Autonomous vehicles will be commonplace before we know it. Even now, several firms are testing autonomous technology on public streets to prime themselves for mass adoption. Baseline forms of autonomous tech can already be found in several vehicles on the road today such as semi-trucks.
The direction that autonomous technology firms are going in currently is towards ride-hailing. Imagine taking your smartphone out of your pocket or purse and using an app to call an electric vehicle to pick you up and take you to your destination all without a driver behind the wheel. At first, it may seem that having an autonomous vehicle for that situation is unnecessary but considering that there are only so many human drivers on the road and that a software-based driver can provide service at virtually any time of the day, the prospect begins to make sense.
Since tech firms are so focused on perfecting the software and specialized hardware that autonomous driving requires, they do not quite have the bandwidth to create their own vehicles from the ground up. That is why tech companies are partnering with existing automotive manufacturers to speed up the process of putting autonomous ride-hailing vehicles or “robotaxis” on the road. For example, Waymo partnered with Jaguar to equip a fleet of I-Pace EVs with their robotaxi tech.
The latest OEM to get in on the driverless action is Hyundai who recently announced a joint effort with autonomous driving technology firm Motional.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 Robotaxi
Hyundai IONIQ 5 Robotaxi | Hyundai
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 robotaxi is the result of Hyundai’s partnership with Motional. One glance at the exterior of the IONIQ robotaxi shows all of the sensors required for Motional’s autonomous driving technology to navigate city streets with no human interaction. There are more than 30 sensors in total – a combination of cameras, radars, and lidar – that give the IONIQ 5 robotaxi 360-degree vision and ultra-long-range object detection for optimal safety in various driving environments. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 robotaxi will get “smarter” with experience due to Motional’s machine learning software which already has a baseline of knowledge based on “decades of real-world data” according to Motional.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 robotaxi’s interior has been redesigned to better suit an environment for passengers to relax and interact with each other. Not quite at the level of a mobile lounge but as close as to it as possible while still keeping passengers safe.
Robotaxi Research and development
Hyundai IONIQ 5 robotaxi interior | Hyundai
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 robotaxi was “built from the ground up” in partnership with Motional to ensure that the finished product can be officially deemed as “fully driverless.”
“This robotaxi represents Motional’s vision of a driverless future becoming a reality,” said Motional President and CEO Karl Iagnemma. “Through our strategic partnership with Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv, we have unparalleled automotive and software expertise across our entire vehicle development process. This deep collaboration enables us to manufacture a robotaxi that’s both highly safe and reliable, and is cost-optimized for global production. We’re focused on mass commercialization, and the IONIQ 5 robotaxi is built for that purpose.”
It is clear that autonomous vehicles will arrive en masse in the near future but with the technology still emerging, will the public feel safe enough to allow code to take the wheel?
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Hyundai-IONIQ-5-Robotaxi-1200x675-1.jpg6751200Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-09-07 06:00:002021-09-07 06:26:59Hyundai IONIQ 5: The Next Robotaxi
The new Rivian R1T features one engine for each wheel. This quad-motor drivetrain enables the Rivian truck to handle like a sports sedan on-road and 4×4 off-road with ease. No other production truck offers this feature: the R1T EV will leave its competitors in the dust.
Handling Like A Sports Sedan
The Rivian R1T | Rivian
Motor Trend took a Rivian R1T electric truck out on a weeklong test drive. The team was impressed with how well the truck handles.
In a straight line, the Rivian R1T is one of the world’s fastest trucks. The Rivian truck’s quad-motor drive system can put an incredible 800 horsepower to the wheels. On the proper tires, an R1T can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in three seconds. This reportedly makes the R1T the fastest truck in the world.
This new electric truck is even more impressive in the corners. The Motor Trend team attempted to break the R1T lose, steering sharply into a corner and revving the throttle. Then, “the outside-rear motor powered up and brought the R1T’s nose around, and we blasted out of the turn like the Millenium Falon.” The reviewers called it “a sensation we’ve experienced in only a handful of cars, and never in a heavily laden pickup truck.”
Off-Roading With Ease
The Rivian R1T | Rivian
The quad-motor Rivian truck’s ability to deliver torque to whichever wheel needs it is invaluable off-road. Off-roading enthusiasts have always struggled to send the torque from their internal combustion engines to the wheel that has the most traction. So engineers developed 4WD, then AWD, locking differentials, and even limited-slip differentials. But even the best systems are heavy, require maintenance, and never adapt instantly. Rivian’s quad-motor drive system represents the future of off-roading.
When the Motor Trend team took the R1T off-road, they were amazed by its capabilities. They said, “It moves smoothly and silently, its four-motor drivetrain sensing slip and meting out power to each wheel as needed.” An added bonus of the Rivian truck’s quad-motor drivetrain is its ability to execute tank turns, reversing its motors on one side to spin on a dime.
The Rivian’s four motors can also stop the vehicle in most situations. The truck has a brake pedal, but with regenerative braking set to “Maximum,” the friction brakes are only needed for emergency stops. While off-roading, the drivers can press the accelerator to go, and the truck will stop itself, at most any angle, once they let go. According to Motor Trend, this results in “precise speed control without worrying of locking the wheels as we might with friction brakes.”
Rivian currently offers two models of the R1T: the Explore Package starts at $67,500, and the Adventure Package–with a premium interior–begins at $73,000. Rivian equips all R1T trucks with a quad-motor drivetrain.
For comparison’s sake, the Ford F-150 Lightning starts at $39,975, and Ford will offer trims up to the $89,874 Lightning Platinum. But even the top trim levels of the new Ford electric truck only offer two motors, one on each axle.
The Tesla Cybertruck also starts at $39,900. This entry-level Cybertruck is a RWD model with a single-engine. The top-trim Cybertruck begins at $69,900 but is only a tri-motor AWD truck.
The most expensive mass-produced electric truck available in 2021 is the Hummer EV Sport Utility Truck. The launch edition of GMC’s self-proclaimed Supertruck goes for $112,595 and only has three motors. Lower trim Hummer EVs, such as the EV-2X, which costs $89,995, only come with two motors–one for each axle.
Conclusion
The Rivian R1T | Rivian
The Rivian R1T electric truck is not the cheapest option on the market. But with quad-motor drive and algorithms to distribute torque instantly, both on-road and off, it is the most versatile electric truck on the market. The Rivian R1T will leave electric supertrucks with six-figure price tags struggling to catch up.
Whether you’re a lifelong enthusiast or just interested in the Ford Mustang Shelby, this is the ultimate guide for you. The iconic muscle car has an incredible history of breaking the style rules and harnessing astonishing power. Let’s explore everything there is to know about the Mustang Shelby, from its historical beginnings to present-day powerhouses. See the amazing stats behind all your favorite Mustang Shelby models, including the GT350, the Mustang Shelby Cobra, the CS6/8, the Terlingua, the GTS, the GTE, the Super Snake, and more.
What is the difference between Ford Mustang and Shelby?
Ford Mustang logo | Getty Images
The Ford Mustang is a pretty impressive ride, but the Shelby is an entirely different stallion. In fact, the Mustang Shelby is considered the high-performance variant of the traditional, stock Ford Mustang. There are key distinctions between the two, along with the more aggressive-looking front fascia and other style features.
The stock Ford Mustang may take cues from the Mustang Shelby, but there are a few differences under the hood. You could buy a six-cylinder Mustang if you wanted or bump up to the Mustang GT Premium, which Ames Ford says comes with a 5.0-liter V8. Buying a Ford Mustang Shelby means having a significant performance upgrade, including the 5.2-liter Ti-VCT V8 on the Shelby GT350.
With the 3.73 TORSEN® limited-slip rear axles, dual exhaust, and a differential cooler, additional performance enhancements don’t stop there. Bumping up to the Shelby GT500 means supercharging that 5.2-liter V8 and swapping out for a TREMEC seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. The Shelby GT500 is the absolute highest-performing Mustang to ever roll out of the Ford production line.
First generation Shelby Mustang models
Ford Performance shares the history behind how the iconic Mustang Shelby came to be. The very first Mustang launched in 1964, but Lee Iacocca wanted something more. He reached out to racing legend Carroll Shelby for collaboration to create the most revolutionary performance car.
The very first Mustang Shelby GT350 was born in 1965 and intended to improve Ford’s racing performance. As CJ Pony Parts states, this first Shelby was sometimes called the Cobra, the dream moniker Carroll Shelby had for the fiercest Mustang of all. There were two variations of this first Shelby, one being the GT350 and the other the GT350R, signifying racing specifications.
The 1965 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 featured a 289-CID K-Code engine variation, capable of harnessing 306 hp. Carroll Shelby’s Cobras dominated even the Corvettes of the time. In 1965, this Shelby creation won the World Manufacturers’ GT Championship, defeating Ferrari and still holding the distinction of being the only American vehicle maker to ever do so, according to the history provided by Shelby itself. The first-generation Ford Mustang Shelby models became fan favorites for those model years, 1965 through 1970, and continue to be highly sought after by collectors today.
Some notable changes throughout the first-gen Mustang Shelby models include the 1996 dropping of the word “Mustang” from the title and adding rear quarter windows and brake scoops. The ’66 model also brought back seats and an optional automatic transmission.
The Mustang Shelby 1967 model year was what Carroll Shelby considered his best, with the GT500 featuring a 427 CID engine. But it was 1968 when the car rebranded as the Shelby Cobra GT350 and GT500. These models have shorter hoods, new grilles, and engine upgrades to the 427 Cobra Jet. The top-of-the-line Shelby for that year was the GT500KR with even more improvements to the ram air hood scoop, providing torque ratings of 440 ft-lbs at 3,400 RPMs.
By 1969, Shelby lost the Cobra label again, reverting to Shelby GT350s and GT500s. The bodies for these model years got longer by four inches. And many leftover 1969 models were sold as 1970. A special European production, known as the Shelby Europas, brought an end to the first generation Mustang performances. Ford still had big plans for the second and third generations of Mustang Shelby models in the decades that followed.
Second generation Shelby Mustang models
The Ford Mustang Shelby seemed to take a hiatus for a few years. According to Classic, Ford responded to public demand by renewing its partnership with Carroll Shelby to introduce the second generation of Shelby Mustangs. Each new model between 2005 and 2014 brought remnants of the first-gen style and more in the performance department.
The 2005 model rebirth of the Ford Mustang Shelby included the GT350, the GT500, and the introduction of the Shelby GT. The new Shelby models came in two different evolutions, often referred to as the S-197 and the S-197-II. At the 2005 SEMA show, Shelby announced its modified V6 Mustang as the Shelby CS6. The CS8 was built around the Mustang GT’s 4.6-liter, 3-valve V-8, morphing into the Shelby CS8.
According to CJ Pony Parts, 2007 through 2009, Shelby GT500s were monstrous beasts, with their Tremec 6060 transmission and modular 5.4-liter engines capable of 500 hp. From 2011-2012, the Shelby GT350 came with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8. While a few new exterior colors were available, you could also get this car in convertible or coupe form with the throwback, white with blue stripes design.
The Mustang Shelby GT500 changed again from 2010-2014 when Ford added another 40 hp and a four-cam, 32-valve V8. This Mustang could race 0-60 in just 4.6 seconds. This car weighed 100 pounds less, with the aluminum engine block, too. Ford even installed Electric Power-Assist Steering and dropped the car’s stance, providing an even more powerful experience.
And Ford wasn’t done improving yet. The 2013-2014 Shelby Mustangs got another boost under the hood. Imagine 662 hp, 631 ft-lb of torque, and top speeds of 200 mph. This 5.8-liter, 32-valve supercharged V8 redefined the GT500 for those years.
Third generation Shelby Mustang models
The third official generation of the Mustang Shelby launched in 2015, introducing the ground-breaking Shelby Super Snake. The Shelby GT was back, too, with more aggressive styling, carbon-fiber components, and loads of upgraded tech. Is the GT500 a Shelby? Yes, it is. Continuing the Shelby tradition, the GT500 and the GT500KR also rejoin the lineup.
Edmunds breaks down some of the upgrades you’ll find on the Shelby GT350 over the years, starting with its racecar heart transplant in 2017 in the form of a flat-plane crank, 5.2-liter V8 engine. By 2020, the Shelby GT530 may have looked like a regular Mustang, except it could put the reins on 529 hp at an incredibly satisfying 8,250-rpm redline. Top Speed says even the supercharged V8 of the 2016 Shelby Terlingua impressed with racing-like chops.
Special and anniversary edition Shelby Mustang models
You can’t have an ultimate Mustang Shelby guide without highlighting the various special editions and anniversary rides over the years. For example, the 2006 and 2007 Shelby GT-H models were designed as rental cars for Hertz. This Shelby had an FR1 Power Pack and an extra 25-hp. It was 2007 to 2008 when the Ford Shelby GT came back with the old-school hood scoop, sports bar, billet grille, racing packages, and those iconic stripes.
From 2008 to 2010, Ford produced the GT500 Barrett-Jackson Edition Mustangs, paying tribute to Barrett-Jackson’s contribution to the car’s history. This special edition car is believed to be one of the rarest Mustangs of all.
Other rarities include the 2008 to 2009 GT500KR, with its supercharger, as a 40th-anniversary car. From 2007 to 2009, you could buy the Shelby GT500 Super Snake, the unicorn of the Mustang lineup. In 2009 you could buy the Prudhomme Edition Super Snake, paying homage to Don Prudhomme with street-illegal, drag racing packages.
The 2011 to 2014 GT500 Super Snakes came with a host of upgrades and 660 hp and enhanced the driveshaft throttle body to accommodate 750 hp. In 2012, the Mustang Shelby had a lot to celebrate. The Shelby GTS offered conversions for both V8 and V6 engines and added Borla exhaust, Baer brakes, and new exterior styling. And 2013 brought new colors for the Super Snake, including the triple-gold stripe accent.
So, what’s new for the Mustang Shelby this year?
Current Ford Shelby Mustang models
If you want a Ford Mustang Shelby today, you’ll still be impressed with what the Mustang can deliver. Modern-day Mustang Shelby models are bringing to bear even more of the must-have performance you’d expect. And according to Ford, owning a Shelby GT500 also provides the opportunity to learn how to drive it with training from professionals at the Ford Performance Racing School.
According to Motor Authority, the 2021 Ford Shelby GT500 is quite possibly the best performing Mustang yet. And Edmunds carves out the various packages you might like to add to your 5.2-liter supercharged V8 with 760 hp. But you’ll say goodbye to the Mustang Shelby GT350. MotorTrend announced the car’s discontinuation last year, saying that the special edition Mach-1 would be the next candidate up for introduction.
Future Ford Shelby Mustang models
With all the hype surrounding the highly innovative Ford Mustang Mach-E, some wondered if Shelby would still have a badge in the future lineups. And some sources say yes, even the Mustang Mach-E will see a Shelby variant. And other reports, including Evo, confirmed the announcement.
There are also expected to be Shelby versions for the 2022 and 2023 model years. MotorTrend also talked about Shelby American producing a Shelby Super Snake directly. And it’s more than just a GT500 with a Shelby nameplate. This Shelby will feature the Predator 5.2-liter V8, capable of 825 hp.
How much is a Shelby Mustang worth?
According to Shelby, you can buy a 2021 Ford Mustang Shelby at a starting price of $62,310, based on the manual transmission. A 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 price range is anywhere from $74,000 and $95,000. That’s a far cry from the original Shelby Cobra price of $7,500. However, that same original car is said to have sold for almost $6 million in today’s market.
Motor1 shared some of the highest auction prices for various Mustang models over the years, including a 2008 Shelby GT500KR that sold for $550,000. Ford once offered up the first production of the 2007 GT500 to the highest bidder, who paid $600,000 to take it home. And a 1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible, once owned by Carroll Shelby himself, sold at auction for $742,500.
Of every Mustang Shelby in the impressive history, only 34 Shelby GT350 R models were ever made. One of those unicorns went to auction in Monterey back in 2012, where it sold for a whopping $990,000. And for all you movie buffs, the iconic “Eleanor” of Gone in 60 Seconds fame sold for $1 million. It wasn’t the most expensive auction listing for the Shelby name. A 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake rolled through with a winning bid of $1.3 million.
Not all classic Mustang Shelby models will sell for those record-breaking auction prices. But they’re still worthy investments. A regular 1967 Shelby GT500 can be found for private or dealer sale for anywhere between $100,000 to $200,000. Of course, condition and mileage will come into play on classic Shelby pricing. Many sources suggest well-preserved or beautifully restored models of first-generation Shelby variations will typically list for an average of $100,000.
Mustang enthusiasts tend to revere the Mustang Shelby models as top performers. And there is a long, all-American history of the Ford and Carroll Shelby partnership that continues to improve how muscle cars look, feel, and chomp pavement. The Mustang Shelby is still an iconic legend in its own right, regardless if you prefer the GT350, the GT500, or the other models in the Shelby family. And now you have the ultimate guide to help you find one to park in your garage.
Motorcycles are popular because they are just plain fun. They have a long history and are associated with freedom, the open road, and in some ways, a sense of rebellion. However, are they considered vehicles, and, if so, what features classify them as such? Let’s take a look at what qualifies a motorcycle as a vehicle and the DOT requirements.
motorcycle | Getty Images
The DOT considers motorcycles vehicles
According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), a motorcycle is defined as a motor vehicle with motive power having a seat or a saddle for the rider’s use and designed to travel with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. As the definition implies, motorcycles can come with more than two wheels. Motorcycles with three wheels are called trikes.
Laws for three-wheel motorcycles can vary from state to state. Many states base the requirements to operate a trike on the roadways based on the wheel configuration. For example, some states allow riders to operate them even if they don’t have the motorcycle endorsement if the wheel configuration is one in the front, two in the back. However, if the wheel configuration is one wheel in front and two in back, a motorcycle endorsement is needed.
Motorcycles have different requirements than cars and trucks
In general, motorcycles and cars need to obey the same rules of the road. If there is any rule-breaking, for example, if a motorcyclist is speeding, they will receive the same fines as if the vehicle were a car or truck. However, seat belts are not required on motorcycles, and in most states, there are seatbelt laws.
Motorcyclists may be required to wear a helmet in some states. Statistically, 40% of fatal motorcycle accidents involve riders that are not licensed properly, making proper licensure important to operate motorcycles safely.
Some laws are specific to motorcycles, such as two motorcycles are allowed to occupy a single lane. Some states also have laws that require motorcyclists to wear eye protection, such as Florida, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana.
Licensing for motorcycles
There are requirements that a person must meet to operate a motorcycle. The learner’s permit is a written test and also requires an eye exam. A rider course is a good idea even if it isn’t required because it helps familiarize riders with motorcycle laws and riding techniques. Some states will offer the endorsement after the rider course is completed without taking the road test.
Then, a motorcycle learner’s permit can be obtained so that the rider can get experience in real-life situations on the road. The permit will last 6 to 18 months, depending on state laws.
Once the rider has practiced enough and feels ready, it’s time to take the road skills test. The bike used to take the test must have a valid license plate, registration, and insurance. After passing the road skills test, the rider will receive a new license with a motorcycle endorsement.
Motorcycles are a great alternative to cars and trucks because they tend to be more affordable to purchase. They are not only an economical way to get around, but they are also endlessly fun. Taking the right precautions and being well-versed in the road rules can make them a safe alternative to commuting in a car or truck. Because operating a vehicle and riding a motorcycle require different skill sets, practice and instruction are essential when purchasing a motorcycle as an alternative to cars and trucks.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/motorcycle-1024x682-1.jpg6821024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-09-07 02:12:002021-09-07 02:27:34Is a Motorcycle Classified As a Vehicle?
