Hockenheim. Schubert Motorsport took benefit of the official DTM take a look at drives at Hockenheim (GER) on Tuesday and Wednesday to intensively put together its three BMW M4 GT3s for the season begin on the finish of April. The BMW M works drivers René Rast (GER), Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), and Marco Wittmann (GER) hit the monitor for the primary time within the new automobile designs of the BMW M Motorsport Partners RoboMarkets, Shell, and Schaeffler. At the top of the 4 take a look at periods, the drivers drew a optimistic conclusion.
In addition to the DTM, the ADAC GT Masters additionally performed take a look at periods at Hockenheim. The FK Performance Motorsport crew participated with two BMW M4 GT3s.
On the sidelines of the testing, ADAC introduced the continuation of the BMW M2 Cup. In the 2024 season, the vehicles will not be centrally deployed and managed however can be run by a number of groups. Along with this alteration, the portfolio of fashions eligible for the Cup has expanded. Three automobile classes are eligible to begin, together with the BMW M2 CS Racing within the 450 HP and 365 HP variations, in addition to the 340 HP BMW M240i Racing. The BMW M2 Cup occasions are compact and happen over two days. Practice, qualifying, and races are held solely on Saturday and Sunday. The junior sequence will compete at a complete of 5 DTM occasions and can maintain two races lasting 25 minutes every weekend. The season begins from 24th to 26th May on the Lausitzring (GER).
Comments on the DTM take a look at:
Björn Lellmann (Head of Customer Racing at BMW M Motorsport): “When you walk through the Hockenheim paddock during the test drives, you immediately get the unique DTM feeling that still makes this race series special. The Schubert Motorsport team and our BMW M works drivers used the two days for intensive preparation. The professional attitude of all participants is impressive and gives me confidence that the team led by Team Principal Torsten Schubert will play an important role in the title race in the 2024 season. I also wish FK Performance Motorsport success in the ADAC GT Masters and ADAC GT4 Germany for the great effort they are putting into the upcoming season. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for everyone and look forward to the season start in just over two weeks when Schubert Motorsport will celebrate its home game at Oschersleben.”
Marco Wittmann (#11 Schaeffler BMW M4 GT3): “I am very satisfied with the first test. We were able to try a lot, and everything went well. For me, it was primarily about getting to know the team and the engineers. This is crucial because we can only be successful during the season if we trust each other blindly.”
Sheldon van der Linde (#31 Shell BMW M4 GT3): “The test could hardly have gone better. I am very satisfied with the processes in the team and the fact that we were able to complete our programme without any problems. I also really like the new design of my car. It’s a real eye-catcher in the starting field and is sure to be easy to recognise in the races.”
René Rast (#33 RoboMarkets BMW M4 GT3): “It was a good test. We had no problems over the two days, were able to try out many things, and were also fast in the end. All very positive. Having three cars in the garage was a bit of an adjustment at the beginning, but Schubert Motorsport already has the processes well under control. Let‘s keep it up.”
Huntsville-Built Engine Drives the All-New, More Powerful Tacoma
Emphasizes Job Stability
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (Feb. 21, 2024) – Today, Toyota Alabama proclaims the beginning of manufacturing on its i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo engine line for the all-new Tacoma. Powered by a earlier funding of $222 million, the brand new line furthers Toyota’s dedication to diversified powertrains that align with buyer demand.
“The completion of the i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo engine line marks a significant milestone for Toyota Alabama and further supports job stability for our 2,000 employees,” mentioned Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Alabama. “Now, with Tacoma offering a hybrid option, every line at our plant includes engines for hybrid vehicles. It’s our team and their skills that have paved the way for this plant to play a critical role in Toyota’s electrified future.”
Globally, Toyota continues to go massive in its dedication to carbon-reducing and carbon-neutral merchandise, with plans to take a position greater than $70 billion in car electrification by means of 2030.
The i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo engine line marks the plant’s sixth constructing growth and brings Toyota Alabama’s complete funding to $1.5 billion. In 2023, the plant achieved file manufacturing, assembling greater than 777,000 engines for Toyota autos manufactured in North America. The plant produces four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines for common Toyota autos such because the Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Cross, Tacoma, Highlander, Sienna and RAV4.
The new line demonstrates Toyota’s dedication to long-term employment and the success of our operational communities. Last 12 months, Toyota introduced two key initiatives:
A $49 million solar array, in partnership with Huntsville Utilities and Toyota Tsusho, to provide greater than 70 p.c of Toyota Alabama’s power wants when accomplished.
Grants of as much as $6.7 million to assist put together Huntsville City Schools’ college students for future careers in science, know-how, engineering and math. The grants are a part of Toyota USA Foundation’s Driving Possibilities initiative and can fund a five-year phased rollout of programming in choose faculties.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been part of the cultural material within the U.S. for greater than 65 years, and is dedicated to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility by means of our Toyota and Lexus manufacturers, plus our almost 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota instantly employs greater than 49,000 folks within the U.S. who’ve contributed to the design, engineering, and meeting of greater than 34 million vehicles and vans at our 9 manufacturing vegetation. By 2025, Toyota’s tenth plant in North Carolina will start to fabricate automotive batteries for electrified autos. With extra electrified autos on the highway than every other automaker, Toyota at the moment presents 27 electrified choices.
To assist encourage the following era for a profession in STEM-based fields, together with mobility, Toyota launched its digital schooling hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive expertise and likelihood to nearly go to a lot of our U.S. manufacturing services. The hub additionally features a sequence of free STEM-based classes and curriculum by means of Toyota USA Foundation companions, digital discipline journeys and extra.
For extra details about Toyota, go to www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
Superbikes vs supercars — an eternal competitors — however let’s be actual, not everybody rides superbikes or drives supercars. Coming to the practical facet of drag races and the nice ol’ piston measuring contest, it’s the sub-900 sports activities bikes and sports activities vehicles that take the cake. This is the place real-world competitors is available in that may be loved by most bikers and automobile fans, not simply by the super-rich.
When it involves sports activities vehicles, the Porsche 718 Cayman comes as a great option to pit sub-900cc sports activities bikes towards. This German sports activities automobile is thought for its sensible dealing with, usability, and long-drive consolation. It is usually considered among the finest sports activities vehicles at present on sale, even distancing itself from the iconic 911.
Well, the Cayman has many rivals on two wheels. These bikes are additionally identified for his or her wonderful efficiency, dealing with, and value. And a few of these bikes are even faster than the Cayman. So, for those who ever get caught up in a one-on-one with a Cayman proprietor, you higher have certainly one of these bikes below you.
Porsche 718 Cayman 0 to 60 MPH: 4.1 Seconds
In order to provide the latest and correct info attainable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Car and Driver, Motorcycle News, Acceleration Times, Moto Statz, Motorcycle Specs, and Fastest Laps. The bikes on this checklist are ranked primarily based on their 0 to 60 MPH figures, from the very best to the bottom.
While Porsche’s entry-level sports activities automobile is testimony to the model’s motorsports heritage, these efficiency fashions provide much more bang for the buck
102024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid
0 to 60 MPH: Unknown But Quicker Than The ZX-10R
Kawasaki
The instances are altering and so are bikes, and one bike that stands as a beacon of the possible future of two wheels is the Ninja 7 Hybrid. Kawasaki revealed this bike lately, that includes a hybrid powertrain with a give attention to economic system and minimal emissions.
But that didn’t cease the bike from producing a grunt equal to a middleweight sports activities bike.
Kawasaki claims the bike is faster than the ZX-10R in preliminary acceleration, so this bike will go away the Porsche 718 Cayman in mud till it runs out of grunt. The 718 Cayman is probably not as fast because the Ninja 7 Hybrid, however it might go away it behind in the long term.
44.6 LB-FT @ 2,500 RPM (Sport-Hybrid with e-boost)
Frame Type
High tensile metal trellis
Weight
500 kilos
Top Speed
Unknown
(Specs sourced from Kawasaki)
92024 Aprilia RS 660
0 to 60 MPH: 3.7 Seconds
Aprilia
The Aprilia RS 660 is akin to the Yamaha R7, a new breed of supersport motorcycle that encompasses a torquey parallel twin as a substitute of a four-pot screamer. Fortunately, in contrast to its blue rival, the RS 660 will get loads of love. It’s an thrilling sports activities bike that’s full of options, however that’s not what you’d purchase it for.
The RS 660 affords wonderful dealing with traits which can be missing in lots of bikes in its section and above it, too. It’s agile and nimble. Even the parallel-twin engine produces perky energy supply that’s sensible for the streets and exhilarating on the observe. And the engine sounds sensible, because of the 270-degree firing order. And with the quick-shift, you gained’t should suppose a lot when drag racing with a 718 Cayman.
Performance Specifications
Engine Type
Forward-facing parallel twin, 270-degree firing order
Displacement
659 cc
Max Power
100 HP @ 10,500 RPM
Max Torque
49.4 LB-FT @ 8,500 RPM
Frame Type
Double-beam aluminum
Weight
404 kilos
Top Speed
140 MPH
(Specs sourced from Aprilia and Motorcycle News)
82023 Kawasaki Ninja 650
0 to 60 MPH: 3.53 Seconds
Kawasaki
The Kawasaki Ninja 650 platform has lived an extended life, nevertheless it doesn’t appear to be giving up even in 2024. The engine and the chassis have been carried over from the first-gen 650s, which makes the bike really feel acquainted and straightforward to trip.
The Ninja 650 might lack the grunt you’d anticipate from a middleweight sports activities bike, however it’s still a fun and engaging motorcycle. It’s the right stepping stone from a small-displacement sports activities bike to a superbike, and in its newest avatar, it seems the half.
‘Sport bikes are quick however not snug’ – these superb sports activities bikes will flip that concept on its head
72006 Triumph Daytona 675 3.3
0 to 60 MPH: 3.3 Seconds
Triumph
The Triumph Daytona 675 started its life in 2006 and challenged its Japanese rivals. The Daytona options an inline-triple engine that produces wonderful mid-range torque and searing top-end, and regardless of being a track-focused bike, the engine is fairly tractable within the metropolis.
The spotlight, nonetheless, of the Daytona is its chassis, which makes it one of the best track weapons ever built. The body is aggressively arrange and works fantastically with the crisp suspension — the bike communicates with you and follows your inputs with obedience. The bike is fast on its tires and might simply outrun a Cayman in a drag race and every part else within the corners.
Performance Specifications
Engine Type
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-triple
Displacement
675 cc
Max Power
126 HP @ 12,500 RPM
Max Torque
55 LB-FT @ 11,900 RPM
Frame Type
Aluminum twin-spar
Weight
405 kilos
Top Speed
160.8 MPH
(Specs sourced from Motorcycle News and Moto Statz)
62023 Honda CBR600RR
0 to 60 MPH: 3.28 Seconds
Honda
The CBR600RR is a superb supersport with a goal — it’s designed to tear up the racetrack and canyon twisties, and it’s equally wonderful at each. And being a Honda, you possibly can guess your keys it’s a straightforward bike to dwell with apart from its consolation. You gained’t get the coziest feeling whereas using this bike.
But take the bike to the racetrack, tuck in, and let the screamer inline-four sing, and also you in all probability gained’t cease smiling for all the session. It’s a shocking bike to trip, and it seems attractive, too, particularly contemplating it’s one of many few bikes to nonetheless don an under-seat exhaust.
The 2024 Honda CBR600RR is out in Japan, and it seems lovely. It retains the identical underpinnings because the 2023 mannequin however brings a bit extra sass by way of options. Hopefully, the bike will make its approach to the States quickly sufficient.
Performance Specifications
Engine Type
Liquid-cooled, inline-four
Displacement
599 cc
Max Power
113 HP @ 13,500 RPM
Max Torque
47.8 LB-FT @ 11,250 RPM
Frame Type
Twin-spar aluminum
Weight
434 kilos
Top Speed
160 MPH
(Specs sourced from Kawasaki and Moto Statz)
52023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
0 to 60 MPH: 3.1 Seconds
Kawasaki
The Kawasaki ZX-6R is the last word superport at present on sale, usually thought-about the apex predator within the section. This Ninja affords exceptionally sharp dealing with and a perky, high-revving inline-four engine that will really feel sedate at low RPMs, nevertheless it wakes up within the midrange and surges on the top-end.
This is a purist supersport, so the ergonomics are dedicated, the throttle response can typically be twitchy, and taller riders will discover the bike too small for his or her legs. But look previous these and the ZX-6R is every part you need your supersport to be, and it will possibly simply beat a 718 Cayman (and plenty of different sports activities vehicles). Kawasaki has also revealed the 2024 ZX-6R however the acceleration figures for the 2024 mannequin haven’t but been introduced.
One of essentially the most lovely sports activities bikes you should purchase at the moment is the MV Agusta F3 — it’s not a shock. The F3 nonetheless follows the identical design language because the legendary MV Agusta F4 however affords a recent twist to it. The bike belongs to the racetrack however would take a look at dwelling at Paris Fashion Week, too.
The design is barely half the story, the opposite half is its unbelievable efficiency. It can beat the likes of the Tesla Model 3 Performance and 718 Cayman with out breaking a sweat. And like every MV Agusta, the bike is wealthy in character and sharp in dealing with, however costly in upkeep.
Performance Specifications
Engine Type
Liquid-cooled, inline-triple
Displacement
798 cc
Max Power
155 HP @ 13,250 RPM
Max Torque
64.9 LB-FT @ 10,100 RPM
Frame Type
ALS metal tubular trellis
Weight
381 kilos
Top Speed
149.1 MPH
0 to 125 MPH
8.40 seconds
(Specs sourced from MV Agusta)
31994 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade
0 to 60 MPH: 2.9 Seconds
Bring a Trailer
Let’s return in time somewhat bit and take a look at the CBR900RR, the primary Fireblade that changed the way we look at superbikes. When it was launched, the CBR900RR wasn’t essentially the most highly effective bike in its section, nevertheless it didn’t must be. Thanks to Tadao Baba’s Total Control precept, the bike was mild and had among the finest power-to-weight ratios then.
Today, bikes have come a great distance and left the CBR900RR in mud, however that doesn’t imply it’s a slouch. The bike can nonetheless carry out properly within the metropolis, on a racetrack, or at a drag strip the place it will possibly beat the 718 Cayman. And the bike is so dependable, even at the moment, it only requires minimal maintenance!
Performance Specifications
Engine Type
122 HP @ 10,500 RPM
Displacement
893 cc
Max Power
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-four
Max Torque
64.9 LB-FT @ 10,000 RPM
Frame Type
Aluminum twin-spar
Weight
454 kilos
Top Speed
164 MPH
1/4 Mile Acceleration
10.3 seconds @ 131.4 MPH
(Specs sourced from Motorcycle News and Motorcycle Specs)
22023 Suzuki GSX-R750
0 to 60 MPH: 2.9 Seconds
The 1985 Suzuki GSX-R750 is usually thought-about the primary true sports activities bike — it was in contrast to something bikers had ever seen. It lastly introduced a race bike components for road riders and was extremely nimble and potent. And the 2023 Suzuki GSX-R750 isn’t any totally different. The identical issues that made the GSX-R750 so revolutionary in 1985 are retained within the new mannequin, too.
Unfortunately, the GSX-R750 at the moment is a one-of-a-kind bike within the 750 supersport section. And it has began exhibiting its age a bit, however that’s no concern. This is a motorcycle that blends supersport handling with a big-bike performance with out being overwhelming. And because it’s a Suzuki, it would final many years except it falls into the palms of squids.
The bike that re-invented itself by means of evolution
12013 Ducati 899 Panigale
0 to 60 MPH: 2.7 Seconds
Ducati
The Ducati 899 just isn’t the quickest bike ever, however if you wish to beat the 718 Cayman, there’s hardly a more sensible choice than the decade-old Ducati. Like the GSX-R750, the 899 bridges the hole between a supersport and a superbike however in a stunning package deal. It’s one of many uncommon bikes that appears breathtaking even in plain white colours.
The 899 has aged well even by way of efficiency and options. The Superquadro engine has greater than sufficient poke to present you adrenaline with out the low-speed lurching that older Ducatis had been identified for, and it’s paired with a superb monocoque chassis and Showa/Sachs suspension that has an opulent really feel with out compromising dealing with in any method.
Fortunately, the 899 is a blisteringly quick bike with out ever feeling “too much,” in contrast to a superbike. Riders with sufficient abilities can extract the efficiency this attractive machine has to supply. It’s a motorbike that won’t scare you however dazzle you with pleasure.
In a shocking incident that occurred in Thornton, Colorado, a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck collided with a C8 Corvette at the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and 168th Avenue. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the images of the crash are quite alarming.
The photos show the pickup truck perched on top of the Corvette, just inches away from the cockpit. It must have been a terrifying moment for the occupants of the Corvette as the Silverado came crashing down onto the windshield. How the truck ended up in such an elevated position remains a mystery.
The Silverado involved in the crash appears to be a third-generation truck with no visible off-road upgrades. Despite its relatively low ride height, it managed to land on top of the Corvette. On the other hand, the Corvette, being a low-slung sports car, suffered significant damage from the impact.
It is unclear how the accident occurred at a rural four-way stop intersection. Despite the rarity of such incidents, it’s not the first time a Corvette has been involved in a strange crash. In a similar incident in July 2022, a Ford Explorer drove over a C4 Corvette at an intersection, albeit at much lower speeds.
The authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision, and further details are yet to be disclosed. In the meantime, it is important to drive safely and avoid accidents like these.
BMW Brilliance “New Plant Art Project” drives sustainability with the power of art
BMW upholds corporate sustainability and contributes to sustainable development with culture and arts
Sharing and empowerment are the driving force for BMW and its partners to co-create sustainable social value
Shenyang. Art is an indispensable part of culture and a major driving force for sustainable development. Upholding its long-term commitment to corporate sustainability and its enduring support and passion for art, the BMW Group and BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. (BBA) have partnered with Luxun Academy of Fine Arts (LAFA) in Shenyang to launch the “New Plant Art Project”. After two years of preparation, the project was officially completed recently. With the theme of “sustainability” that is in line with the BMW iFACTORY production strategy implemented in the BMW Shenyang production base, the project has carefully selected 10 remarkable artworks created by 10 young artists, as a unique gift for the 20th anniversary of BMW Brilliance. The 10 artworks, including oil paintings, sculptures, and installations, etc., are exhibited at the expanded area of BBA Plant Dadong and Plant Tiexi Lydia Site.
The BBA New Plant Art Project aims to enhance the awareness of sustainable development among employees and the public through cultural and artistic activities, improve the public’s sensitivity towards sustainable development through the planning and presentation of exhibitions and performances, and foster their environmentally-friendly habits in daily life. Meanwhile, by facilitating the intercultural communication between China and Germany and the fusion of industrial intelligence and contemporary art, the project provides abundant sources of inspiration for young artists and diverse interpretations of sustainability through the unique artistic experiences and innovative narratives.
Upholding corporate sustainability and actively engaging in social undertakings. BMW believes that companies with true corporate sustainability are ones that deliver value to customers and actively engage in social undertakings, as well as emphasize long-term sustainable development and create long-term value for shareholders and society. BMW has always embraced three pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social sustainability. These three pillars are one organic unity, with economic sustainability as the foundation, environmental sustainability as the prerequisite, and social sustainability as the goal. They enable a company to transform from individual to collective consciousness, maximize its social value, and share its value.
“A good partnership is never solely defined by economic benefits. Today, the sustainable business philosophy and the value created for society have become the key elements to measuring the success of a company,” said Ms. Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Human Resources, Labour Relations Director. For BMW, No Premium Without Sustainability. It regards sustainability as its core competitiveness and essential premium, which outweighs profitability and is designed to create multi-values for society.
Creating sustainable social value through sharing and empowerment. In the process of creating sustainable value, BMW places equal importance on the approaches. It adopts a “future-oriented social insight” and joins hands with more partners with the help of “empowerment,” “crossover,” and “social collaboration” to co-create social value. Teaming up with art is one of the effective ways to create sustainability and share the concept.
As an influential corporate citizen, the BMW Group has been involved in supporting hundreds of global cultural projects for more than 50 years to promote the development of art. In China, as early as 2011, the BMW Group initiated its first collaboration with Luxun Academy of Fine Arts and Academy of Fine Arts Munich in terms of Plant Tiexi Art Project. With these projects, including the BMW Brilliance “New Plant Art Project,” BMW offers people an emotional experience to understand sustainability, broadens the horizons of young artists, enriches their professional experience, and inspires their passion for exploration, as well as promotes local cultural cooperation and innovative development.
Dr. Franz Decker, President & CEO of BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., also shared his thoughts on the New Plant Art Project, “For the past 20 years, we have been committed to establishing mutually beneficial partnerships with the local community, empowering talents, and contributing to the local development. The New Plant Art Project perfectly exemplifies our harmonious connection with the community outside of the factory.”
BMW Brilliance’s persistence in sustainability has been recognized by young artists and recorded in their artworks. The work Time Machine symbolizes the cohesion of people in an enterprise. The diverse substances embedded in the linear cubes embody the change of matters on the same stretch of land as time goes by, which expand the spatial and temporal dimensions of the plant, signifying the transformation of this land from agricultural cultivation to commercial manufacturing while emphasizing the natural connection between the factory and the land.
In the work Silent, the artist depicts its most memorable impression of BBA Plants – minimalistic in color yet orderly in production. During the factory visit, the artist profoundly realized that BBA not only focuses on its own development but also takes the environment into consideration. The environment gets improved along with BBA’s progress so that they both achieve sustainable development.
Meanwhile, Backbone portrays the plant built during the development of heavy industry in Northeast China. The painting of the old plant displayed in the new plant not only builds a bridge of communication between the two eras but represents continuity. The appearance of factories may change, technologies may be iterated, and workers shuttle here and there, but the glory and responsibility they bear will endure, further contributing to the development of the local community.
Working together to create a bright and sustainable future. Sustainability is about the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. As Earth is a shared community of life and people are facing common challenges such as global climate changes, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution, it should be the common goal for members from different fields to pursue: to make more progress in human civilization and balance the relationships among the economy, environment, and society.
As a company deeply rooted in China, BBA will continue to contribute to the local economy and society, defend the culture, communicate sustainable innovation, and protect our beautiful home. It will also implement the shared value of sustainability with more like-minded partners and transform from individual to collective consciousness. While leading the automotive industry towards sustainability, BMW looks forward to sharing its ideas of intercultural communication with more partners, so as to propel China’s sustainable development, foster a harmonious coexistence with nature, and create a driving force for sustainable social value.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
Add to Cart
Print
Convert to PDF
