UM Motorcycles, a global manufacturer founded by Octavio Villegas Llano in Miami in the early 2000s, has established itself as a major player in the motorcycle industry. With operations in 35 countries, UM Motorcycles has successfully captured the interest and trust of motorcycle enthusiasts from different cultures and nations.
One of the key factors contributing to UM Motorcycles’ popularity is its unwavering commitment to design and innovation, resulting in motorcycles that combine aesthetic appeal and functionality. The brand’s emphasis on providing the highest level of safety and comfort to consumers has led to the development of an impressive lineup of bikes. Taking advantage of its expertise, UM Motorcycles has recently entered the Italian market to further expand its global reach.
UM Motorcycles’ Range in Italy
In Italy, UM Motorcycles has introduced an exciting selection of cruisers and retro-inspired motorcycles. These models have been carefully designed to cater to the various preferences and tastes of riders, offering a wide range of options. What makes these models even more appealing is their budget-friendly pricing, targeting the cost-conscious segment of the market.
UM Motorcycles exclusively offers small-displacement bikes in the Italian market, ranging from 125cc to 300cc. These motorcycles are specifically designed for beginners, providing them with stylish alternatives that match the appearance and feel of their larger counterparts. By focusing on this market segment, UM Motorcycles ensures that novice riders can confidently enter the world of motorcycling with vehicles that not only have an attractive design but also deliver a familiar riding experience, making it easier for them to upgrade to larger bikes in the future.
The Renegade Lineup
The Renegade lineup of cruisers is the highlight of UM Motorcycles’ product range in Italy. Consisting of six different variations, these bikes cater to a diverse range of rider preferences. The Classic and Classic Deluxe models offer a premium retro cruiser look with white-wall tires, a windscreen, and luggage. On the other hand, the Renegade Vegas, Sports, and Freedom models exude a sleek and sporty vibe, reminiscent of the Harley-Davidson Sportster range. For those seeking a military-style aesthetic, the Renegade Commando is the ideal choice, featuring an army green finish, blacked-out wheels, and a star emblem on the fuel tank.
Modern-Style Motorcycles
In addition to the cruisers, UM Motorcycles has also introduced two modern-style motorcycles in the Italian market: the Xtreet RS and the DSR SM. These models are only available in 125cc trim levels and cater to riders looking for sporty and beginner-friendly options. The Xtreet RS is a sporty naked sportbike with angular styling, while the DSR SM offers a supermoto experience for novice riders.
China has emerged as a significant player in motorcycle manufacturing in recent years. Many brands have originated from China, and established brands have collaborated with Chinese manufacturers to increase their production and market presence. AW is one such brand that has recently entered the scene.
AW is a relatively new company that made its debut at a trade fair in China in 2021. The brand has just unveiled its first two models, the 500 N and 500 R, both based on the same platform. While these bikes share the same engine and components, they differ in terms of styling. The AW 500 N and 500 R use an engine from another Chinese manufacturer, Loncin, which is similar to Honda’s parallel-twin engine in terms of architecture.
Both the AW 500 N and 500 R deliver 45 horsepower, making them competitive in the entry-level motorcycle segment. Weighing in at 186 kilograms, these bikes are lightweight and accessible to a wide range of riders. AW has equipped the 500 N and 500 R series with premium features, such as adjustable inverted front forks and a link-type shock in the rear. The bikes are also equipped with dual disc brakes with radially mounted four-piston calipers.
In terms of technology, AW’s new models follow the industry trend with a large, full-color display that is likely Bluetooth compatible. The bikes differentiate themselves in terms of styling, with the 500 R adopting a traditional fully faired sportbike design, while the 500 N takes inspiration from premium modern classics like the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR and MV Agusta Superveloce, featuring a sporty and angular design with a touch of retro styling.
The AW 500 series has been launched in China with a price of around $4,400 USD. While there is no confirmation of plans to export these models to the global market, considering the rise of Chinese motorcycles in the international market, it is a possibility worth considering.
Encountering an abandoned Kawasaki GPZ1100 is not an everyday occurrence. It’s even more unusual when a motorcycle like that is given to you for free. This is exactly what happened to Anthony from Motorcycle Rewind when he was offered the 1983 Kawasaki GPZ1100 for no charge.
Restoring an old bike and taking it on an epic 3,000-mile road trip is not something you see every day either. However, that’s exactly what Anthony did with this old Kawasaki GPZ1100.
The motorcycle was abandoned and neglected for a long time. It was left outside to decay, missing various parts that needed to be replaced. The engine was seized and required a complete rebuild. The bike was falling apart and seemed unlikely to even complete a single mile of its planned 3,000-mile journey.
It took a considerable amount of time and effort to gather all the necessary parts and resurrect this 80s machine. Anthony described the project as more than just a restoration—it was a resurrection.
After getting the bike in shape, the ultimate test began—a trip from Slidell, LA, to Erie, Colorado.
So, did the bike make it? Well, yes and no. While the Kawasaki was able to cover the majority of the trip, it stopped working completely when it was about 100 miles away from home. Despite this setback, Motorcycle Rewind considers the journey a success, and many would agree.
After the main vlog, there is a question-and-answer video addressing some of the queries that viewers might have. Anthony deserves credit for making this project happen, and with a little more work, perhaps this very motorcycle will continue to ride for many more miles.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is set to feature an impressive lineup of past and present MotoGP heroes and legends from July 13 to 16, 2023. These riders will be taking on the renowned hillclimb event.
Ducati will be sending a trio of riders from the MotoGP paddock. Reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia and teammate Enea Bastianini will be riding on both Saturday and Sunday. In addition, wildcard and test rider Michele Pirro will kick off the festivities on Thursday and Friday.
KTM Factory Racing will be represented by their long-time test rider Mika Kallio on Thursday and Friday. South African rider Brad Binder, a top contender for the 2023 Championship, will take over the reins over the weekend.
GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 will see the much-awaited return of Pol Espargaro, who will be riding on Thursday and Friday. Rookie teammate Augusto Fernandez will take over on Saturday and Sunday, making his debut at the event.
Aprilia Racing will also be present, with test rider Lorenzo Savadori riding on Thursday and Friday. The CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team, part of the Noale contingent, will have Miguel Oliveira riding on Saturday, and teammate Raul Fernandez taking the reins on Sunday.
LCR Honda, winners of the Americas GP, will complete the MotoGP lineup at the festival. Although Alex Rins will be absent due to injury, their iconic livery will still be showcased as they take on the hillclimb.
In addition to the current MotoGP grid, the festival will also feature a legendary lineup of iconic figures who have had a significant impact on the sport. These include Giacomo Agostini, Mick Doohan, Freddie Spencer, Casey Stoner, Kevin Schwantz, Wayne Gardner, Kenny Roberts Jr, Alex Crivillé, and Randy Mamola.
BMW Motorrad unveiled the ConnectedRide Smartglasses on July 7, 2023. These smart glasses feature head-up display (HUD) technology that projects real-time data like navigation and speed onto the rider’s field of vision. The aim is to enhance rider safety and awareness while riding a motorcycle.
According to the brand’s press release, the BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses bring a technology that was once considered science fiction into reality. The goggles use head-up display technology, similar to what we see in the automotive sector, to project relevant data such as navigation, speed, and gear directly into the rider’s field of vision in real-time. This enables safer and more anticipatory motorcycle riding.
While augmented reality helmets have become more prevalent, BMW Motorrad is taking a different approach by introducing smart glasses instead of a helmet. This could potentially be a more universal choice for riders.
The ConnectedRide Smartglasses connect to smartphones via Bluetooth and an app. Riders can customize settings using the handlebar-mounted multi-controller. The glasses offer a comfortable fit for various helmets and face shapes and provide up to ten hours of battery life.
The package includes two sets of UVA/UVB lenses, one tinted and the other 85% transparent. For prescription glasses wearers, an RX adapter is available.
Aside from these features, the smart glasses come in two sizes (medium and large) and include swappable nose pads for an optimal fit. They also offer real-time GPS data projection, allowing riders to see their GPS navigation data on the road. Additionally, the glasses can display the bike’s information, including vehicle speed and current gear.
The retail price for the ConnectedRide Smartglasses is set at 690 EUR or about $750 USD. While the price may be considered expensive for a pair of glasses, the ability to transfer the technology between different helmets is a major advantage for the adoption of augmented reality by riders. However, only time will tell if these glasses will become widely used.
Chinese manufacturers seem to be on a roll lately. Ask CFMoto! With so many motorcycles coming out of the Asian continent and finding good responses across the world (Royal Enfield and QJ Motor are living proofs), the time for finding an affordable alternative to your usual American/European bike couldn’t be better.
As more riders seek motorcycles that offer affordability, reliability, and versatility, the recently released Jonway V400 and the Harley-Davidson X350 stand ready to meet these demands. Sure, many challenges may still exist, but the future looks promising for the likes of these motorcycles as they strive to carve their place in the hearts of Western motorcycle enthusiasts. Let’s see how both these entry-level offerings pit against each other.
While both the V400 and the X 350 were conceived in China, their ambitions are global. This is evident in the engine choices of both motorcycles. On one hand, Jonway went with a 400cc powered, V-twin mill, the smallest HD gets the 353cc mill from QJ motor’s very own SRK350. But you’d be a fool if you were to mistake the bigger engine for more power. In fact, it is the smaller 353cc parallel-twin that produces about 3 ponies and pound-feet torque more than the bigger v-twin. Ironically, both motorcycles weigh the same, which would mean the power-to-weight ratio is better on the Harley.
V400 vs X 350 – Underpinnings And Dimensions
Harley-Davidson
All-LED lights, dual-channel ABS, and a digi-analog instrument cluster make up the feature list of the X 350
Specification
Jonway V400
Harley-Davidson X 350
Length
81.8 in
83 in
Ground clearance
5.5 in
7.2 in
Seat height
27.9 in
32.1 in
Wheelbase
56.2 in
55.5 in
Brakes
Front dual disc, rear disc
Front floating disc, rear fixed disc
Wheels (Front)
120/90-16
120/70-17
Wheels (Rear)
150/80-16
160/60-17
Fuel tank capacity
3.95 gallons
2.96 gallons
Both motorcycles carry some eerily similar underpinnings and some diverse numbers. For instance, both the Jonway V400 and the Harley-Davidson X 350 are very similar in length, wheelbase and dual disc brake setups. However, the X 350 will be a better choice to overcome those obstacles on the tarmac, thanks to its significant ground clearance. On the other hand, the Jonway might be better suited to shorter riders and that is down to its more accessible seat height. The one area where the Jonway V400 has hit the bulls eye is the tank capacity. 3.95 gallons on an entry-level cruiser is a rarity, and one that will inspire confidence if you to take those long-distance highway rides much more often.
V400 vs X 350 – Features And Design
Jonway
Side profile shot of the Jonway V400 parked on the side stand
This is where the matter of subjectivity comes in – the design. While one motorcycle takes a fresh approach as a roadster, the other can easily be mistaken for a cheap replica of the Indian Scout Bobber. Starting with the HD X 350, it sports a rather retro-modern aesthetic. All the round elements – the rearview mirrors, the instrument cluster and the headlamp, all ooze of a retro vibe. While the all-LED light setup, petite turn signals, alloys and muscular fairings add a touch of modern-day charm.
Compare the small Harley’s approach to Jonway’s big cruiser aesthetic, and it’s almost the opposite. The cut-out rear fender, the chunky headlight cover, the twin exhaust pipes and even the chrome accents on the blacked-out mechanicals imitate a large American cruiser in every way. There are hardly any differences from the Indian Scout’s design. We wonder what the designers and Indian must be thinking. Apart from the design language, the V400 does get the most features you’d expect from a bike of this caliber. All-led lights, backlit switches, adjustable hand levers, and forward-mounted pegs, all give this an unmistakable cruiser appeal.
The X 350 is Harley’s second attempt at the entry-level motorcycle segment
Everything said, the two motorcycles will cater to different audiences. While the Jonway V400 will appeal to those seeking an affordable entry-level cruiser to sit back and cruise along the open road, the sportier X 350 from Harley-Davidson will appeal to younger riders wanting to step into the world of HD.
While the Harley roadster will only make it to the US as a part of Harley-Davidson’s riding academy fleet, the V400 isn’t a sure-shot release in the States either. If it does, it would retail somewhere between $6,000 and $7,000, making it a direct competitor to the Honda Rebel 500. But until any official communication, all we can do is save up for the real deal (Indian Scout).
Getting that driver’s permit does not come all easy. A lot is taken into account by instructors during driving tests to ensure learners make good drivers. You earn a license for following rules and codes and being competent behind the wheel. However, driver education is not as effective for road safety since few driving hours mean drivers gain fewer hands-on driving skills. Being a good or skillful driver comes much later after understanding your car and experiencing different roads and driving conditions. It takes some getting used to, and this is the phase where most develop good or bad driving habits.
Developing bad habits comes easy once you’re no longer a learner driver. It may be as subtle as driving with one hand to being as crude as taking your eyes off the road. Whichever the case, it’s important to understand that driving is a serious affair, and sharing roads with strangers will never always be business as usual. Awareness of your surroundings, doing the right thing while on the road, and being mindful of other motorists and pedestrians is encouraged. So, if you’re guilty of any of the following bad driving habits, it’s time to break the cycle.
Front shot of a Chevrolet Lumina turning left with the left blinker on
If you frequently drive, you probably understand how important it is to act right for yourself and other road users. And yet, most Americans fail to use turn signals correctly. Why is that? Not using turn signals is not only annoying to drivers behind you, but it’s also dangerous at unsafe separation distances and intersections. It’s also considered illegal in most states and may lead to a fine or ticket from law enforcement officers.
Turn signals are how drivers communicate their intentions on the road. Instead of merging into lanes without warning, using a blinker can improve road safety by letting other drivers know that you intend to merge, exit, turn left or right, or change lanes. It’s just common courtesy. If turn signals are not your thing, why not try to mix them up with hand signs?
A rear shot of a white Datsun 280Z tailgating a red SUV
Tailgating is defined as closely trailing the vehicle in front of you by matching its speed and movement. Not only is this illegal, but it’s also dangerous since there’s a higher risk of rear-ending the other car if it brakes unexpectedly. Most tailgaters are either oblivious to the risks involved or do it because they are in a rush, impatient, or think the vehicle in front is hogging the lane.
To avoid tailgating, it is advisable to keep a three-second driving distance behind the vehicle in front in low-traffic conditions. The distance between you and the other vehicle should be greater if you’re behind a truck or in bad driving conditions, such as icy roads. This distance is essential in helping avoid collisions by ensuring your reaction time allows your car to stop safely.
8Rolling Through Stops
Dmitry Mashkin via Unsplash””>
Dmitry Mashkin via Unsplash
A rear shot of vehicles yielding to a pedestrian at an intersection
Most of us have done this often if not daily. You approach a stop sign, you slow down while checking your visibility area to confirm there’s no traffic, all while slowly moving forward. This is morally and legally wrong. Take stop signs for what they are and bring your vehicle to a halt before proceeding. Rolling through stops or even worse, blowing through them, especially at intersections, increases the chances of another ignorant driver crashing into you.
Stop signs are there to ensure the safe use of the road by all traffic at any time of the day. And since you won’t come across a speed hump to slow traffic before a stop sign on primary roads, it’s best to play safe and come to a complete stop. At intersections, give yourself at least three seconds after stopping to check for any oncoming or speeding traffic. It’s not that hard.
A side shot of a Dodge Challenger cruising on a road
Speed essentially helps in maintaining a uniform and predictable movement on roads. That’s why there are different speed limits on collector roads, parkways, highways, and freeways. Whether you are required to drive below 15 mph or not more than 80 mph, adhering to these speed limits is essential, but what’s even more important is being aware of your driving environment. Ask yourself, does my car match the speed limit? Am I driving too fast? Am I driving too slow? Should I be driving at this speed in this lane?
Asking yourself these questions and being aware will help you answer them. You should know that driving too fast or way above the speed limit puts your life and that of other road users at risk in case anything goes wrong. You should also be aware that driving too slow, especially on the fast lane, even if you’re just under the speed limit, holds up traffic and is unkind to those who intend to use that lane for its intended purpose.
6Needless Weaving
Mike Petrucci via Unsplash””>
Mike Petrucci via Unsplash
An aerial shot of vehicles weaving through traffic on a busy New York street
We’ve all seen them, drivers that seem to be either in a hurry to get to their destination or simply love annoying other drivers around them. Unless you are on a race track, weaving through regular traffic in undesignated areas is frowned upon. It does not matter how skilled you are at changing lanes; one slight mistake could lead to a minor or major collision.
In low-traffic scenarios, weaving at high speeds may seem fun, but it puts your life in danger since you can’t accurately predict the behavior of motorists ahead or behind you at such speeds. In moderate to high traffic, you increase the chances of other vehicles colliding if they have to brake unexpectedly for you to merge. Remember, you are probably sharing the road with less experienced or less skilled drivers, so for safety purposes, it’s best to avoid weaving.
We can agree not all drivers are great at merging. And you’ve probably seen someone unskillfully merging into a highway while completely disregarding timing and speed. In the worst case scenarios, the merging vehicle gets rear-ended, or the other vehicle has to swerve to avoid an accident. Okay, we can probably blame that on the lack of skill. However, the worst of merging habits would be blocking zipper mergers since vehicle speed and timing don’t necessarily play a part here.
Situations like road work demand some lanes to be blocked. It’s okay to merge early into the open lane when there’s low traffic. However, in moderate to high traffic, drivers are encouraged to use both lanes and allow zipper mergers. A zipper merge intends to reduce traffic backlog so no one is trying to cut you off. Therefore, once you’re in the open lane around the merging area, it’s ethical for drivers in the open lane to leave room for those in the blocked lane to merge in an alternating fashion.
A front shot of vehicles passing a farming equipment
Some drivers will say they do not entirely understand what undertaking is and, as a result, find no fault in their actions. So, let’s start with the basics of passing or overtaking. Passing is legally done on the left lane on a dual-lane road or on the inner lane on a multi-lane highway or freeway. This is a rule all drivers must follow to enhance safe and efficient road use.
So, when you go against this basic rule of passing on the left, say you pass a vehicle while speeding in the right lane, you’re undertaking. It’s generally risky since most drivers expect you to come up on their left. Though it’s not entirely illegal to undertake, especially on multi-lane roads, it’s often discouraged. The worst form of undertaking is doing it on the shoulder. If you often undertake, it’s time to unlearn.
A side shot depicting a frustrated driver checking his vent window
Being territorial is part of who we are as people. On the road, for instance, it might stem from an inner instinct to protect your car or set genuine or non-existing boundaries. This is why you’ll see some drivers on the road act up simply because you are trying to merge or because you honked at them because they are in the wrong.
Being territorial on the road does more harm than good. It makes you an aggressive driver, sometimes annoys other motorists, and could likely instigate road rage. It’s best for everyone if we’re accommodating in our driving. The road has enough space for us all, and sharing it respectfully means less chaos on the roads so everyone can get to where they are going.
A cabin shot depicting a driver driving with a bottle of vodka in hand
When will we learn? Driving is a serious business, one that we cannot afford to mix with pleasure. And yes, some may argue that they have a high alcohol tolerance and that a couple of shots or bottles of beer does not affect their sobriety while driving, but statistics don’t lie. In a world where truth can quickly be dismissed as hearsay, we can always rely on facts and statistics to make our point.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2021, out of 42,939 fatalities from road accidents, 13,384 of the deaths were alcohol-related. This was a 14 percent increase from 2020 figures, 11,654 deaths, which translates to 37 people lost to alcohol-related crashes daily. These are staggering figures, and it’s unbelievable that the same alcohol that lifts your spirits also sends many to early graves. If you’re guilty of this bad driving habit, it’s up to you to stop giving alcohol a bad name.
In the late 1980s, the Japanese economy experienced a significant boom. This was largely due to the Plaza Accord signed by the U.S., Japan, Germany, France, and the U.K., which caused their currencies to gain strength against the dollar. The resulting asset price bubble led to prosperity in various sectors, including the automotive industry. Automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan all launched luxury divisions that have since become well-known names.
Prior to the economic boom, Japanese car sales increased from a 6.5 percent market share in 1973 to over 20 percent in 1980, largely due to the U.S. oil crisis.
Japan had to sign the “Voluntary Export Restraint” agreement to slow down their exports to the U.S.
Mazda, known for its legendary Miata, RX sports cars, and current CX models, also launched its own luxury division during this time. The division, called Amati, aimed to establish Mazda as a renowned luxury automaker. However, Mazda faced challenges, and the economic downturn prevented the Amati brand from taking off. Despite its potential, Amati’s failure affected Mazda’s trajectory in the luxury car market.
Amati Was Launched In 1991
Mazda saw the success of other Japanese luxury divisions and wanted to be part of that market. The Amati brand was formed to take advantage of the economic surge and establish Mazda as a competitor to German automakers. Mazda announced Amati in 1991, around the same time they won the 24-hours of Le Mans race with the 787B racecar. The Amati 1000, under development at that time, was intended to be the flagship vehicle. Mazda even opened an office in Irvine, California for research and development. However, Mazda was venturing into the luxury car market without a solid backup plan or previous experience in this sector. Before Amati, Mazda was not considered in the same league as Toyota or Honda.
Mazda’s history involves surviving the Hiroshima bombing in 1945, avoiding a merger with Toyota in the 1960s, and navigating the 1973 oil crisis. During the 1980s, Mazda faced financial struggles and employees even had to clean up after work due to budget constraints. This work condition was also observed by employees in California. However, Mazda aimed to take on luxury brands like Lexus, Mercedes, and BMW, and had signed up 67 U.S. dealers to sell the upcoming Amati.
The Amati 1000 Was Going To Have A V-12 Engine Not A W-12
Donut Media
Mazda’s prototype W-12 engine
Early speculations about the Amati suggested it would have a W-12 engine. In 1989, Mazda showcased a compact four-liter W-12 engine at the Tokyo Motor Show. However, the Amati was not equipped with a W-12 engine. The W-12 design, which consisted of three banks of inline-four engines, had never been used before and was complicated but compact.
Proposed Amati Engine Specs
Engine
NA V-12
Displacement
5.0-liter
Power (Estimated)
280 horsepower
Torque (Estimated)
245 pound-feet
Mazda planned to use an existing V-6 engine known as the K-series in the Amati. They intended to utilize the internals of the K-series engine in a new cylinder block designed for the Amati. This approach saved Mazda development costs as the V-6 engine was already well-built and compact.
Economic Bust: Amati’s Implosion
Donut Media
Unconfirmed images of the Amati 1000
Developing a luxury car requires substantial investment. Lexus, for example, spent over $1 billion to develop the LS, and Mercedes exceeded its budget to maintain a high standard for the new S-class. Mazda, with a smaller budget, had already spent over $400 million on Amati. Unfortunately, Mazda’s timing couldn’t have been worse. The Japanese economic bubble burst in 1994, the same year Amati was set to go on sale, leading to the downfall of the luxury brand. Mazda, like many other sectors, faced the impact of the burst and the subsequent long-term recession known as “the lost decade.” Unlike established luxury automakers with greater capital, Mazda struggled due to its limited financial resources.
Amati’s President, Dick Colliver, joined Honda and took the learnings from Amati to Honda’s Acura division. This may have contributed to the success of Acura vehicles in the luxury car market. While brands like Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti continue to thrive, Mazda shut down the Amati division before it even launched its first car.
Factors contributing to Amati’s failure:
Bad timing: Launching a luxury brand just before an economic disaster.
Capital Deficit: Limited financial resources compared to other established luxury brands.
Poor Management: Mazda already struggled with managing its existing sub-brands.
Mazda Also Had Other Luxury Brands
Mazda
Rolling shot of a Mazda Xedos 9
Mazda Had Other Sub-Brands And Partnerships To Keep Them Afloat
Brand
Production Years
Purpose
Model
Rebadged
Autozam
1989-1998
Small cars and Kei cars, mainly rebadged Suzuki and Mazda models
Suzuki Cara
Autozam AZ-1
Eunos
1989-1996
Upscale version of existing cars sold in Japan and Australia
Mazda also ventured into other luxury brands. Moreover, they had a division dedicated to selling Ford vehicles. However, these sub-brands and partnerships did not fare well, and the cars produced under these brands did not uphold Mazda’s reputation. Mazda experimented with various car types, including luxury cars, Kei cars, luxury sports cars, and mid-engine cars. Ultimately, Mazda had to shut down most of its subsidiary brands by 1999.
Today, Mazda is known for producing quality cars, particularly the CX models and the enduring popularity of the Miata as a fun, lightweight sports car. Although Mazda could potentially launch a luxury brand now with its current success, the memory of Amati remains bitter, and Mazda denies its existence. All documentation related to the luxury brand has been destroyed or concealed, leaving no official photos or brochures. It’s as if the Amati brand never existed. The failure of Amati continues to leave us wondering what Mazda’s position would be in the market if it had succeeded.
Off-roading has traditionally been an activity for adventurous individuals who are willing to get their hands dirty. However, advancements in autonomous driving technology are now paving the way for a more advanced off-road driving experience. With the possibility of autonomous driving systems being integrated into rugged terrain vehicles, is it time for technology to take over from muscle when conquering harsh landscapes? Jeep has already showcased how artificial intelligence and autonomous technology can assist drivers in navigating challenging off-road terrains. Could Jeep’s Active Driving Assist technology bring us one step closer to hands-free off-roading?
The answer is a resounding yes. Gone are the days when off-roading was a nerve-wracking experience filled with adrenaline and worry about making it out unscathed. With automation technologies like GM’s Super Cruise and Tesla’s Autopilot, hands-free and hassle-free off-roading is now possible.
Stellantis Level 2+ Driver Assist System Promises A Revolutionary Off-Roading Experience
Stellantis has recently unveiled its Level 2+ driver assist system called “Active Driving Assist.” This advanced system incorporates a combination of cameras and radars to provide adaptive cruise control, lane centering, speed sign recognition, hands-free capabilities on North American roads, and extended hands-off cruising through over-the-air updates. Jeep has tested this technology in Moab, Utah, and believes that it can enhance the off-roading experience for both seasoned off-roaders and newcomers to rugged terrains. Additionally, Jeep envisions self-driving technology playing a crucial role in making day-to-day off-road trails easier to navigate, with potential commercial applications in the future.
Other automakers like Ford are also offering driver-assist features such as BlueCruise, a hands-free highway driving feature available on select models. BlueCruise utilizes Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, Speed Sign Recognition, and designated “Blue Zones” on North American roads. While these systems are still in development and not widely available, they demonstrate the progress being made towards hands-free off-roading.
Tesla And General Motors Unleashing Level 2 Autonomous Experiences
Semi-autonomous driver assist systems, categorized as Level 2 automation, have been making significant advancements in recent years. Examples of Level 2 systems include GM’s Super Cruise and Tesla’s Autopilot. GM’s Super Cruise operates within prequalified sections of divided highways, providing a smooth driving experience with various safety features. Tesla’s Autopilot relies on cameras, sensors, and data uploaded by other Teslas to offer automated assistance on various roads. Both systems have their unique approaches and benefits, but they provide drivers with safe and hands-free experiences.
While current autonomous technologies are mainly focused on highway driving, the possibility of hands-free off-roading is becoming increasingly plausible. As automakers continue to innovate towards Level-5 autonomy, expanding maps and evolving technology will open up new possibilities for safe and efficient off-road driving experiences.
Prepare For A New Age Of Safe And Efficient Automated Off-Road Driving
While fully autonomous off-road driving may not be a reality yet, the development of self-driving systems in levels 3 to 5 is ongoing. These systems will offer improved safety and control, allowing adventurous individuals to explore remote areas without sacrificing comfort or control. Automakers are confident in their ability to develop AI-driven vehicles that enhance convenience and overall road safety. The competition within this field remains fierce, with Jeep predicting rapid integration of new features and technology. Hands-free off-roading may become a widespread option in the near future, provided that safety concerns are adequately addressed and safety tests are passed.
In the meantime, it is still advisable to keep your hands on the wheel when off-roading, at least until the technology advances further. However, as obstacles are overcome and technology progresses, the passion and excitement associated with off-road driving will be preserved through the integration of advanced automotive tech.
The researchers have achieved a significant technological breakthrough by designing the world’s first CPU using artificial intelligence (AI). Their work is outlined in a paper titled “Pushing the Limits of Machine Design: Automated CPU Design with AI.” Instead of manually coding the CPU, the researchers trained their AI model by providing input and output examples, along with a Boolean function to establish a frame of reference. To simplify the process, they used a Binary Speculation Diagram, which effectively instructed the computer on what to do and how to do it.
Designing CPUs is an intricate task that requires careful attention to detail, involving a multitude of sophisticated components. However, machines have proven to be much faster and more efficient than humans in many tasks, and this project reaffirms that fact once again.
The resulting CPU, called RISC-V, would typically take a skilled human team approximately 5,000 hours to produce. In contrast, the AI-designed CPU was created in just five hours. This groundbreaking achievement demonstrates the immense potential of AI in pushing the boundaries of technological innovation.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
