You may recall that in the fall of 2016, Classic Legends, a subsidiary of the Mahindra Group of India, acquired the rights to BSA, the Birmingham Small Arms Company founded in 1861 and, since 1910, had been known of producing a series of popular motorcycles.
One of those motorcycles, the BSA Gold Star, is being brought back to the market.
“For us, the new BSA Gold Star is not just a motorcycle, but an emotion, and we pursued the journey of bringing BSA back with utmost passion,” Ashish Singh Joshi, BSA director, is quoted on the company’s website.
The new Gold Star will be powered by a 652cc single-cylinder engine, “a tribute to the original model,” the website notes, adding that the engine is rated at 45 horsepower.
BSA, purchased in 1910 by Daimler, produced munitions and motorcycles for the British military during World War I and automobiles in the post-war period.
The original Gold Star, powered by 350- or 500cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke engines, were produced from 1938 to 1963. During World War II, BSA produced more than 125,000 M20 motorcycles for the British army. In the 1950s, BSA acquired Triumph Engineering and became the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer. In the mid-1960s, the company received the Queen’s Award for export.
But by the early 1970s, the company was in financial hardship and production ended in 1973.
Hybrid scooter designed for first responders
Based in Northampton, UK, White Motorcycle Concepts has unveiled a hybrid scooter — the WMC300FR — specifically for use by first responders.
The scooter is a 3-wheeler with a patented Venturi Duct designed to reduce drag as well as aerodynamic front fenders. It is powered by a Yamaha 292cc single-cylinder engine supplemented by a pair of hybrid batteries that provide propulsion in low-speed situations.
Audi marks end of TT RS in US
Before the Audi TT RS ends its American sales run, Audi of America will offer 50 special 2022 TT RS Heritage Edition cars that combine the power of the emotive Audi five-cylinder engine heritage along with the storied paint colors that once adorned the Audi Ur-quattro.”
While the TT RS will be available in other markets, 2022 marks the end of its sales run in the US, Audi of America said.
The 50 special-edition farewell cars will be available in Alpine White, Helios Blue, Stone Gray, Tizian Red or Malachite Green paint. Each exterior color will be matched with a special-color leather interior.
Each of the 50 cars will be mounted on 20-inch bi-color anthracite-finish wheels and will have other special features, such as Alcantara-covered steering wheels.
The Heritage Edition cars will be priced at $85,350, compared with an MSRP of $73,200 for other 2022 TT RS cars.
Audi shows ‘autonomous’ interior
Audi has shared the cockpit layout of its “SocAlty” autonomous-vehicle interior showing a possible look for 2030 and beyond.
Audi added that its &Audi initiative is examining the legal, ethical and political questions that surround autonomous vehicles to seek a holistic solution to make traffic safer and mobility more inclusive.
Morgan produces first Plus 8 GTR
British automaker Morgan has completed the build of its first Plus 8 GTR sports cars, the first of nine examples it plans to produce of its most powerful car. Morgan said the other eight will be completed in the first quarter of 2022.
The cars are powered by 375-horsepower BMW V8 engines exhaling through “cannon-style” twin exhaust.
“The Plus 8 GTR represents an opportunity for Morgan to celebrate the V8 engine once again, something we did not expect to do since finishing the Plus 8 and Aero 8 models in 2018,” Morgan Motor chairman Steve Morris is quoted. “Striking design, the finest craftsmanship, and an exhilarating sports car to drive, the Plus 8 GTR is the perfect swansong to the Morgan V8.”
Callaway offers race track deliveries
Callaway Cars and Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park have announced a partnership under which buyers of Callaway Corvettes and Camaros can take delivery at the track. Current owners of Callaway cars also can take part in the track’s drivers club programs and on-track events and instruction.
“Callaway will be able to provide us with valuable technical and marketing support and we believe the Park will provide Callaway with an excellent venue for their product development and promotion,” Thompson chief executive Jonathan Hoenig was quoted in the announcement.
The track is located in Thompson, Connecticut, and Callaway Cars is based in Old Lyme, Connecticut.
Brembo launches new brakes for racers
It’s not a new car, but it is new brakes that Brembo unveiled at the recent PRI Show in Indianapolis. These brakes are designed for Late Model stock car racers.
“The demands of Late Model racing drove the design of the system and will offer racers on dirt or on pavement a higher level of stopping power, pedal feel, reliability and serviceability,” said Brembo North America chief executive Dan Sandberg. “Competitors will get Brembo performance with a price point that is in line with the spirit of Late Model competition.”
Discount Tires acquires Tire Rack
Two of the biggest names in passenger car tire sales are joining as Discount Tires has purchased Tire Rack. Arizona-based Discount Tires has 1,100 retail outlets in 37 states while Tire Rack is known for its independent tire-testing and evaluation program as well as for its online sales and for service at locations in Indiana and Colorado.
Dean Muglia will remain chief executive officer but with Matt Edmonds and Mark Veldman from Tire Rack as part of the executive management team.
