Tag Archives: tiny

Motorsport

Toyota Is Using Aluminum Tape To Improve The 2024 GR Corolla’s Aero

A automotive will typically obtain tiny, unpublished modifications for every year of its mannequin run. Automakers will barely reprofile a bracket, enhance a component that has an opportunity of failure, or just work out a option to make it cheaper. In the case of the 2024 mannequin yr Toyota GR Corolla, nothing a lot has modified apart from a number of peculiarities: Some new bolts, a pair of air ducts, and improved aerodynamics from 4 strips of specifically designed aluminum tape.

In a video posted by professional drifter Ken Gushi chronicling his set up of the 2024 mannequin yr elements on his 2023 GR Corolla, the tape stands out as a very unusual improve. The elements are available a 2024 improve package, which incorporates new rear subframe bolts, new steering rack bolts, new air ducts for the air curtains, and the aforementioned strips of tape.

You may assume that the tape would assist seal an air duct or reinforce a very versatile half, but it surely truly manages electrostatic discharge. The thought, which is patented by Toyota, is {that a} automotive develops a optimistic cost whereas driving, and the air surrounding it’s also positively charged. Two positively charged issues repel each other, thus the airflow surrounding the automotive will get disturbed. 

According to Car Watch, the thought has been round for the reason that mid-2010s and was initially examined on the Toyota 86. During the event of the facelifted 86, Toyota engineers began noticing inconsistent conduct from check automobiles, particularly when the fabric for the bumpers was modified from prototype-spec to production-spec. This led to the examine of electrostatic discharge, and the next discovery that aluminum tape rectifies the issue and likewise magically improves aerodynamics. 

Gushi says he felt a distinction in how his Corolla drove after the upgrades. It’s laborious to not say oh, actually, but it surely’s simply as laborious to make a judgment with out a correct apples-to-apples check. It’s actually a minuscule change, however serial automotive modders will know that the smallest modifications typically make the largest distinction. Perhaps it’s time to start out smacking aluminum tape onto all of our mission automobiles.

Technology

These Compact Appliances Make it Easy to Bring Kitchen Tech on the Go

When considering purchasing a small appliance, it’s important to weigh the option of getting a full-sized appliance instead. While they may be more expensive initially, full-sized appliances can be more cost-effective for frequent travelers or those who travel in large groups. Luxury camper van owners, for example, may find that larger appliances are worth the investment.

If you’re certain that you’ll have a need for compact appliances in the long term, the next thing to consider is your budget. Sometimes it’s worth spending a bit more on trusted brands or ones that come with extended warranties. This can be especially important if you plan on taking your small appliance on your travels, as it’s best to have coverage or access to authorized repair centers wherever you go. After all, constantly replacing a frequently breaking appliance can end up being more expensive.

Depending on where and how you plan on using your appliance – whether it’s at a campsite with solar panels, in your car, or in different countries with varying plug types – you’ll need to think about how to power your device. Investing in voltage converters or plug adapters is a good idea if you plan on charging your appliances outside of your vehicle. Additionally, battery-powered appliances can be a great backup during power outages.

Lastly, it’s important to check the size and weight specifications of your chosen appliance. Whether it’s meant to be integrated into a semi-permanent spot in your RV, stored in a regular vehicle, or occasionally brought on a flight, make sure it complies with any size or weight restrictions that may apply.

BMW

Expertise built into every cell: BMW Group produces battery cell samples in Parsdorf

The BMW Group has begun producing battery cell samples at its new Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre (CMCC) in Parsdorf. These samples, measuring 95 millimetres tall and 46 millimetres in diameter, will be used in the models of the Neue Klasse from 2025 onwards. The CMCC in Parsdorf will enable the BMW Group to streamline electromobility and demonstrate its leadership in battery cell technology.

The Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre strengthens Germany’s capacity for innovation and contributes to the technological advancements in the Neue Klasse. The production of battery cell samples in Parsdorf is a logical step in the BMW Group’s battery cell strategy, complementing their existing Battery Cell Competence Centre in Munich. The company is focused on developing the best product in Munich and scaling it up for mass production in Parsdorf, thanks to cross-divisional collaboration that connects product and process.

The CMCC in Parsdorf allows the BMW Group to cover the entire cell value creation process and set benchmarks for production, quality, performance, costs, and environmental standards. The company is implementing these benchmarks in collaboration with its partners to ensure the standard production of battery cells. The BMW Group is also working towards future milestones at its battery cell competence centres, such as the ramp-up of the sixth generation of BMW electric drive trains and the development of all-solid-state batteries.

The German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy are supporting the CMCC project as a part of the European funding process IPCEI (Important Projects of Common European Interest). The CMCC employs around 80 people and occupies a 15,000-square-metre facility, with a total investment of approximately 170 million euros.

The CMCC in Parsdorf focuses on efficient and responsible use of raw and carrier materials for cell production. Residual materials from the production process will be collected, sorted, and reused in the cell production cycle. The BMW Group’s experts are not only working on the cell manufacturing process but also researching ways to reuse materials and components from the entire battery after its initial use in the vehicle.

The production steps for sample manufacturing at the CMCC involve electrode production, where materials like graphite, nickel oxides, binders, and solvents are mixed to create a “slurry.” This slurry is used to coat wafer-thin metal foils, which are then compressed and wound into jelly rolls. These rolls are inserted into the cell housing, filled with electrolyte, charged, and finally checked for functionality and quality.

The CMCC in Parsdorf is built to high environmental standards, complying with all requirements and guidelines. It operates fossil-free, relying on electricity produced using renewable energy sources, including photovoltaic systems on the building’s roof. The building is also supplied with regenerative heat from state-of-the-art groundwater and air heat pumps.

The sixth-generation BMW battery technology features a new round cell design specifically tailored for the electric architecture of the Neue Klasse models. These cells will significantly increase the range of the top model by up to 30 percent. The nickel content on the cathode side of the sixth-generation cells will be higher, while the cobalt content will be reduced. The silicon content on the anode side will be increased to improve the cell’s volumetric energy density by over 20 percent. The Neue Klasse will also have a higher voltage of 800 volts, optimizing energy supply to high-power charging stations and reducing charging time by up to 30 percent.

The BMW Group is committed to reducing the carbon footprint and resource consumption of battery cell production. They use cobalt, lithium, and nickel containing secondary materials in battery cell production. Additionally, their cell suppliers use only green power from renewable energies, further reducing the carbon footprint by up to 60 percent compared to the current generation of battery cells.

Motorsport

Watch And Listen As Tiny Inline-Six Engine Revs Beyond 10K RPM

It’s fascinating to see a small engine being assembled. Despite its size, it contains all the components of a full-size engine, but scaled down to fit on a desk. Let’s watch this 21cc inline-six engine come together and run.

This engine comes in a kit with everything needed for assembly. However, some fine-tuning is necessary for optimal performance. The assembly process follows the same steps as building a larger engine. First, the crankshaft is fitted into the block. Then, the pistons and connecting rods are installed. Since it is an overhead-valve design, the camshaft is inserted into the block.

The provided mechanical water pump doesn’t work effectively, so the builder replaces it with a separate electric one. Additionally, the supplied cylinder head gasket is not satisfactory, so the builder creates an aluminum one instead. There is also an issue with the distributor design, as the existing hall sensor cannot fit, requiring the use of a rotary tool to create space.

Similar to a full-size engine, the work doesn’t end once the engine is running. The initial tune results in a mixture that is too rich, and the ignition timing is off. After making some adjustments, the little engine sounds great. It revs quickly, and the laser tachometer demonstrates that it can even exceed 10,000 RPM.

There are still plans for further improvements. The builder intends to install a functional mechanical water pump and may also modify the exhaust and switch to a single-carburetor setup.

This builder is skilled at assembling and tuning these miniature engines. In fact, they have also built a tiny supercharged V8 and even constructed a three-speed manual transmission for a small four-cylinder engine.

The Howin L6-210 engine, which is inspired by Ford’s 300-cubic-inch inline-six, is available for $1,299.99. However, there is currently a $200 coupon being offered by the seller. The Ford 300-cubic-inch inline-six is well-known for its torque at low revs and was used in F-Series pickups from the 1965 model year until 1996.

News, Robotics, Technology

iRobot’s Roomba Combo J9+ Takes A Smarter Approach To Mop Drips & Pet Mess

iRobot has introduced the new Roomba Combo j9+ robot vacuum and mop, which makes a significant improvement in how it handles mop drips and pet messes. Unlike previous models that simply raise the mop pads slightly when encountering carpeted surfaces, the Roomba Combo j9+ lifts the mop pads onto the top of the robot to avoid any drips. Additionally, the new Roomba features SmartScrub, a function that applies extra pressure and back-and-forth motions to the mop for twice the scrubbing power. With dual rubber brushes and 100% more powerful suction than the Roomba i Series, the Roomba Combo j9+ ensures a thorough clean.

Cleaning Preferences in app
iRobot

One of the standout features of the Roomba Combo j9+ is its compatibility with iRobot OS 7.0’s Dirt Detective. This feature analyzes the cleaning requirements of each room and determines which rooms should be cleaned first based on their level of dirtiness or their most recent cleaning. It automatically adjusts its cleaning behavior accordingly, such as doing two passes in kitchens and bathrooms, increasing vacuuming strength on carpets, and using less liquid on hardwood floors. The Roomba also has a smart sequencing feature that leaves the bathroom for last to prevent tracking messes into other rooms.

CleanBase open
iRobot

The mapping capability of the Roomba Combo j9+ has been significantly improved, allowing it to map rooms up to 7 times faster than its predecessors. It also supports automatic room naming for easier identification. Users can manually override settings through the iRobot app, and the Roomba itself is equipped to detect over 80 everyday household objects, such as wires, socks, and pet waste. In fact, iRobot’s Pet Owner Official Promise (P.O.O.P.) guarantee ensures that if the Roomba fails to avoid solid pet waste, the company will replace the robot.

Motorsport

Wild School Bus Camper Is Part Mad Max, Part Star Wars, All Awesome

School bus conversions have become popular in the tiny home/vanlife community due to their affordability and size, which is comparable to a studio apartment. These buses provide a blank canvas for creative individuals to design unique living spaces. One exceptional example is this bus conversion that combines elements of Mad Max and Star Wars, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind vehicle.

Gordon, the owner of this remarkable bus, acquired it from a school district auction for just over two thousand dollars. Initially, he didn’t have a concrete plan for the bus conversion but had a few ideas for ensuring its versatility and practicality. While Gordon doesn’t live in the bus full-time, he utilizes it for his business and works out of it.


Motorsport

Discover the Transformation of an Old School Bus into a Stylish Camper

Ever since Weston can remember, he has been fascinated by the tiny home and vanlife movements. As a carpenter, he stumbled upon a short school bus for sale on Craigslist five years ago and instantly fell in love with the idea. For Weston, the skoolie became a personal space where he could work, travel, and visit friends.

The kitchen in his camper includes a sink, a two-burner propane stove, and a vintage Frigidaire refrigerator with a classic look. To create a unique countertop and cabinets, Weston used African mahogany and Brazilian cherry wood, adding pullouts for extra storage. While the refrigerator runs on 120-volt power, Weston ensures a steady energy supply with solar panels and batteries.

When it comes to renovating the skoolie, Weston takes advantage of repurposed items and materials. He covers the ceiling and most of the trim with wood veneer and uses canvas curtains and packing blankets for insulation purposes. To maximize space and flexibility, he installed driver and passenger seats from an old Chevrolet Astro Van that can swivel to face the back of the bus.

One of the remarkable features of Weston’s camper is the large couch and the massive dining room table that resemble a sectional sofa surrounding a conference table. Hidden within the couch is additional storage space, along with room for batteries and a 50-gallon water tank. The table can easily be converted into a sleeping area, allowing for comfortable accommodation for three people when combined with the sofa.

Aside from his camper life, Weston’s journey aligns with many others who seek the freedom of the road. After completing college, he worked as a data analyst but quickly grew tired of the nine-to-five grind. Taking a leap of faith, he purchased the school bus and left his job to venture into landscaping. Along the way, he worked as a counselor for troubled youth before transitioning to full-time carpentry. Today, Weston freelances, taking on various projects such as custom motorhomes, restaurants, and even a music studio in Mexico City.

Even as Weston plans to buy land in the future, he intends to continue using his skoolie. His ultimate goal is to establish a workshop where he can pursue carpentry work and personalize other campers on a full-time basis.

Motorsport

Mazda RX-7 Banned from Nurburgring for Being Too Loud

The Mazda RX-7, specifically the third-generation model, is highly regarded in the car community. Released in 1992, this Japanese sports car impressed enthusiasts with its tiny 1.3-liter twin-rotor Wankel engine, which produced an impressive 252 horsepower.

With its light weight of around 2,700 pounds (1,224 kilograms) and its potential for modifications, the RX-7 became a favorite among tuners and has managed to compete with more modern rivals even today, 31 years after its debut. A video featured on this page showcases a slightly modified RX-7 being driven by YouTuber Misha Charoudin at the famous Nurburgring, demonstrating the car’s capabilities.

The car features stock brakes and semi-slick tires from Zeknova, a Japanese brand, mounted on Volk TE 37 forged aluminum wheels. The engine is also a stock two-rotor Wankel, which has been rebuilt and equipped with a single turbocharger conversion, replacing the original sequential twin-turbo setup. Although not as extreme as a 12-rotor engine, the modified motor produces around 400 horsepower, which is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. The car does not have traction control or ABS, and the suspension has undergone minimal upgrades, such as stronger bushings.

The performance of the RX-7 is remarkable. Once the turbo spools up around 4,500 rpm, the tachometer and speedometer soar rapidly. In fact, the car is so fast that the original speed gauge, which goes up to 180 kilometers per hour (111 miles per hour), is inadequate for the car’s top speed. During the run, the orange needle on the gauge surpasses the maximum limit multiple times, highlighting the impressive performance of this 28-year-old vehicle.

In a race against various cars from BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and others, the lightly modified RX-7 outperforms most competitors. However, a yellow Peugeot 307 manages to stay ahead for a while, and a Porsche 911 and Cayman effortlessly overtake the RX-7.

Misha Charoudin completes a single lap in the RX-7, and by the end, the brakes are noticeably strained, making a second lap unwise. Additionally, the car’s loud exhaust sound during full acceleration means it would not have been permitted for another run anyway. According to Nurburgring rules, the static noise level of a car must not exceed 95 decibels, while the drive-by noise limit is set at 130 dB. It is likely that the RX-7 exceeded these noise limits.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the performance and experience of the Mazda RX-7 at the Nurburgring by leaving comments below the video.

Motorsport

Small Bus Camper Conversion Is an Impressive Home for a Family of Four

Converting old school buses into full-time tiny homes is a popular trend worldwide. While most conversions are done by individuals or couples opting for vanlife, there are some exceptions, like this young family who chose to adventure in a small bus. Don’t let the size fool you though, as this clever conversion is surprisingly spacious inside.

The Chandlers, a new family to the scene, shared their project with Tiny Home Tours on YouTube. Their converted International 3800 bus is far from entry-level. They raised the roof to create space for a loft over the cab and a king-size bed at the rear. The garage area underneath the bed serves as a space for their two large dogs. This is an impressive feat for even seasoned bus builders, let alone skoolie newbies.

School Bus Camper Conversion

Between the loft and the cab is a kitchen that resembles a sizable apartment rather than a small bus. It features a counter, a full-size refrigerator/freezer, a farm sink that doubles as a small bathtub for the kids, a four-burner stove and oven, and additional countertop space that can be added when needed. The kitchen also includes a trash compactor and a special coffee nook that can be operated using an app. This family may be living on the road, but they definitely aren’t sacrificing comfort.

Opposite the kitchen is a small living space with a table for eating and activities. The full bathroom includes a stand-up shower and a toilet. The bus has a 100-gallon fresh water tank and a 40-gallon gray water tank. On the roof, there are 600 watts of solar power and a deck for relaxation. However, the retractable flat-screen TV and king-size bed in the loft above the cab also provide a cozy space to unwind. The back of the bus has curtains for privacy, while the loft is dedicated to the kids.

 

The Chandlers, also known as The Sundance Bus, are documenting their adventures on YouTube and Instagram. The embedded post above offers a glimpse into their ongoing journey, including the process of removing and raising the roof of the bus. While not an easy task, the final result is truly amazing.

According to the video, the Chandlers plan to add more power and potentially revise their water setup in the future. For now, they are incredibly happy with their customized home on wheels.