Several automakers, including Stellantis, Volkswagen, Skoda, and others, have been strongly critical of the upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations in Europe. Some executives even described them as “useless.” However, there appears to be some hope for those who oppose the new standards. Just recently, European Union ministers have agreed on new and watered-down rules.
After facing opposition from automakers and member countries such as France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia, the ministers have decided not to make significant changes to the existing Euro 6 standards for cars and vans. However, there will be stricter regulations for buses and heavy vehicles.
While the decision has been made official, it is not yet final. Spain, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, presented the compromise text that gained the agreement of the Council of the European Union, made up of EU ministers. The final version of the law will need to be discussed and approved by the Council, the European Parliament, and the European Commission.
“We believe that, with this proposal, we have achieved broad support, a balance in the investment costs of the manufacturing brands, and we have improved the environmental benefits derived from this regulation,” commented Spain’s minister for industry, trade, and tourism, Hector Gomez Hernandez.
“The member states’ position is an improvement on the European Commission’s Euro 7 proposal – which was entirely disproportionate, driving high costs for industry and customers, with limited environmental benefits,” added Sigrid de Vries, the director of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. “The Council’s aim to continue the effective Euro 6 tests is sensible. However, compared to what is in place today, Euro 7 is much broader for new cars, vans, and, especially, heavy-duty vehicles, requiring significant engineering and testing efforts.”
Ironically, the automakers in Europe have stated that the initially proposed stricter emissions standards could hinder the adoption of electric vehicles. According to Renault CEO Luca de Meo, Euro 7 in its original form would divert companies’ focus away from investing in EVs. Skoda’s CEO, Klaus Zellmer, also acknowledged that building small cars under the stricter emissions standards could become impossible.
The Connected Motorcycle Consortium (CMC), a group of motorcycle manufacturers including BMW, Ducati, Honda, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha, was formed in 2016 to address crashes between motorcycles and cars on public roads. Ducati and Lamborghini have recently demonstrated a connectivity system for motorcycles and cars to integrate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and improve safety for riders and drivers.
The demonstration showcased three important functions: Intersection Movement Assist, Left Turn Assist, and Do Not Pass Warning. These features aim to prevent crashes by enhancing communication and quick reaction times between vehicles.
The Intersection Movement Assist feature alerts drivers when a motorcycle is approaching an intersection that may not be clearly visible due to obstacles or poor visibility. The system displays a warning on the car’s dashboard, prompting the driver to proceed cautiously or wait for the motorcycle to pass safely. Similarly, Left Turn Assist allows the connected systems on the car and motorcycle to communicate, informing the rider that the car intends to make a left turn. This enables the rider to react in time and ensure a safe maneuver.
The Do Not Pass Warning feature is designed for scenarios where a line of cars is stopped or slowed down by a leading car waiting to make a left turn. Through communication between vehicles, the following cars and bikes receive a warning not to pass, even if they cannot see the leading car.
While these advancements in connectivity technology have the potential to improve road safety, there are several challenges to consider. Not all vehicles on the road may have compatible communication systems, and some drivers and riders may continue to use older vehicles without these features. Additionally, the availability of advanced tech features may vary across different trim levels of vehicles. Mandating the use of connected safety systems by regulatory bodies could help overcome these challenges. Furthermore, human behavior, such as forgetting to use turn signals, can limit the effectiveness of connected systems. Overall, while connected rider and driver systems can provide assistance, it is important for road users to be aware of their limitations and adjust their behavior accordingly.
The Tata Nexon offers the most powertrain and transmission options in its segment and even has a diesel automatic variant
The prices for the Tata Nexon facelift have been revealed, starting from Rs 8.10 lakh (introductory ex-showroom). This updated version of the Nexon comes with significant improvements, making it a strong contender in the subcompact SUV segment with premium features and enhanced safety.
Let’s compare the prices of the Nexon with its main rivals.
Petrol-MT
Nexon
Venue
Sonet
Brezza
XUV300
Smart (5MT) – Rs 8.10 lakh
E MT – Rs 7.77 lakh
HTE – Rs 7.79 lakh
LXI – Rs 8.29 lakh
W2 – Rs 7.99 lakh
Smart+ (5MT) – Rs 9.10 lakh
S – Rs 8.94 lakh
HTK – Rs 8.70 lakh
W4 – Rs 8.67 lakh
Smart+ S (5MT) – Rs 9.70 lakh
W4 TGDi – Rs 9.31 lakh
Pure – Rs 9.70 lakh
S (O) – Rs 9.76 lakh
HTK Plus – Rs 9.64 lakh
VXI – Rs 9.64 lakh
W6 – Rs 10 lakh
Pure S – Rs 10.20 lakh
HTK Plus Turbo iMT – Rs 10.49 lakh
W6 TGDi – Rs 10.51 lakh
Creative – Rs 11 lakh
SX – Rs 10.93 lakh
ZXI – Rs 11.04 lakh
Creative+ – Rs 11.70 lakh
HTX Turbo iMT – Rs 11.45 lakh
W8 – Rs 11.51 lakh
Creative+ S – Rs 12.20 lakh
W8 TGDi – Rs 12.01 lakh
Fearless (PR) – Rs 12.50 lakh
SX (O) MT – Rs 12.44 lakh
HTX Plus Turbo iMT – Rs 12.75 lakh
ZXI Plus – Rs 12.48 lakh
W8 (O) – Rs 12.61 lakh
Fearless S (PR)/ Fearless +(PR) – Rs 13 lakh
GTX Plus Turbo iMT – Rs 13.09 lakh
W8 (O) TGDi – Rs 13.01 lakh
Fearless + S(PR) – Rs 13.50 lakh
The Hyundai Venue has the lowest starting price, while the Maruti Brezza’s entry-level variant is the most expensive.
The top-end petrol-manual variant of the Nexon is pricier than its rivals in the subcompact SUV market.
The Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, and Mahindra XUV300 offer a turbo-petrol engine, with the XUV300 having the highest power output of 130PS.
Maruti Brezza is the only model in this comparison that offers a 1.5-litre engine and the option of a CNG variant with a manual transmission.
The Nexon and XUV300 have the most variety in terms of variant choices within a Rs 12 lakh budget (on-road).
The Nexon’s lower variants come with a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the higher variants have a 6-speed transmission.
The Kia Sonet is the only model in this segment that offers the unique combination of a turbo-iMT (manual transmission without clutch pedal).
The Nexon is the only model in its class with two automatic transmission options. The higher variants come with a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), while the lower variants feature an automated manual transmission (AMT).
Hyundai and Kia offer the turbo-petrol engine with a DCT automatic transmission, while Maruti provides a 6-speed torque converter automatic option.
The Nexon offers nine automatic variants, while its competitors have a maximum of 2-3 automatic variants.
The XUV300 has the most affordable automatic variant, while the Sonet offers the most expensive entry-level automatic option.
Diesel-MT
Nexon
Venue
Sonet (iMT)
XUV300
Pure – Rs 11 lakh
S Plus – Rs 10.46 lakh
HTE – Rs 9.95 lakh
W4 – Rs 10.21 lakh
Pure S – Rs 11.50 lakh
HTK – Rs 10.69 lakh
W6 – Rs 11.01 lakh
Creative – Rs 12.40 lakh
SX – Rs 12.20 lakh
HTX – Rs 12.25 lakh
Creative+ – Rs 13.10 lakh
SX (O) – Rs 13.19 lakh
W8 – Rs 13.01 lakh
Creative+ S – Rs 13.60 lakh
HTX Plus – Rs 13.55 lakh
W8 (O) – Rs 13.93 lakh
Fearless (PR) – Rs 13.90 lakh
GTX Plus – Rs 13.89 lakh
Fearless S (PR)/ Fearless + (PR) – Rs 14.40 lakh
The Brezza does not offer a diesel engine, but the Nexon and other competitors still have the option for a diesel-manual transmission.
The Sonet is the most affordable diesel subcompact SUV, followed by the XUV300 and Venue. The Sonet only offers the intelligent manual transmission (iMT) as standard and does not have a manual transmission option.
All models feature a 1.5-litre diesel engine with similar power and torque specifications.
Diesel-AT
Nexon
Sonet
XUV300
W6 AMT – Rs 12.31 lakh
HTX AT – Rs 13.05 lakh
W8 (O) AMT – Rs 14.61 lakh
The Venue does not offer a diesel-automatic transmission, leaving the Nexon, Sonet, and XUV300 as the only options in this category.
The XUV300 W6 is the most affordable diesel-automatic option, while the Nexon Fearless+ S is the most expensive surpassing the Rs 15 lakh mark.
The Sonet comes with intelligent manual transmission (iMT), while the Nexon and XUV300 have an automated manual transmission (AMT).
The Tata Nexon is now one of the more expensive subcompact SUVs. It comes loaded with premium features such as a large 10.25-inch touchscreen, a digital driver’s display, a 360-degree camera, six airbags as standard, and a JBL sound system. The Nexon now offers features that are on par with its rivals, which is a positive development for Tata. However, the Venue has the advantage of offering advanced driving assistance systems, along with features like a power-adjustable driver’s seat and ambient lighting.
What do you think of the prices of the Tata Nexon facelift? Which sub-4m SUV are you planning to buy? Let us know in the comments below.
The latest Volkswagen Passat has undergone several updates to enhance the interior experience and overall quality. The infotainment system now features a new interface and menu structure, making it easier for drivers to operate.
Equipped with a powerful turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, the Passat delivers excellent performance, especially when starting and accelerating. The engine has impressive flexibility at low to mid-range speeds and runs smoothly.
The car’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) is responsive, working well with the engine’s low-rev flexibility. This combination creates a comfortable driving experience, particularly during long journeys on the motorway. However, the DSG may delay downshifting for faster acceleration when requested.
The steering of the new Passat is precise and has good weight, offering improved feedback compared to its predecessor. The changes in suspension provide better control and agility, resulting in an enjoyable and responsive driving experience. Although it is not a sports car, it is easy to handle and maneuver on the road.
The introduction of twin-valve dampers contributes to a smoother ride quality, even on uneven roads. The Passat effectively absorbs bumps and irregularities, ensuring a comfortable journey for passengers.
Although still under development, our initial test drive indicates that the new Passat surpasses its popular predecessor. It maintains the practicality and core values that buyers appreciate, while offering more precision, better handling, and superior comfort. With the decline of competitors with combustion engines, the new Volkswagen Passat provides reassurance and reliability.
There are a total of 10 NCAPs that test car safety around the world, including the latest one in India
The New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) analyzes automotive safety in various countries through crash tests and scores. Each NCAP establishes and tests safety standards on different parameters, including adult occupant safety, child safety, pedestrian safety, and more. After analyzing the safety of a specific car based on these parameters, a star rating out of five and scores are assigned.
The safety parameters and star ratings vary from country to country and depend on the type of NCAP. Even for the same vehicle being sold in multiple countries, the safety standards and ratings differ because of these varying parameters. This article explores the various NCAPs around the world that assess automotive safety.
Australian NCAP (ANCAP)
The Australian NCAP, established in 1992, tests thousands of car models from various brands sold in Australia and New Zealand. ANCAP works closely with 21 organizations, including government agencies in both countries.
ANCAP places greater emphasis on active safety features, including advanced driver assistance systems, which are not obligatory under the Global NCAP protocols.
ASEAN NCAP
The ASEAN NCAP, established in December 2011, tests and scores the safety of vehicles sold in Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and more. It was jointly established by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and Global NCAP.
ASEAN NCAP requires vehicles to score up to 70 percent in safety assist technologies to achieve full 5-star safety ratings, while Global NCAP’s protocols allow vehicles without safety assistance systems to achieve full 5-star ratings.
China NCAP (CNCAP)
The China NCAP, established in 2006, assesses the automobile safety of cars sold in China. It is managed by the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC).
Euro NCAP
The Euro NCAP, established in 1997, tests car safety for European countries such as Germany, Austria, Belgium, and France. It works in partnership with seven European governments and consumer organizations in all European countries.
Euro NCAP mandates safety assist features and performs additional tests not done by Global NCAP, such as “Front Mobile Progressive Barrier” and “Front Full Width Rigid Barrier” tests.
Global NCAP
Global NCAP, operational since 2011, is known for testing safety standards of cars worldwide. It conducted the #SaferCarsForIndia campaign in 2014, testing cars made in India from various brands.
Global NCAP’s updated protocols require vehicles to have features like electronic stability program (ESP) and seatbelt reminders to qualify for full 5-star safety ratings. It also performs side pole impact and pedestrian safety tests.
Global NCAP will no longer test India-specific cars as the Bharat NCAP will soon take over. However, it will continue to provide technical support to the Bharat NCAP.
Japan NCAP
The Japan NCAP, established in 1995 by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and the National Agency for Automotive Safety & Victims’ Aid (NASVA), assesses the safety of cars specific to Japan.
Japan NCAP rates vehicles based on three categories: vehicle safety performance, collision safety performance, and preventive safety performance. Vehicles tested by JNCAP must also be equipped with an Automatic accident emergency call system.
Korean NCAP
Korean NCAP, founded in 1999, assesses the safety of vehicles sold in South Korea.
Latin NCAP
Latin NCAP is an automotive safety testing agency for vehicles sold in Latin America and the Caribbean region. It covers countries like Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Jamaica. Global NCAP is one of the investors in this testing agency.
Latin NCAP’s safety assessment considers adult, child, and pedestrian protection, along with safety assist features, but its norms are not as stringent as Euro NCAP’s.
US NCAP
The US NCAP, established in 1978, is the oldest car safety assessment program in the United States. It rates vehicle safety based on frontal and side crash tests, fitment of crash avoidance safety features, and evaluates vehicles for rollover.
Bharat NCAP
The Indian government recently introduced Bharat NCAP, its own version of the NCAP, to assess the safety of cars sold in India. It will be operational from October 2023. More details can be found here.
With a total of 10 New Car Assessment Programs around the world, these programs provide crucial information about a car’s safety, build, and strength. They also raise awareness among consumers about the importance of prioritizing safety when buying a vehicle.
Multiple Generations of Tacoma, including a bespoke 2024 Tacoma, designed by Toyota’s CALTY Design Studio, are featured in Warner Bros. Pictures’ film “Blue Beetle”
Tacoma’s versatility and legacy are showcased throughout the fun-filled DC Super Hero film
Tacoma is the best-selling mid-size pickup for last 18 years
PLANO, Texas (August 25, 2023) – After the recent unveiling of the highly anticipated 2024 Tacoma, Toyota joined forces with DC’s newest Super Hero in his debut film, “Blue Beetle,” which premiered in theaters last week. The action-packed movie, known for its heart and humor, features different generations of the Tacoma as Jaime Reyes, the main character, undergoes a transformation after encountering an ancient piece of alien technology called the Scarab. This technology turns Jaime, a college graduate, into the hero known as The Blue Beetle.
Throughout the film, Jaime, along with his entire family, relies on their beloved 3rd generation Toyota Tacoma. The Tacoma, lovingly called the “Taco,” is particularly cherished by Jaime’s Uncle Rudy, played by George Lopez. Witness how the Blue Beetle, his family, and their trusty Tacoma conquer various challenges. Additionally, keep an eye out for a cameo appearance by the All-New 4th generation Tacoma.
To bring a unique design and paint job to the film, Toyota’s design and engineering teams worked closely with DC. Their collaboration resulted in a distinctive 2024 Tacoma design, harmoniously blending with the new Tacoma’s overall look.
Tacoma trucks have a history in Hollywood, as the 1985 Toyota SR5 Xtra Cab was prominently featured in the 1980s film “Back to the Future.” Furthermore, the first-generation Tundra made an appearance in “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines,” and that year witnessed the sale of 600 T3 Special Edition Tundras.
The 2024 Tacoma represents the latest version of this renowned off-road 4×4, offering an available i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain that boasts up to 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft. of torque. This new truck not only showcases a rugged style but also provides multiple powertrain options, 4×4 capability, and the latest safety and tech features. The 2024 Tacoma’s lineup also introduces the Trailhunter grade, specially engineered to be the ultimate overlanding vehicle. Expect to find the all-new 2024 Tacoma in dealerships by the end of the year.
About Toyota:
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 24 electrified options.
Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed $110 million to create innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved and diverse communities near the company’s 14 U.S. operating sites.
About “Blue Beetle”:
From Warner Bros. Pictures comes the feature film “Blue Beetle,” marking the DC Super Hero’s first time on the big screen. The film, directed by Ángel Manuel Soto from a screenplay by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, based on characters from DC, stars Xolo Maridueña in the title role as well as his alter ego, Jaime Reyes.
Recent college grad Jaime Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab. When the Scarab—called Khaji-Da—suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the Super Hero Blue Beetle.
A Warner Bros. Pictures Presentation, a Safran Company Production, “Blue Beetle” is now in theaters only and is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Rowan Atkinson’s car collection includes rare and exotic models, such as the 1989 Lancia Thema 8.32.
He is not only a collector but also a racing enthusiast, having participated in the Renault 5 GT Turbo’s one-make racing series.
His favorite car is the McLaren F1, which he owned for 17 years before selling it for £8 million.
Rowan Atkinson, known for his comedic roles in Mr. Bean and Johnny English, is also a car enthusiast with an impressive collection of exotic cars. Among his collection is a rare find – the 1989 Lancia Thema 8.32. This car is particularly special because only nine of them were ever sold in the U.K.
Aside from being a collector, Atkinson is also passionate about racing. He has participated in two seasons of racing in the Renault 5 GT Turbo’s one-make racing series. When asked about his favorite car, he mentioned the McLaren F1. He owned this iconic car for 17 years and eventually sold it for an astonishing £8 million. The car gained significant attention wherever he went, which led to his decision to part ways with it.
In addition to these highlights, Atkinson’s collection also includes other notable cars such as a 1939 BMW 328, a 1993 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evo II, a 1964 Ford Falcon Sprint, a 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500E, a 2002 Honda NSX, a 1977 Aston Martin V-8 Vantage, a 1986 Aston Martin V8 Zagato, a 2014 Bentley Mulsanne Birkin Edition, a 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead, and of course, the iconic 1997 McLaren F1.
Each car in his collection is unique and holds a special place in his heart. Whether it’s the historic BMW 328 or the luxurious Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead, Atkinson’s car collection is a testament to his love for automotive masterpieces.
The Rumion is available in three broad variants – S, G, and V – including a CNG option too
The Toyota Rumion has been officially revealed in India and will go on sale in the upcoming festive season. It is a rebadged version of the Maruti Ertiga and could be priced from around Rs 9 lakh (ex-showroom).
Like the Ertiga, powering the Rumion is a 1.5-litre petrol engine, which makes 103PS and 136.8Nm, and 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic units handle the transmission duties. There’s also a CNG powertrain on offer, with the manual transmission only, which claims an efficiency of 26.11km/kg.
Toyota offers the MPV in three broad trims – S, G, and V. Here are the variant-wise features detailed:
Toyota Rumion S
Available with MT, AT, and CNG options
Exterior
Interior
Comfort and Convenience
Infotainment
Safety
Chrome finish on front grille
Halogen projector headlamps
LED tail lamps
15-inch steel wheels with covers
Dual-tone interior theme
60:40 split second-row seats with recline and slide
50:50 split third-row seats
Analogue instrument cluster with MID
Adjustable headrests (all rows)
2nd row centre armrest
Manual AC
2nd row roof mounted AC vents
Remote keyless entry
Electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs
Paddle shifters (AT)
12V power socket front and second row
Day/night IRVM
The base variant of the Rumion is fairly well-equipped and even gets projector headlamps and a basic audio system, but misses out on a height-adjustable driver’s seat. It is identifiable as a base option from the outside by its steel wheels.
Also, Toyota is offering the choice of automatic transmission in the base variant, which gives more accessibility to buyers. However, the CNG option is limited to the S variant.
The Rumion G variant adds these features over the S variant:
Exterior
Interior
Comfort and Convenience
Infotainment
Safety
15-inch alloy wheels
Chrome door handles
Rear Wiper/Washer
Rear defogger
Height adjustable driver seat
Teak Wood finish for dashboard
Dual Tone Fabric seat upholstery
Front centre armrest
Push button start-stop
Auto AC
Smart Key
The mid-spec variant adds many essential features like rear wiper/washer, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, auto AC, and a touchscreen infotainment system. Surprisingly, this variant skips out on the convenience of an automatic transmission.
Toyota Rumion V Variant
Available in MT and AT options
Here’s what the top-spec V variant adds over the previous one:
Exterior
Interior
Comfort and Convenience
Infotainment
Safety
Cruise control
Auto-folding ORVMs
Auto headlamps
Side Airbags
Rear parking camera
The top-spec V variant gets the added convenience of cruise control, auto-folding ORVMs, and automatic headlamps. In terms of safety, you get two additional airbags and a rear camera. This variant can be opted with manual and automatic transmissions.
In order to assess which of these variants offers the best value, we will have to wait for the price announcement in the coming months. Till then, stay tuned to CarDekho.
Rowan Atkinson is an avid car enthusiast who owns a diverse collection of cars, including a 1939 BMW 328 Roadster and a 1989 Lancia Thema 8.32.
Atkinson’s car collection has included iconic cars like a 1977 Aston Martin V-8 Vantage and a 1997 McLaren F1, which was the fastest production car in the world at the time.
Atkinson has also raced cars, such as a Jaguar MK7 and a modified 1964 Ford Falcon Sprint, and he even had a unique Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead with a special experimental V-16 engine.
Rowan Atkinson is an outspoken car enthusiast – he stated as much during his appearance onTop Gear and performed like a racing driver on his celebrity lap around the production’s circuit. Atkinson is famous for driving a disheveled Mini Cooper while appearing as Mr. Bean. At the other end of the spectrum, Atkinson has driven fantastic cars on screen, including an Aston Martin DB7 Vantage, while playing Britain’s second most famous spy, Johnny English.
In real life, Atkinson is a racer at heart. He enjoys driving classic cars around circuits like Goodwood and often attends Formula 1 races. Atkinson’s success has allowed him to indulge in his passion for cars, some of which are surprising. Here are 10 unexpected cars in Rowan Atkinson’s car collection.
The BMW 328 Roadster that Rowan Atkinson proudly owns was one of the most dominant racers in the 1930s. In 1937, the car won several races, including the Bucharest Grand Prix and GP des Frontieres. 1938 brought more success for the BMW 328, as it notched two Nurburgring victories and class wins at the Mille Miglia.
Specs and Performance
Engine
2.0-liter inline-six
Engine Output
80 horsepower and 93 pound-feet
Transmission
Four-speed manual
Drivetrain
RWD
Top Speed
93 MPH
The car’s engine output may seem paltry nearly a century later, but at the time, 80 horsepower was substantial. Further, the vehicle was super light thanks to its aluminum construction. Driven by Walter Baumer and Huschke von Hanstein, the BMW 328 dominated the 1939 Mille Miglia. World War II prematurely ended the 328’s supremacy on track. Nevertheless, it made such a huge impact that it is considered an automotive legend.
91989 Lancia Thema 8.32
The Lancia Thema 8.32 is one of the best sleeper cars of all time: nothing about the vehicle’s exterior suggests that it hides a Ferrari V-8 engine under the hood. The 8.32 Lancia didn’t make much sense – it was costlier than most of its competitors, and its detuned Ferrari engine couldn’t compete with the likes of the BMW M5. However, Lancia’s domination on the rally stage brought attention to the car company and its unusual car.
Specs and Performance
Engine
2.9-liter V-8
Engine Output
215 horsepower and 210 pound-feet
Transmission
Five-speed manual
Drivetrain
FWD
Top Speed
146 MPH
To handle the V-8’s power, the 8.32 featured hardware absent in the standard Thema. For instance, it had retuned suspension, massive front brakes, and an improved five-speed transmission. The 8.32’s interior, complete with a walnut dash and velour seats, oozed elegance. The 8.32 may not have been as fast, agile, or affordable as its rivals, but as a package, the Lancia stood head and shoulders above the rest.
82002 Honda NSX
In 2002, Honda revised the NSX’s design to match its illustrious European rivals. The Japanese manufacturer modified the car’s suspension, ditched the pop-up headlights for fixed HID lamps, and extended the front bumper. The changes made the Honda NSX quicker and faster. However, the performance gains failed to improve the NSX’s mediocre sales.
The 1977 V-8 Vantage looked more like a muscle car than a supercar; Aston Martin described it as a grand tourer. Regardless, the V-8 Vantage was rapid. Powered by a modified 5.3-liter V-8 plucked from the Lagonda, the V-8 Vantage hit a top speed of 170 MPH. The engine featured modified inlet valves, manifolds, plugs, and camshafts, which increased its power output by 40 percent.
Specs and Performance
Engine
5.3-liter V-8
Engine Output
390 horsepower and 406 pound-feet
Transmission
5-speed manual
Drivetrain
RWD
Top Speed
170 MPH
Rowan purchased his burgundy Vantage in 1984, becoming the car’s third owner. The actor bought a left-hand drive model and converted it to a right-hand drive. Purchased several years after Atkinson became a household name in Britain, the Vantage was Rowan Atkinson’s first out-of-the-ordinary car. It featured in Atkinson’s film Johnny English Strikes Again.
61997 McLaren F1
Rowan Atkinson used part of his pay from the successful Bean film to purchase a McLaren F1. At the time, it was the fastest production car in the world and is still the fastest naturally-aspirated vehicle ever produced. Topping out at 243 MPH, the Gordon Murray-designed McLaren F1 certainly satisfied Atkinson’s craving for speed. Featuring a 6.1-liter V-12 engine that ran so hot the designers had to line the engine bay with heat-reflective gold, the McLaren F1 was a tarmac-ripping rocket ship.
Specs and Performance
Engine
6.1-liter V-12
Engine Output
618 horsepower and 479 pound-feet
Transmission
Six-speed manual
Drivetrain
RWD
Top Speed
243 MPH
The F1 twice proved too hot to handle for Rowan. The repairs following his second crash reportedly cost the insurance company close to a million pounds. Rowan sold the McLaren F1 for eight million pounds, around seven million pounds more than he bought it.
Rowan Atkinson used his MK7 primarily as a racer. It won him the first podium of his career in the Sopwith Cup at Goodwood in April 2022. Atkinson said in the post-race interview that he reckoned he could have improved to second had the race been longer. The actor praised the car for running reliably during the race. In 2009, however, the MK7 caught fire as Rowan and his wife headed home from a date in London.
Rowan Atkinson bought the Falcon Sprint for its racing qualities. He modified the car to pass FIA racing standards and raced it in multiple championships. Atkinson crashed the car during a 2014 race – he plowed head-on into two vehicles that had collided in front of him. Rowan was unhurt, and the car suffered minor damage.
32011 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead
Rowan Atkinson’s Phantom Drophead was extra special: a 9.0-liter V-16 engine lay under its massive hood. Atkinson petitioned Rolls-Royce to install an experimental engine in the Phantom for the film Johnny English Reborn. Rolls-Royce developed the engine for a project dubbed 100EX. It’s unclear which vehicle the manufacturer intended to pair with the V-16 engine. However, rumors suggest it was developed for the Phantom four-door sedan, not the Phantom Drophead.
Specs and Performance
Engine
9.0-liter V-16
Engine Output
563+ horsepower and 664+ pound-feet
Transmission
Six-speed automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
Regardless, the V-16 engine never went into production. Rolls-Royce refused to share its specifications – the only thing the manufacturer shared was the engine’s displacement and layout. Against his wishes, Rowan didn’t get to push the vehicle to the limit in the film or off-set. Consequently, the V-16 Drophead’s performance remains classified.
2Land Rover Defender Heritage
The Heritage was a special Defender built to pay tribute to the world-conquering car. It featured ‘HUE166’ badges to pay homage to the Defender’s first number plate. Rowan Atkinson was one of the 400 people who bought Heritage. It featured a 120-horsepower turbocharged diesel and wasn’t very fast, topping out at 90 MPH. However, like many other Defenders before it, it could go practically anywhere it wanted.
Specs and Performance
Engine
Turbocharged 2.2-liter inline-four
Engine Output
120 horsepower and 266 pound-feet
Transmission
Six-speed manual
Drivetrain
AWD
Top Speed
90 MPH
Rowan did only 2,620 miles in the car before auctioning it. Despite the vehicle being virtually new, Atkinson serviced it before placing it on sale. It’s unclear why Rowan ditched this unique Land Rover Defender.
Rowan Atkinson paid top dollar to acquire one of the 52 Zagato coupes Aston Martin manufactured. He then paid Aston Martin Works to transform the Zagato into a racer. Aston Martin’s classic car wing tuned the engine, increasing power output to 482 horsepower and 412 pound-feet. They also installed lightweight panels and windows, shaving 330 pounds from the vehicle.
Specs and Performance
Engine
5.3-liter V-8
Engine Output
482 horsepower and 412 pound-feet
Transmission
Five-speed manual
Drivetrain
RWD
Top Speed
186 MPH
Atkinson crashed the Zagato during a 2001 race. He used the car for a decade before placing it on sale. The buyer didn’t get the souped-up V-8 Zagato modified for Atkinson: the vehicle was detuned to restore it to production spec.
Harley-Davidson announced its financial results for Q2 2023 on July 27. The company reported the number of motorcycles shipped and the revenue generated globally. Since LiveWire became its own business entity in 2022, its results are reported separately from Harley-branded motorcycles.
In Q2 2023, revenue across all sectors decreased by 2% compared to the same period in 2022. However, let’s focus on motorcycle shipments and sales.
Harley records motorcycle shipments separately from motorcycle sales, especially for Harley-branded bikes. However, this distinction does not apply to LiveWire. In Q2 2023, the company reported worldwide motorcycle shipments of 42,900 bikes, a 10% decrease from the 47,900 shipped in the same period in 2022. This decrease is attributed to a production stoppage in May 2023.
Looking at motorcycle sales in Q2 2022, there is some optimism. Sales increased in North America, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. However, sales in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) dropped by 6%.
Asia Pacific stands out with a 24% increase in sales year-on-year. In Q2 2023, 7,500 bikes were sold compared to 6,000 in Q2 2022. Overall, global motorcycle sales (excluding LiveWire) increased by 3% in Q2 2023.
As for LiveWire, they only report motorcycle shipments, not sales. In Q2 2023, LiveWire reported shipments of 33 bikes, an 85% decrease from the 225 units shipped in Q2 2022. It’s worth mentioning that all 33 LiveWires that were shipped in Q2 2022 were LiveWire Ones, not Harley-Davidson LiveWires or S2 Del Mars.
Given the results so far, LiveWire has revised its sales guidance for the entirety of the 2023 fiscal year. They are now aiming for motorcycle unit sales of 600 to 1,000. Only time will tell if they can meet or exceed these goals as the company expands in Europe and rolls out the more affordable S2 Del Mars to customers.
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