Tag Archives: unfortunate

Motorsport

Massive Recall of 3.3 Million Hyundai and Kia Models due to Fire Risk

Hyundai Motor Group is currently facing one of the biggest automotive recalls this year. The recall affects a total of 3,372,743 vehicles from Hyundai and Kia, with a risk of fire due to potential issues with electronic modules. These fires can occur at any time, even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. As a precautionary measure, the automakers recommend parking the vehicles outside until the problem is addressed.

The recall currently includes models up to the 2015 model-year, except for a few exceptions from Kia. The following is a complete list of the affected models from Hyundai and Kia:

Make/Model Model Year Number Recalled
Hyundai Accent 2012-2015 240,589
Hyundai Azera 2012-2015 29,232
Hyundai Elantra 2011-2015 777,145
Hyundai Elantra Coupe 2013-2015 22,481
Hyundai Equus 2014-2015 6,013
Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2011-2015 51,789
Hyundai Santa Fe 2013-2015 45,322
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2013 75,554
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2011-2015 83,213
Hyundai Tucson 2010-2013 170,402
Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell 2015 60
Hyundai Veloster 2012-2015 116,911
Hyundai Veracruz 2010-2012 23,840
Kia Borrego 2010-2019 62
Kia Cadenza 2014-2016 30,362
Kia Forte / Koup 2010-2013 179,051
Kia K900 2015-2018 5,015
Kia Optima 2011-2015 383,382
Kia Optima Hybrid 2011-2013 32,891
Kia Rio 2012-2017 207,746
Kia Rondo 2010-2011 1,596
Kia Sorento 2011-2014 397,163
Kia Soul 2011-2013 349,309
Kia Sportage 2010-2013 143,615

The specific problem varies slightly depending on the brand. Both Hyundai and Kia are dealing with potential brake fluid leaks, but Kia is still investigating the exact cause. In Kia vehicles, the issue is with the hydraulic electronic control unit, which has resulted in four fires and six thermal incidents (smoke, smoldering, or melted components) according to the recall documents at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Hyundai has encountered more incidents of fires. Recall documents reveal 21 fires and 22 thermal events in recent years, all believed to be caused by brake fluid leaking internally in the anti-lock brake module. This leakage can lead to a short circuit. Thankfully, no crashes, injuries, or fatalities have been reported as a result of these issues in either Hyundai or Kia vehicles.

Out of the 25 models affected by the recall, the Hyundai Elantra accounts for the highest number of recalled units at 777,145. The Kia Sorento comes next with 397,163 recalls, followed by the Kia Optima with 383,382.

Hyundai Group recommends that owners of the affected vehicles park them outside until the problem is resolved. The remedy involves replacing fuses in the hydraulic electronic control unit for Kia models and the anti-lock brake module for Hyundai models. As this is a safety recall, Hyundai/Kia dealers will perform the necessary repairs free of charge. Owners of affected vehicles can expect to be notified in November.

News, Science

Russia’s Luna-25 Moon Mission Ends With Crash Landing

The mission’s unfortunate end marks a significant setback for Russia. The country now faces fierce competition not only from NASA, China’s CNSA, and Japan’s JAXA but also from private space exploration companies interested in commercial and government-backed lunar missions. Despite this setback, Russia’s space ambitions continue, with numerous future missions planned.

The Russian space agency was collaborating with the European Space Agency (ESA) on the Luna-27 mission, which aimed to explore the moon’s south-polar region and collect surface samples. However, due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the ESA severed ties with Roscosmos and withdrew from the planned lunar missions in April 2022. In addition, Roscosmos had joined forces with the China National Space Administration (CNSA) in late 2021 for future lunar exploration missions, including moon-based observation and long-term unmanned operations with the potential for human presence. However, this partnership has yet to achieve significant success for Russia.

In contrast, China’s Chang’e 5 probe successfully returned lunar samples to Earth three years ago. China is also planning to establish an operational base on the moon using 3D printing technology and aims to send a human to the lunar surface by 2030. All eyes are now on India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, which is currently in lunar orbit and is expected to achieve a soft landing on the moon on August 23.

Motorsport

Lancia Delta Evo eRX Rally Cars From Special One Racing Destroyed In Fire

An unfortunate and terrifying fire broke out at Lydden Hill in the UK, impacting the world of rallycross and, specifically, Special One Racing. Thankfully, there have been no reports of injuries resulting from the fire. Unfortunately, the team’s Delta Evo-e RX electric rally cars, along with other items, were destroyed.

Currently, there is limited information available about the fire. A video shared on Instagram by _rallycross shows the Special One Racing trailer and cars in the paddock completely engulfed in flames. The distinctive Lancia Delta shapes of two cars can be seen among the smoke and flames. The Instagram post also mentions that the team lost all its apparel in the fire.

 

Currently, it is unknown if the race scheduled for this weekend at Lydden Hill will be delayed or canceled. The FIA and the World Rallycross Championship have released the following statement in response to the incident:

“A fire broke out in the Special ONE Racing team area at Lydden Hill this morning ahead of the FIA World Rallycross Championship event at the track. Fire crews are on-site.

The venue is not open to the public today, and no injuries have been reported. Further updates will be provided as we assess and monitor the situation.”

The Delta Evo-e RX made its debut in 2021 for the World Rallycross Championship. These cars, developed by GCK Motorsport, resemble the classic Delta Integrale but feature a new chassis with two electric motors. At launch, the cars produced 671 horsepower and 649 pound-feet of torque, utilizing all-wheel drive. The championship had planned to include 14 cars, and there were also plans announced for road-going versions.

Lancia Delta Evo-e RX with Martini livery

Special One Racing has yet to provide details on the extent of the damage to the cars and equipment, but the situation looks grim. Sebastian Loeb, a nine-time WRC champion, and veteran racer Guerlain Chicherit are the drivers for the team. Currently, they hold the 8th and 9th positions in the 2023 standings. This weekend’s event is the fifth race in a nine-race season that concludes in Hong Kong on November 12.