The overreliance on screens has develop into a security concern. We are inclined to take our eyes off the street to navigate by way of submenus to entry an often-used function. It’s an actual downside that Euro NCAP has not too long ago highlighted. From 2026, Europe’s unbiased security group will penalize automakers by decreasing the security score of a automotive that does not have bodily controls for sure features.
This resolution acquired us pondering – are there nonetheless vehicles with out middle screens? By that, we imply no show in any respect. There are a handful of vehicles with non-touch screens surrounded by buttons, however we need to concentrate on automotive interiors that do fully away with a middle display. The reply must be sure. For instance, Dacia will promote you a Sandero hatchback, Logan sedan, Jogger wagon, or a Duster SUV with out a central show, supplied you keep on with the most cost effective model.
April 15 is a day that Americans are likely to eye warily. If you are one in all our readers exterior the US, that is as a result of most years, it is our annual federal tax deadline. Almost nobody who is not a paid tax preparer is happy about at the present time, however Aprilia is right here to assist us riders probably change our minds.
Why? If you may be in or close to the neighborhood of Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on April 15, 2024, that simply so occurs to be the very first day of the Aprilia Racers Days 2024 season.
Throughout the yr, Aprilia hosts Racers Days events at a few of the highest tracks throughout America, inviting Aprilia homeowners out for an unforgettable expertise on monitor. Kicking issues off at COTA on a day that everybody nearly universally dreads is probably a next-level stress reliever.
2024 Aprilia Racers Days Dates, Tracks, And Locations
Date
Track
Location
April 15, 2024
Circuit of the Americas
Austin, Texas
April 22, 2024
Road Atlanta
Braselton, Georgia
July 1, 2024
Ridge Motorsports Park
Shelton, Washington
July 22, 2024
Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca
Salinas, California
September 30, 2024
New Jersey Motorsports Park
Millville, New Jersey
October 21, 2024
Buttonwillow Raceway Park
Buttonwillow, California
Please notice that should you do not reside on both coast of the US, the one ARD occasion in 2024 that is not on both coast is the primary one at COTA in April. That’s nonetheless fairly a trek should you’re in, say, Minnesota.
What You Need To Know To Participate In Aprilia Racers Days 2024
Aprilia Racers Days in progress.
Aprilia Racers Days are occasions sponsored by Aprilia Americas for current homeowners of Aprilia bikes to convey their bikes to the monitor and enhance their abilities. All contributors might want to convey their very own gear (helmet, leathers, boots, gloves) and their motorbike.
Aprilia additionally invitations main motorbike gear and tire producers together with Dainese, AGV, and Pirelli to its Racers Days occasions. Participants will have the ability to try the most recent and best merchandise on provide from these producers at every of the six occasions.
Pricing varies by location and exercise. Regular monitor day experiences in Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced teams can be found in any respect ARD occasions. Schools (Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced) are additionally out there, however they normally value a bit greater than the usual monitor day by itself since instruction is concerned.
Each ARD 2024 occasion features a complimentary lunch and free monitor day images. Registration is first come, first served, so transfer shortly if you already know you need to take part in a particular ARD occasion.
Can I Test Ride New Aprilia Bikes At Aprilia Racers Days 2024 Events?
2024 Aprilia RS 457 – This may very well be you, in case your title is Maverick Viñales.
Aprilia can have bikes from its 2024 lineup available for riders to demo at every cease on the Aprilia Racers Days 2024 calendar. However, there are some restrictions.
Beginner (or C Group) riders will solely have the ability to demo the 660cc and 457cc machines, and will be unable to attempt any 1100cc bikes. Racers who’re within the Intermediate or Advanced (B or A Groups) will have the ability to demo any bike from Aprilia’s present fleet that’s at that occasion.
One demo experience is on the market per participant, and Aprilia and its teaching workers reserve the best to refuse demo rides and/or ask any negligent riders to depart the occasion. So, you already know, be in your greatest habits. You had been going to do this anyway, proper? Right.
Be conscious that Aprilia additionally has a $500 minimal payment for any crashes that happen both within the monitor or within the paddock whereas using its demo fleet. This quantity will probably be charged to the bank card contributors file at registration for every occasion. Available demo fleet fashions will embody the RSV4, Tuono V4, RS 660, Tuono 660, and RS 457.
To register for any of the ARD 2024 occasions, try the Aprilia hyperlink in our Sources.
“New year, new me” is a factor that lots of people are likely to say each time the yr counter ticks over. In the case of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, the bike stays the identical, nevertheless it’s including a few new colorways to the lineup for potential consumers to contemplate in 2024.
Dapper Green and Dapper Orange be a part of the present shade lineup that is out there for the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 in India. As a reminder, the opposite colours out there there are Factory Black, Dapper White, Dapper Grey, Rebel Black, Rebel Blue, and Rebel Red. Factory Black comes with spoked wheels, whereas all of the Dapper and Rebel colorways include solid aluminum wheels.
9Photos
What’s the pricing like?
It varies barely by area in India, however for example, the Dapper colours begin at ₹169,656 ex-showroom in Chennai, which converts to about $2,038 on the time of writing. For comparability, the Rebel colours begin at ₹174,655 ex-showroom in Chennai, which is about $2,098.
For readers within the US, we at present get six colours on the Hunter 350: Dapper White, Dapper Ash, Dapper Grey, Rebel Black, Rebel Blue, and Rebel Red. The Dapper colours all begin at a base MSRP of $3,999, whereas the Rebel colorways (that are two-tone) begin at $4,199.
Will the brand new colours be out there elsewhere?
So far, Royal Enfield has solely introduced the brand new Dapper Green and Dapper Orange colours in India. If you are acquainted with how Royal Enfield tends to roll out its releases, although, you may know that they often begin in India earlier than rolling out elsewhere on the planet within the following months.
While we won’t say for sure if or when these colours will develop into out there in different markets, latest historical past reveals us that it appears extra doubtless than not. As to when that may occur, we’ll let you already know as quickly as we study extra.
To have fun the launch of the brand new colours, Royal Enfield employed filmmaker Reema Maya to craft a brief movie known as Moto-Love, which you’ll be able to see linked up above. Maya has beforehand premiered two quick movies on the Sundance Film Festival, along with co-founding the manufacturing home Catnip.
As motorcyclists, we often gravitate towards the biggest, most popular bikes on the market. But every once in a while, there are underrated bikes that deserve more recognition. These bikes may not have received much attention when they were first introduced, but they have their own unique qualities that make them worth considering. Let’s take a look at the 10 most underrated sport bikes ever.
10Honda VFR1200F
First introduced in 2010
The Honda VFR1200F was hyped up as a revolutionary motorcycle, but it didn’t live up to the expectations. Despite its missing electronic riding aids and high price tag, it’s still a fantastic motorcycle that offers a smooth ride.
9Triumph Daytona 675
First introduced in 2006
The Triumph Daytona 675 is often overlooked, but it is a beautiful bike with great performance. Its handling on both the street and the track is impressive, and it deserves more recognition.
8Ducati 999
First introduced in 2003
The Ducati 999 was overshadowed by its predecessor, the Ducati 916. Despite its superior performance, the 999’s unique design didn’t appeal to everyone. However, it performs exceptionally well on the track.
7Aprilia RST1000 Futura
First introduced in 2001
The Aprilia RST1000 Futura featured a radical design that divided opinions. While it may not have been the most visually appealing bike, it had excellent performance and quality components.
6Yamaha YZF-600R
First introduced in 1996
The Yamaha YZF-600R, also known as the Thundercat, didn’t receive much attention despite its impressive performance. It was designed for sports-touring and offered a comfortable ride for two passengers.
5Suzuki GSX-R600
First introduced in 1996
The Suzuki GSX-R600 often gets a bad reputation because of the riders it attracts. However, it’s a well-built machine with racing in mind. In its 2023 iteration, it has improved performance and stylish design.
4Suzuki 1200 Bandit
First introduced in 1996
The Suzuki 1200 Bandit often gets lumped together with other Bandit models and attracts a different crowd than the GSX series. However, it’s a brilliant bike with a cult following and reliable engine.
3Honda RVF750 RC45
First introduced in 1994
The Honda RVF750 RC45 was not very successful on the track, but it excelled in reliability on the streets. It has become a collector’s item due to its limited production and V4 engine’s bulletproof reputation.
2Kawasaki ZZR600
First introduced in 1990
The Kawasaki ZZR600 is often overlooked due to its slightly goofy design. However, it offers impressive speed and a thrilling riding experience. It’s now available at a more affordable price as a used bike.
1Honda CB1100R
First introduced in 1983
The Honda CB1100R was the company’s first homologation special and marked the end of an era. It may not have the most appealing design, but it was a game changer for Honda. It is now highly sought after by collectors.
As car enthusiasts, we often desire what we cannot have. In the US, we are attracted to JDM, or Japanese Domestic Market cars that can only be imported after the 25-Year Rule. One of the most legendary JDM cars is the Honda NSX.
The Acura NSX was available in the American market, but the Honda NSX-R was exclusive to Japan and it was truly remarkable. This version of the NSX focused on track performance and weight reduction, making it a significant part of automotive history. It showcased the incredible character and precision that were fine-tuned by racing legends like Ayrton Senna.
For car enthusiasts in the United States, the wait is finally over. The Cultivated Collector in New Canaan, Connecticut is offering a 1996 Honda NSX-R for sale, with only 11,371 miles on the odometer. This particular car is number 458 out of the limited production run of 483. It has been meticulously maintained and is in excellent condition. The car comes with plastic protection on the door sills, service records from the beginning, the manual, and all available books and keys. Owning an NSX-R would be a dream come true for any car enthusiast or JDM fanatic, especially one in such exceptional condition. If you are interested in purchasing this incredible car, you can view the listing by clicking the link below.
Timelapse videos are a popular pastime for many custom motorcycle enthusiasts. Watching the process of building a unique bike is just as exciting as seeing the finished product. This timelapse video from 46 Works, by Shiroh Nakajima, showcases the construction of a BMW R100RT custom build.
Nakajima has previous experience creating timelapse videos featuring BMW motorcycles. In a previous installment, he concluded a 14-part series on a BMW R100RS. Now, he tackles the BMW R100RT, a vintage tourer from 1982.
The build begins with a full disassembly, including the removal of the front fairing. Nakajima then modifies the subframe to slim down the tail and create a cleaner look. The long rear end is also shortened through cutting, welding, mocking-up, and final assembly.
Next, Nakajima focuses on refurbishing the front and rear rims, repainting them in a glossy black finish. He also customizes the fuel cap by welding it into place.
The front-end of the bike is rebuilt, including a fork overhaul, steering head refresh, and the installation of a new custom bracket for the headlight. Additionally, the front wheels, handlebars, gauge cluster, and single-housing headlight are all fitted. The brake system is overhauled, and the Bing carburetors receive some attention. The final step before the big reveal is installing the rear wheel.
The video showcases the final minutes of the build, including the unveiling of the project and the sound of the bike. It marks another successful vintage BMW project for 46 Works.
In the world of sports cars, the typical life cycle differs from regular vehicles as they tend to remain on sale for an extended period. However, it seems that Toyota is breaking the pattern with the GR86, as a new report suggests that its successor could arrive sooner than expected. According to Autocar, the British magazine, the next-generation model might hit the market as early as 2025, resulting in a relatively short four-year lifespan for the current second-gen GR86.
Why the rush? There are two primary factors driving this decision. Firstly, Toyota needs to update the rear-wheel-drive sports coupe to meet the increasingly strict emissions regulations in its home country of Japan. Autocar’s sources claim that the second-generation GR86 won’t be eligible for sale in Japan in a few years due to non-compliance with these regulations. Secondly, the publication speculates that the third-generation GR86 will incorporate a hybrid powertrain to enhance fuel efficiency. This hybrid setup is expected to be based on the turbocharged three-cylinder engine found in the GR Yaris hot hatchback.
In urban emergency situations, motorcycles are often the fastest way for first responders to reach the scene. This is especially true in Europe and Asia, where heavy traffic can hinder standard ambulances. That’s why upgraded motorcycles like the Piaggio MP3 are used as first responder vehicles in many European countries.
To meet the high demand for these vehicles, Piaggio has launched a “Life Support” version of the MP3 specifically designed for first responders. The 2024 models of the Piaggio MP3 Life Support come equipped with specialized emergency response equipment. Available in both 400 and 530 HPE versions, Piaggio’s updated Life Support models offer enhanced safety features and technology for first responders.
The Piaggio MP3 is known for its agility in heavy traffic, exceptional stability on slippery surfaces, and ease of navigation. The new 400 and 530 HPE versions take it a step further by incorporating advanced technological features, making it an ideal vehicle for first aid situations.
The 530 HPE version is the world’s first three-wheeled scooter equipped with ARAS (Advanced Rider Assistance System), which is crucial for active safety. It includes the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) function, which alerts the driver of vehicles in the blind spot through special signals on the color TFT display. Another exclusive feature of the Piaggio MP3 is the integration of a reverse gear with a rear video camera, enhancing ease and safety of use.
The new Piaggio MP3 400 and 530 HPE Life Support editions have replaced their previous counterparts and are already being used by national territorial emergency services in various countries, including the UK, France, Australia, and notably Israel, where its fleet of over 650 vehicles has become a flagship of their emergency response efforts.
Compared to the standard Piaggio MP3, the Life Support configuration is equipped with flashing LED lights and front sirens, an electric telescopic pole with 360-degree flashing LED light, and highly reflective stickers. With the addition of a top box, the vehicle’s load capacity is expanded to 102 liters, making it suitable for easy transportation of medical supplies for pre-hospital first aid, including BLS (Basic Life Support) and ALS (Advanced Life Support) equipment, defibrillators, collar sets, dressing sets, oxygen cylinders, respiratory kits, and infusion sets.
Even popular movie trilogies, like The Godfather and The Dark Knight, often lose steam by the third installment.
However, Skoda SUVs defy this trend. The Czech automaker released a successful three-part series, starting with the impressive Skoda Kodiaq, followed by the highly popular Skoda Karoq and Kamiq. Now, Skoda is returning to where it all began with a new Kodiaq set to arrive in the first quarter of 2024.
The second-generation large SUV will continue to share components with other Volkswagen Group models, including the new VW Tiguan, which we have already tested in prototype form. Pricing, trim levels, and equipment details will be confirmed later this year. The lineup will include a standard Kodiaq and a sportier SportLine version, with most models featuring seven seats. Additionally, a hotter Skoda Kodiaq vRS version is expected to join the range about a year later.
At launch, the new Kodiaq will offer two petrol and two diesel engine options. As 97% of Kodiaq buyers opted for the smooth-shifting DSG gearbox, all engines will come with it as standard.
The entry-level petrol variant is a 148bhp 1.5-liter engine featuring the latest Evo2 mild-hybrid technology. It is quieter and has smoother transitions to its fuel-saving two-cylinder mode. While not particularly spirited, its performance is adequate for everyday errands. Alternatively, there is a more powerful 201bhp 2.0-liter TSI petrol option available.
The entry-level diesel variant is a 148bhp 2.0-liter engine with strong low-end power, making it ideal for carrying a fully loaded Kodiaq. It may be a bit overkill for primarily city driving, but it excels on cross-country journeys.
The top-tier diesel variant is a 190bhp engine. Although it feels less lively and revs slower, it produces less diesel noise in the cabin. Furthermore, it is the only Kodiaq variant that comes with seven seats and four-wheel drive.
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