Tag Archives: Firstever

Motorsport

Watch a Tank Crush an Old BMW M5

In 2004, BMW introduced the first-ever four-door sedan powered by a gasoline V10 engine: the BMW M5. This impressive vehicle held the title of the fastest four-door sedan of its time, with a top speed of 190 miles per hour and a 0-60 mph time in the mid 4 seconds.

Aside from its performance, the BMW M5 also had an appealing feature: a captivating sound produced by its 5.0-liter V10 engine. However, owning an E60 M5, which is now nearly 20 years old, can become a costly headache due to common issues such as rod bearing failures, injector problems, and solenoid malfunctions in the Vanos system.

Given these considerations, when we stumbled upon a video of a tank crushing a BMW M5, we were torn.


Motorsport

Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 Rendered As Flagship Plug-In Performance Coupe

The new Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe and convertible models have recently been unveiled, replacing the previous C-Class and E-Class coupe and cabrio in the Mercedes lineup. These models will be expanded with new additions in the future, including the highly anticipated AMG-branded versions. Thanks to a preview by Motor.es, we now have an idea of what the range-topping CLE 63 AMG model could look like.

The rendered images show the CLE 63 AMG with a Panamericana grille, wider air intakes, AMG badges, larger wheels, and a stunning matte black exterior color. According to the report, the performance coupe will not have an overly aggressive design but will maintain the sleek and stylish overall look of the standard CLE. This is not surprising since the CLE 63 AMG will not be equipped with a V8 engine, as confirmed by a recent spy photo article.


Motorsport

Mercedes CLE Cabriolet Fully Revealed In Official Images

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled more images of the CLE Cabriolet, the convertible version of the newly introduced CLE Coupe. The convertible model will be available in the market after the hardtop variant. These images provide a detailed preview of the upcoming model but do not mark its complete debut.

While official information is limited, it has been confirmed that the CLE Cabriolet will feature a cloth foldable roof, similar to its predecessors. The CLE range, in both coupe and convertible forms, is introduced as a replacement for the C-Class Coupe/Cabriolet and E-Class Coupe/Cabriolet. This explains why the CLE is longer than the new C-Class Sedan and slightly longer than the outgoing two-door E-Class.


News

Wayne Rainey Talks About Yamaha’s Role in Helping Him Ride Again in 2022

Wayne Rainey, a living MotoGP legend, made a surprise appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in June 2022. Alongside racing legends Kenny Roberts, Kevin Schwantz, and Mick Doohan, Rainey rode his 1992 championship-winning Yamaha YZR500 at the event. This was a special moment not only for the racing fans but also for Rainey himself. He never expected to ride his championship-winning bike again. Thanks to Yamaha’s three-year project, his dream became a reality.

In this video, Rainey talks about the experience and the technical details that made this ride possible. Due to his paraplegia, Rainey can only feel the handlebars when he’s on the bike. To ride again, he needed hand-operated button controls to shift gears. Yamaha made modifications so that operating the clutch lever allows him to shift. It took some getting used to, but Rainey was thrilled to get back on the bike.

Other considerations included mountain bike-style pedal clips to secure his boots on the pegs and a special tank pad that provided support and improved his connection to the bike. These modifications ensured that Rainey’s legs stayed in the right position and gave him more control over the bike’s movements.

Although Rainey was used to having a dedicated pit crew and technical staff in professional racing, his appearance at Goodwood was not drastically different. The crew positioned the bike, and once Rainey was ready, he would signal to the person holding the bike, and they would step aside as he rode away.

RollsRoyce

A STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS: ROLLS-ROYCE MARKS 110TH ANNIVERSARY OF VICTORY AT THE 1913 SPANISH GRAND PRIX

  • Rolls-Royce celebrates the 110th anniversary of its impressive win at the first-ever Spanish Grand Prix on June 15, 1913
  • At the race, Silver Ghosts secured first and third places, conquering the challenging terrain north of Madrid
  • Victory was achieved through team tactics and personal sacrifices, with Don Carlos de Salamanca, Rolls-Royce’s new agent in Spain, taking first place, and Eric Platford, a dedicated engineer, claiming third place
  • This early achievement highlights Rolls-Royce’s dedication to excellence, inspiring greatness in its owners and staff

 
 “Rolls-Royce’s dominance in long-distance trials in the early 20th century is well-known. However, motor racing, particularly in Europe, also played a crucial role in establishing the brand’s reputation for performance and reliability. Today, we reflect on the Silver Ghost’s victory at the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix on June 15, 1913, which was not only a triumph of Henry Royce’s technology but also a testament to team spirit and self-sacrifice.”

– Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Today, Rolls-Royce commemorates the 110th anniversary of the 1913 Spanish Grand Prix, where Silver Ghosts claimed first and third places. This technical and strategic triumph set the stage for the legendary victory at the 1913 Alpenfahrt a few weeks later.

This victory was built upon three key elements: the superior engineering and performance of the Silver Ghost, meticulous team tactics, and the selflessness of one of Rolls-Royce’s most dedicated employees.

RACING AHEAD

In the early 20th century, endurance trials served as the primary platform for motor manufacturers, including luxury brands like Rolls-Royce, to showcase the capabilities of their cars. Rolls-Royce had an outstanding record in these grueling tests, having excelled in renowned events such as the 15,000-mile Scottish Reliability Trial in 1907 and the famous London to Edinburgh run in 1911, completed entirely in top gear.

During this period, motor racing was also rapidly evolving in terms of sophistication and popularity. In 1906, France hosted its first Grand Prix, sanctioned by the Automobile Club de France, of which Charles Stewart Rolls, a successful pioneer in motor racing, had been a member since the age of 18.

While the company generally favored trials over racing, by 1913, three years after Rolls’ untimely death, managing director Claude Johnson recognized the importance of boosting European sales and saw continental racing as a valuable promotional opportunity.

Consequently, Rolls-Royce entered two Silver Ghosts in the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix on June 15, 1913.

HIGH ENDEAVORS

The Spanish Grand Prix appealed to Rolls-Royce because it tested endurance and reliability, areas where the Silver Ghost excelled, rather than just raw speed.

The 192-mile course consisted of three laps, including two challenging passes in the rugged Guadarrama mountains northwest of Madrid. The race exclusively featured four-seater touring cars, required to have mudguards, lamps, hoods, and two spare tires. Bonnets were sealed, and no water could be added to the radiator once the race began, despite temperatures exceeding 30°C at the start in La Granja.

Among the 17 starters were two modified Silver Ghosts. The first was owned and driven by Don Carlos de Salamanca y Hurtado de Zaldivar, the newly appointed Rolls-Royce agent in Madrid, against the company’s wishes. The second was a Silver Ghost belonging to the company and driven by Eric Platford, one of Rolls-Royce’s most experienced and devoted engineers, responsible for many of the marque’s previous triumphs in trials.

STRATEGY AND SACRIFICE

Three hours into the race, Platford had established a commanding lead of over 20 minutes. However, this endeavor was not solely a sporting challenge but a shrewd business decision. Following strict instructions, Platford selflessly allowed Don Carlos de Salamanca to overtake him, prioritizing the company’s commercial goals over personal ambitions. Salamanca went on to win Spain’s first Grand Prix in a time of 3 hours, 34 minutes, and 12 seconds, with an average speed of 54 mph.

Unfortunately for Platford, his sacrifice also paved the way for another competitor, the Marqués de Aulencia in a Lorraine-Dietrich, who claimed second place, a mere three minutes ahead of him — a narrow margin during an era when races could be won or lost by hours.

JUST REWARDS

However, Platford’s selflessness did not go unnoticed. After the race, he drove his car to Madrid, where he received a congratulatory telegram from Claude Johnson. He was later rewarded with a holiday in Venice, partly as a gift and partly to escape the attention of the press. Additionally, he received two gold watches as compensation: one from the Rolls-Royce directors and the other from an appreciative Don Carlos de Salamanca.

ON TO THE ALPENFAHRT

The victory at the 1913 Spanish Grand Prix preceded the challenging 1,600-mile Alpenfahrt, a trial through the Alps, by just one week. As team manager, Platford led the Rolls-Royce Works Team to a clean sweep of the top four places, solidifying the Silver Ghost’s reputation as the “best car in the world.” Platford’s team spirit, dedication, selflessness, courage, and relentless pursuit of excellence epitomized the ethos of Inspiring Greatness, which continues to resonate at the core of the Rolls-Royce brand today.

Lexus

SOPHISTICATED UTILITY VEHICLE: ALL-NEW 2024 LEXUS GX REDEFINES SUV

  • First-ever Overtrail grade with standard 33-inch All-Terrain tires and 18-inch wheels
  • 3.4L twin-turbo V6 produces 349 horsepower; 479 lb.-ft. of torque
  • Hybrid powertrain to come later
  • Standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 and Lexus Interface with 14-inch multimedia touchscreen
  • Up to 8,000 lbs. towing capacity

AUSTIN, Texas (June 8, 2023) – Elevating the adventure-ready SUV segment is not a task taken lightly, but the all-new 2024 Lexus GX is up to the challenge with an unparalleled combination of elegant features, offroad capability, and the luxurious quality for which Lexus is known. Redesigned from the ground up, the GX builds on its 20 years in the Sport Utility Segment… making the case for the GX to be defined as a “Sophisticated Utility Vehicle.”

Today, a new legend is born as Lexus unveils the all-new, completely redesigned 2024 GX. The first-generation GX entered the North American market in 2002 as a force to be reckoned with in the mid-luxury SUV market. Lexus enthusiasts have praised its legendary off-road capability and its ability to tackle rough terrains, taking customers comfortably from errands to remote spaces.

“For more than two decades, the GX has bridged the gap between legendary off-road capability and luxurious everyday driving,” said Dejuan Ross, group vice president and general manager, Lexus division. “The GX is a critical piece in the evolution of the Next Chapter for Lexus, and with new powertrains, an impressive host of premium features, and the all-new Overtrail grade, the 2024 GX has something for everyone.”

The age-old saying is true: it’s about the journey; not the destination. The all-new GX was designed to inspire customers to pursue their urge to travel, take an unpaved path, immerse themselves in nature and revel in the joy of driving. As part of that journey, GX blazes the trail as the first vehicle to bring the global Lexus “Overtrail Project” to life. The 2024 GX builds upon the strong foundation created by the outgoing generation, and brings the intuitive technology, thoughtful interior touches, and continued off-road prowess that Lexus guests have come to expect.

Next Chapter Design 

Rugged Yet Refined Exterior:

The all-new GX presents an unmistakably aggressive exterior design that exudes the tough, rugged persona that it has earned time and time again. Lexus designers were intent on expressing the off-road functionality of a true body-on-frame SUV. Their guiding light was envisioning GX customers enjoying refined outdoor experiences, and, as such, they were determined to design a GX that exemplifies the juxtaposition of a tough exterior with a calming, lux, and modern interior space.

The 2024 GX will be offered in six grades: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and all-new for Lexus, Overtrail and Overtrail+.

The 2024 GX introduces a noticeable change from the previous generation with a square-body profile with a horizontal design motif. From the front, the all-new GX continues the Lexus spindle body concept with an all-new bold, resolute design that also aids in off-roading functionality. To achieve the grounded, stable stance, designers created a taut body with a wide track and fender flares, pulling the front pillar base to the rear. The overall width increases by 3.74 inches (Overtrail by 4.52 inches) compared to the previous-generation GX. The Premium Triple Beam LED headlamps and grille opening have been raised to help avoid potential road impact. LED fog and cornering lamps are available for increased visibility. The front overhang has been decreased by 0.78 inches for improved clearance. The powerful front presence is led by the seamless grille and headlamp integration.

From the side, the 2024 GX presents a solid, powerful presence featuring a horizontally flowing body with an increased wheelbase of 2.36 inches. The A-pillar has been pulled back for increased visibility in addition to the lower belt line and improved ground clearance. The overall length of the 2024 GX is increased by 2.75 inches. Contributing to the strong presence are the hard-to-miss 33-inch tires with 18-inch wheels on the Overtrail grades for optimal off-road performance. Rear tread is increased by 3.26 inches for Premium and Luxury grades and 4.06 inches for the Overtrail grades.

At the back, the square, aggressive stance is continued with the signature unified L-shaped light bar. The updated LEXUS logo is a continuation of the Next Chapter design originally introduced on the 2022 NX. And, based on customer feedback, the all-new GX will feature a standard power rear lift door (GX first) with a pop-out window and an available kick sensor for hands-free convenience.

The 2024 GX will be offered in 11 exterior color options depending on grade: Eminent White Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl, Atomic Silver, GX-first Incognito, Caviar, Nori Green Pearl, Nightfall Mica. The Overtrail and Overtrail+ grades will offer exclusive bi-tone exterior color combinations including Atomic Silver/Black Roof, Incognito/Black Roof, Nori Green Pearl/Black Roof, and Lexus-first Earth/Black Roof.

Lush Interior:

The all-new GX presents customers with the duality required of a luxury SUV – a rugged, capable exterior with the luxurious interior elements that help to create a road-trip oasis. No matter the length of the journey, drivers and passengers will reap the benefits of the modern and sophisticated interior. Featuring the driver-focused cockpit design also seen in the all-new RX, the all-new GX exhibits thoughtful elements that allow the driver the confidence to focus on the journey ahead.

A substantial improvement on the last generation model is the all-new lower, horizontal instrument panel design that carries into the dash for a simplified front and passenger seat experience, providing excellent front and side visibility. It provides a clean, open space that seamlessly connects the available Head-Up Display (HUD) to the center where the standard 14-inch Multimedia Touchscreen Display with Lexus Interface technology can be found. Physical dials for frequently used controls such as air conditioning and audio volume remain, and all available off-road controls are concentrated near the gear shifter to help minimize potential driver distraction. The 2024 GX comes standard with a wireless Apple CarPlay® Integration and Android Auto® compatibility, as well as a digital 12.3 Multi-Information Display (MID).

With seating for up to 7, the all-new GX incorporates thoughtful touches at every turn. Ergonomic measures have been implemented to help decrease load and work to aid driving posture through seat cushion, seatback bolster, and headrest improvements. The front seat hip point to heel height has been extended 1.18 inches.

The second row is available in two configurations: captain’s chairs or a 60:40 split-folding bench. A one-motion tumble system has been added for convenient access to the third row/luggage space. Heated and ventilated seats are standard in the driver and front passenger seats, with available heated second-row seats. The third row is available in both power and manual seat configurations. A rear seat reminder has been implemented for increased safety and convenience.

The earth-tone focused interior color design is intended to complement the nature just outside the vehicle’s doors. The 2024 GX is available in both a semi-aniline leather and NuLuxe® trimmed interior in Black, Dapple Gray, or Saddle Tan with black or dark brown grained trim. Overtrail grades are available in a GX-first color combination of Black NuLuxe® trimmed interior with Olive Ultrasuede accents or Chateau NuLuxe® trimmed interior with Olive Ultrasuede accents and black ornamentation.

Six illuminated charging ports (four in Overtrail) are available throughout and a wireless charger is available in the front console tray to complete the tech-focused interior. And of course, interior storage space has been increased in the center console, door pockets and up to 12 cupholders. Luggage space for both the second and third row configurations has improved compared to the previous generation, holding up to 5 suitcases with the 3rd row folded. Two additional storage spaces have been added under the cargo area to accommodate smaller items, and a 120V AC inverter has been added for additional power needs.

The 2024 GX comes standard with a 10-speaker premium surround sound system, with available 21- Speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound. Additional options (depending on grade) include: Digital Key*, Cool Box, Head-Up Display, Traffic Jam Assist**, Cold Area Package and Tonneau Cover.

GA-F Platform and Suspension

The 2024 GX shares the GA-F platform introduced on the current-generation LX 600. This strong and lightweight ladder frame increases body rigidity and improved on-road handling, key elements of Lexus Driving Signature. A newly developed double-wishbone front suspension is paired with a multi-link rear suspension to achieve both a high level of off-road driving performance and on-road prowess. An available Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) constantly adjusts damping forces based on changing road conditions. GX adopts Electronic Power Steering (EPS) enabling increased steering feel on and off-road.

Legendary Offroad Performance

The GX has been known for its offroad prowess since the beginning, and the 2024 GX is no different. Standard Full-Time 4WD is adopted for consistent responsiveness in varied terrain with a Torsen® limited-slip center differential with locking feature. Overtrail grades add an electronic locking rear differential. When accelerating during a turn, the Torsen® differential optimally distributes the driving force according to the load on the rear left and right wheels to achieve a high level of controlled performance. In straight-line driving, it responds well to changes in road conditions, contributing to overall vehicle stability. Switching between 4hi and 4lo is now faster versus the previous generation due to enhancements on the electronic transfer case.

Evolved Engine: 3.4-L Twin Turbo V6 and Direct Shift-10AT

The all-new GX will be offered in two powertrain options to meet the needs of customers. At launch in the U.S., GX will come standard with a highly capable and efficient twin-turbocharged 3.4L V6 engine paired with a 10-speed Direct Shift Automatic Transmission. The twin-turbo V6 produces an improved 349 horsepower, outperforming the previous generation V8’s 301 horsepower, and torque output also improves to a massive 479 lb.-ft. The twin turbochargers deliver steady and consistent acceleration to easily control power delivery in both on and off-road scenarios. Towing capacity has increased to 8,000 lbs. for Premium, Premium+ and Overtrail grades with the standard tow hitch.

A hybrid powertrain will be available in the U.S. at a later date.

First-Ever Lexus OVERTRAIL Grade

As expressed at the Tokyo Outdoor Show earlier this year, Lexus has introduced the first-ever “Overtrail Project,” an initiative that intends to inspire customers around the world to explore nature through refined adventures. The goal is to include more opportunities for Lexus customers in the future, including potential products, accessories, gear and experiences. The all-new Overtrail grade falls under the umbrella of this initiative.

Adding to an already tough and rugged exterior, the Overtrail and Overtrail+ models add a host of features and specialized styling. An eye-catching bi-tone exterior paint combination is available in Atomic Silver/Black Roof, Incognito/Black Roof, Nori Green Pearl/Black Roof, and Lexus-first Earth/Black Roof. The intention behind the color design was to create a cohesive relationship with the outdoors via calming earth tones that blend in with nature. Overtrail grades also feature standard 33-inch All-Terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch wheels, black accented overfenders and a standard aluminum skid plate.

On the inside, the natural earth tones continue with Lexus-first Chateau with Olive Ultrasuede accents and a classic Black with Olive Ultrasuede accents for a luxurious touch. Overtrail+ grade will come standard with an exclusive seat design for optimal off-road comfort with available driver and front passenger massage seats and driver power cushion extender.

Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control (DAC), and 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor systems are standard on GX Overtrail grades for optimal traction on the trails, along with an Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for improved wheel articulation. An electronic locking rear differential is exclusive on OVERTRAIL for maximum traction.

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0

For 2024, the all-new Lexus GX includes standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0.

The comprehensive suite of active safety equipment provides our highest level of driver support with features such as Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Proactive Driving Assist (PDA). These technologies are designed to help, for example, alert you of a pedestrian or vehicle in the path of your Lexus or maintain a preset speed or following distance from a vehicle ahead.

The 2024 GX will be assembled at the Tahara plant in Japan and is expected to go on sale in early 2024.

*Active Remote Connect trial or subscription required **active Drive Connect trial or subscription required

2024 GX Preliminary Specifications