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Motorsport

The New Toyota Prius Looks Best As A Race Car

Toyota has turned the new Prius right into a race automotive. Following the introduction of a one-off sporty GRMN version again in June, the corporate has launched a brand new full-on racer that simply competed within the Thailand 10-Hour Endurance Race.

This Prius appears to be like like a correct racing machine. The competition-spec Toyota wears a bigger entrance splitter, canards on the corners of the nostril, and a tall rear wing. It now rides on 10-spoke wheels, with slotted brake rotors are seen behind. The experience top additionally seems to be so much decrease than inventory.

Toyota is not offering specifics concerning the Prius race automotive’s powertrain simply but. The revised engine runs on carbon-neutral gasoline and makes extra energy than the highway automotive, in accordance with Car Watch Impress. There’s reportedly a higher-capacity battery for the hybrid system and modifications to the cooling system, too.

The Prius race automotive finished 11th place overall out of 63 starters and sixth in school within the Thai endurance occasion, 21 laps behind the profitable car. There’s no data out there but on whether or not Toyota intends to take this machine into competitors once more, or if this occasion was a one-off take a look at.

This Prius might be amongst a number of Toyota race vehicles on show at subsequent 12 months’s Tokyo Auto Salon, which is able to run from January 13 by way of 15. The model’s machines from the World Rally Championship, World Endurance Championship, Super GT, and extra collection might be there, too.

Toyota beforehand raced the Prius in Japan’s Super GT series for a number of years, however these vehicles solely had restricted ties to the road-legal model. The numerous iterations used 3.4-liter and 5.4-liter V8 engines and had totally different hybrid techniques, together with one with a supercapacitor. While we doubt this one has eight cylinders, we’re nonetheless glad it exists. 

BMW

Macau Grand Prix: Peter Hickman secures fourth victory – BMW racers dominate top four positions

Macau. The motorsport world focused on Macau last weekend as the 55th edition of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix unfolded as part of the 70th Macau Grand Prix. The race on the Guia Circuit street course resulted in a remarkable top-four lockout for the BMW Racers. Leading the pack was Peter Hickman (GBR), who clinched his fourth Macau victory riding his BMW M 1000 RR for FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team. In second and third places on the podium were Davey Todd (GBR / Burrows Engineering / RK Racing) and David Datzer (GER / MTP Racing by ZERO UP Penz 13). Hickman’s teammate Josh Brookes (GBR) completed the success for the BMW M 1000 RR with a fourth-place finish.

 

Uwe Geyer, Head of BMW Motorrad Customer Racing, commended the BMW riders for their outstanding performance in Macau, emphasizing the sensational result of a BMW M 1000 RR top-four lockout. Hickman’s exceptional victory, Todd’s impressive comeback to the BMW racing family, Datzer’s podium finish in his second Macau appearance, and Brookes’ excellent debut in this challenging race were all celebrated as a testament to the successful representation of BMW’s colors in Macau.

Hickman returned to Macau for the first time since 2019, and it marked the first appearance on the Guia Circuit for the FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team. Amidst this setting, Hickman showcased his prowess by claiming the fastest times in practices and securing pole position.

Hickman led at the start of the race before a red flag prompted a restart. He maintained his lead, eventually finishing with a 28.969-second lead over Todd after twelve laps, securing a convincing victory.

Expressing his joy, Hickman shared, “We’ve had a fantastic result. We’re at Faye’s home event and it’s her proper home track, it’s her city and it’s just fantastic to be first in every single session and winning the race, so I couldn’t really ask for more than that – I’m super happy. The boys have worked absolutely mega, the BMW M 1000 RR has been superb to be honest. The track was a bit bumpier than it used to be, which makes it hard to ride. But the FHO Racing team have got the bike pretty much bang on and I felt really comfortable. Davey obviously gave us a bit of a push to start with, but we could really keep the pace and he couldn’t, so we managed to break away and disappeared up the road and just managed it from there.”

Todd, who experienced a rollercoaster of emotions on race day, overcame a technical issue to secure second place on the podium after a persistent effort from him and his team.

Reflecting on his experience, Todd said, “I wasn’t expecting a day like that at all. It was just one of those so unlucky things at the first start. The guys pushed the bike back to the garage and I felt as if my world had come apart walking back down pit lane. But the team kept going and worked flat out just in case the race was stopped and we could jump in the re-run. And we got back out there. I managed to take it up with Pete for four laps, trying to sit in behind him. I knew that the tyres would come into play and tried to save them as much as I can. I just did not have the tyre to compete at the end. Hat’s off to Pete, he had a great race and thanks to the team for an awesome job.”

Datzer also expressed his excitement after securing his second podium finish in Macau, attributing it to his perseverance and the exceptional support from his team.

“It’s amazing, just amazing”, Datzer enthused on the podium. “After my bad start I thought, oh no, the fast guys are gone. However, I’m blessed to have a great bike which has been prepared by a great team. I worked my way through and to be on the podium again at Macao is a great way to end the event.”

Paul Jordan (GBR / ZERO UP Racing Team by Penz 13) and Sam West (GBR / moto-hub.co.uk) also delivered strong performances, finishing seventh and tenth, respectively, and securing places in the top ten.

News

New 2024 BMW X2: Larger Size and Electric Option

The second generation of the BMW X2 has undergone some changes, becoming a larger and more stylish SUV-coupe. It now also offers the option of electric power.

Targeting the petrol Audi Q3 and electric Audi Q4 E-tron as competitors, the new X2 has grown in size, being 200mm longer, 21mm wider, and 64mm taller than its predecessor.

With this increase in size, the X2 now provides more practicality with an additional 115 liters of luggage capacity and more legroom for rear passengers.

The signature kidney grille has been enlarged and is now highlighted by optional LED running lights called Iconic Glow. The larger grille also includes active cooling flaps that automatically close when not needed, improving the vehicle’s aerodynamics.

On the electric iX2 model, the grille is fully sealed to further enhance aerodynamic performance and extend its range between charges.

Red 2024 BMW iX2 – side tracking

In addition to the improved aerodynamics achieved through underbody work, the X2 boasts a drag coefficient of 0.25, which is 0.02 lower than the petrol model. This, along with other enhancements, results in a WLTP-certified range of up to 279 miles, surpassing the straight-backed iX1 that shares the same platform.

Similar to the iX1, the iX2 can charge at a maximum rate of 130kW on DC connections, which is slower compared to rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, which can charge up to 350kW.

However, BMW claims the iX2 can consistently charge at full speed for longer periods due to revised software. The updated software provides a smoother drop-off curve when the battery is approaching full, enabling full charging speed even from 50% charge.

Red 2024 BMW iX2 – rear quarter tracking

News

The Hudson Hornet And How It Shaped Stock-Car Racing

Summary

  • The Hudson Hornet was a passenger car turned race car and dominated the early days of NASCAR with 80 NASCAR wins.
  • The Hornet had a unique step-down chassis design and a powerful inline-six engine, making it a comfortable luxury car with excellent handling.
  • Despite its success, the Hudson Motor Company eventually merged with Nash-Kelvinator, bringing an end to the Hudson name and legacy.

The Hudson Motor Car Company was established in 1909 by Joseph L. Hudson. The company aimed to produce passenger vehicles for the public. Despite surviving World War II, Hudson faced struggles and eventually merged with Nash-Kelvinator.

The Hudson Hornet, a passenger car turned race car, played a significant role in NASCAR and stock-car racing. It was produced from 1951-1954 and was known for its dominance on the racetrack.

The original Hudson Hornet had a spacious and luxurious interior, offering comfortable seating for six passengers. It featured a unique step-down chassis design that provided a lower sitting position and improved handling.

The Hornet was powered by a five-liter inline-six engine known as the H-145. It had an output of 145-170 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a three-speed manual transmission.

The Hornet’s racing success was unrivaled, with a total of 80 NASCAR wins and over 131 total wins. It became a dominant force in stock car racing, outperforming its competitors. However, the Hudson Motor Company faced financial difficulties and eventually merged with Nash-Kelvinator.

The legacy of the Hudson Hornet lives on, and it was immortalized in the movie “CARS” as “Doc Hudson.” The car’s racing achievements and impact on the sport continue to be remembered.

News

Aprilia Introduces New RS 457 Sportbike in the Indian Market

Aprilia made waves in the global motorcycle market on September 7, 2023, with the debut of the Aprilia RS 457 at the MotoGP round in Misano. This small sportbike is generating a lot of excitement, clearly following in the footsteps of its high-performance siblings, the RS 660 and RSV4 1100.

The Aprilia RS 457 is the latest addition to the renowned Noale company’s lineup. Interestingly, it is manufactured at Aprilia’s factory in India, likely in an effort to make it more affordable for a wider range of customers. The new sportbike has just been launched in the Indian market, and the Indian-spec model closely resembles the one unveiled at Misano, maintaining a consistent global design.

2024 Aprilia RS 457 - Right Side

The design of the new RS 457 clearly draws inspiration from Aprilia’s RS 660 and RSV4. It features the same split LED headlights, topped with a transparent windscreen, giving it a sleek and modern appearance. The RS 457 also includes small fin-like vents on the side fairings, positioned below the handlebar, to enhance its aerodynamic capabilities. This design not only adds to the bike’s aesthetics but also contributes to its performance.

The most notable feature of the Aprilia RS 457 is its engine. It is powered by a capable 457cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crankshaft that enhances the engine’s character, ensuring balanced and responsive performance. With 47 horsepower, riders can expect an exciting experience on both the road and track. The power is transmitted to the rear wheel through a six-speed manual gearbox, with the option of an optional quickshifter for quicker shifting.

The RS 457 incorporates ride-by-wire technology with multiple ride modes to cater to various riding conditions. Safety features include a three-level traction control system and ABS to provide confident stops when necessary. The bike’s settings can be easily configured through a user-friendly five-inch TFT display, appealing to tech-savvy riders. Aprilia has equipped the RS 457 with impressive technology and performance features, making it an attractive option for motorcycle enthusiasts.

2024 Aprilia RS 457 - Rear Right Angle View

The RS 457 is equipped with inverted front forks and a rear monoshock suspension setup. This combination is known for providing precise handling and a comfortable ride. Front and rear disc brakes, along with ABS, ensure efficient stopping power, enhancing safety during the ride. The RS 457 rides on 17-inch wheels fitted with TVS Protorq Extreme tires, ensuring a firm grip on the road and enhancing overall performance and cornering capabilities.

Although the exact pricing for the Aprilia RS 457 has not been announced yet, it is expected to be competitively priced at less than Rs 500,000, or approximately $6,000. In terms of competition, the RS 457 will go head-to-head with bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and KTM RC 390, setting the stage for exciting comparisons in the middleweight sportbike segment. It will be interesting to see how it measures up against these established contenders.

Motorsport

EB110, Bolide Among 70 Modern And Classic Bugattis At 40th Anniversary Festival

If Bugatti’s founder was still alive today, he would’ve turned 142 years old on September 15. As it were, Ettore Bugatti was only 65 when he passed away in 1947, but his legacy certainly lives on. For the last 40 years, the weekend closest to his birthday has become a festival and celebration of his life in and around Molsheim, and 70 vehicles bearing his name were on hand to participate in this year’s Bugatti Festival.

For those who may have forgotten, Molsheim isn’t just the location for Bugatti’s modern-day headquarters. Ettore Bugatti set up his original factory in the modest French town back in 1908, though it was left in ruins after World War II. Bugatti the company died in the early 1960s, was revived in the 1980s, became part of Volkswagen in the late 1990s, and is presently still under the VW umbrella as Bugatti Rimac.


News

How The Submarines Of The Civil War Were Constructed

In the midst of the Civil War, both the Union and Confederacy were striving to develop submersibles. However, it was the Confederacy that successfully turned submarines into practical weapons to counter the Union blockade of Confederate ports. One notable inventor in this endeavor was Horace Lawson Hunley, who designed a vessel called The Pioneer in 1861. Around the same time, the U.S. Navy also commissioned its first submarine, known as the Alligator, which weighed 275 tons and was painted green.

Both the H.L. Hunley and the Alligator were constructed using a combination of iron and wood, and required human power to operate. The Hunley, manned by an eight-person crew, relied on seven individuals to manually power its single propeller. On the other hand, the Alligator initially employed 16 individuals to row oars by hand, but later switched to a hand-cranked propeller. Each submarine could only reach speeds of approximately four knots (around 4.5 mph). Nevertheless, these vessels were considered highly advanced for their time, incorporating features familiar to modern submariners such as ballast tanks and movable hydroplanes for direction control.

However, the weapons utilized by these submarines differed significantly. Confederate submersibles employed “spar torpedoes,” which bore little resemblance to the torpedoes we are familiar with today. Essentially, these were contact mines equipped with barbed points attached to a long boom extending from the front of the vessels. In an attack, the submarine would aim to ram its target and ideally embed the barbed mine into the hull. The attacker would then retreat and trigger the detonation from a safe distance by detaching the mine and unspooling a trigger cable.

News

Tamiya Wild One returns as £35,000 road-legal electric buggy

The Tamiya Wild One radio-controlled car – a mainstay of the 1980s toy box and highly collectable today – has been turned into the full-sized, road-legal electric dune buggy of your dreams.

Available to order from £35,000, the Wild One Max is the work of Bicester-based The Little Car Company, known for its downsized EV reworkings of iconic classics like the Ferrari 250 TR and Bugatti Type 35.

It’s a faithful tribute to its pint-size namesake, albeit with some concessions to real-world usability, including a widened, two-seat cockpit, shorter suspension turrets and – crucially – windscreen wipers.

Power is supplied by eight swappable battery packs totalling 14.4kWh and giving around 120 miles of range. Weight is 500kg and top speed is pegged at 62mph.

Meanwhile, with 270mm of ground clearance, an approach angle of 34.1deg and a 50.8deg departure angle, it promises to keep up with Land Rover Defenders and Jeep Wranglers on the rough stuff.

Held to the same L7e quadricycle regulations as the Citroën Ami, it can now be ordered in left- or right-hand drive form ahead of delivery in early 2024.

As standard, it gets Cobra bucket seats with four-point harnesses, adjustable Bilstein dampers, Eibach springs, a 5.0in central screen, a reversing camera and a ‘giant sticker sheet’ – just like the original – of retro-style decals to apply.

Motorsport

BMW M Hybrid V8 With Naked Carbon Body Is Automotive Nudity At Its Finest

In 1975, the famous artist Alexander Calder transformed the 3.0 CSL (E9) into BMW’s first Art Car. Now, in 2023, BMW has announced that work has begun on the 20th vehicle to receive this special artistic treatment. Most of the previous Art Cars have been based on race cars, and the upcoming creation is no different, as the canvas for this project is the M Hybrid V8. The talented Ethiopian-born artist Julie Mehretu will have the honor of creating the next official Art Car.

But before that happens, the M Hybrid V8 has been unveiled at the Guggenheim Museum in New York in all its naked glory, without any paint. It is rare to see a race car with a fully exposed carbon fiber body, which makes it even more intriguing, especially considering the distinctive silhouette of BMW’s LMDh contender. This car is already competing in IMSA, where it recently secured its first victory, and it will also participate in the WEC next year, including the iconic Le Mans race. In 2024, BMW’s motorsport division will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the V12 LMR’s triumph at Circuit de la Sarthe.