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Ukrainians Turned a Toyota Mirai Into a Hydrogen Bomb
Jordan Greer
August 13, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today’s edition covers EV battery price drops, a close-up look at the new Dodge Charger Daytona, an off-roading Chevrolet Corvette, a curious case of a Toyota Mirai converted into a hydrogen bomb, and much more:
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
The Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office reports a 90% decline in the cost of electric vehicle batteries between 2008 and 2023, with the cost of a lithium-ion battery pack dropping from $1,415/kWh in 2008 to $139/kWh in 2023. This significant reduction, attributed to advancements in battery technologies and increased production volume, is expected to continue, potentially enabling electric vehicles to be cheaper to produce than internal combustion engine vehicles by 2027.
The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona was unveiled at Motor Trend's Roadkill Nights, with Mopar Insiders praising its exterior and upgraded interior. Notable changes from the concept include plain LED headlights instead of carbon LED Matrix, gloss black hem instead of carbon fiber, and electronic door handles shared with the Jeep Wagoneer S, while the $4,995 Plus Group includes a deep, carpeted storage bin in the frunk.
Tesla has increased the starting price of its Cybertruck to $99,990, discontinuing the entry-level rear-wheel drive variant that was set to cost $60,990. The range-topping Cyberbeast model's price has also risen to $119,990, despite a decrease in estimated range from 320 miles to 301 miles, making the GMC Hummer EV Pickup cheaper with a starting price of $98,845.
The third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan, set to launch in China as the 'Tayron L', is expected to debut in North America soon, featuring a new design and updated technology while maintaining the same wheelbase as the current model. According to China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the new model will offer several trims and powertrains, including a 1.4-liter TSI engine and two versions of the 2.0-liter unit, with a potential mild-hybrid setup and a plug-in hybrid model with 62 miles of all-electric driving.
Hyundai is set to unveil its three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, at the LA Auto Show in November, following three years of development since the concept's initial reveal. The larger model, expected to be a flagship for Hyundai, will be built on the E-GMP platform, offering long-range capabilities, fast charging, and ample interior space, and is anticipated to be manufactured at Hyundai's new US Metaplant in Georgia to qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit.
Despite many automakers rolling back their 2030 all-electric goals, BMW remains committed to its target of 50% fleet electrification by 2030, with no end in sight for internal combustion engine (ICE) production. BMW's strategy, which includes a diverse mix of hybrid, electric, gas, and even hydrogen vehicles, has seen them rise to third in the world for EV sales in 2024, with 22% of their global sales that year being electrified vehicles.
Jaguar will cease production of its only remaining model, the F-Pace, in early 2025, leaving a year gap before the launch of its new electric vehicles in 2026. The company's transition to an all-electric line-up, with a focus on luxury models to rival Bentley, is supported by profits from Land Rover and Range Rover, but leaves Jaguar dealers reliant on maintenance, repair, and used car sales for a year.
MOTORSPORT
NASCAR senior vice president of competition, Elton Sawyer, has acknowledged the need for the sport to reassess its stance on acceptable racing contact following a controversial finish at Richmond Raceway. Driver Austin Dillon's aggressive tactics on the final lap, which resulted in wrecked cars for competitors Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin, have sparked debate about the integrity and sportsmanship of the sport, with NASCAR set to review all available data from the incident and respond accordingly.
FUN STUFF
Ukrainian fighters have reportedly used a Toyota Mirai hydrogen car's fuel tank to construct a remote-operated bomb, which was deployed in a July counteroffensive in Vovchansk, northern Ukraine. The bomb, which was delivered via a land-borne vehicle and resulted in a large fire and compromised Russian fortifications, is said to be the smallest hydrogen bomb ever built, and was created due to reduced foreign military aid and electronic countermeasures that complicated the use of airborne drones.
The article discusses a C6 available for purchase on Facebook Marketplace for $23,000, noting its frequent change of ownership in recent times. It suggests that the new owner should consider keeping a recovery strap in the cargo area due to the vehicle's rear-wheel drive and lack of lockers, or potentially having a winch mount welded on for enhanced off-road capability.
Stop-start systems, initially popular in Europe and Asia, are designed to save fuel by switching off the engine when the car is stationary, then quickly restarting it when the driver lifts their foot off the brake. Despite concerns about the wear on the car's starter motor, automotive engineers utilize a specially designed starter for these systems that combines several technologies to ensure longevity and efficiency.
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