All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

A lottery will decide who gets to drive the Toyota AE86

From October 17 to December 20, enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to rent one of the two special examples of the legendary Toyota AE86 model. It will be a rare opportunity for fans to get behind the wheel of an electric version of this model.

The interest is expectedly high, so the organizers of this event have decided to hold a lottery, and applications will be accepted until September 30. The lucky winners will also be able to talk to Toyota’s development team and learn about the vehicles and their performance. The Toyota AE86 will be available for rent every Thursday and Friday from October 17 to December 20 between 11:00 and 14:00, while on the same days the model with an internal combustion engine will be available between 13:00 and 16:00: 00 hours. The rental price will be around 140 dollars.

The electric Toyota AE86 is powered by an electric motor with 129 hp (95 kW) and 110 lb-ft (150 Nm) of torque. This electric version is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and weighs 1,070 kg.

The standard AE86 is powered by a naturally aspirated turbocharged engine with 272 hp (200 kW) and 118 lb-ft (160 Nm) of torque, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It weighs only 980 kilograms, so it will definitely be fun to drive.

Source: Kinto

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A lottery will decide who gets to drive the Toyota AE86
EV

2025 Peugeot E-408

On October 2, Peugeot will premiere the electric version of its 408 crossover SUV, the Peugeot E-408. The car was announced with a photo that doesn’t reveal much.

The current Peugeot 408 arrived on the market in 2022, and is based on the EMP2 platform, which it shares with the 308 model, but also with other models within the Stellantis Group, such as the Opel Astra, Citroen C5 X and DS 4. Visually, the E-408 it has not undergone any changes compared to the internal combustion engine and hybrid versions.

The car will have a new name tag, and technical details have not been revealed. It is assumed that it will have the same electric motor with 156 hp (115 kW) and use a 54 kWh battery that allows a range of about 400 kilometers. The electric version of the Peugeot E-308 uses the same battery.

We will have more information after the premiere.

Source: Peugeot

News

Ford protects drivers from accidental drug trafficking

Drug trafficking is one of the major problems facing the United States, and often innocent drivers become mules without even realizing it. Ford is currently developing a system to help drivers protect themselves from such situations.

Early last year, Ford patented a system that can detect when someone is trying to hide drugs in a car. This system will check if the car has suddenly become heavier, listen for unusual sounds nearby, and even look for unusual GPS signals tracking the car. It will also monitor the driving style in case the car behaves differently when driving due to the extra weight. If it detects that something strange is happening, it will start recording what is happening around the car, which could help the driver as evidence if necessary. Border residents are the biggest victims of smuggling, and this technology could be of great help to them.

The system is still in the development phase and could quickly become the equipment of every Ford model, as it is now cameras, microphones and various sensors that help avoid collisions and warn the driver of fatigue.

Source: Ford