And the handcuffs - 25 February 2025

FOLLOW UP: DAZZLING HEADLIGHT RESEARCH RESULTSThe College of Optometrists, working with the RAC, has conducted research into if headlight dazzle is a problem. The results from the first research suggest there is, particularly for under 35s and those not in SUVs. If you wish to find out more, click this article link from the College here. FOLLOW UP: AUTOPIAN THINKS APPLE SHOULD BUY NISSANMatt Hardigree makes the case, in The Autopian, as to why Apple should buy Nissan. He does however admit that he’s not using logic. Click this link to read more, if you so wish. RENAULT SHARES BATTERY SUPPRESSION SYSTEM WITH INDUSTRYRenault has developed a system to allow for EV and hybrid battery fires to be put out quicker than is currently possible. An access port has been added to the battery pack which will be opened by the pressure of a fire hose, enabling water to get directly into the battery cells and cover them with water. Renault has named this the Fireman Access system and is sharing it with the entire car industry. To read more on this excellent move by Renault, click this Autocar article here. BMW PAUSES INVESTMENT IN OXFORD EV PLANTBMW has paused the planned £600 million investment in the Mini Oxford plant that would enable EVs to be made there. They have cited “multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry" and not taken up a £60 million grant from the UK Government, as a result. If you want to read more, click this BBC News article link here. BRAKE DUST PARTICULATE TOXICITYResearch from the University of Southampton has suggested that brake dust particulates, when the brakes have copper as part of their construction, is more damaging than diesel vehicle emissions. Removing copper from the brakes drops this. Click this Top Gear article link to read more. FAKE SPEAKERS IN SOME CHINESE VOLVOSCustomers in China have discovered that some of them have fake Bowers and Wilkins speakers fitted, as the displayed names are Bowers and VVilkins. Not only that but the drive selector is not as advertised by Volvo. This is embarrassing, to say the least. To find out more, click this Ars Technica article link here.TESLA AUTOPILOT RULED DEFECTIVE IN GERMANYA German court has agreed with a Tesla owner and ruled that the company’s Autopilot was defective, due to phantom braking issues. Either the owner is to be fully compensated or have their Model 3 replaced with a car that has non defective Autopilot. You can read further on this, by clicking the link here to a CarScoops article. If you like what we do, on this show, and think it is worth a £1.00, please consider supporting us via Patreon. Here is the link to that CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST NEW NEW CAR NEWS - Kia EV4 Kia has revealed the Cupra Born, VW ID.3 rival the EV4. Coming in both hatchback and saloon shape but not fastback which is destined for other markets. Details on powertrain and battery options are yet to be revealed, but the expectation is 58kW or 81kW battery packs and front or four-wheel drive. Range should therefore be around the 350 miles maximum. The car will be launched later this year. Click this Autocar article link for more. Kia PV5 The first of Kia’s commercial vehicles has been revealed, the PV5. Details, as with the EV4, are yet to be revealed however it will initially come as a panel van, called the Cargo Van and passenger vehicle, named the Passenger Van. You can find out more by clicking this Professional Van article link here. Peugeot 504 BreakPeugeot’s in-house design team have reimagined the classic 504 and produced there distinct versions. One being inspired by Pikes Peaks hillclimb. A second drift capable version. Finally, a homage to the French rap group 113 who drove one onto stage at the French music awards in 2000. To see more, click this Wallpaper article link here. Mazda 2 axedMazda is cutting the ICE and mild hybrid versions of the 2 from its range in the UK. You can still buy a rebadged Toyota Yaris Hybrid, called the Mazda 2 Hybrid. Click this Autocar article to read more. LUNCHTIME WATCH: FROM CANADA TO ARGENTINAFollow a young couple as they modify a Toyota Chinook and drive from Canada to Argentina. We love an adventure and this video shows some of the experiences they shared in taking such a fabulous journey. Thanks in large part to a car. Click this YouTube link to watch. LIST OF THE WEEK: 25 OF RENAULT’S GREATEST PERFORMANCE HITSAutocar give us 25 options for your favourite fast Renault. Do you agree with the choices? What would you pick? Do let us know. Click here to see what you can select from. AND FINALLY: MOTORING ART - OLGUN KORDALClassic & Sports Car interview Olgun Kordal about his work and use of vivid and bold coloured backgrounds in his images. There are a stunning set of pictures to view, which you can by clicking this link here.