Tag Archives: seems

Motorsport

BMW Is Committed to Continuing Development of Combustion Engines

In the rapidly changing landscape of the automotive industry, the move towards electric mobility is undeniable. While many manufacturers are scrambling to adapt to this trend, BMW stands out with its steadfast commitment to the ongoing development of combustion engines. Despite the global shift towards electrification, the Bavarian company has not set a cutoff date for its beloved internal combustion engines.

Earlier reports this year confirmed that BMW is diligently working on a new generation of gasoline and diesel engines, ranging from four to eight cylinders. Based on available information, these engines are expected to remain in production well into the next decade, particularly in the automaker’s SUV lineup.

While rival brands like Audi and Mercedes-Benz have announced ambitious timelines for transitioning to all-electric lineups, BMW is taking a different approach. Frank Weber, a member of the board of management for BMW Group development, made it clear that BMW will not announce an end date for its combustion engines. Weber envisions a future where combustion engines coexist harmoniously with electrified offerings, allowing customers to choose between ICE and BEV powertrains for the next 10-15 years.

“What you see today is how we master the powertrain flexibility as part of our strategy… people don’t have to make powertrain choices and then with it, make vehicle choices. They just say, ‘I take whatever my preference is’ and still get a 5 Series. It’s a true advantage for us,” Weber explained to the online publication CarExpert.


News, Technology

Mysterious X Bug Causes Problems with Links and Images in Old Twitter Posts

Recently, a mysterious bug on Twitter has been causing issues with links and images in old posts. This bug not only affects URLs leading to external websites but also breaks the previews and replaces original URLs with short t.co links. For example, journalist Matt Novak had a tweet with a URL leading to a Gizmodo article, but now the preview is gone and the original URL has been replaced by two short t.co links. However, an archived version of the same tweet still shows the article preview and an active clickable link as mentioned by Novak.

Twitter tweet screenshotWayback Machine

This is not the first time Twitter has experienced such a bug. In the first week of March 2023, there was a similar issue where links embedded within tweets were broken. However, Twitter quickly resolved that issue. The Twitter Support account explained at the time that it was the result of an internal change with unintended consequences. There was also a similar problem in 2016 when some Mac users reported that shortened “t.co” URLs were not opening properly in Apple’s Safari browser.

Motorsport

Learn How to Make Carbon Fiber Car Parts at Home Using Your Oven

Carbon fiber is often seen as a high-end and expensive material known for its strength, lightness, and durability. It is commonly used in industries like aerospace and automotive. Many people assume that manufacturing carbon fiber components is a complex and challenging process. However, a recent DIY video on the Eco-Lap Studio YouTube channel proves that you can actually create your own carbon fiber parts at home, using a simple kitchen oven and a few basic ingredients.

In the video, the creator of the channel demonstrates the process by making an engine cover for their personal BMW. What’s interesting is that they use dry carbon fiber, which is different from the type of carbon fiber typically used by luxury car manufacturers like McLaren or Ferrari. Dry carbon fiber is specifically designed for dry layup applications, meaning it doesn’t require any additional resin. As a result, the final product is lighter and more manageable for smaller projects.


Motorsport

2024 Nissan Z Nismo Debuts With 420 Horsepower, Track-Focused Aero

Just like the buildup to the Nissan Z, it seems like we’ve seen camouflaged prototypes of the amped-up Nismo version for decades. It hasn’t been quite that long, obviously, but the wait is over. Say hello to the 2024 Nissan Z Nismo, now with more power, more aero, and more grip for carving corners.

First, let’s talk about that power. The source is still a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, but Nissan engineers followed the tried-and-true method of adding more boost, tweaking the cooling system, and adding a tune to find an extra 20 horsepower and 34 pound-feet of torque over the standard Z. Specifically, output rises to 420 hp and 384 lb-ft, and peak torque is available from 2,000 rpm to 5,200 for a fat power band.

2024 Nissan Z Nismo
2024 Nissan Z Nismo
2024 Nissan Z Nismo

Making use of that power is a nine-speed automatic transmission with Nismo-specific tuning, and it’s the only gearbox offered (sorry manual fans.) It all goes rearward, turning lightweight Nismo-specific Rays 19-inch wheels shod with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600s. These tires are similar to the rubber used on the GT-R, only here they measure 285/35 on the back.

More power is nothing if you can’t use it. The tires help, but Nissan highlights several design changes that appear subtle at a glance but serve to improve both cooling and downforce. The biggest change comes with the front fascia, utilizing a design Nissan calls Grand-Nose or G-Nose for short. More than just a redesign to eliminate the Z’s rectangular grille, it actually extends farther forward in a manner similar to the old Fairlady 240ZG. As a result, the 2024 Nissan Z Nismo is approximately an inch longer compared to the standard model.

A prominent lip spoiler sits at the base of the front fascia, with what Nissan says is the thinnest mesh it’s ever used covering the grille opening. The corners of the fascia feature canards that are both stylistic and functional, adding downforce while blending into Nismo side sills. At the back, the Z Nismo gains a larger three-piece rear spoiler that’s both wider and taller. Working with the aforementioned side sills and a GT-R-inspired rear fascia, downforce is increased while reducing lift and drag. For now, we’ll just have to take Nissan’s word for it as there are no performance stats to accompany these changes.


Motorsport

2024 Ford Explorer Timberline Spied With Different Face Versus Other Trims

It appears that Ford no longer feels the need to conceal the updated 2024 Explorer. Previous spy shots of the three-row SUV have shown the model without any camouflage, and the most recent pictures reveal the Explorer Timberline joining the group with fully exposed sheet metal.

However, the 2024 Timberline doesn’t feature the redesigned face seen on other test vehicles and trims; instead, it retains the current fascia’s styling. The SUV retains the narrow grille and old headlights, along with the rugged lower bumper of the current model. Nevertheless, the refreshed variant is evident in the new rear taillights and hatch found on this off-road-oriented Explorer trim.


News, Technology

Netflix’s Ambitious Plan to Create Content Using AI

Netflix is reportedly willing to invest heavily in roles that require expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The company is offering generous salaries to AI/ML professionals, such as Technical Directors and Research Scientists, who can assist with game development or explore cutting-edge AI use cases to solve Netflix’s problems. These professionals can earn up to $650,000 and $900,000, respectively. Even Product Managers and Engineering Managers specializing in ML platforms and member satisfaction can earn up to $900,000 and $842,000 per year.

These high salaries demonstrate that Netflix, along with other production studios, is actively embracing AI technology to improve workflow efficiency and increase profits. One approach is to acquire the rights to an artist’s voice or physical profile. However, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) recently rejected a proposal by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) that aimed to pay artists a one-time fee of $200 to gain ownership of their digital likeness for future usage in entertainment properties without additional compensation for each use in films, shows, or video games.

The prevailing consensus is that AI implementation is inevitable. Marvel, for instance, has utilized AI to create credit posters, and now The Beatles are using AI to complete a song in the voice of a deceased band member. However, the concern is not only about fair compensation, but also studios’ commitment to ensuring that AI does not replace human talent. Unfortunately, Netflix’s substantial investment in AI talent may be perceived as a threat by protesting writers and actors.

Technology

The Rise in Popularity of Old Record Players

There are a few main factors driving the resurgence of record players: sound quality, cyclical trends, and nostalgia. A study published by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) revealed that most record player purchasers were born between 1997 and 2012, making Gen Z the primary audience for the vinyl revival. According to Northwestern University’s Nu Science Magazine, younger generations are drawn to “vintage” trends as a way to experience a sense of nostalgia that they may feel disconnected from. This makes sense in the context of record players, as vinyl had largely disappeared by the time millennials and Gen Z came of age.

The rediscovery and reapplication of older technologies in a modern context is not a new phenomenon. Fashion curator Michelle Finamore discusses how recycled trends have been a common practice since the 17th century. This romanticizing of past eras can be seen in various industries, including entertainment and automobiles. It seems natural for us to view and incorporate certain elements from unfamiliar time periods. The resurgence of vinyl records and record players serves as evidence of this phenomenon.

Motorsport

BMW M Boss Expresses Desire for Next M3 and M4 to Go Electric

The future of the BMW M3 and M4 is currently uncertain as BMW focuses on expanding its electric vehicle lineup. Set to be released in 2027 or 2028, there is speculation about whether these performance vehicles will continue to run on gasoline or transition to fully electric.

In 2022, BMW’s development manager, Frank Weber, hinted at the possibility of the next M3 being powered by electricity. However, in a recent interview with Drive, Frank van Meel, the global head of BMW’s M division, provided clarification on the automaker’s stance. He stated that electric-only versions of the M3 and M4 are on the table, but only if they can prove to be significantly better than the previous generation.


Motorsport

2024 Hyundai i30 N Hot Hatch Spied Hiding Possible Second Facelift

Hyundai, known for its short product life cycles, is surprisingly working on a second facelift for the i30 N. Unlike its usual practice of making significant modifications for a facelifted version, this time the changes seem to be minor. Recent spy shots captured a camouflaged prototype of the i30 N near the Nürburgring, revealing subtle updates compared to the refreshed hot hatch released in 2020.

Upon closer inspection, it appears that the test vehicle features the same revised headlights and taillights introduced in the first facelift for the i30 N. While the camouflage might be deceiving, there are some noticeable novelties at the front. The bumper has been redesigned to accommodate vertical air intakes, and the honeycomb pattern of the front grille has undergone a slight change. Additionally, the area surrounding the lower intake has seen mild revisions.


Cars, Reviews

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance Review: Excessive Technology

Lexus has made significant improvements in their recent models, moving away from confusing controls and towards a more modern approach. The new RX model now features a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, bringing it up to speed with the rest of the automotive industry. Additionally, the RX has an impressive head-up display, which is especially notable due to its compact size. The display highlights important information related to adaptive cruise control, drive modes, speaker volume, and song selection.

However, the head-up display does have a drawback. When looking at the main gauge cluster, it can make the steering wheel buttons difficult to understand. Furthermore, adjusting drive modes or climate control settings through the center console involves navigating through numerous menu pages, which can be cumbersome.

Overall, the RX overwhelms with its excessive use of technology, sometimes reinventing basic functions that were once intuitive. For example, the exterior door handle is replaced by a small electronic button, rather than the traditional pull-out handle. Inside the car, a small door handle can be pushed inward as an electronic button or pulled outward in case of an emergency. While this is an elegant solution, it is a direct result of using a tiny electronic door handle in the first place.