Tag Archives: owner

Motorsport

It Took A Winch And A Team Of Detailers to Unearth This Audi R8 From Its Five-Year Slumber

Sometimes, life merely will get in the best way of issues. That’s the reason from the proprietor of this 2010 Audi R8 Spyder, which was left exterior for 5 years with a window partially down, wreaking havoc each exterior and inside.

We can really feel the trend of fans surging by means of the web. But earlier than you hit ship on that sharply worded remark, here is some backstory on the Audi from Detail Dane and WD Detailing, two YouTube channels that collaborated on this rescue. The R8’s proprietor is the previous proprietor of the house the place it was parked all these years. The patrons mentioned it was okay to maintain the automotive there, however then COVID occurred and properly, the times became months after which years.

The state of affairs was additional sophisticated by the Audi’s particular air suspension setup. According to the movies, it was an early set up of this specific system and the location of parts within the frunk made entry to the R8’s battery troublesome. Power was drained, after which mice got here alongside and chewed by means of the suspension’s air traces, successfully dropping the R8 to the bottom. Attempts have been reportedly made to get the automotive out, however the battery and suspension points thwarted these early efforts. And merely dragging the automotive out – a transfer that may possible trigger fairly a bit of injury –  was not an choice.

2010 Audi R8 Detail
Acura NSX In Field
2010 Audi R8 Detail

The result’s what you see right here. Simply loading the automotive onto a lined trailer was a four-hour course of involving wheel dollies, a number of winches, and removing of the R8’s entrance fascia. The diligence paid off, and the automotive was finally taken to Detail Dane’s store the place he and WD Detailing teamed as much as give it the mom of all baths.

The window being down led to every kind of mildew within the inside, but it surely cleaned up like new. The exterior makes a jaw-dropping transformation as properly, and with a battery field attached, there’s sufficient juice to function the R8 Spyder’s fussy energy high.

2010 Audi R8 Detail
2010 Audi R8 Detail

In truth, there’s even sufficient juice to fireplace up the 5.2-liter V10. It’s at this level we be taught in regards to the customized exhaust. We haven’t any particulars on the character of the exhaust, however we all know that it is loud. The detailers approve, and other than just a few puffs of black smoke (presumably from five-year-old gasoline nonetheless within the tank), the R8 appears wanting to hit the road as soon as once more. That’s not taking place till the suspension problem is sorted, and sadly, the movies finish earlier than we be taught the R8’s final destiny. 

We’ve contacted Detail Dane in hopes of getting an replace on the Audi, to not point out the present standing of the Acura NSX additionally proven within the video. Considering we have seen somebody rescue an NSX after 15 years at the bottom of a river, this one sitting in a yard looks like a no brainer to get again on the street. If we hear again, we’ll bounce in with recent information.

Motorsport

Kia Sportage Owner Tired Of Thefts Returns Car To Dealer

A Kia Sportage owner returned his SUV to the dealership after experiencing four theft incidents. In other news, tuning firm Irmscher has introduced a unique police-themed Volkswagen ID. Buzz.

This is AM Drive, Motor1’s daily look at the news you need before you get in your car.

Kia Sportage Owner Tired Of Thefts Returns Car To Dealer

Behrouz Alimoradi, a Kia Sportage owner, decided to take a drastic step after his vehicle was stolen in Federal Way. Fox 13 News reported that his frustration increased when he discovered all the windows of his car were smashed upon its recovery. After dealing with four separate incidents involving the same vehicle in just two years, and spending thousands of dollars on repairs, Alimoradi reached his breaking point.

In response, he returned the stolen and damaged Kia to the dealership where he originally purchased it and opted to make a four-hour journey back home on foot. An employee from the dealership declined to comment, citing legal constraints preventing them from discussing the situation. (Fox 13 News)

Irmscher Unveils Police-Themed Volkswagen ID. Buzz

The Tune it! Safe! initiative is showcasing a unique police-themed van in collaboration with a renowned tuning company at the start of the Essen Motor Show. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz from the gallery below is equipped with Hankook tires and an exclusive tuning package from Irmscher. The safety initiative emphasizes roadworthy and compliant automobile tuning.

The Irmscher ID.Buzz police edition features a specially designed front apron with an Irmscher front spoiler lip to enhance the vehicle’s character. Integrated side skirts, a rear apron attachment, and an aerodynamic roof spoiler contribute to a more dynamic appearance. The electric bus sits on a lowered suspension and striking Irmscher wheels in Hydra-Star design.


Technology

Who Makes Craftsman Tools Now, And How Do They Compare To The Past?

Stanley Black & Decker currently owns the Craftsman brand, which it bought from Sears in March 2017. However, a legal dispute arose shortly after Sears declared bankruptcy, when Stanley sued Sears over the launch of the Craftsman Ultimate Collection brand.

Although Sears retained a limited license to sell Craftsman tools, Stanley had control over the brand everywhere else. The issue between Stanley and Sears was centered around the way Sears marketed the new tools, with Stanley arguing that it implied their Craftsman products were somehow not genuine. The lawsuit was quickly resolved, and as of now, Craftsman Ultimate Collection is no longer available on Sears.com.

As for Stanley’s Craftsman tools, the company opened a factory in Fort Worth, Texas in 2019. This move aimed to bring back the American-made status of the Craftsman brand after Sears had relocated manufacturing to China. Unfortunately, the facility had to be closed in March 2023 due to problems with the machinery and costs. Consequently, manufacturing returned to China. Despite these changes, Stanley still fulfills the lifetime warranty on legacy Craftsman hand tools.

Current reviews of Craftsman tools are varied, as highlighted in a 2020 ToolGuyd article. The author of the article expressed that while Stanley’s Craftsman tools might not be as good as the older, American-made versions sold by Sears, they were superior to the later, Chinese-made versions.

Motorsport

Witness the Transformative Power of a 1951 Daimler DB18 Convertible After Its First Wash and Detail

This stunning 1951 Daimler DB18 convertible had been patiently waiting in a garage for many years before its owner finally decided to part ways with it. With its rare right-hand drive configuration, this car boasts unique features such as suicide doors, a regal grille, and an elegant yet dignified profile. Recently, the owner generously donated this pre-war beauty to the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. To ensure it was presented in its best possible condition, the WD Detailing crew stepped in to work their magic.

Before embarking on its journey to its new home, the DB18 had to overcome its first hurdle – the challenge of being extracted from the confines of the garage. Thankfully, the tires, albeit deflated, still held air and allowed the convertible to easily roll onto the waiting trailer. Once it arrived at the WD Detailing shop, the first order of business was to rejuvenate those tires and restore the white walls to their former glory.


News

Ducati Dirty Dozen Challenge Launched For North American DesertX Riders

Ducati North America has just launched the Dirty Dozen Challenge for proud owners of the Ducati DesertX who live in North America. This challenge, created by DNA CEO Jason Chinnock, is a photo scavenger hunt that involves completing 12 challenging off-road routes on the DesertX.

If you’re interested in participating, there are videos on Ducati North America’s YouTube page that document Chinnock’s own journey completing the challenge in five days. This will give you a preview of what to expect if you decide to take on the challenge yourself.

All 12 routes of the challenge are located in the Colorado Rockies and cover mountain passes that are over 12,000 feet in elevation. To assist participants, Ducati has partnered with off-road map app OnX Offroad to create downloadable route maps that can be used during the challenge.

To access the route maps, you’ll need to visit Ducati’s official Dirty Dozen page and download the maps. It’s important to note that the OnX Offroad app is required to use these maps. Fortunately, the app is currently offering a free five-month trial exclusively for DesertX and Multistrada owners.

To successfully complete the Dirty Dozen Challenge, participants must ride their Ducati DesertX along each of the 12 mountain passes and locate the iconic signpost at each one. A photo must be taken as proof of completion, which should then be shared on social media using the hashtag #DucatiDirtyDozen and tagging @DucatiUSA.

Once participants have gathered photographic evidence of completing all 12 routes, they will receive a special limited-edition badge that can be placed on their DesertX. Completing the challenge will also provide a sense of personal satisfaction.

The 12 mountain passes involved in the challenge are: Imogene Pass (13,114 feet), Black Bear Pass (12,840 feet), Cinnamon Pass (12,620 feet), Engineer Pass (12,780 feet), Corkscrew Pass (12,220 feet), Hurricane Pass (12,700 feet), California Pass (12,900 feet), Stony Divide Pass (12,588 feet), Tincup Pass (12,154 feet), Cumberland Pass (12,034 feet), Hancock Pass (12,208 feet), and Mosquito Pass (13,185 feet).

For more information or to download the routes for further examination, visit the Ducati Dirty Dozen page.

News

Prime minister expresses doubts about ban on combustion cars by 2030

READ MORE: JLR owner to build £4bn battery factory in UK by 2026

UK sales ban remains government’s commitment

After the prime minister’s comments raised the possibility of a policy change, the prime minister’s official spokesman was asked to confirm that the ban would still be implemented in 2030.

He told The Telegraph: “That remains our commitment. As you heard from the prime minister this morning, we want to ensure that this approach is fair and practical without unduly affecting the public.

“I think that is what the public and businesses would expect. But the 2030 approach remains our commitment.”

He added that the government wanted to ensure that all net zero policies were “fair and practical,” and that’s what they are working on now.

“Aston Martin exemption” to 2030 ban

The government is also considering an “Aston Martin exemption” to the car sales deadline, according toreports from the Times. This would give low-volume car manufacturers more time to transition to electric vehicles.

This follows a report from Autocar in February, stating that European Union lawmakers confirmed that “niche” manufacturers may continue selling internal combustion engine cars in the EU after the 2035 ban (when Europe will also be EV-only).

READ MORE: EU’s 2035 ban exemption gives small UK sports car makers lifeline

Manufacturers who register fewer than 1000 cars annually will be exempt from the ban.

This is also being considered by the UK government. In February, a spokesperson for the Department for Transport told Autocar that they didn’t rule out the possibility of including this exemption.

Rishi Sunak’s car ban comments criticized

The prime minister’s comments have garnered criticism from members of the automotive industry.

One of those critics is ChargeUK, the body representing the UK’s electric charge point operators.

ChargeUK stated that its members have invested “over £6 billion to roll out EV infrastructure” across the UK and that if the government doesn’t uphold its commitments, this investment and the supply of EVs will be at risk.

Instavolt also heavily criticized the comments, calling them “completely unacceptable.”

CEO Adrian Keen expressed concern about the timing of the remarks and emphasized the importance of government support in delivering sustainable transport.

He said, “Without government advocacy and support, consumer confidence will continue to dwindle when we need it the most.”

Opinion

Volkswagen Beetle fans, no need to worry: it won’t be making a comeback

As someone who absolutely loves the classic Volkswagen Beetle and owns one, I’m actually glad to hear that the Beetle won’t be returning anytime soon.

Don’t get me wrong, I think the Volkswagen ID Buzz is great. It pays homage to the original Beetle while incorporating modern electric vehicle design. But it’s comforting to know that Volkswagen’s plans don’t solely revolve around reviving retro cars.

Volkswagen CEO rules out Beetle revival as retro is “a dead end”

This is partly because it means Volkswagen won’t have to deal with the inevitable backlash on social media. Whenever a “spiritual successor” to a beloved 60s or 70s icon is announced, keyboard warriors are quick to criticize, claiming it’s nothing like the original and questioning its authenticity.

If you need proof of this, just look at the recent reaction to Ford’s plan to revive the Capri as an electric five-door crossover based on a Volkswagen architecture. It wasn’t exactly well-received.

But it’s also a relief because capturing the essence of the original Beetle would be extremely difficult in today’s world. We’ve already seen this with the two Golf-based Beetles that Volkswagen launched after the original’s discontinuation, which didn’t receive the warmest of receptions.

The MEB platform would make it easier to create a modern Beetle that is true to its roots: rear-wheel drive, flat floor, front trunk, and so on. However, the Beetle is a name that is synonymous with no-frills family transportation, durability, dependability, and above all, charm.

It’s hard to imagine any new electric vehicle, no matter how compact, well-designed, or competitively priced, embodying those same values.

Take a look at the Fiat 500 and Mini Electric, for example. These are luxury products that only loosely pay tribute to their 1950s predecessors (both of which were rivals to the Beetle back in the day). While they are beautifully engineered and visually appealing, what has truly garnered praise is their departure from the utilitarian principles that defined their original counterparts.

Volkswagen is indeed working on an affordable and cheerful electric city car for families. However, it will be a modern and stylish replacement for the Polo, rather than a retro-inspired Beetle. This is good news for those who value substance over style. It allows Volkswagen to embrace its bold electric future while keeping the long and fascinating Beetle legacy as a chapter in its history, rather than a burden.

News

From the archive: on this day in 1933

As the 1990s began, MG was facing a difficult situation. The new owner, British Aerospace, had finally allocated the budget to create a new roadster that the public had been eagerly awaiting. However, the new model, known as the F, would not be ready until 1995. Meanwhile, Mazda was experiencing tremendous success with its new MX-5, and TVR was set to revitalize its roadster.

In response to these challenges, MG decided to restart production of its iconic B model. Despite being discontinued for over a decade and originally dating back to the 1960s, the B was given a few modern upgrades on a limited budget. British Motor Heritage provided the B shell for classic restorations, and MG added new bumpers, wider tracks, new dampers, Rover’s 190bhp 3.9-litre V8 engine, and a more sophisticated wood and leather interior.

MG openly acknowledged that the new RV8 was “a recreational pursuit that just happens to take the form of a motor car.” In our review, we noted that the RV8 would not appeal to buyers looking for dynamic performance in a British sports car. Despite giving the RV8 only two stars due to its outdated feel, we acknowledged that it could be suitable for a particular type of driver. We compared it to TVR’s new Chimaera, which offered better performance, a larger boot, a roomier cabin, and less wind noise for just £800 more.

In the end, only 330 RV8s were sold in the UK, highlighting its limited success in the market.

Asian royals spending billions on hoarding rare cars

After gaining independence in 1984, Brunei experienced an economic boom, and its royals indulged in a lavish lifestyle. Sultan Hassanal and Prince Jefri secretly amassed a massive collection of luxury cars, many of which were custom-made. In 1993, reports indicated that the Brunei royals owned over 100 Rolls-Royce vehicles, a similar number of Ferraris (including five F40s), three out of the seven Cizeta V16Ts ever built, and a staggering 63 new Mercedes-Benz 600 SECs, which were given as gifts to dinner guests. Although the Bruneian embassy downplayed the size of the collection, evidence and rumors continued to surface in the following years.

NewsNew

WHITE KNIGHT GAS GAS 380 PROJECT BY THE RIDE SHOP AZ: FULL VIDEO

The “White Knight” motorcycle, created by Jonny Weisman, the owner of The Ride Shop AZ, is a combination of a 2023 GAS GAS chassis and an early 2000s 380cc two-stroke engine. This project is a counterpart to the “Dark Knight” Project Weisman built a few years ago, which featured a KX500 engine in a newer generation KTM chassis. Jonny Weisman has previously worked as Destry Abbott’s mechanic in the off-road department at factory Kawasaki. In this video, we explore the details of the build, its performance on the track, and provide you with the opportunity to listen to the powerful sound of this 380cc two-stroke engine at Glen Helen Raceway in Southern California.

Motorsport

Watch 1972 Ford Gran Torino Get First Wash In 20 Years

The owner of this 1972 Ford Gran Torino put it in an open garage bay 20 years ago, and it sat there ever since. Now, the folks at WD Detailing drag the forgotten personal luxury coupe out of the resting place to give the vehicle a much-needed wash. 

While it was partially covered, this Gran Torino still looks rough. There’s dust and grime on the body. The interior is filthy. According to the owner, a raccoon got into the engine bay at some point and tore things up.

WD Detailing focuses on cleaning the car, but the team also makes sure the engine still turns over. It does, but the Ford needs lots of work before the powerplant gets running again. 

Rather than starting by washing the body like usual, the detailers begin with the cabin this time because they plan on dyeing the carpets. The upholstery on the seats is also filthy. There’s a massive mouse nest under the rear seat.

As usual, just washing the body goes a long way toward making this Gran Torino look better. Instead of using wash mitts, the crew wipes the body with sandpaper to remove the oxidation from the paint. While unorthodox, the tactic works well here.

At the end of the cleaning process, the Gran Torino looks significantly better. There’s still some patina on the body with some chipped paint and less-than-shiny chrome. Inside, there are big holes on the driver and passenger side of the front bench. Plus, there would still need to be lots of mechanical work to make the car road-worthy.

Ford introduced the Torino name in 1968 as an upmarket subseries for the Fairlane. In 1970, the Blue Oval swapped the nomenclature by making Torino the primary model and Fairlane the submodel. For the 1972 model year, the Torino entirely took over, and the Blue Oval introduced the Gran Torino moniker.

Ford offered the ’72 Torino with an inline-six and a variety of V8s. This one has an eight-cylinder powerplant, but we can’t see enough to identify which one.

The show Starsky and Hutch made the Gran Torino a TV star. The characters drove 1975 and ’76 cars with a white stripe along the side. A ’72 Gran Torino was the eponymous machine in the 2008 film Gran Torino.