The purchasing of flood cars is an oft-debated topic within the car buying space. However, the answer to “should I buy a flood car?” is always a resounding “NO.” That said, the aftermath of Hurricane Ina will mark the return of a plethora of flood-damaged vehicles to the marketplace. Thankfully, there is a silver lining here.
Is a flood car worth buying?
Flooded cars often have that damp smell to them | Fiona Goodall via Getty Images
As I said above, don’t buy a flood car. Under no circumstances. No, it’s not a good deal. And no, it’s not going to be cheap to fix. Avoid them like the plague we have all spent the last year trying to avoid. Fortunately, odds are flood-damaged cars won’t even make it to the market. Storms like Hurricane Ina wreak havoc on cars and infrastructure alike, and many will have been simply totaled out.
Of course, there’s always the unscrupulous Hamburglar-lookin’ fellow that fished his car out of the Gulf wanting to sell it on the low. Usually, cars like this will be from private parties, and not dealers. That said, it’s best to avoid dealers in flood-stricken areas for the same reason. You can’t see a lot of water damage, and the dealer might not either.
Hurricane Ina will flood the used market with cars
Storms like Hurricane Ina are becoming more common | NOAA via Getty Images
By now I’m sure you’ve heard about Hurricane Ina. The tropical storm has devastated large swaths of the Gulf Coast, and storm season isn’t even over yet. Evidently, that means lots of cars got left on the street or in flooded garages. Hurricane Ina will lead directly to more flood cars being on the market. Moreover, we can’t just hope these cars will stay in affected areas like Louisiana, either.
Savvy parties looking to sell flood-damaged cars will often move them out of state, and they may appear without a branded title, per Consumer Reports. These sellers will also know that people in flooded areas won’t be buying cars with the financial hardships of flooding in tow. No, they’ll be counting on buyers from dry states out west to pick up these cars unaware of their condition.
How to spot flood-damaged cars
Flood cars can cost you thousands in damages | Kena Betancur via Getty Images
Legally, damage from a flood has to be disclosed on the title. However, that isn’t always the case. Thankfully, you’ll smell a flood car before you see it. The ocean smells, and so do things that have been in it. Faulty electronics are a good sign of flood damage, and so is a messed-up interior. Basically, use common sense. If a car doesn’t feel right, then don’t buy it, flood or not.
Unfortunately, this won’t be helping the used market recover. There’s not a whole lot of used cars around, and a load of new flood cars on the market will mean supply will become even more scarce. As always, the best thing consumers can do is wait for the market to calm down.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/GettyImages-1337342531-1024x683-1.jpg6831024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-09-07 01:00:002021-09-07 01:26:57Hurricane Ina Marks the Return of Flood Cars to the Used Market
Beauty might be in the beholder’s eye, but art doesn’t have to be pretty to be striking or intriguing. That applies to everything from paintings and sculptures to cars and motorcycles. But while you can only look at paintings, the best custom bikes are made to be ridden. And as Jay Leno explains in his latest video, that even goes for a motorcycle that almost looks like a sculpture: the Revival Cycles ‘Birdcage’ BMW.
Before BMW rolled out the R 18, Revival Cycles wrapped its boxer engine in a ‘Birdcage’
Revival Cycles’ Revival Birdcage side view | BMW
Often, companies release concepts to preview styling directions. However, BMW took a slightly different tactic when it was getting ready to release the R 18 cruiser.
Before the production bike saw the light of day, BMW sent its 1802cc air/oil-cooled boxer-twin engine to Austin-based Revival Cycles. And it commissioned the shop to build a custom motorcycle to show that big boxer off. The ‘Revival Birdcage’ is the result.
Although Revival Cycle’s Birdcage uses a BMW R 18 powertrain—shaft drive and six-speed transmission included—it’s not actually an R 18. For one, the shop ditched the boxer’s oil-cooling radiator, making the engine strictly air-cooled. Two, it replaced the foot shifter with a custom hand-operated shifter. Three, instead of electronic fuel injection, Revival Cycles installed a mechanical setup with bell-mouth velocity stacks. And, most importantly, the Birdcage isn’t built on an R 18 frame.
Back in the 1950s, the Maserati Birdcage introduced the concept of a tubular lattice ‘space frame’ chassis to the world of racing. And that race car was one of Revival Cycle CEO Alan Stulberg’s main inspirations for the build, Motorcycle Cruiser says. Only instead of steel or aluminum, the Birdcage BMW R 18 has a tubular titanium frame hand-welded out of 134 rods. That’s partially why the custom bike only weighs about 420 lbs, instead of the standard R 18’s 761 lbs.
Revival Cycles went far beyond building a titanium frame to make its Birdcage fly
Revival Cycles’ Revival Birdcage front-half overhead view | BMW
Stulberg also drew inspiration from 1920s and 1930s land-speed racing bikes, including several vintage BMW machines. And that influence is sprinkled throughout this unique motorcycle, even besides the hand shifter. The front fork tubes and down-turned handlebars, for example, are based on the ones on Ernst Hennes’ land-speed-record-setting BMWs, Ultimate Motorcycling explains. And the Hennes influence shows in the rear wheel, too, with its aluminum-disc covers, Bike Exifnotes.
However, while it looks like the Revival Cycles Birdcage has no front suspension, that’s not the case. Stulberg’s team designed it to mimic BMW’s ‘Telelever’ suspension, which separates steering and damping forces using a secondary mono-shock. So, while the Birdcage BMW R 18’s forks are made out of carbon fiber and aluminum, it has an Ohlins mountain bike shock, too. Plus, the lower parts come from a modern BMW 1150GS.
In addition, while the titanium frame is arguably the main reason for the Birdcage BMW R 18’s lack of weight, it’s not the only one. The exhaust is also made out of titanium, as are most of the fasteners. The seat, meanwhile, is solid carbon fiber, as are the handlebars and gear linkage. There’s also no front brake, just a single disc in the rear. Plus, the one-gallon fuel tank—yes, one-gallon—is made of aluminum, as are the valve covers.
It might be impractical, but it’s inspirational to the point of tears
Unfortunately, Jay Leno didn’t get a chance to ride the Revival Cycles Birdcage. However, the custom bike is perfectly functional and rides on prototype 23” slicks straight from Dunlop. And as Stulberg demonstrates in the video above, that boxer is torquey enough to rock the bike at idle. But that Telelever-style suspension means there’s no shimmy at the handlebars. Plus, once you open the throttle, everything goes smooth. “It’s deceptively high-tech,” Stulberg quips.
Given its small fuel tank, single brake, and carbon-fiber seat, this Birdcage BMW R 18 isn’t exactly practical. But then, it’s not supposed to be. Firstly, “I like the art and the science,” Jay Leno says. And he follows up by musing, “You know when you watch one of these crazy fashion shows in Paris? A woman walks out in a hat you couldn’t possibly have on your head? But it inspires other design.” That’s what custom bikes like this are all about. And in a way, a birdcage-style frame is practical, Leno and Stulberg note, due to its lightweight but extremely strong design.
And it appears Revival Cycles’ work made just as much of an impression on BMW’s employees as it did on Jay Leno. After roughly six months of work, Stulberg was understandably nervous about showing the finished build to BMW. But he got “good tears” from at least one German executive during the unveiling.
Can you get your own Revival Cycles ‘Birdcage’ BMW R 18?
We are excited to show you “The Revival Birdcage” based on the prototype of a completely new type of BMW boxer engine made my @revivalcycles.
Technically, the Revival Birdcage is the property of BMW. And given how many man-hours went into welding that titanium frame, it’s unlikely BMW will ever offer a production bike with one, R 18 or otherwise.
That being said, some custom BMW bikes haven’t remained one-offs. NMoto, for example, sells kits to turn R nineTs into Art Deco-style machines. And Kingston Custom can replicate its custom R 18 if you want. So, maybe if you ask Revival Cycles nicely enough, the shop could build another Birdcage.
After all, a piece of art like this should be ridden, right?
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The Smart Car is one of the smallest cars available. The German-made electric vehicles strip away all the luxury of the average vehicle and get straight down to business. They’re especially convenient for parking in large crowded cities. Even Shaq drove one! Now the German company is switching things up and making a crossover. Here are the Smart concept #1 crossover features that have been revealed thus far.
Meet the Smart Concept #1, Smart’s first-ever crossover
The Smart Concept #1 | Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images
Smart is a subdivision of Daimler that has actually existed since 1994. The Smart Car that consumers are familiar with today didn’t hit the United States until 2008. The Smart Fortwo small electric car sold close to 25,000 units in its first year in the U.S. market. Today, Smart Cars in the U.S. are rare. The car isn’t seen often, but when it is, most wonder what it’s like to drive a vehicle so small.
To the average consumer, the Smart Car’s greatest appeal is its low purchase cost, ownership cost, and its ability to fit into just about any parking space. Now, according to Motor1, the company is launching a crossover to compete with other electric crossovers and SUVs. Daimler and automotive company Geely Global are trying to breathe new life into Smart with the addition of this crossover.
The Smart Concept #1 is easily the automaker’s largest vehicle despite the crossover still being small compared to other vehicles in its class. Smart Car sales have dwindled. The Smart Concept #1 may be the company’s last-ditch effort to save itself by offering a vehicle with more utility.
How big is the new Smart Concept #1 crossover?
The Smart Concept #1 | Smart Europe
The Smart Concept #1 is predictably smaller than most crossovers on the market. The crossover is 168.9 inches long (14ft), 75.1 inches wide (6ft), and 67 inches tall (5.5ft). The crossover is comparable to the Mini Countryman subcompact luxury crossover.
The Smart Car Fortwo is about 106 inches long (9ft), 70 inches wide (6ft), and 61 inches high (5ft). The Smart Concept #1 crossover is 5 feet longer than the Smar Car Fortwo but roughly has the same width and height as the vehicle. What does this mean? The Smart Concept #1 crossover is essentially a longer Smart Car Fortwo with upgraded tech and a nicer cabin.
For reference, the Smart Concept #1 is only 4.8 inches longer and 3 inches wider than Honda’s smallest compact car, the Honda Fit. Still, by Smart standards, the crossover is pretty innovative as far as size. The real question is, will consumers actually want a Smart crossover when part of Smart’s appeal was its ability to squeeze into tight spaces.
Will anyone actually buy the Smart Concept #1 ?
The Smart Concept #1 interior | Smart Europe
Smart no longer offers its new models in America, so China and Europe will be the ones who decide whether this Smart crossover was actually a smart idea or not. Considering that it won’t be sold in the U.S., the crossover could do very well in the crowded cities of other countries. The Smart Concept #1 also offers several design features that the Smart Car ForTwo could never hope to fit.
The Smart Concept #1 crossover features a glass roof. The crossover includes a huge 12.8-inch modern infotainment system. Its futuristic cabin is the highlight of the vehicle. The Smart Concept #1 uses interior lighting and unique headrests to create an innovative aesthetic that almost seems fit for electric Mercedes-Benz models. It appears to have suicide doors though that feature may be exclusive to its unveiling. The Smart Concept #1 electric crossover is ready to shake things up for Smart and the small electric vehicle market.
Honda finally has a new Civic. At least, as of a few months ago. However, new information about the 2022 Honda Civic has emerged since then. Thankfully, information on the 2022 Honda Civic is far more plentiful now than it was a month or two ago.
How much will the 2022 Honda Civic cost?
Thankfully, you can still have the stick | Honda
So, let’s start with the big one. The 2022 Honda Civic will cost $21,700. Well, at least the most basic model will. Expect different options and trims to carry a bigger price tag, like with any car. However, that isn’t to say that isn’t a competitive price. For example, the 2021 Toyota Camry starts at $25,045. Moreover, you’ll get a host of great standard features for that money, like Android Auto and Apple Carplay.
You’ll also get Honda Traffic Jam Assist. Basically, it’s camera-based software designed to help out driver assistance software in traffic, smoothing out things like braking. Now, about the 2022 Honda Civic’s horsepower. Right now, you get two choices. Sport and LX trims of the 2022 Honda Civic get 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. However, the EX-L and Sport Touring trim get 180 hp and 177 lb-ft. Both of those sets of numbers get generated from a small turbo-4 motor. Happily, you can also get a stick shift.
The new Honda promises refined looks
Honda wants you to see a more mature Civic | Philip Fong via Getty Images
That said, the inside of the 2022 Honda Civic is where you can really feel the new Civic design language. The last-gen caught some deserved flak for feeling old and plasticky, and Honda wants to fix that. Honda went for the minimalist look with the interior and it paid off. The outgoing Civic didn’t have an ugly interior by any means, but it did feel old, and the new interior doesn’t. A particular favorite of mine is the vents, which almost disappear into the dash.
I already talked about the Android Auto and Carplay, which, frankly, is all you should care about in a new cheap car interior like this. However, Honda is particularly proud of the improvements in visibility offered by the 2022 Hona Civic. Of course, you’ll also be able to get more space out of the inside with the hatchback variant, seen below.
Spicer versions are coming
Both Si and R variants have been confirmed by Honda | Honda
All this to say nothing of the spicier Civics. Honda has confirmed that the Si badge will be making a return, thankfully. Surely, it’ll look faster and drive faster. So too, will the inevitable Civic Type R. Again, the 2022 Honda Civic Type R has been officially confirmed by Honda, but that’s all the details I’ve got for you there.
Regardless, the new Civic is poised to stay on top of the econo-sedan game, and some faster models will help to sell enthusiasts too. Thankfully, if you want more info, the usual gamut of auto shows will be starting back up here soon, with Geneva and the L.A Auto Show right around the corner. Ideally, we’ll learn ever more then.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/03-2022-Honda-Civic-Hatchback-1024x656-1.jpg6561024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-09-06 21:44:002021-09-06 22:26:42The 2022 Honda Civic: Everything We Know So Far, and More
