The Volkswagen Polo can be turning 50 subsequent 12 months. Since its launch in 1975, it has been offered as a hatchback, sedan, wagon, and at the same time as a crossover—bear in mind the Polo Cross? This 12 months, the corporate’s Brazilian division is revisiting the thought of a extra rugged Polo with a raised suspension.
Called the Polo Robust, the brand new taste of the supermini has been engineered particularly for farmers. VW Brazil claims the brand new crossover-esque spinoff has been “developed and tested with customers in the agricultural segment” in thoughts. Since it has to sort out rougher roads, the hatchback on stilts has higher floor clearance. Think Dacia Sandero Stepway.
While the 895cc parallel twin engine that powers the trio makes extra energy and torque than its predecessor, the 2024 F 900 GS concurrently misplaced a full 30 kilos as in comparison with the outgoing F 850 GS, says BMW. More energy and fewer weight is normally a profitable equation.
Since BMW releases its bikes in markets all over the world, pricing and availability normally fluctuate by area. Now that it is January 2024, BMW North America is formally saying pricing and availability data for this trio within the US. So, what’s going to your chosen new middleweight 2024 BMW parallel twin journey bike value you?
Model
US MSRP (plus vacation spot costs)
2024 BMW F 800 GS
$10,495
2024 BMW F 900 GS
$13,495
2024 BMW F 900 GS Adventure
$14,195
Quick Features Overview
The 2024 BMW F 800 GS options an 895cc counterbalanced parallel twin engine that makes a claimed 87 horsepower at 6,750 rpm, alongside 67 pound-feet of torque at 6,750 rpm. Choose the 2024 BMW F 900 GS or GSA as an alternative, and it is tuned to make a claimed 105 horsepower at 8,500 rpm alongside 68.6 pound-feet of torque at 6,750 rpm. This engine makes use of lively knock management to make it simpler to make use of no matter grade of gasoline is out there wherever you are touring with out compromising energy.
Other commonplace options embrace using modes, full LED lighting, a 6.5-inch TFT show with Bluetooth connectivity, heated grips, hand protectors, an adjustable shift lever, and both a typical baggage provider for Vario instances on the F 800 GS or else a typical baggage rack on the F 900 GSA. The F 900 GS additionally will get an Akrapovič sport muffler fitted as commonplace gear.
Optional Packages
To add a wide range of choices together with a middle stand, cruise management, keyless journey, a tire strain monitor, clever emergency name, and others, you possibly can equip the F 800 GS Premium Package for $1,795. Go for the Premium Package on the F 900 GS as an alternative (with a couple of much less upgrades), and it is $1,750.
If you need to put a sport suspension and excessive handlebars in your F 900 GS, you possibly can add the Enduro Package Pro for a further $1,495. If you need to add BMW’s Dynamic ESA, GPS Prep, mounts for aluminum instances, and a number of further upgrades, you possibly can select between both the Premium Package F 900 GS Adventure or the Ride Pro Package F 900 GS Adventure. The Premium Package will value you $2,460, whereas the Ride Pro Package will value you $2,475.
Additional standalone choices and equipment are additionally obtainable, akin to Low and High seat equipment, Intelligent Emergency Call, mounts for aluminum facet instances, and extra.
US Market Availability
The 2024 BMW F 800 GS, F 900 GS, and F 900 GS Adventure ought to all start rolling into BMW dealerships throughout the nation someday in Q2 of 2024, in keeping with BMW North America.
As all the time, whether or not you reside within the US or elsewhere, your finest wager for probably the most correct pricing and availability data for these or different BMW bikes you could be serious about is to succeed in out to your native approved BMW vendor with any questions you’ll have.
More severe causes of squeaking noises whereas turning embody broken suspension or steering system parts. These components can fail over time as a consequence of age, injury from a collision, or hitting a pothole. The energy steering system does not simply embody hydraulic fluid and a pump — it additionally incorporates a rack and pinion gear, tie rods, and a community of hoses and sensors. All of those parts are topic to put on and tear over time, and customary culprits of squealing sounds embody broken hoses, worn-out tie rods, and a defective pump.
Suspension parts, like ball joints, management arms, and struts, also can fail over time. When these components put on out, it’s normal to listen to squeaks, squeals, clunks, and groaning sounds from one or either side of the automobile. Fixes for these issues vary from easy and low cost to extremely advanced and costly. While a defective tie rod, ball joint, or hose is fast and reasonably priced to restore, a worn-out rack and pinion gear requires hours of restore time and as much as 1000’s of {dollars} in new components. If you watched your automotive is squealing as a consequence of a broken suspension or steering system part, it is best to go to a trusted mechanic.
Automakers have been transforming iconic makes and models into EVs, and the 2024 GMC Hummer comes with a variety of impressive features. It still upholds the characteristic strength, durability, spacious interior, and more that is synonymous with the Hummer name.
Indeed, the shift from a gas-guzzler to a fully electric vehicle does not diminish its bulk and durability. Not only does it have a spacious 82 cubic-feet interior and a 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster, it also features a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, and removable roof panels and I-beam. The vehicle also comes with a 6.0 kilowatt generator capable of charging other EVs.
1No Dearth Of Creature Comforts In The Cabin
GMC
A Spacious Interior And Hi-Tech Features Assure Durability and Comfort
82 cubic-feet interior
12.4-inch digital gauge cluster
13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen
Subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot
Removable roof panels and I-beam
The 2024 Hummer stays true to its brand by offering a spacious interior with 82 cubic feet of cargo space and a 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster. It also comes with a 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, and clear removable roof panels. Additionally, it features a 6.0 kilowatt generator capable of charging other EVs.
2The 2024 GMC Hummer EV Is Available In Three Trims
GMC
GMC offers the 2024 model in the following trims:
EV 2x
EV 3x
First Edition
Differences between the trims are notable, particularly in horsepower. The EV 2x offers up to 570 horses and 7,400 pound-feet of torque, while the EV 3x and Edition one make up to 830 horses and 11,400 pound-feet of torque. The 2024 Hummer EV promises an impressive degree of haul and speed for its size.
3The GMC Hummer EV SUV Makes Up To 830 Horses
GMC
Hummer EV SUV Specs
Motor setup
Dual- and Tri-motor options
Horsepower
Up to 830 horses
Torque
11,500 lbs-ft*
Range
Up to 314 miles
(Specs sourced from GMC)
The Edition 1 2024 Hummer SUV EV is reportedly capable of delivering 830 HP, although some debate exists around the accuracy of this count. Tests have shown that the vehicle has a 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds. Differences in horsepower between trims are due to variations in the motors and powertrain. For instance, the EV2 and EV2X use a dual-motor setup capable of 625 horses, while the Edition 1 and EV3X use a single motor in the front and a dual-motor in the rear, allowing it to achieve the aforementioned 830 HP.
4It Supports DC Fast Charging Up To 300 kW
GMC
In testing, the 2024 Hummer SUV EV was reported to attain an average 78 kilowatt pull and take up to approximately 128 minutes to charge from 10 percent to 90 percent battery life. Its 170 k-wH battery pack allows it to have a quick 0-60 time and a decent range for an SUV EV, falling just short of what GMC advertised.
5Up To 314 Miles Of Range On Offer
GMC
GMC claims the electric vehicle’s battery would have a 314-mile range in the top trim and 303 miles in the base trim. However, testing showed the vehicle fell short of the 300-mile range. Sources such as Car and Driver tested the Hummer and demonstrated a 250-mile range. GMC claimed the 2024 Hummer has a 359-mile battery range, but tests show this is not the case. Nevertheless, the vehicle maintains respectable mileage capability.
6GMC’s Torque Claims Might Be Misleading
Torque Is Closer To 1,000 Pound-feet Depending On Where It Is Tested
General Motors
The 11,500 pound-feet of torque appears unlikely to be true, as testers at Car and Driver reported only 1,000 – 1,100 pound-feet of torque. It is suggested that this torque test was likely done from the wheels, not from the crankshaft, making GM’s final tally of 11,500 pound-feet misleading. It may technically be true that the Hummer SUV EV can hit this level of torque, but it would not represent the vehicle’s true torque numbers when compared to others.
7Tactical Features Include All-Wheel Steering and ‘Crab Walk Mode’
With the increasing popularity of electric cars in the UK, concerns about their safety, specifically regarding car fires, are arising.
While it is true that both petrol and diesel cars have the potential to catch fire (as demonstrated by past incidents such as the Vauxhall Zafira fires), electric vehicle (EV) fires tend to attract more attention.
How common are electric car fires?
Although electric car fires often make headlines, they are not actually common occurrences. According to Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions, there were 239 EV-related fires recorded in the UK between July 2022 and June 2023.
It is worth noting that while this shows an 83% increase compared to the previous year, the number has risen in line with the growing presence of electric vehicles on the roads.
In comparison, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service reported 1,898 fires from petrol and diesel vehicles in 2019, with only 54 fires from EVs.
Furthermore, a study conducted by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency revealed that petrol and diesel cars are 19 times more likely to catch fire than EVs.
Why do electric car fires attract so much attention?
Several factors contribute to the increased attention given to electric car fires. Firstly, the technology is still relatively new and therefore considered newsworthy. Additionally, EV fires tend to be complex incidents that are often accompanied by highly toxic fumes, distinctive hissing noises, and directed jets of flames, which may be followed by an explosion.
Moreover, extinguishing electric car fires can be extremely challenging. The fire may appear to be out, only to reignite hours, days, or even weeks later.
Considering these factors, it is understandable why electric car fires raise concerns, particularly among those responsible for firefighting.
How do fire crews handle EV fires?
Fire services are developing new strategies to handle electric car fires. For instance, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service announced that one of their fire engines will accompany the recovery vehicle back to their facility after an incident involving an EV to assist with any potential fires.
Moreover, the service has implemented a system to help fire crews identify the EV model involved in an incident and locate its battery and isolation switches.
Experts have differing opinions on the best approach to tackle an EV fire. Generally, the standard method involves using large amounts of water to cool the battery pack (although this may not prevent the fire from reigniting), a fire blanket to suppress flames, and breathing equipment to protect firefighters from toxic fumes. In some cases, allowing the fire to burn itself out is also a feasible approach.
Attempts to suffocate the fire using inert gases are typically ineffective since the fire does not require oxygen due to its chemical nature. Additionally, the surrounding area must be thoroughly examined for battery cells that may have been propelled from the pack during an explosion and could potentially ignite later.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Calty Design Research Incorporated, Toyota has decided to showcase some previously unseen concepts developed by the design studio throughout the years. These concepts, which had been kept under wraps, include an early proposal for the Land Cruiser FJ40 and a trailer concept from 1975. However, it’s the pair of supercars that have attracted the most attention.
In 1983, Calty revealed a mid-engine performance car with scissor doors, known as the “MX-1.” Unlike a mere design sketch, the white supercar was actually built as a full-size scale model. While some high-ranking Toyota executives had the chance to see the car, the project was never greenlit for production. Interestingly, the original MR2 was introduced just a year later with its engine positioned behind the seats, although it didn’t match the caliber of the MX-1.
Last month, Toyota surprised everyone by transforming the Century into an SUV and adding it to their lineup alongside the traditional sedan. The price of this SUV is about $167,000, and it is currently only available in Japan, where you can buy a Land Cruiser 300 for as low as $34,000. Despite the high price tag, the chairman of the company believes that the high-riding Century SUV will attract younger customers.
In an article published by the official magazine of Toyota, called the Toyota Times, Akio Toyoda stated that the Century SUV “will also appeal to younger people” and to those “who previously felt that a Century sedan was not for them.” Toyoda, who had previously served as the company’s president and CEO, emphasized that this new flagship model represents “the top premium, chauffeur-driven car not just within Toyota but in Japan as a whole.”
Finnish electric motorcycle startup Verge Motorcycles has been gaining attention for its innovative design since 2019. Back then, the company was known as RMK Vehicles before rebranding as Verge and preparing to launch its first production bike.
In 2021, Verge Motorcycles won a Red Dot Design award and started accepting preorders for its hubless electric motorcycle, the Verge TS Pro. The company showcased its flagship model, the TS Ultra, at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, boasting a claimed range of up to 233 miles on a single charge.
While it’s important to note that stated electric vehicle ranges can vary based on various factors and may not always align with real-world performance, Verge’s plans to enter the US market were also announced during the CES 2023 launch.
8Photos
One of the notable features of Verge Motorcycles is its hubless rear wheel-mounted motor design. Although visually captivating, some people have reservations about its practicality. While the look is impressive, how does it actually work?
Although we can’t answer that question just yet, Verge has released a helpful video on its YouTube channel demonstrating how Verge TS Pro owners can change their rear tire in just under three minutes.
Typically, removing the rear wheel from most motorcycles is a straightforward process involving the axle and swingarm. However, the Verge TS Pro has a unique design due to its electric motor mounted inside the rear wheel rim. This raises the question of how everything fits together and whether accessibility was compromised for the sake of design.
According to the video, the process is relatively simple, though different from what most people might be accustomed to. Once the rear of the bike is lifted and secured, owners need to remove the license plate holder and the left side of the swingarm. This allows for the unscrewing of the rear wheel from the motor. Verge provides a list of necessary tools and their sizes to perform this task.
To proceed, all 20 screws securing the rim and electric motor need to be unscrewed. Afterward, a simple whack on the right side of the wheel with a dead blow hammer should dislodge the rim from the motor. The tire and rim unit can then be slid off the motor while it remains attached to the bike.
Mounting and balancing the new tire on the rear wheel, however, aren’t covered in the video. Reassembly involves following the reverse process with the addition of blue thread lock. Verge provides the necessary tightening torques to ensure correct reassembly.
While we don’t have a Verge TS Pro to test the tire-changing procedure shown in the video and evaluate its ease of use, it’s still intriguing to see a practical instructional video for changing the rear wheel on a production motorcycle that closely resembles a real-life Tron bike.
The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is set to kick off this week, with press days scheduled for September 13-14. Jeep will be in attendance and has teased an updated version of its Gladiator pickup truck ahead of the event.
The revisions planned for the midsize pickup have been somewhat out in the open, with spy photographers capturing prototypes of the 2024 Gladiator being tested without camouflage. Furthermore, the truck’s SUV sibling, the Wrangler, received updates earlier this year and was unveiled at the New York Auto Show in April.
The Ferrari 812 Competizione, a classic grand tourer featuring a front-mounted V12 engine powering the rear wheels, has received a performance enhancement from tuning company Novitec.
Novitec has increased the power output to an impressive 854 horsepower (637 kilowatts) and torque to 524 pound-feet (711 Newton-meters). Additionally, the tuner offers a gold-plated exhaust system, and buyers have the option to choose active sound management.
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