Last year, Porsche unveiled the breathtaking Porsche 911 Dakar, a sports car that has quickly become a fan favorite. This version of the iconic 911 boasts a lifted suspension, new driving modes, and high-performance Pirelli Scorpion all-terrain tires, allowing it to conquer all types of terrain without sacrificing its exceptional performance. But don’t be mistaken, this beast is still incredibly fast on the asphalt, and we have an exciting new video to demonstrate just how impressive it is.
Motor enthusiasts can rejoice as Motorsport Magazine recently uploaded a thrilling one-minute clip on YouTube, showcasing an exhilarating drive aboard this rally-inspired sports car from Porsche. Towards the second half of the video, the driver engages the launch control system, unlocking the full potential of the 911 Dakar. The result? A mind-blowing acceleration of 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 3.5 seconds.
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).
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.”
However, it remains to be seen if ethanol-powered cars will be included in the new FAME III rules
The third iteration of the FAME scheme is currently under development.
Government sources suggest that the new scheme may include alternative fuel cars.
Hydrogen-fueled vehicles are expected to be included, and there is a possibility of ethanol-powered cars being included as well.
The new FAME III scheme could also increase subsidies for electric cars.
Currently, the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo are the only hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles linked to India.
The Indian government is working on the development of the FAME (Faster Adoption And Manufacturing Of Hybrids And Electric Vehicles) III scheme. Recent reports suggest that alternative fuel options like hydrogen could be included in the scheme.
The current FAME II scheme is limited to hybrids and electric vehicles, with a focus on electric vehicles. However, the inclusion of hydrogen cars in the scheme could encourage manufacturers to accelerate their efforts in this technology. Toyota is currently testing the Mirai, a hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicle, in India, which could be one of the earliest hydrogen cars in the market.
Another alternative fuel that could enter the mass market before hydrogen is ethanol. Maruti is currently testing a flex-fuel version of the Wagon R, which runs on an 85 percent ethanol blend. The carmaker has already confirmed the launch of a new compact flex-fuel vehicle by 2025.
Hydrogen Cars for India?
Currently, only Toyota and Hyundai are rumored to enter the hydrogen car market in India. Nitin Gadkari, the Indian Minister for Road Transport and Highways, drives a Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle. Hyundai has also expressed interest in bringing its Nexo FCEV to India.
The current scheme, although comprehensive, does not address various electric car models. The initial subsidy for electric cars was capped at 20% of the vehicle cost or Rs 15,000 per kWh, whichever is lower. It is expected that the subsidy amount and the cap will be increased to make electric vehicles more appealing as the first car for a wider range of consumers.
Vauxhall continues to dominate the UK electric van sales in June.
The Vivaro Electric is the top-selling e-LCV in the country, with 482 units registered in June and 2389 year-to-date.
Vauxhall holds nearly a third of the market share for electric vans sold in the first six months of the year.
Vauxhall is one of the few manufacturers in the UK that offers fully electric vans throughout its entire lineup.
According to the latest registration figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Vauxhall remains the leading manufacturer of electric Light Commercial Vehicles (e-LCVs) in the UK.
The figures for June show that Vauxhall has a 32.0% market share in the e-LCV segment year-to-date, meaning one out of every three electric vans sold in the UK so far this year is a Vauxhall.
The Vivaro Electric is the best-selling new electric van in the UK, holding the top position in both June and year-to-date sales. In June alone, 482 units of the Vivaro Electric were sold, bringing the total to 2389 units for the first six months of the year.
Vauxhall is one of the few manufacturers in the UK that offers a fully electric van across its entire model lineup. The company has committed to becoming an electric-only manufacturer by 2028, seven years ahead of the UK Government’s deadline.
James Taylor, Managing Director of Vauxhall UK, stated that Vauxhall is the preferred choice for businesses, fleets, and private buyers in search of capable and efficient electric vans. The company is dedicated to electrifying Britain and working with businesses of all sizes to meet their current and future electric vehicle needs.
The Vivaro Electric, which has been recognized as the ‘Medium Van of the Year’ at the What Van? Awards 2022 and the ‘Best Medium Electric Van’ at the Driving Electric Awards 2022, as well as being crowned the ‘International Van of the Year 2021’, offers great flexibility. It is available with either a 50kWh or a 75kWh battery, providing a WLTP range of up to 205 miles on a single charge and a maximum payload of up to 1,226kg.
Cody Webb, America’s top talent in Extreme enduro, recently competed in the 2023 Red Bull Erzbergrodeo. After enduring injuries that interrupted his quest to reach the top step of the podium, Webb returned to the Iron Giant in good health and finished 10th. In a post-race interview with DB’s Travis Fant, he discussed his preparation, travel challenges, and his performance at the event.
Cody Webb performs during the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo 2023 in Eisenerz, Austria on June 11, 2023 // Philip Platzer / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202306110675 // Usage for editorial use only //
DB: Cody, your usual training is already intense, but is there anything specific you do to prepare for a race like Erzberg?
CODY WEBB: “It’s obviously different from any other race. It is the hardest one-day race in the world. I really try to focus on challenging terrains like old pilings or big messed up rock gardens. I want to test myself without relying on a pre-built line. I have to admit, it has been a while since I last finished the race with a strong effort. Some of the sections can be scary.”
DB: Talk about the challenges of traveling as an American and dealing with time changes and jet lag for an event like Erzberg.
WEBB: “Yeah, traveling that far is definitely not easy. Being a family man now, it’s harder to leave than before. As soon as I arrived there, I tried to adjust as quickly as possible. You have to force yourself to acclimate. This year was different because they made it illegal to walk the course before the race. It’s strange because the mine there offers tours, and almost every top rider was there practicing on sections of the course. It definitely pays off to have that extra time to familiarize yourself with the event. Unfortunately, I didn’t have that luxury this year due to my racing schedule in the States.”
Cody Webb of the United States seen during the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo at the Erzberg in Eisenerz, Austria on June 10, 2023. // Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202306100279 // Usage for editorial use only //
DB: Your teammate Cooper Abbott joined you. Did you provide any advice to your first-timer teammate?
WEBB: “I tried to give him a heads up. I told him to be cautious and brace himself for the rocks and roost coming out of the mine. This place has the worst roost, small rocks that leave welts on your body. I advised Cooper to focus on making it out of the first hills going out of the mine, as losing ground there can be costly. I also warned him about one of the scariest downhills, Carls diner. I told him to start slow to avoid any mishaps at the bottom.”
DB: How do you maintain a decent pace throughout such a long race without exhausting yourself early on?
WEBB: “This year was different for me because I wasn’t battling for the lead like in previous years. Hence, I didn’t experience the crazy arm pump and had to stop to let it subside. I started the race at a more relaxed pace and gradually positioned myself well. However, there are always unexpected scenarios. Early on, I was around 6th place behind Johnny Walker, but I got stuck with Andrea Verona, and other riders started passing me. I panicked a bit and lost some valuable positions. Considering my recent injuries, my ultimate goal was to finish the race. So, I played it smart, conserved energy in the beginning, took fewer risks, and had enough left in the tank towards the end to secure a good position.”
DB: You were the top American to finish. It’s quite a statement, considering your injuries and the fact that you conserved energy in some sections.
WEBB: “In the past, I’ve finished on the podium, but now I know where I stand. I can compete with all the guys in the top 10. If things go right, I can make it happen. Last year, around the same time, I had a wrist injury, the same one Phil Nicoletti had. I wasn’t even sure if I would race professionally again. I took some anti-inflammatory medication before the race to manage the pain. After Carls diner, the painkillers started wearing off, and I just needed to push through. I know I’m not at 100%, but I’m doing my best to prolong my career.”
Cody Webb of the United States and Taddy Blazusiak of Poland seen during the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo at the Erzberg in Eisenerz, Austria on June 10, 2023. // Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202306100272 // Usage for editorial use only //
DB: You often ride the two-stroke. Is it an advantage at Erzberg, and would you ever consider racing on a four-stroke?
WEBB: “Erzberg would definitely be challenging on a four-stroke. A four-stroke feels heavier at the front end, especially on a downhill like Carls diner. The weights of two-strokes and four-strokes are similar now, but their feel is very different. In rock gardens, which are abundant in the early stages of the race, a four-stroke might perform better. However, in later stages like Motorex Highway, a two-stroke would be more suitable. I’ve ridden the SE300 for fun in hard enduro events, and the heat coming off a four-stroke is intense. The clutches get hotter, and the bike overall runs much hotter. At Carls diner, the sun beats down on you, and the hot air from the bike’s fan blows on you. Riding a two-stroke in such conditions makes a notable difference since the bike doesn’t run as hot. Plus, if something goes wrong, you can still ride a “blown-up” two-stroke to some extent. It’s harder to destroy a two-stroke and get stranded compared to a four-stroke.”
DB: Are there any specific adjustments you make to your bike for a race like Erzberg?
WEBB: “In this race, there’s a different format compared to the US hard enduro series. Since it’s part of the FIM, no outside assistance is allowed whatsoever. At the pits, we weren’t even allowed to get anything. We had to run levers inside the air-box, zip-tied a shifter inside the frame, and carried minimal tools on the bike just in case. I wasn’t even allowed to swap my USWE water pack, although I could replace the bladder. They are extremely strict about no outside assistance at Erzberg. It’s truly a man-and-machine challenge.”
DB: We follow you on Instagram and have had the privilege of filming with you in NorCal. We’ve seen you tackle tough rides alone. Are these experiences preparing you mentally for events like Erzberg?
WEBB: Cody laughs, “Yeah, definitely. I always ride with a backpack and snacks because you never know what could happen out there, and I don’t want to be stranded overnight. Erzberg is incredible. There are sections on the course that I wouldn’t usually practice alone due to the risks involved. Yet, during the race, I have to face them on my own.”
DB: Now that Erzberg is behind you, what’s next on your agenda?
WEBB: “I’m looking forward to the final round of the US Hard Enduro series in two weeks. It’s one of our best races at a ski resort. After that, I’ll start preparing for the EnduroCross series and see what I can achieve there!”
DB: Thank you, Cody, for sharing your insights and letting us pick your brain a bit.
