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Motorsport

This 720 Horsepower Skoda With An Audi RS3 Engine Is Absurdly Quick

We do not get Skodas within the United States. And by “we,” I imply my fellow American colleagues and the vast majority of Motor1‘s viewers. But I’m lucky sufficient to dwell in Europe, the place Skodas are a typical sight on each road nook. The firm’s flagship mannequin is the Superb, however this one is not any unusual model of the Czech range-topper.

A previous-generation mannequin within the wagon physique type, this pre-facelift Superb hides an Audi secret below its hood. While Skoda offered the automobile completely with four-cylinder engines, this inexperienced machine ups the cylinder depend to 5. Yes, it has a 2.5 TFSI unit from an Audi RS3. The engine from Ingolstadt makes about 400 horsepower in inventory type, already a wholesome increase of 120 hp in comparison with probably the most potent Superb supplied by Skoda throughout this technology.

The inline-five has been massaged to ship a bonkers 720 hp and 830 Nm (612 lb-ft) of torque, subsequently turning an in any other case mundane midsize wagon into an absolute rocket. The sleeper household property was pushed onerous on an unrestricted part of the German Autobahn the place it wanted simply 3.32 seconds to hit 62 mph (100 km/h).

As if that wasn’t spectacular sufficient, it accomplished the 62 to 124 mph (100 to 200 km/h) dash in 6.06 seconds, reaching a 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h) run in simply 9.38 seconds. The quarter-mile took 10.77 seconds. Flat out, it nearly reached the magical 300 km/h (186 mph) mark. You can see the speedometer simply gave up after 260 km/h (162 mph), refusing to go any increased.

Back when emissions laws weren’t as strict, Skoda was promoting the Superb with greater than 4 cylinders. The first-generation mannequin for the reason that Volkswagen Group took over had V6 gasoline and diesel engines whereas its successor had a 3.6-liter VR6. The unique Superb supplied throughout the Thirties and Forties had an enormous ol’ 4.0-liter V8 in addition to a wide range of inline-sixes.

In 2024, the just lately launched Superb is a four-banger affair, topping out at 265 horsepower for probably the most potent mannequin of the lot. Sadly, Skoda has by no means supplied a high-performance RS version however this man constructed one for himself by cramming in an RS3 engine.

It’s an ideal all-rounder because it’s quick, sensible, spacious, and has respectable tech, with out shoving big screens in your face. The styling will not set your pulse racing however within the age of overdesigned vehicles, the sometimes understated Skodas are deemed as elegant by some of us, yours really included.

News

New Dainese Funes Gore-Tex Gloves Are Here To Keep Your Hands Dry

With colder and wetter weather already making its presence felt in the majority of the northern hemisphere, it’s always a good idea to be geared up in thermal wear to keep the cold at bay. Lots of riders are starting to put their bikes into storage in time for the cold season, however, if you’re not one of them, then chances are you’re looking to restock on thermal riding gear.

Dainese, one of the most popular brands when it comes to gear, has just introduced its newest pair of gloves called the Funes. These gloves are equipped with the necessary tech to keep your hands warm and safe in the cold, while at the same time remaining lightweight and comfortable. The gloves are primarily made out of a stretchable textile fabric, and feature goat leather inserts for added durability. Meanwhile, beneath the surface, the gloves get a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproofing and PrimaLoft Gold padding for extra comfort and protection.

On the technology side of the equation, the Dainese Funes feature an abrasion-resistant synthetic suede insert on the palm, as well as a Pro-Hand slider on the outside of the palm. There’s also a Pro-Tek protective shell on the knuckles, and a long cuff with a double-Velcro tightening system that can be tucked underneath the sleeve of your jacket. Thanks to all these features, the Dainese Funes gloves are PPE level 1 certified according to the EN13594 safety standard.

The Dainese Funes gloves are equipped with other features that are meant to improve convenience. For instance, it gets a Smart Touch insert on the index finger for compatibility with smartphones and other touch screen devices. There are also comfort gussets on the fingers and back of the hand to enhance range of motion – essential especially in colder weather.

When it comes to pricing and availability, the Dainese Funes Gore-Tex gloves are offered in sizes ranging from XS to 3XL, and come in only one black colorway. According to Dainese’s official website, they carry a retail price of $199.95.

BMW

Yes to BMW: Straßkirchen residents overwhelmingly support new high-voltage battery assembly site

The results of the Straßkirchen referendum are in and the majority of residents have voted in favor of building the new BMW Group facility. With over 75 percent of the vote, the council’s motion for a BMW assembly plant for high-voltage batteries was successful. Milan Nedeljković, a member of the BMW AG Board of Management, expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized that the planned location will secure the future of Bavarian vehicle plants by providing them with the necessary high-voltage batteries for e-mobility. The referendum’s outcome demonstrates the residents’ support for future-oriented technologies and jobs, as well as their commitment to making reliable decisions for a joint future. The next step in the construction process will involve a public consultation and presentation of expert opinions on the impact of the site development.

Jobs and apprenticeships for the future

The BMW Group plans to employ around 1,600 people at the production site once the initial construction phase is completed. The majority of these employees will come from existing BMW Group locations, allowing for the sharing of knowledge during the construction process. Additionally, about 50 apprenticeships will be offered in collaboration with Plant Dingolfing.

Business tax benefits

The BMW Group has already registered permanent establishments in Straßkirchen and Irlbach, resulting in business tax payments since August. These payments are expected to increase with the construction of the new plant, potentially reaching a high, single-digit million euro amount per year by the end of the 2020s.

Thorough site selection process

The BMW Group evaluated a total of 20 potential sites in Bavaria, considering various criteria in partnership with “Invest in Bavaria”. Straßkirchen and Irlbach were chosen due to their proximity to BMW Group’s Bavarian car plants, exclusion of nature reserves and protected areas, suitable plot size and shape, flat topography, and the presence of thousands of employees in the vicinity. Battery assembly within existing plant sites was ruled out due to space constraints. The BMW Group acquired a 105-hectare plot in Straßkirchen and Irlbach in February 2023, with the option to purchase an additional 29 hectares of adjacent land.

Securing Bavaria’s car-building future

With over 36,000 people employed in Bavaria’s vehicle plants, the new location will ensure the future of these plants by providing high-voltage batteries for electromobility. This commitment not only safeguards existing jobs at BMW Group’s car plants but also creates new jobs in the field of e-mobility. The choice of location will also protect and generate employment opportunities outside of the company, benefiting suppliers and service providers in Lower Bavaria.

Close integration of battery factory and vehicle production

Pursuing its “local for local” principle, the BMW Group strategically locates its high-voltage battery assembly facilities near its vehicle plants worldwide. This approach ensures continuous production, even in the face of unforeseen political and economic developments. It also strengthens existing locations, reduces the carbon footprint of vehicle production, and supports job retention and creation.

For more information

Additional details and the latest updates on the planned Irlbach-Straßkirchen location can be found on the project website at www.bmwgroup-werke.com/irlbach-strasskirchen.

News

Honda CB200X Gets a Refresh for the 2023 Model-Year in India

While in the US, motorcycles with a 200cc engine are considered small, in countries like India, bikes with engines larger than 300cc are considered “big bikes”. Due to the densely populated and traffic-laden roads in India, these bigger bikes are more suitable. However, they also come with a higher price tag. To cater to the Indian market, manufacturers often offer smaller-displacement versions of popular bike models. One such example is the Honda CB200X, which is a smaller version of the larger Honda CB500X.

Although the concept of a small-displacement adventure bike may not seem practical to some, it makes perfect sense in India. These bikes, like the CB200X, are ideal for comfortably covering long distances, especially considering the less-than-ideal road conditions in the country. The CB200X has been refreshed for the 2023 model-year and shares the same platform as the Honda Hornet 2.0 naked bike, but with all the characteristics of an adventure motorcycle.

Under the hood, the CB200X is powered by a 184.4cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine. Although it may not be known for its performance, as it only produces 17 horsepower and 11.2 pound-feet of torque, it is designed for longevity and reliability. For the 2023 model-year, the engine has undergone minor tweaks to the exhaust system and now complies with OBD-2 standards. The power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a manual five-speed gearbox, which now features a new slipper clutch.

In terms of its chassis, the Honda CB200X features a steel perimeter frame, inverted front forks, and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock suspension. It is equipped with front and rear disc brakes, but has rudimentary single-channel ABS. The bike rides on 17-inch tires front and rear, with tire sizes of 110/70 and 140/70 respectively.

For pricing and availability, Honda has slightly increased the price of the 2023 CB200X, which now retails for Rs 146,999 (approximately $1,767 USD). The price increase of Rs 2,499 ($30 USD) is relatively small, especially considering the updates the model has received.

News

Sawicki Speed Launches New Exhaust For Indian Challenger And Pursuit

Many cruiser riders appreciate the unique sound that their bikes produce, especially those with V-twin engines like the Indian Challenger and Pursuit. These bikes already have impressive V-twin sounds, but they can be enhanced even further with a high-quality aftermarket exhaust system.

Sawicki Speed, a performance exhaust specialist based in Denver, NC, has introduced a new exhaust system specifically designed for the Indian Challenger and Pursuit motorcycles. This new exhaust system is a Full-Length setup, joining the brand’s existing Mid-Length and Shorty offerings. The Full-Length exhaust system is ideal for riders who want to maintain the bike’s stock appearance while reducing weight and adding character by enhancing the engine’s sound.

In terms of functionality, the Sawicki Full-Length exhaust system offers weight savings of up to 23 pounds compared to the stock system. Additionally, the brand claims a power increase of eight horsepower and 10-pound-feet of torque. Sawicki attributes these performance gains to the exhaust system’s 1.75-inch to two-inch stepped design and hand-formed merge collector, which ensure precise airflow. The exhaust pipes themselves are made of mandrel-bent aircraft-quality 304 stainless steel tubes, hand-welded, and assembled in-house by Sawicki’s engineers.

Chris Clark, the president of Sawicki Speed, shared his vision for the Full-Length exhaust system, stating, “Our goal is to offer owners of these motorcycles a comprehensive line of exhaust upgrades to unleash a wicked sound while producing even more horsepower and torque. Is there anything better than upgrading your American V-twin with an American-made exhaust?”

Like all of Sawicki Speed’s exhaust setups, the new Full-Length system comes with all the necessary hardware for a seamless installation. Each exhaust system is backed by Sawicki’s Limited Lifetime Warranty, and you can further customize your preferred exhaust setup with optional stainless steel and carbon fiber heat shields (sold separately).

Sawicki Speed offers the exhaust system in three finishes: hand-brushed raw stainless steel, black ceramic, or a mirror polish finish. Additionally, you can choose from style pieces such as a black billet, aluminum, carbon fiber, or stainless steel end cap. The new exhaust system is now available for order on Sawicki’s official website.

Featured

Kia Seltos Facelift Registers Nearly 32,000 Bookings, Waiting Period Ranges Up To 3 Months


The higher-spec variants (HTX onwards) of the Kia Seltos have contributed a majority of the total bookings

  • Kia launched the updated Seltos in July 2023 in India.

  • The SUV got over 13,000 orders on the first day of opening its bookings.

  • Bookings for the new Pewter Olive colour account for nearly 19 percent of the total orders.

  • Its waiting period stands at up to two months in metro cities like New Delhi and Chennai.

  • The Seltos is priced from Rs 10.90 lakh to Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom pan-India).

The Kia Seltos facelift has amassed close to 32,000 bookings (31,716 to be precise) in the first month since the brand started taking orders for the updated SUV. It was reported earlier that the new Seltos had already garnered 13,424 bookings on the first day. For reference, the pre-facelift model had received more than 6,000 orders on the first day and had crossed the 50,000-bookings mark by October 2019.

…Wait, There’s More

Kia has revealed that nearly 55 percent of these total bookings have been registered for the higher-spec HTX variant onwards. The Korean carmaker has also shared that the SUV’s new India-exclusive Pewter Olive shade constitutes around 19 percent of the cumulative bookings.

Also See: Kia Sonet Facelift Caught On Camera For The First Time In India

What About Wait Times?

If you are located in metro cities like New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai, you will have to endure a waiting time of up to two months. Those in Mumbai can drive the SUV home immediately while those in Lucknow will have to endure the maximum wait of up to three months.

A Quick Recap Of The New Seltos

The Kia Seltos, with the midlife refresh, received various visual enhancements, including a redone front fascia and connected LED taillights. Inside, it now has a redesigned dashboard layout, with the highlight being the dual 10.25-inch screens (one for infotainment and the other for instrumentation).

Its equipment list has also expanded, with additions such as a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, and wireless phone charging. Safety features on board include six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, a 360-degree camera, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

The Seltos is still available with a range of engine-gearbox combinations, which are as follows:

Specification

1.5-litre N.A. Petrol

1.5-litre Turbo-petrol

1.5-litre Diesel

Power

115PS

160PS

116PS

Torque

144Nm

253Nm

250Nm

Transmission

6-speed MT, CVT

6-speed iMT, 7-speed DCT

6-speed iMT, 6-speed AT

Kia sells the Seltos with a price range of Rs 10.90 lakh to Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom pan-India). It competes against the Hyundai Creta, Toyota Hyryder, MG Astor, Maruti Grand Vitara, Skoda Kushaq, VW Taigun, and the upcoming Honda Elevate and Citroen C3 Aircross.

Related: 5 Things We Learned From Driving The Kia Seltos Facelift

Read More on : Kia Seltos on road price

Motorsport

2024 Buick Regal Receives Second Facelift in China

In 2020, Buick discontinued the Regal model in the US due to the growing preference for crossovers among consumers. The Australian equivalent, the Holden Commodore, met the same fate. Meanwhile, the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, its European counterpart, continued production but was also discontinued in 2022. However, in July 2023, China’s Auto Home magazine released official images of an updated Regal, hinting at an imminent local debut.

The 2024 Regal features the updated tri-shield logo, which was unveiled just over a year ago. Its second facelift includes a bold, trapezoidal front grille that resembles the shape of a catfish. This distinctive grille is enhanced by metallic trim pieces shaped like boomerangs, visually connecting with the revised headlights’ daytime running lights. The rest of the car maintains its side profile from the previous model introduced in early 2017, with the only noticeable change being the revised badge at the rear.


News, Technology

Twitter Introduces Ad Revenue Sharing for Blue Subscribers

Twitter is rolling out a revenue-sharing model for its Blue subscribers, but this opportunity is not available to most Twitter users. To participate, users must first pay for Twitter’s Blue subscription. However, that’s not the only requirement.

Even with a Twitter Blue subscription, users must have consistently achieved 5 million or more tweet impressions for the past three months to be eligible. This criteria excludes a significant number of Twitter Blue subscribers. Additionally, the revenue-sharing program is currently limited to creators based in the United States, excluding users from other markets.

Now that Twitter is sharing revenue with creators, it will be interesting to see if more creators take advantage of this opportunity and use the platform more often to maximize their earnings. In the long run, it is important to assess whether this move will have any impact on Twitter’s declining ad revenues, which have been steadily decreasing since Elon Musk’s takeover. Recent reports indicate a 59% plunge in the company’s U.S. revenues in just one year.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen shareholders formally approve actions of Board of Management and Supervisory Board and adopt resolution on dividend for 2022

At the Annual General Meeting of Volkswagen AG, the shareholders voted by a majority of 99.99 percent to approve the recommendation of the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board to increase the dividend for fiscal year 2022 to EUR 8.70 per ordinary share and EUR 8.76 per preferred share. This corresponds to a payout ratio of 29.4 percent and an increase of EUR 1.20 per share, which is significantly higher than previous year’s payout ratio of 25.4 percent.

At the beginning of January Volkswagen also paid out the special dividend from the successful IPO of Porsche AG in the amount of EUR 19.06 per ordinary and preference share.

The resolution on the formal approval of the members of the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board who held office in fiscal year 2022 was passed.

Dr Günther Horvath was elected to the supervisory board, succeeding the late Dr Louise Kiesling. Dr Wolfgang Porsche and Marianne Heiß were elected to the board for a further term of office. In addition, the adjustments to the remuneration of the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board were approved.