Tag Archives: showed

Concept Cars

5 Pontiac Concepts And Prototypes We Wish It Would Have Built

Leave a comment

In the late ’80s, the Pontiac Stinger confirmed off a enjoyable and new means to consider automobiles. Like the Piranha, this automotive was additionally designed to be excellent for youthful individuals who love spending time outside. It appeared completely different from the automobiles that come to thoughts after we hear “concept cars” as a result of it was impressed by dune buggies, with an open prime and a brilliant neon inexperienced look.

The Stinger was a response to market analysis on future traits carried out by Pontiac, which concluded that consumers beneath the age of 35 wished one thing similar to what the Stinger was — a enjoyable automotive that might drive and deal with each work and play. So, GM’s Chuck Jordan and his workforce went to work. The ensuing Stinger had prophetic options, just like the carbon-fiber physique, detachable glass panels, and an inside decked with devices for the good outside. It additionally had a 3.0-liter, 170-horsepower engine and an energetic pneumatic suspension system, which promised efficiency that might hold tempo with its appears to be like.

The Stinger’s inside was fairly neat, too, from built-in device kits and moveable vacuums to backyard hoses and picnic benches that unfolded from the again. The seats have been comprised of wetsuit materials, and the automotive additionally got here with varied storage options for outside gear. Keeping with the theme of “concepts and prototypes we wish were built,” the Stinger by no means made it to manufacturing. But, it was a glimpse into what SUVs and journey automobiles may develop into.

News

Consumer watchdog requires automobile sellers to be licensed

A serious client watchdog has known as for automobile sellers to be licensed after experiences confirmed that used vehicles are amongst shoppers’ most complained-about purchases.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), which trains buying and selling requirements officers, issued the demand for the primary time in its newest manifesto.

Although it could not say what kind such a system would take or how it could be utilized, the proposal is backed by its members, lead officers and key stakeholders.

The CTSI mentioned it was compelled to behave by the rise in disputes involving used vehicles reported by fellow client organisation Citizens Advice.

Motorcycles

What Made The Kawasaki Z1 Important To Japanese Motorcycle History

The Z1 ended up being an ideal storm of affordability, reliability, and the speediest available on the market. Tests confirmed not solely was the bike quicker than any of its contemporaries, but it surely was additionally quieter due to the four-stroke engine. Although accelerating as much as 135 miles per hour is not one thing the typical rider was ever going to do, it definitely proved to be a serious promoting level. Getting 43 miles per gallon was nothing to scoff at, both.

Part of what makes this bike fascinating is that nothing was cutting-edge about it when it comes to expertise. There wasn’t a selected main development that led Kawasaki to make the Z1, and future iterations simply revised the design till its alternative. Those revisions constantly improved on the Z1’s excellence — we ranked the later Z1000 with the 10 best Kawasaki motorcycles ever made. The design of the Z1 and its descendants simply had every part in sync: nice efficiency, quiet pipes, and a clean journey regardless of the massive high velocity and 903cc engine.

Motorsport

The New Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid Is Less Powerful But More Expensive

When Porsche launched the third-generation Panamera final November, it solely confirmed the bottom mannequin with rear- and all-wheel drive alongside the recent Turbo E-Hybrid. Zuffenhausen is now diversifying the lineup by launching two extra electrified fashions. They’re not conventional “Turbo” fashions, however they swap the massive V8 in favor of a V6 and maintain the pair of turbochargers.

The Panamera 4E Hybrid combines a 2.9-liter engine with an electrical motor for a complete system output of 463 horsepower and 479 pound-feet. Compared to its predecessor, the brand new mannequin has gained eight mighty horses however has misplaced 37 lb-ft. Despite its heft, it is a significantly fast sedan (it is technically a hatchback) because it takes simply 3.9 seconds to succeed in 60 mph, or 0.3s lower than the mannequin it is changing. Flat out, it will do an an identical 174 mph.


BMW

Bathurst 12 Hour: BMW M Team WRT narrowly misses the rostrum in a turbulent race.

Bathurst. BMW M Team WRT confirmed robust velocity on the season opener of the Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC) on the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst (AUS), however was unable to reap the rewards in a race marked by incidents and changeable climate. Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), Charles Weerts, and Dries Vanthoor (BEL) began the 12-hour race from pole place within the #32 BMW M4 GT3 however had been pressured to retire after an accident. In the #46 BMW M4 GT3, Valentino Rossi (ITA), Maxime Martin (BEL), and Raffaele Marciello (SUI) fought for a podium spot in an thrilling closing stage as much as the final lap however in the end needed to accept fifth place. 

 

Throughout the race the BMW XM Safety Car repeatedly led the sphere after accidents, for the final time about 40 minutes earlier than the tip. That ignited a fierce battle for the rostrum locations by which Martin briefly moved into third place with a daring overtaking manoeuvre, however needed to relinquish it instantly on account of a slight braking error on the still-slippery observe. Thunderstorms with heavy rain showers characterised the second half of the race. Only within the final hour did the asphalt dry up once more.

For the sister #32 automotive, the weekend had began completely. On Saturday, van der Linde secured pole place for the #32 BMW M4 GT3 within the Top-10 Pole Shootout, giving the staff motive to have fun. Martin certified the automotive #46 in eighth place.

The race began on Sunday morning at 5:45 a.m. native time in darkness. Car #32 maintained the lead within the early levels, whereas #46 continued to maneuver ahead. It wasn’t lengthy earlier than each BMW M4 GT3s had been within the high three. However, after practically 5 hours of racing, there was a second of shock for BMW M Team WRT when the #32 automotive crashed closely into the wall after unlucky contact with a lapped automotive. Weerts, who was driving on the time, was luckily unhurt, however for him and his teammates van der Linde and Vanthoor, the race was over prematurely.

Meanwhile, the #46 automotive, mendacity in second place, continued to battle for the lead. In the second half of the race, the climate repeatedly prompted turbulent scenes on the observe and shuffled the sphere a number of instances. In addition, the #46 BMW M4 GT3 quickly fell out of the highest ten after a drive-through penalty for crossing the white line on the pit cease however was in a position to shortly regain positions and keep within the main group till the tip.

Quotes after the Bathurst 12 Hour.

Vincent Vosse (Team Principal BMW M Team WRT): “We started with a pole position, which was a good thing. Of course, it is a difficult one to swallow because we had two strong cars. There were some mistakes; it is a difficult race on a difficult track. Finishing fifth is of course not what we are looking for, especially as at one stage, ten minutes from the end, we were fighting for P2. It’s a very tough race and a very tough championship. There are some strong cars out there. Now we need to analyse where we lost it. This is not a race that you win but one that you lose. And that is what happened.”

Valentino Rossi (#46 BMW M4 GT3, fifth place): “We tried to fight for the podium until the end. That was the target. I think that we deserved a bit more. For sure, it has been very difficult with the rain and it was a shame that it rained as I could not do my third run, but on the other hand, in two and a half hours in the car I was good, I was quite fast, my pace was good and I could fight with the other top drivers. We suffered a bit too much in the wet. I think that we need to improve the car in these conditions. We had the pace in the dry and it was strange to have this weather.”

Raffaele Marciello (#46 BMW M4 GT3, fifth place): “It was a tough race. In the second half of the race it was quite wet and it really was not easy, but when the conditions improved it was a bit better. I think that we would have been able to get a better result but we made a few mistakes and lost a bit too much time. It is unfortunate but it is still good points and we will do better in the next one.”

Maxime Martin (#46 BMW M4 GT3, fifth place): “At the end, we had an okay race I would say. We had some issues, some offs, some penalties, a lot of things were happening. The conditions were difficult with the wet and the dry and a drying track but we had nice 40 minutes at the end fighting. I had one possibility to pass; I had to try and I went a bit wide, got passed and we finished in P5. It’s a bit of a shame and frustrating but I think with the speed of the Porsche we couldn’t win the race anyway. But we finished another race, we learnt again and I hope that we will come back even stronger next year.”

Sheldon van der Linde (#32 BMW M4 GT3, DNF): “Obviously, it was a highlight for me to be on pole at Bathurst. That was something I wanted to achieve for a long time in my career. Of course it does not mean much for the race but it is such a nice time to be on track alone without the traffic. I really enjoyed attacking for one lap. Unfortunately in the race, we had the accident which can happen to a lot of people so that’s nothing we can change now. I just hope that the season gets better from now. Last year, we had a lot of bad luck as well and we did not want to carry it into this year but I am sure it will turn around in the next races.”

Charles Weerts (#32 BMW M4 GT3, DNF): “Bathurst was the first race weekend of the year for me and I was looking forward to be here a lot. It is an extraordinary venue. The weekend started off pretty well. The car was in a good window and we had a good performance in the package that BMW M Motorsport and BMW M Team WRT gave us so expectations were high. Sheldon then did a great lap in qualifying to bring the car on pole which was great. At the start of the race, everything went according to plan, we were always in the mix to fight for the lead. Then I unfortunately had this contact with a backmarker. It was quite unlucky to get that traffic at that exact spot. Looking back now for sure I would have waited a bit longer, but at the end of the day we are racers and if we see a gap we go for it. It was very unfortunate for our car and I feel sorry for my teammates, my team, BMW M Motorsport  and also for myself because that was not the goal after the everybody’s great work. This only fuels our motivation more for the rest of the season and I can’t wait to go back racing again.”

Dries Vanthoor (#32 BMW M4 GT3, DNF): “It was a bit of a pity how the race ended but we had a great build up to the race. Sheldon did a great job in qualifying but we also made a great team effort, working together very well to get the car where we wanted to have it in qualifying and also during the race. Unfortunately, the race was a bit short for us but at the end that is part of racing. The most important thing is that Charles is okay.”

Motorsport

2025 Mini Cooper Gets A Turbo-Four With 201 HP

When Mini launched the brand new Cooper 3-Door Hardtop final yr, it solely confirmed the electrical E and SE fashions. Only now’s the hatchback getting inner combustion engines. There aren’t any diesels, as an alternative, the smallest automotive the BMW Group makes due with a pair of gasoline powertrains.

The base mannequin goes by the title Cooper C and will get a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine making 154 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque (230 Newton-meters). That provides it a 0 to 62 mph time of seven.7 seconds. Step as much as the Cooper S and Mini rewards you with a bigger turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for 201 hp and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm), reducing the dash time to six.6 seconds. Those who need extra punch must anticipate the subsequent JCW model, though Mini will promote you a brand new JCW exterior trim at launch that has all of the present however no additional go. 

2024 Mini Cooper S

Depending on the Mini you go for, there are a number of 16- to 18-inch wheels to select from, 4 roof colours, plus a three-color gradient roof end for the Favoured mannequin if the Multitone Roof choice is chosen. The inside will get the identical 9.4-inch OLED infotainment from the electrical fashions, and fortunately, Mini hasn’t deleted all bodily controls. There’s a parking brake, gear selector, begin/cease button, and a quantity knob all positioned on a toggle bar under the round show.

You can match 7.4 cubic ft (210 liters) of baggage with the rear seats in place, or 28.2 cubic ft (800 liters) after folding the bench. Mini intends to launch a convertible model of the newest Cooper, together with a extra sensible five-door hatchback. These would be the final wave of ICE fashions earlier than BMW Group abandons fuel automobiles on the finish of the last decade.

2024 Mini Cooper S
2024 Mini Cooper S

The new Cooper C and Cooper S will probably be in Oxford, not like the electrical Cooper E and SE. Those two fashions are manufactured in China by Spotlight Automotive – a three way partnership between Mini’s guardian firm BMW Group and Great Wall Motor. We will not see the electrical hatch constructed within the UK till 2026, along with the subsequent Aceman small crossover.

The equal five-door mannequin ought to arrive later this yr.

News

Extremely Limited Edition Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Is Headed To Canada In 2024

Back in September 2023, Royal Enfield first showed off the revamped Bullet 350 in India. The firm is happy with its historical past, and notably happy with the 92 steady years of manufacturing that the Bullet has loved.

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.

Royal Enfield Bullet 350 - Black Gold

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.

Car review

Nissan Qashqai

The space the place the previous Qashqai significantly confirmed its age was in its inside, however this has era made some large steps on this respect.

That stated, it’s averted taking over digital know-how for the sake of it. With a classier dashboard, some horizontal trim strips and a giant touchscreen within the center, it seems to be proper updated. 

All the supplies you’re more likely to contact recurrently within the automobile have a pleasing soft-touch end, and the plentiful buttons and switchgear have a pleasant heft. The inside mouldings really feel solidly screwed collectively, too.

This automobile is extraordinarily simple to leap in and familiarize yourself with as a result of the entire essential features are operated by a bodily button or knob. There is a separate panel for the HVAC controls, and even driver help options just like the steering help and head-up show could be turned on or off with a button. It’s all remarkably frequent sense, with not a touch-sensitive panel in sight aside from the massive infotainment display screen.

Continuing the frequent sense theme, the Qashqai permits occupants to cost their gadgets in any means they want, with a number of 12V sockets, two USB-A and two USB-C ports, and a wi-fi charging pad on most trim ranges. Here, as elsewhere, comfort is king, and the Qashqai gives loads.

Accessing the rear cabin is straightforward because of doorways that open to 90deg. Once there, leg room is about common for the category, with loads of head room even with the panoramic sunroof (which is a hard and fast panel and doesn’t really open). 

It means tall adults match with out difficulty however they’d be solely averagely comfy on longer journeys. The again seats don’t do something fancy akin to recline or slide, they usually fold in a 40/60 cut up, fairly than a extra versatile 40/20/40 format. 

Flexibility methods have been reserved for the boot, which is kind of cleverly conceived. It has detachable flooring panels that may be raised or lowered, or set upright to create a divider that stops groceries from sliding round. The panels can be flipped over to disclose a wipe-clean floor to place muddy or soiled objects on. When they’re all in place, they create a flat load space with some helpful further house under.

The Qashqai’s 504 litres of boot house is common for the category, however far forward of the Ford Kuga’s 412 litres. However, it’s crushed by the Volkswagen Tiguan’s 520 litres and outclassed by the Honda CR-V hybrid, which gives 596 litres. 

Nissan Qashqai infotainment and sat-nav

Visia trim is so primary that it doesn’t even get a touchscreen, however Acenta Premium has a 7.0in display screen, and on N-Connecta that turns into a 9.0in display screen accompanied by a 12.3in digital driver show. 

Both variations of the touchscreen have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. On the bigger model, CarPlay is wi-fi.

The larger system discovered within the Tekna automobile is the extra responsive unit and, because of loads of shortcut buttons (each bodily ones under the display screen and digital ones on the underside), it’s pretty simple to navigate. The means the display screen is mounted on the dashboard means you even have a small ledge to relaxation your hand on, so it stays regular when tapping the display screen on the transfer.

It’s a pity the graphics already look dated, the centre display screen extra so than the driving force show. When CarPlay is wi-fi and there’s a wi-fi charging pad as effectively, it’s tough to give you a cause to make use of the built-in navigation and audio programs, particularly for the reason that smartphone mirroring is built-in so effectively.

Motorsport

This Adorable Mini Ferrari F40 Is A Mazda Underneath

Last 12 months, the Japanese tuner Liberty Walk confirmed off a widebody kit for the Ferrari F40 on the Tokyo Auto Salon. This 12 months, the corporate launched a pint-sized model of the enduring Italian supercar by making use of the look to a Mazda Autozam AZ-1. The result’s completely lovable.

The pictures under present Liberty Walk’s F40-inspired physique package and a inventory AZ-1 side-by-side, so you may see how in depth the modifications are.

Mazda Autozam AZ-1 Ferrari F40 Kit By Liberty Walk
Autozam AZ-1

The package overhauls the AZ-1’s nostril with a entrance fascia and hood that appears loads just like the F40. There are additionally canards on the corners and an prolonged splitter. Liberty Walk’s web page for the improve notes that the twin spherical headlights aren’t a part of the bundle. 

Widened fenders at each ends broaden the AZ-1’s stance, and beefy facet sills run between them. Liberty Walk additionally has new door panels with the embossed form of a NACA duct to emulate the F40’s look. 

Mazda Autozam AZ-1 Ferrari F40 Kit By Liberty Walk

The rear will get a tall, fastened wing with huge endplates. According to the corporate, the revised bumper consists of the reflectors however not the taillights. A diffuser with lengthy strakes can also be again there. Liberty Walk doesn’t point out the exhaust, however the pictures present a center-mounted three-pipe setup like on the F40.

There aren’t any particulars about inside modifications, however the sport seats seen within the pictures aren’t inventory. If you occur to personal an AZ-1 and need to make it appear to be an iconic Ferrari, Liberty Walk prices $22,600 for the physique package. Plus, a buyer wants to rearrange the portray and set up of the items. 

Mazda Autozam AZ-1 Ferrari F40 Kit By Liberty Walk
Ferrari F40 Liberty Walk Renderings (White)

Liberty Walk additionally matches a set of six-spoke solid wheels with a black end. They measure 16 inches in diameter on the entrance and 17 inches on the rear. The firm prices $14,300 for them.

The AZ-1 was one of the crucial thrilling vehicles in Japan’s kei class. Even in inventory type, it appears like a mini supercar. The gullwing doorways add to the sporty aesthetic. A mid-mounted turbocharged 657cc three-cylinder engine makes 63 horsepower, and a five-speed guide sends the ability to the rear wheels.

Motorsport

The 998-HP Aston Martin Valhalla Is Almost Here, Finally

Aston Martin confirmed the primary Valhalla idea – codenamed AM-RB 003 – in 2019. And the automaker has been regularly dropping hints in regards to the hybrid supercar ever since. Today, we get our first official take a look at the Valhalla testing on the monitor at Silverstone.

Aston’s first hybrid supercar packs a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine with a flat-plane crank design and three electrical motors – two on the entrance axle and one built-in into the transmission. That provides it a complete output of 998 horsepower (1,012 PS).

The entrance electrical motors permit for torque vectoring and can even act as a reverse gear since there is not any precise reverse gear within the title of weight financial savings. All-wheel drive will come normal, and the Valhalla can have lively aerodynamics aplenty, which you’ll see a few of in these pictures. Peep that huge adjustable rear wing.

Aston Martin Valhalla Prototype Track Testing
Aston Martin Valhalla Prototype Track Testing
Aston Martin Valhalla Prototype Track Testing

The Valhalla may even be good for 1,322 kilos of downforce at 149 miles per hour, with lively wings on the entrance and rear, similar to on the AMR23 race automotive, and small louvers close to the rear wheels. Aston says it is accomplished lots of of hours of aerodynamic testing within the wind tunnel alongside engineers at its Formula 1 crew.

The Valhalla is step one towards a completely electrical future for Aston, with the maiden EV scheduled to go on sale someday in 2025. Those electrical Astons will use a devoted EV structure developed fully in-house.

As for the Valhalla, manufacturing is scheduled to kick off someday subsequent 12 months. Just 999 might be produced, however there is not any phrase on pricing but. The excellent news is that it ought to value considerably lower than the $3.5-million Valkyrie.