During the COVID pandemic, the RV industry experienced a surge in demand as people sought to embrace social distancing by purchasing motorhomes and camper trailers. However, the current situation tells a different story. According to data from the RV Industry Association (RVIA), sales in the first half of 2023 have plummeted across all categories, with one exception worth noting.
When we say “across the board,” we are referring to various types of recreational vehicles, including motorhomes, travel trailers, and pickup truck toppers. Travel trailers have been hit the hardest, witnessing a staggering 53.9 percent drop compared to the previous year. This category includes both standard towable and large fifth-wheel campers. However, the RVIA provides a separate figure for fifth-wheelers, which reveals a 50.9 percent decline exclusively for this group. Trailers with folding segments are down by 31 percent, while truck campers (categorized as trailers) have experienced a 33.8 percent decrease.
Honda is introducing new color schemes for its X-ADV 750 scooter. The 2024 model year will feature four new color options to keep things fresh and exciting.
The Honda X-ADV 750 is currently the largest scooter available from the Japanese manufacturer. It has set the design tone for other successful adventure scooters from Honda, including the ADV 160.
While the X-ADV received color updates in 2021 and 2022, the 2024 model year will bring additional new hues. Two “special editions” in gray and red, with extra decals, will enhance the style of this large adventure scooter. The color lineup will also include Matte Ballistic Black Metallic and Paco Blue.
The new colors for the 2024 Honda X-ADV 750 will be similar to the treatment seen on the Forza 750. However, these are the only updates for the 2024 model year.
No other changes will be made to the frame, engine, chassis, or features of the X-ADV. It will still be equipped with the same 745cc parallel-twin engine, producing 58.6 horsepower and approximately 50 foot-pounds of torque (69 Newton meters). The scooter will continue to have throttle-by-wire and offer up to five riding modes: Standard, Rain, Gravel, Sport, as well as a user-customizable mode. It will also retain up to three levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) system.
The 2024 Honda X-ADV will go on sale in 2024, alongside its sibling, the Forza 750. The official retail price has not been released yet, so pricing details will be announced in the future.
When it comes to production vehicles, very few can compare to the sheer power and speed of the Tesla Model S. Regardless of your stance on electric cars, it’s impossible to deny the jaw-dropping acceleration of this super sedan, with its 1,020-horsepower drivetrain propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in just two seconds and completing the quarter-mile in less than 10 seconds. The only compromise is typically seen in the top speed, as electric vehicles usually fall short compared to their combustion-powered counterparts.
However, there’s an exception to this rule. The Model S Plaid featured in an incredible recent video from AutoTopNL is certainly capable of reaching 200 mph. While the standard version of the Model S Plaid has a limited top speed of 166 mph, we have previously witnessed another Model S Plaid reach this speed in just 14 seconds. However, the Model S Plaid in this video has no such restrictions. Equipped with a track package and a full-size steering wheel, it was pushed to its limits by a skilled driver on a deserted stretch of the German Autobahn.
And the limit in this case? 328 kph, which is exactly equivalent to 203.8 mph. The highway was quiet enough for a full-throttle acceleration from a standing start, allowing us to witness not only the impressive final top speed but also the mind-blowing acceleration of the Model S Plaid. The video shows the car reaching 100 kph (62 mph) in just 2.56 seconds, followed by 200 kph (124 mph) in a mere 6.82 seconds. The official timer reveals a quarter-mile time of 9.62 seconds and a half-mile time of 15.03 seconds. The Model S Plaid covers a mile in 24.22 seconds, although the driver had already started decelerating by that point.
Unfortunately, the video does not include the time it takes for the car to reach its maximum speed from a standstill. However, based on the time stamps, it can be estimated that the sprint takes approximately 22.5 seconds, which aligns with the one-mile time as the driver starts to slow down at the mile-mark. All of this impressive performance is achieved in an eerily silent manner.
The video also features the Model S Plaid taking some laps at Circuit Paul Ricard in France, showcasing its prowess on the race track. While there’s no doubt about its formidable straight-line speed, the track package undoubtedly enhances its performance in the corners as well. Tesla recently reclaimed the Nurburgring lap record for a production electric vehicle, completing the Nordschleife circuit in an impressive 7 minutes and 25.23 seconds.
Discover essential tips and expert advice to keep your vehicle running smoothly and protect it from potential damage caused by the rain
During the monsoon season, it’s important to give your vehicle extra attention to ensure its performance, safety, and longevity. In this article, we will discuss the most common car care mistakes to avoid during the monsoon. By learning from these mistakes, you can save yourself from costly repairs and keep your car in good shape throughout the rainy season.
Neglecting Regular Washing
Don’t assume that the rain will clean your car for you. In fact, rainwater can contain harmful pollutants and acidic elements that can damage your car’s paint. It’s important to regularly wash and wax your vehicle to maintain its shine and protect the paintwork. Don’t forget to wash the tires and wheels as well.
Skipping Tire Maintenance
Wet roads increase the risk of hydroplaning, which can result in losing control of the car while braking or changing direction. Make sure your tires have proper tread depth and are properly inflated. Fresh treads are deeper and provide better water dispersal. Also, remember to rotate your tires regularly for even wear and better traction.
If your wiper blades are streaky and worn out, they can compromise visibility during heavy rainfall. Replace them if they leave smudges or make unusual noises. Consider using a rain repellent solution on the glass surfaces to enhance visibility and help water droplets roll off.
Overlooking Proper Drainage
Clear clogged drainage channels, including those around the sunroof and windshield, to prevent water leakage into the interior of your car. Inspect and clean the gutters to ensure water flows away from your vehicle. This is especially important if your car has a sunroof, as improper maintenance can lead to water damage and rust.
Failing to Protect the Interior
Moisture can seep inside your car during the monsoon season, leading to unpleasant odors and potential damage to your upholstery. If you live in an area with frequent rainfall, consider investing in waterproof seat covers to protect the interior from rainwater and mud. Switching to rubber mats can also help protect the interior in the long run.
Ignoring the Battery
The monsoon weather can be harsh on your car’s battery. Regularly check the battery terminals for corrosion and ensure a strong connection. Consider getting a battery check-up to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
If your car is parked in a waterlogged area or if you’ve driven through standing water, it’s important to clean the undercarriage to remove debris and protect vital components. Allowing debris to linger can cause rust issues and damage important parts of your vehicle.
Forgetting the Emergency Kit
Be prepared for unexpected situations. While new cars usually come with a basic first aid kit, it may not be enough during the rainy season. Keep essentials like a flashlight, emergency tire pump/repair kit, first-aid supplies, jumper cables, and a rain poncho or umbrella in your car.
Remember, taking preventive care of your car can go a long way in ensuring its performance and longevity, especially during the monsoon season. Stay proactive and enjoy a safe and trouble-free driving experience!
Toyota and Lexus love to keep their models unchanged for a long and after an excellent decade, the time to revive most of their SUVs and vehicles has come. Just lately, Toyota alone revealed a brand new Tundra, Tacoma, and even gave out rumors relating to the revival of the Land Cruiser nameplate within the US. Lexus can be following an analogous development and has simply launched the all-new GX.
The second-generation GX has been on sale for more than a decade and an overhaul from the bottom up was the necessity of the hour. Thankfully, that’s precisely what the world acquired and it is likely to be one of the surprising and thrilling options that Lexus may have offered.
A front-facing shot of the 2024 Lexus GX and 2023 Lexus GX
The world has developed a ardour for the outside. Adventure is one thing folks search as lives have gotten extra metropolis and routine oriented. As people, we have a tendency to like change. The sense of the unknown excites and intrigues folks in a means that appears to be lacking from fashionable dwelling. This is probably one of many foremost causes actions like overlanding, off-roading, and tenting have gotten extremely well-liked over the previous few years.
Now, this improve within the curiosity in outside car-based exploration actions has been noticed by automakers who’ve give you merchandise to fulfill buyer wants. Today, almost most 4x4s supply an off-road-oriented model and Lexus has additionally joined the sport. This is likely to be among the finest occasions to affix the off-road market because the curiosity in such automobiles solely appears to be rising. Oh, and it’s secure to say that the corporate’s first effort is a wonderful one.
The Lexus GX Now Offers An Overtrail Trim Level
Lexus
A side-view shot of the 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail
The new GX is the whole lot we didn’t anticipate it to be. It is boxy and old skool which has clearly made it interesting to loads of journalists and off-road fans. However, much more impressively, Lexus now presents the automobile in an Overtrail trim stage. As the identify suggests, this can be an off-road-oriented trim stage of the luxurious SUV.
The Overtrail comes with quite a lot of upgrades that make the GX extra adventure-ready. Firstly, the Overtrail will solely be accessible as a two-row automobile. This is finished to maximise cargo area enabling clients to make the most of the accessible area for tenting and off-road tools.
Also accessible on the Overtrail are some 18-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch all-terrain Toyo tires. The tire dimension and tire sort are nice for this automobile and may elevate the skills of the GX in comparison with the outgoing mannequin. Worth mentioning is the truth that Lexus additionally gave the GX entrance and rear restoration hooks, skid plates, and bumpers that supply nice method and departure angles.
Lexus
A 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail+ on the grass
Interestingly, the automobile is continually in 4 wheel drive because of the utilization of a middle differential. That heart diff may be locked to distribute equal energy to the entrance and rear axles within the occasion of slippage. A rear locker can be accessible as is crawl management and multi-terrain choose.
Finally, the Lexus GX sits on the same platform as the new Tundra, Tacoma, and Land Cruiser 300 series; due to this fact, unbiased entrance suspension paired with a strong coil sprung rear axle is anticipated. The GX options the identical engine because the stated fashions with energy figures sitting at 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This is a automobile that’s constructed for journey but additionally manages to sprinkle an excellent quantity of luxurious on prime.
The Most Impressive Feature About The New GX Is The Design
Lexus
A entrance 3/4 shot of a 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail
Some producers have gone again to old-school seems to be. Old college is extremely scorching proper now. Vintage 4x4s are promoting at loopy value tags and every time a producer comes up with a brand new automotive that’s barely extra angular and boxier than the remaining, the world appears to go loopy.
Of course, there isn’t any downside with that. Angular and boxy 4x4s do look higher as they’re extra purposeful and aggressive. The Lexus GX is proof of this as its design is probably essentially the most talked about trait of the automobile.
At first look, the spindle grille on the brand new GX is damaged up by a body-colored decrease portion that helps make it a bit extra refined in comparison with different Lexus SUVs. The headlights have the traditional Lexus “L” motif that on this occasion compliments the angular design of the automobile properly. Talking in regards to the angular design, the brand new GX has angles and sharp curves all over the place.
The hood bulges at both sides, there’s a distinctive kink beneath the rear home windows (that is harking back to the outdated Defender), and the meaty all-terrain tires, absolutely embrace the GX’s outdoorsy character. In the rear, the boxy design continues with sharp strains across the taillights. A big gentle bar that makes its means throughout the automobile additional exaggerates the width of the brand new GX.
Lexus
Rear finish of a 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail+
But wait, there’s extra. The outdated GX used to have a relatively bizarre slim and tall design that made it look a bit tippy. This isn’t the case with the brand new automobile as it’s each longer and wider. Wheelbase is now 1120 inches and width has now grown by 4.5 inches.
The most enjoyable a part of the design, nevertheless, is the colour Lexus determined to launch the Overtrail in. It is known as Earth and has a sandy/earthy colour to it that screams journey and is actually not anticipated to return from Lexus. That being stated, that is nonetheless a luxurious automotive; due to this fact, it breaks up the Earth colour through the use of a two-tone design with a gloss black roof and door handles. The fender flares are additionally black however aren’t shiny which is a good suggestion as mat black gained’t present off-road scratches as a lot.
The Interior Fits The Exterior Of The Vehicle Perfectly
Lexus
Interior shot of the 2024 Lexus GX dashboard
Inside, the brand new GX is a fabulous mix of butch and rugged with luxurious and cozy. The seats, for instance, now have an adjustable thigh cushion which was lacking from the outdated automobile. Even extra impressively, the choice of massaging seats is now accessible. Imagine cruising by means of the powerful trails of Moab Utah whereas getting a therapeutic massage in your Lexus. That can be insane!
The new GX additionally presents a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, a heads-up show, and Toyota’s newest infotainment system. Thankfully, Lexus has retained bodily buttons for the most typical controls. This makes the infotainment system simple to regulate even when bouncing round off-road or whereas sporting gloves.
The better part in regards to the inside is likely to be the truth that it follows the design of the outside. It is blocky and upright which differentiates it from the interiors of most fashionable SUVs. When being round or contained in the GX you’re feeling that it was constructed for a sure function and that function is protecting lengthy distances over harsh terrain in consolation and luxurious.
