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Motorsport

The VW Golf Mk1 Will Soon Be 50 And It’s Already A Legend

What’s the distinction between a usually vital mannequin for a sure model and a mannequin that redefines the corporate’s future? An straightforward rationalization could possibly be this – the Passat is certainly one of Volkswagen’s most vital fashions on a world scale however the Golf is a real icon that has its personal place within the historical past of the complete automotive business. It marked a revolutionary shift for the Wolfsburg-based model, changing the legendary Beetle and setting the stage for a brand new period of compact vehicles. 

Next yr, the Golf nameplate turns 50 and VW will current historic Golf fashions from its assortment on quite a few events. But earlier than we enter the celebrations for the mannequin’s anniversary, let’s discuss why it was so particular.

Welcome to Timeless European Treasures, our weekly look again at vehicles from the European market that outlined a motoring technology.

Why Do We Love It?

Undoubtedly, the Golf continues to be remembered as being a breakthrough mannequin not just for Volkswagen however for the complete business. As a alternative for the beloved Beetle, it represented a departure from custom and signaled Volkswagen’s transition from rear-wheel drive and rear-mounted air-cooled engines to front-wheel drive with front-mounted, water-cooled engines – a groundbreaking shift that outlined a brand new period for the model.

It was greater than only a well-liked automotive, although. For many individuals from all around the globe, this was the primary automotive they ever purchased model new. It was a really dependable automotive that might simply do the job of a every day driver and was very straightforward to keep up. On high of that, it was very frugal making it the right alternative for younger households.

Lest we overlook concerning the Golf GTI. One of the new hatch pioneers, it was launched in 1976 and rapidly grew to become well-liked with its extra highly effective engine, bigger tires, and sportier design tweaks. The whole manufacturing of the GTI model far exceeded VW’s expectations, reaching greater than 462,000 models in the course of the automobile’s lifecycle. It continues to be thought to be the ancestor of all trendy sizzling hatches however in keeping with some, that’s debatable since fashions such because the 1967 Simca 1100 Ti and the 1971 Autobianchi A112 Abarth arrived earlier.


Motorsport

Watch This Land Rover Spin Out Inches Inches Away From A Cliff

What is a Final Destination second? The particular definition varies barely, however usually talking, it is about dishonest demise. This video from 404 Photos on YouTube is an ideal instance, because it exhibits a Land Rover sliding off the street in dramatic style, inches from a cliffside.

The video description offers us a location of Town Creek Road close to Dahlonega, Georgia. Checking into Google Maps, we see that is within the far northeast a part of the state, within the southern portion of the Appalachian Mountains. A publish from 404photo on Reddit confirms this explicit Land Rover – a second-generation Discovery – has been noticed off-roading within the space and is seen “stuck all the time.” We know nothing concerning the driver, save for an obvious lapse of judgment relating to velocity and the cornering functionality of their SUV on moist roads.

Land Rover Discovery Skid

The brief video exhibits the white Disco already sideways because it enters the body. The digicam automobile slows because the Land Rover driver corrects, then overcorrects, and skids sideways to a cease on the shoulder. The rear tires are actually on the sting of the hill, after which it briefly rolls backward. Just if you suppose it is going over the facet, the motive force stomps the brakes. It’s about as shut a save as we have ever seen, however alas, the journey does not finish there.

After taking a number of moments to evaluate injury achieved to the SUV, the motive force makes an attempt to reenter the street. In principle it must be straightforward — it is a Land Rover, in any case. Surely it may simply slip again onto the pavement, however both the ledge is steeper than it seems, or there’s one thing large caught beneath the SUV. It rolls ahead in four-wheel drive then abruptly stops. The video ends with the entrance wheels spinning, the backs nonetheless precariously near the sting.

According to the Reddit publish, this incident occurred on December 9. Fortunately, it seems like there have been no accidents. This clip is an efficient reminder to at all times be conscious of street circumstances. It seems just like the SUV driver was simply going too quick for the damp pavement. Stay protected on the market, everybody.

News

Is A Stock Energica Eva Ribelle RS Too Fast For The Drag Strip?

Electric motorcycles, like the 2022 Energica Eva Ribelle RS, are known for their instantly accessible torque. Despite having a top speed of 125 miles per hour, this bike offers a thrilling experience due to its powerful 126-kilowatt motor and 222-newton meter torque.

The bike uses Energica’s latest EMCE motor and inverter, combined with a 21.5-kilowatt hour battery. Even though it weighs 573 pounds, the bike boasts a lower center of gravity and improved motor and inverter technology. Read more about the upgrades here.

When tested at the drag strip, the Eva Ribelle RS consistently ran quarter-mile times around 11 seconds, with the best time being 10.9 seconds. The bike’s speed was so impressive that officials warned the rider not to go below 10 seconds without a special license.

During the testing, the traction control was adjusted, leading to a few tense moments when the bike became unstable at the start. Despite this, the bike remained under control and completed the run successfully.

The 800-Mile Road Trip

Before reaching the drag strip, New Zeroland completed an 800-mile road trip on the new Eva Ribelle RS. This trip aimed to test the bike’s endurance and the availability of fast-charging stations along the way.

The rider was pleased to find that the improved battery allowed for longer stretches between charging stops. Additionally, the increase in fast-charging stations from various providers was a positive improvement, although there were still issues with some stations not working.

Track Bans On Electric Motorcycles

In New Zealand, some tracks are banning EVs due to concerns about fire and safety. While Motorsport New Zealand allows electric and hybrid vehicles at “permitted events,” individual tracks have their own rules about vehicle types allowed on their premises. These limitations were highlighted by New Zeroland’s experiences.

That’s New Zealand, but what about other places?

If such restrictions are happening at your local track, share your experiences with us. We’d like to hear if it’s electric motorcycles, all EVs, or something else.

News

Kawasaki Has A Coloring Book Featuring Our Favorite Motorcycles And More

As motorcycle enthusiasts, motorcycles are always on our minds. Even when we’re not riding, we’re thinking about bikes, planning our next ride, and considering upgrades. And for motorcycle enthusiasts who are also parents, it’s exciting to share our love for two wheels with our kids.

While there are mini-bikes available for kids, Kawasaki has come up with a different way for you and your child to engage with motorcycles – a coloring book.

Kawasaki Has A Coloring Book Featuring Our Favorite Motorcycles And More

Kawasaki is one of the most popular motorcycle manufacturers in the world. But their products go beyond just motorcycles. Although motorcycles are only a small part of their business, Kawasaki’s coloring book includes more than just motorcycles. It also features trains, excavators, helicopters, and even robots.

You can download the coloring book images from Kawasaki’s website or save the high-resolution images from this article. The coloring book includes some of our favorite Kawasaki motorcycles, like the Ninja 400 racing alongside a Bullet Train. You’ll also find pictures of the previous generation Ninja ZX-10RR KRT edition, the Ninja H2R, and the classy Z900RS.

But it’s not just about motorcycles. Kawasaki’s coloring book also offers intricate pictures for advanced hobbyists, like the Kaleido humanoid robot with hundreds or even thousands of parts to color. Construction and heavy industries enthusiasts can also choose from machinery like a stacker reclaimer and a bucket wheel excavator.

Kawasaki Has A Coloring Book Featuring Our Favorite Motorcycles And More

So, whether you’re a motorcycle-loving parent or just someone who enjoys coloring, Kawasaki’s coloring book is a great way to have fun and express your creativity.

News

Honda CB200X Gets a Refresh for the 2023 Model-Year in India

While in the US, motorcycles with a 200cc engine are considered small, in countries like India, bikes with engines larger than 300cc are considered “big bikes”. Due to the densely populated and traffic-laden roads in India, these bigger bikes are more suitable. However, they also come with a higher price tag. To cater to the Indian market, manufacturers often offer smaller-displacement versions of popular bike models. One such example is the Honda CB200X, which is a smaller version of the larger Honda CB500X.

Honda Refreshes CB200X For 2023 Model-Year In India

Although the concept of a small-displacement adventure bike may not seem practical to some, it makes perfect sense in India. These bikes, like the CB200X, are ideal for comfortably covering long distances, especially considering the less-than-ideal road conditions in the country. The CB200X has been refreshed for the 2023 model-year and shares the same platform as the Honda Hornet 2.0 naked bike, but with all the characteristics of an adventure motorcycle.

Under the hood, the CB200X is powered by a 184.4cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine. Although it may not be known for its performance, as it only produces 17 horsepower and 11.2 pound-feet of torque, it is designed for longevity and reliability. For the 2023 model-year, the engine has undergone minor tweaks to the exhaust system and now complies with OBD-2 standards. The power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a manual five-speed gearbox, which now features a new slipper clutch.

Honda Refreshes CB200X For 2023 Model-Year In India

In terms of its chassis, the Honda CB200X features a steel perimeter frame, inverted front forks, and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock suspension. It is equipped with front and rear disc brakes, but has rudimentary single-channel ABS. The bike rides on 17-inch tires front and rear, with tire sizes of 110/70 and 140/70 respectively.

For pricing and availability, Honda has slightly increased the price of the 2023 CB200X, which now retails for Rs 146,999 (approximately $1,767 USD). The price increase of Rs 2,499 ($30 USD) is relatively small, especially considering the updates the model has received.

Motorsport

Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA-Class Revealed With EQXX Tech, 466-Mile WLTP Range

Generally speaking, whenever a vehicle is offered in both internal-combustion and all-electric variants, the EV version can be a bit compromised. Mercedes-Benz is flipping the script, however, with the Concept CLA-Class, revealed in Munich at IAA 2023 to preview the company’s new, electric-first compact car platform.

Based on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), the Concept CLA-Class boasts slippery styling, sustainable interior materials, and a company-estimated range of 466 miles on the optimistic WLTP scale. And although powertrain and battery details are scarce, the automaker says the CLA takes inspiration from the Vision EQXX concept for both its electric motors and dash-spanning Superscreen infotainment system.


Smartphones

8 Ways To Improve the Security of Your Android Phone

In the year 2023, encryption has become a necessary tool, and many Android apps have integrated it. When people think of encryption, messaging apps like WhatsApp often come to mind. These apps use end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to ensure that only the intended recipients can read the messages on their devices. Even Google’s stock SMS app with RCS support includes this feature, keeping your messages secure. However, encryption goes beyond messaging apps. There are various other aspects of your phone that you can encrypt.

Thankfully, Google has taken care of many encryption requirements by default. All the data backed up from your phone to your Google account is encrypted, giving you a safe option for storing information. Additionally, most email clients use Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption, providing secure email communication. Google Drive and 2FAS also use encryption to enhance security. For those who want to take extra measures, options like Proton Mail offer stronger encryption than most email clients, while Resilio Sync allows you to host your own cloud backup.

Encrypting everything on your phone is not currently possible without significant effort. Fortunately, most of your sensitive information is already encrypted by default, leaving only a few areas that require attention. It is still worth the time to review your phone and identify anything that can be backed up or encrypted to enhance privacy.

Motorsport

Brabus Improves Land Rover Range Rover to 591 HP, Adds Unique Interior

Although Brabus is known for tuning Mercedes-Benz vehicles, they also apply their expertise to models from other automakers. One example is the new Brabus 600 Land Rover Range Rover, which is being unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The Brabus 600 performance upgrade is applied to the long-wheelbase Range Rover P530 model. This upgrade increases the output of the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine from the stock 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque to 591 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. With this tuning, the SUV can accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 4.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.


News

Yamaha President Supports Hydrogen Development for Future Projects

In both the automotive and motorcycle industries, there is a consensus that electric power is the future. This is evident in the growing number of electric motorbikes and scooters in the European and Asian markets. However, Yamaha believes that there are other possibilities for the future beyond electric power.

While Yamaha is actively involved in electric development, the company is also exploring other alternatives, such as its e-fuel program. In an interview with Japan Times, Yamaha President and CEO Yoshihirro Hidaka stated that the company is taking a multifaceted approach to find alternatives to gasoline engines in order to achieve carbon neutrality.

Yamaha And Kawasaki Join Forces To Build Hydrogen Engines

One of these alternatives is hydrogen. While electric vehicles are gaining popularity, the potential of hydrogen should not be overlooked. Hydrogen-powered cars, like the Toyota Mirai, already exist. However, Yamaha is focusing on preserving the internal combustion engine with hydrogen power. Yamaha has taken the lead in testing hydrogen technology among Japanese two-wheeler manufacturers and is also testing battery technology and carbon-neutral fuel.

Yamaha has experience with hydrogen-powered combustion engines, as it collaborated with Toyota to develop the engine for the world’s first liquid-cooled hydrogen race car. However, hydrogen fuel has some drawbacks, such as lower fuel efficiency compared to traditional gasoline. Additionally, the infrastructure for hydrogen refueling is not as widespread as EV charging stations. Despite this, electric vehicles were also considered niche technology at one point, and they have gained rapid acceptance in recent years.

Japan’s automotive industry has a significant influence on the global market. With Yamaha’s commitment to innovation and technology, along with other key players in the industry, they have the power to shape the future of mobility. Yamaha aims to have the necessary technology ready and available for mass development when the world moves in that direction.

Motorsport

Paris To Fight Pollution With Higher Parking Fees For SUVs

Paris has approved a plan to impose higher parking fees on SUVs in an effort to combat air pollution in the city. SUVs are considered one of the main sources of pollution due to their larger size, weight, and fuel consumption compared to hatchbacks, sedans, and station wagons. The new law, proposed by the EELV ecology party, takes into account the size, weight, and engine of the vehicle when calculating the fees. The measure was approved by Paris councilors last month, with the aim of addressing the increase in SUVs in the city, which has risen by about 60 percent in the last four years. However, SUVs only make up around 15 percent of the city’s total fleet of private vehicles, which stands at approximately 1.15 million.

The proposal is for the city of Paris to implement progressive pricing for paid parking based on the weight and size of vehicles. Frédéric Badina-Serpette, a councilor from the EELV, explained that the goal is to draw attention to the growing issue of “auto-besity,” referring to the increasing weight and size of vehicles on the roads, particularly in Paris.

The new rule is set to take effect from January 1 of next year, when SUV owners will start paying higher parking fees. However, electric vehicles and vehicles belonging to large families are expected to be exempt from these fees. The specific details of the charges and how SUVs will be categorized have not been disclosed yet.

This move by Paris follows a similar decision by the city of Lyon earlier this year. Lyon announced a new parking policy that will be implemented next year, where parking fees in public areas will be determined based on the vehicle’s size, weight, and engine. Electric vehicles will qualify for the lowest parking fees, while combustion-powered vehicles weighing over a certain threshold will face higher fees. Grenoble, another city in France, is also expected to introduce a similar policy in the near future.