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Wild Skoda supercar packs 4 electrical motors and 1073bhp

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Skoda has unveiled an outlandish electrical single-seater idea for the Playstation racing recreation Gran Turismo.

The Skoda Vision Gran Turismo is a completely distinctive four-wheel-drive racer, designed to “attract new fans” to the Skoda model, in keeping with CEO Klaus Zellmer. 

The digital racer will get a 268bhp electrical motor on every wheel for a mixed output of 1072bhp and 752lb ft of torque, with Skoda claiming its 4WD system and energetic aerodynamics will enure “exceptional performance” underneath all observe situations. 

Power is drawn from an 87kWh lithium ion battery by means of a single-speed transmission. The 4WD structure optimises torque distribution between the 2 axles for higher cornering efficiency, whereas a pushrod suspension system – just like the one utilized in Formula E – is claimed to enhance stability at excessive speeds, cut back physique roll and decrease the centre of gravity. 

It’s claimed to weigh simply 1300kg, serving to to enhance driving dynamics and effectivity. 

It additionally produces its personal distinctive sound, created by Skoda’s growth and design group. 

While its exterior silhouette is a radical departure to Skoda’s present mannequin line-up, the brand new idea attracts heavy inspiration from the Skoda 1100 OHC Spider racer of 1957 whereas incorporating traits from the marque’s new Modern Solid design language – first previewed by the Skoda Vision 7S – that might be used for upcoming EVs. 

Measuring 4407mm lengthy, 1947mm large and simply 949mm tall, the low-slung racer has an elongated physique with sharp traces and outlined edges.

It has a lengthy, aerodynamically honed bonnet (just like that of the 1100 OHC Spider), a slim blanked-off entrance grille, T-shaped headlights and energetic aero parts. 

The break up rear wing, for instance, deploys to make sure the automobile handles nicely whereas additionally considering efficiency and effectivity. 

Cars

Everything Starsky And Hutch Fans Should Know About The 1976 Ford Grand Torino

After failing to safe the Camaro, the Gran Torino was ordered by Spelling-Goldberg Productions from Ford’s Studio-TV automotive Loan Program and given its now-famous paint job to make it pop. Air shocks have been slapped on the again so the nostril was decrease, a chrome tip was positioned on the exhaust pipe, and “U.S.” five-slot aluminum alloy wheels with a lot greater tires on the rear have been put in.

Several automobiles have been created for the present (some sources declare a minimum of ten, however that is still unverified), and solely three are believed to nonetheless exist. Thankfully, we know where the original “Starsky & Hutch” car is today.

Those unique automobiles have been powered by totally different engines based mostly on the mannequin yr used on the time. Some had a 400-cubic-inch, whereas others had a 351 Windsor V8. Another rumor mentioned a number of even had a novel 460-cubic-inch V8 below the hood.

In 1976, Ford factory-built 1,305 Gran Torino Starsky & Hutch Special Editions, a few of which have been used on set. Those automobiles have been outfitted with a 409-ci high-performance crate V-8 engine mated to an computerized transmission. Despite that, you hear a sound that mimics what a normal stick shift would make within the present.

The SEs have been first painted in Ford’s Wimbledon White, with the stripe masked off. Then, it will get painted with Ford’s Bright Red paint. Additional options on the Special Edition included an upgraded radiator, Edelbrock gas injection, exhaust, cross-drilled disc brakes, aftermarket suspension, and cabin devices.

It’s well-known that Paul Michael Glaser hated the automotive and his function as Starsky and would have give up if the present hadn’t been canceled after the ’79 season.

Motorsport

Hero Programmers Are Adding New Cars To The Greatest Racing Game Of All Time

Gran Turismo 2 is among the many greatest racing video games of all time. With 650 vehicles and 27 tracks, the PlayStation recreation wasn’t simply probably the most full racing recreation when it was launched in 1999, however it was enthralling for years past its debut. Now, a fan-made mod dubbed Project A-Spec releases Saturday, December 16 on Discord, including new vehicles and occasions to the sport 24 years after its launch. It appears to be like actually terrific. 

While the 650 vehicles the sport got here with have been spectacular, this mod provides dozens extra. Rather than together with present automobiles, A-Spec solely provides machines from earlier than 2000, so nothing feels misplaced from Gran Turismo 2’s authentic 1999 aesthetic. The numerous array of further fashions consists of the Toyota Tacoma Pikes Peak racer, Mazda RX500 idea, Daihatsu Copen idea, R50 Mini Cooper concept, Plymouth Prowler, first-gen Mitsubishi Eclipse, and plenty of extra. Plus, there are up to date liveries for some current machines.

 

While no new tracks are added, the mod provides new occasions, together with further one-make races and a 99-lap endurance run. The group behind Project A-Spec additionally plans so as to add extra options down the road. Arcade mode is now not out there, however that is okay. The profession mode of GT2 was the centerpiece, in order that looks as if a small worth to pay.

Project A-Spec can be playable on the PlayStation emulator Duckstation. We do not but know what the precise set up course of for this mod is like. CD-based video games like those on the PlayStation usually are available in .iso or .bin/.cue codecs. You would extract the person information from them, add the modification content material, after which re-compile issues.

More than twenty years after Gran Turismo 2’s launch, it is incredible to see new life breathed into the sport. Many of us, myself included, realized that sure vehicles even existed due to GT2, after which spent hours racing them whereas listening to Rob Zombie’s Dragula. Project A-Spec is the chance to expertise much more vehicles from this period that we could not earlier than. I can not wait to take a McLaren F1 across the Autumn Ring or go all-out on the Super Speedway. 

Motorsport

“`html Genesis Previews Virtual Hypercar It Will Reveal In A Week

The Vision Gran Turismo program, a collaborative effort between automakers and PlayStation, has been a source of excitement for gaming and automotive enthusiasts alike. This innovative initiative allows manufacturers to showcase their creativity by designing mostly virtual hypercars exclusively for the Gran Turismo video game series. One of the latest additions to this illustrious lineup is the Genesis Vision Gran Turismo, and a new teaser video confirms its debut on December 2.

The short teaser video provides glimpses of the virtual hypercar tearing through an empty track with grace and speed. Unfortunately, not much can be seen from the vehicle as it passes through the screen for fractions of a second. Also, it’s worth pointing out that what you see in the video isn’t actual in-game footage.

Genesis, the luxury vehicle division of Hyundai Motor Group, has a history of introducing interesting concept cars that blend modernistic design and cutting-edge technology. One such example is the Essentia, unveiled in 2018, with a full carbon fiber body. This concept car turned heads with its sleek, aerodynamic profile, and futuristic scissor doors.

Building on this tradition of unveiling futuristic concepts, Genesis surprised the automotive world with an off-road concept, revealed just yesterday. This unexpected adventure vehicle was developed in cooperation with Germany’s Delta off-road specialist company. It is not slated for production, though it is based on a standard GV70 SUV with modifications coming from the tuning firm.

Back to the Vision Gran Turismo program, a myriad of marques have already contributed to this virtual automotive showcase, each presenting their own interpretation of what the ultimate hypercar should be. Most recently, Ferrari’s contender made its debut about a year ago and appeared not only as a fictional car in the Gran Turismo game. The Italian supercar manufacturer also displayed a full-size car at its museum in Maranello.

“`

Motorsport

Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.38 Introduces Japanese Cars and Improvements

The latest update for Gran Turismo 7, version 1.38, has arrived, bringing with it three exciting Japanese cars and various other enhancements. Among the new additions is a classic JDM Honda Civic.

This particular Civic received the prestigious Gran Turismo Award back in 2017, which recognizes outstanding custom cars displayed at SEMA. The car stands out with its wide body kit from Japanese tuning firm Pandem. This kit not only enhances the vehicle’s appearance but also improves its aerodynamics, thanks to the addition of a front splitter and rear wing. The bold and aggressive design of the carbon fiber hood further adds to the car’s unique look.


Featured

18-Year-Old Hayden Bradley Emerges as the Champion of Pikes Peak in a Porsche Cayman GT4

The 101st running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, has come to an end, but one story of triumph continues to captivate the audience – the story of Hayden Bradley. At just 18 years old, Bradley stood out as the youngest competitor in the 2023 Pikes Peak field, but his performance was far beyond his age.

Bradley made a name for himself in the Lucas Oil Formula Car Series during his teenage years, participating in races at Homestead-Miami, Sebring, Road America, and Circuit of the Americas. He continued to excel in the World Racing League’s GP-2 Class, finishing fourth at the 24-Hour Enduro at Sebring International Raceway.

In 2023, Bradley, with 54 races of experience under his belt, received an invitation to compete in the prestigious Race to the Clouds, representing the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division. He chose the 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman Clubsport GT4 for its perfect balance and performance, adorned with the iconic Yokohama ADVAN livery. The racecar also featured Bradley’s personal connection to his race number, 727, which represents the area code of his hometown.

While preparing for the race, Bradley encountered various challenges, including high altitude, different weather conditions, and the 156 turns of Pikes Peak. With guidance from Jeff Zwart, a PPIHC Hall of Famer and his division mentor, Bradley adapted quickly and honed his driving skills to overcome these obstacles. Zwart’s coaching focused on understanding the unique ecosystem of the mountain and its ever-changing nature, preparing Bradley for the risk versus reward aspect of the Hill Climb.

On race day, Bradley’s dedication and hard work paid off as he emerged as the champion, proudly holding the Champion flag at the summit. This victory is not only a personal achievement but a shared success with his sponsors, mentors, and everyone who supported his journey. Bradley’s triumph serves as a testament to his talent, determination, and the exceptional engineering of the Porsche 718 Cayman Clubsport GT4. It is not just a highlight of the event but also an inspiration for aspiring racers, proving that with the right mentorship, effort, and outstanding engineering, even the most daunting challenges in motorsport can be conquered.

To view all available Porsche Cayman GT4 models, click here.


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Motorsport

2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Spotted with Quad Exhaust

Just a day after revealing spy shots of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, we now have an early glimpse of its smaller sibling. While the 4 Series is due for a mid-cycle facelift, the compact sedan, known as the 2 Series Gran Coupe, is transitioning to its second generation without receiving a Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) update. Much like the 1 Series hatchback, the sedan version is skipping ahead to the next generation.

The prototype seen in the photos seems to be wearing its final production body and lights, featuring two-tone wheels and blue brake calipers that sport the M logo. Although the camouflaged kidney grille looks a bit unusual, it’s the rear of the car that grabs attention with its quad exhaust system. This M Performance variant, akin to the recently unveiled X1 M35i, will showcase four exhaust tips. The same exhaust configuration will also be implemented in the upcoming M135i and X2 M35i models.


Motorsport

Report: BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo to be Discontinued Soon

The BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, launched in 2017, has not been a successful model for the Munich company. It has not generated many sales to private customers and has mainly been utilized as an airport and hotel shuttle in certain European countries. It is therefore not surprising that BMW plans to discontinue the model later this year.

Although nothing has been officially confirmed yet, according to BimmerToday, the 6 Series GT will be removed from the brand’s lineup for the 2024 model year. This implies that the somewhat unconventional-looking grand tourer will continue to be produced for a few more months before the 6 Series nameplate is retired once again, at least for the time being.


Motorsport

Nissan GT-R From Gran Turismo Movie To Be Auctioned

Sony’s Gran Turismo movie is set to be released on August 11th this year. The movie tells the inspiring story of Jann Mardenborough, a British racing driver who kickstarted his career through playing racing video games. If you’re a fan of the movie and want to delve deeper into the Gran Turismo experience, you have the opportunity to purchase one of the cars that were used for filming. The Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3, displayed in the gallery below, is not merely a movie star – it has an interesting background.

This particular car previously belonged to Darren Cox, the creator of the GT Academy, the competition upon which the movie is based. The GT-R plays a significant role in the film and is central to Mardenborough’s success story, portrayed by Archie Madekwe. Mardenborough even performed some stunts in Gran Turismo and drove the car, just as he did in real life.


Motorsport

Next-Gen BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Spotted for the First Time

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, which is a compact sport sedan with an additional pair of doors, is getting a new generation. Recent spy shots show that development is underway, with production expected to start in late 2024.

One of the notable features at the front end is the unusual layout of BMW’s kidney grilles. Unlike the traditional design, this model has a smaller version of the grilles in the center of the nose, with two larger openings on each side. However, it’s worth noting that the white mesh used in the larger sections is likely not the final production-spec part.