The 2014 Audi e-tron Spyder on the streets in Malibu, California

19 10 2011

October 18, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The Audi e-tron Spyder features what is without a doubt the most advanced and simultaneously the most consistent evolution of the current Audi design language, while also providing initial hints at the design language of future Audi sports cars. It reinterprets the most important design elements that already characterized the previous e-tron concept vehicles. This also ensures the necessary formal differentiation to the purely electric-powered Audi e-tron shown at the 2010 Detroit Motor Show.

The two-seater is equipped with a 300-hp twin-turbo V6 TDI at the rear axle and two electric motors producing a total of 64 kW at the front axle. The Audi e-tron Spyder’s low total weight of 3,196 lbs combined with the high-torque TDI and the two electric motors results in respectable performance. The car accelerates to 60 in less than 4.5 seconds, and top speed is electronically governed at 155 mph.

####





Can-Am Is Recalling Certain Roadster Spyder RT SM5

13 02 2011

February 11, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) -

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
CAN-AM / ROADSTER SPYDER RT SM5 2011
Manufacturer: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC. Mfr’s Report Date: FEB 07, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V081000
N/A

NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:COLUMN SHIFT ASSEMBLY
Potential Number of Units Affected: 160
Summary:
 BRP IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SPYDER RT SM5 ROADSTERS. WHILE DOWN SHIFTING IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO INADVERTENTLY ENGAGE REVERSE WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE REVERSE BUTTON DUE TO A DEFECTIVE REVERSE ACTUATOR CABLE.
Consequence:
 IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING FORWARD, THE REAR WHEEL COULD LOCK AND THE ENGINE COULD STALL. IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS STOPPED, THE VEHICLE COULD BACK UP. A VEHICLE STALL WITHOUT WARNING OR AN EXPECTED MOVEMENT IN REVERSE MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy:
 DEALERS WILL VALIDATE PROPER OPERATION OF THE REVERSE ACTUATOR AND IF DEFECTIVE, THE REVERSE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRP AT 1-888-638-5397.
Notes:
 OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

####





The 2011 Triumph America and Speedmaster Launch Video

26 01 2011

January 24, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Produced by Triumph Australia with the assistance of AMCN and Bikesales.com.au, this video showcases the fantastic new 2011 America and Speedmaster cruisers.

####





Development of Hybrid Technology for BRP’s Can-Am Spyder Roadster

20 12 2010

Sherbrooke, CN – December 20, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The Centre de technologies avancées BRP – Université de Sherbrooke (CTA) receives $11.3 million in financial support to develop hybrid engine technology for BRP’s Can-Am Spyder roadster. This is the only electric hybrid roadster development project in the world.

An injection of $6.2 million from the Automotive Partnership Canada program and $5.1 million from BRP will see the project extend over a four-year period. Steven Blaney, MP for Lévis-Bellechasse, Suzanne Fortier, president of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and Guy Lévesque, program director of the Canada Foundation for Innovation were present for this major announcement, along with Université de Sherbrooke‘s principal, Luce Samoisette, and BRP’s president and CEO, José Boisjoli.

First launched in 2007, the Can-Am Spyder roadster is a totally unique way to experience the freedom of open-air riding. Its distinctive Y-architecture – two wheels in front, one in back – creates challenges that push the limits of electric hybrid vehicle technology. “Our mandate is ambitious and complex,” explained Mihai Rasidescu, president and general manager of the CTA. “Our goal is to develop completely new electric hybrid technology for a three-wheel vehicle that uses 50% less fuel and reduces CO2 emissions by 50% while maintaining its speed, power and performance.”

“By deciding to establish R & D centres, BRP confirmed its commitment to accelerate the development of cleaner and more efficient new technologies,” stated José Boisjoli, BRP’s president and CEO. “The powertrain technologies used in our snowmobiles, side-by-side vehicles, and outboard engines are already the best in the industry in terms of fuel consumption, and are milestones towards our goal of providing consumers with increasingly eco-performing technology.”

The CTA is at the heart of innovation, and the cooperation between the Université de Sherbrooke and BRP is an unparalleled asset in research and development projects.

“As included in our strategic plan, Réussir 2010-2015, the University is reviving its distinctive approach to research and pursuing its commitment to socio-economic development in the Estrie region and the province,” said principal Luce Samoisette. “Without a doubt this applied research project will produce a skilled new generation of engineers and have a significant impact on several levels.” Through this initiative, 20 post-graduate students will become highly trained.

Original design challenges
The project’s research team is led by Professor Alain Desrochers from the Université de Sherbrooke’s Mechanical Engineering Department and includes about 30 people from the University and BRP. The team will need to be original during the development of the components. The roadster’s compact size alone poses major challenges. Rather than modifying existing hybrid technology, the researchers will have to design an entirely new propulsion system.

“Creating a three-wheel vehicle as opposed to a hybrid car poses significant design challenges that require a very high degree of innovation,” said professor Desrochers. “These challenges include the lack of space to accommodate hybrid motorization, cooling problems, aerodynamics, vehicle weight, and noise. Everything must be studied and modified.”

Over the next four years the CTA will produce three generations of prototypes and their components. The final product must pass the test in terms of performance, reliability, durability, and economic mass production. Any technological innovations will be potentially transferable to other types of vehicles and products.

About the CTA
The Centre de technologies avancées BRP – Université de Sherbrooke (CTA) is the result of a partnership between BRP and the Université de Sherbrooke. Its mandate is to develop new cutting-edge technologies in the field of motorized recreational vehicles. Since it opened in 2006, the CTA has developed two technologies that have been integrated into BRP products: a technology used in manufacturing the hulls of the new generation of Sea-Doo watercraft, and the five-speed semi-automatic transmission available on Can-Am Spyder roadsters. The CTA currently employs more than 70 researchers and students, and expects to become self-financing as of 2011.

####





Customers Have Seven New Triumph Models to Choose From in 2011

18 12 2010

New North American CEO Highlights
Triumph’s Unwavering Dedication to New Product Development

LOS ANGELES, CA – December 17, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Triumph Motorcycles today unveiled seven new motorcycles to North American customers at the International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach. The models are the largest new product line-up in the company‟s 109-year history and expand Triumph‟s product line-up from 16 models in three motorcycle families to 23 models across six motorcycle families.

The company also introduced Greg Heichelbech as Triumph‟s new CEO for North America. Heichelbech was formerly Director of Dealer Development and Retail Environment Group for Harley-Davidson Motor Company as well as Director of Strategic Sales and Marketing, and Director of Platform Marketing for Buell American Motorcycles. He first joined Harley-Davidson in 1990 and held various executive positions including Director of Field Operations.

“Triumph is one of a couple motorcycle manufacturers that can boast both an incredible heritage and state-of-the-art engineering and design. But Triumph is the only motorcycle manufacturer that has this unique, iconic brand and also has successfully created a product line that caters to a very wide variety of customers,” said Heichelbech. “Triumph offers by far the best selection of class-leading products, from sport bikes to cruisers to adventure bikes, while still maintaining a brand heritage that‟s more than 100 years old. We have a very bright future at Triumph, and I‟m looking forward to working with the factory, our North American team and our dealer network to bring these fantastic motorcycles to customers everywhere.”

Triumph had a successful 2010, selling its 100,000th motorcycle since returning to the North American market just 15 years ago, and expanding its reach by bringing new dealers into the Triumph family that have a history of providing quality service to their customers.

“Triumph has consistently grown in the United States and Canada since we re-entered the market 15 years ago, and we remain bullish on Triumph‟s growth here,” said Paul Stroud, (Global) Director of Sales and Marketing for Triumph Motorcycles Ltd.

“Greg has an amazing level of focus and enthusiasm,” continued Stroud. “Coupled with his industry expertise and knowledge of the North American market, we‟re very optimistic about Triumph‟s future here. Two of Triumph‟s greatest assets are our products, which Greg believes in both as an enthusiast and a professional, and the Triumph dealer network, which will continue to thrive because of the products we make available and level of service they provide.”

The seven new motorcycles for 2011, and the model families they are in, include:

Adventure

  • Tiger 800XC: With its long-travel suspension, powerful engine and 21-inch front spoke wheel, the 800XC delivers true off-road capability. A full range of off-road protection parts further helps riders who prefer to travel off the beaten path.
  • Tiger 800: Designed for the city and the open road, the Tiger 800 features a smooth, broad powerband and adjustable seat height that can be as low as 31.9 inches to make it an adventure bike for the masses.

Roadster

  • Speed Triple: Triumph pioneered the “streetfighter” production sport bike movement with the Speed Triple, a 1050cc powerhouse that is still renowned for its styling and performance. The new Speed Triple receives many improvements that include an all-new chassis, more useable horsepower and a modern restyling of its signature twin headlights.

    Supersport

    • Daytona 675R: This higher race specification version of the class-leading Daytona 675 features a full Ohlins suspension like that used on the Triumph BE1 World Supersport factory racing bikes, Brembo mono bloc brakes, factory quickshifter and carbon fiber bodywork to make the ultimate track day and road bike.

    Cruiser

    • Thunderbird Storm: Triumph started with the award-winning Thunderbird then increased its horsepower with the factory 1700 cc big bore kit, added distinct dual headlamps, aggressive drag-style handle bars, and blacked out the chrome for a hard-edged look.
    • America: This 865cc parallel twin-powered cruiser features a lower seat height and improved ergonomics for a more empowering and satisfying feeling for riders of every experience level.
    • Speedmaster: This stripped down „hot rod‟ style cruiser features a more aggressive appearance, better ergonomics with forward controls, a lower seat height and wider handle bars for a ride that is muscular and empowering.

    The full range of Triumph motorcycles are available at authorized Triumph dealers throughout North America. They include:

    • Roadsters: Speed Triple, Street Triple, Street Triple R
    • Supersport: Daytona 675, Daytona 675R
    • Adventure: Tiger 800, Tiger 800XC
    • Touring: Tiger 1050, Sprint GT
    • Classics: Bonneville, Bonneville SE, Bonneville T100, Scrambler, Thruxton
    • Cruisers: Thunderbird, Thunderbird Storm, America, Speedmaster, Rocket III Roadster, Rocket III Touring

    To find your local Triumph dealer, please visit www.TriumphMotorcycles.com.

    Triumph Motorcycles (www.TriumphMotorcycles.com) is the 109 year old British motorcycle marque that produces a wide range of sport, cruiser and touring motorcycles that are all designed to provide outstanding motorcycling experiences. From the storied Bonneville to the class-leading Speed Triple, Triumph offers a blend of design, character and performance that result in truly distinctive motorcycles. First established in 1902 and now located in Hinckley, Leicestershire, England, Triumph has always set the pace for category winning machines. The company is solely owned by Bloor Holdings Ltd. and its North American operations are based in Atlanta.
    For more information:

    Matt O‟Connor, McRae, (404) 917-0675, moconnor@mcrae.com
    Stephanie Milo, McRae, (404) 917-0682, smilo@mcrae.com

    ####








    %d bloggers like this: