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Motorsport

Watch A Pickup Driver Fly Into A Gas Pump And Destroy An Entire Station

Dramatic video out of New Mexico revealed to social media on Monday exhibits the second a truck driver smashed right into a fuel pump and destroyed a station whereas reportedly having a seizure behind the wheel. Thankfully nobody was killed, and the driving force reportedly walked away with simply minor accidents.

A video from extrezionx on TikTok captured your complete occasion by way of a touch cam. Taken in entrance of a Speedway fuel station within the small city of La Plata, the footage has an eerie Final Destination vibe to it. The clip accommodates some robust language so be suggested earlier than you click on the play button. Considering this crash occurs instantly in entrance of the digital camera, a couple of F-bombs are definitely comprehensible.

 

As the digital camera nears the station, we see headlights of a pickup truck approaching within the distance. The date and time stamp on the video reads February 4 at roughly 8:42 pm native time. All appears regular till the headlights instantly veer in direction of the station with none indication of slowing down. Pausing the video simply earlier than impression tells us the truck is a first-generation GMC Sierra, constructed from 1999 by way of 2007.

Unpausing it exhibits the pickup’s fiery demise because it crashes by way of the gasoline pump and help beam for the roof, inflicting it to break down simply as spilled gasoline bursts into flames. As far as we are able to inform, the driving force of the GMC by no means touched the brakes, which can have truly helped on this occasion. Had the impression occurred at a slower velocity, the truck could have been caught below the collapsed cover, trapping it there within the flames. Instead, the Sierra continues out-of-frame and involves relaxation close to a tree, as seen in a follow-up video from extrezionx.

An unconfirmed report from Storyful claims the GMC’s driver was a girl who suffered a seizure, resulting in the crash. That report additionally states she had simply minor accidents in consequence. The San Juan County Sheriff’s Department responded to the incident; we contacted their workplace for remark and confirmed the crash befell however further particulars have been unavailable. When extra info is available in we’ll you should definitely replace this text.

From our vantage level, this crash might have ended a lot worse. Stay protected on the market people.

Motorsport

Dodge Will Show The Production Charger Daytona On March 5

When Dodge printed “spy” pictures of the new Charger Daytona on social media, we figured a debut would not be distant. Now, we’ve got phrase that the official reveal is certainly simply across the nook. Save the date for March 5.

A Dodge spokesperson confirmed the reveal date to Motor1 when reached by e-mail. Senior Vice President Matt McAlear revealed particulars on the latest J.D. Power Auto Summit in Las Vegas. According to Automotive News, he stated the brand new EV would not be centered on mileage or low drag coefficients, calling it  “the next generation of muscle.”


BMW

BMW M Team WRT presents BMW M4 GT3 drivers for the FIA WEC and GT World Challenge Europe.

Spa. During a media occasion at Spa (BEL), BMW M Team WRT launched the BMW M4 GT3 drivers for the 2024 season within the LMGT3 class of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) and the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS (GTWC). BMW M works driver Maxime Martin (BEL) will take part in each the FIA WEC and GTWC alongside Valentino Rossi (ITA). In the LMGT3 class, the line-up is accomplished by three drivers: Sean Gelael (INA), Ahmad Al-Harthy (OMA), and Darren Leung (GBR). In the GTWC, Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts (each BEL) will contest the complete season, joined by Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), Raffaele Marciello (SUI) and Jens Klingmann (GER) within the Endurance Cup.

The FIA WEC rules stipulate that every LMGT3 automotive will need to have drivers from all FIA classes. Specifically, which means that along with a driver with Platinum or Gold standing, a Silver and a Bronze-rated driver should type the crew of a automotive. In the BMW M Team WRT #31 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M manufacturing facility driver Augusto Farfus (BRA) shares the cockpit with Silver driver Sean Gelael, BMW M Ambassador for Indonesia, and Bronze driver Darren Leung. In the #46 BMW M4 GT3, alongside Silver-rated Valentino Rossi (ITA), Maxime Martin and Ahmad Al-Harthy will probably be in motion.

In the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts, as a longtime duo, are aiming for the title. They take part in each the Sprint Cup and the Endurance Cup. For the endurance races, together with the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL), they are going to be supported by Sheldon van der Linde. Valentino Rossi, Maxime Martin, and Raffaele Marciello compete within the Endurance Cup, with Rossi and Martin additionally collaborating in chosen Sprint Cup occasions. Klingmann will compete within the Bronze class of the Endurance Cup along with Al-Harthy and Sam de Haan (GBR).

Comments on the line-up:

 

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “In our second season together, BMW M Team WRT has a packed racing calendar full of highlights. After the Hypercar line-up in the FIA WEC, the driver line-ups for the BMW M4 GT3 in the two main series for the team, the FIA WEC and GT World Challenge Europe, are now set. I congratulate Vincent Vosse and his colleagues for securing excellent amateur drivers for the LMGT3 class. With these crews, I see a very good chance to play a leading role in this category. In the GTWC, BMW M Team WRT, with a proven line-up and strengthened by Raffaele Marciello, takes a new shot at winning titles with the BMW M4 GT3. I wish the team and drivers success in all programs!”

Vincent Vosse (Team Principal, BMW M Team WRT): “In GT racing, we had a positive start to our collaboration with BMW M Motorsport last year. We took up the challenges, we won races, long-distance and sprint ones, and we collected some memorable moments like those lived in Misano. But we want more! We want to improve, to win more races, to be champions again. I think we have what it takes, including stellar line-ups, and we’ll go for it. Now is the time, to show we know what to do, with the determination and the passion we have always had.”

Maxime Martin: “I am very excited to return to the FIA WEC for a full season in a completely new class. With Valentino and Ahmad, we have a very strong crew. The competition will undoubtedly be exciting and high-class. I can’t wait to get started again. In the GTWC, I want to give my all to continue the success from last season together with Valentino and our new teammate Raffaele Marciello.”

Valentino Rossi: “I am very happy with my 2024 programme and I can’t wait to start. In the Fanatec GT World Challenge, I’ll race the Endurance Cup together with Maxime and Lello, two fantastic drivers and I think we can be very strong. Additionally, I will be doing two races of the Sprint Cup with Maxime, Misano and Brands Hatch, two tracks where we did very well last year. The WEC will be new for me; I’ll be with Maxime and Ahmad, and I’m eager to race in the main event at Le Mans, and at places like Austin and São Paulo, a brand new experience for me and hopefully we will be competitive.”

Augusto Farfus: “I feel honoured to be part of the WEC project of BMW M Motorsport and WRT, I always wanted to have a full campaign in the WEC and now is the right time to join the new platform. We have a strong package, we are eager to share the experience and we are ready for the WEC and Le Mans.”

Raffaele Marciello: “The GT World Challenge Europe has given me many great successes in recent years. I won the title in 2022 and 2023 and hope to continue this success with BMW M Team WRT. With Valentino and Maxime, we have a very strong team. Overall, it’s just fantastic to be part of so many projects next season and to have such outstanding teammates.”

Sheldon van der Linde: “Following the recent announcement of my debut at Le Mans this year, I’m delighted to join BMW M Team WRT in their GT programme again to do a few more big races like Spa, which is a personal favourite of mine. Myself, Dries and Charles have a really good relationship on and off track, so keeping our line-up unchanged is great news and the continuity we need to deliver a strong year together!”

Dries Vanthoor: “It is going to be a very busy season for me, but I am fully motivated. I am happy to be back with Charles in the GT World Challenge for a fifth season together, where we aim to bounce back and put things straight again.”

Charles Weerts: “New season, new chances, same targets! We will try to do our best, as we always do, and take all the lessons from 2023. We know the car better, with Dries and Sheldon we’ll try to perform as we should, and the team has worked very hard. The goal is to win races and titles, I am fully motivated and can’t wait to be driving again.”

Sean Gelael: “It’s my third year with Team WRT and it is an honour to be part of this great family and also the BMW M family. I am super-excited. I have been LMP2 vice-champion twice in the WEC; I hope I can get over the hump and there is one clear goal this year, to get the championship and Le Mans. There are no better team and teammates to go for it.”

Ahmad Al-Harthy: “I am extremely delighted to be part of an amazing team such as WRT, at such an exciting time for the WEC. I look forward to working closely with my teammates and achieving great results with them. I have worked with Maxime in the past and he’ll definitely help me improve my driving, and sharing the seat with a legend such as Vale. Who would have said that a kid from Oman watching MotoGP on TV would end up racing with such an iconic sportsman? I’m pleased to be working with the entire WRT family.”

Darren Leung: “I am very honoured and extremely humbled to be chosen to represent BMW M Motorsport and WRT in the 2024 FIA WEC. I am looking forward to working with two very talented and experienced teammates, Augusto and Sean. I’m excited to have them with me for my first season in the FIA WEC. I have been flat-out preparing and will be until the final round, not letting a single day go to waste. Let’s have it!”

Jens Klingmann: “I am very excited to join BMW M Team WRT for a full campaign after the two races of last year and winning at Dubai. For me, it was a goal and I am happy that it worked out. I think we have a strong package, the team has now experience with the BMW M4 GT3 and I look forward to meeting my teammates. The key target is to win the class and fight for race wins.”

BMW

On location photos and footage Innovation @Summit. The new BMW 5 Series and Driver-less @Developement. Driving experience in the heart of the Austrian Alps.

Munich/Sölden. To end the year, BMW is inviting international media to Sölden, to Innovation @Summit, on the Austrian glacier. The main attraction: along with the recent launch of the BMW 5 Series in October, there will be presentations of innovative developments in driverless@Developement, artificial intelligence, and highly automated driving. The smart business sedan and Driverless @Developement vehicles will showcase their dynamic driving qualities through intensive test drives under winter conditions.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Press and public relations

Dieter Falkensteiner, Spokesperson BMW Group Driving Experience
Telephon: +49-89-382-51813
Mail: Dieter.Falkensteiner@bmwgroup.com

Christophe Koenig, Head of BMW Group IT, Digital Driving Experience Communications
BMW Group Design, Innovations and Digital Car Communications
Telephone: +49-89-382-56097
Mail: Christophe.Koenig@bmwgroup.com

NewsNew

LETTI AND BOLT COMPETE AT GETZENRODEO HARD ENDURO

Photos: Future 7 Media / Red Bull Content Pool
Manuel Lettenbichler, the Hard Enduro World Champion, finished the year with a victory at Getzenrodeo after a fierce battle with Billy Bolt. Lettenbichler said, “That was such a hard race. We had to dig so deep to keep going. Billy was riding really well, and we had to help each other out at times. He made a small mistake, and that’s when I finally passed him. After that, I focused and rode as smoothly as possible to the finish.”

The single-day GetzenRodeo was the final round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship. In the morning, 60 riders competed in the two-hour GetzenRace qualifier to earn a spot in the afternoon five-lap GetzenChamp final. The main race day at Getzen consists of two races: the initial race is less intense, with all racers on the circuit. The main event is reserved for the top 20 riders, who face a more challenging course in the reverse direction for a one and a half hour race. The final includes a Joker Lane or X-Loop that each rider must go through once.

Lettenbichler and Bolt started strong and took the Joker Lane early, helping each other and setting a faster time than anyone. Mario Roman briefly took the lead, but halfway through the race, Lettenbichler had a small advantage over Billy Bolt. In the end, Letti and Bolt lapped the entire field.

Billy Bolt finished a close second to Lettenbichler at the Getzenrodeo and runner-up in the Hard Enduro Championship. Bolt said, “I gave it my all today. I felt like I had what was needed to win. In the final, I was riding well and feeling comfortable with the track. When I got into the lead, I pushed as hard as I could to build a gap. But this course is so technical that if you make a mistake, you get punished hard. Missing that rock climb let Mani back into the lead, and I just couldn’t catch up again. I’m happy though. I rode well here and gave it everything. Congrats to Mani on an incredible season too. I’m excited to shift the focus indoors and race SuperEnduro now!”

Bolt stayed strong and closed the gap, eventually overtaking the German with 20 minutes remaining in the race. Ultimately, it came down to a rock step-up, which Billy failed to overcome, allowing Mani to pass him and maintain the lead until the end. Lettenbichler had an outstanding season, winning his fourth Getzenrodeo.

Sherco’s Mario Roman led for a while and finished third overall in the event.
Alfredo Gomez took his factory Rieju to a 6th overall, 2 laps down from the leaders.

News, Smartphones

Twitter Adds Voice And Video Calls: Here’s How To Disable It

voice and video calls on X Nadeem Sarwar / SlashGear

X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has finally introduced the ability to make audio and video calls. The convenience of calling is only available to X Premium subscribers and is limited to the iOS app at the moment. However, the platform’s support page says it will soon arrive on Android, as well. There is no word if this feature will ever expand to the desktop client.

Notably, you don’t need an X Premium account to receive calls. For audio calls, users will also have access to core features like mute controls for the mic and putting the call on speaker. In video calls, there’s the facility to switch between front and rear cameras or turn off the camera feed in its entirety. X has tied the feature to its Direct Messaging system, and as such, you can only make calls after you have initiated a conversation in the DMs section.

That is where things get messy. Ever since the arrival of X Premium, Twitter has reworked the rules around whom you can send direct messages. But what’s baffling is that calling on X is enabled by default. Thankfully, there’s a setting to only allow calls from mutuals, not complete strangers.

How to control calling privilege on X?

Call controls on X Nadeem Sarwar / SlashGear

If you don’t want voice or video calls on X, you can easily turn it off. Alternatively, you can narrow down the list of people who can ring you up on the Elon Musk-owned social media platform. Here are the steps you need to follow:

  1. Open the X app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on your profile icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
  3. In the side pane that opens on the left edge, tap on “Settings and Support,” followed by “Settings and privacy” in the drop-down menu.
  4. On the next page, scroll down and select “Privacy and safety.”
  5. Here, you will see an option called “Direct Messages.” Tap on it to land on the messaging controls page.
  6. If you don’t want to use the calling system on X at all, just turn off the toggle that says “Enable audio and video calling.” It is enabled by default. If you seek more privacy, you can allow voice and video calls only from accounts you follow, verified users, or those in your address book.
RollsRoyce

SPECTRE SETS OFF FROM THE HOME OF ROLLS-ROYCE FOR EUROPEAN/UK MEDIA DRIVE

  • The European Media Drive for Spectre starts from Rolls-Royce’s headquarters in West Sussex.
  • Invited guests will have the opportunity to experience the transformative motor car in its home market.

“The launch of Spectre is a significant moment in Rolls-Royce’s history. It is the first all-electric Rolls-Royce and marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the brand. We announced two years ago that in 2023, we would launch our first all-electric motor car, and by the end of 2030, our entire portfolio would be fully electric. Since then, Spectre has undergone rigorous testing, covering 2.5 million km, and has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. It’s a pleasure to see this motor car on the roads in our home market, and I am delighted to offer the European media the opportunity to experience it in the United Kingdom.”
 Boris Weletzky, Regional Director, United Kingdom, Europe, and Central Asia

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has invited European media to experience Spectre, its first fully electric motor car, in the beautiful countryside surrounding the marque’s headquarters in West Sussex. This invitation comes as client deliveries have just begun.

The adventure begins at the Home of Rolls-Royce on the Goodwood Estate, the exclusive location where Rolls-Royce motor cars are designed and handbuilt. The estate is known as the world’s leading House of Luxury, nurturing creativity, talent, and ingenuity. It also offers a fully immersive Rolls-Royce experience to clients, media, and friends of the marque.

From the Home of Rolls-Royce, the media embark on a journey through the stunning hills of Hampshire and Sussex, specifically chosen for their breathtaking views. After experiencing the remarkably quiet motor car, the media will arrive at Heckfield Place, a modern country retreat situated on a 430-acre eco-estate.

WLTP: Power consumption: 2.6-2.8 mi/kWh / 23.6-22.2 kWh/100km. Electric range 329 mi / 530 km. NEDC: CO2 emissions 0 g/km.

Volkswagen

New Tiguan generation: Volkswagen’s bestseller celebrates world premiere in front of 10,000 employees

Today, Volkswagen unveiled the new Tiguan to its employees at the works meeting in Wolfsburg. The Tiguan has been one of Volkswagen’s most successful models since its debut in 2007, with a total of 7.6 million units produced. It has been the bestselling model for Volkswagen Passenger Cars and the Volkswagen Group since 2018. The third generation of the Tiguan will be produced in Wolfsburg starting from fall 2023 and will hit the market in the first quarter of 2024. With its compact size and modern features, the Tiguan combines advanced technologies with a stylish design.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, expressed how important it was to showcase the new Tiguan to the employees before its world premiere. He thanked their hard work and passion, mentioning that the compact SUV is a bestseller worldwide, with 7.6 million customers since its debut in 2007.

Daniela Cavallo, Chairwoman of the General and Group Works Council, emphasized that the idea of holding the world premiere during the works meeting was initiated by the Works Council. This gesture demonstrates their appreciation for the workforce at the birthplace of the Tiguan in Wolfsburg.

Imelda Labbé, a Member of the Board of Management at Volkswagen Board Member Passenger Cars for Sales, highlighted the Tiguan’s success and its significant role in the Volkswagen brand’s overall achievements.

Volkswagen offers a wide range of SUV models, including the new Tiguan, T-Roc, T-Cross, Taigo, Touareg, and all-electric ID.4 and ID.5, to cater to the growing global demand for SUVs.

The Tiguan is one of Volkswagen’s most successful models.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NEW TIGUAN

The third generation of the Tiguan features a fresh design, with a powerful front end and distinctive rear section. The interior has been revamped with high-quality materials and a new operating concept. The digital cockpit presents key information and integrates digital services and apps. The control functions are user-friendly and include the “Digital Cockpit,” a large infotainment screen, a head-up display, and a multifunctional driving experience switch. The Tiguan is based on Volkswagen’s Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB evo) and benefits from new hybrid powertrains, improved charging capabilities, and advanced features derived from the luxury Touareg model. The adaptive chassis and the latest generation of parking assist further enhance comfort and convenience.

Motorsport

Motorsport Network Hires Patrick George as Editor in Chief of InsideEVs, US

NEW YORK, September 19, 2023 – Motorsport Network, a leading global digital media platform in motorsport and automotive, has announced the appointment of Patrick George as Editor in Chief for the US branch of its brand InsideEVs.com.

George brings over 20 years of media industry experience to InsideEVs. Previously, he served as the longest-serving Editor in Chief of Jalopnik and Editorial Director at Recurrent Ventures, overseeing websites such as The Drive and Task & Purpose. His writing has been featured in The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, The Verge, and other publications. More recently, George co-wrote, co-hosted, and produced Vox Media’s “Land of Giants” podcast, which explored the rise of Tesla and the future of electric vehicles.

“I am delighted to welcome Patrick George to the Motorsport Network family as the leader of InsideEVs,” said Seyth Miersma, Editorial Director, USA Automotive at Motorsport Network. “His exceptional news sense, track record for building media brands, and understanding of the future of electrified transportation make him the ideal fit for this role.”

InsideEVs, established in 2012, is one of the oldest and largest electric vehicle websites globally. It extensively covers sustainable mobility and technology, publishing news, reviews, features, and original videos.

“InsideEVs has been reporting on the electrified revolution from the very beginning, and I am incredibly excited to lead the publication as this technology becomes mainstream,” George mentioned. “The zero-emission, digital transformation of the car industry is currently the most captivating and significant story in the world. I am eager to assist Motorsport Network in expanding its coverage of this crucial topic and aiding drivers worldwide in understanding the profound changes that await them.”

About Motorsport Network:

With over 40 million monthly unique users and a social media community of over 15 million followers, Motorsport Network stands as the world’s largest independent motorsport and automotive media platform. Its nearly 50 flagship digital properties include renowned automotive industry brands such as Motor1.com, InsideEVs, RideApart, as well as leading racing properties like Motorsport.com, Autosport, Motorsport-Total, and GPOne.

Volkswagen

Tiguan Redesign: Volkswagen’s Bestseller Unveiled to Employees

Before its official media unveiling, Volkswagen showcased the new Tiguan to 10,000 employees at a works meeting in the Wolfsburg plant. The Tiguan has been a highly successful model for Volkswagen, with 7.6 million units produced since its launch in 2007. In the past two years alone, nearly a million units have been sold. Since 2018, the Tiguan has been the top-selling model for both Volkswagen Passenger Cars and the Volkswagen Group. The third generation of this popular SUV will begin production in Wolfsburg in fall 2023 and will be available in the first quarter of 2024. Combining progressive technologies with charismatic design, the Tiguan continues to impress with its compact dimensions.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, expressed the importance of showcasing the new Tiguan to the company’s team before its world premiere. This gesture was a way of thanking the employees for their hard work and dedication. The compact SUV is a crucial model for Volkswagen and the Wolfsburg location, as it has become a global bestseller. Since its debut in 2007, 7.6 million customers have purchased this vehicle.

Daniela Cavallo, Chairwoman of the General and Group Works Council, mentioned that the idea of holding the world premiere for and with the workforce came from the Works Council. The decision to have the new Tiguan unveiled during the works meeting was a strong signal of appreciation for the colleagues, especially those at the Tiguan’s birthplace in Wolfsburg. These employees have contributed to its success and have been excellent brand ambassadors from the start. It was Volkswagen’s way of saying thank you for their outstanding work. The employees followed the world premiere in and around Hall 11, as well as through the live stream.

Volkswagen Board Member for Sales Imelda Labbé emphasized that the Tiguan is one of the best-selling models in the compact SUV segment in many markets. In Germany and other countries, it holds the top position in its vehicle class, making it an essential pillar of the Volkswagen brand’s success.

Volkswagen offers a state-of-the-art and expansive SUV lineup, including the new Tiguan, T-Roc, T-Cross, Taigo, and Touareg, as well as the all-electric ID.4 and ID.5 models, in North and South America, India, and China. The SUV segment is rapidly growing worldwide, making a strong portfolio vital for Volkswagen’s competitiveness.

The Tiguan is one of the most successful Volkswagen models of the present day.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NEW TIGUAN

The third generation of the compact SUV features a completely redesigned exterior. The front end has a powerful appearance, and the rear section has a distinct and eye-catching design. Inside, the Tiguan has undergone a redesign with high-quality materials and workmanship. It impresses with a new operating concept, including a clear digital cockpit landscape that provides maximum information and incorporates digital services and apps. The user-friendly operation is evident throughout. Notable features include the new “Digital Cockpit” with anti-reflective digital instruments, a spacious infotainment screen up to 15 inches in size with a new menu structure and graphics, a head-up display for projections onto the windshield, and a multifunctional driving experience switch with an integrated OLED display. This dial allows control of the driving mode, radio volume, and even the colors of the ambient lighting.

The new Tiguan is based on the latest version of the Modular Transverse Toolkit: the MQB evo. This technology upgrade enhances almost every aspect of the Tiguan. The introduction of new hybrid powertrains with an all-electric range of approximately 100 km significantly improves the SUV’s efficiency. AC charging will be faster in all eHybrid versions, and for the first time, DC fast charging will be standard. Additionally, the new Tiguan features systems derived from the luxury Touareg model, such as a pneumatic massage function for the front seats and the “IQ.LIGHT – HD matrix headlights.” The new adaptive chassis “DCC Pro” enhances both comfort and dynamics, while the latest generation of “Park Assist” offers automated parking and backing out.

For more information on the Tiguan, visit the official Volkswagen website.