1969 Honda CB750.Honda Four hundred million! Thats how many motorcycles and scooters the Honda Motor Company has produced since 1948. Founded, of course, by Soichiro Honda, as a purveyor of piston rings he supplied Toyota, which was just starting to produce cars Honda quickly determined that post-war Japan needed cheap transportation and thus was the Dream Model D born, powered by 98-cc two-stoke motor.Since then, there have been many milestones. There was the construction of the original superbike (the CB750) and the original touring motorcycle (Gold Wing), not to mention stalwarts like the Africa Twin 650 and the industrys first dual-clutch transmission motorcycle (VFR1200).But, by far the most important motorcycle in Hondas repertoire accounting for more than a quarter of that 400 million total, making it the most popular vehicle of all time is the venerable Super Cub. Originally conceived as a 50-cc runabout in 1956, it is the Super Cub that spawned a decade of You meet the nicest people on a Honda, the trend that swept the USA during the 60s.Without the Super Cub propelling upstart Honda ahead of traditional giants like Harley-Davidson and Triumph, there would have been no CB750 or Gold Wing 1000. The Super Cub is quite literally the motorcycle that made Honda. That said, while North America remains a prime market for Hondas large touring motorcycles, it merits barely a mention in the companys overall sales. Honda, for instance, celebrated its 300 millionth motorcycle just five years ago, which means its been selling 20 million yes, 20 million units a year every year since. And India and Indonesia account for half 10 million of that number. All of Europe and North America, meanwhile, accounts for just 620,000 bike sales combined.Honda also celebrated 50 years in Canada this year. Vancouvers Trev Deeley (the first Honda motorcycle distributor in the English-speaking world, by the way) and New Brunswicks Northrup family started importing scooters during the 50s before Honda established its official distribution chain in 1969, concentrating on motorcycles until the 1973 arrival of the original
Origin: Honda celebrates building its 400 millionth motorcycle
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Chevrolet’s finally building an EV crossover — but only for China
Theres hardly a car company on the planet that wont jump at the opportunity to add another crossover or SUV to its ranks. Even the mighty Aston Martin and Ferrari are getting in on the game.Given that, it shouldnt be much of a surprise to anyone the new vehicles being shown off by Chevrolet at an auto show in China are utilities.Called the Menlo and apparently built off the bones of a Bolt EV, this car is the first all-electric Bowtie-branded vehicle in China. The company is calling it a sedan for reasons unknown, but this new rig certainly takes the shape of a crossover or SUV.According to GM, the Menlo has a range of 410 kilometres when fully charged and measured under the New European Driving Cycle. Even if that system is slightly more generous than North American tests, it still suggests a driving range not far off that provided by the Bolt.If youve a set of eyes, its easy to tell the Menlo is part of the GM crossover family, with a pair of headlights bookending a thin strip of chrome and resting atop a very familiar bumper. Around back, the Menlo EV would fit exceedingly well in a parking lot full of Equinox and Blazer vehicles.Speaking of Blazer, Chevrolet also showed a three-row version of that trucklet at the same show in which it introduced the Menlo EV. Such a vehicle is not expected to make the jump to America, as it would have the propensity to cannibalize sales of other similarily-sized Chevy three-row rigs. Weve asked GM Canada about whether there are plans to bring either to dealerships here, and it told us the Menlo EV isnt going to be sold in Canada as we speak emphasis ours. Doesnt that sound like it leaves open a small window it might come here eventually?The company says it will have more details about the Menlo EV at this years Guangzhou Auto Show, a soire which runs from November 22 through December 1. Its expected the car will go on sale in China during the first half of calendar year
Origin: Chevrolet’s finally building an EV crossover — but only for China
Michigan Jeep dealer building new Gladiator-based Scramblers
A Jeep dealer in Michigan is making us long for the 80s with this cool new retro Scrambler tribute.The vehicle is based largely on the Scrambler concept originally shown at Jeep’s annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.Motor1 spotted this beauty on the YouTube channel for the Preferred Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealership of Grand Haven.The Scrambler features classic orange-and-red decals that run along the side of the all-white truck, and up towards the matching Scrambler script on the hood.White wagon alloy wheels with multiple spokes remind us of classic steel wheels found on almost every 44 of the 1980s, and look great on the Gladiator. All wheels are wrapped in 35-inch tires, and a two-inch lift keeps everything from rubbing.In the bed is a roll bar with fog lights, complete with iconic smiley-face covers, as well as a full-sized spare tire. Under the hood is the same 3.6-litre V6 engine thats found in every Gladiator, which offers significantly more power and reliability than the original engine in the CJ-8 Scrambler, which only made about 115 horsepower and 210 lb.-ft. of torque.Is the dealer preying on nostalgia to sell more trucks? Maybe, but at least you can actually walk into the store and buy one (if you live in the U.S.). Youre not so lucky at least not yet with the Moab concept.The dealer-modified Scrambler will, be warned, put a US$51,220 dent in your wallet, which is a lot less than a fully tricked-out
Origin: Michigan Jeep dealer building new Gladiator-based Scramblers
Could Dodge be building a track-capable Challenger ACR?
The entire automotive world was saddened to learn Dodges crazy V10-powered supercar, the Viper, was going to die in 2017. The Vipers departure left a gap in the companys lineup, too, for a new track-focused sports car.Now, it seems like Dodge might be gearing up to convert one of its mainstay vehicles into a track-ready weapon the Challenger.According to sources speaking to MoparInsiders.com, Dodge could be bringing the ACR (American Club Racer) trim from the Viper back to its Challenger lineup, for the models 50th anniversary.This isnt the first time well have seen an ACR-type take on a Challenger, however. Back in 2011, the brand built a concept vehicle for SEMA featuring lightweight components made from carbon-fibre, plus some neat aero bits. The concept was never made a reality due to manufacturing cost, but now seems just as good a time as any to revitalize the lineup once again, as Dodge did with the Demon in 2018. The Challenger isnt foreign to road racing. Back in the 1970s, it dominated the Trans Am field at the hands of Sam Posey, and its sister car, the Cuda, didnt do too bad, either. Just like in the 70s, a Challenger ACR could do battle with the likes of the Ford Mustang GT350 and the Chevrolet ZL1 1LE.With the Challenger platform getting very old at this point, Dodge will be looking for ways to keep the vehicle interesting until its re-designed in 2023. Whether it will actually happen remains to be seen, but we can already envision a lime-green Challenger with Minilite wheels coming to a track near
Origin: Could Dodge be building a track-capable Challenger ACR?
GM may be building a Silverado ‘ZRX’ to take on Ford’s Raptor
Bowtie fans are spoilt for choice if they want a mid-size truck packing acres of off-road cred, with the ZR2 and ZR2 Bison bringing the goods. The full-size cupboard is slightly more bare, given Trail Boss trucks arent level competitors to the mighty Ford F-150 Raptor.However, if the rumour mill is working reliably, that situation will change very soon.Those in the know over at GM Authority are reporting Chevy is planning an off-road brute with the chops to take on the Raptor. Potentially called the ZRX, this Silverado variant could slot in above the current Trail Boss.It would be a sensible move for GM to make, given it currently has no answer to the Raptor or Ram’s upcoming Rebel TRX. Chevrolet could leverage its relationship with Multimatic, the company which manufacturers the excellent DSSV suspenders found on the Colorado ZR2 pickup. Your author has launched bowtie trucks equipped with these dampers at speed off various and sundry off-road obstacles and can confidently report that, even at speeds approaching 65 km/h, landing back on terra firma is no more harsh than flopping down on a comfortable bed.Silverados unique weight and dimensions, compared to the smaller Colorado, would likely require some fettling of those dampers by the boffins at Multimatic. Dont expect a simple swap, in other words. Other goodies likely to appear on a Silverado ZRX are front and rear lockers; different fasciae for better approach and departure angles; and a raft of appropriately aggro trim features. The brands hand-of-god 6.2-litre V8 is a natural fit for a truck of this ilk, especially given that it is available in the Trail Boss for 2020. Its unlikely Chevy would allow little bro to out-power the big guns, after all. Given that GM offers the Colorado ZR2 with that trucks diesel option, it wouldnt be a surprise for them to list the Silverados new 3.0-litre diesel on a ZRX option sheet.Expect this Raptor-fighter to show up on dealer lots within the next couple of
Origin: GM may be building a Silverado ‘ZRX’ to take on Ford’s Raptor
Bentley is building 12 new examples of its 1920s ‘Blower’ race cars
Bentley is joining the likes of Aston Martin and Jaguar in offering new recreations of one of its classic models but, being Bentley, it has to do things a little bit differently.The U.K. marque will bring back the iconic 4 1/2-litre Supercharged Blower for a limited run of 12 vehicles, one for every race the original four Team Blowers entered. Each vehicle will be identical to Tim Birkins original race cars that raced in the late 20s.As we continue to commemorate 100 years of Bentley, we are combining a look to our past with the very latest digital technologies and techniques to create something truly extraordinary, Bentleys chairman and CEO, Adrian Hallmark, said in a release.The four Team Blowers are the most valuable Bentleys in the world, and we know there is demand for genuine recreations that can be used, enjoyed and loved without risk to the prized originals.Although the Blower Bentleys never won an endurance race, they had the distinction of being the fastest car in the world in their time, which was enough for James Bond author Ian Fleming to write the vehicle into his stories as the original preferred choice of the British spy. Subtle. To build the cars properly, Bentley will disassemble its own Blower Bentley chassis number HB 3403 into individual components, which will then be cataloged, 3D-scanned and digitally modeled. High-tech scanning complete, the parts will then be made using the original molds and tooling jigs, as well as traditional hand tools.It will take the coachbuilding masters at Mulliner two years to build the 12 vehicles. The price is available upon asking, but we can guess it wont be a cheap
Origin: Bentley is building 12 new examples of its 1920s ‘Blower’ race cars
Yes, now Pagani’s mulling over building an SUV
The 2019 Pagani Huayra BC RoadsterNicholas Maronese Pagani, the Italian maker of hand-crafted hypercars with psychotic levels of performance, is, yes, reportedly thinking about building an SUV. According to an interview with Horacio Pagani himself on the digital pages of AutoCar, its a topic which has been discussed a number of times with collectors.In other news, pigs have learned to fly and old Alfas have suddenly become reliable daily drivers.We kid we should have known this development was coming, of course. Porsche, with the Cayenne, arguably opened the floodgates on the idea of a sports-car maker building SUVs. Now, theres a whole market full of stilt-wearing all-wheel-drive rigs from the likes of Bentley and Lamborghini.Still, we shouldnt fault the man for listening to his customers. After all, if the outrageously wealthy are asking him for a Pagani SUV to match their Zonda and Huayra, he would be silly to say no. Projects such as these pave the way for future car development, often with cubic acres of dollar bills.Pagani goes on to say that an SUV from the company that bears his surname would likely have a price tag in the neighbourhood of 3 million Euros ($4.4 million). They would access the technology of Mercedes-Benz a logical statement given the relationship between the two companies and maybe use the big SUV platform. A Pagani SUV based on a G-Wagen and stuffed with a V12 might not be so bad after all. The next hypercar from Pagani, set to replace the spellcheck-vexing Huayra, is scheduled to appear in the calendar year 2022. At its outset, the car will deploy a familiar Mercedes-AMG V12 twin-turbo, eschewing hybrid technology until a later time. In fact, Pagani said in the Autocar interview that the mighty V12 will be homologated until 2026, which is great news for gearheads who enjoy a screaming exhaust note.A move to electrification is on the horizon, of course, as only the most tone-deaf automaker would refuse to recognize consumer trends. Pagani is possibly the least tone-deaf CEO on the planet, so it makes sense that future hypercars from the brand will have some electrons in their
Origin: Yes, now Pagani’s mulling over building an SUV
Tennessee dealer building 808-hp US$139,995 Mustangs
There are a few racing liveries etched into the minds of a gearheads: John Player Lotus, Penske Marlboro, Petty STP. One that ranks consistently high on the tribute list? The famed Gulf livery, instantly recognizable for its blue-and-orange colours.A Ford dealer in Tennessee is now marketing new Mustangs painted in Gulf shades to celebrate the brands historic win at Le Mans all those years ago.Oh, yeah did we mention these Mustangs have had their wick cranked to a sky-high 808 horsepower?Brown Lee Ford out of Nashville, smartly cashing in on the upcoming Ford v Ferrari flick starring Christian Bale and Matt Damon, isnt new to building hot-rod Mustangs. Theyve been hawking Roush-tuned units for years, but this Gulf creation is something special.Under the hood, a claimed 808 horsepower and 677 lb.-ft. of torque works its way out of a 5.0-litre supercharged V8. That blower is described by the dealer as a 3.0 Liter Stage 2 unit that works in concert with an air-to-water intercooler system.Buyers can row their own or let the car do it for them as this beast is available with either the six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic.Ensuring the Gulf Mustang will stop as good as it goes, the company has also fitted brakes the size of frying pans, measuring 15.1 inches front and rear. Six-pot calipers perform clamping duties on the front stoppers, while four-piston breadloaves hang out in the back. Tires? Theyre Michelin Sport Cup 2s, of course, sized 285/30ZR20 front and 305/30ZR20 rear.Styling cues are obvious and include the likes of a front carbon-fibre splitter and side sills. Gulf logos pepper the sides and rear of these Mustangs, and Gulf racing accents are found inside on the seats as well. We have to say, US$140,000 is a hefty price tag, especially when one considers the mighty GT500 is priced less than eighty grand in the States. Theyre only building 119 of these cars, though, so it stands to reason youll never see yourself on the street corner.Plus, what better way to rock up to the premiere of Ford v
Origin: Tennessee dealer building 808-hp US$139,995 Mustangs
Ford is reportedly building a Bronco-based pickup truck
The new Ford Bronco hasnt even been seen in the flesh yet, and were already hearing rumours about possible offshoot versions, in particular a possible pickup variant to take on the new Jeep-truck.According to Automobile magazine, citing industry analyst AutoForecast Solutions, Ford will add an open bed to the not-yet-unveiled Bronco, with production of this pickup trim starting in July of 2024.Thats a full four years after the Bronco SUV is expected to debut.Now, like us, you make be confused, because the Bronco itself is built on the upcoming Ranger platform, which is already a pickup truck. Why a second truck take on the same platform? Possibly because boxy, retro-looking SUVs and trucks are in now, as evidenced by the coming-in-hot return of the Jeep Gladiator.If Ford is truly gunning for the Gladiator, that means the Bronco pickup will likely be a crew-cab, with a smaller bed in behind. Ford is allegedly also working on another, smaller version of the Bronco that could possibly be dubbed the Bronco Scout. If reports can be believed, that will be a small unibody truck based on the Ford Focus architecture. Its possible that vehicle will morph into another small pickup, maybe called the Courier.We have no doubt this truck will sell like hotcakes; the small pickup truck market is on fire right now, and Ford is understandably keen to throw its hats into as many rings as possible. The 2020 Ranger will have to fill the boots until 2024, when the appetite for small pickups will hopefully remain
Origin: Ford is reportedly building a Bronco-based pickup truck
GM is thinking about building an electric Hummer
2006 HUMMER H3General Motors A zero-emission Hummer sounds as paradoxical as non-alcoholic whiskey, but General Motors is mulling over the idea of building an electric vehicle that would bring the defunct gas-guzzling brand back to life. For now, it’s just an idea GM is considering as it plans which vehicles will be included in a fleet of electrified SUVs and trucks, say people familiar with the matter. The Hummer name has surfaced as way to tap growing demand for rugged SUVs with off-road capabilities, while avoiding the gasoline-burning image that made the brand something of a pariah a decade ago, said the people, who asked not to be named because the conversations are private. Electric Hummer chatter comes as GM is looking to transform itself from a conventional, gas-powered-vehicle maker into what Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra calls an “all-electric future.” Hummer is one of many options GM is exploring as it races to develop the next generation of battery-powered vehicles. Several other car companies also are rushing to produce commercially viable electric-powered models. When asked about it, GM President Mark Reuss was unconvinced. “I love Hummer,” Reuss said on the sidelines of a press conference on June 12. “I’m not sure. We’re looking at everything.” GM is currently working on two major battery-electric vehicle programs. The first is its BEV3 project, which will develop passenger cars, crossover SUVs and a variety of other small and mid-sized models. That’s part of the automaker’s pledge to put 20 EVs on the road globally by 2023. The second program would make electric pickups and other full-size vehicles, some of which can go off-road. In its family of brands, GM has large SUVs – such as the Chevrolet Suburban and Cadillac Escalade – as well as hulking GMC vehicles including the Sierra truck and Yukon SUV. GMC also has Denali-labeled models that denote luxury and an AT4 brand for off-road capable trucks. Any of those potentially could be offered with electric powertrains, Reuss said. “It’s massive. There might be places where we go first that are not just heavy-duty work trucks but more style and capability for off-road,” he said. “There are lots of things that are very attractive.” GM kept Hummer after its 2009 bankruptcy but halted sales in 2010. Back then, the 10-miles-per-gallon Hummer H2 made the brand a symbol of automaker indifference to global warming. The vehicle was so heavy its weight placed it beyond the reach of federal government rules for fuel-economy tests, further enraging environmentalists. Even if GM goes through with a plan to make an electric Hummer, it would be years away. GM’s planned electric-truck project is well underway, but those models aren’t expected to launch until after the debut of the BEV3 architecture for smaller vehicles. Cadillac or one of the higher-volume brands would probably get some of the first models on the larger electric-truck-based platform. Whatever happens, GM won’t be the first to think of an electric Hummer. Schwarzenegger worked with Kriesel Electric to put a battery and EV motor in his own H1 two years ago—pioneering a zero-emission version of a vehicle that once went by the tagline “Like Nothing
Origin: GM is thinking about building an electric Hummer
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