Performance is likely to be the one space by which these two vans differ from one another essentially the most. The RAM 1500 has two engine decisions — a 305-hp 3.6-liter V6 or a 395-hp 5.7-liter V8, each complemented by a 48-volt hybrid system. The 5.7-liter V8 can be accessible with out the hybrid addition. The RAM 2500 is extra highly effective. It begins with a 410-hp 6.4-liter V-8, delivering 429 pound-feet of torque. For these craving extra grunt, a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel inline-six is out there with the 2500, with two energy ranges, peaking at 1,075 pound-feet of torque within the high-output model. This makes the 2500 a beast for heavy-duty duties.
The towing energy of the RAM 1500 is noteworthy, maxing out at 12,750 kilos, which is spectacular for a light-duty truck. However, the RAM 2500 is in a distinct league, with a towing capability of as much as 19,010 kilos with the 2500 4×4 Crew Cab mannequin outfitted with the high-output Cummins engine. Similarly, payload capacities additionally fluctuate considerably, with the 1500 able to as much as 2,320 kilos, whereas the 2500 can deal with as much as 3,240 kilos.
If you want a truck for every day duties, some towing, and enjoyable off-road, the RAM 1500 is nice. It’s versatile and never too massive. If you usually do heavy work, like towing massive trailers or carrying a variety of weight, you may discover the RAM 2500 to be a lot better.
Each yr, the worldwide motorbike present in Milan generally known as EICMA introduces each pleasure and anticipation for the brand new using yr but to return. Taking place in November helps, as a result of that is when the times are getting colder and drearier in a lot of the northern hemisphere. In addition, its placement simply earlier than the beginning of the busy vacation season in lots of cultures solely serves to intensify anticipation of the fashions revealed on the present.
It’s no coincidence that EICMA 2023 was the place each Moto Guzzi and Suzuki wheeled the Stelvio and the GSX-S1000GX into public view for the very first time.
Both bikes are supposed to lead the cost in demonstrating a formidable sport tourer for every OEM, however one which’s frivolously dusted with only a trace of ADV for seasoning. In Suzuki’s case, the model even sticks the bike into its personal particular “Crossover” class on its web site to additional differentiate it from the remainder of the vary.
Both bikes function the introductions of some severely spectacular technological developments for each manufacturers. The Moto Guzzi Stelvio options the very first occasion of the Piaggio Fast Forward Rider Assistance Solution digital radar-assisted rider aids package deal, whereas the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX is the introduction of Suzuki Advanced Electronic Suspension to the world.
How do these two flagships examine on paper? Let’s discover out. Note: All specs supplied listed below are sourced from their respective producers.
6-speed gearbox with help and slipper clutch and a bidirectional quickshifter; chain closing drive
The Moto Guzzi Stelvio takes the 90-degree V-twin powerplant first used within the V100 Mandello and sticks it in a totally new chassis. According to Guzzi, this bike was developed in tandem with the V100 Mandello, and incorporates this engine into the Stelvio body in a confused member design.
How you are feeling about engine configurations is usually a private matter, and often has to do with how their traits make you are feeling within the saddle. Some of that has to do with how they sound, in addition to how they carry out. Power and torque do play a job, however they’re very not often the complete story.
The identical can be stated of ultimate drive selections. The Moto Guzzi Stelvio is shaft pushed, whereas the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX is chain pushed. Rider emotions about each closing drive options are sometimes subjective, and never essentially quantifiable in any significant method.
Since the aim of a spec showdown is to stay to issues we are able to quantify, here is what we see. Although the Moto Guzzi Stelvio has barely bigger displacement than the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX, the GSX-S1000GX produces considerably extra energy and a tiny bit extra torque. In each situations, peak energy and torque come increased within the rev vary, which is smart given the engine configurations concerned.
Round One Winner: Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
Chassis
Moto Guzzi Stelvio
Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
Frame
Tubular metal trellis body
Aluminum twin spar body
Front Suspension
46mm upside-down Sachs entrance fork providing rebound and preload adjustability
Showa Separate Function Fork with digital adjustability
Rear Suspension
KYB monoshock with rebound and preload adjustability
Showa BFRC-lite rear monoshock; totally and electronically adjustable
Wheels and Tires
19-inch entrance and 17-inch rear spoked tubeless wheels shod in Michelin Anakee Adventure rubber
17-inch entrance and rear alloys shod in Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires
Brakes
Two Brembo four-piston entrance calipers paired with 320mm floating brake discs up entrance; a single Brembo two-piston rear caliper with a 280mm brake disc within the rear. ABS at each ends.
Two Brembo monobloc four-piston entrance calipers paired with 310mm brake discs up entrance; a single Nissin one-piston caliper and brake disc of undisclosed measurement within the rear. ABS at each ends.
The alternative of a metal body vs. an aluminum body usually entails weight issues. Aluminum may be each light-weight and powerful, that are fascinating traits when developing a brand new mannequin of bike. For riders, it is usually a matter of private choice, and one which can additionally change by bike. In most instances, the selection of metal or aluminum for a body is not going to be a dealbreaker by itself.
Suspension-wise, the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX clearly takes the crown right here. Regarding wheels and tires, it is in all probability a draw right here. The Stelvio has a barely extra adventurous bent to its inventory wheel and tire choice, whereas the GSX-S1000GX has a extra on-road character within the wheel and tire division. Which one riders desire will possible rely on their intentions for both bike.
Brake-wise, the Stelvio has a slight edge over the GSX-S1000GX, however that is to not say that the GSX-S1000GX needs to be counted out.
Round Two Winner: On paper, it is tough to argue with that totally electronically adjustable suspension. The Suzuki GSX-S1000GX wins this spherical as nicely.
Dimensions
Moto Guzzi Stelvio
Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
Wheelbase
59.8 inches
57.9 inches
Seat Height
32.7 inches
33.3 inches
Curb Weight
542 kilos
511 kilos, not together with aspect instances
Fuel tank capability
5.1 gallons
5.0 gallons
The Suzuki GSX-S1000GX has a wheelbase that is almost two inches shorter than the Moto Guzzi Stelvio, which means that it ought to have faster steering. The proof of it will clearly be within the using, however that is what the figures indicate on paper.
Seat top on the Stelvio is barely extra accessible to shorter riders than the GSX-S1000GX, however not by a lot. For taller riders, clearly a taller seat top can be extra welcome. This is one other space the place the alternatives will largely be subjective (and also will rely on issues like how the seat feels, attain to controls, and so forth).
The distinction in gasoline tank capability is minimal, however the curb weight between the 2 bikes is extra important. The aspect instances on the GSX-S1000GX provide 25.7 liters of cupboard space and may deal with as much as 11 kilos of weight. Suzuki additionally particularly calls out that they need to match most full-face motorbike helmets, which is a particular plus when touring. The Stelvio, in contrast, doesn’t include aspect instances as customary. They could also be bought as equipment, although.
Round Three Winner: Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
Electronics and Other Features
Moto Guzzi Stelvio
Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
Electronics suite
Five trip modes, traction management, ABS as customary. Two variations of the Stelvio can be found, and solely the highest of the road model comes with Moto Guzzi’s cool PFF radar-assisted rider support package deal for an extra cost.
Cornering ABS and traction management, low RPM help, digital suspension, trip modes, Suzuki slope-dependent management system,
Lighting
LED throughout, with Moto Guzzi’s “bending light” system that can assist you see higher round corners in low visibility situations
LED throughout
Display
5-inch TFT sprint with Piaggio MIA smartphone connectivity
6.5-inch TFT sprint with smartphone connectivity
How these two bikes stack up finally relies on which trim stage of Moto Guzzi Stelvio you are evaluating with the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX. Moto Guzzi plans to supply each a base and an up-spec model of the Stelvio to riders, and the cool radar-assisted Piaggio Fast Forward rider aids (radar-adaptive cruise management, blind spot detection, and so forth) will solely be obtainable on the up-spec variant. The base Stelvio doesn’t have these options.
While the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX has a barely bigger TFT show, it isn’t all the time measurement that issues in your sprint. How the knowledge is displayed, how straightforward it’s to navigate, and the way nicely it adapts to ambient lighting situations in order that it is simply seen to riders tends to matter extra.
Round Four Winner: Suzuki GSX-S1000GX if we’re evaluating it in opposition to the bottom Stelvio; Moto Guzzi Stelvio if we’re evaluating the top-spec model with all of the bells and whistles to the one model of the GSX-S1000GX.
Price
Moto Guzzi Stelvio
Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
MSRP (US market; in the event you reside outdoors the US, examine along with your native Moto Guzzi and Suzuki sellers for probably the most correct info in your area.)
The base mannequin begins at $16,390; pricing for the up-spec model with radar-assisted rider aids is just not but obtainable on the time of writing.
$18,499
On the face of it, how keen riders are to justify a $2,000 value distinction between the bottom Moto Guzzi Stelvio and the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX relies on their emotions about options and preferences.
The Stelvio has a shaft drive. The GSX-S1000GX has a sequence drive.
The Stelvio does not include exhausting aspect instances. The GSX-S1000GX does.
The Stelvio does not include an digital suspension, and even one which’s totally adjustable. The GSX-S1000GX has each.
Is it price $2,000 extra to riders, although? It in all probability relies on the rider.
It can be attention-grabbing to see how Piaggio costs the up-spec model of the Stelvio, and the way that compares to the GSX-S1000GX as soon as that determine is accessible. For now, although, we are able to solely go together with the knowledge obtainable on the time of writing.
Round Five Winner: Draw. The Stelvio is $2,000 inexpensive than the GSX-S1000GX, however it additionally does not have baggage or an digital suspension included in that price. $2,000 does not look like an unreasonable value to pay for these upgrades in 2024.
Overall Winner:
2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000GX wins our Spec Showdown this time round!
Suzuki got here out of the gate swinging with the GSX-S1000GX, touchdown physique blows in opposition to loads of its competitors. Other bikes may additionally provide digital suspensions, however the worth proposition on provide with this package deal is hard to disregard. There’s rather a lot to understand right here; at the very least, on paper.
Depending on the way it’s priced, the Moto Guzzi Stelvio with the radar-assisted tech will possible pose a much bigger problem. We definitely would not rely it out, particularly when you think about that issues like styling and ergonomics aren’t actually lined by spec sheets.
We Ride Bikes, Not Specs
That leads us neatly to our subsequent level, with which we all the time like to shut our Spec Showdowns. Riders are passionate individuals. We trip bikes; we do not trip spec sheets. Just as a result of one thing appears good on paper does not all the time imply that it is the proper alternative for you when you’re within the saddle.
Riders are additionally all completely different individuals. For instance, as I’ve mentioned right here previously, I’m not solely a rider who’s considerably vertically challenged (top round 5-foot-3.5 inches, give or take). I’m additionally a rider with a shorter inseam than most. Since that is the case, I’ve to work somewhat more durable to get my toes on the bottom generally.
Other riders are taller, or at the very least have longer legs; different riders may need shorter or longer arms, or bigger or smaller fingers. All of these items have an effect on how comfortably bikes match us, and thus, how a lot we every get pleasure from using particular person motorbike fashions.
Since we’re all constructed so in another way, the best possible factor you are able to do to seek out the precise bike for you is to check trip any and all bikes that you simply’re contemplating as your subsequent machine. While specs on paper would possibly provide help to begin to make a listing of bikes you need to cross-shop, specs alone cannot inform you how you may really feel a couple of bike when you trip it. Only using the bikes in query can do this.
Our methodology of testing cost occasions for the iPhone was fairly easy. For every totally different technique, the battery of the iPhone solely had 13% remaining, at which level it was plugged in and the timing started till it reached 100%. There had been three totally different exams for the iPhone. First, it charged because it usually would. Second, the iPhone was positioned in Low Power Mode and charged. Third, the iPhone was turned off throughout its charging.
While there have been variations within the cost occasions, they had been minimal at finest. The longest time interval was the conventional cost, which took one hour and 39 minutes to succeed in 100% battery energy. While it charged, the utmost quantity of energy for the cost was 25 W, although it really stayed round 5 W for more often than not simply from remark. Unfortunately, Low Power Mode introduced solely a barely higher end result than the conventional mode, rushing issues up by solely 5 minutes for a complete cost time of 1 hour and 34 minutes at 22 W energy.
The greatest achieve got here from turning the iPhone off throughout charging, because it makes use of nearly no energy in any respect. To do that, you first must plug within the iPhone after which flip it off whereas it prices. If you do it earlier than, plugging it in will simply flip the cellphone on. The iPhone reached 100% in a single hour and 26 minutes, charging within the vary of twenty-two W to 26 W.
Although there have been variations in cost occasions, you in all probability have to guess in your iPhone taking about an hour and a half to completely cost if the battery’s this low.
Saloon and Avant property bodystyles shall be supplied for the usual A5, with every unlikely to develop in measurement in contrast with the present A4. For reference, it stretches to 4772mm in size, 1847mm in width and 1435mm in top. Only the property has been noticed testing up to now in full-bore RS guise, and it isn’t but confirmed if Audi plans to supply a saloon model, as AMG does with the C63.
Meanwhile, volume-selling variations of the A5 shall be accessible with a variety of upgraded petrol and diesel engines with both mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid help, and four-wheel drive.
Further developments for the MLB platform embrace a brand new electrical structure with 48V functionality. This allows the adoption of further capabilities such because the Dynamic All-Wheel Steering system utilized by the A6, A7, A8, Q7 and the ICE Q8, in addition to new level-two autonomous driving capabilities presently being developed by Audi’s Car.Software division.
It additionally supplies the bottom for a variety of latest digital and connectivity options. Among them is near-field communication performance being developed by Audi and Huawei. This allows contactless fee for refuelling or charging, tolls, parking, drive-through eating and different providers from inside the automotive by way of the MyAudi app.
Autocar understands the brand new A5 will run an up to date model of the present mannequin’s aluminium-intensive multi-link entrance and rear suspension, with adaptive damping on chosen fashions. Earlier hypothesis advised the subsequent A5 would obtain rear air springs, however these could also be reserved solely for the electrical A4.
A automotive will typically obtain tiny, unpublished modifications for every year of its mannequin run. Automakers will barely reprofile a bracket, enhance a component that has an opportunity of failure, or just work out a option to make it cheaper. In the case of the 2024 mannequin yr Toyota GR Corolla, nothing a lot has modified apart from a number of peculiarities: Some new bolts, a pair of air ducts, and improved aerodynamics from 4 strips of specifically designed aluminum tape.
In a video posted by professional drifter Ken Gushi chronicling his set up of the 2024 mannequin yr elements on his 2023 GR Corolla, the tape stands out as a very unusual improve. The elements are available a 2024 improve package, which incorporates new rear subframe bolts, new steering rack bolts, new air ducts for the air curtains, and the aforementioned strips of tape.
You may assume that the tape would assist seal an air duct or reinforce a very versatile half, but it surely truly manages electrostatic discharge. The thought, which is patented by Toyota, is {that a} automotive develops a optimistic cost whereas driving, and the air surrounding it’s also positively charged. Two positively charged issues repel each other, thus the airflow surrounding the automotive will get disturbed.
According to Car Watch, the thought has been round for the reason that mid-2010s and was initially examined on the Toyota 86. During the event of the facelifted 86, Toyota engineers began noticing inconsistent conduct from check automobiles, particularly when the fabric for the bumpers was modified from prototype-spec to production-spec. This led to the examine of electrostatic discharge, and the next discovery that aluminum tape rectifies the issue and likewise magically improves aerodynamics.
Gushi says he felt a distinction in how his Corolla drove after the upgrades. It’s laborious to not say oh, actually, but it surely’s simply as laborious to make a judgment with out a correct apples-to-apples check. It’s actually a minuscule change, however serial automotive modders will know that the smallest modifications typically make the largest distinction. Perhaps it’s time to start out smacking aluminum tape onto all of our mission automobiles.
Each 12 months a string of automobiles we are able to briefly name ‘our personal’ arrive at Autocar towers, able to be examined over a set of months and subjected to the rigour of a journalist’s on a regular basis life.
In getting attending to stay with them as in the event that they had been ours, we are able to dig into the less-obvious high-points and gritty flaws that solely increase their heads after an intensive interval of testing.
Some of our automobiles present a way more memorable expertise than others. Without additional ado (and deliberation), then, listed below are our picks of Autocar’s 2023 fleet.
The long-distance award
For the automobile we’d most wish to tackle a really lengthy journey
Winner: Bentley Flying Spur
Runner up: Toyota GR Supra
No want for a play-off or penalties right here: the Bentley Flying Spur was only a single vote away from having extra nominations than each different automobile on this 12 months’s fleet put collectively.
Steve Cropley sorted Crewe’s best and – unsurprisingly – “enjoyed every mile”. Chief sub-editor Kris Culmer loved studying about Cropley having fun with it a lot that he voted for the Bentley with out ever having pushed it…
Deputy highway take a look at ed Richard Lane marvelled at “the magical combination of connection to the machine but isolation from the road”, whereas Mark Tisshaw (that’s me, by the way in which) stated “nobody does seats like Bentley” whereas pondering the grammatical protocol for quoting oneself within the third particular person.
Lane’s highway take a look at desk colleague Illya Verpraet, all the time the iconoclast, was one to place ahead the Toyota GR Supra “for its excellent driving position, nice seats and good old ‘dumb’ cruise control that doesn’t have a mind of its own and which helps to make this a very relaxing long-distance car”.
I used to be stunned to not see extra votes for the Alpina D3 S, though in voting for it, Cropley’s My Week In Cars podcast co-host (new episodes each Wednesday out of your favorite podcast supplier) Matt Prior maybe defined why: “The Alpina D3 S, so long as it was on the continent so I didn’t have to stress about potholes.”
Hundreds of hundreds of {dollars} can separate completely different Lamborghini fashions from one another. A $200,000 hole lies between the Aventador SVJ and the Huracan Tecnica, however a brand new drag racing video reveals that spending the additional money doesn’t immediately translate into assured quarter-mile victories.
The SVJ makes 770 horsepower from its naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine. That’s 130 greater than the Huracan, however energy is not all the things, clearly. The Aventador weighs 3,910 kilos, whereas the Tecnica, with its 640-hp 5.2-liter V10, suggestions the scales at 3,350 lbs.
We enjoy custom-built motorhomes because each one is unique and reflects the owner’s individuality. For instance, Ryan Bell transformed a Ford Transit into a low-profile camper and has been living in it full-time for over a year. He gave the vehicle an unassuming exterior but equipped the interior with an impressive entertainment setup.
Bell named this camper Megalodon in reference to the massive prehistoric shark. This is his second custom project after selling all his possessions and constructing a Ford E-Series named Great White for $3,000.
Megalodon is still a work in progress. Bell mentions to Motor1 that he anticipates the total cost of the build to be around $35,000 upon completion. This cost is a fraction of what factory-built campers, such as the Transit-based offering from AEONrv for $219,000, would cost.
The Megalodon has some subtle modifications to its exterior, such as covering the side window with a decal that allows occupants to see outside the van, but prevents people from seeing inside. The roof is equipped with 800 watts of solar panels and fans for ventilating the cabin.
Upon opening the door, the interior transformation is revealed. The compact kitchenette is fully featured with a three-burner cooktop and an appliance that combines a microwave, convection oven, and an air fryer. It includes a metal sink, although Bell has not added a faucet yet. His plans for future upgrades include adding a pantry for storage.
The combined sleeping space and entertainment center occupies most of the van’s rear section. Bell has mounted a screen on the wall, and the desk has two settings to raise it, allowing him to comfortably work from bed.
Bell shares with Motor1, “My favorite aspect of the van is how comfortable it is for sleeping. It’s completely dark inside at night and quiet due to all the added insulation. In my previous van, highway noise would annoy me at night, but that is not a problem in Megalodon.”
Bell, a musician, managed to fit a small recording setup in Megalodon. A custom cabinet holds a guitar amp, and there’s a nearby microphone on a stand. For music enjoyment, he has a pair of speakers and a subwoofer, quite large for a van of this size. When it’s time to play video games, Bell uses a Steam Deck that can be connected to the TV. This setup allows him to play various modern and vintage titles from bed.
Bell has an ambitious plan to build a sliding closet in the future to expand Megalodon. Pulling it away from the wall would reveal a shower and toilet, amenities the van currently lacks.
He offers a piece of advice to anyone looking to build their own motorhome. “Insulation is the most important part of a build to make it as comfortable as a house,” Bell said. “The five-inch walls are not excessive, contrary to what many people in the video comments believe.”
Ducati likes to save something special for EICMA each year, and 2023 is no exception. That’s why, on November 7, 2023, the team from Borgo Panigale introduced the limited-edition Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 30th Anniversario 916.
Channeling the spirit of the Massimo Tamburini-designed 916 and adding an exclusive livery by Centro Stile Ducati that recalls Carl Fogarty’s 1999 World Superbike championship win is a sure recipe for a mesmerizing machine. At the same time, it’s clear that CSD wanted to keep things modern while paying tribute to the icon—not overstepping those 30 years completely. While there’s no mistaking the influences that informed these graphics, there’s also no doubt that they’re from 2023.
Just 500 of these limited-edition Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 30th Anniversario 916 bikes will ever be made. Each will be numbered and will also come with special goodies including a certificate of authenticity and a special bike cover. Those are bonuses, though—what you really want to know about are all the sweet performance components on this exclusive limited-edition machine.
36Photos
Carbon Fiber Everywhere, As Far as the Eye Can See
OK, we might be exaggerating slightly, but there’s a lot of carbon fiber on this bike. You’ll find carbon fiber air ducts on the front brakes, for a start. You’ll also find a carbon fiber heat shield on the exhaust, carbon fiber wings, a carbon fiber mudguard, carbon fiber dry clutch cover, and even five-spoke carbon fiber wheels.
Remember how the Panigale V4 S has those sweet Marchesini forged wheels? These carbon fiber wheels are a full three pounds lighter than those. They’re also seven and a half pounds lighter than the wheels found on the standard Panigale V4. Because of this, Ducati says that the moment of inertia is reduced by 26 percent up front and 46 percent in the rear—things you’ll probably appreciate if you take this beast to the track.
More Goodies
The front brake setup consists of a pair of Brembo Stylema R calipers, fitted with the aforementioned carbon fiber cooling ducts. You’ll also find a Brembo MCS master cylinder with a remote adjuster, so you can adjust on the fly and not need to stop—or even to bring any tools.
The Panigale V4 SP2 30th Anniversario 916 also comes with an STM-EVO dry clutch. Mechanical engine braking can be adjusted if you change the secondary spring—and there’s also an open clutch cover (included in the race kit that comes with this bike) for track use only, so you can appreciate the universal call of the true Ducatisti.
Adjustable billet aluminum foot pegs, a standard up and down quickshifter, and the Ducati Data Analyser+ system all come standard as well.
The race kit that comes with each Panigale V4 SP2 30th Anniversario 916 comes with billet aluminum caps to sit in place of the rearview mirrors when you take them off; a number plate holder remover kit; the open clutch cover; and that Ducati Data Analyser+ system.
Pricing and Availability
The Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 30th Anniverseario 916 will be available Ducati dealerships worldwide beginning in March 2024—but only until all 500 have sold.
Pricing will vary by region, as with all of Ducati’s models that it sells worldwide. In the US, MSRP is $45,995. In Canada, the MSRP is $53,995 CDN.
The BMW ART MAKERS program supports an artist-curator duo each year in creating an experimental visual arts project.
The winners of 2023, Eva Nielsen and Marianne Derrien, present their project INSOLARE.
Eva Nielsen was selected by Fiona Rogers, curator of the Elles x Paris Photo program, which promotes women photographers, launched by the French Ministry of Culture.
BMW France, a partner of Paris Photo and the VIP program for 21 years, provides the fair with a fleet of electric cars for transportation.
The BMW ART MAKERS program goes beyond by considering the impact of the territory on the exhibition, with an exploration of human activity’s impact on landscapes and a recyclable scenography, aligning with BMW Group’s environmental and circular strategy.
Paris. BMW Group has been a major supporter of culture for fifty years, contributing to the arts and knowledge dissemination through partnerships like the long-standing one with Paris Photo. BMW France supports the VIP program and provides a fleet of electric cars for transportation. The BMW ART MAKERS program supports an artistic project and exhibition curated by an artist-curator duo each year.
The INSOLARE exhibition presented by the BMW ART MAKERS winning duo. The INSOLARE project is a collaboration between artist Eva Nielsen and curator Marianne Derrien specifically conceived for Rencontres d’Arles and Paris Photo, in which BMW is an official partner. Their poetic and scientific approach questions time and the changes in urban and Camargue landscapes. The project highlights the environmental changes leading to the disappearance of certain urban, industrial, and natural landscapes, constantly raising concerns about the human impact.
Eva Nielsen focuses on geographical and geological changes, a subject rarely explored by women artists. She took numerous photographs during her visits to the Camargue, which were then printed on curtains and transparent paper and re-photographed, superimposed on new samples from the Camargue. Through this process and the use of various materials and media such as photography, silkscreen, painting, veils, and fabrics, the images are overlaid and hybridized, creating a form of transfiguration. Nielsen sees her work as a topographer, bringing forth a “state of awareness” regarding the reality of a territory, its architecture, and environment. INSOLARE reflects the changing urban and industrial landscape of the Camargue.
Marianne Derrien, the winning curator, explains that in INSOLARE, Eva Nielsen explores climatic and geological phenomena that resurface as spectres of rural and industrial reality. Her road trip routes intersect with the territories leading to Arles, where the Camargue begins. The artist creates visual confusion, interweaving photography, silkscreen, and painting. Instead of official cartography, her subjective geography unfolds through the paths she takes. The accumulation of these solar and liquid landscapes forms a horizon of experience, where the feminine perspective connects the body and water. Nielsen and Derrien have designed a scenography that minimizes the project’s environmental impact.
Reusable and recyclable scenography The scenography aims to address environmental and cultural heritage preservation. Aligned with BMW Group’s circular strategy, the exhibition aims to minimize the production and use of materials. Self-supporting metal structures have replaced traditional picture rails and are designed for reuse at the Paris Photo edition in November after Rencontres d’Arles.
“The BMW ART MAKERS program reflects BMW Group’s commitment to culture and society. From concept to exhibition, the INSOLARE project intertwines territory, ecology, and a feminine perspective, offering an original vision of the Camargue. The project’s reusable scenography echoes BMW Group’s environmental and circular strategy,” comments Maryse Bataillard, Head of Corporate Communications and CSR BMW Group France.
According to Florence Bourgeois, Director of Paris Photo, their 21-year partnership with BMW demonstrates strong support for artists. The BMW ART MAKERS sponsorship program provides remarkable support for creativity by showcasing an artist-curator duo each year. They are proud to feature the INSOLARE project by Eva Nielsen and Marianne Derrien at the 26th edition of Paris Photo, held at the Grand Palais Ephémère from November 9 to 12, 2023.
