gallons) has new strains, small winglets are fitted, and the headlights have been revised however retains the divisive shape of the 1290 Super Duke.
The indicators are shifted to a brand new spot simply above the bars and the brake gentle is shifted from the tail unit to the license plate bracket. Although these adjustments assist scale back weight – the brand new headlight alone is greater than 1.5 kilos lighter than the outdated model – they don’t fairly offset the extra mass of the bigger gas tank and the revised engine, bringing the homologated weight of the brand new mannequin to round 4 kilos greater than its predecessor at 467 kilos together with gas.
3The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Continues With Brembo Brakes
Rudi Schedl through KTM
Brembo continues to produce the brakes for the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo – four-piston Stylema entrance calipers biting on 320mm discs, plus a 240mm rear disc and twin-piston caliper, and provides an adjustable MCS grasp cylinder to the combo in 2024, together with a Brembo clutch grasp cylinder with a self-venting system that ends the necessity to bleed the hydraulics. Naturally, the brake and clutch levers are each adjustable for span. Dual Channel ABS is fitted, though KTM hasn’t indicated if the rear ABS will be turned off for much more track-based hooliganism.
2The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo: Bring Your A-Game
Rudi Schedl through KTM
Even if the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo has much less energy than a few of its rivals and the brutality of the ability supply has been toned down considerably over the early 1290 Super Dukes, it stays a motorbike that deserves full respect and a excessive stage of ability to not solely get the perfect out of it however to return out the opposite aspect in a single piece. Any bike with this a lot energy and efficiency will all the time be at its greatest on the monitor however, naturally, most homeowners will trip it on the street, and it’s there that you just’ll really want to convey your A-game in case you’re going to get essentially the most out of your trip.
KTM’s unique scalpel, the 790 Duke, is again with a vengeance
12024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo: Price and Rivals
Rudi Schedl through KTM
The bare sports activities bike class is closely populated and, with a number of entries within the class boasting over 200 horsepower, KTM was nearly obliged to spice up the ability and torque of the Super Duke. Not that the 1290 Super Duke was overshadowed by the competitors, nevertheless it couldn’t be seen to fall too far behind.
KTM has introduced a value of $21,499 for the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo, and it goes head-to-head with the BMW S1000RR (205 horsepower), Ducati V4 Streetfighter (208 -231 horsepower), MV Agusta Brutale 1000 Serie Oro (212 horsepower, $45,998), Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS (180 horsepower) and Aprilia Tuono V4 (175 horsepower, $16,199).
We apologize for the wind noise, but we couldn’t resist sharing a spy video of the Lamborghini Huracan successor being tested in Spain. The “baby Lambo” is remarkably quiet in the beginning of the clip because it will be a plug-in hybrid, similar to its big brother, the Revuelto. Around the 1:00 mark, we finally hear the engine before the car reverses in electric mode.
The most exciting part of the video occurs at 1:14 when the driver restarts the internal combustion engine. Unfortunately, it does not feature the naturally aspirated V10 found in the Huracan and Audi R8. Recent reports suggest that it will have a downsized engine, potentially a twin-turbo V8. Rumor has it that the turbochargers will not engage until 7,000 rpm, so for the most part, the engine will behave like a naturally aspirated one. The redline is expected to be at 10,000 rpm.
During the COVID pandemic, the RV industry experienced a surge in demand as people sought to embrace social distancing by purchasing motorhomes and camper trailers. However, the current situation tells a different story. According to data from the RV Industry Association (RVIA), sales in the first half of 2023 have plummeted across all categories, with one exception worth noting.
When we say “across the board,” we are referring to various types of recreational vehicles, including motorhomes, travel trailers, and pickup truck toppers. Travel trailers have been hit the hardest, witnessing a staggering 53.9 percent drop compared to the previous year. This category includes both standard towable and large fifth-wheel campers. However, the RVIA provides a separate figure for fifth-wheelers, which reveals a 50.9 percent decline exclusively for this group. Trailers with folding segments are down by 31 percent, while truck campers (categorized as trailers) have experienced a 33.8 percent decrease.
As someone who absolutely loves the classic Volkswagen Beetle and owns one, I’m actually glad to hear that the Beetle won’t be returning anytime soon.
Don’t get me wrong, I think the Volkswagen ID Buzz is great. It pays homage to the original Beetle while incorporating modern electric vehicle design. But it’s comforting to know that Volkswagen’s plans don’t solely revolve around reviving retro cars.
Volkswagen CEO rules out Beetle revival as retro is “a dead end”
This is partly because it means Volkswagen won’t have to deal with the inevitable backlash on social media. Whenever a “spiritual successor” to a beloved 60s or 70s icon is announced, keyboard warriors are quick to criticize, claiming it’s nothing like the original and questioning its authenticity.
If you need proof of this, just look at the recent reaction to Ford’s plan to revive the Capri as an electric five-door crossover based on a Volkswagen architecture. It wasn’t exactly well-received.
But it’s also a relief because capturing the essence of the original Beetle would be extremely difficult in today’s world. We’ve already seen this with the two Golf-based Beetles that Volkswagen launched after the original’s discontinuation, which didn’t receive the warmest of receptions.
The MEB platform would make it easier to create a modern Beetle that is true to its roots: rear-wheel drive, flat floor, front trunk, and so on. However, the Beetle is a name that is synonymous with no-frills family transportation, durability, dependability, and above all, charm.
It’s hard to imagine any new electric vehicle, no matter how compact, well-designed, or competitively priced, embodying those same values.
Take a look at the Fiat 500 and Mini Electric, for example. These are luxury products that only loosely pay tribute to their 1950s predecessors (both of which were rivals to the Beetle back in the day). While they are beautifully engineered and visually appealing, what has truly garnered praise is their departure from the utilitarian principles that defined their original counterparts.
Volkswagen is indeed working on an affordable and cheerful electric city car for families. However, it will be a modern and stylish replacement for the Polo, rather than a retro-inspired Beetle. This is good news for those who value substance over style. It allows Volkswagen to embrace its bold electric future while keeping the long and fascinating Beetle legacy as a chapter in its history, rather than a burden.
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