Remember the Shelby Series 1? Released in 1997, it was an odd catfish-faced trying try at a supercar that got here straight from Shelby American, promising Cobra-like efficiency with modern-era tech. Instead, it delivered patrons with an Oldsmobile-Aurora-powered parts-bin GM automotive that suffered from severe high quality issues. Just 249 were made, so that you’re forgiven should you forgot about it. The Series 2, launched in 2018, promised to repair all of these woes, and now — 25 years after the introduction of the Series 1 — orders are open for a batch of ten Series 2 coupes, constructed underneath license by Wingard Motorsports.
While this technically is not the primary run of the Series 2 — four Series 2 cars were sold in 2018, additionally underneath license by Wingard — that is the primary time that the Shelby Series 2 can be accessible as a hardtop coupe. Three of those ten whole coupes can be made solely out of aluminum; the remaining seven will get carbon-fiber physique panels. Wingard is constructing the vehicles as engineless rollers, however has assembled a number of drivetrain decisions for homeowners to have put in later, together with a Windsor V8 with a sequential six-speed transmission or an unspecified “Performance EV” electrical package deal. The chassis is reportedly able to dealing with as much as 1,100 horsepower, and six-pot brake calipers come customary on all corners, so these accessible drivetrains can get a bit of loopy if desired.
Whatever drivetrain patrons select, they should come ready to pay for it. The Series 2 curler begins at $385,600 for a carbon fiber mannequin; aluminum-bodied vehicles will begin at $498,200. The least expensive drivetrain will begin at an extra $83,500 — earlier than set up — and climb from there, that means even these seeking to scrimp can be spending round half one million {dollars} to drive their new Shelby Series 2. The vehicles, regardless of being rollers constructed underneath license with out engines, will get a Shelby American serial quantity and be recorded within the official registry of Shelby vehicles.
2018 Shelby Series 2 Interior
The unique Series 1 was a little bit of an automotive oddity, and it is good to see the remaining components nonetheless used to construct drivable vehicles. Let’s simply hope that for half one million, the inside will get one thing a bit extra… premium this time.
What have been you doing within the first decade of the 2000s? Whether you possibly can bear in mind it or not, we’ll guess that your actions did not contain sourcing a Ferrari F355 engine to energy the customized motorbike that you just have been dreaming up in your head. That is, except your identify is Birger Hansen and you reside in Denmark.
As he tells the story, he and his buddy Michael Anderson have been ingesting at some point and chatting, as you do. Somewhere in the middle of dialog, they began musing alongside the traces of “wouldn’t it be crazy if we built something that no one has ever tried before?”
Eventually, the pair of mates agreed that if Anderson may procure the Ferrari F355 engine, then famous hands-on lifelong motorbike fanatic Hansen would construct the bike.
Now, plenty of mates out ingesting at pubs have in all probability come to comparable agreements, however not everybody sees their new mission by way of to the top. All sorts of life circumstances usually get in the way in which. Fortunately, although, that wasn’t about to occur on Anderson and Hansen’s watch.
5Photos
Anderson got here by way of with the engine, and Hansen set to work. All instructed, he says that he had no less than 100 separate components made by specialists simply to suit his construct. The F355 engine is lovingly cradled by a Boss Hoss chassis, and the entire thing has an impressively glossy and completed look, as you possibly can see within the video.
Simply constructing the factor wasn’t sufficient for Hansen, although. The course of took round 10 years from begin to end, however he additionally took the time to have it sort accredited and absolutely highway registered in Denmark. He went by way of the whole Technischer Überwachungsverein (or TUV) technical approvals course of, had the F355 motorbike licensed, and paid for his registration paperwork and license plate like every other law-abiding motorcyclist within the nation. Except, you already know, he’d constructed the factor himself.
It’s a ardour mission that he delivered to life together with his personal two palms, and that he intends to proceed driving till he cannot trip any longer. If you are a fortunate rider, perhaps you will have a motorcycle you’re feeling that method about, too.
While the corporate has been busy within the months since, its foremost duties to date have been doing trial runs and establishing a battery swapping system aimed toward enterprise purchasers, not particular person riders. That is, till now.
On December 25, 2023, Gachaco formally introduced plans to start providing a battery sharing service for particular person clients in Tokyo. Interested riders will not have lengthy to attend earlier than the plan is applied, both. It’s set to start out on January 9, 2024, which is lower than two weeks away as we write this.
Why This Could Be A Big Deal
At current, Gachaco swappable batteries are solely in use on sure Honda electrical two- and three-wheelers. This consists of the Benly e:, Gyro e:, Gyro Canopy e:, and the EM1 e:. Of these obtainable autos, solely the EM1 e: is out there for particular person clients to buy. The different three are strictly enterprise autos, used as fleet autos by supply riders.
However, one of many causes that Gachaco is a cooperative effort between Japan’s Big Four and Eneos is in order that the batteries can be utilized in a number of fashions from a number of producers. Although the EM1 e: scooter is alone within the discipline proper now, chances are high glorious that it will not keep that manner for lengthy.
Taking Batteries Out of the Purchase Equation Could Potentially Remove Barriers to Electric Motorbike Adoption by Riders
Gachaco’s announcement consists of particulars about each the brand new buy worth of the Honda EM1 e: scooter in Japan, in addition to obtainable battery subscription and pay-as-you-go providers for people.
By turning the battery right into a service and eradicating it from the general buy worth of the EM1 e:, the MSRP of the EM1 e: drops to simply 97,200 yen, tax and native Tokyo authorities subsidies included. At present conversion charges as of December 28, 2023, that is $689.
As for Gachaco’s battery subscription service, it is going to be obtainable at totally different ranges to go well with totally different buyer utilization patterns.
There’s a light-weight subscription plan that can price 1,078 yen (about $8) a month, together with tax. There’s additionally an ordinary subscription plan that can price 2,805 yen monthly together with tax (about $20 a month). Pay-as-you-go and pay-per-use choices are additionally obtainable at slightly below 200 yen per kilowatt hour (or simply below $1.50/kWh).
Making Standardized Swappable Batteries Available Could Solve Multiple Problems at Once
Most folks dwelling in 2023 have some expertise with batteries, even when they’re simply those in your distant, cellphone, or laptop computer. While it isn’t precisely the identical factor, acquainted experiences embody working out of energy immediately, having to attend to recharge, and maybe additionally coping with outdated batteries that do not maintain a full cost anymore.
Thinking about these points on the bigger, seemingly extra critical scale demanded by one thing you depend on for on a regular basis transportation may be unsettling. Plus, in case you reside in an condominium and you do not have a very good place to plug an EV in in a single day, that is an added barrier to adoption.
Swappable battery stations with subscription providers, the place you do not personal the battery and are merely swapping it out each time you want extra energy, could make life simpler in a number of methods. If you do not personal the battery, then you do not have to fret about what to do when it stops holding a cost. As lengthy as swap stations can be found in your space, a great deal of fear is totally taken off your shoulders.
Some folks would possibly grumble in regards to the thought of battery-as-a-service. But in case you’ve already been paying for gasoline or diesel all this time, I’m unsure what the true grievance is. That’s very true if an organization like Gachaco is just making wholesome batteries obtainable to clients and also will be responsibly recycling the spent ones.
Can We Expect to See Gachaco Expand Outside of Japan?
As of late December 2023, Gachaco has not formally made any statements about worldwide growth.
However, it is completely price noting that Honda has already launched the EM1 e:, which makes use of the identical swappable Honda Mobile Power Packs that Gachaco makes use of, in a number of markets exterior Japan. If you comply with worldwide electrical motorcycle adoption in any respect, it will not shock you to know that the EM1 e: has already been released in Europe and Indonesia, with plans for extra markets to come back.
Expansion of Gachaco or an identical battery swapping service to enrich the EM1 e:’s international growth looks as if a secure guess. It may not occur in all places, nevertheless it will not be a stunning improvement when it does happen.
Swappable battery scooter firms like Gogoro and Kymco Ionex have already been busy increasing their very own choices in a number of worldwide markets after first consolidating energy at house in Taiwan. Seeing Gachaco comply with, with its backing of a few of the heaviest hitters within the business, appears extremely doubtless.
Remember that video of a Tesla Cybertruck getting stuck in the snow in California’s Stanislaus National Forest from final week? Two Ford pickups pulled the EV again onto the path, and the video went viral. In reality, that video obtained so in style, it is prompted the US Forestry Service to recommend to Tesla that their respective representatives ought to meet to develop an academic program to coach inexperienced off-road drivers to keep away from issues like this sooner or later.
“We feel confident that had the driver of the Cybertruck had a better understanding of the topographical feature indicated on our maps, practiced Leave No Trace principles, and generally been more prepared, this whole incident could have been not only avoided, but also provided much-needed education to many new off-road users,” Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor Jason Kuiken mentioned in an announcement.
Kuiken expects the Cybertruck to draw new folks to off-roading, however these folks may not be acquainted with the right path etiquette. “We would invite executives of Tesla Motors to sit down at the table with us and develop an educational experience for new Cybertruck owners,” he mentioned.
The incident occurred on the 13.9-mile-long Corral Hollow OHV Trail. It’s a “moderately challenging route,” in keeping with Alltrails.com. The route is dry and dusty in the summertime however typically closed within the winter resulting from snow.
It is unclear how the Cybertruck obtained so far-off from the path. The one that shared the movies and photograph of the incident mentioned he wasn’t positive. The US Forestry Service assertion mentioned the pickup “apparently lost traction and slid down an embankment.”
Regardless of how the Tesla obtained into the predicament, the motive force could not get the Cybertruck again to the path. The movies confirmed it spinning the tires and kicking up snow and grime. The “RC” plastered to the facet means this was a pre-production Release Candidate, somewhat than an everyday manufacturing Cybertruck. Allegedly, a software program problem stored the traction management from working. It additionally lacked the restoration factors from the manufacturing model.
Some on-line commentary recommended that if the Cybertruck driver had tackled the state of affairs otherwise, they won’t have wanted the Fords’ help. Rather than going straight up the hill to get again to the path, it may need been higher to climb the slope diagonally, permitting for a extra gradual ascent.
Maybe if the Cybertruck driver went by means of the proposed instructional course with the US Forestry Service and Tesla, the pickup by no means would have wanted Fords to rescue it. Whether Tesla will comply with the coaching has but to be seen, however one thing tells us we cannot be seeing an official collaboration any time quickly.
You would possibly keep in mind the wild take on the Radford Motors Type 62-2 with a large entrance splitter and equally large rear wing from this yr’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Now, you’ll be able to personal one… so long as you are keen to pay at the least $1 million and get in line for the 12-unit manufacturing run.
Radford calls this model the Type 62-2 Track Car Edition, and because the identify implies, this isn’t a road-legal automobile. Compared to the road automotive, the physique is about 9 inches wider, and a full carbon-composite monocoque sits beneath. These adjustments additionally deliver revisions to the subframes, underbody design, and suspension geometry. The machine weighs simply 1,898 kilos, which means the large aerodynamic parts ought to preserve the automotive caught to a race course.
Remember automobiles? Some corporations nonetheless make them for individuals who don’t need SUVs. Nissan has given the Note a mid-cycle replace to maintain the third-generation mannequin recent and aggressive. It launched late in 2020, and now a gentle revision brings a redesigned entrance fascia with body-colored grille inserts. The bumpers have a brand new look and people 16-inch steelies have hub caps “decorated with traditional Japanese geometric patterns.”
Despite the modifications, the Nissan Note nonetheless appears to be like caught within the 2000s – or the 2010s at greatest. But that is not essentially a foul factor given a number of the overly designed trendy automobiles. The Note is available in 14 colours, and sure, violet is one in all them. There are additionally two-tone finishes if you wish to be extra daring.
Remember the snazzy Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato that debuted in August? It was known as Opera Unica, and it took 370 hours to finish its extraordinarily detailed paint job. That’s the equal of working 15 days straight. It took a bit longer to decorate up the Huracán’s huge brother in an analogous go well with. Say whats up to the Lamborghini Revuelto Opera Unica.
Presented on Wednesday at Art Basel Miami Beach 2023, Lamborghini says the intricate exterior required 435 hours to complete. That’s 18 days on the dot. The customized inside added one other 220 hours to the mission. It’s not a carbon copy of the Huracán Sterrato Opera Unica, both. This one incorporates purple and black – particularly, Viola Pasifae and Nero Helene – amid streaks of crimson, blue, and different shades.
Moving inside, you may discover a two-tone leather-based inside with extra purple and black – this time Viola Acutus and Nero Ade – incorporating an analogous theme with streaks of heat and funky colours scattered about. There are sixtieth anniversary logos stitched into the headliner, door inserts, and headrests. To be sure you comprehend the extent of element executed for this mission, Lamborghini particularly mentions the colourful brushstrokes on the beginning/cease cowl.
“We wanted to create something purely artistic using brushes and a combination of colors, as if the Revuelto was a canvas,” mentioned Lamborghini Design Director Mitja Borkert. “That is what fueled our inspiration for this special livery. With the dynamic hand-painted exterior we really emphasize the aerodynamics and speed of the car.”
One would possibly argue that the Revuelto wants no such emphasis. Its edgy physique has extra scoops than a sketchy tabloid, and the design seems imported straight from the thirty first century. If the visuals aren’t sufficient, there is a screaming 6.5-liter V12 tucked behind the motive force for good measure. Fused with three electrical motors, the Revuelto creates a mixed 1,001 horsepower. Lamborghini says it is sufficient for the hypercar to achieve 60 mph in an estimated 2.6 seconds, en path to a 217-mph high pace.
We suspect this explicit instance won’t ever see such velocities. It will likely be seen, nonetheless, because it’s on show for Art Basel to assist Lamborghini rejoice its sixtieth anniversary earlier than it heads to its new proprietor. Yes, Lamborghini offered this one-off to 1 very rich collector for over than $1 million.
Time flies once you keep in mind that the fifth-generation Supra has been round for practically 5 years. The BMW Z4-based sports activities automobile has spawned a mess of particular editions since its debut, together with a long-awaited manul for the six-cylinder mannequin. Until the hotly anticipated GRMN arrives subsequent yr, Toyota is squeezing in yet one more limited-run mannequin.
There’s an excellent purpose this seems to be like a race automobile with a license plate. The newest Supra particular is modeled after the GR Supra GT4 Evo. Toyota is celebrating the manufacturing of 100 race automobiles with a GT4 100th Edition Tribute sporting a color-matching Plasma Orange paint. It comes with a customized physique wrap and boasts quite a few Gazoo Racing equipment to set it aside from a regular Supra.
This model is accessible solely in Europe and relies on the Lightweight trim degree with a 3.0-liter engine and a six-speed handbook gearbox. Upgrades differ from carbon fiber facet mirror caps and rear wing to black brake calipers and AC Schnitzer’s entrance splitter. It additionally will get a Bilstein Evo T1 suspension with 10-stage damper adjustment and a lowered experience peak of as much as 1.4 inches (35 millimeters).
Other substantial modifications embrace light-weight Protrack One solid wheels and a Milltek sports activities exhaust system with bespoke tricks to match the usual rear apron. Because this Supra comes with a number of aftermarket components, it is on show on the 2023 Essen Motor Show in Germany till December 10 – principally Europe’s SEMA equal.
Toyota goes to promote solely 100 examples of the Supra GT4 100th Edition Tribute on the Old Continent. In Germany, it is charging a steep €68,900 or €2,450 greater than the Lightweight model upon which it is based mostly. At the identical time, it is €16,050 pricier than a base Supra in Deutschland. In the United States, costs differ from a far decrease $45,540 for the bottom 2.0 to $64,375 for the 45th Anniversary Edition.
Bajaj Auto, the Indian motorbike manufacturer that has partnered with Triumph on manufacturing both bikes, opened preorders at the same time as the launch announcement. Just a month later, local press and dealerships were reporting a months-long wait due to the popularity of the preorders for the Triumph Speed 400. Now in November 2023, Bajaj CEO Rajiv Bajaj discussed the unexpected high demand for the Triumph 400s with CNBC-TV18.
Bajaj initially planned to produce around 5,000 Triumph 400s a month. To their surprise, demand reached about 10,000 bikes in the first month, double what was anticipated. Rajiv Bajaj stated that the company plans to sell 18,000 Triumphs in Q3 of the current fiscal year, and believes that it’s feasible to increase production to 6,000 bikes a month. Bajaj looks to potentially reach 10,000 bikes a month in the future, although this will not happen immediately.
But Wait, There’s More!
Rajiv Bajaj also mentioned Bajaj’s interest in exploring new territory for motorcycles. Specifically, the company is looking into creating a compressed natural gas (CNG) motorcycle model, which would be a first in the world. Bajaj believes that using CNG could reduce emissions and costs. With India’s national government actively promoting CNG infrastructure growth, Bajaj aims to produce the first CNG motorcycle by the end of 2025. However, it’s still in the early stages of exploration and planning. Bajaj is considering using a new model name for the CNG bike, but it’s too early to confirm all the details.
PLANO, Texas (Nov. 20, 2023) — This year, Lexus’ annual “December to Remember” campaign goes beyond the iconic big red bow, focusing on the magic and thoughtful moments at the heart of the holiday season. In the campaign debuting today, Lexus will feature two new heartwarming broadcast commercials, “Overnight Lexus” and “Sled Dogs” as well as a unique holiday-themed collaboration with TikTok content creator @sebastianjern and a dramatic digital activation on Sphere in Las Vegas featuring the all-new 2024 Lexus GX.
“The focus of this year’s ‘December to Remember’ campaign is to intentionally celebrate the special moments that can’t be wrapped – from thoughtful surprises to making memories with loved ones,” said Vinay Shahani, vice president Lexus marketing. “We’re amplifying the spirit of the season year-round through curated marketing efforts and purposeful partnerships.”
Two New “December to Remember” Broadcast Spots
Lexus adds two all-new commercials to its “December to Remember” campaign, highlighting thoughtful surprises and the magic of the season.
In “Sled Dogs,” audiences are introduced to the all-new 2024 Lexus GX as it effortlessly travels down the road on snow-covered terrain. A woman sits confidently behind the wheel, while a Siberian Husky secured in the second-row stares ahead, seemingly barking orders. With the help of her furry companion, the driver navigates the GX to a secluded offroad area to find the dog’s owner and four-legged friends working on their broken sled. Grateful to be reunited, they drive off warm and cozy in the GX.
“Overnight Lexus” opens in a boy’s bedroom as his father sits bedside, reading him a familiar tale about magic beans that grow overnight. Upon seeing his son is asleep, Dad turns off the light and exits the room. As the door closes, the boy sneaks out to the family’s front yard to pack a toy Lexus under the snow in hopes the story is true. The next morning, the boy wakes excited to find a brand-new, full-size 2024 Lexus TX wrapped in a giant red bow, calling for Dad and Mom in wonderment at the surprise.
In addition to the two spots, Lexus also brings back its popular 2022 “December to Remember” commercial, “Time Machine,” featuring a heartwarming holiday family reunion storyline.
All three broadcast spots will air on cable, primetime, late night and sports programming now through January 2, 2024.
Amazing Holiday Experiences: Big and Small
Lexus is bringing to life the campaign’s iconic imagery in unique digital spaces this holiday season.
Tapping Las Vegas’ new landmark entertainment venue, Sphere, Lexus will debut a captivating ninety-second digital installation across its 580,000 sq. ft. LED exterior. Visitors will be entranced by a snow-covered globe’s icy exterior cracking open to reveal an all-new 2024 Lexus GX adorned with the brand’s signature big red bow. Las Vegas visitors can view the new holiday campaign live, November 20 – 26, 2023.
Continuing the momentum the brand has made in reaching a younger audience, Lexus has partnered with TikTok content creator, cinematographer, and VFX and miniature artist, Sebastian Jern (@sebastianjern). Tying into the popular TikTok miniatures trend, the brand has collaborated with Jern to create an intricate, miniature winter landscape featuring a Lexus RX topped with the automaker’s iconic holiday big red bow.
Lexus continues to be a proud partner of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and will donate $150,000 this holiday season to support their important work in the community.
About Lexus
Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 244 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With eight models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers nine F SPORT models, one F performance model and one F model. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.
Add to Cart
Print
Convert to PDF