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News

Mild-hybrid tech boosts Vauxhall Astra economic system and efficiency

The Vauxhall Astra has gained a brand new 48V mild-hybrid powertrain for a 19% discount in gasoline consumption and decrease CO2 emissions. 

Available in each the hatchback and property variants, it is the primary such powertrain to be provided within the in style household automobile. It combines a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine with a 0.89kWh battery and an electrical motor, producing a complete of 151bhp and 169lb ft.

That energy is shipped to the entrance wheels by way of a six-speed dual-clutch automated gearbox that was developed particularly for this powertrain. 

The Miller-cycle engine makes use of a variable-geometry turbocharger, which permits the driving force to entry its efficiency at decrease bands of the rev vary.

Vauxhall claims gasoline consumption has been improved by 19% over the pure-ICE Astra, with WLTP economic system of as much as 60.1mpg. CO2 emissions in the meantime are as little as 112g/km, matching the Volkswagen Golf eTSI.

As properly as bettering economic system, the brand new powertrain will increase efficiency, significantly round city or when manoeuvring. 

The 0-62mph time has been slashed by 0.7sec for the hatchback, which completes the dash in 9.0sec. The property takes 0.3sec longer.

The Astra is the third mannequin in Vauxhall’s vary to make use of this powertrain, after the Corsa and Grandland. It’s additionally utilized by different fashions underneath the Stellantis umbrella, together with the Peugeot 3008 and Jeep Avenger.

Car review

Toyota Yaris

Toyota claims to have improved visibility by setting the instrument panel decrease and pulling the A-pillars additional again relative to the motive force. 

We really feel the general efficacy of those measures is marginal the place the view ahead is worried, however the Yaris actually does really feel spacious from inside – a minimum of for front-seat occupants, who are actually set 21mm decrease than the earlier era automotive.

The driver additionally advantages from adjustment for attain in addition to rake within the steering column, so it’s simple to discover a comfy and supportive place. The leather-trimmed steering wheel is especially good to carry, too, and wouldn’t even really feel misplaced in, say, the GR Toyota Supra.

In design phrases, Toyota has partly reinstated the playful environment the Yaris was as soon as identified for – the ‘binocular’ dial association throughout the instrument binnacle and curvaceous dashboard moulding are two apparent examples – nevertheless it has additionally injected some class into the cabin. 

It isn’t troublesome to search out laborious plastics (not least on the cheap-feeling door handles) however attention-grabbing materials, softer plastics and rubberised surfaces have been deployed among the many numerous surfaces and storage cubbies.

The basic curvature of the dashboard and door panels can be pleasing and is a departure from extra staid European rivals – the just lately rejuvenated French manufacturers however. Broadly talking, perceived high quality has additionally improved, in step with the twelfth-generation Toyota’s bigger hatchback, the Toyota Corolla.

Although the Volkswagen Polo and Mini are unlikely to really feel too threatened by the Yaris’ type, it would do sufficient to attract envious glances from drivers of the Ford Fiesta. 

But regardless of all this, and the outside progress spurt, the Yaris is much less spectacular by way of back-seat and baggage area. 

The Volkswagen Polo and Renault Clio do notably higher in each areas and in goal phrases, and the Yaris really has a touch much less roomy boot than its predecessor.

Toyota does a minimum of match a variable-height boot flooring, which is helpful on these events when most capaciousness isn’t required and the scale of the loading lip will be decreased.

Toyota Yaris infotainment and sat-nav

The Yaris launched with the Toyota Touch 2, the model’s touchscreen infotainment system, however the measurement of the display differs relying on which specification stage you select. 

Cars with the Icon trim made use of a extra dated 7.0in show, whereas the remainder of the Yaris line-up advantages from an 8.0in touchscreen, excluding the top-of-the-range Excel mannequin, which will get a much bigger 9.0in system. 

Perhaps crucial factor you might want to know concerning the infotainment system within the Yaris is that each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration come as normal. 

And, frankly, house owners are more likely to depend on these functions closely, not solely as a result of there exists no navigation provision with the essential system but additionally as a result of Toyota’s system of menus will be awkward to make use of, with small graphics and a few latency. 

Certainly, options such because the programs fitted within the Mini and Volkswagen Polo are significantly slicker. There are additionally USB ports and, on UK automobiles, standard-fit reversing cameras, albeit of low decision.

In phrases of {hardware}, the entry-level Yaris Icon makes use of a central 7.0in touchscreen, though our Design check automotive advantages from an 8.0in show. There are additionally USB ports and, on UK automobiles, standard-fit reversing cameras, albeit of low decision.

In 2024, all Yaris fashions will obtain an improve on this respect, gaining a way more trendy 9.5in touchscreen with crisper graphics and smoother operation. The highest trim ranges will get a ten.5in show. 

News

2024 Toyota GR Yaris Prototype Review

The decrease seat improves the driving place so that you simply really feel extra within the automotive than on it and your ahead visibility is massively enhanced. I’m barely sorry to see the outdated analogue dials go, however the digital devices give attention to the essential issues – velocity, gear place, revs – and general the dashboard is evident.

Most importantly, the driving expertise hasn’t been dimmed in any respect. The stronger entrance springs and anti-roll bar might have diminished turn-in enthusiasm, and possibly they’ve taken just a little edginess from preliminary turn-in, but it surely nonetheless feels wildly agile. The new transmission calibration nonetheless lets it straighten the road on nook exit. But the overwhelming expertise stays. This is a automotive that turns exceptionally willingly, permits a little bit of roll to lean towards, generates fantastical grip after which pings itself out of a nook with its 4 wheels shuffling to maximise each little bit of traction.

I choose the guide, however the auto is nice. It shifts intelligently in D, however take management your self and shifts are fast and clean sufficient, and if the 20kg adjustments the dealing with, I couldn’t really feel it. Brake really feel is terrific with both transmission and the steering has a fantastic weight build-up and street really feel. This is the five-star automotive we all know and, on this proof, nothing however enhanced.

Production will start in April and vehicles will begin arriving in June. If you will have a present GR Yaris on order, there are some months left to construct it and they’re going to promote it to you, however you would decide to delay and take an ‘Evo’. Why wouldn’t you? The first one remains to be nice and Toyota has not solely been shocked by the variety of prospects for the GR but additionally by their relative wealth. It’s not purchased like, say, a Ford Fiesta ST. A number of prospects have a number of costly vehicles however use the GR Yaris as their day by day.

This is a expensive automotive to develop and construct, and Toyota is now extra assured about its future. Pricing received’t be launched till March, however I ponder, given all that, whether or not it’ll take an increase. I might like to be mistaken and listen to that the engineers squeezed growth prices previous the accountants by saying they spent £500,000 on pencils. But both method, one of many nice present efficiency vehicles simply obtained higher.

Cars

Maintenance Tips To Help Increase The Longevity Of Your Honda Civic

Proper driving habits put much less stress in your Civic’s components and can decrease the necessity for replacements and servicing. As a normal rule, it is dangerous driving follow to speed up and brake instantly. Not solely does this put on your brake pads, rotors, and tire treads faster, nevertheless it may push components into positions they should not be in, damaging them. There are extra apparent guidelines, after all, like by no means exceeding your automotive’s most payload or towing capability and by no means ignoring a verify engine gentle on the dashboard.

For guide Civics, there are a plethora of dangerous habits it’s best to be careful for. Some vital ones it’s best to know are: do not shift gears too early, do not change from drive to reverse with out coming to an entire cease, do not rev too excessive whereas in low gear, and do not go away your foot on the clutch after altering gear. All of this stuff will put on out your automotive’s drivetrain, transmission, and engine a lot sooner.

Another vital driving behavior is rarely driving your Honda Civic with a low fuel tank. Driving round with a low tank implies that your Civic will seemingly attract dregs on the backside of your tank and clog or harm one thing. Gas additionally acts as a coolant on your gasoline pump, and it could overheat while you use it with low gasoline. Hondas are amongst the most fuel-efficient cars however strive to make sure your tank is a minimum of half full always.

News

A 705 HP Sleeper F-150 For Under $45,000 Brand-New? Here’s How

Summary

  • Town & Country Ford has developed the F-150 Sleeper, a powerful truck priced lower than the F-150 Raptor.
  • The Sleeper F-150 features a 5.0-liter V-8 engine with a Roush supercharger, producing 705 horsepower and 635 pound-feet of torque.
  • While the Sleeper F-150 may not have the same off-road capabilities as the Raptor, it offers a more affordable option for buyers seeking high-performance in a pickup truck.

Alabama dealership, Town & Country Ford, put their custom builders to work on a project rivaling the F-150 Raptor. With the singular mission of providing a high-powered truck at base model prices, TC Customs, Town & Country’s custom branch, equipped the humble workhorse with a not-so-humble supercharged V-8. Let’s just say they’ve cooked up the ultimate sleeper, and the best part is it costs half of what the Raptor goes for.

The Ford F-150 Raptor, as well as the Ram 1500 TRX, Tacoma TRD, and just about every other sport truck, are a popular buy for those looking to add a dose of performance to their pickup. However, the best-of-the-best, so to speak, of the above-mentioned trucks range from $50,000 and up. This leaves little room for the average enthusiast to get in on the fun.

Town & Country has found a way to make high performance more accessible, with the help of a 5.0-liter mill with a Roush supercharger. TC Customs has taken to calling the creation the F-150 Sleeper, a well-earned title for the unassuming pickup. Though TC Customs went with the base 2023 F-150 XL to keep total costs down, the 2023 model year features ample amenities and creature comforts, making it a valid competitor to the modern sport truck supremacy.

Gray Ford F-150 Tremor and orange F-150 RaptorRelated

Ford F-150 Battle: Skip The Raptor And Get The Tremor Instead?

While no one can argue with the F-150 Raptor’s incredible capability, here’s why the F-150 Tremor may actually be the more sensible choice

In order to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Ford, Town & Country, Ford Authority, Megarexx, and Factory Five.

Over 700 Horses, Under $50,000

The 2023 and 2024 F-150 Sleeper offered by TC Customs embody the “sleeper” element in a vehicle. Combining high performance with a casual appearance makes for interesting looks when it takes off like a rocket. This is a key selling point expressed in the advertising of the F-150 Sleeper.

This not only keeps the cost of the project to a minimum, it also opens the door for personalization, as the base F-150 XL is literally a blank canvas. Town & Country allows for the addition of optional features which include enhanced driver assist, safety, cosmetics, and functions. These optional perks may drive the price up, but considering the Raptor prices hover around $75,000, you may have a bit of wiggle room to customize.

Sleeper F-150 Performance

The Sleeper F-150 has yet to be tested on the road or track, though the upgraded powertrain gives us an idea of what to expect. The engine, which is a 290-horsepower 3.3-liter V-6 in base form, receives a 5.0-liter V-8 swap. Next, to give the Sleeper its extra push, a 2.65-liter Roush TVS R2650 supercharger is installed.

Sleeper F-150 and F-150 Raptor Specs

Sleeper F-150

F-150 Raptor (V-8)

0-60 MPH

NA

3.6-Seconds

Top Speed

NA

114 MPH (gov. limit)

Horsepower

705

700

Torque

640 Pound-Feet

640 Pound-Feet

Curb Weight

4,500 – 5,000-Pounds (est.)

6,077-Pounds

Layout

Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, electronic ten-speed automatic transmission, two-door, single-cab pickup

Front-engine, four-wheel drive, electronic ten-speed automatic transmission, four-door, five-passenger pickup

(Source: Town & Country, Ford)

All said and done, the Sleeper F-150 is rated at 705 horsepower and 635 pound-feet of torque. For illustration, the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor, when equipped with the high-output 5.2-liter supercharged V-8, puts out 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque. If anything, this power comparison is enough to raise the eyebrows of truck and sport truck enthusiasts.

The Raptor

The Ford F-150 Raptor has become one of the most recognized vehicles on the market, transcending the sport truck class and finding prominence in the performance community as a genuine, purpose-built performance vehicle. With extensive off-road and aftermarket upgrades, the Raptor can back up its claim as the top competitor. Its popularity has led to top brands and custom shops looking to topple it from its podium, among them, the TC Customs F-150 Sleeper.

Shelby F-150 vs Raptor R

Related

Shelby F-150 Vs. Ford F-150 Raptor R: Which One Should You Pick?

With the new Raptor R out, is it worth considering the Shelby F-150 trucks instead? We compare cost, capability, and collectibility, as well as looks

TC Customs And Ford Performance Optional Upgrades

Ford F-150 with FP700 package

TC Customs is a part of Town & Country Ford, a licensed Ford dealership. This means that buyers have the option to add Ford’s licensed upgrades. Upgrades can range from enhanced driver assist and safety to cosmetics upgrades both exterior and interior.

Optional 2023 F-150 XL and F-150 Sleeper Upgrades

  • Whipple 3.0-liter supercharger (F-150 Sleeper only)
  • Chrome front and rear bumper
  • Colored grille accent
  • Vinyl seats
  • Lane-keep assist
  • Trailer-reverse guidance
  • 4G Wi-Fi hotspot

Additional changes that can be made to the Sleeper F-150 upon request include a Whipple supercharger like the one offered on Ford’s factory performance upgrade. The Sleeper F-150 is offered with a 2X4 configuration, but those wanting four-wheel action can request it. Demand and availability are limited on the 4X4 models, but if Town & Country can procure it, they’ll offer it!

Ford’s Factory Supercharged Upgrade

The Blue Oval does offer a factory-backed supercharged upgrade, which features a performance and cosmetic upgrade. The FP700 package is designed and installed by certified Ford Performance technicians, which gives peace of mind when dealing with high-powered upgrades. Offered in either Bronze or Black, the FP700 package is compatible with any 5.0-liter 2021-2023 F-150 and includes the above-mentioned Whipple 3.0-liter supercharger.

FP700 Upgrades

  • Whipple 3.0-liter supercharger
  • Front/rear bumper cosmetic upgrade
  • Stylish wheel upgrade
  • Color accent and decal package
  • Ford Performance vents
  • Ford Performance floor mats
  • FP700 interior badging

The FP700 upgraded F-150 is rated at 700 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, taking it closer to the numbers produced by the Raptor, but not quite able to top its power. The cost of the FP700

News

Adjust Your Chain In One Go With BPA Racing’s Chain Adjustment Tool

Many modern motorcycles are shifting away from the traditional chain-drive system in favor of low maintenance alternatives like belts or shafts. However, most performance-oriented motorcycles still use chains to deliver power to the rear wheel. If you own a chain-driven motorcycle, chain adjustments are likely a part of your regular maintenance routine.

Adjusting the chain on your bike can take anywhere from five minutes to an hour, depending on the model. Some lower-end motorcycles have finicky chain adjusters that make it difficult to align both sides of the axle. On the other hand, higher-end motorcycles have precise chain adjusters that don’t move when the axle is loosened. However, aligning the rear wheel is not the only challenge. Achieving the right amount of chain slack can require multiple attempts, as you manually measure the chain’s movement with a ruler or tape measure.

Adjust Your Chain In One Go With BPA Racing's Chain Adjustment Tool

However, BPA Racing has developed a unique solution to help you save time and effort when working on your motorcycle. Their chain adjustment tool simplifies the process by allowing you to set your bike’s chain slack in one go.

To use the tool, you first need to adjust your chain correctly and calibrate the tool accordingly. Once calibrated, attach the tool to your chain and adjust the tension until the lines align. From then on, you can easily handle chain adjustments by referencing the calibrated tool. This tool is especially convenient for individuals who frequently perform maintenance on their bikes, such as off-road or track riders.

The BPA Racing chain adjustment tool is made of stainless steel and features aluminum rings and a handle for easy operation. The kit comes in a case and includes a spanner and torx key for calibration. You can purchase BPA Racing’s products from their official website, with the chain adjustment tool currently priced at $45.95 USD, discounted from the standard price of $89.95 USD.

Adjust Your Chain In One Go With BPA Racing's Chain Adjustment Tool
Volkswagen

“Unboxing” in Salzgitter: Prime Minister Stephan Weil Opens First Industrial Machine for Future Gigafactory

A significant milestone has been reached for the Salzgitter Gigafactory as Prime Minister Stephan Weil of Lower Saxony unveils the first industrial machine for the cell factory. The machine, which measures around 10 x 3 meters, marks the beginning of a new construction phase. The ramp-up of the machine and equipment park will now commence, with over 2,500 standard containers needed solely for equipment delivery. The Volkswagen Group’s battery company, PowerCo, is on schedule for its first mega project, and battery cell production at the Salzgitter site will commence in 2025.

Prime Minister Weil visited Salzgitter as part of his two-day summer tour focused on energy in Lower Saxony. The Gigafactory is regarded as an industrial symbol in Germany and a showcase for Lower Saxony as a location. Additionally, the Gigafactory leads the way in sustainability by relying on renewable energy and implementing innovative production processes like dry coating, which can reduce energy usage by up to 30 percent in the future.

Weil explained, “Volkswagen’s decision to construct the first gigafactory for battery cell production in Lower Saxony was courageous and wise. The pandemic has shown us the importance of being self-reliant in crucial areas of production, particularly regarding the battery, which is an essential component of electric vehicles. We must ensure that Germany remains a hub for battery cell production in the face of high energy costs.”

Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board Member Group Technology, stated, “A year ago, this area was just an open field, but now we are already setting up the first high-tech machines. This demonstrates the speed at which we are executing our plans. PowerCo is well on its way to becoming a global player in the battery industry, potentially serving as a new, future-proof powerhouse for Lower Saxony and Germany.”

The Gigafactory Salzgitter covers an area of approximately 2 million square meters, equivalent to around 280 football fields, making it one of the largest construction projects in Lower Saxony. In total, three PowerCo sites are under construction, including Salzgitter, Valencia, and St. Thomas, Canada. These factories combined will have a total capacity of up to 200 gigawatt hours per year, enough to power over 2 million electric cars.

PowerCo: Attracting Battery Experts

PowerCo is becoming a draw for battery experts. By July 1, 2023, the battery company is expected to employ its one-thousandth employee. By the end of the year, the workforce is projected to grow to up to 1,500. The average age of employees is currently 38, and more than a quarter come from international backgrounds. PowerCo also boasts a higher-than-average female representation of over 30 percent compared to the rest of the industry.

PowerCo CEO Frank Blome stated, “We are building an exceptional team. One year after its establishment, PowerCo has become an attractive destination for experienced battery specialists, who are highly sought-after worldwide. Simultaneously, we are actively training and qualifying our Group employees. In times of skilled labor shortages, this gives us a clear competitive advantage.”

Featured

Volkswagen Taigun Gets New GT Variants And Limited Editions With New Colours

With the new variants and prices, the DSG option has become more accessible in a lower trim while making the top-spec GT+ variant more affordable

Volkswagen Taigun limited editions

  • Volkswagen debuted the new GT variants and special colours at its annual meeting in April.

  • It is accepting bookings for the SUV’s limited editions only via its website.

  • The GT DSG is placed above the GT MT while the GT Plus MT slots below the GT Plus DSG.

  • All the new variants are only available with the larger 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine.

  • The new variants along with the limited editions are available in the new Deep Black Pearl, and Carbon Steel Grey Matte shades.

  • Feature highlights on the limited editions include red accents inside and out, and gloss black finish.

  • New variants are priced from Rs 16.80 lakh to Rs 19.46 lakh (ex-showroom pan-India).

  • Deliveries of the limited edition models will begin from July 2023.

After debuting at the carmaker’s annual meeting in April this year, the new variants under the Volkswagen Taigun Performance Line have now gone on sale. Apart from that, the SUV has also received two new limited editions as part of the ‘GT Edge Limited Collection’, bookings for which are open only online.

New Variants And Prices

Variant

Price

GT DCT

Rs 16.80 lakh

GT+ MT

Rs 17.80 lakh

GT+ MT Deep Black Pearl

Rs 18 lakh

GT+ MT Carbon Steel Grey Matte

Rs 18.20 lakh

GT+ DCT Deep Black Pearl

Rs 19.26 lakh

GT+ DCT Carbon Steel Grey Matte

Rs 19.46 lakh

For reference, Volkswagen only offered the entry-level Performance Line GT trim of the Taigun with the 6-speed manual transmission while the top-spec GT Plus was limited to the 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic) only. Now, both GT variants powered by the 150PS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine get a choice of both transmissions.

Volkswagen Taigun GT badge

The new GT DCT variant slots above the GT MT, which is priced at Rs 16.26 lakh. On the other hand, the GT+ MT is placed below the GT+ DCT that costs Rs 18.71 lakh. With the new variants, the DCT option has become more accessible on the lower trim while making the top-spec GT+ variant more affordable. 

The Taigun is also available with a smaller 1-litre turbo-petrol unit (with both 6-speed MT and AT), offered with the Dynamic Line variants – Comfortline, Highline, and Topline.

Volkswagen will be offering the Taigun in the Deep Black Pearl and Carbon Steel Grey Matte shades for a limited period. The carmaker will start handing them over to customers from July 2023. It’s also worth noting that these GT Edge variants will be manufactured on the basis of bookings, kind of built-to-order.

Also Read: These Are The Top 3 Family SUVs In India Under Rs 20 Lakh According To A.I.

What’s New With Taigun GT Edge Variants?

The Deep Black Pearl edition features typical GT-specific upgrades including red brake callipers, red stitching for seats and red ambient lighting that contrast even more to the new glossy black exterior. On the other hand, the Matte edition gets a gloss black finish for the ORVMs, door handles and the rear spoiler as well as red accents on the front and sides.

Apart from this, the SUV continues with the same equipment list as before. This includes a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, auto climate control, a single-pane sunroof, and ventilated front seats (still not available on the standard GT variants). Its safety kit includes up to six airbags, a reversing camera, electronic stability control, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages.

Also Read: Apple iOS 17 Will Include Cool New Features For CarPlay And Maps Application

Price And Rivals

The Taigun continues to be priced between Rs 11.62 lakh and Rs 19.06 lakh (ex-showroom pan-India) with only the new limited edition colours adding a premium to the GT Plus DSG variants. It fights it out with the Toyota Hyryder, Maruti Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, MG Astor, Skoda Kushaq, and the upcoming Citroen C3 Aircross and Honda Elevate.

Read More on : Volkswagen Taigun on road price