Tag Archives: Vegas

NewsNew

CLASSICS UP FOR GRABS: THE WEEKLY FEED

Last month, the Las Vegas Mecum public sale came about, identical to it does yearly in January. That’s the place the high-dollar motorbike seasonally migrate to be offered, and often, the costs are sky excessive. This yr was an exception. The costs actually weren’t low-cost, however a number of the identical bikes that offered for large bucks in latest occasions resurfaced and offered for much less. Times are onerous throughout. Here are so of the bikes that caught our consideration.

This 1967 Penton 125 was the bike that laid the muse for present-day KTM. It was in nice situation and offered for $11,00, which is lower than a brand-new 150XC-W prices. That’s an actual piece of historical past!
The twin port CZ was a milestone in motocross history. This one sold
The twin port CZ was a milestone in motocross historical past. This one offered for $15,400.
This 1970 Husky 400 Cross was truly owned by Malcolm Smith himself. It was restored by John LeFevre. It left Mecum’s with a brand new proprietor for $12,100.
There have been solely 600 of those Kawasaki KX250s imported in 1978. This one offered for $23,100. Wow.
Little-known reality; after profitable the USGP 5 occasions, Gerrit Wolsink turned to enduro. He rode this very Maico Six Days within the 1980 Dutch Enduro Championship. It offered for $8800.
This completely restored 1976 Suzuki RM125A offered for $8800.
How a couple of 1976 Suzuki RM250 that also has the unique kickstand? Only $6600.
DeCoster’s bike by no means seemed this good. This 1976 Suzuki RM370A went for $7150
Maybe you heard of the Scott Super Squirrel, possibly not. It was one of many first mainstream two-strokes. This one was $7700.
Some of the bikes have been unrestored. You might have taken residence this 1981 Yamaha YZ465 for $2200.
Not every part sells. This 1977 Bultaco 370 Pursang went unclaimed.

NGPC CONTINGENCY

Since 2010, the BDR non-profit has created 12 trans-state routes for journey and dual-sport motorbike journey. Now, BDR proclaims its thirteenth route, the Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route (CABDR-North), produced in partnership with BMW Motorrad USA, Zero Motorcycles, Outback Motortek and Edelweiss Bike Travel.

The route launch consists of free GPS tracks, a digital map, a printed waterproof map, skilled pictures, and journey assets accessible now at RideBDR.com/cabdr-north.

A documentary expedition movie, directed by Sterling Noren and produced by BDR Documentary Films debuts tonight in Sacramento, CA, adopted by a nationwide Film Tour with over 70 movie screenings at dealerships and golf equipment across the nation.  The movie can be accessible on-line without spending a dime in May after the completion of the movie tour.

This route marks a big milestone for the ADV group, providing riders a possibility to traverse the best off-pavement backcountry tracks from Mexico to Canada on a BDR.

Over 5 years within the making the NorCal BDR will awe riders with its exhilarating using terrain, breathtaking surroundings and wealthy historical past.

NEW PRODUCTS:

NIHILO CONCEPTS CRANK STUFFERS

Finally the right repair for all KTM / Husky / GASGAS 125/150 house owners which have burnt out their crank and are on the lookout for a inexpensive technique to get again on the observe whereas on the identical time bettering efficiency. As you recognize more often than not when the KTM/Husky 125/150 crank goes unhealthy you will want to purchase a whole meeting for $640.00 as a result of the warmth has melted the plastic stuffers and left your crank halves unusable. WMR the premier race store on the east coast teamed up with Nihilo Concepts to develop the final word crank modification and restore. Nihilo Concepts has exactly machined new crank stuffers to the right form and weight to maximise the KTM / Husky / GASGAS 125/150’s crank shaft efficiency. The new design brings the inventory crank nearer to a wonderfully balanced system. The inventory plastic stuffers are too gentle and soften when the crank heats up leaving your outdated crank parts ineffective. Machined from 6061 Billet aluminum and formed to boost the counter weight of the crank meeting the Nihilo Stuffers are each useful and cash saving. The value to put in the brand new Billet stuffers and re-build the crank is about $300.00 lower than shopping for a brand new inventory crank. Next time you want a brand new crank shaft or simply wish to enhance your motors efficiency choose up a set of Nihilo Concepts KTM/Husky 125/150 Billet Stuffers.

Price: $109.99

Contact: www.nihiloconcepts.com

KTM, GAS GAS, HUSQVARNA OEM COMPLETE PLASTIC KITS

Create a customized search for your Husqvarna, Gas Gas or KTM off-road or MX machine with a brand new plastic elements package and select from one in every of 4 totally different colours. These new proprietary plastics kits provide appreciable financial savings over shopping for particular person bodywork gadgets and can be found solely via Husqvarna Motorcycles dealerships.

Price: $ 199.99

Contact: Your Local Authorized KTM, Husqvarna Or Gas Gas Dealer

2024 MOOSE MOTO VEST

The all new Moto Vest from Moose Racing is constructed of light-weight, breathable material that includes a vented again panel, rear compartment for storage, hand hotter pockets, semi-auto locking YKK zippers and fade-resistant sublimated graphics.

Price: $69.95

Contact: Your Local Dealer or www.mooseracing.com

BACK IN THE DAY: YAMAHA OW27

A number of years again, Terry Good of the International Motocross Museum got here west to attend Bob Hannah’s induction into the Glen Helen Walk Of Fame. He introduced alongside the very bike that Bob used to win his first 125 National Championship: the OW27. We took it to the Dirt Bike photograph studio and Ron Lawson shot it up and down earlier than transporting it to Glen Helen for the official ceremony. The bike was the topic of controversy in 1976 due to the Claiming Rule, which allowed any rider to purchase a competitor’s bike. That virtually scared all of the Japanese groups out of the game. The OW27 is a lovely machine immediately identical to it was in 1976.

Motorsport

It’s Official, The 2025 Golf GTI And Golf R Won’t Have Manuals

Volkswagen introduced a camouflaged 2025 Golf GTI to CES in Las Vegas final month, however the actual reveal came about weeks later in Europe. While the US-spec mannequin remains to be a no-show, a thinly disguised prototype attended the F.A.T. Ice Race Aspen in Carbondale, Colorado. We requested VW of America about what the long run has in tow for the quintessential scorching hatch.

Confirming our worst fears, the six-speed handbook gearbox disappears after the 2024 mannequin 12 months. In an e-mail to Motor1, Volkswagen of America Product Communications Specialist Jerohn Anderson stated: “I can inform you that the manual transmission will not be available after MY2024 for Golf GTI and Golf R.”

2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI facelift (European model)

Some studies instructed VW might need a change of coronary heart attributable to extra relaxed Euro 7 rules, however the Euro-spec Golf GTI debuted with a DSG solely. Consequently, its American cousin can be shedding the stick. The GTI 380 special edition marked the tip of the highway for the three-pedal Golf within the United States.

And there is a motive why the Euro 7 customary would impression the American model. US gross sales of the Golf GTI with a handbook accounted for less than about 5 % of complete quantity in 2023. Since the majority of gross sales got here from different markets, preserving the third pedal in North America simply wasn’t well worth the problem. Although the Euro 7 laws has been relaxed because the preliminary proposal, the change did not occur quickly sufficient to maintain the handbook. The Golf Mk8.5 had already been largely (if not solely) developed.

While the Golf R wasn’t provided with a handbook transmission in Europe, Americans may row their very own gears. However, the all-wheel-drive flagship will even be offered strictly with the automated from the 2025 mannequin 12 months on. It does not imply the handbook is totally lifeless within the Golf 8, although, since some markets are getting cheaper variations with 1.5 TSI gasoline and a couple of.0 TDI diesel engines mixed with a clutch pedal.

Losing the handbook goes to be an enormous disappointment for fans enthusiastic about shopping for a GTI or an R. At the start of the 12 months, we requested VW how many individuals acquired the efficiency hatch with three pedals in 2023. The take rate for the GTI was 50 percent whereas the R was intently behind, at 40 %, the identical as for the Jetta GLI.

In associated information, we additionally requested VoA whether or not the 2025 Golf GTI will obtain the facility bump of the revised mannequin offered on the Old Continent. Jerohn Anderson refused to verify whether or not the US-spec variant will achieve these 20 further ponies, which might convey the tally to 261 hp.

2025 Volkswagen Golf R with camouflage

2025 VW Golf R

2025 Volkswagen Golf R with camouflage

2025 VW Golf R

VW has but to disclose the revised Golf R. It had a camouflaged automotive on the Ice Race within the Austrian metropolis of Zell am See on the finish of January. The world premiere will occur someday this summer time. VW has but to say whether or not Europe will get one other Golf R wagon. Spy pictures point out the long-roof model will soldier on.

It’s additionally unclear if the range-topper will get extra energy. The 2023 Golf R333 and the 20 Years Edition from a 12 months earlier than each had 328 hp in Europe. If VW needs to unlock that further muscle for the common Golf R, it could convey a bump in output of 13 hp.

These would be the remaining GTI and R updates within the combustion engine period since VW will exchange the eighth-generation Golf with an all-electric mannequin. Hot variations carrying these well-known suffixes will dwell within the electrical period. VW has already trademarked a revised “GTI” logo with a thunderbolt changing the final letter.

News, Technology

CES 2024: EcoFlow’s Delta Pro Is A Flexible Power Solution For Wherever You Call Home

CES 2024 has as soon as once more turned Las Vegas right into a preview of our technological future, and SlashGear stopped by EcoFlow’s sales space to see what the portable power station producer’s new $5,799 (beginning) Delta Pro Ultra.

You’ll be capable to cost this 6kWh to 90kWh “scalable whole-home backup solution” via your house energy grid, as you may anticipate. However, it additionally helps charging via photo voltaic panel connections, may even be hooked as much as a fuel generator in a pinch, and might supposedly attain a 100% cost in about two hours. It affords a number of kinds of connections overlaying A/C energy, a boasted zero millisecond uninterruptible energy provide (UPS), moveable and rooftop photo voltaic array, USB-A and USB-C, and even wi-fi 4G for connecting to the official app and not using a Wi-Fi connection. 

EcoFlow additionally states that the Delta Pro Ultra will be capable to energy your house for as much as a full month, probably with the assist of a full complement of as much as 15 additional batteries. While it has apparent makes use of as a backup energy supply throughout a localized blackout, EcoFlow assured us that it may well additionally work as a photo voltaic storage supply. This means you’ll be able to preserve it hooked as much as a house photo voltaic array and use it as a technique of banking the ability your rooftop photo voltaic panels are in a position to pull all through the day. Alternatively, you’ll be able to wheel it right into a automotive to convey it with you on tenting journeys, and it can be linked to an RV.

The Smart Home Panel 2 ($1,599) was additionally unveiled on the commerce present, boasting the power to attach as much as a complete of three completely different energy inverters (and as much as a complete of 15 exterior batteries) to energy your home straight. It can even join with EcoFlow’s app for extra nuanced power management, letting you monitor the exercise of your numerous house circuits, select which of them you wish to again up and which ones could not want it, and extra.

News, TVs

CES 2024: XGIMI’s New Projectors Can Bring Real IMAX Tech To Your Home Theater

While touring the ground at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, SlashGear obtained an early have a look at the 2 latest projectors from XGIMI: the Horizon Max and the Aladdin. During the sales space tour, XGIMI described the Horizon Max because the world’s first lengthy throw 4K IMAX Enhanced licensed projector. IMAX Enhanced titles can be found on companies like Disney+ and produce the IMAX expertise to your private home theater. The Horizon Max achieved this certification by using a “Dual Light 2.0” RGB laser that may produce 3,100 ISO lumens by way of its LED hybrid gentle supply and a function known as ISA 5.0.

The latter, Intelligent Screen Adaptation, makes use of a motorized gimbal that permits the projector to scan the room and discover the very best spot to show its picture. While demonstrating this modern function, XGIMI famous that the Horizon Max can even bear in mind a room’s perfect show location sooner or later and robotically rotate to that angle while you activate the gadget. You can even save a number of places, with XGIMI offering an instance of utilizing one wall for gaming and one other for watching films — all with the push of a button. The Horizon Max projector has a reported distinction of 2000:1, DTS audio assist, and is powered by Android TV. Its launch date and retail value have not but been introduced, however XGIMI says it’s going to value lower than $3,000 and will ship in late 2024.

XGIMI additionally previewed its Aladdin projector for SlashGear, calling it a “triple threat” that’s “really convenient for consumers.” The 3-in-1 unit is a ceiling gentle, audio speaker, and sensible projector multi functional. By attaching on to a lighting socket already put in in your room, the spherical fixture-shaped Aladdin can venture a 1080p picture of as much as 100 inches and generate 360-degree sound utilizing built-in Harman Kardon audio system. XGIMI additionally demonstrated that the ceiling gentle can provide totally different brightness and coloration temperature settings. The Aladdin may be managed both with a distant or by way of an app and runs on Android TV. Its launch date will likely be introduced sooner or later sooner or later.

Motorsport

Volkswagen Is Putting ChatGPT In Its Cars

CES kicks off this week in Las Vegas, and Volkswagen will probably be there with some fascinating information. ChatGPT will probably be built-in into the automaker’s current IDA voice assistant and provided in a number of fashions later this 12 months.

In case you want a refresher on ChatGPT, it is the AI chatbot that, for higher or worse, makes an attempt to imitate human conversations. And typically, it sells you a new Chevrolet Tahoe for $1. ChatGPT will not substitute VW’s manufacturing facility system. Rather it will function a backup assistant when IDA does not have a transparent reply to a response. In idea, this implies you could possibly ask your ID.7 random questions like the gap to Jupiter, and ChatGPT may are available in with a intelligent reply. We say in idea as a result of VW does not provide particulars on simply how concerned the dialog along with your future automobile can get, although a press launch does declare it could actually “provide relevant responses to nearly every query imaginable.”

Volkswagen Golf with ChatGPT integration

As far as safety goes, VW states the ChatGPT integration does not entry car information so private info should not be despatched to the worldwide AI. Additionally, all questions are “deleted immediately” so presumably, you have to be okay in case you ask one thing like “how many guards are there at the bank across the street” or any potential eyebrow-raising question. It additionally integrates seamlessly with VW’s present infotainment system, utilizing the identical acquainted voice. No further actions are vital to make use of it.

“Volkswagen has always democratized technology and made it accessible to the many,” stated Kai Grünitz, member of the Board of Management for Volkswagen, technical improvement. “This is simply ingrained in our DNA. As a result, we are now the first volume manufacturer to make this innovative technology a standard feature to vehicles from the compact segment upwards.”

A VW spokesperson advised Motor1 that ChatGPT performance will launch first in European markets starting within the second quarter of 2024. It’s at the moment going by way of the approval course of for the United States, however a timeframe for when (or if) it is integrated stateside isn’t but out there.

BMW

Generative AI, Augmented Reality and Teleoperated Parking – the Digital Experience within the BMW of the Future on the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024.

Las Vegas. The in-car digital expertise of each the current day and the long run is the dominant theme of the BMW Group’s presence at CES 2024. New infotainment merchandise for the present BMW mannequin portfolio will likely be proven on the occasion. At the identical time, the BMW Group is demonstrating progressive growth tasks that provide a glimpse into the long run. Visitors can teleoperate a BMW iX and information it across the Silver Lot on the exhibition website, uncover as a passenger the potential supplied by augmented actuality glasses throughout a journey and expertise a brand new generative AI functionality of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant powered by the Alexa massive language mannequin (LLM), enabling fast solutions and how-to responses on automobile options.

“BMW is synonymous with both the ultimate driving machine and the ultimate digital experience,” says Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management chargeable for BMW Group Development. “At the CES we are showing more content, more customisation and more gaming. This is all underpinned by our powerful, in-house developed BMW Operating System. And we will take a look to the future, of course, with perfectly integrated augmented reality and strong, reliable artificial intelligence at the interaction between human and machine.” 

BMW Operating System 9 makes it doable: new gaming experiences from the ConnectedDrive Store in 2024.

The non-compulsory “BMW Digital Premium” providing permits BMW clients with BMW Operating System 9 to entry an prolonged vary of merchandise from the BMW ConnectedDrive Store. As effectively as on-demand capabilities for the automobile, the shop additionally gives an ever-evolving number of third-party apps within the classes music & audio, information & magazines and gaming for the infotainment system. More video games are actually being made accessible by way of this channel for in-car enjoyment. And occupants will even be capable to play utilizing correct gaming controllers in future. BMW is presenting this new type of gaming expertise for the primary time at CES 2024. For instance, “Beach Buggy Racing 2” gives clients an action-packed racing sport that evokes recollections of the good console classics. Two gamers within the automobile can compete in opposition to each other in split-screen mode utilizing their gaming controllers. Any customary gaming controller with Bluetooth functionality will be linked to the infotainment system in just some steps. The controller link-up will likely be made accessible over the air for BMW Operating System 9 throughout 2024.

The AirConsole App already lets BMW clients play single and multiplayer video games of their automobile. The “casual games” supplied are straightforward to choose up for anybody; the person’s smartphone serves as a controller, permitting easy management of gameplay that’s fast to be taught. Additions are continuously being made to the selection of video games within the in-car AirConsole App.

BMW Digital Premium is optionally accessible for fashions with BMW Operating System 9 and will be obtained from the ConnectedDrive Store both on-line, within the MyBMW App or instantly from the automobile. BMW Digital Premium permits clients to get pleasure from in-car use of all of the apps accessible of their nation in addition to overlaying the mandatory knowledge utilization. And the bundle gives extra in addition to, together with enhanced navigation capabilities and added customisation choices.

Top leisure – with the Video App in BMW Operating Systems 8.5 and 9.

In addition to the BMW Theatre Screen with Amazon Fire TV built-in within the rear compartment of the BMW 7 Series, BMW clients are actually capable of watch quite a lot of video content material on the central show too*. The already very succesful TiVo working system for good TVs was optimised for in-car video streaming within the house of just some months by builders from the BMW Group working along with XPERI Inc. The result’s the combination of the DTS AutoStage Video Service powered by TiVo. The leisure programme contains each stay channels and on-demand media libraries overlaying the classes information, sport, leisure for youths, motion pictures and TV sequence.

First launched within the new BMW 5 Series, the platform will now be rolled out to additional govt and luxurious fashions over the air**. Since the top of 2023, clients driving compact fashions with BMW Operating System 9 have additionally been capable of entry the Video App with BMW Digital Premium. These will likely be adopted by additional fashions over the course of 2024, such because the BMW X2 and all fashions within the new MINI household.

The Video App is at the moment accessible within the USA, UK, South Korea, France, Italy, Germany and Spain, and can quickly be coming to Japan. Numerous portals can be found internationally, together with Pluto TV, Bloomberg, TED, Yahoo! and Chili. These are accompanied by market-specific streaming providers:

  • Germany: JOYN, ZDF, tagesschau, Deutsche Welle.
  • Italy: RaiPlay
  • France: TF1
  • USA: Tubi, Gusto TV, Journy
  • Japan: Hulu Japan, NHK Plus, NTV NEWS NNN, TVer, WOWOW 

The portfolio of video streaming platforms will maintain increasing and will likely be step by step rolled out to different nations.

Ready for the wearables of the long run – enhanced driving expertise with XREAL Air 2 augmented actuality glasses.

The CES present additionally sees the BMW Group show for the primary time how augmented actuality (AR) glasses are set to counterpoint the driving expertise in future. Visitors can take a look at the doable makes use of of AR glasses for themselves on a drive by means of Las Vegas. Wearing the glasses, they’ll see how navigation directions, hazard warnings, leisure content material, data on charging stations and supporting visualisations in parking conditions are embedded completely into the real-world setting by the “XREAL Air 2”. AR and combined actuality (MR) gadgets will turn into more and more in style within the subsequent few years, because of technological advances and entry-level fashions which might be extra reasonably priced for patrons. In future, AR and MR gadgets will be capable to provide each drivers and passengers enhanced data and pleasant experiences to enhance the shows fitted within the automobile.

The BMW Group has been engaged on the event of AR/MR know-how since 2008 and investigating doable functions for head-mounted shows in analysis tasks. The BMW engineers, along with their growth companions, have now succeeded in displaying steady augmented actuality and combined actuality content material to passengers in a dynamically transferring automobile for the primary time. The displayed picture stays securely embedded within the setting even in difficult driving conditions, equivalent to when turning, driving over massive bumps or accelerating. To obtain this, the monitoring system of the AR/MR system in query needs to be linked to the automobile’s sensor knowledge.

The BMW Group has persistently constructed up its pool of expertise with AR/MR gadgets through the years and offered the outcomes to the general public. These embrace the preliminary MINI Augmented Vision project (2015), the collaboration with Meta Reality Labs (2022 & 2023), the ConnectedRide Smartglasses from BMW Motorrad and the M Mixed Reality Driving Experience. The Augmented View perform in present BMW and MINI fashions reveals drivers a stay video stream on the show that’s augmented with further data for optimum steerage when utilizing the navigation system. In the world of extremely progressive, vehicle-related XR functions, the BMW Group has filed patents for nearly 70 innovations from its builders lately.

“Thanks to the recent research collaborations with Meta Reality Labs and XREAL, we have made considerable progress in our preparations for integrating external XR devices into our driving experience in production models. We are proud to be leading the way here and are well prepared to offer our customers breathtaking XR experiences in the future,” says Peter Lehnert, Vice President Research, New Technologies and Innovations Digital Car on the BMW Group.

“We are thrilled at the prospect of being able to digitally embellish the real world by combining car tech with AR tech,” feedback Peng Jin, co-founder of XREAL. “And this might result in totally new experiences whereas travelling by automobile and open up new potential for AR tech.”

The BMW Group has efficiently carried out pioneering work on digital applied sciences up to now – equivalent to automobile entry utilizing the BMW Digital Key – and has been a driving power behind the industry-wide standardisation of such improvements. The firm is open to collaboration with additional companions within the space of AR/MR too. The objective right here is to ascertain an {industry} customary for connecting the CE {industry}’s XR gadgets with autos.

Development demo: BMW voice assistant turns into the last word automobile skilled with the assistance of the Alexa Large Language Model (LLM).

At CES, the BMW Group and Amazon showcase voice assistant LLM capabilities primarily based on a present growth venture that the businesses are engaged on in preparation for a possible sequence rollout. This makes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant the last word automobile skilled because of generative AI that’s powered by the Alexa LLM. At CES, guests expertise how the voice assistant offers fast directions and solutions about automobile capabilities in a way more human, conversation-like method, whereas on the identical time having the ability to management some automobile capabilities.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has been utilizing synthetic intelligence for speech processing for a very long time and this demo is the most recent proof level of the continued innovation BMW and its companions are bringing to clients. Complex processing capabilities, which allow human-like interactions and dialogs, haven’t but been built-in into BMW sequence autos. Such capabilities are actually made doable by LLMs, that are AI fashions which might be designed to course of human language at a excessive degree and generate responses accordingly. The BMW Group can also be taking cautious steps to construct a protected and trusted expertise for patrons, and continues to check and iterate these LLM capabilities over time with its companions.

Since the introduction of the primary BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant in 2018, language interplay has been a vital a part of BMW iDrive. Today, the voice assistant provides clients management over many automobile capabilities in order that they’ll maintain their palms on the wheel and their eyes on the street. Leveraging Amazon’s Alexa Custom Assistant — an answer that’s primarily based on Alexa know-how and permits corporations to create their very own custom-made voice assistant — the next-generation of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant will quickly turn into extra highly effective over the course of the 12 months in autos with BMW Operating System 9.

Joint growth venture with Valeo paves the best way for teleoperated valet parking.

The BMW Group and Valeo have entered a strategic partnership to work on the joint growth of next-generation automated Level 4 parking options. This contains the event of options for automated valet parking (AVP). Here, the client leaves their automobile in a chosen drop-off space. The automobile then searches for a vacant parking house itself, manoeuvres into the house and later exits it once more, and may even drive again to the pick-up space for assortment by the driving force. Either an autonomous driving system or a teleoperated valet system can be utilized because the underlying know-how for this.

CES 2024 guests may have the chance to check out teleoperated valet parking for themselves. Teleoperation gives full management in conditions that may very well be very difficult for totally autonomous programs, equivalent to in complicated or unfamiliar environments.

The teleoperator makes use of refined know-how and stay digital camera photographs to information and transfer the automobile in order that it may be parked and retrieved once more in a rigorously managed method. Possible future functions for this know-how may embrace parking at occasions, at airports or within the logistics sector.

* In conjunction with ConnectedDrive Professional in fashions with BMW Operating System 8.5 or at the side of BMW Digital Premium with BMW Operating System 9.

** BMW 7 Series; BMW iX produced from 03/23; BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X7, BMW X5 M, BMW X6 M produced from 04/23; BMW XM  produced from 08/23.

Motorsport

Watch Ken Block Posthumously Melt Tires In His Last-Ever Gymkhana Video

Last 12 months, Ken Block took the bonkers Audi S1 Hoonitron to Las Vegas for his first all-electric Gymkhana journey. After his tragic snowmobiling accident in January, we thought the Vegas smoke present can be the tip of the Ken Block Gymkhana period. But we have been improper. He filmed yet another journey late final 12 months in Mexico, and it is lastly right here.

Officially known as Electrikhana Two: Mexico City, the Head Hoonigan in Charge (HHIC) exhibits no mercy to tires in a number of places across the iconic capital metropolis. Technically, it begins on the Plaza de Toros Mexico, however the video opens with an fascinating all-wheel-drive burnout the likes of which you’ve got by no means seen.

Electrikhana Two Screenshot

Watch carefully – the Audi’s entrance wheels are turning backward whereas the rears spin ahead. That’s the magic of electrical energy and a number of motors, and that is just the start of the trickery to come back.

The video kicks off with a dash outdoors of the stadium, resulting in drifts, spins, tight donuts, and a few close to misses as he launches over curves and clips partitions. When the Audi S1 E-Tron Quattro was first revealed, a selected worth for the one-off wasn’t talked about however the phrase tens of millions was used regularly. The plethora of busted Audi elements we see on this video suggests Block wasn’t interested by such issues for this specific Gymkhana session.

Electrikhana Two Screenshot
Electrikhana Two Screenshot
Electrikhana Two Screenshot

Eventually, the motion reaches the airport the place we get some neat-o spins, drifts, and a 126-mph straight-line pace run. Then comes one other new trick. We do not know if there is a particular title for it, so we’ll simply dub it the Hoonitron J-Turn. The electrically pushed wheels can immediately change path from ahead to reverse, and Block makes use of that functionality to spin the automotive from ahead to reverse and again ahead, all with out dropping a lot pace. Jump to the 7:15 mark to see what we’re speaking about.

Or higher but, simply watch from begin to end and benefit from the trip from the person who turned this style on its head. The video ends with a montage from all of Block’s Gymkhana movies, going again to the OG clip from 2008. It’s good to see him in motion one final time.

Motorsport

Aston Martin DBX707 Brakes Glow During Lap Of Las Vegas F1 Track

The Las Vegas F1 race was marked by controversy. Nevertheless, brands like Aston Martin still had plenty to showcase during the race weekend with around 60 hot laps for select customers.

YouTuber Tim Burton, also known as Shmee, had the opportunity to drive a DBX707 around the 3.85-mile track. The 697-horsepower SUV, painted in a striking Kermit Green, demonstrated its capabilities on the street circuit, with Shmee pushing the posh family hauler to its limits.

During the video, the front brakes of the DBX707 were seen glowing orange. The vehicle comes equipped with carbon ceramic brakes and six-piston calipers as standard. Compared to the regular DBX, the weight is reduced by nearly 90 pounds.


Motorsport

TikTok Is Eviscerating The Las Vegas F1 Race

Last night, the first practice session of the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix was cut short after just eight minutes due to a loose drainage cover being dislodged by Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari. Not only did the incident damage Sainz’s car and result in a 10 grid place penalty, but it also disappointed F1 fans.

The scheduled free practice one was canceled, and by the time free practice two was set to start at 2:30 am for an extended 90-minute session, all fans had been asked to leave. This marked a disappointing start to what was expected to be a significant weekend on the F1 calendar. Additionally, the event faced criticism due to exorbitant pricing, traffic disruptions, lower than expected temperatures, and the lackluster response from a multiple-time champion.

Though I personally don’t use TikTok, members of the Motor1 and InsideEVs staff have noticed widespread criticism of the race weekend on the platform. Below are a few examples:

 
 
 
 

If you have more examples, feel free to share them in the comments. Let’s hope for a better remainder of the weekend.

News

“`html TopSpeed’s Top 10 Picks From SEMA 2023

The SEMA show, which takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada is one of the most extensive automotive gatherings of any kind on the face of planet Earth. Five full days of jam-packed action, insightful vendors, new industry products/techniques, and on. There really is something for everyone at SEMA. The acronym SEMA stands for Specialty Equipment Market Association, a fancy way of saying absolutely everything aftermarket. While the specially built vehicles at SEMA are impressive on their own merit, it’s important to view them as individual showcases of the builder’s specialty, whether that be proprietary tech, design, or parts.

Amongst all the specialty equipment were some truly impressive builds. Some prove to be extremely extensive, while others are relatively simple, but, in a stroke of genius, solve existing problems. SEMA is a powerhouse of both engineering and design. The two come together in a wonderful way to give us some of the most impressive aftermarket-built vehicles ever. While we can’t name them all since SEMA exists as one of the largest shows of its kind, there are a few worth mentioning that gives a great perspective on what you might expect if you were to visit.

Toyota’s Highlights For SEMA 2023

We gathered information photography/video from the SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV to compile this top-build list. Vehicles are ranked based on initial impressions, and overall popularity at the time they were photographed.

10 Obsession R Nissan Skyline GTR R32

Stand Out Modification: Interior materials

Blue modified Nissan Skyline GTR R32
Garret Donahue 

The overarching theme throughout SEMA is power, glitz, and being as bold as possible. It isn’t until you take a deeper look into the show that you find the true gems. Obsession R’s Nissan Skyline GTR is a project that speaks to those genuinely interested in R32 ownership. A very common problem with R32 generation cars is their interiors tend to fall apart.

Obsession R aims to remedy that problem by offering a nearly complete interior replacement kit for R32s. Trim pieces, seat material, plastics, and more are available through the aftermarket company that makes the car look, well, back to factory finish. This particular car sported Obsession R’s full interior kit, along with a tasteful blue-on-bronze paint/wheel combination. The company also offers performance upgrades.

Build Highlights:

  • Color combination
  • Stock+ feel, makes this R32 appear solidly built
  • Color-matched underhood components
  • Completely restored interior

9 Endless Lifted Trucks

Stand Out Modification: Ridiculous lift kit

Heavily modified Ford F-450 SEMA Show truck
Garret Donahue

SEMA wouldn’t be the same without the sea of lifted trucks/SUVs showing off extreme lifts, custom fabrication, and sometimes, some clever solutions to high-riding life complications. Take a walk outside the Las Vegas Convention Center, and you’ll find the majority of lifted vehicles parked all around the property.

It wasn’t until the last day of the show that we stumbled upon what can only be described as, “the final boss of SEMA.” This Ford F-Series pickup was raised seemingly 10 feet tall, on air suspension, and was equipped with a train horn as if its appearance wasn’t bold enough. This vehicle was so tall that it made the other massively large, lifted trucks seem like toys in comparison.

Build Highlights:

  • Train horn makes this Ford a loud as it looks
  • Massive wheels/tires fit the theme of the build
  • Air suspension allows for some ride height adjustment
  • Completely driveable without having to disconnect the driveshaft for show purposes

8 R44 BMW M3 Touring

Stand Out Modification: Single-Turbocharger Conversion

European model modified BMW M3 Touring
Garret Donahue

It’s not enough that the R44 and support teams were able to retrieve a European market-only BMW M3 Touring and bring it Stateside. The team went ahead and converted the S58 twin-turbo engine into a single-turbo monster of a wagon that also solves one of the S58’s shortcomings.

That would be the sound. A few examples of this modification have proven that, with the right exhaust and one less turbocharger, the S58 can create the aural sound many BMW enthusiasts are longing for.

Build Highlights:

  • Rare M3 Touring inside the USA is extremely difficult to obtain
  • Impressive engine upgrades
  • Aggressive wheel style
  • Eye-catching blue wrap

Here’s Why The BMW M3 G81 Touring Is The Best M-Car You Can Buy In 2023

7 Flat Out Autos Chevrolet KR2

Stand Out Modification: Two-Door Conversion

Blue Modified Chevrolet Silverado ZR2
Garret Donahue

The K5 Blazer has garnered something of a cult following. There have been restoration companies dedicated to bringing back such vehicles using vintage trucks. Flat Out Autos is not that. Instead, they purchase brand-new trucks from GM and convert them into the K5 of today. Appropriately named, “KR2”, the modified vehicle starts as a Silverado long bed, short cab, and is then chopped after the cab.

To achieve the right proportions and retain as much original hardware as possible, while accounting for aspects such as aero, we’re told this is the best way to achieve the KR2’s signature K5 styling. Using modern ZR2 body panels, the KR2 takes the shape of a modern Blazer. From there, the options are endless, from custom interior colors to a supercharged engine. Fox Race suspension to a myriad of aftermarket wheels and tires, you name it, and Flat Out will add it.

Build Highlights:

  • Supercharged V-8 engine
  • Widebody fiberglass panels
  • Fox suspension
  • Takes the best attributes of a ZR2 and applies them to a two-door, short-wheelbase truck

6 Pit+Paddock M3 GTS

Stand Out Modification: Dinan 4.6-liter V-8 engine

Modified Orange E90 M3 Wagon
Garret Donahue 

How about another BMW M wagon that we never saw? This Frankenstein of creation is nothing short of a masterpiece. The M3 GTS of the time was known for its “Limerick Orange” paint, and this M3 is reminiscent of that car.

Complete with a Carbahn 4.6-liter “stroked” S65 V-8 that makes 516 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, eclipsing even the mighty M5 of the era. BBS wheels, a BMW aftermarket wheel of choice, and up to 60 pounds of weight loss make the Pit + Paddock M3 as true to the GTS formula as possible.

Build Highlights:

  • GTS orange paint
  • Weight removed from the vehicle
  • Over 100 horsepower added to normal M3 engine
  • Wagon converted to M3, a car that never existed

5 Superformance Shelby Cobra

Stand Out Modification: GT500 Supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 Engine