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An Award-Winning, First-of-Its-Kind Honda Motorcycle Is Finally Coming to Market
An Award-Winning, First-of-Its-Kind Honda Motorcycle Is Finally Coming to Market

Yahoo

time4 days ago

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

An Award-Winning, First-of-Its-Kind Honda Motorcycle Is Finally Coming to Market

As speculation swirls about the Concept that just garnered Red Dot kudos, the brand says a production version will roll out early next year. From cruisers to ADVs, street bikes to touring motos — not to mention tech like e-clutch and DCT — Honda has long been a leader in many corners of the two-wheeled world. Which is why it's kind of surprising that the red brand has yet to release a true electric motorcycle. Sure, there was the Wuyang-Honda E-Vo a couple months ago, but that one comes with so many caveats it doesn't really count. Regardless, it appears Honda is finally getting serious about this growing category. The brand recently announced not only that its long-simmering EV Fun Concept won a big award but also that it's coming to life. Awash in accolades I don't want to say Honda is being coy about the EV Fun Concept, which itself is no secret, having been showcased at EICMA last fall. However, the press release sandwiched that news between an announcement that the Fastport eQuad micromobility vehicle had won a Red Dot Best of the Best award and that the concept movie for the Honda V3 motorcycle engine had also been honored. Both of those kudos are notable — as is the scooter-like EV Urban Concept also garnering Red Dot recognition — but for serious two-wheeled enthusiasts, the big news concerns the electric sportbike. Especially because of this loaded sentence: 'The production model based on this concept model will be a naked sports model equivalent to a mid-sized (ICE) motorcycle and is scheduled to go on sale before the end of the current fiscal year (ending March 31, 2026) as the first Honda electric sports model equipped with a fixed battery.' Hype(d) machine Adding fuel to this fire is a teaser video Honda dropped a couple weeks ago, one that appears to show an updated version of the Concept and telling viewers to 'be the wind' — and also to stay tuned for more news on September 2. What jumps out in the 15-second clip? Among other things, a new TFT display, a revised triple clamp and a busier left-hand switchgear. Those features round out a great-looking streetfighter Honda itself touts for 'quiet yet overwhelming acceleration,' a 'slim, easy-to-manage chassis package' and 'a new emotional experience that is very different to internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles.' One downer, as RideApart points out, is a claimed 62 miles of range from the fixed battery. That's a bummer considering the brand is already deploying its Mobile Power Pack in all sorts of vehicles. A swappable power source would not only enable more miles but also be appealing to apartment dwellers who may lack a garage in which to charge the bike overnight. On that front, electric-only brands such as Maven — not to mention, believe it or not, Harley-Davidson — could eat Honda's lunch with removable batteries. That being said, we're talking about Honda and a bike that just won a major design award. Given the brand's pedigree, production capability, dealer network and general chutzpah, I'd be shocked if what actually rolls out early next year isn't pretty damn impressive. Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men's Health, Men's Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone's bike seat is at the proper height.

VCUarts Qatar's Summer Art & Design Programs 2025 inspire young minds
VCUarts Qatar's Summer Art & Design Programs 2025 inspire young minds

Qatar Tribune

time6 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Qatar Tribune

VCUarts Qatar's Summer Art & Design Programs 2025 inspire young minds

Tribune News Network Doha This summer, VCUarts Qatar's Community and Continuing Education (CCE) Unit once again opened its doors to aspiring young creative students through its popular Summer Art & Design Programs, providing an immersive introduction to university-level art and design education, giving students a peek into the world of arts and creativity. The Summer Art & Design Programs of VCUarts Qatar, in their current format, were initiated in 2020 and have, since then, garnered interest from students who pursue the art and design stream of education. Running throughout July and into early August, the annual programs welcomed a total of 67 participants, with 32 high school students and 35 children aged 8–14, engaging in hands-on workshops and digital storytelling. The High School Summer Program offered a unique opportunity for pre-university students to experience VCUarts Qatar from the inside out. Participants gained exposure to studio practices aligned with first-year university coursework, helping them discover their passions and prepare for future studies in creative fields. These workshops not only develop artistic skills but also build self-expression, critical thinking, and teamwork, key abilities to benefit learners in and beyond the classroom. Empowering future designers: High school summer program Held from July 13–31, with an optional portfolio development week extending to August 7, the High School Summer Art & Design Program returned in its updated format. This year's participation of 32 students experienced a comprehensive overview of the academic journey at VCUarts Qatar. The program began with a foundation week, introducing essential visual arts concepts like drawing, model making, artistic expression, all modelled after the university's Art Foundation curriculum. Students engaged in creative experimentation and skill-building through guided, experiential learning. Over the following two weeks, participants explored VCUarts Qatar's core majors: Graphic Design, Interior Design, Painting and Printmaking, and Kinetic optional fourth week focused on portfolio development, equipping students with the tools to refine their artistic voice and prepare compelling applications to leading art and design institutions. Digital discovery for young artists: Children's summer program For children aged 8–14, the Summer Art & Design Program featured a tech-forward approach with sessions held from July 13–24. Led by VCUarts Qatar alumna and practicing artist Sumam Azzam, this year's courses emphasized digital creativity using Procreate and iPads. Participants engaged in two unique workshops, Creature and Environmental Concept Art, where students designed fantastical characters and imagined worlds and Sequential Visual Storytelling, which guided students through comic-style illustration to develop original narratives. The workshops gave young learners an exciting space to explore storytelling and visual expression while building confidence in using digital art tools. Shaping creative futures 'Our summer programs continue to play a crucial role in introducing young learners to the creative possibilities within art and design,' said Rasha Alkasab, program manager of Community and Continuing Education at VCUarts Qatar. 'Whether it's preparing for a career in design or simply nurturing a lifelong love for creative expression, we're proud to support every student's journey.' By offering structured, engaging, and skill-rich programming, VCUarts Qatar reinforces its mission of making art and design accessible to all. VCUarts Qatar continues to nurture Qatar's next generation of creative thinkers, through such content-rich experiential programs that further embraces the skilled creatives of the new generation.

PTKL2040 Spurs Sustainable Transportation, Transforms Urban Living
PTKL2040 Spurs Sustainable Transportation, Transforms Urban Living

Barnama

time29-07-2025

  • Business
  • Barnama

PTKL2040 Spurs Sustainable Transportation, Transforms Urban Living

GENERAL By Nurhafizah Tan KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- Enjoying a more efficient and comfortable living space -- complete with improved infrastructure, sustainable public transport, and a vibrant social environment -- is the future vision outlined by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) under the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (PTKL2040). In the next 15 years, city dwellers in the heart of the metropolis can expect a lifestyle where working, commuting, and relaxing all happen within walking distance, thanks to comprehensive urban planning aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive development. Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif said PTKL2040 is focused on developing an integrated, people-oriented, and efficient public transportation system, making public transit the preferred mode of movement for city residents by 2040. 'This vision is further strengthened by the implementation of the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Concept, which will reshape the character of areas surrounding transit hubs, influencing land use, development intensity, and mobility patterns,' she said. She added that TOD initiatives are designed to ensure seamless access to workplaces, homes, and community facilities while enabling smooth integration across multiple modes of transport. "It also involves the harmonisation of ticketing and payment systems across Light Rail Transit (LRT), Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), buses and alternative transport (such as e-scooters) through a single digital platform, in addition to the creation of multimodal integration hubs in strategic areas," she told Bernama. In line with efforts to promote active mobility, Maimunah said the capital would also be developed as a pedestrian-friendly city with features such as shaded walkways, lighting, and accessibility for wheelchairs and other mobility aids. 'To create a truly walkable city, we will expand Car-Free Zones in the city centre and heritage areas, as well as design areas around TODs with human-scale principles to make foot travel between buildings, parks and stations intuitive and safe,' she added.

Electroluminescent Paint, Headlight Speakers May Be the Future of Cars
Electroluminescent Paint, Headlight Speakers May Be the Future of Cars

Newsweek

time25-06-2025

  • Automotive
  • Newsweek

Electroluminescent Paint, Headlight Speakers May Be the Future of Cars

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Last year, Mercedes-Benz previewed a host of technological innovations, including artificial intelligence-enhanced augmented reality car shopping possibilities, bio-identical textiles, solar paint and on-motor brakes. Today, some of that technology is closer to reality. As part of the company's Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX debut, the real-life use cases for several featured innovations were revealed. Glow in the Dark Cars MBUX Fluid Light Paint coats the exterior of the Concept AMG GT XX. It uses electroluminescence technology to allow special color pigments to emit light in response to being touched by an alternating current. The response is a glow that emanates from the car, particularly noticeable at nighttime. To achieve the look, several electrically conductive and insulating layers are meshed. Aero wheel on the Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX. Aero wheel on the Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX. Mercedes-Benz The paint first appeared on the Mercedes-AMG GT3 race car at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. However, on the Concept, it has a larger purpose: to alert an owner as to the charging status of the car. Different portions of the vehicle illuminate then deactivate while the car is charging to give a visual countdown as to when the car is full of electrons and ready for the journey that awaits. Speakers in the Headlights Concept AMG GT XX features exterior speakers housed in the car's headlights, using the headlight housing as the speaker enclosure. This saves space and weight while allowing new sound variants including low frequency and more powerful bass reproduction. The speakers serve as signals for pedestrian protection, emitting a noise to allow them to hear the otherwise silently moving vehicle. 700 Programmable LEDs on Display The MBUX Fluid Light Panel at the rear of the car features over 700 programmable RGB LEDs. The illumination allows for active communication of a vehicle's status with the outside world. Hyundai and Audi have showed off similar technology and already employed it in vehicles globally. Leather Alternative Textiles Derived From Racing Tires U.S. bio-design startup Modern Meadow worked with Mercedes-Benz to create next-generation materials that mimic leather and silk in a effort to create a circular ecosystem that does not rely on animals. Instead, the material is made of recycled rubber, vegetable proteins and biopolymers. The Concept debuts that material, Labfiber Biotech Leather Alternative, in a vehicle for the first time. It mimics the collagens found in leather and can be finished in a number of surfaces including nubuck, full-grain leather or suede, as well as textures and colors. It is made using a chemical recycling process that combines the old tires with biomethane to create pyrolysis oil. That oil is then turned into plastic fibers, which are then added to vegetable proteins and bio-based polymers. Labfiber Biotech Silk Alternative door handle on the Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX. Labfiber Biotech Silk Alternative door handle on the Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX. Mercedes-Benz Unlike other artificial leathers, Labfiber can be re-tanned, which helps it achieve the same look and feel, including how it ages, as traditional leather. It is lighter than the natural version and is waterproof and breathable. The Concept features Leather Alternative that is made from tires from a Mercedes-AMG customer's GT3 car. After processing, the tires were used to create 43 square feet of Leather Alternative. AMG has also installed a synthetic silk in the Concept. Labfiber Biotech Silk Alternative starts with silk proteins produced by genetically modified bacteria that are refined to create a shiny, silky yarn with the same functional properties as animal-based silk. The new model has door handles made of the material. 3D-Printed Seats Mercedes-AMG has 3D printed the front seat pads in the Concept. They sit in carbon fiber racing shells that have built-in ventilation openings and integrated headrests. The nature of the seating pad allows for easy change in/out to allow for a more custom seat design and fit. Electronically Controlled, Moving Wheels Mercedes-AMG has built the GT XX with the world's first intelligent, electronically controlled aerodynamically enhanced wheels. Each 21-inch, five-spoke forged aluminum wheel is equipped with five movable elements that are intelligently adjusted to reduce drag, thus improving the car's efficiency. Close-up of a wheel on the Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX. Close-up of a wheel on the Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX. Mercedes-Benz A control unit in each wheel regulates the changes to the wheel, detecting the stress on the car's braking system and whether or not cooling is needed.

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