There’s no scarcity of lunatics on Earth. But there positively appears to be a plethora of them within the nice state of Florida, because it definitely appears to churn out extra of them than some other state round. Maybe it is one thing within the water?
Yet, the most recent on this lengthy line of madness from America’s, um, panhandle, is one thing that I’d most likely strive given the possibility. Everyone’s favourite wild-eyed mechanics from Grind Hard Plumbing Co. went on all the way down to the Sunshine State to have some enjoyable with a few kitted-up Sur-Ron e-bikes.
Now, these aren’t your common modified Sur-Rons. No, one’s in full drag-spec whereas the opposite is the topic of in the present day’s story: a Sur-Ron constructed to waterski.
Here comes dinner, gators!
The bikes had been constructed by GritShift, a small Florida-based store that focuses on constructing sick-ass customized e-bikes, Sur-Rons, and UTV elements.
According to the video, the GritShift guys received the thought from a video that Robbie Maddison put out a number of years in the past the place he took his competitors dirtbike and modified it to experience some waves. The primary premise of the construct was to stay aluminum “skis” on the entrance and rear tires—which they comprised of steel purchased from Home Depot—and add a sand-type paddle tire to the rear for propulsion and that is about it.
They did a number of extra modifications to extend the ability and torque, too.
What’s wild, nevertheless, is how nicely the entire thing works. It simply dances throughout the water prefer it was nothing. Granted, the water in query is a small canal, and crossing it looks like a reasonably brief affair from the video. But nonetheless, the electrical bike simply handles it.
That stated, they’re nonetheless some teething points with the Sur-Ron Ski, because the entrance tire is claimed to kick up manner an excessive amount of water towards the inner motors and, despite the fact that they’re IP67 waterproof, one thing’s getting in and inflicting some points.
There’s additionally the store’s dope Sur-Ron drag bike, which they are saying will hit 60 mph in below 4 seconds after which they drag race a brand new Corvette Z06. The entire factor seems to be like these dope Indonesian single-cylinder drag bikes, which I nonetheless want to write down a narrative on.
Either manner, each look hella enjoyable and make me wish to strive them out.
Kia has expanded its lineup with a plethora of recent fashions, however there’s nonetheless one factor lacking: a truck. Judging by this new teaser video although, we cannot have to attend for much longer.
Starring Aussie sporting legends, the video is chock-full of refined hints that the Kia truck will likely be referred to as the “Tasman.” For instance, the identify seems in a newspaper article whereas a dart shot at a map ends on the Tasman Sea. Oddly sufficient, we do not get to see the truck in any respect because the motion takes place inside a bar someplace in Australia, and the clip ends by partially displaying the identify of the bar—presumably Hotel Tasman.
Until the identify is formally introduced, the corporate merely calls it a ute and “the most Australian Kia ever developed.” Internally codenamed “TK,” the brand new utilitarian car will likely be a real truck by that includes a body-on-frame platform slightly than a unibody building just like the Hyundai Santa Cruz. It’s believed to have a most payload capability of about 1,000 kilograms (2,204 kilos) and a towing capability of three,500 kg (7,716 lbs) due to a turbodiesel 2.2-liter engine. The oil-burner will reportedly route energy to the wheels through handbook and computerized transmissions.
Reports from Australia state the Tasman will are available in each 4×2 and 4×4 configurations in addition to in single cab, double cab, and cab chassis flavors. A spy video confirmed switches for 2H, 4H, 4L modes, which means it will have selectable two-wheel drive and a low-range four-wheel drive. That check car had 17-inch wheels with Kumho Crugen 265/65 R17 tires. Expect an impartial entrance suspension, rear leaf springs, a locking rear differential, and a wading depth of 800 millimeters (31.4 inches).
As to why the corporate determined to give attention to Australia to kick off the teaser marketing campaign, it is possible as a result of the Tasman is being developed by an engineering staff led by Kia Australia. The new ute will go up towards the likes of the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, which have been the 2 best-selling automobiles general final 12 months within the Land Down Under. The Tasman can even deliver the combat to the Isuzu D-Max, the third hottest mannequin in Australia in 2023.
The Tasman can even be bought within the Middle East and South Africa, however we’ve not heard something a few potential launch within the United States. It’s price noting Kia has promised two electric trucks by 2027, together with a “dedicated” mannequin on a bespoke EV platform.
A “strategic” pickup tailor-made to rising markets has additionally been confirmed and is more likely to adapt underpinnings from a car powered by combustion engines. Perhaps the strategic truck is the Tasman? The latter has been in improvement since 2020 and will likely be unveiled later this 12 months earlier than occurring sale in 2025. Australians can already categorical their curiosity on the agency’s regional web site, so the premiere ought to happen within the coming months.
The Tasman will not be Kia’s solely ladder-frame mannequin because the South Korean marque continues to be promoting the Mohave (aka Borrego). It additionally will not be its solely pickup contemplating the Bongo truck stays obtainable, full with an electric version.
The Bugatti Type 59 mannequin automobile you see right here prices greater than a plethora of actual autos sitting new on dealership heaps proper now. We aren’t speaking about entry-level rides, both. An asking worth of $28,020 is Toyota Camry cash, or for just some thousand extra, you may take residence a spiffy new Miata.
But this Bugatti is extra artwork than automobile. It’s the newest masterpiece from high-end mannequin maker Amalgam, depicting the classic racer because it was in 1935, campaigned by Jean-Pierre Wimille at Spa for the Belgium Grand Prix. Making this explicit piece additional particular is Wimille himself, or somewhat, a 1:8 rendition of his likeness. Amalgam is eager to create extra basic race automobile fashions with correct driver figures, so the corporate labored with a studio in Italy to make it occur.
Honda has been releasing a plethora of electrical automobiles (EVs) as of late, however most of them have been idea vehicles. They’ve proven so many electrical idea vehicles that it’s so arduous to trace what’s coming to manufacturing or purely a design or advertising train. Take, for instance, the Honda Prelude Concept. Yes, it seems to be production-ready for a hybrid idea, and but its future in Honda’s product vary is so obscure.
Nearly a 12 months in the past, on the Auto Shanghai 2023, Honda also showcased a plethora of EV concepts. So many, actually, that it is arduous to enumerate every mannequin. It’s reaching to a degree the place it is arduous to find out Honda’s electrification path–and that does not even depend the Sony partnership with the Afeela brand the two companies created. Now on the 2024 Consumer Electronic Show (CES), Honda has revealed a pair of EVs branded as 0 Series, and let’s hope that this is not simply one other advertising train going to waste.
In order to provide the latest and correct info potential, the info used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with CNBC and Honda.
The Prologue EV is Honda’s first electrical SUV, and listed below are some attention-grabbing information about it.
The First 0 Series Is A Saloon
The first of these 0 Series fashions is the 0 Saloon, which is a handsome glossy sedan that is each sensible, useful, and really hanging to take a look at. The 0 Series EVs debut a new design language called “The Art of Resonance”. The daring advertising time period principally means Honda goes to make a spread of radically-designed EVs with the theme of “resonance with the environment, society and users.”
Sleek, Wedge-Shaped Looks
Now, when you assume that the automobile seems to be like a extra practical version of a DMC DeLorean, nicely, you are not alone. The 0 Saloon is a wedge-shaped sedan with lengthy gullwing doorways as an alternative of 4 doorways that’s anticipated to journey on a brand new, devoted EV platform.
As you may see from its glossy form, the 0 Saloon does not have an entire lot of hood, and that is by design. The use of a devoted EV platform permits it to have a protracted wheelbase that permits for wonderful inside area that would not be potential if it utilized a platform for inside combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Also noteworthy is the entrance finish, which is surrounded by a strip of LEDs and homes a brand new interpretation of Honda’s H emblem, which in some way harks again to Honda’s previous emblem. This might be fitted to the model’s next-generation EVs transferring ahead.
As for the inside, the 0 Saloon looks pretty much like a show car as most of those most likely will not carry over to the manufacturing mannequin. Ditto these gullwing doorways, together with the slim sprint design that homes a display that runs from the center of the sprint to the entrance passenger’s facet.
Interestingly, the rear seats additionally include screens, whereas the driving place is, in Honda’s personal phrases, sporty. Lastly, as standard with Honda, the 0 Saloon might be a end result of the model’s “M/M” (man most/machine minimal) philosophy. This signifies that the inside is extraordinarily user-friendly and outward visibility is a excessive precedence for the model.
It’ll Eventually Become A Production Model
Honda
What’s extra wonderful is the truth that this wedge-shaped sedan can even develop into a manufacturing mannequin. The first 0 Series mannequin, which is able to mirror the 0 Saloon, is anticipated to launch in 2026 in North America first, adopted by Japan Asia, Europe, and the remainder of the world. Of course, these gullwing doorways most likely will not make it into manufacturing, together with a number of the components of the radically designed inside, however that does not imply that the 0 Saloon will not push the boundaries of driving tech.
For one, the 0 Saloon will inherit a number of the SAE Level 3 autonomous advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that discovered within the Japanese-market Honda Legend’s Honda Sensing Elite. These ADAS options might be augmented by next-generation synthetic intelligence to “achieve more human-like, natural and high-precision risk predictions.”
When the 0 Saloon additionally hits the manufacturing line, this wedge-shaped sedan can even include new batteries and electrical drivetrains, which might be referred to as “E-Axle”. The new battery and electrical drivetrain might be extra compact and light-weight, permitting for improved effectivity and higher efficiency. No particulars in regards to the battery chemistry have been revealed, however Honda goals for a battery with excessive vitality density, quick charging occasions from 15 to 80 % in 10-Quarter-hour, together with a 10-year battery degradation of lower than 10-percent.
The CR-V Hybrid is now much more standard than Honda’s best-selling CR-V within the U.S. Here’s an in depth breakdown of all its trims and configurations.
The Space-Hub Is Honda’s Vision Of An ID.Buzz Rival
The second of those 0 Series fashions is the Space-Hub, which is likewise a wedge-shaped EV. Only this time, it seems to be bulkier and extra like a competitor to the ID.Buzz. For this electrical minivan, Honda used the theme of “augmenting folks’s day by day lives.” Whether it feels like a advertising buzzword for upcoming AR goggles or not is as much as you, however the Space-Hub is supposedly an electrical minivan on wheels that focuses extra on the human interplay contained in the automobile.
Wedged-Shaped Van Goodness
The most spacious and well-packaged vans are usually these with the silhouette of a Shinkansen, and the Space-Hub follows that philosophy. Whereas the 0 Saloon prioritizes the driving expertise in addition to the driving force itself, the Space-Hub is a lounge on wheels. This is mirrored in how the rear part of the cabin has been designed. There’s no rear windshield and even home windows previous the C-pillars to talk of. Instead, solely the primary two sections of the Space-Hub have a window, principally mimicking the ambiance of a lounge.
Also in line with the lounge theme is the versatile seating, which may be organized in such a approach that everybody is dealing with one another. Along with the glass roof, the Space-Hub is supposedly what Honda calls an electrical minivan that “gives a versatile area that instantly accommodates quite a lot of passengers and turns into a ‘hub’ that connects folks to one another and the skin world.”
Though Its Future Is Still Unknown
Honda
Unlike the 0 Saloon, which is anticipated to enter manufacturing in a roundabout way, form, or type, the Space-Hub’s future continues to be unknown for the time being. The 0 Saloon can be anticipated to develop into the flagship mannequin of the 0 Series, although, just like the 0 Saloon, the Space-Hub will more than likely undertake comparable ADAS tech because the 0 Saloon.
Honda might solely have one EV in manufacturing now, however it could possibly be formidable competitors within the very close to future, courtesy of its strides with SSBs.
Why Honda Called It The 0 Series
Honda
Honda has been releasing a ton of EV ideas and prototypes as of late, most of them being a promise of its EV route. However, if we’re being trustworthy, their route appears to be in every single place, since they’ve principally remained as guarantees. Nothing significant has come out but from the workplaces of Honda, and with the 0 Series, we hope the Japanese automaker is taking electrification much more critically.
This Is Honda Hard Resetting Its EV Strategy
The cause why they name their ideas the 0 Series is as a result of that is Honda releasing a set of EVs sooner or later which might be fully new from the bottom up, constructed with new engineering and design ideas. Think of it as a tough reset of its EV plans, most likely when it realized that it wanted to be extra progressive and cutting-edge within the age of EVs.
This can be in step with the aforementioned new interpretation of the enduring H emblem. According to Honda, the brand new emblem is an “expression, like two outstretched arms, represents Honda’s dedication to reinforce the probabilities of mobility and sincerely serve the wants of the customers of Honda EVs. Due to the upcoming emblem change, which is able to most likely debut in 2026 with that 0 Saloon-based manufacturing mannequin, let’s hope that Honda is now extra critical in its EV growth.
About That GM Partnership
Honda
Remember that GM partnership? Well, the plan to develop affordable EVs using GM’s Ultium battery and drivetrain tech has been canceled. In an e-mail despatched to CNBC final October, GM spokesman Darryll Harrison mentioned:
“After extensive studies and analysis, we have come to a mutual decision to discontinue the program. Each company remains committed to affordability in the EV market”. He adds: “Each company remains committed to affordability in the EV market.”
A number of months in the past, we wrote about how EV gross sales development (within the United States) has slowed down. Yes, it nonetheless grew general, however the price of development has decreased, to a degree that gross sales have been beneath the expansion forecasts of most automakers. This has led Honda and GM to half methods from their preliminary partnership and discover a distinctive answer to how the 2 corporations will purpose to develop an reasonably priced EV.
This does not imply that the connection between the 2 manufacturers has ended as a result of GM and Honda will nonetheless collaborate in sure trade areas. The Prologue and Acura ZDX EVs will nonetheless push by way of, plus Honda and GM actually have a new partnership whereby they plan to begin a robotaxi service in Japan using the Cruise Origin.
In October 2023, there were a plethora of cars that went on sale ranging from the updated Tata Harrier and Safari to the Aston Martin DB12
The Indian festive season carries high expectations of increased sales for carmakers, and so many new cars are launched just before it. For October 2023, we saw the market introduction of numerous facelifts, new variants and special editions across various price segments. From the Tata Harrier and Safari facelifts to the BMW i7 M70i, here’s every new car launched ahead of the 2023 festive season.
Tata Harrier & Safari facelift – The 2023 facelifts for the Tata Harrier and Tata Safari SUVs get a host of updates including the new exterior design, interior updates and a lot more tech. The new Harrier starts from Rs 15.49 lakh, while the 7-seat Safari now starts from Rs 16.19 lakh. Some of the key new features on both include the bigger suite of ADAS, 7 airbags, paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control, a new steering wheel with an illuminated logo, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system amongst others.
Citroen C3 Aircross – The Citroen C3 Aircross offers both 5 and 7-seat configurations, the only one in the compact SUV segment to do so. In the 7-seat variants, the 3rd now can be removed when not in use. Some of the features include a 10.2-inch infotainment, a digital instrument cluster, a roof-mounted blower, TPMS and Hill Hold. Prices for the car start from Rs 9.99 lakh.
Nissan Magnite AMT & Magnite Kuro Edition – The Nissan Magnite now gets an automatic option for the 1-litre N.A. engine as well. The AMT gets features like anti-stall and kick-down and a creep function amongst others. Thus, both the engines on offer now get an automatic option.
Meanwhile, the Kuro Edition gets an all-black exterior along with black front grille, skid plate, roof rails, door handles, alloy wheels. The car also gets red brake callipers. Meanwhile, the interiors get the same black treatment with a black roof liner, sun visors, door trims, gloss black inserts of the steering wheel, door handles and black AC vent surrounds.
Skoda Slavia Matte Edition – The special edition Skoda Slavia is available only in the top-spec variant. It gets a Carbon Steel matte colour, powered front seats and an illuminated footwell area. Powertrain options for the Skoda Slavia remain the same – the turbo-charged 1-litre and 1.5-litre turbo-petrolTSI motors with a choice of automatic or manual transmissions.
Kia Carens X-Line – The Kia Carens‘ X-Line variants comes with a Matte Graphite colour on the outside and gets a dual-tone Black and Splendid Sage Green interior. Now, the same has been introduced for the Kia Carens MPV as well, following the Sonet and Seltos SUVs. Other changes include all gloss black elements like the grille, black rear skid plate, roof rack and ORVMs. The MPV also gets 16-inch dual tone alloys and silver brake callipers. The Carens X-Line comes only with automatic options for the turbo-petrolPetrol (7DCT) and Ddiesel (6AT) units options.
Honda Amaze Elite & Honda City Elegant Editions – This limited edition of the Honda Amaze is based on the top-spec VX variant. The car also gets a rear spoiler with an LED stop light, TPMS, front fender garnish, a sliding front armrest and an ORVM anti-fog film. Honda is also offering illuminated sill plates, a tyre inflator and Elite Edition seat covers and badges on the Amaze. Customers can get both manual or CVT options to choose from.
Meanwhile, the limited-edition Honda City is based on the V-variant. It comes with a rear spoiler with an integrated LED stop light, front fender garnish, illuminated sill plates, a wireless charger and Elegant Edition seat covers and badges amongst others. Here too, buyers will be offered a choice of manual or CVT transmission options.
Volkswagen Virtus GT Plus Matte Edition – The recently introduced Matte Edition of the Volkswagen Virtus sedan is offered with a matte grey exterior. The outside details include red highlights, black alloy wheels and black ORVMs. Meanwhile, on the inside, the sedan comes with cherry red leatherette upholstery, aluminium pedals and red ambient lighting. A 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is offered with both manual and automatic options.
New launches in the Luxury segment
The German marquee has launched three models ahead of the 2023 festive season – BMW X4 M40i, BMW 7 Series 740d M Sport and the BMW i7 M70 xDrive. The X4 coupe SUV gets a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder turbocharged petrol with 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The 740d M Sport meanwhile gets a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder diesel engine with hybrid tech. The i7 M70 xDrive luxury EV sedan comes with a dual-motor setup generating 660PS and 1015 Nm. It gets a 101.7kWh battery pack with a claimed range of 560km.
The Mini Countryman got a new Shadow Edition during this past month.
The Audi S5 Sportback got a new Platinum Edition. Both of these offer cosmetic updates only with the existing powertrains. It arrives on the heels of the special edition Audi Q5.
Aston Martin
The iconic British performance marquee launched its latest grand tourer in India this past month. The Aston MartinDB12 arrived early in October for Rs 4.59 crore. It comes with a reworked 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, a 3.5 second 0-100 km/h time and a top speed well over 300 km/h.
Let us know which amongst the above cars would you pick if you were out to buy a new car.
The 2023 Munich motor show has been a platform for significant new car reveals, including innovative concepts from BMW and Mercedes, an electric hot hatch from Volkswagen, and the revival of the Renault Scenic.
Returning for its second edition, the IAA in Munich has provided a comprehensive overview of Europe’s automotive industry, touching upon topics such as electrification, software, emissions regulations, and the growing influence of Chinese car manufacturers.
With so much to digest, it can be overwhelming to decide where to focus your attention. In this episode of the Autocar Electric podcast, Felix Page, James Attwood, and Mark Tisshaw discuss their top interviews, favorite cars, and address the burning questions.
What does the Neue Klasse concept signify for BMW’s future? Why is Volkswagen embracing nostalgia while pushing forward? Can brands like BYD and Seres entice us away from our Ford and Vauxhall vehicles? Join the team as they share their findings from navigating through the massive Munich Messe exhibition center.
The Dodge Challenger is a popular car known for its nostalgic appearance and range of drivetrains and trim packages that cater to muscle car enthusiasts. While the V8 Challengers receive the most attention, the V6 models should not be underestimated. In fact, for everyday use, the V6 with all-wheel drive could be the ideal choice.
Consider the 2021 Dodge Challenger SXT owned by Jared from the YouTube channel Guys Talking Cars. This particular model boasts the looks of a V8 car and emanates a powerful sound with its aftermarket cat-back exhaust. Jared customized the car with the Blacktop and Plus packages, which include 20-inch wheels, fog lights, blacked-out trim, and a luxurious interior featuring Nappa leather.
Pickup trucks are more popular than ever, offering buyers a wide range of choices. The new Ford Ranger Raptor and the Volkswagen Amarok, in their Raptor and PanAmericana versions, compete against the Toyota Hilux GR Sport in a series of drag races.
The Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine that generates 240 horsepower and 442 pound-feet (600 Newton-meters) of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed is set to feature numerous vehicle debuts, most of which involve production vehicles. However, Lamborghini will be unveiling a new race car that will not be available for purchase. This car is specifically designed to compete in the Hypercar and GTP classes of the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA. Although it won’t have the flamboyant design and scissor doors commonly associated with Lamborghini, the latest teaser reveals that it will feature large wings and numerous vents.
The powertrain details of the car have not been released yet, but it will feature a twin-turbocharged V8 engine with hybrid assistance, according to previous reports. This will be Lamborghini Squadra Corse’s first race-specific engine, with a maximum output limited to 671 horsepower due to regulations. However, considering the high power outputs commonly seen in production supercars, reaching this goal should not be a problem for this dedicated race car.
Due to category rules, the car’s exterior design will be constrained, and it will have to use a specific chassis supplier. However, the teaser hints at some customization options, as shades of green are visible. The tail fin also bears the name “Iron Lynx,” which is a racing team already involved in IMSA and the GT World Challenge Europe with the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo 2.
It is still unclear whether the car will only be displayed statically or have the opportunity to run up the famous Goodwood hill. However, Lamborghini will have other vehicles on display at the event, including several models from the Lamborghini lineup and the Eccentrica Lamborghini Diablo restomod, which features updated bodywork and a modernized interior based on the classic 1990s supercar.
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