Tag Archives: timeline

Motorsport

Ferrari Hypercar Spotted With Microphones Next To Exhaust Tips

[UPDATE] A new spy video has been attached at the top of the page.

It seems that Ferrari fans are in for some surprises in the future. The new prototype of Ferrari’s upcoming hypercar was recently spotted in Italy. The car features high-voltage stickers, suggesting that it is most likely a plug-in hybrid. This raises speculation about the possibility of a smaller combustion engine accompanying the hybrid setup, as is often the case with plug-in hybrids.

One interesting feature of this prototype is its rear design. The two exhaust tips are accompanied by microphones. These microphones are positioned in the bumper, just below the provisional taillights, which seem to be borrowed from the SF90 Stradale. It is believed that these microphones are used to measure the car’s decibel levels, as road-going cars must not exceed certain noise thresholds. Additionally, Ferrari may be fine-tuning the sound of the combustion engine, possibly drawing inspiration from the 499P Le Mans endurance race car, which features a twin-turbo 3.0-liter unit derived from the 296 GTB and 296 GT3.


Autonomous Driving, Electric Vehicles, News

Polestar 4 ‘Chauffeur’ Self-Driving Tech Promised For New EV SUV: What It Can Do

Polestar is planning to introduce Chauffeur, its self-driving technology, to the Polestar 4 electric SUV. Although no specific timeline has been provided, the release of Chauffeur will follow the launch of the EV. Similar to other advanced driver assistance systems, it is likely that Chauffeur will be an optional upgrade and will come at an extra cost. For example, Tesla’s “full self-driving” suite is priced at an additional $15,000, while Ford offers its BlueCruise functionality for $2,100 for three years if selected at the time of vehicle purchase.

On the other hand, the Polestar 3 electric SUV, which is scheduled to start deliveries in 2024, will feature ADAS and autonomous driving technology. Interestingly, the Polestar 3 will not rely on MobileEye’s technology but instead use Luminar sensors, thanks to Volvo’s investment in the LIDAR startup.

The Polestar 4 will be the most powerful vehicle in Polestar’s lineup. The long-range dual-motor version of the car is expected to have a motor with 544 horsepower and 506 lb-ft of torque. It boasts a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds and a range of 438 miles on a single charge. In addition, the Polestar 4 supports 200kW fast charging, features a 15.4-inch central display, and has a unique design element using a camera instead of a rear glass window.

News

Under the skin: how rare earth metals are utilized in electric cars

As technology progresses, terms once reserved for textbooks are now becoming well-known to the general public.

The term ‘rare earths’ may not be commonly discussed at the breakfast table, but it has gained familiarity among those interested in cars, particularly since the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and the scrutiny surrounding rare earth materials.

So what exactly are rare earths and what are they used for? Contrary to their name, they are not particularly scarce, and their relevance extends beyond EVs. These metals are already widely used in various technologies commonly found in households, not just in internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.

Rare earth materials consist of 17 metals that appear on the periodic table of elements. In the automotive world, they are best known for their usage in the permanent magnet electric motors of EVs. However, it is important to note that not all car manufacturers choose to use permanent magnet motors to avoid relying on rare earth materials.

These rare earths have intriguing names that are pleasing to say. According to Porsche, which incorporates them in its EV drive motors, neodymium is the most prominent, but dysprosium and terbium are also utilized. Yet, if there are concerns about the sustainability of these materials, why use them at all?

The rationale behind their use lies in their ability to produce the world’s most powerful permanent magnets, generating a magnetic field significantly stronger than regular iron (ferrite) magnets. Porsche explains that its EV motors include magnets consisting of around 30% rare earth metals combined with iron.

These stronger magnets are also smaller and lighter than iron magnets, allowing permanent magnet motors to take up less space and weigh less compared to alternative motors powered by electrical windings instead of magnets.

Regarding rarity, Porsche clarifies that some rare earth materials are more abundant than lead. However, their extraction and processing are considerably more challenging, which in a sense makes them equally difficult to obtain.

EV motors are not the sole or initial application of rare earth materials. In fact, a rare earth material (distinct from precious metals) is used in the catalytic converters of ICE cars, as well as in catalysts for refining petrol and diesel fuels.

These materials are also utilized in the small electric motors present throughout vehicles for the same reason they are used in traction motors: more power in a smaller space.

In addition to cars, rare earths have various behind-the-scenes uses, such as sensor production and glass and mirror polishing. They are also employed in other industries, including computer hard drives, LED screens, and radar technology.