Is the Baidu Robocar the Ugliest Car Ever Created-or is it a Car at All?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

We wonder if the huge Chinese company Baidu should stick to its artificial intelligence work and chip manufacturing. That’s because along with its unveiling of a second-generation AI chip and other significant tech development it debuted a “robocar.” And the Robocar looks uglier than an Aztek or Edsel.

No matter how smart or safe the Robocar may be it is too hard to look at. Does it look like a forklift and airport tug had a baby? Or is it just us who see that? 

Baidu’s Robocar is part of its massive autonomous vehicle development

Baidu Co-founder and CEO Robin Li and CCTV host Beining Sa sit in Robocar | Baidu

The Baidu company is doing some great things. At its Baidu World conference, it introduced its new Kunlun2 chip. Developed from its 2018 Kunlun chip it can process large clumps of data. One of its main uses is for autonomous vehicles. 

Baidu has been testing and continuing autonomous vehicle development with robotaxis in active service within numerous cities in China. It wants to expand that business for mass usage before 2023. Whether the Robocar is intended for mass-market usage is not known.

But Wei Dong, VP of the company’s intelligent driving group, told CNBC, “We believe that cars of the future will be robocars.” Baidu co-founder and chief executive Robin Li says, “They will drive autonomously, act as both an intelligent assistant and loyal companion, and be self-learning.”

If the Robocar is only a service vehicle, can it be ugly?

Baidu robocar interior
Interior of Baidu’s robocar | Baidu

Ambitious for sure. As a service vehicle, however, it should look compelling rather than offputting. And if the intention is to sell the Robocars to consumers, it must be attractive. 

So the ideas and technology behind the Robocar are exciting. Beyond that? Not so much. We like the gullwing doors. And inside there is neither a steering wheel nor pedals. If it were on tracks we’d just call it a train.

The Robocar can also recognize voices and facial features. It can scan its environment and calculate actions ahead of implementing any of them. If you’re in Beijing or Guangzhou you’ve no doubt seen one of Baidu’s autonomous taxis. 

RELATED: What Are the Different Levels Of Self-Driving Cars?

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Is it a Good Time to Buy a Used Nissan 370Z?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The all-new 2023 Nissan Z made its long-awaited debut earlier this week and left critics stunned by its specs and sleek appearance. It’s slated to have a twin-turbo V6 engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and 400 hp, which is a recipe for sports car success no matter how you look at it. However, it’s going to cost around $40,000 as well.

Unfortunately, not everyone has $40,000 to throw at a new car. But fortunately, the Z’s predecessor, the Nissan 370Z, can be found on the used car market for less than half the price. Does that mean it’s a good time to pick one up?

The Nissan 370Z hasn’t changed much in over a decade

2019 Nissan 370Z | Nissan

If you take a look at the most current 2020 Nissan 370Z model and then look at a picture of the car when it debuted in 2009, you’ll be hard-pressed to notice any differences. That’s because the Japanese automaker barely made any changes to the rear-drive sports car in over a decade. And while that may not entice enough to buy one, consider the specs first.

Under the hood of the Nissan 370Z is a naturally-aspirated, 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 332 hp and 276 lb-ft of torque. That engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission, both of which route power to the rear wheels. Although you’ll get the same type of performance and fuel economy no matter which transmission you choose, the manual transmission is more fun to drive with its auto rev-matching feature, reports Car Buzz.

If you’re curious if those specs are from the 2009 model or 2020 one, don’t be, they’re the same.

A used 370Z is easy to maintain and relatively cheap to insure

2019 Nissan 370Z
2019 Nissan 370Z | Nissan

If you do plan on buying a used Nissan 370Z, then you’ll be happy to know that they’re relatively inexpensive to maintain. Car Edge notes that it will cost an average of $1,716 during the first 5 years of ownership. That’s only $343 a year. Also, the average insurance cost for a 370Z is $1,766 per year.

However, the actual insurance rates can vary depending on the driver’s age, location, driving record, etc. Either way, the Nissan 370Z doesn’t cost that much own, so you should be able to hold onto it for a long time without much issue.

How much does an older 370Z cost now?

2019 Nissan 370Z | Nissan

 A nationwide search on CarGurus reveals that there are many 2009-2010 Nissan 370Z models currently listed for around $10,000. Although, be aware that most of those cars have well over 100,000 miles on them. If you would rather have a less-expensive 370Z with fewer miles, then you can expect to pay around $20,000 to $25,000 depending on the car’s mileage, condition, and location.

Ultimately, buying a used Nissan 370Z makes a lot more sense than purchasing a new(ish) 2020 model. You’ll get essentially the same car, but for a fraction of the price. And while the 370Z won’t be as powerful or sleek as the forthcoming 2023 Z, it’s still a blast to drive in its own right and you’ll be happy for years to come.

RELATED: Should You Wait for the 2022 Nissan 400Z or Get a Toyota GR 86?

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The Ford Bronco Is Helping Ladies Race in the 2021 Rebelle Rally

by Gabrielle DeSantis

This one is primarily for the ladies, but men and nonbinary folk can also enjoy it. The 2021 Ford Bronco and Sport is going to help women race in the 2021 Rebelle Rally. Do you think the Ford Bronco will help your favorite team win? 

The 2021 Ford Bronco heads to the 2021 Rebelle Rally 

2021 Ford Bronco | Ford

Sorry, dudes. The Rebelle Rally is an all-woman off-road rally event. So, you can’t race, but you can still root for your favorite team and enjoy seeing where the 2021 Ford Bronco and Sport place. 

This year the rally will be held out west, in the desert. The starting line is by the Hoover Dam, and it ends at California’s Imperial Sand Dunes. It will take place in October. The competition lasts for eight days, and the event lasts for 10. 

Teams of two will navigate over obstacles to see who can reach hidden checkpoints in the most efficient way. However, they don’t get to use cell phones, GPS units, or computers. But ladies do get to use maps, a compass, and a roadbook. 

Which Bronco models are racing? 

Last year, only the Ford Bronco Sport made it to the event. This isn’t a bad thing. Based on personal experience, the Brono Sport is an excellent option for conquering off-roading obstacles. For the 2021 event, more 2021 Ford Bronco models are joining the party. 

Professional rally team Shelby Hall (driver) and Penny Dale (navigator) will use the two-door wild Wildtrak. Employees of 4Wheel Parts, an off-road accessories supplier, will pilot the four-door Badlands. The Ford Bronco Sport badlands will be piloted by pro-off-roaders Melissa Fischer and Cora Jokinen.  

The two-door Bronco and Sport will remain stock for the event. The four-door Bronco will be fitted with accessories from 4Wheel parts. The parts may provide an advantage, or but the accessories aren’t currently specified. 

Also, the Ford Bronco models will have the Ford Trail Maps, and built-in navigation will be removed. A large part of the competition involves being about to navigate through the correct route. 

Jovina Young, Ford Bronco Sport Marketing Manager, explained that the number one obstacle and the Rebelle Rally is navigation. But the terrain definitely presents challenges for the vehicles and competitive women too. This event is a great way to showcase what Broncos and off-roading women are capable of in the harshest conditions. 

What inspired the Rebelle Rally Bronco look? 

2021 Ford Bronco models for the Rebelle Rally
2021 Ford Bronco models for the Rebelle Rally | Ford

The 2021 Ford Bronco models that are racing look great. They have a black hood with white and red stripes down the sides. Also, a white silhouette of a bucking horse really makes it pop. By the way, a Bronco is a feral horse that people are trying the tame, while Mustangs are feral horses in the wild. 

Anyway, the look was inspired by the Bronco 4600. It’s a race Bronco that competes in the ULTRA4 off-road race series. It primarily uses production-spec parts, including the chassis, engine, and transmission. 

It includes portal hubs from 74 Weld, Trinton Engineering control arms, a Dana AdvanTAK e-locking differential with RCV custom half shafts, and Method Race Wheels 202 Forged Beadlock wheels wrapped in 35-inch BF Goodrich mud terrain T/A KM3 tires. 

Remember to check back in October to see who wins the Rebelle Rally. The Ford Broncos could win, and they could get fail to cross the finish line. It all depends on how they are handled and if they can tackle the terrain.

RELATED: The 2021 Ford Bronco Faces Roof Related Delays

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This Dodge Viper Limousine Is Totally Weird

by Gabrielle DeSantis

You’ve likely seen some interesting limousines on the roads. Of course the traditional black or white Cadillac or Lincoln limousine can still be seen somewhat regularly. And then there was the Lincoln Navigator limousine, which was pretty big for some time. Yet have you ever seen a Dodge Viper limousine? Have you ever even dreamed that such a thing exists? Well, it does, and you can buy it if you’re so inclined. 

Dodge Viper limousine | eBay

How did someone make a Dodge Viper limousine?

A white 1996 Dodge Viper limousine in a garage.
1996 Dodge Viper limousine | eBay

To make the Dodge Viper limousine, a 1996 Dodge Viper RT/10 was stretched about two car lengths, according to Road and Track. It also had a cabin added that allows the limo to seat twelve passengers, which obviously makes it much larger than a traditional limousine. Road and Track also notes that it’s the only one of its kind. This isn’t really a surprise, if it’s true. 

So does the Viper limo still look like a Viper? Sorta, kinda. If you were able to just look at the front or back of the limousine, you might not notice that it had been stretched. Yet once you can see past the front of the Viper, it’s clear that it’s anything but a standard sports car. 

The Viper limousine is a convertible, and you can see that it’s outfitted in black leather, giving it a proper mid-nineties feel. It measures twenty-five feet long, so parking it might be a little difficult. 

Perhaps the most confusing thing about the Dodge Viper limousine is its lack of doors. It’s as though someone just slapped some super long car pieces to the sawed-in-half pieces of a Dodge Viper – and it’s entirely possible that that’s just what someone did. Still, without rear doors allowing access to the passenger compartment, this isn’t the right ride to take your grandparents in, unless you plan on dropping them into the seats from above. 

What possessed someone to make a Dodge Viper limousine?

A white 1996 Dodge Viper limousine outside.
1996 Dodge Viper limousine | eBay

Who knows? Road and Track says that the eBay ad for the Viper limo says that it’s been used in TV shows and commercials, so possibly it was made for one such event. The ad also doesn’t clearly detail who made this limo, which begs the question of what exactly you’d be getting if you purchased it. Without knowing whether the person who built it knew what they were doing, it’s debatable whether you’d want to put actual human beings into it. 

Can I still buy the Viper limo?

A white 1996 Dodge Viper limousine outside.
1996 Dodge Viper limousine | Dodge

Devastatingly, no. The Dodge Viper limousine was for sale on ebay, with a starting bid of $135,000. It was listed for sale in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the seller was asking for wire transfers or cashiers checks. 

Yet despite its uniqueness, by the time the auction ended there were no bids. Now, that doesn’t mean that the seller wasn’t able to sell the limo elsewhere. It also doesn’t mean that we won’t see the Viper limousine appear for sale again in the future. But if the only-okay pictures and vague seller listing had you wanting to buy the Dodge Viper limousine right now, you’re sadly out of luck.

This isn’t the first time that an unconventional car has been made into a limousine. It’s unlikely to be the last, either. Still, there can’t be a huge market for vehicles like this. Especially vehicles which require being garaged and take up more space than two or three large SUVs. If you have your heart set on purchasing something like this, keep your eye out; there’s surely more to come.

RELATED: The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Can’t Hold a Candle to the 2021 Dodge Ram

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