Tag Archives: everything

News

BMW Motorrad Appoints Alexander Buckan As New Head Of Design

You could definitely say that when it comes to motorcycles, design is everything. It encompasses so much more than styling, but also how the machine interacts with us, and likewise, how we interact with the machine. Yes, there’s an established “formula” for the various types of motorcycles, but those that really standout do a good job of blending practical function with head-turning style.

Undoubtedly, the design teams of motorcycle manufacturers are some of the busiest departments. That being said, BMW Motorrad has just appointed a new head of design in the form of Alexander Buckan. Taking the helm from Edgar Heinrich, who is now retiring following 35 years of service to the company, Alexander Buckan was responsible for some of the most successful motorcycles in BMW’s current lineup. He has been involved with BMW Motorrad’s design team all the way back since 2003, where he started out as a transportation designer.

BMW R 1300 GS Social Media Teaser

Dr. Markus Schramm, the head of BMW Motorrad, expressed his excitement towards Buckan’s appointment as design head, highlighting his passion and enthusiasm for two wheels. “We are delighted to be able to present our experienced colleague and motorcycle enthusiast Alexander Buckan as the new head of BMW Motorrad Design.” Buckan is set to take on his new role as BMW Motorrad Head of Design on January 1, 2024.

Some of the notable models Alexander Buckan was responsible for include the BMW F 800 GS, G 450 X, R 1200 GS LC, and R 1200 GS Adventure LC. Following notable success early on in his career, he was promoted in 2015 as the head of BMW Motorrad Vehicle Design. During that period, he worked hand-in-hand with Edgar Heinrich on the design of the CE-04 and CE-02 electric two-wheelers. The recently unveiled R 1300 GS was also a result of his talent, and is set for a global unveiling on September 28, 2023 at BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin.

Markus Schramm highlighted the dedication and commitment Edgar Heinrich imparted to the company stating, “We would like to thank Edgar Heinrich for his many years of outstanding service. His enthusiasm for riding pleasure on two wheels has inspired countless fans around the world.” Heinrich, now getting ready for retirement, has been working with BMW Motorrad for 35 years. He was responsible for the launch of models like the BMW R 1100 S, K 1200 R, and R 1200 GS.

News

Kawasaki Has A Coloring Book Featuring Our Favorite Motorcycles And More

As motorcycle enthusiasts, motorcycles are always on our minds. Even when we’re not riding, we’re thinking about bikes, planning our next ride, and considering upgrades. And for motorcycle enthusiasts who are also parents, it’s exciting to share our love for two wheels with our kids.

While there are mini-bikes available for kids, Kawasaki has come up with a different way for you and your child to engage with motorcycles – a coloring book.

Kawasaki Has A Coloring Book Featuring Our Favorite Motorcycles And More

Kawasaki is one of the most popular motorcycle manufacturers in the world. But their products go beyond just motorcycles. Although motorcycles are only a small part of their business, Kawasaki’s coloring book includes more than just motorcycles. It also features trains, excavators, helicopters, and even robots.

You can download the coloring book images from Kawasaki’s website or save the high-resolution images from this article. The coloring book includes some of our favorite Kawasaki motorcycles, like the Ninja 400 racing alongside a Bullet Train. You’ll also find pictures of the previous generation Ninja ZX-10RR KRT edition, the Ninja H2R, and the classy Z900RS.

But it’s not just about motorcycles. Kawasaki’s coloring book also offers intricate pictures for advanced hobbyists, like the Kaleido humanoid robot with hundreds or even thousands of parts to color. Construction and heavy industries enthusiasts can also choose from machinery like a stacker reclaimer and a bucket wheel excavator.

Kawasaki Has A Coloring Book Featuring Our Favorite Motorcycles And More

So, whether you’re a motorcycle-loving parent or just someone who enjoys coloring, Kawasaki’s coloring book is a great way to have fun and express your creativity.

Motorsport

Ram ProMaster Stealth Camper: Discreet Exterior, Stunning Interior

The 12th van build by Scarlett and Seth Eskelund is a testament to their expertise in creating stealthy motorhomes. On the outside, the Ram ProMaster appears unremarkable, but stepping inside reveals a modern and stylish living space filled with hidden details.

Upon opening the sliding door, you’ll immediately notice the elegant bathroom. Complete with a skylight on the roof, it provides a source of natural sunlight while you freshen up. The walls are adorned with Roman clay, and a sliding door ensures privacy and prevents water from entering the rest of the cabin. The composting toilet is cleverly concealed behind a small door and can be conveniently pulled out on a drawer.

The rest of the living space features warm color tones with plenty of brown and beige hues. Wood veneer is extensively used throughout the interior, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall design.

The kitchen boasts a clean and minimalist aesthetic, cleverly hiding the appliances. The fridge is concealed behind a wood-paneled door, while a gas cooktop is conveniently placed in a drawer. There’s also a small toaster oven for additional food preparation needs. The drawers and cupboards offer ample storage space for food and utensils.

Two benches in the living area contain hidden surprises. One of them cleverly conceals the litter box for the couple’s two cats, while the other opens up to reveal a laundry bag for collecting dirty clothes.

The rear area features a U-shaped couch with a swiveling table in the middle. This space easily converts into a comfortable bed, with ample storage underneath the cushions.

To maintain the sleek and inconspicuous appearance, the couple has installed low-profile equipment on the roof. This includes 600 watts of marine-grade solar panels that can even be walked upon. A flat-mounted Starlink receiver is also discreetly placed. Furthermore, the air conditioning condenser is cleverly hidden underneath the van, remaining out of sight.

Although Motor1.com has reached out to Scarlet and Seth Eskelund for more details about their van build, there has been no response yet.

Stealth camper van builds are growing in popularity. Recently, we showcased a custom Isuzu box truck with an unassuming exterior and a luxurious cabin. A modified Mercedes Sprinter followed a similar design ethos, incorporating a kitchen and bathroom into a compact footprint.

News

Review of the Mercedes-Benz Unimog

When it comes to the Mercedes-Benz Unimog, there is a lot to learn and understand. This off-road vehicle has been around for 75 years and is part of the Daimler Truck family, which includes Mercedes-Benz and other brands.

Unlike most 4×4 vehicles, the Unimog is extremely capable and durable. It can handle challenging terrains without any issues, making it a reliable choice for off-roading adventures. It comes in two main model lines: the UGE implement carrier and the UHE extreme off-roader. In this review, we’ll focus on the UHE model.

The UHE model has a single wheelbase and length, one engine option, and two cab styles, including pickup variants. It measures 6.0m long, 2.5m wide, and 2.9m tall. However, there are still two variants within the UHE model line, with one being more heavy-duty than the other due to its beefier axles. The maximum permissible weight of the Unimog ranges from 10.3 tonnes to 14.5 tonnes.

Unimog climbs an 80 percent grade hill with cobbled surface – rear quarter

The picture above showcases the heaviest-duty double-cab variant of the UHE, known as the 5023 Crew Cab. This model is considered the king of off-road Unimogs and is highly regarded among other off-roaders. It has exceptional capabilities and can navigate rough terrains better than most vehicles, including trucks that can also reach a speed of 55mph on the road.

It’s no surprise that the Unimog has been named Off-Road magazine’s vehicle of the year for the past 18 years. The Unimog is known for its versatility and has been a popular choice since its introduction in 1948. Daimler continues to produce over 2000 Unimog vehicles every year.

Technology

Is There A Better Time Of Year To Buy A New Laptop?

When is the best time to buy a new laptop? The answer is simple: during the same time when other items have the best deals. Just like TVs, Instant Pots, and game consoles, laptops are often part of the promotions during Thanksgiving and its adjacent events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Cyber Week. Another good time to buy is during Amazon’s Prime Day, which happens every July.

While the term “Black Friday” is commonly associated with the idea of post-Thanksgiving sales bringing retailers’ profits “into the black,” its original meaning in the 1980s was to signify the chaos of the day, with many retail workers calling in sick to avoid the crowds.

Last year, there were significant laptop discounts during Black Friday, including a 20% discount on a MacBook Pro, a 33% discount on a Microsoft Surface Pro 8, and an impressive 45% discount on a Gigabyte G5 MD gaming laptop. Cyber Monday also offered more gaming laptop deals three days later. Overall, it is the most opportune time of the year to find discounted MacBooks below Apple’s retail prices.

During the 2023 Prime Day, the base M1 MacBook Air was reduced from $999.99 to $749.99. Although this deal was part of a special event, it has continued to be available afterwards.

Motorsport

2024 Ford F-150 Spotted with Two-Tone Paint and New Grille for Heritage Edition

The refreshed Ford F-150 is set to debut in September, and there have been no shortage of spy photos capturing the truck in action. The most recent images give us a closer look at the 2024 F-150 Heritage Edition.

These photos reveal the Heritage Edition’s vintage-inspired two-tone paint job, which adds a touch of nostalgia to the truck’s appearance. The front end showcases a distinctive grille with three thick horizontal bars, complemented by thinner vertical bars behind it. Additionally, the truck sports the updated headlights that are shared across the revamped F-150 lineup.


Motorsport

Ford Aims to Attract Younger Customers with the 2024 Mustang

The automotive industry is undergoing a transformation, and this includes the pony car segment. While the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger are on their way out, the Ford Mustang will be the sole model to survive without going electric. However, there is still a demand for old-school, naturally aspirated V8 sports cars, and Ford hopes to win over younger customers who are new to the brand with the new 2024 Mustang.

But simply offering a powerful 5.0 engine won’t be enough to entice young buyers. In order to capture their attention, Ford’s designers and engineers have included features such as game-style graphics, a remote rev function, and an electronic drift brake. These features are aimed at attracting a younger audience. Additionally, there will be an increased number of customization options available to cater to their preferences.


Motorsport

Next-Gen Mini Cooper: New Features and Technology Enhancements

The next-generation Mini Cooper is set to be officially unveiled later this year, but Mini has already shared some exciting details and photos of the car’s cabin. The upcoming hatchback will feature new gimmicks and enhancements in both the audio and visual aspects of its technology.

One standout feature that Mini takes pride in is the circular OLED display positioned in the center of the dashboard. With a diameter of 9.44 inches (240 millimeters), this is the industry’s first display of its size to utilize OLED technology. This display will debut in the next-generation Mini models, incorporating the Mini Operating System 9. It should be noted that the Mini Operating System 9 is the latest version of BMW Group’s infotainment software, which is built on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack.


BMW

BMW Motorrad presents BMW Motorrad Welt.

BMW Motorrad is creating a new world of experience called BMW Motorrad Welt. This is the first time in its 100-year history that BMW Motorrad is establishing its own brand experience center. The location is carefully chosen in the heart of BMW Motorrad production, at the Berlin-Spandau plant, where BMW motorcycles have been manufactured since 1969. The center will be housed in the historic Julius Tower building, which was constructed between 1914 and 1917. BMW Motorrad Welt is scheduled to open on September 28, 2023.

BMW Motorrad Welt will serve as the “Home of the Brand,” providing a full-scale brand experience that connects BMW Motorrad with its community, the public, and employees. The center will span an area of approximately 1,000 square meters and offer interactive presentations of current BMW Motorrad products, plant tours, gastronomy options, and various events. It aims to provide an emotional and authentic platform for BMW Motorrad enthusiasts.

The core of BMW Motorrad Welt will be the interactive exhibitions showcasing BMW Motorrad vehicles. These exhibitions will also include special displays on topics like customizing, as well as select items from the BMW Motorrad Gear & Garment Collection and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.

Additionally, the Berlin-Spandau plant will open its doors to visitors from Monday to Friday. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the fascinating process of BMW motorcycle manufacturing. The plant, spanning nearly 220,000 square meters, has over 2,200 employees producing approximately 900 vehicles daily across various segments.

Moreover, BMW Motorrad Welt will offer extensive event spaces for conferences, workshops, meetings, and celebrations. It will also host thrilling live broadcasts, meet & greets with motorcycle VIPs, repair workshops, living room concerts, autograph sessions, and even a Motorcycle Cinema. The center will be available for internal and external booking, providing a unique experience for a variety of occasions.

The opening of BMW Motorrad Welt is planned for September 28, 2023, with a festive event attended by guests from politics, the press, culture, sport, brand ambassadors, and witnesses of BMW Motorrad’s 100-year history. The following day, September 29, will feature the grand finale of the BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship based on the BMW R 18 models. Finally, on September 30, 2023, BMW Motorrad Welt will officially open its doors to visitors and guests from all over the world.

The opening hours of BMW Motorrad Welt will be from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm, seven days a week, except on public holidays.

For more information, press material can be found on the BMW Group PressClub website. Media inquiries can be directed to Dominik Schaidnagel, Spokesperson BMW Motorrad, and Tim Diehl-Thiele, Head of Communications BMW Motorrad. Contact details can be found in the article.

The BMW Group, consisting of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad, is a leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles. The group has production sites around the world and a global sales network in over 140 countries. In 2022, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger vehicles and over 202,000 motorcycles worldwide, generating a profit before tax of €23.5 billion. Sustainability and efficient resource management are integral to the company’s strategic direction.

For more information about the BMW Group, visit their website and social media profiles.

Motorsport

2024 Subaru BRZ tS Debuts: Upgraded Brakes and Suspension [UPDATE]

Update: Subaru has officially released information about the 2024 BRZ tS, confirming what we previously heard from both the automaker and attendees at Subiefest California. The new model features Hitachi dampers in a specially tuned STI suspension system, four-piston Brembo brakes at the front (with two-piston brakes at the rear), 18-inch wheels equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, and Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology.

The BRZ tS will be positioned as the top-of-the-line model above the BRZ Premium. It features tS badging and distinctive black mirrors to help it make a statement. For more information, refer to our original article below.