Tag Archives: Folks

Motorsport

Dodge Challenger is only 35 sales ahead of Ford Mustang in Q3 2023

It’s the final quarter of the final year of the epic sales war between the Dodge Challenger, Chevrolet Camaro, and Ford Mustang. While the Challenger and Camaro will be leaving the scene in 2024, the Mustang is set to emerge as the winner by default. But before that happens, we have a close battle to determine the sales champion of 2023.

And when we say close, we mean it. With the third-quarter 2023 sales figures now available from Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet, it’s clear that the Mustang and Challenger are neck-and-neck in the competition. Currently, Dodge is in the lead with 35,350 Challenger sales, while the Ford Mustang has sold 35,315 units. The difference between them is a mere 35 cars. It’s so close that by the time this article is published, Ford could have taken the lead.


News

Brembo Presents Rossi With Special Trophy Celebrating His Career

The name Valentino Rossi is one that’s instantly recognizable even to folks with little knowledge about motorcycles and motorsports. Recognized by many as one of the most iconic athletes of all time, Valentino Rossi’s career is a shining gem not just in the world of motorsports, but in the realm of sports as a whole.

Of course, the Italian racer’s career was made extra special by the equipment he was using, and one of the brands he never parted ways with was Brembo. The company known for some of the most efficient and performance-focused braking systems in both two and four-wheeled applications, Brembo has played a critical role in the success of Rossi’s career, as literally every single one of his race bikes was fitted with a braking system from the Italian company.

Brembo Presents Rossi With Special Trophy Celebrating His Career

That being said, on the occasion of the San Marino GP at Misano, Brembo awarded Valentino Rossi with a special trophy to commemorate his successful racing career. More than just a trophy, the award given to him was handcrafted particularly to showcase the man’s entire career. For starters, the trophy made use of parts found in Rossi’s very first race bike back in 1996. Likewise, it also features components from Rossi’s last race bike, the Yamaha YZR-M1, which he rode in his last race in Valencia in 2021.

Commenting on the ceremony, Brembo CEO Daniele Schillaci stated, “It is an honor for us to be able to award him with this unique trophy, which underlines his unbreakable bond with Brembo. I thank Valentino on behalf of the company for having always been with us and for allowing us to bring continuous innovation to every type of sports bike on which he has competed and won.”

Brembo Presents Rossi With Special Trophy Celebrating His Career

Valentino Rossi’s racing career is one of the most illustrious in the industry. Having completed 432 Grands Prix, Rossi garnered over 6,350 points. In the MotoGP class alone, he sat on P1 89 times, and in total, won 115 races throughout his career. Never once did he use any other braking system than Brembo, and the company released some interesting estimates regarding how much stuff the Italian used throughout the course of his career. Brembo estimates that Rossi used up more than 450 front rotors, more than 1,000 brake pads, and about 280 liters of brake fluid throughout the course of his career.

Motorsport

Watch Three-Year Camper Van Conversion Come Together In 36 Minutes

It took three years for these folks to convert this Fiat Ducato van into a camper. This video condenses the construction down to 36 minutes so you can see how it goes from a cargo hauler to a high-tech motorhome.

The project starts by stripping parts off the van. The builders add a coating to the underbody, fenders, and side sills. The rest of the body gets a greenish-gray coat of paint. Cutting into the body makes space for adding windows and skylights. A custom-built water tank mounts underneath the vehicle.

The interior receives insulation on the floor and walls. The builders engineer a power bed lift to make it easier to unload the couple’s e-bikes out of the back. The kitchenette includes a tiny oven and refrigerator. Magnetic panels hold knives and other utensils. There are also some clever storage solutions, like a cubby for holding laptops. A fully reclining chair offers a spot to relax.

The roof features solar panels that can tilt upward to maximize their effectiveness. This also makes the skylights more functional by not blocking the sunlight from entering the cabin.

What makes this van so impressive is that it is all custom. The build starts as a cargo vehicle with an open rear. From there, the couple outfits the rig to become a motorhome that can take them on outdoor adventures.

The builders are selling the complete plans for this build for $125. It includes the parts list, 3D models, and custom water tank instructions. There’s also access to the couple’s Van Design Course.

In the United States, the Fiat Ducato is the Ram ProMaster van, and it’s also a frequently used platform for building motorhomes. For example, Winnebago introduced the Solis Pocket 36B using this model as the basis in July 2023. The model has a compact floor plan that packs a dinette and a wet bath into the small space. The shower is at the back, which means owners can open the rear doors to enjoy getting clean while enjoying the outdoors.

Motorsport

Lamborghini Gallardo Takes on Nissan GT-R and MG4 XPower in Unique Drag Race

In an interesting experiment conducted by Carwow, they set out to determine whether the MG4 XPower, an electric hot hatch from China, could match up to two high-performance supercars – the Lamborghini Gallardo and the Nissan GT-R. Although the Lamborghini and Nissan models are well-known powerhouses, the MG4 XPower is relatively unfamiliar to many. However, with its impressive 429 horsepower (320 kilowatts) and 443 pound-feet (600 Newton-meters) of torque generated by its twin motors, it shouldn’t be underestimated.

Boasting all-wheel drive, the MG4 XPower can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a mere 3.8 seconds. But does it have what it takes to outshine the formidable power of a naturally aspirated V10 convertible or a twin-turbo V6 coupe? While the electric motors provide immediate power delivery, it’s worth noting that the MG4 XPower weighs more than its opponents, tipping the scales at 1,800 kilograms (3,968 pounds).


News

Moto Morini Is Working on New V-Twin Models

Moto Morini CEO Alberto Monni recently shared the company’s plans for the future in an interview with Italian motorcycling publication Moto.It. One notable detail is that Moto Morini is focusing on the V-twin engine configuration, which sets it apart from other manufacturers that have been opting for the more compact and affordable parallel-twin.

Shortly after the interview, a slide showcasing Moto Morini’s intended model lineup leading up to 2025 was spotted in a video. Whether this was an intentional teaser or an accidental leak is unclear, but it definitely creates a buzz around the brand. It’s clear that Moto Morini has big things in store for the future.

According to reports, Moto Morini plans to launch the X-Cape 1200 at EICMA 2023. Additionally, they are working on a smaller 750cc V-twin engine that will be fitted onto a sporty naked bike. There are also expectations of a “modern classic” model utilizing the same V-twin engine as the X-Cape 1200, which could resemble the previous Moto Morini Milano model.

In addition to these segments, Moto Morini is anticipated to enter the cruiser market. The leaked slide shows two models categorized as “Bobber/Dragster,” one of which is covered by a red blanket, and the other is a low-slung cruiser with a sporty headlight cowl and a cropped tail. There is also an adventure-enduro bike in the works that would compete with models like the Yamaha T7 and Honda Transalp 750.

Moto Morini also plans to release “heavy middleweight” V-twin models equipped with a 925cc engine. The range will include an adventure-tourer with 17-inch wheels, a naked bike, and a fully faired sportbike model.

Performance-wise, the new 750cc V-twins are expected to produce around 75 to 80 horsepower, which is in line with industry standards for engines of this size. The 925cc engine is expected to deliver approximately 100 horsepower, while the larger 1,200cc V-twin is projected to exceed 120 horsepower.

It’s worth noting that these reported models are not officially confirmed by Moto Morini. It’s possible that Alberto Monni intentionally leaked the information to generate excitement leading up to EICMA 2023. Only time will tell what surprises Moto Morini has in store for motorcycle enthusiasts.

Motorsport

RV Sales Plummet by 49 Percent as RV Life Loses its Shine

During the COVID pandemic, the RV industry experienced a surge in demand as people sought to embrace social distancing by purchasing motorhomes and camper trailers. However, the current situation tells a different story. According to data from the RV Industry Association (RVIA), sales in the first half of 2023 have plummeted across all categories, with one exception worth noting.

When we say “across the board,” we are referring to various types of recreational vehicles, including motorhomes, travel trailers, and pickup truck toppers. Travel trailers have been hit the hardest, witnessing a staggering 53.9 percent drop compared to the previous year. This category includes both standard towable and large fifth-wheel campers. However, the RVIA provides a separate figure for fifth-wheelers, which reveals a 50.9 percent decline exclusively for this group. Trailers with folding segments are down by 31 percent, while truck campers (categorized as trailers) have experienced a 33.8 percent decrease.


Motorsport

Witness Cars Plummeting Off a Cliff to Commemorate America’s Independence Day

While some people prefer to celebrate by having quiet dinners or small parties, others opt for lighting fireworks. In the United States, July 4th is a day known for grand fireworks displays, observed in almost every town across the country. However, in one particular place in Alaska, the usual pyrotechnics are not enough. Welcome to the Glacier View car launch. Wait, what?

Yes, you read it right – a car launch. As depicted in the video above, these cars aren’t simply launched off a ramp. Located near the Matanuska River, approximately 100 miles northeast of Anchorage, is the Glacier View River Retreat. On July 4th, they send cars hurtling off an enormous cliff overlooking the river. Crowds gather at the base of the cliff, and we’re not talking about spectators standing at a safe distance. Additionally, the vehicles aren’t launched using any fancy catapult system. The cars have their steering wheels secured, engines started, and transmissions engaged. They meet their ultimate fate at full power.

 

This year’s spectacle included more than a dozen vehicles, ranging from a Ford Taurus to a Dodge motorhome, as well as several unidentified vehicles. The exact number of cars launched and the size of the audience remains uncertain. This event takes place on private property and does not have official approval. In a recent Reddit post, someone mentioned potential attempts to shut down the event, describing the crowd as “chaotic.”

There are numerous videos showcasing this year’s launch on YouTube, and Glacier View River Retreat has shared a multitude of photos and videos on Facebook. To their credit, the organizers ensure that the crowd maintains a considerable distance from the impact zone. Furthermore, efforts are made to clean up the debris left behind. Two semi-trucks can be seen carrying the wrecked cars to be crushed, although there isn’t much left to crush. The measures taken to clean up any fluids in the area are unknown.

 

According to an event page on Facebook, admission to this year’s launch cost $20 for adults and $10 for children under 13. It was advertised as a “day of freedom, family, fun, faith, friends, and food.”

With cars containing flammable liquids catapulting off cliffs and engines roaring, smashing into pieces in front of a massive crowd… what could possibly go wrong?

News

Ural Motorcycles introduces Green Tanager Accent Kit for the Gear Up

If you’re a fan of bright colors on motorcycles, you’ll be excited to hear about Ural’s latest Special Project color package for the Gear Up. The 2023 Gear Up Standard 2WD initially came in a standard color called International Klein Blue. To make it more eye-catching, Ural took inspiration from nature once again and created the Green Tanager accent package. This package includes lime green accent pieces such as a headlight bezel, luggage rack, skid plate, lime green badges, and lime green tanager drawing decals. The result is a vibrant and summery look.

The name “Green Tanager” comes from two birds, the glistening green tanager and the green-headed tanager, both of which have similar color schemes. The glistening green tanager has lime green feathers across its body, while the green-headed tanager features a green head transitioning into bright blue feathers on its wings, with pops of neon yellow, black, and acid green under the wings and toward the rear.

If you love this color combination and own a Gear Up or plan to buy one, you can purchase the Green Tanager accent package from your local Ural dealer. You have the option to have it installed by the dealer or install it yourself. The package itself costs $2,250. Adding black powder paint to the powertrain will cost an additional $1,000. A brand new 2023 Ural Gear Up Standard 2WD in International Klein Blue has an MSRP of $21,999.