There’s some debate about precisely who invented the grand touring coupé however little or no about the place, in nationwide phrases, it occurred.
The well-liked response to the query of what the primary and defining instance was is the 1951 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT (additional credit score if you happen to reel off the whole thing in a mockney twang, like Paul Whitehouse in his grocer’s apron).
It may have been the 1948 Ferrari 166 Inter, although, or the 1947 Maserati A6 – or one thing pre-war, even. Wherever the credit score finally involves relaxation, nevertheless, the gran turismo was positively given life after which popularised in Italy.
And reasonably regrettably, it may need simply been slaughtered in Warwickshire. That’s as a result of, so far as Aston Martin is anxious, the grand tourer idea, though wonderful for the likes of its personal DB5, Mercedes-Benz’s 300 SL, Jaguar’s E-Type and Ferrari’s Daytona, simply isn’t ‘grand’ sufficient to successfully describe its new DB12.
We’re to name this a brilliant tourer, apparently.
Introducing the Aston Martin DB12, Maserati Granturismo, and Ferrari Roma
Luckily, we will now depart Aston’s advertising spiel far behind, as a result of this broadly up to date coupé is about to check its value by turning into the British beef in an Italian panino sandwich.
On one flank is the brand-new Maserati Granturismo Trofeo, on take a look at right here in left-hand-drive kind however as a consequence of arrive within the UK very quickly in right-hand drive.
On the opposite is the automobile that its DB11 predecessor may by no means fairly topple: the painfully fairly, splendidly agile and demonstrative Ferrari Roma.
Whatever you need from a GT, be it magnificence, magnificence, pedigree, tempo, luxurious, touring practicality, pleasure, noise or simply essentially the most worshipful standing within the golf membership automobile park, you can find it right here.
It might have been daring of Tesla to call the port and connector it invented in 2012 the “North American Charging Standard” — however after greater than a decade, it is starting to dwell as much as its identify. CCS dominated on the time, and for a protracted whereas solely Teslas used NACS, however that has modified over the previous few months. So far, main producers including Ford, GM, Rivian, Mercedes, Volvo/Polestar, and Subaru have dedicated to the usual.
Although it took some time, it is simple to see why NACS has begun to take off. Elon Musk’s firm made NACS “open source,” basically permitting different producers to implement it with out having to pay any charges. Then there are its advantages; Tesla claims it may ship extra energy, extra effectively, than CCS, which is turning into extra necessary as charging wattages enhance. It permits entry to Tesla’s huge and ever-growing supercharging community too, which arguably eases one of many largest points standing in the best way of EV takeup. Almost everybody appears to learn from the change to NACS. The largest losers appear to be Tesla house owners, who’re set to lose unique entry to what’s arguably the most effective charging community in North America.
Supermotos are probably one of the greatest things the human race ever invented. Take an incredibly fun-to-ride motocross bike and put some road tires on it, so you can ride it on the street. Even better, put some slick racing tires on it and race these pieces of motorcycle art around a small track. Since 2003, and AMA’s first-ever Supermoto Championship, their popularity only grew. So if you are looking for your next bike, besides buying a superbike or a supernaked, why not give a supermoto a chance? And when it comes to supermoto bikes, one name sure stands out, those three magical letters… KTM!
The KTM 450 SMR – Built To Dominate The Race-Track
KTM
Photo of a KTM 450 SMR doing a wheelie on a race-track
One of the best things, besides Arnold of course, that has ever come out of Austria. The KTM’s supermoto line, and the 450 SMR that was imagined as the ultimate track-day weapon. Without a doubt, this machine is just way too tempting to be overlooked, and for 2024, it’s getting even more addictive.
There are plenty of upgrades for the new 450 SMR, so let’s start with everyone’s favorite part. The engine. It is a one-cylinder four-stroke 449.9 cc engine that makes an impressive 63 horsepower. KTM swears that its new single-overhead-camshaft engine continues to be one of the most insane and perfectly executed mechanical gems. Going down the same line as their motocross and hard-enduro/dual-sport line-up, the 450 SMR’s engine was lightened (now weighs only 59 lbs) and pushed towards the center of the bike for better handling and anti-squat behavior.
How did they get a lightweight engine capable of pushing 63 horsepower? With the new cylinder head. Shorter and lighter with a more compact profile. Next was the new ultra-light crankshaft to offer more performance, better response when you twist the throttle, and to keep any pesky vibrations to a minimum. The housing for the crankshaft was made through a high-pressure die-cast process to get thinner and more durable walls. The slipper clutch is from Suter Racing and offers rear stability when you slam on the brakes in the middle of an apex.
The light-weight exhaust is a compact two-piece header that can easily be removed without messing around with the rear shocks. But, things get even better at the exhaust department. You can also order, from the KTM’s power parts list, an Akrapovič ‘Evolution Line’ exhaust. Made from light-weight, high-grade titanium, and 1,9lbs lighter than the stock one.
The frame was made to provide flexibility while keeping it solid length-wise. The sub-frame was made from reinforced aluminum and polyamide for increased durability and flexibility. The swing-arm was also made to be as light as possible, therefore aluminum was used to make it.
The suspension on the 450 SMR is top-of-the-line, specifically made for supermoto bikes. The front fork is a 48 mm air-sprung WP XACT that uses AER technology (basically a capsuled air spring and a pressurized oil chamber). It is easily adjustable through a single air-pressure valve. The rear shock is also WP XACT, and can be easily tuned without the need for tools. Wheels are light-weight Alpina, 16.5 at the front and 17 inches at the rear, and they come dressed in Metzeler’s Racetec K1 supermoto tires. To stop this bad boy is a job for Brembo brakes. A four-piston radially mounted caliper with a 310 mm disc at the front and a one-piston caliper with a 220 mm disc at the rear.
The high-tech stuff is also quite interesting. You get to choose between two engine maps. The first map gives you easily controllable, tamed power delivery. The second map will give you more of a no-holds-barred, anything-goes approach to power output (you were warned). Another cool feature is the easily de/activated quick-shifter that allows you to shift into higher gears without squeezing the clutch, but only from second to fifth gear. To keep you safe when things get slippery is what the traction control is for. If the revs jump too fast, the onboard computer sees that as a loss of grip and cuts down the power to the rear wheel. What kind of street rocket would the 450 SMR be without the launch control? Just press the traction control and quick-shifter button together for this to activate. All of these nice-to-have gadgets come with a base price of $11,999.
The Blue And White Option
Husqvarna
A studio photo of a Husqvarna FS 450 for 2024
The biggest competitor to KTM for the wildest bike is, who else but the KTM-owned Husqvarna. Both of their line-ups for 2024 seem to be aiming at each other’s throats. In the world of off-road bikes, this is the best news someone can hope for. Husqvarna’s FS 450 for 2024 seems more than upgraded and ready to take on the KTM’s 450 SMR.
Although the spec sheet reads the same, a keen motorcycle fan knows that the bike, and the company that makes it, is more than just a list of parts. Husqvarna and KTM do not make the same motorcycles. They are however, in this case, equally priced.
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