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News

Verge Motorcycles to Use Tesla NACS Charging Standard for Bike Charging

On June 29, 2023, Verge Motorcycles, a Finnish electric motorcycle manufacturer, announced their decision to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging network for their bikes. Verge is the first electric motorcycle maker to make use of this standard, joining other EV manufacturers such as Ford, General Motors, and Rivian.

While many electric vehicle (EV) owners charge their vehicles at home, finding suitable chargers while traveling can be difficult, especially for electric motorcycles. Although battery technologies have improved over time, electric motorcycles still have shorter ranges compared to four-wheeled EVs in 2023. As a result, they require more frequent top-ups.

In a statement, Verge’s Chief Technology Officer, Marko Lehtimäki, said, “As the Tesla of motorcycles, it seemed like a natural solution for us to adopt Tesla’s NACS charging standard. Providing our customers with a comprehensive and easy fast charging system is essential for Verge’s growth. We are currently preparing to enter the US market.”

Tesla Supercharger Network - North America - 2023

Verge’s US operations Chief Operating Officer, Pekka Parnanen, added, “Total customer service is everything for Verge. We want Verge owners to have access to the most extensive fast charging system in North America, which is why we plan to utilize Tesla’s network of 17,000 charging stations.”

This decision is especially strategic for Verge as it sets to enter the US market. While the company has gained positive attention in the past with its appearances at the Consumer Electronics Show, it is still a relatively young player in the electric motorcycle industry compared to Zero, Harley-Davidson/LiveWire, and Energica. By adopting the NACS standard ahead of its competitors, Verge aims to distinguish itself as a leader in the electric motorcycle market in North America.

From personal experience, it is often easier to find Tesla Superchargers compared to other charging stations. Tesla tends to install multiple chargers at each location, increasing the chances of finding an available and functional charger. This advantage will benefit Verge as many Tesla drivers are on the road in the US.

Verge’s unique designs have received positive attention and accolades, such as winning the Red Dot Award. However, the success of Verge’s bikes in North America will depend on factors such as riding experience, customer service, and overall quality. The adoption of the NACS charging standard is one exciting aspect of Verge’s plans, and the company looks forward to rolling out its bikes in the US soon.

Motorsport

Ford Mustang GT4 Race Car Debuts With Aggressive Body Design

Ford has officially introduced the Mustang GT4 as a racing car designed for competitors who want a step below the recently unveiled GT3. This new model is specifically built for the SRO GT4 category.

The Mustang GT4 is based on the Dark Horse model and is manufactured by Multimatic. Ford Performance will provide the powerful Coyote-based 5.0-liter V8 engines for these race cars. The vehicle will also feature components such as Multimatic DSSV dampers and a Holinger dog-ring gearbox.


News

2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X Is Ready To Thump Its Way Into Your Heart

On June 27, 2023, Triumph Motorcycles officially unveiled two new bikes from its collaboration with Bajaj. These bikes have been in the works for the past few years, and while leaked images and videos were floating around, important details were still unclear, especially regarding the engine displacement.

But now, we have the information we’ve been waiting for—the first Triumph Bajaj bikes are here. They introduced the 2024 Speed 400, which we’ve already covered in a separate article, and the 2024 Scrambler 400 X, which we’ll dive into now.

2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X Engine

Both of Triumph’s new single-cylinder motorcycles, developed in partnership with Bajaj, are equipped with a dedicated TR-series engine. This all-new unit was specifically designed for Triumph and these bikes. Triumph claims that this engine will be exclusive to Triumph and won’t be used by other manufacturers, including Bajaj.

The TR engine is a liquid-cooled, four-valve, 398.15cc single-cylinder engine. It produces a claimed 39.5 brake horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 27.6 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm. The bore and stroke measure 89mm by 64mm. The engine features Bosch electronic fuel injection and electronic throttle control, and it’s paired with a six-speed gearbox.

Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Wheels, Tires

Similar to the Speed 400, the Scrambler 400 X utilizes a hybrid spine and perimeter frame made from tubular steel, along with a bolt-on rear subframe. The two-sided swingarm is made from cast aluminum alloy.

The front suspension on the Scrambler 400 X consists of upside-down Big Piston forks with a diameter of 43mm, providing 5.9 inches of wheel travel. This is slightly more than the Speed 400’s setup. The rear suspension is a preload-adjustable gas monoshock with an external reservoir, also offering 5.9 inches of suspension travel, which is 0.8 inches more than the Speed 400.

Braking is handled by a single four-piston radial caliper and a 320mm fixed brake disc in the front, and a single floating caliper and a 230mm fixed disc in the rear. The Scrambler 400 X is equipped with Bosch dual-channel ABS as standard. The motorcycle features 10-spoke cast aluminum alloy wheels, with a 19-inch wheel in the front and a 17-inch wheel in the rear. Both wheels are fitted with Metzeler Karoo Street rubber.

Dimensions

The 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X has a wheelbase of 55.8 inches. The rake measures 23.2 degrees, and the trail is 4.3 inches. The motorcycle has a fuel capacity of 3.43 gallons, identical to the Speed 400. Triumph claims that the curb weight is 395 pounds.

Rider Aids and Technology

Just like the Speed 400, the Scrambler 400 X features a ride-by-wire throttle. Both motorcycles also come with switchable traction control. However, the Scrambler 400 X has an additional feature that the Speed 400 does not—switchable ABS, allowing riders to have better control off-road. The Scrambler 400 X is also equipped with a torque-assist clutch.

Both Triumph 400s have a dash that includes an analogue speedometer with an integrated LCD screen. The information on the screen can be controlled using a handlebar-mounted scroll button. Additionally, there is a standard USB-C charging port for on-the-go device charging.

Other Features

The Scrambler 400 X is equipped with LED lighting all around, including integrated turn signals where regulations permit. In markets with different turn signal requirements, there may be slight variations in the appearance of the motorcycles. The Scrambler 400 X comes with a steering lock, immobilizer, and Triumph’s transponder-chipped physical key as standard. It also features a headlight grille, radiator guard, sump guard, handguards, a longer front mudguard, and a handlebar brace with a Triumph-branded foam pad.

Pricing, Availability, and Colors

The 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X will be available in three two-tone color schemes, each featuring the Scrambler-family tank stripe and badge seen on larger-displacement models. The available color options include Matt Khaki Green/Fusion White, Carnival Red/Phantom Black, and Phantom Black/Silver Ice.

Triumph plans to launch the Scrambler 400 X in India in July 2023, with subsequent releases in other markets worldwide in the first quarter of 2024. Pricing details will be announced alongside availability and will be competitive with similar motorcycles in each market.

Motorsport

See Hammond And May Destroy Clarkson’s Bizarre Car in Grand Tour: Eurocrash

The newest release from The Grand Tour team has arrived, titled Eurocrash. This episode features the iconic trio of James May, Jeremy Clarkson, and Richard Hammond embarking on a 1,400-mile road trip through Eastern Europe. However, knowing Clarkson, Hammond, and May, you can expect there to be much more to the story.

If you haven’t watched Eurocrash yet and want to avoid spoilers, you can check out this 20-minute clip on The Grand Tour’s YouTube channel. It serves as both a prologue and epilogue to the adventure, offering limited spoilers. On the other hand, if you’ve already seen the nearly two-hour special, this clip provides a satisfying wrap-up.

As expected, Clarkson’s car survives the trip. For those unfamiliar with this peculiar vehicle, let me introduce you to the Mitsuoka Le-Seyde. It is based on the Nissan Silvia S13, featuring a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine at the front. The Le-Seyde boasts an extended wheelbase, with the front wheels residing in a different country than the rear. This arrangement allows for a spacious engine compartment but leaves room for just two passengers in the cabin.

The video offers more insights into the car, including the comical discovery that Clarkson replaced the Le-Seyde’s original seats with permanent Recaro seats. Unfortunately, this modification makes it difficult for Hammond to see over the steering wheel, let alone drive the car around the Eboladrome. After completing a lackluster lap, May takes the wheel to assess the vehicle, with candelabras clattering in the wind. To no one’s surprise, neither May nor Hammond is impressed.

Interestingly, Clarkson, who doesn’t appear in the video, is actually impressed with the Le-Seyde. Hammond mentions that the car will be returning to Clarkson’s house, where he plans to keep it. For the record, Hammond has also decided to keep the Chevrolet SSR he drove in Eurocrash. As for May, he declined to keep the tiny Crosley he drove, as he had grown tired of being blown off the highway by passing semi-trucks.

The Grand Tour: Eurocrash is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime. The future of the trio’s motoring specials is uncertain at this time. You can learn more about it here.

Cars, News

Hacker Claims Tesla Full Self-Driving Has Secret ‘Elon Mode’

According to a hacker named GreenTheOnly, there may be a secret setting in Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system called ‘Elon Mode.’ While this hasn’t been officially confirmed, GreenTheOnly’s observations suggest that the alleged mode has some promising features. They note the absence of frequent reminders while driving for 600 miles in busy traffic and mention progress in detecting debris. However, they also point out that the alleged mode is still a work in progress, experiencing unexpected lane changes and a relatively slow driving speed as issues.

Considering the current state of development, it’s likely that even if Elon Mode is being worked on, it will take some time before it becomes available to FSD drivers, if it ever does. Nonetheless, it’s encouraging to see Tesla addressing the nagging problem that users have complained about as a distraction from the road. However, the concern of random and unprompted lane switches, which poses serious risks for drivers using an already controversial system, is still being addressed. It remains to be seen if Elon Mode will be confirmed and released, but it would be wise to keep it as an internal codename.

Motorsport

Brickmania Launches Officially Licensed Blues Brothers Kit For $210

Brickmania has released a new model of the iconic Bluesmobile from the movie “Blues Brothers.” This kit is officially licensed and includes a small replica of the black-and-white 1974 Dodge Monaco along with two minifigures of Jake and Elwood Blues.

The kit, which consists of 332 Lego bricks and Brickmania elements, is now available for pre-order. While it is not a limited edition, it is uncertain when it will be restocked after the initial batch sells out. The kit retails for $210, and it comes with full-color printed instructions and custom-printed elements for the vehicle. The Dodge Monaco features functional doors and the roof-mounted loudspeaker, just like in the movie, giving it an authentic look.

 

Brickmania specializes in creating custom building kits using Lego bricks and unique elements. The company offers a wide range of products, with many of them being military-themed vehicles. Their catalog includes warships, airplanes, tanks, trucks, artillery batteries from various wars, and even replicas of the Apollo 11 Command Module, the Vostok 6 Soviet spacecraft, and a Viking raiding ship that retails for $990.

The release of the Bluesmobile kit in brick form coincides with the 40th anniversary of the “Blues Brothers” movie in 2020. The film, which was released in 1980, follows the adventures of the characters Jake and Elwood Blues portrayed by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, respectively. In the movie, the brothers embark on a mission to raise money for an orphanage that is facing tax issues.

During their journey, the Blues Brothers find themselves in trouble, leading to a 106-mile car chase into downtown Chicago. This epic chase scene involves over 100 police cars, tanks, and helicopters. Now, with the Bluesmobile Lego kit, fans can recreate this action-packed scene on a smaller scale at home.

For years, Lego enthusiasts have been using Lego bricks to build all kinds of vehicles. While not every vehicle make and model is available in official Lego kits, this hasn’t stopped people from creating their own designs. Lego offers a variety of vehicle sets, and Lego Technic adds even more intricacy and detail to the building process, resulting in lifelike final products.

Motorsport

Aston Martin DB12 Arrives in North America at Q New York Location

The Aston Martin DB12 has made its official debut in North America, but unfortunately it is not yet available for purchase. The company will begin deliveries of the new GT car later this year. However, you can view it right now at Aston Martin’s new ultra-exclusive location in New York City called Q New York.

Q New York is not just a dealership but is in fact Aston Martin’s “ultra-luxury flagship location” for those customers who want to create their dream car using the company’s bespoke service called Q by Aston Martin. Its location on Park Avenue in Manhattan places it in the heart of New York’s luxury row, making it a perfect spot for special events, product launches, and even an overnight hotel for Aston Martin’s most distinguished customers.