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News

Shark Updates The Race-R Pro GP With ECE 22.06 Homologation

Shark has released a new batch of Race-R Pro GP helmets that are ECE 22.06-homologated. These top-of-the-line helmets are designed for racing and are approved for use in properly sanctioned racing events. The Race-R Pro GP has undergone minimal changes to achieve the ECE 22.06 certification, bringing it in line with other models in Shark’s lineup.

The updated version of the Race-R Pro GP, known as the Race-R Pro GP 06, includes several new features. It is equipped with a Carbon Aramid (COVA) shell, a multi-density EPS liner, and an optical class 1 visor with anti-fog and anti-scratch treatments. One notable addition is the 22-percent opacity visor, which provides a light tint and has been requested by professional riders. This visor is also approved for road use during the daytime.

The helmet’s interior liner remains unchanged from the previous version and offers a comfortable fit with high-tech fabric and 3D Morpho grips. It also features an aerodynamic-wind-tunnel-tested spoiler and a design that allows the spoiler to break off in the event of a crash.

The Race-R Pro GP 06 is available in four graphic options: Replica Zarco Winter Test with chrome, Replica Zarco Chakra, Black Matte, and Red Glossy. The helmet comes in two shell sizes, with the split at the medium size. It is available in sizes XS to XL and comes with a racing kit included. The price for the Race-R Pro GP 06 is around $1,100 USD (999 EUR).

Motorsport

Maserati Teases MC20 GT2 With the Impressive Sounds of the Nettuno V6 Engine

Leading up to the global debut of the MC20 GT2 on June 30, Maserati has decided to give us a glimpse with an enticing video. Unlike typical teaser videos that only reveal a small part of the car or hide it in smoke and dim lighting, this video showcases closeups of the Nettuno V6 engine as it roars at full throttle.

We have already seen images of the Maserati MC20 GT2, which the automaker unveiled in March prior to its shakedown at Autodromo Varano de’ Melegari. The racing version of the MC20 retains the same engine as the road car, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that incorporates twin-combustion technology similar to that of a Formula 1 engine. The road-going version generates an impressive 621 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. Combined with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under 2.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 201 mph.


Motorsport

Ford Builds Firefighting Bronco, Donates It To National Park In New Mexico

Ford has created a specialized version of the Bronco SUV to serve as a mobile firefighting command vehicle at Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico. This modified Bronco is designed to access remote areas and provide up-to-date information to firefighters.

The firefighting Bronco is a collaboration between Ford and Darley, a manufacturer of fire and rescue vehicles. It is based on the Badlands model with the Sasquatch package, which includes a suspension lift and 35-inch tires for improved off-roading capabilities. Additional features such as a Warn winch, grille guard, and beadlock wheels have been added to help the Bronco navigate the rugged terrain of the 33,000-acre national monument.


Motorsport

Hyundai Tucson Facelift Spied Testing Towing A Trailer

The updated Hyundai Tucson is creating a lot of buzz as the company keeps it heavily camouflaged during this test session. The prototype of the refreshed South Korean model was recently spotted in the Austrian Alps, towing a small trailer.

Due to the thick disguise, it’s hard to make out any changes to the exterior. However, a sneak peek of a new grille can be seen at the front. While the overall shape remains the same, there seems to be a new grille pattern. As for the headlights, it’s difficult to confirm if any tweaks have been made.


BMW

24h Spa-Francorchamps: BMW M Motorsport teams confident as they travel to world’s biggest GT3 race.

Spa-Francorchamps. BMW M Motorsport is set to compete in the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) this weekend, with a strong team of drivers and teams aiming for the 25th overall win for the BMW brand in the Ardennes region. With 24 previous wins, BMW holds the record and has a good chance of continuing their success at the largest GT3 race in the world. In the Pro category, BMW M Team WRT and ROWE Racing, with two BMW M4 GT3s each, along with 12 BMW M works drivers, will be competing for the top spot on the podium on Sunday. There will be a total of seven BMW M4 GT3s on the starting grid.

 

Belgium’s BMW M Team WRT will be making their debut at their home event with the BMW M4 GT3 and will be fielding four cars. Maxime Martin, Dries Vanthoor, and Charles Weerts, along with Valentino Rossi, Sheldon van der Linde, and Augusto Farfus, will be representing Belgium in the two Pro cars. BMW M Team WRT has had a challenging season so far in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS (GTWC) Endurance Cup races and is hoping to secure their first podium at Spa-Francorchamps. On the other hand, they had a successful Sprint Cup race at Brands Hatch with three podium finishes, including Valentino Rossi’s first in the GTWC. The 24h Spa-Francorchamps is the highlight of both the GTWC Europe and the Intercontinental GT Challenge seasons. In the previous race at Kyalami, BMW M Team WRT achieved a one-two result in the series.

ROWE Racing has a strong track record at Spa-Francorchamps and in the GTWC Europe Endurance season. The team has won at Spa-Francorchamps twice (2016 & 2020) and finished in second place twice as well (2018 & 2019). Philipp Eng, Marco Wittmann, and Nick Yelloly currently lead the driver standings of the Endurance Cup after their victory in Monza and third place in Le Castellet. The members of the BMW Junior Team and BMW M works drivers Dan Harper, Max Hesse, and Neil Verhagen are also contributing to ROWE Racing’s lead in the team standings of the Endurance Cup.

Aside from the Pro category, Team WRT is entering a BMW M4 GT3 in the Gold Cup and one in the Bronze Cup. Walkenhorst Motorsport, the winner of the 2018 Spa race, is also participating in the Bronze Cup with a BMW M4 GT3. The 24h Spa-Francorchamps will start at 16:30 CEST on Saturday, July 1st.

Note to editors:

We are offering two media roundtables in the paddock at Spa-Francorchamps:

Thursday, 15:00: Head of BMW M Motorsport, Andreas Roos, WRT team principal, Vincent Vosse, ROWE team principal, Hans-Peter Naundorf

Saturday, 13:00: Head of BMW M Motorsport, Andreas Roos

Quotes ahead of the race.

 

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “After the Nürburgring and Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps is the third iconic endurance race in the span of a few weeks. Spa is the biggest GT3 race in the world and winning there is highly esteemed. With our top-class teams and 12 BMW M works drivers, the conditions are favorable for us. ROWE Racing and BMW M Team WRT have had many wins and podiums in the GT World Challenge Europe and Intercontinental GT Challenge races so far. The BMW M4 GT3 has proven to be competitive on every track. We want to convert this potential into victory and win the first 24-hour classic with our new GT3 flagship. I’m cheering for our pro teams and the WRT and Walkenhorst Motorsport crews in other classes. It’s a source of pride that there will be seven BMW M4 GT3s on the starting grid, thanks to the hard work of every BMW M Motorsport employee.”

 

Dries Vanthoor (#32 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT): “We are all extremely motivated to have a good weekend at Spa with our strong driver lineup. Our warm-up test went well, and the car feels good on the track. Our first goal is to make it through the night without any incidents. Then we’ll assess our position. It would be a dream come true to win my home event in Belgium. Together with the whole team, we will give our all to try and achieve this.”

 

Maxime Martin (#46 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT): “I’m really looking forward to racing at my home event with BMW M Motorsport once again. I’m curious about the weather, as it can be unpredictable in the Ardennes. With Augusto and Vale, I have two fantastic drivers by my side, and I want to try and win the 24h Spa-Francorchamps with them, just like I did with BMW in 2016.”

Philipp Eng (#98 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing): “It would be amazing to celebrate my third win with BMW and the third ROWE Racing win in Spa. I’m really excited about the event; it’s always a highlight of the season. Our first two races in the GT World Challenge Europe were fantastic, with a first and third place finish. We are heading into the weekend as championship leaders and aim to gather as many points as possible to stay in the running for the overall win at the end of the year.”

 

Neil Verhagen (#998 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing): “I’m super excited for the 24 Hours of Spa this year. It’s like a comeback, the second time with the BMW M4 GT3. We had a pretty good season last year and aim to build on that success. We’ll approach the race the same way as last year, with a clean race and minimal errors. We know we have the speed; we had it last year. It’s one of my favorite races of the year, and I can’t wait to get back on the track at Spa-Francorchamps.”

 

Overview of the BMW M4 GT3 driver line-ups:

 

Pro Cup.

 

#32 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT

Sheldon van der Linde (RSA)

Dries Vanthoor (BEL)

Charles Weerts (BEL)

#46 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT

Augusto Farfus (BRA)

Maxime Martin (BEL)

Valentino Rossi (ITA)

#98 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing

Philipp Eng (AUT)

Marco Wittmann (GER)

Nick Yelloly (GBR)

#998 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing

Dan Harper (GBR)

Max Hesse (GER)

Neil Verhagen (USA)

Gold Cup.

#30 BMW M4 GT3, Team WRT

Niklas Krütten (GER)

Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer (FRA)

Calan Williams (AUS)

Bronze Cup.

#31 BMW M4 GT3, Team WRT

Adam Carroll (GBR)

Lewis Proctor (GBR)

Tim Whale (GBR)

#35 BMW M4 GT3, Walkenhorst Motorsport

Anders Buchardt (NOR)

James Kell (GBR)

Thomas Neubauer (FRA)

Bailey Voisin (GBR)

 

Lexus

What’s New: 2024 Lexus ES

  • The 2024 Lexus ES comes with an available Technology Package, 12.3-inch touchscreen, SmartAccess Card Key, and Head-Up Display
  • Ultra Luxury grade now comes standard with 18-inch wheels with a Vapor Chrome finish
  • Starting price is $43,190 MSRP (including DPH)

PLANO, Texas (June 28, 2023) – The 2024 Lexus ES, the top-selling sedan in the Lexus lineup, receives minor updates for the new model year. These updates include the addition of an available Technology Package and the inclusion of 18-inch wheels with a Vapor Chrome finish as standard on the Ultra Luxury grade. With its range of powerful engines, all-wheel drive capability, and two F SPORT models, the 2024 ES continues to cater to a diverse range of lifestyles. The new 2024 ES is expected to arrive in dealerships in summer 2023.

Choose Your Own Adventure

The Lexus ES rides on the Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform, which is a front-wheel drive chassis made from high-strength steel. The construction method used, called Laser Screw Welding, ensures a strong and robust structure. The suspension is finely tuned to provide optimal responsiveness. The front suspension features a strut angle that improves ride quality, while the rear suspension utilizes a trailing arm and a multilink setup for enhanced responsiveness. The ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers both performance and efficiency. The ES 250 AWD offers all-wheel drive capability, while the ES 300h features a hybrid powertrain for improved fuel efficiency.

“F” is for Fun

The F SPORT Design and F SPORT Handling grades are available on all three powertrains (ES 350, ES 250 AWD, and ES 300h). These grades add sporty exterior styling elements, such as unique front bumpers, grille surrounds, and rear spoilers. The F SPORT Handling grade further enhances the driving experience with features like Sport+ and Custom Drive modes, F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), a heated F SPORT steering wheel, and Hadori aluminum trim, aluminum pedals, and black headliner.

Provocative Elegance, Refined

The 2024 ES features a dynamic and sleek design, with a coupe-like silhouette inherited from the flagship LS. The front end is highlighted by the Lexus Signature Grille and striking Bi-LED headlamps. The ES offers a variety of wheel designs to choose from, ranging from 17-inch to 19-inch options. The exterior is available in 11 different colors, including exclusive colors for the F SPORT models.

Spacious and Inviting Cabin

The interior of the 2024 ES blends a driver-centric cockpit with comfortable seating for passengers. The instrument panel design integrates seamlessly with the Lexus Interface, which is displayed on an eight-inch touchscreen. The Technology Package, available on all models, includes a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, a Head-Up Display, and a SmartAccess Card Key. The ES offers a wide range of interior color options, including different trim materials and finishes.

Lexus Interface and Connected Services

The 2024 ES is equipped with Lexus Interface, which provides enhanced connectivity features, including Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. The system can be controlled through touch and voice activation. With the active Drive Connect three-year trial, drivers and passengers have access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist. Intelligent Assistant allows for voice-activated commands to search for directions, find Points of Interest (POI), adjust audio controls, and more. Other features of the Lexus Interface system include dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay integration, Android Auto compatibility, and a Wi-Fi Connect trial.

Safety and Convenience

The 2024 ES comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which includes a range of active safety and convenience features. These features include Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), and Road Sign Assist (RSA).

2024 ES Pricing

[Image of pricing chart]

(Please refer to the original article for the pricing chart)

Featured

Watch Mate Rimac & Triple F Collection Drive The Nevera

The Rimac Nevera has revolutionized the hypercar world with its exceptional all-electric performance. It has rewritten the rulebook of automotive performance, and now the renowned Triple F Collection has one in their garage. Mate Rimac himself delivered the car to them in a double-delivery ceremony, making it quite a spectacle. During the event, Mate Rimac demonstrated the impressive capabilities of the Nevera in delivering incredible performance.

Mate Rimac took the wheel and demonstrated the incredible power and instant torque delivery of the Nevera by slamming the accelerator to the floor. This electric hypercar can go from 0-60 mph in under two seconds, making it one of the fastest in the world. As a leading example of electrification in the performance world, the Rimac Nevera, which is limited to 150 units, is a remarkable addition to the Triple F Collection, as well as any other collection lucky enough to have it.

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Cars

2024 Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance First Drive: Electrifying Tradition

Chassis settings, along with engine and transmission response, steering weight, and sound, are keyed to seven drive modes. These include Electric, Battery Hold, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, and Individual. Electric activates all-electric driving, Battery Hold saves the charge for later, Slippery is for white-knuckle situations, and Individual allows you to mix and match settings. That leaves Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ as the modes that reveal this car’s true character.

Comfort mode provides the full S-Class land yacht experience. The engine is on but not fully awake, so ambient noise remains fairly low. The ride is at its plushest. Motoring down California’s Pacific Coast Highway, our test car’s carbon-fiber interior trim and AMG badging were the only indicators that we were in an AMG model.

Switch to Sport mode, and you get a subtle burble to remind you that there is in fact a V8 under the hood. As with many other performance cars with programmable drive modes, the steering becomes unnecessarily heavy, but still allows for a fine level of control—which you’ll definitely need to aim a car of this size down a twisty road.

In Sport mode, the S63 no longer feels like an ordinary S-Class. Nor does it just feel like a big car with a powerful engine. It has the confidence-inspiring poise of a true sports sedan, one that impresses not only with its ability to move its considerable girth around corners, but also makes the experience enjoyable. Cars that rely this heavily on tech to overcome the laws of physics can be quite dull, but this is definitely one that makes you want to take the long way home. And that’s before shifting to Sport+ mode, which offers more of everything without making the car too uncomfortable for long stints.

Cars, News

2024 BMW X1 M35i: A Compact SUV with a Powerful Performance

The 2024 BMW X1 M35i is an impressive compact SUV that combines the luxurious features of a BMW with the sporty enhancements of the “M” series. It comes with various standard sportier tweaks, including the Adaptive M Suspension, which offers a balance between a smooth ride and the sportiness of M-sport cars. Additionally, it features 19-inch wheels, power-assisted sport steering, and the option for the high-performance M-Compound package, which includes larger brake rotors.

BMW

The standard equipment list of the 2024 BMW X1 M35i includes convenient features like wireless charging pads, a curved infotainment display running BMW Operating System 9, and a Harmon/Kardon sound system. However, there are also optional creature comforts available, such as heated seats, a moonroof, wood trim, and M Sport seats.

Priced at $49,900 (excluding the $995 destination charge), the 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive will be manufactured at BMW’s plant in Regensburg, Germany. It is scheduled to go on sale in October of this year.

Featured

2024 Skoda Kodiaq Engine And Gearbox Details Revealed


The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq will be offered globally with both petrol and diesel engines, along with a plug-in hybrid as well

2024 Skoda Kodiaq

  • Skoda will globally debut the second-gen Kodiaq soon.

  • Powertrain options include 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 2-litre diesel engines.

  • To be provided with both front-wheel-drive and AWD drivetrains.

  • Will get a plug-in hybrid option for the first time with a claimed EV-only range of 100km.

  • Features on board include a 12.9-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display.

  • India launch expected in 2024; to command a premium over the existing model.

The Skoda Kodiaq will soon be globally introduced in its second-generation avatar, and the carmaker has already been releasing important details about the SUV. The latest update reveals the powertrain details of the new Kodiaq, along with some of the key features. Let’s take a look:

Petrol, PHEV And Diesel Engine Options

Skoda will continue to offer the global-spec Kodiaq with both petrol and diesel engines, as well as a plug-in hybrid version. Here’s a look at the specifications:

Specification

1.5-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid

2-litre turbo-petrol

2-litre diesel

2-litre diesel

1.5-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid

Power

150PS

204PS

150PS

193PS

204PS

Transmission

7-speed DSG

7-speed DSG

7-speed DSG

7-speed DSG

6-speed DSG

Drivetrain

FWD

AWD

FWD

AWD

FWD

2024 Skoda Kodiaq

  • The Kodiaq will be offered in a plug-in hybrid version for the first time.

  • It will have a 25.7kWh battery pack, which will allow for an electric range of up to 100km, and will also support DC fast charging of up to 50kW.

  • Skoda India has decided not to include diesel powertrains in the second-gen India-spec Kodiaq.

A Brief Overview Of The Design

2024 Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda has released more images of the second-gen Kodiaq still covered in camouflage. From what we can see, the new model’s design is more of an evolution rather than a complete overhaul. The SUV retains the same butterfly-shaped grille (albeit slightly larger), LED headlights with integrated LED DRLs, and a redesigned front bumper with the ADAS radar in the center.

2024 Skoda Kodiaq side

In profile, the SUV looks similar to the current model, except for the longer wheelbase and new alloy wheels. Notable features at the rear include sharper LED taillights and a raked windshield.

Also Read: Get Ready To Pay Increasingly Higher Tolls Each Year

Here are the dimensions:

Dimensions

2024 Skoda Kodiaq

Length

4758mm

Width

1864mm

Height

1657mm

Wheelbase

2791mm

The SUV is 61mm longer than the current-gen model and has a luggage capacity of up to 910 litres (depending on the chosen variant). It will be available in both 5- and 7-seater layouts.

What Tech Does It Get?

2024 Skoda Kodiaq

Although Skoda hasn’t revealed all the features of the new Kodiaq, it has announced some key equipment. This includes a touchscreen unit measuring up to 12.9 inches, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, an optional heads-up display, and remote parking assist. Among the new features will be a cooled, dual phone box in the second row for charging two smartphones simultaneously at 15W. It will also have a cleaner for the touchscreen displays, and the umbrella and ice-scraper will be made from sustainable materials.

Also Read: These Are The 10 Upcoming Car Launches In The Second Half Of 2023

India Launch Details

2024 Skoda Kodiaq rear

Skoda may bring the second-gen Kodiaq to India next year with a significant price increase compared to the current model (which is priced between Rs 37.99 lakh and Rs 41.39 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi). The new Skoda Kodiaq will continue to compete against the MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, and Toyota Fortuner.

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