If dyno numbers were the determining factor in a bike’s comparison test ranking, Team Green wouldn’t have won four of the last five 450 Motocross Shootouts.--Since its last major overhaul in 2019, Kawasaki’s KX450 hasn’t produced the most horsepower or torque in the class. This year is no different, as the green machine’s fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke 449cc engine churned out 51.9 hp and 32.6 lb.-ft. of torque on Dirt Rider’s in-house Dynojet 250i rear-wheel dynamometer. With those figures, it ranks sixth in peak hp and seventh in maximum torque (when including Suzuki’s RM-Z450, which didn’t participate in our 2023 450 Motocross Shootout).Despite its less-than-stellar performance on the dyno, the KX450 mill shines in the dirt. That’s just one of the many reasons why it won our 450 motocross bike comparison test in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, and finished in the runner-up spot this year. Team Green is a prime example that power isn’t everything in this segment.Full story here: https://www.dirtrider.com/tests/kawasaki-kx450-dyno-test-2023/Video By: Bert BeltranRead more from Dirt Rider: https://www.dirtrider.com/

Does Husqvarna’s new 250F produce more peak horsepower and torque than the prior-generation model? To find out that and more, we ran it on our in-house dyno.--One of two completely revamped bikes in the 250 four-stroke motocross category for 2023, Husqvarna gave its FC 250 a redesigned engine that continues to have a high rev limit of 14,000 rpm. Bore and stroke measurements were changed from the prior-generation (2019–2022) models’ 78.0 x 52.3mm to a larger bore of 81.0mm and shorter stroke of 48.5mm. Inside the all-new cylinder head, titanium exhaust valves are 1.0mm larger and controlled by a redesigned exhaust camshaft.Husqvarna says its new fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke 250cc engine is 8mm lower in height and 60 grams less in weight. According to Dirt Rider’s in-house Dynojet 250i rear-wheel dynamometer, it’s also higher in both maximum horsepower and torque. We documented 41.7 hp at 13,400 rpm and 19.3 lb.-ft. of torque at 9,200 rpm, an increase at peak of 2 hp and 0.5 lb.-ft. of torque. With those figures, it makes the most peak horsepower and ranks second in maximum torque of the six bikes tested in our 2023 250F Motocross Shootout.On track, testers noticed better midrange power as well as some characteristics that carry over from prior year models. “The FC 250 has soft low-end, but good high-revving ability and power that shines toward the top-end of the rpm range,” test rider Michael Wicker said. “I prefer the aggressive map 2 to get as much power as possible, and really enjoy the smooth shifting ability of its Pankl Racing Systems transmission.”Full story here: https://www.dirtrider.com/tests/husqvarna-fc-250-dyno-test-2023/Video By: Bert BeltranRead more from Dirt Rider: https://www.dirtrider.com/

Honda’s CRF250R boasts some of the best low-end to midrange power in the class, but signs off before its five main competitors.--In recent years, some manufacturers have followed in the footsteps of KTM by giving their respective 250 four-stroke motocross bikes engines that pump out impressive peak horsepower numbers at high rpm. Honda joined in on this trend in 2018, but the rev-happy red rider lacked bottom-end grunt, which the Japanese manufacturer attempted to remedy in 2019 and 2020.That changed in 2022 when Honda introduced a new platform that placed the meat of the CRF250R’s power from low-end to midrange. It made 1.4 hp less at peak than the 2021 model, but test riders didn’t mind as the new power delivery was much more usable. With no mechanical changes over last year, dyno results for the 2023 machine were unsurprisingly similar.When run on our in-house Dynojet 250i rear-wheel dynamometer, we documented 37.8 hp and 18.0 lb.-ft. of torque from its rear wheel. The CRF250R produces more peak hp than the Suzuki RM-Z250, but less than the others. To learn more about how it stacks up against the competition on the dyno and track, check out our 2023 250F Motocross Shootout.“The CRF250R engine feels very similar to that of the Suzuki RM-Z250 in that it’s easy to use and clean running, but differs in that it’s actually pretty fast,” test rider Casey Casper said. “Its crisp feeling makes the already-light Honda feel even lighter. Also, gearing is unique on the little red rider; I found myself using second to fifth while other bikes were often first to fourth.”Full story here: https://www.dirtrider.com/tests/honda-crf250r-dyno-test-2023/Video By: Bert BeltranRead more from Dirt Rider: https://www.dirtrider.com/

GMC drops the price of the Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 to $99,495 while increasing its range to 440 milesThe GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 will arrive this summer with a base price of $99,495.The model is now expected to have a range of 440 miles, an increase of 10%.Payload and towing capacities have also increased, with the latter now reaching 10,000 lbs.After a brief delay, GMC is set to launch the Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 this summer. It seems worth waiting for the company to increase its product range while reducing its prices.Starting with pricing, the model was initially planned to start at $107,000. That's no longer the case, as the truck has a "final MSRP" of $99,495, including the $1,995 destination charge. That's a savings of $7,505, but it's worth noting that the Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum starts at $87,090, while the Chevrolet Silverado EV RST First Edition starts at $94,500.The other big change is a 10 percent increase in range, with the truck now expected to travel up to 440 miles (708 km) on a single charge. That's not the only number that's increased, as the model is now planned to have a maximum payload capacity of 1,450 lbs (658 kg) and a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg).Thanks to the changes, customers will have a more affordable pickup with improved capabilities. It's a winning combination, and the truck comes nicely equipped with 24-inch wheels, a front brake, and a MultiPro Tailgate. But the real hit is the MultiPro MidGate, which allows owners to extend the 5' 11" bed into the cabin. This allows the Sierra EV to haul items nearly 11 ft. long.The cabin is luxurious and high-tech as it features an 11-inch digital instrument cluster as well as a 16.8-inch infotainment system with portrait orientation. They combine with a panoramic glass roof, Bose sound system and elegant wood trim.Motivation comes from the dual-motor all-wheel drive system that produces an estimated 754 hp (562 kW / 764 PS) and 785 lb-ft (1,063 Nm) of torque in Maximum Power mode. This should enable the truck to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in less than 4.5 seconds. Speaking of fast, the 350 kW DC fast charging capability can deliver nearly 100 miles (161 km) of range in as little as 10 minutes.Other highlights include 4-Wheel Steering, CrabWalk and air ride adaptive suspension. The latter allows the truck to be raised or lowered by approximately 2 inches (51 mm).Source: https://www.carscoops.com/2024/04/2024-gmc-sierra-ev-gets-more-range-and-lower-price-ahead-of-launch/

McLaren was reborn as a lighter and redesigned 740 hp version called the 750S. It's offered in both coupe and spider body styles, and features the familiar twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 behind the seats and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as a premium feature. McLaren essentially underwent mechanical engineering slimming surgery to make the 720S an even faster car. The mid-exit exhaust is lighter, lighter wheels reduce rotating mass, and even pistons from the 755-hp 765LT encourage quicker reaction time when you put your foot down. While the mid-engine 750S isn't a brand new McLaren that's breaking the internet, we think of it as an already impressive supercar that's ready for spring break after doing five-minute ab workouts all winter long.Behind the 750S's cabin is a 740-hp twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that doesn't shy away from applying its 590 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. A seven-speed dual clutch handles the gear shifts. Beyond its raw power, the 750S features a set of lightweight wheels – the lightest standard ever fitted, according to McLaren – and aggressive aero parts that give it more downforce than the 720S. The latest version of McLaren's hydraulic suspension features lightweight springs and shock absorbers that promise to provide greater feedback to the driver when carving canyon roads. Borrowing the responsiveness of the million-dollar Senna, the 750S slows down with an available ceramic rotor and monoblock caliper track brake package. When it comes to navigating life's speed bumps and bumper-wearing parking lot entrances, the 750S will quickly lift its nose at the push of a button. Pirelli P Zero summer tires are standard equipment, and P Zero Corsa and track-focused P Zero Trofeo R rubber are optional. The 750S trim is staggered with 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch wheels at the rear.The EPA rates the 750S for 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.The 750S's interior may be the simplest part of this complex moving sculpture. Inside, Alcantara is standard; There is the option of the Performance interior, which adds nappa leather, or the TechLux package, which gives higher priority and quantity of leather in the cockpit. McLaren keeps most of the interior dark but allows customers to choose the stitching color for an additional fee. Unlike many cars today, the 750S's steering wheel is free of buttons. Mode selection and other driving controls are saved in the central instrument panel area facing the driver. The Spider has less rear cargo space than the Coupe due to space reserved for the power folding roof, but the trunk in both versions is slightly less than half the Corvette's space.The 7.0-inch vertical infotainment screen hosts most controls such as air conditioning, Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting configurator; Android Auto is not offered. A 360-degree rearview camera is standard and has a higher resolution than that used in the 720S for greater clarity.Source: https://www.caranddriver.com/mclaren/

Available in Coupe and Convertible guise, the European-spec model closely mirrors its American counterpart and features a muscular design infused with classic styling cues. Highlights include slim LED headlights, an aggressive grille, and a revised color palette that includes three new hues known as Blue Ember, Vapor Blue, and Yellow Splash.Ford also stated that the convertible has a "fully covered and insulated roof" and that the top can be raised and lowered in eight seconds. Despite the retractable top, there's still enough room in the model's trunk to fit two golf bags.The interior features the familiar 12.4-inch digital instrument panel and 13.2-inch infotainment system. The latter has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as 5G connectivity for streaming music and showing real-time traffic information. The display also runs the Unreal game engine, allowing for immersive graphics as well as extensive customization.The Euro-spec Mustang GT features a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 440 hp (328 kW / 446 PS) and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque. That's significantly less than the US-spec model, which produces 480 hp (358 kW / 487 PS) and 415 lb-ft (562 Nm) of torque. The available active valve performance exhaust pushes the US figures even higher, to 486 hp (362 kW / 493 PS) and 418 lb-ft (566 Nm).The engine can be connected to a six-speed manual or a ten-speed automatic. The Performance Package comes standard and includes Brembo brakes as well as a limited-slip differential. Customers will also be able to get the optional MagneRide suspension, which adjusts a thousand times per second to deliver the "best possible control and comfort."Customers looking for more power can opt for the Dark Horse, which features an upgraded 5.0-liter V8 engine with 447 hp (333 kW / 453 PS) and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque.Government shenanigans can probably be blamed for the reduced output, but the model "benefits from unique chassis tuning including larger rear anti-roll bars, heavy-duty front shock absorbers, front strut tower brace and rear K-brace." The model also features 19-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires.Other highlights include a variety of transmissions and the standard Performance Package. The latter adds an auxiliary engine oil cooler, a lightweight radiator and a rear axle cooler. Buyers will also find a limited-slip differential and an electronic drift brake "designed for both novices and experts to improve their drifting skills."Drifting aside, there's a host of driver assistance systems that include smart adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping assist and evasion assist. The redesigned pony car is now available for order in Europe, with the Mustang GT starting at €59,900 in Germany. Source. https://www.carscoops.com/2024/02/2024-ford-mustang-arrives-in-europe-as-a-neutered-american/

GasGas produces competitive peak horsepower and torque figures in the 250F motocross class, but still has a strange dip in the curves from 3,400 rpm to 5,800 rpm.--While KTM and Husqvarna moved to a new-generation platform of motocross and cross-country models last year, GasGas stuck with the tried-and-true motorcycles it had used since 2021. For all of the red Austrian models, this meant a familiar suspension and chassis setup. In the case of the MC 250F, it retained the same fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke 250cc engine with a 78.0 x 52.3mm bore and stroke. Those dimensions give it a 3mm smaller bore and 3.8mm longer stroke than the 2023 KTM 250 SX-F and 2023 Husqvarna FC 250.With those powerplant differences among others, the 2023 MC 250F spun less peak horsepower and torque than its Austrian cousins. With a Dunlop D404 street tire on its rear wheel, we documented 40.3 hp at 13,600 rpm and 19.2 lb.-ft. of torque at 9,000 rpm on our in-house Dynojet 250i rear-wheel dynamometer. Despite not churning out the highest peak figures in the class and having a noticeable dip in the horsepower and torque curves from 3,400 rpm to 5,800 rpm, the MC 250F engine won over many testers with its characteristics on the track.“The GasGas engine is possibly the most fun of all the 250 four-stroke motocross bikes,” test rider Allan Brown said. “There’s decent roll-on power with tons of top-end and great over-rev, which helps with giving the chassis a lighter feeling. Gear ratios are just OK with a slight gap between the second and third, which is a common characteristic on Austrian bikes.”Full story here: https://www.dirtrider.com/tests/gasgas-mc-250f-dyno-test-2023/Video By: Bert BeltranRead more from Dirt Rider: https://www.dirtrider.com/

This origin is easy to spot, as the special version features a blacked-out grille and bumper to make the car appear lower and wider. This effort is aided by a distinctive divider highlighted in red.This is just the tip of the iceberg as the model features a unique carbon fiber hood with clear accents. The front fenders are also made of carbon and feature vents that "reduce air pressure in the wheel arch and improve brake cooling."Staying true to the performance theme, the wagon is equipped with motorsport-inspired biplanes, "taken almost 1:1 from the apprentices' concept car." The roof rails have also been removed for a "flatter, sportier silhouette", while a huge diffuser with vertical reflectors helps emphasize the car's width.Elsewhere, designers used carbon fiber mirrors and gloss carbon fiber accents. These are accompanied by colorful badges and special 22-inch wheels available in white. Speaking of colors, in addition to eye-catching graphics, the model also comes in Arkona White, Nardo Grey, Chronos Gray Metallic, Madeira Brown Metallic or Mythos Black Metallic paint.While the black cabin contrasts with red and copper accents, splashes of color continue in the interior. But the real highlights are the highly bolstered seats with “RS6 GT” embroidery, as well as the honeycomb center sections.Buyers will also find dark red seat belts, special floor mats and an individually numbered accent on the center console. Dinamica microfiber lining comes standard, but customers can also get open-pore carbon with twill construction.On the performance side, the wagon has a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 621 hp (463 kW / 630 PS) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque. That's 30 hp (22 kW / 30 PS) and 37 lb-ft (50 Nm) more than the standard model.The engine is connected to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission mated to a quattro all-wheel drive system with the same center differential as the performance RS6 Avant. Continuing this component, the car is equipped with a unique adjustable coilover suspension as well as a specially tuned quattro sports rear differential. Other highlights include stiffer stabilizers, ceramic braking system and Continental Sport Contact 7 tyres. Audi says the latter offers "consistently better grip in both dry and wet conditions" while also offering less understeer in fast corners.In terms of raw numbers, the RS6 Avant GT goes from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.3 seconds and hits 124 mph (200 km/h) in 11.5 seconds. If drivers keep their feet firmly on the ground, the vehicle will eventually reach a top speed of 305 km/h (190 mph).Production will be limited to 660 units and deliveries are planned to begin in the second quarter. An entire day is spent assembling the components by hand, which helps explain why pricing starts at €219,355 in Germany and £176,975 in the UK.Source: https://www.carscoops.com/2024/02/audi-rs6-avant-gt-debuts-as-an-uber-wagon-with-621-hp/

Chevrolet is preparing to launch the Silverado EV RST First Edition, and the company announced that pricing will start at $94,500.The Chevrolet Silverado EV RST First Edition will be available towards the middle of the year with a base price of $94,500.The truck will have a range of 440 miles and a 754-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel drive system.Additional variants, including Trail Boss trim, will follow in the future.When Chevrolet introduced the Silverado EV two years ago, the company said the RST First Edition would have a range of 400 miles (644 km) and cost $105,000. Surprisingly, that's no longer the case, as range has increased to 440 miles (708 km) while the price has dropped to $94,500 before the $1,995 destination charge.The announcement comes as the bowtie brand prepares to launch its top-of-the-line hardware towards the middle of the year. When the truck arrives, it will be equipped with massive 24-inch wheels and a fixed glass roof.However, the model is more notable for having an Avalanche-like Multi-Flex Midgate. Allows the 5′ 11″ bed to be expanded to hold 9′ long items. If that's not enough, you can fold the Multi-Flex Tailgate to carry items up to 10 ft 10 inches long.Inside, you will encounter an 11-inch digital instrument panel and a 17-inch infotainment system. These are accompanied by a flat-bottom steering wheel, metallic accents and red trim.Motivation is provided by a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that produces an estimated 754 hp (562 kW / 764 PS) and 785 lb-ft (1,063 Nm) of torque. Allows the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in less than 4.5 seconds when using Wide Open Watt mode.When it's time to recharge, device owners will be grateful for the 350 kW DC fast charging capability, which can deliver nearly 100 miles (161 km) of range in as little as 10 minutes. Reservations will also be rewarded with a complimentary two-way GM Energy Powershift Level 2 Charger worth 19.2 kW.Other highlights include the 4-wheel steering system, which impressed us when we tested it on the GMC Hummer EV Pickup. The model will also have air ride adaptive suspension as well as a towing capacity of up to 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg).At the top of the driver assistance range is Super Cruise with trailer support. Automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning and lane departure warning are also included, along with lane keeping assist. We can also expect other standard security features to be available, which will be announced closer to launch.Source: https://www.carscoops.com/2024/04/chevrolet-silverado-ev-rst-first-edition-gets-10k-price-cut-ahead-of-launch/

The G-Wagen has carried the off-road torch for Mercedes-Benz for the last 45 years. And the boxy SUV hasn't changed much in almost half a century. But for 2024, Mercedes is teasing its iconic off-roader with some excitement, ahead of the EQG EV arriving later this year.The base G550 ditches the V-8 for a new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with mild-hybrid assistance via an exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor. This means the base G-Class makes 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, while the integrated starter generator alone delivers 20 hp and 148 lb-ft. This means a total of 27 hp more than the previous model, but slightly less torque.An updated nine-speed automatic transmission with torque converter provides wider gear ratios overall, while all-wheel drive with a 40-60 torque split comes standard. Even with its smaller displacement engine, the G550 still has excellent off-road ability. Three mechanical differential locks are paired with a transfer case that offers low-range off-road gearing. The same 9.5 inches of ground clearance remain, as do the truck's approach and departure angles of 30 and 31 degrees, respectively.Mercedes has added an Off-Road Cockpit function to its MBUX infotainment system to aid off-road driving. The Off-Road Cockpit displays items such as vehicle position, altitude, steering angle and temperature on the 12.3-inch touchscreen and associated digital instrument cluster, allowing users to personalize the display as they see fit. The "Transparent Hood" function borrowed from the EQE and GLC also continues, allowing the driver to see "behind" the front end of the car using the 360-degree overhead camera.There's plenty of other technology available in the G-Class, including a host of safety equipment that forms part of the standard Driver Assistance package. This includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition and more. The parking package also comes with a 360-degree overhead camera. Buyers can also add features such as adaptive steering support, active emergency stop and route-based speed support.While the base G550 has downsized its engine, the performance-focused G63 remains unchanged. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 carries the same 48-volt mild-hybrid support as the base model, with 577 hp and 627 lb-ft. That's enough power to propel the G63 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.AMG Active Ride Control is a new option on the G63 and adds hydraulic roll stabilization and adjustable adaptive damping for better on and off-road performance. You can get this as part of the AMG Offroad Package Pro.Both the base G550 and G63 receive subtle visual upgrades for 2025. The G63 comes with the new Manufaktur Hyper Blue Magno paint option, standard adaptive LED headlights and a renewed bumper design. You can also choose from six different wheel options ranging from 20 to 22 inches.Source: https://www.motor1.com/news/713760/2025-mercedes-benz-g-class-horsepower-deta