Electrification is quickly reworking the powersports trade. Recent years have ushered in all kinds of new and exciting innovations leveraging the facility of electrical energy. While EVs are certainly turning into a extra widespread sight on the roads, their presence can be rising within the off-road section, as UTVs, ATVs and dirtbikes all embrace electrification.
Volcon E-Powersports is a reasonably new participant, however as its identify suggests, it’s all about electrical energy. The firm, headquartered in Round Rock, Texas, lately appointed a brand new CEO John Kim. And with the bold purpose of setting the usual within the electrical period of powersports, Volcon has its work lower out, and Kim lately gave a enterprise replace to Volcon’s sellers, suppliers, and buyers.
The Volcon Stag is touted because the quickest electrical UTV on the market
Perhaps the largest replace is the truth that the Volcon Stag UTV has lastly entered manufacturing. Touted because the quickest manufacturing UTV in the marketplace, the Stag is supposed to cater to off-road lovers searching for uncompromising efficiency and practicality.
Moreover, its design has been so well-received that the US Army Corps of Engineers was the primary to obtain a unit for analysis for navy and humanitarian help functions.
Kim said that the corporate will ramp up the manufacturing of the Stag within the coming months, and hopes to realize large-scale supply very quickly. Dealer roadshows for the Stag have additionally commenced in a number of showrooms in Texas to provide demos and check rides to potential prospects.
For reference, the Stag pumps out 125 electrical horses and 265 pound-feet of torque, and comes with an elective Power Boost characteristic and degree 2 quick charging.
Volcon Grunt Evo off-road electrical bike
As for Volcon’s two-wheelers, the Grunt Evo continues to be in full manufacturing, in response to Kim.
From the CEO’s replace, the longer term appears brilliant. I’m a powerful believer in electrical mobility in all its kinds, particularly within the off-road setting the place instantaneous torque and throttle response reign supreme.
Zero emissions and silent operation are two further advantages that lots of people can recognize, as effectively, particularly now that noise complaints surrounding powersports have change into extra rampant.
The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is quickly reworking the automotive panorama, and with it, the very essence of what constitutes a drivetrain. Gone are the times of cumbersome combustion engines and complicated transmissions; of their place, a brand new breed of propulsion techniques is rising, pushed by the necessity for effectivity, area optimization, and dynamic efficiency. At the forefront of this innovation lies Hyundai‘s Uni Wheel, a revolutionary idea that rewrites the rulebook on how energy reaches the highway.
Traditionally, EVs rely on e-Axles, compact units integrating the motor, gearbox, and differential right into a single housing. While these supply vital area financial savings in comparison with combustion engines, their centralized positioning beneath the car nonetheless consumes useful actual property, limiting inside design potentialities and packaging effectivity. This is the place Hyundai’s Uni Wheel enters the scene, presenting a radical departure from the traditional strategy.
Instead of a centralized powerhouse, the Uni Wheel embeds your entire drive system inside the wheel hub itself. Imagine a miniature photo voltaic system inside every wheel, with a central solar gear pushed by the motor and a hoop gear on the rim, propelling the car ahead. This ingenious association eliminates the necessity for driveshafts, differentials, and ponderous transmission housings, making a remarkably direct and doubtlessly extra environment friendly energy path.
Hyundai patents an progressive pressurized battery system to reinforce the efficiency and stability of all-solid-state electrical car batteries.
In order to provide the latest and correct info attainable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Hyundai and different dependable sources.
Revolutionizing Electric Vehicles From The Ground Up
Hyundai
The coronary heart of any car, electrical or in any other case, lies in its drivetrain – the system that transmits energy from the engine or motor to the wheels, propelling it ahead. In the electrical realm, the Hyundai Group is taking a daring step away from the traditional with its innovative Uni Wheel system. This reimagines the standard strategy, aiming to unlock a brand new chapter when it comes to area, effectivity, and driving dynamics.
Traditional Electric Drivetrains
Electric autos (EVs) typically make the most of “e-Axles” to propel themselves. These compact items combine the electrical motor, gearbox, and differential right into a single housing, often positioned on the rear axle. Compared to cumbersome combustion engines, e-Axles supply substantial area financial savings. However, their centralized location beneath the car nonetheless consumes useful actual property, limiting inside design potentialities and total packaging effectivity.
A Radical Shift In Design
Enter the Uni Wheel – a disruptive idea that throws out the textbook and rewrites the foundations of drivetrains. Instead of a centralized powerhouse, Uni Wheel embeds your entire drive system inside the wheel hub itself. This revolutionary strategy is akin to shrinking the e-Axle all the way down to the scale of a hubcap and attaching it immediately to every wheel.
Sun Gear: The central cog, pushed immediately by the electrical motor.
Ring Gear: Located on the outer rim of the wheel, immediately chargeable for propelling the car ahead.
Linkage: Two units of 4 pinion gears bridge the hole between the solar and ring gears, making certain easy energy transmission even because the wheel suspension articulates.
This ingenious association eliminates the necessity for conventional driveshafts, differentials, and ponderous transmission housings. The energy path turns into remarkably direct, doubtlessly enhancing effectivity and minimizing power losses.
With figures like 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds, high pace of 168 mph, and quarter-mile time of 9.9 seconds, the Air is mighty quick and fast!
Advantages Of The Hyundai Uni Wheel
The Hyundai Uni Wheel is a revolutionary new wheel design that guarantees to rework electrical car (EV) expertise. Here’s a complete overview of its key benefits:
Enhanced Performance And Efficiency
Simplified Drivetrain: The Uni Wheel eliminates conventional parts like CV joints and driveshafts, resulting in a lighter and extra compact drivetrain. This interprets to improved effectivity, decreased weight, and doubtlessly greater vary for EVs.
Independent Wheel Control: Each wheel within the Uni Wheel system has its personal motor and gearing, permitting for exact torque management and particular person wheel changes. This enhances traction and dealing with, notably in difficult driving situations like snow, mud, or uneven terrain.
Dynamic Driving Experience: Individual wheel management additionally paves the way in which for sharper dealing with, improved agility, and doubtlessly faster acceleration. This may result in a extra partaking and dynamic driving expertise for EV drivers.
Greater Versatility And Adaptability
Variable Ground Clearance: The Uni Wheel’s distinctive design permits for adjusting the minimal floor clearance on demand. This will be useful for off-road driving, the place greater clearance can forestall injury, or on highways, the place decrease clearance improves aerodynamics and gas effectivity.
Modular Design: The Uni Wheel’s modular design makes it adaptable to totally different car sizes and kinds, from small EVs and supply robots to bigger automobiles and vans. This flexibility enhances its potential functions and market attain.
Durability And Ride Quality
Reduced Motor Stress: By mounting the motor on the car physique as an alternative of the wheel, the Uni Wheel minimizes affect forces on the motor, doubtlessly extending its lifespan.
Improved Ride Comfort: The Uni Wheel’s inner gearing partially absorbs highway bumps, contributing to a smoother and extra comfy trip for passengers.
Lightweight and Sturdy: The Uni Wheel is optimized for each weight discount and sturdiness, making certain environment friendly efficiency with out compromising structural integrity.
Uncharted Territory in Reliability and Durability: The Uni Wheel’s complicated planetary gear system introduces a plethora of transferring elements and complex mechanisms. The long-term reliability and sturdiness of those parts, notably underneath intense stress and various driving situations, stay unproven.
Untamed Complexity And Potential Production Costs: The intricate design of the Uni Wheel considerably will increase the complexity of the manufacturing course of in comparison with conventional drivetrains. This complexity may translate to greater manufacturing prices, doubtlessly hindering its affordability and hindering broader market accessibility.
The Shadow Of Unforeseen Maintenance Concerns: The compact, in-wheel nature of the Uni Wheel presents novel upkeep challenges. Servicing or changing parts like gears or motors inside the hub might be complicated and labor-intensive, doubtlessly translating to greater restore prices and longer downtime for homeowners.
Steering Conundrum: Current iterations of the Uni Wheel lack a transparent answer for integrating steering performance. While small-angle turns appear attainable, the design doesn’t readily accommodate full lock on a steerable axle. A strong and environment friendly steering answer is important for sensible implementation.
Whispers or Whines: The abundance of gears and transferring elements within the Uni Wheel raises issues about potential noise era. Excessive whirring, grinding, or different noises may negatively affect the driving expertise and cabin consolation. Acoustic engineering will probably be vital to reaching a refined and nice driving expertise.
The NPX1 pushes the Ioniq 5 N to new heights with aggressive aerodynamics and software-driven efficiency customization.
Hyundai’s e-Corner System Enables Unprecedented Maneuvering
Hyundai Mobis took center stage at CES 2024 with the unveiling of the MOBION electrical car (EV). This progressive car, outfitted with the next-generation “e-Corner System” movement expertise, generated vital buzz for its distinctive capabilities and potential to redefine the way forward for electrical mobility.
The core of MOBION’s attraction lies in its e-Corner System, which grants the car exceptional agility. Each wheel is individually managed, permitting for sideways, diagonal, and even stationary pivot turns – a feat unseen in standard EVs. This progressive system leverages numerous key applied sciences.
In-Wheel Motors: Four small motors inside every wheel exchange the everyday single massive motor, enabling unbiased energy era for every wheel.
Integrated Functions: The e-Corner System seamlessly integrates braking, steering, and suspension capabilities inside the wheel, harmonized by Mobis’ superior management expertise.
Strategic Lidar Placement: Three LiDAR sensors – two short-range close to the headlamps and one long-range on the entrance – optimize object recognition, particularly throughout lateral maneuvers and lane adjustments.
Exterior Lighting: Mobis’ new “Exterior Lighting” lamp with LED shows conveys very important info by means of pedestrian detection. For instance, the entrance bumper LED can show the route of a crossing pedestrian, whereas the rear bumper can warn drivers about pedestrians crossing to both facet.
Ground Projection: This progressive characteristic tasks the car’s route of journey on the bottom, using lights throughout a 360-degree spectrum. It may even generate crosswalk stripes for detected pedestrians.
Mercedes-Benz is transforming its luxurious vehicle lineup into electric vehicles (EVs). This transition means that no vehicle in its stable will be left behind with an internal combustion engine (ICE). So how do you create a vehicle whose capabilities are built around an ICE that is still appealing in the EV age?
This involves adding powerful electric motors and large, energy-dense batteries to retain the same abilities offered by an ICE-powered vehicle. Mercedes-Benz seems to be taking its time to transform the iconic G-Class into a capable and rugged electric off-roader. As it nears production, here are some confirmed details about the electric G-Class, known as the EQG.
To provide up-to-date and accurate information, the data used for this article was sourced from Mercedes-Benz, as well as other reliable sources such as Business Insider and Autocar.
The first important detail is its exterior. The first-ever Mercedes-Benz EQG combines modern and sleek looks with the boxy silhouette of the classic G-Class. Whether this comes as a surprise or not, what matters is that based on recently released photos, some of the EQG’s design details will also be adopted by the standard G-Class after its upcoming facelift.
Blends Familiarity With Modernity
Mercedes-Benz
So, how do you make an iconic vehicle fit into the EV age? Just remove the front grille and turn it into a front end that mirrors the standard G-Class, but add a few futuristic touches to give it a modern yet familiar look. Although the production EQG shown by Mercedes-Benz is still camouflaged, we can see the more modern treatment of the vehicle’s design.
This includes a front grille with smaller openings than before and the squared-off rear spare tire housing seen in the Concept EQG. It remains uncertain if the two-tone paint of the Concept EQG will also be featured in the production model, but it is hoped that it will.
A Peek At The G-Class’s Future
Mercedes-Benz
These designs also provide hints of what the standard ICE-powered G-Class is expected to adopt eventually. According to a report from Business Insider, the current G-Class will cease production in Q1 2024 to make way for the upcoming facelifted model.
Nevertheless, the facelift or the EQG are not expected to radically transform the G-Class. Dr. Emerich Schiller, head of the G-Class business unit, stated to Autocar that while there will be aesthetic and aerodynamic changes, it might be challenging for people to distinguish the facelift from the outgoing model.
“When you really go into the details of the car, we have changed things. Most customers won’t see it, even if they stand in front of the car, but the change in some cases had a really dramatic improvement to the aerodynamics.”
The upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQG will require large batteries to match the range of the standard ICE-powered G-Class while retaining the boxy design. This will result in increased weight, necessitating careful integration of the batteries to avoid diminishing returns.
Bigger And More Energy-Dense Batteries
The EQG will be equipped with larger batteries and will be the first model in the brand’s lineup to feature a silicon anode battery chemistry. This chemistry enables an increase in energy density by approximately 20-40% compared to the commonly used graphite anode material for lithium-ion batteries.
Due to the focus on larger batteries, the EQG is not expected to be highly efficient. It may have improved aerodynamics compared to the pre-facelift G-Class, as the facelifted G-Class is anticipated to incorporate lessons from EQG development, but its boxy shape may not provide aerodynamic advantages.
Tank Turns In A Dime
The EQG’s four electric motors (one on each wheel) offer another advantage. In addition to providing significant power, the EQG can perform tank turns, allowing it to rotate rather than simply make a U-turn. The quad-motor setup, confirmed by Mercedes-Benz, allows the EQG to simulate having three lockable differentials, enhancing its capabilities as seen in the G-Class.
The EQG is set to be released sometime in 2024 as its development progresses. Prospective buyers won’t have to wait long for its availability in the market. Here are some of the aspects the EQG seems to have addressed and needs to focus on to attract loyal G-Class buyers.
It Could Be The Hummer EV SUV’s German Competitor
If the EQG’s features seem familiar, it might be seen as a competitor to the Hummer EV SUV. Both vehicles share similar characteristics and intend to be off-road luxury EVs with a boxy aerodynamic design. These are some confirmed facts about the EQG:
A quad-motor setup that provides tank-turning capabilities and simulates three locking differentials.
A new battery chemistry featuring a silicon anode, offering higher energy density.
Styling that previews the appearance of the upcoming facelifted G-Class with traditional fuel engines.
It Needs To Be An Electric SUV With Endurance
For G-Class loyalists, the EQG must be highly durable and suitable for challenging terrains. Although the new battery chemistry with a silicon anode promises improved range, its real-world performance across various terrains remains to be seen.
The adventure bike segment is transforming; gone are the days when having the biggest, baddest ADV like the R 1250 GS was the dream. These days, bikers are choosing adventure bikes that are sharp, light, and narrow, like the Yamaha Tenere 700, which has become the go-to choice for ADV riders. Even BMW has changed its thinking with the upcoming R 1300 GS — it’s sleeker now. In this changing environment, Ducati managed to gamble and win with the DesertX model.
The Ducati DesertX was the brand’s honest attempt at cracking the enduro adventure segment, and it managed to do just that. The bike is capable, tricked out with fancy gizmos, and, like any other Ducati, it’s a beauty. However, experienced riders who enjoyed the DesertX flavor found it lacking a few important notes. The Ducati DesertX Rally is for them; this fancy enduro adventure is everything the DesertX is but much better, with some fancy garnish that makes it our favorite Italian des(s)ert!
The information and specifications for this article are sourced from Ducati and Motorcycle.com.
The Ducati DesertX has no doubt made its presence known in the adventure segment; it’s one of the most capable liter-class adventure bikes ever built, and unlike many of its rivals, this one is more off-road focussed. But if this track record wasn’t enough, the DesertX has further made the job difficult for its rivals, thanks to Antoine Meo. This multiple Enduro World Champion and European Supercross Champion won the Iron Road Prolog at the Erzbergrodeo 2023, twin-cylinder category, on the DesertX Rally prototype. This bike has proven its ability on the off-road already.
Ducati DesertX Rally Iron Road Prolog Details
Rider: Antoine Meo
Category: Twin-cylinder category
Advantage over its closest rival: 12 seconds and 20 seconds in two different races
9Make It Your Own With Ducati Performance Accessories
Ducati
It’s no secret that adventure bikes are some of the most commonly modded motorcycles — every ADV rider likes to mod the bike as per their riding style (although some go overboard with it from time to time). And Ducati is aware of it, which is why the DesertX Rally comes with a comprehensive catalog of Ducati Perform Accessories, which can improve your bike’s safety, performance, range, ability, and sound. If that wasn’t enough, Ducati also offers specialist apparel, so you can let everyone at the bike meet know what you ride.
Ducati Performance Accessories And Specialist Apparel
An additional 2.1-gallon gas tank that complements the natural lines of the bike while improving the range by 40%
Aluminum side cases and a top case that offer 120 liters of storage
Additional LED spotlights and heated grips
Steel tube engine guards
Termignoni homologated exhaust that can boost power by +7%
Riding gear, including Explorer jacket and trouser set, Explorer T7 boots, Atacama gloves, and Arai Tour-X5 helmet, with DesertX Rally livery
8Tech-Savvy, As Every Ducati Should Be
Ducati
The Ducati DesertX Rally is not a bike for beginners; it offers loads of performance that an experienced rider can exploit, but not everyone will have the skills to push this bike to its limits. Fortunately, this bike has a host of rider aids and electronic features to help you out. It gets six riding modes, cornering ABS, Ducati Wheelie Control, and Ducati Traction Control — all calibrated for off-road use. It also gets a vertical TFT display with Ducati Media System integration. This bike will save your skin and make you a better rider.
The Ducati DesertX is one of the most beautiful adventure bikes of all time, thanks to its old Dakar bikes-inspired design language that’s flowy and minimal. It’s not a typical retro-ADV, but a modern interpretation of the classic Enduro template. And in the Rally avatar, the bike looks even better. It’s no longer understated; it gets a flashier treatment with its new livery and some off-roading add-ons, but it still stays true to its form-meets-function philosophy. It’s so gorgeous.
6Tires With More Drip Than Your Jordans
Ducati
The DesertX Rally comes with a significant improvement in the tires and wheel department. The wheels are made of Takasago Excel rims, traditional carbon steel spokes, and billet hubs. These wheels can be fitted with a selection of three tires: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR as standard, Scorpion Rally for off-road use, and Scorpion Trail II for road use. The only downside in this department is the use of tubes — tubeless spoked wheels would’ve been excellent.
Tires And Wheels Specifications
Wheel Type
Takasago Excel rims with carbon spoke wheels and billet hubs
Front Wheel Dimensions
2.15″ x 21″
Rear Wheel Dimensions
4″ x 18″
Front Tires
Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 90/90 R21 (base)
Rear Tires
Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 150/70 R18 (base)
5The Brakes Belong On A Sport Bike
Ducati
Ducati does not mess around when it comes to braking systems, and the same philosophy carries over with the DesertX Rally — the brakes are excellent. The braking system uses twin 320mm rotors with radially mounted four-piston Brembo Monoblock calipers on the front and a 265mm rotor with a dual-piston caliper on the rear, which offer excellent braking performance. The brakes are so good they may sometimes overpower the tires; thankfully, Bosch cornering ABS has your back there.
The Ducati DesertX Rally features the 937cc Ducati Testastretta 11° L-twin, producing a linear power delivery right from the get-go. While the gear ratios are optimized for road use, the punchy nature of this engine allows the bike to get through the most challenging terrain without any fuss. Ducati has a tendency to use this engine in a variety of bikes, ranging from the Monster + to the Supersport 950, but it feels right at home on this ADV, too.
Engine Specifications
Engine Type
Ducati Testastretta 11° L-twin motorcycle with Desmodromic valves
Displacement
937cc
Compression Ratio
13.3:1
Max Power
110 horsepower @ 9,250 rpm
Max Torque
68 pound-feet @ 6,500 rpm
Transmission
6-speed with Ducati Quick Shift, mated to a slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch
3Superb Pro-Spec Suspension For The Roughest Terrain
Ducati
The biggest upgrade the DesertX Rally gets over the base variant is the longer travel suspension. The suspension is race-derived, using the same tech that’s used on pro-level enduro and motocross motorcycles. The front suspension is also equipped with a new billet aluminum triple clamp that’s lighter and stronger, which holds the closed-cartridge KYB forks. There’s also the Öhlins steering damper to improve stability at high speeds. The rear uses a fully adjustable large piston shock with an aluminum swingarm with a different attachment point for improved off-road ability.
Suspension And Chassis Specifications
Frame Type
Tubular steel trellis frame
Front Suspension
KYB 48mm upside-down closed-cartridge fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping, Kashima coating, and DLC treatment
Front Suspension Travel
9.8 inches
Rear Suspension
KYB monoshock with 48mm piston, fully adjustable compression, rebound damping, and preload
Rear Suspension Travel
9.4 inches
Swingarm
Double-sided aluminum swingarm
Ground Clearence
11 inches
2One Of The Most Capable Middleweight ADVs
Ducati
The DesertX has always been an amazing off-road-oriented ADV, but the DesertX Rally dials it all to 11, becoming one of the most capable adventure bikes ever built. The things that make it a better off-roader include the suspension, L-twin engine, grippy tires, and lighter wheels. Other add-ons like the forged carbon sump guard, off-road-oriented gear and brake levers, and a functional beak only sweeten the deal. We await to see the DesertX Rally competing against other off-road-oriented ADVs in its segment, band we wouldn’t be surprised if the DesertX Rally comes out on top.
Ducati DesertX Rally Competitors
Yamaha Tenere 700
Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro
KTM 890 Adventure R
Husqvarna Norden 901
BMW F 850 GS
1A Slightly Higher But Totally Worth It Price Tag
Ducati
It’s a Ducati, so we obviously didn’t expect it to sit anywhere near the $15,000 mark, but it still feels a bit expensive. Remember, the base DesertX costs $17,995, but the DesertX Rally can be yours for $22,995 in the US and $26,295 in Canada. If you ask us, the DesertX Rally is worth every penny despite the higher price tag for what it offers: capability, style, and riding experience.
German tuner, SMN Motors, is turning the current S-Class into a luxurious sport sedan capable of producing 592 horsepower (600 metric hp) and 605 pound-feet (820 Newton-meters) of torque. This impressive creation is known as the SMN600.
Starting with the S580 4Matic, the company enhances the power and performance. The base model already includes a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that generates 496 hp and 516 lb-ft. Although the specific tuning details aren’t mentioned, SMN Motors manages to boost the output by an additional 96 hp and 89 lb-ft. One significant modification is the installation of a stainless steel exhaust system equipped with a flap control system that synergizes with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) actuators.
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