Tag Archives: firsts

News

A Sneak Peak At Ducati’s Desmo450 MX In Action With Tony Cairoli

Ducati is coming into a world of firsts with the model’s first-ever motocross bike. It’s additionally the primary motocross bike to make use of a desmodromic system, and are available March, we’ll get to see it in motion within the Italian Motocross Prestige Championship, piloted by 8-time Italian nationwide champion Alessandro Lupino.

Thankfully, we do not have to attend till the primary spherical of the Italian motocross championship to see the Desmo450 MX rip. Dirt Shark and Monster Energy teamed as much as give us the primary official footage of the bike and its developer, 9-time world Motocross champion Tony Cairoli. For the primary time since its reveal, Cairoli provides some perception into the bike’s improvement. 

What We Know

After the bike, one of the vital fascinating elements of this video is the truth that it takes place at 04 Park—Monte Coralli in Faenza, Italy. This monitor is owned by Italian racing legend Andrea Dovizioso, and can play host to a spherical of the Italian Motocross Prestige Championship in 2024. So it is hardly shocking Cairoli would need to get some last-minute follow in earlier than the gates drop on September twenty first. 

The most enjoyable side of the Desmo450 MX is undoubtedly its desmodromic valve system. Speaking to this, Cairoli said, “The desmodromic system is the character of the bike. It’s something that no one else has…”

antonio cairoli and ducati desmo450 mx

In phrases of options and laborious numbers, we do not get the rest from Cairoli within the video, besides that the group continues to be testing quite a lot of elements of the bike, and there is nonetheless fairly a little bit of improvement to do earlier than the bike goes on sale.

 

Cairoli Laments

Cairoli makes it clear that he is comfortable to play such an enormous position in growing the Desmo450 MX for 8-time Italian Motocross National Champion Alessandro Lupino. However, the previous champion says, “In the beginning, I mean I’ve always been a fan of Ducati, and I wish that they came earlier to the field when I was still on my top years.”

It’s nice for followers to see an Italian champion group up with arguably essentially the most iconic Italian bike model of the twenty first century. But you possibly can’t assist however assume these phrases may sting for KTM loyalists, a model on which Cairoli took seven motocross titles earlier than transitioning into a Team Manager role for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2023.

Featured

Here Are 3 Cars That Are Expected To Be Launched In February 2024

All three fashions shall be firsts for the Indian automotive market, particularly the introduction of an automated transmission with CNG fashions

In January 2024, we witnessed quite a few mannequin 12 months updates, facelifts, and the introduction of a brand new electrical car. As we transition into February, the market anticipates the arrival of three new fashions. These additions comprise CNG-automatic variants of the Tiago and Tigor, whereas Hyndai is anticipated to debut a sportier trying model of its not too long ago launched Creta facelift. Let’s take a look at these vehicles one after the other.

Tata Tiago And Tiago NRG CNG AMT

Expected Price: Rs 7.10 Lakh Onwards

The Tata Tiago will quickly change into the primary CNG hatchback in India to be provided with the choice of an automated transmission. The Tiago CNG was final up to date  in 2023 with Tata’s twin cylinder expertise which permits for a usable boot house. 

In CNG variants, the Tata Tiago’s 1.2-litre 3 cylinder petrol engine makes 73.5 PS and 95 Nm with a 5-speed handbook. Just just like the petrol variant, the Tiago CNG may also get the choice of a 5-speed AMT. The Tata Tiago NRG CNG, which is a rugged trying variant of the Tiago, may also obtain the identical 5-speed AMT transmission.

The Tata Tiago CNG is already outfitted with facilities comparable to a 7-inch touchscreen system with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay , a semi-digital driver’s show, and automated AC. The security options embrace twin entrance airbags, rear parking digital camera with sensors, and a tyre stress monitoring system.

Also Check Out: Tata Has Rolled Out 6 Lakh Units Of The Nexon SUV

Tata Tigor CNG AMT

Expected Price: Rs 8.40 lakh Onwards

Tata Tigor Meteor Bronze

Along with the Tiago CNG, its sedan model, the Tata Tigor CNG can also be going to obtain the choice of a 5-speed AMT transmission, which is able to make it the first-ever CNG automated subcompact sedan in India. 

The Tigor CNG additionally comes with the identical engine because the Tiago: a 1.2-litre 3 cylinder petrol engine which makes 73.5 PS and 95 Nm (in CNG mode). It has additionally been provided with a 5-speed handbook transmission solely since launch. Just just like the Tiago CNG, the Tigor CNG additionally options twin cylinder expertise to supply a usable boot house.

Features on board the Tigor CNG embrace a 7-inch touchscreen system with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a semi-digital driver’s show, automated AC, and  an 8-speaker sound system. On the security entrance, it will get twin entrance airbags, ABS with EBD, a tyre stress monitoring system, and a rear parking digital camera.

Also Check Out: Top 5 Most Affordable Petrol Automatic Compact SUVs In India

Hyundai Creta N Line

Expected Price: Rs 17.50 Lakh Onwards

Hyundai Creta has not too long ago undergone a complete makeover with a contemporary design in and out, and likewise provides extra options than earlier than. Now, Hyundai is all set to introduce the sportier N Line model of the Creta (a primary for the India-spec SUV). It would be the third N Line mannequin from Hyundai after the i20 N Line and the Venue N Line.

Based on the not too long ago surfaced spy photographs of the Creta N Line, it is going to obtain a particular fascia in comparison with its common model. It shall be powered by the identical 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (160 PS / 253 Nm) however might additionally get the choice of a correct 6-speed handbook transmission along with the 7-speed twin clutch transmission (DCT).

The Creta N Line shall be outfitted with options like a twin 10.25-inch display setup (one for the infotainment and one for the motive force’s show), dual-zone AC, wi-fi cellphone charging, and ventilated entrance seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Its security package will embrace six airbags, digital stability management, a 360-degree digital camera, and superior driver help methods (ADAS).

These are the three upcoming fashions anticipated to be launched in February 2024. Additionally, we even have the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024 which is able to happen from the first to the third of February. Prominent automakers comparable to Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, and even luxurious manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz will showcase their new and upcoming merchandise on the occasion, so keep tuned for the newest updates.

Read More on : Tiago AMT

BMW

One line – two brands – three drives: BMW Group Plant Leipzig launches production of the MINI Countryman

Leipzig. The BMW Group Plant Leipzig has achieved significant milestones as it commences the production of the MINI Countryman. This marks the first time a MINI model is being manufactured in Germany, alongside the BMW 1 Series and 2 Series, demonstrating the plant’s flexibility and adaptability. The BMW Group has invested €700 million over the past five years in preparing the plant for increased production and MINI-specific requirements. The workforce in production is expected to increase by over 900 by the end of 2024. The new MINI Countryman also drives innovations towards sustainable production.

“By launching production of the MINI Countryman here in Leipzig, we are introducing multibrand operations to our flexible production system,” explained Milan Nedeljković, Board Member for Production. “Plant Leipzig also offers a number of highlights in terms of resource conservation in production, providing further evidence of the successful rollout of our long-term masterplan: the BMW iFACTORY.”

Seamless integration through flexible structures 

The BMW Group is leveraging the flexibility of Plant Leipzig to seamlessly integrate the production of the new MINI Countryman alongside the BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé, and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. The plant’s flexible assembly structures enable the production of two brands with three different drives – combustion, plug-in-hybrid, and fully electric – all on the same production line. The third-generation MINI Countryman will be available with a petrol, diesel, or fully electric powertrain, with the high-voltage batteries for the MINI Countryman Electric also being made in Leipzig, and it’s scheduled to reach dealerships on 17 February 2024.

Investments and recruitment to increase production volume

The BMW Group has made substantial investments in Leipzig to ramp up production volume for new models. This includes expansions and upgrades to the bodyshop, paintshop, assembly, and logistics. Production capacity has been increased from 250,000 units previously to up to 350,000 units a year at present. The investment of around €200 million to adapt the production system to MINI-specific requirements is expected to result in a production capacity of 500 MINI Countryman cars a day during the course of next year, creating up to 900 new jobs in vehicle production alone.

Electromobility and MINI production drive development

Plant Leipzig is transitioning to electromobility, with plans to produce the next fully electric car, the MINI Countryman Electric, and manufacture high-voltage batteries in-house. The plant will run the entire production process for the current fifth generation of high-voltage batteries, with capacity for e-component production increasing since 2021. This makes Plant Leipzig an important supplier across the BMW production network, and it currently employs over 800 people in e-component production, with plans to further develop and invest in this area.

Sustainable materials and production 

The MINI Countryman Electric reflects the MINI brand’s responsible approach to materials and production, with innovations in sustainability. The model features a range of sustainable materials, including the use of recycled textiles in the interior, reducing CO2 emissions along the value chain and requiring less water to manufacture. The model also incorporates a new, resource-friendly painting method for the contrast roof, known as overspray-free painting, which contributes to saving CO2 emissions and energy.

Plant Leipzig – Built for sustainability

Plant Leipzig has a strong focus on efficient processes and a long-term strategy for energy generation and consumption. The plant has four wind turbines that generate electricity, delivering approximately 25 GWh/year, and a battery storage farm equipped with up to 700 second-life high-voltage batteries from BMW i3 vehicles. There are also plans to decarbonize production by replacing fossil fuels with green hydrogen, with a regional hydrogen grid in the works, from which Plant Leipzig is set to benefit.

MINI Countryman SE ALL4 (combined electricity consumption: 18.5 – 17.0 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km).

MINI Countryman with combustion engine (combined fuel consumption according to WLTP: 8.3 – 4.8 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 188 – 125 g/km)

*All technical data is provisional.