Tag Archives: finally

Motorsport

2024 Audi RS Q8 Spotted Testing at Nurburgring

The upcoming refreshed Audi Q8 lineup has been mostly revealed, and now we get a glimpse of the top-of-the-line model. The RS Q8 has been spotted undergoing testing at the Nurburgring, with minimal camouflage. Although not everything is fully exposed, we can already see some of the exterior changes.

Starting at the front, the most noticeable update is the new grille pattern, featuring larger rhombus openings. The lower section of the front fascia, including the bumper and lower grille, has also been tweaked. The camouflaged areas indicate that new internal graphics can be expected for the headlights. Moving to the back, the taillights appear to have new graphics similar to those found on the latest Q7.


Motorsport

2024 Mercedes CLE Coupe Debuts: 375-HP Inline-Six, Longer Than Two-Door E-Class

Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed its highly anticipated CLE Coupe. The new two-door hardtop, which replaces both the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe, is set to hit the market early next year. After numerous spy photos, we can now see the 2024 CLE Coupe in all its glory.

Let’s start with the most exciting news – the CLE Coupe is not just a two-door version of the C-Class. While it shares the same 112.8-inch wheelbase as the C-Class, it is 4.0 inches longer, measuring a total length of 191.0 inches. This means it is not only longer than the outgoing C-Class Coupe by 6.5 inches but also slightly longer than the E-Class Coupe by six-tenths of an inch. Interestingly, the two-door model is only 1.1 inches shorter than the long-wheelbase C-Class designed specifically for the Chinese market.


News

Shark Updates The Race-R Pro GP With ECE 22.06 Homologation

Shark has released a new batch of Race-R Pro GP helmets that are ECE 22.06-homologated. These top-of-the-line helmets are designed for racing and are approved for use in properly sanctioned racing events. The Race-R Pro GP has undergone minimal changes to achieve the ECE 22.06 certification, bringing it in line with other models in Shark’s lineup.

The updated version of the Race-R Pro GP, known as the Race-R Pro GP 06, includes several new features. It is equipped with a Carbon Aramid (COVA) shell, a multi-density EPS liner, and an optical class 1 visor with anti-fog and anti-scratch treatments. One notable addition is the 22-percent opacity visor, which provides a light tint and has been requested by professional riders. This visor is also approved for road use during the daytime.

The helmet’s interior liner remains unchanged from the previous version and offers a comfortable fit with high-tech fabric and 3D Morpho grips. It also features an aerodynamic-wind-tunnel-tested spoiler and a design that allows the spoiler to break off in the event of a crash.

The Race-R Pro GP 06 is available in four graphic options: Replica Zarco Winter Test with chrome, Replica Zarco Chakra, Black Matte, and Red Glossy. The helmet comes in two shell sizes, with the split at the medium size. It is available in sizes XS to XL and comes with a racing kit included. The price for the Race-R Pro GP 06 is around $1,100 USD (999 EUR).

Featured

Lower Variant Of Facelifted Kia Seltos Spotted Uncovered Ahead Of July Launch


It will finally be receiving one most-awaited feature: a panoramic sunroof

Kia Seltos facelift spied

  • Kia will launch the facelifted Seltos on July 4.

  • New spy video shows a Tech Line variant of a white Seltos with black roof.

  • Its exterior changes include new alloy wheels and connected LED taillights.

  • The video also gives a quick glimpse of the cabin showing the connected screens setup.

  • New features onboard to include dual-zone AC and ADAS.

  • To be provided with the same 1.5-litre petrol, turbo-petrol and diesel engines as the Carens.

  • Prices are likely to begin from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).

We are just a week away from the launch of the facelifted Kia Seltos in India. Leaked images and videos of the updated compact SUV have been surfacing online, with the latest sighting revealing an undisguised Tech (HT) Line variant of the new Seltos.

What Does The Video Uncover?

Kia Seltos facelift alloy wheel design spied

The spy video shows the facelifted Seltos in a white with black roof exterior paint option, without any camouflage. It showcases the SUV’s bigger grille, new alloy wheel design, and connected LED taillights. The video does not confirm if the spotted model had the panoramic sunroof or not.

Interior Updates

Kia Seltos facelift interior spied

While there isn’t much revealed about the SUV’s interior in the video, a brief glimpse shows an all-black cabin and the connected screens setup. Kia is expected to offer the Seltos with a revamped cabin and dashboard layout, featuring newly designed central AC vents and a more premium climate control panel.

More Tech To Play With

Kia Seltos facelift cabin

In addition to the new climate control panel and panoramic sunroof, the Kia Seltos is likely to come with a digital driver’s display. The touchscreen options will remain the same, with 8-inch and 10.25-inch screens. Key features like ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, and an air purifier are expected to be retained.

The SUV’s safety kit will include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Other safety features onboard are expected to be six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, and a 360-degree camera.

A Familiar Set Of Powertrains

The new Seltos will be offered with the same 115PS, 1.5-litre petrol and 116PS diesel engines as the current model. The petrol engine will continue to be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and a CVT, while the diesel engine will get a 6-speed iMT and a 6-speed AT. Instead of the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol unit, the facelifted Seltos will receive the Carens’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (160PS/253Nm), paired with either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT.

Launch And Price

Kia Seltos facelift rear spied

The facelifted Kia Seltos is set to go on sale on July 4, with prices expected to start from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete against the Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Toyota Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor, and the upcoming Citroen C3 Aircross.

Image Source

Read more on: Seltos diesel

NewsNew

2024 KTM 300 XC-W “HARDENDURO” 2-STROKE SPECIAL EDITION MODEL ANNOUNCED

Finally, KTM has announced a special edition model called the 2024 KTM 300 XC-W “HARDENDURO” for the Extreme Enduro crowd. This model comes with a range of upgrades taken directly from the KTM Hard Parts catalog. These bikes will be available at dealerships in July. Below is the official information and images from KTM:

KTM, with its long history of success in the toughest hard enduro races and the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, has now introduced the dedicated HARDENDURO model to its outstanding 2024 KTM XC-W range.

Celebrating the most challenging hard enduro races in the world, KTM has unveiled the 2024 KTM 300 XC-W HARDENDURO, which sits at the top of the KTM Enduro model range.

Using the all-new 2024 KTM 300 XC-W as a foundation, the KTM 300 XC-W HARDENDURO has been engineered with input from top racers who take on the most extreme terrains on the planet. This ensures that the bike is the best READY TO RACE Enduro machine available, straight from the dealership.

Developed through races like Red Bull Romaniacs, Erzbergrodeo, Tennessee Knockout, and Outliers, the 2024 KTM 300 XC-W HARDENDURO is specifically designed to take on rugged terrains. It comes equipped with various special protection parts, including closed handguards, clutch slave cylinder protection, composite skid plate, and brake disc guards, making it capable of handling the most extreme racing scenarios imaginable.

In addition to a new frame, closed-cartridge suspension, refined bodywork, and industry-leading TBI technology, the 2024 KTM 300 XC-W HARDENDURO features the following additional parts:

  • New, model-specific graphics
  • Orange frame
  • HARDENDURO bar pad
  • Soft, gray ODI lock-on grips
  • Ribbed diamante factory seat
  • Map-selection switch
  • Factory frame protector set
  • Factory wheelset, featuring black D.I.D rims, black spokes, orange-anodized hubs, and orange-anodized nipples
  • Wrap-around handguards
  • Radiator fan
  • Orange-anodized CNC-machined triple clamps
  • Composite skid plate
  • Floating front brake disc with composite front brake disc guard
  • Solid rear brake disc, with safety wire and orange rear brake disc guard
  • Orange Supersprox stealth rear sprocket
  • Orange-anodized oil plug
  • Orange-anodized clutch slave cylinder protection
  • Front and rear pull straps

The brand-new 2024 KTM 300 XC-W HARDENDURO will be available at authorized KTM dealerships starting from July.

Motorsport

Nissan Nismo Z Teaser Video Reveals High-Performance Model Drifting

In an exciting announcement, Nissan has finally confirmed the development of the Nismo Z. The company released a captivating 44-second teaser video providing a detailed look at the exterior of the higher-performance model, as well as a glimpse inside the cabin. However, the automaker has not yet announced a specific debut date. Nissan has stated that “full details will be revealed later this summer.”

Compared to the standard Z, the Nismo variant boasts a more aggressive body design. Nissan’s designers have incorporated a prominent front splitter and a red stripe that outlines the lower edge of the body. Additional elements extend the rear spoiler to the fenders, while the new back bumper features a more angular appearance and showcases prominent Nismo branding in the center. The gloss black wheels are adorned with the Nismo emblem as well.

The video briefly reveals the engine bay, which appears to have a similar layout to the existing Z model. However, potential tweaks to the engine cannot be ruled out at this stage, which could potentially increase the current power output of 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.

Inside, the Nismo Z boasts heavily bolstered seats with Nismo branding on the headrests and the iconic Recaro badge on the shoulder portion. The Nismo wordmark is also featured as part of the digital instrument cluster graphics. The tachometer’s redline remains at 7,000 rpm, consistent with the existing model. The teaser video suggests that this particular model may be equipped with an automatic gearbox, but it does not provide any indication regarding the availability of a manual transmission option.

The video showcases the Nismo Z being skillfully handled by three-time Formula Drift champion Chris Forsberg, who effortlessly drifts the car and performs impressive donuts.


News

From the archive: on this day in 1933

As the 1990s began, MG was facing a difficult situation. The new owner, British Aerospace, had finally allocated the budget to create a new roadster that the public had been eagerly awaiting. However, the new model, known as the F, would not be ready until 1995. Meanwhile, Mazda was experiencing tremendous success with its new MX-5, and TVR was set to revitalize its roadster.

In response to these challenges, MG decided to restart production of its iconic B model. Despite being discontinued for over a decade and originally dating back to the 1960s, the B was given a few modern upgrades on a limited budget. British Motor Heritage provided the B shell for classic restorations, and MG added new bumpers, wider tracks, new dampers, Rover’s 190bhp 3.9-litre V8 engine, and a more sophisticated wood and leather interior.

MG openly acknowledged that the new RV8 was “a recreational pursuit that just happens to take the form of a motor car.” In our review, we noted that the RV8 would not appeal to buyers looking for dynamic performance in a British sports car. Despite giving the RV8 only two stars due to its outdated feel, we acknowledged that it could be suitable for a particular type of driver. We compared it to TVR’s new Chimaera, which offered better performance, a larger boot, a roomier cabin, and less wind noise for just £800 more.

In the end, only 330 RV8s were sold in the UK, highlighting its limited success in the market.

Asian royals spending billions on hoarding rare cars

After gaining independence in 1984, Brunei experienced an economic boom, and its royals indulged in a lavish lifestyle. Sultan Hassanal and Prince Jefri secretly amassed a massive collection of luxury cars, many of which were custom-made. In 1993, reports indicated that the Brunei royals owned over 100 Rolls-Royce vehicles, a similar number of Ferraris (including five F40s), three out of the seven Cizeta V16Ts ever built, and a staggering 63 new Mercedes-Benz 600 SECs, which were given as gifts to dinner guests. Although the Bruneian embassy downplayed the size of the collection, evidence and rumors continued to surface in the following years.

BMW

24H SPA EWC Motos: BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team Claims Another Podium at Spa-Francorchamps

The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team had a successful home race at Spa-Francorchamps, as they finished on the podium once again. After 24 hours of intense racing, Markus Reiterberger, Ilya Mikhalchik, and Jérémy Guarnoni secured third place with their BMW M 1000 RR at the 24H SPA EWC Motos, the second round of the 2023 FIM Endurance World Championship. This follows their previous third-place finish at the opening race weekend in Le Mans. The team is currently ranked third in the Team world championship standings, 33 points behind the leaders.

In the qualifying sessions, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team showed strong performance, securing second place on the grid. However, they faced challenges during the race, with safety car phases causing them to lose time after pit stops. Despite this setback, the team consistently battled their way back through the field, eventually climbing to fourth place. They maintained this position throughout the night, delivering good lap times and efficient fuel consumption. With three and a half hours remaining, they inherited third place when the Suzuki team ahead of them encountered technical issues. The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team successfully defended their position until the end, even in the face of rain in the closing stages of the race.

The Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, fresh from their victory in the Superstock class at the season-opener in Le Mans, also had a promising start at Spa-Francorchamps. However, they faced a setback when forced into the garage due to a technical issue. Despite efforts to repair the bike, they eventually had to retire from the race during the night.

The private BMW Team LRP Poland, racing with the BMW S 1000 RR, experienced various issues throughout the race but managed to push through and reach the finish line after 24 hours of racing.

The next race, the 8 Hours of Suzuka in Japan, will take place on August 6th.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director, Marc Bongers, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s third-place finish, noting the unfortunate situations caused by safety car periods. He praised the team’s performance, emphasizing their ability to fight back and the reliability of the motorcycle. Bongers acknowledged the need to improve their speed to reach the top position and shared disappointment for the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team’s inability to finish the race due to technical problems.

Werner Daemen, Team Manager of the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, described the race as hectic, highlighting their bad luck with safety car periods in the beginning. However, he commended the impressive performance of the riders and mechanics and expressed gratitude to BMW for providing a reliable bike for the 24 hours. Daemen emphasized the team’s focus on the upcoming race in Japan and their aim to achieve another strong result.

Markus Reiterberger, one of the riders, reflected on their second-place qualification and the challenges faced during the race. He mentioned struggling with grip in high temperatures but remained error-free throughout the race, eventually securing third place. Reiterberger expressed gratitude to the team and acknowledged the tough and long race they had completed on the podium.

Ilya Mikhalchik, another team member, expressed happiness with their overall speed during the race, despite losing time due to safety car pit lane exits. He praised the team for avoiding mistakes and looked forward to a good position in the upcoming race in Japan.

Jérémy Guarnoni, also a part of the team, celebrated the second consecutive podium finish but acknowledged their lack of luck with the safety car, causing them to lose contact with the front riders. Nonetheless, Guarnoni expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and the speed of his teammates.