Once upon a time journalists, together with these at Motor1, labored at centralized editorial places of work. But current years have modified our way of life, working, shifting, and understanding mobility. Therefore, the way in which we go about creating automotive content material has additionally modified.
This transition impressed us to create a brand new technology of places of work we name the House of Motor1, inaugurated right now by by our editorial group, the Motorsport Network, in Rome.
What is the House of Motor1 about? It’s a spot to have and share experiences, a home devoted to the automotive of the long run. Because we imagine that the automotive (hybrid, electrical or hydrogen, it would not matter) might be an undisputed protagonist of the long run, because of the applied sciences that compose it.
An Office Ecosystem
“The house is a machine for living” mentioned architect and designer Le Corbusier. And if right now’s machines hunt most effectivity, we’ve finished the identical with our workplace, designed and constructed as an ecosystem of power effectivity.
That means self-producing a part of the power we have to work on daily basis (together with charging the electrical automobiles we take a look at on Motor1.com and InsideEVs) and on the similar time consuming as little power as potential.
So we lined the roof with photovoltaic panels, put in storage batteries, and added a high-efficiency air-con system able to recovering warmth produced whereas inside air is exchanged.
Everything is networked and interconnected to the automotive park’s charging infrastructure with “smart” charging stations that recharge the automobiles or, when wanted, take a part of the power saved within the batteries and change it with the workplace.
The entrance to the House of Motor1
Charging stations
Our tremendous environment friendly HVAC
A Space to Talk About Changing Mobility
The first House of Motor1 was born in a particular place, an outdated manufacturing unit in-built 1900 within the coronary heart of Rome close to the Trastevere district.
The constructing underwent a 12-month industrial restoration, which represented a problem inside the problem each when it comes to redevelopment to scale back its power wants and for the transformation of the massive inside areas redesigned in accordance with the wants of the editorial workforce.
Among different environments, we have created a studio for recording movies and podcasts in addition to areas devoted to modifying the content material that feed our web sites and social channels.
Should you end up traversing the streets north of London and occur upon a bizarre black automobile creeping alongside at a snail’s tempo, give it some house. Don’t fear, it would not have lasers. But it does have the flexibility to detect cracks within the pavement and seal them up, all by itself. It’s referred to as the Autonomous Road Repair System—ARRES for brief—and it is at present present process real-world testing in Hertfordshire.
Yes, it seems a bit scary. New Atlas likens the angular physique to the Tesla Cybertruck, although we get extra of a Syd Mead / Blade Runner vibe from its odd proportions. And let’s overlook the truth that its acronym-formed identify is shared with the god of battle in Greek mythology. There are not any oscillating purple lights that we are able to see, so presumably it is secure from changing into an evil murder-bot bent on destroying humanity. It does have some fairly cool wheels, although.
Kidding apart, the actually cool stuff is what we will not see. Developed by researchers on the University of Liverpool and a tech firm referred to as Robotiz3d, it makes use of quite a lot of sensors, cameras, and different tech at the side of patching tools that fills cracks all by itself. That stated, ARRES might be remotely managed by a human operator, however the entire level of the challenge is to develop one thing that may autonomously conduct highway repairs 24 hours a day.
According to the Hertfordshire County Council, the challenge has been in growth since 2020 and lately accomplished its first real-world take a look at. Specific particulars on precisely the way it works aren’t revealed simply but, however trials will proceed within the area to additional fine-tune the system for official use. There are additionally plans to construct a bigger model that may lead a military of terminators accomplish much more automated highway restore duties.
“We are devoted to our mission to assist construct a secure and sustainable highway infrastructure by clever, and automatic upkeep and restore,” stated Sebastiano Fichera, co-founder and technical director at Robotiz3d.
“ARRES Prevent is designed to autonomously perform crack sealing tasks by combining the groundbreaking features of ARRES Eye, our cutting-edge AI-powered road survey solution with state-of-the-art robotics and unmanned mobility, to proactively reduce the number of potholes. Working with Hertfordshire County Council has accelerated our development pace, propelling us towards our goal of revolutionizing road maintenance practices.”
Easter is almost upon us, and for Jeep lovers, meaning it is time for the annual Easter Jeep Safari. Four colourful idea autos—two Wranglers, a Gladiator, and a Grand Wagoneer—will be part of 1000’s of Jeep house owners at Moab for the off-road motion. And whereas these most likely aren’t essentially the most superb Easter Jeep Safari ideas we have seen, the colourful paint jobs will definitely make them stand out.
Before diving into the specifics of every idea, although, it is price noting that Jeep’s presence is not fairly as strong this yr versus current safaris. Seven concepts hit the trails last year, together with a cool 1978 Cherokee restomod. 2022 also featured seven vehicles, although some have been carryovers from the 2021 SEMA Show.
Last yr, Stellantis pulled out of several big auto shows and later introduced it was suspending all present exercise. It’s unclear if that call additionally impacts occasions just like the Easter Jeep Safari; we have reached out to Jeep to study extra and we’ll share that info ought to it turn out to be accessible.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept
You will not discover any restomods from Jeep this yr, however the Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept actually pulls on our Seventies heartstrings. Wearing a metallic two-tone Ginger Snap exterior end, it has flat fender flares and a modified entrance bumper from American Expedition Vehicles. This makes room for 40-inch all-terrain tires turned by Dana 60 axles, and there is an adjustable air suspension system in there too. The 3.6-liter V-6 and eight-speed automated are inventory.
Inside, the inside will get a leather-based makeover and the mattress options lockable storage elements. All in all, it is a comparatively minor construct however it could possibly be the best-looking idea of the bunch.
Jeep Low Down Concept
A low-rider at Moab does not make sense, however on this occasion, low down does not imply a slammed suspension. In reality, this Wrangler maintains its manufacturing unit inventory journey peak with 42-inch mud-terrain tires squeezed in there. Jeep says that is to assist maintain the middle of gravity low, however the wheel/tire combo wants particular high-clearance carbon fender flares to make it work. And did we point out that is based mostly on a Wrangler Rubicon 392? That means a inventory 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 is below the hood, making 470 horsepower.
A customized clear hood permits you to see the Hemi beneath it, although onlookers is perhaps blinded by its Poison Apple Red paint job. The inside will get customized black leather-based seats, and it is shielded by a bespoke pink bikini prime. And to be sure to remember what’s below the hood, 392 decals are distinguished on the fenders and the sprint.
Jeep Willys Dispatcher Concept
Here’s the place issues get very inexperienced. The Willys Dispatcher Concept showcases the place Jeep began and the place it is going, combining retro cues reminiscent of embossed Willys lettering on the hood and metal wheels with a contemporary Wrangler 4xe powertrain. The 16-inch wheels are shod with 36-inch tires that, frankly, look reasonably modest on this lineup. There’s a easy entrance bumper with a giant ol’ winch in there, and inside, the seats don’t have any headrests to additional push the retro theme. However, the leather-based seats are removed from what you’d discover in a basic post-war Jeep.
You additionally will not discover the hybrid powertrain, which stays inventory at 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. There are Dana 50 axles and 4.70 gears for low-speed functionality, and there is no lacking it in Moab because of the shade of Element 115 Green utilized to the outside.
Jeep Vacationeer Concept
Just as vivid on the eyes is that this Grand Wagoneer idea, painted Spearmint and fitted with a pop-top tent for overlanding journey. Jeep additionally provides only a contact of woodgrain to the perimeters, an ode to the basic Wagoneer and one which simply stands out in opposition to the pastel end. Inside is awash with plaid, a minimum of on the entrance seats as a result of the second and third rows are eliminated. This makes room for the Skyloft prime, which is completely mounted and accessible from inside the SUV.
The suspension and powertrain are inventory, although the 35-inch tires present an additional inch and a half of floor clearance. Larger wheel wells and customized fender flares make room for the tires, and skidplates assist shield the undercarriage.
“Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, is the perfect venue for new Jeep concepts, with more than 20,000 Jeep enthusiasts gathering each year to celebrate the most iconic 4×4 brand in the world,” mentioned Jeep CEO Bill Peffer. “From 4xe electrification to unmatched 392 power, this year’s Jeep 4×4 concepts illustrate how the most capable Wrangler ever appeals to such a wide range of people.”
The 2024 Easter Jeep Safari runs from March 23-31.
The Quail Motorcycle Gathering is ready to descend upon lovely Carmel, California for its 14th annual occasion in 2024. Both classic and trendy bikes are welcome, because the occasion is devoted to motorcycling in all its types: previous, current, and future.
As ever, it can happen on the Quail Lodge and Golf Club. The date this time round is Saturday, May 4, 2024. Over 300 classic and trendy bikes are anticipated to attend this yr’s occasion. Food, drinks, and a day of family-friendly enjoyable are deliberate as soon as once more. Hopefully the climate in 2024 is nearly as good as the gorgeous sunshine in 2023, which you’ll be able to see within the video linked above.
2024 Quail Motorcycle Gathering Themes
2024 Suzuki Hayabusa twenty fifth Anniversary Edition – Right Side
Ducati 916 SPA
AMA 100 Year Anniversary in 2024
Vespa Limited Edition 946 Dragon
Every yr, the Quail Motorcycle Gathering casts its highlight on totally different lessons to focus on their particular charms for the broader showgoing viewers. In 2024, there are a complete of 4 totally different highlighted lessons:
As at all times, there ought to be a variety of motorbikes and scooters that will likely be of curiosity to all kinds of holiday makers of all ages. While these 4 lessons would be the spotlight of the occasion, the same old present lessons (American, British, italian, Other European, Japanese, Antique, and so forth) may even be current for each entrants and spectators to get pleasure from.
Food vehicles, motorbike elements and memorabilia distributors, and extra will likely be available on the present. Families are welcome, together with each kids and pets.
Would You Rather Ride?
The Quail Ride, inhabitants: Bikes!
That’s cool, as a result of the Quail is not only a motorbike gathering! In truth, the primary occasion of the weekend is the annual Quail Ride, which takes place on Friday, May 3, 2024. Participants will wend by an roughly 100-mile route that takes in among the winding roads across the Monterey Peninsula after departing from the Quail Lodge that morning. You can discover out extra and submit an utility to hitch the trip on the hyperlink in our Sources.
Or Would You Rather Simply Attend The Show?
The Quail Motorcycle Gathering
That’s additionally cool, as a result of tickets for the occasion are already out there on the time of writing, additionally through the hyperlink in our Sources. Regular admission is $70; admission for younger adults is $25, and kids get in free. A VIP ticket can be out there, which incorporates each on-site parking and entry to a buffet lunch along with common admission.
Cadillac has lengthy been an American luxurious automobile staple, constructing upon what it already does greatest: manufacture trendy but traditional automobiles. With the more recent releases, like Celestiq, we’re seeing the model use electrical energy and tech like by no means earlier than. One standout characteristic of the all-new, all-electric Celestiq is that it boasts an illuminating ‘present’ of types for drivers.
When you hop within the car, your Cadillac primarily lights up inside 15 toes, showcasing the enduring Cadillac crest. We’ve seen this in different electrical automobiles, with the Mustang Mach-E additionally showcasing its emblem to the perimeters of the SUV, though Cadillac has kicked it up a notch.
With this mild show, you could have a front-end view of the Cadillac logo, coming instantly out of your EVs grille. Not solely does this provide the feeling you are about to step right into a spaceship, nevertheless it additionally provides the Cadillac luxurious to the model’s latest luxurious EV mannequin. It’s all within the particulars with Cadillac and Celestiq, which this futuristic mild show proves.
Experience the last word mix of V-8 muscle and handbook precision with the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing sedan
In order to provide the most modern and correct info potential, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Cadillac and different authoritative sources, together with Car and Driver, Top Gear, and inside TopPace sources.
Spaceship, Please: How The Cadillac Celestiq Does Lighting Different
Cadillac Celestiq fashions boast a light-weight present show if you flip them on.
This characteristic works to light up the trail forward, in addition to ‘welcome’ you into your sedan.
Now that the 2024 Cadillac Celestiq is well in motion, it is price mentioning the unbelievable mild show characteristic you’ll be able to anticipate from this exact mannequin. Not solely do you see the diamond black entrance grille, however in its middle, Cadillac’s crest and legacy are on full show.
Where you’ll be able to see Cadillac’s emblem on the sedan is, at evening, when the lighting shoots out 15 toes in entrance of your EV. This is the proper remaining contact on such a modern, horny mannequin, and it’s certain to be a crowd-pleaser the subsequent time you present it off. Cadillac has stated that is to represent its new imaginative and prescient and path ahead (get it, as a result of it shoots out the entrance), so it is greater than a enjoyable mild show. You primarily get to look at a light-weight present every time you unlock and stroll towards your sedan: Very cool.
This is not the primary time Cadillac has toyed with ambient lighting, though it’s the first time this configuration of show has been finished.
You Can See These Headlights From A Mile Away
Looking on the 2023 Celestiq, you see how the entrance grille is dramatically began every time you activate the automobile. You can anticipate to have the best EV on the block with the Celestiq, plus nice visibility when it’s essential attain your automobile in the dead of night. Cadillac has put a variety of time and design into this mannequin, only upgrading in 2024 to fit the current landscape of electrical expertise.
This mild present just isn’t solely luxurious, nevertheless it additionally makes your Celestiq stand out among the many crowd. Per Cadillac’s media page, this characteristic is made to “welcome you with choreographed lighting as it automatically unlocks.” Comfort, magnificence, and tech are phrases we may use to explain this mannequin.
The Lyriq, Cadillac’s first electrical SUV, impresses with a high-tech inside, trendy exterior design, and GM’s hands-free Super Cruise system.
Better Visibility Means A Better Driving Experience
Cadillac
Increased exterior lighting is a spotlight for Cadillac’s EV fashions.
The Celestiq is comparable in its front-end design to the model’s different EV, Lyriq.
With a whole bunch of LED lights inside your Cadillac Celestiq, in addition to a powerful assortment of them in the direction of the grille and bottom of the sedan, this EV may be very vivid. Cadillac has lengthy toyed with lighting inside its fashions, although this EV is super flashy outside, too. With its dramatic black grille and center illuminated crest, the Cadillac Celestiq is akin to a few of the different fashions within the model’s portfolio.
For occasion, the Lyriq EV boasts the same grille, though will not have such a efficiency with its lighting. Cadillac’s gas-powered fashions aren’t fairly as high-tech within the exterior lighting class, making this a giant win for electrical energy. Again, it is extra aggressive proper now within the electrical area, as each automaker needs to be king of the fort.
The 2023/2024 Cadillac Celestiq is without doubt one of the most costly EVs in the marketplace. With high-tech comes a steep value of over $300,000, so that’s one thing to pay attention to. The model is advertising this as a luxurious, customizable expertise.
How The Cadillac Celestiq Stacks Up Against Its Competitors
The Cadillac Celestiq just isn’t solely one of the sexiest electric sedans out there, but in addition outperforms its competitors in lighting. We have some EV opponents, the Rolls-Royce Spectre, BMW i7, Mercedes EQS, and the Lucid Air amongst others, though none of them have mild present shows which might be comparable. What Cadillac has finished is ready the bar a notch increased with this, because it actually places on an LED show every time you’re able to hop in and drive. Although subjective, the Cadillac Celestiq may be one of the best luxury sedans to speculate on this 12 months. It’s THAT futuristic.
Moreover, that includes GM’s Ultium platform design, the 2024 Cadillac Celestiq boasts a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain estimated to provide round 600 horsepower. From your sedan’s 55-inch digital dashboard show, you management the whole lot from lighting to energy to ADAS options. There’s quite a bit occurring inside and outside on the subject of this latest Cadillac nameplate.
Other options it is best to find out about:
Eames-inspired bucket seats
Premium leather-based seating and detailing
Individual 12.6-inch shows for rear-seat occupants
A premium 38-speaker AKG Studio Reference stereo system
Adaptive air suspension system and rear-wheel steering
A generously sized cargo space lined with leather-based
Again, no stone is left unturned inside (or exterior) the Cadillac Celestiq.
An Eyebrow-Raising Price To Match
Cadillac
With all of those premium options and light-weight reveals in thoughts, it is price mentioning the Cadillac Celestiq’s price ticket. For a brand-new 2024 mannequin, you can expect to pay a starting MSRP of $340,000. This makes it one of many dearer fashions, each EV and ICE, on the market. Cadillac has said the automobile is a “goddess,” alluding to it being the way forward for automotive engineering. This, plus the nameplate being solely electrical, makes it attention-grabbing. Of course, for those who’re spending Bentley or Rolls-Royce cash, an LED mild present may be the icing on the cake, so the battery and efficiency specs can be most intriguing.
While Cadillac has a wealthy historical past and a profitable portfolio of automobiles, listed below are just a few fashions which have slipped by way of the cracks
A Cadillac Light Show Can Be All Yours For $340,000
Cadillac
With the 2024 version of the Cadillac Celestiq hitting showrooms throughout North America, it is price mentioning how groundbreaking this EV mannequin is. Yes, you could have the 15-foot-reaching LED mild present wake-up, however beside that: This automobile is the longer term. We’re seeing Cadillac journey deeper into the posh sector, particularly at a value level of $340,000. With 300 miles of vary, 600 horses, and lighting that can make your mouth water, the Celestiq is without doubt one of the most enjoyable electrical fashions we have seen come out shortly. It can be just a few extra years till the expertise inside Celestiq trickles down by way of the auto market, however we’ll hold tight.
Once upon a time, the black and white door you see right here was a part of a late Nineties Mazda Protege. In truth, perusing the pictures at Julien’s Auctions the place this door might be offered, you’ll be able to see a Mazda sticker on the within of the window together with the unique tan inside panel. But the magic takes place outdoors, the place avenue artist Banksy painted an outline of an individual trying skyward, amongst different issues.
Now, the door could possibly be price excess of your complete automobile from which it got here. The public sale home lists an estimate of $100,000 to $200,000 for the door, however we can’t know the precise worth till February 15 when the bidding wraps up. It’s a part of Julien’s avenue artwork occasion going down in Beverly Hills, although on-line bidding is open proper now. It’s unclear if there are any bids presently, however the motion begins at $25,000. For the file, that is significantly greater than the Protege’s as-new sticker worth again within the day.
The door is only a portion of Banksy’s unique creation. Called “Crazy Horse,” your complete Mazda and the facet of a field truck had been painted to depict a fairly spooky conflict scene. The automobile featured individuals trying up on the truck, which had horses carrying night time imaginative and prescient goggles bearing down on them. Per the public sale description, the scene included a telephone quantity that, when dialed, performed audio clips of a 2007 airstrike in Iraq. The Apache helicopter concerned apparently had a code title of Crazy Horse 18, offering the inspiration for this work.
We could not dig up something official concerning the whereabouts of the remainder of the piece, however a Banksy-focused weblog claims the car and truck were removed just days after going up in October 2013. The truck and automobile – lacking each driver-side doorways – had been allegedly loaded onto a truck and hauled away.
Any guesses as to what the ultimate bid worth might be? Jump into the feedback and tell us your ideas.
Once upon a time, the one technique to discover the world was to really discover it. Sadly, we won’t spend our whole lives road-tripping for cool issues to see, and even when we might, some locations aren’t simply noticed at floor stage. For instance, who knew there have been stays of a quarter-mile drag strip hidden by timber within the suburbs of Chicago? We know, due to Google Earth. And now, you understand too.
Before we go any additional, contemplate your self warned. What follows might result in one of many largest rabbit holes of your life, particularly for those who maintain even a slight curiosity in automobiles and racing. Some people within the Google Earth, Structure, and Anomalies Facebook Group tipped us off to this motorsport-themed digital journey of discovering outdated race tracks, and you understand what? Searching for these locations is as addicting as deep-fried cocaine.
Oval horse tracks are fairly widespread and so they’re generally mistaken for outdated automotive haunts. But there are some places that, with out query, as soon as loved the sounds of engines and the scent of race gas. We might spend years looking for all of them, however since that is not sensible, be a part of us for a brief Google Earth tour. And when you’re addicted (and you’ll be), bounce into the feedback with images and coordinates of outdated tracks you discover.
For now, listed here are a couple of to whet your urge for food.
Track: Brooklands Location: Weybridge, England Coordinates: 51°19’16″N 0°25’47″W
Arguably probably the most well-known ghost observe on the planet, the final race at Brooklands came about in 1939 (excluding James May’s Scalextric slot automotive tomfoolery in 2009) however parts of the steeply banked oval nonetheless exist at present. For that matter, a lot of the unique structure reveals by means of from the air regardless of appreciable improvement on the web site since its glory days.
Track: Mid-America Raceway Location: Wentzville, Missouri USA Coordinates: 38°50’48″N 90°54’57″W
This is the observe that piqued our curiosity, recently shared by David Williams within the Google Earth, Structures, and Anomalies Facebook group. Once a 2.8-mile highway course with a drag strip, the observe closed in 2004 and is now a sprawling subdivision. The southern finish of the observe is gone, however on the high of the photograph, you possibly can see parts of the unique pavement nonetheless snaking by means of the panorama.
The stays of this large oval observe are baking within the solar roughly seven clicks northwest of D’Hanis, Texas. This was additionally shared within the Google Earth Facebook group, however it’s not a race observe. After some digging, we discovered a YouTube video describing the placement as a five-mile take a look at facility as soon as utilized by the now-defunct firm Edgerton, Germeshausen, and Grier, Inc. The nature of the testing, in addition to the present standing of the power, is unknown.
The ring highway of this seaside group serves as a top level view for the old 2.0-mile road course. The small straight stretch of damaged pavement barely up and proper of heart (subsequent to the Master Mindset textual content) is all that is still of the unique observe, which noticed quite a few endurance races and was a daily cease for the Australian Touring Car Championship till its closure in 1987.
Paramount Ranch Raceway Location: Agoura Hills, California USA Coordinates: 34°07’05″N 118°45’10″W
This one is likely to be tough to suss out, so we have expertly outlined the unique 2.0-mile course in crimson with a little bit of assist from David Williams, who tipped us off to the track. Several parts nonetheless exist, corresponding to the massive curve on the decrease proper and the straightaway. Other stretches are nonetheless seen as dust paths, however the observe’s official life solely lasted from 1956 by means of 1957 because it was deemed too harmful. It lived a second life as a location used for filming by means of the ’50s and ’60s. Today it is a part of the National Park Service as a historic web site.
Dakota Intermountain Dragway Location: Belle Fourche, South Dakota USA Coordinates: 44°42’33″N 103°53’41″W
Nestled close to the Wyoming border, this quarter-mile drag strip and small oval observe was once referred to as Black Hills Dragway. Dragstriplist.com tells us it opened in 1972 and as soon as had seating for 500 individuals. The seats and buildings are lengthy gone, however the damaged strip nonetheless stays … albeit with timber rising by means of the cracks.
Track: Century 21 Raceways Location: Aurora, Colorado USA Coordinates: 39°44’55″N 104°43’46″W
Here’s one other oval/drag strip combo, this time discovered within the shadow of Denver. Aurora is a northern suburb, and in keeping with na-motorsports.com, this small facility had an equally small lifespan from 1971 by means of 1973. It consisted of a 3/8-mile oval with a figure-eight characteristic and a quarter-mile drag strip that linked to it, seen right here on the backside of the picture. Both clearly present up within the satellite tv for pc view, however switching to road view reveals latest developments within the space which have doubtless worn out the damaged stays.
Roughly 40 miles west of downtown Chicago is a dense grove of timber hiding the stays of a once-thriving drag strip. Oswego Drag Raceway opened in 1954 and stayed in operation for 25 years, finally succumbing to the growth of the Windy City’s suburbs. Everything however the observe itself is gone, although at this level it is lined by timber and surrounded by subdivisions.
Here within the northern hemisphere, the winter months are effectively upon us when Christmas lastly rolls round. While there are pine bushes aplenty, nearly every thing else on our facet of the equator is unfortunately nowhere close to the colourful inexperienced it normally is the remainder of the 12 months. Combined with the dreary winter climate, it will possibly all be a bit miserable, to say the least.
We’re by no means positive whether or not that has something to do with why Kawasaki opted to place out a line of Christmas goodies within the UK in 2023. Still, it is arduous to disclaim that Kawasaki’s signature electrical lime inexperienced coloration is a little bit of welcome brightness in an in any other case uninteresting winter season.
Sure, there are Christmas bushes (each actual and synthetic), however these are a darkish, severe inexperienced. The Kawasaki inexperienced is shiny and playful, which is simply the type of temper you wish to assist elevate your spirits into a greater temper for celebrating.
8Photos
What sorts of decorations are there? For those that just like the softer facet of vacation traditions, you may discover each a Kawasaki stocking to hold by your chimney with care, and in addition an opulent inexperienced Santa-esque hat to stay in your head. Both these plush objects even have the usual Kawasaki title brand on them.
If you need one thing slightly extra enjoyable, there’s all the time the black, white, and inexperienced vacation tinsel pack. It comes with all the colours intact, in lengths of 4 meters (slightly over 13 toes) apiece.
There are additionally your commonplace ball ornaments, solely accomplished in Kawasaki colours and fabricated from plastic. If you are after particular person ornaments to hold in your tree as an alternative, you may discover three totally different hand-blown glass variations obtainable. There’s a bike, a jet ski, and an ATV, every offered individually.
I’ve saved my private favourite for final, as a result of it is so good, chances are you’ll simply wish to hold it up for year-round ornament and never depart it till the subsequent vacation. It’s a string of inexperienced Kawasaki motorcycle-shaped twinkly lights. Instead of the same old bulbs, these lights have been shaped into the form of bikes, all in that particular Kawasaki inexperienced.
Sadly for US followers, none of these things seems to be obtainable within the Kawasaki US on-line retailer. However, in case you’re within the UK, now could be your likelihood to seize it. We do not know what number of there are, nor what the longer term holds. So, if you would like any of those, you’d in all probability be effectively suggested to maneuver shortly.
Lamborghini is at present engaged on a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Urus, however we stumbled upon a very completely different sort of hybrid Urus. This one doesn’t have any electrification, as a substitute it combines a twin-turbo V8 with a six-wheel structure.
This beast has been displaying up briefly on-line over the previous few weeks and a brand new quick video on YouTube lastly provides us a better take a look at the venture. It’s a closely modified Urus with three axles and 6 wheels. The weirdest half is that there’s no open cargo mattress like a truck however a totally enclosed space with a rear hatch. The construct seems to be virtually utterly completed at this level, except for a couple of seen touches that might most likely be painted.
But that’s not simply an elongated Urus with six wheels. Many exterior parts are unique to the SUV, together with that brutal rear diffuser, the extra lip spoiler on the roof, and the prolonged wheel arches. Those wheels aren’t inventory both.
The huge query right here is: Who constructed it? Credits go to an organization known as South Florida Jeeps, which is answerable for the six-wheeled behemoth. If that title doesn’t ring a bell, this firm additionally makes Wranglers and Broncos with six wheels (see the associated hyperlinks above) below its Apocalypse Manufacturing model. We reached out to the aftermarket studio and received some juicy particulars.
The firm confirmed that the wheels on the again are literally motorized. Apocalypse Manufacturing confirmed the second and third axles work in tandem, making the Urus an much more succesful machine. The firm informed us no tweaks have been made because the inventory 4.0-liter V8 because it was potent sufficient with its 641 horsepower.
Once upon a very recent time, there was a Japanese car manufacturer that was legendary for its reliability. Its vehicles, both the mundane and the fun ones, were perennial bestsellers. Car magazines consistently gave its vehicles good ratings for reliability. Because every vehicle in its lineup was nearly indestructible unless one poured gravy into the gas tank, car journalists tended to give respectful nods to even the most boring family schleppers in its lineup.
Indeed, this stalwart of Japanese automotive reliability didn’t seem to have any plans to introduce a line of battery-powered EVs in the near future. Instead of cranking out electric cars as soon as possible, it was developing solid-state batteries that would hopefully be ready for production at the end of the 2020s.
That wasn’t Toyota’s recent history. It’s Honda’s. It’s surprising how often one company can borrow the history of another. Honda has barely given the public any hints that it was even slightly interested in solid-state batteries (often shortened to SSBs), but it may have solved a problem that shortens their lifespans.
Solid-state batteries present a number of safety advantages. However, the recent studies present a more nuanced narriative
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Motor Trend, Hagerty, Ars Technica, and Car and Driver.
Honda’s Solution To Dendrites
Honda is adding polymer layers to its SSBs
The company is already working out mass-manufacturing processes
To put it quite simply, Honda is putting a layer of polymer-based fiber between the electrodes at either end of the battery and the electrolyte in the middle. This is claimed to completely prevent dendrites from forming (or at least, make dendrites a lot rarer). As a short scientific clarification, a polymer is not the same as a plastic. Plastics are a type of polymer, but not all polymers are plastics. (It’s similar to how all spaghetti is pasta, but not all pasta is spaghetti.)
It’s quite refreshing to see that for once, the simple solution actually works. If batteries wear out when the divisions between their internal layers start breaking down, why not put extra barriers inside them? As anyone who has ever worked in design, engineering, and architecture knows, the obvious solution to a problem often comes with a long and insurmountable list of reasons why it would never work.
Honda’s Other SSB Manufacturing Plans
Honda is also roll-pressing the internal components of the batteries instead of stamping them out. Roll-pressing allows for better control of the battery components’ thickness. (For those who haven’t heard of roll-pressing, it is simply when an object is flattened by squeezing it between two rollers.) Granted, hearing about manufacturing processes is mildly interesting.
However, the real news that almost lies hidden behind the roll-pressing is that Honda is already making manufacturing plans for its SSBs.
Toyota has partnered with a petroleum company, Idemitsu, for the development of solid-state batteries, and here’s how it could impact the industry.
What Exactly Does A Dendrite Mean
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Dendrites are tree-shaped crystals that form in lithium-based batteries
They cause the battery to short-circuit inside itself, ending its useful life
As a lithium-ion battery is repeatedly drained and recharged, the lithium inside can form little gritty crystals called dendrites. When examined under magnification, these lithium crystals are shaped like branching trees. (The word “dendrite” comes from the Greek word for tree.)
Research Still Doesn’t Know Why Dendrites Happen
Scientists still aren’t sure what causes dendrites in batteries. A recent study from MIT suggests that the solid-metal electrodes at each end of the battery can develop micro-cracks as they repeatedly get hot and cool off – Batteries always warm up at least a little bit whenever they’re used, and then grow cold again afterward.
As the lithium ions in the battery get pushed back and forth every time the battery gets drained and recharged, they can penetrate the electrodes at either end of the battery. This gives the dendrite crystals a starting point from which they can grow.
Why Dendrites Ruin Batteries
These lithium crystals ruin batteries. As the dendrites grow, they can start carrying the electricity inside the battery through routes it shouldn’t take. In other words, dendrites cause the battery to short-circuit itself from within. When this happens, the battery has reached the end of its life.
By making EVs more practical and efficient, solid-state batteries will reshape the future of sustainable energy.
Solid-State Batteries: A Short Overview
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Solid state batteries, simply put, are batteries that store their energy in solid matter. (In other types of batteries, the energy is stored in a liquid or a paste.) While solid-state batteries already have a long history, they tend to go into very small devices like pacemakers and hearing aids. Car-sized solid-state batteries just haven’t been done. However, the auto industry really wants SSBs to supersede the lithium-ion batteries currently used in nearly every EV.
The Advantages Of Solid-State Batteries
To put it simply,
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