Tag Archives: returning

Cars

From SUV To Stretch: Inside Toyota’s Unusual RAV4 Limo Project

Toyota, the developer of SUVs like the (now returning) Land Cruiser, has to know what SUV prospects are searching for. Generally talking, versatility and roominess are two important bonuses of one of these automobile, and nothing screams each of these virtues fairly as successfully as a stretch limo and SUV mash-up.

A employee on the Takuoka plant told the YouTube channel クルマ業界女子部チャンネル in a 2020 translated interview within the clip above that “we built this manually without any drawings,” and to mess with the core physique of the unique RAV4 as little as potential, the reportedly 200-strong staff lengthened the middle of the SUV. The welded metallic for this automobile part was designed to be as sturdy as potential, one other Toyota worker advised the visiting YouTubers in 2020. “After that body was made, we tested the strength with a hoist,” he mentioned, indicating that the employees ensured the customized construct was sensible and enticing.

The inside boasts a hand-painted and hand-stitched checked sample on the sprint, an olive leaf motif to rejoice the Tokyo Olympics that 12 months, and a chandelier for a decadent end. At 26 ft lengthy, Frankenstein’s limo is nearly twice the size of the usual 2020 RAV4, which measures 15.1 ft. It’s fairly the modification for a passion venture accomplished over 4 months of stolen moments when different work was completed.

News

2024 Suzuki KingQuad 750 And 500 Now Get Stock Towing Accessories

While Suzuki Motor US was busy announcing its returning 2024 motorcycle models, it also announced its returning KingQuad ATV lineup for 2024. 

The 2024 Suzuki KingQuad 750 and 500 families both get a color switchup for the new year, but they also get a very cool and useful new feature included as standard: Towing accessories.

All models in the 2024 Suzuki KingQuad 750 and 500 lineup will now have a ball mount, hitch pin, and an R-clip included as stock equipment from the factory in Rome, Georgia. Please note that trailer balls and/or hooks are not included, so you’ll have to supply your own.


2024 Suzuki KingQuad 500 AXi - Front Right Angle View 2

20 Photos

Together with the KingQuad’s current towing capacity of up to 1,322 pounds, this should help to make your hauling jobs easier. Plus, the KingQuad lineup has winch-ready mounts and wire conduit already installed, so hooking up a winch is also simplified.

Engines

The KingQuad 750 family is powered by Suzuki’s dual overhead cam, liquid-cooled, 722cc single-cylinder engine. Bore and stroke are 104.0mm by 85.0mm, and the compression ratio is 9.9 to one. It features an automatic variable ratio belt drive transmission with high and low range, as well as reverse. It also has a shaft final drive.

Meanwhile, the KingQuad 500 family uses an overhead cam, liquid-cooled, 493cc single-cylinder engine. Bore and stroke are 87.5mm by 82.0mm, and the compression ratio is 9.9 to one. It features an automatic variable ratio belt drive transmission with high and low range and reverse. Like the 750s, it also has a shaft final drive.

Chassis

The 2024 Suzuki KingQuad 750 and 500 lineups both utilize an independent double wishbone coil spring suspension up front and in the rear that is gas-charged and oil-damped. Both ends have five-way preload adjustability.

When you need to stop, you’ll find disc brakes with twin rotors up front, and a sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc brake setup in the rear. 

Both the KingQuad 750 and 500 lineups have 4.6-gallon fuel tanks.

Variants, Colors, and Pricing

Here’s the list of 2024 KingQuad 750 and 500 variants, as well as their colors, 2024 prices, and 2023 prices (where applicable).

Model Available 2024 Colors 2024 Price 2023 Price
KingQuad 750AXi Power Steering SE+ Cast Carbon $11,399 $11,249
KingQuad 750AXi Power Steering SE Camo True Timber Kinati $11,399 $11,249
KingQuad 750AXi Power Steering SE Armored Blue Gray $11,399 N/A
KingQuad 750AXi Power Steering Desert Beige, Flame Red, Terra Green $10,799 $10,649
KingQuad 750AXi Flame Red, Terra Green $9,699 $9,599
KingQuad 500AXi Power Steering Desert Beige $9,749 $9,599
KingQuad 500AXi Flame Red, Terra Green $8,099 $7,999
BMW

BMW M Motorsport returns to Macau: BMW M Team WRT and ROWE Racing start at the FIA GT World Cup.

Munich. After an absence of four years, BMW M Motorsport is returning to the most spectacular GT city race in the world in 2023 – the FIA GT World Cup in Macau (CHN). On 18th/19th November, BMW M Team WRT and ROWE Racing will each field a BMW M4 GT3, as they take on the ultimate challenge in the concrete canyons of the legendary ‘Guia Circuit’. A proven Macau expert starting for ROWE Racing is Augusto Farfus (BRA). The BMW M works driver won the race in 2018. Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) is set to make his Macau debut in the car run by BMW M Team WRT with a design in the colours of Premium Technology Partner Shell.

 

Both BMW M Motorsport teams have raced in Macau on several occasions in the past and have a wealth of experience. BMW M Team WRT won the FIA GT World Cup in 2016 and also has more podiums to its name. ROWE Racing started with the BMW M6 GT3 in both 2016 and 2017. The team then made it onto the podium with two cars in 2019, finishing second and third. Farfus won both qualifying and the main race in 2018, with a BMW M6 GT3 run by BMW M Team Schnitzer. The Brazilian finished fourth when BMW M Motorsport made its most recent appearance back in 2019, before the pandemic.

Quotes ahead of the FIA GT World Cup:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “It is fantastic to finally return to Macau this year, for the first time since the pandemic. I actually was there myself for the Formula 3 race, a long time ago, and am really looking forward to being involved in the FIA GT World Cup for the first time. This will also be the first outing for the BMW M4 GT3 at the ‘Guia Circuit’. However, over the past two years the car has shown that it has what it takes to win on any kind of track. ROWE Racing and BMW M Team WRT are among the best GT teams in the world and both have a lot of experience in Macau. The same can definitely be said of Augusto Farfus as a driver. I am sure that he will show his class there once again, as well as being able to offer Sheldon van der Linde valuable advice on his debut in Macau. Augusto’s tips, the support of BMW M Team WRT and Sheldon’s own outstanding talent will ensure that he soon finds his feet at what is a new circuit for him. I am confident of that.”

Augusto Farfus (#11 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing): “Macau is a magical place, and a very emotional one for me personally. The event is definitely one of the highlights of the season and I feel honoured to be able to represent BMW M Motorsport again. I have enjoyed a lot of success there in the past, particularly my victory in 2018. I am confident that we will have a very strong package with my friends at ROWE Racing and the BMW M4 GT3.“

Sheldon van der Linde (#32 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT): “I grew up with the race in Macau and watched it every year. I always hoped that I would one day get the chance to drive there myself. That opportunity has come along, and I am incredibly grateful to BMW M Motorsport and my partner Shell for making this possible. I will listen carefully to the advice of my friend and fellow BMW driver Augusto Farfus, who has a wealth of experience there. That will hopefully speed up my learning process! I am counting down the days until the event is finally here.”

News

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT And GSX-R1000 Return For 2024 With New Colorways

Suzuki Cycles has officially announced the return of the GSX-S1000GT and GSX-R1000 models for the 2024 model-year. The GSX-S1000GT is now available in a new candy red colorway, adding to its existing Glass Sparkle Black option. The GSX-R1000 also received a refresh with new color options. Let’s take a closer look.

Starting with the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT, the sport-touring machine retains all of its comfort-focused features for 2024. It now comes in a new Candy Daring Red paint scheme, along with the existing Glass Sparkle Black color option. This allows customers to choose between a bold and vibrant look or a more understated one that complements the bike’s unique styling. 

2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+

Aside from the new color, the GSX-S1000GT remains unchanged. It features a 999cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected inline-four cylinder engine, producing 150 horsepower and 79.6 pound-feet of torque. Advanced electronics like traction control, cornering ABS, and an up-and-down quickshifter are included. The bike also boasts a large 6.5-inch TFT display with mySPIN connectivity for access to maps, music, and communication. 

The 2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT starts at $13,449 USD, while the more premium GSX-S1000GT+ is priced at $14,199 USD. For more details and to schedule a test drive, contact your local Suzuki dealer. 

2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT

The Suzuki GSX-R1000 also makes a return for the 2024 model-year. While it remains largely unchanged from previous iterations, it continues to be a prominent liter-class supersport option in Suzuki’s lineup. Powered by a 999.8cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected inline-four cylinder engine, it delivers a maximum output of 199 horsepower and 86.7 pound-feet of torque. 

2024 Suzuki GSX-R1000

The Suzuki GSX-R1000 is equipped with race-derived technology, including traction control, launch control, and an up and down quickshifter. It features Showa BFF and BFRC-Lite suspension components, along with Brembo brakes for precise stopping power. 

For the 2024 model-year, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 is available in a new Glass Matte Mechanical Gray colorway. It also comes in Metallic Matte Black No. 2 and Glass Sparkle Black with blue graphics on the fairings and wheels. The more premium GSX-R1000R features a race-inspired Pearl Brilliant White and Metallic Triton Blue paint scheme. The standard GSX-R1000 is priced at $16,349 USD, while the GSX-R1000R starts at $18,499 USD. 

2024 Suzuki GSX-R1000R
News

New Mini Cooper EV gets exhaust note and woodland sounds

Mini is bringing back a retro-futuristic cabin design for its 2024 Cooper EV, taking inspiration from the original 1959 car designed by Alec Issigonis.

Prior to its official debut in the coming months, the new Mini’s cockpit has been described as “more Mini than ever before.” The electric supermini will come with an exhaust note and eight different drive modes.

The new model will utilize Mini’s ninth-generation operating system, which has been optimized for touch and voice controls. It will introduce a new ‘Mini Experience’ feature with various drive modes that allow users to adjust the car’s system’s color theme, driving characteristics, and interior lighting.

A standout feature is the Balance mode, which is inspired by sounds from a forest during the day or night. It includes the sound of a rippling stream, crickets, and rustling wind.

Listen to the new Balance mode below…

Another mode called ‘Go-kart’ mode enhances the Mini’s interior with black and red accents, visually replacing the car’s head-up display with a speedometer. This mode optimizes the car’s throttle response for a more dynamic driving experience.

‘Timeless’ mode aims to replicate the exhaust note of internal combustion Minis, along with a “futuristic interpretation of the Mini” and an “acoustic journey through time.”

‘Vivid’ mode syncs the car’s ambient lighting color with the album art of the currently playing song and projects those colors throughout the cabin. Other modes include ‘Trail,’ ‘Core,’ and ‘Green.’ The ‘Green’ mode transforms the interior lighting to green, while optimizing the accelerator pedal for more fuel-efficient driving.

The redesigned interior includes a prominent central touchscreen, reminiscent of the iconic central speedometer found in all Mini hatch models since the original Austin Seven.

BMW

BMW Motorrad Motorsport returns to historic Imola circuit with the WorldSBK – Leon Haslam on the second BMW M 1000 RR of the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.

Munich. BMW Motorrad Motorsport is making a comeback at the historic Imola circuit in Italy with the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK). The seventh round of the 2023 WorldSBK season will be held at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari from 14th to 16th July. Imola has been a regular stop for the WorldSBK in the past, with the most recent visit in 2019. Leon Haslam from the UK will join Scott Redding in the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, riding the second BMW M 1000 RR.

Haslam is no stranger to BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the WorldSBK. Between 2003 and 2022, the 40-year-old British rider has competed in a total of 316 WorldSBK races and finished as the championship runner-up in 2010. Haslam raced as a BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory rider with the BMW S 1000 RR in 2011 and 2012, achieving eight podium finishes. Currently, Haslam is competing in the British Superbike Championship (BSB) with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad British Superbike Team aboard the BMW M 1000 RR, where he has already secured six podium finishes in the 2023 season, including two at the recent round at Snetterton.

Imola is a track with a rich tradition, but it hasn’t been on the WorldSBK calendar in recent years, making it unfamiliar to some teams and riders. The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, Haslam, and Loris Baz (FRA) have experience at the circuit. However, Redding and Garrett Gerloff (USA), as well as the Bonovo Action BMW Racing Team, will be making their debut at Imola.

Quotes ahead of the Imola round.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “First of all, many thanks to Leon for being available at short notice to be with us at Imola. We know each other well from the past, where we celebrated success together, and this season he has returned to the BMW Motorrad family in BSB and is familiar with the new BMW M 1000 RR. He also has a lot of WorldSBK experience, and we are confident that he will quickly get back up to speed at Imola. After his crash at Donington, Tom Sykes is on the road to recovery and was discharged from the hospital on Sunday after a week, and we all send him our best wishes. Michael participated in a track day last week, however a return for Imola would still be too early, and we have jointly decided that he will sit out this weekend, and then we will reassess the situation. Now we are excited about Imola. Scott showed a clear upward trend in Donington, which was confirmed by his fourth-place finish in the second race. Garrett was also fast and consistently strong there, and we want to continue that at Imola. However, a major topic will be the high heat expected over the weekend which can be challenging for humans, machines, and tires.”

Garrett Gerloff, #31 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo Action BMW Racing Team: “It’s going to be an interesting weekend, I think. It’s a track that I’ve never been to, and it looks like it could be technical. But I feel good learning new layouts, and this circuit, being mainly left-hand corner dominant with some elevation changes and tighter corners, reminds me of the tracks I raced in America. I’m hoping this connection helps me learn it faster, but I think there will be a few people who haven’t been there or haven’t been there in a while. I just hope it will be a good weekend, and we can keep improving like we did at Donington.”

Scott Redding, #45 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “Imola is a new track for me, so it’s another element to the weekend. I always like new tracks! I hope for a good weekend and to maintain the momentum from Donington.”

Loris Baz, #76 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo Action BMW Racing Team: “It has been a tough season and tough couple of weekends with no luck unfortunately at the last two rounds, which is a shame because I feel strong again on the bike. I just need to have a calm weekend, so I hope Imola will be that one. I’m sending my best wishes again to Tom Sykes and Michael Ruben Rinaldi, who were involved in the crash at Donington, and I hope they can come back soon. For me, I’m really happy to come back to Imola. It’s a track that I always loved and have good memories of. It’s an old school circuit with a different atmosphere compared to other venues. I’m really looking forward to it. I’m sure we can be fast there. I know the layout and everything. I just hope we can put all our bad luck behind us and have a nice and calm weekend on the BMW M 1000 RR. I know the guys on this team never stop working incredibly hard, and I feel it’s definitely time to get our normal mojo back and rediscover the pace we had at the beginning of this season.”

Leon Haslam, #91 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “It’s a fantastic opportunity. Obviously, I have a lot of history with Imola. We took the championship down to the last round here in 2010. I have a lot of history from this circuit, and it’s fantastic to ride again for BMW Motorrad Motorsport. We are riding the BMW M 1000 RR in the UK, so I’m looking forward to working with Shaun Muir and all the guys from the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. I have no real big expectations; I just want to try to enjoy it and hopefully get some good information and results.”

Track Facts Imola.

Circuit length

4.936 km – anti-clockwise

Corners

22 – 9 right-handers, 13 left-handers

Pole position

Left

Longest straight

358 meters (start-finish straight)

Track layout

Stop&Go track with slow and fast chicanes, many changes in elevation, challenging changes of direction.
BMW

The Le Mans Classic 2023: BMW Group Classic Enters a BMW M1 Group 4 in Legendary “Wirtshaus” Livery

Munich/Le Mans.

BMW Group Classic is returning to the Le Mans Classic for the first time since 2014 – and will line up at the Circuit de La Sarthe with the legendary BMW M1 Group 4 in “Münchener Wirtshaus” livery. Piloting the car will be the original driver trio from the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1981: HRH Prince Leopold of Bavaria (DE), Christian Danner (DE), and Peter Oberndorfer (DE).

On 15 June 2023, the team met up at the Spatenhaus an der Oper restaurant in Munich to set the scene for the action to come.

The drivers got together with fans and media representatives to recreate the pre-race public photo call from 1981. The event on 3 June that year was intended to shine the spotlight on the company’s involvement in the upcoming 24-hour race.

So history was repeating itself this year – with the same venue, the same car, and the same drivers.

“I’m really looking forward to driving the BMW M1 Group 4 in “Münchener Wirtshaus” livery at Le Mans again after 42 years,” said HRH Prince Leopold of Bavaria.

“It makes me particularly proud that my friends Christian Danner and Peter Oberndorfer are here with me, so that we can take a trip back in time in a very special way.”

2023 is a year of celebrations.

BMW Group Classic decided to enter the Le Mans Classic, in cooperation with BMW Motorsport and BMW France, to mark the centenary of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Plus, the BMW sales company in France is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. And on 21 June, His Royal Highness Prince Leopold of Bavaria will turn 80.

As well as entering the BMW M1 Group 4 in the Plateau 6 category, BMW Group Classic will be hosting an exhibition of Le Mans racing icons at the Musée des 24 Heures du Mans:

The overall winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1999 – the BMW V12 LMR – will take its place alongside the first-ever BMW Art Car, the BMW 3.0 CSL from 1975 created by Alexander Calder. Visitors will also be able to admire the BMW M3 GT2 Art Car from 2010 – the work of Jeff Koons.

Just under 20 privately entered historic BMW racers will also be taking part in the Le Mans Classic.

More photographs will be available here.

Alcohol-free beer has been served.

BMW

24H SPA EWC Motos: BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team extra motivated ahead of FIM EWC home round.

The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is returning to the scene of its greatest success to date. This weekend, the 24H SPA EWC Motos (BEL) forms round two of the FIM Endurance World Championship 2023 (FIM EWC). Last year, the team and its riders Markus Reiterberger (GER), Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR), and Jérémy Guarnoni (FRA) claimed a historic victory in the 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps. The success at the team’s home event was not only the first win in a 24-hour race for Werner Daemen’s (BEL) outfit but also the first time a European manufacturer had won over this distance for several decades. All set for its first appearance at the event is the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team. They start in the Superstock class of the FIM EWC and are making their debut on the Ardennes rollercoaster at Spa-Francorchamps.

This season, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is running the new version of the BMW M 1000 RR. The three regular riders – Reiterberger, Mikhalchik, and Guarnoni – immediately finished on the podium in the first race with the new bike when the trio came home third on the #37 M RR at the opening round of the 2023 season, the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA) in mid-April. The team is now extremely motivated ahead of the second race of the season at the iconic racetrack, which is just a one-hour drive from the Belgian team’s base. The fourth rider at Spa-Francorchamps is Vincent Lonbois (BEL). Over the course of his career, the 32-year-old has spent many years riding BMW motorcycles at racetracks and on the road racing scene. In 2016, he was crowned champion in the International Road Racing Championship (IRRC) with the BMW S 1000 RR. He also finished runner-up in the BMW Motorrad Race Trophy in the same year.

The new Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, in which the French Tecmas Racing Team and its owner Arnaud Sassone (FRA) is collaborating with Werner Daemen’s company Motorcycle Racing Parts and BMW Motorrad Motorsport, made a dream start to its debut season in the FIM EWC at Le Mans. Kenny Foray (FRA), Jan Bühn (GER), and Loïc Arbel (FRA) took victory in the Superstock class with the #9 BMW M 1000 RR. The team is now entering uncharted territory at Spa-Francorchamps. Although the Tecmas Racing Team has contested individual races in the FIM EWC in the past, it did not start the 24H SPA EWC Motos last year.

The race weekend at Spa-Francorchamps begins with free practice on Friday morning. The grid positions will then be determined in the two-part qualifying on Friday afternoon. The race itself gets underway on Saturday at 14:00 (CEST). As well as the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, private BMW outfit Team LRP Poland also competes at the 24H SPA EWC Motos.

Quotes ahead of the 24H SPA EWC Motos.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “It goes without saying that last year’s fantastic victory remains a memorable one. We are now back in the Ardennes to face this special challenge again. We have shown that we can be successful at the home circuit for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, and are obviously hoping for a similar result this year. The current season got off to a successful start with the new BMW M 1000 RR at Le Mans, with third place overall for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and the debut victory in the Superstock class for the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team. We now travel to Spa-Francorchamps well prepared. The law of any 24-hour race obviously also applies here – namely that anything can happen. However, as far as the riders, teams, and machinery are concerned, we are well prepared and very confident ahead of the weekend.“

Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “We are expecting a hot week at Spa–Francorchamps. The weather forecast is perfect. Last week, we had a successful pre-test. I was a little bit worried about the weather but the new BMW M 1000 RR also looks very good in hot conditions this year. So I think that we are well prepared for defending our good result from last year and hopefully, we also have the necessary luck.”

Markus Reiterberger: “Spa-Francorchamps is the home event for our team, and it is practically the home race for us too. Spa is a really great racetrack, and we have very fond memories of the circuit after last year’s victory. We completed a two-day function test there at a hobby event, during which we gained our first impressions of the new bike at this track. We now continue with the final tests, in which we will work on fine-tuning. As a team, I believe we are better positioned than ever. We are ready. We want to at least finish on the podium, but would obviously prefer to win. That is the goal we have set ourselves. The weather forecast is good, the team is super. There is nothing to stop us from being successful, and we will do everything we can to make that the case.”

Ilya Mikhalchik: “I am looking forward to a great race weekend at Spa on a beautiful track. I can’t wait to get back there with our new beautiful bike. Let’s hope for a good weekend and to enjoy riding our BMW M 1000 RR there. We want to show good speed over the entire weekend and to do a good job during the race. It would be great to finish the race on Sunday with a strong result.”

Jérémy Guarnoni: “The target for Spa is clear; like always, we want to win. We know that it is a track we are really fast on. Last year we won there, so obviously the goal is to repeat that. That would be really amazing. It is also a special race for us because it is the team’s home race. This gives us extra motivation. We know that in dry conditions, we are really fast there so let’s see what will happen. I am confident. At the pre–test, we saw that all is okay. Everything is on point so let’s see.”

Arnaud Sassone, Team Owner Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team: “We arrive at Spa-Francorchamps as the championship leader and with an advantage of eleven points. That is perfect, but it does put us under extra pressure, which we must manage. This race at Spa is a first for my team of technicians, but we have worked hard and listened to our riders in order to be well prepared. BMW Motorrad has been successful at Spa in the past, with the overall victory for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team last year. Our three Tecmas riders, led by their leader Kenny Foray, are a well-oiled team, which is both fast and capable of providing the engineers with precise information. They are also in great form and very motivated. All three of them are very familiar with the track in the Ardennes. Kenny took part in qualifying with the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team in 2022, while Loïc Arbel finished runner-up in the overall standings on the Tati Team’s Kawasaki. And Jan Bühn has been a regular at the Spa circuit for years.”