The future and flying automobiles

Flying cars may become a realistic fantasy within the next decade

Aeromobile recently showed a prototype clip of a flying taxi service called Elevate that Uber plans to put into play within the next ten years or less.
Uber has approached Aurora Flight Sciences, Bell Helicopter, Embraer, Mooney, and Pipistrel Aircraft companies to team up and build a fleet of flying cars.
If successful, the cars will carry up to four passengers and take off like helicopters in a vertical direction. These vehicles will be electric and fully autonomous. Each car will take off from vertiports, similar to an airport.


Althought talk of flying cars seems premature, Elevate is expected to launch by 2023.

List of affordable fuel-efficient cars

Affordable electric vehicles that don't guzzle gas or your wallet

Tesla isn't the only option for a sleek looking electric vehicle. Here's a list of electric vehicles under $30,000:

1. 2016 Ford Focus- MSRP from $17,225

With 30 MPG city and 40 MPG highway, the Focus comes with 350hp and a bang for its buck. Some of its main features are parking assist- hands free parallel parking, voice-activated technology, a rearview camera, and MyKey to help you track your keys if they have been stolen/lost. Available in sedan or hatchback style.

2. 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV- MSRP from $25,120

The Spark comes with a 19 kWh lithium-ion battery that can last up to 82 miles. It's equipped with the standard specs needed for tire pressure, air bags, etc. But it includes Hill start assist and a control system called Break assist for extra safety. 

3. 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf- MSRP from $28,995

Inheriting the excellence of its gas-powered sibling, the e-Golf zaps its way through a growing field of affordable EVs. The e-Golf utilizes a 134-hp 100-kWh electric motor powered by a 35.8-kWh lithium-ion battery. The EPA estimates 125 miles of range on a single charge; fuel economy is rated at a combined 119 MPGe. An onboard charger is standard equipment. Novel packaging of the battery components avoids reducing passenger space; options include automated emergency braking and parking assist.

4. 2017 Hyundai Ioniq EV- MSRP from $29,500

Good news California residents, the Ioniq EV is only available to you. It comes in three options- hybrid, electric, and hybrid plug-in. Ioniq comes standard with a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, heated front seats and more. There's also a 7-inch color touchscreen display audio equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, plus a rearview camera.

Lamborghini then vs now

The 1980's Lamborghini Countach next to the current Lamborghini Reventon. Side by side you can see the how the model progressed over the years but how they still remain siblings. 

New battery that could revolutionize cars

New car battery that could last three times longer than your current one

As electric cars become more prevalent in our future the cost of these specialty vehicles rise. With new batteries that can be produced at a lower cost and higher volume the world may convert from environmentally harmful engines, to electric.

The co-inventor of the lithium-ion battery that powers all mobile phones and electric cars says he's developed a safer battery that lasts up to three times longer. 

John Goodenough at the University of Texas reports that his new battery technology could produce a safe, non-explosive cell able to power an electric car much longer than current batteries do with charging times measured in minutes instead of hours.

This battery will use glass electrolytes instead of lithium-ion batteries because the lithium ion batteries are in a liquid state that can leak out and cause deadly explosions.

Good enough plans on implementing the glass electrolytes because it preserves the density more which will lead to a longer lasting battery and they also don't leak. 

Not only are the new batteries going to be safer to use, but safer for the environment as well. The glass electrolytes allow the substitution of sodium for lithium. Low-cost sodium will also make for a cheaper process of production because sodium can be extracted from seawater which is widely available while lithium is from minerals in a long and costly un-bonding process.

Goodenough and his team are still in the process of perfecting and implementing their batteries for use but remain optimistic in hopes to work with battery makers to develop and test their new materials in electric vehicles and energy storage devices.

Satin black Charger Hellcat

A 2015 Charger hellcat with a satin black vinyl wrap turns heads with its body lines, hood vents, and  mean grille-headlight combination. Photo taken in Huntington Beach, California, outside of a shop called the Tint Pros which specializes in window tinting and vinyl wrapping.

Save thousands of dollars by vinyl wrapping your car instead of a new paint job by contacting your nearest body shop.

Tesla innovation Q&A

Brian Weist and Jonathan Kroger share about Tesla's driving assist

Weist and Kroger of Tesla Motors located in Irvine, California break down the pros and cons of Tesla's auto pilot feature.

Q: Tesla is the pinnacle of technology. Do you think the auto pilot feature crosses the line of too much technology for a car or not? Why?

A: Weist- "I believe that all of Tesla's features on their vehicles are to enhance a driver's experience and help them get from point A to point B as easily and comfortably as possible. I think our autopilot feature is a great benefit that just shows how far technology has come where you can sit and relax- or even sleep when commuting to your job or wherever day to day."

Q: Many Tesla critics have considered auto pilot to be dangerous because they have resulted in multiple crashes. How can drivers prevent from crashing, but still use the auto pilot efficiently?

A: Weist- "Well people take the phrase "auto pilot" too literally. The feature enables you to take you hands off the steering wheel and your feet off the gas and break pedals. You can push your seat back and get comfortable, but any smart driver knows its not a good idea to take your eyes off the road in front of you."

Kroger- "Yeah, and as for the crash that happened where the driver was using autopilot, Tesla was not a fault for that exact reason. It's meant for you to trust the system but still pay attention due to changing road conditions and such."

Q: How does auto pilot work exactly? 

A: Kroger- "So our vehicles are programmed to match the speed to traffic conditions and even surrounding vehicles. It can keep within one lane, or switch lanes on its own, merge onto freeways, and self park."

Q: How is the Tesla programmed to make such moves on its own like switching lanes and merging onto freeways?

A: Kroger- We install 360 degree sensors that can sense when there are cars next to it. So when the Tesla switches lanes, it will only switch if it doesn't sense a car within 5 feet next to it. And if it does sense a car, then it will slow down and switch lanes when it's safe to do so. The Teslas are also installed with GPS. Before putting auto pilot on, you type in your destination and the Tesla will drive the way for you by following the map."

Q: Do you drive Tesla's yourselves? How do you like yours?

A: Weist- "I drive a Model S and Jonathan doesn't have one. I love the way it drives and the center console is awesome. It's like an iPad in your car. The best part about it is you don't pay for gas. I've saved so much money since I've bought one- I don't even know how much, but it's a lot. I drive from San Diego to Irvine and back every day for my work commute and my car makes me enjoy it so much more. Tesla is the future. Electric and environmental friendly cars are the future."

Q: Can you consider the front console to be distracting?  Why or why not?

A: Weist- "Well again, just because you have a Tesla doesn't mean you have to forget all about being a safe driver. We have these features to help and enhance the way of driving. Not so you have more stuff to look at or distract you with while driving. People need to remember they are responsible when they get behind the wheel of a car. I normally don't touch the console screen while I am driving. I do it before I get on the road so I'm not at risk to crash. It's all about how smart and responsible to driver is. It depends. For me, it's not distracting at all.

Elon Musk's next brilliant idea

Elon Musk comes up with a solution to fix California's traffic nightmare

CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk envisions a series of underground roadways to prevent traffic.

During a recent TED Talk conference, Musk shares a generated mock-up video of a network of underground tunnels that sprawl out in multiple directions. Platforms will be placed in parking spots where vehicles will park. Those platforms then lower until they are underground and even with an underground channel where other cars are driving. 

Each platform is connected to a skate and rides on rails as if it were a rollercoaster. "Theres no speed limit down there. We hope to have the speeds at about 200km/h." says Musk during his TED Talk. With the high speeds, drivers will be able to get from point A to point B faster than on a regular street.

Each channel sprawls out into a different one to create a functioning web of roadways. Cars can also exit the tunnel ways by getting back on the platform in the underground tunnel and being lifted up back onto the main street.

He plans to start digging in Los Angeles and then work around all of southern California to alleviate road congestion. 

It all started with a tweet posted by Musk saying that he was sick traffic and he planned to "just start digging" a tunnel with a tunnel boring machine.

He showed the public just how serious he was in December of 2016 when teamed up with the Boring Company and tweeted a picture of a tunnel digging machine.

Musk says he still has some kinks to work out of his plan but has raised eyebrows by saying he has made exciting progress already.

The underground tunnels are estimated to cost tens of millions of dollars per mile but is said to prevent traffic jams and constant road construction, saving the government money as well.

Top five high performance sedans

Car consumers get the best of both worlds with the comfort of family size sedans and the V8 engine. Here are the top 5 performance sedans:

1. Dodge Charger Hellcat

The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is a vehicle which lives up to it's name. Dodge took it's full-size sedan, the Charger, and crammed a 6.2l supercharged V8 into the engine bay to crank out a =n earth-shattering 707 horsepower and 650 lb/ft. of torque. Dodge took multiple high speed runs during testing in opposite directions to negate possible tailwind benefits and came up with an average high speed of 204mph. A speed this high from a full size 4-door family sedan means the ability to leave many supercars in the dust while taking the in-laws to dinner. All of this power does not come without creature comforts. Dodge did not skip out on the amenities with laguna leather heated and vented seats in addition to heated steering wheel, launch control, adaptive suspension, 19 speaker harmon pardon sound system, multiple performance pages, and touch screen nav in the center display. Dodge did something very special in bringing the performance capabilities of an industry leading supercar to a full size sedan which can get groceries, carry the whole family, and take the dog to the dog park. 

2. Cadillac CTS-V 

The cts-v has 640 horsepower and a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine good for 630 ft-lbs of torque. Cadillac says its top speed is 201 miles per hour and the four-door sedan is just as quick to 60 as a Viper. The transmission is an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters. With a goodly amount of aluminum in its body structure and a carbon fiber hood, it’s a lot lighter than the model it replaces.

3. Audi RS7 

The all wheel drive hatchback hosts a 560-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 516 ft-lbs of torque. The powertrain’s eight-speed automatic transmission routes power to all four wheels through a self-locking center differential and a sport-oriented rear differential. The RS7 also features a sport tuned smart suspension system, variable ratio steering, and collision mitigation.

4. Jaguar XJR

The big Jag flaunts a 550 horsepower supercharged V8 with 502 ft-lbs of torque, which is paired with one of the most agile suspension systems ever fitted to a luxury car. The LWB in its nomenclature stands for long wheelbase, and the Jaguar flagship offers more than enough room for outstanding comfort in all four seating positions. As for furnishings, only the finest materials adorn the Jaguar’s stunning interior.

5. Mercedes-AMG E36 S 

Last but not least, this handbuilt 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine is combined with Mercedes E-Class sedan. With 577 horsepower, 590 ft-lbs of torque and all-wheel drive; a seven-speed automatic transmission is fitted with a multiplate clutch pack to complete the powertrain. Acceleration from zero to 60 is quoted at 3.7 seconds.

Bugatti in horsepower war with itself

Bugatti engages in the car manufacturer horsepower wars and wins. Again, and again, and again...

(2005 Bugatti Veyron model) 

 American car manufacturers Dodge, Chevy, and Ford have been engaged in horsepower wars amongst themselves since the 1950's. Around 2005, these manufacturers were producing vehicles with upwards of 500hp. When Bugatti released the million dollar Veyron 16.4 which was 1,001 horsepower and capable of 253mph, the public was shocked.

Bugatti achieved this with a multiple record breaking 16.4 liter W16 (yes, that's two V8's slapped together) with four turbochargers mounted between it's rear haunches. After five years of reigning king of the hypercars, Bugatti decided it needed to outdo itself with the Veyron SuperSport.

 

 

The SuperSport included subtle design cues, but most importantly they threw another Volkswagen GTI's worth of horsepower at it for a grand total of 1,200 horsepower, and a new top speed of 268mph. Even so, a short 7 years later in 2017 to even further stay ahead of the competition, Bugatti yet again went back to the drawing board for a complete redesign.

The successor to the Veyron is now known as the Chiron and produces an earth shattering 1,500 horsepower with an unverified top speed. The car has been over 270mph but is electronically limited to this speed at this time. The top speed remains unverified as the current $20,000 per set tires have not finished their R&D testing to confirm they can withstand the force they are under at Bugatti's new goal, over 300mph.

(2017 Bugatti Chiron model)

Tesla recharges interest in electric vehicle market

 

Elon Musk and Tesla have redefined the way auto consumers think about electric vehicles. 

For a long period of time cars like the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi MiEV were the pinnacles of electric production vehicles. While great for the environment, they were impractical. And to the average consumer, they were very unattractive. Tesla stormed it's way onto the EV scene in 2008 with the Tesla roadster, the first electric sports car. 

Tesla really became a major player when the Model S debuted in 2012. It had features like genuine autopilot, supercharger stations, and in some models 0-60 performance that rivals or even beats that of million-dollar hypecars like Lamborghini and Ferrari. Tesla achieves that by employing an all-wheel drive system in addition to a feature called Ludicrous mode. Ludicrous Mode unlocks 100% of the battery's power and achieves that max power at 0rpm and 0mph through electricity's instant torque where combustion engines need to reach a certain rpm range to achieve peak power and thrust.

The Tesla's feature a hydraulic lift for the low hanging nose which may not seem like new technology if you look at sports car even a decade old, but the Tesla goes to far as to use it's GPS in order to recognize when you've arrived at a steep driveway or somewhere you've raised the nose before and takes the liberty of doing so on it's own. 

The Tesla also includes a center console touch screen display similar to that of an iPad on steroids, and uses an OS which mimics iOS from Apple so many gestures and interfaces are similar to that on your smartphone. Not to mention, a full charge on a Tesla Model S 85 costs about $7-8 for 265 miles of range.

Through innovation, integration, and general convenience Elon Musk and Tesla are changing the perspective on and future for electric vehicles.

pepsi ad

Kendall Jenner in hiding after Pepsi ad cancelled

Jenner promotes controversy with protest-themed commercial. 

Kendall Jenner recently starred in a Pepsi advertisement which uses recent events such as racial and political protests as a tool for the fountain drink to boost sales. 

The commercial depicts Jenner with makeup and designer clothes on taking modeling photos when she locks eyes with a protester who gives her a nod toward the direction of the protest line. She stops what she is doing, wipes her makeup off to reveal her face with another more casual set of makeup, and walks into the crowd. 

As she passes through the mob of protestors, she exchange glances with many of them and encroaches ever-closer on the police line containing the protest. She then reveals her problem-solving can of Pepsi as she comes face-to-face with a police officer without being promptly pepper-sprayed. 

She opens the drink, hands it to the officer, and then he takes a sip. A woman with a traditional muslim headdress takes a photo of the life-altering moment that just transpired, everybody cheers. Shortly after everybody is cheering and are friends. 

Kendall Jenner has saved the day. This caused immediate outrage among socio-political advocacy groups, 'Black Lives Matter' being one of them. 

Daughter of Martin Luther King Jr, Bernice King tweeted the above message in response to the original Pepsi advertisement shortly after it aired. Pepsi posted the below message as a public apology to Bernice King and to Kendall Jenner.

Many others on multiple platforms of social media made their voices heard by publicly ridiculing the advertisement and Jenner. The most notable social media outlet being Twitter by far. People referenced extremely important pivotal moments in history and belittled the Pepsi ad by saying all that was needed was a Pepsi to avoid the whole situation. 

Twitter user @ziwe mentioned the Rodney King events could have been avoided if he simply had a Pepsi.

Below Twitter user @chenyboi uses a popular Black Lives Matter protest photo added a caption making fun of the Pepsi commercial.

Near the end of the commercial, many people have made a connection of visual cues between the ad itself and an influential photograph by Jonathan Bachman which shows Leshia Evans standing against a police line in defiance. The latter image is used commonly by activist groups such as Black Lives Matter as a symbol of resistance, which Pepsi's parody seems to make a mockery of. 

'Saturday Night Live' spoof rubbing salt in the wound.

'SNL' wrote a skit which centers around a man supposedly having written the Pepsi commercial and being very excited over it. He calls his sister while on set moments before the ad airs to tell her about the commercial and is immediately met by comical resistance from not only her, but his friend Doug, and Doug's African American neighbor. Shortly after it cues the Pepsi logo with eh phrase 'live and learn' and fades out.

Kendall Jenner has been taken aback by the reaction the advertisement has received. The overwhelming backlash the ad is receiving has caused her to gravitate into a state of hiding. Jenner has been reported as 'laying low' from a source which states she has been staying with friends to avoid press at this time. 

When the ad aired she was working abroad in Paris and was met out of the blue with a firestorm of outrage on social media. Jenner is also leaning heavily on her family at this time which is no stranger to controversy and being in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Despite being emotionally distraught by the events, Jenner has issued no formal apology or publicly stated an inkling of regret in any official capacity. 

Jenner also displays a lack of compassion by not even attempting to focus on the wrongdoing by Pepsi or the fact that their advertisement tried to rewrite the real narrative of political protests and commodify racial struggle.