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  • Modified VW ID.4 is running the NORRA Mexican 1000

    A modified Volkswagen ID.4 is racing in the NORRA Mexican 1000 this week. VW claims it’s the first production-based EV to compete in the off-road race, which started April 25 and wraps up April 29.

    VW sent a stock ID.4 First Edition to Rhys Millen Racing, which modified the suspension with rally-style coilovers, tubular lower control arms in front, and boxed lower links in the rear. The ride height was raised by 2.0 inches, skid plates were added, and the radiator was moved to improve approach angles and cooling capacity, a VW press release said. The stock 19-inch wheels were swapped for 18-inch rims, with Yokohama Geolander A/T 255/70R18 tires.

    Typical for a racing conversion, the interior was stripped of all convenience features and fitted with a roll cage and racing seats. VW kept the 1st Edition’s white steering wheel however, which will probably be different a color at the end of the race.

    Volkswagen ID.4 NORRA Mexican 1000 off-road racer

    Volkswagen ID.4 NORRA Mexican 1000 off-road racer

    No powertrain modifications were made, so the ID.4 off-road racer still uses an 82-kwh battery pack, with a single 201-hp electric motor. That motor is mounted in the back of the vehicle and drives the rear wheels, not unlike the Beetles and Meyers Manx dune buggies that have been a fixture of off-road racing for decades. A Manx won the inaugural Mexican 1000 in 1967.

    While the name suggests a 1,000-mile race, the 2021 NORRA Mexican 1000 is actually 1,141 miles long, with 893 miles off-road, according to VW. To charge the ID.4, the race team is using a portable 50-kw DC fast-charging station, powered by a biofuel generator. The race will also be run in loops, rather than point-to-point, due to coronavirus restrictions, and the team will attempt to complete about 98% of the stages in each loop without charging, according to VW.

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  • F1 SPRINT RACES: WHAT ARE THEY?

    F1 sprint races will be introduced at three different grands prix in 2021, including the Silverstone GP in July, and will determine grid positions for Sunday’s main race. 

    The shorter sprint races will comprise of a total distance of 100km (62 miles), around one-third of the distance of a grand prix, which has a maximum distance of 305km (190 miles).

    The sprint race will be completed on the Saturday and will not only determine grid positions for the GP but also offers championship points for first, second and third (three, two and one respectively). Grid positions for the shorter sprint on the Saturday will be determined by a regular qualifying session that takes place on the Friday after the first practice session. A second practice session will take place before the sprint race.

    While the idea was approved back in February, there have been ongoing talks between F1 and the FIA to iron out details relating to financial arrangements. Initially, F1 proposed an extra payment of £54,000 for each qualifying race, however, teams highlighted that the potential for damage running into the hundreds of thousands would seriously impact each team’s budget caps. As a result, F1 agreed on a payment of $450,000 (£324k) to each team per qualifying race, with an insurance scheme for compensations should teams get accidental damage to expensive parts during that sprint race.

    Why are F1 introducing sprint races?

    The idea is to increase Formula One’s appeal by making it more competitive. Original plans included a reverse order format during a qualifying sprint, which Mercedes blocked. This would have seen cars starting in the reverse championship standings.

    According to F1, by moving regular qualifying to a day earlier adds a competitive edge to the Friday, with the hope that spectator interest will be higher across the whole weekend and not just the Saturday and Sunday.

    F1 sprint races

    What will a race weekend look like now?

    Friday: Free practice one & qualifying – free practice runs as usual except teams will only be allowed to use two of the three different tyre compounds (hard, medium, soft). During Friday’s qualifying, teams will only be able to use the soft tyre compound.

    Saturday: Free practice two & sprint race – teams have a choice which of which tyre they want to use, but can only use one type of compound. Two sets of tyres become available for the sprint race, and unlike in the GP, drivers will not have to make a pit stop during that qualifying sprint.

    Sunday: GP – teams have the choice of two new sets of tyres and can choose which compound to start the race on.

    What F1 rounds will include a qualifying sprint race?

    The qualifying sprint race will be trialled at three grands prix across the year, with the first taking place at the Silverstone GP on 16-18 July. The second takes place at the Italian race on 10-12 September with the final one unconfirmed but expected to take place during the Brazilian GP in November should Covid cases decrease.

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  • 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT and GT Performance priced from $61,000

    Ford on Monday released final specifications and pricing for the Mach-E GT and Mach-E GT Performance Edition, the sportiest versions of its electric SUV. The GT starts at $61,000, while the GT Performance Edition starts at $66,000 (both prices include destination), and both are available to order now.

    Both versions have dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrains producing 480 hp. Torque output is pegged at 600 lb-ft for the GT, and 634 lb-ft for the GT Performance Edition. Other all-wheel-drive Mach-E variants make 346 hp and 428 lb-ft, and Ford also offers rear-wheel-drive versions with a single motor.

    Ford quotes 0-60 mph times of 3.8 seconds for the GT and 3.5 seconds for the GT Performance Edition. The latter figure matches the Tesla Model Y Performance, which has a $61,190 base price.

    Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition

    Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition

    EPA range estimates are 250 miles for the GT and 235 miles for the Performance Edition. That’s substantially less than the longest-range Mach-E, the California Route 1, which can go 305 miles on a charge. The Tesla Model Y Performance as an EPA-estimated 303-mile range.

    The Mach-E GT Performance Edition also adds Brembo-branded brake calipers, magnetic dampers, and Pirelli summer tires in place of the Mach-E GT’s Continental all-season rubber. Both models are available with Ford’s BlueCruise driver-assist system, which can control steering, acceleration, and braking on certain stretches of highway. Unlike Tesla, Ford also uses a driver-monitoring system to guard against misuse.

    Ford plans to begin deliveries of the Mach-E GT and GT Performance Edition in early fall. They may not be the only performance versions of the Mach-E. We’ve heard that a Shelby version might be in the works as well.

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