Honda Appoints Marini To Replace Marquez In The MotoGP
November 27, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
After 11 years together that have produced 59 wins and six world titles, Marquez confirmed in October that he will be departing Honda at the conclusion of the 2023 season to join Gresini Ducati.
When Honda insisted on giving Marquez a one-year contract in order to retain its options open until 2025, Miguel Oliveira was initially touted as the front-runner to replace Marquez. However, this didn’t work out.
Following Marquez’s defeat in the Gresini Ducati ride, Fabio Di Giannantonio emerged as the next contender.
Honda team manager Alberto Puig said during the Malaysian Grand Prix that the company was considering three candidates: Di Giannantonio, Marini, and Pol Espargaro.
While Marini was the clear favorite, Espargaro, who rode for Honda in 2021 and 2022, swiftly decided to stay with KTM as a test rider the following year. Honda has made Marini an intriguing two-year offer to join its factory squad for 2024, joining Joan Mir the following season, notwithstanding its original approach.
With support from VR46, Marini made his MotoGP debut in 2021 with the Avintia team. In 2022, VR46 completely transitioned to the premier class with Marini and Marco Bezzecchi.
Before the Honda option surfaced, Marini, who finished on the podium in two Grand Prix in 2023, had already re-signed to stay with VR46 for a further season in 2024.
A Honda statement said, “Honda Racing Corporation is pleased to announce the signing of Luca Marini for the 2024 and 2025 MotoGP World Championship seasons.”
After placing second in the 2020 Moto2 World Championship and winning six races and fifteen podiums, the 26-year-old entered the elite class in 2021.
“Since entering the top division, Marini has placed second in two grand prix, claimed two pole positions, and finished fourth in four sprint races in 2023. He will sign a two-year contract to join Joan Mir on the factory team.
Tuesday’s post-season Valencia test, where Marc Marquez will also make his debut on a Ducati, will give Marini his first taste of the Honda.
Twenty years after Rossi’s final race for HRC, Marini’s signing with the factory Honda squad brings the Japanese manufacturer back into Rossi’s orbit.
Between 2001 and 2003, Rossi won three of his seven premier class titles with Honda. In 2004, he left to join Yamaha.
Given that Di Giannantonio hinted at taking Marini’s spot on the VR46 squad during the Valencia Grand Prix weekend, it is now widely anticipated that he will do so next season.
Before the Italian won his maiden grand prix at Losail, VR46 team director Uccio Salucci stated during the Qatar weekend that Di Giannantonio wasn’t really a viable choice for 2024.
As Of 2024, SAP Is An Official Partner Of The Mercedes F1 Team
November 22, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
Prior to 2020, SAP had a lengthy relationship with McLaren. During that time, the firm supported Mika Hakkinen’s 1998 and 1999 F1 world championship triumphs as well as Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 victory.
Additionally, the business started supporting the now-defunct Mercedes Formula E team in 2018.
The Mercedes F1 team has been a SAP customer for a while, even though they haven’t had a formal business relationship. The Brackley group will now have access to innovations through the new relationship, however they will really undergo proof testing before being made widely available.
Mercedes Garage With SAP Branding
SAP, according to Mercedes, will help increase operational effectiveness, particularly in light of the cost cap and the additional layers of complexity that the FIA financial laws have brought to the functioning of an F1 team.
In order to “explore how artificial intelligence, and cloud solutions from SAP can inform and predict decisions, optimize resources, and future-proof their IT infrastructure,” the team will employ SAP S/4HANA Cloud, private edition.
SAP’s AI capabilities will enable the team to “forecast costs, predict the final budget needs, and optimize both the supply chain and stocked items accordingly” with respect to the particular constraints posed by the cost cap.
In order to “bring together a seamless view of data and systems from various sources across the organization,” the team will also make use of SAP Build and the SAP Business Technology Platform. This will aid in getting components on the track more quickly.
Toto Wolff, the team principal, stated of the new collaboration, “We have a shared heritage and commitment to innovation and improvement which will meaningfully contribute to our on-track performance.”
“We could not think of a better partner to help us improve our efficiencies in 2024 and beyond than SAP, a global leader in its field.”
“SAP has a long history of brilliant partnerships with some of the best teams and leagues across elite level sport,” said Richard Sanders, chief commercial officer of Mercedes F1.
“We are honored to be the newest to collaborate with one of the top businesses in the globe. Their skills, experience, and assistance will be essential in helping the team operate more efficiently.
Chief marketing and solutions officer at SAP and board member Julia White emphasized that F1 was the ideal setting for the business.
“F1 is among the world’s most technologically advanced sports, where small improvements have a big impact,” the speaker stated.
Given the harsh operating environments that Formula One teams face, racing offer a worldwide stage for showcasing talent and engineering prowess. But a lot goes on behind the scenes in addition to the race day spectacle.
Beautiful Graphics For The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR Anniversary Edition
November 21, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
There Will Only Be 40 ZX-10RRs With Retro Graphic Covers Produced In A Limited Edition.
2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR UK Anniversary Editions
If you’re a lover of Kawasaki or just Japanese sportbike graphics from the 1990s, chances are good you’ve already seen the adorable graphics that Kawasaki created to commemorate the Ninja’s 40th anniversary in 2024.
Though no design is adored by all aficionados, Kawasaki made a really astute decision with that one, since some of those visuals manage to go very near.
However, Kawasaki UK went one step farther. Coincidentally, the team contacted renowned motorcycle concept visualizer Kar Lee (of Kar Lee Design and MotoKandi) to generate a couple of contemporary ZX-10RR versions that drew inspiration from vintage Kawasaki graphics. After he created those drawings, fans of Kawasaki UK cast their votes in a poll to select their favorites.
2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR UK Anniversary Editions – Green Blue White
Next, during the UK’s largest annual motorcycle event, Motorcycle Live (2023), the three winning graphics were revealed. Motorcycle Live will take place at the NEC Birmingham from November 18 to November 26, 2023, so if you’re nearby, you can see all three of these stunning women in person
There will only be 40 of these bikes produced, and each one will have a unique anniversary plaque affixed to the top yoke that will include the 40th Anniversary Kawasaki emblem and the number of the bike in the run. Customers will be able to select their preferred livery from the three options that are offered.
Furthermore, according to Kawasaki UK, every one of these Limited Edition ZX-10RRs will be upgraded to a Performance Edition, which includes an Akrapovič exhaust, a matching seat cover for the pillion, a smoked windshield, and a tank pad.
2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR UK Anniversary Editions – Green Red White
A paddock stand, a unique bike cover for this bike, and a Ninja 40th Anniversary keychain are among the extra gifts that come with the purchase.
Contacting your local Kawasaki dealers is the first step for riders in the UK who are interested in the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR Anniversary Limited Edition motorcycles. The bike will retail for £26,599, or around $33,204, and dealers will be able to order it starting on November 18, 2023.
You’ll simply have to join us in wistfully staring across the water if you’re not in the UK. There is currently no indication that these unique visuals will be distributed outside of the UK; this is a special edition available only in the UK.
Naturally, RideApart will keep you informed if that changes.
How do you feel about these vintage visuals for the ZX-10RR from 2024? Which is your best choice? Tell us in the comments below!
With the promise of operating many times quicker than existing networks, China has begun to roll out what it calls the most sophisticated internet network in the world.
According to Chinese tech firm Huawei, the network can carry data from 150 movies in a second at a speed of around 1.2 terabits, or 1,200 gigabits, per second.
These are theoretical speeds that will not soon be available in customers’ homes. However, a stronger, quicker internet connection has far-reaching effects on enterprises, including quicker information transfers, benefits for stock trading, and other consequences for national security.
This week, during a press conference, Huawei and China Mobile, in collaboration with Tsinghua University in Beijing and Cernet, an education and research network supported by the Chinese government, formally unveiled the nation’s next-generation backbone network.
A backbone network is the network infrastructure that carries internet traffic to various geographical regions and can handle large-scale data transfers from electric cars and 5G technologies.
A translated press release states that the new network connects Beijing and the south via 1,800 kilometers of optical fiber connections. It withheld information about its intentions to grow across the nation. While testing and operation began this summer, it is launching around two years ahead of schedule according to experts.
Following months of hostility between the two nations, President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet in San Francisco on Wednesday.
According to the press release, Xi had earlier stated that the backbone network’s construction will make the nation “a cyber power” and “accelerate the promotion of core Internet technologies.”
However, unlike how it normally competes with AI, semiconductors, or wireless networking technologies, this doesn’t directly threaten the US because it applies to internet infrastructure rather than household internet speeds. On the other hand, it may provide a basis for Chinese companies that need a lot of bandwidth.
The backbone internet project is being overseen by Wu Jianping, a professor at Tsinghua University’s department of computer science and technology. According to the press release, the system—which consists of both hardware and software—was developed, manufactured, and is under independent management in China. He also referred to it as the world’s most sophisticated network.
The timing of a significant tech launch with a visit to the US has happened before. During a late summer visit by certain US diplomats, Huawei unveiled the much awaited Mate 60 Pro smartphone, which boasts a revolutionary 5G processor manufactured in China.
After extensive US attempts to limit China’s access to foreign chip technology, the US government later claimed it was looking into how the business would have the technology to create such a device. (NBC)
Unveiled is the first humanoid artificial intelligence CEO robot in the world to oversee a business.
Mika, the robot, will be the face of the corporation and is meant to make strategic judgments.
Mika’s hiring adds more weight to Elon Musk’s recent concerns about artificial intelligence.
Dictador, a rum brand from Colombia, has named a humanoid AI robot named Mika as its new CEO.
This is the first time a robot will have a seat on the board of the corporation and decide on strategic matters.
What you should know about job descriptions and robot CEOs
Hanson Robotics created Mika, and Dictador customized him to embody the brand and its principles.
She is taught to be objective and strategic, and she can make data-driven judgments fast and precisely. According to BusinessDay. Mika will oversee Dictador’s Arthouse Spirits DAO project and communications in her role as a board member.
Elon Musk Solution
AI With Elon Musk
Mika’s selection to CEO once more prompts a number of concerns over the direction of corporate employment and leadership.
CNN reported that Elon Musk called artificial intelligence “one of the most disruptive forces in history” at a meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Musk revealed a number of forecasts about AI, such as the idea that AI friendship would be the ultimate form of relationship and that there won’t be a need for work in the future.
His Words:
“AI will be a force for good most likely. But the probability of it going bad is not zero percent.”
“A referee is a good thing. I agree with the vast majority of existing regulations. ”
When Was Elon Musk’s AI Startup Unveiled?
According to a state business document, Musk, who now serves as the CEO of X and Tesla, was named as a director of X.AI Corporation, which was established on March 9.
Nevada is the US state where the artificial intelligence company X.AI is headquartered.
Musk recently advocated for a general halt to the advancement of artificial intelligence, but he also founded OpenAI, which seems to be a competition to ChatGPT.
As part of an AI initiative at Twitter, he employed technical expertise and purchased thousands of expensive and potent processing chips, according to an Insider article.
Cricket Sri Lanka Is Suspended By The ICC Due To Political Interference
November 10, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Sport News
Sri Lanka Cricket, according to the organization that oversees the sport, is in “serious breach” of its duties to function independently of the government.
On Friday, Sri Lanka’s membership was suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) effective immediately.
The ICC indicated that the reason for the indefinite suspension was political intervention. The board was requested to quit by the Sri Lankan government the day before due to allegations of corruption.
What The ICC Stated On Sri Lanka Cricket’s Ban
According to the international governing body of cricket, Sri Lanka Cricket was “in serious breach of its obligations as a member, in particular, the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and to ensure that there is no government interference.” This determination was made.
The ICC board will determine the terms of the ban in due course, the statement stated.
2024 Aprilia RS 457 Preorders And Prices Are Announced For North America’s
November 10, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
At the Misano MotoGP circuit in Italy back in early September 2023, Aprilia formally introduced the newest RS on the block. Spy images, rumors, and hidden test mules have been circulating for months, as is customary in the motorcycle community. Most people assumed that this new machine may be dubbed the RS 440 because the RS 660 was the name of the model that was most recently presented.
In the US, It Begins At Less Than $7,000. Are Riders Going To Swarm To The Newest RS?
2024 Aprilia RS 457 – Track 3
But Aprilia sets its own standards, therefore the RS 457 was created, capturing the interest of enthusiasts. It has a 35 kilowatt (about 46.9 horsepower) parallel twin engine that complies with A2 standards. 175 kilograms, or somewhat less than 386 pounds, is the stated curb weight.
In November 2023, the motorcycle industry celebrates EICMA once more. Aprilia did bring the RS 457 to the celebrations so that guests could view it in person, but this wasn’t the first time the model has been unveiled. Rather, Piaggio Group Americas decided to use this opportunity to formally reveal the color, price, and availability of the newest member of the RS family in the US and Canada.
2024 Aprilia RS 457 – Track 2
2024 Aprilia RS 457 Colors Available
For 2024, Aprilia will offer three color options for the RS 457:
Racing Stripes
Prismatic Dark
Opalescent Light
Cost and Availability Aprilia offers the RS 457 among its motorcycles for sale in a number of markets. Because of this, prices and availability differ by location. As of November 7, 2023, preorders are now being accepted at Aprilia dealers in the United States and Canada.
2024 Aprilia RS 457 – Studio – Opalescent Light – Right Side
The MSRP of the 2024 Aprilia RS 457 in the US for the Opalescent Light and Prismatic Dark hues is $6,799. The Racing Stripes colorway is only $100 more expensive, with an MSRP of $6,899. In April 2024, these motorcycles ought to appear in American dealerships. With the RS 660’s MSRP now set at $11,499, the RS 457 ought to be considerably more affordable for a larger range of riders.
2024 Aprilia RS 457 – Studio – Prismatic Dark – Right Side
The 2024 Aprilia RS 457 in the Opalescent Light and Prismatic Cark hues will retail for $7,799 in Canada. Alternatively, choose Racing Stripes, which has an MSRP of $7,999. Aprilia dealerships in Canada should start receiving the 2024 RS 457 sometime in June 2024.
2024 Aprilia RS 457 – Studio – Prismatic Dark – Right Side
Your best chance for the most accurate information if you’re interested in the 2024 Aprilia RS 457 but don’t reside in the US or Canada is to get in touch with your local Aprilia dealer.
If you have any queries concerning this or any other Aprilia that catches your attention, they ought to be able to assist you.
The Benelli Tornado Is Back! Benelli Introduces The 300, 400, And 500 Twin Cylinder Engines
November 10, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
After a few years of absence, Benelli appears to be more confident than ever in the medium-displacement sports bike market. Based on what we witnessed at EICMA, it’s not even the only manufacturer that feel this market is ready for a resurgence.
Its primary target market is undoubtedly youth, and it targets them with three distinct bike models rather than just one. Three vehicles with the 300, 400, and 500 twin-cylinder engine variations bear the Tornado moniker again on their bodywork.
Benelli Tornado 300
Benelli’s “small” fairing is a fun-loving, compact sports bike that is meant to appeal to riders who are considering the world of “full-fairing.” As they say in these situations, this bike is really global. The 300cc four-stroke twin-cylinder engine powers the body.
It is an advancement over the in-line twin-cylinder seen in the 302S and 302R. There is 27 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm and 35 horsepower (26 kW) of power at 11,000 rpm. The gearbox has a chain final drive and six speeds. The frame is constructed from tubular steel lattice and has an inverted fork with 120 mm of travel and adjustable 41 mm diameter rods.
A swingarm with a 147 mm wheel travel and a preload-adjustable spring monoshock is located at the back. 110/70 tires are mounted on the front and 150/60 tires are mounted on the rear of the 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
The bike’s remarkable 14-liter tank capacity is another outstanding feature. A 260 millimeter diameter semi-floating double disc with a four-piston caliper operates the brakes on the front wheel, while a 240 millimeter diameter disc with a single-piston floating caliper operates the brakes on the back wheel. Of course, ABS is there.
Going on to the equipment, we have a full-LED headlight unit that combines a reflecting parabola and a polyellipsoidal lamp for optimal visibility under all lighting circumstances.
The 5-inch TFT color screen on the handlebar, which includes a remote control and Bluetooth connectivity to connect to a mobile phone and show incoming calls and notifications, is in charge of the instrumentation. Additionally, you can use the app to transform your bike’s dashboard into a navigator by downloading it to your phone and connecting via Wi-Fi. Additionally, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is available. Additionally, a USB connector is included with this compact sports bike. The seat is 800 mm above the ground, and the gasoline tank holds 14 gallons.
Benelli Tornado 400
The Tornado 400, like its 300 brother, is a supersport bike that is small and appropriate for younger riders, but it does more than merely raise the standard. To start with, it weighs 172 kg, which is ten kg less than the 300, and it has sophisticated components that were created especially for this bike by Benelli R&D.
Beginning with the whole new engine and continuing with an entirely new frame geometry and swingarm design. A bike with athletic lines that enhance its bold, contemporary, and captivating style.
As previously stated, the engine is still a 399 cc four-stroke twin-cylinder, but it has been particularly tuned for the Tornado 400. There is 38 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm and 47.6 horsepower (35.0 kW) of power at 10,000 rpm.
The “superframe” engine, which has a displacement of 399 cc and a stroke ratio of 51.8 mm and a bore of 70 mm diameter, allows it to achieve above 10,000 rpm and behave like a genuine sports bike. The crankcase and engine head are fastened to steel plates, which are based on a tubular steel framework and add to the overall strength of the frame.
Additionally, there is a unique single-sided aluminum swingarm with progressive linkage and a single central shock absorber that can be adjusted for spring preload (141 mm of wheel travel), as well as an inverted fork with a diameter of 37 mm and 115 mm of travel.
The contemporary 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels are shod with 110/70 tires up front and 150/60 tires in the back. The brakes are equipped with a 240 mm diameter disc with a two-piston floating caliper at the back and a 300 mm diameter semi-floating double disc at the front with a radial master cylinder. ABS is given. There features a 14.8-liter gasoline tank and a 795-mm seat height.
In terms of equipment, the Tornado 400 is equipped with the newest model of overlapping poly-ellipsoidal twin headlights, rather than the standard full-led headlight unit.
The 5-inch TFT color screen on the handlebar, which includes a remote control and Bluetooth connectivity to connect to a mobile phone and show incoming calls and notifications, is in charge of the instrumentation.
Furthermore, you may use the dashboard of your bike as a navigator by downloading an app on your phone and connecting via Wi-Fi. Additionally, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is available. Additionally, a USB connector is included with this compact sports bike.
Benelli Tornado 500
The “biggest” of the three Tornado sisters, the 500, is the last one we discuss. Aggressive lines and small proportions are also included in this modern design, which is targeted towards the worldwide market. This bike was created entirely by R&D and the Benelli Design Center in Pesaro.
The goal was to add some originality to the style by modeling larger shapes than the other Tornados and by using a unique lighting signature, in which the position lights depict the fangs of a lion, which is the Benelli symbol. The technical foundation of the bike is the same as that of the Tornado Naked Twin 500.
Conversely, the lights are incorporated into the turn signals on the back. The 500 cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine powers the Tornado 500. The maximum torque is 46 Nm at 6000 rpm and the maximum power is 47.6 horsepower (35 kW) at 8500 rpm. Although the engine is “old,” it has previously undergone an upgrade to meet the Euro 5+ standard.
The frame has the same classic tubular steel trellis design as the naked bike. The fork is an inverted Marzocchi with a diameter of 41 mm, adjustable spring preload, and a hydraulic brake that can brake in both compression and extension for a maximum stroke length of 115 mm.
Conversely, the swingarm with the central shock absorber and adjustable spring preload and extension damping is located in the back. Here, the travel at the wheel is 125 mm. 120/70 tires are mounted on the front and 160/60 tires are mounted on the 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
A 320 mm diameter semi-floating double disc with a radial master cylinder and a four-piston radial monobloc caliper on the front wheel power the Brembo brakes. A floating caliper with a single piston and a 260 millimeter diameter disc are located at the back. ABS is the norm.
The instrumentation consists of a 5-inch TFT color screen with excellent quality. It may be used to connect and cancel calls to and from a mobile phone via Bluetooth, and knobs positioned on the handlebars facilitate this process.
You may also use the Wi-Fi connection to make your bike’s dashboard a navigation. Additionally, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is available. as regular USB socket and USBc. The final, crucial information is as follows: the vehicle weighs 186 kg, has a 16.5 liter gasoline tank, and has a 790 or 810 mm seat.
Honda CB1000 Hornet A Comprehensive Four-Cylinder Performance Range
November 8, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
Europe once again saw the Hornet moniker returned with the 2023 CB750. It also received a lot of praise for its sleek streetfighter style, power, and agility, which was evident in its strong sales numbers. Up until August 2023, it was the best-selling naked bike in Europe.
The Hornet family has grown by adding not one, but two new members for the year 2024. The CB1000 Hornet is the leader of the trio, with the CB500 and CB750 Hornet following suit.
Equipped with the 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade’s engine, the CB1000 Hornet has a broad range of powerful inline four-cylinder performance and nimble handling, making it an enjoyable ride in both city traffic and on winding, twisting rural roads.
Its transformational look, inspired by two words, violence and purity, was designed in Japan. The bike has a wide front but taper dramatically towards the back, which is reflected in the simple seat that matches the classic narrow waistline of the Hornet.
The two small projector-style LED headlights are the main attraction, as is the iconic fuel tank. Like the tubular rear subframe with a lattice pattern, the new frame is likewise a design feature, but it is rather darker in this instance.
It’s difficult to overlook the CB1000 Hornet because of its ability to “get miles fast,” high-quality specs, small size, and unique styling—especially for riders who already ride a medium-sized naked bike and want to step it up a level.
The following colors will be offered for the 2024 CB1000 Hornet:
Red Grand Prix
Matte Metallic Iridium Grey
White Pearl Glare
Technical Specification Highlights:
999 cm³ DOHC in-line four-cylinder engine: around 150 horsepower (over 110 kW) maximum torque and peak power of more than 100 N-m
Intake by vertical draft, exhaust by 4-2-1
TBW electronic throttle system, HSTC traction control system, assisted clutch with slip function, and three default driving modes
A brand-new steel frame with double bracing.
Showa SFF-BP inverted fork with a 41 mm diameter and adjustable compression and extension damping
Pro-Link equipped rear monoshock seen in Showa.
Front calipers with four pistons and floating discs measuring 310 mm
Front tire 120/70 ZR17; rear tire 180/55-17
A 5-inch TFT color display including the smartphone connectivity feature Honda RoadSync
Two projector-style headlights with integrated LED illumination and other LED components
VW Crafter Is A Big Van With An ID, Digital Dash, And Buzz-Style Gear Lever
November 6, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
Diesel engines provide its power, and all-wheel drive is an optional feature. By the end of the previous year, more than 354,000 Volkswagen Crafters from the current generation had been sold, making it one of the most well-liked goods in its market.
The vehicle has proven its worth, whether it is used as a dependable panel van, an adaptable dropside, a robust chassis, an opulent Grand California camper van, or a platform for second-stage manufacturers.
Although it isn’t available for purchase in the US, we felt it was significant enough to discuss the brand’s commercial vehicle division’s mid-cycle update.
You can know there are essentially no external changes if you have ever seen a Crafter. The major changes are within the interior, where the Crafter gets a brand-new infotainment system with either a 10.3- or 12.9-inch screen on the dashboard, as shown in spy photographs from September of this year. You may recognize the visuals since the ID. Buzz long wheelbase has the most recent modular infotainment matrix (MIB) as its foundation.
A new digital instrument cluster that is now standard equipment is another example of how things are becoming more computerized. The display includes a variety of menus and information displays, including media libraries, phone controls, navigation, and other features that the driver may select from. All of this is controlled via the new multipurpose steering wheel.
The conventional handbrake of the model before the facelift has been replaced with a new electric parking brake, which is another significant modification.
To free up more room in the central console, the gear lever is now situated on the steering wheel column, much like it was on the ID Buzz. However, manual-transmission vehicles continue to use the previous design. Another feature is a USB-C charging point in the top windshield trim, which permits the use of customized devices without interfering with the driver’s field of view.
In order to meet a wide range of client demands, The Crafter continues to provide a multiplicity of body designs, including panel vans, dropsides, chassis, box bodies, and tippers.
The range comprises manual and automatic gearboxes mated to front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel drive choices. Four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engines producing 140, 163, and 177 horsepower provide the power.
In April of the following year, Volkswagen will start taking orders for the new Crafter in the European markets. Markets in South America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa will follow in the upcoming months.