Tag Archives: September

News

Kawasaki Motors Is Celebrating 70 Years Of Motorcycle Manufacturing In 2023

Kawasaki Motors is set to commemorate a significant milestone in 2023, the celebration of 70 years of manufacturing motorcycles. The journey began in 1953, just after World War II when Kawasaki Machine Works started producing motorcycle engines.

To mark this achievement, Kawasaki will be hosting special exhibitions in the US and Japan. The US exhibition will take place at the Kawasaki USA Heritage Hall in Foothill Ranch, California, while the Japanese exhibition will be held at the Kawasaki Good Times World in Kobe.

Kawasaki recognizes the importance of the US market, and the exhibition in the US will focus on the history of Kawasaki motorcycles within this market. The brand’s journey in the US began in 1953 with the introduction of the single-cylinder KE-1 motorcycle engine, which faced initial sales challenges.


1953 Kawasaki KE-1 Engine

4 Photos

In 1966, Kawasaki made a significant move by establishing American Kawasaki Motors, a subsidiary in the US under the leadership of Yoji Hamawaki. Starting with only 10 employees, Hamawaki became the first president of American Kawasaki. Recognizing the unique market in the US, the subsidiary focused on developing models specifically for this market, such as the A1 Samurai 250, H1 500 Mach III, and the iconic Z1 900.

In 1974, Kawasaki made history by building a manufacturing plant in Lincoln, Nebraska, making it the first Japanese manufacturer to build a manufacturing plant in the US for any type of vehicle. Although the plant now produces Kawasaki Jet Skis and side-by-sides instead of motorcycles, it remains an essential part of Kawasaki’s and America’s motorcycle history.

As Kawasaki celebrates 70 years of motorcycle manufacturing, it stands as a testament to the challenges faced by new companies in the industry. Looking ahead, the brand’s integration of new technologies such as electric and hydrogen projects will undoubtedly be fascinating to witness.

Motorsport

2024 Ford F-150 Spotted with Two-Tone Paint and New Grille for Heritage Edition

The refreshed Ford F-150 is set to debut in September, and there have been no shortage of spy photos capturing the truck in action. The most recent images give us a closer look at the 2024 F-150 Heritage Edition.

These photos reveal the Heritage Edition’s vintage-inspired two-tone paint job, which adds a touch of nostalgia to the truck’s appearance. The front end showcases a distinctive grille with three thick horizontal bars, complemented by thinner vertical bars behind it. Additionally, the truck sports the updated headlights that are shared across the revamped F-150 lineup.


Motorsport

Cupra Born EV Hatch Spotted with Updated Front Bumper and Unique Wheel Sensors

In September 2022, the first camouflaged Cupra Born was spotted, raising questions since the electric hatchback had just debuted in May 2021. Now, new spy photos reveal that the Spanish performance brand is still testing a refreshed model variant, keeping its secrets hidden.

Although it seems early for a mid-cycle redesign, Cupra is clearly reconsidering the looks of the Born. The front clip is completely covered in camouflage, but most of the changes are seen on the lower bumper. This area now features vertical intakes at the corners and new slats that likely surround a modified grille opening beneath an adjusted nose.


Car review

Honda ZR-V

The Honda ZR-V, set to arrive in the UK in September, shares many technical features with the Civic. In Europe, it is exclusively available with a hybrid powertrain.

Powering the ZR-V is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine that produces 141bhp. However, the engine primarily acts as a generator, either powering the 181bhp electric motor or storing energy in the 1.05kWh battery. While the engine does not directly drive the wheels for the most part, there is a clutch in the transaxle that can connect the engine to the front wheels through an overdrive gear during motorway cruising.

With the engine not being constantly connected to the wheels, the software has more control over its performance. This means that the engine can be shut off, simulate being connected to a CVT or eight-speed automatic gearbox, or maintain a specific RPM to charge the battery, depending on the load.

While much of the ZR-V’s interior design is consistent with the Civic, it does have some unique features. The dashboard features a horizontal strip of air vents and convenient clicky buttons for the climate control. The 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, though not the sharpest, offers shortcut buttons and wireless smartphone mirroring for ease of use. The materials used in the ZR-V have been slightly upgraded compared to the Civic, with more soft-touch surfaces on the doors and a sculpted center console with storage space underneath.

Unlike the Civic, the ZR-V does not offer a manual version. As a result, the driving experience is slightly different, positioned slightly higher than the Civic. While the Civic places you low with plenty of legroom and comfortable seating, the ZR-V adopts a more upright seating position, which may appeal to hatchback enthusiasts but potentially disappoint those seeking a true SUV experience.

Notably, the ZR-V is equipped with metal paddles, a feature not seen in Honda vehicles since the iconic NSX. These paddles are used to adjust brake regeneration levels.

DSAutomobile

DS AUTOMOBILES REVISES DS 7 LINE-UP

  • DS 7 La Première available for a limited time only ahead of new line-up from September 2023
  • DS 7 will be available in Performance Line+, Rivoli and Opera trim
  • The DS 7 Esprit de Voyage collection is also available, inspired by the fashion industry and world of haute-couture with its light interiors, exclusive finishes and technology
  • Customers purchasing a DS 7 Esprit de Voyage can take advantage of limited-time offer of an upgraded FOCAL sound system
  • To find out more about DS 7, visit www.dsautomobiles.co.uk

DS Automobiles has announced changes to the DS 7 trim line-up. The DS 7 La Première, the limited launch edition, will only be available for a limited time until the end of July.

The La Première models include 21-inch ‘Brooklyn’ diamond-cut alloy wheels, a 360-Vision Reversing camera, DS NIGHT VISION, an electric tailgate with hands-free access, and a FOCAL Electra® HiFi system with a 515-watt amplifier, 14 speakers, and an 8-inch subwoofer.

The updated trim line-up for the DS 7 will consist of three options: Performance Line+, Rivoli, and Opera trim. It will be available with a Plug-in Hybrid powertrain or a 1.5-litre BlueHDI diesel engine. Additionally, the new Esprit de Voyage collection will be offered for the DS 7.

The Esprit de Voyage collection enhances the Rivoli trim with exclusive light leather interior and an improved standard specification. It features Pearl Grey grained leather seats and nappa leather interior with heat embossing. The DS 7 Esprit de Voyage also includes heated, massaging, and ventilated front seats, aluminium pedals, PolyAmbient interior lighting, acoustic laminated side windows, and a power tailgate with hands-free access.

Customers who purchase a DS 7 Esprit de Voyage can also enjoy a limited-time offer to upgrade their FOCAL HiFi system by quoting FOCAL23. The upgraded system includes a 515-watt amplifier, 14 speakers, and an 8-inch subwoofer.

For more information on the DS 7, to find the nearest DS retailer, or to buy online, please visit www.dsautomobiles.co.uk.

News

Stay in Marc Márquez’s Motorhome for the 2023 MotoGP Catalan Grand Prix

If you’re planning to attend the MotoGP Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya in Montmeló, Spain from September 1 to 3, 2023, you might be interested in a unique accommodation option. Marc Márquez, the renowned MotoGP rider, is renting out his team motorhome on AirBnB during the event. The motorhome is located next to Márquez’s private trailer and in close proximity to other professional racers.

The motorhome offers various amenities including free parking, bed, TV, kitchen, and bathroom essentials. However, there is no WiFi, clothes washer, hair dryer, or private entrance. The listing will become available for booking on July 19, 2023.

Up to two guests can stay in the motorhome for one night at a cost of 93 Euros (approximately $101). Upon arrival, guests will receive a virtual greeting from Marc Márquez and a team member will provide a tour of the motorhome. Guests will also have the opportunity to ride the MotoGP simulator, enjoy VIP seating at the race, and receive a personal guided tour of the pit boxes.

Please note that transportation to and from the Catalunya circuit is not provided. However, staying at Márquez’s AirBnB offers a unique chance to experience the MotoGP paddock during one of the most popular races of the season.

Motorsport

2024 Skoda Kodiaq Specs Released, PHEV Gets 62-Mile Electric Range

Skoda unveiled the Kodiaq in September 2016 as a larger version of the Volkswagen Tiguan. In April 2021, the spacious SUV received a facelift. Now, in June 2023, we’re getting a sneak peek at its successor before the official reveal in the fall. The second-generation model will have an evolutionary design, with no major changes in appearance or specifications.

Although the car is partially camouflaged, the disguise is thin enough to give us a clear view of the exterior design. The 2024 Kodiaq will maintain its recognizable look and will not adopt the Modern Solid design language that Skoda has teased for its upcoming EVs. The familiar double headlight design specific to SUVs will be retained, along with the wide corporate grille. If they are genuine, the vertical air curtains in the front bumper will improve aerodynamics by directing the airflow.


Motorsport

Porsche 911 Carrera Cup Crash From 2015 Immortalized In 1:43 Scale Model

Something strange happened on September 26, 2015, that transcended the world of auto racing to become an incident of global interest. At the start of a Porsche one-make race in Spain, a small collision took place on the first lap that saw one 911 come to rest neatly atop another one. Now, that bizarre collision is captured in a detailed 1:43 scale diorama depicting the corner, skid marks galore, and the two damaged race cars.

Spark Models is the company behind this build. Known for producing a wide range of diecast race car replicas, this could be the first time any company designed and created a specific crash in such detail. The two Porsche 911 race cars aren’t simply stacked either – Spark Models accurately recreates the liveries for the two cars involved in the crash, then applies simulated damage to each that’s also race accurate. As for the track, it represents turn three at Circuito de Navarra in Spain though the final resting spot for the cars isn’t as accurate as the cars themselves. Still, we get the idea. And we love it.

To refresh your memory, the actual crash occurred less than 30 seconds into the Porsche Carrera Cup France race. Drivers Jules Gounon, Alexander Cougnud, and Joffrey de Narda were fighting for the lead when Cougnud tapped De Narda. This spun De Narda (driving the no. 9 Porshce) around just ahead of the very sharp turn three at Navarra, leaving De Narda in the unwelcome position of facing traffic.

Still, we doubt he expected to see the underside of Gounon’s no. 169 driving up the windshield. Wheel-to-wheel contact with Cougnud sent Gounon airborne just enough to clear De Narda’s nose. Momentum carried the green-trimmed Porsche neatly to the roof, with the nose resting on the rear wing. The balance was near perfect, though Gounon did suffer minor injuries. As for De Narda, repairs were made and he was back on track to score a victory later in the race weekend.

On its website, Spark Models states the 1:43 scale model of the crash is still in development. However, preorders through retailers such as Hobby Search have begun, showing a price of approximately $155 with an estimated release date of September 2023.

PeugeotUk

PEUGEOT LAUNCHES OPERATION #CAMOCATCH AHEAD OF NEW PEUGEOT 3008 REVEAL

Ahead of the reveal of the new PEUGEOT 3008 in September 2023, PEUGEOT is launching an operation across social media to allow budding designers to choose the camouflage for the new model.

 

Camouflaged prototypes of the new PEUGEOT 3008 will be on the roads of Europe this summer, and PEUGEOT’s #CamoCatch Operation opens the door for the public to have their say on how the long-awaited model will look ahead of launch.

 

Camouflaging has become widespread practice across the automotive industry in the early stages of new product development, concealing the vehicle’s bodywork ahead of the final unveiling. By opening this important design phase to the public, PEUGEOT is embedding its design expertise into every detail of the development process.

 

The PEUGEOT designers have created 10 new, high impact and innovative camouflage patterns, which can conceal the details of the new PEUGEOT 3008’s exterior, whilst demonstrating the expertise of PEUGEOT’s graphic design team.  

 

PEUGEOT launched the initiative earlier today (15 May), with the first phase running until 2 June. PEUGEOT’s social media channels will invite the public to choose their favourite camouflage(s) from among the 10 options. Votes will be open across all of PEUGEOT’s UK social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

The six camouflage designs that receive the most votes will be produced in June and used to cover the new PEUGEOT 3008 models that will be taking part in the open road testing this summer.

 

The new PEUGEOT 3008 camouflaged cars will take to the road between 1 July and 15 August. Anyone who sees the new model is invited to take a photo and post the picture on the PEUGEOT social media accounts with the hashtag #CamoCatch.

 

A selection of participants who have taken part will be invited to an exclusive drive of the car early in 2024.

 

PEUGEOT has been implementing a strategy of collaboration and partnership with young designer artists, such as J. Demsky and Emeric Tchatchoua, since the beginning of 2023.