The Mines Rover represents a big step in EV autonomous vehicle usability. Currently, the Rover is part of the nation’s largest fleet of autonomous vehicles. And yes, before you ask, these vehicles are fully autonomous. They require no driver intervention except in the instance of an emergency. Moreover, they’re designed to only operate at low speeds, replacing shuttles on the Colorado School of Mines campus. Interesting, yes, but how feasible is public autonomous transport? Additionally, are autonomous EVs the way to a cleaner future for Colorado and the rest of the U.S?
What is the Mines Rover?
Full EV transport is necessary. Look at the smoke in this image | RJ Sangosti via Getty Images
So, let’s start with exactly what the hell a Mines Rover is. First and foremost, it’s an electric autonomous shuttle, at least according to local news outlet 9News. AvCo is the Colorado-based owner of these Mines Rover shuttles. Obviously, as the “shuttle” part implies, it’ll be used to shuttle drunk Colorado School of Mines students. In principle, the Rover operates just like any other autonomous vehicle (AV) out there.
The Rover uses a series of cameras and sensors to measure precisely where it is and navigate through traffic. Critically, these low-speed AV shuttles will be able to move around on the road as well as through specified routes on campus. As of right now, AvCo has three routes planned for the Golden, Colorado college. However, the brand is looking to expand to other locations in Colorado. Among these are Colorado Springs and Denver’s wealthy Greenwood Village suburb.
Free transit for the masses
Would you ride in an AV? | RJ Sangosti via Getty Images
Evidently, there’s a lot of benefits to a free EV shuttle. Obviously, the EV part is quite nice. I’m local to Colorado and have been for my whole life. At no point in my memory can I remember wildfire smoke being as dense as it is here. We need EVs like the Mines Rover to help fight climate change, seeing as our Congresspeople are unwilling to implement any other meaningful measures.
Then there’s the benefits of an (assuming functionality as advertised) ever-expanding network of autonomous vehicles. In theory, AVs will be able to navigate traffic better than we will. However, as things sit right now, I’m not sure if that’s the case. The low-speed aspect of the Mines Rover is great for safety, but it could be an issue on-road. I suppose that’s where the trained student operators come in. They’re there to intervene should things get out of hand.
AvCo continues to push for an AV future
Even AVs aren’t immune to cheesy vanity plates | RJ Sangosti via Getty Images
As of today, there’s only nine shuttles running along those three routes, but that’s still more than anywhere else. For now, that’s ok. I’d much prefer AvCo to work out the kinks before the Mines Shuttle starts replacing busses in my neighborhood. Let’s see if they can prove me to be nothing more than a cynic.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GettyImages-1333435116-1024x683-1.jpg6831024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-08-20 18:45:002021-08-20 18:56:34The Mines Rover Is Part of the Nation’s Largest Fleet of Autonomous Vehicles
Custom automotive channels, shops, and builders are always looking for new ways to show off their work, especially if it is done in a way that is compatible to vehicles that the consumer public and viewers are already familiar with. Sometimes even major manufacturers will use this method to show off their vehicle’s capabilities as well, as it is a fun and suspense-building display, although it can damage your vehicle if not done correctly and if your vehicle is pushed too far. Between a custom Ford F-350built for SEMA and an H1 Hummer, however, it’s hard to bet on who will win.
What is a tug-of-war battle?
A beige H1 hummer winches a black H1 | David Howells, Corbis, Getty Image
A tug-of-war battle is a battle of strength similar to the game many children have played. It’s the ultimate arm-wrestling, bragging-right winning competition of sheer strength, power, and traction. Between two vehicles, a tug-of-war battle is when a rope or chain is attached between the vehicles, and each moves in a separate direction. Similar to a regular tug-of-war battle, the winner is the side that is able to pull the other team past a certain point. In vehicles, this indicates that the winning vehicle has more traction and weighs more — basic physics.
What’s the purpose?
Like a drag race, there really isn’t a genuine purpose for a tug-of-water battle, except epic braggin rights. When it comes to vehicles like a custom-built Ford F-350 designed to be showcased at SEMA this year, however, those bragging rights are nothing worth giving up, especially when the battle is between that capable custom built and a military-grade H1 Hummer, which is known for its abilities off-road. Would you make a bet as to which of these two capable of off-road vehicles wins between the two in a tug-of-war battle?
Based on physics alone, it’s a pretty big toss-up on which vehicle will win — mostly because we can only estimate how much each vehicle actually weighs, which is a major factor in winning a tug-of-war battle. A standard H1 Hummer can weigh as much as about 8,000 lbs, while a stuck Ford F-350 typically weighs as much as 7,800 lbs. With any changes or modifications, this weight can be changed, and with such a small difference in weight between the two vehicles, we can only watch and see what happens.
This type of activity isn’t recommended for most vehicle owners as it puts unnecessary strain on your vehicle. If your rope or chain isn’t attached to an appropriate, load-bearing part of your vehicle, you can damage the body, frame, and chassis, and it also puts unneeded strain on your motor, transmission, and suspension components. Regardless of the risks, many SUV and truck enthusiasts still use this tug-of-war style battle to establish automotive prowess, and, even though most of us won’t chose to participate, it is still a spectacle worth watching.
The Corvette C8 is a watershed moment for Chevrolet. The Corvette is more than just one of Chevy’s most important cars; it is an American icon. Making any significant changes to a car that has been tried and true for multiple decades is a huge risk.
When Chevrolet first announced that the Corvette C8 would be a mid-engined vehicle, it caused ripples in the industry and among enthusiasts. Some purists were repelled by the fact that a Corvette would not have its engine in the front. Other enthusiasts were happy to see Chevrolet evolve with the times.
Since the C8 Corvette’s release, all signs seem to indicate that the car is a success. Early reviews were primarily positive among pundits. Dealerships have not been able to keep the vehicle in stock despite hefty mark-ups. Now, we all finally know when we get to see where the Corvette C8 is going next.
Corvette C8 Z06
Chevrolet teased the new Z06 a few months ago when they released an audio file of the supercar’s exhaust note. While it certainly sounded appealing, we are going to need a little more. Chevy released another teaser video that provides much more than a sound clip to oblige us and fans.
The teaser video opens with a notice to “save the date” before cutting to a pre-production, camouflaged C8 Corvette Z06 driving past the Nurburgring. That footage is intercut with clips of the Corvette C8.R race car before going back to the pre-production Z06, which is now driving in France. The Z06 pays a quick visit to the Circuit de la Sarthe to blast down the famous Mulsanne Straight.
Then just after the video warns that “the streets will never look the same,” the audience is given the date of October 26th, 2021, as the official Z06 reveal date. Which could mean production will happen sooner than we think.
What to expect from the Corvette C8 Z06
2023 Corvette C8 Z06 | Chevrolet YouTube
The camouflaged Corvette C8 Z06 in the teaser video does provide a glimpse at the car’s aerodynamic design. There appear to be larger front air-dams on either side of the reworked bumper, which both give way to immense radiators. The front end also houses a splitter and canards for added downforce.
The side intakes which feed the mid-mounted engine also appear much longer and re-shaped to gather more air. In the video, there is a clear shot of the back of the Z06 where a brand new rear spoiler. That is about all we can gather from the outside of the car. Underneath the engine cover is where we are most curious. Will the Z06 be supercharged? Maybe it will be augmented with an electric motor? How much power will be on tap? Considering that the current Corvette C8 makes just under 500 horsepower, is it possible that the Z06 will boast 600 horsepower or higher?
It is honestly anyone’s guess at the moment. Considering the risks Chevrolet has taken to produce the Corvette C8 in the first place, we would not be surprised to see them do something wild with the Z06. October 26th, 2021, is going to be an interesting day.
In the market for a new car? If you often find yourself lugging around a good amount of cargo, then a new luxury SUV is likely the best fit for you. And if you’re after something a tad nicer than your typical SUV? Then you’re going to want to check out these luxury midsize SUVs with the most cargo room.
The 2021 Lincoln Aviator is one of the best luxury midsize SUVs with the most cargo room
While Consumer Reports didn’t give the 2021 Lincoln Aviator the best overall score, this year’s model does find itself among the best luxury midsize SUVs with the most cargo room. In fact, the organization measured 49 cubic feet of available cargo room. Meanwhile, the automaker reports that the Aviator offers 18.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet of cargo volume with all seats folded down.
The new Lincoln Aviator isn’t just one of the best luxury midsize SUVs with the most cargo room. Consumer Reports also gave this year’s model some pretty high marks in its road tests. In fact, the organization lauded this year’s model with an 82/100 score. It also gave it a five out of five owner satisfaction rating. Perhaps the only downside to the 2021 Lincoln Aviator is its one out of five predicted reliability rating.
The 2021 Land Rover Defender is a capable SUV with plenty of cargo room to offer
There’s a lot to like about the 2021 Land Rover Defender. It comes powered by your choice of a four- or six-cylinder turbocharged engine. It’s also available in two- or four-door body styles and offers up a number of seating configurations to seat between five and seven passengers. Even better? This capable SUV is among the best luxury midsize SUVs with the most cargo room. In fact, this year’s model offers up to 78.8 cubic feet of cargo room.
A spacious cargo area isn’t all that the 2021 Land Rover Defender has going for it either. According to Consumer Reports, this go-anywhere midsize SUV boasts a safari-esque interior that’s both tasteful and comfortable. Its available 395-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine also provides plenty of oomph while its eight-speed automatic transmission provides smooth, responsive shifts.
The 2021 Land Rover Discovery is a new three-row SUV with an abundance of cargo room
Much like the Land Rover Defender, the 2021 Land Rover Discovery also finds itself among the best luxury midsize SUVs with the most cargo room. Consumer Reports measured nearly 43 cubic feet of cargo room. Meanwhile, Land Rover reports that this new three-row SUV provides 9.1 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, 45 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row. And with all rows folded down? This new midsize SUV boasts up to 74.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
Unfortunately for the Land Rover Discovery, Consumer Reports didn’t give it the best ratings in terms of reliability or predicted owner satisfaction. In fact, the organization gave this year’s Discovery a one out of five predicted reliability rating. It also gave it a two out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating. The good news is that it secured a 71/100 in Consumer Reports’ road tests.
The 2021 Cadillac XT6 is one of the best luxury midsize SUVs with the most cargo room
The 2021 Cadillac XT6 has a lot going for it. It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, making it one of the safest midsize SUVs on the road today. It also earned high marks in Consumer Reports’ road tests. In fact, the organization gave it an 82/100 score, which is nothing short of impressive. That’s not all, either. The 2021 Cadillac XT6 is a midsize luxury SUV with plenty of cargo room. Don’t just take our word for it, either.
In fact, Consumer Reports measured nearly 41 cubic feet of cargo room with the new midsize SUV’s second- and third-row seats folded flat. Meanwhile, the automaker reports that the 2021 XT6 provides 12.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, 43.1 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row, and a whopping 78.7 cubic feet of cargo room with all rows folded down.
The 2021 GMC Acadia is a new midsize SUV that’s recommended by Consumer Reports
Last but certainly not least is the 2021 GMC Acadia, this new midsize SUV also finds itself among Consumer Reports’ list of luxury midsize SUVs with the most cargo room. In its tests, the organization measured the Acadia’s cargo area at 40.5 cubic feet. The automaker, however, reports that this new luxury SUV offers 12.80 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, 41.7 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row, and a maximum capacity of 79 cubic feet with all rows folded down.
While the 2021 GMC Acadia is a spacious luxury midsize SUV, what’s even more appealing about it is that it’s the cheapest new SUV on Consumer Reports’ list. In fact, base models start at $33,900, which is ideal for those in the market for a new SUV under $40,000. At its most expensive price, this year’s model will have you spending just under $50,000.
Which new luxury midsize SUV is the best fit for you and your cargo?
There’s no denying that these new SUVs offer plenty of cargo room. After all, they are among the best luxury midsize SUVs with the most cargo room. To find out which is the best fit for you and your cargo, we recommend taking each of these options for a test drive. Whether that means taking the 2021 Lincoln Aviator or the 2021 Land Rover Discovery out for a spin, you’re going to want to test-drive each of these new luxury midsize SUVs before making your final decision.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Lincoln-Aviator-Cargo-1024x683-1.jpg6831024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-08-20 18:10:002021-08-20 18:26:225 Best Luxury Midsize SUVs With the Most Cargo Room According to Consumer Reports
