In most parts of the country, carping about the state of this nations roads is an art form. New expletives have been crafted solely for use when ones brand-new set of winter tires slam into an unexpected pothole. Fillings have been jarred loose by washboard road surfaces. Alignment mechanics rejoice the former, dentists do brisk business with the latter. Hey, at least someone is making bank off our rough roads.Yelling into a vacuum yields little, so CAA holds an annual campaign in which Canadian road users including cyclists, pedestrians, motorists, and users of public transit are encouraged to cast a vote for what they feel is the worst road in their region. Every road is eligible, regardless of surface type or length.Across Canada, wild temperature swings and an abundance of road salt conspire to scupper even the best paving job. Jagged lines cut every surface like a botched episiotomy, with macadam crumbling like day-old sponge cake. Armed with CAA’s list of Ten Worst Roads in the Maritimes and the keys to a 2020 Cadillac XT6 crossover, we decided to seek out these potholed pavements in an effort to gauge the state of our roads.Would the Cadillac provide a comfortable journey? Will this infrastructure hammer our spines into oblivion? Did I make a theme-based playlist filled with The Stones and the score from Rocky?The answers to those questions were yes, no and an emphatic yes.Our pothole-tamer: the Cadillac XT6First, the Cadillac. The luxury arm of General Motors has been fiddling with their Standard of the World for a few years now, rolling out two new sedans and three new crossovers in quick succession.The XT6 is the largest of these, acting as a draw for customers seeking a snazzy three-row machine with all-wheel-drive. Cadillac already has a three-row SUV in its quiver of course, but the large-and-in-charge Escalade scares away some customers thanks to its bulk and truck-based roots. For anyone trading out of an Acura MDX or Volvo XC90, the XT6 will be much more approachable.Outside, the Cadillac certainly looks the part, with our Sport-trimmed tester dipped in $900 worth of inky Stellar Black Metallic paint. Unlike the Premium Luxury models, the Sport eschews all exterior brightwork save for a spear along its lower flanks and one edging the perimeter of its front grille. A completely blacked-out grille, bookended with headlights narrowed like the eyes of a stern headmaster, is a dealer-installed accessory and should be fitted to every XT6 regardless of colour.Pine Glen RoadPointing the long XT6 nose containing a 3.6-litre V6 engine making 310 horsepower towards New Brunswick, we set off in search of what CAA has deemed to be some of Atlantic Canadas worst roads. Plugging the street of Pine Glen Road just outside of Moncton into the Cadillacs satnav is easy thanks to recent changes. Now deploying a rotary dial incorporating jog functions into the system, CUE is no longer an exercise in frustration.The drive to Pine Glen Road is an exercise in cutting through early morning fog on the Cobequid Pass, a stretch of road notorious for its pristine pavement but reliably horrid weather. With no sinkhole (yet) consuming the Trans-Canada Highway near Oxford, we carried on to Moncton, the land of St. Hubert and Jean Coutu pharmacies.Turning on to Pine Glen Road, a long stretch connecting far flung communities with the city of Moncton, we find pristine pavement. A quick check of the satnav confirms we are indeed on the correct path, even if the macadam were traversing looks as far from a Worst Road contender as your author looks like a Chippendale model. What happened?Councils take the CAA Worst Roads lists seriously, is what happened. A few clicks down Pine Glen Road we happen upon a large road crew, feverishly laying new tar atop the old crumbled surface. Stopping to chat with the site foreman, he explained theyve been on the job since August, upgrading a road thats heavily travelled by woods trucks and the general public alike.Using heavily calloused hands to adjust his white hard hat, the man looked proud to be working on the project. If the sign posted by a local church is anything to go by, locals are pretty proud as well.All good things must come to an end, of course, and the new pavement disappears as one drives deeper into Pine Glen Road. By the time were out of the residential areas and into the wooded areas, its easy to see why this road made CAAs top ten. Its most heavily travelled section, however, is now billiard-table smooth thanks in no small part to The List and a crew of hard-working pavers.Working the lozenge-shaped shifter to handle a three-point turn in a roadside cutout was more frustrating than strictly necessary, given the button-and-lever dance one has to do in order to engage reverse gear. GM is not likely to change its design anytime soon, since the thing has popped up in everything from this Cadillac to Buicks to the Chevy Bolt. Electronic shifters are tremendous,
Origin: We take on some of Atlantic Canada’s worst roads in a new Cadillac
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New 2020 Audi RS3 to take fight to AMG with 394bhp
Following recent sightings of Audi’s new A3 undergoing testing, our spy photographers have caught the hardcore RS3 variant in public for the first time. The range-topping hot hatch is set to take its power from the same five-cylinder, 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the latest generation RS Q3 performance SUV. That unit’s 394bhp output will make the RS3 one of the most powerful cars in its segment, save for the 416bhp S variant of the Mercedes-AMG A45. The RS3 is likely to improve upon the larger RS Q3’s 4.5sec 0-62mph time, potentially taking it below four seconds, and could also be capable of beating the SUV’s 174mph top speed, although Audi’s RS models are traditionally electronically limited to 155mph as standard. The prototype in these images wears extensive camouflage, but we can see the RS3 will feature a number of unique design elements aimed at differentiating itself from the standard model, which is due to launch at the beginning of 2020. The performance model’s alloy wheels are considerably larger than any we’ve seen on A3 prototypes, and are wrapped in much lower-profile tyres. The RS3’s performance potential is further hinted at by a set of large ventilated brake discs and a pair of classic RS-style large-bore exhaust pipes. The front end features the latest iteration of Audi’s corporate grille design, with the aggressive lower air intake styling aping that of the new RS6 flagship and facelifted RS4. Notable by its absence is the prominent chrome trim that featured on the sides and rear of the 2020 A3 prototype we saw most recently. It remains unclear as to whether this design element will make production for any A3 variant, but Audi’s exterior design boss Andreas Mindt has already promised ‘big-time’ exterior design changes for the model. Audi is yet to confirm a launch date for the RS3, but it can be expected to follow some way behind the A3, which will break cover at March’s Geneva motor show. Audi Sport’s line of RS performance models is as varied as it has ever been, with performance variants of the TT, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, Q3 and Q3 Sportback currently on offer. The range will soon be headed up by a new RS Q8 flagship, which is set to pack around 670bhp from the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid’s electrified
Origin: New 2020 Audi RS3 to take fight to AMG with 394bhp
GM may be building a Silverado ‘ZRX’ to take on Ford’s Raptor
Bowtie fans are spoilt for choice if they want a mid-size truck packing acres of off-road cred, with the ZR2 and ZR2 Bison bringing the goods. The full-size cupboard is slightly more bare, given Trail Boss trucks arent level competitors to the mighty Ford F-150 Raptor.However, if the rumour mill is working reliably, that situation will change very soon.Those in the know over at GM Authority are reporting Chevy is planning an off-road brute with the chops to take on the Raptor. Potentially called the ZRX, this Silverado variant could slot in above the current Trail Boss.It would be a sensible move for GM to make, given it currently has no answer to the Raptor or Ram’s upcoming Rebel TRX. Chevrolet could leverage its relationship with Multimatic, the company which manufacturers the excellent DSSV suspenders found on the Colorado ZR2 pickup. Your author has launched bowtie trucks equipped with these dampers at speed off various and sundry off-road obstacles and can confidently report that, even at speeds approaching 65 km/h, landing back on terra firma is no more harsh than flopping down on a comfortable bed.Silverados unique weight and dimensions, compared to the smaller Colorado, would likely require some fettling of those dampers by the boffins at Multimatic. Dont expect a simple swap, in other words. Other goodies likely to appear on a Silverado ZRX are front and rear lockers; different fasciae for better approach and departure angles; and a raft of appropriately aggro trim features. The brands hand-of-god 6.2-litre V8 is a natural fit for a truck of this ilk, especially given that it is available in the Trail Boss for 2020. Its unlikely Chevy would allow little bro to out-power the big guns, after all. Given that GM offers the Colorado ZR2 with that trucks diesel option, it wouldnt be a surprise for them to list the Silverados new 3.0-litre diesel on a ZRX option sheet.Expect this Raptor-fighter to show up on dealer lots within the next couple of
Origin: GM may be building a Silverado ‘ZRX’ to take on Ford’s Raptor
EVs take record market share in August
EVs take record market share in August SMMT figures show new records for both pure EVs and overall EV market August’s electric vehicle registrations have set a new record, with plug-in models making up 4.4% of the UK’s market share, and pure-electric models making up 3.4% of registrations. The latest set of figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that more than 3,000 pure-electric models and over 900 plug-in hybrid cars were registered in August. That’s ahead of the new registration plate that arrived on 1st September, and includes pre-registered models rather than outright sales. With more than 4,000 electric vehicles registered in the month, the plug-in car market performed well as the overall UK car market fell. Registration figures ended at -1.6% for August compared to the previous year. That contrasts with the 377.5% increase for pure-EVs over last year’s monthly total, more than offsetting PHEV’s performance of -71.8% in August. As such, pure-electric models took a 3.4% market share for the month, and PHEVs made up 1% of new registrations in August. Those figures are almost exactly mirrored from 2018’s results, where more than 3,200 PHEVs were registered at a market share of 3.4%, and pure-EV registrations were just over 650 units, at 0.7% market share. The latest figures reinforce the overall trends for2019 to date. The UK car market continues to fall, with uncertainty over Brexit often cited by industry leaders. PHEV registrations are also falling, with a few factors likely influencing the powertrain’s decline. Improved pure-EV range, the removal of the Plug-in Car Grant for PHEVs, and outright stock available to customers are all likely playing a part. For the year to the end of August, pure-EV and PHEV registrations are effectively tied. This has seen a significant increase in pure-EV registrations over PHEVs in recent months, with the first eight months of the year seeing 17,393 and 17,594 units registered for EVs and PHEVs respectively. Combined, they make up 2.3% of the market share for 2019 to the end of August.
Origin: EVs take record market share in August
Ferrari orders fashion designer to take his shoes off his car
Ferrari is ordering a fashion designer to remove an Instagram photo of his shoes on the back of a Ferrari a car that he owns and paid for The Fashion Law reports.At first, the cease-and-desist order sounds ridiculous, but Ferrari actually has a case.The argument goes the Ferrari brand name invokes a sense of luxury and exclusivity, so displaying any other brand alongside it makes or attempts to make that brand seem luxurious and exclusive, too.According to the letter to designer Phillipp Plein from Ferraris outside counsel Fabrizio Sanna, Pleins photo attempts to associate the automaker with a lifestyle (that is) totally inconsistent with (its) brand perception.The undesired connection between Ferraris trademarks on the one hand, and Philipp Pleins line of shoes (and the questionable manner in which they are promoted) on the other hand, is interfering negatively with the rights enjoyed by Ferraris selected licensees, which are exclusively entitled to use Ferraris trademarks to produce and promote line of shoes Ferrari branded, the letter reads. View this post on Instagram 50 shades of 🍏 🍏 🍏 A post shared by Philipp Plein (@philippplein) on Jun 30, 2019 at 9:10am PDTComplicating matters is the questionable manner in which Pleins fashions are promoted: in the past, Plein paid Chris Brown, whos faced felony charges for rape, sexual battery and assault (among countless other allegations) to take the stage (at his S/S18 fashion show) alongside Tekashi 6ix9ine, the rapper currently facing jail time for pleading guilty to sleeping with an underage girl and filming the act, according to GQ.Plein has called the letter blackmail, but he might want to stop and think about how all the above-mentioned context doesnt put his brand in the best light.Plein has 48 hours to comply with the formal ask, lest Ferrari bring such unlawful, unfair and harmful behavior to the attention of the Courts.Our take? Keep your stupid $800 shoes and your gaudy-green-wrapped $350,000 Ferrari 812 Superfast away from us,
Origin: Ferrari orders fashion designer to take his shoes off his car
Want a 2020 Lexus LS 500? Take a look down memory lane
2019 Lexus LS 500Handout LIBERIA, Costa Rica So, you want a new LS 500. Well now, arent you in the minority? Whats wrong with you? Dont you know large, luxury sedans are totally pass? Why arent you shopping some over-priced, underperforming sport-ute like all your peers? Seriously, in this day of rampant me-tooism, if you want to stand out, buy a sedan. If youre independently foolish and really want to stand out, get an LS 500.Not that theres anything wrong with Lexus latest flagship sedan. Its actually a bit of a stunner as long as you can stomach the muy-macho grille and doesnt go half bad, either.One surprising thing is that Lexus doesnt offer the new LS with eight pistons; a V6 is the only available engine. However, both are fortified, the regular LS with twin turbochargers and the LS500h with a naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 mated to Toyotas Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. Both will provide more than adequate performance, though, despite Lexus protestations to the contrary, the Hybrid doesnt feel nearly as sporty as the turbo. Always relaxed partially because its mated to a ten-speed automatic the 416-horsepower V6 unit scoots when it has to, trundles when youre relaxed, and will if its anything like Lexus motors past will do so until your children are grandparents.The LS ride/handling balance fairly matches its engine. Not nearly as sprightly as a Maserati Quattroporte and still a smidge behind BMWs 7 Series, the latest LS is still up for the job of straightening twisty roads. Those so inclined are best served by opting for the air suspensions its standard equipment on the LS500h and switching the mode button to Sport+. The steering becomes heavier, the springing firmer, and the whole plot a little more inciting, all without much ruining the big Lexus ride. Inside, the LS is pretty much the treat youre expecting, sumptuous leather covering roomy seats and delicate wood trim. This last gets special attention as all Lexus artwood inlays are built by Yamahas music division, my favourite being the one with the aluminum highlights. According Paul Williamsen, head of Lexus global marketing planning, Yamaha first overlays a wood veneer onto an aluminum substrate. Then it etches the patter it wants to remove the upper wood, leaving the aluminum underneath exposed. But because the aluminum is at a lower level than the wood and we certainly cant have an uneven surface in a Lexus, can we? Yamaha then vacuum seals the entire piece sucking the underlying metal onto an even keel with the overlaid wood. Wow, thats a lot of trouble for a few metal pinstripes.Williamsen says this is part and parcel of the companys Experience Amazing strategy: In the battle of marketing slogans, I think relentlessly pursuing perfection is a better measure of Lexus obvious obsessive compulsion.Only two foibles (may) mar the LS 500s interior. Lexus touchpad manipulated infotainment screen is either a love it or hate it affair. By love it or hate it, I mean everyone hates it at the beginning and then a few learn to, well, almost like it. Its polarizing. Almost as wonky but not nearly as polarizing are the multi-function switches puts on each side of the instrument binnacle. It either reminds you of a fighter jet or looks like someone forgot the wipes until the very last moment. Either way, it doesnt really compromise ergonomics so its not nearly as polarizing as the touchpad.Overall, the LS500, like all large luxury sedans, perhaps more than most, doesnt deserve to be ignored. Its a luxurious, spacious and well-crafted sedan, that last word the only reason its not more popular. No pricing is available on the 2020 yet, but the 2019 LS starts at $103,150 and Lexus Canada has some screaming deals going on right now. 2018 Lexus LC 500 Handout / Lexus Damn the family, I want two doors: Well, has Lexus got a sports coupe for you. Based on the same platform as the LS, the LC 500 has two things going for it. The first is that, unlike the sedan, the coupe is still offered with a naturally aspirated, we-dont-need-no-stinking-turbos 5.0-litre V8. The same one offered in the RC F, in fact: 471 horsepower, a 10-speed transmission, and some seriously stiff suspension make for an entertaining ride. Officially, the reason the twin-turbo V6 doesnt power the LC is that it wasnt quite ready when the big coupe was being engineered, but I think Lexus engineers just wanted to make some noise. The LC500 delivers. Indeed, while the LC is available as a hybrid and I recommend that powertrain for the LS the LC is best served by the rootin and tootin V8.More importantly, the LC500 has a face Maserati would die for. Lexus spindle grille may be a little overwrought for its run-of-the-mill sedans and soft-roaders, but it matches the LCs curves and creases perfectly. I dont usually render critiques about styling as my eye may not behold the same image as your own but I think this is the sexiest sport coupe extent. On looks
Origin: Want a 2020 Lexus LS 500? Take a look down memory lane
De Tomaso returns with a wild take on a ’60s Can Am car
The De Tomaso name has returned to the automotive world for the first time since its departure in the late 1990s with an awesome 1960s-inspired supercar.The De Tomaso P72 is a brand-new design that takes inspiration from one of the automakers early designs, originally created in the early 60s, called the P70.The P70 was jointly developed by Carroll Shelby, Alejandro De Tomaso and Peter Brock.Shelby provided the money and the motor, a 289-cubic-inch V8 bored and stroked to 427 cubes. Peter Brock handled the design, and DeTomaso built the chassis. Due to tensions between the three parties, the car was never officially completed, and, unfortunately, didnt enter a single race. To connect itself to the past further, the P72 has a manual transmission. A real one. It might also win the award for most beautiful shifter of 2019, or perhaps of the last 20 years.Were not sure what engine will be behind the transmission, as details regarding the drivetrain have not been released. What we do know is that the P72 rides on a carbon-fibre chassis shared with the Apollo Intensa Emozione.De Tomaso celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2019, and will slowly be bringing back vehicles from its history, such as Pantera and Mangusta. The P72 will be sold as you see it, according to parent company Apollo Automobili.Only 72 examples of the P72 will be built, at a cost of 750,000 ($1.1 million). Thats a lot of money, but the P72 is not just a car, its a piece of history, and is bound to mark the beginning of the next wave of automotive
Origin: De Tomaso returns with a wild take on a ’60s Can Am car
Take your dad to a car show this Father’s Day
The Italian/French car show at Waterfront Park in North Vancouver is one of many taking place on Sunday across the province in honour of dads.Cam Hutchins With Sunday being Father’s Day we certainly have a great selection of shows taking place across the province this weekend. Victoria, Trail, Qualicum, Prince George, Kelowna, Vernon, and even Radium, the car events make this one of the greatest weekends of the year. And as always, I’ll be at the KMS Tools show in Coquitlam, and on Father’s Day proper it will be out to the big show in Mission to take photos. I love shooting the cars in motion and the Old Car Sunday in the Park in Mission is an amazingly large show with a huge variety of vehicles. In addition to your camera (and a kid, of course) take sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Last weekend I was at the Centennial Show Shine at my old school and ended up parking beside the “Poster Child” for bring your kid to a car show. Gord Odolinski has been driving his very cool Chevy shortbox pickup for years and almost always has his two sons with him. He came up to me and gave me an incredibly nice chrome hubcap, era correct for my ’66 Chevy truck. He claimed to have found it in a ditch, but it was way too nice. Then his younger son Trevor came up with a matching hubcap upside down and said, “Please sir, may I have some water in my dog dish hubcap for my dog”. These type of hubcaps are often referred to as “Dog Dish” and are what went on plain Jane models of cars and truck in the 60’s. Then his wife and older son Brendan show up with two more perfect hubcaps. He had a friend who had bought a truck to restore, but sadly it was too far gone for restoration and Gord was able to get me the caps for free. Brenden had years ago told me I had a nice truck, but added the early 1970’s hubcaps I had on it were “so wrong”. Now thanks to the Odolinski’s my truck is perfect! On Saturday I went out to the Langley Loafers Old Time Drags at Mission Speedway Park and walked through the pits while waiting for the racing to fire up. Everyone relies on Barry and Shelley Siebert’s mini donuts to keep going while at the track and not only did the couple recently get a new mini donut machine — they got a new racecar too. Barry grinned ear to ear when he told me he had never gone so fast in his life; a great run of 9.98 seconds at 134.28 mph in his Mopar Monster. This afternoon at the Sheraton in Langford, just outside Victoria, is the book launch of “Billy Foster The Victoria Flash”, plus a walk through the history of motor racing in British Columbia. Author Bob Kehoe of Portland will be signing copies and a there will be a few speeches about the history of racing in and around our province’s capital city. Billy Foster started racing at the local Speedway, was the first Canadian to race in the Indy 500, raced USAC Stock Car Division and was a good friend of Mario Andretti. Foster died in a tragic crash testing at the Riverside Raceway in California in 1967. There will be two of Foster’s race cars on display, one used at the Mt. Doug Hill Climbs, and the other the Indy car Billy raced at the Indy 500, both restored by Gord Alberg, a friend of Billy Foster. I for one cannot think of a better Fathers Day present than this book. Other highlights of this weekend are the Italian and French Father’s Day show in North Vancouver and the Greater Vancouver Motorsport Society’s Father’s Day Car Show at the Burnaby Heritage Village. And don’t forget to bring a kid — and your father! SHOWS JUNE 14 What: Billy Foster- The Victoria Flash book launch party Where: Langford Sheraton, 829 McCallum Rd., Langford When: 1 p.m. Admission: Free Info: 250-216-6575, 250-818-4150 or trakside99@shaw.ca JUNE 14 16 What: Seaside Cruizers 25th Annual Father’s Day Show Shine Where, Qualicum Beach When: Friday Cruise Night. Parksville Beach staging at 5 p.m., cruise starts at 7 p.m.; Saturday Poker Run from Parksville Beach. Staging at 9 a.m., departure at 11 a.m. Saturday Street Dance, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. downtown Qualicum Beach; Sunday Show Shine, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Downtown Qualicum Beach Admission: Free Info: 250-752-0012 or info@seasidecruizers.com Website: http://www.seasidecruizers.com JUNE 15 What: KMS Tools 24th Annual Charity Show Shine Where: KMS Tools, 110 Woolridge St., Coquitlam When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: Free Registration: 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. $15 and open to pre-‘72 or rare/unusual Info: 604-522-5599 or lori.pridham@kmstools.com Website: kmstools.com What: Driven Vancouver 2019 Where: PNE Forum, Vancouver When: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Admission: $20 Info: 780-910-6266 or info@repmedia.ca Website: drivenshow.ca What: BC Highland Games Scottish Festival British Car Show Where: Lafarge Lake Park, Coquitlam When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Adults $15; Sir/students $12; Youth (6-12) $5 Info: simon.scott43@me.com Website: bchighlandgames.com What: Fraser Valley Motorcycle Show Shine Where: Highstreet Mall, Abbotsford
Origin: Take your dad to a car show this Father’s Day
6 awesome vintage racing video games that’ll take you back
Pole Position was the hottest driving game of its day in 1984. It featured one of the first video games with a somewhat intelligible human voice.Atari They don’t make ‘em like they used to. In fact, they make ‘em better. There is no denying the incredible, raw entertainment power of today’s video consoles and games. There are plenty of captivating, high-definition, online-enabled racing games for all platforms available today, including mobile phones. But there’s something to be said for the simplicity of the games of yesterday and the metaphorical day before that, back when there were fewer buttons than you had fingers and when glitches in the game could be fixed by blowing into the console. Ah, those were the days, and this is a list of some of the games from those days. Tell us which games you’d add in the comments. The Need for Speed II — 1997 The Need for Speed was first released in 1994 for the 3DO console followed by the PC, PS1 and Saturn. It was awesome, and if you even knew someone who had it you were cool. But three years later they made it more exclusive by releasing the sequel just on Playstation and PC. What made the game so revolutionary was the presence of traffic on the race course, and police that would chase you. And of course the epic crashes that send the cars flying and flipping through the air. Who cares if you win if do seven backflips? Sega Rally Championship — 1994 The boppy 1990s beat of the intro soundtrack to Sega Rally Championship is enough to take you back to 1994. The graphics are grainy, but the nostalgic of the running commentary — “Medium left; long hairpin turn; woah!; caution, medium left, medium right; finish! — is enough to make you want to start scanning eBay for a used Sega Saturn console. Gran Turismo — 1998 Gran Turismo made its debut in 1998 on the original PlayStation. It was well-received for its top-notch graphics (at the time) and variety of licenced vehicles. The game was so successful, it’s now PlayStation’s top selling video game franchise. Currently, there are seven editions of Gran Turismo, with the most recent, Gran Turismo Sport, released in 2017. Mario Kart 64 — 1997 It was difficult to decide which Mario Kart is the best, because the Italian plumber has been karting for some time. Super Mario Kart was released on Super Nintendo in 1992 and still has the potential to rob you of an hour or two, but it was five years later in 1997, when that first thumb joystick on the Nintendo 64 was first making calluses on children’s thumbs, that developers really hit the nail on the head. With its dynamic gameplay and characters, 3D graphics, hidden shortcuts and four-player split screen capability, Mario Kart 64 literally added another dimension to racing. Dibs Yoshi! F-Zero — 1991 Like a lot of the old Nintendo products, F-Zero for Super Nintendo debuted in Japan first in 1990, followed by North America in 1991. The game featured four different futuristic hovercars to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Fire Stingray has the highest top speed, just an FYI. Stunt Car Racer — 1989 For an idea of how far we’ve come in the realm of video games, consider that when Stunt Car Racer hit the market in 1989, it was critically acclaimed for its graphics. Today, even though it’s pixelated and the tracks are basic, the single-player game that features elevated tracks you can drive off of and damage your vehicle, does what a good game should do: challenging players while simultaneously delighting
Origin: 6 awesome vintage racing video games that’ll take you back
Bentley boss: government must take decisive action to drive EV take-up
Bentley boss Adrian Hallmark has called on the UK government and regulators to make clearer, more decisive pronouncements if they want car buyers to switch to electrified vehicles. Speaking at the FT Future of the Car summit, Hallmark highlighted that the most significant growth for diesel in the past was directly related to the government introducing tax incentives to encourage people to take up the lower-CO2 fuel option. “Diesel was presented as a solution 15-20 years ago and the incentives gave a clear, simple economic advantage,” said Hallmark. “Most importantly, that was a decisive action – and there has to be one if we want people in battery-electric vehicles. We’ve got to mandate and put electric cars at the heart of the system.” The UK Government offers a £3500 grant for vehicles that emit less than 50g/km of CO2 and have a zero emission range of at least 70 miles. There is an £8000 grant for similar commercial vans, with a £500 grant available against the cost of installing an authorised home charging unit. But Hallmark believes the incentives need to be far more wide ranging to drive EV take-up in the UK. “In other countries charge points are standardised, there are smart charging solutions, every new-build house has a charge point on it – they are looking to incentivise and integrate,” said Hallmark. “Here, unless you are a Tesla customer, and have a wallbox at home, you face potential complications to your life to get the car charged. “To be seamless requires a more concerted effort.” Bentley launched a plug-in hybrid version of its Bentley Bentayga last year, and the firm’s head of engineering, Werner Tietz, recently told Autocar that the firm was investigating hydrogen fuel cell technology as a potential alternative to battery-electric models in the
Origin: Bentley boss: government must take decisive action to drive EV take-up
All about car 