Aurelia Butler

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    in Motor News

    Join Car-Loving Comedy Writer and Podcast Host Spike Feresten on the Next Episode of Inside Track

    For the next episode of Inside Track, Road & Track’s virtual Q&A series, Editor-in-Chief Mike Guy is sitting down with screenwriter, comedian, and podcast host Spike Feresten to chat about his hugely popular Spike’s Car Radio podcast and his experiences writing for comedy icons—and car lovers—David Letterman and Jerry Seinfeld.It’s all happening on Wednesday, June 9, at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT), and we’d love for you to join us!Register Here In this episode, Mike will chat with Spike about what it’s like hosting a podcast alongside industry leaders and Hollywood’s biggest gearheads. We’ll also learn what it’s like working as a screenwriter for some of TV’s biggest hits including Seinfeld, Saturday Night Live, and Late Show with David Letterman (to name a few). If you want to see it all go down, head over to our sign-up page here. Inside Track is one of the many offerings of the newly revamped Road & Track magazine. We’re hosting live events, virtual experiences, and adventures around the globe. We’ll also be hosting driving rallies at race tracks and on the most epic roads, holding discussions and debates on cool topics with some of the most influential people in the car world, and giving you the white-glove treatment at concours and auto show events.Register Here If you want to get in on the fun, become a member of The Track Club. You’ll get every issue of the magazine, plus a whole lot more. Find more details on the membership tiers and exclusive discounts at roadandtrack.com/join, and check out our experiences lineup at experiences.roadandtrack.com.This content was provided by the Road & Track marketing team.

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    in Motor News

    Graveyard of Rusted Cars Kept Lake Michigan Erosion at Bay, and They're Still There

    It was a different time, a time when you could just shove huge hunks of metal off the edge of your property and onto the Lake Michigan beach below.This is what residents in Saint Joseph, Michigan did in the 1960s, after trying other bulky items in the ’40s and ’50s, as they tried to stop the erosion wearing away their homes. The state put a stop to the practice, but the rusted cars are still there today. Desperate times call for loud, gravity-based measures. Saint Joseph, Michigan, in the late 1960s experienced just such a time, and the physical effects of local citizens’ desperate measures found a home on the Lake Michigan shoreline. There, when conditions are right, the rusted remains of hundreds of automobiles can be seen piled up on the beach even today, as this video from TV station WZZM shows:
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    Now overgrown, this “car graveyard” has been common knowledge in the area for decades, but it’s not a popular tourist destination. It was created out of necessity, when homeowners on the bluff above started rolling old cars down the hill as a way to try to prevent the lake from eroding the land their homes sat on.

    Water levels were high in 1967, the year the first cars were turned into a breakwall, according to local TV news station WZZM. Erosion under the homes became a thing after the city of Saint Joseph built piers along the city’s main channel and out into the lake. The piers redirected the lake’s natural current toward the 50-foot bluff, which then eroded over time. As the bluff kept disappearing into the water, larger and larger items were sent to their final resting place through the 1940s and 1950s. The problem, of course, is that these home-brewed efforts just kept redirecting the current, local historian Nathan Voytovick told WZZM.”All that did was push the problem to the neighbor next door,” Voytovick said. “The people began panicking. They began chucking debris, anything that they could find, over the bluff to stop the waves. Washing machines, dryers, beds and even cars were tossed over the edge.”Saint Joseph resident Carl Kuyat was the first to push a car over the edge, and Voytovick said more than 150 cars ended up on the shore. Other put the number at closer to 230 cars, but however many made the fall, they’re still there today.
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    The video above, posted to YouTube by Ruin Road in 2017, gives some up-close views of the hunks of metal, plus other debris, like a child’s tricycle and concrete chunks, that were used to stop the erosion. It also shows how plants have now made their own homes in the pile. When water levels in Lake Michigan are low, the rusted frames and ruined tires look easy to access, but there are signs warning people not to attempt to climb down from above.

    A 2020 video report by the South Bend Tribune (St. Joseph is near the Michigan-Indiana border) showed how recent erosion exposed the mess to the lake’s waters once again. The video says “it is unknown if fluids were drained from the cars,” but we have our guesses.
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    in Bike

    2021 MV Agusta F3 Rosso Revealed – Gets Updated Powertrain, Features

    2021 MV Agusta F3 RossoMV Augusta F3 Rosso is pitted against the likes of Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and Ducati Panigale V2
    MV Agusta is a leader in getting art and superbikes together. All their motorcycles are scorching head turners. Not just looks but the motorcycle from the Italian brand also possess some feisty performance which makes them one of the most loved machines on tracks. The company has updated another one of its speed demons for 2021 with updated emission norms and a few additional techs.
    The Italian superbike maker has updated F3 Rosso for 2021 which is now Euro-5 compliant and gets a brand-new set of electronics. However, the upgrades are far more complex and nuanced which is said to offer even better driving pleasure without compromising on environment.
    2021 MV Agusta F3 Rosso
    Design
    In terms of design, the overall styling of F3 Rosso is still intact with subtle tweaks added to accentuate the bike’s sporty appeal. As evident, the design of F3 has been derived from its larger sibling F4 which is considered to be one of the best-looking motorcycles ever made. It continues to feature a single-pod headlight, a fully-faired design, rear-view mirrors mounted on front fairing with integrated turn indicators and split-style seats.
    The exhaust setup has been revised slightly. The triple-outlet rectangular exhaust canisters are now wrapped in a black heat shield instead of the old silver one which looks sharper. In addition, the dazzling Agostini Red colour scheme with the contrasting black engine-gearbox assembly and underpinnings would swoon the hearts of any racer.
    2021 MV Agusta F3 Rosso
    Updated Features, Rider Aids
    The updated equipment gets a new 5.5-inch TFT instrument console with legible readouts, however, the graphics seem underwhelming. The display comes with Bluetooth connectivity as well as MV Ride App which can be paired to any Android or iOS device which enables riders to customise the settings according to their liking. It also provides turn-by-turn navigation and allows riders to share their trip information on social media platforms.
    2021 F3 Ross also gets an updated set of electronics with a new IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) platform. It is now offered with cornering ABS which has been developed by Continental and a lean-sensitive traction control system for a better grip on the road. MV Agusta has provided an updated Front Lift Control system or wheelie control in common terms that allows a controlled wheelie rather than prevent it altogether.
    More Accessible High-End Performance
    The middleweight superbike is still powered by the same 798cc, inline three-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor but has undergone some small yet significant updates. The DLC (Diamond-like-Carbon) coating on cylinder walls and redesigned valve guides have resulted in a reduction in internal friction. Other updates include new injectors offering more injection pressure and a revised exhaust manifold have led to better power and torque curves.
    2021 MV Agusta F3 Rosso
    Although the output figures of 145 bhp at 13,000 rpm and 88 Nm at 10,100 rpm are almost similar to its predecessor, the peak torque is now achieved 500 rpm earlier. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox which gets a new clutch basket and a third generation Quick-Shift EAS 3.0 bi-directional quick-shifter which makes faster and smoother shifts.
    No changes have been made to its suspension setup which gets Marzocchi USD forks at front and a Sachs mono-shock at rear, both fully adjustable. Prices for the updated F3 Rosso are expected to be announced in coming weeks. Its launch in India remains uncertain as MV Agusta currently has no local distributor since Kinetic-owned MotoRoyale terminated the agreement with the company a year ago. More

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    Seatbelt For Motorcycle Riders Patented By Italdesign

    Motorcycle seatbelt patent by Italdesign
    The system is built around a backrest shell and sensors which are controlled by onboard computers
    Seatbelts have proven to be a boon to vehicular safety and we cannot thank Volvo enough for not just creating them but also releasing the patents to the entire world. While this simple and purely mechanical technology has been a mainstay for safety in vehicles with four or more wheels, it strangely hasn’t found any place in two-wheelers.
    However, it seems that an Italian designing firm has come with a solution regarding this. Italdesign has patented a smart seat belt system for motorcycles and scooters which will protect the rider in case of an accident. The company is also responsible for creating some of the most iconic automotive designs including Ducati 860 GT, first-gen Volkswagen Golf and Lamborghini Gallardo.
    This system has the capability to recognise the type of accidents and react accordingly and thereby minimising possible injuries. It has been designed to keep the rider in place in certain accidents while in other kinds of accidents it allows a rider to separate from the bike if and when needed. This is carried out with the help of onboard computers and sensors.
    How Does the System Work?
    The system is built around a rigid, shell-like backrest that is attached to the two-wheeler via a flexible joint. The rider wraps around the backrest shell is a type of 6-point harness allowing the rider to move to a certain degree. A quick-release system that allows the entire backrest shell to get uncoupled from the two-wheeler when needed.
    Motorcycle seatbelt patent by Italdesign
    In the event of an accident, the algorithms from the computers will be able to identify the best course of action whether to release the rider or hold them intact. It is somewhat similar to deployment of airbags in cars.
    Motorcycle seatbelt patent by Italdesign
    In case of a head-on collision, the system will keep the rider in place and thus prevent him/her from being flung off the two-wheeler and making the situation grimmer. In other cases like losing traction around a corner and sliding the system will detach the rider from the vehicle along with the backrest.
    Applicable to which kind of vehicles?
    It is still unclear as to which stage of development this system is in. While the idea appears to be an interesting concept, more details on it will help us reach an appropriate judgment.
    And although the smart seatbelt mechanism does allow a wee bit of movement for riders, it certainly does not seem suitable for engaging types of motorcycles where movement of body is of paramount importance to gain optimal performance. At best, it could be tried out for beginner riders or at scooter and commuter motorcycles. More

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    in Electric Cars

    Ford EV Plans For Future Revealed – Bronco Electric Could Be A Possibility

    Ford EcoSport Electric In Bronco Styling – RenderThe upcoming lineup of Ford EVs will comprise battery-powered versions of Explorer, Aviator and maybe Bronco as well
    With future of the global automotive industry heavily dependent on battery-powered solutions, automakers worldwide have started planning their future ahead accordingly. One of the largest auto manufacturers Ford recently held a Capital Markets Day presentation which was mostly dedicated to future electric vehicles to be rolled out by the company.
    The American carmaker announced that it will be launching new dedicated electric vehicle platforms and will develop new IonBoost batteries for future EVs. The company estimated that almost 40 percent of its global sales will be EVs by the year 2030. Laying the groundwork for its next decade of vehicle production teased several new products and services.
    Future EV Platforms
    The Blue Oval brand announced that it will be spending more than USD 30 billion on electrification of vehicles by 2025. The company had previously committed USD 22 billion toward electrification.
    Furthermore, it went on to add that it currently possesses five global vehicle platforms but with EVs coming into picture, these architectures need to be reimagined to meet required conditions. Cars based on these new platforms will be able to share motors, gearboxes, battery packs and battery management systems across the lineup.
    Ford Electric Platform
    This is in addition to other cross vehicle technologies which will enable Ford to share up to 80% of a vehicle’s components across its portfolio. The company also previewed its upcoming RWD / AWD BEV Flexible Architecture which will underpin several new generation models of high-volume battery-powered vehicles between now and 2030 including some ‘rugged SUVs’.
    Prospective Ford EV Lineup
    While Ford didn’t dive into specifics, it confirmed that the upcoming platform will be available in two derivatives- one for 2- and 3-row crossovers, cars and SUVs and the other mid-size and full-size pickup trucks. The former category will comprise models such as electric versions of Explorer and Lincoln Aviator. Although the American carmaker didn’t specifically mention it, we also expect an electrified Bronco underpinned by the same architecture in future.
    The second derivative will underpin the F-series pickup trucks for example the next-gen F-150 Lightning which could arrive as early as 2025. The first-gen model made its debut a few days back and is expected to go on sale in the coming months, it is also expected to form bases for electric versions of Expedition and Navigator.
    Ford Electric Platform
    The electrification of the pickup segment is critical for Ford since it expects about 1/3rd of full-size pickup trucks to be fully electric by 2030. This would mean around 800,000 electric pickup trucks will be produced annually.
    Battery Development
    Ford also shed light on its battery manufacturing segment and revealed that the BlueOvalSK joint venture will develop battery packs and arrays at two different facilities in the US. The next generation of batteries from Ford will be called IonBoost+.
    The company also unveiled its plans would include development of IonBoost lithium-ion batteries, IonBoost Pro lithium iron phosphate batteries (for commercial vehicles), and long-range, low-cost solid-state batteries. The carmaker finally added that it will be expanding its commercial vehicle business by nearly double to $45 billion by 2025. More

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    in Motor News

    SSC Gave the Track-Only Tuatara 500 More Horsepower

    The SSC Tuatara is one of the more extreme cars on sale right now. With a 1750-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 and a verified top speed of 282 mph, there isn’t much else out there that can compete. If you think those numbers just aren’t extreme enough, don’t fret. The company has just revealed two new variants of the car, each more extreme than the next. The first, dubbed the Tuatara Striker, gets a heaping of added downforce over the normal car thanks to a new fixed rear wing with an added active element, a vertical stabilizer, a large splitter, dive planes, vaned side rockers, and an augmented diffuser out back. SSC claims approximately 1100 pounds of downforce across the car at 160 mph—triple what the base car produces at the same speed. The weight is distributed 45.4 percent front and 54.6 percent rear, “ensuring optimized balance, predictability, and exceptional confidence in stability,” according to SSC. The 1750-hp drivetrain remains unchanged, suggesting top speed is down versus the standard car thanks to all the additional drag (SSC did not release performance figures for the Striker).

    Then there’s the Tuatara Aggressor. It’s a track-only variant that takes many of the upgrades found on the Striker and adds a bunch of customer bespoke options not available on the street-legal version, allowing buyers to customize nearly every aspect of the car to their liking. Add-ons include things like five-point harnesses, racing buckets, and even a custom-tuned exhaust sound. The Aggressor can also be ordered with a power upgrade option that bumps output to 2200 horses.

    SSC says production of the Tuatara and its newly announced variants is already underway. The company plans to build 100 examples of the base and Striker versions combined, and another 10 Aggressors. If you want one, we suggest getting your order in sooner rather than later. Just be prepared to lay down the $2 million plus for the opportunity.

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    in Motor News

    Morgan Makes Minor Updates to Its 2022 Lineup

    Yes, the venerable British automaker Morgan is still around and still making sports cars.Both the Plus Four and Plus Six now ride on a new bonded aluminum platform.Model year 2022 will see those cars get some very minor improvements.Morgan is still making cars over in Jolly Old and still selling them here in the U.S. In fact, it has just released the new 2022-model-year version of its Plus Four and Plus Six roadsters, with a small smattering of minor improvements throughout each model.But before we get into that, first maybe we’d better remind you of all that Morgan is and has been. The company was founded in 1909 when H.F.S. Morgan built his first car, a three-wheeled sporty thing called, appropriately, the Three Wheeler. Morgan still makes a Three Wheeler—two in front and one driven wheel in back—that is legal for all U.S. roads.

    The company still has Morgan family members involved, too, with the fourth generation now of age. But the majority shareholder is a company called Investindustrial, with holdings in everything from water parks and chocolate to health care and . . . sports cars. Through it all, Morgan has managed to remain true to its roots promising products made of “ash, aluminum, and leather.” (Sounds like that bumper sticker you had on your custom van in the ’60s.)

    The four-cylinder Morgan Plus Four.
    Morgan Motor Company

    In 2019, when Investindustrial took over, Morgan introduced a new bonded-aluminum platform called CX-Generation. The first model to get it was the Plus Four, so called because it has a four-cylinder engine. The following year the Plus Six got the CX-Generation platform. The Plus Six has, obvs, a six-cylinder powerplant. Both powertrains are from BMW, a power source for Morgan for the past two decades. The Plus Four gets a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo good for 255 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque between 1000 and 5000 revs. You can choose between a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Get the automatic, since it gets to 62 mph quickest, in 4.8 seconds.The Plus Six gets a BMW B58 TwinPower Turbo inline-six making 335 hp at 6500 rpm and 369 pound-feet, with 62 mph coming up in a brisk 4.2 seconds. Which leads us now to the updates for the 2022 model year. Okay, they’re not a lot of updates, but they’ll make for a more comfortable Morgan:A new hood keeps the water out of the engine compartment and eliminates the need for those hood rail fasteners”Vastly improved” seals around the windows and doors, again to keep the rain out, along with some noiseA new Morgan “wings” badge, the first new badge in 10 yearsActive sport exhaust lets you set the sound level of your four- or six-cylinderNew seats offer more comfort and better bolsteringLockable storage More lights insideUSB ports!

    Morgan will make just nine of these Plus 8 GTRs, and you may or may not be able to import one to the U.S.
    Morgan Motor Company

    Morgan is also working on a special project involving several “found” Plus 8 GTRs.”The Plus 8 GTR gives Morgan designers and engineers the opportunity to reignite one of the marque’s heroic legacy models with a ‘gloves off’ special edition,” Morgan said in a release. The project will produce no more than nine examples, and it marks the first in a line of Morgan special projects set to commence this year.”The Plus 8 GTR has only been possible because of the recent availability of a number of Plus 8 rolling chassis, which have been reacquired from a third party following a discontinued project,” Morgan said. Does that sound like a certain Shelby Cobra project from decades ago? “These were all built by Morgan before 2018, and were never used for their intended purposes. All are to be recommissioned and will benefit from the upgrade of selected mechanical components.”Okay.Power for all nine Plus 8 GTRs will come from a 362-hp BMW N62 4.8-liter V-8 engine, mated to your choice of six-speed manual or ZF six-speed automatic gearbox. The catch may be in whether you can import one of these stateside. Morgan states that “the transformed special project will be available in certain worldwide markets, subject to local rules on the importation of European vehicles.” So who knows?
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    There are 12 Morgan dealers in the U.S., as well as one in Mexico and another in Costa Rica. So get to one of those and buy one or two of these. You’ll be doing your part to keep a now-113-year tradition alive.
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    in Bike

    Jawa Classic Matte Black Colour Inspired By Perak – Offered At Authorized Dealer

    Jawa Classic Matte Black. Credit – Jawa Surat / Agozee KustomsJawa is no doubt a beautiful classic worth admiring at, but colour options are fairly limited
    For most people buying Jawa, the choice would be either Black or Maroon. There’s a Grey option as well, but that colour theme may not appeal to everyone. In comparison, Jawa forty two offers lot more colour options such as Nebula Blue (Glossy), Comet Red (Glossy), Starlight Blue (Matte), Lumos Lime (Matte), Halley’s Teal (Matte) and Galactic Green (Matte).
    It’s always possible that a customer wants the standard Jawa, but doesn’t like the available stock colours. In this situation, the right thing to do would be to approach a customization shop. This way, the customer can have their preferred ride in the colour of their own choosing.
    A recent example comes from Surat based agozee_kustoms that has carried out a seamless transformation of Jawa in Matte Black colour. This customization job is done for Seema Bikes, which is the authorized dealer of Jawa India. Cost of the modification is Rs 15,000 – above the cost of the motorcycle.
    Jawa Matte Black key details
    The bike gets Matte Black shade all around. It covers the headlight, front and rear fenders, rear view mirrors, fuel tank, radiator, front suspension, and side panels. Engine, spoke wheels and exhaust have also been blacked out. The only metallic bits that are left can be seen on the headlight ring, turn indicators, rear suspension and kick-start lever.
    Jawa Classic Matte Black. Credit – Jawa Surat / Agozee Kustoms
    The golden pinstriping has been retained in largely the same format as is available with the stock variant. This is an integral design element that gives the bike its retro flavour. The golden pinstriping can be seen on the headlight cowl, front and rear fenders, fuel tank and side panels.
    Jawa Classic Matte Black
    If we compare the customized Matte Black with stock Black colour, the latter can be seen with liberal use of metallic bits. Components like the front suspension, fuel tank, engine, exhaust, rear suspension and spoke wheels wear a metallic shade. For folks with relatively sober colour preferences, the customized Matte Black shade could be an ideal choice.
    Factory finish
    A notable aspect of this customization project is that the workmanship is truly outstanding. The Matte Black shade looks even all across and other finer details have been executed with perfection.
    The bike’s design and Matte Black shade have turned out to be a perfect match. It’s something that the company can consider launching as a new shade for Jawa and Jawa forty two. Something similar is already offered with Jawa Perak. More