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Motorsport

Lancia Delta Evo eRX Rally Cars From Special One Racing Destroyed In Fire

An unfortunate and terrifying fire broke out at Lydden Hill in the UK, impacting the world of rallycross and, specifically, Special One Racing. Thankfully, there have been no reports of injuries resulting from the fire. Unfortunately, the team’s Delta Evo-e RX electric rally cars, along with other items, were destroyed.

Currently, there is limited information available about the fire. A video shared on Instagram by _rallycross shows the Special One Racing trailer and cars in the paddock completely engulfed in flames. The distinctive Lancia Delta shapes of two cars can be seen among the smoke and flames. The Instagram post also mentions that the team lost all its apparel in the fire.

 

Currently, it is unknown if the race scheduled for this weekend at Lydden Hill will be delayed or canceled. The FIA and the World Rallycross Championship have released the following statement in response to the incident:

“A fire broke out in the Special ONE Racing team area at Lydden Hill this morning ahead of the FIA World Rallycross Championship event at the track. Fire crews are on-site.

The venue is not open to the public today, and no injuries have been reported. Further updates will be provided as we assess and monitor the situation.”

The Delta Evo-e RX made its debut in 2021 for the World Rallycross Championship. These cars, developed by GCK Motorsport, resemble the classic Delta Integrale but feature a new chassis with two electric motors. At launch, the cars produced 671 horsepower and 649 pound-feet of torque, utilizing all-wheel drive. The championship had planned to include 14 cars, and there were also plans announced for road-going versions.

Lancia Delta Evo-e RX with Martini livery

Special One Racing has yet to provide details on the extent of the damage to the cars and equipment, but the situation looks grim. Sebastian Loeb, a nine-time WRC champion, and veteran racer Guerlain Chicherit are the drivers for the team. Currently, they hold the 8th and 9th positions in the 2023 standings. This weekend’s event is the fifth race in a nine-race season that concludes in Hong Kong on November 12.

Motorsport

Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 Rendered As Flagship Plug-In Performance Coupe

The new Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe and convertible models have recently been unveiled, replacing the previous C-Class and E-Class coupe and cabrio in the Mercedes lineup. These models will be expanded with new additions in the future, including the highly anticipated AMG-branded versions. Thanks to a preview by Motor.es, we now have an idea of what the range-topping CLE 63 AMG model could look like.

The rendered images show the CLE 63 AMG with a Panamericana grille, wider air intakes, AMG badges, larger wheels, and a stunning matte black exterior color. According to the report, the performance coupe will not have an overly aggressive design but will maintain the sleek and stylish overall look of the standard CLE. This is not surprising since the CLE 63 AMG will not be equipped with a V8 engine, as confirmed by a recent spy photo article.


Motorsport

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenary Edition: A Retro-Inspired Tribute

Porsche France recently teased a new variant of the 911 on social media, leading some to believe it might be the highly anticipated heritage-inspired ST model. However, the actual release is the 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenary Edition, which pays homage to past Porsche models by incorporating design elements from the 356 SL and 911 GT1. This special edition celebrates 100 years of endurance racing since the inaugural event held on May 26-27, 1923.

Exclusive to France, the retro-styled 911 Carrera GTS will only have 72 units available for purchase. This number signifies the 72 years of Porsche’s continuous presence at the renowned 24-hour endurance race. Buyers can choose between a seven-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed PDK transmission, and each car comes equipped with an extensive list of standard features. The price for this exclusive model is €237,819, which is approximately $259,600 based on current exchange rates.


Featured

Yami Gautam Adds BMW X7 To Her Luxury Car Collection


The BMW X7, the most luxurious SUV offered by BMW, was given a midlife refresh earlier in the year

Yami Gautam's new BMW X7

Bollywood actress Yami Gautam has recently added the facelifted BMW X7 to her already luxurious car collection. The exact powertrain configuration of the car is not known, but it appears to be finished in the Tanzanite Blue Metallic paint option. Yami already owns an Audi Q7 SUV and an Audi A4.

More About The BMW SUV

2023 BMW X7

The first-generation BMW X7 was launched in India in 2019 and received a refresh in January 2023. The X7 is available in a single “M Sport” trim, with the petrol variant (xDrive40i M Sport) priced at Rs 1.22 crore and the diesel variant (xDrive40d M Sport) priced at Rs 1.25 crore (both ex-showroom Delhi).

Also Read: 3 Things To Know About Shikhar Dhawan’s Latest Ride, The Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography

Powertrain Details

The India-spec BMW X7 is equipped with a 3-litre twin-turbo inline six petrol engine and a diesel engine. The petrol engine produces 381PS/520Nm, while the diesel engine generates 340PS and 700Nm. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and power all four wheels.

2023 BMW X7

Both engines also feature a 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, which increases the output by 12PS/200Nm during hard acceleration. The X7 can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in 5.9 seconds. It offers four driving modes: Comfort, Efficient, Sport, and Sport Plus.

Loaded With Tech

2023 BMW X7 cabin

The BMW X7 is packed with a range of high-end features, including dual screens (12.3-inch digital driver’s display and 14.9-inch infotainment unit), a panoramic sunroof, 14-colour ambient lighting, and digital key. In terms of safety, it offers multiple airbags, a 360-degree camera, dynamic stability control (DSC), cornering brake control (CBC), and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control and driver drowsiness detection.

Also Read: Elon Musk Confirms Tesla India Debut After Meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Who Does It Compete With?

2023 BMW X7 rear

The facelifted BMW X7 competes with the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, and Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Read More on : BMW X7 Automatic

Motorsport

2024 Lexus GX Already Receives Overlanding Makeover in Unofficial Rendering

The recently unveiled third-generation Lexus GX has already received a rugged makeover and new technologies. The SUV now offers an Overtrail trim, which includes mechanical upgrades and aesthetic enhancements. But what would the future hold for this model? New renderings from Kolesa.ru give us a glimpse of what an overlanding version of the GX could look like.

With its boxy and chiseled design, the 2024 GX seems like the perfect base for an adventure vehicle equipped with a roof tent. This digital rendering portrays the vehicle with a lifted suspension and BF Goodrich off-road tires. The black plastic cladding, present in the standard model, remains, but the new front bumper now features an integrated winch and additional LED lights. The roof also sports a light bar.

The rear bumper boasts another winch and LED bar. However, the main highlight of the overlanding upgrades is the foldable tent on the roof, possibly with an extending awning. Lastly, this adventure vehicle is distinguished by a new orange exterior color, setting it apart from the regular 2024 GX.

Based on the GA-F body-on-frame platform, the new GX is equipped with a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link setup at the rear. An optional Adaptive Variable Suspension with active dampers is also available. Powering the GX is a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, making it the sole engine option at launch. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, this engine allows for a maximum towing capacity of 8,000 pounds.

If we hypothetically assume that this overlanding SUV is based on the Overtrail trim, it offers several upgrades over the standard model. These include 33-inch tires, a locking rear differential, and additional underbody protection.

Featured

MG Motor Could Soon Become Indian As These Companies Eye Major Stake Acquisition


Currently, the maker of the Hector and Comet EV is wholly owned by Shanghai-based SAIC Motors

MG Comet EV

  • MG had previously announced its plans to sell its majority stake to Indian investors with the aim of localizing the company.

  • Companies such as Mahindra, Hinduja, Reliance, and Jindal Steel have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring MG Motor India.

  • Any of these companies could potentially acquire a majority stake, resulting in MG becoming an India-owned company.

  • Due to the ongoing tensions between India and China, MG faced sanctions on fundraising activities.

  • MG has also announced its plans to introduce 4-5 new cars in India within the next five years.

MG recently revealed its plans to gradually transfer ownership to Indian stakeholders over the next two to four years. As a result, several Indian companies have shown interest in acquiring the carmaker, which intends to launch 4-5 new cars in the next five years. Currently, MG Motor India is wholly owned by SAIC Motor, a Shanghai-based company.

MG Astor

Who Could Become The New Majority Owner Of MG Motor India?

Carmakers like Mahindra and Mahindra, Hinduja (promoter of Ashok Leyland), Reliance, and JSW Group are reportedly interested in acquiring a majority stake in MG Motor India. Reports suggest that any of these companies could acquire a 45-48% stake in the company, with additional percentage going to dealers and Indian employees.

How Will It Change Things For MG?

With the infusion of Indian equity over the next few years, SAIC will become a minority stakeholder, holding around 49% or less. This would transform MG Motor India into a genuinely Indian company, removing its association as a ‘Chinese brand’.

Also Read: Is This The EV MG Should Have Brought To India Instead Of The Comet EV?

Due to ongoing tensions between India and China, MG Motor India was unable to raise funds from its parent company, SAIC. Sanctions on these fundraising activities have also hindered the carmaker’s expansion plans. However, this move will allow MG to attract investments from Indian companies and facilitate brand growth while meeting the demand. 

Currently, MG has five models in its lineup – Comet EV, Astor, Hector, ZS EV, and Gloster. If and when this move gets confirmed, we can expect many new models being launched in the country, perhaps more than just the planned 4-5 over the next five years. 

Motorsport

Watch New Forza Motorsport Trailer, Game Releases On October 10

UPDATE: An earlier version of this story referred to the game as Forza Motorsport 7. This is incorrect. It is just Forza Motorsport.

The latest trailer for Forza Motorsport premiered during the Xbox Games Showcase during the 2023 Summer Games Fest. This new video focuses on the partnership with General Motors for highlighting the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray and the Cadillac Racing V-Series.R LMDh racer for the new entry in the franchise. October 10, 2023, is the newly unveiled release date.

The Chevy and Cadillac will be the vehicles gracing the cover of Forza Motorsport. The video begins with the V-Series.R on the track competing with other race cars. Then, it quickly transitions to showing the E-Ray in the Home view where players can enter races and select different vehicles. 

Next, there’s more racing with a circuit showing Eaglerock Speedway on the walls. The course appears to have an oval layout, which would work for stock car-style events.

The next course on display seems to be the Suzuka Circuit. Later, there’s a brief glimpse of what looks to be the famous Eau Rouge corner from the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. A short snippet also appears to show a bit from the Le Mans track.

This short trailer isn’t our last look at Forza Motorsport before the game’s launch. There will be a walkthrough of the single-player career campaign on June 13 (announcement below).

 

Forza Motorsport will launch with over 500 cars, and over 100 of them will be completely new to the game. Plus, developer Turn 10 Studios will pack the roster with more racing-specific machines than ever before. If that won’t provide enough to pick from, there will be over 800 upgrades available for vehicle customization.

Of course, these cars would be useless without a place to race. Forza Motorsport has 20 places to race, five of which are new to the series. An earlier clip revealed two of them: Hakone in Japan and the Kyalami circuit in South Africa.

The graphics should be better than ever, too. The developers promise the ability to play in a 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, and that’s with ray tracing to create even more realistic lighting effects. A new time-of-day function allows players to start a race during the day and have the event transition into the night. For better sound, the game supports Dolby Atmos, which adds a layer of height to the noise in addition to the usual left-to-right projection.

The new game will have additional driving assists to be more accessible to users. For example, Blind Driving Assists help blind players or those with low vision. It adds more audio cues to help users navigate tracks without needing to see everything. One Touch Driving aids folks who have issues with pressing multiple buttons simultaneously, gripping a controller, or maintaining button pressure.

The video below is from June 2022 and shows more of the gameplay.