Rotary engine, the new GTR and more highlights + bomb squad

Mazda's Rotary Engine Returns
…but with a Twist!

The new Mazda Iconic SP concept made its debut at the recent Tokyo Motor Show.

While it's a stunning sight to behold, there's a twist - it's a hybrid.

The iconic 2-rotor engine once defined Mazda's Rotary legacy.

Now it acts as a range extender, ensuring the onboard batteries stay charged when needed.

The key highlights:

• Impressive power output of 365 bhp

• Perfect 50:50 weight distribution for exceptional handling

• A rotary engine-spun range extender EV setup

  • providing additional driving range

• A generous driving range of approximately 305 miles

Enthusiasts are engaged in a lively debate: Is the Mazda Iconic SP might be a worthy successor to the Miata or perhaps even pay homage to the legendary RX-7.

It's slightly larger than the Miata but shares design cues with the latter. What's your take on it?

The TikTok Car Theft Challenge's
Days are Numbered

If you're on social media, chances are you've come across the infamous Kia Boys. 

It’s a group of teenagers exploiting a vulnerability that makes certain Kia and Hyundai models alarmingly easy to steal.

All they need is a screwdriver and a USB cable.

The boys at Donut Media tried it for themselves.

However, the tide is turning. The Korean manufacturers behind these vehicles are taking action.

They're rolling out a series of free anti-theft software installation clinics to put an end to this dangerous trend.

Here's what you need to know:

• Only models with immobilizers are eligible for the software update

• If a vehicle isn't eligible, the manufacturers will provide reimbursement for the cost of a wheel lock, ensuring that all car owners are protected.

The TikTok car theft challenge is on its way out, thanks to these proactive measures.

If you like manual cars and 300+ cars you might need to act soon

Here is a list of cars you can buy in 2024 with 300+ hp and a stick shift.

Why these particular figures? Because they’re considered to be just the right ingredients to have fun on the roads.

1. Acura Integra Type S

2. BMW M2/3/4

3. Cadillac CT4-V/5-V Blackwing

4. Chevy Camaro

5. Ford Bronco & Mustang

6. Honda Civic Type R

7. Lotus Emira

8. Nissan Z

9. Porsche 718 Boxter/Cayman & 911

10. Toyota GR Corolla & Supra

11. VW Golf R

Yeah! That’s it unfortunately 🙃 

Come 2025 and the list will get even shorter.

New Hot Wheels Game

If you were a fan of the 2021 Hot Wheels Unleashed, then you’ll love the sequel - Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged.

What’s new?

• New locations - an arcade, a mini-golf course and a gas station

• Addition of a jump button (with an assist option)

• A new open-map Waypoint mode

• Option to tune cars

Check out more gameplay videos here.

If you’ve got a child/grand child - maybe this is how you’ll turn them into car lovers?? 😁 

🍿Fails🍿 

1/ Ford Mustang Mach-E can’t handle “pedal to the metal”

The Mach-E’s battery has a quirk that causes it to falter during DC fast charging or when the accelerator pedal is floored too frequently.

To address this concern, Ford has recalled 35,000 units of the Mach-E to replace the faulty component.

A detailed battery teardown was conducted by an individual named Mach Lee which you can read here.

^ Keep this in mind if you’re planning on buying a Mach-E

2/ Bye Bye Robot Taxis

We’re coming clean here!

Two Fridays ago we brought to you a study that showed robotaxis are safer than human drivers.

Well not anymore!

California has banned the Cruise robotaxis (yes, ironically the same company that published the study).

^ That happened after a near-fatal accident happened because of a Robotaxi.

While the ban is immediate, it could be lifted if Cruise meet a number of steps dictated by the DMV.

Here’s what unfolded…

3/ How to get surrounded by the bomb squad

We’ve all had our doors nicked by some inconsiderate jerk.

There’s not much to do to prevent that..

But this guy went the extra mile 😄 

He installed make-shift rubber bumpers to his car doors with wires and duct tape.

Unfortunately, the residents in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, didn’t see it that way.

What they saw were BOMBS!!! 💣️ 

The bomb squad was called!

All of the nearby businesses were evacuated.

Local schools were placed on lockdown. 

And where was the owner?

Standing in the crowd of evacuees across the street, completely unaware that the bomb threat was about his car 😆 

4/ Corvette flips over after a burnout

Police reports indicate that the driver was attempting to complete a burnout on his way out of the show.

The driver was unharmed.

⚡️EV⚡️ 

1/ Is the next Nissan GT-R going to be electric?

Some stats of the Nissan Hyper Force concept (it’s not named the GT-R yet):

• 1,341 bhp (1,000 kW) of power, AWD

• designed with input from NISMO

Fun fact: The Hyper Force can be used as a VR gaming room, so you can race your friends without leaving the room (or should I say…garage).

Any ideas for the next GranTurismo movie?

2/ Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has a rev counter and gears

In order to make it exciting to drive, Hyundai equipped the Ioniq 5 N with:

• various soundtracks - from a modern turbocharged hot hatch roar to futuristic spaceship tones.

• a rev counter on the instrument cluster

• re-gen adjustment paddles that can be used to ‘change’ gears

Of course, it’s all fake. 
But it’s better than a silent EV, don’t you think?

3/ A Tesla with buttons

It’s also dangerous to take your eyes off the road to adjust the A/C fan speed on your touchscreen.

One owner in China decided he had enough, and added buttons to his Tesla Model X.

The panel looks somewhat similar to that of older Mercedes cars, and is fully functional.

Would you do this to your Tesla?

4/ Tesla Cybertruck finally goes off-roading

Cybertruck deliveries are finally going to begin on November 30th.

From the video’s taken by Dima Zeniuk, it seems as though it’s struggling.

How will it perform in the real world? We’ll soon find out.

😆Memes 😆 

Modifying an EV in 2045 😆 

What does Mercedes think of BMW? (smart answer, LOL)

hypewhip

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