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Motorsport

Maserati Ghibli 334 Ultima, Levante V8 Ultima Debut As Ferrari V8 Finale

After a long-standing partnership, Ferrari will no longer supply V8 engines to Maserati after 2023. This marks the end of an era for the trident badge, as Maserati has been producing eight-cylinder cars since 1959 and has sold over 100,000 V8-powered vehicles in the last six and a half decades. As a final farewell to the V8 engine, Maserati has introduced the Ghibli 334 Ultima sedan and Levante V8 Ultima SUV.

The Ghibli 334 Ultima and Levante V8 Ultima made their debut at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed. These limited edition models share the same 3.8-liter twin-turbo engine, which is capable of producing 572 horsepower, just like the range-topping Trofeo models. Maserati will only produce 103 units of each model, and to commemorate the occasion, they have added special cosmetic enhancements both inside and outside the vehicles.


Motorsport

Vettel Will Drive His F1 Cars at Goodwood FoS Using Sustainable Fuel

Sebastian Vettel, the four-time Formula One World Champion, will showcase the practicality of fossil-free synthetic fuel by driving a selection of his personal F1 cars at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Vettel will use P1 Fuels sustainable fuel to race Nigel Mansell’s 1992 title-winning Williams Renault and Ayrton Senna’s 1993 Monaco Grand Prix-winning McLaren Ford. The vehicles’ V10 and V8 engines require no modifications to run on this direct replacement fuel. Vettel will drive both cars up the festival’s famous hill course over the weekend.

This demonstration comes as more automakers and companies start to explore synthetic fuel’s potential. Last year, Porsche began producing synthetic fuel at a plant in Chile, using it in the first drops of the nearly carbon-neutral fuel in a 911. While production will increase through 2027, it is not enough to replace our daily consumption of fossil fuel.

In April, Stellantis announced that it was testing synthetic fuels in several of its engines. The company evaluated 28 gasoline and diesel engine families built between 2014 and 2029, examining emissions, power, reliability, and other engine parameters.

The European Union also showed support for synthetic fuels earlier this year by allowing the sale of new cars that run on them. However, automakers must meet certain requirements for implementing the technology and ensuring vehicles do not use regular gasoline or diesel fuel.

While synthetic e-fuels still require a significant amount of energy to create, limiting their ability to reduce CO2 emissions, advancements continue to be made. Toyota CEO Koji Sato believes the technology must overcome this hurdle before it can be widely adopted.

Porsche’s production facility in southern Chile takes advantage of the region’s wind conditions, which allow the plant’s wind turbines to operate optimally and power the energy-intensive production process. Critics, such as Volkswagen brand boss Thomas Schäfer, have labeled e-fuel technology as unnecessary noise.

Vettel’s F1 career began in 2007, and he achieved his first Grand Prix win for Toro Rosso at Monza in 2008. He went on to win his first World Championship for Red Bull in 2010 and subsequently claimed three more titles during his 16-year career before retiring in December of last year.

News

Spotted: Aprilia RS 440 Taking A Stroll With A Moto Guzzi Stelvio Buddy

In the motorcycle industry, summer 2023 is heating up. While Moto Guzzi and Aprilia haven’t made any major announcements yet, these two Piaggio Group brands are clearly ready to make waves in the coming months.

Rumors have been circulating about the return of the Moto Guzzi Stelvio by the end of June, with an expected release before the end of 2023. There have also been hints about the development plans for a 400-450cc Aprilia sportbike. Now, in July 2023, spy photos have emerged showing the Aprilia RS 440 in action, with a Moto Guzzi Stelvio (based on the V100 Mandello) following closely behind. It’s nice to see riding buddies, isn’t it?


Aprilia RS440 and Moto Guzzi Stelvio Testing 4

4 Photos

The styling of the Aprilia RS 440 closely resembles that of the existing Aprilia RS 660. In fact, Aprilia has cleverly disguised the RS 440 as an RS 660 with a graphics decal on the side. However, a closer look at the front wheel reveals a single brake caliper and disc, indicating a potential cost-saving measure in the RS 440 model.

Recently, another test mule of the same model was spotted testing on public roads in India. The photos show similar features to the previously mentioned spy shots, including the single-disc brake setups, alloy wheels, frame design, mirrors, and windscreen. Although the dash is slightly obscured, it provides a small glimpse of what to expect.

If the estimated unveiling of the RS 440 in September during the Indian MotoGP round is accurate, it makes sense to see these near-production test mules in different locations. However, until official information is released, everything remains speculative.

Motorsport

Tour An Abandoned Saab Dealership With Over 20 Forgotten Cars

In 2011, Saab went out of business. While many dealers transitioned to selling other automobiles, an abandoned Saab dealership in France did not. Urban explorers recently visited the dealership and discovered that it closed suddenly, leaving behind around 20 cars in various states of repair.

The Saab dealership originally opened in 1972, and it was operated by the same family that also ran a Husqvarna store in the same building. The business reportedly faced difficulties when one of the brothers fell ill.

Unfortunately, the abandoned dealership has been previously visited by less scrupulous individuals who broke windows and stole parts from the vehicles.

Inside the main showroom, there are two Saab 9-3s and a Saab 9-5. Aside from missing pieces and broken windows, these cars appear to be restorable.

The various offices are filled with garbage, as people seemingly tore things apart in search of valuables. However, the brochures, dealer artwork, and even paint samples and upholstery offerings remain, although they have significantly faded due to sun exposure.

In the workshop, there is an even bigger surprise. Alongside more Saabs, there are also Citroen, Peugeot, and Renault models. Several Saab 9000s, possibly dating back to 1998, can be found. The Saab 9000 model was first produced in 1984.

Some of the cars in the workshop have managed to avoid damage from looters. While covered in dust, many of these vehicles could potentially be restored to running condition with some cleaning and fresh fluids. There are plenty of YouTube channels specializing in cleaning vehicles in much worse condition than these.

The workshop also houses various spare parts, including at least one engine block. For Saab enthusiasts and specialists, this collection of cars and components would be considered a treasure trove. The spare parts could keep many Saab 9-3s, 9-5s, and 9000s on the road as donors.

Following Saab’s bankruptcy, the factory and remaining assets were purchased by NEVS. Although NEVS had plans to produce an electric version of the Saab 9-3, they ended up building a few combustion-powered versions using the leftover parts.

News

Adjust Your Chain In One Go With BPA Racing’s Chain Adjustment Tool

Many modern motorcycles are shifting away from the traditional chain-drive system in favor of low maintenance alternatives like belts or shafts. However, most performance-oriented motorcycles still use chains to deliver power to the rear wheel. If you own a chain-driven motorcycle, chain adjustments are likely a part of your regular maintenance routine.

Adjusting the chain on your bike can take anywhere from five minutes to an hour, depending on the model. Some lower-end motorcycles have finicky chain adjusters that make it difficult to align both sides of the axle. On the other hand, higher-end motorcycles have precise chain adjusters that don’t move when the axle is loosened. However, aligning the rear wheel is not the only challenge. Achieving the right amount of chain slack can require multiple attempts, as you manually measure the chain’s movement with a ruler or tape measure.

Adjust Your Chain In One Go With BPA Racing's Chain Adjustment Tool

However, BPA Racing has developed a unique solution to help you save time and effort when working on your motorcycle. Their chain adjustment tool simplifies the process by allowing you to set your bike’s chain slack in one go.

To use the tool, you first need to adjust your chain correctly and calibrate the tool accordingly. Once calibrated, attach the tool to your chain and adjust the tension until the lines align. From then on, you can easily handle chain adjustments by referencing the calibrated tool. This tool is especially convenient for individuals who frequently perform maintenance on their bikes, such as off-road or track riders.

The BPA Racing chain adjustment tool is made of stainless steel and features aluminum rings and a handle for easy operation. The kit comes in a case and includes a spanner and torx key for calibration. You can purchase BPA Racing’s products from their official website, with the chain adjustment tool currently priced at $45.95 USD, discounted from the standard price of $89.95 USD.

Adjust Your Chain In One Go With BPA Racing's Chain Adjustment Tool
Motorsport

Rendering Reveals Potential Look of BMW M5 Touring Sporty Wagon

The official teaser campaign has begun for the upcoming BMW M5 Touring. While the initial image only provides a glimpse of the high-performance wagon covered in a sheet, the team at Kolesa has attempted to uncover what the production version might look like.

The M5 Touring shares its front end design with the sedan, featuring an aggressive fascia with prominent inlets on the outer edges. In the center, there is a trapezoidal section divided into segments by vertical bars. The grille is broad, although not as large as in other BMW models like the latest 4 Series. The hood has a dip in the center.

In terms of styling, the rendering of the M5 Touring matches the sedan up to the A-pillar. The rendered M5 boasts wheels with a complex design of split spokes, finished in black and with red calipers visible behind them.

From the rear, one can clearly see the wide fenders of the M5 Touring. The roof spoiler features two raised sections, and underneath the hatchback, there is a prominent diffuser with dual exhaust pipes on each side.

According to reports, both the M5 sedan and Touring wagon will feature a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine paired with an electric motor for additional assistance. In the BMW XM Label Red, this powertrain setup produces an impressive 738 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, although official figures for these cars are not yet available.

While there are no pictures of the new M5’s interior at this time, it is likely to resemble the regular 5 Series. The standard model of the 5 Series features a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen. The performance-focused M5 might have additional upgrades such as seats with thicker side bolsters and sporty trim, possibly including carbon-fiber elements.

BMW has confirmed that the M5 Touring is being developed and tested on public roads in Munich, Germany, at the M GmbH headquarters in Garching, as well as at the Nürburgring racetrack. The wagon is expected to go on sale in 2024.

This will be the third generation of the M5 Touring, following the introduction of the first model in 1992 and the V10-powered variant in 2007.

The new M5 Touring is set to debut around the same time as rival models from its German competitors. Audi has a refreshed RS6 Avant with wider front fenders on the way, and there is confirmation of a new E63 wagon from Mercedes-AMG, although only spy shots of the E53 variant have been revealed so far.

Technology

Streaming from your iPhone to a Samsung TV: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you want to stream video from your iPhone to a Samsung TV, the easiest way is to use AirPlay. However, not all Samsung TVs are compatible with AirPlay, especially those made before 2018. In such cases, the old-fashioned method of using HDMI is required. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A Lightning Digital AV Adapter
  • An HDMI cable

You can purchase the Lightning Digital AV Adapter from Apple’s website for $49, or you can find cheaper options from reliable third-party brands on Amazon. Make sure to choose an adapter that is MFi (Made for iPhone) certified. If you don’t already have an HDMI cable, you’ll need to buy one separately.

Once you have the necessary hardware, follow these steps to connect your iPhone to your Samsung TV:

  1. Plug the Lightning end of the adapter into your iPhone.
  2. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into your Samsung TV.
  3. Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into the adapter.
  4. If required, select the correct HDMI input on your TV.
  5. Your iPhone screen should now be mirrored on the TV.

You can now navigate to the desired photo, video, or other content on your iPhone and view it on the TV screen. It’s worth noting that Apple’s Lightning Digital AV Adapter also has a charging port. So, if your iPhone’s battery is running low while streaming, you can charge it using the adapter.

Featured

Car News Roundup: New Teasers, Updates on Upcoming Cars, Spy Shots, and More


This week in car news: New teaser from Kia, updates on upcoming cars, recall announcement, and more

In the final week of June, there were several notable events in the automotive world. Kia released a new teaser for an upcoming compact SUV, and Skoda provided updates on its flagship SUV. Additionally, there was news of a potential increase in highway toll prices. Let’s take a closer look at the major headlines from the week.

Maruti Suzuki Jimny Heading to Australia

Maruti Jimny

The popular 5-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny, already available in India, will soon be launched in Australia. While specific details about the Australian version are currently limited, it is expected to offer an improved safety features package compared to the Indian model.

First Teaser Released for 2023 Kia Seltos

Facelifted Kia Seltos DRLs

Ahead of its India debut, Kia released the first teaser for the facelifted version of the Seltos. The teaser provided a detailed look at the updated interior, which closely resembles the international variant of the compact SUV.

Recall Announced for Kia Carens

Kia Carens

Kia issued a recall for certain units of the Carens due to a potential software issue in one of its electronic components. The affected owners will be directly notified by the carmaker. This is the second recall for the Kia MPV within a year.

New Details Revealed for 2024 Skoda Kodiaq

2024 Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda is gearing up to globally unveil the second-generation Kodiaq. Prior to the official reveal, the Czech automaker released new details about the SUV, including a wide range of powertrain options.

Milestones Achieved

This week, two popular Indian SUVs reached significant production and sales milestones. Mahindra celebrated the production of the 9 lakhth Scorpio unit, while Tata announced that the Nexon EV had achieved 50,000 unit sales in India.

Update on 5-Door Mahindra Thar Unveiling

There have been rumors circulating on the internet about the 5-door version of the Mahindra Thar making its debut on August 15 in South Africa. However, Mahindra has clarified the situation and provided an update on the unveiling of the 5-door variant.

Spy Shots Unveiled

Last week’s spy shots featured two upcoming SUVs: the facelifted Kia Seltos and the Tata Punch EV. New images of the Tech Line variants of the updated Seltos were leaked, providing a glimpse of its interior. Additionally, spy shots showcased the revamped interior of the Tata Punch EV.

Toll Prices Set to Increase

Toll Plaza

Unfortunately, road trips are set to become more expensive as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to raise toll prices annually. The increased toll fees will allow NHAI to recover its debts at a faster rate.

Cars

Best Cars Of 2023 — 10 Of The Top Rated Picks

When it comes to luxury vehicles, performance and practicality are important, but there are other factors that buyers consider. They look for class, comfort, and small details that add beauty. They want a car that justifies its high price tag, which can be three times or more than a standard vehicle. Luckily, the BMW i7 checks all the boxes when it comes to luxury.

The ride in the BMW i7 is incredibly smooth, almost like gliding on the road instead of rolling. Despite its impressive speed, it never feels too fast. Even when reaching speeds over 100 mph, it remains safe and comfortable, comparable to driving at 40 mph in a regular car.

While driving the BMW i7 is an experience in itself, passengers can have an even better time thanks to its exceptional infotainment system. Passengers in the backseat can customize their seat settings to heat or cool as needed. The car also offers various massage settings for ultimate relaxation. Additionally, Theater Mode can be activated, which unveils a 31-inch, 8K resolution screen and rolls up the window shades for an immersive entertainment experience.

The BMW i7 provides a complete luxury limousine experience. However, in addition to the cost of over $150,000 for a fully equipped i7, you may also need to budget for a chauffeur if you want to fully enjoy the experience.

Featured

Ferrari SF90 Stradale With $200K In Carbon Fiber Options For Sale

In recent years, Ferrari has shown that its iconic red color is not the only option for its cars. Collectors now have the opportunity to add Ferraris in various colors to their garages. One of the models that exemplifies this new approach is the SF90, a hybrid all-wheel drive supercar that outperforms even the LaFerrari on the Fiorano Circuit.

Available for sale at Porsche Woodland Hills, this particular Ferrari SF90 Stradale stands out with its Grigio Ingrid exterior paintwork and a stunning Iroko-finished interior. What sets this car apart is the extensive use of carbon fiber options, totaling an impressive $200,000 worth of upgrades, including the wheels. Despite its unique specifications, this SF90 Stradale maintains a timeless and elegant look that would complement any collection.

If you’re interested, you can view the price and listing here.


Ferrari SF90 Stradale For Sale

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