Tag Archives: plans

Motorsport

650-HP Porsche 911 Turbo S Takes on Tesla Model X Plaid in Drag Race

Porsche is gradually moving towards electrification in its future lineup. However, the iconic 911 model still relies on a powerful combustion engine. A recent drag race video demonstrates that the combustion engine is still holding its own against electric competitors, as the Porsche 911 Turbo S goes head-to-head with the mighty Tesla Model X Plaid.

The Porsche 911 Turbo S is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six engine, generating an impressive 650 horsepower and 590 pound-feet (850 Newton-meters) of torque. This engine propels the coupe, weighing 3,637 pounds (1,650 kilograms), with the help of an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that distributes power to all four wheels.


News

Autocar magazine 2 August: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we provide details on McLaren’s plans to develop an electric hypercar, test drive the new Fisker Ocean, and more.

News

McLaren is working on an electric hypercar that will serve as a powerful successor to the P1. The company is advancing its battery technology to pave the way for the development of a pure-electric flagship model. Find out more in this week’s Autocar magazine.

The Toyota Land Cruiser has undergone a transformation and now competes with more high-end rivals like Jeep and Land Rover. We have pictures and specifications in this week’s issue.

Pininfarina has unveiled a new luxury SUV concept, which is part of their plan to introduce a lineup of three electric vehicles in the future.

Reviews

The Fisker Ocean, Fisker’s first production model, has hit the road. We explore whether it has the potential to disrupt the established order with its stylish design, sustainability, and innovation, particularly in the European market.

Honda has introduced its first electric SUV, the e:Ny1. We delve into whether it can compete with the likes of the Tesla Model Y and Toyota bZ4X.

The Ford Mustang is back, this time with a powerful V8 engine and a new Dark Horse name. We take a closer look and discover if it lives up to its mighty reputation.

Features

There are currently three front-engined, rear-wheel-drive, V8 sports cars available in the UK for under £100,000. Find out which one we will miss the most and why, as Matt Saunders investigates.

Felix Page travels to Lake Como to determine whether the Hyundai Ioniq 6, with its aerodynamic design, can be as visually appealing as priceless collector classics. Is this new executive electric vehicle up to the task?

Opinion

Matt Prior finally gets behind the wheel of an Ineos Grenadier and shares his thoughts on the rugged SUV. He also discusses the Rolls-Royce Spectre.

Steve Cropley notices some rattles in his Dacia Duster and recounts his experience participating in a Cornish hillclimb. Additionally, he shares the good news of finally selling his Volkswagen California.

Used

John Evans examines the fourth-generation Honda CR-V and explores why this hard-working SUV might become a strong contender in the used car market.

Technology

How To Leave A Group Chat On iPhone

iPhone Messages app icon on Home Screen Hocus-focus/Getty Images

Group chats can be a useful tool for making plans with several people at a time, organizing events, and keeping family members in the loop in one central place. It gives you and those who are a part of the chat a way to send messages for everyone to see without the need to relay information between multiple parties (like an old game of telephone, if you will). However, there will likely come a time when you decide you need to drop out of a particular group chat.

Maybe something came up and you can’t make it to the event everyone is attending, so you have no reason to hang around. Perhaps you simply don’t want to be in the chat anymore, or the sporadic notifications are becoming a nuisance.

Whatever the reason, if you decide it’s time to bow out of an iPhone group chat for any reason you have a couple of different options available—though depending on the circumstances it may not be possible to leave completely.

Muting a group chat

Group holding smartphones and laughing Goodboy Picture Company/Getty Images

In the event that you don’t want to exit the group chat entirely but are tired of being inundated at a particular time, there is an alternative: Muting it. This will keep you in the chat but prevent notifications about new messages and other activity.

  1. From the Messages app, select the group message you want to mute.
  2. If you’re using iOS 15 and up, tap the Groups icon at the top of the message thread. If you’re using iOS 14 or lower, tap the Groups icon and then tap the Info button.
  3. Look towards the bottom of the menu (you may need to scroll down) and turn on the Hide Alerts toggle.
  4. Alternately, find the group message in the main Messages menu and swipe to the left, then tap the Alerts button to mute it.

Once a chat has been muted you can un-mute it by following the same steps. Muted conversations will display either an icon of a bell with a slash through it in iOS 15 and newer, or a crescent moon in iOS 14 and older.

How to leave group chats

Group of people sitting together, looking at smartphones Violetastoimenova/Getty Images

It’s also possible that you have no reason to remain in a group chat, or that you have one of any number of other reasons for wanting to leave it. In which case:

  1. Open the Messages app and locate the group message you want to leave.
  2. Tap the group message, then (if you’re using iOS 15 and up) tap the Groups icon at the top of the thread. Or if you’re using iOS 14 or older, tap the Groups icon and then tap the Info button.
  3. Select Leave this Conversation at the bottom of the menu to leave the group chat.

Be aware that leaving group chats is only possible if everyone in the thread is using iMessage on an Apple device. If one or more of the people included is using something else, you won’t have the option to leave the chat. You’ll need to mute the conversation instead (see above).

News

Stay in Marc Márquez’s Motorhome for the 2023 MotoGP Catalan Grand Prix

If you’re planning to attend the MotoGP Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya in Montmeló, Spain from September 1 to 3, 2023, you might be interested in a unique accommodation option. Marc Márquez, the renowned MotoGP rider, is renting out his team motorhome on AirBnB during the event. The motorhome is located next to Márquez’s private trailer and in close proximity to other professional racers.

The motorhome offers various amenities including free parking, bed, TV, kitchen, and bathroom essentials. However, there is no WiFi, clothes washer, hair dryer, or private entrance. The listing will become available for booking on July 19, 2023.

Up to two guests can stay in the motorhome for one night at a cost of 93 Euros (approximately $101). Upon arrival, guests will receive a virtual greeting from Marc Márquez and a team member will provide a tour of the motorhome. Guests will also have the opportunity to ride the MotoGP simulator, enjoy VIP seating at the race, and receive a personal guided tour of the pit boxes.

Please note that transportation to and from the Catalunya circuit is not provided. However, staying at Márquez’s AirBnB offers a unique chance to experience the MotoGP paddock during one of the most popular races of the season.

News

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE: Replacing the C-Class and E-Class Coupes

The new Mercedes-Benz CLE will initially be available only as a coupe. However, a convertible version with an automatic multi-layered fabric hood is set to be launched later this year.

There is no information yet on the pricing for either model in the UK, but it is expected to be above £50,000.

First Ride: New Mercedes CLE

Mercedes-Benz has made the decision to replace the C-Class and E-Class coupes and cabriolets with the CLE coupe and cabriolet models. This means that instead of four models, there will now only be two.

During an initial ride in a validation prototype with low mileage on smooth roads near the Mercedes-Benz factory in Sindelfingen, Germany, it became clear that the new CLE maintains the overall on-road character of its predecessor models.

Inside, there are numerous styling cues taken from the C-Class saloon and estate. However, the CLE coupe has a lower seating position in the front, giving it a sportier feel. Improved perceived quality can be seen in comparison to the old C-Class and E-Class coupes and cabriolets, as well as better performance of the infotainment system. The system uses the latest version of the Mercedes-Benz MBUX operating system, providing faster response times and higher resolution on new-generation displays.

In its initial configuration with a top-of-the-line six-cylinder petrol engine, the CLE coupe delivers smooth and effortless performance. The prototype also excels in mechanical refinement and effectively reduces wind noise at typical motorway speeds.

News

Suzuki Unveils Limited GSX-S1000 Race Edition In France

Suzuki has announced its plans to withdraw from racing, but the brand will continue its racing exploits in the EWC with the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team. To celebrate their racing success, Suzuki has released a limited-edition race edition of the GSX-S1000 naked bike. This special edition features a unique colorway inspired by the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team, as well as several upgrades for improved performance. The bike comes with a tail tidy, GB Racing engine and crankcase protectors, a seat cowl, red-painted Brembo calipers, and an Akrapovic slip-on system. It also includes a numbered SERT FW plate and a Welcome Pack with a cap and a T-shirt. Powering the bike is Suzuki’s 999cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, inline-four cylinder engine with a maximum output of 152 horsepower. The Suzuki GSX-S1000 Race Edition is a limited release exclusive to the French market and retails for 16,999 Euros ($18,468 USD), which is 3,500 Euros more than the standard model.

News

Bugatti Plans Expansion of Molsheim Headquarters for Electric Hypercar

Bugatti has announced its intention to expand its headquarters in Molsheim, France, as part of an investment program aimed at facilitating the development of new models beyond the Chiron era.

One of the key changes to the site will be the construction of a new two-storey building next to the existing Atelier, where the Bugatti Chiron is currently assembled.

The building, set to be constructed in the second half of 2024, will cover an area of 2120 square meters and accommodate new staff as well as further development projects, including Bugatti’s first hypersports model under the ownership of Rimac.

The new Bugatti model, which is already in the works, is expected to leverage Rimac’s expertise in electric drivetrains to deliver an even higher level of acceleration compared to the 1577bhp quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 petrol-powered Chiron Super Sport.

Bugatti’s expansion plans will also provide support for ongoing programs such as the production of the Bolide and W16 Mistral.

Christophe Piochon, the president of Bugatti, stated, “The construction of this new building in our home in Molsheim aligns with our brand and product expansion.”

In order to meet the demands of the expansion, Bugatti has launched a recruitment campaign with the goal of increasing the workforce at Molsheim by 50% by the end of 2027.

NewsNew

YAMAHA TO QUIT BUILDING SNOWMOBILES

Yamaha’s European press agency announced today that the company plans to exit the snowmobile market worldwide. The official press release is as follows:



YMC Building

Yamaha Motor has announced its plans to eventually withdraw from the snowmobile business. The company intends to stop selling snowmobiles in Japan by the 2022 model year, in Europe by the 2024 model year, and in North America by the 2025 model year.

1. History of the Business and Reasons for Withdrawal

In 1968, Yamaha introduced its first snowmobile, the SL350, using small engine technology developed in the motorcycle business. Over the past 55 years, Yamaha has developed snowmobiles for various purposes, including sports, leisure, and transportation in snowy areas of North America and Europe. Yamaha has also focused on environmentally-friendly 4-stroke models and partnerships with other companies to expand the business. However, the company has concluded that maintaining a sustainable business in the snowmobile market will be challenging. Yamaha will now concentrate its management resources on current business activities and new growth markets.

2. Future Actions

Yamaha will ensure that parts availability, service, and customer satisfaction related to snowmobiles are maintained even after the final production run of snowmobiles.

Production of the newly introduced 2024 models is already underway and scheduled for delivery in the fall. Yamaha distributors will collaborate closely with dealers to minimize the impact and optimize their business over the next 12 to 36 months.

3. Impact on Business Performance

The outlined schedule for exiting the snowmobile market will have a minor effect on Yamaha’s consolidated business results.

Yamaha sincerely thanks and values its snowmobile dealers and customers worldwide for their passionate support and shared enjoyment of this special winter activity.

*The Japanese market currently continues to sell only in stock

Motorsport

Opel Combo Life Spy Photos Capture Van Hiding Refreshed Front Fascia

Opel has undisclosed plans for its new home with Stellantis. The brand’s upcoming Grandland will be an electric vehicle based on the STLA Medium platform, as part of Opel’s goal to become a fully electric brand in the coming years. However, before that transition, Opel is working on updating the Combo Life van, which was recently spotted undergoing changes while camouflaged.

The modifications made by Opel are focused on the front of the van, although they remain hidden beneath a thick cover. The new design features restyled air intakes located on the outer edges of the front bumper and integrated fog lights, all of which can still be identified despite the concealment.


Featured

The 2024 Discovery Sport Features a Curved Touchscreen and More

Jaguar Land Rover has recently announced ambitious plans for the future, which includes the restructuring of its brands. As a result, the Land Rover brand has been split into three brands: Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery. The new Discovery Sport has been refreshed for this new era, featuring a redesigned interior, advanced technology, and improvements to its versatility and drivability.

The new Discovery Sport is equipped with the celebrated Pivi Pro entertainment system, which can be accessed through an 11.4-inch floating, curved touchscreen. With just two taps from the Home screen, users can access 90% of the system’s functions. The car also comes standard with integration with Amazon Alexa and Wireless Apple CarPlay, as well as Android Auto. It also features wireless device charging, USB-C charging in the rear seats, and a Cabin Air Purification Plus system to ensure clean air inside the car.

In terms of drivability, the new Discovery Sport is equipped with 3D surround cameras and ClearSight Ground View, which allows drivers to see what is underneath the vehicle. The SUV is available for configuration and ordering now, starting at $48,900 in the United States. This marks the beginning of a new era for all of Land Rover’s new brands.