quinta-feira, 4 de junho de 2026

 

BMW


F 450 GS: BMW realizes that the entry-level adventure market is quite promising

BMW watched the mid-displacement adventure motorcycle segment heat up for too long without ever finding its niche. While Chinese brands gained ground with equipment, performance, and aggressive pricing, the G 310 GS remained in limbo. It was a BMW, yes, but it never delivered what many expect when they see those two letters: GS. The concept of "premium at a low cost" never really took off.

And the first thing that catches the eye is that it doesn't try to impress with its size. On the contrary. Accustomed to the enormous R 1300 GS or the large F 900 GS, this new member of the family seems almost miniature. But just get on it to understand that BMW hit the nail on the head. It is narrow, light, and very accessible. A motorcycle that doesn't intimidate the beginner, but also doesn't bore the experienced rider.

It's almost like the Grogu of the GS universe, and the comparison makes sense. Within the GS universe, it's the smallest of the family, yes, the one that seemingly arrives with the fewest accolades, yes, but as you accumulate kilometers, you begin to discover that it hides considerably greater potential than its size suggests.

The biggest surprise is in the engine. On paper, the 48 hp of its brand-new 420 cc parallel twin (developed by BMW and manufactured by TVS in India) places it exactly where an A2 license motorcycle should be. No more, no less. But the riding experience tells a different story. It responds powerfully at low revs, surprising for its displacement, has particularly abundant torque at medium revs, and allows for relaxed or fun riding, depending on the moment. It doesn't give you that feeling of constantly searching for the right gear, as happens with other entry-level motorcycles.

Furthermore, BMW declares a curb weight of 178 kg, a remarkably low figure for a twin-cylinder trail bike of this size and significantly lower than many of its direct competitors. This lightness is no accident: combined with its 48 hp, it results in a power-to-weight ratio of 0.272 hp/kg, practically the maximum allowed for the A2 driving license.

On the road, it changes direction quickly, corners with surgical precision (in trail mode, of course, let's not exaggerate) and inspires immense confidence... So much so that it has something that the best motorcycles usually have in common: it makes you feel like a better rider than you probably are. It requires no adaptation or learning curve. Everything seems intuitive from the first few kilometers.

The chassis is a step ahead of many models in this category. The tubular steel structure uses the engine as a structural element and aims to combine robustness, precision and ease of handling. The KYB suspension (with 43 mm inverted forks and progressive rear shock absorber) offers 180 mm of travel and, in the most complete versions, even full adjustment.

The braking system is also impressive, with a four-piston Brembo radial caliper at the front and lean-sensitive ABS Pro, something still uncommon in motorcycles intended for the A2 driving license.

BMW also paid special attention to electronics, without making concessions. Cornering ABS, traction control managed by an IMU, riding modes and quickshifter. Equipment that, a few years ago, seemed reserved for much more expensive and powerful motorcycles.

But perhaps the most intriguing feature is the ERC system, standard on this Trophy version. It is a centrifugal clutch that allows you to start and stop the motorcycle without using the lever, preventing the engine from stalling. On paper, it may seem like an unnecessary solution. Until you try it. Then you discover that it greatly simplifies riding without sacrificing sensitivity or compromising rider control.

Off-road, its philosophy is also clear: it no longer seeks to be an enduro disguised as a trail bike, nor does it compete in terms of radicalism with some rivals. BMW opted for accessibility. And it certainly succeeded. The F 450 GS handles with great ease on dirt roads, inspires confidence, and allows even those with little off-road experience to have fun.

This F 450 GS arrives at a particularly delicate moment for European brands. This is because Chinese manufacturers no longer compete only on price, but also on product. And some of their mid-displacement adventure motorcycles have become real problems for traditional manufacturers.

That's why the F 450 GS seems much more important than its numbers suggest. It's not simply a new motorcycle for the A2 driving license. It's BMW's answer to a market that has radically changed in just a few years.

Will it be enough to stop the advance of Asian brands? That will be decided by customers. What seems clear is that BMW understood the message. And this time, it entered the battle with far more weapons than in the past. Because if the G 310 GS was a timid attempt to enter the segment, the F 450 GS poses a challenge to all its competitors.

Autonews

quarta-feira, 3 de junho de 2026



AUTONEWS




Electric SUV showdown: Comparing the revamped Toyota bZ to the Tesla Model Y

Once you've decided to buy an electric vehicle, the exciting but tricky part is choosing which one to get. For a growing number of car shoppers, an electric SUV makes the most sense for everyday life. The latest models have enough range to handle everyday driving and the occasional trek out of town without much of an issue. They're also roomy for your family and have some innovative technology features. But which one to get? That's where the Tesla Model Y and Toyota bZ come in.

Tesla's best-selling EV gets a round of updates for 2026 that include revised styling, a smoother ride and a more upscale cabin. But Toyota's all-electric SUV shouldn't be counted out. It has been thoroughly overhauled for 2026, and the result is a much more compelling proposition than the outgoing model. Edmunds' experts put these two electric SUVs head-to-head to find out which one deserves a spot in your driveway.

Range and charging...Formerly known as the bZ4X, Toyota's first all-electric SUV has been so extensively revised that it now carries a new name. Pleasingly, range has improved considerably. The front-wheel-drive version of the 2026 bZ can go up to 314 miles on a single charge, according to EPA estimates. Edmunds has verified that in its own independent testing, with a test bZ covering 331 miles, an impressive result for a small electric SUV.
As with the bZ, different versions of the Model Y have varying range estimates. The longest comes from the Premium Rear-Wheel Drive, which can go an EPA-estimated 357 miles. Edmunds hasn't range tested that Model Y version, but other tested Model Ys have matched their EPA estimates.
Edmunds also tested the bZ and Model Y for charging speeds at a public fast-charging station. Both SUVs yielded similar results and could potentially add up to about 100 miles of range in 15 minutes. The Model Y is a bit more convenient to charge at Tesla's nationwide network of Supercharger stations, however>>>Winner: Model Y

Driving experience and interior space...The Tesla Model Y remains one of the more engaging electric SUVs to drive. It accelerates quickly, has a smooth ride, and feels sporty and stable when going around corners. The cabin is well insulated from road and wind noise, and the front seats offer a wide range of adjustments for comfort during longer drives.
While the outgoing bZ4X felt sluggish, the bZ flips the script with brisk acceleration in both single- and dual-motor configurations. The front-wheel-drive bZ actually outpaced the base Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive in Edmunds' 0-to-60 mph testing, while an all-wheel-drive bZ trailed just behind the Model Y All-Wheel Drive in the same test. The bZ also has a comfortable ride over bumps, but it doesn't feel as composed as the Model Y when cornering.
Interior space is significantly better in the Model Y. It has more rear legroom, which allows adults to be more comfortable and provides extra space for installing bulky rear-facing child safety seats. The Model Y also has more cargo space and a few more useful spaces to store small items>>>Winner: Model Y

Technology...Tesla's infotainment system remains a highlight, with a clean interface and quick response. Dual wireless chargers add convenience, and Tesla's advanced driver assistance features help set it apart. The Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature is particularly notable for allowing for hands-free driving on both highways and city streets. However, the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration may be a sticking point for some buyers.
Toyota counters with a new 14.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that's easy to use and supports wireless connectivity Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Dual wireless phone chargers are up front, and a total of four fast-charging USB-C ports are on board. Standard driver assistance features are comprehensive. The bZ also has a hands-free driving feature, but it only works at low speeds on the highway>>>Winner: Model Y


Pricing and value...The base Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive starts at $41,630, including destination. However, it's missing some features you'll probably want in an EV. The Premium version of the Model Y is what you want because of its added power, slightly greater range and a more upscale interior. A Model Y Premium All-Wheel Drive costs $51,630.
The Toyota bZ starts at $36,495 and comes well equipped for the price, especially when you consider the improved performance and range now on offer. The top-line bZ Limited adds even more features and is comparable to the Model Y Premium. It costs $46,895 in its available all-wheel-drive configuration>>>Winner: bZ

Edmunds says...The Toyota bZ's improvements make it a far more appealing electric SUV than before, and its low starting price strengthens its appeal for value-focused buyers. That said, the Tesla Model Y continues to set the benchmark in this segment with its superior technology, performance and overall refinement. While Toyota has made meaningful progress, the Model Y remains the better choice.

© 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. 


AUTONEWS


Airbus tests passenger plane that can fly 22 hours non-stop

Airbus said Tuesday its A350-1000ULR widebody aircraft, capable of flying up to 22 hours nonstop, has successfully completed a first test flight.

"The aircraft, fitted with special flight-test instrumentation, flew for three hours and 43 minutes, reaching an altitude of slightly above 41,000 feet (12,500 meters)," the European aircraft manufacturer said in a statement.

The aircraft, marketed with the ULR designation, which stands for ultra-long-range, is one of 12 ordered by Australian airline Qantas to allow it to carry out nonstop flights between Sydney and London.

Airbus said it now plans to deliver the first A350-1000ULR to Qantas in April 2027. The airline had initially hoped to start the nonstop Sydney-London service in 2025.

Tuesday's test flight from Airbus' facility in the southern French city of Toulouse started two months of tests to certify modifications made from the existing three versions of the A350, including the additional fuel tank that allows it to fly some 18,500 kilometers (11,500 miles).

The longest commercial flight currently in operation is a Singapore Airlines flight from Singapore to New York, which covers 15,350 kilometers in more than 18 hours.

“The aircraft, fitted with special flight test instrumentation, flew for three hours 43 minutes reaching an altitude of slightly above 41,000 feet (12,500m),” the European aircraft manufacturer said in a statement.

The aircraft, marketed with the ULR designation that stands for ultra long-range, is one of 12 ordered by Australian airline Qantas to allow it to carry out non-stop flights between Sydney and London.

Airbus said it now plans to deliver the first A350-1000ULR to Qantas in April 2027.

The airline had initially hoped to start the non-stop Sydney-London service in 2025.

The June 2 test flight from Airbus’ facility in the southern French city of Toulouse started two months of tests to certify modifications made from the existing three versions of the A350, including for the additional fuel tank that allows it to fly some 18,500 kilometres.

 

KGM


KGM Musso: one of the most interesting options on the pickup truck market

Pickup trucks were once seen as exotic vehicles. Today, they are essential for many tasks that require the robustness of an off-road vehicle and considerable cargo capacity. The Korean brand KGM, with a long history in this type of vehicle since its founding in 2002, developed the Musso to make it one of the main competitors in this segment.

The pickup truck, now manufactured under the KGM brand, has undergone a complete redesign, bringing a new design language to the brand with visual elements reminiscent of the North American Ford F-150. The style of the new Musso P300 is primarily marked by its front end, which features large full LED headlights and LED lights that span the entire front. The imposing front grille also draws attention, giving the Korean pickup a more off-road appearance. So, did you like the look?

There will be two versions of the 2026 KGM Musso, one more urban and one more off-road. Each will have a differently designed bumper.

This vehicle has many points in its favor: good off-road capabilities, high-quality materials, better equipment, a much-improved design, and a super competitive price. The Korean brand has managed to create a very complete product with which it can compete with giants in the segment, such as the Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger.

The first aspect to highlight in this pickup truck is its imposing presence, thanks to the new front end. It conveys the impression of being a more powerful vehicle with more personality than its predecessor. The new light signature, crowned by the redesigned headlights, the renewed grille, and the new hood, contribute significantly to projecting this robust presence. Similarly, new aesthetic elements have been added to the sides, along with 17- or 18-inch wheels that give it a more modern look. This makes it not only an efficient vehicle, but also a real eye-catcher.

The interior is another area where the Musso has been improved. Upon entering the vehicle, the updated instrument panel immediately catches the eye, with a 12.3-inch screen displaying all multimedia information. There is also another screen of the same size for the driver to view all necessary trip data. This makes accessing all information easy and straightforward, without unnecessary frills, but with everything you need. The perceived quality of the entire interior is comparable to that of any passenger car. Gone are the spartan finishes, where everything was focused on withstanding the extreme rigors of off-road driving, neglecting passenger comfort. Now, you will find good materials and the comfort of a modern, updated vehicle.

202 hp diesel...The only engine option is the 202 hp diesel, which moves the more than two tons of this vehicle with relative ease. In this case, exceptional performance is not the priority; pickup truck users are looking for other things, mainly good performance for professional and off-road use.

In this last aspect, the Musso has gained in capabilities. In both versions (short and long bed), the approach (30.9º-30.6º), departure (27.8º-24.5º) and ground clearance (245 mm-248 mm) angles have been improved, allowing access to previously inaccessible locations. The short bed version has a cargo area of ​​1,300 mm in length, 1,570 mm in width and 570 mm in height, providing a payload volume of 1,011 liters and a maximum payload of 865 kg. The long bed is 1,610 mm long and has the same width and height as the short bed version. Both versions incorporate modifications such as an LED light in the bed, steps for accessing the cargo area, and eight tie-down hooks, which will make the user's work easier.

The Korean pickup now features a four-wheel drive system and a rear differential lock, which is very useful when traction conditions become challenging. This system sends power to the wheel in contact with the ground when another wheel is slipping or in the air. This allows the vehicle to get out of virtually any situation with limited traction. In addition, the driver can choose between rear-wheel drive, 4x4, and 4x4 with low range, allowing them to adapt to any terrain.

The Musso is a specialist that overcomes obstacles with extreme ease. Difficult terrain, steep climbs, or deep holes pose no problem for it. Under these conditions, this pickup demonstrates its enormous potential. On the road, however, it transforms into a vehicle that tries to turn itself around. Its weight and size make maneuvering difficult. Even so, the Musso offers safe driving, without excessive body roll and providing more than acceptable comfort to the occupants, as long as the vehicle is not pushed to its limits.

Safety...In terms of safety, it incorporates assistance systems from a conventional passenger car: speed assist, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, forward vehicle departure warning…The Musso is also perfectly equipped for road trips.

The price is undoubtedly one of the biggest attractions of this pickup truck. Starting at €27,000 plus VAT, you can own a Musso. It may not have the same prestige as some other best-selling pickups, but it represents a very well-balanced option in terms of quality and price.

The Korean brand offers the option of equipping the short-bed version with the Adventure kit. This kit includes suspension with Öhlins shock absorbers, an aluminum skid plate, and Braid wheels with BF Goodrich K02 tires. This upgrade increases the approach and departure angles, as well as ground clearance. The price of all these components is €9,500, but it transforms the Musso into a true off-road machine. A transformation for off-road enthusiasts to enjoy a vehicle with unparalleled off-road capabilities.

Autonews

terça-feira, 2 de junho de 2026


AUTONEWS


Ferrari without buying: They can't afford a Ferrari, but thanks to this model, they can still drive it

In Japan, more and more young car enthusiasts are finding a way to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari without ever buying one.

Since owning a supercar is an almost unattainable dream for most people in their twenties, a Japanese company has offered a different solution - sharing expensive cars.

The service is called Rendez-Vous, and it works in such a way that several users become co-owners of a car for a year. But they don't share the full price of the vehicle, but only the expected loss in its value over those 12 months.

Ferrari without buying...One of the users is 24-year-old Kanji Hiraiwa, who thanks to this service can call himself a co-owner of a used Ferrari 360 Modena. Each co-owner is entitled to use the car for 50 days a year, and the price includes parking, maintenance, insurance and taxes.

Rendez-Vous deals exclusively with used cars. The company first buys them, then includes them in its fleet. Models on offer range from classics from the 1950s to modern sports cars and supercars.

Young people no longer want classic ownership...Interest is high. According to available data, there are about 3,500 people on the waiting list, and the service is particularly popular among young Japanese enthusiasts.

"The cost of owning a car is too high for people in their twenties," said Rendez-Vous representative Ryota Asaoka, adding: "Our desire is to reduce the financial burden as much as possible so that they can enjoy driving."

The model comes at a time when interest in car ownership among young Japanese people is waning. One survey found that 33 percent of 20-year-olds in Japan are not interested in owning a car, while Toyota said in a separate study that the cost of purchase and maintenance is among the main reasons why more people are turning to alternatives.

Kanji Hiraiwa, who spoke to Nikkei Asia, is among those using the service. The 24-year-old can call himself the co-owner of a used Ferrari 360 Modena for the next year. Through the service, each co-owner has the right to use the vehicle for 50 days a year. Included in the costs are parking, maintenance, insurance fees, and all applicable taxes.

Rendez-Vous deals exclusively in used cars, purchasing the vehicles before adding them to the fleet. Models range from classic cars of the 1950s through to modern sports cars and supercars. According to the report, the service is proving especially popular among young enthusiasts in Japan and has generated a waitlist of roughly 3,500 people.

“The cost of car ownership is too high for people in their 20s,” Rendez-Vous representative Ryota Asaoka told the outlet. “Our hope is to reduce the financial burden as much as possible so they can enjoy driving cars.”

It’s an interesting idea and could certainly be a good way for young drivers to drive their dream supercar, without torching the down payment on a house in the process. Services like this might also help push back against the steady decline in Japanese interest in car ownership.

A recent survey revealed that 33 percent of 20-year-olds in Japan aren’t interested in owning a car. A separate study by Toyota notes that car and maintenance costs are among the key reasons locals are shying away from traditional ownership.

Rendez-Vous is a Japanese co-ownership platform for luxury sports cars. The company attracts enthusiasts by allowing a group of people to share the acquisition and maintenance costs of Ferraris and other supercars, guaranteeing the right to use them for up to 50 days a year.

The proposal and details of the program in Japan include: Available Models: The catalog focuses on pre-owned and classic cars, ranging from 1950s Ferraris to modern supercars like the Ferrari 360 Modena or the 488 GTB.

Shared Costs: The value includes parking fees, maintenance, insurance, and taxes, with the benefit of only paying for the vehicle's depreciation during the contract period.

How it Works: The car is usually shared among a group of 5 people. You can check the available models and monthly payment options on the official RENDEZ-VOUS website.


AUTONEWS


Russian Rolls Royce: upgraded Aurus Senat long

The Russian luxury sedan Aurus Senat will be on display at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg (June 3-6). Along with the standard sedan, its updated version with a long wheelbase will also be presented.

The first official images of the updated Aurus Senat Long also show the main difference from the previous version. More precisely, the modernized car has replaced the extended insert between the front and rear doors with a larger rear door. According to reports, this not only makes the sedan more aerodynamic, but also improves access to the rear seats.

The third side window has been moved to the C-pillar. Unlike the standard sedan, the updated Senat Long has undergone a major structural reconstruction.

Other exterior changes are identical for both models: different lights, bumpers and grille, as well as a new aluminum hood and trunk lid.

The cabin of the extended sedan has a partition between the driver and passenger compartments, and the legroom in the rear has been increased. The dashboard, steering wheel, center console and door panels have also been changed. The NAMI MM-System multimedia system has a larger screen, while the number of buttons on the dashboard has been reduced.

The Senat family update also included changes to the braking system, suspension and automatic transmission, but the overall hybrid powertrain remained unchanged.

The gasoline 4.4-liter V8 engine with two turbochargers produces 598 hp and 880 Nm. The nine-speed KATE automatic transmission integrates an electric motor with a maximum power of 63 hp, and there is also four-wheel drive,.

The exact availability time of these vehicles and their price have not yet been announced.

What is Putin's Aurus Senat like? The Aurus Senat used by President Vladimir Putin is a car that lives up to its nickname of "Rolls-Royce." On the outside, the facelift has made the car even more sober and classic, thanks to the wider vertical lines of the front grille, the L-shaped LED lights, and the rectangular taillights, which are joined by a chrome strip.

Inside, the standard is also that of an international premium model. The seats are leather, with marble-like appliqués. The multimedia center is gigantic and displays images from the various cameras scattered around the imposing sedan, which also has a night vision system to warn of road hazards.

Vladimir Putin's new luxury sedan has not had any changes to its engine compared to the previous model. This means that the Aurus Senat retains a powerful hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 4.4 V8 combustion engine and an electric motor.

They work together with the all-wheel drive and the 9-speed automatic transmission, delivering a combined power of 606 hp to the driver. More than enough power for a sedan that is 5.63 meters long and, thanks to its armor plating, weighs 6.2 tons, significantly more than the standard model, which weighs "only" 2,700 kg.


AUTONEWS


Propelling the world's giant ships into the future with new sail systems

Modern sails on large ships are becoming increasingly common to save fuel—and also the climate. Now a research team is looking at how to maximize their benefits, and that turns out to be more complicated than anticipated.

Huge ships, like container ships, bulk carriers and tankers, use large amounts of energy and are responsible for the corresponding climate emissions.

But new fuels, such as hydrogen and ammonia, are not yet that easy to apply. Zero-emission solutions like electrification are not readily available for the largest ships either. That is why many shipowners regard the world's oldest "fuel"—sails—as the simplest solution.

The four towers on the Odfjell ship Bow Olympus are actually modern suction sails that rise 22 metres into the air. Credit: Odfjell

Modern sail systems:

-There are many different types of sail systems. The most common ones today are rotor sails, wing sails and suction sails.

-A rotor sail is a large cylinder that is rotated by an engine. When the wind interacts with the rotor sail, it increases the speed on one side and decreases it on the other side. This creates a pressure difference, which results in a force (the Magnus effect) that contributes to the ship's propulsion.

-A wing sail is similar in principle to an airplane wing. The shape of both the airplane wing and the wing sail are designed so that the wind speed is greater on one side than the other. This in turn creates a pressure difference, which gives the planes lift. On a ship, however, the wings are mounted vertically, so that the pressure propels the boat forward instead.

-Wing sails can also be combined with a fan that sucks air in at the back. This creates an even greater pressure difference in the sail, or wing. This is called a suction sail.

-The reSail project focuses mainly on wing sails and suction sails.

"With fuel prices constantly rising and climate change impacts becoming increasingly evident, modern sails could be a good alternative," says SINTEF researcher Yannick Jooss.

Jooss heads the reSail project, with the goal of optimizing the effect of the new sail systems, which in technical terms are called wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS).

              Modern sails on a ship exposed to complex wind conditions at sea. Credit: SINTEF Energy AS

The large variations in fuel savings and reduced emissions from modern ship sails form the background for the project. The researchers believe that the fuel variations are partly due to simplified assumptions about the wind conditions on ships.

More and more large ships are using modern sails. At the beginning of 2020, only nine large ships used sails. Today, they number 64, and according to SINTEF, many ships are now preparing to put the solutions into use.

"We're seeing that the demand for these solutions has already increased. The systems can be easily installed on existing ships, and have the potential to contribute significantly to reducing emissions from the maritime sector," says Jooss.

Gap between theory and practice...Many factors come into play for the advanced sail systems and the wind to perform optimally. For starters, the best possible understanding of realistic wind conditions is necessary, as well as how much energy the wind contains.

"This provides information that we can use to understand where the sails should be placed on the ship, how they can be regulated to make the best use of the wind and how all of that affects ship operations," Jooss says.

Facts about large ships and fuel consumption:

-Large ships (over 5,000 gross tonnage), such as container ships, bulk carriers and tankers, account for approximately 90% of CO₂ emissions from the maritime sector.

-The goal, according to FuelEU Maritime, is to reduce emissions by 6% before 2030 and 80% before 2050.

-Finding zero-emission solutions for such ships is particularly challenging. Modern sail systems offer one possible solution that has the potential to reduce emissions significantly.

-Fuel and emissions savings are currently reported to be between 2% and 25% in ships with installed sails. These figures clearly illustrate the need for more study of such sail systems.

The project work so far has revealed that the interaction between modern sail solutions and the wind is more complicated than previously thought.

"We've looked more realistically at the wind conditions, and they deviate significantly from wind theory," says Jooss.

The researchers have also previously investigated how complex wind conditions affect wind turbines, and this knowledge is now being put to use.

"Modern sailing systems encounter wind conditions that are equally complex. So we can gain a lot from a good understanding of them," says Jooss.

Helped by the Doppler effect...As part of the project, the reSail research team has also taken wind measurements on the Bow Olympus ship, owned by the shipping company Odfjell. The ship recently had bound4blue sails installed.

The measurements were taken both before and after the installation.

The measurements were taken with Fugro's LiDAR system. LiDAR measures wind speed and direction by sending out laser beams that are reflected by dust and particles in the air. The reflected light returns with a different frequency, and this provides insight into the wind speed, relative to the ship (the Doppler effect).

Wind is complicated...The researchers found that the wind varies much more than previously thought, and that the ship and the sail system itself significantly affect the wind.

"If you just use the standard wind profile as is often done today, your measurements will be inaccurate. Simplified assumptions and simulations are not good enough, because they do not take into account the complexity and variation in the wind," says Jooss.

"We're finding that emissions can be reduced significantly with proper knowledge of wind conditions, sail system design, location, regulation and optimal operation of the ship. Just how much we'll learn in the future."

More new answers to come...In the future, the researchers will use the data from the wind measurements to find out:

-How to position the modern sails. These measurements will be carried out with model ships in NTNU's wind tunnel, where the researchers can control the wind conditions and change the position of the sails to obtain realistic measurements.

-How to gain better control of the wind. If you can gauge the wind conditions before they reach the ship, you can move the sails to optimize their impact. This will also be tested in the lab.

-A holistic approach. Look at the overall ship operation using all the data collected in the project.

The researchers hope to help modern sails reach their implementation potential of 25% or more in fuel and emissions savings.

"Our goal is to make it more attractive to use modern sails on ships, and thus contribute to the necessary emissions reduction from the maritime sector," says Jooss.

Provided by SINTEF

  BMW F 450 GS: BMW realizes that the entry-level adventure market is quite promising BMW watched the mid-displacement adventure motorcycle ...