Tag Archives: went

Motorsport

Hummer EV Sales Up 83,300 Percent

The GMC Hummer EV was General Motors’s first Ultium-powered passenger car. The automaker went all out for the mannequin, packing it with an obnoxious quantity of energy and cutting-edge options. And gross sales are lastly beginning to take off in 2024. They are up a whopping 83,330 % within the first quarter of this yr, however that quantity requires some context.

Digging by means of the info reveals why the EV noticed such a wild enhance. The firm bought simply two Hummers by means of the primary three months of 2023 because it was ramping up Hummer EV SUV manufacturing. That’s overshadowed by the 1,668 Hummers it bought for a similar interval in 2024. GMC ended 2023 with 3,260 items bought, and the corporate is on observe to beat that determine this yr, however not by 80,000 %.


Motorsport

Ford Will ‘Think Carefully’ About Where It Builds Vehicles After UAW Strike

Last September, the United Auto Workers (UAW) union went on strike towards Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. The UAW hit the automakers of their pocketbooks, strategically concentrating on sure crops for probably the most affect. For Ford, that was its worthwhile Kentucky truck plant, which now has the automaker pondering “carefully” about the place it will produce its future autos.

Ford CEO Jim Farley commented about its relationship with the UAW in the course of the Wolfe Research Global Auto Conference, including that it has modified. According to the Associated Press, Farley mentioned Ford having the first truck plant shut down does have an effect on the enterprise.

2023 Ford Super Duty production

Days after employees stopped constructing the Super Duty in Kentucky, Ford Motor Company Executive Chair Bill Ford went to the Rouge Visitor Center in Michigan, the place it builds the F-150, to ask union members to “come together to bring an end to this acrimonious round of talks.” Bill mentioned the choice to close down the Louisville manufacturing unit harmed “tens of thousands of Americans.”

The strike at Ford’s Louisville manufacturing unit started on October 11, practically a month after the UAW kicked off its strike, placing 8,700 extra employees on the picket line. During the negotiations, the union would additionally target Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Suburban and Yukon production, however Ford has the best variety of union members of the three automakers.

2023 Ford Super Duty production
2023 Ford Super Duty production

The UAW suspended its strike on the finish of October, reaching agreements with Ford, Stellantis, and General Motors earlier than Halloween. The UAW membership voted to ratify the three contracts by Thanksgiving, ending the six-week standoff and profitable raises, higher advantages, an finish to the two-tiered employment system, and extra.

The elevated wages and advantages will improve the value of vehicles. Ford mentioned its autos will value $900 extra as a result of contract as soon as it is in impact. Like the remainder of the business, the automaker is navigating the transition to electrical autos. It has needed to rethink its technique, specializing in smaller, extra inexpensive EVs within the face of encroaching Chinese competitors.

Motorsport

This Rare Acura TLX Type S Needs To Be Saved

When it went on sale in October 2022, the Acura TLX Type S PMC Edition was obtainable in three colours – Curva Red, 130R White, and Long Beach Blue – and restricted to simply 100 items every. Now, a Long Beach Blue instance of the efficiency sedan is now not on the highway, however you would possibly have the ability to return it to its former glory.

This specific automotive had a starting price of $63,995 with vacation spot and dealing with charges when it was delivered to its unique proprietor. This made it about $7,500 dearer than the common TLX Type S. But the sedan suffered main harm to its entrance finish. From what we’re in a position to see within the obtainable images, there’s no structural harm to the engine compartment, which suggests the automotive is likely to be reparable with out an excessive amount of problem.


Motorsport

Jeep Is Reportedly Dropping The V8 Wrangler With A Final Edition

Well, that did not final lengthy. The V8-powered Wrangler went on sale within the first quarter of 2021, and now Jeep is about to tug the plug. A member of the JL Wrangler Forums has discovered sellers have been notified about an upcoming Final Edition of the Rubicon 392 with its brawny 6.4-liter Hemi unit.

According to the doc despatched by Jeep, there is a gross sales problem in place for January 2024. Dealers that transfer extra vehicles this month than in January 2023 will every obtain a single allocation for a (takes deep breath) 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition.


Motorsport

Audi R8 Sales Doubled In The Supercar’s Final Year

The grim reaper took away the beloved Audi R8 in 2023, however the supercar went out with a proverbial bang. The R8 GT RWD served because the swan music final yr when demand for the Lamborghini Huracan’s sister mannequin doubled within the United States.

Audi of America printed full gross sales outcomes for the yr that simply ended, revealing some fascinating stats. Deliveries of the R8 shot up by 101 %, reaching 631 automobiles in 2023 in comparison with the prior yr when solely 314 individuals purchased one. Looking again in time, Audi moved 649 R8s in 2021, 581 in 2020, 574 in 2019, 927 in 2018, and 772 in 2017. 

The R8 is anticipated to return at some point for a fully electric third generation, one that can hopefully be a hit versus the ill-fated R8 E-Tron. Fewer than 100 models of the electrical supercar had been made with an exorbitant asking value of €1 million a pop.

Year Total Annual Sales
2023 631
2022 314
2021 649
2020 581
2019 574
2018 927
2017 772

Another Audi sports activities automotive going the way in which of the dodo that noticed its gross sales bounce in 2023 was the TT. Recently discontinued, the Tourist Trophy loved a 41-percent hike in demand final yr when the Four Rings bought 725 automobiles within the US. Here’s how the fashionable TT coupe/roadster duo fared in earlier years:

Year Total Annual Sales
2023 725
2022 516
2021 986
2020 830
2019 1,324
2018 1,289
2017 2,294

But how was 2023 for Audi of America total? It was really a file yr as shipments jumped by 22 % to 228,550 autos. Demand for licensed pre-owned (CPO) autos went up by a considerable 14 %, reaching 37,292 models.

The Ingolstadt-based luxurious model is completely satisfied to report gross sales of electrical fashions additionally reached a file stage within the United States:

Audi EV Model Total Sales In 2023
E-Tron GT 3,202
This fall E-Tron 8,144
This fall E-Tron Sportback 2,606
Q8 E-Tron 8,180
Q8 E-Tron Sportback 2,907
News, Technology

Elon Musk’s xAI Set to Release its First Product Secretly

When Musk announced the establishment of xAI in July, the company had a bold mission of understanding “the true nature of the universe.” So far, the company has been quiet while employees from OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Tesla work on the secretive project.

However, Musk seems confident in what xAI is building. “In some important respects, it is the best that currently exists,” he wrote in a post on X. Greg Yang, the leader of xAI, mentioned that the AI lab was developing a “theory of everything” for neural networks.

“AI will enable everyone to understand our mathematical universe in ways unimaginable before,” Yang wrote, which sounds just as vague as Musk’s claims about demystifying the tangible universe. However, both Musk and his EV brand Tesla have experience with AI.

Musk was on the founding board of OpenAI, and Tesla currently uses advanced machine learning models for its self-driving technology. Interestingly, Musk also signed a letter urging a pause in the development of cutting-edge AI technology due to risks to humanity. It is unclear whether xAI falls under this umbrella or if Musk’s company has different plans for its artificial intelligence project.

Featured

All Cars Launched In October 2023, Plenty To Choose From This Festive Season


In October 2023, there were a plethora of cars that went on sale ranging from the updated Tata Harrier and Safari to the Aston Martin DB12

Cars launched in October 2023

The Indian festive season carries high expectations of increased sales for carmakers, and so many new cars are launched just before it. For October 2023, we saw the market introduction of numerous facelifts, new variants and special editions across various price segments. From the Tata Harrier and Safari facelifts to the BMW i7 M70i, here’s every new car launched ahead of the 2023 festive season.

Tata Harrier & Safari facelift – The 2023 facelifts for the Tata Harrier and Tata Safari SUVs get a host of updates including the new exterior design, interior updates and a lot more tech. The new Harrier starts from Rs 15.49 lakh, while the 7-seat Safari now starts from Rs 16.19 lakh. Some of the key new features on both include the bigger suite of ADAS, 7 airbags, paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control, a new steering wheel with an illuminated logo, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system amongst others. 

Citroen C3 Aircross

Citroen C3 Aircross – The Citroen C3 Aircross offers both 5 and 7-seat configurations, the only one in the compact SUV segment to do so. In the 7-seat variants, the 3rd now can be removed when not in use. Some of the features include a 10.2-inch infotainment, a digital instrument cluster, a roof-mounted blower, TPMS and Hill Hold. Prices for the car start from Rs 9.99 lakh.

Nissan Magnite

Nissan Magnite AMT & Magnite Kuro Edition – The Nissan Magnite now gets an automatic option for the 1-litre N.A. engine as well. The AMT gets features like anti-stall and kick-down and a creep function amongst others. Thus, both the engines on offer now get an automatic option.

Nissan Magnite Kuro Edition

Meanwhile, the Kuro Edition gets an all-black exterior along with black front grille, skid plate, roof rails, door handles, alloy wheels. The car also gets red brake callipers. Meanwhile, the interiors get the same black treatment with a black roof liner, sun visors, door trims, gloss black inserts of the steering wheel, door handles and black AC vent surrounds. 

Skoda Slavia matte edition

Skoda Slavia Matte Edition – The special edition Skoda Slavia is available only in the top-spec variant. It gets a Carbon Steel matte colour, powered front seats and an illuminated footwell area. Powertrain options for the Skoda Slavia remain the same – the turbo-charged 1-litre and 1.5-litre turbo-petrolTSI motors with a choice of automatic or manual transmissions.

Kia Carens X-Line

Kia Carens X-Line – The Kia Carens‘ X-Line variants comes with a Matte Graphite colour on the outside and gets a dual-tone Black and Splendid Sage Green interior. Now, the same has been introduced for the Kia Carens MPV as well, following the Sonet and Seltos SUVs. Other changes include all gloss black elements like the grille, black rear skid plate, roof rack and ORVMs. The MPV also gets 16-inch dual tone alloys and silver brake callipers. The Carens X-Line comes only with automatic options for the turbo-petrolPetrol (7DCT) and Ddiesel (6AT) units options. 

Honda Amaze and City special editions

Honda Amaze Elite & Honda City Elegant Editions – This limited edition of the Honda Amaze is based on the top-spec VX variant. The car also gets a rear spoiler with an LED stop light, TPMS, front fender garnish, a sliding front armrest and an ORVM anti-fog film. Honda is also offering illuminated sill plates, a tyre inflator and Elite Edition seat covers and badges on the Amaze. Customers can get both manual or CVT options to choose from.

Meanwhile, the limited-edition Honda City is based on the V-variant. It comes with a rear spoiler with an integrated LED stop light, front fender garnish, illuminated sill plates, a wireless charger and Elegant Edition seat covers and badges amongst others. Here too, buyers will be offered a choice of manual or CVT transmission options. 

Volkswagen Virtus matte edition

Volkswagen Virtus GT Plus Matte Edition – The recently introduced Matte Edition of the Volkswagen Virtus sedan is offered with a matte grey exterior. The outside details include red highlights, black alloy wheels and black ORVMs. Meanwhile, on the inside, the sedan comes with cherry red leatherette upholstery, aluminium pedals and red ambient lighting. A 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is offered with both manual and automatic options.

New launches in the Luxury segment

The German marquee has launched three models ahead of the 2023 festive season – BMW X4 M40i, BMW 7 Series 740d M Sport and the BMW i7 M70 xDrive. The X4 coupe SUV gets a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder turbocharged petrol with 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The 740d M Sport meanwhile gets a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder diesel engine with hybrid tech. The i7 M70 xDrive luxury EV sedan comes with a dual-motor setup generating 660PS and 1015 Nm. It gets a 101.7kWh battery pack with a claimed range of 560km. 

Mini Countryman Shadow edition

The Mini Countryman got a new Shadow Edition during this past month.

Audi S5 Sportback

The Audi S5 Sportback got a new Platinum Edition. Both of these offer cosmetic updates only with the existing powertrains. It arrives on the heels of the special edition Audi Q5. 

  • Aston Martin

Aston Martin DB12

The iconic British performance marquee launched its latest grand tourer in India this past month. The Aston Martin DB12 arrived early in October for Rs 4.59 crore. It comes with a reworked 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, a 3.5 second 0-100 km/h time and a top speed well over 300 km/h.

Let us know which amongst the above cars would you pick if you were out to buy a new car. 

Read More on : Tata Harrier diesel

Motorcycles

Why Janus Motorcycles Buys Its Engine From China

Janus Motorcycles, a manufacturer of lightweight hand-built bikes, has a unique reason for sourcing its engines from China. Founder Richard Worsham explains that he wanted a suitable engine for Janus’ bikes that would align with their vision of simplicity and reliability.

Worsham explored the possibility of using typical American-made motorcycle engines, such as the big V Twin engines from Harley Davidson or Indian, or even a modified version from S&S Cycle. However, these engines did not match the lightweight and minimalist design that Janus was aiming for.

Instead, Janus opted for a 229cc motor originally designed by Honda in the 1970s. Worsham highlighted the importance of having an engine that is simple, reliable, and easy to service. By choosing a long-established engine design, Janus ensures that parts availability will not be an issue, as manufacturers have been producing parts for this particular engine for several decades.

Ultimately, Janus’ decision to source engines from China was based on finding the right engine for their specific needs and providing their customers with a dependable and easily maintainable product.

News

Is A Harley-Davidson X440 Trademark Tussle Brewing In India?

The launch of the Harley-Davidson X440 in India was highly anticipated and received positive reviews. Over 25,000 bikes were prebooked in the first month, which is a significant achievement for any OEM.

However, there seems to be a potential trademark issue brewing. Ultraviolette, an Indian electric two-wheeler startup, has applied for a trademark on the name “X44.” The application was approved and published in the government’s official journal with a status of “Accepted and Advertised.”

Ultraviolette’s opposition to the X 440 trademark filed by Hero MotoCorp, the manufacturer of the Harley-Davidson X 440, has been officially registered. Ultraviolette applied for its X44 trademark before Hero MotoCorp, but Hero MotoCorp’s trademark was published in the official journal slightly earlier. The trademark opposition process in India requires the opposing party to file a notice within four months of the publication date, which Ultraviolette has done.

If Hero MotoCorp chooses to respond, there will be hearings where evidence will be presented by both parties. Depending on the outcome, there may also be appeals. Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson are likely to have legal resources at their disposal to handle trademark issues, while Ultraviolette is a smaller company founded in 2016.

It remains to be seen how this trademark tussle will play out, but we will provide updates as they become available.

NewsNew

RIDING THE 2024 SHERCOS: THE WRAP

Last week, I attended Sherco’s 2024 dealer meeting in San Antonio, Texas. It was an amazing opportunity to hang out with Gary Hazel, Pat Smage, Cooper Abbott, and Cody Webb, and check out the 2024 models. We then had the chance to ride the bikes at Zars Ranch, a private riding area outside of San Antonio. Here’s what I learned:

SHERCO 500 DUAL-SPORT

Cody Webb rode the 500 dual-sport like it was a trials bike.

The Sherco 500SEF Dual-Sport is now approved by the DOT, EPA, and CARB, making it legal in all 50 states. This is a surprise because the U.S. homologation process is typically lengthy and costly. Sherco managed to keep this a secret, and they now join KTM, Husqvarna, Beta, and Honda as one of the few manufacturers committed to producing a fully legal dirt bike. The 500SEF is based on the 500SEF off-road bike that Grant Baylor used to win the 2020 National Enduro Championship. The Sherco 500 is the most powerful dual-sport 500 available, with excellent low-end power and substantial mid-range performance. It offers a smooth ride with no intense power surge at high rpm. The fuel delivery is clean, and the bike doesn’t stall, even when Cody Webb rode it over logs and rocks at low idle. More details will be available in the November print edition of Dirt Bike.

SHERCO 500SMF SUPERMOTO

2024 Sherco 500SMF

Sherco went through the extensive homologation process again with the 500SMF Supermoto, which shares the same motor as the dual-sport version. The main differences are the wheels and brakes, targeting street-bike canyon racing. The front wheel features a 3.5 x 17-inch black rim with a 120/70 Michelin tire, and the rear has a 5 x 17-inch rim with a Michelin 150/60 tire. The front brake boasts a massive 320mm rotor.

125 DUAL-SPORT AND SUPERMOTO

2024 Sherco 125 Dual-Sport

Sherco recognizes the need to explore new markets to compete with the Austrian models. That’s why they invested in the homologation process for two street-legal 125 four-strokes. The 125SEF Dual-Sport and the 125SMF Supermoto are unique options in the U.S. market, featuring fuel-injected single overhead cam engines with six-speed transmissions. Although not particularly fast, their target price is under $5000.

300 AND 250 TWO-STROKES

2024 Sherco 300SE

The two-stroke enduro bikes are always highly anticipated by dirt bike enthusiasts, and Sherco understands this. The 2024 models of the 250SE and 300SE have minimal changes, including a new LED headlight, updates to the wheels, clutch cover, and swingarm. It’s hard to choose a favorite when riding both the 250 and the 300 back to back. Both offer excellent low rpm performance and similar peak power output. The 250 has a more aggressive feel but requires more shifting, while the 300 provides an effortless ride. We are excited to get our hands on these bikes in the DB shop.

250 AND 300 FOUR-STROKES

Hey, that’s me on the 2024 Sherco 250SEF! Photo by Andrew at Winpics.

Sherco made significant changes to the 250 and 300 four-stroke enduro motors for 2024, although these changes may not be obvious externally. The center cases and head are new, and there are updates to the valves, valve springs, and the addition of a transmission sensor for different maps per gear. On the trail, the 250 has improved throttle response and more power, making it feel snappier. The small Sherco four-strokes have always delivered power suitable for off-road riding, without the intense hits of motocross bikes. The 2024 models offer even more power without sacrificing their smooth characteristics.

450 AND 500 FOUR-STROKES

2024 Sherco 500SEF, off-road version

The 500SEF off-road bike shares similarities with the 500 dual-sport, but without the homologation restrictions. It lacks DOT equipment, airbox restrictors, and exhaust catalysts. It also features a functional map switch. For those interested in racing without the need for a license plate, the large Sherco models are the way to go. They offer ample power but aren’t designed as motocross bikes. The power delivery is smooth, and the suspension provides a comfortable ride. The only difference between the 450SEF and 500SEF models is a 3mm bore size.

SHERCO TRIALS

Pat Smage recently won his 14th National Trials Championship using the brand-new fuel-injected STR300 bike. This was a bold move considering the bike was still in development, and mapping adjustments had to be made between rounds. Sherco has been working on fuel-injected two-strokes for more than five years, initially focusing on the enduro line. The technology has now reached a competitive level. While I didn’t have a chance to ride the trials bike, Pat Smage is absolutely in love with it.

See you next week!

–Ron Lawson