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Featured

Richard Mille Introduces the New RM 30-01 Watch with a Declutchable Rotor

Richard Mille watches have quickly become some of the most exclusive and expensive timepieces in the luxury market. The brand continues to expand its collection with the use of precious materials and advanced movement technology, and they are now proud to present the all-new RM 30-01 watch featuring a declutchable rotor. Inspired by engineering techniques from Formula 1 race cars, the RM 30-01 has a comfortable case shape available in titanium and 18k rose gold. Its skeletonized dial offers a clear view of the intricate inner workings, resembling the rpm gauge or speedometer of a race car.

The RM 30-01 watch is powered by Richard Mille’s newly developed in-house Caliber RMAR2. This automatic-winding movement is responsible for various functions including hours, minutes, seconds, oversize date, clutch engagement and power-reserve indicators, function selector, and declutchable variable-geometry rotor. The transparent sapphire backcase showcases the meticulous craftsmanship of Richard Mille, with commemorative engravings on the outer case. The watch is completed with a black motorsport rubber strap for a traditional look. The all-new Richard Mille RM 30-01 is now available through authorized dealers starting at $208,000.

News

Watch the Fascinating Restoration of a Honda VFR400R’s Frame and Swingarm

Restoring classic motorcycles requires a great deal of time, effort, and expertise. Depending on the condition of the bike, a complete restoration can take months, or even years. Most people who restore bikes also juggle other responsibilities and may be working on multiple projects simultaneously.

RRC Restoration recently embarked on a restoration project involving a Honda VFR400 NC30. In a previous video, shared by Janaki in July, the bike was shown in its unrestored state. Now, RRC Restoration has posted an update on the project, revealing significant progress. The bike has been completely disassembled, leaving only the bare frame, subframe, and swingarm. The focus is now on restoring these essential components.

The video begins with the removal of the swingarm and wheel bearings. The VFR400 features a single-sided swingarm, which houses the rear wheel bearings. RRC Restoration employed a unique makeshift vapor blasting method to clean and restore the swingarm and frame. Although he has a vapor blaster in his workshop, it is too small to accommodate these large parts. Instead, he used glass beads, a siphon, and a pressure washer to eliminate all the grime and corrosion.

Once the swingarm and frame are completely clean, RRC Restoration proceeds to polish the parts and replicate the brushed aluminum finish. He achieves this by lightly scuffing the surface with a red Scotch-Brite pad, ensuring to move in one fluid motion and maintain a consistent direction. The parts are then painted with a matte ceramic clear coat to preserve their new appearance for an extended period.

In the following steps, RRC Restoration meticulously cleans and resprays the subframe. While waiting for the subframe to cure, he restores all the hardware by replating the bolts, screws, and fasteners. With all the components looking brand new, the swingarm is reassembled. A fresh set of wheel bearings, a new rear sprocket, and a chain guide are installed. The video concludes with an extremely satisfying before-and-after montage.

It is clear that there is still much work to be done before the bike reaches showroom quality. Nonetheless, the level of detail shown in RRC Restoration’s video sets high expectations for the upcoming restoration videos documenting this project. Motorcycle enthusiasts eagerly anticipate seeing the progress of this meticulous restoration.

Motorsport

MG EX4 Hot EV Revealed On Twitter Before Goodwood Debut

MG Motor, a British-based, Chinese-owned automaker, has unveiled the EX4 all-electric hot hatch concept on Twitter. The car will make its official debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend.

The EX4 concept is based on the road-going MG4 XPower, which is equipped with a dual-motor setup delivering 429 horsepower and up to 442 pound-feet of torque. Although MG has not revealed the specs of the concept car, they have confirmed that both the street-legal MG4 XPower and the upcoming Cyberster electric roadster will be showcased at Goodwood alongside the EV hot hatch.

With its massive front splitter, enlarged wheel arches, green spoiler, and full-width diffuser, the EX4 concept is a tribute to the Metro 6R4 Group B rally car from the 1980s. The Metro 6R4 was known for its central-mounted 3.0-liter V6 engine producing up to 410 horsepower and powering all four wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.

The interior of the EX4 has not been revealed in the video, so there are still some surprises to look forward to at Goodwood.

The original Metro had success in rallycross events, and the standard Metro was a popular car in the UK between 1980 and 1997, selling approximately 1.5 million units.

Although it is unlikely that a road-legal version of the all-electric MG EX4 will be released due to safety concerns, it is exciting to see the British brand paying homage to its past in a modern way.

What are your thoughts on the MG EX4? Share your opinions in the comments section below!

Cars

Why Saab’s 9-7x SUV Failed For General Motors

The Saab 9-7x was provided on the market from 2005 to 2009, a comparatively quick time period, contemplating it was Saab’s first SUV. It could also be straightforward to level the finger at Trailblazer underpinnings and pretty uninspired styling for the 9-7x’s demise, however the story is deeper than that. To perceive the dying of the PathSaab Blazer9-7x, you’ll want to see what monetary form General Motors was in in the course of the SUV’s ultimate years. To put it in technical phrases, General Motors’ normal financial outlook in 2008 and 2009 was “not good” and “historically bad.” According to SEC filings in 2009, General Motors had managed to report a lack of a full six billion {dollars} over the primary quarter of the yr. It was like General Motors had out of the blue forgotten learn how to become profitable. The reality is, regardless of how good the Saab 9-7x may be, it probably wasn’t going to be round very lengthy anyway.

As one would anticipate, Saab was closely concerned within the monetary foibles. If your filings to the federal authorities have a separate line merchandise titled “Saab Related,” you realize issues may be dangerous. Looking on the gross sales numbers offers slightly extra credence to the very fact the 9-7 wasn’t right here to remain. In 2008, the final yr that full gross sales numbers can be found, Saab bought a complete of three,150 9-7xs. Comparatively, GMC bought 21,864 Envoys and Chevy bought 68,235 Trailblazers. Sales had been downright shameful. The remainder of Saab solely bought 16,187 automobiles. 

Motorsport

2023 Fiat Topolino EV Unveiled In Two Flavors, Starts At $10,770

Fiat has officially unveiled its smallest electric vehicle, the Fiat Topolino quadricycle. This compact car measures 2.53 meters (99.6 inches) in length.

The Fiat Topolino is based on the Citroën Ami but features different front and rear designs to give it a distinct Fiat look. It is available in two body configurations: the closed Topolino for city driving and the open Topolino Dolcevita, which has a beach-themed design. The Dolcevita model comes with a large canvas roof, ropes instead of doors, and other unique features.

Both variants of the Fiat Topolino are priced at $10,770 (9,890 euros) in Italy. The Topolino is slightly more expensive than the base Citroën Ami but offers higher levels of equipment. Additionally, it exceeds the features of its Opel Rocks Electric twin.

Some of the notable equipment included in the Topolino are a chrome luggage rack called the Dolcevita Box, which provides a practical fabric band for storing personal items, and vintage chrome-effect mirrors.

Buyers can personalize their Fiat Topolino with options such as a shower attachment for rinsing off after a day at the beach, wooden-effect stickers on the doors of the closed model, and stickers with stripes on the roof of the Dolcevita model.


Motorsport

Maserati Teases MC20 GT2 With the Impressive Sounds of the Nettuno V6 Engine

Leading up to the global debut of the MC20 GT2 on June 30, Maserati has decided to give us a glimpse with an enticing video. Unlike typical teaser videos that only reveal a small part of the car or hide it in smoke and dim lighting, this video showcases closeups of the Nettuno V6 engine as it roars at full throttle.

We have already seen images of the Maserati MC20 GT2, which the automaker unveiled in March prior to its shakedown at Autodromo Varano de’ Melegari. The racing version of the MC20 retains the same engine as the road car, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that incorporates twin-combustion technology similar to that of a Formula 1 engine. The road-going version generates an impressive 621 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. Combined with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under 2.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 201 mph.


Motorsport

Check out Maserati MC20, GranTurismo, and Grecale Travelling Through Italy in a Teaser for a Short Film

Maserati has released a teaser trailer for an upcoming short film showcasing their latest vehicles amid the stunning landscapes of Italy. The film, titled “Companions on a Journey,” revolves around themes of family bonds, automotive passion, and the symphony of life. It prominently features the MC20 Cielo, GranTurismo Folgore, and Grecale crossover.

The narrative follows three siblings on a journey across Italy, aiming to reunite with their father and present him with a gift. The short film is directed by acclaimed Turkish-Italian director Ferzan Ozpetek, known for his works such as Naples in Veils, The Ignorant Fairies, and Loose Cannons. Maserati has not disclosed the premiere date or location for the complete short film, but they encourage us to “stay tuned” for its release.


Motorsport

The Chevy Citation X-11: A Rare Gem from the 1980s

Let’s take a trip back to 1982 and explore the fascinating world of the Chevrolet Citation. Now, you might be wondering why we’re talking about a Chevy Citation, which was not exactly a beloved car. However, this particular model, the X-11, stands out from the rest.

The X-11 was the performance version of the Citation family, which primarily consisted of three-door and five-door hatchbacks. In its debut year of 1980, there was even a two-door coupe, but it didn’t last long due to lack of interest. However, the hatchback versions were incredibly popular, with over 800,000 units sold in the first year alone.

Despite its initial success, the Chevy Citation was not known for its long-term reliability, which explains why they are so rare to find today. Nevertheless, the X-11 model, with its sporty features and performance enhancements, has managed to maintain its appeal over the years.


BMW

BMW Presents Hollywood Action and Sustainable Marine Experience at Cannes

BMW stunned the crowds with its environmentally-conscious luxury, innovative mobility on water, and electrifying action at the Cannes Film Festival. As the Official Partner of the event, BMW offered guests, VIPs, and festival participants a fleet of over 200 fully-electric cars. The most powerful of these vehicles was the brand new BMW i7 M70 xDrive, the lead actor in BMW Films’ latest creation debuted at the festival. The shuttle service that took the attendees around the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès allowed them to experience a locally emission-free premium ride in a sophisticated BMW.

The ICON: Revolutionary Marine Experience

BMW partnered with boat maker TYDE to showcase The ICON, a watercraft that has revolutionized the approach to environment-friendly marine mobility through its electric propulsion system. The craft boasts hydrofoils that maintain a top speed of 30 knots (55 km/h) and a range of more than 50 nautical miles. With its elegant design and soundless movement through water, it was a popular attraction among the festival-goers. The ICON focuses on modern urban lifestyles and can be further personalized by customers for use in both the private and commercial sectors.

BMW Films’ “The Calm”

Bollywood royalty such as Pom Klementieff and Uma Thurman graced the world premier of BMW Films’ “The Calm.” The seven-minute spy thriller features the BMW i7 M70 xDrive in a dramatic car chase scene. Attendees got to watch the film from the comfort of the luxurious rear compartment of the BMW i7 while viewing it on the BMW Theatre Screen. After the event, viewers who missed the in-car screening experience were able to see “The Calm” on the BMW YouTube channel.

BMW i7 M70 xDrive: Electric power consumption in kWh/100 km combined: 23.8 – 20.8, WLTP.