Rented Lamborghini Urus Kills 3 in Fiery Crash

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Have you ever considered renting a supercar like a Lamborghini Urus? Companies make it easy these days. Fill out a form online, pay $1,000, and drive away in your new Lambo. However, there are some hidden dangers of allowing random people to drive off in a high-powered car like a Lamborghini.

The Lamborghini Urus crash that killed three

The Lamborghini Urus was involved in a crash that killed three | Martyn Lucy/Getty Images

The crash happened back in January but generally went unnoticed until this month. The Miami Herald reported that three tourists from New Jersey were driving around in the recently rented 2019 Lamborghini Urus. During Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, people were out and about for the first time in a while.

According to police, the Lamborghini SUV traveled down East 10th Avenue just before 2:00 AM. The video shows the Urus took out a tree with ease just before slamming into a pillar at over 100 mph. Since it was late at night, there weren’t many other cars on the road at the time. However, there could have just as easily been other victims if this had been at a different time of night.

Toxicology reports show the driver of the Lamborghini Urus was intoxicated

The Herald reports that the driver was intoxicated from alcohol and painkillers, according to toxicology reports. He and both passengers died in the wreck. The driver was a father of two. The passengers were a 26-year-old man also from New Jersey and a 27-year-old woman from Georgia. Both died instantly.

According to the toxicology report from the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office, tests indicated the driver had “bodily fluid alcohol content levels of .10 and .12.” In Florida, the legal level of impairment is 0.08. Tests also showed that he had taken oxycodone at some point before the crash.

You can see from the video above that there was nothing much the driver or passengers could have done. Though the start of the crash is off-screen, the Urus plows through a tree and burst into flames as it disintigrates.

The issue of renting supercars

The 2019 Lamborghini Urus costs over $200,000 when brand new. In Miami, you can rent one of these luxury SUVs fairly easily. For $1,000 to $1,200 a day, the Urus can be yours to showboat all over town. The Urus has a top speed of around 180 mph and a V8 making more than 600 hp.

In the wrong hands, it makes sense this vehicle would lead to a terrible accident. When renting one of these cars, there’s essentially no background check of any kind.

On the Airbnb of cars, Turo, you can rent this exact 2019 Urus for $1,080 a day. The owner might offer liability insurance, but not always. Drivers must be 21 to rent the car and must have proof of insurance, plus a license.

This specific listing requires a $2,000 deposit for U.S. citizens, while a $5,000 deposit is required for those traveling internationally. A credit card in the driver’s name is needed. That’s all. You can get your rented Urus delivered to the hotel and be on your way to flex on South Beach. Will crashes like this cause more regulation on renting supercars out to strangers? That’s unlikely for now.

RELATED: Kim Kardashian Covered Her Lamborghini Urus in Something Ridiculous

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The Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV Solves 1 Crucial Problem

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Great news, Hyundai is continuing to go green. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV just entered the scene to provide a much better fuel economy. See what to expect with the new Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid. 

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV is almost here 

2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV | Hyundai

Some critics suggest that the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe doesn’t have the best fuel economy. It only gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and up to 28 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, rivals like the 2021 Honda CR-V get an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. 

But the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV is coming to solve this problem. According to Green Car Reports, the Santa Fe PHEV is expected to have a 31-mile electric range with an efficiency rating of 76 MPGe combined with a total range of 440 miles! In hybrid mode, it could have a gas mileage of 33 mpg combined. This is quite the fuel efficiency upgrade. 

What to expect with the Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV 

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s paired with a 12.4 kWh battery and electric motor to generate 260 hp. The Santa Fe Hybrid model pairs the turbo 1.6-liter engine with a 60-hp motor for a total of 226 hp. The Hybrid model is expected to get 34 mpg. 

In the PHEV, you’ll find a six-speed automatic transmission and standard HTRAC all-wheel drive. This means the Santa Fe is well equipped for off-roading adventures and slippery conditions. The system sends up to 50 percent of power to the rear wheels and delivers torque from side to side for extra traction. 

Use the all-electric mode to save money on gas with 30 electric miles. The regenerative braking can convert energy into electric power to recharge the battery too. Plus, you won’t struggle with range anxiety because if you run out of juice, you can rely on gas. 

Generally, PHEVs have their battery pack located under the vehicle, but the Hyundai Santa Fe has it inside the body shell. As a result, the battery is liquid-cooled to be protected from ambient temperatures, and the battery location doesn’t impede cargo space. 

What features does the Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV have? 

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid parked at a trailhead
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid | Hyundai

With the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV, you may get a federal tax credit of up to $6,587. Your state and local utilities may provide additional incentives too. Plus, you may qualify to drive solo in carpool lanes. 

The Santa Fe PHEV will go on sale this summer with a starting price of about $35,000. The entry-level gasoline-powered Hyundai Santa Fe starts at about $28,025. It has a fair upgrade price. 

There aren’t many visual changes to the Santa FE PHEV, but it does ride on 19-inch alloy wheels and features distinctive lighting. Also, the plug sets it apart from other trim levels in the lineup. 

Hyundai Smart Sense safety features come standard, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Limited models gain a 360-degree camera, ventilated leather seats, and a 10.3-inch screen. We can’t wait to learn more! 

RELATED: The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Might Be the One to Get

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3 Reasons Why Your Lawn Mower Won’t Start

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Mowing the lawn isn’t always the most enjoyable chore. It can be made even more frustrating if your lawn mower won’t start. Before throwing in the towel and buying a new lawn mower instead, you might want to consider these three reasons why your lawn mower won’t start. After all, if it’s an easy fix, who says you have to buy a new lawn mower?

Your lawn mower won’t start because it sat unused for too long

Mowing the lawn isn’t a year-round task for everyone. In fact, mowing the lawn can be more of a seasonal task depending on where you live. For many, that means putting their lawn mower in storage for a decent portion of the year. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, if your lawn mower sits unused for too long, it could have trouble starting.

If your lawn mower won’t start and has been sitting unused for a few months, SFGate suggests checking your mower’s oil as it might need to be replaced. Next, prime the mower’s engine by pushing its priming bulb three times. Then, try starting the engine. Finally, check on your mower’s spark plugs too. If they are loose or worn, it might just be time to replace them.

When was the last time you refueled?

Lawn mower | Salwan Georges/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Now, this one is pretty easy but, according to Bob Vila, it’s often overlooked. If your lawn mower won’t start, first ask yourself when was the last time you filled its gas tank? If it’s been a while since you last topped off your lawn mower’s gas tank, it might be time to refuel. And if that’s not the issue?

An empty fuel tank isn’t the only reason your lawn mower might be having trouble getting started, Bob Vila reports. As a matter of fact, the problem could also point to old or contaminated fuel. Try using an oil siphon pump to drain the old fuel from the tank. After that, refill it with fresh fuel. 

A dirty filter could keep your lawn mower from starting

Say it’s only been a couple of weeks since you last used your lawn mower, and its tank is stocked with fuel. What then? If that’s the case, the problem could be with your lawn mower’s air filter, Bob Vila reports. Your mower’s air filter is designed to protect its engine from all kinds of debris and dirt. If the filter becomes dirty or clogged, chances are your lawn mower won’t start. Fortunately, changing a lawn mower’s air filter isn’t very difficult.

To replace your lawn mower’s air filter, first make sure that the mower is off. Then, disconnect the mower’s spark plug wire before removing the air filter cover. Next, The Spruce recommends undoing the clips or screws that keep your mower’s air filter in place. Once those have been removed, you can remove the air filter and either clean it or replace it. To prevent this from happening again, The Spruce suggests cleaning or replacing your mower’s air filter after every 25 hours of use.

Keep your lawn mower in top shape with regular maintenance

When it comes down to it, regular maintenance is the key to keeping your lawn mower in good shape. But if your lawn mower won’t start? These issues are easy enough to fix without having to replace your mower with a new one.

RELATED: Lawn Mower Maintenance You Probably Aren’t Doing But Should Be

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The Toyota Rodent Lawsuit Just Took a Unique Turn

by Gabrielle DeSantis

By now, customers are well-aware of how safe and reliable Toyota is. That being said, Toyota isn’t perfect, and like many other automakers, Toyota has issued recalls and has been the defendant in plenty of class-action lawsuits before. In fact, one of the more recent lawsuits involving Toyota, the so-called Rodent Lawsuit, has taken another turn in the winding halls of justice. 

What is the Toyota Rodent Lawsuit?

While it would be hilarious if this particular class-action lawsuit involved a family of rodents suing Toyota for whatever reason, the reality is less funny and far more serious. A while ago, Toyota, as well as other automakers, started using biodegradable materials for the wiring of their cars. Those new biodegradable wires used plant-based products, namely soy, and it wasn’t long before the lawsuits began.

The plaintiffs who were suing the automakers alleged that the only reason the rodents were chewing on car wires was because of those new soy-based wires. The plaintiffs alleged that it was a “defect,” while automakers, like Toyota, essentially said that this was just a case of rats being rats, as rats have chewed on wires since wires were invented. 

The courts sided with the automakers and dismissed the case in 2018, but the plaintiffs have refiled and appealed. That’s where things get a bit complicated, but also more interesting. 

Partially dismissed, but sent back to the courts

The Toyota RAV4 | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

According to Car Complaints, after some legal twist and turns, the Ninth Circuit court ultimately heard the plaintiffs’ appeal. The lower district judge who had dismissed the case had dismissed all the plaintiffs’ claims. However, the Ninth Circuit reversed some of those dismissals, while affirming others.

For example, the Ninth Circuit agreed with that lower district judge when it came to dismissing the “state fraud and consumer protection claims” and claims relating to the Unfair Competition Law, but not the other claims in the lawsuit. Instead, the Ninth Circuit reversed the dismissal of claims in regard to some of the “implied warranty of merchantability claims” as well as claims relating to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

To be clear, the Ninth Circuit only reversed the dismissal of some claims, and the Ninth Circuit did not hand down any ruling. Like Car Complaints wrote, the case will be moved back down to a lower district court which will hear the case based on those warranty claims.

The claims that were dismissed, however, will not be a part of that new hearing. As such, this is a small win for the plaintiffs, since their case is still alive and has a chance.

Win or lose, this can be a frustrating problem

While there’s still no resolution to this case, it is pretty easy to emphasize with both sides. On one hand, rats and other rodents do chew on things, and it’s no surprise that they are chewing on Toyota’s new soy-based wiring. On the other hand, owners of cars that have been the victim of a hungry rodent have every right to be angry, as those rodents can cause some serious damage to a car. 

Obviously, a car’s wiring is going to be very vital to the well-being of the car, and if a rodent chews through that wiring, then it can cause some serious and expensive effects. Not only can this affect the electronics and the instruments in the car, but it can also affect the car’s power steering. Estimates will vary, but depending on what wires get chewed on, it’s possible that an owner will have to pay about $3,000 to fix their car. Suffice to say, that’s a lot of money.

We’ll have to stay tuned to see how this issue will ultimately resolve itself.

RELATED: How to Keep Rodents From Eating the Wires Under Your Hood

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