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Tools

What Is Milwaukee Tool’s REDSTICK? Everything You Need To Know Before You Buy

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While leveling a floor is the first operate, there’s fairly a bit to speak about with regards to the unit as an entire. Sure, the digital readout will guarantee all the pieces you place is both degree or, if essential, perpendicular to different surfaces; nonetheless, should you dig into the menu accessible on the facet display, you may discover a bevy of choices and changes you can also make that improve the stick’s usability.

One helpful function is the tolerance adjustment. Not each floor you’re employed on will likely be clean, and adjusting the tolerance degree compensates for any deviations from a flat floor. You now not must guess simply how a lot a bumpy or tough floor impacts your closing measurement.

Additionally, the digital Redstick means that you can change the models of the readout. While levels could swimsuit you greatest, others could choose to see a proportion or a quantity represented in inches per foot.

Physically, the stick is created from an IP65-rated aluminum body, so its internal mechanics are shielded from mud, and it’s reasonably water resistant (however do not submerge the unit into water). With the 24-, 48-, and 72-inch ranges, you too can conveniently retailer it due to a hold gap.

It’s a reasonably feature-rich different in comparison with commonplace analog field ranges. The query stays, although, whether or not these options are useful and justify shopping for a separate gadget when you’ll be able to merely use a mobile phone app for measuring.

Motorsport

VW Says There’s No Market for an ID.Buzz Camper Van

When the Volkswagen ID. Buzz debuted back in 2022, discuss of a pop-top camper mannequin just about debuted with it. And why not? Camping adventures and the traditional VW bus go collectively like peanut butter and chocolate, however a contemporary tackle this formulation is probably going years away, if it materializes in any respect. That is, no less than in an ID. Buzz California camper coming straight from Volkswagen.

The holdup is not development problems as reported last year. According to Autocar, VW executives merely do not see sufficient demand to warrant the expense of constructing it proper now. Citing Lars Krause, gross sales and advertising and marketing head for VW, there are some anticipated growth challenges which might be typical for any new mannequin. But additionally, consumers aren’t able to decide to an electrical camper.

US-spec 2024 Volkswagen ID. Buzz LWB exterior driving shots

“I can tell you we always start from the market, and looking at the market figures and looking closely at our customers, it turned out that the need for these types of vehicles— BEV-driven campers—is not there yet from our perspective,” mentioned Krause, as reported by Autocar.

He additional states that demand is predicted to extend by the tip of the last decade and that VW is concentrating on that timeframe for a doable ID. Buzz California launch. In the meantime, there’s the Volkswagen California based on the T7 Multivan slated for European markets this 12 months. It debuted final August as a near-production prototype, bringing the long-lasting California moniker and pop-top roof to a plug-in hybrid platform.

VW Commercial Vehicles CEO Carsten Intra believes it’ll function a stepping stone towards electrified campers, and as such, we suspect its gross sales can be monitored very carefully. If consumers do not reply to a bigger PHEV California, it is affordable to suppose a smaller EV California could possibly be nixed utterly. Only time will inform on that entrance.

The irony is that, regardless of bearing the identify of a US state, the VW T7 California will not be provided on the market in North America. When (or if) the ID. Buzz California goes stay, it might make the journey. It could be primarily based on the long-wheelbase mannequin, which is the one model provided to US consumers.

Motorsport

Volvo Engine Teardown Shows What Happens When Rod Bearings Fail Over Time

When individuals speak about rod bearing failure, the very first thing that involves thoughts is the moment, catastrophic destruction that happens inside an engine with out warning. But generally bearing failure can occur over time, to the purpose the place an engine can run for hundreds of miles earlier than it will definitely blows up. That’s precisely what occurred to this Volvo engine.

Eric from the I Do Cars YouTube channel not too long ago bought his arms on this junked 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, and took it aside to see precisely the way it failed. According to the vendor, it was taken out of a 2015 Volvo XC60 that wanted a alternative engine. So no matter this engine is hiding, it isn’t good.

From the skin, this engine seems regular. There’s no gap within the block or exterior indicators of overheating. Tearing into the top reveals some varnished gear and carbon buildup—nothing out of the odd for a direct-injection engine with this type of mileage. But upon nearer inspection, Eric discovers a skinny lining of silver paste within the valleys of the top, indicating bearing put on. 

Sure sufficient, extra of that advantageous metallic paste might be discovered within the oil pan as soon as Eric removes it from the block. He says this engine doubtless ran for some time earlier than truly failing, giving the bearing materials loads of time to put on down and trigger havoc to the remainder of the motor. 

At some level, the bearings had sufficient and failed, spinning on the crankshaft and trashing the motor for good. The third cylinder’s bearings truly spun on prime of one another, inflicting critical destruction. Eric appears to be like a bit deeper, discovering large chunks of metallic within the oil pickup tube. We’re certain this engine sounded simply advantageous till the deadly second when the bearings gave out.

Car review

Volvo XC60

Volvo has given each motive for potential XC90 consumers to speak themselves into its extra inexpensive relation as a lot of the bigger automobile’s aesthetic enchantment, usability and materials high quality has been ushered into the newest providing.

The pair are carefully associated sufficient that even seasoned commentators had been pressured to seek out the variations in side-by-side comparability.

The variations, then, are delicate: vents have been remodelled and switchgear swapped out, however primarily all of the essential fixtures are transferred, together with the portrait-orientated infotainment display screen that dominates the dashboard.

This is to the smaller automobile’s profit; we rightly lauded the Volvo XC90’s tackle an SUV cabin, and its downsizing has achieved nothing to dilute the impression of sitting in a well-thought-out house.

The bigger XC90’s cabin atmosphere, which manages to appear vaguely Scandinavian with out lapsing into the looks of an IKEA kitchen, is effectively translated, as is the high-quality fit-and-finish of predominantly premium supplies.

It does not really feel as contemporary or revolutionary as extra fashionable rivals with its materials use now nevertheless it’s nonetheless a pleasant place to be.

As commonplace, there’s an eight-inch digital instrument cluster which, when mixed with the nine-inch touchscreen, remains to be there or thereabouts with the category on expertise nevertheless it does now really feel a bit dated, maybe by means of familiarity as a lot as anything.

The earlier ‘Sensus’ working system was changed with a Google-based system, and whereas an improve it’s nonetheless a great distance from good. Using it requires your eyes to be off the highway too usually, with too many button presses for even the only of duties.

Even switching between driving modes has turn out to be a three-stage course of, first choosing ‘Settings’, then ‘Dynamics’ and solely then with the ability to transfer between the Hybrid, Power, Pure, Off-Road and AED modes. The scroll controller beforehand used to maneuver between these has been eliminated, making it not possible to vary them with out taking eyes from the highway; in usability phrases a particular retrograde step.

Some different settings had been buried even additional, to the extent it appears unlikely that many homeowners will ever uncover them. For an organization as safety-conscious as Volvo, that is an oversight. 

You sit obligingly excessive within the automobile, on leather-upholstered seats that supply an honest sufficient compromise between consolation and help, and with none doubt that the encompassing house is of a capacious kind.

The rear quarters observe go well with: they’re usefully extra roomy than these of the mannequin being changed, although nothing exceptionally spacious for the category, however adults of all sizes ought to discover themselves being made snug.

The give attention to passenger contentment has penalised boot house a wee bit, although. The XC60’s 505-litre capability is respectable however not fairly on par with the quantity provided by most of its big-name rivals, just like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC, each of which supply 550 litres.

That’s a light deficiency every purchaser should fee for themselves; for us, the impressively sq., flat loadspace appeared prepared for many large household duties. 

Motorsport

Volvo Had A Record 2023 And The XC60 Was Its Best Seller

We hardly ever to speak concerning the present XC60, contemplating most Volvo bulletins are about new electrical autos. But regardless of the shortage of protection and the very fact this SUV has gone for various years untouched, the XC60 continues to be going sturdy.

Volvo had a record-breaking 2023 when it bought 708,716 vehicles, up by 15 % in comparison with 2022. The XC60 was its hottest product, racking up gross sales of 228,646 models (up from 195,338 models in 2022). It managed to beat the smaller and cheaper XC40 (200,670 models) in addition to the range-topping XC90 (107,549 models), each of which noticed a bump in gross sales over the earlier 12 months.


News

10 Attainable Cars That You Can Build To Be Supercar Killers

When you talk of supercars, you refer to an automotive beast with jaw-dropping specs, and performance. If you have to put it in numbers, think more than 500 horsepower, 0 to 60 in a blink, and top speed that could make anyone smile.

For a car to be considered a supercar these days when power is easily attainable, you need to consider two more factors: rarity and a hefty price tag. Supercars will usually make even those with deep pockets wait because of their low-volume production run. The insane price tag, usually involving a lot of zeroes, further makes these mean machines far from the reach of mere mortals.

However, you don’t have to pawn your soul to the devil to get hold of even the most affordable supercars available today. There are inexpensive cars today that you can easily turn into supercar killers without emptying your pockets.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including KBB, Car And Driver, and MotorTrend. The list includes a wide range of budget-friendly, high-performance cars from various years, and has been arranged based on the fair purchase price, from cheapest to the most expensive models.

RELATED: The Fastest American Supercars In The World, Ranked

10 2010 BMW 335i xDrive

Fair Purchase Price: $9,157

2010 BMW 335i xDrive action shot
BMW

The 2010 BMW 335i xDrive coupe sold for $45,425 when it hit the market, and you can get one today for less than $10,000. It does not scream great body styling but comes with the usual gorgeous BMW lines. What’s more important for a supercar killer is what’s under the hood. The car relies on a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six that cranks out 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque.

The N54 block is coupled with a robust six-speed manual gearbox that boasts highly effective synchronization during shifting. With xDrive, power is distributed to all four corners and also enhances the vehicle’s stability and agility. That’s nearly as exciting as the BMW M4 today, considering the car’s age.

Performance Specifications

Engine

3.0-liter Inline-Six

Transmission

Six-Speed Manual

Horsepower

300 HP

Torque

300 LB-FT

Driveline

AWD

0-60 MPH

5.3 Seconds

Top Speed

150 MPH (electronically limited)

(Specs sourced from BMW and Edmunds)

The BMW 335i already offers a good amount of performance rolling out of the production line. If you want to challenge supercars, there are simple to extensive modifications you can do. Apart from stripping off the inside to make the 3,759-pound coupe lighter. You can also start with a piggyback tuner, changing the car’s shoes, and fixing its limited-slip differential, among others. This may cost you around $2,000 to $3,000 without labor. GTR-killing E92 BMWs have been done before just like a bi-turbo bimmer that achieved 614 horsepower and 595 pound-feet of torque.

9 2008 Nissan 350z

Fair Purchase Price: $12,829

2008 Nissan 350z profile shot
Nissan

The 2008 Nissan 350z takes inspiration from the iconic 1970 Datsun 240z with its front-engine and rear-wheel drive configuration with a timeless design. At the heart of this machine is a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 306 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. It either comes with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic gearbox.

The Front Mid-Ship platform of the Z gives it an optimal weight balance distribution of 53:46 front-to-rear. Aside from good aerodynamics, the car is also equipped with ABS with electronic brake force distribution, traction control system, and vehicle dynamic control, among others.

Performance Specifications

Engine

3.5-Liter V-6

Transmission

Six-speed manual or Five-Speed Automatic

Horsepower

306 HP

Torque

268 LB-FT

Driveline

RWD

0-60 MPH

5.6 to 6 Seconds

Top Speed

155 MPH (electronically limited)

(Specs sourced from Nissan and Edmunds)

With an impressive stock vehicle, the 350z VQ-series engine can be tweaked to make some supercars look weak. Of course, what you’ll do depends on the budget and time you want to put in. You’ve to put a combo of upgrades that will work harmoniously together to create a speed monster.

You can go the simple route of remapping the ECU, upgrading intake manifolds, giving it high-flow injectors, and a fast road camshaft, among others. These can easily go for around $10 to $15K. If you want to go the twin-turbo route that can boost power beyond 500HP, be ready to strengthen the internals. And be ready for the bill that may cost more than the used 350z, and probably the fastest 350z on the planet.

8 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton W12

Fair Purchase Price: $15,000

2006 Volkswagen Phaeton W12 profile shot
Wikimedia Commons

Yes, there’s an over-engineered Volkswagen full-size sedan that went for around $97,000 to $101,000 when it was released in the early 2000s. It’s the 2006 Phaeton W12 that boasts performance but is known for its shortcomings compared to its rivals of the day.

The hefty VW was equipped with a W-12 all-aluminum engine mated to a Torsen differential that split the power 50/50 between the front and rear wheels. Its underpinnings share the DNA with the Audi A8 but its hefty sheet metal panels made the car a whopping 5,399 pounds.

Performance Specifications

Engine

6.0-Liter W-12

Transmission

Five-Speed Automatic

Horsepower

444 HP

Torque

406 LB-FT

Driveline

AWD

0-60 MPH

5.9 Seconds

Top Speed

166 MPH

(Specs sourced from Volkswagen and Edmunds)

The Phaeton W12 was quick, hitting 60 MPH from a full stop in a matter of 5.9 seconds. The only faster limo during its time was the Mercedes S600 with a twin-turbocharged powerplant. However, owners have reported vague steering, and harsh suspension, among others.

The most basic thing you can do to make this car is to remove its seats or install lighter ones. You may also opt for lighter body panels and consider optimizing its performance further through engine remapping, improve handling with better suspension, and upgrading turbo, among others. Cost may vary, but this may range between $5,000 to $7,000, based on current prices of parts and services.

RELATED: 10 Supercars That Won’t Break The Bank In Maintenance Costs

7 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG

Fair Purchase Price: $18,747

News

Audi Q4 e-tron: 5 updates that make it even better

In sports, trainers often mention the concept of marginal gains: focusing on refining each individual element of the overall package to create a significantly improved overall product. This applies to the updated Audi Q4 e-tron.

The revised Audi Q4 e-tron boasts a more efficient powertrain with increased power, extended range, and faster charging capabilities. Additionally, it features an improved chassis for a more engaging driving experience, and enhanced in-car technology. Here are the key improvements that set the updated Audi Q4 e-tron apart.

Discover more about the updated Audi Q4 e-tron

#1 Improved Range Efficiency

The Audi Q4 e-tron SUV and Sportback have consistently offered significant all-electric range within their compact urban-friendly design. The updated Audi Q4 e-tron line-up now takes this even further.

This enhancement is made possible by a more efficient electric motor on the rear axle – a permanently excited synchronous machine (PSM) that utilizes optimized thermal management and energy-saving cooling to improve efficiency.

Consequently, the updated Audi Q4 e-tron range now offers increased mileage, with the Audi Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron providing up to 349 miles (WLTP).

#2 Enhanced Performance

In addition to extending the all-electric range, the more efficient rear-axle electric motor in the updated Audi Q4 e-tron also delivers improved performance.

For rear-wheel drive Audi Q4 45 e-tron models, the power output has been raised to 286PS, while the range-topping twin-motor Audi Q4 55 e-tron quattro models boast up to 340PS, achieving 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds.

This added performance is accompanied by a unique acoustic signature within the e-tron range. As an optional feature, the new all-electric engine sound adapts based on the accelerator position and vehicle speed, delivering a distinct and progressive tone.

BMW

Statement by Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Conference Call Quarterly Statement to 30 September 2023

– Check against delivery –

Good day, everyone.

Before I discuss current developments, I want to address the recent change in the Board of Management of BMW AG.

As you all know, Jochen Goller was appointed to the Board of Management, effective November 1st. Jochen Goller has had various roles in China and the UK and has successfully managed our activities in China since 2018 as head of the MINI brand.

Meanwhile, Sean Green, previously Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at our BBA joint venture, will now be responsible for our business in China.

Jochen Goller takes over for Pieter Nota, who led our Customer, Brands and Sales Board division since 2018.

Under Pieter Nota’s leadership, the BMW Group significantly increased its global market share. During this time, the BMW brand also regained its position at the top of the premium segment and expanded it further.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to Pieter Nota and wish Jochen Goller the best as he begins his new role.

I recently returned from a trip to Asia, where I visited Beijing and attended the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo. This trip reaffirmed that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for today’s and tomorrow’s mobility. Our world is diverse, and we need different technological solutions to meet customer needs and comply with various regulatory requirements worldwide.

In China, electric vehicles dominate, although plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles also play a role in decarbonizing mobility. For example, a significant number of taxis in Beijing already run on hydrogen.

In the third quarter of this year, we experienced business growth worldwide, thanks to our wide range of premium vehicles across all drive technologies.

In China, pure electric vehicles performed exceptionally well, with sales more than tripling in the first nine months compared to the same period last year.

In Japan, the demand for all-electric cars is still relatively low, with more focus on plug-in hybrids and combustion engine cars. However, Japanese manufacturers, especially, are stepping up their efforts in the electric vehicle market, as seen at the Japan Mobility Show with their concept cars and fully-electric options.

Japan has recognized the importance of hydrogen early on, and our BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot vehicle has been well received there.

As a global premium manufacturer, the BMW Group remains committed to technology-driven decarbonization of mobility. Our strong sales and financial figures are evidence of this, and we will continue on this path in the future. We recently presented the all-electric iX2 as the latest example of our commitment, alongside the BMW X2.

The iX2 is a digital champion, featuring the new BMW Operating System 9, which provides a comprehensive range of digital features and functions, including gaming and streaming capabilities. These features, such as optimized touch controls and integrated voice control, provide our customers with a unique digital experience in their cars.

In early next year, we will continue our rollout of new all-electric products with the world premiere of the new BMW 5 Series Touring. This model will offer the same drivetrain options as the sedan, including the all-electric i5 Touring, giving us a distinct advantage in a popular segment, especially in Europe.

Our goal remains to have more than half of our global sales from all-electric cars well before 2030.

To achieve this, we are further expanding our leading role in battery cell technology. Our competence center in Parsdorf near Munich is laying the technological foundations for efficient and resource-saving battery cell production, and we are sharing this knowledge with our suppliers to set benchmarks in production, quality, performance, cost, and ecological impact.

Recently, we inaugurated the competence center in Parsdorf, where sample production of the sixth-generation round cells has begun. These cells have up to 20% higher energy density and up to 60% reduced CO2 footprint in cell production. This translates to benefits for our customers, such as up to 30% faster charging speed and up to 30% higher range according to WLTP.

Following our “local-for-local” principle, we are also ensuring that high-voltage battery assembly takes place near our vehicle plants to secure our production and reduce the carbon footprint. Production facilities for the sixth generation of BMW high-voltage batteries are being built in Debrecen, Hungary; Woodruff, South Carolina, in the US; San Luis Potosí, Mexico; and Shenyang, China. We are also planning a high-voltage battery assembly site in Irlbach-Straßkirchen to supply our vehicle production in Bavaria, which received majority support in a recent referendum to continue the planning process.

In terms of future products, we provided a preview of the NEUE KLASSE at the IAA MOBILITY in September. The BMW VISION Neue Klasse represents a new approach to individual mobility that is more human, intelligent, and responsible. For example, the materials used in the NEUE KLASSE will help reduce its carbon footprint, and it features the Panoramic Vision Display, providing a unique experience for all passengers.

The NEUE KLASSE is not just another BMW car; it is a new generation of products. Within 24 months, we will release six models, from SAVs to sedans, all powered by electric drivetrains.

MINI is also undergoing a complete electrification transformation, with plans to be fully electric by 2030. At the IAA MOBILITY, we showcased two key members of the new MINI family: the MINI Cooper 3-Door and the MINI Countryman. The next fully-electric MINI, the MINI Aceman, is set to make its world premiere in April 2024 in the premium-compact car segment. The new MINI family is produced by our Chinese joint-venture partner, Spotlight, as well as in our plants in Leipzig and Oxford.

Rolls-Royce, our second British brand, is also transitioning to exclusive electric models by the early 2030s. Preparations for the sales launch of the first electric Rolls-Royce are underway, with the Spectre scheduled for release by the end of the year. Torsten Müller-Ötvös, who has led Rolls-Royce since 2010, will retire, and Chris Brownridge will take over as the new leader.

In the realm of BMW Motorrad, we recently celebrated the brand’s centenary with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Under Markus Schramm’s leadership, BMW Motorrad expanded its product range, entered new markets, and achieved record-breaking years. Markus Flasch has taken over as the new leader, bringing his experience from BMW M GmbH and the mid-size and luxury class and Rolls-Royce product line.

While we continue to expand and refine our product range, digitalizing the customer interface is a top priority. Our new direct sales model for MINI will soon launch in Europe, following a successful rollout in China. This model offers full price transparency and seamless integration of online and offline consulting options for customers. It also provides an attractive business model for our retailers, and our European retailers have already signed contracts. This direct sales model gives the BMW Group direct access to customers, allowing us to curate an entirely new customer experience, exemplified by our “Proactive Care” service, which uses data analytics and AI to detect potential vehicle problems proactively.

In conclusion, the BMW Group’s strategic approach is continuing to yield success in 2023. Our diversified position, with a broad product portfolio and global production sites, is reinforced by recent recognition from TIME magazine and Statista, where we ranked in the top ten of the world’s top 750 companies and were the highest-rated automotive manufacturer worldwide. Internally, our Employee Survey reaffirmed the positive mood within the company, with our employees expressing pride in working for the BMW Group and supporting our goals.

Thank you.

Motorsport

Preview of the 2024 Toyota Crown Special Edition with Matte Paint

The Toyota Crown has been predominantly available only in Japan for many years. However, with the introduction of the sixteenth generation in 2022, it has expanded to become a family of several vehicles. Currently, the Crown is sold as a high-riding sedan and a crossover, with a larger SUV and a regular sedan set to be released in Japan soon.

Hot on the heels of the recently launched Crown Sport crossover, Toyota is now preparing a special edition for the jacked-up saloon. This limited-run variant, which will only be available in Japan, is based on the RS Advanced trim and features an exclusive matte paint job along with unspecified “other special features”.

2024 Toyota Crown Sport (JDM)

This special edition Crown is expected to go on sale in Japan in December. Although the price has not been announced, it is likely to be more expensive than the 6,400,000 yen (approximately $43,000) RS Advanced trim. Customers will be able to purchase this special edition from dedicated Crown showrooms, with locations currently available in Tsuzuki, Yokohama, and Tenjin, Fukuoka. Additional showrooms in Aichi, Chiba, and Tokyo are planned to open soon.

It seems that the Crown is turning into a sub-brand to distinguish it from the regular lineup of Toyota vehicles. In addition to the four initial models, the even more luxurious Century sedan and the recently launched SUV are only available for order from select Century Meisters showrooms.

Crown dealerships will showcase all four models, and potential customers will have the opportunity to test drive them. Toyota is also creating upscale lounge areas and organizing networking events for owners, while the design of the building reflects the Crown brand’s identity. Following the release of this first special edition, more limited-run variants with additional features will be introduced for other Crown models.