Drawing Board
2023 Genesis Electrified G80: The full-size luxury sedan appears almost identical to the gasoline-powered version but it has front and rear electric motors that produce a net 365 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. To assist with range, which is estimated at 265 miles (about 420 kilometres), the system shuts down one of the motors when not needed, such as when cruising at a steady speed.
* * * * *
Auto Trivia
According to USA Today in 2019, about 24 million tons of salt (22 million metric tonnes) are dumped on U.S. highways each year. Canada, with about one-tenth the population but generally longer winters, uses about 5.5 million tons per year (five million metric tonnes), according to the Canadian government.
* * * * *
Who am I?
To guess his secret identity, read the following clues!
1) He was a British air-force flyer, race-car driver, then a car designer. His company was established in 1945.
2) Once of his most famous works was a stunning two-seater with 100 horsepower that could do 100 mph (160 km/h).
3) Changing crash standards in the 1960s spelled doom for the little car, which sold 72,000 units.
4) Before his death in 1988, he was honoured by the Queen of England and inducted into numerous halls of fame.
Still stumped?
The Healey Hundred, which became the Austin-Healey 100, was created by Donald Healey. The car had 100 horsepower and had a top speed of 100 mph.
* * * * *
What’s up, auto doc?
What’s the big deal with carbon fibre these days? Well, it’s stronger than steel by weight and it just plain looks cool.
Carbon fibre is somewhat like fibreglass in the way the parts are created using moulds, which is labour-intensive. Carbon-fibre parts are much stronger and lighter than fibreglass parts, however. In fact, compared with steel, carbon fibre is about five times stronger and one-third the weight.
Formula One racing cars are mostly made from carbon fibre (including structural pieces) for these reasons. So is every McLaren road car. Some automakers use carbon fibre garnish since the distinctive weave is something to behold.
Weight is the enemy, however, and if a car can be significantly lightened with carbon fibre, then some automakers are doing it. The downside? Carbon fibre is in high demand and the parts are expensive to produce, and current technology does not allow mass production.
Since weight is such an important issue, new composite materials are beginning to surface that are similar in purpose to carbon fibre, but less expensive. If you have a tip, use the contact form at theoctanelounge.com.
* * * * *
At Auction: 1976 Cadillac Castilian wagon, sold, US$31,850 – This aftermarket-modified Fleetwood Brougham sedan is one of about 50 such models created by a California-based company and designed by noted car customizer Gene Winfield.
The Castilian uses a stock Cadillac 500 cubic-inch V-8 rated at 190 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque. Features include climate control, power sunroof and original cassette stereo system. (Source: Bring a Trailer)
* * * * *
Top Gear
Garage Art has a wide selection of “bullet” retro-style trashcans adorned with classic gasoline company logos. They’re useful and they make good conversation pieces for your garage or rec room.
Included in the collection are Chevron, Phillips, Sunoco, Texaco, Mobilgas and others. Each 36-inch-tall by- 15-inch diameter (90- by 38-centimetre) container is made from 100-per-cent recycled steel, powder-coated for durability. Also included is a removable 12-gallon (45-litre) plastic liner.
– written by Wheelbase Media
If you’re interested in new or used vehicles, be sure to visit TodaysDrive.com to find your dream car today! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram
