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Motorsport

It Took A Winch And A Team Of Detailers to Unearth This Audi R8 From Its Five-Year Slumber

Sometimes, life merely will get in the best way of issues. That’s the reason from the proprietor of this 2010 Audi R8 Spyder, which was left exterior for 5 years with a window partially down, wreaking havoc each exterior and inside.

We can really feel the trend of fans surging by means of the web. But earlier than you hit ship on that sharply worded remark, here is some backstory on the Audi from Detail Dane and WD Detailing, two YouTube channels that collaborated on this rescue. The R8’s proprietor is the previous proprietor of the house the place it was parked all these years. The patrons mentioned it was okay to maintain the automotive there, however then COVID occurred and properly, the times became months after which years.

The state of affairs was additional sophisticated by the Audi’s particular air suspension setup. According to the movies, it was an early set up of this specific system and the location of parts within the frunk made entry to the R8’s battery troublesome. Power was drained, after which mice got here alongside and chewed by means of the suspension’s air traces, successfully dropping the R8 to the bottom. Attempts have been reportedly made to get the automotive out, however the battery and suspension points thwarted these early efforts. And merely dragging the automotive out – a transfer that may possible trigger fairly a bit of injury –  was not an choice.

2010 Audi R8 Detail
Acura NSX In Field
2010 Audi R8 Detail

The result’s what you see right here. Simply loading the automotive onto a lined trailer was a four-hour course of involving wheel dollies, a number of winches, and removing of the R8’s entrance fascia. The diligence paid off, and the automotive was finally taken to Detail Dane’s store the place he and WD Detailing teamed as much as give it the mom of all baths.

The window being down led to every kind of mildew within the inside, but it surely cleaned up like new. The exterior makes a jaw-dropping transformation as properly, and with a battery field attached, there’s sufficient juice to function the R8 Spyder’s fussy energy high.

2010 Audi R8 Detail
2010 Audi R8 Detail

In truth, there’s even sufficient juice to fireplace up the 5.2-liter V10. It’s at this level we be taught in regards to the customized exhaust. We haven’t any particulars on the character of the exhaust, however we all know that it is loud. The detailers approve, and other than just a few puffs of black smoke (presumably from five-year-old gasoline nonetheless within the tank), the R8 appears wanting to hit the road as soon as once more. That’s not taking place till the suspension problem is sorted, and sadly, the movies finish earlier than we be taught the R8’s final destiny. 

We’ve contacted Detail Dane in hopes of getting an replace on the Audi, to not point out the present standing of the Acura NSX additionally proven within the video. Considering we have seen somebody rescue an NSX after 15 years at the bottom of a river, this one sitting in a yard looks like a no brainer to get again on the street. If we hear again, we’ll bounce in with recent information.

News

Top 10 greatest luxurious electrical automobiles 2023

Not all that way back, a ‘luxurious’ electrical automobile wasn’t one thing one might merrily exit and purchase.

They merely did not exist. But the Tesla Model S modified that, and within the years because the American saloon first demonstrated what was attainable in the event you injected a mix of tempo, consolation and magnificence into the EV equation, quite a few premium-branded luxurious EVs have joined the fray. They now come from producers everyone has heard of, not least Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

Indeed, as we speak the posh EV class is effectively furnished with choices. There are automobiles that attempt to maximise refinement and opulence, and a few that place efficiency on a pedestal, whereas different throw a superb dose of utility into the combo with SUV bodyshells. Competition is fierce and requirements ever-increasing – as effectively they may, provided that not one of the fantastic automobiles listed beneath are what you’d name cheap. 

So, in the event you’re on the lookout for the among the longest-legged and most usable electrical automobiles on this planet, this chart is the place you will discover them. This is the place Teslas do battle with Mercedes EQs, BMW i automobiles, Audi E-trons, and even new-groove Porsches. If you’ve got acquired an even bigger price range to spend on an electrically powered household automobile to make use of and depend on for any sort of journey, then, with claimed ranges of as much as 400 miles and past, these are your principal contenders.

Best Luxury Electric Cars 2023

1. BMW i7

Pros Cabin opulence, potent electrical powertrain, excellent compromise of journey and dealing with

Cons Challenging aesthetics, real-world vary is lower than 300 miles, not particularly inexpensive

It’s a measure of the growing preeminence of EVs that the primary model of BMW’s all-new 7 Series flagship to hit showrooms is the all-electric i7. Plug-in hybrids will comply with in the end, however when it comes to setting the tone for the longer term (actually in Europe) and setting out your luxurious automobile stand, then batteries take the lead. Yet maybe much more considerably for the model, the all-new seventh era model of its range-topping saloon is the primary to correctly hit the posh automobile bullseye and show an actual various to the in any other case dominant Mercedes S-Class.

One issues for sure with this 7 Series – onlookers aren’t going to overlook your arrival. This is not and stylish or perhaps a significantly aesthetically interesting automobile, however there isn’t any doubt the monumentally proportioned i7 attracts consideration. Bluff-fronted and slab-sided it visually dominates any slab of tarmac its sits on, however in the event you’re a plutocrat desirous to flaunt your success the automobile’s imposing presence will solely be a constructive. It’s much more spectacular inside, though fortunately that is all the way down to the fantastically crafted end and jaw-dropping tech quite than any gaudy brashness within the design. Rich supplies are used via out, whereas the slick screens sitting on high of the sprint could be accessed utilizing an iDrive rotary controller. For rear set passengers there’s the choice of an unimaginable drop down 31.3-inch display, which together with the Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivers a drive-on quite than drive-thru cinema expertise.

Motorsport

Pagani’s New Special Huayra Model

Similar to the Zonda, the Huayra has remained relevant over the years. Despite being unveiled in January 2011, Pagani continues to generate buzz with a new version set to be revealed soon. Although the Utopia is technically the Huayra’s successor, a recent teaser image on social media hints at an upcoming release of a Huayra-based model developed by Grandi Complicazioni, Pagani’s division for creating unique and limited-edition cars. It appears to be a convertible with a removable panel, featuring a distinct floating roof scoop, similar to the roadster version of the Imola.

Pagani Huayra Imola

The Imola, unveiled in September 2019, was a limited run of five coupes built with a twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine manufactured by AMG, producing 827 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque. Weighing just 2,747 pounds before fluids, it was equipped with a seven-speed Xtrac automated manual transmission routing power to the rear wheels.

Prior to the debut of the fixed roof Imola, Pagani revealed that the hardcore Huayra underwent rigorous testing, clocking in 10,000 miles on the track as part of the most demanding on-track validation test any Pagani car had faced. The coupe was developed for road use, indicating a similar approach for its roadster counterpart. The Imola quickly sold out, and it’s anticipated that this new version will follow suit.

More details are expected to be revealed as Pagani unveils its latest special supercar in the coming months.

Motorsport

Is It Time To Buy A Chevy Corvette C4 ZR-1 Or LT4? This Video Offers An Answer

The fourth-generation Chevrolet Corvette – or simply C4 to fans – was in production from 1984 to 1996 model years. This video from Retro Cars Forever compares two of the more potent variants of this model: the ZR-1 and the ’96 example with the LT4 engine.

The ZR-1, unlike the modern iterations, was a high-tech machine for its era. General Motors controlled Lotus at the time and contracted the British team to create a V8 for this range-topping model. The result was a 5.7-liter V8 with dual camshafts for each bank of cylinders – a significant change from the pushrod-equipped, overhead-valve layout available from other ‘Vette engines.

Chevy Corvette C4 Comparison Video

The Lotus-tuned V8 made 375 horsepower at introduction and 405 hp after the 1993 model. Plus, the mill had a redline at 7,200 rpm. To put that spec into perspective, the 3.4-liter V8 in the Ferrari 348, available around the same as the ZR1, made 320 hp at 7,200 revs.

The road-going C4 always used a 5.7-liter V8, but Chevy improved it several times during the production run. The 1996 model was the finale for the fourth-gen ‘Vette, but the Bowtie decided to introduce the new LT4 engine as an option. It made 330 hp, according to the factory specs. In the video, host Brad Hansen notes this output is possibly lower than the actual figure, with dynos putting the number between 350 and 360 hp.

Retro Cars Forever does real-world 0-60-mph acceleration runs in both cars with two passengers inside. The LT4-equipped C4 tallies a best time of 6.78 seconds. The ZR-1’s top sprint takes 6.46 seconds.

The LT4 comes out on top as a car you would drive regularly. This engine is an evolution of the venerable Chevy small-black V8, making repairs easier than the ZR-1’s more exotic engine. 

Plus, the ZR-1 features unique bodywork, like doors that flare outward to the wider fenders. In the event of damage, it will be more complicated to find replacement parts than for a C4, which has a more common exterior. 

So, which one should you get? The video leaves that up to the individual. In their current condition, both of these Corvettes are worth around $25,000. However, the later, more powerful ZR-1s command more, and the LT4-equipped Grand Sport also goes for a premium. Meanwhile, folks with more modest budgets can check out the earlier, lower-output examples that are less expensive, judging by a report from Hagerty Insurance.

Cars

The Reason Your Car’s Rear Windows Don’t Roll Down Fully (And It’s Not About Safety)

Simply put, the reason that the rear windows in most cars don’t roll down all the way is that the window storage compartment in the rear doors is not large enough. When you roll down the windows, the glass needs a place to go.

Car doors have a small cavity that holds the window glass when it’s rolled down. The cavity is larger in the front doors because they are typically bigger. They have enough space to accommodate the window cavity and other mechanical parts of the door.

On the other hand, the rear doors are usually smaller and do not extend all the way down to the bottom of the car’s body. Because of their smaller size, there is less room for a window cavity. Typically, there is only enough space in a rear car door to lower the window about three-fourths of the way. The remaining space is needed for the mechanics of the door.

Newer, larger cars have windows that can roll down all the way because the passenger doors are bigger. Having bigger doors means there is more space for a window storage cavity. This allows the rear windows to safely roll down without affecting the door’s functions.

Any safety benefits that come from the window not rolling down all the way are simply a result of design or may be an unintentional consequence of how passenger doors are made.

Motorsport

Lamborghini Huracan Successor Starts Engine After Reversing in Electric Mode

We apologize for the wind noise, but we couldn’t resist sharing a spy video of the Lamborghini Huracan successor being tested in Spain. The “baby Lambo” is remarkably quiet in the beginning of the clip because it will be a plug-in hybrid, similar to its big brother, the Revuelto. Around the 1:00 mark, we finally hear the engine before the car reverses in electric mode.

The most exciting part of the video occurs at 1:14 when the driver restarts the internal combustion engine. Unfortunately, it does not feature the naturally aspirated V10 found in the Huracan and Audi R8. Recent reports suggest that it will have a downsized engine, potentially a twin-turbo V8. Rumor has it that the turbochargers will not engage until 7,000 rpm, so for the most part, the engine will behave like a naturally aspirated one. The redline is expected to be at 10,000 rpm.


Internet, News

YouTube Introduces Several New Features, Including an Audio Stabilizer

YouTube is adding a feature inspired by one of Google Assistant’s lesser-known capabilities. Users will be able to sing or hum a song and YouTube will identify it for them. To use this feature, users need to hum for at least three seconds. Initially, this feature will be available on Android, with a rollout planned in the coming weeks. In the meantime, users can use Google Assistant for this purpose, as it usually directs users to YouTube’s music and video platforms for results.

Here’s an example of the feature in action:

Furthermore, YouTube is redesigning the “You” page, which can be accessed through the profile icon in the bottom right corner of the screen. Instead of text-based controls, the page will now display rows of video thumbnails labeled as history, playlist, etc. This new design makes it easier for users to find their liked, saved, playlisted, or watched videos from the past (assuming they have enabled watch history).

In addition, YouTube is introducing a dedicated tab for creators to showcase their social links, as well as improving the TV interface with separate windows for action buttons, video descriptions, chapters, and comments. These changes will eventually be implemented on mobile and web platforms.

Motorsport

2024 Nissan Rogue Reveals Updated Design in Spy Photos

When it comes to making changes to a popular vehicle, careful consideration is necessary. With nearly 200,000 Rogues sold in 2022, Nissan’s designers have taken a conservative approach for this mid-cycle refresh.

This is only the second time we have caught a glimpse of the SUV, with the first sighting occurring back in April 2023. Since then, the Rogue has shed some of its heavy camouflage coverings, revealing its updated front fascia. However, it is challenging to spot any noticeable differences. In our previous observation, we speculated that the grille might be narrower and deeper, but now that its outline is visible, it appears to be the same as the current model in terms of size. That said, we can see a new mesh pattern beneath the tape, and we would wager that the grille surround has also been tweaked.


Cars

Why It’s Not a Good Idea to Use WD-40 on Your Brakes and Rotors

If you hear a squeaking noise from your brakes, it’s important to understand the underlying issue before attempting any fixes. In some cases, the noise may be due to condensation on the brakes, which can easily be resolved by parking your vehicle in a climate-controlled area overnight. Additionally, gently applying the brakes early in your drive can help reduce or eliminate the noise. While applying WD-40 might temporarily displace the water and quiet the brakes, it is not a long-term solution unless you plan to do it every day.

However, squeaky brakes can also be an indication that your brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced. This noise serves as an important safety warning. If you choose to spray WD-40 on your brakes, it can cause damage to the rubber seals on the caliper seals and brake lines. This damage can result in hydraulic fluid leaks and potentially dangerous failures in your brake system. It’s important to note that some vehicles have drum brakes on their rear wheels. If the source of the noise is a stuck drum, using a brake lubricant instead of WD-40 is recommended. Apply the lubricant to the backing plate where the brake shoe sits and avoid applying it to the front brake rotors. Applying lubricant between the disc rotors and brake pads can significantly affect the performance of your disc brakes and potentially lead to an accident.

Motorsport

Custom Mercedes Sprinter Camper Build Is A Kiteboarder’s Dream

When it comes to motorhomes, most of them are designed as a basic living space on wheels, equipped with a sleeping area, a small kitchen, and possibly a bathroom. However, Outside Van has created something unique with its Slim Chance concept, catering specifically to kiteboarders and foilers who require a vehicle to transport their gear for outdoor adventures.

The foundation for this build is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 144 Chassis, which comes with all-wheel drive. Working closely with professional kiteboarder Ewan Jaspan and the team at outdoor gear company Naish USA, Outside Van has customized the vehicle to meet the specific needs of outdoor sports enthusiasts. Interestingly, the name “Slim Chance” is actually derived from a kiteboarding trick.