Kymco’s joint growth with LiveWire for the S3 may lay the inspiration for a bunch of latest fashions.
Tag Archives: development
Goodbye Bentley W12: Last style of one in every of Britain’s greatest engines
Its improvement was stringent. Tests included 100 hours straight at full throttle and a deep thermal shock take a look at through which it was run at full energy to a coolant temperature of 100deg C earlier than being shut down, flushed with -30deg C coolant after which run straight again as much as 110deg C no fewer than 400 occasions.
The engine has three separate cooling circuits and two separate exhaust assemblies, whereas its administration system has some 42,000 parameters.
Fuel-saving expertise consists of environment friendly twin-scroll turbochargers and cylinder-deactivation expertise that on six cylinders shuts down the consumption and exhaust valves, gas injection and ignition under 3000rpm and 221lb ft in third to eighth gear.
By the time manufacturing ends, greater than 105,000 examples of the W12 could have been constructed at Crewe – greater than every other 12-cylinder engine within the fashionable period. The whole output of these engines shall be greater than six million horsepower.
An perception into the world of whisky
Macallan is the Bentley of whisky makers, in order that they inform me, and from the proof I’ve seen, I’ll gladly take their phrase for it. It is 200 years outdated this 12 months, and on its 458-acre property opened a brand new distillery in 2018 and a 12 months later a customer centre that’s a cross between a Bond villain’s lair and the Willy Wonka manufacturing unit.
The distillery homes 36 stills that make 12 million litres of spirit a 12 months. Just a dozen of the 270 folks working at Macallan are chargeable for making the 63.5%-proof spirit that gives 20% of the flavour of the whisky (it could actually solely develop into a Scotch whisky if it has sat in an oak cask for greater than three years), the remaining coming from the sherry-seasoned casks. At anybody time, 450,000-plus casks sit on the Macallan Estate, a few of them as many as 81 years outdated.
It seems that the world of high-end whisky has lots in frequent with the higher echelons of the automotive one. There are points round counterfeiting that require fixed developments within the cap and seal used on bottles for safety and there are speculators who will purchase uncommon, limited-run whiskies from Macallan after which flip them.
Precise, assured, versatile: The new BMW X3 present process dynamic driving checks.
Munich/Miramas. At the tip of collection growth, the brand new BMW X3 undergoes remaining tuning of all chassis management and driver help programs on the BMW Group check centre in Miramas, southern France. The fourth era of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) within the premium mid-range car section will probably be offered in just a few weeks’ time with each extremely environment friendly combustion engines and a sophisticated plug-in hybrid drive. The growth and check engineers make sure that all mannequin variants of the brand new BMW X3, no matter drive idea and weight, exhibit superior dealing with in each state of affairs with an intensive tuning programme. The well-coordinated performance of all automated driving and parking programs within the new BMW X3 additionally contributes to a harmonious buyer expertise.
The new BMW X3 has already undergone in depth testing on snow and ice, in extraordinarily sizzling areas and off-road on its solution to collection manufacturing. The SAV’s suitability for on a regular basis use and travelling was examined and refined in city stop-and-go site visitors in addition to on winding nation roads, highways and chosen race tracks.
Perfectly coordinated programs for a typical BMW driving expertise.
The growth engineers use the versatile check monitor in Miramas to place the ending touches to the driving expertise of the brand new BMW X3. In addition to an asphalt oval and a freeway ring, there are additionally slalom, serpentine and round tracks in addition to off-road programs and dealing with programs with totally different street surfaces. This permits the longitudinal and lateral acceleration, suspension and damping, steering precision and braking behaviour of the brand new BMW X3 to be analysed and optimised all the way down to the final element.
The driving dynamics and effectivity of the brand new BMW X3 profit from clever light-weight building and optimised aerodynamic properties. With a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.27, it units new requirements in its aggressive setting.
Compared to its predecessor, the brand new BMW X3 additionally has a wider monitor and diminished elevate on the rear axle. In addition, the rigidity of the physique and the chassis connection has been elevated. Targeted enhancements to the kinematics and elastokinematics of each axles, mixed with a 19 per cent enhance within the caster of the entrance wheels, guarantee noticeably improved directional stability. A extra direct steering ratio enhances steering consolation, whereas extensively modified anti-roll bars enhance cornering dynamics with out compromising journey consolation.
An Adaptive Chassis with electronically managed shock absorbers is out there as an choice for the brand new BMW X3. The remaining tuning is a part of the driving dynamics check at Miramas and affords two maps that may be chosen by way of My Modes. In addition, the brand new model of the SAV comes as normal with the newest model of BMW Lateral Dynamics Management, which ensures exact management of the required steering torques, the actuator-based wheel slip limitation and the yaw torque distribution of Performance Control, tailored to the driving state of affairs always.
Thanks to BMW’s distinctive growth experience, all elements and programs of the drive and chassis expertise are completely matched. The result’s the attribute mixture of precision, sovereignty and flexibility that characterises the driving expertise in a BMW SAV.
Automated driving can also be optimised by BMW’s typical degree of integration.
The new BMW X3 options the newest BMW iDrive based mostly on the BMW Operating System 9 together with BMW iDrive Controller and affords a considerably expanded number of programs for automated driving and parking in comparison with the predecessor mannequin. With its normal gear, it clearly exceeds the necessities of the Euro NCAP security check. The notably delicate braking and steering interventions of the help programs in comparison with the competitors are one other instance of the distinctive integration efficiency of BMW riving dynamics growth. They allow harmonious interplay between driver and car in each state of affairs.
The excellent performance of all help programs relies on state-of-the-art sensor expertise in addition to software program, processor and community expertise. Highlights within the new BMW X3 embody the Active Lane Change Assistant and the Parking and Manoeuvre Assistant, which permits the motive force to manage manoeuvres from exterior the car utilizing a smartphone.
Listen to the Gordon Murray T.33 Mule’s V-12 Scream
With the Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 in manufacturing and growth of the T.50S track car effectively alongside its means, GMA is popping its consideration to the “entry-level” T.33. It’s a barely heavier, barely much less highly effective companion to the McLaren F1-inspired T.50, but it nonetheless has a 607-horsepower, 3.9-liter, 11,100-rpm Cosworth V-12 and a focused weight of simply round 2,400 kilos. The automaker simply constructed its first “mule” automotive, and whereas it’s miles from manufacturing spec, it is transferring underneath its personal energy and making superb sounds within the course of.
We get to see—and listen to—James, the mule automotive on this newest video from GMA. The firm’s check driver and triple Indy 500 champ Dario Franchitti takes it round a proving floor for a shakedown. He’s cautious with the automotive, as its a recent construct, and it seems to be chilly exterior, however he provides it sufficient throttle to get it slightly sideways at varied factors.
The engine could be very carefully associated to the 12,100-rpm screamer within the T.50, however for T.33, it was modified to provide extra low-end torque. A “shaker” type consumption stands proud above the cockpit and feeds air to 4 throttle our bodies for 607 hp at 10,500 rpm and 333 pound-feet of torque at 9,500 rpm. The compression ratio is a sky-high 14:1 and whereas GMA initially meant to supply the T.33 with a alternative of six-speed handbook or a sequential gearbox, nearly each purchaser went for the handbook, so the corporate cancelled the opposite ‘field.
Naturally, the mule automotive could be very pared again. There are a bunch of switches and panels from the T.50, however the cockpit is usually naked. You may even see the Dynamat on the roof. Frankly, we would take a T.33 like this. Less stuff to dampen the V-12’s word.
At the top of the video, Franchitti winds the V-12 out to 9,000 RPM. A novel exhaust provides it a distinct sound character than the T.50, nevertheless it’s nonetheless superb. We cannot wait to listen to extra.
Porsche Is Already Working on the Next-Generation Taycan With More Range
There’s no such factor as pausing improvement. Although it has been solely a few months since Porsche updated the Taycan, work is already underway on the second-generation mannequin. Despite giving the present sports activities EV substantial tweaks for its mid-cycle revision, extra upgrades are deliberate for the subsequent iteration.
The Taycan Manager of Charging and Energy Systems, Sarah Razavi, confirmed in an interview with Australian journal CarSales {that a} new Taycan is already being developed. She admitted the J1 platform that additionally underpins the Audi E-Tron GT has been pushed to the utmost and that Porsche must give you one thing else. Although not specified, maybe the next-gen automotive will change to the already introduced SSP Sport platform that can function the idea for a big three-row electric SUV.
“Next generation? Yes, obviously, once we publish one model, we already [start] work on the next one, so we are currently creating ideas [and asking] what should we improve with the next generation. I think we did a great job to really push and squeeze every bit out of the current platform. We’re probably going to see an evolution of the platform.”
Razavi admitted the J1 structure “definitely has some limitations” and that the purpose for a follow-up to immediately’s Taycan shall be to realize larger vary. Meanwhile, the revised mannequin launched in February guarantees as much as 421 miles of WLTP vary, a soar of 109 miles or 35 %. EPA figures should not out but. Asked if solid-state batteries are deliberate, Taycan product specialist Mayk Wienkötter instructed the know-how won’t be prepared in time:
“We’ve been working on it, of course, but giving a timeframe when it’s ready? It’s way too early, too early [to confirm]. It’s not ready in one or two years. It’s coming but it will take time.”
Porsche might simply cram in a much bigger battery however that will increase the burden of an already heavy EV. Razavi talked about that the engineers must “find the sweet spot” in order to not overburden the Taycan but additionally keep away from giving homeowners vary nervousness.
With a second-generation Taycan confirmed, you are in all probability questioning the place does that depart the Panamera. An Autocar report from September 2022 alleged the latter will evolve right into a larger EV positioned above the Taycan whereas utilizing the identical SSP Sport platform. It’s too quickly to know for certain however an electrical Panamera won’t essentially spell the top of the gasoline mannequin.
After all, the brand new Macan EV will peacefully coexist with the ICE mannequin for a number of years, and so will the electrical and gasoline Boxster and Cayman sports activities automobiles. That mentioned, the first-gen crossover and the present 718 fashions have been phased out within the European Union attributable to stricter cybersecurity regulations.
The Interior of Toyota’s New R&D Center Looks Like the Nurburgring Pit Lane
Toyota has been engaged on a brand new analysis and growth heart since April 2018 in Shimoyama—the identical place the place the corporate opened a 3.3-mile version of the Nürburgring. Work on the R&D web site has now been finalized, and there is one other connection to the well-known German circuit. This time, it is contained in the constructing the place vehicles are being developed.
Future Toyota GR and Lexus fashions can be created in an inside that simulates the feel and appear of the Nordschleife’s pit lane. This is the place groups from planning, design, engineering, and growth will meet for car testing to collectively iron out any points found alongside the best way. Aside from the R&D constructing itself, the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama has a high-speed check course together with nation roads and a specialised check course that mimics sure street circumstances.
Thrilling, supporting, unifying: sport is in our genes.
+++ BMW Group celebrates the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace +++ Ilka Horstmeier: “Sport creates unique moments, strengthens a sense of community, celebrates diversity, and builds bridges.” +++ Overview of the worldwide sporting involvement of the BMW Group +++
Munich. Golf execs benefit from the celebrations once they take only a few pictures to seek out the opening at a world-class match. Providing help to socially deprived kids by an academic challenge on the identical time although exhibits how two worthwhile goals can interconnect; an unforgettable sporting occasion and a social dedication to elevated equality of alternative. It is exactly this mix that the BMW Group helps with its “Eagles for Education” initiative at quite a few tournaments, a part of a world involvement in golf. The goal is to assist academic programmes and supply improved prospects and future alternatives for younger folks.
The BMW Group has been concerned on this strategy on a social stage – for some a long time additionally with a particular sporting focus. “The BMW Group is much more than a car manufacturer. With around 150,000 employees from 110 nations, we are a part of society – both inside and outside of our factory gates and offices. That is why supporting this diversity within sport is particularly important to us”, defined Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Human Resources and Real Estate, Labour Relations Director. “Sport creates unique moments for athletes and spectators, strengthens a sense of community, celebrates diversity, and builds bridges. At BMW Group, we are very proud to support sporting events around the world, helping to connect people from different backgrounds and cultures with one another.”
The Day of Sport for Development and Peace on sixth April is an effective cause to check out the BMW Group’s involvement on this space, sport is in our genes.
The BMW Group sporting involvement reaches throughout the globe, from Australia, Japan, and China, through India, South America, and the USA, to Finland and Italy. Golf and motorsport are each worldwide focus areas. However, established long-term nationwide involvements in working, basketball, and tennis all have an intensive historical past and custom throughout the firm. Sport achieves one thing that hardly some other sphere of life is ready to do; it unites nations, crosses borders, and is a language that anybody can perceive.
Tradition meets the long run: how golf brings collectively top-class worldwide occasions and the nice trigger.
Golf is on the coronary heart of the sporting involvement of the BMW Group. Around 40 years in the past, the corporate established the biggest worldwide match sequence for beginner golfers, the BMW Golf Cup. BMW has been supporting skilled golf for practically as lengthy, since 1989. The BMW International Open in Munich is the best-known professional match in Germany and can happen for the thirty fifth time in 2024. What makes it much more particular is that BMW is not only the sponsor, but in addition the organiser of this conventional match.
Over the a long time, BMW has additionally turn into established as a distinguished and dependable associate within the worldwide golf scene, supporting tournaments that entice world-class golfers: the BMW Championship within the USA, the BMW PGA Championship in Great Britain, the BMW Ladies Championship in Korea, and the BMW Japan Golf Tour Championship function skilled athletes competing in 4 extra tournaments that BMW helps as title sponsor. BMW gives help and assist as a associate of one other 22 tournaments – from the USA to South Africa and Australia – guaranteeing a premium expertise for all individuals.
The results of those occasions prolong far past sport itself, going hand in hand with accountable, social involvement. The BMW International Open 2023 noticed the beginning of the “Eagles for Education” initiative, because the BMW Group added one other module to its long-term, sustainable dedication to enhance training and future alternatives for younger folks. For every eagle chalked up by the highest gamers on the BMW International Open, the BMW Group donated 1,000 Euro to the “JOBLINGE” and “Kick ins Leben” organisations, each of which have been working with the BMW Group for a few years. BMW additionally elevated the donation quantity for every hole-in-one by 10,000 Euro. A complete of 99,000 Euro was raised through the conventional match, which the 2 organisations from Munich utilized to the advance of studying alternatives for deprived kids and younger adults.
The assist for the Evans Scholar Foundation is following an identical path. The BMW Championship 2023, which passed off close to Chicago within the USA, generated a document whole of 5.5 million US {dollars} to finance full school scholarships for caddies in want. Since the BMW Championship debuted in 2007, greater than 3,300 younger folks have been given the chance to maneuver into additional training.
trigger can also be behind the BMW PGA Championship. Also often called the “Festival of Golf”, this takes place in Wentworth, simply exterior London and because of BMW’s involvement, the match has supported the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) in recent times– an initiative that focuses on suicide prevention.
Even in a single-player self-discipline equivalent to golf, it’s simple to understand the ability of sport, working collectively in direction of a single goal. This additionally grew to become clear on the Ryder Cup in Rome, that includes BMW as Worldwide Partner. Turning their differing kinds of play into collective power, the groups from the USA and Europe delivered thrilling golf at this occasion, which stands alone on the planet of sport. Individual pursuits retreat into the background. As Worldwide Partner of the Ryder Cup, BMW helps the legendary competitors with all-electric mobility to assist exactly this strategy of respectful collaboration.
BMW M Motorsport: the artwork of engineering involves the racetrack.
The firm has loved a few years of success in motor racing. This season, BMW M Motorsport is making a works entry within the FIA World Endurance Championship with the BMW M Hybrid V8 prototype, together with the 24 Hours of Le Mans because the spotlight of the season in June, and can also be competing within the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in North America. The big selection of BMW M works drivers and BMW M Motorsport groups will even be racing with the BMW M4 GT3 in quite a few top-quality, worldwide GT racing sequence. Customer racing represents one other key pillar of this involvement. Privateer drivers and groups are competing around the globe, celebrating wins and titles with BMW M vehicles.
Basketball: new mobility partnership helps future alternatives.
BMW München has additionally been concerned in basketball for the reason that summer time of 2023, initiating a partnership with FC Bayern München Basketball GmbH. The gamers and coaching workers on the five-time German champions can now drive round in emission-free, all-electric autos.
In golf, it’s the eagles which might be particular, in basketball, it’s the dunks. The “Dunks for Tomorrow” marketing campaign from BMW München and FC Bayern München Basketball generates donations for training and equal alternatives – with appreciable success. For each dunk throughout a house sport on the BMW Park, the corporate will donate 1,000 Euro on the finish of the season to SOS-Kinderdorf e.V. This will assist to enhance the long run prospects for kids and younger adults from deprived households. A complete of 100,000 Euro had already been reached in early March when the one centesimal dunk was recorded by Devin Booker, the American energy ahead.
Bobsleigh and biathlon: expertise partnership picks up velocity.
Sport occasions entice fans on a world, nationwide, or regional stage. In Germany, BMW is concerned in winter sports activities, working and tennis. The expertise partnership with the German Bobsleigh, Luge and Skeleton Federation (BSD) options information switch from the automotive business going down proper within the ice channel. The newest challenge is 3D printing processes from automotive growth and manufacturing will result in the manufacturing of the best footwear for the bobsleigh groups with brand-new spike plates to allow most acceleration within the ice channel. The goal it’s anticipated that the athletes shall be competing with the right footwear by the 2026 Winter Olympic Games on the newest, as they goal to extract the decisive lots of of a second required on the best way to a gold medal.
The expertise partnership additionally encompasses different initiatives, such because the BMW Data Coach. The evaluation expertise is used to optimise the complicated system of luge, athlete, and racing line – an strategy that has been normal process for years in car growth. In bobsleigh, sensors are put in within the coaching sleds to measure dynamic information equivalent to longitudinal and lateral velocity, acceleration and yaw charges, and ship high-resolution recordings. Analysis software program permits for exact reconstruction of every run.
The Bob Simulator that BMW constructed for the BSD, particularly for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, can also be one among a sort. This allowed bob pilots in Munich to familiarise themselves with the beforehand unknown Olympic observe in Yanqing, months prematurely.
Technology switch can also be efficient in biathlon. German biathletes have the chance to carry out assessments within the wind tunnel. In the BMW Group Aerolab, capturing from a standing place is simulated, analysed and improved beneath various wind circumstances. The aerodynamics specialists from the BMW Group and the German Ski Association (DSV) moreover work collectively intently to optimise the fabric for the athletes.
The BMW Group has loved a detailed connection to the DSV biathletes for a few years, as mobility associate, the corporate equips the athletes with electrical autos.
The quickest 42 kilometres on the planet.
The range and solidarity generated by sport additionally form the BMW presence in Berlin, the capital of Germany. This is not only the situation of the BMW Motorrad plant, the place as much as 900 autos are produced every day by motivated and enthusiastic staff for purchasers all around the globe. It can also be the place the extraordinarily atmospheric BMW BERLIN MARATHON takes place, which celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this 12 months, supported by the corporate as title associate.
The working occasion is a part of the World Marathon Majors and essentially the most worldwide sporting platform to function professionals and amateurs from all around the world racing the identical path to the end line. Last 12 months, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa celebrated a brand new world document with round a million followers alongside the 42.195 kilometre route. At the end line, the timer on the all-electric BMW i5 lead automobile stopped at 2:11:53 hours.
Looking forward to occasions in 2024: world-class athletes from tennis and golf to satisfy on the dwelling of BMW.
Tennis and BMW – that is additionally the story of a long-standing partnership. BMW is concerned in tennis around the globe, on the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, and on the ATP Masters 1000 Rome in Italy. Since 1987, the BMW Open has allowed the corporate to supply a stage for world-class tennis not removed from its manufacturing unit gates. This will once more be the case from thirteenth to twenty first April, when the celebs of the scene serve on the clay courts of the celebrated MTTC Iphitos membership in Munich. The match will function German Olympic champion Alexander Zverev and former US Open champion and BMW Österreich model ambassador Dominic Thiem.
Another massive identify from the world of golf will entice consideration this summer time when going down for the thirty fifth time in July 2024, the BMW International Open will see Bernhard Langer, essentially the most profitable German golfer, tee off in München Eichenried. This shall be Langer’s closing match on the DP World Tour.
Topics and tales on the BMW Group.
The firm gives subjects and tales associated to chose nationwide and worldwide days of commemoration and motion. Feel free to strategy us proactively together with your subject concepts – we offer insights and introduce you to attention-grabbing folks on the BMW Group.
The BMW Group will even publish subjects and tales associated to today of commemoration and motion in 2024:
twenty first May: World Day for Cultural Diversity
twenty fourth June: Architecture Day
fifteenth July: World Youth Skills Day
14th September: World First Aid Day
ninth October: Fire Prevention Day
thirtieth November: Computer Security Day
third December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
BMW Security Vehicle Trainings: Customised safety from a single supply.
Munich. BMW has been setting requirements within the improvement and manufacturing of particular safety automobiles that mix the driving expertise typical of the model with the very best security requirements for greater than 4 a long time. Professional drivers want particular information and abilities so as to have the ability to exploit the total potential of those armoured automobiles, that are geared up with particular safety-relevant features, in on a regular basis use. These are taught within the BMW Security Vehicle Training programs. With the present portfolio of particular safety automobiles and the intensive coaching programs for his or her drivers beneath the steering of skilled instructors, BMW has created a complete vary of tailored safety merchandise from a single supply.
The coaching programmes are designed for skilled drivers who need to enhance their abilities in dealing with special-protection automobiles to be able to be optimally ready for excessive conditions. As considered one of Europe’s most famed take a look at and inspection centres for car security, the coaching centre in Groß Dölln close to Berlin supplies the best setting. The former army airfield, the place the authorities additionally prepare their emergency providers, was transformed right into a state-of-the-art driving centre in 2002 and is now the proper venue for idea classes and driving workout routines for BMW Security Vehicle Training.
Driving strategies and escape manoeuvres: Driving safely in harmful conditions.
The two-stage BMW Security Vehicle Training course was developed for members who, as skilled drivers, are answerable for the security of their passengers. The BMW instructors educate the fundamentals of driving physics and driving method in addition to tactical information that may assist drivers to behave safely and confidently even in excessive conditions. Under the steering of the instructors, they study to check and enhance their driving abilities in life like follow eventualities, even beneath difficult situations – corresponding to in escape conditions. With a most of eight members per group and two passengers per car, an intensive and personalised studying expertise is assured.
The two-day fundamental coaching course focuses on fundamental driving strategies utilizing particular safety automobiles. Due to their armouring and the related extra weight, particular safety automobiles have a selected driving behaviour that should be taken under consideration when dealing with them. The first day’s coaching consists of numerous driving parts, together with emergency braking and evasive manoeuvres, in addition to workout routines at midnight. The night time coaching programme consists of braking and evasive manoeuvres on a slalom course, alternating between excessive beam, dipped beam and parking lights. To simulate the power to orientate and react to menace eventualities on an unfamiliar route, the members are additionally confronted with explosions on a complicated forest street.
On the second day, along with high-speed dealing with and evasive manoeuvres in bends, the curriculum features a actual menace situation with a simulated car assault. The J-turn is an efficient escape manoeuvre that includes turning the car from reverse to ahead with out dropping pace to flee a harmful state of affairs in the wrong way. Other key parts of the fundamental module embrace anticipatory driving and the power to take care of an ideal overview even beneath stress.
Confident dealing with in authentically simulated excessive conditions.
Building on this, the BMW Security Vehicle Training Level 2 completes and deepens the talents acquired within the fundamental course. The three-day superior course additionally covers excessive conditions corresponding to escape manoeuvres beneath fireplace and driving workout routines with car contact.
Pyrotechnic results, night-time ambushes and crash eventualities with vital bodywork harm additionally take a look at the psychological energy of the coaching members. They discover ways to management an armoured car beneath excessive situations throughout high-speed tempo automotive laps on the race observe. The BMW Security Vehicle Training supplies skilled drivers with all the talents they should meet the very best safety necessities and provide their passengers optimum safety.
The studying content material can also be supplemented by off-road coaching with the BMW X5 Protection VR6 (WLTP mixed (preliminary knowledge): Energy consumption 13.4 l/100km; CO2 emissions 305 g/km; CO2 class G). The coaching members have to barter numerous inclines with the particular safety car, which is round one ton heavier than its base mannequin as a consequence of its armouring, and drive at an angle slightly below the tipping angle. In addition, sand crossings and locking manoeuvres, the place solely two wheels contact the bottom in tough terrain, are practised.
BMW 7 Series Protection and BMW i7 Protection: Integrated safety idea for optimum security.
Together with the BMW 7 Series Protection (WLTP mixed (preliminary knowledge): Energy consumption 14.6 l/100km; CO2 emissions 328 g/km; CO2 class G), the all-electric BMW i7 (WLTP mixed (preliminary knowledge): Energy consumption 30.0 kWh/100km; CO2 emissions 0 g/km; CO2 class A) and the BMW X5 Protection VR6, all the vary of present BMW particular safety automobiles is out there to coaching members. The BMW 7 Series Protection and the BMW i7 Protection mix their built-in safety idea with outstanding experience consolation and spaciousness, superior gear options and model’s hallmark driving dynamics.
The globally distinctive safety idea consists of the BMW Protection Core, which was already used within the improvement of the common BMW 7 Series. It types a self-supporting safety cell made from armour-plated metal, which is mixed with protected doorways, underbody armour and security glass. The BMW 7 Series Protection and the BMW i7 Protection are labeled in resistance class VR9 in accordance with the internationally recognised official take a look at standards of the Association of Test Centres for Attack-Resistant Materials and Constructions (VPAM). The glass even meets the necessities of the very best resistance class for civilian particular safety automobiles, VPAM 10. As an choice, the brand new BMW 7 Series Protection can also be out there with partial safety in outlined areas of the physique towards VPAM 10 ammunition.
Model-specific suspension know-how, which is exactly matched to the burden of the particular safety, ensures excessive agility and superior efficiency even in harmful conditions. Unique options embrace integral lively steering as normal and 20-inch alloy wheels with PAX tyres, which permit the car to proceed driving even within the occasion of an entire lack of air strain. Only a number of particulars distinguish the particular Protection fashions from the usual BMW 7 Series with M Sport Package. The BMW 7 Series Protection is powered by a 390 kW/530 hp V8 engine. The BMW i7 Protection is the world’s first licensed particular safety sedan with a all-electric drive. Its two electrical motors generate a system output of as much as 400 kW/544 hp.
BMW X5 Protection VR6: Discreet, sporty look and added security.
As probably the most highly effective, dynamic and best-selling particular safety car of its form on this planet, the BMW X5 Protection VR6 additionally performs a particular function within the model’s mannequin vary. Its design is nearly indistinguishable from that of the usual mannequin, giving it a discreet look with a sporty contact. Its built-in protecting gear was already taken under consideration throughout the collection improvement of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). This consists of physique armour and security glass, that are specifically designed for every mannequin. As a outcome, the BMW X5 Protection VR6 additionally meets the necessities of the Association of Test Centres for Attack-Resistant Materials and Constructions (VPAM) with regard to bullet and blast resistance.
The chassis know-how of the BMW X5 Protection VR6 is exactly tuned to its excessive engine output and particular person weight steadiness. It is supplied as normal with the Adaptive M Chassis Professional, which, along with the M Sport Differential, consists of an built-in lively steering system and lively roll stabilisation. Its 390 kW/530 hp V8 engine delivers excellent dynamics, whereas the usual sport brake system ensures constantly excessive stopping energy, even beneath intensive use.
Further info on BMW Security Vehicle Training and the model’s particular safety automobiles is out there on-line at BMW M [https://www.bmw-m.com/de/fastlane/driving-experience/professional-experience/bmw-protection-professional.html] and BMW [https://www.bmw.de/de/topics/faszination-bmw/grosskunden-behoerden/Sonderschutzfahrzeuge.html].
The Forgotten Inline Engine: GM’s 4.2-liter Atlas I-6
General Motors has an extended historical past of creating modern strides in engine improvement. The Chevrolet small-block V-8, for instance, started life within the Fifties and shortly turned the usual for top horsepower in a small bundle, a legacy that continues into right this moment’s fifth-generation GM V-8s. Even GM’s lineup of V-6 engines made waves all through the business, starting from the 60-degree V-6 that powered practically each GM automobile from 1980 by 2010, to the twin-turbocharged V-6 powering the Cadillac ATS-V.
However, GM has a lesser-known engine household that deserves admiration for its outside-the-box pondering and excellent technological developments, the Atlas engine household. That Atlas household consisted of three principal engines; the front-running 4.2-liter inline-six, the three.5-liter five-cylinder, and the two.8-liter four-cylinder. All three shared the identical primary structure and a variety of elements, although it was the 4.2-liter that led the Atlas program. Here’s a more in-depth take a look at the technical points and historical past of GM’s Atlas 4.2-liter inline six.
In order to provide the most modern and correct data attainable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Motor Trend.
Vortec 4200 Technical Specifications
|
Application |
Standard on Trailblazer and Trailblazer EXT |
|---|---|
|
Type |
4.2-liter, DOHC inline six-cylinder w/solid aluminum block |
|
Displacement (cu in/cc) |
256 / 4195 |
|
Bore & stroke (in/mm) |
3.66 x 4.01 / 93 x 102 |
|
Cylinder head materials |
solid aluminum |
|
Valvetrain |
twin overhead camshafts, variable cam phasing – exhaust cams |
|
Ignition system |
coil-on-plug, twin platinum electronics |
|
Fuel supply |
sequential gas injection, digital throttle management |
|
Compression ratio |
10.1:1 |
|
Horsepower (hp/kw @ rpm) |
275 / 201 @ 6000 |
|
Torque (lb-ft/Nm @ rpm) |
275 / 372 @ 3600 |
|
Horsepower (2004-2005) |
275 @ 6000 |
|
Torque (2004-2005) |
275 @ 3600 |
|
Horsepower (2006 and up) |
291 @ 6000 rpm |
|
Torque (2006 and up) |
277 @ 4800 rpm |
|
Engine weight (full) |
470 kilos |
|
Recommended gas |
unleaded common |
|
Maximum engine pace (rpm) |
6300 |
|
Emissions controls |
NLEV |
|
Estimated gas financial system (mpg metropolis / hwy / mixed) |
|
|
TrailBlazer 2WD: 16/22/19 |
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TrailBlazer 4WD: 15/21/18 |
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TrailBlazer (Vortec 4200 I6) |
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The 4.2-Liter Atlas I-6’s History
To uncover the distinctive particulars of the GM Atlas engine, in any other case referred to as the Vortec 4200, we reached out to GM and located Tom Sutter, the Assistant Chief Engineer for the Atlas. Sutter has been concerned with engine applications for the final 30 years, starting from Oldsmobile’s Quad Four to Cadillac’s present V-Series mills.
Looking Towards Other GM Engines For Inspiration
During improvement, Tom Sutter reverted to his time growing the Oldsmobile Quad Four, GM’s first four-valve per cylinder engine, which was essentially a small-block Chevy inline-six engine. The same design was sketched for the Atlas and finally turned an integral a part of the challenge.
Twin overhead camshafts had been used to regulate the exhaust and consumption valves individually.
Furthermore, GM’s first stab at variable valve timing was put into place on the exhaust aspect. This allowed the GM inline-six engine to breathe deeper throughout high-throttle conditions, leading to larger energy with out the gas consumption penalty being current all through the rev vary. GM’s new modern valve cowl stored issues quiet below the hood, which was constructed utilizing a plastic-like composite materials.
GM even used its comparatively new manufacturing methodology for the Atlas engine block and cylinder head. Called the Lost Foam Casting method, it mainly makes use of a pre-shaped block of Styrofoam buried in sand. Molten aluminum is then poured in, filling the voids left by the melting foam. The result’s an excellent detailed engine block that requires little or no tough machining.
Its Impact On Motorsport
The GM Atlas engine additionally had a short-lived racing profession. General Motors contracted with Falconer, a specialty engine builder, to assemble a 5.0-liter, high-performance model of the Atlas inline-six.
It produced roughly 600 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 450 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm, however shared virtually no elements with the manufacturing engine.
Herzog Motorsports ran the vans fitted with the GM Atlas inline-six, with the primary race truck being the Vortec Trailblazer that ran in the Baja 500 and Baja 1000 off-road races in 2000. The one-off car was constructed with a tube-frame chassis and coated with a carbon-fiber physique. Driven by Larry Ragland, the 81 Vortec Trailblazer solely competed in these two Baja races, earlier than retiring to Ragland’s storage.
The GM Atlas Engine’s Diverse Potential
The 4.2-liter Atlas engine was a groundbreaking engine for GM. It featured an all-aluminum building, twin overhead cams with variable valve timing on the exhaust aspect, 4 valves per cylinder, a coil-on-plug ignition system, a excessive compression ratio of 10:1, and its cylinder heads featured GM’s then-prevalent “Vortec” engineering designed to maximise airflow.
The 4.2-liter Chevy inline-six was constructed on the GMT360 platform, which was used for SUVs such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Oldsmobile Bravada, Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7X.
Each of those mid-sized SUVs shared the identical cutting-edge structure, together with the business’s first totally hydroformed body in a mid-size SUV. Introduced for the 2002 mannequin 12 months, the GMT360 platform bought a pair million examples worldwide earlier than ending manufacturing after 2009.
Pushing The Industry Forward
GM additionally broke floor within the SUV section by utilizing a twin overhead camshaft with roller-followers to regulate the 4 valves per cylinder. The design was chosen due to the massive quantity of air 4 valves can transfer, whereas the roller-followers supplied a smoother operation with much less friction than typical lifters, including to the engine’s effectivity.
Thanks to the variety of valves, their sizes had been stored small to assist with cooling. Large coolant chambers had been routed across the valves and the center-mounted spark plugs, additional serving to the engine run cooler. Because of the environment friendly cooling and the decreased threat of detonation, the Atlas inline-six was capable of run its excessive compression ratio with out the necessity for premium gas.
The Further In-Depth Craftmanship For The Atlas Inline-Six
As effectively as utilizing twin overhead camshaft, GM’s Atlas inline-six engine featured further components that in the end led to its success. A brand new engine comes with new challenges, resulting in GM introducing all-new elements to extract from its giant fleet of SUVs on the time.
As talked about earlier than, the Vortec 4200 was the primary GM truck engine to characteristic variable valve timing. This early adopter solely had variable valve timing on the exhaust aspect, nonetheless, however allowed for 25 levels of exhaust cam phasing. This stored torque ranges at near-peak ranges all through the rev vary and allowed a higher maximum horsepower with out killing gas effectivity or hindering drivability at decrease RPM ranges.
A First-Of-Its-Kind drive-by-wire System
The Chevy Atlas engine was additionally managed by a drive-by-wire system, one other first in a GM truck software. The system used an digital throttle with no mechanical linkage between the gasoline pedal and the throttle physique, managed by the PCM and was opened through an electrical motor mounted contained in the 77-mm diameter throttle physique.
The modern consumption manifold featured a 180-degree bend, bringing air into the throttle physique simply above the engine and wrapping it round into the cross-flow cylinder head.
The consumption manifold was stored brief with the intention to accommodate easy accessibility to the spark plugs, including a much-welcomed contact of practicality.
Its Unique Mounting System
The GM Atlas inline-six additionally utilized an modern mounting system for its equipment. Each part moreover the ability steering pump was mounted on to the block. This consists of the alternator, A/C compressor, and loafer pulley. GM says this helped eradicate play within the belt-drive system since every part was completely positioned in relation to the block.
Key Takeaways:
- The General Motors Atlas inline-six engine was first launched in 2002, getting used for autos such because the Chevrolet Trailblazer and GMC Envoy.
- The Atlas engine was utilized in off-road race vans, which competing in iconic races such because the Baja 1000.
- Smaller variations of the Atlas engines had been launched after the I-6’s success, together with the Vortec 3500 and the Vortec 2800.
- Production of the GM Atlas engine resulted in 2009, as a result of dimension and prices of the engine not being a logical enterprise choice transferring ahead.
The End of an Era
The Vortec 4200 was an enormous leap ahead for GM powertrains. But regardless of this, the modern inline-six didn’t take pleasure in an extended life. It was the cancelation of the GMT360 platform in 2009 that spelled the tip for the Vortec 4200.
The engine merely wouldn’t slot in different purposes. “The length of the engine and its structure definitely played a part in that,” Sutter mentioned. “The engine doesn’t work in a transverse application, so it was limited in the vehicle choices.”
The inline-six would theoretically have slot in GM’s full-size vans just like the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. However, it was logistics that prevented that from taking place. Those vans used GM’s 4.3-liter V-6 as their base engine, which was based on the GM small-block V-8.
What Were The Other Atlas Engines?
Two years after the Atlas inline-six, GM launched a smaller Atlas engine, named the Vortec 3500. Instead of six cylinders, the Vortec 3500 decreased the scale right down to solely 5, with a displacement of three.5 liters. It used the identical 3.7-inch cylinder bore and 4.0-inch piston stroke because the Vortec 4200, together with the identical rods, pistons, and valves.
The Vortec 3500 was utilized in GM’s compact pickups, these being the first-generation Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Both vans had been launched for the 2004 mannequin 12 months and used the five-cylinder because the extra-cost engine possibility over the Vortec 2800 four-cylinder. The straight-five produced 220 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque.
Speaking of the Vortec 2800 engine, this four-cylinder Atlas engine additionally used lots of the similar elements, together with the rods, pistons and valves. A giant cause for this was to maintain prices in examine, but additionally helped entice prospects after the success of the Atlas I-6 engine. Standard for the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon, the Vortec 2800 would produce 175 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque.
Despite having a reasonably brief lifespan of solely seven years, the GM Atlas engine, notably the primary inline-six iteration, set the stage for additional improvements below the hood of numerous vehicles and vans. Despite not being as spoken about as engines reminiscent of Chevrolet’s big-block V-8s or the LS7 Crate engines, the Atlas’ contributions to the business cannot be forgotten.
THE PRIVATEER WHO WON THE DAYTONA SX & E-BIKE NEWS: THE WEEKLY FEED
We packed “The Weekly Feed” full of recent merchandise from Dubach Racing Development , Nihilo Concepts and Central Powersports Distributing; take you on a visit down Daytona Supercross reminiscence lane then get you updated with our newest video releases on Dirt Bike Magazine’s YouTube channel. Oh, did we point out the “World Record Setting Surron” we examined constructed by KC Powersports in California?
- DAYTONA HISTORY
This 12 months’s Daytona Supercross was thought-about one of many hardest in current historical past. At least, that’s what many of the riders mentioned. But, Daytona has an extended historical past of “toughest ones ever.” Most Daytona historians would think about 1987 the one which takes the actual prize. That was when Northern California Honda rider Ricky Ryan grew to become the primary privateer to win a championship-level Supercross.
Days of rain had reworked the monitor right into a quagmire. Back then, Gary Bailey was the monitor designer and he got here up with the notion of burying phone poles within the sand so the whoops may retain some form even within the worst situations. These have been undoubtedly the worst situations. One of these phone poles claimed Ron Lechien in a warmth race–nearly nobody obtained by means of the 4 heats and two semis with out falling. When it got here time for the principle, Ryan obtained the holeshot whereas Ron Leichien and Rick Johnson crashed out early. Then it was all about survival–whoever obtained into the lead appeared doomed to instantly fail. Those riders included Rodney Smith, Keith Bowen and George Holland. Of all of them, it was Bowen who appeared like he had the very best shot. On the final lap, nonetheless, he caught a rock in his countershaft sprocket and got here to a sudden halt. That allowed Ryan to take his historic win. “I hurt my knee pretty badly at the Gainesville National last week,” he mentioned. “All I wanted to do was come here to stay in the points.” Holland was second and Yamaha mounted Jeff Stanton took the primary podium of his profession in third.
ELECTRIC BIKE NEWS
STORM BEE REVIEW
- The Surron Storm Bee has been out for a few 12 months. Unlike the smaller Light Bee and Ultra Bee, this can be a full-sized bike. Surron by no means meant it to be a race bike, however the guys at KC Powersports put collectively a crew on the final 24 Hours of Glen Helen, with the thought of setting a world report. We don’t know if the fellows at Guinness took time away from the “How Many Golf Balls Can I Fit In My Mouth?” undertaking to take be aware, however the KC Team of Scott Takara, Allen Morales, Cody Mario, Dylan Kelly, Sarah Marquette and Chris Broomell accomplished 44 laps across the 10-mile course and completed fiftieth general. We have the very same bike within the store proper now and we adore it. You would by no means know what it’s been by means of.
THE FIM VS. STARK
At a press convention held at Villa La Angostrua, Argentina) on eighth March 2024, in the course of the first MXGP occasion of the season, Infront proposed to introduce a separate Electric Support Class alongside MXGP occasions. Ben Cobb, the CEO of stark Future responded instantly.
“As CEO and Founder of Stark Future, I firmly believe that segregating electric bikes into a separate class undermines the essence of true competition in motocross. Our mission is to break barriers and showcase the potential of electric technology on equal footing with internal combustion engines, Motocross thrives on innovation and pushing boundaries, and segregation only hinders our collective progress towards a more inclusive and dynamic sport. World Trials have done a great job on including Electric with combustion and have shown that when the platform is competitive it has it’s place amongst combustion counterparts.”
FIM E-XPLORER SERIES CONTINUES
FIM E-Xplorer World Cup introduced that Oslo, Norway, is confirmed to host Round 2 of the 5-Round Championship, on 3-4 May 2024. The opening spherical in Osaka, Japan noticed debutants Team HRC take the highest step within the general standings after a stellar efficiency at their house venue. Following shut behind and aiming to surpass them in Oslo was Robbie Maddison Racing, adopted by one other rising crew, INDE Racing, securing the ultimate podium place. The three groups on the rostrum have been all within the Hyperclass class, in addition to the crew that completed solely 3 factors behind INDE Racing, Gravity. In the person standings, Sandra Gomez (INDE Racing) dominated for an general first place, Francesca Nocera (Team HRC) completed the day in second, whereas Tanja Schlosser (Gravity) was the day’s third quickest feminine rider. Both Gomez and Schlosser ran on Stark, giving the producer a double podium within the Women’s class. Jorge Zaragoza (Robbie Maddison Racing) was the quickest male rider, Tosha Schareina (Team HRC) ended the day in second place whereas Dylan Woodcock (Bonnell Racing) took third place on the rostrum – a very spectacular efficiency. This efficiency additionally assured Bonnell Racing first place within the GT class, forward of PCR-e Sur-Ron Factory Team, Caofen with Bivouac Osaka, and AUS-E Racing.
NEW PRODUCTS
DUBACH RACING DEVELOPMENT G-2 TWO-STROKE EXHAUST
They have been producing efficiency 4-Stroke exhaust programs for nearly twenty years now however the crew at Dubach Racing Development have lastly launched a whole line of 2-Stroke exhaust. The G-2 exhaust line shall be out there in for hottest 65, 85, 125, 150, 250, 300cc 2-Stroke motocross fashions. beginning March 15, 2024. KTM, Gas Gas and Husqvarna fashions shall be in inventory and out there for buy beginning March 15, 2024. Check out their web site for extra data : www.dubachracing.com
NIHILO SPEED BLUE RACE PADS
Nihilo Concepts Speed Blue Race Pads ship unmatched efficiency and sturdiness on your 2023-2024 KTM, Husqvarna, and GASGAS 50 in addition to the the electrical minis. (See fitment beneath.) Experience unbelievable stopping energy, warmth resistance, and reduce brake fade – push your limits and dominate the competitors.
Price: $32.95
Contact: www.nihiloconcepts.com
Features:
- Race-Ready Performance: Stop on a dime and conquer each nook.
- Built to Last: Durable development for prolonged use.
- Unleash the Power: Experience superior stopping energy for final management.
- Beat the Heat: High resistance to warmth prevents brake fade, sustaining peak efficiency.
Fitment:
2023-2024 KTM 50 SX
2023-2024 Husqvarna TC 50
2023-2024 GASGAS MC 50
2023-2024 KTM SX-E 5
2023-2024 KTM SX-E 3
2023-2024 Husqvarna Motorcycles EE 5
2023-2024 Husqvarna Motorcycles EE 3
2023-2024 GASGAS MC-E 5
2023-2024 GASGAS MC-E 3
CENTRAL POWERSPORTS DISTRIBUTION ANNOUNCES R-TECH PLASTICS AGREEMENT
Central Powersports Distribution (CPD) is proud to announce an settlement with R-Tech Plastics of Italy to distribute plastics, and off-road equipment within the United States. R-Tech, is an Italian model with an amazing imaginative and prescient for the longer term with newly introduced Tenere Yamaha Kits and shortly to be out there Surron plastic kits! All of those new objects together with their bike stands, handguards and the wonderful retro plastic kits are actually out there to sellers and retail prospects on www.cpd-usa.com!
R-Tech is without doubt one of the main plastic corporations in Europe providing plastics for nearly each EOM; Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husaberg, Husqvarna, Gas-Gas, Beta, Sherco. In the upcoming months we are able to count on to see plastics for fan favorites, the Yamaha T-7, and Surron. In Europe they’re supporting groups reminiscent of Beta’s EnduroGP crew, Bud Racing Kawasaki, Fantic, and Husqvarna’s JET Zanarno. In the United States their most notable crew selecting R-Tech plastics is Pro Circuit Kawasaki. In the 250 West Coast Supercross area rider Levi Kitchen is main the factors standings, with Cameron McAdoo following a detailed 2nd within the East Coast, after Austin Forkner’s get off in Arlington.
CPD’s Mark Berg is happy with the brand new partnership, stating:
“CPD is beyond excited to be introducing R-Tech plastics into the USA for distribution and sales! R-Tech is at the forefront of quality plastic kits and motocross products, they deserve to be in the USA with a strong effort and we can’t wait to work with them as a partner for the USA.”
CPD at the moment imports and distributes notable OEM bike manufacturers reminiscent of Rieju, Electric Motion, SWM, and AJP, all whereas persevering with so as to add extra aftermarket off-road-specific manufacturers to their rising portfolio. R-Tech is a superb addition to the CPD household of manufacturers already in distribution, together with X-Grip, FunnelWeb Filters, S3 Parts, Viral Brand Goggles, and Trick Bits Protection components.
For extra data on changing into an R-Tech/CPD seller, please e-mail [email protected] for extra data. To study extra about R-Tech and their merchandise, go to https://www.rtechmx.com/
DIRT BIKE VIDEO ROULETTE
We have model new movies being launched on a regular basis on our YouTube channel by our video editor Travis Fant, listed below are only a few of our newest releases!
2024 KOVE 250 MOTOCROSS BIKE
First issues first, the Kove is a really cool bike. It is, so far as I do know, the primary actual motocross bike from China. Most different bikes from mainland Asia are copies of one thing else, however the Kove is its personal beast. It has a DOHC six-speed motor that Kove produced in cooperation with close by Zongshen. The high finish, clutch and most components are made by Kove. The suspension is by one other Chinese firm known as Yu An and the brakes are by one more Chinese firm known as Taisko. Virtually all the pieces is sourced in China, which permits the MSRP to return in at $5999
2024 TRIUMPH TF250X TEST
Dirt Bike Magazine was invited to Gatorback Cycle Park in Gainesville, Florida to check the ALL NEW Triumph TF250X. This bike is totally totally different than the opposite motocross fashions in the marketplace. No its not a duplicate or a duplicate from one other producer. This is 5 years within the making and Triumph is all in on offroad bikes shifting ahead.
2024 KX450X TEST
Dirt Bike Magazine exams the 2024 Kawasaki KX450X in Southern California after some good rain. The X mannequin is similar to the motocross mannequin in exception to its AT81 tires, kickstand and softer valved suspension. The all new bike has a brand new sensible telephone engine tune app, new engine, new Brembo entrance brake system, new air field, new body, new exhaust, and extra! See what editor Mark Tilley needed to say after a full day of using tight single monitor and broad open west coast model terrain!
DIRT BIKE MAGAZINE VLOG ADVENTURES
We obtained an odd ball bike to check! The Kove 250 motocross bike from China. How good is it? We additionally take a look at the 2024 BETA 450RX. In this Dirt Bike Vlog we ship a uncooked and unfiltered video whereas testing these two fashions at Glen Helen Raceway. See what editors Mark Tilley and Ron Lawson must say in addition to Pete Murray and Jared Hicks. If you’re on the lookout for a video sequence to have some laughs and study new bikes…that is the one for you! Enjoy one other behind the scenes take a look at Dirt Bike Magazine.