In a recent social media announcement, Toyota hinted at the return of the Land Cruiser to the US market. Now, the automaker has released teaser images of an unnamed mid-size, off-road SUV. Although Toyota has not officially confirmed that these images depict the upcoming Land Cruiser, the mention of 65 years of off-road history suggests that it could be the case. Considering that the iconic FJ40 was introduced in 1960, it is likely that the new Land Cruiser will be a 2025 model.
Interestingly, the 2025 Land Cruiser for the US market will have a different appearance compared to the globally debuted 2022 model, known as the 300-Series. This is because the US version of the legendary off-roader is expected to share its platform with the 2024 Lexus GX 550, which is the luxury brand’s newly redesigned mid-size SUV. It is worth noting that the Land Cruiser Prado, which has a similar heritage to the GX, was recently teased for the European market. As a result, it is highly likely that the US-market Land Cruiser will be nearly identical to the European version.
The teaser images reveal some key features of the new Land Cruiser. It shares the upkicked beltline with the GX, which enhances off-road visibility and maneuverability. The Land Cruiser also has a tall stance and a relatively short wheelbase. However, there are some design elements unique to Toyota. The front end of the 2025 Land Cruiser features a separate bumper, unlike the integrated grille-bumper combination found on the GX. Additionally, the Land Cruiser lacks the roof spoiler present on its Lexus counterpart, giving it a more retro look. By brightening the image, you can also see that the Land Cruiser has large, square taillights and a chunky grille. It is possible that the Land Cruiser does not have rocker steps in order to improve clearance over rocks.
Porsche France recently teased a new variant of the 911 on social media, leading some to believe it might be the highly anticipated heritage-inspired ST model. However, the actual release is the 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenary Edition, which pays homage to past Porsche models by incorporating design elements from the 356 SL and 911 GT1. This special edition celebrates 100 years of endurance racing since the inaugural event held on May 26-27, 1923.
Exclusive to France, the retro-styled 911 Carrera GTS will only have 72 units available for purchase. This number signifies the 72 years of Porsche’s continuous presence at the renowned 24-hour endurance race. Buyers can choose between a seven-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed PDK transmission, and each car comes equipped with an extensive list of standard features. The price for this exclusive model is €237,819, which is approximately $259,600 based on current exchange rates.
# DJ Khaled Takes His Mercedes-Maybach Virgil Abloh Edition Golfing
Known worldwide as a top-tier music executive and social media personality, DJ Khaled continues to entertain his millions of followers with positivity and wisdom. Finding his new talent on the golf course, DJ Khaled has fully embraced the lifestyle of a professional golfer by dedicating his time to the game and improving his skills. Khaled’s love for luxury is evident not only in his golf game but also in his choice of accessories. Whether he’s arriving at the course in an exclusive exotic car or carrying a Louis Vuitton golf bag, DJ Khaled knows how to make a statement.
DJ Khaled recently made headlines on the cover of Golf Digest and he did not disappoint when it came to his choice of transportation. He showed up to the course in style with his new Mercedes-Maybach S680 Virgil Abloh Edition. This limited-edition luxury sedan is a testament to DJ Khaled’s impeccable taste and his passion for all things glamorous. He even took to Instagram to show off his new ride, complete with a matching Louis Vuitton golf bag and custom Air Jordan III sneakers. And to complete the look, DJ Khaled wore a stunning 18k yellow gold Rolex Daytona “Leopard” sapphire and diamond watch.
With his newfound love for golf and his luxurious Mercedes-Maybach, DJ Khaled might just be on his way to the PGA Tour in the near future. If you’re interested in owning your own Mercedes-Maybach S680, you can check out the available options on duPont REGISTRY’s website.
[View All Mercedes-Maybach S680 For Sale](https://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/results/mercedes-benz/maybach–s–680)
[Instagram Post by DJ Khaled](https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct21tRMt3UN/)
CFMoto Philippines has made a significant announcement on its social media pages regarding the launch of its groundbreaking naked bike, the 800NK. This new model for the country is based on the 800 platform and comes with an incredibly attractive price tag of 458,000 PHP, which is approximately $8,200 USD.
The NK series has been in CFMoto’s lineup for some time now, and prior to its international announcement, the largest bike in the NK line was a 650cc model. Following the global unveiling, the 800NK became the most powerful bike in the NK series, and now, with the official announcement from the country’s distributor, it’s also the most exciting NK model to date.
The CFMoto 800 NK shares its engine with the KTM 790 Duke, which is also manufactured locally in the Philippines. These two models are expected to compete for dominance in the Southeast Asian market in the near future. While many comparisons will be drawn, there are both similarities and differences worth noting after experiencing both bikes in person.
First and foremost, the frame on the 800NK is a bit different. Although it uses the same LC8C engine, the frame built around it has some variation. The swingarm, for instance, is not the open-lattice design found on KTM bikes; instead, it features an aluminum swingarm that is shorter compared to Team Orange’s rendition. The 800NK has a wheelbase of 1,465 millimeters, while the KTM 790 Duke measures at 1,475 millimeters. This means that the 800NK will provide a more agile and nimble riding experience, although its rake is less aggressive than its Austrian counterpart.
As for engine specifications, the 800NK is powered by the same motor as the KTM, but the CFMoto has made slight adjustments. The model produces 94 horsepower and 81 Nm of torque, which is slightly lower compared to when the 790 Duke was first launched in 2017 with 105 horsepower. The decrease in power figures is mainly due to emissions regulations, as KTM also experienced a reduction in power when it released the Euro 5-compliant version of the 790 Duke.
The bike also features fully-adjustable separate function forks and pre-load on the suspension front, 17-inch wheels with Maxxis tires, 320mm brake discs in the front, and a 260mm disc at the rear with J.Juan calipers. It also comes with dual-channel ABS as standard.
13Photos
The weight of the 800NK is only 189 kilograms or 416 pounds, and its seat height is an accommodating 795 millimeters or 31.2 inches.
The NK also boasts an interesting tech package. While it lacks the KTM’s six-axis inertial measurement unit, it compensates with a larger gauge cluster and keyless ignition. The bike also offers ride modes, including Rain, Street, and Sport.
Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of the CFMoto 800NK is its launch price of P488,000, or about $8,750 USD. This special sales price places the bike in an extremely competitive position in the market.
Last month, we got to test the 2024 KTM 450XCF-W at a media intro in Ohio at the site of the John Penton GNCC. It was just enough to get us excited about the bike and we couldn’t wait to get it to California where we could get more time on it. Last year, this was a bike that very few people seemed to understand. It was a closed-course competition bike that many riders mistook for a green-sticker compliant machine–in other words, people just assumed it was plugged up and overly lean. It wasn’t. It was an extremely capable off-road bike with a six-speed gearbox and excellent power delivery–most definitely not plugged up and overly lean. For 2024 it’s back with the same general personality, but updated with a new chassis, new suspension and a mostly new motor. To clarify, there is a green sticker version of this bike in the KTM line. That one is called the 500XWF.
In stock form, the 450XCF-W is better suited for trail riding than any four-stroke in KTM’s line.
The 450XCF-W takes the 450SX-F motocross platform introduced last year and gives it the off-road treatment as far as suspension, power delivery and equipment. To be fair, the frame is unlike anything else because it uses PDS rear suspension without linkage. The shock is similar to the one on the new motocross bike, but with different internals and, of course, it connects directly to the swingarm–which is new. This year, the PDS rear end uses a straight-rate spring. Up front, there’s an entirely new fork. It’s a coil-spring version of the Xact air fork from the motocross line. No more Xplor fork. The motor has its own mapping with two options on the handlebar switch as well as traction control. And then there’s that six-speed gearbox, which is something that desert riders have been wanting for a long time. As far as equipment goes, the big news is an LED headlight that actually produces decent candle power for riding at night. Racing at night will still require something bigger. The bike also comes with a radiator fan.
The price for the 2023 KTM 450XCF-W is $11,999.
Now that we’ve ridden the bike at home, we’re even more impressed. The suspension is nothing short of excellent. The previous version of the bike (which we already loved) needed substantial fork work for anything except low-speed rock crawling. It was too soft in stock form, and the Xplor fork didn’t respond well to modification. The new fork is still good in rocks, but it doesn’t dive and misbehave in whoops. It’s stiffer than the old fork, so it may give away a little compliance in first gear, but it’s well-suited for anything faster. The PDS rear suspension is great too. There are still a number of hard-core linkage fans who resist the PDS concept, but we believe this bike will convert many of them.
Pete Murray finds a little piece of Erzberg in California.
As far as power goes, the 450XCF-W runs sort of like a heavily modified 500EXC. Dual-sport riders have to speed thousands to get this kind of power out of the 500. It doesn’t have the top-end of the motocross bike, but it’s smooth, torquey and easy to use. Plus, it doesn’t overheat.
This is the most versatile off-road bike in KTM’s entire line. If you’re a trail rider you can leave it stock and be happy. If you’re a dual-sport rider, you might have to figure out registration, but it’s reasonably quiet and has the six-speed gearbox. If you’re a racer, you might have to go mining for a little more power, but again, the six-speed will make it worthwhile and the suspension will be easy to work with. We will be putting a bunch of miles on this bike in upcoming months, so look for a test in the September, 2023 print edition of Dirt Bike.
DUCATI’S FIRST DIRT BIKE
We’ve been hearing rumors that Ducati is in the process of building a motocross bike. This isn’t it, but it’s clearly something new and dirty from the Italian motorcycle manufacturer. The Powerstage RR Limited edition is a high-end electric mountain bike. The special livery designed by Aldo Drudi in collaboration with the Ducati Design Center and inspired by the Desmosedici GP23 (with which the official riders race) in a limited edition of 230 numbered units. It has a full carbon frame with a combination of modern geometrical solutions and high-quality components, such as the new Shimano EP801 drive unit, Öhlins suspension, SRAM GX AXS 12-speed shifter and Crankbrothers Synthesis wheels (29″ front, 27.5″ rear) with carbon rims.
The Powerstage RR Limited Edition can already be ordered from the Ducati network and online at www.ducati.com at a suggested retail price of $11,990 USD (Prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices. Prices exclude dealer setup, taxes, freight, title and licensing and are subject to change).
KICKSTART KENNY AT HIGH POINT
BROADCAST TEAM Play by Play: Jason Weigandt Analyst: Ricky Carmichael Reporter: Jason Thomas HOW TO WATCH Saturday, June 17 Pro Motocross Championship: Race Day Live Peacock @ 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET Pro Motocross Championship: High Point National [LIVE] Peacock @ 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET Monday, June 19 Pro Motocross Championship: High Point National Replay CNBC, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports App 11 p.m. PT [Sunday] / 2 a.m. ET
VINTAGE SEATS
If you have vintage bikes, you know that seats are very difficult to get right. MotoSeat has a full line of vintage dirt bike seat covers and seat foam. You can design your seat on line here.
CHAD REED JOINS WORLD SUPERCROSS
With less than a month until the 2023 FIM World Supercross season kicks off with the British Grand Prix in Birmingham, WSX is set to announce that Australian supercross legend, Chad Reed will join the team as a “supercross advisor” and broadcast commentator for the upcoming six-race season. One of the most successful supercross riders of all time and the record holder for competing in most ‘main events,’ Reed has expansive supercross experience and knowledge that he will be bringing to the series and its fans in an advisor role on the broadcast team. Additionally, Reed will host exclusive content on WSX.TV.
See you next week!
–Ron Lawson
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
