An entry-level Porsche Taycan joins the Taycan 4S, Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S, but unlike the other models, this one boasts a rear-wheel-drive layout. This deletes the front power unit, thus shedding approximately 205-pounds of weight and bringing its curb weight down to 4,566-pounds. You’ll be able to choose from a 79.2-kWh battery pack generating 402 hp and 254 ft lbs of torque or an optional 93.4-kWh battery that boosts the numbers up to 469 hp and 263 ft lbs of torque. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
Photo credit: Moto Trainer Simulator
You’ve probably seen plenty of realistic racing simulators, but Moto Trainer could be the ultimate for motorcycle fans. Its proprietary software recreates the world’s greatest tracks, allowing riders to train on every MotoGP circuit around the world. The real-world movements are perfectly synchronized to the digital rendering of their character on-screen. They can then use the on-board laps as a ghost of sorts to train in seamless synchronicity with their on-screen counterpart. Read more for two videos and additional information.
The 1980 BMW M1 is already a rare vehicle to begin with, and this one is from the late Paul Walker and Roger Rodas’ AE Performance collection. What makes this vehicle even rarer is that it’s one of a handful modified by German BMW dealer AHG. In addition to a 75 horsepower boost (350 horsepower total) from its 3,453cc M88 inline-six engine, paired with a ZF five-speed manual transaxle, it also sports a custom body kit, paint job and three-piece 16″ BBS wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan tires. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information about this $350,000+ gem.
H/T: Motor 1
Can a real F1 car generate enough downforce to drive upside down? Engineering After Hours set out to discover if it’s a possibility with his latest project. So, he started with one of his existing remote-controlled cars and then 3D-printed a few parts to generate downforce equal to three times the weight of the vehicle. Unfortunately, its underbody wasn’t able to get a good seal with the racing surface while moving. Read more to see what he had to do to get it working.
Photo credit: Westen Champlin
Westen Champlin is an auto enthusiast with a taste for extreme modifications, and his Ford F-150 Raptor is no exception. Tracks are nothing new and have even been installed on vehicles such as the Tesla Model 3, but how many of them have been taken to the Sahara desert, or at least Little Sahara in Oklahoma? None that we’re aware of, and its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 making 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, is definitely enough to haul it around the dunes. Read more for two videos and additional information.
In factory form, the BMW R 18 cruiser motorcycle comes with a double-loop tubular steel frame, exposed propshaft and spoked wheels. Dirk Oehlerking of Kingston Custom turned this sleek bike into the “Spirit of Passion,” an Art Deco masterpiece. Power comes from a newly developed air / oil-cooled 1,802cc two-cylinder boxer engine generating 91 hp and 116 lb-ft of torque, plenty for cruising down the streets. Aesthetically, the frame has been kept fully intact, but the Kingston fairing is what makes it stand out. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
We have seen the future of tractors, and it’s the STEYR Konzept. Unlike other tractors, this one takes a serial hybrid approach whereby a compact 4.5-liter 4-cylinder unit, works at optimal speed as an energy generator, charging batteries. Why is that significant? Well, the engine is disconnected from the wheels, and traction is provided by four independent electric motors directly installed in the wheel hubs. Read more for two videos, additional pictures and information.
Anyone who follows the supercar scene on social media has probably heard of real estate mogul Manny Khoshbin and seen his massive supercar collection. Where does he store all these expensive vehicles? In a custom garage of course, complete with sci-fi tunnel. Whether it be a one-off Hermes Bugatti Chiron, McLaren P1, Pagani Huayra, Koenigsegg Agera RS, or Porsche 935, he has amassed a collection that is allegedly valued upwards of $30-million. Read more for a tour of his incredible collection.
Nissan’s e-NV200 Winter Camper is essentially an all-electric mobile office that goes just about anywhere and through various terrains. Featuring an on-board 220V power pack that can be recharged with roof-fitted solar panels, an integrated functioning kitchenette, refrigerator, folding beds and insulated glasses to ensure a comfortable stay when out in frigid areas. Tuning upgrades include premium off-road tires, increased ride height for optimum traction and 5400-Lumens twin-spotlights mounted to a reinforced steel bar up front. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
Photo credit: John Calkins
Industrial designer John Calkins is excited about Apple’s rumored electric car, and one of its most important features will be the user interface of the infotainment system. What if Apple decided to work with Tesla in coming years? Well, this is what the Model 3’s infotainment user interface could look like. Think of it as macOS Big Sur meets iPad Pro, with a touch of Elon Musk thrown in. Hyundai confirmed that it’s working with Apple on a car project, but we’ve yet to see any early designs. Read more for a video of Calkin’s UI and additional information.