Chinese electric car maker Nio will launch a brand new funds model codenamed Firefly into European markets in 2024, geared toward small automobiles the dimensions of the Volkswagen Polo.
Firefly – which will likely be launched alongside another new EV sub-brand known as Alps – was “designed and developed for Europe”, Lihong Qin, president and co-founder of Nio, advised journalists on a name on Friday.
“Firefly is going to give us smaller cars but with advanced technology,” Qin added.
Qin singled out Volkswagen, which is creating the ID 2 small electric hatchback on the market in 2025 for an entry goal value of €25,000. Other rivals will likely be China’s BYD, which has simply launched the Dolphin small EV, in addition to Renault, which subsequent yr will launch the brand new retro-styled 5 electric hatchback.
Nio is presently creating a brand new model of its battery swapping platform to have the ability to settle for smaller batteries that can work with its extra mass-market-focused manufacturers, in addition to newly-signed battery swap companions Geely and Changan, Qin mentioned.
The new platform would use an 800V structure that may facilitate sooner charging within the absence of a close-by swap station.
Nio presently sells automobiles in 5 European markets, together with Germany, with its premium-angled electrical automobiles such because the ET5 Tourer. However, it now needs to maneuver into the mainstream phase, each with Firefly and Alps.
The firm’s model positioning would see Nio compete towards established premium marques equivalent to BMW, Mercedes and Audi, whereas Alps would sq. up towards Tesla with direct rivals for the Model Y and Model 3, Qin mentioned.
Alps can be scheduled to return to Europe.
Nio has strongly hinted that it needs to enter the UK market, however that now gained’t occur till 2025 on the earliest.
“Right-hand-drive prototypes do exist, but we will first focus on understanding and establishing ourselves in [other] European markets.” CEO William Li advised Chinese media not too long ago.
The German aftermarket accessories manufacturer has a comprehensive range of kits and accessories for the Honda XL750 Transalp. Touratech is fully committed to Honda’s midsize adventure bike.
Honda’s adventure-tourer is anticipated to be the primary long-distance off-roader in the lineup, alongside the Africa Twin. Despite the Transalp having numerous accessories from the dealer, Touratech’s offerings may entice you to go for aftermarket upgrades.
Powered by Honda’s twin-cylinder 270-degree parallel twin, the Transalp is versatile for various riding purposes. Suitable for touring, long-distance rides, off-roading, and dirt riding, the components from the German manufacturer aim to enhance the bike’s performance and capabilities.
Starting with the luggage options, Touratech offers a range of aluminum pannier systems for extended journeys. These include the ZEGA Mundo, Pro, and Evo product lines along with a top case. The rack system is made of stainless steel, featuring a quick-release top box and a luggage plate on the rack for securing soft bags.
In addition, the Touratech Discovery2 soft luggage system fits the Honda Transalp seamlessly, providing 50 liters of waterproof luggage volume with two 7.5-liter side bags. There is also a tank bag available in seven or 10-liter variants called the Touring Bag Midi. Furthermore, rear bags, pillion bags, the Rack Pack from the Extreme Edition, and the practical Ibarra handlebar bag complete the soft luggage range.
Aside from luggage, there are also protection accessories to prepare the Transalp for any kind of ride. The Expedition engine guards shield the bike during off-road rides, while lower engine protectors safeguard the radiator and lower crankcase. Defensa hand guards, supported by an aluminum bar, provide substantial protection.
Moreover, Touratech offers several suspension upgrades for the Transalp, including front and rear setups for travel or extreme off-road use. The suspension products feature an E1 type shock for the rear, a Level2 PDS “Travel” series rear spring and damper combo, and an Extreme shock absorber for more intense off-roading. Additionally, there is a front Cartridge Kit Extreme designed for rallying, available in special versions that can lower the Transalp’s ride height by up to 25 millimeters.
For a full list of products, here are the Touratech parts available for the Honda XL750 Transalp:
Touratech Parts for the Honda XL750 Transalp (selection)
MV Agusta, the maker of the most beautiful sport bikes and hyper nakeds, has recently ventured into the realm of adventure bikes with the LXP Orioli. This motorcycle derives its inspiration from the golden era of rally racing, and rightfully so, is named after the Dakar legend, Edi Orioli. At first glance, the MV Agusta LXP Orioli seems like a promising adventure bike, but MV Agusta claims this bike is the world’s first all-terrain luxury vehicle. One might argue otherwise, considering how far full-size ADVs have come in 2023, but what the bike does promise is an unparalleled MV Agusta experience that can finally go off-roading.
This is a special edition bike that will be produced in limited numbers, and each bike will come with some awesome goodies and Orioli’s original signature. It also gets awesome race-spec brakes and beefy suspension! Since it’s an MV Agusta, it’s gotta be gorgeous, but will its underpinnings deliver as well as its design? Let’s take a quick look at the 2024 MV Agusta LXP Orioli and explore what the bike has to offer.
The MV Agusta LXP Orioli is not a standard adventure bike by any means, and even MV Agusta refers to it as a luxurious adventure bike. So, it’s not a surprise that it comes packed with special features as standard equipment. These components make the LXP Orioli ready to hit the highways as soon as it leaves the showroom floor, so make sure you pack your luggage when you head to get the delivery of this bike.
Standard Equipment
Adjustable-height seat
Edi Orioli’s signature — not a sticker, a real signature
Side panniers with 32L + 39L capacity
Center stand
Racing skid plate
Takasago Excel tubeless spoked rims with aluminum hubs
Crash bar
LED auxiliary lights
9A Racing Kit For The Luxury ADV
MV Agusta
Who was ever satisfied with a stock ADV? If you think your rare ADV is not special enough, you also get the Dedicated Kit for your MV Agusta LXP Orioli. This racing kit doesn’t include a lot, but it seems totally worth it. Our favorite bit of the Dedicated Kit box would be the Termignoni 3-exit titanium slip-on exhaust with carbon fiber heat shield and end cap, saving more than 8 pounds. You also get a bike cover and a certificate of authenticity — just in case anyone asks if your MV Agusta is a souped-up KLR.
8Comfort For Days, On- And Off-Road
Seat Height: 33.46″ to 34.25″
MV Agusta
The LXP Orioli is a luxurious adventure bike, so our expectations are high when it comes to comfort. According to the brand, the LXO Orioli has an optimized ergonomic triangle that offers agility and stability in a variety of riding conditions, on- and off-road. Thanks to the adjustable seat height, most riders will enjoy complete foot contact, and the windshield is aerodynamically designed to stream air over your shoulders and helmet.
You may not see the “luxury” in many aspects of the 2024 MV Agusta LXP Orioli, but one area where the bike exudes the utmost luxury is in its comprehensive electronics package. For starters, the bike features a new-gen 7” TFT display with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, along with the MV Rider App and MV Green Box, featuring anti-tampering, trip logbook, remote diagnosis, alarm management, and real-time tracking. There are also LED backlit handlebar controls. The electronics suite further includes Mikuni ride-by-wire throttle, keyless ignition, advanced cruise control, and a bunch of rider aids and modes, thanks to its six-axis IMU.
Electronics Package
Four riding modes: Touring, Urban, Off-road, and Custom
Adjustable ABS with off-road mode and Rear Wheel Lift mitigation
Advanced cruise control
6Aerodynamics For The Long Haul
MV Agusta
Aerodynamics is not something you think of when looking at an adventure bike, but MV Agusta likes to do things differently. Thus, the brand has designed the luxury adventure bike with aerodynamics in mind, but instead of focusing on high-speed performance, the focus here is comfort. According to MV Agusta, the fairing and the windshield are designed to cut through the wind, reducing turbulence and noise you would otherwise face on your head, shoulders, and legs. Even the heat deflectors are designed to channel the hot air from the engine away from you.
Chinese premium EV maker HiPhi has unveiled a powerful four-door, four-seat hypercar that is slated to debut in 2025 and offers performance that rivals the likes of the Rimac Nevera.
Known as the HiPhi A, it is equipped with a tri-motor powertrain delivering an impressive 1287bhp. One motor is positioned on the front axle, while two are located on the rear axle, allowing it to accelerate from 0-62mph in approximately 2.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 187mph.
While HiPhi has not yet disclosed battery specifics such as range or capacity, it has been stated that it features an in-house-developed unit capable of discharging 1.5MW of power at its peak.
The A’s motor technology, described by HiPhi as “lightweight, compact, ultra-quiet and upgradable,” is sourced from Wesail New Energy Automotive.
Additionally, the A boasts active rear-wheel steering, variable damping, a 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, and torque-vectoring, resulting in a 15% improvement in cornering and a 10% enhancement in braking performance, according to HiPhi.
Design elements are shared with the boldly styled HiPhi Z saloon and HiPhi X SUV, both of which were introduced in Europe earlier this year.
The A also incorporates carbonfibre elements throughout, matte paint, a prominent rear wing, and wider tires compared to the other HiPhi models.
Internally, it features a “driver-focused set up” and a range of digital technology, with space for two passengers in the back.
Human Horizons, a Chinese tech firm, launched the HiPhi brand in 2017 and expanded into Europe earlier this year.
While the pricing for the A remains speculative, the Z and X are expected to be priced at around £100,000 in the UK.
HiPhi has stated that more information will be disclosed in the upcoming months.
Italian helmet maker Caberg just introduced its new Drift Evo II full-face helmet as part of its 2024 collection. It’s ECE 22.06-certified and comes with a load of the features that you’d expect from a modern full-face helmet, but it also comes with one extremely interesting and pretty unique feature (for a moto helmet, at least): An NFC Medical ID embedded in the spoiler.
Caberg collaborated with fellow Italian company FEI (short for “Fast and Ecological Information”) to integrate this functionality into its latest Drift Evo line iteration, the Drift Evo II.
If you use things like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet to pay for things using your smartphone, you probably already have some familiarity with Near-Field Communication (NFC). That’s the same technology that Caberg is using for its new Caberg SOS Medical ID system, which has so far only been announced on the new Drift Evo II lid in the helmet maker’s lineup.
How Does It Work?
Thanks to an NFC chip that’s embedded in the helmet and a sticker on the outside of the helmet that tells first responders where to scan, other people can access your selected personal data, medical information, and emergency contact information if needed. Think of it as a 21st century way to make your critical medical data more accessible in the event of an emergency.
Maybe you’re diabetic, or you’re deathly allergic to penicillin, or you have an important medical condition that first responders need to know about if you’re unable to tell them yourself. For decades, riders have been sticking that information on medical ID cards, bracelets, or other devices to make it more accessible to emergency responders. You always hope that you won’t need it, but you also figure that it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Once a first responder arrives on the scene, they can use their smartphone to scan the chip and view your chosen medical information and emergency contacts.
NFC Medical ID Isn’t New, But it Hasn’t Been Used Much In Motorcycle Helmets
If you’re into mountain biking as well as motorcycling, then it’s possible that you’ve already seen some POC Helmets mountain bike options that have NFC Medical ID functionality. Models including the POC Ventral Air Mips NFC use an NFC Medical ID solution from the Swedish tech company Twiceme that works much the same way.
Twiceme calls its system “Help the Helpers Technology,” allowing your co-riders, bystanders, or first responders to be able to access critical information quickly in the event of an emergency. While the company doesn’t make helmets or other safety gear itself, it’s partnered with several gear manufacturers across multiple fields—from bicycling to construction.
Mountain biking enthusiasts can also find Twiceme’s NFC Medical ID chips in use on helmets from Dainese and O’Neal. The company also announced a partnership with Schuberth in October 2023. Although Schuberth is well known in the motorcycle world, the helmets it has announced so far that will come with Twiceme NFC Medical ID tech will be of the industrial safety and fire varieties.
It’s 2023. Why Isn’t This Tech More Common on Motorcycle Helmets?
6Photos
Plenty of motorcycle jackets come with a special medical information pocket on the sleeve, where riders can stick the emergency information that they think should be known about them. Many are even waterproof, so they’re more likely to be legible if needed. Also, plenty of riders might have a Medical ID feature set up on their smartphone already—and in 2023, most riders are likely to carry smartphones (just like everyone else).
Also, there’s the constant question of knowledge. If first responders don’t know about this quick and easy way to access vital information, then how useful is it in practice? As an example, Arai and other helmet manufacturers have offered emergency release tabs to quickly remove rider cheek pads and get them safely and carefully out of their helmets for years.
Unfortunately, not every emergency responder is going to know that they’re there. The likelihood is probably higher for medical staff who frequently work at racetracks, but elsewhere, it might not be common knowledge.
If anything, NFC Medical ID systems like the one Caberg is now using are one more helpful idea to add to your arsenal. However, having that information easily available in more than one place might be the best idea of all.
Vauxhall is currently providing the largest discounts among all car manufacturers in the UK. When purchasing a new car through a PCP finance deal, buyers are able to negotiate an average saving of 17.5% off the list price.
The discounts on new Vauxhall cars, which are derived from dealer margins and manufacturer deposit contributions, have seen a substantial increase to £5459 per car from an average discount of 8.2% (£2282 per car) at the same time last year. These figures are based on data from What Car?’s Target Price.
Currently, discounts as large as 23.7% are available.
Liberty Walk, a Japanese body kit maker known for its flamboyant style, has applied its expertise to the latest Nissan Z. The result is a visually striking and eye-catching appearance.
The Liberty Walk body kit consists of six pieces. At the front, there’s a new bumper and fascia that give the tuned car a sharper and more pointed nose. The open portion of the bumper now extends across the vehicle’s entire width, adding to its aggressive look. The hood has also been redesigned with vented portions near the A-pillars, further enhancing the car’s aesthetics compared to the standard Z model.
One of Liberty Walk’s signature features is widened fenders, and they are present on this Z as well. The fenders have exposed fasteners where they attach to the vehicle, and the ones at the rear taper inward along the back edge, allowing a glimpse of the tires.
At the rear, the body kit includes a three-piece spoiler that adds a more aggressive touch to the tail of the Nissan Z. The revised bumper features a simulated diffuser between the exhaust outlets, completing the sporty look.
In addition to the body kit, Liberty Walk has added some extra aesthetic upgrades to this Z. The car sits on eight-spoke wheels with a gunmetal finish, reminiscent of the classic Minilite design. The exhaust pipes are wider in diameter and have a blue hue at the tips. Inside, the car is fitted with Bride sport seats.
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the pricing for the new E-Class Estate, with the top-of-the-range E300e plug-in hybrid in AMG Line Premium Plus trim costing £78,835.
At launch, there will also be two 48V mild-hybrid powertrains available in the UK: the 194bhp E220d diesel and the 201bhp E200 petrol.
The entry-level offering is the E200, priced at £57,930. The diesel engine costs £1290 more, and the PHEV carries a £9095 premium.
The E200 AMG Line, priced at £57,930, is the least expensive E-Class Estate available at launch. It comes with adaptive headlights, two-zone climate control, and heated seats as standard.
The new E-Class Estate will be sold alongside the Mercedes E-Class Saloon, which was revealed in April, as part of the model’s seventh generation.
The new estate is 28mm wider than its predecessor, and its wheelbase has grown by 22mm to 2961mm.
It offers 615 litres of cargo space, compared to the Volvo V90’s 650 litres and the Audi A6 Avant’s 586 litres. With the seats folded down, the cargo space increases to a van-like 1830 litres.
Plug-in hybrid models have 460 litres of boot space, which increases to 1675 litres with the seats folded, due to the location of the battery.
The model has also received a design refresh, with gloss black styling cues from the firm’s all-electric EQS model line-up. It features a sleeker roofline, while a new black panel stretches from the radiator to the headlights.
Makita’s Outdoor Adventure Coffee Maker is designed to provide optimal coffee brewing on the go. Powered by Makita’s 18V LXT battery packs, this portable siphon is completely self-sufficient. Simply attach a 5 Ah LXT battery, and you can brew up to three 5-ounce cups of hot coffee.
The device features a special permanent drip filter, eliminating the need for paper filters. Just pour your favorite coffee grounds or a single-serving pack into the receptacle, add water to the tank, wait five minutes, and enjoy freshly brewed coffee, just like at home. As long as there is battery charge and water in the tank, you can keep brewing coffee. If the water level becomes low, the coffee maker’s automatic boil dry protection feature will disable it until more water is added. When the battery runs out, simply replace it with another Makita battery pack to keep the coffee flowing.
The Outdoor Adventure Coffee Maker is designed to be compact, measuring at 8-9/16 inches tall and providing enough clearance for a 3-1/2-inch mug or thermos. With a weight of only 4.7 pounds, including the battery pack, it is easy to carry without straining your back.
You can purchase Makita’s Outdoor Adventure Coffee Maker on Amazon and at hardware chains like Acme Tools.
Premium French car maker, DS Automobiles, introduces public art tours for drivers to enjoy local culture on the move
‘Art Tour’ initiative comes after research showed that 55% of British public say entrance fees put them off visiting galleries and exhibitions
61% of Brits said that public art enhances the cultural identity of their community, with over half believing that public art has a positive impact on the local economy
DS Automobiles public ‘Art Tour’ offers five curated routes across the country for drivers to take in free and accessible art as they drive
Routes available to experience on DS Automobiles website here and users are invited to share their travels using #DSArtTour
DS Automobiles has launched a new series of public art tours to allow drivers to experience the best of their local culture while on the road. The five specially curated routes allow drivers to experience the French art of travel across all four corners of the country.
The Art Tour routes, available in London, North-East, North-West, East Anglia, and Central Scotland, provide drivers with greater access to the UK’s diverse range of art collections. The tours showcase a mix of sculptures, installations, and paintings, all free of charge.
The initiative was developed in response to research findings that 55% of British individuals are discouraged from visiting galleries and exhibitions due to entrance fees. Additionally, 33% of respondents expressed a need for more guidance on local art initiatives, galleries, or public art installations.
To access the Art Tour routes, drivers can visit the DS Automobiles website. All tours begin at local DS retailers and can be completed during a DS 24 Hour Test Drive, allowing potential customers to borrow a car for a whole day. The tours also provide recommendations for high-end restaurants and hotels along the way.
The available routes include Manchester to Liverpool, Edinburgh to Glasgow, Newcastle to Durham, Norwich to Aldeburgh, and London.
For example, the Manchester to Liverpool route suggests starting at the DS retailer in Manchester and visiting various art sites such as the street art of Withington, the ‘Dream’ sculpture, Barbara Hepworth’s sculpture on Liverpool University Campus, the abstract ‘Penelope’ in Wolstenholme Square, and the iconic Beatles statue on Liverpool waterfront.
In Scotland, the Edinburgh to Glasgow route allows drivers to see well-known pieces of public art such as The Kelpies near Falkirk, The Hope Sculpture on the Clyde, and the Central Glasgow Mural trail.
Drivers who complete the tours are encouraged to share their experiences using #DSArtTour.
DS Automobiles is known for its close association with the worlds of art and design. The brand offers a range of models, including the DS 3, DS 4, DS 7, and DS 9, each embodying French luxury savoir-faire. DS has been a partner of the Louvre Museum in Paris since 2015 and an official partner of Paris Fashion Week since 2019.
Julie David, Managing Director of DS Automobiles UK, stated, “We hope that our new Art Tour routes offer drivers the opportunity to experience more of the cultural experiences that the UK has to offer, while bringing a little bit of the French Art of Travel to the roads of the UK.”
Research conducted by DS also revealed that 60% of Brits feel uninformed about art and artists, despite acknowledging the positive impact of art on the local economy. Claude Monet was the most recognized artist, while Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ was the most recognizable individual work of art.
DS offers plug-in hybrid and 100% electric models across its range.
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