Month: April 2024

Apr 26

A Close Look at the 2024 Mazda CX-90: One Major Drawback Holds It Back

Evaluating the 2024 Mazda CX-90

Growing Options for Family SUVs

The market for three-row SUVs continues to expand, offering families a range of new options. The 2024 Mazda CX-90 stands out with its spacious interior designed to accommodate parents, children, and even pets. Despite its many advantages, the 2024 Mazda CX-90’s technology feels somewhat outdated.

Tech Features in the 2024 Mazda CX-90

The technology in the 2024 Mazda CX-90 includes essential modern features but lacks cutting-edge advancements. Debuting in 2023, you might expect it to showcase the latest tech innovations found in contemporary SUVs. Instead, it appears to have borrowed much from the older CX-5 model, last redesigned in 2017.

While the CX-5 received minor tech updates, it hasn’t seen any significant overhauls. Keeping a uniform tech experience across the lineup is understandable, but integrating state-of-the-art technology in the CX-90 could set a new standard for other models to follow. Anticipation builds for the next generation of the CX-5, expected in 2025, which will hopefully feature more advanced technology.

Interior and Connectivity Features

The base model of the CX-90 comes with a 10.25-inch screen, which seems large but has a wide and narrow aspect that can make some details hard to read. Higher trims offer a more substantial 12.3-inch display. However, the infotainment system relies on Mazda’s traditional rotary dial, rather than touchscreen functionality, though Apple CarPlay can be controlled via touch.

One significant drawback is that wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are only available in higher trims, leaving the base models less competitive. The digital gauge cluster remains largely analog with limited customization, but the head-up display includes modern features like road sign recognition and blind-spot warnings.

The HVAC system uses touch-sensitive buttons and toggle switches instead of physical dials, and the ambient interior lighting is minimal. The backup camera and 360-degree camera could benefit from better resolution, although the 12-speaker Bose audio system and intelligent safety features are commendable. USB-C ports in every row and a well-placed wireless phone charging pad are practical additions.

Comparison with Competitors

While some might appreciate the simplified technology for a more focused driving experience, those seeking more advanced tech might find the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe or Palisade more appealing. These models offer features like weather displays, nature sounds, quiet mode, and customizable ambient lighting.

Despite the tech shortcomings, the CX-90 excels in other areas, providing near-luxury comfort, ample space in each row, and impressive performance. Additionally, it offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, enhancing fuel efficiency.

In conclusion, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 delivers a comfortable and spacious ride, but its dated technology may be a letdown for tech-savvy consumers. Those prioritizing the latest tech features in their three-row SUV might explore other options, but the CX-90 still presents a solid choice for families seeking a balanced combination of space, comfort, and performance.

Apr 26

Leon’s Car Care Center Earns AAA Top Shop Award for the Sixth Year

Press Release from Leon’s Car Care Center

Award-Winning Service and Customer Satisfaction

Leon’s Car Care Center has proudly been named a AAA Top Shop for the sixth consecutive year. This prestigious award from the American Automobile Association (AAA) recognizes outstanding auto repair facilities in Northern California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. Alan Slape, Senior Approved Auto Repair Specialist for AAA, highlighted that Leon’s scored in the top 5% of all 400 evaluated facilities, commending their exceptional customer service for AAA members.

Comprehensive Evaluation and Consistent Excellence

The AAA Top Shop designation is based on several criteria, including customer satisfaction, facility attractiveness, technician qualifications, AAA tow repair information, and social media and community reputation. Leon’s General Manager, Dale Warmuth, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing their long-standing commitment to treating every vehicle with utmost care since 1961. As a token of appreciation, Leon’s offers a 10% labor discount to customers who present their AAA card.

Certifications and Community Involvement

In addition to the AAA Top Shop award, Leon’s Car Care Center is a Gold Certified NAPA Auto Care Center and an ASE Blue Seal certified auto repair center. Established in 1961, Leon’s continues to provide full-service auto repair and maintenance from their location at Broadway and Washington Streets in Eureka. For more information, call 707-444-9636, visit their website at leons-carcare.com, or follow them on Facebook.

Apr 26

Mazda Designer on Tiktok’s Most Modified Miatas ‘One of the Downsides to Living in a Free Country’

Bob Hall is an automotive legend, and all around fun guy. He was a Mazda designer and automotive journalist who is responsible for the existence of the MX-5 Miata. He continues to be a sports car fan and the patron saint of the Miata community. But some TikToker’s Miata modifications are too much even for Hall.

Legend has it that there would be no Miata without Bob Hall. His dad was a fan of British roadsters (think Triumphs and MGs), so he pitched a more reliable version of this classic formula to Miata’s company brass. At first, they said they didn’t have a budget for his project. So Hall worked on the B2600 pickup truck from 9-5, then stayed in the office to design the Miata nights and weekends. Miata finally greenlit the project for the 1989 model year and a legend was born.

The folks at Donut Media brought Bob Hall on and had a fantastic idea for a segment: they showed him some of the most wildly modified Miatas in the world and asked for his opinion. And Hall didn’t disappoint with his hilarious takes.

When he saw a stanced pink Miata with an extremely exaggerated camber he said, “Is that after the accident or before?” And the gem, “This is one of the downsides to living in a free country.” Before you say Hall just doesn’t understand the car culture, know he added, “I think there’s stance, but this guy doesn’t understand what stance is.”

Many tuners turbocharge their Miatas. And Hall isn’t against tuning in practice. He actually says, “What we got to make is a really really really fun blank canvas…The last designer of the car is the buyer.” But when he saw a Miata with two turbochargers so large that they covered the grille and headlights the had some quips. “We always thought the races it should be in are ones that have left and right hand curves, because anything else is just a drag.” Puns aside, he added, “Anyone that was predisposed toward straight line stuff, you used a rotary. There are cars you buy for performance, that’s why the RX-7 existed. That was the race car.”

I’ve never heard anyone refer to a proclivity for drag racing like a disease with the word, “predisposed.” But coming from the Miata’s designer, it makes some sense.

My lifted Miata
byu/Due-South4633 inMiata

Hall had some heartfelt comments too. When he first saw a lifted rally spec Miata his response was, “Whoah what is that” and he made some wisecracks about a Miata moon rover and “Some s—h— driving a Miata turned into an SUV.” But then he said, “I’ll be serious for a moment here. It bothers me less than a Miata sitting, rusting away in a junkyard.”

Hall did have some advice for anyone thinking of lifting a Miata: “I’d find one of those (Mazda) 323 painted the weird colors, put 323 four-wheel drive in it, and make that the lift thing.”

Apr 26

Tesla Cybertruck Teardown Continues With A Look At Its Steer-By-Wire System

The Tesla Cybertruck is one of the first passenger vehicles with no mechanical link between the steering wheel and the wheels.

Even though Infiniti was the first manufacturer to bring steer-by-wire to a production car almost 10 years ago, that system was optional, and you could still opt for a conventional setup with a mechanical link between the helm and the wheels. It’s also offered as an option in the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ450e.

The first true steer-by-wire production vehicle is the Tesla Cybertruck, and driving one takes a bit of getting used to since you have to apply a lot less lock than in a traditional setup, and it also has a variable ratio. This means it’s not very sensitive off-center, but the more you turn the wheel, the lock you apply increases progressively. This ratio also varies depending on the driving speed.

The Tesla Cybertruck is steer-by-wire only

Unlike other manufacturers that have offered steer-by-wire as an option in their vehicles, for the Tesla Cybertruck it’s the only available setup and it makes for an unusual driving experience that takes a bit of getting used to.

One of the most unusual characteristics of the Cybertruck with its steer-by-wire system is that you can turn the steering wheel when the vehicle is powered off, and none of the wheels will turn. Do the same after powering on the Cybertruck, and you will see both its front- and rear-wheel steering racks working.

Steer-by-wire is definitely still a novelty in cars, although several manufacturers have announced plans to introduce it in production cars in the next few years—Mercedes is rumored to give its next S-Class steer-by-wire. If you’ve ever wondered how a system like this works, this video by Sandy Munro of Munro Live—the latest part of his Tesla Cybertruck teardown series—should shed some light. Sandy and his team first demonstrated how it works, then they extracted the front and rear subframes from the truck to get a better look at how they work.

They also show the steering column, which looks very different from any steering column you may have seen before. It stops where you would expect it to continue with a shaft that links to the steering rack, and it just has electronics, servos and wires that enable it to have a variable ratio. The steering rack (which interestingly appears to be supplied by ZF) has two motors for redundancy, so if one malfunctions, the backup motor can take over and keep the steering system alive.

Apr 26

Ford Recalls Nearly 500,000 SUVs and Trucks Due to Battery Issue

Overview of the Recall

Identified Battery Problem

Ford Motor Company has announced a recall for nearly 500,000 SUVs and pickup trucks due to a significant battery detection issue. This problem affects certain Bronco Sport SUVs and Maverick trucks, which might not detect low battery levels. Such a failure can result in the engine and electrical systems losing power during operation, creating a notable safety hazard.

Models Affected and Recall Scope

The recall includes specific models from the 2021 to 2024 Bronco Sport SUVs and the 2022 to 2023 Maverick trucks, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is imperative for owners of these vehicles to take prompt action to address the potential risks.

Instructions for Vehicle Owners

Solution and Contact Information

Owners are advised to contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference the recall number 24S24. It is crucial for those with affected vehicles to get in touch with their Ford dealer immediately.

Notification and Repair Process

Ford will begin mailing notification letters to owners starting May 13. Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and powertrain control module at no charge. For more details, owners can contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit the NHTSA website at www.nhtsa.gov for additional information.

Apr 26

Coroner responding to deadly crash on bridge over I-85

Three people have died and another victim is hospitalized after a crash along Interstate 85 on Friday.

Chief Deputy Coroner Mike Ellis said an SUV was traveling north on I-85 when it ran off the right shoulder, up an embankment, through the cement bridge abutment of the Staunton Bridge Road overpass, jumped over all four lanes of traffic, went through trees on the other side of the bridge and down an embankment.

“When the vehicle jumped all four lanes of traffic, it actually struck trees probably at least 20 feet above the ground,” Ellis said.

Three people were killed with the coroner said an SUV ran off I-85, hit a bridge abutment, and launched over four lanes of traffic

Three female victims died on scene. A fourth person was hospitalized and the victim’s condition is unknown. Ellis said the victims are from Georgia.

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Gantt Fire and Rescue and multiple Greenville County EMS units responded to the scene.

The wreckage of the SUV is in multiple pieces after hitting the bridge. The reason the vehicle left the roadway is under investigation.

“It’s obvious that they were traveling above the posted speed limit and for some reason left the roadway,” Ellis said. “Unsure exactly why at this time.”

Apr 26

What Was the NASA Space Trash That Plunked Through a Florida Home Made Of?

A canister from space crashed through Florida home last month. Here’s what was inside.

Last month, a 19-year-old resident of Naples, Florida, called his dad with nearly unbelievable news. Their home had a gaping hole in the roof after something hurled through the house with a thunderous landing.

NASA has confirmed that the object was space trash launched by its International Space Station crew three years ago. The debris was housed in a metal case called a stanchion. The space-grade stanchion is composed of a strong, heat-resistant superalloy coined Inconel. According to NPR, the canister is a bit smaller than a soda can.

Inside the stanchion are discarded batteries. The stanchion was part of a battery pallet weighing 5,800 pounds. The crew had released the pallet in 2021 for an uncontrolled reentry.

Predictions about the space trash’s atmospheric entry date – March 8th – were accurate, but the exact location was slightly off. The debris was expected to enter above the Gulf of Mexico. Naples is certainly not far off, and the stanchion was expected to totally disintegrate. Instead, it remained almost admirably intact. The stanchion was built almost “too” well.

The International Space Station in full view in right lower frame with Earth above
International Space Station | NASA via Getty Images

Space trash can pose dangers, and regulations have been in place for 50 years

Thankfully, the impact was not suffered by a living entity. However, the risk to any nearby human was incredibly high. If the 19-year-old had been in the same room, it’s hard to think about the sobering results.

Postively, the battery-filled stanchion didn’t pose a hazardous material risk to the family. NASA came and picked up the object without issue.

Laws and regulations about space debris liability have been in place since the early seventies. As you might imagine, debris has been accumulating outside the earth’s atmosphere for decades. Damage claims of all sorts occur in space and earthside.

While NASA expected this batch of space trash to burn up upon reentry, it told NPR that it will look at reengineering stanchions so that they are more likely to fully disintegrate.

Apr 26

Lucid Gravity’s Derek Jenkins On What Inspired This Luxe Electric SUV

The inspiration for the newest luxury electric SUV started with the lowly minivan.

Actually, the minivan is a natural inspiration. “Who doesn’t want that flexibility with space, but in an SUV, not a minivan?” said Derek Jenkins, senior vice-president of design and brand at Lucid Motors. And that space is part of the luxury that SUV buyers look for.

“Oftentimes when people buy large SUVs they have to take a lot of people and cargo, and it’s important that we create that flexibility for comfort and space,” Jenkins said. That idea, he said, comes from experience driving his two teen sons and often their friends. “It’s usually me, my wife, the oldest, the youngest and probably two other kids, skis, snowboards. We have that flexibility in depth for the cargo to get all of it in the Gravity,” the new three row, seven passenger luxury electric SUV from Lucid due out later this year.

That’s because, taking a page from minivan design, the Gravity’s third row seats flip and stow in the floor, and second row seats fold flat and low, creating a deeper cargo space.

It’s Not Luxury If Passengers Are Uncomfortable

The design challenge isn’t just about cargo space, though; Jenkins and his team also thought about how that space would translate to passenger comfort. “We find with sportier SUVs the 3rd row is an afterthought. A full grown adult generally doesn’t want to spend any meaningful time back there,” Jenkins said. “We worked really hard with this car to make legroom a priority, and headroom,” he told us. The goal was to create comfortable seating that is wide enough so adults can spend two or three hours in the third row and not be uncomfortable or fatigued.

Adding to the SUV functionality, Jenkins and team thought carefully about cargo space, too: Not just the space behind the third row, but a useful roof rack and frunk space that would add utility. The result is a sizable space behind the third row that Lucid boasts will hold a large suitcase and 4 roll-aboard bags. The frunk, which has 8 cubic feet of space, is designed in shape and depth to hold another 3 carry-on bags. And, roof rails offer additional room for a cargo box or sports gear.

Architecture-Inspired Details Enhance The Experience

Inspiration in the Lucid Gravity came from other places, too, Jenkins said. Ambient lighting, a relatively new car designer obsession, is how you control the atmosphere of a car, he told us. “Much like you use lighting in architecture, how you light the walls or landscaping,” you can light the door panels, foot wells, cup holders, as well as backlighting controls and features.

Color adds to the mood or sets the tone in the car. Lucid’s ambient lighting will be fully animated, Jenkins said, changing and pulsing with the music. And when using launch control for a burst of instant acceleration, the lighting will move with you, he said. Ambient lighting “adds an emotional dimension to the interior that didn’t exist a few years ago.”

The Clear View Cockpit Means A Better View Of The Road

Maybe the most distinct design detail in the Lucid Gravity, though, is the “suqircle” steering wheel and wide panel multimedia system. This is the Clear View Cockpit, Jenkins told us.

In “95% of cars you view the screen or gauges through the steering wheel; because we are in a higher SUV seating position, we were able to bring the display up higher, reshape the steering wheel to a squircle,” Jenkins said. The Gravity’s steering wheel is flat on the top and bottom adding to visibility. “This allows the driver to view 100% of the display unblocked by the steering wheel and have an excellent view of the road.”

Below the main screen is a second screen, one that Lucid calls the Pilot Panel; this is where many functions can be set, and users can customize this screen and the top screen. Just below the Pilot Panel is a new feature: a ‘touch blade’ of buttons for climate control. Jenkins acknowledged that buyers want quick access buttons for key controls like temperature and fan speed, so they added them.

Glass Is a Central Design Theme

The steering wheel itself has more transparency too; Lucid has designed it with floating glass panels that hold the driver assist and entertainment controls. The look is novel and modern and blends well with other elements in the Gravity.

Glass works as a foundational design element: the roof is glass—Jenkins calls this a canopy—and spans from the windshield to the car’s center cross-beam, and then continues over the center and rear seats. The canopy creates an open feel in the cabin.

There is also a glass panel on the center console covering a flexible storage space, a detail that Jenkins is especially proud of.”It’s our own little space study,” he said. A frosted glass retractable top hides the cup holders, wireless phone charge pad and a tray that slides forward back; underneath are bento boxes to organize your things. Jenkins showed particular delight at the boxes because they can be moved around as needed and even removed to be cleaned.

Flexible Space Leads to Frunk-Gating

The dedication to flexible space is something that Jenkins and his team really had fun with when designing the frunk. It isn’t simply large, it’s capable for people, too. Jenkins calls it frunk-gating and even equipped the display model with a fold-out stadium seat. To make sure the frunk is game-ready, it has a low front lip so it’s easy to slide into the seat, there are cup holders on either side, a household outlet and the underside of the hood is finished in an elegant geometric design and body-color paint.

When the Lucid Gravity begins deliveries it’ll be the fastest, longest range SUV on the road, with up to 440 miles of range and up to 800 HP. And, it’ll be just one of a few six or seven passenger electric SUVs on the road.

Buyers who opt for the entry level model should qualify for federal tax incentives; the Gravity will be priced just under $80,000 which is the tax incentive threshold for SUVs built in North America. However, a lot of the premium features, including maximum range and power, will come in higher priced models. The minivan-inspired details, though, are standard; space, itself, is a luxury.

Apr 26

Hyundai Kona Electric Now Cheaper to Lease Than Gas-Powered Version

Comparing the Hyundai Kona Electric and Gas Models

Leasing Advantages for the Kona Electric

The Hyundai Kona Electric is becoming an increasingly attractive option for budget-conscious drivers, especially when considering leasing options. The electric version of the Kona offers a lease rate of $199 per month for 24 months with $1,579 down, while the gasoline-powered Kona SEL costs $239 per month for 36 months with $3,999 down. The shorter lease term and lower down payment make the Kona Electric more accessible and financially appealing than its gas counterpart.

Additionally, the significant federal electric vehicle leasing incentive of $7,500 further reduces the overall cost of leasing the Kona Electric. This incentive, combined with Hyundai’s flexible leasing terms, results in an all-in monthly rate of $265 for the Kona Electric SEL over 24 months, compared to $350 per month for the gas-powered Kona SEL over 36 months. This cost difference underscores the financial benefits of choosing the electric model, even beyond the initial savings.

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric65

Purchase Price and Incentives

While purchasing a Kona Electric remains more expensive than the gasoline version, Hyundai’s current incentives help bridge the gap. The entry-level gas-powered Kona SE is priced at $24,625, while the electric version starts at $26,550. The $1,925 price difference is minimal considering the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance for the electric vehicle.

For those considering higher trims, the electric Kona SEL and Limited versions, which feature a larger battery and more powerful motor, offer enhanced range and additional features. The SEL has a range of 261 miles and comes with amenities like heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The top-tier Limited trim adds even more luxury features, making the Kona Electric a competitive option in its class.

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric63

Kona Electric’s Features and Benefits

Performance and Efficiency

The 2024 Kona Electric SE is powered by a 48.6-kilowatt-hour battery paired with a 133-horsepower electric motor, providing a range of 200 miles. The SEL and Limited versions come with a 64.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 201-horsepower motor, extending the range to 261 miles. Both variants support DC fast charging up to 100 kilowatts, allowing for a 10 to 80 percent charge in approximately 45 minutes.

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric33

Standard and Enhanced Features

The Kona Electric SE includes features such as wireless Apple CarPlay, a six-way power driver’s seat, and adaptive cruise control. The SEL trim, with its larger battery and motor, adds heated front seats, roof rails, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Limited trim offers advanced features like Hyundai’s Digital Key, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power tailgate.

Warranty and Maintenance

Hyundai offers a comprehensive warranty for the Kona Electric, including a 5-year or 60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This extensive coverage provides peace of mind for electric vehicle owners, knowing that their battery is covered for a significant duration.

Conclusion

For drivers looking to lease, the Hyundai Kona Electric presents a compelling choice with its lower monthly costs and reduced upfront payment compared to the gas-powered version. Additionally, the electric model promises lower maintenance costs and operational savings over its lifetime. Hyundai’s incentives and federal leasing credits further enhance the Kona Electric’s appeal, making it a smart choice for environmentally conscious and budget-savvy consumers.

Apr 26

Redwood Materials: Revolutionizing the Future of Electric Vehicles

Evaluating Redwood Materials’ Influence on EV Sustainability

Addressing Misunderstandings About EV Batteries

A recent article on CleanTechnica confronted widespread myths regarding the environmental impact of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, often spread by fossil fuel proponents. Critics claim that extracting and processing raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel for EV batteries is highly detrimental to the environment. However, these materials are critical not only for EVs but also for a myriad of other consumer products.

In an important development, Redwood Materials, founded by former Tesla CTO JB Straubel, has launched large-scale recycling of lithium-ion batteries. Based in Nevada, the company aims to mitigate the environmental effects of battery production by recovering essential metals domestically. This initiative reduces dependence on new mining operations, particularly in China, and fosters a more sustainable future for EVs by establishing a cycle of recycled materials.

Innovating Battery Recycling Techniques

Redwood Materials has crafted a novel recycling process that maximizes efficiency while minimizing emissions. The process begins in an indoor staging area where discarded batteries from EVs and consumer electronics are sorted. These materials are then processed in a unique kiln called “RC1,” which operates at several hundred degrees without oxygen, breaking down materials into reusable components without combustion.

RC1 is designed to be energy-efficient, using minimal electricity and harnessing energy from the batteries themselves. This method not only prepares materials for further refinement but also produces high-grade black carbon for various industrial uses. Redwood Materials’ innovative approach significantly reduces the environmental impact of battery recycling and positions the company as a pioneer in sustainable energy practices.

Redwood Materials’ Role in the EV Supply Chain

Anticipating Future Demand

As the EV market continues to grow, the need for sustainable battery materials is set to rise. Tom Randall of Bloomberg highlighted that recyclers like Redwood Materials must keep pace with car manufacturers’ production rates. For example, Tesla’s Fremont factory produced 560,000 EVs last year, and recycling these batteries could yield a substantial amount of reusable materials, potentially competing with traditional mining operations.

Redwood Materials aims to establish a closed-loop system that minimizes the need for new raw materials by continuously recycling existing ones. This approach is both environmentally and economically advantageous, reducing reliance on international supply chains. By reclaiming 95% of the materials necessary for new batteries, Redwood Materials is setting a new standard for sustainability in the EV industry.

Overcoming Industry Challenges

Creating a robust battery recycling industry in the U.S. presents several challenges, including competition from established players in Asia. However, under JB Straubel’s leadership, Redwood Materials is well-equipped to tackle these challenges. Straubel’s experience and connections have already secured significant funding and support for the company’s ambitious initiatives.

While a single recycler cannot meet the entire demand for battery materials in the U.S., Redwood Materials’ success can lead to a broader industry shift towards sustainable practices. By demonstrating the viability of large-scale battery recycling, the company can inspire further investment and innovation in this crucial sector. Ultimately, Redwood Materials’ efforts are contributing to making EVs a more sustainable and environmentally friendly choice for personal transportation.