Latest news with #Prologue
Hypebeast
02-06-2025
- Business
- Hypebeast
Young Asian Artists Are Facing a Market Slowdown
Summary Auction sales for young Asian artists born in the 1990s have dropped to their lowest level in three years, according toThe Asia Pivotby Artnet. Total sales fell to $9.7 million USD in 2024, with average prices down 26 percent to $13,905 USD per work. The segment which was once seen as a fast-rising part of the market is now slowing. Artists who previously led the pack are seeing sharp declines. Anna Park, who brought in $1.67 million USD in 2023, did not make the top 10 this year. Raghav Babbar's average prices were cut nearly in half, despite most of his works still finding buyers. Artnet points to a wider downturn across ultra-contemporary art. Fewer works are being sold, and those that do sell are often going for less. However, a few names continue to perform well. Yukimasa Ida from Japan remained among the top three. Sun Yitian from China ranked first in 2024 after her painting Prologue sold for $415,000 USD. Women artists made up nearly half of the top 50, with many based internationally. The data suggests a market that is changing, with more global representation. China and Japan still account for most of the top-performing artists. Although the post-pandemic excitement around this group has cooled, these artists continue to reflect larger shifts in the market and are likely to influence future trends.
ArabGT
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Why Are Rear Wipers Still a Joke on Big Family SUVs?
There's a detail on many family SUVs that often goes unnoticed — until it rains or mud splashes your rear windshield: the rear wiper. And when it comes to visibility, especially in large family vehicles, its performance matters more than you might think. In a lighthearted and ironic feature, we raised a curious question: Which cars are battling it out for the title of the world's tiniest rear wiper? These oddly undersized wipers often leave large portions of the rear glass untouched — an inconvenience that turns into frustration in real driving conditions. Small Wipers, Big Vehicles: The Worst Offenders Let's take a closer look at some of the most glaring examples of rear wiper design gone wrong — and explore why this puzzling trend persists. Honda Prologue and Chevrolet Blazer EV: Great Size, Tiny Swipe From a distance, the Honda Prologue might look like a compact SUV — until you realize it's hiding a rear wiper so short it's practically decorative. The blade covers only a sliver of the glass, making it nearly useless in poor weather. The same problem plagues its sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer EV. Both models share the same platform, and both suffer from the same design compromise: a high beltline and narrow rear window opening that restrict the size and movement of the wiper. If a longer blade were used, it would clash with the upper spoiler, so the designers opted for a minimal solution — a small, low-mounted wiper that delivers little functional benefit and draws more laughs than praise. Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Wagoneer, and Ford Bronco Sport: Unmet Expectations The problem doesn't end with Honda and Chevy. Even full-size SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Wagoneer, with their large rear windows, suffer from the same misstep: rear wipers that only clean the lowest strip of glass. The result? A massive rear windshield with just a tiny clean patch — not exactly ideal for visibility or aesthetics. The Ford Bronco Sport, with its rugged appeal, falls into the same trap. Its rear wiper is disproportionately short, especially considering the vehicle's size and adventurous image. When snow or dirt builds up, drivers are often forced to step out and clean the glass themselves — a frustrating task in a vehicle meant for comfort and capability. What Hyundai and Kia Got Right: The Elegant Fix Thankfully, not all automakers are missing the mark. Hyundai and Kia have implemented a simple yet brilliant design tweak on models like the Tucson and Sportage. Instead of mounting the rear wiper at the base of the window, they've cleverly integrated it under the upper spoiler. This hidden, spoiler-mounted setup keeps the rear glass visually clean when the wiper isn't in use, while still delivering full coverage when it's needed. It's a seamless blend of form and function — discreet, effective, and a small innovation that makes a big impact. More Than an Afterthought These examples show that the rear wiper isn't just an aesthetic feature — it's essential for safety and visibility. Unfortunately, poor design choices can turn it into a design joke, as seen in many large SUVs. But as Hyundai and Kia have demonstrated, thoughtful engineering can resolve the issue without compromising the vehicle's design language. So next time you're standing behind a massive SUV with a rear wiper that looks like it belongs on a toy car, ask yourself: How did we end up here? And better yet, what simple ideas could help fix it? We'd love to hear from you — have you experienced the woes of a barely functional rear wiper? Or do you prefer the sleek, hidden approach adopted by some brands? Let us know your thoughts, and share your tips for improving this often-overlooked feature.
Miami Herald
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Shopping for a Honda? This Prologue Lease Deal is a Must See
You're forgiven if you think that the Honda Prologue, new for 2024 and returning for 2025, is Honda's first EV, as you've no doubt forgotten the battery-electric Honda Clarity and Fit. Yet Honda's newest EV is aptly named, as it's a placeholder until the automaker can engineer its own EVs. The Prologue is actually a Chevrolet Blazer EV underneath, using the same Ultium batteries, motors, software, and the rest. Even the instrument cluster is similar. The infotainment system seems easier to use, but is smaller, and the Prologue is also fitted with a massive center storage bin. The Prologue is offered in base EX, mid-level Touring, and top-of-the-line Elite trims, all with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive producing 288 horsepower and up to 281 miles of range. EX and Touring models can also be had in a single motor and front-wheel drive configuration, with an output of 212 horsepower and 296 miles of range. Towing is rated at 1,500 pounds, but only on the front-wheel-drive EX trim. Currently, Honda is offering lease deals on both the 2024 and 2025 Honda Prologue EVs. In Los Angeles, Denver, or Portland, you can snag a 36-month/30,000-mile lease for as little as $329 a month with $3,999 down and no security deposit for the all-wheel-drive Elite trim. That same model costs as little as $359 a month in Dallas, Detroit, or Miami. Prefer a 2025 model? If you're trading in a 2010 or newer Honda, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Fisker, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Polestar, RAM, Rivian, Scion, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, VinFast or Volkswagen, you can nab one in Los Angeles, Denver, Portland and Manhattan for $339 a month for a 36-month/30,000-mile lease with $3,999 down and no security deposit. That same deal is $349 a month in Miami and $419 a month in Detroit. Otherwise, it's $369 a month everywhere except in Detroit, where it's $449 a month. Consider the monthly payment cost, taxes, and fees before signing. Lease offers vary by metro market. Check your local pricing here. Don't want to put any money down? Don't worry, it's still a great deal. A 2024 Prologue costs $440 a month in Los Angeles, Denver, Portland, or Manhattan, $470 a month in Dallas, Detroit, or Miami, and $480 a month in Miami and $560 a month in Detroit. Opting for a 2025 model costs $480 in Miami and $560 a month in Detroit. The Honda Prologue proves to be a perfectly quiet, comfortable EV to drive, with an even-handed demeanor that lacks the usual performance sparkle that typifies so many Honda vehicles. That's understandable, since it's actually co-engineered and built by General Motors. Body lean is well-managed, but there's a surprising amount of road noise, which is unusual for an EV, but not unusual for a Honda. It's entirely satisfactory, especially when you see its lease price. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The South African
08-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
PYGA Euro Steel and Safari Essence Titan Racing win sani2c 'OG' UCI Prologue
A fast and furious KAP sani2c 'OG' UCI Prologue played out over 18.7km of freshly cut trails in and around Glencairn Farm. After heading out past Chep Dam and up Glencairn Hill, teams snaked back through the Race Village at the halfway mark, creating much excitement among the 'OG' riders gathered at registration. Farmer Glen Haw has built new trails around Glencairn to host this year's Prologue after sani2c became a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Category 2 marathon stage race in 2024. PYGA Euro Steel's Philip Buys and Michael Foster claimed the top step of the podium in a time of 00:41:13, narrowly edging out Team Honeycomb 226ers (Marc Pritzen and Wessel Botha). Pritzen crossed the line first in 00:40:49 after breaking away, but with Botha finishing slightly behind, their team time was recorded as 00:41:16, placing them just two seconds behind PYGA Euro Steel. Imbuko ChemChamp A's Tristan Nortje and Marco Joubert rounded out the top three in 00:41:17. Botha said: 'Marc and I had ridden the Prologue route yesterday, so we knew exactly which sections we wanted to be ahead on. I did take a slightly wrong turn at one point, and Marc pulled away. He just went for it, and I managed to stick with the bunch. Overall, I'm happy with the result.' Nortje added: 'They went hard on the first climb, but then completely sat up on the downhill. I knew the PYGA guys could do those punchy efforts and then back off, so I tried to keep the pace high throughout. A hard, sustained effort suits us better. It was all about pacing and mind games today.' Joubert commented: 'The route was pretty tricky today – over the 20km, there was probably only a kilometre where you could really pass. Philip and Michael definitely used that to their advantage as XCO riders. But the time gaps are small, and we're looking forward to the longer stages ahead – that's where we are strong.' Nortje added: 'We didn't burn too many matches for just a second in the lead. We're happy with how we rode today, and we're looking forward to the longer days.' Foster said: 'The Prologue adds a different racing dynamic and definitely keeps things interesting. I wasn't sure what happened with Marc and Wessel – whether it was a planned tactic or not – but I saw Marc was ahead and I just made sure to get in front of Wessel. That's what makes stage racing exciting. Phil kept it together perfectly and we nailed the sprint.' Buys is pleased with the result but knows the effort needs to be sustained over three long days: 'That was short with high intensity. Hopefully I've got the endurance to match that over the next few days. I think today was a good ride for us. My main goal was to be with the lead group over the first big climb, and then to get into the singletrack first on the second part, where I could control the pace. I eased off a bit, knowing Michael was behind. He's got the power to surge when he needs to, so I saved a bit for the sprint as there are not a lot of passing opportunities in that second half. Luckily, I still had enough kick to take it.' The Insect Science duo of Arno du Toit and Keagan Bontekoning were just off the pace and took fourth, while the young pair Travis Stedman and Johan van Zyl (Team Toyota Specialized) placed themselves firmly in the top five teams who will battle it out over the next three days. Bianca Haw (front) knows these trails well, as Glencairn Farm is her home. Image: Anthony Grote Safari Essence Titan Racing team-mates Bianca Haw and Danielle Du Toit delivered a strong performance to secure victory (00:53:23), though Efficient Infiniti Racing's Samantha Sanders and Sarah Hill were unlucky to have taken a wrong turn and lost the lead after Glencairn Climb. They made their way back to the lead group and ultimately claimed second place (00:54:50), passing the Toyota Fortress team of Cherise Willeit and Ila Stow. Toyota Fortress were pleased to secure a podium place in a time of 00:55:02. Sanders said of their bad luck: 'I took a wrong turn and Sarah followed my wheel – we lost quite a bit of time and had to climb back out of the descent. But we didn't panic. We just rode our way back, and that's racing – it happens. We've still got three days to go. Once we caught up again, we managed to pass Cherise and Ila, opening up a small gap, probably around 20 seconds. Thankfully we didn't have to sprint, because that grass drag to the line is a real soul-sapper! It was tight racing, but that's what makes it fun.' Hill commented on their first race as a team: 'Sam is a phenomenal partner and she paced us so well. We're both technically proficient, we both know sani2c well, and we match up nicely on the bike. I'm looking forward to the next three days.' Haw joked about the trails in her backyard: 'They really need to work on those switchbacks – they're super tight! But today was very cool. Sam and Sarah took a bit of a wrong turn – luckily not too far off – and that's when we made our move and broke away. We knew they'd be coming for us, but that moment disrupted their momentum just enough for us to hold the lead.' After concerns that she may not be race ready, Du Toit was very pleased with today's racing: 'Thankfully, my legs felt good. Bianca just took the reins – I trusted her completely. She knew exactly what she was doing, so I followed her wheel, and she kept me motivated and the pace strong. It's really special racing with her on her home soil. I'm just happy we got off to a good start and hope it carries through.' Willeit and Stow were not unchallenged for their third place as the Tshenolo Pro Cycling Team of Tania Bugarin Ortiz and Sonica Klopper (00:55:06) rode an impressive race. They made a valiant attempt in the last stretch to catch third place, but should be satisfied with their performance today. The scene is set for an exciting three days of racing to follow. Leaving Glencairn on Thursday, the full 'OG' field will ride 89km to Mackenzie Club. PYGA Euro Steel (Philip Buys / Michael Foster) – 00:41:13 Team Honeycomb 226ers (Marc Pritzen / Wessel Botha) – 00:41:16 Imbuko ChemChamp A (Tristan Nortje / Marco Joubert) – 00:41:17 Insect Science Cycling (Arno du Toit / Keagan Bontekoning) – 00:41:38 Toyota Specialized (Travis Stedman / Johan van Zyl) – 00:41:50 Safari Essence Titan Racing (Bianca Haw / Danielle Du Toit) – 00:53:23 Efficient Infiniti Racing (Samantha Sanders / Sarah Hill) – 00:54:50 Toyota Fortress (Cherise Willeit / Ila Stow) – 00:55:02 Tshenolo Pro Cycling Team 1 (Tania Bugarin Ortiz / Sonica Klopper) – 00:55:06 TEAM EPT RACING (Roxanne Kemp / Janice Fourie) – 00:57:06 KAP sani2c Adventure: 7-9 May KAP sani2c 'OG': 8-10 May, with Prologue 7 May for UCI registered riders Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
07-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
PREVIEW: sani2c 2025 attracts record UCI field
In 2024, KAP sani2c became a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Category 2 marathon stage race, and the 2025 KAP sani2c 'OG' has attracted a record number of UCI registered teams in the men's and women's elite races. This year is the 21st edition of the event that sits firmly on South African mountain bikers' bucket lists. A Prologue kicks things off at Glencairn Farm near Underberg on Wednesday, 7 May. Stage 1 starts on Thursday and riders hit the finish line in Scottburgh on Saturday after three days and 270km of racing to the coast. After the usual shake-up of teams ahead of the 2025 season, the current top teams reflect a strong combination of experience and young talent, promising an intense battle with tight racing. Team PYGA Euro Steel is represented by Philip Buys, a seasoned campaigner with multiple sani2c titles, and Michael Foster, the young 2024 champion. The pair will be strong contenders for the overall win, but will not do so without immense pressure from an unprecedented 18 men's teams. Buys says: 'After winning XCO Champs, Michael is clearly the most in form rider from our team. I have been putting in the work though, and feel confident that things are lining up well for a solid run at sani2c.' Tristan Nortje and Marco Joubert (Team Imbuko ChemChamp A) are riding the high of a third place overall at the Cape Epic, but have not rested on their laurels, with Marco Joubert clinching a third place at the SA Gravel Champs over the weekend. 'We are coming to sani2c to win. We will line up at every stage to give it our all. 'The Prologue is a nice leg opener for the coming days' racing and gives us a chance to see who our competitors are relative to us.' Lood Goosen and Rudi Koen make up Imbuko ChemChamp's 'B' team, and Nortje acknowledged the potential advantage of having a second team. 'It always helps knowing they will be there for support, and also technical support like we had at stage 1 of Epic where Marco broke his wheel. We will also use some team tactics in the race with the B team.' Arno du Toit and Keagan Bontekoning (Team Insect Science) return with determination to claim the top spot. They will make formidable opponents, having raced sani2c many times as a team, and having claimed podium places multiple times. Bontekoning says: 'Arno and I know each other better than any other team on the start line I think, which is a great advantage. Our season has been good, with a solid Cape Epic, and we are in good form. 'The Prologue can be tough for us from the Western Cape, because of the altitude. Last year PYGA gained some time on the Prologue and it was hard to gain that back. There is a lot of depth in the field and the racing will be tight.' Wessel Botha, who was sani2c champion in 2022 and second in 2023, with then team-mate Marco Joubert, is looking forward to racing with Marc Pritzen for Team Honeycomb 226ers. He says: 'I'm very excited for sani2c after missing it last year. The Prologue will be new for us but after that we know the route pretty well. We expect some tight racing with good competition but we are both in good form and looking forward to the dice.' Unathi Nxumalo and Thabiso Zindela (Team Absolute Motion) from KwaZulu-Natal, represent strong rising talent. Nxumalo raced in Europe last year and with Zindela claimed 11th place at Tankwa Trek. This will be his fourth sani2c. 'This year I am feeling more confident about the race, I have had a consistent year. I will be racing with Thabiso Zindela, our second stage race together as a team.' We will see further rising talent in action with Team Fairtree DP World Cannondale's two teams of Luyanda Thobigunya and Kusaselihle Ngidi, and Ziandro Jordaan and Ethon Michaels. The experience of Thobigunya, who has nine Cape Epics under his belt, will guide this team who could fare well, as they each have significant stage race experience. Ngidi has podiumed in the Exxarro category at Epic three times and at Wines2Whales once. At sani2c he and Thobogunya placed eighth in 2022 and seventh in 2023. Travis Stedman and Johan Van Zyl (Team Toyota Specialized) are young, talented riders with solid results. The pair secured 18th position at the Cape Epic, and at the Prince George 100 miler last year Stedman came second and Van Zyl fourth. At Attakwas Extreme in January, Van Zyl was eighth and Stedman 16th. Team Tshenolo Pro Cycling Team is fielding two men's teams, Halalisani Ndebele and Johan de Villers, and Daniel Kotze and Siyabonga Ntsele. Ntsele came third at Gauteng Marathon champs and has solid stage race experience, with a stage win at Cape Epic in the Exxarro category. Kotze has a strong cross country background, as does De Villiers. As a four-time Cape Epic finisher who has won the Exxarro category twice, Ndebele is in his element. Beon Van Staden and Daniel Scheepers (Team Bicycle Bandits) hope to feature strongly in the U23 category. With a strong XCO background, Van Staden completed his first stage race at Tankwa Trek in February. Other teams in the Under-23 category include Team Absolute Motion Young Guns (Bladen Van Rensburg and Tayne Rudling), Team ACT (Keegan Tullis and Omar Alexander Wilson), Team Caracal Velocity (Liam Hoffmann and Zuan Jacobs), Team Project Dream SA (Jordan Boshoff and Travis Rademan-Ludeke), Team Wineland Wheelers (Andre Van Rooyen and Ruan Portwig) Trevor Case and Murray Brown (Team accidentANGELS) and Erick Heyns and Wayne Van Der Walt (Team FuelX) round off the deep men's field. In the UCI women's race, 2024 KAP sani2c champions Sam Sanders and Danielle Du Toit (neé Strydom) are in new pairings. Sarah Hill joins Sanders for team Efficient Infiniti Insure Racing, and Du Toit will line up with Bianca Haw for Safari Essence Titan Racing. Sanders is a multiple winner of sani2c and is partnering with Hill for the first time. 'Although I have raced against Sarah for many years already, we have never partnered for a race before. I always look forward to everything that is sani2c. The riding, the Haw family hospitality, and every race village experience. I don't think farmer Glen does anything in half measure, and with his vast experience in building trails I expect only the best fun on the new Prologue trails,' she says. Sarah Hill is also amped for the Prologue: 'Having missed sani2c last year and the new format for the UCI riders, I absolutely can't wait for the 4-day event. This year we have some super-fast women teaming up, and it makes racing so exciting. We've been waiting for this! The Prologue adds a lot of excitement and a boost to the fastest stage race on the calendar.' There may be some cause for concern for Team Safari Essence Titan Racing, as Danielle du Toit has been unwell this year with Covid-19. Haw, who grew up with the sani2c, has had an incredible racing season, and amongst other results placed third overall in the Cape Epic women's race (with Hayley Preen) and second at the 4 Islands Epic in Croatia (with Vera Looser) just last month. Haw has intimate knowledge of the sani2c route and will be hoping that her team-mate is ready to race. Du Toit says she is feeling stronger after a tough start to the year. 'I am a bit nervous, but my training has gone well, and I am going to give my absolute best. Bianca is very strong, but as powerful as she is, she is also gracious and will look after me. I hope we can get a good result.' Ila Stow and Cherise Willeit (Team Toyota Fortress) had a strong showing at the Cape Epic, with a category finish of 11th place. Willeit is perhaps best known for her road cycling accolades, but as 2023 SA Gravel Champion and with four Epic finishes, she and Stow will be interesting to watch. Refilwe Mogorosi and Tania Burgarin Ortez placed fourth on GC at the 2024 edition of sani2c and now have new team-mates for this event. Sonica Klopper will ride with Bugarin Ortiz (Team Tshenolo Pro Cycling Team 1) and Mari Du Toit will ride with Mogorosi (Team Enza Cyclenation and VivoVita). Both du Toit and Mogorosi are coached by Sam Sanders, and Mogorosi says: 'I took every moment as a lesson in last year's race and with better knowledge of the route, we will race consistently and smartly and use teamwork as best as we can. sani is such a special race and close to my heart – it is filled with everything a mountain biker needs to prove that they are getting better each year. ' Janice Fourie (neé Venter) and Roxanne Kemp (Team EPT Racing) are also strong teams who performed well at Cape Epic, as are Nicola Freitas and Megan Scribante (Team Revive). Steph Wohlters, who won the PE to Plett with Robyn de Groot earlier this year, is riding with Sanchia Malan as Team Index Efficient Infinity. Malan competed in the mixed category at Cape Epic, placing 18th, and was third in the 2023 SA XCO Cup Series elite women's category. The KAP sani2c continues to serve as a benchmark for South African mountain biking excellence, with a commitment to community upliftment and showcasing the natural beauty of the region. Watch the race on Instagram stories @_sani2c and highlights reels, and find full highlights videos and race reports on the sani2c website each evening at KAP sani2c Adventure: 7-9 May KAP sani2c 'OG': 8-10 May with a Prologue on 7 May for UCI registered riders. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
