Hyundai’s N division is placing the ending touches to a sizzling new model of the Ioniq 6 saloon, which can deliver Porsche Taycan ranges of efficiency and dynamic agility honed on the racetrack.
Hyundai N’s second electric car, following the just-launched Ioniq 5 N, is coming into a sophisticated stage of growth shortly after the efficiency division confirmed it will cease growing combustion automobiles, following the elimination of the i20 N and i30 Nhot hatchbacks from Europe.
“Going forward in Europe, Hyundai is developing Hyundai N as a pioneer of high-performance EVs,” the model mentioned not too long ago. “Our customers will benefit from technological developments that will make EVs even more attractive in the future.”
The subsequent stage within the efficiency model’s transition to an all-EV line-up would be the launch of the Ioniq 6 N, which was previewed by the outlandish RN22e concept in 2022. It was not too long ago noticed testing on the model’s technical centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, sporting solely mild camouflage to disclose the vary of styling tweaks it receives over the usual automotive.
As with N’s first EV, the Ioniq 5 N, the visible modifications embody wider wheel arches, bigger alloys, pink brake calipers, deeper facet skirts, a bigger rear spoiler and a extra aggressive-looking rear bumper to go well with the automotive’s performance-oriented billing.
Riding on the identical E-GMP platform as the recent crossover, the sporting 6 is probably going to make use of an 86kWh battery to feed a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive powertrain that produces as much as 641bhp and 549lb ft.
The Ioniq 5 N touts a BMW M3-beating 0-62mph time of round 3.5sec and 161mph prime pace, however its saloon sibling’s decrease profile and sleeker silhouette might permit it to enhance on these figures.
The Ioniq 6 N can also be prone to obtain the identical chassis tweaks as its sibling, together with enhanced brakes, stiffened and lowered suspension, and a gearbox that simulates the behaviour of the eight-speed dual-clutch unit utilized by N’s combustion automobiles.
It might additionally obtain the 5’s synthetic exhaust be aware, which makes an attempt to seize the spirit of a conventional combustion sizzling hatch by matching street pace to ‘revs’, and works with the simulated gearbox to emulate the feeling of driving a petroleum sports activities automotive.
Royal Enfield has recently filed a trademark application for a potential new model called the Guerrilla 450. This filing has sparked curiosity among motorcycle enthusiasts, as it suggests that Royal Enfield may be developing a new bike based on the 450 platform. While details about the exact nature of the Guerrilla model are still unknown, the trademark application indicates that it will likely use a 450cc powerplant.
The trademark application was filed by Eicher Motors Limited, the parent company of Royal Enfield, on August 23, 2023. However, it has not yet been approved by the Indian government. Once approved, the application will include information such as the dates of first use and validity.
It’s important to note that filing a trademark application doesn’t guarantee that a company will actually produce a product under that name. Sometimes, companies file trademarks to protect specific names and reserve them for potential future use.
In addition to the Guerrilla 450 trademark, Royal Enfield has several other trademarks that are still valid but not currently in use. These include names like Royal Enfield Himalayan Sleet, Royal Enfield Himalayan Tourer, Royal Enfield Thunder Bird, Royal Enfield Café Racer, and more. While some of these names have been used in the past, Royal Enfield has a tendency to revive historic badges for its current lineup.
Speculation is running high about what future models Royal Enfield may introduce based on the 450 platform. According to an investor presentation, potential body styles could include a roadster, café racer, scrambler, and an adventure bike designed for off-road riding. However, until an official announcement is made, all of this remains speculation.
Audi is finalizing the development of the next-generation A4 in all its variations. As part of this, the compact luxury vehicle will undergo a rebranding and be renamed A5 for the versions powered by a combustion engine. Recently, new photos have emerged showcasing a prototype of the A5 Avant, which will succeed the current A4 station wagon.
Before we delve further, let’s clarify some confusion. Earlier this year, Audi announced that odd numbers will be used for cars with combustion engines, while even numbers will be designated for electric vehicles (EVs). Therefore, the current A4 will be renamed A5, and the larger A6 will be part of the A7 family. The A4 and A6 names will then be reserved for fully electric models. However, the flagship A8 sedan will maintain its name and is expected to transition into an electric vehicle in its next generation.
Cody Webb, America’s top talent in Extreme enduro, recently competed in the 2023 Red Bull Erzbergrodeo. After enduring injuries that interrupted his quest to reach the top step of the podium, Webb returned to the Iron Giant in good health and finished 10th. In a post-race interview with DB’s Travis Fant, he discussed his preparation, travel challenges, and his performance at the event.
Cody Webb performs during the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo 2023 in Eisenerz, Austria on June 11, 2023 // Philip Platzer / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202306110675 // Usage for editorial use only //
DB: Cody, your usual training is already intense, but is there anything specific you do to prepare for a race like Erzberg?
CODY WEBB: “It’s obviously different from any other race. It is the hardest one-day race in the world. I really try to focus on challenging terrains like old pilings or big messed up rock gardens. I want to test myself without relying on a pre-built line. I have to admit, it has been a while since I last finished the race with a strong effort. Some of the sections can be scary.”
DB: Talk about the challenges of traveling as an American and dealing with time changes and jet lag for an event like Erzberg.
WEBB: “Yeah, traveling that far is definitely not easy. Being a family man now, it’s harder to leave than before. As soon as I arrived there, I tried to adjust as quickly as possible. You have to force yourself to acclimate. This year was different because they made it illegal to walk the course before the race. It’s strange because the mine there offers tours, and almost every top rider was there practicing on sections of the course. It definitely pays off to have that extra time to familiarize yourself with the event. Unfortunately, I didn’t have that luxury this year due to my racing schedule in the States.”
Cody Webb of the United States seen during the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo at the Erzberg in Eisenerz, Austria on June 10, 2023. // Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202306100279 // Usage for editorial use only //
DB: Your teammate Cooper Abbott joined you. Did you provide any advice to your first-timer teammate?
WEBB: “I tried to give him a heads up. I told him to be cautious and brace himself for the rocks and roost coming out of the mine. This place has the worst roost, small rocks that leave welts on your body. I advised Cooper to focus on making it out of the first hills going out of the mine, as losing ground there can be costly. I also warned him about one of the scariest downhills, Carls diner. I told him to start slow to avoid any mishaps at the bottom.”
DB: How do you maintain a decent pace throughout such a long race without exhausting yourself early on?
WEBB: “This year was different for me because I wasn’t battling for the lead like in previous years. Hence, I didn’t experience the crazy arm pump and had to stop to let it subside. I started the race at a more relaxed pace and gradually positioned myself well. However, there are always unexpected scenarios. Early on, I was around 6th place behind Johnny Walker, but I got stuck with Andrea Verona, and other riders started passing me. I panicked a bit and lost some valuable positions. Considering my recent injuries, my ultimate goal was to finish the race. So, I played it smart, conserved energy in the beginning, took fewer risks, and had enough left in the tank towards the end to secure a good position.”
DB: You were the top American to finish. It’s quite a statement, considering your injuries and the fact that you conserved energy in some sections.
WEBB: “In the past, I’ve finished on the podium, but now I know where I stand. I can compete with all the guys in the top 10. If things go right, I can make it happen. Last year, around the same time, I had a wrist injury, the same one Phil Nicoletti had. I wasn’t even sure if I would race professionally again. I took some anti-inflammatory medication before the race to manage the pain. After Carls diner, the painkillers started wearing off, and I just needed to push through. I know I’m not at 100%, but I’m doing my best to prolong my career.”
Cody Webb of the United States and Taddy Blazusiak of Poland seen during the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo at the Erzberg in Eisenerz, Austria on June 10, 2023. // Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202306100272 // Usage for editorial use only //
DB: You often ride the two-stroke. Is it an advantage at Erzberg, and would you ever consider racing on a four-stroke?
WEBB: “Erzberg would definitely be challenging on a four-stroke. A four-stroke feels heavier at the front end, especially on a downhill like Carls diner. The weights of two-strokes and four-strokes are similar now, but their feel is very different. In rock gardens, which are abundant in the early stages of the race, a four-stroke might perform better. However, in later stages like Motorex Highway, a two-stroke would be more suitable. I’ve ridden the SE300 for fun in hard enduro events, and the heat coming off a four-stroke is intense. The clutches get hotter, and the bike overall runs much hotter. At Carls diner, the sun beats down on you, and the hot air from the bike’s fan blows on you. Riding a two-stroke in such conditions makes a notable difference since the bike doesn’t run as hot. Plus, if something goes wrong, you can still ride a “blown-up” two-stroke to some extent. It’s harder to destroy a two-stroke and get stranded compared to a four-stroke.”
DB: Are there any specific adjustments you make to your bike for a race like Erzberg?
WEBB: “In this race, there’s a different format compared to the US hard enduro series. Since it’s part of the FIM, no outside assistance is allowed whatsoever. At the pits, we weren’t even allowed to get anything. We had to run levers inside the air-box, zip-tied a shifter inside the frame, and carried minimal tools on the bike just in case. I wasn’t even allowed to swap my USWE water pack, although I could replace the bladder. They are extremely strict about no outside assistance at Erzberg. It’s truly a man-and-machine challenge.”
DB: We follow you on Instagram and have had the privilege of filming with you in NorCal. We’ve seen you tackle tough rides alone. Are these experiences preparing you mentally for events like Erzberg?
WEBB: Cody laughs, “Yeah, definitely. I always ride with a backpack and snacks because you never know what could happen out there, and I don’t want to be stranded overnight. Erzberg is incredible. There are sections on the course that I wouldn’t usually practice alone due to the risks involved. Yet, during the race, I have to face them on my own.”
DB: Now that Erzberg is behind you, what’s next on your agenda?
WEBB: “I’m looking forward to the final round of the US Hard Enduro series in two weeks. It’s one of our best races at a ski resort. After that, I’ll start preparing for the EnduroCross series and see what I can achieve there!”
DB: Thank you, Cody, for sharing your insights and letting us pick your brain a bit.
