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To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Calty Design Research Incorporated, Toyota has decided to showcase some previously unseen concepts developed by the design studio throughout the years. These concepts, which had been kept under wraps, include an early proposal for the Land Cruiser FJ40 and a trailer concept from 1975. However, it’s the pair of supercars that have attracted the most attention.

In 1983, Calty revealed a mid-engine performance car with scissor doors, known as the “MX-1.” Unlike a mere design sketch, the white supercar was actually built as a full-size scale model. While some high-ranking Toyota executives had the chance to see the car, the project was never greenlit for production. Interestingly, the original MR2 was introduced just a year later with its engine positioned behind the seats, although it didn’t match the caliber of the MX-1.

ToyotaUk

Future Concept Revealed: Toyota Baby Lunar Cruiser

October 6, 2023 David

CALTY Design Research Celebrates 50 Years of Toyota Innovation and Creativity in the U.S.
First west coast design studio for a major automotive manufacturer
Never-seen-before concepts also being revealed to the public for the first time

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (Oct. 5, 2023) – CALTY Design Research, the American outpost of Toyota’s global design network, is celebrating five decades of groundbreaking design and innovation. The first major automotive design studio on the west coast, CALTY created everything from the 1978 Toyota Celica to the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, and countless concepts and production vehicles in between.

Today marks a glimpse into the future with the surprise reveal of the Toyota Baby Lunar Cruiser (BLC) concept. Built to conquer rugged terrain on Earth and beyond, BLC embodies a unique mix of adaptive technology and heritage design cues from the original FJ40 Land Cruiser.

The BLC is the latest in a long line of thought-provoking concepts dreamed up by the CALTY design team. Some of those concepts – like an early FJ40 proposal and the MX-2 sports car concept – never made it past the walls of the design studio but are being shared for the first time today.

California Dreamin’

Established in 1973 in El Segundo, California, CALTY was the vision of Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda and Eiji Toyoda. The new studio was deliberately kept quiet, allowing it to develop a unique identity and provide fresh, creative inspiration to Toyota’s global design headquarters in Japan.

“California was a youthful, vibrant epicenter of fresh ideas, a cool car culture, and the glamorous movie industry that inspired CALTY to create innovative designs and establish new trends,” said Kevin Hunter, president of CALTY Design Research.

When CALTY decided to expand and relocate, it didn’t go far, moving down the coast to Newport Beach in 1978. That same year, CALTY’s first production car design, the second-generation Celica, became a global hit and the designers haven’t looked back since.

1978 Toyota Celica and CALTY Design Team

Five Decades of Daring Designs

Throughout the decades, CALTY’s direction and role evolved alongside Toyota’s growth. The 1970s was the decade of discovery and research. The initial years at CALTY under studio chief, Executive Vice President Mamoru Yaegashi were used primarily for conducting research on future trends in design.

One such project was a proposal for an off-road vehicle based on the Land Cruiser. CALTY even went so far as to build a one-fifth scale model that was shown to executives from TMC for review.

The President of TMC, Eiji Toyoda (standing far right) reviewing the FJ40 proposal with the CALTY staff.

CALTY’s designers worked quietly in the shadows during this time, diligently researching the market in and around Southern California. Experimentation was encouraged, so the designers didn’t limit themselves strictly to cars and trucks.

In 1975, the designers at CALTY came up with this travel trailer concept.

The 1980s introduced the studio’s shift toward exploring innovative design language and techniques. There was plenty of excitement within the design development teams who were given full freedom to push the envelope of artistic process and pure creativity in ways that had not been allowed in major studios at the time.

Naturally, some of the designers turned their thoughts to high performance sports cars, the first of which was the MX-1 in 1983. It featured a mid-engine layout and a scissor-style doors.

The MX-1 was developed by CALTY as a premium mid-engine halo sports-car.

A couple years later, a second mid-engine sports car concept was not only designed, but built in house by CALTY out of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP). It featured gullwing doors and a swing arm steering wheel that could accommodate either left- or right-hand drive.

Optimized for aerodynamic performance, the MX-2 was close to a pure race car

During the 1990s, CALTY contributed significantly to Toyota’s production vehicles for the North American market. Notable designs from this era include the 1995 Tacoma, the 1997 Prius and the 2000 Avalon.

It also worked on some designs that didn’t make the final cut, notably the fourth generation Supra, or A80 as it was known internally. CALTY’s intent was to take the Supra in the direction of a “pure sports car,” rather than continue with the previous models’ Grand Touring character. They gave it a long hood and a linear bulge so the engine bay could accommodate a large inline-6 engine.

CALTY’s version of the fourth-generation Supra wasn’t ultimately chosen, but some of its design elements were incorporated into the final production model.)

They also enlarged the functional elements—wheels, engine, rear spoiler, door handles, mirror mount—to heighten the Supra’s already distinct DNA. You can see traces of CALTY’s advanced concept model in TMC’s production version of the fourth-generation car, which was introduced in 1993.

With the growth of production car development in North America, CALTY established a design studio in Ann Arbor, MI in 2004 which revolutionized local production design efforts, resulting in the creation of North American-specific models like the Tundra, Tacoma, Avalon and Sienna.

The 2010s brought an era of fun-to-drive, exciting vehicles, thanks to Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda’s passion and declaration of “no more boring cars.” Highlights from this decade include: The 2012 Fun-Vii concept, deemed a “smart phone on wheels”; the 2012 Lexus LF-LC, which became the 2018 Lexus LC500 and ushered in a new design language for Lexus; and the 2014 FT-1 concept, which became the 2020 Supra, a personal sports car favorite of CALTY.

CALTY still indulged its wild side at this time, however, with concepts like the Scion NYC, which explored future transportation trends in big cities.

In the NYC concept, the driver stood almost upright behind the wheel.

CALTY Newest Concept – The Baby Lunar Cruiser

CALTY is always thinking about what’s next, so it’s no surprise that its latest creation was inspired by a vehicle built to drive on the moon. The Baby Lunar Cruiser (BLC) blends design cues from the original FJ40 Land Cruiser with the futuristic capabilities of an interplanetary exploration vehicle. BLC draws inspiration from the real Lunar Cruiser being developed by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Toyota.

With its in-wheel motors, expansive glass canopy and augmented reality displays, the Baby Lunar Cruiser is built to conquer almost any environment.

Propelled by in-wheel electric motors and controlled by dual joysticks, the BLC’s compact footprint and airless tires give it unparalleled maneuverability. It also boasts exceptional outward visibility thanks to its protruding glass canopy and a panoramic, augmented reality dashboard display. Heritage cues include a “TOYOTA” script grille up front, complete with a full array of cameras and lidar/radar sensors, and a split tailgate configuration in back. Highly adjustable spaceframe seats and M.O.L.L.E. panels throughout give the interior the flexibility to adapt to any kind of adventure.

Looking Forward to the Next 50 Years

Today, CALTY is made up of a talented group of exterior and interior designers, CMF (Color, Material, Finish) designers, clay modelers, digital sculptors, visualization specialists, paint specialists, CAD/CAM specialists, a research/planning group, a PR/Multimedia team and administrative group, all working together to create the next big thing in mobility.

“As we continue our journey from the automotive era into the mobility era, there is one thing I feel I can say for sure,” says Simon Humphries, Toyota Motor Corporation Chief Branding Officer and Head of Design. “CALTY will be there at the forefront.”

As the automotive industry shifts toward an electrified future, CALTY will continue to lead the space with innovative vehicles such as the 2021 Lexus Electrified Sport concept. CALTY’s most recent production designs, the highly anticipated 2024 Land Cruiser and the 2024 Tacoma, showcase their commitment to moving forward and embracing new technology while still remaining authentic to the brand’s heritage DNA.

True to their innovative spirit, CALTY’s creative teams are continually exploring new ways to integrate technology and movement into future mobility solutions. From sports cars to trucks to BEVs, CALTY has left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape, showcasing their design prowess and passion for driving excellence.

As CALTY embarks on the next 50 years, Hunter reflects, “There’s no way we could have thrived without Toyota’s support for enabling new ideas. CALTY’s role to explore, innovate, and inspire is ingrained in our DNA, and we are excited to continue pushing boundaries in automotive design.”

For more information about CALTY Design Research’s 50^th anniversary celebration and their extraordinary design legacy, please visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

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PeugeotUk

UK CLEAN AIR AND LOW EMISSIONS ZONES HAVE GENERATED MORE THAN £418 MILLION SINCE MARCH 2021

August 24, 2023 Prafful Singh

UK clean air and low emissions zones have generated over £418 million in fees and penalty charges since March 2021, according to new research by PEUGEOT UK. The London Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) contributed the most to this income, accounting for £319,822,943 between October 2021 and April 2023. All net revenue generated by the ULEZ is required by law to be reinvested back into London’s transport network. With the expansion of the ULEZ to all London boroughs on August 29, eligible vehicle owners in these areas can apply for up to £2,000 for scrapping their car as part of a £110 million scrappage scheme. PEUGEOT is offering a new e-Grant that allows customers to save £3,000 on electric models, providing potential savings of up to £5,000 on a new electric vehicle.

The UK currently has 13 low emissions zones, clean air zones, and zero emissions zones. Nine of these zones charge non-compliant vehicles an entry fee, with penalty charge notices issued to drivers who fail to pay the daily charge. PEUGEOT’s research, based on Freedom of Information requests, revealed that eight zones have generated a total of £418,501,974 in income from motorists since March 2021 (data from Bristol Clean Air Zone was not provided). Each zone has different charging criteria, such as specific emissions standards for diesel and petrol vehicles. Some zones, like the Low Emissions Zones in Scotland, have a ban on vehicles that do not meet the emissions requirements, with no option to pay a fee to enter the zone.

In addition to generating income, revenue from clean air zones in the UK must be reinvested into local transport policies. For example, Birmingham City Council has invested over £52 million of net surplus revenues from its Clean Air Zone to fund a hydrogen bus trial, upgrade train stations, and improve cycling infrastructure. Bristol’s Clean Air Zone uses the surplus revenue to provide grants and loans to individuals and businesses for replacing vehicles that do not meet the zone’s emission standards.

PEUGEOT is already ahead in meeting the latest Euro 6 emissions standards for both petrol and diesel models, and the company offers electrified versions of all its models. By 2030, PEUGEOT plans to sell only fully electric vehicles in the UK to comply with future emissions standards. Adam Wood, Managing Director of PEUGEOT UK, emphasizes the importance of improving urban air quality and the company’s commitment to helping drivers avoid charges and reduce emissions by offering incentives like the e-Grant.

The tables provided in the article showcase the income generated by various clean air initiatives in different local authorities and the estimated annual costs for motorists entering non-compliant vehicles into the zones on a daily basis. It is important to note that the time periods for enforcement and fee structures vary among different zones.

Cars

This Innovative Car Cover Can Protect Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries From Extreme Weather

August 2, 2023 David

A team of researchers has developed a remarkable car cover that can regulate temperatures all year round, protecting EV batteries from shifting weather conditions. This groundbreaking technology, described in a research paper published in the journal Cell, is a passive structure that can achieve all-season temperature regulation effectively.

The team prioritized design simplicity and scalability, ensuring that the cloak can be easily manufactured on a large scale without any technical or material sourcing difficulties. Additionally, this innovative cover is fire retardant and can withstand various environments, including thermal, cryogenic, vibration, and corrosive environments.

Known as a phononomic metafabric, the car cover has exhibited excellent fire retardant and thermal stability. To test its capabilities, the team subjected the cloak to a butane torch with a temperature of approximately 1,400 degrees Celsius. While the surface of the cover reached approximately 800 degrees Celsius, it quickly cooled down to 10 degrees Celsius.

Even in extremely cold conditions, with temperatures as low as -196 degrees Celsius, the cloak maintained its stability, solar reflectivity, and emissivity. Given its exceptional resistance, this technology can also be applied to regulate temperatures in buildings, spacecraft, and even future extraterrestrial habitats (as mentioned in this article).

ToyotaUk

Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center Expands Latest Phase of Research with New Projects

July 28, 2023 David

Collaborations with University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, Touchstone Evaluations, Inc., University of Michigan International Center for Automotive Medicine, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Center for Transportation and Logistics Agelab

Project expansion reinforces research vision of promoting safety innovations and facilitating a seamless transition to future mobility solutions

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (July 27, 2023) – Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) announced plans to launch three new projects as part of its next phase of research, dedicated to advancing safety in mobility technologies.

The three new projects include investigating driver support features for vehicle lane centering, creating an in-vehicle intervention prototype to promote safe driving, and using data to improve technology for driver decision making and encourage safer driving behavior.

In addition, Toyota has joined the Vulnerable Road User Injury Prevention Alliance (VIPA) at the University of Michigan International Center for Automotive Medicine (ICAM) to support ongoing research into crashes involving pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter riders. VIPA aims to enhance industry-wide understanding of common scenarios that lead to crashes and injuries, with the goal of developing effective prevention measures.

These projects, along with the 13 projects announced in 2022, are part of Toyota’s five-year $30 million commitment to exploring safety needs and inclusive mobility options.

“Our new research projects exemplify CSRC’s dedication to improving safety in the automotive industry,” said Danil Prokhorov, director of Toyota’s CSRC. “By collaborating with researchers and studying real-world problems, we aim to develop enhanced engineering tools and empower drivers to maximize the potential of advanced technologies.”

For these new projects, CSRC is partnering with Massachusetts Institute of Technology Agelab, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, and Touchstone Evaluations, Inc. The findings will be shared publicly to maximize their impact and contribute to the development of a safer mobility society.

The three new research projects are:

The Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) was established in 2011 to advance safety in the automotive industry through collaborations with universities and other institutions. With current commitments, CSRC has received $115 million for safety research, including the development of tools and testing procedures for advanced driver assistance systems and human factors research.

The current phase of research at CSRC focuses on three key tracks: Human-Centric, Safety Assurance, and Assessment. These tracks aim to ensure safe and accessible mobility technologies, enhance safe operations, and quantify mobility safety measures.

CSRC has conducted 98 research projects with over 30 different institutions, resulting in the publication of over 275 research papers. The projects have contributed to the advancement of research and technology for the safe integration of future mobility solutions.

TMNA R&D

Toyota Motor North America Research & Development (TMNA R&D) has been leading engineering for Toyota vehicles for over 50 years. The team is now focused on creating next-generation vehicles and advanced mobility concepts. Toyota’s innovation has resulted in more patents than any other automaker for the past nine consecutive years.

Citreon

Three-Quarters of UK Drivers Believe British Roads Are Dangerous

July 25, 2023 David

A recent study conducted by Citroën reveals that 73% of UK drivers consider British roads to be dangerous^† for those who use them.
Between 2017 and 2021, the police in England and Wales recorded 1,114 accidents resulting in injuries caused by defective road surfaces, which led to the serious injury of 355 individuals and the death of 16^††.
42% of surveyed drivers were not aware that they could file a claim with the relevant local authority to compensate for vehicle damage caused by potholes.
46% of drivers avoid certain roads due to the risk of pothole damage.
A previous study by Citroën UK found that the amount spent on compensation in the last year could have filled an additional 340,000 potholes*.

Exclusive research by Citroën UK reveals that nearly 75% of UK drivers believe that the condition of the country’s roads poses a danger to motorists and other road users.

According to Citroën UK’s latest survey, 75% of respondents reported that their cars had sustained damage from potholes, requiring vehicle repairs. However, drivers lack knowledge on how to seek support after experiencing pothole damage, as 42% of those affected stated that they were unaware of the possibility of claiming compensation from the relevant local authority. Only 14% of those surveyed said they had previously claimed compensation from their local authority.

This recent research follows Citroën’s findings in May, which revealed that the total cost of compensation claims paid out last year due to pothole damage amounted to £22.7 million, equivalent to the average cost of filling 340,000 potholes.

Citroën UK compared figures from the Asphalt Industry Alliance over the past six years and discovered that £139.9 million had been spent on damage compensation since 2017. This amount could have filled an additional 2.3 million potholes**.

In the new study, Citroën asked drivers about their perception of the condition of UK roads over the past six years. Notably, 68% of respondents felt that the roads in the UK had worsened, while only 15% believed that the condition had improved since 2017. Almost half of all drivers (46%) stated that they avoid certain roads entirely due to the fear and risk of damage.

The East Midlands was identified as the region where drivers expressed the most concern about road conditions, with 56% of respondents stating that the roads in their area had deteriorated. In contrast, only 18% of drivers in London reported a decline in road conditions in their local area.

Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, commented, “The people of the UK are clearly concerned about the state of our roads. The Citroën Advanced Comfort Programme helps alleviate the discomfort of driving on damaged road surfaces and reduces the impact of hitting potholes for drivers. However, it is evident that more work needs to be done to improve road conditions nationwide and restore public confidence.”

Many Citroën models, such as the New C5 X, benefit from the Advanced Comfort® Programme, which includes enhanced suspension and supportive seating for a smoother ride. All versions of the New C5 X feature Citroën’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushion® technology, which incorporates hydraulic bump stops into the suspension system to better control compression and rebound on damaged surfaces.

The New C5 X also comes with Advanced Comfort® seats as standard, which feature broad cushions and seat backs. These seats combine high-density foam at the core and a 15mm thick layer of extra textured foam on the surface to provide comfort and relaxation for occupants traveling on the challenging road network in Britain.

News

5 Reasons Why You Should Buy A Big Bike (And 5 Why A Small Bike Might Be Better)

July 24, 2023 David

You’re in the market for a motorcycle, and your research is inconclusive. You can’t make up your mind whether you should go for the full fat large motorcycle with all the bells and whistles, or go with the lite version of the experience. Well, worry not, we’re here to confuse you some more with our advice!

As you can imagine, your buying decision will be influenced a lot by factors determined by you alone. What is your experience level with motorcycles? How much are you willing to work on your riding and wrenching skills? Does the place where you live have a lot of great riding weather, or is it unpredictable? Does it snow or rain for a lot of the year? What will you use your motorcycle for the most, commuting or touring? Do you have friends that already own a particular type and size of motorcycle? Whether a big bike or small bike is best for you is a great question and the answer is not as black and white as we’d like it to be. Both sides of the argument have their merits and drawbacks, so let us get on with why a big bike might be good for you – but a small one might just be better.

10 Big Bike: Bigger Is Better

BMW R1250GS in yellow and black

Have you ever heard the phrase “the only difference between men and boys is the size of their toys”? If you have, and you subscribe to this school of thought, then you must have the biggest, baddest motorcycle possible. A bigger motorcycle will give you more of everything – performance, comfort, admiring looks, features, distance between fill ups (if you’re the touring kind and pick the right one)… the list goes on. You’ll get cutting edge two-wheeler technology because the latest tech always debuts on the more expensive products. You’ll also get a massive range of accessories for a large motorcycle, because that is simple economics – someone who has enough to purchase a large motorcycle will have the moolah to drop on a bunch of accessories because (s)he has that much more disposable income.

9 Small Bike: Cheaper Buy The Dozen

Sure, bigger might be better, but there also can be too much of a good thing. Look at the prices of the kings of the hill – you’re staring at the wrong end of $30,000 for a two wheeled monstrosity that we’re not sure everyone in the country can use all around the year. Oh, and that’s just the sticker price, we aren’t even talking about the options list! A large motorcycle is in some ways the opposite of what makes two wheels so much fun. Minimalism has its charm, and two wheeled fun certainly subscribes to that. You can have 100% of the fun 90% of the time with a cheaper, smaller motorcycle – so why not pick the smaller one? Or get more than one small motorcycle and cover all your bases!

8 Big Bike: More Features

Zero SR/S dash display with zero app — Zero Motorcycles

Top profile shot of Zero SR/S dash display and smartphone with Zero app.

The term ‘features’ covers a lot of ground. However, the features that big bikes offer make it easier to be a rider in varied weather conditions. For example, wind protection is better on a big bike, and some will have adjustable windscreens, or you can purchase an aftermarket one to suit yourself. Heated grips are another feature which can extend your riding season, or help you get to your destination if you’ve had some unforeseen delay on the road. If you’re someone who likes to go on long rides, you will appreciate other touches like a good audio system, inbuilt Apple CarPlay, the TFT color screens that will display navigation, so you don’t need a separate screen or to put your phone in harm’s way… the list goes on.

7 Small Bike: Easier In Traffic

Frank Schulenburg“”>

Blurry image of motorcycle in city traffic.

As of the beginning of this year, lane splitting was legal in only five states: Arizona, California, Utah, Montana, and Hawaii. That means you can filter through stopped traffic as well, given certain conditions. A big motorcycle’s weight and width make it unwieldy in these conditions, and a small bike will be much easier to slip in between cars at the lights. Even not considering lane splitting or filtering, at regular speeds and in stop/go traffic, a small motorcycle will be easier to handle, consume less fuel, and be less likely to cook your legs and other important bits in summer. The energy you save with a small bike will help you through the day, and maybe convince you to take that weekend ride as well!

6 Big Bike: Ability To Cruise

Rider on a 2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special. — Photo credit: Mary Pierce

You’d have to have an irrational hatred of Harleys (you know who you are) to say this isn’t a great-looking bike.

A big engine brings with it many benefits other than winning at displacement and horsepower top trumps. If your commute involves freeway use, a large engine will keep things relaxed at those speeds. A small bike will feel frantic and drain energy simply because it will need more concentration from you. Doing 80mph at 2000rpm in top gear is infinitely more relaxing than buzzing along at 8000rpm on a small capacity bike. Another oft-overlooked corollary is the fact that the chassis, brakes and tires need to match the motor’s performance, so turning and stopping at and from freeway speeds are far easier on a big bike. Large motorcycles designed for touring also have the ultimate ability to cruise: cruise control! For bonus comfort points, you can have a large motorcycle with an automatic transmission.

5 Small Bike: Easy Parking

Styled image of a 2022 Honda Grom minibike motorcycle parked in a parking lot with other motorcycles.

A small motorcycle is easier to park. This is true both in a city and out in the country. You’ll feel this especially in cities, where space is always at a premium. You need almost the width of a small car to park a large motorcycle, while you can squeeze a small motorcycle into a space that could fit a couple of bicycles. The width isn’t the only problem with big motorcycles; their length means that you need more space just outside the actual parking space as well to maneuver into and out of it. Even should you want to park up for the winter, you’re going to need very little space in your garage for a small motorcycle, whereas a large one will require a space to itself.

4 Big Bike: Ability To Carry Weight

Harley-Davidson“”>

Press photo of the 2021 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited

A large engine doesn’t just mean a big horsepower figure; this also means a higher torque figure. Torque is more relevant for us than horsepower, because its availability or lack thereof affects us all the time. More torque across the rev range will offer better throttle response and the ability to carry a higher payload. That means a large engine will allow you to carry luggage and/or a pillion in comfort. This might not be a big deal on your daily commute, but going up a canyon road with a full load and a passenger is a very different experience if your engine can handle the extra load without breaking into a sweat. Even going down an incline becomes easier if your high-torque engine can help you regulate your speed and momentum down a slope with engine braking.

3 Small Bike: Easier To Lift And Move

Action shot of the BMW G310GS

After all that we’ve said about a large engine being better for touring, if you’re planning on riding an appreciable amount on bad roads or no roads, a small motorcycle might just be the ticket. Of course, the bits on pavement will be boring and drain you, but the same momentum that makes highway cruising easy on a big bike will work against it on a dirt road. Your chances of falling also go up significantly on off-pavement sections, and if you do, lifting a small motorcycle that has fallen is infinitely preferable near the end of a tiring day of riding. Should your motorcycle break down, or even should you need to move it in the parking lot with muscle power, a small motorcycle will be much easier to push around.

2 Big Bikes: Safety

Sure, ABS is standard for motorcycles in our market, but the bigger the motorcycle, the more the features that get added on to it – including safety. Today’s top-spec motorcycles have six-axis IMUs that enable them to tailor their safety systems like ABS and traction control to the specific conditions. Kawasaki’s cornering ABS on its large motorcycles applies more braking force to the outside front disc in a corner. The Honda Fireblade decides which brake, front or rear, gets the appropriate amount of braking force. Ducati’s Multistrada V4 debuted radar-assisted adaptive cruise control last year. Honda’s Goldwing has had airbags since 2006. Europe is trying to put legislation in place that will help fallen riders send out an SOS message should they fall off their motorcycle. Damon Motorcycles will take safety to the next level with CoPilot, their AI-based safety system. None of this tech has made it to small motorcycles yet because of the costs involved.

1 Small Bikes: Easy Repairs

Side of the Road Carburetor Broken — Stranded on side of the road with broken carburetor

Stranded on side of the road with broken carburetor

“The more things there are, the more things there are to go wrong”. With all the safety and comfort that big motorcycles offer, they are complex out of necessity. That means should something break, it’s not going to be easy to fix. That holds true both in terms of cost as well as expertise required to fix the problem. Out in the boonies you might not get the expertise required to fix a large, complex motorcycle, and even in a city, you might have to wait for a while to get a replacement part if your motorcycle isn’t manufactured in the country. Even small repairs can be a pain in the, er, back. Getting a large, fully laden motorcycle onto the main stand to repair a puncture is a task in itself!

News

Here’s The Cheapest EV With 300 Miles Of Range – The Chevy Equinox EV

June 26, 2023 David

As the world rapidly moves towards leaving internal-combustion-engines (ICE) once and for all, research and innovation have seen great speed, which is why the limitations that electric vehicles (EVs) had in the past have been left behind. The biggest issue the early EVs had was that the batteries weren’t engineered well enough to make them practical for daily use. The limiting factor that prevented EVs from being practical for daily use is now in the past, as EVs have evolved greatly. The Lucid Air, for example, has a staggering 516-mile range, demonstrating how far EVs have come. On April 5, 2023, Chevrolet introduced the production version of the 2024 Equinox EV, which is the cheapest 300-mile vehicle you can get your hands on. In the fall of 2024, Chevrolet will start delivering the base model (the 1LT Equinox EV) and it is expected to cost around $30,000.

There’s Enough Oomph And Enough Stamina!

2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV racing — Chevrolet

A front shot of two 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EVs on a racing track

While Chevrolet will offer you five different trims, the base-model 1LT’s motor will deliver 210 horsepower to the front wheels and 242 pound-feet of torque, which is quite decent for an entry-level compact SUV. If you think this SUV needs more power, Chevrolet has you covered with an optional bigger battery and all-wheel drive (AWD) drivetrain. This increases the power output to 290 horses and 346 pound-feet of torque. All of this extra performance will enable your 1LT to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in six seconds. You have the option of getting a bigger battery pack for the 300-mile range, but it will cost slightly more than the $30,000 price tag. Nonetheless, 250 miles on the base trim is impressive nonetheless.

The Equinox EV’s Comparison With Rival SUVs

	Chevy Equinox EV	Nissan Ariya	Hyundai Ioniq 5	Tesla Model 3
Model	2LT	Venture+ FWD	SE RWD	Long Range
Range	300 miles	304 miles	303 miles	358 miles
Price	$34,000 (est.)	$47,190	$45,500	$47,240

Chevrolet has confirmed that all models of the Equinox EV will feature a DC fast charging system. So, rest assured, you will not be waiting long for your Equinox EV to juice up to 100 percent. In this budget, potential buyers are looking for a long-range vehicle that makes their daily commute easy, and the vehicle shouldn’t be underpowered. 242 pound-feet of torque might be just enough. This SUV stands its ground against competitors such as the Nissan Ariya, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Tesla Model 3, all of which have a 300-mile range or more. This is very crucial because nowadays, potential customers look at the numbers before purchasing, and this compact electric SUV has similar performance numbers to its rivals.

Good Looks And A Practical Interior – The Equinox EV Has It All

Side angle shot of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV in radiant red

The Equinox EV boasts futuristic looks, including single headlights, which extend across the entire front of the SUV, giving it a muscular, sporty look. The wide grille, which is flanked by two slim LED strips, adds to the SUV’s aggressive stance. The 1LT’s side has flush door handles and standard 19-inch wheels. Furthermore, the wide flared arches give this SUV a necessary muscular look. At the rear, you see animated taillights that showcase its futuristic looks, a shark fin, and a diffuser to provide that necessary downforce. This SUV has many of the safety and driver assistance features you would expect in a 2024 electric SUV. The standard features include a lane-keeping system, blind spot assistance, and an automatic emergency braking system. Also, you will get reverse automatic braking and rear-park assist to make your daily reversing maneuvers much easier.

However, GM’s Super Cruise is reportedly only available in the 2LT and higher models, so, we will not be getting the Level 2 Autonomous Driving System in the 1LT. In the 1LT, your grocery runs are going to be stress-free thanks to the presence-sensing tailgate, which will open automatically when it senses the key fob near the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the spacious trunk offers a maximum cargo capacity of 57.2 cubic feet (with the rear row folded), ensuring all your groceries fit in with ease. Furthermore, this SUV has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds with the AWD model.

No Dearth Of Tech Features

Interior of a 2024 Chevy Equinox EV

The electric Chevy Equinox crossover’s interior is ultramodern, spacious, and filled with all the latest technology. On the base model, you get two 11-inch screens: one for the infotainment system and the other for the driver’s display. The 1LT’s interior will also have a moon roof, a two-tone interior, and ambient lighting to give you the feeling of being in your lounge. Chevrolet has gone with the traditional knobs for temperature control, and we welcome this change because having temperature control buttons on the touchscreen is distracting. In the infotainment section, Chevrolet is designing its very own infotainment system in collaboration with Google, and the first car to come equipped with that will be the Chevy Blazer 2024. This infotainment system is being developed in collaboration with Google and Chevy officials, who claim it will improve navigation and other driver assistance features like GM’s Super Cruise. It is not official whether the 2024 models of the Equinox EV will come with this new in-house infotainment system; however, we expect the Equinox EV to come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Even The Top-spec Equinox EV Costs Less Than $45,000

2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV in red — Chevrolet

Rear three-quarters shot of a red 2024 Chevy Equinox EV on the street

The 2024 Chevy Equinox EV’s deliveries will commence in the fall of 2024, pricing starts at $30,000. If you don’t quite have the $30,000 budget, we have a great piece of news for you: this EV qualifies for a $7,500 tax credit, which makes this SUV more lucrative and budget-friendly. If you’re eligible for it, you can get your Equinox EV for less than $23,000! There are other EVs with a 300-mile plus range like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE RWD with a 304-mile range with the price of $45,500, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range has an impressive 333-mile range, and it sets you back $47,240, the Nissan Ariya venture+ has a price of $47,190, and it comes with a 304-mile range. However, none of them comes close to the price that Chevrolet is offering for the Equinox EV 1LT.

Trim	GM Est. Range (FWD)	Est. Price
1LT	250 miles	$30,000
2LT	300 miles	$34,000
3LT	300 miles	$37,000
2RS	300 miles	$40,000
3RS	300 miles	$44,000

Citreon

TOTAL COST OF POTHOLE COMPENSATION COULD HAVE FILLED AN ADDITIONAL 340,000 POTHOLES LAST YEAR, FINDS CITROËN UK REPORT

June 7, 2023 David

Exclusive Citroën UK research reveals damage compensation paid to road users in 2022 could have filled an additional 340,000* potholes.
More than £22.7 million** was paid out in damage compensation last year.
Total compensation payments since 2017 could have filled more than 2.3m potholes***.
Since 2017, more than 1,100 people have been injured on roads in England and Wales, 355 ‘seriously’ and 16 ‘fatally’, due to a ‘defective road surface’^‡.
Average lifespan of a UK road now stands at 116 years^‡‡.
From 1 May – 30 June, Citroën UK is offering a Free Pothole Damage Inspection for Citroën owners, which covers damage caused to wheels, suspension, and tyres.

Go to: FREE Pothole Damage Inspection (citroen.co.uk)

Compensation payments made by local authorities in England and Wales, to road users who suffered damage to their cars due to poor road surfaces, could have paid for an additional 340,000 potholes to be filled in, according to exclusive research by Citroën UK.

Comparing Department for Transport^‡ as well as Asphalt Industry Alliance figures^†, Citroën found that in the last year, local authorities in England and Wales spent a total of £93.7m fixing over 1.4m potholes, at an average cost of £66.93 per repair^‡‡. Over the same timeframe, total compensation claims of £22.7m were paid out to road users. These costs are made up of payouts equaling £11.6m, and staffing costs spent handling claims of £11.1m. The money used on compensation claims could have filled in an additional 340,000 potholes.

Since 2017, a total of £139.9m has been spent on damage compensation, which could have filled an additional 2.3m potholes. At the same time, between 2017 and 2021 (the most recent data available), police forces in England and Wales recorded 1,114 accidents on the roads that resulted in injury due to a ‘defective road surface’, with 355 people ‘seriously injured’ and 16 killed^‡. Serious injuries are classed as those that require hospitalisation as an in-patient, including fractures, severe cuts, burns and internal injuries ^††.

The research found a worsening picture on Britain’s roads. The frequency roads being resurfaced, on average, is now every 116 years, up 46 years from a lifespan of 70 years estimated in 2022. The average cost of filling a pothole rose to £66.93 in the latest data set, up from £63.18 the year before, and 300,000 fewer potholes were filled in compared the previous year. The one-time catch-up cost (the total cost of repairing roads back to a condition when the network can be managed cost effectively), now stands at £14.2bn – up from £12.64bn in 2022^‡‡. In 2017, the one-time catch-up cost stood at £12.6bn – it dropped to £9.3bn in 2018, before gradually rising in the years since.

As part of its commitment to safety, driver well-being, comfort, and serenity, Citroën is offering a Free Pothole Damage Inspection for Citroën owners, including checks for damage caused to wheels, suspension, and tyres. The offer is available until 30 June at participating retailers.

The Free Pothole Damage Inspection includes checks on areas most commonly affected by poor road surfaces. Tyres are checked for damage, bulges, cuts, and tread depth. Wheels are checked for cracks and damage too. Key suspension components, such as coil springs and ball joints are also inspected. Retailers will also check tyre pressures and adjust these back to the recommended levels as part of the process. Where possible, retailers will also offer wheel alignment – at an additional cost.

Many Citroën models – such as New C5 X – benefit from Citroën’s Advanced Comfort® Programme, with enhanced suspension and supportive seating for a smoother ride. All versions of New C5 X feature Citroën’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushion® technology, which integrates hydraulic bump stops into the suspension system to better control compression and rebound on damaged surfaces.

Inside, New C5 X comes as standard with Advanced Comfort® seats. With broad cushions and seat backs, they combine high-density foam at the heart of each seat, and a thick 15mm layer of extra textured foam on the surface, to keep occupants comfortable and relaxed when on the road.

Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, said: “The 2023 ALARM report shows that the UK faces an 11-year and £14.2-billion backlog of road repairs. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that millions are spent each year on damage compensation for motorists. To help drivers avoid the worst of pothole damage, Citroën is glad to offer a Free Pothole Damage Inspection at participating retailers from 1 May – 30 June.”

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