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Motorsport

BMW XM Label Red Configurator Now Available, Top Price is $198,544

BMW has recently launched the XM Label Red configurator on its website. Although the waiting list has been open since February, this is the first chance for customers to customize the large SUV, which has a starting price of $185,000 plus an additional $995 for destination fees. For this amount, buyers can choose from a variety of paint colors, including metallic shades like Anglesey Green Metallic, matte options like Frozen Black and Ruby Black Metallic, as well as Frozen Tulum Blue.

The standard size for the wheels is 22 inches, featuring double-spoke and bi-color M Light Alloys. However, buyers have the option to upgrade to 23-inch M Light Alloy Star-spoke wheels. There are also various tire packages to choose from, including all-season, performance, and high-performance compounds. The final price remains the same regardless of the wheel and tire package selected. Additionally, adding Toronto Red exterior trim or M Sport brakes with blue or red calipers does not affect the final price.

The interior of the BMW XM Label Red offers only full Merino leather upholstery with red accents and carbon fiber M Signature trim. However, customers can add the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System for an additional $3,400. This system features exclusive Diamond Dome tweeters, fully active amplification channels, and QuantumLogic Surround/Dynamic Sound Equalizing.

Similar to other BMW performance vehicles, buyers of the BMW XM Label Red can opt for the $2,500 M Driver’s Package. In addition to increasing the top speed of the XM, this package also includes a one-day high-performance driving class at the BMW Performance Center. This allows drivers to experience the vehicle’s limits in a controlled environment through various high-speed exercises.

The final option to consider is the selection of BMW Ultimate Care+ bundles, which vary in price from $850 to $6,649 depending on the level of maintenance and duration. The highest-level bundle, BMW Ultimate Care+ 4, provides extended coverage and replacement of wear-and-tear items for an additional four years and 89,000 miles. This brings the total coverage to seven years or 125,000 miles and is transferable if the vehicle is sold.

The total cost of the BMW XM Label Red, including destination charges, is $198,544, which is only $12,549 more than the base price. BMW has surprisingly limited the available options for the XM Label Red, but it is worth noting that this package is already a limited edition. In comparison, choosing a base BMW X3 sDrive30i and adding various options can easily surpass $17,000 in additional costs.

News

First drive: 2023 Skoda Kodiaq prototype review

Even popular movie trilogies, like The Godfather and The Dark Knight, often lose steam by the third installment.

However, Skoda SUVs defy this trend. The Czech automaker released a successful three-part series, starting with the impressive Skoda Kodiaq, followed by the highly popular Skoda Karoq and Kamiq. Now, Skoda is returning to where it all began with a new Kodiaq set to arrive in the first quarter of 2024.

The second-generation large SUV will continue to share components with other Volkswagen Group models, including the new VW Tiguan, which we have already tested in prototype form. Pricing, trim levels, and equipment details will be confirmed later this year. The lineup will include a standard Kodiaq and a sportier SportLine version, with most models featuring seven seats. Additionally, a hotter Skoda Kodiaq vRS version is expected to join the range about a year later.

At launch, the new Kodiaq will offer two petrol and two diesel engine options. As 97% of Kodiaq buyers opted for the smooth-shifting DSG gearbox, all engines will come with it as standard.

The entry-level petrol variant is a 148bhp 1.5-liter engine featuring the latest Evo2 mild-hybrid technology. It is quieter and has smoother transitions to its fuel-saving two-cylinder mode. While not particularly spirited, its performance is adequate for everyday errands. Alternatively, there is a more powerful 201bhp 2.0-liter TSI petrol option available.

The entry-level diesel variant is a 148bhp 2.0-liter engine with strong low-end power, making it ideal for carrying a fully loaded Kodiaq. It may be a bit overkill for primarily city driving, but it excels on cross-country journeys.

The top-tier diesel variant is a 190bhp engine. Although it feels less lively and revs slower, it produces less diesel noise in the cabin. Furthermore, it is the only Kodiaq variant that comes with seven seats and four-wheel drive.

News

Rare 2020 Bimota Tesi H2 Supercharged Monster Is Looking For A Good Home

Are you looking for the perfect gift for that special someone (even if that special someone is you)? It doesn’t happen every day, but folks, there’s currently a 2020 Bimota Tesi H2 that’s located in southern California and is looking for a good home.  

For those unfamiliar, the Bimota Tesi H2 is the first product of the partnership between Kawasaki and Bimota. Historically, Bimota is an Italian chassis specialist that has made great use of engines supplied by other manufacturers, including Ducati in the past. As you may know (or even guess), the Tesi H2 uses the same supercharged engine that powers the Kawasaki Ninja H2—only, of course, now neatly nestled inside the latest iteration of Pierluigi Marconi’s hub-center steering design. 

According to Bimota, thanks to ram air, the supercharged 998cc engine makes 239 horsepower. It’s outfitted with plenty of other top-shelf componentry, including a numbered Arrow exhaust, unbelievably gorgeous exhaust headers that sound as good as they look, twin Öhlins TTX rear shocks, and of course gobs and gobs of carbon fiber, as far as the eye can see. The exhaust baffle is currently removed from the bike but will be included in the sale so it can be replaced if the new owner wants it. 


11 Photos

Out of a run of 250 Tesi H2s produced, this is number six. It had a total of 1,438 miles on the clock when Iconic Motorbike Auctions first listed it for sale, but the listing notes that the total miles will likely go up as they do ride it on occasion.  

It’s currently located at the company’s Santa Monica headquarters in California, where it’s listed for sale as a Buy It Now bike with a nonrefundable deposit of $4,550 if you’re the person who ends up buying it. It comes with a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) form from Bimota Spirit in Raleigh, North Carolina. Iconic also advises that it is not eligible for registration in the state of California. The Buy It Now price is $65,000, and it comes complete with both the Bimota bike cover for this bike, as well as the owner’s manual. 

Featured

These 5 SUVs Sold in India are Priced Much Higher in Nepal


Due to high import taxes, even non-luxury cars can cross the Rs 1 crore threshold in the neighbouring nation

Nepal, our neighbouring country that shares its mountains with us, is a market for many international carmakers, including some from India. Carmakers that operate in both India and Nepal have a similar lineup in both countries, but the prices vary significantly. Some of the popular cars sold in India are three times more expensive in Nepal. Here are five examples of eye-watering price differences due to import tariffs:

Hyundai Creta

Price in India

Price in Nepal 

Converted Price

Rs 10.87 lakh to Rs 19.20 lakh

NPR 49.96 lakh to NPR 78.96 lakh

Rs 31.23 lakh to Rs 49.36 lakh

The Hyundai Creta, which was launched in Nepal in 2015, is more than 2.5 times as expensive as in India. In Nepal, the Creta comes with the same powertrains as the India-spec compact SUV. It is available with a 116PS, 1.5-litre diesel engine paired with a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission, and a 115PS, 1.5-litre petrol engine which comes with a 6-speed manual and a CVT gearbox.

Maruti Grand Vitara

Price in India

Price in Nepal 

Converted Price

Rs 10.70 lakh to Rs 19.79 lakh

NPR 63.99 lakh to NPR 88.29 lakh

Rs 40 lakh to Rs 55.13 lakh

The Maruti Grand Vitara was launched in India in September last year, and this year in March, it made its way to the Nepal market as the Suzuki Grand Vitara. As shown in the table above, the price of the top-spec variant of this Maruti model is nearly three times higher in Nepal compared to India.

Also Read: Did The Maruti Jimny Prices Miss Their Mark?

In Nepal, the Suzuki SUV is equipped with the same petrol and strong hybrid powertrain options as the India-spec model. It also has the same variant-list and feature distribution.

Tata Safari

Price in India

Price in Nepal 

Converted Price

Rs 15.65 lakh to Rs 25.02 lakh

NPR 92.49 lakh to NPR Rs 1.09 Crore

Rs 57.74 lakh to Rs 68.04 lakh

Except for the Tata Tigor EV and Punch, Nepal offers the full lineup from Tata Motors. The Tata Safari was launched in Nepal six months after its release in India in 2021. In Nepal, the price of the Safari crosses the NPR 1 crore mark, and when converted to Indian currency, the top-spec variant is close to Rs 70 lakh.

Also See: Facelifted Tata Safari’s Cabin To Be Heavily Revamped According To First Spy Shots

Similar to India, the Tata Safari is equipped with a 2-litre diesel engine (170PS/350Nm) in Nepal, available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. However, Tata Motors does not offer any special editions in Nepal, such as the Dark, Red Dark, and Adventure editions.

Hyundai Tucson

Price in India

Price in Nepal 

Converted Price

Rs 28.63 lakh to Rs 35.46 lakh

NPR 1.08 crore to NPR 1.63 Rs crore

Rs 67.50 lakh to Rs 1.02 crore

In contrast to India, Nepal offers a wider range of premium Hyundai SUVs. The Hyundai Tucson, the largest SUV sold by the Korean automaker in India, is also available in Nepal for a significantly higher price. The top-spec variant of the Tucson, which is priced at Rs 35.46 lakh in India, costs Rs 1.02 crore in Nepal.

Also Read: Hyundai Exter SUV Starts Rolling Off The Production Line Ahead Of Launch

In Nepal, the Hyundai Tucson is equipped with the same 2-litre petrol engine (156PS/192Nm) and diesel engine (186PS/416Nm) as the India-spec model. Additionally, Nepal also offers a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine (180PS/265Nm) that is not available in India, along with a manual gearbox option for the larger petrol engine, which is absent in India.

Toyota Fortuner

Price in India

Price in Nepal 

Converted Price

Rs 32.59 lakh to Rs 50.34 lakh

NPR 2.22 crore to NPR 2.32 crore

Rs 1.39 crore to Rs 1.45 crore

Lastly, the Toyota Fortuner, which is already quite expensive in India, is the most expensive model on this list. Even the base-spec model in Nepal starts from Rs 1.39 crore in Indian currency. In Nepal, the Fortuner is available with the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine (204PS/ up to 500Nm) paired with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission, and it comes with 4WD.

Also Read: You Will Have To Wait For Up To 8 Months For A Toyota Innova Hycross

The India-spec model also offers a 2.7-litre petrol engine (166PS/245Nm) with a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission, with the option of a two-wheel-drive system. However, the Fortuner Legender is not available in Nepal.

Reason for Such High Prices

None of these models are manufactured in Nepal and are brought into the country as imports. While several factors affect the pricing of a car, import tariffs play a significant role. The high import tariffs imposed by the Nepalese government make cars very expensive.

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

While the Indian government also imposes heavy tariffs on imported cars, making them almost twice as expensive, the tariffs imposed by the Nepalese government outweigh those in India by a significant margin.

Let us know in the comments below which one of these models surprised you the most with its prices.

Read More on : Creta on road price

Motorsport

Toyota Supra Drag Racing Challenger Hellcat Puts Up A Good Fight

The Toyota Supra has always been popular among JDM enthusiasts, despite some reservations about the latest generation being based on the BMW Z4 and not being built in Japan. On the other hand, the Dodge Challenger, particularly in Hellcat trim, is considered the embodiment of modern American muscle cars. The video showcased at the top of this page demonstrates a modern showdown between domestic and import vehicles, reminiscent of the battles between previous-gen A80 Supra, Dodge Viper, and Ford Mustang SVT Cobra in the past.

The video features two races, each featuring a modern Supra and a modern Challenger Hellcat. At first glance, it may seem like the American car would easily outperform the Toyota, given its specifications.

The Hellcat is equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces an impressive 717 horsepower, sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its weight of 5,450 pounds (2,472 kg), the saying “there’s no replacement for displacement” holds true for this car.

On the other hand, the Supra is available in the United States with two engine options: a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 hp, and a more powerful 3.0-liter inline-six engine generating 382 hp. Although this is nearly half of what the Hellcat offers, the Supra is lighter at 4,001 lbs (1,814 kg).

It is unclear whether the cars in the video are stock or modified. However, it is possible that the outcome of the races could have been different if the drivers had been more cautious during the launch.

What are your thoughts on this modern domestic versus import battle? Share your opinions in the comments section below.

NewsNew

2024 NEW-BIKE PRICE LIST: THE WRAP

The 2024 models are now available at some dealerships, with new bikes on display. We’ve already seen most of the new dirt bikes from popular brands like Beta, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, and Suzuki. However, GasGas, Sherco, and Yamaha have yet to announce their new models, and TM reportedly does not have an importer in the U.S. If you’re planning to buy a new dirt bike in 2024, you should start saving up because prices have increased across the board. Here is a list of the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs) that have been announced so far. Please note that these prices do not include destination, tax, set-up fees, and additional charges. For last year’s prices, click here.

2024 Beta Xtrainer

Beta 125 RR Two-Stroke: $8,599.00
Beta 200 RR Two-Stroke: $9,499.00
Beta 250 RR Two-Stroke: $9,899.00
Beta 300 RR Two-Stroke: $10,099.00
Beta 350 RR: $10,499.00
Beta 390 RR: $10,599.00
Beta 430 RR: $10,699.00
Beta 480 RR: $10,799.00
Beta 300 Xtrainer Two-Stroke: $8,399.00
Beta 300 RX Two-Stroke: $9,399.00
Beta Explorer E-Moto: $4,890.00.

2024 Honda CRF450RWE

Honda CRF450R: $9,699
Honda CRF450RWE: $12,499
Honda CRF450R-S: $8,899
Honda CRF450RX: $9,999
Honda CRF450X: $9,899
Honda CRF450RL Dual-Sport: $10,099
Honda CRF250R: $8,299
Honda CRF250RX: $8,699
Honda CRF150R: $5,399
Honda CRF150RB (Big Wheel): $5,599
Honda CRF250F: $4,999
Honda CRF125F: $3,499
Honda CRF125FB (Big Wheel): $3,899
Honda CRF110F: $2,699
Honda CRF50F: $1,799

2024 Kawasaki KX450

Kawasaki KX450X: $10,599
Kawasaki KX250: $8799.
Kawasaki KX250X: $8899.
Kawasaki KX85 Two-Stroke: $4899
Kawasaki KX112 Two-Stroke: $5599.
Kawasaki KLX300R: $6199
Kawasaki KLX230: $5049.
Kawasaki KLX140: from $3649 to $4249
Kawasaki KLX110R: $2849
Kawasaki KLX110RL: $3049

2024 KTM 300 XC-W HardEnduro

KTM 450 SX-F: $11,099.00 USD
KTM 350 SX-F: $10,899
KTM 250 SX-F: $10,199
KTM 300 SX Two-Stroke: $9399
KTM 250 SX Two-Stroke: $9149
KTM 125 SX Two-Stroke: $8099
KTM 85 SX Two-Stroke 19/16: $6899
KTM 85 SX Two-Stroke 17/14: $6599
KTM SX-E 5: $5599
KTM SX-E 3: $5099
KTM 500 XW-F: $12,549
KTM 450 XCF-W: $11,999
KTM 350 XW-F: $12,149
KTM 300 XC-W HardEnduro Two-Stroke: $13,049
KTM 300 XC-W Two-Stroke: $11,449
KTM 250 XC-W Two-Stroke: $11,099
KTM 150 XC-W Two-Stroke: $10,099
KTM 450 XC-F: $11,899
KTM 350 XC-F: $11,649
KTM 250 XC-F: $10,599
KTM 300 XC Two-Stroke: $11,299
KTM 250 XC Two-Stroke: $10,999
KTM 125 XC Two-Stroke: $8399

2024 Husqvarna TE300

Husqvarna FC 450: $11,199
Husqvarna FX 450: $11,899
Husqvarna FC 350: $10,999
Husqvarna FX 350: $11,749
Husqvarna FC 250: $10,299
Husqvarna TC 250 Two-Stroke: $9249
Husqvarna TC 125 Two-Stroke: $8199
Husqvarna TC 85 Two-Stroke 19/16: $6999
Husqvarna FE 501w: $12,649
Husqvarna FE 501s Dual-Sport: $13,049
Husqvarna FE 450: $12,099
Husqvarna FE 350w: $12,249
Husqvarna FE 350s Dual-Sport: $12,599
Husqvarna TE 300 Two-Stroke: $11,549
Husqvarna TX 300 Two-Stroke: $11,399
Husqvarna TE 250 Two-Stroke: $11,249
Husqvarna TE 150 Two-Stroke: $10,199

2024 Suzuki RM-Z450 RM-ARMY

Suzuki RM-Z450: $9199
Suzuki RM-Z250: $8099
Suzuki DR-Z125L: $3599
Suzuki DR-Z50: $2579
Suzuki DR650S Dual-Sport: $7099
Suzuki DR-Z400SM Dual-Sport: $7899

–Ron Lawson
Motorsport

Watch an Old Ford Taurus Outperform Porsche, BMW, and McLaren on the Race Track

The classic Ford Taurus SHO continues to impress even after being on the road for over 30 years. Imagine attending an open track event in 2023 with your McLaren 720S, only to find a first-generation white Taurus right behind you in the rearview mirror. While the Taurus didn’t overtake the McLaren, it did pass other drivers, as shown in the video above.

The video is courtesy of Adam Hartlmeier, who is a well-known enthusiast of the SHO. Adam and his wife Michelle own several first-generation models, including two of the four Ninja Turtle SHO race cars that participated in the IMSA Firestone Firehawk series in the early 1990s. However, the car featured in this video is a different white 1990 SHO that has been modified for track fun.

By “comfortably modified,” we mean that there are no extravagant modifications such as turbochargers, superchargers, or nitrous oxide. The car features a mostly stock 3.2-liter SHO V6 engine, producing around 250 horsepower at the front wheels. It has coilovers, upgraded 13-inch brakes, and has been stripped down to weigh approximately 2,600 pounds.

The video was filmed at the Blackhawk Farms track in Illinois. It captures the McLaren 720S and the Taurus SHO racing together, with the Taurus keeping up with the McLaren in the corners but falling behind on the straights. However, the Taurus manages to overtake several other cars, including Miatas, a Chevrolet Camaro, a Ford Mustang, and even a BMW E30 and a Porsche Cayman.

Adam Hartlmeier highlights the fact that the SHO is a dedicated racer, while most other cars at the event were street cars designed for both track and street use. It’s impressive that a car originally designed for comfortable transportation can outperform cars with significantly more power on the track. Many people are surprised by the SHO’s speed, making it one of the most unexpected performance cars.

Special thanks to the Hartlmeiers for sharing their photos and stories. For more Taurus SHO action, you can listen to Motor1.com’s Rambling About Cars podcast featuring Zach Wright, the owner of an eight-second 1995 Taurus SHO drag car affectionately known as the Blue Turd.

Motorsport

New BFGoodrich T/A Pursuit Tire Is Designed Specifically For Police Cars

Law enforcement vehicles have tough lives. While they may spend a lot of time idle, they are often called upon for high-speed pursuits, navigating various terrains, making sharp turns, and performing sudden stops. The tire of the vehicle suffers the most in these situations. Luckily, BFGoodrich has introduced a specially designed, all-season tire that can withstand this kind of punishment.

According to a recent press release by the company, this new tire is one of the best pursuit tires for wet-braking on the market. It can stop up to 21 feet shorter compared to other brands. Kim Kegler, the Brand Director of BFGoodrich Tires, said, “The BFGoodrich Elite-Force T/A tire can respond to emergencies in any condition, whether it’s driving downpours or rough gravel roads. We developed a tire that can handle severe conditions and meet any and every call.”

In creating this tire, BFGoodrich incorporated feedback from law enforcement officers in its design and testing process for the Elite-Force T/A. Major Jason Ramey from the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina provided input, stating, “Wet-traction handling is the most important to me, especially in high-speed situations.”

Aside from its superior wet performance, the BFGoodrich pursuit tires are designed to be 35 percent stronger with a revamped tread pattern for enhanced durability and longer wear life. They are available in various sizes to fit different law enforcement vehicles, whether sedans like the Dodge Charger, SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe, or Ford Explorer. Additionally, these tires come with a badge-inspired design on the sidewall or a traditional sidewall for undercover work.

On the internet, you will find numerous videos featuring high-speed chases or other incidents where law enforcement vehicles are pushed to their limits. Recently, we covered a high-speed chase in Arkansas and a wild school bus chase that ended in a cornfield. These situations highlight the importance of purpose-built tires that can withstand heavy abuse.

Motorsport

Ford Supports Team Rubicon with Vehicle Donation and $2.5M Contribution

When natural disasters occur, Team Rubicon, an organization led by veterans, mobilizes to assist affected communities worldwide. In a generous gesture, Ford has donated 17 vehicles and contributed $2.5 million to this cause. These vehicles include the F-150 XL PowerBoost hybrid, F-350 Super Duty trucks equipped with Ford’s 2.0-kW Pro Power Onboard system, F-150 Lightning Pro trucks, and Broncos with the Sasquatch package to access remote areas.

Overall, Ford and its charitable Ford Fund group have invested $5.8 million in Team Rubicon, establishing the initiative named “Team Rubicon Powered By Ford”. This collaboration will enable Team Rubicon volunteers to carry out their crucial work effectively.


Motorsport

Nyobolt Develops EV Concept with Revolutionary Battery Technology: Fully Recharged In 6 Minutes

One of the biggest complaints about electric cars is their long charging times that cannot compare with refuelling speeds of gasoline-powered vehicles. Nyobolt, a British firm that produces ultra-fast-charging batteries, claims it has revolutionized battery technology and developed a battery pack that can fully charge in less than six minutes. The concept EV sports car boasts a 35-kilowatt-hour battery pack that can cover a range of approximately 155 miles (250 kilometers) on a single charge. Although the weight of the sports car has not been officially disclosed, Nyobolt hinted that it is closer to one tonne than two, indicating that the car weighs less than 3,307 pounds (1,500 kilograms).