#it's a 4 cylinder engine running on uh | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

icecoldtwin · 4 years

Text

Intro 1 (feat. PAFK)

/Howdy all! This is the mod of this blog, running and keeping it organized for a friend until they decide to take over, if they do! Any and all asks and replies from Luci will be from them, but I’ll be coordinating to them through discord.

I’ll be posting our introductory rp together to showcase Lucifer and how he gets into @punsandfuturekingsmen‘s Arthur’s town, where he’s currently staying. This is part 1! If you read it, please enjoy!

Link to all Intros:

1 (You are Here!)

Lucifer scowls as he kicks at the back wheel of his bike without force, glaring at it hard before he sighs and shakes his head. He was a block away, just a block, from the auto garage he had been pointed to. And his stupid, beautiful bike died a block away. "Fucking scrap metal..." He grumbles before just giving in and pushing it the rest of the way, grumbling to himself the whole time even after he walked into the shop with his bike parked out front.

Arthur felt like the air was colder when he meandered in, but he wasn't sure why. Maybe the heat had been turned down. His uncle gave him a look from behind the counter at seeing him, but Arthur waved him off. He wasn't going to let his uncle pay him to sit around and tinker in his back room. That wouldn't keep the shop running. Arthur shuffled a little until he could see who was waiting. "Oh hey. You guy. You're here for the bike, right? Can you give me a rundown?"

Lucifer looks at Arthur and raises an eyebrow immediately once he looks at him. "Fuck happened to you?" He asks in a small grumble before huffing softly. No it wasn't his business.....but he still wanted to know. "Dunno. It started stuttering down a few roads back then just shut off completely about a block away."

Arthur frowned at him. "It’s been a long few weeks." That was really all he wanted to say, and he clapped his hands together with a soft sound, and rubbed them. "Anyways. You have the keys? I'll take a look. Sounds like you might have a loose fuse."

Lucifer grunts softly and holds the keys out to him as he eyes him. ".....Are you even....medically able to work? No concussion?"

Arthur snorts. "All due respect to ya, I won't hurt your bike, if that's what you're worried about. My head is fine. If I couldn't work, the boss-man here wouldn't let me within a hundred feet of the building." He took the keys in hand, finger through the ring, and swirled them a moment as he made his way back to the garage.

Lucifer scowls and rolls his eyes as he follows after him, tugging off his helmet and fixing his hair with a hand pass.

"Well ex-fucking-cuse me for being concerned someone who looks like a mummy is about to work on my only way of getting around."

Arthur didn’t seem perturbed. Annoyed customers that were a bit rough-around-the-edges weren’t uncommon in the shop. "Hey man, I get it. You're concerned for your baby." He hummed as he made his way to where the bike was resting. There were a few chairs around and when he heard the sound of creaking leather behind him, he snagged one for the guy to sit in. "I'm not judging. But I promise the shape I'm in might be rough, but it's still good." He straddled the bike to turn it on before immediately frowning.

Lucifer huffs and straddles one of the chairs to rest his arms on the back of the chair as he watches Arthur.

"I guess you're the expert. Still, just....I dunno, don't mess it up more."

Arthur's frown was still on, and he touched the metal with his real hand. "Hey. This is like... really cold? How long have you been here again? I thought you just got in."

Lucifer tenses just slightly and narrows his eyes.

".....Is it? Yeah I got here like, a few minutes ago but it's not like it's super-hot outside. It did just stop a ways away too, had to fucking walk it here."

"Yeah but if it was running for a while it shouldn't be this cold." Arthur’s expression was a thoughtful one. "That might be your problem too. I mean, the engine gets super-hot and if you don't let the bike warm up first, the metal doesn't expand to where it should. The pistons will overexpand because they get hot from the bike engine running, but the rest of the metal hasn't warmed up enough to expand first. So that affects the cylinder bores and you can end up with scuffing and maybe even seizures in--"

He had been talking, clearly invested in what he was saying, but when he glanced up at the biker, his voice dropped out.

Arthur blinked. "Uh.....seizures in. uh. that area. Which... can cause parts to break. And your oil flow might not be the best which can... cause other things to break because it's not properly... um. Warm. Enough to circulate, I mean."

Lucifer blinks as he listens - most of it going right over his head. He was never that great with machines like this, that was always-... that was never his own strong suit. But he tries to listen.

At least until Arthur looked at him and he raises an eyebrow at his look before scowling.

"So i just am not letting it warm up enough before driving?"

"Uh.... probably." Arthur saw his scowl and forced himself to look away, though he did shoot another quick glance back. "I mean. Metal is affected by temperature a lot and it can change the size and shape. So if part of the bike is super cold and part is super hot... They're built to connect together kinda perfectly. Like a 3d puzzle. But a puzzle won't go together the right way if some pieces are too small and some are too big. And these pieces move, so when they don't fit it just-- makes things mess up even more."

Lucifer scowls more but this time less because of Arthur and more at himself. So...he was basically ruining his bike.

"Gotcha. So.. basically parts of it are too cold while others are hot."

"Basically." Arthur hummed. He chanced another glance at the guy. "If the oil gets cold it doesn't move as well too. So that can muck up parts that need it if you head out too soon. And I already mentioned the other stuff. If it's running this cold? I could see that causing issues. But I'll see what broke so I can get it fixed up. That's just more a future reference kinda thing."

"Right. Well. Guess it's good to know to try and keep the thing from breaking down again."

Lucifer hums softly, thinking. He'd have to possibly get more layers he supposed. Annoying. But it would help hopefully...

"Yeah exactly." Arthur left the bike, grabbing the handle of one of the rolling toolboxes. He came back and started undoing some of the parts so he could have a look inside. "Hey uh.... can I get your name?"

Lucifer watches him closely, resting his chin in his hand and his elbow on the back of the chair. ".....Lucifer. And yours?"

"Oh-- Arthur. Arthur Kingsmen." Arthur smiled at him. "Like the name on the front. Uh... you look...familiar. Have you uh. been here in Tempo before?"

Lucifer raises an eyebrow and glances down at himself.

"....Pretty sure I'd be more then 'familiar' with how I look. Don't exactly have one of those faces, ya know? But no. Never been here before."

"Well-- i guess that's true." Arthur rubbed at his neck with a wince. "You just uh... look like someone I know. Knew. Sorry." Arthur focused on his work instead, swallowing hard.

Lucifer blinks in confusion and stares.

".....Well, never met anyone who looked like me while I've been traveling. Nice to know I'm not the only giant around I guess."

Lucifer hums as he watches him, frowning lightly.

"-- Yeah." Arthur swallowed again. "It's a bit uncanny. But yeah. I hope you like Tempo. If you're here for a bit I might suggest the pizza place in town for food? Or if you like spicy things, maybe Pepper Paradiso. It's really good. Good milkshakes, too." He only paused in offering it, given Lucifer’s look.

It... might make them sad. But they needed the money right now, too.

"....Thanks I suppose. Dunno how long I'll be staying. Don't really have a place to stay or much money to my name right now."

More like almost none. Hopefully he had enough to cover this but it would be close he was sure....He just hoped a part didn't need replacing that they had to order a part for.

"That's too bad." Arthur frowned. "Hopefully this won't take too long then. But uh-- nevermind." Arthur rubbed at his neck again with another wince, leaning into the bike.

"Thanks at least. I'll keep it in mind in case I do stay."

Lucifer says before frowning as he watches him.

"You sure you're doin alright?"

Arthur nodded. "Oh-- yeah I'm fine. Just forget I'm sore without thinking." He hummed. "No worries. Won't mess up your bike." He leaned further in. "If you do, I think there's a cheap place near here to stay. Tempo doesn't get a lot of people passing through."

"Yeah? Where at? I might as well look it up to see if I can actually afford it, just in case."

Lucifer says and blinks as he realizes where his gaze had been going. Well. He could at least appreciate good looking things. Even if he wouldn't say it.

"You have a smartphone?" Arthur asked as he worked, feeling the guy's eyes on him. He really cared about his bike being taken care of right, didn't he? "I can get you a link to their site you can check out."

"Yeah I do. I need to connect to your wifi though… saving data, ya know?"

He actually didn't even have data. Nor did he actually own this phone. But....the guy didn't need it anymore. So it was fine.

"Oh yeah." Arthur glanced over at him. "Clients get to use it, so you're good. I think the password is on that board behind you? If it's not, I'll ask Lance." He pulled off a piece of the bike, sufficiently loosened, and set it next to him on a creeper.

"Mmm.....yeah. Your bearing seized. Looks like insufficient oil lubrication. Which would make sense if it's running cold and can't circulate. Looks like the journal needs replacing. The crankshaft got too hot. And I don't think we have any in the shop right now so we'll have to order one."

Lucifer glances behind him and puts in the password, frowning slightly. He'd need to charge this soon… he didn't wanna fry another phone trying to charge it his own way...

"....Order one? Ah....any fucking idea of the ballpark of how much that would be?"

He grumbles, sounding angry - but not really at Arthur more just the situation.

If Arthur noticed he was annoyed, he didn't respond to it, focused as he was. "Mmm.... it might be a few days to a week probably?" The place we get them from is a bit aways. But It shouldn't be too long. And journals are cheaper than ball-bearings at least. I can probably get you an estimate at about.... forty, fity ish? For the part and replacing it. Since we'll have to disassemble parts of the engine."

Lucifer flinches. Well. That was about 30 more dollars then he had. And that included trying to get a motel room to keep up appearances...

"Well shit....since I'll be stuck in town for a while it seems....know any places that are hiring?"

Arthur paused, before nodding, swallowing something warm and thick. "Are you good at waiting tables? Or with bookstores...? Go to Tome Tomb or Pepper Paradiso. Tell them Arthur sent you. They're uh... some of the staff isn't available, so they could use some extra hands, I'm sure."

Lucifer makes a small face. That sounded like a lot of people interaction....which most jobs he supposed are. He hated having to be 'customer friendly' though.

"Guess I don't really have much fucking choice...." He grumbles to himself, glaring at his phone as the room drops a little in temperature.

Arthur shivered. Someone must've opened the door to let in more cold air. "Well. What kinda jobs are you good at?"

Lucifer thinks, trying to think of what he could say that would be believable without seeming impossible.

"Well...I'm strong as shit after taco bell, i guess?"

"After....taco bell?" That made Arthur look up, giving him a confused glance. Was that a weird meme he hadn’t heard? You had the power of god and anime on your side, after a crunchwrap surpreme?

"I have no idea what that means. But the restaurant might be able to put you in the back to help move boxes? Or maybe check with my uncle. He's in with some guys who do construction. So he might be able to get you on a job if he likes you."

"I dunno, heard it was a saying."

Lucifer says with a shrug. Not like he ever ate taco bell to fully understand exactly what that meant.

"…I could probably do construction. I guess I'll ask, see which one even works...see which one doesn't fuckin ghost me." He says with a small snicker.

Arthur raised an eyebrow at him, but shrugged. "Tempo is pretty small. You probably won't need to worry about that. You wanna keep your bike here in the meantime?" He hopped off with a stretch. "I can give you a lift to that motel if you want. Though if you do some work for Lance and his buddies, he might let you crash on his couch and save a few bucks."

Lucifer frowns as he thinks, staring down at his phone. "....yeah i guess I'll leave my bike here. And I'll see if...Lance, right? See if he has any jobs. But I'll go to the motel later."

Won't have to pretend as much if he's not staying with someone else after all.

Arthur nods. "Whatever floats your boat. Lance is in the main part of the building. The guy who looks like me but with a beard." Arthur hummed, pointing back towards the front where he'd first come in.

"Ah...short guy who was behind the counter?" Lucifer asks as he stands up, snagging his helmet to rest against his hip.

"Don't call him short to his face if you wanna get a job." Arthur laughed.

Lucifer snorts with a small smirk. "Fair enough. Don't want to insult my possible future fucking boss."

He says with a smirk as he turns to walk back to the other room.

Arthur looks back at him as he heads out. He'd comment on the number of fucks the guy was giving, but he himself didn't have any. And it wasn't like Lance wasn't used to that kinda talk in his circles. "Good luck with that."

Lucifer waves a hand over his shoulder to let him know he heard but doesn't do much more than that. He really hoped Lance did have some sorta job so he didn't have to do…retail.

He didn't want to have to deal with almost punching another dick wads face in while working.

#msa oc #Lucifer 'Jones'#punsandfuturekingsmen #intro post #rping #ic #long post #Luci Reacts

2 notes · View notes

dipulb3 · 4 years

Text

2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e review: More power, more range, more tech

New Post has been published on https://appradab.com/2021-bmw-x5-xdrive45e-review-more-power-more-range-more-tech-2/

2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e review: More power, more range, more tech

The optional M Sport pack adds these 21-inch wheels.

Emme Hall/Roadshow

A plug-in hybrid is the perfect vehicle for someone who wants a little EV goodness, but isn’t ready to make the fully electric commitment. Maybe you want electric power for around-town commuting and errand-running, but you need the convenience and added range of a gas engine for longer drives. If that sounds like you and luxury SUVs are your thing, allow me to introduce you to the BMW X5 xDrive45e.

30 miles of all-electric range

Nicely appointed cabin

Don’t Like

Cargo space falls behind competition

Two-row seating only

The new 45e is an upgraded version of the xDrive40e BMW previously offered. It offers more range than before — as much as 30 miles thanks to a 24-kilowatt-hour battery — while packing a more powerful punch, as well. Where the 40e had a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the 45e gets a 3.0-liter turbo I6. Total output is rated at a healthy 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque — big increases over the 308 hp and 332 lb-ft from the older 40e PHEV. Power gets down to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

There are six drive modes to choose from, ranging from super-efficient to performance-above-all. Electric mode is for pure EV driving and only available when there’s a charge in the battery. Eco Pro maximizes efficiency, while Hybrid blends gasoline and electric power for the easiest everyday driving. Sport puts everything on full attack and will allow the X5 xDrive45e to sprint to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Adaptive will, uh, adapt to your driving style and alter the X5’s parameters on the go. Finally, there’s Individual, where you can have it your way and set everything to your liking.

An air suspension allows for either a comfortable or firm ride quality depending on your preference, and can raise or lower the X5 1.6 inches above or below its standard 8.3-inch ground clearance. The plug-in hybrid X5 is about 800 pounds heavier than a base X5 xDrive40i, and I can definitely feel the weight with the body’s added roll while cornering. But with the suspension set to sport mode, the extra torque from the electric motor pushing me out of turns and the eight-speed transmission working seamlessly in the background, the xDrive45e is still pretty darn fun to drive.

My test car has the optional M Sport package, which adds 21-inch wheels and all-season run-flat tires. These specific tires are a little too hard to provide substantial grip and the low profile means the ride quality is often harsh. The standard 19-inch non-run-flat wheel-and-tire package would undoubtedly improve everything. If you really want a sporty X5, maybe skip the PHEV altogether and check out the V8-powered M50i.

The turbo I6 engine and electric motor produce a combined 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.

Emme Hall/Roadshow

The X5 only has a 3.7-kW onboard charger, so while the battery itself isn’t huge, BMW says it’ll take about 4 hours to charge up to 80% on a Level 2 outlet. If you want the full 100%, you’re looking at 5 hours and 20 minutes. If you have an EV charger at home and can plug in the X5 overnight, this won’t be a problem.

The X5 45e comes with plenty of standard driver-assistance features including blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning and front- and rear-collision warning. If you want things like adaptive cruise control or BMW’s Traffic Jam Assist that combines the ACC tech with lane-centering capabilities, you’ll have to pay extra. Ditto the front cross-traffic alert, which is very helpful when trying to pull out onto a road where cars are parked along the curb, obscuring your view of traffic. If you live in a city like San Francisco where everyone has to park on the street, you’ll find it very useful.

Inside, a 12.3-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster displays every iota of information you could ever need to know about your X5, while the iDrive 7 infotainment system is housed on a second screen of the same size. I personally find iDrive to have a steep learning curve, littered with menus and submenus that could pretty easily be combined, but at least it’s quick to respond to my inputs and the graphics are crisp and clear. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, too. That said, iDrive has a frequent tendency to disconnect from CarPlay while I’m on the go and using a wireless connection.

There’s a ton of tech inside the X5.

Emme Hall/Roadshow

Front passengers have access to wireless device charging, one USB-A port and a 12-volt outlet. There’s a USB-C port in the center armrest and rear passengers get two USB-C outlets embedded in the front seatbacks. There’s another 12-volt outlet for backseat riders and a third 12-volt plug in the cargo area, too.

Because the hybrid battery is positioned in the floor of the SUV, cargo space is pretty much the same as a standard X5, but it’s still not great. Behind the second row you’ll find 33.1 cubic feet of space, expanding to 56.5 cubes when folded. That’s less than the Lincoln Aviator, Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Volvo XC90. If you need three rows of seats, stick to the full gas-powered X5 variants or look at the Aviator or Range Rover Sport.

My tester has a white interior, which makes for a sharp contrast with the silver-and-black textured trim. The glass shifter adds a touch of over-the-top luxury and the standard heated front seats are a boon for my bottom. Ventilated and massaging front seats are available, as well, if you’re willing to spend a bit more cash (I am). In all, the X5 is a very comfortable, if starkly designed, place to spend day-to-day life.

The X5 might not be the most spacious SUV, but it’s one of the better to drive.

Emme Hall/Roadshow

The X5 xDrive45e starts at $66,395 including $995 for destination, and the one you see here costs $81,695. I’d definitely skip the M Sport package but would add all the driver-assistance features, massaging seats, heated armrests and upgraded leather. In other words, you can get a really nicely optioned X5 PHEV in the low- to mid-$70,000 range, no problem.

The 2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e is a great option for those who want to dip their toes in the electrification pool. It might be slightly smaller inside than some competitors, but with its good on-road manners and tons of luxury and tech, it’s one of the best all-around luxury PHEVs you can buy.

0 notes

perksofwifi · 4 years

Text

7 Classic 4×4 Models That Deserve a Comeback

The Land Rover Defender and the Ford Bronco having been reanimated for release into the American automotive population (plus the ongoing popularity of the Jeep Wrangler) serves as proof that public interest in capable 4x4s hasn’t been dampened by the swarm of pavement-oriented crossovers that currently dominate automotive sales charts. To mark this off-road reawakening, we decided to put together our own list of 4×4 nameplates that deserve a similar resurrection in the States. These venerable classics have been left out in the cold for far too long, and are primed for a comeback of their own on both street and trail. Which would you bring back first?

Isuzu Trooper

It could be argued that the Isuzu Trooper has already had its nine lives, given that over its first two generations it was rebadged as an Acura (SLX), Subaru (Bighorn), Chevrolet (uh, Trooper), Opel (Monterey), Honda (Horizon), Holden (Jackaroo/Monterey), and of course SsangYong (Korando Family).

But what’s one more go ’round between friends? Especially given that the ’80s/’90s Trooper was one of the most solid SUVs of its era, delivering low-range four-wheel drive, a choice between four- and six-cylinder power, and both two-door and four-door body styles. It was Japan’s affordable Swiss Army knife sport-utility, which explains in part why it was such a popular choice for automakers seeking a pinch hitter for their own showrooms.

Isuzu’s out of the American passenger vehicle market today, but given the Trooper’s penchant for cross-pollination there’s no reason it couldn’t reemerge under any number of brands today. In fact, combined with rustic upright styling, it would be a perfect foil for import badges seeking a competitor to the Bronco.

Dodge Ramcharger

The Ramcharger name was found on a number of different models in Dodge’s history, but the most compelling and longest-lived was the SUV offered between 1974 and 1993 (limited production carried on in Mexico for a few more years). The Ramcharger—and its Plymouth twin, the Trailduster—was a direct answer to the success of the Chevrolet Blazer, meaning it, too, was based on the brand’s full-size pickup chassis and offered a removable fiberglass shell over the rear riders. The two-door truck was found exclusively with V-8 power, and while it lost its convertible cred in the ’80s, the Ramcharger is sought after today due to its lower production numbers compared to the Chevy and its later full-size Bronco contemporaries.

Dodge currently lacks a four-seat SUV (with the Durango featuring three rows of accommodations), and it certainly doesn’t have anything like a sporty two-door 4×4 in its lineup. Launching a more street-friendly version of the Ramcharger based on the Wrangler platform would attract more than a little attention from the crowd.

International Harvester Scout

The Scout and the Scout II were prototypical SUVs from Fort Wayne, Indiana, that helped set the tone for much of what was to come later from Detroit. Early models provided a strong focus on balancing utility with price, but by the end of the ’60s the Scout had evolved into a reasonably powerful, V-8–powered trail rig with a fold-flat windshield and a removable top of its own.

The Scout II would debut for a 10-year run in 1970 and add a modest amount of refinement to the original concept, improving engine choices while maintaining the truck’s classic styling. It was even available in a ‘Soft Safari’ model that featured a full fabric top with fiberglass half-doors in a bid to compete against the open-air Jeeps and Broncos of the time.

Although the Scout offered a driving experience that could occasionally be defined as agricultural, its off-road acumen was never questioned, nor was its strong durability. With aftermarket outfitters like Icon increasingly making an impact on the SUV scene, the Scout would seem to present an alluring opportunity to do something different in the six-figure restomod space.

Jeep Wagoneer

The Jeep Wagoneer and its various offshoots such as the Cherokee and Grand Wagoneer played a huge role in introducing America to the idea of a family vehicle that could also tackle whatever obstacles Mother Nature might throw in its way. Designed in the early ’60s but in production all the way to the beginning of the ’90s, the Wagoneer—especially the later Grand Wagoneer model—broke new ground in terms of proving markets truly did exist for luxury SUVs.

If you’ve been craving Grand Wagoneer 2.0 you’re in luck, because Jeep is developing a modern version of this hauler for the 2022 model year. Intended to serve as a three-row rig capable of legitimate off-roading, it seems certain that the upcoming Wagoneer will carry forward the past version’s impressive capability and comfort, if not the wood paneling available off and throughout its history.

Suzuki Samurai

Nowadays 4x4s have to be big, brutish, and buff to attract attention, but there was once a time when the pint-sized Suzuki Samurai was doing big business in a small package. Although still available today in other markets as the Jimny, the Samurai’s American glory days were from the 1986 to 1995, when it would enjoy status some years as the bestselling convertible in the country.

Ignoring the Suzuki’s propensity to roll over when driven without care (thanks to its ultrashort wheelbase), there was a lot to like about the Samurai. With a small footprint it could access trails verboten to larger trucks, and its affordable price made it popular with DIY outfitters seeking to customize on a budget.

There’s absolutely no doubt that the Jimny would be a runaway success were it offered once again in the United States. After nuking its U.S. sales nearly a decade ago, however, Suzuki would have to get creative in partnering up with an existing brand.

Isuzu Rodeo

The Isuzu Rodeo is another well-traveled 4×4 platform that did service for Acura, Chevrolet, Honda, and Opel from 1989 to 2005. The Rodeo was the name given to the four-door model (MU Wizard in Japan), with the two-door (just plain MU) also offered in America under the Amigo and later Rodeo Sport nameplates.

Like the Trooper, the Rodeo was a body-on-frame, traditional 4×4 motivated by a similar mix of frugal four-cylinder motors and torquey V-6s. Unlike the Trooper, the soft-top model was fairly popular and enjoyed a longer run in dealerships as a result. It was among the last Japanese SUVs to offer once-ubiquitous legitimate off-road capability before most such vehicles were replaced by cute utes and crossovers.

“Rodeo” is just too good of a name not to use on a modern 4×4, but like the Trooper, there would have to be some corporate synergy to resurrect the moniker. We’d point to Toyota as a likely candidate, given its propensity for partnering up with third-party constructors, but it’s unlikely it would challenge the popularity of the 4Runner with an in-house rival.

AMC Eagle

In any eerie presaging of what the passenger vehicle market would eventually look like, the AMC Eagle—whether in coupe, sedan, or wagon body styles—provided early-’80s freethinkers with the 4×4 not-quite-a-truck-or-SUV conveyance they had long been looking for. Absolutely everything about the Eagle, save perhaps its wood veneer body panels, was ahead of its time. Not only could it dispatch moderate off-road trails with ease, it was the first four-wheel-drive car to be sold in the United States, beating Audi and Subaru to the punch in a package they would each come to imitate.

With the age of crossovers upon us, it’s so very clear that the Eagle’s moment to shine has finally arrived. Is the world ready for a Chrysler Eagle Hybrid Utility Wagon? Only FCA’s brand strategists know for sure.

The post 7 Classic 4×4 Models That Deserve a Comeback appeared first on MotorTrend.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/classic-vintage-4x4-suv-models-that-deserve-comeback/ visto antes em https://www.motortrend.com

0 notes

thomasroach · 6 years

Text

Devil May Cry 5 All Enemies Guide

The post Devil May Cry 5 All Enemies Guide appeared first on Fextralife.

All Enemies Guide for Devil May Cry 5, featuring the in-game model images and descriptions by Nico, as well as where to find the enemies and some tips on how to take them on. If you want to learn more about DMC5, see our Bosses and Weapons guides as well!

All Enemies in DMC 5

There are a total of 19 unique enemy types in the Devil May Cry 5, and each enemy has its own moveset, strengths, and weaknesses. Some enemies can block and deflect attacks, some enemies have special rage modes, and others can only attack on melee or range. Learning their attack types and weaknesses is key to success, so read on for a full list of all creatures found in game and the best way to deal with them.

Baphomet Behemoth Chaos Death Scissors Empusa Empusa Queen Fury Green Empusa Hell Antenora Hell Caina

Hell Judecca Hellbat Lusachia Nobody Proto Angelo Pyrobat Red Empusa Riot Scudo Angelo

Empusa

Found in all non-boss missions.

They aren’t a real threat my any means, and are grappable at all times.

Melee Attacks Only

“Seems you’ll be running into a lot of these ugly suckers— and I mean “suckers” literally!

The good folks of Red Grave have had their blood sucked dry by these lil’ worker ants. Once the creatures have a butt full of the red stuff, they carry it off to the Qliphoth.

Well, on the plus side, they are pretty dumb—they might even ignore you and keep working until you turn on the heat. Be careful, though. Worker ants don’t seem so weak when you’re being swarmed by ’em.”

Green Empusa

Found in the Prologue and subsequent missions (frequent in harder difficulties)

Does not attack the player

Should be a priority for defeat, can be grappled at all times.

“If you thought those other bugs were bad, you’re really gonna hate these guys.

The green stuff in their butt ain’t any kind of blood—it’s a healing nectar that’ll fix up other demons’ wounds in no time at all.

My recommendation: Kill these first, before they make themselves a nuisance.

Oh, and it looks like they spit some kinda poison juice too. So, uh, maybe bring an umbrella.”

Red Empusa

Drops large amounts of orbs

Found in most missions, special Red Empusa groups reward players with blue / purple / gold orbs. See Walkthrough for details.

Higher difficulty Red Empusa attack the player

Interrupt their escape with a high-impact combo

Grappable at all times

“Ooh mama, this is a rare ‘un.

Just goes to show the power o’ blood—this one’s sucked up so much of the red vino that it’s crystallized its body. You could probably knock some of the crystals off with a few hits, or take this guy down and get the whole lot.

Trouble is, from what I’ve seen, these shy lil’ monsters are mighty skittish. First sign o’ danger and they’re outta there. Better work quickly if you want the big payoff.”

Empusa Queen

First found in Mission 05 (V). Appears from Prologue in harder difficulties

Can enrage (become red), dealing more damage and doing chained combos

Cannot be grappled

Can summon Red Empusa

Attack from the back to minimize the chances you take damage, if it grabs you use Devil Trigger or Arms to break free

“I knew it! Where there’s worker ants, there’s gotta be a queen too.

This big gal’s got the armor to take a beating and the tools to dish one out. And when she’s angry, she ain’t picky about her targets—she’ll scythe through her own demon buddies to get to you.

If that ain’t enough, she’ll get fired up if she sucks enough blood. Watch out if her body turns red—that’s your sign that it’s go time.”

Hell Caina

Melee Attacks with Scythe only

Easily Grappable

Their “charge” attack makes them immune to staggers

Easy to dispatch

“These shambling meatsticks are residents o’ the underworld, foot soldiers straight from the legions of Hell.

Time was, these things only appeared on the mortal plane by possessing a wooden doll, lump of clay, or something similar.

Now? Those creeps walkin’ around Red Grave are the genuine article. It’s a sign that the barriers between the demon world and the human world are breaking down.”

Hell Antenora

Appears first on Mission 02, consistently shows up afterwards

These guys can be grappled once, but after any combo they will enrage (glow purple) and charge at you. Their charge is ungrappable and prevents them from staggering from your damage.

They only have melee attacks, so charged ranged attacks can work well. Easy to separate them from others

Their charge will hit you from off-screen if it started on-screen

“Take a Hell Caina, torture it till it goes mad, throw weapons in its hands, and this is what you get.

Their hatchets are real nasty, and they’re nimbler than they look. Expect quick attacks when they go into a frenzy.

Judging by the samples we got, these things are extremely susceptible to pain—so you better believe they won’t take any punishment lying down.

Knock ’em down, but keep your guard up. Next thing you know it’ll be back swinging like a madman on fire.”

Hell Judecca

Appears first on Dante’s mission

Annoying escape-prone enemy, use trickster / stinger / grapple to get to it.

It can inflict ranged and melee damage, but its attacks are slow.

It is best to lure other enemies away from this one to thing out crowds on higher difficulties.

Using your devil trigger to deal with them is advised only in close quarters as they will otherwise teleport away.

Does not attack from off-screen, but be mindful of getting caught up in an “almost” off-screen attack

“A high priest in the choirs o’ Hell. Ain’t that somethin’?

These fellas tend to leave close-quarters fighting to the grunts, which they can summon in to take the heat off themselves. Meanwhile, they attack from long range by extending those snakey tentacle arms.

They’ll try to keep their distance and dodge gunfire when they can. You’ll just have to show these slitherin’ scumbags you got the smarts to get past their defenses and send ’em screaming back to the pit.”

Pyrobat

Staple enemy, ranged attacks only

Can be grappled at any time

Can be knocked off the air with Griffon’s dive ability

Best to deal with them first in a fight, or use them to trickster / grapple away from battle

If let unattended, they will eventually break your combo with one attack or other

“Ever heard the phrase “like a bat outta Hell”? Well, this is it.

These leathery lir pests have got some kinda combustion chamber built into their biology. Meaning? Well, they breathe fire.

On their own, these critters ain’t gonna burn your ass up too bad. Just watch your back when a whole swarm tries to crash the party.”

Hellbat

Regular on several missions

Incredibly annoying ranged attacks

Deal with this enemies as soon as possible by knocking them off the air and unleashing.

Trickster or Jump away when they die, as they trigger a large explosion on defeat

Can be grappled at any time

“Y’know, we see a lotta weird things coming up out of the hot place, but this one’s really somethin’ special.

See how the combustion chamber is mounted on its spine, so when it spits flame it sets itself on fire? That’s the kinda design I can get behind.

Not that I’ll object if you smash these little assholes to kingdom come. Try aiming for the combustion chamber on its back—should take the fire out the critter and make for easy pickings.”

Death Scissors

First seen in Mission 4, regular in several missions and common in high difficulties

The scissors provide blocking for this enemy, making it difficult to deal with

You can break their block with the right combo or powerful charged blasts, but it is risky to wait out the charge time

Pro Tip: Wait for it to attack then attack at the same time, this will “parry” the attack – now shoot them in the face for a 1HKO (the one you need for Secret Mission 7)

You should practice breaking their defense in The Void to learn what combo works best for you

Cannot be grappled

Attacks from off-screen as it teleports to you and attacks from underneath or a side

“Now a master engineer like me’s gotta have a profound respect for the laws o’ physics. So when these creepy specters come drifting through walls with their shears a-choppin’, it kinda gets on my nerves.

But they’ve gotta be solid sometime—otherwise they couldn’t block your attacks with them shears.

Near as I can tell, that noggin controls the whole shebang. Look for some cue from the head, and aim your attacks there. Might go down easier’n you think.”

Riot

Common Enemy

Its attacks can be stopped by heavy blows, particularly susceptible to Dante’s motorcycle attacks

Can be grappled

Melee attacks only

Easily separated from groups

Has a long downtime when knocked which can be used to deal further damage

“The pits of Hell spew up all kinds o’ reptilian nasties, and this is one of them.

I studied their cell samples and let me tell ya, their muscle tissue is something else. Each limb has power like a hydraulic cylinder. That’s how they jump so dang far.

And I ain’t exaggeratin’ when I say their retractable claws are razor sharp. I tried one on some sheet metal—zzzzip! cut right through. Weak to impacts though. Think you can break ’em off?”

Chaos

Appears in later missions

Very annoying spin attacks can come at you from off-camera

Can be stunned with heavy artillery, but the charge time has to be properly planned for

Can be grappled when not spinning

Best to launch them into the air to toy with them without the danger of being on the ground

“Another big lizard that’s crawled outta some deep dark hole in the underworld.

Each one of those spikes on its back is like a giant saw tooth, and it’s not afraid to get ’em spinning!

They’re sharp but brittle, so try snapping ’em off in between dodging its attack runs.

Oh, and it’s got these nasty little neurotoxin sacs inside its chest. Step aside when it starts hackin’ something up —that stuff is lethal!”

Fury

Extremely fast and deadly enemy

First appears in late missions, but is recurrent on higher difficulties

It teleports a lot, so using trickster is a must to stay ahead of it

It is very difficult to grapple it or land consistant combos

Stinger and such are good moves to get some damage in fast

“I got this theory that demons mutate based on their deepest, darkest desires.

So take this big lizard. It wants to hunt, right? It wants to go faster. Wants to kill faster. Day in, day out, all it can think of is speed.

A few generations of that twisted killer instinct, and you get a freak so fast it ain’t even moving under its own power no more. This sucker uses raw demonic power to do little space-time jumps. It’ll warp right next to you and bite your face off before you can blink! Hope you got quick reflexes.”

Scudo Angelo

Appears first as a mini-boss of a coop mission

Only deals melee damage, but can charge at you

The shield can be destroyed with sufficient damage

Jump behind them to get easy hits

Can be grappled if not shielded

Can be launched into the air for combos and grab.

Deal with them before taking on Proto Angelo

“In his journals, my daddy sometimes mentions the Black Angel—some kind of powerful demon that used to inhabit the underworld.

Daddy had a theory that it was created by transubstantiating an unwilling human victim into demonic flesh.

If that theory was right, then these dead-eyed creeps are like a mass-produced version of the Black Angel.

Their shields? Hella tough. If you wanna get around ’em, you’re gonna have to use your head. Good luck with that.”

Proto Angelo

Appears first as a mini boss on a coop mission

Deals large AOE attacks and has powerful charges

Can poise through combos

Cannot be grappled unless staggered

It is best to attack from behind

“Check out the armor and weapon on this demon. I’m seein’ clear similarities to the Black Angel.

My guess is these are some kinda prototype, or maybe modified version of the Black Angel.

We’ve seen these weirdos speaking to the mass-produced types, giving them orders like they’re in command. Seems they’re smarter than your average hell-beast.

And hey, I know you think you’re invincible, but that sword’ll give you more than a close shave. But, if you can parry it, I reckon you’ll have a pretty big opening to do your stuff.”

Baphomet

Appears in later missions

Summons ranged ice daggers that follow you

Summons ice spikes under you

Best to get up and close via trickster / grapple as soon as possible and knock them to the ground

Can be grappled

Deal with them first when multiple enemies are there

Does not attack from off screen

“Your average demon don’t have the smarts to actually wield their power as magic.

This fella breaks the mold, though—he may only have ice tricks up his sleeve, but that’s still enough to kill you if you don’t watch your ass.

Just look at those freaky, stick-thin limbs. Physically speaking it’s weak, and it knows it, too. It’ll try to keep its distance and throw up a magic shield to block your shots. You’ll have to get in its face, or wait for your chance to shoot past the shield.

Hey, nobody said this business was easy.”

Lusachia

Appears in later missions

A very powerful ranged mage

Puts an aura around you that deals large damage, stay on the move!

Trickster or grapple to it and melee it into the ground as soon as possible

Deal with them first in a multiple enemy scenario

“Sure was interesting dissectin’ this demon.

This thing bears out my theory on demon evolution. Can’t do magic incantations without a

mouth, right? So after a few generations of demons obsessed with arcane chants, you get something that’s all mouths, with its muscles so atrophied it can hardly move its limbs.

And more mouths means more power. My guess is this thing could kill you dead with a single spell if you let it get the chant out. If you see it startin’ something real ominous-looking, you better shot it down real quick.”

Behemoth

The enemy has a caged state where it does little damage, you can ignore it while in this form

When you break its bonds, it will hit for a lot of HP if it connects, so stay on the move

Can be grappled in devil trigger

Moves very fast, dodge its charges and avoid being near its head

“Every now and again you get a demon so absorbed with gluttony and power that it starts cannibalizin’ its own demon kin.

See how other demons have chained up this thing’s mouth? It’s good to know that even the demons are afraid of becoming chow.

With the restraints in place, this big boy’ll just stumble around lookin’ sorry for hisself. Not too dangerous.

Bust the chains off, though, and it’ll go hog wild, eatin’ everything in sight. If it chomps a few bad guys, all the better. Just don’t come cryin’ to me when it nips your buns.”

Nobody

Appears in later missions

Damage sponges, separate them and isolate them to focus fire

Deals melee damage but can fire eye balls at you that explode for AOE damage

They can be grappled if stunned

It is best to leave them for last in a group as they have high HP

“At first glance, these uglies seem half-formed, like they broke outta the egg too early. I gotta admit, there’s still a lot I can’t figure out about lem.

Half-baked or not, theylll tear you a new one if you don’t watch out. They got more strength in those spindly arms than your three average demons combined.

And what else is on the menu? Magic powers. When you see ’em kinda dancing around, they’re absorbing demonic power right outta the atmosphere.

What really bugs me is those masks they wear. The masks are important to ‘em somehow…Just wish I could figure out how.”

If you’re enjoying DMC5, make sure to check out our Devil May Cry 5 Review, the DMC5 Walkthrough, and our other DMC5 Guides: 10 Things you Should know, Skills List, All DMC5 Weapons Guide, All Secret Mission Guide, All Blue Orb Locations, All Gold Orb Locations, All Purple Orb Locations and All DMC5 Enemies, All DMC5 Bosses.

The post Devil May Cry 5 All Enemies Guide appeared first on Fextralife.

Devil May Cry 5 All Enemies Guide published first on https://juanaframi.tumblr.com/

0 notes

eddiejpoplar · 6 years

Text

First Drive: 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali

Greetings, sir, welcome to your friendly neighborhood GMC dealership! Why of course, I’d love to show you the new 2019 GMC Sierra. It’s new from the ground up, and we’re very proud of it. It’s right over here, please follow me.

How can you tell it’s the 2019 Sierra? Well, uh, the proportions are different, and the new one has these curvy bits on the grille, and—um, wait, you know what? I believe this is a 2018 Sierra after all. My apologies, the 2019 model is right over here.

You’re bound to spend more time looking at your new Sierra from the inside anyway, right? So let’s check out the cab. Hop in. Don’t you love the smell of new leather? What do you think of this fabulous new interior? Stunning, isn’t it? Er… what’s changed? Well, uh, as you can see, this one has push-button ignition! Yes, I know other trucks have had it for years, but it’s new to the Sierra! And this bezel here around the air conditioner, that’s a bit different… well, yes, it was a much nicer silver plastic in the old truck.

Did I mention the storage cubbies built into the rear seatbacks? Slick, huh? Why yes, the infotainment system does have a new interface. How astute of you to notice! I know it looks simpler, but it’s less cluttered. Small? I wouldn’t call the screen small, exactly… well, yes, unless you’re comparing it to the one in the new Ram 1500.

Austere? Now, sir, I don’t know if I’d describe the interior of the new Sierra that way. It’s functional, sir. Besides, this is only the SLT model. Now, if you were sitting in the top-of-the-line Sierra Denali… oh, gosh, you know what, I do believe this is the Denali. You can tell by the genuine textured wood trim. Right there, on the door, that piece just ahead of the armrest.

Say, have you seen this new rear view mirror, which is actually a monitor for a rear-view camera? You won’t find that on a Ram 1500. And how about this full-color head-up display? What? You can get that in a $25,000 Mazda? Well, maybe so, but not in the Ram!

Yes, of course we can take a test drive, but first I must show you the new Sierra’s cargo box. There’s some amazing new stuff back here, starting with this MultiPro tailgate. It has six different positions! And did I mention that the Sierra’s 5-foot, 8-inch box has more volume than Ford or Ram’s 6-foot, 6-inch box? Yes, sir! And it’s made of good old solid steel, and soon you’ll be able to get a carbon-fiber box. Toughest in the industry, you know.

So, yes, let’s take it for a spin. Go on, make yourself comfortable. Power seat adjustments are in the usual place. Power-adjustable pedals? Those have been dropped, I’m afraid. But honestly how often did you use them? Oh, every time your wife drove the truck?

Anyway, this Sierra Denali has the 420 horsepower 6.2-liter V-8. It’s been extensively reworked and features a new cylinder deactivation system that allows the engine to run using anywhere from two to eight cylinders depending on how you’re driving it. Direct injection and continuously variable valve timing as well. Plus we’ve got a new 10-speed automatic, which means even better fuel economy! Well, yes, it’s still a cam-in-block engine, but we’re damn proud of that. Great for low-end torque, and if it’s good enough for the Corvette, it’s good enough for the Sierra!

Yes, you can still get the 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8, which has similar updates, and the 285 hp 4.3-liter V-6. And we’re even going to have a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder! A four-banger in a full-size truck, did you ever think you’d see the day? We’re really excited about the new diesel, a 3.0-liter straight six, though we haven’t heard much from the factory about that one. But never mind all that—open up the throttle and listen to that big 6.2 wail! There’s no replacement for displacement, right? Can you imagine how this baby will tow your boat in the hills?

Actually, I’m glad I brought up towing, because there’s a lot to know. Put her on cruise control and I’ll explain. See, we have this new—oh my, brake, brake, BRAKE!!! Sorry to yell, sir, we were just coming up on that Camry so fast… No, this Sierra doesn’t have adaptive cruise control. None of them do. Yes, I know you can get adaptive cruise in a Honda Civic… yes, I know that icon on the HUD looks like adaptive cruise, but it’s really for the collision avoidance system. Say, did you notice how crisp the head-up display is?

Why don’t we exit the highway and I’ll tell you about our new ProGrade Trailering System. It has several different camera views, including an exclusive hitch guideline to help you line up your hitch with the trailer… oh, the F-150 has that? And the Nissan Titan? Huh. It also includes a built in trailer light test feature, which you start from the center screen or the GMC app on your smart phone… oh, the Titan has that too—and right on the key fob? Well, that certainly sounds more convenient… er, I mean more confusing!

Er, no, GMC doesn’t have anything like that Ford system that steers the trailer when you back up. Really? The Ram 1500’s blind-spot monitoring system automatically senses the length of the trailer? Wow. No, we don’t have that either. But look, we have a trailer hookup checklist right on the screen! Well, no, it doesn’t sense anything from the trailer; you just sort of press the little check marks…

Never mind that, how about the way this baby handles? Yes, I suppose it does drive a lot like the old Sierra. But that’s what we were going for, a traditional truck ride. You’re right, the magnetic ride suspension is gone, but they’ve replaced it with new adaptive dampers that let you adjust the ride quality. I know, the whole purpose of the magne-ride shocks was that you didn’t need to adjust them… yes, what the reviews said about them providing a great ride with no handling compromise was true, but… anyway, just twist that little knob over there, the unmarked one to the left of the steering wheel. See, you can adjust it between Tour and Sport, and—er, no, turn the other way, that’s snow mode. No, that’s tow/haul mode… yes, I know it’s a little confusing that you can’t see what mode you’re in before you change it, but what is life without a few surprises, right?

What? You can’t feel the difference between Tour and Sport? Well, after a few months of ownership of this fine truck, I’m sure you will! Here’s the dealership, just turn into that first driveway. Park here and let’s go back to my office.

Pricing? Oh, you’re looking at around 50 grand for a 4×4 SLT Crew Cab, and that Denali we drove lists for just over $68,000. Of course, I can make you a better—sir, are you okay? Jeez, you’d better sit down. Marcy, get this guy a glass of water. I don’t know what happened, one second he was walking right beside me, we’re chatting away about pricing, and all of a sudden he looks like he’s going to faint…

Ah, good, sir, your color is coming back. So, any questions?

Well, of course the 2019 GMC Sierra is all-new! All new from the ground up!

Yes, I suppose it is a lot like the old truck in some ways, but… Well, of course Denali is a luxury brand, but… Well, yes, I suppose a luxury vehicle should have those features, but… Yes, I suppose the interior could be a bit more upscale, but… Yes, we are asking an awful lot of money, but… but sir, what about that MultiPro tailgate? Nothing else like it in the industry!

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 4WD Crew Cab Specifications

ON SALE Now PRICE $59,495/$68,095 (base/as tested) ENGINE 6.2L OHV 16-valve V-8/420 hp @ 5,600 rpm, 460 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm TRANSMISSION 10-speed automatic LAYOUT 4-door, 5-passenger, front-engine, 4WD pickup truck EPA MILEAGE 15/20 mpg (city/hwy) L x W x H 231.7 x 81.2 x 75.5 in WHEELBASE 147.4 in WEIGHT 5,443 lb 0-60 MPH N/A TOP SPEED N/A

IFTTT

#IFTTT #Performance Junk Blogger 6

0 notes

jonathanbelloblog · 7 years

Text

One Week With: 2018 Polaris Slingshot SLR LE

And now for something completely different. You’re gazing at a three-wheeled, open-cockpit two-seater that’s fully street-legal. But it’s not a car. It’s not a new, industrial-sized Veg-O-Matic, either. Nor is it an airplane or a spaceship or, despite all that “Lime Squeeze” paint, the flavor of Chuckles candy nobody wants. Nope, the Polaris Slingshot is technically an “auto-cycle.” In ten states, you need a motorcycle license to drive the Slingshot (in California, where I live, and most other states, a standard driver’s license is fine). And, not surprisingly, the Slingshot shares many motorcycle-like traits: You’re out there in the open, exposed to the wind, the bugs, and passing Escalades, the exhaust note riding along with you, so low to the ground you could reach out and paint lane stripes if you wanted. The difference is, on a motorcycle, people don’t usually gawk at you like you’re naked, Hollywood Star Tour buses don’t pull alongside so everyone can lean out the window and bag today’s Instagram, and passersby at stoplights don’t usually run over, tap you on the helmet, and yell, “What the hell is this thing?!”

I experienced all of that—and a lot more—driving the Slingshot around L.A. Maybe if I’d worn a mask and a cape people would’ve left me alone (“Oh, look. There goes Batman. He looks busy.”).

Minnesota-based Polaris may be best known for its snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, but with the Slingshot it’s built something unlike almost anything else. I mean, the Campagna Motors T-Rex 16S has three wheels, but it starts at $58,000. The Ariel Atom is also low and wild and open, but it has four wheels—and costs a ton more. The Slingshot, in contrast, starts at just $19,999. And even my fully loaded SLR LE tester—including alloy wheels, 200-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio, 10-way adjustable Bilsteins, even touchscreen navigation—checks in at only $31K. That’s not a lot of bread to dazzle Hollywood tour buses or play superhero any time you want.

But the Slingshot is a lot more than just a striking piece of eye candy. It’s also a flat-out blast to drive. Inside the space-frame steel chassis sits a GM Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder (which saw duty in the Pontiac Solstice) mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The numbers won’t take your breath away—173 horsepower, 166 pound-feet of torque—but the Slingshot weighs just 1,750 pounds, giving it a power-to-weight ratio not far off the BMW M2’s. Besides, it’s only got one drive wheel. Turn off traction control and the Ecotec will easily light up that poor, solo rear tire in first and second gears. The thing does donuts better than Krispy Kreme.

When I picked up my 17-year-old daughter from school, at first she wouldn’t even get in. “Is that thing really a car?” she asked. “I mean, there’s a wheel missing back here and … where are the doors?” Five minutes later, though, after she had taken few pictures, put on her helmet, and posted to social media while we motored home, my daughter’s smartphone lit up with replies from friends begging for a ride. Driving a Slingshot for a week is like borrowing a pet tiger cub. Everybody wants to come over and play.

Can you use the Slingshot as a car? Uh, sort of. The interior is fully waterproof, so don’t worry about the lack of a top when it rains, assuming you and your passenger are prepared to get soaked. Inboard seatbelts and big roll hoops provide welcome security. There’s a small, lockable cubby behind the seats, but storage space is pretty minimal.

That said, if you’re just looking to get somewhere, have at it. I actually braved L.A.’s fearsome 405 freeway in the Slingshot. The Polaris itself did just fine: The rear wheel—on a huge swing arm with a coil-over shock and fed by a carbon fiber-reinforced drive belt—skips a tad over really big bumps, but otherwise the vehicle tracks well, it’s impressively vibration-free, and it easily lopes along with traffic flowing well above the speed limit. But you feel so exposed. An errant Miata could crush the Slingshot—to say nothing of big sedan or an SUV. You’re on red alert all the time, scanning the mirrors, pre-selecting evasive routes, keeping a steely eye on the guy texting at the wheel in the next lane. I do all this in any vehicle, of course, but the stakes are higher when you’re sitting inches off the ground in little more than a big paper airplane. It doesn’t help that nearby motorists all swoop in for a closer look.

But the Slingshot doesn’t exist for commuting. It’s exists for generating g forces and grins—and on that score it delivers in spades. Up in Malibu, on some of SoCal’s best wriggly stuff, the SLR delivered a rush akin to piloting a single-seat formula car on a track. It turns-in fast (steering is power-assisted), and it’s remarkably stable through quick corners. That single 305/30ZR20 Kenda SS-799 rear tire hangs on mightily, way better than I expected (switch off traction control, though, and the rear end gets really playful). The wind blasts at your helmet, the engine roars, the five-speed shifter snicks neatly through up or downshifts, the ABS-equipped, vented disc brakes are robust and without fade. And that view! This is motoring in full IMAX—with Dolby Atmos sound. You couldn’t be more “one” with the road unless you were riding a 173-horsepower skateboard.

Frankly, the Slingshot puts a lot of conventional sports cars to shame. In comparison, they feel big, clumsy, remote. The Slingshot is anything but: Driving it is as immediate as grabbing a live electric wire. There’s something undeniably wonderful about a motoring machine with so few pretenses, such pure dedication to driving joy. Just enough wheels to keep it level, an ultra-light frame dressed in flamboyant body panels, two seats, and horsepower aplenty to keep you feeling that afternoon mountain-roads blast even when you’re lying in bed at night. And all at a sticker price that screams, “You can afford me!”

But remember: Buy a cape, too. When people see the Slingshot, they kind of expect it.

2018 Polaris Slingshot SLR LE Specifications

ON SALE Now PRICE $30,999/$30,999 (base/as-tested) ENGINE 2.4 DOHC 16-valve I-4/173 hp @ 6,200 rpm, 166 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm TRANSMISSION 5-speed manual LAYOUT 0-door, 2-passenger, front-engine, RWD motorcycle EPA MILEAGE N/A mpg (city/hwy) L x W x H 149.6 x 77.9 x 51.9 in WHEELBASE 105.0 in WEIGHT 1,750 lb 0-60 MPH 4.8 sec (est) TOP SPEED 130 mph (est)

The post One Week With: 2018 Polaris Slingshot SLR LE appeared first on Automobile Magazine.

from Performance Junk Blogger Feed 4 http://ift.tt/2ACfXo3 via IFTTT

#IFTTT #Performance Junk Blogger Feed 4

0 notes

jesusvasser · 7 years

Text

One Week With: 2018 Polaris Slingshot SLR SL

In many states, you need a motorcycle license to drive the Slingshot (in California, where I live, a standard driver’s license is fine). And, not surprisingly, the Slingshot shares many motorcycle-like traits: You’re out there in the open, exposed to the wind, the bugs, and passing Escalades, the exhaust note riding along with you, so low to the ground you could reach out and paint lane stripes if you wanted. The difference is, on a motorcycle, people don’t usually gawk at you like you’re naked, Hollywood Star Tour buses don’t pull alongside so everyone can lean out the window and bag today’s Instagram, and passersby at stoplights don’t usually run over, tap you on the helmet, and yell, “What the hell is this thing?!”

Minnesota-based Polaris may be best known for its snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, but with the Slingshot it’s built something unlike almost anything else. I mean, the Campagna Motors T-Rex 16S has three wheels, but it starts at $58,000. The Ariel Atom is also low and wild and open, but it has four wheels—and costs a ton more. The Slingshot, in contrast, starts at just $19,999. And even my fully loaded SLR SL tester—including alloy wheels, 200-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio, 10-way adjustable Bilsteins, even touchscreen navigation—checks in at only $31K. That’s not a lot of bread to dazzle Hollywood tour buses or play superhero any time you want.

But remember: Buy a cape, too. When people see the Slingshot, they kind of expect it.

2018 Polaris Slingshot SLR SL Specifications

The post One Week With: 2018 Polaris Slingshot SLR SL appeared first on Automobile Magazine.

from Performance Junk WP Feed 4 http://ift.tt/2ACfXo3 via IFTTT

#IFTTT #Performance Junk WP Feed 4

0 notes

trvlbug · 7 years

Text

Zennie vs. The Rockies - Driving the Million Dollar Highway

Honestly, I'm not sure why they call it the Million Dollar Highway.

Surely it can't be the cost. I bet a million $$ would pay for less than a mile of this Colorado mountain road. Granted, they built it in the 1920s when a dollar went further, but this was obviously a difficult road to build.

Perhaps it's because of the million dollar views, that come at you one after another? Just as you round the corner from one glorious vista, another that tops it comes into view!

Just another ho-hum view along the Million Dollar Highway!

Or perhaps it's the cost of repairs for all those poor vehicles that couldn't quite handle the lofty passes and steep grades on this winding route?

When Zennie and I drove the Million Dollar Highway, I was afraid we'd end up in that last category! I was afraid she was a goner.

Driving the Million Dollar Highway, Colorado

This route is known as one of the most spectacular roads in the United States. It's frequently included in lists of the top scenic drives, and it also makes lists of dangerous roads, too!

It's a 2-lane road through the Rocky Mountains, with many twists and turns, steep drop-offs, and awe-inspiring views. Sadly, only the passenger can totally enjoy those vistas, since the driver needs to focus for this road! There are many hairpin turns, and often no guardrails between the narrow road and the depths below.

The route follows Highway 550 heading north from Durango, which is also called the San Juan Skyway. The "Million Dollar Highway" portion is about 25 miles long, and stretches from Silverton north to Ouray, Colorado.

On the drive, you cross three high-altitude passes:

#1 - Coal Bank Pass (at 10,640 ft) #2 - Molas Pass (at 10,970 ft) #3 - Red Mountain Pass (the highest, at 11,018 ft)

Should we drive this road?

One thing you should know about Zennie is that she has a small, 4-cylinder engine. It's been good enough to get us *almost* anywhere we've tried to go, but this is a big load for a small engine!

I seriously considered alternate routes, knowing that these three high passes would be a challenge. I knew there would be some long climbs, but I hadn't found any source that said what percent grade the roads were.

The problem was that I was in Durango and was aiming for Wyoming, and this was the most direct route. I was in a hurry to make it to WY for the solar eclipse, and didn't have a lot of extra time to take a long way around.

So... I decided to go ahead and do the highly anticipated (yet also somewhat scary) Million Dollar Highway.

If we made it, we'd get a spectacular drive, along with a sense of confidence for future mountain roads. If we didn't make it, then at least I'd have some new knowledge about the limits of what we could(n't) do.

Can Zennie handle the Million Dollar Highway?

The first big pass heading north from Durango is Coal Bank Pass. At 10,640 feet, the top of the pass is more than 4,000 ft higher than Durango. The grade varies, but it's a long climb.

We were in second gear for awhile, which is enough to handle moderate grades that other vehicles barely notice.

Then we got to the steeper sections, and the only way to keep moving up the hill was first gear, going about 25 miles per hour.

As the road went up and up (and up and up and up), I was watching the temperature gauge, and it was getting near the top of the white zone.

I didn't want to stop on a steep section, because it takes forever to get going again on an uphill, so I was hoping we could make it to the top. In the meantime, I turned the heater on full blast, which I've read can help by sucking heat out of your engine compartment.

When we finally reached the top of the pass, I pulled over and turned the engine off to let Zennie cool down. I breathed a sigh of relief...

Then I heard a strange noise coming from under the hood! Oh, this can't be good!

Uh oh... Stopped at the top of Coal Bank Pass.

Did I kill Zennie?

Argh!!! I went up front, and watched coolant pouring out of the front of my vehicle, as alarming noises continued coming from the engine compartment.

I looked at the little green creek that was starting to make its way across the parking lot, and I was afraid this was it. Horrible thoughts went through my head...

I'd murdered Zennie, or at least done something seriously bad.

I'd have to call a tow truck to get back to Durango. Just the towing bill would cost a small fortune!

Then there'd be the mechanic bill, and surely the damage would cost a bundle to fix.

Our traveling days would come to an end, either because Zennie was dead, or because I'd have to spend all my money to fix her.

Oh, the agony! And all because I decided to take this road.

Friends to the rescue!

Fortunately, I have friends who know a lot more about motor vehicles than I do!

And fortunately, there was a cell tower at the top of Coal Bank Pass!

I texted some friends with questions about the situation. I also posted about it in a Facebook group for Toyota motorhomes, to get some feedback that way.

It's so good to have friends!! I got some texts and facebook replies within a little while. I also had a phone call with one friend back in Tucson, who helped me understand what was happening and what I should do.

Bottom line? It's OK!!! Yay!!

I don't need to get a tow truck back to Durango! I didn't do any permanent damage! Our travel days are not over!

By this time, Zennie was all cooled down. As instructed, I refilled the coolant in the radiator and the reservoir, and we were good to go.

I have to say I was a bit nervous about the next two passes coming up, but I felt a thousand times better than I did just minutes before!

Driving the rest of the Million Dollar Highway

Wow!! Once I got over the fear of killing my camper, the rest of this trip was awesome!!

Yes, we went very slowly over the other two passes, but although they were higher elevation than Coal Bank Pass, they were also easier, since they started climbing from a higher point.

And yes, I stopped for a couple of cool-down breaks, and kept the engine running! That turned out to be pretty easy...

Red Mountain, the namesake of the highest pass along the way

There were at least a dozen places that I stopped to take photographs -- places that made me want to say "Oh, oh, look at that!" So I could pull over to take pictures, while Zennie could chill for a bit, then we'd get back on the road to the next amazing photo stop.

And after the last pass, it's all downhill from there!

Lessons learned driving the Million Dollar Highway

Don't stop the engine right away. Turning off while it's hot = boiling the coolant away! I'd been watching the temperature gauge, and knew it was running hot but not in the red zone. I was right to want to cool it down, but my mistake was turning the engine off when I stopped. Instead, keep it running until it gets back to a moderate temperature.

Have some car-knowledgeable friends. I hate to brag, but I have wonderful friends! I've never been a car person myself, but I have friends who know a lot, and who've been willing to help me out when I have a problem. If it wasn't for friends, I would have been facing a tow truck back to Durango, and an unnecessary mechanic bill.

Carry extra coolant. This came in handy! After losing my brakes at the top of Lizard Head Pass the year before (another story!) I also now carry extra brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and engine oil. It can be such a simple fix if you have the right stuff with you, and such a big problem if you don't!

Try to break down by a cell tower. If you're going to be stuck on the side of the road, this really helps!

Do it! Driving the Million Dollar Highway, that is. If you've got the chance, go for it! This is an amazing drive, just outstanding! A picture is better than any thousand words I could write!

Stopped for a photo / cool-down / admire the view break

Questions? Comments?

Have you driven the Million Dollar Highway? Have you overheated trying to make it over a mountain pass? If you've got a story to share, I'd love to hear about it in the Reply section below. Thanks!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PHOTO CREDITS: Deanna Keahey

The post Zennie vs. The Rockies - Driving the Million Dollar Highway appeared first on Uphill Zen.

Five-star boondocking in Colorado's Rocky Mountains

Zennie needs to chill! Painting the roof to keep it cool

Free camping by the river, near downtown Montrose

#pt-cv-view-debfb547yr.pt-cv-post-border .pt-cv-content-item { border-top-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; } #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr .pt-cv-title a, #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr .panel-title { font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, serif !important; font-size: 15px !important; line-height: 1.3 !important; color: #ffffff !important; font-weight: 600 !important; display: block !important; text-align: left !important; clear: both !important; } #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr .pt-cv-title a:hover, #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr .panel-title:hover { color: #ffffff !important; } #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr .pt-cv-content-item:hover .pt-cv-hover-wrapper::before { background-color: rgba(51,51,51,.6) !important; } #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr:not(.pt-cv-nohover) .pt-cv-mask * { color: #fff; } #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr .pt-cv-carousel-caption { background-color: rgba(51,51,51,.6) !important; } #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr .pt-cv-meta-fields *:not(.glyphicon) { color: #d8d8d8 !important; } @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 991px) {#pt-cv-view-debfb547yr .pt-cv-meta-fields *:not(.glyphicon) { font-size: 14px !important }} #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr .pt-cv-specialp * { color: #fff !important; background-color: #CC3333 !important; } #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr .pt-cv-pficon { color: #bbb !important; } #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr .add_to_cart_button, #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr .add_to_cart_button * { color: #ffffff !important; background-color: #00aeef !important; } #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr .woocommerce-onsale { color: #ffffff !important; background-color: #ff5a5f !important; } #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr .pt-cv-readmore { color: #ffffff !important; background-color: #00aeef !important; } #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr .pt-cv-readmore:hover { color: #ffffff !important; background-color: #00aeef !important; } #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr + .pt-cv-pagination-wrapper .pt-cv-more , #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr + .pt-cv-pagination-wrapper .pagination .active a { color: #ffffff !important; background-color: #00aeef !important; } [id^='pt-cv-filter-bar-debfb547yr'] .active.pt-cv-filter-option, [id^='pt-cv-filter-bar-debfb547yr'] .active .pt-cv-filter-option, [id^='pt-cv-filter-bar-debfb547yr'] .selected.pt-cv-filter-option, [id^='pt-cv-filter-bar-debfb547yr'] .dropdown-toggle { color: #fff !important; background-color: #00aeef !important; } [id^='pt-cv-filter-bar-debfb547yr'] .pt-cv-filter-title { color: #fff !important; background-color: #00aeef !important; } #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr .pt-cv-gls-header { background-color: #00aeef !important; } #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr .img-rounded, #pt-cv-view-debfb547yr .pt-cv-hover-wrapper { -webkit-border-radius: 10px !important; -moz-border-radius: 10px !important; border-radius: 10px !important; }

from Zennie vs. The Rockies - Driving the Million Dollar Highway

#Zennie vs. The Rockies - Driving the Million Dollar Highway

0 notes

perksofwifi · 5 years

Text

Cruise Like McFly Back to the Future in This Restored 1987 Toyota Pickup

If you were an impressionable youth in the 1980s, you likely thought that Marty McFly’s Toyota SR5 pickup truck in the movie Back to the Future was just about the raddest off-roader, uh, on the road. Painted glossy black with a lift kit, roll bar, and plenty of extra lights, we liked it even more than Marty’s parents’ posh BMW 733i that Biff is hired to apply two coats of wax to.

Some three decades later, you can make the dream (almost) a reality with this 1987 Toyota pickup truck offered at Barrett-Jackson’s 2019 Las Vegas auction, October 3-5, at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. The truck will be auctioned to the highest bidder without reserve, but it isn’t quite the spitting image of the BTTF truck. Besides being two years later in production, this Toyota doesn’t appear to be an SR5, standing for “Sport Rally 5-speed.” Instead, this one has an automatic transmission, but it does have a 2.4-liter 22RE fuel-injected four-cylinder engine good for about 105 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque—not much by today’s standards, but about as good as it got in 1987.

Barrett-Jackson says this Toyota has been treated to a cosmetic restoration and we’re liking the BTTF-esque roll bar mounted behind the cab and the sweet KC auxiliary lighting mounted to it. The gray (not black) paint is said to be new along with the freshly redone interior. BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires on chrome wheels round out the package. No indication of current mileage, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it’s far lower than the 200,000-plus miles we’re used to seeing on Toyota trucks of this vintage.

How much to pay? We’d guess if this Toyota runs and drives as well as it looks, a high-bid well into the teens wouldn’t be unusual. Collectors have gravitated to older SUVs and trucks in recent years, and this Toyota is a 1980s icon. It’s going across the Barrett-Jackson block on Friday, October 4, as lot number 337, so be sure to tune in to MotorTrend Network to watch the live broadcast to find out its fate.

The 12th annual Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas sale roars into Sin City with more than 650 collector cars October 3-5, 2019, at the Mandalay Bay Casino and Resort. Every lot this year will be offered with no reserve, so you can expect excitement to be high as both bidders and sellers roll the dice on some of the world’s finest collector cars. The experts from MotorTrend will be there to bring you all the action LIVE from the auction block, so be sure to download the app for exclusive, live coverage!

This story originally appeared on Automobile Magazine.

The post Cruise Like McFly Back to the Future in This Restored 1987 Toyota Pickup appeared first on MotorTrend.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/1987-toyota-pickup-truck-price-auction/ visto antes em https://www.motortrend.com

0 notes

lettingwordsmeetheartbeats-blog · 7 years

Text

2018 Kia Rio Euro-Spec Price And Photo

New Post has been published on https://www.newkiacarhq.com/2018-kia-rio-euro-spec-price-photo/

2018 Kia Rio Euro-Spec Price And Photo

2018 Kia Rio Euro-Spec Price And Photo – We can not help but be captivated by some of the Kia Rio. Truly. The most affordable-costed hatchback out of these Korean brand made the impressive improvement with every technology, in addition to the entire car on its own is a reflection for the readiness of a manufacturer that has been a global player. We just put in two times with the twisting highways close to Lisbon, Portugal, right behind the wheel of the 4th-technology Rio, built with the typical Hyundai/Kia architecture. In a couple of months, the brand-new Rio definitely will start within all of the United States.

2018 Kia Rio Euro-Spec Future

Europe becomes just the several-doorway hatchback, while U.S. clients will get a choice of the hatch or a, however, to be revealed four-front door sedan. If perhaps the earlier generation is a sign, the hatchback will likely be the much better-searching of some of the couple body designs. (The two-entrance hatchback earlier presented is deceased.)

2018 Kia Rio Euro-Spec Exterior And Interior

In comparison with its precursor, the Kia Rio is now a critical car-maybe by a contact too much. The sociable hatch-which Kia cell phone calls that Rio 5-Front door-is one particular of that styles in the class, with a hostile body-area series and a posture a little including an idea cars. That whole new model appears staid in comparison, with an upright front-end along with an instead prosaic arm range. The plastic material strip involving the front lights is colored black, simulating a traditional grille launching, and additionally the aspect mirrors, which usually used to become placed at the entrance, have moved to that A-pillar. We imagine, even though, that a lot of clients will appreciate the utterly conventional seem of the brand new Rio. A sadly lower variety of customers in this particular segment buy their car as a pattern declaration (though to get honest, it is not mainly because if there were many stunners to select from). Rio consumers focus on low cost and a lot of equipment, and also this is where the new one eclipses its forerunner.

Kia statements this 90 percent of that car is different, such as the body. The 4th-gen Kia Rio, also, is reported to be a little lighter weight even with more content, larger sizes, and other safety equipment and framework.The cockpit simply leaves small to be wanted other than, probably, the stylistic purity of that past design. On the contrary, that one believes a technology ahead of time. Every move is where it should be, and that infotainment program looks wealthy and elegant. It works thoroughly, way too. Even though it is a small car, the actual Rio provides a lot of place for several passengers. And, of course, the hatchback cargo maintain is huge. In the Western market place, the Rio may be installed with a package of upscale features, including lane-departure alert, automated urgent braking, as well as Android mobile phone Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, as well as expensive components these kinds of as a heated up steering wheel. How many Kia Rio of these facilities reach the U.S. marketplace stays to be seen-we’re wondering most of the them-however they display the possible of this admittance-stage car.

2018 Kia Rio Euro-Spec Engine

All of us drove motor Kia Rio run by three different machines: some 89-hp turbo diesel fuel 1.4-liter some, a 99-Horsepower supercharged 1.-liter three-tube, and a naturally 1.2-liter four beneficial to 83 ponies. Every single engine was mated to a sharp-shifting manual transmission and left a carefully favorable impact. (We are not unhappy we didn’t test the 4-pace automatic that European people happen to be provided.) These engines are generally, and so they audio considerably sporty sometimes the access-levels 1.2. That bodes nicely when it comes to that U.S. model, that will be run by a usually 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that will significantly exceed the power status of any of these models all of us drove. That U.S. engine most likely will probably be mated to a six-velocity auto; Hyundai/Kia at the same time make a more productive and quicker-switching 7-speed twin-clutch system automatic, but that transmission won’t trickle into the exact Rio shortly.

2018 Kia Rio Euro-Spec Price And Release Date

Safety is also recognized as a bare minimum price of admission to attract any purchaser. Thus Kia Rio intended for Top Protection Choose and total NHTSA several-star position with the inclusion of accessible autonomous urgent braking together with a safety cage structure established with new advanced higher-strength steels. Naturally, torsional firmness is improved, and the addition of adhesive bonding and cutting edge closing supplies allegedly quiets noise amounts noticeably. But uh-oh. Between the slip up in proportions and the more gear and basic safety fortifications, the suppress body weight increases about 150 weight. That’s directionally opposing to the confirming on the size of virtually all all-new motor vehicles.

#kia rio #kia rio ac compressor #kia rio accessories #kia rio active eco #kia rio aftermarket parts #kia rio air filter #kia rio air filter location #kia rio alternator #kia rio automatic #kia rio review

0 notes

eddiejpoplar · 7 years

Text

One Week With: 2018 Polaris Slingshot SLR SE

I experienced all of that—and a lot more—driving the Slingshot around LA. Maybe if I’d worn a mask and a cape people would’ve left me alone (“Oh, look. There goes Batman. He looks busy.”).

Minnesota-based Polaris may be best known for its snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, but with the Slingshot it’s built something unlike almost anything else. I mean, the Campagna Motors T-Rex 16S has three wheels, but it starts at $58,000. The Ariel Atom is also low and wild and open, but it has four wheels—and costs a ton more. The Slingshot, in contrast, starts at just $19,999. And even my fully loaded SLR SE tester—including alloy wheels, 200-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio, 10-way adjustable Bilsteins, even touchscreen navigation—checks in at only $31K. That’s not a lot of bread to dazzle Hollywood tour buses or play superhero any time you want.

That said, if you’re just looking to get somewhere, have at it. I actually braved LA’s fearsome 405 freeway in the Slingshot. The Polaris itself did just fine: The rear wheel—on a huge swing arm with a coil-over shock and fed by a carbon fiber-reinforced drive belt—skips a tad over really big bumps, but otherwise the vehicle tracks well, it’s impressively vibration-free, and it easily lopes along with traffic flowing well above the speed limit. But you feel so exposed. An errant Miata could crush the Slingshot—to say nothing of big sedan or an SUV. You’re on red alert all the time, scanning the mirrors, pre-selecting evasive routes, keeping a steely eye on the guy texting at the wheel in the next lane. I do all this in any vehicle, of course, but the stakes are higher when you’re sitting inches off the ground in little more than a big paper airplane. It doesn’t help that nearby motorists all swoop in for a closer look.

But remember: Buy a cape, too. When people see the Slingshot, they kind of expect it.

2018 Polaris Slingshot SLR SE Specifications

The post One Week With: 2018 Polaris Slingshot SLR SE appeared first on Automobile Magazine.

from Performance Junk Blogger 6 http://ift.tt/2ACfXo3 via IFTTT

#IFTTT #Performance Junk Blogger 6

0 notes

jonathanbelloblog · 7 years

Text

One Week With: 2018 Polaris Slingshot SLR SL

Minnesota-based Polaris may be best known for its snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, but with the Slingshot it’s built something unlike almost anything else. I mean, the Campagna Motors T-Rex 16S has three wheels, but it starts at $58,000. The Ariel Atom is also low and wild and open, but it has four wheels—and costs a ton more. The Slingshot, in contrast, starts at just $19,999. And even my fully loaded SLR SL tester—including alloy wheels, 200-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio, 10-way adjustable Bilsteins, even touchscreen navigation—checks in at only $31K. That’s not a lot of bread to dazzle Hollywood tour buses or play superhero any time you want.

But remember: Buy a cape, too. When people see the Slingshot, they kind of expect it.

2018 Polaris Slingshot SLR SL Specifications

The post One Week With: 2018 Polaris Slingshot SLR SL appeared first on Automobile Magazine.

from Performance Junk Blogger Feed 4 http://ift.tt/2ACfXo3 via IFTTT

#IFTTT #Performance Junk Blogger Feed 4

0 notes

jesusvasser · 7 years

Text

One Week With: 2018 Polaris Slingshot SLR SE

I experienced all of that—and a lot more—driving the Slingshot around LA. Maybe if I’d worn a mask and a cape people would’ve left me alone (“Oh, look. There goes Batman. He looks busy.”).

Minnesota-based Polaris may be best known for its snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, but with the Slingshot it’s built something unlike almost anything else. I mean, the Campagna Motors T-Rex 16S has three wheels, but it starts at $58,000. The Ariel Atom is also low and wild and open, but it has four wheels—and costs a ton more. The Slingshot, in contrast, starts at just $19,999. And even my fully loaded SLR SE tester—including alloy wheels, 200-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio, 10-way adjustable Bilsteins, even touchscreen navigation—checks in at only $31K. That’s not a lot of bread to dazzle Hollywood tour buses or play superhero any time you want.

But remember: Buy a cape, too. When people see the Slingshot, they kind of expect it.

2018 Polaris Slingshot SLR SE Specifications

The post One Week With: 2018 Polaris Slingshot SLR SE appeared first on Automobile Magazine.

from Performance Junk WP Feed 4 http://ift.tt/2ACfXo3 via IFTTT

#IFTTT #Performance Junk WP Feed 4

0 notes

totallymotorbikes · 8 years

Link

Church Of MO First Ride: 2003 BMW R1200CL You know what’s funny? Calvin Kim posits, in his 2003 First Ride review of the BMW R1200CL, that people would end up buying this bike. Nevermind the, uh, ugly aesthetics, the R1200 backbone of BMW’s cruiser would be sure to persuade unorthodox cruiser riders that it was the way forward. Well, as history has taught us, there aren’t as many unorthodox cruiser riders as BMW hoped, and the R1200CL is remembered as a flop. Ugliness aside, read on to find out Kim’s overall positive view of the CL. And if you’re looking for a few more pictures, you can check out the photo gallery. First Ride: 2003 BMW R1200CL Luxury Cruising, or Cruising Luxuriously By Calvin Kim Apr. 20, 2003Photos by MO and BMW NA Biltmore Estate, North Carolina, September 3, 2002 — When BMW came out with the R1200C five years ago, a lot of people raised eyebrows. Everybody knew how rough and tumble the cruiser industry was back then. It still is pretty hot if you think about it. Nevertheless, amidst the skepticism the C took off and has proved a success for BMW. In fact, the C has become so successful that BMW has produced four different variations of the beast. Now, at the new-model intro at the Biltmore Inn in North Carolina the CL makes five. Trying to capture another segment of the burgeoning cruiser market, BMW has decided to enter into the decidedly slower pace of the “cruising-tourer” or is that “touring-cruiser”? Regardless, what we have here is essentially a heavily modified C cruiser outfitted with BMWs best touring goodies. Integral ABS, lockable saddlebags and removable top-case, cruise control and, of course, those famous heated grips all come standard on the CL model. Upgrade to the CLC (Custom) model, and you get heated seats for two and a radio replete with a CD player. Unfortunately the only thing that’s not included is a more powerful engine. Now, don’t get us wrong. For 99% of the targeted riders out there, this thing will be great. To be honest, there is enough torque and power to get things moving along at a proper clip. It’s just that you have to find it. Unlike a GS or an R, don’t think of looking for the power down low. It’s higher up in the rev range, where a normal cruiser rider wouldn’t think to look for it. The climb out from stop to past first-gear is a doozy. Clutch slipping is the only way to do it, and first gear is the only way to climb out of tight, off camber switchbacks. And even then it’s dicey. The motor, a stock R1200C powerplant, really comes into its own above 3~4k revolutions per minute and hangs onto what little bits of dignity it has all the way up to redline. Caspian Blue in front of Biltmore Estate. Ahhh. Must be nice to be the son of an industrial mag-nate. Thankfully, BMW did their homework in picking out a route that would highlight the CL’s high points, one of which is the controversial front fairing. With its scalloped top edge and unconventional headlight treatment, the CL is sure to turn heads. And heads it turned- but thankfully none of it was due to wind buffeting. That’s because the cutout was designed to offer maximum wind protection while not sacrificing any visibility. You really didn’t notice it till you’re cranked over and looking right through the cutout onto the road ahead, and not straight on the edge of the shield. The headlights are another controversial aspect of the machine. While the outer two, low beam units are descendants of those found on the R80GS, the two centrally tandem mounted, smaller, high beam units are the same as those found on the R1150. Why they chose this setup, we may never know. But we do know why the rest of the fairing looks the way it does. Wind tunnel testing contributed heavily to the final design of the fairing. There are numerous soft edges and lines that are all there to help keep the front end stabilized during cruise speed. Even things such as water run-off patterns were studied to ensure that the rider would remain as dry as possible during rain storms, which is impossible, but we give them points for trying. Surprisingly enough, the CL had gobs of ground clearance. Well, gobs for a floor board equipped cruiser anyway. Aside from the appearance, the rest remains typical BMW. However, don’t think this is simply a well-equipped R1200C. Essentially, aside from the motor, everything has been replaced. Minor touches like a lengthened swingarm and relaxed fork angles and been incorporated. More blatant updates include the addition of a six-speed, overdrive transmission as well as a wider front tire. Interestingly enough, the wheelbase is actually eight millimeters shorter than on a C. So what’s it like to ride? In a word, different. If you’ve ever ridden a large bike with a fork mounted fairing, you’ll know what I mean. Slow speeds are a bit hard to negotiate, but still doable. My only real complaint with the handling is in the front-end feel during medium and slow speed riding. There was no front-end feel to speak of, and for me, that was a bit disconcerting. Going into tight switchbacks felt like riding on ice. It didn’t help that the road surface was wet and gravel-strewn from a previous night’s storm. Regardless, as the day wore on, the senses got used to the feeling and the muscles started to adapt. In fact, it was downright pleasurable to operate at slightly higher speeds. It seems as if more loading on the front-end helps bring back the feeling. The CLs dash layout is very clean and comprehensive. Amongst all the glitz and glamour of a press-intro and the flitter of journo-speak, it gets difficult to remember who this bike was marketed for (you know who you are, mister 46 year old with $100,600 average income) and why it was even brought to fruition. Fact of the matter is that everything worked the way it was supposed to, including the revised power-assist brake system. It seems as if people were complaining about the abruptness of the first generation system, particularly when the foot pedal was applied. So, BMW fixed it, and now we’re left with a much more gradual power brake feel. In fact, brakes where fantastic overall. Quick stops using either lever or pedal can be achieved, and makes a maximum braking procedure, a procedure that was once shuddered to think about, a truly user friendly affair. Touches, like floorboard and control mounting positions were all well thought out. The brake pedal is located just in front of the right floorboard. Although it looks awkward at first, the pedal is in the perfect location. From the floorboard simply slide your foot forward and press. It’s a similar process for the heel-toe shifter. While the controls functioned as designed, ergonomics proved to be a mixed bag. The seat to floorboard relationship was great. However, the handlebar reach seemed a bit excessive, putting the rider’s arms wide. In fact, the seat is actually 0.2 inches taller than a stock R1200C but maintains its “flat-foot” factor by creative use of seat design. Unfortunately I didn’t really get to field test the bags or the lighting system as our ride only lasted a single day. But, in the little time I had, I found the bags to be typical of all the other BMW systems; well designed and fabricated. While the top case is removable, the side bags are designed to stay put. CD or, Compact Disc, technology will revolutionize the way… what? This compact disc technology is already available? Goodness gracious, I must inform my dear friend T. Alva Edison. Now, the main question remains is are people going to buy the CL? I think they will. And why not? The bike is built like a rock, and once you get used to the vague feeling front end, handles just fine. The BMW name, quality and attention to detail will be more than enough for the selling point. Luxury accouterments just add to its value. Sure its a little down on power, but when you’re just cruising the interstate, or rambling down a rural road this rig is perfect. Specifications Engine- Type: Air/oil cooled twin cylinder Bore x stroke: 101 x 73 mm Displacement: 1170 cc Horsepower: 61 bhp @ 5000 rpm Torque: 72 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm Compression ratio: 10.0:1 Valves per cylinder: 4 Fuel: FI and electronic controlled by Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 w/ automatic choke control Fuel capacity: 4.5 US gallons / 20.5 L Charging system: 800 W Drivetrain- Clutch: 165mm (6.5 in) dry, single plate Drive system: shaft drive Final drive: spiral bevel gears, 2.62:1 ratio Frame and Suspension- Frame: Cast aluminum front-frame section, stressed engine Front suspension: Telelever w/ coil spring, gas shock Front travel: 5.67in/114mm Rear suspension: Monolever, gas shock w/ preload adj. Rear travel: 4.72in/120mm Brakes- Brake system: BMW ABS-II Front brakes: dual 12in/305mm rotors, 4 piston calipers Rear brakes: Single 11.22in/285mm rotor, 2 piston caliper Wheels and tires- Front: 3.5×16 in cast aluminum wheel, 150/80 16 tubeless Rear: 4.0×15 in cast aluminum wheel, 170/80 15 tubeless Dimensions- Length: 95.1in/2415mm Width: 42.3in/1075mm Wheelbase: 64.61in/1641mm Ground clearance: 6.25in/159mm Seat height: 29.3in/745mm Handlebar width: 33.6in/853mm Steering angle: 56.5° Weight: 679lbs/308kgs wet/648lbs/294kgs dry Max weight: 1169lbs/530kg GVWR Colors- Pearl Silver Metallic Mojave Brown Metallic Capri Blue Metallic MSRP: $15990 Standard Equipment- Polished and chrome plated stainless-steel exhaust Electronically controlled 3-way catalytic converter Locking body-colored top and side cases; removable top case Four-lamp headlight system integrated into front fairing Heel-toe shifter and floorboards Hazard flashers Two power accs sockets Heated grips Cruise control Chrome package Radio prep Differences for CLC- MSRP: $16490 Standard Equipment- Radio/CD player Soft touch seat Heated seat Available in dealers, November 2002 Church Of MO – First Ride: 2003 BMW R1200CL appeared first on Motorcycle.com.

#IFTTT #FacebookPages

0 notes