Leboine insisted, although, that regardless of taking affect from a century-old constructing and nodding closely to Fiat’s utilitarian heritage, the model shouldn’t be switching to a retro design language for its future vehicles.
He mentioned. “What we get from Lingotto is an everlasting modernity. I do not assume there’s something retro about what we have executed. I’m fairly snug with this.
“We use the past to tell a story, but actually the products we are doing are definitely modern and looking forward.”
The Panda idea, which serves because the halo for this new household, provides the perfect thought since 2019’s acclaimed Centoventi idea of what to anticipate from the third technology of Fiat’s supermini .
The newest idea marks a considerable departure from that earlier present automotive, which was notably lower-slung and extra rounded, however Leboine insisted that the “Centoventi is still in our mind”.
“The Centoventi is definitely embedded into these concepts,” he advised Autocar. “That was a great concept car that translated the strong philosophy of Fiat in terms of simplicity, affordability, flexibility – all these very smart and clever solutions that Fiat is very good at proposing.”
He defined that when the Centoventi was unveiled, Fiat didn’t have the mandatory assets to show it right into a manufacturing automotive, however having since turn out to be a part of the 14-brand Stellantis portfolio, the marque now has “other opportunities” to form the way forward for the Panda.
According to the Scottish Science Hall of Fame, his affect started whereas repairing a mannequin Newcomen steam engine in 1764, at which level he could not assist however discover how a lot steam it wasted within the course of, with the cylinder needing to often be reheated, in the end utilizing up loads of coal. Watt figured a separate steam condenser might make sure the cylinder remained sizzling, and partnered with inventor John Roebuck, producing a prototype in 1768. The extremely environment friendly patent was given the non-efficient identify “A New Invented Method of Lessening the Consumption of Steam and Fuel in Fire Engines.”
As this redesign started to garner consideration from copper, tin, coal, and iron mines round England, two additional developments helped crystallize his influence on engine effectivity. First was the rotary engine, an innovation which used rotary motion to exchange the reciprocating, up-and-down piston motion of the unique. It helped modernize corn, malt, and cotton mills, amongst others, and was used to exchange “animal and water power and mechanized industries like weaving and spinning.”
By the Nineteen Eighties, the Japanese affect on sports activities bikes that had began in 1969 with the Honda CB750 was in full swing and the definition of the sports activities bike had developed out of all recognition of something that had been earlier than. While the market was dominated by the large 4 Japanese producers, the Germans, and Italians had been maintaining in their very own particular person methods, though the likes of KTM and Triumph had but to exert any affect on the trendy street bike scene.
The two-stroke motorcycle engine was nonetheless making waves, however the writing was on the wall, though motorbike Grand Prix racing could be completely two-stroke till the flip of the millennium. Power and, subsequently, pace, grew to become ever extra essential on this decade, even when chassis expertise of the day nonetheless lagged a means behind.
The 80s gave us loud vogue, hair steel and Back To The Future, together with some fairly nice bikes
The info on this article has been sourced from the producers’ web sites and brochures, and different on-line sources equivalent to www.motorcyclespecs.co.za with the intention to carry you probably the most correct info. Used promoting costs had been sourced from www.jdpower.com and are for reference solely.
10Yamaha V-Max – 1985
Top Speed: 150 MPH
Used Selling Price: $5,299
Yamaha
Proper 1980’s extra, the V-Max was aimed immediately on the American market, with its love for straight-line drag racing. To that finish, the Yamaha V-Max had a 1,197cc V4 engine, pushing out a wholesome 145 horsepower, nevertheless it was cradled in an extended, low chassis and operating gear, making it arguably the primary muscle bike or efficiency cruiser. Or maybe a road-going drag bike?
One factor was for sure: it dealt with identical to a cruiser and by no means like a sports activities bike, and also you approached corners at pace with a specific amount of trepidation, steeling your self to make use of all of your energy and talent to barter them safely. Luckily, the brakes had been as much as the job of hauling this beast to a cease however, for tarmac-ripping performance, there was very little to touch the V-Max.
Yamaha VMAX Specifications
Engine
1,197 cc V4
Power
145 HP
Torque
83 LB-FT
Weight
604 kilos
9Kawasaki GPz900 – 1984
Top Speed: 155 MPH
Used Selling Price: $4,399
Iconic Motorbike Auctions
For too lengthy, the Japanese had targeting energy as a method of creating a motorbike quick and largely ignoring the science of chassis design; moderately essential as acceleration instances decreased and high speeds elevated. The design temporary was for a motorcycle with 1,000cc energy and 750cc dealing with response. The 908cc, DOHC engine produced 115 horsepower, which could have been lower than its rivals, however a pace of 155mph made it the quickest production bike available at that time.
The engine was very compact because of its liquid cooling system and was used as a confused member, so it could possibly be mounted decrease on the chassis to enhance dealing with. Forks had been three-way adjustable anti-dive gadgets and a superb rising fee rear suspension unit additional helped the dealing with. Proof of that is filling the rostrum on the Production TT on the Isle of Man in 1984.
Kawasaki GPz900 Specifications
Engine
908 cc inline four-cylinder
Power
115 HP
Torque
63 LB-FT
Weight
566 kilos
8Ducati 851 – 1987
Top Speed: 149 MPH
Used Selling Price: $4,999
Courtesy: WSBK
The Japanese had been so dominant by the Nineteen Eighties, that any motorbike that wasn’t Japanese was a rarity. Luckily, Ducati was getting into the start of its upward trajectory, because of being purchased by Cagiva, with the attendant injection of growth money. This enabled the famed V-Twin engine to be developed to include four-valve cylinder heads and liquid cooling, the engine now producing 93 horsepower, whereas the chassis was solely the second iteration of the enduring metal tube trellis body.
Not as legendary as the later 916 model, the 851 nonetheless began the unbelievable run of World Superbike success the manufacturing facility would take pleasure in within the Nineteen Nineties when Raymond Roche received the title on board his 851, adopted by two additional titles for Doug Polen, using the 888, a growth of the 851. Ducati would by no means look again.
The Nineteen Eighties was a time of innovation and reinvention for the motorbike world, and these bikes stood out as iconic
7Honda VFR750R RC30 – 1987
Top Speed: 149 MPH
Used Selling Price: $40,000 – 60,000
www.bringatrailer.com
Possibly the final word homologation particular of its time – or any time for that matter – the VFR750R, or RC30 to offer it its inside designation, was constructed for one motive solely: to permit Honda to go World Superbike and Isle of Man Production TT racing, so Honda first designed a race bike after which outfitted it with the naked minimal road-going elements and bought it to the general public!
Each RC30 was hand-assembled and used exotic materials equivalent to titanium alloy for the connecting rods, whereas each different element on the bike was as gentle as doable. 112 horsepower from the V4 engine, with gear-driven camshafts, had solely 407 kilos to propel, the swing arm was single-sided, the wheelbase brief and the using place uncompromising. American Fred Merkel received the primary two World Superbike championships on an RC30.
Honda VFR750 RC30 Specifications
Engine
748 cc V4
Power
112 HP
Torque
56 LB-FT
Weight
407 kilos
6Yamaha FZR600 Genesis – 1988
Top Speed: 142 MPH
Used Selling Price: $4,900
Iconic Motorbike Auctions
Sometimes, bikes are notable not essentially for what they achieved on the time, however for what they led to afterward. The FZR600 Genesis appeared in 1988 and was Yamaha’s first enterprise into the middleweight sports activities bike class.
The 599cc ever more rare inline four-cylinder engine pushed out 90 horsepower, however the bike weighed a featherweight 458 kilos which, mixed with the sweet-handling chassis, made the FZR600 a formidable sports activities bike on both street or, extra appropriately, on observe. You wanted talent to get the most effective out of it however, boy, did it ship if you happen to had! It led on to the YZF-R6 which, together with rivals from Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki, gave consumers an excellent selection of pin-sharp middleweight sports activities bikes which have by no means actually been surpassed.
Yamaha FZR600 Genesis Specifications
Engine
599 cc inline four-cylinder
Power
90 HP
Torque
48 LB-FT
Weight
458 kilos
5Suzuki GSX-R750 – 1985
Top Speed: 171 MPH
Used Selling Price: $3,000
Mecum
Up to the arrival of the GSX-R750 in 1985, sports activities bikes had been massive, heavy, and had doubtful chassis dynamics, a great distance from the racing motorbikes of the time, which had been all featherweight two-strokes. Even although the GSX-R750 had an inline four-cylinder four-stroke engine, it was nearer to a Grand Prix bike for the street than something had been earlier than. Today, the GSX-R750 moniker carries on the legacy and is taken into account an impressive sports activities bike.
The engine pushed out 100 horsepower – lots for the day and matching the Kawasaki GPz900 – however the massive story was the chassis: a cradle-type aluminum body with square-section tubes and track-spec suspension, wheels, and brakes. Not solely that, nevertheless it was gentle, at 388 kilos (the GPz900 weighed in at 502 kilos), which makes the GSX-R750 the granddaddy of the trendy sports activities bike.
These Ducatis dominated the streets within the 80s, and may nonetheless compete with some trendy sports activities bikes.
4Suzuki RG500 Gamma – 1985
Top Speed: 147 MPH
Used Selling Price: $25,000
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Believe it or not, there was a time when anybody might purchase a Grand Prix bike from the manufacturing facility and go racing with the celebrities of the day: are you able to think about doing that in the present day? The Suzuki RG500 was additionally accessible as a road-legal bike, full with a 95 horsepower, four-cylinder, twin crank sq. 4 two-stroke engine.
The bike was gentle and quick, so long as you saved the engine on the boil above 5000rpm, under which there was little energy. Above it, nonetheless, and also you wanted to hold on: not many bikes of the time, no matter engine measurement, might match the RG500 for acceleration. At a time of stodgy and heavy sports activities bikes, this actually was a Grand Prix bike for the street.
Suzuki RG500 Gamma Specifications
Engine
499 cc two-stroke sq. 4
Power
95 HP
Torque
53 LB-FT
Weight
386 kilos
3Suzuki GSX-R1100 – 1986
Top Speed: 169 MPH
Used Selling Price: $6,900
Bring a Trailer
Japanese sports bikes may need been getting steadily extra highly effective all through the Nineteen Seventies and early ‘80s, however they had been additionally getting heavier and heavier. The GSX1100 fashions had been highly effective, however the dealing with left one thing to be desired and so, when the GSX-R1100 arrived, weighing a huge 90 pounds less, to not point out having extra horsepower, it was a revelation by way of each pace and dealing with.
If it was nonetheless air-cooled, it used an extra of oil sprayed round contained in the engine to maintain temperatures down. The using place was excessive, the suspension expertise of the day getting higher however nonetheless comparatively rudimentary by in the present day’s requirements, however one twist of the correct wrist made you neglect all of that.
Suzuki GSX-R1100 Specifications
Engine
1052 cc inline four-cylinder
Power
125 HP
Torque
76 LB-FT
Weight
450 kilos
2Yamaha RD500LC – 1984
Top Speed: 138 MPH
Used Selling Price: $40 – 50,000
Mecum
More scrumptious 500cc Grand Prix expertise for the street. It’s not usually that producers construct road-going variations of their 500cc GP racers, however that’s precisely what Yamaha did with the RD500. The engine was the important thing to the RD’s attraction: a 500cc, V4 two-stroke producing 88 horsepower, pushing alongside 436 kilos of all-in weight.
All of a sudden, you had been Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, or Wayne Rainey participating within the High Street Grand Prix: it was the final word motorbike for race followers. The success of the Yamaha prompted Suzuki to supply the RG500 Gamma and Honda the NSR400 in 1985, however the RD500 was the unique and, many would say, the most effective.
These Japanese beauties are all the pieces you’d ever need: Fast, highly effective and collectable.
1BMW K1 – 1988
Top Speed: 150 MPH
Used Selling Price: $15,900
Iconic Motorbike Auctions
The mannequin the place the aerodynamic fairing and four-cylinder engine came together in a bid to create a mannequin that may be quick with comparatively little energy – on the time. There had been fears that European laws would restrict energy outputs, so the important thing to sustaining a superb high pace was via environment friendly air penetration.
The result was a 150 MPH top speed from ‘only’ 100 horsepower. It regarded like nothing else on the street and, even when it wasn’t terribly efficient as a sports activities bike, having too lengthy a wheelbase and being too heavy, as a sports activities touring bike it excelled, being long-legged, secure, snug, and protected: it was the primary manufacturing bike to be fitted with ABS. In one fell swoop, BMW shed its repute for constructing staid and boring bikes.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars reflects on the lasting influence of the company’s first chief executive, Claude Goodman Johnson (24 October 1864 – 11 April 1926)
A gifted publicist and marketer who became known as ‘the hyphen in Rolls-Royce’
Managed the company from 1906 until his death 20 years later
Retiring in November 2023 after almost 14 years, Torsten Müller-Ötvös is the longest-serving CEO of the modern era, and second only to Johnson in time at the head of the marque
Continued a long line of influential Rolls-Royce CEOs who shaped both the company and the wider automotive and luxury industries during their tenure
“Though perhaps less familiar in the public mind, Claude Johnson is probably the most important and influential figure in the annals of Rolls-Royce apart from the founders themselves. As we mark the retirement of Torsten Müller-Ötvös after almost 14 years as our Chief Executive Officer, this seemed the ideal moment to shine a light on the only person in the marque’s history to have held the top job for longer. A larger-than-life character, Johnson was evidently a force to be reckoned with; it was his energy, enthusiasm, vision and dedication that made Rolls-Royce a household name around the world. Even today, he’s still known as ‘the hyphen in Rolls-Royce’ – a fitting tribute to a truly remarkable man.” Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations and Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
A BIG PERSONALITY
When the Hon Charles Stewart Rolls first met Henry Royce in Manchester on 4 May 1904, the first person he shared the news with was his business partner, Claude Johnson.
Johnson, a large-framed, extroverted man 13 years older than Rolls, initially ran scientific and trade exhibitions in his career, then served as the first Secretary of the Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland for six years before joining C S Rolls & Co in 1903.
At the fledgling Rolls-Royce company, Johnson brought in much-needed commercial acumen and financial backing, leveraging his talent for marketing and organization.
MAKING HIS MARK
Johnson, in 1906, became the first Commercial Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Limited, excelling in sales and marketing. He convinced Royce to focus on a single model, the 40/50 H.P., which he named the Silver Ghost. He also persuaded Royce to supply every car with an official mascot, leading to the enduring symbol, the Spirit of Ecstasy.
A FRIEND INDEED
During Royce’s health struggles in 1911, Johnson took him on a rejuvenating road trip through Europe to Egypt, and bought land in the South of France for Royce’s new home in Le Canadel, near Nice.
‘THE HYPHEN IN ROLLS-ROYCE’
Johnson continued leading Rolls-Royce until his death in 1926 at 61, marking him as the company’s longest-serving chief executive. His influence on the brand was far-reaching, profound, and lasting, earning him the moniker ‘the hyphen in Rolls-Royce’.
WORTHY SUCCESSORS
The executive title at Rolls-Royce changed over time, following Johnson’s role as Commercial Managing Director. Notable successors include Ernest Hives and Dr Frederick Llewellyn Smith.
DRIVEN TO SUCCEED
Ernest Hives, who started as Charles Rolls’ chauffeur, played a pivotal role in the development of Rolls-Royce’s aero engines and automotive products, eventually becoming Managing Director and later Chairman until his retirement in 1957.
A COMPLETE CHANGE
Dr Frederick Llewellyn Smith led the transformation of Rolls-Royce’s Crewe factory from producing wartime Merlin aero engines to civilian car production. His visionary leadership resulted in the production of innovative models like the Silver Dawn, Silver Cloud, and Silver Shadow, before retiring in 1967 as Chairman.
INTO THE MODERN ERA
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, as CEO since 2010, has overseen the complete transformation of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars during his almost 14-year tenure. His leadership introduced various new models, an expansion in Bespoke offerings, and the launch of the first all-electric Rolls-Royce, Spectre in 2022. His successor, starting from November 30, 2023, is Chris Brownridge, former CEO of BMW UK.
In 1973, Gerhard Richter, a renowned contemporary painter, created the “Red – Yellow – Blue” group of paintings specifically for the entrance foyer of the BMW Group Headquarters in Munich. These monumental paintings have now been restored and are once again on display at their original location.
The BMW Group is committed to promoting culture and art, which is why they commissioned the comprehensive restoration of Richter’s iconic artwork. State-of-the-art technologies and techniques were used to restore the brilliance and intensity of the original colors while preserving Richter’s vision. The paintings are now presented in specially designed glass showcases that protect them from UV light and maintain the optimal temperature conditions.
Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Human Resources and Real Estate, expresses pride in presenting Richter’s paintings in a way that honors their significance. These artworks have been at the core of BMW’s commitment to international culture for the past 50 years, making them particularly meaningful to the company.
Richter’s artistic approach often involved creating paintings based on photographs of color samples that he personally mixed on a palette. The “Red – Yellow – Blue” paintings, created in 1973, represent the culmination of Richter’s exploration of the palette motif. These large-format paintings, previously only displayed in the foyer of the BMW Headquarters, showcase his mastery of combining the three primary colors on canvas.
Dr Matthias Mühling, director of the Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus und Kunstbau in Munich, highlights the significance of Richter’s exploration of painting’s possibilities and limits. By using the three primary colors, Richter delves into the essence of painting itself. His abstract and figurative works demonstrate how these two forms can inform and influence each other, challenging our understanding of painting.
The restoration of the three “Red – Yellow – Blue” paintings required the use of modern technologies and techniques. Over the years, the colors had lost their brilliance, and the restoration aimed to return the paintings to their original depth and unity. A team of experts, including art historians, material scientists, and restorers, meticulously worked on the paintings to ensure an authentic restoration process.
The restoration process involved conserving and restoring the original substance of the paintings, as well as using specially developed color blends to restore fine transitions and nuances. The result is a revival of Richter’s impressive work, with the original depth of color once again revealed.
The “Red – Yellow – Blue” paintings were first documented in the publication “Gerhard Richter. Red – Yellow – Blue. The Paintings for BMW” by Prestel Publishing in 2007. This volume explores Richter’s artistic development and raises questions about modernism and the transition to postmodernism. It also delves into the context of the paintings and their connection to the location, including the BMW Group plant, the Olympic grounds, and BMW Headquarters.
When it comes to symbols of excess, affluence, and influence, six driven wheels on your daily driver have become the new scissor doors. Back in the day, the vertical lift of a Lamborghini’s door instantly telegraphed your place in the social hierarchy: at the top. In today’s car culture, its six wheels on a car otherwise meant to operate with four.
The recently introduced Brabus XLP 900 6X6 is that kind of statement piece. Beginning life as an already impressive Mercedes-AMG G63, the XLP 900 6X6 is the result of some mad scientists at Brabus being given carte blanche to develop the ultimate truck. That’s right, this thing has a bed despite the donor vehicle being a fully enclosed SUV. I suppose making it a pickup is small potatoes after you’ve already decided to add a third driven axle.
We chose the XLP 900 6X6 as this month’s cover car because it reminds us what we love about duPont REGISTRY: turning the page and being arrested by a picture of a car for sale that’s wilder than we could have ever imagined. And yet, it exists, and it’s for sale. That’s the feeling it gives us, and you can read the rest of the story on Brabus’ brutish six-wheeled Mercedes-Benz with a bed on page 14.
This month’s other feature car is wholly different. The Rolls-Royce Spectre is arguably the most significant product the luxury car maker has ever built, but it looks similar enough to the Phantom Coupe it replaces that you might mix up the two. You can’t tell at first glance that enclosed within is the marque’s first all-electric powertrain. Will the Spirit of Ecstasy faithful embrace the brand’s electrified future? We’ll tell you why they should on page 22.
We also spent some seat time with the new BMW M2, an engaging, charming, and decidedly unexpected creation from the people who brought you the 2002. The M2 is a hell of a fun ride, and its front end lacks the oversized double kidney grille that’s appeared on so many other BMWs lately and roiled the brand’s user base. We have nothing to complain about regarding the M2, yet we still have many things to say, which you can read on page 28.
It’s also that time of year to start thinking about Monterey Car Week on the California coast. Book your lodging and transportation early, and don’t forget to wander through the event’s parking lots for the best unofficial car show you could ever attend. We’ve got more tips on how to prep for Pebble Beach on page 46, as well as a look back at the most expensive auctions ever hosted at Monterey.
We end this month’s issue with an important piece on watch safes. God forbid the worst-case scenario happens and a burglar is standing in your bedroom, wondering what to take. On page 70, we show you some options that will ensure your watch collection doesn’t make his list.
Summer’s almost over, but rather than dwell on where you’ll go this year when the weather turns, how about sitting back and enjoying the final rays of summer on a beach chair reading this month’s issue of duPont REGISTRY? Maybe you’ll turn a page and be stopped by something special you’ve never seen before.
Yamaha, one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers globally, has achieved unprecedented sales growth in the first half of 2023. With a diverse range of models tailored to specific markets, Yamaha continues to expand and meet the evolving needs of riders worldwide.
On August 8, 2023, Yamaha Motor released its sales report for the first half of the year. The company’s President and CEO, Yoshihiro Hidaka, announced that they have set new sales records for this period. Hidaka stated, “We achieved new records for net sales and incomes in the second quarter of fiscal 2023. The strong demand for motorcycles and marine products drove higher unit sales, resulting in a significant increase in overall sales and profits.”
The demand for motorcycles was the primary driver of the sales growth in the first half of 2023. Asian and European markets experienced rising demand as more individuals seek sustainable transportation options. Hidaka also mentioned that the US market maintained robust demand. It is worth noting that Yamaha’s Land Mobility Business includes various vehicles such as ATVs, ROVs, Snowmobiles, Smart Power Vehicles, e-bikes and e-scooters, as well as electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters, in addition to motorcycles.
For the first half of 2023, Yamaha reported net sales of 795 billion yen (approximately $5.5 billion USD), representing a remarkable 15.4% growth compared to the same period in 2022. The operating income also saw significant growth, reaching 69.4 billion yen (about $483 million USD), an impressive 88.9% increase compared to last year.
Reflecting the increasing popularity of electric motorcycles, Yamaha announced a potential merger with its subsidiary, Yamaha Motor Electronics Co., Ltd. This subsidiary specializes in producing electric motors and essential electronic components for vehicles, indicating Yamaha’s commitment to electric initiatives in the future.
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