A short historical past of the Royce 10 H.P., the primary motor automobile constructed by Henry Royce, and the Rolls-Royce 10 H.P., the inaugural mannequin for the newly established marque
First in a collection celebrating a landmark mannequin from every decade of the marque’s historical past, from its foundational years within the 1900s to the up to date Goodwood period
Year-long retrospective marks the a hundred and twentieth anniversary of the primary assembly between Henry Royce and The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls in 1904
Each motor automobile represents important developments in design, development, engineering, and know-how that proceed to affect the marque’s merchandise in the present day
“We begin this retrospective series with not one, but two motor cars built by Henry Royce in the early 20th Century. The Royce 10 H.P., completely reengineered from an existing, well-regarded machine, was the catalyst for the partnership between our founders; the Rolls-Royce 10 H.P. was the first motor car built and sold under the Rolls-Royce name, setting a template for the company and its products that endures to this day. These models are inseparable in their origins and the story of the company’s foundation. Individually and together, they have a unique place in our history and therefore deserve equal recognition in the pantheon of early Rolls‑Royce motor cars.” Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations and Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
In 1903, electrical engineer Henry Royce was working his personal manufacturing firm in Manchester. Though profitable, bother was brewing for Royce and different British corporations, within the type of a rising tide of cheaper, imported electrical items. Ever the perfectionist, Royce refused to decrease his requirements to compete, and as a substitute regarded to diversify into new areas. It was a choice that will change historical past.
In September 1902, Royce had purchased a small French automobile, a ten H.P. Decauville. It was a extremely regarded mannequin from a well-respected make, and among the many best accessible at the moment. Characteristically, nevertheless, Royce swiftly recognized quite a few flaws and weaknesses in its design, engineering and development.
Earlier that 12 months, he had learn a newly printed ebook, The Automobile: Its Construction and Management. This satisfied him to make use of the Decauville as the idea for a greater motor automobile of his personal. He started by fastidiously dismantling it, making detailed notes and drawings of each element. His new design sensibly retained a few of its key options, but additionally launched a plethora of revolutionary enhancements to the bearings, radiator, carburation and transmission.
He was additionally obsessive about decreasing the motor automobile’s total weight, which he achieved by means of meticulous engineering and metallurgy, along with less complicated measures like meting out with the Decauville’s solid bronze warning bell that alone weighed round 20kg (over 40lb). Perhaps most importantly, Royce designed and constructed his personal twin-cylinder engine, the primary within the lengthy line of legendary powerplants for each motor vehicles and plane he would create throughout his distinguished profession.
On 1 April 1904, his first full motor automobile – the Royce 10 H.P. – took to the street for the primary time. For Royce, and the world, nothing would ever be the identical once more.
Meanwhile, in London, an aristocratic motoring and aviation pioneer had opened considered one of Britain’s first automobile dealerships in 1902. He was The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls and enterprise was booming, however Rolls was pissed off that each one his inventory was designed and manufactured abroad; no automobile produced domestically met his shoppers’ wants, or his personal requirements as a Cambridge-educated engineer and profitable aggressive driver.
A good friend, Henry Edmunds, had been loaned one of many first manufacturing examples of Royce’s new 10 H.P. motor automobile. It was, he enthused, precisely what Rolls was on the lookout for. On 4 May 1904, on the behest of his good friend Edmunds, Rolls travelled to Manchester to fulfill Royce and check out the motor automobile. Though fully totally different in background and temperament, the 2 males bonded instantly, and Rolls was smitten with the motor automobile. There after which, he declared he would promote each motor automobile Royce may make, by means of a brand new firm and beneath a brand new title: Rolls-Royce.
Launched the identical 12 months, their first motor automobile, the Rolls-Royce 10 H.P., was an analogous twin-cylinder mannequin derived from the sooner Royce vehicles, however with many additional design and mechanical enhancements. Through this diminutive however epochal motor automobile, the fledgling model quickly gained the fame for engineering excellence, consolation, efficiency and reliability it retains 120 years later.
By 1905, Rolls-Royce had added three, 4 and six-cylinder fashions, whose successes in each trials and gross sales have been constructed on the twin-cylinder 10 H.P. mannequin’s foundations. All completely embodied Royce’s most well-known ideas, which nonetheless encourage the marque in the present day: “Take the best that exists and make it better,” and “If it doesn’t exist, design it.”
Steward Baylor broke by way of to win his first GNCC XC1 victory of 2024 on the inaugural Dunlop Motorcycle Tires Old Gray. The 2024 Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC Racing) Series offered by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, made its first journey to Monterey, Tennessee for an intense race that noticed KTM’s profitable streak damaged and Baylor’s new Red Bear Kawasaki staff come out on prime.
When the inexperienced flag waved Phoenix Racing Honda’s Michael Witkowski discovered himself getting a fast leap off the road and incomes the $250 Steel City Medical Center Holeshot Award, nevertheless it wouldn’t take lengthy for the hometown favourite Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing’s Jordan Ashburn to transition into the lead as they entered the woods.
The $250 Steel City Medical Center holeshot award went to Michael Witkowski (Phoenix Racing Honda) to begin the day. Photo: Ken Hill
Meanwhile, the freight prepare of racers behind Ashburn continued to push ahead in the direction of him to battle for that primary spot. FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Johnny Girroir and AmPro Yamaha’s Ricky Russell would come by way of in second and third on the opening lap, however nobody may rule out Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Steward Baylor as he was simply 1.1 seconds behind Russell coming by way of timing and scoring on lap one.
Ashburn continued to carry the lead as they checked by way of timing and scoring on the second lap, however a hard-charging Baylor had made his approach round Russell and had his sights set on passing Girroir and taking that primary spot from Ashburn.
Steward Baylor (Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki) clinched his first GNCC win of the 2024 season at The Dunlop Motorcycle Tires Old Gray occasion. Photo: Ken Hill
As the pack of racers got here by way of to finish three laps of racing, Baylor had taken over the lead, however Ashburn didn’t appear to be happening with no struggle as he had numerous hometown help being from nearly 20 minutes away from the observe location. Girroir would now sit again in third as Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Craig Delong began to creep up nearer to the front-runners.
As the race wore on, Baylor would proceed to cleared the path, however a final lap mishap would put Ashburn proper on his again wheel as the 2 got here by way of professional row after which into the woods simply earlier than the end line. Baylor would proceed to push all the way in which to the checkered flag, incomes his first win of the 2024 with only a 1.8 second lead over Ashburn who got here by way of to earn second in entrance his household, pals and numerous hometown followers.
Girroir would push himself virtually to take max as he got here by way of to spherical out the highest three and stay within the factors lead after 5 rounds of racing. Delong could be unable to grow to be an actual menace to the highest three this spherical as he fought again to complete fourth on the day. After incomes the holeshot award, Witkowski would drop again to sixth fir the primary half of the race, however he would be capable of make it as much as fifth to finish his day trip.
Jordan Ashburn (Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing) had a fantastic battle all day, and would end second total in his house state of Tennessee. Photo: Ken Hill
Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Grant Baylor had his work reduce out of him as he got here by way of tenth on the opening lap. Baylor would proceed to push ahead and finally made his approach as much as sixth in XC1 Open Pro and eighth total on the day.
Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Trevor Bollinger had begin to his day and got here by way of working inside the highest 5 after the primary lap. Bollinger would proceed to attempt to stay constant on his day, ending seventh in XC1 and tenth total. Active Air/Max Motorsports/FXR/Husqvarna’s Evan Smith remained eighth within the XC1 class all through the day, whereas JS7 Sherco Racing’s Josh Strang and Morgantown Powersports/Tely Energy’s Layne Michael rounded out the highest 10 finishers within the XC1 class.
Unfortunately for another racers they’d solely be capable of full half the laps as Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing’s Ryder Lafferty was out after 3 laps, in addition to Mitchell Frantz and AmPro Yamaha’s Ricky Russell who suffered a crash that took him out with a tweaked shoulder. For Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Lyndon Snodgrass he was sadly out earlier than finishing one lap on account of a mechanical problem.
Grant Davis (FMF KTM Factory Racing Landers) made his approach into the XC2 250 Pro factors lead after incomes the category win at spherical 5. Photo: Ken Hill
The XC2 250 Pro class could be an thrilling one to look at as Great Britain’s Jack Edmondson returned to racing and grabbed himself the $250 Steel City Medical Center’s Holeshot Award to begin his return. However, it might not take lengthy for Team Enduro Engineering’s Josh Toth and FMF KTM Factory Racing Lander’s Grant Davis to start the lengthy three-hour battle back-and-forth for the lead. Toth and Davis would proceed to swap the lead a number of occasions all through the day, however because the checkered flag got here out it was Davis making his approach out of the woods first to earn his second class win of the season, transferring him into the XC2 class factors lead. Toth would maintain on to complete second within the class.
A bit of farther again noticed some thrilling battles in addition to AmPro Yamaha’s Liam Draper made a final lap go on Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Thad Duvall to take during the last podium spot within the XC2 class. Duvall would end fourth within the class, whereas Phoenix Racing Honda’s Cody Barnes made his approach as much as fifth within the class after coming round in eleventh on the opening lap.
Dakoda Devore (Devore Racing/KTM/FXR/SRS Suspension) battled again to earn the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class win. Photo: Ken Hill
As the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class took off it was Kibuk Cycle/Steel City Medical Center/Josh Lojak’s House of Speed’s Sawyer Carratura incomes himself the Lojak Cycle Sales Holeshot Award and main the way in which into the woods. Carratura would maintain the lead for the primary three laps of the race, however quickly after that Devore Racing/KTM/FXR/SRS Suspension’s Dakoda Devore would start to use the strain and make a go for the lead.
Devore and Carratura would battle for the following lap, however Devore would be capable of start to put a niche between them on the final two laps of the race. Devore would earn the FMF XC3 class win whereas Carratura held on for second within the class. Liqui Moly Factory Beta Racing’s Jhak Walker would have a constant race as he remained within the third place place during the race.
Earning The Old Gray prime newbie honors was 250 A competitor, Jason Tino as he got here by way of to complete ninth total on the day, whereas additionally incomes his second class win of the season. Nick DeFeo could be second up on the highest newbie podium as he got here by way of to complete twelfth total and second within the 250 A category. Joseph Cunningham rounded out the highest newbie podium with an 18th total ending place and third within the 250 A category.
Rachael Archer (Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki) earned her second WXC class win of the season in Tennessee. Photo: Ken Hill
As the morning race took off it was Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Korie Steede getting the leap off the road and incomes herself the $100 Kanati Performance Tires WXC Holeshot Award. It wouldn’t take the primary machine of Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Rachael Archer to make her well beyond Steede as she was on a mission to get to the entrance of the race this weekend.
Archer would transfer into the lead on the opening lap and never look again. She continued to achieve momentum and push herself all through the two-hour race. Archer got here by way of to earn her second WXC class win of the season, and first total morning race win of the season. Enduro Engineering/GASGAS/FXR Moto’s Shelby Turner would proceed to battle behind Archer with Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Korie Steede all through the length of the race. Turner would be capable of maintain off Steede as she got here by way of to earn second total and within the WXC class. Steede would maintain on to spherical out the highest three total finishers within the morning race and within the WXC class.
Brody Amos fought again and earned the Youth Bike Overall Win. Photo: Ken Hill
As the youth bike race obtained underway it was Brody Amos main on the opening lap as they got here by way of timing and scoring. Amos would quickly really feel the strain from Caleb Wood and the 2 would battle for the lead, swapping positions over the last couple of laps. As the checkered flag flew, Amos would be capable of maintain off Wood and earn his first Youth total and YXC1 Super Mini Sr. win of the season. Wood got here by way of to earn second total and within the YXC1 class, whereas Doc Smith remained on the entrance of the pack during the youth racing as he got here by way of third total and within the YXC1 class.
In the YXC2 Super Mini Jr. class it was Travis Lentz main the way in which from begin to end in Tennessee. Lentz stays undefeated within the YXC2 class this season as he earned his fifth-straight win this previous weekend. Colby Goodman would work his approach as much as second within the class after beginning his day again within the fourth place place on lap one. Hayden Dupuis rounded out the YXC2 prime three as he ran on the entrance of the pack for almost all of the day.
Taking house the win within the 85 Big Wheel (11-15) class was Colton McQuarrie, Ace Tokar would earn the 85 (12-13) class win, Deegan Caplinger obtained the win within the 85 (11) class whereas Ryder White took the 85 (7-10) class win at spherical 5. Hunter Jones would come by way of in first within the 65 (10-11) class, Tripp Lewis earned himself the 65 (9) class win, and Daxton Mullins would convey house the 65 (7-8) class win. Jayden Shea took house the Girls Super Mini (12-16) class win in Tennessee whereas Sahara Robinson stays undefeated within the Girls 85 (7-13) class. Vaida Lavergne earned herself the Girls 65 (7-11) win and Brysun Scott would earn the Trail Rider (7-15) class win within the youth bike race.
Tripp Lewis earned his third total Micro Bike win on Saturday morning. Photo: Ken Hill
In the Micro Bike race on Saturday morning, it was Tripp Lewis coming by way of to take his third total win this season and his third win within the MXC1 class. Davey Fairfield would battle again to complete second total and, in his class, whereas rounding out the general Micro Bike podium was Ben McDougald, as he got here by way of to earn third within the class as effectively.
In the MXC2 class it might be Maura Tsakanikas crossing the end line first within the class, incomes her top quality win of the season in Tennessee. Kane Morrison would come by way of to complete second within the MXC2 class whereas Cade Propst would come by way of to earn third within the MXC2 class at spherical 5.
Peyton Austin would take house the 50 Sr. 1 (7) class win, whereas Carson Zink earned the 50 Sr. 2 (6) class win. Paxton Allen would battle again to earn the 50 Jr. 1 (6-7) class, Kolt Morrison took house the 50 Jr. 2 (4-5) class, Ryker Stuter would come by way of first within the Micro-E (4-7) class, Carson Propst earned his fifth straight win within the Micro Shaft Drive (4-6) class whereas Jamison Dodson took the Trail Rider (7-9) class win.
The AMSOIL Moto Hero was awarded to Jimmy Wathen of Clinton, Tennessee, who raced within the Masters B (50+) class. Jimmy served as a Sergeant First Class within the seventh enlisted rank within the United States Army. In 2008, Sergeant Wathen obtained a Bronze Star for overseeing a police platoon in Iraq. During his deployment to Amarah, Iraq, Sergeant Wathen was injured by enemy gunfire on December 30, 2008. Wathen obtained two gunshot wounds throughout that point. This weekend Wathen obtained a $250 AMSOIL Shopping Spree, a $500 Kanati Performance Tires present certificates in addition to a commemorative American flag courtesy of Columbia Flag and Sign Co together with a $200 present certificates for his or her on-line retailer.
XC1 Pro Event Results: Monterey, Tennessee
Steward Baylor (KAW) Jordan Ashburn (GAS) Jonathan Girroir (KTM) Craig Delong (HQV) Michael Witkowski (HON) Grant Baylor (KAW) Trevor Bollinger (HQV) Evan Smith (HQV) Josh Strang (SHR) Layne Michael (YAM)
Overall National Championship Standings:
Jonathan Girroir (131) Steward Baylor (112) Jordan Ashburn (91) Grant Davis (79) Grant Baylor (62) Angus Riordan (61) Josh Toth (50) Craig Delong (49) Dante Oliveira (49) Michael Witkowski (46)
XC2 250 Pro Event Results:
Grant Davis (KTM) Josh Toth (HON) Liam Draper (YAM) Thad Duvall (KAW) Cody Barnes (HON) Ruy Barbosa (HON) Angus Riordan (KAW) Brody Johnson (BET) Tyler Palmer (HQV) Jason Lipscomb (BET)
XC2 250 Pro Series Standings:
Grant Davis (131) Angus Riordan (117) Josh Toth (93) Liam Draper (91) Jesse Ansley (67) Ruy Barbosa (67) Cody Barnes (66) Thad Duvall (65) Tyler Palmer (59) Brody Johnson (55)
Sometimes the OG stays on high of the pile. The inaugural K20 motor won’t have essentially the most inventory horsepower or the biggest displacement, however in terms of availability, versatility, recognition, and accessibility, the unique stays the favourite of Honda followers world wide. From 2000 to 2011, the K20A got here in a number of variations, producing energy ranging between 155 and 220 horsepower and between 132 to 152 lb-feet of torque, relying on the 12 months and variant.
Honda pushed out a number of variations of the K20A, unimaginatively named the K20A1, K20A2, K20A3, K20A4, and K20A6. The A1 was purely for the Japanese home market (JDM). The K20A2 first arrived within the United States below the hoods of Honda’s efficiency sedans, such because the Integra Type R, Civic Type R, and Acura RSX. The K20A2 pushed 200 horsepower for the second technology Civic Type R between 2001 and 2006. The A3 variant would possibly sound new and improved, however Honda downgraded the internals for cheaper manufacturing. The A3 and A4 are defanged variations meant for Honda’s extra sedate Accord and CR-V. The A3 is nice for about 160 horsepower and 141 lb-feet of torque, whereas the A4 is rated at 150 horsepower with 140 lb-ft of torque.
The K20A and its variants present a mixture of reliability, modification potential, energy, accessibility, and availability not discovered with another engine on this record, making the traditional K20A high canine on our record of Honda Ok-series engines ranked from worst to finest.
I really feel unhealthy for anybody who did not catch the inaugural SuperMotocross (SMX) closing in 2023. It was a few of the finest, closest, high-stakes racing I’ve ever witnessed first-hand. But if you happen to missed out, worry not, as Feld Entertainment dropped all of the 2024 SMX venues.
Exactly because the 2023 sequence, there are three venues: two for the playoff rounds and one for the finals. Fans of final yr’s sequence will doubtless be joyful that one of many venues carried over into 2024, however that leaves area for 2 new places.
The Venues
The zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway performed host to the primary SMX playoff race in 2023, and it will do the identical in 2024 on September seventh. This location is one in all solely two within the nation with a 4-lane drag strip, and this characteristic is essential to the rationale it was chosen to host a spherical once more in 2024.
“Last year, we transformed a four-lane drag strip into the ultimate off-road playground and fans were treated to a full day of action-packed racing at the opening round of the inaugural SMX World Championships,” mentioned Greg Walter, govt vice chairman and basic supervisor of Charlotte Motor Speedway.
After Charlotte, the second spherical of the playoffs will probably be on the Texas Motor Speedway on September 14th. Here, followers can stay up for seeing how the sequence’ skilled monitor builders manipulate the 1.5-mile quad-oval superspeedway, which sits on greater than 1,400 acres of land.
The SMX Final will happen at The Strip at The Las Vegas Motor Speedway on September twenty first. “The Strip” joins zMAX Dragway as being the second of the 2 4-wide dragstrips within the nation and will permit the monitor builders to get inventive for the second-ever SMX finals.
Ticket Availability
Tickets for the SMX playoff rounds and closing will go on pre-sale on Tuesday, April 2, adopted by public on-sale on Tuesday, April 9.
Last yr, two rookies of their respective lessons, Haiden Deegan and Jett Lawrence, took house the $500,000 and $1,000,000 prizes. The query is, can they maintain off the competitors as soon as once more?
The first-ever Polestar Day event took place in Los Angeles and featured all of the company’s models for the first time. Attendees had the opportunity to test drive the 2024 Polestar 2 and experience ride-alongs in the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 prototypes driven by the company’s engineers and experts. The conceptual Polestar 6, set to be an electric roadster in the future, was also on display. However, the spotlight was on the Polestar 5, which was revealed without any camouflage.
This unveiling has been highly anticipated, especially since the Precept concept gave a first look at the Porsche Taycan rival back in February 2020. Over the past four years, the Volvo subsidiary has teased the car with camouflaged prototypes, including a disguised vehicle that took on the famous Goodwood hill earlier this year. Now, the camouflage has been removed, but the car won’t be available for purchase until 2025.
Munich. BMW M Team RLL is set to wrap up the first season of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for its BMW M Hybrid V8 racing cars at this weekend’s Petit Le Mans in Road Atlanta, USA. The team aims to secure a second GTP class victory and potentially clinch the driver’s title. BMW M works drivers Connor De Phillippi (USA) and Nick Yelloly (GBR) currently sit in fourth place in the GTP driver’s championship, just 38 points behind the leader. They hope to achieve another strong finish to add to their successful season, which already includes one victory and five podium finishes.
For the 10-hour Petit Le Mans race, De Phillippi and Yelloly will be joined by fellow BMW M works driver Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) in the cockpit of the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8. Marco Wittmann (GER) will team up with fellow BMW M works drivers Augusto Farfus (BRA) and Philipp Eng (AUT) in the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 with the goal of securing the car’s first podium.
In the GTD class, three BMW M4 GT3s will be competing. Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow (both USA), with their #1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3, have already clinched the title with five victories this season. They will be joined by Corey Lewis (USA) at Petit Le Mans. Turner Motorsport will enter two GTD class cars: the #96 BMW M4 GT3, driven by Robby Foley and Patrick Gallagher (both USA), will also feature Michael Dinan (USA), while Thomas Merrill (USA) will share duties with regular pairing Bill Auberlen and Chandler Hull (USA) in the #97 car.
Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta begins on Saturday, October 14th at 11:40 local time (17:40 CEST).
Quotes ahead of Petit Le Mans:
Bobby Rahal (Team Principal BMW M Team RLL): “There is no question that our GTP program was a significant endeavor for BMW M Team RLL, BMW M Motorsport, and everyone involved with the BMW M Hybrid V8. The victory at Watkins Glen was undoubtedly a highlight, and achieving five podiums so far with the number 25 car is a great accomplishment. Comparing where we were just one year ago when we started with this new formula to our recent test at Road Atlanta in preparation for Petit Le Mans, we have made significant progress. Historically, Petit has been a good weekend for us, so we can’t help but be optimistic.”
Connor De Phillippi (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “The 2023 season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, and the finale at Petit Le Mans is going to be one last fireworks show. We recently had a great two-day test and feel well-prepared. With nearly 60 cars on a 70-second lap, it’s going to be a hectic race, and we all have one goal in mind—to win!”
Nick Yelloly (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I have tested at Road Atlanta but haven’t raced there yet, so I am looking forward to Petit Le Mans. Connor and I are in the fight for the driver’s title, so everything is on the line. After Daytona and our disappointing day, I wouldn’t have expected our season to go so well, but BMW M Motorsport and BMW M Team RLL have provided us with a car and strategy that has kept us in contention for the rest of the season.”
Sheldon van der Linde (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I’m very excited to be back with Connor and Nick at my favorite circuit in the US for the season finale. It’s been a while since I’ve been in the number 25 BMW M Hybrid V8, so I’m looking forward to seeing how the car has developed this season. I hope to quickly get up to speed and give the boys the best chance at a win and the championship.”
Philipp Eng (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “Our test at Road Atlanta a couple of weeks ago went well. We tried out many things and found the car in a very good state. The combination of this track and car is phenomenal, and I can’t wait for ten hours of racing.”
Augusto Farfus (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “We had a very successful test at Road Atlanta recently, so we are looking to finish the season with our best performance.”
Marco Wittmann (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I’m really looking forward to the season finale at Petit Le Mans. It’s been a while since Sebring, but it’s always a pleasure to race with our LMDh car and the BMW M Team RLL crew. I hope we will have a good and successful weekend to finish the first GTP season on a high note for Augusto, Philipp, myself, and also to support the sister car as they are still in the fight for the title.”
The CEO of Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelmann, has announced that the brand will be showcasing its vehicles at the first-ever Qatar motor show in October. However, Winkelmann also revealed that Lamborghini will no longer commit to long-term participation in motor shows.
The Qatar motor show, known as GIMS Qatar, is a joint venture between the organizers of the Geneva motor show and the tourist authorities in Qatar. It is scheduled to take place from October 5th to 14th, alongside the Qatar Grand Prix.
The announcement of the motor show has received some backlash, similar to the criticism faced by the men’s football world cup held in Qatar last year. Concerns have been raised regarding the country’s laws against homosexuality and the treatment of migrant workers.
The organizers of the show have stated that 30 global automotive brands will be exhibiting, although they have not yet disclosed the individual manufacturers. During an interview at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Winkelmann confirmed that Lamborghini will be attending the event, becoming the first brand to publicly confirm its participation.
In 2020, Lamborghini announced that it will no longer participate in large-scale motor shows, opting for smaller, more exclusive events to engage with customers and fans. This strategic decision aims to create a more intimate interaction with the brand.
Qatar Holding, the investment arm of Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, currently owns 17% stake in the Volkswagen Group and previously held a significant number of shares in Porsche. It is understood that all Volkswagen Group brands will participate in the Qatar motor show due to this investment.
When asked about the significance of the show, Winkelmann stated, “We will see. It is the first time it has been staged, so we must evaluate it. But the Middle East is an important market for us.”
Concerns about the viability of some motor shows, such as the Geneva motor show, which has not been held since 2019 but is slated to return in 2024, have led Lamborghini to avoid making long-term commitments to such events in the future.
Winkelmann explained, “There are different types of events, some of which are tailor-made for our customers. Goodwood attracts a larger crowd due to the huge enthusiasm for cars, especially supercars, in the UK. However, this is not the case in every market. We need to assess how each show develops annually and then make a decision. The landscape of motor shows is rapidly changing, with many of them losing their appeal and not being as successful. If attendance declines and media coverage diminishes, there is no need for us to participate.”
Prior to the Qatar motor show, Lamborghini will have a prominent presence at the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California. Winkelmann emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “For us, Pebble Beach is the most significant automotive event. It attracts our current and potential customers from all over the world. The event continues to grow in prominence, particularly among international attendees, and will continue to be of utmost importance to us.”
The inaugural Toyota Global Simulation Summit, organized by Toyota Racing Development (TRD), took place earlier this year in Salisbury, North Carolina. The event brought together professionals from the motorsports industry and Toyota affiliates to explore the potential of simulation technology. The summit highlighted the role of driver-in-the-loop simulators in improving chassis designs for race cars and discussed how simulation can expedite the development of advanced mobility solutions for production vehicles.
Steve Wickham, TRD’s business development director, played a crucial role in organizing the summit. He recognized the need to connect simulation enthusiasts within Toyota and create a platform for knowledge exchange. Wickham’s efforts paid off as the event was attended by approximately 40 individuals in person and an equal number virtually, representing five countries and various Toyota affiliates.
The three-day summit consisted of presentations, open discussions, hands-on experience with TRD’s simulation capabilities, and a tour of Toyota’s high-tech facilities in North Carolina. The gathering provided an opportunity for attendees to share their challenges and learn from each other’s approaches.
Command Center — Here’s the business end to TRD’s driver-in-loop simulator.
Simulation technology combines hardware and software components to replicate driving experiences and test virtual vehicles. This technology is not only valuable for motorsports teams seeking to enhance race car performance but also holds immense potential for Toyota’s engineers in developing safer and more advanced production vehicles. It can aid in the development of autonomous driving systems and expedite the time from concept to finished product, resulting in cost reductions.
Taking It for a Spin — Vangelis Kokkevis, director of simulation for Woven Planet North America, takes a seat behind the wheel of TRD’s driver-in-loop simulator
Regarding future possibilities, Wickham envisions a significant transformation for Toyota. He believes that reducing reliance on physical prototypes and utilizing simulation technology could lead to substantial savings and faster time-to-market. The success of the inaugural summit has set a strong foundation for future collaborations and follow-up meetings.
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