When Gernot Döllner arrived in Ingolstadt in September final 12 months to start out his new position as CEO and chairman of Audi, he most likely discovered fairly the to-do record in a bulging in-tray.
Shortly earlier than Döllner’s appointment, Volkswagen Group chair Oliver Blume described Audi as “lagging [behind] the competition”. That’s why the job had turn into vacant within the first place: former boss Markus Duesmann was sacked, stories counsel, due to quite a few delays to the flagship Q6 E-tron.
But getting the Q6 E-tron undertaking again on monitor was only one problem dealing with Döllner. Audi was gearing up for the largest wave of product launches in its historical past, whereas dealing with an elevated problem from new Chinese rivals, attempting to maintain tempo with BMW and Mercedes-Benz, dealing with a slowing marketplace for electrical autos and coping with ever-changing rules.
Whereas Duesmann had jumped throughout from BMW to supervise Audi in 2020, Döllner wasn’t a flashy rent. The 55-year-old has been on the Volkswagen Group since 1993, with the majority of his profession spent at Porsche, the place he labored with Blume.
Among different roles, he was product supervisor for the 918 Spyder and the Panamera mannequin collection. Since 2021, he has been VW’s group technique boss – a key if considerably back-room position.
That appears to suit Döllner’s fashion – and explains why he doesn’t appear in any respect fazed by the challenges forward of him at Audi. In truth, his manner is a good match for the model: it’s not about being showy; it’s about being environment friendly, thought of and decisive.
Since he began at Audi six months in the past, Döllner and his board have spent their time laying out a brand new technique for the corporate, which has been referred to as the Audi Agenda. See, informed you he wasn’t flashy.
The agenda is meant to assist sort out the important thing points affecting the agency. “We’re currently managing the biggest model initiative in Audi’s history,” he says, “while at the same time driving forward a fundamental transformation.”
We proudly introduced it to the world at Climate Week NYC in September final 12 months, and now it’s turning into a actuality: we’ve constructed our final diesel automotive.
On a cloudy Thursday in early February, the plant in Ghent, Belgium, produced its final diesel-powered automotive, a V60. And simply the opposite day, the plant in Torslanda, Sweden, noticed its final XC90 diesel automotive roll off the manufacturing line.
These occasions mark an enormous milestone in Volvo Cars’ 97-year historical past. With this transfer, we’re taking an enormous step in the direction of our ambitions of turning into a totally electrical automotive maker, in addition to reaching web zero greenhouse fuel emissions by 2040.
Goodbye diesel, howdy electrical
For a very long time, our diesel engines had been synonymous with reliability and effectivity, they usually meant an awesome deal to us for a lot of a long time. Indeed, the success of our diesel automobiles performed a big function in our evolution right into a premium model.
In latest years, the electrical revolution has developed faster than most of us might have imagined – and it’s largely propelled by tightening laws round tailpipe emissions, in addition to buyer demand in response to the local weather disaster and a want for cleaner city air. Only 5 years in the past, the diesel engine was our bread and butter in Europe, identical to it was for many different automotive makers. The majority of the automobiles we bought in Europe in 2019 ran on diesel, whereas electrical fashions had been simply beginning to acquire traction.
Today, most of our gross sales on the continent are electrified automobiles. Last 12 months, we elevated our gross sales of absolutely electrical automobiles by 70 per cent, and our international electrical market share by 34 per cent. The figures communicate for themselves, underscoring that the all-electric course we’re now heading in the direction of is the precise one to take, and we achieve this with our flag held excessive.
While our future certainly is absolutely electrical, our blended portfolio consists of some wonderful plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid fashions, which is able to act as an ideal bridge in the direction of that future.
A historical past of satisfaction
As we are saying farewell to our diesel automobiles, let’s discover the way it all started and unfolded. Here are some key milestones in our diesel historical past:
• 1979. Neither Sweden nor Europe is a diesel market. Those who purchase diesel automobiles are usually taxi drivers or long-haul travellers. But folks have slowly begun to see the advantages of the extra environment friendly diesel engines and demand is on the rise. So, we take heed to our prospects and introduce our first-ever diesel automotive: the Volvo 244 GL D6. The engine is highly effective, very environment friendly and the world’s first six-cylinder diesel engine for passenger automobiles.
• 2001. The diesel automotive scene good points momentum. When we launch the Volvo V70, it’s additionally lastly time for us to introduce our first self-built diesel engine. This five-cylinder engine, manufactured on the Volvo powertrain plant in Skövde, Sweden, is to turn out to be an enormous success and can energy many Volvo automobiles throughout Europe. It’s made in a number of totally different variations and is so highly effective that it’s even getting used on the racetrack in a automotive referred to as the S60 Challenge. Also, our buddies at Volvo Penta even determined to make a marine model of this engine.
• 2008. Time for our subsequent massive diesel milestone: the launch of the Drive-E lineup – that includes small but extremely environment friendly 1.6-litre diesel engines. With the solar in your face and the wind at your again, you may go 1,300km on a single tank, and CO2 emission ranges are so low that they get labeled as ‘green engines’ in Sweden. The Drive-E engines are flexibly constructed and work properly in numerous Volvo fashions. With their steadiness of effectivity and efficiency, they mark an enormous step ahead in diesel know-how.
• 2012. We launch the Volvo V60 D6 plug-in hybrid, which is a novel automotive: it’s the world’s first plug-in hybrid fitted with a diesel engine. At the time, it’s our most technically superior mannequin ever – electrical, hybrid and a muscle automotive unexpectedly. And it’s really one thing of an engineering surprise. Depending on the driving mode, it might go so far as 50 kilometres on electrical energy, has a complete vary of as much as 1,000 kilometres, and with 215 horsepower from the diesel engine and 70 horsepower from the electrical motor, it accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds.
• 2013. For the second time in historical past, we launch a very self-built diesel engine household: Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA). The mixture of upper injection stress and the distinctive i-ART know-how is taken into account revolutionary within the diesel trade. Our prospects can take pleasure in higher gasoline financial system, decrease emissions and excessive output. The new engines are utilized in a wide range of fashions and turn out to be successful within the second-generation XC90. They stay on till the top, powering the final diesel-powered V60 and XC90 we construct.
• 2023. We transfer away from combustion engines by promoting our stake in Aurobay, the combustion engine three way partnership firm now we have along with Geely Holding.
Since its introduction in September 1964, the Porsche911 has developed into probably the most adored, iconic sports activities automobiles ever. The 911 has been on the pinnacle of the efficiency automotive scene for many years, with the newest fashions being a few of the finest. Throughout its history, the 911 has been gas-powered solely, being one of many final Porsche fashions accessible to not be electrified to some extent. However, that is all about to alter, with the long-time rumored hybrid model of the 911 revealed this summer season.
Each time a brand new 911 variant is revealed, it is safe to say that a new experience will be delivered, with the 911 Hybrid anticipated to be no totally different. Porsche’s shift to electrification with its present lineup got here again in 2010 with the Cayenne, which has now expanded to fashions such because the Panamera, Macan, and the all-electric Taycan. Still, the 911 is anticipated to comply with a special path relating to its expertise. While info continues to be restricted, here is what we all know concerning the upcoming reveal of the brand new Porsche 911 Hybrid.
In order to provide the newest and correct info doable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from Porsche’s producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with CarBuzz and Autocar.
In its pursuit of driving perfection, Porsche places innovation on the very forefront with the newest track-focused GT3 RS
The 911 Hybrid Won’t Be A PHEV
Regarding the upcoming 911’s hybrid powertrain, the flagship sports activities automotive for the Stuttgart-based model will likely be taking a special route as to the way it will introduce electrical energy. The talked about fashions, together with the Panamera and Cayenne, characteristic a plug-in hybrid system, whereas the Macan is obtainable at the same time as a pure BEV just like the Taycan. However, for the 911, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume introduced that the sports activities automotive will not be a PHEV. Instead, it’s going to include a mild-hybrid system.
Models such because the Panamera and Cayenne work completely as plug-in hybrids due to the massive efficiency benefits they bring. However, the 911 is designed for the only goal of delivering essentially the most memorable driving expertise, main Porsche to look to different strategies to extract essentially the most efficiency out of the automotive by electrical energy. Because of this, consideration was turned to motorsport’s software of mild-hybrid expertise.
A Look At The Hybrid Powertrains In Motorsport
Porsche
Hybrid powertrains have turn into the norm for a choose few four-wheel motorsport disciplines, with the 2 highest-level classes in Formula One and the LMDh Endurance class seeing tremendous benefits from their mild-hybrid technology.
Of course, the racecars in these classes are designed for one factor solely, to be as quick as doable. With Blume mentioning that the 911 Hybrid’s powertrain will likely be impressed by motorsport, this new entry into the long-lasting sports activities automotive’s lineup could possibly be one thing distinctive.
Although Porsche would not compete within the Formula One Championship, they do compete in WEC and IMSA, with two LMDh hypercars racing for Porsche Penske Motorsport (WEC and IMSA and two extra racing for customer competitor Hertz Team Jota (solely WEC). Instead of being PHEVs, LMDh automobiles characteristic each a combustion engine and an electrical motor, with the motor being powered by kinetic vitality created primarily by braking to enhance acceleration and total efficiency.
This format is what’s anticipated to characteristic within the upcoming 911 Hybrid, with a modified version of Porsche’s famous 3.0-liter flat-six engine powering the rear wheels, a 400-volt electrical motor, and a 2.0-liter kWh lithium-ion battery pack being carried out for the entrance axle. The 3.0-liter flat-six engine will reportedly be the same spec as what’s discovered within the Carrera, which in 2024 produced a complete of 443 horsepower. However, in 2025, the facility output is anticipated to be elevated.
In addition to utilizing strategies much like motorsport hybrid techniques, comparable to harvesting vitality by braking, the system will use the engine as its personal generator. If the 911 Hybrid makes use of the identical, and even comparable, expertise because the WEC Hypercars, the efficiency of the present 911 992 fashions may simply be eclipsed.
Assistance From Rimac
CarWow/YouTube
For the brand new 911 Hybrid, Porsche reportedly collaborated with Rimac Automobili to develop the very best electrical motor doable. This partnership between the 2 producers makes good sense, as Porsche at the moment owns 22-percent of the Rimac Group.
In the world of all-electric efficiency automobiles, the Rimac Nevera holds the title for the fastest EV in the world, making the concept of the producer aiding with the brand new 911’s powertrain all of the extra compelling.
With greater than 1,000 horsepower at your disposal, the brand new Porsche Taycan Turbo GT is essentially the most highly effective collection manufacturing Porsche ever.
Part Of The Mid-Life 911 Refresh
Porsche
Along with further 911 fashions, the upcoming 911 Hybrid will usher in a brand new wave of sports activities for the 992 era, being named the 992.2 as an alternative. The 992 era, which is the eighth in total, was launched in 2019 and has seen many alternative variations in a brief area of time. This contains the GT3/GT3 RS, the Targa, the Turbo/ Turbo S, and the Carrera. In addition to introducing a brand new hybrid model, every new 992.2 mannequin will even obtain updates.
Overall, the 911 992.2 replace will retain the same overall shape as the existing 992, however virtually each delicate half will likely be up to date for 2025. For the entrance finish, a number of totally different designs have been noticed on prototype automobiles testing on the highway. Higher trims are anticipated to characteristic an aggressive aero-focused design, whereas decrease trims will hold issues extra understated. Towards the rear of the automotive, the design most definitely will not see any important adjustments.
As with most facelifts, Porsche will introduce all-new wheel designs, nevertheless it’s at the moment unclear which designs every 911 variant will obtain. The single- and double-trim-specific exhaust configurations are additionally anticipated to return, together with revised lighting. Still, we’ll doubtless have to attend till the official reveal of the 911 992.2 to know what options the 911 Hybrid will likely be accessible with.
Costing a fraction of the worth of a brand-new Carrera, these used efficiency automobiles are worthy options to the good 911
Porsche’s Future Plans For Electrification
Porsche
With the primary hybrid model of the 911 anticipated to be on sale later this yr, Porsche will start its subsequent section of electrification for the sports activities automotive utilizing the 2025 mannequin. A mannequin 911 mannequin that is not newly accessible anymore is the mighty GT2 RS, which was discontinued after the 2019 mannequin yr.
However, Porsche has introduced that the efficiency nameplate will likely be re-introduced, with the new GT2 RS slated to be unveiled in 2026. This time round, the mannequin will even characteristic a mild-hybrid, as soon as once more being impressed by Porsche Penske Motorsport’s 963 LMDh endurance racer.
An Electric Porsche 911?
Porsche
As for an all-electric Porsche 911, the producer would not plan to change the sports activities automotive to an EV till at the very least the following decade. Porsche expects as much as 80% of its fleet to be absolutely electrical, with the expanse of the Taycan vary and the introduction of the all-electric Macan being key fashions to hit this goal.
While particulars concerning the summer season reveal for the hybrid-led 911 992.2 are nonetheless fairly restricted up so far, the distinctive nature of the stated hybrid powertrain is assured to introduce us to a fair higher Porsche 911 expertise, setting the stage for what potential electrical energy has in retailer for the high-performance sports activities automotive.
The Honda Elevate was launched in India in September 2023 as an all-new product from India after 2017
The made-in-India Honda Elevate has additionally been launched in Japan, because the Honda WR-V
Honda India’s exporting markets embody Turkey, Mexico, the Middle East, South Africa, and Nepal.
The Japan-spec Honda WR-V makes use of the identical 1.5-litre engine however produces much less energy and torque.
In Japan, the Elevate is priced between Rs 11.54 lakh to Rs 13.69 lakh in INR (transformed).
In India, the Elevate is priced between Rs 11.58 lakh and Rs 16.20 lakh (ex-showroom pan India).
The Honda Elevate is the most recent providing from the Japanese automaker, with India as its first market. The Elevate was launched right here in September 2023 within the compact SUV area, and within the final six months since its launch, the compact SUV has reached 30,000 prospects in India.
Launched In Japan As WR-V
The ‘Made in India’ Honda Elevate has now been launched in Japan underneath the WR-V nameplate. Honda India has been exporting to each left-hand-drive markets (Turkey, Mexico, and Middle East) and right-hand-drive markets (Nepal, Bhutan, South Africa and SADC international locations). Now, Japan marks the latest addition to Honda India’s export enterprise.
The Japan-spec Honda Elevate, often called the WR-V there, employs the identical 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine because the India-spec mannequin however provides a decrease output of 118 PS and 142 Nm. For reference, the India-spec Honda Elevate generates 121 PS and 145 Nm with the identical engine. It’s vital to notice that the Honda WR-V in Japan is proscribed to the CVT automated gearbox, whereas in India it comes with the choice of each a 6-speed guide and a CVT.
The Japanese model of the Elevate comes with options like a smaller 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto assist and electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, although it doesn’t get a sunroof. Safety is taken care of by six airbags, hill begin help, ABS with EBD, traction management system, and superior driver help programs (ADAS) like adaptive cruise management, lane departure warning, and automated emergency braking.
The India-spec Elevate is a little more feature-loaded than its Japanese counterpart, because it will get an even bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a wi-fi telephone charger, and a sunroof.
Last September, the United Auto Workers (UAW) union went on strike towards Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. The UAW hit the automakers of their pocketbooks, strategically concentrating on sure crops for probably the most affect. For Ford, that was its worthwhile Kentucky truck plant, which now has the automaker pondering “carefully” about the place it will produce its future autos.
Ford CEO Jim Farley commented about its relationship with the UAW in the course of the Wolfe Research Global Auto Conference, including that it has modified. According to the Associated Press, Farley mentioned Ford having the first truck plant shut down does have an effect on the enterprise.
Days after employees stopped constructing the Super Duty in Kentucky, Ford Motor Company Executive Chair Bill Ford went to the Rouge Visitor Center in Michigan, the place it builds the F-150, to ask union members to “come together to bring an end to this acrimonious round of talks.” Bill mentioned the choice to close down the Louisville manufacturing unit harmed “tens of thousands of Americans.”
The strike at Ford’s Louisville manufacturing unit started on October 11, practically a month after the UAW kicked off its strike, placing 8,700 extra employees on the picket line. During the negotiations, the union would additionally target Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Suburban and Yukon production, however Ford has the best variety of union members of the three automakers.
The UAW suspended its strike on the finish of October, reaching agreements with Ford, Stellantis, and General Motors earlier than Halloween. The UAW membership voted to ratify the three contracts by Thanksgiving, ending the six-week standoff and profitable raises, higher advantages, an finish to the two-tiered employment system, and extra.
The elevated wages and advantages will improve the value of vehicles. Ford mentioned its autos will value $900 extra as a result of contract as soon as it is in impact. Like the remainder of the business, the automaker is navigating the transition to electrical autos. It has needed to rethink its technique, specializing in smaller, extra inexpensive EVs within the face of encroaching Chinese competitors.
With all that in thoughts, it labored onerous to retain the Bullet character even because it introduced a sure fashionable aptitude to the proceedings. Thus, the brand new Bullet 350, which shares the identical coronary heart as the opposite J-platform bikes: the Meteor 350, Classic 350, and Hunter 350.
Enfield followers all over the world have possible seen a sample, although. Like many worldwide bike producers, the corporate tends to roll its bikes into new markets in waves. India is at all times first, which is sensible on many ranges. New fashions will then ultimately roll out in different international locations, but it surely’s at all times a matter of time earlier than that occurs. As an instance, it took till the waning months of 2023 for the Super Meteor 650 to land on American shores.
All that is to say that if you happen to’re a Royal Enfield Bullet fan, and you’ve got been questioning when the Bullet 350 may lastly make its option to North America, we’ve got excellent news for you if you happen to’re in Canada.
On January 25, 2024, Royal Enfield North America formally introduced that it is bringing the 2024 Bullet 350 to North America eventually. However, it is going to solely be launched in a really restricted version run. How restricted? Just 100 models shall be packed up and shipped over, they usually’ll solely be bought in Canada.
For Canadian followers who incessantly really feel not noted with new bike releases, that is in all probability welcome information. If you are elsewhere in North America, although, you may simply should proceed ready to see if the Bullet 350 ever makes its manner south in some type.
2024 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Canadian Exclusive Preorder Details
Here’s the deal. On January 31, 2024, at 1 p.m. Eastern, Canadian Royal Enfield followers will be capable to place preorders for these 100 models. A signup type is at present accessible on the Royal Enfield Canada web site, which we have linked in our Sources in case you wish to add your electronic mail deal with for updates.
Two variants shall be accessible: the Bullet Standard (in Standard Black or Standard Maroon), and the Bullet Black Gold, which comes with copper pinstriping, a blacked out engine, and different blacked out componentry. Both bikes include two-channel ABS and disc brakes outfitted each entrance and rear.
The MSRP for these two variants shall be $5,899 CAD (about $4,369 US) for the Bullet Standard and $6,199 CAD (about $4,591 US) for the Bullet Black Gold.
If you are fascinated with seeing the 2024 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 in particular person, and also you’re planning to attend the Toronto Motorcycle Show from February 16 by means of 18, 2024, then you can see it there. Royal Enfield historian Gordon May shall be available on the occasion to offer a presentation in regards to the Bullet’s historical past that followers will not wish to miss.
For these wherever on the earth who wish to hear the Bullet story in helpful audio type, as narrated by Gordon May, this is a video so as to add to your queue.
While the 895cc parallel twin engine that powers the trio makes extra energy and torque than its predecessor, the 2024 F 900 GS concurrently misplaced a full 30 kilos as in comparison with the outgoing F 850 GS, says BMW. More energy and fewer weight is normally a profitable equation.
Since BMW releases its bikes in markets all over the world, pricing and availability normally fluctuate by area. Now that it is January 2024, BMW North America is formally saying pricing and availability data for this trio within the US. So, what’s going to your chosen new middleweight 2024 BMW parallel twin journey bike value you?
Model
US MSRP (plus vacation spot costs)
2024 BMW F 800 GS
$10,495
2024 BMW F 900 GS
$13,495
2024 BMW F 900 GS Adventure
$14,195
Quick Features Overview
The 2024 BMW F 800 GS options an 895cc counterbalanced parallel twin engine that makes a claimed 87 horsepower at 6,750 rpm, alongside 67 pound-feet of torque at 6,750 rpm. Choose the 2024 BMW F 900 GS or GSA as an alternative, and it is tuned to make a claimed 105 horsepower at 8,500 rpm alongside 68.6 pound-feet of torque at 6,750 rpm. This engine makes use of lively knock management to make it simpler to make use of no matter grade of gasoline is out there wherever you are touring with out compromising energy.
Other commonplace options embrace using modes, full LED lighting, a 6.5-inch TFT show with Bluetooth connectivity, heated grips, hand protectors, an adjustable shift lever, and both a typical baggage provider for Vario instances on the F 800 GS or else a typical baggage rack on the F 900 GSA. The F 900 GS additionally will get an Akrapovič sport muffler fitted as commonplace gear.
Optional Packages
To add a wide range of choices together with a middle stand, cruise management, keyless journey, a tire strain monitor, clever emergency name, and others, you possibly can equip the F 800 GS Premium Package for $1,795. Go for the Premium Package on the F 900 GS as an alternative (with a couple of much less upgrades), and it is $1,750.
If you need to put a sport suspension and excessive handlebars in your F 900 GS, you possibly can add the Enduro Package Pro for a further $1,495. If you need to add BMW’s Dynamic ESA, GPS Prep, mounts for aluminum instances, and a number of further upgrades, you possibly can select between both the Premium Package F 900 GS Adventure or the Ride Pro Package F 900 GS Adventure. The Premium Package will value you $2,460, whereas the Ride Pro Package will value you $2,475.
Additional standalone choices and equipment are additionally obtainable, akin to Low and High seat equipment, Intelligent Emergency Call, mounts for aluminum facet instances, and extra.
US Market Availability
The 2024 BMW F 800 GS, F 900 GS, and F 900 GS Adventure ought to all start rolling into BMW dealerships throughout the nation someday in Q2 of 2024, in keeping with BMW North America.
As all the time, whether or not you reside within the US or elsewhere, your finest wager for probably the most correct pricing and availability data for these or different BMW bikes you could be serious about is to succeed in out to your native approved BMW vendor with any questions you’ll have.
When spy photographers caught the next Audi Q3 testing in September, the luxurious crossover solely confirmed a skinny strip of LED lights. At that time, we presumed the primary headlights have been hiding beneath the camouflage. Our assumption was correct as new spy photographs from northern Sweden reveal an uncommon break up headlight association.
Now that a number of the mascara has come off, it reveals the Audi Q3 is the subsequent Volkswagen Group product with two layers of headlights. The higher strip is for the daytime operating lights and switch alerts whereas the decrease module is for the high and low beam. To be manufactured on the identical Győr plant in Hungary, the badge-engineered Cupra Terramar could have standard one-piece headlights.
In September 2020, short-seller Hindenburg Research launched a report accusing Nikola of deceptive traders with an “intricate fraud.” The EV model refuted these allegations, labeling them as false and deceptive. Back then, Nikola was riding high on top of a partnership with GM that gave it an 11% stake within the upstart valued at roughly $2 billion. The firm was additionally focused a couple of 2018 demonstration to traders, the place a Nikola One semi was proven “in motion,” nevertheless it was later found that the automobile was not self-propelled and was as a substitute shifting downhill. Milton was concurrently accused and subsequently charged over deceptive claims relating to the corporate’s progress and touchdown investments price a whole lot of hundreds of thousands of {dollars}.
He was additionally lambasted for falsely claiming that the corporate had developed an in-house manufacturing capability for hydrogen gasoline tech at charges under the present market ranges and that it acquired billions of {dollars} in funding for a similar. General Motors quickly backed out of its fairness cope with Nikola, a number of initiatives have been scaled down, and impressive plans reminiscent of producing an electrical motorboat have been additionally placed on ice. In October 2023, freshly unearthed regulatory paperwork revealed that Milton was instructed to pay the corporate $165 million in damages. A month later, Milton urged a federal court docket ought to keep away from jail and as a substitute be placed on probation, claiming that his previous actions had no “ill will.”
In late September 2023, a man in Deputy, Indiana, completed an impressive project. Dubbed “Big Dill,” this pickle-themed, Harley-Davidson shovelhead-powered BMW Isetta show car took a whirlwind 37 days to finish.
Exhausted but excited, the builder, Mikey Brown, wasted no time and immediately prepared his four creations, collectively called the Pickle Pack, for showcasing in Phoenix, Arizona, at the September 2023 round of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour.
The Pickle Pack includes the Big Dill, the Pickle Jar, the Pickle Packer tilt trailer, and a custom bicycle called the Pickle Slicer.
Despite the Big Dill alone taking 37 days to build, Brown managed to construct the entire Pickle Pack in under ten months, starting on January 1, 2023, and documenting his progress daily on Instagram.
After winning at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour stop, Brown was invited to compete in the final. His journey embodies determination and creativity, showcasing his ability to envision potential in raw materials and his refusal to let financial constraints hinder his dreams.
While Brown received some engineering assistance, he performed the majority of the physical labor single-handedly, from fabrication to paint and upholstery. Throughout the project, he acknowledged the support and advice from friends and family as integral to its success.
Brown’s vision for the Big Dill as an uncompromising show car led him to meticulously craft its paint job, a story that serves as motivation for anyone facing budget limitations.
His resourcefulness and willingness to acquire new skills is commendable, demonstrating that determination and forward momentum are essential for achieving one’s goals.
Despite investing around $10,000 and nearly depleting his finances, Brown’s entry surpassed those of more resourceful competitors. While he didn’t clinch victory in the final, his tenacity and talent promise future noteworthy creations.
If you appreciate underdog tales, then Mikey Brown’s journey in creating the Pickle Pack is worth following.
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