Tag Archives: notes

Everything To Know About The T28 Super Heavy Tank

The National Interest notes that this automobile was nearer in construction to a “self-propelled gun.” Typical tanks typically characteristic a revolving turret, however on this case, the gun was mounted to the entrance hull and will solely fireplace ahead, leaving the T28 weak to assaults from the again.  So whereas it was initially designated merely because the T28 tank, the Army re-designated it because the 105 mm gun motor carriage T95 in 1945. However, in 1946 they switched it again and renamed it the T28 Super Heavy Tank. 

Unfortunately for the tank, the naming battle was the one one it noticed. By the time the automobile handed trials, the mission for which it was commissioned —  breaching the heavy fortifications of the German Siegfried Line — had already been completed by that time within the struggle. By the time the primary tank was delivered in December 1945, the struggle was three months over. So the tank remained within the U.S. as an engineering research, with solely two prototypes constructed, and neither went into service attributable to heavy weight and excessive upkeep prices.

But the streak of dangerous luck did not finish there. In 1947, one of many T28s was broken in an engine fireplace and finally bought for scrap. In 1974, the opposite was found deserted in a subject at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and now has a correct dwelling at Fort Moore, Georgia. There it retired, apart from a small accident in 2017 reported by the National Armor and Cavalry Museum, when the T28 slid off a trailer throughout transport and rolled right into a ditch.

[Featured image by Randen Pederson via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC SA 2.0 Generic]

BMW and Opera Australia ring a bell with Opera for All free live performance in Federation Square. Support of native arts and tradition scene in partnership with Opera Australia.

Melbourne. Soaring symphonies and thrilling excessive notes rang out in Melbourne’s Federation Square on Saturday, 3 February 2024, when hundreds flocked to the extremely profitable, second Australian version of BMW’s annual Opera for All live performance collection.

Under sensible blue skies, and the skilled baton of Maestro Brian Castles-Onion, 4 of Opera Australia’s best singers, all Melbourne-based, soprano Olivia Cranwell, mezzo-soprano Dimity Shepherd, tenor Shanul Sharma and baritone Simon Meadows, accompanied by Orchestra Victoria, carried out a number of opera’s greatest hits, all totally free.

Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan was in attendance and absorbing the environment. “It was a thrill to welcome so many people to Fed Square to enjoy another spectacular presentation of Opera for All. Victorians were out in force including newcomers to opera and longstanding opera-lovers. The creative excellence for which Opera Australia is known is thanks to our exceptional teams of artists, artisans and arts workers. It’s also due to the close collaboration we enjoy with our partners, sponsors, donors and the many communities with whom we work around Australia. We thank BMW for their continued commitment to bringing more opera to more people through this global initiative. We are now looking forward to our exciting 2024 Victorian season, the first by our new artistic director, Jo Davies, that will kick off at the end of May with two very different productions – a new staging of Tosca at Margaret Court Arena and the musical Sunset Boulevard at the Princess Theatre.”

Wolfgang Buechel, CEO of BMW Australia, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “For greater than fifty years, BMW has spearheaded a whole bunch of cultural initiatives globally that help artwork, jazz, classical music, and opera. As accountable company residents, we’re dedicated to investing in individuals and society in nations the place we function. Here in Australia, we help training, sport, and artwork and tradition initiatives, which helps Australia to carry out at its finest. This shared dedication introduced Melburnians collectively for our second BMW Opera for All occasion, celebrating native proficient singers and musicians. We thank Opera Australia and Orchestra Victoria for his or her excellent performances.”

The BMW Group’s Cultural Engagement with unique updates and deeper insights into its international initiatives might be adopted on Instagram at @BMWGroupCulture.

Forbidden fruits: Nissan Z vs Subaru WRX vs Toyota GR Corolla

With Queen Elizabeth II on financial institution notes and place names like Richmond and Surrey, the west coast of Canada is most emphatically a British Columbia.

Apart from the vehicles, after all, that are largely not like any factor one can find within the UK. It’s primarily a land of American-style pick-up trucks and big SUVs – however there are some Japanese interlopers that you simply received’t discover in Britain. There’s an ideal premise, then, for us to assemble one of the best of them atop a coastal ski hill.

From Toyota, there’s the GR Corolla, a sop thrown throughout the Pacific since North America doesn’t get the GR Yaris. Toyota has taken the three-pot buzz-bomb spirit of its homologation-special hatchback and infused it right into a extra sensible four-door form. We’ve known as the bog-standard Corolla “pleasingly mischievous”, so how does practically 300bhp and an adjustable central differential seize you?

From Subaru, Canadians are fortunate sufficient to have each variations of the latest-generation WRX – what we as soon as knew because the Impreza WRX. You would possibly maybe not recognise how the yobbo boy racer of the Nineties has matured right into a household saloon with the disposition of a fluffy golden retriever. Yet the bonnet scoops and turbochargers are nonetheless right here, and so is the World Rally Blue paint that evokes recollections of Colin McRae and Richard Burns. Select both guide for max enthusiasm or CVT for daily-driver practicality and preserve the brim of your baseball cap as flat as Saskatchewan.

Lastly, Nissan’s merely named Z heaves into view with the world-weariness of Toshiro Mifune’s wandering ronin in Yojimbo (a superb film from 1961 – go test it out). Not completely a brand new automotive however an ageing platform given a recent physique design and a twin-turbocharged V6 engine borrowed from Infiniti’s components bin, this coupé is a bit of on the heavy aspect however nonetheless sturdy. And charismatic: Toyota requested BMW for assist with the GR Supra however Nissan stored the Z’s growth totally in-house, and it’s the higher for it.

These aren’t direct rivals in your hard-earned kilos (nicely, {dollars}), however all promise thrills for eager drivers. So let’s see whether or not British lovers can be inside their rights to have a sour-grapes angle to those forbidden fruits.

Nissan Z: The final samurai

Nissan Z front cornering

We’re now three many years away from the golden age of Japanese bubble-economy manufacturing. The likes of the twin-turbocharged Mazda RX-7 and Mk4 Toyota Supra are actually classics to be polished and loved on the weekend. But the automotive that proved the Rising Sun’s efficiency bona fides continues to be right here to fire up bother.

While the Z is solely named, it’s not likely the suitable title for it: it’s extra a reborn 300ZX, proper all the way down to the vintage-look tail-lights. Where the 240Z offered within the hundreds as a result of it was scarcely costlier than a compact saloon, this present Z is extra a muscular various to a V8 Ford Mustang. It feels engineered to be offered to the identical individuals who both purchased a 240Z new or simply missed out on doing so.

How To Undo In The Notes App For iPhone Or iPad

While there are plenty of options out there, Apple’s built-in Notes app continues to be a helpful approach to, effectively, jot down and maintain observe of notes. Random ideas that pop-up all through your day, vital reminders for the long run, that type of factor.

It can incorporate photographs and different photographs, assist scan paperwork, and can work with the Apple Pencil, assuming you are utilizing it on a suitable iPad. And after all it really works effectively with Apple’s normal ecosystem since it is a first-party app, so you can even reap the benefits of Siri, AirDrop, and different options simply.

What if one thing occurs in the course of the word taking or enhancing course of and also you by accident wreck your meticulously curated lists or different notes? It’s not like there’s an Undo (or Command + Z) perform you need to use in a pinch, proper? Well, sure and no. There might not be an overt Undo button or key command for Notes, however there are methods to take again current inputs that might prevent from having to redo all the pieces.

Undoing Notes

Depending in your machine and setup, you could have a mess of the way to appropriate errors in Notes — you simply should determine which one works finest for you.

  1. If you are utilizing an iPad with a keyboard accent, Command + Z will work similar to on a Mac. Shift + Command + Z may even work to Redo your final Undo command.
  2. The subsequent best approach to Undo in Notes is to present your iPhone or iPad a shake. Shaking will create a pop-up asking to substantiate that you just need to Undo Typing, which you’ll be able to affirm by tapping Undo.
  3. Shake to Undo could must be manually turned on, which might be executed by opening Settings and deciding on Accessibility. Then selecting Touch and tapping the toggle subsequent to Shake to Undo in order that it turns inexperienced (on).
  4. Access a built-in Undo function by tapping Notes’ Markup icon (the pen tip) and each left and proper arrows will seem on the highest of the display screen. Tap the left arrow to Undo, or faucet the suitable arrow to Redo.
  5. Newer variations of Notes (for instance, in iOS 17) show Undo and Redo arrows on the prime of the display screen by default, with out the necessity to faucet Markup.
  6. One extra possibility is to faucet the display screen with three fingers to drag up a contextual enhancing menu, then faucet the left arrow icon to Undo.

You can even Redo issues you could have by accident undone by following the identical steps.

Tesla’s Supercharger Congestion Fees Have Arrived: Here’s How They Work

Tesla has introduced congestion fees for their Superchargers. If the spot is busy and your car’s battery is over 90% charged, you will incur a $1.00 fee for every minute it’s still plugged in after a five-minute grace period. Tesla will notify users through the app if they are about to be charged. Customers with Supercharging credits or free Supercharging are not exempt from these fees. This rule applies to all vehicles that can use Superchargers, not just Tesla cars. Tesla justifies the fees by comparing them to not leaving a vehicle parked at a gas pump. The goal is to open up more charging spots for cars that need it.

Why The Lockheed P2V Neptune Aircraft Was Retired After Almost 40 Years In Service

Why was the Lockheed P2V Neptune aircraft retired after almost 40 years in service?

The P2V-1 Neptune, also known as the “Truculent Turtle,” made history in 1946 by becoming the first plane to fly nonstop without refueling from Perth, Australia to Columbus, Ohio, covering a distance of 11,235 miles in 55 hours and 17 minutes. However, its unrefueled distance record was later surpassed by the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress in 1962.

The P2V Neptune was a high-winged aircraft with twin engines that had an impressive load-bearing capacity for its time. It was capable of carrying payloads nearly 300% times its own weight, including four wartime pilots and even a baby kangaroo during its record-breaking flight.

When it was initially introduced, the P2V Neptune was equipped with radar, sonar, and magnetic anomaly detection sensors. It also boasted anti-shipping and anti-submarine weapons. In fact, it was the first Navy plane capable of transporting an atomic bomb, although this capability was temporary until the completion of the AJ Savage in 1950, according to the U.S. Naval Institute.

In its P2V-3C configuration, the aircraft could accommodate Mk1 atomic weapons with certain modifications such as reduced crewing, increased internal fuel, and compatibility with JATO (Jet Assisted Take-Off). The P2V-3C was even reported by Air & Space Magazine in 1950 as the largest aircraft ever deployed from an aircraft carrier.

Furthermore, in the same year, the P2V-5 Neptune became one of the first operational aircraft to be fitted with both piston and jet engines.

Despite its many accomplishments, the Lockheed P2V Neptune was eventually retired after almost 40 years of service.

10 Forgotten V-8 Powered Sports Sedans That You Can’t Ignore

From their smooth power delivery to their raw exhaust notes, V8 engines hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. Unfortunately, with pressing environmental concerns and a shift in the market, both the V8 engine and the sedan body style are going away. Apart from a handful of American cars, V8-powered performance sedans are considered a dying breed, while most seem reserved for enthusiasts with deep pockets.

According to KBB: the average price of a new car is hovering at around $48,334, and used car prices are averaging at around $27,147 in 2023. With staggering new car prices and little variety in the V-8 sedan department, enthusiasts are looking into cars from the previous few decades with rose-tinted glasses, where V8 power was almost ubiquitous. Fortunately, there are a plethora of older V-8 performance sedans that deliver exceptional performance without making your wallet a Superleggera.

Even though most would agree that older cars are more fun and engaging to drive, one must be cautious not to veer off into the deep end. There seems to be a consensus among enthusiasts that the vehicles produced between the 1990s and the end of the 2000s hit the perfect balance between reliable modern technology and an analog driving experience. The following list contains older V-8 performance sedans, within the aforementioned era, that are reasonably priced yet slightly overlooked.

We’ve sourced data from Classic.com, and Car and Driver to bring you this list of 10 forgotten V-8 powered sports sedans that won’t break the bank.

RELATED: 10 Coolest V-8 Powered Luxury Cars Of The Last Two Decades

10 BMW M5 E39

Avg price on Classic.com: $33,482

White 2001 BMW 5 Series
Bring A Trailer

The E39 is BMW’s fourth generation of the 5-Series sedan, and the M5 is where BMW’s M division started to bless their cars with V8 engines. The V-8 strapped under the M5 was a beast: 400 horsepower as compared to the 350 hp from the comparable Mercedes and Audi of the period. Power is delivered via a 6-speed manual to a rear limited-slip differential. All complemented by a menacing look, nearly similar to the lesser E39s, making it a poster child of sleeper sedans.

Performance

Production

1998–2003

Engine

Naturally Aspirated 4.9L S62 V8

0 to 60 MPH

5.3s

Top Speed

155 MPH

Horsepower

394 HP

Torque

369 Pound-Feet

Transmission

Getrag 420G 6-speed Manual

Layout

Rear-Wheel Drive

Curb Weight

3,792 pounds

(Performance specifications sourced from automobile-catalog.com)

The E39 M5 is arguably the best 5-series sedan that the Bavarian manufacturer ever made. Being the perfect blend of the analog and the modern, the E39 M5 is slowly becoming a sought-after classic among enthusiasts. Prices are slowly creeping up, while ones in pristine condition are commanding a premium.

9 BMW M3 E90

Avg price on Classic.com: $29,695

A Black 2008 BMW M3 E90 Sedan 6-Speed
Via Bring a Trailer

The fourth-gen M3 is arguably BMW’s most daring 3-series; being the only generation of M3 fitted with a V-8 engine. The engine code of the E90 M3 gives the impression that it is related to the V-8 in the E39 M5, but unlike most other M engines, the S65 bears no relation to other BMW production engines. The S65 V-8, along with the S85 V-10 used in the E60 M5, were developed in-house by the M-Division.

Performance

Production

2008-2013

Engine

Naturally Aspirated 4.0L S65B40 V-8

0 to 60 MPH

4.8s

Top Speed

155 MPH

Horsepower

414 HP

Torque

295 Pound-Feet

Transmission

6-speed manual 7-speed Getrag dual-clutch

Layout

Rear-Wheel Drive

Curb Weight

3,726 pounds

(Performance specifications sourced from automobile-catalog.com)

This generation of M3 was available in three body styles, just like the E36: offered as a sedan (E90), a coupe (E92), or a convertible (E93). Despite some reported reliability issues, the BMW E92 coupe is highly sought after, with the GTS model taking all the spotlight. The E90 sedan appears to be staying within reach for a while now, making it a perfect pick for enthusiasts seeking practicality and performance.

8 Lancia Thema 8.32

Avg price on Classic.com: $21,274

A Black 1990 Lancia Thema 8.32
via Bring a Trailer

The name Lancia evokes an illustrious past with an incredible rally pedigree. Unlike today, Lancia was one of the top Italian manufacturers, making cars for both the public and hard-core enthusiasts. The Thema was a luxury sedan that came out in 1984 and was produced until 1994. It was based on the all-new Type Four platform that was also shared among other Fiat brands. A variety of engines powered the Thema ranging from a 2.0-liter Fiat 834B inline-four to a 3.0-liter Alfa Romeo V-6.

Performance

Production

1987–1989

Engine

Transversely mounted 2.9L Ferrari Tipo F105L V-8

0 to 60 MPH

6.8s

Top Speed

140 MPH

Horsepower

212 HP

Torque

210 Pound-Feet

Transmission

5-speed manual gearbox

Layout

Front-Wheel Drive

Curb Weight

3,086 pounds

(Performance specifications sourced from automobile-catalog.com)

Lancia wanted their Thema to compete with the likes of BMW and Mercedes in the “super-sedan” segment. Since Fiat is also a stakeholder in Ferrari, they allowed Lancia to borrow the Tipo F105L V-8 for their vision of an ultimate sedan. The engine was mounted transversely for a front-wheel drive application, with a cross-plane crankshaft.

The 8.32 in the name implies the number of cylinders, followed by the number of valves. Power was delivered via a five-speed manual. There was also a retractable rear spoiler for stability at high speed that was flush with the trunk lid when not needed. The Thema 8.32 was considered a fantastic car, with even Enzo Ferrari himself having one as his personal car for many years.

RELATED: Get It Before It’s Gone: The Last Surviving V-8 Compact Luxury Sports Sedan

7 Maserati Quattroporte M139

Avg price on Classic.com: $20,976

Gray Maserati Quattroporte
Bring-A-Trailer

The fifth generation of the Quattroporte, which debuted in 2003, was the company’s flagship large sedan. It was powered by a front mid-mounted NA Ferrari V-8 called the F136, which was a joint venture between Ferrari and Maserati. The V-8 used a cross-plane crankshaft and had one of the most addictive soundtracks in the entire industry. It was also considered an icon of Italian elegance, being designed by Pininfarina’s then chief designer.

Performance

Production

2003–2012

Engine

Naturally Aspirated 4.7L Ferrari F136 Y V-8

0 to 60 MPH

5.3s

Top Speed

168 MPH

Horsepower

396 HP

Torque

339 Pound-Feet

Transmission

6-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic

Layout

Rear-Wheel Drive

Curb Weight

4,387 pounds

(Performance specifications sourced from automobile-catalog.com)

The M139 Quattroporte had a six-figure price tag when new. Currently, prices are averaging at around the $21,000 mark, but with a good reason. While it is adored for its gorgeous styling and sensational engine noise, it is also well known for its horrendous reliability. The initially offered DuoSelect automated manual transmission was known for burning through clutches and expensive repairs. Fortunately, the latter ZF units were fairly reliable and were less janky.

6 Chevy Impala SS

Avg price on Classic.com: $20,931

1996 Chevrolet Impala SS
Bring a Trailer

Perhaps everyone is familiar with the fourth-generation Chevy Caprice Police Interceptors used in the late 80s and early 90s. Well, for a brief period, they also made some monsters for the villains based on the same platform: the Chevy Impala SS. It was the embodiment of a sleeper muscle sedan from the 90s. It had much of the equipment from the police car twin, including a sport-tuned suspension, dual exhausts, a high-capacity cooling system, and a higher-output electrical system.

Performance

Production

1994-1996

Engine

5.7L (350 cu in) LT1 V-8

0 to 60 MPH

7.1s

Top Speed

145 MPH

Horsepower

260 HP

Torque

330 Pound-Feet

Transmission

4-speed 4L60-E automatic

Layout

Rear-Wheel Drive

Curb Weight

4,037 pounds

(Performance specifications sourced from automobile-catalog.com)

While performance figures don’t look all that interesting by today’s standards. It was powered by the same LT1 V-8 engine used in the C4 Corvette of the period, albeit with a slightly different cylinder head, earning it the nickname “The Four-Door Corvette”. Today, the Impala SS seems forgotten, despite its reasonable price tag, good reliability, and performance.

5 Cadillac CTS-V – 1st Gen

Avg price on Classic.com: $20,050

Silver 2006 Cadillac CTS-V
Cadillac

Throughout the years Cadillac had cemented its name as the premier luxury offering from General Motors. However, in 2004, GM decided to throw their strongest punch against their German rivals: the likes of BMW M5 and Mercedes C55 AMG. They took the ordinary CTS sedan and strapped their LS engines snatched from the Corvette, with the only transmission available being a six-speed manual.

Performance

Production

2004-2007

Engine

5.7L OHV LS6 V-8 6.0L OHV LS2 V-8

0 to 60 MPH

4.6s

Top Speed

163 MPH

Horsepower

400 HP

Torque

395 Pound-Feet

Transmission

6-speed Tremec T-56 manual

Layout

Rear-Wheel Drive

Curb Weight

3,849 pounds

(Performance specifications sourced from automobile-catalog.com)

The CTS-V was received with much fanfare. The first-gen CTS-V was a bit of a sleeper and a steal next to the German competition of its time, and its pricing remains great by comparison today. It can also be found with much more reasonable pricing than its successor, despite only 8,802 being built.

RELATED: The Most Analog V-8 Powered Sports Sedan That Money Can Buy Today

4 Mercury Marauder – 3rd Gen

Avg price on Classic.com: $18,096

Front 3/4 shot of the 2003 Mercury Marauder
Mercury

In 2003, Ford pulled the same trick Chevy pulled a few years ago with the Impala SS to the Mercury Grand Marquis and named it the Marauder. But unlike the Impala SS, the Marauder was sold in small numbers, 11,052 of them to be exact. Adding to the aura of the sleeper muscle sedan was that 8,330 of the 11,052 were sold in a black color.

Performance

Production

2003–2004

Engine

4.6L Modular DOHC V-8

0 to 60 MPH

7.5s

Top Speed

137 MPH

Horsepower

302 HP

Torque

318 Pound-Feet

Transmission

4-speed automatic

Layout

Rear-Wheel Drive

Curb Weight

4,195 pounds

(Performance specifications sourced from automobile-catalog.com)

Unlike its other panther-bodied brethren, the Marauder shared its V-8 with the fourth-gen Ford Mustang Mach 1. The Marauder also used heavier-duty brake and suspension components from the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. The Marauder is truly an icon with a spirit from the V-8 muscle car era. When you consider that this is the final old-school, body-on-frame, American V-8 muscle sedan, the premium over a standard Grand Marquis would make it a worthwhile purchase.

3 Mercedes-Benz 400E – W124

Avg price on Classic.com: $12,798

A White 1992 Mercedes-Benz 400E
via Bring a Trailer

Early in the 1990s, the famed partnership between the Stuttgart powerhouses Mercedes and Porsche gave birth to an icon: a 5.0L V-8 powered super sedan dubbed the 500E. Well, the prices of those cars are slowly reaching a new high. The 400E is the little brother of the 500E, not as special but nearly as powerful, currently averaging a quarter of the price.

Performance

Production

1992–1993 400E 1994-1996 E420

Engine

4.2L M119.975 V-8

0 to 60 MPH

6.8s

Top Speed

155 MPH

Horsepower

275 HP

Torque

295 Pound-Feet

Transmission

4-speed 4G-TRONIC Automatic

Layout

Rear-Wheel Drive

Curb Weight

3,571 pounds

(Performance specifications sourced from automobile-catalog.com)

The 400E and the 500E basically shared the same M119 V-8 engine, except the 500E’s had larger bore and stroke. The 400E is 54 horses less than the 500E, but is still a potent sedan. For the 1994 model year, Mercedes altered the naming convention of their lineup such that the number, which now represents the displacement, came before the letter. Therefore, the 400E is now the 420E but is the same vehicle.

2 Jaguar XJ308

Avg price on Classic.com: $12,425

A parked 2000 Jaguar XJR
Mecum

The XJ was Jaguar’s full-size luxury sedan nameplate since the series-1 came out in 1968. The XJ308 was the sixth generation of XJs. It kept much of the same exterior styling as its predecessor, the Jaguar XJ (X300), carrying its rounded four-headlamp hood, low roof-line, sloping tail, and wrap-around rear light clusters. Where the XJ308 differed was in the engine bay, it was the first outing of Jaguar’s legendary AJ-V8 in a sedan body style.

Performance

Production

1998–2003

Engine

NA/Supercharged 4.0L Jaguar AJ V-8

0 to 60 MPH

7.3s

Top Speed

149 MPH

Horsepower

290-370 HP

Torque

290-387 Pound-Feet

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

Layout

Rear-Wheel Drive

Curb Weight

3,968-4,134 pounds

(Performance specifications sourced from automobile-catalog.com)

Every available engine for the XJ308 was a V-8 with a displacement beginning at 3.2L. Jaguar only sent the 4.0L versions to the US, both in short and long-wheelbase form, with either a naturally-aspirated V-8 with 290 horsepower, or a supercharged V-8 with a whopping 370 horsepower.

Jaguar greatly benefited from Ford’s ownership back in the day, the XJ308 is considered a fairly reliable Jaguar and the last of the original XJ line before Jaguar’s switch to a more modern approach for the XJ350-generation car. The XJ308 offers a nice sweet spot between the classic and the modern, at a reasonable price tag.

RELATED: 10 Forgotten V-8 Powered Luxury Sedans That Won’t Break The Bank

1 Audi S8 D2

Avg price on Classic.com: $12,297

A Silver 2001 Audi S8 D2
via Bring a Trailer

“S” badged Audis are mechanically upgraded, high-performance versions of their regular line-up of cars. Kind of like Audi’s own AMG or M-Division. The Audi S8 is the performance variant of their full-size luxury sedan, the A8, fitted with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system as standard. Introduced for the 1996 model year, the D2 was the first generation of S8s. It was fitted with a powerful 4.2L V-8, along with various upgrades to the drivetrain and chassis.

Performance

Production

1996-2003

Engine

4.2 L ABZ/AHC V-8

0 to 60 MPH

6.3s

Top Speed

155 MPH

Horsepower

360 HP

Torque

317 Pound-Feet

Transmission

6-speed manual 5-speed ZF 5HP24 Tiptronic automatic

Layout

All-Wheel Drive

Curb Weight

4,067 pounds

(Performance specifications sourced from automobile-catalog.com)

The Audi S8 ticks so many boxes for enthusiasts seeking a true performance sedan: it has a naturally-aspirated 4.2L V-8 with over 360 horsepower, it was available as a manual, it has independent double wishbone suspension, it has an AWD system and aluminum construction for all-weather practicality, and it currently sits at a very reasonable price point. One must be aware that the A8 and S8 were technologically advanced cars for the time, thus keep an eye out for any potential problems that could eventually affect their longevity.

BMW Neue Klasse: Decoding BMW’s Design Revolution

According to BMW’s design chief, while using retro design can provide a sense of familiarity, it is important to find a balance when introducing new technology. The goal is to take existing customers on a journey into the future.

Talking about the future models in the Neue Klasse series, he explains that there will be a strong overlap between them, as they will be released in quick succession. This is a departure from the previous approach of a 10-year model cycle. Despite the shorter time frame, the individual characteristics of each model will still be recognizable.

The release order of the six electric vehicles in the Neue Klasse series will be determined mainly by lifecycle considerations and also by the demand for change or technological updates.

Return to Factory Settings

The Neue Klasse EVs will initially be manufactured at BMW’s new factory in Debrecen, Hungary. The production process will be completely free from fossil fuels, rely more on the use of secondary materials, and have lower CO2 emissions. The factories in Munich and Mexico will undergo necessary upgrades in 2026 and 2027.

In addition to the technological and design advancements, the interior of the Neue Klasse concept offers a glimpse of how the ninth generation of BMW’s iDrive operating system will redefine interior design for the brand.

Neue Klasse Interiors

The minimalist interior of the Neue Klasse EVs will differentiate them from current BMW models. The cockpit features only essential physical controls, and even the iconic iDrive rotary control knob, introduced in the 2001 BMW 7 Series, will be omitted.

BMW Neue Klasse EV Concept interior roof

THE WEEKLY FEED: BITD: 1978- YAMAHA WINS EVERYTHING • PRO VERSUS SCHMOE VIDEO

THE WEEKLY FEED: BITD: 1978- YAMAHA WINS EVERYTHING • PRO VERSUS SCHMOE VIDEO

This was a post by Dave Osterman, Mike Bell’s mechanic. He notes that Honda had a great year, but back in 1978 Yamaha put together a decent run.

This Yamaha ad (below) features the 1978 500cc National Champ Rick Burgett, Bob Hannah- AMA Supercross  and 250cc AMA Motocross champion and 125cc National Champ Broc Glover all wearing their #1 plates. Of note, Hannah also won the Trans-AMA title in 1978 and Heikki Mikkola won his second straight 500cc World Championship.

Not too shabby…

[Screenshot of Yamaha ad showcasing the champions]

[Image of Bob Hannah winning the Supercross and 250 National Motocross Championship in 1978]

[Image of Broc Glover, the 1978 125 National Motocross Champion]

[Image of Rick Burgett, the 1978 Open Class Motocross Champion]

[Image of Heikki Mikkola, the 1978 500cc World Champion]

[Screenshot of Skyler Howes joining the Monster Energy Honda Rally Team]

Skyler Howes, who was dropped by the Husqvarna Factory Rally effort after finishing third at last year’s Dakar, has joined the Monster Energy Honda Rally Team to race the Dakar Rally and World Rally-Raid Championship.

“Riding for the HRC rally team is a highlight of my life and career.” Says Skyler. “I learned how to ride on an XR75 when I was three-years-old and I began my rally effort on a CRF450X so my roots are deep with Honda. To also have the support of Monster Energy is huge for me and I’m super excited to see what the team and I can accomplish together. After a podium at the Dakar my focus remains the same, have as much fun as possible, and continue to reach for the top step of the podium.”

[Screenshot of Team Honda HRC’s CRF450RWE and CRF250R wearing special graphics featuring a pattern created by TrueTimber]

[Image of a Special Edition KTM 300]

Of all the machines I have ridden and raced, the KTM 300 stands alone as my favorite mount.  I can remember going to Blackwater with Rod Bush and testing their brand new 273 in 1986, raced the entire Qualifier schedule in ’92 aboard one and then did Six Days in Czecho. As the years have scudded by the machine has morphed from linkage to PDS and now offers both. The front end has evolved from Upside down WP’s to right side up Zokes, and then back. But the powerplant has always had one special attribute; it makes traction down low and pulls a higher gear in the tight ugly stuff. This was the main reason I love this machine both then and now!

[Image of the author’s 1992 KTM 300, prepped for the ISDE event in Czecho]

In Wickenburg, Arizona, the Arizona Dirt Bike Rental folks say that October through May has some of the best desert riding anywhere. Hang out in the quaint little cowboy town, Wickenburg, which is truly a southwestern lifestyle.

[Image of Arizona Dirt Bike Rentals logo]

[Image of the picturesque town of Wickenburg]

Don’t miss out on the free 2-stroke special!

[Image of the Free 2-Stroke Special advertisement]

[Image of Laim Everts riding]

[Image of video highlights from MXGP of Italy]

[Image of Terra Inferno Jungle Race video]

[Image of Sea to Sky 2022 – Pro Ways vs Hobby Ways video]

[Screenshot of an advertisement for Arizona Dirt Bike Rentals]

[Screenshot of an advertisement for WMR Powersports]

[Image of Tom Webb’s KTM 300]

Of all the machines I have ridden and raced, the KTM 300 stands alone as my favorite mount. I can remember going to Blackwater with Rod Bush and testing their brand new 273 in 1986, raced the entire Qualifier schedule in ’92 aboard one and then did Six Days in Czecho. As the years have scudded by the machine has morphed from linkage to PDS and now offers both. The front end has evolved from Upside down WP’s to right side up Zokes, and then back. But the powerplant has always had one special attribute; it makes traction down low and pulls a higher gear in the tight ugly stuff. This was the main reason I love this machine both then and now!

[Image of the author’s 1992 KTM 300, prepped for the ISDE event in Czecho]

To experience the thrill of riding in the Arizona desert, visit arizonadirtbikerentals.com.

[Image of the Arizona Dirt Bike Rentals logo]

[Screenshot of an advertisement for WMR Powersports]

[Image of an unnamed motorcycle]

[Image of a Special Edition KTM 300]

For more information and to stay up to date on the latest dirt bike news, visit dirtbikemagazine.com.

[Image of the Dirt Bike Magazine logo]

Your New Car Is Tracking You In Ways You Don’t Even Realize – And Tesla Is The Worst

On one hand, Privacy Not Included’s deeper dive into Tesla notes that Elon Musk’s electric car company pledges in its privacy policy that your data will never be “sold, tracked or shared without your permission or knowledge.” On the other hand, Tesla’s past actions have shown that the company can’t entirely be trusted in that regard. Back in April, Reuters reported that photos and videos taken by Tesla vehicles’ outside-facing cameras were freely shared among company employees. This included everything from a random customer approaching his car naked to a peek inside Musk’s garage. The following month, a whistleblower helped break a story about customer data breaches, as well.

There are other issues, too. While Tesla gives the option to opt out of data collection, it stresses that the data collection is required for “certain advanced features such as over-the-air updates, remote services, and interactivity with mobile applications and in-car features such as location search, Internet radio, voice commands, and web browser functionality.” It gets worse, though: Tesla further states that “This may result in your vehicle suffering from reduced functionality, serious damage, or inoperability” because “we will not be able to know or notify you of issues applicable to your vehicle in real time.” Yes, Tesla says that opting out of data collection could brick your car.

Overall? Not great.