Tag Archives: thing

Motorsport

The Kia K4 Hatchback Is Coming to the US

The new Kia K4 sedan is a pointy alternative to the outgoing Forte sedan. But one factor we did not count on to see throughout its New York Auto Show debut was a hatchback model, which Kia discontinued on the Forte (the Forte5) again in 2018.

And we have excellent news: The K4 hatchback is coming to America. Kia confirmed to Motor1 that it’ll arrive within the US “at a later date.”

2025 Kia K4 Hatchback

Much just like the sedan, the hatchback seems sharp. The K4 five-door is “a practical vehicle that is aimed at a dynamic and urban lifestyle,” the corporate famous throughout its press convention. “The five-door shares the same front and rear design as well as the smooth elegance of the sedan.”

That means it most likely has the identical powertrain choices because the sedan, too. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet. There’s additionally a extra highly effective turbocharged 1.6-liter engine making 190 hp and 195 lb-ft.

We’ll know extra in regards to the K4 nearer to the sedan’s on-sale date, which must be someday later this 12 months. The hatchback will go on sale someday after that.

Accessories and Peripherals, Audio

How To Set Up Spotify With Sonos Voice Control

The very first thing you need to do to make use of your Sonos speaker to play music from Spotify is about up its voice management performance. This will permit you to give vocal instructions to the system so you do not have to interrupt out your telephone each time you wish to hear a bit of music. It’s a comparatively easy course of, although you will want an Android or iOS system with the intention to do it.

The first step is to obtain the Sonos S2 app to your cellular system. This will permit you to make all the mandatory adjustments to the Sonos system’s settings with the intention to use voice controls to play music from Spotify. Before that although, you will wish to be sure that your Sonos system is up to date to the newest software program model. Open the app after which navigate to Settings > System Updates > Check for Updates. This might take a number of moments, however it’s an vital step for ensuring that the speaker has all the newest functionalities.

Once that is carried out, go into Settings as soon as once more — solely this time, you are going to navigate to Services & Voice. Press the Add a Voice Assistant button after which choose Sonos Voice Control. You will then have to observe the directions within the app to finish the setup. You can now use these voice controls to play music through Sonos Radio, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, Pandora, and Spotify.

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.

Motorsport

Majority of Drivers Are Afraid of Autonomous Cars, Study Says

The promise of totally self-driving vehicles stays elusive. That is perhaps an excellent factor, a minimum of going by a brand new research from AAA that discovered nearly all of individuals are really afraid of autonomous autos. Even extra stunning: That quantity has elevated in recent times whereas public belief has fallen.

According to AAA, 66 p.c of respondents mentioned they feared self-driving autos. That’s up from 55 p.c in 2022, however down from 68 p.c final 12 months. The share of those that belief AVs held regular from 2023 to 2024 at 9 p.c, whereas 25 p.c have been not sure of them. Both numbers are down from 15 and 30 p.c, respectively, in 2022.

While consumers is perhaps weary of robotic vehicles, they aren’t against some technological help behind the wheel. Respondents mentioned they have been thinking about some know-how, with greater than half open to computerized braking, reverse computerized braking, and lane maintain help. Only 42 p.c have been thinking about energetic driving help, and 49 p.c have been for adaptive cruise management.

Buyers ought to be skeptical of even these driver aids, nevertheless, as one other AAA research found that they aren’t at all times dependable. The group lately researched the effectiveness of computerized rear braking programs, and only one out of 40 test runs ended without a crash. Half of the vehicles did not cease for stationary pedestrians standing behind the car.

Most consumers received’t have to fret about autonomous autos anytime quickly. General Motors’ Cruise division has faced significant safety hurdles over the previous couple of months, and it seems that Google’s Waymo is without doubt one of the remaining outfits placing in a full effort to develop the know-how. It expanded its robotaxi service to Los Angeles right now, however the tech remains to be years away from making it into on a regular basis passenger autos.

ToyotaUk

Five Things To Know About the First-Ever Toyota Crown Signia

Toyota is aware of a factor or two about constructing manufacturers that stand the take a look at of time. A testomony to that longevity is the Toyota Crown. As the corporate’s longest-running nameplate, the Crown has been a shining jewel within the Toyota lineup since its debut almost 70 years in the past.

With its latest reintroduction to the U.S. market as a sedan in 2023, the distinctive crossover SUV is primed to maintain the momentum going. How? Enter the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia. It’s the first-ever SUV to hit the pavement below the legendary Crown nameplate.

Like its identify suggests (primarily based on the time period “insignia”), it’s a badge of honor signifying its affiliation to the nameplate that began all of it.

Here are 5 issues in regards to the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia, which is anticipated to reach at Toyota dealerships in late summer season of 2024.

First Time’s a Charm 
As the second car within the U.S. Toyota Crown lineup, the 2025 Crown Signia additionally marks the nameplate’s first foray into the SUV class. This addition provides a brand new dimension to the Crown’s wealthy legacy and exemplifies its repute for high quality and class — with extra room in addition.

Thanks to ample house, drivers with busy, energetic life can elevate their day. No extra cramming cumbersome luggage or sporting gear into again seats — prospects can haul with ease on this roomy SUV.

Top Speed, Fewer Pit Stops 
Equipped with the Toyota hybrid electrical car (HEV) powertrain, the Crown Signia is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with two electrical motor mills. It’s revved up and able to take prospects on unforgettable rides in trendy effectivity.

The SUV additionally delivers 243 hp for ample energy when wanted. This acceleration and energy combo is very useful when merging onto highways.

A Perfect Balance 
For drivers preferring the consolation of sedans however respect the flexibility of SUVs, the Crown Signia affords the very best of each worlds: It’s modeled after the Toyota New Global Architecture Ok (TNGA-Ok) platform of the Crown sedan.

With the TNGA-Ok platform, drivers can take pleasure in quieter, smoother rides.  The Crown Signia’s modern platform helps considerably scale back noise intrusion into the cabin, curbing vibration by means of the steering, flooring, and physique construction.

What’s extra, the roofline and glossy cabin enchantment give it a dramatic form that’s trendy and sensible. The car additionally homes a roomy fold-flat second row with a protracted cargo space which makes it very best for hauling. It’s additionally excellent for big households who want to move as much as 5 individuals. In addition, the 2025 Crown Signia is able to towing as much as 2,700 kilos — that’s a towing capability greater than enough to haul bikes, trailers, and sporting gear when journey awaits.

The Crown Signia blends sedan consolation and dealing with with the heightened sense of management, optimum efficiency, and ample house that SUVs deliver.

A Nice Package
When it involves fashion, the Crown Signia is in a category all its personal. Effortless. Check. Elegance. Check. Its putting exterior comes from a mix of things.

For starters, its broad stance makes it remarkably distinctive. Plus, its out there 21-inch wheels, glossy daytime working lights and daring, geometric grille add to its attract. Not solely are these options purposeful, however they’re additionally aesthetically pleasing.

The inside is equally trendy. For drivers who crave a luxe enchantment, the tender and comfy seating will win them over. The customary textured leather-trimmed seating with double-stitching provides a classy contact. While the driving force and entrance seat passenger can heat up or settle down with the Crown Signia’s customary heated and ventilated entrance seats. Rear passengers can get toasty too, with customary heated outboard seats.

Standard bronze-finished trim and color-matched, tender contact panels on the doorways and dashboard, on all grades, attracts the attention to purposeful parts just like the HVAC, drive mode choose button and audio controls — all of which provides a contact of finesse.

Outstanding Tech Support 
Drivers of the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia may have the most recent know-how at their fingertips. The SUV comes customary with a 12.3-inch shade Multi Information Display (MID) and wi-fi Bluetooth® connectivity. The MID supplies a format that may be simply custom-made primarily based on person preferences and supplies drivers with information that matches their driving state of affairs.

For instance, an eco-conscious driver can activate the eco-mode to assist monitor and maximize their gasoline mileage. Plus, massive, colourful digital dials are simple to learn and might show a mix of data with out compromising security so drivers can maintain their eyes on the highway.

Designed to make driving as hassle-and stress-free as doable, the brand new SUV affords helpful, tech-driven facilities that improve the journey. With an energetic Drive Connect trial or subscription, prospects can benefit from Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist. Destination Assist permits easy phrases like “Hey Toyota” to awaken the system for voice-activated instructions. Think of it as a driver’s digital private assistant. Drive Connect is 4G community dependent and a 1-year trial is included on all grades.

With cutting-edge know-how, stellar efficiency, and premium design, the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia is making a reputation for itself outdoors its already prestigious nameplate.

News

Moto Mysteries: The Yamaha Towny Was Apparently A Scooter For Men, For Some Reason?

If there’s one factor you possibly can say for Yamaha, it is that the corporate actually has vary. While latest information about the R1 becoming a track-only machine in Europe starting in 2025 has been stirring the feelings of worldwide superbike followers, solely some of Yamaha’s bikes had been developed to be monitor weapons. 

Like any mass manufacturing bike producer value its salt, Yamaha has lengthy labored to attraction to all kinds of riders. Some of its strikes make a number of sense, however some are a bit unusual. Are you, by probability, conversant in the Yamaha U5E “Lady” from the Sixties, for instance?

Now, talking as a girl who’s ridden for almost 20 years, it is easy to criticize from my trendy vantage level in 2024. Historical context is at all times necessary, although, so perhaps somebody in 1965 thought that type of flesh-colored pink and cream colorway was fairly turning into.

While I could not say so for certain, I’ll observe that most popular coloration palettes on every part from cars to home equipment have radically shifted over time. So, once more, perhaps there was some sort of historic design case to be made. That half is comprehensible, even when these colours do not personally converse to me.

But about 15 years after the Lady, Yamaha launched the Towny. It’s a scooter, and it was additionally particularly marketed as being for males.

So I’m most likely not allowed to inform you about it, since I’m a girl. But I’ll anyway.

Frame Size Matters

As anybody who’s ridden a bicycle (not to mention a powered two-wheeler) can inform you, body measurement and ergonomics matter. People of various heights and weights is likely to be extra snug on differently-sized machines. That’s completely true, and has been true for so long as there have been individuals dwelling on the earth. A six-year-old can most likely use a lift to see over the fence, whereas maybe the adults are tall sufficient to see over it simply by standing up. You get the thought.

Fast-forwarding a few a long time and smashing headlong into the Nineteen Eighties, we discover the Yamaha Towny. It’s certainly one of a number of bikes that Yamaha refers to in its historic literature as “soft bikes,” that means they’re little twist-and-go runabouts meant for on a regular basis use. Not hopped-up fanatic machines. This one has a gauge that tops out at a blistering 60 kilometers per hour (about 37.2 miles per hour), and a two-speed computerized.

More particularly, although, Yamaha refers back to the Towny as a “soft bike for men.” And whereas I get that the body was, and I quote Yamaha right here, “large enough for people of larger physiques” to extra comfortably trip, it is nonetheless a little bit of an odd advertising alternative. Were there no tall ladies in 1980? I discover that tough to imagine, so why tie it to gender in any respect? It’s a motorcycle with a extra sturdy and bigger body, made for bigger riders. Cool, we will work with that.

Even If I’m Not Supposed To Talk About It, There’s Some Interesting Stuff To Note About The Towny

Yamaha Towny Lights

Yamaha Towny sprint, with Japanese textual content. The textual content is obvious and easy if you happen to can learn it, with each oil and beginning lights famous right here.

In the video, the superb YouTube channel Small Bike Stuff offers a pleasant little abstract of this bike, and there is a trip on the finish as effectively. We additionally get to listen to what the tiny little two-stroke seems like, in addition to notice its high pace in 2024 (which appears to be round 51-ish kph, or about 31.6-ish mph). 

Along the best way, SBS factors out among the bike’s controls and different options, together with the lights and change positions on the sprint. While he will get the Japanese textual content indicating change place right, he is not fairly proper concerning the two lights on the sprint.

I’ve labeled what every gentle does within the photograph above. The pink gentle on the left is an Oil gentle, and the inexperienced gentle on the fitting is definitely a beginning gentle that most likely signifies whether or not the bike is on or not. It isn’t a flip sign gentle, as SBS guesses.

The Towny Was A Shaft-Driven Moped

This makes a number of sense, contemplating its meant use as an city runabout. Who’s meant to trip this bike? Commuters. Who would not need a bunch of chain gunk flung up onto their work garments? Also commuters.

While it would not have the tidy leg shields of the later Town Mate or the competing Cub models from Honda, no less than a rider right here would not have to fret about both chain gunk spray or chain upkeep.

Since it is a two-stroke, the rider must fear about conserving each the oil and the gasoline topped up. The oil pours into the suitable receptacle mounted within the body, whereas the gasoline goes within the under-seat tank. There’s no gas gauge, however there’s a sight window beneath the seat so you possibly can have a look and see if you happen to’re getting low on gas. 

Front and rear mudguards on the wheels are there to guard towards street grime and small rocks that might be flung up on the rider throughout operation. All in all, it is a easy little machine, however that is most likely what endeared it to riders of the time. 

What do you assume? Have you ridden a Yamaha Towny, or would you attempt one if you happen to had the prospect? Let us know within the feedback.

Motorsport

Kia Teases The Name Of Its New Pickup Truck In A Cheeky Video

Kia has expanded its lineup with a plethora of recent fashions, however there’s nonetheless one factor lacking: a truck. Judging by this new teaser video although, we cannot have to attend for much longer. 

Starring Aussie sporting legends, the video is chock-full of refined hints that the Kia truck will likely be referred to as the “Tasman.” For instance, the identify seems in a newspaper article whereas a dart shot at a map ends on the Tasman Sea. Oddly sufficient, we do not get to see the truck in any respect because the motion takes place inside a bar someplace in Australia, and the clip ends by partially displaying the identify of the bar—presumably Hotel Tasman.

Until the identify is formally introduced, the corporate merely calls it a ute and “the most Australian Kia ever developed.” Internally codenamed “TK,” the brand new utilitarian car will likely be a real truck by that includes a body-on-frame platform slightly than a unibody building just like the Hyundai Santa Cruz. It’s believed to have a most payload capability of about 1,000 kilograms (2,204 kilos) and a towing capability of three,500 kg (7,716 lbs) due to a turbodiesel 2.2-liter engine. The oil-burner will reportedly route energy to the wheels through handbook and computerized transmissions.

Reports from Australia state the Tasman will are available in each 4×2 and 4×4 configurations in addition to in single cab, double cab, and cab chassis flavors. A spy video confirmed switches for 2H, 4H, 4L modes, which means it will have selectable two-wheel drive and a low-range four-wheel drive. That check car had 17-inch wheels with Kumho Crugen 265/65 R17 tires. Expect an impartial entrance suspension, rear leaf springs, a locking rear differential, and a wading depth of 800 millimeters (31.4 inches).

As to why the corporate determined to give attention to Australia to kick off the teaser marketing campaign, it is possible as a result of the Tasman is being developed by an engineering staff led by Kia Australia. The new ute will go up towards the likes of the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, which have been the 2 best-selling automobiles general final 12 months within the Land Down Under. The Tasman can even deliver the combat to the Isuzu D-Max, the third hottest mannequin in Australia in 2023.

The Tasman can even be bought within the Middle East and South Africa, however we’ve not heard something a few potential launch within the United States. It’s price noting Kia has promised two electric trucks by 2027, together with a “dedicated” mannequin on a bespoke EV platform.

A “strategic” pickup tailor-made to rising markets has additionally been confirmed and is more likely to adapt underpinnings from a car powered by combustion engines. Perhaps the strategic truck is the Tasman? The latter has been in improvement since 2020 and will likely be unveiled later this 12 months earlier than occurring sale in 2025. Australians can already categorical their curiosity on the agency’s regional web site, so the premiere ought to happen within the coming months.

The Tasman will not be Kia’s solely ladder-frame mannequin because the South Korean marque continues to be promoting the Mohave (aka Borrego). It additionally will not be its solely pickup contemplating the Bongo truck stays obtainable, full with an electric version.

Laptops, News

Best Moments Of MWC 2024 Day 1: AI, Clear Laptops, And Record Pit Stops

Concept merchandise are a wierd factor: they’ll blow your thoughts or make you query why they exist. Either means, there’s going to be a deep-seated a part of your soul that actually needs to personal the odd product on provide. Lenovo’s clear laptop ticks each field on this class. It does have area of interest makes use of, thoughts. The instance Lenovo showcased concerned an engineer positioning it over a river after which sketching within the bridge they wish to construct. You might additionally theoretically use it to design a mural or some other sort of artwork mission. It can operate as headset-free AI do you have to want it to, as effectively.

lenovo transparent laptopDave McQuilling/SlashGear

Whether all of this is sufficient to justify an precise launch is up for debate — and, as it’s possible you’ll suspect, there are flaws for shoppers within the machine to think about. You do not actually get “blacks” in a picture, you get transparency, so viewing issues in top quality is out of the query. The keyboard is a touchscreen affair, so typing lengthy items on it’s mainly out of the query. Still, there’s sufficient there to generate curiosity and even when the total product does not find yourself on basic sale, parts of it’s going to possible crop up on Lenovo’s gadgets because the years go on.

News

Is Husqvarna Finally Going To Release A Vitpilen And/Or Svartpilen 901?

For a while now, mass market motorbike producers have normally had one single factor in frequent throughout the board, and it is this: If you are going to expend R&D sources to craft a brand new powerplant, you’d finest consider that sucker will probably be on the coronary heart of a number of automobiles. You cannot actually argue with the logic, actually. 

When Husqvarna lastly unleashed the Norden 901 on the world as a 2022 model, the moto-Internet collectively breathed a sigh of reduction. By that time, you see, it wasn’t a query of if; like so many issues, it was extra a query of when.

Why? Because by that time, spy photographs and teasers and rumors and all types had been swirling for years. Rumors come up on a regular basis, however they normally fade away fairly shortly if there is no substance behind them. That wasn’t the case with the Norden.

Interestingly, although, the Norden nonetheless stands alone within the Husqvarna 901 lineup right here in February 2024. While it is true that the Norden 901 shares a coronary heart with a few of its KTM 890 siblings below the Pierer umbrella, it nonetheless appears slightly unusual that it has but to be joined by a minimum of yet another 901. After all, we’ve been seeing spy photos depicting more than one 901 out testing since at least 2019. That’s practically 5 years in the past, which is extra like a zillion years in moto-time.

 

Evidently, Husqvarna should suppose so, too, as a result of it simply dropped a teaser for an upcoming video launch on March 5, 2023. The 30-second brief, posted to each Husky’s Instagram and Facebook accounts, depicts what seems to be a brand new 901 that is arrange for ice racing. 

We’re handled to a number of nice closeup pictures of the studded tires ripping into the ice, full with audio of the studs biting into the ice with a sound high quality that is crisp sufficient to provide the shivers. The engine sound is there a part of the time, however it’s clear that each one of this video is only a teaser. So, you do not get an excessive amount of, though we did handle to tug a couple of key stills out to aim to get a deal with on what we’re seeing.

So, Which 901 Is It?

Husqvarna 901 Teaser - Graphics, Front Wheel, Tank Pad Closeup

Husqvarna 901 Teaser – Graphics, Front Wheel, And Tank Pad Closeup

Husqvarna 901 Teaser - Underbelly (Two Views)

Husqvarna 901 Teaser – Soft, twinny underbelly, unprotected by even the trace of a skid plate.

Husqvarna 901 Teaser - Rear, Front, Exhaust

Husqvarna 901 Teaser – Rear, Front, and Exhaust Closeup

Judging the pictures we see on this teaser towards the recently facelifted small-displacement 2024 Svartpilens and Vitpilens, it seems fairly darn Svarty to me. Not totally, although; the high-mount exhaust is clearly a change. Then once more, if that is certainly a teaser for a manufacturing ‘Pilen of some variety, it is clearly additionally not going to return with studded tires from the manufacturing unit. So that might merely be a racing modification.

I requested round, although, and this is what a few of the remainder of the RA workforce noticed.

Executive Editor Jonathon Klein speculated, “To me, that looks like a Vitpilen. It’s got the shape, the aggressiveness that the Vit had. Although, those are Svart bars, so… Please be a 901 Vitpilen? Please, Husqvarna, please.”

New Associate Editor Robbie Bacon stated, “Battle of the head and heart. The heart wants a Vit, but the head says Svart.” 

To which I responded (in basic me-fashion), “Since when has there been a Svart without a Vit? I’d argue this means a Vit is also on its way. They come in pairs.”

What do you suppose, readers? Are you prepared for the most important ‘Pilen but? Also, which do you suppose we’re taking a look at? Let us know within the feedback.

Cars

What’s The Difference Between A Drivetrain And A Powertrain?

Despite the time period “drivetrain” sounding like a singular factor, it is really a special grouping of parts (and there is some overlap) — the transmission, differential, driveshaft, axles, and wheels. However, one other half we have not touched on but that additionally belongs to the drivetrain is the Constant Velocity (CV) joints. These CV joints sit at every finish of the drive shaft and never solely join the wheels to the axles (and transmission) however switch torque to them as nicely. 

So, what did not we listing that we have already mentioned? The engine. The motor is part of the powertrain however not part of the drivetrain.

In essence, the drivetrain is simply part of the general powertrain, however the motor is — dare we are saying — the pinnacle of the practice, and with out it, nothing else down the road works. Therefore, all the opposite elements of the drivetrain mix to make up the powertrain, which, as a unit, “transforms kinetic energy into propulsion motion,” says authorized auto dealer Maxwell Ford.

Think of the powertrain because the all-encompassing umbrella time period that features all the transferring elements whereas the engine and the drivetrain sit fortunately beneath. But wait! What about electrical vehicles? While they’ve each a powertrain and a drivetrain, they differ from autos with inside combustion engines as a result of most EVs haven’t got multi-speed transmissions. That, nonetheless, is a subject for one more time.