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Cigarette Racing’s new high-performance boat inspired by Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series

Mercedes-AMG doesn’t make boats and Cigarette Racing doesn’t make cars, but the two companies have collaborated on many projects where the carmaker’s high-performance automotive expertise has been used to make Cigarette Racing’s boats (by the way, the 52-year old company doesn’t actually race) since 2007.

The 13th project is the all-new Cigarette 41’ Nighthawk AMG Black Series special edition boat which is associated with, and draws inspiration from, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. This boat joins a range of exclusive special edition performance boats, with the claim of exclusivity and craftsmanship unlike any other performance boat in its segment.

The 41’ Nighthawk AMG Black Series Edition draws on Cigarette’s advanced engineering, utilizing cutting-edge elements such as a unique twin-step hull design to deliver its remarkable on-water performance. A low centre of gravity, which improves handling, and light overall weight, which improves speed, have been achieved using a completely carbonfibre deck and an all carbonfibre hardtop design. Intelligent use of composite materials and proprietary construction techniques improve structural integrity, delivering enhanced ride comfort and composed handling characteristics in even the most demanding conditions.

High performance over water
The boat’s design is where Mercedes-AMG was largely involved, with its team and Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler Group, translating the shared philosophies between the German carmaker and Cigarette. With its dramatic proportions, benchmark-setting power and striking design, the new Nighthawk AMG Black Series delivers Mercedes-AMG’s type of performance over water.

The special edition boat sets new standards in performance within its segment. For example, it is the first in its model range to feature 5 racing-grade outboard engines. These five 4.6-litre V8 Mercury Racing 450R outboard engines create an industry-leading 450 peak propshaft horsepower each, and are controlled via an advanced shadowing throttle system, which allows only two levers to be used to control all 5 engines simultaneously.

The combined 2,250 hp output accelerates this special edition boat to a top speed of more than 145 km/h. Nowhere as fast as the top speed of the car which is 325 km/h but an impressively high speed for a boat. This is an achievement of particularly high significance for a boat in this large centre console segment which can comfortably hold more than ten people and still feature exceptional luxury amenities.

Magmabeam colour theme from car
The eye-catching Magmabeam orange and black exterior of this special edition is influenced by the AMG GT Black Series, which debuted the Magmabeam exterior colour as an exclusive new option, as well as optional orange elements inside.

The Magmabeam orange and black colour scheme is further enhanced by small AMG logos painted towards the bow of the boat in a repeating pattern. The logos are not decals and each one has been individually painted. The centre trim pieces of the engine cowlings are also painted in Magmabeam orange, uniting the distinctive aesthetic from bow to stern.

The layout of the Cigarette 41’ Nighthawk AMG Black Series focuses around a central console with a helm and cabin in the centre of the boat, with the ability to walk around on both sides, and an open bow for seating up front. Part of what makes the Cigarette Racing Team centre console unique is its advanced hull design, incorporating a highly refined ‘twin step’ design that makes the boat dramatically more efficient.

Attention to detail within
The exceptional attention to detail is also found inside where the colour theme is primarily grey and black, with distinctive orange detailing. The vessel also features the unique Cigarette Cool upholstery, which dissipates heat so that dark colours can remain comfortable, even when exposed to consistent sun and heat while cruising.

The forward helm seating consists of two rows (three seats per row), with the front row featuring height adjustability, enabling the captain to achieve an ideal yet personalized seat height for spirited boating. This helm seating layout is advantageous for sporty cruising because you can have 6 people comfortably seated, forward facing, behind the central helm. There is an L-shaped lounge at the rear of the boat, and U-shaped seating at the bow. This layout creates a boat that is not only sporty and agile but still offers the sort of entertainment and luxury that enhances its ability to cruise in comfort and relax with friends.

The helm features three Garmin 8617 multi-functional displays flush-mounted to an instrument panel CNC-cut from a solid block of aluminium. This protective coated instrument panel is resistant to heat, reflections and fingerprints, while the perimeter of the panel is uniquely lit by RGB LED accent lighting, providing a distinctive glow, creating the Illusion that the dash is floating. Passengers can feel secure, thanks to stainless steel grab bars and relax in total comfort with an ergonomic CNC-machined footrest.

The 41’ Nighthawk AMG Edition comes with an advanced control-interface design. Controlling the vessel’s features is accomplished through a sophisticated digital switching system. This system offers simple control of all systems onboard and also provides a performance benefit. By reducing the total weight of cables within the boat, the overall weight of the boat is also lowered, enabling higher performance. A lithium-ion battery pack further reduces weight, providing high power density, better durability and lower maintenance.

10 things about AMG you may not have known

PROLOGUE SUV will start new electric era for Honda in North America in 2024

In April this year, Honda announced that by 2040, it will sell only fully electric vehicles (not even hybrids), a bold move that will end its relationship with the internal combustion engine much loved by Soichiro Honda.

While different regions may move at different speeds along the road to electrification of their vehicles on a national basis, advanced markets like North America are likely to start having a higher proportion of electric vehicles (EVs) in the coming years.

New BEV series for North America
Honda will therefore be focussing on products for that market and has announced that it is working on a new series of high-volume battery electric vehicles (BEV) to introduce in North America in early 2024. The range will be known as PROLOGUE and will be led by an all-new SUV and herald the new electrified era for the company.

The carmaker already has a range of electrified vehicles on sale, but these are mostly with hybrid powertrains, apart from the Clarity which uses hydrogen fuel cell technology to generate electricity for powering the car.

In addition to the Prologue, the company will introduce an all-electric model under the Acura brand as well. Acura currently has hybrid models as well, including the 573-bhp NSX and the new all-electric model will be a SUV as well.

*GM Ultium platform and battery pack (below).*

GM’s Ultium platform for EVs to be used
Both the Honda and Acura vehicles will utilize the highly flexible global EV platform powered by Ultium batteries developed within the strategic partnership with General Motors. The platform will be engineered to support Honda’s driving character. As part of the agreement to jointly develop electric vehicles, Honda will incorporate GM’s OnStar safety and security services into its new SUVs, seamlessly integrating them with HondaLink.

Production of the SUVs will combine the development expertise of both companies, and they will be manufactured at GM plants in North America. In the second half of the decade, Honda also plans to launch a new series of EV models based on a new e:Architecture, with development led by the Japanese carmaker. These new models will be launched in North America first, followed by other regions.

Honda’s EV History
Though EVs have grown in prominence in recent times, Honda has been involved in developing and producing such vehicles for almost 25 years. In 1997, it introduced the EV Plus, a small electrically-powered hatchback which was the first BEV from a major automaker to use nickel-metal hydride batteries instead of heavy lead-acid batteries.

Honda EV Plus 1997 — *EV Plus was produced between 1997 and 1999.*

After the limited production of the EV Plus, Honda came out with the Insight in 1999. This was one of the first volume-produced hybrids in the market. The FCX came out in 2002 and it was the industry’s first commercialised vehicle using fuel cell technology that was originally developed for the space program. The FCX was succeeded by the Clarity in 2017.

*First generation of the Insight, one of the early volume-produced hybrids. This unit was driven from Thailand to Singapore in January 2001 to demonstrate the high fuel efficiency.*

*FCX – the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) which was commercialised.*

“We know customers who have a good experience with a hybrid vehicle are more likely to buy a battery electric vehicle in the future,” said Dave Gardner, Executive Vice-President of American Honda. “Our strategy is focused on introducing a higher percentage of hybrids in core models in the near term, making a committed effort to achieve higher volume leading to the introduction of our Honda PROLOGUE.”

Honda will stop selling models with combustion engines from 2040, range to be fully electric

Shortened course prevents Bentley Continental GT3 from setting new record at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

As reported earlier, Bentley is participating in this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, which took place in the American state of Colorado over the past few days. The car used this year is the Continental GT3 Pikes Peak and apart from its powerful 750+ bhp engine, it has also been tuned to run on renewable fuel.

On the course up the hill, the Continental GT3 proved to be the fastest car running on renewable fuel, finishing 2nd in the Time Attack 1 and 4th overall among all competitors. The car, driven by former ‘King of the Mountain’ Rhys Millen, crossing the finish line in 6:36.281 despite suffering a late engine issue. The time was good enough to beat all other sustainability-focused entrants, including fully electric competitors.

The course was shortened due to snow and ice near the 4,300-metre high summit of Pikes Peak. For safety reasons, the organisers repositioned the finish line at a point at 3,896 metres. This cut out the last third of the normal course which has 156 turns, many of them ‘open-air’ corners. The shortened route also meant that Bentley’s attempt to set a new record could not be achieved.

Nonetheless, the Continental GT3 Pikes Peak – regarded as ‘the most extreme road-going Bentley ever built’ – set a blistering pace over the first two sectors, entering the third and final sector 12 seconds ahead of its nearest rival. A few corners from the finish, a boost pressure problem meant 16 seconds were lost, dropping Millen back to second place in class.

“We know we had the pace today both to win our class, and to break the Time Attack 1 record. The weather sadly wasn’t with us though, with the shortened course meaning our assault on the record was never a possibility. While that’s a bitter pill to swallow, I’m proud to have entered such a strong renewably-powered racing car – the fastest at the event – and equally proud of the team that’s delivered this project. This is the first step on Bentley’s renewable fuel journey, and there will be many more opportunities to come. Perhaps we’ll even come back to Pikes Peak next year…,” said Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Paul Williams.

Bentley’s participation in the 2021 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb was the company’s third in recent years, following successful record runs in both a specially-prepared Bentayga (Production SUV record) and a Continental GT (outright Production Class record).

With regard to the RON98 Renewable Racing Fuel, this fuel is a dedicated blend of advanced biofuels specifically designed for motorsport. It is a technological stepping stone to sustainably-created eFuel with a greenhouse gas reduction of up to 85%.

Steering wheel of Bentley Continental GT3 for Pikes Peak Hill Climb can also be used for sim racing (w/VIDEO)

Audi RS Torque Splitter – more intelligent torque delivery to the wheels

To most people, all the four wheels of a car rotate at identical speeds all the time. But this is not so and between the left and right wheels, there is a difference in rotating speeds. If the car is turning to the left, the wheels on the left side will rotate more quickly than those on the inside because the former has to travel a great distance around a curve.

This is where a differential comes in to enable the wheels on the outside to rotate at different speeds without dragging the wheels, which would damage the tyres. This approach has been used for many decades and in more recent times, engineers have developed systems to more efficiently split the distribution of torque between the wheels and enhance driving dynamics.

The RS Torque Splitter (shown above) in the Audi RS 3 prototype is one of the latest innovations in this area as it distributes drive torque between the rear wheels in a fully variable manner. This results in optimal stability and maximum agility – especially when cornering at high speeds.

How does it work?
The RS Torque Splitter makes active, fully variable torque vectoring between the rear wheels possible. Unlike the rear axle differential and the previous multiple disc clutch package on the rear axle, the torque splitter uses one electronically-controlled multiple disc clutch each on the respective drive shaft. During dynamic driving, the torque splitter increases the drive torque to the outer rear wheel with the higher wheel load, which significantly reduces the tendency to understeer.

In left-hand curves, it transmits the torque to the right rear wheel, in right-hand curves to the left rear wheel, and when driving straight ahead to both wheels. This results in optimal stability and maximum agility – especially when cornering at high speeds.

When driving on closed roads, the torque splitter enables controlled drifts by applying all of the engine power at the rear axle to just one of the rear wheels – up to a maximum of 1,750 Nm of torque. The exact distribution of drive torque always depends on the mode selected in Audi drive select and the respective driving situation.

Each of the two multiple disc clutches has its own control unit, which use the electronic stabilization control’s wheel speed sensors to measure the wheel speeds. Other influencing factors include longitudinal and lateral acceleration, the steering angle, the position of the gas pedal, the selected gear, and the yaw angle, ie the rotational movement around the vertical axis. In addition, the torque splitter is connected to the modular vehicle dynamics controller as a higher-level entity.

Due to the difference in propulsive forces, the car turns into the curve even better and follows the steering angle more precisely. This results in less understeer, earlier and faster acceleration when exiting corners, and particularly precise and agile handling – for added safety in everyday use and faster lap times on the racetrack. The torque splitter also compensates for oversteer by directing the torque to the wheel on the inside of the curve or, if necessary, to both wheels.

Integrated into the driving dynamics system
Audi’s Drive Select modifies the characteristics of the torque splitter and thus the car’s handling. Five characteristic curves – Comfort/Efficiency, Auto, Dynamic, RS Performance, and RS Torque Rear – are saved in the system. In this context, engine power is distributed to all four wheels in the Comfort/Efficiency modes, with priority given to the front axle.

In Auto mode, torque distribution is balanced, which means that the car neither understeers nor oversteers. Dynamic mode, on the other hand, tends to transmit as much drive torque as possible to the rear axle – for maximum agility and increased dynamics. This is taken to perfection in RS Torque Rear mode, which allows drivers to perform controlled drifts on closed roads.

The highly rear-heavy distribution of the engine power leads to oversteering behaviour, with up to 100% of the drive torque directed to the rear ending up at the wheel on the outside of the curve. In addition, Audi engineers have adjusted the engine and transmission characteristics.

This specific setup is also used by RS Performance Mode, which is designed for the racetrack. It is specially tuned to the Pirelli P Zero ‘Trofeo R’ performance semi-slick tyres. In this mode, the torque splitter delivers a particularly dynamic, sporty ride along the longitudinal axis with as little understeer and oversteer as possible. This results in fast acceleration out of corners and thus better lap times.

The modular vehicle dynamics controller
The modular vehicle dynamics controller (mVDC) ensures that the chassis systems interact more precisely and more quickly. To do so, this central system captures data from all the components relevant to lateral dynamics. The mVDC synchronizes the torque splitter’s two control units, the adaptive dampers, and the wheel-selective torque control for high-precision steering and handling.

The gripping story of Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system

**The National Vaccination Program by the government of Malaysia is free of charge.**

Aston Martin reveals track-only Valkyrie AMR Pro without hybrid set-up

First came the Aston Martin Valkyrie roadcar and now, two years later, the company presents an evolutionary model – the Valkyrie AMR Pro. Where the original concept was very much an exercise in squeezing as much performance from the road-legal Valkyrie platform, the Valkyrie AMR Pro is freed from race rule constraints, enabling it to have capabilities exceeding those of the machine designed to challenge for outright victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours.

‘Unprecedented potency and mind-blowing capabilities’
Continuing the technology partnership with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, the Valkyrie AMR Pro is a car said to be ‘of unprecedented potency and mind-blowing capabilities’. It uses a unique version of the Valkyrie chassis which is 380 mm longer in wheelbase and 96 mm wider in track at the front, 115 mm at the rear.

The Valkyrie AMR Pro also features an aggressive aerodynamic package which adds an additional 266 mm in length and, thanks to mastery of underbody and overwing airflow, generates extraordinary levels of downforce. Delivering significantly more downforce than the Valkyrie roadcar, the Valkyrie AMR Pro will achieve lateral acceleration of more than 3g.

V12 engine without hybrid set-up
The track-only Valkyrie AMR Pro gets a modified version of the Cosworth-built 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine. Revving to 11,000rpm, this engine is on-target to develop 1,000 bhp. Weight savings will come from deletion of the battery-electric hybrid system, plus a host of other weight saving measures, including ultra-lightweight carbonfibre bodywork, carbon suspension wishbones and Perspex windscreen and side windows.

Together with an aerodynamic efficiency that exceeds Le Mans Hypercar regulations, the Valkyrie AMR Pro promises track performance approaching that of a Formula 1 car. Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team drivers are involved in developing the dynamic set-up of the car.

Only in lefthand drive
The Valkyrie AMR Pro will be available only in lefthand drive, with the production run limited to 40 cars (plus 2 prototypes). First deliveries are scheduled to commence during the fourth quarter of 2021.

“The entire Aston Martin Valkyrie programme has been an extraordinary adventure in engineering. As an expression of the passion and expertise that can be found within Aston Martin and its closest technical partners, Valkyrie AMR Pro is a project beyond compare, a true ‘no rules’ track-only version. The Valkyrie AMR Pro is testament to Aston Martin’s commitment to pure performance and this performance DNA will be evident in our future product portfolio. Nothing else looks like it, nothing else sounds like it, and I am absolutely certain nothing else will drive like it!” declared Aston Martin CEO, Tobias Moers.

The 40 customers will receive the opportunity to attend a bespoke track day experience, hosted by Aston Martin at a selection of International FIA Circuits around the world. The experience will include track and pit lane access, support from the Aston Martin Valkyrie Instructor team, as well as FIA exclusive racewear and a VIP hosted dinner.

Track days will be open to all Aston Martin Valkyrie customers, along with a selection of Art of Living experiences, driving some of the most challenging and dynamic roads across the UK and Europe, The Americas and beyond.

James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 in ‘Goldfinger’ reborn – complete with the gadgets!

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing scores 1-2 finish at Safari Rally Kenya

The French crew of Sebastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia secured victory in Safari Rally Kenya after having put in a powerful performance on the final day. Coming in 21.8 seconds behind was Ogier’s team mate Takamoto Katsuta,who scored his first ever WRC podium. Katsuta is with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRC Challenge Program which has helped to develop the Japanese driver’s talent since 2015.

The victory at the sixth round of the 2021 World Rally Championship (WRC) was Toyota’s first on the gruelling African event since Yoshio Fujimoto/Arne Hertz won the 43rd Safari in 1995 in a Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD.

In third was Ott Tanak/Martin Jarveoja in a Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC, taking over from Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe who had been dominant in the early stages and then sustained severe damage in SS14. “Basically, we came to a very slow left-right corner and something broke on the car. We saw that the damper exploded and we had to retire. It is a big disappointment, not only for me but for the whole team. It’s a tough time after three rallies in a row retiring from the lead. I have to stay with the team. We are all fighting together,” Neuville explained. Despite getting the car to the finish – and retaining the rally lead – the damage was too great for the crew to continue.

Team Principal Andrea Adamo offered his usual honest assessment of the rally: “We cannot be happy,” he said. “This is the third rally in a row in which we have had problems, so it cannot be considered bad luck. There are no excuses, it simply should not happen. We have to understand what is going on.”

For the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team, the weekend’s result was satisfying and the sensible strategy paid off. Both the EcoBoost-powered Fiesta WRC rallycars finished within the Top 5 with the first stage win of the season. Despite a late scare when his rear tyre came off the rim at the end of the rally-closing Power Stage, Adrien Fourmaux held on to his advantage to finish in fourth place.

While the original Safari Rally had routes of 6000 kms of open-road, this year’s event had 18 stages and a total of 320.19 competitive kilometres, conforming to the modern high-speed WRC format. But what remained unchanged were the dusty conditions, rough terrain and high temperatures – and wildlife around the stages.

*Onkar Rai finished seventh overall in a Volkswagen Polo GTi*

Throughout WRC history, rallies with a high rate of attrition – like the Safari and the Ivory Coast – enabled amateur drivers to score WRC points for impressive performances. This year’s returning African classic was no exception and Kenyan driver Onkar Rai finished seventh overall. The Volkswagen Polo GTi driver won the WRC3 category and devoted the victory to his brother Tejveer, who crashed heavily and sustained a spinal injury on Friday. Fellow countryman Karen Patel and 5-time Safari winner Carl Tundo were Rai’s closest challengers and crossed the finish line in eighth and ninth places.

The WRC returns to Europe for its next event which will be on the rough and ready gravel stages of Rally Estonia from July 15 – 18.

*One of the iconic pictures of the Safari Rally in the 1990s. This one of the Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185 was taken by Reinhard Klein for Toyota Team Europe.*

RESULTS (TOP 10)
1. Sebastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia – Toyota Yaris WRC
2. Takamoto Katsuta/Dan Barritt – Toyota Yaris WRC
3. Ott Tanak/Martin Jarveoja – Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC
4. Gus Greensmith/Chris Patterson – Ford Fiesta WRC
5. Adrien Fourmaux/Renaud Jamoul – Ford Fiesta WRC
6. Kalle Rovanpera/Jonne Halttunen – Toyota Yaris WRC
7. Onkar Rai/Drew Sturrock – Volkswagen Polo GTI R5
8. Karan Patel/Tauseef Khan – Ford Fiesta R5
9. Carl Tundo/Tim Jessop – Volkswagen Polo GTI R5
10. Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin – Toyota Yaris WRC