This Incredible Lego Hummer EV Can Crab Walk Like the Real Thing

by Gabrielle DeSantis

A perfect Lego Hummer EV model is shaking things up online. Few fanbases are as creative as lovers of Lego building. The talent of one creator is gaining notoriety with their perfectly scaled model. Every small detail is perfectly modeled after the extreme electric vehicle. This powered mini Hummer EV is fully functional and ready to impress. It could be coming to a store near you.

Lego Hummer EV | technic-AI

This Lego Hummer EV could become an official kit

This model was posted to Lego’s Ideas site by creator Technic-AI. The ideas site allows Lego fans to showcase their projects and share them with other builders. It also provides a pathway for fan-submitted projects to become officially licensed kits sold directly by Lego. Lego warns creators that this process could take years and requires careful promotion.

To be considered for production, a Lego project must gain 10,000 supporters on the Lego Ideas site. Once a project hits this milestone, it’s reviewed by Lego design experts. If Lego feels the project could become a successful retail kit, the project designer is invited to help design the end product working directly with Lego engineers.

Technic-AI is currently over 1000 supporters for the Hummer EV project. Lego estimates it typically takes creators a year to reach that level of popularity. This project hit this milestone within the first 60 days. Comments make it clear that fans love the project and think it should b be produced for others to build. It’s possible with enough fan support that this kit could someday be on retail shelves inviting creative builders to celebrate one of the most exciting leaps in electric vehicles.

This model handles like the real deal

Technic-AI did a stunning job of capturing the look of the Hummer EV, but they also painstakingly recreated the Hummer’s handling style. Each of its four wheels can move directionally independent of each other. This allows the model to execute the infamous crab crawl that Hummer EV fans can’t get enough of. Demonstrations of its handling

An adjustable suspension means this model can gain more clearance, just like the advanced SUV it’s modeled after. Functional details down to interior and exterior lights make this model a dynamic representation. The builder cited the technological advancement of the Hummer EV as a source of inspiration for the build, and it shows. This model shows abject appreciation for the cutting-edge design of the Hummer EV.

Every detail was carefully recreated

An interior close up of the interior of a Hummer EV model built with Lego
Lego Hummer EV interior | Technic-AI

More than 2200 parts were used to build this incredible functioning model. This incredibly detailed model is fully functional and contains the main mechanical features of the Hummer EV. The builder used 1 Powered Up hub and 4 power motors to power the model. The truck features all-wheel drive and an adjustable suspension that lifts to clear 6 Lego studs.

The incredibly detailed interior looks ready for passengers. The doors of this model Hummer EV all open. Components down to a functional and accurate multi-pro tailgate and 400 cubic Lego stud front trunk storage. Accurate body details like fender flares and front light bar perfect the look.

RELATED: Build the Ferrari of Motorcycles With Lego’s New Ducati Panigale Set

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This 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Somehow Drove Away From Brutal Off-Road Crash

by Gabrielle DeSantis

As much as it sucks to see a brand-new 2021 Ford Bronco Sport crumpled like a piece of paper that missed the bin, it is cool to see that folks are willing to thrash their new toys as intended. Although there have been a couple of examples of wrecked ones selling on Facebook, this one popped up(side down) on a Facebook off-roading group in need of some help. 

2021 Ford Bronco Sport | Steven Leshner

At this point, we don’t need any more proof that the 2021 Ford Bronco and 2021 Ford Bronco Sport can handle some serious off-roading. I mean, we watched one do Hell’s Gate in reverse for Jeep’s sake. But this is a bit gnarlier of an antidote to flex on the 4×4 world. 

This 2021 Ford Bronco Sport rolled away from a different kind of roll

2021 Ford Bronco Sport | Steven Leshner
2021 Ford Bronco Sport | Steven Leshner

According to The Drive, this silver 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks was ripping around the desert outside of Albuquerque, NM, when it had a spill down the side of a sandy cliff. The humbling crash left the Bronco worn out and upside down. The driver and owner, Thomas Breneiser, lit the Facebook beacon and the online off-roaders came to his aid. 

Not only did the Facebook group find him, but they also got his Bronco Sport back on its hooves and running. The Bronco Sport got set right, fired up, and even drove out under its own power. It only took a super experienced off-road crew, a Jeep, and a Humvee. 

How did this terrible situation end so well?

Bronco Sport rolled down a hill with its SOS lights on at night
rolled 2021 Ford Bronco Sport | Thomas Breneiser

As Breneiser told The Drive in a phone call, he had a pretty tough night after rolling his Bronco Sport down the hill. Thankfully, he was unharmed, but his Bronco wasn’t so lucky. He mentions waiting over an hour and a half for emergency responders. 

Breneiser posted on Facebook that he was confident that no tow truck could get to what he thought was his 2021 Ford Bronco Sports’ final resting place. All he really wanted to do was salvage some personal belongings.

After the Facebook group had the coordinates, they sprung to action and got after the work in front of them. 

Off-road recovery ain’t no joke

A yellow Ford Bronco off road at sunset
A yellow Ford Bronco sans doors

We have covered a few mighty off-road recoveries. The coordination, gear, planning, and finesse needed to rescue trucks this deep is no small feat. So, the fact that these fellow off-roaders came to the rescue and succeeded is most commendable. 

Dragging the poor Ford Bronco Sport out on its roof would not have been that difficult, but the 4×4 folks wanted to preserve the Bronco the best they could. 

A few hours after posting on Facebook, an off-road recovery team showed up led by Scott Parker and Mario Przepiora. When asked about credentials, Parker said:

“I work for a three-letter government agency where I also teach off-road driving and recovery as one of my secondary duties. I am a certified international fou-wheel-drive instructor and belong to the I4WDTA (International 4 Wheel Drive Trainers Association), and I have completed a lot of recoveries.”

He went on to say that this Bronco Sport recovery was one of the toughest ones he has ever done. 

The Ford Bronco Sport might be better than we thought

After piles of straps, a Jeep, and Humvee tugging every which way, the Bronco Sport finally got put right side up again. As they dragged the Bronco back up the hill, it rolled down; hope began to come back to Breneiser. 

Once the Bronco got back to where it started, the team popped the hood, checked the fluids, cleaned spark plugs, and fired it up. Unbelievably, it ran and drove out under its own power. After an assessment from the local shop, Breneiser said that his Bronco Sport still drove the way it did before. It suffered no frame damage and still had good alignment. If that ain’t a good Ford Bronco Sport ad, I don’t know what is. 

RELATED: Dead Jeep Wrangler Rescued By Insane Off-Road Recovery Squad

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Ford Adds 2021 Edge and F-350/F-450 Trucks To Recall

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Ford recently announced the most recent recall affecting Transit Connect vans due to a transmission issue. The automaker has recently added certain 2021 Ford Edge, F-350s, and F-450s units to the list of its vehicles currently under open recall. Seat belt and trailer hitch issues are at the center of these smaller recalls, which can dramatically affect safety.

Ford Logo | Georges Gobet/AFP via Getty Images

Ford’s massive van recall

Nearly 200,000 Ford Transit Connect vans built between 2013-2021 have been recalled. The vans have a faulty transmission bushing cable. This cable allows the driver to select the transmission gear. A fault in this cable is a serious safety issue as drivers cannot predict which direction the vehicle will move in after shifting with a faulty cable.

The cable issue also affects the driver’s ability to put the vehicle in park. Incorrect gear selection can cause vans to roll after drivers attempt to park and exit the vehicle. This increases the risk of crashes, personal injury, and property damage.

Owner notification letters will be mailed on June 28th. Customers should search for their VIN on Ford’s website to check for open recalls that may affect their vehicle. Questions can be directed to Ford Customer Service at 866-436-7332, referencing recall number 21S24. Drivers can also contact the NHTSA at 888-327-7332 and reference recall number 21V376000.

2021 Edge has a dangerous seat belt defect

A blue Ford Edge crossover on display
Ford Edge | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

A smaller recall affecting 82 2021 Ford Edge crossovers has been announced. This small batch of units fails to meet the Occupant Crash Protection requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. In the affected cars, the driver’s seatbelt retractor pre-tensioner assembly may fail to function correctly in a crash. This greatly increases the risk of personal injury in the event of a collision.

Ford will begin notifying owners by letter on June 14, 2021. Faulty seat belt retractor components will be replaced by Ford dealerships free of charge. Owners can perform a VIN search with the manufacturer to see if their Edge falls under the recall.

Edge owners can also contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-733 and reference recall number 21C13. Alternatively, drivers can call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) and reference recall number 21V377000.

Super Duty trucks have risky hitch issue

A white Ford F-350 pickup truck parked on a street
Ford F-350 | Bloomberg Photo/Mike Fuentes via Getty Images

In addition to the Edge and Transit Connect van, a recall has been issued for nearly 1,800 Super Duty F-350/F-450 trucks. These trucks were fitted with left-hand-mounting trailer mounting brackets, which may be cracked. These damaged brackets could result in a fifth-wheel camper detaching from the truck while towing. This is a serious risk to road safety.

Ford will notify owners by letter by June 21. Licensed technicians will inspect the brackets and replace any damaged parts as necessary. Super Duty truck owners who feel they may be affected by this recall can check their VIN on the manufacturer’s website. They can also reference recall number 21S23 with Ford Customer Service. If drivers prefer the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, their reference number for this recall is 21V379000.

RELATED: Total Recall, The Ford Horror Story

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This 2007 Lexus GX470 Is a Real Home on Wheels

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Overlanding and “van life” have been very popular in the past year or so, mainly due to the pandemic. Some brave adventurers choose to buy smaller rigs like vans and Honda Elements to venture out to the great unknown and live and work off the grid. Other adventurous people, like Mike – who has a YouTube channel called “goingfarther” – choose to kick things up a notch and make homes out of more off-road capable rigs like his 2007 Lexus GX470.

The Lexus GX 470 provides a great platform for living on the road

Mike’s 2007 Lexus GX470 overlanding rig | Youtube: goingfarther

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If you ever choose to live on the road, then you’ll need a good platform in which to make your home. The Lexus GX 470 is a great choice as its 263-hp, 4.7-liter V8 engine can get you up almost any mountain and its adaptive suspension is good for almost any type of terrain. What’s even better is that it’s a three-row luxury SUV, so it’s great on space and comfort as well and it’s reliable to boot.

That all being said, we can see why Mike decided to with a GX470, despite the fact that it’s a little unique for his application. He definitely made the best of it, though, as he showed in a recent video tour of his home on wheels.

The GX470 is outfitted for full-time overlanding

The GX470's kitchen setup
The GX470’s kitchen setup | Youtube: “goingfarther”

If you take one look at this ultimate overlanding rig, you’ll see that Mike made good use of all of the space the GX470 provides. Looking through his build list, he upgraded the GX470’s capability and looks by adding a set of TRD wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich K02 tires, and gave it a slight two-inch lift using OME struts and springs. He also added DEPO headlights, Built Right rear trailing arms, a roof rack, and a Nashfab ladder.

Mike’s video tour clearly shows off his craftiness as his spare tire carrier not only holds a full-size spare tire, but it also holds a propane tank, a gas can, and a shovel. Moving the spare out of the way and opening up the cargo door reveals Mike’s kitchen.

The rooftop tent on the GX470
The rooftop tent on the GX470 | Youtube

Of course, it’s not a normal overlanding kitchen in that he mainly fastened a wood panel onto the rear door to act as a countertop and a cover for his set of kitchen knives. Mike then mentioned that he cooks his food using a small stove, in case you were wondering.

Moving to the back of the SUV, Mike installed a set of drawers for his medical kit and other supplies. Next to that, he has a water spout that spits out water cleaning and drinking, which is made possible by a water tank and two pumps.

The GX470 even has a roof-top bedroom and an office

Mike's GX470 office
Mike’s GX470 office | Youtube

You might think that for sleeping, Mike probably just sleeps inside the car, but you would be wrong. Instead, he added a rooftop tent from CVT complete with three solar panels affixed to it. The solar panels provide power for his laptop and photography equipment that he uses to make a living while out on the road.

Speaking of work, Mike also built an office into the GX470. Actually, it’s basically a makeshift desk and an iPad located in the front passenger seat, but it’s a mobile office nonetheless. Also, for an Internet connection, he even has a cellular signal booster attached to the GX 470’s roof.

What’s in the backseat area?

The rear seat area in the GX470
The rear seat area | YouTube

A large plywood box. Mike says that he built the large box to use for storage, but he also sleeps on it sometimes when the weather gets too rough for the rooftop tent. Otherwise, there’s nothing too fancy in the backseat, although Mike said that’s it’s actually comfortable to sleep on.

While some overland enthusiasts like buy cheaper cars or vans to live out of, Mike has definitely taken a unique approach by properly outfitting a Lexus GX470. It’s no wonder that his channel is called “going farther.”

The post This 2007 Lexus GX470 Is a Real Home on Wheels appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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