A secret workforce of Ford engineers has been working for 2 years on a brand new platform for inexpensive electric cars, firm CEO Jim Farley has revealed.
Speaking as the corporate launched its fourth-quarter monetary outcomes for 2023, Farley mentioned the corporate is “adjusting our capital [investment], switching more focus onto smaller EV products”.
He added: “This is vital as a result of we made a wager in silence two years in the past. We developed a super-talented skunkworks workforce to create a low-cost EV platform.
“It was a small group, small workforce, a number of the finest EV engineers on the earth, and it was separate from the Ford mothership. It was a start-up.
“And they’ve developed a flexible platform that will not only deploy to several types of vehicles but will be a large installed base for software and services that we’re now seeing at [Ford] Pro.”
Ford Pro is the corporate’s stand-alone industrial car division, liable for fashions such because the Transit and F-150.
Investment in higher-volume, lower-cost electrical automobiles – doubtless destined to function oblique successors to the Fiesta and Focus – is available in response to Ford’s discovering that almost all patrons are unwilling to pay over the chances to go electrical.
Farley added that the supply of low-cost credit score pre-Covid and the pent-up demand for automobiles amid the semiconductor chip disaster, in addition to the speedy rise in early adopters of EVs, “gave us too optimistic a demand signal”.
This drove a “temporary spike in supply” and Ford struggled to seek out patrons for the automobiles it had constructed because it realised that – after the early EV adopters had been on board – mainstream patrons weren’t ready to pay a premium to go electrical.
“As the Covid shock retreated, we learned that as you scale EVs to 5000-7000 units a month and you move into the [majority of customers], they are not willing to pay a significant premium for EVs,” mentioned Farley.
A YouTuber who goes by the deal with Gixxer Brah on that platform now has a warrant out for his arrest from the Colorado State Patrol after posting a selected video on his YouTube channel.
The video, which has since been deleted, was a first-person onboard video that reportedly confirmed him driving Interstate 25 from Colorado Springs to Denver in simply 20 minutes. Among different fees, the CSP claims that he reached speeds over 150 miles per hour on this explicit run.
GB’s channel is filled with related helmetcam movies, which often give a cockpit view of no matter bike he is driving. Very typically, you will see clear views of the bike’s gauges in these movies, along with highway indicators and surrounding visitors. Although the video that triggered the arrest warrant has been taken down, loads of his different movies are nonetheless out there to view and get a really feel for the kind of content material he likes to provide.
Still, even when you have not particularly watched this channel earlier than, likelihood is good that you just’re accustomed to the idea of first-person riding videos. Maybe you have even made some your self. It’s enjoyable to report and relive cool rides that you’ve got taken, both by your self or with pals, and it is simpler than ever to do as cameras and modifying software program get higher and turn into extra accessible.
Seriously, Why Would You Do This?
To be clear, we would by no means recommend that you just journey recklessly or endanger anybody else on the highway. Ride secure, preserve your self and your family and friends blissful, and go on to journey one other day.
With all that in thoughts, although, there’s one query that we often should ask ourselves when a scenario like this arises. It’s fairly easy. If you do sketchy stuff in your bike (or in your automobile, or wherever), why on earth would you select to add it and share it on-line?
Surely the Likes and Subscribes cannot be ok to make it well worth the potential danger of getting arrested as a result of you supplied the video proof towards your self?
We’re not authorized consultants or licensed mind geniuses right here, however it fairly frankly looks like a no brainer to keep away from bringing a whole lot of hassle your approach.
TL;DR model: Don’t journey like a jerk, and critically, do not submit video of your self doing sketchy stuff on-line. We thought this was too apparent an idea to must be acknowledged in writing, however apparently we have been flawed.
Honda’s VFR platform has been a stalwart within the sport-touring class for the previous thirty-seven years, proper by way of the late ninety-eighties. Surprisingly, this journey of reliability and excellence had its genesis amid Honda‘s tumultuous mid-Eighties, marked by the notorious VF vary.
It is complicated and sophisticated all on the identical time, however there may be debate as to which was the actual VFR750. Some say the precise Generation 1 began with the VF sequence, whereas others are of the opinion that the Gen 1s began from 1986 to 1987, whereas the Gen 2s have been from the 1988 to 1989 interval. The info is sketchy at most, however it’s secure to say that the United States obtained the unique revamped Interceptor in 1986, and it was discontinued a yr later, in 1987. The pre-1986 versions of the motorcycle had issues and this hit Honda’s popularity exhausting.
Honda goals to strike a brand new stability between drag and downforce with out utilizing exterior wings
In order to provide the most recent and correct info doable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Honda, in addition to different authoritative sources like Cycleworld.com, Roland Brown’s Fast Bikes, and Motorcyclespecs.co.za.
The Revamped V4 Makes Amends
Honda adopted the V4 engine configuration to set them aside, diverging from the mainstream inline-four format chosen by their Japanese counterparts. The VF vary, comprising 500, 750, and 1000 variants, had widespread mechanical issues, notably afflicting the VF750, quickly infamously often called ‘the chocolate camshaft.’ The moniker given suggests, then, that the camshafts and bearings have been vulnerable to failure because of oiling and materials points. That is probably the explanation Honda, in an effort to make amends, would shift to a distinct technique for working the camshafts, all this coming at a fantastic monetary value.
This disaster prompted Honda to take drastic measures to salvage its standing and introduce a revolutionary mannequin in 1986—the VFR750. In the identical yr, Honda additionally launched a restricted version VFR (750F), also called the RC30 within the United States for homologation functions, as a racing platform for the World Superbike Championship, which had some success. Only 3,000 have been produced over three years and offered for $15,000 every, its manufacturing run ending in 1990.
eBay
With Honda utilizing its V4 expertise, the 1986-1989 Honda VFR750F emerged as a game-changer, designed not solely to rectify the previous however to set new requirements. At its core was a meticulously engineered gear-driven cam V4 engine like those used on the VF1000R, marking a departure from the problematic VF sequence, however retaining the 90°, 16 valve format, in addition to its dimensions of 70 mm x 48.6 mm, and compression ratio.
The lighter pistons and connecting rods were uprated to assist enhance the VFR’s energy. The identical might be stated for the bigger Keihin CV carbs that have been greater than their VF counterparts and have been re-angled to offer a extra direct path to the consumption valves. Its crankshaft had a 180° firing order as an alternative of the 360° just like the RVF racer and delivered a most output of 105 horsepower at 10,500 rpm, 15 horsepower greater than the VF model.
Engine Specifications
Engine
Four-stroke, 90° V-4, gear-driven DOHC with rocker arm, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement
748 cc / 45.6 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke
70 mm x 48.6 mm
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Cooling System
Liquid-cooled
Induction
4 x 34.5 mm Keihin VD carburetors
Power
105 HP @ 10,500 RPM
Torque
48.7 LB-FT @ 7,500 RPM
Lubrication
Forced stress and moist sump
Top Speed
147 MPH
Honda VFR Highlights
The consumption tracts are straighter
Each camshaft lobe has its personal oil jet for lubrication
A newly designed valve gear makes use of particular person rocker arms as an alternative of a forked arm working two valves
Better exhaust scavenging due to a extra even firing order
The VFR’s superior and new aluminum twin-spar chassis and distinctive construct high quality showcased Honda’s commitment to mechanical excellence. Legend has it that Honda intentionally offered the VFR at a loss initially, demonstrating their dedication to restoring their reputation for reliability.
Like most Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, Honda’s chassis mixed forged sections on the headstock space and a swingarm pivot with extruded primary rails. With aluminum being one-third the burden of metal, utilizing 3 times as a lot gave it an extremely light-weight, versatile, and inflexible chassis all on the identical time, contributing to the VFR’s economical weight of 437 lbs.
With the engine bolted in place, the body was 50% stiffer in torsion than the VF’s metal body. In the suspension division, the VFR utilized Showa 37mm air-assisted forks with a brand new, smaller, and lighter Torque Reactive Anti-Dive system (TRAC) to scale back fork compression throughout braking, whereas the rear Pro-Link shock absorber featured solely preload adjustment by way of a distant adjuster located behind a facet cowl.
Despite its designation as a sports activities tourer, the VFR boasted dealing with capabilities comparable to premier superbikes of its era. Well-balanced, the Interceptor single-handedly restored Honda’s popularity as an engineering big and gained accolades for its efficiency and practicality.
The engineers at Honda had shaved weight all over the place they might, proper right down to the aluminum footpegs, paring 44 lbs within the course of. The Interceptor retained its 16-inch entrance and 18-inch rear wheels from the VF whereas the rake and wheelbase figured at 27.5° (with 4.1 inches of path) and 58.1 inches respectively.
A defining second got here in 1986 when Ron Haslam achieved a exceptional third place within the Transatlantic Trophy race at Donington on a stock VFR, competing in opposition to formidable rivals like Fred Merkel and Kevin Schwantz. The VFR’s prowess prolonged to worldwide races, with an eighth-place end on the prestigious Suzuka 8-Hour race. All this for a value of $5,300 and a race package for an additional $1,000 in case you wished it, which included titanium valves.
The Honda CBR900RR Fireblade was a bike that modified the sportbike world
VFR Success And Strong Sales
Honda
The VFR’s success translated into sturdy gross sales, due to its unequalled efficiency and reliability. The swap to 17-inch wheels and beauty tweaks demonstrated Honda’s cautious method, permitting the VFR’s excellence to talk for itself. Recognizing the successful components, Honda avoided substantial modifications, making solely minor changes in 1988. Europe obtained the RC30 (VFR750R), although the United States wouldn’t obtain the VFR50F Interceptor until 1990 as a result of Harley-imposed 700cc tariff, although the 700cc model was nonetheless out there by way of 1987.
The authentic VFR750F stands as a testomony to Honda’s resilience and dedication to innovation. Born from the ashes of the VF debacle, it not solely restored Honda’s popularity however turned a benchmark for sport-touring motorcycles. But Honda wouldn’t cease there, and later in 1998, with the 750 that started all of it in 1986, the VFR’s engine was elevated to 781cc, making approach for the VFR800FI. The VFR’s legacy endures, exemplifying the transformative energy of a meticulously designed and well-executed machine. Its legacy stays an integral a part of Honda’s wealthy historical past on the earth of motorcycling.
The new platform provides each brief and lengthy journeys for house owners of Maruti SUVs just like the Jimny, Grand Vitara, Brezza, and Fronx
New program developed solely for Maruti SUV house owners.
Events deliberate particularly for Maruti SUV fashions, suiting particular strengths.
Maruti’s present lineup contains three SUVs and one crossover, with new fashions slated to be added quickly.
Maruti Suzuki is embracing the SUV life-style strongly over the past couple of years with the launch of the Grand Vitara, the 5-door Jimny and the Fronx crossover. Now, it’s going a step additional by introducing a brand new initiative referred to as ‘Rock N Road SUV Experiences,’ a curated expertise for Maruti SUV house owners.
What Is The Program About?
The program goals to allow house owners to expertise their Maruti SUVs outdoors of town streets with curated out of doors experiences. It includes two codecs – ‘ROCK N’ ROAD Expeditions’ and ‘ROCK N’ ROAD Weekenders,’ providing brief and lengthy expeditions. There’s even a multi-city Off-road Championship, ‘ROCK N’ ROAD 4X4 Masters’ as properly, to recognise the off-roading expertise within the nation.
There are occasions deliberate particular for Maruti SUV fashions, suiting particular strengths, thus catering to every sort of proprietor. You can take a look at its exclusive website to get an thought of what all is on provide.
After dropping its Volkswagen platform, the new Amarok pickup is now a Ford Ranger beneath. The Blue Oval additionally sells an SUV model known as the Everest whereas VW has no such product. However, at one level through the truck’s improvement, the design group did discover the thought of a truck-based SUV with the Amarok badge.
Albert Kirzinger, Head of Design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, revealed an official design sketch of a SUV-ified Amarok on LinkedIn. This mannequin would’ve preceded the reborn Scout brand of rugged vans, which is about to hit the market in 2026. Chances are it might’ve been cheaper, too, by sticking with combustion engines as an alternative of electrical energy.
Importantly, claimed Stellantis, the platform “enables several segment-leading capabilities” that may play to the strengths of every model that may use it.
Alfa Romeo, for instance, will profit from its “high-performance vehicle dynamics”, whereas Jeep can exploit its “trail-rated off-road driving” credentials.
Outlining the platform’s flexibility, Marc Issner, who has overseen its growth, stated it will probably accommodate trip heights starting from 140mm to 287mm.
“If you want a curve-hugging, track-ready performance car, a smooth-riding luxury car or a rock-clearing off-roader, we’ve addressed these needs within the platform,” he stated.
He added that consumers of Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Maserati vehicles “are passionate and very diverse” and added that Stellantis’s aim is to “avoid saying no to any of their product-specific requirements and requests”.
As a sign of its efficiency potential, Stellantis stated the quickest STLA Large vehicles will crack 0-62mph in round 2.0sec, with “extreme power that will outperform any of the existing Hellcat V8s”.
The just lately retired Dodge Charger Hellcat, for reference, packed 707bhp and 650lb ft of torque and so may crack the identical dash in round 3.7sec.
Stellantis additionally stated the STLA Large has been “optimised for weight and rigidity” and the parts used inside it are packaged as tightly as attainable to maximise inside area.
As an instance, all EVs primarily based on this platform will likely be powered by e-axles – compact models that comprise the motors, inverters and gearbox.
They will likely be fitted with a traditional 400V electrical structure as commonplace however can optionally be upgraded to an 800V system, which is able to permit charging at charges of as much as 270kW.
The largest battery out there will likely be a 118kWh unit giving a most vary of 500 miles in essentially the most aerodynamically environment friendly variants, however Stellantis stated it has engineered the platform to assist totally different battery chemistries and drivetrain applied sciences, suggesting this determine may rise sooner or later.
Kia envisions a future the place one car platform will work laborious as a cargo hauler, then swap house for seats as a taxi earlier than altering but once more for a weekend trip within the woods. It’s known as the PV5, and it is one in all three modular ideas Kia is presenting at CES this yr.
Technically, the automaker is rolling into Las Vegas with 5 ideas — three of them are PV5s. They all revolve round one thing known as Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) options. Basically, it is an all-in-one thought {that a} primary car platform can simply be reconfigured as wanted to carry out completely different features, whereas superior software program helps house owners and companies preserve observe of every thing. As you would possibly guess, it is introduced as a mobility answer largely for companies. But nothing is saying you’ll be able to’t ditch the passenger compartment module for a cargo field and toss the mountain bikes within the again.
Here’s the way it works: Kia presents the PV5 as a single platform beneath with a normal cockpit on the entrance. Being an electrical car, the entrance clip is raked sharply such as you’d discover in a van, solely there is no engine sitting between the motive force and passenger seat. The magic occurs behind the cockpit, the place massive body-sized modules could be put in relying on what that you must do. If it feels like a chassis cab, you are not mistaken. But not like a chassis cab, an upfitter does not weld on a made-to-order physique for the again. Instead, Kia gives “life modules” that connect by means of mechanical and electromagnetic means.
As such, a passenger life module could be put in, after which later swapped to a cargo module if one thing modifications. Kia highlights 5 completely different variations of the PV5, together with a primary cargo van, a special cargo van with low floor clearance, one other cargo van with a excessive roof, a taxi, and if none of these sound interesting to a purchaser, there’s the nice ol’ chassis cab prepared for a totally customized construct the quaint means.
This new platform will underpin all the pieces from the Tata Punch EV to the Tata Harrier EV
As the main model for mass-market EVs in India, Tata has revealed its new-generation EV platform and it’s referred to as the Acti.EV structure. This platform will underpin all future mass-market EV choices from Tata throughout varied sizes. Here’s all the pieces you must learn about it:
Explaining the identify
Tata’s platform names are usually acronyms, and this new one isn’t any totally different. Acti.EV stands for Advanced Connected Tech Intelligent Electric Vehicle structure. It is the official identify for the long-awaited Gen2 Tata EV platform and has been designed as a pure EV structure.
Related:
What makes it totally different from present Tata EV platforms?
The current lineup of Tata EVs makes use of platforms that help each inner combustion engine (ICE) and electrical powertrains. Since it has to deal with each, there are some limitations within the format and packaging choices for brand new EVs.
However, the Acti.EV structure is a pure EV platform, giving the Tata engineers the liberty to bundle all parts with a concentrate on maximising efficiencies of house and vitality consumption. This additionally permits flexibility in car dimension, battery pack dimension, sorts of drivetrains, and charging capabilities. Since it’s a pure EV platform, all Acti.EV based mostly fashions will likely be manufactured separate from their current ICE fashions.
Technical Capabilities
Tata has revealed that EVs based mostly on the Acti.EV platform will have the ability to provide a spread of as much as 600 km. These EVs will likely be able to supporting 11kW of AC charging and DC quick charging of as much as 150kW. While we do not need any thought about efficiency capabilities for these EVs, Tata has shared that the new-gen structure will have the ability to help front-wheel-drive (FWD), rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrains.
While Tata has not specified the precise figures for the battery pack sizes, we all know there will likely be varied choices and that it could possibly help varied physique sizes. The Acti.EV platform will allow upcoming Tata EVs to turn into a few of the most numerous choices available in the market with the very best claimed vary.
Focus On Safety And Suitability
With a few of the most secure mass-market automobiles in India (as examined by NCAP), this new pure EV structure additionally options sturdy crash constructions aiming for 5-star security rankings. It will already be appropriate with Level 2 superior driver help methods (ADAS) and prepared for Level 2+ options as effectively.
Furthermore, the chassis design for this platform can be India-centric and can spawn fashions with ample floor clearance in addition to ramp-over angles suited to our driving circumstances.
EVs based mostly on Acti.EV
As we’ve already talked about, this new-generation platform will underpin all future Tata EVs. Here are the mass-market EVs anticipated to reach by mid-2025:
Of this record, the Punch EV would be the first providing based mostly on the brand new platform to be launched, possible by the top of January 2024. While the ICE variations of the Punch and Harrier are already on sale, based mostly on totally different platforms, the Tata Curvv will even get an ICE model in a while.
So, for instance that you just suppose Krämer’s GP2 platform is cool, however you actually want that it got here in a unadorned model. The people at Krämer thought it was a good suggestion, too. That’s why they teamed up with Bagoros Performance to craft the Super Hooligan Concept that you just now see earlier than you.
It’s primarily based on the confirmed GP2-890R platform, which is powered by an enhanced model of the liquid-cooled, twin overhead cam 889cc parallel twin KTM 890 engine. In GP2-890R kind, it makes a claimed 130 horsepower and 75.2 pound-feet of torque.
As the identify suggests, the Super Hooligan Concept attracts its inspiration from a few of the hallmark options of the Super Hooligan National Championship racing collection within the US. Zero fairings required, but additionally zero clip-on handlebars allowed. The large quantity plates are additionally one of many first stuff you see while you take a look at bikes within the collection, so after all these needed to go on.
All in all, Krämer lists the Super Hooligan Concept’s weight at 140 kilograms, which works out to 308.6 kilos. In its official submit, the agency does not specify whether or not that determine is a moist or a dry weight, nevertheless it’s a reasonably spectacular accomplishment any manner you slice it. On prime of that, the factor seems to be prefer it’s out to tackle the world (and fairly presumably win).
In its social media posts showcasing pictures of the bike, Krämer asks the query, “what is your opinion of this concept?” The response to this point has been extraordinarily constructive, with some folks asking if they will purchase the elements discovered on the idea, and others after all questioning if they will anticipate to see Krämer really enter the Super Hooligan championship with this bike in 2024.
On the primary level, Krämer appeared enthusiastic and stated, “Let’s see what we can do.” It’s neither a dedication nor a timeline, however certainly different Krämer followers will probably be if these elements do develop into out there for buy down the road.
What About Actual Super Hooligan Racing, Though?
Consulting the 2024 Super Hooligan Technical Regulations, it seems that if the Super Hooligan Concept weighs what Krämer says it does, it is too mild to satisfy the present minimal weight requirement.
For 2024, the rulebook states that each one air-cooled twins within the Super Hooligan collection should weigh at the least 158.7 kilograms, or 350 kilos. For all different machines (such because the GP2-890R platform bikes, that are liquid-cooled), the minimal weight requirement is 171 kilograms, or 377 kilos.
Of course, that is to not say that guidelines cannot change, or that Krämer cannot add some ballast to the bike as a way to convey it as much as qualifying weight if it is actually keen on testing the bike that manner. Ballast is particularly allowed in line with the present SH regs, and even required in some circumstances as a consequence of handicaps.
The rulebook additionally briefly mentions that the machines concerned have to be manufacturing bikes, however does not specify precisely what which means. By itself, that element does not stand out; nonetheless, the laws for different courses in MotoAmerica are very detailed with regard to manufacturing and homologation necessities. RideApart has reached out to RSD to ask about these necessities and can report any info we study.
If Krämer needed to meet a sure manufacturing requirement of the Super Hooligan Concept to ensure that a model of this bike to race, the early reception has been robust. It appears laborious to think about lovers not being on board with that concept.
BMW is tough at work on its devoted electrical automobile platform. It’s referred to as the Neue Klasse (German for “New Class”), named after a lineup of vastly profitable sedans and coupes offered from 1962 till 1972. The resolution to revive Neue Klasse has been taken to spotlight the EV structure’s significance – and it begins with this all-new mannequin.
Spotted on a snowy day within the German countryside outdoors of Munich, the purely electrical SUV has virtually nothing in coming with the iX3. Although we’re getting the impression it has all (if not most) of the manufacturing physique panels in place, these should not the ultimate headlights and taillights. However, logic tells us these basic-looking placeholders have the identical form and dimension since any adjustments would influence the scale of the encompassing physique panels.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
