The subsequent engine we’re going to cowl brings us to the late 2000s. One of the traces of engines that Ford makes is its EcoBoost engine. These engines come in several varieties, together with V-type, inline three-cylinder, and inline four-cylinder engines, and the purpose of those engines — because the title implies — is to have an engine that’s extra gasoline environment friendly and reduces greenhouse gasoline emissions whereas not sacrificing energy to take action. For the 2010 mannequin yr, Ford launched the three.5-liter EcoBoost V6, a variation of the corporate’s Cyclone engine that had been round for a few years.
Part of what makes this EcoBoost attractive is that it options each direct and port gasoline injection, permitting for the perfect gasoline effectivity relying on what speeds you might be touring at. Having each sorts of gasoline injection additionally reduces buildup on the consumption valves, which may trigger issues for an engine if that buildup accumulates over time. They additionally generate a great deal of energy, with the Ford F-150 having the ability to get 400 horsepower with this engine, and that quantity goes as much as 430 horsepower with a F-150 Hybrid. Of course, these engines can be utilized throughout different autos as properly, such because the Ford Expedition and even the Lincoln Navigator.
As was the case with the Ford 300, the three.5-liter EcoBoost V6 Cyclone additionally ranked amongst Slashgear’s most dependable six-cylinder engines, and that record encompasses all the businesses and never simply Ford. Naturally, it must make Ford’s record as properly.
Wallpaper Engine and Lively Wallpaper typically cowl one of the best premium and fundamental choices for creating animated wallpapers on PC. However, there’s but an alternative choice that, in some ways, combines one of the best qualities of each.
Stardock DeskScapes, a program out there as a Steam download or standalone set up, is one other high quality gateway to constructing and powering energetic wallpapers. The abundance of choices included on this specific piece of software program permits the wallpaper-creating course of to be as easy or as in-depth as customers want.
At a floor degree, it is fairly straightforward to get a fundamental animated wallpaper up and working in DeskScapes. Just as with Lively Wallpaper, customers can intuitively choose any type of picture or video file and immediately flip it right into a wallpaper. However, it is also attainable to create new animated backgrounds fully from scratch.
The program comes bundled with a device known as DeskScapes DreamMaker, a fully-featured enhancing software program that permits customers to construct and edit animated wallpapers. Admittedly, the software program is not fairly as instantly intuitive as one thing just like the builder in Wallpaper Engine, but it surely nonetheless has loads of compelling choices, together with the power to begin from one among a number of included templates.
DeskScapes could also be a sensible choice for making animated PC screens, but it surely’s not fully free. Users should pay $3.99 to personal the software program — the exact same worth as Wallpaper Engine. However, this system notably consists of an choice for a 30-day free trial interval, so these can nonetheless test it out and see what they suppose earlier than deciding on whether or not to purchase it.
Confession: Dirt Bike Magazine doesn’t cowl trials very nicely. We do hit-and-run tales right here and there, however between motocross, enduro, dual-sport and journey bikes, there isn’t a lot room for such a specialised sport. Tim and the fellows at Beta perceive, in order that they dream up occasions to rekindle curiosity. They have a “Try Trials” program that travels across the nation with demo bikes and instructors. And, they sometimes invite the media to an occasion they name the Beta Press Challenge. There have been three thus far, however the 2024 occasion attracted extra of the prolonged motorbike press than the earlier ones. It’s in all probability as a result of Beta has not too long ago inserted itself into the Supercross world with the 450RX. Now, the race protection facet of the motorbike press is all of the sudden conscious of Beta, and the corporate is making an attempt to carry that focus to the opposite components of its enterprise. Frankly, it’s the one method {that a} Supercross crew could make sense in any respect.
2024 Beta EVO 300 two-strokeLane Leavitt mentioned the EVO 80 was a cheater bike. He was proper.
The Press Challenge additionally served to showcase the 2024 Beta trials line. The firm has 13 totally different trials bikes. There are 80cc, 125cc, 200cc, 250cc and 300cc two-strokes along with a 300cc four-stroke. The 80 is on the market in two totally different configurations that differ in wheel measurement and suspension journey. The different bikes are available both the usual “Evo” or upgraded “Factory” configuration. There’s one different two-stroke mannequin referred to as the 300SS, which stands for “Super Smooth.” Apparently, the 300 two-stroke could be very aggressive, so a second, milder model is obtainable.
All within the household: Daniel Leavitt, Debbie Evans and Lane Leavitt have made trials and stunt work a household enterprise.
The guidelines for the press problem allowed every media outlet to carry a ringer. I introduced three: 1974 U.S. Trials Champion Lane Leavitt, his spouse Debbie Evans and thriller son Daniel Leavitt. That meant there can be two Dirt Bike groups. The Beta guys may need began off involved about my ringers, however Lane shortly earned his hold. Before the official scoring began, he took me to a distant nook of the MotoVentures coaching floor and gave me ideas. Within a couple of minutes, everybody else gathered round to concentrate. It seems, that’s what Lane has been doing for years. He has a small compound the place he trains trials riders. It isn’t actually a enterprise, extra of a ardour. At one level, Debbie pointed to Lane and mentioned “Look at that grin.” Open face helmets are nonetheless in type for trials, and Lane had a smile that will barely slot in his.
Lane Leavitt has made a profession of being a Hollywood stuntman, however his coronary heart remains to be in trials.
When trials pictures and movies break into mainstream social media platforms, it’s typically as a result of Toni Bou is doing one thing terrifying. That in all probability serves to scare most riders away from the game. That’s not actual trails any greater than backflips are actual motocross. Real trials consists of tight turns and maximizing traction. Lane had successful record of strategies that made a right away distinction in my outcomes:
Stay centered: The commonest motive for dabs is washing out the entrance finish. If you retain your weight over the middle of your contact patch, that’s much less possible. In motocross, your velocity means that you can lean with the bike, however on the decrease speeds concerned with trials, it’s more practical to lean the bike greater than your physique. On hills, it’s exhausting to be too far ahead. Your face may be thus far in entrance that your field of regard solely catches a bit little bit of entrance tire.
Look the place you’re going: I had an inclination to stare at my entrance wheel. Bad Ron. Lane had me doing a good determine 8 and saved yelling for me to look towards the middle of the “X” the place my tracks crossed.
Drag your rear brake: Even although the 200 two-stroke I rode was extremely easy, I might nonetheless seize an excessive amount of throttle and push the entrance finish. Lane factors out that gentle strain on the rear brake serves to easy out the ability supply. Steer along with your shoulders: If you steer by extending one arm greater than the opposite you lose power and stability. By protecting your shoulders parallel with the handlebar, each arms have comparable extension and each elbows have comparable bends. That provides as much as extra power.
Plan your dabs: In any trials part, the purpose is a clear. If you contact your foot to the bottom, you will get a rating of 1, two, three or 5. There aren’t any fours, so when you contact your foot down thrice, then take as many security dabs as you need, simply don’t cease, crash, kill the bike or exit of bounds. So, in case you should dab, make it depend. Use it to regain your steadiness and composure.
“Plan your dabs!” Ron crops a foot underneath the watchful eye of Lane Leavitt.
The Beta guys introduced out a dozen bikes of assorted sizes. I rode three of them earlier than the day was over. I believed the 250 was going to be my favourite, however it turned out to be lots of motorbike for me. It had a lot torque that studying to roll the throttle on easily was tough. I ended up utilizing the clutch an excessive amount of and that made issues much more jerky. The 200 was a lot simpler to journey. Even although it was imagined to be the identical weight because the 250, it felt 50 kilos lighter. It was the ability supply that made it really easy to journey. The 80 was the most important shock of all. “That’s going to be the secret weapon here,” mentioned Lane. “The sections are going to have tight turns that were laid out on a full-size bike. The 80 is about 4 inches shorter and will fit in those tight spaces more easily.” He was precisely proper. The most tough part simply consisted of S turns that have been precisely spaced for the 300, 250 and 200. The 80 would have been a transparent benefit if I had listened to Lane. I didn’t, in fact. I rode the 200 and that part was the location of my worst scores. In the tip, we nonetheless did fairly nicely. Lane and I really tied with Dirt Bike #2, however the tie breaker was our mixed age–which was 138. That rule, I’m fairly positive, was made up on the fly. Overall, the 2 Dirt Bike groups crushed everybody else. There was nothing within the rule e book that mentioned I couldn’t name a National Trials Champion and his household to be my companions. Next 12 months, I’m fairly positive there will likely be.
The Volkswagen ID 7 Tourer has damaged cowl as a glossy electrical estate which the German agency hopes will broaden the enchantment of its flagship EV and solidify its place within the government market.
Described because the “electric all-rounder of the new era”, the Tourer will arrive within the second half of 2024 to tackle the BMW i5 Touring and forthcoming Audi A6 E-tron Avant.
Measuring 4961mm lengthy, 1862 mm extensive and 1536mm tall, the property is proportionally similar to the ID 7 saloon, however is shorter, wider and taller than the next-generation Volkswagen Passat, for which the Tourer serves as an oblique electrical different.
It has a 545-litre boot, marginally smaller than the BMW’s 570 litres, however that rises to 1714 litres with the again seats folded to provide the Tourer a load-lugging edge over the likes of the Peugeot E-308 SW and MG 5 estates.
Visually, the Tourer builds on the aerodynamically optimised styling of the ID 7, with its lengthy, rakish silhouette netting a drag coefficient of 0.24 – simply 0.1Cd greater than the saloon.
From launch, the ID 7 Tourer will likely be provided in two trims: the Tourer Pro will arrive with a 77kWh battery able to charging at speeds of as much as 175kW for a 10-80% charging time of round 28 minutes.
Topping the line-up is the Pro S, which utilises Volkswagen’s bigger 86kWh battery for a WLTP vary of 426 miles – simply 9 miles lower than the saloon model, and the longest vary of any electrical property on sale. The S may also cost barely faster, with a most pace of 200kW.
Both variations characteristic Volkswagen’s newest APP550 electrical motor, creating 282bhp and 402 lb ft of torque, on the rear axle – which ought to give a 0-62mph time of just below 7.0secs. A performance-oriented, four-wheel-drive GTX variant is predicted to be added later.
Inside, the Tourer makes use of the identical 15in touchscreen infotainment show because the saloon, which was closely up to date in a bid by Volkswagen to enhance its usability, graphics and processing occasions.
It additionally will get Volkswagen’s new IDA voice assistant system, which makes use of ChatGPT to supply extra ‘human’ and conversational interactions – though this can come as an over-the-air replace post-launch.
Optional options embrace an electronically managed panoramic roof which may both be made opaque or clear on the contact of a button, therapeutic massage seats, and a brand new Wellness app which adjusts the lighting, stereo and local weather management for a calmer surroundings when wanted.
UK pricing is but to be revealed, however Volkswagen’s first electrical property automobile ought to command a premium over the saloon and begin from round £55,000.
One of the highest-rated truck mattress cowl manufacturers is TruXedo, which ActualTruck owns. ActualTruck has made a reputation for itself, promoting all types of aftermarket equipment, together with wheels, bumpers, boards, bars, and sure — truck mattress covers. In truth, TruXedo is only one of a number of truck mattress manufacturers owned by ActualTruck, a few of that are simply as common.
In addition to truck mattress covers, the TruXedo model can be used for different merchandise, most of that are associated to tonneau covers or the again of your pickup truck, making it helpful for drivers who use cargo managers and wish to preserve the again of their autos well-organized. TruXedo equipment embrace clamp kits, truck mattress lights, tonneau cleaners, cargo retrievers, and varied storage options.
Of course, it is the tonneau covers themselves that TruXedo is greatest recognized for. The model provides many alternative covers for varied fashions of vehicles, together with Toyota Tacomas, Ford F-150s, Chevy Silverados, and extra. Its merchandise are available in a large span of costs, starting from decrease than $300 to over $1,100, which is probably going why it is common with drivers of all budgets. Nearly all of its covers have excessive scores on Amazon, in addition to on ActualTruck’s web site.
For instance, a TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll-Up cover for the F-150, which prices $330.32, has an total 4.6 out of five-star consumer rating based mostly on over 2,100 buyer scores. Similarly, a TruXedo Lo Pro Soft Roll-Up cover for the Dodge Ram has a mean 4.7 out of 5 rating based mostly on over 2,200 buyer scores and prices $490.74. TruXedo principally makes gentle roll-up tonneau covers — chances are you’ll wish to strive a special model for those who’re searching for tri-fold or extra sturdy merchandise.
The new-generation Duster breaks cover last week, while we also got update on Kia’s facelifted subcompact SUV
The past week brought a key international reveal and special edition launches. Kia also confirmed the debut date of the facelifted Sonet, and we also got to see spy shots of two upcoming Mahindra SUVs. Here’s all the important headlines of the week.
The Maruti Jimny has received a big price cut across the range but for a limited time, with the introduction of a special ‘Thunder Edition.’ The Thunder Edition is basically an accessory kit for the Jimny which adds styling details for both the exterior and interior.
MG Motor’s parent company, SAIC, has announced a joint venture with the JSW (Jindal South West) Group to oversee and expand the carmaker’s operations in India. This partnership aims to enhance charging infrastructure, increase production capacity, and introduce new connected EV and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Production-spec Tesla Cybertruck Revealed
Finally, after a wait of 4 years, Tesla has revealed the production-spec version of the Cybertruck. The EV maker recently held a mega delivery event, and the first 10 customers received their Cybertruck deliveries. Tesla’s electric pickup offers three powertrain options, including an all-wheel-drive version.
Spy Shots Last Week
Last week, spy shots of two upcoming Mahindra SUVs surfaced online. One was the Mahindra Thar 5-door, which was spied again (this time in a production-ready form), while the other was the Mahindra XUV400 EV facelift, seen testing for the first time.
The next generation Panamera is set to be revealed on November 24. In the meantime, Porsche is conducting final tests. A prototype, which appears to be almost production-ready, has been sighted on the streets of California with cleverly disguised features.
The camouflage is designed to create the illusion that the car is not concealed. This extends beyond stickers on the headlights and taillights, with a fake side air intake on the fenders and a blacked-out quarter glass. Porsche has gone to great lengths to deceive with this disguise.
Buildings can often be overlooked, just part of the daily background, until you discover the hidden treasures inside. And that’s exactly what happened in Staten Island, New York, when the latest episode of Hagerty’s Barn Find Hunter explored an unassuming house and uncovered a collection of over 40 historic motorcycles.
This remarkable collection belonged to a couple of motorcycle and car enthusiasts who did everything together. In addition to their shared passion, they also collected and stored these bikes throughout their home. Sadly, Walter, one half of the duo, recently passed away, leaving his wife with the bikes. As a tribute to him, his ashes now rest inside an Indian fuel tank, displayed prominently in the living room.
Rob Ida, a friend of the couple, provided insight into their lifelong love for motorcycles and introduced Tom to Kathy, the surviving partner. Kathy gave an extensive overview of the bikes in the collection, including a stunning Vincent Black Shadow displayed in the living room. The collection also includes a 1959 Cadillac, a 1951 LS-swapped Mercury coupe, and countless Harleys and Indians.
Among the noteworthy motorcycles are a 1911 Harley-Davidson LAPD bike with a leather belt drive, a 1926 Harley board tracker, a 1910 Harley, several Indian four-cylinders (including one that was Walter’s personal favorite, never to be sold), an XR1000, two Super Glides, a Silent Grey Fellow, and much more.
While the collection lacks the iconic Harley-Davidson Servi-Car, it does feature a 1940 Indian Dispatch-Tow, a similar concept to the Servi-Car. Another interesting find is the Harley-Davidson Pacer, a two-stroke machine produced from 1962 to 1965 as part of a series from Allied motorcycle manufacturers.
The motorcycles are found throughout the house, from the dining room to the living room, as well as in the garage and basement. This house truly exemplifies the love and passion for motorcycles.
Stellantis is working on four different platforms to accommodate a range of electric cars. These include STLA Small, STLA Medium, and STLA Large, which are designed with unibody architectures and offer various options such as multiple battery packs and front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive configurations. Additionally, there’s STLA Frame, which will serve as the foundation for more rugged body-on-frame trucks and SUVs. Stellantis states that each platform has the capacity to produce up to two million vehicles per year.
While the Citroën e-C3 was recently unveiled, the French automaker announced that this compact and stylish hatchback does not utilize any of the four STLA platforms. Instead, it will be built on a fifth platform specifically designed for Europe, as well as for region-specific models intended for sale in South America and India. Renaud Tourte, the executive overseeing Smart Car, has confirmed that approximately seven cars are currently being developed using this particular platform.
The interior of the Zeekr X follows the BYD philosophy of covering everything in synthetic leather to create a premium look. While it’s an improvement over hard plastic, it may lean towards kitsch and might not age well. However, there are some unique details such as vertical bars of mood lighting, rounded window switches, and an innovative multilevel center console with a fold-out cupholder and roller shutter.
As is often the case with Chinese cars, the Zeekr X prioritizes rear legroom over boot space. Nonetheless, the boot space is still adequate, measuring at 362 liters. Zeekr has also done away with physical buttons in favor of a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, heavily inspired by Tesla’s system. While the touchscreen is responsive, it can feel a bit overwhelming, with some menus not functioning intuitively.
Thankfully, the Zeekr X offers integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are well-integrated into the system. The driving position is crossover-appropriate, providing a tall-ish viewpoint. However, the seats, although generally comfortable, have aggressive lumbar support that can be uncomfortable, even when set to the lowest setting.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
