Tag Archives: decided

Motorsport

Watch This Abandoned Porsche 944 Get Its First Wash In 15 Years

This Porsche 944 was abandoned in a field for 15 years and lined up for the scrapyard, but the team at WD Detailing decided to rescue the car from its outdoor resting place and give it a second chance at life, documenting the entire process for us to see.

The process was not easy for the WD team. It took no fewer than three hours to dig the car out from the field it was sitting in, as all the wheels were locked in place. Once the car was back in the workshop, work began to clear the years-long buildup of grime caked to the exterior, including the paint, glass, and wheels. Seeing the power washer remove the dirt to reveal the 944’s bright champagne color is immensely satisfying.

The WD Detailing team used clay bar and polish on the paint after washing. Unfortunately, much of the clear coat on the hood is gone from sitting in the sun for so long, but the finish on places like the sides and roof really stands out after some effort.

The 944’s interior was equally dirty, with mold and debris on the seats and carpet. The WD team quickly rid the car of the dirt, using compressed air to release the dirt before vacuuming it all away. They even removed the carpeting and gave it a thorough wash.

WD Detailing plans to remove the engine from this Porsche for another 944 project they have that’s in need of a motor. It’s unclear what the team plans to do with this freshly detailed shell, however. It would be a shame to discard it after making it look so good. We hope it ends up in a good home.

VolvoCars

Volvo Cars to Increase Global Production Capacity by Building EX30 Small SUV in Ghent

To meet the high demand for their vehicles, Volvo Cars has announced plans to produce the new fully electric Volvo EX30 at their Ghent plant in Belgium starting in 2025. This expansion in production capacity aims to meet the growing need for their popular small SUV.

The EX30 has garnered widespread acclaim since its introduction earlier this year, earning prestigious awards such as Car of the Year from The Sun and the Small SUV/Crossover of the Year from the Sunday Times.

Initial production of the EX30 began in early autumn in Zhangjiakou, China, with the first cars set to be delivered to customers later this year. The decision to also manufacture the EX30 in Ghent will increase production capacity to meet the expected demand in Europe and for global exports. This move aligns with Volvo Cars’ strategy of building cars in the regions where they are sold.

Moreover, producing the EX30 in Ghent provides flexibility in meeting the anticipated demand for one of Volvo Cars’ best-selling models in the coming years. This approach has proven successful for the company, as seen with the production of their popular XC60 and XC40 SUVs in both Europe and China.

“Our goal is to make the EX30 available at an attractive price point worldwide, making the transition to driving an electric Volvo car easier for more people while contributing to our company’s profitability,” stated Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars. “Expanding production in Ghent is a logical step as we aim to meet the strong demand for our exciting small electric SUV across the globe.”

Volvo Cars has set ambitious plans for electrification, aiming to sell only fully electric vehicles by 2030. By the mid-2020s, they strive for 50% of their global sales volume to consist of fully electric cars.

The EX30 is a critical component of Volvo Cars’ electrification plans as it is expected to play a significant role in their growth and profitability objectives, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of the company’s strategic transformation.

Joining the XC40 and C40 models on the Ghent production line, the EX30 will be the third fully electric Volvo model to be manufactured in Europe. This further strengthens Volvo Cars’ electric car production capabilities in the region and underscores the importance of the Ghent plant in their electrification strategy.

Opinion

How can we solve the problem of poor roundabout etiquette?

I believe that those who exit a roundabout without signaling should face severe consequences.

In the past few weeks, I have encountered several instances where a car approaching from my right suddenly takes an exit without indicating, leaving me frustrated and annoyed. It is incredibly disrespectful and infuriating.

Personally, I am not one for seeking revenge, but if someone else could administer the punishment, that would be great.

There is a saying about someone not making any effort to help others. Well, this is a perfect example of that. These drivers refuse to lift a finger or tap their indicator, even when they could clearly see my raised fingers signaling my disappointment.

It is disheartening to see how lazy and thoughtless these drivers can be. The act of using an indicator requires minimal effort and should be considered essential.

Furthermore, what could be so important that they cannot spare a thought for indicating? Are they really so occupied with listening to trivial radio conversations or engaging in pointless debates?

I probably should not make a big deal out of this. Waiting at roundabouts is not a major inconvenience in and of itself. I have definitely spent more time trying to spell ‘maneuver’ correctly than waiting unnecessarily at roundabouts. Nevertheless, time is incredibly valuable.

Let’s assume that each instance of waiting costs me an average of five seconds per week. Other people taking forever to board planes with their oversized luggage probably delays my journeys by more than that. But even five seconds per week adds up to four minutes and 20 seconds over a year.

Considering that I will probably continue driving for another 50 years, that amounts to over three and a half hours of waiting at roundabouts for clueless drivers who can’t be bothered to use their indicators.

PeugeotUk

PEUGEOT x YELLOWKORNER: CAPTURING ALLURE – A PHOTOGRAPHIC QUEST

PEUGEOT and YellowKorner Photography have teamed up to explore the concept of allure through the art of photography. In this collaboration, five artists were challenged to capture allure in their own unique ways.

 

Each photographer chose their own location and interpretation of allure, resulting in a collection of images that are as captivating as they are distinct. Short documentaries were also created to showcase the journey of each artist.

 

TURNING ALLURE INTO A WORK OF ART

Teresa Freitas, Mister Fifou, Laurent Baheux, Oliviero Toscani, and Laurence Laborie each express allure in their own artistic ways.

 

Teresa Freitas – The Atlas of Colours

Location: Morocco, North Africa

Teresa’s focus is on the beauty of colors. Her journey took her to Morocco, where she used her PEUGEOT 208 to capture the delicate and poetic expression of her favorite colors. The result is a floral shoot in pastel tones that reflects her artistic world.

 

Laurent Baheux– Into the Kenyan Wild

Location: Kenya, East Africa

Laurent ventured into the animal kingdom of Kenya with his PEUGEOT Landtrek to capture the raw and natural allure of wildlife. His work showcases the strength, beauty, and pride of the majestic lions.

 

Mister Fifou – Looking for Pride

Location: Montreuil, France

As an artistic director for famous rappers, Mister Fifou brought his unique perspective to urban culture in his shoot with the PEUGEOT 408. His portrayal of allure is electric, powerful, and full of pride.

 

Oliviero Toscani – Pure Tuscany

Location: Tuscany, Italy

Oliviero chose Val d’Orcia in Tuscany as his backdrop to explore the man-made allure. With his PEUGEOT 408, he captures the harmonious blend of human intervention and the natural environment.

 

Laurence Laborie – Woman to woman

Location: Lanzarote, Spain

Renowned fashion photographer Laurence embarks on a glamorous road trip in Lanzarote with her PEUGEOT 308 to capture the allure of womanhood. Her model embodies strength, magnetism, enigma, charisma, and modernity.

 

SHOWCASING ALLURE ACROSS THE WORLD

The collaboration between PEUGEOT and YellowKorner goes beyond photography and documentaries. Major exhibitions featuring the artists’ work will be held in YellowKorner galleries across Europe. A special private viewing will take place at the Paris gallery, La Hune, on October 11th.

The exhibition will be attended by key figures, including PEUGEOT Global CEO Linda Jackson, PEUGEOT Global Marketing Director Phil York, YellowKorner Co-Founder Alexandre De Metz, YellowKorner CEO Sylvain Potemski, and YellowKorner President Alexis Despature.

 

In addition to the exhibitions, the project’s artworks will be displayed in Peugeot retailers’ showrooms, and photographs will be available for purchase on the YellowKorner website.

 

To watch the video of this project, click here.

 

Technology

The Top 10 Submarines of World War II, Ranked from Worst to Best

During the 1930s, the Royal Navy of Great Britain made the decision to replace its underperforming overseas patrol submarines of the Oberon, Parthian, and Rainbow classes. This led to the construction of the T Class submarines, also known as the Triton Class, starting in 1934-35.

The T Class submarines had strict design requirements, including a strong armament and the ability to patrol for at least 42 days for long-distance missions. The construction of these submarines was also limited to a total of 16,500 tons due to the London Naval Treaty. The Admiralty went on to build 53 T Class submarines, each weighing around 1,575 tons, just before and during World War II.

The initial T Class submarines were 275 feet long and featured a unique bulbous bow design to accommodate external forward torpedo tubes. However, this design adversely affected speed while surfaced. As a result, the Admiralty built nine slightly modified T Class submarines with a more streamlined bow shape and moved the external bow tubes further back.

During the war, the T Class submarines achieved a reasonable level of success against enemy submarines, sinking a total of 13 enemy subs, including six Italian, four German, and three Japanese vessels. However, their record is marred by a tragic incident that occurred in September 1939. The crew of HMS Triton mistakenly identified another submarine off the coast of Norway and, after receiving no response to their radio communications, fired two torpedoes, sinking the first British submarine lost in World War II, the HMS Oxley.

[Featured image by Stewart Bale Ltd via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC Public Domain]

Motorsport

Witness the Transformative Power of a 1951 Daimler DB18 Convertible After Its First Wash and Detail

This stunning 1951 Daimler DB18 convertible had been patiently waiting in a garage for many years before its owner finally decided to part ways with it. With its rare right-hand drive configuration, this car boasts unique features such as suicide doors, a regal grille, and an elegant yet dignified profile. Recently, the owner generously donated this pre-war beauty to the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. To ensure it was presented in its best possible condition, the WD Detailing crew stepped in to work their magic.

Before embarking on its journey to its new home, the DB18 had to overcome its first hurdle – the challenge of being extracted from the confines of the garage. Thankfully, the tires, albeit deflated, still held air and allowed the convertible to easily roll onto the waiting trailer. Once it arrived at the WD Detailing shop, the first order of business was to rejuvenate those tires and restore the white walls to their former glory.


News

Kimi Raikkonen’s Kawasaki MXGP Factory Team Is Enjoying a Strong 2023 Season

In January 2022, Formula One legend Kimi Raikkonen took on a new challenge as the Team Principal of the Kawasaki Racing Team’s MXGP squad. This move has proven to be a successful one as the team continues to excel in the ongoing 2023 season.

Formula One racers are known for their high fitness levels. Fans of the sport are often treated to videos and social media posts of their favorite drivers engaging in various sports activities such as cycling and karting. However, what is not commonly seen is F1 drivers participating in motocross, unlike MotoGP riders who often engage in motocross activities.

There could be several reasons for this disparity. While F1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, and Daniel Ricciardo have expressed their love for street motorcycles, these activities are usually considered personal hobbies rather than part of their training or competition. It remains unclear whether F1 drivers are prohibited from pursuing activities that could potentially put them at risk of injury and affect their professional careers.

However, a recent interview with Kimi Raikkonen during the 2023 MXGP season revealed his lifelong passion for motocross. Despite not actively competing in serious MX races, Raikkonen mentioned that he participated in some club races in the past using a Kawasaki KX250. He has been riding motorcycles regularly since childhood, both for fun and as part of his physical training routine. He particularly enjoys the unique physical demands of motocross.

During the interview, Raikkonen was asked if he was allowed to race motocross as a Formula One driver. In response, he said, “Sometimes I went riding in small club races, but it was just for fun, and I have a small track at home here with the kids. I did not race at a high level, and I felt it was part of my fitness program. I don’t know what any of my teams thought about it as I never mentioned it to them.” Raikkonen’s reserved nature and tendency to keep his personal pursuits private make this statement particularly intriguing.

As for the performance of the KRT MXGP team in 2023, there are only four events left on the season calendar as of August 18, 2023. After 15 rounds, Romain Febvre, a rider for the Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP, currently holds the second position in the championship standings with 672 points. The championship leader is Jorge Prado of GasGas with 770 points.

Motorsport

Ford Recalls Almost 15,000 Fusions Due to Fire Risk

In a surprising move, Ford decided to discontinue the production of the Ford Fusion sedan in the United States in July 2020. However, there are still a significant number of Fusions on the road, and Ford has recently announced a new recall for the model.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) has released details about campaign number 23V440000, which affects 14,452 Ford Fusion vehicles. Specifically, the recall includes the Fusion Energy models from the 2019 and 2020 model years. These vehicles were manufactured between December 6, 2017, and July 27, 2020, and are equipped with 30 Ah high-voltage batteries. The Fusion Energi is the plug-in hybrid version of the sedan that was introduced in the 2012 North American Auto Show in Detroit.

The NHTSA explains that the affected vehicles have a battery energy control module that may be damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow. This damage could lead to a loss of power or even a fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. The exact cause of the current interrupt device (CID) activation is currently unknown and is being investigated by Ford.

Currently, there is no fix available for this issue. Ford is working on a remedy and is advising owners of the affected vehicles not to charge their cars. Letters informing owners of the safety risk will be sent on July 10, and additional letters with details about the fix will be sent at a later date.

This is not the first recall for the Ford Fusion this year. In March, Ford announced a recall for 1,167,825 units of the sedan from the 2013 through 2018 model years. The recall was related to the front brake jounce hoses, and the solution involved replacing both front jounce hoses and inspecting the brakes. Only non-hybrid vehicles were affected by this particular recall.

Motorsport

Maserati Teases MC20 GT2 With the Impressive Sounds of the Nettuno V6 Engine

Leading up to the global debut of the MC20 GT2 on June 30, Maserati has decided to give us a glimpse with an enticing video. Unlike typical teaser videos that only reveal a small part of the car or hide it in smoke and dim lighting, this video showcases closeups of the Nettuno V6 engine as it roars at full throttle.

We have already seen images of the Maserati MC20 GT2, which the automaker unveiled in March prior to its shakedown at Autodromo Varano de’ Melegari. The racing version of the MC20 retains the same engine as the road car, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that incorporates twin-combustion technology similar to that of a Formula 1 engine. The road-going version generates an impressive 621 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. Combined with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under 2.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 201 mph.


Motorsport

Alpine to Develop its Own EV Sports Car Platform after Ending Partnership with Lotus

In May, Alpine and Lotus decided to amicably cancel their partnership on an electric sports car platform. This raised concerns about the future of Alpine’s plans for a performance EV. However, it has now been revealed that the Renault-owned brand will develop its own electric architecture.

During the public debut of the Renault Rafale in Paris, Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group, confirmed in a conversation with Autocar that Alpine will indeed develop an in-house electric platform. He stated, “We had a long discussion and finally decided to build our own platform.” More information about Alpine’s EV plans will be disclosed on June 26 during an investor day meeting.