December 26, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
The new design idea, which was influenced by the move from a front to a mid-engine configuration, was well received by everybody when Chevrolet unveiled the C8 Corvette in 2019.
One of these individuals was probably Audi designer Jason Battersby, who chose to redesign the ‘Vette using a style influenced by the C2 and C3 versions. The long hood features the C2 and C3 design motifs, a hint that is reminiscent of the iconic muscle car period and vehicles like the Ford Mustang and Plymouth Superbird. The hood has a more aerodynamic appearance thanks to chrome outlets that are reminiscent of the second-generation Chevrolet Corvette.
Audi Designs The Perfect Chevrolet Corvette jbdesign
The sleek and sophisticated appearance seems to be a hallmark of Battersby, who was involved in the Audi Grandsphere concept’s design.
While the “very simple” five-spoke wheel design complements the redesigned Vette’s modest character lines on the side profile, the nameplate’s iconic muscular and athletic design elements are still there. The Vette was first released in 1953.
The rear end features a four-piece taillight arrangement with a clean finish, evoking the Ferrari Roma. With a contemporary twist, the C2’s split-window rear is also included.
Audi Designs The Perfect Chevrolet
A noticeable diffuser with two exhaust points below suggests the automobile was originally intended to have an internal combustion engine.
As a last touch, Battersby gave the Corvette emblem a makeover that was uniquely his. “I chose a matte/glossy approach for the images and streamlined the design instead of going with the traditional beveled edges with color inlay. Simple, sleek black logo that continues the Corvette flag tradition—no chrome, no hassle.”
Audi Designs The Perfect Chevrolet Corvette StingrayAudi Designs Perfect Chevrolet Corvette
Is Battersby the right person to manage the design team for General Motors’ next C9 Corvette, which is anticipated to launch in 2028?
Share Your Thoughts In The Space Provided For Comments Below.
Three Wildcards From Yamaha MotoGP Are Planned For 2024
December 26, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
The forthcoming season will be critical to Yamaha’s MotoGP advancement. They are in the tier with additional rewards for cycling development under the new concessions system, including six wildcards.
Massimo Meregalli, the team’s managing director, that they currently only want to use half of those that are accessible, saying, “At the moment, we plan to use three.
They are helpful because, as was the case in Motegi, they will allow [Cal] Crutchlow to carry out additional projects. We can split responsibilities, something we were unable to accomplish this year.
Wildcards are mostly employed on important circuits for bike development or during the manufactures’ home races, as is frequently the case with Ducati at the Italian GP.
Their main purpose is to allow test riders to test in a racing setting. In addition to being a restricted chance, a wildcard has additional costs, thus these advantages must be handled carefully and intelligently. We were unable to accomplish this year.
Toyota Crown Sport Is Available With 302 Horsepower Plug-In Hybrid Power
December 22, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
The forthcoming Crown Signia SUV and the Crown elevated sedan are the only two of the four Crown models available in the US. In Japan, there’s also this smaller crossover called Crown Sport and a conventional saloon without the lift package. In the Land of the Rising Sun, the latter is now receiving a powerful powerplant and a charging port.
It Can Travel 56 Miles On A Single Tank Of Petrol
2024 Toyota Crown Sport PHEV (JDM) back
With this red-hot paint, the JDM-spec Crown Sport, which is smaller than the Crown Signia, resembles Japan’s version of the Ferrari Purosangue.
Despite the unfortunate lack of a V12 engine, it is nonetheless rather powerful. At least by Toyota standards, that is. It has an electric motor and a 2.5-liter gasoline engine that together provide 302 horsepower that is distributed to all four wheels.
Toyota upgraded the front brakes of the PHEV model, adding 20-inch discs with six-piston calipers that are painted in red at both axles, to increase stopping power.
2024 Toyota Crown Sport PHEV (JDM) Seats
Although we honestly can’t image many drivers utilizing paddle shifters on a plug-in hybrid SUV, it did go to the bother of installing them. More reinforcements to the floor tunnel give this new flavor’s body more stiffness than the non-plug-in hybrid Crown Sport.
As expected from a plug-in hybrid, this one has excellent efficiency. A 56-mile (90-kilometer) pure electric range is provided by a lithium-ion battery that is housed beneath the floor in the middle of the car. To fully charge the battery to 80% capacity, it takes 38 minutes.
2024 Toyota Crown Sport PHEV (JDM) Interior
When the 14.5-gallon (55-liter) gasoline tank is taken into account, the car can go more than 746 miles (1,200 kilometers).
It has bigger tires on massive black 21-inch wheels and an adjustable suspension with redesigned shock absorbers. Even Toyota describes the Crown Sport PHEV as providing a “planted ride.”
Support for bidirectional charging is a useful feature, since the 1,500W (AC 100V) external power supply function might be useful in an emergency. Additionally, it can power a range of gadgets that an outdoor enthusiast would want in the backcountry.
2024 Toyota Crown Sport PHEV (JDM) Plugin Hybrid2024 Toyota Crown Sport PHEV (JDM) Chasis
About 300 Crown Sport PHEVs are anticipated to be sold each month by Toyota, at a price of 7,650,000 yen (about $52,900).
December 21, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
Enfield’s design team set to work using a variety of cultures and dystopian pop culture as inspiration. Royal Enfield formally unveiled the production Shotgun 650 to the public on December 12, 2023. Here are all the features of the bike that will be sold at Royal Enfield dealers worldwide in 2024, following closely behind the limited edition Motoverse bike.
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 – Studio – Green Drill – Front Left Angle ViewRoyal Enfield Shotgun 650 – Studio – Sheet Metal Gray – Front Left Angle ViewRoyal Enfield Shotgun 650 – Studio – Plasma Blue – Front Right Angle View
The Shotgun 650 differs from the Super Meteor 650 in more ways than one, even though it has the same frame and is powered by the same proven 650cc parallel twin engine that was originally seen on the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650. It’s all in the details with this bike.
A 648cc liquid-cooled parallel twin engine, rated at 46.3 horsepower at 7,250 rpm and 52.3 newton-meters, or 38.5 pound-feet, of torque at 5,650 rpm, powers the new Royal Enfield Shotgun 650. It has a six-speed gearbox attached to it. If you are acquainted with prior 650 Twin-powered Enfields, then this should all sound familiar.
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 – Design Sketches
This is where certain adjustments are made. Compared to the Super Meteor 650, the Shotgun 650 features a very modest decrease in curb weight, a shorter wheelbase, and more ground clearance.
We’ll compare the measurements side by side so you can begin to mentally picture the differences. As you will soon see, putting any of these objects side by side doesn’t make them the same.
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Wheelbase
1,465mm (about 57.6 inches)
1,500mm (about 59 inches)
Ground clearance
140mm (about 5.5 inches)
135mm (about 5.3 inches)
Length
2,220mm (about 87.4 inches)
2,260mm (about 88.98 inches)
Width
820mm (about 32.2 inches)
890mm (about 35 inches)
Height
1,105mm (about 43.5 inches)
1,155mm (about 45.5 inches)
Seat height
795mm (about 31.2 inches)
740mm (about 29.1 inches)
Rake and trail
25.3 degrees and 101.4mm (about 4.09 inches)
27.6 degrees and 119.38mm (about 4.7 inches)
Fuel capacity
13.8 liters (about 3.6 gallons)
15.7 liters (about 4.15 gallons)
Curb weight
240 kilograms (about 529 pounds)
241 kilograms (about 531.3 pounds)
The designers and engineers at Royal Enfield collaborated to rethink how to give the Shotgun a unique identity. There’s no denying that adjusting the suspension properties may affect the riding quality of a bike.
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 – Studio – Sheet Metal Gray – Right Side
In contrast to the Super Meteor 650, which has 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels, the Shotgun 650 has 18-inch front wheels and a 17-inch rear. Up front, the Shotgun 650 likewise receives a pair of 43mm Showa Big Piston Forks that are inverted; however, these forks are 33mm shorter than those on the Super Meteor. Compared to the Super Meteor, the SG650’s rear dual shocks are 20 mm longer.
The brakes remain identical. One two-piston ByBre floating brake caliper and a 320mm disc in front, and one two-piston ByBre floating caliper and a 300mm disc in back are featured on the Shotgun 650. Both ABS and factory-installed braided stainless steel brake lines are standard.
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 – Studio – Plasma Blue – Overhead View (1)
A series of circular gauges are used up front on the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650, while a bigger digi-analog gauge displays information such as gear position indication and speed. The Royal Enfield Tripper Navigation pod, the smaller one on the right, is capable of connecting via Bluetooth to your smartphone to show navigation if you so like. Additionally, there is a USB connector for charging your phone.
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 – Studio – Green Drill – RearRoyal Enfield Shotgun 650 – Studio – Green Drill – Front
The Shotgun 650’s global pricing has not yet been disclosed by Royal Enfield. It will be offered in four hues in 2024: Sheet Metal Gray, Green Drill, Plasma Blue, and Stencil White.
Regarding availability, it is anticipated to start appearing in marketplaces all over the world in 2024. We’ll be sure to let you know as we learn more precise details.
How does one feel about the Shotgun 650? Would you be willing to give one a try? Tell us in the comments below, and soon RideApart will have a comprehensive First Ride review.
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 – Genuine Motorcycle Accessories Exploded View
Kawasaki’s First Hydrogen Engine Motorcycle Prototype
December 15, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
It’s true that Kawasaki has been showcasing its advancements in producing alternatively-powered cars at a record rate in recent months.
The HySE-X1, a brand-new four-wheeled hydrogen-powered experimental vehicle that will compete in the Mission 1000 competition in the 2024 Dakar Rally, was first shown back in October 2023. HySE, the collaborative hydrogen engine development organization that was previously founded by Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, Toyota, and Yamaha, unveiled this car as its debut project.
Clearly, Team HySE Has Been Quite Busy
Kawasaki Hydrogen Motorcycle 3
The start of the 2024 Dakar Rally is not too far off, since it is already mid-December 2023. Although we’re eager to follow the HySE-X1’s progress, our curiosity would naturally grow if it were, for example, a motorbike powered by a hydrogen engine.
Fortunately, Kawasaki Heavy Industries is a huge corporation operating in several different industries. Those segments all presently strive toward group carbon neutrality objectives, but they do it in various ways, so every now and then they have group meetings where they report on how each segment is doing.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries held its Group Vision 2030 Progress Report Meeting on December 12, 2023. It also kindly uploaded the complete event on its YouTube account, however it’s entirely in Japanese, which shouldn’t come as a surprise.
The agenda included updates from senior managing executive officers of Aerospace Systems Company, Energy Solutions and Marine Engineering Company, Yasuhiko Hashimoto, president and CEO of Kawasaki Heavy Industries Limited, and Hiroshi Ito, president and CEO of Kawasaki Motors Company Limited.
Kawasaki Hydrogen Motorcycle
Of course, the one that piques our curiosity the most is the update from Hiroshi Ito, president and CEO of Kawasaki Motor Co. He provided updates throughout his section on the recent launches of the battery-electric Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 motorcycles as well as the recently announced Ninja 7 HEV and Z 7 HEV.
It was just a matter of time until a motorbike powered by a hydrogen engine made its appearance, given four of the five businesses engaged in HySE are the major four motorcycle makers in Japan. We saw it for the first time during this Kawasaki presentation on December 12, 2023.
President Ito claims that the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX serves as its basis. The prototype design stays true to several tones of soothing blue instead of the regular hues used by Team Green. In addition, such may be seen on the HySE-X1 car that will compete in Dakar 2024 and in the HySE logo.
There was a dearth of specifics or hard data provided. Sadly, not even a brief starter footage is included in the film, despite the fact that a test rider demonstrates both the Ninja 7 Hybrid’s walk function and the first-ever public display of the hybrid engine motorcycle prototype.
President Ito continued by stating that this prototype will shortly undergo testing, which is probably why a startup attempt was not made while the cameras were filming.
Do you find HySE’s study on a possible motorbike with a hydrogen engine intriguing? If there was infrastructure in place to ensure that you could always get fuel when you needed it, would you be willing to ride one?
December 15, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
It won’t be long until the new Factory series of KTM motocross bikes make their appearance.
The first round of the AMA Supercross championship won’t happen until January 6, but before then, we may watch the wealthiest and sportiest KTM motocross production—the SX-F Factory—in action.
There will be an abundance of details, in true Factory fashion, which add to the series’ allure and desirability.
KTM Cross 2024 – New SX-F Factory Edition
The most significant innovations are found elsewhere in the frame, such as the new engine mounts, which are lighter and more flexible and provide a better ride and handling during use, and the new rear monoshock, which is now stiffer and lighter. Other unique features, such as the orange-painted frame and the anodized steering guards, are unmistakably Factory models.
The new Offroad Connectivity Unit is standard on the 450 and 250 Factory models, and there are additional features like an Akrapovič exhaust, a new filter box cover, a 4-bolt Factory engine guard reinforced with carbon fiber, and a gorgeous billet Hinson clutch cover.
KTM Cross 2024
All in all, winter enthusiasts will have a lot to look forward to this year.
Although there will be no shortage of Power Parts for the ordinary version of the next KTM SX, the Factory variants continue to be the most eye-catching and desirable of the KTM lineup.
December 14, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
Toyota Debuted The New Prius vehicle In Korea.
With a Latin name, this innovative hybrid has sold over 5.9 million units globally since 1997 and was a major contributor to the rise in popularity of hybrids prior to the introduction of completely electric vehicles. The first comprehensive redesign of the Prius in eight years has resulted in the conventional and plug-in variants.
The plug-in variant obtains 19.4 km/liter, while the normal version’s combined fuel economy is 20.9 km/liter. After a single charge, the plug-in can go up to 64 kilometers on electricity alone.
Because of its lower chassis, which lowers the center of gravity, it offers better driving performance. Its appearance is sleeker than that of the previous model as well.In January, the new Prius went on sale in Japan, where it was just crowned the finest car of the year.
The Latest Creation From The Borgo Panigale Firm Is The Ducati Diavel For Bentley
December 12, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
Ducati and Bentley are working together on a motorbike that honors the finest aspects of both brands for the first time. The Ducati Diavel for Bentley was unveiled at a ceremony held during Art Basel week in Miami Beach, the overseas version of the continent’s most prominent art festival.
This innovative partnership connects the two companies in an exceptional bond of performance, luxury, and craftsmanship.
Ducati Diavel for Bentley – the Borgo Panigale company’s new work of art
Constructed using the technological framework of the Diavel V4, the bike has been endowed with several design cues from the Batur, a limited-edition vehicle that foreshadows next styling trends from Bentley. A limited edition of 500+50 units, with the latter reserved for Bentley clients, will be created in a numbered run.
For this unique motorbike, the Ducati Design Center worked with Bentley designers to produce a fresh design. The Batur served as inspiration for the side view lines. Scarab Green is a stylish and polished hue that is rich in metallic tones and is exclusively available on Bentley Mulliners.
It is utilized throughout the fairing. New technological components have also completely refreshed the strong, aggressive looks of the Diavel V4. Specifically designed for this bike, the forged steel wheels share the same design as the automobile and are coated in the same Dark Titanium Satin, revealing some of the machined surfaces.
New Ducati Diavel for Bentley
The rear triangular pieces are based on the equivalent parts located above the car’s trunk, while the air intake grilles mimic the two-tone radiator grille, which is one of the most identifiable features of the Batur. The tiny fairing is modeled after the windshield portion of the hood, the front mudguard and tank cover mimic the hood ribs, and the single-seat rear—which may be swapped with a passenger seat—replicates the double-layer idea of the car’s rear part.
High-quality carbon fiber is used to make a large number of the superstructure’s parts, including the backing plate, side panels, tail piece, exhaust and radiator guards, headlamp cover, and engine cover.
Inspired by the inside of the vehicle, the driver’s seat’s black Alcantara construction meticulously reveals the red fabric underneath. It has the same feel as the Batur seats and an embroidered Bentley emblem on the back cushion. The bike’s elegant lines have been complemented by the redesign of the twin exhaust, complete with a cover.
The 1,158 cm V4 Granturismo engine, a key component of the Diavel for Bentley’s design, is also a very sophisticated technological option.
It has 168 horsepower and very light and small, yet it has a lot of torque and is smooth and powerful even at low speeds. The exhaust has a distinct sound that is characteristic to the Twin Pulse starting technology and the particular exhaust system.
Toyota Wins The Pioneering & Innovation Award In Autosport
December 6, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
The World Endurance Championship, Formula One, and Formula Two were represented on the Pioneering and Innovation Award shortlist, which was a part of a new B2B component of the Awards created to honor top performers from the larger racing sector.
Alongside Toyota, the other nominees included Lewis Hamilton’s Mission 44, which pioneered the push for greater accessibility and minority representation in motorsport, McLaren Racing, for their creative “circular car” concept and method of recycling carbon composite, and the FIA F2 car, which has new features that encourage greater female participation and set new standards for support categories.
All of the nominated candidates pleased the judges, but Toyota had the upper hand because of its forward-thinking approach to developing racing technology and its conviction in the potential of hydrogen in motorsports. Toyoda has given the project his whole backing, going so far as to frequently drive the prototypes and compete in a 24-hour race at Fuji using a Toyota powered by liquid hydrogen.
“I think the project started my new job in Toyota,” stated Kamui Kobayashi, who collected the honor on behalf of the company. Toyoda and I had a lengthy conversation about it three years prior, and the next day at breakfast, he inquired about taking turns driving the automobile. As soon as we were done, he opened the boot and showed me the large tank, even though it still sounded like a typical combustion engine. I wanted to give racing it a go.
“We announced at Le Mans this year that we want to race the hydrogen in 2026 or 2027, so I hope to race with this car.”
Six judges from the motorsports business cast their votes for the Award, with former Alpine and Aston Martin F1 team principal Otmar Szafnauer serving as the panel’s head. Research guru Nigel Geach, racing consultant and former CEO of FIA WEC Gerard Neveu, former F1 executive Kate Beavan (now with More than Equal), and motorsport sponsorship specialists Matthew Marsh and Melissa Berry were on the panel.
The Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award, the Autosport Williams Engineer of the Future Award, the Autosport Gold Medal with the Gregor Grant Award for lifetime legacy, the John Bolster Trophy for technical achievement, the Brand Partnership Award, Moment of the Year, and Promoter of the Year are among the other honors that are determined by knowledgeable judging panels.
November 30, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
The Duke line of bikes from KTM is undoubtedly something worth trying if you’re a fan of naked streetfighters like myself. Although some may not find the ultra-futuristic and cutting design of this brand appealing, there’s no doubting the performance and technology these motorcycles provide. Indeed, KTM has always strived to be at the top of its class, from the little 125 Duke to the fire-breathing 1290 Super Duke R bikes.
Three decades of innovation are embodied in the new KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo.
2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Side Profile
The 1390 Super Duke R Evo was unveiled by KTM, shocking us into believing that the 1290 Super Duke R line of hypernakeds could not be any better. It’s interesting to note that KTM chose to reveal the 990 Duke at EICMA rather than this bike. It would turn out that this affront to Team Orange fans would only serve to heighten the anticipation for its next flagship hypernaked machine. Put on your helmet and get ready for a ton of wicked wheelies since the new bike is reportedly better, more powerful, and more high-tech than any of its predecessors in every way.
According to KTM, the 1390 Super Duke R Evo, especially in the naked class, is the epitome of sheer power and innovation. The 1390 Super Duke R Evo has a more angular and athletic appearance than the 1290, and one of the most noticeable cosmetic updates is a newly redesigned headlamp. Opinions on said headlamp are bound to differ, however I personally think the split-LED headlight from the prior generation is better. However, I’m sure that with time, this new design will win over many other high-performance naked bike aficionados as well as myself.
2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo – Lean
The 1390 Super Duke R Evo’s whole construction has also been updated to provide a more aggressive look and better performance. With its lightweight construction, compact frame, and reduced profile, the bike maintains a relatively low weight of 467 pounds wet while taking on an aggressive posture. The 1390 Super Duke R Evo, like its predecessor, doesn’t do much to disguise its power. Its huge engine, exposed orange frame, and one-piece subframe are eye-catching features, and even from a distance, its distinctive angular lines and loud orange paint make it easy to spot.
2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo – Wheelie
The 1390 Super Duke R Evo has a ton of performance to offer. To say it is extravagant would actually be a vast understatement. The revised LC8 engine, which has been bored to 1,350cc, powers it. Additionally, an integrated cam shift is included for increased economy and performance. The upgraded V-twin engine, which is fuel-injected and liquid-cooled, produces an incredible 188 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. Moreover, a larger capacity fuel tank that has been modified increases range, while an improved airbox enhances performance.
2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Parked
Regarding technology, the 1390 Super Duke R Evo represents the pinnacle of KTM’s technological capabilities. Now, Team Orange has never been afraid to include a wide range of technology in its bikes, even entry-level models intended for novices.
Having said that, the 1390 offers almost every performance-focused technological feature you can imagine. Yes, it has traction control, cornering ABS, and different riding modes. Of course, WP offers electrically adjustable suspension as well. Aside from all of this, riders wishing to improve the bike’s already outstanding performance may choose for extra technological enhancements like engine brake control and upgraded suspension modules.
2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo – Parked
As it happens, the polarized headlamp I described before isn’t only decorative. Not only is the new headlight lighter than the old one, but it also has “Smart” features that should increase visibility in low light. The headlamp automatically modifies its brightness based on the surrounding lighting. Since KTM’s second-generation Dukes, a comparable function has always been available, so it will be fascinating to see how much better this is on the new 1390.
PRICE:
A hypernaked of this level will undoubtedly fetch a high price, both in terms of availability and cost. The MSRP of the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo is $21,499 USD. I advise getting in contact with your local KTM dealer if you want to order this beast right now or would want to see it in person.
2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo
It’s important to note that KTM’s 1390 Super Duke was introduced to commemorate 30 years of the Duke brand. As a result, it honors its heritage, as seen by hues that pay respect to the original Super Duke, which made its debut in 2005. Moreover, KTM PowerParts and PowerWear may be used to customize the 1390 Super Duke R Evo.
