Tag Archives: weapon

News

SV Rover: road-legal ‘hypertruck’ has supercharged V8 or EV energy

American motorsport outfit Scarbo Vintage has revealed the SV Rover – an outlandish off-road weapon that it claims to be “the world’s first street-legal hypertruck”.

Available with both a screaming supercharged V8 engine or a battery-electric powertrain, it is the third automotive from the California-based agency, following the SV F1, a tribute to the 1967 Ferrari 312 Formula 1 automotive, and the Porsche 911-derived SC RSR, which was the premise for Ken Block’s ‘Hoonipigasus’ stunt automotive.

Said to have the ability to “comfortably tackle technical off-road trails and traverse desert terrain at extra-legal speeds”, the SV Rover takes visible cues from the traditional Land Rover Defender 90.

It has a physique clad completely in carbonfibre and aluminium, enormous flared wheel arches, thick underbody safety, LED entrance and tail lamps and a wheelbase considerably prolonged to accommodate a rear-mid-mounted engine.

Power comes from both a 1100bhp supercharged V8 with an eight-speed gearbox or a 1005bhp electrical system – anticipated to comprise a motor on every axle – and a 75kWh battery. 

Scarbo Performance CEO Joe Scarbo stated: “The SV Rover represents a brand new excessive when it comes to off-road energy, manoeuverability and functionality.

“We’re thrilled to unveil this revolutionary vehicle, which combines the nostalgia of classic British design with modern American muscle and technology to deliver a driving experience beyond anything this side of a trophy truck.”

The Rover is fitted with interchangeable two- and four-wheel drive, locking entrance and rear differentials and adjustable-height pushrod suspension that sits inboard and permits for an enormous 30in of wheel journey. 

Technology

How The Soviets Adapted a Cold War Bomber for the Space Program

During the Cold War, the Soviet Union sought to add a powerful weapon to its arsenal: a long-range bomber capable of threatening the United States and delivering significant damage. The task began in the early 1950s under the leadership of Vladimir Mikhailovich Myasishchev.

The development of the M-4 bomber started in 1954. The initial model, the Bison-A, was produced in limited numbers, with only 34 units built. It had an impressive range of 9,000 miles with mid-flight refueling and was equipped with four Mikulin AM-3A turbojets. Its armament included a range of weapons, from FAB-100 GPs to the massive FAB-9000s, each weighing nearly 10 tons. It also featured AM-23 23mm cannons for defense against other aircraft.

Towards the end of the decade, a new variant, the Bison-B or 3M, was introduced. It featured improved Dobrynin VD-7B engines and a reduced weight. While other concepts, like a cargo transport version called the M-29, never materialized, the enhanced Bison-B would go on to serve a different purpose than that of a traditional bomber. It was repurposed as a transport, but not for conventional cargo – instead, it was used to transport rocket parts.

Technology

8 Of The Largest Weapons Ever Built

In the competition between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, both countries aimed to build the largest arsenal of nuclear weapons for defense purposes. This rivalry led to numerous nuclear device tests conducted by both nations. Before the era of atmospheric nuclear tests ended, one weapon stood out among the rest: the Tsar Bomba.

During the early 1960s, tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union were exceptionally high. To demonstrate their strength, the Soviets developed various nuclear weapons, including the largest one which was detonated on October 30, 1961. This three-stage hydrogen bomb utilized an atomic fission bomb to initiate the detonation process. The fusion process then took place, resulting in a significantly greater yield. The Tsar Bomba had a yield of 50 megatons, although modifications were made to limit its power. If not for the use of lead instead of uranium in certain parts, its yield could have reached 100 megatons.

News

2024 Krämer GP2-890RR: The Latest Limited Edition Track-Focused Beast

Specializing in track weapons, Krämer has just unveiled the latest iteration of its renowned GP2 platform: the 2024 GP2-890RR supersport. If you’re looking for a remarkable power-to-weight ratio, look no further. The GP-890RR weighs a mere 313 pounds while boasting a claimed 138 horsepower.

Only 125 of these exceptional machines will be manufactured and sold globally. Each bike will also have a unique number engraved on the triple clamp. Now, let’s dive into the specifications while you prepare your wallet.

Engine

The 2024 Krämer GP2-890RR is powered by KTM’s liquid-cooled, dual overhead cam, 889cc parallel twin engine. It has a bore and stroke of 90.7mm by 68.8mm. The claimed horsepower is 138 at 10,100 rpm, with claimed torque of 100 newton-meters (or 73.75 pound-feet) at 8,200 rpm. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox featuring a PASC slipper clutch. An up and down quickshifter comes standard.


2024 Kramer GP2-890RR - Right Side

7 Photos

Suspension, Brakes, and Wheels

The suspension setup on the GP2-890RR features a fully adjustable WP Apex Pro 7543 closed cartridge fork at the front, equipped with Krämer’s shim stack. At the rear, you’ll find a fully adjustable WP Apex Pro 7746 shock with progressive linkage. The suspension travel measures 120mm at the front and 140mm at the rear. Braking is handled by dual Brembo Stylema calipers and a pair of 290mm full floating rotors at the front, while the rear utilizes a Brembo P2 caliper and a single 230mm floating rotor. The bike rides on 17-inch forged aluminum Dymag wheels.

Fuel Cell

Krämer’s special design incorporates a molded plastic fuel tank that doubles as the tail section of the GP2-890RR. This unique fuel cell can hold 4.2 gallons of fuel while optimizing weight distribution even as the fuel level changes during races.

RR-Spec Electronic Rider Aids

The 2024 Krämer GP2-890RR comes equipped with nine levels of adjustable traction control, which can be switched off if desired. Wheelie control is also adjustable across five levels plus an off setting. Additionally, the bike features a pit lane speed limiter, adjustable engine braking, and throttle map. The dash features an AiM MXS 1.3 Race GPS unit with a data logger.

Other Notable Features

The 2024 Krämer GP2-890RR is equipped with CNC handlebar clamps that have replaceable tubes. It also boasts CNC machined adjustable offset triple clamps, available in either 26mm or 28mm sizes. Standard features include a Hyper Pro RC steering damper and a DID ERV 520 Racing x-ring chain. The fairing is made of fiberglass with carbon/Kevlar reinforcement and is offered in two paint colors.

Colors, Pricing, and Availability

The 2024 Krämer GP2-890RR will be available in a matte finish Brno Blue color or a Brainerd Black gloss option in the US.

These rare racing machines will begin shipping to customers in September 2023. Pricing may vary by region, but in the US, the MSRP is $39,995.

NewsNew

KTM TPI STARTING RACKET: MR KNOW-IT-ALL

Dear Mr. Know-It-All,

I have a 2020 KTM 250XC-W TPI, and I’m concerned about a noise that it makes when I press the starter button. I have already replaced the clutch pack and the Bendix, but that hasn’t solved the issue. I’m wondering if the problem could be with the starter. Can you please help me?

Robert
via [email protected]

Noises from the starter system can be quite alarming, but they are more common in the 2008–2016 models and less so in the newer 2017 and later models. The clutch pack replacement you did is unrelated to the starter system, so it didn’t have any effect on the noise issue. Starter motors usually don’t make noise unless the bearings are failing. You can check the bearings by removing the Bendix and manually spinning the starter motor. If the bearings feel rough, it’s time to get a new motor. It’s worth noting that the motors have a notched feeling due to the internal magnets, so they don’t spin freely. The most likely causes of the noise are the Bendix and starter motor support bushings in the cases. Take a close look at them and replace any that have worn Teflon coating. Enjoy your rides, and thanks to Slavens Racing for providing the necessary information to address this question accurately.

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