OpenAI’s board is seeking to bring back Sam Altman, possibly due to pressure from key investors like Microsoft, Thrive Capital, Khosla Ventures, Sequoia, and Tiger Global. According to Bloomberg, Altman is discussing plans for a new company with Brockman and other AI researchers in his camp, as reported by Forbes.
– active convos happening to reinstate @sama including w/ Microsoft and @satyanadella – Sam has Satya’s support/confidence whatever he does next – in one scenario the board could resign – this is a fast-moving complex negotiation – Sam is open to… https://t.co/0q2K1w7zkS
Internal sources cited by Forbes indicate that the situation could escalate, with measures such as widespread uprising by senior researchers, withholding of cloud computing credits from Microsoft, and the looming threat of a lawsuit. This potential Altman homecoming would bring about a major change in the leadership of OpenAI, with speculation that members of the current board may step down soon, as mentioned by Bloomberg. Additionally, Microsoft’s Nadella has reportedly pledged his support for Altman’s future endeavors. However, OpenAI and its lead investors, including Microsoft, have yet to make any public statements regarding the push to reinstate Altman.
To be clear, Khosla Ventures wants @sama back at @OpenAI but will back him in whatever he does next
Elon Musk has been open about his plans to expand Twitter’s capabilities beyond being a social media platform. He envisions turning the company into an “everything app,” similar to popular super apps like China’s WeChat. These super apps serve as a one-stop-shop for various functions on your phone, including messaging, calling, appointments, games, and ordering food.
In August, it was reported that Twitter, now called X, was exploring the addition of a stock trading hub. This move aligns with Musk’s banking ambitions, which he started discussing shortly after acquiring Twitter. In November 2022, Musk reportedly met with Twitter employees to discuss his idea of implementing payment features, such as debit cards, instant money transfers, and even loans, according to The Verge.
Musk’s plans have attracted mixed reactions. Some people express concerns about trusting X and its owner with their financial information, while others point out the challenges of introducing a WeChat-like service in the U.S. and Europe due to existing laws and regulations.
In the motorcycle racing world, the weight of the rider has always been a sensitive topic. While manufacturers strive to make their bikes as lightweight as possible, a heavier rider can negate those efforts. This issue has been a hot topic of debate in the WorldSBK, particularly in relation to current WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista, who is known for his lightweight physique.
Bautista weighs only 56 kilograms (123 pounds) and stands at 5ft 5in (1.69 meters), making him significantly lighter than his rivals. One of his main competitors, BMW racer Scott Redding, has raised concerns about the weight advantage that Bautista enjoys. Redding, who weighs 78 kilograms (171 pounds) and is six feet tall, believes that there should be a minimum weight limit for riders to level the playing field.
After initially dismissing the idea, the Superbike Commission has now announced that starting from the 2024 season, there will be a minimum combined weight limit for riders. This means that smaller riders like Bautista will not have to worry about gaining weight to meet a certain requirement. However, race engineers will need to compensate for the lighter riders by adding weight to the bikes. The specific minimum weight has not yet been announced.
In addition to the minimum weight limit, the 2024 season will also introduce other technical changes. The fuel tank capacity will be reduced from 24 liters to 21 liters, and it is expected that fuel flow control systems will become mandatory for all bikes starting from the 2025 season. For the 2024 season, at least two bikes from each manufacturer will need to have fuel flow meters for data collection purposes. There will also be new engine speed limits and modifications in crankshaft and balancing shaft weight.
All of these technical revisions are pending approval by the Permanent Bureau, and further discussions will take place in a WSBK Commission meeting in October 2023 to address sporting and disciplinary changes.
Tesla has not explicitly stated that it wants to limit its customers from using another infotainment operating system, but it does so for a reason. The company aims to provide a cohesive user experience, including how people listen to music and use the navigation system. This approach is similar to Apple’s strategy of tightly controlling its products by developing both the hardware and software.
Tesla is not the only company taking this approach. General Motors announced in March that it would phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its future cars because its own software integrates better with electric vehicle architecture. On the other hand, Porsche has embraced more EV-centric smartphone compatibility for its Taycan EV.
Although Tesla’s decision may appear to be a unique quirk, the practice of favoring in-house solutions over third-party software is fairly common, although not typically with software as widespread as Android Auto.
ABT Sportsline, the leading tuner for the VW Group, is venturing into the world of Lamborghini with its latest project, the ABT Urus Scatenato. The name “Scatenato” translates to “unleashed” or “raging, wild” in Italian. Limited to just 99 units, the Urus Scatenato offers a combination of impressive performance and exclusivity.
Similar to what it does with Audi sedans and wagons, ABT begins by working with the performance-oriented versions of the Lamborghini Urus, adding more power and introducing subtle design enhancements. The Urus Performante already boasts a powerful twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that delivers 666 horsepower. However, ABT manages to extract an additional 144 hp using its Power R technology.
It appears that Ford no longer feels the need to conceal the updated 2024 Explorer. Previous spy shots of the three-row SUV have shown the model without any camouflage, and the most recent pictures reveal the Explorer Timberline joining the group with fully exposed sheet metal.
However, the 2024 Timberline doesn’t feature the redesigned face seen on other test vehicles and trims; instead, it retains the current fascia’s styling. The SUV retains the narrow grille and old headlights, along with the rugged lower bumper of the current model. Nevertheless, the refreshed variant is evident in the new rear taillights and hatch found on this off-road-oriented Explorer trim.
When trying to cater to different driving situations and incorporating complex technology, there is a risk that the essence of a car can be overshadowed. There is also a paradox that the closer a car gets to perfection, the more it may lose its personality. However, the Aston Martin DB12 manages to embody both excellence and the spirit of the brand.
During a test drive in Southern France, Aston Martin showcased the efforts of its engineers, focusing on the power curve and transmission of the DB12. When you press the gas pedal, there’s a brief pause that creates anticipation before the car propels forward with enthusiasm.
Chris Davies/SlashGear
In terms of the gearbox, Aston Martin purposely made it shift with noticeable force rather than silently. This intentional aggression adds to the experience of driving aggressively. While it is possible to exceed the speed limit without realizing, the DB12 does a great job of reminding you that you are driving fast.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is one of the most trying, storied, and respected automotive challenges, testing the performance limits of cars and drivers alike, which is why Porsche decided to test its most powerful Taycan Cross Turismo model at the legendary venue, with the help of a racing legend. Driver Hurley Haywood took the electric Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo on an electrifying exhibition run up Pikes Peak, a demonstration highlighting both the technology’s power and the event’s enduring tradition of bringing top-tier drivers and automotive innovation to the forefront.
As a five-time winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona, three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and two-time winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring, Haywood is no stranger to the challenges of the racetrack. Even still, taking on Pikes Peak was a first for him. The Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo took the thin air of the high altitudes in stride, demonstrating its impressive capability and resilience. Haywood was amazed, stating, “I was not getting close to what the car was capable of, but it was a lot of fun and required some recalibration on my part.” An important advantage of electric vehicles in places like Pikes Peak is that they don’t suffer from the performance reduction usually associated with conventional engines at high altitudes.
The Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo was not only reliable but nimble. Haywood noticed the utility of the rear-axle steering as it smoothly navigated through the notorious tight switchbacks of the climb. The Taycan Cross Turismo itself is no newcomer to Pikes Peak, one of America’s highest drivable points. Previously, it completed a record-breaking 1,400-mile journey from one of the lowest points in the U.S.—the bottom of a mine—to the top of Pikes Peak. This stunning feat set a Guinness World Record for the greatest altitude change by an electric car.
The 2023 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb reaffirmed its long-standing tradition of attracting world-class drivers and showcasing the latest breakthroughs in the automotive world. Hurley Haywood’s memorable run with the Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo exemplifies the event’s premise, proving that innovation and tradition create amazing moments and push the automotive industry forward as a whole.
Automotive manufacturers have been attempting to revolutionize the fuel industry for a few decades now. Toyota was one of the front-runners in this effort with their hybrid systems, first introduced in the Prius. While many believe that electric vehicles (EVs) are the way forward, Toyota and others are skeptical about their practicality and environmental impact. As a result, Toyota has invested significant time and resources into hydrogen power, and their efforts may just save the internal combustion engine.
Hydrogen is seen as one of the most promising environmentally friendly power sources for vehicles. Toyota has used hydrogen in combination with batteries to eliminate charging time and reduce emissions. With this technology, vehicles can be refueled with hydrogen at fuel stations, offering convenience to drivers. Additionally, hydrogen-powered vehicles require smaller and fewer batteries compared to traditional EVs, making them more environmentally friendly. Toyota has even explored the idea of using hydrogen in conventional internal combustion engines as a replacement for petrol. Since hydrogen fuel produces water as a byproduct, successfully implementing this technology would revolutionize the automotive industry.
Toyota has made significant progress in this area, developing hydrogen-powered engines such as the 1.6-liter Yaris and the 5.0-liter V-8 from the Lexus RC-F, in collaboration with Yamaha. These engines retain the power and performance of their petrol counterparts, with minimal modifications required. This means that existing production lines and engine designs can be used, further benefiting the environment. In the future, Toyota may even offer hydrogen conversion kits for petrol-powered vehicles, allowing classic car enthusiasts to keep their beloved machines on the road without the need for costly conversions or excessive road taxes.
However, there are some downsides to hydrogen engines, specifically related to the storage of hydrogen. The fuel requires large tanks, reducing interior space in vehicles, and it is highly flammable, necessitating leak-proof and durable storage systems. Once these storage challenges are addressed, the installation of hydrogen fuel stations could be more straightforward compared to EV chargers, as they can utilize existing infrastructure for normal fuels.
The 80s was a time of motorcycle reinvention. Manufacturers the world over were trying new concepts, entering classes they weren’t previously in, and even creating whole new segments. Kawasaki entered the cruiser segment with the Vulcan, Yamaha built a new power-cruiser called the VMAX and BMW gave a very odd bike that went on to define its own segment almost 10 years after it first launched. Most of these motorcycles have continued to stay in the market. While some of these stayed relatively the same over the years, some are now unrecognizable. Some, like the Suzuki Katana, are even coming back as all-new motorcycles complete with new engines and modern designs.
There were so many incredible machines that launched over those 10 years that it is almost impossible to list them all without exceeding our word count. So instead, we decided to list down 10 of the most iconic of those motorcycles which, coincidentally, also happen to be 10 of our favorites from the 80s. Now, yes, this is a Japanese-heavy list, but that is because the Japanese bike manufacturers kept pushing out something new almost every year.
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Yamaha
Perhaps one of the biggest names from the 80s has to be the Yamaha VMAX 1200. A true power-cruiser in every sense of the term, the V-Max (as it was originally spelled) set the industry standard for performance cruising. The reason for this was the potent 1,197cc liquid-cooled V-four engine that produced a whopping 145 horsepower. With that many ponies strapped to a low-slung rocket, you’d expect handling to go out the window. And, you’d be right. The question was, however, would you rather carve mountains or be the fastest down the quarter mile? With 120 horses at the rear wheel and a 10-second quarter mile, the VMAX would take on any other cruiser that looked at it sideways.
9Kawasaki Vulcan
Kawasaki
A front three-quarter shot of a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 750
First introduced in 1984, the Kawasaki Vulcan was then known for two things. It was the first cruiser to come out of the Japanese manufacturer’s stable, and it was also their first V-twin. Now, when it first launched in the United States, the Vulcan featured a 699cc because of the tariff restrictions on motorcycles above 700cc that were imported from Japan. These restrictions were lifted in 1986 and the Vulcan then received the 749cc engine that duty in the rest of the world. Even today, the average Vulcan owner continues to love their ride with very few willing to trade in. Those who do, however, usually talk about the more modern Vulcan 800 or 1000.
The Virago first appeared in 1988 as a smaller, novice-friendly cruiser from Yamaha’s stables. Essentially, the little sibling to the XV750 and XV1100, the Virago was purpose-built and aimed squarely at competing with cruisers already servicing the US motorcycle market. The Virago’s engine may not have been the most exciting, at least at the top-end considering V-twin’s 38 horsepower output, but it certainly was engaging when riding day-to-day thanks to the meaty midrange. Then you had the short seat height which meant shorter riders and women found it to be an especially friendly bike. All of this, along with its gentle handling characteristics made the Virago one of the best first big bikes for many riders.
7Honda Africa Twin
Honda
Vintage motorcycle standing in white room facing right.
Yes, the Africa Twin was more iconic in the 90s, but there is no denying the fact that it was the 1988 XRV650 that paved the way for the Africa Twin as we know it today. This was based on the Dakar-winning NXR750 and if there is anything you need to know from these races, it’s that the bikes are built to take massive amounts of thrashing. Everything from the sculpted fairing to the engine components were purpose-built with one sole idea in mind: Go anywhere, do anything. Of course, a year later, Honda also gave us the XRV750, the second generation to hold the Africa Twin title. The XRV650, today, is extremely difficult to obtain outside the collector’s market making them that much more valuable.
6Ducati 851
Ducati
Ducati 851 in red, facing right
The Ducati 851 was perhaps one of the most exciting sportbikes of the year when it launched in 1988 thanks in part to the financial injection provided by the then-new owner, Cagiva. This directly resulted in a new 93 horsepower-producing 853cc V-twin liquid-cooled engine. The 851 was pretty to look at exuding the Italian design that it is known for even today. Yes, the 916 that came almost 5 years later is probably more fondly remembered, but the 851 is the one that paved the way for the Ducatis that we know and love today.
5Suzuki DR Big
Suzuki Motorcyles
Side view of the Suzuki DR750 finished in blue
Here, we have the Suzuki DR Big, aptly named due to its gargantuan proportions. The DR Big was the best performer when it came to other ADVs in its class, but a lot of the features that you first saw on this motorcycle, you see even today. Take for example the beak: the DR Big is the first bike to sport one. Then there is the tall seat that comes on every ADV today. And finally, the absolutely massive 30-liter fuel carrying capacity. The DR Big also had one of the largest single-cylinders the world had ever seen – a full 727cc power plant producing 51 horsepower.
This auction bike has a set aftermarket exhausts to further amplify your riding experience
Do you like Top Gun? Yea, us too, so we may be biased, but the Kawasaki GPZ900R had quite a few things going for it. For example, when it launched in 1984, the first ever Ninja became the first production bike to break the 150-mph mark topping out at 151 mph. It debuted the world’s first 16-valve inline-four engine. This was also used as a stressed member in the frame which allowed for lower weight and better maneuverability. Within three months of its first unveiling, three GPZ900R bikes were entered into the Isle of Man TT where they won first and second place. And, Tom Cruise rides it! What more do you need to make it ionic?
Another race-derived machine in the 80s was the Honda VFR750R RC30. Soon after its launch in 1987, the VFR750 RC30 went on to win the first two World Superbike Championship titles back-to-back in 1988 and 1989. Now, when we call the RC30 a ‘production’ bike, we use the term fairly lightly and that’s because only 3,000 units were ever produced. Additionally, a lot of the components on the RC30 were high-performance competition parts. For example, it had titanium connecting rods, intake and exhaust valves, fully adjustable Showa suspension, a single-sided swingarm, and a slipper clutch.
2Suzuki Katana
Suzuki
Side view of the early Katana 1100, demonstrating the unique style it introduced.
If retro is cool today, in the 80s futuristic was the way to go in the motorcycle world. And, no other bike did that better than the Suzuki Katana. Designed by the Target Design team from Germany, the Katana has been an inspiration for many sportbike designs for years to come. According to Suzuki, the Katana was also the fastest mass-production motorcycle thanks to its 1,075cc transverse V4 engine. Today the Katana is back with an all-new engine, but the original sold right up till 2006 and while it is rare in the used market, the 1,000cc race editions are more difficult to find.
1BMW R80 G/S
Mecum Auctions
Perhaps the most iconic motorcycle of the 80s has to be the BMW R80 G/S. This bike single-handedly created an all-new segment today revered as the go-anywhere adventure tourer. But when it launched, the R80 basically failed in the eyes of the media. It was big and burly and didn’t quite fit either on the streets or the off them. But the balance was evident. The R80 gave up a little street performance to do well in the dirt and vice versa. The R80 G/S went on to become one of BMW’s best-selling models and continues to do so despite the numerous revisions to everything from the engine to its design.
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