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    2024 Porsche 911 S/T Is a Manual 911 GT3 RS in a Touring Body

    Porsche’s newest special-edition 911 is the lightest in the current 992 generation. The 2024 911 S/T is a limited edition, using the 518-hp engine from the GT3 RS, the body of a GT3 Touring, and a manual transmission. As a celebration of the 60-year anniversary of the 911, production of the limited edition will be capped at 1963 cars. Pricing will start at $291,650.Porsche is once again trying to prove to the world that it can make each new 911 model feel distinct, and alone in its purpose. And there sure are a lot of 911 models. The brand has now pulled back the sheet on its newest special edition, the 911 S/T.And this time around, the changes are pretty special. Porsche is targeting a blend of the raw on-track performance of the 911 GT3 RS, and the still impressive, if more livable, nature of the GT3 Touring. The only element of the GT3 RS we know for sure makes it over to the S/T is the horsepower figure, which is cranked up to 518 ponies out of the 4.0-liter flat-six. As the S/T is designed for back roads rather than time attacks, the body of the car comes from the more down-to-earth GT3 Touring. PorscheForgoing track day visions of grandeur also allows for a few tenths of pure speed to be taken away. Why is that a good thing? you ask. Three pedals is why.Why Is Slower Better? Three Pedals Is WhyAccording to Porsche, the engineers working on the car developed a new clutch exclusively for the S/T. Combined with a single-mass flywheel, the new clutch reduces the weight of rotating mass in the car by roughly 23 pounds. Couple the reduced weight with the shortened gear ratio (compared to the standard GT3), and response time is noticeably improved, according to Porsche. According to Porsche, the 911 S/T launches to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and can achieve a top track speed of 186 mph. Slower than a PDK-equipped GT3, sure, but still plenty quick. More on GT3/ GT3 RSThe engineers didn’t just reduce weight from the clutch. The hood, roof, front fenders, and doors are all made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), as are the rear axle anti-roll bar and shear panel (stiffening element on the rear axle). The car also comes standard with magnesium wheels. Selecting forged magnesium wheels on the 2023 718 Cayman GT4 RS adds $15,640 to your bill. Porsche also fits the anniversary model with the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system, a lithium-ion starter battery, and lightweight glass as standard. Combine that with the savings in the powertrain, and the S/T tips the scales at 3056 pounds, making it 70 pounds lighter than a GT3 Touring equipped with a manual gearbox. Carbon Buckets It may be obvious from the noticeably absent rear wing attached to the car, but Porsche designed the aero elements of the S/T to be more at home on back roads than a racetrack. The extending rear spoiler comes equipped with a Gurney flap. CFRP bucket seats are standard fare, but the four-way-adjustable Sports Seat Plus option is available at no extra charge. Size 255/35ZR-20 tires wrap the 20-inch front wheels, while size 315/30ZR-21 tires are fitted to the rears. PorscheAs far as styling for the special edition, the optional Heritage Design package, as well as Shore Blue Metallic exterior paint, and the Ceramica wheel color are all exclusive to the S/T. The interior has cloth seat centers in Classic Cognac with black pinstriping. The Porsche logo and the 911 S/T model designation on the rear of the car are finished in a gold color.As a celebration of the 60-year anniversary of the 911, production of the edition will be capped at 1963 cars. Pricing will start at $291,650, and deliveries are expected to begin in spring 2024 for the U.S. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Associate News EditorJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

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    Pininfarina Reveals Pura Vision SUV Concept

    If you’re going to build an electric SUV, it may as well look cool, right? That seems to be the guiding premise behind Pininfarina’s Pura Vision design concept, which will debut at Pebble Beach and previews a possible “electric luxury utility vehicle” that they’ve dubbed “e-LUV”. Not to be confused with the Chevy LUV.To your first and most obvious question: Yes, it does have whitewall tires, possibly the first 23-inch whitewalls we’ve seen. And somehow, that works! It also has forward-hinged doors, rear-hinged doors, and gullwing doors. If the rear hatch were a pair of Lambo doors, that would really cover all the kinds of doors, but we’re still impressed. The gullwing sections span both the front and rear door openings and are hinged to a central overhead backbone. Since there’s no B-pillar, opening everything up creates a portal you could drive a Chevy LUV through. Whether this setup is production-feasible remains to be seen, but concept cars are supposed to be about probing the outer reaches of possibility, not simply previewing a done-deal production car. (Unless they’re Porsche concept cars. Then they’re probably previewing a done-deal production car.)The Pura Vision is a two-plus-two, in the manner of the Ferrari Purosangue. Between the back seats is a wine cooler, and not the Bartles & Jaymes kind—it’ll chill a bottle of your favorite plonk en route to the Hamptons, or Lake Tahoe, or wherever it is that people in Dubai drive for vacations. The upholstery on the upper seat backs and headliner is 30 percent wool and 70 percent recycled polyester, which the company says, “already meets Automobili Pininfarina durability standards for production vehicles.” (Sounds like a hint, there.) The central touchscreen can be powered down into the dash for those times when you’d like to banish touchscreens from your field of view for at least a few minutes.As for the powertrain, well… this isn’t that kind of concept. At Pebble, it’ll be static. But the Pininfarina Battista has 1877 horsepower, so if an upcoming e-LUV got that powertrain, it would probably be able to tow a decent-sized Boston Whaler up the boat ramp. Even with half that corral, it would still be far more powerful than any production internal-combustion SUV. Alas, we’ll have to wait and see on that, and pricing. Car and DriverWhether horsepower is a four-digit number and pricing is a seven-digit affair depends on how high upmarket Pininfarina intends to go. Based on their recent history, the answer there would be: all the way to the top.More from PininfarinaSenior EditorEzra Dyer is a Car and Driver senior editor and columnist. He’s now based in North Carolina but still remembers how to turn right. He owns a 2009 GEM e4 and once drove 206 mph. Those facts are mutually exclusive. More

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    2024 Ford F-150 Refresh Spied before Detroit Auto Show Reveal

    Ford will unveil a refreshed F-150 at the Detroit auto show in September. However, spy photos give us an early undisguised look at the facelifted pickup truck, specifically the top-spec Platinum model. Ford CEO Jim Farley assuaged the potential fears of many traditional F-150 shoppers with forward-looking statements regarding internal-combustion and hybrid powertrains—rather than a push toward electrification. The refreshed 2024 Ford F-150 has been spotted undisguised ahead of its scheduled reveal next month at the Detroit auto show. As we can see in the images captured by our spy photographer, Ford’s gas-fed half-ton pickup truck will get slight revisions over the outgoing model year. While we can only see cosmetic changes, the photos give us a good look at the F-150’s revised grille, headlights, and front bumper, specifically on the top-spec Platinum model. We also have a shot of the truck’s new-look taillights. As people can see, it’s nothing groundbreaking, but perhaps there will be other tweaks inside or under the hood. For that, we’ll have to wait until the official debut.GLENN PAULINA|Car and DriverHighlighting HybridsLast week, following a second-quarter earnings call with reporters, Ford CEO Jim Farley announced that the refreshed F-150 will be revealed at the Detroit auto show, as reported by the Detroit Free Press. Farley also discussed Ford’s plans for future electrification as well as how traditional truck shoppers have nothing to worry about as far as being forced into buying an EV. Despite also selling the electric F-150 Lightning, Farley said that Ford plans to continue to push hybrid vehicles, rather than making a jump towards immediate electrification.”We believe demand for our internal-combustion and our hybrid portfolio will be . . . potentially longer and richer than most expected,” he told reporters. “We made sure Ford is profitable as we move through this ICE-to-EV transition.”The report by the Free Press also confirmed the popularity of Ford’s hybrid trucks and underscores why the brand would double down on the hybrid model, with 10 percent of all F-150s and 56 percent of all Mavericks sold being hybrid models. More F-150 NewsAssociate News EditorJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

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    1999 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster Is Our Bring a Trailer Auction Pick of the Day

    A 1999 Lamborghini Diablo VT roadster is up for auction on Bring a Trailer until Thursday, August 3.The droptop Diablo is powered by a 530-hp 5.7-liter V-12 paired with a gated five-speed manual. The Lambo’s “VT” designation means it has all-wheel drive, and it’s said that only 23 examples were sold in the U.S. in 1999.Imagine it’s summertime 1999 and you’re snicking through the exposed shift gates of a brand-new Lamborghini Diablo roadster, with the wind whipping in your hair and Cher’s “Believe” blaring through the speakers.Now come back to the reality of 2023. The last combustion-only Lambo has been sold, but there’s still a chance to bring that imaginary scene to life with the ’99 Lamborghini Diablo VT roadster that’s currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos.Bring a TrailerThe black Diablo on BaT features a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V-12 with a 7500-rpm redline. The engine’s 530 horses arrive when the tach hits 7100 rpm, and 448 pound-feet of torque comes online at 5600 revs. A gated five-speed manual provides a satisfying way to manage the V-12’s fury, which is sent to both axles—hence the “VT” designation that denotes it has all-wheel drive (“SV” models are rear-drive). While the droptop Diablo VT, at around 3760 pounds, was said to be 200 pounds heavier than the SV, it topped out at a claimed 208 mph versus the latter’s 199-mph cap. We didn’t get to strap our test equipment to a ’99 Diablo back in the day, but we did slide behind the wheel of a silver VT roadster as part of its facelift. The exterior makeover included ditching the pop-up headlights for exposed units that were plucked from the Nissan 300ZX parts bin and adopting a set of 18-inch OZ racing wheels. Inside, the Diablo received a new dashboard with electronically controlled analog gauges and various ergonomic improvements.Bring a TrailerThe Lamborghini Diablo debuted for the 1990 model year as the successor to the Countach, which is arguably the most recognizable supercar ever built. During its development, the bigwigs at Lamborghini’s headquarters in Sant’Agata sought a top speed of at least 198 mph. The firm’s engineers were able to beat that bogey, with the original Diablo claiming a top speed of 202 mph.It’s said that only 23 Diablo VT roadsters were sold in the U.S., making this a rare opportunity. The BaT auction ends on Thursday, August 3.Driving the DiabloSenior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

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    Bajaj Sales July 2023 – Numbers Decline YoY And MoM

    Bajaj Sales July 2023In terms of sales patterns, Bajaj sales July 2023 saw gains in domestic market in CV space, while other segments suffered slightlyWith immense popularity both here in India and in global markets, Bajaj Auto is one of the most important automakers in the world. The company specialises in both PV and CV sales across both 2W and 3W vehicles.For the month of July 2023, Bajaj saw sales numbers plummeting both YoY and MoM. Last month, Bajaj sold 1,41,990 units of 2W vehicles in the domestic market. Which is down by 14% YoY as opposed to 1,64,384 units sold in July 2022. 2W domestic sales went down by over 24K units MoM as opposed to June 2023.Bajaj Sales July 2023 – YoYBajaj Sales July 2023The company exported 1,26,850 units last month but saw 16% drop YoY as it shipped 1,50,670 units a year ago. In total, Bajaj sold 2,68,850 2W vehicles both here in India and abroad. Because of decline in numbers, Bajaj saw 15% drop in sales YoY in total 2W vehicles.Where CVs are concerned, Bajaj sold 37,273 units in India and sales doubled with 101% YoY growth. The company even exported 13,634 CVs, which registered a 35% drop YoY. Because of large headroom in CV sales in the domestic market, Bajaj saw an overall 29% YoY growth with CVs.Bajaj Sales July 2023 – YTDIf we take Bajaj’s sales collectively (2W PV+CV), Bajaj pushed 1,79,263 units in domestic market and shipped 1,40,848 units abroad. In total (domestic + exports), Bajaj sold 3,19,747 units. With this, Bajaj registered a 2% YoY drop in domestic market and 18% YoY drop in global markets. In total, Bajaj saw a 10% drop in sales YoY.YTD SalesFrom April 2023 to July 2023, Bajaj sold 6,84,921 units in domestic market, 4,73,249 units in export markets and 11,58,170 units in total (2W domestic + exports). In effect, Bajaj saw 43% YoY growth within 2W space in the domestic market, but exports saw 31% drop YoY.In total, Bajaj’s YTD sales in 2W space almost match last year’s with less than a 1% drop. Within CV space, Bajaj saw 1,35,898 units sold from April 2023 to July 2023 in the domestic market, 53,086 units in export markets and 1,88,984 units in total. Bajaj registered 138% YoY growth in domestic CV space and 23% YoY decline in CV exports.Because of the high growth in the domestic market, overall CV sales YTD saw 50% YoY growth. In total (2W PV + CV), the company sold 8,20,819 units in domestic markets and 5,26,335 units in export markets YTD. This way, the company registered 53% YoY growth in the domestic market and 30% YoY drop in exports. In total, there was a 5% YoY growth YTD. More

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    Royal Enfield K1D Power Cruiser Design Leaks – To Get Himalayan 450cc Engine

    Motorcycle in the image is a Benelli 502C – For reference onlyRoyal Enfield is the leading two wheeler maker in the 350-500cc segment – They will launch a range of new motorcycles to maintain leadershipRoyal Enfield has plans to launch 4 new motorcycles every year. One of these new motorcycles will be the K1D. This is the codename of Royal Enfield’s upcoming power cruiser, which will be powered by the same engine that will power the upcoming Himalayan 450cc. Design sketch of the Royal Enfield K1D power cruiser has now leaked online. From what it looks like, it is a direct inspiration from Ducati Diavel, one of the OGs in the “power cruiser” genre.Royal Enfield K1D Power CruiserFor starters, it is likely that Royal Enfield will have a slightly different-looking motorcycle than the Ducati Diavel, Benelli Leoncino and Bajaj Dominar range. But pulled-back handlebars, front set footpegs, relaxed and ergonomically upright seating posture are most probable.Royal Enfield K1D Power Cruiser LeaksThis motorcycle will come off as muscular and will flash its muscle to dominate rivals (see what I did there?). Given that the single-cylinder 400cc to 500cc motorcycle genre has had a bit of an uproar in the recent past, Royal Enfield would logically consider launching it in this segment. It will go against Triumph Speed 400 and Harley-Davidson X440.What to expectRoyal Enfield’s new 450cc single-cylinder engine will go on a bunch of other products before gracing on this new power cruiser. As of now, this engine is speculated to produce around 40 bhp of power and 45 Nm of torque. A 6-speed gearbox and liquid-cooling setup seems to be evident.We hope it brings a large fuel tank. Probably 20L to 25L would be nice. Similar to the Thunderbird range of the past. Componentry could include USD front forks similar to Himalayan 450, rear mono-shock unit, alloy wheels, fat tyres, and more.If we take a look at brand’s 13 upcoming motorcycles from their annual report, they don’t have a power cruiser planned in it. It is highly likely to be a project for the next phase of launch. By this logic, the K1D Royal Enfield power cruiser could launch in 2025 or 2026.Source More

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    New KTM RC 390 Spotted Testing – Larger 399cc Engine?

    New KTM RC 390 designThe rumoured 399cc engine on new KTM RC 390 spotted testing recently, could make around 45 bhp and 40 Nm of torqueKTM is testing its new generation of 390 range. We’re talking about the new 390 Duke, 390 Adventure and even a new 390 Enduro (rumoured name). But the most awaited offering in that range has to be the new KTM RC 390. It is a fully-faired motorcycle with a firecracker of an engine with explosive performance.Testing has commenced and we have covered 390 Duke, 390 Adventure and 390 Enduro before. The new set of RC 390 test mules reveal a design that we saw with the 1st generation of RC motorcycles. It is almost like KTM has opened a portal back in time. Let’s take a look at what KTM has in the pipeline for us with RC range.New KTM RC 390New KTM RC 390 Spotted TestingFor starters, KTM fans weren’t too keen on 2nd gen RC motorcycle design at all. KTM had matured a lot with the 2nd gen model by toning down its aggressive design. But it seems like fans really craved that aggressive and quintessential RC look.We are getting it back, though. KTM is bringing back its mean and sleek fairing where projector headlight reside in a pronounced recess. Instead of two projectors in the 1st gen model, the upcoming 3rd gen model will get one projector containing both low and high beams. The new fairing is a lot more sleaker than the 2nd unit.New KTM RC 390 rearCooling and aerodynamics seem to be better too. ORVM stalks are new and look upmarket and more aerodynamic. The rear subframe is naked in this test mule for some reason and is missing its rear subframe body panel. Earlier spy shots had full-body panels along with a vertical LED tail light as well.New KTM RC 390 sideBecause the rear body panel and LED taillights are missing, it looks like rear LED indicators are doubling as brake lights. But that is not the case. It is highly likely that this naked rear subframe along with a rack is only limited with this test mule to accommodate testing data equipment. Also, the new KTM RC 390 will pack an underbelly exhaust too.Is a 399cc engine confirmed?Underbelly exhaust makes the overall machine compact and helps in mass centralization too. Adjustable USD front telescopic forks will let riders finesse suspension on the go. The new banana-shaped custom swingarm is common with 390 Duke as well. There will be a new instrument console too.In terms of ergonomics, it is still committed and the intended audience won’t mind it one bit. Sporty and stickier Pirelli tyres could make it to final production. Rumour mill suggests a larger 399cc single-cylinder engine with over 45 bhp of power and 40 Nm of torque. Quick shifter (up and down), slipper clutch, dual channel ABS with cornering ABS are likely features.Production will happen in India at Bajaj’s facilities. There are multiple instances of new KTM 390 Duke spottings at Bajaj’s production facilities too. Production might start in 2024 with debut probably at 2023 EICMA Show.Image source More

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    2024 Nissan Z NISMO Revealed with Extra HP, Looking Ready for the Track

    On Monday, July 31, Nissan revealed this track-focused NISMO variant of the Nissan Z, which slots in above the Z Performance. With 420 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, the Z NISMO is the most powerful of the current Z cars.There’ll be no manual for NISMO, but a retuned nine-speed automatic transmission and a Track mode for faster shifts. We saw it in spy shots wrapped in camo, and in a teaser video wreathed in tire smoke, but now Nissan has officially unveiled the 2024 Z NISMO. Like most performance variants, the NISMO treatment is focused on upgrades to the track-driving experience, both visually and mechanically. Early WordThe Z NISMO is a step up from the Nissan Z Performance trim. Where that model offers a limited-slip differential, bigger wheels and brakes, stiffer suspension, and better seats, the NISMO takes all that to the next level and adds in redesigned bodywork, stickier rubber, and more horsepower. How Much More Power?Let’s start there. Under the hood, the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 gets a redesigned wastegate, better cooling, and performance-enhancing ignition timing, based off the GT-R NISMO. The results are 20 extra horses and 34 more pound-feet of torque over the standard Z. The Z NISMO makes 420 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, with peak torque from 2000 to 5200 rpm. The hotted-up engine gets a bigger oil cooler too, so you can use all that power on track for longer. No ManualThe Z NISMO will only be available with the nine-speed automatic transmission, but it comes with NISMO-only clutch packs and retuned engine management software, so downshifts are nearly twice as fast and launch control is more aggressive at the start. There’s also a Sport+ driving mode, designed to be quick enough on the downshifts that the driver needn’t even use the shift paddles. Those do remain, though, for those who like to have something to do in the car. The most obvious changes outside the car are where Nissan has extended the front fascia in a visual callback to the G-Nose on the Fairlady 240ZG. The new nose has a reworked grille opening filled with a fine honeycomb mesh to allow additional cooling for the engine. Just in case you might miss that extended spoiler, it’s highlighted with a brash red line. The red stripe runs all the way to the back, and if that’s not enough to clue you in that this is the top Z, NISMO badges and a black-painted roof make this version stand out.Other aero add-ons include extensions at the front corners to channel wind past the wheels, and a three-piece rear spoiler that merges into the top of the rear quarters. Like the Z Performance, the Z NISMO rides on 19-inch wheels, but these are gloss black and 0.5 inch wider. The front wheels are 10 inches wide, and in the back there’s a solid tire patch on 10.5-inch rollers. Despite being larger, they are lighter than those on the Performance. Nissan wraps the new wheels in Dunlop SP Sport MAXX GT600 tires.Behind the wheels are larger 4-piston caliper, 15.0-inch brake rotors in the front and 13.8-inch rotors in the rear, clamped by a heavy-duty brake pad. Chassis changes include additional bracing all around and under the car, increasing torsional rigidity by 2.5 percent over the Z Performance. Instead of the carbon driveshaft found on the other Z, the track-ready NISMO goes back to steel. Stiffer bushings and mounting points as well as larger dampers add to the NISMO’s track agility. NissanRedInside, the red theme continues on the anodized Stop/Start button and the drive mode selector. New graphics in the digital display echo the red exterior outline, and flash a NISMO-only animation on startup. Leather and faux suede Recaro seats (manually adjusted only) showcase a red center and NISMO logos in the headrest, and even the steering wheel was redesigned with a red accent mark at the top. NissanThe Z NISMO comes in a choice of five colors, four of which are available on all Z trims, Brilliant Silver, Passion Red, Black Diamond Pearl, and Everest White Pearl and one of which is a NISMO-exclusive, the slatey-blue Stealth Grey.Pricing has yet to be announced, but the Z NISMO goes on sale in the fall as a 2024 model.Current and Past ZSenior Editor, FeaturesLike a sleeper agent activated late in the game, Elana Scherr didn’t know her calling at a young age. Like many girls, she planned to be a vet-astronaut-artist, and came closest to that last one by attending UCLA art school. She painted images of cars, but did not own one. Elana reluctantly got a driver’s license at age 21 and discovered that she not only loved cars and wanted to drive them, but that other people loved cars and wanted to read about them, which meant somebody had to write about them. Since receiving activation codes, Elana has written for numerous car magazines and websites, covering classics, car culture, technology, motorsports, and new-car reviews.     More