All articles tagged with #weight reduction
SRAM's new Force and Rival AXS road groupsets feature significant weight savings, improved ergonomics, and competitive pricing, undercutting Shimano Ultegra and 105. The updates include new shifter designs, faster front shifting, lighter components, and optional power meters, making them attractive options for cyclists seeking performance and value.
The new sixth-generation Toyota 4Runner almost didn't include the iconic roll-down rear window due to weight concerns, but it was ultimately deemed essential to preserve the vehicle's off-road heritage and customer expectations. Chief engineer Ketia Moritsu and the team prioritized weight reduction in other areas to accommodate the feature, recognizing the window as integral to the 4Runner's identity. The decision reflects Toyota's commitment to honoring the vehicle's 40-year heritage and understanding its customers' needs, such as accommodating surfboards and pets.
McLaren has introduced the new GTS model, a refreshed version of its GT grand tourer. The GTS offers improved practicality with faster nose lifting, increased cargo space, and a total luggage capacity of 20.1 cubic feet. It retains its supercar status with standard carbon ceramic brakes, adaptive dampers, and a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 626 hp. The GTS sheds 22 pounds of weight, thanks to features like a recycled carbon fiber roof panel and titanium lug nuts. Despite its GT focus, the GTS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 203 mph. Pricing details have not been disclosed yet.
McLaren has unveiled the GTS, a facelifted version of the McLaren GT, featuring improved performance and weight reduction. The GTS boasts a refined nose lift system, quicker hydraulic power steering, and an uprated twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, now producing 626bhp. With a weight reduction of 10kg, the GTS achieves a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio of 412bhp per tonne. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds, 0.1 seconds faster than the GT. The interior remains largely unchanged, and pricing is expected to be slightly higher than the outgoing GT.
A phase 3 clinical trial evaluated the effect of tirzepatide, a once-weekly subcutaneous medication, on the maintenance of weight reduction in individuals with obesity or overweight. After 36 weeks of treatment, participants experienced a mean weight reduction of 20.9%. During the subsequent 52-week double-blind period, those who continued tirzepatide treatment maintained and further reduced their weight, while those who switched to placebo experienced a 14% weight regain. The study highlights the importance of continued treatment with tirzepatide in sustaining weight loss and preventing weight regain in individuals with obesity or overweight.
Focus has released the new Izalco Max, claiming it to be their "fastest ever bike" due to redesigned tube shapes inspired by aeroplane wings. The new frame is more aerodynamic and stiffer, resulting in a 6.6-watt improvement at 45km/h compared to the previous generation. However, the increased stiffness comes at the cost of comfort, with the new frame being 48% less comfortable. The Izalco Max is available in various builds, with prices ranging from £2,899 to £8,699.
The author of the article shares their plans to customize their Porsche 996 Turbo by adding a carbon fiber roof and making other modifications to create a period-correct custom 911 Turbo. They aim to reduce the car's weight and enhance its aesthetics, while staying away from the track-focused GT2 model. The author plans to install the carbon fiber roof during a paint and bodywork session, hoping to achieve a lighter and more engaging driving experience.
The iPhone 15 Pro not only weighs less than its predecessor due to a switch from stainless steel to titanium, but also feels even lighter than its actual weight reduction suggests. This is because of a change in the device's moment of inertia, which measures an object's resistance to rotational motion. By reducing mass predominantly at the phone's outer edges, Apple has achieved a significant reduction in moment of inertia, making the iPhone 15 Pro feel more agile and nimble, amplifying the impression of lightness.
Japan Airlines has launched a year-long trial of a service called Any Wear, Anywhere, which allows travelers to book a set of clothes that will be waiting for them at their hotel upon arrival. The clothes are then returned, washed, and reused. The airline believes this service could reduce carbon emissions by cutting down on the weight carried by its airplanes. The trial will assess the impact on weight savings and emissions reduction, taking into account the deliveries and laundering of the clothes. The response to the service has been positive, with requests from over 115 countries. If successful, Japan Airlines hopes to expand the service to other airlines and alliances worldwide.
Apple's upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Ultra models are expected to feature a titanium chassis, replacing the steel chassis of the current models. This switch will result in weight reductions, with the iPhone 15 Pro being 15 grams lighter than its predecessor and the iPhone 15 Ultra shedding 19 grams. The use of titanium will also provide a more curved design for better ergonomics. While titanium is lighter than steel, the new iPhones will still incorporate glass on the front and back. The move to titanium may lead to higher costs, potentially resulting in price increases for the iPhone 15 Pro and Ultra.
The upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Ultra models are expected to feature a titanium chassis, replacing the steel chassis of the current iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models. This switch to titanium will result in weight reductions, with the iPhone 15 Pro being 15 grams lighter than its predecessor and the iPhone 15 Ultra shedding 19 grams. The use of titanium will also provide a more curved design for better ergonomics. However, the cost of titanium may lead to significant price increases for these next-gen flagship iPhones.
Apple is reportedly planning to reduce the weight of the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra, which is currently almost twice as heavy as the lightest Series 8 model. The weight reduction may be achieved through the use of 3D-printed parts, as suggested by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The specific extent of the weight reduction is unknown at this time.
Elmer Racing has developed a turbocharged 4.0-liter four-cylinder engine called Thor, capable of producing 2,000 hp in racing trim and up to 3,000 hp for drag racing. The engine is designed to minimize weight while maximizing power output, making it ideal for weight-limited racing classes. The Thor long block weighs just 233 pounds due to its all-billet construction. Elmer Racing claims that Thor has the best power/mass ratio of any OEM circuit racing engine ever, including F1 engines. However, the engine is expensive, with a long block costing €82,000, and it is only available to qualified teams capable of choosing the right supporting components.
Samsung is reportedly working on a thinner and lighter Galaxy Z Fold 5, which is expected to weigh around 250g, 13g lighter than the Galaxy Z Fold 4. The new hinge design will be smaller and lighter, and curve the glass in a waterdrop shape, eliminating the display crease. The phone is also said to be a full millimeter thinner. The focus for this model was on size and weight reduction, and it will not include an S Pen silo.