An unidentified 42-year-old man was killed on Tuesday when the Maserati MC20 Cielo he was driving skidded uncontrolled, sliding throughout a number of lanes of Interstate 45 in Houston earlier than hanging a tree within the median, splitting the automotive in two.
Authorities have little in the best way of particulars, however a video of the aftermath shared on YouTube by Scott Engle provides us an concept of what occurred. Be suggested earlier than clicking play – whereas there are not any graphic scenes, the destruction is excessive.
According to the video description and a report from the Montgomery County Police Reporter, the crash occurred at roughly 5:45 pm native time on February 13. The driver was allegedly touring southbound at a excessive fee of velocity close to Shenandoah, a northern suburb of Houston. For causes unknown, the motive force misplaced management at speeds nearing 100 mph whereas within the HOV lane. The automotive slid throughout 5 lanes of freeway earlier than getting into a grass median between I-45 and a service highway, finally hanging a tree.
The driver of the mid-engine convertible was pulled from the car earlier than receiving CPR. They had been finally pronounced useless on the scene. The actual reason for loss of life has not been launched. Nobody else was within the automotive on the time of the incident, and there have been no accidents to different motorists. The solely different harm brought on by the crash got here from particles from the Maserati hanging one other car.
The automotive cut up simply behind the passenger compartment, leaving the inside largely intact. In truth, there was nonetheless energy going to the MC20’s digital instrument cluster, which confirmed 1,452 miles. The video concludes with the automotive’s two sections loaded onto a flatbed for transport.
Today’s Dirt Bike Magazine Two-Stroke Tuesday includes a distinctive off-road machine constructed by MX Skill Shack, which is a brand new firm fashioned Charles Lytle of mXrevival & Tony Jeske of Elite Moto Factory. They like to think about this monster TE500i buyer mission our “soft opening”, because it’s the very first mission of their new instructional & MX bike giveaway firm accomplished. More on that later… Below is an inside have a look at the construct with phrases from the builders themselves:
This gasoline injected 500 mission began with an incredible Customer’s 2021 TE300i, which was already dripping with off-road tech & actually had a glance that will make a man do a double take! This path weapon was already sporting tons of CMT carbon fiber, Trail TechPro GPS, Fastway EXT pegs (amongst different issues), Two Stroke Performance cylinder head & optimized mapping. Needless to say – It was already fairly dialed!
After a couple of earlier “500cc mXrevival Giveaway Bike Builds”, our TE300i proprietor Chris Terry had seen sufficient. Chris gave MX Skill Shack with a imaginative and prescient to transplant considered one of BRC Racing’s 500cc, counter-balanced engines into his TE300i chassis. No drawback – we love these things!
We sealed the deal on this one by sending it to Dean-O at Fast Blast & Coat in Boise, Idaho for the blacked-out Cerakote therapy.
We began out by hitting up our man Riley Will, proprietor of BRC Racing, for an entire 500cc engine package deal. These engines are STOUT and slam each little bit of Two Stroke tech a pair of nerds like Charles & Tony (us) might ever ask for in an engine package deal.
Features like electrical begin, counter-balancer, exhaust valve and in some circumstances a twin map ignition all grace these BRC Engine Packages. They even include a whole exhaust system!
In our case, we’re additionally spoiled with gasoline injection, and these engines make the most of quite a lot of what’s already good in regards to the donor bike it’s going into – the already TPI injected TE300i on this case.
It’s protected to say that the Big Bore crowd has by no means had it higher!
Adam Millar from Millar Race Engineering additionally snuck considered one of his foged & modded Wiesco pistons into this monster for a little bit further go-fast.
The mission is fairly straight ahead.
You take a very good donor bike, purchase your self a BRC Engine, and switch the transmission from said-good donor into your new BRC circumstances, together with the included billet crank, piston of selection, and some different BRC equipped goodies. But we didn’t cease there… Chris has GOOD TASTE and clearly likes a excessive finish product or two.
So we hit up Dave Hanson, the brand new proprietor of Rocket Exhaust for a one-off, black anodized & carbon fiber outfitted silencer – you BRC boys can now cop these too!
Then we stopped by Rekluse Motorsports right here in Boise for the all-new EXP 4.0 auto clutch system. As Chris TE300i already had a 3.0 system in it, all it’s essential do is seize the brand new 4.0 auto clutch part and swap it it place of the three.0. Done deal!You might have observed the boys at Rekluse additionally did us a strong with the black anodize as a substitute of Rekluse Gray on the clutch cowl too.
One extra insane part Rekluse despatched our means was their all-new rear handbrake system. We’re fairly positive we’re the primary riders on the market to obtain their manufacturing unit – and it’s so trick.
The entrance and rear cylinders are machined to perfection, and embody all it’s essential hook up & bleed the system. The entrance grasp cylinder is even outfitted with an AR-15 type din rail to regulate the ultimate location & placement of the cylinder itself
DeCal Works & MX Plastics killed it with a contemporary set of plastic, a customized seat cowl, and their new “Heritage” sequence Husqvarna graphics for the TE500i construct.
It was robust to match Chris’ current and LOUD flo-yellow powder coated spokes. But DeCal has a shade referred to as Toxic Neon Green that hit the nail as shut as we might get it. Even although it’s the very first thing your eyes locked onto whenever you noticed the finished bike – we’ll let you know extra about it anyway. The HYGGE (Hue-Guh) handmade conpipe is an absolute staple on our mission bikes. Steve at HYGGE sealed this pipe with a excessive temp ceramic clear coat to maintain us driving as a substitute of scrubbing these gorgeus cones with Scotch-Brite.
As you’ll be able to see, this TE500i is prepared for the upcoming Dirt Bike Magazine torture check! So make sure to subscribe to the journal for a future article, in addition to their YouTube & Instagram web page for all of the behind the scenes stuff you received’t see wherever else!
Mercedes-Benz rationalized its coupe lineup, combining the C- and E-Class coupes into one, new mannequin, the CLE. On Tuesday, Mercedes confirmed pricing of the brand new coupe, and no shock, it is proper between its previous predecessors.
In truth, the CLE 300’s $57,650 base falls properly between the $51,550 of the 2023 C300 4Matic Coupe and the $73,400 of the 2023 E450 4Matic Coupe. (Both 2023 coupes had been provided with out 4Matic all-wheel drive, however because the CLE will get 4Matic commonplace, we’re referencing these costs for the older vehicles.) Here’s a breakdown of pricing by mannequin and trim stage:
Model
Cost (Including $1,150 Destination Fee)
CLE 300 4Matic
$57,650
CLE 300 4Matic Pinnacle
$60,250
CLE 450 4Matic
$66,800
CLE 450 4Matic Pinnacle
$69,350
Stepping as much as the Pinnacle trim provides an upgraded infotainment system, augmented-reality navigation, surround-view cameras, a head-up show, “digital” headlights, and safety system that may take footage with the automotive’s on-board cameras. The CLE 300 will get a 2.0-liter mild-hybrid turbo four-cylinder with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, whereas the 450 will get a 3.0-liter straight-six with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Size smart, the brand new CLE is about the identical because the previous E-Class Coupe, and thus bigger than the C-Class coupe, however the inside is lifted out of the brand new C-Class sedan. The CLE is not pillarless, as was the E-Class coupe, so it loses some type factors there.
Mercedes says CLE coupes ought to begin arriving at US sellers this quarter. We’ll have to attend a bit of longer for pricing and availability information on the CLE 53 and the CLE Cabriolet.
Jeep is sharing some contemporary particulars on its forthcoming electrical SUV. The firm on Tuesday shared the primary official photographs of the electrical SUV recognized merely because the Wagoneer S. We hope you want digital shows and touch-sensitive controls, as a result of this factor has a lot of them.
We rely 4 screens on the sprint of the Wagoneer S, going by inside images launched by Jeep. There’s the driving force show display that, on this configuration, is not displaying pace however a navigation route on highways close to Detroit. In the middle, there’s an infotainment display that is dedicated to entertaining passengers. For causes we do not perceive, it is displaying old-school degree meters whereas taking part in Nick Mulvey’s Moment of Surrender. We additionally see contact settings for heated seats on the middle display.
Below that could be a smaller display that seems devoted to creature comforts. Aside from controlling local weather capabilities, we see massaging seat controls and defrost settings. There’s additionally an choice to show the display off, which implies there could possibly be some supplemental tactile controls for common-use gadgets positioned elsewhere. But based mostly on what we see between these two inside images, working the electrical Wagoneer’s techniques will largely be a touch-sensitive affair. That consists of the passenger show, which may apparently be used to look at motion pictures or different leisure actions not obtainable to the driving force.
There’s a lot to imagine at this level, as Jeep did not present any concrete particulars to accompany the brand new images. We do know a number of issues, although. A 19-speaker McIntosh sound system might be provided within the “tech-focused interior.” A dual-pane panoramic moonroof might be customary, and Jeep tells us it is going to have a selected Selec-Terrain system with numerous drive modes.
Honda introduced Tuesday plans to supply a dealer-installed software program improve for Honda Accords that can allow wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for fashions not initially outfitted with the function. The improve is accessible for 2018 to 2022 model-year Accords and can value $112 plus any labor fees incurred on the vendor.
The improve is accessible to any 2018-2022 Accord that was outfitted with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from the manufacturing unit. Honda estimates there are round 631,000 Accords within the United States which can be eligible. The firm says this program is a part of its sustainability effort that seeks to “maximize lifetime value of in-market Honda vehicles by offering upgrades and new digital services.”
Honda says the software program improve will be put in at any licensed vendor now, a spokesperson confirmed to Motor1.
“This quick software update enables customers to leverage hardware already in their Honda vehicle to enjoy seamless connectivity through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,” Jay Joseph, vp of the Sustainability & Business Development Division at American Honda Motor Co., Inc., stated in a statement. “Enhancing the ownership experience and market value of Honda vehicles already in use is a key strategy in pursuit of our goal to have zero environmental impact by 2050.”
Not all 2018-2022 Accord homeowners should pay for wi-fi CarPlay as a standalone expense. Honda says the software program improve can be put in at no additional cost on each qualifying mannequin that is offered as an authorized pre-owned car. So for those who purchase an eligible used Accord from the vendor, the function will already be put in.
Toyota on Tuesday issued a “Do Not Drive” advisory for sure 20-year-old fashions outfitted with Takata airbags. The declaration impacts 50,000 2003-2004 Corolla, 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix, and 2004-2005 RAV4 fashions, with the corporate urging house owners to get their automobiles fastened as quickly as potential.
General Motors additionally issued an analogous advisory for round 11,000 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibes. The two automakers constructed the Corolla Matrix and Vibe on the similar manufacturing unit.
It’s been over a decade since automakers issued the primary remembers for the lethal Takata airbags, which might go on to have an effect on 67 million inflators in tens of hundreds of thousands of vehicles within the US alone. However, regardless of these recall efforts, there are nonetheless vehicles on the highway at this time that haven’t been repaired, and corporations are doing all they will to persuade house owners to get them fastened, with some going so far as to difficulty “Do Not Drive” warnings.
The propellant in these airbag inflators can break down over time when uncovered to longterm temperature fluctuations. This could cause the inflator to blow up throughout deployment, sending shrapnel into the cabin and making older automobiles that haven’t been fastened particularly harmful.
Toyota says the driver-side airbag must be changed within the RAV4. The Corolla fashions want solely their passenger-side airbags changed.
Bad inflators have resulted in 26 deaths within the US, 5 of which occurred in 2022. The inflators have killed greater than 30 folks worldwide, and Toyota isn’t the one automaker going to the extremes to get house owners to conform. Last yr, BMW, Honda, and Ram issued “Do Not Drive” advisories on a number of fashions from the early 2000s.
To keep updated on every thing in regards to the Takata airbags and to see in case your automobile wants repaired, take a look at the landing page about the recall from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
On this week’s 2-Stroke Tuesday we’re letting everybody see the newest full rebuild from Jay Clark and his crew. This 1995 Honda CR250R is considered one of 5 that Clark is restoring and as you possibly can see this one has early ’90s Jeremy McGrath vibes. We can’t wait to see what he has in retailer for the others however for the time being scroll down to take a look at particulars of this magnificence.
Rather a lot on trade main corporations like Wiseco, Pro-X, Decal Works, Works Connection, Dunlop, FMF, Rekluse, IMS, Specbolt, Race Tech, ODI, Sano Metal Finishing, TMR, VP Racing Fuels and extra.
Jay Clark all smiles together with his newest creation . We know that smile is massive as a result of this one is lastly performed!
The engine was rebuilt internally utilizing Pro X elements with the cylinder being re-plated by Millennium Technologies after which labored over by Tom Morgan Racing. The crank was rebuilt by Andrew Langston. The Specbolt Nickel Wurks package actually clothes up the engine {hardware}.
IMS Products is likely one of the corporations that by no means stopped producing merchandise for these ’90s two-stroke machines.
This Fasst Co package eliminates the necessity for a separate return spring and works nice.
Not many issues look cooler than a pipe aspect shot of a two-stroke and this one is an absolute murals.
Volkswagen up to date the Golf on Tuesday, giving the long-lasting hatchback a refreshed exterior look and a revised cabin. The GTI variant additionally acquired a gentle styling makeover and elevated horsepower.
The GTI’s up to date 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EA888 engine will now make 261 horsepower (195 kilowatts) in Europe, a rise of 20 hp (15 kw). The hatch continues to energy its entrance wheels, however with the manual gearbox option now dead, the one transmission out there is VW’s seven-speed DSG automated.
Vietnamese automotive producer VinFast introduced on Tuesday plans to deliver its lovely all-electric VF 3 SUV to the United States, a spokesperson confirmed to Motor1. The US-bound VF 3 can have a focused EPA-rated vary of 125 miles, with early reservations opening later this 12 months.
The VF 3 made its world debut six months in the past in Vietnam. Described by VinFast as a “mini-eSUV,” its small, upright proportions and two-door, four-seat structure make it ideally suited for tight metropolis streets. Think of it type of like an all-electric Suzuki Jimny. It packs a equally blocky design and normal 16-inch wheels.
Inside the VF 3 you may discover a 10.0-inch infotainment display screen geared up with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as normal. The second row folds to make room for a most 19.4 cubic toes of space for storing — excellent for hauling plenty of stuff to locations you would not be capable of match a full-size SUV.
VinFast has but to launch energy numbers, efficiency figures, or drivetrain particulars for the VF 3, however the little SUV is obtainable in two trims in Vietnam: Eco and Plus, every geared up with a single electrical motor. It’s not clear proper now what types of options both of these trims include, or if they’re going to be provided to American prospects. It’s completely potential the corporate might reengineer the VF 3 for our market with new options and totally different motors.
Deliveries of the VF 3 are set to start in Vietnam within the third quarter of 2024. VinFast says it is taking early reservations for potential consumers within the US later this 12 months, including that it will launch particulars on a timeline for US manufacturing within the close to future.
On this week’s Two-Stroke Tuesday delivered to you by Decal Works we have a look again at Josh Grant’s 2003 Honda CR250R venture that he raced on the Wiseco 2-Stroke World Championship introduced by Fasthouse. 2-Stroke History is all in regards to the mighty Honda CR250R and the way it continues to alter motocross historical past. Don’t miss the total story on our 2002 CR250R venture with Wrench Rabbit within the Behind The Build part.
Josh purchased this machine off eBay a few month in the past and inside hours had it utterly dismantled in his storage. “I can take it apart but I am not the best at putting it all back together, I leave that to the professionals!” In this case the individual that dealt with the reassembly was Cody Leighton. He did an incredible job.
Ryan at Rockstar Coating in SoCal dealt with all of the Cerkote wants on this construct.
The engine and carburetor was shipped to Tom Morgan to work his magic. We haven’t been capable of get the entire specs out of anybody on the modifications but however we’ve got heard whispers that it’s not 250cc. After listening to it run we must agree with the whispers.
Mitch Payton has been aside of Grant’s program all through his profession and jumped on the alternative to be on this construct.
Some extra components used on Grant’s construct embody Raptor titanium pegs, Hinson Clutch, Work Connection elements, Pro Circuit exhaust and Backyard Designs graphics.
High-End Showa suspension elements are used on Grant’s bike in the way in which of an A-Kit front-end off a brand new Honda four-stroke and an insanely trick two-stroke shock that solely a handful of riders have had the chance to make use of. Don’t fear we may have extra protection of this construct through a Travis Fant produced video and full story in our printed journal. STAY TUNED FOR MORE!
2-STROKE HISTORY
Even although it’s been out of manufacturing within the U.S. since 2007, the CR in all probability gained extra mixed newbie {and professional} races than every other bike within the grime world. And they’re nonetheless on the market profitable. The CR is a scorching commodity on the used-bike market, and on begin strains throughout America, they nonetheless outnumber many present fashions. Click the picture beneath for extra!
CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE FOR COMPLETE STORY!
2-STROKE BEHIND THE BUILD
The Honda CR250R has received to be one of the in style early-to-mid-2000s two-stroke machines to rebuild in historical past. One motive is that Honda bought a ton, and the opposite motive is the bikes all appear to be growing old very effectively. We discovered what seemed like a really clear machine on the used-bike market, slapped down some money, and threw it into the again of the cell command unit earlier than the accounting division might inform us no. CLICK TE IMAGE BELOW FOR MORE!
CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE FOR MORE!
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