Our 2024 Honda CRF450R has spent the previous couple of months in a celeb storage. Four-time 250 National MX Champion Gary Jones nonetheless rides at age 72–and he nonetheless hauls! We loaned him our Honda check bike with the blessing of Ryan Dudek at Honda. Like us, Ryan is a giant Jones fan, however he additionally needed to have Jones as a particular visitor for Honda’s Cars, Bikes and Coffee occasion at Honda’s Collection Hall. Every different month, guests are inspired to drive or journey their very own attention-grabbing car or bike of any model or period to indicate off whereas having fun with the Collection Hall, particular reveals, the Power of Dreams Cafe, merchandise retailer, and extra. Dudek dressed up our check bike in particular graphics as a tribute to Gary’s 1973 championship on a Honda RC250 works bike, which was Honda’s first official motocross championship. One of the unique 1973 works bikes is on show within the assortment corridor.
The Gary Jones tribute bike has suspension revalved by AHM, however is in any other case inventory–a minimum of mechanically. The graphics are superior. Wouldn’t this make a terrific particular version for 2025?
Gary’s 4 championships got here on three totally different manufacturers; Yamaha Honda and Can-Am. His 1971 championship was taken from the Inter-Am collection, the place he was prime American. That one isn’t at all times listed within the file books, however by 1972, it was an official AMA championship. Gary gained once more. Both these years he was on Yamaha. Then Honda made him a proposal he couldn’t refuse and he gained the 1973 championship on a motorcycle similar to the one in Honda’s foyer as we speak. “The bike Honda has on display I only rode once,” Gary studies. “It was a test bike at the end of the season. I think Gary Chaplin and Rich Eierstedt eventually raced it. I had moved on to Honda’s Open class bike by then. I raced it at the Carlsbad USGP and the frame broke–I crashed so hard! After that, Honda didn’t want to race the Open class any more.”
Gary’s profession took a giant change at that time. He left Honda, rode a non-public Maico within the Trans-AMA collection after which signed with Can-Am, the place he gained the 1974 250 Championship. Unfortunately, that will be his final. He broke his leg at Daytona in 1975 and it was an extended, tough restoration. Honda’s subsequent Cars, Bikes and Coffee occasion will probably be on June 15. The American Honda Collection Hall is positioned within the foyer of Honda’s U.S. headquarters. The Hall shouldn’t be open on different weekends however is on weekdays throughout common work hours. Location American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 1919 Torrance Blvd Torrance, CA 90505 Phone: (310) 783-2000
GARY’S OTHER BIKE
Another Gary Jones tribute bike is that this 1974 Yamaha YZ360, which will probably be ridden by his son Justin Jones within the Wiseco Two-Stroke Championship subsequent week. Gary completed second within the Open class to Brad Lacky in 1972 on a motorcycle kind of like this one. “My bike back then was about 180 pounds” says Gary. We’ve seen Justin journey this bike. He might win most native professional lessons on it.
THE ARCTIC LEOPARD
The Arctic Leopard EXE800 will promote within the $9000 vary.
New within the Dirt Bike storage this week is an Arctic Leopard. This is an organization that caught our consideration on the Dakar Rally earlier this yr. There’s now an electrical bike class. Who knew? The levels have decreased mileage, however the bikes nonetheless must race for over 100 miles on most days. The EXE800 is roughly equal to a 250 motocross bike with a weight of about 230 kilos. We even have the EXE880, which is extra like a 450. It will promote within the $11,000 vary.
The distributor for Arctic Leopard within the U.S. is now an organization known as Pinned Electric. Interested sellers can contact Braxton at [email protected].
We already had Carson Brown flip a number of laps on the Arctic Leopard. He clearly had enjoyable. But, he at all times has enjoyable!
SILVER STATE PREREGISTRATION
Entries are nonetheless open for the Best In The Desert Silver State 300–barely. If you don’t get your registration in as we speak, it’ll value you an additional $100! Click on the hyperlink: https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=33851&lan=1&cartlevel=1
Now’s your likelihood to hold a chunk of hooning historical past in your storage wall. To profit the newly fashioned 43 Institute, eBay Motors will host an internet public sale full of Ken Block memorabilia. The public sale begins immediately and consists of automobile components sacrificed in making the blockbuster Gymkhana video series, plus collectibles from Ken Block’s rally profession. Damaged wheels, wrecked bumpers, you identify it.
“There’s still an ongoing reminder that pops up on my calendar,” Lucy Block mentioned. “It says ‘sit down with the kids and Ken and talk about what foundation we want to start.’ [The reminder] still pops up because it was something we intended to do for probably three years.”
Following her husband’s tragic passing in January, 2023, and a interval of grieving, Lucy Block determined it was time to observe by means of. But as a substitute of a basis devoted to slaying tires, or delivering all-wheel drive drift missiles to underprivileged youngsters, the 43 Institute’s mission cuts to a core facet of Ken Block—the particular person—that almost all of his followers by no means noticed.
“As we had Ken’s celebration of life last January, everyone that came together, it really was a different form of what I thought Ken’s legacy would’ve been for these people,” Lucy Block mentioned. “So many of the people brought up how Ken said or did something that pushed them to do more than they thought they could… He pushed them to take chances to do something bigger than they thought was possible.”
The 43 Institute doesn’t create its personal applications, Block mentioned, however as a substitute makes use of Ken’s appreciable attain and fan base to fund different organizations. Their objective on the institute is to supply alternative and mentorship to younger people who find themselves exceptionally pushed, identical to Ken had finished so many occasions. For instance, the institute has already worked with Stoked, an sports-oriented program that provides entry to actions like snowboarding and skateboarding to underprivileged youngsters, then gives mentorship for the youngsters who take to these motion sports activities.
Funds generated by this public sale will probably be put towards applications like Stoked, Lucy Block mentioned, with a concentrate on creating psychological and bodily well being, two pursuits Ken valued tremendously.
If you’re a fan of the Gymkhana sequence (and who isn’t?), it’s a goldmine. In true Ken Block trend, practically each merchandise bore the brunt of his handiwork: There are sequential transmission gears from the Hoonicorn V1, broken past perception. A ben Fifteen52 wheel from Gymkhana Ten, and burnt clutch plates from Climbkhana: Pikes Peak.
For pure rally followers, there are a lot extra public sale objects, like a door from the 2015 GRC season and my private favourite, a turbofan-style wheel from Ken’s notorious Ford Escort Cossie. Assorted memorabilia abounds, like race fits, a Modernica Chair, a signed poster, and even a Specialized bike.
Take a take a look at the public sale and decide a spot on the storage wall the place you may have the ability to dangle a dented wheel or a warped entrance bumper. The cash goes to a great trigger and celebrates the reminiscence of our all-time favourite tire slayer.
The subsequent step after getting an EV in your storage is to get a charger. Now, there have been debates between home and public EV charging. Public chargers might provide higher, sooner choices like DC quick charging. A house charger gives you the peace of mind and freedom to plug in your EV in a single day or to get a couple of minutes of charging simply sufficient for a brief journey to the grocery retailer.
There are 4 stuff you want to bear in mind when thinking of purchasing a home EV charger: the output of the family circuit/ panel that you simply intend to connect with, the output of the charger, the plug sort, and the utmost fee of charging that your EV can deal with. These components are all interconnected and can decide the general effectivity and suitability of your chosen residence EV charger.
This record covers some of the best EV home chargers, all beginning at completely different value factors, and highlights all of the options you’d wish to know earlier than shopping for any of those.
In order to provide the most recent and correct data doable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources. Also, please do not forget that the listed costs DO NOT embody transport/supply costs.
These 10 EV charging corporations provide huge charging companies, contributing to powering the rising variety of EVs hitting the roads.
1Tesla Wall Connector
Starts At: $475
Tesla
24-Foot Cable Length
Wi-Fi and App Support
Four-Year Warranty
Starting at $475, the Wall Connector is Tesla’s go-to charging solution for homes, residences, and workplaces, providing a swift cost of as much as 44 miles each hour with its 11.5 kilowatts or 48 amperes energy output. Its user-friendly options embody an auto-sensing deal with for cost port entry and the comfort of scheduling and monitoring by the Tesla app. With Wi-Fi connectivity, it permits for updates, diagnostics, and entry controls.
Tesla Wall Connector Pricing
Normal Wall Connector
$475
Universal Wall Connector
$595
Mobile Connector
$230
Pedestal For Wall Connector
$425
(Data was collected from Tesla)
A Universal Wall Connector For Non-Tesla EVs On Offer
Tesla
Designed for each indoor and outside use, it optimizes set up prices whereas making certain a speedy charging expertise. The 24-foot cable size offers flexibility, backed by a four-year guarantee for residential use. Additionally, a Universal Wall Connector is also available for $595, for charging non-Tesla EVs. And in contrast to the traditional Wall Connector, it comes built-in with both NACS and J1772 to make sure full compatibility with a variety of EV fashions.
Pros
Four-year guarantee
Multiple methods to put in
Sleek design and easy-to-install
Cons
Doesn’t come normal with the EV buy
Lacks enhanced charging speeds
2ChargePoint Home Flex
Starts At: $549
23-Foot Cable Length
Wi-Fi and App Support
Three-Year Warranty
Available in each hardwire and Nema configurations
ChargePoint Home Flex is one other Level 2 EV charger, delivering a powerful charging fee of as much as 37 miles each hour, with a most output of fifty amperes. It starts at $549 for both J1772 and NACS with hardwired installations. If you like a NEMA 6-50 or NEMA 14-50 plug, these choices are additionally obtainable at $599 every. With versatile amperage settings starting from 16 to 50 amps, it affords each plug-in and hardwired set up choices.
ChargePoint Home Flex Pricing
J1772 (Hardwired)
$549
NACS (Hardwired)
$549
J1772 (NEMA 6-50 Plug)
$599
NACS (NEMA 6-50 Plug)
$599
J1772 (NEMA 14-50 Plug)
$599
NACS (NEMA 14-50 Plug)
$599
(Data was collected from ChargePoint)
It Comes With A 23-Foot Charging Cable
Compatible with each EV, together with Tesla and NACS-enabled EVs, Home Flex undergoes rigorous testing on main EV fashions, according to ChargePoint. It comes with an ordinary 23-foot charging cable which offers ample attain, even in chilly climates, whereas the versatile amperage settings permit electricians to decide on the choice that aligns with electrical panel capability and car necessities. This makes Home Flex a flexible and dependable alternative for EV charging.
Pros
Four-year guarantee
Belongs to one of many largest EV charging networks
Tesla arguably modified the course of EVs on this planet, and this is every thing you want to learn about its charging.
3Blink HQ 150
Starts At: $299
Blink
One-year guarantee
25-foot charging cable
Blink Charging affords a house EV charging resolution within the type of the Blink HQ 150, beginning at $299. It delivers an influence output of 32 amperes or 7.68 kilowatts, offering as much as 4 instances sooner charging in comparison with an ordinary AC degree 1 twine, in line with Blink. With a 25-foot cable that includes a J1772 Type 1 plug and a smooth holster for cable storage, it combines effectivity and comfort.
Starting at $299, this charger hits the candy spot for many EV homeowners, balancing efficiency and affordability. If in a single day charging is your routine, the marginally decrease output will not be a noticeable downside, making it a cheap and sensible alternative for a lot of customers.
Pros
Affordable
Cons
Lower speeds than most chargers
Comes with just one yr of guarantee
4Electrify America HomeStation
Starts At: $649
Electrify America
Three-year guarantee
24-foot charging cable
The HomeStation Level 2 EV Charger is ElectrifyAmerica‘s residence EV charging resolution. Starting at $649, it offers Wi-Fi connectivity, distant entry, and 6.8x sooner charging than Level 1. With a 24-foot cable, it is designed for simple attain, suitable with normal 240-volt retailers, and might be hardwired by a licensed electrician.
The HomeStation Level 2 EV Charger affords speedy charging, offering speeds as much as 6.8 instances sooner than most Level 1 chargers, in line with ElectrifyAmerica, with 9.6 kilowatts of energy at 40 amperes. It’s adaptable, and configurable to 32 or 16 amperes throughout set up, relying on the output of the panel/outlet.
Choosing between charging stations and strategies to your automotive is not all the time simple. Here’s the distinction between Level 2 and DC quick charging.
5Grizzl-E Classic
Starts At: $349
Grizzl-E Smart
The Grizzl-E Classic is a strong and sturdy electrical car (EV) charging resolution, beginning at $349, and is owned by Grizzl-E, an EV charging station in Canada. Its distinctive design traits embody bear claw marks, three completely different design patterns and a textual content that claims “Made In Canada”. To maximize its potential, a 40 amperes circuit is required for AC Level 2 charging, however it stays adaptable to decrease cost charges of 32 amperes, 24 amperes, and 16 amperes.
Despite missing Wi-Fi connectivity, customers have the choice to incorporate an out of doors security lock at a further price. Additionally, the Grizzl-E affords a novel characteristic with its devoted Tesla plug possibility, offering a substitute for the usual J1772 connector. It comes normal with a three-year guarantee, with an elective five-year guarantee that provides $100 to the ultimate value.
Pros
Configurable charging charges
Optional five-year guarantee
Cons
No Wi-Fi connectivity
6Ohme Home Pro
Starts At: £999 (approx. $1,261)
Ohme
16-foot normal charging cable
Three-year guarantee
Priced at £999, which is roughly $1,261 in line with the conversion charges on the time of this writing, the Ohme Home Pro is a user-friendly EV charging resolution provided by Ohme with normal set up included. The Ohme Home Pro affords dynamic charging, UK compliance, and compatibility with varied vitality plans. It delivers energy at a fee of seven.4 kilowatts with a 32-ampere present and 230v. It features a three-year guarantee and award-winning buyer assist.
It additionally affords Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone app functionalities, that assist you to handle charging schedules, for optimizing prices primarily based on vitality charges and preferences. The Ohme Home Pro seamlessly integrates with electrical energy tariffs to cost throughout off-peak hours. Unfortunately, it comes outfitted with an ordinary 16-foot Type 2 cable. You can improve to a 26-foot cable at an additional price. Accessibility is handy sufficient by the built-in LCD display, smartphone app, or charger buttons.
Explore the transformative world of EV quick charging and its revolutionary affect on sustainable mobility.
7Autel MaxiCharger AC Wallbox
Starts At: $559
Autel Energy
A 25-foot charging cable
Three-year guarantee
App management
The Autel MaxiCharger AC Elite is an EV residence charging resolution provided by Autel Energy. The Autel MaxiCharger AC Wallbox boasts a beginning value of $559 and helps NEMA 14-50 and NEMA 6-50 plug-in wiring sorts. With a 25-foot cable, this weather-resistant charger claims top-notch sturdiness. Its plug-in system might be swiftly put in in simply 8 minutes, according toAutelEnergy.
Autel MaxiCharger Home Flex Pricing
N14-50 plug-in (In-body Holster)
$559
N6-50 plug-in (Separate Holster)
$559
N14-50 plug-in (Separate Holster)
$559
(Data was collected from AutelEnergy)
The Autel MaxiCharger AC Wallbox Comes With A Three-Year Warranty
The charger delivers a most of 40 amperes, producing 9.8 kilowatts of energy for accelerated charging. Its superior software program opens doorways to options like simple schedule viewing, real-time notifications, and Alexa compatibility. Additionally, it comes with a three-year guarantee.
Pros
Durable and weather-resistant
Easy to put in
Cons
No cheaper value level for in-body holsters
8Hypervolt Home 3.0
Starts At: £630 (approx. $795)
Standard 16-foot charging cable
Available five-year guarantee
Next on the record is the Hypervolt Home 3.0 electrical car charger, provided by Hypervolt. It is available in two variations: the Home 3.0 and Home 3.0 Pro, every with distinct options. The base value for the Home 3.0 is £630, which is roughly $795 in line with the conversion charges on the time of this writing, whereas the Home 3.0 Pro is priced at £690 ($871).
Additionally, you may have the choice to customise your charging station with varied equipment at further prices. These embody a 7.5-meter (24-foot) cable for an additional £35, a ten.0-meter (32-foot) cable for £75, a two-year prolonged guarantee for £100, a Black Charging Post for £230, and a Stainless Steel Charging Post for £310.
Hypervolt Home 3 Pricing
Home 3.0
Home 3.0 Pro
Without Accessories
£630 ($795)
£690 ($871)
With a 7.5 Meter Cable
+£35 ($44)
+£53 ($795)
With a ten.0 Meter Cable
+£75 ($94)
+£90 ($113)
With Two Extra Year Warranty
+£100 ($126)
+£100 ($126)
With Black Charging Post
+£230 ($290)
+£230 ($290)
With Stainless Steel Charging Post
+£310 ($391)
+£310 ($391)
(Data was collected from Hypervolt)
Maximum Power Output Isn’t Anything To Write Home About
With the concept of fast-charging electrical vehicles turning into a actuality, listed here are 5 myths we HAVE to bust for you.
9Pod Point Solo 3
Starts At: £798 (approx. $1,007)
Standard five-year guarantee
Available at three completely different energy
The Solo 3 is obtainable by Pod Point and is the second to final entry on this record, beginning at £798, which is roughly $1,007 in line with the conversion charges on the time of this writing. It contains over-the-air updates for brand new options and distant assist, and means that you can monitor and optimize vitality utilization by the Pod Point App. Covered by a five-year guarantee, it additionally comes with skilled set up in as little as 2 hours, in line with Pod Point.
Pod Point Solo 3 Power Ratings And Pricing
3.6 kW
7 kW
22 kW
Universal
£798 ($1,007)
£999 ($1,261)
£1749 ($2,208)
Tethered
£849 ($1,072)
£1049 ($1,324)
£1999 ($2,524)
Range-Per-Hour
15 miles
30 miles
90 miles
(Pricing sourced from Pod Point)
The Pod Point Solo 3 Can Charge Up To 90 Miles An Hour
The two charger sorts, Tethered Solos and Universal Solos, differ of their designs and purposes. Tethered Solos have a set charging cable, both Type 1 or Type 2, making them handy however non-removable. Universal Solos provide flexibility, permitting you to make use of your charging cable and connect with any Type 1 or Type 2 car.
It offers fast home EV charging with obtainable energy scores of three.6 kilowatts, 7 kilowatts, or 22 kilowatts, able to charging 15 miles-per-hour, 30 miles-per-hour, and 90 miles-per-hour, respectively. This selection permits customers to decide on the charging pace that most closely fits their electrical car wants. Additionally, the Pod Point Solo 3 was dubbed because the “Best home EV Charger” by What Car:
Pros
Standard five-year guarantee
The common port permits flexibility for a number of EVs
The common port is cheaper
Cons
Not inexpensive for many
10Green Cell Wallbox
Starts At: €549 (approx. $593)
The GreenCell EV PowerBox is one other EV residence charging resolution provided by GreenCell. It caters to the various vary of electrical autos and plug-in hybrid electrical autos in Europe. Featuring a 6-meter Type 2 cable and an intuitive LCD display, this charger blends important performance with a smooth, fashionable design and distinctive sturdiness.
GreenCell EV PowerField Charging Time For Different EVs
Ensuring each consolation and security, it achieves speedy charging instances, requiring solely three to 4 hours for autos supporting 22 kilowatts and 5–7 hours for these with 11 kilowatts capability, which usually costs an EV from 5- or 10 % to as much as 90 %. The set up course of is made hassle-free, in line with GreenCell, providing a whole set together with a drilling template, screws, dowels, and a wall bracket for the handy storage of the cable.
This E30-generation BMW 3 Series coupe was left deserted by its earlier proprietor within the storage of a Pennsylvania home. It sat untouched for 14 years as the home slowly started to collapse on itself, resulting in a buildup of particles on the surface of the automobile and infestation inside. Thankfully the automobile was saved from demise due to the parents at WD Detailing, who recovered the automobile and detailed it to perfection.
Before WD Detailing may carry this E30 to its residence base and get to cleansing, the workforce needed to extract the automobile — one thing simpler mentioned than performed contemplating how lengthy it has been sitting. After getting the storage door out of the way in which the workforce decides to tug the automobile out with a rope connected to one of many automobile’s rear management arms. But as a result of the arm is so rusty, it merely snaps, leaving the rear left wheel dealing with the improper course.
What follows is a number of painful hours of sluggish, cautious extraction to get the BMW into WD Detailing’s trailer. But as soon as it is again on the warehouse, the cleansing can lastly start. And there’s numerous cleansing to do. The paint is in tough form, having misplaced a great deal of its clear coat. There’s a big quantity of residence ceiling insulation sitting on the hood, and the inside is coated in rat urine and feces.
A very good element cures most of this E30’s beauty issues. Cleaning provides and high-pressure water clear the mud and mildew from the outside, whereas loads of degreaser and scrubbing get the carpets wanting wholesome(ish). The seat cushions exhibit essentially the most drastic change, going from a gross yellow-ish colour to a near-factory gentle beige. It’s all very satisfying to look at.
Sadly this E30’s destiny was sealed lengthy earlier than it acquired this world-class detailing. According to the WD Detailing people, the automobile going to be parted out reasonably than revived and put again on the highway. While we’re unhappy to see a traditional automobile chunk the mud, we’re glad that its components are capable of preserve others on the highway.
The Tesla Cybertruck is the most popular car of the last decade to this point. This newest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage digs deep into the main points, interviewing Tesla’s Head of Design Franz von Holzhausen and Vice President of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy. Turns out the good factor in regards to the Cybertruck is not the design, it is the large windshield wiper.
“It was an aero challenge. It was a motor challenge. It was a design challenge,” Moravy informed Leno in regards to the wiper.
The information got here in the Tesla Cybertruck episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage” on YouTube, particularly throughout his check drive of the automobile with Moravy and von Holzhausen. “Oh, we’re working on the inductive charging,” defined Von Holzhausen. “So you don’t need to plug something in at that point. You just pull in your garage, drive over the pad, and you’re charging.”
Tesla had beforehand teased the rollout of a wi-fi charging mat, however this was the primary time that anybody from the corporate had stated something about it. At the corporate’s Investor Day occasion in March, the corporate launched a promotional picture that confirmed one thing that positive appeared like a charging mat in a house storage. So far, although, it is simply been a sluggish drip of knowledge, however now that Tesla has talked about it, hopefully, extra info will comply with before the 9 months from the Investor Day picture that in the present day’s information took.
Cracking open an old barn or garage can reveal hidden treasures, and Anglia Car Auctions in Scotland recently uncovered quite a collection of vehicles, which are set to be auctioned off. Among the finds is a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette, one of the first cars discovered in the dilapidated barn. Although it lacks an engine and gearbox, it does come with a dismantled V8 engine and manual transmission. The current owner purchased the car in the 1990s with no accompanying paperwork.
Another noteworthy car in the collection is a 1935 Plymouth Coupe, sporting a two-tone pastel yellow and light brown exterior. Despite its age, it’s in relatively good shape with just a few dings and faded paint.
Four Jaguars are also part of the collection. A 1963 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Roadster is missing some crucial parts, including fenders, a front bumper, hood, and windshield. The 1955 XK140 and 1959 XK150 are in better condition, but the standout is a 1947 Jaguar 1.5, which can still roll on its own.
Other notable vehicles include a 1973 Bond Bug 700, a 1952 Bentley MkVI, a 1959 Ford Consul Capri, and a 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite Frogeye. The collection also features two Land Rovers and two MGs.
All 14 cars from the Scottish collection will be up for auction on November 4 and 5. With no reserve, these forgotten cars, many of which have not been taxed since the 80s, are in poor condition and are better suited as parts cars rather than candidates for full restoration.
In a previous experiment, the Garage 54 YouTube channel placed a transparent head on top of an engine to provide a clear view of the combustion process. Now, the channel is back with another transparent resin experiment, this time building an entire engine block out of the see-through material.
The previous attempt resulted in the engine exploding at startup. To prevent this, Garage 54 redesigned a new block to act as a spacer between the cylinder head and the crankshaft. The goal was to eliminate any direct load on the block beyond the combustion process in the chamber. The new block was slightly taller and aimed to reduce compression.
The first startup of the modified engine showed promise, with spark and no catastrophic failure. However, the second attempt encountered some issues. One of the cylinders experienced combustion, but it occurred too late when the cylinder was at top dead center. This caused the block to crack along the bottom. Despite this setback, the experiment continued.
The team made adjustments to the timing and attempted to start the engine again. This time, the engine truly started and ran. The slow-motion camera captured every cylinder firing in exquisite detail. The engine ran for a fourth time, but the block started to break down, with the crack along the bottom expanding along its entire length.
Due to the high heat generated, the engine only ran for a few seconds at a time before starting to deteriorate. The transparent cylinder head from the previous year immediately showed signs of degradation, with bubbles and imperfections forming in the material due to the extreme temperatures.
The objective of this experiment was not to determine the longevity of the engine, but rather to test if a transparent engine block could start. In that regard, it was a resounding success for the Garage 54 team, which has been known for their innovative creations over the years.
Head torches are useful for illuminating dark areas in the garage, such as engine bays and suspension crannies. However, choosing the right head torch can be challenging, as some may not offer good performance despite their low cost. That’s why we tested a variety of well-known head torches in the industry.
In this product test, we excluded suspiciously cheap options, as it’s worth spending a moderate amount of money to get a decent head torch. We focused on rechargeable head torches that provide 200 lumens or more, allowing for a wide range of prices and performance levels.
Our testing criteria included brightness, range of lighting modes, and the distance the beam could reach in dark areas. Comfort was also a significant factor as many users may want to use these head torches for activities like walking and cycling, so we evaluated them in those contexts as well.
BEST BUY: BioLite 200 Lumen headlamp
Price: £41.00
Run time: 40 hours
Despite being a single-strap head torch, the BioLite is incredibly comfortable. It has a wide, soft, curved backing that prevents bouncing and slipping, and the strap is easily adjustable. Although it has a lower lumen rating compared to other torches, it’s still quite bright in practice. The headlamp can swivel downward and has a battery life of around 40 hours on low setting. If you need more brightness for detailed garage work, it can provide three hours on high mode. Additionally, it features a red light and a pulse setting for both white and red modes. The BioLite is well-built, weighing only 50g, although it’s not waterproof. Overall, considering its quality, comfort, and excellent run time, the BioLite is the best choice.
Autocar says: 5 stars
Sofirn HS20 head torch 2700 lumen
Run time: 10 hours
We seriously considered awarding the Sofirn as the winner. It’s the brightest option, providing a massive 2700 lumens when both LED lights are on. One LED light emits a more focused, bright white beam, while the other produces a broader, warmer white beam.
In this video from the Harry’s Garage YouTube channel, Harry Metcalfe, a former editor of UK’s Evo magazine, gets an exclusive tour of the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale with Design Project Manager Alessandro Maccolini.
Metcalfe starts the tour by showcasing the original 33 Stradale, of which only 18 were made. Although the company originally intended to produce 50 examples, only 18 were ever manufactured. These iconic cars featured a 2.0-liter V8 engine that produced maximum power at 8,800 rpm, and it was positioned behind the driver’s head. It is worth noting that some variants of the original 33 Stradale had different styling, such as single or stacked headlights.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
