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Sooner or later, massive smokey burnouts will not merely burn rubber if tires from Continental are concerned. The worldwide producer is engaged on a plan to make tires fully out of sustainable, recycled supplies by 2050, however merely grinding up outdated tires to make new ones will not be sufficient. That is the place plastic bottles, dandelions, and rice husks are available in. Wait, what?

Pure rubber is sourced from particular timber within the type of latex, and that may proceed to be a key ingredient for producing tires sooner or later. Nonetheless, it will likely be supplemented by different plant-based sources akin to dandelions, that are additionally a supply of rubber. Silica can be utilized in tire manufacturing and performs a job in numerous elements of efficiency, from grip to rolling resistance. Typically sourced from quartz sand, plant-based oils could be a silica complement. Rice husks left over from rice manufacturing are an excellent supply of silica, with Continental saying the husks are a extra energy-efficient answer for manufacturing.

As for plastic bottles, Continental can use them to create a polyester yarn used for the tire casing. Relying on the bottle dimension, between 9 and 15 bottles could possibly be recycled for one tire. As with the Rice husks, Continental says utilizing the bottles is a extra energy-efficient different for capturing polyester wanted for manufacturing. This course of is already getting used on the firm for some tire casings. After which there’s the method of recycling outdated tires, separating rubber, metal, and cords in what Continental says is a “extremely subtle course of.”

In principle, the results of all these efforts will probably be tires created from 100-percent recycled or sustainably sourced supplies. In line with Continental, such supplies already account for between 15 and 20 % of contemporary tires.

“Continental is on the street towards changing into probably the most progressive producer within the tire trade by way of sustainability,” stated Continental’s Head of Sustainability Claus Petschick. “We purpose to make use of 100 % sustainable supplies in our tire merchandise by 2050 on the newest. Our progressive energy permits us to interrupt new and much more sustainable floor. This encompasses all the things from the origin and sourcing of our supplies by means of to the reuse and recycling of our tires.”

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Enjoyable-to-drive vehicles don’t have to interrupt the piggy financial institution. Whereas customers are flocking towards crossovers and SUVs, automakers are nonetheless providing reasonably priced sedans with guide gearboxes and turbocharged engines. A brand new video from the Sam CarLegion YouTube channel takes three such vehicles – the Subaru WRX, Hyundai Elantra N, and Honda Civic Si – to the observe to see which is the drag racing celebrity.

Powering the Hyundai is the model’s turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine. It produces 276 horsepower (205 kilowatts) and 298 pound-feet (404 Newton-meters) of torque, with a six-speed guide sitting between the engine and the entrance wheels. It weighs 3,208 kilos (1,455 kilograms).

The Honda Civic Si has a a lot smaller 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s additionally down on energy, making 200 hp (149 kW) and 192 lb-ft (260 Nm) of torque. It’s the lightest of the bunch at 2,981 lbs (1,352 kg) whereas that includes a six-speed guide gearbox channeling energy to the entrance wheels.

A brand new Subaru WRX can also be battling it out with the Honda and Hyundai, but it surely’s not inventory. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine makes 271 hp (202 kW) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) from the manufacturing unit, however a tune provides 70 hp (52 kW) and 50 lb-ft (67 Nm) of torque, giving the automotive a large benefit over the opposite two. And that’s along with the Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system, which receives energy from the engine by a six-speed guide. It’s the heaviest, too, at 3,297 lbs (1,487 kg).

The Subaru’s further energy and all-wheel drive made it unbeatable within the first three races from a dig. The Civic’s lack of energy saved it on the again, with the Hyundai splitting the distinction for second place. Nevertheless, it completed a lot nearer to the WRX than it did to the Honda.

The trio then competed in a pair of rolling races. The primary one noticed the Elantra N eke out its solely victory, beating the Subaru to the end line. The ultimate rolling race from 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour) noticed the Subaru and Hyundai cross the end line on the similar time. The rolling begin neutered the Subaru’s all-wheel-drive benefit.

Ford has filed a second patent software for roof-mounted airbags aimed toward providing added crash safety to automobile occupants.

The automaker filed a patent software with america Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) in 2021 (it was printed in late 2022) displaying roof-mounted airbags that deploy from a automobile’s headliner and encompass the occupants. Now a second software has appeared displaying an identical idea.

Printed on Jan. 26, 2023, this second patent software focuses on airbags that might cowl the area between the entrance seats and dashboard. In contrast to the earlier software, which described elaborate spherical enclosures that will drop down from the headliner and blanket occupants, this model exhibits a less complicated curtain-like airbag that will deploy in entrance of the motive force and front-seat occupant.

Whereas the applying appears to give attention to a front-row use case, it looks as if this design might be used within the second- and third rows as nicely. Ford even exhibits the inside of a three-row automobile in one of many accompanying drawings.

In contrast to the earlier model, although, this design appears much less particularly aimed toward autonomous autos, one thing Ford talked about within the first patent software. That software additionally depicted roof-mounted airbags in a automobile with inboard-facing seats, one thing we’re not seeing right here. Ford has curtailed its autonomous-driving analysis considerably for the reason that first software was printed, together with ending funding in Argo AI.

This second software would possibly symbolize an try and re-tool the know-how for standard autos, then. Ford remains to be engaged on this, having additionally filed a patent software for an exterior airbag system that will deploy from behind a automobile’s grille throughout collisions. It stays to be seen if any of those novel airbag methods will attain manufacturing, nevertheless.

We by no means get uninterested in watching movies of automobiles crashing, rolling away, or inflicting different mayhem on YouTube. Perhaps it is as a result of we’re voyeurs of different individuals’s misfortune or need reassurance that we’re not the one ones who do boneheaded issues. Both approach, the movies present an amusing distraction or a much-needed snicker. 

Right here we see yet one more supply driver overlook to set his parking brake. It begins to slowly roll away nearly instantly after he retrieves a package deal and nonchalantly walks in the direction of the woman getting out of her Jaguar. He appears to wave at her. Maybe they exchanged pleasantries, commenting in regards to the climate, which coated every part in a light-weight dusting of frost and snow. 

What makes this video particularly humorous is the woman’s response, or lack thereof, because the Ford Transit supply van begins to roll away. Perhaps she assumed another person was within the van and was shifting it down the road. Perhaps her morning espresso hadn’t kicked in but, or she was intently centered on the package deal. Maybe the package deal was one thing she was ready on. Or maybe, it is one thing she does not bear in mind ordering, a part of a semi-conscious late-night procuring spree on Amazon. 

However earlier than the supply van rolls out of sight, the driving force notices it quietly creeping down the hill. He springs into motion, slipping, sliding, and making an incredible one-handed restoration to stay on his toes. The lady follows, package deal nonetheless in hand, as she joins the pursuit. Lastly, the automobile’s different occupant emerges to observe the scene because it unfolds. 

Sadly, we do not get to see this incident’s dramatic conclusion. Does our hero attain the van in time to cease it? Or does the supply van crash right into a parked automobile, or gentle publish, or gently roll to a cease on the backside of the hill? What was within the package deal? Additionally, is the woman sporting pajamas or leggings? These are mysteries we’ll by no means resolve. 

The Tremendous Bowl is that this Sunday, and automakers are gearing as much as air their huge commercials. Jeep will be a part of the fray this 12 months, with the automaker releasing a brief teaser video of its commercial.

Sadly, the quick clip doesn’t reveal a lot of what we’ll see. As a substitute, what’s offered is take a look at footage that exhibits a director making an attempt to persuade a flamingo to spin in the other way. It didn’t pay attention, persevering with to spin with out pause, as animals are inclined to do no matter they need. The teaser then fades to black, telling audiences to “Get able to boogie woogie” on February 12. Jeep posted the clip to Twitter with the caption, “Not each animal made the minimize for our Large Recreation advert,” suggesting there will likely be different animals starring in its industrial.

 

The one different tidbit of information within the advert is on the backside, which reads, “Mission Title: Jeep 4xe Large Recreation.” Jeep makes use of the 4xe designation on its hybrid automobiles, so we’ll probably see a few of these fashions highlighted throughout the commercial. Jeep at present presents the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe in its US lineup.

This week, Jeep launched a brand new Rubicon 20th Anniversary version mannequin that’s accessible on the Wrangler 4xe. It’s additionally accessible on the non-hybrid Wrangler 392. Nonetheless, the improve package deal is identical whatever the powertrain. The Jeep receives a half-inch suspension raise and beadlock-capable wheels, however a Stage II upfit from American Expedition Automobiles provides 37-inch off-road tires, off-road lights, a winch, skid plates, and extra. Jeep will solely supply 150 Stage II improve kits.

The automaker plans to affect each mannequin in its lineup by 2025, which is rapidly approaching. Jeep additionally has plans to launch its first totally electrical mannequin, which it might reveal someday this 12 months because it’s anticipated to go on sale someday in 2024. Nonetheless, automakers proceed to face large manufacturing hurdles, like ongoing provide chain snafus, that would delay or disrupt product schedules.

The Jeep industrial will air throughout the huge sport this Sunday. We don’t know what the corporate has in retailer, but when the teaser is any indication, it could possibly be lighthearted with numerous animals – and everybody likes animals.

20 years in the past, Jeep unveiled a brand new Wrangler trim known as Rubicon. It is named after a well-known off-road path in California, and after all Jeep is celebrating the event with a particular version Wrangler. Really, it is celebrating with two. Say howdy to the (deep breath) 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary version, out there in restricted portions for the 4xe or 392 trim ranges.

Whichever Wrangler you select, each function the identical 20th-anniversary upgrades and whereas it is primarily an look bundle, there are some mechanical upgrades. Jeep provides a half-inch suspension carry and bolts up beadlock-capable wheels, and in the event you select the Hemi-powered 392, you additionally get an onboard air compressor. If these objects aren’t sufficient, an non-obligatory Stage II upfit from American Expedition Automobiles (AEV) is accessible on each trims. That provides 37-inch off-road tires, a winch, AEV bumpers and skid plates, upgraded suspension, off-road lights, an AEV steering damper, tire provider, and on the 4xe you get a 4.56:1 axle ratio.

As for the standard-issue look enhancements, the 20th Anniversary version provides a “new interpretation” of Jeep’s seven-bar grille with a triple-hoop grille guard. Metal bumpers are bolted up, an built-in entrance off-road digicam is added, an 83-piece software equipment is put in, and 20th Anniversary badging is utilized. Inside, the driving force and passengers experience in a particular crimson/black cockpit with leather-based seats and crimson leather-based on the instrument panel bolster.

“Twenty years in the past, a small group of enthusiastic Jeep engineers affectionately generally known as the ‘Lunatic Fringe,’ with grit and dedication and their private bank cards, designed, engineered, and developed essentially the most succesful Wrangler but – the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon – and over delivered on everybody’s expectations as a result of they knew it was what Jeep clients needed,” mentioned Jim Morrison, head of Jeep in North America.

Jeep would not point out particular manufacturing numbers for the 20th Anniversary Rubicon 4xe and 392, aside from to say they’re limited-run autos. Nonetheless, Jeep does say the non-obligatory AEV Stage II upfit might be restricted to 150 models. And it will likely be an expensive upfit – $20,135 on the Rubicon 392 and $21,983 for the Rubicon 4xe, and that does not embody an additional $995 “upfit logistics cost.” Add that to the 20th Anniversary beginning costs ($69,585 on 4xe and $90,895) and you’ve got two of the costliest Jeep Wranglers of all time.

Manufacturing for each fashions will start by the tip of Q1 2023 and attain dealerships within the spring or early summer time. Order books are open now.

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After spending the week in Arizona watching a slew of Eleanor-converted Mustangs promote for greater than $400,000, I began occupied with the present values for what I really feel are the highest of the heap so far as Mustangs are involved, the Shelby Mustangs constructed from 1965 to 1970. Now to me, these are nearly as good because it will get for Mustang automobiles. Positive, a restomod is a greater driving automobile, however the authentic Shelby Mustangs are one thing particular, and those in-built California by Shelby American from 1965 to 1967 are just a bit additional particular.

In a weird flip of the market, many of those very particular automobiles can be found for lower than their restomod customized conversions, such because the Eleanors you see at public sale. This is not sensible because the Shelby automobiles have been in-built interval by guys resembling Phil Remington and aren’t solely traditionally important but in addition make for nice driving automobiles. They don’t appear to be affected by traits and sometimes maintain their worth over time, one thing we now have but to know concerning the restomod automobiles.

My Choose of the Day is one among these automobiles, a 1966 Shelby GT350H painted in black with gold Le Mans stripes and a black inside.

Now should you have no idea this already, the GT350H was a automobile constructed by Shelby and offered to Hertz as rental automobiles or rent-a-racer as they then marketed. There’s a ton of legend and lore about to whom these automobiles have been rented, raced, after which turned again into Hertz afterwards. As with all legends, they could be rooted in some fact. The essential half to know is that the 1966 GT350H is a real Shelby constructed automobile. Additionally it is a low manufacturing automobile as just one,003 complete 1966 GT350H automobiles have been constructed.

The St. Charles, Missouri, proprietor states that this 1966 GT350H nonetheless has its numbers matching 289 C.I. Hello-Po V8 engine, appropriate C4 3-speed “SelectShift” computerized transmission, and Ford 9″ rear finish with a 3.50:1 closing drive ratio. It exhibits 56,615 miles on the odometer, that are believed to be authentic miles. They add that the automobile has been owned by the present proprietor since 1988 and has a really authentic physique. It’s mentioned to have acquired one repaint, has a largely authentic inside, stunning authentic ground pans, 14″ Shelby Magnum 500 model wheels, the unique sprint mounted Shelby tachometer, and racing lap belts.

The perfect a part of this automobile is the value being requested. The vendor is providing this automobile at a very reasonable worth of $209,995. At this worth I’m certain it’s not a concours prepared automobile, however as a substitute the right Shelby Mustang to truly drive. These are nice driving automobiles; it’s not usually {that a} automobile as important as this one is each straightforward to personal and drive.

This might be a automobile that I’d purchase, drive, present domestically, and revel in for fairly a very long time.

To view this itemizing on ClassicCars.com, see Choose of the Day.

• Cannot swing the $223,450 for a Porsche 911 Dakar? This is an off-road-ready Porsche with seating for the entire household.
• Solely 285 Transsyberia Cayennes had been constructed worldwide, and that is certainly one of solely three North American variations with a handbook transmission.
• With 5 days earlier than the Convey a Trailer public sale ends on Friday, February 10, bidding is at $36,500 for this extremely collectible, extremely succesful Porsche.

Porsche says it has no intention of getting into its new 911 Dakar in competitors, however a decade in the past, it did simply that with a particular version of the Cayenne S. Up on the market this week at Convey a Trailer (which, like Automotive and Driver, is a part of Hearst Autos) is a uncommon Cayenne, one of some constructed to have fun Porsche’s wins on the 2007 Transsyberia rally. When you had been holding out on that new Dakar due to its lack of rear seats, this is some rally-prepped Porsche for the entire household.

The Transsyberia rally runs greater than 4000 miles from Moscow proper throughout Mongolia. Porsche swept the rostrum in 2007 with a trio of Cayennes, then determined to showcase the potential of its all-conquering SUV with a civilian-spec model. That is a kind of 285 particular editions constructed.

Simply because the 911 Dakar is principally a 911 GTS beneath, so too is the Cayenne Transsyberia primarily based on the Cayenne GTS. Energy comes from a 4.8-liter V-Eight making 405 horsepower at 6500 rpm, and the inside includes a luxurious mix of leather-based and Alcantara.

However, because the orange accents all through trace, that is no mall-crawler Porsche SUV. The Transsyberia additionally will get adjustable-height air suspension, 18-inch wheels designed to put on chunky off-road tires, and skidplating beneath. Transsyberias additionally got here with the Cayenne’s hardly ever optioned off-road package deal, which incorporates particular programming for the Porsche stability and traction management.

As if all of that wasn’t sufficient potential enjoyable within the grime, have a peek between the entrance seats: that is an honest-to-goodness handbook transmission. Solely three manual-equipped Transsyberias are identified to have been delivered to North American, all of them initially offered into Canada. Which is sensible, contemplating that many components of Canada are a bit like Siberia, and people Canucks love their stickhandling.

This Transsyberia is at the moment positioned in Vancouver, British Columbia, however can simply be imported into america. With 133,00zero kms on the odometer—roughly 83,00zero miles—this isn’t a Porsche that should keep parked to retain its worth. But it’s one thing of a collector merchandise. The earlier proprietor eliminated the admittedly garish orange Transsyberia decals, however these can be found from Porsche and needs to be reapplied for resale. An intensive blasting of the undercarriage and making use of safety coating needs to be on the to-do listing.

With these duties executed, one fortunate bidder may have a mighty V-8–powered Porsche that is simply as succesful as any dune-surfing 911 variant, however with sufficient room for a household of 5 (or a bunch of pals to assist push you out of the sand in the event you get caught). Being so uncommon, it is certain to understand in worth as nicely. With 5 days to go, bidding sits at $36,500. That is a cut price by off-road Porsche requirements; do not miss your probability.

Client Stories polls its members on all kinds of matters associated to how they purchase and use merchandise starting from cellphones to humidifiers for indoor crops. Automobiles are commonly one among CR’s most fascinating matters, and its latest research on the least satisfying autos to personal gives insights into the vehicles folks want they hadn’t bought.

CR polled hundreds of members with questions on what they favored and disliked in regards to the automobile they’d owned for a number of years. When requested if they’d positively repurchase the identical automotive, the next autos got here again because the least prone to be bought a second time:

When Autoblog examined the VW Atlas Cross Sport in March 2022, we favored the styling and the value was proper, but it surely lagged rivals in driving pleasure and inside high quality. Various recollects don’t assist the Cross Sport’s trigger a lot, both, as some fashions have greater than a dozen actions by the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration. Even the 2023 mannequin already has 4 recollects. The annoyance of recollects and the effort of just-average reliability scores may have performed into the Cross Sport’s place because the least satisfying automobile.

On the opposite finish of the spectrum, the Chevrolet Corvette earned the highest spot as CR’s most satisfying automotive. The Porsche 911, Rivian R1T, Ford Maverick Hybrid, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 spherical out the top-five most satisfying autos to personal. Given the rabid following the 911 has constructed over time and the insane efficiency Chevy derived from the most recent Corvette, it’s not stunning to see them within the high spots.

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Followers of uncommon American automobiles will need to pay shut consideration to Gooding & Firm’s upcoming Amelia Island sale. The public sale home will supply a number of high-profile classics, together with the primary of 4 AAR Gurney Eagle race automobiles constructed and a 1935 Auburn 851 SC Boattail Speedster.

Dan Gurney made a reputation for himself as a pilot earlier than he began constructing automobiles. He drove for Ferrari, British Racing Motors, and Shelby, amongst different groups, and he competed in quite a few big-name races together with the 24 Hours of Le Mans. When the time got here to construct his personal automobiles, he acquired funding from Goodyear and teamed up with none aside from Carroll Shelby to create All American Racers (AAR) in 1965.

The agency designed a Formulation 1 automobile known as Eagle that used a 2.7-liter Coventry Climax engine. 4 examples have been constructed, and the one headed to the Amelia Public sale (chassis quantity 101) is the primary one. It raced on either side of the Atlantic and was pushed by Bob Bondurant, Phil Hill, and Gurney himself, amongst different drivers. It additionally raced within the 1967, 1968, and 1969 editions of the Canadian Grand Prix. 

Businessman and automobile collector Tom Wheatcroft later purchased chassis 101 and saved it in his assortment for over 38 years, in line with Gooding & Firm. The present proprietor and vendor bought it from Wheatcroft in 2009 and had it restored by J & L Fabrication in Puyallup, Washington. His aim was to race it, so he had the store set up a copy engine to make sure the unique engine remained undamaged. The unique engine is included within the sale, and the nameless proprietor entered the Eagle within the 2014 Monaco Traditional Grand Prix.

Gooding & Firm estimates that the AAR Gurney Eagle will promote for wherever between $three million and $four million, and this quantity is totally credible: We’re speaking about an extremely uncommon and traditionally important race automobile with a documented previous.

If that is an excessive amount of, or in case your automotive pursuits lie someplace distant from a racetrack, there are a number of different fascinating automobiles crossing the public sale block. One is a 1931 Duesenberg Mannequin J Convertible Sedan with a short-wheelbase chassis and a physique made by California-based coachbuilder Murphy; it is anticipated to usher in between $2 and $2.four million. The aforementioned 851 SC Boattail Speedster — which was absolutely restored in 2010 — ought to fetch between $800,000 and $1.1 million, and a 1937 Twine 812 S/C Cabriolet ‘Sportsman’ may promote for as much as $475,000.

If there is a gap begging to be crammed in your assortment, Gooding & Firm’s Amelia Island sale begins on March 2 at three p.m. Japanese.