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Rolls-Royce – perhaps the world’s most prolific and prestigious manufacturer of luxury cars – has taken the covers off a new custom 'Boat Tail’ four-seat retro convertible, just days after confirming plans to revive its bespoke coachbuilding division. Underpinned by the BMW-owned brand’s now-ubiquitous Architecture of Luxury aluminium spaceframe, the 'Boat Tail’ is largely based on the existing Rolls-Royce Phantom limousine. However, all external sheetmetal has been replaced, and 1813 unique parts were reportedly designed and produced specifically for the new model. The car also features a wholly-reworked rear-end storing a cooled food and drink compartment, integrated umbrella, fold-out tables, and collapsible carbon-fibre chairs. A 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 lifted from the standard production car sends 420kW/900Nm to the rear wheels via an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Rolls-Royce is yet to quote a 0-100km/h time for the 'Boat Tail,' however in the Phantom the 6.75-litre engine allows the benchmark sprint in conquered in a claimed 5.3 seconds. The brand has not confirmed pricing for the vehicle "out of respect for [the] client’s privacy.” However, an overnight report from British outlet Autocar claimed a buyer had put forward a £20 million (AU$37 million) figure. If accurate, this would make it one of the most – if not the most – expensive new cars ever sold. The design and name references the yacht-inspired Rolls-Royce 'Boat Tail' tourers of the 1920s and 1930s (shown above), which were almost entirely custom-built to order. In 2020 CarAdvice unearthed the first patent filing for what would eventually becomes the 2021 Rolls-Royce 'Boat Tail.' source

Suzuki Australia has recalled 163 examples of its 2020 Ignis SUV, citing a potential fault with the fuel tank. The affected vehicles were sold between 1 July 2020 and 30 October 2020 (Model Year 2020). The recall notice, lodged with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), says: “The fuel tank breather pipe may have been incorrectly moulded to the top of the fuel tank. The breather pipe may become detached by normal vibration of the vehicle.” “If [the] breather pipe becomes detached and fuel leaks in the presence of an ignition source, this may cause a fire increasing the risk of serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users,” the notice continues. A spokesperson for Suzuki Australia told CarAdvice there have been no locally recorded instances of the fault, and this recall is purely precautionary. source

Australians are paying record prices for iconic Australian muscle cars, with several breaking the $1 million barrier so far this year, setting new records in the process. When Ford motorsport legend and Bathurst winner Allan Moffat first saw the Falcon GT sedan that would take him to victory in the early 1970s, he scoffed at the price. “No-one’s going to pay $5000 for a Ford Falcon,” Moffat would later say, recalling one of the biggest regrets of his motorsport career: not buying one of the iconic cars. Today, immaculate examples of the Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III fetch close to or in excess of $1 million. Indeed, a perfectly restored model was recently purchased for $1.15 million (plus a 7.5 per cent auction fee) by Sydney-based philanthropist Judith Nailson who included it in her art gallery. It is the highest price paid to date for an Australian-made road car. This week another icon, a 1985 Holden Commodore VK HDT Group A – as with the Ford, a special edition developed to win Bathurst – went under the hammer for $1.057 million. It fell just short of the outright record but is to date the highest price paid for a road-going Holden. The Holden Commodore V8 had been driven by the late motor racing hero Peter Brock as his company car. It was number 05 of 500 built, a reference to the champion driver’s racing number. For enthusiasts and financial speculators who can’t afford to spend $1 million, there are slightly more affordable options. A 1982 Ford Falcon ESP with just 60km on the clock – which was the last Ford V8 car manufactured in Australia until the company reintroduced the V8 option in 1991 – sold at the same Grays Online auction this week for $355,000, a record for that model. source

Once a week, 25 teenage girls from four different Victorian high schools come together to work on a project car. They meet at Bendigo South East College, where a first-generation Range Rover lies in pieces. The body has been already separated from the chassis, with the next steps being an electric motor conversion and the installation of a new interior. The project is run by Bendigo Tech School director Graeme Wiggins, who's believes the program will inspire more young women to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). "We're trying to create an aspiration pathway for young women who are interested in engineering, advanced manufacturing and automotive careers," Mr Wiggins told the ABC. "And the interesting thing about this group is half were already hardcore car nuts to begin with, who were already considering careers in automotive or engineering." The Range Rover was donated by local retiree Doug Peters, after hearing about the project. He believes the girls will "learn a lot of patience" and that it's nice to see "kids learning and not being on their phones and computer, [and] actually physically doing things". The project is expected to take 12 months to complete, with the finished Range Rover EV set to become an income-earning community rental asset. Mr Wiggins said that future proceeds from the rental will go into a community enterprise that supports young entrepreneurs and their ideas. source

Whatever kind of engine you want, the Jeep Wrangler offers it. Jeep's lucrative four-wheel-drive anachronism is available with a turbocharged four-cylinder, a naturally aspirated V-6 (with or without 48-volt hybrid assistance), a plug-in hybrid turbo-four, or a turbodiesel V-6. And now, rounding out Jeep's offer-all-the-engines policy, you can get a Wrangler stuffed with a gargantuan 470-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V-8. No, Jeep didn't use the supercharged Hellcat engine. Nobody has enough life insurance for that. The resulting mutant is the 2021 Wrangler Rubicon 392. It's Jeep's G63. A mud-bog Maserati. It's "hold my beer" with an eye-level hood scoop. While everyone's fawning over the 2021 Ford Bronco, Jeep is clearing its throat through quad tailpipes and asking for a moment of your attention. You've seen the Wrangler, folks, but never like this! Well, not from a Jeep production line anyway. Aftermarket companies have been cramming V-8s in Wranglers for years. Jeep itself used to offer V-8s in the Wrangler's distant ancestor, the CJ. But production Wranglers never had more than six cylinders, its V-8-powered specials relegated to Moab Easter Safari teases and SEMA show trucks. It's not like it's difficult to fit a Hemi in a Wrangler, so why did Jeep wait more than 30 years to do it? Two reasons. First, until now the brand never had an outside reason to go nuclear with underhood weaponry. You didn't need a V-8 to compete with the Suzuki Samurai back in 1980s. And for about the past two decades, the Wrangler's biggest competition has been Jet Skis and divorces. The new Bronco is about to change that. The second reason pertains to the philosophical matter of fast Wranglers and whether such a thing violates the natural order of the world. A 6.4-liter Wrangler is a rocket-propelled basset hound, an unlimited hydroplane tugboat, a 360-degree rotating rooftop restaurant set to 88 rpm. Have you seen those new speed stilts? No, because there's no such thing. And yet, Jeep makes this brute. With 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, Jeep claims the Wrangler Rubicon can hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The fun doesn't last much longer than that, though, as this is the rare sub-5.0-second-to-60-mph machine that can't hit 100 mph. Top speed is governed to 99 mph, so as not to abuse its Q-rated BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires. The 392's full-time four-wheel-drive system doesn't offer a two-wheel-drive mode, and that's probably for the best since this rig can do four-wheel-drive burnouts if the pavement's even slightly damp. For launches that feel like they might involve a wheelstand, apply left-foot braking to cue up Torque Reserve, which is basically launch control for dummies. Similar to the Gladiator Mojave, the 392's Off-Road Plus driving mode lets you lock the rear differential at high speeds, leading us to wonder what Jeep thinks people are going to try to do with this thing. Maybe the better question is: What won't they try to do? While there's no 2Hi mode for the transfer case, there is low-range four-wheel drive, plus a new button on the dash that lets you choose between a loud exhaust and Monster Jam Freestyle-loud exhaust. Under light loads, the V-8's normally transparent cylinder-deactivation system becomes obvious, as the booming exhaust cuts to a strangled stutter. With EPA estimates of 13 mpg city and 17 highway, the Rubicon 392 needs all the cylinder deactivation it can get. Up front, that hood scoop is functional, and it's plumbed to an intake that resembles a Dr. Seuss musical instrument. There are twists and turns going thisaway and thataway and a series of drains that prevent water from dripping down the 6.4's gullet. Jeeps says the main drain within that setup can separate 15 gallons of water per minute from the intake air. And should the hood scoop become clogged with the viscous tears of your enemies, there's a secondary intake path that can flow enough air to allow the Wrangler to still hit its top speed. We're not sure what confluence of life decisions would result in a clogged hood scoop and the need to drive 99 mph, but the Rubicon 392 is ready. To accommodate the Hemi engine and the shenanigans it'll inspire, Jeep strengthened the 392's frame, fitted a two-inch suspension lift with Fox dampers, and upgraded the rear brakes. But there's only so much you can do to cope with this much horsepower in a Wrangler. For instance, Jeep made the bronze-colored 17-inch wheels capable of mating to beadlock rings that can firmly pinch the tire to the rim, which is a feature often associated with airing down tires for low-speed trail work. But, as we discovered, when you're roosting sand dunes with 470 horsepower, you might need beadlocks even with the tires fully aired up. When we took the Rubicon 392 to a local tire store to investigate a slow leak, the technicians there wondered at the rubber-to-earth violence that led to sand getting inside a mounted tire. Typical V-6 Wranglers don't tend to have that particular problem. All this over-the-top performance comes with predictably hyperbolic pricing. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 Launch Edition starts at $74,995. The truck we drove, with a few options such as Snazzberry paint ($245), a tow package ($350), and a grille-mounted off-road camera ($595), cost $77,070. Meanwhile, $53,190 will get you a new plug-in-hybrid Wrangler Rubicon 4xe, which also makes 470 pound-feet of torque and is eligible for a $7500 federal tax credit. That combination of price and performance makes a lot of sense, which is why we doubt that audiences for the 4xe and 392 will overlap even a little bit. The 392 isn't about making sense. It's about making noise and stomping Broncos and not necessarily in that order. While a V-8 Wrangler may seem obvious and inevitable, it's probably for the best that Jeep accrued several decades of chassis development before unleashing one on the public. Still, the Rubicon 392 is a royal handful, a bellowing musclebound clodhopper on 33-inch tires. If it's your dream Wrangler, thank Jeep for giving it the green light for production—right after you thank Ford for applying the pressure. source

The Audi fast-charging hub concept features its own energy storage, to take advantage of off-peak energy. 2.45 MwH of energy storage would be provided by used lithium-ion batteries sourced from old EVs. The premium interior of the concept fast-charging hub, expected to be constructed later this year in pilot form, would feature a lounge with food and drink. With the arrival of the EV age, it has been clear for a long time that the concept of the typical gas station will have to evolve as well, transforming from a tiny convenience store to something suited for longer visits, and able to accommodate more cars over a longer span of time. So far, even countries with the highest rates of EV adoption haven't envisioned the charging station's potential, and even domestic Tesla Superchargers can still be quite industrial, tucked away in a corner of a Chili's parking lot just off the interstate. Yet even with DC fast charging and visits lasting 10 or 15 minutes, it's likely that gas stations will have to evolve beyond offering a handful of chargers in place of gas nozzles. Audi is working on a concept charging hub for what it calls "premium-level electromobility," which it intends to show as a fully built concept later this year, ahead of a possible production debut. How does Ingolstadt picture the service area of the future? For starters, Audi set out to address the future issue of a lack of charging space at home while also imagining a solution to peak demand on charging infrastructure. The company's solution is a charging hub that features a monster 2.45 Mwh of energy storage, provided by used lithium-ion batteries. Such a hub would house six charging stations for six cars—a modest number—offering a a charging output up to 300 kW. "That makes output starting at 11 kW per cube sufficient to be able to fill the three storage modules with a total capacity of 2.45 MWh continually and to charge them overnight," the company says. "Photovoltaic modules on the roof provide additional green energy. This not only makes it easier to select possible locations, it also reduces the planning time required and the costs while also saving resources. In addition, the modular concept provides maximum flexibility and scalability." The aim is to minimize the hub's reliance on the local energy grid, instead soaking up juice during off-peak hours and then selling it to cars during peak hours. Aside from the technical charging abilities, the concept charging hub would also be a comfortable place to spend some time—that's the premium-level electromobility half of the equation. The cube-shaped station would feature a lounge area with food and drink suitable for a visit around 20 to 25 minutes—the same time it would take to charge an Audi e-tron GT from 5 to 80 percent at a 270-kW charging capacity. "To make the wait a true premium experience, a lounge will provide Audi customers with the perfect setting for an enjoyable charging stop," the automaker says. "The upstairs lounge area offers a place to pass the time that is modern and in line with the premium concept, the perfect space and setting for a break with added value. A variety of amenities and a range of snacks, drinks, and non-food items make the charging stop a welcome break." Audi suggests that such a hub would be modular and pre-fabricated, relying on "flexible container cubes" to house the lithium-ion batteries, with the ability to transport the hub itself (in several pieces, judging by the concept drawing) and install it in locations mostly independent of the capacities of local energy networks. So the hub, featuring its own battery storage, would not be as dependent on local infrastructure as a modern fast-charging station. "The charging hub embodies our aspiration for the electric era and highlights Audi's commitment to 'Vorsprung durch Technik.' A flexible high-performing HPC charging park like this does not require much from the local electricity grid and uses a sustainable battery concept. Our customers benefit in numerous ways: from the ability to make exclusive reservations, a lounge area and short waiting times thanks to high-performance charging. This is consistent with the premium concept," said Oliver Hoffmann, Audi board member for Technical Development. Of course, being a concept of premium-level electromobility, it's clear such a thing would not be inexpensive to build even with retired lithium-ion batteries from vehicles. So users will definitely have to pay for the premium lounge part of the deal. And with a relatively small number of cars to be accommodated at any one time, Audi says car owners would need to make exclusive reservations to visit it. So this would not be a large service area off the freeway that can host dozens of vehicles at once—the aim is a far more exclusive, with amenities akin to a luxury dealership waiting lounge. We also have to wonder just how many Audi EV owners would not simply charge the car at home at its dedicated charger. This already sounds like a small percentage, but may not be so in the future when those who only have curbside parking will be forced to seek stations elsewhere. Audi plans to roll out the hub pilot later this year, and is currently searching for a suitable site for this concept in Germany. source

It's not law yet, not by a long shot, but things are happening in Congress that could add up to $5000 to the current $7500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles. The bill would add $2500 to the credit for EVs made in the U.S., and another $2500 if it it was made by union workers. The current 200,000-vehicle limit per automaker would also disappear—helping GM and Tesla the most—in favor of an overall phaseout once more than half the vehicles sold in the U.S. are electric. The current federal tax credit for someone buying an electric vehicle has a maximum value of $7500. A new piece of legislation called "Clean Energy for America" that passed the U.S. Senate Finance Committee this week would raise that to $12,500, but it’s not just a straightforward increase. The legislation, if passed into law, would keep the $7500 level in place but would then add $2500 if the EV was assembled in the U.S. and another $2500 if it was made at plants represented by a labor union. The bill also sets a maximum MSRP for qualifying EVs at $80,000. The current EV tax credit has no price limits. General Motors and Tesla could benefit more than other automakers from the changes this bill makes. The bill removes the trigger that phases out the tax credit for buyers of vehicles made by automakers that have sold over 200,000 EVs. Only GM and Tesla have reached that level today. The new bill does away with OEM designations and instead phases out the tax credit altogether over three years once at least 50 percent of the passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. are EVs. A Congressional estimate puts the cost of the bill at $31.6 billion over 10 years. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) sponsored the bill. She said she believes increasing the tax credit would be good for the working class. "I think in rural Michigan, where folks are buying F-150 trucks and Chevy Silverados, or maybe they’re getting a new Jeep, or whatever, all those are about to be electric. All of them," Stabenow said in a video posted to Twitter. "Based on what happened with the announcement of the F-150 truck and the thousands of pre-sales they have right now, not from wealthy people, we’re talking about working folks that want a pickup truck, that are very excited about the idea that they're going to be able to get better mileage, they're going to save money, they're going to have the opportunity to buy something that is cleaner and electric . . . We want people, if they're buying a large vehicle, for it to be electric." The bill includes other green energy tax incentives and provisions that reduce what Reuters calls "many fossil-fuel tax provisions." Stabenow said that her bill promotes EVs in a way similar to how Congress gave the oil industry tax incentives in the past."We picked a winner and they won—100 years ago," Stabenow told Reuters. "And now we’re just trying to level the playing field." The bill passed the Finance Committee on a 14-14 tie vote. The bill still needs the approval of the full Senate and the House, as well as President Biden's signature, before it would become law. source

In the U.S. in 2020, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association, vehicle-related deaths of pedestrians were up almost 5 percent—and they rose even more in proportion to the lower number of total miles that vehicles traveled during the pandemic year. Infrastructure weaknesses and poor lighting conditions were partly to blame, but the safety group also blames the growing popularity of larger SUVs and trucks One New York state senator is proposing a safety rating system for the big vehicles based on how likely they are to hurt or kill pedestrians in a collision. Last year may turn out to have been one of the deadliest years on record for pedestrians. Early projections by the Governors Highway Safety Association say that the total number of pedestrian deaths in 2020 were up 4.8 percent, and that was despite a pandemic-influenced 16.5 percent drop in vehicle miles traveled. Because fewer of us were driving, the GHSA projects a startling 21 percent increase in the rate of pedestrian deaths per billion vehicle miles traveled (VMT). That would be the largest annual increase in that rate since reporting began in 1975. In raw numbers, the association is predicting 6721 pedestrian deaths, and 2.3 deaths per billion VMT. It will be at least six months until the final numbers are available. The GHSA did find some good news in 2020's projected numbers: 19 states and Washington, D.C., saw their pedestrian deaths decrease last year. Of those, Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina are all projected to have double-digit declines in pedestrian fatalities compared to 2019. The GHSA, which represents the state highway safety offices, found plenty of reasons for those numbers: infrastructure and lighting issues, to begin with. In 2019, three out of four pedestrians were killed at night, and about the same proportion were not at an intersection, according to the GHSA. But as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found in a report last fall, some people out driving during the height of COVID restrictions were taking more risks—a statistically important number of them were driving faster, driving while impaired, or weren't wearing seatbelts. Distracted driving continues to be a problem. So while some activists and politicians point to the ever-rising numbers of SUVs and trucks, the problem is more complex. Those states seeing declines have SUVs and trucks, too, after all. It is also impossible to ignore some correlation between the increasing popularity of SUVs and the increasing number of pedestrian deaths. According to the GHSA report, between 2010 to 2019, the number of pedestrians killed by an SUV increased by 69 percent, while the number involving passenger cars was up 46 percent. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), pedestrian deaths accounted for 17 percent of car crash fatalities in 2019 as compared to 13 percent in 2010. A small-scale study in 2020 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety demonstrated the increased risk to pedestrians caused by SUVs. "Between 20 and 39 mph, three out of 10 crashes with SUVs resulted in a fatality compared with just five out of 22 crashes that involved cars. So, a pretty significant increase for SUVs," IIHS spokesperson Joe Young said. While auto manufacturers have taken steps over the past several decades to make SUVs less dangerous in vehicle-to-vehicle crashes, "What this study tells us is that those efforts did nothing for pedestrians," Young said. Trucks and SUVs Rated 1-5 for Pedestrian Safety? The New York State Senate has introduced a bill, SB 4307, that would require a pedestrian-safety rating for every vehicle, scoring them on a 1 to 5 scale similar to the ratings NHTSA already applies to vehicles. The difference is that this would rate vehicles based on the damage done in collisions with cyclists and pedestrians. The bill's author, Sen. Andrew Gounardes, who represents Brooklyn, said SUVs and trucks are exactly the reason he's advocating for a new rating system that would be implemented by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. "Most people aren't primed to think about the impact that their vehicle purchases have on the greater safety of people in the environment around them," Gounardes told Bloomberg. "We hope this will help educate people in a way that will help them see the consequences of their choices." If this bill were to become law, the ratings would be posted online, and all vehicles for sale in New York State would be required to display the 1-5 numerical rating. Safety Tech on Board Technology may help with pedestrian safety. "But we're not there yet," Pam Shadel Fischer, GHSA senior director for external engagement, said. The crash technology that's expected to be adopted on all new cars by 2022 was designed for vehicle-to-vehicle detection. Automated emergency braking and front crash prevention technology, for example, will engage the brakes if a stopped vehicle is detected, but you can't count on every vehicle to detect the presence of a human in every situation. In addition, lane-keeping-assist technology may alert a driver to a pedestrian, but its strength is in detecting cars. However, as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety points out, SUVs and other large vehicles are gradually getting safer: "Earlier research had shown that SUVs, pickup trucks and passenger vans were two to three times more likely than cars to kill a pedestrian in the event of a crash. However, most earlier studies were based on crash data collected in the 1970s, '80s, and' 90s. Since then, SUV manufacturers have made substantial design changes." IIHS started testing vehicle-to-vehicle detection systems in 2019, measuring how well they alert a driver to the presence of a pedestrian. Safety-minded SUV buyers can look at the "front crash protection: vehicle to pedestrian" test results for their vehicle of choice on the IIHS website. "Even if these systems can't fully stop a vehicle, they may slow it down substantially. And that makes a huge difference when you're talking about a vehicle striking a pedestrian," commented IIHS spokesperson Joe Young. source

The 1970s-era Opel Manta was mainly a Europe-market car, although it was sold in the U.S. for four years. The earlier Manta A has become a cult favorite, so it makes sense that Opel chose it as the subject of a restomod to showcase electrification in the Manta GSe ElektroMod. It's small, light, and low on horsepower and range, but we love it anyway. Too bad Opel has no plans to manufacture one. Few Americans remember the Opel Manta, even though it has been sold here from '71 through '75 and, as we wrote in our November 1976 issue, "has always found favor with this magazine." It's a different story in Europe, where the original Manta had a successor that was built into the late 1980s. But while the Manta B was long seen as a tacky pseudo-racer, its image just recently beginning to recover, the Manta A has always been regarded as a real designer piece: a car priced for the masses, but of almost stunning beauty and sensuality. Prices for vintage Manta A models have long been on the rise, and given its cult status, it was a natural fit when Opel was looking for a suitable candidate for a restomod as a showcase for electrification. And so Opel's engineers took a Manta A and turned it into a compact, sporty stand-alone EV that makes us long for a time of smaller, lighter cars—and perhaps even look forward to an electrified future. The original Manta was fitted with 1.2-, 1.6-, and 1.9-liter four-cylinder engines, rated between 60 and 105 horsepower; the top-of-the-line GT/E was rated at 117 mph and took around 11 seconds for the zero-to-60-mph sprint, underscored by Opel's typical brawny sound. The electric conversion bumps power to 147 horsepower, which are still transmitted to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. Rowing through the gears is possible but not necessary. You can also just leave it in fourth gear. The instantly available 188 pound-feet of torque renders the first three gears strictly optional. The relatively small 31.0-kWh battery pack, which can be recharged at 9 kW, limits range to a modest 125 miles, but it also helps keep weight at just around 2500 pounds. This EV is nimble and likes to be tossed around corners, especially since its 195/40R-17 front and 205/40R-17 rear tires, on Ronal wheels, provide far more grip than the Manta's original rubber. Opel calls the one-off EV the Manta GSe even though, back in the Manta A's time, the GS and GS/E designations were reserved for the upmarket Commodore range. Visually, it is a highly successful restomod effort: the glass and panels remain untouched, the chrome bumpers are gone, the quad headlights make way for Opel's current headlight style, and the quad taillamps are replaced with LED units. The black hood, a signature element of Opel's sporty models, remains, and the "visor" that takes the space of the grille can display messages, such as the slightly cringeworthy "I am on a zero e-mission." The interior is enhanced with ultra-futuristic display panels, the original airbag-less steering wheel gets a 12-o'-clock mark, and the headliner is now clad with Alcantara. As a fun touch, the recuperation rate can be adjusted with a classic slider positioned below the central screen. Keeping sensitivities of the collector scene in mind, Opel is quick to point out that the Manta GSe was created from a car that needed restoration anyway; no pristine example has been touched. And they even point out that it would be possible to revert this example to its original condition. To which we say: Don't do it. And figure out how to put this one into production. source

Coronavirus case numbers are dropping in the United States, but the pandemic is still raging. Ford shut down a plant in southern India this week not because of the semiconductor shortage that has been upending production plans all year, but because workers staged a sit-in protest demanding leave and health benefits after 230 workers caught the coronavirus. At least two of the affected employees died. This Week in Sheetmetal We saw more of the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The hatchback will lead Hyundai's planned EV sub-brand, Ioniq, has an angular design, and should have around 300 miles of range in rear-drive format, slightly less when it's all-wheel drive. Look for it in showrooms this fall. mclaren elva windshield McLaren announced it would build some examples of its stripped-down supercar, the Elva, with the windshield that the prototype car eschewed. Purists can still have a screen-free Elva if they so desire, but buyers with a little common sense (or those who live in a place where it is illegal to sell cars without windshields) will surely appreciate this 44-pound addition. Rolls-Royce announced Coachbuild, a new service for buyers who want a car that's built exactly for them, and we don't just mean they get to paint-match their childhood bedroom. The project launched with a three-off four-seat roofless pleasure-mobile dubbed the Boattail. If you're rich enough to order something from Coachbuild, Rolls-Royce has probably already reached out to you. The rest of us will just have to watch from afar. Greased Lightning Fresh off the success of last week's launch of the F-150 Lightning, Ford doubled down on electric vehicles. The company said this week that it wants EVs to account for 40 percent of its sales by 2030, and that it would invest more than $30 billion dollars in that goal (up from a previous promise to invest $22 billion in EVs by the end of this decade). Of course, hoping EVs will make up a huge percentage of sales doesn't mean the company will actually find buyers for that many EVs in the next nine years. Ford's next play to bring its customers into the EV world will likely be an Explorer EV, and hints about a line of "rugged" EV SUVs strongly suggest that Ford will offer an electric Bronco at some future date. The company's stock is up on the news of its investment in EVs, and Ford has already notched 70,000 reservations (at $100 each) for the belle of last week's ball, the F-150 Lightning. Hyundai is also on the EV bandwagon. Reuters reported this week that the company would reduce by 50 percent the number of models it builds that rely on fossil fuels, and invest heavily in electric motors, batteries, and fuel cells, aiming for an entirely electric lineup by 2040. Spy vs Spy In March, the Chinese government banned Teslas from certain military bases because of concerns that the cars' cameras might be sending video back to servers based in the United States where the videos might be vulnerable to spying eyes. Tesla strenuously objected to the idea that its cars or its data centers were anything but secure, but it seems China was serious. A draft of a new rule proposed by Chinese regulators would require automakers to get drivers' consent before collecting driving data and would require carmakers to store all the data they collect within China's borders. Reuters reports that many car companies already do that, among them BMW, Daimler, General Motors, Nissan, Volkswagen and, now, Tesla. Further Reading If all this news about EVs has got you worried about a war on cars, then you'll love this meditation from the New York Times on how cities would change if we removed the interstate highways that run through them. Are you a sucker for a good deal? Then get yourself to this northern Virginia Nissan dealership, where you can get two (wildly different) cars for the price of one. Or if personal finance is more your style, read about the increasingly extraordinary lengths American buyers will go to in order to finance their beloved SUVs. source

A Subaru Outback is just as natural parked by a million-dollar beach home in Connecticut as it is traversing a campsite in Mount Hood. Most owners, no matter where they live or how much they make, prefer the Outback's practicality, comfort, and affordable cost over a rock-biting, trailblazing hell of a time. The Outback Wilderness is the opposite. This is Subaru's version of a Raptor—lifted and factory-kitted to tackle more abuse on tough terrain. We drove one near all those pretty Connecticut homes, and while the Wilderness may seem like an appearance package, it's entirely purposeful. More Clearance Than Most Trucks and SUVs The regular Outback sits 8.7 inches off the ground, which is more than many SUVs and full-size pickup trucks. The Wilderness raises its cladded body to 9.5 inches, a tenth higher than a Tacoma TRD Pro. It won't bite off the biggest boulders, but its breakover and departure angles are about equal to the Toyota's. And on the street, it looks mean. All-Terrain Tires Subaru equips several models with the Yokohama Geolander, but this is a genuine set of all-terrains. These tires have tread compounds that bite harder in dirt, mud, and on loose gravel. They trade some on-road grip and are generally noisier, though this particular Yokohama is among the more street-friendly A/T tires. We love the contrast of the white-letter sidewalls against the 17-inch gloss black wheels. Skids, Fogs, Hooks, and More Cladding An Outback hallmark since 1995, plastic body cladding is an off-roader's critical armor against brush and branches that would scratch uncovered paint. On the Wilderness, the cladding extends to the headlights and frames the exclusive mesh grille. Below are two LED foglights in a Gatling-gun pattern, orange caps for the integrated tow hooks, and a metal skidplate to protect the underbody. There's a Racing Stripe Technically, this matte decal is positioned to reduce sun glare off the hood. Sure. Like a Durango Hellcat, we'd like to see this graphic stretch across the roof. Heavy-Duty Roof Rails Here's something functional up top: a sturdy metal rack that's rated for 700 pounds. The four yellow covers on each corner indicate the tie-down hooks for various accessories, like a rooftop camping tent roomy enough for several adults (which is why Subaru guarantees that weight only when parked). Else, while moving, the Wilderness can move 220 pounds atop its beefy rails. Kayakers note: To achieve max weight, the Wilderness loses the integrated crossbars that swivel out from the main rails. Even More Cladding, Hooks, and Badges Like the front, the rear bumper cladding extends to the taillights and is similarly reshaped for nearly two more degrees of departure angle. The reflectors move from the lower bumper to the very top below the brake lights. There are two more tow hooks, covered in orange, another skid plate under the rear differential, and the wheel arches have so much extra cladding that the right rear side almost covers the gas cap. The Subaru equivalent of Jeep's Trail Rated badge sits proudly on the tailgate and each front fender. Rugged Floor Mats A set of custom rubber mats at all four seats means a visit to the aftermarket isn't needed. No doubt Subaru designers were inspired by their kids' scouting organizations when creating the badge and the patterns surrounding it. Way Cushier Than it Looks Despite the rugged outside, the Outback is plush inside. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector have orange accents, while orange stitching covers the dash, door armrests, and seats. Those seats and most of the other touch points are covered in StarTex, Subaru's name for synthetic leather. It's water-resistant, easy to clean, and feels upscale with a unique honeycomb texture. Bonus: The rear seatbacks have a similar texture and fabric so when folded, the usual carpet isn't there to get dirty. Drives Like a Regular Outback, With Less Grip and More Go The Outback's languid steering and floaty suspension remain, though tire grip is notably worse at the limit. Comfort is king in this car. We haven't yet measured acceleration at the track, but it feels a bit quicker. Subaru shortened the final drive ratio from 4.11:1 to 4.44:1 and retuned the CVT. This helps on the trail, because the Wilderness doesn't have a low-range transfer case. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four is the engine we recommend all Outback buyers order, as its 277 lb-ft of torque comes on at 2000 rpm. It's standard on the Wilderness. source

What was originally supposed to be a luxury estate for a high-flying developer in Minneapolis turned into an eyesore when he divorced and later went to jail for tax fraud. A local restaurateur decided to complete the project, complete with an eight-car garage that you drive to through a tunnel with a built-in carwash (sadly, not pictured). An outdoor pool, a private movie theater, and a sauna, plus five bedrooms and nine full baths, mean you really get your money's worth here. Fifteen million dollars can buy you a lot of house almost anywhere, but only in Minnesota does it get you a home on a private island with an eight-car garage and a hidden access tunnel that features a carwash. Located on Lake Minnetonka, the gaudy home started as a 2003 idea by then-developer Jeffrey Wirth. Wirth called it the "Isle of Windemere" after the boyhood summer home of Ernest Hemingway, but it was a case of to have and have not for the developer, who stopped construction in 2006, in part because he was going through divorce proceedings. The New York Post said the property "sat half-finished and overtaken by weeds while the price dropped to $4 million" once Wirth got into trouble with the law, and those problems escalated in 2010. In 2012, Wirth was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for tax evasion. Prosecutors said Wirth and his wife paid just $7567 in federal income taxes between 2003 and 2005, despite income of almost $28 million. With Wirth out of the picture, the unfinished Windemere castle was purchased in 2013 for $1,875,000 by local restaurateur Kam Talebi. The Post says he then spent around $5 million to complete the project and make it look mostly the way Wirth originally planned. The builder with whom Wirth originally worked, David Erotas, came on board to help Talebi finish construction. Erotas told Artful Living Magazine in 2013 that Talebi planned to "scale down the interiors—which were admittedly pretty over-the-top, but many of the unusual features he's going to keep." Talebi has now decided to sell the mansion, so if you like the idea of approaching your garage through an underground tunnel with the aforementioned carwash, then you might also love the glass elevator and chandeliers, the marble countertops, and plenty of panoramic windows where you can confirm that the sun also rises over the surrounding lake. There's an outdoor pool, a small movie theater and bar, and a weight room and sauna, along with five bedrooms and nine full bathrooms. All this for the $15 million plus annual property taxes of just over $71,000. It's not that guests are forced to go across the river and into the trees to come visit, but they also don't have to use the carwash tunnel. There's a bridge to a terraced motor court, the Post says, where you can get into the garage from the side. Erotas told the local city council in 2014 that forcing visitors to enter the garage gives the owner the "opportunity to screen the entrance from adjoining properties . . . another consideration was security." Because you never know who might be stopping by to try and snag a free carwash. source

Victorians have spent the last 12 months in the grips of ongoing coronavirus restrictions, relying on often-confusing weekly announcements from Premier Daniel Andrews to learn of the changes in both Metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Below, we've answered some commonly asked questions about Melbourne's latest coronavirus lockdown rules and how they pertain to drivers. If we've missed anything, let us know in the comments section. This article will continue to be updated as new information on restrictions comes to hand. The most recent updates will be highlighted in red below. Do not use this article as official legal advice as individual circumstances may vary. What are the latest COVID lockdown updates for Victoria in May 2021? kilometres of their home. Victorians will only be permitted to leave their residence for five reasons: Food and essential supplies Authorised work Care and caregiving Getting a COVID-19 vaccination Exercising for a maximum of two hours per day, with one other person Masks are required to be worn when not in the home – both indoors and outdoors – and no visitors are allowed in the home unless they are intimate partners. Gatherings and functions are not permitted during this time. Schools will close for the period of the lockdown, though childcare and kindergartens will remain open. Cafes and restaurants are restricted to offering take-away only. At this stage, the seven-day lockdown is expected to be in place until 11:59pm on Thursday 3 June 2021. For more information, you can read the full coverage at 9News. Please note: The following content was last updated in February 2021 and is no longer relevant. What are the latest COVID lockdown updates for Victoria in February 2021? From 11:59pm on Wednesday 17 February 2021, Victoria's snap five-day, Stage Four lockdown will be lifted. The four reasons for leaving home will be removed as will the 5km travel limit. Masks will still be required indoors, and outdoors when a 1.5m distance cannot be maintained. Five people are permitted to visit your home per day and up to 20 people are permitted at public gatherings. Everyone is able to return to work regardless of their industry, with each workplace limited to 50 per cent capacity. Only one household visit per day is permitted at hospitals and care facilities. Schools, retail and hospitality will reopen on Thursday February 18 and religious gatherings and ceremonies can resume. Funerals and weddings have no limits on attendees other than the ones required by the individual venues. For more information, you can read the full coverage at 9News. Please note: The following content was last updated in October 2020 and is no longer relevant. What are the new restrictions for metro Melbourne? From 11:59pm on Tuesday October 27, retail, restaurants, hotels, cafes and bars will be permitted to reopen in metropolitan Melbourne, with a limit of 20 people seated indoors and 50 people outdoors. The four permitted reasons to leave home will be removed but the 25km travel limit remains in place, as does the metropolitan-regional border. Beauty and personal services have been permitted to reopen and outdoor community sport can recommence There is no curfew, and no time limit on leaving home to exercise or see friends and family outdoors. There is also no limit on the amount of times you can leave home in a day. Outdoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people, but these gatherings will no longer be limited to just two households. Premier Daniel Andrews is expected to announce further details on changes to in-home visits on October 27, with a further lifting of restrictions to come on November 8. When can I take a road trip or drive for a weekend away? From November 8, 2020, you will be allowed to travel between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Can I buy a new car from a dealership in metro Melbourne? Yes! From October 28, car dealerships will be permitted to reopen for on-site business. It's not yet clear whether customers will be permitted to test drive cars. The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce recommends "to only allow members of one household to drive a vehicle (no salesperson sitting with them), and to disinfect the vehicle before and after the test drive". What are the new restrictions for regional Victoria? From midnight on October 27, regional Victorians will be able to go to the gym, indoor non-contact sport can re-commence, outdoor religious gatherings can take place for up to 50 people, live music can resume at outdoor venues and food courts can reopen. Face masks are still mandatory, but there are no restrictions on the reasons to leave home or how far you can travel. If you can't work from home, you can go to work. Regional Victorians can meet up outdoors and in public in groups of 10 people, with no limit on the number of households involved, and can have up to two people visit them at home each day (from different households). Can I drive into regional Victoria from metro Melbourne if its within my 25km radius? Only if it's for one of the permitted reasons to leave home. "Travel to regional Victoria is still only allowed for permitted purposes even if this is within 25 kms. This means you cannot travel into regional Victoria for exercise or recreation," the DHHS says. You will be able to travel into regional Victoria from November 8. How far can I travel from my home in metro Melbourne? You can travel anywhere within a 25km radius of your home. Can I visit my holiday house or second property in regional Victoria? Prior to November 8, if you have a second property that is in regional Victoria or is more than 25km away from your place of residence, you may be able to go there if it is for bushfire or flood preparation. From Wednesday October 21st, regional councils can begin issuing fire prevention notices to Melburnians who need to travel to their regional properties to prepare them for bushfires or floods. They will still have to comply with metro Melbourne rules, meaning they cannot dine-in at restaurants, take a holiday or access beauty services. Those from metro Melbourne can only travel to their property if they have a lawful reason and relevant council permit, otherwise they could face fines of just under $5000. Can I get my car washed in metro Melbourne? Yes, automated car washes have reopened and non-automated external car washes are permitted to return to work provided they are contactless and administration offices remain closed. Do I still have to wear a face mask in regional Victoria? Yes, face masks are mandatory for all Victorians when they leave home, regardless of whether they're in regional Victoria or metro Melbourne. Can I take a driving lesson? Professional driving lessons are not permitted and you are not allowed to leave the house purely for the purpose of having a driving lesson or practice. However, licensed drivers who share a household with a learner driver are permitted to take that learner driver out on the road to practise while carrying out one of the permitted reasons to leave the house. For example, when heading to the supermarket, a learner driver is permitted to use this as an opportunity to practise driving. A learner driver is also permitted to drive further than 5km from home with supervision, provided they are carrying out a essential activity, such as travelling to work. Can I get a lift to work or to the supermarket from a friend? If you do not have a driver's licence and don't have access to other forms of transport, you are permitted to accept a lift from someone within your household in order to carry out an essential activity or service. People are able to accept a lift from someone outside their household only if both people are leaving home for a permitted reason, like one person is providing caregiving to an elderly relative by driving them to a medical appointment. What is the penalty for disobeying restrictions? Fines for unlawful gatherings have risen from $1650 to $5000. Individuals face on-the-spot fines of up to $1652, or up to $9913 for businesses, for refusing or failing to comply with the emergency directions, a public health risk direction or a direction by the Deputy Chief Health Officer to provide information. "Fines of up to $20,000 for individuals and $100,000 for businesses are possible through the court system," the DHHS says. The penalty for failing to wear a mask in public is a $200 fine. Can I leave home to inspect a house? Yes, private real estate inspections are permitted to take place provided only one client attends (dependants and partners are also allowed) and no residents are home. Additionally, people inspecting a home to rent or buy are not required to obey the 5km rule, but travel into regional Victoria is not permitted. Can I drive to exercise in metro Melbourne? Yes, you can drive to a location such as a park or running track within 25km of your home to exercise. Can I drive to go shopping with someone from my household? Yes, people in metro Melbourne are permitted to drive to go shopping for food or essential items provided you remain within 25km of your home. There are no longer limits on one person per household going shopping, with multiple members of the same household now permitted to go shopping together. How do I know if I'm a permitted worker? Permitted workers need to carry a Permitted Worker Permit at all times in order to travel for work. What happens if I'm importing a car from overseas? You can still have your vehicle inspected and registered, even if it's coming from overseas. "Vehicle inspections are being carried out contact free and additional cleaning measures are in place to protect staff and customers," a Department of Transport spokesperson said. "Once an imported vehicle clears customs it will need to undergo certification by recognised automotive engineer who is a member of VicRoads’ Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme (VASS). "This is required to ensure that the vehicle meets our Vehicle Standards (incorporating the Australian Design Rules). When a VASS certification, as well as a certificate of roadworthiness is obtained, the vehicle can be presented to VicRoads for a registration inspection. "The majority of VicRoads Customer Service Centres are conducting vehicle inspections, including in metropolitan Melbourne. The wait time for an appointment is generally approximately one day but some sites have longer wait times of around three days. "If you are unwell please do not attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre – stay home and get tested." Can people in regional Victoria travel through metro Melbourne if they don't stop? Yes, regional Victorians can travel through metropolitan Melbourne on their way to another location in regional Victoria. If you stop in metropolitan Melbourne, it must be to obtain essential goods and services, to provide care or for work or study purposes. Can people in regional Victoria travel to their holiday homes? "Yes, if you live in regional Victoria and your second home or property is in regional Victoria then you can travel to your second home and stay there," the DHHS says. "If you live in regional Victoria and your second home or property is in metropolitan Melbourne then you cannot travel or stay at your second property in metropolitan Melbourne. You can only travel to metropolitan Melbourne to carry out emergency maintenance." Can people in regional Victoria go for a drive? Yes, you can go for a drive if you live in regional Victoria. However, "where possible, carrying passengers in your car should be avoided, unless they live in your household or are part of your bubble," the DHHS advises. Can I get my car serviced or repaired if I live in metro Melbourne? Yes, from September 16, any vehicle can be booked in for a scheduled or logbook service, as well as for emergency repairs and recall work in metro Melbourne. Those having their vehicle serviced should still observe the 25km radius rule. For more information on scheduled servicing and repairs, read this article. Can people in regional Victoria travel into metro Melbourne? "You can only travel to metropolitan Melbourne for permitted work, care and compassionate reason, or shopping for food and necessary goods and services," the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) says. "You can only shop in metropolitan Melbourne to buy necessary goods and services such as groceries. If you go to metropolitan Melbourne for shopping for food and necessary goods and services, then the other restrictions that apply to people in metropolitan Melbourne will also apply to you. "You may also travel to metropolitan Melbourne in an emergency or as required by law." Can people in metro Melbourne form a social bubble with people in regional Victoria? No, but if your partner lives in metro Melbourne and you live in regional Victoria, you are permitted to visit each other. "However, if you are visiting your partner in metropolitan Melbourne, you must abide by the First Step restrictions. And if your partner lives in metropolitan Melbourne and visits you in regional Victoria, they must still abide by the First Step restrictions," the DHHS explains. Can I drive from metro Melbourne to regional Victoria to visit someone in my social bubble? "If you live in metropolitan Melbourne you can only form a bubble with someone in metropolitan Melbourne, not regional Victoria," the DHHS explains. Can I drive my partner to work if they are an essential worker? Yes, if the partner is unable to drive themselves. "The worker needs to have an essential worker permit with them and the person driving them can only go from home to drop them off directly, without stopping anywhere in between," the DHHS says. Given Victoria Police are enforcing restrictions, drivers are encouraged to have a copy of their partner's permit with them in order to prove they are carrying out this essential activity. Can I buy a used car? Yes, if the car is a necessary purchase to enable you to work or access essential goods and services. "If you are buying a car through a private sale you can only leave home if it is necessary to buy a car at this time e.g. if you are a permitted worker and need a car to get to work," the DHHS says. "You may be able to purchase a used car if it is necessary to do so, subject to restrictions (e.g. 25km radius from home; only one household member leaving home to obtain necessary goods and services once per day). Otherwise, purchasing a car should be postponed until Stage 4 restrictions ease," the DHHS says. Furthermore, "if you propose to purchase a car from an individual, you must carefully consider whether it is necessary and if so, comply with Victoria’s COVID-19 restrictions such as social distancing and wearing a face covering". "You should not test drive a car if that involves you travelling in a car with someone you do not ordinarily live with," the DHHS adds. Can I book a mobile mechanic? Yes, if they are conducting essential repairs. "VACC’s interpretation of the rules would suggest mobile mechanics can operate if they are carrying out repairs to vehicles where those repairs maintain the health and safety of Victorians at home or work," the VACC says. "They will need a Travel Permit, have a COVID Safe Plan in place and a copy in the vehicle, and the work would have to be undertaken without contact with the customer. They should also sanitise the inside of the vehicle before working on it and again when they have finished working on it." Can I test drive a car? Unfortunately, for the time being, test drives are not permitted under DHHS restrictions. Are parking restrictions still being enforced? Yes – for the most part, parking restrictions such as clearways, permit zones and timed zones are still being enforced by officers. There are some exemptions for certain busy shopping streets in some council areas and for essential healthcare workers. It's best to contact your local council for updates. Can I drive to collect takeaway food? Yes, but only if you are collecting it from a location within 25km of your home. Can I drive to visit my partner? "Yes. If you and your partner live in different homes, you can still visit your partner," the DHHS says. Can I drive my children to another home as part of a shared custody arrangement? "You are permitted to leave the house to take children from one parent’s home to the other parent’s home," the DHHS says. Do I have to wear a mask in the car? "If you are in the car alone or with someone from your household, you do not need to wear a face covering," the DHHS says. However, "you should put your face covering on before you leave your car. If you are driving your car for work, such as deliveries, or with people from outside your household then you are required to wear a face covering." Can I have passengers in my car? "Where possible, carrying passengers in your car should be avoided, unless they live in your household. The enclosed space of a car presents a heightened risk of transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19)," the DHHS says. Can I drive to the supermarket with someone in my household? No. "Only one person per household can leave home to get necessary goods and services and only once a day (this means you can’t do multiple shopping trips in a day," the DHHS says. "You should limit the time you spend away from home. If you are unable to leave home because it would mean leaving a young child or at-risk person at home unattended then they may accompany you." Can I drive to get fuel? Yes. Fuel is classified as a "necessary good or service" under restriction guidelines. "You should get petrol as close to home as possible. If you are travelling beyond 25km from your home for a permitted reason, such as work, care or caregiving or medical care you can attend the nearest petrol station," the DHHS says. If you're worried, some fuel stations are providing driveway service, meaning you can fill up without leaving the car. Can I travel over the NSW border by car? No. NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said roads will be monitored at all NSW border crossings using both police road blocks and drones or other aerial surveillance measures. The penalty for disobeying the border restrictions is an $11,000 fine and six months in jail. Can I travel over the South Australia border by car? No. As of midnight on July 8, 2020, South Australia's border with Victoria was closed to anyone other than returning residents or those granted a special exemption for essential travel. Can I take public transport? Yes, if you're travelling to complete an essential service or activity. "Stay 1.5 metres from others you don’t live with where possible while using public transport and wash or sanitise your hands before and after using public transport. If you travel on a busy route, consider travelling outside of peak times to reduce crowding," the DHHS advises. Can I take an Uber or Taxi? Yes, but only if you're carrying out one of the four approved activities. "Where possible, maintain physical distancing by sitting in the back seat, and wash or sanitise your hands before and after getting in the vehicle," the DHHS says. Source

The 2021 Genesis GV80 SUV and Genesis G80 luxury sedan have both scored five star safety results following the most recent round of crash tests. The Genesis GV80 shot to international fame earlier this year by accident, after golf star Tiger Woods crashed a promotional vehicle in California. Although the crash test assessments of both Genesis vehicles were done by European NCAP, the scores carry over with the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). The results were for 2.5-litre petrol and 3.0-litre diesel variants of the Genesis GV80 and 2.5-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel variants of the Genesis G80 sedan. The twin turbo V6 petrol models of both vehicles are “unrated,” however they are equipped with the same advanced safety systems and share the same body structures as their five-star stablemates. The Genesis twins are among the few high end luxury cars tested by Euro NCAP and Australian NCAP, which historically have focused on mass-market mainstream cars sold in vastly greater numbers. The expansion into the luxury sector indicates the safety bodies will begin to test a broader range of vehicles in future. While both Genesis vehicles scored well in all key areas – and both models are equipped with a centre airbag between the front seats – the safety authority highlighted the introduction of one piece of technology that was included on the vehicles, even it is not yet part of the five-star scoring criteria. “The Genesis GV80 also gives consumers some insight into ANCAP’s future plans,” ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg said in a media statement. All variants of the Genesis twins are equipped as standard with a Child Presence Detection system, technology which reminds drivers to check the back seat for sleeping kids once the vehicle is parked, rather than risk accidentally leaving them in a locked car. Such technology is also being rolled out on mainstream models and more affordable family cars from a number of automotive brands. “While this feature is not yet scored as part of the official ANCAP rating process, it paves the way for a new aspect we’ll be introducing from 2023,” said Ms Hoorweg. source

Volkswagen Group has declined an offer of AU$11.8 billion (US$9.2B) to sell the Lamborghini brand. According to British magazine Autocar, Volkswagen Group subsidiary Audi – charged with managing Lamborghini – has shown no interest in the idea. Whispers of the supercar manufacturer's sale persisted throughout late 2020, with industry insiders suggesting Volkswagen Group was preparing to offload both Lamborghini and Ducati, before the rumours were officially put to bed in December. "There is agreement on the Board that Lamborghini and Ducati will remain part of the Volkswagen Group," a statement from the car giant read at the time. Together with a British investment firm, the Swiss Quantum Group put forward the US$9.2 billion offer. Quantum boss Rea Stark Rajcic founded company Piech Automotive with Anton Piech – son of Volkswagen patriarch Ferdinand Piech. The company debuted an electric sports car at the Geneva motor show in 2019. In late 2019, business news outlet Bloomberg reported the Lamborghini brand was valued at US$11 billion (AU$14B). "This is not the subject of any discussion within the group," an Audi spokesperson told news outlet Automotive News Europe this week. "Lamborghini is not for sale." source

A substantial number of businesses are taking high risks when it comes to compliance and employee safety, according to research by LeasePlan. A survey of 500 fleet decision makers found that while the vast majority of those who manage their business's fleet are aware that a company vehicle policy is a legal requirement, a third (33%) don't have a policy in place. LeasePlan said managing work-related road safety risk is a legal requirement for all businesses, and for employees driving for work, this should include checking drivers' licenses, organising driver training, vehicle maintenance, and updating a company's vehicle policy. But the survey found that only 41% of businesses always act on potential issues of fleet performance. And despite 85% of businesses having more staff than usual working from home in the past 12 months, one in five (22%) haven't reviewed their fleet policies to take new ways of working into consideration. Fleet decision makers reported an average of 11.17 accidents a year involving vehicles in their fleets, with the average cost of vehicle repair after an accident coming in at over £3,800. With 29% averaging the cost of vehicle repair at £5,000 or more, there is a clear correlation between managing risk and the legal and financial ramifications on a business. Commenting on the findings, Chris Black, commercial director at LeasePlan UK, said: "Vehicle fleets have provided a vital safety line throughout the pandemic by helping to keep our essential workers mobile. During this time, many businesses have had to make significant changes to their fleet function, and as such, existing company fleet policies may be out of date. This naturally presents a safety risk to a company's employees, as well as the general public, so it's important that those operating fleet do their due diligence. "Our approach to risk management is about using innovative thinking to identify, manage and minimise risks, not just for today, but for the risks of the future. LeasePlan has pioneered the use of technology to record driver behaviour, identify potential risks and improve driver training and performance, all to ensure that employees and their vehicles can be kept on the road safely." Reducing fleet risk comes third in a list of aims that businesses have for their fleets in 2021, behind reducing cost and becoming more sustainable. Yet managing fleet risk has the potential to impact both these first two aims if managed properly. Considering that our research found that telematics are only being utilised by 35% of businesses that are monitoring their fleet performance, there is clearly work to be done. Black added: "While many businesses will manage an issue after it happens, we believe it's imperative that those managing fleets address potential risks proactively. We understand the multiple facets involved in this, so we have created a suite of fleet risk management tools to help guide fleet managers. We hope our end-to-end approach to risk management will help those managing fleets navigate the complexity and ensure they have the right health and safety policies in place." source

Price and specification details for the new Renault Arkana have been confirmed, with orders open from today (26 May). The model supplements the Captur and Kadjar in the Renault SUV range and comes with a E-Tech 145 full hybrid or TCe 140 'micro hybrid' powertrains. The former commands a £1,000 price premium over the latter, but offers a more favourable BIK tax position with CO2 emissions ranging from 111-112g/km compared with 131-133g/km for the TCe 140. The TCe 140 has a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the E-Tech 145 has a similar set-up to the Clio E-Tech, using a 1.6-lite petrol engine with a CVT auto. Available in Iconic, S Edition and RS Line equipment grades, the Arkana features Easy Link touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple Carplay capability, diamond-cut alloy wheels and full LED lighting technology as standard. Tinted windows, chrome trim on the wing badging, 3D rear LED lighting and 17in diamond-cut 'Bahamas' alloy wheels feature on entry-level Iconic models, plus body-colour door handles with chrome and black lower door protection, 7in Easy Link touchscreen, cloth seats and synthetic leather-covered steering wheel. S Edition models come with 18in 'Pasadena' alloy wheels with a diamond-cut finish, rear privacy glass and slate grey satin front and rear skid plates 9.3in portrait-oriented touchscreen and part-leather seat trim. Range-topping RS Line specification has unique front bumpers featuring full-width Formula One-inspired aerodynamic front blade and honeycomb grille, dark gun metal front and rear skid plates, RS Line wing trim, gloss black door mirrors and window trim, and body-coloured door handles with lower door protection finished in black and gun metal, while seats have a leather and suede effect as well as red stitching. Renault Arkana full pricing (OTR) Iconic TCe 140 £25,300 Iconic E-Tech 145 £26,300 S Edition TCe 140 £27,600 S Edition E-Tech 140 £28,600 RS Line TCe 140 £29,900 RS Line E-Tech 145 £30,900 source

Two years before Rossano Brazzi met a fiery end behind the wheel of a Miura in The Italian Job, this Lamborghini Miura was delivered to its first owner, Mr Thomas Cook. Yes, that one. Not only was this car owned by a world-famous travel company boss, but it was also the first right-hand drive (guida destra) Miura, something that earned it the responsibility of being Lamborghini's London motor show car. It's properly famous, appearing in black and white pics as suited and booted onlookers drooled over it. Interestingly, chassis 3198 was originally finished with a blue over white paint scheme for its appearance at 'Salone Londra', but Cook had ordered it to come in the Rosso Miura with silver shown here. It was sent back to the factory after its 1967 motor show reveal and refinished in Cook's spec, which included Nero trim with Nero wheel spinners that, by coincidence, make it almost an identical match to the movie car that came two years after. Only the spinners are in the wrong colour. A quick rattle can job could fix that. There's no question about it, this example has been maintained like the star it began life as, moving from collection to collection and bringing a full suite of history and paperwork with it. It was even inspected by none other than Valentino Balboni in the early noughties, earning it factory certification and no doubt the added value to go with it. The owner at the time went on to display the car in the Rotunda of the Royal Automobile Club in 2010, so its existence has remained glamourous throughout. Following that, the car was mechanically refreshed in 2013, before being fully restored in 2018-19. Hence it looks factory fresh right now, 54 years after it was built. And, somewhat against the odds given its status, this car has managed to accrue 62,000 miles. Not loads for a car from 1967, granted, but given that most cars with this sort of story end up stationary in a collection, it's not a bad effort. Perhaps it's included a few jaunts up the Italian Alps. Apparently, engine, gearbox and chassis numbers are all matching, and we'd bet that most (if not all) of the 3.9-litre V12's original 355 horses are still present and correct thanks to the recent work. Many still consider the Miura to be the world's first true supercar, and it's easy to see why. This is a road car that's capable of 172mph, which must have seemed frighteningly fast in the sixties. Of course, what has ensured this car bears a £1.4m asking price is its story - it's a fantastic piece of Lamborghini history. But this being a Miura, it's only about mid-table value-wise in the PH classifieds, with another '67 car, a P400 S with only 24k on the clock, on offer for a quarter of a million less. An SV can still command two million. Wherever it ends up next and whatever it costs the next owner, expect the P400 to continue living the high life; a Miura was never intended for anything less. source

Chevy is updating the Blazer lineup for 2022 with new colors and options. There's no more base L model, meaning a turbo 2.0-liter four is the new standard engine. A 308-hp 3.6-liter V-6 is optional on LT and Premier models and standard on the RS. The Chevy Blazer enters 2022 with a few more color options and one fewer engine choice. The base L model is no longer part of the lineup, meaning its 193-hp naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four isn't offered anymore. A 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four now serves as the base powertrain, with a 308-hp 3.6-liter V-6 available as an option. The 2022 Blazer lineup now starts off with the 2LT, which has the 2.0T engine, front-wheel drive, and a nine-speed automatic. The better-equipped 3LT offers the V-6 as an option, as does the loaded Premier (pictured in silver), which looks a bit different this year thanks to some exterior trim updates. All-wheel drive is an option for all trim levels. The sporty-ish RS comes standard with the V-6 and offers a new two-tone paint option with a black roof (pictured in red). This two-tone look is also newly optional with certain appearance packages on the LT. Other new color options include Nitro Yellow metallic and Blue Glow metallic, but Chevy has yet to release photos of those hues. We also don't have pricing for the 2022 Blazer yet, but we expect its base price to go up considerably. The 2021 Blazer L started at $29,995 but the 2022 model's base price should be closer to the 2021 Blazer LT's $34,595 starting cost. source

The 2022 BMW M4 lineup will include this convertible with all-wheel drive, which will be available in the U.S. this fall. It will be available only in Competition trim and, with 503 horsepower, offers 59 hp more than previous Competition models. The 2022 M4 Competition Convertible xDrive will start just under $88,000. BMW is launching the next iteration of a favorite. The droptop M4 returns, with more power, all-wheel drive, and a clumsy model designation: meet the 2022 BMW M4 Competition Convertible xDrive. Competitively priced at $87,295, it will come to the U.S. shortly after production starts this September. While the M4 coupe and the M3 can also be ordered with a six-speed manual transmission and a slightly detuned engine, the convertible comes exclusively as the uplevel Competition version, which bumps the power rating of the S58 3.0-liter straight-six to 503 horsepower. Maximum torque is rated at 479 pound-feet, served up from 2750 to 5500 rpm. The engine redlines at 7200 rpm, down from the previous model's 7600 rpm. The power is channeled to all four wheels via a ZF-sourced 8HP eight-speed automatic transmission; sixth gear is the direct drive. This gearbox replaces the previous model's seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The sprint from zero to 60 mph takes just 3.6 seconds. Top speed is rated at 155 mph and can be raised to 174 mph, both electronically limited. There is no more manual transmission; the row-it-yourself box is mated to the less powerful M4 and M3 versions that are not available as a convertible. While all-wheel drive is standard, the rear-biased system can shift the torque with extreme swiftness, and it is also possible to disconnect the front axle altogether, turning the M4 convertible into a pure rear-driver. Like on the M3 and the M4 coupe, the M4 convertible receives massive upgrades from the regular 3- and 4-series, including interlinked strut towers, a strengthened front subframe, a unique front axle, and specific steering and braking systems. Altogether, the changes from regular 4-series to M4 are less radical than on the predecessor. BMW claims this is because the base model is better. We also suspect it saved some money. Six-piston front and single-piston rear compound brakes are standard, and a ceramic brake system is optional. The M4 Convertible is fitted with 275/35ZR-19 front and 285/30ZR-20 rear tires. There is an interesting optional M Drive Professional package which, according to the press release, "helps the driver to make consistent progress in pursuit of the ideal line and the perfect lap." t basically allows you to stay on the throttle during a drift, but we found it unhelpful and actually needed to "unlearn" the throttle modulation we typically use to keep a drift. Skip the option if you are a pro. Another option we'd skip is the Driving Assistant Professional package, helpful only if you tend to divert your attention from driving to your phone, et cetera. It is an unnerving bundle of nanny systems that thankfully is not mandatory on the M4. (The Active Driving Assistant with its lane-departure warning is bad enough.) The optional head-up display, on the other hand, is a very welcome feature. We'd also opt for the fantastic M Carbon bucket seats. Big news on the M4 convertible is the new fabric top, which offers virtually all advantages of the previous model's weather-tight, four-season retractable hard top but weighs less and looks better. And the other news is the front-end styling, abhorred by some but (secretly) approved by others. We think it fits the aggressive character of the M4, and we sure hope you live in a state without a front-end license plate requirement. The imminent demise of the Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabrio and the fact that there is no Audi RS5 Cabriolet means that the M4 convertible occupies a rather solitary position in the market, since the Porsche 911 Cabriolet is significantly more expensive. source

Ford announced that it will soon offer an electric version of the Explorer SUV, as part of a plan to make EVs 40 percent of the Ford lineup by 2030. At a financial presentation today, the automaker also said that it is currently developing new electric platforms that support rear- or all-wheel-drive vehicles. One of them is for "rugged SUVs," and we think it's for an electric Bronco. The Ford Explorer, the best-selling three-row SUV in America, is getting an electric model, Ford announced today. The Explorer will join the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover, the E-Transit electric van, and the recently revealed F-150 Lightning pickup truck in Ford's growing electric lineup, which Ford says will account for 40 percent of its total offerings by 2030. Ford also announced that new rear- and all-wheel-drive flexible electric-vehicle platforms are in development for a new full-size pickup and other pickups, cargo vehicles, and rugged SUVs. With Ford dedicated to electrifying its iconic nameplates, the "rugged SUV" is almost certainly an electric version of the new Bronco off-road SUV. A hybrid version of the Bronco is coming, too, Ford previously said. There aren't currently any other new mid-size three-row electric SUVs on the horizon, although Tesla has offered a third-row option in its Model X and Model Y, but they're extremely small. The Rivian R1S is expected sometime this year but isn't out yet. The Explorer is currently available with a 300-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 making 365 or 400 horsepower, or a hybrid 3.3-liter V-6. Since the new F-150 Lightning electric pickup looks similar to the gasoline-powered trucks, we expect the electric Explorer to take a similar approach. The F-150 Lightning's interior is similar to the gas version, too, but the higher trims have a larger 15.5-inch touchscreen powered by Ford's Sync 4A infotainment system (also found in the Mustang Mach-E), which should make its way into these future electrics from Ford. Ford didn't say when we'll be seeing its upcoming electric vehicles, only that more details will be shared later. The F-150 Lightning's base price is in line with the similarly equipped gas version, and we could expect the same for the forthcoming electric Explorer. The Ford Explorer currently starts at $33,920. source

PlayStation Plus subscribers will get access to three games in June: Electronic Arts’ Star Wars: Squadrons, Sega’s recently announced Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown, and Clever Plays’ Operation: Tango for PlayStation 5. Sony Interactive Entertainment announced Wednesday that the trio of PS Plus freebies will be available to download starting June 1. Star Wars: Squadrons, developed by EA’s Motive studio, is a starfighter combat sim set in the Star Wars galaxy. Players pilot starships on both the Imperial and New Republic side, battling in deathmatch-style multiplayer and a team-based mode called Fleet Battles. Star Wars: Squadrons also includes a single-player campaign, during which players see both sides of the post-Return of the Jedi conflict. Squadrons supports PlayStation VR on PlayStation 4. Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown is an update to Sega’s flagship fighting game series. The latest version updates the 3D fighting game’s visuals and online features, and it includes a roster of 20 playable characters. Ultimate Showdown will make its PlayStation 4 debut via PlayStation Plus and will be available to PS Plus members until Monday, Aug. 2. Operation: Tango is a cooperative spy game for two players who take on the roles of Agent and Hacker, working to “infiltrate, investigate, and eradicate the forces threatening the free world.” Both players need a working microphone to play, as Operation: Tango requires voice chat to play properly. PS Plus subscribers can download the PS5 version of the game. May’s PlayStation Plus games (Battlefield 5, Wreckfest, and Stranded Deep) are still available to download through Monday, May 31. source

For the second year in a row, Blizzard Entertainment is throwing in the towel on an in-person BlizzCon, the company’s annual fan gathering. This year’s planned event has already been scrapped, Blizzard said in an announcement on Wednesday, citing “ongoing complexities and uncertainties of the pandemic.” In place of BlizzCon 2021, Blizzard plans to hold a “global event” sometime in early 2022 that will include “smaller in-person gatherings.” “Building an in-person BlizzCon is an epic and complex affair that takes many months of preparation—not just for us, but also for the many talented production partners, esports pros, hosts, entertainers, artists, and other collaborators we team up with locally and globally to put all of the pieces together,” Saralyn Smith, executive producer of BlizzCon, said on the event’s official website. “The ongoing complexities and uncertainties of the pandemic have impacted our ability to properly move forward on many of these fronts, and ultimately we’re now past the point where we’d be able to develop the kind of event we’d want to create for you in November. “But we don’t want to let too long go by before we connect with everyone again. So in the meantime, we’re planning a global event for the early part of next year, combining an online show along the lines of our recent BlizzConline with smaller in-person gatherings, and we’ll share more as our plans come together.” Blizzard canceled last year’s BlizzCon exactly one year ago today. The game developer and publisher held BlizzConline instead in February. The two-day online-only event featured many of the same types of game announcements, developer panels, and community-focused showcases seen at typical BlizzCon events. BlizzCon is typically held in November at the Anaheim Convention Center near Blizzard’s headquarters in Irvine, California. The fan convention was first held in 2005. Blizzard Entertainment’s currently announced game lineup includes Overwatch 2, Diablo 4, Diablo Immortal, and Diablo 2: Resurrected. source

Microsoft will hold its E3 2021 games showcase on Sunday, June 13 at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT, the company announced Wednesday. The event — which Microsoft is calling the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase — will be streamed live on Xbox’s Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook channels. In an announcement on Microsoft’s Xbox Wire, general manager of Xbox games marketing Aaron Greenberg said the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase will focus “on games from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, and many game creators from our partners around the world.” Greenberg further teased that viewers will learn “everything you want to know about the epic gaming lineup coming out of this partnership, the incredible games coming to Xbox this holiday, upcoming releases on Xbox Game Pass, and more.” Microsoft’s announced game lineup from its Xbox Game Studios includes Halo Infinite from 343 Industries, Everwild from Rare, Avowed from Obsidian Entertainment, Perfect Dark from The Initiative, Fable from Playground Games, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 from Ninja Theory, and a new Forza Motorsport from Turn 10 Studios. Bethesda Softworks is also working on Starfield and The Elder Scrolls 6. source

More than 350,000 Call of Duty accounts have been banned for “racist names or toxic behavior” on Call of Duty: Warzone, Black Ops Cold War, Modern Warfare, and Call of Duty: Mobile, according to a post from the series’ developers on Wednesday. The bans have taken place over the past 12 months and were based on “player-submitted reports and an extensive review of our player-name database,” the post said. “We are committed to delivering a fun gameplay experience for all of our players. There’s no place for toxic behavior, hate speech or harassment of any kind in our games or our society,” the report said. In addition to the bans, the team said that it has implemented new in-game filters to catch “potentially offensive user-names, clan tags or profiles” and to “filter potentially offensive text chat.” source