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Motorsport

Next-Gen Mitsubishi Triton Ralliart Prepares for Asia Cross Country Rally

Mitsubishi Motors has announced its participation in the upcoming August 2023 Asia Cross Country Rally with Team Ralliart. The team achieved an overall victory at last year’s event and will once again be led by Hiroshi Masuoka, a former two-time consecutive Dakar Rally champion driver. Joining Masuoka are drivers Chayapon Yotha of Thailand, Rifat Sungkar of Indonesia, and Katsuhiko Taguchi of Japan.

For this year’s rally, the Ralliart team will be driving the new Mitsubishi Triton Group T1 prototype cross-country vehicles. These trucks have undergone a complete redesign, including upgrades to the body, frame, chassis, and engine. Extensive endurance testing and adjustments have ensured the vehicles’ reliability and durability in preparation for the demanding competition.


Technology

10 Military Aircraft That Pose Greater Danger Than Their Appearance Suggests

Although the MQ-9 Reaper has a sleek design, it is not an aircraft that anyone would want to underestimate. Equipped with a range of air-to-ground missiles including the Hellfire and GBU-12 Paveway II, the Reaper can deploy these munitions with incredible precision using laser guidance. Once it locks onto a target, there is very little chance of missing.

The Reaper is remotely piloted and has the capability to carry out long-range missions due to its external fuel tank capacity of 1,300 pounds. The aircraft is operated by a crew based in the United States, who maintain complete control over the craft while it carries out its mission. With the ability to be piloted remotely, the Reaper provides increased efficiency without the need to send additional pilots into combat.

The MQ-9 Reaper is not only sleek and stealthy, but also technologically advanced and highly accurate in terms of firepower. Its ability to remain undetected until it’s too late makes it an especially dangerous aircraft to encounter in battle.

Cars

Is The 4th Gen Toyota Hilux Really That Good? Or Is It Just Overhyped?

The 4th generation Toyota Hilux is often praised for its reliability and performance. One of its notable features is the 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine, known as the 22R. This engine, similar to Chrysler’s vintage and contemporary Hemi V8 engines, uses swirl-inducing hemispherical combustion chambers. However, the power output of the fuel-injected non-turbocharged variants was only 116 horsepower, making it more known for its durability rather than its horsepower. Many 22R engines have reached distances of over 200,000 miles.

Despite the fact that the 4th gen Hilux was only sold in the U.S. for five years, it made a significant impact. Over 1.5 million Toyota Pickups were sold in the North American market in just five years, making the truck a common sight on the roads for decades.

While the 4th gen Hilux is often seen as a utilitarian used pickup truck, it is gradually gaining collector car status. Generation X members, who have nostalgic memories of the truck from their youth, are particularly interested. According to the valuation website classic.com, the average selling price for a 4th gen Hilux in the past year has been $22,958. This is quite impressive considering the truck likely sold for less than $10,000 when it was new.

Technology

CPU Purchasing Tips: 5 Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Processor

When buying a new processor, it’s important to select the right one based on your specific needs. While a mid-range processor can handle basic tasks, more demanding activities like gaming or video editing require high-performance processors with multiple cores and faster clock speeds.

Gamers should prioritize processors with high single-core performance to ensure smooth gameplay and avoid bottlenecks. The Intel Core i5-13600K or AMD Ryzen 5 7600X are good options that offer a balance between price and performance, delivering sufficient power for modern games.

Professionals working on tasks like video editing and 3D rendering need processors that excel in multi-threaded performance. For these purposes, processors with higher core counts and faster clock speeds, such as the Intel Core i9-13900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, are more suitable. These processors provide the necessary processing power to handle complex computations and reduce rendering times significantly.

Aside from core counts and clock speeds, there are other important factors to consider, including integrated graphics, cache size, and platform compatibility.

Cars

Ranking the Top 10 Italian Motorcycles Ever Made, from Worst to Best

For fans of the Triumph Bonneville, the Moto Guzzi V7 is a natural choice. It is considered one of the best motorcycles ever produced by Moto Guzzi. This motorcycle combines classic design, a 90-degree 850cc V-twin engine, and a comfortable two-tier saddle. Introduced in 1967 and still being produced today, the V7 remains one of the most popular bikes from the Italian brand. In 2021, the V7 received a major update to celebrate Moto Guzzi’s centenary.

The new version of the V7 is more than just a simple makeover. The engine has been borrowed from the Moto Guzzi V85 TT, resulting in the brand’s most advanced and efficient power unit to date. The bike has also received various enhancements, including a wider rear wheel, larger exhaust pipes, and sturdier shock absorbers. LED lighting has replaced the previous halogen bulbs, and steel accents have been added throughout to give the bike a premium feel.

While the V7 excels in terms of fit and finish, it is not loaded with the latest technology, which is in line with its classic design. Riders seeking advanced rider assists and a full TFT screen might prefer a Ducati Multistrada or the aforementioned V85 TT. However, the V7 does offer basic features such as traction control, ABS brakes, and an inset LCD that displays the time and odometer reading. Many motorcyclists appreciate the unassuming nature of the Moto Guzzi V7, as it focuses on delivering a stylish riding experience without trying too hard to be something it’s not. That’s why it ranks well on this list of great Italian motorcycles.

NewsNew

GASGAS MC450F & MC250F FACTORY EDITION: FULL TEST

It would be cool to be mistaken for Eli Tomac. Even better if you can pull off a good impersonation of any Lawrence brother, a Ryan Dungey or a Ricky Carmichael. You wouldn’t be the first person to sign an autograph under false pretenses. You gotta be careful, though, if you’re going after the Justin Barcia look. He’s an incredibly popular rider with a huge fan base, but if you’re too convincing, you might encounter the wrong kind of fan. Anything could happen.

We’re happy to take the chance. Not only do we love Justin Barcia, his riding style and his attitude, we love his bike. For 2023, he switched from the traditional-platform GasGas MC450F to the next generation. Almost everything is different—the frame, the rear-suspension geometry and about half the motor. His bike is a preview of what GasGas will be offering in 2024. That’s the same MO that KTM and Husqvarna performed, but one year later. It doubtlessly played into Barcia’s favor. He let Malcolm Stewart, Cooper Webb and Marvin Musquin deal with all the teething issues, then stepped in once the new platform was dialed.

GASGAS A GO-GO
In order for Justin Barcia to legally race next year’s model, the bike you see here had to be offered to the public in limited numbers on a strict time schedule. This is the MC450F Factory Edition, or as everyone calls it, the “Barcia replica.” There are two different groups of changes for this bike—one includes the mechanical elements that KTM’s and Husqvarna’s standard bikes got for 2023, and the other group has replica features, as well as the look of the Troy Lee GasGas factory race team.

Group one is quite extensive, but if you’ve been paying attention to the Austrian bikes during the last year, you probably know the story already. Here’s a snapshot:

  • New frame with new flex characteristics
  • New rear-suspension geometry with a new WP shock
  • A more compact head
  • A relocated motor, 3mm lower at the countershaft
  • Lighter swingarm
  • Smaller rear axle
  • New CP piston
  • Higher compression ratio
  • New handlebar-mount multi-switch
  • New bodywork
  • Quickshift
    The second group of features are the items that give the bike its Factory Edition flavor:
  • An Akrapovic slip-on exhaust with Factory Edition head pipe
  • GasGas factory team replica graphics
  • Ribbed factory seat cover
  • CNC-machined triple clamps (anodized red)
  • Black-anodized wheels
  • Dunlop Geomax MX33 tires
  • Black rear sprocket
  • Gold X-ring chain
  • WP holeshot device
  • Semi-floating front disc
  • Front disc guard
  • Composite skid plate
  • Frame protection kit (red)
  • Hour meter
  • Hinson clutch cover
  • Black Neken handlebar
  • Firmer suspension settings

GasGas is supposed to be the lower-priced sibling to KTM. This is made possible, according to the company, through alternate suppliers (Maxxis tires instead of Dunlop), unbranded parts (no-name handlebars) and fewer features (no map switch). None of this pertains to the GasGas Factory Edition. It has the same suppliers and the same parts as the KTM Factory Edition. Accordingly, the prices of the two motorcycles are the same—$12,099.

WHERE WE LAND
We were a little slow to jump aboard the bandwagon when it came to the new platform. When we tested the first of the new KTMs and Huskys, we found they did some things better, but weren’t easy bikes to warm up to. It’s much easier to embrace the new GasGas Factory Edition.

First of all, we love the motor. It’s spectacular. It’s fast, it’s controllable and it offers a legitimate difference between the two maps. The standard MC450F has a much softer power delivery and almost 10 percent less peak power. Part of that comes from the fact that the new motor is just a little spicier, but even more can be attributed to the pipe. The Factory Edition has an Akrapovic muffler merged to the head pipe from a standard KTM, while the standard GasGas has a generic silencer with a straight pipe coming out of the head. The standard MC450F is also stuck in the mild map without a switch.

Moving up the food chain, how does the GasGas Factory Edition compare to the KTM Factory Edition? That’s a much closer comparison. The two bikes are in the exact same state of tune with the same exhaust systems and the same maps. The only real difference would be on the intake side. There’s a slight difference in sound, but as far as real performance goes, we’re calling it a toss-up.

Of course, we always loved the motor on all the latest Austrian 450s. It was the chassis that made us hesitate. The new frame is more rigid. It was clearly designed for higher speeds and greater impacts. That’s fine for pros and leapers, but the average sportsman will notice more feedback from the track. It simply boils down to a comfort issue. We have made this observation many times over the 2023 model year, because this new frame is ubiquitous. It comes on almost 20 different models between the KTM, Husqvarna and now GasGas lines.

In that time we have also learned to be more patient. All frames “break in” and get more compliant with time. This one changes noticeably in 10 hours. There’s a period of fairly uncomfortable feedback (under five hours) followed by a period when it’s much less noticeable (up to 15 hours). If you are worried that the trend might continue until the chassis degenerates to spaghetti, that’s not the case. By 20 hours, the frame is what it is—still not as cushy as the old frame, but certainly not medieval.

THE WP FACTOR
The MC450F Factory Edition has the best suspension of any GasGas motocross bike we have tested so far. That isn’t to say that it’s perfect, but advanced riders can work with it. Allegedly, the target buyer of a GasGas is no serious racer, so the standard models come with soft valving. They are more appropriate as offroad bikes. Not this one. It’s set up like the KTM Factory Edition, which has the latest updates for the WP Xact air fork and the new rear shock. It’s predictable, level and has good manners. The revised motor location results in less squat or weight transfer to the rear under acceleration. That makes the bike feel more aggressive. Overall handling for the GasGas is hard to fault. It is, however, much more racetrack-oriented than any previous bike to carry the GasGas name.

We love all the race-team parts. The WP holeshot device is one of those extras that we often forget about, but it comes in very handy. The triple clamps are a noticeable upgrade over the standard version that often gets overlooked. The Hinson clutch cover, the seat cover and the anodized hubs are all great stuff. And then there’s the overall look. It screams bad-boy race bike. That’s appropriate, especially if you’re going to ride around with number 51 proudly displayed. We respect that. And, if someone asks for your autograph, don’t hesitate. It seems only fitting.

GASGAS MC250F FACTORY EDITION

Try to act surprised when we say that the GasGas MC450F Factory Edition is pretty much the same as the KTM 450SX-F Factory Edition. Try to look startled and practice your most bewildered expression. Okay, good job. In the 450 class, GasGas and KTM are offering the same Factory Edition with different bodywork. Same bike, same accessories, same price, different color. We’re not breaking any NDAs or uncovering any secrets by revealing that fact. That’s not true in the 250 division. What GasGas offers is nothing like the KTM version, because there is no KTM version. For 2023, the only 250cc special edition offered by the Austrian KTM/GasGas/Husqvarna cartel is the GasGas MC250F Factory Edition.

A NEW START
As we pointed out in the test of the GasGas MC450F Factory Edition, the Troy Lee race team benefited from the work done by the Rockstar Husqvarna team and the Red Bull KTM team last year. Those two teams had to develop new bikes in 2022, while the GasGas was unchanged. Now, the 2023 GasGas team has a new race bike with all the kinks worked out. To clarify, this has nothing to do with the motorcycles that the public gets, even if they are called “Factory Editions.” The race team has to tailor the suspension, power delivery and dozens of other details to the needs of its pro riders. During this process, the bike that is offered to the public doesn’t change. The rules state that the factory team must use the frame, engine cases and a specific list of other parts from the production bike. Now that GasGas has committed to 500 units, the Factory Edition is officially considered a production bike.

FAMILIAR DNA
This bike looks new and exciting, but once you get on the track, it feels kinda familiar. We’ve tested this bike (or something like it) before—several times. The 2022 KTM 250SX-F Factory Edition, 2022 Husqvarna FC250 Rockstar Edition, 2023 KTM 250SX-F and 2023 Husqvarna FC250 are all very similar. The good news is that this might be the best of the lot.

To review, the new motor is faster than ever. It gained significant power on top and just before peak. Accordingly, the Husky and the KTM were the fastest bikes on our 2023 250 shootout. With the Akrapovic pipe that comes on the Factory Edition, it gains just a little across the board. This is in stark contrast to the standard GasGas MC250F in that shootout, which was noticeably detuned.

Also, in contrast to the standard edition, the Factory Edition has suspension that’s oriented towards intermediate/expert-level motocross. It still uses the WP Xact air fork, but the valving is more aggressive than that of the standard version. The rear suspension is set up just like the 2023 KTM 250SX-F; no complaints there.

To repeat what we already reported in the test of the GasGas MC450F Factory Edition, which shares this frame, the new platform has a more rigid feel that transfers some small choppiness directly to the rider. That gets less noticeable over time for two reasons: One, the frame breaks in. Two, the rider breaks in. You get used to it. As it turns out, the lastgeneration GasGas frame was so flexy, it interfered with the job the suspension was supposed to do.

CLASS RE-STACK
The 250 class is due for a big shake-up next year. The KTMs and Huskys have been announced with considerable emphasis on the suspension, Yamaha has something coming, and we might even see some news from Kawasaki. The GasGas MC250F Factory Edition serves notice that GasGas will be in the mix. It’s going to be fun.