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Car review

Dacia Duster

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Inside is the place the outgoing automotive is feeling its age, being only a bit plain. The new one addresses that. It nonetheless doesn’t really feel like an costly, upmarket automotive: it’s all exhausting plastic in right here, but it surely’s a bit extra designed. The exterior has Y shapes as a motif within the lights and that continues with the inside air vents. Cheaper trims could be greyer, however our take a look at automotive had a splash of color on the dashboard and I used to be actually charmed by the ‘jeans’ upholstery. There’s a wide variety of trays and cubbies too.

More digital tech has sprung up, one thing I’d argue the Duster didn’t want. Entry-level trims have analogue gauges with a small display screen between the dials, and a telephone holder as an alternative of a centre display screen. I believe that could be the perfect set-up. The take a look at automobiles on the launch occasion all had a digital gauge cluster and a ten.1in central touchscreen. Both of them look good and work tremendous, however the driver show doesn’t actually present a lot added worth other than trying extra trendy for the sake of it.

For the centre display screen, I anticipated to see a model of the Google system in current Renaults, however the Duster really makes use of a bespoke system as a result of it’s cheaper to make and doesn’t tread on Renault’s toes. It’s pretty primary and due to this fact straightforward to navigate but in addition fairly laggy. A deficit in processing energy might be the place the price saving comes from.

Dacia has caught with buttons the place it counts, although, and that deserves reward. A panel of bodily switches operates the local weather management and there’s one other financial institution of buttons to the left of the steering wheel. One of these units all the driving force help methods to a private preset, which is the way in which all trendy automobiles ought to work, actually.

You can sit comparatively low, on pretty supportive seats, however the placement of the steering column makes it extra pure to take a seat greater, as does the view over the flat bonnet that this offers you. In mixture with a barely pillboxy view out (blame the decrease roofline), it conjures up one thing of a child Toyota Land Cruiser vibe.

The engineers say that the swap to the brand new platform has allowed them to create extra inside area throughout the identical footprint. Indeed, rear passengers have a bit extra leg room and boot area has risen from 445 litres to 594 litres in front-wheel-drive fashions.

News

Cattle Breeder On Trial For Manslaughter After Rider Death

Riding with another person is nice, however there is a particular sort of feeling you’ll be able to solely get using by your self. Just you and your bike; possibly together with your ideas, possibly with some music, or possibly with nothing however the candy sounds of your machine. The most vital level is, it is your name, and nobody else’s.

That is, in fact, till your coronary heart leaps into your throat as you out of the blue encounter a shock animal out on the highway. If you are fortunate, you’ll be able to swerve to keep away from it. If you are not so fortunate, you’ll be able to die, or else be critically injured.

As for me, I’ve very vivid recollections of a deer staring me down within the in a single day hours throughout one 3am ride to work in the dark. It felt like his eyes had been boring holes into my again as I waited for the sunshine to show inexperienced, however a minimum of he was behind me and never in entrance of me.

In any case, eventualities like this are one of many recurring nightmares for riders. Here in 2024, although, one cattle breeder is at the moment on trial for involuntary manslaughter in France after a motorcyclist’s loss of life in 2022.

Clarbec France Map

Map of Clarbec, France.

One of the person’s cattle was reportedly out on a highway in Clarbec, France (which is positioned within the division of Calvados, within the area of Normandy) at round 10:15 p.m. when he encountered the surprising animal. He was on his method again from teaching an area soccer crew when he and the creature each met an unlucky finish.

The noise was loud, and the breeder’s son heard it and got here working. At first, all he noticed was the cattle mendacity within the highway. Only after alerting his father to assist him transfer the physique did they see the motorbike, after which the unconscious rider shortly thereafter. As it turned out, he was in cardiac arrest, and was declared useless simply an hour and a half after the crash occurred.

Now The Breeder Is On Trial For Manslaughter, But How?

There are at the moment two arguments in play on both facet of this unhappy story. The authorized crew for the household of the rider who died within the crash alleges that the cow’s whereabouts had been the breeder’s duty. If fences weren’t maintained to maintain the animal correctly corralled, they argue, that is negligence.

Investigation of the fence discovered that it wasn’t out of practice, so the subsequent argument is that fireworks had been set off within the space that evening. When really frightened, the defendant’s lawyer mentioned, a bovine animal might have been so startled that they jumped the roughly five-foot-high fence.

It’s not clear what sort of cattle was concerned on this case, and we do not have a helpful chart for you of how excessive various kinds of cattle can leap. However, what we will inform you is that some British cattle have been recognized to leap 5 and even six toes excessive underneath numerous circumstances. So whereas cows leaping over the moon would be the stuff of kids’s rhymes, cattle leaping in any respect is a really actual chance.

The Argument Against The Rider

On the opposite facet, the lawyer for the protection claims that it was (in fact) the rider’s fault. His pace on the time of the crash was estimated to be between 100 to 110 kilometers per hour (about 62 to 68 miles per hour) in a 90 km/h (roughly 56 mph) zone, which wasn’t unduly quick. 

While he was sporting a helmet, the chin strap was discovered unfastened on the lid because it lay close to the positioning of the crash. And that is the argument the protection makes. The rider’s son, naturally, says that his father was a really cautious man who at all times wore his gloves and securely fixed his helmet.

Nothing Can Bring Them Back

Both the rider and the cow died that evening, and there isn’t any bringing both of them again. One different argument posed by the plaintiff’s legal professional right here suggests {that a} motorist had reported a wandering cow on the highway previous to the crash, and that clearly nobody introduced the errant cow again the place it belonged in time. 

It’s a wierd and unhappy case, and one for which the courtroom is because of return its determination on March 5, 2024. We’ll replace this story with the result of the case as soon as it is out there. In the meantime, journey protected.

Motorsport

Chrysler’s New Halcyon Concept Uses Charger Daytona EV Bones

The Chrysler Airflow is dead, and the Halcyon is right here. Whereas the Airflow had a sense that it could possibly be a manufacturing automobile, the Halcyon is decidedly an all-electric idea. Chrysler gives no point out of powertrains, efficiency, or vary estimates, however it’s primarily based on an actual platform. And it is packed to the gills with programs designed to assist drivers make a “connection with the vehicle.”

The Chrysler Halcyon is very low, with the nostril simply 4 inches off the bottom. Front and rear doorways open a full 90 levels, revealing a spacious inside devoid of a B-pillar. To make entry simpler, roof panels open gullwing fashion, forming one thing extra akin to a Nineteen Eighties T-top than a futuristic idea. At the rear is a modest trunk, hidden beneath the flat rear glass and clean form of the automobile’s haunches. To our eyes, it is a very clear form that is enticing, if a bit nameless.

Chrysler Halcyon Concept
Chrysler Halcyon Concept
Chrysler Halcyon Concept

Underneath the pores and skin is the Stellantis STLA Large platform. That’s the identical setup the forthcoming Dodge Charger Daytona EV will use, and there are different connections value mentioning. Chrysler states the Halcyon makes use of an 800-volt structure, one thing anticipated on the high-performance Charger Daytona Banshee. The physique incorporates loads of aero trickery, together with an enormous passthrough on the entrance the place air is directed by means of the grille and over the hood. That’s one other Charger Daytona function, fascinating contemplating the Dodge is slated for a debut on March 5. Perhaps the Halcyon is not as conceptual as we thought.

Looking at Chrysler’s listing of tech programs will persuade you in any other case. Chrysler says the Halcyon has Level 4 self-driving functionality, punctuated by a steering wheel and pedal association that may totally retract, letting the motive force merely be a passenger for the journey. To that finish, there is a neat stargazing mode that modifications the opacity of the glass and reclines the seat so you’ll be able to, effectively, stargaze. There’s an enormous pillar-to-pillar clear display on the entrance, and an augmented, full-screen heads-up show can dispense info to people inside, whether or not they’re driving or not. Powering every part is a lithium-sulfur battery of unknown output.

Chrysler Halcyon Concept

Here’s the place it will get slightly bizarre (and even a bit creepy). Chrysler talks concerning the Halcyon making in depth use of AI for a customizable driver expertise, one the place the automobile greets you with a particular mild and sound show as you strategy. It preps itself for the drive, bearing in mind every part from climate situations to your day by day calendar (which is related to the automobile). Chrysler’s imaginative and prescient for the Halcyon is one the place the automobile and the motive force have a reputable, private connection.

It would not cease with a greeting. Biometric scanners acknowledge you, and as soon as inside, the automobile performs calming sounds and units every part up simply as you prefer it. The stress-reducing audio is visualized on the automobile’s show screens, creating an audio-visual expertise that reminds us of Disney’s Fantasia. And whenever you get to wherever it’s you are going, the automobile provides you all types of particular send-offs with extra sounds and lights. Chrysler calls it “Harmony in Motion.”


News

Can You See What’s Missing From The 2024 Yamaha Lineup?

Remember a time when you really wanted something special for your birthday or as a holiday gift? You know, that feeling of excitement when you dropped hints and thought it would be received, but then it didn’t happen? Well, Yamaha US just unveiled the rest of its 2024 motorcycle lineup and it seems like That One Thing you were hoping for might not be included.

If you were eagerly anticipating the inclusion of the XSR900 GP in the lineup, you’ll have to hold onto that hope for next year. It’s a gorgeous looking bike, but unfortunately, it’s not available in the US at the moment.


2024 Yamaha MT-03

16 Photos

Yamaha US has confirmed 15 bike models that are returning for 2024, including the Tracer 9 GT+, facelifted 2024 MT-09, MT-09 SP, Zuma 125, XMAX, FJR1300ES, MT-10 SP, MT-10, MT-07, MT-03, YZF-R1M, YZF-R1, YZF-R7, YZF-R3, XSR900, XSR700, Bolt R-Spec, and V Star 250.

There are new additions to the lineup, such as the 2024 Zuma 125, 2024 XMAX, 2024 FJR1300ES, 2024 MT-10 SP, 2024 MT-10, 2024 MT-07, 2024 MT-03, 2024 YZF-R1M, 2024 YZF-R1, 2024 YZF-R7, 2024 YZF-R3, 2024 XSR900, 2024 XSR700, 2024 Bolt R-Spec, and 2024 V Star 250. Some models have new colors and minor updates.

Prices for the 2024 lineup include $27,399 for the YZF-R1M, $18,399 for the YZF-R1, $9,199 for the YZF-R7, $5,499 for the YZF-R3, $16,999 for the MT-10 SP, $14,499 for the MT-10, $8,199 for the MT-07, $4,999 for the MT-03, $18,299 for the FJR1300ES, $6,199 for the XMAX, $3,799 for the Zuma 125, $8,899 for the Bolt R-Spec, $10,299 for the XSR900, $8,899 for the XSR700, and $4,699 for the V Star 250.

Price changes from last year include a few adjustments and some models remaining the same in terms of pricing.

… (table content unchanged)

Bike 2024 Price 2023 Price

Are you disappointed about the absence of the XSR900 GP in the 2024 lineup? Feel free to share your thoughts on the new models and their prices, as well as any color preferences or updates that caught your eye.

News

Audi e-tron GT road-trip: exploring its gran turismo DNA

GT. Two letters that evoke a special feeling and hold a sacred spot in the heart of passionate driving enthusiasts. Because they signify a unique breed of saloons and coupes that – for decades – have been the defining choice of discerning drivers looking to cross continents in comfort and style. The ‘gran turismo’.

The origins of that Italian epithet date back to the 17th Century, when young British aristocrats did a ‘Grand Tour’ of Europe’s art and architecture as a cultural rite of passage. In the 1950s, GTs became synonymous with a new breed of automotive trendsetter, recapturing this spirit of trans-continental adventure as they looked to drive ever-more effortlessly and in even-greater style to the French Riviera or the Italian Lakes.

Today, the Audi e-tron GT is the ultimate forward-thinking all-electric evocation of that ‘gran turismo’ ideal. So that’s why we decided to take it on our own ‘Grand Tour’ – exploring the idea of what a modern GT really means in an all-electric age.

Giving the spirit of the ‘Grand Tour’ of old a modern twist, we decided to start our journey in the backdrop of Liverpool’s stylish urban architecture, before heading across the Pennines to the scenic Kielder Forest, and the inspiring experience of Dark Sky stargazing. This is escaping in style.

Learn more about the Audi e-tron GT

All charged up and ready to go

So, what are the core strands of ‘gran turismo’ DNA that the Audi e-tron GT has to live up to in order to determine if it’s worthy of the badge? Well. put simply, a GT is a car in which you should arrive at your destination feeling better than when you left.

It should offer plenty of space for you, a friend (or two) and all your luggage. It should be refined, comfortable and potent enough to effortlessly devour miles of autoroute or motorway with ease, but it should also be invigorating to drive on epic flowing Alpine roads. Last, but definitely not least, it should turn heads every step of the way.

BMW

Postcard Story: The MINI Cooper SE Convertible

Picture yourself cruising in the MINI Cooper SE Convertible with the top down, feeling the wind in your hair and enjoying the exhilarating sensation of driving a go-kart. This remarkable vehicle not only excels on scenic coastal roads but also offers impressive performance on the challenging mountainous terrain of Mallorca. Thanks to its 135 kW/184 hp electric motor, the all-electric convertible provides agile and easily manageable handling.

Moreover, the MINI Convertible SE stands out from the crowd with its unmistakable design and stylish 17″ aluminum rims in Electric Power Spoke 2-tone design. This convertible is truly a winner in every aspect.

 

News

Street Riders, Here Are Some Basic Off-Road Riding Tips For Dirt And Gravel

If you’re an experienced street rider who wants to try off-roading but is unsure how to start, this video from MotoTrek offers some great tips. In the video, off-road instructor Dusty Wessels provides basic but useful advice to help you feel more comfortable exploring the unpaved roads and improving your off-road riding skills.

The first tip is to invest in a good set of dual sport tires. While you can opt for more hardcore off-road tires if you’ll only be riding off-road, it’s advisable to choose tires that can handle both off-road and street riding. Modern tire technology plays a crucial role in improving the performance of the tires on different surfaces, so read reviews and take advantage of the current advancements in tire technology.

The next important aspect is body positioning. Standing up on the pegs gives you better control and stability off-road. This technique allows you to redistribute your bike’s weight when encountering obstacles and lowers the center of gravity. It also provides a clearer view of the path ahead. Additionally, bending your knees slightly into the tank and loosening your grip on the handlebars allows you to flow with the bike, use gentle inputs for steering, and maintain traction more effectively.

When riding off-road, it’s important to focus on smooth and gradual motions. Apply the brakes smoothly with a rear brake bias, use gentle throttle inputs, and make smooth turns. Gradual inputs make a significant difference in off-road riding. It’s crucial to gain practical experience and practice your off-road skills. While watching instructional videos and reading about off-road riding is helpful, nothing beats actually getting out there and riding.

If you’re a beginner and concerned about damaging your expensive adventure bike, consider starting with a dirt bike. Dirt bikes are designed for off-road riding and are more forgiving in case of falls. Overcoming mental obstacles is also important. If you’re worried about bike damage, ride a smaller bike that’s meant to be dropped until you gain confidence. Invest in boots with strong ankle support to alleviate concerns about ankle injuries. When you’re less stressed about peripheral concerns, your skills will improve more quickly.