Tag Archives: makes

What the hell is going on at Tesla?

What a distinction a 12 months makes. In spring final 12 months, Tesla threw open the doorways of its Texas Gigafactory to traders with a purpose to lay out plans for international domination of the automotive trade with gross sales of 20 million a 12 months.

Now these plans – for a brand new Mexican plant, for an inexpensive ‘next-gen’ Model 2, for a brand new ‘unboxed’ manufacturing course of, for extra gigacasting – basically lie in ruins.

The ‘deep bench’ of executives who took to the stage to elucidate their position within the transformation has been decimated amid a sequence of brutal job cuts.

Makita’s Staple Gun: Everything You Need To Know Before You Buy

Makita’s 18V LXT Crown Stapler has a user-friendly design that makes it straightforward to function, even if you happen to’re a newbie. Weighing simply 5.3 lb. and that includes a compact construct and a rubberized smooth grip deal with, you should use this device for a very long time with out experiencing the fatigue you’d with heavier and bigger energy instruments. It has loads of helpful options, just like the window on the journal that tells you when you must load extra staples. The staple gun additionally has a depth management knob that may come in useful if you wish to change the driving depth to swimsuit the thickness of the fabric you are utilizing. Additionally, the journal is fabricated from sturdy machined aluminum that makes it straightforward to load staples and ensures clean feeding of the staples with none jams.

When utilizing any energy device, security is essential. Makita is aware of this and has integrated its STAR Protection Computer Controls know-how into the 18V LXT Crown Stapler. This technology, which is exclusive to Makita, protects towards overheating and overloading, enhancing the device’s security whether or not it is plugged in or in use. Furthermore, though this crown stapler is battery-operated, Makita has added a fan to its Rapid Optimum Charger to regulate the temperature of the battery, permitting for quicker and extra environment friendly charging. The device additionally has a three-year restricted guarantee, so must you uncover any manufacturing defects down the road, you possibly can have the device changed or repaired.

Ferrari SF90 XX and Spider assessment

This strategy does bear fruit, after you have the boldness to make use of it, and it makes what can in any other case really feel like a barely straight-laced chassis much less naturally poised and extra given to understeer in sure circumstances than, say, a 296 GTB or 488 Pista, extra animated and interesting when cornering just-so. The SF90 XX’s additional downforce is clear coming into quick braking zones, too, and in preserving the rear axle secure by means of fourth-gear corners.  

The hassle is that it isn’t like a Ferrari to be so prescriptive about how and when it’s actually ready to deal with. Typically, they really feel agile, alive and interesting in so many various methods. 

The SF90 XX desires to set some floor guidelines. It could be rewarding whenever you play by them, and it’s all the time preposterously fast. But it’s a straightforward automotive to overdrive in slower corners, getting scruffy whenever you don’t fairly give it the best enter. In faster ones, in the meantime, all of that mechanical and aerodynamic grip, allied to a barely unpredictable entrance axle, nonetheless makes it a nerve-testing prospect – simply because the common SF90 could be.

On the street, a few of these dealing with traits nonetheless apply, although speeds are a lot decrease and downforce will not be taking part in a component. But on twisting roads, the XX likes to be braked deeper right into a bend, the place it turns extra readily than for those who do not, and with immediate electrical increase out there to complement a cracking V8 soundtrack on nook exit. 

It rides nicely, too. The roads round Modena are nearly as unhealthy because the UK’s, and it is certainly one of many causes Ferraris journey as compliantly as they do. Even an XX on 255/35 R30 entrance and 315/30 R20 rear tyres rolls over, reasonably than lumping into, bumps and ruts.

You can inform a little bit that some chassis stiffness has been given away within the conversion from coupé to convertibe. That’s inevitable in nearly each drop-top besides a carbonfibre-tubbed McLaren. But as soon as you’ve got stopped noticing a small shimmy of the rear view mirror over huge lumps, you possibly can neglect it fairly simply.

Wind buffeting within the XX Spider is barely modest, too.

Who Makes Harbor Freight’s Ratchet Straps And Are They Any Good?

Haul Master makes a wide range of completely different load capability ratchet straps. The lowest is the 400 lb. Capacity 1 in. X 15 ft. which comes as a four-pack. It comes with a 4.6 out of five-star ranking from different 10,000 patrons. Many of the written opinions have been constructive, stating that the straps might maintain objects reminiscent of field springs throughout transport and maintain down covers on boats. Due to them being such an inexpensive possibility, although, a number of patrons weren’t comfy driving at excessive speeds with them. Even extra, a couple of opinions complained that the straps broke whereas getting used on heavier objects like bikes.

A extra heavy-duty possibility is the 1000 lb. Capacity 1-1/2 in X 10 ft. This one obtained a 4.4 out of five-star ranking from over 1,000 patrons. Many stated they felt well-made and labored nice with their off-road automobiles. However, the most important points gave the impression to be the size of the straps, and that the hooks had a shallow grip, which might trigger them to unhook in the event you hit a bump on the freeway and if there may be any give with the merchandise they’re holding down like shocks on an ATV.

The E30 M3 Sounds Best as a Tarmac Rally Car

The E30-generation BMW M3 is most well-known for its Touring automotive racing success. But it makes for an equally wonderful rally automotive, as this video proves. Though the automotive won’t have as many outright wins because it has in DTM, you’ll be able to’t deny the excellence of its soundtrack.

The Speed Infinity YouTube channel reduce collectively a handful of clips exhibiting precisely what the M3 does finest: Get sideways whereas spinning close to and at redline someplace in japanese Europe (probably Lithuania, judging by a few of the license plates). All of those M3s have been transformed to full-on rally automobiles, full with full cages and what seems like free-flowing intakes for his or her high-strung S14 four-cylinder motors. 

Short gearing and fearless drivers means we are able to hear these automobiles lengthy earlier than they seem on digital camera, flying by every cog and not using a trace of hesitation, regardless of the slippery surfaces, blind corners, and lack of runoff. No, these M3s aren’t practically as fast as trendy WRC automobiles, however these drivers are dedicated. This is precisely what rally is all about. 

This sort of flat-out driving is much more commendable when you search for costs for first-generation M3s. They’ve turn out to be full-on collector automobiles, which means a crash in certainly one of these might be extraordinarily expensive if the chassis wants changing. So to the folks nonetheless racing E30 M3s, we salute you.

2025 Indian 101 Scout: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

Indian Motorcycle makes a mark in MY2025 with its new, souped-up 101 Scout mannequin that takes the venerable model-family to heights of efficiency as but unseen from this resurgent American marque. New bodywork, a brand new body, and up to date suspension bits pushed by the brand-new SpeedPlus V-twin engine prioritizes efficiency like no Scout has earlier than. The manufacturing facility additionally assembled a collection of elective tools packages for fast customization without having to select the objects a la carte so you possibly can arrange for commuting, mild touring, or simply trying cooler than the opposite aspect of the pillow.

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Stylish and quick, the Indian Scout Bobber makes for an ideal every day rider

2025 Indian 101 Scout

Expert Opinion: What’s to not like on this new Indian 101 Scout? It has a extremely cool look that simply screams “West Coast Custom” with a clubber bent, nevertheless it’s the efficiency that actually sells this bike. Rebuilt from the bottom up, it is simply the factor for fiery-eyed pegdraggers who’re past the entry-level however do not wish to go along with one of many Big Twin fashions.

Model
101 Scout
Engine
1,250 cc V-twin
Transmission
6-speed guide
Horsepower
111 HP @ 7,250 RPM
Torque
82 LB-FT @ 6,300 RPM
Driveline
RWD
MSRP
$16,999
Pros

  • Sharp new look
  • Powerful new engine
  • Fully adjustable suspension
  • Decent infotainment and ride-control electronics
Cons

  • Could use extra colorways

What’s New For 2025

This is a ground-up rebuild that is a part of the general overhaul of the Scout line typically to deliver this traditional model-family updated to the trendy requirements. A brand new set of bones provides all of the Scouts a performance-oriented bent with optimized dealing with and cornering. Light weight and a low seat top reinforce the sporty dealing with traits. The bodywork, sparse as it’s, brings a brand new edge to the traditional Scout look whereas sustaining that historic vibe that Indian pulls off so properly. Perhaps better of all is the brand new SpeedPlus engine that actually strikes Indian’s V-twin Scout engine properly into trendy efficiency territory.

2025 Highlights

  • Edgy new sheet steel bits
  • West Coast vibe from the bullet fairing
  • Performance suspension parts
  • Powerful new powerplant
  • Pre-packaged customized accent units

2025 Indian 101 Scout Performance And Capability

2025 Indian 101 Scout cruising on the road
Indian Motorcycle

This new SpeedPlus engine within the 101 Scout is kind of spectacular. With simply 76 cubic inches, this 60-degree V-twin manages to do the work of a bigger mill. The 2025 Indian 101 Scout produces 111 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque. It has a moderately excessive rev restrict for a V2 as properly, with the ponies topping out at 7,250 RPM, and the grunt maxing out at 6,300 RPM, although a lot of that torque is on the market earlier within the vary for stable gap pictures and blistering acceleration. This efficiency profile comes from the oversquare structure that sees a 104 mm bore and 73.6 mm stroke for a complete displacement of 1,250 cc and sizzlin’, 12.5-to-1 compression ratio that can take supreme pusholine to keep away from misfire points. Dual over-head cams time the four-valve heads, and variable valve-timing deepens the torque properly for loads of low-down grunt with out sacrificing top-end efficiency. Liquid cooling offers with the additional warmth from the additional energy.

Power flows by way of a gear-type major drive, normal clutch, and a six-speed transmixxer earlier than heading to the rear wheel through a carbon-reinforced, belt-and-pulley drive. The 101 Scout comes inventory with the Limited +Tech trim package deal that brings the total RIDE COMMAND infotainment package deal with navigation, climate, visitors and extra to the desk together with a trio of Ride Modes and traction management to spherical out the engine’s security electronics.

Performance Specifications

Engine

Liquid-cooled, V-twin, DOHC, 4-valves per cylinder, semi-dry sump

Displacement

1,250 cc

Bore x Stroke

4.094 in x 2.898 in

Compression

12.5 : 1

Power

111 HP @ 7,250 RPM

Torque

82 LB-FT @ 6,300 RPM

Fuel System

Electronic gasoline injection, closed loop / 60 mm bore

Final Drive

Belt drive, 146 tooth

Clutch

Wet, multi-plate

Gearbox

6-speed, fixed mesh / foot shift

Related

10 Reasons Why You Need The Indian Scout In Your Life

The Scout is the smallest bike within the Indian vary, nevertheless it may simply be one of the best

Design And Styling

Indian’s trendy Scout line has had its personal evolutionary arc because the model relaunched. A traditional mannequin, the manufacturing facility manages to seize the air of yesteryear with out remaining a slave to it to offer the 101 Scout a totally trendy look. Both fenders obtained the chop all the way down to the restrict of performance, Gasser type, and the entrance fender doubles as a spoiler for the entrance forks.

A West Coast-style bullet fairing provides it a clubber/gangster vibe that pairs properly with the brand new, teardrop gasoline tank, and bar-end mirrors for an up to date, customized look over the earlier technology of Scouts. A gunfighter-style seat slings your butt at a low 25.7 inches off the deck, which is confidence inspiring at stops and provides you loads of leverage over the machine. All the instrumentation shoehorned into the 4-inch spherical shade TFT show as a part of the Limited +Tech package deal retains the cockpit clear, even with all of the goodies on-board. Copious blackout remedy completes the customized look of the 101, and it goes fairly properly with each the pink and white shade packages.

Perhaps Ben Lindaman, Product Director for Indian Motorcycle, stated it finest:

“Scout is a beloved model and the most iconic and historic of our lineup, resonating with all types of riders, men and women, from all over the world. Since launching the current Scout 10 years ago, the mid-sized cruiser segment has evolved. After conducting tons of research, rider insights drove our developments that prioritized the Scout’s iconic styling, its class-leading performance, and new rider-centric technology.”

Specifications And Dimensions

Length

86.9 in

Seat Height

25.7 in

Wheelbase

61.5 in

Ground Clearance

4.4 in

Fuel Capacity

3.4 gals

Dry Weight

529 lbs

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Chassis And Handling

2025 Indian 101 Scout cruising across sand
Indian Motorcycle

The body on the 101 Scout is new for 2025, however you possibly can see the clear DNA markers from Scouts of current classic, to incorporate the rigid-esque geometry that features the rear shock that is laid at an angle to finish the impression. Steering geometry is about for a little bit of stability at pace with a 29 diploma rake angle and 4.8 inches of path. A set of 43 mm, USD entrance forks float the entrance finish on 5.9 inches of journey, whereas out again, a set of piggyback shocks care for enterprise with a 3-inch stroke. Both ends are adjustable, so you possibly can dial it in as you please.

Cast-alloy wheels mount Metzeler Cruisetec hoops in a 130/60-19 forward of a 150/80-16 with an H pace score that can deal with every part the 101 can dish out. Dry weight is available in at 529 kilos, and the manufacturing facility provides you the instruments it is advisable handle it with twin, 320 mm entrance discs with four-bore calipers to chew them, whereas out again, a single-pot binder and 298 mm disc haul issues down. ABS safety comes inventory, so you possibly can safely get probably the most out of the anchors when issues get dicey.

Chassis And Suspension

Front Suspension/ Travel

43 mm Adjustable inverted telescopic cartridge fork/ 5.9 in

Rear Suspension/ Travel

Dual piggyback shocks, absolutely adjustable/ 3.0 in

Rake

29°

Trail

4.8 in

Front Wheel

Cast 5-Spoke, 19 in x 3.5 in

Rear Wheel

Cast 5-Spoke 16 in x 3.5 in

Front Tire

Metzeler® Cruistec® 130/60B19 61H

Rear Tire

Metzeler® Cruistec® 150/8016 77H

Front Brake

Dual 320 mm semi-floating rotor with 4-piston calipers

Rear Brake

298 mm semi-floating rotor with 1-piston caliper

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Harley-Davidson Sportster S vs The Indian Scout Bobber

Harley-Davidson brings the Sportster bang updated, however is it higher than the Indian Scout Bobber?

2025 Indian 101 Scout Price And Availability

MSRP on the 2025 Indian 101 Scout begins at $16,999. The colorways are fairly hanging with a alternative between a Sunset Red Metallic base shade and a Ghost White Metallic, each with edgy tank graphics that put the look excessive. That value consists of the standard-equipped Limited +Tech trim package deal.

Pricing And Features

Features

RIDE COMMAND

Colors

Sunset Red, Ghost White

Price

$16,999

2025 Indian 101 Scout Versus Its Competitors

Performance V-twins at this displacement aren’t as plentiful as among the different engine varieties, however nonetheless there are some seemingly suspects that will attraction to the identical form of rider: Suzuki’s Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S. and the Sportster S from Harley-Davidson.

How The Indian 101 Scout Compares To The Harley-Davidson Sportster S

  • 2025 Indian 101 Scout 2024 Harley-Davidson Sportster S
    Engine 1,250 cc V-twin 1,252 cc V-twin
    Transmission 6-speed guide 6-speed guide
    Horsepower 111 HP @ 7,250 RPM 121 HP @ 7,500 RPM
    Torque 82 LB-FT @ 6,300 RPM 93 LB-FT @ 6,000 RPM
    Driveline RWD RWD
    MSRP $16,999 $16,999

Harley-Davidson seems to have seen which method the wind was blowing, and that it wanted to modernize its choices, so it dropped the venerable Evolution Sportster engine in favor of one thing that’s far more trendy and succesful, particularly the Revolution Max 1250T engine. It rocks 121 ponies and 93 kilos o’ grunt with an identical high-revving nature to the Scout that sees max energy at 7,500 RPM. Harley packs in its full infotainment system together with full, corner-optimized, ride-control options that truly put the 101 to disgrace on this explicit class. Good sufficient is nice sufficient, however Harley takes it to a different degree. H-D additionally goes with adjustable suspension, entrance and rear. Pricing begins at $16,999 to place it neck-and-neck with the Indian, and the King of Paint affords twice the variety of colorways.

Related

2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster S: Performance, Price, and Photos

With trendy styling, improved efficiency, and electronics, here is why this new iteration represents a complete new period for Harley’s Sport line

How The Indian 101 Scout Compares To The Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S.

  • 2025 Indian 101 Scout 2023 Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S.
    Engine 1,250 cc V-twin 1,783 cc V-twin
    Transmission 6-speed guide 5-speed guide
    Horsepower 111 HP @ 7,250 RPM 128 HP @ 6,200 RPM
    Torque 82 LB-FT @ 6,300 RPM 118 LB-FT @ 3,200 RPM
    Driveline RWD RWD
    MSRP $16,999 $15,599

Next up is Suzuki’s Boulevard M109R Blacked Out Special Suzuki with its customized curves and American type structure full with bullet fairing and V-twin beating coronary heart. This bike has an nearly Arlen Ness-like move to the bodywork that neither of the others can contact. It has one of the best of each worlds with a solo-ish saddle that may be arrange for a passenger as properly, however maintains that loner search for the remainder of the time. Suzuki packs within the cubeage with a 1,783 cc, 54-degree V-twin engine with 123 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque for an unsurprising edge in efficiency, although the 764-pound curb weight will sap the efficiency a tad. The B.O.S.S. is, nonetheless, fully devoid of ride-control electronics of any kind to cede a big edge to the others. The value is shut at $15,599, however not sufficient to excuse the dearth of ‘tronics.

He Said/She Said

He Said

“Man, I like this bike. To be honest, I was never much of a Scout fan in the earlier generations, but this thing is boss. The electronics are seriously sweet, especially for a bike this size, and will hold the 101 Scout in good stead against similar bikes on the market. The new engine is a gem, and it will be interesting to see how it performs, and what the next updates will hold. One thing is for sure, Indian is on the right track to restore its former glory and position as America’s oldest motor-bike builder.”

She Said

My spouse and fellow bike author, Allyn Hinton, says,

“Since the Scout was introduced in 1920, it’s been the lightweight, nimble stablemate in Indian’s lineup. The 101 Scout, named for its claimed 100 MPH top speed, was a hot ticket when launched in 1927, and this new 101 pays homage to and continues the legacy of that original version. It’s probably the best Scout the Scout has ever been.”

This Is The Only Snowmobile Designed By Pininfarina, And It’s Electric

Geographically talking, the place you reside makes an enormous distinction in what the cultural sentiment is like about electrical automobiles. Sweden is among the fastest-growing international locations on this planet so far as battery-electric car adoption is anxious. In December 2023 alone, the nation noticed BEVs make up a full 63.1 p.c of recent car registrations. 

With public sentiment so excessive, it isn’t shocking {that a} startup like Vidde Mobility was born in Sweden in 2021. It’s not concerned with making automobiles, although, and even bikes (not less than not thus far). Instead, it has been busy engaged on its first electrical snowmobile design, and it did not hesitate to call in Pininfarina to assist with the heavy lifting of making a hanging minimalist design.

Just take a look at it.

Vidde Alfa Snowmobile Render

Vidde Alfa Snowmobile Render

To be honest, that is type of Sweden’s nationwide aesthetic. While we won’t say for sure whether or not it felt that it had the hopes of a nation resting on its shoulders, what we are able to say is that the Vidde Alfa comes with some lofty ambitions hooked up. The firm is advertising it because the “world’s cleanest snowmobile,” and claims that it produces lower than 100 grams of CO2 per kilometer. 

Of course, any and all OEMs could make no matter claims they like; it is how impartial testing after the car is out within the wild seems that may inform the truest story. There are plans for different electrical snowmobiles within the works, most notably the grizzled snow veterans over at Ski-Doo.

But for now, these have but to materialize, and are nonetheless situated firmly sooner or later.

Vidde Mobility says that it has been testing its pre-production Alfa through the 2023-2024 season, with plans to enter the complete manufacturing and cargo part later in 2024. On February 18, 2024, it opened preorders on its web site. What’s the ultimate value going to be? A cool €26,200, which works out to about $28,545 as of March 15, 2024. 

The check mules have the next specs, which can change previous to manufacturing:

  • Level 2 charging in 3.5 hours
  • An electrical motor that produces a claimed 175 horsepower and 400 newton-meters (about 295 pound-feet) of torque
  • Towing capability (steady tow) of 270 kilograms (about 595 kilos)
  • Lowest begin temp is -35 levels Celsius (about -31 Fahrenheit)

We’ll have an interest to see the way it does as soon as it is out within the fingers of riders, in addition to any reviewers that Vidde invitations to check it out (nudge, nudge). With Sweden and different Scandinavian international locations over on the excessive finish of EV adoption, it is clear that the challenges of checking out EV batteries and chilly climate aren’t fully insurmountable.

Why should not a snowmobile from Sweden be the following transfer ahead?

Volkswagen Passat

A regular digital tailgate operate makes accessing the boot simple, and a low loading lip and a flat boot ground additional contribute to its excellent practicality. The Passat now exudes a extra upmarket really feel than at any time in its lengthy historical past.

The dashboard and different components of the inside use higher-quality supplies than these discovered within the Mk8, together with a brand new backlit fascia panel with colour-customisable lighting. It’s not fairly as opulent because the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, however it’s now quite a bit nearer on haptic qualities.

The inside design is closely associated to the ID 7’s, with a ten.3in digital instrument show and a 12.9in infotainment touchscreen, the latter utilizing the newest iteration of the Volkswagen Group’s MIB working system with new menus and, from this summer season, a voice management system that makes use of synthetic intelligence.

Buyers can choose for a bigger (15in), higher-resolution central show, as fitted to our automotive.

There can also be a newly designed steering wheel that forgoes the fiddly capacitive controls of current Volkswagens for simple buttons. The local weather controls are actually absolutely built-in into the touchscreen, working together with a brand new backlit slider controller that’s much more responsive than what went earlier than.

As in Volkswagen’s ID EVs, the gear selector has been relocated from its conventional place on the centre console to a steering wheel-mounted stalk, liberating up area for a sizeable storage bin housing a wi-fi telephone charging pad, a pair of USB-C ports and two cupholders.

Newly designed Ergoactive entrance seats, normal on sporty R-Line trim, mirror Volkswagen’s efforts to offer the Passat with a extra upmarket positioning and have agency and supportive properties. There are additionally new elective Ergoactive Plus seats with electrical adjustment, air flow and therapeutic massage features.

Other key choices embody a reworked head-up show. Among the usual tools on R-Line trim are LED headlights with automated high-beam, a rear-view digital camera, a leather-rimmed steering wheel, ambient lighting, stainless-steel pedals, tri-zone air con, adaptive cruise management, Dynamic Chassis Control and keyless entry.