Tag Archives: Manufacturer

Taiga Motors Lays Off 70 Workers, Cuts Production After Lackluster Winter

Quebec-based electrical snowmobile and watercraft producer Taiga Motors simply launched its 2023 This autumn and full-year monetary outcomes, and although year-over-year revenues elevated from the CAD $3.2 million recorded on the finish of 2022 to CAD $16.1 million on the finish of 2023, the corporate is not trying all that nice.

For these on the US facet of the border, these figures convert to US $2,367,214 in 2022 and round US $12M in 2023. At the identical time, stock additionally elevated over the previous yr, going from CAD $20.8 million on the finish of 2022 to CAD $33.2 million on the finish of 2023.

These and varied different elements are a number of the the reason why Taiga additionally introduced that it is making two strikes it stresses are non permanent. One is pausing car manufacturing, due partly to the unseasonably heat winter and its unfavourable impacts on snowmobile gross sales. And the opposite is slicing 70 jobs from the employees who have been beforehand chargeable for making these Taiga Motors autos.

The firm introduced each its monetary outcomes and these two items of stories in an announcement revealed on its devoted Investor Relations website. There, it additionally introduced that “Taiga will not be hosting a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2023 results.” 

Was this transfer made proactively in anticipation of a unfavourable response to the job cuts? We cannot say what was going via the minds of the oldsters who made any of those choices, from those who selected to chop the roles to those who selected to not maintain a convention name the place contributors may ask questions in real-time as an alternative of personally emailing the CFO’s spam filter. 

Interestingly, the official launch additionally accommodates this paragraph towards the tip:

“Furthermore, given the transition period in which Taiga currently finds itself as well as the Company’s current overall operational, market and financial circumstances, the Company has decided that it does not currently intend to provide any forward-looking guidance, production or sales outlook in respect of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024 nor for any subsequent period.”

While that is RideApart and never BusinessApart, I can inform you that I’ve personally learn sufficient quarterly and annual financial reports over time to notice that it appears fairly uncommon to haven’t any forward-looking steerage included. 

What does all of it imply? There’s no approach to know for positive at this level, however we’ll be sure you keep watch over future developments from Taiga as they come up.

6 Of The Most Unreliable Motorcycles Ever Built

While Harley-Davidson is a model that’s extensively revered these days, the producer hit a quite tough patch in its historical past in the course of the Seventies and early Eighties. During this era, Japanese sportsbikes had been turning into widespread within the US as a result of their decrease price and better efficiency than the all-American traditional, and it did not assist that the corporate had lately been taken over by the AMF company — a enterprise identified for producing such diverse items as nuclear launch methods, bowling gear, and cigarettes.

Under AMF administration, Harley Davidson’s fame took an extra dive with the 1980 Sportster 1000. Weighing in at 529 lbs, the 997-cc V-twin engine had an influence output of solely 55 HP — a ludicrously low determine for a liter bike, even in 1980.

The Sportster was plagued with reliability and construct high quality points, which had been usually exacerbated by questionable design decisions. While homeowners had been irritated by minor points resembling extreme vibration and electrical gremlins, the starter motor was notoriously unreliable, and would fail to show the engine over.

As the 1980 mannequin didn’t have a kick begin, riders had been compelled to both await rescue by the facet of the highway or bump-start their bikes by operating alongside them after which partaking the clutch. Add a excessive price ticket to the package deal, and you’ve got one of the unappealing Harley-Davidson bikes in existence.

Peugeot Wants To Charge Up Your Commute With The New SPx Concept

Peugeot Motocycles, a totally separate entity from the French automobile producer, is a model that’s been making headlines fairly a bit in recent times. The firm was lately acquired by German holding firm Mutares, and since then, has launched into fairly an aggressive enlargement.

In Europe, Peugeot’s choices embody commuter scooters just like the Django, in addition to three-wheeled scooters just like the Metropolis. More lately, the corporate expanded into the premium phase with an journey maxi-scooter referred to as the XP400, and a sporty, beginner-friendly bare bike referred to as the PM01.

And evidently the corporate’s improvements aren’t slowing down anytime quickly with the revealing of its latest idea referred to as the SPx. 

The Peugeot SPx Concept draws inspiration from the 103 from 1971.

The Peugeot SPx Concept attracts inspiration from the 103 from 1971.

Digging deep into the corporate’s historical past, the SPx finds its roots in 1971 with the Peugeot 103 moped. Back then, the 103 was seen as greater than only a technique of mobility, embodying values like freedom and independence.

The 103 supplied frequent folks an simply attainable technique of getting round, liberating them from France’s poorly developed public transport system on the time.

The Peugeot SPx concept

The Peugeot SPx idea

Now, greater than half a century later, the SPx embodies the identical idea because the moped that began all of it. But folks of the trendy period have completely different values and priorities, and that is evident within the SPx’s design.

Peugeot says that minimalism, sustainability, and social duty are on the core of the brand new machine, so it’s apparent that the SPx is electrical. It’s additionally light-weight with a monocoque aluminum body. The total package deal seems futuristic, additional accentuated by a cantilever-style entrance fork and a single-sided swingarm.

The original Peugeot 103 from 1971
The SPx seems to be configurable to suit different riding preferences.
 

As of this writing, Peugeot has but to reveal any efficiency and tech figures of the SPx. But judging from the best way they describe it, plus the truth that they leverage closely on the heritage of the traditional Peugeot 103, chances are high it’ll be a 125cc-equivalent at most.

A variety of the electrical improvements we’ve been seeing lately have been taking the type of small and compact commuters, as high-performance choices stay few and much between in distinction to their compact siblings. It appears that producers have been taking a step again when it comes to efficiency, particularly in terms of electric motorcycles and scooters, as a whole lot of them goal learners and commuters.

As lovers, we lengthy for high-performance choices that put pleasure and delight above all else. However, the actual fact stays that a whole lot of riders aren’t lovers, however moderately, people trying to commute from A to B in consolation and security.

At the tip of the day, extra choices imply extra folks on two wheels. And that’s at all times factor.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Pricing And What You Get For The Money

In current years, South Korean producer Hyundai has been on an enormous resurgence, persevering with to launch fashions in all completely different segments and competing on the very high. In 2016, Hyundai unveiled the primary all-electric Ioniq, which, as a nameplate, has expanded into other models in 2024. The unique Ioniq mannequin was discontinued in 2022 to make manner for this growth, which is at present led by the famend Ioniq 5 compact crossover SUV, which mixes the practicality of electrical energy and SUVs in a hatchback fashion bundle.

While the bottom mannequin Ioniq 5 is a improbable electrical SUV, Hyundai is about to show to energy up massively for the all-new 2025 Ioniq 5 N. Being the primary electrical automotive to characteristic Hyundai’s performance-oriented N badge, the Ioniq 5 N is expected to set a new standard for both gas-powered and electric performance SUVs, particularly when trying on the specs sheet.

The Ioniq vary will develop with the Ioniq 7 full-size SUV, however the Ioniq 5 N is the one performance-oriented mannequin that Hyundai has unveiled up to now. With the lately introduced pricing, here is what you may anticipate from the Ioniq 5 N for its record-breaking price ticket for the model.

In order to provide the latest and correct info doable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from Hyundai’s web site and different authoritative sources, together with Car and Driver.

Related

10 Cool Details About The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N You Might’ve Missed

With the Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai is pushing the boundaries of energy, efficiency, and design for an unparalleled driving expertise.

The Most Expensive Hyundai Ever At $66,100

Hyundai lately introduced the worth for the Ioniq 5 N within the U.S., making the electrical crossover SUV the most expensive Hyundai has ever produced. In earlier years, and with many different fashions, Hyundai has constructed an important fame of being one of the crucial dependable manufacturers in the marketplace at an reasonably priced value, receiving a rating of 198 issues per automobile in J.D Power’s 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.

The 2025 Ioniq 5 N could have a beginning MSRP of $66,100. Although it’s the most expensive model in Hyundai’s entire fleet, it maintains the model’s fame of providing class-leading specs at a extra reasonably priced value.

Introducing N Performance To Hyundai’s EVs

In addition to increasing its hybrid and electrical automobile lineup, Hyundai additionally started producing its N efficiency vary pretty lately, beginning with the i30 N in 2017. In 2024, the Hyundai Elantra N is the only N performance model offered on the U.S. market, making the brand new Ioniq 5 N the primary electrical mannequin to implement N efficiency to the bottom mannequin Ioniq 5. As with the Elantra N vs the bottom mannequin, the Ioniq 5 N takes the crossover SUV to new heights, setting a brand new customary for the model transferring ahead.

Pricing Compared To Other Hyundai Models

The interior of the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Hyundai

Although the ’25 Ioniq 5 N is the costliest Hyundai thus far, it would not fall into an ultra-high value vary in contrast with different fashions. The solely different Hyundai N mannequin, the Elantra N, starts at $34,850, making it almost half the price of the Ioniq 5 N. However, the distinction in value may be justified as a result of the Ioniq 5 N is galvanized and comes with considerably extra energy.

The base model 2024 Ioniq 5 moves closer to its new N performance variant, beginning at $41,800. In comparability, the Ioniq 5 N follows the identical inside design fashion as the bottom mannequin however introduces bespoke track-focused options.

This consists of the N bucket seats completed in Alcántara and polyester, which embrace an illuminated N badge built-in into the seats. Hyundai has additionally redesigned the N steering wheel, with the ’25 Ioniq 5 N that includes a three-spoke steering wheel completed in leather-based.

The middle console has additionally been altered, and it has been accomplished with knee pads, shin assist, and sliding armrests to maintain you safe on the observe. Even the pedals have been up to date for the Ioniq 5 N, being optimized for foot contact to offer you extra management throughout any situation when pushing the automotive to the max.

Additional Features For The 2025 Ioniq 5 N:

  • Fully Digital 12.3-inch Cluster Display
  • 12.3-inch Touchscreen Display
  • Bose Premium Sound System
  • Wireless Phone Charging
  • USB-C charging Front & Rear
  • Apple Car Play / Android Auto
  • Vision Panoramic Sunroof
  • Head-Up Display
  • Digital Center Mirror
  • Hyundai Digital Key 2
  • Electronic Controlled Suspension
  • Rear digital Limited Slip Differential

Related

Why The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Makes The Tesla Model Y Seem Boring

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a hooligan and a enjoyable EV in all the fitting locations, and it does so in a wake that makes the Model Y Performance appear boring.

The Ioniq 5 N’s Blistering Performance

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N on a race track
Hyundai

Of course, the spotlight of the 2025 Ioniq 5 N is its standout efficiency specs, which increase the bar for the electrical efficiency SUV phase throughout the board. Before the Ioniq 5 N was revealed, it was the World Car Of The Year-winning Ioniq 6 that was essentially the most highly effective within the lineup, with a most output of 320 horsepower. The Ioniq 5 N, nonetheless, will double this.

An Output Of 641 Horsepower

In complete, the ’25 Ioniq 5 N produces a whopping 641 horsepower and 546 pound-feet of torque, making it essentially the most highly effective Hyundai ever made. The crossover SUV is powered by dual-electric motors as standard, making it all-wheel-drive as customary.

At the entrance, the motor delivers 222 horsepower (166 kilowatts), with the rear motor growing the output to 378 horsepower (282 kilowatts). However, when the N Grin Boost characteristic is activated by pushing its button on the brand new N steering wheel, the Ioniq 5 N reaches its 641 horsepower limit.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Performance Specifications

Layout

84 kWh Lithium-Ion Battery With Dual-Electric Motor

Transmission

1-Speed Automatic

Horsepower

641 HP

Torque

546 LB-FT

Electric Range

278 Miles

0-60 MPH

3.1 Seconds

Top Speed

162 MPH

As anticipated with this form of electrical energy, the ’25 Ioniq 5 N is able to some ferocious speeds. At its restrict, the Ioniq 5 N has a high velocity of 162 miles per hour, making it 38 miles per hour quicker than the bottom Ioniq 5. The high velocity is spectacular, however EVs are extra well-known for his or her acceleration capabilities (moreover the top-end supercars).

The Ioniq 5 N blasts from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3.1 seconds, making it ultra-competitive inside the electrical SUV phase and even competing with high-end efficiency EVs such because the Porsche Taycan.

Exclusive Performance-Enhancing Technology

A Blue 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Hyundai

Alongside the N Grin Boost mode, the 2025 Ioniq 5 N comes stacked with cutting-edge expertise, all intending to deliver the most memorable driving experience possible. One of the spotlight options is the N Torque Distribution, which lets you totally alter the torque distribution for each the entrance and rear wheels and may be adjusted to 11 completely different ranges. This characteristic allows the Ioniq to five N to both be planted by way of corners or make it so the tail kicks out at whichever depth fits your fashion.

This works hand-in-hand with the N Drift Optimizer, which helps keep your drift angle utilizing real-time inputs. The Torque Kick Drift characteristic helps simulate the texture of a rear-wheel-drive clutch kicking. Yet one other cornering-focused characteristic is the clever N Pedal software program, which supplies prompt turn-in response and enhanced throttle sensitivity for fierce but managed cornering.

The 2025 Ioniq 5 N additionally takes current expertise and adjusts it to swimsuit the brand new crossover SUV’s intentions and philosophy, together with N Brake Regen, redesigned to enhance braking efficiency as a substitute of charging the battery, which is often used for the expertise. N Launch management additionally comes with the Ioniq 5 N and N Race and N Battery Preconditioning, which optimizes the automotive’s 84 kWh battery to ship the best efficiency in Drag or Track modes.

Related

The Hyundai NPX1 Concept Is An Ioniq 5 N With Carbon-fiber Dressing

The NPX1 pushes the Ioniq 5 N to new heights with aggressive aerodynamics and software-driven efficiency customization.

An EV Built For The Love Of Driving

2024 blue Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Hyundai

While Hyundai’s current hybrid and all-electric fashions are designed to maximise the effectivity and practicality that electrical energy can present, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N turns its consideration to extracting essentially the most efficiency from the crossover SUV’s dual-electric motors for the primary time with N efficiency. Combined with the ample quantity of performance-enhancing expertise, the 2025 Ioniq 5 N represents the potential of Hyundai’s future, changing into a powerful drive inside the automotive business as an entire.

Despite focusing totally on efficiency as a substitute of effectivity, the Ioniq 5 N’s 84 kWh battery pack supplies an total claimed vary of 278 miles, which is barely 37 miles lower than the bottom mannequin Ioniq 5. Although the worth tag for the Ioniq 5 N is just under $25,000 more than the base model, the all-electric vary remains to be aggressive for a performance-focused EV that packs the 641 horsepower punch that it does.

How Does It Compare To Its Rivals?

Blue Kia EV6
Kia 

In phrases of the Ioniq 5 N’s competitors, the 2024 Kia EV6 GT AWD is the new Hyundai’s closest rival. The Hyundai Motor Group owns the Kia model, however the two fashions share completely different stats and costs throughout the board. The top-spec AWD trim begins at $61,600, barely decrease than the Ioniq 5 N. However, its decreased energy output of 576 horsepower offers the Ioniq 5 N important efficiency advantages over the flagship efficiency EV produced by the Hyundai-owned but considerably completely different model.

Another shut competitor for the Ioniq 5 is the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT trim, which begins at a lesser $52,395. Despite costing an honest quantity much less, the ability output as soon as once more falls in need of the Ioniq 5 N, producing 480 horsepower from its twin motors. While the ’25 Ioniq 5 N’s price ticket could also be barely greater than opponents, it is greater than justified by the class-leading efficiency offered by way of its cutting-edge expertise.

The New All-Electric VMoto Stash Motorcycle Set To Enter Europe

You could also be conversant in Super Soco, a producer of small-capacity electrical scooters and bikes, however the firm lately rebranded to VMoto in a bid to seize a wider viewers within the e-mobility house. Along with that rebrand got here the Stash, an electrical motorbike packing related ranges of efficiency as that of a 150cc gas-powered machine.

And whereas the VMoto Stash first met the general public eye at EICMA 2021, it was merely an idea. But now, it appears as if VMoto is gearing as much as launch the manufacturing model of the bike.

The VMoto Stash is ready to charge up your daily commute.

The VMoto Stash is able to cost up your each day commute.

Designed by Adrian Morton, the Stash boasts nothing in need of an eye catching design as, in spite of everything, it was additionally Morton who was liable for the styling of bikes just like the Benelli Tornado TRE and MV Agusta F4.

Clearly, a few of these streamlined, sporty traces carry over to the Stash, because it’s enveloped in streamlined bodywork that provides it an phantasm of dimension. The chiseled angular design makes the bike look totally futuristic and extends from the entrance fairing all the way in which to the cropped tail part.

 

At the guts of the Stash lies a mid-mounted electrical motor delivering 8 kW (about 10.7 horsepower). In increase mode, max energy output bumps as much as 15 kW (20.1 horsepower), making it about as highly effective as a 150cc gas-powered bike at full tilt. It’s price noting that in Europe, the market the place this bike is poised to shine, it complies with A1 license rules as its nominal output falls under the 15-horsepower restrict mandated by legislation.

While the Stash could look sporty, it’s hiding some fairly spectacular sensible options beneath the floor. The fake gasoline tank is a storage compartment giant sufficient to accommodate a full-face lid and the battery lies beneath that and is a 72-volt, 100-amp-hour unit promising a variety of 93.2 miles on a single cost.

The VMoto Stash boasts sporty, angular bodywork.

The VMoto Stash boasts sporty, angular bodywork.

VMoto Stash - Cockpit View

VMoto Stash – Cockpit View

Underpinned by an inverted entrance fork and a preload-adjustable monoshock, the Stash seems to be prefer it’s able to relaxed two-up driving, and it involves a cease with entrance and rear disc brakes with ABS, that are additionally linked through a mixed braking system (CBS) similar to that of a scooter.

At a value of £6,299 (about $8,023 USD) plus on-the-road fees, the VMoto Stash instructions fairly a premium. But it’s additionally essential to notice that not many bikes just like the Stash exist at current.

The VMoto Stash was designed by Adrian Morton, responsible for the likes of the MV Agusta F4.

The VMoto Stash was designed by Adrian Morton, liable for the likes of the MV Agusta F4.

Today’s electrical motorbike scene is dominated by small-capacity scooters and commuters whose sole goal in life is to shuttle their customers from A to B. Bikes just like the Stash cater to the fanatic market; to people in search of a bit of extra than simply utility and practicality.

We’ve seen an excellent variety of these emerge from huge names like Energica and Zero Motorcycles. And it goes with out saying that choices catering to lovers such as you and me are at all times an excellent factor.

Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Storms Into Japan

Recognized because the oldest bike producer in steady manufacturing, no bike within the Royal Enfield’s lineup embodies this ethos greater than the Bullet 350. Designed to be as barebones and simplistic as might be, the Bullet 350 stays trustworthy to its century-old ancestor.

Best of all, it does all this whereas that includes pretty fashionable expertise to maintain up with at this time’s security and emissions rules. Now, Royal Enfield continues making its fashions accessible in a number of markets all around the globe. And Japan is the latest addition to that record. 

Royal Enfield Bullet 350 - Black Gold

Based on Royal Enfield’s well-liked J platform, the Bullet 350 is the fourth sibling within the lineup, following the Meteor 350, Classic 350, and Hunter 350. The J collection is designed to be the proper mix of traditional and sensible, melding classic styling synonymous with Royal Enfield and fashionable reliability and practicality that cater to the wants of each fanatics and commuters.

Just like its siblings, the Bullet 350 makes use of an air-cooled, fuel-injected thumper displacing 349 cubes. Its lengthy stroke makes for a wholesome quantity of torque down low, leading to satisfying acceleration and simply the correct quantity of vibrations. Meanwhile, its relaxed seating place means you can spend hours on the saddle—be it for commuting or long-distance journeys out of city.

In Japan, RE presents the bike in three shade variations; Black, Maroon, and a chic two-tone Black and Gold motif. Prices vary from 694,100 yen (about $4,654 USD) to 701,800 yen ($4,700 USD).

It’s value mentioning that bikes just like the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 are positive to ring a bell amongst younger and newbie riders in Japan. You see, licensing rules for two-wheelers are fairly strict over there, and particular permits for bigger-displacement machines (particularly these with engines 400cc and up) are required.

For reference, within the US, the Bullet 350 carries an MSRP beginning at $4,499 for the 2 plain colorways, and $4,699 for the two-tone black and gold livery.

Royal Enfield’s fast enlargement into a number of markets everywhere in the world is proof that efficiency and technology aren’t every little thing. Royal Enfield deliberately makes its bikes feel and look previous, solely becoming them with the naked necessities to maintain up with modern-day calls for. We’ve been seeing numerous new improvements from the model, such because the all-new Himalayan, in addition to the Shotgun 650.

And the model has a knack for preserving the laid-back essence of motorcycling.

KTM’s 2024 RC 8C Is More Expensive and Exclusive Than Ever

KTM simply unveiled its limited-edition track-only RC 8C race bike. And whereas the producer hasn’t made large modifications when in comparison with the 2023 model, it claims this unit has Moto2 ranges of efficiency. Hot rattling.

There’ll be simply 100 hand-built 2024 RC 8Cs on provide, which is half the quantity in comparison with final yr. And when you want to throw your leg over one, you may must half with $41,499 and get on-line when pre-orders open on March twentieth at 07:00 PDT.

Here’s all the things that you must know.

2024 KTM RC 8C STATIC 1

Track Only

The limited-edition track-only RC 8C was made along with Krämer Motorcycles, identical to the earlier mannequin. And, as you’d anticipate, meaning it comes with all of the observe trimmings like quick-release tank and physique panels, light-weight Dymag wheels, and Pirelli race slicks.

There’s an AIM MXS 1.2 RACE dashboard and knowledge logger with built-in GPS performance to maintain you on prime of your lap occasions, and you may view all related data on the 5-inch TFT display screen. The fortunate few who get to personal considered one of these observe weapons can use AIM RaceStudio to view efficiency metrics and work towards decreasing their lap occasions.

2024 KTM RC 8C DETAIL 1

Engine, Chassis, and Brakes

Propelling the RC 8C is similar 889 cc parallel-twin as KTM used within the 2023 mannequin, however the firm states that it has been “up-specced”. We can solely assume that it makes near 140 hp, because the earlier iteration pumped out 135 hp and 72.3 lb-ft of torque. And there is no doubt this might be one of many sweetest-sounding bikes on the observe, because of a racing Akrapovič exhaust.

Housing the engine is a 25CerMo4 metal tubular body, which is wrapped in Carbon Kevlar bodywork, impressed by the KTM RC16. KTM would not listing the curb weight, however the dry weight is simply 308 lbs.

2024 KTM RC 8C ACTION 1
2024 KTM RC 8C ACTION 2
2024 KTM RC 8C ACTION 3

Unsurprisingly, there are WP suspension elements all-round. A 43 mm closed cartridge fork retains issues beneath management on the entrance, whereas a WP APEX PRO 7746 shock with a distant preload adjuster ought to provide simply tunable excessive and low-speed compression and rebound settings on the rear.

Bringing all the things to a halt is a set of MotoGP-derived Brembo 19RCS CORSA CORTA radial grasp brake cylinders. At the entrance, Brembo Stylema calipers grip 290 mm fully-floating discs, whereas a Brembo two-piston caliper works with a 230 mm disc on the rear.

 

Handover Session At Portimão

Anyone who efficiently luggage a 2024 RC 8C might be invited to a handover session at Portimão, Portugal. The journey will embody a personalised observe setup session, non-public dinner, meet and greet, and an unique observe day expertise with “KTM racing royalty”. 

The query I pose is, who amongst us would half with simply north of $40k for this devoted observe machine?

Let us know within the feedback.

A Look Back At The History Of The Rolls-Royce Phantom

When the Phantom was first produced, it was a coach-built automobile. Coachbuilding was a course of the place an auto producer would produce a automobile’s chassis, engine, transmission, and wheels, then ship that ‘rolling chassis’ off to another person to complete the job. This method, patrons might have the automobile’s physique constructed nevertheless they needed. As a end result, a number of the rarest and most sought-after Rolls-Royces ever had been produced in the course of the early Phantom days.

Phantoms obtained numerical designation, so, naturally, the primary Phantom was known as the Phantom I. When the Phantom II rolled round in 1929, Rolls-Royce was able to increase the providing. There was a performance-oriented Phantom Continental II mannequin with a shorter wheelbase and an enormous 7.3-liter V12 engine, with a prime pace of 95 mph – not very quick by fashionable requirements however formidable for its day.

The coachbuilding business dwindled significantly through the years, with just one coachbuilder left by 1968 — Rolls-Royce’s in-house firm, Mulliner Park Ward. Still, Rolls-Royce continued to supply Phantoms till 1992, spanning 4 extra generations, as much as the Phantom VI. In these first 67 years, Rolls-Royce produced automobiles for essentially the most prestigious prospects, together with British royalty, with prospects together with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry, who got here to his marriage ceremony in a Rolls.

Is Moto Guzzi Reviving The Stornello Scrambler?

Boutique Italian bike producer Moto Guzzi has fairly a powerful collection of fashions in its roster. From laid-back roadsters just like the V7, to adventurous explorers just like the V85 TT, and even ventured into the world of sport-touring with the V100 Mandello.

But one factor lacking from the Guzzi catalog is a scrambler, an area that the now-discontinued V7 Stornello as soon as occupied.

This may all be about to alter, as Moto Guzzi lately utilized for a trademark to the Stornello title within the US.

The Moto Guzzi V7 Stornello was a badass yet short-lived scrambler

The Moto Guzzi V7 Stornello was a badass but short-lived scrambler

According to the patent submitting on the USPTO web site, Guzzi utilized for this patent on August 22, 2023.

While producers apply for emblems for a bunch of names however by no means find yourself utilizing them, the USPTO has a lot stricter use-or-lose provisions, which implies that as soon as a patent or trademark has been filed, corporations are underneath way more stress to make use of them, lest they face the danger of dropping the rights to the trademark altogether.

So, what does this imply for two-wheeled fanatics such as you and me?

Well, it’s greater than seemingly that Moto Guzzi is certainly engaged on a brand new mannequin bearing the Stornello title. While there was a Stornello variant of the V7 roadster from 2016, the mannequin truly dates again to 1961, with the Stornello 125 Scrambler America. This bike was a beginner-friendly machine with a peppy 125cc single; fairly the alternative of the big-displacement, transversely mounted V-twin we discover within the V7.

The original Moto Guzzi Stornello 125 made its debut back in 1961

The authentic Moto Guzzi Stornello 125 made its debut again in 1961

And it’s exactly due to this multifaceted historical past that the proposition of a brand new Stornello is made much more thrilling. Granted, launching a brand new V7 Stornello is a low-hanging fruit, albeit one which’s certain to hype up Guzzisti in search of a rugged and retro-inspired roadster. But Moto Guzzi may very effectively go in a unique course. The V85 TT has been confirmed to be a totally succesful journey bike, and including a little bit of retro pizzazz and slapping on the Stornello badge actually doesn’t look like too dangerous of an concept.

 

While these concepts are cool and all, maybe what’s even cooler is that if we take a look at issues from the larger image. Moto Guzzi doesn’t stay in a vacuum. It’s owned by Piaggio, which additionally owns Aprilia, amongst a bunch of different Italian marques. Aprilia lately pulled the covers off the RS 457, a machine that’s poised to shake up the small-displacement sportbike section.

Parallel-twin platforms just like the 457 are certain to offer delivery to a slew of latest fashions, so what if the Stornello is definitely a punchy retro-inspired scrambler constructed upon the brand new 457 platform? Just like the primary Stornello in 1961, this one would certainly appeal to rookies into the Moto Guzzi fold. Plus, a lot of huge producers have been dialing down the cc’s in favor of extra usable, tractable platforms.

I imply, simply take a look at Triumph, with its Speed and Scrambler 400.

2024 Aprilia RS 457 - Right Side

It’s greater than seemingly that the Aprilia RS 457 platform will give delivery to new fashions. Could the Stornello be considered one of them?

As somebody who loves small-displacement machines with peppy engines, a scrambly mannequin just like the proposed Stornello 457 would certainly ring a bell with me. It’ll even be the proper commuter in nations with heavy site visitors and less-than-ideal street circumstances like India, the Philippines, and different elements of Southeast Asia. Should it turn out to be a actuality, it may very effectively be Moto Guzzi’s ticket into large-scale growth within the Asian market.

Could Moto Guzzi be the subsequent to hop on the small-displacement bandwagon?

CHATGPT TO BE OFFERED AS STANDARD ON DS AUTOMOBILES, FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL TRIAL

  • DS Automobiles is the primary producer on the planet to incorporate ChatGPT as customary – on its fashions fitted with DS IRIS SYSTEM
  • DS Automobiles turned the primary producer to trial ChatGPT in 5 European nations in autumn 2023 as a part of a pilot part
  • Countries already lined by customary speech recognition will acquire entry to ChatGPT from March

DS Automobiles will provide ChatGPT as customary throughout its automobile vary following a profitable trial, making it the primary producer to combine the generative device as customary on its autos. Driven by the success of the take a look at part, throughout which the usage of speech recognition elevated by greater than 50%, all autos fitted with DS IRIS voice activated infotainment system will probably be obtainable with ChatGPT from March.

The pilot part was launched in October 2023 in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, trialling the combination generative synthetic intelligence with DS speech recognition. The integration of ChatGPT as customary is a world first for an car producer.

Olivier François, Head of DS Automobiles, stated, “As pioneers within the integration of ChatGPT into the automotive world, we’re making a generative synthetic intelligence that’s fluid, intuitive and immersive accessible, reworking each journey into a singular journey. Our mission at DS is to supply our prospects with a singular onboard expertise.”

For the most effective journey expertise, the ChatGPT perform is a part of the Connect Plus Pack provide, which additionally already consists of Connected Navigation, Remote Controls and E-Remote Controls, Connected Alarm, Send2Nav and even EV Trip Planner or e-Routes (relying on the mannequin). This pack is customary on all DS Automobiles fashions for 3 years.

Yves Bonnefont, Chief Software Officer of Stellantis, stated, “After the great success of our pilot phase and the enthusiastic response from our customers, we are proud to be the first OEM to be able to integrate the ChatGPT function as standard, starting with all DS models and soon followed by other Stellantis brands.”

Available throughout the whole DS Automobiles vary outfitted with DS IRIS SYSTEM, autos delivered from March will combine this function in eighteen nations and in 13 languages. The beneath nations already lined by customary speech recognition are:

  • Germany (German)
  • Austria (German)
  • Belgium (French, Dutch and German)
  • Denmark (Danish)
  • Spain (Spanish)
  • Metropolitan France, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion (French)
  • Ireland (English)
  • Italy (Italian)
  • Japan (Japanese)
  • Luxembourg (French and German)
  • Norway (Norwegian)
  • Netherlands (Dutch)
  • Poland (Polish)
  • Portugal (Portuguese)
  • Czech Republish (Czech)
  • United Kingdom (English)
  • Sweden (Swedish)
  • Switzerland (French, German and Italian)

Users will be capable of work together with the DS IRIS SYSTEM speech recognition, which turns into an interactive journey companion, and ask it all types of questions similar to:

  • “What can I visit in the area?”
  • “What do you advise me to do in this castle if I have two hours and I’m with my 10-year-old son?” after which “Guide me to this place”
  • “What do you advise me to drink with this dish?”
  • “Tell me a tale with this person, in this place”

 

And far more, to amuse your self or study endlessly throughout a journey, with out taking your eyes off the street or your arms off the wheel.

ChatGPT in DS Automobiles is operated through the ChatGPT API integration by SoundHound AI.