Tag Archives: course

Motorsport

2025 Kia Carnival Receives Interior Upgrades and Hybrid Option

Kia is gradually revealing details about the new Carnival model leading up to its full debut. Following the unveiling of the exterior last month, we now have a glimpse inside the updated two-tone cabin. While it may seem familiar, there are notable changes, with the most significant being the replacement of the bulky shift lever with a small rotary gear selector.

The center console has been simplified by reducing the number of buttons. It now features a touch panel for climate controls, similar to other recent Kia models like the Sportage, Niro, and Sorento. The infotainment system has been updated with a dual-screen setup, and the dashboard and front door cards now sport yellow accents.


BMW

BMW Group maintains successful course

BMW Group continues to maintain a successful course of profitable growth in a volatile business environment. In the third quarter of 2023, the company saw a solid increase in sales, delivering a total of 621,699 premium automobiles. The nine-month period saw a total of 1,836,563 units delivered. This growth was accompanied by a strong financial performance, with an EBT margin of 11.9% for the first nine months.

The company is on track to deliver an EBIT margin in the Automotive Segment of between 9-10.5% for the full year, driven by higher-priced models and fully-electric vehicles. Battery-electric vehicles accounted for 15.1% of total sales by the third quarter, already meeting the 15% target planned for the full year. Over the nine-month period, the percentage of BEVs climbed to 13.4%.

The growth trend for BMW continued in many of the world’s automotive markets, with notable growth in Germany, the US, and Europe. The fourth quarter is expected to further boost growth with the launch of new models.

Group revenues increased slightly in the third quarter to €38,458 million, with significant growth in the year to the end of September to €112,530 million. The Group’s research and development spending also increased to €5,223 million.

The BMW Group confirms its guidance for the rest of the year and expects stable business development. The Group forecasts overall growth for global automotive markets, particularly in Europe and the US. The BMW Group remains committed to long-term, profitable growth and is focused on digitalization, electrification, and innovation in the industry.

Technology

How To Create A Custom Search Box In Google Chrome (And Why You Should)

Not all websites and platforms are created equal. There are instances when a website, like SlashGear, lacks an explicit search function. However, there are alternative ways to search for specific content on such websites. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Open a new tab in Google Chrome.
  2. Type “site:” followed by the website and keyword you want to search. For example, if you want to perform a custom site search for SlashGear using the keyword “Chrome,” type “site:slashgear.com chrome” in the Omnibox of the new tab.
  3. Follow the steps 4-9 mentioned earlier to add a site search shortcut.
  4. In the “URL with %s in place of query” text field, copy the search link generated by your SlashGear lookup and paste the entire address. Replace the keyword with “%s”.
  5. Click on “Add” to finalize the shortcut.

Once the shortcut is created, you can easily search for articles on SlashGear using Chrome. Simply type “slashgear,” press Tab or the spacebar on your keyboard, enter your desired search term, and hit enter.

BMW

Biathlon world champions and athletes with disabilities experience safety training course at the BMW M Driving Experience.

+++ BMW Group invites persons with physical disabilities to a safety training course +++ Maren Hammerschmidt and Vanessa Hinz experience sheer driving pleasure from a new perspective +++ Athletes from the Bavarian disabled and rehabilitation sports association (Behinderten- und Rehabilitations-Sportverband Bayern e.V.) train at the BMW M Driving Experience +++

At the Biathlon World Championships in Oberhof in February 2023, the German team won a gold medal and two silver medals and achieved six further top-six rankings. As Mobility Partner of the German National Biathlon Team, the BMW Group offered three safety training courses for people with physical disabilities as a reward for each medal won and one training course for each finish in the top six. A group of athletes from the Bavarian disabled and rehabilitation sports association (BVS Bayern) was invited to the BMW M Driving Experience in Maisach to take part in a safety training course with biathlon world champions Maren Hammerschmidt and Vanessa Hinz, an event that was as much about knowledge as it was about driving pleasure.

The BMW M Driving Experience offers a special safety training course designed by Tina Schmidt-Kiendl, who is an instructor and head of project management at BMW M GmbH. The training course uses specially modified vehicles with hand-controlled equipment (electronic accelerator ring on the steering wheel or thumb accelerator with separate brake) that can be controlled by paraplegic persons and also persons with use of their feet. There is also a vehicle that can be operated by people who are paralysed on one side, for example, after a stroke. In addition to a theory section, the training content includes driving using hand controls, braking and evasion exercises, as well as the correct way to respond when oversteering or understeering the vehicle.

“People being able to drive a car themselves and safely despite a disability is self-sufficiency – and that is very important,” said Schmidt-Kiendl, who has been paraplegic since an operation, describing the inclusive value of this safety training course. “You can decide for yourself when you want to drive from A to B, and which route you take. You don’t have to simply go along with decisions that other people want to make for you. This independence, combined with autonomy and safety on the road is what we want to convey to the participants.”

The safety training course with modified cars is also open to persons without physical limitations, for example, those who work with people with disabilities. The 2017 biathlon world champions, Maren Hammerschmidt and Vanessa Hinz, experienced this in Maisach and were impressed by the encounters and experiences at the BMW M Driving Experience.

“It is definitely exciting to try it out and have this opportunity. This was our first safety training course – and it was one with special requirements,” said Hammerschmidt. “It was a lot of fun, including the exchange with the other athletes and finding out a little bit about their history.”

Hinz was also impressed by the insights: “It is interesting to see the challenges that these people face. Neither of us were aware of this because we just get into the car, push a button, and go. Neither of us could have imagined previously how it would work if you were unable to use your feet.”

The BVS Bayern athletes have long since learned how to work around their disabilities. The biggest sports association for people with disabilities in Bavaria covers a wide sporting range: from preparing and mentoring young athletes as they train for the Paralympics, to recreational sport and the promotion of inclusion in sport, to rehabilitation sport.

Representing all the participants, Svenja Mayer, who finished fourth with the German national wheelchair basketball team at the 2021 Paralympic Games, said: “I would like to thank BMW and the national biathlon team for the amazing experience. You feel a rush of endorphins when you can accelerate. We also learned a lot of important things that will come in useful in everyday life and on the road. It was a fantastic day.”

This feedback is the motivation that drives Schmidt-Kiendl because she is convinced that everyone has the right to enjoy sheer driving pleasure, whether with or without a handicap. People who feel safe at the wheel, can rely on their abilities, and master the technology are the people who enjoy driving. She has also incorporated exercises that are fun into her driver safety training and can definitely be seen as a sporting challenge, such as completing a timed slalom course. These were the exercises that were very well received by a group made up of athletes. “It was exciting to watch how athletes handle this kind of situation,” said Schmidt-Kiendl. “Because they all want to be the best, naturally.”

The BMW M Driving Experience is a division of BMW M GmbH. Founded as BMW Fahrertraining (driver training) in 1977, across all sectors on offer, from safety training for novice drivers to the highly dynamic racetrack experience for experienced drivers, the goal is improving the driving skills of participants. Anyone interested in booking the driver safety training course for people with physical limitations or any of the many other attractive offers available can do so online here:

https://www.bmw-m.com/en/fastlane/driving-experience/trainings/academy-experience.html

BMW 430i Coupé: Combined fuel consumption: 7.4–6.6 l/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 167-149 g/km according to WLTP; figures according to NEFZ: –

BMW M4 Competition Coupé: Combined fuel consumption: 9.8 l/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 224-223 g/km according to WLTP; figures according to NEFZ: –

BMW M440i Coupé: Combined fuel consumption: 8.1–7.4 l/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 184-167 g/km according to WLTP; figures according to NEFZ: –

BMW M2 Coupé: Combined fuel consumption: 10.2–9.6 l/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 231-218 g/km according to WLTP; figures according to NEFZ: –

MINI John Cooper Works: Combined fuel consumption: 6.8–6.6 l/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 157-151 g/km according to WLTP; figures according to NEFZ: –

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group Reports Strong Results for the First Nine Months of 2023

Despite challenges in the market, Volkswagen Group delivered solid nine-month results. Sales volumes and revenues increased in the third quarter, but profitability fell short of expectations. The company is focusing on implementing its 10-point plan and cross-brand performance programs to improve profitability.

Key highlights from the report:

Robust Results in the First Nine Months

The Group’s operating profit decreased by 7% to 16.2 billion euros, mainly due to negative valuation effects. Adjusted for these effects, the operating profit increased to 18.7 billion euros, with a return on sales of 8.0%.

A significant volume increase in Passenger Cars contributed to the positive results, but production disruptions and higher product costs affected profitability for the Core brand group.

Financial Outlook for Fiscal 2023

Volkswagen AG updated its outlook, expecting deliveries to customers to be between 9 and 9.5 million vehicles. Group sales revenue is expected to be 10 to 15% higher than the previous year.

The company no longer expects to compensate for the effects of negative valuation of hedging transactions by the end of the year, resulting in an operating result for the full year around the previous year’s level.

Electrification Strategy

Deliveries of battery electric vehicles (BEV) increased by 45% in the first nine months. The targeted annual range of 8-10% of total deliveries remains in sight.

Volkswagen-owned battery maker PowerCo and Belgian materials technology group Umicore announced the location for their cathode material manufacturing plant in Nysa, Poland. The partnership aims to produce materials for battery production sufficient for around 2.2 million fully electric vehicles annually by the end of the decade.

Competitive Product Portfolio

The all-electric ID.7 was voted “German Car of the Year 2024”. Volkswagen also unveiled the new generation of the Tiguan and launched pre-sales of the upgraded ID.4 and ID.5.

Audi launched several models in its Q8 family, including the SQ8 e-tron as the new top model of the all-electric SUV and crossover. Porsche increased the hybrid range of the Cayenne series.

Group-wide Performance Programs

All brands within the Group have launched performance programs to strengthen their competitiveness and achieve a long-term operating return on sales of over 10%.

Sustainability

Volkswagen Group published its Responsible Raw Materials Report, focusing on transparency in supply chains. The Group also issued its first Green Hybrid Bond and Green Bond through Volkswagen Leasing GmbH.

Brand Group Results

The Core brand group saw an increase in sales revenues, but profitability was affected by higher product costs and production disruptions. The Progressive brand group and Sport Luxury brand group reported positive results. TRATON and Financial Services divisions also showed growth in sales revenues.

Note: The article contains a summary of Volkswagen Group’s financial results and highlights. Please refer to the original article for complete information.

Long-Term Review

Toyota GR Supra manual 2023 long-term test

The Toyota Supra is known for its turbo straight six engine, and the absence of it in the modern version would definitely feel odd. Although it may not match the power and flexibility of a BMW Motorsport six-cylinder engine, the B58 engine seems to suit the Supra well. Even though I’ve only had the car for a few days, it feels fast and has good torque and revs.

I’m particularly interested in exploring the ride and handling of the Supra manual. Toyota has used the development of the manual version to improve the car’s adaptive dampers, power steering, and anti-roll bar bushes. We previously praised the car’s compliant touring ride, but were less positive about its body control on rough roads and the driver’s connection with the front wheels. I’m eager to see how much progress has been made.

What truly intrigues me is the process of fully experiencing the dynamic character of an analog sports car. Few manufacturers still offer classic, front-engined, rear-wheel-drive, manual transmission sports cars. I’m excited to spend weeks and months adjusting drive mode settings and tire pressures to achieve the perfect driving experience.

Unfortunately, as road testers, we rarely have the luxury of time to do this. Test cars come and go within a few days, and there are fewer cars with a straightforward mechanical setup that invite such tinkering in the first place.

Ordering the GR Supra is relatively straightforward as well. If you opt for the larger engine, you have the choice between standard and Pro equipment specifications, as well as manual or automatic gearboxes. However, if you prefer a simpler and more affordable trim, the manual transmission is your only option.

And that’s what we have. No fancy leather seats, premium stereo, or adaptive cruise control for us. Just a simple sports car with ample features, and plenty of driving to truly get to know it. I’m ready for the experience!

News

Triumph Announces Pricing For Speed And Scrambler 400X In The Philippines

Triumph is known for its premium motorcycles and has a range of models that cater to the affluent two-wheeled lifestyle. However, there is a new trend emerging where premium brands are entering the more affordable price bracket with new models.

A great example of this is Harley-Davidson, who partnered with Hero MotoCorp in India to introduce the X440. BMW also collaborated with TVS for the G 310 series, and KTM and Husqvarna joined forces with Bajaj to produce the 390 and 401 models. Not wanting to be left behind, Triumph teamed up with Bajaj to create the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X. These motorcycles generated a lot of excitement when they were unveiled in June 2023. Triumph’s most accessible offering before this was the Trident 660.

After their global launch, the Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X started making their way to other markets. India was one of the first countries in Asia to receive these bikes, as they are assembled there. Now, these motorcycles have been launched in the Philippines at a price that is lower than the competition’s. The 400cc models are particularly popular in the Philippines because there is a regulation that prohibits motorcycles with engines smaller than 400cc from entering the freeway. These new Triumph models have the perfect size to access the expressways while also being suitable for commuting in crowded city streets.

The pricing for the Triumph Speed 400 in the Philippines is P299,000, which is approximately $5,260 USD. The Scrambler 400X is priced at P339,000, or roughly $5,953 USD. It is worth noting that in the United States, these bikes are offered at a slightly lower price, with the Speed 400 at $4,995 USD and the Scrambler 400X at $5,595 USD. The variance in pricing between markets is due to local factors such as taxes, import duties, and distribution costs, which can affect the final cost of these motorcycles to consumers.

Both the Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X share the same engine: a 398cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine. This engine configuration produces 39 horsepower and 28 pound-feet of torque, making it a versatile choice for beginners as well as more experienced riders.

News

This Pair Of Riders Is Circling The Globe To Set A New World Record

# This Pair Of Riders Is Circling The Globe To Set A New World Record

If you have the opportunity to do it, travel can be amazing. Most of us know this, although of course life gets in the way for many of us. Assuming you’re able to do it, though, there’s something extra special about being able to travel with someone else.

There are caveats here, of course. The most important thing if you’re traveling in a pair is that you both have to have similar travel styles. If one person just wants to get between points A and B as fast as possible, and the other wants the chance to stop and see cool stuff that pops up along the way, then things aren’t going to end well.

However, if you overcome that hurdle, and you’re able to enjoy spending nearly every moment of every day together, then you might just be Lavi and Ollie. This couple has been circumnavigating the globe for the past 387 days as of this video on a [Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT](https://www.rideapart.com/news/505100/suzuki-vstrom-1050-xt-launch-uk/). Together, they’re aiming to set a [Guinness World Record](https://www.rideapart.com/news/671686/acerbis-honda-monkey-record-attempt/) as the youngest pair to circumnavigate the globe by motorcycle riding two-up.

They’re currently 31 and 34 years old, and it’s a record that doesn’t exist yet—so they’ll be the first ones setting it. When they first set out to complete their mission, they gave themselves two years to complete it. Both the global pandemic situation at the beginning—as well as evolving geopolitical complications—made their planning much trickier. Still, they spent the first three months in Europe and Northern Africa before heading to the southern tip of South America.

Since then, they’ve ridden through South America, Central America, and have just recently made it into North America. In this video, they’re riding from the south to the north of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico, and as usual, they’re having a lovely time. Camping is good, tacos are good, camp coffee is good, and the weather is mostly quite agreeable (with the exception of some serious wind toward the end of the day).

The views are stunning, and at their stop in Bahía Concepción, they’re even able to see dolphins! When they stop to camp for the night near an abandoned house that’s popular with the overlanding community, they’re surrounded by some impressively tall cacti.

If you’re looking for a reminder that beauty is all around us if we can only ride out to see it, then you probably want to check out Lavi and Ollie’s adventures.

News

Building an Off-Road Chopper with Huge Mud Tires

Experimenting with different flavor combinations can be a lot of fun. From classic pairings like banana and Nutella to more unconventional ones like green grapes and hummus, it’s all about finding unexpected delights.

The Grind Hard Plumbing Company is known for building whatever their wild hearts desire. They don’t care if it’s never been done before or if it seems like a terrible idea. For them, the real joy comes from planning and executing their projects. While the end result is important, it’s the journey and the problem-solving along the way that make their builds truly special.

In a previous project, they built a unimog with four 46-inch Mickey Thompson mud tires and a V-twin engine from a KTM 1190 Adventure. The result was an insane-looking vehicle that performed flawlessly.

However, as a group of friends who love building things, they eventually found themselves repurposing their old creations into something new. That’s the beauty of having a DIY mindset; you start imagining new projects using your existing resources.

Now, their latest endeavor is an off-road chopper that will feature the 1190 Adventure engine and two of those massive mud tires. This project will require a significant amount of fabrication work and careful planning. In the latter part of the video, they explore the layout of the chopper after salvaging the necessary components from their previous build.

They anticipate that the handling of this chopper will be challenging, given the size of the tires. They might even need to incorporate power steering to make turning easier. But in the world of DIY, venturing into uncharted territory is part of the fun. It’s sure to be an intriguing project that enthusiasts will want to follow closely.

Featured

Maruti Alto Achieves 45 Lakh Sales Milestone


The popular car nameplate has evolved through three generations

Maruti Alto K10

The Maruti Alto is one of the longest-running car nameplates in India, and it has now surpassed 45 lakh units in total sales over the span of more than two decades. Let’s take a quick look at its journey and achievements in the country.

The Evolution of the “Alto” Nameplate in India

The “Alto” nameplate was introduced by Maruti in India in 2000. Within just four years of its launch, the Maruti hatchback became a top-selling car in the market. In 2010, Maruti introduced the “Alto K10” variant with a larger 1-litre engine. The same year, the carmaker also launched CNG variants of the hatchback.

Second-gen Maruti Alto K10

In 2012, Maruti introduced a new-generation Alto and added the “800” suffix for the entry-level model. Around the same time, the carmaker achieved 20 lakh unit sales for the entry-level hatchback. In 2014, Maruti launched the second-generation Alto K10. Two years later, the Alto nameplate crossed the 30 lakh sales milestone, and in 2020, it surpassed 10 lakh more units.

Maruti’s Commentary on the Achievement

Shashank Srivastava, Maruti Suzuki’s Senior Executive Officer of Marketing and Sales, expressed pride in the journey of the brand Alto over the past two decades. He acknowledged the strong emotional connection the customers have with the Alto and stated that achieving the 45 lakh customer milestone is a testament to the unwavering support and trust they have placed in Maruti. He also highlighted that no other car brand has achieved this milestone to date.

Read Also: Maruti Fronx Pending Order Count Stands At 22,000 Units

The Current Alto Model

Maruti Alto K10

The third-generation Alto K10 was introduced in 2022 and is currently the only Alto model available for purchase after the discontinuation of the Alto 800 due to the transition to BS6.2 emission norms. The present-day Alto features a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, four power windows, dual airbags, and a reverse parking camera.

The entry-level hatchback is powered by a 1-litre Dualjet petrol engine with 67PS and 89Nm of power, paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed AMT. The same engine is also available in CNG with reduced output of 57PS and 82Nm, and it is only offered with a 5-speed manual. The current Alto also includes idle-engine start/stop technology, which helps reduce fuel consumption in traffic situations.

Read Also: Maruti Invicto Now Gets Rear Seatbelt Reminder As Standard

Price Range and Competitors

Maruti Alto K10 rear

The Maruti Alto K10 is available in four variants – Std (O), LXi, VXi, and VXi+. The prices range from Rs 3.99 lakh to Rs 5.96 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It competes with the Renault Kwid and can also be considered as an alternative to the Maruti S-Presso.

Read More on: Alto K10 on road price