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2024 Fiat 500e: Everything Confirmed So Far

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Following success within the European market, Italian automotive producer Fiat has launched the brand new 500e, the primary electrical model of its beloved compact automotive, within the United States. It marks the return of the Fiat 500 line to the nation because it was discontinued in 2019, and with its return, it brings a rousing new roll of options.

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Fast-paced tech, trendy new particulars, and classic Fiat design hark the 500e as a trendsetter for contemporary, compact EV metropolis automobiles, serving to to rid our metropolis facilities of emissions. Fiat has gracefully described the automobiles themselves as being impressed by the 2 symbols of Italian tradition – music and wonder. Building upon that, it has launched three editions of the automotive: the RED, the ‘Inspired by Music’, and the ‘Inspired by Beauty’.

In order to provide the most modern and correct info attainable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from the official Stellantis press launch, the Fiat USA web site, and nicely as first-hand driving expertise from TopSpeed reviewers.

2024-Fiat-500e-First-Drive

Related

2024 Fiat 500e First Drive: One Of The Most Refreshing EVs I’ve Driven In Years

The Fiat 500e proves that electrical automobiles make much more sense once they’re packaged in a small-footprint format.

The Fiat 500e Makes Up To 117 Horsepower

2024 Fiat 500e Electric Motor

The Fiat 500e runs on a three-phase AC with a everlasting magnetic motor, which places out a decent 117 horses and 162 pound-feet of torque. This, when in Normal or Range mode, permits the automotive to achieve a prime pace of 94mph, or 151km/h, which is greater than sufficient for town middle lifetime of a Fiat 500e. Stellantis, the father or mother firm of Fiat-Chrysler, recorded a 0-60mph time of 8.5 seconds.

2024 Fiat 500e Powertrain Specs

Motor

Three-phase AC everlasting magazine motor

Horsepower

117 horses

Torque

162 lb-ft

Battery

42 kWh

Range

149 miles

0-60mph

8.5 seconds

Top Speed

94mph

Price

$32,500

(Data sourced from Fiat)

0- to 80-percent In 35 Minutes

The automotive has three driving modes, to steadiness vary administration with driver expertise. These are Normal, Range, and Sherpa. Fiat gave the automotive a manufacturer-estimated vary of 162 metropolis miles and 149 mixed driving miles. When in Range mode, regenerative braking expertise is utilized, and the automotive is able to decelerating to a whole cease, utilizing a system Fiat calls one-pedal driving.

In Sherpa mode, Fiat means that you can take this one step additional and switch off all local weather controls and auxiliary tools to assist handle energy output. Sherpa mode additionally places a restriction on the pace to 50 mph, to cut back vitality consumption. The 42kWh, liquid-cooled Li-ion battery, constructed on the Mirafiori facility in Turin, Italy, is able to a full Level 2 house cost in six hours at 11kW, or 0 to 80-percent Level 3 cost in 35 minutes.

The Compact Size Makes It A Great Urban Commuter

2024 Fiat 500e Side Profile
Top Speed

Despite the Fiat 500e completely persevering with the quirky, charismatic look that the automotive is so famously recognized for, it isn’t simply an altered older mannequin. The automotive relies on a model new, EV-specific platform referred to as the STLA-City structure that was constructed afresh from the bottom up.

Weighing in at solely 2,952 kilos (1339kg), the Fiat 500e is the lightest battery electrical automobile in the marketplace. Additionally, it is just 142.95 inches (3.63m) lengthy, 66.3 inches tall (1.68m), with a wheelbase of 107.3 inches (2.73m) and a width of 74.12 inches (1.88m) when together with the mirrors. Although barely wider and longer than older fashions, this makes the Fiat 500e still a brilliant car for narrow, double-parked streets and fast-paced, busy metropolis facilities. Not to say that, with none exhaust emissions, the automotive is great for lowering air and sound air pollution in built-up areas.

Length

142.9 inches

Width

74.12 inches

Height

66.3 inches

Wheelbase

107.3 inches

Weight

2,952 kilos

(Data sourced from Fiat)

Black Fiat 500

Related

10 Reasons Why The Fiat 500 Is The People’s Car

The Fiat 500 is among the many most recognizable automobiles on the planet, even the place it does not have a presence!

A Classic Exterior, Refreshed With Modern Features

An iconic design, the Fiat 500, has been nipping about our cities because the Fifties. As automotive producers start to merge into the electrical automobile period, the basic, famed designs we all know and love are present process revitalization whereas sustaining their authentic character. That is precisely what occurs right here with the Fiat 500e.

The automotive is available in three important colours; Tuxedo Black, Glacier White, and RED. The two particular editions, ‘Inspired by Beauty’ and ‘Inspired by Music’, supply barely completely different physique packages. ‘Inspired by Beauty’ is available in a metallic rose gold, whereas ‘Inspired by Music’ is available in a Tuxedo Black with chrome trim.

The Fiat 500e rides atop 17-inch diamond lower wheels, with flush-set, entrance and rear LEDs, and e-latch door handles. Noticeably, the entrance grill has been redesigned to spotlight the automotive’s EV capabilities, however the iconic strains and 500 badges stay as current as ever, paying homage to the automotive’s trendy origins. With its Italian flags set inside the aspect markers and charging port cowl that imitates a classic gas cap, it elegantly mirrors the automotive’s beloved previous, whereas highlighting the fashionable potential of electrical automobiles.

Despite Its Compact Size, There Is No Dearth Of Features Inside

Like many new electrical automobiles, the Fiat 500e comes filled with fashionable expertise and options. The new oval dashboard is an eye catching design shakeup inside the automotive, complementing the automotive’s enjoyable, sporty aesthetic whereas paying homage to the unique 1957 Fiat 500. Similarly, the skinny, dual-spoke steering wheel instills a refreshing distinction to the ten.25-inch display screen, which comes geared up with Stellantis’s cross-platform UConnect 5 infotainment software program, that options over-the-air updates similar to real-time vary and consumption updates. The standard myriad of tech additionally fills the system, with Apple Car Play and Android Auto connectivity, Fiat navigation software program, and the standard local weather management techniques.

Alongside this in-car tech, Fiat 500e homeowners may also be capable of get the FIAT Connect software program and the Fiat App, to regulate a decent variety of distant operations. Fiat has made it in order that drivers can pre-set local weather features, activate locks and lights, and modify the cost schedule all from a smartphone. The app additionally reveals close by charging stations, in addition to dynamic vary mapping, syncing with the automotive’s battery life to point out accessible distances on a map.

A Compact Car With Compact Dimensions

2024 Fiat 500e Rear Seats

Space inside the automotive is surprisingly roomy, a minimum of within the entrance. The driver and passenger seats have a legroom of 41.8 inches (106cm) and a headroom of 39.3 inches (99.8cm). In the again, nevertheless, the legroom is a tiny 29.5 inches (74.9cm), although the headroom drops solely to 35.35 inches (89.8cm). The again seats, then, are in all probability greatest used as an extra cupboard space, particularly as a result of the rear cargo house is just a modest 7.5 cu-ft (212L). Against the Mini Cooper SE, the Fiat’s closest rival, the inner house is fairly comparable, with the Mini’s rear legroom solely barely greater at 30.8 inches (78.2cm).

Front-row

Rear-row

Headroom

39.3 inches

35.35 inches

Legroom

41.8 inches

29.5 inches

The Fiat 500e additionally comes geared up with some slightly fashionable security options, similar to; drowsy driver detection, to watch and alert drivers feeling fatigued; pedestrian and bicycle owner emergency braking system; clever pace help, a system which may acknowledge street indicators to take care of a continuing driving pace; and superior lane help software program to inform the driving force of unintentional lane swerving.

Optional Differences

The ‘Inspired by Beauty’ and ‘Inspired by Music’ editions of the automotive each include barely completely different interiors, to match their upgraded bodywork. ‘Inspired by Beauty’ comes geared up with Fiat-embroidered leather-based seats and a bi-color gentle contact steering wheel. ‘Inspired by Music’ takes a sleeker, tech-focused method, upgrading the speaker system to a specialised JBL Audio System that options JBL Venues to emulate 4 distinct musical venues chosen by Maestro Bocelli. This version additionally comes with improved security options, similar to 360-degree, surround-car parking sensors and entrance and rear park help.

2024 Kia Niro EV

Related

The Smallest Electric Cars Ever Made, Ranked By Size

Compact electrical automobiles are displaying that measurement does not matter in relation to delivering what issues: energy, vary, and superior options.

The 2024 Fiat 500e Starts At $32,500

2024 Fiat 500e Rear Three Quarter
Top Speed

For all of its breadth of options, the Fiat 500e is available in at a reasonably modest value of $32,500. The ‘Inspired by Music’ and ‘Inspired by Beauty’ editions each add one other $3,500 on prime of that, although $36,000 remains to be a cut price for the premium fashions of a brand-new EV.

Areas with EV subsidies will discover themselves paying even lower than that, with the Canadian EV incentive program knocking $5000 off of the worth, and in Quebec, an extra $7000 could be taken off of that. In the US, nevertheless, the $7500 tax credit score requires electrical automobiles to be made inside the US, whereas the 500e is made in Turin, Italy.

How Does It Stack Up Against The Mini Cooper SE

The closest rival to the Fiat 500e is the Mini Cooper SE, one other low-range EV mannequin of an previous, basic European hatchback. Compared to the Fiat, the Mini is barely extra highly effective, with 181 horses and a 0-60 time of only 6.9 seconds. The prime pace, nevertheless, does are available in at a decrease pace of 93 mph. As nicely as that, the vary is admittedly the place the Mini Cooper SE drops off, with a mere 114 miles of battery.

The Mini is available in at 151.7 inches (3.85m) lengthy and 75.9 inches (1.93m) huge, with a wheelbase of 98.2 inches (2.49m) and a slightly excessive curb weight of three,143 kilos (1425.64kg). The Mini Cooper SE additionally boasts a barely lower cost tag than the Fiat, with costs ranging from $30,900.

Lexus

BARNICOAT, THOMPSON CLAIM SECOND STRAIGHT LONG BEACH TRIUMPH FOR LEXUS AND VASSER SULLIVAN

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LONG BEACH, Calif. (April 22, 2024) – Following a GT class track-record pole by Parker Thompson on Friday, the No. 89 Lexus RC F GT3 captured the GTD class victory within the Grand Prix of Long Beach on Saturday. Thompson, together with Ben Barnicoat, delivered Lexus and Vasser Sullivan’s second consecutive win on the streets of Long Beach (GTD PRO class winners in 2023) and the second consecutive win this season for the crew following the GTD PRO victory at Sebring final month.

The No. 89 was in management for many of the 100-minute dash race on the best way to victory. Thompson led the best way early on, constructing a multi-second hole to the pack behind him throughout his 40-minute stint. With one hour and two minutes remaining, Thompson introduced the No. 89 into the pits the place Barnicoat took over and adopted swimsuit. The Brit by no means seemed again throughout his run, even with a late-race warning, in the end reaching victory lane when the checkered flag flew.

The victory marks the second GTD class victory for each drivers, coupling Barnicoat’s class win at Detroit in 2022 and Thompson’s win final season at Watkins Glen. Overall, that is Barnicoat’s seventh profession IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship win and the second for Thompson.

Jack Hawksworth and Frankie Montecalvo got here residence fifteenth within the GTD class with the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3. The No. 12 began on the entrance row subsequent to its sister automotive with Montecalvo behind the wheel. However, an early-race penalty dropped the New Jersey native to the rear of the GTD class. Montecalvo fought his means again up the sector earlier than handing the wheel to Hawksworth with simply over an hour remaining. Hawksworth additionally confirmed super grit, battling his means up the operating order earlier than struggling left rear harm to the Lexus RC F after contact with 33 minutes remaining, which ended the day early for the No. 12 crew.

The Vasser Sullivan Lexus crew returns to motion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Sunday, May 12. To sustain with all of the racing motion, comply with Lexus Racing on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok by utilizing #LexusEfficiency.

Vasser Sullivan Driver Quotes

BEN BARNICOAT, No. 89 Lexus RC F GT3
What does it imply to get one other win right here Long Beach?

“I have to say a huge thank you to the team. Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA, TRD (Toyota Racing Development). We’re on a bit of a roll at the moment, but we had a fantastic season last year, and Daytona is just a small bump in the road. Very lucky to be on this team with all the work they put in, with the hours of dedication to excellence. I don’t believe there’s any other GT team operating, pushing as hard as we are. The results aren’t a shock. You get what you put out, right? I’ve put so much into this and I’m just happy I can deliver the results for them. To go back-to-back here at Long Beach is special. This track is amazing and it’s an amazing venue. The atmosphere of having this race with INDYCAR; I owe Jimmy (Vasser, co-owner) and Sulli (James Sullivan, co-owner) big thank you’s to race in the GTD class today. They gave me a rocket ship RC F GT3. It’s pretty special to be back up here.”

PARKER THOMPSON, No. 89 Lexus RC F GT3
Was it a fairly easy race from the pole place at this time?

“It’s pretty tough when you know execution is the only thing between you and winning the race. There were a lot of pros that qualified yesterday, so I was up against a pretty tough field at the start. But I controlled the race from the start beginning and got a good jump, got into turn 1, handled a couple restarts and saved our Lexus RC F GT3 to make sure Mr. Platinum himself beside me (Ben Barnicoat) could bring it home. It was good!. Really cool, you know the number 89, the significance behind that is 1989 was the first time Lexus came stateside to the U.S. Awesome to honor them and get the win for them. Back-to-back at Long Beach is fantastic.”

JACK HAWKSWORTH, No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3
How would you describe your day?

“It was a very disappointing day. About everything that could go wrong did from the start. The No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus guys worked hard all weekend so I’m very disappointed for them, but no doubt they’ll come back fighting.”

FRANKIE MONTECALVO, No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3
What was your race like at this time?

“It was a tough day for the 12 car. The Vasser Sullivan team gave us a great car and we had a great starting position. But sadly, we received that penalty on the start. And then, we decided to chip away and get our places back one-by-one. But at the end of the day, we had to retire early due to some contact. Congrats to the No. 89 Lexus RC F GT3 for getting the win. Would’ve loved to be there in the end with them up front. Want to thank Vasser Sullivan for the great car and team. Also, I want to thank Lexus for keeping us in the mix.”

About Lexus
Lexus’ ardour for courageous design, imaginative expertise, and exhilarating efficiency allows the luxurious way of life model to create superb experiences for its prospects. Lexus started its journey in 1989 with two luxurious sedans and a dedication to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to fulfill the wants of worldwide luxurious prospects in additional than 90 nations. In the United States, Lexus autos are bought by way of 244 sellers providing a full lineup of luxurious autos. With eight fashions incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxurious hybrid chief. Lexus additionally gives 9 F SPORT fashions, one F efficiency mannequin and one F mannequin. Lexus is dedicated to being a visionary model that anticipates the long run for luxurious prospects.

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BMW

BMW Group is electrifying Plant Araquari

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São Paulo/Munich. The BMW Group is strengthening its involvement in Brazil by electrifying the Araquari plant. Following a historic gross sales document for electrified automobiles in Brazil final 12 months, the BMW Group is saying native manufacturing of the BMW X5, the very first premium plug-in hybrid mannequin inbuilt South America. The technologically superior and highly effective car is produced on the BMW Group plant in Araquari along with the BMW X1, BMW X3 and BMW X4 in addition to the BMW 3 Series for the native market.

“At the BMW Group, production follows market demand. Last year, BMW Group Brazil achieved a record of 25% share of electrified vehicles within the sales mix. In addition, the BMW X5 was the third-best model of the entire BMW line-up in Brazil. It is a logical conclusion for us to announce the production of the BMW X5 plug-in hybrid in Brazil now,” says Michael Nikolaides, Head of Production Network and Logistics at BMW Group. “We are committed to technology openness. In this context, PHEVs are and will remain an important part of our offering. Now, for the first time, we are bringing this technology to a South American production facility. The BMW Group plant in Araquari has a flexible production line. I am proud to say that Plant Araquari will be the only one to produce ICE, PHEV, and Flex-fuel models in the whole BMW Group production network. Depending on market demand, we can get ready to produce hybrid or electric models in a short period of time. In the next step, we will build PHEV and ICE vehicles on one line.”

Since 2014, the BMW Group has been manufacturing for the native market in Araquari, Brazil, within the state of Santa Catarina. The Araquari plant has its personal Body Shop, Paint Shop, Assembly, Quality and Logistic processes. Along with a BMW Group Engineering Office, which is a part of the plant’s amenities. In December 2023, the BMW Group introduced a ten% improve in manufacturing on the Araquari plant from 2024 to achieve an annual manufacturing of 11,000 items. In addition, the workforce is being constantly elevated and skilled to supply electrified automobiles.

Cars

Everything Mopar Fans Should Know About The Dodge Coronet

Dodge resumed use of the Coronet nameplate in 1965 after a six-year hiatus following what Hemmings calls “a historic blunder” by Dodge. Dodge’s “blunder,” downsizing its vehicles forward of the competitors, helped the automaker capitalize on the newly forming intermediate-sized automobile market. The fifth-generation Coronet would go on to turn out to be the idea for the Dodge Super Bee, one among the most iconic Mopars ever built.

Dodge supplied the 1965 Coronet in 4 distinct ranges: the bottom Coronet, Coronet Deluxe, Coronet 440, and Coronet 500. The lowest degree Coronet solely supplied two- and four-door sedan choices. The Deluxe model included a station wagon mannequin along with the 2 sedan choices. The Coronet 440 supplied essentially the most physique type choices, with two-door hardtop, two-door convertible, four-door sedan, and four-door six- and nine-passenger station wagon fashions out there. The top-trimmed Coronet 500 allowed a selection of hardtop or convertible two-door physique kinds.

The 145-horsepower 225-cubic-inch Slant Six was the bottom engine for many of the Dodge Coronet lineup. Only Coronet 440 nine-passenger station wagons and Coronet 500s featured the 180-horsepower 273-cubic-inch V8 as the bottom engine.

Throughout the Sixties, Dodge supplied a number of engine choices for the Coronet. Small-block V8 choices included displacements starting from 273 to 361 cubic inches with horsepower rankings from 230 to 265. More highly effective big block engine options included these with 383, 426, and 440 cubic inch displacements, essentially the most potent possibility being the 425-horsepower 426 Hemi.

Motorsport

The 2025 Mini Cooper S Costs $33,195 and Doesn’t Have a Manual

Not all Mini Coopers are electrical, at the very least not but. Following the new Cooper SE debut got here the combustion version with two engine options. Now we now have full disclosure on the brand new Mini you should buy within the US, out there within the Cooper S trim with only a single powertrain. And sadly, it does not embrace a guide possibility. Mini tells us that ship has effectively and really sailed, and it isn’t coming again.

What you do get is the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, making the identical 201 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque introduced throughout its February debut. It goes to the entrance wheels by way of a seven-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission, and in optimum situations, Mini says the Cooper S for Americans can attain 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.

2025 Mini Cooper S US Debut

“Seeing the new, Mini Cooper S having fun on the streets of New York is a testament to Mini as a small, fun-to-drive car with a big heart,” mentioned Mike Peyton, Mini’s vp of the Americas.

It will price you at the very least $33,195 to partake within the enjoyable, together with Mini’s $995 vacation spot cost. For that, you get a Cooper S Hardtop in Signature trim using on 17-inch wheels and painted one among 4 colours, high to backside. Inside there’s the 9.4-inch middle show and material seats out there in both gentle grey or black. Those seats are heated in entrance, and the steering wheel additionally has standard-issue warmth.

The base trim features a heads-up show, a panoramic moonroof, and a pleasant array of tech methods and driver-assists. That features a backup digital camera, dynamic cruise management, computerized headlights, parking help, and extra.

2025 Mini Cooper S US Debut
2025 Mini Cooper S US Debut

You’ll must step as much as the Signature Plus trim for an additional $2,400 should you want extra options. That opens up the two-tone physique/roof shade choices Minis are recognized for, to not point out extra paint decisions, extra wheel decisions, and extra tech together with Mini’s Active Driving Assistant. The range-topper within the Cooper S lineup is the Iconic trim, including much more options like augmented actuality navigation, energy seats, the premium stereo, and different options. It additionally provides $4,100 to the bottom value, elevating the sticker to $37,295. Though at this degree there are few choices left to bump the value greater.

Mini tells us that 2025 Cooper S manufacturing is already underway and fashions will attain dealership showrooms in May. For now, you possibly can see it on the 2024 New York Auto Show beginning March 29.

Motorsport

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz GTX Is a Spicy Electric Van With 335 HP

Following the debut of the ID.4 and ID.5 GTX fashions in 2021, Volkswagen doubled down on its high-performance EV lineup with the ID.3 GTX and ID.7 GTX Tourer. Now, that is being adopted carefully by a sporty electrical van from VW’s Commercial Vehicles division. Meet the ID.Buzz GTX—a stronger iteration of the modern-day Microbus.

The Euro-bound van is for households in a rush. It comes normal with all-wheel drive courtesy of two electrical motors. Customers get to select from a standard-wheelbase model mixed with a 79.0-kilowatt-hour battery and a longer-wheelbase mannequin benefiting from the next 86.0-kilowatt-hour usable vitality content material.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX

The twin motors ship 335 horsepower, enabling a dash to 62 miles per hour in simply 6.5 seconds for each flavors. Flat out, the VW ID.Buzz GTX will attain an electronically restricted 99 mph.

Stick to the usual ID. Buzz GTX and you’ll tow as a lot as 3,968 kilos whereas the stretched by-product with the bigger battery can haul solely 3,527 kilos. VW would not specify the mixed torque, nevertheless it does point out the rear-mounted motor is rated at 413 pound-feet whereas the entrance motor delivers 99 pound-feet.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX
Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX

The most charging energy will rely on the battery. The smaller pack helps 185 kilowatts and the upgraded pack can take 200 kilowatts. The base battery takes roughly 25 minutes to cost from 10 to 80 % whereas the bigger one wants lower than half-hour.

As with the opposite GTX fashions, the high-performance ID.Buzz will get an assortment of styling tweaks with redesigned bumpers, a honeycomb grille, and putting Cherry Red paint. There are additionally unique normal 19-inch wheels supplied along with two elective units of recent 21-inch alloys. Setting it additional aside are these boomerang-shaped decrease lights, together with darkish accents, a black headliner, and sporty seats.

Elsewhere, the household hauler has a barely bigger touchscreen (12.9 inches as a substitute of 12.0 inches), a brand new elective head-up show, and illuminated contact sliders for the AC and quantity. Go for the long-wheelbase mannequin and VW sells at an additional price its largest-ever panoramic sunroof that goes from opaque to clear on the contact of a button.

The ID. Buzz GTX goes on sale in Europe this summer time.

VW will carry the electrical van to the United States later this yr completely with the longer wheelbase, three-row seating, the 86.0-kWh battery—however with out GTX badging. The equal US mannequin could have the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup. The US-bound mannequin might be imported from Hanover, Germany, so it is unlikely to qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit score.

BMW

2024 WorldSBK: BMW Motorrad Motorsport goals to construct on the promising begin at Barcelona.

Barcelona. Following the season opener in Australia, the FIM Superbike World Championship has returned to Europe. Next weekend (twenty second to twenty fourth March), BMW Motorrad Motorsport is gearing up for the second racing occasion of the 12 months on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (ESP). There, the 4 manufacturing facility riders and the 2 groups, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team, purpose to proceed the constructive momentum from Phillip Island (AUS).

In February, Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR) clinched his first podium as a BMW Motorrad WorldSBK manufacturing facility rider by ending third within the Superpole Race there. The BMW M 1000 RR was within the main group in each session, and Michael van der Mark (NED), Garrett Gerloff (USA) and Scott Redding (GBR) ensured that every one manufacturing facility riders had been represented within the prime ten within the races.

To put together for the Barcelona racing weekend, each groups, together with the 4 riders, performed a two-day check on the similar venue final week. The BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Test Team was additionally current to help the 2 groups of their preparations.

 

Quotes forward of the Barcelona spherical.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “The results from the season opener in Australia give us a lot of momentum heading into the second race weekend in Barcelona. Of course, Phillip Island is a very unique track, and now the deck is being reshuffled. However, also the insights from the Barcelona test last week have left us feeling optimistic. There we were able to see the pace of our BMW M 1000 RR again. Now, the challenge is to convert this into corresponding results during the race weekend. Qualifying forms the crucial foundation for the races, and our goal is to secure strong starting positions with all four riders. If the race pace also is strong, this is the base for successful races in this extremely competitive field. In the past, Barcelona hasn’t necessarily been one of the tracks that suit us best, but we have worked hard and approach the weekend with confidence.”

Garrett Gerloff (#31 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team): “I’m really looking forward to this weekend in Barcelona. It’s a track that I really enjoy and where I’ve had success in the past so I can’t wait to get there and seeing if we can have a really good weekend. The BMW M 1000 RR felt good at the test and there are still a couple of things that I want to improve but all in all I think we have a strong package and I’m looking forward to starting the weekend.”

Toprak Razgatlioglu (#54 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “I think it will not be an easy race weekend for me because we need further improve tyre life but the test was also very positive, we also worked on race pace and that was very good. We are still not at really 100 per cent but I am learning the bike every day and we are improving. My general feeling is not bad. This race weekend will be very important for me. I try to make it to the podium and my big target is to win the race because I never won at Catalunya before. I hope we will win this weekend, I will try to do my best.”

Scott Redding (#45 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team): “The Barcelona weekend will be an interesting one. We know that it’s not one of our stronger circuits on the calendar. Obviously having a test last week we were able to work on the bike set-up, trying to improve our weak points which is always good. Everyone is working super hard to do the best that we can. The race weekend is always different so we need to see with track conditions and weather. Hopefully we can have some better results than at Phillip Island, trying to get back on track and keep improving.”

Michael van der Mark (#60 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “It’s nice to go out on track and have another race weekend. It’s good that we had a test there last week and I think we are quite ready for the race weekend. We have a good base, we just have to work on details. Barcelona circuit is a fantastic race track. I think one of the key things to work on is to get a full race distance out of the tyres, mainly the front. It will be interesting but I’m looking forward to it. I had a good feeling at the test and also in Australia, we have seen how strong we can be. I can’t wait to race again and to fight for the best positions.”

Motorsport

2025 Audi Q6 E-Tron: This Is It

The new Audi Q6 E-Tron is lastly right here. Following our take a look at of a near-production Q6 E-Tron prototype in July 2023 and reveal of the handsome cockpit with all its digital screens, we lastly have all the main points.

Under the pores and skin of the Q6 E-Tron is Audi’s Premium Platform Electric structure, shared with the Porsche Macan EV and used right here for the primary time with Audi badging. It’s an 800-volt system incorporating two electrical motors with bias in direction of the rear in each energy and automobile weight. At launch there are two trims—Q6 and the performance-focused SQ6—each utilizing the identical 100-kWh (94.9-kWh web) battery pack. Sportback trims will come later, and a rear-wheel-drive model with an extended vary can also be within the works.

2025 Audi SQ6 E-Tron
Audi Q6 e-tron (2024)
Audi Q6 e-tron (2024)

Buyers in North America will take pleasure in a mixed 422 horsepower from the Q6 E-Tron, a modest 40-hp bump versus the mannequin bought in Europe. The sportier SQ6 will get 483 hp. With launch management activated output rises to 456 hp within the Q6 and 510 hp within the SQ6 for higher acceleration. Audi says the Q6 can attain 60 mph in roughly 5.0 seconds utilizing launch management, and if you happen to step as much as the SQ6, the time drops to 4.2 seconds.

Audi supplies an EPA estimate of 300 miles for the usual Q6 E-Tron; estimates for the SQ6 aren’t obtainable simply but. But with each trims utilizing the identical battery, it is secure to imagine it’s going to have a bit much less vary when it is made official later this yr. Of better curiosity is the Q6 E-Tron’s 800-volt charging functionality; it may possibly go from 10 to 80 p.c in 21 minutes hooked to a DC quick charger, pulling 270 kW.

Audi says the PPE structure is purpose-built to maximise electrical packaging whereas delivering stout driving dynamics. The management arms are positioned in entrance of suspension arms for higher battery positioning. The steering rack is mounted to a subframe to assist improve management. And to benefit from all that, Audi suits wider tires on the again of the Q6.

We skilled this firsthand after we drove the Q6 E-Tron prototype. Despite a chassis that was solely “60 percent” tuned on the time, we discovered the SUV to be properly balanced in turns whereas providing a cushty journey. The SQ6 was sharper nonetheless, and now that Audi has issues absolutely dialed in, we’re understandably curious to pattern the ultimate product.

2025 Audi SQ6 E-Tron
Audi A6 e-tron (2024)
Audi A6 e-tron (2024)

While efficiency and energy are actually a part of Audi’s PPE story, the superior know-how baked into the SUV is arguably extra essential. The Q6 E-Tron’s E3 (End-to-End Electronic) structure is a built-in assistant that depends on AI to not simply handle the varied Android-based programs, however to supply proactive recommendations based mostly on realized behaviors over time. There’s even an avatar for the AI that exhibits on the middle 14.5-inch show or within the elective augmented-reality heads-up show.


News

Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative Grants Exceed $1 Million

If you have been following us right here at RideAside, you will know we advocate for everybody to get out and benefit from the public entry routes accessible to them, whether or not it is UTV drivers or kids enjoying their ATVs.

So, after we came upon that the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative grants exceeded $1 million in 2023, we needed to convey it to your consideration. But what does that imply for folks on the bottom? Well, rather a lot.

Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative 2023

Doubling The Fund

Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) contributed over $1 million in grant awards in 2023, which is probably the most for the reason that program’s inception in 2008. But what’s much more spectacular is that it is practically double the quantity in comparison with the earlier yr. This helps to reaffirm Yamaha’s dedication to the powersports business by advocating for entry to public lands for bike, ATV, Side-by-Side, and e-bike homeowners.

Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s motorsports advertising supervisor, said,

Yamaha’s objective for the Outdoor Access Initiative is to function a significant useful resource to these supporting entry to public land for every type of recreation. Investing $1 million in a single yr is a big achievement. We stay dedicated to supporting those that work tirelessly to make sure riders and out of doors lovers can proceed to take pleasure in our nation’s out of doors areas.

Inspiring The Next Generation

Toward the top of 2023, the initiative centered on tasks geared toward educating and provoking the following technology of powersport lovers. Two notable recipients had been Cycle Kids, Inc. and the Strider Education Foundation. Both of those organizations have interaction elementary school-aged youngsters in bike driving fundamentals as a part of a bodily schooling curriculum.

Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative 2023

Additionally, the Sierra Foundation obtained funding, because it offers fifth and Sixth-grade college students the chance to attend the Rich Oliver Mystery School 4-week Ride & Wrench camp to be taught bike driving and upkeep expertise.

Apply For A Grant

The software deadline for consideration within the first funding cycle of 2024 is March thirty first. Visit YamahaOAI to be taught how to apply for a grant and be a part of among the different notable organizations that obtained greater than $300,000 within the fourth quarter of 2023, together with:

  • Colorado 500
  • Itasca County Land Dept.
  • Lakeville SnoTrackers, Inc.
  • Lutsen Trailbreakers Snowmobile Club
  • Northwest Colorado Trail Corp
  • Pennsylvania ATV Trail Development
  • The Nature Conservancy – Tennessee
  • Wild Rivers Coast Mountain Bike Assn.

Who amongst us is benefiting from Yamaha’s Outdoor Access Initiative? Let us know within the feedback.