Tag Archives: duty

Motorsport

This Lifted Lexus GX Is An Overlanding Dream

Lexus already prepped the brand new GX 550 for mild off-road responsibility with the Overtrail trims. However, the aftermarket scene is filled with much more choices, and the automaker highlighted a few of these goodies by a collaboration with JAOS, an organization that has been creating and promoting four-wheel-drive upgrades since 1985.

The pair partnered to switch and add much more toughness to the all-new GX SUV that goes past a easy visible makeover. Underneath the beast is a brand new 4.0-millimeter-thick (0.16-inch) aluminum skid plate to guard the very important bits and a suspension raise. Fender flares with a matte-black end and black tube-style metal aspect steps assist shield the physique.

Lexus GX Overtrail With JAOS Upgrades

The SUV rides on light-weight 18-inch wheels from the aftermarket firm, matching Lexus’s inventory measurement that options 33s. Other enhancements embrace a entrance bumper guard created from light-weight and inflexible ABS resin, black mudguards with an aluminum plate, and a black aluminum roof rack. The trim’s normal crawl management and downhill help management may also help it in its off-road duties. 

Lexus did not point out any powertrain upgrades. The normal GX 550 options the twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine that produces 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. That’s loads of energy to beat nearly any path. Toyota pairs it with a 10-speed automated gearbox that permits the SUV to tow as much as 8,000 kilos.

Lexus GX Overtrail With JAOS Upgrades
Lexus GX Overtrail With JAOS Upgrades

The new GX has a full-time four-wheel drive system and an electronically managed switch case as normal. Toyota additionally presents the SUV with a lockable Torsen limited-slip heart differential, whereas the Overtrail fashions stand out with an extra locking rear diff. 

The upgraded Lexus GX 550 Overtrail with the JAOS upgrades is on show at this yr’s Toyota Auto Salon in Hall 7. The 2024 GX goes on sale early this year with a $64,250 beginning value, which incorporates the $1,350 vacation spot cost.

Motorsport

Ford Paying Some 7.3L Engine Owners Up To $300 For Overstating Power Figures

Ford revealed again in August 2023 some Ford Super Duty vans and E-Series-based autos powered by the 7.3-liter “Godzilla” V8 engine have both 15 or 25 much less horsepower than initially marketed. The firm is at present sending notifications to house owners that supply some monetary compensation for the error.

According to Ford Special Field Action 22L03 despatched to sellers final summer season, the error impacts 161,512 autos within the United States overlaying the 2021 and 2022 mannequin years. Specifically, Ford lists Super Duty vans (together with chassis cabs), F650/F750 vans, and F53/F59 chassis vans as having 15 much less hp. For E-Series autos, the drop is 25 hp and 18 pound-feet of torque. All affected autos even have a lowered rated engine pace of 150 RPM.

2021 Ford E-Series

The Special Field Action seems to deal with industrial autos. Though E-Series and Super Duty vans usually are listed, Ford particularly mentions the F53 Motor Home, F59 Step Van, and others with a “premium rated” 7.3-liter V8. The notification would not point out authentic energy figures, however Ford presents its Godzilla engine with a extra economical tune for industrial use that’s at present rated at 325 hp for the E-Series and 335 hp within the vans. Jumping again to 2021, we see a 350-hp ranking for the engine.

It appears the snafu is not a mechanical challenge, however a miscommunication within the advertising and marketing supplies that did not embody revised energy figures. As such, there is not any point out of a repair so as to add within the energy that was initially marketed, although at least one affected vehicle owner took to YouTube to vent frustration over that. Instead, Ford is providing Super Duty house owners $100 for the error. And since E-Series house owners misplaced extra energy and a little bit of torque, the provide goes as much as $300 for them.

We contacted Ford about this, asking whether or not the revised energy output additionally impacts towing or cargo capability. We additionally enquired about the potential for a mechanical change or new engine tune to deliver energy as much as the marketed stage. Lest we neglect, the 7.3-liter V8 makes 430 hp in HD pickups. In the palms of Ford Performance, the Megazilla mill pumps out 615 hp. There’s definitely potential to open up the faucets a bit extra. We’ve but to listen to again, however we’ll plug in an replace when contemporary data arrives.

Is a $100 or $300 examine sufficient of an olive department to fulfill affected house owners? We cannot fault Ford for admitting to its mistake, as we suspect only a few folks will ever run their rigs on a chassis dyno to gauge energy output. Let us know your tackle Ford’s method to the difficulty within the feedback.

Motorsport

Ferrari Purosangue Ready for Police Duty: New Rendering

Police officers typically find supercars and high-end models impractical for their line of duty. These vehicles lack sufficient space for gear and offer no room for suspects. However, the Ferrari Purosangue could be the ideal compromise for officers seeking both performance and practicality. Unofficial renderings provide a glimpse of what the Purosangue would look like if it were to serve with the Italian State Police, and it appears well-prepared for duty.

With 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, the SUV offers ample room to transport an officer’s gear. The passenger-side screen could be modified for police use, providing vital information up front. In the rear, the two seats could accommodate additional officers or suspects when necessary, a capability that the Roma Spider lacks.