Rally Jameel 2022

The 2022 Rally Jameel followed the format of similar off-road races in which two-person teams must navigate their AWD or unmodified 4×4 across off-road terrain — in this case, 1,600 miles of remote desert terrain spanning the three-day course. The challenge requires proficiency in desert driving, map reading, route planning, and directional navigation.

The 2022 route began in the city of Hail, passed by Al-Qassim, and terminated in the capital of Al-Riyadh. Teams covered 500-800-mile stages each day, and details about each stage remained confidential until the night leading up to it. The rally objective is acuity, not speed, and teams accrued points by finding and traveling through hidden waypoints along the course. The team with the most waypoints wins.

 

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This year’s rally drew competitors from 15 nations. Swedes Annie Seel and Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky took first in a Toyota RAV4, with the binational team of Atefa Saleh (Palestine) and Eleanor Coker (USA) claiming second in their Toyota Prado, followed by Maha Al Hamly (Saudia Arabia) and Pochola Hernandez (Spain) in third, also piloting a Prado.

For a recap of the highlights, check out the video below. And to learn more about Saudi Arabia’s first-ever all-female desert rally, head to RallyJameel.com and follow @rallyjameel on Instagram.

As Edsel once said, “Father made the most popular cars in the world; I want to make the best.”

Lincoln Motor Company: 100 Years of Luxury

Lincoln played a key role in shaping the luxury automotive frontier, both in style and under the hood.

“We are at a defining moment in our history,” said Lincoln president, Joy Falotico. “We look back at Lincoln’s past and find inspiration for the future and, to reflect on what we have accomplished — maintaining a balance between the brand’s core values and redefining our vehicle and experiences for the next generation of luxury clients.”

And as the timeline below suggests, the brand accomplished a lot in their first century.

Throughout 2022, the company will continue to share historical photos, facts, and footage of its most defining moments through the years.

Lincoln Looks Ahead

Today, the brand prides itself on pushing the boundaries of elegant engineering throughout the years and prepares to carry that tradition into the era of electrification.

Although there is no information yet available on what we can expect to see from Lincoln’s forthcoming EV segment, officials aim to have a “full portfolio of electrified vehicles globally” by 2030.

In the near term, Lincoln will launch ActiveGlide hand-free driver-assist tech in this year’s Navigator as it continues to expand on its catalog of digital systems as well as increase its production for international markets.

“The timing of our 100th anniversary couldn’t be more ideal as we shift to an electrified future, and I look forward to shepherding the brand into the next 100 years,” said Falotico.

Lincoln Motor Company: 100th Anniversary Content

Below are a few of our favorite models from Lincoln’s past century. For the full collection of celebratory content, head to Lincoln.com/100-Anniversary, and follow Lincoln on Instagram and Twitter.

Let’s first get right to the action.

AMPD 2: 900-hp Pro 2 Race Truck Takes on Cabo

A reprisal of last year’s AMPD (which gained a lot of momentum thanks to rap legend Lil Jon’s appearance riding shotgun), AMPD 2 puts Ampudia’s 900-hp Pro 2 Ford F-150 Raptor and Toyo’s Open Country A/T III tires on furious display.

Toyo Tires released the Open Country A/T III model in mid-2020, and they’ve since become popular among all sorts of adventure junkies. The Open Country A/T III unites several all-terrain-intelligent innovations that heed the call of off-roaders, rock crawlers, mudders, and desert fiends alike.

And if there was any doubt about their performance, just watch the kind of stunts Ampudia pulls on and off the streets of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in this second entry to Toyo’s AMPD series. The A/T III tires answer monster jumps and incomprehensible drifting with exceptional precision, impact handling, and toughness.

Toyo Open Country A/T III Tires

According to Toyo, the Open Country A/T III include the following features:

• Grippier, quieter, and more durable tread construction
• 3D multi-wave sipes and increased lateral grooves
• Stone-ejecting blocks
• Staggered shower lugs
• Improved void-area distribution

Toyo offers the A/T III in Flotation, LT Metric, and P/Euro-Metric styles for wheels sized from 14 to 22 inches. The warranty’s good up to 65,000 miles for P/Euro-Metric tires or up to 50,000 for Flotation and LTs. And the company provides buyers with a 500-mile/45-day test-drive window. Learn more at ToyoTires.com.

Alan Ampudia

Alan Ampudia is a second-generation desert racer and a specialist in the field. In 2019, Ampudia and his younger brother Aaron drove his custom Ford F-150 Raptor bodied trophy truck to a historic win at the prestigious SCORE Baja 1000 — churning out a hellacious 800.5-mile course in a little over 16 hours and 10 minutes.

Ampudia’s Trophy Truck sported Toyo Open Country M/T-R tires -the “R” is for “race.” In the short but very (and I mean very) sweet AMPD 2 film, Ampudia brings back his hot-pink livery and Raptor body, along with some Toyo shoes -this time the Toyo Open Country A/T III- on a Pro 2 truck.

To commemorate the occasion the luxury off-roader was encased in a bus-sized red pill. “The G-Class and the red pill go very well together. Both stand for freedom, individuality, and self-determination,” said Dr. Emmerich Schiller, who heads Mercedes-Benz G GmbH and the off-road division at Mercedes-Benz AG.

AMG G 63 Availability?

In today’s North American car market, the G-Class is a rare sight to behold, which is partly because the market for used Mercedes G-Wagons is, according to our editor, “insane right now!” It’s also very much to do with the fact that, in a sweeping move over the summer, the German automaker halted V-8s headed for the North American market in the 2022 model year. New V-8s now only make it to the US via Mercedes if they’re under the hood of an S-Class.

There’s not a lot of information out there on whether or not Mercedes will offer its 2022 G-Class SUVs without a V-8. And mbusa.com indicates that only 2021 models are available for both the G 550 ($131,750) and AMG G 63 ($156,450). Note that those prices don’t include the insane dealer markup/market adjustment costs that you’re sure to run into when trying to buy one.

It appears that, at least in the States, Warner Bros. and folks with the right connections can wrangle the 2022 Mercedes AMG G 63. It also looks like the latest G-Wagon will be a reality, but barely, both in and out of the film, for North Americans. It will no doubt look good doing it though!

Check out the 2022 G-Wagon for yourself in the new Matrix Resurrections movie, in U.S. theaters starting this Wednesday, Dec. 22, and available to stream on HBO Max until Jan. 22.

The Cyberquad is the product of a Tesla and Radio Flyer collaboration, and the auto-innovator rolled out the $1,900 Cybertruck-inspired kid all-terrain vehicle, and the internet melted.

Two hours after listing, the Cyberquad had sold out. One hour later, it appeared that Tesla had handily replenished their electric ATV supply.

And then it sold out all over again.

UPDATE 3: Sold out again. pic.twitter.com/XFm8P6B7q0

— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) December 2, 2021

For parents willing and able to shill out triple or quadruple Tesla’s original asking price, the secondary market is booming with brand-new Cyberquads. Much like the great Furby grab of Christmas 1998, the sky on resale value is the limit, and anything goes. It could get ugly out there this year, folks.

xd pic.twitter.com/jil8of7jGZ

— Fernando Galue (@FernandoGalue) December 2, 2021

Tesla x Radio Flyer Cyberquad ATV Specs

When fully charged, the 36V Li-ion battery on the Cyberquad boasts 15 miles of range atop the very all-terrain pneumatic rubber tires.

Steering is as straightforward as found with any typical ATV. The driving modes are simple: forward or reverse. It can hit speeds up to 10mph.

Tesla and Radio Flyer recommend the electric ATV for kids aged 8 and up.

For additional information and maybe the future chance at getting your name on the list for next year, check out the Cyberquad electric ATV over at Tesla.com.

The fake ATV engine sounds are our favorite part of this promo video. We have a feeling this electric ride doesn’t make those noises, but they do add to the dramatic effect of the video.

The trifecta will begin test-driving this emerging technology in late 2021. Three major cities will host the initial rollout: Austin, Miami, and Washington D.C. — top among America’s fastest-growing (and busiest) markets.

Project leaders have isolated small service areas within each city in which to incubate and refine the program. Once they’ve achieved a cost-effective and scalable service delivery model (and ironed out self-driving car codes with the necessary state legislatures), it’s go-time. Expansion of last-mile services is the endgame, and the three brands are confident that horizon isn’t far off.

The Last-Mile Brain: Argo AI

Argo AI is leading the technological charge. Specifically, it’s developed a cloud-based infrastructure and tailored it to meet Ford and Walmart’s operational needs. The software integrates “seamlessly” with Walmart’s online ordering system. Argo follows its integration up with allegedly robust algorithms to control routing and scheduling dynamics.

In partial owing to its several-year partnership with Ford, Argo AI has positioned itself as a pioneer and frontrunner on the tech side of autonomous fleet vehicles. The company’s proprietary Self-Driving System in Miami and D.C. is a specimen of its work with Ford.

In 2018 and 2019, the duo rolled out delivery and ride-hailing pilot programs to the metro areas. The collab was a successful proving ground for both partners, and their presence in Miami and D.C. established crucial “real estate footprints” for the enterprise. That includes critical, niche infrastructure like fueling stations and servicing and cleaning hubs.

The Last-Mile Braun: Ford

Ford, of course, will supply the autonomous commercial fleet. “Pairing Walmart’s retail and e-commerce leadership with Argo and Ford’s self-driving operations across these multiple cities marks a significant step toward scaling a commercial goods delivery service that will ultimately power first-to-scale business efficiencies and enable a great consumer experience,” said CEO Scott Griffith, who heads up Ford’s Autonomous Vehicles & Mobility line. “Argo and Ford are aggressively preparing for large-scale autonomous vehicle operations across a broad footprint of U.S. cities.”

The Economic Driver: Walmart

The official press release defines the driving force behind the initiative, Walmart’s ticket to consumer demand:

“This combination builds on Walmart’s leadership in adopting emerging technologies to meet growing consumer expectations and enhance the last-mile delivery process. The multi-city service will enable Walmart customers to place orders of groceries and other popular items online for autonomous door-to-door delivery directly to customers’ homes.”

“We’re excited to expand our autonomous delivery efforts in three new markets alongside Argo and Ford,” said Tom Ward, senior VP of Last-Mile Delivery for Walmart U.S. “This collaboration will further our mission to get products to the homes of our customers with unparalleled speed and ease, and in turn, will continue to pave the way for autonomous delivery.”

The result? Broken records. The Nevera covered a 1/4 mile of the 149-degree F VHT track in 8.582 seconds (an official best for production cars), hitting a top speed of 167.5 mph. Along the way, it also set the world acceleration record for production cars.

Rimac Electric Hyper-Car 2.0

In addition to its highly adaptive, four-motor electric powertrain, the Nevera boasts an advanced control system. Rimac describes the dynamic controls:

With its Launch Control engaged – done by simply putting your left foot on the brake and flooring the accelerator – the Nevera prepared to unleash the full force of its 1,914hp powertrain through four separate electric motors. Having lifted a foot off the brake, the Nevera’s advanced control systems, including Rimac All-Wheel Torque Vectoring 2, constantly monitored which wheels had the most grip, portioning out the power to minimise wheelspin and maximise acceleration as it launched down the strip.

The two-door electric hypercar breaks another production car boundary line with its mega battery pack — the largest ever for this segment. The battery architecture not only powers the Nevera’s elite performance, it endows the car with a range of 340 miles on a single, full charge.

Production, Availability

Rimac first premiered the Nevera in 2018, under the “C Two” moniker. Now the Croatian innovator is ready to start rolling the 2022 Nevera out, but don’t expect to see this bad mammajamma on your local showroom floors — this run is limited to just 150 cars. We’re still awaiting pricing and availability details. But, this is one of those “if you have to ask…” situations.

See a list of the Rimac Nevera’s key features below and head to Rimac for more information.

Rimac Nevera Key Features

• 0-60 mph in 1.85 seconds
• 1,914 horsepower power train, 2360Nm torque
• Four independent synchronous electric motors (liquid-cooled, permanent magnet)
• Front and rear single-speed gearboxes
• Rimac All-Wheel Torque Vectoring 2
• Electrically adjustable dampers
• Butterfly coupe doors
• Carbonfiber monocoque (70,000 newton-meters per degree)
• Bonded carbon roof
• Rear carbon subframe
• Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (standard)
• Integrated structural battery pack (120kWh, 6960-cell LiNiMnCoO2)
• 340-mile range per charge (WLTP cycle)
• 30-minutes to 80% fast charging
• Over-the-air performance software updating
• Level 4 autonomous driving capability with advanced driver assistance

It is with great disappointment that the upcoming 2021 New York International Automobile Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center has been cancelled due to the growing incidences of the Covid-19 Delta variant and the increased measures announced recently by State and local officials to stop its spread.

Originally slated for August 20-29, this year’s Auto Show isn’t the first event casualty of the COVID-19 Delta variant and likely won’t be the last. There are now concerns over the fates of IAA Mobility in Munich (September 7-12), Motorbella in Detroit (September 21-26), and the LA Auto Show (November 19-28).

2021 New York Auto Show Canceled

Adding to the disappointment of today’s announcement is the cancelation of major unveilings and industry-changing innovations.  The New York Auto Show has long been held as a beacon of innovation for the auto industry. This year, organizers worked with nine automakers and various contractors to dedicate most of one floor in the Javits Center to EVs.

The exhibition was to include five indoor test tracks, show stalls for more than two dozen automotive innovators, the New York Power Authority, Charge NY, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYERDA), and charging partners committed to educating consumers and encouraging EV adoption.

Also on deck at this year’s event? Camp Jeep — an outdoor test track and obstacle course featuring an 18-foot-tall “Jeep Mountain,” as well as the Micro Mobility Track and exhibit for e-bikes and electric scooters.

Economic and Industry Implications

2021 is the second year in a row that the 121-year-old international auto show won’t go on. Traditionally held in April, hosts moved last year’s show back to August 2020 before ultimately canceling it altogether.

Given the universal nature of lockdown last year, calling off of 2020’s New York Auto Show came as little surprise — even if show organizers could have legally proceeded with the event, attendance would have been too minuscule to justify it.

Cancellation in 2021, however, might come as more of a shock to some attendees, especially after the near-return to social normalcy much of the world experienced just a couple of months ago.

In fact, in June, Governor Andrew Cuomo lauded the show’s return to “full, pre-pandemic attendance levels.” He prematurely celebrated this year’s return as “a sure sign that New York is coming back stronger and better than ever.” A statement issued by the Governor’s office on June 2 outlines the impacts of the New York Auto Show on the state’s economy:

The return of the New York International Auto Show means significant benefits for New York’s economy, generating over $300 million to the local and State economies … The event also supports 72,000 jobs at local retail new car & truck dealerships whose economic imprint exceeds $53 billion a year.

To read the New York Auto Show’s full press release, click here.

Let’s take a closer look at where those differences lie and what could set Davinci’s bikes ahead of the pack.

DC100: Max Range, Integrated Braking, 30-Min. Rapid Charge

The DC100’s maker styles it as a wheeled robot/high-performance “futuristic cafe racer.” In a recent press release, the motor co-op said, “As a two-wheeled robot, DC100 is capable of sensing, calculating and executing. From the vehicle’s mechanical status to real-time riding feedback, DC100 is designed to offer impeccable performance in complete harmony with its rider.”

Its intelligent, app-style integrations position the all-electric cafe racer as a nearly evergreen machine. Forthcoming software updates promise to upgrade the bike’s functionality on a termless basis: “Future features that will leverage the DC100’s robotic intelligence include self-balancing, auto follow, and smartphone remote control.” But enough nerd chatter.

As for stats and road performance, the DC100 is packing heat:

• Acceleration: 0-60 mph (100 km/h) in 3 seconds
• Peak torque: 627 lb.-ft.
• Max speed: 124 mph (200km/h)
• Peak power: 135 hp (100.75 kW)
• Range: 222 miles (WLTP standards)
• Braking: integrated ABS, CBS, TCS; single-lever control
• Assist controls: hill-start assist and hill-down assist, and smart control system
• Battery capacity: 17.7 kWh
• Charging time: 30 minutes (via DC level 3 chargers)
• Power source: DC level 3 chargers or residential outlets (via portable charger)
• App functionality: keyless start, full-fledged dashboard

And, of course, the DC100’s mechanical specifications:

• Chassis: monocoque aluminum alloy
• Panel: composite
• Brake system: dual Brembo Monobloc 4-piston M4.30 callipers,
  330-mm discs, Brembo MCS cylinders
• Tires: Pirelli Diablo Rosso III R17/(120 – front; 240 – rear)
• Suspension front/rear: Ohlins FGRT240/Ohlins STX

DC Classic: Limited-Release James Dean Dream Machine

For its signatory design, the DC Classic, Davinci will produce only 50. Each DC Classic will house its own unique ID marker. The boxy powertrain sits on what could otherwise be mistaken for a Triumph Bonneville Thruxton. The profile is severe, lean, and almost whispers “I rule.”

Unlike the DC100, the Classic stays true to tradition with a standard, non-integrated braking system. Which, personally, I really dig.

As you’ll see, the DC Classic’s modern performance features are much the same as the 100’s:

• Acceleration: 0-60 mph (100 km/h) in 3 seconds
• Peak torque: 627 lb.-ft.
• Max speed: 124 mph (200km/h)
• Peak power: 135 hp (100.75 kW)
• Range: 222 miles (WLTP standards)
• Braking: standard ABS, CBS, TCS; single-lever control
• Assist controls: hill-start assist and hill-down assist, and smart control system
• Battery capacity: 17.7 kWh
• Charging time: 30 minutes (via DC level 3 chargers)
• Power source: DC level 3 chargers or residential outlets (via portable charger)
• App functionality: keyless start, full-fledged dashboard

But it’s Davinci’s bespoke touches and mechanical details that really distinguish the old-school model:

• Chassis/body: hand-built and custom-tailored composite material case
• Seat: French calfskin, hand-hewn
• Front brakes: Brembo GP4 Caliper, Brembo MCS cylinders
• Wheels: forged aluminum
• Tires: Pirelli Diablo Rosso III R17/(120 – front; 240 – rear)
• Suspension front/rear: Ohlins FGRT240 (+ Dyneema carbon fiber sleeves)/Ohlins STX

Electric Café Racer Availability & Pricing

As of this month, pre-ordering is open to all onlookers. Davinci will ship the DC Classic a bit ahead of the DC100. That said, potential buyers will need a little patience — deliveries won’t begin until April and July of 2022, respectively. 

To get your grips on one of the 50 special-run electric café racers you’ll need to shell out a nice wad of coin. At $90,000, the DC Classic isn’t messing around. Those interested in a “people’s” rendition can wrangle the DC100 steed for $27,500. Reserving the DC100 (if you’re flirting with the idea…and who wouldn’t?) only takes a $150 deposit.

If images from over the weekend are indicative, Davinici’s unveiling event was — in lay terms — lit. For the full deck, check out the motor group’s gallery here.

Learn more, find a Davinci dealer near you, and reserve one for yourself at DavinciMotor.com.

What could its IPO mean for the future of the company? And, more crucially, what does Hyzon mean for the future of commercial fleets?

Hyzon Motors Inc.

Hyzon CEO Craig Knight had this to say about the company’s entre to the stock market:

“This exciting step marks the starting line for Hyzon Motors. Our public listing will foster greater awareness that the future of commercial transportation — hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles — is today’s reality. It’s the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Hyzon, as we accelerate the transition to hydrogen commercial transport worldwide, and advance our commitment to reducing carbon emissions in a sector that is one of the largest contributors to climate change.”

The company defines itself as “a leading supplier of zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell powered heavy vehicles” and “a pure-play hydrogen mobility company with an exclusive focus on hydrogen in the commercial vehicle market.” Although the commercial fleet specialist is not quite a household name, it sounds like it’s about to be. Think H2-powered Peterbilts. A press release from October of last year stated that the company is expected to churn out 40,000 road-ready fuel-cell commercial vehicles annually by 2025.

Hyzon is a relatively recent offshoot from 17-year hydrogen fuel Singaporean juggernaut Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies. The spinoff took root in US soil in 2020 when it established its HQ and operations at an old GM fuel cell facility in New York. Around the same time, Hyzon established European operations in the Dutch city of Groningen. 2021 saw the H2 technologist expand its stateside operations to Detroit and just outside of Chicago. In all, Hyzon houses operations in the States, Australia, China, the Netherlands, and Singapore.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Tech

In March of this year, Hyzon began construction on its Chicago-adjacent site, a location it claims will be the United States’ largest fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (MEA) production facility. In layman’s terms, the site will churn out proprietary hardware used in Hyzon’s commercial vehicle-made hydrogen fuel cells. 

Automotive fuel cells draw upon hydrogen and oxygen molecules to produce electricity. That electricity is then siphoned to the vehicle’s electric motor and/or battery. The hydrogen fuel cell’s reliance upon two naturally renewing energy sources (H2 and O2) makes continual powering of hydrogen vehicles easier, range of travel longer than seen with gas or plug-in vehicles, operation silent, and results in zero emissions. The only waste product is water vapor.

Cross-Industry Partnerships & The Zero Carbon Alliance

“Hyzon aims to supply zero-emission heavy duty trucks and buses to customers in North America, Europe and around the world.” – Hyzon Motors Inc. press release, July 19, 2021.

The heads at Hyzon seem keen to develop partnerships in all possible realms — fleet innovations, infrastructure projects, and customers in a range of industries. In recent months, the company has wrangled several headlining mobility contracts with companies in the agriculture, energy, mining, and waste management industries. 

And in April of this year, the company announced the formation of the Hyzon Zero Carbon Alliance, described as “a new collaboration of leading companies in various industries that are committed to advancing the deployment of hydrogen mobility worldwide and helping the environment.” Initial Alliance allies included Ark Energy, AXA, Bank of America, Hiringa Energy, Modern Group, experimental urban project NEOM, Raven SR, ReCarbon, and Total.

It claims, “[b]y aligning the supply and demand side of the sector, the Alliance is designed to overcome some of the biggest hurdles faced by the hydrogen industry to date, making zero-emission fleet operations a reality in the very near term.”

Learn more at Hyzonmotors.com.