KeriBlog

Cars, Security & a Peek into my Life

Car Rallies are Won with the Mind

Read it online at Autonet.

Sometimes a rally isn’t just speed-based, it’s a thinking race, where teams compete for points.

Favourite line:

A trick I learned that you can use too: the word “right” has two meanings, “do I turn left here?” Instead of responding with “right”, say “check.”

Above is Keith Townsend, the gentleman in the article, and co-owner of  Vehicle Dynamics Group, the company behind the Mazda Adventure Rally. He won the modern division of Targa’s Modern Division in 2006, and in 1996 placed 3rd in the Canada CRC Canadian Rally Championship.

Below is the co-owner, Jud Buchanan, who has 6 podium Targa finishes, and is the former lead instructor at the Porsche Advanced Driving School.

Both are great guys with big brains, and who you should hire to design your rally.

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Questions to Think about Autonomous Cars

When it comes to auntomous cars, I’d like to see these topics discussed more often, especially the algorithm one below.

Questions to ponder:

  • will parking spots become extinct?
  • what about securing something that is more computer than car? Protect the privacy of the vehicle’s whereabouts… or the car’s software from attack, because think that nightmare through.
  • will map-range anxiety replace spontaneous exploration and adventure?

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

Go get lost this coming weekend, while you still can.

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I had a paragraph in there, about the ethics of programming the crash-avoidance algorithm, but it got cut.

What I said:

In an imminent crash involving two vehicles, what are the ethics behind the crash-avoidance algorithm? Aim for the larger object? Now all SUV drivers feel targeted, because they are, so will their insurance increase then? What if it’s programmed to hit the car best known for safety? Volvo owners won’t be happy about that.

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Above Photo

That’s an Audi TTS.

Google gets a lot of press about their autonomous car, but back in 2010 Audi sent the roadster up a 14,000 foot mountain, “Pikes Peak”.

It was even able to register negative obstacles, as in, stuff that wasn’t there, like a cliff without a guard-rail.

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The Difference Between Leasing & Financing

Both have monthly payments, but think of it like renting VS buying a home…

In leasing you give back the car,
in financing you end up owning it.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

Remember: the thrill of new wears off long before the payments do.

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1973 – When a Side Mirror was Optional

Chatting with Honda’s Senior Manager of Product Planning Hayato Mori about the difference between the first-ever Civic and today’s.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

Air conditioning was available only on the top trim, and was considered a luxury feature. An audio system was an upgrade, and the only option was AM radio. And vinyl seats!

1973 Honda Civic

1.2 L engine
4-speed manual transmission
50 hp
4.7 L/100 km fuel economy

Apparently, many dealerships keep a ’73 Civic in the showroom, if ever you’d like to sit behind the wheel of olden times.

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I saw a great ’73 Civic in Miami – here.

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