Insane: Tesla Roadster 0-60 MPH in 1.1 Seconds Uses Gas Thruster Option!

by Gabrielle DeSantis

A 0-60 mph time in 1.1 seconds is insane. It would feel like your face is being pulled back. But that is what Tesla founder Elon Musk claims the Tesla Roadster will do. And that’s not even the craziest part of this. How the Roadster accomplishes this is with cold gas thrusters. We’ll write it again; cold gas thrusters.

Musk compares the Tesla Roadster rocket thrusters to “hardcore roller coaster”

Tesla Roadster | Tesla

It is called the SpaceX option, and we’re not kidding. Musk tweeted that it would be a safe car with the rocket thrusters, but likened it to a “hardcore roller coaster.” He also mentioned that those with heart conditions should probably not experience the sensation. 

That’s because the Space X option is probably comparable to the feel of a rocket launch. Or a Top Fuel dragster. You get the comparisons, right? But Musk dropped more info about the flagship Tesla Roadster. 

He has indicated that the Roadster won’t look like the red one that has been making the rounds lately. Beyond that Musk isn’t saying much, except that the Roadster will look better than the version we see now. We like what we have seen so far and can’t wait to see the final version. 

The Roadster rocket thrusters are actually compressed air thrusters

rear 3/4 view of Tesla Roadster
Tesla Roadster | Tesla

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The rocket thruster is framed around a compressed air system since the Roadster won’t have any gas or fuel to burn. You didn’t forget that this is an EV? It will be located behind the rear license plate. 

Gas thrusters on rockets are generally used to stabilize the craft. Obviously, the development work going on at Musk’s SpaceX has been repurposed for use on a car. And so you know, cold gas thrusters are relatively less expensive than using the fuel for the rocket engines. 

There is also a more specific reason the cold gas thruster can migrate to the Tesla Roadster so well. It is because they require very little electrical energy to properly operate. So its use won’t scavenge energy from the batteries.

The thrusters create a g-force of 2.5 G’s from a standing start

Tesla Roadster interior sketch
Tesla Roadster | Tesla

Based on what is known about the Roadster and its thrusters it is expected to weigh around 4,000 lbs. Backing that number into the 0-60 time you get a g-force of about 2.5 G’s from a standing start. That puts the Roadster in a category no production vehicle has ever been in. It makes the Roadster the fastest production car ever-and by quite a bit.

Recently Musk has said, “We’re going to do things with the new Roadster that are kind of unfair to other cars. It’s crushingly good relative to the next best gasoline sports car.” Yes, leave it to Musk to highlight Tesla’s advantages in uniquely worded brags.

But he is right. If the Tesla Roadster does indeed feature rocket thrusters it would have to be the most unique feature to ever show up on any car or truck.

The post Insane: Tesla Roadster 0-60 MPH in 1.1 Seconds Uses Gas Thruster Option! appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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Kentucky Has a Law Requiring Drivers to Pull Over for Funeral Processions

by Gabrielle DeSantis

States require motorists to yield the right-of-way to fire trucks, police cars, and other emergency vehicles. Not only is it respectful, but it’s imperative to car safety. First responders often speed to reach people in trouble, and getting in their way could impede their mission or cause an accident.

However, some states also have laws for the departed. In fact, drivers in Kentucky must pull over for funeral processions. Is this a common law in other states too?

Funeral processions in Kentucky

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According to Section 189.378 of Kentucky law, a funeral procession must be two or more vehicles accompanying a deceased person. Every vehicle must have its headlights on or have a visible pennant attached. Each car in the procession has the right-of-way at intersections unless a safety officer decides otherwise.

Funeral processions must still pull over for emergency vehicles and stop at train tracks. Attempting to join a procession to continue driving is against the rules. Drivers also aren’t allowed to pass the procession unless the group of vehicles merges onto a highway. 

Other states with funeral procession laws

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As with Kentucky, most states penalize drivers who try to enter the procession or get ahead of traffic. Many other states grant the right-of-way to funeral processions. In Nevada, a funeral procession’s leader may run red lights and exceed the speed limit by 15 mph.

Drivers in a procession can also travel above the posted speed limit in Idaho and Arizona. In Illinois and Maryland, the procession’s leader still must adhere to stop signs and red lights, but the vehicles accompanying it do not. 

However, in Michigan, funeral processions have the right-of-way only when the leading vehicle is wearing an orange flag. This signifies the party is headed to a burial ground. In Virginia, the procession has the right-of-way only if a police escort guides it.

Massachusetts law says a procession must have less than 10 vehicles to have right-of-way. Some state laws mention funeral processions despite not explicitly granting right-of-way. California also requires a police escort for processions. And procession that lasts more than five minutes must brake for traffic in New Jersey.

Why should you pull over?

Funeral processions usually don’t move quickly or blare sirens, so many motorists don’t know they’re supposed to yield. Attempting to join a procession as it proceeds through a red light might be tempting, but it’s potentially dangerous. It could prompt other people to run red lights and cause accidents mistakenly. That’s why it used to be a requirement in all areas for police to lead funeral processions.

It’s also considered disrespectful to the departed’s family to pass the procession unless on a highway. You might be in a hurry, but funerals are sorrowful experiences for the mourners. Having it halted over a traffic dispute could make the experience a greater hardship.

What to do if you’re outside a funeral procession

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You can easily distinguish a funeral procession from a line of regular cars because of the lit headlights. In some states, the lead vehicle is also required to have its hazard lights on. You should pull over or yield the right-of-way until the entire procession has passed.

If you must pass on a highway, avoid doing so on the right side. Placing your vehicle in the blind spots of a group of slowly moving cars is an accident waiting to happen.

The post Kentucky Has a Law Requiring Drivers to Pull Over for Funeral Processions appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Finally Tried Off-Roading

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness finally got to play where it belongs, in the wild. The new Subaru Outback Wilderness incorporates a few improvements from the 2020 Onyx XT, and the upgrades clearly make a difference. 

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness finally went off-roading 

2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness off-roading | Subaru

First, we need to shout out to the team at Roadshow and Driving Sports TV for putting the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness in the dirt! They were able to truly test its new capabilities in various conditions and rugged terrain. 

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness begins around $38,120 but may include enough upgrades to be worth the price. For example, it has an 0.8-inch factory-installed suspension lift to increase its ground clearance from 8.7 inches to 9.5 inches. Plus, the Outback Wilderness has redesigned bumpers to improve the approach angle to 20 degrees, the departure angle to 23.6 degrees, and the break-over angle to 21.2 degrees. 

How does the Subaru Outback Wilderness perform? 

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The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness has specially designed Yokohama Geolander All-Terrain tires with a chunkier lug design without being too aggressive. They help improve the grip in off-roading situations without sacrificing comfort on the road. A spare tire can be found under the cargo floor to provide room for extra underbody protection. 

Roadshow notes the Outback Wilderness probably can’t keep up with Jeep Wranglers in Moab, but still provides an adventurous experience. The 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine delivers 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 3,500 lbs and climb a 40 percent grade on a gravel road. 

The Wilderness is easy to control and reassuring thanks to its ground clearance and low-end torque, making it easy to control without too much throttle input. Also, the dual-function X Mode system no longer cuts off at speeds above 25 mph and has been reprogrammed for the new tires and suspension setup. 

There are a few different driving modes for sand, snow, and deep snow. The deep snow mode allows for more wheel spin. The hill climb mode is effective for steep inclines, and there is excellent visibility over the hood. 

X Mode applies individual braking power to the rear wheels to reduce power loss. More torque is provided to the wheels with grip, and it functions similarly to an e-locker would during uneven climbs. The hill descent control also does well at keeping you at a comfortable speed.  

What are the Subaru Outback Wilderness features like? 

A side shot of the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness interior with black upholstery
2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Interior | Subaru

The 2022 Subaru Wilderness Outback features Anodized Copper accents to make the tow hooks and roof rail mount points pop. The roof rails are for Wilderness Duty and can hold up to 700 lbs. 

The interior features vegan faux leather upholstery and StarTrex water-repellent material. There are no additional power sources in the rear, but there are 12-volt outlets in the glovebox and center console. 

You’ll find the Subaru Starlink infotainment system on an 11.6-inch display that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-departure warning, EyeSight driver assistance, and lane-centering assistance. You can opt for a power moonroof and reverse automatic braking. 

It seems like the Subaru Outback Wilderness performs as one of the most capable Subaru models ever, with the ability to climb over steep obstacles without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

The post The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Finally Tried Off-Roading appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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Spy Videos of the Ranger Raptor Share Forbidden Design Secrets

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When a manufacturer puts camouflage on an unveiled model, that means whatever’s under there is forbidden to the public eye. In Ford‘s case, the next-gen Ford Ranger is draped in camo for the eyes of the spies. As we can see in the following spy videos a Raptor Ranger model might be in the works for the U.S.

2021 Ford Ranger | Ford

Off-road design cues

According to The Fast Lane (TFL), the Ranger Raptor is taking design cues from its bigger sibling, the Ford F-150 Raptor. In fact, the second video also shows the upcoming generation of the Ford F-150 Raptor in a stunning orange paint color. However, the new Ford Ranger is still under literal wraps.

So, what can viewers discern by checking out these Ford Ranger spy videos? First of all, we know a new designated off-road trim is coming with the new generation Ford Ranger midsize pickup truck. I mean, that wide wide body style and chunky all-terrain style tires scream off-road design, right?

Watching the video, it’s easy to see the resemblance between the new Ranger and the new Ford F-150. The LED light signatures look similar to what we’ve seen in the fresh release of the F-150. However, it’s also clear that this is a midsize pickup truck designed for off-road romping. Judging by the tires alone, we can safely assume that Ford has something in store for off-road enthusiasts in the upcoming Ford Ranger generation.

When does the new Ford Ranger come out?

The Ford Ranger is set to release an all-new generation in 2023. We’ve already seen a Ranger Raptor model in Europe. Ford Media expressed that the Raptor version of the Ranger is a designated off-road desert racing truck.

“Our new Ford Ranger Raptor will ramp up the excitement even further when the thoroughbred desert racer and extreme lifestyle off-roader goes on sale for true enthusiast off-roaders at the same time.”

Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service | Ford of Europe

There’s no official confirmation that the Ranger Raptor will make it stateside. But if that’s what is under that camo, U.S. baby Raptor fans can get excited.

What engine is in the Ford Ranger Raptor model?

In Europe, the Ranger Raptor runs a 2.0-liter twin turbo diesel 4-cylinder, according to Road and Track. This engine generates 210 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, moved “through a ten-speed automatic gearbox and a four-wheel-drive transfer case with high and low ranges.”

In the U.S. the only Ford Ranger engine option in the current generation is the 2.3-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine that creates 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s tuned for hard work and can tow up to 7,500 pounds according to Ford’s website. In the TFL video, there’s speculation on what engine the new Ranger will have––specifically the new Ford Ranger Raptor.

Ford Ranger Raptor jumping on a scenic sandy off-road trail
Ford Ranger Raptor | Ford

In one video it looks like there’s a towing test underway. While the model in camouflage could be an all-new Ranger Tremor model, the TFL host leans heavily toward its being a Raptor. There’s also speculation on what kind of engine the new Ford Ranger Raptor will have when he remarks “that trailer looks very heavy.”

Perhaps (though very doubtful) the new generation will get a diesel version of the Ford Ranger in the U.S. There’s also been talk of the new Ford Bronco‘s twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6. This powerplant generates 330 horses and 415 pound-feet and would make a lot of sense in a Ford Ranger Raptor model.

Of course, there’s also a likelihood that the new Ford Ranger generation will get a hybrid powertrain. A hybrid powertrain for the Bronco was confirmed by executives on Twitter. So, there’s that and the available Ford F-150 hybrid powertrain. Plus, the all-new Ford F-150 lightning just debuted. Because of that, it’s reasonable to guess that Ford will produce a hybrid Ranger sometime in the near future.

The post Spy Videos of the Ranger Raptor Share Forbidden Design Secrets appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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