Ironwood Custom Motorcycles get frequent requests for their signature R-Series BMW bobbers. But when a regular client rolled in with a unique donor, shop boss Arjan van den Boom knew he had to up the ante.
The bike in question was a 1982 BMW R100—but with a very special motor. It was packing a full Krauser upgrade, complete with four-valve heads, Nikasil barrels and an electronic ignition.
The client was a BMW and Porsche fanatic with very discerning taste. So whatever the Dutch shop built would need to be special.
Arjan and co. answered with a sharp, low-slung bobber that follows the typical Ironwood aesthetic, but with a slew of trick upgrades.
First, the boxer shed all of its 80s bodywork in favor of a more minimalist setup. Ironwood swapped the /7 fuel tank for a /5 unit, and added a solo seat with upholstery by Marcel from Miller Kustom Upholstery. They built a new pair of fenders too, with hand-made struts supporting them.
Out back, the crew ditched the subframe and fabricated a new seat support and shock mounts. The BMW now sits on a pair of new rear shocks from TFX.
The front forks are Öhlins, lifted from an Aprilia Tuono. Ironwood kept the stock wheels, but wrapped them in modern, street-biased Continental Classic Attack tires. The front brakes were upgraded to Brembo units, with 320 mm discs for extra bite.
The highly tuned motor didn’t need any internal work, but on the outside it was cleaned up and re-done in black, with gold for the valve covers.
Ironwood installed a pair of Mikuni TM40 flat side carbs, and DNA Filters supplied a set of pod filters with gold tops that feature Ironwood’s logo. There’s an extra hit of gold in the form of a custom crankcase breather tube.
The exhaust system’s a pretty special touch too. Marcel van der Stelt from The Custom Factory was pulled in to build a stainless steel two-into-one system, which terminates in an aggressive-looking Ixil muffler (originally designed for the Yamaha XSR700).
Ironwood also rewired the bike from top to bottom, with a Motogadget m.unit control box at the heart of the system. All the lights are LED, with a Koso ‘Thunderbolt’ headlight, Kellermann taillight/turn signal combos out back, and extra running lights on the frame.
There’s a whole lot of Motogadget stuff in the cockpit too—including the speedo, switches, grips, bar-end turn signals and mirrors. The grips have been wrapped in the same leather as the seat, and sit on a set of CNC-machined clip-ons. And the speedo’s integrated into a custom-machined top yoke.
We were lucky enough to see this bobber in the metal at BMW’s Pure&Crafted event in Amsterdam, and spotted a lot of details that you’d only notice if you were close. The leather battery box is one nice touch, but the small leather cable holders are even more thoughtful.
Ironwood opted for a simple an elegant paint job: a coat of Porsche Pasha Red, laid down by Jacco from Royal Kustom Works. If you’re a Porsche enthusiast, you’ll know that this particular hue was introduced in the 1950s and often paired with tan leather back in the day.
It’s not every day that you see a pair of Krauser’s peculiar four-valve heads roaming the streets. And seeing them in such a suave modern build is an even more rare treat.
Equal parts aggressive and elegant, this Beemer is a solid entry into Ironwood’s ever-growing portfolio.
Next year, Ford expects to introduce over-the-air updates for new cars.
Software updates are designed to run “in the background” and be seamless.
Ford says OTA technology will be more convenient in the long run for owners.
Starting next year, Ford will equip most of their newly-redesigned vehicles in the United States to receive, handle, and install over-the-air updates. Sometimes called OTA technology, Ford says it will make it easier for customers to receive necessary quality and capability updates to improve vehicle performance, as well as reduce dealership visits.
“Nobody wants to feel like they’re missing out on great features right after spending their hard-earned money on a new vehicle – that’s where our over-the-air updates can help,” explained Don Butler, Executive Director, Connected Vehicle and Services, Ford Motor Company. “We can now help improve your vehicle’s capability, quality, and overall driving experience while you’re sleeping.”
When Will Ford’s Over-The-Air Updates Arrive?
Ford expects to deliver its first updates about six months after launching the first vehicles with the capability in 2020. The updates may even go unnoticed by some, as the platform allows them to be installed in the background. Said platform keeps current programs running until the new version is ready for activation. Ford says they want the updates to be as seamless as possible.
“Computer updates that require reboots seem to come at the most inconvenient times, which is why we wanted to make our updates as invisible to customers as possible,” Butler said.
According to a recentForbesreport, special precautions were taken to ensure Ford’s OTA technology is safe and secure. “We have protection and encryption for the delivery pipe itself,” Butler told the publication.
Starting next year, Ford will equip most of their newly-redesigned vehicles in the United States to receive, handle, and install over-the-air updates.
How Do Ford’s Over-The-Air Updates Work?
Owners select a time they are not driving the vehicle, like in the middle of the night for example. When owners come out in the morning, the updates have already been performed and the vehicle is ready to be driven. While Ford says some updates do require the vehicle to be parked and shut off, others can be activated in under two minutes.
Owners receive notifications when updates are available, and can have them applied automatically over Wi-Fi or cellular connections. In-vehicle alerts tell what updates were installed the next time they jump in the vehicle.
Many updates will be virtually invisible to customers via the cloud-connected and vehicle software platform. Ford plans to introduce its OTA technology in 2020. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
What Over-The-Air Updates Are Not
Over-the-air updates are not a substitute for routine maintenance. Basic maintenance, like changing the oil and fluids, and rotating the tires is still the best way to get the most life out of any car. While convenient, OTA technology will not help if a vehicle needs things like new brakes and suspension components. Always have any vehicle, regardless of how new it is, inspected by a trusted mechanic each time you take it in for an oil change.
The Car Care Council offers a wealth of free information through a series of informative videos. The non-profit organization educates motorists about the importance of regular vehicle care and maintenance. We recommend the the council’s free Car Care Guide, which has helped over three millions motorists. The guide is available electronically or in print, and in English and Spanish.
The Automoblog staff covers automotive industry news, trends, and technology along with new vehicle releases. Automoblog is owned and operated by Gearhead Media LLC., based in Detroit, Michigan and Berlin, Germany.
The Mazda CX-9 arrives with a handful of updates for 2020.
Under the hood, horsepower and torque both increase.
Tech features include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 is here and the three-row crossover receives a number of updates. Nearly everything gets a touch up, from the engine and all-wheel drive system, to the availability of captain’s chairs and a power liftgate. Even the entry-level Sport comes with heated cloth seats; Bluetooth connectivity; 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels; rain-sensing windshield wipers; heated outside mirrors; and automatic on/off headlights and High Beam Control.
Mazda says they are going for a sense of sophistication and refinement with the new CX-9. Did they get the job done? Let’s take a look and see.
How Much Is The 2020 Mazda CX-9?
Trim Level
Front-Wheel Drive
i-Activ All-Wheel Drive
CX-9 Sport
$33,790
$35,690
CX-9 Touring
$35,610
$37,510
Touring Premium Package
$2,100
$2,100
CX-9 Grand Touring
$41,450
$43,350
CX-9 Signature
N/A
$46,115
Premium Paint Colors:
Soul Red Crystal
$595
Machine Gray Metallic
$300
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
$200
2020 Mazda CX-9: Power & Performance
Under the hood, the Mazda CX-9 receives a nice power upgrade. The crossover’s Skyactiv-G 2.5T engine now delivers 320 lb-ft. of torque on 93 octane (310 lb-ft. on 87 octane), an increase of 10 lb-ft. versus the 2019 model. The turbo engine kicks out as much as 250 horsepower on premium fuel and about 230 on 87 octane. Everything is attached to a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission.
Does The 2020 Mazda CX-9 Have All-Wheel Drive?
Yes it does! Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive is standard for the CX-9 Signature and available on all other trim levels. The big highlight here is the new off-road traction assist feature, which replaces the normal traction control button. Mazda says the system was designed to help drivers navigate uneven terrain. The feature cuts power and increases braking to wheels that suddenly loose traction to help a driver regain control.
This video explains how Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Works.
2020 CX-9 Sport
The entry-level Sport is standard with Mazda’s full suite of i-Activsense safety features. The package includes Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go; Advanced Smart City Brake Support with pedestrian detection; Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning; Lane-Keep Assist; and a Blind Spot Monitoring System with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Other standard features include a seven-inch Mazda Connect infotainment screen; LED headlights and taillights; one-touch front and rear power windows; rear privacy glass; three-zone automatic climate control; and a push-button start.
The CX-9 Touring adds leather, power-adjustable passenger seats, and the aforementioned power liftgate. The second-row center armrest includes a number of handy things like cup holders, two USB ports, and plenty of storage. Touring models also offer a nine-inch color touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The optional Touring Premium Package drops in two USB ports for the third row; a power moonroof and second-row sunshades; Bose premium stereo; and three months of SiriusXM. Second-row captain’s chairs can also be added to the Touring Premium Package.
2020 Mazda CX-9. Photo: Mazda North American Operations.
Grand Touring
The Grand Touring adds the power liftgate, two third-row USB charging ports, and 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels. These new features supplement the Grand Touring’s standard 360 View Monitor and Active Driving Display with Traffic Sign Recognition. On the inside, there is plenty to enjoy from the ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel to the power moonroof. The Grand Touring’s windshield wiper de-icer, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and front and rear parking sensors are all useful features.
Recently, we took the 2019 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring for a test drive and really enjoyed it. We have every reason to believe the 2020 variant will provide the same driving dynamics (if not improved).
We recently reviewed the 2019 Mazda CX-9 and enjoyed our drive.
2020 CX-9 Signature
At the top of the range, passengers settle in with heated second-row captain’s chairs. Up front, drivers have two USB charging ports in the center console. Deep Chestnut or Parchment Nappa leather seating surfaces are on offer to match the Santos Rosewood interior trim and hand-stitched steering wheel. The Signature has trim-specific silver wheels and a Soul Red Crystal paint.
Special Maintenance Plan
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 includes complimentary maintenance for two years or 30,000 miles. Mazda says they are offering this to enhance the premium ownership experience.
The Automoblog staff covers automotive industry news, trends, and technology along with new vehicle releases. Automoblog is owned and operated by Gearhead Media LLC., based in Detroit, Michigan and Berlin, Germany.
The Defender is coming back to the United States for the first time in 20 years.
Off-road tools include a Twin-Speed Transfer Box and Locking Center Differential.
The forthcoming Defender 90 and 110 are underpinned by a new D7x architecture.
The 2020 Land Rover Defender is back with a vengeance! The last Defender sold on American shores was way back in 1997. After that, Land Rover sent the Defender on a long hiatus and insisted on giving us some buttoned-down crossovers like the Evoque, Velar, and new Discovery Sport.
Now the Defender is back to reclaim its former glory, but let’s be honest here: modern Land Rovers are known for many things – like off-road prowess and refined luxury – but these vehicles are not exactly class-leaders in terms of reliability and durability. However, Land Rover wants to change all that with the 2020 Defender.
In order to ensure the new Defender is tough like its forebearers, Land Rover drove the Defender through 1.2 million miles of real-world testing. This meant exposing the vehicle to the most inhabitable places on Earth, including scorching heat, sub-artic temperatures, and high-altitude environments.
When Is The New Land Rover Defender Coming Out?
The 2020 Land Rover Defender is available in two body styles: the long-wheelbase Defender 110 with five, six, or seven seats; and the shorter-wheelbase Defender 90 with two doors. The former will enter the U.S. market by the spring of 2020 while the latter follows soon after.
The new Land Rover Defender 110 will be available with four distinct Accessory Packs (Explorer, Adventure, Country, and Urban), as well as 170 individual accessories. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
How Much Horsepower Does The 2020 Land Rover Defender Have?
Since the Defender 110 arrives first, let’s focus on this one for now. There are two trim models to choose from: P300 and P400. The Defender 110 P300 has a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder mill producing 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. It’s not a drag racer, but the motor is torquey enough to propel the Defender from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds.
Meanwhile, the Defender P400 has a larger 3.0-liter inline-six with both turbocharging and electric supercharging. If that’s not enough, it also has a mild-hybrid assist system. All in, this motor is good for 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. of torque. The mild-hybrid system harvests braking energy and stores electricity in a small lithium-ion battery pack. It’s also responsible for powering the electric supercharger, which is enough for a 60 mph run in 5.8 seconds.
Both the P300 and P400 have an eight-speed ZF automatic and permanent all-wheel drive with a Terrain Response system.
2020 Land Rover Defender 90. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
What’s The Towing & Carrying Capacity of The 2020 Defender?
With the application of modern engineering techniques, the new Land Rover Defender has a maximum towing capacity of 8,201 lbs. The vehicle also comes with Advanced Tow Assist. This feature enables the driver to perform tricky reverse maneuvers by steering the trailer via a rotary controller on the center console.
Making a visit to the hardware store? How about camping gear? No sweat. The new Defender’s roof is rated for a maximum load of 370 lbs. (168 kg). Land Rover is also offering four distinct accessory packs with roof racks, a portable rinse system, an integrated air compressor, and scuff plates all around.
Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Old Dogs & New Tricks
You see, there’s a reason why old Defenders are considered top dog, and it all boils down to simplicity. It had a rectangular profile and boxy shape, solid front and rear axles, and no complicated computers to mess things up. It’s the old-school way of doing cars, and those old Defenders still have a huge following. In this day and age of social media, privacy issues, and smartphones, the old ways still work.
It’s safe to say the 2020 Defender is the antithesis of previous models. For starters, the body-on-frame chassis is gone to make way for an all-aluminum D7x unibody platform, which is essentially the same underpinnings of a car-based crossover. From this alone, I can imagine purists storming Land Rover’s gates with pitchforks and torches in hand, but you need to look at it from a different perspective.
The all-aluminum monocoque D7x architecture is the stiffest Land Rover has ever created. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
2020 Land Rover Defender: Essential Foundations
Sure, a ladder chassis with a body-on-frame construction is more robust, but it’s not an ideal ingredient if you’re looking for a refined ride. Land Rover understands most SUV buyers do most of their driving over paved roads and decided the best way was to use a toughened and modified aluminum unibody chassis.
In fact, using a clever mix of high-strength steel and aluminum, Land Rover claims the Defender’s chassis is three times stronger than most rivals, including those from Land Rover as well. A new chassis demands new legs, and Land Rover made sure to fit an independent suspension up front and out back. The automaker says this means the 2020 Defender will provide a better ride without compromising off-road grip and traction.
The first V8 in a Land Rover Defender was a 3.5-liter with a carburetor in 1979. It was used for the Series III, Stage 1 and created 90 bhp.
Style-wise, the new Defender has a distinctive silhouette, but the boxy cues are now more rounded than ever. It still looks tough and capable, like a muscular bouncer wearing an expensive tuxedo. “The new Defender is respectful of its past but is not harnessed by it,” said Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover. “This is a new Defender for a new age. Its unique personality is accentuated by its distinctive silhouette and optimum proportions, which make it both highly desirable and seriously capable – a visually compelling 4×4 that wears its design and engineering integrity with uncompromised commitment.”
The vehicle has higher sills and shorter overhangs no matter which model you choose. This allows an approach and departure angle of 38 degrees front and 40 degrees rear. It can also climb a 45-degree slope and descend on hills with a 47-degree angle. The new Defender is also capable of wading through 35 inches of water, which comes in handy when attacking river crossings or typhoon-induced floods.
Practical & Comfortable Interior
The 2020 Defender’s interior has an exposed powder-coated magnesium crossbeam, integrated grab handles, and partially-exposed structural door casings; all paying homage to the analog vibe of previous Defender models.
On the other hand, modern touches include a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a new electronic vehicle architecture with over-the-air updates. You also get a 3D surround-view camera, a six-speaker audio system (with optional 10 and 14 speakers), and USB ports along with 12V sockets in the front and second row.
2020 Land Rover Defender interior layout. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
2020 Land Rover Defender: Pricing & Availability
The new Land Rover Defender is offered in six models. The Defender P300 is available in Standard and S trim and starts at $49,900 and $53,350. The Defender P400 is available in SE ($62,250), HSE ($68,350), and X ($80,900) trim models. Meanwhile, the Defender First Edition starts at $68,650.
From the looks of things, however, the new Defender won’t come cheap when it’s all said and done. Load it up with options and accessory packs and you can easily breach the $100,000 barrier.
Body color options include three new metallic shades: Tasman Blue, Pangea Green, and Gondwana Stone. Other colors include Fuji White, Eiger Grey, Santorini Black, and Indus Silver.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
A study from Volvo finds parents are increasingly worried about safety.
Many believe shopping for the best car seat is stressful and frustrating.
Parents are also worried about sharing the road with distracted drivers.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Safety Council, there are 100 deaths daily on American roadways. Both say motor vehicle deaths declined slightly in 2018 and crashes for the first half of 2019 are down as well. Yet many Americans still feel a certain level of anxiety about driving, especially with their children. A recent Harris Poll on behalf of Volvo Car USA finds over 90 percent of parents feel overloaded when researching child safety products.
“Nothing is more important to parents than their children’s safety and despite the overwhelming options available, it’s clear they are looking for more guidance and direction to ensure they are making the right choices,” said Jim Nichols, Product, Technology & Brand Communications Senior Manager for Volvo Car USA.
What Are Parents Concerned About?
By The Numbers
What Parents Do When They Purchase a Car Seat
Read installation manual:
64 percent
Ask family for advice:
27 percent
Watch videos online:
27 percent
Visit a police or fire station:
18 percent
Talk with a car seat technician: 12 percent
According to Volvo’s study, 92 percent find it daunting to research the plethora of car seats on the market, a number that rises to 97 percent among new parents. 65 percent said the vast amount of information available actually creates stress rather than alleviates it. Nearly 60 percent found the topic frustrating to research.
“We have heard from new parents that they often felt overwhelmed with the information at hand when their first child is born,” Nichols continued. “With this information overload, many parents do not properly install car seats in their vehicles.”
“Proper installation of a child safety seat is critical to protect your child from injury or death,” said Sheri Miller, Statewide Child Passenger Safety Coordinator for the California Highway Patrol. “When installed properly, the car seat works with the vehicle’s occupant protection systems.”
What Can Parents Do?
Parents worry about buying the safest seat, installing it, and then keeping up with product recalls. After the fact, 32 percent wish they picked something different, a number that rises among both new parents (41 percent) and millennial ones (47 percent). More than half say they would welcome the advice of a professional car seat installer if they had access to one.
“The good news is there are many resources available to new parents to assist in installing car seats,” Nichols said. “Most police and fire departments have staff certified to install them in all vehicles.”
The California Highway Patrol allows the public to set appointments with a certified child safety seat technician. During the visit, the department’s technician will inspect the car seat and show parents how to properly install it. The service is free. “They will also look for any recalls and point out any potential problems they observe,” Miller added.
A list of car seat checkups, educational workshops on child safety, and community events can be found through Safe Kids World Wide. Car seat safety technicians are available through the organization as well as safercar.gov.
In Volvo’s survey, parents say they are concerned about buying the safest car seat. A majority of parents say the sheer amount of information available on child safety products is overwhelming.
Car Seat Instillation Tips From The California Highway Patrol
Check all child restraint systems before every drive.
Chest clip should be at the level of the child’s armpit.
The internal harness should rest flat against the child, not be loose or twisted.
At the belt path, the car seat shouldn’t be able to move back and forth, or side to side, more than one inch.
The child should ride rear-facing in the back seat until they are at least two or exceed the seat’s height and weight limits for the rear position (usually 36 inches and at least 30 to 35 lbs.).
The LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) made after September 2002 was designed to make installation easier without the use of seat belts, but it still isn’t compatible with certain vehicles or seating positions.
According to Volvo’s study, parents say they feel more stress in their daily lives than just five years ago.
Numerous studies and statistics show the dangers of distracted driving, and parents now find themselves exceedingly cautious. With regard to car buying, 81 percent say their criteria for a “safe” vehicle changed dramatically when they became a parent, as did their view of driving on the road with everyone else.
“It’s scary to think how easily we can be distracted while driving,” explained Lauren Witt, a Detroit-based Automotive Product Specialist who works with manufacturers on their consumer ride-and-drive programs. “For many people, a huge part of their day is spent in their car, so naturally they want to be protected and feel safe.”
“I think it is interesting that as cars have become safer over the years, parents feel that the road is now less safe than before,” Nichols added. “Parents should allow themselves to focus on the basics – making sure a child seat is properly installed – then focusing on the road while driving and develop processes that reduce distraction and risk.”
More than half say they would welcome the advice of a professional car seat installer if they had access to one.
What Is Distracted Driving?
According to a study by NHTSA and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, distractions can be visual: something that takes our eyes off the road; cognitive: something that takes our mind off of the road; or manual: something that takes our hands off the wheel. NHTSA data finds approximately nine people are killed and more than 1,000 are injured daily in crashes involving a distracted driver.
“These days people tend to be very attached to their phones and often find it hard to disconnect from them, even when driving,” Witt said. “Hopefully by continually raising awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, and by the advancement of safety features in cars, we can minimize accidents caused by distractions.”
“Driving is a complex task, requiring a motorist’s full attention,” Miller added. “Anything that diverts the driver’s eyes or attention from the roadway, even for one or two seconds, could result in tragedy.”
Making Child Safety Priority #1
Expecting, first-time parents should take advantage of every opportunity to practice safe habits beforehand. “While we focused on the child seat in this report, I think it is important to highlight safety before the child is born,” Nichols said. “We have been working with several partners to teach pregnant women how they must slightly adapt the way they wear a safety belt as their child grows before birth.”
“I think it is important to be conscientious of the example you are setting as a parent in the car,” Witt added. “Hopefully children will follow and grow up to be safer and more aware drivers in the future.”
Go On The Family Plan
Parents with younger drivers are encouraged to sign the National Safety Council’s Family Driving Contract (PDF). A NHTSA survey found 20 percent of those between 18 and 20 believe texting does not affect their driving. The statistics say otherwise. According to the Traffic Safety Facts Research Note on Distracted Driving (PDF), drivers under 20 have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes.
In our home state of Michigan, teens and young adults accounted for 7.6 percent of all traffic deaths in 2018, with 55.4 percent of those deaths being the driver. Michigan joined a host of other states this year including Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and Connecticut in cracking down on distracted driving. The consensus nationally from law enforcement is that it’s simply not worth the risk. Whatever it is, if we are driving, it can wait.
“The more exposure to safe practices the public receives, the better the chances that drivers will remember to ensure their passengers’ safety,” Miller said.
The Automoblog staff covers automotive industry news, trends, and technology along with new vehicle releases. Automoblog is owned and operated by Gearhead Media LLC., based in Detroit, Michigan and Berlin, Germany.
Sources: National Safety Council, NHTSA, Volvo Car USA, LLC,
