quarta-feira, 25 de março de 2026


AUTONEWS


Forza Horizon 6 PC requirements indicate good optimization with support for budget builds

Forza Horizon 16 will release on May 19 for PC and consoles. The game is set in Japan and is said to be the biggest open world for a Forza game, and now it looks like most PC builds will be able to run the game at high fidelity.

The next big instalment in the Forza Horizon series is going to be Japan-based Forza Horizon 6. The game was announced in September last year with a 2026 release, which was confirmed earlier this year to be May 19. Now, the studio, Playground Games, has shared the PC requirements for running the game at different settings and they indicate decent optimization.

The recommended setup for High settings at 1440p is a Core i5 12th gen or Ryzen 5 5600X on the CPU side and an RTX 3060 Ti, Radeon RX 6700XT, or Intel Arc A580 on the GPU side. These are quite tame so it’s good to see that the game has been optimized to run on budget hardware. The bare minimum is a GTX 1650 or Radeon RX 6500 XT or Arc A380, which is great news for lower end PCs.

At the Extreme end, an RTX 5070 Ti or Radeon RX 9070 XT is needed to push Extreme RT settings, but the game will run at an upscaled 4K resolution to target 60+ FPS. The game does demand 32 GB of RAM for the Extreme RT setting, which is not surprising.

The studio says Forza Horizon 6 will play great across devices be it a high-end PC, gaming laptops, or handheld gaming consoles. It will come with 4K HDR visuals, ray tracing features, uncapped framerates, and support for ultrawide monitor resolutions. The game will also support DLSS 4 with Multi-frame generation for RTX 50 series, frame generation for RTX 40 series and above, and DLSS Super Resolution for all GeForce RTX cards, as well as DLAA and NVIDIA Reflex. AMD FSR 4/3 will be supported as well, and Intel Arc GPU users have not been left behind with support XeSS 2.1, unlike Crimson Desert.

Another great addition is that the PC render settings will not require a restart to take effect. Forza Horizon 6 will bring a benchmark mode and real-time memory usage statistics for monitoring exactly how much VRAM is being used.



 

TUNNING


Novitec Lamborghini Revuelto

Novitec transforms the Lamborghini Revuelto into an even more extreme hybrid supercar with fully exposed carbon fiber aerodynamics, NL5 wheels, and a race-inspired design.

The initial highlight is the bodywork in a deep metallic purple, a clear homage to the legendary Diablo SE30 of the 1990s, evoking Lamborghini's boldest heritage. At the front, new aerodynamic elements increase downforce on the front axle at high speeds, while on the sides, redesigned side skirts and carbon fiber details further accentuate the model's characteristic wedge profile.

At the rear, the show continues. A redesigned retractable rear wing, coupled with a more pronounced diffuser, reinforces stability at speeds easily exceeding 350 km/h. It's an approach that doesn't just focus on aesthetics – each element fulfills a clear function in the vehicle's dynamics.

But it's upon starting the engine that Novitec's true signature is revealed. The high-performance exhaust system, carefully thermally insulated and equipped with active valves, transforms the already iconic V12 into an even more intense experience. With the adoption of optimized-flow catalytic converters, total power rises to approximately 1,048 hp – a modest gain in numbers, but significant in character.

Curiously, the interior remains virtually untouched – a choice that reveals respect for the original Lamborghini design, whose cockpit already offers an immersive and highly technological experience. Here, Novitec seems to understand that sometimes true luxury lies in knowing where not to interfere.

The sound, moreover, becomes almost theatrical. In a more civilized mode, the car maintains a composure worthy of a futuristic grand tourer. But a simple command is enough for the car to reveal a mechanical roar that directly recalls classic supercars, as if electrification were merely a backdrop for a purely analog spectacle.

The package is completed with exclusive forged wheels developed in partnership with Vossen, available in multiple finishes, and a set of sport springs that lowers the body height by about 25 millimeters, improving the center of gravity and cornering precision.

A high-performance exhaust system not only delivers an exciting V12 sound, but also increases power to 1,048 hp.

A lowered suspension and advanced aerodynamics improve both handling and stability at high speeds of over 350 km/h.

Finished in a striking purple color paying homage to the Diablo SE30, this Revuelto is the ultimate blend of heritage, performance, and customization.



terça-feira, 24 de março de 2026

 

AUTONEWS




AI can flag high-risk motorists before getting on the road, scientists say

Scientists at the University of Sharjah have developed a new machine learning model capable of predicting whether a driver is likely to be involved in an accident before getting behind the wheel. Road accidents are frequently linked to human error, yet traditional driver screening methods, particularly in the taxi and commercial transport sectors, tend to rely heavily on experience and background checks. According to the researchers, these criteria often fall short of predicting who may pose a higher risk on the road.

Their study, published in the journal Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, explores a fundamental question: How can we identify risky drivers before they take to the road? To answer that, the researchers developed a data-driven assessment framework combining psychological profiling, physiological monitoring, and simulated driving performance.

Participants began by completing a structured questionnaire measuring personality traits such as sensation-seeking and conscientiousness. They then drove in a highly realistic simulator designed to replicate urban traffic conditions in Dubai, a cosmopolitan city known for its chronic traffic congestion and road network that handles more than 3.5 million vehicles daily.

"During the session, we recorded heart rate and detailed eye-movement indicators, including blink rate and gaze deviation," said Dr. Malek Masmoudi, the study's lead author and an associate professor of industrial engineering.


"Using machine learning models, we analyzed this integrated dataset to classify drivers as low-risk or high-risk based on objective outcomes such as accidents and traffic violations recorded during the simulation."

Distinguishing between safe and risky drivers...The significance of the work lies in its preventive and developmental approach. Rather than responding to accidents after they occur, the proposed framework allows transportation companies to evaluate risk tendencies before they are deployed.

Beyond supporting safer, more informed hiring decisions, the model can also function as a targeted training tool, helping drivers recognize their risk patterns and enhance their attention and self-regulation. This contributes not only to safer roads but also to more structured and evidence-based driver development programs.

Data acquisition setup, showing a participant on the driving simulator and the sensors used to capture physiological parameters. Credit: Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence (2025)

"The analysis revealed that gaze distraction, sensation-seeking, conscientiousness, and gender are the best predictors of driving behavior," the scientists note. "The findings suggest that our model can serve as a valuable decision-support tool for taxi companies and transportation agencies aiming to enhance driver selection processes by identifying drivers with lower accident risks."

According to the authors, the results validate the practical utility of the proposed classification framework for distinguishing between safe and risky drivers. "The findings provide valuable insights for taxi companies and transportation agencies aiming to enhance driver selection processes by identifying drivers with lower accident risks by focusing on highly important factors identified in the study," they write.

Dr. Masmoudi emphasized that road safety should not begin after an accident; it should begin before a driver is hired. "The safest accident is the one that never happens. That's why safety must start before a driver ever touches the steering wheel," he said.

"In the age of Industry 4.0, we have the tools to predict risk instead of just reacting to crashes. The question is no longer, 'How can we measure it?' It's: 'Why aren't we using it?'"

Disciplined and responsible individuals drive cautiously...The findings show that safe driving is not shaped only by technical skills, but it is also strongly influenced by personality traits and patterns of visual attention. For instance, drivers whose gaze frequently strays from the road are significantly more likely to be involved in simulated accidents.

City car driving simulator software driver's view. Credit: Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence (2025)

Dr. Masmoudi explained, "Individuals who are naturally disciplined and responsible tend to drive more cautiously. Those who score high in sensation-seeking, meaning they are drawn to excitement and risk, are more likely to exhibit unsafe driving behaviors."

In simple terms, certain measurable personality traits and attention habits consistently indicate a higher risk of accidents. When these factors are analyzed together using machine learning, they allow taxi or transport companies to predict risk with a high level of accuracy.

Beyond screening, the study's insights can also inform targeted training programs. Drivers identified as higher risk can receive specialized coaching in attention control, stress management, and safe decision-making.

For taxi companies and fleet operators, this approach could lead to fewer accidents, reduced insurance and repair costs, improved passenger safety, stronger public trust, and an overall enhancement of company reputation.

"Risky driving is not random behavior; it reflects measurable patterns in attention and personality," said Imad Alsyouf, professor of industrial engineering at the University of Sharjah and a co-author. "By combining psychology, physiology, and machine learning, we move from intuition-based recruitment to evidence-based safety decisions."

Real-world implications...Prof. Alsyouf emphasized that although their model successfully identifies high-risk drivers, "artificial intelligence should not replace human judgment; it should strengthen it with objective data. Our goal is not only to filter risk, but also to help drivers understand and improve their own safety profile."

Prof. Alsyouf explained that the research was designed with real-world implementation in mind. "Its most immediate application is in taxi and commercial fleet recruitment. Instead of relying solely on driving history or interviews, companies can incorporate a short simulator-based assessment combined with psychological screening and physiological monitoring."

Importantly, the framework extends well beyond hiring. Dr. Masmoudi pointed out that the model could serve as a structured training and evaluation tool, enabling companies to design personalized improvement programs for drivers.

"The key advantage is that the system operates before deployment," he added, "shifting safety management from a reactive model, responding after incidents occur, to a preventive and developmental one, where risks are identified early and addressed proactively."

Provided by University of Sharjah


TUNNING


Liberty Walk has joined the ranks of tuners that have already modified the Honda Civic Type R

In short, the kit is available in Standard and Widebody configurations. The Standard is available for $8,470 when made of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) and $13,860 when made of a mixture of FRP and carbon fiber. The Widebody kit in FRP configuration costs $11,000, while the carbon fiber version is $16,830.

Both kits include a modified front bumper with a redesigned lower grille and a new splitter. There is also an aggressive new hood with an air intake and a set of more pronounced side skirts. The Widebody version also includes a set of widened arches, which add 10 mm to the width. There is also a change at the rear, where a fixed wing stands out that rises slightly higher than the standard FL5-generation Type R model. A newly developed rear diffuser is located below, rounding off the more aggressive look.

These elements can be ordered individually or as part of a kit. For example, if you want just the rear wing, you can buy it for $1,430 in FRP or $1,930 in carbon fiber. Finally, black wheels are also available, priced at $3,784.



 

AUTONEWS


What will happen to the car engine if you run out of gas while driving?

It happens, it's not uncommon...Forget about your worries at work or in your family and you run out of fuel while driving. Can something happen to your car, or can there be major breakdowns?

Car manufacturers claim that their new models are designed so that there will be no problems if you run out of fuel. That is, there should be no engine failures. Despite this, do not wait for the tank to empty, because in that case impurities from the bottom of the tank will also be injected into the system. The fuel filter should take care of them, or prevent them from entering the engine, but it's better not to push your luck.

In older cars, if you run out of fuel, injectors and diesel fuel pumps may fail. In general, always react in time and drive to the nearest gas station.

Who hasn't experienced being behind the wheel and anxiously glancing at the fuel gauge as the needle hovers over empty? Whether it's due to forgetfulness or an effort to squeeze as many miles out of the tank as possible, running out of fuel doesn't do your engine any favors, and it can be detrimental to you as well. A while back, it was reported that a man was found dead after running out of gas in Death Valley. Even if you happen to be in a populated area with services nearby, when your vehicle becomes starved for fuel, it's hard on certain parts.

Gasoline isn't only instrumental in the combustion process, but it also serves to cool certain fuel system components. For instance, the fuel pump (which is responsible for moving gas from the tank to the engine) can start to heat up as you near empty. To function properly, the pump needs a consistent supply of gas. If that supply drops too low, the pump will start moving air instead, which can result in substantial damage.

Why you don’t want to run out of fuel...If you drive a vehicle that runs on petrol, draining your tank dry is bad news for a variety of reasons. Your car’s fuel pump uses fuel as a means of lubrication or cooling, so it can be damaged when there’s no fuel in the system. Your fuel pump will also suck up the last dregs from the very bottom of the tank, which is exactly where any sediment or debris (including, on older cars with metal tanks, rust particles) settle. If you’re lucky you might just end up with a clogged fuel filter, but you could damage the fuel pump.

If you drive a diesel, the dry-tank scenario is even more perilous. While the high-pressure direct-injection set-ups in today’s diesels help them deliver impressive performance and economy, they will not tolerate air getting into the system.

In addition to the risk of damaging your car’s diesel injection pump and fuel injectors – just the latter can cost hundreds of dollars or more each, and your engine has several of them – the whole system will need to be primed to remove all traces of air. That’s means more time (meaning money) in the workshop.

Your car has everything you need to avoid this elemental mistake. At the very least, you have a fuel gauge with a low-fuel warning light, and often a trip computer with a distance-to-empty function, too.

What to do if you run out of fuel...If you have missed all the warning signs and are running really low or out of fuel, there are a few things you should do.

If you drive a diesel, don’t squeeze the last drops out of the tank. If there’s no service station in sight, accept defeat and stop your car while the engine’s still going. Whatever inconvenience you suffer will be insignificant compared with the cost and hassle of letting it run totally dry.

If you have some warning of impending shutdown (such as a spluttering engine), try to move your vehicle to a safe position, well away from traffic. Switch on your hazard lights and, if your car has a warning triangle or some other reflective safety device, place it about 50 metres behind to give fellow motorists plenty of warning.

If you drive a petrol vehicle and have stopped in a familiar or busy area with known fuel supplies nearby, you can walk to a service station and purchase a jerry can that complies with Australian standards.

You will find safety instructions on how to correctly fill a jerry can near the service station bowser. It’s important to place the jerry can on the ground and keep one hand on it while filling to avoid generating static electricity. Also be careful to keep well away from any potential ignition sources and not overfill the can.

Then it’s just a matter of returning to your vehicle and filling your tank – or getting someone to fetch the fuel for you – and you should be on your way. That’s assuming you haven’t ended up with a clogged fuel filter or some other mechanical malady.

Otherwise – and especially if you drive a diesel or are anywhere unfamiliar or remote – you should stay with your vehicle and seek roadside assistance.

This scenario can become even worse if you're driving an older vehicle with many years of debris on the bottom of the fuel tank. As you may imagine, once the pump is desperate to suck up any fuel with a nearly empty tank, that bottom-dwelling sludge can get pulled up into the system and create a clog. According to Kelly Blue Book, to have the fuel pump replaced, you're looking at between $390 and $900, which is certainly not worth delaying a trip to the gas station.

Running out of gas causes the engine to stall immediately due to fuel starvation, but it can also cause severe damage to the fuel pump, which relies on gasoline for cooling and lubrication. The pump may overheat and fail, while the engine can suffer from running "lean," damaging components, and potentially clogging the fuel filter with sediment. 

Key consequences of running out of gas(below):

Fuel pump damage: Modern fuel pumps are inside the tank and cooled by fuel. Running dry can cause them to overheat, suck in air (cavitation), and burn out prematurely.

Engine stalling: The vehicle will stutter and lose power, leading to a complete shutdown.

Catalytic converter damage: If the engine struggles and misfires before stopping, unburned fuel can enter the exhaust, causing the catalytic converter to overheat.

Sediment clogging: Fuel pumps may pull sediment from the bottom of the tank, clogging the fuel filter and injectors.

Loss of power steering/braking: While the car can still stop, the steering wheel will become very stiff and braking will require more effort. 

Tips for prevention(below):

-Avoid letting the fuel level drop below a quarter tank.

-If the car dies, immediately turn off the ignition to prevent further damage to the electric fuel pump. 



segunda-feira, 23 de março de 2026

 

AUTONEWS


GE9X: the largest jet engine in history delivering 134,000 pounds of thrust

The advancement of aeronautical engineering has reached a new level with the development of the GE9X engine, designed by GE Aerospace to power the Boeing 777X. With a diameter of 3.4 meters and a record thrust of approximately 134,000 pounds, the engine has become the largest ever installed on a commercial aircraft. The GE9X represents more than just an evolution in scale. It incorporates advanced materials and manufacturing technologies that redefine the limits of what is possible in modern aircraft engines. The design is the result of decades of development in aerodynamics, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction.

The most impressive fact about the GE9X is the size of its front fan. At 134 inches in diameter, it approaches the width of the fuselage of a Boeing 737, one of the most widely used aircraft in the world.

This giant fan is responsible for moving a massive amount of air, which increases the engine's efficiency. In modern turbofan engines, most of the thrust comes from the air passing around the core, not from direct combustion.

In addition, the GE9X achieved a thrust of 134,300 pounds in tests, setting a record recognized by the Guinness World Records. This power level allows large aircraft to operate more efficiently and with lower fuel consumption per passenger.

The 16 carbon fiber blades that redefine aeronautical engineering...One of the most relevant innovations of the GE9X is in the design of its blades. The engine uses only 16 carbon fiber composite blades, a significantly smaller number than its predecessor, the GE90, which used 22.

Despite being fewer in number, the GE9X blades are larger, lighter, and stronger. The use of composite materials reduces the overall weight of the engine while increasing its durability.

This combination results in superior performance, with better aerodynamic efficiency and less need for maintenance over time. 3D Printing and Advanced Manufacturing Inside the Engine

The GE9X also incorporates advanced manufacturing technologies, including the use of 3D printing in various internal components. These parts, produced by additive manufacturing, feature complex geometries that could not be obtained by traditional methods.

The use of this technology allows for a reduction in the number of components, simplifies assembly, and improves the engine's thermal and structural performance.

In addition, 3D printing contributes to weight reduction and increased efficiency, essential factors in a sector where every kilogram saved directly impacts fuel consumption.

More Power with Less Weight: The Efficiency of the GE9X...Despite being larger than its predecessor, the GE9X was designed to be lighter and more efficient. This was made possible by the use of advanced materials, such as composites and high-strength metal alloys.

The result is an engine capable of generating more thrust while consuming less fuel, representing a significant improvement over previous generations.

This efficiency is one of the main factors that make the GE9X a central piece in the commercial aviation emissions reduction strategy. Technology Fairs

The challenge of developing an engine larger than any other...Designing the largest jet engine in history was no simple task. The development of the GE9X involved extensive testing, advanced simulations, and the creation of new engineering solutions.

One of the main challenges was ensuring that the increase in size did not compromise reliability and safety. Each engine component was designed to withstand extreme conditions of temperature, pressure, and vibration.

In addition, the engine needed to be adapted to operate efficiently in different flight conditions, from takeoffs to long-duration cruises.

The Boeing 777X paradox: the engine was ready before the plane...One of the most curious aspects of the project is that the GE9X was certified before the Boeing 777X itself. While the engine progressed through tests and validations, the aircraft program faced significant delays.

The development of the 777X was delayed for years due to technical challenges, regulatory changes, and certification issues. This meant that the engine, designed specifically for the aircraft, was ready before it entered service.

This scenario illustrates the complexity of modern aeronautical projects, where different systems evolve at different paces.

The impact of the GE9X on commercial aviation...The GE9X represents a new generation of engines focused on efficiency, performance, and sustainability. Its ability to generate more thrust with lower fuel consumption contributes to reduced operating costs and emissions.

For airlines, this means greater range, lower cost per seat, and increased competitiveness on long-haul routes. For the industry as a whole, the engine symbolizes a technological advancement that can influence the development of future aircraft.

The aeronautical industry is one of the most demanding in terms of innovation. Small efficiency gains can represent billions in savings over time. In this context, the GE9X stands out as an example of how advances in materials, design, and manufacturing can completely transform a system.

The integration of technologies such as advanced composites and additive manufacturing shows the way for the future of aeronautical engineering.

The future of jet engines after the GE9X...The development of the GE9X opens the way for new possibilities in aviation. As the demand for efficiency and sustainability increases, even more advanced engines are expected to emerge.

Research in areas such as sustainable fuels, electrification, and new materials continues, indicating that the evolution of jet engines is far from over.

The GE9X, in this scenario, represents a milestone — not only for its size, but for the set of technologies it incorporates.

An engine that redefines the limits of modern engineering...The GE9X is not just the largest jet engine in history. It is the result of decades of technological evolution and a constant pursuit of efficiency and performance.

With dimensions approaching that of an airplane fuselage and record-breaking power, the engine symbolizes how far modern engineering can go. And even being a gigantic structure, it operates precisely and in a controlled manner, supporting flights that cross continents and connect the world.

For most passengers, the GE9X is just part of the plane. But behind this appearance lies one of the most complex machines ever built by humankind.

Its operation involves thousands of components working in perfect synchrony, transforming fuel into energy with impressive levels of efficiency. Ultimately, it is this combination of scale and precision that defines the GE9X as one of the greatest advances in modern aviation.

Autonews and Mundoquatrorodas


PORSCHE


Porsche wants to offer an automatic transmission that is…manual

Porsche has patented a gearbox that is as curious as it is strange. Simultaneously, it aims to please the most traditional drivers, who prefer manual gearboxes, as well as those who prefer the faster and more efficient dual-clutch automatic gearboxes. The decision to design this new gearbox was made public through patent registration, when the German manufacturer of the Volkswagen Group filed the registration.

Designing a gearbox that is simultaneously automatic and manual is more complex than it may seem at first glance. Obviously, this is not a gearbox like many already on the market, where the dual-clutch system ensures the automatic selection of different ratios, without driver intervention, so that in the next moment, if you want to engage in a more sporty driving experience, you can opt for manual use of the gearbox, selecting the ratios via the paddles next to the steering wheel or by operating the lever. In Porsche's case, the objective goes further. The brand intends to offer a gearbox in which the driver only needs to select Drive, Reverse, and Neutral if they want to move forward, backward, or put the car in neutral, with the driver also having the option of a second selector where the gears are distributed in an "H" pattern, selectable via the lever.

For most drivers, even those of sports cars, gearboxes need to be fast and precise, which leads more and more sports car users to opt for dual-clutch automatics. Perhaps for this reason, about 15 years ago Porsche decided to remove the six-speed manual gearboxes from its most representative model, the 911 GT3, making only the seven-speed PDK automatic available. The reaction from potential customers was immediate and very negative, which led Porsche to reverse course and reinstate the manual gearboxes. With this new gearbox, the German brand intends to please everyone, offering a two-in-one solution to suit all types of preferences.

The idea of ​​a gearbox that is simultaneously automatic and manual is not new, since back in 2022 the ever-surprising engineer Christian Koenigsegg, founder of the Swedish hypercar manufacturer bearing his name, produced two models equipped with this type of gearbox. We are referring to the Koenigsegg CC850 and Koenigsegg Chimera, both of which associate this innovative (and still unique) gearbox with engines with well over 1000 hp.

There is not much information about the gearbox that Porsche patented, but it will certainly be a bulky, heavy and expensive solution, three characteristics that customers who purchase Koenigsegg vehicles can easily accept (the CC850 is sold for 4.2 million euros and the Chimera for more than 9.2 million), but which buyers of Porsche models will have more difficulty accepting. To give you an idea of ​​the complexity, Koenigsegg's two-in-one gearbox has six individual clutches, gears distributed across three shafts, and a great deal of electronics and servo motors to provide a highly realistic feel when operating the clutch pedal and gear selector in manual mode.

It will be interesting to see how closely Porsche's manual/automatic gearbox approaches the one conceived by the Swedish manufacturer, and the German brand's engineers have surprised us more than once by creating simple and reliable solutions to complex problems. A good example was the variable valve timing system, which performed its function perfectly despite using only the timing chain tensioner.

Autonews and Mundoquatrorodas

AUTONEWS Forza Horizon 6 PC requirements indicate good optimization with support for budget builds Forza Horizon 16 will release on May 19 f...