01/02/24 - How F1 engines make 1,000 hp | Traxxas Raptor R Is A Mini Off-Roader For Those Who Can't Afford The Real Thing | Kentucky electric cars now pay two taxes where gas cars only pay one

GM. Rev up your day with the latest automotive news and insights delivered to your inbox in our exclusive newsletter! What we cover in today’s edition:

• 🚗 Car reveal/review: 

  • Traxxas Raptor R Is A Tough Mini Off-Roader For Those Who Can't Afford The Real Thing

  • Test-Riding The 2024 Ducati Monster Plus

  • 2026 Renault Twingo: Everything We Know About The Rebooted Urban EV

• 🏭 Industry trend: Kentucky electric cars now pay two taxes where gas cars only pay one

• 🔧 Parts/upgrade: How F1 engines make 1,000 hp

• 😄 Fun read: Narrower City Streets Could Actually Be Safer

Traxxas Raptor R Is A Mini Off-Roader For Those Who Can't Afford The Real Thing (3 mins read)

Traxxas introduces the Ford F-150 Raptor R mini RC, a scaled-down version with robust construction and 4x4 off-roading capabilities. Powered by a 3,500 kV Velineon brushless motor, it offers various configurations for speed, ranging from 35+ to over 60 mph. Priced at $529.95, it's an affordable alternative to the full-sized Raptor R, featuring a clipless body, multiple tire options, and a range of battery packs. Available in five skill-level configurations, it measures 24.98” long and 8.91” tall, providing high-speed performance in a compact package. Read more.

Test-Riding The 2024 Ducati Monster Plus (3 mins read)

The 2024 Ducati Monster Plus, ideal for smaller riders, delivers both style and performance. In "Touring" mode, it's a compact, easy-to-control beauty, while "Sport" mode unleashes hyper-aggressive speed. Priced from $12,995, it features Brembo brakes, various riding modes, and signature controls. The liquid-cooled bike offers a top speed of 140 MPH, adjustable seat height, and a pleasing riding posture. Read more.

2026 Renault Twingo: Everything We Know About The Rebooted Urban EV (3 mins read)

Renault is set to launch the fourth generation of the Twingo, targeting the affordable EV segment in Europe. Priced below €20,000 ($32,500), the city car features a nostalgic design reminiscent of the 1992 original. The compact EV promises best-in-class efficiency, a 75% reduction in CO2 emissions, and occupies 20% less ground space than typical European cars. The production aims to compete with rivals such as Citroen e-C3, Fiat Panda, VW ID.1, Hyundai, Kia, and Opel by its expected 2026 launch. Read more.

Kentucky electric cars now pay two taxes where gas cars only pay one (7 mins read)

Kentucky has implemented two new taxes on electric vehicles (EVs) as of January 1st. EVs face an additional $120 annual registration fee, higher than gas vehicles' equivalent energy-based taxes. Public EV charging stations must pay an extra 3 cents per kWh, impacting commuters and apartment dwellers disproportionately. Read more.

How F1 engines make 1,000 hp (4 mins read)

Formula 1 engines, technically "power units," generate up to 1,000 hp from a 1.6-liter turbocharged V-6 as part of a hybrid system. Since 2014, F1 incorporates two motor-generator units (MGU-K and MGU-H) that harvest energy, with MGU-H utilizing excess exhaust flow. F1 engines achieve over 50% thermal efficiency, employing tricks like pre-chamber ignition, high compression ratios (up to 18:1), and variable turbo boost for efficiency gains despite not having features like variable valve timing. Read more.

Narrower City Streets Could Actually Be Safer (3 mins read)

A study reveals that narrower lanes in urban areas, particularly with speed limits of 20-35 mph, enhance vehicle and pedestrian safety. Research in seven U.S. cities, suggests that narrower lanes reduce car crashes, with nine-foot widths showing significant decreases at 30-35 mph. The findings recommend a shift to 10-foot road widths for speeds under 35 mph, prioritizing inclusive street designs for improved safety and cohabitation between pedestrians and vehicles. Read more.