Tag Archives: proved

Motorsport

A BMW M3 Needs More Than 1,000 HP To Keep Up With a Tesla Model S Plaid

The Tesla Model S Plaid has proved to be a formidable drag racer. The electrical sedan’s triple-motor setup provides the automobile 1,020 horsepower, placing it in the identical efficiency class as modern-day hypercars. But it’s not invincible. A brand new video exhibits a gas-powered car, a tuned BMW M3 Competition, can nonetheless problem the last word EV for wins.

The M3 that traces up alongside the Tesla makes 1,039 hp, greater than double than it did when it left the manufacturing facility. Tom Wrigley Performance and R44 constructed the BMW, rising the horsepower by a number of upgrades to the twin-turbo straight-six engine. Those included improved cooling, a brand new exhaust system, upgraded turbochargers, and extra efficiency goodies.

The M3 needed to run on ethanol to maximise its output in opposition to the Tesla Model S. The EV’s triple-motor setup was barely much less potent than the BMW, nevertheless it did come to the race with all-wheel drive.

The pair competed in three drag races, and the primary run hinted on the struggle to come back. The BMW gained the opening race, crossing the end line in 9.7 seconds to the Tesla’s 10.2-second time. The Tesla gained the second and third races, beating the M3 by 0.1 seconds – 9.7 vs 9.8 seconds – however the BMW crossed the half-mile end line forward of the Model S.


News

Drag Race: TTS SuperBusa vs. Suzuki Hayabusa In A Double Busa Battle

The TTS SuperBusa has consistently demonstrated its incredible speed against various vehicles. This 372-horsepower supercharged Hayabusa, built by UK supercharger expert TTS Performance, is truly insane. These facts are well-known and accepted in our online community. However, there was one challenge the TTS SuperBusa had yet to face—until now.

In a recent video, Bike World took the TTS SuperBusa and their own Project Hayabusa to their favorite airstrip for a head-to-head battle. For those unfamiliar with the Project Hayabusa, it is a lightly tuned, naturally aspirated Suzuki Hayabusa that many riders consider fast enough for everyday use. This beloved bike has remained largely unchanged over the years, and while there have been some complaints about the lack of updates, they are in the minority.

While it is obvious that the TTS SuperBusa will easily outperform the Project Hayabusa, it does not mean that the stock Hayabusa is slow. However, speed is relative, as demonstrated in the video. In the first race, the TTS SuperBusa effortlessly leaves the regular Hayabusa behind, almost as if the latter is standing still. Upon closer observation, you can see that it is moving, but it certainly doesn’t appear that way.

After some lighthearted laughter and a few more drag races confirming the mind-blowing speed of the 372-horsepower supercharged Hayabusa, they introduce another challenger—the stock Ducati Streetfighter V4 S. Again, this is by no means a slow street bike. Chris Northover mentions that he has achieved a 9-second quarter mile on the Streetfighter in the past, solidifying its status as a fast street-legal machine.

However, even with all three bikes starting from the same line and racing down the strip together, the TTS SuperBusa effortlessly leaves both the regular Hayabusa and the Streetfighter in its wake. In fact, the Hayabusa and the Streetfighter appear to be equally matched in terms of speed, at least in the race shown in the video. Of course, various factors such as the riders’ skills and the quality of their starts can influence the outcome, but overall, they struggle to keep up with the unstoppable SuperBusa.

Technology

How Chuck Yeager’s Record-Breaking Feat Led to the Tragic End of the Bell X-2

When the Starburster took off and started flying on its own, it quickly became clear that it was incredibly fast. By April 1956, NASA reported that it could reach a speed of Mach 1.4. Soon after, it went even faster, reaching a speed of Mach 2.53. Then, on July 23rd, 1956, pilot Frank Everest achieved an astonishing speed of Mach 2.87, equivalent to about 1,895 miles per hour. However, the X-2 wasn’t done setting records yet. In September of the same year, Captain Iven C. Kincheloe took the X-2 to new heights, quite literally. He flew the rocket plane to an altitude of 126,200 feet, almost halfway to space.

Despite its groundbreaking achievements, the Bell X-2’s testing would end in tragedy. During its final flight, Captain Milburn G. Apt pushed the X-2 to even greater speeds, becoming the first person to reach Mach 3, reaching a top speed of Mach 3.196, which is roughly 2,094 miles per hour. Unfortunately, after reaching this monumental speed, the X-2 lost all control and crashed near Edwards Air Force Base in California on September 27th, 1956. Captain Apt did not survive the crash.

Long-Term Review

Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid S 2023 long-term test

We had a pleasant experience with a helpful and knowledgeable sales executive named Andrew Bradburn. After discussing with Bentley HQ, we decided on High Wycombe as the delivery location for our new Flying Spur Hybrid. On the appointed day, we met with dealer principal Ian Smith and other staff members. Andrew Bradburn then spent an hour briefing us about the car before we drove it away, fueled with excellent coffee and well-informed.

The main highlight of the Hybrid is its petrol-electric powertrain. It weighs similar to a V8, but the battery weight is relocated to the lower boot, resulting in a rearward bias of 52% in weight distribution. However, this doesn’t affect the driving experience. The only noticeable difference is the absence of the four-wheel steering system available in non-hybrid Spurs since 2020. The Hybrid is not cumbersome, but it feels larger compared to the 4WS versions, which feel more compact.

Despite this, there are no other drawbacks, and the Hybrid offers significant advantages. Currently, the fuel consumption stands at 35.5mpg, which is 10-12mpg (or around 50%) better than the V8. The EV-only mode provides incredible refinement, and the transition from the twin-turbocharged V6 to electric power is seamless and refined, thanks to excellent integration of the different drive sources. The performance is impressive too. Although slightly slower than the V8 and W12, the Spur Hybrid can effortlessly sprint from 0-100mph in 10.2 seconds.

The battery-only range, initially quoted at 25.5 miles, has actually turned out to be 33 miles. Although it falls short of the Range Rover’s 50-odd mile range, it is still convenient. The strong 134bhp electric motor sits between the 2.9-litre V6 engine and the eight-speed automatic gearbox. In EV-only mode, the performance feels accessible and powerful, with maximum torque delivered at step-off.

When cruising on motorways at 70mph, the car frequently switches off the engine. Charging the battery using a 7kWh Andersen charger, which is powered by my domestic electricity, takes slightly under two and a half hours and costs just under £6. As I gain more experience, I will calculate the overall costs more accurately.