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Car review

Volkswagen Touareg

The Black Edition’s 3.0-litre V6 diesel, in midfield 282bhp spec, felt very a lot in tune with the Touareg’s measurement and weight and suited the automobile exceptionally nicely. Also boasting 442lb ft torque there’s greater than sufficient punch and extra.

Only at decrease speeds do you detect a little bit of gruffness from the engine, however that quickly fades into the background as soon as in control. Even round city it is easy, melding properly with the eight-speed computerized gearbox. 

Sure, in some cases the powertrain can really feel a bit unresponsive: the gearbox takes a second to discover a gear when extra forceful pedal inputs are utilized. There are a number of modes to select from too. Sport helps to dial up efficiency, eradicating among the lag skilled in Normal mode; though the latter feels smoother in all environments.

In the usual eHybrid, accessible solely in £69,150 Elegance trim, it was a little bit of a unique expertise. It makes use of the identical set-up as the £80,370 R – a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine paired with a gearbox-mounted electrical motor – however with a lesser system output of 375bhp (in contrast with the R’s 455bhp).

Both hybrids retain the identical 14.3kWh battery pack as earlier than, bucking the pattern from rivals who’ve elevated capability as a part of current facelifts – the X5 and GLE now supply a lot bigger 25.7kWh and 31.2kWh respectively.

Like its diesel sibling, it too supply incredible consolation, efficiency and luxurious befitting its flagship standing. 

What was disappointing was the Touareg’s electrical efficiency. On the one hand, the SUV confirmed respectable effectivity on medium-length  journeys (highs of 60-70mpg) , however the battery depleted at a somewhat alarming price, leaving longer runs a cheap  problem and once more elevating questions  about VW’s option to not improve that tiny battery.

On its personal, the petrol V6 fits the Touareg, with heaps of punchy torque to maintain the chunky household motor fascinating. But when a potter round city returns not more than 12mpg, and highs of mid-20s are all that may be anticipated, it reveals how wanted {that electrical} help actually is. 

In electric-only mode, VW quotes a spread of 31 miles. We averaged 24, which was return, however nonetheless underneath half of the 51 we managed within the bigger-batteried X5 earlier this yr. 

Once the battery is depleted, it’ll take 2.5hours to recharge through a 7.2kW charger (8.5h through a three-pin). The Touareg can after all additionally self-charge; we discovered it retrieved as a lot as 5 miles of  vary in half-hour of driving.

Motorsport

BMW M4 Gets Ugly Graphics For 2025, xDrive Model Gains 20 HP

With 503 horsepower on faucet from its twin-turbo inline-six, the BMW M4 Competition is something however underpowered. Yet BMW felt the necessity to pack much more energy into its efficiency coupe for 2025.

The up to date M4 makes use of the identical twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine as final 12 months, nonetheless making 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque on the bottom mannequin and 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet on the rear-wheel-drive Competition. But shifting as much as the all-wheel-drive M4 Competition xDrive unlocks an additional 20 hp – bringing the overall output determine to 523 hp.

  Engine Output 0-60 MPH
BMW M4 Twin-Turbo 3.0L I6 473 HP / 406 LB-FT 4.1 Seconds
BMW M4 Competition Twin-Turbo 3.0L I6 503 HP / 479 LB-FT 3.8 Seconds
BMW M4 Competition xDrive Twin-Turbo 3.0L I6 523 HP / 479 LB-FT 3.4 Seconds

The commonplace M4 coupe with the six-speed guide transmission nonetheless will get to 60 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds whereas the rear-drive Competition mannequin will get there in 3.8 seconds. The M4 xDrive doesn’t see its 60 mph time enhance both, regardless of the additional energy, getting there in 3.4 seconds within the coupe and three.6 seconds within the convertible.

All variations of the M4 have an electronically restricted high velocity of 155 mph except you get the non-obligatory M Driver’s bundle, which bumps the highest velocity to 174 mph for the Convertible and 180 mph for the Coupe.

2025 BMW M4 Convertible
2025 BMW M4 Convertible

A brand new headlight LED design provides the entrance finish of the M4 a extra fashionable look, whereas the taillights get a brand new laser-accented design. And if you wish to get loopy, BMW presents a brand new M Design exterior graphic that sends a chunky heart stripe down the hood and trunk lid of the automotive in both black or purple, with an M brand on the hood and slimmer accent strains elsewhere on the physique.

Inside, a brand new steering wheel encompasses a flat-bottomed rim and modified spokes and now is available in a particular M Alcantara end for the primary time. BMW’s iDrive 8.5 infotainment system additionally makes its technique to the M4 through a brand new 14.9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional system comes commonplace on the M4, which incorporates navigation and an M-specific head-up show.

2025 BMW M4 Convertible

You’ll need to pay a bit extra for the 2025 BMW M4. The base M4 coupe begins at $80,095 with the $995 vacation spot price included, the rear-wheel-drive Competition coupe is $84,195, and the M4 Competition xDrive coupe is $89,295. Opting for the Competition xDrive convertible will price you $96,295.

News

New Dainese Funes Gore-Tex Gloves Are Here To Keep Your Hands Dry

With colder and wetter weather already making its presence felt in the majority of the northern hemisphere, it’s always a good idea to be geared up in thermal wear to keep the cold at bay. Lots of riders are starting to put their bikes into storage in time for the cold season, however, if you’re not one of them, then chances are you’re looking to restock on thermal riding gear.

Dainese, one of the most popular brands when it comes to gear, has just introduced its newest pair of gloves called the Funes. These gloves are equipped with the necessary tech to keep your hands warm and safe in the cold, while at the same time remaining lightweight and comfortable. The gloves are primarily made out of a stretchable textile fabric, and feature goat leather inserts for added durability. Meanwhile, beneath the surface, the gloves get a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproofing and PrimaLoft Gold padding for extra comfort and protection.

New Dainese Funes Gore-Tex Gloves Are Here To Keep Your Hands Dry

On the technology side of the equation, the Dainese Funes feature an abrasion-resistant synthetic suede insert on the palm, as well as a Pro-Hand slider on the outside of the palm. There’s also a Pro-Tek protective shell on the knuckles, and a long cuff with a double-Velcro tightening system that can be tucked underneath the sleeve of your jacket. Thanks to all these features, the Dainese Funes gloves are PPE level 1 certified according to the EN13594 safety standard.

The Dainese Funes gloves are equipped with other features that are meant to improve convenience. For instance, it gets a Smart Touch insert on the index finger for compatibility with smartphones and other touch screen devices. There are also comfort gussets on the fingers and back of the hand to enhance range of motion – essential especially in colder weather.

When it comes to pricing and availability, the Dainese Funes Gore-Tex gloves are offered in sizes ranging from XS to 3XL, and come in only one black colorway. According to Dainese’s official website, they carry a retail price of $199.95.

New Dainese Funes Gore-Tex Gloves Are Here To Keep Your Hands Dry
News

French Law Enforcement To Get Fleet Of Energica Motorcycles

Electric motorcycles have been making their presence felt in multiple sectors. This is especially true in Europe and Asia, where small electric scooters and commuter motorcycles are popping up left and right. Law Enforcement agencies across Europe are also adopting electric motorcycles, with the French Police being the latest to do so.

The Union de Groupements d’Achats Publics (UGAP) is the main public purchasing authority in France, and the organization has just chosen Energica Motor to supply two and three-wheeled electric vehicles for the country’s public administrations. More specifically, Energica Motor will be supplying vehicles categorized as “Road Trail” with power outputs exceeding 8 kilowatts, or about 11 horsepower, to the French National Police and the Gendarmerie Nationale.

French Law Enforcement To Get Fleet Of Energica Motorcycles

On top of that, the Energica Experia, the brand’s first adventure-touring electric motorcycle will be a mainstay of the French law enforcement’s fleet. The bikes will be coordinated through Energica’s French distributor Durisotti SAS, who has been in charge of Energica distribution in France since 2017. Of course, no police bike is complete without the slew of accessories needed for effective law enforcement.

The Energica Experia will be modified with rotating lights, sirens, side panniers, and specific liveries pertaining to the law enforcement agency the bike is assigned to. Three colorways will be produced – a blue one for the Gendarmerie Nationale, a National Police version, and an unmarked version for police patrol.

French Law Enforcement To Get Fleet Of Energica Motorcycles

For reference, the Energica Experia is quite an impressive bit of kit. Its mid-drive electric motor pumps out an impressive 101 horsepower and 85 pound-feet of torque making. Energica claims that the bike can complete the zero to 60 mile-per-hour sprint in just 3.5 seconds. On top of that, the bike’s 11.7 kilowatt-hour battery pack is reportedly good for an urban range of 261 miles on a single charge. Should the bike venture out into the highway, this drops to 153 miles combined with city use.

Commenting on the partnership between Energica and French law enforcement, Livia Cevolini, CEO of Energica Motor stated, “We are proud of the trust that UGAP has placed in us and are delighted to work with such an important institution. This new business expansion offers extraordinary development opportunities not only for today, but also for the future. The French government is implementing important policies supporting the adoption of electric vehicles, ahead of the upcoming Olympic Games. We are honored to be an integral part of this transition.”