Tag Archives: moment

Electric Vehicles, News

Mercedes-Benz Teams With Buc-Ee’s To Install ‘Premium’ EV Charging Hubs

Buc-ee’s currently has a limited presence in the United States with shops in southern states like Alabama and Georgia, as well as new locations in cities like Johnstown, Colorado, and Smiths Grove, Kentucky. The company’s popularity and gradual expansion could lead to more convenience stores opening in additional states in the coming years, which will contribute to the proliferation of EV charging options in the United States.

Mercedes-Benz executive Andrew Cornelia stated in a press release, “Within a remarkably short period, we’ve made significant progress towards opening several charging hubs at Buc-ee’s travel centers. Buc-ee’s strategic locations along major travel routes, coupled with their commitment to clean and accessible amenities, align perfectly with our vision.”

According to the company, some Buc-ee’s locations will offer EV charging hubs by the end of 2023, with another 30 or so hubs to be installed throughout 2024. Mercedes-Benz has not yet disclosed which locations will receive the upgrade first, but this information may be announced in the coming months as new locations are established.

Reviews

Review of Soundcore Motion X500: A Powerful Bluetooth Speaker in a Compact Size

When overlooking the app, the controls on the Soundcore X500 are straightforward, consisting of six buttons. These include a power button, a Bluetooth button, an equalizer control, volume down, play/pause, and volume up buttons. The buttons are quite simple, each performing its own specific function.

Most tasks, such as skipping songs, can be done by tapping or holding the power button in different ways. While it may take some time to get used to, it’s convenient once you’ve mastered it. Alternatively, you can control the speaker through your phone via Bluetooth. If you are using Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music, any actions you take on the app will be reflected through the speaker itself. We initially wished for a remote control before realizing that the device we were looking for was already in our pocket.

Soundcore could have included additional features, but after using the speaker, it becomes apparent that adding unnecessary complexity and cost would not have been beneficial.

News, Technology

Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried Found Guilty Of Fraud

In November 2022, Coindesk published a report that exposed the questionable financial practices of FTX and Alameda Research, the hedge fund owned by former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF). This revelation triggered a bank run and led to the rapid collapse of FTX. Binance, a competing company, had initially planned to acquire FTX but later withdrew from the deal. The Department of Justice (DOJ) became interested in the reasons behind this reversal and started investigating both FTX and SBF. On December 21, 2022, former Alameda CEO Caroline Ellison and FTX co-founder Gary Wang were charged with crimes. Bankman-Fried was extradited to the U.S. the same week and initially placed in the custody of his parents. However, in mid-August 2023, he was arrested due to concerns about potential witness tampering. Now that the verdict has been reached, Bankman-Fried has been returned to the Brooklyn detention center to await sentencing.

Motorsport

Mazda Claims It Can Make the Iconic SP as Small as a Miata

When Mazda introduced their impressive concept at the Japan Mobility Show, many were unsure if it was related to the MX-5 or a revival of the RX. With dimensions of 164.6 inches long and 82.8 inches wide, it is larger than the Miata in both directions. However, it is still shorter than the RX-8 but significantly wider. To add to the confusion, it has a two-seat layout, resembling the MX-5 rather than the RX-8 which had back seats.

Another notable difference is the substantial weight gap between the concept and a Miata. The concept weighs 3,197 pounds (distributed evenly) while the heaviest Miata model, the RF with automatic transmission, weighs 2,496 pounds. The RX-8, depending on the version, weighed between 2,886 to 3,051 pounds.


Motorsport

Ford Mustang Crashes Into Home After Speeding Through Intersection

A surveillance camera captured the moment when a Ford Mustang crashed into a home in California. The incident occurred at around 7 p.m. on Thursday in Grand Terrace when the Mustang, a fifth-generation model, failed to stop at an intersection.

The footage shows the Mustang approaching the T-intersection at a high speed. It is unclear when the driver applied the brakes, but the car’s momentum was too much. As the Mustang entered the intersection, it bottomed out, causing sparks to fly as the suspension rebounded and sending the back tires into the air.

The Mustang, believed to be a 2010-2012 V6 model, crashed back down on the other side of the road, hitting the curb. This impact launched the car into the air, causing it to fly into the front porch of a home. The car reached a considerable height before crashing back down to the ground.

Depending on the year, the Mustang could have a 4.0-liter or a 3.7-liter V6 engine. The fifth-generation Mustang received a significant styling update in 2010, but new powertrains were not installed until 2011, when Ford introduced the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 along with a smaller base engine.

Fortunately, there were people inside the home at the time of the incident, but no one was injured. The driver of the Mustang also escaped without any major injuries, freeing themselves from the vehicle and refusing medical treatment. The cause of the accident remains unclear.

The driver did receive two citations from the police: one for running a stop sign and another for driving without a license. It is possible that the vehicle experienced a mechanical failure, but it was also observed that the Ford was traveling at a high rate of speed for a residential street.

This incident serves as a reminder to always pay attention when driving. The driver should consider themselves fortunate, as things could have ended much worse. They were fortunate not to collide with another vehicle or pedestrians. We hope that the damage to the home is minimal and are grateful that no one was seriously harmed.

Motorsport

Audi RS6 E-Tron Spied With Wide Fenders, Pizza-Sized Brake Rotors

Audi has been caught testing a prototype of its all-electric RS6 E-Tron, and the spy photos reveal some interesting details. The front of the car features wide fender flares that wouldn’t look out of place on a Ford Bronco Raptor. The tires are tall, wide, and low-profile, though their exact size is difficult to make out in the pictures. Behind the tires, there are shiny cross-drilled brake rotors that look barely small enough to fit behind the wheel. These are clearly not components you would find on a standard Audi sedan.

Moving to the back of the car, there are more unique body lines, with the quarter panels jutting out. There is also a mysterious piece of plastic across the back, which may be hiding a spoiler. Zooming in, it becomes clear that there is a broken spoiler on the right side. Additionally, there is an aggressive diffuser tucked in the back, and no exhaust pipes are visible.

All of these features lead to the conclusion that this is an Audi RS6 E-Tron prototype. It is worth noting that these spy photos are likely of a test mule rather than a finalized prototype, as the fender flares appear to be temporary and unfinished. Audi has already stated that the RS6 E-Tron will be more than just an A6 E-Tron with more power. The widebody design seen in these photos is an indication of the car’s aggressive stance and overall performance.

Motorsport

2024 Mercedes G-Class Facelift To Receive Aero Upgrades Inspired by EQG

Let’s face it, people who buy a Mercedes G-Class aren’t really concerned about fuel economy. With a starting price of $139,900 for a G550 or $179,000 for an AMG G63 in the United States (not including options), gas bills are hardly a concern. However, in Europe and other markets, Mercedes offers a more economical inline-six diesel engine, and there’s even a four-cylinder gasoline model called the G350 available in China.

That being said, those interested in the fully electric G-Class will likely want improved efficiency since the boxy-shaped SUV is not known for its aerodynamic performance. While the electric variant will retain its iconic appearance, it will benefit from various aerodynamic enhancements to optimize its range. The lessons learned during the development of the EQG electric SUV will be applied to the conventional-powered G-Class facelift, which is scheduled for release in 2024.


VolvoCars

Stream More Content in Your Volvo Car with Prime Video and YouTube

Whether you’re recharging, waiting to pick up a loved one, or enjoying a peaceful moment away from the in-laws, your Volvo car now offers enhanced entertainment options. Volvo Cars has introduced Prime Video to Google Play, allowing users to download it in all markets where Google apps and services are available. This makes Volvo one of the first car makers to offer Prime Video in its vehicles.

Additionally, Volvo cars will soon have YouTube available, thanks to the integration of Google into its systems.

Starting from September 18th, Prime Video will be available as a pre-installed app. The rollout will occur gradually through over-the-air updates, market by market.

According to Erik Severinson, the Global Head of New Car Programs at Volvo, “Adding access to services such as Prime Video and YouTube in our cars bolsters the continuously growing list of software and applications to make lives for our drivers better. We are delivering on our promise of building cars that grow with our customers over time.”

It’s important to note that access to video streaming will only be available when the car is fully stationary, ensuring driver safety.

Here are some additional details:

  • Prime Video can be downloaded from Google Play, while YouTube will come pre-installed as part of an over-the-air update.
  • Both apps will be available in Volvo cars with integrated Google systems, globally, except in China, South Korea, and Vietnam.
  • Availability of these features and services may vary between different markets.
  • Data necessary for streaming these services (and other digital services) may not be provided with your Volvo car in certain markets. In markets where it is provided, there may be specific terms, conditions, and limitations.
  • Google, Google Play, and YouTube are trademarks owned by Google LLC.
Motorsport

Engine Explosion Turns Ferrari 250 GTO into a Fireball

During the Goodwood Revival, former Formula One driver Karun Chandhok had a terrifying experience when driving a Ferrari 250 GTO. The iconic race car exploded and spun 365 degrees, but Chandhok managed to safely guide the vehicle onto the grass and escape without serious injuries.

Chandhok shared his account of the incident with the Goodwood website, saying, “So part-way around, I was just thinking to myself, ‘how cool is this? I’m in a GTO at Goodwood.’ Then coming out of Lavant onto the straight – I was in second and cruising – I heard a bang and the back wheels locked up. As I turned I saw flames, so I got right off the track safely, to minimize oil going down and get out of the way.”

The engine of the Ferrari 250 GTO failed due to an internal problem that remains unknown. The issue was significant enough to create a hole in the powerplant, and the fireball resulted from the expelled oil hitting the hot exhaust pipes. Fortunately, the onboard fire extinguisher was able to put out the flames. The owner and his crew are currently investigating the cause of the engine failure.

Despite the incident, the owner displayed a positive reaction and expressed relief that Chandhok was safe. The plan is to rebuild the 250 GTO and continue participating in future events at Goodwood.

In a tweet, Chandhok shared a photo showing his melted boot, highlighting the only significant damage suffered in the incident.

Chandhok was participating in the Lavant Cup, a race specifically for Ferrari GT cars from 1960 to 1966. Sixteen cars took part in the event.

The driver previously competed in Formula One in 2010 and 2011, driving for HRT in the first year and Team Lotus in the following season.

Ferrari produced only 36 original 250 GTOs with a 3.0-liter V12 engine, in addition to three 330 GTOs with a 4.0-liter V12. While technically road-legal, these cars were designed primarily for racing, boasting a spartan cabin with cloth seats and no speedometer. From 1962 to 1964, they achieved immense success on the track, with multiple GT-class competition wins.

Today, the 250 GTO is considered one of the most valuable cars in the world. One example was sold at auction for $38.115 million in 2014.

 
Featured

Audi Bids Farewell to the R8 with a Final Lap at Monterey Car Week

During the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca, Audi of America will bid farewell to the iconic Audi R8. This marks a significant and emotional moment for Audi as the R8 Coupe, with its 15 years of unmatched power and performance, takes its final laps on the famous track. The car, which shared 50% of its parts with the R8 GT3 LMS race car, will be driven by nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen. This departure is a celebration of the R8’s enduring motorsports legacy and a tribute to its racing heritage. Each R8 will debut a unique vehicle wrap created by Frank Lamberty, the designer of the first-generation Audi R8. The wrap showcases a split motif that highlights the transition from an ordinary road car to a design inspired by the R8 GT3 race cars.

Monterey Car Week is not only a nostalgic look back for Audi; it is also an exciting glimpse into the future. The full Audi e-tron model line, which includes the RS e-tron GT, Q4 Sportback e-tron, Q8 Sportback e-tron, and Q8 e-tron SUV, will be on display. As Audi bids farewell to the R8, it paves the way for a new era of performance and innovation, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainability and electric mobility. The upcoming entry into Formula 1 in 2026 further emphasizes this dedication, promising an exciting new chapter in Audi’s racing legacy. If you’re attending Monterey Car Week, don’t miss this historic farewell to the legendary Audi R8. To see all current Audi R8 models for sale, click the link below.

View All Audi R8 For Sale


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