The economic issues surrounding the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in the US, including their cost, convenience, and environmental impact, are outlined in a recent episode of the Heritage Foundation's Heritage Explains podcast. The Biden administration's new regulations requiring EVs to represent at least 54% of all new vehicles sold in 2030 will have an adverse economic impact on the country, the podcast's guest speaker warned. Furthermore, the reliance on China for EV production will make it economically stronger while weakening the US economy. Trillions of dollars would, therefore, be wasted on EV production to benefit China, which makes solar panels, wind turbines, and electric batteries.
This week Toyota revealed its all-new fourth-generation Tacoma mid-sized pick-up truck which is more powerful with two powertrains and packed full of AI driver's assistance and software. It is more rugged with outstanding grunt: the two engines create 310 and 317 lb-ft of torque respectively, up from the 265 of the older truck, and a hybrid motor in the more powerful version. It's probably more fuel-efficient, though official figures haven't been released yet. The all-new overlander with the hybrid engine is called the i-ForceMax, and this is only available with the automatic transmission. Grades are broken down into the basic two-door truck (SR5), three different TRD models designed for fast off-roading, a luxurious, road-focussed version (Limited), and an all-new Trailhunter. The Trailhunter is designed for round-the-world adventurers who want to travel and camp in remote areas. The road-oriented Limited has an adaptive variable suspension, while the three TRDs come with various grades of sport-tuned shocks.
The Parole Board of Canada has granted day parole to Amir Abdulrahman, who was sentenced to five years for manslaughter in the death of Calgary police officer Andrew Harnett. Harnett was dragged by a fleeing SUV while Abdulrahman was a passenger and trying to get away from Harnett. The parole board denied full parole for Abdulrahman, but decided to let him spend six months in a halfway house because he was at a low risk of reoffending and had shown regret and remorse for his actions. Abdulrahman cannot have contact with Harnett's family and the police division where he worked, nor can he use drugs.
Daihatsu has identified misconduct in its crash tests for a hybrid SUV model sold in Japan. The Rocky small SUV, which is also sold under the name Raize by parent company Toyota, has had shipments and sales suspended. Daihatsu has not yet decided on whether to conduct a recall. The crisis follows similar bad news in Europe, the US and elsewhere, which forced Japan's transport ministry to toughen scrutiny of car makers introducing new models. Earlier this year, Nissan, Subaru and Mazda were censured for improper testing.
Maserati has launched the new Grecale compact sports utility vehicle (SUV), priced at up to £107,605 ($152,303) for the Trofeo variant, which features an over 500-horsepower engine based on that of the MC20 model. The Grecale range also includes the Throphy's lesser-equipped GT and Modena versions. The Grecale is manufactured at the Cassino plant in Italy, alongside sister models such as Alfa Romeo's Stelvio SUV. The Trofeo variant is expected to be a limited-edition release, with 99 deliveries anticipated annually in the UK.
Despite the Trofeo’s high price point, reviewers suggest the vehicle offers a more understated aesthetic and emphasis on performance than Maserati traditionally trades on. However, the vehicle is still finished with premium touches such as artisanal touches to the interior and rear trident badge detailing. The Grecale is also equipped with a 21-speaker immersive Sonus Faber sound system. The vehicle is intended to compete with similarly positioned SUVs such as the Porsche Macan, Mercedes GLC Coupe and Range Rover Velar.
Maserati is considered to be Stellantis’ most upscale brand following its merger with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The company is also expected to release an all-battery EV version of the Grecale named the Folgore. Expanding its EV offering is considered integral if the company is to comply with forthcoming European emission standards.
Blasting through the desert in Lamborghini’s new off-road supercar
CNN
23-05-20 11:32
The $273,000 Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato, developed for both on- and off-road driving, has begun production after the idea for the dirt-loving supercar emerged from a casual conversation among Lamborghini engineers, who first made a prototype. With all-wheel-drive, three driving modes and protection underneath the nose via an aluminium shield, the Sterrato's raised ride, fender flares and roof air intake to help keep the engine breathing mark it out as a step up from Lamborghini’s normal supercars. Orders are already in place for all 1,499 Huracán Sterratos built, which can currently go up to $380,000 in cost.
As the number of people who die in mass killings in the U.S. continues to rise, thousands more are left to handle the trauma of losing someone they love to a senseless act of violence. Wednesday 15th of June saw families in Uvalde, Texas, have to face that one-year anniversary - transporting them back to the day when a gunman entered Robb Elementary School and fatally shot 19 children and two teachers as they gathered to celebrate the end of the school year. Some cope with the pain by throwing a party to get through the pain, others prefer to be completely alone. Many fall somewhere in the middle, adopting little rituals to help get them through the day. They all struggle with the same question, sometimes after many years have passed: what do I do with myself on the date that changed everything? A hint of fall hung in the air on September 12th, the day Damone Presley threw a party to mark the day his daughter and three friends were killed in Minnesota. He wanted to think about who his daughter was rather than how she died.
With gas at $2.63 a litre, northern Quebec village looks to alternatives
CBC
23-05-21 11:00
The Whapmagoostui First Nation in Quebec is planning to build a band-owned gas station on category 1a lands, providing a service to the growing transportation market in the community that is shifting away from traditional snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles to vans and trucks. The station would also provide drivers with a tax exemption on gas and diesel, which is not currently available at the only public gas station owned by the Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec, located in the neighbouring community of Kuujjuarapik. The band also hopes to add a vehicle repair shop to the gas station to service the local market.
Alton Mills, a convicted drug dealer who was granted clemency by former US President Barack Obama in 2015, has been charged with attempted first-degree murder for his alleged part in a shooting that left a woman with traumatic brain injuries. Mills had been given a life sentence in 1996. He allegedly fired three bullets following an altercation between two sets of vehicles outside a nightclub near Chicago. Doctors have said the victim is not expected to recover. Mills was arrested at his home after further shootings were reported and a car chase was undertaken.
Gunmen in Baja California, Mexico attacked participants of an off-roading event, leaving at least ten people dead and a further nine wounded. Although authorities are attributing the massacre to organised criminal groups, no one has claimed responsibility. Various sources have suggested that the killings were in connection to an ongoing turf war between drug cartels in the area. Videos and photos of the incident have been shared on social media sites, although they have yet to be independently verified. The FCO warns British tourists that they should avoid areas of Mexico which they consider high risk, including Baja California. In recent years, there has been a series of gang-related killings throughout the region, which have resulted in many innocent bystanders being caught in the crossfire.
