Rivian delivered an sudden one-two punch yesterday on the unveiling of the R2 the place it took everybody unexpectedly with the even smaller R3. However, the primary order of enterprise is to kick off deliveries of its long-awaited Tesla Model Y rival, however that will not occur till the primary half of 2026. When it does finally hit the streets, the R2 will likely be suitable with a collection of nifty equipment.
Much like the larger R1T pickup and R1S SUV, the newest entry in Rivian’s rising lineup caters to outdoorsy folks with a bunch of non-compulsory goodies. For instance, the Travel Kitchen bundles a water tank, a cooler, an induction cooktop with extra storage and even a cookware set. Rivian will throw in some hanging lights for while you’re cooking at evening in the course of nowhere.
Today was the second half of the 48-hour Chrono stage within the 2024 Dakar Rally. Yesterday, riders have been to trip so far as they might into the Saudi Empty Quarter earlier than 4:00 p.m. This morning, they resumed racing. For the 12 riders up entrance, it meant a really lengthy day adopted by a considerably shorter day. Riders in the course of the pack had two extra equally divided days of driving.The rider who mastered each segments greatest was Adrien Van Beveren. He had the most effective time yesterday and held on to his benefit over his Honda teammate Ricky Brabec. Second place, nonetheless, was adequate for Brabec to imagine the crown of general chief. He surpassed Hero’s Ross Branch and now holds a bonus of lower than a minute. Many riders had hassle with poor gasoline vary, and reported that they needed to discover a stability between gasoline conservation and velocity within the deep sand.
Sadly, Mason Klein lastly misplaced his battle with persistent mechanical points. He survived yesterday’s lengthy trek solely to cease immediately with undisclosed motor issues. That follows yesterday’s withdrawal of Skyler Howes. Joan Barreda additionally dropped out. Jacob Arguebright, however, had his greatest stage of the rally to this point. He discovered the sand to his liking and was capable of help his DUUST teammate Konrad Dabrowski on the course.
Ricky Brabec
Ricky Brabec : “There was a lot of time in the dunes but I didn’t mind that as the challenge of going for many hours and kilometers made it a lot of fun. Camping with the boys was a blast, we had a really good time last night although we didn’t get much sleep. The stage was 100% dunes but it was really cool and I hope they do something like this again. Rocks and open deserts are a bit better for me and with the dunes I really pushed but I also played it safe towards the end as I didn’t want to open stage seven. I’m in a good place going into next week, so let’s see what happens in the next six days.”
Skyler Howes: “I’m gutted to have to exit the rally early. After a less than ideal start I was looking forward to the chrono stage and the second week to claw back the time that I lost in the first couple of days. The issue that took me out is nobody’s fault, not mine, mechanics or the team. When you’re pushing at the maximum level for this many days, luck has a big part to play and yesterday I drew the short stick. Sometimes this happens in racing and all we can do is learn from it. Now I’m looking forward to the year ahead and focusing on being better. Failure and adversity can be the best teacher, one I’m familiar with.”
Jacob Argubright
Jacob Argubright: “Been a long 3 days In the empty quarter! I had to start dead last on stage 5 because of not starting stage 4 which turned out to be a blessing because I was able to help my Duust Co teammate @konrad_dabrowski537 with some electrical problems on his bike and from there we limped it in till pretty much dark in so he could continue the race. After such a slow day I started last yet again with Konrad on stage 6 called the Chrono stage that took place over 2 days of pure dunes. I rode my ass off surfing dunes passing I think around 100 people, running out of gas twice on the first day and once today and still had my best stage finish of P14. Really stoked considering I don’t think I ride that well the dunes but I definitely felt great both days. Ready for a nice rest day and back at it for the second half!”
1. ADRIEN VAN BEVEREN, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 07H 57′ 29” 2. TOBY PRICE, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING+ 00H 04′ 13” 3. RICKY BRABEC, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM+ 00H 05′ 02” 4. DANIEL SANDERS, RED BULL GASGAS FACTORY RACING+ 00H 06′ 55” 5. ROSS BRANCH, HERO MOTOSPORTS TEAM RALLY+ 00H 09′ 40” 6. LUCIANO BENAVIDES, HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING+ 00H 10′ 39” 7. KEVIN BENAVIDES, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING+ 00H 16′ 05” 8. STEFAN SVITKO, SLONAFT RALLY TEAM+ 00H 21′ 19” 9. JOSE IGNACIO CORNEJO FLORIMO, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM+ 00H 21′ 49” 10. JEANLOUP LEPAN, DUUST RALLY TEAM+ 00H 26′ 24” 14. JACOB ARGUBRIGHT, DUUST RALLY TEAM+ 00H 42′ 52” 63. KYLE MC COY, AMERICAN RALLY ORIGINALS+ 04H 15′ 40” 84. WESTON CARR, HT RALLY RAID HUSQVARNA RACING+ 06H 24′ 37”
STANDINGS AFTER STAGE 6 A&B
1. RICKY BRABEC, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 27H 11′ 21” 2. ROSS BRANCH HERO, MOTOSPORTS TEAM RALLY+ 00H 00′ 51” 3. ADRIEN VAN BEVEREN, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM+ 00H 09′ 21” 4. JOSE IGNACIO CORNEJO FLORIMO, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM+ 00H 14′ 14” 5. TOBY PRICE, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING+ 00H 27′ 00” 6. KEVIN BENAVIDES, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING+ 00H 28′ 33” 7. DANIEL SANDERS, RED BULL GASGAS FACTORY RACING+ 00H 35′ 50” 8. LUCIANO BENAVIDES, HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING+ 00H 47′ 26” 00H 15′ 00” 9. STEFAN SVITKO, SLONAFT RALLY TEAM+ 01H 07′ 42” 10. JEANLOUP LEPAN, DUUST RALLY TEAM+ 01H 31′ 42” 70. KYLE MC COY, AMERICAN RALLY ORIGINALS+ 13H 51′ 06” 81. WESTON CARR, HT RALLY RAID HUSQVARNA RACING+ 16H 04′ 50” 00H 18′ 00” 102. JACOB ARGUBRIGHT, DUUST RALLY TEAM+ 52H 15′ 03”
Yesterday we noted that the “new” short-wheelbase Land Cruiser 70 was available in the UAE. Now Toyota has also brought back the venerable off-roader in Japan. Originally launched in 1984, the J70 was discontinued in the region in 2004, but it returned a decade later for just one year before disappearing again. Now it’s back for 2024.
The JDM-spec model was unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show. It’s not the same barebones Toyota off-roader from 40 years ago since this latest iteration has modern systems like Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control. Toyota fits the JDM-spec Land Cruiser 70 with a six-speed automatic transmission as well as stability control and Active traction control. You still get the dependable ladder frame in conjunction with electronic differential locks.
In Japan, the reborn 70 Series Land Cruiser is offered exclusively as a six-door SUV powered by a 2.8-liter turbodiesel mill with 201 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. In Australia, the all-terrain vehicle can be had with a V8 diesel while the UAE gets the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V6 gas engine. Depending on the region, the go-anywhere model also comes as a pickup truck and that “shorty” three-door SUV we mentioned earlier.
It’s almost 2024, but you can still buy a brand-new vehicle with a fender-mounted mirror. Since Japan is a right-hand-drive market, that extra mirror is mounted on the left fender to serve as an old-school solution to blind spots. On the subject of quirks, the in-house tuner Modellista also offers yellow LED fog lamps and a bunch of other goodies.
Toyota is charging 4,800,000 yen, so about $32,500 at current exchange rates. Alternatively, the resurrected Land Cruiser can also be ordered with a Kinto subscription service from as low as 45,760 yen ($310) per month. As good of a deal as this may seem, it comes with a seven-year plan, and you’ll end up paying 6,153,840 yen ($41,740) before having to return the vehicle.
Toyota estimates it will sell about 400 units each month in its domestic market.
Ford unveiled the all-new Mustang GTD variant, featuring a distinctive exterior paint called Polymimetic Gray. According to Greg Goodall, Ford’s Chief Program Engineer for Future Model Year Performance Vehicles, the color was inspired by the movie Terminator 2: Judgement Day.
In the iconic 1991 film, the T-1000 Terminator was composed of polymimetic alloy, a liquid metal material that allowed it to assume different forms and appearances. Omar Odeh, Ford’s Group Product Marketing Manager for Enthusiast Vehicles, mentioned that the color is exclusive to the Mustang GTD and is designed to mimic the appearance of liquid metal. However, if this color is not to your taste, Ford offers the option to finish the car in any other shade of your choice.
Just a day after revealing spy shots of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, we now have an early glimpse of its smaller sibling. While the 4 Series is due for a mid-cycle facelift, the compact sedan, known as the 2 Series Gran Coupe, is transitioning to its second generation without receiving a Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) update. Much like the 1 Series hatchback, the sedan version is skipping ahead to the next generation.
The prototype seen in the photos seems to be wearing its final production body and lights, featuring two-tone wheels and blue brake calipers that sport the M logo. Although the camouflaged kidney grille looks a bit unusual, it’s the rear of the car that grabs attention with its quad exhaust system. This M Performance variant, akin to the recently unveiled X1 M35i, will showcase four exhaust tips. The same exhaust configuration will also be implemented in the upcoming M135i and X2 M35i models.
Mitsubishi revealed the new Triton, showcasing not only the regular production model and the rally truck but also a variety of fully accessorized versions. The midsize pickup, also known as the L200 and Strada in some markets, was presented in a “Lifestyle Zone” with different styles. One notable version featured a club cab with an aggressive body kit and a lowered sports suspension.
Mitsubishi plans to make these accessories available for purchase, allowing 2024 Triton owners to customize their pickups to have a SEMA-inspired look. Additionally, there was a single cab model modified for overland use, complete with a snorkel, tent, bull bar, and extra lights. Another version based on the double cab configuration had off-road enhancements such as a raised suspension and a slimmer front bumper for better approach angles.
Another high-riding Triton double cab was equipped with a truck bed topper and was towing a small camper trailer to demonstrate the versatility of the sixth-generation model. Joining these upgraded versions was a purpose-built rally car set to participate in the Asia Cross Country Rally. This double cab model featured Ralliart branding, a six-speed manual gearbox, the Super Select 4WD-II system, and a 2.4-liter diesel engine with 201 horsepower (150 kilowatts) and 347 pound-feet (470 Newton-meters) of torque.
Mitsubishi emphasizes that the Triton is truly all-new, featuring a tougher ladder frame, a lighter high-tensile steel body, and an overhauled suspension with a front double-wishbone setup and a rear leaf spring arrangement. The models equipped with Super Select 4WD-II also include Active Yaw Control (AYC) and offer five modes for the 4×4 system along with seven driving modes.
The 2024 Triton will face tough competition right from the start, as the Ford Ranger has already transitioned to its next-generation model. The Ford-built Volkswagen Amarok is also based on the Ranger and serves as the foundation for the new Amarok, except in South America where VW Commercial Vehicles still produces the first-generation Amarok.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled more images of the CLE Cabriolet, the convertible version of the newly introduced CLE Coupe. The convertible model will be available in the market after the hardtop variant. These images provide a detailed preview of the upcoming model but do not mark its complete debut.
While official information is limited, it has been confirmed that the CLE Cabriolet will feature a cloth foldable roof, similar to its predecessors. The CLE range, in both coupe and convertible forms, is introduced as a replacement for the C-Class Coupe/Cabriolet and E-Class Coupe/Cabriolet. This explains why the CLE is longer than the new C-Class Sedan and slightly longer than the outgoing two-door E-Class.
My 2023 KTM 300XC-W has about 120 hours on it and has been flawless … until yesterday. The bike was running as if it was fouling a plug. It would not clean out, like a bad case of laryngitis. I changed the plug, put fresh fuel in it and made sure my filter was spotless, and still no changes. What could be the culprit?
Alex, it’s a new-world order with these fuel-injected machines. The TPI KTMs have numerous sensors, and one of these is most likely your machine’s infection. I believe it’s the crankcase pressure sensor (has a black tube leading to the back of your cylinder), and over time the tube accumulates debris and carbon from within the cylinder. Once clogged, it provides a false reading to the machine’s brain, the ECU. I would remove this tube and the sensor itself, and clean it with a contact cleaner and compressed air. Once scoured, your machine should run crisp and clean. This process should be a periodic form of maintenance on the TPI machines.
CRAMPED Dear Mr. Know-It-All,
I’m a Beta 500 dualsport rider and have trouble getting forward in the turns. I’m pretty flexible, but it feels like the bars are in my stomach, and my rear end is hanging off the rear fender. I’m 6-foot-4, 205 pounds in full dress.
Thanks for the feedback (if you actually answer this!)
Drew L.
If you don’t mind displaying your ignorance for the world to see, who are we to deny the opportunity? Send evidence of your failures to [email protected] or Mr. Know-It-All
Dirt Bike P.O. Box 957
Valencia, CA 91380-9057
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