When you consider how intricate and precise modern action movie productions are, it’s incredible to think about how the original “Gone in 60 Seconds” was made. The film was created by H.B. Halicki, a junkyard owner from Long Beach, California. With a simple script and a cast of non-professionals, including friends and family, this movie delivers an astonishing amount of automotive mayhem. The 40-minute chase sequence alone involved wrecking 93 cars, making it one of the longest chase scenes in film history. Although it was a low-budget production, “Gone in 60 Seconds” became a blockbuster hit and captivated audiences with its sheer madness.
Among the numerous memorable moments in Halicki’s film, one particular stunt stands out. At the end of the epic chase, the film’s iconic car, a 1973 Ford Mustang named “Eleanor,” performs a breathtaking jump. Without the aid of pistons, boosters, or CGI, Eleanor soars 128 feet and reaches a height of 30 feet. Halicki, who not only directed and produced the movie but also starred in it and did most of the driving, was the one behind the wheel for this jaw-dropping jump. However, it came at a cost as he compressed 10 vertebrae while executing the stunt.
Although Brabus is known for tuning Mercedes-Benz vehicles, they also apply their expertise to models from other automakers. One example is the new Brabus 600 Land Rover Range Rover, which is being unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The Brabus 600 performance upgrade is applied to the long-wheelbase Range Rover P530 model. This upgrade increases the output of the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine from the stock 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque to 591 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. With this tuning, the SUV can accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 4.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
Certification documents can provide valuable insights into future motorcycle models. An executive order issued by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to Suzuki Motor Corporation sheds light on four bikes planned for the 2024 model year.
The documents focus on the 776cc parallel twin engine that Suzuki introduced in the GSX-8S and V-Strom 800DE models for the 2023 model year. The CARB document lists four separate machines that will use this engine and are approved for sale in California, meaning they will likely be sold throughout the US.
The four machines mentioned in the document are the V-Strom 800DE Adventure, V-Strom 800DE, V-Strom 800, and GSX-8S.
The Adventure variant of the V-Strom 800DE comes with added features such as quick-release black anodized aluminum panniers, a skid plate, and an accessory bar.
While Suzuki has not officially announced a more street-oriented version of the V-Strom 800, the listing in the CARB document suggests that it may be in the works.
Speculations include the possibility of alloy wheels instead of spokes and a 19-inch front wheel. However, no official information about the V-Strom 800 has been released as of August 9, 2023.
Pricing for the 2023 V-Strom 800DE starts at $11,349, while the 2023 V-Strom 800DE Adventure starts at $12,999. The pricing for the 2024 V-Strom 800 has yet to be announced.
The prices of used cars have seen a significant increase in recent years. On average, prices have gone up by 47.7% since 2019. Additionally, the mileage on these vehicles has also increased by 46% compared to four years ago. This poses a challenge for buyers looking for affordable used cars, as they may need to spend more money on older vehicles with higher mileage.
These findings come from a recent study conducted by iSeeCars, a popular website that offers data and guidance for purchasing used vehicles. The study revealed that popular car models such as the Honda Civic and Toyota RAV4 are now 41% to 46% more expensive than they were in 2019. Full-size trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ram 1500 have seen price increases ranging from 30% to 50% during the same period. In terms of actual prices, the average used car price has risen from $23,351 to $34,491 in four years.
Not only have prices gone up, but the average mileage on used cars has also increased by 45.7%. In 2019, the average mileage was 43,541 miles, which has now risen to 63,457 miles. Full-size trucks experienced an even higher increase in mileage, with an average of 49% to 53% more miles. The Honda Civic and Toyota RAV4 saw mileage increases of 81% and 139.6%, respectively.
The study by iSeeCars analyzed over 10.8 million used vehicles aged one to five years. Apart from the price and mileage increases, the study indicated that finding a $20,000 car with less than 44,000 miles is becoming increasingly difficult. In 2019, 20% of the used car market met these criteria, but that percentage has now dropped to 11%, with the average vehicle having over 63,000 miles.
However, there is some good news as well. Another study by iSeeCars found that used car prices have actually decreased this year. Overall prices dropped by 4.7% from September 2022 to March 2023 and 8.7% compared to the previous year. Notable models with the largest price declines include the Tesla Model 3, as well as SUVs from Nissan, Infiniti, and Land Rover, all of which saw prices drop by around 20%.
If you don’t live in London, you might not think that the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) is something you should be concerned about. However, it can actually be good news if you’re looking for a great deal on a car.
The ULEZ is expanding to the outer border of the M25 on August 29th, which means that thousands more motorists will be charged to drive non-compliant cars. As a result, the market for these cars has been flooded, causing prices to drop significantly.
Now is the perfect time to buy a comfortable diesel for your daily commute, a small supermini for quick trips to the store, or even to invest in a potential future classic car.
Using these non-compliant cars outside of built-up areas should not make you feel guilty. The open air in the countryside dilutes the toxic NOx emissions to a level that is not a public health risk.
In addition, many of the diesel cars that don’t meet the NOx standards for the ULEZ actually emit less CO2 than their petrol counterparts. Since CO2 contributes to climate change rather than respiratory illnesses, a good diesel car is often a better choice for the environment.
Here is our selection of the best deals on non-ULEZ cars within a 25-mile radius of central London.
The best deals for non-ULEZ cars for motorway driving
Volkswagen Passat (2006-2010)
The sixth-generation Passat is a comfortable, refined, and spacious saloon that still holds its class almost 20 years later. We found a 2006 model with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine – capable of more than 50mpg on the motorway – and 72,000 miles on the odometer listed for sale at £1689.
Chrysler 300C (2005-2010)
This American car stands out from the rest: about 20% of the 300C was based on the 1996-2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, making it a reliable long-distance cruiser. You can get one with the Mercedes-sourced 3.0-litre diesel V6, with less than 100,000 miles on the clock, for just £2595.
Mercedes-Benz CLS (2004-2010)
You can get your hands on one of the world’s finest grand tourers for as little as £3200. We found one with the same V6 engine as the 300C, a full service history, and just two previous owners. With only 58,800 miles driven in 17 years, it still has plenty of life left.
The best deals on non-ULEZ small cars
Toyota Yaris (1999-2000)
If you need an affordable second car for quick trips to the store or for teaching a young driver, you can’t go wrong with the first-generation Yaris. We found a 1999 petrol model with only 65,000 miles on the odometer for just £995.
In 2023, Yamaha celebrates the 25th anniversary of its YZF-R1 sportbike line. To mark this important occasion, Yamaha Motor Europe unveiled the R1 Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR) Pro 25th Anniversary Edition. Limited to just 25 units, this bike is referred to as the “ultimate track weapon” by Yamaha.
The GYTR Pro 25th Anniversary Edition comes with race-bred GYTR performance parts that not only enhance its appearance but also improve its performance on the track. Yamaha claims that this bike is built to a specification that is as close as possible to a world superbike racer. The lucky owners of this limited edition R1 will experience a machine that is similar to Toprak Razgatlıoğlu’s bike.
The GYTR parts on this bike include an Öhlins FGR400 fork, TTX shock, side steering damper, Brembo brakes, carbon fiber rear subframe, modified fuel tank, Magneti Marelli engine control unit (ECU), underslung swingarm, and carbon fiber bodywork. In addition, Yamaha Motor Research and Development Europe (YMRE) has crafted a GYTR Pro Electronic System module (GPES) that provides various electronic rider aids such as wheelie control, launch control, engine braking management, and traction control.
The GYTR Pro 25th Anniversary R1 also features a handcrafted radiator that not only optimizes performance but is also visually stunning. Each of the 25 units of this limited edition bike will be assembled by hand by technicians at the 25 GYTR Pro shops across Europe. The bike was only available for purchase online at a price of €159,000.00 (approximately $175,372) including Europe’s Value-Added Tax (VAT).
Unsurprisingly, all 25 units of the GYTR Pro 25th Anniversary R1 were quickly sold out through Yamaha Motor Europe’s online reservation system. However, interested buyers can join a waiting list in case any of the initial buyers decide to cancel their purchase. Deliveries are expected to take place between January and May of 2024 in the order of reservation.
The latest addition to the E-Class lineup is the Routines feature. This unique feature allows you to personalize your driving experience. You can customize the cabin lighting, adjust the HVAC settings, and even control the seat heaters based on specific triggers like external temperature. Say goodbye to manually adjusting these settings!
Mercedes is also looking to integrate Routines with their ChatGPT technology, which was recently introduced in beta. While this integration might sound unsettling to some, it will likely remain optional for the time being.
Now, let’s shift gears and focus on performance. In the United States, the new E-Class will be available in two versions. The first is the E350 4MATIC, equipped with a 2.9-liter inline-four cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This combination delivers 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Moving up the lineup, we have the E450 4MATIC, featuring a larger 3.0-liter inline-six engine and the same hybrid system. This more powerful option offers an impressive 475 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It’s worth noting that every E-Class model comes with hybrid technology, although a plug-in model will not be initially available in the United States.
Both models are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and feature 4MATIC all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability.
Are you looking for a car that costs around $35,000 and provides ample space for photography equipment, all while putting a smile on your face every time you drive it?
According to one owner, the Hyundai Kona N checks all these boxes. After owning a 2022 model for a year, he shared his thoughts in a 12-minute YouTube video where he discusses what he likes and dislikes about this Korean hot crossover.
The owner purchased the car because he wanted something fun and practical for his photography business. He needed a spacious trunk to transport all his gear to photo shoots. Although he hadn’t heard of the Kona N before, he conducted extensive research and discovered that Albert Biermann, known for his work with BMW M, had played a role in creating Hyundai’s performance sub-brand.
His previous favorite cars were the Volkswagen Golf R32 and the Audi S4, both equipped with dual-clutch automatic transmissions. The Kona N has a similar transmission, so he took it for a test drive and immediately fell in love with this Korean crossover.
After using it as a daily driver for a year, the owner appreciates the comfort of the seats and the excellent infotainment system. The system includes up-to-date maps, reliable navigation, and integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, it’s not without its flaws, such as the firm ride quality and the all-black interior without any colorful accents.
That said, the owner of this red Kona N appreciates Hyundai’s effort in improving the performance aspects of the vehicle, including the brakes, transmission, steering, and engine.
In the United States, the 2023 Hyundai Kona N starts at $34,950 (excluding destination charge). It is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine that produces 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission with a wet friction dual clutch.
As always, we would love to hear your thoughts on the video above. After watching it, feel free to share your opinions in the comments section below.
When we think of Rolls-Royce, luxury cars usually come to mind. However, the company has also made significant contributions to the aviation industry with its aircraft engine manufacturing. One of their notable engines is the Rolls-Royce Dart turboprop engine, which was introduced in 1946. This engine combined the power of jet engines with the efficiency of propellers, making it a game-changer in the industry.
The Dart engine gets its name from the River Dart in the south of England, as Rolls-Royce traditionally names its products after British rivers. It played a key role in early commercial intercontinental travel and remained in production for an impressive 40 years. Initially used in the Vickers Viscount, it was later adopted by global manufacturers like Grumman, Fokker, Avro, and Breguet.
A turboprop engine is similar to a jet engine but features a conventional propeller at the front. The propeller draws air into the engine, which is then compressed and mixed with fuel in a combustion chamber. The resulting high-energy jet stream is expelled at the back of the engine. This design was particularly well-suited for medium-range aircraft like the Vickers Viscount. Notably, the Dart engine proved to be more fuel-efficient than regular jet engines, accumulating over 170 million hours of flight time during its long and successful tenure in commercial aviation.
In January 2021, Kingston Custom revealed its first BMW R 18 custom, the Spirit of Passion. Designed by Dirk Oehlerking, this unique bike showcased the potential for limitless design possibilities within the R 18 line.
Fast-forward to July 2023, where BMW Motorrad is celebrating its 100th anniversary. As part of the celebration, BMW asked Oehlerking to create another custom R 18 that embodies the brand’s past, present, and future.
The result is The Crown, a stunning creation by Kingston Custom. Made with meticulously handcrafted aluminum sheet metal and finished in a regal Champagne Platinum, The Crown represents the essence of Oehlerking’s previous creations.
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Oehlerking started with a new BMW R 18 and stripped it down to create The Crown. Using hard foam and cardboard, he meticulously shaped the bike to have a powerful, elegant, and innovative look.
Unlike the Spirit of Passion, The Crown required significant alterations to the R 18 structure. Oehlerking replaced the standard front end with a double-sided swingarm setup and a central suspension strut.
While the fuel tank, body panels, and exhaust manifolds were handcrafted, components such as the headlight, instrument cluster, switchgear, footrests, and engine were retained from the BMW factory and seamlessly incorporated into The Crown’s overall design.
The Crown premiered at BMW Motorrad Days 2023 and will likely make appearances at future shows. What are your thoughts on this magnificent custom creation?
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