The promise of autonomous cars is a bit of a strange one. Who assumes liability in a crash that occurs while a vehicle is operating autonomously? How is autonomous driving handed-off to human drivers? Are people going to shag in robotaxis? Okay, we probably have an answer to that last one already, but still, loads to consider.
Earlier today, Jason wrote a piece titled “PSA: There Is No Such Thing As ‘Level 2++’ Autonomy So Don’t Trust Carmakers Who Say That Crap” because Mercedes-Benz just said that crap. “Level 2++” is a meaningless label, there are no plus signs on the official SAE chart concerning levels of automation, and anything done to muddy the waters could be seen by some as a wilful act of deception. Unsurprisingly, readers saw right through Mercedes-Benz, including Ash78 with a classic reference.
“Why do you just make 2 even more autonomous?”
“But….but these go to 2++“
Speaking of driving, let’s go off the beaten path for a second. Mini had lobbed a set of all-terrain tires on its Countryman crossover, a move that will probably be enough for light dirt road use, and more than enough for most Countryman owners. However, in a debate about real-world off-road capability, there’s one big factor everyone should consider. Kudos to Shop-Teacher for voicing an absolute truth of off-roading.
The most important factor in how good something is off road, is how much you care
ifwhen you break it.
Trail stripes from bushes? Slipping sideways and bashing a door on a rock? Potentially putting the shiny side down? All of these things could happen, and mitigating risk plays a huge role in how far off-road a given vehicle and driver will go. The average new G-Class owner probably won’t want to mark up their rig. Someone in a $500 Geo Tracker on $1,000 worth of tires? Well, they’re probably going to have a ton of fun. Or a really big hospital bill.
With the discontinuation of the Chevrolet BrightDrop comes the discontinuation of the RVEX, an electric motorhome based on the BrightDrop. It looked pretty neat, which is part of the reason I’m sad to see it go. Mercedes reported on the life and death of this nifty RV, and it turns out Username Loading… has some personal experience with the regular BrightDrop.
I drove a Brightdrop for a bit. I don’t remember too much about the experience besides a feeling of overwhelming blinding rage towards the Rivian Amazon delivery vans and the people who drive them. It’s the same feeling I imagine Camaro drivers feel about Mustangs, or what Mustang drivers feel about crowds.
Yeah, tribalism’s been a car culture thing since, well, forever. Camaro vs. Mustang, 911 vs. Corvette, Silverado vs. F-150, Falcon vs. Commodore, Corsa owners vs. Jeremy Kyle. You know the drill. Glad we can joke about it though, because the world would be much less fun if we couldn’t.
Anyway, that’s all from me tonight. Have a great evening, everyone.
Top graphic image: Mercedes-Benz
“Someone in a $500 Geo Tracker on $1,000 worth of tires? Well, they’re probably going to have a ton of fun”
Sadly, I think the day of the $500 Geo Tracker is now well in the past, at least here in rust country 🙁
I will pull a Trump/Machado and hand over my (typo’d) COTD to the entire thread, which was awesome.
Also also RIP, Rob Reiner. I get sadder with each passing day, which I didn’t expect.
COTD are are non-transferable and may not be redeemed for cash or credit