Urban Tracker: A V-Max for a mixed martial arts enthusiast

We love subtle, understated style on custom bikes. But we also have a sneaking regard for machines that are aggressive and in your face—the two-wheeled equivalents of Rage Against the Machine at 120 dB.

This Yamaha V-Max is one such machine. It comes from from Motocrew, a spare-time but slick operation run by firefighter Chris Scholtka and based just outside Berlin, Germany.

“We started with the original model V-Max with 1,197 cc, a 1998 bike,” says Chris. “The goal was to build a ‘badass’ bike to suit its owner, who is a soldier and a mixed martial arts fighter in his spare time. A perfect match with a V-Max, I think!”

If you’re thinking the V-Max had a custom vibe right out the box, you’d be right: US-based project leader Akira Araki had help with the styling from custom builder John Reed, an English expat.

The original V-Max had its detractors, but it was also unique and something of a cult hit: it was sold virtually unchanged between 1985 and 2007. With a 70° V4 pumping out around 140 hp (in most markets), a stock V-Max could demolish the quarter mile in just under 11 seconds.

The chassis and suspension could barely cope, but that didn’t stop some journalists from foaming at the mouth, entranced by the hot rod vibe.

Chris has fixed the suspension issues by grafting on a set of Yamaha FZR1000 forks—from roughly the same era as the V-Max, but leagues ahead in performance. “It gives the front a slightly wider look and better handling,” he says.

“The fork swap was easy: it’s just new bearings and shortening the tubes by a centimeter. And the brakes fitted, plug and play.” New YSS shocks help settle the rear end, and there’s a fresh set of Shinko 777 rubber to … well, keep the rubber on the road. Shinko themselves, we’re told, have given Chris the requisite slip of paper to keep the German TÜV inspectors happy.

The engine was in good condition, so Chris has simply given it a service and installed a new clutch to cope with the enthusiasm of its owner. After all, the V-Max is hardly underpowered. “It’s a powerful engine with a lot of torque, and an aggressive look,” says Chris. “The matt and gloss black finish is my favorite color combination.”

The mighty fake ‘tank,’ flanked by intakes, is a V-Max signature so it remains. But the back end is new, crafted in metal by Chris himself. The original cruiser-style seat is gone, and Chris shaped up a new perch, retaining access to the real under-seat gas tank. A local friend upholstered the pad in black Alcantara.

For a modern custom touch, Chris has used a Husqvarna front number board with an LED headlight flushed in, and chunky new foot pegs. Motogadget supplied the mirrors and turn signals, and there are fresh new Domino grips on the bars.

To amp up the stealth factor, Chris got the tank, new rear end and ‘intakes’ painted in a mix of gloss and matt black by a friend. He handled many of the other parts himself—like the frame, triple trees, engine, swingarm and wheel rims.

“I’m calling it the Urban Tracker because, if you can handle it, you can ride it flat track-style around the streets,” says Chris.

The only problem right now is the very basic and illegal exhaust system. “The exhaust is temporary, for the shoot, because the German laws are stupid. They make it simply impossible to build a good-looking exhaust for the V-Max. But I’m onto it…”

Motocrew Instagram | Images by kylefx

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GEICO vs. Progressive: Which Is Better in 2020?

Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.

GEICO and Progressive are two of the biggest car insurance companies in the country, but how do you know what coverage would be best for your vehicle? In this GEICO vs. Progressive comparison, we’ll take a look at auto insurance coverage and more. The providers each have advantages and disadvantages, so what’s best for your neighbor might not be best for you.

Anytime you shop for car insurance, we recommend getting quotes from multiple providers before making a decision. Along with the company you go with, things like your age, gender, vehicle make, and vehicle model can also affect your car insurance quote. Fill out our easy form below to start comparing personalized quotes from some of the best car insurance companies.

GEICO vs. Progressive: Overview

	GEICO	Progressive
Overall Rating	96%	95%
Best For	Students, military	High-risk drivers
Availability	100%	100%
Coverage	95%	95%
Affordability	95%	90%
Customer Service	95%	90%
Military Discount	Yes	No
Usage-Based Discount	Yes	Yes
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating	A+	A+
AM Best Financial Strength Rating	A++	A+
Market Share	13.78%	12.25%

GEICO and Progressive have very similar reputations, but the right coverage for you will depend on what you’re looking for. For example, GEICO auto insurance might be a better choice for students and military, while Progressive auto insurance reviews highly for high-risk drivers.

When it comes to expert ratings, GEICO has slightly higher ratings than Progressive from some sources. The provider was the highest-rated auto insurance brand in the North Central and Northwest regions of the country according to the 2020 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study^SM. In the same study, Progressive ranked 15th out of 21 providers in the North Central region and fifth out of 13 providers in the Northwest region.

GEICO vs. Progressive: Coverage

GEICO and Progressive offer standard car insurance coverage in all 50 states, including:

• Collision
• Comprehensive
• Medical payments (MedPay)
• Personal injury protection (PIP)
• Bodily injury (BI) and property damage liability (PD)
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)

Beyond standard coverage, your options will vary. Here are the other types of auto coverage you can get from each provider:

	GEICO	Progressive
Usage-Based Insurance	Yes, in some states	Yes, in 48 states
Roadside Assistance	Yes	Yes
Accident Forgiveness	Yes, in 47 states	Yes
Rideshare Insurance	Yes, in 39 states	Yes, in 35 states and Washington, D.C.
Gap Insurance	No	Yes
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance	Yes	No

GEICO vs. Progressive: Discounts & Cost

When it comes to affordability, both GEICO and Progressive have competitive rates. We rated GEICO slightly better because of its many discount opportunities. Here are some of the discounts you can get with each provider:

Discount	GEICO	Progressive
Good student	✓ (up to 15%)	✓
Multiple vehicles	✓ (up to 25%)	✓ (up to 12%)
Multiple policies	✓	✓ (up to 5%)
Anti-theft device	✓ (up to 25%)	✓
Defensive driver	✓	✓
Pay in full	✓	✓
Telematics	✓	✓
Military	✓ (up to 15%)
Anti-lock brake system	✓ (up to 5%)
Airbags	✓
Good drivers	✓ (up to 26%)
Affinity Membership	✓
Federal employment	✓ (up to 8%)
Homeowner		✓ (Up to 10%)
Continuous coverage		✓
Paperless		✓

The cost of car insurance varies greatly from person to person. The insurance quote you receive from GEICO or Progressive will depend on the following factors:

• Age
• Gender
• Location
• Credit score
• Marital status
• Driving record
• Policy coverage
• Vehicle make, model, age, and mileage

GEICO vs. Progressive: Customer Service

GEICO and Progressive both have strong reputations when it comes to customer service. GEICO has an A+ from the BBB, and it has resolved over 3,000 complaints in the last three years. Like all major car insurance companies, GEICO’s customer reviews are a mix of positive and negative experiences. Happy customers comment on the ease of the claims process, while negative reviewers mention poor communication.

“For the first time in my life, I care who my insurance carrier is. It never mattered in the past, and I always told people that they all do the same thing. Just go with the lowest premium. That isn’t true now.” – Gregg R., BBB

“I have spoken to people in the claims department and salvage department over 20 times. No payment. No phone call. They have the worst customer service ever.” – M.M. Moris, BBB

Progressive similarly has an A+ rating from the BBB and has closed over 2,000 complaints in the last three years. Positive reviews highlight exceptional customer service, while negative reviews touch on rate increases.

“[My insurance agent is] always available to answer any question no matter how many times I annoyingly need to ask. Thank you for your service! I will always stay with Progressive.” – Pierre P., BBB

“I am not happy. They raised my monthly payments without telling me, even though the lady on the phone said an email was sent out to my account on June 9th to let me know. I checked and it wasn’t.” – Brittany, BBB

GEICO vs. Progressive: Apps & Technology

If you’re looking for easy access, GEICO and Progressive both have mobile apps that can manage your account and claims. Additionally, both providers have some extras like safe driving apps and tools to improve the quotes process.

GEICO Technology

GEICO’s mobile app has a 4.8-star rating on Google Play with over 300,000 reviews. Here are a few of the app’s key features:

• Digital insurance ID cards: Customers can access ID cards 24/7.
• Roadside assistance: Towing and emergency roadside assistance is available 24/7.
• Photo estimates: Snap a photo of damage to your vehicle and get an estimate in about 20 minutes.
• Virtual assistant: GEICO’s virtual assistant can answer any questions you may have.
• Vehicle care: With GEICO Mobile’s Vehicle Care powered by CARFAX^®, you can access your car’s service history, check for open recalls, create a maintenance schedule, and more.

GEICO also has the DriveEasy app, designed to reward safe driving and penalize drivers for things such as active phone use and handheld phone calls. The DriveEasy app gets a 2.8-star rating on Google Play with over 200 reviews. Recent GEICO reviews are mostly negative and are about the glitches of the app and inaccuracies while using the app.

Progressive Technology

When comparing GEICO vs. Progressive, Progressive has great mobile apps too. The car insurance company’s main mobile app is designed for policyholders to manage policies on the go. The app has over 39,000 reviews on Google Play, averaging a 4.5-star rating. Here are some of the app’s features:

• Policy information: View coverages and details for all vehicles.
• ID cards and documents: View, save, share, and print ID cards.
• Billing and payments: Make payments from your phone.
• Roadside assistance: Get roadside assistance from your phone.
• Claims assistance: Report a claim and send photos for assistance.

Progressive also has a usage-based app called Snapshot^®, which allows customers to potentially save money based on their driving habits. The app has over 5,000 Progressive reviews on Google Play averaging 4.1 stars. The reviews are mostly positive, but some recent reviews mention technical issues as well as complaints about the app tracking your location in the background.

On its website, Progressive has a couple of interesting tools that can help you shop for car insurance. A price comparison tool lets you compare Progressive plans side by side with competitors, while the Name Your Price^® tool lets you enter the rate you want to pay for coverage to be matched with plans that fit your budget.

Our Verdict on GEICO and Progressive

With comprehensive coverage and competitive pricing, GEICO and Progressive are both great options for car insurance. If you’re comparing GEICO vs. Progressive, you might choose GEICO for its low rates for most drivers or Progressive for its easy quotes process.

As two of the largest and most reputable auto insurers in the nation, GEICO and Progressive are both strong choices for coverage. We recommend getting free quotes from both, as well as at least one other provider, before you make a final decision. 

Enter your zip code to be matched with top car insurance providers in your area.

More Recommendations for Car Insurance

GEICO and Progressive are two of our highest-rated providers, but it’s never a bad thing to have a few more choices. USAA and State Farm are both great options to look into as well if you qualify for auto insurance coverage.

USAA: Best for Military

USAA is an excellent option for car insurance if you or one of your family members are in the military. Our team gave the provider a 96-percent rating because of its strong industry standing, availability, and top-of-the-line customer service. 

USAA has many perks, such as usage-based insurance, accident forgiveness, and various discounts. For more information about coverage, read our comprehensive USAA car insurance review. 

State Farm: Best for Students

State Farm is another great option with a 95-percent rating from our team overall. State Farm likewise offers usage-based insurance, as well as a number of discounts and programs for students in particular. For more about coverage and how to get a quote, read our full State Farm auto insurance review. 

FAQ: GEICO and Progressive

Is Progressive insurance cheaper than GEICO?

Progressive and GEICO both offer cheap car insurance for many drivers. The most affordable provider for you will depend on a number of factors, including the discounts you qualify for. Overall, GEICO offers more discounts than Progressive and could be cheaper.

Is Progressive good insurance?

Progressive is one of the largest and most popular insurance providers in the United States. The company has extensive options for car insurance coverage, a variety of discounts, and high ratings from experts. With a 95-percent rating from our team, we think Progressive is a good choice for insurance.

Why is GEICO so much cheaper than competitors?

GEICO tends to be cheaper than other top car insurance providers because of the wide variety of discounts available. You can get cheap insurance from GEICO by taking advantage of usage-based savings, a military discount, good student discount, and more.

Original article: GEICO vs. Progressive: Which Is Better in 2020?

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2021 Infiniti Q50: New Colors & Safety Features For This Sporty Sedan

The 2021 Infiniti Q50 has pulled into dealer showrooms across the country. Pictured here is the Q50 Red Sport 400, aptly named for its 400 horsepower and that Dynamic Sunstone Red paint job. Although it’s a sharp color, Red Sport 400 models don’t always have to be red.

Infiniti Q50: What’s New For 2021?

You can opt for a Midnight Black, Majestic White, or Graphite Shadow (a sleek gray color) for your Q50 Red Sport 400. Additionally, Infiniti is offering two new colors, Slate Gray and Grand Blue, for the entire Q50 line. If the Red Sport isn’t your thing, regardless of color choice, the Q50 is available in Pure, Luxe, and Sensory trim levels for 2021.

There is a laundry list of new safety features for the 2021 Infiniti Q50: Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning (with haptic steering), Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Intelligent Cruise Control, Backup Collision Intervention, Distance Control Assist, and High Beam Assist.

2021 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company.

New Sensory Trim Level

The Sensory trim makes its debut on the 2021 Q50. All Sensory models receive a sportier front and rear fascia, leather seats, black open-pore wood trim with a black headliner and pillars, and a Bose premium stereo.

2021 Infiniti Q50: Engine & Powertrain

There is one engine, but two different power outputs, depending on which trim level you pick. Under the hood of the Pure, Luxe, and Sensory is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 300 horsepower (6,400 rpm) and 295 lb-ft. of torque (1,600-5,200 rpm). Red Sport models jump up to 400 horsepower (6,400 rpm) and 350 lb-ft. of torque (1,600-5,200 rpm).

The engine is attached to a seven-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. All-wheel drive is available; if not, rear-wheel drive is standard.

Helpful Guide

Kristin McClure·

Vehicle Ownership

Should You Purchase an Infiniti Extended Warranty?

2021 Infiniti Q50: Pricing by Trim Level

The Q50 Pure starts at $36,600, while the Luxe begins at $41,700. Sensory models start at $47,600, and the Red Sport 400 begins at $55,750. Add another $2,000 to any of those starting MSRPs for all-wheel drive.

What do you think of the new Infiniti Q50? Would you drive one? Let us know on Twitter.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. He serves on the board of directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, is a past president of Detroit Working Writers, and a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

Photos & Source: Infiniti Motor Company.

Original article: 2021 Infiniti Q50: New Colors & Safety Features For This Sporty Sedan

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2021 Acura RDX PMC Edition: Rare Thermal Orange Machine Will Turn a Few Heads

It’s not a single element that makes this SUV unique, but the combination of carefully chosen details like a state-of-the-art all-wheel drive system, luxurious (yet somehow sporty) interior appointments, and that bright orange paint. We are only going to see 360 examples of the Acura RDX PMC Edition, so if you get your hands on one, it might be worth holding onto.   

In Michigan, it seems like there is at least one person in every family who works – or has worked for – an automaker. Here in Downriver, Michigan, you can bet we are surrounded by families who faithfully attend Main Street car shows. There is a hard line in the sand between just another “old car” and one that brings back good times and memories. Only cars that have something special to offer make the cut for an enthusiast event like the Allen Park Downtown Development Authority’s Classic Car Show. The annual event is a must for auto enthusiasts in Southeast Michigan.

Give it another 20 years, and I wouldn’t be surprised to walk out after grabbing a coffee and see this RDX PMC Edition, with its eye-catching bright orange paint, sitting in front of the old movie theater.

Exterior Styling: Orange Fury!

The first thing that hits me when looking at the exterior of this RDX is – wow – that Thermal Orange Pearl paint (inspired by its racing cousin, the NSX). Acura shares the five-day process with us: multiple base layers, a coat of gold and orange mica for a pearlescent effect, and four layers of a clearcoat are what bring us that vibrant orange color just in time for pumpkin spice season.

Acura contrasts the orange with a gloss black paint on the diamond pentagon grille, door handles, and 20-inch split-five-spoke-wheels. The roof gets some of the same attention, undergoing a gloss black finish even though it’s not as clear to see in the pictures here. In addition, the RDX PMC addition has LED headlights and fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, and black chrome exhaust finishers.

2021 Acura RDX PMC Edition. Photo: Acura.

Interior Details & Touches

The impact of the bright colors are a little more toned down in the RDX interior but still manage to make an appearance. Orange stitching outlines the steering wheel, center console, and the Ebony Milane leather seats, which also have black Ultrasuede inserts. Other comforts include heated seats in the front and rear, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Related

Automoblog Staff·

Car News

Acura MDX PMC Edition Arrives: Here’s How It’s Different.

Tech & Connectivity Features

Tech features include a touchpad to control the center screen, a 10.5-inch heads-up display, and a 16-speaker ESL audio system. The speakers are pretty tempting for those of us who love a good jam session on our daily commute, but my favorite feature remains the heads-up display. Important things like your current speed, navigation, or real-time traffic information are projected directly onto the front windshield. 

Additional safety and convenience features include a blind-spot monitor, surround-view camera system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and natural language voice recognition technology.

The 2021 Acura RDX PMC Edition comes with an individually numbered serial plate. Photo: Acura.

Acura RDX PMC Edition: Engine & Powertrain

Under the hood of this bright orange machine is a 2.0-liter turbo VTEC inline four-cylinder attached to a 10-speed automatic. The engine, complete with direct injection, creates 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque. The Acura RDX PMC Edition is standard with the latest version of super handling all-wheel drive (SH-AWD).

Acura’s SH-AWD system can send up to 70 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels as needed, but can also divert 100 percent of that torque to either the left or right wheels when necessary. When pushing through tight corners, SH-AWD will overdrive the outside rear wheels by up to 2.7 percent. These added rotational speeds for the outside rear wheels, according to Acura, helps “pull” the RDX through the turn. 

2021 Acura RDX PMC Edition alongside the NSX. Photo: Acura.

Pricing & Availability

The Acura RDX PMC Edition is built alongside the NSX supercar at Acura’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. Expect the first deliveries to arrive October 2020 with a starting MSRP in the low 50,000s.

Emily Pruitt is fascinated by the current changes in the automotive industry, from electric cars and infrastructure to fully autonomous vehicles. Outside of the automotive world, she can be found writing poetry or unraveling the latest mystery novel.

Acura RDX PMC Edition Gallery

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Original article: 2021 Acura RDX PMC Edition: Rare Thermal Orange Machine Will Turn a Few Heads

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Enjoy This Gallery of The New Lamborghini Urus Graphite Capsule

The Lamborghini Urus Graphite Capsule is coming to town! The “Graphite Capsule” namesake is the latest color and trim combination for the Lamborghini Urus. Similar to the Urus Peal Capsule, the Graphite Capsule treatments are another way for Urus buyers to personalize their ride. 

“The inherent design of the Lamborghini Urus, with the DNA of our super sports heritage, lends itself to virtually limitless potential for personalizing color and trim,” explained Giovanni Perosino, Chief Commercial Officer of Automobili Lamborghini. “The Urus Graphite Capsule is the latest collection to offer our growing clientele the opportunity to stamp their individuality and way of life on their Lamborghini.”

Exterior Styling

Buyers can pick from four different exterior colors: white Bianco Monocerus, black Nero Noctis, and grey Grigio Nimbus and Grigio Keres. Four unique accent colors complement the exterior paint: orange Arancio Leonis and Arancio Dryope, yellow Giallo Taurus, and green Verde Scandal. The front splitter, lower side panels, and rear spoiler are Verde Scandal in the photos featured here.

The 23-inch Taigete rims are exclusive to the Lamborghini Urus Graphite Capsule. For good measure, the exhaust pipes on the Urus Graphite Capsule are finished in black chrome.

16 different color combinations are available for the Urus Graphite Capsule to satisfy even the most discerning buyers. Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.

Interior Treatments

Dark, anodized aluminum trim on the dashboard and door panels will greet drivers upon entry. The exterior accents will flow through the interior as well. Lamborghini says those accents will decorate the leather, seat bolster inserts, and the embroidered Lamborghini logo on the headrests.

Lamborghini Urus Graphite Capsule Availability

The Graphite Capsule treatments are available for the 2021 Lamborghini Urus. How would you customize your Lamborghini Urus Graphite Capsule? Let us know on Twitter.

Photos & Source: Automobili Lamborghini.

Original article: Enjoy This Gallery of The New Lamborghini Urus Graphite Capsule

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Audi Q5 Sportback: Meet Audi’s New SUV Coupe

The Audi Q5 Sportback is one part SUV and one part coupe. After introducing a plug-in hybrid earlier this year, Audi expands the Q5 lineup again with a Sportback variant. The new “SUV Coupe” (as Audi calls it) will arrive in the first half of 2021. 

Styling & Design

Audi wanted the design of the Q5 Sportback to stand out from the crowd. Designers worked explicitly on the shoulder lines and side sill trim to lend more credence to the Q5 Sportback’s stance and overall character. To achieve the correct look, the downward slope of the greenhouse begins earlier than usual so that the third side window tapers sharply to the rear.

OLED lighting technology will be available on the SQ5 Sportback. The OLED taillights are split into three tiles of six segments each. This allowed Audi’s designers to create different light designs and signatures from a single item of hardware.

Audi Q5 Sportback. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.

Audi Q5 Sportback: Engine & Powertrain

Under the hood of the Q5 Sportback is a 2.0-liter TFSI engine paired with a 12-volt mild-hybrid electric system. The combination delivers 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque. The SQ5 Sportback has the more muscular 3.0-liter TFSI V6, which produces 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque.

Both the Q5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback are standard with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system. The standard automatic transmissions are different, however. The Q5 Sportback employs a seven-speed unit while the SQ5 Sportback receives an eight-speed.

Helpful Guide

Kristin McClure·

Vehicle Ownership

Audi Extended Warranty: Is It Worth the Money? (2020)

Steering & Suspension

The SQ5 Sportback is standard with adaptive dampers, although an air suspension is available. With the air suspension, drivers can change the ride height and the firmness of the dampers. Audi’s Dynamic Steering system is also available. It provides a flexible and variable steering ratio that adjusts, based on speed, to help drivers feel more secure behind the wheel.

Photo: Audi of America, Inc.

Audi Q5 Sportback: Interior Treatments

The Q5 Sportback features Audi’s latest MIB 3 infotainment system. Highlights include Audi’s virtual cockpit plus with a 12.3-inch display and a separate heads-up display. The Audi phone box is optional, along with a Bang and Olufsen sound system. Safety features include adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist and lane departure warning, among others.

The rear bench has adjustable seatbacks and can move both fore and aft for more cargo space or legroom, depending on what the occasion calls for. The standard power tailgate can be opened with a foot gesture.

Audi Q5 Sportback: Pricing & Availability

As of this writing, Audi has not announced pricing for the Q5 Sportback. It’s due to arrive in the United States in the first half of next year. The Audi Q5 Sportback will be assembled at the San José Chiapa plant in Mexico.

Audi Q5 Sportback Gallery

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Original article: Audi Q5 Sportback: Meet Audi’s New SUV Coupe

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