To shield and serve is what’s anticipated. And a stage of human decency is what we hope for. But none had been supplied to 67-year-old Robert Sayen.
On Friday, May twenty ninth, Sayen was hit and killed whereas using his motorbike by an Alabama police officer who left the scene afterward.
Here’s every little thing we all know to this point.
Intersection Chaos
The collision occurred on the intersection of Ziegler Blv and Cody Rd in Mobile, Alabama. Security digital camera footage reveals the police officer’s SUV showing to not decelerate for a flashing yellow gentle whereas touring on Ziegler and disappearing out of body after the collision. A flashing yellow gentle signifies that you must proceed with warning.
The visitors gentle on Cody Rd, on which Sayen was touring, was flashing crimson, which signifies it’s worthwhile to cease earlier than continuing when it is protected to take action.
Seven folks referred to as in to report the accident, two of which indicated that it was a police SUV that had hit Sayen earlier than leaving the scene. Here’s what one of many callers needed to say,
Yes, I’m on the nook of Cody and Zeigler, I simply noticed a police officer in a van, uh truck, hit a bike and saved going. He hit this man and saved going. Right in entrance of us, it is a bunch of individuals out right here.
When the press made their method out to the scene, a photographer for Fox10 News discovered the police automobile practically 1 / 4 mile away from the scene of the accident.
The visitors lights on the intersection had been malfunctioning, and a metropolis employee was en route to repair them when the accident occurred.
Repercussions and GoFundMe
The officer concerned has been taken off the streets and positioned on administrative responsibility whereas the investigation is ongoing.
Sayen’s household has began a GoFundME web page with a goal of $2,500.
Chinese tech group Human Horizons launched HiPhi in 2017 as a luxurious EV maker and launched its HiPhi X SUV and HiPhi Z fastback in Europe in 2023.
Both automobiles have huge 19.9in infotainment touchscreens and can begin at round £90,000 after they go on sale.
HiPhi payments itself as China’s really forward-facing luxurious automotive model.
Its chief technical officer for, ex-JLR govt Mark Stanton, instructed Autocar: “Our audience in China is younger buyers who’re now preferring Huawei electronics to Apple. They’re realising that the old ‘west is best’ mentality on luxury goods needn’t apply any more. But our ambition was always to be a proper global brand, and that’s where we’re going.”
IM
Nationality Chinese
Parent firm SAIC, Alibaba and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech
Coming to the UK (estimated) 2026
MG’s guardian firm, SAIC, appears to be like set to launch an upmarket EV model within the UK by 2026.
IM, based in 2020, is a collaboration between the automotive maker and tech-giant Alibaba.
Its first automotive, the L7 govt saloon, hit the highway in late 2021, adopted by the LS6 and LS7 SUVs, competing straight with Tesla’s Model Y and Model X respectively.
Priced between £32,000 and £52,000 in China, they provide premium high quality at a aggressive worth.
Like HiPhi (see above), IM is positioning itself in the direction of the posh finish of the market.
If you bisect a automobile, you will discover a nervous system of wires coursing all through. Not too dissimilar to the human physique, these wires hold your car’s elements working, and if one is severed, a whole system will shut down.
The downside automobile producers face is as autos change into extra superior, they require extra or thicker wiring. Older autos have been comprised of fewer electrical elements than newer fashions. Power home windows, energy locks, local weather management, energy steering, lighting, and the radio are among the many commonest, however as automobiles change into extra superior, so, too, do their electrical techniques.
In easy phrases, every of those techniques is a part of a community of inputs and responses, similar to a house laptop. The consumer inputs a command, like decreasing the window, and a sensor pings a central controller that communicates with the window actuator. This distributes energy and the response wanted to maneuver the glass downward. With the present system, there’s wiring from the window sensor to the central controller, which then connects to an actuator. Extrapolate that course of to each sensor in a automobile, and you’ve got miles of wire in a single car.
As wires have gotten thicker and extra ample to accommodate the 12v system, it is contributed a phenomenon often called automobile bloat that is impacting the monetary and environmental value of autos. Tesla’s modular wiring throughout a 48v system goals to cut back wire bulk and simplify how elements talk with the central laptop.
Neuralink, a company founded by Elon Musk, is launching its first human trial called the PRIME (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface) study. The primary focus of this trial is to evaluate the safety of the implant and the surgical robot used to insert it into the human skull and connect wire-like electrodes to the brain tissue.
The N1 implant, unlike the previous pig and rat test versions, will be “cosmetically invisible,” according to Neuralink. It will be housed inside a biocompatible white enclosure and powered by a wireless charging battery. The implant consists of custom silicon and more than 1,000 electrodes that are placed inside the brain tissue.
The robot used in the surgery has an incredibly thin needle, thinner than a human hair, to delicately insert the electrode threads. This step is currently considered the most complex and risky part of the entire implantation process. Neuralink envisions that its brain interface will eventually help restore vision for the blind from birth and restore full body functionality in individuals with spinal cord injuries. Despite concerns about safety and skepticism surrounding the technology, Musk has previously stated that he intends to personally get a Neuralink chip implanted.
France recently banned the iPhone 12 from being sold in the country due to concerns about its radiation levels. Apple, known for its commitment to health and the environment, responded by instructing its employees not to address customer questions about the health risks of the iPhone 12 and to emphasize its safety.
An Apple spokesperson stated that the ban was related to the testing protocol used by French regulators and not due to any safety concerns. The company assured that all its phones, including the iPhone 12, meet the SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) regulations and standards worldwide.
In response to the request made by the French minister, Apple agreed to release a software update to make the iPhone 12 compliant with the SAR testing protocols in France. The conflict arose because France modified its SAR testing protocols in 2020, the same year the iPhone 12 was launched.
To provide some context, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States has set a maximum SAR limit of 1.6 W/kg for smartphones, while the European Union (EU) allows up to 2 W/kg. To meet the French regulations, Apple simply needed to update its software to accommodate the changes in the testing protocols and ensure the phone’s radiation safety.
A drone’s human pilots carry out missions from a ground control station, which can be located anywhere in the world, thanks to satellite communication. This ensures the safety of soldiers, as they are not physically present in the drone. If a drone is shot down or becomes inoperable, the Air Force can simply deploy another drone with the same pilot on the ground.
Hunter-killer drones enable militaries to operate deep within enemy territory, monitoring battlefield developments and carrying out targeted strikes if necessary, all while remaining nearly invisible. This technology has been particularly valuable in places like Afghanistan, where groups such as the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and eventually ISIS lacked the means to counter or even detect drones like the MQ-9 Reaper. It’s important to note that drone systems like the MQ-9 Reaper do not replace fighter jets, ground troops, or naval fleets. Instead, they provide a significant advantage in reconnaissance and executing necessary but risky strikes.
When buying a new car, one of the most important considerations is reliability. Consumer Reports, a trusted source for car ratings and reviews, has released its list of the most reliable electric cars. The rankings have changed significantly compared to the previous year. Electric vehicles (EVs) are often perceived as more reliable due to their simplified design, but they still have their own set of unique problems.
Here are the top 15 electric vehicles ranked by Consumer Reports based on reported owner issues:
11. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Predicted Reliability: 2/5
12. Volkswagen ID.4: Predicted Reliability: 2/5
13. Tesla Model S: Predicted Reliability: 2/5
14. Hyundai Kona Electric: Predicted Reliability: 2/5
15. Chevrolet Bolt EUV: Predicted Reliability: 1/5
It’s important to note that while these rankings are based on owner-reported issues, the reliability of these electric cars may vary depending on individual experiences. It’s always a good idea to do thorough research and consider factors like maintenance costs and warranty coverage when buying a new car.
Supermotos are probably one of the greatest things the human race ever invented. Take an incredibly fun-to-ride motocross bike and put some road tires on it, so you can ride it on the street. Even better, put some slick racing tires on it and race these pieces of motorcycle art around a small track. Since 2003, and AMA’s first-ever Supermoto Championship, their popularity only grew. So if you are looking for your next bike, besides buying a superbike or a supernaked, why not give a supermoto a chance? And when it comes to supermoto bikes, one name sure stands out, those three magical letters… KTM!
The KTM 450 SMR – Built To Dominate The Race-Track
KTM
Photo of a KTM 450 SMR doing a wheelie on a race-track
One of the best things, besides Arnold of course, that has ever come out of Austria. The KTM’s supermoto line, and the 450 SMR that was imagined as the ultimate track-day weapon. Without a doubt, this machine is just way too tempting to be overlooked, and for 2024, it’s getting even more addictive.
There are plenty of upgrades for the new 450 SMR, so let’s start with everyone’s favorite part. The engine. It is a one-cylinder four-stroke 449.9 cc engine that makes an impressive 63 horsepower. KTM swears that its new single-overhead-camshaft engine continues to be one of the most insane and perfectly executed mechanical gems. Going down the same line as their motocross and hard-enduro/dual-sport line-up, the 450 SMR’s engine was lightened (now weighs only 59 lbs) and pushed towards the center of the bike for better handling and anti-squat behavior.
How did they get a lightweight engine capable of pushing 63 horsepower? With the new cylinder head. Shorter and lighter with a more compact profile. Next was the new ultra-light crankshaft to offer more performance, better response when you twist the throttle, and to keep any pesky vibrations to a minimum. The housing for the crankshaft was made through a high-pressure die-cast process to get thinner and more durable walls. The slipper clutch is from Suter Racing and offers rear stability when you slam on the brakes in the middle of an apex.
The light-weight exhaust is a compact two-piece header that can easily be removed without messing around with the rear shocks. But, things get even better at the exhaust department. You can also order, from the KTM’s power parts list, an Akrapovič ‘Evolution Line’ exhaust. Made from light-weight, high-grade titanium, and 1,9lbs lighter than the stock one.
The frame was made to provide flexibility while keeping it solid length-wise. The sub-frame was made from reinforced aluminum and polyamide for increased durability and flexibility. The swing-arm was also made to be as light as possible, therefore aluminum was used to make it.
The suspension on the 450 SMR is top-of-the-line, specifically made for supermoto bikes. The front fork is a 48 mm air-sprung WP XACT that uses AER technology (basically a capsuled air spring and a pressurized oil chamber). It is easily adjustable through a single air-pressure valve. The rear shock is also WP XACT, and can be easily tuned without the need for tools. Wheels are light-weight Alpina, 16.5 at the front and 17 inches at the rear, and they come dressed in Metzeler’s Racetec K1 supermoto tires. To stop this bad boy is a job for Brembo brakes. A four-piston radially mounted caliper with a 310 mm disc at the front and a one-piston caliper with a 220 mm disc at the rear.
The high-tech stuff is also quite interesting. You get to choose between two engine maps. The first map gives you easily controllable, tamed power delivery. The second map will give you more of a no-holds-barred, anything-goes approach to power output (you were warned). Another cool feature is the easily de/activated quick-shifter that allows you to shift into higher gears without squeezing the clutch, but only from second to fifth gear. To keep you safe when things get slippery is what the traction control is for. If the revs jump too fast, the onboard computer sees that as a loss of grip and cuts down the power to the rear wheel. What kind of street rocket would the 450 SMR be without the launch control? Just press the traction control and quick-shifter button together for this to activate. All of these nice-to-have gadgets come with a base price of $11,999.
The Blue And White Option
Husqvarna
A studio photo of a Husqvarna FS 450 for 2024
The biggest competitor to KTM for the wildest bike is, who else but the KTM-owned Husqvarna. Both of their line-ups for 2024 seem to be aiming at each other’s throats. In the world of off-road bikes, this is the best news someone can hope for. Husqvarna’s FS 450 for 2024 seems more than upgraded and ready to take on the KTM’s 450 SMR.
Although the spec sheet reads the same, a keen motorcycle fan knows that the bike, and the company that makes it, is more than just a list of parts. Husqvarna and KTM do not make the same motorcycles. They are however, in this case, equally priced.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
